#also I wouldn’t be hurt if our friends had gotten closer while MC was gone and leaned on each other for support

[yourqueenb]

Thank you for your answer, and thank you for putting so much thought into that 💞💞💞 mal and nia are my main LIs and at first I was really glad that at least two members of the party stayed with each other and mb even got closer but I can see how it would be annoying and/or sad for people who romance one of them exclusively. I think that I mostly just want to see eeal bonds between our party bc idk it just feels a bit hollow? In the first book they were just thrown together by chance but a whole year has passed and without MC there to hold them together it just shows how much less there is with exception of some banter and general sympathy towards one another. I also think that excluding Threep and other non-romancable characters from the main friend group makes most of the dynamic in choices hollow bc lmao all these people are here to try and fuck us and no one cares about each other beyond that. I don't really like TRR or TF but I feel like friendship was so much richer in previous books, like those two series, OH and TE - and in PM they managed to create a poly route where I could feel solid platonic bonds between people other than MC and LIs (Sloane and Hayden, Steve and Hayden or Damien and Nadia). Or mb I'm just a bit underwhelmed with the current plot course in blades lmao (sorry for rambling around the same three thoughts I just can't seem to gather my thoughts on this whole thing together 🫡)

I’m so sorry, I meant to respond to this sooner. But no, I completely get what you’re saying! You made some good points.

Even though all of these characters were kind of thrown together in book 1, personally I did feel like they were more like a family by the end of it. And I think that’s one of the reasons why everyone loved Blades so much. However, I do understand why the bonds aren’t as tight in this book. It makes sense for there to be some distance between everyone after what happened to MC and the apparent strife it caused. But I feel like they haven’t done enough to fully bring the group back together again and reform those poignant emotional bonds.

As you basically said with the exception of some banter and general sympathy towards one another, pretty much all of the focus is on each member’s relationship with MC alone. And even those relationships are very one sided with each person relying on MC for support, but not giving much in return. When the main cast is tied together by genuine relationships with each other rather than simply all waiting for their turns in MC’s bed, it’s really great to see and makes for a better book overall. That’s why the Pend Pals are still my personal favorite friend group to this day.

I will say that I actually don’t feel like the relationship dynamics in Blades specifically are hollow because everyone’s trying to sleep with MC though. And maybe that’s because I’m only romancing Mal (and flirting with Aerin on the side). But yeah, I think it’s because the writers have really been ignoring the opportunities to capitalize off of emotional beats (which I’ve said a few times before) rather than the characters just not having more to their relationships at all

[drabbles-mc]

Handled

Juice Ortiz x F!Reader

Combining 2 Anonymous requests for this: I was wondering if you could do a Juice x female reader, where reader has been kidnapped by a rival gang and beaten for info, that she doesn't spill. And, in a sort of exchange, two men stab her in front of the sons, including her old man (Juice), and she instantly rages and just does some out of the blue ninja shit that they didn't even know she could do, and takes them out before dropping to the floor. & what if, we/you had a scenario where the reader drops into the splits to trip up two guys because they're charging her or something - literally don't mind which guy is for the pairing and whether fluff or stuff ensues. I kinda just want to see it written in your style. Like, "since when could she do that" and, etc.

Warnings: language, depictions of violence, blood, injuries, murder

Word Count: 2.1k

A/N: It’s been a hot minute since I’ve written a fight fic but I think I did alright! Had to throw in a little bit of Juice being a lil softy because it isn’t truly a Juice fic from me without it haha. Enjoy! xo

SOA Taglist: @mijop @adela-topaz-caelon @masterlistforimagines @garbinge​ @chibsytelford​ @xladymacbethx​ @i-just-read-stuff (If you want to be tagged in my fics don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know!)

You’d been put in a lot of compromising positions because of your proximity to the club. You’d been hauled in for questioning more times than you could count, and you’d gone toe-to-toe with a lot of people that you never wanted to have to cross paths with again. Being involved with the Sons meant you had to know how to defend yourself, because they weren’t always going to be around to do it for you. They might be your second family, and you might be someone’s old lady, but for you that was never an excuse to not be able to handle your own shit.

Long before you even knew who Juice Ortiz was, you were involved with Samcro. Growing up in Charming you couldn’t avoid knowing about them, and somewhere along the lines during your rebellious teenage years, you fell into the fold of the club and the community that surrounded it. You went from a silent presence, to a true friend of the MC, to an old lady. It was the wildest ride but you wouldn’t trade it for the world.

You remembered when Juice started prospecting—all smiles and full of jokes. If anyone had asked you for your opinion then, you would’ve said that the MC was going to chew him up and spit him out. But you would’ve been wrong, and in the midst of all the chaos the two of you ended up together. He was good for you, always kept you laughing. And you were good for him, too, helping him not spiral out and get ahead of himself—you kept him grounded. The bedlam was manageable when you faced it as a team.

All of that was running at hyper speed through your head as you found yourself bound to a chair in the back of an old warehouse. Being detained in an interrogation room at a police station was a stay at a five-star hotel compared to what you were going through now. It made you miss it. The metallic taste of blood coated the inside of your mouth. You spit it onto the concrete, staining it red. You mustered the deepest breath you could as you looked back up at the men who had taken you.

“I told you,” you shook your head, “I don’t know shit. And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you,” you pulled against the restraints on your wrists, “I’m not a fucking rat.”

You felt another blow land to your stomach and you grunted, trying as hard as you could to bite back the pain. It was bad enough that you were stuck in this situation to begin with, you didn’t want to give any extra satisfaction of showing more pain than you had to. You were fidgeting and twisting your wrists relentlessly as you tried to loosen the binds. For a moment you thought that you were getting somewhere, but that sense of victory quickly got pushed to the side when you heard a clamoring coming from the other end of the warehouse. You had a feeling that you knew exactly who it was that was causing the ruckus, and you had never been so relieved to hear the yelling and cussing of some of your favorite men on the planet.

“Go!” one of the men shouted to the other, nodding in the direction of the noise, “Handle that. I’ll take care of her.”

As soon as the other man was a few strides away, you figured you weren’t going to have a better moment to try and catch him by surprise. You’d managed to wriggle one hand out of the rope that had previously been tied around it, and the slack gave you the opportunity to untangle the other. Your wrists were raw and bleeding but you didn’t care—you were closer to freedom than you’d been in hours.

You kept your hands behind your back and waited for the right moment. There was a gunshot and the man in front of you was visibly torn—not wanting to leave you unattended but also not wanting to leave his partner to face the gunfire alone. Neither them nor you even knew how many people the Sons had sent your way.

“Fuck,” he muttered and took one last look at you before taking off towards the chaos.

As soon as his back was turned you reached and freed your ankles. You stood up and ran at the man’s back. You leapt and threw your arms around his throat, choking him as you took him down to the ground. You collapsed on top of him, arms still tight around his neck as he attempted to elbow you off of him.

By that point, the two pockets of disarray found each other. You had no idea what had happened to the guys’ guns but there was no shooting as they approached you. You looked up for a moment to see your other assailant sprinting back towards you, and you assumed that he was being chased by at least Juice, if not someone else as well.

The split second made your grip falter just slightly, and the man underneath you flung his head backwards, hitting you directly in the nose. You cursed as it knocked you backwards, blood instantly beginning to gush out of your nose. You saw the man rising to his feet and you did as well, as quickly as you could manage.

The blood dripping from your nose completely faded from your mind as you assessed the situation in front of you. The man who had just given you your bloody nose reached down into his boot, pulling out a switchblade. You would’ve been lying if you said that it didn’t send a jolt of fear down your spine. Fighting two-to-one was difficult enough, but being outnumbered and one of them having a knife was pushing it even for you.

You stanced up, ready to fight and do whatever you had to do to survive. You were able to dodge a few blows from the man who was empty-handed, all the while keeping the knife in view. It was just a matter of time before the two of them closed in on you and you knew that, you were just trying to buy yourself enough time to get some backup.

There was a sharp pain in your side as you felt an arm wrap around your throat from behind. You screamed out in pain, eyes clenching shut for a moment as you tried to focus on anything besides the fact that you knew there was a blade sticking into your side.

When you opened your eyes you saw Juice and Chibs come crashing onto the scene. In all the time you’d known him, you had never seen Juice look so hurt, so angry as when he was taking in the scene in front of him. Just as he stepped in to try and help, you reached, yanking the knife out of your side and swinging your back to jam it into the thigh of the man behind you.

He grunted, grip on your throat tightening for only a moment before loosening as he leaned forward onto you. You took the brief moment of weakness to twist yourself and sweep his legs out from underneath him.

The other man ran at you and without thinking you dropped down, legs splitting as you tripped the man running at you. You swung your legs and body so that you were straddling the man you stabbed before you ripped the knife from his thigh and repeatedly sank it into his stomach and torso.

You were just about to turn around and finish the job when you were gripped tight by the back of your neck. You instinctively threw your elbow back and were rewarded with a cracking sound. Just as you spun your body around you saw that Chibs was already grabbing the man, pressing a knife to the base of his throat.

You weren’t sure if it was the relief of knowing you finally had a helping hand, or the blood loss from the stab wound in your side, but suddenly the tension began to disappear from your body. So much had happened in a matter of seconds that even you really couldn’t process it all. You stumbled a few steps before you felt Juice’s arms wrap around you to keep you from falling completely to the ground. You let him support your full body weight as you pressed your hand against the gash in your side.

“Get here faster next time,” you let out a humorless laugh as you shut your eyes, trying to ignore the searing pain that was spreading through your body.

“In our defense, love, you had it handled jus’ fine on yer own,” Chibs was walking towards you and Juice, wiping blood from the blade of his knife onto his jeans.

“Can we finish this conversation later?” Juice’s voice was dripping with concern as he tried to figure out the best way to help you move without making your injuries any worse.

“I’ll be fine,” you shook your head slightly, not expecting to feel so lightheaded.

“You ripped a knife out of your own body and killed somebody with it,” Juice couldn’t take his eyes off of your face that was streaked with sweat and blood, “and while seeing you Hulk out was shocking and impressive, you also did just about the dumbest thing you could do with a stab wound.”

“But it at least looked cool, right?”

He shook his head, “I can’t talk to you when you’re like this.”

You knew that his annoyance was rooted in concern. You would’ve been more concerned if they had shown up any later than they did. You weren’t going to heal up quickly by any means, but you’d survive. There was no doubt about that.

“I would’ve gotten that other guy too, you know,” you looked over at Chibs.

He chuckled as he stepped in, bracing the other side of you to help Juice assist you with walking, “I know. Just wanted in on the fun, that’s all. Next time I’ll leave it all to you.”

“There’s not gonna be a next time,” Juice shook his head, staring daggers at Chibs for even joking about the possibility.

“When yer all healed up, you’ll have to get the rest of us flexible enough to do that little drop and spin move ye did back there.”

You mustered what you could of a laugh as they helped you into the back of the van, “Liked that one, huh?”

“Will you stop making her talk?” Juice snapped.

Chibs held his hands up in mock surrender as he walked to the driver’s door, “Sorry. Jus’ didn’t know you were dating a lass who is a goddamn black belt.”

Juice stayed in the back with you, applying pressure to your side as he cradled your head in his lap. You could hear the unsteadiness in his breath as he tried to stay as calm as possible. He’d been in plenty of situations with bloodied and injured people before, but it was never you, it was never this bad. You reached and rested your hand on his knee, giving him a reassuring squeeze when you saw the sadness starting to creep into his eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that,” you tell him.

“Like what?”

“Like that,” you allowed yourself a small smile, “C’mon it’s gonna take more than a couple guys with some rope and a knife to do me in. I’m tougher than that.”

“I never said you weren’t tough.”

“I just feel like you should be a little more impressed, that’s all,” you laughed, immediately wincing once you did.

It got him to crack a small smile, “I’ll take the time to be impressed once you don’t have blood gushing out of your side or your face. Is that fair?”

“I guess,” you smiled, “I’d ask you to kiss me but I don’t think you want that right now.”

He dipped his head down, pressing his lips lightly against yours for a moment in a gentle kiss despite the blood all over your face, “That’s not to reward reckless behavior, you know.”

“All of our behavior is reckless,” you shook your head slightly.

“Oh sure,” Chibs piped up as he drove, “But I’m the one who was makin’ her talk.”

You smiled and Juice chuckled quietly. Both of you did fall into a comfortable silence after that, though. You listened to Chibs’ half of the conversation as he called to get medical help ready for you back at the clubhouse. You were just ready to get cleaned up. You could deal with the bandages and the stitches as long as you were able to take a shower and get the blood and grime off of you.

“I love you,” Juice’s voice was soft, “And I’m sor—”

You cut him off, “Just leave it at I love you.”

He smiled and you could see a little bit of the light return to his eyes, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

[obeyme-kaidii-writes]

Envy - Angelic Demons (1/2)

Leviathan x gn!MC

Words - 1590

Content warnings - angst, lots of comfort

Prompt/Inspiration - Angelic Demons Event

Summary - Following the events in the “Angelic Demons” event where all the brothers are turned into angels and forced to wear magical bangles that correct their behavior.

You go to check on Levi to see how he is doing now that he’s reverted back to his demonic self and no longer under the effects of the angelic magic.

AO3 | Part Two - Greed

It had been a few days now since the magic from the cursed (because that’s what they were to you) bangles had worn off. Diavolo had also finally removed the outfits so everyone was more or less back to normal. At least, that’s how it appeared at first glance. In reality, Satan was probably the only one you saw much of as everyone else had made themselves scarce, recovering from the stress of being forced to remember their time as angels.

Two demons in particular seemed to have gone even more silent than the rest and you were starting to grow concerned so you had decided to check on them.

There was no answer when you knocked on Levi’s door, so you simply let yourself inside. You looked over to his gaming PC, hoping to find him where he usually sat, but he wasn’t there. Hearing you enter the room, Levi sat up from his place in his tub and turned to face you. You offered him a warm smile, and he smiled weakly in return.

“Hey, I hadn’t heard from you in a few days so I wanted to check on you.”

“Oh,” Levi picked up his DDD from beside himself and checked his notifications, only to discover that it had died at some point, “Looks like it’s dead. Sorry.”

“Oh. Ok.”

You shifted uncomfortably on your feet, as you prepared yourself for the conversation you were about to have. Or try to, at least. You just hoped Levi was receptive to the idea of talking. You really had no idea how he would react after everything that had happened, but you still felt you needed to try because something clearly wasn’t right.

“Do you think we could talk?” you asked, sitting down on the futon near his TV and gaming systems. Levi didn’t reply, but simply nodded in return. After staring at you for a moment, he finally dragged himself out of his tub and came to sit beside you. You turned to face him, taking one of his hands in your own and holding it gently. Levi turned his face away from you slightly, letting his hair fall to cover his eyes, keeping them trained on the ground in front of him.

“So...what do you want…?” Levi finally asked, unsure of if he really wanted to know. The “angel experience” had been particularly rough on him. He had gotten to see what it was like to not be shy, anxious, weak . Even when he was an angel he hadn’t felt that secure and calm. At the time, he felt like it had been a good thing, but when the effect wore off, it left him feeling empty. He wasn’t prepared for just how stark the contrast would be between his angelic self and his demonic self, and all he could think about now was what a miserable sort of waste of space he was. He knew you must have come to check on him because you were that sort of a lovely person, but if he was being honest with himself, he really had just wanted to be left alone and forgotten.

“I wanted to check in with you, see how you were doing.”

“Oh.”

“So, how are you feeling?”

Levi was silent for a while. How was he supposed to answer that? He wasn’t doing well at all. But could he tell you? His angelic self probably could have, if his angelic self would ever feel this bad to begin with, but him? His demonic self? He didn’t think he could. And he didn’t think he deserved your concern either.

It took some cursed accessory for him to finally be able to confess to you. He couldn’t help but think about how much he must have hurt you before that when he refused to admit to his feelings. And now, he’d never be able to say it again. To do it properly. He was just too...weak.

“Just tired, I guess,” was what he decided on.

“Oh ok...I was worried you might be having a hard time. You were just so different…”

“...was it that obvious?” he laughed a little to himself, in a self deprecating sort of way. Of course it was obvious how different he had been. All his insecurities and flaws were gone. What else could he have been besides different?

“Well, yeah...you weren’t you…” you said, giving his hand a small squeeze.

“Of course I wasn’t...I wasn’t weak…”

“Weak…? What are you…?”

“That’s what it is, isn’t? Why I get so anxious, and can’t talk to you, or anyone...I couldn’t...I couldn’t even tell you how I felt...what is that besides weak?”

Hearing Levi talk like that about himself brought a vivid memory from a couple days ago to the forefront of your mind. He had called himself weak then too, when he was wearing the bangle. And it had made your blood boil at the time. You wanted to slap him when he had first said it, but it was still him . Even though it had felt like a stranger was talking about your beloved otaku, it wasn’t, so you hadn’t known what to do.

“You’re not weak, Levi,” you replied, firmly, “You might be shy, and awkward, and anxious sometimes, but you’re not weak.”

“...same thing…”

“No, it’s not,” you gave his hand another squeeze.

“Then what would you call it?!” he snapped, “I can’t even enjoy my games! Every time I sit down all I can think about is how if I wasn’t so weak I wouldn’t need them. No matter what I do, I’m constantly reminded of how weak and useless I am…”

“Levi…” letting go of his hand, you reached forward and pulled him into a hug, his head resting on your chest. Hesitantly, Levi wrapped his arms around you, clutching to your shirt, hiding his face in your shoulder. Why was he like this? Why couldn’t he just say the things he wanted to say? Why did he need to be reassured all the time?

“Did you...did you like me more that way…?” he mumbled into your chest. He knew it wasn’t a fair question to ask. Of course you liked his angelic self more. His angelic self was strong enough to confess to you...

“No, Levi, I did not like you more that way. I like you how you are now. I like otaku Levi,” you replied, running your fingers through his hair, “Otaku Levi is my best friend.” Levi tightened his grip on your shirt, pulling you closer, and you tightened your hug in return, kissing the top of his head.

“Did you know, I already knew how you felt. Before you said what you did with the bangle?” Levi remained quiet, so you continued, “There’s more than one way to tell someone you love them, you know? And I always felt loved around you. Even if you didn’t say it in so many words.

You always looked forward to spending time with me. You planned so many things for us to do together and new things for us to try. You thought of me all time, and were always letting me know when you saw something you felt I’d like.”

“...really?”

“Yeah, really. And you know what else?” you felt Levi shake his head against, and you gave him another reassuring hug, “I didn’t like that confession. It didn’t really count. Because when you said it...it was easy for you to say. Too easy.”

Levi pulled away, sitting up so he could look at you, trying to make sense of what you were telling him. How could you not have liked it when he was honest with you? He had finally said everything he had always wanted to say, shouldn’t that make you happy?

“All the other times when you’ve hugged me, or let me kiss you, they meant a lot,” you said, tucking his hair behind his ear, “Because I knew how hard you had to try to do those things. You had to have really cared for me to go through the trouble, you know?” You smiled at him, watching as he blushed under your gaze.

“Oh…”

Leaning forward, you wrapped him up in a tight hug once more, and he didn’t hesitate to hug you back and bury his face into your neck. He really did love you. You always had this way of making things better...less scary. Even when he was overwhelmed with everything going on around him, having you there just made it all seem not quite so bad. You made him feel safe, and because of that, it was easier for him to be a little bit more confident sometimes, a little less anxious.

“I love otaku Levi. Jealous Levi that wants to keep me all to himself. That’s my Levi,” you whispered into his ear, as he pulled you closer, “So please, please don’t call him weak. He’s strong. Because he keeps going even when it all seems like too much.”

You were pleading with Levi now, begging him to listen to you, to be kinder to himself. You desperately wanted him to know how much you cared for him, how much you loved him just the way he is. Now more than ever, you wanted him to see the good in himself.

“I love you just the way you are. And I don’t want you to change, not like that. I want us to take our time. Get to know each other better. Grow together. No creepy cursed magical bracelets. Just me and you.”

Levi laughed at your description, and he felt you smile against his neck. How did you always know just what to say to him? How did you know just how to make him smile? Just a few moments ago, he had been wishing he could just disappear and be forgotten. But now he was so thankful that you had come for him and not left him alone. And maybe he wasn’t going to be making bold declarations of love anytime soon, but spending time with you? That was something he could do.

[darling-dummy-blogs]

Lean On Me- Gavin Bai

Thank you @dreamer-hyun​ for helping write Gavin’s lines! I appreciate your help so much! <3

Summary: MC had a stressful day, it got to the point where it is overwhelming her and she ends up crying but Gavin is there to help her relax and make her feel better by watching a movie/show with her 💙

Paring: Gavin Bai x F!MC

Genre: Comfort Fluff!! 

Fandom: Mr. Love Queen's Choice

Word Count: 2k words 

Notes: This was also for our lovely friend @silv3rrin We love you! 

It was one of those days. Nothing had been going right for MC, not since the text from Gavin she’d read first thing in the morning telling her he’d been called out on a short, but urgent mission, and didn’t know when he’d return. They’d had plans together that evening-- dinner at Lynn’s Kitchen, and then a late-night movie, but now it was all out the window. And though hours had passed since she’d messaged Gavin back, and he was normally good about keeping her updated on his mission’s progress, she hadn’t heard from him at all. Which was worrisome.

Not only had that stressed her out, but her company had been struggling as well with their show: There had been many issues filming throughout the day and it had honestly frustrated and brought her to the point where she felt ultimately drained. First, the guest had cancelled on them, then, an hour later, as Anna had been trying to schedule a shoot with their backup, they’d tried to reschedule to the following week, and Minor, who’d been out of the loop, had agreed to it. 

It had fallen to MC to resolve the differences, and she’d ended up apologizing to both the guests. They’d taken it well-- Kiki and Willow assured her she’d done the best she could’ve done-- but she still felt guilty. As if there were words left unsaid on the guests’ end, and they’d now be more reluctant to work with the company again.

Now this wouldn’t be the first time something like this happened. In fact it has happened in the past. However, during those times, MC was able to handle such difficulties. Now.. well now seemed different. It seemed overbearing.  

MC now sat at her desk, her head in her hands as she let out a frustrated sigh. Her head had begun to hurt after running around all day. 

She pulled out her phone, staring at it silently, before turning it on, and pulling up her messages with Gavin. 

Still no response… 

She decided to text him again: 'Hey Gavin.. Is the mission going okay? You haven't replied since this morning… I'm worried.' Before sending. 

A minute passed, then another. Her phone screen remained dark. At this point she was becoming frustrated. She felt overwhelmed, stressed, angry, worried, upset and tired all in one day and she couldn’t seem to take it. 

All she wanted was to know if Gavin was okay, that alone would make her feel at least a little relaxed. But with him not replying, it made her incredibly anxious. She stared at the black screen before turning it on and swiping to Gavin’s number, calling him. It rang… and rang… she held her breath, desperately awaiting him to pick up the phone. “Come on.. Please pick up..” She muttered more to herself than out loud.  

After a full minute of ringing, it finally came to stop, suddenly she could hear Gavin from the other line, “Gavin! Oh thank god you finally answered! Are you okay?? Why haven’t you been answering my texts?” 

She said all in one breath, she could hear the pounding of her own heart from how anxious she felt. 

“MC,” came his reply. “Now’s not a good time. Don’t worry too much. I’ll see you later, alright?”

“Gavin—” she began, but the rest of her worried words were drowned out by the crackle of static and muffled shouting.

“B-7!” She heard faintly in the background. “We need you!”

“I have to go.”

Before she could respond to his terse goodbye, he’d already hung up. She sighed, of course, she should have expected something like this to happen. However his response did not reassure her in the slightest.  

---

As the day progressed, MC could hardly focus on anything. When she still had so much to do, all she could think about was Gavin. She couldn’t stop worrying over him

She still sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. 

“Boss?” Minor’s voice broke through her stupor.

“Boss?” He repeated more forcefully. “Are you okay?”

She tore her gaze away from the screen at last to see him and Anna standing before her, expressions equally concerned.

She stared at them quietly for a moment, before collecting her thoughts, shaking her head and looking back to her computer screen. She didn’t really feel like in a talking mood. Not when she needed to work. If only her thoughts and worries of Gavin would let her work.. 

But before MC could sink back into her thoughts, Anna laid a hand on her shoulder, drawing her attention back up to her and Minor.

“That’s enough for today,” Anna said, voice calm and soothing. “We can take care of the rest, alright?”

“But—” MC started, but Minor cut her off, shaking a finger at her disapprovingly.

“No buts! You’re worried about Gavin-bro right now, aren’t you? I can tell from the faraway look in your eyes.” 

She let out a sigh, “I am… But there is still so much to do… I can’t just leave now..” She stubbornly insisted.

“You’re not gonna get any work done like that, though! So, don’t worry and leave the rest to us, okay?” Minor replied. Then, with a wink in Anna’s direction, 

“I’m super reliable, aren’t I, Anna? Sister-in-Law’s got nothing to worry about!”

“You’ve done a lot already,” Anna said, ignoring Minor, her eyes still on MC. “You deserve some rest.” 

MC took in their words, she looked down, they were not wrong. She’d hardly gotten anything done in the past few hours of working after the too-brief call between her and Gavin. 

Another sigh escaped her, this time a sigh of relief, she desperately needed some rest. Her brown eyes moved up from the floor, to face Anna and Minor. “You’re right.. Both of you are.. Thank you for letting me leave early.” She took a pause before continuing, “But please, let me know if anything happens. I’m just as worried about the show as I am of Gavin.” She gathered her belongings into her bag.  

It felt almost surreal to leave the company so early in the day— she and the rest of the employees had been working late the past week to plan and perfect the shoots for the upcoming episode, and if memory served her right, she hadn’t gone home before ten since last Friday. 

When she pushed open the company’s front doors, she was greeted by the bright afternoon sun, the sight of autumn leaves dancing through the crisp air, and, leaning against a familiar motorcycle, looking as tired as she felt—

“Gavin?”

His head turned in her direction at the sound of her voice, and a smile broke across his weary face.

“The wind told me Minor and Anna convinced you to go home early,” he said. “Need a ride?”

“Gavin!” 

A moment later, she was hugging him, burying her face deep in the warmth of his chest. Tears welled up in her eyes, the worry and anxiousness she felt immediately washing away the moment she pulled him into a hug.  

She held back a sob, sniffling slightly, as she closed her eyes, holding onto him tightly. Scared as if she let go, he wouldn’t be there. 

“Hey,” he murmured, resting his head atop hers. “I’m back, Pumpkin. I’m alright. I’m sorry I worried you.” 

MC sobbed quietly, shaking her head, “P-Please don’t ever do that again.. You don’t realize how worried I felt..” She sniffled, “I felt so anxious, I-I couldn’t work at all..” She looked up at him, her eyes still watering as tears stained her cheeks. 

He pulled her closer, rubbing soothing circles into her back.

“I didn’t mean to worry you,” he said after a long moment. “I thought the more you knew, the more worried you’d be. But I was wrong. I’m sorry. I won’t do anything like that again.” 

“T-thank you.. I’m just glad that you are okay and that you are safe.” She gave him a gentle smile. 

“Mm.” He made a noise of assent, stroking her hair. “It wasn’t a dangerous mission this time. Only— I rushed it. I think Eli’s mad.”

“I just wanted to come back to you sooner,” he admitted with a small cough. “We had dinner plans, didn’t we?”

She didn’t have to look to know there was a blush spreading across his cheeks, and she felt her own face warm in response.

“We did,” she replied with a laugh. “It’s a little early for dinner, though?”

“The movie, then? Or, anything is fine, as long as I’m with you.”

“Hm.. Instead of a movie.. Let’s go watch something together at home? I don’t really feel like going out.”  

“Alright,” he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Let’s go home. I’ll order us takeout from your favorite oden hotpot place when we get hungry later.” 

--- 

Once they arrived home, MC settled herself between the many cushions of the couch, scrolling through Netflix shows while Gavin disappeared into the bedroom to change out of his uniform. 

She finally found a show that she hoped both of them would enjoy: Attack on Titan. 

Kiki and Minor had made her watch a few episodes from the first season together with them a few months back, and now that the fourth season was out, they wouldn’t stop talking about it during breaks at work. 

And while she hadn’t especially enjoyed how gory some parts were, she’d fallen in love with the characters and plot and though she had secretly been looking for an excuse to continue watching it, she thought Gavin would appreciate the battle scenes and the main character’s drive and passion.

“What’s this?” Gavin asked as he took a seat on the couch beside her, his shoulder warm against hers. “Attack on Titan? Isn’t this the show Minor won’t shut up about?”

“Yes,” she began even as Gavin shook his head with a sigh. “But! I promise.. It's a very great show! I didn’t think I would like it either but after watching it, I now love it!” She reassured, giving him a bright smile.

“If you say so,” he replied, unconvinced. 

“You’ll see,” MC said with a laugh, then proceeded to press play, starting off the episode. 

For the next twenty-four minutes, Gavin was completely silent. Though she was worried he’d fallen asleep, when she snuck sideways glances at him, she saw he was completely engrossed.

“Next episode?” She asked as the credits rolled. 

“Next episode,” he agreed. 

Just as MC was about to play the next episode, she hesitated, looking at him, “Shouldn’t we order dinner now?” She asked, feeling slightly hungry. 

He stared at her blankly for a moment.

“Gavin?” She prompted. “Dinner?”

“...Right,” he said at last, shaking himself a little, as if emerging from a daze. “Dinner.”

She grinned, reaching over to flick him on the nose.

“Don’t tell me you liked the first episode so much you forgot! Wait ‘til Minor hears—”

“Minor,” Gavin interjected, “is not going to hear about this.”

She pouted.

“But now I definitely want to tell him!” She playfully pouted

“Don’t,” he warned. “Otherwise, you’ll have to order the oden hotpot yourself. Or we’ll just have to eat instant noodles for dinner.”

“Is that the worst you can think of?” She asked with a laugh, reaching to flick him again. This time, he caught her hand in his, pressing it to his lips with a small mischievous grin of his own.

“It’s not,” he replied. “But if that won’t convince you, maybe a kiss will?”

In the end, not one, but several kisses did. Once their takeout had been ordered, and she’d assured Gavin Minor wouldn’t ever know how much he was enjoying the show, they settled back to watch the next episode, both their cheeks warm.

The second episode passed in a blur, followed by the third, then the fourth— Before the two of them knew it, they had finished the entire first season and started on the next, unaware that their dinner had arrived over an hour ago.

MC’s stomach rumbled halfway through season three, loud enough to drown out the character’s dialogue. She paused the episode, blushing, as Gavin gave her a concerned look.

“You sound hungry— shouldn’t our food have arrived by now?” 

“It should have.. Maybe we should check?”   

It had— in fact, it seemed it’d arrived over an hour ago.

A moment of silence passed between them both as they stared down at the hotpot gone cold. 

MC spoke up again, “One more episode?”

[ohhmuri]

That Night Part 2

A/N: I forgot that I had posted the other parts of “That Night” tp Ao3 but didn’t upload them here! So here it is, Part 2 and I will upload part 3 (the final part) in a day or two! I hope you enjoy! The reader/MC stays vague again so you can place your MC/Yourself/Anyone in that role:) -Elle

     “Have you thought this through? Huh? At all?... This isn’t fair, Muriel! It won’t work! Y/N will never trust us…you again,” Asra pulls his white hair at the root. He hasn’t stopped pacing since entering the hut. He didn’t knock. No “hey.” No “How’re you?” He didn’t even stop to pick up the chair he knocked over.

He just barged in asking if Y/N lost the myrrh while out and this is all some freak accident. That they just needed to tie a new satchel to you and make sure you were more careful. It wasn’t an accident and Muriel keeps the small satchel close to his heart.

“Y/N won’t know. It’d be some miracle if the spell lifted and people started remembering me again,” Muriel huffs and Inanna trots away when he pats her head. Great. Now she’s mad too.

“Really, Muriel? A miracle? You do realize that myrrh is used in magic?” Asra asks in the most condescending tone, “I can see it now, Y/N making some remedy for some sick child, and the smallest whiff makes pain burst in Y/N’s chest. Memories flooding back. Breathless and confused. A head-splitting-ache as the memories shove themselves back into place. But only until the myrrh is gone. Then Y/N forgets you until the next time it happens. Over. And. Over,” Asra points out.

Muriel begins to fidget with the metal cuff around his wrist. Asra noticed him wearing the chains again, and while he felt for his friend, he was also too confused and too angry to ask about them. Muriel's eyes go wide and he wants to run and apologize and let you remember again. He thought that he wouldn’t feel all this regret so soon.

That morning he kissed and held you, only to immediately shut off his feelings. He went back to finishing breakfast, cutting wood, feeding chickens, repairing a weak spot in the hut. He was a hermit. Again. He told himself he would be fine. Again.   

He erased the last 11 months, 16 days, 12 hours, and 20 seconds of your relationship, but at any moment, all that time could come hitting you like a kick to your chest. He could lie to himself, shut himself off, and miss you, but you couldn’t. You’d hurt every time the memory of him pushed itself into your life. He knows Asra is right and he can’t take back what he’s done. None of it.  

“Asra…”

“What? Muriel?” Asra’s angry tone only making him feel worse. Asra had never been this upset with him, and it only made him want to curl into himself more.

“I didn’t mean to do all of this,” Muriel meets Asra’s disappointed gaze. He doesn’t want to lose another person he loves. He is afraid to be alone again, “I thought it would fix it.”

“But you did do it, and now—I don’t know what now,” Asra sits across from him.

“Please? You have to keep Y/N away from anything that’ll bring back memories of me. Promise, me?” Muriel has only ever wanted to protect you from hurt and pain. Admittedly he has taken it too far this time.

“I’ll try my best to keep Y/N safe and happy, but, Muriel, I have to know why? Why have you done this?”

“I—,” he can hardly bring himself to tell the whole story of what has brought you both to this, but with some time he does. He tells Asra everything he can and he answers more of the magician's questions. Muriel gets angry, sad, cries a bit, gets angry again, and then sits resigned in his chair. He clutches the satchel by his heart and sits with that furrow in his brow that you used poke until he smiled at you. Something about your incessant poking made him laugh and made all worries melt away.

Asra can’t make up his mind quite yet. He had always pushed you two together and encouraged your flirting. He had set up your “first date” (took you both to the theater but, “oh no! I forgot I have a reading in thirty minutes! You two go ahead.”) Had he set you both up for this failure? Were you not as in love as he had thought? Was this his fault?

“Why, Muriel?” he asks again. No answer comes for some time, but when it does, it’s silly to Asra.

“Because it’s me or it’s Julian… And when they’re together, I can see the love between them… How much Y/N loves to work with him, and how much he loves to take Y/N along… I can’t give Y/N more than this hut or forest.”

“Did you ever think, for a moment, that this hut, forest, fur bed, Inanna, and you most of all, were enough? That all of this,” Asra gestures wildly at the small home, “is what Y/N wanted and was happy with?”

“How can this be enough?”

Asra shook his head and started to get himself ready to leave. He didn’t have it in him to push Muriel to understand because he was far too disappointed. He thought his friend had gotten better. That he knew everyone loved him and wanted him, most of all, that you loved him always. But Muriel just needed to see it himself, and Asra would give him the time to get it.

“I’ll keep Y/N safe. Just try to understand and try to explain this soon. Let Y/N make this decision too…And, I’m taking sage from your garden,” Asra slammed the hut door.

*    *    *    *

It’s been a week. Julian knows not to mention Muriel to you “or else.” That was

Asra’s threat. He made sure to clear any and all myrrh remnants from your desk, books, tools, and any random pouches. He made sure his own small satchel stayed close to his chest and never let it show. He felt bad about keeping you in the dark, but he felt worse for being a catalyst.

He was surprised the night Muriel and Asra spoke to him at the Rowdy Raven. He knew you always had to drag Muriel there, but Muriel’s extreme uneasiness was at its peak that night. Any time the small blonde barmaid, Carza, approached the table, Muriel would flinch and stare at a lantern. Then the truth came out and Julian was both angry and sad. His knuckles turned white around the glass he was gripping. He wanted to tell Muriel to screw-off, and he wouldn’t keep up this charade. That he would not support this charade. But then he thought of you.

“Y’know, you made yourself paranoid because you thought Y/N and I were what? Too close?”

“Yeah,” Muriel grumbles. He knew he deserved every ounce of anger directed at him. Yet, part of him nagged again, that maybe the doctor was so angry because he loved you. Because he really was as attached as Muriel had worried.  Julian picked up on this.

 “I love Y/N like I love Portia. Like a sibling. I’d never do anything to hurt either of you…at least not Y/N. Right now I’m not particularly fond of you,” Julian slouched in his chair like a child throwing a tantrum. He shook his head and asked Asra if you were doing okay. He asked if he should let you take time from the clinic or if that would upset you. He chastised himself when Asra reminded him that you had no idea what was happening.

Muriel, even though part of him still felt insecure, as he had for many years, believed Julian for once. Something about the way he wasn’t running to find you, and how he didn’t look at all happy to see you freshly single. The insecure voices in his head could nag all they wanted, but this was reassurance enough that he was oh-so-wrong. That the paranoia could shut up and leave him alone because you had loved him once and he loved you still. 

*    *    *    *

It has been nearly three weeks and it feels almost normal in the shop again. Asra has only had to jump and push myrrh out of your hands once. He said that it was not myrrh but the deadliest extract of bloodroot. He just forgot to change the label. He pocketed the small glass and told you there was a myrrh shortage. None in the kingdom and none for you to use. He was talking fast and really nervous so you let it go.   

“Does Faust want a snack before we go?” You ask Asra in the market. You each had some things to buy and some snacks you were craving.

“Food?” The light purple snake suddenly hangs down from a nearby tent and lands on your shoulder. You giggle at her and she eats some of the meat from a stuffed bun in your hand. Asra’s laugh joins yours as Faust does not stop eating your food until there is no meat left.

“I must admit, she may be hungry. I’m afraid her excellent hunting reputation has reached the local mice and they avoid our shop now,” he lays his hand on your shoulder as Faust slithers over to his. She wraps herself like an extra scarf and you smile at their sweetness. You continue your leisurely walk to the market’s exit and every now and then he’ll point out new stands or new foods. You can tell he’s itching to go on another adventure when he points at some new pottery from some far off land; Tehitulá the Vendor calls it.

“You should go,” you nudge him, but he shakes his head. He doesn’t want to leave you alone for now. He says he wants to be here for you. You think it’s his natural air of mystery that makes you feel like there’s something deeper in that statement.

When you’re at the exit of the market a small carved chicken catches your eye. You brush a finger along the smooth wood and ask the vendor the price. They say it’s not theirs and gesture to their metal sculptures. You blush and ask if you can have it but they don’t even care to answer you. Asra gives a small smile to you when he sees it. Upon closer inspection there’s a small engraving:

Franny -M 

And you imagine a colorful chicken named Franny. She has gorgeous feathers but one missing from her left wing. You think of feeding her and waiting for her eggs to be laid. You argue that they need to hatch and not be used for food. He’d grumble but let you have your way…hold on…he?... Who is he? You don’t know but your brain hurts when the image of a large blurred body among a hoard of chickens is filling your head.

“Y/N? Are you okay? Hey! You okay?” Asra holds you close. Your balance and vision are shaking. He can feel your pain as his half of a heart clenches in his chest. You try to push him away but he helps you find your feet again.

“Yeah. Yeah. Just some stuff. My head hurts,” Asra leads you home and holds your hand ever tighter. He seems annoyed and you try to apologize. He laughs it off and says it’s not your fault. You watch him hastily make tea and sit in silence at the kitchen table.

That night you feel Asra shift out of bed, and when he thinks you’re still sleeping he leaves the room. He doesn’t know you can hear them downstairs. You quietly inch your way down and stay just out of sight.

“You need to decide and do it soon. You can’t just drop in when you need it. It hurts Y/N and it isn’t fair,” he’s using his scolding voice and you feel bad for whoever is being reprimanded.

“I know. I’m just—af—afraid,” a deep baritone voice responds. You feel pulled by it and you let your heart guide you one more step down. Your eyes looking just around the corner and landing on a big man. His cloak covers his shirtless body, but it can’t hide some scars across his torso and strong face. A scar traces his cheek and barely misses his very kissable lips. You want to touch him and to soothe the knot in his brows. Never have you seen someone so big yet so small. Sadness, loneliness, pain, and hurt are written across his face. You want to hear his voice again, but you jump when you hear a dog’s yipping and howling instead. Both the man and Asra move to the front door and you quickly make your way up the stairs.

You hear them calming the dog down and you feel disappointed when only Asra comes back to bed. Your back turned and your fake sleep fooling him.

*    *    *    *

            It only took you one week of nagging and insisting, but Asra finally agreed to go off on another adventure. You insisted that you would be fine staying home alone and agreed to check in with Portia, Nadia, and Julian regularly. Asra was more anxious about the planned trip, but he thought it would be okay to leave you for just a couple weeks, tops.

            He meant it when he said there was a myrrh shortage, but still worried that you would somehow find your way to it. Something in the cards or the atmosphere made him think you and Muriel were not finished yet. That your paths would cross again. He gripped his traveling satchel tighter and felt a knot in his gut. He really should stay, shouldn’t he?

            “Y/N…I think—,” he began and let his white hair fall into his eyes. You cut him off before he can finish his sentence. 

            “I know that look, and you’re not staying,” you smiled, squeezed his shoulders and guided him to your front door. You insisted he go out, have fun, and bring you back a souvenir. He kissed your forehead, squeezed your hand one last time, and waved to you. Faust slithering up his back, you watched him walk down your street and out on his own adventure.

            You stood there for a moment but felt like you weren’t alone this gray and early morning. A slight fog carried in the air, but just across the street, you could see a large figure. A man and he was pretending to look everywhere else but you. You nodded at him and he blushed from his chest to his cheeks. So he was looking, you concluded. You entered your home and didn’t think much of the interaction because you forgot all about him. Again.

            Muriel watched after you and fiddled with the small satchel of myrrh in his hand. He debated over and over whether to knock on your door and just let you have at it. Let you remember it all, and be angry and be hurt just because he missed you and needed you to know the truth. He knew he was being so truly unfair to you and he wanted to fix it all. Even if that means that you remember him, you know he exists, and you choose to leave him.

            He guarded your home in Asra’s absence, even though he knew you were strong and powerful on your own. He just needed to be close and build up the courage. He needed to see you.

            It was one fairly early morning that he watched you go to the market. Your eyes alight with all the treasures before you and you bought a decorative vase perfect for Faust to curl up in. He watched you buy spices from the merchant, but what he didn’t hear, was why you went deeper into the tent.

            “Excuse me? You wouldn’t happen to know Asra? The magician?” the merchant asks you.

            “Yes, I do. I’m his apprentice,” you smile warmly.

            “Ah! So you also must be the notorious magician who works with the just as infamous Doctor Devorak?” the merchant excitedly claps his hands together.

            “I didn’t know I was known?” you answer him, and he insists you are too humble. He recalls hearing of your facing off against Lucio, the Devil, and that creepy courtier who talked only of opening people up.

            “You know, I have a secret stash of my higher-priced and rarer items in the back. Many of them great for all remedies and spells.” There it is. He was just trying to make a sale. You insist that you’re good on supplies, but he insists harder. So you follow him to the back. You figured you could just look and not buy. That was your plan, but fate had another for you. The merchant shows you a case full of vials of different things. You swear you see the eye of some creature in one bottle. You fiddle with a small box of “magic” beans, but the amber substance at the bottom of the case catches your eye.

            “Is that what I think it is?” you reach in.

            “Only the purest myrrh. Tapped right from the tree and jarred! It has been quite in demand…would cost a few coins…,” you had to admit that you probably paid far too much for the little jar, but you were ready to finally make the ointment for Nadia’s recent waves of headaches.

            It’s when you open the small jar on your walk home that the scent fully hits you. You feel the weight of the world but light as a feather all at once. Your head hurts and you feel yourself stumble. A stranger asks if you’re okay. It feels like a knife is prodding your brain and you can only mumble in response. The image of Muriel holding you close is vibrant. You see him feeding Inanna, lowly singing to himself, blushing when you kiss him, his green eyes were crinkled as he smiles down at you, and finally, a bittersweet kiss as you left to pick berries. You try to catch yourself as you feel your legs go weak, but it’s his strong arms that catch you. You can barely hold your eyes open as months of information and memories are returned to you, and all you can ask is, “Where did you go?” he panics and brushes your hair from your eyes. You won’t stay awake and he apologizes over and over.

            He carries you home; the home you made together. He lays you in your bed and sits across the room. He watches the fire and thinks of what he will say. The time has come and you will know soon.

[reifromrfa]

Threads of Thoughts | Juminzine Fic

Hi guys! Here’s my fic for the @juminfanzine! :)

This is a bit different from my other pieces, but I really hope you like it <3 I love Jumin and it was so much fun to try and write from his perspective ^^ Thank you to everyone who supported the zine! 

Also, thank you to my amazing collab partner, Franjipantree (follow her on twitter!) <3 

Enjoy! :D

Heir Exclusive is privileged to get a sneak peek into the thoughts of Korea’s wealthiest man, Jumin Han. The following is an excerpt from his upcoming memoir, Threads of Thoughts, capturing the innermost thoughts of C&R’s CEO regarding the various kidnapping attempts throughout his life. His book will be available early next year in bookstores internationally.

1st of September, 2018 | 01:42am

I have always been different. Born into wealth, my experiences differ from the normal South Korean citizen. I do not drive…I have chauffeurs. My meals are planned for me by a professional nutritionist, my physical health overseen by a personal trainer. At a young age, I have been taught how to run a business, given advanced lessons…I have been placed on a luxury jet, while other children share a bus or take the public transport.

We never choose the families we are born into. As children, we simply do what we are told, accept the cards we have been dealt; it is up to us to decide whether it will be a winning hand or not. I, of course, knew at a young age that I would inherit my father’s massive business empire —as Chairman Han’s sole heir, who else would he trust to run his company? I had been dealt a winning hand, but that did not mean I was going to relax; no, I intended to use my cards to my advantage and further increase their value.

There are those who cannot comprehend that the fortune my father amassed was gained through hard work…a sincere dedication to his business. There are those who take one look and classify my family and I as aristocratic snobs…as people who live off of their fortune, spending days languidly beside luxury pools or sophisticated parties. I do not feel the need to defend myself against such false accusations. C&R stands tall and firm because of the foundations my father erected, and as his heir, I plan to continue his legacy.

Unfortunately, the world is rife with greed. People will do anything for an easy way out...A shortcut to wealth, to a better life. This journal is where I am able to freely express my unfiltered thoughts. What I wish to talk about tonight is not about our family business…nor is it about my father. No…I wish to talk about the people who allow their greed to consume them, enough so they dare to commit atrocious crimes.

Such as kidnap.

I remember when I was a young boy…I did not question the team of elite bodyguards who accompanied me everywhere I went. I knew my status made me an easy target: sole heir of C&R, a mere child with no means to defend himself. I was already wary of people; who wouldn’t be, with my father’s endless parade of women? And having my father tell me of the threats to my life…of course I trusted him. He is my father, who else would care about my safety more than him?

Indeed, he was right about the dangers that lurk outside the walls of our estate. The first time someone ever attempted to kidnap me…yes, I still remember it vividly.

Class had just ended. I was safely in our car, seatbelt securely fastened when several black vans blocked our path and men with guns exited the vehicle. The other car with my backup bodyguards was nowhere to be seen. The guards with me immediately drew their own guns as we were surrounded by the strangers in masks. I watched the men shoot at our bulletproof windshield, try to pry open the doors with crowbars, yell out threats and demands from outside.

My father warned me about such situations. He said I should remain calm and think rationally, putting my safety above everything else. Showing fear would only give them more power, more leverage. I knew my father loved me —he still does. He would never give me false advice. Therefore I remained calm. Composed. Not showing a trace of fear to the barbaric kidnappers outside the vehicle. With the heavily tinted windows, I doubt they were able to see me anyway.

It was over before it even began. One minute, the men were threatening us while shooting at our car, the next, my bodyguards from the other vehicle came and shot their leader, bringing the other kidnappers to their knees. I still recall the bodyguards exiting the car, leaving me sitting in the back while they rounded up the kidnappers and surveyed the area. Only Driver Kim remained with me, offering a kind, reassuring smile.

My close encounter with the kidnappers was all over the news that evening. My father shielded me from the rabid reporters and hungry journalists, desperate for the drama a ‘traumatized rich boy' such as myself would offer. Yes, it was quite a shocking experience…but I would not go as far as to calling myself ‘traumatized’. Worried, my father had me examined by various health professionals, checking my physical and mental health with regards to the event…I was fine. I did not want to cause a fuss, and I was safely in the car when everything was happening. My father did not have to worry about me. I didn’t know it then, but that experience would be one of the many kidnapping attempts throughout my life. 

To be honest, I do think these experiences have affected me subconsciously. At a young age, I have learned that humans are fragile creatures…easily broken. Humans are greedy and cannot be trusted. There are lengths to which some people would go, for money.

As an adult, I am very much aware of my status and the people who relentlessly chase me for my wealth. That is why I have hired the top men who would ensure my safety and my loved ones’ security. It has made me wary and indifferent to most people.

But she…she is different. My beloved MC…my precious wife. She has brought immense joy to my life, and to be honest, I am able to breathe easier when she is with me. The threads…she untangles them for me, loosens their hold on me.

She is my life.

And it terrifies me.

I know how easy it is for things to change…how easy it is to manipulate the thread of life. Just one snip…and a life is over. It is ironic that one such as I, a man with wealth and power, can have so much to fear.

But no amount of money in the world can ever bring back those we have lost…and I came very close to losing her today. Gone are the days that kidnappers targeted me. No…they know my weakness now. They know I would do anything for my wife. If it were me they took, I would never give the kidnappers anything. Therefore, they grew bold and tried to kidnap my wife.

Earlier this afternoon, MC had insisted to go out with Assistant Kang, to do some last minute preparations for the RFA party. When several men entered the store they were browsing in, the bodyguards contacted me immediately and I rushed to the scene. I called her, of course. I wanted to hear for myself that she was safe, she was unharmed. I shudder when I remember her anxious voice…

“My love, I see the men, they are already in the store and they are coming closer…Do not worry, Jumin, the bodyguards have spotted the—ah, please sir, don’t touch me!”

They dared to touch her…my precious wife. I grew so agitated and restless, I wanted nothing more than to be beside her and introduce the stranger to my fist. God...I will make sure they know what a grave mistake they have made. Thankfully, Assistant Kang is knowledgeable in judo —she was able to defend herself and MC from the men before my men took the kidnappers away.

However, the fact still remains…I could have lost her today. Had it been a different friend with her…or had they pulled out a weapon…God forbid.

Sometimes…Sometimes I wish I could keep her locked up in the penthouse. It is the one place that is heavily guarded, extremely difficult to reach…a safe haven. She would be safe at home.

…yes, I do understand it sounds like I am…unhinged. Rest assured, I am perfectly fine. I simply prefer exercising control over matters. When she is out there…though she is protected…there are other variables I cannot control, cannot foresee. There are innumerable dangers the world poses to my beloved wife. She has become a valuable asset, because she is the queen to whom the king would willingly sacrifice himself for.

She is my everything.

One word from her lips and I am unraveled, I am bested. I am willing to do anything for her. Today, I learned what true fear was. Today, I felt like a boy once more…powerless. Trapped inside a vehicle, waiting for news…good or bad, I have no control. Today, I clasp her thread tighter in my hands…for I do not want to lose her. I can’t. She does not know how much she means to me. And I do not dare to keep her locked up inside a cage…though I desire it, her happiness is also my priority. I want to see her smiling, her radiant glow driving out the hollow emptiness in my soul.

Earlier this evening, I held her close to me, my fingers stroking her hair, wet from her bath. MC was clearly a bit shaken, and I sought to soothe her nerves, reassure her that she was safe. I pressed my lips to her head and spoke to her…

“You are home, my love. Nothing will hurt you here…you are safe.”

“Yes…I know that, Jumin. But I still got scared. If they had gotten me…they would have used me against you. And I never want anybody to use me to blackmail you, Jumin.”

Imagine my shock…my wife still thought of my well-being despite being put at risk. But none of that mattered.

“MC, you are the most precious person in the world to me. Please, I ask you to put yourself above anybody else, even me. Your safety and happiness always come first.”

“No…Jumin, you are my husband. To love and to cherish…I made that vow to you. I don’t care what happens to me…if you are well, if you are safe and happy then I am happy.”

I pull her closer to me then, burying my face in her hair.

“I do not deserve such a wonderful person like yourself, my love…But know that I am never letting you go. I love you, MC. I love you.”

And I meant every word.

A million thoughts ran through my mind as I rushed to her earlier…different outcomes, possible scenarios. I thank God that she came out of it unscathed, unharmed. However, fear remains gnawing at the corners of my mind and my heart. What if someone attempts to take her away from me again…?

No. I must study her security detail once more. In the morning, I will have her bodyguards re-evaluated; perhaps I should add more men to guard her.

Ah…my wife calls for me. It seems as though my thoughts have consumed me, I have lost track of time. It has gotten quite late and I want to be with her…to hold her close and cherish her. Rea her she is safe, and I will never let anything bad happen to her.

Because she is my love...my life.

My MC.

Until then, my old friend.

I would love to know what you think <3 I hope you liked it! ^^

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[idorkish]

Bobby’s Angel - Part 12 -the Finale

A/n - I just want to thank everybody who has followed this story. This started as a cute idea that seems to have exploded into something bigger. This is the last chapter of the first book. This has been a roller coaster of emotions for me while writing the whole series, and this chapter is no different. I hope I left you all satisfied but wanting more. So again, THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart, for all the love, the messages with angry crying or laughter, and all the comments you have made.

Warnings: Mentions of death.

Catch up on Bobby’s Angel HERE 

Tag List:

@mrstellerwinston @howmanywastedmoments @lolsthecat @soafanficluvr1 @redwoodog @chaosmieu @khyharah @5sos1dsex @opies-oldlady  @queen-ofthe-bikers-soa @mrsirishboru @fortheloveofthesoa @samcrolivesforever @ineedthesons @mwesterfeld1985 @divathelover @happys-crazy-queen22 @kitkat1690 @sons-of-anarchy-imagines-blr @tellermorelli  @juiceboxxortiz  @ladyannikki @mybabysons @jade770 @kacilove26

Nov. 11, 1993.

That was a day that would not be forgotten. It was the day that  Angel received the terrible news. JT had been in an accident with a semi-truck. There were no words to describe how Angel felt as they relayed the news to her and Bobby. Sick? Nausea? Anguish? Shock, despair, misery, gloom, gut-wrenching-heartache? No. None of these words came close. Angel ran from the living room straight to the nearest trash can as she emptied her stomach. Bobby and Clay jumped up and were beside her, rubbing her back and holding her hair. She had finally got back to a place of comfort and joy with JT, and now he was gone.

“I’m so sorry baby. They don’t think he’s going to make it through this.”

Angel stood and stared at her father and uncle as she wept. Again, she had lost someone important in her life. And again, it was someone from the Teller family. The feelings from Thomas’s death resurfaced and Angel felt the world closing in on her once more.

“Breath Princess. You need to breath”

Angel wasn’t sure who was talking to her but she did her best to listen and try to steady her breathing.

“H-how’s Jax? Where is he? Where’s Gemma? Who’s with her? Is she alone right now? Bambi? I need to be there for them!”

Clay took a step back and stared in astonishment. Despite her own grief, Angel’s first thoughts went to the remaining Tellers. “Jax and Gemma are at the hospital with the rest of the club. Bambi is with her dad. Do you want to go say your goodbyes?”

Angel nodded and clutched Clay’s hand, allowing him to guide her out the room and toward the bikes. Clay had always been the one to comfort Angel during terrible times. She always clutched to him and sought safety.

Bobby sighed as he followed behind the two. Bobby grabbed Angel’s helmet and bag; he had a feeling that his little girl wouldn’t be straying far from the Tellers for couple nights.

As they entered the waiting room, Angel felt her nerves rising again. It should have felt safe and welcoming to see the familiar leathers. Only dread washed over her. It was Piney who made their way over first. He lifted Angel into his arms and held her tight. She clutched at him and whimpered. The past year she had grown closer to Piney. JT, Otto, and Clay had been her favorite uncles but Piney was her “Pops”. He had taught her to fight and defend herself. Anytime she needed help or just someone to listen, she went to Piney. “I got you Princess. Just breath.”

When it was finally time for Angel to see JT, she froze in her spot. She wasn’t sure how she could go through this or that she really wanted to see him. “We got her Bobby,” Otto spoke up as he wrapped his arms around Angel’s shoulder. Luanne held her hand and coaxed her up from her seat, gently pulling her forward.  “I know it’s hard sweetie, but this is something we have to do. It might be our last chance to talk to him.” Luanne and Otto held her hands the whole way to the room. As they entered the room, Angel stared at the man in the bed. Wires covered his body, bandages were wrapped all over, and a tube was down his throat. JT looked for small and fragile in the bed, he wasn’t the man Angel remembered him as.

Luanne placed a hand on the small of Angel’s back, gently urging her forward. Angel sat at the edge of the bed and held JT’s hand. It was warm and calloused, but the lack of movement worried Angel. She knew that he wouldn’t be recovering from this accident. Any day, he would succumb to his wounds and be with Tommy in heaven. “I’m sorry, for being so cold the last few years Uncle JT. I”m so sorry. I know you’re trying to stay with us. It’s ok Uncle John, go be with Tommy. Tell him we all miss and love him.” Angel sniffled as she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her uncle’s cheek.  

Otto and Luanne took steps away from Angel and JT, giving them a moment of privacy. Seeing the little girl weeping over JT’s body was something that Otto hadn’t been prepared to see. JT wasn’t only his President, JT was his friend, his brother. And then there was Angel, the little girl who had been raised by the club. It broke Otto to hear her words. No child should have to say those things.

“O-otto?” Angel glanced back at her aunt and uncle. She want sure what to do anymore. All the pain, hurt, and hatred she once felt toward JT caused conflict. Part of her still hated him for constantly putting club business first. He had gotten them put in prison for almost a year. He was constantly going back and forth between charming and Ireland. But she still loved him. He had done so much for her and her father. JT had been the one to give Bobby money to pay for all the lawyer and court fees when he was getting custody of Angel. JT had watched over her many nights when Bobby needed a break or was booked out of town for shows. “Why?” Angel felt the anger and despair rising. “Why are you leaving us again?!” She screamed at Jt’s still body. “Why don't you stay with your family for once!”

Otto rushed forward and grabbed Angel, pulling her close to him. Angel finally broke and sobbed against Otto's chest. “Why does he have to die? Isn't it enough that Tommy's gone! I don't want him to die!” Otto held her tighter as he cast his eyes to the ceiling. He knee nothing he could say would help his little Angel. Nothing any of them could say would ease her guilt or take away the anger she felt. So he just did the only thing he knew, he held her close and let her cry.

Angel sat in the chair between Bobby and Piney. She hadn’t let go of either man’s hand as they waited for Gemma and the doctor to come out. It had been just two days since she was last here to see JT after the accident. Two days he had been holding on to the breaking thread of life. As the doctor spoke about JT finally parting, Angel tuned him out. Much like when Tommy died, Angel retreated into her mind. It wasn’t fair in her mind. Again, she was losing someone important to her family, to her and there was nothing that could have been done.

Members from various charters across the country had come in, all wanting to pay their last respects to the founder of the MC. Angel sat on the back of her father’s bike, waiting for everyone to get their bikes started. She recognized many of the men and women there, having met them on a road trip with her dad the previous summer. Seeing so many Sons in one area was overwhelming. The Mother charter seemed so much smaller in Angel’s eyes.

Angel caught Gemma’s eye and she gave a small wave and smiled. Gemma excused herself from the group of people giving their condolences and made her way over to her eldest daughter. “Hey baby. How you holding up?” She wrapped an arm around Angel’s shoulder and gave her a quick squeeze. Angel nuzzled into Gemma’s embraced and sighed. “As ok as I can Momma. Ready for the day to be over. You?”

Gemma kissed the young girl’s  forehead and smoothed back her hair. “I’m here baby. that’s all you need to worry about. Just keep an eye on your dad ok?”

Angel nodded and looked at where she last saw Bobby standing. He was sitting at one of the picnic tables with his head in his hands. JT and Bobby had been close.Angel knew that his passing was hitting her dad hard. Dismounting his bike, Angel made her way over to Bobby, stopping in front of him to wrap her arms around his shoulders. Bobby sat up and pulled Angel onto his lap. Despite her young age, Angel was always there to take care of Bobby. Just a hug from his daughter was enough to brighten the darkest of days for him. “Hey baby girl. How you doin?”

“I’m ok Daddy. How are YOU doing?”

Bobby chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “As long as I have you by my side, I’m good. Let’s take a vacation for your winter break. We deserve a break. What do you say to visiting the Arizona chapter for Christmas?”

“I’d like that Daddy. After the funeral, I know we have to come back here and stay for a while to talk to everyone. B-but can we go home after? I don’t want to go to Gemma’s tonight.”

“Of course we can. I don’t want you far from me today,” Bobby sighed and looked toward the men finally getting on their bikes, “ C’mon. It’s time to go. remember to hold on ok?”

Angel once again found herself on the back of her father’s bike following a hearse. Instead of Gemma and the other children in a car, they all decided to ride on the back of member's’ bikes. Gemma with Clay. Jax with Tig. Opie with Piney. Bambi with Happy.

The ride to the cemetery seemed to drag on. The residents of Charming were used to seeing bikes down the main road, but to see the large procession was new for many people. By the time they arrived at the cemetery, it looked like the whole town had turned out to watch the burial of John Teller. Angel had noticed that many of the businesses were closed, the shop owners were waiting to pay their respects to Gemma and Jax. Chief Unser and most of the officers were also in attendance. Even the Hale family was there.

Angel only let go of Bobby when he went to help carry the casket. She quickly found Happy and Bambi, clinging to them both as they made their way to the chairs set out for them. Angel hated this part. Waiting for the priest to be done so they could lower the coffin. As she sat beside Jax, she couldn’t help but feel her heart break more. He had lost his little brother. And now, as he needed his father most in life, he had lost him as well. Jax and Opie would soon start prospecting for the club and JT would not be there to see his son become part of the club he helped create.

Jax caught her staring at him and gave a small smile before slipping his hand to hers. Bringing her hand to his lips, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles and gave her hand a squeeze. He had felt so alone since Tommy died. Gemma had turned become overattentintive to Jax, always telling him what he needed to do to lead the club one day. It seemed that was all she was worried about lately, keeping the club going and Jax taking his “rightful place”. She didn’t seem to actually see how much he was hurting and struggling. He noticed that she was more interested in spending time with Clay. He didn’t blame her. JT had been distant since before Tommy’s death, that just had been the last wedge in their marriage. JT had spent the last two years traveling back and forth between Charming and Ireland, sometimes returning with Fillip. JT had even spent some of the past two years in prison, since the club was caught with guns.

But Angel had been there for him. She always made time for him and reminded him how much she loved him and was glad they had each other. Angel, Opie, and Bambi. None of them were related by blood, but Jax was gad he had them all as his siblings. Without the three, he would have stayed in the darkness that clouded his mind. Them and Tara.

Angel sniffled as she stared at the coffin before her. In there was the man that helped shaped who she was as a person. Her Uncle JT. The one who bought her first bike because Bobby had been so strapped for cash. Her uncle who would buy her all the books she wanted if she asked for them. In there was the man who was the center of the SAMCRO family and he would no longer be there. He would never see her graduate 8th grade that spring. He would never see her high school years, college, marriage, first child. JT would never see his last son do those things either. Her uncle was gone forever and Angel had no idea how to handle it.

Bobby saw his baby girl’s toil and fight within herself. He placed his hands on her shoulder and squeezed. He knew that she was struggling on her feelings. For a long time she had been so upset with John not being at Thomas’s funeral. It had taken the better part of a year to get her to talk to him. It wasn’t until they were out of prison that she actually hugged JT again.

As the coffin began to lower into the ground, Angel found herself unable to stand or speak. This was her last chance to say good-bye and she could not will her body to move. Whereas before she sought the comfort of Gemma’s arms and sang to calm to woman down, Angel couldn’t do it. She just stared at the dark hole before her and choked back a sob. This time it was Jax who pulled her close, providing a tether to the moment. And that’s when Angel finally let go and sobbed in the arms of her big brother.

Angel sobbed until there was nothing left inside but a raw emptiness that throbbed inside. Her eyes were red and puffy, feeling weighed down.  Her whole body hung limp like each limb weighed twice as much as it had before, and just moving them  was a slow and painful effort. The sun still shone in the sky,  the birds sung in bursts of melody. For Angel, this was only a painful reminder. Death was insignificant and the world would keep moving forward. She had went through the motions, once back at the clubhouse. “Hello. Nice to meet you.”  “Hello, nice to see you again.” It was a pain and Angel felt like a skipping record, constantly repeating the phrases over and over again. How could people smile and laugh on a day like this? Why did they want to be introduced and make small talk about everything aside from the man they buried just hours before. Angel’s facade wore thin as the night dragged on. She just wanted to go home with her father and sleep in her own bed.

By the time Bobby was ready to head home, he could Angel was in a sour mood. He had sent her to go change and requested that she meet him in the living room when she was ready.

When Angel returned in her pajamas, she finally had a smile on her face. Bobby had collected all the blankets and pillows that he could, tossing them on the floor in front of the sofa. “Figured a good ol’ nest for a movie night will do us some good. I ordered some pizza, it’ll be here soon.”

Angel ran over and hugged her father tightly. All she wanted was to spend time with him right now. “Thank you Daddy!”

Thanksgiving was hard for everyone. The first real holiday without John Teller was difficult for people to deal with. They held a party for all the members and their families at the clubhouse. To Angel, it was just another painful reminder that life was fleeting and people moved on.

Christmas came soon after. Angel hadn’t realized how late in the year it was until her break started. Bobby and her packed up their Christmas presents and stayed the entire length of her vacation in Arizona. It felt good to be away from Charming and all the memories that seemed to haunt her. She soon fell in love with the desert and asked to visit more often. Bobby could see how happy she was there and made plans for future visits.

The rest of the school year passed in a blur for Angel. She maintained her grades but she couldn’t remember a thing she learned in those last few months. She still had problems with girls in her school, but that would soon end. Her graduation should have been something she wanted to celebrate. Bobby threw a party in their yard to celebrate. He had finally gotten a pool put in, just for her. The yard was decorated with graduation caps and signs of congratulations thanks to Gemma and Luanne. Opie had even returned, after being dragged out of the city for the remainder of the school year.

The summer after graduation was a hard time for Angel. Bobby and the club had been off on runs and the garage had become busier, occupying more of Bobby’s time. Jax and Opie were a scarce sight anywhere since getting girlfriends. Bambi’s time was split between being fussed over by Gemma and being in Bakersfield to visit Happy’s mom and aunt.Then there was Gemma. When she wasn’t fussing over Bambi or Jax, she split her time between running the garage, throwing parties, and spending time with Clay.

For the most of the summer, Angel found herself spending all her time with Luanne. Angel had been well aware of her aunt’s line of work. She had been to CaraCara Studios before, when Bobby had no other place to take her last minute. Angel always stayed in Luanne’s office or played out front, with some of the girls looking after her. This summer was no different Angel was sitting at her aunt’s desk, bored with nothing to do.

The desk was so cluttered and messy, Angel couldn’t even find a pen or piece of paper to doodle on. By the time everyone was leaving, Luanne made her way back to her office. She felt bad leaving Angel all alone but she had work that needed to be done. “I’m so sorry sweetie! You ready to -” Luanne stopped in her tracks and stared in awe at her office. Her desk that was once just a place to toss paperwork and whatever was in her hand, was now cleaned off, piled of neatly stacked paperwork were now the only thing covering the surface. The piles of paperwork and records that once littered the surrounding floor were now in a neat pile that Angel was currently sorting through.

“I-I’m sorry! Everything was all over and I started looking for some blank paper and the clutter was getting to me! I didn’t go through anything or throw things away. I just moved the stuff on your desk so you could sort it all out later.”

Luanne just laughed and held her hands to help Angel to her feet. “I’ll pay you $4 an hour, cash, to get all of this in order and make some filing system for me. IF your dad agrees, then this will become a summer and vacation job until you graduate. This way you can start saving up more for school.”

“R-really? You’ll let me work here?”

“Yea. As long as Bobby agrees! You’re with me most of the time anyway. You’ll be in this and the other office. And you can’t get in trouble this way. And who knows...maybe. If you do a great job. You’ll have enough soon to pay for that baking class you’ve been eyeing.”

“Are you serious? You’d do that Aunt Luanne? Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m so excited!”

Luanne hugged her niece tightly. She and Otto had never had kids; they knew they’d never have the time to care for their own. Angel was their surrogate daughter. Bobby and Susan had never agreed on any religious ceremonies for Angel when she was a baby, but Bobby agreed that Luanne and Otto could be her unofficial godparents, a role they took seriously.

“Don’t thank me just yet! Just because you’re my niece doesn’t mean I’m going to go easy on you! I still have standards I expect you to meet. But for now, let’s get home and get dinner started. The guys should be back home tonight, we don’t want them starving.”