#good call for putting the mafia in it though i have no trouble believing it

[0-k-4]

JEAN MOREEAU REAL NAME IS JEAN-YVES. I KNWOW THIS SOUNDS VERY NORMALY FRENCH TO NON FRENCH READER BUT. IT HITS DIFFERENTLY FOR FRENCH PPL

[goodbyeapathy8]

Will Love In Spring (ongoing drama) review so far. Spoilers for up to episode 12 below.

Chen Maidong First and foremost, the most random observation I *have* to make : why is Chen Maidong's name so yellable? LOL Like CHEN MAIDONG WHEN I CATCH YOU CHEN MAIDONG!

Speaking of Chen Maidong... I think it'd be too easy to characterize him as a red flag (okay, given my personal history, maybe I'm not the best person to make this argument but, hear me out). I think he's represented more as a complex, imperfect character. Definitely not a knight in shining armor but also not a complete liú máng or hún dàn.

Argument 1) if Zhuang Jie didn't call out his issues (like him not letting go of the grievances he has towards his parents) - then yeah. Put him down as a red flag. But they discuss his past, her past, and I think they're transparent about the fact that neither are perfect people or good at relationships.

Argument 2) The drama does a fairly good job at representing the different personality aspects of Chen Maidong (CM from here on out). CM at work = gravitas. Respect. Utmost professional. CM with his friends = a glimpse of his mischievous/troubled past self from high school. CM with Chen Nai Nai = also a bit mischievous, bit gruff, but an obviously devoted grandson as well.

I'm not a huuuuuge fan of the grabbing and kabedon-ing but also those aren't dealbreakers for me in analyzing his character. This is fiction, a drama, and while that doesn't fly in real life (huge red flag in real life!) I can overlook it as more "relationship/personality flaws" than OMFG ZHUANG JIE RUN GIRL RUN.

Xixia/Cui Ge However, the main point of this post is our beloved (to me) side couple, City Girl and truly MVP of besties Xixia and the mysterious??? Cui Ge.

It legitimately took a minute for my brain to reconcile the smooth, suave, dangerous mafia type dude in a black suit from episode 9 (funeral home scene) with the goofy dude waving hello at the mall.

But I double checked! Today! Right before typing this post up and it IS indeed our Cui Ge. I'm wondering if there's an additional background to him or if the drama will show him like CM, with multiple facets.

I'd say 99% of the time, I am not a fan of side couples. At all. Most of them feel like a waste, their stories are never interesting (more of a distraction), and rarely am I enamored with the casting. Not really the fault of the actors but the lazy scriptwriting that's done where they become an afterthought.

Xixia/Cui Ge though? I'm so invested.

The drama has done a fabulous job of building up Xixia as a believable character in her own right. Although we don't have too many scenes with her, we know enough about her where we can predict her being not too impressed at all with Cui Ge during the lunch scene.

The amount of second hand cringe I felt during that entiiiiire scene, up until the end where he reached across to acupressure massage her scalp, I was screaming no no no CUI GE DON'T DO IT DON'T- welp.

It'll be interesting to see Xixia's relationship develop with him.

Last sidenote but one of my friends is also streaming this with me and we LOATHE Ji Tong so much. She's nicknamed him Fucktong (lmao) and honestly, fitting. (No hate to the actor though - truly a great casting call.)

[buckets-and-trees]

The Ashes In My Wake

Fandom: MCU

Characters/Pairings: the dark vigilante side of Matt Murdock x female!reader (past relationship)

Word Count: 1.2k

Summary: Corruption is a matter of time and circumstance, and those with power are most susceptible to it.

Content Warnings: NON-CON sexual situation, vaginal fingering, and I really do mean the dark vigilante side of Matt Murdock - the devil in daredevil

Additional Notes: Written for the week one @the-slumberparty game. The generator gave me POWER AND CORRUPTION for theme and MAFIA for setting. Reader is engaged to a mafia man. The title comes from Asronist's Lullabye by Hozier, the idea of an arsonist hitting with me when we look at the things that seem to burn down around/in the wake/because of Daredevil and the scene in 1.05 where he compares how he "sees" things to seeing fire.

Abundant amounts of pink and purple roses, hydrangeas, peonies, proteas, anemones, tiger lilies, and foxglove amongst luscious branches of eucalyptus. You buried your face again in the soft petals, inhaling deeply, then sat back straight in front of your mirror to admire them, a smile on your face.

As you put the lid back on your jar of night crème, you see the reflection of your drapes flit behind you, a soft spring breeze brushing through the room. You stand and readjust the tie of your short silk robe.

When you turn around, your heart races, surprised to see a man in red leather from head to toe – truly from head to toe with him wearing a type of horned helmet mask – leaning up against the frame of the window, as casually as if he’d been there for the last twenty minutes, though you know he hasn’t been.

You steel yourself, his infamy preceding him, and say, “I suppose I shouldn’t be that shocked to receive a visit from you, given who I’m in a relationship with.”

The man in front of you, for better and worse, a high body count in his wake if the rumors really are true, is on a mission to rid what he thinks is his city of any crime syndicates, and the man whose engagement ring adorns your finger is the son and heir to his father’s mafia enterprise.

“He has you in a diamond necklace.”

“What? Were you expecting leather cuffs?”

He smirks. “What’s the difference?”

“You seem to like leather.”

“I hear it makes me look good.”

“Clever,” you remark, a smirk on your lips as well. “So, you know he’s not here tonight.”

“I had to see for myself,” his tone darker.

“You’re clearly disappointed.” You narrow your eyes. “But why does the devil of Hell’s Kitchen have any expectations for me to disappoint at all?”

“Why are you doing this?”

You step slowly closer to him, cautious. “Tell me why I owe you any explanation.”

“You can do better.”

“Maybe I was tired of better. Maybe I decided I wanted easy. Besides, some of this is so much better.”

“You don’t believe that.”

You take the final step into his space, and tentatively reach out to touch his chin, just a shade of stubble where his helmet leaves the bottom of his face exposed. He stands up straight, closing in on you. He brings his hand up and traces his fingers along the diamond necklace and then your collar bone, and even though it’s been years, your body could never forget the feel of his hands on your skin.

“Damn you, Matt Murdock,” your voice is shaky. “Of course, you’re the vigilante.” You try to step away, but he grips your wrist and pulls you back hard against his chest. “No, he may be cruel and corrupt out there, but he treats me like a queen.”

While his one hand maintains a grip on your arm, the other hand is suddenly a soft caress over your cheek, a whisper down your neck, and a whimper falls from your lips as it drops to caress your breast.

Your head falls forward to rest on his shoulder. “Please don’t.”

But that’s the trouble with Matt Murdock: he never knows when to stop. You learned that in law school.

“You’re in the DA’s office, and you’re in his pocket.”

“You are far from innocent, Murdock,” you retort, trying to pull away again.

“You never called me Murdock.” He doesn’t let go, but turns and thrusts you up against the wall, pressing his hard body immediately into you, but only covering half your body with his. “But you’ll use my name again tonight,” he says, pushing your robe open and tearing away your panties. You try to push his hands away, but he pushes both your arms above your head, and pins your wrists there with one hand.

“No, Matt.” You won’t make yourself pathetic or beg, surely, he won’t cross this line.

But he does.

He wedges your legs apart and his fingers delve for your core, fingers that memorized every weakness, and your traitorous body remembers the feel of his touch there as well, too soon becoming slick for him as he starts circling your clit.

And he is in no hurry to end your torture – torture because this used to be your heaven, but now every sensation is hell. He’s trying to a punish you, but you don’t feel you’ve done anything wrong.

Your chest heaves against his, but he only pushes more of his weight into you. His finger moves from your clit into your slick folds, and he slips one finger into your vagina. “Still tight for me,” he whispers.

“Not for you.”

“We’ll see about that.”

He adds a second finger and begins thrusting with vigor now, on a mission to prove you wrong.

You can’t help the whimper. You hate this pleasure, and your frustration forces hot tears down your cheeks, but you bite your lip to try to control as much as you can.

He begins to curl his fingers inside your cunt, and you both know when he finds the spot that will make you shatter for him because your breath hitches and your hips buck. He smiles against your neck and nips there lightly. He won’t leave a mark, but he will play your body for everything he can.

His thumb aggressively circles your clit now as you begin to clench around his fingers, and he knows it will be only another moment under his relentless ministrations now. You know it, too, feeling the muscles and nerves tense in your body, pulsing from your core, until–

“There it is,” he murmurs, cheek to cheek, and then he abruptly pulls away, releasing your body, and you stumble forward. Your left arm reaches back to steady yourself against the wall, and your right arm quickly pulls your robe closed.

He’s already moving to slip through your open window.

“He’s never made me cry like that, Murdock,” you say, and now your words make him halt.

His head drops almost imperceptibly.

It’s not enough for true remorse.

“Just never come back.”

He does nod, and then he steps over the windowsill and out of this horrific moment.  

At least you knew the self-righteous Matt Murdock was never one to break his word.

You fiercely brush away the tears on your face and go to draw a bath. While the tub fills, you move back into your room and retrieve the scraps of fabric, then use the flame from one of your candles to burn the panties over the toilet and flush the ashes away.

You won’t tell your man what happened, but you do know when he comes home to your bed tonight, he’ll put you back together, worshipping you as his queen, murmuring praises across your skin and drawing true pleasure from you to erase the sins of the devil who had tried but failed to ruin you.

And when the time came, you would take your own vengeance.

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

[pacifymebby]

Can I request the peaky blinders with a s/o who was previously in a relationship and there ex popping back up to start back over with them💜

Aw thank you for this message lovely!! Its so nice to know people like my stuff, especially since im quite new to writing peaky boys stuff. So its good to know people are enjoying it haha.

Hope you like these love, some of them are a bit long because i guess i got carried away haha

Tommy

🌿He can tell there's something different about you, something dangerous, a different kind of higher class, the second he sees you..

🌿And when he learns who you are - a mafia princess - his mind is set.

🌿He has to have you... Not just once, but for keeps.

🌿It wouldn't just be startegically a perfect move, ot would also bolster his ego. This is a man who wants the whole world and to wed mafia royalty... That would be a pretty big chunk of the world.

🌿But it would be scandalous in many ways... Hes a politician, a sitting MP... And its no secret the corruption, violence and murderous tendencies of your infamous family. There would be no feigning innocence anymore.

🌿If he's going to be with you he'll have to do it with his whole chest, openly admit to his own corruption and wrong doing, he'd have to be the bad guy in the open...

🌿 And he'd have to play his cards right, he couldn't be playing games with you... He's fairly certain playing games will end with one of your bullets in his brain.

🌿 You're already used to the finer things in life so his wining and dining and usual tactics won't work on you. "Is all this supposed to impress me Mr Shelby?"

🌿Your family probably have tigers roaming the villa grounds you grew up in. You probably grew up alongside wild animals...

🌿 And youre supposed to be impressed by a country estate and race horses...

🌿 Actually the things that really attract you to tommy are these:

🌿🌿He's troubled, he fought in a war, one which your family watched and ignored... You secretly don't believe that the men in your family, know what its really like to be a man, fighting to protect the family... Though they tell you that's what they're doing all the time.

🌿🌿His roots, theres somrthing mysterious about it, the fact that he talks to his horses, the fact you've heard theres a gypsy curse on his head. It's more interesting to you than anything you've heard back in New York

🌿🌿 The fact that there was a time in his life when he had nothing, he actually clawed his way out of poverty...you were born into your riches, you've never really had to work for anything in your life, so youre in awe of the things hes won for himself.

🌿🌿 You also love the way he takes whatever he wants from the world, just snatches it up regardless of whether he deserves it or not. Youre hoping thats what he'll do to you. Steal you away from your family. Claim you as his own.

🌿But you wont admit any of these things to him, you play the princess personality up for all its worth because you like the idea of being the one thing tommy shelby can't have

🌿Tommys brothers think hes daft for even trying... They've seen you, heard rumours about you, they think hes way out of his depth... But tommy is determined

🌿 And one day when you finally give into the charm youd been resisting, you become the most feared couple... The mafia are secretly scared of your gypsy husband, they dont trust that he wont put a curse on them... And tommys family are terrified of you, the unpredictable, spoilt princess who will not hesitate to shoot someone dead just for looking at her funny.

🌿He can't tame you though and it concerns him, you probably make more trouble than its worth... You don't have the manners of the english and you refuse to learn them. Not even Tommy can teach you.

🌿 Calls you princess to patronise you, enjoys talking down to you and trying to put you in your place even if it hardly ever works. Showers you with gifts, and when he realises how drawn to his gypsy roots you are, he starts showering you with gypsy gifts, little trinkets hes carved for you himself, jewels with fine tales behind them, mysterious histories which capture your imagination.

🌿He likes to take you out on horseback to the middle of nowhere, lie down with you under the shade of a tree or on the bank if a river and tell you as many stories as he can, either from his childhood or gypsy tales you tell little children. Its his only way of getting you to calm down or behave yourself, of getting you to stop putting on that "fearless and fearsome mafia wife" personality.

Alfie

🐻Can't imagine you'd get on very well at first... If he realised his attraction to you he'd be angry with himself for thinking that way about a "wop"

🐻 He'd definitely try to ignore it... Which would be difficult because every time you were in a room with him you'd be little miss provocative, trying to get under his skin.

🐻 Youre not sure if thats because youre so used to all men falling at your feet that youre actively pissed off that this man wont... Or if its because you can see that he is attracted to you, but isnt acting on it (which would piss you off even more than the former) OR (and this is unlikely right, you would never!) perhaps you find him attractive. This slightly mad, older man who behaves as close to any mafia man youve ever met only rougher, not so well groomed. Hes a little gruff, theres something a little dirty about him...

🐻 Also youre a mafia woman... Youve been spoilt rotten your whole life by your father and brothers but youve never really felt the love of any of them... Youve only ever been treated like a possession by them... Which is a sure fire recipe for DaddyIssues™️

🐻 This gruff and slightly insane older man then, might be the only person who could ever be everything you ever needed...

🐻 But that discovery probably pisses you off even more, so its likely that in the moment went you realise what you really want from him, you raise your gun to his head, make him look down the end of it.

🐻 He's probably the only one of the peaky men who isn't actually scared of you, not because he doesnt think youre unpredictable and dangerous, but because hes not scared of death, hes looked it in the eyes one too many times to be scared of a "little girl" with a gun.

🐻 "Alright alright so youve got yourself a gun and youre not afraid to use it... You've come in here... To my humble bakery what i built up from absolutely fuck all... And you're waving that thing in my face like its fuckin christmas day and you just plucked it out of Santas fuckin sack..." "Did you get it for Christmas y/n? Did santa make it for you in the North fucken Pole?"

🐻 "You can pretend to be a mad old man all you like Mr Solomons but I'm not scared of old men..."

🐻 "Ohh well, thats alright then, thats good very good actually, cause see somet you might not know about me right? Im not afraid of little girls... Yeah?"

🐻 The remark would shock you a little, not much but enough to make you hesitate, and in that second of hesitation he could disarm you. Not that you'll ever make the same mistake again.

🐻 But this time he disarms you and pushes you back down onto his desk, takes your chin between his thumb and index finger so that you have to look him in the eyes. He can see how angry you are but he isnt deterred because he has control now and he knows he won't get that opportunity again for awhile...

🐻 "Looks like your daddy didn't teach you how to properly handle your weapons... Wouldnt make that mistake me... No, i, would, not." "And anyway, right... Somethin else i wanna know yeah... What kind of father yeah, what kind of fuckin father sends his little girl to the arse end of Camden Town to deal with his fuckin problems?" "You want my advice little girl, if i were you I'd stay right here, with thid here mad old man... Cause i reckon he would know how to take care of you properly..."

🐻 So you have a choice, give into the feelings and desires which have been plaguing you since you first met him, or spit in his face and tell him you'd rather die... And this is a man who just might offer you deal or death, thats how much he's his heart and mind set on you.

🐻 "Oh and Tommy, Tommy my old friend mate, did i tell you,just a little warning yeah, and i know you wouldnt ever think about crossing your dear old friend right but... If that thought ever does come flittering and fluttering into your whimsical gypsy boy brain... Just remember, ive got Mafia connections these days right... So i wouldnt if i were you... "

Arthur

🍂 Shits himself when he sees you pull a gun on a man in one of the Shelby bars in London.

🍂 Arthurs been sent to keep control of them and here you are, a fucking woman... With your gun raised to the eyes of one of his patrons.

🍂 When he steps in "alright alright is someone gonna tell me what the fuck is going on here?" and you answer him cold and simple "This english pig called me a very unpleasant slur and that... Mr Shelby, i won't tolerate..."

🍂 You shoot the man in the head right there in front of everyone. Screaming errupts and chaos and panic set in but you just stand there, strong arm still outstretched. Finger still on the trigger.

🍂 Arthur just gapes at you in shock, hes never seen a woman shoot someone, the fact that youre so glamourous looking too... From afar hed have mistaken you for one of the toffee nosed london elites who usually come to dance and drink in his bars because theyve heard they are dangerous and riddled with gangsters.

🍂 But now it seems, he recognises that accent of yours, turns out youre the gangster.

🍂 "Sorry about the mess Mr Shelby," you give him a quick smile and knock the body on the floor with your foot and turn to leave.

🍂 "Well, hang on a minute love hang on a minute you can't just..." "let me stop you there Mr Shelby..." hes not heard that slanted italian american accent on a woman before but he likes it, "i ain't your love... And i can actually... The evidence is soaking blood into your beautifully varnished floor..."

🍂 He gets into a lot of trouble with Tommy for letting you slip off unpunished, for letting the whole thing happen in the first place...but arthur doesnt see how he could have done anything different.

🍂"You weren't fuckin there Tommy, you didnt fuckin see her..."

🍂 He spends a lot of time tormented with daydreams of you, wants to see you again because hes got it bad for you... Even has a particularly steamy dream about fucking you whilst you hold your gun to his head.

🍂 So when you come back to his bar not a week later with a little white flag you made yourself, hes stunned and speechless and he doesnt know what to say. You say youve come to offer him a peace offering, just between you and him.

Its a little white flag and a little vile of white powder which is his on the condition that he shares it with you.

🍂 So you end up getting high together and fucking, and recreating that hot and heavy dream of his.

John

🌼 Deeply suspicious of you, doesn't trust the italians. You aren't pleasant to eachother to begin with at all.

🌼 You refuse to call eachother by name, hes a "pikey" you're a "wop" and thats that. You resent eachother.

🌼 Which is a shame because Tommy only introduced you before the wedding as an act of mercy to his little brother...

🌼 When you walk down the aisle dressed in white, veil covering your scowl John feels his heart freeze.

🌼 Of course he can't be too unhappy, you are fucking stunning... Your olive skin, your long dark hair, theres something almost virgin Mary about you, especially when youre all in white and pure...

🌼 And you would be lying if you tried to pretend you didnt find the gypsy boy to be good looking. His freckles are cute. He's strong, bulkier than any of those italian boys that have been sucking up to your father hoping for your hand all these years. John looks like a man who might be able to handle you

🌼 But hes still a pikey and youre still a wop and you refuse to say a word to him the whole day of your wedding. You fucking hate your father and you fucking hate tommy shelby

🌼 And in the end thats what draws you and John together. Mutual resentment for the men who forced you together.

🌼 Consumating the marriage is intense... When youre alone together youre both pretty much pretending you don't want it, spitting insults at eachother, hate in your eyes as he backs you up against the wall and you tell him youd sooner die than let a fucking pikey get his hands on you.

🌼 Pisses him off "That can be arranged love don't you fuckin worry," the two of you reaching for your guns at the same time. Challenging eachother, neither one of you backing down, eyes locked, fingers on triggers.

🌼Until something overwhelms you both at once and you can't resist anymore. When you come together its violent and explosive. John enjoys the thought hes tarnishing you, taking your purity, vandalising your virginal self... And you enjoy being fucked against the wall, your hands squeezing his throat, choking him.

🌼 After this the dust begins to settle on your hatred for one another... Youre more united against Tommy and your father than you are against eachother. But you like to keep up the pretence. Its like a fun game you have, pretending to hate eachother then having intense the most intense sex when youre alone. Youre always trying to push the boundaries, testing eachother.

🌼 You still affectionately refer to eachother by your respective slurs but see if anyone else ever tried it... If anyone ever called you a wop, john would put a bullet in them quicker than lightnight, and if anyone ever insulted him for his blood, youd be the one firing your gun.

🌼 John enjoys the way people fear you, he likes having a dangerous wife by his side.

🌼 You like having a dangerous man by your side, one who isn't so sleezy and american and preocupied with their looks... You think hes a real man.

Bonnie

🍀 Poor sweet innocent boy has no idea who you are when he first meets you... And thats partly your fault because you do lie to him.

🍀Youre actually sick of people being so scared of you, you dont think they are really scared of you, you think they are scared of your father... Which isnt fair... Its making it impossible to find a man and pretty soon youre certain your fathers going to arrange your marriage to some sleeze in another mafia family for the good of the lineage anyway

🍀 When you meet Bonnie Gold after one of his fights which Ada Shelby snuck you into, he has no idea about your family, but you know everything about his... And you see one thing in him...

🍀 Escape. You don't want to be a mafia princess anymore. Like Ada you want to shed your family name and be your own person.

🍀 So when you're introduced after the fight you beg him to take you away, to help you dissappear. And him being naive and you being very fucking pretty, he's more than happy to oblige.

🍀 After his fight the two of you disappear together for several weeks, hes no idea of the trouble hes getting himself into, and youre naively trying to pretend this can last forever

🍀You love the nomadic life style, the not knowing where you'll be tomorrow or a week from now, the knowing that nobody can find you, that no one you meet knows a single thing about you. And you like the simplicity too...

🍀Bonnie can tell that youre hiding something from him but he isnt sure what and he trusts that youll tell him eventually... For you to be friends with Ada Shelby, for you to have been so desperate to get away from London... He knows that you have a darkness inside you... But like i said he trusts you... And he's seen a soft and innocent side to you.

🍀Over the weeks you spend travelling together you grow closer and closer. At night you sleep under the stars, wrapped up together in his big coat with a blanket over you both. In the morning you awake with the birds and he teaches you to hunt and to cook wild rabbit. You fall for eachother slowly. When you share your first kiss you feel guilty, you almost cry and he can tell youre upset.

🍀 "Don't be sad little dove, i know you're keeping secrets, i don't mind... You can tell me all your secrets when you're ready,"

🍀 When you return he takes you to meet his father, to tell him you want to be married, that youre in love which makes Aberama laugh. He thinks it hilarious because he can tell that his son still has no idea who you are.

🍀"Well miss youve certainly caused a lot of trouble without trying haven't you..." it turns out your father didnt take kindly to your disappearence.. The italians have been threatening the whole country trying to find you...

🍀 Bonnie is surprised, but quietly pleased... Not just with himself for having a mafia princess fall in love with him, but also because hes in awe of your defiance, this trick youve played on everyone including him... He thought you were sweet and innocent but here you are, a mafia princess whos brought the whole underground crime scene in britain to a grinding halt.

🍀 "Do you hate me Bon? I lied to you... Could get you fuckin killed? I understand if you never want to..." "Don't finish that sentence little dove," him hushing you, hand holding your cheek, thumb to your lips, "Don't need to finish that sentence," kissing you softly is the only answer you need.

🍀The first time he sees you pull a gun on anyone the man in question is your own father. Hes come to bring you home but you wont go... Bonnie is there as a peaky boy, standing with Michael and Isaiah watching and keeping his mouth shut. He knows hes dead if anyone clocks who he is. Your father threatens to kill every gypsy boy he meets until he finds the one whose stolen you... But you stand your ground.

🍀 "i wont lose my daughter to a fucking pikey..." "Then tell people I'm dead," you turn the gun on yourself your eyes locked with your father, your burning with defiance, a truly formidable lass, "I'd sooner blow my own brains out than continue to call you my fucking father..."

🍀 And its the fact he cant tell if youre bluffing that makes him back down. He gives in but tells you that theres no backing out, he'll tell the whole world youre dead, but you are dead, to him, theres no coming back. But you don't back down.

🍀"Your girls a fuckin terror Bonnie lad, hope youre going to tame her," Isaiah laughing eith Michael after the whole affair. "I fucken won't," Bonnies pretty much stubborn about that, he loves your defiance and hes proud cause he knows Isaiah and Michael are secretly terrified of you. Women who don't fear death are the most formidable creatures.

🍀 "You're incredible dove, that was incredible..." "but... You promise me now, you'll never point one of these things at that pretty little head of yours ever again..."

Isaiah

🐀Definitely bitten off more than he can chew. He's in love with you before he even realises whats happened to him.

🐀Doesn't know what to do with himself because for all his arrogance and confidence, he knows a girl of mafia blood is so far out of his league.

🐀Youre in London because your father has business with Tommy Shelby, and your father refuses to travel to the shithole which is Birmigham

🐀You came along for the legal drinking, the shopping and to see what all the fuss about "English" men was...

🐀And you don't think much of any of them at first... Most have them are a little ugly, badly dressed, dirty, with funny accents... And Isaiah has a funny accent but, he's good looking, and he has the cocky nature of any american boy youve ever met.

🐀He gets tasked with chaperoning you much to your delight... Less to your delight you know that one of your fathers men is trailing you too, just to make sure nothing bad happens, that this Peaky Boy doesnt try anything funny with you.

🐀You find it all bitterly amusing, youre a woman, not a mouse. If this Peaky Boy wants to try anything funny with you, just let him try, its you who will see to it he doesn't get very far...

🐀Although the idea of getting up to no good with an english gangster, one your father hates... Well its appealing to say the least. You're a bit of a brat, used to getting your own way, used to doing as you please and facing little consequences later...

🐀So you suggest to your new peaky boy that you both lose your dads man, you ask him to take you through the back streets until your fathers men can't find you... And isaiah knows he shouldnt but hes sensed the mood youre in and he cant pass up the opportunity to go too far with you. He wants to get into trouble with you... He has a feeling that Mafia girls fuck harder, more dangerously.

🐀"You wanna get into trouble Peaky Boy? My father will kill you for this? Aren't you scared?" "Not fuckin scared of anyone me sweetheart," "Fine, do your worst Peaky Boy..."

🐀It doesnt last too long because you don't have much time but its hot and heavy and rough... And its the best you've ever had, maybe thats just the adrenaline of knowing youre up to know good, the adrenaline of risking someone elses life for your own pleasure...

🐀And you do get caught, you suppose if you were being honest with yourself then you'd always known you would be.

🐀You get caught with Isaiahs cock still inside you, he's fucking you against the wall and youre not even being that quiet about it... your fathers man goes to shoot at Isaiah but you get there first, your shot killing your fathers man in a second...

🐀Isaiah is stunned, almost drops you but he doesnt want to dissapoint you so he tightens his grip, hes scared too, youre in so much fucking trouble and if anyone finds out what just happened Tommy will kill him before your father does...

🐀"Don't go soft on me Peaky Boy I'm only just getting started..." you practically growl, grinding your hips into his, and Isaiah isnt about to let you go, so he channels is fear and his amazement into fucking you twice as hard, growling to you about how much trouble youre going to get him into.

🐀But obviously its fucking worth it.

🐀You make him take you shopping afterwards and you return to your father with so many pretty dresses and shoes. A new red lipstick too.

🐀He obviously wants to know what happened, why his man hasn't returned with you and you speak before Isaiah can...

🐀"oh did you have someone following me daddy? We didn't notice anyone? Did you Isaiah?" the boy cant believe what hes hearing right now, youre asking him to lie not just to your father, but his own boss too... Still he does, after that day hes sure hed do anything you asked him to.

🐀You also make up a little story of your own, about how you were threatened by a man, someone tried to disresepct your dignity, you tell him Isaiah took his eyes for the insult and your father is quite satisfied that Tommys boy can keep you safe... So next time you want to go out, your father makes the condition that Isaiah has to go with you.

🐀Which you're quite happy with.

🐀"Youre gonna be the death of me love,"

🐀 So much of the time youre the one causing problems, getting yourself into scraps, because youre used to being a mafia princess, no one back home would dare say a word to you but over here so many of the men don't understand who you are... You wont stand for their shit

🐀So Isaiah does end up taking peoples eyes for you... Most of the time however its you that does the killing. Youre a real violent little brat it doesnt take much for you to decide to pull that trigger...

🐀Isaiah hasnt told any of his mates about what the two of you get up to when you get eachother alone... Its difficult for him to keep this to himself, usually he'd be bragging to high heaven about laying a woman like you... But he's keeping quiet because he knows it'll be you who kills him if he speaks.

Michael

☘️Meets you in America when hes been sent away by tommy... Hes harbouring that bitterness towards his cousin when he finds himself in dealings with the mafia on his brothers behalf.

☘️His life in America is good... He might not be there of his own free will, he might not be allowed to come back, but hes making it work, hes a feared gangster, a powerful and dangerous man

☘️And hes starting to get ideas above his station... Hes met you several times, youre always in his speakeasies drinking, getting snowed up and demanding Shelby gin on the house, your name affords you everything you want after all

☘️And he thinks you're another one of those pretty, espensive things he'd like to add to his collection.

☘️Youd be a real status changer for him, he could use you to win his feud with Tommy, finally be more powerful than his cousin...

☘️ And you're attracted to the brooding English man who runs this part of the city... He does dealings with your father so you know hes a real player in this game, hes dangerous too... And perhaps the only man arrogant enough not to fear the barrel of your fathers gun.

☘️Youve been going to Michaels bars and acting out, getting too drunk and causing fights because you want to get his attention. Its a childish way to attract a man but you know men like Michael Gray, you know that what they want is a possession, something they can tame, put in its place. Teach to be obedient. They like the challenge and secretly they like it when a woman threatens their ego and misbehaves.

☘️And you're right, youve read him like a book... He approaches you one evening at the bar and well, hes stern, hes aggressive, hes almost... Almost fucking rude to you...

☘️ "Miss y/l/n I'd like a word..." "Take your pick Mr Gray, how about two, fuck... Off..." "Don't test me love... You're going to come back to my office with me now, youre going to come quietly and then we're going to talk... And we can talk nicely or you can keep up with whatever this childish little act is alright? But you're going to come with me and we're going to have a little chat alright about the kind of behaviour which is and isnt acceptable in my establishment... "

☘️"Who the fuck do you think you are Mr Gray... Do you have any idea who i am?" "I know youre a little mafia brat with no manners... Anything else?"

☘️ Drags you by the wrist into his office where he practically pushes you down into a chair.

☘️ Stands before you and actually lectures you about your behaviour... About how he isnt going to stand for it anymore...

☘️" So whatre you going to do about it Mr Gray?" youre so cheeky, a real brat, but youre being provocative too... You know what you want from him and as you speak you open your legs just enough to catch his attention.

☘️ "So youre a whore as well as a brat are you?" this actually shocks you, you flush a little but youre idignant and you hold your ground. "Is that what you'd like me to be Mr Gray?"

☘️ He's going to teach you to behave, one way or another... And the only way he manages to is by fucking you into submission... Thats the only way he can get you to behave yourself for him, the only way he can make you beg his forgiveness...

☘️ Outside of the bedroom though youre still a spoilt brat and he doesnt help the fact, he buys you gifts, courts you properly, makes all the right moves on both you and your father

☘️Until eventually your father is convincrd that marrying you off to Michael Gray is the best business move he could possibly make.

☘️ So youre handed over to him on a silver fucking platter and though you pretend to remain defiant "Dont think this means I'm going to behabe myself Mr Gray..." secretly youre thrilled, this is exactly what you wanted.

☘️You want him to take you back to england with him, you want to meet the infamous Tommy Shelby... And when he finally takes you "home" dont be surprised hes showing you off like a pretty piece of jewellery...

☘️And should he really be surprised when Tommy catches your eye, when you realise that there are men more rich, more powerful and more dangerous than Michael Gray for you to persue.

☘️Threatens you, "you fuckin touch my cousin you little brat, I'll kill you..." but this jealousy, this new passion in him turns you on and so you find yourself caught trying to balance two men. Youre being selfish, youre taking everything you want, no matter who gets hurt.

[note-boom]

I don't know where I put the post that said Dazai was just as important to Oda's well-being and emotional health as Oda was to Dazai but it really got me thinking that, yeah, they were so important to each other and it absolutely kills me because it makes me wonder.

Did Dazai...subconsciously know or feel how important he was to Odasaku? Was the reason that Dazai loved Oda so much not just because he saw Oda as the ideal good and someone powerful to admire but also because Oda saw in Dazai some kind of hope? Even though Odasaku knew Dazai was deep in the mire of his own head and troubles, he still called him a friend and someone who helped him. And so probably for the first time, Dazai unconsciously felt someone see him not as a demon child or heartless mafia executive but as someone who could give something good as much as he could take it out.

For the first time, someone saw both his pain but also his ability to give something good. Oda is PROOF that he did something good during his mafia days because he doesn't believe Odasaku would have truly loved someone entirely heartless. They were so good for each other and Dazai probably unconsciously recognizing that it was a mutual exchange of light probably just....argh!

[starseneyes]

Chenford REWIND- Lucy Chen / Tim Bradford - The Rookie - Season 5 - Ep 6 & 7

*phew* almost all caught up on this REWIND of Chenford! And with today's edition, we will be completely caught up to date of current airing (5x11 being the most recent to air).

I'll put together a Master Post later to make things easier to find. For now, it's time to talk about another favorite of the season.

SPOILER ALERT: This is not one of those reviews where people tip-toe around spoilers. I will spoil every last morsel in these episodes without restraint. Please know that going in! I do try to write these as though I were seeing them for the first time.

Alright, with all the red tape out of the way, let's dive into the fun!

The Reckoning

"Hello. Good morning!" "Chen. Sanford." "What's up with him?" "He's just grumpy with everything he's got going on." "Wait. What? What's going on? "Nothing." "What." "He's fine. I'm fine. We're just eager to protect and serve." "Aaron." "I have to go. I'm so sorry." "What?"

Cackling during this scene the first time I watched it.

Aaron's doe-eyed, assuming that Lucy would know everything going on in Tim's life already (because he's not Nolan-level oblivious) then realizing oops, he should've kept his mouth closed.

Side Note: "Nothing" is never a good cover... just sayin'.

I also find it fascinating that Chris is framed out of most of the scene. Yes, he's there in the establishing shot and brief interaction with Tim, but as soon as Tim departs, this is Aaron and Lucy's conversation.

Lucy's worried. She could tell something was up with Tim because he was about to walk by without even acknowledging them. When he did, he could barely look Lucy in the eye, and he stuck to last names without salutation.

At first, she thought it might be something trivial, but Aaron's words affirm something is definitely up with her husband.

"I think the radio belonged to the broody one." "The broody... Tim forgot his radio? Tim Bradford, 'Super Cop'? You know, this guy will not let me forget that I was once three and a half minutes late to Roll Call. Can you believe that?" "I guess." "This feels like Christmas. Thank you."

Oh, I know that glint in your eye, Lucy Chen. You're cooking up something. But, she pauses as she considers exactly what to do.

And this is the difference between a Tim/Lucy prank earlier in the show versus now. Now, Lucy wants to do something that will be fun... not just funny. Lucy decides to go the same route my husband did when he proposed—scavenger hunt.

"What the hell?" "What is it? ... Who sent that?" "Someone who's about to get in a lot of trouble." "You know you could just file a incident report and get a new radio." "And get written up? That's one day suspension without pay."

I love you, Tim Bradford (platonicly. I'm happily married and he's fictional... so...). He truly is the Super Cop who wants to do everything by the book.

"I think I know where this is."

And what I LOVE about this is that Lucy Chen has already been to these places, and timed it out to know how long it would take Tim to get from one to the next.

She knows him so well. ("too well", anybody?) Lucy knows that she needs to break through his walls by getting him active.

Paintball? He loves it. Shooting range? Totally something he did with his ex as a date. Tim isn't one to open up about feelings easily.

This is a way to prime him, and help him think about something other than whatever is bothering him.

"Man, this is one sketchy-ass looking coffee truck."

Side note that I love that someone had to look at that line in a script, then either find or design the perfect coffee truck to make Aaron say that. It gives me such special pleasure to think about.

"It's where I get my coffee every morning. No oatmilk mafia hipsters rewriting screenplays. A buck for coffee and you go to work." "You sound like the old dude from Up!"

My husband was over my shoulder when I first watched this on Hulu, and he was rolling at that. But, it's so true. Tim is a creature of habit. He likes what is comfortable because it's stable, and his life often lacks stability.

It started in childhood... not knowing if Dad was going to ignore him or lay into him at any given moment. He learned to constantly be on guard, to be slow to trust, and to find what comforts he could to get through until he could get out of the house.

So many of Tim's life choices are informed by the abuse he survived.

"Damnit. They're running us all over town." "Okay, so, like, what's the point? I mean, they haven't asked for money or anything. And if they really want to screw with the police, they could do a whole lot more with that radio." "I don't know. We gotta figure out what studio lot that is."

First off, my hat's off to Aaron, who wants to be a detective. He's diving into the why right off the bat. Tim, though... he's in the game.

Right where Lucy wants him.

"My favorite movie was shot right here on this lot."

Woah, woah, woah. Your favorite movie is Shane!? I mean, it tracks for Tim's character, absolutely. In high school, my US government teacher spent a whole semester having us watch US Westerns and writing about them. I aced that semester if you can imagine.

While I'm not a fan of Shane personally (I don't like most Westerns), I get why it appeal to Tim. And it's heartbreaking.

Shane is a Western where a man is hired to help a family of homesteaders, gets into many a gunfight, befriends the son of the homesteaders, and then when injured protecting them... he leaves. The boy stands at the door crying out for Shane to come back... and that's how it ends.

This is not a happy story. It's a story of a man who did the right thing. He took out the bad guys, then abandoned the people he'd connected with to protect them from retribution. And this is Tim's favorite movie.

"Wait, your favorite coffee place. Your favorite movie. Whoever's doing this knows you really well." "Chen."

Again, Aaron with the Detective cap on. And it takes only seconds for Tim to realize who would know all of these details about his life... Lucy.

When did they talk about his favorite movie? The coffee would be an easy one, but I bet there's some fanfic out there about how Lucy conned Tim into telling her his favorite movie, possibly by guessing terribly on purpose to draw him out.

Much as Tim tries to avoid talking about personal things... Lucy has always drawn him out. He has helped refine and sharpen her, but in the same manner, she has helped pull him out of his darkness. And she's doing it again with this distraction.

"Where's my radio?" "Did something happen to your radio? Oh, you know what, Halloween is tomorrow. Maybe a vengeful spirit took it."

This flirty banter is giving me major end-of-season-4 Chenford vibes. I don't know if Lucy even realizes she's doing it. But sitting together in that hospital room, they erased all the awkwardness—or so she thought.

Because Tim's had time to think about Lucy, now, in the absence of the all-consuming vortex that was Ashley. Without the distraction of his girlfriend, all he sees is Lucy.

"Why are you doing this?" "I don't know what you're talking about." "Is holding my radio payback for how tough I was on you as a Rookie?"

Tim's playing a game of 21 questions and Lucy hasn't answered a damn one. Well done, girl!

But I also like the quirk to Tim's lips at the end of that statement. He's having fun. Even arguing with Lucy (playfully), he is having so much damn fun.

"Were you? I hadn't noticed."

Oh, yeah. Definitely flirting.

"Okay." "But, again, I don't know what you're talking about. But I might be able to help you look for your radio if you tell me what's going on." "Nothing is going on with me." "Please. I rode with you long enough to know when you are being you, and when you're upset. I mean, are you okay?"

How do you tell the woman of your dreams that you're falling in love with them while they're dating another man? I don't know, and Tim certainly doesn't either.

Because this isn't just about Ashley. Yes, he is hurting because yet another person walked out on him. Hell, she practically trampled on his oxygen line on the way out the door.

Without Ashley to redirect his thoughts, he's having a harder time ignoring how much he wants to be with Lucy. And her being soft with him makes it even harder because he starts to question himself. "Is it possible she could feel something? Should I ask?"

His attitude totally shifts as he makes the decision to play it off.

"It's nothing. I'm fine."

Tim, someday, someday, I hope you realize that "nothing" is a terrible, terrible cover story.

"Then I don't know where your radio is."

She storms off, and we can hear she's really frustrated. Lucy hopes that this game is helping loosen him up because she wants to help him.

Last week, she didn't get to be there for him as much as she wanted. Now, she has a chance to help him, and she feels like it's failing.

Lucy is drawn to Tim as much as he is drawn to her. It's all a matter of getting on the same page. And right now she feels like they're flipping back and forth instead of landing on the same spot.

"Hey. Hi. What the hell is going on with Tim?" "Well, he lost his radio." "I will give you his radio if you tell me what's bothering him." "Honestly, I don't know. He won't tell me either." "What?"

Maybe Aaron should do all the lying for the team, because he's the only one who's any good at it. We know he knows what's up with Tim. But, he's being a good Gofer and keeping his trap shut.

But Aaron also knows that Tim and Lucy know more about one another than most cops he's met. Even if Aaron hasn't sniffed out the romance angle, he knows that there's something there. And he ain't getting in the middle of it.

"Hi. Good morning." "Good morning."

Everything is shifting! Did you clock that? Oh, I totally clocked that. Tim's graduated from monosyllabic greetings for Lucy to an actual phrase! Progress! But he's still not looking her in the eye.

"Still missing your radio?" "No, it's in the shop." "Where's your standard issue?" "This is it." "That hasn't been standard since the sixties... Wait, let me get a photo of you with it, first!"

Peep Aaron looking ANYWHERE other than Tim and Lucy? He knows better than to get in the middle of this.

Tim and Lucy have a tendency to take embarrassing photos of one another. It's a quirk they share... one of those places where two seemingly very different people overlap. And I so hope Lucy got her shot so we can see it make a comeback at some point.

Can you imagine their wedding slideshow? Half of it's just going to be shots of them pranking one another.

"Uh, here. I thought torturing you would be more fun, and getting your mind off of whatever has been bothering you."

First off, coworkers don't need to hold onto the object they're passing that long. Y'all are being obvious right outside the station. Second, she clues him in on why she was doing this... it wasn't revenge. It was concern.

Damnit, that's hot. You know Tim's thinking it. Lucy Chen did all this for him.

"I should know better than to get into your personal business."

This is another deflection. Back in 5x02's opening scene she talked about having a lot going on in her "personal life" and we know that involved Tim. But after 5x02's breakup scene, she's convinced that he isn't interested.

"Goodnight." "Night... Ashley and I, uh, broke up. Well, I guess, technically she broke up with me."

Did you see how Lucy's head whipped around? Because Tim Bradford just let her in. It's been a while since Tim has let her in on anything. He's been keeping her at a distance for a while—even last week when he was injured.

But here he is, letting her into his personal life. She had given up, and he just let her waltz right in. Lucy knows what a big deal for Tim this is, even if she doesn't understand what's going on in his head and heart. Could you two just TALK!?

"And just so you know, I did appreciate your whole radio gag, a little. Took my mind off things." "Well, good."

See that little size up and shimmy? Because Tim Bradford complimented Lucy Chen. And she has a thing with Praise. He basically told her that her whole plan worked, and that he understood and appreciated it.

And for some reason, that little affirmation cracks open something between them that they've both tried to bury since their "breakup".

Looking at the woman of his dreams, radio in one hand (a literal communication device), Tim considers another leap.

And, oh, you know he has to have it bad to try this, again, after how badly he fell the last time. But he feels that connection between them, again. And there's no Ashley, anymore, to distract him from it.

And look. At. Lucy. Her face reminds me so much of the end of season 4 when she and he stood in this parking lot looking at one another, her anxious of what he might say. Some part of her knows.

But before Tim can open his mouth, the door opens, and out parts Mr. Professional Chenford Blocker himself, Chris Sanford.

Lucy and Tim both look caught. Because even if they weren't playing tonsil hockey, they were in an emotionally-charged moment that shouldn't happen when she's dating someone else.

And Tim just got the second coldest shower of his life (nothing tops bleeding-out Chris).

"Do you wanna join us? We're gonna go get a bite to eat." "Oh, no, no. I'm good. I'm beat. You two have fun."

And he means that. He wants Lucy to be happy, even if it isn't with him. But that fake smile is so heartbreaking. Because, here he was, considering a huge leap... and now he's clamming back up because he thinks Lucy is truly happy with someone else.

You know who isn't happy about this interaction? Chris, that's who! Early on, he clocked something between Lucy and Tim, but she was able to shove it off.

Think about it. She never called or texted anyone when she decided to spent the evening at the hospital by Tim's side. But likely she told Chris later about it, not thinking anything of it.

Now, Chris comes out to see Tim and Lucy chatting, and she invites him on their date!? Chris might think things are good between him and Lucy, but a part of him definitely sees Tim as a threat. He no likely.

Good.

Lucy and Chris walk off, arms wrapped around one another, but the camera stays on Tim, offering us a shot of him from a distance, defeated, looking back at the opportunity missed with the woman he's falling for.

We feel how distanced he is, now, from Lucy. We feel his struggle with that distance.

And as we switch angles to see it from her side... Lucy is looking back at him.

Remember beginning of season 4 when Lucy and Tim stood together in his living room, his left arm stroking her right arm after their hug? Lucy felt the change in energy between them. She saw the look in Tim's eyes.

She loves that look. She's addicted to that look. It's been a long time since she's seen that look, but she saw it at the hospital, and she saw it again just now. She loves when he looks at her like that.

It's hard to say if she knows how he feels about her, but I think she is struggling with the same thing he did with Ashley—Do I risk it all for someone who I think is unavailable to me, or do I stick with what's easy, but not satisfying?

Even though she's still with Chris, Tim being available, more flirty, complimenting her, and showing the slightest bit of interest is sending her spinning.

She shoves it down... but it'll come out, someday. Like a spring wound too-tight eventually snaps.

Crossfire

"If your puppy vouches for her, it could go a long way." "I don't know. Having a kid act as a CI on his own sister? I mean, they might not even be in touch."

I need to point this out. Is it directly Chenford related? Yes. Go with me here.

If you've seen the episode, you know one of the key Chenford-related moments is coming up, but this conversation feeds right in.

Nyla and Angela want to get Lucy in as a UC. But Tim, yes Tim is the first one to reason why it's not the best idea. Why? Because he's concerned for the kid.

He's not thinking about Lucy's career, or even about the possible apprehending of a criminal. He's thinking about this kid. We need this context to see where Tim's head is at.

"How about we keep an eye on the kid, ourselves? Make sure he's safe."

Nyla and Angela are the ones pushing this. Lucy, too. Tim isn't doing any pushing. But he's actually the one hearing Aaron. Because Tim does have a soft spot for kids. He was one, once, and his childhood sucked.

Lucy at Gunpoint

Aaron glances to Tim, aware of how Tim's stopped freakin' breathing and is watching the situation unfold.

"We should pull Tabin out, now." "Nah, he's fine." "Sir, no it's not. You are endangering this career all because it's good for Lucy's career." "Excuse me?" "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

I saw the responses online, "Good! Someone called him out". And, sure, it's good Tim knows his Lucy-o-meter is showing because that's going to get him in trouble someday.

But Tim would never put a kid in danger for Lucy's career. Hell, he hates that Lucy puts herself in danger for Lucy's career.

But Aaron doesn't know Tim's history with an ex-wife who was UC. he doesn't know about Tim's abusive childhood and how he would never want to put a child in harm's way.

Tim is working the op the way it needs to be worked because he is a seasoned cop. In this moment, it's actually Aaron who is operating off of emotion. And Tim is smart enough to know it, so he drops it instead of starting an argument—the work comes first.

"I don't wanna blow my cover." "You got it."

Wow, how far we have come. Tim used to think Lucy didn't have what it took for UC. Now, he's letting her call the shots on her UC op. He respects the hell out of her, and that is earned, and that is built.

Lucy Makes Herself

Look, I don't know what the long-term plan here, was. Did Lucy want to keep using that cover to infiltrate the gang further? I don't know. But the second she saw Tim and Aaron in trouble, she leapt out to help.

Tim and Aaron can absolutely handle themselves. Lucy made an emotional decision. And it got her made.

Was it the right decision? Who knows. Aaron was the only one to get through to Tabin, and Lucy's presence didn't help anything. But she was worried about Tim and Aaron.

"Night."

Lucy doesn't know what went down between Aaron and Tim while she was undercover. But she knows what made her break it. And she's had time to think about their chat outside the other day—what was Tim going to say?

Because she knew he was going to say something. And lately he's looking at her with these soft eyes... What does it mean!?

"Hey, uh, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said, you know, about Lucy. That was totally out of line." "It was."

Because Tim would never endanger a child just for Lucy's career. But, also, calling Tim out about Lucy was out of line—but that part wasn't wrong. And Tim knows it.

"It's all good. Look, sometimes tensions get high, but we get the job done. And you had my back the way you threw yourself in front of mom for me." "Oh, yeah, she was gonna lay you out." "Come on."

Aaron and Tim has become a really unexpected relationship for me on this show. Tim has softened enough that while he maintains authority over Aaron, he listens to him. Of course, this is Lucy's influence in his life. So it makes sense that the three of them are sort of becoming a new OT3 on the show.

In the past, it was Jackson, Lucy, and Nolan who formed the OT3. Common element? Lucy, of course. She brings people together in unexpected ways.

And while Aaron's comments were out of line, it's not wrong for someone to call Tim out about his intentions and choices. He's an authority figure in the station, and a supervisor. People need to know he's on the level at all times.

That's going to play into the rest of a season, I think. But, what do I know? I'm just a girl from the very-near future rewinding back to Chenford classics of ages past.

As ever, thank you for reading and joining me on this journey. We're all caught up! Can't wait to see what's next for Lucy and Tim (and Chenford)!

I'll put together a Master Post to-date later. And I can't WAIT to see what 5x12 has for us all! See you then!

[lake-archive]

Chapter 37 - She has a...

AO3 Link

Characters: Chuuya Nakahara, Annette 'Ann' Dorste-Hülshoff (OC), Osamu Dazai, Eli (OC by @watersofcamelot)

Words: 2,703

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

Chuuya couldn’t say what was more irritating to him. The fact that Dazai had just randomly called in and screamed right into his ear for no good reason. He didn’t pick up the first few times but that mackerel bastard just didn’t want to quit it. So he had picked up eventually.

“The fuck you want!?” He had even yelled.

Though the response he got from the idiot was in a panicked tone… Though the moron overdid it. It may as well have been fake. “Chuuya Chuuya Chuuya! This is a big emergency concerning the both of us! I need you to meet me right away! We are in big trouble!”

“We? Bet it’s only your doing.” The executive scoffed. He had no concern for whatever this guy was doing these days. Dazai was no longer a member of the Port Mafia so why was Chuuya going to care? Well… 

“Listen to me Chuuya! This is important for the both of us! It’s about Ann–Chan!”

He didn’t know what it was yet when the moron mentioned Ann… Something just flipped within Chuuya. He noticed that he had been gripping the phone in his hand tightly, almost breaking it. But only almost. He still needed that thing for communication after all. Yet he didn’t like the sound of that, noticing how his own gaze became darker. It was as if it was suddenly his business, though even he knew that he was taking this perhaps a little too personal. “Where do you wanna meet?”

“Huh? You… Won’t ask me what happened?”

“Listen you idiot! You said that it’s an emergency so we don’t have the luxury of wasting time!”

“Oho~ How unusually serious of you Chuuya. If I didn’t know any better I’d say that you really, really like Ann–Chan~” And there was that irritating teasing tone. If Dazai had been right there Chuuya would have probably launched that guy at the other end of the city with one punch alone. Even now he’s got some guts! Sometimes you just gotta keep your mouth shut after all!

“For your information I don’t!” He yelled, even louder than before. “I just owe her some things! So don’t twist my words with your shitty mouth!”

“Yes yes. Message received. You totally aren’t crushing on her. Well, even if you did, not like you’d stand a chance. I mean, you’re shorter than her, Chibi~”

“Once this is over I’m gonna make you eat those words!”

“Try me~”

“You little shit…” 

But kicking Dazai ass had to wait for the time being. Shortly after the two met up at the nearby park, though, Chuuya would have rather looked into this matter alone. Regardless, he was now stuck with Dazai who explained the situation in his own way… Sounding overly serious. However, the tone was not something Chuuya was concerned with. It was more the content of that shitty ass mouth he focused on, thus overlooking Dazai’s annoying voice.

“Well, you see… The problem is as follows. Recently I have spotted Ann with this guy. Pretty tall, looking all messy and wearing an eye patch. Shouldn’t be hard to miss. It wouldn’t be that big of a deal but he looks a little dangerous. Not sure if we can trust him around her. He’s carrying out a baseball bat with him too. Not the most pleasant fella to have a girl stay close to. You can agree on that much, can’t you?”

Needless to say, if Chuuya hadn’t been put on alert now he was for sure on alert now. A lot went through his head, lots of possibilities. “Y… You serious?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

“No shitting me? You’re dead serious?”

“Why would I joke around about that? I live with her, of course I look out for her!”

“Ok ok I get it! Fine, I believe it! For now! Where’s she now?”

“Over there.” And before knowing it Dazai pointed right behind him. This had the redhead on edge and he came to face the scene right away – There she was, Ann! And she looked unharmed. But no one could tell for how long that would last. She seemed to chat with the guy, though Chuuya only saw him from the side for now. He did look messy and one eye seemed to be covered by an eyepatch. Yet this guy… He looked oddly familiar. But that thought was shoved aside just as quickly. If Dazai’s word could be trusted then this guy was a potential threat to the girl’s safety. And he wasn’t having it! 

“Good. I’ll deal with him right away.”

“Huh? W… Wait, Chuuya! You can’t just—” 

As if he would listen to another thing Dazai would say. Instead things happened rather quickly – Chuuya decided to just rush over as quickly as possible, hand back and balled right into a fist. And while running he was going for a punch. “Oi! You! Over there!” He even growled.

It had caught the attention of the duo talking though Chuuya was only paying attention to the tall guy. This one seemed to stare a little unfazed before shoving the young woman aside and when the punch was supposed to make an impact he only stopped the fist by grabbing it. Chuuya had no intention of pulling back however, wanting to send him flying. He had another hand after all, thus going for another punch. However, this one was blocked by the other hand in a tight grip. “Easy there dog.” The guy said, awfully calm… So calm that it was honestly irritating to listen to, more than Dazai right now.

“Easy my ass!” Chuuya hissed as he was trying to break free. However, it was pointless, his fists weren’t going anywhere. Instead he just felt them grabbed, it was almost painful. But only almost. He wouldn’t show it. 

“I’m not really in the mood to fight.”

“Ya got no choice! I’ll kick your ass be—”

“N… Nakahara–San!? What are you doing!?” A voice would interrupt, Ann’s voice. 

“Shut up! I’m—”

“Oh, wait. I remember… You’re that Nakahara guy Ann keeps talking about.” That sentence was not something Chuuya expected to hear. It made him drop his hands almost instantly, finally deciding to look who he was even talking to. And another close look… Wait a minute… Hold on— “Thanks for hanging out with Sis the other day. Didn’t expect her to get fascinated with pufferfish though.”

“Sis?” Chuuya asked… And then it hit him. “Wait… The guy who I got the tickets from.”

“Took you long enough.” 

“But wait… You ain’t out for—” Chuuya’s gaze shifted towards the brunette. This one was looking at this scene in utter confusion herself before getting a word out as well.

“Eli? Out for me? Why?” She asked.

Oh shit, this was getting embarrassing now.”But… That bastard Dazai said that you—”

“Dazai?”

“Ah. That explains it.” The guy said, not even sounding surprised. In fact, he seemed rather deadpan when that was mentioned. 

And that was when it all hit Chuuya… All at once. He only stared at the duo in silence for a moment before slowly turning to the shithead. This one was smiling as if nothing happened. Actually, he even had the audacity to say: “Whoopsie~”

“YOU FUCKING BASTARD! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!”

Moments later things had finally been resolved… Well, after Chuuya calmed down. He was so ready to beat Dazai to a pulp and tried doing so but this one just kept blocking and dodging every attack with that shitty grin on his face, enough to get Chuuya pissed off. Eventually it had all come to a halt… Actually, Chuuya had just given up, a little tired from this game. Though he found it odd that this guy and Ann invited him over to come with them. To where? Of all places he didn’t expect it to be… A café. “We can talk there. ‘sides, we’re both on shift soon.” The guy had said.

And that was how Chuuya was literally just sitting there, at a table… To his dismay Dazai sat right across him yet what one could do? The atmosphere was awfully peaceful. There weren’t many customers but it was not really a downside. Instead it was… Rather nice? Yeah. If one ignored the mackerel bastard right there, Chuuya couldn’t say that he hated it. It was rather cozy. 

Though the silence would soon be broken as he saw a hand placing down a cup of coffee in front of him. “Sorry for the wait.” A female voice would say, making him gaze to the side… Only to be completely caught off guard with the sight he saw. Was that… Ann? She looked so different. It left him speechless. He never expected her to be the type to wear a kimono. Not to mention that her hair was tied together rather neatly. And she had a smile on her face. It was a little different compared to the trip at the aquarium however. Polite to a fault and yet it wasn’t unfitting for her. It was a different side, to say the least but he… Didn’t hate it. No, in fact he found it hard to look at her. Mainly because he knew that he wouldn’t stop staring, as hard as it was to– Wait no what was he thinking!? Ugh, not this again… 

“Ah… Er… Don’t worry about it, thanks.” Chuuya reacted quickly when he caught himself staring, turning his gaze away from her by turning his head away. He looked down, trying to keep his composure. ‘Fuck fuck fukc’ – The only word shooting through hsi head, over and over. What was wrong with him!? This was just— 

“Oh~? Cat got your tongue Chuuya~?” He heard Dazai’s voice now, teasing as ever. But the executive didn’t respond, only picking up the cup of coffee and… Chugging it down in one go! He didn’t even care how hot it was! He just didn’t want to think about it! “Woha, easy there Chibi. You might burn your tongue!”

“Didn’t expect ya to know the guy.” The other male voice would suddenly echo close by, shortly after Chuuya had placed the empty cup down. Yeah, maybe he drank it up too fast. His tongue was burning but he also didn’t give a damn right now… If that made sense. 

“Heh, Chuuya and I go way back. Isn’t that right~?” Dazai would say, only resulting in a scoff from the other one.

“I wish we didn’t…” But you can’t have everything. Though he then turned his head into the direction of the other male voice, visible annoyance on his face yet also embarrassment. “Ugh… I… I’m sorry ok? I didn’t—”

“Eh, no hard feelings.” The guy shrugged. “You were worried ‘bout Sis. Can’t hate on that.”

“You really got it easy, don’t you?”

“Hey, it’s not entirely your fault. Dazai fucked around. As usual.”

“Why did you do that to begin with!?” Chuuya heard Ann’s voice asking as he heard another cup being placed down, her own voice sounding rather frustrated.

“Oh come on. No harm in a little fun~” The bastard responded. Of course that ass isn’t sorry. “Besides, nothing happened. No need to worry that much.”

“No need to worry!? Because of you Nakahara–San nearly—”

“Relax Bella. You heard it, it’s fine.” Something put Chuuya a little off when listening to the conversation. His gaze shifted to the two… Though the sight had Chuuya nearly get off his seat. But he held back, now was not the time. Though he didn’t really like it when seeing that the shithead held both of her hands all of a sudden, having an infuriating smirk on his face, as if he was trying to charm her. The fuck is he doing!? “How about we let both of them talk it out? We can focus on ourselves in the meantime.”

Her face seemed to be filled with annoyance as well. However, one could see a red hue across her face which made this even more infuriating. “How about you let go of me and let me do my work?” Ann responded, trying to sound unfazed but…

“No need to be shy. Besides, it’s not as if there are any other customers right now.”

“I don’t care! A shift is a shift!”

“She’s right. Please do that at home.”The other guy interrupted and the moment was ruined. Or at least Dazai put on a pout yet didn’t let go of Ann’s hands. 

“You’re no fun.” He said like some little kid. “What’s so bad about—”

“I’m gonna kick you out if I have to. And I mean literally. Ma’am’s given me the head’s up too.”

“Ok ok, fine." He then finally let go of both of her hands… Though why was Chuuya the one sighing in relief? Eh, whatever.

His attention then shifted to Ann for a moment, asking: “So… You’re working here?”

The female heard him right away, turning to him, both coming face to face. He could see that sheepish smile on her face. “Y… Yeah. It’s not a bad thing, is it?”

“N… No. I just… Didn’t expect ya to be this close to enemy territory.”

“Huh? Enemy territory?”

“I mean the Armed—” Wiat crap! Chuuya then realized what he had just said! Ah shit! Right, she didn’t know! Or he had never told her! Crap, how does he— 

“Cat’s outta the bag~” Dazai taunted, making Chuuya only throw a sharp glare at him. 

“I wasn’t talking to you!”

“Hehe, couldn’t hide it any longer, could you~?”

“I said shut up!”

“Huh? Nakahara–San is part of the Port Mafia?” One could hear the surprise in Ann’s voice all of a sudden.

“Ya couldn’t tell?” The guy sighed. “Look how he’s walking ‘round! You think some civilian would wear their coat like that!?”

“Ah— You know, it could be a fashion choice!”

“Yeah but he’s wearing black mostly.”

“By that logic I’m also part of the Port Mafia…”

“... Ok, you got me there. But these clothes look way to fancy for just some guy.”

“Uh… Well, now that you mention it… I never noticed.”

“Want me gone?” Chuuya interrupted, leaning his elbow against the table and  leaning his head against one of his hands. “Just say the word and I’ll go.”

“No. You can stay. Just don’t make a mess and we’re good.” The guy responded. He seemed to not really care, did he? “A customer’s a customer.”

“Eh? You just let them in like that?” Dazai asked, though faking the surprise. “But guess it makes sense.”

“You two start fighting though, you’re both out. Got it?”

“Yeees~”

“I wasn’t planning on doing that.” Chuuya responded, his gaze shifting to the side yet again. “Ugh, anyways… I didn’t catch ya name. Who’re you?”

“Eli.” Plain and simple. This guy was not one for many words, was he?

“You’re siblings with Ann?”

“No. It’s just a habit now.” 

“I see.”

“Why do you ask? Worried about something?”

“No, just curious.”

“Makes sense.”

And then a moment of silence, only the sipping from Dazai could be heard across the entire room, and then a content sigh. “Hah, that’s the stuff~”

“Please, keep it down.” Ann sighed at that. Though she then approached Chuuya then, pretending as if that just didn’t happen- “Anyways, do you want another cup maybe Nakahara–San?”

Drat, it was hard to keep his composure when she was so close. Though he had to play it cool. No big deal, none at all. “Ah– Yeah, sure. Why not?”

“Coming right up~ Please wait a moment!”

Though throughout the entire time Chuuya couldn’t help but feel a pair of eyes glaring at him. A look to the side and he could see Eli from the counter, eyeing him curiously. He wondered what was up with that but in the end Chuuya decided to not ask. Honestly, he has had quite a few revelations throughout the entire day. Plus he was too tired to argue further. 

He should just kick back while he still can. Though he had to get used to this… Not being treated hostile on enemy turf was an odd feeling after all.

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

[coinsofmcguffin]

So I watched Netflix's Matilda the Musical today...I have...thoughts.

Spoilers ahead...

Ok so firstly the singing, acting, dancing, choreography and costumes are top notch. Not a fault to be had!

Tim Minchin is a great song writer and the tunes are catchy as anything. The actors do an amazing job, especially Aliesha Weir as Matilda and Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull who is obviously having the time of her life playing the villain.

If you are a fan of musicals or Ronald Dahl you will really love this.

HOWEVER

As a child who suffered bullying for a lot of his childhood both from kids and some adults and as someone who didn't like the original because of this I was hesitant to watch the movie but I preserved because of the afore mentioned good points. But I really found it difficult for three reasons:

1. Why doesn't Matilda tell someone?

It is established early on there is at least one adult who Matilda trusts she could tell about her abusive parents and teachers. The librarian Mrs. Phelps played by Sindhu Vee not only offers advice and is genuinely concerned for Matilda's welfare but we see that she would call the police if she thought something was amiss as demonstrated when Matilda was telling part of her story. Matilda actively lies to her yet is willing to do things that would arguably having bigger consequences (such as gluing the hat on her dad). It just doesn't make sense to me. If she didn't do anything I would understand but the show goes out of the way to show how clever this girl is and how she will stand up and be heard

2. Miss Honey and the other teachers are the real villains

Yes Trunchbull is obviously Satan incarnate but that is the character. We need to hate her that much so our hero can shine brighter. The problem is though is by doing this you have made the other teachers including our lovable Miss Honey part of the problem. In one scene Trunchbull is about to do something nasty to a child and the teachers leave the room so they don't see it. They are nameless and very old so we aren't meant to think about them but miss Honey watches it being done. I don't care how scared you are of someone, you can report it to the police. That school alone has so many health and safety violations I'm surprised @osha-official-the-sequel haven't bitten through the clipboard. Miss Honey could have done literally anything. She couldn't go toe to toe with Trunchbull but telling the police, school board, parents, child services, hell even the Mafia (which is established to be in this town) could have yelled better results than asking the kids to keep their head down.

The old say is true: evil triumphs when good men do nothing.

3. What kind of ending for the Trunchbull is that?

So we have established the Trunchbull is a child abuser in every sense of the word. It is also heavily suggested that SHE KILLED PEOPLE. Not too mention most likely commuted vast fraud. She is also very strong and probably has experience using weapons or at least weilding heavy objects as weapons.

So we are all going to believe she runs off because she got a little scared. Give up her house, legacy, job and power?

Look, there are some bullies you give them a talking too, have the punch out, or just outsmart them and they will leave you alone. But they are the rookies, the kinds who aren't truly bad people, just jerks. But the really bullies, the ones like Trunchbull...there is no talking, no beating them once and walking away. No these are the ones you need to put an end to in a more permanent manner. These are the ones you need to break bones or make it so messing with you will literally cause more trouble. These are the ones where jail or a bullet is sometimes the solution. These are the ones who even if they know doing this thing will most likely cause them pain will STILL do it because in their mind hurting you is more important than future consequences.

Guess which category Miss Trunchbull falls into.

She would be back within 24 hours with murder in her heart and as established she probably would follow through.

So why do they give her this run away ending. Its bullshit and wrong and honestly what pissed me off the most. I know it's a kids film but there still could have been ways to show it. Maybe she runs off a cliff? Maybe she runs into the mob and goes for a drive? Maybe she runs into the woods and some wolves follow after her? Get creative people!!

And yes I know it's based on Dahl's work and this is how the story goes but there is even a song about changing your own story and if the character can be self aware maybe the writers could have too?

So TL:DR

Matilda the Musical is a great musical

Acting, singing and dancing top notch

This film will trigger you if you suffered from abuse or bullying

If you give this film more than a moments thought you will find the plot problematic

Fuck bullies and abusers and thank any God you believe in that I was never granted psychic powers because you would have been wearing your organs on the outside.

[neonacity]

HYACINTHE | CHAPTER 5 (END): JAEMIN X READER

SUMMARY:

Na Jaemin is far from being your typical 20 year old. Instead of slaving through college, he wastes away his hours cracking safes. Weekends that should be spent partying with friends consist of illegal races on good days and small scale bombings on bad ones.

Na Jaemin is far from being average, unless you consider being a member of Seoul’s top organized crime family normal. There is no such thing as a sense of normality and peace in his trainwreck of a life, so when he met a barista who was brave enough to call out his dangerous taste in coffee, he was like a moth to the flame. Everything about her is normal, which means she is forbidden to him, in all sense of the word. So why, then, does he always find himself at the front steps of her shop, breaking all his personal rules even if he wishes he could stay away?

A/N + Disclaimer: this is a side story to Black Daisies, my main mafia fic feat. 0T23. While the plot is based on the main story, this can also be read as a standalone fic. As usual, this is purely a work of fiction and in no way am I implying any member of NCT to behave the way I write them here.

TW: crimes, heists, mentions of illegal activities.

PAIRING: Jaemin x Reader

CHAPTER 1 / CHAPTER 2 / CHAPTER 3 / CHAPTER 4

FIC TRAILER

MASTERLIST

To set the record straight, I've always thought of myself as a pretty reasonable person. I have never been the type to crave for things just for the thrill and danger of it, and—even though I am not necessarily the prim and proper, miss goody-two-shoes type—I have always made it a point to stay away from trouble. I believe that I am very sensible when it comes to everything, especially when it comes to life-changing decisions.

Which is why it is terribly and unbelievably out of character for me now to do what I am just about to do, all rational thoughts be damned. Hell, I lied my way to find this place, put a bet on what is obviously illegal gambling, and watched a drag race. Nothing makes sense anymore. 

And here he is, hugging another girl. 

Just. Wow. 

My legs had already started moving towards the group before I even realized what I was doing. Around me, people have started to converge towards the game masters, probably to take their wins from the race. That made it easier for me to sidestep everyone, my eyes focused on the boys ahead, particularly on one who had his hands still wrapped around the waist of another girl. I watched as the woman in question reached out to ruffle his hair.

 My jaw tightened.

Jaemin. You're so dead. 

I was already just a few feet away when they finally noticed me. It was Renjun whose eyes I caught first, a scowl gracing his features momentarily as he saw the odd girl charging towards them. That look immediately died as I pulled down my hoodie. 

He reached out to prod Mark, his eyes wide. The latter didn't notice him at first, obviously still caught up from the cahooting they've been doing. 

"What?" Mark finally turned to him who, in turn, pointed at me wordlessly. Now there are two of them staring at me wide-eyed.

"Oh shit," he muttered.

Oh shit, indeed.

I finally stopped just between Haechan and Jeno who were closest to the couple and were almost blocking me from Jaemin's sight. Haechan was in the middle of saying something when he finally glanced at me, a small yelp cutting off his words as he jumped back in surprise. That caught Jeno's attention who, almost comically, mirrored him.

"W-What—" 

That was enough to catch Jaemin's attention. His eyes finally landed on me and I watched as they rounded, a flurry of emotions reflected there. There was shock, fear, and finally, worry. 

He was speechless. I, in return, gave him a stiff smile, my eyes traveling from his face, then pointedly at his arms around the girl's waist. 

"Hi," I said simply. His gaze dropped to her and he immediately let go.

"What are you doing here?" He finally managed to ask, his face tight. Obviously, he isn't happy about me being here. 

"I wanted to see you," I answered, and I swear there was a brief look of pain that danced across his features. Everyone around us was silent, the tension so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. 

"Jaemin? Is she your friend?" The woman finally asked as her gaze curiously moved between us two. I took notice of how pretty she is, her large brown eyes sitting on top of dainty, almost elf-like features. My heart ached.

Three months and he's already found her. Was it really that easy for him?

"Noona, I think we need to… uh… give them some time," Mark said rather awkwardly as he gently reached out to her arm. She looked back at him then at us again before finally giving a nod. They started walking away, Haechan and Renjun following them silently after shooting us worried looks.

Jeno, meanwhile, glanced at Jaemin who is still refusing to look me in the eyes. 

"We'll be at the barracks," he said before giving me a quick look and a small, sad smile. He turned, following Mark and the rest of the group. 

The silence that dropped around us was the loudest I've ever heard. The place was still a little rowdy with people shouting here and there, but we were stuck in our own bubble, entirely out of touch with our surroundings. It was me who decided to break it. 

"Let's talk." 

Jaemin shoved his hands in his pockets, eyes directed away from me. 

"There really isn't anything to talk about." 

That made me snap. 

"No, we are going to talk whether you like it or not. Or, if you don’t have anything to say, then I am going to talk and you are going to listen." Without waiting for a reply, I walked past him and went straight to his car to grab the door of the passenger seat. He turned to look at me with wide eyes and I daringly met his gaze. 

"Drive," I ordered before getting inside and slamming the door. 

----

I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest in an effort to keep myself warm. My eyes scanned the field before me, the sea of grass looking like a green ocean twinkling underneath a tapestry of stars.

Of all places he had to bring me, he chose the field we always used to go to when we both wanted to escape the world. I would be lying if I say the sentimentality of it isn't getting to me now. Still I tried to keep it at bay, not when there are so many things that we need to straighten out.

The sound of the car door closing finally made me turn back. Jaemin was leaning against his hood, eyes silently watching me with an unreadable look in them. I thought the ride here was awkward with the silence between us, but there is a different kind of uneasiness now as we stood face to face in the dark. 

I softly cleared my throat. I didn't even know what I wanted to say to him after that spur of the moment stunt I pulled earlier. 

"Why did you find me?" He asked softly, gently. Shadows cast by the sky played across his features, making it harder for me to gauge his expression. Hearing his voice this close, however, made the dull pain in my chest spike. 

"I told you, I wanted to see you," I answered quietly. The set of his jaw tightened. 

"Why? You shouldn't deal with me anymore."

I turned to fully face him, my expression set.

"You're the one who decided that on your own, Jaemin, not me."

The look he gave me in return was torn. There was pain there but at the same time, hope. He looked confused. Frustrated. 

“I’m a criminal,” he said pointedly, as if that is one piece of crucial information I’ve forgotten. 

I nodded.

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I’m not. I don’t support things that hurt others.”

“Then why are you—”

“Because I don’t want you gone,” The words were out before I could even stop myself. I’m way past thinking now as every little thing I’ve tried to hold back for the past months came rushing to the surface. What I said made him immediately stop, the look on his face open and vulnerable.

“I know it is wrong, okay? But I like you. I can’t—stop that. I like you so much that nothing doesn’t make sense anymore!” I continued in frustration as I threw my hands up. “I tried being rational, believe me. But it’s been three months and all I could ever think of was you. I don’t like it when I can’t see you. I hate it so much.”

A cloud shifted and finally washed his features with moonlight. I was too busy trying to process my emotions and connecting them with the words spilling out of me that I failed to notice the way he looked at me initially. When I finally glanced at him, the ghost of a smile was playing on the corners of his lips. I frowned.

“Can you imagine what I’ve been going through for the past months? I have so many things to do for school and I can’t even focus because I was always thinking of you! And then… and then…” I glared at him and his brows shot up ever so slightly in question, the amused look still on his face. 

“And then the first thing I see you do is hug another woman,” I finally said, squinting at him accusingly. 

I was expecting a number of reactions from him, all except the one he gave. 

He laughed. 

I gasped, visibly offended.

“Did you just laugh at me?!”

Jaemin raised his hands up in a placating manner and bowed his head slightly in a feeble attempt to hide his giggles. The shaking of his shoulders, however, betrayed him. That made me fume even more. 

“Hey! Stop that!” I glared at him before crossing my arms over my chest. It took me all I have not to pout like an infuriated high school girl right now. Just what the hell is he thinking? I pour my heart out and all he does is...laugh? 

He finally looked up, the grin on his face now a full-blown smile. It was one of those smiles that I love seeing on him the most, the one that stretches his cheeks and makes him look like he doesn't care about anything in the world. Slowly, he pushed back from the hood of his car and started walking towards where I stood. I threw him a wary look but didn’t move from my spot. 

“Can you go back to what you said earlier?” he asked, voice low and gentle as he slowly closed the distance between us. My frustrated glares slowly melted into that of nervousness as I watched him take slow step after slow step. 

“What? About you hugging another girl?” I tried to fire back but desperately failed, my voice thin and unsure. He was so close to me now that I needed to just reach out to touch his face.

Jaemin shook his head and looked at me in a way that almost made me want to run away and close the distance between us at the same time. I was too entranced by how perfect he looked under the moonlight that I barely felt his hands settle on my hips. His touch was gentle, barely grazing me, as if he was giving me enough space to move away if I wanted to. 

I didn’t.

“The one before that,” he whispered, head dipped as he stared at me. The look he gave me only made my heart beat harder against my chest. 

I swallowed. He finally held me with a more secure grip now after probably realizing that I wasn’t moving away. The warmth of his palms radiated into my skin like a calming touch.

“T-the one where I said… I like you?” Jaemin’s smile widened. He gave a soft hum before finally pulling me closer to his chest. 

“That one,” he said as he reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. My face was absolutely burning, and for the first time I felt thankful that we were in the dark with only the moon shining down on us. 

“I like you too,” he said softly, his fingers curling to cup my cheek gently. I unconsciously leaned towards his touch and he ran his thumb over my skin. “But I guess that is already obvious, huh?”

“But… the girl…” 

That made him laugh a bit. “She’s a friend. She’s like our adoptive older sister. Me and the rest of the boys call her our lucky charm so we decided to play this silly game today—see if one of us wins if she rides with us to test it out. She’s also hopelessly in love with someone else, though she’s still in denial of it,” he shrugged. I felt mortified. Jaemin moved one of his hands to reach out for mine, interlocking our fingers together. 

“So, you’re okay… with me?” 

I nodded, still a little bit confused at how things turned out.

“Even if I’m… like this?”

That made me finally sigh.

“Can’t you… walk away from it?” 

That made his face fall.

“I can’t. It’s the only life I know. And I can’t… leave my brothers. They’re the only family I have.”

I didn’t say anything at first. A few seconds of silence passed as I simply looked at our interlocked hands.

“Then, I have one request.”

That made him look up, hope in his eyes.

“Let me join you.”

------

I tried my best not to look like a lost child as I stared at my hands folded neatly on my lap. Beside me, Renjun shot me an odd look from over his phone screen before reaching out to wave his fingers in front of my face. 

“Hey, you don’t look like you’re still breathing. Relax, Everything’s going to turn out fine.”

I shot him a helpless look but didn't say anything. I felt the other side of the couch dip before someone poked my arm. I turned to see Jisung looking down at me. 

“I think they’re almost finished with their meeting now,” he said, which only sent my nerves into overdrive. I tried to rub my hands against my jeans to keep them from sweating too much and nodded.

To say that I had to go through the needle just to push through with this would be an understatement. Jaemin was obviously not happy with my decision when I told him what I wanted to do that night in the field, and honestly, I couldn’t blame him. Why does a normal civilian like me even want to get involved in something like… this? Like I said, I’ve never been the trouble-seeking type of person, but somehow, this just makes sense for me to jump into. I had to make it clear to him that even though I do understand where he is coming from, it is still my decision to do this, regardless of whether he thinks it is a good idea or not.  

Of course, this doesn’t mean that I am entirely leaving my old life behind. I made my limitations clear with him, that I am not going to participate in any illegal activity that they are doing, nor am I going to help them with their ‘projects.’ I didn’t even want to know the specifics of what they do—the plan was for me to get into the group as their resident ‘doctor,’ that’s all. In my head, that was the perfect compromise to what I wanted to do. I couldn’t bear living and knowing that Jaemin puts himself out in trouble every day, so at least I could be involved by helping them out the same way I did with Haechan back then. 

Fast forward to the present and Jaemin, together with Mark and Jeno—who are apparently the standing leader and captain of their unit—are now meeting with the rest of their group to talk about my recruitment. It still feels surreal for me even as I sat now in the middle of their headquarters waiting for their decision. It’s like a job interview, except that the position is a spot in Seoul’s top organized crime family. 

“I’m telling you, there isn’t anything you have to worry about. This isn’t the first time we’re recruiting someone. We do have other associates out there. You’ll just be like them,” Renjun said in an effort to calm me. Just then, Chenle looked up from the bean bag he was currently lounging on, an amused smirk on his lips. 

“Isn’t it funny though? Jaemin-hyung tried his best to keep noona away from us and now she’s about to join the family,” he snickered.

“Those months when he wasn’t with you… They were...very hard,” Jisung added as he stared into the void. The poor kid looked like he was having war flashbacks. His comment made Renjun snort.

“That is exactly the reason why you should be accepted. I can’t deal with a brooding Jaemin anymore. I swear I’ll lose my mind and stab a bitc—”

He wasn’t able to finish what he was saying as a door in the hallway opened. Out of it came Jaemin, Jeno, Mark and Haechan followed by another person whom I haven’t seen before. I know him though, based on what Jaemin told me prior to this meeting. Behind him was the same woman I saw with the boys during the night of the race.

I swallowed thickly as I watched their group approach our small huddle. Jaemin gave me a quick glance before the others stopped in front of us.

“Hi. I’m Taeyong,” the older boy greeted me kindly. I stood up quickly to give him a polite bow and he answered with a smile. When Jaemin told me that they’ll have to talk to the overall leader of their group, I was expecting a burly man with a killer gaze that can murder someone from a few feet away. Taeyong is the exact opposite of that—young, handsome, with a brotherly look on him.

“H-hello…”

“So, Dream right here told me that you want to join the family, yes?” 

I nodded speechlessly, my hands feeling numb from nervousness.

“How far away are you from being a licensed doctor?”

That made me falter. When it comes to credentials, there’s really nothing much I can brag about. The look of hesitation on my face must have been so obvious because when I caught the eye of the girl behind him, she gave me an encouraging smile.

“I-I’m still…in my third year of pre-med. So I still have a long way to go,” I finally managed to stutter. Taeyong was silent for a bit after that, which only made me even more nervous. 

“Haechan did say that you saved him once.”

I suddenly glanced at Haechan who grinned and winked at me in return.

“Yep she did. Sewed my intestines back to my body~” 

God, I could hug him right now. 

“Well, we really can’t do anything about this. You already know about us, so by default, we should take you in,” Taeyong said, shooting a glance at the four younger ones on his side. The rest looked away guiltily, trying to act innocent to no avail. “I have to be straight with you though, once you are in, you can never get out. You can leave, but you probably already know what it takes for that to happen, right?” 

I gave a tight nod. Of course I know what that means. Taeyong continued, speaking casually as if he’s an average boss initiating someone to their new side job. 

“Since you’re now a member, we’ll take care of your academic expenses. Take it as if we’re sponsoring you so you could work for us.” 

My eyes rounded at that casual announcement. He didn’t seem to have noticed though as he went on. 

“You’ll be assigned mostly to Dream, but some of us might still get your help every now and then. You don’t need to come here, they’ll come to you.”

“Lastly, we expect full loyalty and secrecy. If we find out that you have been sharing information about us with others…”

“I won’t. I promise. I won’t betray you guys,” I immediately spoke up as I found my voice again at last. I saw Jaemin smile from my peripheral vision, a proud look on his face.

Taeyong nodded slowly. He gave me one last look before finally offering me his hand with a smile. I took it quickly and he gave it a firm shake. 

“That’s it then. Thank you for saving Haechan back then. Oh...and welcome to the family.” 

I beamed back at him.

“Thank you,” I said with a polite bow just before he turned to walk back into the office he left. 

The rest of the boys waited for him to disappear before erupting into controlled cheers. I looked up at Jaemin who has now moved beside me, his smile still with that hint of pride in it as he reached out for my hand. I squeezed it back and gave a little jump. 

“I’m in!”

“You’re in,” he nodded. 

“I told you, you didn’t have anything to worry about,” Renjun quipped beside me. Jeno and Mark exchanged glances, a relieved look on their faces. 

“Dude, I thought he wouldn’t say yes,” Mark said as he ran his hands through his hair.

“Well, aren’t you guys glad I was there as living proof of her medical skillz?” Haechan said loftily before Jeno playfully pushed him back with a laugh.

“Does that mean we can always go to the cafe now?” Chenle asked. 

“Can I have unlimited cheesecake?” Jisung added.

A soft clearing of throat made all of us look up at the girl still standing on the side of our little group. We were too caught up in our celebration that we didn’t even realize she was still there. 

“Can I borrow her for a minute? Filing purposes,” she asked, a kind smile curving her lips. I looked at Jaemin who gave me an encouraging raise of his brows.

“Okay.”

“Let’s go there,” she pointed towards a section of the headquarters that was initially covered by a metal divider from where I was sitting earlier. I followed her silently towards it, only to be taken by surprise by the numerous consoles and computers that revealed themselves when we rounded the corner. There were different screens there, some I assume are flashing footage from cameras, while others ran incomprehensible codes. 

She took one of the swivel chairs in front of the many screens and I hesitantly did the same as my eyes roamed all the technology surrounding me.

“So, I need your full name, address, social security number and blood type,” she said as she typed away at the keyboard. I gave her everything she needed without even asking what they are for. I must have looked weird and awkward reciting everything to her because she laughed when she glanced up at me briefly.

“Relax. We do this for all members. Or at least those involved with the inner circle. Don’t worry, this is highly confidential.”

“Okay…”  

“Give me a minute to process you a new number, okay? I’ll be giving you a phone that you need to use for all communications with us. And oh, your own member code.” 

I nodded politely. 

We were silent for a bit as I watched her do her thing with her computers. It was a comfortable type of silence so I was a little bit surprised when she suddenly spoke up. 

“So… Jaemin, huh?”

My eyes snapped to her. She wasn’t looking at me, but that didn’t stop my cheeks from growing hot still. 

“Um… yes.” 

“I was wondering about what made him act so down the past few months and didn’t realize he found a girlfriend,” she giggled, which only made my blush much worse. “They grow up so fast.” 

“How long… have you known him, unnie?”

“Since they were kids. All of them. Met Jaemin and Jeno when they were about 12, I think. Jisung, if I remember correctly, was brought to us when he was eight.” 

So Jaemin wasn’t kidding when he said that she really was like a surrogate older sister.

“So you’ve been with the family for a long time…” I offered to continue the conversation. Already, I’m feeling more comfortable around her, which is a good thing, being in a set-up with mostly men around. She answered with a small smile and I couldn’t help but notice the slight tinge of bitterness there. 

“I was born into it,” she whispered softly that I almost didn’t catch it. She seemed to have finished with what she was doing at that moment, however, and my eyes flew to the screens which flashed green in front of us before turning off. A low hum sounded from a box-looking machine beside her then and I watched with awe as she took what looked like a microchip from a slot there. She then pulled a boxed phone from one of the many filing cabinets under the table and pushed both to my hands. 

“Here. Take them. We’ll mostly contact you using this so don’t lose it, okay? It’s also your tracker. The microchip is hooked to our computer so we can check where you are. Just for safety purposes.” 

I nodded and took the package wordlessly. I was curiously looking at the small piece of technology she just whipped out of nowhere when I heard her speak again. 

“You’re sure about this, right?” 

I looked up in surprise. 

“About…”

“About Jaemin,” she continued, her eyes kind but serious. “All of those boys are very important to me. I wouldn’t want to see any of them hurt.” 

That gave me the confidence to finally smile back at her. “Yes, I’m sure,” I answered and a look of relief passed over her. “I know it sounds silly, but it just… felt right, you know?”

She chuckled. “It is silly. You joined a mafia gang for your boyfriend~” 

That made my cheeks burn again. I was saved by the sound of Taeyong’s voice just then as he called out to us from his room. We both looked at him curiously and he nodded towards the older girl beside me.

“Hey, can I talk to you?” he asked with a smile. She nodded before turning to me one last time. 

“Well, I’ll see you around, okay? Welcome to the family again. Maybe you can visit next time so you can meet the others,” she said before pushing back from her seat. I was watching her walk away when she suddenly stopped to turn to me once more.

“Oh, by the way, I don’t really think you’re silly for doing this. Because honestly, I’d do the same.”

With one last smile, she finally left, Taeyong looking at her approaching form with barely concealed stars in his eyes. 

------

“Stop messing up with your collar so much,” Jaemin said patiently in front of me as he took another sip of his coffee. My hands, which were in the middle of buttoning up my shirt after I just unbuttoned it three seconds ago, froze. I finally let them drop to my sides with a sigh. 

I didn’t even realize that I was fumbling so much until he pointed it out. In exchange, I glanced at my watch again before proceeding to drum my fingers on top of my wooden counter. It was the day that I was supposed to meet my new bosses and I’m literally on the edge of my seat. It felt like having a job interview all over again. 

“Why are you so nervous?” my boyfriend asked nonchalantly as he leaned over the front of the bar. There was an amused look in his eyes that I answered with a questioning glance. 

“Because I am going to meet my new boss. What if they don’t like me and decide to fire me?”

“Didn’t your old man tell them that they should take you in when he sold the cafe?”

I waved my hand dismissively at him. “Yes, he did. But what if they just said that back then? They can easily get rid of me now.” 

“I don’t think they will,” he said and the confidence in his voice made me feel a little bit better. I smiled at him despite my jittery state.

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

“You’re an angel,” I said, to which he answered me with a wink. Seriously, he can be the biggest flirt whenever he wants to, something that I find absolutely adorable about him.

“They’re almost half an hour late now though…” I mused quietly to myself as my eyes landed on my watch again. Jaemin watched me silently from the other side of the counter as he sipped on his death coffee. Finally, he gave a sigh and put his drink down. 

“Look, I don’t think they’ll come.”

I gave him a confused look. 

He answered with a sheepish glance before softly clearing his throat. 

“Well, you’re kinda looking at him right now.”

I stared, not understanding what he was saying.

“Huh?” 

Jaemin dug his hands into the pockets of his pants and sighed.

“You’re looking at the new owner… right now.” 

I blinked once, twice. 

And then it clicked.

I gasped. “Oh my god—”

“Look, I didn’t tell you at first because I didn’t know how to—”

“You’re the buyer?!”

“Well, yes, but I did ask Johnny and Taeil-hyung to close the deal since it would have probably looked weird if I’m the one who—”

“Jaemin, you bought a cafe—”

“Yes, I did.”

“Why?!”

“I didn’t know how to help you!” he blurted out, and all of a sudden there was the 'Nana' that Chenle and the others had warned me about. The one that could almost pass off as a rapper—or your usual ranting mom—when trying to explain himself. 

“I wasn’t supposed to see you anymore and I was so worried about your school because Jeno told me the last time you guys spoke you were having money problems. And then I remembered you said that you’re not getting enough from your job here, but then I also couldn’t help you out because you will find it weird if I just give you money even when we were still seeing each other. So I thought—” 

“So you thought to buy the shop I was working at...and what, offer to raise my salary by a thousand bucks?” I continued, my lips starting to twitch. It was all I could do not to laugh. I was still in a state of shock but I was also incredibly amused. Now that I think about it, all of these are just too funny. 

Jaemin noticed and gave me a pout. 

“That’s better than you working at a strip club. As if I’d allow that,” he grumpily said with a roll of his eyes as he took his coffee again sassily. 

That finally sent me into a fit of giggles. He glanced at me, as if gauging if I was still pissed. Instead, I leaned over the counter and gave him a kiss, our lips touching ever so gently. When I pulled back, he was smiling again.

“You’re so crazy,” I said, looking deep into his eyes. They twinkled back at me with all the reasons I need to justify the craziness I’ve put myself into since I met him. 

“Says the girl who joined the mafia for me,” he answered back, his tone soft but teasing.

“So, does that mean you’re my boss now?” 

He grinned and I swear I could almost hear my heart drumming against my chest. We were so close that I could see his long lashes almost touching the tops of his cheeks. 

“I think I prefer to be called by another name.” 

My smile widened. 

“And what’s that?” I asked, playing along.

Jaemin leaned over, closing the distance between us again. 

“Boyfriend.” 

To set the record straight, I've always thought of myself as a pretty reasonable person. I’ve never outwardly searched for trouble or put myself in the line of fire just for the thrill of it. I’m sensible when it comes to everything...

The exception being Na Jaemin.

---

A/N: Oh my god, I finally finished this side fic in time for Nana’s birthday! It took me almost 18,000 words but I finally managed. This is actually the first ever fanfic I’ve finished so I feel kinda emotional right now, just being able to start something and wrap it up neatly. Thank you to everyone who has read this and I do hope you enjoyed it! And please please please, greet Jaemin on his birthday because that boy deserves all the love in the world. <3 Again, thank you for being in this ride with me!

P.S. If you’ve read Black Daisies, some of the side characters here will make sense lol

Tagging: @negincho, @springdaybreaks​

[kooktrash]

Mafia!jimin where he caught yn trying to leave him in the morning bcs of his rival threatened her to kill her family if she didn't.

13. "Please dont leave me." And 17. "Are you upset with me?" Please :3

hdjhdjj

Love Surrender

summary: your relationship with Jimin had always felt like it was on bothered time, but you were too scared to tell him.

warning(s):

- You had always questioned what drove you to be with Jimin. He lied to you, did awful things to others, and wasn’t trustworthy. You always wondered if it was fear that you stayed with him, or love. But you couldn’t wrap your head around loving someone who couldn’t tell you who he really was. It took an entire year for him to tell you what he did for a living. That was one of the first lies he told to you. The second, was that he’d always protect you and your family no matter what.

But now you understood that it wasn’t possible. Because even though he had all these connections with big scary people, there was always someone who was going to find their way around his security. He tried his hardest to always make you feel safe, and you thanked him for that. Because on the days where you lived paycheck to paycheck or your car would break down, he was always there to pick you up. He treated you like you were his world, and he’d tell you that every day that you almost believed it.

And if it wasn’t for last night, you could’ve seriously pictured spending the rest of your life with him.

- “Y/n,” it was late. You wiped at the sticky bar top trying your hardest to hurry up. It was just your manager and you, and he loved to leave early. “You don’t mind closing by yourself tonight, right? I have to get my kids to bed already, the babysitter’s leaving soon.”

“That’s fine, I’ll make sure to lock up,” you had told him. You locked up the restaurant on your own many times, it wasn’t hard and almost everything had been done anyway. You’d finish cleaning up and then you’d text Jimin telling him you’ll be home soon.

The glass in your hands almost slipped at the sound of the door opening. You looked up, placing the cut down as you noticed the group of men walking in. Pushing your loose strands behind your ear, you frowned apologetically, “Hello, I am so sorry but we are closed for the night. The cook already left.” They ignored you, locking the door and pulling the blinds down. You found yourself taking a step back, one of them smiled at you, “You must be Y/n I’ve heard so much about.”

“Who are you?” With brows furrowed you waited, scooting to the side where your phone was put away in a drawer. “Consider me,” the man pushed for a moment, “A friend of Jimin’s. You can call me Suga.”

You could hear buzzing coming from the drawer and he smiled, “That must be him. Find the phone.”

You made a move to run but one of the guys gripped your arm. He clicked his tongue shaking his finger at you, “That’s not how you treat company now is it?”

“What do you want?” You asked trying to push against the restraints of the man’s grip. He smiled warmly, “Well you see, I don’t have any problem with you Y/n. You seem like a smart and hardworking girl, so why you’re with him? I will never understand. But that is not why I’m here.”

“The reason why I am here is because, I am tired of seeing pretty girls like yourself get hurt by men like Jimin.” He took a step closer to you. “What does that have to do with you?” You spat out, wincing as he lifted his hand to you.

Pushing your hair back he smiled, “Well let’s just say someone I hold dearly was in your position once upon a time.”

“So I want you to understand that my problem is not with you,” Suga said reaching into the inside pocket of his blazer, a picture of you with your sister and father, “Or with them. And unless you want to see them get hurt, I advise you to leave Jimin. For your own good that is.”

- You didn’t return home last night. It had left Jimin up majority of the night, your text for reassurance doing anything but that. “She’s not back yet,” he huffed looking to Jungkook as the two waited, “She won’t even answer my text.”

“She said she was sleeping over at Yuna’s, relax she’s fine,” Jungkook tried telling his friend. Jimin only shook his head, pacing back and forth, “I know but...no she’s fine. She has to be. She’d tell me if she was in trouble, right?”

“Yes, she would,” Jungkook sighed standing up, “So why don’t you get some sleep. You’re looking sort of psycho right now.”

The sun hadn’t even fully come up when you arrived home. You spent the night at your dad’s house, fixing up your room that had been used for storage. Your sister and him bombarded you with questions left and right, asking why you were leaving Jimin. They never understand the kind of people Jimin knew, or that you wanted to make sure your family was safe over being with who you loved.

Jimin was passed out on the couch, still in a suit and a few empty glasses scattered on the coffee table. You were as quiet as a mouse, trying to hurry into your bedroom to get your things. You didn’t want him to see you. He’d try and make you stay or ask why you were leaving. You hoped you could just go, not have to listen to his promises, not feeling like a burden to him.

You flickered the light to your bedroom on. Going into the closet and pulling a chair up. You stood on it, reaching a high shelf to pull your old duffel bag out. You hadn’t used the worn out bag since you first moved in. Not even when you’d go on vacation with Jimin, he’d buy you suitcases from high-end brands instead. You were leaving him, but you were only taking what you came with.

You threw the bag on the bed, quickly opening your drawers and pulling out what you could remember. A lot had changed since you moved in with him, but you could still remember your worn out things from the luxurious things he’d buy you. You shoved your laptop in, not caring much as you put shoes and clothes and everything you could think of.

“What do you think you are doing?” You could feel your heart drop, not wanting to turn around and face the reality. Jimin took a cautionary step toward you, heart racing as he got a closer look at what you were doing.

“Um, Yuna and I are spending the weekend at a spa, I forgot to tell you?” You lied, clearing your throat. You could see the way he pressed his teeth tightly, eyes narrowed down on your belongings as you tried blocking them. “Are you trying to lie to me right now? Right to my face?” He asked pulling out your old slippers from the bag, “What. Are. You. Doing?”

“I already told yo—I just gotta go for a little bit,” you bit your lip, “Jimin stop it.” You reached for the things he pulled out of your bag. “You’re leaving me aren’t you?” He asked through gritted teeth.

“Jimin I—“

“Why?” He asked, suddenly pushing your bag onto the floor, a crack being heard from your laptop hitting the ground, “And don’t fucking lie to me.”

“I just have to go okay? I have to go, please just understand and give me space,” you reached for your things with shaky hands. He grabbed your arm, pulling you toward him, “I don’t understand though. Tell me what’s going on. Are you in trouble? I can help you. Just tell me what it is. Is it money? Is your dad in the hospital again? I’ll pay the bill don’t worry about it baby, okay? Is it your sister—“

“No! I just, I need space okay? I don’t think I can do this anymore—“ “Y/n!” His body trembled, “Listen to me. What is going on? You can’t just leave me like this and not tell me why. You can’t just leave me. Please,” he reached for your hand pulling it to his chest, “Please don’t leave me. Whatever it is we can figure it out together, just like we have for the last four years.”

“Jimin I—“ he dropped down to his knees, arms wrapping around your waist, “No. Please Y/n. Please don’t leave me.”

“You don’t understand,” you could feel a tear slip from your eye as he planted soft kisses on your hand repeatedly, “I have to.”

“Why?” He shouted, eyes growing red, “Why do you have to leave me? Am I not enough for you? I’ve tried to give you everything, and I’m not asking for anything back but for you to love me. Do you not love me?”

“Jimin, he’s going to come after my family if I stay with you,” you finally said. He sniffled, looking at you with a cold expression slowly raising to his feet, “What did you just say?”

“I shouldn’t have said anything. Please just let me go,” you sighed but he gripped your shoulders roughly, “Who is he?”

“Jimin, you’ll only make it worse. You can’t always protect me,” you argued but he shook his head. “Who the fuck was it?”

“Some guy named Suga.”

“Look at me,” he held your face in his hands, “Unpack your things, right now baby. You’re not going anywhere, I won’t let you. Let me take care of him okay? I’m sorry for putting you in this.”

“Bu—“ “I’ve got it baby, don’t worry.”

“Are you upset with me?” You asked as the pad of his thumb wipe: a tear away, “I’m sorry.”

“No baby,” he kissed you lightly, “Of course not. But if you try leaving me again, I will be.”

::.

IM SORRY BABSHDJSKDHKSNDHSJSNSHSJKSD. I LITERALLY CANNOT WRITE MAFIA LIKE WHAT EVEN HAPPENS NEXT 😭😭😭

[tenthgrove]

I was wondering if I could get a love letter from Risotto! I am 5'1" I have long blond hair, enjoy drawing, & really love baking/cooking! I also teach little kids! Acts of service and gift giving are my love languages! so I'm at my happiest helping others. I run super cold so I'll be freezing even in the middle of summer! As for pet names I like almost everything but specifically NOT baby or princess. For the tone, maybe longing? Maybe we have a forbidden love mafia capo x preschool teacher >_>?

Carina Mia,

I had always believed achieving what I currently have would put an end to all my troubles. But no amount of power or authority will give me what I crave most ~ you. Look at me, a man who has never even known romantic love before, fawning over you like a schoolboy. My men would say I’ve gone mad, if I told them. I haven’t told them. I don’t want to risk one of them trying to find you.

There’s nothing I want more than to touch you, speak in person, hear my name on your lips. But I’m afraid of scaring you Amore, so I keep my distance. I have my curiosities though. I wonder how your hair feels, what it’s like to watch you draw or taste the goods you bake for yourself. I wonder what sound you would make if I lifted you into my arms, what would you say as you got out the car if I drove you to work on a cold morning. What would you call me if you returned my affections?

There was a time not long ago these thoughts rested solely in the realm of fantasy. I let my obsession grow in the full acceptance I could never truly be yours. But I’ve made a decision now. No matter how impossible the task seems, I will have you. We will live together and be happy, someday, somehow. I promise you this bella tesorina mia, on all my strength and honour.

Someday, I’m going to know how those beautiful eyes looking staring right back at me.

Yours,

Risotto

[harryspet]

wrapped in red | p.parker & b.barnes

[Warnings] dark? peter parker x reader, dark bucky barnes x reader, peter is still pretty sweet and bucky is evil, aged up peter, mafia/gang au, gang boss!bucky, waitress!reader, noncon/dubcon sex, light bondage, kidnapping, bucky likes to watch 

A/N: idk its 7 am and I still haven’t slept and now I’m posting this. THIS IS ADULT & TRIGGERING CONTENT READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

In which Peter likes you and Bucky makes you both regret that. 

main masterlist

word count: 2.9k

“Can I get you anything else, sir?” You asked the blue-eyed man sitting at table eighteen. Your coworker had an emergency call so you found yourself tasked with tending to the table of two men. You didn’t recognize the man at first but as your eyes connected with his left arm … your breathing hitched in your throat. You smiled through your worry though, trying not to be too obvious about the fact that you knew exactly who he was. 

Bucky Barnes ran this neighborhood, but since you had never run into him, it was easy to believe he was just a myth. 

“No, doll. Just the check please,” He spoke simply and you might not have been intimidated if you hadn’t noted the many expensive rings on his right hand. The man sitting across from him was younger, his eyes were nervous too as he looked you over. His face was familiar and you thought you might have seen him in one of your classes. 

There were several empty beers on the table as well 

You nodded your head before turning away, “I’ll be right back.”

Peter’s eyes lingered on you as you walked away from the table. For a moment, he forgot that he was supposed to be counting. His pen roamed over the sheet and over all the numbers. 

“See, you’re only making a hundred grand from this guy's shipments. He’s using all your resources to make sure the product is clean but you could easily just do that for yourself. You cut out in the middle man and I think you could triple your profit,” Peter turned the paper so Bucky could look over all the numbers he was running. Peter folded his hands, trying to read the man’s expressions. 

As you returned to the table with the check, Peter was once again caught in the trance you put in. He recognized you from his anatomy class. He arrived at class five minutes early every day just to make sure that he could watch you come in. Part of him was unsure of what you’d think of him now, knowing who he was sitting with. 

Money didn’t grow on trees and Peter was the man of the house. College was expensive and the rent was even more expensive so he had to do what he could to get by. You were working minimum wage at a rundown restaurant, Peter didn’t doubt that you could understand that. Still, what you did was honest work and Peter couldn’t say the same for himself. 

“Thank you, doll,” Bucky thanked you, resting his arms against the table as he smirked up at you, “You doing something tonight? What time do you get off?”

Your lips parted as you stared in shock. Could you just answer a simple no? “I actually have to close up today … so I … uhm-”

“I-It’s okay,” Peter rushed out nervously, seeing the way that Bucky was eyeing you, “That’s it, thank you.”

Your smile was thin and awkward before you walked away. 

Peter’s eyes widened with frustration as he stared across the table at the older man, “What are you doing?” Bucky chuckled as he grabbed the check, clicking his pin in order to sign it. Peter didn’t know it but the man was leaving you a hefty tip, “Were you trying to scare her?”

“I was trying to get you a date!” Bucky retorted, “Your good with numbers, kid, and I appreciate you helping me out. I really do but your game with women is a little laughable.”

Peter shook his head in disbelief, “Why does it matter?” Peter lowered his voice as the realization set in that Bucky was right, “Why does it matter what kind of game I have? I’m just here to count your money, right?”

The look in Bucky’s eyes was almost sympathetic, “You count money for now but you’re strong, I can tell. You could become a very valuable person to me if you work at it. And part of being in my little family is having some fucking confidence. You were drooling over that girl instead of manning up and asking her out.”

Peter crossed his arms, “What if she said no?”

Bucky smirked at the younger boy, “She wouldn’t if you had some fucking balls,” Peter rolled his eyes, “But if she did said no … then you chase her. That’s the best part.”

There was something evil in the man's glare but Peter brushed it out. The man was a professional, drug dealing murderer. “You want to ask her to prom or something?”

Peter shook his head, annoyed, “I’m not in high school, Mr. Barnes. I just like her, okay? And it doesn’t matter that I like her because it’s not like we can date. I’m sure we both have bigger things to focus on. Now ... can we go back to talking about the deal that’s going on tomorrow?”

Bucky seemed amused by the kid’s awkwardness, “I like your idea. I hate that Brock guy anyways. He’s overcharging me because I used to mess with his sister. You know … maybe if he’s out of the picture then his sister is free territory.”

“Out of the picture how?” Bucky sensed Peter’s worry and grinned. 

“That’s right, you’ve never been on one of my infamous boat rides. You should come,” Peter knew exactly what he meant. If Bucky didn’t like you, you did not want to go on a “boat ride” with him. That was a quick and easy way for your body to end up chained to a brick at the bottom of the Hudson. 

“I have a biology project to work on,” Peter said.

“It wasn’t a question, Queens.”

+

Your heart skipped a beat as a black Escalade pulled up beside you while you were walking home. You didn’t look over as you heard the window roll down. You winced as you continued to walk. You only turned to look as you heard a whistle. 

You thought he’d give up after the weird encounter at the restaurant but here he was in all his handsome and dangerous glory, “You need a ride, doll?”

“Uhm, no. But thank you!”

What was it with kids your age? Perhaps Bucky was losing some of his edginess with the younger crowd, “Get in,” Bucky said, much more forward this time, “I just want to talk.”

You took a deep breath as you clutched your purse tightly. You found your feet moving before your mind could catch up. Your body thought you’d be safer going with him rather than arguing with the famous criminal. You heard the rumors about people that went missing because they pissed him off. Every time they seemed to arrest him, he was back on the streets weeks later. The cops, ones who he didn’t pay off, could never pin him to any of the murders. 

If you went missing because of Bucky Barnes, you and your legacy were effectively wiped away. 

He opened the back door for you and you climbed into the leather seat as he slid over. Shaking, you grabbed your seat belt and buckled yourself in. Bucky was used to the lack of eye contact and shaky fingers. It usually annoyed him but, for you, he found it endearing. 

As the door closed, the man in the front seat drove off, “What exactly do you want to talk to me about?” You asked, still confused about the entire situation. 

“My friend that sat at the table with me. Peter Parker,” Bucky spoke vaguely. 

“We don’t really know each other,” You explained, hoping that guy wasn’t somehow in trouble with Bucky, “We just go to the same college.”

“No, I know,” Bucky continued, “I just know that he’s interested in getting to know you better. And Peter’s a good friend of mine, you know?”

You nodded slowly. That meant Peter was dangerous, “Right. He’s … he’s never talked to me.”

Bucky chuckled, “He’s the shy type. You’re a pretty girl, he probably doesn’t think he’s good enough. That’s why I’m here talking to you.”

“What do you want me to do?” You asked hesitantly.

“That’s a good response,” Bucky gave you a smug look, “You’ll find out soon, doll. Sit tight.”

Your eyes widened as you looked out the tinted window, watching your apartment building pass by. Bucky’s driver gazed at you through the rearview mirror before focusing back on the road. 

+

Peter thought he wouldn’t be able to stomach. Watching a grown man cry and beg for his life before being tossed over the edge. You watched him sink and the bubbles slowly start to disappear as he went deeper, “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Bucky had said to him.

Peter hated to say that it wasn’t as bad as he believed it would be. Perhaps the years of struggling had blackened his heart. After the murder, Bucky proceeded to drag you back to his million-dollar apartment, wanting to share a drink or to. 

Peter almost opened his mouth to say that he wasn’t twenty-one yet but knew the exact reaction he would get from Bucky. Bucky had his arm wrapped around Peter’s shoulder as he showed him to the kitchen, “One day, you’re going to have a place just like this,” He said, hinting at your luxurious surroundings, “You stick with me and you won’t need that piece of shit degree.”

Peter only nodded, accepting a beer from the man. Bucky watched as the boy chugged the content of his glass. Peter hoped it would get him through the rest of the night and help give him some liquid courage, “You’re a weird kid, Queens,” Bucky laughed, “I like it. C’mere, I want to show you something.”

You followed Bucky down the hallway, hoping it wasn’t another disturbing thing that the man found amusing, “What is it?”

“A present,” Bucky grinned, guiding Peter to the door at the end of the hallway. Peter would’ve preferred to be wowed by a million other things. Instead, his mouth was agape because he saw you. 

Whatever drugs he had given you to keep you relaxed had completely worn off. It kept you from fighting them when your clothes were cut off from your body. Your vision was blurry and your muscles were weak as they restrained your body. Now, clear as day you could see your captor … and his friend Peter. 

You were laid out on the bed, your hands handcuffed behind your back and your ankles tied together by a red ribbon. A red thong barely covered your lower region and a red ribbon wrapped around your front barely covered your nipples. Right in the middle of your chest was a red bow to compliment the red ball gag in your mouth. 

Peter flashed Bucky a mortified look. Bucky only sipped at his glass of beer, “Happy fucking birthday, kid,” Bucky beamed, “Aren’t you going to say thank you?”

It wasn’t Peter’s birthday and he was definitely not feeling thankful. Peter watched as you struggled in your bondage, frightened tears staining your cheeks. “What the hell are you doing?” Peter asked, his teeth gritted in anger, “I-I didn’t ask you to do this.”

“What?” Bucky sounded offended, “It’s creative! Think of it as a welcoming gift. I know you want to fuck her so here’s your chance. Fuck her and get rid of her-”

Get rid of you?

Bucky was interrupted by a muffled scream which only caused him to roll his eyes, “Or fuck her and keep her, I don’t care.”

“No, no, I’m letting her go-” Before Peter could take a step forward, Bucky’s metal arm gripped his shoulder. 

You felt relieved only for a moment.  Bucky stepped in front of him, “I’ll fuck her then, no point in letting the opportunity go to waste.”

Peter’s heart stopped, “Mr. Barnes, please.”

“You do it or I will,” Bucky said firmly, “You’re smart and I want to keep you around but if you can’t … take a few fun risks then maybe you’re not the type of person that should work for me.” Bucky’s words settled over him. Peter thought about losing this opportunity and all the money that would come along with it. Looking into your teary eyes, Peter thought about how rough Bucky would be with you. Maybe he could explain that … Peter mentally cursed. 

Peter didn’t answer verbally, only pushed past Bucky, walking towards the bed. Peter felt a sudden rush of adrenaline as he stalked towards the bed, “That’s my boy,” Bucky spoke excitedly. He moved towards a lounge chair in the corner of the room, still taking swigs of his drink, “There’s no point in asking. If you want it, take it. Now put on a good show for your dear boss.”

Peter knew there was no going back now. He reached out to touch your arm, only to have you flinch away from his touch. Peter had imagined touching you for the first time and it was nothing like this. Peter turned that sadness to anger in order to fuel his adrenaline. 

Peter undid the ribbon around your ankles first. As soon as they were free, you were struggling against him. Peter was much stronger than you assumed and held you in place easily. Next, he moved to your gag, “Pl-Please don’t hurt me,” You begged, your voice hoarse. 

You saw something in his eyes similar to regret. Regret for the inevitable. As you shook your head, he said, “I won’t. Just … just don’t struggle,” He tried to assure you but as he moved your body over the edge of the bed, parting your legs and settling between them, you panicked again.

“Peter, please don’t.” He perked up at the sound of his name on your lips and you thought for a moment that you had gotten to him. He paused for a moment, only for a moment, before lifting his shirt above his head. He leaned his body over yours, his mouth brushing over your ear.

“Trust me, you don’t want him touching you. Just relax,” A shiver ran down your spine and you turned your head. Your scared eyes connected with Bucky’s and he smirked. It seemed the two of you were his sick entertainment for tonight. Your breathing was heavy but you tried to keep your muscles calm. 

You tried to convince yourself that Peter was the better option. He was your age and he didn’t have that evil look in his eyes. You hated that you preferred him. You hated that you were preferring this. 

Peter placed soft kisses along your collarbone and up the side of your neck. It baffled you that you got the feeling that he wanted to be gentle with you. You were ready to jump out of your skin when you felt your panties being moved to the side but you were interrupted by Peter’s lips crashing onto yours. 

Soon, you felt him at your entrance, teasing your opening. You gasped against his lips as he slowly sheathed himself inside of you. You wanted him away but you still found that your legs wrapped around him for support. 

Peter moved his lips against yours and you felt his own body shudder as your warmness wrapped around his length. He started to move in and out of you and it took you time to get used to the invading feeling. As Peter kissed your tear-stained cheeks, you bit down on your bottom lip. His pace quickened and wished desperately that your hands weren’t handcuffed behind you. 

“Y/N,” He grunted into your ear as he made long, deep strokes inside of you, “Fuck, I’m sorry… y-you feel so good.”

As he pushed deep inside of you, your head tilted back and a frustrated moan escaped from your throat. You hated that he was making you feel good too. You felt his hand running up your thigh  and then it was between your leg, slowly rubbing that sensitive bulb between your legs. That was enough to have you moving your hips against him. 

Bucky watched intently, the blood rushing to that area between his legs. He’d keep you in mind when he was deep inside Brock’s sister. 

“Ah, ah,” Peter kissed you, swallowing your moans as you both climaxed together. 

This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. Peter was supposed to finally gather the courage to ask for your number towards the end of the semester. You were supposed to text back and forth for a few weeks and then go on a few dates. You were supposed to fall for each other the natural way. 

Bucky had stolen all that. 

As Peter pulled up his pants, zipping them up, Bucky stood from his chair, “That was moving. Very romantic,” By his tone, Peter could tell the man was hoping for something for brutal. Peter scowled at his boss, “I knew deep down you were a ladies man-”

Peter interrupted, venom in his tone, “What do you want me to do now?”

Bucky only chuckled, “Nothing like some emotional trauma to toughen someone up,” He patted Peter’s shoulder as he made his way to the door, “Why don’t you buy her dinner and then take her home? You can take my car.”

“That’s fucking it? After all that?”

Bucky turned his head as his hand grabbed a hold of the doorknob, “She knows what’ll happen if she runs to the cops. Welcome to the team, Parker.”

+

hope you enjoyed!!

[thespiritoflife]

Pairing: Raymond Smith x reader

Summary: Your father finds himself in troubles with the dreaded Mickey and you pay for it.

Warnings: violence, nudity, swearing, mention of character's death, long story, grammatical errors

I don't know if I'll make a series of this. But you know, feedback is always appreciated!

Bloody rose 🥀

"You're doing great, Y / N!"  my friend Tracy said.

I smirked.  I did a Cartwheel for the last time and then I stopped.

"Thank you, hon," I shouted at her.

She handed me a towel.  "Take it. Then we have to go,"  she muttered.

"Where?"  I was in no hurry.  Oh, I loved Fridays.

"At that party, you fool,"  she said.

I sighed.  "Tracy, no. I'm not going to that party."

"Buut ... at least for me."  she threw dog eyes at me.

"No. I don't understand why you want me there, at all. I'm not a party woman. I hate parties. And you'll have a bunch of buddies there. And your boyfriend."

"God, there's no fun with you. Fine. I'll go there alone. But how do you spend Friday night? Staring at the ceiling?"

We started walking to the parking lot.  I laughed.  "No, Tracy. I'll relax. I'll go to the bathtub. I'll open my wine ... relax. I deserve it."

She didn't say anything.  She just turned her head inconspicuously in some direction.  I turned and rolled my eyes.

Josh was there.  My .. what?  Classmate.  And he kept flirting with me, even though I told him a thousand times that I am not interested.

"You should give him a chance, Y / N."

Sweet Tracy. 

Don't get me wrong, Josh is a great guy.  He's nice too.  Funny.  Athlete.

But he didn't attract me. 

I was not interested in the relationship.  I was attracted to guys, yes, but ... I haven't dated anyone yet.  And that was strange, according to other people.

"Y / N! Are you going from gymnastics, aren't you? You look like a goddess. Let's go for coffee!"

I moved to my car, which he was leaning on.

I smiled falsely.  "Josh .. I am.... Not. Interested..."

He waved his hand.  "You're just saying that today."

I told him this every day, but okay.

"But you can change your mind tomorrow, can't she, Tracy?"  he winked at her.

Tracy nodded.  "As Y / N's best friend, I promise Y / N will be only yours for coffee tomorrow."

"Tracy!"  I hissed.

She just shrugged innocently.

"That's great. See you tomorrow, then!"  Josh hugged me and walked away.

"You're great. Not to hold my side, no."  I told her angrily.

"Come on. You need fun. You can't just ... give him a chance at least once. Go on a date with him. Poor boy, he's been trying for you for years."

Her cell phone rang.  I knew immediately who was calling her.  I wanted to roll my eyes.  Really?

"Love!! Yeah! Come after me, we'll meet ... yes, there. Don't wait. What? I love you too. Have a nice day, I'm sending kisses."  Tracy's voice changed completely as she spoke to her boyfriend.  But completely.

"I'll say goodbye to you now, Y / N. Goodbye, at school! And enjoy your date."  she, too, walked away and waved cheerfully at me.

I got angry in the car and sighed in defeat. 

I stood in front of a huge luxury villa.  Yes, I live here.

I opened the door and a cat stopped at my feet immediately.  I leaned over.  "Mickey! You're hungry, aren't you?"

He whimpered in agreement.  I gave him granules and stroked him.  He was the only one in this house who kept me company.

I lived with my father.  He stopped here that very rarely.  He was really rich, he had his own business and he had some company.

I had a good relationship with him, but ... I missed him.  I didn't want to be alone.  I didn't have siblings and my mom ..

I looked at the painted picture. My father had her painted while she was still alive.

Yes, she died.  She died in a car accident when I was very young.  I don't remember her at all.

But she looked like me.  She had my hair and my eyes.

Okay, I'm going to relax.  I deserve it.

I was lying in the bathtub with my eyes closed.  I have dreamed.

"You're so beautiful, Y / N .." someone whispered to me.

"I love you," I said, holding someone's hand.

"I can't believe I finally married you."  someone said.

"Life is unpredictable .."

The smell of a candle hit my nose.  That wouldn't be weird, I lit the candle myself.  But what was strange was that ..

That I smelled a men's perfume.

I opened my eyes immediately.

An unknown man stood beside the bathtub, looking at me.  If it weren't for the bizarre situation, I would have thought he was attractive.  He had wide shoulders, an overgrown face, blond hair, blue eyes framed by stylish glasses.

I screamed in an instant.

What. The.  Fuck.  Is. This!

He immediately ran to me and stuffed my mouth.  "Be quiet, sweetheart. Please,"  he said in a rather pleasant voice.

I shook my head.  I didn't like it!  An unknown man was at my house!  And he probably wanted to kidnap me.

Suddenly male voices came from the hall.  I thought I heard my father.

My father is here.  Everything will be explained.

I calmed down.

The man noticed it too.  "I'll let go of my hand now, but you can't scream, do you promise?"

I nodded.

He released his hand, but at that moment I got up (yes, I got up naked from the bathtub) and left and put my feet on the floor.  I quickly took the only weapon I had and that was a hairdryer.

The man tried not to stare at my naked body, but he looked furious.  "What the fuck are you doing, girl?"

"If you don't tell me what's going on in a moment, I'll throw the hairdryer in the bathtub!"  I screamed.

"You're crazy."

I approached the bathtub.

"Would you like to kill yourself?"

"I have nothing else left! Tell!"  I shouted.

He shook his head.  "You'll find out at the right time ... well! Just don't get any closer to that fucking water!"  he shouted.

"Your father cheated on us and he has to pay for it. He's talking to my boss Mickey now."

"You're fucking kidding!"

"I don't, girl. And now, if you were so kind ..." he approached me.

He carefully took my hairdryer and I stared into space.  What?

I stomped on his leg, he screamed in pain and I wanted to run away from this bathroom, but he managed to grab me in his arms.

I swung in his arms like a furious puppy, and somehow he couldn't keep his balance and we both ended up in the bathtub again.

He was with me.

"Get off me! Immediately!"  I demanded.  I didn't like it, to hang out with a naked guy like that.

He took my hands.  I couldn't run away from him.  "If you try anything else, you'll just make trouble, young lady. Do you understand?"

I was silent.

"You understand?"  he repeated the question.

I nodded angrily.  What was I supposed to do?

He released me carefully and came out of the bathtub angrily.

He mumbled something under his nose, but I didn't listen to him.

I pressed my knees together.  I tried not to cry.  It's over with me.

"Do you have any clothes here?"  he asked me.

"I don't know," I said.

"Come on. Don't lie,"  he demanded an answer.

I gave it up.  "My father has something in that locker," I pointed to the locker.

The man walked over to her and opened it.  He started rummaging in it, but I didn't listen to him, I didn't notice.

It will be over with me.

I will die.

The man had changed in the meantime, but I wasn't looking at him.

I pressed my knees together and stared at the ceiling.

He walked over to me and looked at me regretfully.

"Put this on, please."  he held my clothes in his hand.

I had no desire to object.

I wanted to get up and fulfill his wish, but he stopped me.  "I'll leave your privacy. I'll be at the door."

I piled up and got dressed.  He was a gentleman.. who wants to kidnap me or something.

He locked the door and left.

HE ALREADY SAW ME NAKED but ok.

Dressed, I carefully opened the door.  He was there, leaning.  He offered me his shoulder, but I refused.

I walked into that fucking living room, where male voices came from.

I saw a few men.  Everyone in tuxedos and on the couch was sitting with my father.  He looked startled.

"Y / N!"  he shouted.

"What's going on, Dad? Will you kindly explain it to me?"

"I'd hear that, too," a man shrugged.

I ignored him and looked at my father.  "So?"

"Y / N, honey .. I didn't mean .."

"What did you do? Tell me straight."  I asked him.

"I ... I ... I had some business with them. I was late paying and ..."

"And?"

My father must have had something on his tongue, he didn't want to answer.

The guy answered me.  "He killed our man."

I felt sick.  "You're making fun of me, aren't you? My father wouldn't kill in his life ..."

"Confess to her."

"I'm sorry ..." my father looked at me.

I fell to my knees.  "Father, what did you do? You threw us in danger! We will die for you! You should not have gotten involved with any mafia!"

"I am sorry.."

"I don't want to hear anything from you anymore."  I wanted to cry, but I was silent.  I screamed inside.

The cat also broke into the living room. 

"Mickey," I whispered and took him in my arms.  He has always been my support.

The man, apparently the boss of it all, was intrigued.  "What did you call him?"

"Mickey,"  I said.

The man who was in the bathtub with me laughed.

The boss frowned at him.  "What happened to you, Raymond? You're in a different outfit."

How could they be so callous? 

"That's a long story,"  he said, looking at me.

I kept clutching Mickey, even though he was starting to get uncomfortable.

"Hey, let go of that cat, we need to talk."  the boss spoke to me.

"About what? Kill me right now,"  I shrugged.

The man laughed.  "No, it won't work that way. I have no plans to kill you. You're just a daughter ... of an evil father. You'll pay differently."

Sweat ran down my forehead.  "What are you going to do with my father?"

"It's none of your business anymore,"  he replied.

"Leave him alone. You better kill me."  I declared and finally released the cat.  He was running away from here.

He didn't want to be here.  Like me.

"Y / N!"  my father shouted, but I ignored him.

The boss scratched his chin.  "I call it ... child's love. Too bad your father doesn't love you that much. He offered your life to save his life."

For the second time, I felt like throwing up.

"What? That ... really?"  I looked at him.  I had tears in my eyes.  Finally, some tears.

It hurt.  Like hell.  My father wanted to say something, but I didn't listen to him.

My father betrayed me.

"But we won't grant his wish, will we, Ray?"

The man in the bathroom with me, apparently Raymond, nodded.

"Take the girl away, Ray."  the boss stood up.

Raymond came up to me.  I did not understand.

He took me.  "Come with me.."

"What, no!"  I shouted.

Raymond looked at me.  "Trust me, you don't want to see this. Come on."

"What..."

And then it went awry.  Raymond lost his temper with me, grabbed me hard, and took me away.  I didn't understand why.

And then I understood.

One of the boss's men aimed his gun at my father.  But my father did something weird.  He picked his gun by himself and shot himself in the forehead.

And suddenly I heard it.  The sound of a gun.

"No no!!!"  I screamed.

"Let me go!"  I shouted.  I already cried.  My father fell to the ground dead with a hole in the middle of his forehead.

"It's after him. It's his fault, sweetheart... he's decided that way ..."

He said something else to me, but I didn't notice him because I cried a lot.

I only heard snippets of sentences.

"... take her with you ...."

"... why me? I have nothing to do with her, Mickey ..."

"Don't ask me why, just do it until we decide what to do with her. She looks awful, put her to bed."

"Of course she looks awful. She lost her father ... I'll do as you say, boss ..."

Some days seem so boring.  Also, ordinary.  Immutable.  Nothing is happening.

And then there are such days.  When something happens that will change your life forever.

[atinybitofau]

[ateez] S E O N G H W A ⤮ baby daddy au

HIS SON IS A PRODIGY AND HE NEEDS A (mommy) NANNY. MAFIA SEONGHWA.

a/n: in honor of the beautiful vlive from last night 😭😭. how ya’ll doing Seonghwa stans?

• Seonghwa’s proud of his son.

• even if he works dirty jobs—

• isn’t exactly proud of himself.

• he’s got pride, believe me.

• but it’s not ordinary pride.

• Seonghwa’s far from the ordinary.

• “The nanny quit.” Hongjoong teeter’s Seonghwa’s baby-double on his hip. “Hwa, you need to find someone who can handle Yeolhwa. Your son is as bad as you. If not, worse.”

• he chuckles lowly putting down his stack of papers before reaching over for his son.

• his son always curling at the scent and warmth of his father.

• he playfully glares picking at his cheeks before telling him, “Yeolhwa, you can’t just pull nanny’s hair when you can’t get something you want. That’s not good.”

• Yeolhwa’s too young to understand.

• because his son is spoiled by everyone he encounters.

• and Seonghwa expects nothing but when he works his ass off to get the things he wants.

• he doesn’t want his son to struggle the way he did when he was young.

• “What’s the mother doing?” Hongjoong is merciless when he asks. “That dumb skank only knows one thing and it’s popping kids and popping pills.”

• he admits he’s had too much leisure when having his fun in the past—

• but he never regrets having his son in a mistake he can barely even remember.

• “I’ve made it clear he needs no mother.”

• “Seonghwa, no matter what you do, that boy needs a mother.” the younger rolls his eyes. “A nanny can only make up so much for what you deprive. And your job doesn’t make things easier. You can’t take care of him like this forever. Not by yourself.”

• Seonghwa teeters his own son to sleep in his arms.

• staring and cradling his face like he’s the greatest gift not even money can buy—

• not even his power.

• he didn’t have to kill someone to get Yeolhwa.

• his son is everything to him.

• but he has to make sacrifices to give his son everything.

• nothing is ever just given.

• “I’m sorry it’s such short notice, Ms. y/n. But I hope the accommodations we have are enough to settle with.” Hongjoong opens the door for you. “Yeolhwa can be a little arduous when it comes to caretaking. Do be careful.”

• you are anxious you must admit.

• the home smells eerily like iron and musk.

• you can tell the job you took wasn’t just leisure or easy money.

• “Oh.” you shyly smile. “I’m sure he’s just a little hard to understand. Children can be unpredictable and we can’t blame them for that.”

• Hongjoong hears that too many times.

• knows that’s what they all say.

• chokes on his breath before he says something that might scare you away.

• “Well I must get back.” he hands you a cellphone and a book of references before pulling his suit. “Please don’t hesitate to call me. Everything you need is in that book. I’ll be back to relieve you at 9 pm tonight.”

• “Thank you, Mr. Hongjoong. I hope I don’t let you down.”

• he scoffs at that. “Good luck, Ms. y/n. You’re gonna need it.”

• you don’t know what that means.

• but you’re more concerned on taking care of a child who is claimed to be intolerable.

• and you stern by the idea of inexperienced children.

• because they’re not like us.

• they learn from what they’re surrounded with.

• “M-mr. Hongjoong. I’m sorry for bothering you but I was wondering if I can take Yeolhwa to the park today. I see there’s no schedule for outside play time and I—“

• “Unfortunately his father doesn’t approve of outside exposure.” Hongjoong’s fast to quib. “He’s going to have to settle playing inside.”

• “But Mr—“

• “I apologize y/n but that just can’t happen.”

• you observe Yeolhwa.

• he’s a quiet and kept child.

• but he doesn’t like the word no.

• no, he likes getting what he wants.

• and he plays with his toys like they’re not toys at all.

• holds his toy gun like it’s almost real.

• “Yeolhwa, what’s that baby?”

• he looks up to you with golden eyes. “Nanny y/n.”

• you smile at the small boy who offers you a book. “You want me to read to you?”

• he cracks a smile and curls in your lap.

• he’s a sweet kid and is quite capable.

• but you see why he’s not easy to deal with.

• not when he throws tantrums like he’s a grown ass adult—

• “Yeolhwa baby, put the book down.” you ease him in the best way possible. “Sweetie, you can’t play anymore. You have to take a nap.”

• he sobs again.

• hurling a heavy hard cover book in your direction.

• sighing, you only collect the things he throws never giving it attention.

• it only peeves him more.

• “You can cry all you want. But crying won’t get you your toys, baby. You have to sleep.”

• eventually fulfilling your hopes,

• he gets tired.

• curling in your lap when he seeks comfort and warmth for slumber.

• once he’s asleep, you pack your things ready to leave for the night.

• “I hope he wasn’t too much trouble.”

• Hongjoong’s surprised the safe house wasn’t a complete wreck.

• he’s surprised nothings broken.

• but notices the bruising marks that formed on your legs.

• “I’m assuming you won’t be back?” he asks while teetering the small sleeping boy on his hip.

• “I’ll be back.” you affirm. “And I don’t intend to leave any time soon.”

• he’s convinced you’re different.

• that you have a certain will and composure that resembles someone he knows.

• tells Seonghwa immediately.

• “She’s worth watching. You should definitely see.”

• it happens again for the next couple days.

• but Yeolhwa’s toys hurt more than the books.

• and now you’re bleeding hard in the bathroom while he sleeps in his bed.

• “Children are unpredictable, y/n.” you mumble to yourself. “They grow learning from you.”

• Seonghwa watches through his monitor how you treat his child.

• sometimes peeved that you don’t give his son what he wants—

• but mesmerized when his son crawls into your lap every time despite it.

• “Hongjoong, I’ll be picking up Yeolhwa tonight. And prepare Yunho for babysitting duty.”

• Yeolhwa cries when he’s pulled out of your arms by a dark suited man,

• wants to stay in yours.

• crying for your name while you smile softly at him, hand to his cheek.

• “I’ll be back tomorrow, baby.” you coo. “Be a good boy okay? And I promise if you don’t cause trouble, I’ll come back every time.”

• he understands well for a child.

• curling obediently into the dark suited man who resembled him after you spoke.

• “I’m assuming you’re the infamous father?”

• Seonghwa studies you. “You take care of a child well. Thank you.”

• you shake it off pulling at your scarf. “I take care of a child as if it’s my own. Thank you for letting me.”

• your voice is soft,

• motherly and gentle.

• Seonghwa hasn’t felt this kind of delicate emotion in years.

• “I have dinner waiting. Care to join me?”

• you smile while holding at Yeolhwa’s reaching hand. “I have my own family I must attend to, Mr. Park.”

• “It’ll only be a couple minutes.”

• you notice the tattoos on his neck.

• the similar stamp of injustice that lingered on each of the men you’ve met prior.

• realizing days ago that Seonghwa’s son was a prodigy.

• one so that isn’t exactly safe or ordinary.

• “Your family relies on you.” Seonghwa keeps his eyes on you in midst of eating. “You’re a very lovely woman, y/n. Strong willed and captivating.”

• you blink softly unsure of how to respond. “I do what I must..”

• “Don’t we all.”

• your eyes meet his and you swallow your emotions harshly biting back at your lip.

• you don’t deny he’s a charming man.

• like his son, quiet and kept.

• “But you’re a beautiful woman too.” he admits. “Caring and gentle. My son’s fond of you for those reasons. He has good taste.”

• “Like his father I presume?” you tease making him laugh. “I have one request I want to light up though, Mr. Park. I want to bring your son out. Expose him to more than just the guns and walls.”

• he notes your observance.

• strong willed indeed.

• “I trust you.”

• you should be the one trusting him.

• but it’s inevitable what happens with his son as soon as he’s vulnerable, exposed.

• he’s a prodigy wanted by the best and worst of the world.

• and now your shielding a child with your own life.

• as if he was yours.

• “Hey baby, don’t cry. You’re gonna be okay. Yeolhwa, you’re gonna be okay sweetie.”

• he’s only crying because you’re crying.

• cause you don’t know what to do in this situation.

• but when Seonghwa appears from nowhere, spins you and his son around into his chest,

• you suddenly feel safe.

• him guarding you,

• you shielding his son.

• “Y/n, look at me.” he’s careful to touch you. “I’m gonna need you to come with me, okay?”

• you can only blink when his son is yanked out of your hands,

• the poor boy wanting only you.

• but with Seonghwa’s men, he’s safer.

• Seonghwa staying behind to protect you.

• “Y-Yeolhwa!”

• “He’s gonna be okay.” Seonghwa caresses your face shooting blank bullets over the car you two hide against. “I need to get you out of here okay? You need to be strong for me.”

• crying’s not gonna get you anywhere and if anyone were to know that, it would be you.

• so you follow.

• now safe from harm, Yeolhwa sleeping soundly on your lap,

• while his men try to console you with a cup of hot herbal tea and sweet talk.

• “This must be a lot for you. We’re sorry y/n.”

• you smile softly bouncing Seonghwa’s son up and down on your lap. “I don’t mind. I read the book Hongjoong gave and it was all in the fine print. A disclaimer that promised to keep me safe.”

• it’s no lie even Seonghwa’s men find you attractive.

• and it might be because you’re so humble.

• so delicate.

• Seonghwa has a proposition for you when Yeolhwa’s asleep.

• today being the day you should be quitting.

• but you promised Hongjoong your full effort and nothing but.

• “Y/n, stay with me.”

• Seonghwa leans his forehead against yours, hand cradling the line of your jaw.

• you feel warm against his touch.

• like a baby to a mother.

• in this case, a woman to a man.

• “Stay with me and Yeol.” he runs a finger over your parted lips. “He needs you. He needs a mother.”

• he admits his son has grown to love you.

• and maybe he’s grown to love you too.

• “I can’t take care of him the way you do.” he watches as your eyes lull to his voice. “He won’t be able to live without you.”

• “I’ll stay for as long as he needs me too.”

• it’s the first time Seonghwa’s ever stayed home.

• ever slept in his own bed with his own son curling into his chest.

• but it’s not the first time he’s slept in a bed with a woman.

• but it’s the first in his own bed with a woman he loves.

• “Mommy, hurry..”

• your eyebrows furrow and you whip around to face Seonghwa and his son,

• “M-mommy?”

• Seonghwa chuckles brushing through his sleepy son’s hair. “You heard him, mommy. Come to bed.”

• you take care of his son like he’s your own.

• but now Yeolhwa doesn’t need a nanny anymore.

• most of the time, looking for his father.

• “He doesn’t need me anymore, Seonghwa.” you playfully nudge at him when his chocolate haired son plays with new toys. “I don’t think I need to stay.”

• “Absurd.” the mafia boss spins you on your feet so your lips meet his. “If he doesn’t need a nanny, he needs a mother. But if he didnt need you at all then stay because I do.”

• you giggle against your boyfriend’s lips.

• “Hongjoong keeps having me sign a contract.” you pull at his collar, studying his eyes some more. “But the one this morning seemed to have unordinary discrepancies.”

• “That’s because that was a marriage contract.”

• “Ah.” you tease, him biting at your lip. “That must be why I saw your name instead of Yeol’s.”

• “APPA!”

• you two are suddenly pulled apart, the small boy holding out his arms protecting your legs.

• “You’re hurting mommy with your teeth! Bad appa.”

• you choke a laugh when Seonghwa furrows at the cockblock son of his.

• “Yeolhwa, you can’t just hurt me to get the things you want.” Seonghwa teases hoisting up his smiley son on his hip. “Who taught you that?”

• “You appa. You said we have to protect mommy from bad people. And that mommy should never get hurt.”

• “Oh yeah. I did, didn’t I?”

@atinybitofau

[sweetestlamb]

If You Leave Me Now

Summary: Ms. Oh’s letter gives Cha-young courage to say what’s in her heart. 

Author’s Note: Back with another Chayenzo fic and surprisingly no angst this time, today’s episode inspired me to write this. Also fulfilled my Chayenzo fic prompt, this is what you call efficiency ladies and gents LOL I wanted to write sweet emotionally stunted Vinny and brave CY trying to let him know that he deserves love, hope you enjoy! 

She doesn’t know what she had been expecting from the letter, initially she had thought it would simply be a thank you note-though it was unnecessary Ms. Oh was always very grateful and seemed to think that her mere existence was a nuisance to those around her. The woman had been so beaten down by life and she feels a sense of pride that her father spent all these years caring for someone that all others had all but thrown away after destroying her. She would never be as intrinsically good and right as her late father, she had too much blood and bad deeds on her hands to be sanctified but helping the powerless, she had enough heart left to see that this was something she cared about.

She had spent years following her mother’s untimely death hardening herself and convincing herself that others didn’t matter to her. She was an island and she needed no one else. This was her mantra as she worked her way up the social ladder at Wusang and purchased more and more temporary happiness in the form of bags and pretty suits, materialism filled the void that was left by her lack of any true love in her life.

She gently folds back up the letter, letting the tears cascade down her cheeks the words still tugging at her heart.

The woman had come to terms with her fate, knowing that while we are all essentially dying each day her days were numbered and their was an expiration date lingering in the imminent future. But it wasn’t those words that made her cry it was the words she has never seen coming.

It seemed the only people they were lying to were each other.

Ms. Oh knew.

Had known all this time and hadn’t deigned herself worthy of revealing the secret and getting the opportunity to hear that sacred word that only one person could anoint her with.

Eomeoni. 

“It’s enough that I get to see him. He has grown up so well without me.” 

It must have been torture for the poor woman to see the very son she had given away and not be able to hold him or hear his voice as he called her mother, her smile never quite reached her eyes when he called her Ms. Oh. It was as if she was quietly waiting and suffering for the day when he would slip and reveal their true relationship but if her partner was anything he was steadfast and stubborn. He wouldn’t be saying a word, at least without a nudge. 

His words echo in her memory, “People like me don’t deserve love.”  

it was such bullshit and cop out but she recognized it for what it was, a convenient shield from his feelings. If he believed that he didn’t have any right to love then he would avoid the pain that came from loving someone, the expectations and the vulnerability. 

Squeezing the papers between her shivering fingers she grabs her phone before she can second guess herself, his number is the most recent in her call list. She had called him earlier today to see what he wanted to eat for breakfast tomorrow, it was his day to choose she had chosen last time. 

The phone only rings once before he’s answering, his voice is warm honey through the speaker she knows he is laying down in his ridiculously expensive silk pajamas. She absently wonders how it would feel on her skin. 

“Hmm what is it?” He answers groggily, sounding sleepy but patient and she can detect no annoyance at her calling so late, instead he sounds concerned and she can hear the faint sounds of him moving. 

“I’m okay. You don’t need to get dressed.” He sighs in response, the sounds of movement fading and then it’s silent except the faint coos of Inzaghi in the background. “is Inzaghi keeping you up again? Maybe you should get someone to get rid of him?” 

“No! How could I-- I mean no, it’s fine. His coos don’t bother me anymore. I find them soothing.” He replies more passionately than she had expected, he had been many hours cursing the pigeon in the past much to her chagrin but lately it was like he had found a new appreciation for the bird. It was weird. It wasn’t like the bird had saved him or something ludicrous like that so she had no idea why he was behaving like this. 

“Okay.” 

“What’s wrong? Why are you calling so late?” He hums on the other line, sounds of the kitchen reaching her ears now, he’s probably making tea he wasn’t much of a fan before but it had slowly grown on him.  She had obnoxiously bought him a huge box of tea while she had been staying with him after he’d told her how he only enjoyed coffee- real coffee not the garbage she drank, she forced him to drink them with her every morning until he started making them on his own much to her amusement. 

“Drink the chamomile tea, it’ll help you fall asleep.” 

After a small pause he answers, “I don’t have trouble falling asleep.” 

He lies and she doesn’t call him out, both recalling that night he had woken up sweaty and panicked after a dream. She hadn't questioned him seeing the terror on his face, knowing it wasn’t the right time. She had quietly made him tea and stayed up until he fell asleep, tucking the blanket more snuggly around him. 

She listens as the kettle whistles signaling it’s readiness and suddenly she feels ready too, despite the consequences. 

“Are you still planning on leaving Korea after you get the gold?” She asks suddenly, a familiar fear pressing on her chest the longer he goes without answering her and she can almost see his face- his wide eyes and the purposeful stoic look firmly in place. 

“Why do you keep asking me that?” His voice is tired, desperately so and she can hear the hidden message, “why are you making me face my emotions?” and honestly she doesn’t know why herself, she has never been one to face her own emotions not with matters of the heart. She spent years pretending not to need her father’s approval or love whilst secretly pining and desperate for any attention from him even though she had been the one to push him away first. 

It’s your fault she’s dead! 

With those vicious words she had ripped her father’s beating heart from his chest and stomped on it with her stiletto heels. Then she had joined Wusang and fought against him, using money and influence to snuff out the hope of innocent people. Maybe Vincenzo was right and people like them didn’t deserve love. 

But she was greedy and entitled and others might see that as a flaw but she didn’t care, she wanted this and she deserved it. 

“Because I want you to stay.” 

There’s no taking it back, the truth is now out there suspended between them and she can hear his gasp on the other line, she’s caught him off guard. Hell, he’s not the only one but she has already shot herself in the foot so there’s no turning back now. 

She’s all in. 

“I like you.” That’s a lie, the feelings she has for him have mowed past “like” a long time ago and are dangerously close to another L word she’s too chicken shit to admit to him or herself, she has some sense of self preservation and despite those lips devouring her own and stealing any doubts she had about his reciprocation of her feelings, she knows that he is scared of this and he could push her away in some blindsided decision to keep her safe. 

“Wh--what?” He stutters out dumbfounded and far less eloquent than the smooth mafia member she has come to know. 

It makes her smile softly, she feels honored to get to see this side of him. A side that he only shows to her. 

“I’m happy that you came to Korea and that we met. That you met my father and for a little while you were on his side. That you accepted me after everything and that you have never judged me. Meeting you as been the best luck I’ve ever stumbled on, Vincenzo Cassano.” 

The silence is deafening and she vaguely wonders if he has hung up too overwhelmed with her sudden confession and fleeing instead but the screen still says his name, “Corn Salad” when she pulls it back to peer at the screen. 

“I know you don’t think you belong here in Korea, you don’t think it’s your home. But I’m learning that home doesn’t have to be a place, it can be people too and the feeling you get around them. You showed me that.” Her heart is thundering now but she feels relieved to say this out loud too, if anything were to happen to either one of them it would break her if he never knew how she felt, what he meant to her. 

“Me? I showed you that?” He whispers stunned and she can hear the soft rustle of him sitting down, had she made him weak in the knees? She can only hope so. 

“Yes. I have lived here my whole life but I never felt as seen or accepted until I met you. You feel like home.” 

“Cha-young ah.” 

She waits to see if there will be more but that’s all he says, her name like it’s a sermon. It’s the first time he has called her by her first name despite how close they’ve grown in the past months. It sounds like music to her ears, not that opera noise he’s always listening to despite her complaining-loudly- each time she comes over but real music, the kind you would put on during those summer days where you let your hair whip in the breeze. The kind that remains in your heart even after summer has long ended and fall creeps around the corner with a cool entrance. 

“I’m happy you’re here and I want this to be your home now. I don’t want you to run away, we both want you to stay.” 

His breath is erratic over the line, even more so than when she had found him injured in the underpass. She lets him process her words giving him time that nobody else has ever received from her in the past, with him she wants to be someone who can be patient, he is worth the wait. 

“Why are you telling me all this? Why now?” He pleads sounding tortured and when he sniffles she wants nothing more than to reach through the phone and wrap him up in her arms, he sounds so young and confused. 

“I don’t want to have any regrets. Not with you.” She answers honestly, the letter staring at her from the table words catching her eyes. 

“I can’t let him know how much he means to me. I know it is not my place to ask this but please love him dearly and let him know he is important and needed everyday. Letting him go was my biggest regret, I hope you will be stronger than I was.” 

Like she had a choice anyway, she had told herself many times that she shouldn’t have feelings for him but every time she saw him smile or watched him torture someone to get them closer to taking down Babel all of her logic went out the window and she couldn’t help but imagine a life for them after this was all over. Korea, Italy, Malta, it didn't matter where they went as long as they were together. She had no intention of letting him go, not without a fight. 

 If that made her a villian so be it, he had been the one to train her how to be one in the first place. 

“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know how I feel about you. I’m sorry if I kept you up.” 

A long pause follows her apology and with a sigh she goes to end the call, he hadn’t outright rejected her and that was more than she had been expecting. She would regroup and make a thorough presentation of why they belonged together and why exactly he should either stay in Korea or let her go with him after they defeated those corrupt scumbags. 

“It’s okay. I couldn’t sleep anyway.” He admits, forgetting his earlier denial of this very fact. 

“Are you drinking the tea?” 

“Yes, I am. You left so many of them here. I told you I’m not a tea drinker.” He states contrary with the loud slurping she hears over the phone. 

If she were anyone else his seeming dismissal through ignoring her confession would be heart breaking but she knows him too well now, is too aware of the dark inner workings of his mind and much he is overthinking every word she has uttered and cataloguing every reason that they shouldn’t be together, her safety is most likely top of the list. Old habits die hard and regardless of her constantly telling him that they should face everything together, she knows that there is still a lot that he hides from her in a guise of protecting her. His story about a nail pulling his suit plays out in her head. 

“Tea is best for insomnia. Get some rest, I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

She hangs up first, staring at the picture she had sneakily taken of him when he had been distracted in the office. It had been a long day and he had abandoned his jacket and loosened his tie, a sign that the day had taken its toll on him. She didn’t know what came over her but she found herself picking up her phone and snapping a picture of his side profile, he looked so handsome. When he had looked up and seen her on the phone, she pretended to be texting someone and walked away, her heart racing until he shrugged and looked away. 

“I won’t give up on you Vincenzo Cassano.” She promises, putting the letter back into the envelope and making her way to the bathroom to complete her nightly routines. 

Face scrubbed and teeth brushed to minty perfection, she walks across the moonlit room tugging down the sheets and crawling in, being so open and honest had been emotionally exhausting. 

The things she did for him. 

Getting comfortable in her bed she reaches out to plug in her phone to charge, but the tiny envelope icon on her phone catches her attention, she must have received a message while she was in the bathroom. Curious, she swipes her phone open before clicking on the message, she tells herself not to be too hopeful it’s probably not him and she’s going to be disappointed when it’s just a telemarketer trying to get her to switch tv providers. 

“Oh,” She stares at the message, the light from the phone the sole source of illumination in the dark room besides the moon glowing through her curtains. She has no words, no thoughts either all she can do is feel and even that is difficult with too many varying emotions raging war in her body. She had tried her damnest not to expect anything, knew that he wasn’t ready to face his feelings and he might never be able to say how he felt about her, his actions would have to be enough. She would have accepted it as enough, having him was more than enough. 

But as the message stares up at her, she realizes she had been lying to herself when the wave of unfiltered joy that crashes over her washes away her sandcastles of lies. 

You are already my home.  

It’s not the passionate confessions that are glorified in dramas, there’s no rain or dramatic slowing down of time, he hasn’t even said those coveted three oh so special words; on the surface he has barely said anything at all but to her his words are a blanket on a cold wintery day,  she has only ever wanted someone to stay and now she has found that. 

Loving him feels like coming home. 

[peanutpinet]

Nine Percent Mafia Scenarios

Cai Xukun

Cai Xukun, a name that is well-known whether you go to the same school with him or not. He was notorious for not only being the heartrob of the school, the best basketball player the school had ever had, a hard-working student and a caring person.

Even so, there was a rumour going around that he was part of a gang. Now, this wasn't your typical school gang or a motorcycle gang but more so a mafia group. Not only that, the rumours has it that he is even a leader of one of the mafia's group.

But despite his reputation, Kun was never one to play with people's feelings. So he would always decline people's confessions as nicely as he could. Truth be told that it was mainly because there was already someone that caught his attention since the first day he came to the school (*cough*you*cough*).

Of course, because of his reputations and all, he didn't really want to make his crush that obvious, especially when he was in a mafia group. Though, his group were more so dealing with the actual scums rather than causing trouble for the authority (which is why the authority would let his group go).

But that would soon change during one of his important matches. Not only was he against his school's biggest rival but also his mafia's rival. If he won the game, it'd be killing two birds with one stone.

Unfortunately, when the match was going fairly well for Kun's side, his rival's side had their own set of tricks. Apparently, some of his rival's group were scattered around the school, finding one specific person, you.

While you did try to put up a fight and all, you were outnumbered and the opposing rival managed to get ahold of you. Once the game was over and Kun's team had won, they had to shake hands with the opposing team which of course, Kun did as well. However, when he got to his mafia's rival, he received a disturbing information.

"It was a good game but looks like you guys could still use some practice" Kun snickered, shaking hands with his rival

"I wouldn't be too cocky if I were you, August" his rival challenged, making Kun tensed up upon hearing his work name

"Don't test me, especially in school. I suggest you leave quietly unless you're starting to pick a fight" Kun barked

"Heh, well, let's see how tough you can get when you're with (y/n)" his rival mentioned, makin Kun gripped on his rival's hand even more

"What do you know about (y/n)?!" Kun growled

"Why don't you come by dinner tonight? I'll send you the location" his rival smirked, taking his hand back and leaving the school along with his team

Kun instantly contacted his own members, asking them to track your phone since he tried calling and texting you but you didn't reply him at all (which is actually very rare unless you told him you had something to do).

At the same time Kun received an unknown message, his members found your phone's location which was completely different to the location in the message.

Kun then split his group to two, with him going to the location he got from the message whilst the others go to the location where they tracked the phone down.

It wasn't that much of a surprised that you weren't at the location Kun went. But that didn't stop Kun from going brutal with the rival gang. After he was done there, he went over to where you actually were on his motorcycle.

Arriving at the scene, Kun wasted no time and just knocked the rival gang even when he was still on his motorcycle. When Kun did get down from his motorcycle, he kept going until he finally reached you and pulled you into a hug.

"Are you alright? Did they hurt you?" Kun asked, concern can be heard from his cracked yet soft voice

"I, I'm alright, Kun. I just got a slight bruise but nothing too serious" you admitted, holding onto Kun's hands that were almost 2x your hand size

"If you ever come near her ever again, I'll show no mercy next time. Now scram" Kun hissed, making the boys run away from the scene

"I'm fine, Kun. Don't scare them like that" you stuttered

"Let's go, let's put some ice pack onto that bruise, hmm? Then we can continue watching that drama you were watching. Let's go boys" Kun mentioned, pulling you to his motorcycle

Chen Linong

Honestly, Nongnong is just too soft to be part of the mafia. Which is also why he is perfect to be the spy in the mafia XD alright, onto the scenario

So, I imagine that you were one of the bad girls in school. Not bad as in you caused trouble but more so you look like a baddie when you're actually nice to the ppl close to you. One of which was Nongnong.

When Nongnong first came to the school, he looked so cute and soft that you swore that you wouldn't let anybody bully him nor hurt him at all. You even helped him get used to the school.

Time passed by and you and Nongnong were quite close with each other that even went on a few study dates here and there; which Nongnong of course would take you home like the gentlemen he was.

But one study date made you change your mind how you saw Nongnong. All this time you would always feel the need to be the one to protecc precious Nongnong, but this time, it was the other way around.

The both of you stayed a bit longer than expected at the study cafe you guys always come for when you were doing school stuff. But of course both of you have told your parents and Nongnong even told your parents he'll still bring you home safely.

As the cafe was closing, you and Nongnong finally head back home when suddenly a gang of motorcycles came by and stopped right in front of you. Nongnong tried his best to tell them off but for no apparent reason they just burst up and went to charge towards you and Nongnong.

You've experienced fighting before which is why you were still standing, unfeared of what this gang could do. But as you were about to fight back, Nongnong quickly stood in front of you and beat all the people in the gang; scaring them off and even threatening them that if he ever sees them again or even hears about them when he's around, he won't go easy.

"Are you ok (Y/N)? Are you hurt anywhere?" Nongnong asked, his voice turning into his normal soft voice

"I, you, what? Who are you and what have you done to my sunshine soft precious Nong?!" you exclaimed, pointing at Nongnong and at the slight mess he made

"Ahaha, I'm also super Nongnong!! Remember? But for reals (y/n), are you alright?" Nongnong asked in concern, holding your hands in his

"I'm fine. You didn't have to protect me though. You know I can fight" you mumbled

"I know. But you shouldn't have to fight when I'm around. I'll take care of you even when I'm sick. As long as you're fine then I'll be fine. Come, let's go home" Nongnong softly whispered, pulling his signature smile as he pulled you away from the scene and head back home

Fan Chengcheng

Kay, first of, boy looks like he ready to throw a fit or something XD also, crazy to believe that he was just 18 here. Kay" scenario

For this I imagine that Chengcheng had to attend a wedding of a family member (let's say it's his cousin) and his parents expect him to bring someone or they'll make him mingle around with the people at the wedding.

Because he much prefer to bring someone he knew, he immediately called you to come join him; telling you that he'll find hair, makeup and stylist for you so all you had to do was just join him. Though you're not much of a social person, Chengcheng got you by telling you that there'll be your favourite foods.

Time skip to the day of the wedding

You arrived at the Fan's house and was greeted by Chengcheng's sister, Fan Bingbing. Because you've been to his house several of times, truth is, his parents and Bingbing were thrilled to hear that Chengcheng invited you to join.

Bingbing then directed you to one of the rooms that was filled with different clothes and she even helped you picked out an outfit then brought you to another room where there were people ready to do your hair and makeup.

After nearly 2 hours of getting ready, you were finally done and Bingbing was helping you zip your dress when Chengcheng came in already in his dashing suit. Bingbing then gave a smirk, leaving you with Cheng.

"Wow, you look amazing? You're probably gonna outshine the bride. Here, lemme help" Chengcheng exclaimed, helping zip your dress up then looking at you in the mirror

"Speak for yourself. That glasses really suits your look. Not to mention the slick back hair with a slight green/blue tone?! Damn, Cheng" you replied as the both of you looked in the mirror

"C'mon, I want one mirror selfie then we can go to the actual event" Chengcheng requested as he took his phone out and taking a mirror selfie with you

After several more pictures, Chengcheng's parents finally called you both and the both of you went downstairs; where Chengcheng's parents and sister were waiting.

After around 30-40 minutes of being on the road, you all arrived at the venue, took some pictures and were redirected to where you would be seated.

"I have to go for a bit. My parents made me go see my cousin then his bride. You just stay here, alright? I'll have someone send some appetisers or any snacks" Chengcheng whispered to you

"Sure thing. Go go, then we can play whilst we wait. Justin is waiting for me right now" you mentioned

"Better be just one game. I'll be back. Don't start the next game without me, tell Justin that I'll take his food next practice if he leaves me out" Chengcheng pointed out, walking away

"Oi!! Watch your step!!" you scolded then went back to playing

Chengcheng's POV

"Why do I have to meet her?" I complained

"Because it's to welcome her into the family" my parents replied

"Ah yes, welcome someone we almost never met into the family" I cursed

"Fan Chengcheng, behave. I heard she's quite lovely" my mom scolded

"Fine. But it better not be long" I scoffed as the security opened the door and I went into my cousin's bride room

"Fan Chengcheng!! I'm so happy you could come to my wedding!!" my cousin's bride exclaimed

"Yea yea. Hold it. You....Jia Xiaoli (random name). You're my cousin's bride?! What trick you got now?!" I threatened standing right in front of her

"No tricks, Cheng. I promise!!" Xiaoli smiled

"Cut the act Xiaoli, you bribed me into dating you and if it wasn't for (y/n), my family would be in jeprodize" I barked at her

"Ahhh right, (y/n). I haven't seen her in a while. How is she?" Xiaoli asked

"She's not your concern. Stay out of my sight and (y/n)'s. And if you ever hurt my family, I'll show you no mercy" I scoffed, banging on the door and returning to where I left (y/n)

Unfortunately, when I arrived back, (y/n) was no where to be seen. I scowered the whole venue yet she wasn't there. I then rushed out to the bathroom, hoping that maybe she was there. I even tried texting her but after 30 minutes and no answer from her at all, I got anxious; like something is wrong here.

I then went out of the venue and contacted Justin if he was talking with (y/n) since they were playing games together. Thankfully, I got somewhat of a lead. Justin mentioned that he's actually on a "call" with (y/n) but he muted his microphone because he heard some other people was on the other line with her. Justin also mentioned that he's trying to track down (y/n) and after a few minutes, Justin sent me her location.

Not caring that the event was starting, I rushed to find (y/n) which turns out, her phone was at one of the hotel rooms of the venue. I then listened to the room first and when I heard (y/n)'s voice, I wasted no time and barged in, dodging all the attacks of the men within the room, knocking them all out one by one and took my jacket off, wrapping it around (y/n).

"Are you ok? Did they hurt you? What did they do?" I asked, pulling (y/n) into a hug

"Nothing, thankfully. They made me go with them and when I felt something was off, I called Justin but put the volume at the lowest, hoping he'll know my situation" (y/n) explained

"It's alright, I'm here. I've also asked Justin to come. C'mon let's get outta here" I mentioned, holding (y/n)'s hand

"Justin? Is he invited? What are you gonna do?" (Y/n) asked

"He'll be invited soon. We got a wedding to crash" I snickered, taking (y/n) away from the scene

Justin Huang

Tbh, I don't think this pose will really fit into the scenario but I will try. Okie, onto the scenario for Justin!!

For Justin, I imagine that you guys were living together along with Chengcheng, Yanjun and Kun for a film shoot and one night, you and Justin were heading out to buy dinner since the geges were basically passed out.

As the both of you were on your way, Justin noticed some sketchy people stalking the both of you. Justin made sure to keep an eye of them but didn't realise that there were a whole lot more of them that blocked your path and while you did put up quite a fight, you were eventually taken and was out of Justin's sight.

When Justin realised you were gone, he didn't waste any time in calling his geges and immediately went to find where they took you. Justin was definitely certain that they were part of the opposing gang that's always trying to get on ninepercent's nerve.

After a bit of running and even getting his geges help, Justin finally found the hideout and instantly barged in. However, the condition he found you in was not a pretty sight.

⚠️ Trigger Warning!! ⚠️

Not only were you bounded to a chair but it seemed that you were being beaten up, there were visible new purpleish bruises on your legs and cheek, not to mention some part of your clothes were ripped, your hair was messed up and even blood was dripping from your mouth, hands and thighs.

At that moment, something in Justin just flipped. As if he turned off his humanity switch (except for you). No-one was going to block his way to you. If they did, he wouldn't care whether they're a guy or girl, he'll put them down.

One after the other, Justin would break their arms/legs, the sound of their suffering even urged Justin to go even further; to the point where Justin didn't care whether he broke their bones, pulled their muscles or so on.

Once all of them were down on the ground, Justin finally managed to get to you. He crouched down to your height and wrapped his jacket over your shivering body and asked if it was alright to carry you which u only gave him a slight nod; and at the same time his geges arrived at the scene.

"It's alright (y/n). I got you, we're gonna go home now, kay?" Justin cooed you as he carried you in his arms

"Justin?! (Y/N)?! Are you guys alright?!" Kun asked as Yanjun and Chengcheng were prepared to shoot anyone

"Sorry to ask this but please take care of them. Oh and make sure they're still alive. I have unfinished business with them. I'm taking (y/n) back first" Justin requested, walking out of the scene

Lin Yanjun

Tbh, I'm not a fan of this jacket on Jun XD but his gaze bruh, his gaze!!! 🔥🔥 okie, scenario!!

For this scenario, I imagine that you were in Yanjun's hometown in Taiwan and apparently Yanjun's 10th year high school reunion was coming up and decided to bring you along since he only planned on staying for a bit then take you out elsewhere (also to keep all those girls in line before they lashed out on him)

After getting ready and all, you and Yanjun excused yourselves from Yanjun's parents and went out to the bar where the reunion was held. Ofc, when Yanjun entered, so many of his ex girl classmates were thrilled, until he showed up with you, hand in hand.

Yanjun just nodded and waved at his ex classmates before introducing you then he pulled you to the near corner of the table since he knew that you were somewhat socially awkward.

After having a little drink and snacks, it was now almost 9pm and Yanjun wanted to treat you out to the night market before going home. He asked if you wanted to go now which you gave him a slight nod. He told you that he'll go to the restroom for a bit before you leave.

After his restroom business, one of his ex classmates (a girl) went up to him and talked for a bit. At first it seemed like a simple catch up until she started to clustered the space and asked some personal questions about you. Yanjun was quick to know the situation he was in and immediately took control and straight up turned his ex classmate down, making his way to where he left you.

However, he noticed that some of the guys were trying to flirt with you and it seemed that they were getting a bit touchy that you seemed to be quite uncomfortable. Yanjun knew that coming to the reunion was a bad idea. Not only the majority that came were the school bullies but they were also part of a gang which 9% has been paying a close attention to.

Even so, Yanjun know that you could handle yourself and when your gaze met with Yanjun's, you immediately tried to excuse yourself but then one of the guys gripped your wrist which in return you slapped their hand away and even shoved them back down. Just when you managed to get free of these crazy people, another guy managed to grabbed you and pulled you down but at the same time, a dart flew and hit the the person's hand. Everyone then looked to see Yanjun's killer looks.

As everyone was distracted, you pulled yourself up at the same time Yanjun came and stood in front of you, holding your hand softly. Stroking your knuckles, he asked if they did anything else which you shook your head and told him that they just tried to flirt whilst the girls were already somewhat drunk. Yanjun gave you a slight apologetic smile before going back to his cold gaze towards his ex-classmates.

"Can't you tell when a woman is clearly not interested and taken? The next time you do that to my woman or any sort of girls, it won't be a dart flying and the target surely won't be your hand" Yanjun warned, rubbing your knuckles softly before starting to leave

"You think you're all that huh Yanjun?! Just because you made a name for yourself now, you can do as you please, huh?!" one of the guys challenged

"Heh, I'd watch my mouth if I were you. Wouldn't want people to know about your 'illegal business' or the fact that you've been out with 10 different women this past week, now would you?" Yanjun challenged back, slightly smirking as the guy's face suddenly turned pale

"Thought so. C'mon (y/n), let's get outta here. The night market doesn't close until 11pm" Yanjun whispered, giving you a genuine smile as you went out together hand in hand like how you came in together

Zhu Zhengting

Mama Ting!! That gaze!! I surrender!! I won't play games till late at night!!! Kay", scenario time!!

Ok, for mama Ting, I feel that he's dating with a normal office worker (aka you), you guys met through mutual friends and for some reason, Zhengting feels at ease whenever he's with you (like, not awkward at all, unlike with most girls).

Zhengting was just waiting at your apartment and cooking up some dinner for the both of you since you told him that you might be coming back late due to an important meeting with your boss.

Once he heard the door unlocked, Zhengting welcomed you with his soft smile and sparkling eyes that was full of love (also open arms) which you gave him a tired smile but immediately hugged him when you've put your things down.

"How was work? What meeting was it? Oh, tell me over dinner. I made your favourites!!" Zhengting mentioned, guiding you to the dining area where he has prepared dinner

"Thank you, Ting. It was a confusing meeting honestly. Like, my boss suddenly asked about my relationship with you" you explained as you started to eat the dinner

"Really? Does your boss know me? Like know know or was he just trying to hit on you?!" Zhengting questioned, his tone getting serious

"Not sure. He was trying to offer me another job which paid quite a lot but it has something to do with my relationship. Like, when I told him that I was in a relationship, he gave this weird look like he wasn't satisfied and just dismissed me. Saying that he'll think about it" you elaborated

"Hmmm. Whatever you do, don't take the job unless he gives you the full details, alright? And if you're worried about money because your current job isn't paying you well, don't fret, I'm here!!" Zhengting exclaimed

"I don't want to leach off of you Ting but yea, I'm not gonna take that job. I'm planning to find a job elsewhere and resign once I reached my one year mark" you explained

"Good!! Now finish up then shower so we can go watch some dramas" Zhengting cheered

It's been roughly a week or so since you told Zhengting about the offer and Zhengting was currently at the bar along with Kun because they had to spy on some men coming to the bar; something about opening a brothel or an illegal business of some sort.

When the people were already there, both Zhengting and Kun split up to get some information out of the men. Nothing in particular really caught the two's attention up until one of the men brought up a file containing your information.

"I'm telling you, she's the best looking one in my company. Not to mention, whenever she wears skinny jeans, it just fits her body so well. Anyone would die to take her and our business will blow up" one of the men mentioned, pointing at a picture of your face

"But you mentioned that she's taken. Are you sure you can get her to join?" the other men asked

"She needs the money. Plus, I can always cut her pay and tell her that this job suits her better" the men mentioned, laughing

But oh boi, they picked on the wrong girl. Because the minute Zhengting heard the conversation and was sure that it was your picture that they used, he immediately gave the guy a good punch in the face, knocking him down and holding a gun up right at his temple.

"I take it you like using helpless woman for your illegal money? Not only that, using them then abusing them before you discard them. How annoying. I'll give you a few minutes to confess everything before I blow up your brainless head" Zhengting barked, his gun was right by the man's temple

"So you're her so-called boyfriend, huh? I'll just kill you here and..." the man scoffed but his scoffed turned into a scream as Zhengting shot the man's leg

"I was wondering who was my girlfriend's boss as he was so daring to ask about her relationship but was unsatisfied when he realised she was taken. Well, this is still consider verbal harrasement, right Kun?" Zhengting snickered

"Sure thing. Since we got some evidence here, pretty sure he'll get fired the second we inform this to the authority. Also, he'll probably lose all his wealth" Kun replied

"Wa-wait a minute?! Kun?! As in the Cai Xukun?! Leader of 9%?! Does that mean...you...you're..." the man stuttered

"Zhengting. Zhu. Zheng. Ting. The so-called boyfriend of the woman you're trying to hire into an illegal business. Oh well, save your breath for the court" Zhengting replied, a smirk plastering his face as the man's face turned very pale

Wang Ziyi

For this specific picture of Ziyi, I imagine it being a bit similar to mama Ting's one. Where you were just a normal worker, not an idol/actress/artist or even a daughter of a famous company owner. You were just you; which, to Ziyi, you were everything.

Now, unlike the in mama Ting's one, you weren't offered a new job at a new location that was completely different to the one you were currently in. However, the boss of your company did pay a close attention to you. He would often try to flirt with you, send you flowers or even directly asked you out; which of course you declined them all.

This happened even before you met Ziyi. But unfortunately, it still happened even after you've been dating Ziyi. However, it wasn't as bad as when you weren't dating Ziyi. You dunno whether its because he finally started giving up or because he knew you were dating someone since you never really told him you were actually dating someone.

But while your boss may not know that you were dating someone, you did tell Ziyi about how your boss has been flirting with you and all. But we all know how patient Ziyi is. Not only was he patient in hearing your complaints and all but he was also patient with your so-called "boss". Well, that is until he ran into your "boss" at the gym.

You and Ziyi have been going to the gym quite regularly (let's all pretend it aint covid) and normally Ziyi would treat you lunch (which is how he got you to go to the gym with him). So, Ziyi would normally go and do some weight training whilst you just went to do some cardio (like on the treadmill or bicycle).

It was going like normal until you were about to do a bit of weights yourself (like that pull-up weight thing) and as you were going to do your thing, your boss suddenly came up to you and you guessed it, tried to flirt with you.

You tried to tell him off nicely but the same time scanned the room to find Ziyi who was apparently at the boxing area. It took a good 5 minutes or so but Ziyi finally saw you and understood your situation.

He was about to tell the guy off nicely until he saw the guy closing in the space between the both of you near a wall. And lets just say, Ziyi was finally at the peak of his patience and just snapped at the dude.

He pulled the dude back and twisted his arm till you can hear a crack. Ziyi then told your "boss" off and even threatened him because apparently throughout this whole time, Ziyi was doing a lil "background check" on your so-called "boss".

"It's not nice to pick on a lady who's clearly taken. Especially when you, yourself is also taken" Ziyi scoffed, pushing the guy further back

"Aghhh, l-let go off, m-me. This isn't even a fair fight" the guy stuttered as Ziyi pushed the guy who eventually fell downwards

"I suggest you leave and not hit on anyone. Unless, of course, you'd like me to tell your wife about it" Ziyi threatened, taking his phone out and showing the guy some pics of his affair

"I, I'll get lost. Just don't show this to my wife or anyone" the guy babbled, rushing to leave the scene

"C'mon (y/n), let's go get lunch at your favourite" Ziyi mentioned, grabbing your hand and giving you his signature (yet sweet) smile Xiaogui

For Xiaogui, I imagine that he was the owner of a well renowned bar in Shanghai. It's been a tough week for you and when you told Xiaogui all about it, he felt sorry that he flew all the way to where you work, telling you that he'll stay over the weekend so the two of you can have a chill weekend together.

But, on the way back to your place, Xiaogui got a call from the bar about someone looking for him. He asked you for permission which you know that it was his bar and so you told him that it's alright. He gave your hand a light squeeze before speeding up to the bar.

Upon reaching the bar, he directed you to a secret door which led to his private office. He told you to just stay there whilst he takes care of the things at the bar.

However, not long after Xiaogui left, you suddenly had a bad feeling, as if you were being watched or something. You weren't dumb and you knew that Xiaogui hid his gun in his office (I mean, the dude taught you how to do self-defense and how to use a gun). You went over his desk trying to find the gun but the secone you held it, you felt a gun being pointed at the back of your head.

"You know, what ghost around, comes around" a deep voice mentioned, the gun being pressed by your head

"Now be a good girl and put the gun down" the man stated as you slowly put the gun down but only to make him lower his guard so you quickly upperhand him by taking his gun

As you manage to upperhand the attacker, he started to attack you which was not good. Sure, Xiaogui taught you a thing or two but when you're faced with it in real-life, that's a different story. You tried to keep your composure and threw his gun far away so it'll just be a hand to hand combat but you were still at a disadvantage.

You were already being cornered and as you took the nearest object as a weapon/shield, the attacker told you that you were no match for him. But as he was just a hand reach away, the door slammed opened and a bullet was shot right at the attacker's chest, close to his heart. You divert your gaze only to meet with Xiaogui's gaze.

"Touch her one more time and I'll make sure you live a living hell before I actually send you to hell, myself" Xiaogui stated, a signature grin was plastered on his face when he saw the attacker fell on the floor You Zhangjing

If Imma be honest, this was another hard scenario but here goes nothing.

So, for Zhangjing's scenario, I imagined that you, Zhangjing, Yanjun and Nongnong had to attend this special dinner that the opposite gang was going since they had some deals to handle.

You knew that it was quite a risk by going but they needed someone to come with them so it wouldn't seem too obvious that they were planning on handling the opposite gang. Plus, you get free food so that was a major plus.

Which is how you ended up in a little black dress with your arms linked with Zhangjing and Nongnong as Yanjun was in front of you, all four of you making your way to the ballroom hall of the hotel the dinner was being held.

Yanjun, being Yanjun and the third person in charge in 9% reminded everyone of their jobs. Also reminded you to stay near by them and let any one of them know when you wanted to go somewhere like the bathroom or some sort.

After rediscussing the plan, Yanjun was the first to excuse himself because he was the hitman of the group. Nongnong also left to mingle around and get some information. Which meant, it was you and Zhangjing.

Of course, it was no surprised that the two of you immediately headed to where the food is. The both of you were enjoying the food and occasionally talk with the other guests at the dinner until Yanjun called Zhangjing to request some hacking which Zhangjing proceed in doing.

But in the midst of hacking, you had the urge to go to the bathroom and told Zhangjing that I was gonna go which he told me to quickly go and come right back to his side which you agreed.

After finishing with your bathroom business, you went out to try and find where Zhangjing was but got a bit lost and this dude was trying to get on my nerve even after you declined him so many times. I mean, one Yanjun is more than enough.

But when this guy was persistent, you decided to fight back which he clearly didn't like at all. You knew lots of fighting skills and self-defence stuff by being with 9% for a long time. Heck, you were their most trusted person other than each other.

As you were about to end this little disturbance, the guy was knocked out cold and you saw You Zhangjing out of the 3 men you came with. His gaze could rival Yanjun (emphasis on could XD)

"Can't we just have one night of dinner in peace? Haish. C'mon (y/n), let's go back and enjoy our dinner" Zhangjing stated, extending his hand out as you went to grab it

"You know I had it under control" you stated, pouting

"I know. But I wanted it over with, plus the deal is done and we can go order in with everyone" Zhangjing exclaimed as the both of you skidded through the hall