#but were pushed off the edge by the betrayal of your friends only sticking around for their own gain

[ohheyitsokay]

better late

this takes place in my "poly frontier" universe

pairing: Will “Ironhead” Miller, Santiago “Pope” Garcia, Francisco “Catfish Morales, Ben “Benny” Miller and a female reader

wordcount: just be happy I'm posting writing again, okay?

warnings: all fics in this series are 18+, mentions of a poly relationship, lots of fluff and kissing

summary: this one is a Benny story, with a quick scene from before they were together, and one well into the relationship

a special thank you to @ifimayhaveaword for reminding me that this time of year is truly romantic, and for inspiring this

>>

You laugh as he pushes the shopping cart, letting it wobble down the isle of the scattered remnants of red and pink boxes.

Before you hit the corner, you put a foot down, stopping the rolling and he sticks his hands in his pockets, watching you.

"What about discount chocolate, Benny?"

His shoulders rise a little, something strange in his eyes.

The two of you are friends. Young, still too stubborn to admit Valentine's would've been better together.

And it seems a bit too close to those deep buried secrets, buying you chocolates, but he'd promised to get you one thing as a thank you.

He rises onto the balls of his feet before rolling back.

"Sure."

Maybe next year, he'll try it a day or two sooner.

-

His hood is up but you can recognize him anywhere.

Mind still clouded with your betrayal of well earned sleep, you try to comprehend why he's here, why he didn't let himself in, why he's alone.

They weren't supposed to be back for another two days at least.

Bleary-eyed, you fumble with the lock they'd insisted on, staring through the bit of glass at your lover, trying desperately to let him in. He must hear because he grins and as the cool night air bursts in, so does Benny.

It never changes - his hugs feel like flannel and smell like sunshine and he's all around you something crinkling as it falls to the floor.

There's a chance you stay his name before his mouth finds yours, but very little. His beard is rough, a bit uneven, like it always is when he comes home in a hurry. His touch feels like relief, like a first gasp of air, and his lips almost cover yours with the hunger of his kiss. Chilly hands pull you close, his forearms pressing as they wrap around your ribs, and you know it means he missed you.

"Benny," you mean to say it like a question but it comes out a breathless prayer. Pulling back just enough to look at you, he smiles crookedly for a moment.

"Hi."

"Hi," you murmur back. There's a cut along his hairline and you touch it, feeling the scab. His hair is cleaned of any blood, and you know in your heart it's a few days old.

The touch makes him wince, and he almost seems like he's waking up, ducking to the ground to grab what he'd been holding before. Proudly, he presents you with a handful of cellophane and ribbons and carnation stems, the silly flowers peaking out behind the lace-edged card.

You take them, blinking.

"Happy Valentine's," he says, now digging in his pocket and producing a pink heart-shaped carton.

You kiss his cheek before taking the slightly crumpled carton, echoing his words.

"Happy Valentine's. Only a week late."

It's not a jab, they've been at least four timezones away, and you hadn't expected them for another handful of days.

It's a question, one he's obviously anticipated, and he knows you're full of them, knows he's a little off, but he checks the door before pulling you to the couch and back into his arms as best he can.

"I promise I'm okay, everyone is okay."

Benny answers your most pressing question first, finding time to kiss your hairline and your cheekbone.

"The others are on their way, they're making our excuses and finishing the paperwork I left behind." He takes back the box to open it, revealing almost all the chocolates, and affectionately presses one against your lips.

"I..." gently, carefully, he bumps his forehead into yours, waiting a moment as you let the sugar melt over your tongue. "We saw the discount chocolates at the store and..."

There's quite and you know.

All of a sudden it feels like the chocolate is still thick in your throat, your heart pounding like you're a teenager again. Eyes stinging suddenly, you feel warm all the way to your toes, and you press your face against his, trying to form words and failing.

"Discount chocolate," you manage, feeling weepy, big, bubbling tears threatening to slide down your cheeks.

He hums.

And, while you've spent the last two weeks aching for them all to come home, just for this moment, you couldn't be more thankful that you're alone in his arms.

Benny brushes his thumb across your cheek, his lashes low, almost tangling, and you feel his declaration in your stomach and on your tongue.

He loves you now, as he loved you then.

<<

taglist:

@fangirl-316 @scribbledghost @writeforfandoms @beautyagegoodnesssize @princess76179 @mrsbentallmadge @horton-hears-a-honk @saradika @zinzinina @stardust-galaxies

@grogusmum @evyiione @0celestialbitch0

[unohanadaydreams]

How would the captains react to catching their partner cheating on them? I’m feeling angst tonight

Finally some good fucking food. Angst; it’s what’s for dinner and I’m chowing down with you, anon.

Features: angst. Some violence and torture with Gin and Mayuri.

How The Original Captains React To Being Cheated On:

Genryusai Yamamoto:

There’s little to no reaction. You wouldn’t be the first and won’t be the last to use him for status or money or petty bragging rights. Just another day.

Quietly, behind closed doors, he does mourn. Not for the loss of you, but for the prospect of starting again. He caresses the pretty things he’s bought you, each touch a vote for or against bothering.

If you come to him, apologetic and willing to repent, he’ll look past the transgression. Less work for him to undertake, in the end, and the power of demanding this is that in the name of forgiveness suits him.

Shunsui Kyoraku:

He can’t help but laugh. All those years chasing girls and washing his hands of the consequences come to catch him now that he’s standing still with just one hand holding his.

Business goes on as usual, but he’s sloppier around the edges—spilling sake on paper work, falling asleep against Jushiro’s grave, and forsaking the frequent partying he’s known for in lieu of furiously scribbling down the perfect love story he didn’t get.

Honestly, he’s willing to forgive if it wasn’t done out of love for the other person and there’s a willingness to work on the relationship. Shunsui has played the unfaithful lover more times than he can remember; being black out drunk more often than sober will do that to you.

Soi Fon:

She can’t speak and doesn’t bother. Throat closed with anger, she lets her body tell you where your relationship lies—thrown off the bed and kicked outside.

There’s nothing but hatred for you and humiliation for herself. Not just personally, but professionally; a leader of the 2nd division being caught unawares is irony at the cost of her reputation.

People are always leaving her behind once she trusts them. After weeks, she’ll ask you why. Because that’s always the question burning in her chest. Why can’t she be a person someone stays for.

Gin Ichimaru:

Cute, how you think you can shuffle off and away from him after getting caught. He doesn’t flinch, talking with conversational tones. Hey, sweetie, who’s your little friend? Aww, they don’t talk or some thin’?

There’s two options; submit to grueling public humiliation or die. Gin loves to have fun, after all. And, isn’t it fun having to watch the person you cheated with get toyed with like a mouse under kitty claws? Aren’t you having fun kissing the corpse? Wasn’t your silly mistake worth it?

Gin has never forgiven, forgotten, or turned down an opportunity to make someone who cares about him regret feeling so. Your life is hell and the jailor can’t decide whether to keep your head under boiling water or kill you. Fun!

Retsu Unohana:

The impulse to leave as the only one alive is temptation incarnate. She is firm, restrained, and digs into her cheeks until her teeth pop through.

She keeps waiting to calm, for the situation to become objective instead of the turmoil in her gut. Retsu is especially brusque with everyone while working, making every stitch job a painful one. Why is there always something. Why can’t all the change finally stick; why is she still glad to feel the pain so she can inflict it back?

The betrayal was the end and there’s years of coping methods that keep you from spilling your guts on a sword, but it feels like a very near thing to her. Professionally, she’s less kind, and your next set of wounds healed by the 4th get infected. Poor thing.

Sosuke Aizen:

As far as you know, he’s stricken with heartbreak and disappointment. His voice is a touch too loud when telling you off—others hear. And disapprove greatly. He asks any bystanders for their discretion towards his privacy, adding a tear or two for effect.

Your relationship being over matters little; dime a dozen are the people who’ll fall over themselves to be his. The audacity of treating him, your better, with such unfairness? Affects him like an itch under skin.

Of course, he forgives you. He makes a show of it and the number of people out for your unhappiness grows. How could you cheat on such a gracious, loving man? You are punished with little action from himself, the many shinigami who view him with starry-eyes doing their work without needing explicit instruction.

Byakuya Kuchiki:

There’s little to say or do outside of making it clear he wants you gone in a permanent way. Reaction is the thief of dignity, so he saves any emotion for when he’s alone.

Self flagellation is his favorite dessert and he is convinced the bitter taste reflects his character somehow. In a way, it speaks to his lack of care and dignity as a clan leader; what fully aware man could let this happen?

For you, there aren’t any chances let alone forgiveness. You’ve stung his pride in multiple ways and only social norms keep you from dying in a duel over it. But as a shinigami—as a captain—he has avenues to vent his vindication until he feels the crime has been payed for. Too bad for you that pride is worth it’s weight in gold for a Kuchiki.

Sajin Komamura:

He runs away from the situation as soon as possible. Of course you cheated on him; how foolish to think anyone would not. At least he knows now and can get back to his normal.

Being alone isn’t all bad. There’s more time for his pets, his company, and his training. Comforting, familiar, he can pretend this is how it always was. Just him, alone.

His lack of self-esteem outweighs his want for justice. It was unfair to subject anyone to…himself, anyway. He can’t blame you for wanting someone untouched by the curse of the beast.

Kaname Tosen:

There’s more anger than even you expect. Injustice in anything, especially something so personal, enrages him. But he has the self control and sense to only send you packing.

Still, it’s all he can think about. Better to be consumed by this than the glacial pace his better world is taking. You’re one of the people holding that goal back, he’s sure. He insists on a talk that’s really just a long, painful lecture.

People like you, who disregard what’s right, don’t deserve forgiveness and the upset within him darkens. Maybe there is a way you can make things right. They’re so close to perfecting the Arrancar and he’d like to see how you’ve contributed once his eyes open, finally able to see.

Toshiro Hitsugaya:

There aren’t any dramatics or punishments or even words to give you other than ‘goodbye’. He sees the break and he cuts it cleanly. There’s no need for anything else.

Largely he copes by doing what he always does—working, training, meditating. There are a few sips of alcohol and punches to his pillow, but you’re no longer someone he cares about. The ice has holed over the spot you took just fine.

You don’t exist to him anymore. If you try to apologize, his eyes will pass over you and he’ll remind you once before ignoring you again: He’s a captain and he’s closed the conversation and now he’s getting back to work. Goodbye.

Kenpachi Zaraki:

So you’re fucking somebody. Is that a big deal or something? Should he be hurt? Because all he can muster is annoyance.

And then he thinks about it. He lets it sink in that somebody was touching you while you’re his. Kenpachi understands the want to play, but isn’t love when someone is the best in your heart and only them? Like, strength but more fucking confusing.

He’s still undecided if there’s anything to forgive. He tells you to give it another go with him in the mix and likes the feeling better than walking in uninvited. So maybe it was just play…and maybe he’s more rough with you two than intended. But he leaves more content than he came, so he figures everything’s fine. He can always kill somebody later, once he’s figured it out for good.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi:

You’re knocked unconscious and so is the person you were in bed with. That’s the last you see of them or the world beyond one lab room.

Congratulations, you are now confined to a pill that is swallowed by gigai after gigai designed in your likeness. Isn’t he generous, letting you take part in his research still? Don’t you feel honored to still feel any part of his touch as he takes you apart somehow more painfully than the time before?

Because it is just research. He didn’t care about you enough to still feel enraged about it. This is purely out of principle, a logical response to your base actions. Don’t worry, it’s just forever.

Jushiro Ukitake:

The discovery is emotional and he struggles keep his dignity, especially when a coughing fit starts soon after. He can’t even tell you off without sickness leaking into the moment.

The spiral begins. You’re awful one moment and justified the next. He’s the victim, then the one who should’ve known. There was no good reason and then he coughs again and there’s one.

He could forgive you if you’re genuine and forthright with a reason that isn’t the weight which holds him under blankets or pushes blood past his lips. As long as the illness isn’t what poisoned the relationship, he could forgive you.

[jostepherjoestar]

* kicks in the door * Risotto, Prosciutto, Melone and Mista, Bruno, Giorno when they have to hide in a very tight place on a mission with fem member. Not too perverse, but a little, if possible ;)

Risotto, Prosciutto, Melone and Mista and Bruno having to hide in a tight place with fem!member HC’s

fem reader // suggestive (slight nsfw)

Ohohooo this one’s a good one!!! The flavour in this request? Immaculate! Also you’re getting us a new door ok? (btw I dropped Giorno from the ask since 18+ reader sorry friend)

Risotto

So much has gone amiss on this mission. Whatever could go wrong did, honestly it was the worst a hit has ever gone. Even for Risotto. It wasn’t even you guy’s fault. Your target just kept getting lucky and you two the opposite.

You were starting to get frustrated, sighing deeply whenever the target yet again evaded your attacks by just a hair. Risotto was getting antsy as well, but he had to keep his cool and focus. He finally saw and opening that would have a guaranteed hit. And oh god it did, finally your assignment was over.

Or so you thought. While leaving the building a whole parade of your target’s goons had showed up to finish you two. Time to run! Risotto was on the lead, making quick turns in alleys, jumping over obstacles like he’d been doing it all his life. You couldn’t help but be impressed and stare at his agility and the way his muscled body twisted.

In your distraction you hadn’t noticed he’d stopped in his tracks. You were headed for a fall until Risotto’s strong hand pulled you into his embrace into a small separation between buildings. Overwhelmed by the fast turn of events, being so close to your capo made your head spin. His smell was musky and woodsy but so refined.

Your head was pressed against his chest, the tightness of the split not really made to accommodate two. Both of you breathing heavy, starting to feel his large hand resting on the small of your back, holding you into him. Your capo didn’t say anything, he was still on the lookout for the goons that had been chasing you.

You didn’t mind your head having to rest on his chest but the way your legs were twisted was starting to get very uncomfortable. As you repositioned them, placing one leg in between Risotto’s, you accidentally brushed against a very sensitive spot of his. Risotto cleared his throat at the movement. “I think we’ve lost them. Are you ok?”

His voice reverberated in your ears from his closeness and you felt goosebumps rise on your skin. You could only muster a “Uhu.” in response. When you finally got out of the crevice, Risotto’s hand had moved to your hip. “Sorry for pulling you all of the sudden.” he said while letting go of you. “Oh... no. Don’t worry, it was nice.” before you realised what you said your face turned red from embarrassment as you saw his dimple appear in a satisfied grin. Maybe he’ll pull you closer more often if it meant he could see your embarrassed blushy face again.

Prosciutto

The closet felt tight around you, squished between luxurious coats and your colleague. You had been at a party, masquerading as each other’s dates. The fancy gala was but a front to a highly organised trade. A lot of Passione’s high ranking members were attending, thinking your capo had sent his two representatives to pay respects.

But in actuality you’d both been there on the job. There had been some betrayals and Prosciutto and you were the cleanup crew. But you’d almost been found out. Before they could, your blond haired companion pushed you into a coat closet filled with the fanciest materials. But it was so. freaking. tight.

Because of the situation you had to wrap your arms around his neck while he held onto your waist. You could feel his hands get warmer by the minute, if it weren't for the lack of light in the tight closet you’d be sure to see his angry scowl covered in blush.

Your breasts were practically shoved into his face, feeling his nervous breaths on your mounds. You couldn’t help but notice how nervous he was getting as time went on. Even teasing him by squishing his hair buns. “Hey stop touching those. My hairspray costs more than your dress, I’ll have you know!” he barked into a whisper.

It only made you laugh silently, the movement of your body only pressing you closer. You were starting to burn up too now, more from the warmth of the coats beside you. “Do you think it’s safe to go out?” you whispered. “No, just a little longer. They like to linger. Stupid drunks.” his hushed voice tickling your chest.

As you readjusted yourself as best as you could, you swear you heard Prosciutto whimper. It was soft but you heard it. Curious and not shy to find out you moved again in the same manner as before. Your tightly spun colleague hissing in reply. “Could you not do that please? Your leg is in a uhh.. special spot.”

“And you’ve practically moved into my cleavage but you don’t hear me moaning about it.” You scoffed in reply. That was the final straw, Prosciutto opened the door to the closet, quickly checked if it was safe and stepped out without helping you. As predicted he looked like an angry cooked lobster about to explode. The sight only making you laugh. Wait, did his pants get tighter... or is he just happy to see you?

Melone

Illuso forcefully pushed you into the to the small indent in the wall behind some curtains that reach all the way to the ceiling of the fancy home. Melone and you dangled into each other while Illuso closes the thick curtain before you two. “And be quiet, we can’t get caught. I’ll get you back when it’s safe.” With a big sigh he leaves you two, arms twisted into each other, faces only a breath away.

“He’s so dreamy, right?” you jabbed at Illuso to the slight lavender haired man in front of you. He huffed out a laugh, remembering all the insults the two have thrown at each other in the past. You’d only just began to notice how close you were to your partner. It was a three person mission this time but Illuso had taken the lead and asked, more like demanded, you two to hide in case of uninvited visitors.

It was the short and boring end of the stick. Although the situation you are in now, wasn’t that boring after all. Melone breathed into your neck unabashed letting out a soft moan. You’d grown used to his advances and didn’t really mind it. He amused you with his weird behaviour so you let him be. His cyan eyes staring at back at you, mischief behind them.

You tapped your foot impatiently against the floor doing your best not to make too much noise. “Why so tense bella? Is it me?” Melone playfully asked, something of a seductive tone behind his voice. He picked up a strand of hair that was resting against the side of your face, playing with it between his fingers. “No. I just want to get this over with.” you huffed in annoyance. “Well then, I’ll make it a little more enjoyable mhh.” he purred into your neck as he leaned in to kiss it. His soft lips pecking into your sensitive skin, moving to your collarbone.

Somewhat surprised at his forwardness but enjoying it none the less, you snaked your arm around his waist to pull him closer. You wanted to see how far this could go. You could feel him smile against your skin while he kissed it, knowing that his actions were allowed. His ministrations only going further, he made his way lazily onto your chest. Kissing along the edge of your top, his hands exploring the rest of your body. A stifled moan coming from you as he squeezed your behind.

Oh you didn’t mind at all. Your hands had also not been keeping still, roaming his hips and toned behind as well. Melone gently pulled away from your skin giving you a hungry look. He looked about ready to pounce. You returned the look letting him know this was happening. With a sly grin he moved to his knees, now gently holding onto your hips pecking soft kisses into your stomach.

He was on his way downward when the thick curtain swung back open. Illuso standing there, arms crossed with an unamused look. “You have got to be fucking kidding me! Now? Really?” he huffed out. Melone tutted while standing back up, no shame in getting caught. You felt yourself blush a little, trying to hide it behind a nervous smile. “Guess we’ll have to continue at a later time, unless you don’t mind watching Illuso?” Melone retorted. You smacked his head in response, still not sure if you’d be able to continue this little situation at a later time.

Mista

“Is it... because there’s four pigeons on that bench over there?” you asked in a singsongy tone. “No.” Mista replied in annoyance while sighing. “And stop guessing, it has nothing to do with THAT number. Stop saying it, it’s making me even more nervous.” he scolded you.

While waiting for the rest of your team to arrive, Mista and you got into a bit of a sticky situation. While out on a mission you got attacked by a standuser who had frozen you two in quite an unfortunate position so they could get away. Mista had fallen on top of you, his hands still holding onto you back, his cheek right beside yours as his body loomed over you. The stand’s attack was wearing off slowly but you definitely needed your team’s help.

Mista had been acting very nervous and you were trying to pull the answer out of him to no avail. “Are your arms getting tired maybe?” you tried one last time. “Yea sure, it’s my arms.” he sighed not even convinced of his own answer. You were on the receiving end of a more fortunate position. Just lounging underneath your colleague, enjoying the view of the sky.

Your warm cheeks were pressed together offering a bit of warmth, a chilly wind had been blowing all day causing the rest of your bodies to grow goosebumps. “I’m getting kind of hungry, you?” you tried to fill the silence. “Stop talking please.” Mista sounded like he was practically pleading. “Tell me why you’re so nervous and I’ll shut up till the others arrive.” you retorted confidently.

It was the longest sigh you ever heard come out of someone. Why was he dreading this so much? Was he in that bad of a position? Finally after the deep long sigh and some convincing on his side Mista finally spoke. “Every time you talk your boobs rub on my chest and it feels good ok! I’m not trying to be inappropriate but you smell nice and you’re pretty but still my teammate. I’m just... trying to keep myself calm and it’s hard when you keep talking and rubbing all over me!”

You let out a chuckle in response, wow. That was more than you ever thought there was going on at this moment. You felt a little bad for teasing him with all those questions but satisfied that he said those nice things about you. “Well... don’t you have an answer?” Mista nervously asked. “I thought I was supposed to shut up from now on?” you whispered in amusement. Get ready for the longest annoyed groan ever. When did Giorno say they were coming to pick you up again?

Bruno

While waiting for your mission to start and looking out for the guy you’d be meeting up with, your capo and you had been standing in an indent of a building down the dark alley you had stated as your meeting place. Your guest was late and the position you were in was growing a little uncomfortable since your legs were hurting from standing in one place for so long.

Bruno was squished against the back of the indent, letting you stand in front of him with his arms clasped around your middle. This was the only way that you weren’t showing yourselves if anyone other than the guy you were meeting would enter the alley. Your stand was out on top of a building above as a lookout.

It was comfortable to be leaning back into Bruno, his chin resting on your shoulder after you told him it was alright. Strangers might even mistake you for a sappy couple hugging in an alley. Comfortably giving off warmth to each other, you’d been silently talking with your capo about your lives, hobbies you missed, funny stories that happened.

A nice glass of wine and some snacks would have made it quite a fun date. But the closeness of your superior served just as well. While moving to lean on your other leg since your feet were hurting your behind rubbed against his groin, a soft sharp inhale coming from the man behind you. “Sorry Bruno, I forgot...” embarrassed and growing more and more red by the second.

It was just that his touch had grown so familiar. Maybe a little too familiar, you felt your thoughts go further and further. The dirtiest parts wanting to feel your capo’s reactions to your movements, his warm breaths in your ear as you hear him enjoy your ministrations, softly calling your name as he comes undone. But before your mind can wander any further Bruno’s hands let go and grip your hips on either side.

His hands holding on firmly, keeping you frozen in position. “You were still doing it.” he softly said, his breath tickling your neck. Shit. Your imagination ran wild and so did your thighs as they rubbed together against him. You weren’t sure if you’d reached the peak of your embarrassment.

It seemed like your meeting partner wasn’t showing up so you called back your stand and moved out of the indent. Finally being able to face your capo, you saw his rosy cheeks and chest. Smiling at his disheveled hair and look. “Here, let me straighten you out.” you said as you carefully put back the stray hairs. You swear you could see him melt into your touch, swallowing deeply as his blue eyes bore into yours.

[tamakissimp]

bakusquad- relationship headcanons

request:  @smexy-goose​ heLLO FRIEND. can i get hcs for the bakusquad boys and just how a relationship is like with them?? thank you so much!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

a/n: not me using Yagami Yato’s petnames ☺️ and you can really tell Sero’s my least fav oops

BAKUGOU:

Bakugou's s/o is the only person who won't be a victim to his harsh words

He won't even raise his voice, afraid that he'll scare them off

HOWEVER, he is a massive tease

"Are you blushing, teddybear?"

Lingering touches on your thighs and waist

Will pull you into a random, heated makeout session

Just as you're getting into it, he'll pull away

"What? Want more of me, baby?"

This. Man. Loves. PDA.

Even though he's self-conscious about how sweated he is, he'll still love holding your hand

He'll have you sitting on his lap, arms wrapped tightly around, planting soft kisses on your neck while he'll be yelling Kirishima's ears off at the same time

This dude loves cheesy dates. Picnics. Walks on the beach. You name it, he'll probably love it

"No, fuck off, shitty hair!" Bakugou barks. While his words are harsh and his tone is pointed, his touch is featherlight. His arms have snacked themselves around your waist and his hands are running up and down your arms. "You're fucking lying.".

Kirishima shakes his head. "Nu-uh, I'm telling you, the fourth one is the best Scream movie. Period," he says. The argument is stupid. Though all arguments the boys have are stupid and pointless.

"The first one is the best! After that, the movies just went to shit!". It honestly surprises you how your boyfriend can be so harsh to his friends but can shower you with affection the next.

You weave your fingers through Bakugou's spiky hair. He lets out a soft groan at the feeling of your nails dragging over his scalp. He leans into your touch more and you smile down at him.

"Actually," Denki says. "The second one is obviously the best. Sequels always rule!". Bakugou grabs a pillow from the couch and chucks it at Denki's head with such force that the electric boy falls onto the ground.

You swat Bakugou playfully against his chest and give him a warning glance. "Oh come on, Teddybear! You know I'm right," he says. You kiss your teeth and cock your head to the side.

"Well, I'm going to agree with Kiri," you say. Bakugou looks at you with big eyes. "The first one sucks, I'm sorry!". Bakugou shakes his head, moving his hands to your hips and pulling you off his lap.

"This is a betrayal," he says with a fake pout. You grab his face, one hand on each cheek, and give him. quick peck on his lips. He leans into your touch a bit, pout now melting away. "I still feel betrayed."

KIRISHIMA:

Kirishima is the best boyfriend ever

He will be your personal hype man

"Pebble, you look fine as hell."

"I'm pretty sure it's illegal to look this good, babe."

But don't worry, he drinks his respect-people so his compliments will be kept to a respective level

PDA is his thing, not intentional though

He just mindlessly grabs his s/o's hand or wraps his arm around them. His body just naturally gravitates to them

He wants to see you every day. Date nights every Friday and Saturday, he invites you to watch his train, call you to bring him lunch, he'll use any excuse to see you.

Walking through a campus full of highly talented students with amazing quirks is, honestly, terrifying. You keep your head down, avoiding gazes of confused students. It surprises you how few of the student body recognize you considering how much your boyfriends shows you off. "Pebble!".

You look up to see your favourite redhead walking towards you, waving happily. You smile at him and quicken your pace. Once he gets closer to you, you hold out the bento box you were holding for him. He grabs it from your hands before place a kiss on your cheek.

"Thanks, babe! I can't believe I forgot my lunch again," Kirishima says. You know he forgot his on purpose but you don't care. Seeing him brightens your day and you know that he needs to have someone who's not as pessimistic as Bakugou around him.

"Of course, I wanted to see you anyways," you say. Kirishima places a hand on your waist, pulling you closer towards him.

"Wanna eat lunch with me?" he asks. You nod. He smiles widely, showing off his pointy teeth as he moves his arm from your waist to now be draped over your shoulder.

You two starts to walk towards one of the lunch tables the school placed outside while Kirishima babbles on about his day. His happy ranting lights up your heart and makes your stomach do summersaults. "Idiot!" you hear someone yell from a distance.

It doesn't surprise you that it's Bakugou who's yelling. You look up at Kirishima, god he's tall, only to find him already looking at you with heart-eyes. "Hey guys," you call from a distance. His friends look over at the two of you. You sit down at the edge of the table, squished between Kirishima and Denki.

"Y/n! I didn't see you all day. I was starting to get worried," Denki says. Honestly, it had surprised most of his Kirishima's friends that you hadn't been around until noon.

"I know, I was starting to miss my big old shark," you say before giving Kirishima a peck on his cheek while he is stuffing the contents of his bento box into his mouth at rapid speed.

"Love you too, Pebble," he says with a mouthful of food. You smile at him. God, you loved this man-child.

DENKI:

God save the soul of his s/o

He is kind and thoughtful but so, so forgetful

His mind is just running on overtime so he'll forget about dates and miss anniversaries no matter how many reminders he sets on his phone

That being said he will make up for it in affectionEven if he's already together with his s/o he'll still flirt with them like crazy. 

Like, "did it hurt when you fell from heaven" type of flirting after being together for more than a year. But it's cute.

He is like a raven, he'll bring you any shiny thing he sees. Something about seeing you happy when he gifts you something as small as a shiny coin makes his heart buzz.

He is a massive cuddler. Anywhere, anything, no matter what.

"Baby," Denki whines out. You simply shake your head. You want to cave in but you couldn't. "Please, just one."."No," you say. "You said it yourself, train for an hour then we can cuddle. Just three more minutes, baby.". Denki's cheeks heat up at the pet name. He nods. Three minutes aren't so bad right.

Your eyes are focused on him as you watch your boyfriend train. Clearly, he's showing off but you don't care. All you can do is stare at him with heart eyes, amazed at his quirk. Denki's so busy showing off that he doesn't even realize he has been training for an extra fifteen minutes.

 It's only when he looks over at the clock on the wall while catching his breath that he realizes it. His muscles ache and he mentally slaps himself for pushing himself so far but it's all worth it when he sees the awestruck look on your face. "Like watching all this muscle in action, buzzy beautiful sunshine nugget?" he says a smirk. 

All you can do is nod as you make grabby hands towards him. Denki practically runs over to you, falling right on top of you. Thank god the school placed as a couch in the training room. Denki's body pushed you further into the soft cushions while his arms snake around you. 

"You did so well," you say as you start running your fingers through his hair. He groans in pleasure, basking at the affection. "I'm so proud of you.". All Denki can do is smile and nod as the over-excursion on his body finally starts to kick in. "So proud."

"Thank you, sunshine," Denki says. "Did you see my zappies? It's like...super zappy.". Zappies. That's a new one. God, he's tired. You move your hand from his hair to his chin, lifting it so that he looks at you.

His puppy dog eyes stare up at you. "Wanna cuddle in your dorm instead?" you ask. You have never seen him stand up so fast. Denki's pulling at your hand to get you up and off the couch.

"Let's go, baby," Denki says. "My bed is waiting for us.".

SERO:

Just like Denki, he'll still flirt with his s/o but not as much. It's honestly cute.

"Damn, you look hotter than Bakugou's explosions,"

Earns him a smack on the head from Bakugou

He loves to wear matching outfits. It's so cliche but his heart will melt if his s/o buy matching sweaters for two of them.

He loves small domestic things. Cook together or clean the house while jamming to songs and he'll fall even further in love.

He loves it when his s/o please with his hair. Sometimes he'll grab their hand and just place it on his head, expecting them to know what to do.

Sharing ramen shouldn't be so romantic, but God did it make your heart do summersaults when Sero holds out his chopsticks for you. You lean forward, eating the ramen hanging from the wooden sticks. Yep, this shouldn't be romantic but it is. You smile at him with cheeks stuffed full with hot ramen.

You pick up your chopsticks as you grab a piece of your takoyaki. You hold it out for your boyfriend who happily eats the food. He smiles back at you while chewing on the food. "Is it good?" you ask.

"Hell yeah, wanna switch?" Sero asks. You nod, grabbing his bowl of ramen as he grabs your plate of takoyaki. You did this often, switching meals multiple times during dates.

"Anyways, I was thinking about going to the movies afterwards," you say as you grab another bite of your, or rather Sero's, ramen. Sero nods.

He grabs another ball of takoyaki and stuffs it into his mouth. "The scary one?" he asks. You nod. A smile spreads over his lips. God, how you love that smile. That smile that lights up your world.

"Just admit it, you only want to watch that one because you'll be able to cuddle up to me," he says. Your cheeks heat up at his words. Shit, he saw through your plans. He points an accusing finger to you. "I knew it. Don't worry baby, I don't mind.".

It's so secret that Sero is a cuddle bug. A huge one. Every time you were around him he had both his arms wrapped tightly around your waist, your body pulled impossibly close to his. Though you wouldn't have it any other way.

[aliteama]

Yoohoo! can i ask for a megumi x reader, but where reader is pressured to confess by the jjk girls (includin the kyoto ones) like maybe a girls night?

✧Fic✧

Fushiguro Megumi

✧ A/N: I really like this idea so I hope you like how I wrote it!! I kept going back to rewrite it because it’s just such a cute idea (୨୧•͈ᴗ•͈)

✧ Tugging on a strand of hair and brushing it to the side another brightly colored clip was added, “I think blue looks nice on you!” 

“You're only saying that because your hair is blue! I think the orange suits you better!” 

Shuffling across the floor Nobara started to pluck out all the blue clips adorning your hair and replacing them with brilliant orange ones. Picking up one of the sea colored clips you couldn’t help but think about how much it resembled his eyes, your heart fluttering at the thought of him as a love sick smile adorned your features. 

“Why so smiley all of a sudden?” pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose Maki poked at your cheek, “Got a crush or something?”

Perking up at her words Miwa dropped the clip she was holding and unconsciously tugged on your hair, a determined look in her eyes as she peered over your shoulder, “You have a crush? Who is it?”

“No one! I don't have a crush”

Humming at your words Nobara gave you an unimpressed look before glancing towards Mai who had been playing games on your phone, “Dont lie, if you don't have a crush then why is every picture with Megumi in it favorited?”

“Why are you going through my photos?”

“I'm a curious girl!” 

“You have a crush on Megumi? The messy haired boy?” jumping into the conversation Nishimiya grinned evilly at you before snatching up her broom, “You should tell him!”

“I don't have a crush on anyone!”

“Liaar! Liar!” 

“I think as punishment for lying to us you should go confess”

Crossing her arms over her chest Mai nodded in agreement with her twin, a mischievous look in both their eyes that led you to assume they were already brewing something up. Persistent to keep them out of your love life you switched the topic which had worked wonderfully in your favor when Miwa started chattering away about some bakery she had found.

Passing around her phone to show everyone the menu Miwa beamed at the unanimous interest, “We should all go! It’s not too far from here”

“It’s already dark outside, maybe tomorrow?”

“Don’t be a stick in the mud! Let’s go!” tugging Nobara to her feet Nishimiya started rushing around to hand everyone their jackets, her excitement evident as she was the first one to be out the door.

Clutching onto her phone Maki sent you a suspicious look that put you on edge, her fingers typing furiously to send a message before shoving her cell into her coat pocket, “Let's hurry”

“Why the rush?”

“You’ll see”

Raising an eyebrow she waved you off before linking her arm with yours, Nobara coming up from behind you to do the same and send you a toothy grin. The sky was illuminated with twinkling lights and the air nipped at your cheeks yet even with the bubbling atmosphere you couldn’t help but feel something bad was about to happen.

Tapping at your shoulder Nishimiya slowed her pace before turning to you with a stern expression, “Liars deserve punishment”

Gasping at the sudden hold Maki and Nobara had you in panic flooded through your system at the sight of the group of boys waiting outside the bakery, “You're joking!”

“As punishment for lying! You will confess to Megumi!” with a dramatic tone Miwa clutched at her heart before pointing a finger at the disinterested boy leaning against the building.

“No! It’ll be embarrassing! I'm sorry for lying, let's just forgive and forget?” laughing through the awkward tension you sighed at their determined expressions.

“I can never forget this betrayal”

“It wasn't even a big secret ‘Saki!”

Releasing their arms from yours an unintentionally harsh shove had you stepping forward and stumbling towards Fushiguro who had finally noticed your presence and waved you over, “Did Maki invite you to?”

“Maki invited you..?” you’d keep a mental note of that for later.

“She wouldn't stop blowing up my phone about coming here” 

Holding the door open for you he shut it just as quick once Itadori started blabbering away about how awesome it was to have everyone hanging out instead of fighting. Sitting at a table away from the big group Fushiguro gazed over the menu before pointing out things that caught his eye, if it weren't for the loud whispering then it almost would have seemed like a date.

“Do you think it’s too late for coffee?”

“Not if you plan on walking the city”

“Doesn’t sound so bad. Care to join me?”

Drowning out the giggles in the background you grew flustered at his statement, “I’d love to” sending him a timid smile you received one back along with a lovely pink dusting his cheeks.

Halfway through dessert you had to turn off message notifications because it seemed your phone would buzz to life with every word that left Fushiguros lips, and there was the constant use of the restroom as the girls would shuffle by and drag you along to pester you about confessing. Other than the frequent distracts it went well, with every smile sent your way you had forgotten about the large group that desperately tried to listen in.

“Ready to go?” offering you a hand he helped you slip out of your seat before splitting the bill and taking off, leaving behind a group of surprised teens.

Even though you weren’t obligated to tell him your feelings the ‘punishment’ still lingered in your mind, “I like you” you didn’t even remember saying it, so lost in thought that the words had just slipped past your lips without being processed.

“That's good. I like you too” 

It was silent, the both of you suddenly growing shy as his hand never let go of yours “That's good” 

Sure it was a little awkward and both your words could have been thought over more but you were happy nonetheless because his hand was warm in yours and his smile was genuine. Maybe you owed your friends a ‘thank you’ even if this scheme was created last minute.

[thran-duils]

Doll Me Up (P.3)

Title: Doll Me Up (Part Three) Summary: Fem!Reader x Dark Mob!Tony Stark. On good days, you and Tony were a power couple. You, a perfect trophy wife with your hands in local charities to promote a wholesome image. Tony, business man but sullied with organized crime. He indulged in his illegal gambling, extortion, and political corruption. And he indulged in his escort business. Hell, that is where he had found you. You were a brat, and he loved a challenge. Words: 2,963 Warnings: Unhealthy relationships, smut, daddy kink, dom/sub, manipulation, death, violence, possessive behavior

Part Two || Part Four || Masterpost (mobile) || Fanfic masterpost

Tony had left Y/N back at home after leaving the beach. He made sure she was settled back at his mansion, after he had had his face settled between her thighs that is. That was a surefire way to get her to relax and he cherished the taste of her on his tongue, inhaling the scent of her. It had done the trick well enough, and he had encouraged her to take a warm bath. She was confused at where he had to go at the hour, but he had assured her it would not take long, and he would be back before she knew it. She was rattled, he could tell, about the whole ordeal at the boardwalk. But she was acting tough, and he had to admire her resiliency. It was going to make her a good wife and hopefully mother in the future.

The tunnel he was walking down was dank and had an off smell about it. What he had ordered could not happen on his property, so this was the next best bet. It was secluded, in a seedy part of the city. Cops were around but they were preoccupied with things above ground.

He was met outside the room by Happy who had arrived before him. “It’s all ready, boss.”

“Good,” Tony clipped. “I’m assuming we have a dumpsite already?”

“That’s taken care of.”

Tony patted Happy’s cheek. “I can always count on you.”

He strode past him into the room, the smile falling from his face at the sight. The two men his guards had caught were chained up to the wall. The guys had already been beaten by his men, their faces dripping blood, deep bruises along their abdomens. But they had been kept conscious according to Tony’s instructions. He wanted to deliver the final blows himself personally. Anyone who tried to dare lay hands on Y/N, whisk her away from him… he had bloodthirst on his mind.

“Remember me?” Tony asked sarcastically, taking off his jacket, tossing it towards one of his men who caught it before it could fall to the ground.

The men were blabbering, eyes swollen, lips swollen. They just wanted it to end. Tony snickered at the thought. He had an array of tools at his disposal to make sure this would last longer and draw the pain out for them.

At the end of it, when their hearts had finally stopped, he looked all the look of a serial killer. His t-shirt was blotted with blood, a wicked smile at seeing the work he had done on them, still hearing their pained screams. His fists were bloody. He never touched people like this but since it was for her…

She would no doubt notice and fawn over it. Win-win situation for him.

<><><>

Y/N swam over to Tony at the edge of the pool where he was reclining in a chair. He was watching her closely, thinking of how she had almost been taken from him a week ago and the thought made his stomach twist. He needed to protect her always, keep her safe for not only herself but him.

She pulled herself up enough out to rest on her elbows, her feet kicking below the water. He liked the suit she had chosen; it flattered her. Not that much did not flatter her. He would be hard pressed to find anything that would make her unattractive to him.

She pouted, “Are you sure you’re not going to come in?”

Tony stuck out his bottom lip, mocking her. “No, baby.”

“But why not?”

“Because I like watching you.”

Her smile was all flavors of seductive, “I thought you liked touching me.”

“Cheeky,” Tony chuckled, and she shrugged, looking proud of herself. He brought his vodka to his lips, taking a long swig.

“I was thinking…” she said catching his attention again. “We could have some fun. If you came to sit on the side of the pool…”

Tony chuckled again at her insinuation, his mind picturing her perfect lips around the head of his dick. “Are you insatiable?” She began removing her top and he held out his hand, laughing. “Y/N, darling. Rhodey should be here any moment.” She pouted again, hesitating. “As much as I would love that… those goods are for me, hmm?”

“Always,” she returned, straightening herself back out. She whined, “But why are you always having to work?”

“It’s not always. Don’t be overdramatic, kitten.”

“I can’t help it,” she grumbled.

Tony pushed his sunglasses down, peering at her over the top of them. “I’ll make it up to you. I bought a new toy.” She brightened at that and he grinned in response. “It’s sure to keep things fresh. Plus… I do owe you a night out, don’t I? Let’s make a date out of it.”

“Saddle Peak Lodge?” Tony’s brow furrowed and she shrugged. “I got bored, and I was looking at food places around here.”

“Sure. Whatever you want,” Tony said sincerely, taking another drink.

A song came on and she immediately smiled mischievously at him. “Oh, look, it’s our song.”

“Our song?” Tony asked, his lips upturned in a smirk.

She nodded.

He doesn't mind I have a Las Vegas past He doesn't mind I have a L.A. crass way about me He loves me, with every beat of his cocaine heart

“I’m even swimming and you’re watching,” she said, biting her bottom lip before pushing away from the side. She drug her eyes away from him before diving back underneath the water. Tony’s eyes followed her through the water, listening to the lyrics of the song she had deemed theirs. He would chase her all over town, that was for sure.

<><><>

On Tony’s laptop, Y/N’s location of her phone popped up. He saw it was in The Flats and his teeth gritted as he realized where she was.

“That’s Liam’s place,” Tony said out loud, in disbelief.

Liam had been her friend first, even though he was Tony’s employee. Liam was one of the guards at the escort service. And he was one of the highest paid of Tony’s employees there. He was good at what he did and also helped Tony dole out physical prowess on special assignments that needed it. But he had an admittedly soft spot for the girls in the service, Y/N especially when she was still working there. He had seen it himself, Liam making sure she was comfortable and giving her attention. It had made him jealous at first but when he realized Y/N had no interest in him, he had brushed it off. She was oblivious to his adoration, something Tony had actually found amusing when he realized it.

The fact she had decided to hole up with him and that Liam had actually agreed to it… Tony felt a huge flame of betrayal. He had treated Liam well, had he not? Why this backstabbing when it was clear as day Y/N was doing something wrong?

Happy asked from the front seat, “What did you say?”

Tony snapped, closing his laptop roughly, “She’s at Liam’s. That… fucking prick. Anything to try to get close to Y/N.” Tony chewed on his bottom lip and grabbed his phone again, his temper flared. He texted furiously. “Looks like someone is going to get a promotion tonight. And I’m losing one of my best because he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.”

<><><>

Nine months ago…

Tony strolled in from the balcony, adjusting his sleeves. He had gone out for some air, leaving Y/N inside with the other Avengers. He spotted her sitting on one of the couches, Steve nearby. Steve was amused by whatever Y/N had said, his smile wide and her quickly explaining something. He made his way back over, coming to her side just as she finished.

“Cap,” Tony greeted him.

“Tony,” Steve returned, still laughing lightly.

Y/N was all smiles still. “You didn’t tell me Steve was so funny.”

“I didn’t know I had to. Rogers is usually the stick in the mud,” Tony quipped.

“She’s merely amused at my complete inept at cultural references,” Steve said, smiling warmly again in her direction.

“It’s actually quite embarrassing for him.” Y/N quipped, much to Steve’s amusement. “But we can forgive him. Just like we forgive you for your sarcastic jokes, Tony.” Y/N perked up and said, “You guys don’t have drinks. Let me fix that.”

She walked off and Steve leveled Tony with a look. Tony cocked his head, “What? You’re looking at me all self-righteously.”

“Is she…?”

Tony did not have to work hard at figuring out what Steve was trying to get at. He snorted at Steve’s prude response to her and being unable to outright ask if she was a prostitute. “Was,” Tony corrected. “Actually, worked for my service. She’s shaped up quite nicely, I would dare to say.”

Steve nodded in agreement, “She plays the part well. Charming. Polite.”

“What gave it away, pray tell?”

Steve snorted and said, “Honestly? She’s too pretty for you to be your wife.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You shouldn’t.”

The two of them were sharing a laugh as Y/N walked back up.

“Plus, the service,” Steve said under his breath, seeing she was carrying two glasses for them specifically and none for herself.

“Quite the whole package,” Tony said in a normal volume and she looked at him expectantly as she held out the glasses to them. Tony merely leaned forward giving her a peck on her forehead. His arm snaked around her waist and brought her to his side. “She’s so well behaved.”

“Because that’s the only thing that matters,” Y/N replied teasingly, tapping him on the nose, earning a wide grin in response from him and a kiss.

<><><>

One leg hooked over your opposite knee, you settled back further on the couch cushions. Liam had fallen asleep further down the couch to a movie and you were speaking quietly on the phone to Xavier. “Yeah, I made it home. I just don’t understand—”

You yelped at the sound of the front door being kicked in down the hall. You scrambled, dropping the phone as Liam jumped up, half asleep still. He was looking around wildly and even in his confusion, threw himself in front of you, blocking you from direct line of the hall. You looked over your shoulder frightened, taking in the tall wall of windows.

When the first man walked from the hallway into the wide room, you relaxed, immediately recognizing him. Then reality hit you again and you realized the only reason he would be here. He was one of Tony’s and you knew what was at the end of this, your heart pounding with each one that walked in. The next three you recognized too.

Lastly, Tony came striding in and you exhaled shakily, releasing the breath you did not know you had even been holding in anticipation of him. You had not been on this side of his anger before and the mere sight of him was threatening. In his tailored jacket and slacks, his gleaming watch… he was everything the mob boss you knew put fear into other people’s hearts. He was here on business, not pleasure. His body was completely tense, his eyes focused in on Liam and you standing in the middle of the living room. You swallowed sharply, your resolve wavering under his ferocious gaze, cursing yourself internally for making him so mad.

No one was moving and time seemed suspended. The thing that drew you back to reality was Xavier was still trying to talk to you on the phone on the floor. You swept down to pick it up.

“I’ll call you back. It’s fine. Love you,” you told him quickly, before hanging up and tossing your phone beside you on the ledge. Tony’s jaw set at the last phrase uttered and you had said it without even thinking. It was not abnormal to say it to Xavier but now was definitely not the time. You informed him stiffly, “It’s my gay friend. You know. The one you think I slept with in Seattle? Who is not interested in pussy at all?” Tony was not saying anything, just glaring daggers through you, which further set you on edge. His men were standing at attention and your gaze swept over them before landing on him again. Maybe if you just went without a fight now, it would be okay. You rolled your eyes, trying to keep up the façade that you had not pressed him past his patience and everything was just going to pan out. “God, FINE. I’m coming! You didn’t have to be so dramatic.”

Tony held up a hand, stalling your movement, throwing you off balance. Your feet settled back on the ground, coming to a stop by Liam’s shoulder, waiting for his next movement. His gaze flicked to Liam, who was looking extremely uncomfortable.

“Who called who?” he asked in an eerily calm voice.

“W-what?” Liam stammered.

“Who. Called. Who?”

Liam shot you a look, nervous at being under Tony’s scrutinizing and threatening shadow. You gave him a slight nod and Tony noticed, his jaw clenching at the interaction. At the solidarity. You had a sinking feeling that was a huge misstep.

“She called me.”

“She called you,” Tony said slowly, eyes boring into you now.

There was jealously swimming in his eyes that you had called someone else – another man – instead of him. That had been your intention hadn’t it? To make him jealous. But now that it was coming to fruition, all you felt was dread. He tore his eyes away from you to look back at Liam.

“So, your first instinct wasn’t to, I don’t know, call me?” Tony asked. “Ask me if you should go picking my little, darling wife up from the airport?” Tony took a few steps closer, all swagger in his step. “That didn’t cross your mind, Liam?”

Liam admitted, nervousness apparent, “No, sir. I knew you were fighting.”

“You knew we were fighting.” Tony’s tone was condescending.

“Yes.”

“And what? You were just going to pick her up from the airport, bring her here. And then what?”

“She asked to stay the night. And she said she was going to leave in the morning. Early. 6am I think is the time she told me. So she could go back home to you.”

Tony threw you a taunting look, “Hmm, back to me. Seems like that’s what she’s been avoiding actually.” You opened your mouth, but he cocked his head, the playfulness from seconds ago again. You closed it. Tony directed at Liam, “Who employs you?”

“You, sir.”

“So, you would think it would behoove you to fall back on that relationship rather than catering to the wife. I mean, she’s not the one your indebted to, is she?”

“Tony, I—” you tried to cut in.

“Shut…” Tony said, his eyes not leaving Liam, his finger held up to you stiffly. “Your fucking mouth, Y/N. I’m not talking to you.”

“How many friends of yours have I killed?” Tony deadpanned at Liam. You did not like where this was going.

“Um, zero. I think,” Liam said, sweat visible on his forehead.

Tony narrowed his eyes slightly and looked back at one of his men. “Is that right? I haven’t killed any of the men at the service?” His eyes swept over his personal guards and they all shook their head. Tony’s eyes snapped back to Liam and he looked thoughtful. “Huh. That’s surprising. But…” he closed the space between the two of them and you had to admire that although Liam looked nervous, he did not back away. “Then again, none of them betrayed me like this.”

Before Liam could react, Tony’s arm lashed out and his hand closed in around his neck. Liam winced at Tony’s fingers digging into his windpipe, squeezing tightly. Tony yanked Liam close and hissed into his ear, “I know how you feel about her. I’ve seen it. And the fact you thought you could get her here… get a foot in—”

“That wasn’t it!” Liam interrupted nervously.

“You’re a terrible liar. And I’m sick of people lying to me,” Tony snarled, letting go of Liam roughly, causing him to lose his balance. Tony backed off from Liam and snapped in your direction. “Grab your shit, Y/N.” You faltered, apprehension freezing you to the spot. He suddenly shouted, “Now!”

That got you to jump to action.

As you grabbed your phone and your small bags, you heard movement behind you and whipped around in alarm. You screamed when the first hit was laid across Liam’s face. Tony had stepped back and his men had come forward.

Tony had a vice like grip on your arm, yanking you sideways back towards the hall.

“Tony!” you pleaded panicked, trying to look over your shoulder as he dragged you away at where Liam was surrounded by the four men, punch after punch laying into his face and body.

He stopped, jolting you. He forcibly turned you, so you could look back at the scene in the living room, pointing at it. “This is your fault,” he spat at you. He wrenched you to him, his breath hot on your face. His eyes were wild as he told you, “Next time, think about what you’re doing when you go around trying to piss me off. Because anyone that sees Liam’s face after this is going to do that thinking for you. No one is going to want to help you when you’re being a little brat!” His fingers dug in and you winced. “And your punishment hasn’t even started yet, kitten.”

~~~

Forever tags: @coconutqueen21

Fic tags: @kvzctam, @farihafangirls 

[elfwoodfae]

“Nightcall” Harrison Eo Wells x reader

chapter-2

Summary: After getting a visit from the man in yellow you turn to Dr.Wells for help.

Gif credits to the owner, I found this one on google.

It was late in the afternoon when you made your way over to your apartment, it had been a pretty uneventful day. Only one meta attack and no sign of the man in yellow. It had been almost a full week without him making an appearance.

After getting home and taking very well deserve bath, you changed into an oversized comfortable shirt and decided to order some takeout food and get yourself a glass of wine while you waited for the food to arrive.

That’s when it happened. Suddenly as you sat down on your couch you noticed how the wine in your glass started to float up into the air, and a second later you were whisked away before you could so much as to draw a breath by a fury of red lightning.

The moment your feet touched the floor and the cold air hit your bare legs, you realized you were standing on the roof of a building, in the exact edge of the roof. One step back and you would fall most certainly to your death.

In front of you stood the yellow speedster in all his glory, his face distorted and his eyes bright red. You looked back over your shoulder to see how high up you were and the vertigo that came over you made you focus on him again.

He was only a few steps in front of you, but you knew better than to try and move , he could throw you in the blink of an eye over the edge.

“You work with team Flash,” his distorted voice reached you.

“And I see you have been doing some digging into the wrong path” he added, how did he know that you had been helping Joe and Cisco with their investigation of Nora’s murder was beyond you. But if he felt the need to threaten you, that meant you were on the right path, right?

As you opened your mouth to say something, suddenly he was in front of you, so close you couldn’t focus on all of his face, or what you could see of it. He moved closer to you knowing you weren’t going to be able to move any further away without falling. He moved one more step forward, pushing you back and as a scream started to come out of your mouth, you felt his hand in your back, holding you in place, suspended almost mid air. He was letting you live, you would only fall if he allowed you to, if he removed his hand. In desperate fear you clung to his forearm for dear life, looking back over your shoulder one more time to the streets down below. He moved his face impossibly close to you, so much that you could almost feel his breath on your lips.

“Stop meddling into the past” he warned.

“And you better keep this little secret between us if you don’t want more visits like this one” he added.

In the blink of an eye you were back in your apartment, as if nothing had happened, even in the same spot you were before, and for a second you wondered if it had happened at all, but the sweat running down your back and damping your forehead were enough proof that indeed he had taken you.

The doorbell rang and you jumped in fear, hands trembling as you covered your mouth to conceal a gasp, running one hand through your hair and taking deep breath you tried to calm your nerves and open the door to receive your food, which went by uneaten as you had lost all your appetite.

That night you barely slept, and the few moments you managed to conceal sleep were quickly interrupted by your body still in a constant state of adrenaline.

As the next morning came by and you got to the lab you were extremely doubtful as if you should tell the team what had happened the previous night. It’s not that you didn’t take his thread to heart, but after thinking about it, there were some things that you just couldn’t let go and were maybe the key to beating him.

Maybe you could just confide this information to the one person you trusted more than anyone. With this thought in mind you decided that you would tell what happened to Dr.Wells only, maybe he would be able to help you figure your theory out.

As you entered the cortex and said your good mornings to everyone, you moved closer to Wells and asked him if he could give you a moment of his time.

“Dr. Wells, could I please speak a moment with you?” You tentatively asked.

“Of course” he nodded and wheeled himself over to his office, you following close behind.

As you entered his office and closed the door you moved in front of a white empty board.

“I need to confide you something,” you started. “I would like to keep this private between us as it is a sensitive matter and I wouldn’t want to put the rest of the team in danger” he nodded in understanding.

Taking a deep breath you proceeded.

“Last night,” you stopped trying to find the best way to voice what you were about to tell him.

“Last night the man in yellow visited me”, you spared the details, not thinking them necessary. “He threatened me, demanding that I stop looking into ways to stop him and to stop digging into the past, as you may know Joe was investigating the case of Barry’s mother.” Dr.Wells nodded, rubbing two fingers over his mouth.

“He warned me against telling anyone about our encounter but I needed to tell someone what I had uncover from his visit.” You told him.

“May I?” You signaled to the board, he nodded. You took a sharpie and started writing on the board as you spoke. Missing the look Wells was giving you, realizing that with you his threatening had been in vain but being thankful that you had come to him first.

“ I noticed that he blurs his face to the point where nothing is recognizable which I understand” you said as you started to write something on the board.

“But I noticed that he distorts his voice also, which I find unnecessary I doubt we would be able to find him like that, but that got me thinking,” you continued. Wells hands fisted against the armchairs.

“What if he is doing it because we could find him by his voice! What if he is going to such a great lengths because we would be able to know who he is without the whole distortion thing. Which would mean he is someone we know or someone we have encountered before. Someone who has had contact with one of us. Which is how he is always one step ahead. Knowing what we are up to!” You concluded.

You were facing away from Dr.Wells which is exactly how you failed to notice when he silently stood up from his chair, having realized how much he had underestimated you and your ideas and theories. You may as well be what ruined his plan, his work. He couldn’t afford to let you get any closer. He couldn’t afford to kill you without looking suspicious and knowing Joe had had his suspicions about him he couldn’t let anything happen that could lead back to him. He did the next best thing.

As you turned around dread washed all over you. There he was, Dr.Wells standing in front of you and in less than a blink of an eye, a vibrating hand shot straight down to your heart. Your eyes widened and you took in a desperate breath as your eyes started to fill with tears. It took you a second to realize you were still alive, he hadn’t stop phasing his hand yet.

“Clever girl” he whispered close to your face, his glasses now gone as you could see a shadow of red lighting wash over his eyes.

Your mouth opened and closed, before opening again as you murmured. “It’s you, isn’t it? That’s how he, you knew where to find me.” You took in a deep breath, trying to control the tears about to fall of your eyes at the betrayal you felt.

“Why?” You asked him, voice trembling.

“Why, why you ask.” He repeated, “is a story too long to tell” he said, voice low as his eyes bore into yours with such an intensity that made you shudder in fear, his hand still vibrating inside your chest.

You had forgotten how tall he was next to you, making him seem so intimidating.

“Then why pretend to be my friend? To care for us?” You continued.

“That was not part of my plan, but you were so persistent in being friendly, in getting to know the team, and sticking around after everyone left, you became impossible to avoid.” He said, smirking.

“I would suggest, if you want your pretty little heart to keep beating, to drop all this theories you have made. Don’t tell anyone about what had happened. I will know if you as to so much try to give anyone a hint. Don’t think I won’t be watching you.” He said as he removed his hand off your chest and with a flick of his wrist it stopped vibrating.

“I believe that is all we had to discuss.” He added as he moved to his chair and rolled himself out of his office, leaving you standing there, alone and still in shock at finding out the man you had harbored more than friendly feelings for was the same man you were trying to catch, and worst of all he had threatened you and literally shoved a hand in your heart, just to show you how easily he could get rid of you if he wanted to.

@mintchipcupcake

@nellethiel-aranel

@saltykidcreation

@twilightlover2007

[fourmarkdove]

Fawn - Part 5

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |  Part 4 |  Part 5 | Part 6 | Masterlist

Title: Fawn - Part 5

Words: 2.1k

Summary: Plans to return to your ancestral home are halted by an accident that nearly costs your life. Angst. Hurt/comfort.

Pairing: Geralt x reader

Warnings: Suicidal ideation. If you’re triggered PLEASE skip ahead. Please check out the trigger warnings (tw:) in the tags!

A/N: I appreciate you sticking with me this far. Comments welcome. Thanks for reading as always!

The crack of thunder shook you awake from a dead sleep atop Roach. You gasped, lifting your head from the bicep you’d been using as a pillow for hours and bolted upright. 

“You’re safe,” Geralt soothed in a tone so deep that you felt the sound rumble in his chest pressed against your back. He’d tucked you completely inside of his cloak with him while the rain patted rhythmically on the fabric all around you. Although it was completely dark, your cheeks were so warm and the scent of leather and him was so comforting. Closing your eyes again, you settled back and felt his thumb stroke your hip indicating that’s exactly what he wanted you to do. The gentle motion of the horse under you and how his hips rolled with yours… you wanted to think more about it but you nuzzled against his bicep and were gone again in seconds.

“What’s she doing?” Jaskier asked hours later when your head poked out of the cloak swallowing your frame. Everything was now covered in a thin layer of white as the rain turned to snow. 

Geralt cocked his head to the side, amused by your attempts to catch snowflakes on your tongue.

“So thirsty,” you choked.

“Now how is that possible?” Jaskier complained, receiving a sharp side eye from the Witcher. “I’m just saying… she’s already had yours and mine.” 

The Bard was right. But you’d also used up every last drop of fluid in your body to expel the inky poison just the day before. And the elevation change couldn’t help. 

Inhaling deeply, he caught the scent of a nearby stream and tugged on the reins toward that direction.

The moment that Roach paused, you pushed aside the black cloak. You became completely enraptured by the tinkling sound of ice forming and breaking along the banks, the gentle rush of the water flowing over well worn rocks, and the sparkle of what little light reflected across the surface. This mesmerizing scene caused you to all but launch yourself at the ground and race towards it. 

Geralt caught around your hips mid-leap and dragged you back over his thick thigh to his solid chest with a ‘thump’, nearly knocking the wind out of you.

“Let me go!” you squealed, your hands attempting to pry his solid forearm away from your ribs. 

He grunted, tugging off his cloak and wrapped it around you. He didn’t say so out loud, but he was troubled by how long you slept, how quiet. You’d been draped over his forearm all day and barely woke a couple of times in a daze mewling for water before dropping again. Admittedly, he shifted his weight in the saddle more than once just to check and see if you’d wake and we’re still breathing.

Stepping down, the Witcher led his horse to drink and then lifted you down to sit at the edge as well. 

It didn’t take but a moment for you to scramble onto your stomach and reach out to touch the water, bringing your fingertips back to taste. 

Jaskier filled his water jug and frowned. “Mm… Geralt I think your friend here is still unwell.”

Clearing his throat, Geralt refocused the gaping bard.

“So what’s the plan then? Pause a moment here? Then move on to the next town? I don’t feel much like sleeping out here tonight.”

The Witcher huffed and shook his head. “Give her a moment; then we’ll see..”

As the two men talked, they didn’t see you lean forward and stretch your neck out to drink like Roach. The cool water tasted so good going down your parched throat, you just couldn’t get enough.

With a yelp and a splash, the powdery snow gave way and you slipped right into the frigid water, dragged under with his heavy cloak gripping your neck.

“Fuck.” Geralt growled, knowing immediately what had happened even before he turned heel to run downstream. Racing ahead of you, he planted his feet in the water that didn’t reach quite over his knees and leaned way over to collect the writhing mass of arms, legs, and fabric tumbling underwater toward him.

You came up coughing and it took him a moment to figure out which end was up. “Let go of me!” you cried out, hot tears welling up, threatening to spill down your cold cheeks. 

“Hmm,” he grumped, stepping out of the cold water. Catching under your legs, he noticed the pleats of Jaskier’s borrowed pants were already beginning to freeze, stiffen, and stick to your skin. 

Standing you on a clear spot he made with his boot, his cloak dropped in a heap around your legs. You trembled uncontrollably, from the shock of nearly drowning, the frightening cold seizing your body, and terror of the scowling Witcher tearing clothes from your body for the third time in as many days.

“Jaskier. Build a fire.”

“What? Why? We are headed to the next town, remember?”

His eyes narrowed and he growled, tugging the hem of Jaskier’s borrowed tunic right up over your head. 

“She’s not going anywhere if she’s dead.”

“Alright, alright,” Jaskier sulked, turning away, beginning to collect firewood. He wasn’t too keen on staying out in the forest any longer - not when there was a warm bed and any number of supple breasts waiting for him in town. 

The Witcher looked deadly serious though, his jaw set and gold eyes alight with focus. Feeling through his bags, he retrieved one of his own black tunics.

“Take it,” he rumbled, pressing the worn fabric into your shaking hands clutching your elbows. Left shuddering, you were slow to move. Every muscle in your body ached and the cold had sucked any reserve of energy you’d gained during your long sleep.

The Witcher busied himself tearing apart firewood with his bare hands and tossing them in a pile, making Jasker’s meager armful look like kindling. He could hear your heartbeat slowing the moment he dragged you from the icy water. Even from a distance now, he could make out the faintest sound of your muscles seizing up.

With a hefty sigh, he returned to you and plucked his shirt from your frozen grasp. You’d made no progress peeling off the remainder of the icy fabric, now stiff and sticking to your tender skin.

“Come here,” he husked, bending down from behind you. The rumble of his voice so close to your neck made you gasp.

“I can do it.”

“If you could do it, you’d have done it by now.”

His large hands wrapped around your waist, pulling the fabric down your body. It was a relief to be released from the frozen solid garment and you exhaled deeply in appreciation.

Next he reached around to your belly and tugged at the frozen solid knot of your bottoms. The knot gave way in his fist and they dropped from your hips. Suddenly feeling very exposed to more than just the cold, you folded your arms across your chest like an embarrassed bride.

His black shirt dropped down over you like a sail, skimming below your knees. It was soft and surprisingly warm. As soon as your arms unfolded and slipped into the too long sleeves, he scooped you up under your knees. All you wanted to do was rest your head on his shoulder and curl up against his chest while he stroked you all over but then you remembered the violet-eyed Yennefer. And how he kept the wedding a secret. Embittered by the betrayal, you pulled away when he settled you onto the saddle blanket near the fire just flickering to life and went to repack his saddle bags.

You watched him silently, letting the warmth of the fire gradually thaw your limbs.

“I’m going hunting,” Geralt announced, returning to the flickering fire.

Sitting across from you, Jaskier rubbed his belly. “Not particularly hungry at the moment.”

You shook your head indicating you were fine too. 

He frowned sharply, disapproval furrowed his brow. Without saying a word, his attention snapped to his weapons and stalked into the woods alone.

“Did I say something wrong?” 

Jaskier’s gaze followed his friend until he was out of sight. “Wha… no. He’s just worried about you and it’s made him extra grumpy.”

By the time he returned with several large rabbits in hand, the Witcher’s cloak was tented over a low hanging branch and Jaskier sat near the fire plucking. 

Geralt nosed toward the tent before dropping heavily onto the log nearest the fire and set to work preparing the rabbits.

“She is resting,” Jaskier over-enunciated, still just shy of a whisper. “Are we done traveling for today because I sure would love the feel of a warm bed and soft thighs around my head.”

“Hmm,” he grunted. In truth, Geralt was only half listening, and more focused on turning an ear toward the makeshift tent. “When did you last look in on her?” 

His tone was threatening and it made the bard incredulous, putting his hands up. “A while I suppose? All I did was help put some stones down so it wouldn’t blow away when the wind picked up.”

Geralt huffed, nodding slightly. Still, he always heard your racing heartbeat; something felt wrong. Pinning his knife in the log where he sat, he lifted heavily and crunched through the dusting of snow accumulating around the campsite.

“Jaskier!” he bellowed, tearing down his cloak, revealing only his saddle and empty blankets.

“Listen, Geralt, I swear I didn’t know,” he pleaded, following the seething silent witcher. “How can I help? What should I do?”

“Jaskier - you’ve done enough. Go into town like you planned.”

The Wolf followed your boot prints in the muddy snow until there were no more feet to follow. Fortunately, he recognized your scent trail wafting along the underbrush. Stalking in stealth behind you, it didn’t take long to catch up.

Wielding his silver knife overhead, an otherworldly shriek escaped your lips as you dived onto the Drowner, slicing into its sickly flesh. 

He dashed forward into the fray as a second and third, escaping your notice, heaved themselves onto shore. 

Once the fallen creature lay hissing, you leapt atop its writhing body, pinning it to the ground between your knees, and gripped the stolen blade you’d concealed in your boot. 

Dispatching both deadly creatures quickly with his heavy sword, his hair spun like a riptide about his face as he looked for you in the near dark. 

A gasping shriek from the nightmare fodder pinned under his fawn gave way to slick, gouging sounds as you mangled the putrid flesh over and over until you were breathless.

Catching your hand, he pried the blood slick blade from your grasp. Ripping your slippery hand from his yielding grip, you leaned over your gaping kill and released a soul wrenched, hate-filled scream.

Geralt gripped under your arms and dragged you away from the water's edge. Collapsing back against an oak tree with you barely contained in his constantly readjusting grasp, he exploded in anger.

“What the fuck are you doing out here?! That fucking thing could have killed you. Stop - Stop struggling and answer me!”

Letting out a howl more feral than alliterative, you squirmed and elbowed his ribs as hard as you could. 

He easily overwhelmed your attempt to flee and flexed his arms around your body, dragging your back to the solid wall of his chest. Panting, nearly breathless yourself, he gripped you tight and stroked back the hair clinging to your sweaty brow; you relented more out of pure exhaustion than anything else, letting your head willfully dip back against his shoulder.

He frowned severely, glancing side eyed at you as you trembled with every breath and clung onto the forearm pressed across your breasts. 

“What. Happened,” he rumbled, dropping his voice to a more intimate tone.

Your head rolled slightly on his shoulder, licking your dry lips. “I don’t know.”

“Why do you have my knife? You’ve told me how nervous they make you.”

Releasing the grip of the mud underfoot, you began to rest your weight back against him. Feeling your clammy forehead against his cheek, he sighed. And waited.

“I was going to end it, Geralt. Right here by the water. I want to be swept away.”

Jaw clenched, he fought the immediate eruption of rage threatening to explode deep in his belly. 

“But those things appeared and ruined that moment in time when I was at peace with the idea. I got so angry because I was ready but they took it from me. Finally a decision all my own and it was taken.”

“Despair is an ugly look on you,” he seethed through clenched teeth.

Conceding to his blunt objectiveness, you wilted. “Unwanted daughter… Bride. Whore. What else do I have to hide my shame if not despair?”

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |  Part 4 | ��Part 5 | Part 6 | Masterlist

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Imagine telling Azula the abuse she suffered isn’t okay and that she’s not a monster

Your POV

You’d initially been very excited when Azula told you about the holiday on Ember Islands but it had taken a bleak turn on your very first night. Ty lee had gotten you invited to some party and somehow that led to Azula terrifying the host, Zuko and Mai breaking up and now everyone was sat in a circle talking about all the horrible things they’d experience as children. Everyone had told their story apart from you and Azula. Mai and Zuko were finally getting along when Azula ruined it by making fun of him. Zuko seemed in no mood and snapped back at her. He implied she was perfect sarcastically and you watched amazed as just for a second Azula’s mask dropped. Her face lost it’s guard and genuine pain and emotion was present as she talked about her childhood and her mother.  "My own mother thought i was a monster" Azula whispered and you shivered. Silence stretched out and you felt the urge to comfort her but this was Azula, when she sensed weakness and snuffed it out. "She was right of course but it still hurt" she smirked and everyone relaxed going back to normal. Azula was Azula again, sure she’d shown feelings for a few seconds there who cares? 

You did. 

The others all just carried on talking, acting as if Azula hadn’t just said what she had but you couldn’t just go back to normal. You’d seen what was beneath the princess’ mask and it was haunting.

Azula’s POV

The group bonding over, Mai and Zuko wandered back to the house together. Ty lee and Azula were right behind them but Azula paused as you made no move to get up. You were sat knees tucked up into your chest staring at the fire intensely. You weren’t moving and you didn’t even seem to be blinking. Azula sighed wondering what else could happen tonight. "You go ahead, i’ll be there soon" she told Ty lee who nodded and left. Azula approached you and only as she got closer did she see you were crying.

Your POV

You heard a snort followed by "are you crying?". When you didn’t aswer Azula knelt down to look at you "stop being stupid, why are you crying?". You breathed and looked at her "i don’t know" you admitted "just hearing all your stories" you sighed wiping your eyes "it makes me sad". Azula went to insult you but saw the distraught look on your face and couldn’t quite bring herself to. "Well it’s not that bad,we all have demons" she shrugged sitting beside you. "But that doesn’t make it right" you cried "any of it!". "Well no" Azula agreed with you "but it’s in the past". "But it effected you all, it still does! All of you! All because of what your parents did to you when you were children" you spat more tears falling. Azula didn’t like emotions and was going to try stop this when you spun on her "and you, you know what your mother said to you wasn't okay right? How your father treated you wasn't correct Azula, you're not a monster you never were". Azula felt struck as you spoke those words to her, it felt embarassing to have someone tell her that, almost intrusive. She felt exposed and she didn’t like it. "Of course i know that" she spat standing up "i don’t need someone like you to tell me that! I’m the princess! I’m the firebending prodigy of the fire nation!". "But that doesn’t mean the abuse didn’t effect you, that it wasn’t painful! You’re human too Azula! What your parents did to you....". "Stop" Azula commanded and you could tell by the tone of her voice and look in her eye this was dangerous territory. Nobody had ever talked to Azula about this and it was raw painful ground. Azula wasn’t ready for this, if you didn’t back down she might attack you. You took a breath and lowered your eyes "i’m sorry Azula i didn’t mean to be so opinionated, i shouldn’t have talked to you like that, i was just concerned for you". You wiped your eyes waiting for Azula’s verdict and she eventually replied. "No you shouldn’t have, do not speak to me like that again, yes?". You nodded your head but Azula couldn’t seem to meet your eye. "Let’s go back" she said and started walking. You followed her and noticed how fast she was walking, how tight her fists were clenched and it killed you not to be able to reach out and comfort her...but you knew she wasn’t ready, the pain was still too fresh...but you’d shown her you cared. You’d told her it wasn’t right and she wasn’t a monster. Those things would stick in her head and you hoped they’d grow and fill Azula with the truth of them. And some day, just maybe, Azula would be willing to talk about it. You’d be right there when she did.

2 Months later

You couldn’t help but keep a closer eye on Azula once you returned to the fire nation and what you saw wasn’t good. Ozai was still using her and you could see the damage his expectations were inflicting on her. Then Zuko left and Azula seemed to be even less stable. The final nail in the coffin was Ty lee and Mai’s betrayal of Azula, that pushed her royally over the edge.

You were with her when it happened, when Ty lee intervened to save Mai and you didn’t. When Azula fell after Ty lee attacked her you rushed to her side, managing to catch her and looked up at Mai and Ty lee who stared at you. “Y/n let us go” Ty lee pleaded and you paused utterly caught in the middle. “I...” you started when guards rushed in and took the decision away from you. You helped Azula to stand and looked away as she gave the orders to send Mai and Ty lee off to prison. You couldn’t even look your friends in their eyes. They’d chosen Zuko and you’d chosen Azula. You hadn’t realised you had chosen her but instinctively you apparently had. It wasn’t even like you agreed with everything Azula had done because you really didn’t. You hated seeing all the pain she caused and seem to revel in. But after the beach you could see why Azula was like that. She was hurt and craved love, that’s why she did everything Ozai said, she’d do anything to gain his affection and it broke your heart. Azula was so broken you couldn’t leave her, not even if it meant siding against Mai and Ty lee. You could feel Azula slipping and you wouldn’t let her go through this alone. You refused. 

You returned to the fire nation after the incident and everything seemed okay for a while. Azula seemed to trust you a lot seeing as you’d shown loyalty to her but soon the suspicions started creeping back in. When her father announced she’d be firelord it got even worse. As Azula’s coronation got closer her erratic behaviour got worse and worse until finally she cracked.

You recieved word for Lo and Lei that Azula had been banishing everyone and cautiously appeared in her throne room. You old friend looked truly scary, sat in the dark surrounded by fire but all you saw was the girl from the beach...only now she had no mask to hide behind. The true terrified Azula was here for everyone to see.

“Azula?” you asked your voice a lot stronger than you felt “what’s going on? Why is nobody here?”. “They’re fools all of them” she spat not even looking at you “I couldn’t trust them, I can’t trust anyone”. You frowned unsure what to say to make it better. “I....i’m here Azula” you said and you winced at how small your voice sounded in the room. “You?” Azula asked turning to face you “yes I suppose you have been loyal but for how long?”. “Azula you can’t think like that”. “It’s all I think about” she snapped “and with good reason! That’s all anyone seems to do around here, betray me" Azula cried "Mai and Ty lee did! Zuko left, so the question is when is it your turn? Is that why you’re here now? Did you want to stick the knife in my back personally?". "Of course not Azula" you cried and she snorted "if it’s not to kill me then it’s to get power or...." she trailed off "it’s the worst option of the three, you’re here because you pity me". Your voice caught in your throat as Azula carried on "on the ember islands you spoke to me so patronisingly, like you knew everything about me...telling me i’m not a monster when you’re wrong, look before you y/n, i am a monster and you shouldn’t pity me but fear me". 

Azula was surrounded in blue fire, the look in her eye matched the spark of the fire. She looked terrifying you could admit that but you still couldn’t fear her, you were scared but cared for and wanted to help her more. "No" you said strongly and Azula actually flinched "i don’t fear you Azula because you’re not a monster". Azula’s eyes widenned and her lip rose into a snarl. She went to yell so you carried on "just because the others left doesn’t make what your mother said true, they didn’t leave because you’re a monster! They left because you pushed them away, you were so scared they’d leave you that you drove them to! That what you’re trying to do to me right now but i’m not leaving Azula! I’m not going anywhere". Azula glared "again with this nonsense, i am not like you pathetic people with emotions, i am the firelord!". "You are a human!" you cried "you feel things Azula, i’ve seen it and thats okay! Feeling fear, having emotions, feeling sad and depressed! It’s all okay! It’s okay to feel like that, it doesn’t make you weak or a freak it makes you human, you’re human not a monster Azula". "Stop saying that" Azula cried but you walked closer. "No i will never stop telling you it! You are not a monster Azula, you are just a girl, a girl abused by her father and neglected by her mother...a girl pitted against her brother, made to feel like she had to manipulate anyone to make them care about her because of your parents but you don’t Azula! What you parents told you isn't true! You’re not superhuman and you’re not a monster you’re just human". "I am not' Azula cried her fire rising and envoking the room and your exit "i am the heir! The ruler of the strongest nation! The best fire bender this world has seen! I took Ba Sing Sei when nobody else could, i killed the avatar when Zuko was too weak to, i did what needed to be done when Mai and Ty lee couldn’t...i am not the same as them, as you! I know you want me to be weak, they all did...my mother, my father, Zuko but i won’t be! I will not be weak". "Weakness is not what you think it is!" you cried back “Azula what your father told you was wrong". "Really?" Azula asked "because if you don’t leave this room and never come back you’re weakness is going to get you killed". Azula’s threat made you pause but you were done letting her hold these messages in her head. "I am not going anywhere" you repeated and Azula’s smile fell. "Why?" she screamed "i don’t want or need you!". "Because I won’t let the fire nation take you, I won’t let your parents win! I refuse” you yelled walking through Azula’s fire to get to her "i won’t let you believe what they’ve told you! You are good enough Azula! Just as you are! You’re not a monster or weak, you are just you!" you said finally reaching her "you are Azula" you said softly "Not a fire bending prodogy, not the leader or heir, not a monster or least loved child, those are all things other people have told you, none of that matters. You are azula. That is enough to be proud of, that is all you need, just Azula". Azula let our a screetch and you flinched and closed your eyes ready to be engulfed in fire but you weren’t. You opened your eyes to see all the fire was gone. It made it difficult to see the state of the room but when your eyes adjusted to the darkness you spotted Azula.

She had collapsed as a heap on the floor, her body shaking from the tears as her whole world imploded. You approaced her carefully unsure if she'd allow you to hug her but watching her body convulse with pain and sadness you risked it. You flung yourself over her holding onto her. Azula tensed but you patted her back "it’s okay Azula, it’s going to be okay i promise" and Azula shifted. She grabbed ahold of your arms and leant into you. She buried her head in your shoulder and you held her as she clung to you. She’d shook vigorously and she’d sometimes scream or yell, fire escaping as she did, but the fire never harmed you. Eventually she stopped all of it and that was worse. 

1 hour later

Zuko appeared on the flying bison and you were there to meet him. "Y/n?" he asked "where’s my sister?". "She’s not going to fight you" you told him and Zuko paused "y/n did you stop her, have you..". "I didn’t hurt her" you told Zuko quickly "i’m taking her away from here, i’m going to get her help, i know a good guy in the colonies who can talk to her, she needs help Zuko not prison and i’d like your approval to do so but if you stand in my way...". "No of course i won’t!" Zuko cried "y/n that sounds...you have my permission, look after my little sister". You nodded "always, we'll be gone in 10 minutes". Zuko didn’t see you bundle Azula away and thought that was probably for the best but he saw the throne room, it was all black from fire, from Azula’s fire. He wondered how you’d gotten through to her. Why you’d risked your life to do it when even he wouldn’t have...

1 year later

Zuko’s POV

Zuko paces back and forth nervously when Suki announced she was here. The door opened and Azula entered you beside her. It had been just over a year since he’d seen his sister and Zuko was suprised at how different she looked. She definitely looked paler and more unsure of herself but she looked more...well natural, she looked more human than Zuko had ever seen her. “Hello brother” she spoke and Zuko smiled “Azula, it’s good to see you...and you y/n”. You nodded to Zuko from Azula’s side and he smiled at the way Azula seemed to gain comfort from you. She seemed keen on keeping close to you and Zuko was pleased she had someone to comfort her. “Sit” Zuko smiled pointing to the table filled with food “i am sure you are hungry from the trip and we have lots of catching up to do”. Azula nodded her head but didn’t move “we do but first Zuko I’d like to apologise”. Azula glanced to you and you smiled at her encouragingly. “Zuko I know all our lives I’ve hurt you, physically and mentally and I want to own up to that, admit it was wrong and apologise. What I did to you was wrong and I understand if you struggle to forgive me but i would like to be a good sister and for us to try from the beginning”. You’d written to Zuko regularly about Azula’s recovery and the letters had always pained him. He knew he hadn’t had it good in the fire nation but he never considered it could be bad for Azula too, when he considered what it must’ve been like for her all alone with their father....Zuko was furious he’d never realised sooner. Him and Azula had been turned against one another when they could’ve been each others greatest allies, well not anymore. Zuko’s eyes filled with tears and he smiled “Azula of course i forgive you your my sister” and he rushed to hug her. Zuko hadn’t hugged his sister since they were infants but now Zuko felt like he could have a sister again. Azula hugged Zuko, awkwardly as she still wasn’t used to physical shows of affection but Zuko appreciated her trying. “I would like very much for us to be a proper brother and sister...to be how we were when we we’re very small children”. Azula smiled and nodded “I would like that too”. Zuko grinned and looked at you behind Azula. You were beaming looking at Azula so proudly and Zuko smiled. He led Azula back to the table and pulled out her chair for her. Azula smiled, her face an expression Zuko supposed must be an attempt not to cry and took the seat.

Your POV

Considering how well the meal had gone Zuko led you and Azula into the throne room where Mai and Ty lee were waiting. Azula approached them cautiously, her apologies for them fresh in her mind from all the rehearsal you had done and you watched as she performed them just like you’d practiced. She finished and an awkward silence settled. You grew worried they’d reject her but Ty lee lasted 3 seconds before throwing her arms around Azula. Mai rolled her eyes but joined the hug. You grinned watching your friends make up when you felt Zuko beside you. “Thank you” Zuko smiled brightly at you “for helping my sister, for saving her when I couldn’t, for not giving up on her when i....”. “It’s okay” you smiled cutting Zuko off “I didn’t do it for you, or for myself, I did it for Azula, I knew she could be happy and I’m so glad she is, just seeing her so content” you sighed and Zuko smiled at the way you spoke about her. “You love her don’t you?” he asked and you blushed. Zuko smiled, your reaction confirming his suspicion. “Have you told her” Zuko asked and you shook your head, “Azula was too vulnerable and in pain for me to say anything before”. “But now?” Zuko asked smiling. You blushed “maybe...i’ll see, i don’t want to scare her off”. Zuko shook his head “y/n you were the only one able to reach her, the only one she could confide in...i don’t think you’ll get a bad reaction”. You blushed again, your eyes going to where Azula stood smiling with Ty lee and Mai. “I hope so... she’s pretty incredible”. Zuko smiled “she is, but so are you”. You smiled at Zuko and then suddenly Azula looked up noticing you and Zuko watching her. She smiled at you and your blush grew. Azula blushed too and Zuko grinned “you may not have to tell her after all, it appears she already knows”. 

-----

So this was born out of my desperate need for Azula to get help and for her and Zuko to become friends because I just want them to be a loving brother and sister!!! 

Also I want to clarify i do not condone, approve of or encourage the use of physical or mental violence or manipulation in friendships or relationships. In this case because of Azula’s suppressed emotions i thought anyone who tried to comfort her would get physical resistance so I put that in there to keep it realistic to Azula’s character. I do not approve of that but i do think getting Azula mentally healthy would involve her being physically and mentally resistant at first to whoever was trying to help her but I think she'd eventually stop and start having healthier relationships. Again not condoning it but trying to realistically show what it would take to get Azula mentally stable after years of abuse from her parents and not trying to sugar coat it.

[random-fangirl003]

WHEELY RACES - Humans are Weird

(NOT MY GIF)

You must take special care to make sure your humans are not bored, when not on duty. They will find someway to entertain themselves, and it is not always a good way. The Xiran Captain discovers this first hand, when the entirety of the ship's desk chairs go missing, along with a whole requisition of tape- such a handy thing that the humans have invented. Next the captain notices a distinct lack of shiny gold and silver objects, and any blue, red, or green materials around the ship, though they aren't quite sure why. Perhaps the human is fixing something, that requires these objects? Or building something again?

The Xirans start to come to them with mentions of their group of humans excluding them from something, drawing away from the crew, and that almost sends them into a tizzy. Their wings buzz at the speed they are flicking, anger and worry boiling within them. It can only be an uprising, they are going to mutany, and take over the ship, perhaps kill the Xirans. After all of their time together, their missions, learning so much about each other's cultures- Human John had even entered a relationship with one of the Xirans, and now he would betray them?

The Xirans are on edge, waiting for the mutany, the rebellion, the betrayal for days on end. Nothing more disappears to the Captain's notice, though they are aware of the human keeping to their own group in their species. Humans are strong, indestructible, the Captain knows that they would not win a battle on their ship, the humans- though a small group- would easily overpower them in a matter of minutes, and there is nothing they could do about it. It is like the first few months on the ship all over again, the humans sticking together, while the Xirans watch in fear and skepticism.

The day finally comes when something changes, during this time the Captain had requested a mission, perhaps landing on a hostile planet where they must work together again, will make the humans realize their error. Perhaps it will help them tell the Xirans what they have done to offend them. Perhaps they would change their minds, and not mutany. Human Felicity seems to been in charge, despite her lower rank and age to the others, having been the one that the Captain overhears telling the other humans that their plan was to be out into action before the mission started. The Xirans that learned of this became nervous, their crests of their heads fluttering up and down as they wander the ship, nervous for when the humans and their obviously makeshift weapons will appear.

The Captain nearly faints at the sound of the scream that comes from the hall, their seven legs scrambling a ross the metal floors as quickly as possible to reach a hall, only for something to zoom past it, nearly missing them. The sound of another scream has the Captain flattening itself down against the warm floor, something flying over them with a sharp speed, and then the Xiran recognizes something- a sound they covered in human train at basic, something that humans make when they are extremely happy sometimes- laughter. The humans are laughing.

Some of his fellow Xirans join him as the sound of laughter and cheering comes from around a large bend in the ship, and what they see there surprises them all. All of the office chairs are housing humans, who are on their knees on them, and they are all racing down the hall to their glee and delight. The captain sees the lines of tape down the walkway, a few inches from the walls, and another strip of tape has spread from one wall to another down at the very end. "They are "racing" I believe John called it." The Xiran that Human John is in a relationship informs the captain. "Human Felicity came up with it, when the humans were all bored." Human Kaid is the first to touch the tape at the very end, their eyes bright as Human Felicity steps up to drape a small token around his neck. The token is a mesh of gold items that have gone missing on the ship, and a green band is tied around Human Kaid's forehead. Human John has a red band around his forehead, while Human Felicity places the made of a mesh of missing silver items around his neck. He notices that Human Felicity is wearing a blue band, but around her wrists, perhaps to mark a different position than the other humans?

"Zigan!" Human Felicity calls as she waves them over, the familiarity of their name makes them happy, only the Humans don't call them Captain, just his name. Walking over skeptically, as if expecting a trap, the smaller human woman spreads her lips, pulling them back over the outcropping of her bones, a "grin" is directed at them. "Zigan, would you like to race next round?"

"Race?" Zigan asks.

"Yes, we sit on the chairs, and the first one through this tape," She points to the tape that human John and Human Kaid are putting up. "wins a shiny token." She points to the tokens around the other humans' necks. "It is fun."

"Fun? Fun? So, you being sneaky cause you wanted to do this?" Zigan blinks their beady orange eyes at this human.

"We wanted to surprise everyone, but we have a mission soon, so we put it together today. That was a test run." She holds up her strange pale limbs. "I am the judge, I wear these." The blue on her wrist makes sense to him now. "Racers wear these," She points to the bands that humans John and Kaid have on. "I made them, made some for Xirans too." She says.

"Fun?" Zigan asks once more as she nods. So, they weren't about to rebel, or kill the Xirans, they were planning a game for them all! Zigan's crest gives a large heave, equivalent to a human's large sigh, and she smiles once more at the Captain.

"Race?" She asks hopeful.

"Show one more time, then race?" Zigan asks carefully, and she nods, the sharp jerk of her neck startles them, never getting used to how much the humans can move as Humans John and Kaid push the office chairs away from the starting line, and Zigan moves to stand and watch the two of them race on the chairs down the hall towards them again. Zigan joins them next, then more Xirans, and more, until the entire crew is racing and having 'fun', the mission and worries quickly forgotten as the humans laugh, and the Xirans chitter in happiness.

So, don't leave your humans bored. Make sure they are properly entertained, or they will take matters into their own hands. And bring everyone else with them.

Zigan closes the document of what happened, chittering at the memory as it is sent off to HQ. The final sentence in the report reads:

Still don't know enough about the humans, will continue to study and be friends. - Zigan.

[jinkicake]

Fuck No Baby~

Kenma/Sakusa/Tsukishima with a high school pregnancy scare.

Kozume Kenma x Reader

Sakusa Kiyoomi x Reader

Tsukishima Kei x Reader

For Anon,,, I hope you like it!!! Ah~~ This took me so long to write, I don’t even know why LOL. I had fun writing it doe,,,, hopefully I was able to correct any mistakes I made because rereading almost three thousand words over and over again melted my brain ESP bc it was my own words,,, 

WC- 2,765

~~~

Kozume Kenma

Now….. Kenma,,,,, my sweet baby boy. He would know something is wrong with you the minute you start acting differently

He wouldn’t say anything though, not yet, he would just watch you with hawk eyes

He’d analyze everything you do and try to figure out what is upsetting you

Is it school? Your parents? Lev? Himself? What is wrong?

He’d probably ask Kuroo if he noticed anything different about you and, of course, Kuroo who can’t lie would be like “n-no”

When you finally tell Kenma that you think you’re pregnant, Kenma would be like "well how do you know?"

He’d be like “Did you take a test? Did you not get your period? Is it because you were stressed that you didn’t get your period?” And you’d be like ‘uhhhh I didn’t think about all that sir’

Cue Kenma scolding you for being so worrisome, he’d still hold your hand and try to calm you down and go get pregnancy test with you

He’d probably research a lot about pregnancy just to mentally prepare but then you come out with three negative tests and Kuroo is in the background like ‘I KNEW IT’

Then Kenma will get all mad again and ignore the two of you for leaving him out of the loop

Kenma stares at you from behind his psp, his chest tightens at the way you are holding onto Kuroo. Recently, you have been hanging out with your best friend more than your own boyfriend. Kenma normally would not care, he likes that you two hang out and leave him alone but lately it has been irritating him in a way he doesn’t quite understand. It is all the time, you always are with Kuroo instead of him. It’s almost like you two have gotten closer in a way and the insecurities of not being good enough cloud over Kenma’s head. He always knew you and Kuroo got along in ways that he wouldn’t understand, he has seen it growing up with the two of you. He never thought he would have to worry about it though.

“You need to tell him (Y/N).” Kuroo scolds and Kenma feels his ears perk up as he tries to listen in. 


“I’m not telling him,” You stubbornly stick your nose up into the air and Kuroo folds his arms over his chest disapprovingly. 

“If you don’t then I will.” Kuroo threatens and you can hide the betrayal off of your face. “He deserves to know.”


“What the fuck?! What about bro code?” You fumble your words as your heart beats frantically in your chest. 

“(Y/N) this isn’t some little thing you can sweep under the rug, you need to tell him.” Kuroo tells you and you stare at the ground. 

“Fuck off Kuroo, I’m not ready to tell him shit and now I’m not going to tell you anything either.” You frown in frustration and storm off to the gym. Kenma pretends like he didn’t hear any of the conversation but when Kuroo steps in front of him with that knowing sigh, Kenma doesn’t even try to pretend. 

“I don’t know how you put up with her.” Kuroo comments and sits down next to him, Kenma only narrows his eyes at the way he insulted you. Kuroo takes in a deep breath and quietly thinks for a moment. “Fuck, I have to tell you-“


“I don’t want to know.” Kenma tells him and Kuroo spits out in shock. “If she doesn’t want to tell me then I don’t want to know it.”


“Kenma you need to know.” Kuroo starts and Kenma stands up from the ground, wiping his thighs off before glancing down at his friend.

“Then I’ll go ask her.” Kenma walks away and Kuroo holds his hands up defensively, wishing him good luck. Kenma finds you laying against the bleachers, dramatically drawing shapes in the sky with your finger. 

“(Y/N).” Kenma calls out to you and you flinch before closing your eyes. 


“Yes, my love?” You ask innocently and Kenma has to refrain from rolling his eyes. 

“You have something to tell me.” He demands and you open your mouth to deny it however as you do so, the eery familiar sick feeling twitches in your gut and you hold up a finger to silence your boyfriend. “(Y/N),”

“I don’t want you to be disappointed in me.” You start, your throat starts to close up, and Kenma rests his hand over yours. 


“You’ll never disappoint me, you know that.” Kenma reassures you and you bite the inside of your cheek. 

“What if, I was pregnant?” You ask and Kenma flinches at your words. 

“You’re pregnant?” He repeats and you shake your head. 


“I might be, I mean I think I am.” At your words, Kenma pinches your nose and makes it harder for you to breathe. “Your first thought is to kill me?!” You screech.

“Did you even take a pregnancy test or think for a second that maybe your period is just late? Did you even recall that you went on a long plane ride to another country last week and maybe that offset your balance? God, (Y/N) you went to Kuroo with this and not me?” Kenma rants and you guiltily curl in on yourself, you didn’t think about any of that. “I-I’m sorry for getting so upset.” He quickly apologizes and you shake your head. 

“You’re right Kenma, and I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you but I was scared.” You whisper and tears begin to form, Kenma looks at the ground with hurt all over his face. 

“Why?” He asks just as quietly and you shrug. 

“I didn’t want to lose you.”


“You wouldn’t have, you’d never lose me no matter what you do.” Kenma confesses and you grab onto his hand for support, Kenma squeezes you and turns to look at you. His face softens are your watery eyes. “Stop crying.”

The next time you, Kenma, and Kuroo are hanging out it’s because you’re celebrating not being pregnant. There is cake and ice cream and you own up to apologizing to Kuroo for getting so angry with him when he was only trying to do the right thing. Kuroo, of course, forgives you and wasn’t even mad at you in the first place. He suggests a group hug that you happily take but Kenma stands off to the side, slapping both of you upside the head for keeping such a secret from him before taking his place in your arms.

Sakusa Kiyoomi

How does Sakusa even nut? Like I can’t imagine that he likes the gross feeling of cum all over his dick so like how would he use a condom and/or nut inside of you? I was just thinking about it…….. 

Anyway, whenever you try to hide something from Sakusa he always has a way to pry it out of you 

Like he will knock your door down with his mind to get you to face him

When he finds out you think you’re pregnant, he would just be like ‘well, that’s a lot to take in’

He’d go silent and use his very beautiful head to digest your words,

Now Sakusa is usually calm, but right now he isn’t. This man is freaking the fuck out internally as much as Sakusa can freak out 

Externally he is just like ‘oh’, come on you guys really think Sakusa knows anything about pregnancy 

He’d probably suggests taking you to the doctor or going to get you pregnancy tests

I feel like he would be very good at reassuring you that everything is going to be okay even if he isn’t so sure of that himself 

Please, his main concern is how much he would dislike going to the hospital. He is 99.9% sure that you aren’t pregnant and so he probably isn’t too worried about it, he’s more concerned with how upset you are,,

Sakusa scrunches his nose as he walks into your classroom, it’s late in the afternoon after practice and he found you sitting at your desk. You haven’t even shown that you noticed him walking in, you’re still hunched over your desk with your face buried into your arms. Sakusa quietly walks up to you, his footsteps are the only noises in the large room. 


“(Y/N).” He calls out to you, standing right at the edge of your desk. You don’t make any move. Sakusa sighs and pokes your shoulder with his finger. “(Y/N).” He tries again and gets no response, with a heavy sigh Sakusa pinches the collar of your blazer and lifts your face out of your arms. You don’t even try to hide as you emotionlessly stare at the floor, your boyfriend’s eyes widen at your swollen eyes and blotchy face. 


“What’s wrong?” Sakusa asks, he gently rubs smooth circles on your back. You simply shake your head. “Tell me, don’t be difficult.” He pushes and your eyes begin to water again. 

“Just go home Kiyoomi.” You attempt to push him away and Sakusa just feels his irritation growing.

“You poor thing, thinking that is going to work with me.” He continues to stare down at you and even goes as far as pinching your cheek with his fingers. Sakusa’s eyes narrow at your tears spilling on his fingers and has to refrain from grabbing a tissue and wiping it off. Instead, he uses his thumb to wipe the tears off your cheeks, internally grimacing at the feeling. “If you don’t tell me what’s wrong, (Y/N).” He warns and you puff your cheeks.

“Where to start,” You bite at him angrily, your nose scrunches in frustration. “I haven’t gotten my period in like two weeks, I failed a test today, my grades are dropping, you’re being an ass, I might be pregnant, my mother yells at me for breathing wrong, what do you want me to say Kiyoomi?” 

Sakusa takes a moment to digest all your words, his face curls in disgust at the mention of your menstrual blood. 

“Wait, pregnant?” He starts cautiously and you nod bitterly. Sakusa takes you by surprise by leaning down and wrapping his arms around your shoulders to bring you into his chest. “I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you recently and that I have been making things difficult for you.”

Sakusa frowns he notices that even more tears are now streaming down your face. 

“Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay.” He tries to reassure you but you only shake your head. “Yes, you are. We will figure this out.” Sakusa grabs your cheek to force you to look at him, it’s a promise. 

On your way out to walk home, Sakusa stops by the bathroom to wash his hands and in turn, you also go to the bathroom. You thought you felt that familiar feeling between your thighs but pushed it off as something else. However when you got to the bathroom and saw the disgusting mess in your panties that you had grown accustomed to over the years you can’t help but scream. 

“(Y/N) w-what’s wrong?!” Sakusa barges into the bathroom and you tap your feet against the tile floor. 

“I got it!!!” You exclaim and Sakusa continues to run his head worryingly. 

“Got what?”


“My period!!!” You’re met with silence and footsteps of your boyfriend retreating out of the bathroom. You still have a lot more to figure out about Sakusa Kiyoomi but you know for a fact that he is going to jump you the second you leave the bathroom.

Tsukishima Kei

Tsukishima…… this brat,,,, as oyakags likes to say ‘Tsucki’ love that genius

He would be relatively calm about the entire situation 


I genuinely think he would handle it well and that is because he can’t believe it

He seriously does not believe there is any way you are pregnant like he doesn’t hit it raw every other day

Tsukki would get you pregnancy tests and hide them in his bathroom, force you to take them while he stands there watching you pee on the stick like 0.0

Please, this bitch is not playing

He’d be so worried about how freaked out you are and would probably make fun of you to try and make you feel better

He would use his humor to calm you down, sneak in insults here and there because it would take your mind off of the whole situation 

“Well, maybe if you weren’t ugly this wouldn’t have happened” “UGLY?! TSUKISHIMA KEI YOU DIDN’T THINK I WAS UGLY WHEN YOU WERE HITTING IT FROM THE BACK RAW LAST NIGHT!”

When the tests come back negative, Tsukishima will have to hold back from tackling you. He’d scold you for being so careless and for worrying him so much, throwing pathetic insults around but it's only because he is so relieved and doesn’t know how to react. Just shut him up and bring him into a hug, little baby needs his love HAHAH

“I think we should break up.”


“Huh?” Tsukishima looks up from his textbook, his eyebrows furrowed as he glares at where you sit on his bed. You don’t look at him and instead focus on his dinosaur figurines along the walls. 

“It would be better if we broke up, we are both always so busy anyway, not to mention we are going to different colleges in a few months.” You shrug and try to ignore the way your eyes prick with tears, Tsukishima places his textbook down and turns his chair around to face you. His face is hard, had this been two years ago Tsukishima would have let you go without a second glance. Now though? After all you’ve been through, now you want to break up? Yeah, no.

“We’re going to college in the same city, busu, and last I checked you never wanted to break up.” Tsukishima mocks your voice as he repeats the words you say to him late at night whenever you think he is asleep. “Is this some sort of April fool’s prank?” He asks and turns back to his desk. 

“No, I-I don’t want to be with you anymore!” You tell him, voice raising slightly, and Tsukishima has to pretend like his heart didn’t just crack a little bit.

“Right,” He shoos your words away with a flick of his wrist. “I’m not letting you break up with me.” His words should make you feel happy, and deep down they do but not now, instead, they only make you cry. You cover your face with your hands and let out the sob that had been creeping up in your throat. At your cries Tsukishima stiffens and pushes his schoolwork away, almost immediately he walks over to his bed and stands over your curled up form. “You really hate me this much?” He tries to laugh but his words come out bitterly. You shake your head profusely at him.

“You’re going to hate me.” You cry and your shoulders shake with each sob and Tsukishima tilts his head at you. 

“(Y/N), you know I already hate you.” Tsukishima jokes, he is really trying his best to comfort you, he’s rubbing your shoulder and letting you know he is there for you by standing close to you. Fuck, he doesn’t know what he is doing. 

“I-I think I’m pregnant.” You yell out and Tsukishima stiffens, quickly taking his hand off of you like you burned him. 

“Huh?” He pauses and blinks before leaving the room. You start to think he ran away and that thought only makes you cry harder. Tsukishima comes back not even a minute later and throws a box at you. 

“Don’t make assumptions, idiot.” He scolds and you pick up the box and squint at it with watery eyes.

“What is this?” You ask him and Tsukishima scoffs before walking over to you, he grabs your wrist and pulls you into his chest to walk you towards the bathroom. 

“It’s a box of pregnancy tests, Akiteru’s girlfriend left them last month.” Tsukishima gags at the thought of his older brother and longtime girlfriend, he did not need that image in his head. You continue to sniffle as tears stream down your face and Tsukishima sits you down on the ledge of his bathtub. “You’re okay, why are you crying? I’m right here. You’re fine (Y/N).” 

Tsukishima was right, you really were fine. All the tests came back negative and you got your period a week later. However, Tsukishima never let you live it down and has been scolding you ever since for being so careless. He’s just mad you made him worry so much~

~

Taglist.

@yams046 @why-am-i-sad-and-sleepy @xhanjisungiex @xxashshs @chaosamu @angelkogane @augustdearly

[flowerwrites06]

break my mind’s eye IX — jjk

Plot: Jungkook thinks marriage is the only way to seal a deal.

Pairing(s): Druglord!Jungkook x Fashion Designer!OC (Name: Belle)

Rating: G | PG | M | R 18+

Type: Drabble | Oneshot | Two Parter | Series

Parts: Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII | Part IX | Part X | Special 

Word Count: 9k+

Genre: Mafia | Angst/Smut/Fluff

Tags & Warnings (for entire series): drug dealing, marriage through trickery, explicit smut, drug use, dubious consent, prostitution, miscarriage, lots of manipulation, impregnation through manipulation 

Three Months Later

In the deep quiet hour of the night, Belles’ stomach jolted her awake to a dark room. For a moment, when her bearings were not quite right, fear settled as if she transported to a strange place. Quickly turning her gaze there laid Jungkook with his back facing up and an arm around her torso. For the first time she let out a sigh of relief seeing the man’s face knowing that her location was at least familiar.

It became all too familiar now. Yoongi pretty much moved in as their own private medic despite his knowledge on medicine being phoned advice from an actual doctor. Belle did not protest however, having the male close by helped dealing with these past few months. Nausea every single morning, cramps in every single place that had the potential to do so while a lingering worry that she would have to see her child grow up in a world full of betrayal and pain.

Right now her stomach grumbled for a different reason. Looking down, Belle could slowly notice a more prominent swell poking out from her white cotton night gown with Jungkooks’ toned arm gently over it as if to shield it somehow. Once again she felt a rumble and the thought of chocolates brushed her mind.

“Jungkook…” Belle whispered, squeezing his arm a little. When the male didn’t respond she shook him softly. “Jungkook wake up.”

Jungkook shifted with a drawling hum under his breath, one eye opened momentarily before exhaustion pulled him in again and he closed it. “What is it?” He spoke into the pillow.

She slowly pushed herself to a sited position as his loose arm slid onto her thighs. “I want ice-cream.”

“What?” His brows furrowed automatically despite his eyes still comfortably shut.

“What you big boss men never heard of ice-cream?” Belle caressed his forearm which really only helped him fall asleep more.

With a light groan, Jungkook moved his arms to prop himself up enough for both his eyes to open and scan the room. Turning around he glanced over to check the time on the phone. “Baby, it’s 2 in the morning.” He mumbled attempting to meet her gaze but sleep was even more stubborn, most of his curls either sticking to his face or up to the ceiling.

Hand caressed over her swollen belly with a slight pout across her lips. “There’s late night ice-cream parlors.” Belle muttered under her breath without giving him a glance.

Jungkooks’ eyes immediately flickered down to where she affectionately brushed over her cute belly. Clearly it was not only her cravings he had been stirred awake to satisfy. Sighing, he forced himself to sit up properly as one of his hands attempted to brush his hair down. “Alright…”

Belle couldn’t help the accomplished smirk tugged at her lips as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed to walk to the wardrobe. Although the slight heaviness caused more of a waddle than a proper walk. “Make sure to wear your mask, it’s cold.” And their faces were all too recognizable nowadays especially after the wedding. Three months had already gone by but it made more relevant than ever in the media making it harder to keep this pregnancy as secret as possible.

He hummed in agreement tapping a name on his phone before pressing it to his ear. “Jongho, put in the address of the closest late night ice cream parlor in the sedan.” Jungkooks’ voice still rung raspy from sleep as his hand rubbed his eyes to make himself more alert.

“A-I’m sorry could you repeat that sir?” Jongho asked politely, stammering a little.

“The closest late night ice-cream parlor.” He enunciated his words as dramatically yet clearly as he could.

“An–an ice-cream parlor?”

“Yeah you never heard of an ice-cream parlor before?”

Jongho cleared his throat lightly. “Yes, sir sorry I’ll—I’ll bring the car in right away.”

Belle pushed the sleeves off her shoulder, letting the gown easily drop to the ground leaving her in the slight cold air. Eyes quickly settled on any piece of comfortable warm clothing she could find. Grey sweat pants, loose T-shirt and a soft pink hoodie which let her body relish back into the embrace of heat.

Jungkook walked into the wardrobe squinting in the bright light, pausing in his tracks for a moment as he watched Belle put on a pink mask that pleasantly matched her hoodie. The corner of his lips twitched up looking at how much more comfortable she looked, possibly even more than she did in the night gown. Rare it was to see Belle in such a relaxed state when the woman spent most of her days looking perfectly presentable.

Making his way to corner, he quickly pulled on some black sweatpants with a hoodie and mask while noticing Belle tapping on a moisturizer on her skin with her mask hugging the underside of her chin. “Trying to look pretty for the ice cream?” Jungkook mused.

“You saying I don’t look pretty already, Mr. Jeon?”

“Positively glowing.”

“You’re good at flattering, I’ll give you that.” Belle chuckled, exiting the wardrobe towards the main bedroom, her arms automatically hugging her stomach.

Jungkook couldn’t help but smile as he rushed over to her side, placing a hand on the small of her back.

Through the doors of the bedroom, Belle immediately say Nana pad over with the deep red blanket in her arms. “You’re already warmed up.” She chuckled before handing over the thick and small fabric. “It’s a little tradition thing but it was Jungkooks’ when he was a baby. Good to keep over the belly when you leave the house.”

Belle accepted the blanket with a smile, an odd tingle down her spin at the realization of how small Jungkook used to be. A little being full of wonder who smiled at random things before reality destroyed every remnant. “It might be colder outside who knows.” She tried to reassure the older woman somehow.

“Thank you.” Jungkook lightly squeezed her shoulder as they walked past the woman who bowed with a smile in response.

Jongho already stood at the edge of the entrance to the living room, bowing as soon as he saw the couple. “Your car is ready. The drive to the ice-cream parlor will be about fifteen minutes.” He announced though he still felt like this whole thing was part of some prank.

“Thank you, Jongho.” Belle grinned, almost skipping past the guard in glee.

“You know I’m the one driving to the parlor right?” Jungkook sassed, a brow jolting up.

“Well you’re the father, honey, it’s your job.” Belle walked towards the entrance as the guards opened them like some grandiose banquet.

Black sedan shone like a beetle under the moonlight when they reached outside. Crisp nightly air flowed through even their warm clothing except for the blanket Belle hugged around her belly.

Jungkook opened the door for the woman letting her climb in carefully before walking over to his side. It had been a while since he went on a drive for something so leisure and relaxed. He couldn’t help but feel a rush of content maybe even a little excitement at this spontaneous late night trip.

As he sat in the car reacquainting himself with all the controls, Jungkook noticed from the corners of his eye how delicately Belle placed the blanket over her belly as if she was tucking it goodnight.

Then they drove off.

Fifteen minutes stretched out a little longer than Jungkook expected but eventually they saw the pastel and neon lights in the shape of an ice-cream cone hit their area of vision.

Parking closest to the shop, Jungkook hurried over to Belles’ side and helped her walk out.

“I can still climb out of cars.” Belle giggled at how attention he was trying to be.

Jungkook held onto her hand while they walked into the parlor with their masks fully secured.

Bright lights touched their half-sleepy eyes while the blanket hung over her free arm. People continued on their normal conversations without turning their heads in recognition which brought a rush of relief in her body. No one knew about the pregnancy since Belle formed a talent in choosing outfits that hid the growing bump. Of course at some point it would get hard to conceal it.

Jungkook and Belle padded to the counter to choose their flavors. Her eyes and taste buds immediately leaned towards the chocolate while the male simply followed her lead. The man had not enjoyed ice-cream since he was a child when Nana would serve it to him when he was upset usually because both his parents were out to work. He figured chocolate was the best way to start up the taste in his mouth again.

Once the orders were done and they were served ice-cream in cups, they walked to one of the tables in the corner and sat across from each other.

Belle, once again placed the blanket over her belly in the same delicate fashion while her mouth practically watered watching the ice-cream just sit there waiting.

“People really come here at this hour just to have ice-cream?” Jungkook glanced at the couples and friends happily eating ice-cream at their tables as if time stood still within these walls.

She shrugged, scooping her first bite with the tiny neon green spatula. “It’s just fun, I guess. Every now and then to break the rules of regular schedule.” Bringing the spatula up to her mouth, Belle suckled on it letting the sweetness grace her tongue and soothe her cravings little by little.

Jungkook poked at his ice-cream, mostly watching the woman enjoy her order and already feeling full. “Have you done this before?”

“Once.” Belle mumbled. “When I first started at Saito, my boyfriend at the time got really drunk so I took him for ice-cream at 2 am to sober him up.” How strange it was speaking out a past self. Someone who she used to be. A person with her own decisions, who knew her own dreams and aspirations while working hard to gain them. She was a damn fighter.

He pressed his lips together for a moment, bitter taste on his tongue. “What happened between you two?”

“I started making more money than him and he didn’t like it.” Belle replied simply.

Jungkook hummed in a little wonder. “So he was weak.” He scooped up a decent bite, some of his dark curls hovering over his eyebrows.

“Yeah he was.” Belle had a small smile slowly playing on her lips. “Did you have anyone before me?”

He nodded in a slight nonchalant nature. “One. We were going out for about two months.”

“What happened?”

“She was a red angel in Sangria House.” Jungkook admitted. “Someone married her with a huge sum and I just wasn’t ready enough for the commitment at the time.”

“So you’ve never actually gone out with someone in a normal way.” She pointed the neon spoon towards the male before licking the remnants off of it. “Do you even know to how to?”

Jungkook chuckled before shaking his head. “Dating lesson wasn’t really part of my regime when growing up. Marriage and kids, yeah but anything to learn before that kind of got fuzzy.”

Belle tilted her head watching the way his expression turned a little faint, almost borderline sad. It was that burst of a moment where she realized that Jungkook never really had a real childhood or any sense of the matter. Growing up learning nothing but business and building legacy with no sense of true warm compassion and empathy created a good mob boss. Not a good family man. Her hand immediately rubbed over her plump belly once again silently reassuring the growing being that she was going to keep them safe from this mess. “I don’t want our child to feel fuzzy.”

“He won’t.” His tone grew serious now. “I promise he won’t be raised like I was.”

“He?” Belle grinned.

“Or she. Sorry my aunt kept saying ‘he’ on the phone, I think she’s infected me.” He scratched his brow.

“It’s okay. They are okay with girls, right?” Her heart almost jumped out of her chest when the thought crossed her mind.

“Daughters are treated just as well in our family, don’t worry.”

“That’s good. Cause I don’t want her to be raised like I was either.” It was bad enough Belle spent her whole childhood always being told she wasn’t good enough to be like her brother. But the thought of her possible daughter going through it sickened her to the core.

Jungkooks’ fingers absentmindedly played with the hem of Belle’s hoodie sleeve. Those same fingers traced to her own, intertwining them together in a light lock.

For a brief moment Belle forgot everything again. They were back in their fantasy bubble where things were warm and welcoming. Jungkook was a sweet man who did nothing but give her affection in ways no one had ever done. He dedicated so much of his time and energy to taking care of her.

His empire, on the other hand, still tried to tape itself back together while a wrecking ball slowly hurdled towards it.

-

As the murmurs died down, Yoongi creeped outside of his bedroom door through the dark hallway. Quiet and a little chilly as sock covered feet slowly pattered across the floor. Only sound he could catch was Nana carefully walking down the stairs with a big basket full of laundry. He had the strong urge to help the woman but it would make it ten times harder to sneak towards the second living room.

Time had been running out. Four months really stretched over the amount of time he was supposed to be inside working but Yoongi knew what he had to get. With Belles’ pregnancy, Jungkooks’ attention fizzled and moved rapidly from the career to his new building family which usually ended with him out of his office more than he should be.

Belle once again proved her power in the Jeon mansion when a simple ice-cream parlor date seemed to get the dangerous drug lord out of the house in minutes at ungodly hours of the night. Though Yoongi honestly was not completely sure whether it was a ruse or just a rare strike of luck that she had cravings at this perfect time.

Ears pricked up when he heard a light crash from the right, clothes flying in the air and the sound of skin slapping onto wood roughly. Yoongis heart jumped seeing the older woman fall at the end of the stairs. However before he could step forward to help, three guards already rushed over immediately to her side like a pack of medics.

They huddled over Nana while she tried to laugh it away. “Just a little clumsy.” Her eyes seemed to flicker up exactly where Yoongi was standing. Only for a split second where he wondered if it was simply a random action.

Though if he stripped himself of any piece of naivety he had then it might not have been a random action at all.

While the three guards were preoccupied, Yoongi padded over as casually but quickly as possible out of the main living room towards the second living room.

Not glance over his shoulder but his heart still pattered and yearned to turn around. He had to be quick.

Across the second living room, his feet sped up until Yoongi couldn’t even keep up with it anymore.

He stood in front of the door of Jungkooks’ office which is when he finally looked over his shoulder to see the place empty aside from the sounds of Nana being helped at the stairs. Fingers wrapped around the golden knob, twisting it slowly hoping it didn’t squeak.

Turning and turning until all the door could was be pushed open.

Yoongi sneaked through small gap, entering the dark office before closing the door behind him.

Once the door closed, there was nothing stopping him from rushing towards the table almost making the wood underneath his feet squeak. He stood at the table where Jungkook would usually sit, gaze frantically searching anything that looked remotely helpful to what they needed.

Rustling through the papers, Yoongi found handwritten letters confirming deals and hard-copy information on secret funding towards dens. Patting the pocket of his pajama pants, he felt his phone, pulling it out and taking a picture as steadily as possible despite his hands trembling under the pressure of getting caught. He was at the heart of the nest now. If the guards saw him snooping around here, he would be dead instantly.

In his attempt to reorganize everything back again, he stumbled across one letter that looked unfinished. Yoongi had his phone ready until his eyes finally caught who it was written to, in Jungkooks’ handwriting.

‘Dear Mother and Father…’

Brows furrowed, slowing his pace for a moment while his chest still rose and fell in the heat of the moment. When Yoongis’ mind began gain a more steady pattern he began to read.

‘I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that I got married recently. I want you to be one of the first to know that Belle is carrying my child. I apologize for being unable to tell you sooner. She’s doing really well, doctors appointment have been doing good.

The reason why I’m writing this letter is not only to inform you but to also carry out something I’ve been wanting for a long time.

When the baby is born, I’m stepping down. This world. Everything. I began a relationship with Belle hoping to make all of you happy by marrying the perfect woman. She was it. Unfortunately she was too perfect. I’ve grown fond of her.

Everything about her makes me feel calm and warm like I can be normal around her. I’m not even sure what is but it’s a good feeling from what I’ve experienced. My wife and child’s happiness need to come first. I want to grow a normal family with her.’

Yoongi felt like his hands were dirty reading the letter now. He was going to step down. Then that’s it, right? It was going to stop and maybe there could potentially be some form of normalcy in all their lives. He kept reading the few words left.

‘However protecting this empire before I’m gone also holds the utmost importance. In the remaining months of Belle’s pregnancy, I am devising a method that should get rid of our Park Chul situation once and for all…’

Heart moved back to its original speeding pace when there were no more words to explain just what Jungkook had planned. Yoongi almost crumpled the paper a little but quickly dropped it onto the table, taking a few more pictures before placing under the pile of extensive work.

His eyes flickered up to see a little light coming through the open gap and his stomach dropped, seeing Taehyung glance at the male and at the desk. Yoongi wrapped his fingers around a pen tightly not wanting to hurt him truly but they were so close. So close to getting this over and done with. Especially now that Jungkook had some plan to strike back at the one strong source they had to take him and his empire down.

“Kitchen. Now.” The younger male stated glancing over his shoulder to see anything oncoming.

Yoongi relaxed his grip on the pen and let out silent sigh of relief watching Taehyung walk away from the office and disappear to the side. He hurriedly tip-toed across the room looking back to see if he missed anything before sneaking through the gap again and closing the door.

When he looked over the guards seemed to be chatting in the center of the living room instead of peering towards the second living room for any disturbance. Yoongi could only hear their murmuring and light chuckling before blindly following Taehyung past the fireplace towards the door that led to the kitchen.

The kitchen had been modified significantly compared to the rest of the mansion which still had an vintage feel to it. White marble with subtle gold details shining in the dimmed warm lighting.

Taehyung padded over and stood at the kitchen island. Fingers tapping on the surface of the counter with a sigh passing his lips. “Okay look Angel already told me what’s going on.”

Yoongis’ brows furrowed. “Jesus Christ, is this an undercover mission or a party?” He kept his voice to a whisper, hands on his hips.

“Apparently Seokjin said there was no point in hiding it anymore now that Belle knew.” He shrugged although a confused expression still adorned his features. “Said if she’s involved, everything will fall into place.”

“So he’s playing Gandalf now too?” He retorted. “How much more is everyone gonna ask from Belle?”

Taehyungs’ heart dropped as the question lingered in the air, head hanging. That nagging feeling was slowly fading away but now it replaced with something so much more painful. A guilt of what cost had be paid for this recovery. He never truly paid for his debt. Belle did. “You’re going to help her out of here, right?”

“I’m trying.”

“That’s not a good enough answer.”

“I know it’s not.” Yoongi spoke through gritted teeth. “But it’s all I can give you right now.”

Taehyung nodded, body deflating a little despite the slight ray of hope that all this might change for the better. “Is there any way I can help?” Ever since this whole mess began, he had not been able to ensure his little sister that he had her back. Because he didn’t for a while. All his thoughts seemed meld into one hazy need to get rid of the pain he felt. Except that time the pain never identified itself. Taehyung knew why it hurt this time. He wanted his sister out of here, towards a better life just like she did for him.

Yoongi searched the mans’ expression turn into something a little more desperate. He succumbed to drowning in that same feeling. Nana’s honest words ringing in his ears. This is not just an undercover mission anymore. He hadn’t even been there for that long; not as long as Taehyung but god, he could feel it. That aching tug wanting to hold onto Belle and take her away from all the pain she didn’t deserve. That fucking burning anger at the people who used every piece of her patience and good heart only to rip it away from her permanently. It sickened him knowing the woman never wanted all this in the first place.

His hand tightened around his phone when a thought jolted in his mind. “Do you trust anyone in the Sangria House?” Yoongi asked.

Taehyung had no hesitation in any nerve of his body or part of his soul when he said: “Yes.”

-

A familiar outing now waltzing into the Sangria House early morning when the air was cool and the sun just almost took its highest point in the sky. Brunette hair flowed to the side as he walked across the pathway through the entrance door with everyone immediately recognizing his face.

However today Taehyung walked in a less relaxed demeanor than normal as a tiny object in his jacket pocket grew heavier, forcing him to walk slower. You’re doing this for Belle. He knew Angel told him the truth about everything but something about this still felt like he was diving into a pool where he could not see the end.

Into the private room he was lead, the white coat opened the door and Taehyung saw Angel standing in front of the table

Angels’ smiled immediately adorned her glowing features as Taehyung walked into the room. As soon as the white coat closed the door behind him, she broke all manner of rules and jumped on him, arms wrapping around his neck and face buried into the crook.

Whatever knotted nerves he had loosened when Angel embraced him, warmth radiating from her body onto his and the scent of vanilla gracing his nose. His own arms wrapped around her waist, nose nudging into her shoulder to take in more of her aroma and ease all troubles.

“I thought you weren’t coming back.” Angel murmured. A month had passed since his last visit and it was embarrassing to admit that she grew a little worried. After all the two were not really doing anything exciting other than talking. At some point people would get bored and move onto someone who would easily provide better services.

Taehyung hummed in near bliss, rubbing his hand up and down her back. “I’m sorry.” His voice muffled against the fabric of Angels’ dress.

She gently pulled away from the hug even though Taehyungs’ arms were still secure around her. “Don’t apologize. I just get worried.” Angel chuckled shyly. Another bright smile tugged at her lips now as she broke his embrace but held his hand, leading him over to the table where a colorful array of rice cakes on a plate rested. “They made more flavors this time because you liked it so much.”

Taehyung could hear the delight in her voice making his heart warm. For a moment, he wished this was just a casual visit as they sat down next to each other once again. “Thank you…” His voice merely came out in a whisper. “Angel—” He placed his hand over hers, caressing it softly. “There’s another reason why I’m here.”

Angel’s smile softened now, not so much as a frown but an kind expression to show she was listening in all seriousness. “What is it?”

“You’ve already helped me so much.” Taehyung wrapped his longer fingers around her small, soft hand turning his body around so he faced her completely. “I need you to help me just this once. For my sister.” He grinned. “Are the cameras on in here?”

“I asked Seokjin to turn it off.” She smiled shyly. “It’s—it’s so I could hug you without the guards barging in.”

Taehyung grinned leaning in, forehead pressed against hers. “I wish I could stay longer…I really do.” He whispered. “But we’re not going to be able to see each other for a while.”

“I know.” Angel whispered, voice shaking ever so slightly. “What do you need me to do?” There she was again with the award-winning smile ready to do whatever she was required no matter what the cost.

“Please—I don’t want anything to happen to you.” He shook his head. “Say no if you want to.”

Angel caressed his chest gently as a way to comfort him. “I’m always safe, Taehyung. Believe me, I’ve probably been safer than Belle this whole time.” Shining eyes met his gaze giving him a more faint but hundred times more genuine smile. “No one deserves to have their life taken away like that. I want to do this.”

Taehyung had a bitter taste on his tongue hearing those words. Belle had been less safe than members of the Sangria House. Her own made-up home and equally fake family could not keep her safer than Seokjin did with his angels. “Okay.” He whispered, reaching into jacket pocket and pulling the tiny object. He placed it on his open palm making the thing look absolutely miniscule.

A USB stick, dark almost matching the color of Taehyung’s jacket. Angel accepted it and placed it in the last place anyone was coming looking. If they did, it would end in a heap load of trouble. Once the object was in her hand, she stuffed it in between her breast until it lay securely in her bra but unseen.

He bit down the wide smirk tugging at his lips watching the USB stick traveling down the valley of her breasts, hiding in the forbidden area for safe keeping. “Was that to tease me?”

Angel giggled reaching out and caressing his cheek. “Maybe a little.” She scrunched her nose.

Taehyung absolutely melted at the adorable sight, taking the liberty of the shut cameras to lean in and press the quickest kiss on her lips. “I-I know it’s against the rules.” Before he could explain himself any further, he felt soft plush lips quieten him down again, his heart jumped out of his chest.

Quickly pulling away from the kiss, she bit down her bottom lip to hide her grin. “There’s no rules anymore between you and me. Just don’t take too long getting back, okay?”

He chuckled and nodded. “You know what to do?” Taehyungs’ eyes absentmindedly flickered down to her breast.

With all her usual elegant confidence, she smiled. “You and your sister will be safe soon.”

-

The air was thick with elegance and style, vibrant colors of yellow, sky blue and rose pink gracing every corner twinkling in diamonds. Growing up Belle watched in awe every fashion show or design video imagining her own name etched on the curtains for all the critics and admirers to see.

Belles’ own attire was simple, long white dress with long, layer frills that helped conceal the bump to the best of its ability. Worst case scenario people would think she let herself go but really the news should be coming soon considering a four month bump already proved to be difficult to hide no matter what the dress looked like.

Makeup artists actively moved about each model almost like machines while Belle checked every outfit was fitted to perfection.

Only thing that doused the fire of energy was the aching. Her back, limbs and belly kept sending either dull or sharp pains ever since this morning which caused Belle to have a less than enthusiastic demeanor while preparing for everything.

Boyoung explained that it was normal to have these aches during the fourth month of pregnancy so Belle let it be. Except now she wished she had time for a small appointment with the doctor just to check everything was okay.

“Madame Belle!”

Saito’s voice brought her back to reality while she was fixing a models’ earring. Belle turned over her shoulder to see the woman wearing a white attire as well to ensure colors did not clash with the actual designs. A grin tugged at the corners of her lips, kindly giving the model good luck before turning to see the older woman. “Am I allowed to be called that yet?”

“Sweetie, you deserved to be called that long before this fashion show.” Saito chuckled, rubbing her arm. “How’re you feeling?” She tilted her head searching the youngers’ expression.

Belle took a deep breath feeling a jolting ache on her back but she smiled nonetheless. “I’m okay. A little nervous.”

“Good. It’s good to be a little nervous. That means you care.” Saito squeezed her shoulder gently. “I’ll be here with you the whole time.”

“Thank you.” Belle’s eyes flickered to the side where she saw a familiar figure in a suit walk backstage with his gaze looking around for something. “Excuse me, Saito.” She muttered before moving past her towards Jungkook.

When Jungkook finally set his eyes on her, his expression softened and a smile tugged at his lips. “You ready?”

She nodded mimicking his smile absentmindedly. “You came, I thought you had meetings.”

Jungkook shrugged non-chalantly. “I’m their boss. They can wait.”

Belle chuckled lightly watching Taehyung make his way backstage but one person still missing. “Where’s Yoongi?”

“He’s at his seat already.” The man nodded to the side. Jungkooks’ hand almost automatically reached out to caress her belly gently before quickly pulling away. “I’ll—see you at the end of the show.” He smiled.

“Yeah…” She whispered, giving him a bright grin.

For a moment he thought to just turn on his heel and leave but he couldn’t resist. Leaning in, Jungkook chastely pressed his lips against hers. Slowly he stepped back pressing his lips together before walking away.

Belles’ smile disappeared as soon as Jungkook was out of sights. Maybe to him the kiss meant a sign of good luck for the show. To her, it was a kiss to say goodbye.

-

Fingers caressed the warrant like his first born child, brush of light cool air bringing even more relief than Namjoon already had. God how many years did he sacrifice his health, sleep and sanity to come to this moment? Where he had a car parked just outside the gates of the Jeon mansion awaiting the clear sign for them to enter.

Of course the captain had some reluctance in giving them the warrant but a direct order from the mayor had him quaking enough to give the approval.

Every nerve in his body tingled in anticipation, looking at the paper before staring at the majestic mansion. All that power was about to crumble down to the state it deserved to be in. Obsolete.

Granted the male was not naïve in thinking that this infiltration will end everything. The Jeon family had roots so deep in this city that it would take ripped out the entire land just to get rid of everything. But this was a first step to ensure the empire never grew too big for its own good.

Every King needed to lose their crown every now and then to learn that they were just a person underneath all that luxury and power. Easily breakable.

And Namjoon felt oh so pleased finally being able to break Jeon Jungkook in his tyrannous reign.

In a perfect pattern, that thought led to the gates finally opening with two police officers signaling to him that the coast was clear to enter.

-

“It’s time. Places, everyone!” Belle called out and all the models rushed over to the area they needed to come out from. Her own heart pounded faster at every second and another ache jolted in her abdomen now strong enough to make her wince. But she held her composure with all the strength could muster.

Then the first model walked out onto the runway and her stomach jumped knowing her path to any possible reputation as a designer now began its course.

Camera flashed even more violently than before as Belle caught a few happy murmurs from the crowd. She smiled before another searing burst of pain hit both her abdomen and back forcing her to stop for a moment to take deep breaths, her hand caressing her belly to somehow soothe it.

“Just bear with me for a minute, sweetheart.” She whispered to the belly as it seemed to getting more and more violent in its power.

Halfway through the show, Belle succumbed to leaning on anything close by with the constant pain but her smile stayed intact. She felt something uncomfortable between her legs as if a period came along without her knowing.

That was when worry sunk in. Before she could place any attention on it however, one of her models’ dress got snagged with the necklace. Belle almost could not catch her name being called but the woman quickly got herself back and rushed to separate them to ensure no thread was out of place.

“Belle?” Saitos’ hand hovered over her back with a worried expression on her face. “You okay?”

No. That was the initial answer that formulated in her mind as she once again leaned back on one of the vacant vanities. “I’m okay it’s just—a little sore.” The description had been underwhelming to describe whatever was happening to Belle. Her knees were losing all its power to hold her body up, even her hearing ability became a little muffled as if trying to conserve energy or to numb more of the pain.

Saito nodded though not looking completely convinced since she could see through the younger female on any occasion. Gaze flickered down to her belly before meeting hers again. “Tell me if you need to stop. It’s just a show, okay?” She briefly caressed her cheek before glancing over at the models coming in and out, trying to analyze the situation. “Two more outfits left then we’ll go to the doctor.” She muttered. “Alright?”

Belle took another deep breath, cheeks puffing out a little in the process but she nodded putting herself back on her feet again. “Alright.”

All the models made their way to the stage showing off a final viewing of all the outfits in all their glory and the crowd soared. Anyone who knew Belle could feel the success simply oozing from this show. The sheer extravagance yet simplicity with subtle connections to the beautiful expression of nature during spring time brought an impressed smile even on the harshest critics.

If only the designer herself could completely enjoy this achievement without her whole body being overwhelmed with discomfort and pain.

“You have to go out for a bow.” Saito explained gently as Belle tried her best to focus only on her breathing.

Aside from her muffled hearing, her whole body now burned like a furnace making Belle a little lightheaded. It’s almost done. It’s almost done. One more smile.

God, that was the last thing she wanted to think on her first successful fashion show.

Once again the woman nodded giving Saito a big smile which she returned before turning on her heel and walking to the stage. Step after the other carefully trying to keep her composure as best as she could.

Then all Belle saw was a bright white light, her hearing now resorted to a high-pitched drawled out beep making her think she was watching a muted video in front of her. Shaking fingers intertwined with one another, the girl stretched her exhausted lips into a wide grin. Heavy head lowered into the most decent form of a bow without her legs giving out.

Keep it in. Keep it in. She repeated to herself, trying to focus on her breathing while barely being able to hear anything.

Camera flashed and the crowds applause tried to push the barrier of mute suddenly formed in her ears. Belle could see the smiles however. That was all she needed. They liked it. They liked her designs. Her work paid off just like she always dreamed. That thought kept her standing on the stage in the best composure she could muster. Another bow given to each side ensuring they knew how grateful she was.

Maybe for a brief second, Belle forgot her whole body was warning of something in messages of deep ache and lack of orientation or balance.

Though it quickly came back for another reminder. This time more persistent. Belle felt like her belly was being jabbed by something sharp in such a ruthless manner, she worried she could collapse right here on the floor. Even her legs trembled and the discomforting feeling between her legs now almost felt wet like it soaked through her panties.

Belle kept her smile though it was trembling significantly before she backed away out of the stage, almost running but there was hardly any strength left for that anymore.

The white light now faded away and she was away from the stage, coming in backstage.

As if something snapped in her willpower when Belle felt her legs stumble onto the floor just past the closed curtains. Knees crashed against the wooden floor leaving a thud echoing across the room.

Both Saito and Taehyungs’ smiles disappeared watching the bright looking woman drop to her knees, only thing they could hear now was her agonized whimpering.

Saito sped towards her before anyone else truly gauge the situation, heels slamming onto the floor before her arm over the youngers’ shoulder as she almost fell on her side. “Belle?” She turned her around to see mascara coated tears dripping down Belle’s cheeks. “Belle what’s wrong? Tell me please.”

“It hurts…” Belle cried out, lips trembling and the drenched feeling between her legs leaking down the insides of her thighs and making her dress stick to her skin. “The baby…” She whispered before gasping.

For a few seconds her vision turned white making her whine shakily as her lower belly felt like it was being ripped apart with someone’s bare hands. Cold tears under her eyes, unable to close her legs from the sloppy sensation and the pungent smell of blood. Belle tried to look down but all she could catch was a glimpse of her white dress now glistening in deep red.

“You sick fuck get out of here!” Taehyung grabbed the reporter by the collars just after the flash of his camera. He had every nerve in his body to punch him until his nose fell to the floor but the sound of his sister sobbing made him stop.

Three guards immediately rushed in and carried the reporter off backstage while they tried to thrash around like a dirty insect.

Taehyung breathed heavily grimacing at the pig before looking at one of the guards who looked equally distressed. “Get Jeon here now.” He gestured.

Eyes shone in delight as Jungkook looked at the audience chatting away with an air of enthusiasm. He could almost see his wife climbing up this ladder of success. She deserved every bit of it especially since the man now saw the designs for himself. Growing up seeing Saitos’ designs, it was pleasing to see that the style may have changed but the quality never diminished.

A guard then walked over to him, reluctantly tapping him on the shoulder and leaning into his ear so his voice could be heard only to them in the crowd. “Sir it’s your wife… there’s been an incident.”

As soon as those words were muttered in his ear Jungkooks smile disappeared. He knew there were cameras around but nothing else seemed whirl around his mind except Belle. His body grew cold at those horrid words that he hoped would never come together.

Feet bolted, passing the guard to backstage even though his increasingly pounding heart made it hard to move faster.

Yoongis’ stomach and heart were already dancing in distress this whole night after getting a call from Namjoon that they would be infiltrating Jeon mansion tonight and then arresting him as soon as possible for the amount of concerning evidence. The police would be waiting for Jungkook to be taken away at his own home. It was a cruel fate in a normal context but for a man like Jeon Jungkook, it was what everyone knew he deserved.

However then the guard rushed in to whisper something in Jungkooks’ ear and without even the slightest warning or preparation, Jungkook stepped into a run backstage.

If his nerves were not in knots already, now they were just tangled up forever. Not asking for any kind of clarification, he simply followed the younger male in the same pace knowing only one thing and one thing alone could have Jungkook so worried to be in such a rush.

Once Jungkook arrived backstage, breathing heavily and sweat already forming on his neck, his stomach twisted at the sight in front of him.

Saito wrapped dark burgundy cloth around Belle’s waist area, his wife’s white dress tainted with red while the models either wept or just looked utterly worried.

Taehyung had a phone to his ear speaking through gritted teeth possibly to a doctor attempting to give instructions.

Jungkook rushed towards the woman, tears already burning behind his eyes just looking at her sobbing in complete pain. “What’s happening? What do we do?” He whispered. For the first time in his life, the man had fear seeping through his tone.

Belle gripped onto Saitos’ clothes feeling her vision blur although she wasn’t sure it was from the tears or the lack of her ache ceasing. Before she could get her bearings, something hooked under her back and knees. Her body lifted from the ground and cold rush flowed through her from the speed she was being moved in.

Then all Belle could see was black. Everything shut down almost as if she was lulled to a deep sleep.

-

Yoongi practically kicked the door down as they tried to get out the backdoor. He opted to drive before anyone else could, running to the driver’s seat of the black sedan waiting just in case paparazzi rushed in too thick at the entrance.

Saito and Taehyung ran out with Jungkook following close behind, carrying Belle as securely as he could despite his stomach lurching.

Taehyung opened the door while Saito moved to the other side and climbed in.

Jungkook tried to place Belle laying down on the car seat as gently as possible before climbing in at the same time Taehyung sat in the passenger seat.

Before they could even close their doors, Yoongi drove off definitely breaking a few speeding rules as he practically burst into the streets, tires screeching against the tar.

-

“Go to the J District, there’s a shortcut button there.” Jungkook nodded to the GPS, city lights passing across his face.

“This isn’t time for a road trip, Jungkook.” Yoongi seethed.

“We need to go to the private house and get our own medic.” He argued.

Taehyung pressed the button even though anger still burned in his body. “Why can’t we just go to a fucking hospital? It’ll be closer.”

“Hospitals are public places, alright? The minute one disloyal nurse gets a glimpse of any of us, the press will be outside in seconds.”

Yoongis’ grip around the steering wheel tightened so much, he could feel his pulse through his palm as his knuckles grew white. “I swear to god, Jeon. This isn’t one of your damn danger missions.” Something cracked inside him and the male couldn’t seem keep any of the usual composure he had around the power figure.

Jungkook sighed looking over at Belle who struggled to keep her consciousness while her blood soaked through his own shirt. “Just do it.” He spoke through gritted teeth.

“Taehyung, dear get a medic to the private home now so no time is wasted.” Saito broke into the tension with her gently yet firm voice while her slightly blood stained hand brushed through Belle’s hair. “If she doesn’t get treatment quickly, it might cause an infection.”

Yoongi glanced at the rearview mirror, his heart feeling empty not being able to see Belle from this line of vision but he increased his speed anyway taking a quick left.

“If anything happens to her, Jeon I’ll kill you, I swear to god.” Taehyungs’ eyes were reddened and glossy, a phone pressed to his ear again as he called for a private medic to go to the Jeons’ private house immediately.

-

Belle jolted awake for a moment seeing a grey ceiling and a blurry vision of a face looking down. Some voices spoke but they were heavily muffled. Then her body felt like it was being moved again. As if she was flying or levitating somehow through her locations. “Tae—” It was the only name she could breathe out.

A burst of bright warm lighting hit her exhausted eyes making her close them for a moment. It left her trying to get her hearing together but they were still difficult to pick up. She heard a familiar deep voice. Her big brothers’ voice. Most of them seemed familiar except one who from whatever she could catch had a calm demeanor.

Her vision cleared just for a second but Belle was welcomed with blood dripping from something thick around her waist. At least she thinks it was from her. It tainted the wooden floors nonetheless.

In a few more heartbeats, she felt a soft surface under her body and Belle fully melted into it without any hesitance.

Jungkook backed away reluctantly as the doctor leaned in to examine Belle. A tear threatening to escape at the brim of his right eye.

Taehyung bit down the urge to sob looking at the amount of blood his baby sister shed on the floor. He looked around for some kind of cloth and found white hand towel with golden lettering. Grabbing the cloth, he crouched down to wipe off the trail of blood on the floor while his tears mixed in with it.

“We need to get some cleaner clothes on her.” The doctor stated looking over at Saito who quickly nodded.

“There’s some nightgowns in the cupboard.” Jungkook muttered, gesturing towards the white closet next to the vanity.

Saito shrugged her jacket off leaving her in her shirt tucked into her skirt as she opened the luxurious cupboard and pulled out the most breathable nightgown. Walking back to the bed, she climbed on the other side after pushing her shoes off.

The doctor took out some scissors and cut the middle of her dress so it could be ripped off easily since it was mostly ruined as it were. Saito helped the piece of clothing get shrugged off her shoulders.

Belle whined at the sudden cold feeling passing through her body. It definitely didn’t help since the blood began to stick to her skin.

Jungkook noticed the little sound and rushed to the fireplace, crouching down and switching it on to add more warmth to the room. His disoriented focus had to stare the running fire for a moment not able to gain any kind of patterned thinking. Shrugging his jacket off his shoulder, he threw it onto the chair to his side where his mother would usually read.

“May I have only one extra person in this room?” The doctor asked kindly.

Jungkook looked over his shoulder, snapping back to reality as Taehyung got up to his feet.

“I’ll take care of her.” Saito reassured the both of them.

Niether one of them opposed knowing there was really only one person who always took care of Belle without her having to give something in return.

Both males padded out of the room. Jungkook gave one final glance towards Belle before closing the door in front of him.

-

Once they reached the private home and Taehyung and Jungkook were preoccupied with getting Belle acquainted, Yoongi stopped at the entrance to shakily grab his phone. A light groan passed his lips when he couldn’t get his thoughts together to click the number. Eventually the memory came in and he typed the number in, pressing the phone to his ear.

“Yoongi we’re ready, where are you?” Namjoon muttered into the phone.

“Something’s happened, it’s Belle. We’re at the private home at J District. Get yourself fucking ready here now.” Yoongi quickly informed and hung the phone up, trying to delete the number on his phone as calmly as he could. His hand reached into his holster to feel the harsh object giving him some form of relief aside from the ache in his heart.

Walking into the private home, he saw Jungkook pacing around worriedly while Taehyung leaned back against the counter with his arms folded over his chest.

Yoongi found it so strange how a man of such power could look so vulnerable in front of him. It was the perfect time except he had a bitter taste on his tongue calling it ‘perfect’. To think it took Belle to go through an immense amount of pain for this to happen made him look more like the villain than the murderous druglord worried for his wife and heir.

-

It felt like eternity had passed and restarted again when Belle finally woke up without her vision being blurry or her hearing almost completely lost. The wet feeling between her legs now completely dry and even comfortably warm. Pain slowly subsided though there was still very faint ache that also slowly passed.

Reddened eyes flickered over to the side where she saw Saito listening to a man in a white suit talking to her in a soft murmur.

The expression on Saitos’ face only spoke concern or maybe pity.

“Saito?” Belle tried to speak but it came out in a raspy whisper, throat a little ticklish from how dry it was.

Saito looked over at the younger woman, sighing before meeting the doctors’ gaze. “I’ll tell her, you just inform the three men out there.” She gave him a reassuring nod.

“Of course.” The doctor agreed before opening the door and disappearing behind it.

Once it was just the two of them, Belle tried to shift in the bed to somehow sit up but the ache only increased making her wince.

“No no, stay still.” Saito quickly sat down on the edge of the bed, soothing her still swollen belly and held onto her hand.

“What—what happened? Where am I?” She looked around the strange bedroom before glancing down at her belly. “I–I can’t…” Belle placed a hand over her belly. “There was so much blood.” Her breath hitched in her throat.

“Belle…” Saito tried to keep her voice as calm as possible even though her heart dropped seeing the look of confusion and fear ridding the youngers’ face. “The doctor said your baby may have had a heart defect of some sort…” She gulped down. “It couldn’t survive, sweetie.” She tried to soothe her chest. “I’m sorry.”

Belle shook her head, feeling a burning behind her eyes. “No…no the–the doctors’ appointment—said everything—was fine.” She tried to breathe through her frantic sobs. “Why would they say it was fine?” She pulled herself up, wincing as tears collecting at the brim of her eyes. “Why would they say it was fine if there was a heart defect?”

Saito took a deep breath, squeezing her shoulders gently. “Sometimes they can��t catch it. These things are very difficult to predict, Belle.”

She had already been unconscious before now something else seemed to turn off inside her. As if the whole world did not crash or explode. But simply stopped working for the arrival of cruel fates’ plan.

-

Torturous amount of time passed before the doctor walked through the door with a solemn expression on his face giving none of them any sense of reassurance. Because there wasn’t any to give. He looked at all three of them who had stopped in their usual tracks to gaze at the older male. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jeon.” The doctor looked more at Jungkook now. “Your wife has had a miscarriage. I’ve cleaned everything up to ensure there was no infection but I do suggest that she go to a proper hospital for proper checkups.”

Jungkook looked completely frozen as the news lingered in the already thickened air. He backed away a little, balance on the edge of a study table of whatever it was the man didn’t care. Tears brimmed at his eyes trickling down his already flushed cheeks without a care in the world.

If Yoongi didn’t feel like a villain before, he did now.

Taehyung turned away to face the wall but he could still hear the light sobs passing his lips.

Yoongi faced the doctor and led him out of the home.

Out in the dark night, he smiled at the doctor giving him thanks as he opened his car door for him.

Once the doctor drove off onto the road, Yoonginoticed from the corners of his eye the figures moving around in the bushes around on his left and right. Blatantly the man turned to notice the dark uniforms even from the distance, their badges glimmering just a little in the light. On the right he heard the sound of metal moving.

It was time. This had to happen here and now or never.

Licking his lips he let out a deep sigh and walked back inside, once again, checking his holster before entering the house again.

-

Sound muffled to non-existence as the room seemed to get progressively smaller, walls hugging her still body. It ached everywhere. She could feel the burn and still smell the pungent stench of her own blood tainting the now soft, dry surface. Back cramped, lower belly so weakened as if it was punched a hundred times with spiked metal fists. Exhaustion clouded Belle’s mind, pulling this broken shell into a decent lull to slumber but her eyes stayed wide open. Unblinking. She stared at nothing and everything.

Mind finally accustomed itself to the new setting of the Jeons’ private home. Deep warm lighting from the lamps at each corner, dark wooden floors and a running fireplace facing the front of the bed. Belle remembered catching a glimpse of it when they carried her in here leaving a wet red trail on the floor as she was moved. Her body barely moved however, limbs burning but frozen at the same time. Belle told herself to try and wriggle her toes or move her fingers. Not a single nerve responded.

She had one thing in common with her mind now. Loneliness.

So strange to think that a being barely grown to be called a full human could place such a heavy weight on Belle’s head. The loss now brought this in this feeling of being alone. Belle was once two. Now she was one broken thing. Barely able to move or function.

The door clicked open but Belle still refused to move whether out of exhaustion or just lack of care. It didn’t matter what anyone said, that empty feeling was still there.

Saito stayed silent as long as she felt it was necessary. But the words seemed to fall out of her without control. “I really can’t say anything to make you feel better, honey. There’s no easy way to comfort someone who’s lost something that could’ve been.”

Persistently unmoving as the woman was, her eyes still flooded on its own accord, burning and liquid flowing onto the pillow. This wasn’t Belle’s fault. It wasn’t anyone fault. Nothing but fate once again showing how it never had it out for her in the first place.

That was the problem though, wasn’t it? Belle spent so much time praying for fate to do something right for her but it only gave her more pain. What was going to happen for the better if she just stood and smiled at all the suffering thrown her way? Fate gave her a fake marriage, forced her to fall in love with a man who only cared about his reputation. Fate allowed her to be impregnated against her will. Fate stood by while Belle lost the child she grew to love. The child she had envisioned to raise and protect was now gone.

“It’s a good thing.” Belle whispered, still not shifting from her position nor looking at Saito.

The older womans’ brows furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”

It had to stop. It had to stop now or never.

Belle pursed her lips together before swallowing down the lump in her throat, preparing the words that kept swirling in her mind for months. Begging to escape so she could be free. Finally she moved her head to meet Saitos’ gaze. Despite her weak nature, her eyes held firm onto hers to ensure that the woman heard and understood everything she was going to say.

“There’s something I need to tell you…about how Jungkook and I met.”

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[internalsealpanic]

Love Through the Ages (Tim Drake)

Summary:  Love like baggage needs to be declared.

a/n: This is part two of a series that is a fic rec list disguised as a fic. For these fics, most of the characters will be speaking different languages, so unless specified otherwise assume that the characters are speaking in the first language I mention. They’re all vampires with centuries under their belt. Why wouldn’t I make them all polyglots.  Also, thank you to the proof reading gang for putting up with my shenanigans.  I will have links to the fics I recommend in the fic itself.

Warnings: Everyone is dramatic.

Masterlist

Series Masterlist. 

You watch the rusty green of the warehouse wall disappear behind a spray of orange paint. There is nothing more satisfying than watching paint make old things new. 

A whistle interrupts your reverie, making the can slip from your hand. You swear, the harsh syllables echoing in the empty air. The can bounces down the scaffold and lands in someone’s hands. Tim’s face gets sprayed with a mist of orange. He makes a noise and rubs at his face. You bark out a laugh and he grimaces at you. The begrudging fondness obvious on his face. 

He waves at you, eyes still stinging from the paint. Giddiness flourishes in your chest. “I knew I’d find you here!” He shouts in a dialect of Mandarin that you hadn’t heard in ages.

It takes you a moment to understand him. You’re honestly extremely rusty. It takes you another moment to realize that it made no sense for him to find you. “How?” You shout back in Romanian. 

Tim shakes his head, throwing his hand over his shoulder. “Open canvas.”

You snort, looking down at him. Tim’s breath catches as he stares up at you, your smile. You’re haloed by sunlight. You look like an angel descending from heaven.

Tim’s forced to pick up his jaw when he hears your voice again. You’re tapping your watch. The words are lost to him.

“What?!”

You shake your head, strands of hair coming loose from behind your ear. “I asked...” You shout in a coarse frawl. “... Isn’t it a bit early for you to be here?”

It was. 

He was only 30 minutes early. No big deal. 

He shrugs. “I just wanted to watch you paint.” He says, trailing off. Oh God, Tim thinks. Does he sound lovesick? Is Cassie right? He pushes the thoughts down, opting to look at the building instead. On the side of the building was an immaculate portrait of the Red Hood rendered like a saint, haloed in golden light and surrounded by your orange marigolds. It would look at home in any grand cathedral. Your talents never ceased to amaze him.

“Should I ask why you’re defacing a building?”

You turn back to the building picking up a can of yellow paint. You tilt your head. “It’s a massive improvement, yes?”

Tim looks around. The pavement is littered with wet trash mixed. The buildings were rusted. Everything else is covered in grime. “You’re rude…  but not wrong.”

You preen, electing to ignore the first half. You turn back to your canvas before Tim can get another word in. He knows he’s lost you. 

“So, why *the* Red Hood?” 

You look away from the portrait, setting the can of yellow spray paint. It sprays your sweatshirt and Tim laughs. You stick your tongue out at his face flushing. You liked this sweatshirt. He gave it to you the last time you had meandered into Gotham. “Why not? We’re in the Bowery. He’s like a saint here.” You snip, switching to Russian. Ok, that made sense. You toss your sweatshirt into Tim’s face. The fabric is lousy with the smell of paint and of 5-hour energy drinks. It was an improvement over the pungent odor of garbage. 

He tries to rub the orange paint on his face away before he tucks your sweatshirt beneath his arm. You’re still looking down at him, wry amusement on your face. “I’ll paint your beloved Red Robin when I get to China Town. Heard he was quite popular in those parts.”

Tim’s heart flutters.  He stutters out his next question. “Why are you using spray paint for this type of illustration?”

“Kon said I couldn’t do it.”

Tim snickers, “As if Kon could tell the difference.”

You frown only realizing your mistake. You curse under your breath. Tim doesn’t stop laughing at you. “Shut up!” You snarl.

Tim dodges the next paint can you throw but the next one hits him square in the face. You grin triumphantly. Tim raises a middle finger at you and you giggle in response. You feel bad, seeing him wince in pain. You’d buy him apology tea later but for now, you clasp your hands and call out to him sweetly. “Sorry, Timmers!”

Tim, equally as mature and well aware that you’re only half sorry, blows out a breath, muttering something colorful before shouting back: “we should get going if we wanna eat out after looting the museum.”

At that, you launch yourself off the scaffolding, your body feeling weightless as it falls. Tim drops your sweatshirt as he holds his arms out to catch you. He catches you easily. You two spin as you wrap your arms around him. 

“You are certifiably insane.” He laughs. His nose smooshed against yours. 

“And so are you.” You snort, hugging him. 

He hugs you back. You hum so softly into his hair that Tim wouldn’t be able to tell it from a breath if he were human.  Tim holds you close, hugging your waist tightly. He doesn’t really want to let you go. You don’t either.  You and Tim stand there for a bit when you hear his cell beep. 

“Why does your phone sound like a pager?” 

“Because Babs told me how to.”

“That literally explains nothing.”

“I’m not taking crap from the gremlin who had ‘Baby Shark’ as their ringtone for 12 months. WILLINGLY.”

You pout at him, your face so close to his. Tim’s only half paying attention to your defense. To be fair, it basically boiled down to ‘it isn’t that bad’ and ‘Bart’s ringtone is worse’. 

After a short shopping trip and a cab ride later, you arrive at the museum in fresh clothes and less paint on his face for Tim. 

“All the World’s a Stage. They botched it! The nerve! The barbarity of it all. It's just like when they botched ‘Words with Friends’ or ‘In Ice We Trust’ or even ‘Tomcat’. That last one was pretty much gift wrapped for them!” You say throwing up your hands nearly hitting Tim and whatever poor bastard was unlucky enough to be behind you. 

“For someone who isn't invested in modern media, you're getting fired up.” Tim chuckles, eyes flickering behind you. You had managed to miss the people behind you but you do have a rather conspicuous space behind you. 

“They had such good material to work with”  you say, gesticulating wildly. “And- and they butchered it.”

“You need a 5 minute breather?” Tim asks, resting a hand on your back. 

 “Shut up,” you laugh.

Tim grins at you as if he had no idea what this ultimate betrayal feels like. 

Determined to prove him wrong, you say : “C'mon, Timothy,  you ranted like this when they botched the star thingy.”

“It’s Star Wars, you heathen.”

“Star. Thingy.” You repeat, crossing your arms. 

Tim squints at you. You know he’s not gonna blow up at you but somehow that’s scarier. 

“You can pay for your own cab later.” He grumbles. 

“Star. Thing-Y.” 

Tim turns to leave. This always worked. Always without fail, you grab at his hand, lacing your fingers with his. Tim tries not to smile.

“Fine.”

“Was that so hard?”

“It was excruciating actually.”

“You're being dramatic.” He says, showing the woman behind the ticket counter your passes. 

“Excuse me, I left all my drama in the Renaissance.”

“Oh really?”

“Ok not really but admit that both Andromeda and Stars, Forgive Me have better writing.“ You bite out.

 “I- That’s unfair,” he says. You raise your brow in response. 

“...”

“Fine,” he sighs. “But admit that Andromeda should have been named ‘Space Whores’.”

You squint at him then smile. “Oh abso-posi-tute-ly.”

 “Have you seen this dirty old hockey mask?” You ask, tapping the glass as if the hockey mask would react if you just agitate it enough. 

 “What is that?” Tim asks, looking over your shoulder. His brows crinkles when he sees the mask. “How is that romantic?”

You hum. “Ask the curator?” You suggest, looking around. He was usually out and about. He could never sit still even if he tried. You lean down narrowing your eyes at the plaque. “Says here some dude called Jason terrorized 3 kids over summer.”

“That’s very romantic for our Jay to do.” Tim says, crossing his arms and switching to Cantonese. It was a weird habit but you knew why. Apparently for all Jason’s skill in languages he somehow could not get a handle on Cantonese. 

 “Not that Jason.” You say, smirking. 

“You sure?” Tim asks, leaning closer to you. 

You snicker,  “As in character as that would be...”

“True,” he says, edging closer and closer to you. You rock on your heels nervously at the proximity. “It’s a shame, I thought there would be a machete to match too…” You can feel Tim’s breath on your cheek. 

“OH LOOK AT THIS.” You say twisting away and pointing to a black and white photo. Tim’s hands leave his sides to grab for you, to pin you to his chest, but he has enough self control not to. Instead, he follows you.

“It’s just a man and a woman in business suits. Yanno something you can see in any metropolitan city.”

“Yes but,” you say, tracing a nonsensical pattern into the air, “I’ve heard a story about this, they were both extremely rich and heads of their companies, went from enemies to lovers - my all time favourite.” 

Tim looks closer at the photo of the man and woman with their backs to the camera just holding hands along the NYC sidewalk. It’s cute. “I thought your favorite was lovers to enemies.”

“Well of course, it is! The drama, the absolute tragedy. It’s better than any trope in existence. But I love that this is just black and white. You don’t need anything else to indicate they’re in love with each other.”

Tim is all too tempted to point out that that likely wasn’t intentional, that it was a limitation of the time, but the look in your eyes robbed him of his breath, so he swallowed his thoughts. 

Your eyes rove over the room frantically in search of something. 

“So is there any reason you wanted to go to this exhibit instead of watching lavalantula 10 in theaters?” Tim says, tapping another case. 

You turn to look at him, shock etched into your features.“10? We've seen lavalantula 1 through 9 in theaters? Why did I agree to that?”

“Cus you love me?”

You narrow your eyes at him. “Probably not.”

Tim gives you a hurt look. 

You scowl at him. You have no idea why everyone thinks he’s the nice Wayne sibling. He is a manipulative little shit who plays you like a fiddle. And yet here you are falling for it. An absolute buffoon. 

You grumble an apology under your breath before continuing. “This is more cultural Timmers and lord knows we need more culture.” You wave sarcastically. 

“I think we've lived enough culture.”

“it cannot hurt to experience more Tim,” you snort. He rolls his eyes. You grab onto his arm and look up at him bright eyed. Two can play it at that game. “Please Tim....”

He scowls at you. “Fine-”

“Yes!”

“-but you owe me a movie marathon.”

“Fine. Fine,” you nod, “just don’t pick something dumb.”

“I just got the new star trek box collection.” He beams. 

“You could just shove me into a grave.” You sigh dramatically. 

Tim grins. “The Renaissance called-”

“Oh fuck you, Grackle.”

He snorts and you hate that you fall in love with him more every time he laughs. 

You cross your arms giving him a hard look. “Fine but we have to have an intermission of my choice.” You say, offering a hand. 

“Deal.” He says, shaking your outstretched hand. 

“Great, you've just agreed to watch the Great British Baking Show with me.” You say smug. 

Tim curses himself. 

"Are you still looking for that one painting?"

You tip your body back to look at him, your eyes wide and startled. It takes no time at all for them to shift to their usual angry shape. "Yes," you say quietly. It's Tim’s turn to be startled. Your hands curl into a fist. "It wasn't done and those bastards took it." 

Tim reaches out to put his hand on your shoulder. 

You cast your hands up to the sky dramatically.  "The barbarity of it all!"

Tim smiles, letting his hand fall to his side. You would be ok. 

You two walk on as Tim rants about StarGate  could have had a bigger fanbase if it hadn’t excluded so many people. You add StarGate to the list of things to not remember. 

You stop.

Your heart presses a bruise in your throat. 

Framed in  wood laden in ivy and marigolds is a painting that was painfully familiar.  Even unwashed, you can still see the bright reds of rose petals, the wild greens of the women’s skirts, the brilliant oranges of marigolds, and the blinding whites of cobble stones. The image was a practice in entropy made into perfection. The chaos of Valentine's day in a small town square reduced and captured in an infinitesimal moment.

Damian told you that people had started calling them Warsaw’s Faceless Sweethearts. You hated that.  A part of you wants to scream. You want to tell them that this wasn’t for them. This painting was made for one person and one person only.

You’ve been staring at it too long. Tim looks at you. You’ve known him too long to not know that he’s worried. That he’s feeling that stupid surge of protectiveness he always does when you go quiet. It’s in the cautious way he reaches out to you, slow and steady the way you approach a spooked animal. You want to lash out at him but he’s your Tim. Besides, too much of your mind is trapped in the painting, in the white gazebo, in between the couple who’s stuck in the moment before a kiss. 

Tim stands closer to you, his fingers lacing into yours with centuries worth or practice. He looks at the painting. “This painting looks familiar.” Tim says for the lack of anything better to say. It was yours. He knew that with only a few seconds of looking. 

“I… I don’t think so,” you say clumsily, “that’s definitely not the painting I’ve been looking for. Yup that one looks completely finished. Yup definitely.” You tug at Tim’s arm. 

He gives you a look, staying perfectly in place, before turning back to the painting. His gaze draws low. In a glass case sits scraps of paper lined with charcoal.  It takes an embarrassingly long time for Tim to realize that they’re sketches the artist did. Tim recognized the baker, the blacksmith, the seamstress, and even the constable. Most glaring of all he recognizes your marigolds.  His eyes drift to the sketches of the couple in  the gazebo. They were numerous, haphazard and unsatisfied. You were clearly frustrated with the groom’s face. Tim wonders who the poor guy could be. 

In the corner of the page in the center, he sees it.  “Wait… is that me?”

“NO!”

“Is that you?” He asks, pointing to the figure next to his. In the sketch, your lips are brushing against his. Tim’s lip tingles trying to replicate the sensation. 

You’re frozen stiff. You try to pull your hand away. You want to bury your face in them. Scratch that, you wanna be buried six feet under. Tim doesn’t let go of your hand. 

“That’s the umbrella you lost back in London.”

“I lost a lot in London, Timmy.” 

“Well...” Ok. Yeah, you did. Hence why he can’t get you to London even with the promise of letting you ‘improve’ Buckingham palace. But that isn’t the point. “(Y/n), this is gorgeous.” He says, turning to you. You look at him stunned and scared. He squeezes your hand.

You shake yourself out of his grip. Tim lets you. He knows when to back down. 

You step forward leaning on the rope separating you from your work. “I told you it wasn't finished.” You say, glaring at the painting as if willing the colors to move. 

“What happened?” He asks, bumping his shoulder against yours.

You bump your shoulder against his. “Warsaw.”

“I don’t follow.”

“That little town in Warsaw. It was kind of hard to finish the painting when soldiers were setting fires to houses. Ok, they didn’t do it directly but there was smoke.”

“Yeah kind of.” Tim agrees, smiling sadly. He looks back at the painting. “I want to keep it.”

“What?” You blink not quite following the shift in conversation. 

“Darling, I think we should have it. It’s ours after all.” Tim says holding your hand in his. Your mind is bouncing between too many things. He called you darling. He’s holding your hand. He’s smiling so sweetly at you. You’re addicted to that look in his eyes, pure unadulterated adoration. 

You cover your face with your free hand, feeling the smile on your face go uncomfortable wide. You feel something on your forehead, a kiss like a raindrop. It comes again and you feel like you’re going to collapse. 

“It’s yours..” He trails off hesitantly. “..if..” You look up at Tim, waiting with bated breath. Tim squeezes your hands. “...if you’ll be mine. ”

@batarella​, @anothertimdrakestan​, @lucy-roo​, @multifandomgirl-us​, @bungunz​, @birdy-bat-writes​,  @boosyboo9206​, @americasmarauders​ , @l-inkage​, @arestorationofbalance​ , @cloudie-skay​, @wunderstell​   @hyp-oh-critical​ @glorified-red​

[omg-imagine]

Forget Me Not (Part 12/15)

Pairing: Keanu Reeves x Reader

Summary: After you wake up from a coma and realize that your memories from the last five years have been erased, Keanu works to bring back what you have lost.

Words: 4.7k

Warnings: Angst, language

A/N: Kinda nervous posting again since it’s been a while, but we’re winding down to the end of this story with only three more parts to go (2 chapters + an epilogue). As always, feedback is appreciated. Thanks for sticking around, and I hope you enjoy!

Part 11

Home.

You are home. It’s supposed to be home.

But it wasn’t. To you, it couldn’t be. 

This place feels too far from home, too foreign. You had no memories of it, no recollection of the safety and security it offers. Not even the faintest remembrance of the laughter, smiles, and tears; the fondness and the sadness these four walls have witnessed over the years. 

You can’t call it home. You don’t know where home is, and you’re not sure you have one anymore. 

Not after leaving him behind.

It’s cold and dark when you first wake, sleep weighing heavily in your eyes. A pair of curtains block out the sun from filtering into the room, leaving you to wonder if you had slept through half the day. With a yawn, you stretch, the bed underneath creaking as your body fully rouses from yet another night of fitful slumber. Almost a month back in New York, and it doesn’t make sense to keep blaming your lack of energy on the time difference.

The ache is still ever-present. The pain caused by the void in your heart remains, sharply throbbing in your chest with its refusal to go away. Two heartbreaks, two betrayals, occurring five years apart, but it feels as though not much time has passed in-between. 

It hurts to ponder about it, that evening when your seemingly perfect little world came crashing down. Hiding behind rose-tinted glasses, you were unknowingly tricked, fully caught up in a well-crafted illusion. His illusion. Love has blinded you to the sad reality, and in the end, it left you a shattered mess, a hollow shell of your former self.

You doubt you’ll ever be whole again.

Forcing yourself out from under the covers, you reach for your phone on the nightstand to check the time before scrolling through your notifications. Nothing was of interest to you, fortunately; you didn’t have the energy to respond to those you suddenly abandoned. Friends who cared about you but realized you were never close to them. Not in the way it used to be.

As you skimmed over the new texts and emails, you then came across his now unsaved number. The moment you stepped on the plane, you deleted his contact from your phone and blocked him. Yet the last messages he sent to you were still there and haven’t been read since, though you already knew what they could entail—

I’m sorry.

It was never my intention to hurt you.

Please give me another chance.

Let me fix this.

Just come back, Y/N. Come back home.

Home. There was that damn word again. You were beginning to loathe it, even more so knowing that whenever you think of home, you wind up thinking of him.

The last time you saw him was the morning after the storm. Booking a one-way ticket back to the east coast, you then spent the early hours packing as many clothes that would fit in a single suitcase. Tears had long since dried up, having none left as you headed down the stairs, ignoring the look he gave you from afar.

He was dressed in the outfit he had on the night prior; his hair disheveled, eyes bloodshot, and it was quite obvious he endured no sleep. Your resolve nearly crumbles as your gazes connect, bodies close enough that he could reach out the slightest bit, and he’d be holding your hand in the palm of his. 

Fighting the urge, you didn’t cave in. You couldn’t allow yourself to fall for it—for him. 

No, never again.

As expected, he followed you out of the house, remaining quiet as he watched the cab driver load your luggage in the trunk. You paid him no attention when he approached the vehicle once you climbed in, wanting nothing more than to escape this nightmare. With nowhere else to go and no one to turn to, you decided it was best to leave California, not that you belonged there anyway.

It played out like a scene from a movie—the taxi pulling out of the driveway slowly as the raindrops started to fall. Hearing him call out your name, his voice cracking with each syllable, made you hesitate for a beat. Perhaps you could forgive him, you had thought in that split-second. Forgive and forget; let what happened in the past stay in the past. 

But even if you did, the pain’s still there, and it was overpowering. This pain resulting from his deception had been too consuming, too unbearable to move on.

You told the driver to hurry as you couldn’t afford to miss your flight.

The atmosphere in the car was fraught with grim silence. As the house sequestered in the hills vanishes in the rearview mirror, you knew you were running away from it all. You couldn’t stand being here in LA, where every turn, every corner, and every street reminds you of a life that wasn’t truly yours. 

As idyllic it once was, you wanted no part of it anymore. Instead, you sought for familiarity, the life you used to have, the one you could only remember. 

What you thought was your real home.

Unable to hold it in any longer, you had broken down in the backseat, never feeling more alone than you did at that moment.

You wish you could forget, but it’s not that easy. It’s never easy. Memories of him linger in your mind, still tragically fresh as they haunt you day in and day out. Closing your eyes, you could see him wearing this smile that used to make your stomach flutter. You came to love his smile the same way you had loved him wholly. 

Now? Seeing it was a stab to the heart—a reminder of how he took advantage of your condition, your vulnerability. Of every lie you were fed. That smile, the one you previously hoped to wake up to for the rest of your life, had been an act, a facade. 

Everything had been a facade.

A sudden knock on the door startles you, and you clicked off the phone screen before announcing to whoever that they could come in. Your mother Nancy enters soon after, her face displaying concern when she realizes you had just woken up. She’s silent as she walks towards the window and then pushes the curtains aside, the sunlight outside immediately washing over the room. 

Briefly, you squint to adjust to the brightness, a confirmation that it was past noon already—another wasted day.

“Hey, darling,” she speaks softly as she moves to sit on the mattress beside you. “How are you doing?”

There’s no point in lying, but as much as you greatly appreciated her caringness, you didn’t want to burden her with your problems. They were yours to deal with and yours alone. 

“Better.” And that, you were. Just a week ago, you finally stopped crying yourself to sleep. “I might even go out tomorrow and look for a job. Can’t keep freeloading under your roof, right?”

You release a half-chuckle, a small attempt to lighten up the mood. It was comforting when your mother cracks a smile in response.

“Oh, hush. You’re always welcome to stay as long as you need to,” she assures, a loving warmth radiating from her tone. 

Lips pressing together, you sense that she has another thing to address. “What’s wrong?”

Nancy pauses to take a breath, shoulders rising and falling. For some reason, you’re on edge, finding yourself bracing for what was to come.

“Have you spoken to Keanu lately?”

Upon hearing his name, you swallowed away the lump in your throat. After telling your parents what had transpired, it stirred up various emotions—mainly anger from your father, sorrow from your mom. Their hearts sank as you recounted the story, tears blurring your eyes that you couldn’t see their faces. It was a good thing, however; you probably wouldn’t have reached the end.

Since then, they’ve refrained from speaking of him and to him. He’s called the house on a few occasions but could never get past the automated answering machine. Pictures of the two of you hanging on the walls were taken down shortly after the revelation, and you were unsure of who had done it. 

Your parents still couldn’t believe he was capable of such a thing. He had played them the same way you were, twisting the truth and omitting facts. Painting himself in a way that made them think allowing you to stay with him was the best decision when just months before he treated you as if you didn’t matter. 

As if he didn’t love you.

“No.” Curt, you had nothing else to say. 

“He’s a persistent one, I’ll tell you that. Left another message last night,” Nancy comments, feeling her stare as you fiddled with the hands in your lap. The next time she speaks, it’s slow and controlled. She’s careful with her words, wary of how you would react to what she has to say. “Hon, the last time you were here, you told me something. Something that I probably should have mentioned the day you woke up in the hospital.”

You tense, eyes flickering up to hers. “What is it?”

She sighs deeply, her smile fleeting and replaced by a taut frown. “I knew you and Keanu were having… problems. Not the full story, but enough that told me you’ve been unhappy for a while.”

“W-Why didn’t you bring this up then?”

“Because the second I saw him in your hospital room, I could see how much he loves you. How scared he was at the thought of nearly losing you—”

“Pfft, sure he was,” you scoff at the statement in disbelief. “What he did—you don’t do that to someone you love. You don’t lie to them, betray them. Hell, if you had given me a heads up earlier, then it would have saved me all this trouble.”

“Y/N—”

“Don’t you get it? He’s an actor. Of course, he’s good at playing pretend. Got us all believing that things were all sunshine and rainbows. He fucked up and fucked up even more by lying. I’ve always had a bad track record in relationships, so I shouldn’t have been too surprised.”

Tension hangs thickly in the air, an apology murmured at the end of a passing second. You didn’t mean to snap at your mother, to let the anger and betrayal consume you that you began taking it out on others although unwillingly. 

But you were just too goddamn hurt. Every day, the memories are suffocating you despite constantly wishing and pleading for them to disappear. That life, the one you had with Keanu, no longer exists, and yet you were still holding onto the frayed remains of it, not ready to move on—to let go. 

You grieve. You grieve and mourn for the recent past, the happiness and love you experienced in the time you were left unaware. Never have you felt so complete, so content, and much at ease. You had turned a blind eye to the signs, to the small inklings of doubt brewing inside because you thought that there was no way you could get something else as close to this.

Perhaps you were both to blame after all.

“I thought he was different,” you whisper, sorrow flowing from your words. “I thought he was the one. The man I’d settle down with, marry, and then maybe someday, be the father of my kids. We’d build an entire life together, a family, a future. The kind of life where I could look back on it fifty years from now when we’re old and gray and not regret a single thing.”

Feeling your mother’s hand come on top of yours with a light squeeze, you fought off the tears forcing their way from your eyes. You swore you would never shed a tear for Keanu ever again, but you are crumbling from within. The weak walls you put up are now tumbling down, leaving you even more vulnerable than before. 

“I want to hate him. I want him to feel my pain and suffer through it, knowing that he’s the reason why. But I can’t. Somehow, I just can’t.”

“It’s because you still love him. No matter how much it hurts, you’re still in love with him,” Nancy adds solemnly, and you nod shakily. “You’re healing, dear. So far, all you’ve done is put on a bandaid, but it doesn’t mean the wound closes up immediately. It’ll burn, it’ll bleed, and it’ll ache, and right now, that’s what you’re feeling; the pain of a fresh open wound.”

“Make the pain stop,” you mumbled incoherently as you lean against your mom’s side, wet cheeks pressed to her shoulder. “It has to stop.”

“And it will,” she promises, listening to your soft and tired cries. “It’ll take time for the wound to heal, but eventually, it will. Until then, life continues, and you would have to as well. You don’t have to go all-in right away, but don’t let this heartbreak hinder you from living, sweetie. You’re strong, and I believe you will feel that same happiness again, in one form or another. But you won’t find it unless you go out and look for it.”

For the first time in what seemed like a while, you felt something other than loss and despair. It creeps into you slowly, half-expecting a cold, crushing weight to fall heavily on your chest rather than the warmth and light it is. But as quickly as it came, the sensation subsides, a wave of loneliness, emptiness filling the vacant space surrounding your heart.

A shuddering breath released, you then reflect upon what your mother said about time and how time heals all wounds. You wonder how much time is needed until you can finally break free from the remnants of the past and breathe again. Could be days, weeks, or even months more, but it’s right there, waiting for you on the horizon. 

You may not have a place to call home, but what you do have is time.

---

Seconds turn into minutes; minutes turn into hours. The sun sets, the moon rises; bright, blues skies bleed into a fiery red before dimming to an inky darkness. The world spins on its axis as people wake, move, then sleep, and the cycle begins all over again.

Two weeks have come and gone, and life pushes onward. You could tell by the scenery outside where the season of fall has taken charge of the Northeast. Days are shorter, with nights stretching out longer as the year fades into winter. Time was flying by at a brisk pace. Very soon, a blanket of snow will cover the ground you walk on, reminding you to take a step back and admire the natural beauty of mid-November.

The crispness of the late afternoon air is refreshing as it fills your lungs, a welcome change from the hazy summer heat. Leaves that were once lively shades of green are now painted in deep hues of amber and burgundy, and they crunch beneath your boots with each leisure step down the earthy path. The nearby lake is as pristine as ever, sparkling freely underneath the rays of the ochre sun as it waits for the impending frost.

Wandering about outdoors for hours now, you were lost in your stream of thoughts. You honestly felt better, not entirely mended, but just enough that you can step out of the house and explore the quaint little town. A picturesque place, it was a perfect settlement for your retired parents where everyone knew everybody; their faces, names, the street they lived on. Boilding down to more personal details such as knowing the pets they owned, which book club they’re a part of, and any recent travels. 

When the townsfolk saw you, you sensed the feeling of familiarity. Those you passed by in the streets waved at you, and though you couldn’t exactly recall your relationship with them, it made you smile. Recently, old friends and family in the area had begun reaching out after hearing you were back. You never gave them the full explanation, only revealing that things in California did not work out, and you figured it was best to leave. 

Was it a permanent decision? Most likely. Life here is simpler, quieter. You enjoyed the peacefulness, favoring the calm atmosphere of this town much over the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. It gave you space to think, to focus, to breathe. To reacquaint with yourself, rebuild who you are as a person by taking this journey of self-discovery. 

It’s the brand new start you desperately wanted, needed. An opportunity to find your place in this world without the past holding you back. Without the shadow of the woman you once were looming over you. And if your memories don’t ever return, which deep down, you hope they never would, you would be fine with it. 

You were tired of being stuck searching pieces of the past. You had to live.

Trekking up the gravel road leading to your parents’ home, a black car sits on top of the hill, one that you did not recognize. Perplexed, you approached the house with hesitant steps, dragging your feet through the pile of dead and dry leaves. There was a moment of panic when you noticed a man sitting on the front porch steps, hands clasped on his knees as he hung his head low, a curtain of dark hair masking his identity.

But you don’t need to think twice, for you already know who it is.

“Keanu?”

His name slipping out of your mouth feels different now. Gone is the affectionate tone that it was usually spoken in. It held no meaning, void of any warmth or tenderness. Keanu, the name is bitter on your tongue, a poison that could cause you to spiral down yet again, and saying it out loud brought upon a rage that swirls through your veins.

How dare he show up here unannounced?

As you take your breaths, one… two… three... and out, Keanu straightens his posture and meets your stern glare. Slowly, he gets up, the expression on his face hard to read. But aside from that, he looked worse for wear. The bags underneath his eyes were dark and prominent, the beard on his chin was unruly and untamed. He appears gaunt and exhausted, as if he hasn’t slept a wink ever since you walked out of the door and out of his life.

“What the hell are you doing here?” You’re the first to break the thick silence, a testament of your bravery and strength of some sort. Brows furrowing and teeth gritting in anger, it contrasts with Keanu’s lax demeanor as he steps closer. “No, stay back. You have no right to be here right now.”

“Y/N, please...” He speaks calmly, each and every one of his movements measured. “I’m not here to fight—”

“I have nothing to say to you,” you seethed, shaking your head as you stormed past him and towards the door. Tears brew in your cloudy eyes, a sign of how much he still affected you. Seeing him again after all this time only proved that the wound he had inflicted bleeds to this day.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Keanu quickly trails from behind, his voice dripping with utter desperation. “Please, just… give me a chance to talk. All you have to do is listen, and I promise you won’t ever have to see me again.”

The seriousness in his timbre causes you to halt in your tracks. Swallowing dryly, you turn around, sad, tired eyes reaching his guilt-filled ones. Keanu stands before you with a face written in despair, making him barely recognizable. The way he’s staring at you as if he’s hopeless and in pure anguish is unsettling, and you almost pitied him for it. 

“Y/N…” He pleads softly, defeatedly. “Hear me out, please.”

You wrestled between your options, half apathetic, half curious of what Keanu had to say. Unspoken words on the tip of his tongue, he mutely begs for you to relent, and if this is all it takes for him to leave you alone, leave you for good, then so be it.

“Ten minutes,” you muttered, low enough that he barely catches it at first. Crossing your arms against your chest, the gentle autumn wind rustling through the trees pierces the silent air as you observe Keanu staggering forward, a hand rubbing at the nape of his neck. 

“I’m sorry,” he begins, gazing at you with his searching brown eyes. “I-I know saying it a thousand times won’t make a difference, but I really am sorry. What I did before and after the accident was inexcusable and selfish. I hurt you, and I will never forgive myself that. Don’t expect you to do so, either. You probably hate my guts right now, and flying out here might be a mistake, but I needed to talk to you in person. To say goodbye one last time.”

Brushing his hair back, Keanu then pads over to the trunk of the car, and all you can do is wait for him to come back. It doesn’t take long, but he makes two trips to unload two boxes, setting each of them down in the space separating you two. He instantly notices the confusion etched across your features, burying his hands in his coat pocket with an exhale.

“Are those—”

“All the things you left behind,” Keanu finishes feebly. “Thought you would want them back.”

Stunned, a mirthless chuckle escapes your throat. “You didn’t have to do this. Those aren’t my things anyway.”

“But they are—”

“They’re not mine,” you cut him off with a weary gaze. “Keanu, I’ve said this before; I’m not the woman you fell in love with. Not anymore. Look, throughout those months we spent together, I tried to fit into this life everyone told me I had. A life that’s far from what I was used to. God, it feels like a dream being her. So confident, happy, and successful. Waking up from the coma, of course, I would want that. I had just gotten out of a terrible relationship which left me broken and unworthy of anything and anyone. Then you showed me the love I thought I didn’t deserve, and it kept me from realizing that it was all too good to be true.”

Eyes faltering to the ground, your fingers fumbled with the hem of your sweater, ultimately distracting yourself from the tears threatening to fall. “The truth is, I didn’t know you. You were, are, a stranger to me. You had done things behind my back, hid details that would have been a deal-breaker, but you didn’t care. I’ve thought about it a lot lately; would I have stayed if you told me from the very beginning. I wasn’t sure if I was madder at you kissing someone else, knowing how much it would hurt me, or the fact that you lied to fix this—us.”

There is a moment of silence that weighs over everything. The wind stops blowing; the leaves are motionless. Time seems to slow around you and Keanu as he waits for your next words. Words that you are still searching for since you hadn’t prepared to voice those thoughts out loud. They all came rushing, flooding like a broken dam, too overwhelming to keep at bay. 

“Which one is it?” Keanu probes delicately, equally afraid of which answer you’re going to give.

“Neither,” you revealed, surprisingly. “I’m angrier at myself for falling too fast; for being the naive little girl who let herself be fooled, who refused to listen to her instincts even though she knew they were usually right.”

You see Keanu open his mouth to speak, but you weren’t done. “I always believed this accident was a curse. It erased years worth of memories that, at this point, I’ll never get back. But now, I see the good that came out of it. Our fights, our arguments, they were all signs that our relationship was falling apart, but I couldn’t let go of it—of you. I held onto us thinking the bad will just phase out eventually when in reality, I couldn’t bear giving up on you and this life we shared.”

Another pause. “Huh, funny. Looking at it, the same thing happened all over again.”

With that said, you felt relieved, somewhat lighter. Despite previous inclinations, you didn’t shout or yell at Keanu. Nor did you discuss to the fullest extent of the suffering you’ve endured. Strangely, it was nearly therapeutic admitting all of that to him, to yourself. For months, you had been unable to let go and accept the truth, allowing fear and doubt to control your actions. 

But that was then, and this is now. 

And now, it was time for you to be free.

“Guess this is it,” Keanu sighs dejectedly. He didn’t come here to win you back, knowing there’s nothing that he could do or say to repair the damage. Like you, he’s letting go, letting this be the closure he needs, and you need as well. “I guess this is goodbye.”

“Yeah,” you agreed quietly, “Guess this is goodbye.”

Before you could leave his sight to spare Keanu the awkwardness, he holds up a finger, signaling you to wait a second. Swiftly, he goes to retrieve something that’s lying on the front seat, something that you’ve spent countless hours flipping through. He then reluctantly passes it over to you, and you’re unsure what to do with it.

“Your pictures,” he points out, though you were already aware. “I’m not trying to be an asshole or anything by giving this, but this book is yours. Keep it, burn it, do whatever seems right to you. But I want you to know, to remember, that I did love you. I still do, and these photos are proof of it, even if you can’t bring yourself to believe that I’m telling the truth. You deserve love and to be loved, Y/N. More than anything in the universe. I fucked up my chance to be the one to tell you that every day, but it doesn’t mean the next person you fall for will.”

“Ke…” your voice suddenly breaks with emotion, uncertain of what to add after his statement. It’s because you still love him. No matter how much it hurts, you’re still in love with him, your mother’s earlier words echo in your mind, ringing true in your heart. Even after everything, a piece of you still loved Keanu, and saying goodbye to him more painful than you anticipated.

As you stand frozen, Keanu inches nearer until he’s by your feet, the palm of his hand coming to rest on your cheek. He strokes your face with a tender caress before tilting your chin upwards to meet his gaze, brushing his thumb along your lower lip gently. You allow him to have this moment, to hold you and study you for a final time, commit you to memory as this would be the last. 

Eyes fluttering shut, you feel him press a soft kiss on your forehead, the warmth of it immediately spreading throughout your body before he slowly pulls away.

“Take care of yourself, Y/N,” Keanu says, opening the driver’s side door of his rental. You look at each other once more and see the subtle, hopeful smile he shoots your way. “And don’t be afraid to love again.”

You watch as he starts driving away, opting to wait until the car is finally out of view before releasing the breath you didn’t know you were holding. 

In your hands is a keepsake of your memories. A collection of captured moments that you had cherished so dearly. But things are different now; mistakes were made, words were said, people have grown apart. You found no reason to linger in the past when there’s nothing left to salvage. 

Nothing left to do but heal.

The warmth of Keanu’s kiss eventually disappears, the world around you unpausing, continuing as it was before. You stay standing in place, glancing back and forth between the book you clutched on tightly and the boxes laying on the ground. 

Yet in the quietude, the wind still blows. The leaves still fall, and the earth still spins.

Time resumes, bit by bit; passing for life to move forward— 

For you to move on.

Part 13

Tags: @penwieldingdreamer​ @fanficsrusz​ @toomanystoriessolittletime​ @awessomness @meetmeinthematinee​ @ringa-starr​ @ficsnroses​ @iworshipkeanureeves​ @keandrews​ @greenmanalishi​ @feminine-machinegun​ @thehumanistsdiary​ @lilyette​​ @rdjloverxxx @flaminasteroid @danceoftwowolves @ravenpuff02 @wheretheriversrunintothesea​​ @breakthenight​​ @allie1804-fan​​ @partypoison00​​

[lassieposting]

Does Lucifer have ptsd? I remember that a cast member said that S5 Lucifer would have it but I haven’t seen it yet, unless they mean after God shows up. Which I think is possible considering Lucifer’s reactions towards his mother.

Okay so, I am not a psychologist and can only really speak to my own experience with certain aspects of PTSD, so I’m gonna use the symptom criteria given by the mental health charity Mind, which goes thusly: 

Reliving aspects of what happened

This can include : 

vivid flashbacks - we’ve seen Lucifer have one of these, when he Goddess reveals that Chloe is a miracle. 

intrusive thoughts or images - his constant fear that his dad is controlling/targeting/manipulating him probably qualifies

intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma - Lucifer gets very upset and stressed about how humanity sees him and that his father essentially vilified him for eternity as well as throwing him into hell

Alertness and feeling on edge

This can include: 

hypervigilance - there’s a screenshot of Linda’s file for Lucifer that mentions he feels “paralyzed” struggles to relax because he feels like he’s being watched constantly by God. 

lack of sleep or disturbed sleep - the same screenshot mentions sleep issues and that he can, presumably, lay awake worrying “for hours before falling asleep” (apparently he’s also iron-deficient, which...probably ties in with the fact that hell doesn’t get a lot of sunlight)

being easily upset or angry - just look at how upset he gets whenever someone says “the devil made me do it”

avoiding feelings or memories

which includes: 

avoiding anything that reminds you of the trauma - see: repeated, messy amateur-hour wing amputation because he can’t stand to be reminded of what he was/what he lost or to be linked to his father again

feeling emotionally numb or cut off from your feelings - the man hasn’t emotionally matured in billions of years

self-destructive or reckless tendencies - i mean. lucifer’s self-destructive spirals are legendary. like the time he tried to goad that rookie into shooting him, or the time he stood in front of a sniper and begged him to shoot and nobody ever mentioned it again

inability to express affection - he can’t tell chloe he loves her. if he says it out loud, it makes it real, and she becomes something his father can take away from him and know it will hurt him. as long as he doesn’t say it, he’s got some plausible deniability, he can pretend he doesn’t care. also, while he’s getting a lot better about it, early seasons lucifer clearly doesn’t understand nonsexual physical affection (i.e. being hugged) and his attempts to express affection to chloe are often mistimed, inappropriate or bizarre. this is a man who’s grown up in a completely loveless environment. he didn’t know how to love or be loved. humanity had to teach him. 

alcohol and drug use - lmao. “Only if you call ingesting millions of dollars worth of cocaine a problem. I call it a Tuesday.”

difficult beliefs or feelings

which includes: 

feeling like you can’t trust anyone - his reaction to chloe’s betrayal in 1x13, when she tries to arrest him. it’s been a while since I watched the ep, but he says something like “The one person I trusted - you - I thought you were different. I was wrong.”

feeling like nowhere is safe - again, that screenshot. he thinks he’s being watched All The Time. his own family has repeatedly tried to kill him. he’s never been allowed to feel safe on earth before because he was always trying to outrun amenadiel showing up to drag him back to hell. him choosing to stay and make los angeles his home - and then fighting for it when lux was at risk of being demolished - was a huge step for him.

feeling like nobody understands - he’s outright said this to chloe and linda a few times. “why bother [talking to chloe about his problems]? you won’t believe me anyway, you think everything i say is a metaphor.” and the “how can you possibly presume to know god’s intentions? stick within the limits of your own intellectual capacity” conversation

there’s also complex ptsd (c-ptsd), wherein sufferers experience ptsd symptoms as well as additional issues such as: 

feeling permanently damaged or worthless - clearly. early seasons lucifer can’t conceive of a relationship that doesn’t revolve around a human wanting something from him; sex, or a favour, or a desire fulfilled. it doesn’t even occur to him that he’s loveable in his own right, the only value he assigns himself as a person comes from what he can do for or give to others. lucifer is very vain, but he also uses that vanity to hide his non-existent self-esteem. 

feeling like nobody can understand what happened to you - i mean, he’s kind of justified here in that what happened to him was eons of torture and divine retribution, and nobody can understand because a) we don’t live that long and b) the majority of his human friends think he’s harmlessly insane, but he’s said as much to chloe and linda

avoiding friendships and relationships, or finding them difficult - until chloe, lucifer’s relationships with humanity had all been surface-level sexual liaisons with no attachment or commitment. “the best night of my life”, say all those people in their interviews with chloe, but none of them considered it to mean anything, even though it clearly meant something to lucifer. he pushes people away or flees when they get too close, because he’s terrified of emotional intimacy. he’s terrified that they’ll eventually realise that he’s evil and worthless and all the things humanity says he is, and that he doesn’t deserve their love. poor thing has been in therapy for years to try and navigate Baby’s First Friendship. lucifer is naturally sociable, but he’s so traumatized and messed up from the billions of years of solitary confinement that he’s terrified of connecting with people even as he’s desperate for it

suicidal feelings - we’ve had at least two onscreen suicide attempts, even though neither was ever really addressed by his loved ones. both times he tried to goad someone into shooting him, knowing that chloe was nearby and that he was vulnerable; he knew he would be killed if either gunman took the shot. he even tells amenadiel he was trying to achieve a “nice, messy” death. 

in conclusion: yeah he’s traumatized as fuck, god barging into his life after several billion years of abuse and abandonment is probably gonna fuck him up hard, and someone should address his suicidal tendencies. like...@chloe wrap your devil in a blanket and cuddle him, maybe? he’s Sad? look after him? 

[lebrookestore]

revolution part I; resonance

Pairings: Nakamoto Yuta x reader, slight Dong Sicheng x reader

Themes: post apocalyptic au, dystopian au, angst, slight humour

Warnings: death, night terrors, heavy angst, implications of torture, alterations to humans, war, mentions of nuclear bombing, betrayal, slightly psychotic characters, blood, PG15

Navigation + Poster

Character Guide

WC: 13.8k

Tag List: @danishmiilk​ @alicanta77​​ @kiri-ah​​ @stayinzencity​​ @astroboy-lele​ @skaterboysunghoon​ @tinytaehyunguwu​ @chicksung​​ @badwithten​​ @svchengss​ @rouiyan​​

Authors Note: I really love this fic, though there’s not much romance in this part. Thank you to @danishmiilk​  and  @chicksung​ for beta reading! I would love to hear your review and any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

A guard dragged a girl’s body across the ground, holding her harshly by the vest she wore. Her body writhed and shook electricity crackling over her skin. He threw her on top of the pile of bodies that sat in front of him. He looked at her limp frame, as it slid down the pile, twitching.

“Now what”, he asked gruffly into the speaker on his chest. The crackling was the only thing to be heard for a few minutes before the sound of someone clearing their throat filled the silence.

“Throw them into the water”, the voice said confidently, “It’ll destroy them”

“But sir-” “They’re failed experiments”, it said smoothly, “They need to be destroyed”

“Sir, but the girl”, the guard said, “She’s-”

“Throw her too”, it said in a sing-song voice, “the water will kill all of them, including her. They’re all still somewhat human, after all”

The guard didn’t respond, doubting the man's choices.

“MK 02”, the voice continued, “She needs to be destroyed, she’s been tampered with and if she’s left to live, she will be dangerous”

I know she’s human, he silently screamed in mental agony, I know who she is, I know everything!

The guard swallowed the lump in his throat, “Yes sir”, he said shakily, opening one of the doors to the left, pressing a few buttons, and taking one last glance at the pile. This was his job, but he felt guilty, especially for the girl, who had been with him since he was little, until he was roped out of the experiment. The last time he saw her, she was twelve, eyes full of fear as she was pulled into the labs, her screams resounding through the common room. The first experiment, the one that was most experimented on, the most damaged one.

He was lucky, lucky to have escaped that living hell, unlike many of the other children he had grown up with. 

Luck was the only thing that had separated him from the rest. His hands shook pathetically above the final step, regret pulsing through his veins as everything he had done came rushing back to him. Ever since he joined the other side of the project, he had become the villain, he turned against his friends, his family. Impulsively, he grabbed a mask, fitting it over the girl’s face, snapping the straps back in place. She was the only one he was able to save.

Pressing the final button, the door opened completely, pulling the pile of bodies into the water, the green murky liquid washing over the people he knew and loved at one point, gone forever.

He let out a shaky breath, a single tear rolling down his face as he slumped down into his uniform, as he pulled off his gloves, fisting his completely metal fingers. He had managed to hide it all these years, and he felt more selfish than he had ever felt right at that moment.

Because he belonged in that pile of bodies, floating around to their death.

TWO YEARS LATER

~

Confined. 

You couldn’t think properly, your body twisted in an almost Inhuman position in the small confinement, begging to be released. You felt wet, sluggish, and trapped, in what, you didn’t know.

You moved around frantically, trying to grab something, but you were met with the smooth walls of your entrapment, metal, and cold. You couldn’t open your eyes, the liquid was heavy, weighing you down. You pushed upwards, sliding your arms upwards until your fingers felt free, out of the liquid. Your fingers curled around the edge of whatever this was and using all your strength, you pulled yourself up. You felt weak, if you slipped, or let go, you wouldn’t be able to pull yourself up again. 

Feeling cold air hit your skin, you gasped, opening your eyes and scanning your surroundings. You seemed to be in some sort of containment room, barrels everywhere. It was dark and musty. You climbed out of the can you were in stumbling and falling. You heaved, taking in deep breaths as you realized you were coated head to two with whatever that was in that barrel. It was a slimy substance, thick and cool. You took a deep breath, shakily getting to your feet, using your arm to wipe away the liquid from your forehead. You focused on the faded words on the surface.

RADIOACTIVE

You stared in confusion, trying to put together the pieces. You got to your feet, swaying on them as you tried to regain your balance. Your head was pounding, you couldn’t think straight. 

Where were you?

‘Commence clean out’, a voice over the PA system droned, making you stumble back, wondering what was happening. You heard footsteps approaching, making you stagger back into the shadows of the room, behind the very barrel you climbed out of.

You didn’t know what was happening, but you knew one thing, you weren’t supposed to be there. They would find you.

In a split-second decision, you climbed back into the barrel of the liquid, bracing yourself, before submerging yourself back into it. You felt the barrel being picked up and carried, the swinging sensation making your insides twist in discomfort. You felt weightless for a minute before you realized you had been thrown into something.

Resisting the urge to scream, you clambered out of the barrel again, realizing you were in some sort of sewage system. The water around was a murky green color, washing off whatever you had on your body, how well it washed it off, you didn’t know.

The need to breathe became apparent as you felt shooting pains through your chest, a hacking feeling making you want to struggle for air. Moving your hands and feet frantically, you somehow made it to the surface, gasping once again as you made contact with the air, grasping at the edge of the sewer, to the little piece of cement that worked as a walking platform. You climbed on top of it, feeling dizzy and blank until you came to a conclusion.

You didn’t know where the fuck you were.

You walked down the sewers, using the wall as support, as you balanced on the thin ledge. It felt like it went on forever until your fingers grazed over some metal. You looked to your left, making sure you weren’t going to fall off, and tried feeling around that area of the wall. You made out several prongs, at equal distances from each other.

A ladder.

You tightened your hold around bars, pulling yourself up and eyeballing your feet placement. Climbing up the ladder was harder than you anticipated, considering it was dark and you had to rely completely on your sense of touch. You almost missed the next bar, miscalculating the distance and almost falling off. You reached out your arm for the next prong but was met with nothing. You stretched again, but instead of the typical ladder, you were met with a slab of metal right above you. Panicking, you pushed hard, desperate now to escape.

It shook, moving up a little, before sliding back into place. You pushed it again, hard and fast, causing it to move out of place completely, letting a sliver of bright light shine through the crack created. You pushed it to the side, climbing out of the sewer and emerging into-

Darkness?

It wasn’t darkness, but the sky was a dark colour, and bright white lights shone from the sides of the street, illuminating the damp settings. You seemed to be in some sort of alleyway, wedged between two tall buildings. There was a door to your left, some sort of back entrance. You had no other choice than to try and get in, you had nowhere else to go.

Where did you belong?

The question rang out loud and clear in your mind, like an alarm bell. You felt exhausted and confused. 

You found yourself in a sort of tunnel, the ceiling curved in. Your footsteps echoed as you walked in cautiously taking in your surroundings. At the end of the room was a door, will a small peephole. Running a little, you pressed up against the door, looking through said peephole. 

It was bright, people walking around in lab coats and stethoscopes hanging from their necks, special glasses that shielded their eyes from something. Due to this you couldn’t make out anyone’s features, but one thing was certain.

You didn’t belong here.

You were certain of it. You skin crawled at the sight, every instinct telling you to leave, to run, but to where? Where would you go? You didn’t even know where you were.

Of course, you remembered who you were, where you came from, what you had been through, but it felt like you had been out of it for a long time, like you weren’t supposed to even be standing. 

Walking away from the door, you looked around, trying to find another way in. If you walked through that door, you would stick out like a sore thumb in your dark clothing, that was stained and covered in the substance you had been in. You sighed, scanning the area for an exit, or rather an entrance. 

You spotted a vent of some sort. Walking to it and crouching down, you figured you would be able to crawl through it easily. Opening it, you crawled into it, closing it from the inside. Every movement produced a clanging sound, but you tried to be as quiet as possible as you made your way through the narrow space. On all fours, you used your forearms to maneuver around the vent, dredging the rest of your body along.

Some light entered the vent a few feet away from you, you crawled towards it, and it turned out to be an exit. You looked down at the room below through the slits in the metal, making sure there was no one in the room, before you removed the entrance, carefully dropping through. You landed on your feet, but a pain shot up your right leg, making you wince as you clutched it.

In front of you were computers, many of them. One has some sort of data loading on it, the others has blueprints of some sort, and documents. On the table lay printed our blueprints, of some sort of structure, a machine. You tilted your head, picking up the prints and studying them. In the corner, the number 3000 was printed out, presumably referring to the number of these machines that they wanted to make.

They were built like humans, with limbs and feet, basic features on the face part. They seemed have have weapons inbuilt into them.

They were made for war.

You placed the papers down, an acute sense of fear making its way into your stomach. Something was happening, and that something was very wrong.

You heard an alarm go off, you shivered, looking around for a hiding area. There seemed to be a door on the other side of the room. You ran to it, opening it and closing the door quickly so no one would catch you.

And you found yourself in a very familiar corridor.

The floor was tiled with those generic white tiles, the walls were white, everything was a glaring bright colour that made you feel dirty and out of place.

“H.A.I.F”, you whispered, terrified at the fact you were here. “Why”, you asked no one in particular, walking down the corridor, and to another door. You knew exactly where this one led, for you had been down this path several times against your will.

The common room.

You had grown up here, the place where you spent your childhood. It was all the same, the table to the left, the seating at the right next to the fake fireplace. You knew it like the back of your hand, but you felt like you had seen it for the first time in a long time. There were two doors at the end, for the individual dorms, where you would sleep with the rest of the experimentees. One was labelled ‘place’ and the other, ‘dream’. You walked up to the one labelled ‘place’, and pushed it open.

It was empty, like the common room had been. You looked around, trying to recollect where the rest of them could be.

Walking to the back of the room, you paused at the last bed, smiling slightly as you crouched down to its level. You had always slept on the lower bunk, and this was your bed. You examined the wood at the sides, running your fingers over the groves you had made in them, a frown making its way to your face at the ugly memory.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

You jumped at the sound of the voice, turning around and facing the person. He had brown hair, which was longish, high cheekbones and a very intense gaze. He stood there, arms crossed, presumably waiting for an explanation

“I’m-”

“Why are you near my bed?”, he asked, not letting you finish. His tone was accusing, it made you feel small. You blinked in surprise, “Excuse you? This is my bed”

He laughed, “I’ve slept in it for two years now, so I think I know it's mine”

Two years? You didn’t recognize him from the trainees you had lived with, so you were confused.

The door opened, another guy walking in. He had big eyes, an equally intense gaze and looked fairy like. You looked over at him, gasping slightly.

“Taeyong”, you whispered, “Taeyong”, you repeated aloud for him to hear. He looked over in confusion, before his eyes widened. “Y/n?”

You nodded, getting up and brushing past the first guy, whose name you still didn’t know, walking into Taeyongs arms and hugging him. He hugged you back, but seemed to be in a state of shell shock.

“Y/n, Where have you been?”, he asked, looking at you as if you were an apparition. You frowned, “What-”

“It's been two years”, he said, “You’ve been gone for you years”

You stared at him, confused. “I-I don't know?”, you tried your hardest to remember, but you got nothing, it was like all your memories from those two years you had supposedly been gone for had been wiped from your brain.

“Are you okay? What- We should get you some new clothes oh god”, he said, his protective instincts taking over. You smiled, trying to discard the thought of being lost for two years.

“Okay”, you said. He smiled at you, loosening his embrace and stepping away.

“Ahem”, the guy from before cleared his throat uncomfortably, “Who is she?”

Taeyong glanced at you, then back at the guy, as if realizing he didn’t know you.

“Yuta”, he said, “this is Y/n, she as been with us since”, he paused, “Forever honestly”

“I’ve never seen her, though I presume she’s been missing from your-uhm-”

“Lovely speculation”, Taeyong said dryly, walking to the cupboard and taking out one of the grey uniforms, “She’s been here since she was eight”

Yuta’s eyes widened, “Eight- thats”

“Inhuman”, Taeyong finished, “Horrible, despicable”, he continued listing adjectives, handing the clothes to you, “Go change”

You stripped off your clothes, cleaning up to the best of your abilities, and changing into the uniform Taeyong had given you. It was long sleeved, a dark colour, and slightly large for you, but it was way better than the pathetic clothing you had donned before.

Walking out, you were met with an odd scene, a guard was sitting in the middle with the rest of the boys sitting around him as he told them something. Instantly your senses were alert, wondering why they were so comfortable with him.

‘What’s going on?”

A boy with greyish eyes, and ears that were elvish, turned around and looked at you in surprise, eyes widening as he studied you. You froze, taking a step forward.

“Sicheng?”

He opened and closed his mouth, gaping like a fish, seemingly dumbstruck at your presence. The rest of the boys were pretty confused too, but you were focusing on sicheng, the boy who had entered this hellhole with you, and had stuck with you since day one.

“Winwin”, Yuta corrected, “That’s what he goes by now”

You frowned, and Sicheng hit Yuta playfully, “She can call me Sicheng, because she doesn’t know any better”, he said softly, getting up to approach you.

“Where were you Y/n?”, he asked, lower lip quivering, “Where did you-”

“I don’t know”, you snapped. You didn’t mean to react so harshly, but you were getting tired of the same question again and again, more so, you were mentally exhausted and confused. Frustrated with the fact you couldn’t seem to remember. He looked scandalized, but nodded, going back to his former position next to Yuta.

You felt ashamed for taking your frustration out on Sicheng, but instead of apologizing or expressing any regret, your eyes fell back onto the guard, who was looking at you through his protective headgear. You scowled, “Why is he here?”

“He’s good”, a dark haired boy from the back, Doyoung, assured you. You had also known Doyoung since you had stepped foot in the Facility, but as much as you trusted him, you were still skeptical. 

“So the mask worked”, the guard said. His arm patch read MK 02, and he pulled the head gear over his head to reveal a familiar face, though you hadn’t seen in a long time. Your eyes widened. He looked so much older now, not a boy anymore.

“Mark”, you whispered. He smiled crookedly, “Hey Y/n”

You walked to him, fingers brushing against his cheek as you studied the boy, well, man now. He had the same bright eyes that seemed to shine every time you looked at them.

A sense of longing filled your heart, soon followed by an acute sense of anger.

You slapped him.

“You traitor”, you exclaimed, as Taeyong and Yuta pulled you away from him, “HOW DARE YOU”

He stumbled, hand rubbing the place you struck, staring at you dumbfounded.

“How the fuck can you trust him”, you asked, struggling against Yuta’s grip, glaring at Mark, “He’s one of them”

“Calm down”, Yuta hissed into your ear, “Let him speak” “Why should he?”, you spat, “He left us with no explanation, and now he’s the cause of our misery-”

“He saved you.”

You paused, shaking with the sheer anger that coursed through your veins. Pulling away from Yuta’s grip, you rubbed your arm, refusing to meet Mark’s eyes.

“Let him explain”, Sicheng said. You nodded reluctantly, “Five minutes”, you said through gritted teeth, “You have five minutes to explain, or I will-” “Let’s not get that far”, Taeyong suggested, “Mark”, he gestured to the younger to begin talking.

 “After your last testing”, he began, “They wanted to kill you by throwing you into the water. That shit is radioactive”, he played with his fingers nervously, “So I put a mask over your face so you could have a chance, cause I couldn’t-”,he paused, jlike he was struggling to put his memories into words, “I couldn’t let you die”

You kept your guard up, but something inside you softened. “I could only save you, I only had that much time but, I promised myself I wouldn’t hurt anyone more”

“They can’t know you’re alive”

His voice was softer now, almost delicate. “Which brings me to what I came here for”

Doyoungs sat up straighter, “You mean-?” “Yes”

A  look of disbelief crossed Doyoung’s face, “So we’re getting out of here?”

“Yes, but Yuta has the lab tonight”, he said, “So tomorrow”.  You looked at the mentioned guy with a sympathetic look, but he refused to look at anyone, merely nodding and stuffing his hands into the pockets of his grey pants.

“What do you mean getting out of here?”, you asked, looking around. While the facility was a living hell, it was the only place any of you had ever known. You don’t remember any sort of ‘home’ before it. “Where would we go?”

“I know a place”, Mark said confidently.

“What place?”

“It’s better you don’t know for now”

“How can we trust you? You can very well be killing us off”, you bit back, not caring how harsh you sounded.

“I know”, he said, “But I’m the reason you’re still alive, and you’re going to have to trust me”

You scoffed at the bold statement, still wary of Mark.

“Okay”, he said, somewhat sadly, realizing you wouldn’t trust him, “Yuta, come with me, I’ll take you to the lab, the rest of you, dinner will arrive in a little”

And with that he left with Yuta.

Dinner was in the common room, you met the rest of the experimentees, a bittersweet reunion between those you had supposedly not seen for two years. Chenle practically threw himself into your arms after seeing you, refusing to let go as if you would disappear.

Chenle had been a sort of younger brother to you, coming into the facility at the age of ten, a mere three years after you had been brought in. He was scared, confused and broken, like all of you were, but he grew to cover it, hide it and grow.

Like all of you had.

The food was the same as it had always been, a dry sludge that they deemed porridge, which was a sickly green colour. It didn’t taste like anything in particular, so it wasn’t the worst. Still, you were sure your taste buds had died from having it so often.

The boys filled you in, telling you how Mark had been trying to get information on getting them out. There were seven of you in total, Taeyong, Sicheng, Doyoung, Donghyuck, Chenle, Yuta and you.

Getting seven people out of a highly guarded facility would not be easy. 

Donghyuck was slightly older than Chenle, was also one of your close friends, you had seen him grow up too. 

Sicheng, now supposedly Winwin, was your best friend, the one experimentee you were the closest to. He was always there for you, whenever you had been through a particularly painful lab routine, or when you would wake up in the middle of the night, shivering in fear. He had always been there for you.

He had changed, you could tell. Other than the name, he seemed to be more mature and closed up. His eyes held a sort of darkness, one that you couldn’t decipher.

“So”, Taeyong said, “Since Yuta has taken Y/n’s old bed, where will she sleep? For tonight of course, we’ll be gone tomorrow”

You didn’t understand how he was so trusting, so sure that all of you would get out of the Facility. Nevertheless, you decided not to damper his spirits, nodding along to his question.

“She can share with me”, Sicheng suggested, “It’s not like we haven’t done that before”

Satisfied with that answer, he turned back to his food, stirring it about in the bowl unenthusiastically.

You didn’t comment, instead focusing on your own porridge. 

Your arms were strapped down to the bed with thick restraints. You struggled against them, to no avail. Feeling desperate, you screamed, tears quickly making their way down your face. You felt helpless and trapped, but they weren't new feelings.

“Stay”, a deep voice cut through. You looked over, only to be met with dark eyes that stared into you. He wore a mask, covering the rest of his face and a white medical uniform. He held a syringe, tapping it twice before, walking towards you. You shook your head vigorously, pleading silently with your eyes, hoping he would heed. 

He held your arm down, hard, his nails pressing into your skin. “I told you to stay”, he said, a dark amusement in his voice, “Don’t you know how to listen?”

He positioned the syringe right above the crease of your elbow, pressing the cold needle, piercing your skin, eliciting a scream from you. You begged and pleaded, hoping he would stop, but he paid no attention to your pitiful screams.

Your vision got hazy as you began losing consciousness, your sight darkening at the edges of your eyes. You felt the needle retract from your body, as he moved away, before returning, hovering above your weak body.

The last thing you saw was a scalpel in his hand.

Your eyes shot open in alarm, your breathing heavy. Sicheng’s arm was around you, something you were used to, so you didn’t make any motion of removing said hand. You also decided not to get up, so as to not awake him.

You shivered, trying to think of anything but the nightmare that you had just witnessed, your skin crawling at the memory of the man and the scalpel. What had he done to you?

What had all of them ever done to you?

You heard a whimper, it was so soft, no one would have even caught it, but since you had awoken, you did. Another one reached your ears as your eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

You looked around the best you could from the awkward position you were in.

It seemed to come from the back.

You looked over, a last attempt at finding out the cause of the noise when you spotted it.

Yuta was curled up on your old bed, arms wrapped tightly around his torso as sounds of discomfort left his lips. He was shaking, trying to calm himself down, obviously in intense pain.

What had they done to him?

His eyes met yours. You held the gaze, as if silently asking if he was okay. His dark eyes seemed to cut right through you, the anguish they held apparent even in the darkness of the dorm. .He let out another sound of pain, clutching at his stomach. He rolled over to the other side, ignoring you and continuing to writhe in his pain.

You made no move to try and even comfort him, you knew what it was like to come back in the middle of the night after the lab, after being experimented on and tampered with. You remembered the pain so clearly, just thinking of it could trigger a dull ache.

H.A.I.F was the facility that held the experimentees. It stood for ‘Humanic Artificial Intelligence Facility. They supposedly were helping the world that had been destroyed, trying to save them, coming up with new technology to make life better, and safer.

But they held the trainees, all seven of you, experimenting, cutting, injecting and breaking you apart little by little under the guise of ‘good work’. You hated it here, and so did everyone else. You were their little projects, their lab rats that they could tweak and push and hurt without worrying. Mercy was not an option.

Your heart would break everytime you saw one of them come back from their lab session, crying and helpless. Sometimes the pain would be so bad, they wouldn’t be able to speak. You would pass the labs and hear blood curdling screams, cried for help, and it made you want to scream yourself. You had been through it all, longer than most of the others, but it didn’t make their pain any worse.

Once again, the question popped up into your mind as you thought about all of the trainees, all of the nights you would remain sleepless. Yutas whimpers never stopped, but they gradually grew quieter and quieter, as if the pain was slowly subsiding.

What had they done to all of you?

You sat alone in the dorms as the rest of them went for their daily tests. They left you at breakfast, to accomplish their daily tasks, before lunch. These tasks included cleaning, training and occasional self check ups.

You stayed back, considering you were not even supposed to be alive, going out there would show everyone you were in fact, not dead like they had hoped you were.

Why do they want you dead? You didn't know. It scared you that they decided to just discard you, get rid of you in such an extreme way. To just deem it fit to kill you off.

You ran your fingers through your hair, tugging at the knots frustratedly, trying to figure out out you had been completely out of it for two years. It wasn’t even a week, but two years? That was a major difference, and you couldn’t figure out how it could’ve happened.

You walked over to your old bed, running your fingers over the grooves again, like you did yesterday before Yuta interrupted you. You remembered that day so clearly, it almost scared you. You had come back from a particularly painful lab visit, you had passed out in the middle. You woke up in the dorms, alone and in agony. In an attempt to bear the pain, you had gripped the wood of the bed sides, nails biting into them, leaving marks. In an attempt to not wake anyone else up, you silently released your pain onto the wood.

And then-

Your eyes widened, as you realized you remembered nothing after that. Your mind went blank, like a clean slate. You desperately tried grasping for something, anything, but you were left with more questions. 

Trembling as you let off the wooden pole, you got up, retracting to your previous spot on sicheng’s bed, fisting the sheets under your fingers. It was all so frustrating, to have something so close, at the tip of your tongue, only to be ripped away. You felt angry, angry at Mark, at the H.A.I.F and angry at the world.

You felt a spark running through you, and gasped as you felt a shock, electricity, run through your fingers, and onto the bed sheet. A small burn mark was made, no one would even see it, but you could. It almost seemed as it had come from you, in your moment of defeat.

Your fingers tingled, the aftershock present. You stared dumbfoundedly at them, wondering how that had happened. It was so sudden, so odd.

Touching the sheets once again, this time slowly, scared you would burn it again, you brushed over the burn mark. It was small and brown, and dusty under the warmth of your skin, almost breaking off, leaving a hole. You looked in some sort of sick fascination at it.

You didn’t tell anyone.

“This is the worst possible plan”, you deadpanned, “Have your years working for them killed whatever brain cells you had?”

Mark winced at your comment, accepting the fact that you weren't going to trust him anytime soon, no matter what. “It’s the only way”, he said, “There's no other path”

“So walking right through the main hallway, in front of every single person is the answer?”, you asked, “I’m supposed to be dead, remember?”

“Do you have a better idea?”

You silenced, looking around the room. All of you had piled into the place dorm, which was the biggest one by far, the others being half the size. Mark’s genius idea to get out of the facility was to just walk out, through the doors and down the hallways, dressed in the coats he had stolen from one of the labs during his rounds. While the coat idea was pretty smart, the part about walking about in open was definitely not.

“Vents”, you said finally, “We can take the vents”, walking over to the side of the room, and pulling out the vent entrance. You looked back at the group, “I got in here through the vents, which led me to some sort of Intelligence center…”, you trailed off, recalling the blue prints you had seen.

“We can drop down into that place, there's another vent that leads to this sort of tunnel? There's a door that leads you out, at least from what I remember.”

Mark nodded, “Actually, that's not bad, the tunnel you’re speaking of is the check in and check out room for the guards”

You ignored him, motioning towards the coats and telling everyone to put them on. Whale you were sneaking through the ventilation, it was better to be safe. All of you would have to go one by one, making sure to crawl through the vent really slowly, so as to not cause too much noise.

Taeyong went through first, crawling through, Doyoung following after. You went after Doyoung, with Yuta and Sicheng close behind, Donghyuck, Chenle , and Mark last.

It was not the best plan either, considering you could hear everyone breathe, and your face was constantly being assaulted by Doyoung’s very graceful missionary crawling. A bruise was expected.

Like before, the metal clanged and made noises that were less than ideal, and you prayed that no one hear you guys. Somewhere along the line of this painfully slow escape, Taeyong had decided to stop, causing Doyoung to suddenly still as well, which resulted in you getting a face full of shoe.

Unfortunately, that meant Yuta got a kick to the face as well. 

Clearly this was going fantastic.

“What happened?”, you hissed, rubbing your nose as you tried peering over to Taeyong.

“There’s an opening here, but I’m not sure if it's the place you were talking about'', he confessed, opening that entrance with a click. It was then you realized that you should have been first, so you could see what he was presently talking about. You let out a sigh, “Move forward until it comes to me so I can see”

This statement commenced the crawling once again. Thankfully, you were not kicked for the third time by Doyoung, who seemed to finally make an effort to not knock you out cold.

Once you were at the entrance, you looked through the slits, you pulled open the metal and looked around a little more.

It looked like the room, with the same computers out, except for the fact that the blueprints were nowhere in sight. You whispered that this was the place, holding the top and slipping through as quietly as possible. You looked to your side, where Yuta peered through, awaiting your approval. Looking around first, you noticed the computers were all shut down, unlike the day you saw them first.

You gestured at them to slip through the vent, which they did, this time Taeyong coming out last since he had moved forward, and Yuta coming out first since he was right behind.

“I’ve never seen this place”, Sicheng confessed, somewhat intrigued by the place. He walked up to you, shoulder brushing against yours as he looked at the computers. You smiled slightly at his expression, which was a mix of curiosity and childish bewilderment.

“Neither have I”, Donghyuck agreed with Sicheng. Chenle made no comment, seemingly shell shocked at the fact he was somewhere other than the dorms, common room, or labs.

“None of you have, you’re not meant to see it”, Mark said, brushing off whatever dust had accumulated onto his uniform. You looked up at the vent you had dropped down from yesterday, which was, luckily, still open. Scanning the room for something to help prop yourself up from, you walked over to the desk on the opposite end of the place, dragging the chair that sat there to where the vent was.

And that was when the alarm went off. It was high pitched, so high pitched you could barely hear it, but it was so loud at the same time, it hurt. You fell to your knees, hands clamping onto your ears as you trembled. Chenle let out a cry as he fell down too, falling on all fours and losing all control in his limbs, and falling flat onto the floor, curling up into a little ball. Taeyong stumbled over to the desk, clutching it in an attempt to keep standing, Doyoung, however, wasn’t as lucky, falling down, joining Chenle on the floor. Yuta also fell to his knees but managed to get back on his feet, looking like it was taking up all his energy.

Donghyuck stumbled backward onto Mark, who caught him, wincing at his sudden weight. He seemed to be completely fine though but had a worried look on his face. “I didn’t think-”

He was interrupted, a loud voice resounding through the room.

“GUARDS AT POSITIONS, BREAKOUT”

He paled, “Fuck, they found out”

Of course, they did, you thought sourly at his obviousness. Gritting your teeth, you grasped for anything to give you some support, ending up with the leg of a table that was next to you. The alarm cut right through you, not letting you think properly. 

You faintly hear footsteps, looking up to see several guards piling in, surrounding all of you. The room was pretty big, and you realized how this was a disadvantage for all of you, considering the fact that all of you were in different places, spread out, which made it easier for them to corner and catch you. 

“Stay down”, one of them warned you, making you want to scream. It reminded you of the way the doctors would speak to you during lab sessions like you were some sort of animal they were trying to contain, a monster when they were the real monsters.

“No, please”, Chenle’s voice rang out. You looked up at him, to see the guards holding him by the arms, restraining him harshly. They were hurting him, pressing down into his skin, and gripping tightly, and pulling. He cried out again, the sound almost worse than the alarm.

They were slowly doing the same to the rest, pushing them down, being merciless. Two of them grabbed your forearms, forcing you to your feet, making you dizzy. You shivered in anger, feeling helpless as they rounded up you and your friends like cattle. Tears of frustration quickly sprouted in your eyes, as you struggled against their grip.

Chenle’s screams cut through you, making you feel worse. You wanted to protect him, but you couldn't. His pained voice making you angry, angry beyond comprehension. He didn’t deserve this, none of you did. You shook with fury, mind clouding, every other thought escaping, except for the fact that you wanted to destroy every single guard in the room.

You heard Sicheng groan from your right, his face twisted in absolute agony. They were slowly crushing him. One by one, you saw your friends, your family, crumble in front of you, all hope dying. Yuta looked completely stuck, trying to fight back, but wincing at every single movement he made. They had trapped you, rendering you useless.

You trembled, frustration coursing through your veins, making you want to scream. Chenle screamed once more, and that was the last straw.

You felt like you were going to burn, a sudden shock running through you, making you gasp. You felt an aura, some sort of power run through you, causing you to gasp. You felt a sort of pressure build-up, like a well filling with water. You let out a scream, your throat burning, your lungs feeling like they're on fire. Sicheng’s pained face, Chenle’s helpless voice, Taeyongs whimpers, they set you off.

It was like an explosion of some sort, louder than anything you’ve ever heard. It came from you, and outwards at everything else. The guards went limp, falling down and staying in that position. You froze, wondering what the fuck you had done. You noticed the small burn marks on their uniforms, confirming your suspicions. The boys looked at you in astonishment, except for Chenle, who was shaking on the floor. You ran over to him, ignoring their looks, cupping the younger boy’s face and making him look at you.

“Lele”, you said, the nickname slipping out of your mouth, “Can you walk?”

He nodded dazedly, using your arm as support to stand. All of the guards were out cold, lying there useless. It gave you some sort of satisfaction, to see them utterly defeated, a sense of triumph. Yuta was the first to regain his sense, pushing the chair you had previously bought back into place, and climbing onto it, pulling himself up into the open vent. You helped Chenle on the chair, motioned for Yuta to help him up. One by one, you piled into the overhead vent, Mark climbing in right after you, being last again.

The crawling began again, but this time it was a rush, not caring about the noise you made, the eight of you scrambled, the desperation of getting away from this hellhole sinking in for real. You didn’t have the luxury of stopping and thinking about what just happened, you had to get out, and get out fast.

Ironically, even though you guys were moving faster, it seemed to take longer. Your anger died down a little bit, but the image of your friends being hurt like that, that stayed fresh and at the forefront of your mind. 

Yuta pulled open the metal opening, practically throwing himself out of the vent, and helping pull Chenle through. Getting out of the vent, you felt as if you could finally breathe, almost out of the place. 

All of you jogged to the end of the tunnel, where Donghyuck pulled the knob, but it didn’t budge. He tried again, pushing and pulling the little lever, but nothing happened. You pushed through the rest of them, trying your own hand at it, with no luck.

The door at the other end swung open, three guards filing in. You cried out in frustration as you aggressively hit the knob, trying to get it to do something. Mark walked back, pulling out his gun from one of the uniform pockets. While you knew he was protecting your group, it unnerved you, the fact that he had been possessing a gun all this time.

He pointed it at the guards, pulling the trigger as a warning. Taeyong eventually pushed you to a side, kicking the door. Yuta helped him, and the two slowly made indents in the thin metal door, but it was too slow. Mark wouldn’t be able to hold them back, and you weren't sure if you could pull off whatever you had done back in the Intelligence center. 

They finally managed to kick the door open from underneath, leaving it in an awkward fold. They pushed the metal, which was relatively easier to tear to open it into a bigger exit. Donghyuck went underneath first, pulling Chenle along. 

One by one, all of you went underneath and out, you going last. You looked back into the tunnel room, seeing Mark slowly back towards the exit. 

“MARK, RUN”, Chenle shouted weakly. The man looked behind, dropping the gun in his attempt at escaping, and heeded Chenle’s request, running towards the little opening. 

But that’s when one of the guards shot him in the leg, making him fall over. He was so close, just a few steps away from the exit. He looked defeated, like he knew he wasn’t going to make it. 

“Go”, he whispered.

You would be lying if you didn’t consider leaving Mark there to die, you didn’t trust him, and he had been one of the people who had helped slowly destroy all of you.

But then again, Chenle seemed to really want him to be with them, and the others seemed to have some sort of friendship with him. Yuta looked like he was going to murder the guard that shot Mark, and while he had hurt you at some point in time, he also was part of the reason why you were alive.

And he was the only one who knew of the place you were going to after you escaped, since he refused to tell anyone, so you kind of had to save him.

You slipped back under and into the tunnel room, grabbing his hand, and sort of pulling him along. He used his other foot to try and follow you.

‘You got us into this mess”, you said, “You’re getting us out of it”

He sort of crawled through the opening after you, and with the help of Taeyong and Yuta, all of you began running, running with the last bits of energy you had.

Running away from the facility.

Your adrenaline had long faded off, as the eight of you trudged through the evening, passing the destroyed buildings and rubble that had supposedly been the beautiful city, at some point. Mark was limping uncomfortably with Yuta’s help, and Chenle looked as if he was going to faint any moment now, which concerned you. Donghyuck was helping him, and Doyoung was walking alongside Taeyong.

Sicheng was beside you, walking at your pace. 

“So”, you said softly, voice hoarse from all the screaming, “Why winwin all of a sudden?”

“It’s not all of a sudden”, he said, “It’s been two years”

“But I know you Sicheng. Why?” “You don’t know me that well”, he said, “A lot can change in two years Y/n”

You didn’t know how to respond to that, so you looked ahead. It was darker now, your group had covered a large distance, or at least that’s what it felt like. You heard Sicheng sigh.

“When a week had passed since you had disappeared, it was like”, he paused, thinking of the way he should explain it to you, “I had no one”

Somehow, he said this calmly, as if it didn’t matter to him any more. “You weren’t there for me, you were just gone”

A pang of sympathy and guilt hit you as you looked away. It hurt enough as it was, but the way he said it, the tone, it was like he was used to you not being there, and he didn’t care anymore. That hurt more.

“And they just doubled our lab times and tasks and it felt like I wasn’t the person I was anymore, you know? So I just, couldn’t be Sicheng anymore”

“Do you think you can be Sicheng again?”, you asked.

He shrugged, “Depends, are you going to be there?”

“Of course!”, you said, a little too loudly, causing Taeyong and Yuta to look back at you. 

“Alright then”, he said, “What was that you pulled back there?”, he asked you, completely serious. You raised an eyebrow in question. 

“That trick, the way you disabled every guard?”

Your eyes widened, as you looked away from him, “I don’t know”

He didn’t reply, walking ahead of you and helping Yuta with Mark instead.

“Wait”, Mark said, wincing at the pain in his leg, “We should stop, it’s getting late and we need rest.” “Aren't they going to try and find us though?”, you questioned, “We should keep going, staying in one place can-” “Yes, they are, but we’ve been going for ages, and Chenle needs time too”

You agreed this time, feeling slightly stupid for not thinking sbout Chenle. The poor boy looked as if he would pass out if he didn’t sit down”

So the eight of you decided on staying in one of the run down buildings. It wasn’t like there was any food, so instead, your group opted to just sleep. Mark promised he would lead you to the place he had talked about, which he still refused to tell anyone about, tomorrow.

As soon as he was sat down, he pulled up his uniform pants up to his knee, to inspect the shot wound, hissing in pain as the fabric dragged across the injury. It looked pretty bad, the blood oozing out of it. There wasn’t much anyone could do about the injury, so instead, he pulled the pants down, covering it to the best of his abilities so he could avoid getting an infection.

It wasn’t as if you had beds either, so the floor was the best you could do. All of you fell into a silence, Donghyuck and Chenle drifting off almost immediately. Sleep seemed to elude you as Sicheng’s -Winwin’s -words played in your mind. Why had they doubled their tests? Why had they made it worse.

What the fuck were they doing.

You turned around in an attempt to get comfortable, to get some sort of sleep, but instead, you saw Yuta sitting up, cross legged, and arms behind him to support his body as he leaned back. He was staring at the walls, blank faced. Some of his hair fell in front of his face, covering a little of his eyes. He looked intimidating, but at the same time lost, as if he was trying not to sleep.

“Hey”, you whispered, getting up yourself, “Not getting sleep either?”

He scoffed, “I don’t want to sleep”

You walked towards him, taking a seat besides him. “I know we don’t know each other, but”, you looked where his eyes were trained, “What’s so interesting ‘bout the wall”

He chuckled, “I get nightmares, so sleeping is something I try not to do”

You stayed silent, immediately understanding how he felt. One of the backlashes of the lab sessions were the nightmares. Some had it worse than others, with terrifying imagery, and almost every night. You didn’t have it that bad, but you heard about the experimentees from the B compound of the facility, who dealt with night terrors and sleepwalking. You barely saw them, but the few instances you had, they looked absolutely broken.

“At least we’re out of that place”, you said, trying to channel some of Taeyong’s optimism, “Now we have a chance to move past that”

“It’s going to be with us forever”, he said, “I can’t imagine what it would be like for you, since you’ve been there since you were a kid”

“Yeah well”, you fidgeted with your fingers, “I did this thing to help me sleep. I would imagine what it would be like outside the facility, if the world was, you know, okay. It gave me a sense of longing, like a sort of wistfulness. Sicheng taught it to me.”

He scoffed, “I know how the world looks, unlike you guys I’ve only been inside there for two years, and the world isn’t great.”

“Maybe one day it will be.”

He looked at you this time, studying your features, smiling slightly.

“Maybe.”

Two guards stood in front of the man, head’s down, waiting for his reprimanding. He sat behind his desk on his chair, legs up on the table, looking at them disappointedly, almost sympathetically.

“How”, he started out slowly, “How did this happen?”

None of them dared respond. He clicked his tongue in annoyance. “How do eight people, who are barey adults, escape from a facility like this?”

They knew they were in trouble. It wasn’t as if the man was very merciful, or forgiving. He would kill any amount of people to achieve what he wanted. “They are in the A compound for a reason you dimwits”, he hissed, “They are our priority experimentees, and the most developed. We are not supposed to lose them”

One looked up, “Sir-”

“How did they overpower the guards? There were so many”, he spoke in a light tone, heavily contracting the seriousness of the situation. That made it all the more terrifying.

“A girl”, the braver of the two piped, “There was a girl who threw us all”

“A girl?”, the man asked, raising an eyebrow, “That’s impossible, play the clip”

The more timid one rushed to the back, picking up a remote and fumbling around with it, clicking a few buttons on the laptop and pressing play. The projector played the scene captured on cameras, down to the explosion. The girl's face made an appearance once, her determined expression mocking the man.

His own expression darkened, standing up in a mixture of awe and anger. “She should be dead”

He turned to the guards, “Why is she alive?”

He stood up, walking around the room in his confusion, “How could she be alive if we tossed her? No one can survive the water”

They glanced at each other, “Sir, we don’t know.”

“Of course you don’t”, he drawled, annoyed, “Of course you assholes are useless. She should have died when we discarded her”, he rubbed his temples, “You say MK 02 was with them?”

The brave one, JW 19, nodded vigorously.

The man cursed under his breath, “I should have known”, he said, “Taking that boy into our forces for an experiment was never a good idea”

Clicking away at his own laptop, he pulled up facts about MK 02, Mark Lee. He slammed the screen down, furious. Realizing the two guards were still awkwardly standing there, waiting for his word.

“Get out of my sight”, he said finally, “Double the security in the B compound, we don’t want them getting any grand escape ideas. Find the Experimentees and bring them back”

“And, sir MK 02? And the girl?”

He looked back at his screen, a hungry, almost animalistic stare trained at Mark’s face.

“Kill them both”, he said, “Especially her”

You awoke in a start, almost screeching at the sight of Sicheng standing in front of you, eyes staring directly into yours like he was in some trance.

“What the fuck?”

“Oh good, you’re finally awake”, he said, no sympathy for your alarmed state, “Get up, we have to go.”

This was typical Sicheng, so you didn’t pay much attention to it. You looked to your side, realizing you were resting your head on someone's shoulder-

You almost jumped away from Yuta, who was smirking slightly at your embarrassed state.

“Have you been up this whole time?”

“Yep”, he said, popping the p, “You’ve really been weighing me down here”

You groaned slightly, getting to your feet and walking away, over to the rest of the group, who were already up and about, except for Mark, who was sitting down. 

“I’m hungry”, Donghyuck complained. Mark nodded, ‘She’ll have food, don’t worry”

“She?”, you asked, joining the conversation. Mark looked over at you, offering a complacent smile, which you did not give back. “The place we’re going”, he explained, “There will be food there”

“There better be”, Chenle grumbled, leaning on one of the walls. He pulled away, making a face at the dust that had stuck to his clothes. Yuta joined the group, standing next to Taeyong, who greeted him with a nod. 

Doyoung helped Mark up, offering his arm as support. Mark steadied himself, even though he would definitely need help walking. “We should head out”

Taeyong took Mark's other arm, and the three walked out slowly, the five of the rest of you following close behind. The sun was up, scorching hot, as your group trudged through the ruins of the city once again. This time, Taeyong walked beside you, conversing amiably, filling you in about the things you missed and such. He told you about Sicheng’s nightmares, the way Chenle refused to speak to anyone for a solid week after a lab session, how Doyoung fainted after an injection and how Donghyuck went along as Haechan for a month, copying Sicheng, but he kept forgetting to reply to it and so he stuck to Donghyuck.

It was like you had missed them completely, they were new people, almost. You wished you could tell him what you had done, but you couldn’t remember anything.

“Where are we?”, Doyoung asked Mark, who looked around, “The old marketplace, which is good news, it’s not far from here”

You would ask what ‘it’ was, but you reckoned you would get a generic “you’ll see”, which you had already gotten about three times so far. Whatever you were about to see better be fucking gold.

Mark led the group into a small alleyway, where he stopped in front of a door, gesturing to Yuta to do something. Yuta looked confused, but knocked on the run down, rusty looking door nevertheless.

The door creaked open, which didn’t do much for your nerves. A girl stood there, dark eyes, longish hair that had a braid in the front. She was a little shorter than you, from what you made out, but what intrigued you was the expression on her face.

She looked absolutely done.

“Yes, we have a permit, you came yesterday to ask me the same question, get ou-”

“Ahem”, Mark cleared his throat. Her eyes fell onto him lazily, but then they widened.

“Mark? Oh so you motherfucker actually pulled it off, I suspect these are the kids?”

“Kids?”, Sicheng asked, “Excuse you, all of us are adults-”

“Who have lived the majority of their lives in a shitshow, haven’t even experienced basic adult things! Kids”, she deadpanned, “Come on in, close the door behind you”, she walked back into a dark corridor, leaving the eight of you standing out there gaping.

“Well”, Taeyong mused, “She’s uh- something”

Mark grinned, “Yep, that’s Xing Yi for you! Let’s go, she has food”

That sentence alone was enough to lure Donghyuck and Chenle inside, with the rest of you following suit.

The corridor led to some sort of room, with a kitchen on one end, a lean table lining it. The walls on the kitchen were aligned with drinks of some sort, and the chairs were tall stools.

“What is this place?”

“This place is my home”, Xing Yi supposedly said, leaning against the table. She was pretty, a smirk on her lips. “Take a seat”

“More like a bar”

“Lee Minhyungi this is not a-”

“Minhyungi?”, a new voice joined the mix, an attractive man stepping out of the shadows. His hair was messy, a smirk on his face. “Jaehyun”, Mark greeted with a smile, “Hey.”

Xing Yi rolled her eyes, “We”, she started, “Are terrible hosts, I mean I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Li Xing Yi your saviour, and this, regrettably is my cousin Jung Jaehyun, but the only good thing about being related to him is that due to this thing called genes, I get to be pretty, now who wants a drink?”

You couldn’t help but smile at Xing Yi, something about her bluntness and matter of fact tone made you instantly like her.

“Actually food would be nice”, Doyoung said. Xing Yi’s eyes focused on the boy, nodding, “Okay, Jaehyun, get food”

“Are you-”

“Shoo”

Grumbling to himself, Jaehyun left to go do as his cousin instructed. She licked her lips, taking a seat at one of the stools. “Introduce yourself now, honestly, does this generation have no manners?”

“You’re our age”, Mark said dryly.

“I’m mature, now, introduce yourselves”, she looked at you, “Who are you?”

You were a little taken aback by her direct confrontation, but complied, “Y/n”

“Surnames people”, she said, “What if I knew another Y/n?”

“L/n”, you completed. She grinned, nodding, “And who is this attractive man”, she pointed to Doyoung, who was now visibly flustered. “Speak”

“Kim Doyoung”, he said. Xing Yi winked, looking at Sicheng, “And you?”

“Winwin”, the name slipped out almost immediately, “I’m Winwin”

Xing Yi looked exasperated, “Do you not have a surname dude?”

“Winwin isn’t his real name”, you blurted out, which caused your best friend to glare at you. He sighed, “Dong Sicheng”

“Thank you”, she said, “You’re cute too, so I’ll forgive you”

He blinked in surprise, probably wondering if he should thank her or not. Yuta took initiative, “I’m Nakamoto Yuta”

“Mark why are all your friends so attractive and what happened to you?”, she snickered, which caused Mark to whine out. “This one even gave me the surname without needing to be asked.”

Donghyuck introduced himself next, Chenle following suit. Xing Yi seemed to find the latter absolutely adorable, but eventually moved on to Taeyong who she described as ,’pretty boy’. You couldn’t even disagree with her.

Jaehyun eventually walked back into the room with food. It was some sort of meat, and it tasted better than anything the facility had ever given you. That was when the conversation took a slightly more serious path, with Xing Yi’s occasional sarcastic comments. 

“So you’re telling me”, she said, but Jaehun interrupted.

“Us”

“-Me”, she stressed, “That they’re going to follow you and lead you to my home?”

You fell into silence, wondering how exactly to answer this. Yuta came to your rescue with a very well worded, “Basically.”

Xing Yi shrugged, “Okay, let's just get out before that happens”

“We’re leaving?”, Chenle asked, and Mark nodded, “Yeah, while we’ve escaped, this place isn’t as far from the facility as it seems. They can easily cover more ground than we can, so we need to move”

You finished the food pretty quickly, all of you were ravenous from not eating at all the previous day. Jaehyun seemed to take this as a compliment, praising himself and his ‘delectable cooking’, or so he called it.

After dinner, she led all of you to a room with mattresses aligning the floor. “Make yourselves comfortable”, Xing Yi said, “Choose whatever, I’ll be sleeping with y’all”, she sat down on one of the mattresses, claiming it.

“Uh, Xing Yi, I have an injury”, Mark informed her, pulling his pant leg up to reveal the gunshot wound.

“You tell me this now?”, she asked exasperatedly, “Come with me, the rest of you, sweet dreams I guess”, she wished as she dragged Mark out of the room.

But your dreams were anything but sweet.

Stranded alone in the corridor, your heartbeat quickened as you realized you were in the facility. You felt panicky, as if something terrible was going to happen. Your hands were clammy, your throat constricted.

And that was when the screams began.

Horrible, agonizing screams that resounded through, guttural cries for help, hoarse shrieks in pain. They bounced off the walls, falling back onto you. You could almost feel the person's pain, the screams echoing across the hallway creating a symphony of pain. 

You staggered back, leaning against the wall for support. The voices seemed to increase, going louder and louder until you couldn’t hear yourself think. You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to block it out.

And then it all stopped. The voices had drowned out, instead there was a single voice screaming out in pain. It was coming from a few feet away from you, so you used all your strength and walked towards it, wincing at every new cry. You landed up in front of a lab door, fingers curling around the knob as you pushed it open, wanting to know who was being tortured so.

In front of you lay Yuta in a chair, wires attached to various parts of his body as shocks were sent through him. The doctor above injected him with some sort of liquid, holding up a scalpel, much like your dream. To the right stood Mark looking at Yuta with sorrowful eyes, inspecting the entire thing.

Once more, a scream was to be heard, but this time, it was yours.

You jerked up in a cold sweat, fisting the sheets underneath you.

“You good?”, Yuta asked from behind, and you startled, turning around to face him so fast you almost got whiplash. 

“Did I wake you?”, you asked. He nodded, “Yeah,surprisingly i got sleep with no nightmares, but from the way you were tossing and turning, I’ll say you weren’t as lucky”

You chuckled bitterly, “No, uh, sorry about waking you up”

“It’s okay”, he hummed, rubbing your back comfortingly to calm you down. Leaning slightly into his touch, you took deep breaths, forcing your breathing to return to its original state. It was ironic really, how in your dream he was the one in pain, and now you were, though this was a different sense of pain.

“Thank you”, you whispered, “But go back to sleep, I’ll be fine”

He gave you a look, but you assured him you’d be fine. It was as if he almost knew what you had seen, like he understood. Still, he turned around and laid down again. Sighing, your eyes narrowed on Mark’s sleeping figure.

Impulsively, you walked over, shaking the boy out of his sleep.

“What-Y/n?”

You clamped your hand over his mouth, “follow me, and don’t make a sound”

He nodded frantically, and you released your hand, helping him up, aware of his injury, which was now all fixed up, courtesy of Xing Yi. You led him out, shutting the door as quietly as you could.

“You will answer me”, you said firmly, “And you will tell me the truth”

He agreed, leaning against the wall, shifting his weight to the uninjured leg. “What do you want to know?”

“What did they do to us”, you asked, “what was done to us in the lab, in that place?”

He sighed, pulling off a glove from his right hand, to reveal a fully metal fhand. He fisted the fingers, then loosened them, letting you inspect it.

“This”, he said, “They did this”

You stared at it in a mixture of horror and fascination, “But none of us have that-”

“Humanic Artificial Intelligence, remember? They’re trying to merge the two, humanity and Artificial intelligence to create something new”, he put his glove back on, “I don’t know what they’re trying to do, but each of you has been altered, not as crudely as I have been either. More effort, more”, he paused to think.

“More dangerous.”

“So what I did-”

“No”, he said, “I’ve never seen that. Their goal is to make you weapons, but weapons they can control. From the way you reacted to it, it looks like you can’t control it either, and why would they make you go against the guards?”

You didn’t have an answer to this, instead you slumped against the wall, head in your hands. “Why”, you asked shakily, his words setting up a whole new level of complexity. 

“That, I don’t know, but it’s not good”.

You recollected the blueprints you had seen, the number 3000 printed at the side. The structure for the metalloid creations. They were creating them, and trying to incorporate all of you into it too.

“We have to-”, you sucked in a deep breath, “We have to stop them, we have to-”

“Y/n”, he said, louder, “We don’t have to do anything. Right now, we have to focus on surviving and getting away from the H.A.I.F”

“But-”

“No”, Mark said firmly, we are not going to go back there, we are not going to do anything. You don’t have to be the hero”

You nodded, getting up and walking back into the room, with Mark behind you. You believed him for once, his hand was all the proof you needed. The new information sunk into you, striking up fear deep within. If they could control you, how long did you have until they found you?

How long until they found you all?

In the morning, Xing Yi supplied you all with new clothes, Jaehyuns for the boys and her clothes for you, along with packing bags of tinned food, and such. “We’re leaving in about an hour”, she said, so we will need supplies”

“I’m sorry, we?”, Sicheng asked.

“Just me, Jaehyuns staying here so they don’t take out home, I’m coming with you guys to help find a safe space, so that if we do, I can get Jaehyun along later. While we’ve been surviving, they still come and drag people into their experiments”, she explained. Taeyong looked skeptical, but agreed anyway. 

Your group, with the addition of Xing Yi, set out to get further away from the facility.  You quickly fell into line with her, having about a million questions.

“So you’ve lived out here all this time?”

She nodded, “Yup! Well, my parents died in the explosion when i was fifteen, so I’ve been with Jaehyun ever since, but if you’re asking if I’ve ever been cooped up in a madhouse like you have been, the answer is no”

“Explosion?”

“You mean you don’t know?”, she asked incredulously, “goodness, this is why you were in that place in the first place”, she scoffed, “But I’ll be the gracious person I am and tell you.”

You straightened, ready to hear whatever she was about to say. She didn’t even give you a chance to be sorry about her parents, she just said it so flippantly, as if it didn’t affect her.

“The explosion happened three times in total. The world was at war with itself, a repeat of the world wars, except it was worse this time. There were no alliances, no one standing together, it was each for their own”, she kicked a rock that ended up in her path, “There was so much violence, so many people were dying, it was horrible”

Mark looked behind, “We going to the station?”, he asked, to which Xing Yi nodded, “Yeah, if we’re lucky, Eric should come along. We can catch a ride with him”

Mark nodded, continuing to limp along, leading the way since he supposedly knew where it was. You realized that the two of them had had many conversations without you, planning out everything. It made you feel a little safer. 

“Where was I? Oh right, everyone at eachothers throats, so, the first bombing was eleven years ago, the first release of nuclear material. While the explosion killed several, the after effects killed more. Everything was-is- toxic, the radiation is fatal, half of us died from radiation sickness. That was when H.A.I,F was formed, figuring that since humans were dying and they wouldn’t be able to do tasks we used to anymore, they set out to create machines to fulfill those tasks instead”

She paused, letting you drink this in. You gestured for her to continue.

“They got immersed in their goal, obsessed even, and started toying with the Idea of altering humans, not only to help humanity in general, but also to see if they could somehow let us live forever you know? From helping, their agenda turned selfish, for their own good. So they began taking children, separating families, gathering lab rats for their little experiments. So I suppose this was when they took you guys in.”

“The next two bombings only heightened their crazed obsession, and we are where we are now. There are some who are against the H.A.I.F and their mission, obviously, and so in order to take care of those people, they send out their armies and guards. Everything has been repurposed into a weapon, and all of you are weapons too”

You shivered at her words, rubbing your arms. It seemed to be colder today, a stark contrast to yesterday's blistering heat. You had so many more questions, but you knew one thing- They had to be stopped.

“Wait-then ho-”

“We’re here”, Mark called out. You had reached a gate, which you assumed led into the station. It wasn’t in particularly good shape either, rusted and run down, the spikes on the top practically crumbling down. Xing Yi walked ahead, pushing it open and walking through. Inside was a pathway, tiled, with a sort of roof made of thin metal. The middle was sunk down, with old tracks in it. 

“Now what?”, Donghyuck asked, taking a seat on one of the brittle old benches that sat at the side. Chenle joined him. 

“Now, we wait”, Xing Yi informed him, “We really can’t go anywhere until Eric comes”

“Who’s Eric?”, Taeyong asked, taking a seat as well. He ran a hand through his dark hair, letting out a tired sigh. They were all tired, you could see it on their faces. Tired of running, tired of being scared. 

“Eric is a friend, he comes along occasionally and takes us to the next city”, Mark explained, “I used to come here during breaks”

Sicheng wrapped an arm around you as you sunk into his embrace, shutting your eyes for a moment. It seemed as if he instinctively knew that you needed some sort of warmth. Mark stood at Xing Yi’s side as they talked about something. It was dull inside the station, the metal roof preventing any light from entering, except from the cracks.

But it felt too quiet, and while sometimes it was a peaceful thing, this felt like an onset, the calm before the storm. You looked around, scanning the area.

There were three benches on the other side, the other platform, as well. At the end were an array of shops all abandoned and rotting. There was a train shed, the inside was completely dark, but there was a red blinking light, very small, but it was definitely there.

There was one near the shops too, lurking in the dark, and one beneath one of the benches on the other side.

You pulled away from Sicheng, narrowing your eyes at them. You realized that it was all around you, perfectly gathering your little group and cornering them. “Guys”, you called out shakily, “I think-”

A gunshot whizzed passed you, nicking your ear and hitting the wall. You stumbled back, in a mix of fear and shock. Xing Yi spun on her feet, eyeing the bullet that had fallen down.  The rest of them jumped to their feet as they realized what was happening.

The H.A.I.F had found you.

The guards started getting out of the shadows with their guns and weapons.  They wore helmets and more protective gear than they usually did. Donghyuck grabbed Chenle roughly by the arm and pulled him towards you, since their bench had been slightly away from the rest. 

“Um, Mark?”, Xing Yi, “Where is your-”

“I dropped it back at the facility”, he said.

“Fucking fantastic”, she muttered, “So what now?”

Chenle screamed, his hand shooting to his neck and grasping it, falling into Donghyuck, who barely caught the boy. Your eyes snapped to him, before looking at the guard in the back, who was holding a tab of sort, clicking something and inspecting Chenle. Much to your horror, you pierced it together, realizing that they were controlling him, just like how everyone had warned you. 

He writhed in pain as Donghyuck helplessly tried to calm him, holding the boy as gently as possible so as to not cause him any more pain. Hyuck looked at Taeyong in alarm, who tried helping, asking where it hurt, trying to be of some assistance, but Chenle couldn’t even speak.

“Eric fucking arrive”, Xing Yi muttered, looking around for something, before crouching down and picking up a rod that sat next to her feet, holding it up as a makeshift weapon.

Donghyuck was the next experimenter who collapsed, clasping his left leg’s thigh. Taeyong looked alarmed, not knowing how he was to help both of them at the same time, when he couldn't even help one. Yuta backed away to the Sicheng and you.

You ignored the sting in your ear, and the thin trail of blood trickling down your neck, and instead, tried to get to Mark, who was cornered by two of the guards, when something caught your leg and you fell over. Looking behind, you saw one of the guards using a thin wire-ish metal to trap you, and pulled, causing you to drag along the ground towards him. 

Doyoung seemed to be in some sort of trance, his iris dilated and face blank. He stood there like a statue, not reacting to the chaos around him.

Sicheng seemed to be stuck too, except this was different, he looked scared, like he was seeing something in his subconscious, and it terrified him to the point where he couldn't move. 

You hated it, the way they had control over everyone in some way, forcing you to obey and follow their commands.

“Sir, it's not working on her”, the guard who was pulling you by the foot said into his mic. A crackling sound was heard, before a new voice joined the mix, “Obviously not you idiot, that’s why you need to kill her!”

Desperating seemed to make its way to your gut, as you tried to pry it off your foot, to no avail. 

And that was when the horn sounded.

The brash sound of the horn cut through everything else, making even the guards still in shock. Xing Yi smiled a pained smile, as she spotted the train making its way to the platform where the chaos was unfolding. The guards seemed to pick this up, and doubled everything they were doing. Donghyuck and Chenle were rendered useless, crying in their agony. 

Somehow getting the wire off, you clambered to your feet, pulling Sicheng, who had snapped out of this trance as soon as you pulled him, and Yuta along to help Taeyong with Chenle and Donghyuck. Chenle seemed to have passed out, which made it easier to get him up and drag him to the side of the platform, but the guards were slowly closing in. 

Xing Yi shouted from afar to alert the train, and Eric you supposed, of your presence. The train skid to a stop, causing a less than pleasant sound that reminded you of the high pitched alarm back at the facility. 

“GET ON”, the man from inside screamed at you, and you looked back, helping the man grab Chenle’s unconscious body, and get him inside. Mark seemed to be holding the guards off somehow, trying to plead with one, labelled, JW 19”

“Jungwoo, please”

“You betrayed the facility”, Jungwoo apparently said calmly, “You lost out trust”

“No”, he said, they hurt them, I’m-”

“I’ll give you three seconds, Mark Lee, run to your little group, after that”, he smiled sweetly, but it was terrifying, “After that we will take extreme measures”

Your mind raced, what was this if not extreme? You helped Donghyuck up next, Xing Yi following.

“One”, Jungwoo drawled, pulling the trigger. Mark turned around and ran, but not to the train, instead to Doyoung. He tried to tell the boy to move, but it was like Doyoung couldn’t listen, instead he walked in the other direction towards the guards.

“Two”

Taeyong screamed for Doyoung to come over, panicking at his friends actions, but Doyoung paid no heed. One of the guards tied his hands and restrained the boy. Taeyong looked absolutely livid at this, but he couldn’t do anything from the train. Mark decided to make a run for it to the train, realizing that he couldn’t help Doyoung.

“Three”, Jungwoo said almost gleefully, releasing the trigger.

The thing was, Mark was so close, almost at arm's reach from the train. He would’ve made it, he could’ve but Jungwoo’s shot was perfect. Mark stumbled and staggered, falling to his feet, giving up.

You screamed, watching as Mark crumbled, as he died in front of your eyes just because he tried saving all of you. The boy who you had just started to trust again, the boy who saved your life not once but twice. 

You saw the boy you had grown up with, who had been taken away, and now he was taken again.

Jungwoo smiled, mockingly blowing off the top of the gun and walking back to the rest of the guards, chaining up Doyoung and forcing the boy into one of the cars. You wanted to run down there, and hold Mark, ask him to be okay, to be alive.

But Yuta held you back, circling his arm around you so that you wouldn’t go back down there. Sicheng stood in disbelief burying his face in his hands, unable to look at Mark’s limp body anymore.

 Donghyuck let out a silent scream for his friend, tears running down his face. He shook violently, the aspect of losing Mark hitting him in the gut. 

“Drive”, Xing Yi ordered the man, “Drive far and fast, and do it now”, her voice was low and dark, trying not to show her emotions at Mark’s loss.

“You can run!”, Jungwoo said in a sing- song voice, “But we will find you”, he warned, chuckling. That was the thing that unsettled you the most, that they would always find you. The train sprung to life again, which was a bitterly ironic twist of fate, as you drove off, leaving two of your friends behind.

Somewhere along the line of his grieving, Donghyuck had fallen asleep, exhausted. All of you were shaken by the recent events, even Xing Yi had nothing to say. 

The driver had stopped once, to introduce himself and tell you where he was taking your now reduced group. His name was Eric Nam, and he was Xing Yi’s friend.

He was also one of Mark’s friends, so when you told him about the lost boy, he looked so shaken, he left the train compartment to be alone.

Taeyong however, it was like seeing an entirely new person. Usually calm and composed, he snapped at every little thing, absolutely losing it when the train left the station, and left Doyoung behind in the hands of the H.A.I.F.  He was absolutely livid, and it scared you to see your friend change so much in the span of a few minutes. But you understood where it was coming from. Doyoung had been Taeyong’s constant companion his entire life, and the prospect of losing him, while he wasn’t dead, was terrifying.

Sicheng tried his best to comfort, somewhat knowing the grief he was going through. On top of Doyoung gone, he had to deal with Mark’s death as well. It seemed to loom over everyone, and this whole idea of getting away was becoming more and more real, but at what cost?

You knew the facility would hurt Doyoung, and you knew that Taeyong wasn’t going to let them take his best friend away from him. You had to somehow stop the H.A.I.F, from doing their ‘alterations’ as they called it, from hurting anyone more.

“You don’t have to be the hero”, Mark had told you. But you didn’t want to be even that. You had no choice, but to stop them, before they stopped you. You had to do this for Donghyuck, for Taeyong, for Sicheng and for yourself above anyone else.

You would go back to the facility and get Doyoung back.

Yuta rubbed your back as if he could sense the emotional turmoil within. You offered him a weak smile, looking at Chenle’s still unconscious figure. 

Just as you predicted, War was coming, and they had all the supplies to fight back, and defeat you, with the machines they were creating, and their little controlling devices, their lab coats and research, but you were something they hadn’t expected, something they had tried to get rid of two years ago and had failed. 

Something that would bring about the revolution.