#all of that said today's segment is from chapter 3 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

buckets-and-trees · 3 months ago

Text

Red, White & True: Election Day in New York, Pt. 1 [15/17]

Characters/Pairings: Steve Rogers x curvy Millennial Female!Reader Word Count: 7.2k Summary: Election Day is finally here, but the campaign certainly isn't over yet. The people need to get out and vote, and you and Steve put in more hard work to get them to the polls. But you can't ignore the new level you and Steve have stepped into for your relationship...

Content/Warnings: political/campaign discussions, marriage of political convenience, slow burn, really the slowest burn, strangers to lovers, EXPLICIT SMUT (oral - male and female receiving, vaginal intercourse, implied hand jobs, referenced shower sex)

Notes: This takes place in a post-Endgame scenario where Steve stays and generally most of TFATWS happened.

Previous Chapter | Series

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

[NOVEMBER 3 - 8:32AM - TIMES SQUARE - MIDTOWN MANHATTAN]

“We all know it’s Election Day. Our team here at Good Morning America has been covering the developments you dedicated coverage for months, following the candidates, the debates, and the rogue run for the presidency by independent candidate and former Captain America Steven Grant Rogers, and in an unprecedented surprise development, we have the New York City native joining us here in studio right now,” Michael Strahan says, standing tall beside the news desk as the camera pans to reveal Steve sitting comfortably in one of the Good Morning America conversation chairs next to Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos.

"Good morning, America," Steve says with a small wave, his voice calm and steady despite the monumental day ahead. He looks impeccable in his navy suit, his signature red and blue campaign tie knotted perfectly at his throat. Your heart is racing and chest slightly heaving from the adrenaline of rushing across town and sprinting through the building to get Steve to the ABC studio in time for this last minute chance appearance, but Steve didn’t even break a sweat and looks cool as a cucumber on set.

He is a super soldier, but he also didn’t have to do any of it in heels.

"Captain Rogers, thank you both for being here on what must be an incredibly busy morning for you," George says, leaning forward slightly in his chair.

"I wouldn't miss it," you reply with a warm smile. "And please, call me Steve. New York is home, and I wanted to start this historic day right here."

“But we’re not your first stop, are we?” Robin jumps in. On the monitor next to you and Pepper, you can see them cutting to footage of you and Steve at your polling station to cast your ballots - which happened only just under an hour ago. “You’ve already been to Brooklyn to vote!”

Steve laughs, “Yes, we have! Voting is the most important thing every American can do today, so my wife and I made sure to take care of that the first chance we got!”

This stop hadn’t been on the itinerary, but your campaign press secretary had worked some sort of miracle and pulled many strings and announced as you got in a car to drive from The Plaza to your Brooklyn polling station that she’d managed to get Steve a five minute segment on the country’s most-watched morning show as long as you could make it into the studio by 8:30am.

"Now, Steve, the polls are showing an incredibly tight race. Some are calling it the most unpredictable race in our nation’s history,” George says. “The most successful run a third party candidate made was Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. After serving two terms from 1901-1909, he said he was not interested in running for a third term, and the Republican nomination went to his Vice President William Howard Taft who went on to win and succeed Teddy Roosevelt as President, but he was unhappy with the direction Taft went, and sought the nomination again four years later. He didn’t get it, and so he ran as the candidate for the Progressive Party, and he actually earned 88 electoral votes.”

“That’s true, and I’m old, but this actually was still just before my time,” Steve confirms with a wink and a grin, effusing charm. “He won 27% of the popular vote, but Woodrow Wilson ended up taking in 435 votes in the electoral college.”

“Now there are two possibilities at the end of this election,” Robin takes the reins from her cohost for the next leg of the conversation. “The first and most straightforward is that one of the three candidates wins a simple majority, just 270 of the 538 electoral votes. But what happens if none of you reach that crucial 270 threshold?”

"If no candidate secures a majority,” Steve explains, “the House of Representatives holds a contingent election to choose the president, while the Senate does the same for the vice president. In the House, every state delegation has one vote, whereas in the Senate, each Senator votes individually."

“That’s fascinating,” Robin replies.

"The Constitution's framers designed this process for exactly this kind of situation," Steve continues, his voice steady and clear. "It's happened before in our nation's history, though not since 1824."

"And polls show this is a real possibility tonight," George adds, glancing at his notes. "How does that affect your strategy today?"

Steve leans forward slightly, his expression earnest. "Our strategy remains unchanged—connecting with voters until the last poll closes. Every state is a battleground state for us, not just the quote ‘traditional swing states.’ I think that’s one of the most dynamic parts of this election. But we would prefer if we could take a true 270-victory to keep it in the hands of every American voter. The people deserve to have their voices heard. That's what democracy is all about."

"Speaking of connecting with voters," Robin transitions smoothly, "your campaign has defied conventional wisdom at every turn. No party infrastructure, no traditional fundraising apparatus, yet here you are, competitive in nearly every battleground state. What do you attribute that success to?"

You watch from just off-camera as Steve considers the question, his thoughtful pause not a hesitation but a careful, deliberate moment to find the words that matter.

"The American people are ready for something different," Steve says with quiet conviction. "They're tired of the political theater, the partisan gridlock. I was tired of it, too - that’s why I decided to do this, and what Charlie Young and I offer is simple: straight talk, clear vision, and a commitment to putting country above party." He smiles, that smile that has won over millions. "And I've been blessed not only with extraordinary supporters but a team of dedicated Americans who believed in this vision enough to work around the clock to make it possible."

George jumps in again and asks. "What's your message to voters who might still be undecided as they head to the polls today?"

Steve's expression grows more serious. "Vote your conscience. Not your fear, not your party loyalty, but your genuine belief in what America can and should be. This country has faced greater challenges than the ones before us now, and we've always emerged stronger when we've put our differences aside and focused on what unites us rather than what divides us. That's the America I believe in, and that's the America I hope to serve."

"And what about today's schedule?" Robin asks. "Where can voters expect to see you?"

"We'll be making stops in all five boroughs today," Steve replies. "We want to talk to as many people and thank as many people as we can. And then we'll be hosting a gathering in Central Park this evening as the results start coming in."

"And for those who haven't had a chance to meet you in person during the campaign," George says, "what would you like them to know about you as they head to the polls today?"

Steve takes another brief moment, his expression thoughtful. "I'd want them to know that I've never stopped believing in what America can be. When I woke up in this century after being frozen for decades, I had to learn about a world that had changed dramatically. But the core of what makes this country special hasn't changed—it's still about people coming together, looking out for each other, and believing that tomorrow can be better than today if we're willing to work for it."

"And time for one last question," Robin says, glancing at the producer who's signaling from off-camera. "Win or lose, what happens tomorrow?"

Steve smiles, a genuine warmth spreading across his features. "Tomorrow, the sun rises on America as it always has. And regardless of the outcome, I'll continue to serve this country in whatever capacity I can. That's been what I’ve done since 1943, and it hasn’t changed."

"Captain Rogers—Steve—thank you for joining us this morning," George concludes, extending his hand.

"Thank you for having me," Steve replies, shaking hands firmly with both hosts as the segment wraps.

"And we're clear!" calls the floor director. The red lights dim, and the studio immediately buzzes with movement as crew members shift equipment for the next segment.

"That was great," Robin says warmly. "Good luck today, Steve."

"Thank you," he replies, his smile genuine but a touch weary around the edges in a way only you can detect.

"That was fantastic," Jake says, appearing at your side as Steve steps off the set. "You hit every key message point we wanted."

Steve's public face softens slightly as he turns to the two of you and Pepper, the practiced polish giving way to something more genuine. "Did it sound natural? That last answer felt a little rehearsed."

"It was perfect," you assure him, straightening his already-perfect tie in a gesture that's become second nature. "Authentic but presidential."

Lisa hurries over with a tablet displaying the updated schedule.

"That went incredibly well," Lisa says, swiping through her notes. "Social media engagement is already spiking. The clips will be running all morning."

"The quinjet is waiting," Pepper notes, checking her watch. "We need to be in Queens by nine-thirty."

Steve frowns. “The quinjet? Is that really necessary?”

Pepper smiles serenely. “We’re going to use all the resources at our disposal to get you where you need to be today. Quinjets are immune to traffic.”

[2:27PM - BROOKLYN]

Your body is humming with the adrenaline of five back-to-back events across New York City's five boroughs. After heading to Queens from the Good Morning America appearance, you’d then gone to the Bronx, back into Manhattan, ridden the Ferry to Staten Island to mingle with the crowd there before the actual Staten Island stop, and made the last stop in Brooklyn.

You’re in a black SUV again now, and the motorcade weaves through the afternoon traffic, but instead of taking you back to Manhattan, every turn takes you deeper into Brooklyn. You exchange a puzzled glance with Steve as the familiar streets of your neighborhood come into view.

"Are we going where I think we're going?" you ask, leaning forward to catch Jake's eye in the front seat.

Jake turns, his expression a mixture of conspiracy and satisfaction. "Change of plans. We're taking you home."

"Home?" Steve repeats, his brow furrowing. "But the schedule had us back at the Plaza until the Central Park event."

"We only led you to believe that," Jake says, not quite meeting Steve's eyes. "Team decision.

We don't trust either of you to actually rest if we take you back to campaign headquarters. You'll both be hovering over polling data and making calls until it's time for evening appearances."

"What?" you and Steve say in near unison, both of you immediately sitting up straighter.

Jake's expression doesn't waver. "You heard me. You're going home to your actual home, and you're going to take a real break before tonight. The both of you are running on fumes."

"Jake," Steve begins, his tone carrying that Captain America authority that usually brooks no argument.

"With all due respect," Jake interrupts, remarkably unfazed, "this isn't negotiable. You two need actual downtime before tonight. Sophia, Sam, Bucky, and I conferred with Pepper. It was unanimous, and Pepper pays my salary, not you."

Steve glances at you, a silent conversation passing between you. You can see the initial resistance in his eyes.

“We're confiscating your phones as well," Jake adds, putting his hand out expectantly. "If we need you, we'll communicate through the Secret Service agents."

You stare at Jake, mouth slightly agape, but realize you shouldn't be that surprised. The team has been protecting you both from burnout for months, orchestrating moments of respite amid the chaos whenever possible. Still, the boldness of this particular intervention catches you off guard, but you know he’s right.

With a sigh of surrender, you hand over your phone. Steve hesitates a moment longer before reluctantly following suit.

"Three hours," Jake says, pocketing both devices. "That's all we're asking. Eat something that isn't campaign trail food. Take a nap in your own bed. Change into fresh clothes. Just be normal people for a little while."

The SUV pulls up to your brownstone, the one Steve purchased and that you haven’t spent more than a handful of days in since becoming his wife. It looks exactly as you remember—the freshly painted door, the window boxes that the property manager has maintained in your absence, the worn stone steps leading up to the entrance.

"We'll have agents downstairs," Jake continues as the Secret Service team conducts their standard perimeter check. "But inside, it's just the two of you."

"What about the press pool?" Steve asks, his sense of duty clearly warring with the temptation of a few hours of true privacy.

"Handled," Jake says firmly. "Why do you think we packed the news cycle for the first seven hours of your day?"

"And social media?" you ask, already anticipating that’s been covered, too.

“You surely noticed Peter Parker was your shadow across the five boroughs - he was gathering more than enough footage and photos to fuel the campaign until tonight.”

"You thought of everything," Steve observes, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"That's my job," Jake responds with a smirk. "Now go. Rest. That's an order."

"Three hours," Steve agrees.

"Thank you," you add.

Jake smiles, genuine warmth replacing his earlier firmness. "See you at five-thirty. The car will be waiting."

As you step out of the SUV, the November air feels crisp against your skin. You and Steve walk briskly up to the front door, hand in hand, and a Secret Service agent opens it to let you inside. The brownstone welcomes you with familiar silence as the front door closes behind you. For a moment, you both stand in the foyer, as if reacquainting yourselves with the space that's meant to be yours but has seen so little of you.

"That was well-played by them," Steve finally says, his voice echoing slightly in the empty space.

"Very," you agree, taking off your coat and hanging it on the rack by the door. "But they're not wrong."

Steve follows suit, his jacket joining yours. "No, they're not," he admits, running a hand through his hair—a rare gesture of fatigue he allows himself only in private. "I haven't stopped moving since 5 AM."

You step closer to him, reaching up to loosen his tie. "And you were up at 4:30 checking polling data."

His hands settle on your waist, warm and steady. "You noticed that, huh?"

"Of course I did," you say softly, working the knot of his tie free and setting it on a small table near the front door. Then you tip your head up and kiss your husband. It’s sweet, soft, taking advantage of a moment you get to simply be together. He returns it in kind, and you feel the contentment bleeding from him into you.

When you pull away, you rest your forehead against his chest and let out a contented sigh. "I'm starving," you admit, realizing you've barely eaten anything since the campaign breakfast at 6 AM.

"Me too," Steve says, his stomach punctuating the statement with a rumble that makes you both laugh. "Let's see what we've got."

You take his hand and lead him through the brownstone toward the kitchen. The house feels both familiar and strange—this space you've shared but never truly lived in together. Sunlight streams through the tall windows, highlighting dust motes dancing in the air and casting warm patterns across the hardwood floors. Your heels click against the wood, and you pause to slip them off, leaving them beside a decorative bench in the hallway.

"Much better," you sigh, wiggling your toes in relief.

The kitchen is spotless and eerily untouched, yet somehow welcoming. Steve opens the refrigerator, his expression turning to surprise.

"It's fully stocked," he says, glancing back at you. "Someone thought of everything."

You peek around his shoulder to see fresh produce, eggs, cheese, and various containers neatly arranged on the shelves. "Sophia," you guess. "She would remember we haven't actually lived here."

Steve pulls out ingredients—bread, cheese, deli meats, tomatoes, and lettuce. "Sandwiches?" he suggests, already moving with purpose around the kitchen.

"Perfect," you agree, hoisting yourself onto one of the counter stools to watch him work. There's something mesmerizing about seeing Steve in such a domestic setting, his movements efficient yet relaxed as he assembles lunch. Your mind wanders back to the last time you were in this kitchen together, making chocolate chip cookies, and though things had been developing between the two of you, it was at that point when you started to feel the reality of your relationship and the roots of it being permanent, of going beyond a political arrangement, of genuine love and affection.

Steve must have been thinking along similar lines, because as he assembles sandwiches for you both, he says, “I never told you how nervous I was for you to come here for the Oprah interview.”

"Nervous?" you ask, surprised. "Why? Because Oprah was coming?"

"No," he says with a small laugh, carefully slicing a tomato into perfect, even rounds. "Because you were. This was the first place that was really mine in this century. I'd had apartments, quarters at the Avengers compound, but this..." His knife pauses as he gestures around the kitchen. "I chose every detail. And I knew you’d been here before - for the nights around the wedding, but there weren’t emotional stakes back in June, and then suddenly I was seeing it all through your eyes."

You slide off the stool and move to stand beside him, picking up a knife to help with the sandwich preparations.

"There was this moment after dinner," Steve says, glancing up with warmth in his eyes, "we had a few minutes before the team was going to prep for camera angles with us in the living room, and you ran your fingers slowly along the banister while we talked, then walked over and lingered by the windows. It was the first time I saw you truly relax around me."

"I didn't realize I was so transparent," you admit, watching as he layers turkey and cheese onto whole grain bread.

"Not transparent. Just... seen." He slides a completed sandwich toward you on a plate so you can cut it in half. "By me, anyway."

The simple statement carries weight that settles comfortably in your chest.

You take a bite of your sandwich, the fresh ingredients a welcome change from campaign trail food. "You really see me, don't you?" you say after swallowing. "Even back then, when we barely knew each other."

"I think I've always seen you," Steve replies, his voice soft as he leans against the counter opposite you. "Even when I was trying not to."

You both eat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the simple pleasure of a homemade meal in your own kitchen feeling like an extraordinary luxury after months of catering and takeout in hotel dining rooms, busses, planes, and at campaign events.

Steve finishes his sandwich in record time and makes himself another while you're still working on your first.

"Super soldier metabolism," you tease, watching him assemble a second sandwich with practiced efficiency.

"I've been running on fumes, remember?" he says in a pained voice. "Haven't had a real meal in years."

You study him as he eats, noticing the slight tension around his eyes, the way he occasionally rolls his shoulders to release stiffness. Steve Rogers, ever the soldier, pushing through every bit of fatigue he’s determined to ignore, and all without complaint.

"What are you thinking about?" he asks, catching your contemplative gaze.

"Us," you answer honestly. "How strange it is that we've been married for months but this is the first time we’re getting to do this, be this.”

"Normal life," Steve says, nodding. "Just being together without a schedule, without cameras." His eyes hold yours, warm and thoughtful. "I want more of this. After today, regardless of the outcome."

You set your sandwich down, suddenly emotional at the simple truth of his words. "Me too."

Steve reaches across the counter, taking your hand in his. His thumb traces gentle circles on your skin, the gesture so familiar now it feels like a language all its own.

"I keep thinking about what happens after," you admit. "If you win, if you don't, everything changes again."

"Some things change," Steve agrees, his voice steady. "But not us. Not this." He squeezes your hand gently. "I meant what I said last night."

Heat rises to your cheeks at the memory of tangled sheets and whispered confessions. "I know you did. I did too.”

Steve finishes his second sandwich, takes a long drink of water, then wipes his mouth on his napkin and turns to face you. You look up at him and lick your lips, his eyes darting down to catch the movement.

"Come upstairs with me," he murmurs, his voice dropping to that low register that sends warmth spreading through your limbs. "We have two and a half hours left before we have to face the world again."

You step closer, your body fitting against his as naturally as breathing. "What did you have in mind, Captain Rogers?" you ask, a teasing lilt in your voice despite the way your heart quickens.

His eyes darken slightly as he looks down at you, his hand coming to rest on your waist. "A nap," he says with mock seriousness. "Jake's orders, remember?"

"Just a nap?" you challenge, raising an eyebrow.

Steve's mouth curves into that half-smile that makes your stomach flip as his hand squeezes at your waist. "Just a nap," he confirms. "But I can't be held responsible for what happens before or after said nap."

You laugh softly, your hands sliding up his chest to rest on his shoulders. "Then by all means, how can I refuse?"

Steve scoops you up in one fluid motion, drawing a surprised gasp from you as he carries you toward the stairs. Your arms loop around his neck, fingers threading through the short hair at his nape.

"Show-off," you murmur against his ear.

"Efficient," he corrects, navigating the stairs with ease despite your added weight. "We're on a schedule, remember?"

You’re up two flights of stairs in next to no time.

The master bedroom is bathed in afternoon light, the cream curtains softening the November sun into a gentle glow. The bed is made with fresh linens—another thoughtful touch from whoever prepared the house for your brief visit. Steve closes the door behind you, though there's no one else in the house to hear or see.

Steve sets you down gently at the foot of the bed, his hands lingering at your waist as yours slide up his chest.

For a moment, you simply breathe together, the campaign, the election, the world outside all fading away until there's just this—you and Steve, husband and wife, in a quiet room on an extraordinary day.

His lips find yours with gentle precision, the kiss unhurried despite the ticking clock. Steve's fingers work at the buttons of your blouse while you loosen his belt, both of you unhurried yet deliberate. There's no need to rush—this stolen time is yours alone.

"I keep thinking about how surreal this is," you murmur as he trails kisses down your neck, your blouse now hanging open. "In a few hours, you could be the President-elect."

His hands pause their exploration, and he pulls back slightly to meet your gaze, his eyes serious despite the flush on his cheeks. "Or not," he says. “It’s always been a long shot.”

“But not an impossible shot,” you counter.

He smiles, cupping your face in his hands. "No. Not impossible." The fire you see in Steve’s eyes is there - you know he’s not feeling defeated, just tempering expectations, optimistic but realistic.

Your fingers trace the contours of his face, memorizing every line, every plane. The enormity of it all washes over you—not just the election, but this journey you've taken together, the unexpected path that led you here.

"Whatever happens tonight," you whisper, "this is what matters. Us."

Steve's hands thread through your hair, tilting your face up to meet his gaze. The intensity there makes your heart stutter. "Always," he agrees, voice low and certain.

You slide your hands down his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your palm. A surge overtakes you—the need to show him with actions what words can't fully express. With deliberate slowness, you sink to your knees before him, maintaining eye contact as you undo his belt completely and lower his zipper with careful precision. His breath catches audibly, his hands moving to your shoulders as if to steady himself. You can feel the tension in his muscles, the way he holds himself with perfect control.

"You don't have to," he murmurs, though his dilated pupils tell a different story.

"I want to," you reply, your voice soft but certain.

His eyes darken further at your words, and he gives a small nod, surrendering to your touch. You ease his trousers down his hips, followed by his boxer briefs, revealing his already hard length. The afternoon light plays across his skin, highlighting the perfect planes of his muscled abdomen, the definition of his thighs.

Your fingers trace up the inside of his leg, feeling the slight tremor that runs through him at your touch. You lean forward, pressing a kiss to his hip bone, feeling him inhale sharply at the contact. When you finally take him into your mouth, his strong but gentle hands come to cradle your head in his hands, not guiding, just connecting.

"God," he breathes, the single word heavy with desire.

You take your time, savoring the weight of him on your tongue, the taste of his skin, the sound of his breath catching and releasing above you. The afternoon light streams through the curtains, casting a golden glow across his taut abdomen, highlighting the perfect definition of muscle beneath smooth skin. You watch his face as you move, captivated by the way his eyes darken and his lips part slightly with each slow stroke.

Your hands slide up his thighs, feeling the powerful muscles flex beneath your touch. His fingers remain gentle in your hair, neither pushing nor pulling, just maintaining that intimate connection between you. You hollow your cheeks and take him deeper, drawing a low, rumbling groan from deep in his chest that sends a shiver of satisfaction through you.

"You're incredible," he murmurs, his voice strained and husky.

You lose yourself in the rhythm, in his reactions, in the way his breathing grows more ragged with each passing moment. His thighs tense beneath your hands, and you glance up to see his head tilted back, eyes closed, lips parted. The sight of him—powerful, vulnerable, yours—sends heat pooling low in your abdomen.

When his control finally breaks, it's with your name on his lips, his hands still cradling your face with impossible firmness that’s still gentle even as pleasure overtakes him and you eagerly swallow him down.

After, he helps you to your feet, his expression a mixture of satisfaction and determination that makes your pulse quicken. His hands never seem to leave your body as he carefully removes each article of your clothing, scorching your skin, spiking the desire with each touch. He turns you both and presses your back up against the bedroom door.

"My turn," he whispers against your mouth, the words a promise that sends even more anticipation coursing through you.

Steve is not slow in kneeling before you and hitching one of your legs up over his shoulder, burying his head into your wet cunt. His breath is hot against your most sensitive flesh, and you can't help the gasp that escapes your lips as his tongue makes first contact.

Your back presses harder against the door as Steve's large hands grip your hips firmly, anchoring you in place. The contrast of the cool wood against your heated skin makes you shiver—or perhaps it's the intense way he's looking up at you, his blue eyes darkened with desire.

"Hold onto me," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that you feel more than hear.

You thread your fingers through his hair, the soft strands tickling your palms as he presses open-mouthed kisses along your inner thigh. Each touch of his lips is deliberate as he works his way back to your core with agonizing slowness. His stubble creates a salacious friction against your sensitive skin, the slight sting only heightening your anticipation.

When he finally returns his attention to your center, you grip his hair tighter, your head falling back against the door with a soft thud. His tongue moves with purposeful precision, circling your clit before flattening against it, sending sparks of pleasure radiating outward. Your breathing grows ragged as he establishes a rhythm that has your knees weakening, grateful for his strong hands keeping you upright.

"Steve," you gasp, the single syllable carrying everything you can't articulate—need, love, desperation.

He responds by doubling his efforts, sliding one hand from your hip to slip two fingers inside you. The dual sensation of his mouth and fingers working in tandem has you climbing rapidly toward release, your body tensing with each stroke.

"That's it," he encourages against your flesh, the vibration of his voice adding another layer to the building pleasure. "Let go for me, sweetheart.”

The leg draped over his shoulder trembles as tension builds within you, coiling tighter with each expert movement of his mouth. Your fingers tighten in his hair, earning a low groan from him that vibrates against your sensitive flesh, the sensation pushing you over the edge. Your orgasm crashes through you in waves, your body arching against the door as Steve works you through it, his movements slowing but not stopping until you're gasping, oversensitive, and tugging gently at his hair to signal you need a reprieve.

He rises to his feet in one fluid motion, his hands steadying you as your knees threaten to buckle. His mouth finds yours in a deep, claiming kiss that has you tasting yourself on his lips. Despite having just found release, desire flares anew at the intimate gesture.

"Bed," you manage between kisses, tugging him toward the mattress. "Now."

Steve follows willingly, his renewed arousal evident against your hip as you both stumble onto the freshly made bed. The sheets are cool beneath your hands and knees as you crawl up the mattress, Steve right behind you. He positions himself over you, his chest against your back, hips rutting against yours.

His lips find the sensitive spot at the nape of your neck, sending shivers down your spine as his hardness presses insistently against you. You arch your back, pressing your hips back against him in silent invitation. His hand slides around to cup your breast, thumb circling your nipple as his other hand guides himself to your entrance.

"Yes," you breathe, the word half-plea, half-permission.

Steve enters you with one slow, deliberate thrust that has both of you gasping. He stills for a moment, his forehead resting against your shoulder, his breath hot against your skin. The fullness, the connection—it's overwhelming in the best possible way.

"I love you," he murmurs against your skin, the words reverent and raw.

"I love you too," you reply, reaching back to touch his face, needing that additional point of contact.

He begins to move, slow and measured at first, letting you both savor each sensation. His rhythm builds steadily, each thrust slightly deeper, slightly harder than the last. Your other hand clutches at the sheets, anchoring yourself as pleasure builds once more. The only sounds in the room are your mingled breaths, occasional whispered endearments, and the soft rustle of sheets beneath you.

"Faster," you plead, pushing back against him to emphasize your need.

Steve's restraint breaks at your words. His pace increases, each thrust more powerful than the last, the new angle hitting the intimate spot along your front wall that sends you to another level, and you moan.

His hand slides from your breast down to where your bodies join, his fingers finding your sensitive bundle of nerves with unerring precision. The stimulation has you climbing rapidly toward another peak, your inner walls clenching around him as tension builds.

"Steve," you gasp, the word both warning and plea.

"I've got you," he promises, his voice strained with his own building release. "Always."

Your second orgasm crashes through you with surprising intensity, your body shuddering beneath his as waves of pleasure wash over you in relentless succession. Steve follows moments later, his rhythm faltering as he spills inside you with a deep groan that reverberates through your connected bodies.

For several heartbeats, you remain locked together, both catching your breath as the aftershocks of pleasure gradually subside. Steve presses tender kisses along your shoulder, his arms wrapping around you in a protective embrace that makes you feel cherished beyond words.

When he finally eases out of you, you both collapse onto the mattress, limbs entangled, skin cooling in the quiet afternoon air. Steve gathers you into his chest, his arm draped protectively over your waist.

"That certainly not a nap," you murmur against his jaw, your voice languid with satisfaction, lips brushing against his beard.

Steve's chest rumbles with quiet laughter. "We still have time," he points out, but the way his hand roams your back and the push of his thigh between your legs suggests he’s not considering sleep just yet.

And you don’t sleep.

You kiss, you grind and grope and pleasure each other some more. After what seems like far too soon but is an hour later, Steve coaxes you out of the bed, but into the shower where he fucks you again against the cool tiled wall.

"It feels strange," you admit, wrapping a towel around your torso. "Being here when there's so much happening."

Steve nods. "Strange but good," he says, his shoulders squared but relaxed for the first time in weeks. "Jake was right."

"Don't tell him that," you say with a small laugh.

Steve laughs, securing his own towel around his waist before stepping behind you to wrap his arms around your middle, pressing a kiss to your shoulder. "Our secret, then."

You lean back against him, savoring the solid warmth of his chest against your back, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. For a moment, you both stand there, reflected in the slightly fogged bathroom mirror—your skin flushed, hair damp, eyes bright. You look happy. Both of you. Despite the weight of expectation hanging over this day, despite the exhaustion of the campaign trail, despite the uncertainty that awaits.

You check the clock on the wall—nearly five o'clock. The bubble you've been living in for the last few hours is about to pop.

"We should get ready," you say reluctantly, running your fingers through your damp hair. "Car will be here in thirty minutes."

Steve nods, but instead of moving toward his clothes, he stays exactly where he is, arms around you, lips pressing warm kisses along your shoulder. "Five more minutes," he whispers against your skin, and you're tempted—so tempted—to give in, to stay locked in this private world where it's just the two of you, no campaign, no country watching, no history being made.

But duty calls, as it always does.

"Five minutes," you agree, turning in his arms to face him. "But actual getting ready has to happen."

Steve's eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles down at you. "Deal." His hands come up to frame your face, thumbs brushing your cheekbones with such tenderness it makes your chest ache. "Whatever happens tonight," he says, his voice low and serious, "this has been the greatest adventure of my life."

"Better than fighting aliens?" you tease, but your voice catches on the words.

"Much better," he confirms without hesitation. "Fighting alongside the Avengers was about saving the world. This—" his hand gestures between you, encompassing everything unspoken, "—this has been about making it better."

The weight of his words settles over you, and you rise on your tiptoes to press your lips to his in a kiss that carries everything you can't articulate—gratitude, love, partnership, hope.

When you pull away, Steve's eyes remain closed for a beat, as if he's committing the moment to memory. Then he inhales deeply, his shoulders squaring with familiar determination.

"Time to get dressed," he says, dropping one final kiss to your forehead before stepping away.

You both move with practiced efficiency, the routine of preparing for public appearances so ingrained now it requires little thought. Steve selects a fresh navy suit—the same color as this morning but a different cut. After taking care of your hair and makeup, you stand much longer flipping through the options in your closet, considering the wardrobe that has been expertly curated and tailored for you but that you’re largely unfamiliar with since these clothes have been here, not on the road with you.

As you rifle through options, it doesn't help that your eyes keep being drawn to a very conspicuous piece at the very end.

The conspicuous garment bag with your wedding dress.

Your fingers brush against the protective plastic, memories of that day flooding back with unexpected intensity. The intricate lace, the delicate beading that caught the light as you walked down the aisle in that small Brooklyn church. It had been a practical choice at the time—a wedding arranged for political strategy, not romance.

"You were so beautiful that day," Steve's voice comes from behind you, startling you slightly as you hadn't heard him approach. His reflection appears in the mirror beside yours, his eyes soft with remembrance. "I could see that, and I knew you had to be great—Pepper had promised me she'd pick the partner I needed, but I never imagined I was meeting the love of my life."

You chuckle, though your eyes glisten slightly with tears—partly because Steve's words move you, and partly because, in hindsight, you recognize that day was tougher than you ever initially allowed yourself to admit.

"I didn't expect this, either," you admit, turning to face him properly. "Any of it. I thought I was making a political arrangement with a good man. I never imagined..." You gesture between you, at the intimacy that has grown between you, unexpected and profound.

“You were beautiful that day, but you also looked so determined, so fearless, I was thrown for a loop.”

You laugh again. “Are you serious? I was walking down the aisle to marry Captain America, who was still technically a stranger to me since he’d ditched our first date to meet a former president instead, and I’d also had a rather tense conversation where I’d just revealed to my parents why I was really rushing in to a marriage that hadn’t been on their radar at all. I was all game face and determination because I was barely holding it together.”

Steve's expression softens, and he reaches out to cup your cheek. "I had no idea. Like I said, you seemed so composed."

"That's what you saw," you say, leaning into his touch. "Years of practice hiding nerves. But inside, I was a mess. There was no turning back. And I didn't want to, even though I knew it wouldn’t be easy. And then you took my hand and it felt..."

"Steadying," he finishes for you.

"Yes," you admit.

"Even then, something about us just worked." His thumb traces your cheekbone. He sighs. “I wish we could do it all over again, do it right.”

You shake your head, responding immediately, “I don’t! There’s no way we’re here, like this, exactly this kind of in love if we’d done it any other way.” You take his other hand in both of yours as you continue, “This version of us is what I want for the rest of our lives.”

Steve kisses you fiercely, and when you break apart, he says, "You're right, I know you're right, but I didn't even propose to you."

You blink, surprised by the sudden intensity in his voice. "What?"

"I never proposed," he repeats, taking both your hands in his. His eyes are bright with emotion. "You deserved that moment, at least. A real proposal, not a political arrangement hammered out over pitches and contracts."

A smile tugs at your lips. "Steve, we're married, that’s the important thing."

"I know." His thumbs trace circles on your palms, a gesture so familiar now it feels like a language all your own. Then he reaches out to touch the garment bag, his fingers tracing the outline of the dress within. "We should renew our vows," he says. "After all this. A real ceremony, for us this time."

The suggestion catches you off guard, but warmth spreads through your chest at the thought. "I'd like that," you say softly.

A knock at the bedroom door - muffled as it’s filtered from the bedroom to the en suite bathroom - interrupts the moment. "Five minutes, sir, ma'am," comes the voice of one of the Secret Service agents.

"Thank you," Steve calls back, his eyes never leaving yours.

You turn back to your wardrobe. “You go, you’re distracting! I’ll be down in just a few minutes.”

“Alright,” he laughs. "I'll see you downstairs," he says, pressing one more quick kiss to your temple before moving to the door. He pauses with his hand on the knob, looking back at you with an expression that makes your heart skip. "Thank you. For everything."

Before you can respond, he's gone, leaving you with your thoughts and a closet full of clothes. You run your fingers over the options, finally selecting a dark green dress that complements Steve's navy suit.

As you slip into the dress, your mind races with possibilities for the night ahead. The polls have been unpredictable, the race unlike any in modern history. By morning, your life could look dramatically different—or perhaps not. Either way, something fundamental has shifted during these months of the campaign, and there's no going back to who you were before. The woman who walked down the aisle in that wedding dress feels like a stranger now—someone who couldn't possibly have imagined where this path would lead.

You give yourself one final check in the mirror, smoothing your hands over the tailored dress that was built to fit your body like a glove, giving you confidence in your curves, and adjusting your hair. The face that looks back at you is tired but luminous, eyes bright with purpose and something else—a quiet confidence that wasn't there before. Whatever happens tonight, you're ready.

next part: Election Day, part 2

Coming toward the end of the series, I'm back with a regular Friday update! Ta da! Are you proud of me? 🥹

Somehow I thought Election Day would be one chapter, but since it's such a big day, it was inevitable that it would need to be split in two - I just didn't know that until we got here hahaha! When I got to this point in the chapter, we should just be glad it leant itself to a natural enough breaking point. Story-wise there are just about as many scenes left for them for the second half of this very long and essential day.

But I'm also happy that we'll get to have one more chapter (and probably an epilogue...tbd on the election results).

(and tbh, I'm only 90% locked in on my decision for the election results...)

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

I do not do tag lists, but FOLLOW @buckets-and-stories and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to be updated any time I publish a new work!

#steve rogers smut #steve rogers #steve rogers x you #steve rogers x reader #slow burn #political au #steve rogers x y/n #red white & true #aspen wrote something #female reader #steve rogers x yn

163 notes · View notes

svt-luna · 8 months ago

Text

ʚིᵋ ⋆ GAME CATERERS X SVT ࣪ ! ˓ ౨ৎ ࣪˖ ─── episode 2-2.

Game Caterers x SEVENTEEN

synopsis: Episode 2-2! We officially begin the next segment— the music quiz with chaotic team groupings, team names, and competitive music quizzes for the competitive members.

surprise!! double post for this very special day!! in honor of Jeonghan’s birthday today, I finished this chapter for you, my lovelies! I hope you guys enjoy it! until the next one! all the love 🤍💛💚

╰ ౨ৎ LUNA-VERSE MASTERLIST

╰౨ৎ fan reactions ╰ ౨ৎ game caterers masterlist

[added captions are in brackets] ღ

bold dialogues are spoken in english ღ

After a refreshing break, the members of SEVENTEEN slowly trickled back onto the set, now subtly different from the previous round. The bright lights illuminated the space, highlighting pairs of chairs spread evenly across the room, each with a small table placed neatly in front. The casual energy from earlier seemed to linger in the air, but now there was an unspoken anticipation.

[SEVENTEEN is waiting again after the 'Super' Store]

Luna and Jeonghan strolled back together, a comfortable ease between them as they made their way to the chairs. Their steps were unhurried, but there was a spark of playfulness in Luna’s eyes. Without warning, she skipped ahead of him, her light steps carrying her straight to the chair beside Jun.

[Bunny hop, hop, hop!]

Flashing a grin over her shoulder, she dropped into the seat and leaned back, clearly satisfied with her choice. Jeonghan, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, sauntered toward the chair separated from Luna’s but still positioned right next to hers. He settled down, casting a glance in her direction, the unspoken connection between them palpable even as they sat apart.

Jun glanced between Luna and Jeonghan, his brows raised in curiosity. "Is this a team game? One desk per team?" he asked, his voice thoughtful.

Jeonghan shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back into his chair. "I don't know," he replied casually, glancing at Luna.

Luna smirked and turned to Jun, "Are we a team then?" Her playful tone made Jun chuckle as he shrugged again, clearly just as clueless.

"I love it," Mingyu chimed in with a grin as he sat down nearby.

"This is so much fun," Dokyeom added enthusiastically, settling into the seat beside Jeonghan.

Jeonghan combed his fingers through his hair and nodded, joining in, "I know, it's fun." His laid-back demeanor added to the lightheartedness filling the room.

“I love it too" Luna exclaimed, leaning forward in her seat, the excitement evident in her voice.

"I'm having so much fun here." Seungkwan joined in as he seated next to Mingyu.

As the group exchanged their sentiments, Seungkwan suddenly turned toward PD Na, who sat nearby overseeing the setup for the next game. "You should call us again," Seungkwan called out, his tone eager.

"What?" PD Na replied, looking slightly confused, not catching what Seungkwan had said.

Jeonghan leaned forward, repeating with a laugh, "Give us a call again," which earned more laughter from the crew, including PD Na, who was amused by their antics.

[That was the best compliment ever]

"I want to be funnier," Mingyu confessed with a grin, shifting in his seat.

"We should try harder," Dokyeom agreed, leaning toward Mingyu as if to conspire.

One of the writers, clearly entertained by their banter, chimed in, "How can it be funnier than Omega-3?"

The mention of Jeonghan’s earlier answer during the quiz segment sparked immediate laughter. Luna, sitting on her phone while her hair stylist adjusted a few strands, giggled, remembering Jeonghan's hilarious ‘Omega-3’ answer from earlier. "No one can top that," she said with a wide smile as her stylist finished up.

PD Na, sensing the lighthearted mood, looked at them and asked teasingly, "Does that make you more jealous than the prizes?"

"I want to be funny," Mingyu repeated, pouting slightly.

"I'm jealous when someone's funny," Dokyeom added, his face scrunching up in exaggerated frustration.

PD Na mimicked Seungkwan’s earlier reaction, "Seungkwan was like, 'Oh, I should’ve got that.'"

[What a bummer]

Seungkwan could only laugh at the impersonation, while Wonwoo, ever calm and composed, chimed in, "I have to say, I was jealous." His deadpan delivery earned nods and more chuckles from the crew.

[They're jealous of people who are funny]

SEVENTEEN's break was nearing its end, and the set was slowly returning to life. Each member was doing their own thing— some sitting quietly, some talking to each other, while others scrolled through their phones.

Luna, however, was fully focused on Jun’s phone, which he had handed over so she could play a game.

[Pre-game game]

Both of their eyes were glued to the screen, fingers tapping in sync as they whispered in excitement. Their hair stylists stood by, fixing their hair or adding small touches to their makeup as they continued the game.

“Wait, wait! Go left!” Luna whispered urgently to herself, her hand swiping across the screen.

Jun leaned closer, trying not to laugh as their stylist added some hairspray to his hair. "You have to tap faster, Jiyeonie”

“I’m tapping! I’m tapping!” Luna’s eyes widened as she tried to clear the level, her concentration unwavering.

[They are not fighting]

The two were so focused that they barely noticed the rest of the room.

From their right side, Mingyu, Seungkwan, Dokyeom, and Jeonghan were passing the time by singing lines from their song 'Super.' Their voices melded together in a playful harmony, each taking turns with their individual parts, filling the air with soft but familiar melodies.

Luna managed to clear the level, her face lighting up in victory. “We did it!” she whispered to Jun, flashing a triumphant grin.

“Nice!” Jun smiled back, equally pleased with their success.

In the midst of the relaxed atmosphere, the voice of a staff member suddenly echoed through the room. "Audio director, did you raise the volume?" she asked, her voice carrying across the set.

"Yes," came the reply from the audio director, confirming the sound adjustments.

Before anyone could process what was happening, the opening beats of the BSS sub-unit’s song, 'Just Do It', blared through the speakers, startling the members from their casual conversations and games.

[Suddenly playing 'Just do it' by BSS]

Immediately, Hoshi, Seungkwan, and Dokyeom— the trio behind the song— sprung into action, instinctively singing along in their seats.

[Automatic response]

[For some reason, they just start singing]

As the song’s energy hit the room, several members started to join in. Jeonghan and Mingyu bopped along to the rhythm, while Luna, still seated, began singing the lyrics softly to herself, her body swaying with the beat. A couple of members even started to do the dance moves, half-committed but grinning as they moved in sync.

Then, as the chorus approached, a collective understanding seemed to wash over the room. Without needing to say a word, all fourteen members suddenly stood up from their seats, moving to the center in perfect unison to dance to the chorus.

“All of a sudden? But I just fixed my hair,” Seungkwan said, still confused, as he took his place at the front next to Hoshi and Dokyeom. “Just do it!” he called out with a grin, and at once, the members snapped into perfect synchronization for the chorus choreography.

[How scary]

The sight of all fourteen members dancing in unison brought laughter from PD Na, who was clearly enjoying the chaos unfolding in front of him. "Good job," he said, amused.

Seungkwan, ever the showman, took the opportunity to engage an invisible audience, as if they were back on stage. “Are you ready to have fun?” he shouted, mimicking their concert hype routine, his voice full of energy.

"What are you doing?" PD Na asked, laughing in confusion.

Dokyeom joined in, keeping the playful atmosphere alive. “Send lots of love to The Game Caterers: SEVENTEEN Special!” he called out, playing along with the mock concert vibe.

[No matter what we play, they dance, sing and speak automatically]

Just as the chorus ended, and everyone was catching their breath, PD Na pulled out a whistle from seemingly nowhere and blew it loudly, startling the members once more. “Two people!” he exclaimed over the noise.

Instantly, the members understood the next game— they needed to pair off. Chaos erupted as everyone scrambled to find a partner. Some ran across the room, while others grabbed whoever was closest.

Luna, who was nearest to Joshua, instinctively grabbed his arm, pulling him into a tight hug as they partnered up, just like the rest of the members who hurried to find a match. The pairs stood together, laughing and a bit breathless, still surprised by the sudden instructions.

“The person next to you is your partner,” PD Na announced with a grin.

[Oh]

There was an immediate chorus of responses from the members. Some hummed in approval, pleased with their pairing, while others groaned in playful reluctance, clearly unsure of their chances in the upcoming game. A mix of excitement and apprehension rippled through the group.

Luna and Joshua exchanged a glance before chuckling at their sudden fate as partners. They high-fived each other, and Joshua smiled, “Nice.”

“I think it's a music quiz. I’m not that confident,” Luna admitted, her brow furrowed slightly in concern.

Joshua gently pulled her toward their seats, positioned between Woozi and S.Coups’ team on one side and Dokyeom and Jun’s team on the other. “Don’t worry, I’m not good at it either,” Joshua reassured her, his easygoing tone making her giggle as they took their spots.

One by one, each pair started to settle into their designated seats. Seungkwan and Hoshi, who were still hyped from their spontaneous dance earlier, plopped into their chairs with grins. Mingyu and Jeonghan sat down next to each other, while Dino and Wonwoo silently found their seats, their quiet but confident energy contrasting with the others. Vernon and Minghao, always laid-back, took their seats in sync, effortlessly cool. Meanwhile, Woozi and S.Coups, ever the reliable duo, exchanged a few words before settling in. On the other side of Luna and Joshua, Dokyeom and Jun were still buzzing from their earlier excitement, whispering to each other as they sat down.

Once all the members settled into their seats, PD Na leaned forward with a curious look and asked, “Were you attracted to your partner by instinct?”

A few chuckles spread through the room as the members nodded in response, clearly reflecting on the hasty pairings. “Yes,” they answered in unison, playful smiles lingering on their faces.

“I said it out of nowhere,” PD Na recalled, earning more nods from the group, everyone in agreement about the abrupt nature of the instruction.

“You’re going to play a game as a team now,” PD Na announced, and the room immediately erupted in cheers and clapping. The energy was palpable, with every pair anticipating what was coming next.

“I’m sure you’re sitting with the person you have chemistry with,” PD Na teased, and the members, still buzzing from their spontaneous bonding, nodded eagerly. But then, PD Na's tone shifted slightly. “But… you may have something you don’t like about your partner. Let’s talk about one flaw of your partner.”

[Let's talk about each other's flaws]

The room fell into playful groans and laughter, knowing they were about to enter dangerous territory. PD Na gave them a few minutes to discuss privately with their partner, and almost immediately, whispered conversations broke out between the pairs.

Luna turned to Joshua with a grin. “Your flaws? You have none,” she said confidently, reaching up to smooth out a stray piece of his hair, her touch gentle as she adjusted it in place.

Joshua couldn't help but smile, flattered by her words. “You don’t either,” he replied, the sincerity clear in his voice.

But Luna, never one to let a moment go to waste, leaned in closer with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Your flaw is… you never age,” she teased, her smile growing as she met his gaze.

Joshua laughed at her playful jab, but before he could respond, she raised an eyebrow, daring him to come up with something better. “Your flaw is…” Joshua trailed off, glancing at her as if trying to seriously figure it out, his lips curving into a grin. “There really is none… that’s annoying. That’s the flaw.”

Luna burst out laughing at his cheeky comment and gave him a light nudge on the arm, shaking her head. “You can go harsher than that,” she challenged, still grinning, her eyes sparkling with humor.

Their laughter mixed with the sounds of the other teams discussing, each pair deep in their own conversation about flaws that weren't really flaws at all.

As soon as the time for brainstorming ended, PD Na called for attention, and the room quieted down. “Let’s start introducing the flaws,” he said with an eager smile, ready to hear what the teams had come up with.

The first pair to go was Mingyu and Jeonghan, both looking slightly amused by the eyes on them.

“Did you team up again?” S.Coups asked, his voice filled with playful disbelief. He shook his head, clearly amazed by the coincidence.

“You're meant to be,” Dokyeom chimed in with a grin. “I can't believe they teamed up again.”

[Mingyu and Jeonghan are always together]

Mingyu and Jeonghan exchanged a quick glance, trying to keep a straight face.

[What does Mingyu think Jeonghan's flaw is?]

Finally, Mingyu started the discussion, unable to hold back his laughter. “You need to stop burping,” he said, directing the comment to Jeonghan.

Laughter erupted throughout the room, the sudden bluntness of it catching everyone off guard.

[The unexpected biological flaw]

Jeonghan, in his usual relaxed way, simply nodded, lazily acknowledging it with a small shrug.

[The unexpected flaw of the good-looking face]

“It’s going to take a long time to talk about it,” Mingyu continued, shaking his head. “I'll just say he needs to stop burping.”

PD Na, chuckling along with the rest of the room, nodded in agreement.

[What does Jeonghan think Mingyu's flaw is?]

Jeonghan took a moment to think before coming up with his own response. “Don't fart after taking protein,” he said to Mingyu, causing the room to explode in laughter. The joke hit even harder than the first, especially with the way Jeonghan said it so nonchalantly. PD Na and the rest of the crew couldn’t stop laughing, their amusement echoing around the room.

“That’s an amazing start,” Luna said, chuckling at the ridiculous yet hilarious exchange.

“You had to say it,” Dokyeom added, nodding in approval as if Jeonghan’s comment had sealed the deal.

“They’re about physiology,” Seungkwan pointed out, wiping away tears from laughing.

“They’re perfect,” Minghao added with a grin, pointing at Mingyu and Jeonghan. “One comes from up, the other comes from down.”

[Fart] [Burp]

That sparked another round of laughter, especially from Mingyu, who decided to lean into the joke. “Can you play ‘Up&Down’ by EXID?” he asked, his tone completely deadpan, which only made the room laugh even harder.

[Giving up]

“I don’t care about the show anymore. I give up now,” Mingyu added, still keeping the deadpan expression, throwing his hands in mock surrender.

“‘Up&Down,’” Minghao repeated through giggles, and as if on cue, Vernon started singing the chorus of the song quietly to himself, making the atmosphere even more lighthearted and fun.

[We don't know how to wrap this up]

As the laughter died down from Mingyu and Jeonghan’s playful exchange, PD Na turned his attention to Vernon and Minghao. “Alright, next up, Vernon and The8,” he announced, giving the pair a nod to start.

[Next is Vernon and The8]

Vernon glanced at Minghao, an amused smile on his face as he reached over to gently tug at one of Minghao’s dangling earrings.

“The8,” Vernon began, trying to keep a straight face. “I don’t like your earrings.”

[The8's flaw: ugly earrings]

The unusual “flaw” caught everyone off guard, and laughter erupted around the room. Even Minghao looked surprised, his hand instinctively reaching up to touch the earrings Vernon had pointed out.

“You’re disrespecting him right in his face,” Wonwoo chuckled from his seat, shaking his head in disbelief.

Minghao, still grinning, turned his attention fully toward Vernon. He scanned him up and down in silence, as though seriously considering what flaw to pick. The room held its breath for a moment, everyone waiting for his response.

[Scanning]

“He’s looking for flaws,” Wonwoo pointed out again, gesturing toward Minghao.

After a brief pause, Minghao finally spoke, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. “There’s nothing,” he said, immediately making Vernon shy. The rest of the members burst into an exaggerated chorus of “Ooohh,” leaning into the moment.

“That’s his flaw,” Minghao added with a small smile, a hint of teasing in his tone.

“Cute,” Luna mumbled under her breath, just loud enough for Joshua to hear, who chuckled softly beside her.

Vernon, laughing along, tried to play it cool. “My flaw is that I have no flaw,” he joked, still slightly bashful from the attention.

“That’s perfect,” Jeonghan chimed in with a laugh, fully enjoying the banter.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” Minghao said, shaking his head, still amused by the whole situation.

Vernon chuckled, glancing back at Minghao. “Sorry about the earrings,” he offered, his grin widening.

Minghao smiled back, nodding his head with a lighthearted response, “Good job,” acknowledging the playful exchange as the rest of the group continued to giggle at their dynamic.

As the laughter died down, PD Na turned his attention to the next team. "Woozi," he said, his tone encouraging, "what do you think S.Coups' flaw is?"

Woozi paused for a second, his eyes drifting toward S.Coups, who waited with a playful smirk. "There isn't much," Woozi started, making S.Coups raise an eyebrow. But then Woozi continued, “But how can you get Park Bo Gum wrong?”

[Refer to SEVENTEEN Special Clip 1-3]

The reminder of S.Coups’ mistake from the earlier game sent everyone into another fit of laughter. Even S.Coups dropped his head down, sheepishly grinning at the memory.

“You were disappointed that he doesn’t know the name?” PD Na asked, clarifying Woozi’s point as the chuckles continued around the room. Woozi nodded, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

S.Coups, still laughing at himself, took a moment to collect his thoughts. Then PD Na turned to him, “S.Coups, what do you think his flaw is?”

S.Coups looked at Woozi, eyes softening. Without missing a beat, he responded, “There’s none. I’m always grateful. I love him so much.”

The room filled with a warm, appreciative atmosphere as Woozi’s face lit up with a smile, his laugh light and sincere. “Oh, thank you,” he replied, slightly flustered by the sudden display of affection from S.Coups.

[They sound old]

“Alright, moving on,” PD Na said, his tone playful as they moved on to the next team, Seungkwan and Hoshi. “Seungkwan, what do you think Hoshi’s flaw is?”

Without hesitation, Seungkwan jumped in. “You exaggerate when you mimic me.”

This drew a series of chuckles from the group. Hoshi nodded in agreement, his expression slightly guilty but amused.

[Don't exaggerate when you mimic me]

“So he goes overboard?” PD Na asked, clarifying Seungkwan’s point with a raised eyebrow. Seungkwan nodded again, more emphatically this time.

Turning to Hoshi, PD Na said, “Hoshi, anything you want to say about Seungkwan?”

Hoshi stood up, his actions drawing an immediate laugh from PD Na and the writers nearby.

[Going overboard]

"Oh no, he stood up," Luna giggled, sensing Hoshi’s dramatic flair about to take center stage.

Hoshi, now at the front of the table, began, “Seungkwan goes overboard to be funny.”

"He does," The entire room nodded in unison, agreeing with Hoshi’s assessment, with several murmurs of acknowledgment echoing through the space.

[Everyone agrees]

"Because I’m worried about the show," Seungkwan defended himself, nodding, but the grin on his face betrayed how much he was enjoying the back-and-forth.

As the focus shifted to the next pair, PD Na turned his gaze toward Wonwoo and Dino. The room fell into a comfortable silence, waiting to see what Dino had to say.

[What does Dino think Wonwoo's flaw is?]

Dino looked at Wonwoo thoughtfully before speaking, "Wonwoo… You need to speak."

[Silence]

The statement immediately drew chuckles around the table, Wonwoo smiling shyly at the mention of his introverted nature.

Dino continued, shaking his head with a playful grin, "He never talks."

PD Na, grinning, leaned forward as if the revelation suddenly clicked. “Oh,” he said with exaggerated understanding, making the group laugh again.

Now it was Wonwoo’s turn, and he seemed to take a second to gather his thoughts, his expression as calm and introspective as ever.

[A chance to talk]

After a brief pause, he turned to Dino and, in his typical understated tone, said, "I get that he's healthy because he's young, but he needs to drink less."

Dino’s reaction was priceless— his eyes widened in disbelief, clearly taken aback by the unexpected observation. The room burst into laughter at Dino’s dramatic reaction.

[Falsely charged]

From her seat, Luna couldn't help but nod along, her voice cutting through the noise, "He's right."

Her playful but firm agreement sent another wave of laughter through the group, with everyone knowing how much Luna disapproved of her members’ excessive drinking habits.

Wonwoo's shy smile widened as he noticed the support. Amid the laughter, S.Coups leaned toward Wonwoo and jokingly added, “Tell him to stop wearing sleeveless t-shirts.”

Dino, trying to defend himself, protested with a slightly exasperated tone, “I don't drink that much. I don't drink as much as you think.”

The room erupted again, this time with Seungkwan, Woozi, and Jeonghan chuckling while PD Na nodded in amusement.

“He’s worried as your friend,” Jeonghan chimed in from the other table, still laughing. “The youngest is always the healthiest,” Jeonghan added, his words punctuated by the light-hearted tone everyone carried.

"His liver is healthy," S.Coups followed up with mock sincerity, sending another ripple of laughter through the room.

"The youngest is a drunkard and a shaver," Woozi said, chuckling, making even Dino laugh at himself.

“We only say what’s true,” Seungkwan added with a wide grin.

“SEVENTEEN doesn’t lie,” Jeonghan said, turning toward PD Na as if to emphasize his point, his playful tone drawing even more laughter from the room.

As it moved on to Jun and Dokyeom's turn, the atmosphere in the room was buzzing with curiosity. Jun took a moment to gather his thoughts before looking at Dokyeom and saying, “Sometimes Dokyeom practices singing out of nowhere.”

The members instantly erupted in laughter, understanding exactly what Jun meant. Dokyeom’s habit of bursting into song without warning was no secret to anyone.

Jun continued, gesturing with his hands as if reenacting the moment, “He suddenly goes…” Jun let out a scream-like imitation of one of Dokyeom’s powerful high notes, which only made Dokyeom laugh even harder, throwing his head back.

[Screaming]

“Sometimes he sings out of nowhere. That scares me big time,” Jun explained with wide eyes, clearly exaggerating his reaction for comedic effect.

PD Na, remembering his own experiences, nodded, chuckling as he chimed in, “I heard a few songs too.” His words were met with more laughter as everyone could imagine Dokyeom’s voice echoing unexpectedly.

“All of a sudden, while he’s walking,” PD Na added, his tone half-surprised as if just realizing the randomness of it all.

[As loud as an emergency alert message]

Jun nodded vigorously, taking advantage of the moment. “I can’t complain because he’s practicing. But I’ll take this chance to…” He trailed off, pretending to offer some criticism.

Before Jun could finish, Dokyeom, still laughing, held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, I’ll try to keep quiet.”

Jun immediately shook his head, “No, tell me instead,” he replied playfully, sending everyone into giggles.

“‘I’m going to sing now,’” PD Na provided an example.

Dokyeom, clearly in on the joke, grinned and said, “I’m going to sing now,” mimicking the formal announcement.

“That’s right,” Jun nodded, satisfied with the playful arrangement they’d come to.

[Emergency alert message: DK's going to start singing soon]

From her seat, Luna chuckled and, in an amused tone, added, “I mean, if I had Dokyeomie's voice, I wouldn’t shut up either.” Her playful remark drew laughter from Joshua and Dokyeom, who couldn’t resist smiling at the compliment as Luna winked his way.

[Bunny doesn't mind DK's singing]

After the laughter died down, PD Na turned to Dokyeom and said, “You can talk about Jun.”

Dokyeom paused for a moment before speaking, “Jun is kind and innocent. He’s all nice, but he’s kind of short-tempered. He loses his temper quite easily. He should try not to get angry so easily.”

The members, who had witnessed Jun’s short fuse in certain situations, voiced their agreement almost immediately.

“Angry Jun,” Woozi muttered, nodding, which prompted Vernon to repeat it with a grin, “Angry Jun.”

Curious, PD Na leaned in, intrigued. “What made him lose his temper recently?” he asked.

Dokyeom thought for a second, then said, “When we were practicing choreography…” His words immediately drew laughter from Joshua, who clearly knew where the story was heading. “When we were practicing, we’re like, ‘Isn’t that #5?’” Mimicking Jun with an exaggerated seriousness, Dokyeom suddenly said in a stern voice, “‘Never.’”

[Mimicking Jun]

The imitation was spot on, and everyone burst out laughing, especially Joshua, who could barely contain himself.

“That’s what he does,” Dokyeom said, grinning widely as the room continued to roar with laughter.

PD Na, whose cheeks looked like it was going to tear open from laughing so much, clapped his hands. “You’re so good at mimicking him.”

From across the table, Minghao playfully warned, “Dokyeom, you’re dead now,” which made Dokyeom chuckle nervously, glancing at Jun beside him.

Joshua, grinning, pointed at Jun, who was sitting silently but smiling through the entire exchange. “He’s already angry.”

“He’s getting there,” Seungkwan quipped, pointing as well, sending another wave of laughter around the room.

“Jun’s angry,” Vernon added, nodding with mock seriousness, as Jun continued to laugh along, taking the teasing in stride

[That's his look before losing his temper]

As it finally came down to the last pair, Luna and Joshua, the room fell silent with anticipation, knowing this was going to be an entertaining exchange.

PD Na, grinning, leaned forward. “Luna, what do you think Joshua's flaw is?” he asked, setting the stage.

Luna turned toward Joshua, who sat beside her, the two sharing a brief look before Luna spoke. “Honestly, Shua has no flaws…” she trailed off, her tone sounding genuine, but the playful glint in her eyes said otherwise.

Joshua, already sensing the joke that was about to land, braced himself with a smile. Luna gave him a knowing look, one that seemed to say, Here it comes— just as they had planned earlier. “But, there’s one,” Luna deadpanned, her voice turning serious as she continued, “He thinks no one looks as young as he does.”

[The best baby face ever]

The room exploded with laughter at the sharp contrast in tone. Joshua could only laugh along, while PD Na and the writers chuckled, amused by how easily Luna delivered the playful jab. The members, who knew all too well about Joshua’s confidence in his youthful appearance, agreed instantly.

“Yes, that’s true,” Seungkwan chimed in, nodding.

“Really?” S.Coups added with a grin, turning toward Joshua as if surprised by this revelation.

PD Na, still chuckling, turned to Luna, “Is he annoying?” he asked as if confirming her statement.

Without missing a beat, Joshua nodded and said, “I’m annoying.”

Luna, clearly enjoying herself, continued, “And he knows he’s handsome. He keeps talking about it.”

[Stop showing off]

The group burst into more laughter, especially since Luna’s teasing tone made it clear she was only joking. Joshua, still laughing, couldn't deny the truth behind her playful words.

“Do you really think you look young?” S.Coups asked, now fully engaged in the banter.

Joshua, trying to defend himself, replied, “Among us.”

“Among us?” S.Coups repeated, raising an eyebrow in mock surprise. “You think you look young among us?”

The tension built as Luna, laughing but ready to jump into the fray, interjected as she pointed at herself, “Among all of us? Isn’t it me?”

Joshua, sticking to his point, quickly clarified, “Among people born in 1995.”

At this, Jeonghan, sitting quietly across from them, couldn’t hold back any longer. “I look the youngest among people born in 1995,” he spat out, almost incredulous at Joshua’s statement.

[Glaring]

The room broke into laughter again, the dynamic between the two quickly escalating into a playful spat.

Joshua whipped around to face Jeonghan, his expression shocked. “What?”

“I look the youngest,” S.Coups retorted, jumping into the fray and pointing to himself confidently.

[A fight occurs]

Now, the three ‘95-liners— Joshua, Jeonghan, and S.Coups— looked at each other in shock, each convinced that they were the youngest-looking.

[They're all serious]

PD Na could only laugh, pointing at the trio as they sat frozen in their disbelief. Meanwhile, Dino, the actual youngest, sat quietly to the side, looking over the entire situation with an air of exasperation as if wondering how they could argue over something so trivial.

[Dino is used to this]

Woozi, observing the scene unfold, chuckled and commented dryly, “They’re all alike.”

“Without your makeup, you all have bags under your eyes,” Seungkwan added, his voice dripping with sarcasm, which only deepened the laughter in the room.

At this, Joshua turned to Seungkwan, eyes narrowing in playful retaliation. “Ya! People think you’re the leader, Seungkwan,” he said, pointing at him.

S.Coups, laughing, joined in. “People think you’re the oldest,” he added, piling onto the playful accusations.

All the while, Luna sat back in her seat, chuckling to herself, clearly shocked at how far the banter had spiraled from her simple comment.

“No one thinks you’re the youngest,” Joshua finished, his tone light but teasing.

Seungkwan, always quick on his feet, stood up suddenly, grabbing the edge of the table in front of him and lifting it as if to use it as a shield.

[Defense]

The members howled in laughter as he swung the table around, pretending to aim it at Joshua and S.Coups. Joshua raised his hands in defense, laughing even harder. Meanwhile, Jeonghan remained silent, watching the chaos unfold with a calm smile, seemingly amused but determined to stay out of the fray.

“Stay out of this,” Joshua playfully told him, still laughing.

Hoshi, who was sitting close by, turned to PD Na and nodded. “People think Seungkwan is the oldest,” he said, joining in on the teasing.

Seungkwan, slowly putting the table back down, nodded along, grinning as he played along. “Right. That’s true.”

[Seungkwan is the second youngest]

“That’s true, though,” Minghao agreed from across the room, causing more laughter to ripple through the group.

Mingyu, still chuckling, glanced around and asked, “Really? Doesn’t Seungkwan look young?”

Jeonghan, never one to miss an opportunity for a quick remark, shook his head. “No.”

Seungkwan, attempting to defend himself, waved a hand dramatically. “People later realize that I’m cute, but if they don’t know me…”

He barely got the words out before Dino, sitting quietly up until now, cut him off with a firm, “No,” sending another wave of laughter through the room as everyone agreed.

[The real youngest finds it absurd]

Determined not to give up, Seungkwan stood up again and, with a mock-serious expression, looked around the room. “Is there any CARAT here?” he called out, pointing to the empty space beside him as if searching for a fan to back him up.

Silence met his question.

[Quiet]

“There’s none,” Seungkwan pouted dramatically, his expression exaggerated as he sat back down, making the group laugh even harder.

[No personal comments on set]

As the laughter from Seungkwan’s playful antics subsided, PD Na smiled, sensing that the energy in the room was still high. He glanced toward Joshua, signaling for the next round. "Alright, finally, Joshua, what do you think Luna’s flaw is?" he asked with a teasing grin, knowing this would be just as entertaining.

[What does Joshua think of Luna?]

Without missing a beat, Joshua, who had been waiting for this moment, immediately said, “Jiyeonie…she’s annoying too.”

His words were delivered with such deadpan precision that the entire room burst into laughter, Luna included. She threw her head back, clapping her hands in pure amusement as her laughter filled the space, the suddenness of his comment catching everyone off guard.

[They are both annoying]

PD Na, chuckling at Joshua’s quick response, raised an eyebrow. “What about her is annoying?”

Joshua turned to Luna, giving her a knowing look, as if they had discussed this moment before. There was a playful sparkle in his eyes, the kind that hinted at affection wrapped in humor.

He began to explain, his tone light but sincere, “Jiyeonie is perfect at everything.”

Luna, catching onto the impending compliment, glanced at him with curiosity while the others leaned in to hear what he had to say.

“She’s beautiful inside and out. She’s talented, she can sing, dance, rap…” Joshua listed, his voice softening slightly, as if recounting all the things he admired about her.

The members nodded along, acknowledging the truth in his words.

[They agree]

“She has good luck,” he continued, his tone growing a little more playful as he stacked compliments upon compliments. Joshua paused, and then with a smirk, delivered the final blow: “It’s annoying.”

[He's strange]

The room exploded into laughter again, louder this time, as the members clutched their sides, finding his reasoning both absurd and hilarious. Luna, already overcome with laughter, clung to Joshua’s arm as she tried not to fall off her chair, gripping him tightly to steady herself as her legs weakened from laughing too much.

“Sometimes she would be minding her own business,” Joshua continued with a playful shrug, still keeping his tone as if he was making a very serious confession, “and I look at her, and in the back of my head, I’m like, ‘she’s annoying.’”

This time, Luna was nearly doubled over, her laughter uncontrollable as she leaned into Joshua, barely able to catch her breath. The members couldn’t help but join in, their own laughter filling the room, while Joshua simply smiled, clearly proud of his comedic timing.

PD Na, chuckling as well, nodded in amusement. “She’s annoying because of that,” he said, clarifying the absurd logic, while trying to catch his breath.

Joshua nodded seriously, as if confirming a fact. “Exactly.”

It took Luna a moment to calm herself down. She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, still giggling under her breath. Once she finally composed herself, she looked at Joshua with a fond smile, her voice still light with amusement. “Thank you,” she said, playfully acknowledging his “compliment”.

Joshua chuckled softly in response, the banter between them easy and affectionate, the kind that only close friends shared.

As the room’s laughter began to settle, PD Na smiled knowingly and addressed the group. “The things you just said— you could say that because you're friends. But for you to keep that in mind and fix it, that will be your slogans for the quiz.”

A collective “Ahh” of realization rippled through the members as the meaning sank in. The flaws they had just jokingly mentioned were going to become their slogans for the entire quiz.

Jeonghan scoffed out a laugh, a mix of amusement and disbelief. “That’s my slogan?” he said, half to himself as if still wrapping his head around it.

Mingyu, sitting nearby, let out a sigh as he too came to terms with the situation. “We were only trying to be funny,” he said, shaking his head with a hint of playful regret.

It dawned on him that their slogan might end up being “Fart and Burp,” which made the room chuckle again at the absurdity.

[Flaw: fart & burp]

Luna, having enjoyed the playful atmosphere, turned to Joshua with a smile, the humor of the situation not lost on her. “Ours isn’t that bad,” she said lightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Joshua, always calm and composed, nodded in agreement. “I know, right?” he replied, sharing in her relief as they both realized they had managed to avoid the more embarrassing slogans.

Meanwhile, S.Coups, sitting with Woozi, grinned mischievously as he leaned toward his partner. “Let’s go with ‘Park Bo Gum’,” he joked, referencing the actor with a laugh.

Woozi, catching onto the joke, chuckled along. “Park Bo Gum,” he agreed, shaking his head.

PD Na, catching the banter between S.Coups and Woozi, raised his voice with a smile. “In case you decide it on your own, we chose it for you.”

At that moment, a couple of staff members appeared, stepping forward with name plaques for each team. These were folded pieces of paper with the teams' slogans written on them. As they placed the plaques on each team's table, the members eagerly reached for their signs.

Luna and Joshua picked up theirs, glancing down at the slogan they had unknowingly created. The two began chuckling at each other as they read it. The mix of humor and disbelief was clear on their faces.

“What is this?” Luna said between giggles, nudging Joshua lightly. “Doesn’t this make us sound so full of ourselves?”

Joshua, still holding the paper, gave a soft laugh. “No, it’s okay. It’s not that bad,” he said, reassuring her, though his grin suggested that he also found it a bit ridiculous.

Around the room, the members’ reactions were mixed. Some of them loved how funny and stupid their slogans were, clearly enjoying the lightheartedness. Others, like Jeonghan, Mingyu, and S.coups, were playfully whining and complaining, asking PD Na if they could change their slogans.

PD Na, of course, refused with a cheeky grin, only making the situation funnier. The playful complaints and reactions continued as the atmosphere remained full of laughter, with everyone leaning into the absurdity of the situation, preparing themselves for whatever quiz was coming next.

As soon as the laughter from their slogan reveals had subsided, it was time to test out their team slogans.

[Let's try your slogans]

First up were Seungkwan and Hoshi, sitting near the front of the set. With enthusiasm, the two tested their slogan brimming with energy. “Go Overboard For Show!” they shouted in unison, clearly embodying the spirit of their slogan.

PD Na chuckled, nodding approvingly. “Good job,” he praised, before moving his gaze to the next table. “Next… 1, 2, 3.”

Mingyu and Jeonghan, knowing what was coming, stifled a scoff before saying their slogan together, “Burp And Fart.” The entire room erupted into laughter, the absurdity of their slogan too much to contain.

Even PD Na couldn’t help but laugh. “Nice,” he said between chuckles, quickly composing himself before gesturing toward the next team. “1, 2, 3,” PD Na counted down for Dino and Wonwoo, who sat straight in their seats.

“Drink Less And Talk More,” they chimed, their tones calm but clearly amused by their ridiculous motto.

PD Na, still amused, gave them a nod. “Good,” he said before glancing over at Vernon and Minghao’s table. “Alright… 1, 2, 3.”

“I Don’t Like Your Earrings,” Vernon and Minghao deadpanned, eliciting a fresh wave of laughter from everyone, especially PD Na, who found their flat delivery the funniest of all.

“But I like them,” Minghao shyly added, his hand instinctively touching his earrings with a proud smile.

Jun, sitting at the end of the line, leaned forward with a playful grin. “Their slogan is so short,” he pointed out, only adding to the light-hearted teasing.

“Aren’t they cool?” Minghao responded, still touching his earrings with a hint of uncertainty.

Luna nodded at him with a smirk. “It’s the coolest, so cool, Hao,” she said, her voice laced with amusement, drawing a grin from the quiet idol.

PD Na then turned to the next team, S.Coups and Woozi. “1, 2, 3.”

S.Coups and Woozi took a deep breath before reciting their overly elaborate slogan, “I Don’t Know Who Park Bo Gum Is, But I Love Him And Cherish Him.”

The room burst into laughter yet again, S.Coups cringing at the overly dramatic line.

[He hates it]

“Their slogan is the worst one,” Luna commented between giggles, clearly enjoying the humor of it all.

PD Na moved on to the next team, now standing in front of Luna and Joshua’s table. He grinned as he counted down, “1, 2, 3.”

“We Are Too Perfect, It’s Annoying,” Luna and Joshua said in perfect sync, their voices full of mock arrogance, which sent the room into another wave of laughter.

The final team, DK and Jun, prepared themselves as PD Na gave the signal. “1, 2, 3.”

“I Get Worked Up And Lose My Temper Easily,” they said, prompting more snickers from the rest of the members.

As the slogans were finally revealed, the room continued to buzz with laughter and banter. Mingyu, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe what had just happened, pointed at their team slogan and groaned. “Isn’t this worse?” he asked, half-laughing, half-complaining.

[Extremely stimulating]

“That’s something everyone does,” Dino chimed in, his tone a mix of logic and humor.

“The whole nation burps,” Seungkwan added in mock defense, his arms crossed as if presenting a valid point.

[He brings the whole nation into it]

“But it’s embarrassing,” Jeonghan said, shaking his head slightly with a small chuckle.

“It’s humiliating,” Mingyu followed, his voice teasing but still genuinely flustered. He laughed, his large frame shaking with the sound. “I feel like we’re still doing it.”

PD Na, amused by their antics, raised an eyebrow with a playful grin. “This will remain on YouTube forever,” he teased, making everyone laugh even harder.

Mingyu, not missing a beat, grinned mischievously as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m going to show my son later,” he joked, sending the group into yet another fit of laughter.

[That will create a distance between him and his son]

[They're going to play a game with these slogans]

The room was buzzing with anticipation as PD Na cleared his throat, grinning in that familiar, mischievous way that always meant something fun— and chaotic— was about to happen.

“Alright,” he announced. “It's time to reveal what game we’ll be playing.” He paused for effect before finally saying, “It's a music quiz.”

Immediately, the room exploded with excitement. The members clapped, voices overlapping as they reacted with gleeful energy.

“I love it!” Seungkwan exclaimed, dapping up with Hoshi who was equally as thrilled.

Jun, sitting a few seats down, gave a knowing nod. “This is what Seungkwan’s good at.”

Woozi chimed in, leaning back on his chair. “Seungkwan’s good at this,” he echoed, his calm demeanor not masking the playfulness in his tone.

[The member of Korea Music Copyright Association doesn't feel confident]

Luna chuckled, her head lowering slightly as she muttered to Joshua, “I’m terrible at this.”

Joshua, hearing her, chuckled too, shaking his head. “I am too,” he confessed, making Luna laugh even more at the mutual understanding of their inevitable failure.

[They are confident of their looks only]

“This is great!” Seungkwan nearly sang, his voice rising as he spoke, which Hoshi immediately mimicked, matching Seungkwan’s tone and enthusiasm, making everyone laugh again.

[The best players teamed up]

PD Na raised a hand, signaling for the members to settle down as he continued, now explaining the rules. “When I play the song, say your slogan. The first person is going to say the singer, and the next person has to say the title. Both people must get it right to win a point.”

The members listened attentively, some nodding here and there as they absorbed the instructions.

[For more details,they'll figure it out while playing]

PD Na wasn’t done. He leaned in, his voice dropping conspiratorially. “What matters the most,” he said slowly, “is the prize.”

That got everyone’s attention.

Both Jeonghan and Luna physically perked up in their seats, their curiosity now piqued. In perfect unison, they chorused, “Is there a prize?”

The two glanced at each other with matching smirks, clearly amused by their synchronized excitement. Luna leaned forward, catching Jeonghan’s gaze from across the room. He winked at her in reply, and she chuckled, shaking her head.

“What is it?” Minghao asked, voicing the curiosity that had taken over the room. His expression was intrigued, eager to know what the stakes were. “You’re spending a lot of money,” he added, his voice teasing but also genuinely curious.

Seungkwan, not missing a beat, grinned and gestured toward Hoshi, who was sitting beside him. “I get to play with a lucky boy today,” he said, referring to Hoshi, who had won both a Dyson hair dryer and a Korean beef set earlier in the previous game.

“I have Omega-3,” Mingyu pointed at Jeonghan with a laugh, alluding to Jeonghan's earlier answer in the previous quiz.

“I’m expecting something huge,” Seungkwan added, his excitement building as they all eagerly waited for PD Na to finally reveal what the prize would be.

[Here's the prize]

PD Na smiled, letting the suspense hang for just a moment longer before finally revealing, “It’s worth $1,000. For example, if you want something… we will pay for it.”

A wave of pleased reactions rippled through the room. The idea of a grand prize worth that much immediately captured everyone’s interest.

“For example,” PD Na continued, “two Dyson hair dryers. Then you can have one each.”

The members nodded, impressed by the prize's flexibility, but PD Na wasn’t done yet. “Or,” he added with a sly smile, “if it’s a mental wish, like something we can grant.”

[Producer Na's host coupon] [Or anything else we could grant]

With that, he handed out a piece of paper to each team, letting them know that they could write their prize of choice on it. The excitement in the room was palpable as the members huddled in their respective teams, whispering and muttering among themselves as they tried to come up with their wishes.

[Each team writes the prize they want and submit it]

[We'll give them a chance to pick one after mixing with 60 duds]

[Draw chances] [1st place, 5 times] [2nd place, 3 times] [3rd place, 2 times] [4th place, 1 time]

On the left side of the set, three teams began conspiring with each other. Woozi and S.Coups were the first to exchange glances and start scribbling something down, which caught Luna’s attention. She took a quick peek at their written wish and burst out laughing, trying to cover her mouth to keep it quiet.

“What?” Joshua whispered, leaning toward her curiously.

Luna, still chuckling, whispered something into Joshua’s ear, making him grin. Before they knew it, Dokyeom and Jun, who were seated nearby, had noticed the laughter and leaned in to join the conversation, their curiosity piqued by the sudden excitement.

Whatever the three teams were planning, it was clearly something mischievous, as they were all buzzing with excitement when they finally finished writing their wishes. Nobody else knew what had them so giddy, but it was clear that they were up to something.

Once all the teams had finished writing their wishes, they folded their papers and placed them into a small pouch filled with sixty duds.

PD Na reminded them, “If you pick someone else’s wish, you get to take it too.”

The members nodded in understanding, letting out a collective “oooh” in chorus, clearly intrigued by the added layer of fun.

“And the bonus prize,” PD Na announced, his voice rising with enthusiasm, “MHP: Most Hip Players.”

[The prize for most enthusiastic players]

This caused an even bigger stir among the members, their excitement peaking at the mention of a special bonus.

“You’ll get two chances,” PD Na added, watching as the members’ competitive spirits ignited.

Joshua nudged Luna playfully and said with a grin, “Jiyeon-ah, this is it.”

“Alright,” Luna chuckled, nodding in agreement.

[They aim for MHP]

“That’s our only hope,” Dokyeom murmured to Jun, clearly focused on the MHP title now.

“Can you win MHP?” Minghao asked Vernon, his expression filled with determination.

“Let’s do it,” Vernon replied, equally serious.

[They all want MHP more than 1st place]

Once the members heard about the bonus prize, they lost all sense of reality. The atmosphere shifted as whispers and hurried conversations filled the room. Everyone had their eyes on the special title now, scheming and strategizing in hushed tones.

[They're thinking about being funny when they have to solve the quiz]

[This is who SEVENTEEN is]

PD Na noticed the sudden surge of energy, chuckling as he watched the chaos unfold before him.

[We miscalculated the probability]

[This would bring a tremendous result]

[Their wish will be revealed after the game]

The air in the studio was thick with anticipation as the members of SEVENTEEN sat at the edge of their seats, eyes fixed on PD Na. Each one of them was ready, muscles tensed as if they were waiting for the starting signal of a race. The weight of the potential prize— and the glory of winning— hung heavily in the air.

[Music Quiz begins]

PD Na held up his hand, a sly grin on his face as he gestured toward the speakers. The tension built for a brief moment longer. And then, the faint sound of a song began to play— just the riser of the music, barely distinguishable.

[Here's Question #1]

For a second, everyone froze. Their ears perked, heads tilted slightly, straining to hear what song was coming up. The silence before the storm. Then, in a flash— almost too fast for the others to react— Seungkwan and Hoshi were already on their feet, hands shooting up in perfect sync as they screamed their slogan, "Go Overboard For Show!"

[As soon as the music plays]

Their voices rang out in unison, clear and loud, cutting through the silence. The room erupted in gasps, and the rest of the members could only watch in awe as the duo had beaten them to the punch, claiming the first chance to answer.

PD Na pointed at them, grinning. “Go Overboard For Show,” he said, “what’s your answer?”

Hoshi spoke first, his voice brimming with confidence. “SHINee,” he declared, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Without missing a beat, Seungkwan followed up with, “‘Sherlock,’” his voice triumphant as the answer left his lips.

PD Na smiled, nodding. “You got it.”

In an instant, the familiar chorus of SHINee's 'Sherlock' burst through the speakers. Without hesitating for even a second, Seungkwan and Hoshi exchanged a glance, grinning like they had just won the lottery, before they bolted toward the front of the room.

As if possessed by pure adrenaline, they started dancing, moving through the iconic choreography with precise, practiced ease. Their feet shuffled across the floor, arms swaying to the beat, while their voices echoed as they sang along to the chorus.

[Full of adrenaline]

The rest of the members watched, amused yet unsurprised by the duo’s exuberant display. It was as if this level of excitement had become routine with Seungkwan and Hoshi.

PD Na sat back, arms folded, a chuckle escaping his lips as he witnessed the lively performance unfold before him. There was something endearing about how they threw themselves into the song, as though they were back on stage performing for a stadium full of fans.

[Singing with passion]

By the time the chorus ended, Seungkwan and Hoshi struck a final pose, arms extended and chests puffed out dramatically as they finished their impromptu performance.

[The ending pose]

The room erupted into applause, a mixture of cheers and laughter filling the air. Both of them were out of breath, their faces flushed from the exertion, but their eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

“They’re trying to win MHP too,” PD Na remarked with a chuckle, watching as the two performers made their way back to their seats.

[Going overboard]

“They were good,” Wonwoo commented, nodding with genuine appreciation for their effort.

Vernon added, “It’s not easy to beat them.”

Seungkwan, still panting from his earlier display, pointed a finger playfully at the rest of the group. “How dare you challenge me for a music quiz?” he declared, though the smirk on his face betrayed his playful teasing.

PD Na chuckled, “You danced till you pant. You got 1 point.”

Seungkwan dramatically wiped an imaginary bead of sweat from his forehead. “I worked so hard, but it’s only 1 point,” he sighed with exaggerated exhaustion, making the rest of the members burst into laughter. “Still, thank you,” Seungkwan added, his tone mock-solemn, which only caused more giggles to ripple through the room.

PD Na sat up front, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched the energy simmering among the members. “Here’s the next question,” he announced, his voice clear and steady.

On cue, the intro of a familiar song began playing through the speakers, causing a ripple of recognition among the group. It was a sound that at least all of them recognized, and the reaction was immediate— chaotic, even.

[It's a mess]

Five out of the seven teams shot to their feet, shouting their slogans in unison, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of noise. Laughter echoed around the room as the teams scrambled, each one determined to be the first to claim the answer. It was a mess— arms flailing, chairs squeaking, slogans filling the air as they all fought for the spotlight.

But in the middle of the frenzy, the fastest to react was Mingyu and Jeonghan. Their team slogan, much shorter and quicker to yell, cut through the chaos first. “Burp And Fart!” Mingyu yelled, his voice carrying above the others.

[Fart was faster by a split second]

There was a brief moment of stunned silence as the absurdity of the slogan sunk in. PD Na chuckled, raising his hand to acknowledge their speed. “You have to admit that ‘Burp And Fart’ was fast,” he said, giving credit where it was due.

Mingyu, eager to seize the opportunity, raised his hand, ready to say the artist’s name. His confidence radiated off of him as he prepared to answer. But before the words could leave his mouth, Jeonghan beat him to it. “TWICE,” Jeonghan declared, his tone confident and sure.

A chain of reactions immediately followed. There were gasps, yells, wide eyes, and some stifled laughter. Most of the members knew right away that Jeonghan had made a mistake, and Mingyu's face was a picture of shock. His eyes snapped to Jeonghan, disbelief etched into his expression.

“No, it’s not,” Luna chuckled softly from her seat, clearly amused by Jeonghan’s bold but incorrect answer. She raised her hand, prepared to shout her team’s slogan, but before she could, another voice rang out.

[It's not TWICE]

“I Get Worked Up And Lose My Temper Easily!” Dokyeom yelled, practically leaping out of his chair.

[Hyenas never miss the chance]

PD Na nodded, signaling for Dokyeom to give his answer. “Who’s the singer?” he asked.

“STAYC,” Dokyeom answered confidently, and a beat later, Jun followed up, “'ASAP.'”

“You got it,” PD Na confirmed with a grin. Immediately, the chorus of STAYC’s ‘ASAP’ began to play, filling the room with the upbeat, catchy tune.

At once, most of the members, except for Mingyu, Jeonghan, S.Coups, Woozi, and Luna, leaped from their seats and rushed to the front. They began dancing to the song, their movements enthusiastic and playful as they mimicked the choreography with varying degrees of accuracy.

[People aiming for MHP barge in]

The sight of SEVENTEEN, one of the most skilled performance groups, dancing to a girl group song brought waves of laughter through the room.

Luna, though staying seated, couldn’t resist moving along. Her shoulders swayed and her head bobbed to the beat as she grinned, enjoying the show from her spot. She even mimicked some of the hand gestures, laughing as she watched her fellow members execute the choreo with varying levels of precision and commitment.

PD Na, also amused, watched from up front, grinning broadly at the chaotic yet endearing scene unfolding in front of him.

[He loves his job]

The members danced with wild abandon, some more committed than others, while PD Na’s chuckles mixed with the melody.

Luna, still seated, couldn’t contain her amusement as she continued to watch, occasionally throwing in a little dance move from her seat. Her eyes sparkled as she saw the members letting loose and having fun.

When the song’s chorus ended, the dancers made their way back to their seats, still out of breath but beaming with satisfaction. The air was filled with post-performance energy, the room buzzing with excitement and laughter.

“Good job,” Luna said, turning to Joshua with a smile.

Joshua, still catching his breath from the unexpected performance, grinned back at her. “Thanks.”

Nearby, Dokyeom turned to Jun, his face lit up with excitement. “We got the answer. This is great!” he said, the pride in his voice evident. Jun gave a satisfied nod, a small grin tugging at his lips as they both settled back into their seats, ready for the next round.

As the members settled back into their seats, catching their breath after the chaotic dance, PD Na turned his attention to Jeonghan, a playful grin on his face. “What did you say earlier?” he asked, chuckling lightly, clearly referencing Jeonghan's earlier mistake.

Completely unfazed, Jeonghan leaned back in his chair and shrugged, his expression cool as ever. “We said TWICE,” he answered, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

[Absurd]

“I see why you said that,” Hoshi chimed in, noticing the similarities between the artists' sounds. He leaned forward, his face lit with amusement.

Mingyu, on the other hand, was still pouting, his arms crossed as he pointed accusingly at Jeonghan. “He should’ve stayed quiet,” he muttered, his tone playful but clearly teasing his teammate for the mix-up.

Jeonghan, noticing Mingyu’s sulking, turned toward Hoshi, his eyes narrowing mischievously. “What’s this one?” he asked, his hands moving in the familiar choreography that had caused his confusion earlier.

Hoshi immediately recognized the dance. “‘TT,’” he answered, his voice confident.

Seungkwan, always quick to pick up on details, leaned forward with a knowing look. “Because it’s the same producer,” he added, offering a possible reason for Jeonghan’s mix-up.

[It makes sense]

Despite the teasing, Mingyu’s pout remained, his expression still exaggeratedly wounded.

[Sullen]

Jeonghan, quick to catch on, rolled his eyes at his younger teammate. “Sometimes I get confused, you fucking punk,” he said with his whole chest before suddenly poking Mingyu on the head with the pen he’d been fiddling with in his hand.

The unexpected cursing caused a ripple of laughter from the members while the action earned a shocked chuckle from Mingyu, his eyes wide with surprise at Jeonghan’s nonchalant attitude.

[It's okay. They're SEVENTEEN]

From across the room, Luna sat with her chin resting in her hand, watching the playful back-and-forth with a soft smile. Her gaze was warm as if she were watching her favorite movie unfold in front of her. She chuckled quietly to herself, thoroughly entertained by the banter between the two.

[Bunny no. 1 is having a blast]

Still laughing softly, Seungkwan asked, “Were you confused for real?” His tone was light, clearly enjoying the exchange.

Jeonghan, still chuckling, shook his head. “No, I had no idea,” he admitted, patting and affectionately rubbing the spot on Mingyu’s head where he’d poked him, trying to soothe the mock wound.

[Patting]

Mingyu, now recovering from his playful scolding, quickly explained, “We made a rule. I said I’d say the singer, so he could say the title.” His voice was animated, and he mimicked Jeonghan’s earlier moment of confusion with dramatic flair. “Then he was like, ‘TWICE.’”

Jeonghan laughed again, this time shaking his head in disbelief. “I didn’t hear that rule,” he claimed, still grinning from ear to ear. His casual demeanor made everyone laugh even harder, as it was clear Jeonghan was hardly concerned with the mistake.

“They’re perfect,” Wonwoo remarked, his voice low but full of amusement as he watched the duo.

Mingyu, now on his feet and ready to move on from the mix-up, turned to Jeonghan, determination in his eyes. “Do it right. Let’s win this,” he said firmly, though the playful tone in his voice remained.

“I’ll stay quiet,” Jeonghan promised, though the grin on his face suggested that staying quiet wasn’t something he was particularly good at.

The room filled with more laughter as the members shifted in their seats, the light-hearted moment helping to keep the mood playful as they prepared for the next question.

“Are you ready?” PD Na asked, a teasing glint in his eyes as he scanned the members. Before anyone could even think to respond, an older-sounding intro to a song started playing through the speakers, its melody both nostalgic and unfamiliar.

“Hurry up. Say it,” Jeonghan whispered to Mingyu, his voice mockingly urgent, clearly poking fun at his teammate.

Another beat passed, and suddenly, two teams shot up, hands raised as their slogans rang out across the room.

“Go Overboard For Show!” Hoshi yelled first, his voice booming as he raised his hand, eyes locked in determination.

“I Don’t Know Who Park Bo Gum Is, But I Love Him And Cherish Him!” S.Coups followed a millisecond later, his slogan loud and filled with energy.

PD Na chuckled as he acknowledged the faster group. “‘Overboard’ was faster,” he said, pointing at Hoshi and Seungkwan’s team, causing the others to groan in playful disappointment. “1, 2, 3,” PD Na counted down, gesturing for them to answer.

“(G)I-DLE,” Hoshi said confidently, his face glowing with anticipation.

“Wrong,” PD Na immediately responded, crushing Hoshi’s hopes as Seungkwan groaned loudly.

“Burp And Fart!” Jeonghan raised his hand suddenly, cutting through the noise with his usual confident flair.

[Jeonghan never holds back]

Luna, who had been watching the chaos unfold, immediately started laughing, recognizing Jeonghan’s usual antics. She could tell he was up to something.

Jeonghan, rather than giving an answer, turned to Mingyu, his expression overly serious. “Mingyu, you said you’d go first,” he said with mock urgency, calling out Mingyu’s earlier claim that he would be the one to answer first, fully knowing that Mingyu had no idea what the answer was.

Mingyu, caught off guard, could only chuckle in disbelief, shaking his head. “What’s wrong with him?” he asked, his voice filled with exasperation but laced with humor as the rest of the members erupted into laughter.

Luna, who was watching this unfold, couldn’t contain herself. She burst into loud, cackling laughter, her head dropping onto the table as she shook with amusement.

The song intro continued playing, the melody filling the room as the members strained to make sense of it. The confusion was palpable as they exchanged glances, waiting for something recognizable. Luna voiced what was on everyone’s mind. “What is that?” she asked, her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to place the unfamiliar sound.

[Going over the melody]

“I have a feeling the sound will change,” Seungkwan said thoughtfully, his face showing focus. And as if on cue, the beat shifted, surprising everyone and causing a ripple of excitement and even more confusion.

[Even the K-pop professor doesn't know]

“What’s that?” Jun exclaimed, his eyes widening at the unexpected change in tempo.

[It's a familiar melody]

“It sounds like Cool’s song,” S.Coups suggested, tilting his head in thought. He seemed half sure, yet the room was filled with uncertainty.

“How come we don’t know?” Seungkwan added, sounding both amused and exasperated by how elusive the song was.

“Is this an idol song?” Dokyeom asked, a mix of curiosity and frustration lining his voice.

Luna, more perceptive, tried to reason with them, “It’s probably an older song.” Her guess seemed reasonable, especially given how much the tune didn’t match the newer, trendy hits they usually heard.

The beat started to speed up, and the lively rhythm quickly filled the air. Some members started bobbing their heads up and down, following the tempo, while still trying to recognize the song. A few seemed to catch onto the melody but couldn’t quite place it.

For a few seconds, they just listened. The intro continued teasing them, dancing on the edge of familiarity but not quite crossing into recognition—until Dino suddenly stood up, surprising everyone. “Drink Less and Talk More!” he yelled their slogan with an air of confidence. Wonwoo stood up next to him, far quieter but no less determined.

PD Na acknowledged their attempt with a nod. “Drink Less and Talk More,” he repeated.

“Zaza,” Wonwoo said the artist’s name, eyes narrowing as he tried to be sure.

“‘Inside the Bus,’” Dino quickly followed up with the song title.

“No,” PD Na said, shooting them down, and both Dino and Wonwoo sat back down, shaking their heads as the others laughed.

[It's a completely different song]

The song continued playing, growing more familiar to some and just as confusing to the others. Half the members looked frustrated as if the answer was just out of reach, while the rest looked utterly clueless, lost in the unfamiliar melody.

[They're in an unfavorable situation]

“People who know must be frustrated,” Seungkwan said, glancing around the room, his voice tinged with a hint of defeat.

“How come I don’t know this song?” S.Coups muttered to himself, clearly baffled.

PD Na was watching the chaos with amused eyes when he caught sight of Minghao craning his head toward their staff, clearly looking for clues.

Chuckling, he called him out. “The8, what are you looking at? What’s there?” His voice carried light amusement as the members turned their attention to Minghao, who was now trying to act innocent.

[Cheating straight up]

“I have no idea,” Minghao responded, his voice cool and nonchalant, though everyone knew he was up to something.

“The song is almost over,” Luna said with a sigh, clearly on the verge of giving up on this round. Her tone carried the same resigned frustration the others felt.

[The 1st verse is nearly over]

“We have no idea,” Minghao echoed, his words summing up the group’s collective bewilderment.

PD Na glanced around the room with a playful grin. “You all have a chance,” he said, encouraging the members as they remained perplexed by the song’s difficulty.

Without missing a beat, Jeonghan raised his hand, his tone casual but determined. “Can I try? Burp and Fart!” he called out his team’s quirky slogan, causing a few giggles to ripple through the room. PD Na pointed at him, giving him the floor.

[Burp raises his hand]

“Cool,” Jeonghan said confidently, standing up, naming the artist before Mingyu followed suit, standing up beside him and guessing, “‘Fate.’”

“You got it,” PD Na confirmed, and Jeonghan clapped nonchalantly, as though it was no big deal. Mingyu, on the other hand, was thrilled. He grabbed Jeonghan and dragged him to the front as the song’s chorus began to play.

[They got up to celebrate]

“What are we doing?” Jeonghan asked, letting himself be pulled along with little resistance. They linked their hands in a dramatic, over-the-top gesture and began to dance, a messy combination of jitterbug, waltz, and salsa. Their steps were comically uncoordinated, sending waves of laughter through the room.

[Jitterbug]

“Yes, we’re meant to be,” Mingyu declared, continuing to twirl Jeonghan around, who barely moved and only lazily followed his lead, adding to the absurdity of the dance.

“Yeah, it’s great,” Jeonghan said, nodding in mock enthusiasm as Mingyu kept the energy high.

From their seats, Seungkwan yelled, “Burp and fart, please!” teasing the duo who had now taken their choreography to even more ridiculous heights.

[We'll stop here for their reputation]

Finally, after the chorus ended, Jeonghan and Mingyu slowly walked back to their seats, laughter filling the room.

“I guessed, but it was still right,” Mingyu said, breathless but satisfied as he glanced at Jeonghan.

Jeonghan gave him a small nod of approval, still calm and composed as if the whole spectacle hadn’t happened.

[Team Burp And Fart got lucky]

“Next,” PD Na said, as a new song immediately began playing, its intro familiar to at least half of the group.

[Here is the next question]

Before anyone else could react, Luna stood up confidently, raising her hand with a triumphant declaration, “We’re Too Perfect, It’s Annoying!” Her quick movement surprised Joshua, who sat next to her, clearly unsure of the answer, his eyes widening in shock as he realized they had to answer together.

[Shocked deer]

“Yes, your answer?” PD Na acknowledged their team by pointing at them.

Luna barely glanced at Joshua, sensing his hesitation, before confidently announcing, “SUNMI” The members nodded, some clearly recognizing the song, but the real trick came right after.

Luna, with her back suddenly turned toward PD Na, slyly faced Joshua and mouthed the answer, “‘Gashina’,” while performing the song’s iconic finger-gun hand movement, signaling the choreo that would give it away. Joshua caught on quickly, chuckling at her not-so-secret tactics.

[What are they doing?]

The members noticed but said nothing, instead laughing quietly at Luna’s subtle cheating, particularly Jeonghan, whose smirk had grown into a proud, delighted grin. He always appreciated clever tricks like this.

Joshua, now filled with newfound confidence, stood up straight and said, “‘Gashina’.”

“You got it,” PD Na confirmed, unaware of Luna’s discreet coaching. As the song’s chorus filled the room, Luna and Joshua exchanged a quick celebration.

“Nice,” Luna said in english, high-fiving Joshua, who responded with, “Let’s go.”

Seungkwan, from his seat, tilted his head and scoffed with a laugh. “She’s shameless, really,” he teased, watching the two head to the front for their victory dance.

As the chorus of Sunmi’s ‘Gashina’ played, Luna took her position in the center, exuding confidence, while Joshua stayed a few steps behind, clearly reluctant to dance. “Come here,” Luna called, waiting for the iconic drop in the beat.

“I don’t know the dance!” Joshua laughed but cheered her on from a distance.

The second the beat hit, Luna’s demeanor completely shifted. Her body moved fluidly to the music, her sharp yet graceful movements perfectly matching the song’s energy.

[Scary shift]

She nailed the signature choreo — the finger-gun gesture aimed directly ahead, followed by the sharp turn and strut that Sunmi made famous. The members cheered loudly from the back, fully absorbed in Luna’s performance.

When the chorus ended, Luna gave a small bow, grinning as the members clapped and whistled in approval. She headed back to her seat, a satisfied look on her face.

As she crossed paths with Joshua, she pouted playfully, “Ya! You left me.”

Joshua chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as they made their way back. “No, I was there. You did well.” They both sat back down, still sharing the buzz of excitement from their win.

[What's the next question?]

The next round began, and all the members sat in anticipation, waiting for the song to play. As the intro of the new song echoed through the room, Dino’s hand shot up almost instantly, cutting through the initial few beats. “Drink Less And Talk More!” he shouted their team slogan with a burst of excitement. His sudden reaction caused everyone to turn toward him, their faces full of confusion.

PD Na acknowledged them, pointing to Dino’s team. “Drink Less And Talk More,”

“SEVENTEEN,” Dino confidently said, as if the artist was obvious.

At this, the rest of SEVENTEEN looked at each other, their confusion deepening. Was it really one of their songs?

[It's SEVENTEEN's song?]

“‘CLAP,’” Wonwoo stood up and declared the title with a surety that baffled the rest of the members even more.

PD Na, smiling knowingly, confirmed, “You got it.”

[It was 'CLAP'?]

Cheers erupted from Dino and Wonwoo, but the rest of the group remained frozen in place, looking at each other as though they had all missed some crucial detail.

“It’s ‘CLAP’?” Jun asked in disbelief, his voice echoing the collective confusion.

“How was that ‘CLAP’?” Luna asked, her brows furrowed as she tried to connect the intro they had heard to the familiar SEVENTEEN track.

“‘CLAP’?” Dokyeom repeated, looking equally lost.

“Why is it ‘CLAP’?” Jun asked again, glancing around as though someone else could provide the answer.

[Puzzled]

S.Coups and Joshua both suddenly straightened up, their eyes lighting up with realization. “It’s in the beginning of the music video,” they chorused, their voices overlapping in understanding.

Vernon groaned and stood up, pointing dramatically at PD Na. “Oh, the music… the music video,” he whined, realizing that the intro had been the sound effect used at the start of the ‘CLAP’ music video, not the main song itself.

The realization dawned on the rest of the group just as Dino and Wonwoo continued dancing to their own song.

[Despite the chaos they continue celebrating]

The chorus of ‘CLAP’ filled the room, and while the two danced excitedly in front, some of the other members started doing the choreography from their seats, unable to resist joining in despite their lingering confusion.

When the song ended, Dino and Wonwoo made their way back to their seats, satisfied with their win, grinning at the members who were still recovering from the surprise.

As soon as Dino and Wonwoo settled back into their seats, PD Na addressed them with a playful smile, “Congratulations to Drink Less And Talk More. The rest of you, what happened?”

Vernon was the first to jump in, pointing accusingly at PD Na, “That was the music video version!”

Woozi, shaking his finger thoughtfully, nodded in agreement. “That’s not the original music,” he reasoned, his tone carrying just a hint of disbelief.

Dino, still buzzing with the excitement of their win, elaborated, “In the music video, Woozi is standing in front of a store.”

“Right,” Vernon and Luna echoed, nodding along as they finally made sense of the confusion.

Vernon, still baffled by the trickery, repeated, “It’s the music video version.” He was clearly not over it yet, but his grin gave away his amusement.

PD Na shrugged, unfazed. “Someone still got it.”

Vernon chuckled in reluctant acceptance. “You’re right.”

At that, Jun raised his hand apologetically, his voide deep as he chukled, “Sorry. It’s our fault. Sorry.”

The room broke into laughter, the light-heartedness quickly spreading as PD Na turned to Woozi, who produced the song. “Woozi, what happened?”

Woozi chuckled before responding. “Since someone still got it, I can’t argue. If no one got it, I can try to argue. But since you got it, I have nothing to say,” he joked, eliciting even more laughter.

Hoshi leaned over to Seungkwan, muttering under his breath, “I thought it was (G)I-DLE.”

“We filmed the music video a long time ago,” Woozi explained, shaking his head as if recalling the time that had passed since then.

Minghao chimed in, looking at Dino with playful admiration. “Dino monitors music videos often. No wonder you were good at it.”

Seungkwan, never one to miss a chance to tease, leaned forward and declared with exaggerated seriousness, “Now that you all had a chance, we won’t cut you any slack anymore.”

His comment made Luna point at him and chuckle. Seungkwan’s playful competitiveness was always a source of amusement for her.

PD Na, watching the banter unfold, informed them with a knowing smile, “We got the music from everywhere.”

[There will be all kinds of songs]

The group nodded in understanding, now fully aware that they couldn’t rely on just the original versions of the songs anymore.

[Next song]

As they waited for the next song to play, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

[As soon as it plays]

Then, a very familiar tune began to fill the room, immediately prompting all the teams, except S.Coups and Woozi, to spring to their feet. Hands shot into the air, slogans echoed in unison, but it was Seungkwan and Hoshi who were quickest.

“Go Overboard For Show!” Hoshi shouted triumphantly, earning an acknowledgment from PD Na, who pointed at them, waiting for their answer.

[Hoshi was accurate and fast]

“NewJeans,” Hoshi announced confidently, naming the artist.

“‘Hype Boy,’” Seungkwan added, already walking to the front with Hoshi before PD Na could even confirm, “You got it.”

As soon as they reached the center, the chorus started playing, and the two immediately began dancing in perfect sync, effortlessly hitting each move with the same energetic precision. The lively beat had an infectious effect— Minghao started dancing in his seat, and Vernon and Dino soon joined Hoshi and Seungkwan up front, effortlessly blending into the choreography.

[It's fun to play together]

Meanwhile, the rest of the group watched, with some dancing and singing along in their seats.

“How do they know everything?” S.Coups muttered, watching them with a mix of awe and amusement.

“I know,” Joshua agreed, equally impressed.

Jun, not to be outdone, added, “How are they good at it? They’re good.”

At the same time, without even trying, Luna and Dokyeom harmonized softly to the lyrics, “‘You know, I hype you, boy’,” their voices blending perfectly in unison.

PD Na, watching the scene with a grin, commented aloud, “You’re good. Why is that team so good?”

When the song ended, the group cheered, applauding Seungkwan and Hoshi as they made their way back to their seats.

Dino, still buzzing from the excitement, turned to PD Na with an expectant grin, “Do I get MHP?”

[They're ahead of everything]

“What?” PD Na asked, raising an eyebrow.

Before Dino could repeat himself, Jeonghan, ever the calm one, chimed in lazily, “It’ll be announced at the end.”

Dino nodded in understanding, though he looked eager for the results.

With a playful tone, PD Na then looked over at Jeonghan and Mingyu and teased, “Team ‘Burp And Fart’, you’re not likely to win MHP.”

Considering the fact that Jeonghan and Mingyu had been sitting out for most of the game, his comment was met with laughter from the group.

Jeonghan and Mingyu, however, only nodded in agreement. Jeonghan, ever laid-back, responded casually, “It’s okay. We’ll do our best to answer it.”

Mingyu, more serious, added with determination, “We’ll focus on the question.”

As the room fell silent, everyone waited for the next song. The moment the first beat dropped, Seungkwan was already on his feet, shouting their team slogan: “Go Overboard For Show!” The rest of the members could only gape in amazement at how fast he was.

[Seungkwan is dominant]

Hoshi stood up slowly next to him, struggling to recall the song’s title. “Gosh, wait,” Hoshi muttered under his breath, still trying to piece it together.

PD Na acknowledged them by pointing in their direction, and Seungkwan quickly blurted out the title to help his teammate, “‘Full Moon’!”

That was all Hoshi needed. “SUNMI!” Hoshi yelled, his face lighting up with recognition.

Just as Seungkwan was sprinting to the front, confident in their victory, PD Na’s voice rang out: “Wrong.”

Seungkwan collapsed dramatically onto the ground, completely shocked, and instantly, there was a loud chorus of yells from all the teams, trying to steal the answer. Both Luna and Joshua were among the first to raise their hands, but in their haste, they both forgot their team slogan, which made everyone laugh.

[Serious about stealing]

Vernon, however, shouted from the back, “I Don’t Like Your Earrings!” catching everyone off guard. PD Na turned to acknowledge their team.

“SUNMI,” Vernon confidently said, naming the artist. Minghao, picking up from there, added the correct title, “‘Full Moon.’”

Meanwhile, Dokyeom was leaning over to explain to a confused Jun why Hoshi and Seungkwan got it wrong. “You have to say the singer first,” Dokyeom said, giving Jun a knowing look.

“Aigo, that was a waste,” Luna muttered, shaking her head sympathetically at Hoshi and Seungkwan’s mistake.

PD Na nodded, smiling at Vernon and Minghao. “You got it.”

Realization dawned on Hoshi as he turned to Seungkwan. “Oh, I have to say the singer first,” he muttered, still processing their blunder.

The song began to play, and Vernon and Minghao danced to the few steps they knew, looping the same moves over and over again, causing the entire group to erupt in laughter.

[They repeat what they know]

“That’s all I know,” Vernon admitted with a shy smile, his usual confidence melting into humility.

“They’re so cute,” Luna commented, watching with a fond grin as the two shyly continued dancing.

As Minghao and Vernon made their way back to their seats, Seungkwan suddenly dashed up to the front and sang a quick part of the song, making everyone laugh even harder. “‘Perfect weather can’t get no better,’” he sang, dramatically bowing before retreating back to his seat.

[Leaving quickly]

“Did you go out there just to do that?” Hoshi asked Seungkwan with a chuckle.

Once everyone settled back down, Seungkwan, still curious, turned to PD Na. “Is it always the singer’s name first?” he asked.

PD Na nodded. “Yes, then you’re more likely to get it wrong. You might accidentally give away a hint with the title.”

“How did you know it was ‘Full Moon’?” Hoshi asked Seungkwan, still amazed by his teammate’s quick thinking.

Seungkwan simply shrugged, flashing a confident smile. “I know everything.”

[He answers all questions in less than a second]

“It’s impossible to beat Seungkwan in this game,” Mingyu said, shaking his head in disbelief.

[Next question]

The room was filled with anticipation as the next song prepared to play. Just as the riser barely touched the air, Seungkwan leaped to his feet once more, quickly followed by a bewildered Hoshi.

“Go Overboard For Show!” Seungkwan yelled with his usual energy. The other members could only watch in disbelief.

[He got it right away]

“This isn’t fair,” Mingyu muttered, shaking his head in resignation.

“He’s monopolizing,” Woozi added, half-amused, half-astonished.

“I didn’t even realize it played,” Luna said, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“How do you know?” Dokyeom and Jun chimed in unison, staring at Seungkwan as if he had some magical insight.

Seungkwan gave Hoshi a nudge, whispering, “You go first.”

“Who is it?” PD Na counted down, “1, 2, 3.”

“TOMORROW X TOGETHER!” Seungkwan blurted out the artist’s name, his arm wrapped around Hoshi in encouragement, hoping he’d get the title right.

“‘Run For You’? Is it?” Hoshi said hesitantly, clearly unsure, his confusion spreading across the room.

A wave of laughter broke out. “Run for who? Who’s you?” Seungkwan teased Hoshi, trying to contain his own laughter.

Vernon shot up to steal the chance, “I Don’t Like Your Earrings!”

“TXT,” Minghao said confidently, followed by Vernon who guessed the title, “‘Run To Me.’”

“Wrong!” PD Na said with a chuckle.

[The answer is 'Run Away']

Mingyu quickly raised his hand, jumping in. “Burp And Fart!” he shouted, the room filling with amusement.

“TXT,” Jeonghan said the artist’s name before Mingyu followed up with another guess, “‘Running For You.’”

“Wrong,” PD Na replied again.

[They have no clue]

“Sorry, TXT,” Mingyu apologized, laughing as the absurdity of it all sank in.

At this point, everyone was shouting out random guesses, trying their luck. Dino and Wonwoo were next, springing to their feet.

“Drink Less And Talk More!” Dino declared as PD Na turned to them.

“TXT,” Wonwoo said calmly.

“‘Running To You,’” Dino guessed.

“Wrong!” PD Na replied yet again.

It was chaos now, as S.Coups raised his hand with a determined look. “I Don’t Know Who Park Bo Gum Is, But I Love Him And Cherish Him,” he said their team slogan.

“TXT,” Woozi said, and then pointed to S.Coups for the title.

“‘Run… To You’?” S.Coups guessed.

“Wrong!” PD Na said, shaking his head.

Luna raised her hand, calling out her team slogan to try next. “We’re Too Perfect, It’s Annoying!”

“TXT,” Joshua said the artist’s name.

“‘Running With You,’” Luna guessed, hoping they were close this time.

“Wrong!” PD Na said once more, making Luna sigh in frustration. “What is happening?” she deadpanned, turning to Joshua, who could only chuckle in response.

[They are tired of running]

Dokyeom and Jun were the last ones who hadn’t tried yet.

[If they get it wrong,everyone gets a chance again]

“TXT,” Jun said, preparing to throw his hat in the ring.

“‘I Will Be Running For You,’” Dokyeom added with cautious optimism.

“You’re close!” PD Na said, making everyone sit up a little straighter.

Seungkwan, still determined, stood up and yelled their slogan again, “Go Overboard For Show!”

“TXT,” Seungkwan announced once more, and Hoshi finally, with newfound certainty, said, “‘Run Away’!”

[Perfect answer]

“You got it!” PD Na confirmed, and the room erupted in cheers.

Seungkwan and Hoshi made their way to the front, where they broke into the choreography for ‘Run Away’, the other members watching in amusement. Seungkwan took the lead with confidence, effortlessly dancing and singing along to the key movements of the choreography.

Hoshi, however, was a little more spontaneous— making things up as he went, copying Seungkwan’s steps on the fly while improvising in his usual comedic style.

[Free dance]

Vernon, watching from his seat, couldn’t help but laugh, pointing at Hoshi as he commented, “He doesn’t know.” The other members chuckled along, entertained by Hoshi’s attempts to keep up with Seungkwan.

Seungkwan, though, was in full control of the performance, his moves sharp and perfectly timed with the music, while Hoshi followed along, creating a hilarious contrast. The sight of the two dancing in sync— yet slightly off— had everyone grinning and clapping.

[No matter what Seungkwan does, he can copy it on the spot]

As the song ended, Seungkwan dramatically scooped Hoshi up, carrying him away as they both laughed and headed back to their seats. The room filled with cheers and applause, their teammates playfully shouting their names in encouragement.

[Next song]

As soon as the next song’s intro filled the area, Seungkwan shot up to his feet, shouting their team’s slogan, “Go Overboard For Show!” Hoshi hesitantly stood up next to him, looking petrified because he clearly didn’t recognize the tune.

The other members gaped at Seungkwan, stunned by his quick reflexes.

“What are you?” Jeonghan asked Seungkwan in disbelief.

[K-pop professor]

Luna giggled, pointing at Hoshi who stood frozen. “Hoshi doesn’t know.”

Seungkwan clapped his hands together once, his face tense as he physically struggled to remember the answer. “It’s that song… Jeonghan… Jiyeonie noona…” he muttered, his brain visibly working overtime as he pointed at Luna, drawing confused laughter from the group.

Both Luna and Jeonghan raised their eyebrows, confused by Seungkwan’s mention of their names. Luna leaned back, arms crossed.

[They are just as confused]

“What was it again?” Seungkwan asked her, still trying to guess the answer.

[Shamelessly asks her for the answer]

“How should I know? I didn’t hear it well, and even if I did, why would I tell you?” Luna shot back, making the whole group erupt in laughter.

Realizing he was stuck, Seungkwan chuckled and grabbed Hoshi’s arm, dragging him back to their seats in defeat.

[Gives up]

The song played again, and this time, Luna and Jeonghan both visibly lit up, saying “Ah” at the same time as the familiar tune clicked. The other members exchanged looks, starting to recognize the melody, but since it was in English, they hesitated on how to answer.

“Ah,” Luna smiled, raising her hand and calling out their team slogan, “We’re Too Perfect, It’s Annoying.”

PD Na pointed at her, acknowledging their team’s turn. Luna turned to Joshua, leaning closer to whisper, “Do you know the answer?”

Joshua nodded confidently, raising his hand to indicate he’d go first. “Ellie Goulding,” he said with certainty.

“‘Love Me Like You Do,’” Luna answered, her British accent adding flair to the title.

A few members playfully mimicked Joshua’s LA accent and Luna’s British one, as PD Na said, “You got it!”

Seungkwan groaned, “I knew the song, but I wasn’t sure of the title. Noona covered it before,” he whined.

Luna had indeed covered ‘Love Me Like You Do’ nearly two years ago, and it had become one of the most beloved videos among her fans. Her rendition was hauntingly beautiful, showcasing her powerful voice and emotional depth, and it was a favorite amongst their fanbase.

Joshua reached out, taking Luna’s hand to pull her up to the center. “There’s no dance to this,” she protested with a lighthearted chuckle.

“It’s okay,” Joshua reassured her as he twirled her around playfully.

[Improvising]

When the chorus played, the members all sang loudly, but in a teasing, over-the-top way, making everyone laugh.

[The most excited they have ever been]

Seungkwan, Hoshi, and Dokyeom suddenly stood up and began dancing playfully right in front of Jeonghan, their faces filled with mischievous smiles as they dragged him to join them.

Luna, still dancing with Joshua, didn’t notice at first.

Joshua had a teasing glint in his eyes as he looked over Luna’s shoulder. With a playful spin, he turned her around to face Jeonghan, who had been pulled up front.

Unseen by the cameras, Luna shot a warning look at Seungkwan, Hoshi, Joshua, and Dokyeom, silently telling them not to be too obvious.

Unbeknownst to the world, after Luna had covered the song, Jeonghan had half-jokingly, half-seriously told the members that this should be their wedding song— a detail that only made this moment more comical for those in the know.

The song ended with the sound of applause, and Luna and Joshua headed back to their seats. As she sat down, Luna felt eyes on her and looked up, locking gazes with Jeonghan from across the room. His eyes were focused, soft, with a silent understanding passing between them. It was as if they were having an entire conversation without saying a word.

After a moment, Jeonghan winked at her, causing Luna to blush slightly before she quickly looked away, her heart racing.

[The next question is for the world that only remembers 1st place]

“Let’s start,” PD Na said, signaling the beginning of the next round. The members settled back into their seats, waiting for the next song to play. As soon as a beat echoed through the room, Seungkwan and Hoshi sprang to their feet. At this point, the rest of the members weren’t even surprised.

[Overwhelming speed]

“Go Overboard For Show!” Seungkwan shouted with determination, while Hoshi clutched his head, clearly in pain trying to recall the song. The energy shifted, the others watching as the two fought to piece together the answer.

“1, 2, 3,” PD Na counted down, adding to the tension.

“I’ll say it. Wait,” Hoshi muttered, his brows furrowed as he seemed to dig deep into his memory, everyone waiting in suspense.

Finally, there was a beat of silence before Hoshi blurted, “BoA.”

Without missing a beat, Seungkwan followed, “’NO.1’!”

PD Na blinked, his expression confused. “Wrong.”

The two stood there, dumbfounded, shocked that they might’ve gotten it wrong. But PD Na quickly shook his head, realization dawning on his face. “I mean, you got it.” He chuckled, and the rest of the members joined in, laughing at the slight slip-up.

Seungkwan and Hoshi moved up front, ready to perform the dance. As they grabbed each other’s hands, they started spinning around dramatically, clearly enjoying their victory.

“We did this before,” S.Coups said from his seat, referring to the time they had covered this iconic BoA dance as a group.

“Didn’t we do this dance?” Wonwoo added, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

[You totally did]

The chorus kicked in, but both Seungkwan and Hoshi visibly hesitated, their movements buffering as they tried to recall the choreography. They began doing random dance moves in unison, clearly lost.

[He barely remembers it]

“That’s ‘Candy’!” S.Coups pointed out, recognizing the choreography from an entirely different song.

Seungkwan, realizing they were floundering, suddenly started doing BLACKPINK’s ‘DDU-DU DDU-DU’ gun dance instead, causing an uproar of laughter as Hoshi, always quick on his feet, followed suit.

[DDU-DU?]

“‘Hit you with that DDU-DU DDU-DU,’” Seungkwan sang, throwing himself into the new routine, which only made everyone laugh harder.

[HYBE artist brings SM and YG together]

“He’s good at that,” Luna chuckled, watching them fondly from her seat, her eyes shining with amusement.

Seungkwan and Hoshi, realizing they’d lost all hope of remembering the original dance, gave up entirely. Instead, they started following the jib camera, performing as if they were shooting a dramatic music video, serenading the camera with exaggerated expressions.

[Seungkwan and Hoshi love the jimmy jib]

As the song ended, everyone clapped enthusiastically for the two, and the room filled with the sound of applause and cheers.

“Good job,” Minghao said with a grin as the two made their way back to their seats, both out of breath.

“We performed this song, but I can’t remember,” Seungkwan confessed, panting as he sat down.

Luna chuckled softly. “Your dance was better,” she teased.

Hoshi leaned toward Seungkwan, still catching his breath. “I almost got confused with S.E.S. I wasn’t sure if it was S.E.S. or BoA.”

The two shared a look, realizing how close they’d been to getting it wrong but also reveling in their playful performance as they rejoined the rest of the group.

As the next round began, the room fell into a quiet anticipation. The group listened intently, awaiting the song that would determine the next winners.

[A special question for Woozi]

Suddenly, a couple of familiar drum beats filled the air, and chaos erupted. Almost all the teams, except for S.Coups and Woozi, shot up from their seats. Dino and Wonwoo were the first to raise their hands and shout their slogan, though their voices got lost in the overlapping chorus of yells as the members all tried to shout over one another. Woozi remained seated, completely confused as he observed the spectacle unfolding around him.

In the middle of the commotion, Luna quickly raised her hand. In unison with Joshua, she shouted, “Me!” while Joshua yelled his own name, “Joshua!” Both of them got so caught up in the excitement that they completely forgot their slogan.

[What?]

“Drink Less and Talk More!” Dino yelled, his voice the clearest and fastest as he stood up alongside Wonwoo, who quietly followed suit.

Luna chuckled when she realized their mistake, grabbing the name tag paper from the table and playfully smacking Joshua with it. “Ya! We forgot the slogan,” she said, still laughing, as Joshua joined in, chuckling at their blunder.

“Team Drink Less and Talk More was faster,” PD Na confirmed with a nod.

“SEVENTEEN,” Dino said, confidently giving their own group name.

“‘FML,’” Wonwoo followed, delivering the title of their own song with equal confidence.

Mingyu, unsure of himself, stood up and said, “Burp and Fart,” as if expecting it to be wrong.

“No? It is,” Dino said, a bit confused but reassured by the reaction around him.

“You got it,” PD Na confirmed with a smile, giving Dino the win.

“Oh, you got it.” Mingyu said, shocked at Dino’s correct answer.

['FML' by SEVENTEEN]

[The double title song of SEVENTEEN's 10th mini album]

Dino and Wonwoo celebrated, heading up to the front as Woozi threw his head back in defeat, realizing that he was the only one who didn’t recognize their own song— especially a song he had produced himself.

Both Dino and Wonwoo started vibing to the song in front, the music filling the air. Since the song had no official choreography, the members were shocked at the sight.

“This isn’t even out yet,” Vernon said, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

“This song has no choreography,” Joshua pointed out, looking amused.

Dino, however, was completely in his element. He walked around with a sort of drunken swagger, while Wonwoo awkwardly paused to watch as Dino laid down dramatically on the ground, making the whole group laugh.

[He lied down]

Vernon stood up, making his way over to Dino, and gently pulled down Dino’s shirt, which had risen up during his dramatic flop to the floor.

Seungkwan, never one to miss an opportunity, walked up front and started acting like he and Dino were in a skit, playing along with Dino’s antics. He knelt beside Dino, patting his leg. “Sir, I called the chauffeur service. You should go home,” Seungkwan said in a concerned voice, making everyone burst into laughter.

“Just a bit more,” Dino played along, slurring his words like he was actually drunk.

“You can’t lie down here,” Seungkwan continued, keeping the act going.

“Just one more bottle,” Dino said again, playing the role to perfection.

“I already called the chauffeur service,” Seungkwan sighed, pulling him up and getting more laughs from the group.

“Let me just get the razor,” Dino joked as he allowed himself to be pulled to his feet.

“I’ll get you the razor,” Seungkwan responded, still in character.

“Okay,” Dino said, and they walked away, continuing the act.

“I already ordered it. I ordered six blades,” Seungkwan added, patting Dino on the back, keeping the joke going until the whole group was laughing uncontrollably.

“That goes perfectly with the song,” Dokyeom said, clapping his hands in amusement at the skit they had just performed.

PD Na, still laughing himself, turned to Woozi, who was chuckling in disbelief at his own failure. “Woozi,” PD Na said, drawing everyone’s attention to him.

“Woozi had no idea,” S.Coups added, teasing his fellow member.

“I’m in vain,” Woozi sighed, shaking his head.

“Because I have a lot of old-school samples, I thought it was something else,” Woozi explained, trying to defend himself. “I knew I was wrong. I was like, ‘Oh, right.’”

[Losing his mind]

Seungkwan and Luna, who had been watching the entire exchange, spoke in unison. “It hasn’t been released yet,” they said, sympathizing with Woozi’s confusion.

“I never expected it,” Vernon agreed, nodding along.

“I never saw it coming because it’s not released yet,” Woozi said again, shaking his hand in disbelief.

“And this has no choreography,” Wonwoo reminded everyone with a small smile.

“We haven’t practiced the choreography yet,” Vernon added, backing him up.

Woozi repeated once more, “This isn’t released yet. I never saw it coming.”

“He has an excuse for everything,” S.Coups teased, making the room erupt in laughter again.

“Stop. You talk too much. Too many excuses,” Seungkwan deadpanned, playfully shutting Woozi down, causing the whole group, including Woozi, to laugh even harder. Woozi threw his head back, laughing in defeat, realizing there was no escaping the teasing that day.

“Next question,” PD Na announced, his voice cutting through the lingering laughter.

[12th question]

The music for the next round began, and within just a few beats, chaos broke out. Every member shot up from their seats, hands in the air, shouting their slogans, eager to claim the answer.

[They all raise their hands quickly]

But Vernon and Minghao were the fastest.

“I Don’t Like Your Earrings!” Vernon called out, the speed of his response leaving everyone else in the dust.

“I Don’t Like Your Earrings,” PD Na acknowledged with a nod.

“G-DRAGON and Taeyang,” Minghao said confidently.

“‘Good Boy,’” Vernon finished the answer with the song title.

“You got it,” PD Na confirmed, allowing the duo to take the stage for the performance.

Minghao and Vernon moved to the front, preparing for the dance. “That was so easy,” Woozi whined from his seat, his expression one of playful regret.

“You might as well do your best,” Seungkwan urged them, referring to the iconic choreography they were about to perform.

“This is what we should’ve gotten,” Woozi groaned, feeling the sting of missing out on such a well-known song.

The familiar opening lines played, and the energy in the room shifted. As the lyrics ‘Put your hands in the air’ echoed through the speakers, everyone in the room followed suit, raising their hands in perfect sync with the words.

“‘How y’all feeling out there?’” Hoshi growled dramatically, mimicking the ad-libs, drawing laughter from the group.

“We even know the ad-libs,” Seungkwan commented, sounding impressed at their collective enthusiasm.

As the song progressed, Vernon and Minghao bounced along to the beat, getting ready for the iconic chorus dance. The rest of the members were already singing along, hyping up the two performers at the front. Some of the members, bopping in their seats, were already on their feet, fully immersed in the song.

As the chorus neared, Vernon and Minghao spun around, their movements hyping up the rest of the group. They danced with ease, executing the iconic choreo to perfection. Behind them, a few of the other members followed along, mimicking the moves, while the rest sang along, doing ad-libs and enjoying the moment.

When the beat dropped and the chorus hit, the room was filled with energy. Minghao and Vernon performed the dance flawlessly, while the rest cheered, some joining in with the choreography. The atmosphere was electric, as everyone got caught up in the nostalgic excitement of the song.

As the song ended, the members clapped and cheered, their applause loud and enthusiastic as Vernon and Minghao returned to their seats, looking pleased.

“They were great,” Dokyeom commented, still clapping.

“That was cool,” PD Na added, clearly impressed by their performance.

“I should’ve gotten that one,” Woozi lamented again, shaking his head.

“I underestimated Team Earrings,” PD Na teased, turning to Woozi and S.Coups’ team. “I thought you’d barely get any, but you’re doing better than I expected— whereas Woozi got nothing.”

“This is never easy,” Woozi said, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

“This isn’t easy,” Mingyu agreed from across the table, giving Woozi some backup.

“It’s okay,” S.Coups chimed in, offering a reassuring nod to his teammate.

“Okay, next question,” PD Na announced as the group prepared for the upcoming challenge. They waited expectantly for the next song to start, but instead of a melody, a doorbell sound echoed through the room.

“Mommy’s here,” Jeonghan teased, his usual playful tone making everyone chuckle.

“Who is it?” Minghao followed, leaning into the bit.

“Delivery,” Jun chimed in, not missing a beat.

“You can leave it at the door,” Seungkwan quipped, playing along as well, causing laughter to ripple across the room.

Suddenly, Dokyeom’s voice echoed as he confidently shouted, “I Get Worked Up And Lose My Temper Easily!” He stood, hands raised in triumph, clearly thinking he had nailed it.

PD Na pointed at him, waiting for his answer.

“Halli Galli?” Dokyeom guessed, looking hopeful. His answer caused the entire room to erupt into laughter.

“Wrong,” PD Na said, shaking his head.

Luna, laughing, added, “That’s a board game!”

[It is a board game]

“Isn’t it right?” Dokyeom laughed along, realizing his mistake.

“Wrong,” PD Na confirmed again, adding to the hilarity as the group continued laughing.

[They're lost]

They quieted down, listening more intently as the music played on. S.Coups stood up, raising his hand and saying their team’s slogan: “I Don’t Know Who Park Bo Gum Is, But I Love Him And Cherish Him.”

PD Na nodded at him, waiting for his answer.

“Sobangcha,” S.Coups guessed.

“Wrong,” PD Na said, and S.Coups groaned, “That’s not it,” as he sat back down, shaking his head.

The song kept playing, the tension in the room thickening. Some of the members seemed familiar with the tune but couldn’t quite place the title. Mingyu, in particular, was whining as he sat forward, the answer clearly on the tip of his tongue. Meanwhile, others like Wonwoo, Woozi, and S.Coups were thinking hard, brows furrowed in concentration.

[They've been doing this for a while]

Luna and Joshua, however, leaned back in their seats, both looking completely lost. “I have no idea,” Luna admitted, turning to Joshua.

“Me too,” Joshua chuckled, sharing her confusion.

“Let’s try to win the MHP at least,” Luna suggested, a grin forming as she teased him. “You have a high chance of winning it,” she said, making Joshua nod as he focused on the next strategy.

The song continued, and suddenly, Vernon stood up with his slogan ready, “I Don’t Like Your Earrings!” he shouted.

[Vernon raised his hand first]

Minghao, who had no clue, was startled by Vernon’s sudden movement, his face full of surprise.

[He's lost]

PD Na laughed, pointing at a shocked Minghao, “The8 doesn’t know why he’s up.”

The room erupted in laughter once again.

“Vernon, you have to say it first— 1, 2, 3,” PD Na counted down, waiting for the answer.

Vernon paused, looking at a clueless Minghao, then gestured toward Dino and Wonwoo’s team with a sheepish smile. “Can I make a concession?” he asked, making the group laugh harder.

“Are you making a concession?” Wonwoo stood up, chuckling as he crossed his arms.

Realizing he had no hope, Vernon gave up and grabbed Minghao’s hand to sit back down, shaking his head in defeat.

[They were nice enough to make a concession]

“Team Drink Less and Talk More?” PD Na offered, turning to Dino and Wonwoo’s team.

Dino sat frozen, clearly paralyzed by indecision, while Wonwoo managed to say the artist’s name, “Shim Soo Bong?”

“Wrong,” PD Na said.

Jeonghan, still seated, raised his hand and recited their slogan confidently, “Burp and Fart.”

[Burp was waiting for his chance]

PD Na acknowledged them, nodding.

“Yun Soo Il,” Jeonghan said, grinning slightly.

PD Na then counted down for Mingyu, “1, 2, 3.”

“‘Apartment,’” Mingyu said, the answer finally clicking into place.

“You got it!” PD Na confirmed, causing the members to gasp in disbelief. Mingyu and Jeonghan celebrated immediately, high-fiving with big smiles on their faces.

“How did you know?” Mingyu asked, turning to Jeonghan with curiosity.

“My dad’s favorite singer,” Jeonghan replied, as casual as ever.

[You're also a good son]

The song played again, and this time, a handful of the members went up to the front to freestyle dance to the old tune. Vernon, Minghao, Wonwoo— who was pulled up by Dino— Dokyeom, Seungkwan, Hoshi, and Jun all jumped up, eager to join the fun.

[There are always people who do this on 'National Singing Contest']

The rest of the members, including Mingyu, Jeonghan, Woozi, S.Coups, and Luna, sat back down, content to watch the others perform. Luna, however, gave Joshua a little nudge, pushing him forward to go dance.

“Go, go,” she urged, laughing as Joshua reluctantly joined the group.

[Under pressure]

As the members danced, most of them played up the comedic aspect, especially Joshua, who started mimicking a well-known meme. His exaggerated movements caused the members to burst out laughing, several pointing at him as they realized the similarities.

[Drunken Disney princes]

“Good job! Good job, Shua!” Luna cheered him on, her laughter contagious as she clapped for him.

Once the song ended, the members slowly returned to their seats, still chuckling and catching their breath. Luna continued clapping for Joshua as he plopped down next to her.

[Joshua won]

“Joshua, that was cool,” Seungkwan said, still smiling at his friend’s antics.

“We’ll give up on MHP,” Mingyu declared, shaking his head, a grin tugging at his lips.

Jeonghan nodded in agreement, both of them still relishing their small victory from earlier.

[We're out of energy]

As the lively atmosphere settled, the room buzzed with the afterglow of laughter and excitement. PD Na’s voice broke through the hum, preparing them for the next question. The members, some leaning forward eagerly while others relaxed back in their seats, prepared themselves for what was to come next.

The game wasn’t over yet, and the friendly competition had only just begun.

[To be continued in Clip 3-1]

ೃ⁀➷ comment or message me to be added to the tag list :)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ SUBMIT A REQUEST AND ASK ME ANYTHING!

: ̗̀➛ requests are always open ♡ - selఌ

Taglist: @yeoberryx @minminghao @angie-x3 @jennwonwoo @k13endall @heeseungthel0ml @chisskaa @megumi2020 @yoonzzziino @lllucere @smh-anon @yveclipse @randomworker @bunnystrm @iamawkwardandshy @gratefulbunny1 @bmo-bri @syren-ash @megseungmin @multiplums @unlikelysublimekryptonite @night-storm7 @cookiearmy @seokqt @btskzfav @billboard-singer @junhuisworld @caturdayvibe @coralbatlampzonk @sof1eya @lyraea

270 notes · View notes

tribalauthor · 5 months ago

Text

THE WISEWOMAN (roman reigns ff) <chapter 3>

word count: 2k

Nervous is an understatement for my state of feeling right now.

Today is my first segment and in this segment I have to announce that I am the temporary wise woman for Roman Reigns.

Also I have a task from uncle. I have to persuade Nick Aldis - the general manager of Smackdown to cancel the fatal 4-way match since it's just unfair.

These past few days I met Jimmy, Jey and Solo. Very respectful men by the way. Uncle wasn't lying.

I have also been making friends with the women roster cause I do need female friends here. I can't only hang out with the Bloodline, right?

"Don't worry, girl. You got this!" Samantha tried to hype me up. She is the ring announcer and honestly we became close really fastly. In a few days, we know all about the life stories of one another. "I can't even wait to announce you. Ladies and gentlemen, accompanied to the ring by his special council, the wise woman - Sophia Heyman...oh my god" she started clapping excitingly and this made me grin from ear to ear.

"It sounds so good. You are so talented" I exclaimed. Her voice is really made for announcing, it's so powerful.

"Good luck to your fiancée, by the way" I wished her. Her and Trevor are one of the sweetest couples ever.

"Thank you so much" she smiled nervously.

"It must be nerve-wracking to have a partner wrestler, right?" I asked out of nowhere. I mean, looking at these men and women sacrificing their bodies and health everyday for the sake of entertainment is insane and is bringing a lot of thoughts in my mind...and questions.

"Indeed. You are always worried about their health cause anything can happen in that ring and yeah..." she explained. "I just pray every day for him and for my colleagues, of course"

"Understandable" I nodded my head.

"Speaking of..." she looked around us and got closer to me. "What do you think about him?" I got puzzled for a moment.

"Ricochet? Well, I haven't really spoken to him but he seems like a nice guy" I replied.

"Not my fiancée...about Roman" she looked around again and whispered his name.

"Is he like Voldemort, why you so scared of saying his name? Well, he seems okay for now. Honestly, better than I expected but I had no expectations so." I shrugged.

"I think he likes you." she just spat out but this time she wasn't very quiet.

"What? Samantha...are you in your delulu moment?" I furrowed my eyebrows because she just said that so out of nowhere.

"Girl, literally look at you. That's what I'm gonna say. You are the woman that haunts men's dreams, no matter if they are single or taken." Samantha clarified.

"Come on." I rolled my eyes. Would lie if I said I didn't get this before.

"He is divorced by the way but you haven't heard this from me" Samantha switched to whispering again.

"What? I mean...how do you know? I mean, yeah whatever, I guess. Uncle is divorced as well." I shrugged. Trying to look nonchalant.

"You don't get my point. What I'm trying to tell you is that you should be careful if you don't wanna end up being caught in his vice grip" Sam giggled cause she knows I got the reference very well. However, I was totally unfazed because I don't see myself with a man like him.

"Ha-ha, so funny, Samantha, ha-ha. Don't you worry about me. I have learned my lesson with Robert, so if somebody wants to impress me now, it's gonna be very, very hard." I solidified my intentions. I really thought he was the one for me but those thoughts were disproved when we tried to live together.

"What are you two girls talking about so passionately?" I suddenly heard Roman's deep voice behind me and it startled me so much that I jumped a little. "Woah, calm down, wise woman. Am I a ghost?" he was exactly behind me and I looked up to him since he is like more than 7 inches taller than me. Roman had his eyes down my direction and a big grin on his face. "Tell me what are you two gossiping about. Tell me the drama."

"The discussions me and Samantha were having, Mr. Reigns, are strictly confidential, so I am not telling you. You ain't one of the girls." I sassed him out and he let out a deep chuckle.

"But you are my wise woman. You should tell me everything. No secrets between us." he suddenly tried to act offended.

"This statement, Mr. Reigns, is disputed. There is nowhere in the contract that signifies I should tell you everything about my life and vice versa." I immediately opposed to him.

"Always disagreeing with me" he looked at Samantha with the look of complaint. "Have you ever seen the Wise Man disagreeing with me, Samantha?"

"No, at least not here." she replied.

"Okay but I'm not uncle. Also the agreements are only for the camera. Behind camera, I'm not obligated to." I turned to him and shrugged.

Roman chuckled once again.

"Miss Heyman, I honestly find your attitude so cute. You think you are 'biting' like a snake but honestly, I'm having fun."

"Oh, you think that this is my bad side, Mr. Reigns? I have to apologize then. You are mistaken" I fought back.

"No, I didn't say that this is your bad side. Anyway, we have to start preparing for later, so the gossip session has to end soon, okay?" he suddenly turned all serious. This man's duality is insane. He can throw some random jokes one second and the other second, he turns into a serious man. Is he a Gemini or something?

"Coming after a while" I said and turned around to Samantha.

"I bet you will" I heard him saying under his nose and I turned to him again. When he saw that I heard him, he made that funny "oops" expression.

Until the very moment he got away, Samantha had a look of disbelief in her face.

"See what I'm talking about? Now I'm 100% sure. Soph, I have never...ever in my career seen Roman like this. He is so obvious, oh my god." she put her hand on her mouth.

"Is he a Gemini?" I asked aloud, that duality has one explanation.

"Uuh, I think so, yes." Sam said rather unsurely.

"I knew it. And then people tell me astrology ain't real" I shook my head. "And how old is he?" I asked quietly.

"Let me think...uh, he is a bit older than Trevor. Two or three years something like this. In his late thirties for sure - 38, I believe." my friend suddenly started calculating. "This year he will be 39."

"What?" my jaw was on the floor. "Yeah, no chance. That's a...12 year difference, nuh-uh." I shook my head.

"But you thought about it" she started laughing and poked me.

"About what?" I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "Anyway I have to go"

"Coming for him" Sam couldn't help but snore.

"Ha-ha so funny" I rolled my eyes.

"I'm here" I shouted after I got in the locker room. The whole Bloodline is there.

"Lil' OG." Jimmy came to greet me with a high-five.

"Lil' OG"? Solo seemed weirded out by the way Jimmy called me.

"Paul is OG. Sophia is his blood, therefore she is lil' OG." Jimmy explained himself and his brother just seemed done.

"She looks nothing like Paul."

"Nah, she has his eyes" Jimmy disagreed with him.

"Ah yes. The saphire blue eyes that I inherited from my late great-grandmother Patricia." I stated.

"You may not look like Paul but for sure sound like him" Jimmy concluded. "So are you ready for later?"

"Mentally kinda, physically absolutely not. I have to start dressing up and everything because after 10 minutes the makeup artist and the hairdresser will be waiting for me." I looked at my watch.

Then reached to the wardrobe to grab the outfit I planned for tonight. It is a two piece costume consisting a blouse like blazer with a deep cleavage but it also has a scarf that is going to wrap around my throat and also a long skirt with a long slit. The color is dark blue with thin light stripes exactly like my uncle's costumes. For shoes I chose beige lacquered high heels.

Where is Roman? He was so insisting for me to come here and now he is nowhere to be found.

"Paul Heyman : female version" Jimmy said in a narrative tone which made me chuckle.

"Oh, they definitely will, trust me" Solo said seriously.

"I don't think the crowd is going to notice the difference" I shrugged.

I heard some steps behind us. I turned around to see, knowing it was definitely Roman.

The view in front of me is just...wow.

Roman fresh out of the shower with his wet, long hair, his big ass tribal tattoo and a white towel wrapped around his torso. Water drips falling onto his body like tears.

"Ah, you're here, Sophia." he said that as if he totally expected me and as if everything is on purpose.

"Yeah." I turned around and faced his cousins because if I stare for longer, I will boost up his ego. Damn, that man is jacked.

"So is the bathroom free? I have to dress quickly." I asked a rhetorical question but I tried to go as quickly as possible, so I don't look at him in any way. I went through like a flash honestly.

"Do you need help?" I heard him yelling at me.

"No?" that was so random of him.

"You said you have to dress up quick and you know two works better than one" he replied and that response caused me to open the bathroom door and he was still sitting there.

Is he out of his mind? Asking me this right in front of his cousins? Unbelievable.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Reigns but I have to decline this offer." after I finished, I slammed the door.

Roman's POV:

I chuckled at Sophia once again. Damn, I know this woman for a few days yet she got under my skin. The way she looks, the way she talks, the way she walks. I feel betrayed by Paul, to be completely honest. How could he never tell me he has such a pretty niece?

"Uce...what the fuck?" Solo whisper yelled.

"What?" the grin on my face still stayed.

"What do you mean 'what'? You are hitting on Paul's niece" Jimmy called me out.

"Nah, I'm not. We are just joking" I immediately debunked Jimmy's statement and went to the wardrobe to search for my stuff.

"You don't joke like this...ever. Come to your senses, uce. She is way younger than you. How old is she?" Jon asked with a concern.

"I don't know. Probably 25-26." the looks the siblings exchanged between each other were full of shock as if I said she is a minor...come on.

"She is younger than me?" Solo seemed caught off guard.

"That divorce has made you mad." Jimmy started lecturing me. "You see a pretty woman and suddenly you want to sleep with her".

"Uce, you can't fool us. Look at her. A living Barbie doll. Get yourself together immediately." Solo whisper yelled but we all shut up immediately when we heard the door open.

"I don't wanna sleep with her, you perverts. I just like her company, okay? Stop lecturing me." I tried not to yell at them because I don't want Sophia to hear me.

(outfit)

"So how do I look?" Sophia asked, standing in front of me with that business ass little outfit and heels and so much unholy thoughts going in my head of how I bend her over and pull that skirt up and then...

Joseph, you should stop before something rises underneath and completely embarass yourself.

"Amazing" I cleared my throat. "Spectacular" I cleared my throat again, trying not to stare too much at her.

That woman is my dream personified and I don't care what my cousins think. I'm going to have her one way or another.

"Great" Jimmy and Solo threw her big grins and thumbs up.

"Thank you so much, now I'm leaving you guys. Bye. See ya later." she ran to the door and left the room.

"Holy shit" I sat on the couch. "I may be in trouble" I finally confessed.

"Took you long enough." Solo said sarcastically.

#roman reigns #head of the table #tribal chief #roman reigns fanfiction #wwe #the bloodline

44 notes · View notes

lightandheatao3 · 5 months ago

Text

The Bunker - Criminal Minds

Chapter 15: The Door

Summary: Spencer Reid wakes up in a locked bunker to find half the current BAU and two of its departed members unconscious on the floor. The old team is back together but the reunion is not what any of them would have wished for. An Unsub from their past has decided it's time they all stop keeping secrets, even if it means exposing them by force.

Hotch and Derek have been pulled back into a world they tried to escape. Emily, Rossi, and JJ are doing their best to keep it together. Spencer is falling apart.

AKA a found family is reunited and forced to go through the most nightmarish version of family therapy imaginable.

Set months after the end of Criminal Minds: Evolution. Evolution referenced, but not necessary to understand the story.

Chapter Summary: Spencer is not looking at the hatch in the door. He isn't thinking about what's inside.

Read chapter 15 on AO3 or under the cut. Please check AO3 for content warnings. All comments and reblogs are extremely appreciated <3 I would love to know what you like about the story :)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14

Spencer's eyes flung open only seconds before the alarm.

The horrible, high-pitched sound assaulted his senses. He squeezed his eyes tight against the light and rushed to cover his ears, wincing as his useless left hand scratched across his cheek.

The last traces of his dreams washed away in the noise. A flash of a needle, a glint in Ethan's eyes, all lost to the ringing in his ears.

It hadn't taken long for the purpose of the new speaker encased in the camera housing to reveal itself.

The single endless day they had been living beneath the fluorescents was now delineated into 24 hour segments, marked by the blaring siren. The concept of days had returned to their lives.

Each day began the same: Alarm, food delivery within 5 minutes, an attempt at reasoning with their jailer through the door which was inevitably met with silence, a spark of hope, a crushing blow, a chip of his willpower carved away.

When he first put the loaded syringe in the hatch, beneath the general feeling that he was utterly pathetic for being in the situation to begin with, a part of him had really thought himself a little bit strong and selfless for the great sacrifice he was making. With each new delivery leaving the narcotics in their place, untouched, he was feeling less noble and more like a stray cat cornered in an alley.

Rossi broke him out of his reverie by shoving a banana into his good hand and saying, "Maybe if you eat today you'll have enough energy to do more than just stare at that fucking door for hours on end. You need a better hobby, kid."

"I ate yesterday," he said defensively, not bothering to dispute the other accusation.

"Try more than two bites this time," said Rossi pointedly.

After breakfast was calisthenics, usually run by JJ or Derek, with the latter taking the lead this time.

JJ's hair was thin and patchy where she had been compulsively pulling it out. The back of her arms and her knees were scabbed from picking at the skin. She told him once years ago that she used to do it as girl, only stopping when she moved out of home. It had been getting worse. Even she was starting to need coaxing to participate in activities.

Spencer stepped to the side while the others continued running laps around the room. He leaned against the wall, panting, his vision swimming.

"Come on! Another 60 seconds," yelled Derek, tapping him on the arm as he ran past him. "Get your ass in gear."

"Absolutely fucking not," he said, groaning against the nausea.

Derek slowed to a stop. The others followed with sighs of relief.

"You have been spending way too much time around Rossi," he said, strolling over and shaking his head.

"Go fuck yourself," said Rossi, flipping Derek off, still panting from exertion.

"See, coming out of him, it sounds natural. 'Fuck' was probably his first word. But you? It's just wrong." Derek put a hand on Spencer's shoulder to stabilize him, as he was swaying somewhat. "You alright?"

"Fine," he said, dizziness abating as he took some deep breaths. "You know, swear words serve more than a linguistic function. Imaging has shown that swearing correlates to increased activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, meaning it has an impact on emotional regulation and impulse control. It's even been shown to have an analgesic effect. Studies have shown that, on average, swearing accounts for 0.5% to 0.7% of total word usage, which can-"

"That number's gotta be like 5% minimum for Rossi," chimed in JJ.

"Did I do something to piss you all off today?" asked Rossi, throwing up his hands incredulously.

Spencer flipped through the last few days (days? the time between alarms) and cataloged every word that came out of Rossi's mouth. Once the list was compiled, the equation was simple.

"Extrapolating from data over the past six days, approximately 1.4% of your total speech is profanity," said Spencer, looking at Rossi. "That is double the median average."

"What can I say? I'm an overachiever," said Rossi, unbothered.

"What percentage are you up to?" JJ asked Spencer.

He repeated the mental process the same as he had for Rossi, freezing as soon as he landed on the unexpectedly high number. It's not as if he had an issue with profanity, but he preferred to be sparing so as not to dilute the impact or precision of his words. Upon reflection, his vocabulary had shrunk somewhat during their confinement. He pursed his lips, then turned to Derek. "I have been spending too much time around Rossi."

That earnes him and Derek both a middle finger.

"I'm going to wash up," said Emily with an affectionate eye roll at all of them, turning to the bathroom and laying first claim on the sink and soap.

The day marched on.

"You're getting better at that," said Hotch, observing his loose, fumbling grip on the little ball their captors had gifted them. "It looks like you're improving."

He sat cross-legged, facing Derek, his back to the door. Physical therapy, the other man called it. A waste of time, thought Spencer, but he played along. Having something constructive and helpful to do each day brought a spark to Derek that he couldn't bear to take away.

The program was cobbled together based on Spencer's anatomy knowledge and Derek's practical understanding of movement based on his own experiences as a young athlete and having recovered from injuries in the past. He was more knowledgeable in the subject than Spencer had realized. The program wouldn't be out of place at an actual physiotherapy clinic.

Unfortunately, the biological reality of a severed nerve could not be rewritten by optimism and force of will. The best case scenario of a surgical repair in the immediate aftermath of the injury would likely still have left him with loss of function.

They were well past the best case. He'd be lucky if he could ever form a proper fist again.

"I'll be back to doing sleight of hand in no time," he said to Hotch with a tight smile.

It was worth it for the hint of pride that flashed across Derek's face.

The rest of the day, they took turns in leading activities. With endless hours to kill, the biggest enemy was boredom, and they fought it valiantly.

Emily had taken to reading a new chapter aloud each day from the trite self-help book on radical honesty that the Unsub had left them. It had some genuinely interesting provocations, but intertwined with oversimplifications and new age schlock. Emily took on the most melodramatic tone she could muster even in the driest, dullest segments.

Spencer had taken to sharing his most recent lecture series for the Advanced Criminal Psychology course at the university. Of course, the others were already highly educated on the topic, so he took the opportunity to invite feedback and spark discussions on theory and interesting case studies.

Rossi, on the other hand, had been breaking up his litany of what JJ liked to call 'sleepover party greatest hits' in favor of increasingly esoteric card games. He presented the progressively more convoluted play alongside far fetched stories of when and where he learned the games, and Spencer was pretty sure he was making up most of it as he went along.

This one he insisted was called Dead Man's Hand and involved a complicated series of bluffs and calls. How one wins the game was as yet unclear, likely because Rossi was still deciding on the rules.

"Reid," said Hotch firmly from across the circle in a tone that indicated he'd said it several times already.

"Huh?"

"It's your turn."

He looked down at the cards clutched in his good hand, then put them on the ground. "I fold."

"Wrong game," said Rossi, raising an eyebrow.

"Yet, I'm doing it anyway."

"You were staring at the door again, man," said Derek lightly.

"I was admiring the architecture," he deadpanned.

He itched all over, deeper than he could possibly scratch. He felt the syringe as if he were connected to it by an umbilical cord.

"I know this sucks," said Derek, "but you've already made it this long. What's one more day? You're str-"

"If I hear one more time that I'm stronger than this, I'm going to f-" he hissed to a stop, suddenly conscious of his excessive cursing. He took a breath. "I'm going to respectfully ask that you keep the facile support group platitudes to yourself."

Derek put his own hand of cards down. "If I acknowledge the drugs, you get mad. If you think I'm avoiding the topic or placating you, you get mad. Is there anything I can say, or not say, that won't piss you off?"

"Probably not," he said petulantly. "Is there anything I can say that will get you to stop treating me like I'm a bomb waiting to go off?"

An invisible ripple spread across the room. The game was forgotten. He hadn't meant to argue, but it bubbled out of him and he didn't know how to make it stop. They were always watching him. Always checking in, commenting on and correcting every errant behavior.

Derek sucked his teeth, jaw clenched. He looked away, then looked back.

"A week ago, we thought you were dead. Sorry it's taking a minute to get over it."

"I know," he said, instantly regretful.

"There's still a stain from where your blood soaked into the concrete," added JJ quietly, a distant look in the direction of the off color patch where the porous concrete couldn't be fully cleaned.

"I know. I know," he said quickly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," said Emily gently. "Nobody is trying to single you out. We're all struggling. Maybe, if we're honest, focusing on you can be a good distraction. God knows I don't want to think about my own issues a single second longer than I have to. Your problems just have the advantage of being harder to ignore."

"That's some very healthy radical honesty you're practicing," joked Rossi. Spencer appreciated his effort to break the tension.

"Shut up," scoffed Emily.

Spencer looked back at the door. After a long while, he said, "How long are we going to do this? It's been six days. They stalked us for at least a year. We can't discount their capacity for patience."

"So we have to be more patient than them," said Emily. "This was your idea."

Malicious compliance was the strategy. They tried following the rules. They tried open defiance. They tried self-destruction. This was an opportunity to do something new. Play her game by the letter, but don't let her win. Wait her out, as long as it takes, until she's forced to change tactics or make a bolder move. Do not, under any circumstances, allow their captors to believe that they can physically coerce them into specific actions.

It was less a plan than a loose tactic, but it was something. Nobody wanted to be gassed again, but they would take that over letting her win the battle of wills.

Which would be fine if it wasn't his rapidly waning willpower that they were depending on.

"There's still the option to just flush it," pointed out Derek.

"No," said Hotch, drawing all eyes to him. "As much as I want to, we all know what's going to happen if we do it. That kind of explicit defiance of an articulated rule will trigger retaliation, and it will be worse than the last time."

"I know you don't want to hear this," said JJ, reaching out to put her hand on his, though he could barely feel her touch, as it was his bad hand, "but you are stronger than this. You have to be."

He held her gaze. She was right: he didn't want to hear it. He wanted them to say 'Give in. Get high. That's a completely logical course of action.'

"I'll be fine," he said firmly. "Absolutely fucking fine."

"Watch the language," deadpanned Rossi.

He laughed despite himself.

His skin itched. His mangled arm was searing with nerve pain. He couldn't help another glance at the hatch.

Maybe he had it in him. For them, surely, he could endure.

He went to pick up the discarded cards, intending to make a concerted effort at the ridiculous, barely coherent game. It would be interrupted any minute by the second daily food delivery anyway. Maybe this would be the one where the Unsubs finally gave up and took the narcotics away, though he didn't have high hopes.

Before he could get to the cards, the world was plunged into darkness.

He froze for a moment, disoriented, struggling to process what he was, or rather wasn't seeing.

The lights were out.

#criminal minds fic #spencer reid angst #criminal minds hurt/comfort #criminal minds evolution #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds angst #criminal minds #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid whump #spencer reid #spencer reid hurt/comfort #bau team as family #spencer reid fic #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds evolution fic

29 notes · View notes

cozage · 2 years ago

Text

The Daughter's Return Part 3

Chapter 19: The Morning of War

Start From Beginning | Next Chapter | Table of Contents | Read on AO3

Characters: female reader x Portgas D. Ace Word Count: 1.3k

Marco woke you early to run one last routine checkup.

“Still a happy and healthy baby you’ve got in there,” he said, giving you a nervous look. “You’re almost at month five.”

“Bell pepper month,” you said quietly, your hand rubbing over your stomach subconsciously. “Still so tiny.”

“And not very resistant to heat,” Marco warned. “So please, today…don’t do anything stupid. It’s not just your life anymore.”

“I know,” you whispered, staring at your small baby bump. You hadn’t expected to get so attached to this little nuisance. But when you weighed the thought of losing Ace or this baby…there was no contest.

Marco hesitated, watching you. He knew you too well. Your behavior was too perfect. You were scheming.

“Please don’t-“

“Just promise to save him, Marco.” Tears flooded your eyes. “Please.”

He knew how much promises meant to you. He knew you were asking him to promise the impossible.

“I promise I’ll do the best I can,” he said. “Let’s get you up to Pops.”

You were almost there. Almost to Ace. You just had to behave for a little bit longer.

“You’ll stay beside me through this entire thing,” your father said, sitting in his captain's chair. “I’ll need your eyes to find weak points.”

“Of course,” you said, nodding in agreement. You stood tall and proud, as if that role would be the only position you’d have all day. Your good behavior had allowed you to roam freely around the ship today, but you knew the commanders were all under orders to stop you if you tried to run onto the battlefield. Plus your sea-prism shackles were still tightly fastened around your wrists.

When your father’s ship rose from the sea, you stood at the bow of the ship, your eyes desperately searching for him. You didn’t care about the layout of the battlefield, you could examine that later. Right now, you needed to find him.

He was so far away. And yet so close. You scrambled up and stood on the railing to get a better view, but it was him. He was alive. He was safe. For now.

“No,” Ace mouthed in horror. He hadn’t even found you yet; this horror was from the sacrifice of so many that was about to be made.

You almost jumped down and took off towards him. But you needed to bide your time. Marineford was full of traps and different sections. You needed to see their hand before you put yourself into play.

“Ace!” Your father yelled out. “Bear with me, son. We’ll be there soon.”

“Father!” Ace called out.

There was an eerie silence amongst the battlefield, everyone waiting for the other side to make a move.

“Do it,” you whispered, gripping a rope to hold yourself steady.

Your father listened, and sent a shattering tremor through the sea. Giant tidal waves rose up, getting ready to crash down on the bay of Marineford.

But they never came. The bay instantly froze over, Aokiji’s powers activating and solidifying the waters.

All hell broke loose after that, every Marine aiming for your father and you in some way. But your division commanders protected you, and you took the time to examine the battlefield.

Thousands of Marines stood at different portions of the battlefield. Men with swords and guns, strange patterns and sectionings. You had examined as much of Marineford as you could beforehand, but the Marines kept this place a highly guarded secret. Yet there was something that felt off about the battlefield.

The canons. They were angled wrong. The walls were too low for a first defense. It didn’t make any sense.

Then you saw it: the invisible line where the first defense stopped and the second defense started. There had to be a secret there; perhaps a wall segment that was activated by a trigger of some sort. If that wall were to be triggered while all of the pirates were in there, they would be fish in a barrel; easy targets for anyone who wanted to pick them off.

At least one wall segment you’d have to get through. Though you had no idea how tall, how thick, or how it was activated. Practically useless information, but you reported it to your father regardless.

And your father called Little Oars into action. He didn’t have to give any directions, Little Oars just went straight for the guarded platform.

“Wait, Pops-”

“I know,” he said. “I made the call. Not you.”

“But he’ll-!”

“Quiet,” he hissed. “My men are more capable than you think. So watch.”

Cannonfire rained down upon Little Oars, but you refused to look away. You had caused this death and destruction. And when Little Oars fell to the ground, you couldn’t help but blame yourself for his untimely demise.

Ace was screaming from the platform, begging everyone to run. But nobody would listen; of course they wouldn’t. Everyone loved the second division commander. So much they would be willing to die for him.

You could see him drop his head in defeat, broken by the amount of loss he was being forced to witness.

“You better live, Portgas D. Ace!” You screamed at him, putting all of your rage and hurt into your voice. “Because wherever you go, I go!”

His head perked up, and he scanned the battlefield, desperately searching for you.

“And when I get a hold of you-” you paused to take a breath, tears streaming down your face. “I’m going to kick your ass! Do you understand?!?”

His eyes widened as he found the source of your voice, and you could see the will to live return to his body, ever so slightly. That would be your goal for now. Keeping Ace alive and keeping the fight in him.

You felt a shiver up your spine and turned to the source of the dread. The admirals. You had shown yourself, and you knew they would take advantage of that.

And Akainu was staring straight at you, a triumphant smirk on his face. You glared back at him, until his eyes slid down to the cuffs around your hands. He raised an eyebrow curiously, and you could see him mutter something to his fellow Vice Admirals.

Aokiji didn’t scare you when he looked your way, but Kizaru’s humored glance made your stomach churn. He raised a finger and pointed it at you.

Suddenly Marco was on top of you, slamming you down onto the deck. An instant later, a beam of light shot past where your head had been.

“No!” Ace’s voice wailed from the platform. “Stop! Don’t do this for me! Stop!!”

You tried to get up to see him again, but Marco held you down.

“They saw your sea prism,” he hissed. “They know you’re vulnerable right now, so stay down.”

“I have to see him!” You thrashed under him, trying to break free. “I have to let him know I’m okay!”

“We have to let the Admirals think they hit you!” he yelled.

“They wouldn’t fall for such cheap tricks!”

“No, but their attention will turn elsewhere eventually!” he argued. “Just stay still for a second!”

You could hear the shouts and the battle raging on the ground below where your father’s ship was, and you wanted nothing more to fight alongside your family. You were half tempted to throw Marco off and start the race toward Ace without knowing anything else about the battlefield.

You heard a strange grinding sound that shook the ground, and you knew they were raising the hidden walls. The next phase of battle had begun.

You took a deep breath and tried to center yourself. You couldn’t be rash here. You had to save Ace at any cost. So, you stared up at the sky and relaxed, waiting for the right moment to get back up.

You listened to the sounds of the battlefield, trying to gauge where people were based on how loud the sounds of their weapons were. Strangely enough, some of the screaming seemed to be coming from above you.

And then you saw a giant ship falling from the sky.

Tag list! @taeyoge @teiza @tojislawyer @trafalgardnami @bloopbopsblog @dancingnewcat @dxestyi @flooofity @nyxthedragon01 @deadsnothere @h-rhodes1598 @morgyyyyyyy @trafalgardvivi @fiestynatureweeb @frogpogjoghurt @beepboopcowboy @ms-portgas @luvyallbabes @appalost @zuchkaa @saybeyonce @stray-npc @kitsunechan707 @theyluvmesblog @heartysworld @aira-needs-sleep @mothmomjay @ophelias-flowerss @aqualein @sehyojae @fanficwriter5 @forgotten-blues @amberash05 @firefistnoct @depressed-but-make-it-cute @stuckinthewrongworld@lizpoir

#one piece #one piece imagine #one piece scenario #one piece x reader #one piece x you #portgas ace x you #portgas ace x reader #portgas d ace x reader #ace x y/n #ace x reader #portgas d ace #portgas d. ace #cozage #✧˚ace✧˚

188 notes · View notes

within-your-eyes-if · 2 years ago

Text

November 1st Progress Update

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Halloween, for those who celebrated!

First and foremost, real life has thrown some curveballs my way, I'll be largely unavailable at the end of this week. I have a long update here, so lets jump in.

Alpha Testing Progress: It's moving along quite well! Only 3 more scenes to implement (hi testers, I know you're waiting ♥), and then Part One will be 'complete'. Once additional testing and feedback implementation are done, it'll undergo a brief beta test. Current word count? A whopping 146k! I anticipate it crossing 150k after these scenes. And yes, I may be recruiting a few more testers today or tomorrow - I have kept applications, so if you’ve already applied, no need to reapply.

Big Shoutout: To all my testers - you're stars! Thank you for your dedication and patience.

Heights and Measures: I've been mulling over the heights of female Gabriel and male Xiao for quite a while. While I've previously addressed and altered fem Lee’s height, fem Gabriel’s has been on my mind too. I'm aiming for more diversity in my ROs, so your thoughts would be invaluable. Here’s a poll to gather some feedback. Please remember, while I deeply value your input, the final decision will be based on what feels right for the story.

About Poly Routes: Many of you have expressed excitement about the inclusion of poly routes, and I apologize for not offering clarity on their nature earlier. Rest assured, I remain committed to delivering these routes, but I aim to ensure each one is rich and fulfilling. Presently, I'm contemplating both triangle and V poly dynamics, with the goal of finding what aligns best with the narrative and characters. Although the triangle dynamic was my initial plan, I believe I may be able to implement both, but I'm still not 100% certain yet.

In structuring the poly routes, particularly as they debut in Chapter 3, I debated including the casual flings found with certain ROs in non-poly routes, alongside the deeper romantic ties intrinsic to all ROs. After reflection, I've resolved that poly routes will emphasize romance exclusively. Thus, if your character's preference leans towards no-strings-attached flings, these won't characterize the poly routes. Given the array of ROs and their diverse dynamics, not to mention non-RO flings, this decision streamlines my writing process and makes it easier for me to have one aspect to focus on with them. Your patience and understanding in this matter are deeply appreciated.

That being said: Given the depth of my story, I'm leaning towards releasing future updates in smaller segments, akin to Chapter 3's structure. This isn't just about speed but about ensuring quality across the numerous ROs and narrative paths.

Chapter 3 expanded beyond my initial imagination, causing some initial stress, making me wonder what was needed and what wasn't (but it all felt necessary). So in the end, I decided to break it, and I'm very glad I did. It's relieved a lot of my worries. This lets me keep the story's richness intact and (hopefully) reduce the wait between updates.

I've started to notice my creative process sometimes takes me beyond initial outlines, or even reevaluate them entirely, letting the story breathe and evolve more naturally. This realization is relatively new for me, but it's shaping how I approach future updates.

From Ch3 Part One and on, future updates will likely be broken into parts, potentially leading to more "Chapter #: Part One" styled releases. I hope this provides clarity on my evolving approach and is seen not only as way for me focus on individual parts, but as a way to consistently update.

I hope this all makes sense! While I don't have a specific release day in mind yet, I feel my mid-November prediction is correct. Thank you all for your continued support and love. It means the world to me!

#within your eyes if #work in progress #progress update #wye romance information

113 notes · View notes

sailorsplatoon · 4 months ago

Text

Time for chapter 5!!! This one's kind of short, but that's because chapter 6 is going to be big!

You can also read it on ao3!

First

(Fanfic below cut)

Six months later…

The train screeched to a stop and Janus stood up, slinging faer bag over faer shoulder and picking up the smallfry salmonid that fae had deemed Lil’ Buddy. Fae walked off the train, emerging into Splatsville. It was massive, there was music everywhere, the buildings seemed to go up forever, and right in the middle of it all was the Great Zapfish, coiled around the battle lobby tower. Or… there should have been? Where was the Zapfish? Faer phone buzzed and fae pulled it from faer pocket as the Anarchy Splatcast intro began to play.

“Listen up! It’s going down…” Shiver began the usual introduction, followed by Frye and Big Man. However, unusually, Big Man had an announcement as the first segment.

“Uh, this was MY story to break. The Great Zapfish is gone!” Frye shouted in shock. The Great Zapfish was gone? Again!? This was the third time, maybe they needed some sort of preventative measure in place at this point. While Janus never lived anywhere near the Great Zapfish before—civilization in Anarchy Bay was too small to need as strong of a power source as the Great Zapfish, and the Splatlands didn’t have any electricity anyway—fae had certainly heard about its first two disappearances.

Deep Cut went on to talk about how the zapfish powers the entire city and the importance of conserving energy before Big Man wrapped up the segment with a quick “Ay! (Call us if you find the Zapfish!)”

This was not good. Faer first day in Splatsville and there’s already an energy crisis. Maybe fae should have stayed in the Splatlands, though trying to sell the scraps fae and Lil’ Buddy found there never made enough money to live comfortably. And fae did really like it here. Plus, fae already had an apartment sorted out, so it would be a waste of money if fae left already. It was settled then, Janus and Lil’ Buddy would find and return the Great Zapfish!

Lil’ Buddy jumped out of Janus’s arms and rushed over to a sewer grate. Fae hadn’t noticed before, but there was a strange old man staring at them from inside. He popped the lid of the grate closed once Lil’ Buddy started running over. The small salmonid looked back at Janus and made a little gargling sound.

Fae walked over and knelt down beside it, “That old man was just watching us from the sewer, wasn’t he?”

Another little gargle that sounded something like, “Ghujsrjbfshfdlf,” confirmed Janus’s suspicions.

“Agreed, let’s go!” Fae picked up Lil’ Buddy and dove into the grate. The two quickly popped out on the other side, now face to face with the man who’d been watching them earlier.

“Th-th-the oc-oc-oct…” he stuttered. “The octarians are coming! AGAINNNNNNN!” He introduced himself as Cuttlefish, senior advisor to the New Squidbeak Splatoon, and explained how the octarians were the ones who had stolen the Zapfish the first two times, and were going after it again. Janus didn’t fully understand, as many of the octolings that fae had met had no ill intentions at all. What stood out to faer was how he said, “But they still made off with the Great Zapfish. And now WE’VE got to get it back.”

What did he mean by ‘we’? Was he trying to hire faer or something? Fae just stood there and stared at him silently.

“… That was a job offer, kid. The pay is… zero… but you might just save the world. You’re in, right? RIGHT!? ‘Course you are! Starting today, you are Neo Agent 3 of the New Squidbeak Splatoon!” He didn’t give faer time to answer. Well, at least fae would be able to save the Zapfish. Cuttlefish gave faer a hero suit that would supposedly help faer fight the octarians. Lil’ Buddy bounced around happily, excited to do some real adventuring.

#splatoon fanfiction #An LED Light at the End of the Tunnel #splatoon au #agent 4 #agent 4 splatoon #splatoon oc #neo 3 #neo agent 3 #smallfry #lil buddy #captain cuttlefish #craig cuttlefish

7 notes · View notes

cottoncloud0 · 1 year ago

Text

man of medan review thingy *SPOILERS*

i literally just finished mam of medan today after starting it in the morning and i do have to say that i kinda agree with people when they say this game is underwhelming

(can i just say that this is my personal opinion, i am in no way shape or form a game reviewer this is just for fun)

PROLOGUE

firstly, lets talk about the prologue. i actually liked the prologue it was paced well (and we saw joe aka the soldier with the same face model as jason but thats unrelated), the tutorials were actually fun and it set the 'mystery of the ship' up well.

ACT 1

although, i do have to say that i liked act one for the most part but it just drags for SO LONG. theres 5 whole chapters of all the characters talking to each other and 'getting to know' each other with only 1 of those chapters having any important relation to the later game and the other 4 being filler. and can i just add that obviously julia and conrad are brother and sister and alex and brad are brothers and fliss is the only new person. so i dont really think 5 chapters should have been used on introduction because NEARLY EVERY CHARACTER HAS SOMEONE THEY ALREADY KNOW. and before people start saying "but brad and julia have never met before!" or "but conrad only knew julia at the start of the game!" i know that but julia literally said that alex has told her loads about brad, so im sure not much of an introduction is needed and conrad was focused on fliss in all of the chapters so that solves the issue of them not knowing everyone because at least fliss had someone to talk to.

i think that there should have been a maximum 3 chapters spent on introduction and the other four left in act one should have been spent on introducing the pirates and the threat they bring. however i did enjoy that not all characters got along at first and you could really take different routes with everyone and establish relationships that will have an effect later in the game.

ACT 2

i do have to say that i enjoyed act two a lot, its probably my favourite act in the game. but my god it is long. theres 11 chapters in total (counting echo and finding friends as 1 chapter as they are interchangeable) and they arent memorable at all, at least not the beginning anyway. i felt like they were trying to establish two threats at once, the pirates and obviously the ss ourang medan. but it just didnt really work, there were too many things being introduced at once because the pirates werent properly introduced in act 1. which caused the beginning of act 2 to just feel way too busy.

on a more positive note, the later chapters i really enjoyed. i think its because the pirates took a step back from being a threat and the game really started to focus on the ship itself and the mystery around it. i really liked that they decided to sprinkle in the characters hallucinating and that the player could really have a chance to figure it out and put all the clues together. i think out of all the chapters in the game glamour girl and echo are my favourites just because of the really cool gameplay and suspense, especially in echo i LOVED that they added a time loop in the game. it just made it feel a lot more creepy and mysterious.

ACT 3

boring asf. the pacing in this game is so weird in every act, the first two felt like they went on forever and were way too long but act 3 felt like literally nothing happened. and thats because BASICALLY NOTHING HAPPENED. the only things i can really recall is the group using the radio, the junior bit (way too many opportunities to die can i just add) and the alex segment, which some people dont even get to play.

i didnt even realise that the first two chapters were different because literally nothing seperates them from each other. this is a theme in act 3, all of the chapters feel like a blur and mushed together and it just feels really short and kind of boring to play.

THE END

i dont really know how to feel about the ending because there are so many of them (7 in total). so im just going to talk about the one i got (the entire group escaped on the duke of milan and julia didnt die).

this ending just feels so blah and empty, like the characters just escape and everythings fine now no repercussions at all! naur. absolutely not. thats so incredibly wrong and not what would have happened. at least one of them (probably conrad lmao) would have gone on the news or smth and told people what happened because why wouldnt you?

i just really wish we got an actual conclusion, like how everyones lives are going, what they are doing now, if theyre still affected by what happened and how. this honestly goes for all supermassive games, I WANT TO KNOW HOW THE CHARCTERS ARE AFTER. this might just be me saying this because i want to see more salim and jason but thats beside the point lol.

finally i just want to say that the creatures being hallucinations was sucha BORING ENDING. the whole game you are trying to escape these creatures and they just end up not being real??? pussy ending if you ask me.

i do have to say that i find it really cool that a choice you make at the start of the game (julia surfacing too quick in Dive and her drinking the beer in Ghost Story) can have such an impact in the end (if she did the previous things she will die of decompression sickness/ the bends in the ending.

RANDOM SHIT

i think in my playthrough i found around 26-28 secrets, 4 black pictures, 3-4 white pictures and i didnt get the gold picture. this might just be my horrific looking skills but also i think its because the secrets in this game are so hard to find??? plus, sometimes going into a certain room, picking something up or taking too much time can result in the next chapter to automatically happen. i think this feature is so shit and unbelievably tedious to put in the game. i remember at least two instances where ive seen secrets and pictures that i want to go pick up but was not able to because i walked into a room or i picked something up (fliss in the ballroom hallucination and brad a julia trying to find the generator (it was brad and julia for me)).

i much prefer in house of ashes it shows that if you pick this thing up or go into the next room you cant go back, and all the secrets in house of ashes arent impossible to find.

CONCLUSION

man of medan isnt a bad game, i enjoyed playing it and personally i thought it was scarier than house of ashes, but the pacing, ending and exploring mechanics just made it kind of annoying to play at some instances.

EXTRA

CHARACTER RANKING

Fliss (love her, exasperated queen)

Conrad (funny man, again glamour girl is so good)

Julia (laid-back, has some flaws which is essential, used to be my number 1)

Brad (nerdy little brother whos scared of everything and wears glasses trope, but was pushed to 4 because of echo)

Alex (nothing really going on about him, was kinda rude to brad at the start)

honestly alex and brad are interchangable

RATING

4/10 / 2 1/2 stars

if you have read this far thank you for listening to me yap for 1,247 words, love you <333

#man of medan #fliss dubois #conrad man of medan #julia man of medan #alex smith #brad smith #the dark pictures anthology

7 notes · View notes

knightyoomyoui · 2 years ago

Text

The Tale Of The Bloodline | TWICE MiSaMo (Mina, Sana & Momo) x Male Reader- CHAPTER 10 (SPECIAL): “Rise Of The Empire Chief”

In this chapter, there will be no any of the MISAMO trio to feature in here. This special chapter is only to tell the origins of Yuta Nakamoto becoming The Empire Chief and how did his historic title run begun, which led to the foundation of The Bloodline. Oh, and by the way, Your appearance in this story will be ENHYPEN's Park Sunghoon. I chose him because since your role in this story is YN Myoui, who is the twin brother of your older sister Myoui Mina, I based your appearance on being mostly similar to Mina too, and I've seen some contents telling how Mina and Sunghoon look almost like "siblings" because of how similar their features are, so that's why. But I'm not telling you to follow me though; if you're still more comfortable imagining yourself in your role, then I have no problem with it. This is just optional.

PREVIOUSLY ON TTOTB CHAPTER 9: [The Reason Why]...

"Here's what we gonna do. If you still don't work yourself being SHY SHY SHY around Sana again, I'm gonna do something you ain't gonna like." Yuta warned YN who is still couldn't calm himself down from his cackles because of Sana's newly made catchphrase.

"Here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna take that "Honorary" away, and I'm gonna make her our official Bloodline's muse." Yuta said as he points out at Sana's scarf around her neck, with YN now back at being seriousness even though the glimpse of how he surrendered herself from Sana's irresistable effect is still visible.

YN gave Yuta an incomprehensible look, muttering "You can't be serious, cous?!" but Yuta just nodded back at him and points his head. "Use the time well, think wisely."

"Well ladies and gentlemen, I think The Empire Chief has called an end to this segment. Please catch your Empire Chief LIVE and in person from all around the world next time on Friday Night Knockdown." Jinyoung said as he gave his closing remark in regards to The Bloodline, doing a mic drop before the arena played Yuta's theme again.

The show ended with The Bloodline as Yuta walked out on the ring first followed by Jinyoung, Mina, and Momo until YN and Sana were the last ones. Sana gave a cheeky smile on him in which he blushed before quickly rolling his eyes back and ignoring her to hid it away.

AUGUST 20, 2020 | 3 YEARS AGO

The Japan Combat Federation's World Champion Dong Young-bae or better known by his alias Taeyang is making his entrance to the ramp. The titantron, the raging theme, and his aura as he emerges in the arena perfectly congruent altogether to describe the cursing adrenaline and fueled motivation of him to finally finish his last quest.

That, is in the form of his contender, being his 3rd straight match with him, but this time... the opponent is in another persona as a part of his character, which is Taeyang's biggest challenge because this one's is the final form of Shin Dong-hee: a diabolical, merciless, and beastly character.

Shindong is waiting for Taeyang to join him in the ring as he creepily stalked at the corner. Their eyes had contact, and Taeyang never wore such a terrifying expression before that will match to what he's having today.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if you guys have a weak stomatch, please turn away... because this is not going to be pretty." Knight warned to the viewers. "Dong Taeyang and "The Sinister" Shin Donghee finally clash here tonight at Superslam."

Taeyang enters the ring, leaps at the ropes and stares down a hole at Shindong before doing his taunt and proudly showed the golden telt in his grasp.

"Taeyang promised to show the world the evil son of a bitch they have ever seen before." Kwangsoo reminded. "And now he stands before us as a World Champion tonight."

"This is a Falls Count Anywhere match. That means you pick up the victory in this building, to be out of the street as a matter of fact. Taeyang, Shindong, for the World Championship title." Knight explained the rules to anybody who might have forget how does the stipulation works.

-----------------------------

5 minutes after the bell rang to officially start the match, the two collided with all their last stored might at one another, sending them all around in the arena.

Taeyang rudely kicks Shindong's face while he is crawling away in the ramp from him. "I've never seen this side of Taeyang before." Knight commented as they continue to watch him assaulting Shindong.

Taeyang picks up Shindong and threw him to the LED screen of the entrance way. "C'mon, Shinister!", he mocked as he weakly kicked his face then bounced his head on the screen.

Both went to the curtain, Taeyang punches Shindong leading him inside to the backstage area where the producers monitoring the match left and gave space for the two behemoths to proceed hurting each other while sparing theirselves from harm.

Taeyang fires a blow on Shindong's stomatch before attempting to lift him up for a powerslam but the latter refuses and fights back, pummeling Taeyang with multiple arm hits on the spine.

The two exchanged hits until Shindong took the advantage and threw Taeyang into the wall, shoulder and arm first on the bump. Shindong grabbed him again and he drove him on the other side of the wall after.

Shindong positioned Taeyang to prepare executing his finishing manoever, the Kiss Of Death where he kisses his opponent's forehead first before he rotates along with the head, slamming the face backwards straight at the ground.

He perfectly performed it, putting Taeyang unconscious for good. "That's gotta be it. No one's getting up from that." Kwangsoo reacted.

"And the cover now by The Shinister to win the Japan World Championship"

"1...2..."

Taeyang swayed his arm away, lifting his shoulder up to break the count and kick out at two. Shindong sat beside his beatened foe, and maniacally laughs at how Taeyang is determined to hold on and willing to take more pain just so he could submit once and for all under his hellish brute power.

-----------------------------------

Another 5 minutes have passed, Shindong and Taeyang's fight returned to the ring. Taeyang who is now leading the match under his control, is carrying Shindong's body over his shoulder to attempt for a second repeat of his own finisher, a running powerslam.

He ran, turned, jumped and drilled Shindong's body down on the mat. He hooked his leg and the referee began to count. "1...2..." but Shindong kicked out again.

"And if you're Taeyang you're gonna start wondering what the hell do I need to do to keep The Shinister down?" Knight stated as the camera flashes at Taeyang with bloody head muttering something out of rage in which it urged him to hammer fist Shindong's face repeatedly before screaming in anger on his front.

Taeyang rolled out of the ring and slowly walked around the ringside before he noticed something on the floor. A laid out opened toolbox with its contents scattered. He squatted and picked up a sharp object as he stared at it with fascination.

With a cruel idea, he reentered the ring and guards Shindong who is still down. He kneeled on the vacant space and looked at the sharp object around his hand as he lets out a frightening laugh.

"The hell is Taeyang gonna do with a damn box cutter?" Knight confusedly asked before the answer was thrown at him when Taeyang started to slice through the mat of the ring.

"Taeyang is exposing the wood inside the ring." Kwangsoo replied as Taeyang spreads and tears off the thin foam and the canvas away to make the wood surface visible.

After he finished doing a little work to assist his plans, he turned around only to see a fully recovered Shindong standing and staring intimidatingly at him.

Taeyang immediately charges at Shindong but he catches him, hooking his arm around and squashes him down with a urinagi straight into the exposed ring area.

He wasn't done yet, as the tables suddenly flipped, Shindong snatches the opportunity where he grabs the critically damaged Taeyang and sets him up again for a Kiss Of Death on the woodened surface in which he did succeed.

"Wait what? The Shinister isn't done yet?" Knight was baffled and even Kwangsoo as they thought Shindong is going to pin Taeyang already but it looks like the monster isn't finished yet with his agenda.

Shindong positioned Taeyang again on his hold, head locked around thd arm for another Kiss Of Death on the wood.

He finally covers Taeyang's completely knock- outed body and the referee counts. "1...2...3."

The bell rang on the signal and the timekeeper handed the world title belt on the referee as the entrance theme of Shindong played across the interior of the arena.

"Here is your winner and the NEW Japan Combat Federation World Champion, "The Shinister" Shin Donghee!!!" ring announcer Song Jihyo yelled into the microphone to declare the win for the brand new victorious champion.

"The Shinister is a champion again." Knight acknowledged Shindong's second world title run after winning it last year in 2019.

"Once more, darkness reigns over the Federation." Kwangsoo said. Shindong snatches the championship belt away from the hands of the referee who is presenting it in front of him.

He slowly rose from his feet and exhaustedly stood to raise his arms up with the belt in his hand to celebrate his another achievement before he sensed something danger coming against him.

He glanced at the side and the entire world went stunned when a familiar person appeared on the scene, tackling Shindong down with an emphatic spear before aggressively punching him in the head.

"What the- who the hell?!"

"You know who the hell is he!"

"OH MY GOD IT'S YUTA NAKAMOTO!!! THE GUARDIAN OF NCTIZEN IS BACK, AND HE'S BEATING THE HELL OUT OF THE NEW WORLD CHAMPION!!!" Knight exclaimed as they keep on witnessing the returning Yuta Nakamoto in action after being on a hiatus for months due to suffering from a virus infection since 2020 was when the pandemic started and spreads out around the globe, affecting all the people in every different countries.

All the fans watching that were visible on the screens provided as a temporary replacement for the arena's set-up during the pandemic were all making the different shapes of reaction to Yuta's return: shock, disapproval, and hype.

"And now he's got his eyes set on The Punisher!" Knight said as Yuta glanced at the weakened Taeyang on the ringside. He rolled out at the other side and starts to run towards at Taeyang to unleash a massive spear into his midsection.

"DID YOU TWO SERIOUSLY FORGOTTEN ABOUT ME?!" Yuta asked, talking to both Shindong and Taeyang who were taken out by him. He looked down at Taeyang laid on his feet. "I MADE YOU! DON'T ACT LIKE YOU'RE THE BIGGEST THREAT AS LONG AS I'M HERE!"

Yuta went to the timekeeper's area and grabbed a steel chair with him which he used to brutally smash it on Taeyang's back and his left arm.

"Yuta Nakamoto is mangling the chair out of the fallen body of Dong Taeyang!" Kwangsoo said.

Yuta threw away the chair bended in half and went back in the ring to set his sight on target at Shindong crawling in fours. He stood at the corner and prepares himself to create another attack on the champion.

"The Shinister, the World Champion has no idea what's going on. He has no idea where he's at. He was blindsided by Nakamoto moments ago." Knight said as they all wait for Shindong to realize the pain he's about to take.

Yuta charged and speared Shindong again for the second time. He stood up and fixed his shirt as he breathes out the effects of the impact he showed tonight.

"Yuta Nakamoto is back with an empathic statement."

Yuta observed something beside the unconscious Shindong. The golden belt in the ground, he grabbed it and admiringly looked at it as he switches his gaze to the current holder of it.

"What is this? You think you can handle the responsibility?" Yuta asks Shindong as he threatens him while holding the belt. "So this is what's all for, huh? No. You're just a freak, out of your mind. I'm the man. I'm the guy, I'm the one."

The show ended with Yuta Nakamoto officially makes his return back in Japan Combat Federation as Shindong's new challenger for the World Championship in which everyone didn't see that coming.

----------------------------------

AUGUST 28, 2020 | 1 WEEK LATER

The general manager of both main rosters, Monday Night War and Friday Night Knockdown Bang Sihyuk knocks on the door thrice to drew the attention of the occupant inside.

"Yuta, it's me Bang Sihyuk!" he exclaimed. Not having any responses by receiving a "get in!" signal or the door opening for him, Sihyuk had no other choice but to do it by himself, muttering "Alright, then" under his breath.

He entered the locker room, meeting Yuta inside who is organizing his things. "Oh thank God you're here, I was looking for you everywhere."

He opened the folder, showing the paper content inside of it to Yuta. "Here's the official contract for your Triple Threat match at Retribution."

"Let's see this thing."

"I'll show it to you."

Sihyuk handed the ballpen to Yuta but he didn't grabbed it from him. "I'm gonna check this out first with someone. Is that alright?"

"Yeah. Go. Sure, take your time." Sihyuk nodded before he left the locker room. Yuta picks up his phone and made a phone call, informing somebody that he finally received it and got updated in return that "he" is on his way now in the arena.

----------------------

Two matches has passed for tonight's show, Sihyuk decided to check over Yuta regarding the contract signing.

He entered his locker room again, and in his surprise, he recognized a very familar individual sitting beside Yuta on the couch.

"A-are you done, now?" Sihyuk asks Yuta who is reading the contract.

He massaged his chin, pursed his lips and popped it before he speaks. "Let me tell you this, I want you to fix the changes that I need. I assure you right now, I will be on Retribution this Sunday. That is a promise." Yuta said to Sihyuk who is switching looks to him and the other person with them in the room.

"I will be in the Triple Threat match, destroy everyone and vanish. That's a guarantee, and I will win back the World Championship that I never lost in the FIRST PLACE." Yuta added, referring to his previous reign that was unfortunately cut short with regards to his health condition where he was forced to vacate the title as a consequence for taking a time off away from the company.

"And that's not just a prediction..." He turns his head to the side, now his and Sihyuk's attention are both glued at this mysterious person making the general manager distracted. Grinning from ear to ear, he looked back at Sihyuk to end his statement.

"... that's a spoiler."

The camera's frame widens, revealing the identity of the man, who is none other than one of the most legendary managers in pro-wrestling and combat entertainment history who held many iconic fighters that ever stepped foot in the industry, Park Jinyoung.

He leans forward to make his words clearer to hear for Sihyuk. "Believe. That."

Him and Yuta looked at each other with an interesting smirk as they nod their heads, teasing everyone who is watching at their homes about their newly formed affiliation.

-----------------------------

AUGUST 30, 2020 | 2 DAYS LATER

Japan Combat Federation held their Retribution pay-per-view in Hokkaido. The show's main-event features the Triple Threat match which includes the rivals Dong Taeyang, "The Shinister" Shin Donghee, and Yuta Nakamoto who is making his first match since his months-length of absence.

Strangely enough, the match started with only Taeyang and Shindong present in the ring when the referee signalled for the bell to rang immediately as Taeyang plowed Shindong to the back of his neck while he was performing his entrance in the ring.

They forgot about Yuta supposedly to be included also in the match, and it proceeded instead with only Taeyang and Shindong fighting each other off for the World Championship.

"Taeyang going after at The Shinister, still upset after what happened last week."

Taeyang ran through Shindong and collided his body on him at the corner before lifting him all over and slam him down on the mat.

He made a quick cover, looking to end the champion earlier than expected. "1...2..." but Shindong kicks out.

Taeyang just laughs at the toughness of Shindong until the latter just stood back up like a possessed madman, only to be caught when Taeyang drives him to the turnbuckle and deliver some right hand shots and headbutts before he tries to splash him again on the corner.

However, Shindong finally manages to prevent the Punisher by blocking him with a crossbody, two heavyweights involved in a collision.

Shindong stalks Taeyang who is groaning in pain. He sets him up for a Kiss of Death and he nailed it. A cover was made "1...2..." but Taeyang kicks out.

Taeyang crawls out of the ring. Shindong pursues the challenger but Taeyang caught him with a choke, then a knee to the stomach and elbow shots at the back. He was about to smash his head on the edge of the ring but Shindong counters, taking his turn to attack with his own hits and returns the attempt back at Taeyang, bouncing his head off at the ring.

The two titans continues to apply pain at ond another. Shindong wraps Taeyang and performs a urinagi slam to him right through the announce table as it exploded on the impact.

---------------------------

Their grueling and intense fight created a slightly similar feel to their match back at Superslam when both of them were now brawling at each other around the ring.

Shindong punches Taeyang on the stomach and sets him up again for another Kiss Of Death but on the steel ramp this time but Taeyang was able to block him with a headbutt to the forehead, escaping from his possession.

He punches Shindong on the face. Noticing that he is now standing at the end of the stage, Taeyang did an unbelievable spot by pouncing at Shindong and send theirselves crashing through the tables stacked below.

"We anticipated chaos and destruction, but these two have no bounds." Kwangsoo said.

Taeyang slowly gets off from Shindong's side and continues to hammer his fists around his face. He stands up and leaned at one of the equipment machines for the stages to heavily breath off his exhaustion caused by the ongoing battle.

Afte resting a little, he pulls Shindong's hair upwards and carried him all the way back in the ring.

Taeyang climbs at the top rope, looking to fly and land through Shindong to apply more damage but the immortal-like ability of Shindong assists him to recover eventually and fires an uppercut at Taeyang's face.

Shindong joins Taeyang on the turnbuckles and proceeded to attack him.

"These two entities, these two monsters climbing at the top of the ring."

"There's a great deal of humanity in the ring ropes even though neither of these were close to being a human"

Shindong clutches Taeyang's head around his arm and sets him up on the corner before performing a superplex to the top rope, and in everybody's bewilderment and amusement, the ring collapses at the massive impact it took.

"Oh my goodness, The Shinister has Taeyang in position for a superplex! O-OH MY GOD!"

"WHAT THE HELL! THE RING IMPLODED!" Knight and Kwangsoo reacted in utter awe as they watched the ring bounce and deconstruct. The posts bended, the ropes untangled, the referee was yeeted out of the ring, both fighters down in the destroyed battleground.

The arena then played Yuta's entrance theme, alarming everyone who might've forgotten already that Yuta is still included in the match. "And at this moment, with both men down. Here comes the Guardian of NCTizen, with Park Jinyoung in tow."

Yuta with a steel chair in hand emerged along with Jinyoung holding the contract for him. He took out the ballpen and gave it to Yuta for him to sign the contract.

Yuta starts to march in the ramp with steel chair in his hand as a weapon, completely legal based on the No Holds Barred rules.

He entered the collapsed ring, rolled Shindong around to pin him but he noticed that no referee was present anymore. He commanded one from backstage to get out and substitute.

One listened and runs through the ring to count. "1...2..." It's too late as Shindong kicks out at two, much in Yuta's disbelief.

He shook his head, then proceeded to hook Shindong's leg again for another cover. "1...2..." and a kick out still.

Yuta panics. He decided to switch to Taeyang and cover. "1....2..." but yet also, the Punisher is still holding on to his strength.

He figures out what to do next. He grabs again the steel chair that he left on the ringside and starts smashing it on Taeyang's back repeatedly.

Yuta pins Taeyang again, thinking it might finally work "1...2.." but still, it wasn't enough as Taeyang refuses to stay down.

Yuta confusedly looked at Taeyang and wondering why is he still fighting with everything he can when he knew he's losing the advantage of the match.

He tried to attack Shindong next with a steel chair but it prevented Yuta when he chokes him out with a mandible claw manouvre stuffing his fingers down into Yuta's throat only to receive a low blow on his crotch.

Him enduring the pain sends him rolling out of the ring. Yuta covers his mouth to ease the pain that he felt on that part before ficusing back on the action, setting himself on the corner as he eyed Taeyang slowly getting up back to his knees.

As Taeyang rotates, Yuta engaged a spear to him, putting him down. He covered Taeyang for the third and final time.

"1...2...3."

The referee signalled for the bell and Yuta's entrance theme played. "Here is your winner and the NEW Japan Combat Federation World Champion, Yuta Nakamoto!!!"

Jinyoung laughs and applauds for Yuta on the stage as he watches him being presented by the golden belt. Yuta grabs it and accepts the declaration by the referee to raise his arm in victory.

"Nakamoto regaining the title he never lost." Knight said at the aftermath of the main event.

"Listen, Yuta did exactly what he filed to do but I don't think Yuta even expected it to do this way. It doesn't matter anyway, because we got a brand new World Champion!"

"But wait, Kwangsoo. What about the way Yuta did this? He waited for the opportunity. He walked down here, signed the contract on the way to the ring..."

"...exactly what Yuta said he's going to do. Destroy everyone and vanish."

The show ended with Yuta approaching Jinyoung praising him for his title win, marking the beginning of his historic championship reign in the main roster of Japan Combat Federation.

----------------------------------

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | 5 DAYS LATER

For this week's episode of Friday Night Knockdown, the brand new World Champion Yuta Nakamoto and Park Jinyoung are both scheduled to appear tonight for a segment, to address everyone and explain about their relationship.

Yuta with his golden belt around his shoulder, standing beside Jinyoung with a usual microphone in his hand fitting for his expertise.

"Just when you thought I was out, HE... pulled me back in." Jinyoung starts his speech, pointing his finger at Yuta staring seriously at one of the cameras recording them live.

"Oh please, don't make fools out of yourselves and embarass yourselves pointing your accusatory fingers at me for corrupting him, because I assure you... HE is corrupting ME."

"Let me ask you a question, what happened to the thank yous, the appreciation to all the selfish executive decisions through life-threatening illneses this man has delivered?"

"Let me tell you this one time, so you can get this into your thick unappreciative skulls. Ladies and gentlemen, my name... is Park Jinyoung, and I serve as the special adviser for YOUR Empire Chief, YOUR reigning, defending, undisputed World Heavyweight Champion... Yuta Nakamoto.", Jinyoung said, announcing to everyone his role in Yuta's life while introducing a new side into the man's entire personality.

He handed the microphone to Yuta, while he remained behind and watch him patiently.

"I'm a man of my word." Yuta speaks out his message. "I did exactly what I was about to do in Retribution. I signed the contract, I destroyed Shindong, I destroyed Taeyang and I left as your World Heavyweight Champion."

"At Battle Of The Champions, I don't care who I am gonna face. Monster or man, watch them get enslaughtered by me because THIS IS MY TERRITORY."

"And when you have this kind of power, all you have to do... is show up and win."

After they ended the segment, they walked through the backstage to make their leave on the arena. In the middle of their way, Yuta plastered a grin on his face as he get to crossed paths with one of his cousins, YN Myoui who is clapping his hands loud enthusiastically.

"OH YES SIRRR! LOOK WHO IT IS!" YN shakes hand with Yuta. "WELCOME BACK, THE NEW WORLD CHAMPION!"

He waved at Jinyoung who nodded and smiled at him. "Oh man, you really made our family proud! Yo, I've been texting you for a whole week, man. What were you up to?"

"I'm sorry, man. I was busy, alright?"

He commanded Jinyoung to go first and prepare the car for him.

"Can I ask you something, man?"

"What is it?"

"What's with you and JYP?" He asked intriguingly with a mix of doubt in his tone. "After all he'd put you in, bro? You trust him?"

"Wait, don't worry. I know, okay. I got it under control", Yuta calms down YN, understanding his point knowing that Jinyiung has been once a manager of some of his previous best rivals throughout his career.

"Everything is all in line, just let me handle this okay?"

"If you need somebody to watch your back, you know I got you. Always."

"I know. I love you, man but I have to go." Yuta bid his farewell to his cousin who still has a match upcoming for tonight.

"Okay. See ya!" He watches Yuta walk away, but he just remembered something when Yuta was already quite far away from him already."

"Wait, yo! Wanna grab some steak with me after the show ends?"

As expected, Yuta couldn't hear his invitation anymore.

--------------------------

Jinyoung received a notification from his phone while he is in the middle of driving.

He tapped the screen to check, the information displayed on it.

As he quickly reads it to maintain his focus more on the road, he blinked his eyes rapidly when he understood what the update is sharing.

"Uhm, sir..." he called at Yuta who is busy playing a game on his phone.

"What?"

"Did you know that YN had a match earlier tonight?"

"No." Yuta answered. "He did?"

"Yes sir."

"What's the match and the result?"

Jinyoung cleared his throat before speaking as he wasn't sure what his Empire Chief would feel about this.

"Mr. Sihyuk organized a Fatal 4-Way match earlier with the winner to be the number one contender and your first challenger for your World Championship at Battle Of The Champions-

"Yeah, I knew that he will." Yuta replied, interrupting his sentence. He then furrowed his eyebrows and paused the game. "Wait, so YN is in the match?"

"Y-Yes, sir...

... and he won the match too."

Yuta slowly raised his head and stared at the reflection of the nervous Jinyoung in the rearview mirror as his reaction to the unexpected information that was given to him.

23 notes · View notes

jewwyfeesh · 1 year ago

Text

STAR'S WAR - 4

Writer: Mitsuki

Characters: Narukami Arashi, Tsukinaga Leo, Mikejima Madara

Translated by: jewwyfeesh

EN Proof by: royalquintet (twt)

Leo: Since this is the case, let us Knights engage in a lightsaber duel the next time we have a performance!

[ ♪ ]

Season: Winter

Location: Backstage Changing Room

Leo: Sigh~ When Naru said it like that, I’d thought the next segment would be the punishment game… Who knew we’d have to film it separately?

Madara: Haha, seems like they really don’t want to let you off the hook so easily. Who knows what meaningful things might happen ♪

Leo: But if no one’s gonna tell me, it’ll be the only thing I can think about! The spaces in my brain that can be used to store inspiration have all been occupied!

Oh! Anzu, you’re here~ Could’ya tell me what’s my punishment?

You’re saying that the punishment game is to sit on a rollercoaster… and sing Knights’ songs at its highest point?

Madara: Leo-san, are you scared? If you’d like Mama to accompany you, just let me know anytime! There’s nothing to be worried about, because I AM YOUR MAM!

Arashi: My my, Mama’s been wanting to say that to you ever since he saw you holding that lightsaber~

Leo: Riding a rollercoaster is a piece of cake for me! Though next time, I’d really like to go to the amusement park with Mama! What about you, Naru? Do you wanna give it a go too?

Arashi: I’ll pass, thank you. Singing while on the rollercoaster would surely make for some rather unflattering photos. Me praying for you here is more than enough — “may the Inspiration be with you” ♪

Madara: Hahahaha, to be honest, Arashi-san, you’ve been waiting to use this phrase for quite some time too, no?

Leo: Since this is the case, let us Knights engage in a lightsaber duel the next time we have a performance!

But if we're gonna fight with lightsabers, I kinda want a stunning, large-scale stage installation too. Ah, accompanied by a romantic space travel background story…

That’s right! I can call Keito, and he can turn this into Dramatica’s next script—

Erm… Where’s my phone? I remembered I’d definitely brought it to the recording location~

Madara: Could it be that you left it in your other outfit’s pocket when you changed your clothes earlier?

Leo: Ooh! Mama’s so smart, you’re a genius too!

I found it! It was in the pocket here. Now, lemme give Keito a call…

Keito: “Tsukinaga? Aren’t you all filming something today? Why did you suddenly call me? Or are you trying to say you need my cooperation for some segment?”

Leo: None of that’s important in the slightest~ How ‘bout having the next Dramatica play feature us in space?

Keito: “…What actually happened over there?”

“Nevermind. I’ve long given up trying to understand your train of thought. In any case, are you thinking of having the protagonist be an alien again?”

Leo: Nope nope! You’ve gotten it all flipped! It’s a story about idols from Earth using the power of their singing to fight in space ♪

I’ve even cooked up a name too — “STAR’S WxR – Legend of the Galactic Idol”! Super cool, right ☆

Keito: “Although this is a rather classic trope in a sense, what the heck is up with the name?! Truly incorrigible.”

“Do you even pay attention to these sorts of things? Why are you plagiarizing the names of others? If it were up to me, we might as well call it ‘See Y—’[1] cough cough…!!”

Leo: Ooh, Keito’s already thinking of names for this script! So… that’s to say you’re gonna write this, right?

Keito: “Hey! Hold on, I never said that…!”

[ ☆ ]

Translation notes: [1] keito says 不如叫超时空-- before getting cut off by a really unglam coughing fit, and it seems like he's trying to refer to See You Again (超时空罗曼史), a time-travelling romance that aired in 2022

← Chapter 3 | Story Masterlist | Chapter 5 →

#enstars translation #legend of the galactic idol #Narukami Arashi #Tsukinaga Leo #Mikejima Madara

4 notes · View notes

silkendandelion · 2 years ago

Text

Mirage In The Desert - Chapter 3 (One Year Ago)

Summary: With Operation Utopia drawing closer, let's back up. The events leading up to River's arrival at Rainbase are revealed, as well as meeting the people of Alabasta's territory island of Oasis.

Rated Teen and Up Audiences for mild violence, unsafe situations. Ongoing, will cover the Alabasta Arc. Cross-posted on Ao3, same username. Send me a DM: yell at me, send flowers. Cheers.

~*~

The mainland named it Oasis, it’s people: the Oasins. Called “islanders” with varying degrees of politeness, the people who live at port call them “the ones who wear blue”. The island sits exactly 3 and a half miles from Alabasta’s southwest shore, separated by a segmented reef and waters too shallow to sail. They are a patch of green on the horizon that relies on their mainland only as much as they need, and half as much as they want. Every 8 days the sea goes out further than it ever will, called “King Tide” as it bows before the sky, revealing a land bridge that connects the usually isolated island to shore.

And so the clock begins.

The Oasin trading party, aged from 6 to 79, as few as 10 but as many as 30, makes the journey to market. They bring their goods: textiles, fruits, anything they can carry that they do not need. And they must carry it, the bridge is too narrow for more than single-file foot travel and a precious few carts. They arrive in a line of blue linens, bodies decorated with gold and a song that can’t be heard in the hot, Alabastan sun. The shops are anticipating their benevolent neighbors, as eager to please as they are to be on time. Basket after basket is set up in their usual spot, all things ready to sell and everything must go.

Locals call people like River a “turnabout”. He’s agreeable, quick to make a sale, even quicker to make deliveries. And when they are ready, River is the cash drop. Oasins have no use for money, and River has a list. His bag is weighted down with medicine, but only after a long conversation with a nervous pharmacist who’s wondering if anyone will believe that a handsome islander talked him down on the price—twice. He stops for batteries for Claudia’s radio, fuel for Esai’s machines. Sunshine flickers off gold in a window display, and River doesn’t have to be persuaded to go inside the luxury shop. He’s only inside for a moment, but it’s as if Esai can smell the indulgence on him.

“You were supposed to get medicine! Did you get the oil I asked for?” Esai says, as loudly as he always speaks, but only a few people turn to acknowledge the Oasin almost-yelling in his own language.

“Of course I did! I even got the nails you forgot to put on the list.” River said with a wave of his hand, pleased at his friend’s immediate deflation. But tired hands spill his bag onto the street, a recognizably expensive box landing squarely on top.

“I knew it. How much did this cost? It’s been a slow day, you know?” He bent to grab the box but River was quicker.

“Do you even know what today is?”

“Don’t play with me, River, I’m not in the mood—“

“Who’s birthday is it today? Hm? Is it Ines: our fair leader, light of our lives, your MOTHER?”

Esai blinked at him. “...Her birthday’s in the winter!”

“Eh? No way!”

“I’m going to—Mm!” He tugged at his hair to curb his temper.

“Just give it to Ines, she deserves to have nice things. Take it or I’ll use it. I have that one, it lasts forever.”

He snatched the box from River’s hand, calloused thumb rubbing over the gold-embossed label that read ‘Imported fragrance’, and something else in a language he couldn’t read. “As long as that’s all you managed to piss away, I won’t leave you here.”

“You’d do that to me, after all the years we’ve known each other? I have no money, you know.”

“Sell your earrings. Or any of the other gold on you. That’s what it’s for, in case you get lost.”

“I wouldn’t be lost, I’d be abandoned!”

“I look forward to my 8 days of peace.”

“Esai!”

“Shh, I’m imagining it now.”

“Can you two go away? You’re scaring the customers.” A woman barked at the two young men, shooing them off as she handed River his next pad of money.

Esai was quick to take it from him with a wide grin. “Come on, I saw somebody selling meat skewers down the street.”

“Really? Let’s go—”

‘I told you, I want my money back!’ An outburst broke the buzz of the market and both men turned to see their seller shrinking back from a customer. He seemed local enough, if unnaturally red in the heat, with a suit jacket that had ‘BW’ embroidered on both arms.

“If I said it made me sick, you have to give my money back.” He spat, his finger almost against her cheek. Esai moved the man’s arm away, standing so he forced them apart with his tall frame.

“Let’s calm down. And we can talk.” Despite their being the same age, Esai was much stronger than River, his bronze skin draped over muscles made for lifting crates of merchandise across miles of unsteady sand. He had a steel readiness beyond his years in his eyes, juxtaposed to his soft face, but typically managed to dissolve trouble on sight. Maybe this man wasn’t local after all.

“You all peddle raw food and blankets, I know there’s no quality control for whatever you manage to pack up and bring here. I bought some fruit earlier for my lunch, I’ve been throwing up all afternoon. It must have had worms in it, or was contaminated by the sea. I should have listened to the rumors: they say Oasin fruit makes you sick.”

Esai blinked with vague recollection at the sweaty man. “Hm? You mean the Ki-Ki fruit?”

River smirked as he watched Esai laugh, cold and loud. As easily as Esai’s presence bred peace, he had a sweet tooth for comeuppance. If asked, he would lie and say he got it from River’s bad influence, when the opposite was true. “If you ate the Ki-Ki fruit, you’d be dead before you made it to the trash to throw up. That’s why we don’t sell it.”

“What?” The sweaty man said while Esai grabbed a packet from the basket next to them.

“We don’t sell it because it will kill you. But the fish go crazy for it, and we dry down the seeds to make a dye powder. You still shouldn’t eat it, but for no more reason than to not swallow the dye powders you get from your tailor.” His informing was interrupted by nearby people who had stopped to listen, and snickered at the man’s expense.

“So it wasn’t our food that made you sick. I can give you something for your pain, some herbs we have. I won’t even charge you as an apology for the misunderstanding—”

It all happened so fast.

Esai stepped away to look through the herb clippings in another basket, just long enough for the man to lose his composure, humiliated both by his ignorance and prejudice on full display for a busy market where he had believed he was right. He reached into his breast pocket, moist hand grabbing a gun to point at the back of the man attempting to help him. But he didn’t have time to aim before a fist like iron connected with his face, punching him out of his shoes and to the other end of the street. Wall after wall followed his trajectory, lined by the faces of horrified onlookers. Silence followed the crash, and everyone for blocks stopped to stare at the Oasin and his friends. They saw River with arm outstretched, watched his adrenaline dissolve into shakes. His own voice broke the spell, almost too weak to be heard.

“He—he had a gun. Esai—”

“Everybody pack up,” came his voice. “Can’t you hear me? Get moving! The sun is getting low, we have to leave,” he said as the others hurried to comply.

“...Esai—”

“Don’t.” He shushed him. “Don’t speak. We have to get everyone home safe first. You go ahead, don’t wait for us.”

River nodded, eyes hot as Esai sent him off with a blessing of his thumb against his forehead. He tried not to run, counting his steps until he reached the bridge. But the familiarity of sand made his legs itch, and he was gone.

His godmother greeted him at home, nearly dropping dinner when he slammed into her for a brutal hug. “There you are! Are you alone? Where is everybody?”

She brushed his bangs from his wet eyes and set her pot on the table. “What’s wrong, baby? What happened? You’re pale.”

“… It’s fine. I-I don’t feel so well. Esai sent me home.” He gave Claudia a quivering smile.

“Get in bed, then. Dinner’s ready. Oh! Did you buy batteries?”

His smile faltered as he felt for the bag that should have been on his back. “I left them with the others.”

She clicked her teeth. “Ay, River. Go to bed, don’t worry about it. Somebody will bring them by when they all get back.”

King tide ended at sundown, and the trading party was late, walking the last half mile in water around their legs while the youngest rode on the shoulders of the tallest. They had received no resistance to their departure but waited almost too late for a relentless Esai that had gone door to door all afternoon to soothe angry business owners with missing walls.

Claudia answered the door for him in her nightgown. “Esai! Did you bring my batteries?”

“Where’s River?”

“Eh? He’s in bed. Why are you both acting so strange?” She went to fetch him but he was already in the doorway of his room, still dressed to leave.

“Let’s go.” Esai jerked his head to lead them outside. The island seemed especially busy after market days, the scattered houses receiving loved ones late with armfuls and weary legs. River delighted in the sounds of the evening, of children who’d never tasted bread so sweet or seen jewels so clear. It made any scolding from Esai worthwhile as he smuggled indulgence into every traders burden. But tonight the lamps went dark when the sun was still in the sky, and their community was quiet. They passed closed houses, walking almost to shore again before either of them spoke.

“He had a gun?”

“He would have killed you. Over something so stupid—”

“You shouldn’t have interfered.”

“What?!” River stopped suddenly, the disbelief leaving his lungs in a rush.

“You showed your Temple to the Alabastans, I would have rather you let him shoot me.”

“Shut up! What’s wrong with you? You would die all because of some—“

“Don’t finish that sentence. Your Temple is a gift from God, so few of us have awakened it’s power. The Alabastans would exploit you, or try to wipe us out and succeed this time. The king leaves us alone but if we step out of line that peace is over… We are less than a thousand. We cannot win, even with Temple, 10 of you cannot protect us from the Royal Army. I’ve always known leadership might cost my life. It is an honorable death to protect my people.”

“That’s stupid. How can you protect us if you’re dead?”

“Listen to my words, River, you endangered all of us when you lost control.”

He flinched away from open palms, but they only ruffled his hair like they weren’t the same age.

“I’m hard on you, I get that. Things are simple here but when we’re out there—no matter how angry you get, no matter what you witness, you have to stay calm. Don’t give them anything they can use against us. At the cost of our lives, we have to protect our home.”

River swiped at his own face, finding he could barely breathe. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize. Just… try not to be yourself.” Esai offered a smile.

“You’re an asshole,” he said but didn’t manage to sting through his tears.

“Everyone says that. I’m thinking they can’t all be right.” ____ ___ __ _

But the great invasion Esai feared never came. The market was content to have the Oasins repair their businesses, and the city had no record of any complaint. They returned to their schedule, though River was told to stay behind for a couple weeks just in case. He had begged Ines and Ramon to reconsider but their leadership supported Esai’s opinion, believing some time away was best. They grounded him, wrapped him in the warmth of familiar food, and song, the breeze that carried the salt from the same sea every day. It made him itch, worsened when he stood on the beach to stare at the horizon that he longed to touch.

He missed the feeling of cobblestones under his feet, bartering with quick-witted merchants for spices and gold alike. He agreed the Alabastans couldn’t be trusted but their country breathed to him, so alive in the way a pirate wonders how high the mountain goes, or what lurks beneath the surface of a glass sea. He spoke into the sky, wishing on a squall that carried nothing but pain. But how does anyone who stands on the shore know what lurks in the sea?

No one could have predicted who would come to collect on River’s forgotten transgression because no one was supposed to know their name.

Across Alabasta, Crocodile was surprised to hear from the agent on his snail phone. “You were three days late to turn into your report. We declared you dead.”

‘I’ve been hospitalized, I—three DAYS?”

“I’m not hearing an explanation.”

‘I was in Alabasta to meet our contact and this man attacked me. His fist felt like hot iron, it threw me down the street and he was yelling “Down with Baroque Works”! He’s a menace out to get us and he knows the identity of—’

“Say that again.”

‘He’s declared himself an enemy of our organization—‘

“That’s not what I asked. ‘His fist felt like iron’.”

“Yes, Mr. 0. He threw me… must have been a quarter mile away. I would like to take care of this personally—‘

“Clearly, that’s not possible. Who was it? Or did your mild coma wipe your memory of that as well as your manners?”

“My-my apologies, Mr. 0. It was an Oasin, they’re a flea of a territory island. It was a man, young man with violet eyes and—‘

“That will be all. I’m not reinstating you, and wish you luck with your future endeavors.” He clicked the snail off before the former agent could protest. Twisting the same dial summoned Miss All Sunday’s voice.

‘Yes, Sir?’

“I’m sending you the number and location of an agent that is leaving our company.”

‘Oh?’

“And dispatch Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday to Alabasta. I’ll send their brief momentarily.”

‘Yes, Sir.’ ____ ___ __ _

“How long do we have, Miss Wednesday?” Mr. 9 asked as he toed the sand leading away from shore, face pulled down in a grimace. The rational fear of drowning and all.

“The tide comes back in at sundown but we’ll be gone long before then, Mr. 9.”

“I don’t understand why he wasn’t at the market, Miss Wednesday, didn’t the brief say we’d find him there?”

“It said maybe. Or do you want to explain to Mr. 0 that we couldn’t find him, Mr. 9?”

“You’re a cruel woman.” He said as he began to walk.

Outside his home, River was harvesting vegetables from their raised garden beds, collecting them in his apron and minding the baby strapped to his back.

Claudia came up to his side to check his progress and offer him the basket to empty his burden. “How’s your little helper doing?”

“No help at all—”

“I was talking to the baby.” She stared and he struggled to reply over his laugh.

“He’s slept the entire day. And I think he’s eating my hair,” he said as Claudia reached up to pull down the hood, revealing a tiny Bananawani the size of a small child. His banana was just a young nub on his forehead, and the skin around his mouth and feet were sickly pale, almost white.

He chirped, reaching out to nip at her finger. “Those antibiotics haven’t done anything for his color. But he seems to have more energy. At least he’s hungry.”

“Why am I still holding him then, if he’s hungry?” River said and let Claudia pull the baby into her arms to offer him some coconut from her apron, the preferred, moisture-rich and fibrous treat for growing Wani.

She let him eat, careful to not touch sharp teeth that could easily amputate if he had more strength. “Eat up, little one. You have to be big enough to go back into the sea when the females return for your siblings. Why did you hatch early anyway? When you’re so sick.”

“If I hadn’t been swimming and seen him all alone, he would have been eaten.” River said.

“He still might get eaten if the females reject him… I won’t let that happen. I’ll just be your mother then.” She blew him a kiss, and the reptile squeaked for more food.

“For someone who never wanted children, you keep finding things to raise.”

“If I hadn’t taken you, no one would have. You were such a fussy little boy. Still are.”

“Little?” He grinned, though the tall woman looked into his eyes.

“This is exactly what I mean. You get your rudeness from your father, and your weakness to the sun. My sister was like me, we never burned. You have your father’s intolerance to drink—”

River’s laugh cut her off, and she linked their arm’s together to rest on his shoulder. “The man’s dead, Claudia, let him rest in peace.”

Their bittersweet banter, the ability to smile when remembering his parents would be, if River was asked, the greatest triumph they made as mother and son. Tied together by a fated stormy night, suddenly alone and without their favorite people in the world, they survive by holding hands. If asked, River will say his parents were stuck on the bridge because he made them late, distracted by jewels at the market. Claudia will say they were helpless to the weather. Neither of them remember too much about that night, but they honor their memory by going on together.

“Who are they?” Claudia said suddenly, breaking him from his thoughts.

At the edge of the village, River could see two strangers on the shore, a man and a woman in gaudy clothes. The man, irritated with the woman, it seemed, sported a lopsided crown on his feathering of ginger hair.

“…get inside. Don’t come out until someone comes to get you.”

Back on the mainland, an older man came to Esai’s side at the market, both recognizable to the other but struggled to recall names.

“Excuse me, but two people just crossed onto the land bridge. They didn’t look like natives.”

“What?!”

“I didn’t approach them, I mean I didn’t know if you were expecting somebody. But I’ve never seen anyone besides you all step foot onto that bridge.”

Esai didn’t bother to thank them before he was off in a sprint, grabbing a friend and yelling in their own language.

“…well, now I wish I’d said something.”

The Baroque Works agents found themselves barred from entering the village, stopped on the shore by what looked like a wall of the strongest among them.

“This is quite the welcome. They must not get too many visitors, don’t you think, Mr. 9?”

He shooed away an insect, tongue bared at the humidity. “Definitely not. Anyway, let’s not drag this out. We’re with the…” He struggled to recall the wording on their brief sheet.

“The Royal Coalition of Suspicious Persons, Peoples, and their Pets—”

“That’s right, the… The Crown. We’re here to apprehend River Faustina for crimes against the king,” he declared. When no one made any move to comply, content to stare at the two eccentric strangers, he jabbed a finger at the paper that flapped in his hand.

“We have a summons from King Cobra himself to arrest the man on this paper and any of you who will not cooperate will be apprehended as co-conspirators!”

Ines stepped forward, careful of her cane in the sand. “May I see that summons?”

“Impossible! You couldn’t read it anyway.”

She snatched the paper quick enough to make him yelp and flinch when she slapped it to smooth it’s wrinkles. “I speak three languages.”

After long, silent moments of watching her scan the page, she finally crumpled it up and pitched it into the sea.

“MA’AM—”

“Don’t yell at me, red, my ears work just fine. I’m not doubting the validity of your request. I just don’t care. Ka-HA!” She punctuated her laugh with a bonk to his head with her cane, and a hasty retreat on suddenly virile feet.

Ramon, the largest and second village leader, intercepted the yelling strangers easily while Ines made her escape from responsibility.

She reentered the village to find River waiting for her. “Mama Ines. You can’t just ignore them and hope they go away.”

“That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Whatever credentials they have, however mad they are about what you did… I’ll never hand you over to them. Okay?”

“… Yes, mama.”

“Good boy. Besides, what kind of king sends two skinny idiots to arrest one of my people? Ka-HA. Fucking moron.”

“Mama!”

“Sorry sorry. I forget Claudia raised you to be polite.”

Esai came up on the island as Ramon was restraining Mr. 9 with one hand, the latter kneeling on the ground as he yelled to be let go. Miss Wednesday wisely chose to give them space.

“What’s going on here? Ramon?”

“They’re from some royal organization, here to arrest River.”

“You can’t hurt them, it’ll make things worse.”

Ramon gave his hostage a hard shove, sending him face first into the sand with a muffled yell. “They were very rude. Ines says to leave them, and I second that.”

“You can’t refuse or we’ll take Mr. Faustina by force—” Miss Wednesday backed up when Ramon towered over her, his shadow suddenly blacking out the sun.

He leaned down so his threat would be their secret. “You have until sundown to decide what you will do, or you will be forced to survive on this beach for 8 days until the bridge reappears. Perhaps you’ll try to swim? The Bananawani have nests just offshore, they’ll be coming back for their young any day now.”

Both agents watched as Ramon and the others retreated down the path to leave them with only the oscillating sound of the ocean that chipped away at their time. “The sun is getting lower. We have to move now, Miss Wednesday.”

She watched the gap in the trees as if waiting for them to come back and make good on their threat. “Mr. 0 instructed us with nonviolence.”

“I’m more afraid of what he’ll do if we don’t bring Mr. Faustina back at all. Or get stuck here.”

Esai ran through the village from home to home to ask about River, but found no evidence of his whereabouts until he personally spotted him on the path to the beach.

‘Esai!’ He heard behind him.

“Not now, Claudia!”

“Damn it, Esai, talk to me! What’s going on with River!”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out!” He sprinted after the other man but skidded to a stop behind the treeline when he saw him already talking with the strangers.

“You’re River Faustina? Must be, they said you had violet eyes.” Mr. 9 said as he failed to crack his neck. “That gorilla did a number on me.”

“Have you called for help?” River asked.

“Of course we have,” the woman lied. “But this will be much easier if you leave peacefully. We don’t want anyone else to be hurt.”

His mind raced with the possibility of what his resistance would bring, sunset casting the island in orange. How many reinforcements did these people have? Do they have the technology to cross the reef outside of King Tide? We can’t hold back an army if who I hurt was someone important. Did he die? Is that why I’m being arrested? There’s just not enough time.

“I’ll go with you. You and your people are to never step foot on this island again. I am the only one who has committed a crime.”

The strangers, seemingly satisfied with his answer, made to leave as Esai ran from his hiding place. “River—”

“Don’t, Esai.”

“Ines and Ramon told us to stay put, to leave those two alone.”

“That won’t solve anything.” He turned to smile at his oldest friend, eyes wet with pooled tears. “I have to protect my home.”

‘Don’t keep us waiting, Mr. Faustina!’

“We can fix this, River. Don’t just leave, what about Claudia, what about—”

River let a tear fall before hurrying to swipe it away. The sun was almost gone, sky covered by indigo, and the water was shrinking the bridge even smaller. Would he be allowed to write a letter before they passed their judgment? Surely they have that much mercy. “Hug Claudia for me.”

I’ll tell her I’m sorry. I was stubborn, selfish to wait until there was no time left for goodbyes. I hope they have enough paper, that the birds are strong enough to carry my testament to her.

Esai watched him go until they were out of sight, swallowed by the curve of the ocean but awash in his mind as he caught the last of River’s scent on the wind.

I wanted it to last forever. ____ ___ __ _

As fast as the trio ran, they were exhausted, soggy, and half drowned by the time they trudged from the rising sea at shore. Miss Wednesday upturned her shoes, letting out buckets of water and a few small fish as she tried to decipher what street they faced.“My boots are ruined, Mr. 9. Where’s the drop-off point anyway?”

“Thank you, Miss Wednesday. Mr. 9. But I’ll be taking Mr. Faustina from here.”

The pair seemed to pale at the woman that waited at the road, and River desperately wished he understood just what kind of danger she posed. He’d never felt such cold on a summers night, pinned helpless with no idea how to fight, where to run, unable to even recognize his predator.

“Mi-Miss All Sunday. Of course.” Mr. 9 managed to squeak out.

“Come with me, Mr. Faustina. You two: your next assignment is already on it’s way.”

River followed the presumed ‘Miss All Sunday’ without complaint through the streets, nose blind to the vendors he normally marveled, the lights dimmer than he remembered. He could only see the white suede coat billowing behind his handler, the ink-black of her hair. Should he be taken to the desert to be murdered quietly, he wondered if she would deliver his message. Her blue eyes didn’t look as though they even saw him.

“You brought no belongings. Were you denied that privilege or was it the time?”

“It was… It all happened so fast.”

His handler, no, Miss All Sunday stopped in front of a store. “Let’s purchase some provisions. Our destination is a couple days away, even as fast as we travel.”

“Where are we going? By boat?”

She gave him the same cold smile she had given to the gaudy pair who dropped him off; he had already forgotten their names. “Get a change of clothes. Have you eaten supper?” ____ ___ __ _

Esai held his lip where Claudia had struck him, tasting copper.

“You gave him to them?!” She screeched, eyes wild as she made to hit him again.

“He left on his own!” He yelled back and her hand stopped in the air.

“He wouldn’t do that, he trusts us to help him. He did NOTHING wrong! Why did they even come?!” Her voice cracked and anger made way for tears in rivulets down her face.

Ramon appeared to place his arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Claudia. We’re going to get him back.” He declared to the hollers of the crowd.

‘Let’s go!’

‘They can’t do this to us!”

‘We will not be bullied!’ Every shout vibrated his blood, Esai scrambled to salvage his thoughts.

We are less than a thousand. It’s been 400 years since our island challenged the king, and we barely emerged from that fight with half of us left. Who knows how things have changed? Nothing has changed here, even with our gifts we cannot stop an army. At all costs, we must survive. We must protect each other.

“They made a deal!” His voice silenced the crowd, and the dozens of stares threatened to shrink him into the ground.

“Do not pursue him. He left of his own free will, they agreed he could negotiate his punishment for labor. He will not be executed.”

“They’re going to enslave him?!”

“NO! No, they spoke of an exchange. He would use his strength to work for the King and be compensated accordingly. It—It sounded like a lot of money.”

“You’re a liar, Esai, I will—”

“Think, Claudia. I know you’re hurting but doesn’t that sound like him? River’s always chased gold, you all watch him spend our money every single market day. He’s as old as I am but he’s never left the island… We were never going to be enough for him.”

The crowd began to slowly disperse, it didn’t matter to Esai why they relented. Whether in acceptance or disgust, he just needed them to break. But Ines refused to look away from her son, and he felt his face grow hot under her stare even as he kept his feet planted. “Let him go. River of all people will find a way to get on.”

Esai stayed until the sun was long gone, left to swallow against his tears when Ines was the only one left.

“Did he truly leave on his own?” She said, only barely louder than the bugs.

“Yes. I—He stopped me.” The old woman reached for him so he could crumble into her arms. She stood there, quiet and still, until his sobs had soaked through her cloak.

He felt her place a kiss to his head as he spoke. “I don’t want to lead us.”

She let her own tears fall onto his shoulder. He couldn’t recall the last time she cried.

“It has to be you.”

#one piece #sir crocodile one piece #crocodile one piece #sir crocodile x reader #sir crocodile x oc #male reader #crocodile x male reader #ao3 fanfic #oc fanfiction #silkendandelion #mirage in the desert #x reader #x oc

5 notes · View notes