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marjansmarwani · 4 years

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A Puzzle I Love to Solve

Characters: TK Strand & Carlos Reyes

Word Count: 6155

When TK gets an invitation to a friend’s wedding back in New York, he’s torn. He does miss his hometown and there are people he’d like to see, but there are some he’d like to never have to see again. He knows at least one of them will be at this wedding. But he feels stronger with Carlos by his side; confident in this thing that they have.

Carlos is thrilled for a chance to see the Big Apple, but is more excited to learn more about his boyfriend; to see where TK came from, and the place and people that made him who he is. TK worries that some of the things from his past will change Carlos’s mind about them, but Carlos is in for the long game – he wants to know every inch of TK; even the not so nice ones.

Another prompt fill for @lauraperfectinsanity! This one is prompt 19

[Read on Ao3]

--------

“What are you thinking for dinner tonight?” TK called as he stepped into the kitchen. He and Carlos had stopped by the Strand’s house so TK could switch over his stuff and get changed before heading back to Carlos’s. By some miracle, they had some mutual days off ahead of them and were planning on getting some takeout and not leaving the couch (or the bedroom) for the next 48 hours. Hence, the stopover. TK was determined to get everything taken care of now in order to maximize the time they had together.

Carlos shrugged from the doorway, “I don’t care. Maybe something simple, like pizza?”

TK looked up from the mail he was sorting to glare at Carlos, “Nope, you know how I feel about the so-called “pizza” here. We’re not doing that.”

Carlos rolled his eyes, “Fine, no pizza you snob.”

“I am not a snob, that is just not pizza.”

“Can we settle on Chinese then? Or do you have an NYC objection to that too?”

TK huffed as he looked back to the mail, “I do not. Chinese would be good.” He continued to shuffle through the mail, sorting it into piles. The problem with working back to back 24-hour shifts with two adults in the household is that the mail tended to pile up very quickly. He placed another envelope into his dad’s pile before he caught sight of the next envelope in the stack and froze.

Carlos, who had been watching him from the doorway, frowned, “TK?” he asked hesitantly, “everything okay?”

When his boyfriend didn’t respond he crossed the kitchen to see what had caused him to freeze. He came up behind him and placed a steady hand on his shoulder before gently plucking the envelope from the top of the stack. It was an envelope made of rich, cream-colored paper, the address written in delicate calligraphy on the front. Carlos frowned at it, “it looks like an invitation.”

TK swallowed and nodded slowly, “to a wedding,” he confirmed.

Carlos studied him, “a wedding you object to?” he asked tentatively.

“No,” TK said quickly, “no, I knew they’d get around to it eventually and I’m happy for them. It’s just...I didn’t think they’d bother to invite me. I mean, I kind of cut out of New York quickly, didn’t really leave much by the way of explanation. I just sent out a mass text saying I was moving to Texas and that was that. I really haven’t heard from any of my friends since. A few texts here and there, but nothing more.”

“Clearly they want you there if they went through the trouble of tracking you down and inviting you. Do you not want to go? Because you don’t have to.”

TK sighed, “It’s not that. I do want to go - they were good friends to me - but they weren’t just my friends. They were our friends,” he said significantly.

Carlos sucked in a breath as he understood, “And you think he’s going to be there?”

TK nodded solemnly, “I’d put money on it. They’ve known him longer, they were the ones who introduced us, actually.”

Carlos was quiet as he considered what to say next, turning the envelope over in his hands.

“If you decide to do this,” he finally said, “you won’t have to do it alone.”

TK looked up at him sharply, “Are you inviting yourself to my friends’ wedding Carlos Reyes?” he demanded with a raised eyebrow.

“I suppose I am,” Carlos said with a chuckle. “Look, all I’m saying is that you don’t have to go - god knows being halfway across the country is more than a decent excuse. But if you do want to go, you won’t have to face it alone.”

TK was quiet for a while as he considered. He took the envelope back from Carlos and examined it closely, running his hand over the return address, “You’ve never seen New York before, have you?” he asked softly.

Carlos smiled, “No, I haven’t. And I hear they have pretty good pizza. I’ve been meaning to try it for a while.”

TK took a deep breath before looking back up at Carlos with a smile, “Well, I guess I should open it then, so we can see when exactly you’ll be getting around to that pizza.”

Carlos smiled softly at him and squeezed his shoulder gently as he slit open the envelope.

-----

Carlos gaped as he looked out the window of the plane approaching LaGuardia. “Wow,” he breathed out as he took in his first look of NYC from the sky.

He looked back at TK with wide eyes and TK smiled at him, reaching over to squeeze his hand and lean closer so he could see out the window as well. “It’s impressive, isn’t it?” he asked as he looked down at the familiar city.

“It really is,” he said breathlessly. He glanced over at TK, leaning into his space and taking in the view. “How does it feel to see it again?” he asked.

TK shrugged as he leaned back to his seat, “Honestly, too soon to tell. Ask me again when we’re on the ground.”

Carlos tracked him with his eyes as he leaned back and began to absently fiddle with the sleeves of his jacket. He reached out a hand to put on top of TK’s restless one.

TK looked up, surprised, but Carlos looked significantly down at the hand that had been fingering his cuff. TK let out a short laugh, “I didn’t even realize.”

Carlos nodded, and gave him a gentle smile, “It’ll be okay, TK, don’t worry about it.”

TK took a deep breath and sighed, “I’m trying.”

Carlos squeezed his hand, “You can do this Ty, it’s going to be fine. Besides, even if it is a disaster, we’ll be heading back to the other end of the county in a few days.”

TK chuckled drily at that, “Just what I always wanted – to flee my hometown under a cloud of shame for the second time this year.”

Carlos rolled his eyes, “So dramatic.” TK laughed lightly, but didn’t contradict him.

A half-hour later, they were exiting the airport and TK was hailing a cab. The driver helped them load their luggage into the trunk and then they were off, heading into Manhattan. He glanced at them in the rearview mirror, “you know,” he said, “this is my favorite route to do because I love to see people take in their first view of the city. You gents ever been to the Big Apple before?”

“It’s my first time,” Carlos responded.

“Well, welcome to New York. I hope she treats you well,” he said with a grin. “What about you?” he asked TK.

TK looked up from where he had been gazing at the skyline, “I used to live here,” he said, voice almost distant.

“Yeah? How long?”

“26 years,” TK said, “I’ve only been gone for about a year.”

The cab driver raised his eyebrows, “A first-timer and a homecoming, should be quite the trip.”

TK smiles at the cabbie, but it’s tight and a bit forced. Carlos reaches over to grab his hand, winding their fingers together.

“It’ll be fine,” he assures him again, softly. The smile he gets in return is surer, more genuine. TK squeezes his hand back before returning his gaze to the skyline with a more relaxed expression.

Soon they are through an underwater tunnel (the Queens Midtown tunnel, TK informed him) and pulling into Manhattan. If Carlos had thought that the city was impressive from the sky, there was nothing quite like being on the ground, in the middle of it all. He stood there, unable to do anything but gape for several seconds. He looked over to see TK smiling at him, “what do you think?” he asked.

Every inch of the street screamed of life. The sidewalks and crosswalks were packed, the sound of the traffic and construction from somewhere nearby blending with the sound of voices. The buildings rose up around them tall and imposing but gleaming in the afternoon sun. It was like nothing Carlos had ever seen. He turned to TK, “I think you better start showing me around.”

“Anything, in particular you want to see?”

Carlos threaded his arm around TK’s waist and pulled him closer, “I want to see your New York,” he said, “I want to see what is important to you, what makes you happy. I want to know everything about you Ty, and this is a pretty big piece of that puzzle. I want to start putting it together, if you’ll let me.”

TK grinned, “Be careful what you wish for Reyes; the TK Strand tour of the Big Apple is not for the faint of heart.”

Carlos pressed his face into TK’s neck as he hummed consideringly, “I think I can handle it. I’ve had some training.”

“Then let’s get checked in and get rid of the bags - we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.”

They spent the rest of the day hitting the spots TK deemed necessary. It was a mix of the quintessential New York attractions and some of TK’s old haunts and favorite spots. Carlos enjoyed watching his boyfriend just as much as the sights. He was learning more and more about the other man, through the things he showed him and the stories he told. His eyes lit up when they reached something familiar and he was animated as he shared the stories of his youth; of a childhood spent in a metropolis where there was nothing under the sun deemed too far-fetched to do or see.

At some point, they ended up outside a fire station with the numbers 252 emblazoned on the side. TK’s ebullient energy faded into something more restless, more contemplative as they stood across the street.

Carlos watched him closely, “Do you want to go in?” he asked.

“I should,” TK said lowly, “they were my team for years; I should stop in while I’m in town. I know my dad would want me to; would want to know how they’re doing.”

“But you don’t want to.”

TK was quiet for several moments before finally shaking his head. “I don’t think I can, not yet. Maybe before we leave town, but I can’t today. I’m so freaked out about seeing Alex tomorrow, and I didn’t leave under the best of circumstances. They might not even want to see me, and I don’t think I could handle that right now.”

TK looked like he would keep rambling until he passed out, so Carlos put a hand on his shoulder and gently turned him away from the station so he was facing Carlos, “hey,” he started, voice soft, “you don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You don’t have to go in there now, you don’t have to go in there at all if you don’t want to. I am not going to think any less of you if you decide you can’t do that Tyler Kennedy. Somethings are best left in the past, and that’s okay.”

TK took a deep breath and nodded, giving Carlos a smile that was tense, but relieved. “Thank you,” he whispered to Carlos, leaning forward to rest his forehead on his for a moment. Carlos took a deep breath as well, savoring the grounding feel that his touch had. TK pulled back from Carlos and glanced back over his shoulder. “Maybe after the wedding,” he said, “if you don’t mind coming back.”

Carlos grabbed his hand and squeezed it, “I don’t mind anything as long as it’s with you - you should know that by now.”

-----

The next evening found them on the rooftop of the Beekman hotel in what was apparently called FiDi. (TK had explained to an incredulous Carlos that it stood for “Financial District.” He said it was probably meant to make it sound trendier, but Carlos thought it just made it more confusing.) The ceremony had just ended, and the guests were enjoying the views and the warm summer night on the rooftop before the reception got into full swing. Carlos had left TK chatting with some old friends as he went in search of drinks.

The ceremony had been lovely and the room seemed to be full of old friends and acquaintances who seemed thrilled to see TK again. Both the brides had pulled him into enthusiastic hugs when they went through the receiving line, not letting them pass until they had secured a promise to meet them for lunch before they flew back to Austin. It was nice seeing TK surrounded by old friends, comfortable in a world where Carlos was not.

Carlos knew the basics of the circumstances under which TK had left New York nearly a year ago, but he didn’t know everything. What he did know – though he had never said it – is that TK had felt like he had abandoned his friends; that they resented him for it, that he didn’t deserve to be forgiven. To be so plainly faced with a contradiction in the forms of smiles and hugs and good-natured conversations about what he had been up to, what he had missed was a balm - one he had badly needed. With every moment and every smile from an old friend, he seemed lighter.

“Could I please have a glass of the merlot and a mineral water when you get a chance?” Carlos asked the bartender who flashed him a smile before turning to fill his order.

He leaned against the bar to wait when an unfamiliar voice sounded beside him, “Mineral water? Trying to stay hydrated?”

Carlos glanced up to see tall, well-dressed man standing next to him with a raised eyebrow. Carlos smiled politely, “No, my boyfriend just doesn’t like to drink.”

The man shrugged, “To each their own, I guess. I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

It was Carlos’s turn to shrug, “I came in from out of town. My boyfriend used to live here and was friends with Sania and Andi.”

The other man nodded, and leaned closer, “And what do you do out of town?”

Carlos leaned back, ever so slightly. “I’m a cop,” he said blandly.

That caused his eyebrows to shoot up, “Well, that must be exciting.”

“Mmhm,” Carlos agreed vaguely. This guy was clearly not taking the hint. Carlos was just about to try to form another sentence using the phrase ‘my boyfriend’ in case the third time truly was the charm when his drinks miraculously appeared. He smiled gratefully at the bartender and slid a few bills across the bar to her before picking up the drinks and shooting the other man one last polite smile, “Well, nice talking to you, but I have to deliver this.”

He nodded, “See you around, Officer.” Carlos was gone before he had even finished his sentence. He found TK leaning against one of the cocktail tables, animatedly chatting with another old friend. He looked up and smiled when he saw Carlos approaching and thanked him for the mineral water with a smile. Carlos put an arm around his shoulders and kissed the top of his head when he leaned towards him.

TK looked up at him, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Carlos said lightly, “just some guy at the bar who couldn’t take a hint.”

“Can you blame him? You look quite sexy in that suit; in case you hadn’t noticed.”

Carlos shrugged, “Too bad for him there is only one man on this rooftop I’m interested in.”

TK shook his head fondly and placed his hand on top of the one resting on his shoulder. “You’re a menace,” he accused lightly.

Carlos nodded, “Guilty as charged.” He glanced around the room, “Any sign of the asshole?”

TK shook his head, not even bothering to correct him, “No, but I’m sure he’s here somewhere. He’ll find me at some point I’m sure; he always was fond of making a scene.”

Carlos scowled and TK laughed, “We’re at a wedding Carlos, relax. It’ll all be fine.”

Carlos turned to look at TK head-on. He searched TK’s face for any sign he was lying or putting on a front. “You’re sure,” he observed, unable to keep a note of surprise out of his voice, “why?”

“Because being here, seeing everyone again; it’s nice, but it doesn’t feel like home. I love the city, but it doesn’t feel like home anymore either.”

“And Austin is?”

TK nodded, “I guess it is. My team is there, my dad is there, you’re there. Wherever you are will always be home to me.”

Carlos’s breath caught in his throat. He searched TK’s face for any sign that this was a joke, something he was saying to placate or amuse Carlos. But he saw nothing but sincerity in his green eyes. “TK…” he began, though he wasn’t quite sure what he was going to say.

TK turned to face him, looking him in the eyes as he took the hand that had been on his shoulder in his own, intertwining their fingers. “Austin is my home because you are there,” he said firmly, “You are my home now, Carlos.”

Carlos swallowed thickly. He didn’t know what to say, so he used their clasped hands to pull him away from the table, to a more secluded corner of the rooftop. When they came to a halt TK was looking at him in confusion, “Why are we over here?”

“Because I wanted to do this and I didn’t want to be rude to the other guests.” He pulled TK closer and kissed him deeply, trying to pour all the things he couldn’t find the words to say into it.

TK responded eagerly, and when they separated, it was with beaming smiles.

“I don’t know,” TK began coyly, “it seems a waste to walk all this way and only do that once.”

Carlos chuckled, “And you call me a menace.” But he obliged, leaning down to kiss TK again, and again.

----

Eventually, they rejoined the party. Shortly after they realized that they had wandered away from their drinks in Carlos’s hurry to find a secluded corner so TK volunteered to head to the bar to get replacements, leaving Carlos in conversation with one of the other guests: a Texas transplant who was all too eager to talk to Carlos about their home state.

He made his way to the bar and placed his order, leaning back on the bar and watching the crowd as he waited. He had wanted to come to be here for his friends, but he couldn’t deny that he had been nervous. He hadn’t been sure what it would feel like to be back; if the urge to drop back into old habits would be stronger than his will to keep moving forward. He hadn’t been sure he was ready to be back, to be confronted with all the old memories.

Now, on this rooftop in this city that he loved with Carlos; he was glad they had come. He was glad he had taken this risk. Sure, there was still the problem of Alex, but TK had meant what he said to Carlos – he wasn’t worried about it. He was with Carlos, and he was happy. Nothing Alex could do or say would change that. It had been a different person who had left the city all those months ago; someone unsure of what they wanted and caught up in someone else’s turmoil. He still wasn’t perfect, but he wasn’t that person anymore. Who he was now was someone who had no place for Alex in his life; everything that he was belonged with Carlos.

The universe must have a well-developed sense of irony, because no sooner had the thought left his head than a familiar voice sounded at his ear. “You sure you should be by a bar TK?”

TK resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he turned to find Alex standing next to him. “Hi Alex,” he said blandly.

Alex took a step closer, undeterred by TK’s unenthusiastic tone. “It’s good to see you,” he said, leaning closer, “I heard you got hurt a while ago at work, I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

TK leveled his gaze at Alex, “I was shot in the chest and spent four days in a coma,” he said plainly, “but it’s good to know that you were so concerned you couldn’t even be bothered to call.”

Alex continued on; unbothered or unaware of TK’s sarcasm, “When I heard about it, I was terrified. The thought that something could happen to you just made me so scared, and it made me realize how much I still care about you.”

He moved closer; he was almost on top of TK now. “I’m sorry for what I did, but I think that the fact that we are both here is a sign that maybe we’re meant to have a second chance.”

He looked at TK expectantly, but all TK could do was stare.

He didn’t have the slightest idea how to respond to that. He had never read the manual on what to do when the guy you broke up with when you proposed because he was cheating cornered you at a wedding and wanted you back. Really, the whole thing was ridiculous. He burst out laughing, and Alex frowned.

TK took a deep breath, controlling his laughter, “I’m sorry, I know you were trying to have a moment; but did you honestly think that would work?”

Alex recoiled, finally taking a step away from TK, “I broke up with Mitchell TK, we can be together again.”

TK couldn’t believe him. “You really think that’s the issue here?” he asked incredulously.

Alex continued, “I know what I did was wrong but I was confused; I want to go back to how things were.”

“You’re really not getting it are you Alex, it’s not happening. I don’t even live here anymore.”

Alex scoffed, “Well obviously you’d need to move back from Arkansas or wherever, but New York is your home anyways, you belong here.”

“First of all, Texas. I live in Texas. Secondly, you really think I am going to upend my entire life and move across the country again for you? That’s not happening; I’ve moved on.”

Alex blinked at him, “But you love me.”

TK narrowed his eyes. He could see the drinks he had order appear at his shoulder, but he made no move to even acknowledge the bartender; his focus was solely on Alex.

“I loved you. That was my mistake.”

Now Alex outright glared at him, all pretenses of wooing him into coming back gone, “You don’t honestly think you’re going to be able to find someone else willing to deal with all your issues, do you TK? I know what happened before you left New York. I know you relapsed. Who is going to want to be with an addict who can’t even manage to stay clean?”

He froze. All of those logical arguments he had, all of the ways he was going to tell Alex to fuck off flew out of his mind. The look on Alex’s face was smug – he had hit a pressure point and he knew it. TK thought of all the things he could say; all the ways in which he was better now, stronger now. All the ways he had healed. But Alex knew exactly what he was doing – he always had. He had hit TK at his weakest point, and he had not pulled his punch.

He was still frozen when a warm hand landed on his shoulder, and a familiar voice sounded from his side, “Someone who knows how to appreciate what a wonderful person he is, unlike some.”

Carlos. Carlos had appeared out of nowhere and was now staring Alex down with a look of disdain on his face. “You must be Alex, I assume.”

Alex was looking from TK to Carlos in surprise. “You’re…” he began, but Carlos cut him off.

“I told you I was here with my boyfriend. You just never asked who that was.”

Now it was TK’s turn to look between the two of them in surprise. The pieces clicked, and TK almost laughed. Here Alex was declaring his love for him, promising him he had changed but he had been flirting with his boyfriend not even an hour before. It was the reminder he needed – Alex would never change. He had no right lecturing TK for his mistakes. It had been Alex’s problem that had led to the end of their relationship after all, not TK’s.

Carlos went to speak again but TK laid a hand on his arm. He looked over at him and they locked eyes, before Carlos nodded; stepping back slightly.

TK turned back to Alex, “I have no interest in ever doing anything with you ever again. I’m worth a lot more than you think, and I’ve learned I deserve a lot better than you.”

Alex tried to respond, tried to interrupt but TK did not pause, “honestly, I kind of want to punch you right now and I know it would feel so good, but this is my friends’ wedding and that would be rude. Try to find someone else to dupe I guess.”

With that he grabbed the drinks and Carlos’s hand and left the bar and Alex behind.

“Have I mentioned lately that I find you very impressive?” Carlos murmured as they disappeared into the crowd of wedding guests.

TK smiled, “Maybe, but I never get tired of hearing it.”

“Well, you are one impressive guy TK Strand, and I love that about you.”

----

They go to get pizza after the reception, because TK insists.

Carlos wants to argue that it is almost one in the morning, no one could possibly be open and serving pizza at this time, but TK is persistent; he follows him onto the subway with no more than a skeptical expression. When the C train grinds to a halt at the 50th street stop, TK grabs Carlos’s hand and leads him towards the exit and 9th Ave. They walk in companionable silence, hands intertwined and shoulders brushing until they reach a non-descript store front with a short line out the door. The sign above the awning proudly proclaims, “pizza slice $1” and the red awning below simply reads “#1 pizza” without any other context or information.

“Does this place even has a name?” he asked curiously.

Tk considered, and shook his head, “You know, I actually don’t know.”

Carlos shakes his head, baffled. “New York is weird,” he notes.

“But where else in the world can you get a one-dollar slice of pizza that is actually decent? At 1 in the morning?”

Carlos had to concede that point, if nothing else. They wait in line, enjoying the soft late-night breeze and each other’s company. It is comfortable; familiar even in an unfamiliar setting.

They get their pizza and settle onto a bench down the block. TK is watching him, his own slice waiting in his lap. Carlos raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’m waiting to see your reaction to authentic NYC pizza,” he explained, “and for the opportunity to say I told you so, obviously.”

“Brat,” Carlos muttered, but picked up his slice regardless. He followed TK’s gestures and folded it in half before taking a bite of the piping hot cheesy slice. There was quiet for a few moments as he chewed, and TK watched him expectantly. He swallowed and met TK’s gaze, “It’s pretty good,” he allowed, and TK smiled smugly.

“I told you it was the best pizza in the world,” he reminded Carlos.

“The pizza in Austin is perfectly fine,” Carlos said defensively.

“But this is better, isn’t it?”

Carlos sighed; there was no point in lying about it, “I guess,” he replied with an air of defeat. TK punched the air triumphantly and Carlos couldn’t hold back a fond smile at the sight. “You know,” he ventures, “they say gloating is very unbecoming.”

TK looked at him with a suggestive eyebrow raised, “They do, do they?”

Carlos made a sound of affirmation and TK grinned, “What are your thoughts on the subject?”

“I think,” Carlos began, “that whoever said that had never met you. I don’t think there is anything you could do to that would be considered unbecoming.”

TK leaned closer to him, “In that case we must make quite a pair, because I was going to say the same about you.”

Carlos shook his head fondly before returning to his slice.

They ate in comfortable silence, surrounded by the nighttime happenings of Manhattan. Carlos had always figured that the name “city that never sleeps” had been a bit of an exaggeration but being here was making him start to believe it. The quality of the pizza and the truth of that cliché were not the only things he had learned during this trip. He had discovered so much about TK during this trip. Everything he had chosen to show him, every interaction with an old friend had given him another piece of that puzzle he had been trying to solve since that first night they met.

They sat quietly, each enjoying their pizza and their own thought until TK breaks the silence.

“Thank you,” he says suddenly.

Carlos looks up from his pizza, confused. “Thank you for what?”

“For this, for being you. This and all the other little moments we have. I love that we can just be together, that our company is enough.”

Carlos smiled at him, “I like that too.”

TK returned the smile, but his voice was tense as he continued, “it was never like that with Alex. We always had to be doing something, be seen somewhere. He was all about appearances, and I was definitely a part of that. I just can’t believe it took me so long and so much to figure that out.”

“Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest through the trees,” Carlos responded with a shrug. When TK gave him a surprised look he rushed to explain, “it means…”

TK shook his head, “I know what it means, I was just surprised by how accurate it was.”

“It’s hard to see a situation clearly when you’re inside of it. That’s true for everyone TK, it doesn’t mean that you are any worse than anyone else.”

“I guess,” TK relented. “Still, thank you. This is much better. If I had known what was waiting for me, I would have ditched New York ages ago to come find you in Austin.”

Carlos laughed, “it’s pretty flattering to know that I have more appeal than the Big Apple. Though I have to say; spending some time here, I like it more than I thought I would.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. The Statue of Liberty was cool and Central Park is gorgeous, but so far I think my favorite part has been seeing the neighborhood you grew up in, and the skate park where you thought you could be the next Tony Hawk.”

“I was good enough,” TK muttered, “I just decided to pursue a different path.”

Carlos nodded and smiled down into TK’s hair, “I’m sure you were, babe. But my point is that I’ve loved seeing all these things from your past. You may not be proud of all of it and you’ve made mistakes like we all have, but all of those things are what make you you; and I happen to be in love with you, so those are my favorite things of all.”

TK was quiet for a moment before he spoke again, voice thick with emotion, but still teasing. “Does this mean you want to go see my high school tomorrow?”

Carlos burst out laughing, “I’ll be happy to see anything you want to show me Ty, but if we do go to your high school, I’m afraid I’m going to have to demand pictures of awkward teen TK.”

TK scoffed, “Like my dad hasn’t already shown you all of them.”

There was silence for a little while as they sat intertwined on the bench. It was TK who broke the silence, his voice warm, but thick, “I just really love you; you know that right?”

Carlos hummed in agreement as he kissed the top of TK’s head, “Yeah I do. Probably because I feel the same way about you.”

TK chuckled lightly, “This seems to be quite a predicament we’ve gotten ourselves into Officer Reyes, what do you think we should do about it?”

“Well,” Carlos said, pausing as if considering, “I suppose we’ll just have to deal with it.”

“Sounds awful,” TK said lightly, “I don’t know how we’ll manage.”

Carlos laughed and leaned down to kiss him. “Like that, I suppose,” he said when they separated.

TK nodded, “I guess that’ll have to do.”

Carlos chuckled and pulled him closer. He rested his head on Carlos’s shoulder and they sat there in companionable silence for a while, watching city life happen around them. It was nice to linger in this moment. There was a whole world happening around them, but they were safe here, secure in each other; unbothered by it all for just a little while.

It was a nice moment, but eventually Carlos couldn’t hold back the yawn that had been threatening any longer. The sound broke the spell and Carlos made a sound of protest as TK pulled away from him.

“Nope, you’re tired, we’re heading back to the hotel,” TK stated, offering up a hand to help Carlos off the bench. He took it, but once he was standing, he adjusted his grip so their fingers were intertwined once again. TK smiled at him, squeezing the hand holding his.

“It’s probably about a 10 minute walk back to the hotel, do you feel up to it or do you want to catch a cab instead?”

“I’m up for anything as long as I get to be with you.”

TK stifled a laugh and shook his head, “I forget how sappy you can be when you are tired. We’ll grab a cab, then.”

“No,” Carlos protested, “it’s nice out, let’s walk.”

TK shook his head at him fondly, “Okay, you win. Let’s go.”

They walked back in relative silence, but Carlos spent the time savoring everything about this moment. The sounds of the city; the feel of the night air just turning cool. The presence of TK besides him; his hand in his. Carlos committed every moment to memory. To be loved by TK Strand was a privilege, and Carlos intended to remember every moment.

---

Two days later, TK and Carlos were standing across the street from the 252 station again. They had just left lunch with Sania and Andi and were due to fly back to Austin later that night. They should probably be packing, but TK felt there was still one more thing he had to do.

He was looking up at the building with trepidation. Carlos was watching him closely.

“You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, that hasn’t changed.”

TK nodded, “I know that, but I think I need to. This place, these people were a huge part of my life. When I left, I was in such a bad place. Coming here now; I think it’s the closure I need. They deserve it too, I think.”

Carlos studied him. He seemed so much lighter than the last time they had stood here on this sidewalk. This trip, the chance to revisit his past; to get some closure, had done him a world of good. It made Carlos’s heart swell to him so sure, so calm.

“I’m proud of you, you know,” he said.

TK raised an eyebrow, but there was a soft smile on his face, “hold on to that thought, because that may change when you hear some of the stories they’re sure to tell you. Some of these people have known me my whole life, most have known me since I was at least a probie.”

“Well we’re definitely going in then, and you know I am asking specifically for those stories, right?”

TK shook his head and laughed, “I’d expect nothing less.”

He took Carlos’s hand in his and led him across the street, towards the station.

This station and these people were another piece of the puzzle that made up TK Strand. Carlos had been slowly gathering them since the night they met. Some came easily, others were harder to get. Some made him laugh while others made his heart ache. Slowly though, they were coming together. Slowly the whole picture was coming into view. It was one Carlos was so eager to see; even if it took a lifetime to figure out.

Leave a comment on Ao3 if you’d like

#911 Lone Star #911 lone star fic #tarlos #tk strand #carlos reyes #my writing #prompt fill

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rainydaydream-gal18 · 4 years

Text

Rex x Reader: Gray Sky

(Author’s Note: That bonus ending just sort of happened XDDD. It made me smile! Enjoy!

Word Count: 1,469)

The overcast sky painted the city outside your window gray. Pressing a hand against the cool glass, you exhaled and watched the rain patter on the other side. There were no meetings today. Nothing. There was some paperwork if you were desperate for something to do, but you couldn’t bring yourself to sit quietly and work.

It wasn’t clear whether the dull weather reflected your mood or was causing it. Either way, you wished to break out of the cycle. The life of a politician in your time could be lonesome. Some days you were surrounded by allies, and other days, there was no one to be found. Today was the latter. You had even tried contacting your friend, Padme, to see if she wanted company as well, but she told you she had a guest arriving that afternoon already. With a heavy heart, you told her to enjoy her day in the cheeriest voice you could muster and ended the holo-comm.

It was times like these you almost wished you hadn’t fallen for a soldier. Of all the men in your home country- fellow politicians and activists- and men from other lands you had met over the course of your career, you fell for a captain who was forbidden to have a relationship. But that was because, out of all the men you had met, none were quite like him.

There was no reason to fret over it now. He was on duty somewhere.

You pulled the robe tighter over your form and walked over to the door leading to the balcony. It wasn’t recommended that you spend time out there because it made you more vulnerable, but just for once, you felt like forgetting about protocol. No one was here to tell you “no,” so you might as well take advantage of it. You unlocked the door, and it automatically slid open.

The air was warm and damp, and the scent of rain on duracrete filled your nose. It was a strangely calming smell, reminding you of warm rainy days as a child. The ships and speeders below were a distant hum. Eyes closed, you lifted your face to the sky and let the cool raindrops fall on your skin. It made you miss going outside in the spring rain back home. It was about time you visited. Springtime was so beautiful there; so many flowers blooming, their petals and sweet scents filling the air...

A particularly loud ship cut through your nostalgia as it zipped by a few levels down. You watched it for a moment before closing your eyes again. Home continued to occupy your thoughts, and you felt your face twist from sadness.

“You shouldn’t be out here.”

You spun around to face the source of the voice. It had sounded like him, but there’s no way it could be.

“Rex? You’re here.”

“Yes, I’m here.” He opened his arms, and you quickly embraced him. “The question is, what are you doing out here on a balcony on Coruscant with no security?”

“It’s my day off.” You buried your face in his shoulder. “Officially, I’m not even here. As a matter of fact, how did you find me?”

“General Skywalker is here to see the Senator.”

Funny thing is he didn’t even have to say which senator. You knew all too well.

“She told me she had a guest arriving today. It all makes sense now,” you mumbled. “She could’ve just told me!”

“I inquired on your whereabouts, for official purposes of course.”

“But of course,” you nodded in mock seriousness.

“And she was happy to oblige.”

“Do you think she suspects anything?”

“I am ninety-nine point nine percent sure both she and Skywalker suspect something. In fact, he teased me about it on my way out.”

You laughed. “Well, it was bound to happen sometime.”

Now that Rex saw you up close, the smile disappeared. He reached up and wiped a bead of moisture from your cheek.

His caramel eyes met yours. “_______, are you alright?”

“Yeah, just getting some fresh air,” you responded. “And it happens to be raining outside.”

“This isn’t a raindrop, ________.”

“I was just lonely is all,” you admitted. “I miss friends, home, and I miss you.”

His expression fell, eyes softening and lips forming a frown. He pulled you into another tight hug. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.” The tears came back at the realization that he was really here. “You have your duty, and I have mine. We knew what we were getting into.”

He sighed. “I know. I just don’t like being away from you, and I don’t like how it hurts you too.”

The rain picked up at that moment. It steadily went from a quiet trickle to a heavy downpour. You and Rex pulled away from each other, smiling. You ran a hand over his buzzcut, only darkened by the rain. He then reached up to touch your hair.

“I know, I know. My hair looks like a mop,” you joked.

“It’s beautiful.” He then wrapped his arms around you and lifted you up, carrying you back inside. The automatic door shut behind him, and he set you down.

“So, what do you say?” You asked, planting a kiss on his cheek. “Do we enjoy an afternoon indoors and order in, or go out to eat?”

“Well, it depends.” Rex shook his head. “How long will it take you to decide what you’re in the mood for.”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh, please. It doesn’t take me that long.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Here, let me get my cloak.” You had a special cloak designed to hide your features so you would not be recognized in public. You were a politician respected by many, but also in danger because of the Republic you stood for.

“Guess we’re eating out then,” he chuckled. “There’s a place the boys in 501st told me about. It’s only a block or so away. You up for it?”

“I believe so.”

The two of you downstairs to exit the building. As you stepped out into the pouring rain, it was a totally different feeling than earlier when you were on the balcony. The sky didn’t seem so dark. The raindrops didn’t seem so cold. The day overall didn’t seem so lonely anymore. You looped your arm with Rex’s, unable to stop stealing glances at him as he led you to the restaurant.

- - - - Bonus ending - - - -

The bell chimed as you and Rex opened the door. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a small diner with a few customers sitting here and there. Some sat in booths, others sat at the counter, and a few more were waiting for takeout.

There was a couple dressed in bland cloaks about to be seated. They spoke quietly to each other, but something sounded awfully familiar. Suddenly, one turned around and looked you dead in the eyes.

“________?” she said, eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

“Padme,” you stated, equally shocked.

The other figure turned around. “Rex?”

“Skywalker? What are you doing here?”

Never had you seen Anakin look so caught-off-guard. You had to refrain from laughing at his wide-eyed expression.

“We heard about this place...Well, I did from some of the men...” Anakin replied. “So I thought we’d, er, have lunch.”

The four of you exchanged looks, eyes shifting from person to person. Finally, you spoke, looking at Padme.

“So, a guest, huh?”

She folded her arms and whispered, “Well, what was I supposed to tell you? That I was meeting with my secret husband?”

“It’s not really a secret that something's going on with you two,” you whispered back. “But I will admit,” you clasped your hands together, “I did not know you were officially married. So, congratulations to you on that. But that’s beside the point...”

She sighed. “I wasn’t expecting you to be supportive considering this is against the rules.”

“Are you kidding me? I would have gotten you a wedding present if I’d known. And well, as you can see I am in no place to judge.”

While you and Padme exchanged words, the men stood there absolutely baffled.

“Should we….get a table together?” Rex asked finally.

The four of you exchanged looks again.

“No, no,” Anakin protested. “This is already getting out of hand. Let’s just say that your business is your own, and our business is ours.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” you agreed. “That would be odd.”

The group fell silent, with only the sound of plates and silverware around you.

Minutes later, you and Rex found yourself seated across from Anakin and Padme. Anakin had been reluctant to share a table, but in the end, both couples were too curious to let the opportunity go by.

“This day just keeps getting better and better,” you remarked with a smile.

#rex x reader #rex imagine #fanfiction #star wars #Star Wars: TCW #TCW #romance #imagine #clone wars imagine #reader insert #"

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luci-in-trenchcoats · 5 years

Text

Nothing Day

Summary: When Jensen notices the reader getting overwhelmed, he makes her take a Nothing Day...

Pairing: Jensen x reader

Word Count: 2,100ish

Warnings: language

_____

It was quiet when you woke up. Too quiet. Your eyes flickered to the clock and you shot up out of bed.

“Shit,” you said, tossing back the covers. Of course your alarm clock decided to fail you.

“Y/N,” you heard from the other side of the room. You jumped out of bed and fell down, popping your head up to spot Jensen staring at you from the chair by the window, a book in his hands.

“Rough morning?” he asked, putting his book down.

“Why didn’t you wake me up? The kids-“

“The small children are fine,” he said, walking over to you, pushing you back on the bed when you headed for the closet. “Go back to bed.”

“Jensen, I gotta-“

“It’s a Nothing day,” he said. You blinked up at him.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?“ you asked.

“I’m calling Nothing day on you,” he said. “We both know you can’t call it on yourself.”

“Honey, Nothing day is meant for you. You have such a hard time sometimes with just relaxing after working all season,” you said.

“Mhm. See, I’m making a new rule. Nothing day is for everyone in this house, including overworked Y/N’s,” he said.

“Overworked? I’m not overworked.”

“You set your alarm for seven. It’s Saturday. Saturday. When we were dating, you never got up this early. You hate getting up early,” he said.

“I am fine.”

“Tell that to the bags under your eyes.”

“Well thanks, dick,” you said, standing up and heading for the bathroom when he caught your arm. He wrapped his arms around you and picked you up, setting you back on the bed. “I-“

“Do you remember the hissy fit I threw the first time you did a Nothing day on me?” he asked.

“You were pissed,” you grumbled, glaring up at him. “I really am fine.”

“When’s the last time you got a full night of sleep?” he asked.

“Last night.”

“Wrong. Want to try again?”

“I want to go take a shower and get dressed,” you said.

“It is only 8:30. The kids aren’t even up,” he said.

“I know but they will be in half an hour so I need to get ready so I can try to have breakfast-“

“I thought I told you this is a Nothing day. This is non-negotiable and you know it. You came up with the rules,” he said.

“Well I’m changing them,” you said, Jensen crossing his arms. “Jensen. Seriously, knock it off.”

“Well what is so urgently on your agenda?” he asked.

“Taking the dog out on a walk, feeding him, breakfast for the kids, getting them dressed, getting them to swim and gymnastics, cleaning their rooms, laundry, cleaning the house, pick up the kids and get them lunch, stop at work to do paperwork, grocery store on the way home, figure out dinner, play with the kids outside, baths, bedtime, bills, more work, a run on the treadmill and bed.”

“I see the problem,” he said. “You seem to have forgotten me.”

“We’ll find time to hang out and watch TV at some point,” you said. He smirked and shook his head.

“No. You don’t get it. You’re trying to do everything yourself. You’re acting like how stuff goes when I’m away. I am home,” he said.

“Yes. You’re home, on your break. Go golfing today like you were planning. You spend so much of the year working long days or flying just to spend a day with us. Please go relax,” you said.

“You realize this is part of why next year is my last. No more me being away for seven months in a row, home for three weeks and then gone again,” he said.

“Babe, you’ll always act,” you said.

“Yeah but it won’t be like this. I work a lot and so do you. Only difference is at the end of the day, I could go home and do what I wanted. No kids, no chores. It’s over with. Now my job is to watch your back and you need to take the day off, from everything. Please,” he said.

“I thought you stopped because-“

“I stopped for a lot of reasons. That was part of it. I want to be your best friend again, not the guy who pays for stuff,” he said. “Weren’t you gonna write me a movie too?”

“I am not writing you a supernatural movie,” you said.

“Yes you will,” he laughed. “Give it a few years. So, you gonna let me be in charge today?”

“I can do some-“

“Y/N.”

“Can I have my computer? To write?” you asked.

“Yes, you may have it...but no work,” he said. “And after you go back to bed for a little while, alright?”

“Fine,” you said, sighing as you lay back down, Jensen pulling your covers over you. “Did you want me to write down everything I said before?”

“Nope. I got this. You just stay there and do nothing, sweetheart.”

You woke up at ten, the dog conked out on Jensen’s side. You smiled as you got up, spotting the note on your nightstand.

No making the bed! It’s your first Nothing day so here’s a refresh of the rules: No work. No chores. You may do fun things. You may do lazy things. You may cook yourself food as long as it’s what you want to eat. You may do whatever you like today as long as it’s taking care of yourself only.

I got the kids and they’ll stay at my brother’s tonight. I’ll be back later with dinner. Enjoy your Nothing day sweetheart.

“Your dad’s kind of a sap, buddy,” you said, rubbing the dog’s stomach. “Let’s go see what we can get up to around here.”

“Beautiful girl,” you heard that evening, Jensen humming as he walked down the hall from the garage. You lifted your head up from the couch, looking over at him with a smile. “Someone looks like they had a nice day.”

“I didn’t do anything,” you said with a smile. “That smells yummy.”

“I got takeout from your favorite,” he said. “I got all your favorites.”

“That’s an obnoxious waste of money,” you said, hopping up and following him to the counter, Jensen humming again as we went over to the liquor cabinet and grabbed a bottle of wine.

“Yes but it's Nothing day,” he said, returning with a pair of glasses and pouring you each one. “So...how’d it go?”

“I really miss having fun and doing nothing,” you said.

“I was thinking today as I drove back from dropping the kids at my brothers place. We’re making some changes around here,” he said.

“What kind of changes,” you said, digging into a box of cheesy fries.

“A nanny.”

“No.”

“Yes. You need an extra pair of hands and my closest family is an hour away. Just during the week and not all day,” he said. “I don’t want to leave you like this for another year.”

“Fine but only during the school year,” you said. “And only next year when you’re gone.”

“Alright. I also want us to get someone that comes in every few weeks and does the nitty gritty cleaning. Day to day crap, we can deal with. But whole house clean, we can hire a service,” he said.

“I don’t want the kids thinking-“

“They make a mess, they clean it up. I want you to get some time back on the weekends for you. That’s all.”

“Any other demands?”

“We get more help at the business so you can cut back and maybe you can do things you enjoy again with all this new found time on your hands,” he said. “There will still be busy days. But you’re gonna let me help more, even when I’m working. Got it?”

“I must have worried you a lot,” you said, setting your hands in your lap.

“Yes. You did. I want to see you smile more again,” he said.

“I know,” you said, Jensen giving you a hug. “You asked me to smile that second episode we worked together. You weren’t feeling well that night and there was that summer storm. You were miserable.”

“The new girl who barely said a word to me outside of a scene was the one that came by my trailer to see if I was okay.”

“It was my first big job,” you shrugged. “I didn’t want to piss off the leads and get myself fired.”

“I’ve known you five years, Y/N. You never gave me a straight answer on why you checked on me that night,” he said.

“I could tell you were pretending you were okay. Everybody could. I didn’t…” you said, pursing your lips. “You’re shy.”

“I’m shy?” he laughed. “Never heard that as being an attractive quality.”

“No, I mean...I was literally the new girl and I moved across the country from my parents to another country and my first month really sucked. I don’t make friends just like that and you were super nice to me and offered to have lunch like everyday and I always went back to my trailer.

“So I felt like I’d screwed up, like I was the weird quiet girl so I kind of stayed away and then that night you were sick and I got you some cough drops from medical and you were so happy for them and made a huge deal out of it like I told you you won the lottery. Then at lunch you snuck off on your own and I said I’d find you for someone and you were throwing up and-“

“And you sat there with me and said it was okay,” he said. “I still don’t get the shy thing though.”

“You. You were so shy. You told me you’d get me sick.”

“I did get you sick.”

“Yeah but...you weren’t this big tough guy. You were just Jensen then. I don’t know where I’m going with this.”

“Well you ended up marrying me. I’d say it went somewhere.”

“I wasn’t intimidated by you for the first time then. I realized, you were like me and then I started to realize why you might be like me and-“

“And then we got Wendy’s at four in the morning the next week. That was our first date,” he said.

“That whole week when you were getting better whenever I asked if I could get you anything, you always said a smile. You liked when I smiled, said it made you feel good.”

“It does,” he said.

“That’s the part I never got a straight answer on,” you said.

“Wasn’t it obvious? I thought the new girl was cute. I know how hard it is to go it alone. I didn’t want to be too pushy or anything. Then I was sick and so embarrassed and that’s when you decide to start hanging out with me,” he said with a laugh. “You have always taken care of me. But you gotta start letting me do that for you too.”

“Alright, alright. I came up with an idea for your movie today,” you said.

“Oh, what is it?”

“You’ll find out in 2-4 years,” you said. “Whenever you guys get the itch for more.”

“Do anything else fun today, cutie?” he said, pulling your legs into his lap as you started to eat.

“Just hung out,” you said. “How long are the kids away?”

“They’ll be home tomorrow night. I’d like some hang out time with you too,” he said.

“You did like zero chores today,” you smiled.

“Not a single one and somehow, the house is still standing,” he said.

“Thank you for forcing me to relax today,” you said. “You may have to do that more often.”

“Well hopefully with some help, you don’t get that stressed again. For now though, there is an obnoxious amount of food for us to eat and a child free house calling our names,” he said.

“Dork?”

“Yes, loser?”

“I love you.”

“Love you too. Happy first Nothing day, Y/N.”

______

#supernatural #spn #jensen x reader #au #rpf #spn reader insert #supernatural reader insert

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shyrinepangan · 3 years

Text

STRAMA PAPER DULAY 2021

I. Executive Summary

Fast-food is a staple in any country or city. As what the name implies, it is served fast to accommodate those who are in for a quick but fulfilling meal. In the local scene, there is one fast-food chain that dominates the market, even beating other chains that are more popular internationally. This fast-food chain is called Jollibee, it even comes with its own mascot called by the same name as the company.

Jollibee is a multinational fast-food chain under Jollibee Food Corporation that operates over a thousand branches nationwide and has recently opened branches internationally. The fast-food chain currently operates in at least 30 countries; some of these are the US, Canada, Hongkong, UK, Vietnam, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. They serve quality food for a cheap price that is sure to be affordable for everyone, from the budget-bound student to the well-off businessman. A few examples of the food they serve is the famous “Chicken Joy”, the “Yumburger”, the “Jolly Spaghetti”, burger steaks, desserts, and some breakfast meals like beef tapa and longanisa. They also offer delivery services to bring your favorite meals directly to your homes. The chain was started by Tony Tan Caktiong who began his journey by acquiring franchises of an ice cream company and then going on to start his own restaurant brand. The vision of Jollibee is to be a world-renowned fast-food restaurant chain and be a top competitor in the global food industry. The Mission is to serve affordable meals to the community, promote Filipino food, bring pride to the Philippines, and serve quality food that patrons are sure to enjoy.

II. Internal Assessment

Corporate Profile

Whenever we hear of birthdays or special occasions, selecting a venue for the party to be held is a must, and we cannot miss out on having Jollibee as our caterer for the event especially for a children’s party. We grew up loving the fried chicken dubbed the “Chickenjoy” that Jollibee serves, and it is now being recognized across the globe.

The History of Jollibee

Tony Tan Caktiong, the owner of Jollibee Food Corporation, graduated from University of Santo Tomas with a degree of Chemical Engineering. His parents took the whole family and emigrated from Southeast China. They settled in Davao where they opened a restaurant. A trip to an ice cream plant when he was 22 inspired him to pursue a Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream franchise and he opened two—one in Cubao and another in Quiapo—using P350,000 of his family’s savings. During that time, Ice cream was not in demand to the public, so he decided to add new dishes to serve the public and these became so popular that by 1978, he ended his franchise and converted his restaurants to the first iteration of Jollibee.

As of now, Jollibee is the largest fast-food chain brand in the Philippines, operating a network of more than 1,400 stores. A dominant market leader in the Philippines, Jollibee enjoys the lion's share of the local market that is more than all the other multinational fast-food brands in PH combined. With a strict adherence to the highest standards of food quality, service, and cleanliness, Jollibee serves great-tasting, high-quality and affordable food products.

Jollibee is now being recognized around the globe as they have an aggressive international expansion plan, with more than 270 international branches in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, and in the United Kingdom.

Vision

To become a renowned fast-food chain in the world and to be a top competitor when it comes to the global business of food industry.

To be the first Filipino fast-food chain which is recognized not only in the Philippines but in Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and even in the far countries in Oceania.

Mission

To serve quality food for a cheap price in order to serve everyone in all classes of the Filipino community.

To bring pride to the Philippines as a top competitor in the global business of food industry.

To showcase the cuisine and culture of the Philippines through food.

We will ensure that the service that we will give to our customers are better and good quality

To serve great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone

Corporate Officers

Board of Directors

- Tony Tan Caktiong (Chairman)

- Ernesto Tanmantiong

- William Tan Untiong

- Joseph C. Tanbuntiong

- Ang Cho Sit

- Antonio Chua Poe Eng

- Ret. Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban

- Monico V. Jacob (independent director)

- Cezar P. Consing (independent director)

Corporate Officers

- Ernesto Tanmantiong - President and Chief Executive Officer

- Joseph Tanbuntiong – Treasurer

- William Tan Untiong - Corporate Secretary

- Ysmael V. Baysa - Chief Financial Officer

- Daniel Rafael Ramon Z. Gomez III - Chief Marketing Officer

- Arsenio M. Sabado - Chief Human Resources Officer

Product Line

Chickenjoy

“A Filipino Signature Fried Chicken that is well-seasoned and perfectly cooked for its crispiness.”

Jolly Spaghetti

“Jollibee’s signature sweet-style sauce, loaded with chunky slices of savory ham, ground meat, and hotdog.”

Palabok Fiesta

“A traditional Filipino noodle dish covered in garlic sauce, crushed pork rind, shrimp, and egg.“

Yumburger

“A langhap-sarap burger that is made with Jollibee’s signature dressing on a fresh bun.”

Rice Meals Sides

- Burger Steak - French Fries

- Burger Steak with 3 pcs Shanghai - Mashed Potatoes

- Burger Steak with Egg Meal - Garlic Rice

-Adobo Rice

- Steamed Rice

Desserts Breakfast Meals

- Peach Mango Pie - Tapa (Beef Tenders)

- Halo - Halo - Tocino (Sweet Pork)

- Longanisa

- Corned Beef

Sample Jollibee Menu:

Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix

Internal Factor Evaluation is a tool to determine how a business carries out its internal auditing. This tool can be used to utilize several areas of a business that contains marketing, finance, resources, and many more. An IFE’s purpose is to analyze the strength and weakness of a firm and its major inadequacies. In this case, Jollibee is currently dominating the industry and is known as a global market lender in the Philippines.

I. External Assessment

Porter’s Model Analysis

Threat of New Entrants:

The profitability is high, having plans to open 450 stores all over the world this year despite last year’s set back. This is because of how strong their brand loyalty and identification are. Although a rising star in their field would be the Yum! Brands RSC. Having heavy hitters such as KFC and Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.

Threats of Substitute Products:

Having been in lockdown for quite some time there are a lot of fast-food chains trying to dethrone Jollibee. Jollibee may be the largest fast-food chain in the Philippines, but that does not mean other competitors cannot catch up. There are plenty of other fast-food chains that can serve the same type of food and service.

Bargaining Power of Suppliers:

There are plenty of suppliers in the market ready to give out their products for huge restaurants like Jollibee. This is because Jollibee purchases huge quantities of stock for all their franchises. It is a well-known brand that could possibly attract more consumers to them as well.

Bargaining Power of Buyers:

The ongoing lockdown in the country has pushed more people into ordering food online or takeout for food. Consumers are now encouraged to stay home to keep safe and to only go out when needed. So, this enables fast-food chains to optimize their delivery services and they can provide better service since the consumer is one of the biggest sources of profit. Customers are also able to give feedback in case of faulty service or what not.

Rivalry Among Consisting Competitors:

The competition on who survives during this pandemic is alive and it is stiff. The number of businesses trying to just make it out are too many to count. However, Jollibee has managed to survive and gain what it lost during the year 2020. They differentiate themselves with their brand loyalty.

External Factor Evaluation Matrix

The objective of the External Factor Evaluation matrix analysis is to evaluate the company’s existing strategies. According to Haseeb (2015), this tool can assess the external environment of a company to determine its technology, government, legal, political, socioeconomic, and many more. EFE and IFE has different objectives, EFE main purpose is to assess the external environment that can possibly affect the business. While IFE’s main purpose is to assess the internal environment that can influence the business. Analyzing Jollibee Food Corporation will need the EFE matrix analysis to determine its opportunities and threats. Jollibee’s biggest threat may be the Covid-19 New security procedures. Another threat can be a competition in the fast-food industry is ever increasing.

Competitive Profile Matrix

The following competitive profile matrix compares Jollibee and its competitors McDonalds and KFC. The Matrix illustrates strengths and weaknesses of each company as per the critical success factors.

Analysis

Based on the table, it is remarkable that Jollibee has more competitive advantage than its competitors. Facebook has a total weight of 3.70, while McDonalds has a total weight of 3.50. Contrarily, KFC has lesser competitive advantage when matched with Facebook and WhatsApp.

Key External Factor

- 15 percent growth rate per year for JFC (an external opportunity)

- Significant sale improvements due to more relaxed community quarantine (an external opportunity)

- Pandemic (an external threat)

- Competition (an external threat)

I. Strategy Formulation

Boston Consulting Group Matrix

Cash Cows:

These are products that have high market share in the market that has low growth. For Jollibee Foods Corporation, undoubtedly Yum Burger and Jolli Spaghetti are the Cash Cow for the company.

The product requires very less investment to maintain its market share and fight off any competitions.

Stars:

The products that have high market share in high growth industry are the stars of the company. In the case of Jollibee, Chickenjoy falls in the star quadrant.

Question Marks:

Products of which the future is not entirely certain. The market growth is high, but the market share is low. In this case, Jollibee’s Peach Mango Pie and Soda Floats are in this quadrant.

Dogs:

These are the products at the end of their life cycle, ot products that had to compete against competitors.

Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix

INTERNAL STRATEGIC POSITION Numerical Values

Financial Position

Competitive Position

Strategy profile

Jollibee Foods Corporation is a financially strong company that has achieved major competitive advantages in a growing and stable industry.

SWOT ANALYSIS

As seen on the data, the market penetration is higher than the service development in terms of the quantitative strategic matrix. The market penetration is much more attainable rather than the service development for the company.

I. Strategy Recommendation

The solutions are more categorized by targeting audiences in residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial areas. Twenty potential solutions were identified and collectively agreed upon. Each solution was assessed for clarity about the opportunity, purpose, and measurement. Time and resources for implementing were also evaluated. As far as implementation goes, some solutions can be accomplished in the near-term, while others are more long-term endeavors that may require the successful implementation of short-term solutions. Many of the solution areas identified are currently underway at some capacity.

II. Action Plan

Result Area:

The COVID-19 pandemic is altering the market dynamic. Small businesses, restaurants, and even fast-food stores are unable to cope with the severity of the pandemic last year and continues to persist this year. As a result, Jollibee is looking for students who want to work part-time and have no experience. They simply have to submit their portfolios and medical history to learn more about their health status. People who have been out of work for a long time due to the pandemic can also apply. This extends to people aged 18 to 40 with no case of coronavirus infection.

Indicator: Students and people who lost their jobs.

Means of verification: survey and posting through social media.

Objectives:

This action plan of Jollibee wants to improve their food services by conducting a card such as a Jollibee card, this card contains the points they've not used. Converting their peso to a point. This action may lessen the work of the crew plus avoiding the spread of coronavirus disease. Having Job Opportunities posted on social media may help the food services to spread the information given on the post. Many people will apply such as students and people who lost their jobs because of the pandemic. The technological environment may help the whole Jollibee team to work well and fast because of the new instruments or devices given to them. Thinking about how they can compete with the competitors to increase their sales even after a pandemic. Conveying a survey may help the Jollibee team to increase their sales and to know their weakness upon may change it.

I. Conclusion

Jollibee is a successful fast-food brand; they were able to dominate the market despite having heavy-hitting competition. They have survived because of the loyalty of their customers who consider them a staple brand. Even during a pandemic, they have adapted, as they always have, to continue serving their patrons the same quality of service that they have been providing.

II. Financial Projection

In the second quarter of the year Jollibee Food Corporation lost 10.2 billion pesos of revenue according to the article written by Almazan, the results had flipped after only a year. It also cost the corp. 7 billion peso planned business transformation program. They stated that the revenue decreased by 6.6 percent to 23.3 billion from 43.7 billion pesos in the same time period last year. They also released a system wide sales from april to june slid by 48.4 percent to 30.7 billion pesos from 59.4 billion peso per year as quarantine measures became more strict to stop the spread of Covid 19. According to the article Jollibee stated that they closed 50 percent of their stores at the beginning quarter of the year, although on the end 88 percent of the stores were already open and they are mostly relying on takeout orders and dine in operations was very limited. It was also reported that the recovery of stores varied from different places. It was stated that the decline was reduced to 39 percent, with the Philippines falling by 48 percent; China, 25 percent; North America, 9 percent; Europe, Middle East and Asia, 22 percent. In the first half of 2020, 11.96 billion was lost , swinging from its 2. Billion net income last year. The system wide sales slipped by 24.5 percent to a 85.8 billion in the period from 113.7 billion pesos, while revenues decreased 25.3 percent to 62.8 billion pesos from 84 billion pesos. Despite this drastic change it is stated in the article that the fast food operator expects its financial performance to get better in the next months of the year and sales will begin building up again. They also stated that positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization by fourth quarter of the year with countries including Philippines, China, Vietnam, Europe, Middle east and other parts of Asia. According to the article Tanmantiong said that his company will open 338 stores worldwide this year. “We expect sales and profit to increase significantly in 2021 to a point closer to the levels of 2019 and to grow at least at a historical growth rate of 15 percent annually by 2022,” he said.

III. References

1. Uy, S. L. (2019). Before Domination: The History of Jollibee in the Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/jollibee-history-philippines-a00204-20190729-lfrm

2. Our Mission, Vision, and Values. (n.d), Retrieved from: https://www.jollibee.com.ph/our-mission-vision-and-values/

3. Board of Directors, Management Team and Executive Officers. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.jollibee.com.ph/investors-board-of-directors/

4. Our Food. (n.d.). Jollibeeusa.com. Retrieved from: https://jollibeeusa.com/our-food/

5. Swot Analysis. (n.d). SWOT Analysis of Jollibee. Retrieved from: https://www.swotanalysistemplate.com/swot-analysis-of-jollibee/

6. Cargill. (n.d). Jollibee and Cargill inaugurate largest poultry processing plant in the Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.cargill.com/2017/jollibee-and-cargill-inaugurate-largest-poultry-processing-plant.

7. Mordor Intelligence. (n.d). PHILIPPINES FOODSERVICE MARKET - GROWTH, TRENDS, COVID-19 IMPACT, AND FORECASTS (2021 - 2026). Retrieved from: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/philippines-foodservice-market.

8. BusinessWorld (2020). Jollibee predicts strong sales, earnings growth in 2021. Retrieved from: https://www.bworldonline.com/jollibee-predicts-strong-sales-earnings-growth-in-2021/

9. NikkeiAsia (2020). Jollibee’s quest for global dominance derailed by virus. Retrieved from: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Spotlight/Jollibee-s-quest-for-global-dominance-derailed-by-virus

10. Ezoic. (2021, April 9). SWOT analysis of Jollibee 2020. Swot Analysis Template. https://www.swotanalysistemplate.com/swot-analysis-of-jollibee/

11. Management Glossary Content Team. (2020, May 30). SWOT analysis of Jollibee in 2020. Management Glossary. https://managementglossary.com/swot-analysis-of-jollibee/

12. Barbieque. (n.d.). Swot analysis of Jollibee.docx - Strenghts 1 2 3 4 swot analysis of JOLLIBEE variety of food reasonable price brand awareness five F's flavorful | Course hero. Course Hero | Make every study hour count. https://www.coursehero.com/file/26336111/SWOT-Analysis-of-Jollibeedocx/

13. SWOT analysis Jollibee (Philippines. (n.d.). Academia.edu - Share research. https://www.academia.edu/35714645/SWOT_Analysis_Jollibee_Philippines

14. SWOT analysis of Jollibee 2020. (2021, April 11). Swot Analysis Template. https://www.swotanalysistemplate.com/swot-analysis-of-jollibee/

15. SWOT analysis of Jollibee in 2020. (2020, May 30). Management Glossary. https://managementglossary.com/swot-analysis-of-jollibee/

16. Swot analysis of jollibee. (n.d.). Share and Discover Knowledge on SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/katrinaflores14/swot-analysis-of-jollibee-118083378

17. The Manila Times (2020). Jollibee post P10.2-B loss. Retrieved from: https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/06/business/companies/jollibee-posts-p10-2-b-loss/751391/

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writethehousedown · 4 years

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And The Livin's Easy, Chapter Three (Multi) - Zyan

a/n: hello! welcome to chapter four of zyan tries her best to juggle all of the characters. i think we’re pretty much done as far as introductions go? so here’s where things start to get interesting. hope you enjoy! my sideblog is @chachkisalpaca - and frey is an angel for beta-ing.

“Is that a hickey?” Jan asks during their improvised breakfast.

It’s still early, so there aren’t many people at the beach just yet. The Sun is up and shining bright, and Gigi is so sleep deprived she forgot about the purple spot in the crook of her neck.

Gigi shakes off the tiredness and blinks repeatedly, her cheeks getting as red as a tomato when she notices all of her friends are staring at her. She decides that there’s no point in lying and sets down her plastic cup with steaming hot coffee Jackie somehow managed to prepare.

“I had sex with someone last night,” she simply says with a shrug. The screeches from her friends hurt her ears, but she had seen them coming.

“What? When did your hoe ass get a hook up?” Brita exclaims, “Did you download fucking Tinder again, sneaked out when we were all asleep, and came back?” Gigi laughs at Brita’s incredulous tone, though she’s nervous and her cheeks are still red.

“Ew, no, you know I don’t do dating apps. That’s how my ex happened,” Gigi says, matter-of-factly, “You see, Nicky was hoarding the tent with her inflatable mattress—”

“Hey! I did ask you if you wanted to sleep with me!” Nicky complains, folding her arms, though a laugh fights to escape her mouth.

“Yeah, and I told you my name’s not Jackie,” Gigi deadpans, and both Nicky and Jackie shut their mouths. She smiles cheekily and goes on. “Anyway, as I was saying; I left the tent, walked along the beach, found this girl all alone, talked a bit, and I guess it just happened.”

She purposely leaves out that the girl was no one other than Crystal, and they entered the sea, floating near the shore until, much like Gigi predicted it, she fell off the board and Crystal had to drag her back to the shore. The fabric of her tank top stuck to her skin, making her shiver like crazy, and Crystal tried to help her warm up, she really did — but one thing led to another, and before Gigi knew it, Crystal was sucking on her neck as her hands pinned her down.

The girls holler, not believing what they’re hearing. All of them say some sort of variation of there’s no way your game is that good, and Gigi just lets them talk as she sips on her coffee.

Her phone rings in her bag so she aims for it, juggling to unlock it. She bites back a smile when she sees the notification from Instagram.

@crystalandmeth has started following you.

Gigi wants to smack Crystal for having such a handle. No wonder she couldn’t find her when she searched her up after that night at the bar.

Scarlet vaguely scans the pool; it’s just opened and it’s still fairly early, but there are girls sunbathing, taking pictures, and some children playing by the edge of the tiny pool, splashing each other. She smiles at that. Sometimes she even likes the kids - when they’re not pushing each other into the big pool and Scarlet has to prevent a child from drowning, that is.

The hotel is medium sized, but since it’s the summer, there’s not a room that’s not booked. She knows. Her mothers have owned it for the last twenty years. She grew up running around the halls and with the noise of the tourists settling in their rooms, dragging their suitcases with big smiles plastered across their faces.

Though her mothers have insisted that she didn’t have to work at the hotel during the summer if she didn’t want to, Scarlet had decided to fill the position of lifeguard for the morning shift until they find someone else. It’s not as if she minds, anyway; she has nothing better to do, since all of her friends traveled outside the country for their vacations, leaving her stuck in the island. That’s the downside of being friends with stuck up rich kids, she supposes.

She tells a few kids to stop running, brings back a volleyball that ended up landing on the deep side of the pool, and that’s about it, for the most part. The morning shift is very laid back; the pool usually gets crowded during the afternoon, but that’s Adore and Courtney’s problem.

Lunch time rolls around before she notices it, and she closes the pool with a relieved sigh, immediately going to the cafeteria.

Scarlet picks a frozen burrito and asks one of the ladies working at the cafeteria if they can pretty please heat it up with the nice microwave they have in the kitchen. Belinda rolls her eyes with a playful smile and squeezes Scarlet’s cheek before complying with her wishes.

“Damn, I didn’t know we could ask to use the good microwave,” a voice pipes up from her side. Scarlet giggles and turns around to look at whoever said that.

She’s met with the sight of a gorgeous woman with pink wavy hair. Scarlet licks her lips before answering.

“Oh, no, that’s uh, that’s staff privilege.” She shrugs, and the woman clicks her tongue, visibly disappointed. Scarlet looks at her plate and cocks an amused brow when she sees the bland vegetarian sandwich. “I don’t think you’ll need the microwave now, though,” she points out, nudging at her plate, and the woman stifles a laugh.

“Ah, that, yeah. This is all my stomach can handle right now — one of my friends got a little too carried away doing the drinks last night,” she comments, shifting her weight from one foot to another. Scarlet chuckles, she knows the feeling.

“Hangover food? Been there. I’m a little bolder though, I prefer French fries with a lot of ketchup,” she replies, just when Belinda hands her back her burrito. Scarlet blows a kiss her way and turns her attention back to the woman, slightly biting her lip before speaking. “D’you wanna sit together? I mean, unless you’re waiting for your friends.”

“No, it’s fine, I’m not waiting for them, I’d be stuck here for hours if I was,” she dismisses it with a wave of her hand and laughs. Scarlet thinks she has a pretty laugh. “I’m Yvie.”

“I’m Scarlet,” she introduces herself with a shiny smile.

Crystal sighs as she juggles her phone, struggling to put it on speaker as she currently is trying to make a decent lunch — never mind the fact it’s four p.m. and she skipped breakfast to sleep in.

She finally manages to put it on speaker and Vanessa’s voice fills the room, her tone far too annoyed and one Crystal’s grown to know all too well.

“Can you believe it, Crys? She’s but a child, and the bitch is almost thirty! I’m disgusted,” Vanessa rants, and Crystal almost snaps her optic nerve with the way she rolls her eyes.

“Vanj, hold the fuck up. Plastique is twenty two, in case you didn’t know, and Brooke is still twenty seven; the gap isn’t that big,” Crystal says. “’Sides, you two broke up last year, it’s obvious that she has moved on. So why don’t you focus on your hot bodybuilder girlfriend before I steal her off you.” She smiles cheekily when Vanessa gasps offended on the other side of the line.

“Hey! Plastic, Plastique, or whatever her name is, looks like a fucking teenager. How was I supposed to know?” She defends herself; Crystal can almost see her folding her arms with a childish pout. “Kameron is doing some gigs in California, photographing for an ice skating tour or some shit. She’s busy, but I did invite her for the competition.”

“Ajá.” Crystal is more focused in her lunch, making sure to cut the pepper as thin as possible. She knows it would’ve been easier to just order takeout, buy a soda from the drugstore around the corner, and settle in the couch and watch some garbage TV, but sometimes she misses the taste of a home cooked meal.

Vanessa goes on, talking her ear off about Kameron and how happy she is with her. She rolls her eyes; for someone in a happy relationship she sure talks a lot about her ex.

“…But that’s enough ‘bout me. What happened with you last night? Jaida came back way before you, bitch, and you reeked of sex. Like, you could barely walk straight, and you weren’t that shit faced. Spill, Glass,” Vanessa changes the topic, and Crystal nearly cuts her finger with the knife.

Her cheeks heat up when she remembers what happened at the beach with Gigi. Crystal doesn’t know if telling her to take off her soaked clothes on a whim had been a good or a bad idea, but she doesn’t regret anything — even if she still has sand in her scalp.

She clears her throat before speaking, glad that Vanessa can’t see her awfully red cheeks.

“Well, uh, remember Smoothie Girl?” she begins, throwing the pepper in the cooking pot. Vanessa musters an affirmative response. Crystal breathes in deeply. “So, like, Jaida and I finish our thing, and she tells me we should stop sleeping around, and I got excited, thinking she wanted to go on a date or something like that. But no, she actually meant that in a literal way, and naturally, I had already embarrassed myself,” Crystal rants with a groan. Vanessa just listens, “So, she left and I just. Stared at the water I guess. Then Smoothie Girl appeared out of nowhere, shit happened, one thing led to another, and suddenly I was pinning her to the ground.”

There’s silence on Vanessa’s end for what seems like an eternity, and Crystal proceeds to cut the chicken in tiny cubes, trying to not let her nerves get the best of her. She expected Vanessa to screech so loud she’d end up deaf.

“So, what you’re tryin’ to tell me is that your cheesy ass got ditched, and instead of moping around for a week, you went and slept with someone else right after?” She inquires slowly, as if she’s talking to an infant. Crystal rolls her eyes.

“Yeah.”

“Bullshit, Glass,” Vanessa declares calmly, “There’s no way in hell. You’re bullshitting me. You’ve been chasing Jaida Eleanor Hall’s ass for two years now—”

“Hey! That’s not true. It’s been a year and a half,” Crystal defends herself.

“—a year and a half, and you didn’t feel the least bit heartbroken? Really?”

Crystal shrugs, but soon realizes that’s stupid; Vanessa can’t see her.

“Vanj, you act as if I was in love with Jaida, to begin with,” she points out, perching herself against the countertop for a moment. “The girl was hot, I won’t deny it, and the sex was great — but, like, I told you I didn’t think we’d ever be something serious. I don’t hold any grudges against her.” And it’s true. Crystal’s disappointment at the moment had been magnified by the fact she made a fool of herself by misunderstanding what Jaida meant, and the alcohol usually made her a more sensitive person, if that was even possible.

Vanessa stays silent for a moment yet again, until she hears a loud sigh and some rumbling. Crystal frowns as she throws the chicken to the cooking pot, turning up the flames.

“Alright, I believe you, Glass. Now tell me, you and Smoothie Girl…?” She leaves the sentence hanging, prompting Crystal to complete it.

She laughs shortly, before checking her phone and seeing a notification from Instagram. She grins cheekily, wondering if Gigi had waited so long to follow her on purpose.

Jaida takes a spoonful of ice cream, trying not to choke with laughter at Monique’s re-telling of the previous night. She’d been gone for a short while, though apparently that didn’t prevent shit from going down.

“You should’ve seen Vanessa’s face when Brooke left with Plastique, oh my God, it was priceless,” Monique tells her, as enthusiastic as ever. Her ice cream melts more and more with every second that passes, but she can’t bring herself to care. Except when Monét tries to steal some of it, apparently. “Girl, had I known the bitch was that bold, I wouldn’t have invited her. I’d like her to still be alive by the end of the week.”

“Hey now, it’s not her fault Vanessa isn’t over Brooke,” Monét cuts in, “Plastique hardly knew any of y’all. She may not even know Brooke is Vanessa’s ex.”

Jaida hums in agreement, her mouth still full of ice cream. The three of them are staying at the same hotel, and they’re lucky enough there’s a good ice cream shop around the corner, so they decided to take the day off and just hang out. Not that the hangover allowed them to do anything else in the first place.

“Also, Vanessa’s a grown woman; I don’t think she goes around pitching fights because her ex’s over her, she’s better than that,” Jaida adds, wiping the rests of ice cream off her face.

Monét and Monique agree with her, and the conversation drifts to various topics, though Jaida notices they’re making an effort not to bring Crystal up. She appreciates it, because right now that’s a can of worms she rather not open.

It’s not that she regrets being with her, it’s more like she hates herself for dragging their thing for so long, and by the way Crystal bit her tongue and nodded wordlessly when she told her she rather stop this, she can tell she hurt her — at least to some degree, because the rest of the night she’d acted as if nothing happened and everything was cool. Jaida doesn’t know if it was faked or not.

Monét and Monique start to argue about something, probably about how they’re not going to be easy on each other just because they’re girlfriends now; they go way too fast for her to catch up, especially since she’s still eating her frost mint ice cream and can’t be bothered about their relationship right now — she hears about it on the daily, anyway.

Jaida brings the spoon to her lips when she looks past Monique’s shoulder, looking at the entrance of shop, and she freezes for a moment. She blinks repeatedly, until she knows for real this is not her eyes deceiving her; the same woman as last night is seating near the entrance with someone else, chatting and laughing and looking even prettier in the daylight.

She squints, trying to remember her name; Jen, was it? She’s pretty sure she heard her friend say it, but she can’t remember that well.

Jaida pulls her gaze away when she realizes she’s staring, and tries to focus on whatever Monét and Monique are talking about. But soon she feels someone looking at her, and she steals a glance at the girl out of the corner of her eye; she finds that she’s staring back at her, but she quickly withdraws her gaze.

Jaida smiles against the spoon. She doesn’t question how is it possible she ran into her again, especially considering the island is big and the chances of seeing her again were slim. Perhaps it’s a coincidence.

“I’m telling you, ‘Nét, this bitch had an edgy phase!” Monique exclaims, tugging at Jaida’s arm, causing her to accidentally throw a good chunk of ice cream on her blouse. Monique stays still for a moment as Jaida fumbles with the tissue paper. “I’m sorry, girl,” she says, with her tone so high pitched and full of regret, Jaida finds it hard to get mad at her.

She sighs dramatically, leaving the tissues aside and standing up. “Don’t worry, sis, it’s no big deal. I can wash this, anyway.” She shrugs. “Though I’m expecting you to buy me a pina colada next time we hit the bar,” she teasingly says before leaving to the bathroom.

She can hear Monét’s laugh and the smack Monique gives her on the arm, pitching the blame for Jaida’s ruined blouse on her. Sometimes Jaida swears neither one of them knows the volume of their own voices.

She wets a tissue and gets the ice cream off her skin before it gets sticky. The bathroom is tinier than she expected, but at least there’s no one else.

Or so she thought.

“Sweet baby Jesus, Nicole, how did you manage to burn the eggs?” a voice speaks from one of the stalls, and Jaida jumps a little.

A woman comes out from one the three stalls, holding her phone in the crook of her neck as she washes her hands. Jaida stiffs a little when she notices it’s the girl from the beach. Jen (or Jan), apparently, remembers her too, because she stops for a moment when she sees her, biting her lower lip before speaking again.

“Nicks, just, don’t touch anything else from the kitchen. Jackie and I will come back in a moment — please don’t listen neither Gigi nor Brita, they’re as bad cooks as you, 'kay?” She hangs up and sighs loudly, drying her hands before putting the phone back in the pocket of her shorts.

“That’s quite an interesting daycare you got there,” Jaida comments lightheartedly, throwing the tissues to the trash. The woman chuckles, turning to see her.

“Keeping toddlers in their twenties alive is my passion,” she deadpans, playing with the hem of her shirt. Jaida laughs shortly. “I’ve heard they’re easier to take care of once they’re thirty,” she comments with a cheeky smile, making Jaida laugh again.

“I wouldn’t have my hopes up if I were you,” Jaida replies, checking herself in the mirror and making sure she’s wiped off all the ice cream

She sucks in a quick breath, looking back at the woman, who’s perched against the sink, texting someone.

“Hey,” she says, catching her attention. “This probably sounds crazy, but is there any chance you were at O'Ahu beach last night, looking for a ball, maybe?” Jaida wonders, and almost right away she sees Jen (or Jan) cheeks lit up.

“Oh, Jesus, I was hoping you wouldn’t remember me. That was so embarrassing. I’m sorry.” She covers her face with her hands and Jaida laughs softly, coming some steps closer.

“Girl, it’s fine, for real,” she assures her, and Jen (or Jan) slowly uncovers her face. The rosy tone in her cheeks makes her look cute. She bites her lower lip before continuing. “I did mean it when I said I can’t be mad at a pretty girl.”

Jen (or Jan) smiles sheepishly and laugh, tucking a strand of lose hair behind her ear.

“Well, I meant it too when I said you’re not so bad yourself. I didn’t mean to finger gun you, though.”

Jaida laughs, and for a moment she forgets she has to go back to Monét and Monique. They strike up a conversation, and Jaida learns that her name is Jan and not Jen, and that she blushes a deep shade of red whenever she compliments her in any way. Jaida thinks she’s the cutest girl she’s ever met.

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purplesurveys · 3 years

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1059

surveys by lets-make-surveys

1 - When you wake up, do you get up straight away or do you lie around in bed for a while? Lie in bed, even on work days. I work from home, so there’s nothing to prepare or look nice for, anyway. I can stay in bed and just roll out of it and head to my desk at 9 AM to start the day.

2 - Who was the last person you video-called with? Have you done this more often since COVID hit? Video calls make me anxious, so I’ve always turned them down even when it was someone I’m close with who was trying to call, like Angela. The only person I’ve felt comfortable having video calls with was Gab but that obviously hasn’t happened in a while. I think the last people I saw on video was my dad’s family, though I was still shy and asked my mom not to put me in the shot for too long.

3 - How many times a week do you go out for food or drink? Back then I’d do it 2-3 times a week. Then Covid happened and I had to stop; but now that I’m starting to try to put in more effort to take care of myself, I try to bring myself to a coffee shop for me time at least once during weekends.

4 - Do you prefer getting takeaway or actually sitting in a restaurant and eating your meal there? Dine-in. For me ambience is a big part of eating food, and even if I had the once-in-a-lifetime chance of getting to eat the absolute best meal in the whole world, if I’m eating it alone at home I would still feel like shit.

5 - Where’s your favourite place to get takeaway coffee (or whatever your drink of choice is)? Starbucks. We have five joints in the highway I live on alone, so it’s both a personal preference and a I-don’t-really-have-a-choice type of situation haha.

6 - Do you tend to keep your phone on silent, vibrate or loud? It’s on vibrate during work days; then I’ve formed a habit of putting it on Do Not Disturb during weekends or holidays.

7 - If you have pets, when was the last time one of them annoyed you? What happened? Cooper thought my hand was a toy earlier so he was biting on it, and not in a very playful way.

8 - When was the last time you went into a bookshop? Around a week ago when I was buying presents; I needed to get my cousin the mechanical pencils and eraser she wanted for Christmas. I also came across the bookshop that Gab and I would make a habit to visit, but I didn’t go inside as I didn’t know if I was prepared for the memories that would inevitably flood back. I looked through the stuff they had on their windows, though.

9 - What was the last thing you ordered off Amazon? I don’t know if Amazon operates here. But the last thing I got from a local e-commerce app - don’t judge me HAHA - is a phone socket featuring the face of my newest K-drama crush. I placed my order literally 10 minutes ago.

10 - When was the last time you took a dog out for a walk? Is this your own dog or did you borrow someone else’s? Yesterday. Both were my family’s dogs.

11 - What jewellery do you have on at the moment? Not wearing any, haven’t worn any in a while.

12 - Do you have any products in your hair right now? What are they? Just shampoo and conditioner. I never put anything else on it; I don’t really deem hair products other than those two a necessity.

13 - Have you ever used a VPN to access foreign content online? Hahaha no. I’ve wanted to try it out, but I’ve always been paranoid that the NBI would come knocking at my door the moment I install one of those.

14 - Who was the last artist you listened to? Is this someone you’re a fan of? She’s a Korean singer named Cheeze, though she’s honestly unfamiliar to me. The song she contributed for the OST of Start-Up is my absolute favorite in the entire tracklist, and that’s how I knew of her.

15 - What was the last thing you had to drink? I’m at a cafe joint right now and they didn’t have my usual order of caramel macchiato, so I opted for a Spanish latté because it sounded new to me.

16 - When was the last time you cooked something for the first time? Did it work out the way it was supposed to? I made a Monte Cristo sandwich, if that counts as ~cooking; this was about a little more than a monthh ago. It worked out significantly better than I was expecting, given how rubbish I am in the kitchen. I lacked a couple of ingredients, like mustard for the sauce and the right kind of cheese, but I still ended up liking it.

17 - Black cats are considered to be bad luck - is this a superstition that you’ve ever believed in? Not me personally, but I know this is still widely believed in my country. It’s sad, so I approach black cats whenever I can and play with them for a bit.

18 - Would you ever eat blue cheese or do you find the idea of eating mould to be pretty repulsive? It is definitely not my favorite; I’d say 5 times out of 10 I would consume it, and the other 5 I would set it aside. I enjoy it the most in pizzas and as a sauce for chicken wings.

19 - Do you visit the dentist every six months like you should? Is that the standard schedule? Lmao. I only go when I have to.

20 - How old were you when you first used the internet? Was it dial-up or did you have access to proper broadband? I was first exposed to the internet at around the ages of 3 and 4, when my mom would use the dial-up internet to email my dad (he had just started to work abroad). For many years I thought Yahoo Mail was the only website that existed, since that’s all I saw my mom use. Eventually my dad got broadband for the family by the time I was 10, and the first website I ever looked up was YouTube.

21 - Are you old enough to remember using floppy discs? I remember those; I just never had to use them myself.

22 - When was the last time you purchased an actual DVD or CD? Andi gave me a Petals For Armor CD for Christmas, if it counts. Because they’re the most awesome fucking friend. The last DVD I bought myself was probably a Beyoncé's Life Is But A Dream, which was...holy crap, 7 whole years ago.

23 - Do you shave? Which body parts and how often? I do. I shave my underarms every few days, and my legs monthly.

24 - What’s your favourite season, and what are some of your favourite things about that season? We don’t have the usual four seasons we hear about in other countries; we only have wet and dry. Between those two, I definitely like wet more because I love the rain, and I like how cold it can get.

25 - When was the last time you burned yourself? I took a big bite of a lumpiang togue yesterday when it was still piping hot, so it felt like I almost burned my tongue and the roof of my mouth. But since I was a guest at my dad’s family’s house, I couldn’t spit it out.

26 - Have you ever been the victim of a theft or robbery? What was stolen? Did the police ever catch the person who did it? Someone stole my wallet in high school, and I never got it back. It was a small petty thing that the police didn’t need to be involved in, lol. I know my mom’s family got robbed when she was a teenager, though; the worst thing that got stolen was their grand piano :(

27 - What was the last TV show you discovered that you really liked? What was it that got you to watch it in the first place? START UP. I first heard of it from my co-workers who would mention the show here and there; and because I was new to the team and wanted to have something in common with them so that I can break the ice, I figured I should start on the show myself. Ended up getting obsessed with the show and gaining a new Korean crush altogether.

28 - Have you seen any of the live-action Disney remakes? Which one is your favourite? What about your least favourite? No, those have never looked even remotely appealing to me. I never saw the point of recycling movies that already exist and already feel magical by themselves.

29 - Do you have any exciting plans for tomorrow? If not, how are you planning to spend your day? It doesn’t sound exciting on its own, but I’m very much looking forward to be a homebody tomorrow haha. We’ve been with extended family for five days straight and I’m at a café right now for some me time, so tomorrow I can’t wait to just be at home and lounge around.

30 - Would you ever keep a working dog as a pet? Do you think it’s fair to keep dogs like huskies in flats when it’s so different to their natural environments? If the dog is already trained or certified to be a certain kind of working dog, I don’t see the point in keeping them for myself when they could be beneficial for other purposes. The only time I see myself adopting a working dog is if they’re already at the point of retirement and would need a loving home to live out their remaining years.

1 - Are you a fan of garlic bread? Do you eat it on its own or as part of a bigger meal? Love garlic bread; I regularly have it with my pasta and occasionally, pizza.

2 - When was the last time your area was under some kind of weather warning? Did it end up being as bad as predicted? Last month, during Typhoon Rolly. Other cities had worse experiences, but it also wasn’t sunshine and rainbows on our end. We had a blackout for around two days and I had to file for an emergency leave four days into my new job, which was super embarrassing. It didn’t flood in our street but the water was high in other areas in our village, so we couldn’t go out for a while.

3 - Do you ever buy things from charity/thrift shops? What was the last thing you bought from there? I don’t recall ever buying anything from either.

4 - The last time you got fast food, did you eat in, takeaway or go through the drive-thru? My last fast food wasssssss Jollibee, and my parents got it for takeout so that we could eat as a family at home.

5 - If you have multiple pets, do they get along with each other? Hahaha no they don’t. It’s been six months since we got Cooper but the two still don’t get along, unless it’s Kimi trying to hump him. It’s understandable; Cooper is a vibrant pup that’s super excited and play bites all the time, and on the other side is a nearly 13 year old, nearly blind, can’t-smell-as-well-as-he-used-to senior dog; and I get that Kimi’s more sensitive to sudden movements now.

6 - Do you ever buy things off eBay? If you do, do you participate in auctions or do you just use the “buy it now” option? I never go on eBay. And since I’ve never checked it out, I never understood the gimmick of the website.

7 - When you go out, do you worry that you’ve forgotten to lock the door or turn something off? Yeah, this is especially the case with locking the front door.

8 - What fruits and vegetables have you eaten so far today? Do you tend to get your “five a day”? I didn’t know five a day is a thing of some sort; but it’s only 8:47 AM and I haven’t eaten anything at all yet today.

9 - When was the last time you were in pain? What caused it and did you manage to get it sorted in the end? Last night when my back was giving me hell. As for the cause...idk, years of bad posture maybe? I was able to deal with it for a bit with the new massage pillow that my dad got for Christmas.

10 - Do you live in an area that gets lots of snow? Do you like it? If not, would you like to live somewhere that gets that cold? I would love to move somewhere that’s generally more cold. Humidity gets exhausting to deal with.

11 - What was the reason for your last doctor/hospital visit? My fever had already been lasting for a week and wasn’t showing signs of going away. No Covid symptoms, just pure hellish fever.

12 - If someone had told you that 2020 would see a global pandemic, countries going into lockdown, compulsory face masks and millions of deaths, would you have ever believed that you’d live through something like that? My personal biggest surprise for 2020 wasn’t even the pandemic. I would have had a more violent reaction if I was told I would no longer be in a relationship and be barely talking to my then-girlfriend of six years by the end of 2020.

13 - Do you prefer having the blinds/curtains open or closed when you’re at home? Does it depend on the weather or the time of day? Always closed. I don’t ever voluntarily open the curtains or windows to let the sunshine in.

14 - Do you use an ad-blocker on your computer or phone? Why/why not? I use one on my laptop because the ones on YouTube can be extremely annoying. I didn’t know it was possible to put on ad blockers on phones (is it?).

15 - Do you still use a paper diary/planner to organise your appointments and schedules? No, but I’m thinking of getting a planner again for 2021. I used to get a Starbucks planner every year just because I wanted to get into their Christmas promo hype, but I never completed any of them. Now that I’m working and am busier all around, I see the bigger need for a planner. These days, I use a Google extension called Momentum to list down my to-do tasks. My parents also got me a corkboard for Christmas on which I stick notepads with things I have to do for the day.

16 - When was the last time you charged one of your electronic items? Do you have to charge that specific item often? I’m charging my laptop now. At this point it’s always plugged in because I want to keep the cycle count low, though I’m not sure if it’s the healthiest thing to do.

17 - Have you ever thrown or broken something in a temper? Yes, definitely. I’m not normally aggressive when angry, but sometimes it happens.

18 - What does your outfit look like today? Did you pick it out for a special reason? I have on a black sundress that I didn’t change out of. I wore it yesterday when I went to a coffee shop to spend some time on my own.

19 - Do you follow any vlogs or podcasts? What is it about them that interests you? I do follow certain channels who do vlogs, but I never tune into them since most of them have gotten a little uninteresting. I’m also subscribed to several podcasts like Andi’s and Renee Young’s, but I’m not always in a podcast mood; I subscribe because I want to support them.

20 - Aside from Tumblr, what websites do you spend the most time on? Do you go through phases of visiting certain websites? I visit Twitter and YouTube the most often. I will binge Reddit every now and then, and I will get into a Wikipedia black hole at least once a week.

21 - Do you have a good relationship with your siblings? If you don’t have siblings, what about your cousins or extended family? I do not maintain a relationship with my brother after he physically assaulted me last year. My sister and I are on good terms, but we’re not close in that I can cry to her or that we know each other’s secrets. We have a very good casual relationship, and we never argue.

22 - When was the last time you were up early enough to see the sunrise? I hate the sun so I don’t really do that lol.

23 - What movie series did you last watch from start to finish? Was it one you’d seen before? I only ever do this with Twilight. I have my annual Twilight Saga marathon where I watch all five films in one afternoon hahaha.

24 - Do you still enjoy watching children’s TV programmes? What was the last one you watched? Yeah, but only the ones I watched as a kid. My cousins and I watched the Wet Painters episode of Spongebob last Christmas Eve right after we finished Midsommar.

25 - Who was the last person to tag you in something on social media? How do you know that person? I have no idea. I’ve been going in and out of deactivation, so at this point I’m sure people no longer have any clue if I’m on a certain social media website or not.

26 - What was the last thing you took a photograph of? It was a screenshot of something I wanted to show Angela.

27 - Are you a fan of giving animals human names? Sure. I certainly find it funny when pets are given incredibly ordinary human names, like Bob or Mark.

28 - When was the last time you weighed yourself? Were you happy with what the scale said? Christmas Eve eve, when I saw a weighing scale in my cousin’s room. I mean it’s what I’ve weighed for the last 5 years or so, so I have no complaints.

29 - How often do you buy yourself new clothes? What was the last clothing item you bought for yourself? Used to be a few times every month, but I have not bought anything new since before the pandemic. The last items I got were still the tops with puffed sleeves that I bought in March.

30 - What is the reason behind your mood today? Is this something you could have done something about? I’m mostly at ease; a little anxious because work continues for a certain headache of a client even though we told them our office would be on shutdown; and a little melancholic for no reason. I’m trying to combat the latter by doing my embroidery and it’s kind of helping, but the sads are still lingering.

#survey #surveys #multiple surveys

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gifted-burnout-archive · 4 years

Text

Codename: Candy

Part Six - A Change of Pace

Word Count - 1695

Author’s Note: Look at these two friends!

After arriving at the hotel, Candy spent the rest of her morning snoozing and eating breakfast, before heading out for her nearest bank branch, smiling to her bank clerk. In her hands she held what little she had in the way of personal possessions, her passport and her paper statement of opening the bank account.

"Good afternoon ma'am, my name is Josie, how can I help you today?" The bank clerk greeted her once she walked forward.

"I'm needing to register for a debit card for this account, as well as taking money out." Candy gulped, handing over her passport and back statement.

"Alrighty Miss Jones. Can I ask what happened to your previous card?" The teller asked as she searched for the account on her computer.

"I never had one. I've been stationed overseas, this account was just what I paid my salary into." Candy explained, and the teller looked up.

"Well, thank you for your service ma'am." She smiled, and Candy couldn't help but smile back, nodding in thanks. She hadn't really heard it from a civilian before. The teller scanned through something on her computer screen. "Alright ma'am, by the looks of thing all of this checks out. The account is currently holding $523,675.43. So what we can do is have your card ready in two days, have it sent to your current address, and send you away this afternoon with a maximum of $7,500 in cash due to bank policy."

"Wow... I never realised I had that much... I uh, I'll take the full $7,500 if that's ok..." Candy let out a shaky breath, trying to get rid of some of her nerves.

"Of course it is! Now, I'm going to go to the bag and count out the money for you, and have our branch manager sort out your debit card. If you just follow me, I'll take you to one of our rooms." Josie smiles, standing up from behind the counter and walking to the end of the row, stepping out and leading Candy to a small room off the main area.

"I'll be back in a few minutes." Josie smiled, walking out as a older woman entered, as smiley as Josie was, sitting across from Candy.

"Hello ma'am, I'm Helen, the branch manager. I have some paperwork for you to sign, and we'll be a few reps closer to getting you on your way." She slid over a pen and paperwork for Candy to sign, who read through the documents meticulously. Helen sat patiently, striking up conversation once the forms were signed. "Josie said you served overseas, I'd like to thank you for your service to our country."

"Thank you very much... I have to be honest, I'm not very used to this sort of stuff." Candy admitted.

"How long were you away, if you don't mind me asking?" Helen asked, scanning the paperwork into the computer to her right.

"I'm entering my eleventh year of active service... Been overseas for all of it, which is why I never needed a bank card. All the money I needed over there was docked from salary usually, or I transferred it to friends by cheque." She explained, and laughed at how odd it was. "Cheque book and no bank card..."

"Well, you've got a tidy sum to sit on once you decide to leave the army." Helen commented, and Josie walked in with a small case. As they discussed the final details, and Candy asked for the card to be delivered to the hotel she was staying in, she couldn't get the thought out of her head.

Leave the army? It was the first time someone had ever mentioned such a thing, first time Candy had thought about it. As she walked out of the bank, case in hand, she wondered what she would do if she left the army, and her mind went blank. At some point, she had accepted that dying on the front line was a given, and old age was unlikely. With half a million dollars under her belt, who would she leave it to?

She hailed a cab, jumping in the back and asking for the nearest shopping district, deciding to forget such things for that day. It was her first time back in the US in a decade, and she planned to enjoy her day.

—

Jack and Greer walked out of Hawkins' office as the clock struck five, both ready to spend an evening eating and sleeping. The capture had been a success, as Roger reported, with two minor casualties to the American troops, and a fatality on the opposition. The rest of the men had been brought into custody, and the warehouse was being searched through as they spoke. Interrogations were ongoing, but it was guaranteed that information would be available in a few days, on the front of money transfers or arms movement wasn't yet known.

"You ready for this evening?" Jack asked as he packed his bag, looking up at Greer with a raised eyebrow.

"Shit... I'm sorry Jack I completely forgot... Jasmine asked me to try and make the kids' concert tonight, I agreed before I remembered." Greer explained, but Jack just smiled.

"No problem. I'll see you tomorrow." Jack assured him, and Greer nodded leaving Jack alone in the office. As he continued to pack up, his phone pinged, a message from an unknown number:

Hi Jack, it's Candy. I got myself a phone, as suggested, so reach me by this number. X

He couldn't stop the smile spreading on his face, grabbing his suit jacket and slipping it on, bag over a shoulder and heading out to the elevator.

I'll be by at 18.30 to pick you up? Best burgers in town are on me.

He sent his response and walked out the elevator, hailing a cab to get him home. He got a response after a few minutes:

18.30 sounds great. I'll meet you in the lobby. X

With plans settled, Jack tried to distance his mind from work for the evening. If things continued on this course, he would be flying out somewhere within a few days, whether on a new lead or confirmed sighting. What time he had at the office, he had to enjoy. Go for a row in the morning, bike to the office, have takeout at some point. Maybe even head over to see Vanessa and the kids, have a catch up on life.

He jumped out the cab, heading up to his apartment and jumping in the shower, washing away the work day and twelve hour flight that preceded it. With a glance at the time, he pulled on a fresh shirt and jeans, combing through his hair and dabbing on a bit of cologne. He grabbed his keys, phone and wallet, and with the hotel only a 15 minute walk away, he headed out into the early evening.

Candy kept her eyes on the hotel's front door for the full ten minutes she had sat in the lobby, twisting a curl of her hair round her finger impatiently. She had made sure she was early, coming down to the lobby at about 20 minutes past the hour, and had spent the last ten worrying she was too dressed up, not dressed up enough, fiddling with her hair, and about anything else once could wonder about their appearance.

Her excursion that afternoon was jam-packed,and she had spent most of her afternoon talking with, out of all people, women. From Josie and Helen at the bank to Greta in the clothing shop her taxi driver Rose recommended, to the girls, Mindy and Fiona, at the salon who walked her through how to put on makeup more fitting for the modern woman while cutting and styling her hair. It might have been the most women she had talked to in a single day since high school. And after she bought the makeup they had applied on her face and the dresses half the shop staff recommended, and spent Greta's lunch break grabbing coffee and getting help choosing a handbag and shoes from another shop, Candy sat in the foyer of the hotel looking like a different person. That morning, the clothes we still somewhat professional.

Her hair had been styled into beach waves, her nails filed and cleaned, painted with a French manicure. Her makeup was warm, yellow and gold eyeshadow alongside mascara and eyeliner complimenting blush on her cheeks and nude lips. Mindy and Fiona even helped her change, looking through the clothes she had bought that day and deciding what would go best, picking out the kitten heels and sundress, Jean jacket combo she was sat in, her new handbag, filled with makeup 'essentials' and all her documents and money, matched her shoes. She wondered, after having stared at herself in the mirror for an awful long time upon returning to her hotel room, if she still looked like her to other people.

As the hotel door opened, Candy stood up quickly, making her way over. The clock on the wall read 18.30, and through the door came Jack, a smile on his face as he looked around the hotel lobby. Candy quickly waved at him, her own nervous smile turning to a frown when he stopped in his tracks. Had she done something wrong? Dressed up too much?

Jack took a moment, realising the woman waving at him was Candy. It was like looking into a different reality, what she might have looked like had she not gone into the army. But there she stood, a worried look on her face, and Jack walked forward, giving her a hug hello. She returned the gesture, stepping back after a moment.

"It's too much, isn't it?" She asked with a small smile, and Jack quickly shook his head.

"You look amazing. Really. Just a change from army trousers and blood-stained t-shirts." Jack assured her, his smile growing wider as hers did. "Ready to go? Best burgers in Virginia really shouldn't be kept waiting." He joked, and the pair headed towards the lobby door, and out onto the street.

—

Tags: @iwantthedean

#jack ryan #fanfiction #fanfic #part six #tom clancy #john krasinski #jack ryan x reader #reader #reader insert #scheduled #us army #army #romance #thriller

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parisian-nicole · 4 years

Text

Adore: A Garvez Fic (Pt. 10/?)

Read the Previous Chapter here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13117133/8/Adore-A-GarVez-Fic

***

Author’s Note: Now that Garvez is canon and endgame, I have been inspired to start working on this fic again. I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think!

***

They had stayed in the park after the fundraising race had ended and their friends had said their goodbyes. They walked about slowly and enjoyed the warm day, and watching all the people having fun around them, but mostly they enjoyed each other's company. They had been laughing and talking about everything that had come to their minds. Whenever other runners came across their path they would hurriedly step aside, huddling together to the grassy side of the graveled path. When a small group of women ran by them, all eyeing Alvez appreciatively while ignoring Garcia's presence entirely, Alvez noticed how Garcia would distance herself from where she had been walking right at his side. He frowned up a bit at her sudden coldness towards him. After a moment to reflect he realized where it was coming from. So, when Alvez noticed that same group of women had done a U-turn and were coming back through the path he made it a point to stop in the middle of the path. He grasped Garcia's hand, lifted it and placed a kiss across her knuckles. He then pulled her flush against his chest and kissed her lips slowly, deeply, and sweetly, while the group of women ran around them. For a moment they had both gotten lost in the feel and taste of the other. They finally pulled back with a sated sigh falling from both of their lips.

"Wow," She spoke as a bashful smile graced her face. "What was that for?" She continued as she bowed her head a bit to avoid his eyes, but he was having none of it. He reached down, cupped her face in both of his hands, and made her focus up at him.

"That was to show you how much I want to be here with 'you'," He answered. "I want you, no one else. Those women could run pass here completely naked and I still wouldn't give them any regard," He proclaimed and Garcia arched her brow to challenged his words. "Okay, not in any sexual or romantic regard," He corrected with a smile. "But I am an officer of the law so I would have to arrest them for being indecent. Look, I don't know about all of the past relationship you've been in but I can promise that I am nothing like any of those guys, so please don't compare me to them. Or judge me and our relationship by what may have happened to you in the past, okay?"

"Okay," Garcia agreed with a nod. "I will try and I'm sorry … It's just that," She paused as she dropped her eyes to the ground and took a deep sigh. "Guys that look like you don't usually go for the girls that look like me."

"Says who?"

"Says every guy I have ever met who looks like you," She replied.

"Well they were all stupid fools," Alvez declared. "And for your information, I find voluptuous women sexy as hell."

"Oh really, so you have only ever asked out plump women?"

"No, not just," He answered. "I have been attracted to a variety of women of all shapes, sizes, and color. And I've never excluded a woman because she's, as you put it, 'plump'," He defended. "Look, Penelope, I think you have a beautiful bangin' body but it's not the only thing that attracted me to you. I mean, yeah, initially it was. I did try desperately not to gawk when this gorgeous blonde bombshell shared the elevator with me on my first day. But then I got to know her, though she tried her damnedest to keep me at arm's length. I fell in love not just with your body, but also that genius mind of yours, your deliciously wicked wit, as well has your humongous kind heart," Garcia stood silently staring up at him with her mouth agape and a shocked look on her face. "Yeah, you heard me right," Alvez continued as he gripped his hands securely about her waist. "I've fallen in love with you, and it's okay if you don't feel the same or-"

"I've fallen in love with you too," She quickly cut in and her words brought a relief within Alvez and a wide smile to his lips.

"So, I guess that would make us an official couple then?" Alvez questioned still not wanting to over step any boundaries with her, but he truly wanted to know.

"All the things we did last night and part of the morning pretty much made it official, Luke," Garcia proclaimed and his smile simply widened at this news.

"Good to know," He said with a nod as he turned her, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and moved them back along the path they were on. "How about we head back to your place and make it official some more?"

"Race you to the car," She said around a giggle and then took off at full speed. Alvez took off after her and although he knew he could have beaten her, he was enjoying the view too much to try.

The next work day:

The team had finally wrapped up a local case they had been working on for over a week, and hoped they would get a few days of doing just some mundane desk work before some new case came in to take them across the country.

"So, who's up for drinks? My treat," Rossi offered as they all stood around the desks in the bullpen.

"I'm down," Tara was the first to reply. "It's been awhile since we got to get out of here during normal hours, plus free drinks, yay," She joked as the others, save Prentiss, laughed and nodded in agreement.

"I'm in too," JJ chimed in. "Will and the boys are still visiting his family in New Orleans until tomorrow."

"I can't, sorry," Reid said as he stood and started to pack up his bag to leave. "I have a couple of visitation hours remaining today and so I am going to go see my mom."

"Send her my love and remind her that I will be coming this Wednesday so we can work on our knitting," Garcia said as she rested her backside against Alvez's desk as he sat in his chair beside her.

"I will, she really enjoys and looks forward to your visits," He stated. "Goodnight," Reid then made his way to the exit.

"All right, that's three of us so far, since Prentiss has an evening meeting with the director," Rossi said. "So, how about you two?" He then looked to Garcia and Alvez.

"I can't either," Garcia replied. "I still have work to do here."

"What work?" Alvez asked as he frowned up a bit. He was disappointed as he had hoped she was turning down hanging out to spend some alone time with him. "We wrapped our case already."

"Oh, newbie," She teased and he couldn't contain the smile that spread across his face at hearing the word he had confessed to her would slightly arouse him whenever she said it. "Do you really think I am only at your beck and call? I am an 'FBI' technical analyst, and I help all departments with my skills. So, when any agent needs my help I am at their service."

"Oh, I like the sound of that, Belle," A male voice with a southern drawl and a hint of a Cajun accent, boomed from behind where they stood chatting. "So, does that mean 'any' services I need help with?" He added with a wink and a smile. Both Tara and JJ giggled a little as they were familiar with this agents' antics, but more so they were laughing at the sour look that was on Alvez's face in that moment.

"Only if they're work-related services, Agent Broussard," Garcia replied as she pushed herself from Alvez's desk.

"Well, a man can still dream, right, Cherie?" Agent Broussard asked with a charming smile.

"Yes, and it also saves me the trouble of telling you, "only in your dreams'," She threw back at him as she smiled playfully at him.

"Oh, how you wound me," He said dramatically as he raised one of his hands which held 2 drinks up to his chest. "And I had even brought you dinner and drinks to woo you," He added as he raised the other hand to show what looked to be a bag of Chinese takeout and Garcia, Tara, and JJ all giggled and shook their heads slightly to his antics. Alvez's current scowl instantly turned into a hard glare as he looked at this slightly younger man who appeared to be his same height and build.

"Hey, I'm working off hours just to help you out, so feeding me is the least you could do, sir," Garcia stated as she moved to where he stood. "Let's go to my office. The sooner we start the sooner we can get it done," He bowed dramatically at her as she stopped at his side and again, she giggled. Besides Morgan, Broussard had been the only other agent who would openly flirt with her. Unlike Morgan she was sure that Broussard meant every word and that it wasn't just banter to him. If given the chance he would happily act upon every lewd innuendo he spoke to her. But she also knew of the many rendezvouses he had had with several female agents which made Garcia steer clear of him. She didn't mind the flirting and easy banter, but she never let it venture into a personal realm as she had with Morgan. As they moved to the exit Alvez quickly moved from his seat.

"Hey Penelope," He called out to her purposely using her first name as he hurried over to her. She stood just on the other side of the glass door that she held open while she waited for him. "I'm going to be working down here late anyway, so just call me when you get done. We can grab some snacks, head to my place tonight, and watch a movie," A Cheshire cat grin graced her lips as she quickly nodded her head.

"Okay," She said as she gazed adoringly up at him, both were so engrossed in the other that everyone and everything else seemed to fade away, until Agent Broussard who had stood a few feet outside of the door cleared his throat a little. "Oh, right, uhm … Well, what I have to do to help Agent Broussard shouldn't take more than an hour or two. I can just come back down here when we're done."

"All right, I'll be here waiting for you," Alvez stated as he shot a glance to the man standing behind her just before he swooped in and placed a quick chaste kiss on her lips.

"Luke, we agreed not at work," She chastised him in a lowered voice even though the pleased look and smile never left her face.

"Technically, we are off work now so it's okay," He offered as he tossed her a wink. She silently nodded and then walked out and continued on her way with Agent Broussard. Alvez stood at the door watching them for a moment.

"So, exactly when did that start?" Rossi questioned as he arched a brow at JJ and Tara.

"Oh, I think just this past weekend," JJ answered with a smile as she watched Alvez who was making his way back to them.

"Damn, I owe Prentiss twenty bucks," Rossi said around a chuckle.

"Wait you and Prentiss had a bet running on when Garcia and Alvez would hook up?" Tara asked.

"Say what, now?" Alvez chimed in as he now stood back at his desk.

"Well, yeah, watching you two sometimes is like watching softcore porn," Rossi claimed and the ladies nodded their heads in agreement and Alvez chuckled at this news. "We knew it would eventually explode into something more hardcore, but I was thinking in another couple of years, but Prentiss was sure you two wouldn't last out the year," He ended with a shrug. "Oh well, ladies, shall we?" He moved in between where they stood at their desks and held out his arms to them. With a smile they each looped one of their arms in his and allowed him to move them to the exit. "Goodnight, Luke."

"Night," Both Tara and JJ said in unison.

"Goodnight and have fun, but not too much, we're back at it first thing in the morning," Alvez said as he watched his friends and co-workers walk out. He then turned with a sigh and started working on some paperwork. All the while his mind kept drifting to Garcia and Broussard, as he thought about what they were doing alone in her office.

Later that night:

"Mmhmm … it would … mmm … work better if you … hmm … stopped kissing and groping me," She panted out around his tasteful and near mind numbing kisses.

"But … mhm … you taste and feel … mmm … mmm … too damn good," He replied and then latched his mouth back against hers while his hands caressed and squeezed at her body, which he had pinned to his locked front door.

"Mr. Alvez," The screechy voice of an elderly woman snapped the lovers back to reality and they quickly jumped apart.

"Mrs. Torres," He replied as he wiped at his lips as if trying to hide the evidence of what they had been doing.

"You should be a shame of yourself young man, carrying on like that in the halls. There are children in this building, you know. And young lady you should have more self-respect and self-control," Mrs. Torres said as she shifted her eyes from Alvez to Garcia, and Garcia bowed her head a bit under the other woman's heavy gaze.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Torres. I promise it won't happen again," Alvez rambled out as he made quick work of unlocking his door and pushing it open. He ushered Garcia inside first.

"You see that it doesn't," They heard the older woman speak out as they crossed the threshold and shut the door behind them. Alvez, quickly locked the door and then rested his back against it as if afraid Mrs. Torres would come through to get them. He watched Garcia's back as she stood slightly hunched over with her head down. "I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean to embarrass you," He began to apologize but then heard Garcia's soft laughter and noticed how her shoulders shook from it. A smile instantly spread across his face when she finally turned to face him with the hugest smile on her own face. "Well, I'm glad you think it's funny. Mrs. Torres met my mother the first time she visited me, and they have become great friends ever since. She's probably home calling my mother right now to let her know her niñito was accosting some woman in the hallway," He chuckled out though he was being serious. He reached into his pocket, grasped his phone, and shut it off before he tossed it on the table by the door. He didn't want their night interrupted by a call from his mother which he was sure was on its way, thanks to Mrs. Torres.

"First we get busted by a cop and now your elderly neighbor," Garcia giggled out. "And why are you so ravenous all of a sudden, that you couldn't wait until we got inside?" She questioned as she regarded him with a smile.

"Because I have a gorgeous and sexy girlfriend," He answered as his eyes involuntarily raked over her form appreciatively, which brought a deep blush to her cheeks.

"And it had nothing to do with Remy?" She continued and he frowned up a bit in confusion and the look made her rephrase the question. "Agent Broussard."

"Oh, Agent 'Remy' Broussard, is it? Alvez countered. "So, you two are on a first name basis?

"Oh my God, are you jealous, Luke?" Garcia questioned him in a teasing fashion.

"What? Hell, no," He spat out unconvincingly. "Should I be?" He asked and his insecurity shown through his demeanor and tone.

"No, you shouldn't be because I only have eyes for you," She said with a more serious tone that she hoped spoke to how true she was being with him in that moment. He smiled and nodded his understanding. "But I have to tell you, you kind of suck at the whole sneaking around and making out stuff. I mean, c'mon, caught twice in one week," she went back to teasing him.

"Then I probably need to practice more," Alvez offered as he waggled his brows at her "Lots and lots of practice," He added as he rushed to her and enveloped her into his strong embrace. He traced his right hand that was grabbing her ass, up her back until he grasped the clasp of the zipper to her dress and pulled it down. Too impatient to get it all the way down, he quickly moved the same hand to her left shoulder and tugged down the top of the dress along with her hot pink satin bra strap. He then leaned down and latched his hot mouth over her left nipple before the cool air got the chance to chill it. He suckled her greedily as if she gave him nourishment to live.

"Luke," She gasped out as her eyes closed, her mouth fell open and her head back, while she gripped at the back of his head with her left hand. "God, that feels so good," She moaned out as her head fell forward and she rested her cheek against the top of his head while she snuggled him close to her bosom. When she noticed the familiar sound of a distant ringtone, she snapped her eyes open and shoved at Alvez to release her, which he was not too willing to do, and instead clutched at her more tightly. "Luke, let go, that's work calling," She hissed out and he instantly let her go, and she rushed to grab the phone from her purse that had been tossed to the floor with the bags of snacks they had bought.

Alvez stood silently watching as Garcia spoke with Prentiss. He raked his hands through his slightly tussled hair in slight frustration because he knew they had a case and they would have to likely put off their love making session. When she ended the call, Garcia turned to him again. "Let me guess we have a case, wheels up in 30, and I'll have to get a rain check on tonight?" He nearly grumbled out.

"Yes, we have a case. But wheels up in 1 hour, which gives you 10, 15 minutes tops to get us both to happy land," She replied as she arched a brow and smirked up at him. "Are you up for the challenge Agent Alvez?"

"Oh yeah, challenge accepted," He said with a sultry smile and a nod. He quickly pulled his shirt over his head and off his torso and then moved back to her. He already knew which technique he would use to give her a mind-blowing orgasm in under 3 minutes, which would leave them plenty of time to shower and head back into work.

More to come....

Read of FF.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13117133/9/Adore-A-GarVez-Fic

#Garvez #garvez fic #GarvezCanon #Garvez4eva #Garcia x Alvez #Penelope Garcia #Luke Alvez #Criminal Minds

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jimlingss · 5 years

Text

Chess of Ice 2

Read the Original

Read the Final Instalment

➜ Words: 14.4k

➜ Genres: 97% Fluff, 3% Angst, Sports!AU

➜ Summary: Jeon Jungkook used to be a rising star, aka. hockey captain of— you know what? It doesn’t matter anymore because now he’s holding a broomstick in his hand, sweeping the ice and throwing stones towards a target. And it’s great. He genuinely means it. Curling is his life now and this is his family. The only problem that seems to exist is YOU. You who can’t seem to see him at all!!!!

➜ Warnings: Swearing.

➜ Notes: Finally, the sequel is here! Enjoy this fluffy mess, y’all.

You keep him going. The ice is cold beneath Jungkook’s feet. He’s never felt closer, toes on the slippery surface, heels rooted to the sheet, breath seen each time he exhales. The tips of his fingers tingle, mind tickling pleasantly. He lives and thrives on the ice, like this is the only place he’s meant to exist. But it’s not always fun and games. The atmosphere is tense and sweat drips from his hairline to his chin, doe eyes narrowed into the target at the very end. The two of them are waiting at the end of the sheet, knees bent, brooms in hand and ready. Jungkook inhales a sharp breath and looks to you for guidance, the rightful leader of the team. You’re the one who steadies his doubts. “Where should I throw? I’m thinking a guard.” You shake your head. “No, do a takeout shot.” He knows better than to second guess your strategy, so he pushes his weight forward, trailing leg extended behind him, sliding foot flat on the ice. Jungkook calculates carefully, breath halted in his throat. And with careful precision practiced over the past year, he throws the stone and releases, letting it curve on the ice. The young man rises and stands beside you as you’re shouting, “Yes! Yes! Go! Harder! Lots of line!” He watches with an intense gaze, nodding and muttering, “Yes….yes...” “Harder, Taehyung,” Yoonji gasps at him. “It’s heavy,” he pants, hands working hard. You shout at the two of them. “Where is it?!” “Top of house!” “OFF!!!” you scream at the top of your lungs, startling Jungkook and nearly causing his eardrums to explode. Immediately, Taehyung and Yoonji halt their movements, stepping back. You and Jungkook are huddled up, nearly having your cheeks pressed together as you focus your vision, squinting and watching. The stone slows and hits the opponent’s stone. As it gets knocked off the button, it collides with another of theirs, sweeping it off the house completely. Jungkook’s perfectly thrown shot stops, taking the opponent’s spot, center of the target. It’s a flawless double takeout. Cheers erupt from the stands. Namjoon and Adora are giving a standing ovation, clapping furiously over their mittens. Taehyung and Yoonji are shrieking in glee, arms in the air. Even the opponents sigh with a smile, admitting that it was a good one. Impulsively and instinctively, Jungkook pulls you in for a hug. His arms wrap around your shoulders and he pulls you close with a grin, cheering like a little kid who can’t contain his excitement in his body. You giggle, patting his back. “It’s not over yet!” From starting with nothing, the four of you have worked your way up and developed into one of the best curling teams the country has. Not just in mixed, but all across the board. All of you have been picking up championships without needing to blink. It’s proven by the sheer amount of awards, certificates, plaques and certificates that the team has won. While building teamwork and skill took time, harnessing and growing it at a gradual pace, the effort was worth it. With the Olympics emerging in the next year, Jungkook wouldn’t have it any other way. As he looks around, down at Yoonji and Taehyung, the members of the men’s team and women’s team on the bench coming to watch, the two coaches, he is relishes in the fact that this is his family now. Jungkook’s eyes stray off towards you. His gaze softens with endearment when you smile at him and he’s forced to swallow down the thick lump forming in his throat, making him speechless at how brilliant you are. “Ready?” “Always.” // It’s taken some getting used to, but Jungkook likes to think that he’s gotten the hang of things. It’s not every single day that he has to force himself onto the ice, practice until he can’t stand up anymore or work out until he feels his arms shaking. The dietary restrictions and practice schedules are a lot less strict as well, at least compared to what he was used to growing up. Though it’s not like he’s completely laid back — Namjoon and Adora would never allow such a thing. He still has to go to the gym and do full body workouts, keep in shape despite Yoonji and Taehyung always grumbling when they have to pick up any weights heavier than chip bags. But everyone knows it’s necessary. You’ve been playing all your life and it's taken a toll on your body, giving you an imbalance in your hip flexors and knees...not like he’s personally observed...you told him, of course. Anyways….wait…..what was he thinking about again? “You know,” Yoonji smacks her lips together, releasing the straw between her mouth. “You’re not half bad these days.” The corner of his mouth pulls into a smirk. “Thanks.” All four of you are walking on your way to the stadium, drinking frothy smoothies that are probably double the calorie intake, but if the coaches aren’t around, no one particularly cares. “Taehyung’s the slacker now.” “Um, excuse me? I’m standing right here.” The male in question blinks hard in shock, outright offended by the statement. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “You heard me. You’re bad.” “B-B-Bad?!” “That’s not true,” you pipe up beside Jungkook, giving a slight glare towards the female. “Okay, you’re not horrible. But if we had to rank all our skills, you’re at the bottom now.” Taehyung gasps over dramatically, hand pressing over his chest where his heart is. “What’s your rank then?” “Second best,” she scoffs out like it’s entirely obvious. “Y/N is the best. Jungkook is third. So don’t drag us down, Kim.” Jungkook grins while you sigh hopelessly. The male on the chopping block opens his mouth again, about to defend himself, but before he can say anything, he’s interrupted by a sharp— “Hey!” Yoonji doesn’t turn around. Her body jolts at the rumbling voice and she quickens her pace while the three of you stop in your spots. Jungkook’s eyes grow wide as a spitting image of Yoonji comes closer. Both you and Taehyung seem to freeze up as well, but for different reasons. The individual in question has dark hair, sleepy eyes, a baby face with chubby cheeks and clear skin, but he looks aged at the same time. The man grins, hands in his black hoodie pocket, wearing a smile that shows all his gums. “Yoonji!” “Leave me alone!” she shouts and when she realizes no one’s following her, she groans audibly and marches back with hands on her hips to ward him off. Yoonji has her smoothie at her side and she secures the duffel bag strap over her shoulder, eyes narrowing in on him. “What the hell are you doing here?” “Is that a way to greet your older brother?” “Shut it, Yoongi.” He shrugs. “I thought I’d come by to watch a game.” “You have nothing better to do?” “Precisely.” He grins again to her dismay. Jungkook is bewildered, looking between them, mind boggled. It’s like Yoonji is talking to a mirror, but this reflection of her is slightly taller and has shorter hair. As Jungkook stares, Yoonji’s duplicate looks over with a reserved smile. “Taehyung! How are you? It’s been a while.” “I...uh...I’ve been fine.” The brunette swallows hard and steps back, intimidated despite being larger in size. Yoongi turns his head and acknowledges you with a smile. You don’t speak a single word or make any changes with your blank expression, standing completely still like a stone statue. Jungkook’s taken back, lifting a brow. Your behaviour reminds him of the first time he met you. The older male’s eyes finally stray off onto Jungkook as he’s busy gazing at you. “You must be…?” “O-oh. Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook.” They shake hands. “I’m new...kind of.” “He’s been around for more than a year.” Yoonji rolls her eyes. “Are you done here?” “I’m allowed to be here, aren’t I?” “There aren’t spectators allowed during the game. Sorry. Members only. “Really? Cause I checked the website and it says differently.” There’s a pause. “...I hate you.” Yoonji spits it out, left eye twitching when her brother wears a gummy grin in victory, and she goes stomping off. “Don’t get in our way, Yoongi.” “What’s there to get in the way of?” As she disappears, Taehyung also takes the opportunity to escape and Jungkook follows suit, leaning in and dropping his voice. “That’s Yoonji’s older brother?” “Yeah, I told you about him once, remember?” Taehyung’s whispering at a low volume and he takes a glance behind his shoulder while sweating bullets. “He scares me.” Jungkook takes a glimpse as well and Yoongi’s innocently strolling and admiring the architecture of the building they were all approaching with pouty lips similar to his sister’s. “He seems friendly enough.” “He swore me out once. I thought I was going to piss myself.” “What did you do?” He shoots his teammate a skeptical look. Taehyung got on everyone’s nerves at some point with how obnoxious his personality could get sometimes. Jungkook wouldn’t be all that surprised if it was his fault for angering a Min family member. “Dumped too many creams into his coffee.” Jungkook lets out an ‘oh’ while wondering if Taehyung was sent on a coffee run at some point or how that whole ordeal would’ve even happened. “He must be on his break. He goes to school at a different place...I wonder how long he’s going to stay for.” It piques Jungkook’s curiosity and he can’t help turning towards you, the way your steps have slowed down and you’re lagging behind the rest of the team entering the stadium. Yoongi seems to quicken his pace and catches up to you. “So, everything’s been good, Y/N?” “Uh-huh.” You’re ghosting Yoongi in real life, giving him the cold shoulder and acting like your tongue’s been cut off. The conversation dies right then and there. It shouldn’t be all that shocking to Jungkook since he knows you’re reserved around strangers. But there’s something deeper in the pits of his stomach, his intuition that says it’s not so simple. He just knows that the way you’re acting is odd. But every unimportant thought is pushed aside as you all head into the rink. The opposing team is already there, decked out in their gear and practicing on the ice. Jungkook quickly recognizes them, having watched tapes and clips of other teams to assess the competition. Their seriousness and sincerity to the sport is slightly intimidating, but it also acts to fire everyone else up. “Nice to meet you.” The skip, Sujin, moves down the line and shakes each person’s hand. “We’ve heard a lot about you guys. You’re one of the most talented and young teams out there.” “It’s really nothing,” Taehyung replies sheepishly while Yoonji basks openly in the title. After introductions are done and all the coaches meet each other, Adora also confiscating Yoonji’s smoothie, the friendly match begins. It’s only a game that was arranged for fun and to practice, nothing formal like a competition. But that doesn’t mean anyone’s less competitive. “Would you like to start first?” you ask in a small voice, coming across as timid and weak. Jungkook has long recognized it’s an advantage considering most opponents tend to underestimate your abilities — Yoonji considers it the ultimate secret weapon. The captain of the other team smiles softly, falling right into the trap. “No, it’s alright. You can start first.” “Alright.” You shake hands and the team splits. Jungkook and Taehyung walk towards the middle, brushes in hand as you and Yoonji stride to the other end, the latter female preparing her first throw. Namjoon shouts a few encouragements from the bench. A few members have come out to support the mixed-team as well, including Minsik who’s drinking his herb-essence red ginger tea from his thermostat. Yoongi’s also casually leaning back, watching the whole ordeal in mild interest. Yoonji doesn’t seem to be all that bothered, but Jungkook catches you glancing at the male every so often. Still, the game continues and you discuss setting up a guard shot. Yoonji nods, getting into position without any more time to waste. The first stone is thrown and both Jungkook and Taehyung don’t sweep much. It ends up short of the house, but in the direct line of the button. The opposing team compliments her, but their own shot is nothing less of being impressive. It goes back and forth for a while. Yoonji throws the first two, Taehyung throws the two after that and then it’s Jungkook’s turn to set down the brush and head over. While you’d usually greet him with a bright smile, this time there’s a grimace gracing your features. “What’s wrong?” Jungkook asks in a hushed tone. You huddle up with him, discussing strategies while the opposing team does the same. “Nothing.” You shake your head, albeit the worried frown mars your features. “They’re really good, that’s all.” He’s surprised by your comment. The opponent team didn’t seem all that special, nothing out of the ordinary actually. He was fairly relaxed, as was Taehyung and Yoonji, but then again, it might be too early to tell. He trusts your judgment above all and stays wary. Jungkook throws his two draw shots, setting it up for you. It’s well done, but when the opposing team goes on, they do a smooth takeout on all your team’s shots, shooting both your stones out of the house in a single throw of their own. The end concludes with the opponents gaining three whole points. After fifteen minutes, another eight stones are thrown, two from each team member. It’s another loss on your end. And after that, the failure repeats. On the fourth round, Jungkook’s turn comes again and he notices how both Namjoon and Adora have gotten quiet on the bench. Yoonji’s hands are shaking in anger, looking like she’s about to snap her broom in half and Taehyung is blindly confident as usual. “I think we’re going to lose.” You frown and he can’t help agreeing with your sentiment. “They’ve been playing conservatively and then aggressively. We haven’t been defending as well as we should’ve and my last shot ends up useless.” “They’ve aced their hit and rolls,” he acknowledges and you nod. “It’s too late to change tactics now. We would need to get nine points in the next four rounds and that’s just…” “You think we should forfeit?” Jungkook reads your expression and he sighs, giving up. “Okay.” You look to him, valuing his opinion and trying not to doubt your own. “What do you think?” “No, I agree.” All the points you’ve made are valid, he can see it as clear as day now and the team morale has severely fallen. It’s not fun anymore and that defeats the purpose of the game. All four of you gather again and there’s a ripple of murmurs, the referee calling for a short break. “We’re not doing well,” Yoonji admits and rolls her shoulders, acting like everything’s recoverable. “Probably because fucking Yoongi’s here. Knew he should’ve left. He’s bad luck.” “Yeah well…” Jungkook clears his throat, knowing the news is not going to be taken well. “Y/N and I think we should forfeit.” Immediately, she scoffs and Taehyung frowns in confusion. “Wait, what? Why?” “We’re not going to win. They have nine points.” “We can catch up and get a draw.” She crosses her arms, brow quirking. “This team has never forfeited before and we’re not starting now.” “Yoonji, there’s nothing wrong with forfeiting.” You are firm, unwavering in the face of her oncoming rage. “We’re not going to score nine points. You and I both know that.” “Alright, I get this is a tight match, but we can set up a corner guard in the next end and we can direct play towards the center of the sheet,” her voice moves up a pitch, almost pleading desperately. “Jungkook could do a come around,” Taehyung suggests, but you shake your head. “They’ve mastered hit and stays. It’s just not possible for us to get nine shots in the next four ends. It’s unlikely.” “I agree,” Jungkook voices his own opinion, backing you up and showing his support. “We’ll just waste time if we keep playing. We can always do a rematch with them later after practicing more. Now we know one of their strategies, so we can be better next time.” Yoonji is at wit’s end, gritting her teeth and hissing, “We can still win.” “You’re being irrational and your pride is getting in the way,” you chide back. “Taehyung say something!” She turns to him and he’s surprisingly composed, all traces of playful Taehyung missing and replaced with someone focused and serious. “I agree with Yoonji. I don’t think we should forfeit just yet when there’s still a slight chance. If we play conservatively, then aggressively and switch back, I think we have a solid chance or at least we can get a draw.” “See? There!” “No, we’re not going to play anymore.” You are stubborn, more than the two of them. “They know we’re going to lose, so we should just do the right thing and forfeit.” The tall brunette scoffs. “Who cares about what they think?” “You two never like to forfeit.” “Why would we?!” Yoonji furrows her brows so deep that it might leave potential creases in her skin. “I want to play until the very end. If I lose, then I fucking lose, but I don’t want to give up halfway like this.” “You’re too competitive,” you scold her in a stern tone. “It’s not fun anymore and you’re acting irrationally.” She steps closer, getting in your face and childishly biting back, “You’re the one acting irrationally.” Immediately, Jungkook intervenes, physically stepping in front of you. “Hey, hey. Get back.” “Fuck you, Jeon. Don’t you dare touch me.” Taehyung steps closer as well. “You don’t have to push her.” Jungkook’s palms are lifted and he defends himself. “I didn’t.” “I am the skip.” You bring the argument back to focus, finger pointed directly to the ground. “I am the captain of this team and we're going to forfeit whether you like it or not and I’m to go over there and offer the opposing team drinks because that’s what the spirit of curling is. This isn’t a competitive sport. It’s a cooperative. Get used to it.” It’s the most domineering you’ve ever been, contrasting your usual wishy-washy personality and even Jungkook is reeling from it. But Yoonji isn’t impressed in the least bit. “Are you fucking kidding me?” She throws off her curling gloves and marches off the sheet without a moment to waste. Jungkook follows after you, showing his support as his position of third. The two others turn slightly to watch the way you shake hands with the opposing team, delivering the news of your forfeit with a hug while complimenting their skills. They shoot you and Jungkook traitorous looks, and Yoonji storms off with Taehyung following behind her. Namjoon and Adora quickly gather to see what’s going on and Yoongi’s brow quirks in interest at the obvious spat. Electricity tinges the air. The heat is enough to melt the ice. // The pair of you walk down the street on your day off, casually sharing fries out of a brown bag with grease stains coming from all corners, leftovers from having lunch together. “Have they said anything to you yet?” “No.” You sigh, stuffing your cheeks with two salty fries. “It’s been radio silence.” “I haven’t been getting any texts from Taehyung either.” Usually Jungkook would be bothered every few hours, like he has a needy girlfriend. But it’s just Taehyung who wants to hang out or play video games together, unable to handle being bored for more than a minute. This is the first time when Jungkook’s phone isn’t being blown up and he’s not sure how he feels exactly. He just misses his friend. “Has this ever happened before? How long does it usually take to blow over?” “I don't know.” You shrug. “Yoonji’s good at keeping grudges. I know Taehyung tends to forget quicker, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s telling him not to talk to us. They’re just too competitive. It’s not good for the team.” He can sense your distraught and comforts you, “They’ll get over it when they realize our teamwork is more important than any game.” “Hopefully.” You dip your hand into the bag, accidentally grazing your skin with Jungkook’s. He withdraws, swallowing hard, but you’re completely unfazed, probably not even registering it happened. You grab a fry, throwing it into your mouth and chewing. The two of you are on your way to catch a movie at the theater. It’s a peaceful Sunday afternoon and outings like this were frequent. Jungkook enjoys your company, very much so, and you enjoy his. The mere thought of that and being in your presence is enough to make his cheeks ache from smiling so hard. “Yoonji and Yoongi are really similar. I was kind of surprised.” He brings up the topic carefully, curiosity getting the better of him. Jungkook knew a lot about you — he made an effort to, but you always had surprises in store for him that would make his curiosity insatiable. Yoongi seemed to be the new topic of conversation that he wanted to know more about. “Yeah, I guess,” you brush it off, looking straight ahead. “How long have you known him for?” Jungkook cringes at the invasive question, sounding more like a jealous boyfriend, but he’s inquiring genuinely out of interest. Your odd behaviour keeps lingering on the back of his mind and he can’t shake off the strange feeling he’s got. “As long as I’ve known Yoonji.” You try to think, bringing out your hand and counting on your fingers, but the timeline gets scrambled in your head and you settle on, “years.” “Wow. So, he goes to university in a different city?” You nod. “I don’t know if he’s still in architecture or not. Yoonji doesn’t talk about him much.” “Did you two ever….” He gives up on trying to be discreet. “...go out together?” “What do you mean?” You frown, turning to him. Jungkook chews on a fry, buying time to think. “It’s just...I couldn’t help, but notice you were really quiet around him.” There’s a long silence. Your arm falls to your side. Jungkook watches you carefully and in one simple second, one blink of his eyes, heat has risen on your face and you’ve become sheepish and shy, downcasting your head to the sidewalk. “Was...I….really that obvious?” “Ummmm….not really…?” He’s clueless, not understanding. “Wait, what do you mean?” “It’s...nothing.” You sigh, continuing forward and sparing Jungkook a glance with a gentle smile. “I don’t want to bother you with my problems.” “No, it’s okay. It doesn't bother me.” The boy remains open and honest, doe eyes fluttering as he stares at you. “Unless you don’t want to tell me. That’s fine. That’s cool. I’m fine with anything as long as you’re fine with anything.” God, he’s so whipped. It’s pathetic. A soft laugh tinkles in the air between your bodies and he relishes in the sound. It’s nice and pretty — you’re nice and pretty, he mulls. The thoughts only intensify when you look at him, locking your gaze together. Jungkook can see the gears turning in your head and he sees the moment you make the decision to confide in him, that you trust him enough. “Don’t tell anyone, but I...I kind of...really...l-like Yoongi.” “Oh.” Jungkook dies inside. “You do?” Your head nods and you fiddle with your fingers, coy smile playing at your lips. “I have for a long while. It’s just a stupid, dumb crush, but I get so nervous sometimes.” You’re hopeless and it’s so entirely cute, but Jungkook can’t savour your expression or the way the words stumble off your tongue. His soul is busy leaving his body. “I’m not good with feelings and I’ve been trying to get rid of them. I don’t want to make it obvious and most of the time, I don’t even know what to say, so I end up ignoring him and pretending he doesn’t exist.” “I….see..” Jungkook is made speechless. “I know it’s bad to ignore him and be silent, but I just don’t know what to do with myself sometimes, Jungkook.” The fries are cold. It’s stale on his tongue. The salt is too strong, making it hard to swallow down. He doesn’t feel like watching a movie anymore. Instead, Jungkook kind of wants to just slowly crawl home and into bed, and curl up underneath his blanket for the rest of his life. “D-do…” He chokes. “Do you want to date him?” “I don’t know. I don’t know what I want.” There’s a difference between ignoring someone because you want the feeling to go away or pinning from afar and doing it because you’re shy. Jungkook wants to know which one it is. “It’s not like he likes me or anything. Plus, it’s weird that he’s Yoonji’s older brother.” “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind...that much.” It’s weird to be in this position, being your friend and having girl talk. Jungkook doesn’t know how to comfort you or what advice to give. It’s awkward and he feels out of his element, but he tries his best even though he’s shrivelling up internally. “Yeah...but….Yoongi would never like someone like me.” “Why not? You’re…………….awesome.” It’s an enormous understatement. You’re beautiful and passionate, and also really funny. He could spend all day staring at you and talking to you and just spending time with you even if you’re both doing nothing. Sometimes, Jungkook’s own mind is blown that he’s actually here with you and his brain breaks and he can’t get a single word out properly and he becomes an idiot in front of you. He just….thinks you’re so great. You laugh, oblivious to all these facts. “Thanks, Kook.” He scratches the back of his neck, mumbling, “I’m serious though.” Suddenly, your senses return and you quicken your walking pace. “What time is the movie again?” “It’s starting in….five minutes!” He begins speed walking, beelining past people. “We haven’t finished the fries yet.” “I’ll stuff it in my jacket, don’t worry,” he says and you turn around, throwing a grin over your shoulder. You end up walking faster than Jungkook despite having shorter legs. He struggles to keep up with you, literally and metaphorically, and as he cries inside, Jungkook realizes he can’t even confide in Taehyung. // The tension is tangible. “What the hell is going on here?” Namjoon holds his coffee, grip tight around the paper cup. While the four of you are like peas in a pod or sardines in a can, constantly bickering or joking around with one another and giving him a headache, today there is a rift in the group. Literally. Yoonji and Taehyung are standing ten meters away from you and Jungkook. No one is talking to each other. It’s silent for once. Namjoon isn’t sure if this is a miracle or absolute disaster. “Nothing’s going on,” Yoonji mutters with her crossed arms. Adora brushes past. Her feet halt for a moment and she gets a good look at the four of you before she sighs, deciding she doesn’t want to deal and she walks towards the female team. “I don’t know what’s going on, but this better not interfere with practice.” “It won’t,” Taehyung chimes. They’re being so petty, muttering, making snide comments, and all you do is sigh. While everyone agrees not to let it affect practice, it does anyhow. Teamwork takes a massive hit and coordination is severely affected. Numerous shots are missed, strategy goes out of the window and it’s no longer fun for anyone. It’s undoubtedly one of the worst practice sessions and Namjoon’s at wits end. He’s pissed enough to scrap all the plans and calls the four of you to do drills instead as punishment. In the next ten minutes, each of you have worked up a sweat. “This is all your fault,” Yoonji spits at him while she slides past on the ice. “Excuse me?” His brows lift and for once, it gets to Jungkook and he’s irritated beyond belief. “Leave her be.” You slow momentarily, murmuring to him and giving her a sharp stare. “She’s just being childish. No one can argue with her because she has to be the one who’s always right.” Taehyung gathers as well, not wanting to miss out on the showdown. “What’s going on?” Yoonji glares at him. “Don’t but in.” His jaw goes slack and he defends himself. “I’m trying to help!” Namjoon blows a whistle. The sound is shrill and earsplitting, causing everyone to wince and turn around, disrupting the game going between the women’s and men’s team briefly. Yet, he continues to pace around the rink with his arms behind his back and Adora continues the game going on, ignoring the chaos that’s going on in mixed. “What are you doing? Are we having a tea party?!” Namjoon is stern, a stark contrast to his usual bumbling and bubbly self. “Less talking! Go, go! If you have energy to argue and fight, then you have energy to do twenty more rounds!” There are groans from each person and even you don’t look impressed. Jungkook runs to the end of the sheet and gets down into position, sliding on the ice as he would in any game, but without throwing any stone. It’s stupid, but one killer workout for the thighs and legs. At the end, everyone’s too tired to say anything. Each person lurches to a different corner towards their bag. As Jungkook grabs his water bottle, he notices someone sitting right there. Yoongi is leaning forward, arms on his knees, wearing an amused expression. “Did something happen?” Jungkook knocks his bottle back, quenching his thirst and then wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He gives him a small smile, remaining civilized and friendly to the best of his abilities. “Kind of. Does Yoonji know you’re here?” “No. I snuck in. I was around the area and I thought I’d drop by and watch practice. My sister’s so involved with the sport and she never tells me anything, so it makes me curious, you know?” He leans back. “But it seems like there’s a bit of trouble in paradise.” “It’s just a stupid thing from the other day.” He nods. “Yeah, Yoonji can be stubborn. Just give her some time. She’s weak for Y/N.” Speaking of which — Jungkook hears steps behind him and when he turns, you’re staring straight at him with an impassive expression. “Are we going, Jungkook?” “Yeah.” He nods and you strut away, actively ghosting and ignoring Yoongi like you used to do to Jungkook, except it’s for an entirely different reason. An outsider would think that you hate Yoongi. Jungkook wishes that were the case, but he knows the truth and his blood runs cold, mouth dry again at the very thought. Yoongi doesn’t seem to ask any questions as if used to your ‘shy’ behaviour. “I’ll get going.” The older man stands on his feet, hands casually digging into his jacket pocket. A tiny smirk graces his features. “Before Yoonji finds out I’m here and throws another tantrum.” “Okay.” “See you around, Jungkook.” He waves and strolls out of the rink. Jungkook hates to admit it, but he’s cool. Really cool. Yoongi is nonchalant in personality and he has calm vibes like nothing can ever affect him and everything rolls off his shoulders like water. There’s a mysterious air about him that intrigues Jungkook and he’s reeling with admiration before he joins you. You’re standing with Yoongi and Taehyung, but there’s no conversation going on. The closer he approaches, the louder he can hear the bickering. “—ridiculous!” “You can’t call me ridiculous. I care about the sport, okay? I take it seriously.” Yoonji points to herself. “And as skip, you should’ve listened to my opinion and Taehyung’s. We didn’t want to stop the game.” “I’m sorry, alright? But it’s over.” You’re as exasperated as she is. “I listened to what you had to say. It’s not like I didn’t, but as the skip, I had to go with my own decision this time. It was in the best interest of our team. It’s okay to lose, Yoonji.” “It’s not.” She withdraws harshly when you try to take her arm, throwing your grip off of her. “How are we supposed to go to the Olympics if we keep losing or we keep forfeiting? How is that supposed to look for us?” “It was only once,” Jungkook adds. The female with the bob haircut sighs. “Once is enough.” “Curling is supposed to be enjoyable.” You stand your ground. “You’re not making it enjoyable anymore.” “Well not everything in life is fun. Everything requires work. You have to put effort in everything you do. Curling isn’t supposed to be enjoyable all the goddamn time!” “Fine. You know what? Let’s play it out on the ice.” Taehyung’s brow raises and the corner of his mouth tugs upwards. “A battle?” You nod. If words couldn’t be exchanged anymore then there’s only one means of deciding who’s right and who’s wrong — the one thing that the four of you can do — curling. “Fine. Have it your way” Yoonji smirks with Taehyung, the two of them cocky in their own way. “You’re on.” // The both of them are on one side versus you and Jungkook. None of you have ever played in pairs. Curling isn’t exactly a sport where two people can just play, but this is the exception to the rule. It’s not like anyone could protest that the guidelines of curling were being overlooked either. There was no one around in the small stadium this time of night. It’s private, between you four, and no one else. “Can one person really sweep?” “You’ll be fine,” you reassure Jungkook and he trusts you, moving on to ask about strategy and how you want to go about this. “I’m going to focus on guard shots,” you tell him. “We both should.” “Guard shots?” It’s a defensive play. Yoonji starts first and she’s unsurprisingly aggressive from the start. Her shots are bold and the strategy suits both their personality types. They make it to the house perfectly, right on the button where it should be. On the other hand, when it’s your turn, you throw guard shots. Jungkook doesn’t even need to sweep that much. The stone ends up short of the house, not quite making it. The throw causes Yoonji and Taehyung to smirk, already detecting your plans. “I’m not sure playing so conservatively will help you later on.” Her snide comment comes out as she passes by casually. “We’ll see about that.” The pair of them end up ahead by a lot, scoring one after another like it’s a walk in the park. They end up crowding the entire house with their stones. “Harder, Taehyung! Harder! God! Harder!” “I’m going!” He moans, breaking a sweat. “Is this hard enough for you?!” “No, you idiot! Keep going!” Jungkook’s breath hitches in his throat as their stone comes around, going over your guard shot and curving so that your side protects theirs. They automatically break out into cheers, Yoonji grinning and Taehyung throwing both arms in the air. “Fuck yeah!” “Are you sure you want to do another guard shot?” He approaches you, murmuring under his breath in worry. “We should start doing takeouts.” But you shake your head, insisting on sticking to it and to keep going. Taehyung and Yoonji end up cheering again when they go through a port, stone passing straight through the path of two narrow guards you’ve set up. But as the game progresses, Jungkook remains confident, trusting you wholeheartedly. Halfway through the game, you huddle with him. “We’re switching strategies now.” The fire ignited in your eyes is enough to make him smile. One of the things he loved most about curling was that it wasn’t dependent solely on skill or brute strength or how many hours have been practiced. It’s a game of chess on ice. It requires strategy and the mind. Brains over brawns. “Okay.” You manage a draw raise shot, hitting your guard stone straight into the house. After a switch, Jungkook takes over and does a raise takeout, hitting another guard shot that collides with Taehyung and Yoonji’s stone, sending it straight out the house. In the change of pace, Taehyung begins to focus on takeouts. But he can’t keep up when you do raise shot after raise shot, all the guard shots you had set up being hurled into the house. Their cheering severely diminishes and Jungkook notices the sweat built at their foreheads, the slight panic in their expressions. The tables have turned by a complete landslide. “Is there something wrong, Taehyung?” Jungkook smiles innocently, egging his best friend on and enjoying every second of it. “N-no….we’re doing fine.” Despite his words, he and Yoonji gather together, bickering and arguing in hushed whispers. Whether they want to acknowledge it or not, everyone knows you and Jungkook are going to win. Still, Jungkook remains concentrated. His lips are parted, tongue peeking out slightly and his muscle memory operates without him needing to think twice — he’s mastered the art of double takeouts. And indeed, as the stone glides out of his hand, thrown off onto the ice and he shouts at you to sweep, the move is flawless. His stone takes out two of theirs, bumping into each other and pushing it off. Yoonji and Taehyung’s face pales. All of their stones have been hit off except for two. “Do a peel on the one by the tee-line,” you direct him and he grins, liking your sneaky play. “Yes, ma’am.” Jungkook salutes you playfully and he does yet another takeout shot, but hard enough that his own stone rolls out too. There’s only one of theirs left on the house. “Jungkook.” You’re whispering his name softly, leaning in close to not let them hear. But from your proximity, he can count all your lashes, notices the way the cold has made the tip of your nose red and your eyes watery. He swallows hard, feeling heat rise on his face, but he frowns, forcing himself to focus on your words and not how pretty you look. “Avoid that one.” “What? Avoid it?” He could do a takeout and they’d be done for. But you shake your head, insisting on it. “Just throw the stone right through.” He gives a firm nod and follows through. Jungkook hurls the stone without looking. You sweep for about halfway before stopping and the other two are bewildered, laughing aloud. “Tripped there, Jeon?” Yoonji’s brow is lifted and she has a smug expression, a glimmer of hope appearing in the game for her. He mumbles incoherently, not saying anything explicit. They takeout your team’s stone mercilessly, but you don’t flinch and Jungkook keeps going. He hurls it blindly, completely avoiding their only stone on the house. Taehyung frowns, unable to understand what the new strategy is. “What are you doing?” “Nothing.” He shrugs. “I messed up.” But the tall brunette doesn’t buy it. The round repeats, Taehyung taking out your stone from the house while Jungkook chucks his like he’s bowling and aiming straight for the gutter. It’s kind of funny. He’s never tried so hard to fail before and the new game is making him a lot more relaxed than earlier. You don’t bother sweeping either. The heavy stone flies right past your feet and when you exchange a look with Jungkook from the other end of the sheet, the two of you nearly burst out into laughter. “You’re letting us win.” The realization hits Yoonji and she’s both shocked and appalled at once. “T-that’s not fair.” “I never said I was letting you win.” You smile at your friend. “It’s just a tactic and it seems to be working.” “That the hell tactic is this?!” “We’re trying something new out. It’s your turn, by the way.” Yet, it repeats again. This time, Jungkook screams deep in his chest as he hurls the stone as far as it can go. It hits against the backboard of the sheet, something that would probably make both Adora and Namjoon horrified, but it bounces back. It’s air hockey at this point and he falls on his butt after the force of the throw, laughing his ass off. Even Taehyung grins. But Yoonji is in distress. “Is this a joke to you?” “I don’t care who the winner is today,” you tell her bluntly. “What matters to me the most is that I have fun. That’s why I’m here doing this sport.” “I...I don’t want to play if you’re not going to take it seriously. You’re acting like this is a joke.” “This isn’t a joke to me. I care about the sport, but I care more about the experience that I have. If you don’t want to play anymore then that’s fine with me.” The last thing she wants is to forfeit when she’s so against the entire notion of it. But before she can even get in another word or tell Taehyung to stop, he takes his turn and messes up on purpose. Except, Taehyung doesn’t have the exact strength it takes to hurl forty four pounds across one hundred fifty meters and it unintentionally ends up close to the house. When there’s no more to throw, they’ve won. “Yay! We win!” Taehyung is cheering, jumping up and down and nearly slipping on the ice. But while he wears a ginormous boxy smile, Yoonji is muttering incoherently. It’s not a proper victory and she’s unsatisfied. Though none of you are able to reconvene for another argument to occur when there’s a sharp voice near the front doors— “Dear god, what are you kids doing here at this time of night?!” Adora is exasperated, clad from head to toe in pajamas with a jacket thrown haphazardly on to cover herself up. “We had a match,” Taehyung announces happily. The older woman sighs and walks off into the office. The lights flicker on and in the next three seconds, it turns off and she comes out. “I forgot my damn phone.” She stops before walking out, blank expression directed towards you four. “You guys sure have a lot of energy, don’t you? Are you that passionate about going to the Olympics that you’re practicing at this ungodly hour?” “...yeah...sure…” Yoonji is defeated, exhausted and ready to hold up the white flag. The coach’s eyes stray off to the sheet, looking at the final placement of the stones. “Who won?” “Taehyung and Yoonji did,” you say with a smile and she nods slowly. “That’s surprising.” Coach has always been an honest brute, knowing full well that you’re the best and Jungkook is also unrivaled with — the combination could beat anyone, including Yoonji and Taehyung. Before the girl with the bob haircut can protest her little comment and demand why she thinks it’s ‘surprising’, Adora lazily waves farewell. “Don’t overwork yourselves or we’re going to have trouble. I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” As the door slams shut, sound echoing throughout the place, silence overtakes it. Yoonji releases a long exhale, walking closer with pouty lips. She grabs the broom from the ground and then glances up at you. The corner of her mouth moves as she grumbles, “Well...you should help clean up…or something….” “Okay.” You grin, helping her put away the equipment. They’ve won. Yet, Jungkook is in awe at your intelligence. By giving up this victory, you’ve made an overall victory — letting them know that you had the perfect capacity to overtake them in strategy, showing them what the purpose of the sport is, and asserting your dominance as the skip while reconciling with them. They might’ve won the battle, but you’ve won the war. You’re a true genius, a strategist that goes beyond the game and to say Jungkook is impressed is an understatement. He’s yet again blown away and caught off guard by you. Now only if you were smart enough to see him... // The fight quickly blows over and is forgotten. By the next day, all of you are out together as usual, having dinner at a barbecue restaurant that Taehyung read good reviews about. It’s normal with you chatting happily, sitting beside Yoonji as he’s seated across from you. Though the conversation gets interrupted when you take off your jacket and Taehyung stares. “That sweater looks familiar.” He points out the dark hoodie that you’re wearing, slightly oversized and sleeves going past your fingertips. “Oh, it’s Jungkook’s. I borrowed it and forgot to give it back.” You look at him sheepishly, pinching the soft, cotton fabric. “Sorry.” “It’s okay. You can keep it.” “Thanks.” You grin, looking all too cozy, and then you glance around the restaurant. “I’m going to the washroom. You want to come with?” you ask the female beside you. “Nah.” Yoonji waves you off. “I already went earlier. I’m good.” You walk off by yourself and the table suddenly simmers down into silence, letting the surrounding tables create the noise, the sizzling of meat and grills heard. Yoonji is especially quiet, playing with the silver spoon on the table. Though when you’ve disappeared completely, she pipes up… “You should really step up your game, Jungkook.” “Pardon?” Yoonji drops the utensil, coming to prop her arm on the table and rest her cheek in her hand, staring at him lazily. “If you don’t make a move soon, my brother might sweep her off her feet. Not that he’s ever successfully swept up anyone on their feet, but Y/N’s a sucker for those kinds of things. She’d easily fall into his trap.” Jungkook is shocked and mortified. He leans closer, volume dropping into a whisper like he’s telling a secret. “You...know?” Taehyung smiles and chirps, “Course we know.” “We know Y/N longer than you do,” Yoonji states impassively. “It’s obvious how she feels. I’m just surprised that she told you directly. Must mean she trusts you a lot.” She leans back into the plush booth seat. “Thing is, I love my brother, but he’s an asshat. At least if you break Y/N’s heart, I can torment and torture you without feeling any remorse. It’s harder to do that to someone when they live with you during the summer and who I’ll have to see at family reunions.” “I...see…” “So step up your game, Jeon. That girl can be oblivious sometimes. Channel in your bold side!” There’s only one problem. “I don’t have a bold side.” “Then get a bold side. Aren’t the ‘hangouts’ you’re going on with her already technically dates?” “Not really….” Yoonji rolls her eyes and scoffs. “You’re going out every other day together, eating and watching movies and walking around the city. You even pay sometimes and you take her to her damn doorstep. If that’s not a date, then what is it?” The words are bitter on his tongue. “We’re...friends..” “Then call one of the outings these days a date. Tell her you don’t want to be friends anymore.” But that’s easier said than done. If Jungkook’s rejected, not only will his pride and life just crumble into ashes, but it could ruin the team atmosphere. He could ruin everything. It’s risky and he cares about curling as much as he cares about you. It’s his home now and he doesn’t want to remove himself from the team to make you feel less uncomfortable if you were to reject him. “Can I interrupt?” Taehyung raises a finger and both he and Yoonji turn. “Personally, I’m on Team Yoongi.” The girl across from him is disgusted. “Excuse me?” “Hear me out. No offense, you’re my best bud, Jungkook. And I want to support you too, but it’s just too much fun pissing Yoonji off.” “Okay, fuck you. You really think my brother would be good for Y/N?!” He shrugs. “He’s a scary dude, but he’s nice. Didn’t he pick us up from a game once and buy us hamburgers too? Also he’s really cool and he’s got this mysterious vibe going on.” Jungkook sits straighter, eyes lighting up. “Yeah! I know what you mean!” “Do you guys have a hard on for my brother?! Ugh!” She looks like she ate an entire lemon, face scrunched up in distaste, unable to understand the appeal. “Yoongi isn’t cool. An idiot is what he is. At least Jungkook knows a thing or two.” Taehyung’s palms are up in the air like he’s asking for mercy. “Listen, you can be Team Jungkook all you want, but don’t put hate on Team Yoongi.” “Fuck you,” she hisses with narrowed eyes. “Oh look at that!” Taehyung’s voice moves up two octaves and fifty decibels as you approach, like a warning siren. “Welcome back, Y/N!” You laugh, glancing at each of them as you settle down. “What’s going on?” “Oh nothing. Yoonji was just talking about how great and sweet and humble her brother is.” “No.” She sighs, dragging a hand over her face. “I was talking about how great Jungkook is.” Her arm extends diagonally over the table and she visibly struggles to compliment him, brain gears turning extra hard. “Kid’s….somewhat handsome. Right, Y/N? What do you think?” Each of them wait for your opinion, breaths held in their throats, eyes glued on your features. You smile. “I think everyone’s nice.” All of them almost facepalm themselves. // Even if you never figure out how he feels, it doesn’t change the fact that he likes your company, that he enjoys hanging out with you, that you’re quickly becoming his favourite person and best friend — a fact that would leave Taehyung sobbing. But Jungkook still likes being your buddy as painful as it can be sometimes and he doesn’t want to put that relationship at stake. So, he can’t exactly muster up courage and be less of a ‘pussy’, as Yoonji would say. He values your friendship with him too much. “What do you think of this, Kook?” You’re holding up a bright red duffel bag. “It’s your favourite colour, right? And the strap looks more durable.” He grins. “Isn’t it too bright?” “Makes you easier to spot in a crowd.” You set it down and go for the next one. “This one’s less bright.” The shade is a deep maroon, still red but more bearable on the eyes. Jungkook hums as he considers it. It’s not like he needed a new bag, but the one he had was worn out. You noticed the strap was hanging by a few threads and while he was just going to duct tape it, you dragged him to the store and he happily went if it meant spending more time with you. He catches the tag in his hand. “It’s pricey, huh?” “Guess I got expensive tastes.” You smile, but before any more can be said, the teenage clerk comes up to you two in the midst of scratching his scalp. “Hi, do you need any help?” “No, we’re okay for now. Thank you.” He nods, but before he can leave, he’s obligated to give a whole spiel — “There’s a sale on curling gloves and the new shipment of curling shoes is buy one, get one fifteen percent off.” Your brow quirks. “Actually, do you guys have any curling brushes?” “They’re right over here.” The teenager ushers you towards the back, eyes brighter at the potential commission. There are only two other customers inside the store, not a lot of traffic and even fewer sales. “Why is this one so expensive?” Jungkook slides a brush off the shelf, marveling at it from all angles. Before the clerk can say anything, you approach, fingers playing with the bristles. “It’s made from real horsehair and...the handle is fiberglass,” you say and his eyes are wide, gripping it and letting out a sound of amazement. “Usually synthetic brushes are most popular and they’re made with nylon fabric. Take a look at this one, Kook.” “It’s got a grip handle, huh?” He clutches it, finding his fingers falling in the grooves perfectly. Jungkook pretends to sweep the ground and you inspect another brush with as much concentration, staring at it an inch away from your eyes. The clerk is taken back. The pair of you are absolutely nerds about curling, knowing more than he does and he becomes lost in the conversation. You’re in your own world and he slinks away, returning back to the counter after giving one last reminder of the sales and to get him if you have any questions. Jungkook looks at the brushes and equipment with you, gaping at a set of eight curling stones that cost fifteen thousand dollars. You’re huddled down together, feeling the smooth surfaces of all the stones. He glances at you, finding you close. His eyes trace against the slope of your nose, the dip in your cupid’s bow, every lash batting as you blink. It’s a private and intimate moment, just you and him behind some shelves at the very back, huddled together. He swallows hard, resisting the urge to brush away the strand of hair that falls in front of your eyes. “So….have you always just ignored Yoongi?” “What?” You’re alarmed at the sudden topic. “Did Yoonji say something? Did he say something?!” “No, no. I’m just...curious, that’s all.” A sigh of relief releases from your lungs, muscles relaxing. “I’ve always ignored him cause I don’t know what to do with myself, Kook.” You’re frustrated with yourself and he watches the way your expression crumples into shyness and disappointment. “I get so nervous and it’s so awkward. I can’t even get a word out. I wouldn't be surprised if he hated me.” “He doesn’t hate you,” Jungkook assures without needing to think twice. “You’re….unhateable.” You smile meekly at him. “Thanks.” “You should...talk to him.” He doesn’t know what he’s saying. Jungkook is pushing his own feelings away and approaching it from a friend standpoint, what he would tell Taehyung too if he felt this way. You consider Jungkook a friend and he owes it to you to honour that and not hold you back. “Talk to him?” He nods and looks away, standing and rifling through the tracksuit jackets and sweatpants rack and keeping himself preoccupied. “Even if it’s just a few words. You don’t know if he hates you till you talk to him, right? Talking is a good start. Being friends is a good start.” “What would we even talk about?” “The weather or...curling...or Yoonji.” The boy smiles, bunny teeth on display, trying his best to be genuine and give you gentle encouragements. “That’s one thing you have in common.” A shy smile graces your features and you twiddle with your fingers. “I’ll...think about it.” He wants to cheer you on, or at least he should — so he’ll do it, even if he has to grit his teeth. You agree to consider the idea, and yet, the opportunity comes too swiftly that it rubs salts all over Jungkook’s fresh wounds. By the next practice session, Yoongi’s strolling in with his sister, bothering her and interested in watching how practice goes. He can see the way you brace yourself, inhaling deep breaths and internally psyching yourself up. When you glance at him for support, Jungkook nods and pushes you forward to talk to him. Taehyung is still changing with the other team members, Namjoon and Adora are in their office and Yoonji has moved to set up equipment. There’s no better time than now, so you approach Yoongi slowly as he sits himself on the bench. “Hey…” “Hey, chipmunk.” The nickname comes from nowhere and Yoongi immediately pockets his phone, giving you full attention when you’ve finally talked to him. No sooner are the pair of you laughing with one another. Jungkook knew you could do it. He watches from afar, not noticing that Yoonji’s walked over beside him. She’s observing as well, but without softened eyes and with crossed arms and an unimpressed look on her face. “You’re an idiot, you know that?” His voice comes out weaker than he intends. “I know….” The dark-haired boy looks away and towards his teammate. “I don’t want to be selfish. I was thinking about it and...I don’t want to fight for her. I want her to choose me.” A sad expression comes across his face and Yoonji grows quiet, looking off to nowhere in particular and when she breaks the silence, her voice is unusually soft. “Y/N’s cruel. You know you’re practically dating her already? You’re basically doing boyfriend things for her, but it isn’t official.” “No. We’re friends. And it’s not her fault for not liking me like that.” The corners of his mouth tug, hopeless and yet having reached acceptance. “She doesn't owe me anything for her friendship.” “You’re an idiot...but you’re a good guy, Jungkook.” Yoonji strolls off on the ice, mumbling about his kind personality and how she’s definitely on Team Jungkook now and Taehyung can suck it. // Jungkook wants to be put out of his misery. It’s unfortunate that the piece of advice he offers you open the entire flood gates. He knows you don’t want to bother him with your issues, you’re even apprehensive and careful, but there’s no one else to talk to. No one else you have. So, you end up consulting Jungkook for help. Not that he minds—……………...who is he kidding? You’re killing him over and over again. Having a crush on you is unbearable. He would’ve rather gotten a crush on Taehyung since at least that guy is a lot simpler to deal with and at worst, he’s only annoying. “I can’t ask Yoonji,” you grieve, sitting on his floor and leaning on the couch. “It’s her older brother and she’s not good at this sort of thing.” “I get that. She’s...brutally honest sometimes that it’s not very encouraging.” You bob your head with a pout, glad that he understands. “And Taehyung would just tease me and make it super obvious.” That only leaves him left. He’s happy that you trust him so much. But goddamn is it excruciating sometimes. You gush over Yoongi and every little thing that he does. “He’s so cute, Jungkook,” you say as you’ve looped your arm around Jungkook’s, leaning on him as you walk down the street like a couple. It doesn’t mean anything. You’re just naturally affectionate. But when he holds your hand so you don’t get lost in the crowd, the only thing you can say is, “I got his phone number and we texted back and forth for about an hour. It turns out he really likes music.” “That’s nice.” Your love story with Yoongi is unraveling right in front of his eyes. He feels like the second male lead in a drama, the one that harbours a huge crush for the female protagonist, and the one that ends up being forgotten by episode fifteen. Jungkook swore that’s not gonna be one of those guys and complain about it….but he’s human too and he ends up whining about the emotional pain internally. “I ran into him at the grocery store and he held my bags and walked me home. My mom asked about him too and said he seemed pretty nice. He was going to have dinner with us, but he already made plans with other friends.” “That’s a step forward though. It’s progress and...I-I’m glad your mom likes him.” “I know right.” You flash a ginormous smile and Jungkook realizes he can’t hate you — everything you do just makes him like you more. God. He has terrible taste in girls— No. That’s not true either. You’re amazing. It’s just that he has terrible timing. It doesn’t help that Yoonji and Taehyung are also treating him like a terminally ill patient. “Are you doing alright, Jungkook?” Taehyung speaks slowly, enunciating every syllable. It’s insulting. “Hey.” Yoonji’s hand plops onto his shoulder, oddly gentle. “Let me clean up, bud. Why don’t you go sit down?” Their sympathy doesn’t help. It does the opposite effect. And at some point, even Namjoon and Adora go easy on him during practice. Every so often, they give him these pitiful stares, using especially soft words and he doesn’t even want to ask how they know. “Oh my god, you won’t believe it!” You come to Jungkook all giddy and infectiously eager, making him excited too. “I’m going out with him!” “Really?” It’s becoming easier to smile sincerely, slowly but surely. It might take a long while for Jungkook to get rid of the feelings that he has for you, but if this is what you want, he’ll support it wholeheartedly. He wants you to be happy — even if it’s not with him. “It’s not a date or anything, he just asked me to help pick out a gift for Yoonji’s upcoming birthday and he has no idea what to get her, but oh my god, Jungkook! I wasn't prepared for this! What should I wear?!” You’re nervous, hands shaking, but also hyperactive like you’re on sugar high and ready to jump off the walls. “You’ll look fine in anything.” “What should I say?! What happens if I mess it up?!” “You won’t.” His hands secure on your shoulders, eyes locking in yours, reassuring you in a comforting voice. “You’ll be fine and if Yoongi doesn’t like you afterwards then he’s a blind man who doesn’t deserve you.” You become sheepish under his praise. “You’re so nice to me, Jungkook.” “Nah. I’m just saying how it is.” On the day of the ‘date’, Jungkook decides not to wallow by himself. He invites Taehyung over who drags Yoonji in tow; the three of them lounging on the couch together. Yoonji eats chips by the handful, digging them into her face before tearing his fridge apart, emptying it like her mouth is a vacuum while Taehyung fires up his competitive spirit huddled around the television playing video games. But as many distractions as there are and with how many friends he can surround himself with, he still can’t completely forget about you. You will always be on the back of Jungkook’s mind. “—so I wonder what it would’ve been like if I did skating instead. Sometimes I think about it.” “That’s really cute,” Yoongi notes after listening to your story and you almost combust with the way he smiles at you. “I wanted to play drums, but my parents insisted on piano, so sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if I did that instead too. Probably wouldn’t have amounted to anything.” “We never know what could happen,” you agree. He sips on his ice americano and looks over across the street. “Oh, isn’t that a curling store?” “Yeah. You don’t see many stores that just sells curling gear.” “You want to go in and take a look? Maybe we can find something for Yoonji there.” “Sure.” The two of you walk across the street and he holds the door open for you to enter the shop. You both stroll around, browsing the selection on the shelves, but not much has changed since you’ve last been in here with Jungkook two weeks ago. But despite that fact, you find your legs moving towards the corner where the maroon duffel bag is. “Are you going to get that?” Yoongi asks, noticing the way you’re staring at it carefully. You hum. “Jungkook was looking at it last week. It’s on sale right now too. I’ll probably get it for him.” Yoongi’s sleepy eyes are introspective, thoughtful, and he comments, “You and Jungkook must be really close. You talk about him a lot.” “Do I?” You didn’t notice. “Jungkook’s just really important to me, that’s all. When he first came, I didn’t talk to him at all since I thought he didn’t take curling seriously. But I was wrong. He’s been through a lot and I feel sort of guilty for judging him so quickly. He’s really sweet and don’t tell him I said this, but I was secretly a fan of him when he played hockey. He doesn’t know.” Yoongi smiles, nodding and he walks with you to the front counter. But speaking about Jungkook….you realize you kind of miss him… // He’s not sure if he wants to know or not. If the outing with Yoongi didn’t go well, he’s not sure if he would be able to hold back his delight. He might just let a grin slip and fist pump the air without thinking twice. But if it went well, Jungkook’s not sure if he can completely hide his disappointment either. He was already dead inside and now you’d just be cooking his loins. But whatever the outcome is, he knows you’ll tell him anyways. Jungkook will have to face the music one way or another whether he likes it or not. Though he is pleasantly surprised when you call him and say you don’t want to tell him over the phone, and you even admit you kind of miss hanging out with him. It’s only been a few days since you’ve seen him, but the declaration makes him feel fuzzy inside. It’s a little pathetic. But that’s just how he is these days. “Where do you want to meet then?” “I was thinking……..” “Thinking what?” he persists, wanting to know what’s going on in your mind. “If you wanted to go rollerblading. I keep passing by this rink, but it’s under construction right now, so we can’t. Never mind. It’s dumb and stupid,” you brush off. “I wouldn’t be able to do anything there. I can’t skate anyways.” “Wait.” Jungkook pauses, letting the static on the other line fill the quiet. He can’t remember the last time he talked to someone on the phone properly and not through text — but he likes it better this way. He likes hearing your voice. “You don’t know how to skate? Like at all?” “I thought you knew.” “No. I thought you could skate at least a little.” Jungkook is shocked and he laughs. “I have to teach you. You can’t play an ice sport without knowing how to skate. That’s….an abomination!” You stutter, nervous and scared, and he relishes in the cute sounds, pressing his phone closer to his ear as a smile spreads into his face. “I-I don’t know how.” “I can teach you.” “B-but is that really okay? You...can’t.” “It’s fine. Doesn’t mean I can’t teach you.” “Are you sure?” Jungkook grins, having too much fun teasing you, “You’re not getting out of this, Y/N.” His immense hockey knowledge finally comes in handy. He knows just the place to bring you where you’ll be undisturbed and you don’t have to be embarrassed by eight year old experts doing backwards figure eights and showing off. … The arena is quiet, lights only shining on the ice, the smooth surface shimmering. The ice rink has a smooth texture, unlike the curling sheet, and instead of being narrow, its oval with plenty of space to skate freely. It has yet to be marred by blades lacing patterns made by skates. Jungkook swallows hard, the cool air tingling his cheeks pink. The air is crisper here and as he takes a deep breath, he looks around at the area for an extended moment, taking in the memories. The heavy thoughts are interrupted with steps approaching behind him. The boy turns and laughs, his trance shattered by your appearance. You pout, whining at him. “Don’t laugh!” You’re decked out from head to toe in protective gear — helmet on your head, knee pads and shin pads he’s sure is meant for volleyball and you even have wrist guards. “Don’t you know how important it is for me not to be injured? I’m a valuable member that can’t be hurt.” “I know. Our precious skip shouldn’t be injured. But you know you’re not going to be hurt learning how to skate, right? You’re not playing hockey or going snowboarding.” “You don’t know that,” you mutter in weak defense. “Come on.” He shows you to the bench where the rented skates in your size are. You sit down and he eases your foot in, starting to do up the laces. Jungkook’s fingers are nimble and quick, weaving the laces together and tugging without a moment to waste. It’s all in his muscle memory and despite feeling your intent stare, he continues to pull. “Is this too tight?” “No, it’s okay.” In the next two minutes, it’s done and he steps back. “What now?” Jungkook smiles. “You stand up.” “S-stand up? What if I fall?” “You won’t. You just walk to the ice normally. Here.” His arms are out, palms facing upwards and you hold his hands tightly. Jungkook’s grip is secure and steady, keeping you grounded and he guides you forward with encouragements pouring out. “See? It won’t be that much different on ice. Just a bit more slippery.” He shows you to the white, glossy surface. One of your hands holds his and the other grips the railing. “Jungkook! Jungkook!” “It’s okay. I’m right here.” He holds you, on the ice too without realizing it. You shuffle awkwardly forward, moving your other hand to hold onto him, trusting the boy more than the railing. He won’t tell you that he’s more unstable now and might slip with his normal shoes on the ice. “Bend your knees a bit more. That’s it. Push your weight forward. Look! You’re going.” “It kind of hurts my foot.” Immediately, he is alarmed. “Are the laces too tight?!” “No, no. It’s fine. It’s just...weird, that’s it.” “Tell me if it starts being painful. We’ll stop. But try relaxing. You’re stiff.” He reassures you with every inch that you progress forward. You slip once, but he catches you in a hug, arms around your torso and thick jacket. When you flail and fall fully, your knee guards protect you and you’re ready to give up, pouting at him. You remind him of a baby giraffe or deer learning how to walk. It makes Jungkook giggle, eyes seeming brighter with the fluorescent lights overhead, irises holding stars, and he helps you stand up. You get better slowly but surely. Though you’re still not sure how this is fun. “How do figure skaters do this?” “A lot of years of practice.” He smiles, appearing more mischievous. “You want to try twirling? Or I can throw you into the air.” “No!” “You know, I can always be your figure skater partner. We’d be a killer duo.” “No! Jungkook! Don’t throw me! Please.” He laughs, all bunny teeth and crinkled eyes exposed, tinkling sound streaming from his chest. “I’m just kidding. I won’t.” “Thank you,” you whimper and he almost bursts out laughing again. He’s supportive, holding both your hands, moving carefully backwards as you skate forward. You’re cute in your helmet and when you have that concentrated expression. “You’re doing well, you know.” “I’m pretty sure it’s not supposed to be like this, Kook. I’m barely moving.” “Nah, it’s good as a start.” He squeezes your hands comfortingly. “So tell me about it. How was the date?” “It...wasn’t a date,” you mumble. “But it was good. I think. We talked and went out and looked for a present for Yoonji. Oh! Speaking of which, I have a present for you.” “For me? Is it in that huge shopping bag you were carrying? I was wondering what that was.” “I’ll give it to you later.” “You bought it on your date? What are you doing thinking about me when you’re with another guy?” Jungkook teases you, joking around with only a hint of purposeful flirting, and when you become shy, he savours your expression. “I don’t know. I just saw it and thought of you.” He smiles, all too happy that his cheeks could burst. “But you had a good date with Yoongi?” “Yeah. It was fun and you were right, I didn’t mess up.” “Are there any plans to go on another one?” “I’m not sure.” You’re skating faster than before, gliding fluidly across the ice. Your eyes glance down, realizing how cold his toes must be and how miraculous it is that he hasn’t slipped even once. It occurs to you that you’re the one holding him and not the other way around. But still, Jungkook’s hands clutch yours tightly, making you feel warm as sweat builds at your hairline. You like him very much — and even then, that remark is an enormous understatement to you. Jungkook is thoughtful and kind, and also really funny. You could spend all day talking to him or being with him, even if you’re both doing nothing. “You know, you didn't have to do this for me.” You’re aware that it must be hard for him to be out here. He hasn’t been skating since his accident or even been to an arena like this. “It’s okay.” Jungkook smiles softly, making your chest feel strangely fuzzy. “To be honest, I just wanted a reason to be with you, that’s all…” His words are spoken sincerely and your eyes widen, seeing him for the first time. His deep brown eyes are glimmering in the lights, skin glowing and features youthful yet mischievous. He stares at you with a smile and as you’re distracted looking back at him, speechless, your right foot goes over your left. For a mere moment, you forget you’re on skates and your left foot catches on the other, making your weight shift. You lose balance, tripping, and Jungkook’s caught off guard by the sudden movement. There’s a sharp gasp that rips from your lungs, an inhale that squeezes from his throat and you collide together. But Jungkook catches you before you hit the ground, reflexes quick and he rolls with you to absorb the impact. Everything is delayed. Your eyes flutter open slowly, realizing that you are indeed still alive and not hurt or aching anywhere. The world slowly comes into focus as you blink, vision registering again. The light above you should pierce your eyes, but instead there’s a shadow over you. Despite wearing a helmet and protecting your skull from any impact, Jungkook has his hand on the back of your neck, shielding you from the ice. He’s over you, bodies pressed together, a mere inch away. He’s about to ask you if you’re okay, but the words get jumbled in his mouth when he realizes he could count all your lashes from the mere proximity you are to him. His hot breath pulls from his parted lips, skimming over your warm cheeks. You stare at those reddened lips — how small and delicate they are, how the cutest and tiniest mole dots beneath them — before your pupils flick up to meet his. Except Jungkook’s eyes have strayed off elsewhere, directly on your mouth. He swallows hard, Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. You don’t waste another second. No thoughts are present in your mind, purely instinct and you move upwards. Jungkook tilts his head at an angle and leans down, meeting you halfway. It’s velvet, only slightly chapped at the corners from the cold. He exhales, lips parted ever so slightly, hesitant to deepen the kiss. His half-lidded eyes drink in your pleasured expression, the slight furrow of your brows as you concentrate on kissing him back, the way your eyes are shut tight. And he closes his own lids to relish in the feeling alone. He kisses you gently, softly, but like he’s been starved for affection — eager. You’re pliant beneath him, molded against his body and it’s better than what he could’ve daydreamed about. You smell like fresh linen and gentle laundry detergent, his favourite. But what surprises Jungkook is that your lips taste like peppermint chapstick, or maybe it’s a candy cane flavour. He pushes against you harder, trying to pinpoint the exact taste, only knowing that it’s making his own mouth tingle. Unintentionally, Jungkook draws a squeak out of you, the slightest of whines and it snaps him out of it, enough to pull away. The two of you are catching your breaths, staring at each other, unable to utter a single word to one another. Speechless. Dumbfounded. Jungkook’s own mind is blank. He’s dazed, not sure what just happened. It’s surreal and he’s reeling. The little person who’s supposed to run his brain activity is instead sprinting in circles, caught on fire and screaming. ….What? It was out of nowhere and now the atmosphere is tinged with awkwardness. Jungkook has a strong urge to kiss you again, but before he can do so, he’s interrupted when you squirm beneath him, hands lightly pushing at his chest. “Y-you’re heavy, Kook.” “S-sorry.” He rolls off and directly onto the ice. It’s cold, but it still can’t bring down his body temperature. Jungkook mumbles apologies as he gets up. Every movement of his is delayed and he realizes you need help after three beats. He holds your hand, helping you stand onto your skates, still dizzy from what just happened. “It’s okay,” you reply shyly after he mumbles his tenth apology. You kissed him back. You met him halfway. You wanted it just as much as he did. “I….liked it.” Jungkook combusts. Almost. Does this mean you like him? Or was that just a friendly kiss? Like you did it on accident and spontaneously and it just marks your friendship with him?! Like ‘hey! Jungkook! You’re my best friend and we kissed once...ha..ha….’ Were friendly kisses even a thing? What WAS that?! Now Jungkook feels like the clueless, dumb one. The single cell in his brain is having a difficult time operating. He’s not thinking. But the one thing he is doing is trying not to grin and look like an idiot in front of you. The pair of you skate a bit more. You squeeze his hand. Not much is spoken except for mumbles. But nothing else needs to be said. // There’s a curling match in two weeks time. It’s business as usual. The men’s and women’s team are warming up together, Namjoon conducting their practice while Adora is scribbling on her clipboard, having designed a special routine for mixed. The practice sessions schedule continues without any more trouble. It’s finally normal, no more fights or underlying grudges, zero interruptions….or so Jungkook thought. “—village next year. So, there’s still a lot we have to prepare for.” You’re strolling in with Yoongi, talking to him without holding back. It’s a casual conversation and from the outside, it looks like you’re the talkative one. There isn’t any trace of shyness in your features, unfazed like it’s completely normal. And that’s enough to shake Yoonji to her core. She frowns, coming to stand by Jungkook and watching this monstrosity unfold. “Did something happen?” Before he can come up with a response, Taehyung runs up to the two of them, throwing his arms around their shoulders. “What’s going on now? I always feel like you’re leaving me out of the loop. What are we staring at today?” He pouts, looking between the female and male’s profiles before his eyes stray off. “Oh. You got a new bag?” The maroon duffel bag is slung onto Jungkook’s shoulder by his side, brand new with just the tag cut off. “Oh yeah. Y/N bought it for me.” “Team Jungkook going strong, huh?” he comments. You quickly notice that everyone’s gathered and you bid farewell to Yoongi. The entire walk towards them, Jungkook’s pupils are pinpointed on your face, openly gawking at you like you’re the most magnificent painting while you’re diverting your vision elsewhere. Involuntarily, you draw into yourself, having a hard time looking him in the eyes, face feeling particularly hot. You face Yoonji, outright ignoring Jungkook. “Ummm...I..I think we should talk about strategy for the upcoming match.” “Yeah. That’s a good idea.” “I’ll let coach know.” You walk over to Adora who’s still scribbling things down furiously. Taehyung turns to Jungkook, lost, and repeating the exact same thing as Yoonji, “What happened?” “I don’t know.” Jungkook is genuinely bewildered and confused why you’re ghosting him. It reminds him of when he first met you, except worse. Was it really that bad? Was it a mistake after all? “I win,” Yoonji declares with a smirk. The two males gape at her, still not getting it, and she rolls her eyes with a sigh. “I’m surrounded by idiots…” The end of practice comes quicker than expected. Time moves faster when things are going well and are equally enjoyable. It’s not too shabby and it’s evident in the way Adora is screaming less these days. Everyone is standing outside, waiting for one another and whoever is left in the change room. It’s become tradition between the four of you to eat somewhere together after practice — a custom that is beginning to burn a few holes through some wallets, but no one particularly minds when they can just spend less on groceries. “Hey.” Yoongi strolls up to Jungkook. The both of them acquaintances on the verge of some sort of friendship. The younger boy accepts it with open arms, enjoying chats with him. He finds him the more bearable Min sibling after all — though he’ll never let Yoonji know that. “—yeah, probably head back in like a weak or so. Another semester.” A long sigh squeezes out of Yoongi. “I should just jump off a bridge now.” “I feel like Yoonji would be pissed if you did that.” Jungkook grins. “Funerals are expensive.” He scoffs. “You’re right. She’d rather drop my body into the ocean and let me sink to the bottom than spend money on a coffin.” The younger male laughs. “There’s no point in spending money on a corpse.” A grin draws on Yoongi’s face, gums shown in his smile. “That’s exactly what she would say. Jeez. She’s going to give me an aneurysm.” “I wouldn’t doubt it,” he agrees. “The only person that can handle her is Y/N.” Yoongi’s reminded of something and he hums a low note. “Speaking of which, she talks about you a lot.” “Who? Y/N? She does?” “Yeah. She’s a nice girl and you seem to have a good head on your shoulders.” Yoongi’s arm lifts to the height of his chest and his hand curls into a fist. He gives a subtle fist pump of encouragement while flashing a grin, conveying he’s supporting Team Jungkook too.

In the meanwhile, you finally get outside, finding Yoonji and Taehyung huddled together by the doors. “Where’s Jungkook? Is he coming with us?” Yoonji playfully shrugs, lips pouty. “He’s over there talking to my dumbass brother. I don’t want to talk to him. He’s been following me everywhere and I’m sick and tired of him. You go get Jeon.” “But—” “Go, hurry!” She complains and pushes you forward. “Taehyung and I are going first!” He blinks, eyes wide. “We are?” “It’s too goddamn cold.” Yoonji’s hands are dug in her pockets, shoulders up and tense, trying to conserve heat. The female skedaddles away before anyone can get another word in and Taehyung is forced to catch up to her. You swallow hard, bracing yourself before approaching with slow steps. The two males quiet down when they see you and you nonchalantly greet the older. “Hey, Yoongi. Have you packed yet?” “In the process of it. I should probably go home and do it before I procrastinate again.” You nod, looking away before your hand comes up, fingers shyly grabbing Jungkook’s sleeve. “It’s….time to go.” “Oh, okay.” The both of you walk off after Yoongi bids farewell and you answer him back in mumbles. He watches with an approving smile before turning to walk his own way home. The pair of you walk beside each other in silence. Jungkook steals a glance at you and at the exact same time as he whips his head back to face forward, you’re the one to glance at him. No one says anything. But each of your arms are straight by your side and with how close he’s walking next to you, steps synchronized together, the back of his hand brushes yours. Your skin skims against one another, sending a sea of goosebumps up the arm, hair standing on end, heartbeat thundering next to your rib cage. Jungkook inhales a sharp breath and takes a leap of faith, channeling his courage. He is cautious and hesitant, hand slipping into yours. A part of him is afraid that you’ll withdraw your arm, cower away, but you open your palm, letting him. The two of you hold each other’s hands, delicately and softly, somehow different from all the times before. There’s nothing necessary to say when subtle touches and obvious feelings are loud enough. “Your takeout shots are good,” you whisper, bringing up curling. It’s one of the things that you and Jungkook have the most in common — and he smiles, both from your praise and realizing you’re using his advice right back at him. “Thanks. I’ve been working on it.” You hum, losing tension in your muscles. “I think your guard shots are a bit strong.” “Really?” “I just noticed….as the skip.” “Well, if you think so as the skip, then I’ll have to work harder on it.” Jungkook’s smile widens, and he takes yet another glimpse of your face before looking away. “But...can you help me?” You nod, squeezing his hand tenderly. “We’ll do it together.” “Together.” It sounds pleasant to the ears and he savours the word on his tongue, chest blooming in warmth by the second. He feels at ease. If you’re here together with him, Jungkook’s sure he could take on anything.

#bts fanfic #jungkook fluff #jungkook fanfic #bts scenario #jungkook scenario #Jungkook as a curling player who harbours A NOT SO SECRET CRUSH #OC who also happens to harbour a not so secret crush looool #what a coincidence huuuuh?#but there might be a smol issue with that

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INANIMATE

We pride ourselves on providing an experience so rich that patrons would be happy to stay forever.

The Mistholme Museum of Mystery, Morbidity, and Mortality is written, performed, and edited by Dom Guilfoyle. Published by That's Not Canon Productions. Dom's cats can be seen at https://www.instagram.com/dom_question_mark/ Their T-Shirts can be bought at https://www.teepublic.com/user/domguilfoyle For more Mistholme, subscribe to the show and like the Facebook page. Don't sleep with one eye open- that's how they get in.

TRANSCRIPT:

Hello and welcome to the Mistholme Museum of Mystery, Morbidity and Mortality. This audio tour guide will be your constant companion in your journey through the unknown and surreal.

As you approach our exhibits, the audio tour guide will provide you with information and insights into their nature and history.

Do not attempt to interact or communicate with the exhibits.

Do not attempt to interact or communicate with the audio tour guide. If you believe that the audio tour guide may be deviating from the intended tour program, please deposit your audio device in the nearest incinerator.

While the staff here at Mistholme Museum of Mystery Morbidity and Mortality do their absolute best to ensure the safety of all visitors, accidents can happen. The museum is not liable for any injury, death, or spaghettification that may occur during your visit.

Enjoy your tour.

And good luck.

On your right, you will see a table and two chairs: one a dark mahogany, the other a pale white, both with fine leather cushions in their respective seats. The white chair's name is Daniel. For your own safety- and common courtesy, please refrain from referring to him by any other names or gender identities.

Daniel came to our attention a few years ago after his last owner- well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. His owner, Samantha Hargreave, received Daniel as a final gift from her dying grandmother. It Is unknown if they had a positive relationship, as while Daniel is a very nice and well-made chair, he did come with a caveat which soured the deal somewhat: his name is Daniel, and Samantha and must greet him as such every morning and night. Under no circumstances could she call him by any other name, and she must never fail to greet him. Grandmother Hargreave was reportedly very insistent on this matter. Samantha and the rest of her family dismissed this advice, as Grandmother Hargreave had been quote "a bit not right in the head for the last few years" end quote.

However, the next morning, when Samantha came downstairs to make breakfast and prepare for the day ahead, she felt a strange and unsettling aura emanating from the dining room. Though she tried to put it out of her mind, she couldn't help but feel that Daniel- who had received a prime position at the head of her dining table- was watching her, always lurking in the corner of her eye. When she sat on Daniel in order to eat her scrambled eggs, she felt pins and needles shoot up her spine. The eggs tasted like ash in her mouth, and her coffee was unusually bitter. The ominous energy grew and grew until she could hardly bear it, at which point, almost unaware that she was doing it at all, she swallowed a mouthful of eggs and mumbled "Good morning Daniel, you're very comfortable today."

The fog in her head lightened instantly and was replaced with a sense of brightness and satisfaction, which she likened to the sensation of "trying on a new top for the first time and finding that it fits perfectly." While Daniel was perfectly silent and still, as ever, she could swear that he felt satisfied, like a contented cat. She finished her breakfast- which suddenly tasted like the finest gourmet food- and left for work.

The next morning she felt the same unpleasant atmosphere when she came downstairs- but this time, she walked right over to Daniel, patted his cushion, and said "good morning Daniel". The same lightening effect occurred instantly, and so this routine continued for the next two years of Samantha and Daniel's lives. It came to an abrupt stop when Samantha returned from a business trip which had kept her from home for a full week. Even before she got off the plane, she could feel a familiar sense of foreboding and resentment- Daniel was angry with her. He had been neglected and- as Samantha discovered when she got home, he had taken it out on her other possessions. Every item in her dining room had been smashed to pieces, including several antiques and all but one of the windows. The other chairs had gotten the worst of it, as they had first been smashed, and then burnt and their ashes scattered across the room.

Daniel hadn't moved an inch. Samantha approached him, standing where the table used to be, and said "did you do this?". The only response she received was a sudden wave of nausea and an urge to sit down. She asked again: "Did you do this?" The atmosphere darkened further, and Samantha knew why: she still hasn't said hello. But Samantha was understandably upset with Daniel, and so instead she huffed and turned to go to bed. From force of habit, she began to say "Goodnight Daniel", but she caught herself. A thought had occurred to her. She turned, looked at the chair, and said "Goodnight Josh". As she headed upstairs, she heard the final window shatter.

For some time after, Samantha began her mornings by standing in her dining room and eating her breakfast while staring at Daniel. When she was done, she picked up her handbag and said goodbye to Daniel, each time with a different name: Matthew, Chris, Arnold, and so on. Her house was becoming more and more dilapidated as each day passed and Daniel's rage grew, but Samantha found that the satisfaction of quote "getting one over on that stupid bloody chair" unquote was more than enough to make up for the ongoing destruction of her home.

Then, one day, the person she was dating at the time insisted on dropping her home in their car. As they pulled up outside her house, Daniel caught a glimpse of them sitting in the car, and snapped. The seats beneath Samantha and her suitor burst into flames, and though the occupants were able to get away with only mild burns, Samantha had had enough. Leaving her date to stare at the car as it was engulfed in flames, Samantha stormed into the house and confronted Daniel with a barrage of insults, mocking the stitching of his cushion, the grain of his wood, the steadiness of his legs, and throughout she peppered in a number of different names. She could feel Daniel's rage growing as she ranted, but she didn't care. Finally, just as she was running out of ways she could insult Daniel, she had an idea. One that, in hindsight, she couldn't believe she hadn't had before: she looked at Daniel, smirked, and said “Goodnight, Danielle.”

The chair sitting at the table across from Daniel is named Samantha. While, unlike Daniel, she is a deep mahogany, it is expected that her colour will fade over the next few decades, until she looks almost identical to Daniel.

The table between them has not expressed a desire to be referred to by any name or gender identity, though Museum staff regularly check to see if this has changed.

The Curator just thought that it looked a bit weird to have two chairs without a table.

Many patrons and Museum Staff have reported that the lighting in this room tends to put them in a nostalgic mood, reminding them of an event from their youth. If you are affected, you may experience the following symptoms. Your mind may be cast back to a trip your family took when you were young. Perhaps it was a camping trip, or maybe you were touring a foreign country. In particular, it may remind you of a night you didn’t realise you remembered with such clarity. It wasn’t a particularly memorable night, as you and your family stayed in your accommodation and had takeout for dinner. You may smile wistfully, looking back on this night as one of those pleasantly mundane events that don’t mean much in the moment, but are in hindsight the building blocks that make up a life well-lived. You may remember looking around at your family and feeling a kind of contentment that is increasingly hard to come by in this ever more complex and uncertain world. Your eye may be caught by something you didn’t expect to see: a man, sitting between your parents, whom you don’t remember being there. He is smiling and laughing at something your mother said, and as he does so he catches your eye and freezes. Everyone else looks around at what startled him so much, and when they see you they recoil in shock and fright. You can see in their eyes that they don’t recognise you- worse than that… they’re afraid of you. You look around at your family and realise that you are a stranger to these people, your mother backing away, your father angrily asking who you are, the man you don’t recognise is standing up, he’s walking towards you and as he gets closer and closer you see his face changing into something far more familiar and yet far more terrifying because the man is gone and now you’re staring into your own face, your own eyes, your own mouth whispering in a voice like honey and chocolate and coffee all at once “You don’t belong here anymore. They’re mine.” and he’s so close and he’s reaching out and-

Then the memory usually fades.

You also might not experience this. It’s different for different people.

Something about the lighting.

This is Ivan Ivanovich. As you can see, Ivan is a mannequin, similar to the crash test dummies commonly used to test car safety- though Ivan is somewhat more lifelike. He is largely made of metal, with skin made from synthetic leather, and he is clad in a bright orange space suit. As you may have gathered from his name and attire, he was created to test the Vostok spacecraft used in the Soviet Space program in the 1960s, and according to official records he made two successful trips into earth’s orbit in the year 1961. Interestingly, you can also see Ivan on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. You may be wondering “which of these is the original”. The answer, confoundingly, appears to be that they both are.

On the 25th of March 1961, the spacecraft Korabl-Sputnik 5 successfully launched, orbited the earth once, then made re-entry. On board was a veritable menagerie of small animals such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, lizards, bacteria, and a dog named Zvyozdochka- all of which were used for testing the effects of space travel on living creatures- and the mannequin dubbed Ivan Ivanovich. NOTE: Due to frequent requests from our patrons, we would like to add that none of these animals were harmed during the course of the flight. Please do not get upset, or register any complaints to the museum regarding the mistreatment of animals.

During re-entry, Ivan was- according to plan- ejected from the module with a parachute, after which he came to rest outside a village near the Ural Mountains, where he was briefly mistaken for a dead body by confused villagers before being retrieved. The main module, filled with adorable and lovely animals, safely landed elsewhere, and the animals all went on to live long and happy lives. The mission was declared a rousing success, and paved the way for Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight just a few weeks later.

This is where we here at the museum come into the story. You see, the Museum’s staff play a rather more prominent role in this exhibit’s history than in most cases. This is very much by design, as part of our purpose here is to collect interesting or noteworthy objects and stories, and we pride ourselves in not being interesting or noteworthy. However, in this instance it is somewhat unavoidable. Because on the 27th of March, 1961, the Museum’s scanners picked up a transmission from just outside earth’s orbit. The transmission was, at first, a garbled combination of a russian choir singing and a man reciting a recipe for cabbage soup; these were the placeholder transmissions broadcast from Korabl-Sputnik 5, and would have been little more than a curiosity were it not for the fact that Korabl-Sputnik 5 and its cargo of precious animals were safely back in the custody of the USSR, and had been for some hours at this point. Our technicians assumed that there was some sort of error with their equipment, and were in the process of double checking their instruments when the signal cut out- and was replaced by the voice of a man, clearly panicking, begging for help in Russian. Still unsure of what exactly was going on, the technicians brought a translator to decipher the mysterious man’s words. The translator reported that the man was identifying himself as Ivan Ivanovich, and that he was claiming to be aboard Korabl-Sputnik 5. A Cosmonaut, he had been launched into space the previous day and had since lost contact with Soviet Space Command. He begged for help, claiming that something had gone wrong with the craft’s trajectory and it was uncontrollably spinning away into space. Though skeptical, the technicians did their due diligence, bringing the Museum’s Observatory online and directing it toward the signal’s origin. When they saw what appeared to be Korabl-Sputnik 5, the technicians immediately contacted Soviet Space Command.

The response, however, only served to make the situation even more complicated: the Soviets insisted that the Korabl-Sputnik 5 had made its re-entry successfully, that the vessel and its occupants were safely on solid ground, and that Ivan Ivanovich was most assuredly not a living person capable of making distress calls. Confounded, the technicians also contacted NASA and asked if they could offer any insight into the matter: this led to a rare instance of international harmony between the two superpowers, as representatives of both the USA and USSR came together to laugh at these silly foreigners, who seemed to believe that a dummy had magically come to life in outer space. Chagrined by this mockery, and nonetheless certain that action needed to be taken immediately, the technicians escalated this matter to the highest authority within the Museum.

After a brief conference call with the Museum's Curator, a joint operation between NASA and the Soviet Space Program was launched, with information shared between both nations leading to the creation of a craft capable of retrieving Ivan Ivanovich. The craft, manned by a select crew of Astronauts, Cosmonauts, and Museum Personnel, burned hard, on a tight timeline to catch up with the mysterious vessel before it got out of range. Throughout the hours-long journey the Museum staff on the ground were in constant contact with Ivan Ivanovich, who was equal parts grateful for the rescue and terrified that it might fail. Finally, just as the craft was about to cross the threshold into being irretrievable, the brave crew caught it and redirected it back toward earth. It safely made re-entry and was swiftly located by Museum Agents.

But when the Agents opened the capsule, they were taken aback by what they saw within: an inanimate mannequin, with skin of synthetic leather, and bones of metal, clad in an orange flight suit. The various animals that had been sent up with the mannequin were… fine, and the agents each adopted a different one and gave it a very good home. The mannequin was identical in every way to the one that had touched down near the Ural Mountains two days prior- including in its silence. For a moment, back at the Museum, the Curator and technicians wondered if they had indeed been pranked. Then, a final transmission came through. It was very faint, almost lost in a sea of static, but recognisably the same voice from before, asking when the rescue would come. The Observatory’s telescopes were refocused, and they saw Korabl-Sputnik 5, now hopelessly out of reach, spinning away into the endless black. Though the image quality was poor, the operators of the telescope could just barely detect movement through one of the craft’s viewports. And just before the signal was lost forever, the Museum’s radio operators received a final message from Ivan Ivanovich. “I’m scared.”

The union between the USA and USSR collapsed almost immediately after this incident, as neither side could agree who would get custody of the specialised craft built for the mission. To save face, they agreed to never publicly admit to the collaboration, and the ship was dismantled and the plans destroyed. This left only the question of what to do with the duplicate Korabl-Sputnik 5 and Ivan Ivanovich. After some debate, it was decided that, quote, “it belongs in a museum” unquote.

Specifically, this one.

Thank you for visiting the Mistholme Museum of Mystery, Morbidity, and Mortality. We hope that you have enjoyed your visit, and that you will return one day, in this life or the next. Please, tell your friends about what a great time you had here- but don’t tell them too much! If they’re worthy, we’ll find them. Stay safe out there.

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