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#and not being able to cope with that gave up his lives and handed leadership to his deputy darkwhisp and became a senior warrior again

rab1dd0g · 1 year

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"Pinky Swear?"

Hunter rustled around in his dimly lit tent when he was supposed to be sleeping. He was careful to not wake anybody in their own nearby, respected tents. While rummaging around in his bag, he began to become increasingly irritated when he couldn’t find what he was looking for and briefly gave up on his search with a huff.

Looking up, he was reminded of Willow for a moment due to what the tent was made out of. It was more of a makeshift tent than anything but he was still impressed at her leadership and creativity by using her plant magic to make the structure in the first place. His eyes trailed down to the inner side of the leaf before reaching out with his hand. Softly and slowly, he ran it down a small portion of the giant leaf, taking in the texture of the veins of the plant atop the wooden base. He shivered at the feeling, feeling the goosebumps from across his body; the strongest being where his hand touched the leaf.

Hunter's mind started to trail off as he became more pensive about his experiences with his friends.

He thought about something as simple as a sports game was able to bond him to Willow. How he ached to tell her how much those moments in his life meant to him leading up to now. He had never felt such strong kinship in his life. It truly showed him that other witches could be trusted and treated as if they’d always been by his side. It made him feel empowered, it made him feel like he didn't need to be alone, and it made him question if being alone really was the best course of action.

It made him think about how something equally as simple as a breathing technique bonded him to Gus. How he was able to comfort Hunter; though he didn't open up and wouldn't admit it then, he helped. Hunter’s reciprocation by trying to comfort Gus later. Even if that meant facing his own ugly, nerve wracking memories. How such a small gesture from Gus was rebound back at him. Even if it wasn’t the technique that helped, but his own dorky tooth gap making the air he circulated whistle as it left his mouth.

He couldn't forget who lit the fire to begin with either. How Luz took the first steps with him to break his wall that had been built by himself and his so-called relative. She was the first who made him question his morals, who gave any iota of kinship towards him without something feeling off, who shone the light on who the Emperor really is.

Now he knows how and why he was created. Knowing he wasn’t the first. He wondered if he would have really been the last, how many Golden Guards there were in exact numbers and how long each of them lived. How long it took for Belos to chart, go through with, and attempt to succeed in his plan to eliminate the Boiling Isles. Even though he was raised in the castle, it makes sense why it never felt like home, and more like hunting grounds. Knowing his ancestry prior to the invasion of the emperor's mind. The extra bit of information made so much more sense as to why things were the way they were. Hunter would never forget the day his reality was ripped out from under him, even if it was for the better.

Hunter’s mood began to sour, the emotional whiplash setting in as he remembered what he was originally going to do; his previous train of thought reminding him of his participation in such a ugly coping mechanism. His mind began to swim with all of his memories from the Emperor's Coven, especially his abuser. All the things that happened behind closed throne doors. All the times he was reminded of how much people didn’t want him around. The disrespect, betrayal and mental agony that he thought was normal.

Hunter could feel his galdorstone heart begin to pump harder as his consciousness sank further into his thoughts. His body grew lighter and started to tremble. His memories of the Emperor punishing him by ripping his left cheek clean open. He couldn’t look Belo’s in the eye or even generally around him for too long without feeling the same fear course though him, causing him to break down, accompanied by the feeling of being so, so little. It was almost like he could feel the chill air entering his mouth though his wound, the flesh rubbing against his teeth after trying to speak through the shock of what happened.

Belo’s words jumbled together in his head, sounding nothing more than gibberish even as he got closer to Hunter. All he knew was Belo’s anger and disappointment towards Hunter didn't need any utterance as his lesion spoke loudly to him through the drips pittering on the cold castle floors. His vision blurred as he turned away from The Emperor to go and clean himself up.

The water stinging against his large gash that night grounded him and made him feel more at ease for some strange reason, even with him recoiling while he hissed in pain. He would go back under the water anyways just for the pain to make him feel the rush of relaxation coming in waves; A dull stupor soon taking over, making the water stop burning in his facial laceration. He remembered being glad that his face felt numb and that he showered right after in the first place. It made stitching it together less excruciating and easier to clean all the blood up.

All he could think about was his time in the human realm, how it had been ripped away from him so violently. Any healing he had felt stripped away in an instant all because of one man's strife with someone Hunter was only based off of. His first friend, his first confidant, uprooted by the bitter and wrathful piece of shit he looked up to and falsely owed for being a savior to him.

Flapjack, oh Flapjack.

As angry as Hunter felt, nothing could surpass the heart throbbing guilt of losing his palismen. Of his own hands, killing his palismen. The one who kept him going right when he wanted to give up, when things took a turn for the worse. This gut wrenching feeling made tears start to well and spill out of his eyes, Hunter trying his best to keep his sobs quiet as he didn’t want to stir anybody into consciousness. This proved to be a daunting task as he kept hiccuping his remorse over and over again, small cries slipping out of his lips.

In the midst of this, he sprung up from his sleeping bag and shuffled vigorously on his knees to his backpack. He began to dig around, except this time he was rummaging around with great urgency; tears wetting his scarred forearms and backpack as he shuffled through it. His breathing was heavy and erratic. Anybody could hear him unsteadily gasping for air like he was going to die, continuing to hiccup as he did so. The only thing he could think about was Flapjack and just how much he wanted to stop feeling this way and to stop crying. For his dearest friend to come back, for Belos to burn, and for everything to be okay, just this once.

His digging got more frantic, objects now being slung over his shoulders and hitting the ground behind him. His first aid kit that he had put together from Luz’s bathroom flew open after it hit the ground behind him. Gauze, bandages, medical tape and wound wrap scattering in the surrounding area.

At this point, he was so lost in his emotions that he wasn’t considering how other people could hear him, he could only think about how desperately he needed to get his turmoil under control, and he knew just how; all he needed was to find his blade before his cries got any louder. How he cursed himself for putting it inside something so small.

Getting to the bottom of his bag, he finally found them. The small green container being snatched with fast yet trembling hands. He slipped up a few times in the process of opening the container; once he did, he ripped his sweater sleeve up his arm and started with no hesitation.

They were fast and uncoordinated. Being so distressed he wasn’t paying attention to how deep any of them were, many of them turning white before any blood seeped out. It was warm on his arm, albeit the pleasant air feeling cool under the night sky. It stung as he continued. Doing it over old scarred tissue proved to hurt a lot more considering how new his biggest, most recent one was. He covered his whole left forearm in gashes before his breathing began to slow; the fog of that familiar cloudiness sweeping over his mind before he finally began to destress. The high was so relieving, a heavy sigh escaping with his body becoming lax soon after. The flow of his tears slowed, but they did not completely stop building up.

Wiping his glossy eyes, he sat and began to unwind with a serious heaviness sitting comfortably in his body. Shuffling his knees across the ground towards his sleeping bag, he got in with his forearm to the side as to not get any blood onto his bed. More of a hassle to clean than he would like it to be; nonetheless, it would be one more thing to clean up. He stared up at the ceiling to his tent in a stupor. Even though his eyes were heavy, he didn't feel physically tired, just heavy and hazy. With a sniffle, a few more tears escaped before he heard rustling in one of the tents nearby.

“Shit!” He thought as fright attacked his body again.

Bolting upwards, Hunter sprung out of his sleeping bag and tried his best to get everything on the ground into his bag, missing things along the way, and getting blood all over himself and his belongings in his panic. With murmuring in the distance, he quickly grabbed the ball of light and collapsed it in his hand to turn it off. He rushed into his sleeping bag covers and turned inwards to the wall of the tent. He tried his best to get his breathing under control, trying to mimic his breathing as if he was asleep. The only thing he could thank Belo’s for, honestly.

He could hear soft footsteps start to head towards his tent, getting louder before they stopped right outside of his tent opening. A beat passed before his tent covering audibly shifted and soft steps stopped behind him. Hunter could feel their presence but he did not dare to give up on his facade.

“I know you’re awake, Hunter.” It was Luz. Her voice was soft and hushed.

Hunter remained silent and continued to pretend he was asleep, making sure to keep his left forearm as close to himself as he could. So much for having one less thing to clean.

He heard some quiet shuffling and feet dragging across the ground before it had stopped. Titan, how much he wished he could just be invisible right now.

“Mama could hear you, she wanted to come over and comfort you but…” Luz paused as she looked at the ground and fiddled with her thumbs. It was so quiet that her skin could be heard rubbing against itself. “...she says it wasn’t the first time this has happened; and I know how uncomfortable it can be having someone catch you in the act.” As soft as it was, her tone alone gave Hunter a very good idea how heavy-hearted she felt right now.

Hunter gave up trying to fool her and sat up, bringing his knees to his chest. Pulling up his right sleeve, he rested both of his arms on his knees, left forearm atop the right. His bloodied forearm feeling cold against the top of his right arm.

“I’m sorry you had to find out like this.” His voice was low, and grim. The guilt was already eating away at his conscience.

“Don’t be sorry, I’m just glad that I know now so that I can help you.”

Hunter remained quiet as Luz stuck her hand in her pocket, pulling out a light glyph.

“I need some light so I can bandage you up.”

Hunter spoke immediately after Luz did, borderline cutting her off.

“I know how to bandage myself.” He met Luz’s gaze in the dark, putting more bite in his words than he would have liked. “Do you think the healing coven tended to any of my injuries as the Golden Guard?”

He could see Luz retract into herself in the moonlight, A heavier rush of guilt swept over him. “I’m..” There was a lull before Hunter continued. “I’m sorry.” More tears rushed to his eyes, enough added to the previous ones that they fell. “I just really don’t want anybody to see me like this.”

“I know, Hunter. I’ve been in your place before.” Luz sympathized and scooted closer to rest a hand on his shoulder. She rubbed through his sweater with her thumb, softly. “I understand your anger too. I know you must feel angry at yourself for waking me and Mama up and causing us to worry.” She chortled dryly before speaking again. “I remember when my mom found me in the bathroom during the middle of the night for the first time. It wasn’t very fun.” She sighed through her nose, turning her attention to the entryway of Hunter’s tent before looking back at Hunter and tentatively pleading to him. “Please, let me help you Hunter.”

Hunter looked up at Luz, he could see her eyes, the moonlight shining on them though the gaps at the top of the tent, making the tears in her eyes discernable in the dark.

“Okay.”

Luz turns her head downward and takes her hand off Hunter’s shoulder. She opens her hand to cast the light glyph. It floats, glows up, and grows from the size of a bead to the circumference of Luz’s palm up into the air. As Luz looks around, she spots Hunter’s medical supplies still scattered across the ground. Hunter shrinks in on himself in embarrassment.

Luz stands up, gathers the medical supplies in the container they were originally in and loops her finger in Hunter’s water bottle handle before turning back to face him.

“Do you have a cloth?”

“I don’t think so.” Hunter replied sheepishly.

“That’s alright.” Luz closed the small distance between them and sat down. She extended her arm to Hunter, scars of her own shining in the glyphs light. “May I see your razor blade?” She asked politely.

Hunter hesitated for a second before turning to the right to grab the slightly rusted pencil sharpener blade where he had set it down. He guiltily averted Luz’s gaze as he placed the small and sharp piece of metal into Luz’s open palm. She looked at it for a second before a striking resemblance in the blade dawned upon her.

“Hunter..” she opened gingerly before pausing to collect herself briefly. “..is this mine?”

Hunter could feel his face begin to heat up as his eyes bored into the ground. “Mmhm.” He drawled, his lips pressed into a thin line, the end of the hum higher pitched than the rest.

Luz took a deep breath, paused, and drew out her exhale.

“Even though you went snooping in my room, it’s okay-” she cut herself off before continuing. “Well, it’s not okay, but, I guess we could be considered blood siblings now!” She joked wryly.

Hunter, albeit still embarrassed, went along with Luz’s sense of humor and laughed stonily at her attempt to lighten up the situation. He sighed as his face cooled off. Luz put down the blade and opened up the water bottle. She turned and slipped her right leg under her left thigh before pressing the mouth of the bottle against her pant leg, some water soaking through and running down her ankle onto the ground. Hunter watched in confusion.

“What are you doing?” He questioned.

“Just wiping off the razor and my hand. I mean I do consider you to be the brother I never had, but I don’t think I need your blood in my system too.” She laughed with integrity while she reached behind herself to grab the blade.

Hunter reciprocated and laughed as well. “I guess you’re right.”

Hunter continued to watch as Luz pinched and rubbed the blade in between the fabric, before taking it out and pinching it in her other hand. She then used her free hand to grab her damply spotted pant leg. Hunter became bewildered again, but before he could ask, Luz was cutting a good chunk of fabric off of her pant leg.

“Luz! Why are you cutting your pant leg?!” Hunter exclaimed as his head shot up and turned to face Luz fully.

“Hunter, it’s okay.” Luz smiled reassuringly while continuing to cut around her pant leg. “Mama won’t mind, she’d understand actually! Besides, I need something to wipe your arm off with so I don’t use so much water.”

Hunter sighed. Titan, as if he didnt feel bad enough!

Once Luz finished, she set the razor down and wetted the now cloth before turning back to Hunter, looking at him expectantly. Hunter looked back with a hesitant expression. He went to gently move his arm. He could feel the blood had become muddy and clotted by now, his thought process being proven correct when the blood formed strings rather than separating cleanly. Luz laughed with her makeshift cloth in hand.

“I guess I’ve been talking too much! It’ll be easier to clean since it’s clotting.”

“You know a little too much about this.” Hunter worriedly stated as he went to hold out his forearm.

“It’s a little hard not to when it started for me three years ago.” She quipped with dry optimism.

Hunter looked at Luz, a bit surprised and concerned before deciding to not say anything in return. With Luz’s free hand, she supported Hunter’s left forearm. Applying the cloth to his upper forearm, she gently rubbed back and forth, unsticking the clots of blood from Hunter’s arm. With his brain fog now dissipated, his arm stung a lot more than he would have liked it to. As Luz continued to rub in the direction of his cuts, Hunter also continued to cringe as he sucked in air through clenched teeth, the air mostly going in through his tooth gap. Luz looked up with a look of understanding as Hunter continued to watch Luz clean him up. Luz moved her hands away from Hunter’s forearm, shaking out the cloth before applying more water onto it and wringing it out to her right.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you find out about this?” She asked as gently as she could. She then grabbed Hunter’s forearm again and continued to rub the blood off of his lower forearm as his upper cuts beaded with small amounts of blood.

“Uhm.” Hunter paused, a little uncomfortable. “Well, I was up late one night on your laptop, and I was looking through stuff you had liked on Tumblr.” Hunter said, sounding a little lost in thought.

Luz internally cringed, she regretted showing him furry art on that website and making Tumblr known to him.

“I scrolled pretty far, and I found posts from a couple years ago, I think? They were photos of human’s with blood on their arms.” Hunter stated sunkenly, looking away from his forearm.

Luz stopped rubbing Hunter’s forearm as he continued.

“I was reading some of the things that it said on them, about it, ‘making the pain go away.’ I had been struggling a little bit with some stuff that had happened to me, so I followed suit. I guess over time it just got worse the more I did it.” Hunter looked back at Luz after he finished speaking and noticed how she had stopped. He could feel both of her hands shake on his forearm, as well as something warm dripping onto it.

“Luz? Are you okay?” Hunter asked worriedly.

Luz looked up with tears spilling out of her eyes. “Hunter, oh my gosh.” She rasped. “I am so, so sorry.”

Hunter’s eyes widened as Luz apologized to him. “It’s okay, it’s not your fault! If anything I shouldn’t have been snoo-” She cut him off before he could continue.

“But it is! It is my fault! If I had never gotten so deep into Tumblr you wouldn’t have seen it to begin with!” She quietly choked out.

Hunter could feel the guilt she was experiencing, and he wasn’t sure how to comfort her, or if he even could. He had no idea what to say, and wished he knew how to sympathize with Luz like she could with him. Hunter took his left arm out of Luz’s grip, and scooted closer to her. Leaning in with his right arm, he hugged Luz.

Luz stopped before hiccuping another hushed apology and embracing Hunter, wrapping one arm around his neck, the other under his right arm. Luz squeezed Hunter as hard as she could to try and make it up to him for what she felt she had done. Hunter’s left arm hung to the side as new blood slowly slid down his arm. He really didn’t want to get it on Luz’s white clothing, that was the last thing she needed to deal with right now.

Taking a deep breath, Luz separated from Hunter and grabbed his left forearm again, continuing where she left off. She sniffled as she did so.

“You didn’t cut so much because you felt like it wasn’t showing how much you were in pain, did you?”

The question took Hunter aback. “Titan! No!” He exclaimed quietly. “I was just really distraught. I would never compete with a human like this! Do humans do that?” He asked, shocked.

“Yes.” Luz cried quietly as she reached for the gauze. “I used to. When my mom got me my laptop and I found out about it, it sent me down such a deep hole that I thought I'd never come back from it.” She confided to Hunter as she wiped tears from her eyes with her right wrist, gauze still in hand.

Hunter’s mouth hung open. While he knew he was inheriting her habit, he didn't expect it to have been that bad for Luz. It made Hunter question what kind of thing would even make her go down that road in the first place. As Hunter was thinking, Luz was wrapping up his forearm in bandaging wrap. Before she wrapped the last of it around Hunter's forearm, she secured it in place with medical tape, wrapping it around the bandage to make sure it was secure.

Cloth in one hand, free in the other, Luz looked up, grasped Hunter’s left hand with both of hers and pleaded to Hunter with tears threatening to flood out of her eyes again.

“Hunter. Please promise me you’ll stop doing this.” She drew in a shaky breath before speaking again. "I don't want you going down the same path that I did. You’re already scarred enough." Her grip on his hand grew tighter as she begged.

Hunter stared at Luz for a second, looking into her teary, pleading eyes before nodding.

Luz freed her bottom hand and held out her little finger. "Pinky swear?" She prompted, although to Hunter it didn't really seem like a question.

"Pinky swear." Hunter held up and interlocked his little finger with Luz's, bobbing both their hands in place. To further confirm Hunter's seriousness, he freed his hand from Luz's and put the pencil sharpener blade in its place. Luz looked down before looking back up at Hunter.

"Please give it to mom." Hunter asked, looking at Luz to validate himself even further.

"Okay." Luz said sorrowfully with a gentle smile.

She gripped the small blade in her hand before standing up and collapsing the light glyph. Luz turned to leave, but as she was walking out she turned to face Hunter, even though she couldn't see him.

"I love you, Hunter. Sleep well."

There was a lull, before Hunter replied. It was the first time he heard her confirm that to him.

"I love you too, Luz. Good Night."

Luz left and began to walk back to her tent, her steps starting to fade until she rustled into her tent. Hunter got into his sleeping bag and pulled it up and over his chest and rested his head on his pillow. Luz could be heard murmuring to Camila in the distance. As their conversation went on, it slowly lulled Hunter to sleep.

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readyplayerhobi · 4 years

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Little Wolf, Pretty Wolf, Your Wolf

; Omega!Jungkook x Alpha!Reader

; Genre: Fluff, smut, angst

; Word Count: 22.3k

; Warnings: Stereotyping, blowjob, penetrative sex, unprotected sex, creampie, knotting, sub!Jungkook, dom!reader, impregnation kink

; Synopsis: An Alpha wolf is supposed to be strong, powerful and bold. A commandeering presence that can rule a pack efficiently. An Omega is supposed to be submissive, quiet and meek. A calming influence and a lucky charm for a pack. But you’re not like a normal Alpha wolf. Just like Jungkook is not a normal Omega wolf.

; A/N: I’m very unsure over this story. We’ve been having troubles but I finally got it finished and out! It’s half proof read...I hope you enjoy. If you do, please reblog and leave me comments, feedback or reviews! Or send in an ask, I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions :)

“Now, what you need to remember is that the Ancient Greek’s weren’t one nation like how we think of them today. They were a collection of city states which were called polis back then. In their times, this was considered a nation on it’s own like the Vatican City or Singapore is today. You might realise that polis is actually still used today in words such as metropolis, which basically means ‘mother city’ as it comes from the Greek word for mother, necropolis which translates to city of the dead basically and so forth.

“The notion of ‘nation’ as we understand it is actually a relatively new concept that has only emerged in the last few centuries so trying to discuss things like a ‘nation’ or a ‘nationality’ is hard. Particularly when we’re talking about ancient civilisations.” You carry on talking, hands gesturing to the interactive whiteboard behind you that currently shows a map of Ancient Greece.

Your students are watching intently, some nodding slightly while a few of them jot down notes in their exercise books or read from their textbook. History was one of those topics that many people found boring but it had always inspired a fire inside you. The desire to learn from the past and incorporate it into the future was strong. Over the course of your own education, you’d also felt it was important to teach and mould the minds of the young with the lessons of the past.

It was why you’d gone into the teaching career, despite the concerns of your parents and everyone around you. Alpha’s like you simply didn’t go into teaching, the aura of power and dominance around them normally too strong for youngsters to cope with.

But you’ve always been a little different to the other Alpha’s you’d known throughout your life. Your wolf was always present and willing to protect when necessary but mostly she was content to lay back and watch the world. While most Alpha wolves were tall and extremely well muscled, a genetic quirk that gave them a visual representation of strength along with the metaphysical one that all wolves could understand, you were of average height and just looked in shape.

Your scent was sweet and pleasant to be around, according to your friends growing up you smelled like the tastiest candy with the slightest hint of rose. That on it’s own was unusual because Alpha’s were supposed to smell like...well an Alpha, power with that hint of earth that reminded everyone of the forest. Instead, you just smelled like a candy shop.

While great for the Delta’s, the general population that made up most packs, or Omega’s, the rarest and most treasured of all wolves, it wasn’t really great for an Alpha. You were the equivalent of a teddy bear instead of a grizzly, which didn’t really mix well with people's expectations.

On the plus side though, it meant that you were excellent at getting through to people because they listened to you first and only if you needed to would you show the aggressive and dominant side of yourself. You may not look or smell like an Alpha, but you were still an Alpha and you liked to make sure some people remembered that.

A sudden movement out of the window in the door to the corridor catches your attention and you continue to speak, only looking in that direction for a moment. The mop of silver hair on the lithe wolf standing outside tells you immediately who it is and you stifle a smile, glancing over at the clock and noting the bell is about to go.

“Okay class, it’s time to end. I want you all to read this chapter and then write a one page essay on any Ancient Greek city state. I want you to try and be creative though, don’t all do Athens and Sparta. There’s plenty out there.” Smiling at them, you watch as they begin to put their stuff away into their bags when the shrill ring of the bell causes you to wince slightly.

You always hated how loud they put it, but you guessed that was the whole point.

Once everyone has left the classroom, a few of them running to catch the bus that was waiting for them outside, you lean back against the table and let out a deep sigh. That silver mop of hair darts through the door just before it closes and grins at you broadly, his eyes almost disappearing as the roundness of his cheeks takes over.

“Ahh Ancient Greece...your favourite topic.” Jimin says cheerfully, moving over to give you a quick side hug before standing back and looking around. Your big brother was taller than you, though not as tall as any Alpha got. He was a Beta though, so just below you in the pack social hierarchy. He used his height to his advantage in any arguments you had though.

Smiling at him, you nod as you begin to clean up the classroom that teenagers have made messy throughout the day. There’s a whole stack of papers on your desk that need to be taken home and marked, plus a whole new lesson plan to come up with for next week. For now though, you’d just focus on this and be thankful it was the weekend.

Jimin begins to help you, moving through the desks and placing the chairs on top of the tables carefully. He’d come straight from one of his jobs and so is still wearing the oh so stylish black work trousers that have a billion different pockets sewn into them, some of them still filled with items from wherever he’d been. A plain black polo, covered in a few stains from whatever he’d been doing has the logo of his company on the left side.

Your big brother had always been good with his hands and he’d developed a love of manual work when you were younger. Everyone in your family had thought that he’d become a mechanic or something, but he’d surprised you all by becoming a plumber of all things. But he seemed to enjoy it and he’d founded his own company last year, enabling him to take on jobs at his own pace while also taking on another plumber along with an apprentice.

“Have they called about your car?” He asks absentmindedly, throwing the trash that he’d found on the floor into the bin before moving over to wipe your whiteboard clean. You’re putting away some of the books that you’d used earlier in the day before storing the printouts you’d made but you give him a quick nod.

“Yeah, it’s all done. Are you okay to drop me at the garage so I can grab it?” Jimin smiles and nods, giving you a thumbs up as well before hopping up onto your desk. His hands drop between his legs while his feet dangle happily as he watches you.

“That’s fine. I can take you there and then go get some pizza if you want? The job today will pay well and they’ve already signed up to be a repeat customer. Which is exactly what I want as it’s a chain of businesses!” He says excitedly, wiggling in place and you grin at him.

“Awww, that’s so good. Congrats. Told you that you’d do well.” Turning back to the little bookcase you keep in your classroom, you place the final book into its place before standing back and moving over to him. Jimin has that look on his face now and you sigh, knowing where he’s going to go with this already.

“Yeah, I’m doing well. And I think you’re going to do well in the elections too. You just need to actually...get out there and talk to people in the pack. They know of you, but most of them don’t really know you, know you? I mean...you work out here in the city so there’s not really any reason for anyone to get to know you well.” Jimin points out, leaning back on one arm and raising a brow at you.

Sighing again, you look over at him before chewing your lip. “I grew up there and I live there again. How is it that people don’t know me? They’ve known me my whole life. I’m only really doing this because you’re adamant on it and think I’ll have a chance, which I think is stupid by the way.”

The pack leadership elections were going to be in less than a year and the candidates had already put their name forward for consideration a month ago. You’d been one of those to enter your name and had been confirmed as a potential candidate only a week ago.

Unsurprisingly, only Alpha’s could enter the pack leadership contests because Alpha’s had the required inherent characteristics that allowed them to lead. They needed to be strong enough to cope with everyone’s demands, empathetic enough to listen to people, diplomatic enough to make decisions about people’s problems and tough enough to defend the pack if necessary.

You didn’t think you really had the required skills given your unusual nature, but Jimin thought you’d make a good leader. Family and friends had thrown their weight behind you too and so you’d found yourself submitting your name, wondering what on earth you were doing.

The idea of you being the Pack Alpha was ridiculous, but you knew that you were going to receive a lot of stigma and hate because of your differences to a regular Alpha. On top of that, there had also been the creeping misogyny that had been spreading throughout the wolf world in recent decades, in direct contrast to the humans, which meant that many of the old schoolers in the pack were beginning to look down on a female Alpha.

It was all bullshit and everyone knew it. That was actually one of the reasons you’d gone along with it, because if you somehow did win then you’d love to be able to rub it into all of their sexist noses that you’d beaten their little boys. Petty? Yes. But you had to do what you had to do.

“Yeah, you grew up there. And we both live there. But you also went to the other side of the country for five years to go to college. They remember the baby Y/N, the teenage Y/N. Most of the folk in town don’t even recognise you. It’s only when they scent you that they realise it’s you. You went away and became all cultured with the university elites, became friends with other wolf packs and even other shifters. Most of the people in our pack have never seen another shifter breed or even left the state. They don’t know you anymore and you need to show them.” The look on your brother’s face is incredibly serious and you let out a groan that ends in a whine.

It’s very unbecoming for an Alpha but you don’t care. The idea of having to ingratiate yourself with a lot of people who would likely laugh at you for the very idea of thinking you could be Pack Alpha makes you want to throw something. But you know he’s right.

Jimin’s always right, unfortunately.

“Fine. Fine. What do I do? Go and knock on everyone’s doors? Hold a party? A meet and greet? Come, meet the pack’s weird Alpha and vote for her to your leader!” You make an overly exaggerated gesture as you talk, walking towards him and he rolls his eyes in response.

“Just...become a bigger part of society. Join some of the groups, come with us on pack hunts or runs. It’s easy. I don’t get hugely involved but everyone still knows who I am. I swear, you’ll be able to do it. And if you get to be our Pack Alpha, then you can start to make all those changes that you rant to me about regularly.” He shifts off the table at that, stretching his arms back until you can see the toned muscles of his abdomen.

Reaching out, you poke at them hard and he lets out a soft whine as he recoils forwards, arm covering himself before pouting at you. You grin and ruffle his hair, leading to even more complaints before he escapes your grasp.

“Those aren’t rants! They’re issues that need to get sorted out! I mean...you know that I thought this place was a little backwards when we were growing up here but moving away and coming back? God, you wouldn’t believe it.” Jimin grabs your bag from beneath your desk, placing it onto your desk before carefully putting your stuff into it.

You don’t go to stop him or anything, you trust Jimin with your personal belongings. The two of you live together in an apartment in the town you’d both grown up in, the ancestral homeland of your pack. It was partly to save on money for rent and utilities and partly just because you both liked being around each other.

Unlike other families in your pack where having four or more kids was normal, your parents had only been able to have you and Jimin. And it had taken six years for you to come into the world after Jimin. So despite the age difference, you were both close and adored each other.

“I do believe it. Because you tell me it’s true and I know you wouldn’t lie to me. Plus, you know I think there’s a lot of people in our pack that need to come into the 21st century. Some of them make me think they don’t even know what electricity is. And this is all why I think you’d make the best leader for us. Someone to modernise us finally and stop making us just look like the little backwater pack still stuck in the 18th century. I know we can do it, we have good wolves in our pack and there’s probably a lot who think like us but just don’t want to rock the boat.” Handing you your bag, he waits out in the corridor as you do a final sweep before turning off the lights and leaving.

“Yeah...you’re right. God yeah, you’re right about it. I’m trying to teach my kids here about the mistakes that were made in the past so that they know not to repeat them but I should try more with our pack too. And then...then I can make sure that our kids learn better and how to be better right?” Jimin grins broadly and hugs you to him, kissing your forehead sweetly tickling your sides until you growl gently.

“Yep. So...Operation Leader is a go.”

Humming lightly, you looked over the basket of potatoes that was on display in your local supermarket. It was your turn to do the grocery shopping, which was why you were stocking up on all the vegetables that Jimin turned his nose up at half the time. Sometimes you felt like you were living with a child but he always ate them eventually.

Tonight you were going to make lasagne and garlic bread, one of Jimin’s favourite meals. It was incredibly easy to make and you’d found yourself craving it as well, realising it had been a month or so since you’d last had it. And given Jimin was going to be home tonight, you’d decided it was time to make the cheesiest lasagne possible.

You might even indulge and make the garlic bread cheesy too. It was more than an indulgence really, because you would happily cover it all in cheese until it made you sick. Jimin wasn’t a huge fan of it though, so you knew that you’d have to limit it.

Picking up a tomato, you squeeze it experimentally to see how fresh it is before nodding and placing it inside the little net bag you’d brought for the vegetables. Fresh herbs go in as well and you get enough vegetables to make a hearty stew tomorrow, figuring that if you make a big enough pot then you can freeze some for the future and let both Jimin and you take some for lunch at work.

It’s only when you walk towards the dairy aisle, intent on grabbing a bottle of milk and deciding upon which cheese to liberally accentuate your lasagne and garlic bread with, that you accidentally knock into someone. A small ‘oof’ leaves your mouth as you wobble slightly, dropping the bag of prunes that you’d grabbed as you’d passed the end of the fruit aisle.

“I’m so sor-” You paused, brow creasing as a delicious scent fills your nose. Inhaling deeply, you take it in with wide eyes as your inner wolf growls lowly, her instincts immediately roused to life by the smell. Omega, she rumbles to you and you immediately get the biggest urge to press yourself to this newcomer.

The reaction from you isn’t surprising, given what you know of Omega’s. You’d never encountered one before, not until now, but everyone grows up learning of Omega’s. They were the rarest kind of wolf and a pack with an Omega present was considered to be exceptionally lucky.

Due to their rareness, an Omega was often treasured and deeply adored by the rest of the pack. They were to be protected at all costs, with the entire pack often banding together to ensure that they were okay. The reason for this was that Omega’s were considered to be the most submissive in a pack, naturally weak and timid along with being passive. It was a pack’s duty therefore to protect their Omega.

So you were beyond surprised that you’d encountered one in the supermarket of all places.

Shifting backwards slightly, you turn and pick up the packet of prunes before grabbing the tin of tomato soup that’s rolling your way. Standing back up, you hold out the tin to the Omega before pausing, your eyes going even wider as you look up.

He’s taller than you, a lot taller when combining what must be his natural height with the thick sole of what look like combat style boots. And he’s broad, his shoulders wide and accentuated by the black leather jacket he’s wearing, the silver embellishments of the buttons shining in the light.

Skinny jeans in black adorn his thighs and you can’t help the way your eyes drag over them, in awe of how...tight his jeans are. Especially when combined with the fact that this Omega evidently does some serious workouts given how thick and muscular his thighs are. In fact, how muscular everything looks.

His white shirt doesn’t give much away to you, but you have no doubt that if his legs look like that then the rest of him must look quite similar. Long, wavy hair is messed around his face, the strands wild and dark as they cover part of his eyes.

And it’s here that you discover the only part of him that looks like what you’d imagined an Omega would look like. Because right now, they’re wide open with shock and you freeze at the sight of them, the inner instincts that have been bred into you over centuries roaring to the fore and telling you to protect.

His eyes are filled with innocence and a tiny hint of fear, almost as if he’s afraid of what you might do. To any onlooker, that might look comical given how tiny you look in comparison to him. But his scent gives away the difference, because despite how...non-Omega he looks...he is still an Omega.

Which means if you wanted to, you could make him bow at your feet in submission as you forced a wave of dominance towards him. It wasn’t something you liked doing as it often felt like an assault on the receiver and you felt gross doing it. Some Alpha’s abused their ability, finding it amusing to lord their status over others.

But you only used it how it was meant to be used. When you were faced with someone who was refusing to follow the rules and putting others at risk. It was the only time you felt was acceptable to use that power, in order to save others.

So the fact he was looking at you like that made you pause, confusion making you hesitate as you wondered if maybe he thought you were going to force him to do something. And you realised that he’d probably be right if he’d met anyone else. There were plenty of asshole Alpha’s that you knew that would be pleased to play with an Omega, despite the reverence that a pack held for them.

Gesturing towards him with the tin, you give him a sweet smile as he takes it from you carefully, the way his fingers carefully avoid yours almost comical. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you or I would’ve moved out of the way.”

He doesn’t answer, his brow creasing in confusion as his eyes scan over you. You can’t help but watch those eyes in complete fascination, they’re so naturally big and you feel a strong urge to protect him. Not because he’s an Omega, but purely because he looks like someone with an innate curiosity that you don’t want to see die.

His nose twitches ever so slightly as he inhales deeply before speaking. “Why do you smell like that?”

You know what he means. An Alpha is supposed to smell earthy and musky, to remind a wolf of their forest homelands from centuries ago. It inspires confidence and trust, yet you smell sweet and gentle. Jimin said that you often smelled like he’d walked into a candy store.

This Omega though, he smells like an Alpha should. His strong scent is so reminiscent of the pine trees that grow in the forests around the town you’d grown up in, the only reason you know he’s an Omega is that genetic knowledge that distinguishes that part of his scent that’s different. It amuses you that you’ve found someone as contradictory in their nature as you.

“Why do you smell like that?” You counter, lips quirked up on one side in amusement as you tilt your head to look him over once more. A true contradiction of everything. Now you can understand why people find it hard to understand you.

He doesn’t respond, just stares at you with that same confusion that everyone always gives you. Only it seems a little stronger now, causing you to laugh slightly as you shake your head. “Well, it was nice to meet you, but I really have to finish my shopping and go. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”

Turning away from him, you continue onto the dairy aisle as you ponder what you’ve just said. You’re naturally nice as an Alpha, always polite and helpful to anyone who asks it. As someone running for the pack leadership, you’d resolved to be even more helpful from now on in order to try and help. Jimin had said it was a good idea, and you’d long ago discovered that it was easier to just go along with whatever he says instead of questioning it.

Questioning it would just lead to him whining.

But you’d felt the need to be extra nice to the Omega, almost as if to prove that you were not like other Alpha’s. Which was ridiculous, because why on earth would you care to prove that? You’d never even seen the Omega before, and you doubted that you’d see him again. They were so rare that you doubted it would be long before some Alpha snapped him up as a mate.

Pursing your lips, you hum to yourself in thought before shrugging and carrying on. You’d discuss this more with Jimin later. No doubt your brother would be fascinated to find out what you’d discovered today.

Jimin turns up in the kitchen within two minutes of you getting home, his curious expression ever so familiar as he tries to peer into all the bags. You don’t know why he’s so interested as he knows that you always buy the healthier food compared to him. Whether or not his card has ever seen a vegetable remains a mystery known only to him and the universe.

“Oooh, lasagne?” He says excitedly as you pull out the familiar items that make up his favourite meal. Grinning at him as you place the perishable items into the fridge and begin organising everything else, you nod.

“Yeah, I thought it’d be nice to have since you’re home tonight. I’m gonna try and make it so that I make one side be overloaded with cheese while the other side is more normal for you.” Your stomach gurgles at the thought and Jimin snorts in amusement, taking one of the apples that you’d bought and biting into it eagerly.

He may not be fond of vegetables, but you knew that he loved fruit.

“I fully expect you to make a mac n cheese lasagne one day. No meat or anything.” Jimin says, sitting down at the table as he watches you finish putting everything away before you turn on the oven to preheat.

Your nose wrinkles at his words and you shake your head in response, taking the minced beef out of its packet and into a saucepan before turning on the hob. Waiting for it to heat up so you can brown the minced meat, you turn to making the sauce for the lasagne.

“No way. I may love cheese but that’s because it can make the lasagne go all lovely and crispy. Mmm. I do enjoy the meat too.” Lips pursing, you take the juicy tomatoes that you’d bought to make the sauce and look at it for a moment, memory suddenly sparking.

“Hey Jimin...when I was at the supermarket...I bumped into an Omega there? It was really weird, I didn’t even think the pack had an Omega or anything. But like...he didn’t smell like one properly, nor did he look like what I imagined an Omega would.” The tone of your voice is wondering and Jimin can tell that you’re going through scenarios in your head.

He lets out a long noise as he considers for a moment before making a small ‘ahh’ sound. “That was probably Jeon Jungkook. You remember him? Or...remember of him?”

Nodding slowly, you frown as you try to think back to when you’d been younger and you’d heard of the stories of him.

“Yeah but I thought he, like, never left his house. Weren’t his parents super overprotective of him? He got homeschooled and everything right?” Jimin shrugs in response, biting into his apple once more and chewing carefully.

“He did. I think they did it so he wouldn’t get bugged by any Alpha’s or anything. I mean...your reaction right now is telling me that was probably a good reason and you’re one of the best Alpha’s I know. But he’s spent the last year living on his own, away from his parents. I think he’s trying to gain more independence and experience the world in a safer way or something. I see him occasionally around town. Not really what you expect of an Omega, huh?” That makes you laugh as you nod.

“The man is built like a truck. Honestly, I think he could probably take on most Alpha’s and win. He didn’t say much to me. He bumped into me and I gave him back his soup. In fact, all he said to me was ‘why do you smell like that?’ to which I asked him the same thing. He smells like an Alpha should smell, only with the overlay of Omega. He was very brusque, almost confrontational.” You ponder that as you turn the meat over, evenly browning it all before setting a second saucepan on the hob.

“Well, that’s understandable. I mean...he gets accosted by a lot of the Alpha’s and Beta’s who see him around town. The whole stereotype of Omega’s means that they think they can basically bully him into hanging out with them or...doing stuff with him. I think he’s probably been given a ridiculous number of mating requests and he’s turned them all down. Despite what many wolves think, apparently Omega’s are not as submissive as they’re stereotyped to be.” His voice gets light at that and you can practically hear the irony in it, knowing that Jimin probably severely disapproves of how Jungkook is treated.

It makes sense though, he’s grown up seeing how people have mistreated you because of how you don't adhere to the stereotypes of a traditional Alpha. Hearing that about Jungkook makes you feel angry though, almost resentful of everyone else in the pack who make Jungkook’s very existence a likely chore to him.

“Well that’s just rude. He’s still a person, a wolf with his own mind and abilities. Why are they so mean to him? I mean...I’m the least Alpha you’ve ever seen but it doesn’t mean I’m not an Alpha, you know? This is what I mean I say the pack is so ridiculous and outdated! It’s just gross. Why are they so bigoted and small minded? There’s no one way to be an Alpha and there’s no one way to be an Omega. Jungkook and I both show that. There’s nothing wrong either of us.” You say vehemently, grip tightening on the large plastic spoon in your hand.

Your argument makes Jimin laugh lightly, causing you to glare at him until he holds his hands up in defence, one hand holding an apple core. “Hey, hey. I agree. I fully support Jungkook being an ass to everyone if they’re being an ass to him in turn. See, this is why you need to win the leadership! So that then everyone can see how stupid they’re all being and backwards!”

That makes you groan loudly, eyes rolling to the ceiling as your head tilts back. You don’t even look over at Jimin as he deposits the core into the bin and makes his way over to the door frame. Your defeated expression makes him chuckle though.

“Jimin, I swear, every conversation with you better not end with you bugging me about this stupid fucking leadership competition. If it does, I promise that I stick this spoon up your damn ass.” You threaten, lifting the spoon threateningly as he laughs even louder.

Licking the ice cream that remains on top of the cone you’d bought, you let out a little happy noise before grinning over at Sana. She’s eating her own ice cream, only she’s already onto the cone now and you snort in amusement. Salted caramel was her downfall and you’d known immediately which flavour she was going to pick when you’d both headed into the small, family owned ice cream parlour in town.

It had been years since you’d been in there, long before you’d headed off to college and part of you had been surprised that it was still going. Mainly because it seemed that in this day and age, a lot of smaller stores like this seemed to die off as bigger conglomerates took over.

There was a Baskin Robbins just on the outskirts of town so it was impressive to see just how busy and popular the old ‘50s themed parlour still was. And also kind of nice, to see people still doing well in the pack while the pack supported them in turn.

They’d upped their game since you’d left though and now offered a ridiculously large range of flavours to match the national chain that had opened up while also expanding their range of milkshakes and smoothies in turn. And that was to say nothing of the cakes, cookies and other baked delights they’d invented.

Sana swore that it was the best place in town when you’d agreed to meet up with her today, praising it to the heavens. You were both just going to chill out and do a little shopping in the smaller, more boutique stores that your town had to offer while catching up on everything.

She was your best friend from childhood and when you’d gone off to college, she’d chosen to stay behind to attend the college in the closest city. It had allowed her to attain her degree in law and she was now working towards the bar, while interning at the only law firm in town. Quite obviously, it specialised in wolf law and inter-species relations and Sana had been determined to be a part of the law network around here.

Understandable, given her mother was a human and her father a Beta wolf. Their relationship hadn’t been entirely well received by the pack, yet another reason you felt spurred on to enter the leadership contest as it was another example of the pack being outdated. Human-wolf relations were completely normal when you’d been in college, the city you’d been living in cosmopolitan and liberal.

Perhaps it was too much of you to expect your small town to be more open, but you were determined to try. For wolves like you, Sana and Jungkook.

Bumping into her gently, you smile softly before taking the final lick of what remained of the ice cream in your cone. You’d picked your old favourite, chocolate chip mint, and had enjoyed every bit of it.

“Mmm, this was a good choice. It tastes even better than when I last went there.” Sana grins brightly, her face lighting up with happiness at the combination of the ice cream and just being with you again. It felt good to hang out with her and you were determined to spend more time with her now that you were living here once more.

“I know right? I mean, it was good five years ago but that Baskin Robbins has really made them up their game. Along with the general like for more flavours now. And thank goodness they decided to invest in learning how to make a salted caramel flavour because I swear, I go here once a week for this stuff.” She sighs dreamily before eating the last bit of her cone, licking her fingers in an attempt to make sure she got all the flavour before pouting dramatically.

Chuckling, you carefully bite your own cone before licking at the remnants of mint ice cream that cling to the inside. “Do they sell tubs? They should, it’d be a good business venture. They could even stock them in the stores here. People would buy it.”

Immediately, Sana’s eyes go wide with excitement as her jaw drops.

“Oh my god, yes they should! Why have they never thought of that? That's the best idea ever. We need to suggest it to them, they have a suggestion box and I would like to have my entire freezer filled with delicious salted caramel ice cream. Oooh, and the cookies and cream. And the pecan ice cream! Oh, and the pistachio!” Snorting, you shake your head as you finish your own cone and push her arm lightly in amusement.

“It’s a good thing you’re a wolf with a wolf’s metabolism because I don’t know how you’d keep that figure otherwise. Honestly. Does your fridge or pantry even have any food that doesn’t contain sugar?” You tease her gently, smiling as she scoffs and rolls her eyes.

“Of course. There’s water. That’s the perfect remedy for when I’ve indulged in too much wine.” Amused, you look away from her to the window of the store you’re both passing. Sana hadn’t changed much since you were both eighteen and you were thankful for it. She was still the happy, bubbly girl you’d been friends with for years, only now she has a veneer of adulthood about her.

Hopefully you were the same.

“You know, I can see why Jimin started dating you. You both have the eating habits of a five-year-old. If it wasn’t for me, I’m not sure Jimin would even know what a vegetable looks like. And I mean any vegetable.” That gets Sana smiling as you mention your big brother, and her boyfriend of two years.

The two of them had started dating in your final year of college. It hadn’t been too surprising as you’d known that Sana always had a little crush on Jimin but you’d been surprised that Jimin had reciprocated it. He’d always been steadfastly avoidant of anything that could potentially encourage a crush with your friends when growing up, which you’d definitely appreciated.

But apparently they’d come across each other a few times in your small town and one thing had led to another. They weren’t mated yet or anything, but you had a sneaking suspicion that it was only a matter of time. Jimin never did anything quickly, always taking his time to be as sure as possible before doing anything. It’s what made him a good plumber with a 100% success rate.

You had no doubt that Sana probably appreciated it as well, as being mated would mean they would have a higher chance of creating pups. And you knew damn well that Sana had big dreams for her career before starting a family. Not that she wouldn’t welcome them into her life, but you were pleased that they were both taking things slowly still.

“I don’t know, I’ve seen him with a cucumber before.” Frowning, you look away from the display of the latest book releases and over at her. You were about to ask her a question when you recognised the sly look of mischief on her face and you gagged loudly, turning away and back to the display.

In the window, you could see your expression of pure disgust. “Sana. That is my brother! I do not want to...oh god, ew. Ewwww.”

Sana’s high pitched giggle takes over as she enters the bookstore, her pure amusement at your horror causing you to smile despite the gross image you’d just had ingrained in your mind. That was the last time you were ever buying cucumber for the apartment.

The scent of fresh books welcomes as you enter the store and you instantly relax, closing your eyes to take a deep inhale. You’d always loved books and reading, it had been a strong passion of yours which was why you’d taken a dual subject degree; English literature and history. Your master’s degree had been in teaching, meaning that you were qualified to teach both English and history in the school you worked at.

Books were one of the most important things in the world to you as they not only informed and passed on the knowledge that people had gained over the centuries, even millennia, but they also opened up entirely new worlds to positively millions of people around the world. There was no world too big when it came to books and you felt passionately about encouraging everyone to read and indulge, whether they loved a bodice ripping romance or the autobiography of a popular sports star.

Sana tugged at your arm as she directed you towards the shelves of the popular novels, both of you scanning over them quietly. Reading had been a passion of you both and your parents had always been amused to sometimes come into your room when you were younger to find you both reading separately, the only thing making any noise was the stereo that played your favourite songs.

“You heard of anything good coming out?” You ask idly, crouching down to examine the history section and pursing your lips when you see an interesting book on the history of Ancient Mesopotamia. Flipping it over, you read the blurb intently before standing with it firmly in your hand.

“Not really, I think I’m just in the mood for something really light though. Easy to pick up and read for ten minutes or so at night.” She says, pulling out a copy of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. You take in the cover before laughing and taking it from her, putting it back in its place.

“That is not the book you want then. Trust me, you have to read that book like, twice, to even understand what happened. Hmm...I’d recommend this, I have read it and it’s got a few sequels so you’ll be able to sink your teeth into it.” You hand her a copy of The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski. “It’s a series called The Witcher, they made some games from it and there’s a Netflix show out too. You’ll enjoy it.”

Sana makes an interested noise and reads over the back before nodding in approval, giving you a smile of thanks before wandering off to her favourite genre section of the store. She’d always been a sucker for the fiction books with a particular love of crime and thriller. No surprise really, given her career choice.

Smiling, you make your own way over to the non-fiction section. You would read anything but you really enjoyed your history, autobiographies or memoirs. Tilting your head, you scan over the titles carefully before pulling out a book called Educated by Tara Westover. It only takes a quick scan over the blurb to see that it’s something that interests you and you add it to your small pile before continuing to look.

“Are you stalking me or something?” Comes a deep voice to your right, the sound so low and unexpected that you jolt in surprise, a hand coming to rest on your chest as a noise leaves you. It’s probably not a very Alpha-like response but honestly, what did he expect when jumping up on you like that? He was lucky you hadn’t responded the other way and tried to rip his throat out.

Turning quickly, you go to snap at the intruder and pause, eyes having to scan upwards to meet him. You’re so surprised at who it is that you take a step backwards, any irritance you might have had vanishing as you take in the sight of Jeon Jungkook standing before you.

Today, he’s got an oversized black hoodie covering his entire torso while black cargo pants adorn his legs, the numerous pockets looking empty and meeting the same boots he’d been wearing the other week. You take all of that in within seconds, brows narrowing inwards as you try to understand how you’ve come across him again.

“I’m not stalking you. I’m buying books. What does it look like I’m doing?” The words fall from your lips before you even run through them mentally, causing them to come out simultaneously belligerent and confused.

Jungkook’s beautiful eyes narrow slightly at you and his free hand pushes his hair out of his face, his surprisingly soft looking lips going particularly pouty. You take the moment to admire how clear his skin looks, the crappy lighting of the store making him probably look worse than he actually does. Which is impressive, because he already looks monumentally handsome.

“Well I don’t know. Wouldn’t be the first time an Alpha stalked me.” He grumbles, glaring at you before turning to face the bookcase. It’s almost with amusement that you note he doesn’t even look at the spine of the book he grabs, instead just pulling it out immediately.

Brow rising, you bit your lip to try and stop your smile. “So...got an interest in the history of sex hmm? Not really something I’d try and teach my students but it’s always good to have more information.”

You can’t help it, not when you see the obscenely large pink text that clearly states ‘A Curious History of Sex’ on the front cover. Of all the books he could’ve picked out, he managed to grab that one. And you think he’s probably mentally thinking that too by the way his cheeks flush the prettiest pink, even his ears going red with heat as he lets out a sigh and quickly shoves it back into place.

“Shut up,” The growl he gives is actually kind of impressive. “Of all the fucking books. Of course you picked out a sex book with an Alpha next to you.” He mutters quietly to himself, rolling his eyes and actually taking the time to read the spines this time. You’re kind of impressed that he gave you an order, particularly given the unfortunate stereotype of Omega’s. Evidently, there were a lot of things that were exaggerated.

Silence falls between you both and you sigh this time, eyeing him out of the corner of your eye. His raised shoulders indicate that he clearly wants nothing to do with you, but you feel a deep and innate need to say something to him.

“Hey...Jungkook. I know you probably don’t want to talk to me and I swear I’ll leave after this. Or at least...go to another part of the store. First of all, I know your name because my brother told me about you. I’ve not been in town for a few years. And second of all...I know it’s probably not much but...I’m really sorry about how you’ve probably been treated over the years. As you can probably tell, I’m not really like other Alpha’s so I’ve been on the receiving end of some negative treatment too and I know how cruel wolves can be. I just...I’m sorry for anyone who has stereotyped you and felt they had some right to you as a result. It’s probably not a lot but I hate that you felt the need to say that to me.”

Taking a deep breath, you give him a hesitant smile before carefully stepping away from him. It was probably pointless that you’d done that, and he would probably laugh at your idiotic behaviour lately. You knew Jimin sure would. Why the hell would Jungkook care if one Alpha apologised for the bad treatment he’s received for years? Particularly given you’re the least Alpha-like wolf out there.

But Jungkook is staring at you intently, his eyes narrow not in anger or suspicion but careful thought. His lips purse slightly before he licks them, his body posture loosening up slightly as he relaxes a little.

“You’re not like other Alpha’s are you? I mean, besides from the whole being tiny and smelling sweet thing,” He gestures to all of you at that, causing you to give a smile of amusement to let him know you’ve taken no offence. “You’re the first Alpha that’s ever apologised to me. For anything really, and you haven’t even done anything to warrant the apology.”

Chewing on your lip, you play the books in your hands before shrugging at him.

“Yeah well, no one ever apologised to me for all the comments they’ve made over the years. Not sure if I’d like to accept one either but I at least like the thought of someone trying to apologise. Won’t help everything that’s happened but it’s a start, you know?” You offer the words to him gently, hoping that he’ll understand why you felt the need to apologise to him.

He was right, in that you hadn’t done anything to offend him so far. You hadn’t said anything rude or negative to him, you hadn’t stalked or pursued him. In fact, the very idea of it was absolutely abhorrent. Sure, he smelled delicious and you had the biggest urge to press yourself to him and preen but you wouldn’t do it. You were an Alpha, and Alpha’s were supposed to have the best control.

Jungkook pauses slightly before nodding, running his hand through his hair once more. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Does feel a little nice to get some form of apology I guess. But you didn’t need to. You’re the first Alpha to not try to bully me into submitting to them or obeying them. I’ve even had a few try to force me into sex. In fact, I think the only time I’ve ever smelled your dominance was when I just scared you. And that was my fault, so I’m sorry.”

Grinning, you nod your head at him in acceptance and casually reach to the bookcase, grabbing a book about the history of the British SAS and adding it to your pile. You don’t even need to read the blurb, already knowing that you’d enjoy it and Jungkook eyes your books curiously.

“I don’t like making people submit to me if they don’t want to. It’s cruel and demeaning. We only have that power so that it’s used in dire circumstances. Anyone doing it to you is an asshole and you should tell them that. Or...well...think it at them, don’t do anything that might get you hurt,” Pausing, you frown over at him as you feel your heart expand in sympathy while a fire of anger burns in your stomach. “And I certainly don’t force people into sex with me. There’s a legal definition for that, and the act is most definitely illegal. Anyone does that, or tries it, I hope you report them because that’s disgusting.”

The vehemence in your voice is strong and firm, causing Jungkook to back away ever so slightly, his eyes widening as you accidentally let slip of your control. But you see no fear in his eyes, because it was quite clear that your anger was not directed towards him. In fact, it was more of a protective anger, an anger that he’d possibly been hurt or scared.

Still though, you don’t like the fact that you’d slipped and you bow your head, apologising quickly to him. He doesn’t say anything and you take a deep breath, calming yourself down before giving him a very neutral smile.

“I think it’s probably time for me to go now, I’ve got enough for my bookcase and my friend is waiting for me. It was nice to meet you Jungkook and I hope that whenever we meet next, you can feel a little more comfortable with me. And that you don’t terrify me at the start.” That gets a laugh from him, the sound high and lou. You end up laughing in turn, your own laugh quieter and more gentle.

Turning from him, you go to head over to the cashier before you feel a slight pressure on your arm. Pausing, you realise that it’s Jungkook before you even turn around, his delightful scent surrounding you so much that you can’t help but close your eyes and take a deep breath. Combined with the heavenly scent of books, you’re not sure you’ve ever smelled anything better.

Shifting until you’re facing him, you see Jungkook’s face looking a little nervous. His eyes glance about, almost as if he was checking to see if there was anyone around and you wonder what he wanted from you.

Finally though, he gestures down to the phone in his hand that he points towards you, the screen open to a new contact page. Glancing back up with a raised eyebrow, you have to seriously fight to stop the smile that wants to spread when you realise that his cheeks are pink once more.

“I’m sorry if this is...a little forward or anything but, is there any chance you might be okay with giving me your number?” He smiles at that, his white teeth perfect and straight in his mouth as his eyes positively light up with the same mischief you see in Jimin sometimes. “I think I’d like to get to know you a bit more...if you’re okay with that?”

You’re positive that your jaw has dropped and you desperately want to shove it back into place, feeling that you were probably being a little rude. Okay, a lot rude. But seriously, Jungkook had just asked for your number. An Omega, who had a clear dislike of Alpha’s for a good reason, had asked for your number.

Carefully, you eye him and realise he’s being completely serious. There’s a small delay between you realising this and your hand moving forward to take the smartphone from him, your fingers carefully typing in your name and number.

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Handing back the phone, he glances down at the screen and smiles softly.

“I think so. It was nice meeting you Y/N. I’ll talk to you soon.”

It had been over two months since that day at the bookstore, when you’d experienced how...non-Omega like Jeon Jungkook was. And he’d continued to surprise you ever since. He was bold when you expected submissive, arrogant where you’d been told to expect meekness and so much more.

You were thoroughly delighted by how contradictory he was and enjoyed testing the limits with him. He seemed to enjoy it too, given how he let you push at his boundaries while he in turn pushed at your own experimentally. It was an odd give-and-take with him, something you’d never experienced before and you were finding yourself increasingly enamoured with him.

Not that you were going to tell him that of course. The last you wanted was for him to feel like there was yet another Alpha pressuring him for anything. But it was just hard to not develop any feelings for him when he was so sweet and kind.

The two of you had texted frequently for the first two weeks before you’d met up at a local café, learning how to translate that easy going conversation via text into face-to-face conversation. You’d learnt how to though, carefully navigating the intricacies of a friendship with an Omega.

Jungkook could often be abrasive and sometimes took things to heart. A simple sentence from you that had no negative implications would be misunderstood by him to the extent that you were sometimes left wondering if you’d said something bad. And then he’d apologise, his cheeks red as he’d admit that it had been him who has misinterpreted you.

It was the strangest friendship you’d ever had, yet also one that you’d grown to love. Jungkook had a big heart beneath all his overly large, black clothing and his blunt personality. You had certainly enjoyed discovering that, finding out all the ways that made him smile in that soft and shy way, how to make him laugh in the overly sweet giggle that made your heart race a little.

Tonight he had come over to your apartment with the promise of freshly made Greek food and a night of watching Locke and Key on Netflix. You’d both watched the first episode independently before deciding that you’d watch it together when Jimin and Sana had shown no interest. Which meant that tonight, you would hopefully both blitz through the rest of the series in one go.

Of course, Jungkook wasn’t going to turn down food. Especially free food. So he’d happily said yes and had been a surprisingly good help in the kitchen as you’d shown him how to help prepare the food. Right now, your stomach was pretty content and happy; full of pork souvlaki, dolmades made of hollowed out and stuffed tomatoes with a whole array of delicious sides including homemade tzatziki and fresh olives.

The dessert had been a store made baklava, because you weren’t quite willing to put your talents as far as making that. But it had been just as delightful and you knew that Jungkook had enjoyed every mouthful. In fact, he’d probably wanted more when he’d realised there was no more souvlaki left. He’d even eaten all the salad.

And now you were both sitting on the couch, your feet curled under you as your belly protested ever so slightly from being filled with so much food and a glass of red wine in your hand. Jungkook had a bottle of beer and you were surprised by how...domestic it all felt really.

Jimin wasn’t home tonight, he was spending the night with Sana and had given you a very peculiar look when you’d told him that you wouldn’t go with him because Jungkook was coming over. Normally, you’d spend a few hours at Sana’s before heading back home and leaving them both alone to enjoy each other.

Your brother had met Jungkook over the last few weeks. Even become quite friendly with him. Jungkook’s own friends, Kim Taehyung and Kim Namjoon had slowly become friends with both you and your brother as well. They were both Delta’s, the general population of a pack, and so were completely harmless to Jungkook thankfully.

It had been particularly amusing when you’d met them to see how protective they were over the Omega. Especially given the fact that as an Alpha, you were the top rank out of them all. But their hackles had slowly gone down as they’d gotten to know you better and realised that you had no intention of pushing your will on any of them, particularly Jungkook.

All of you had gone out to the city one day, checking out the giant shopping mall there and even playing around in the old school arcade that they had. Jungkook and you had engaged in more than one round of the classic Time Crisis, both of you yelling whenever you died and had to feed more money into the machine. The others had stood around watching for a while before moving off to play the basketball game.

After that, you’d both devoured fully stacked cheeseburgers and a portion of large fries before drowning them in a large cookie dough milkshake. It had been fun and had almost felt like a date, if there hadn’t also been Jungkook’s two friends with you along with Jimin and Sana.

Thankfully, the presence of an Alpha and two Beta’s had prevented anyone from trying anything funny with Jungkook, leaving him to simply enjoy the day out. And you were beyond happy that had been his experience so far with you every time you’d both gone out together. Your mere presence as an Alpha kept others at bay.

Despite how easy everything was being tonight, you felt a little funny and strange. Jimin had made a casual comment the other day about how your scent seemed to change when Jungkook was around, taking on an almost earthy scent while Jungkook’s in turn became sweeter. You thought it was just because you were near someone who was awakening the primal instincts in you, and vice versa with Jungkook.

That had got you a droll stare.

But you would have to admit that being like this, sitting with him and his warmth being so close to your own while his scent overwhelmed you so delightfully, made you feel happy and content. A small voice in the back of your mind was telling you what it was, what it all meant. But you didn’t want to acknowledge that voice, didn’t want to let it gain ground in your mind.

What you had with Jungkook was good right now. It was solid, surprisingly stable given the short amount of time you’d known him and how drastically different both of your backgrounds were. Though you couldn’t help but think.

Okay, if you were being entirely honest with yourself then you wanted Jungkook. You wanted to date him, to hold his hand and make him smile. Kiss his cheek and his nose, feel all of that strong body beneath his clothes, feel his hands on you while you run your hands along him, learn the taste of his mouth and…

Shaking your head, you try to push those thoughts out of your mind before your scent changes in a way that even Jungkook is going to notice. Taking a deep swallow of wine, you point at the screen while scoffing loudly.

“Is it just me, or are these kids taking all this weirdness in their stride way too easily? Like, oh look! A key opens a mirror world where you can get lost and die! Nothing weird there. Casual day in their lives.” Jungkook snorts, grinning as he takes a drink.

“They do seem to be quite calm about this whole thing. I mean, I’d be freaking the fuck out if that was me. Taking the first train to Nopeville and stopping at Hell the Fuck No City on the way.” Laughing, you press your face into his shoulder. He had the strangest humour sometimes.

Jungkook particularly liked those old school ‘90s comedy films or early 2000s. He’d already made you watch Dumb and Dumber along with Clerks, Happy Gilmore and Dodgeball. You’d admit to enjoy Dodgeball, okay so maybe you’d laughed particularly hard at the ‘if you can avoid a wrench!’ scene, but the others had questionable humour to you.

To him though, it had been the funniest thing he’d ever seen. His laugh was particularly loud when he was enjoying something so freely, the sound infectious until you were giggling along with him. So even though you weren’t exactly enamoured with the films he liked to watch, you went along with them because he liked them. And you liked it when he got the happy look in his eyes.

“I guess it wouldn’t really make it exciting though if they just noped the fuck outta there, huh?” You muse, casually eating a fruit gummy from the pack of Haribo you’d bought at the grocery store too. Jimin would kill you if he found out that you’d bought them when he wasn’t here, but whatever.

Offering the packet to Jungkook, he gives you a sweet smile before carefully reaching inside and picking out a tangy cherry gummy. He pops into his mouth quickly, a hum of happiness leaving him as he wiggles slightly, rosy pink lips pouting slightly as he chews. Snorting, you smile brightly and poke his cheek affectionately.

Looking at you, his eyes widen in that innocent way of his that makes your heart strings tug. Despite his bold and aggressive exterior, the tattoos that line his arms in what you’re convinced is a way to express his creativity while also protecting himself from anyone looking, he was still an Omega. He growled at you and grumbled frequently, ignoring your requests and straight up argued with Jimin frequently.

Jungkook defied every stereotype of an Omega and almost took great delight at doing so. Yet at his heart, just like you were still an Alpha when you stripped everything away, he was still an Omega. The way he would watch with boundless curiosity when you cooked or helped to build the new bookcase you’d bought last week. His sweet nature was always so giving, how he would happily share his food with you and how much he loved affection despite his initial belligerence.

You knew that the only reason you were seeing this Jungkook was because he felt comfortable with you. That you gave him the stability and protection that made him feel like he could be open with you and honest about himself.

“Jungkook...how...okay, don’t answer this question if you don’t want to or anything. But...when we first met, and the second time, you were surprisingly aggressive. For an Omega. And I know, I know, stereotypes and all that. But...having got to know you, I’m a little surprised by how unlike you that was. You’re so sweet and kind and funny, genuine and honest. I was half convinced that you were gonna bite my head off the second time we met.” Jungkook’s cheeks flush bright red at that, one hand coming up to rub at them before he lets out a quiet laugh.

“Yeah...I know. It's an, erm, survival mechanism. My parents taught me to be...bolder than I actually am. Inside, I’m quaking with fear when I act like that because all it takes is one genuine command and I’d be on my knees. Usually an Alpha is so surprised by my aggression that they don’t do anything further. No one wants to fight an Omega, right? And then I make my getaway.” He takes another gummy from the pack, chewing on it carefully.

“That makes sense. Your parents were smart. I know I confused my parents when I was younger because of how...non-Alpha I was. By all of the stereotypes, I should’ve been hammering and pushing around Jimin when I was old enough to walk and shift. But instead, I would let him push me around. It was almost amusing how confused it made them.” You laugh, grinning at him brightly with an aura of smug amusement. “I have the instincts in me, but I don’t feel like-”

“Like you’re being run by them. I get it. Same here. I get the urge to be submissive and quiet and meek, all those lovely instincts that Omega’s have for some godforsaken reason. I just don’t feel the need to let them come to the fore. Instead, I can almost push-”

“Push them away. They’re there, in your head and your body, your wolf knows them, but you don’t need to use them.” Jungkook looks at you for a moment with a serious expression, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly and you wonder what he’s thinking. He looks like he’s considering something.

“I’ve never met anyone who understands what it’s like. And it’s even weirder given how different we are in the pack hierarchy.” Reaching for his drink, he takes a long swallow and you watch the way the muscles in his throat work as he does so, your own mouth suddenly bone dry. His words permeate your mind and you purse your lips, shrugging slightly.

“Same. But...it’s nice not to feel so alone, you know? Part of the reason why I’m running for leadership. I mean, a big part is to shut Jimin up but...I genuinely want to change the way this pack thinks and how it runs. Wolves like us are just as normal as any other and I don’t see why a stereotype should be the way we have to run our lives. You’re an Omega, yes, but you’re so much more than that. I know we have our wolves in us, and there’s part of us and instincts we can never change, but the human side of us needs to learn and grow. Move with the times.” That gets a laugh from Jungkook as he places his bottle back down, grinning at you.

“You sound like you’re giving some great speech. But you’re right. I’ll vote for you.” Looking at him sharply, you scan over his face closely to see if he’s joking or anything. You’d had plenty of people who were being honest when they said they would vote for you, but you’d also had plenty of people who had been joking.

It would be nice if you could say the high school nastiness had stayed in high school. Instead, it had just become an unfortunate personality trait of some wolves.

But his face was serious, his expression earnest and his eyes wide with his sincerity. Your hackles slowly relaxed as you chewed your inner lip before giving him a small nod and an even smaller smile.

“Thanks. I mean...I’m not gonna win but you know.”

“Well, not with that attitude. Come on, you’re an Alpha. Embrace your stereotype for once and be braggadocios. It’s the one time I won’t hold it against you.” Dancing his finger around your nose, he practically sings the words and you laugh while also noting he has a nice voice.

“Okay, okay. I guess. Even though I’m all about dismantling the stereotypes of the pack, I will embrace my own this once. For Jimin and you, because I think between you both, you’re going to drive me crazy until it’s all over.” The Omega laughs loudly, the sound so pure that you can’t help but laugh along as your heart soars and you feel almost light headed. You’re not sure if that’s basically of his basic nature, or if it’s just because it’s Jungkook.

“Good. And while you’re embracing your stereotype, I’m going to take your advice and go against mine and be bold right now,” He pauses for dramatic effect. Or at least, you think it's a dramatic effect, until you see the nervous way his eyes look away from you constantly. “I like being your friend. It’s really good, and I really like it. I do. But...I was wondering if maybe...you wanted to be...more?”

Jungkook’s boldness dies away by the end of his sentence until his words are so soft and gentle, you can barely hear them. His cheeks are a flaming red now and you get the impression he’s trying to hide behind his luscious locks of hair. But you heard the words all the same, and you let go of the breath you’d been holding.

Part of you wants to interrogate him, to ask if he was being serious. If this is what he really wanted. If he was really okay with being with an Alpha. You wanted to make sure this was all comfortable for him.

But the bigger part of you, the part that was jumping for joy and your wolf who was howling in excitement along with you, wanted to just say yes. Jungkook was a grown man. An adult who just happened to be an Omega. If you were serious about ignoring the stereotypes that had been placed on you both, then this would be a prime start.

By letting him have true agency over his decisions and acknowledging that he had evidently thought them through until he had come to this request. Jungkook was naturally shy beneath his veneer of boldness, and you knew he thought things through a lot. So to know he’d been thinking of this...in the same way you had.

You only have one word to say to him, a word you both evidently want to hear and you can’t stop the giant smile that paints across your face as you give it to him.

“Yes.”

Standing in front of the mirror in your bedroom, you contemplate whether to wear the olive green shirt or the buttercup yellow one. It was traditional for the candidates for pack leadership to wear the colours of nature on the election day and you were keen to uphold this one tradition at least. If there was one thing you did agree with the pack on, it was the need to appreciate and love nature.

But still, you were unsure of what to wear. You had to make a good impression after all and you were the only woman going forward for the Pack Leadership. That thought immediately makes you scowl though and you want to pinch yourself. There was no need for you to put more effort in than the other two candidates just because of who you are. That was the kind of thinking you were rallying against.

“You should wear the yellow. It looks pretty on you.” Jungkook’s voice pipes up from where he’s laid on the bed. He sounds a little tired and you know that he’d been up late last night trying to finish the project he’d been assigned by the digital marketing company he worked for. Their deadline had been moved up drastically which meant he’d had to work harder to get everything finished, being one of their few website and graphic designers.

“Really?” You hum, shifting to assess yourself as you hold the yellow shirt in front of you instead. It does look pretty good on you but you were going to be wearing sand coloured jeans. That would be too pale overall and you didn’t want to stand out too much, plus there wasn’t any green in your wardrobe. But then again, the olive would make you look like some kind of army dropout.

“Don’t you have some dark green pants in there? I’m sure I saw them.” With that, he heaves himself out of bed and stretches, looking mighty fine as you’re gifted with the view of his muscled body and tan skin, the abundance of tattoos he loves so much scrawled across his arms. His hair is just as long and ruffled as the day you first met, only it’s looking even more like a mess right now and you snort.

You don’t remember the pants he’s talking about so you wait for him to finish scratching his belly, nails scraping against the fine hair that leads above the band of his boxers. Finally though, he walks over and rummages through your closest while humming lightly to himself. Smiling, you run your fingers along his back and enjoy the way he shivers against you.

It’s been a good few months since the two of you had started dating. The rest of the Pack had been surprised to find out that the impossibly grumpy Omega had finally agreed to date an Alpha and you’d gotten plenty of suspicious words from people over time. There were a lot who didn’t understand why Jungkook was with you of all Alpha’s, given how...unlike the one you were.

But it had also bizarrely had a strange effect on your popularity in the rankings. Given the almost mythical status afforded Omega’s, it was almost like the Pack viewed you as someone more worthy of the very idea of leadership because he’d chosen to be with you. Jimin had told you it was because of yet more antiquated ideas surrounding Omega’s and the fact that a lot of wolves believed that they would only mate with superior Alpha’s.

While you weren’t going to push away the idea of mating with Jungkook, if anything you were pretty positive that your wolf had long ago picked him, you didn’t like the pressure it placed on him. Nor did you like how you felt like you were manipulating the people who were coming to know and appreciate.

You’d tried not to let it bother you too much and had instead focused on getting to know the people of your town and Pack once more while exploring the budding relationship between Jungkook and you. He was perhaps the sweetest wolf you’d ever met with a pure heart of gold and you adored the gruff exterior he presented to keep away others.

“Here it is.” He says proudly, bringing out a pair of olive green pants that you’d forgotten you even had. How he’d found those, you had no idea but you were pleased to see that you’d had the forethought to at least hang them up, meaning there were currently no wrinkles.

Ideally, you’d obviously have washed them but whatever. As long as it looked good and not like a last minute decision. Smiling brightly at him, you take them and pair them up with the shirt, liking the neutral tones that look like sunshine and earth combining.

“Good decision ‘kook. I like it.” You’d already showered, hence why you were currently wrapped in a towel, and carefully chose some underwear as well. This wasn’t as important obviously and you preferred to be comfortable instead of sexy. Though there were certainly occasions when the latter worked...particularly with a certain wolf.

“I’m gonna go shower quickly and then get dressed. We’re meeting up at the parking lot right?” Jungkook asks, giving you a quick kiss on the cheek to avoid morning breath before heading over to the bathroom. You gave him a nod before he slipped inside and began to get ready, taking a deep breath to steel yourself.

Jimin had moved out two months ago and Jungkook had moved straight in, your relationship deepening even further. You’d say it was fast, but you were probably just used to Jimin and Sana’s snail pace relationship. They’d finally mated though and you’d been informed only last week that you would be able to play with a nephew or niece sooner rather than later.

But logically, you knew that a true mate pairing just knew with each other. And you suspected that had happened with Jungkook. You were taking things slow not only for him, but for yourself to make sure that you weren’t just rushing into something. Which was silly, because your wolf wasn’t going to change her mind anytime soon.

Pulling on your clothes, you accessorise with a few pretty rose gold bracelets and a beautiful necklace with a small, bejewelled hummingbird pendant. Jungkook had bought you it for your six month anniversary, which made you laugh because you didn’t realise he’d been counting, but it was a sweet gesture and worked perfectly with your colour scheme today.

A few touches of make up to your face are finished by the time Jungkook comes out and he snorts at the sight of you nearly finished already. Apparently he was constantly surprised by how quickly you got ready, more used to his mom’s time consuming efforts.

He pulls on a white, button up shirt along with some dark grey skinny jeans. Witnesses aren’t required to dress to a code like the candidates were, but you couldn’t deny that he looked almost outrageously attractive. You didn’t even realise you were growling at a subvocal level until Jungkook looked at you with a grin, drying his hair and styling it to make sure he looked good.

He always looked good though.

Before you even realise what you’re doing, you’ve placed the lipstick down you were about to put on and are standing in front of him, arms wrapping around his slim waist to hug him. Jungkook hadn’t buttoned his shirt fully yet so none of your makeup got on his pristine shirt but you didn’t particularly care right then.

Humming lightly, you inhaled deeply and took in his scent, body relaxing as your nerves washed away with his presence. This was why you weren’t protesting your wolf’s choice of mate too much, or the fact that she’d become more insistent over the last few weeks. Because he made you feel happy and stress free.

Honestly, you weren’t entirely sure what you’d been doing before him.

He doesn’t say anything for a moment, instead wrapping his arms around you in turn and simply hugging you back. The two of you sway slightly as he moves you both and his chest vibrates as he hums a song in his usual habit, the sensation gentle against your ear.

“I love you.” The words fall from your mouth before you even realise what you’re doing and you go to freeze, uncertain if he’d accept the words. Declarations like that were not taken lightly in your world given how mate bonds were permanent. You simply didn’t ‘fall in love’ with someone who your wolf didn’t want and trust implicitly.

Which meant you’d just given the game away to Jungkook. And on this very important day that you had been anxiously waiting for, you now had to comprehend with the fact that you needed to hear whether he would reciprocate or deny. Because it was entirely up to him now.

He could respond, meaning all you would need to do was consummate the bond together later, or he could deny you which would mean your relationship probably wouldn’t last much longer. Swallowing thickly, you wait to see what he’d say.

“I love you too.” They’re so soft and gentle that you almost don’t hear them, even with your superior senses. And you get the impression that he’s a little choked up himself, a little shy and beyond all that, happy with the way his arms tighten around you. It makes you want to cry too but you’ve just put your damn makeup on and you are not going to ruin it when you don’t have time.

Pulling away, you look up at him and bite your lip in excitement, taking in the way his eyes practically glitter with reciprocal emotion. You’ve never seen a more beautiful sight in your life. The two of you move like magnets attracted to one another, lips connecting as if there’s not a force on Earth that could stop you both and you sigh into his mouth happily.

It doesn’t take him long though to gently push you away, his hands firm on your shoulders as you whine at the loss of him. He doesn’t give in though, very carefully directing you back over to the make up he’d distracted you from before kissing your forehead quickly.

“There’s no time for that right now. We can discuss this further after the election, okay?” Jungkook’s voice is soft as he crouches next to you, resting a hand on your thigh and giving you the sweetest smile that makes his eyes positively glow. Resting your hand on his cheek, you stroke the skin there softly before sighing and nodding.

“Well...at least one good thing has happened today.” He laughs at that, standing up to finish dressing while you finish up as well. The two of you chat about the show you’ve both been watching, carefully avoiding any discussion of what had just happened or what was about to happen.

It stays like that until you’re meeting up with your friends and family in the parking lot outside the entrance to the forest. Well, there’s lots of entrances but this was the entrance. The one that led to the ancestral clearing that had been used to determine the leader of the Pack for centuries now. Long ago, the election had actually been a competition in which Alpha’s would fight to claim the leadership.

Those who didn’t submit, or die, won the right to lead. Thankfully, that had been outlawed long ago or you wouldn’t have even considered the possibility of entering the election. The very idea was simply barbaric and despite the fact you turned into a wolf, and had a wolf with her own mind inside you, you were still also human.

“You ready?” Jimin asks, smiling at you reassuringly as he moves over and hugs you tightly. Smiling, you press yourself into your brother and inhale the smell of him, the familial connection helping you to relax. Sana soon joins in the hug and you laugh softly, enveloping her too and taking in the difference of her own scent now that she is pregnant. There were subtle hints of Jimin in there, indicating he was the father and you wanted to squeal with excitement.

You’d been beyond happy that they’d finally bonded together after what seemed an absurd amount of time but you were even happier than they were pregnant. The two of them were going to make fantastic parents and you were beyond excited to be an aunt as well.

Looking back at Jungkook, you reach out for his hand and tug him into the hug too, making him whine before laughing. He was still pretty shy with affection in public, almost like he was afraid that people might make comments about him or something but you weren’t going to let him get away with that right now.

That baby was going to be his nephew or niece too now. Though obviously Jimin and Sana didn’t know that just yet. Still though, they welcomed into the hug with open warmth and you sighed happily as some of the most important people surrounded you with their love and support.

“Thank you all for coming.” You mumble before separating yourself from them and giving your parents a hug as well. They give you their own well wishes and support as well and you chat with them for a few minutes about everything that’s been going on, promising to visit them more often.

“Come on, we’ve got to go.” Sana says suddenly, interrupting you with an apologetic smile before looping her arm through your own. The two of you start doing the dirt trail, quiet for a moment as you take the time to inhale the clean scent of the trees that surround you. Reaching out, you run your hand along the rough bark of the trunk of the nearest one and feel yourself centre with the help of the nature surrounding you.

Generations of wolves had been born, lived and died under the watchful gaze of these trees and you wondered what stories they could tell. The love stories they’d seen or the battles they’d been witness to. What would be the story they were going to see today? Would it be you, taking leadership or someone else?

“You’ll be fine,” Sana whispers to you, giving you a big smile before squeezing your arm reassuringly and you give you a tight smile in response. “Seriously, I think you’re going to do great. You underestimate how popular you are with people.”

“That’s just because I’m with Jungkook.” You mutter, pouting slightly as you contemplate just how much of people's warmth towards you was because of what you had done yourself or because you were dating the pretty and mysterious Omega. Glancing back at him, you watch as he chats with Jimin contentedly, laughing softly at the sight of him so big and broad next to your slight brother.

“You’d never think he was the Omega.” Your best friend muses, her tone light as she looks back too and you nod with a snort. Out of the two of them, Jimin looks like he would be the Omega instead of Jungkook. People would get a shock if they tried to treat Jimin like a submissive though. He’d probably bite their head off first.

Your brother could occasionally have a bit of a temper.

“He puts effort into looking that badass. Works though.” Chuckling, you turn back and take in a deep breath as you spot the opening just ahead. There’s sunlight streaming through, giving everything an almost ethereal look and you bite your lip as trepidation burns in your stomach.

“It doesn’t matter if I don’t win anyway. It’s all fine. I took part and hopefully changed some people’s minds too.” Nodding in confidence, you eye Sana for a moment before pushing at her lightly with affection. She raises her eyebrows at you before grinning and you both burst into nervous giggles.

“Okay, okay. Let’s be serious now. Game faces on. This is important.” You say, holding out your hand in front of your face before bringing it down in a gesture to simulate you getting serious. It makes Sana snort but she doesn’t say anything to contradict you. She knows you’re not entirely confident about this but you don’t want her to say anything about it.

Letting go of her arm, you turn and take a deep breath as you take in the faces of support from everyone you love. Sana’s parents along with Jungkook’s have joined now, having already reached the clearing and moving over to be with your supporters on the outskirts. You give them a nod of acknowledgement and thanks before heading into the centre of the circle of trees.

It’s bigger than you’d expect when you heard the word ‘clearing’. The tall sentinels that stand guard in an almost perfect circle have wide, foreboding trunks that indicate they’re old while the centre is wide enough to have wild grass growing freely. The strands sway slightly in the gentle breeze that filters through the trees and you note that there are a few wildflowers beginning to pop up as well, their colours bright and vibrant against the lush green.

Quiet murmuring and soft discussions mean that you can’t hear any of the natural sounds of the forest, the Pack members who were eligible and able to vote clustered around the outer edges. It always surprised you just how many wolves there were in your Pack, particularly considering it was considered to be small compared to Packs elsewhere.

There were a good few hundred people in the clearing though, making it seem even smaller. Even then, a lot of them were actually in the trees, waiting for their moment to come forward and vote. One day, the Pack wouldn’t be able to fit in this clearing. They were already spilling over the edges and you frowned, wondering when it had all gotten so big.

That was a thought for another day though and instead you simply go round, greeting as many people as you can and giving them your most gracious and humble smile. You would be leading these people if you won, but you would also be serving them too. It’s something a lot of people didn’t seem to realise about leadership positions, that they were designed to serve the very people who put them there.

Most were happy to greet you, giving you equally polite smiles and making small talk while there were a few others a little more frosty. You weren’t surprised that the families of the other candidates, Kim Seokjin and Oh Taewon, weren’t exactly the happiest to see you but there wasn’t exactly a lot you could do about that except be civil.

Soon enough thankfully, the current Pack Alpha is calling for quiet. His strong voice has a deep timbre and is still strong, despite his age. Though that might be because he was using the dominance he’d been born with to reinforce his words and ensure that everyone was listening to him.

A few of the Alphas in the crowd bristled to be ordered about, not exactly an unusual occurrence given the clashes of dominance that could happen. It wasn’t usually a problem but with this many wolves around, the election would have to take place quickly to ensure it didn’t cause any issues such as fights.

The quietest whine from behind you causes you to turn, catching Jungkook’s eyes and taking in the slightly distressed look in them. Almost immediately you feel protective, a need to rush over to him and comfort him. You’d been worried about him coming here, with so many dominant personalities present and how he’d handle it all but he’d been determined to come for you.

When he realises you’re watching him, he gives you a tremulous smile that’s a little weaker than he probably anticipated. It makes your heart clench and you catch Jimin and Sana’s attention subtly, indicating towards your boyfriend who was now fidgeting with his hands. They take approximately a second to realise what’s wrong before nodding at you with a smile, Sana’s arm wrapping around his waist in a hug.

It’s not you, but the comfort of someone he knows and trusts makes him relax and you sigh in relief. The last you needed during this moment was to be constantly fretting over him. As much as you love him, you need to get through this.

Turning back, you stand in between the other two candidates and listen to the current Alpha talks. He explains the history of your Pack along with how important the role of leader is. You zone out for a little bit, the nerves causing you to ignore what he’s saying until you realise people are moving forward slowly.

The way your ancestors had devised the more democratic, and less brutal, method of choosing the new Pack leader was for each member to place a stone in a wooden bowl that was set in front of you. Once everyone had voted, the stones were counted by the current Alpha and the leader declared. In case of a tie, the vote was decided by the Pack Alpha, who didn’t vote normally.

As people came forward and voted, you decided that while you appreciated the concept of voting, you didn’t particularly appreciate having to actively watch as people you had come to know voted for others. It was beyond awkward as you tried to avoid eye contact while also making sure you didn’t appear too upset or offended.

But what surprised you more than anything was the fact that...you seemed to be winning? The stones in your bowl were growing more and more plentiful while your opponents had only handfuls each. Frowning ever so slightly, you realised with a start that at this rate, they wouldn’t even need to count the stones. It was that obvious.

Instead of fretting over that, you focused instead on who was giving you their trust and loyalty. The people who were telling you that they thought you were the best Alpha to lead them forward, despite how you’d always been considered a lesser Alpha in the past. Part of you, the part that didn’t think you were ready, wondered how much of their choice had been impacted by Jungkook.

Shaking your head slightly, you pushed the thought away. It didn’t matter at the end of the day. If the final votes kept up like they did, then Kim Seokjin and Oh Taewon were going to be congratulating you on your win and acknowledging your leadership. You, the Alpha who defied all stereotypes.

Smiling slightly to yourself, you looked down at the ground as the final votes slowly trickled in. The win was to such an extent that your bowl looked like it was in serious danger of overflowing and you felt almost embarrassed at it. Glancing over to the other two candidates, you saw them give you a warm smile before they both walked over to give you a congratulatory handshake.

Given how temperamental Alpha’s could be, you were thankful that both Seokjin and Taewon were magnanimous and kind in defeat. Though you supposed that only level-headed Alpha’s would even be allowed to contest the election. No point allowing a candidate who was a hothead and would start a fight just because they lost.

Still, you made sure to be warm and welcoming to them both to avoid any future awkwardness. He current Pack leader, or rather the previous now, didn’t even bother counting the stones and instead moved over to you with a wide grin. Once you’d finished talking with Seokjin and Taewon, he grasped your hand and lifted it high above your head.

“I think this is probably the easiest victory in a while. Which is a testament to the popularity of Y/N and the strong belief that she will lead this pack in a positive way for the future. With this, I officially relinquish my role as leader and bestow it to you. May you experience good health, a fortuitous life and no troubles.” He smiles at you as you have the bizarre knowledge that you’re now higher ranking than he is. This is the wolf who has led the Pack since before you were even born, the wolf you had acquiesced to every time when he made a decree. And yet now, he bowed to you.

Well, he didn’t actually bow. But the metaphor was the same. Eyes widening at the thought, you accept his words before turning to look at the Pack. Your Pack. Catching the sight of your family, you see the tears of joy and pride your mom and dad cry while Jimin beams so brightly at the knowledge his little sister had actually done it.

And then you see Jungkook, who’s smiling so brightly at you that his nose is all wrinkled and his eyes have disappeared into the sweetest crescent moons. His cheeks are flushed with a combination of happiness and what you presume to be stress from the presence of so many dominant personalities but he pushes through it for you, focusing firmly on you as he cheers and howls alongside the rest of the Pack as they celebrate.

Getting them to calm down with a gesture, you laugh as the howls continue for a moment before stopping and simply look over the wolves who are now yours. Yours to rule and nourish, protect and discipline if necessary. It’s a big ask for someone who’s simply a teacher, but if you can handle a day full of moody teenagers then really, the Pack would almost be a vacation.

“Thank you, for putting your trust into me to lead you. I will try my best to be fair and kind, an Alpha who you can come to with your worries and stresses. I know that many of you may question me given...how I don’t appear like other Alpha’s but I promise you that I am just as ready to protect and fight for you if necessary. I am here for you and I will respect each of you. In turn, I expect equal amounts of respect back. I may be your leader, but I am not your ruler. Please, if you have any concerns then bring them to me sooner rather than later. And with that, I think that’s enough of discussing politics for the day. I’m sure you’re all waiting to go back to your homes and have your parties so...please enjoy.” Grinning, you stifle the laugh that wants to erupt at the enthusiastic howls and yells from many in the crowd as they begin to disperse.

Election day in your Pack had long been a day that everyone would take off from their normal work, turning it into a day of voting in the morning and partying in the evening to celebrate the election of their new leader. You would spend a few hours visiting random parties tonight throughout the town, making an appearance to them and showing that you were there before settling in at the party your parents would be hosting.

Glancing over at Jungkook, you bit your lip as anticipation roiled in your stomach. Under normal circumstances, the next few hours would be a breeze as you socialised and got to know people. You may not particularly enjoy it, but you were well versed in how to do it thanks to your job. But today?

Today you just wanted to rush home and into the arms of Jungkook. Because tonight you had more important things to do than having a party. Tonight, you were going to join together as mates for the very first time.

You wish that you could say that you enjoyed the parties that you went to that night, but it would be a complete lie to be honest. What you really want to do is get home, spend some time with your family and friends while you were still in a content and happy mood before spending the night with one Jeon Jungkook.

But you were, after all, the leader now. So you didn’t get to be selfish when it came to things like this. Though you kind of wished that you could because as much as you’d ended up wanting this role despite only doing it because Jimin had bugged you enough to sign up, some of the people in the Pack weren’t very accommodating to you. Or even nice really.

You were generalising really, because the vast majority of wolves who you had met and spoken to tonight had been very sweet and congratulatory towards you. Many of them had openly told you that they’d voted for you, leading to you awkwardly thanking them for their support. A lot of them had laughed at your uncertainty regarding their words but they seemed to appreciate how genuine you were being.

Perhaps they thought you might have ended up being like another Alpha who was brusque and almost rude, as if their support was never in question. There were plenty like that in the Pack and you were glad to give them someone who defied their expectations.

But after three hours of driving around town and greeting people, you were just ready to leave. So you give a polite smile to the young couple whose barbecue you’d crashed along with all of their friends and family, including their grandparents who had haughtily told you that they’d voted for Kim Seokjin, a real Alpha.

That had just amused you and you’d shrugged apologetically when they’d told you, telling them that you’d do the best you could for them to meet their expectations. Of course, they’d just sniffed at that but you didn’t see any point in trying to change their mind.

After finally saying goodbye to everyone there, you hop into your car and drive to your parents house with a relieved sensation in your stomach. Pulling up into their drive, you smile brightly at the sight of the cars of all your beloved friends and family, realising that they’d all congregated here for what must have been hours now.

“Ah, here she is. Our noble Alpha.” Greeted you when you walk through the door, Jimin’s bright smile accompanies his sugary sweet words and you snort in amusement, punching his stomach lightly as he goes to hug you. The whine he lets out is overly exaggerated but he embraces you tightly, his emotions genuine.

“Seriously, congrats. Told you that you could do it.” Rolling your eyes at him, you acknowledge his words with a nod before hugging Sana just as tight. She’s already babbling on about the election and how she’d thought it was going to be tense but that you’d made history with the landslide. Of course, she then starts to suggest laws that she’d like to have in place and you take her hands gently, squeezing them.

“Hey, hey. Sana...I love you, but can I please at least have tonight? We can talk about laws tomorrow, I promise you. Okay?” She pouts slightly, her pretty pink lips giving away her eagerness and you just chuckle.

“Sweetheart, what did we say about talking law tonight?” Jimin asks his mate, brows rising slightly with an expectant look and you watch in fascination as your best friend pouted even further, her shoulders dropping.

“To leave it alone for the night. But it’s important we get started on the right foot!” She protests, looking from him to you and you just smile at her. Jimin sighs deeply before wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her cheek affectionately.

“Peanut, I love you, I really do. But I’m sure that Y/N has had a really tiring day and probably just wants to go round and say hi to everyone before dragging Jungkook off.” He’s looking firmly at Sana when he says that but you feel yourself go warm with embarrassment at his words. Not that he’d said anything crude out loud, but because he was perfectly right.

You did want to drag Jungkook off, because you had something very important to do with him. So you take Jimin’s words as permission and give them both a warm smile of happiness before hugging them both tightly together.

“Thank you both for all your support these last few months. I really mean it. I couldn’t have done any of this without you both. Especially you, you weasel. It’s because of you that I probably am going to have a massive headache and a short temper 24/7 with the Pack. I’ve already met some grouchy folk so I’m sure it’s going to be fun.” Jimin laughs loudly at that, his eyes almost disappearing with the intensity of his emotion and he squeezes you even tighter round the neck, causing you to yell as he drags you down.

“That’ll be nothing for my little sister. She’ll put them straight, won’t she?” He teases and you growl, the sound rumbling from your chest without even meaning it. But the wolf inside you is displeased at being caught like this, being restrained, and so before Jimin realises what’s happening, you’ve grabbed his arm and twisted with an enormous amount of force and strength.

A cry leaves him as he gets flung over your body, his ass thumping the ground hard as he lays there with a stunned expression. Not that he should be too surprised really. You’ve done this with him plenty of times over the years so he really should be used to being thrown around by his smaller, younger sister.

Still, it makes Sana laugh with wild abandon at the sight of seeing her mate so thoroughly put in his place. Grinning at her, you give her a high five before heading further into the house and saying hello to the people closest to you.

Your parents give you the tightest hug possible and you can practically feel the pride dripping of them, that their little girl is now the leader of their Pack. It was something they’d told you that you could do as a child but you doubted they’d have ever considered you were actually going to go for it.

“Are you going to quit teaching now? Being the leader is basically a full time job.” Your dad asks, a frown on his face as concern fills his expression. Humming, you shake your head with a smile before squeezing the hand of Jungkook. He’d been talking to them when you’d arrived and had slipped his hand into yours as soon as he’d been able to, the pride in his face possibly equal to the one in theirs.

“No. But I will transfer to the high school here instead. And maybe teach some classes at the local community college for anyone who wants them. I still love teaching and I don’t want to give it up. If anything, I think I want to encourage more people in the Pack to learn. I’m considering offering some cultural lessons to try and broaden the minds of some of our more...reticent members. Maybe offer cultural exchanges by inviting other Pack’s to send a representative and tell us how they operate and live. You know...every little helps right?” Your mom is nodding thoughtfully, her arm looped through your dad's arm and you feel pride at knowing she approved of your thoughts.

“Sounds like a good idea. There’s plenty of people that need to be dragged into the 20th century in our Pack, never mind the 21st century. So if you can succeed in that, then I’ll be a very proud dad.” He grins before hugging you, and you contemplate the fact that you’ve probably never had this much physical contact in years.

“Anyway, as much as I love you all and this is a great party, I’ve already been fed about six times by now so I’m ridiculously full and I’m tired. Are you okay if Jungkook and I head off? I know I’ve barely been-” You barely even get the words out before your mom is pushing Jungkook and you with a tut, rolling her eyes.

“Honestly, you don’t need to apologise. It’s been a big day. For both of you. I’m proud of you too Jungkook, for doing so well with everyone there. So I want you both to go home and just relax! You’ve done enough for today.” Snorting, you let her practically push you out of the door while you manage to wave your goodbyes to everyone, noting the amused expressions on their faces as well.

Getting into the car once more, you turn and look at Jungkook with raised brows. “Ironic that I’ve spent more time with other people at their parties today than with my own parents at my own party.”

“Hey, they understand. Don’t be too worried about it. They’d already told me that they planned on sending you home as soon as you got here to be honest. We all knew you’d be a bit tired and stressed after it all and I don’t think anyone wanted to cause you anymore anxiety than needed after what’s happened.” He says thoughtfully, running his fingers over his lower lip and you hum quietly.

“Are you okay? I’ve been worried about you since I left. It was a lot to take in and you did so well Kook. I’m really proud of you. I can only imagine how hard it was to be there with almost the whole Pack, all those different personalities and dominance battles going on.” Your voice goes soft with worry and you see him smile out of the corner of your eye, reaching out for your hand and intertwining your fingers once more.

“It was hard, yeah. I wanted to run away for most of it but I’ve got a reputation to uphold you know? I’m an Omega, yeah, but I'm also a badass,” He puffs his chest out at that and you snort, gently pushing at him without taking your eyes away from the road too much. “Seriously though, I’m really proud of you too. You were so convinced that no one was going to vote for you because of who you are and how you don’t meet the stereotypes others have for you but...you were wrong. And now you’re our lovely leader.”

“Yeah...you’re right.” Silence falls between you both but it’s not uncomfortable, instead it’s familiar and comforting. Sighing softly, you run your thumb along the back of his hand before smiling once more. You’d managed to do it, despite a year ago being convinced that you wouldn’t even be considered. And along the way, you’d found your mate.

“This morning...what you said...do you still think that?” Jungkook’s voice is soft now and you pause at his words, thinking back and remembering the intimate moment you’d both had in your bedroom. It felt so long ago now, but those emotions came swarming back with a vengeance as you pulled into the parking lot of your apartment building.

“Every word.” Turning the engine off, you look at him with a serious expression and he swallows thickly. His eyes are wide, reflecting the light from the nearby buildings and you feel your heart positively clench at how beautiful he looks. It’s not that he’s innocent, because he’s not, but it’s like he has an innate curiosity and wonder about the world that his eyes can’t seem to hide. As if he wants to learn and see everything before his time ends and you want so desperately to give that to him.

“Me too.” He whispers and you don’t stop yourself from leaning forward in your seat, pressing your lips to his in a kiss that is gentle and yet needy at the same time. The underlying ‘I love you’ is so prominent between you both and you feel the need to mark him. To make him yours and show the whole world that he chose you.

Pulling back, you look at him at him intently and see the way he swallows at whatever he sees in your own eyes. Nipping at his lip playfully, you nose along his cheek before biting softly at his jawline and enjoying the way he gasps.

Sex with Jungkook is more than satisfying and you’ve been pleased to discover that he’s not as submissive as he looks in that department either. There’s days when he takes control and you love it almost as much as the days that he lets you wreak havoc with him. But today is a day when your base instincts will take over, the wolf inside you demanding you dominate your mate to show him that you were capable of protecting him, of loving him and keeping him safe.

Unsurprisingly, Jungkook’s own wolf was obviously telling him to go along with his own instincts as well as he leans his head to one side, revealing the wonderful expanse of golden tan skin stretched over the strong tendons and muscles of his neck. The beautiful skin that is currently unmarked.

“We need to go inside. Now.” You growl and he nods immediately, hands grasping at the door handle before you even finish and you almost want to laugh at his eagerness. But you don’t, because you’re following him every step of the way, almost stalking his steps like the predator you truly were.

The idea of doing this to him normally would be horrifying because it would immediately set off his Omega instincts. And no matter how much he’s managed to suppress them over the years, no matter how much he can pass for something other than what he is, he is still an Omega at the end of the day.

But tonight, the tension in his shoulders wasn’t from fear. It was from anticipation. And from the way he looked back at you with eagerness in those pretty eyes, you got the sense that he was turning this into a little game. The rumble of appreciation rolls from your chest before you even realise and you bite your lip at the sight of him shuddering when you reach the apartment door.

Getting your keys into the door is a bit of a challenge when your mind is solely focused on him. You finally do it though and as soon as the door latches shut behind you, you turn and pull him down for another kiss.

This one is deeper than before and more frantic, the need to join stronger than ever. The two of you leave a trail of clothes through the apartment as you move to the bedroom, his shirt torn from the force of your pull. Humming happily at the feel of smooth, warm skin beneath your palms, you nip at his collarbones playfully and delight in the way he squirms and whines for you.

Running your hands down his toned and muscular stomach, you reach the waistband of his boxers and eagerly pull them down. They slip past his slim hips with complete ease and you resist the urge to salivate at the sight of his cock, bouncing gently as it strains against gravity.

Jungkook is not a stereotypical Omega. He is tall, broad, muscular, tattooed, has a black belt in taekwondo and will snap at anyone if pushed. And his cock is just as beautifully magnificent as the rest of him, not too long to be painful but beautifully girthy and with the most delightful veins that make him whine when you trace over them. In a simple word, Jungkook is physically perfect.

"You're so damn beautiful," The words slip from your mouth reverently and you press your lips to the dip in his hips to a kiss that turns into a nip. "You're perfect and all for me, aren't you?"

As you whisper words of affection, praise and dominance into his skin, you wrap your fingers around his shaft and stroke slowly. The whine he gives it like music to your ears and you growl in appreciation, licking along his stomach before rewarding him with one, slow glide of your tongue along the underside of his cock.

He sighs in contentment at that, his hands clenching and opening repeatedly as he struggles to find something to do with them and you laugh. Pulling back, you stand once more and point to the bed.

"Lay down for me, pretty boy." You almost don't manage to get the words out before he's practically throwing himself on the bed and you have to stop yourself from snorting and ruining the mood. His eagerness to please suddenly is endearing and this is the one Omega stereotype you're glad he embodies.

The sight of him laid out on the bed, his skin almost glowing with health from the soft lighting of the bedside lamp he’d turned on, has you almost turning into a cat as you practically purr in contentment at the sight of him. His big, sweet eyes are focused firmly on you while his cock strains against his stomach, desperate for your touch.

“Good boy.” You praise him sweetly, running your hand along the muscle of his calf and biting your lip at the way he shivers in response. Slowly, you remove the final pieces of your own clothing and delight at the way Jungkook lets out the softest keen at the sight of the damp spot in your panties, a visible sign of just how unbelievably wet you were for him.

It didn’t take much for him to get you going, you’d discovered this in the past, but there’s something particularly delightful about him today. You may not be a typical Alpha but you’d be damned if Jungkook’s willingness to submit right now wasn’t hitting every dominant bone in your body.

Kneeling on the bed next to him, you continue to let your fingers dance along his body in a slow, steady exploration that only heightens his arousal. Everywhere you touch tenses beneath your fingertips and you don’t miss the way his hips subtly move, trying to catch your attention and give him the blessed relief he wants.

But you don’t want to yet. You want to make him desperate for you, to make him whine and pout and cry out for your touch before you finally mark him. The wolf in you demands it, demands his full submission as your mate and you want it as well. From the look of pure need in Jungkook’s eyes, he wants it just as much.

Pressing a kiss to his lips, you dart away from him quickly when he goes to follow and smile at the whine he gives you. Tutting quietly, you begin to kiss down his body in hot, open mouthed kisses that leave a slick mess to follow, a few spots darkening from where your kiss had been particularly forceful.

“What do you want, baby boy? Tell me.” You whisper, biting gently at his hip and enjoying the way he writhes beneath you. There’s almost zero resistance before he’s speaking to you, the subtle whine in his voice telling you he’s trying to hold back.

“I want you. Please. Please. I love you, please.” Pursing your lips, you move down till you’re kissing along his inner thigh, enjoying the way his muscles twitch with need. There’s no missing the way his cock jerks occasionally, his balls tight and firm in your eyesight and you resist the urge to play with them. Not yet.

“Tell me what you want.” The words are repeated back to him and now Jungkook does let out a whine, the sound strained in his throat with frustration and need. But he responds to you perfectly, causing you to grin.

“Please touch my dick. Jerk me off. Lick it. Put your mouth on it. Anything. Please.” He mutters a few more times, almost praying to you with how much he wants your touch on his cock and you pause for a moment to watch him. His face is ever so slightly flushed while his hair isn’t as put together anymore, his hands having ruined what he’d carefully arranged this morning.

“Since you asked so nicely.” You purr to him, voice going low. It’s not really because he asked, but more because you can’t handle not touching him anymore. Not when you want him this badly.

Grasping his cock at the base once more, you give him a slow stroke while squeezing tightly, enjoying how he gasps. A second stroke has his hips jerking, but not nearly as much as when you lick him from bottom to tip, flattening your tongue to try and reach as much of him as you can. The noises he makes are nothing though compared to when you wrap your lips around his head, engulfing him in your mouth and sucking tightly.

It’s pure enjoyment from your part as you take in how he reacts, moving your hand to meet your lips in a rhythm that’s perfect for you both. Head lowering, you press your tongue to him as hard as you can on the way down before hollowing out your cheeks as you rise back up, trying to increase the amount of pressure he’s feeling. The gasps tell you he likes it and you hum, adding vibration to the mix while your free hand moves to cup his balls, running your fingers along him until you find what really makes his hips jerk.

For a few minutes, you continue on like this. Changing up the speed with which you tug on him, the pressure you apply to his cock and how you play with his balls to make sure he doesn’t get too complacent or too near completion. It would ruin the fun if he came too early.

Pulling off him, you begin to lick at his tip almost like you’re enjoying an ice cream, eyes closing as you let your tongue slide around the head of him and find all the places that make him quiver with need. Your hand slows on him as well, squeezing the base of him tightly to stop him from reaching his end if he is near and the reduction in pleasure has him whining your name.

“Please, please. Oh god, please fuck me. Please. I want to be inside you.” He begs desperately, his hands moving to grasp at the covers of the bed as you press kisses to his cock, letting go of it and enjoying the way it stands for a moment for falling back to his stomach with a wet slap from the weight of it. Smirking, you sit up and wipe at your mouth before looking down at him.

His pupils have blown out from lust while his cheeks are a beautiful, rosy pink and his chest is breathing a little heavier than before. Moving over him, you carefully avoid his cock as you lean down to kiss along his neck, biting gently and sucking in other places before moving up to his mouth. It’s already swollen from your previous kiss and the way he keeps biting at them, but it doesn’t stop you from nibbling on his lower lip.

“You want to be inside of me? Do you think you deserve to be in me, baby boy?” You ask the question lightly, whispering the words into his ear and he shivers in response. Jungkook is nodding before you’ve even finished speaking and you hide your smile.

“Yes, yes please. I’ve been good. I was good today, right? Please. Please let me.” Sitting back up, you lift yourself and grasp his cock, straightening it till the tip is brushing against your wet folds. The slight sensation has him making the strangest noises, his throat tight while his hips try to push up and you tut at him.

“Stop pushing. We go at my pace, okay?” He settles down, forcing himself to be still at the thread of dominance you weave through your words before nodding. Feeling a little bad that you’d done that, you lean forward and kiss him gently.

“I’ve got you baby boy, don’t worry. I love you.” You try not to grin at how he almost preens at that, his chest pushing out while happiness and pride fills his eyes. Despite the lust rushing through your body and the incessant desire that makes your pussy ache to have him inside you, your chest feels full of love for him.

Slowly, you lower yourself onto his cock. There’s no foreplay for you, but then you don’t need it given how wet you already are for him. Slowly, he penetrates you inch by inch and you let you the deepest sigh of relief once you’re finally seated on him, clit rubbing against his pelvis as you lean forward ever so slightly.

You feel full and an experimental squeeze of your muscles has slight pleasure rolling through you while Jungkook moans at being so deep inside your warm depths. Biting your lip, you rock your hips slowly and feel the perfect friction as his cock slides out of you before pushing back in just as deep. The slickness of your excitement allows him to glide with each and you hum at how good he feels.

“Fuck baby, you feel so good in me,” Panting slightly, you slowly speed up your movements until the room is filled with the lewd sound of him slipping in and out of your soaked pussy. “Mmmm, Jungkook. Fuck, you’re perfect.”

Half of you isn’t even actually sure what you’re saying anymore to be honest, the sensation of him inside you as you fuck him is all you can really focus on and you’re just saying whatever comes to you. But it’s all praise for the man beneath you, the man who is grasping the sheets so hard to avoid touching you yet because you haven’t given him permission to.

Who is holding himself so steady to avoid pushing up into you, letting you use his body however you want. You love it and opening your eyes, you tell him so while shifting, leaning forwards ever so slightly to lightly scrape your nails along his chest. It makes him writhe and whimper, the sound deep from his throat and you automatically squeeze around his cock when you hear it.

“Good boy.” You whisper absentmindedly, your fingers reaching down to rub at the swollen flesh of your clit. It’s almost hard beneath your touch from how turned on you are and you slick your fingers in the sticky mess before rubbing in a rhythmic circle that has you gasping and tightening.

Rocking your hips on top of him, you take all the pleasure that you can get and slowly, your movements begin to match so every circle of your fingers is complemented by a rock of your hips. You mix it up occasionally, circling your hips and sighing in relief at how Jungkook’s cock presses against every part inside of you that sparks fires of pleasure.

“Touch me Jungkook. I want your hands here,” You take one of them and press it to one of your breasts, making his fingers twist and pull at your nipple in exactly the way you love. “And here.”

His other hand goes to your clit and you press his fingers in exactly the manner that you enjoy the most. It feels even better with the extra stimulation and you whine loudly, the sound mixing with your gasps as you feel almost overwhelmed.

“Are you close?” You whisper to him, opening your eyes after a few minutes of enjoying some of the best sex you’ve ever had with him and he nods quickly. His eyes are scrunched close, jaw tight as he clenches his teeth together in a desperate effort to control himself. Your wolf growls at the sight of it and you feel your chest rumble too, the sound causing Jungkook’s hip to push up automatically.

“I want you to knot me,” Moving to almost lay on him, you kiss and nip at his jaw insistently as his eyes widen suddenly at your words. “I want you to fill me up with your cum until you’re spilling out of me.”

“Seriously?” He pants and his hands still on yours. Looking into his eyes, those beautiful eyes that you love so much, you nod and kiss him deeply. Tangling your tongue with his, your hands move to cup his cheeks almost tenderly as the kiss takes over your thought process. Your hips slow down until you’re simply rolling them, your clit getting the pleasure of rubbing against him and it suddenly changes from sexy to intimate.

Parting from his lips, you pant softly, chest heaving from the effort of riding him for so long before nodding. “I want you to cum in me, and I want your knot. I want you to breed me while I bond with you, fill me up with your pups. Do you understand me?”

His eyes are bigger than ever and you wonder if he’s about to say no or something. Knotting is only done when you’re trying to impregnate and you want that desperately, want to feel him swell inside you until you can’t even move while he fills you up with rope after rope of thick cum. The thought of almost intoxicating and you tighten around him.

“Give me your knot baby, give it to me. I know you can. Don’t you want to give me pups? Watch me grow with them, all with the knowledge that they’re yours? See your Alpha, your leader, all swollen with your pups while I deal with everyone, knowing that they can see I’m yours?” The dirty, dark words whispered into his ear work and he lets out a deep growl of his own, the first time you’ve ever heard him growl.

His hands grasp at your hips, holding you steady as he begins to thrust up into you and you moan in delight at the increased sensations. You encourage him along, nipping at his jaw and continuing to coax him to knot you as you squeeze on his cock tightly, trying to encourage him and you finally begin to feel it.

It starts almost slowly and you’re not sure it’s happening at first, but then you’re certain his cock is beginning to swell in you. Reaching between you both, you rub at your clit exactly how you like as he continues to expand slowly, his jaw clenched so tightly. Any sign of the sweet, innocent Omega you’d fallen for is gone at the moment and you could easily mistake him for an Alpha with how strong he looks.

His hair is matted to his forehead, the strands ink black while his skin shines with the sweat he’s worked up and you’re not sure you’ve ever seen a hotter sight. Though looking between you both and taking in the sight of his cock thrusting into your pussy, there may be one thing hotter.

“Cum for Jungkook. Knot your mate.” Panting into his ear, they must be the magic words because he pushes into you harder than ever, pressing down on your hips to keep you in place while he swells inside you. A deep moan that sounds like it’s been pulled from his chest comes from him and you shudder as your own release takes over, pussy tightening around him as your orgasm washes through you.

Before it finishes, you snarl softly and bare your teeth, the fangs that have grown suddenly biting into the soft skin of Jungkook’s neck as you mark him. He stiffens momentarily before letting out a ridiculously loud groan, his knot growing even bigger and you hum contentedly as you practically feel him orgasming inside you.

The remnants of your own orgasm continue to rush through you and are intensified when Jungkook bites back at your own neck. Almost immediately, you feel the mate bond snap into place between the two of you as you mark each other at the point of orgasm. There’s no ceremony, no special words, just pure instinct that drives you both to fulfil this need.

Pulling your fangs from him, you slowly lick at his neck to help the wounds to heal while he does the same to you. Warmth fills you with the knowledge he’s your mate now while you can feel the oddest sensation of the knowledge that someone else occupies space within you now. You can’t talk to him telepathically or anything like the books, but it’s more just an awareness that he’s there.

A bottomless pit of love and protection for him along with an oath to love only him for as long as you live.

Resting against him, you take a moment to simply enjoy the feeling of being on him while his knot continues to keep you held in place. The knowledge that he could even now be impregnating you is hot and you sluggishly lift your head up to gaze into his own tired eyes. Jungkook gives you a slow smile and you kiss him lazily, realising the sensation feels a little different now that you’re bonded.

“I love you.” You whisper, your dominant flair vanishing in the comfort of his embrace as he wraps his arms to simultaneously hug you and keep you in place to avoid you hurting yourself. A gentle kiss is pressed to your nose before he kisses you once more, a quiet hum of contentment leaving him.

“I love you too.” Neither of you say anything after that, simply enjoying each other as you wait for his knot to go down. When it finally does, there’s an almost uncomfortable feeling as a rush of his cum begins to seep out of you and onto him. You’re used to him orgasming inside you, knotting was the only way to get pregnant and wolves didn’t get STI’s like humans after all, but this was entirely different.

“God, how much did you cum?” Laughing, you shift until you can see between you both. His cock has slipped out of you now, resting against his thigh and shiny with your own excitement. But your thighs and his groin are beginning to become covered in white cum as it drips out of you.

“Well...you did tell me to get you pregnant.” Is all he says, his face innocent and you laugh loudly at that. Nodding slowly, you kiss him once more and enjoy how comfortable he is with you. There’s not much you wouldn’t do for him, you decide to yourself.

“I guess I did. You did a good job...baby boy.” Teasing him for how much he likes his submissive nickname, you watch as his face screws up into a scowl and he goes to reach for you. But you dance out of the way, moving off the bed and heading to the bathroom while he whines quietly.

“Please don’t call me that in public. I’d never live it down.” He begs and you pause at the door frame, looking back at him with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

“Well...I guess the only solution to that is that you give me a reason to make sure I only use it in private...right?”

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sunseteyes · 3 years

Text

THE BOSS — KAI CHISAKI

—an au where kai is not a killer, but a lover

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ starring: kai chisaki (overhaul)

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ word count: 1.5k words | themes: pre & post world war II. yakuza au. fem!reader. mentions of women discrimination (not that harsh but still). fluff with a bit of angst (if you squint)

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ request: Hi this is my first time asking so i wanted to request a jealous chisaki kai fluff if that’s okay with you...heheh...bai —Anonymous

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ rozé’s voice: this took me awhile but here it is!! since i still have no banner for kai, i decided to do this in my new banner format! what do you guys think?? does it look nice??

the moon was out and the sun was being swallowed by the horizon, saying its goodbye for the meantime as it circles its way only to rise again by tomorrow morning. his eyes glared up on the sky, the orange hues of the sun’s rays reflecting upon them as he waited, the clouds emitting a different shade other than pure white as a result of how the light resonate well with the other contents of the sky.

beneath the comforts of his home, kai found himself drifting into a river of thoughts, wondering where could you have been.

after the world war II, it became difficult to not let the fear inside of kai be eliminated, even if he was sure that you’d be able to make it through the day anyway. after all, you were not just an ordinary yakuza woman.

you were the woman of the group—the boss.

the group was originally your father’s, being the previous boss that ruled everyone and lead them into a success that gave them the ability to be confident to put their trust into him. the boss—your father, he unfortunately passed away and in turn, the responsibility was given to the sole member who carries his very own blood and genes, his only daughter—you.

kai could briefly recall the moment your father had taken him in as part of the group and he eventually met you, who was well-loved by the other members, sooner by him. he believed in your leadership skills and how you coordinated well with others thus, he supported you when you suddenly became a leader in just one day.

during those times, many believed that maybe he should be the one who should be the boss, not a woman. at least even if he was someone from outside, he was a man. however, as soon as he heard of it, he came to you and told you yourself that;

“i believe in you.” kai’s own voice echoes inside of his memory, one that contained a scene where he confronted you one day while you were greeting him like you would every day, whenever you can.

“hm? did you say anything, kai?”

“i believe in your skills in being a good leader.” he faces you then, exactly by the time your face switched into something he couldn’t read. it was one of the things that attracted kai to you—the fascination of being unpredictable. it thrills him; sending jolts in his veins to the tips of his fingers and toes, as if you were a lightning bolt that struck him and kept him impaled with your effect on him.

your smile—it was one of his weaknesses, and in that moment, kai imprinted that image in his mind, tattooing it religiously like a madman.

“thank you kai, i really appreciate you saying that.”

for the first few days of being the boss, kai was glad that you were coping, and that you weren’t letting anyone or anything hinder you from doing your responsibilities. however, that didn’t last much long for the topic of having a husband was brought out by one of the veteran members of the group—those who believed that there should still be a male leader that would keep the stability of the group, as if you weren’t doing that already.

kai only watched from afar as men approached you gradually, statuses from every part of the group coming by with the intention of getting your hand for marriage. as a large group, there was a huge reputation that you should uphold. thus, no one ever approached kai to push him to take you.

he was merely an orphan boy that the boss saved and gave a shelter to. he was nothing more.

when the world war II happened, it was the time you dated another yakuza leader. kai could remember how he felt the crunching in his chest when it happened. the hatred beneath his glares, the hisses in his tone, his temper always setting fire despite being under the rain—he could not stop them,

but since he couldn’t do anything but watch, he lets it be.

it was proved difficult when he saw your exhausted face one day and by that time, he just knew that you weren’t happy with the relationship.

day by day, it was as if your energy was being sucked off by the sun, always robbing you of your smile, the lively glow on your eyes, and the hue of life on your skin. slowly, kai could watched everything unfold.

his chest tightens of the dread of just approaching you, who was currently with your significant other. he needed to give you daily updates since he was basically the one you trusted most out of everyone else in the group, but as he was about to slide open the door to your office, the voices reached his ears.

"you look so tired, don't you think it's time to rest? let me do the paperwork for you."

"no, it's fine. these are my responsibility, you don't have to offer me such a thing." base on your voice alone, kai knew there was something hidden behind it—something only he knows.

so despite the churning on his stomach when he enters the room after being granted entrance, he looks at you on the eye and let the words slip out of his mouth without any other sign of hesitance.

“i think you should take their opinion, boss. it will be best if you rest for awhile if you don’t want to make it worse.”

there was a certain harshness in his tone and he’s quite sure you could sense it, yet despite of it all, you looked at him with the same gentleness that you do every other time, no sign of remorse or irritation that could have told him that something put you off.

it took seconds before you answered—seconds of your significant other glaring daggers at kai, most probably with how he might have ruined a moment that shouldn’t be shared to any other, the sense of their small bubble being popped by a sharp object such as him.

and even without thinking twice, it doesn’t scare kai if he were asked. it actually swells his pride more with how much insecure the other was at his mere presence. and it seems that faith has him on their side as the situation unfolds further.

“maybe you’re right.” you sighed, the noise of the chair dragging onto the wooden floor echoing in the room as you stood up. the person by your side guides you as you walk to the door yet you stopped in front of kai, offering a flustered smile that tells him countless of words that your mouth couldn’t speak of when you say, “thank you, kai. i’m leaving everything to you for now, i apologize. i’ll make it up to you.”

kai then realized that day how stronger the thumping of his heart was than the ache that it felt when he saw you with another person that was not him.

when the relationship broke, kai expected it, and he felt the need to step up when you were being pursued by the same person to get you back to them.

“thank you, kai.” you say to him with the same look that you’d always given him, an exhausted chuckle leaving your lips, “you’ve always looked after me. what can i ever do without you?”

without thinking, the words left his lips without restraint, his mind already set upon the goal no matter how much there was an unlikely others would think it could happen.

“marry me, (y/n).”

he saw how your eyes widen and look straight into his, your entire form frozen and surprised, even the pen that you had between your fingers were up on the air, its ink about to fall down onto the paper if it wasn’t moved away.

kai remained still, his expression firm and serious, his mind already decided and confirmed that he wouldn’t ever regret his question whatever your answer would be. on the outside, his arms were closed into fists, his short nails digging into his own skin from how tight he was gripping his own palm. it was even far worse with how his chest has a pounding heart that rings on his ears and affects the vein on his neck, a line of sweat by his hairline that he was having a difficult time not to raise his hand and get his handkerchief to wipe it off. he had never been this nervous before, nor does he think he will ever do in the future. this moment will remain imprinted on his mind, no chance of ever redeeming it back again.

the touch on his cheek brought him back to reality, his gaze finding yours that looked at him in a way you’ve always did.

“what have you been thinking, love?”

his own hand grasped your own and he sighs, the memories of before slowly fading away as he relishes on the feel of your presence, giving a sense of peace in his chest that surely nothing else could change. nothing should, not now that he has you.

fin

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ㅤㅤ ↪︎ do feel free to send an ask/dm if you want to be included or if there is a specific fandom/character you want to be specifically tagged into!

#kai chisaki #overhaul x reader #chisaki x reader #bnha x reader #chisaki kai imagine #bnha villains #bnha x you

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youngjusticeslut · 4 years

Text

Remember

Fandom: Young Justice Links: FF.net // AO3 Characters: Artemis Crock, Dick Grayson, M’gann M’orzz, Conner Kent, Kaldur’ahm, Wyynnde, Garth, Wally West, mentions of Jade, Lian, Paula, Roy, Shalaina, Barbara, Zatanna and Raquel. Summary: In the six months after Wally's ceasing, the six members of the original team each remember him in their own way. // or, how the team copes with his death. Rating: T Word Count: 4k Disclaimer: I don’t own any of these characters.

The Watchtower June 23rd, 23:16 EDT

Conner puts himself in charge of Wally’s hologram before anyone else can offer.

He knows that he’s the most logical choice. Kaldur will want to do it, but will get too caught up dealing with the team that he’ll put himself on the backburner. M’gann won’t be able to look at the memorial without crying. Artemis is too much of a wreck. And Dick… Dick is gone.

Sure, someone else could have done it. They could have left it to the League. Or Bart. Bart would have readily taken it on and roped Flash into helping. It wouldn’t have felt right, though. Wally was one of them. The original six. It’s only fair that one of them handles it.

In the three days it takes them to build the hologram, Conner handles the harder things. Memorial arrangements. Consoling the team. Picking up whatever slack he can load on his shoulders. He keeps busy.

Everyone else needs time to grieve. More than he does, at least. Grief is an emotion he can easily control. It nestles inside him, content, easily ignored when more pressing matters come to play. It’s always been this way. When people get hurt, or die, he’s always the one they can count on to keep things going. It’s instinct, by now. And truth be told, it helps him feel a little bit better.

When the hologram is finished, Conner stays behind and stares up at it. None of this is fair. Artemis shouldn’t have to go through this pain. Dick shouldn’t have to live without his best friend. Wally should have continued to live, to be their friend.

But he’s gone now, and someone has to step up. Bart may have filled Wally’s shoes as the new Kid Flash, but being a hero was only a part of his legacy. After Kaldur, Wally always made sure that everyone was taken care of. He’d hang around the Cave and make sure all the new members got acquainted. If anyone needed a place to crash, Wally’s home, and then his and Artemis’, was always a safe haven. He’d organized game nights, movie nights, team outings. With him gone, there’s nobody left to take care of everyone else.

Nobody, except him. For so long, Conner fought the idea of leadership. Everyone’s role on the team was well defined. Kaldur was the leader. Artemis was the spirit. Dick was the brains. M’gann was the power. He was the strength. And Wally was the heart. Conner was comfortable in his role, and he never sought to change it. Things are different, now. It feels like the right time to step up.

Wally was his friend. His first friend. Conner needs to do right by him, to keep his memory alive.

He crouches low, touching the base of the hologram. “You don’t have to worry,” he says, barely speaking above a whisper. “I’ll take care of them for you. I promise.” He’ll make sure that Artemis gets through this. He’ll find Dick and be there for him in any way he needs. He’ll force Kaldur to take breaks and stop overworking himself. And M’gann… he’ll find a way to forgive her and work through their past.

Life’s too short to do anything else.

Happy Harbor July 1st, 13:34 EST

The snickerdoodles don’t taste right.

Wally’s memorial is in two hours, and despite spending the better part of her morning in the kitchen, M’gann has nothing to show for it. She sighs, dumping the fourth batch of cookies into the waste bin. It wouldn’t be right to show up empty handed. Wally would never forgive her.

Ignoring the pang in her chest, M’gann straightens up and rolls up the sleeves of her sweater, resolved to try again.

“Let’s see,” she mutters to herself, pulling up the recipe in her head. “Butter, eggs, flour…” A dash of cinnamon. A sprinkle of salt. The ingredients float towards the dirty mixer, ready for another attempt. Hopefully this time she won’t leave anything out.

The batter comes together easily enough. M’gann has made this recipe enough times that she moves automatically, measuring flour and cracking eggs without so much as a second thought. Keeping her hands busy is good. If she moves, she can’t think. Thinking will only make her cry, and she can’t cry. M’gann doesn’t have that right, especially not today.

Conner, Kaldur, Zatanna, Raquel and her are all in agreement that today, their attention will be on Artemis. Though the former archer puts up a brave front for the sake of the team and keeping things more or less normal, today will be different. Each of them will take turns looking out for her, ensuring that someone is with her at all times. It’s the very least they can do.

As M’gann folds the batter together, her mind turns to Dick. None of them have heard from him since he handed off the team to Kaldur and Barbara. Conner tried visiting his apartment. Artemis texted and called until his phone died. Kaldur persuaded Zatanna to try a locator spell, if only to ensure that their friend was alive. After a few weeks, Artemis informed them that he texted her back.

I’m fine.

Two words. Two words that scream how not-fine he is, but enough to keep them away for a little while longer.

M’gann tastes the batter and crinkles her nose. Something is still missing. She doesn’t have time to mess up another batch, she needs these to come out right. For Wally.

She stares down the batter, pressing her mouth to the side as she thinks. “I put in eggs, the flour, the cream of tartar… what am I missing?” M’gann dips the wooden spoon in the bowl, taking out a piece of soft dough to taste.

Then it hits her. She forgot the sugar.

“Hello, Megan,” M’gann laughs to herself, shaking her head as she grabs the sugar from a nearby cupboard. No wonder the dough doesn’t taste sweet.

“Not as sweet as you, Sugar.”

The bag of sugar drops from her hands and crashes on the floor, spilling everywhere. M’gann takes a shaky breath and grasps the counter until her knuckles go pale, trying to keep the tears from coming to her eyes. She can’t. No. Today’s not her day, she doesn’t get to do this.

Try as she might to regain composure, it’s too late. Every memory, good and bad, resurrect from the back of her mind and start playing without mercy. Wally’s shameless attempts at flirting. All the trays of cookies he’d scarfed down single handedly. The terrible jokes, and the funny ones too.

M’gann slides down until she hits the floor, fighting hard to keep from crying. They’d lost before. Tula. Artemis, even if it was brief. The loss of Wally hits differently. They studied for their exams together. Every recipe she tried, he’d always volunteer to be her taste tester. Good or bad, he’d eat it enthusiastically and ensured that she knew how much she enjoyed it. He was her friend.

Wally always seemed untouchable, like he could survive anything with a smile on his face. Even now, she expects him to just dash into the room and claim that it was all some horrible joke. They’d forgive him, just like they always had before.

Her phone beeps. M’gann sniffles and wipes her eyes before picking it out of her pocket. There’s a text from Kaldur, letting her know that he’ll pick her up in an hour. She sets the phone down and lets out a shaky breath. Maybe five minutes on the floor won’t hurt. She’ll allow herself five minutes, and then she’ll pick herself back up, put on a brave face, and finish baking the cookies.

And she does just that.

Palo Alto August 13th, 15:29 PST

“For the last time, Mom, I don’t need help.” Artemis holds her phone to her ear with her shoulder and tapes up another box. “By the time you’d get here, I’ll be done.”

When the box is taped shut, Artemis pushes it towards the door. This is the last room she has to pack up. One more room, and she’s free. She sets up another empty box and begins to pack up what remains of her closet.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come home? I made up your bed for you.”

Artemis nods, clearing her throat just enough so that she can answer. “I’m sure.” She can’t go home. Paula would see through her in an instant. “What, you don’t trust Jade?” she tries to joke, but the tone comes off wrong. Halfhearted.

Retreating to her sister’s new home is barely a step up from retreating to her mother’s. At least there, her friends won’t drop by unannounced. She’ll have something to do. A toddler to distract her from the heaviness that weighs her down. When Jade suggested it, she couldn’t say yes fast enough. At this point, change is welcomed. Anything to get her out of this house.

“I have to finish packing, Mom. I’ll text you tomorrow.”

Before Paula can add anything else, Artemis hangs up the phone. She knows what would have come next. Pity. Concern for her wellbeing. While she appreciates the concern and she knows everyone is only trying to look out for her, she doesn’t want to hear it anymore. What she wants is to move on.

Artemis is better than she was two months ago. Wally appeared everywhere to her. She saw him in their kitchen. She heard him, singing in the shower. Brucely would whine by the door for hours, waiting for him. Finally, she gave up and camped out at Zatanna’s, if only to keep from completely shutting down.

A month ago, she officially rejoined the team. Artemis couldn’t sit still and feel sorry for herself anymore. She had to do something. Punch something. Make someone feel even an ounce of the pain that she felt every day that Wally wasn’t with her.

The rage subsided. So did the pain. Artemis knows how to tuck it away for a few hours, bury it deep under team duties, coffee dates with M’gann and Zatanna, and babysitting her niece. She grows numb. Hollow. Anything is better than feeling that pain again.

Artemis makes quick work of her closet and tapes up the remainder of her possessions in the last box. She’s glad that she only has to worry about her things. Wally’s family had helped clear out most of his belongings shortly after the memorial.

She hoists up the box and carries it out to the living room, where a stack of boxes already sits by the door. Half of them will be going to storage. She doesn’t want to impose on her sister and brother-in-law. Not after they volunteered to house her and her dog.

Speaking of her dog, Artemis notices that it’s awfully quiet. She’s used to quiet by now, but with Brucely, it isn’t always a good thing. A small smile ghosts her lips. One time, upon leaving him alone for less than ten minutes, her and Wally had found the dog neck-deep in a massive bag of cereal. They’d stayed up all night, watching their dog upchuck Lucky Charms and vowing to keep a better handle on where they kept their food.

Even though it’s a happy memory, it leaves a bitter taste in Artemis’ mouth. Wally would want her to be happy. He’d want her to remember the good times, and use them to find her strength and move on. Maybe one day, she will. One day, when she isn’t angry, or hurt, or numb.

“Brucely?” she calls out, whistling short-after. No response. That’s never a good sign. “Come on, Boy. We can go on one last walk before we have to go.” Still nothing. He must be up to something, Brucely always comes out running when she so much as mentions the word ‘walk’.

Artemis checks the bathroom. Not there. The kitchen is empty. So is her bedroom. She keeps calling his name, but Brucely remains hidden. Finally, after a solid ten minutes of looking, she finds him inside a closet, lying down pitifully.

“There you are,” she sighs in relief, bending down to pet him. “What’s the matter, don’t you want to go live with Jade?”

The dog stares up at her, reflecting her own feelings in his sad brown eyes. Artemis laughs and sits next to him. “Yeah, me neither. But you’ll like it there. Lian will love you. Roy will probably give you extra treats. And Jade…” she bites her lip. “Jade will get over it.”

Brucely huffs, making himself more comfortable on the floor. Artemis notices that he’s guarding something behind him. “What’cha got there, buddy?” she asks, peering closer to look. Behind Brucely is a box. Seems like she missed something.

Artemis carefully moves her dog and takes the small box into her palms. It’s not one of her boxes. Judging by the torn edges and the crumpled, smush state of it, the box is one of Wally’s. Taking a deep breath, she opens it.

Wally and her talked about marriage. They both knew it was an inevitability, but had decided to wait until after college. Wally wanted a huge party, with everyone on the Team and the League invited. Loud music. A massive cake. The whole five yard. Artemis was never really the type of girl to plan out her wedding, so she went along with his ideas, if only because she liked seeing how excited he got about everything.

Now she wishes they hadn’t waited. She wishes that they’d run away, eloped, made the most of their short amount of time together before it was too late. Maybe things would have been different. Maybe he’d still be alive and here with her.

He isn’t though. And now Artemis sits on the floor, holding a ring that was supposed to be hers. All the stitches keeping her together tear apart at the sight of this one little ring.

Brucely whines and sidles up to her before placing his head in her lap. His drool ruins her pants, but she doesn’t care. Artemis leans forward and hugs him, doing her best not to cry, fighting hard to keep away the thoughts of what might have been.

Poseidonis October 30th, 8:19 UTC-2

Of all the strange holidays Kaldur has experienced on the surface world, none confuses him more than Halloween. He isn’t too much a fan of sweets. And the custom of knocking on strangers’ doors, begging for candy baffles him to no end. His team members tried to explain it to him on several occasions, but clearly the holiday is beyond his understanding.

He prefers to spend the holiday back home, visiting his parents, his old friends. Kaldur always found it a better use of his time than partaking in the festivities; he only had so many opportunities to return home, and this was one he always allowed himself to have.

This year, however, is different. Artemis texted him and asked him to join her and Will for his daughter’s first Halloween. At least, the first one they were both there for. He’d tried to decline, but her and Will both sent him a mass of text messages full of pictures from the pouting toddler, and really, what choice did he have? Kaldur has a difficult time denying Artemis much of anything, these days.

As a result, Kaldur plans his trip home a day earlier. For a brief moment, he considers skipping it entirely. Then he remembers his parents, and decides he’s hurt them enough for one lifetime. So, like the good son he is, he returns home and lets his mother shower him with affection. Cal asks him a plethora of questions about how things have changed on the surface world, and Kaldur dutifully answers every single one. When it comes time to leave, he tries his best not to think too hard about how tight his mother hugs him.

Upon leaving his parents, he ponders visiting Queen Mera, and her son. It has been ages since he’s seen little Artur. Kaldur still remembers holding the baby, only a few days after his birth. Artur must be so much bigger now, and the thought puts a smile on his face.

Just as he’s about to head in that direction, Kaldur stops himself. He probably won’t be welcome there. King Orin and him are on good terms, but that doesn't mean he has forgiven him enough to let him near his family. “No,” he muses to himself, “perhaps not today.”

So instead, he swims in the direction of the Zeta tube, keeping his gaze straight ahead. If he just focuses on reaching his destination, he won’t see the Atlanteans who stare at him, and whisper. He won’t hear the vicious words they mutter under his breath, calling him a traitor, the bastard of Black Manta, and worse. Kaldur doesn’t mind it too much. It’s all deserved. The people have every right to feel this way. He was surprised so many had forgiven him as quickly as they had.

“Kaldur, is that you?”

He stops swimming and turns around. It’s Garth. Next to him is a man he remembers seeing, but doesn’t recognize immediately. “Old friend,” he greets, holding out his hand. Garth hesitates, just for a moment, and then grabs his wrist in the usual greeting. Kaldur does his best not to let it get to him.

“I didn’t expect to see you. Are you heading back?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“That’s too bad,” Garth says, letting go of Kaldur’s wrist. “It would have been nice if you could join us.”

“Us?”

“My apologies, I haven’t introduced my friend. Kaldur, this is Wyynde. He was in our class, back at the Conservatory.”

Kaldur turns his attention to Wyynde. Ah, now he recognizes him. Wyynde, the purist. “You were with Oceanmaster,” he blurts before he realizes. No sooner does he say it does his face flush with embarrassment. “I… what I meant was—”

Wyynde gives Kaldur a wry smile. “And you were with Black Manta. But hopefully, those collaborations will remain in the past. Now I am on King Orin’s guard.”

“I see.” Kaldur clears his throat, attempting and failing to hide his embarrassment. “I apologize if I was rude.”

Wyynde waves away Kaldur’s concerns with a lighthearted chuckle. “Not at all. I appreciate the candor.”

Kaldur’s face is still warm, but he knows well enough that it isn’t from embarrassment. He hasn’t felt like this in a long time. Not since… “Well, I must take my leave. I have urgent matters to attend to back on the surface world.”

Helping his friends wrestle a stubborn toddler into a polyester costume and tote her around to collect candy she won't eat. An urgent matter indeed.

Garth rests a hand on Kaldur’s shoulder. “Are you positive you cannot find time to accompany us? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”

“I do not wish to intrude,” Kaldur makes up quickly. “You and Wyynde must be quite busy.”

“Nonsense! I have heard so many stories about the famed Aqualad. I would be honored if you accompanied us.”

It’s on the tip of Kaldur’s tongue to say no. He should say no. There’s nothing he can gain from getting close to either of them.

“Dude, you can’t be hung up on Tula forever. There’s plenty of fish in the sea. Uh, and by that I mean Atlanteans. Not like, actual fish. Please don’t fall in love with an actual fish.”

The memory is so deep, Kaldur almost can’t believe he recalls it. It’s been a little while since he’s thought about his fallen friend. There was so much to do back then, he packed his feelings about the matter and set them aside, to be handled at a later time.

Still, as much as it hurts him to remember, there must be a reason he hears Wally’s voice inside his head. Wally had always been unsympathetic towards his misfortune with Tula. On countless occasions, he’d tried setting him up on a number of unsuccessful blind dates. None of his tactics had worked, but Kaldur appreciated the attempt.

If Wally were here, he’d tell him to go. There can be no other reason why the memory had surfaced. Staying behind, even for a few more hours, would be the very least he could do for him.

“Well…” Kaldur smiles, then nods. “I suppose just a little while will not hurt.”

Watchtower November 11th, 00:01 EDT

Dick sits in front of Wally’s hologram, cross legged. He’d never missed his friend’s birthday before. Grief be damned, he isn't keen on starting now. His heart is heavy. None of his friends even know that he’s here. He hasn't talked to anyone, really talked to anyone, in months.

After Wally ceased, he needed time. Running the team, the team he, Wally and Kaldur had started, didn't feel right. So he left. He came back for the memorial, and to officially hand the team back to Kaldur, but after that, he officially disappeared. He’s done with teams. At least, for the time being.

He never pictured living his life without Wally by his side. Through thick and thin, they’d been there for each other. They’d fought together, and laughed together. It doesn’t feel right to go on living without him.

But life moves on. Dick distracts himself from his feelings by diving headfirst into detective work, letting the late nights and constant travel take away from the unresolved pain. He watches his friends move on with their lives. Kaldur accepts the role of Aquaman, and M’gann is appointed as team leader. Conner still helps with the team, and Artemis enrolls in a Masters program and spends her free time babysitting her niece. Everyone moves on, together.

All except him.

To give them credit, everyone tried to look out for him. Texts. Calls. Surprise visits when they knew he was home. Barbara comes over more often than she needs to, and even though he isn’t always mentally present, he’s grateful. Still, he keeps everyone at a distance. He just prefers to process things on his own. It’s nothing personal.

Wally’s hologram judges him from above. Dick lets out a shaky breath, looking up at his former friend. “I know,” he sighs. “I’m an asshole.”

From his backpack, Dick pulls out an assortment of chips, every ridiculous flavor he could get his hands on. Wally liked trying the different flavors. Somewhere on his computer, he kept a masterlist of every one he’s tried, and their rankings. “You won’t believe which flavors I found this time. Fried chicken flavored potato chips. Can you believe it? They don’t taste bad, but they’d definitely score low on your yum-o-meter,” he tries to tease. His voice comes off thick.

Dick sets the chips down, his hands shaking. “I miss you, Wall. I know I haven’t really shown it. I know I’ve been an awful friend, an awful person… but what did you expect? You and me, we were supposed to go down together.” He balls his fists, looking down.

The hologram doesn’t respond. Doesn’t move. Just stares ahead, with that same, dorky smile.

After a few minutes, Dick stands up and slings his backpack over his shoulders. This isn't helping. He did his diligence, he visited, he kept the tradition. But right now, it hurts too much to be here.

“Happy Birthday, Wally,” he mutters, before leaving the hologram behind for good.

#young justice #yj #dick grayson #artemis crock #wally west #m'gann m'orzz #conner kent #kaldur #wyynde #I know this isn't the greatest but #I don't care #it's been forever since I wrote YJ #deal w it

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project-rosewood-476 · 3 years

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Chapter 2 part 3 Of Every Rose Has Its Thorns is out now! the AU and some of the ideas and characters belong to @creepypasta-shtick and Maplehood Creek, Rosewood, and Tabby Anderson belong to me.

TW: character death, mentions of blood and gore

Toby made his way to the door. Tabby followed suit. Toby opened the door. Tabby walked out and waited for him since she really didn't know where she was going. Toby led her to the door right next to theirs and knocked. He heard footsteps and the sound of someone moving so they could peak through the eye hole. Then the door opened a crack.

"Hi guys-"

Tabby gave a small wave with her left hand. Jane opened the door and let them in with a furtive look. Tabby entered cautiously. Taking in her surroundings. Jane's apartment looked pretty nice, though it was filled with masks. Something was cooking slowly in a crockpot, which smelled amazing. Jane offered them a weak smile. Tabby took note of the look and smile. She knows Jane is hiding something because she gives the same look that Tabby gives her step dad when he confronts her on the stuff she's being sneaky about. The smell of something cooking in the crockpot made her stomach growl loudly. She crossed her arms over her stomach with a look of embarrassment.

"So! What brings you here-" Jane started to ask.

Toby put a hand up.

"You're hiding something."

Jane looked taken aback.

"Hiding something? What would I be hiding-?"

"It's okay, Jane. Neither of us will tell anyone. We promise. We both saw you with that person. We both know they're not a proxy, but they're wearing a mask. Please...you can tell us."

"it's okay" Tabby gave a smile of reassurance.

She held her arms behind her back. Jane nodded slowly, then took a shuddering breath.

"I'll hold you both to this, you know. If anyone finds out, you can expect me to not react kindly." She got up, and went to a closed door. She opened it. Toby could just make out "Kayla, you can come out. They won't hurt you."

Toby watched as Jane led a human out of the room. The human was a girl, short with dark, heavy eyes, a dark complexion, and long cornrows. She dressed very nicely, in a cream-colored sundress that was now covered with dirt and blood. She had various injuries of varying degrees of severity, each of which were treated, but not professionally.

"She accidentally found her way down here with her friends...".

Tabby felt a pang of sympathy for her. She looked just like her when the boys found her in the woods. She noted her injuries.

"I'm Tabby"

She looked over at Jane

"Isn't there any way to return her back?"

"I'm going to take her. Tonight. But I need to see if I can find any of her friends." Jane said. Kayla looked shaky and terrified. She avoided looking at them.

"Hey...Kayla listen...I know what it's like being terrified....but we are the few good people...we'll be able to help you....where did you see your other friends last? Did you all fall together?" She looked over at Toby with an expression that says 'i know us being good people isn't true but please just go with it'

Kayla shook her head.

"We went different ways after we landed, trying to find a way out. I don't know how we got in-"

She was shaky and looked like she wanted fo cry.

"I don't know where they are-"

Jane patted her shoulder gently. Kayla winced. Jane retracted her hand quickly.

"Who all is with you?"

"Me and my four friends...Kyle, Nico, Angelina, and Erica..." Kayla buried her face in her hands. Her voice was shaky. "I don't know if they're-if they're still-"

Tabby took a deep breath.

"If they're still alive?" She sighed "honestly that could be a 50/50" "but we'll try to help in any way we can".

Toby nodded. "In return for us returning you to safety with your friends, you may not tell anyone about this place or what's in it. Understand? If you do, we can't help you."

Kayla nodded. "Okay, just please-"

"Where would your friends most likely go? Based on what they like. Normally people have preferred hiding places or places that they would go to hide or get away from everything in the human world. Maybe they would be in similar places here or close to it", asked Tabby.

"Erica is fast...she wouldn't hide. She would keep moving and never be in one place. Angelina would hide as far away from others as she could, so somewhere out in the woods. Nico...god, Nico would try to blend in. He would hide in plain sight if he could. He would listen in and figure out what was going on and mask himself. Kyle...Kyle would hide in a large building if he could. A large place with a lot of hidey holes.", said Kayla.

"Alrighty well... Erica and Nico would be a challenge....but I'm sure we can find Angelina and Kyle..." she said thinking out loud.

She turned to Toby "are there any most likely places that match those descriptions?"

Toby nodded. "Yeah. I can try to find Erica and Nico. I can sense them. You try to find Angelina and Kyle. Check the library and big buildings like that. Jane will help you."

"Alrighty then let's go. I just hope we don't get caught", said Tabby.

"Isn't there anything to like mask her as a proxy just temporarily?"

Jane thought for a bit.

"Well, the mask usually does the trick. Most people don't use their sensing abilities when they see the mask." Jane said.

"Toby's just extra sensitive to that sort of stuff. I could get some charms and wards and whatnot to mask her even further but a malus would easily be able to smell her."

"Well I'd rather take extra precautions. Better to be safe than sorry. In order to increase her chances of survival and to increase our chances of not getting caught"

Tabby has good interpersonal leadership skills when she's not being shy and anti social. She's always been known as the unofficial ringleader of her group when they were alive unknowingly. And she unknowingly did what she does best. Taking the reigns of any situation.

"I actually don't think it would be safe for her to go out at all." Jane mused.

"She would still be a target because no one would recognize her." Toby had a bad feeling about helping her but knew that it was the right thing to do. This stuff happened a lot. Just usually the humans would die within the hour of them getting here.

"Well then why doesn't someone stay here with her while we look for her friends...or what's left of them.....and like meet up at a secret place or something like that?"

Tabby shifted uncomfortably. Her intuition was screaming at her to be extremely careful about this.

"Our resources would he stretched too thin if we left someone here. We have to scour an entire city without help." Toby said. Kayla was staring at her hands.

"Well do you have any ideas?" She asked the both of them.

"We could leave her here. As long as the door is locked and she doesn't leave, she'll be okay."

"Okay...so are we still going to look for her friends?"

"Absolutely."

"Okay then. Let's go"

Jane led Kayla back to the room.

"Whatever you do, don't open the door if someone knocks. I have my own key. The doors to the bedroom and bathroom lock as well. The windows have bars on them. No one can get in through there. If you smell Sulphur, hide."

Tabby was fidgeting with the bottom of her shirt again. It wasn't getting into trouble that bothered her. She knew how to take severe punishments. It was just the fear of getting caught that bothered her. She just got this crazy second chance at life and she was already committing high treason. She wasn't sure what the punishments would entail coming from the Slenderman but she knew it wasn't going to be a pretty picture. Death at best. However her intuition and conscience were telling her to help. She always believed in giving others what she couldn't have if she can help it. In Kayla's case it was a chance at going back to a normal life and to have her friends back. She didn't like to having to make difficult decisions but she was also taught to do what she thought was right no matter the cost. And that will out weigh everything always. Toby knew this was wrong. He knew that no human deserved to live. He had been taught that humans were worthless ever since he joined this life. He should be wanting to kill this girl and her friends. But...he didn't. There was no point in it. He was having a bit of a crisis. Why didn't he want to kill her? Why did he want her to get to live as well as her friends? He was taught never to disobey the Slenderman, that his word was law and there was nothing he could do about it. Oh...well, as long as he didn't get caught. Right? Tabby's anxiety was growing. She couldn't disobey a direct order. Her step dad taught her that from a young age or else she got beaten. Same thing goes for the Slenderman only if she disobeyed she was pretty sure she would get a fate a lot worse than a beating and death. Her step dad also taught her that you have to be manipulative, cruel, mean, and selfish. No one else's life matters except your own. And if you have to use people for your own survival including death then so be it. But yet that's not her. Sure she was mean and harsh and lacks a conscious but that's just more of a coping mechanism. But her intuition said otherwise. She knew deep down that it was the right thing to do. And she was good at being sneaky so she shouldn't get caught. She cleared her throat and pushed away her step dad's teachings and stood up straight smoothening out her shirt with her hands shakily at her sides.

"So are we going or not?"

Jane nodded. She helped Kayla back to the room. She figured that Kayla should sleep now. Once Kayla was in the bed and dozing off, Jane went to her closet and began to load up on some weapons and some placeholder masks. She doubted these people were alive. But maybe with luck they would find at least one. Tabby tried to neutralize her anxiety by taking a couple of shallow deep breaths but it just made her more nauseous and she had a hard time swallowing. She still showed no emotion though. Jane was also nervous. The chances of finding her friends alive was very small, and the chances of getting them all out alive were even smaller. Tabby waited for everyone else. Her left eye twitched a little due to anxiety. Jane and Toby were ready to go. Jane had made sure Kayla was comfortable. Tabby followed them out the door. Toby said his goodbyes and immediately set off to try to find them. She said goodbye to Toby not really wanting to be left without him. She looked over at Jane.

"Now it's just the two of us"

Toby waved as he left. Jane nodded.

"Hopefully we can find them...alive I mean.".

Tabby gave him a small wave back. She turned to Jane faking the confidence to get rid of her anxiety.

"I hope so too...hopefully none of us get caught...let's go" she lead the way heading towards the library first.

Tabby gave him a small wave back. She turned to Jane faking the confidence to get rid of her anxiety. "I hope so too...hopefully none of us get caught...let's go" she lead the way heading towards the library first.

"Hopefully" she agreed.

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phenomenal1500 · 3 years

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Iubirea Lui Pierdută | Resident Evil Village

Chapter 6: ~Epilogue~

For Chapter 5: ~Revanşă~ click here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He knew it was wrong to work together with someone who was once his enemy and was perhaps willing to use his daughter as a weapon, but it gave him more certainty to actually succeed and get his little girl back. Ethan stood up from his chair and swallowed before nodding. Together they would defeat the witch once and for all.

"When do we start?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zuriñe was calmly walking through the village in clear daylight with her hands full of groceries coming from the Duke like she used to. She was still dealing with the loss of her friends like Donna Beneviento, Salvatore Moreau and Ethan Winters, but she coped with it and felt relief now that everything was over and finished. Heisenberg had always stayed the same. The Lord was still tinkering day and night.... that was just who he was personally and what he liked to do.... but he did make more and more free time for her and him to spend together.

He wasn't working on his Soldats anymore either.

He had replaced those with more friendly stuff that he shared with the village. There were some modern modifications added to the way of life down there thanks to her and Karl like electrical communication devices and faster transport to the outside world.

They had taken over the leadership of the small mountain village after Mother Miranda had died and opened its doors for the open world to visit and habit it. New people had joined the refurbished community and it made them both happy. The village had made them who they were today and at first they had tried to escape and travel, only to, no matter where they were in the world, find out they felt nowhere at home except for their old factory. They had with the help of the Duke repaired the whole village, from Beneviento's waterfall house till Dimitrescu's enormous castle. Nobody was allowed to go in there though, they had fixed it and locked off the doors for visitors. It was only to show they weren't the only ones to have suffered at the hands of Miranda and to pay honour to them.

They had also upgraded their factory, made it a little more comfortable, but most of the insides stayed the same.

Heisenberg had grown close to his factory over all these years and was used to the way it was decorated so he didn't want much to change and Zuriñe didn't want that either. She was afraid she wouldn't be able to find her way inside the building once again.

She remembered the first year she lived with him and how she got lost every single day.

It made her chuckle.

After a short walk, she got home and asked the Lord to open up the door for her. He did what he was asked and was actually waiting for her on the other side of the door instead of being in his old room inventing as he used to do.

She still had to get used to all the changes.

"Buttercup! Here give that to me."

She watched him with confusion, but eventually gave him her groceries. He didn't do much with it however, he just laid it down on the table next to the door before pulling her into the snow again. "What are you planning, Heis?"

"Surprises aren't surprises if they are revealed before it happens." He locked the gates and signed for her to follow him through the snowy landscape. She did so and calmly joined him in a peaceful walk, not knowing where they were going and not saying a word either. It took a long walk, but eventually she and him ended up on one of the mountains that looked right down at the entire village. She could see Lord Moreau's reservoir that had turned into a fisherman's hamlet where small sailor families lived, Lady Beneviento's waterfall and beautiful mansion that was still standing in all its glory and Lady Dimitrescu's fixed castle. Both Lady Beneviento's and Lady Dimitrescu's homes were locked up, as well as Lord Moreau's home behind the reservoir.

It made her think back to everything the two had survived together.

The good and the bad things.

"Karl? Why are we here?" She blurred out, very curious why he was showing such a pretty, yet dark minded view.

"I'm a tough man to understand and I'm not good at showing love, but despite that.... you've always been patient with me." He began, glaring at her. "I thought why not finally do something in return."

Zuriñe was so confused, but kept her face normal to show him he could continue and in the meantime she glared back at the village and their factory.

"I'm not really a traditional man...." Heisenberg stretched his neck and shoulders before digging his hand into his coat's pocket. "But Zuriñe Răceanu, I wouldn't want anything more than to have you by my side as my wife. We already lost so much and I figured I didn't care as long as it wasn't you. I need you, Buttercup." The white haired woman's head shot up and glared up at him before her gaze switched to his hand that was holding a pretty silver ring with a very small family crest carved in it, his family crest. She smiled widely before nodding.

"Karl Heisenberg, you didn't have to...." He gently grabbed her hand. "But if you insist, I'll gladly be your wife." He smiled with her, sliding the ring on her finger before pulling her in for a deep kiss.

After all the bad they've been through.... his mental and physical abuse, her abduction, the battle against Mother Miranda.... they were still stuck together.

Never did they let go of each other and never will they let go of each other.

They couldn't go back to who they once were or their old way of living, Mother Miranda had stolen that opportunity from them, but they had each other and that was enough to go through life the way they were and the way they looked.

They had secretly searched for one another the moment they both were trying to hide and it connected them.

They had found each other.

'Iubirea Lui Pierdut.'

'His lost love.'

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thehoardofthegreatdragon · 4 years

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Urahara Kisuke: "Come on baby, I know the law" But Actually Illegal

Hello and welcome to Coco has Too Many Feelings Hour. Today, it’s a character analysis of Urahara Kisuke because what gave him the fucking right to be so cool? WHAT GAVE HIM THE RIGHT?

Anyway. This is going to be half based on his dialogue, and half based on general action patterns, since both are damn interesting. There will be spoilers for most things but I’ll try to keep things after the Aizen arc vague. Also, it should go without saying that this is all my interpretation and very biased (extra biased because I Love Him).

[AKA: This is like, just my opinion, man.]

Now before we begin can we just pause to appreciate how beautiful he is? If you haven’t, stare at this picture for at least a minute. Go on, I’ll time you.

Now we can move on.

Kisuke is, in a word, complicated. If I had to describe him (and considering that’s the point of this entire goddamn document, I better try), I’d say he’s a man with unstoppable curiosity and a heart that is far too soft to handle the fallout of his own invention.

No matter where you put him, no matter what time he’s born into, he will create a weapon he shouldn’t have. He has this strange bit of naïveté about his science at first, but it fades as he sees what his science has done to people he cares for. He has a good heart-- a soft heart, under it all-- so he can’t just accept the damage he’s done and move on. He turns that genius to invention, so that he can fix the things he broke. He wants to help everyone he can, because he hurt so many.

But that doesn’t ever make the guilt go away, and it doesn’t stop him from using people when he has to— we see this happen with Ichigo in the Soul Society invasion arc. Kisuke uses him to achieve his goals, but he is far from happy about it and apologizes afterwards.

Alright, into the meat of his character. I’m going to skim over the fact that he is arguably one of the strongest characters in the entire show, a man who plans for every eventuality compulsively because he understands that people die in battle (people die when they are killed), and so intelligent that he was one of the few people Aizen actually was wary of. I’m skimming it, because otherwise this already too long essay would be three times as long and wax rhapsodic about every way that he is, in fact, an incredible badass.

[IM SKIPPING IT FOR ALL OUR SAKES OKAY.]

He will and does help people, but he’s very guarded. It makes a terrible kind of sense, because he worked in the Omnitsukidō, and I don’t think anyone can come out of a spy and assassination agency without some jadedness. The exile doesn’t help either, because now he’s been forced to deal with the fallout from a betrayal and the loss of his home too.

That being said, the exile also made him more of his own man. Freer, in many ways. More able to be the eccentric self he wants to, better adapted to life, more likely to see how people could use him and less likely to let it happen. I think the living world suits him in a way that Soul Society never really did.

At his core he's a good person, but he built walls upon walls around himself. And those walls never come down, and some of them are mirrors, and some of them are smokescreens that don’t look like walls, because he can never be simple and he doesn’t want to be understood. And even if someone does see part of who he is, he wants them to only see that particular part.

He is an eccentric free spirit whose drive for invention cost him more dearly than anything else. His will to create, his truest self— the scientist, with inventions to make and the world to explore— started a war. It ruined the lives of people he wanted to be friends, and people who were friends.

And as a scientist, that’s the greatest blow of all. It’s like Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb. He created a weapon he couldn’t control, but he did it with something he loved with his whole heart. It hurts twice as deeply, when it comes from love.

He’s also a follower more than a leader. Kisuke is the support type, for all his fighting skill— he’s ready with backup plans and transportation and research, but he needs a person to follow into battle. For a long time that was Yoruichi. Then he stood on his own as a captain, but the way he did it was by structuring his division into a support division rather than a truly fighting one (his own way of coping with new leadership, imo. He turned the 12th into the division he wanted it to be, rather than really learning how to lead a fighting division).

Then he had to stand on his own, in exile, and he did. I imagine this was mostly fueled by guilt and determination, because he had to fix the mess he had helped create and defeat Aizen. But even still, he still kept to the shadows and planned Aizen’s downfall, rather than stepping on the battlefield and doing it himself (for many reasons, of course— Aizen was still in Soul Society’s good graces and it would have been suicide, Kisuke is not a foolish man who would throw away the best chance at success for a fight).

And at last, he chose Ichigo to follow. But this is doubly interesting because at first he is uses Ichigo to achieve his goals. Supposedly, Kisuke himself couldn’t have gone to Soul Society to rescue Rukia (because of the exile, though let’s face it Kubo’s world building doesn’t explain how Yoruichi could go so who really knows. And Kisuke being Kisuke, would have found a way into Soul Society if he thought it would help their fight against Aizen. Anyone who doesn’t believe that can see the TYBW arc and Fight Me).

But there were many people who had a better chance of going in his stead, and many ways to save Rukia that didn’t involve a straightforward invasion. This is not to mention that Kisuke used Rukia too, with the intention of forcing Aizen’s hand.

So when Ichigo and Kisuke first meet, he views Ichigo as a tool (and a person, because he’s a good man and never free of the guilt).

But with each battle, we see how Kisuke trusts Ichigo more and more. This progression continues until the last battle with Aizen, and then after that Kisuke stands behind Ichigo with absolutely no hesitation. Throughout the last arc, throughout the remainder of the manga, when Ichigo needed him, Kisuke was there— with supplies, with research, with a path to Hueco Mundo, hell even with a path to the big palace up in the sky. And Kisuke trusted Ichigo absolutely— see the panel where Ichigo asks Kisuke to hold out until he gets there, and everything will be alright because Ichigo will handle it. And Kisuke’s response to that is just a smile and a single word— “Understood.”

The trust between them is absolute. This is surprising, if you think of how few people Kisuke has really trusted over the years, and how few he trusts to this extent.

[It’s also very interesting that of all the people Ichigo choses to tell to “wait for me,” it’s Kisuke but that’s just my loyalty kink showing up don’t mind me.]

Once the guilt of using him was gone, Kisuke could follow the leader he’d chosen. And he did, endlessly.

On that note, Kisuke’s dialogue choice with Ichigo develops in a very interesting way. In the beginning its challenging and on the ruthless side (“don’t use her as an excuse to kill yourself,” for example), into something much more trusting and less challenging (the “understood” for instance, or the “what would you like me to do” ). This evolution tracks with the evolution of Kisuke’s changing attitude towards Ichigo.

We move from Kisuke only promising to help when he extracts something in return (“Do you really think, there is no way to get to Soul Society? I’ll tell you, on one condition.”) to Kisuke offering to help Ichigo before being asked (“My my, you guys sure are having an interesting conversation. So, this Hueco Mundo trip. Shall I arrange it?”).

[Imagine how much literally anyone else would pay to have a scientist of Kisuke’s caliber basically on retainer. And Ichigo gets it for the low low price of absolutely free.]

All this is to say, that I think that Kisuke can and is always ready for any eventuality but that it’s only after his trust is earned by Ichigo that he gives his plans so easily to other people. He has chosen a king, so to speak.

[Don’t call out my power kink or I will personally end you.]

Moving on to dialogue in general, we see many damn interesting patterns. Perhaps intentionally, Kisuke's a bit on a different wavelength, and no one expects the answers he gives to any questions. Its eccentricity, but honed into a weapon and very self-aware. He often interprets questions in different ways than expected, like he’s purposefully setting people off guard.

Consider the following response he gives to an enemy in later chapters (TYBW arc):

“Asking me such a personal question, is really more of a second date thing.”

He’s never met this person before in his life, and his response is to just, straight up flirt. THIS IS FLIRTING. KISUKE. WHY ARE YOU FLIRTING. HE’S NOT EVEN HOT.

Anyway. In general, Kisuke has two broad categories of speech patterns: completely serious and teasing-playful-fake-humble. Unlike many other characters who use a baiting tone and words against enemies (Frankenstein from Noblesse comes to mind as an example), Kisuke uses them on friends and enemies alike. And his tone isn’t really mocking but fake-humble and fake-playful.

Examples of this—

“Oh? You know of me. What an honor.” (Said behind fan)

“It’s wedged in their rather fatally, Yoruichi-san!” (Said to Yoruichi’s ass)

[Seriously, who does this asshole think he is? Yoruichi kicks him and I’m glad she does.]

He's very often cheerful, and usually smiling as he speaks. I’d say his eyes are the biggest giveaway to his emotion because they dont really ever soften. (And because Kubo has a Thing for drawing them covered in shadows and looking badass, see Exhibit: Oh No He’s Hot, pictured below)

In this playful mode, even when he apologizes it’s usually in a way that somehow makes it worse. He’s constantly either annoying people or throwing them off guard or a combination, but in a much more cheerful eccentric way than say, Frankenstein. For example, after he says the line above to Yoruichi (in the middle of a battle, I might add), he says this:

“Why would you kick me? I came to help. I’m sorry, perhaps the expression “wedged in” was a bit vulgar.”

He’s managed to repeat the thing that made her kick him, in a way that almost makes it worse, but in a way that makes it seem like hes trying to apologize. It’s very clever, and also ideal for pissing people off, intentional or not. (But who are we kidding, this is Kisuke. It’s definitely intentional).

But he can also switch to a serious mode quite quickly, seemingly able to interweave the two modes without really needing to break between them. This most often comes out when there is someone to save or protect.

[Because he's secretly a softie, as mentioned above, god I love him]

For example, when Masaki is in danger, even tho he's never met her or the soul reapers before (and when his very existence should make him avoid Isshin), he says this:

“We dont have time to waste. Both of you, please come with me. I will tell you the choices you have to save her.”

It’s to the point, succinct, polite, and also filled with a desire to save. It’s also completely at odds with his playful tone when he speaks in other times. I think this dichotomy is the core of Kisuke. Of course he's playful and eccentric— and this makes him the delightful character he is— but at his core he's a man who cares about people and wants to help. He doesn’t hesitate to apologize when he is in the wrong either, kneeling before Ichigo after the Soul Society arc and not asking for forgiveness but explaining why he is sorry. (Ichigo forgives him, because Ichigo will always forgive him, and that hurts even more).

But even when there are threats to life, if they've been dealt with and he's in a controlled environment, he pulls out the playful act again, though it often has an edge. For example, after he saves Ichigo for the first time he says this:

“What? You sound upset. Didn’t you want to be saved?”

It’s on the edge of teasing but its also much more pointed than anything else he's said to Ichigo at this point. It’s followed by some of the rawest and cruelest lines of dialogue I’ve ever read, because Kisuke doesn’t flinch back from being harsh when he has to be.

Even his cruelty, when he is forced to use it, comes from a place of care and a desire to help. Doesn’t stop it from stinging like hell.

It’s at this point where I descended into crying about Kisuke and how good he was and how much I love him, and so decided to stop.

In summary: Kisuke is a good man who couldn’t stop himself from inventing the most destructive weapon to exist. But he’s a good man, and so he spent a century crafting his own penance.

General Kisuke Dialogue I’ve collected, in case people find it useful:

Stop fighting, you two. It’s my fault, I should have disposed of it.

We have no choice. We’ve got to find it and neutralize it before it causes any trouble.

No way, accidents happen! Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything. There now, its okay.

Good, let’s move! Operation “recall”

Well look here. We finally find you, and you’re already incapacitated. What a waste. We lugged all this stuff here for nothing.

I’m going to destroy it. Hmm. I’m not sure how to answer that.

This is serious. I won’t take the fall for you.

No no, Kurosaki-san. Your wounds have barely closed. If you move around too much, you’ll die <3.

Do you really think, there is no way to get to Soul Society?

I’ll tell you, on one condition. For the next ten days, you must allow me to train you.

You don’t understand. What I’m trying to tell you is they’ll kill you.Could you win? If you fought them as you are? I allowed you to fight them this time, because I thought it would make it easier for you to understand. At your current level of ability, you wouldn’t stand a chance in soul society. You’re weak. For you to venture into enemy territory now would be suicide. You want to save Kuchiki-san? Don’t make me laugh. Don’t use her as an excuse to kill yourself.

Of course. If you wish to save Kuchiki-san with your whole heart, then you have at your disposal a power stronger than iron. But if your resolve is half-hearted, forget it. For the next ten days, I’m going to put you through the wringer.

What? You sound upset. Didn’t you want to be saved?

He went home. His wound bled a lot, but it wasn’t severe.

Couldn’t you have come up with anything better? [how lame]

Looks like I was a step too late.

What would you like me to do? Shall I book a ticket to reiokyu? It may take me some time though. [to ichigo]

We dont have time to waste. Both of you, please come with me. I will tell you the choices you have to save her.

My my, you guys sure are having an interesting conversation. So, this Hueco Mundo trip. Shall I arrange it?

[I] its usually like this with Urahara. [K] you know me too well <3

Oh? You know of me. What an honor. (Said behind fan)

To be included in such an esteemed group, I don’t know what to say. Its an honor, but he’s giving me too much credit.

It’s wedged in their rather fatally, Yoruichi-san!

Why would you kick me? I came to help. I’m sorry, perhaps the expression “wedged in” was a bit vulgar (makes fake apologies a lot)

Asking me such a personal question, is really more of a second date thing.

You see, even if I don’t tell you, you’ll be up close and personal with it soon enough.

#urahara kisuke #character analysis #bleach #yes I have too many feelings don't @ me #catch coco crying on main again about kisuke #to the surprise of everyone #im a Kisuke stan

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arlingtonpark · 3 years

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SNK Character Death Ratings

Hey, all!

Long time no see!

SNK’s end is nearing, so in this post I’m going to rate the chances of each character dying.

“Die” in this post means they are dead by the last page of the manga and are not indicated to die in the events immediately thereafter.

“Deaths”, for example, that are explained to happen after the events of the story are counted as surviving. As such, titan shifter death clocks do not count.

Chances of death will be rated on a sliding scale:

Safe Dead --> Likely Dead --> Lean Dead --> Toss Up --> Lean Alive --> Likely Alive --> Safe Alive

Let’s do it.

Eren Jeager: Likely Alive

Yeah, I think Eren will probably live.

In Attack on Titan, people only survive by making harsh sacrifices, and there is no way I’m taking time to establish that.

This has lead most of the fandom to believe the final sacrifice that will have to be made is killing Eren.

But, like, it’s really not much of a sacrifice?

Eren isn’t the guy who carried the boulder at Trost, anymore. Nor is he the guy who took down the Colossal Titan at Shighanshina.

Eren is the guy who murdered humanity. “Warmongerer,” “murderer,” “traitor,” all these words describe him far better than “hero,” “friend,” or “Chad.”

So who cares if he dies?

Good riddance!

After everything that’s happened, I cannot see Eren’s death being realistically portrayed as a sacrifice. Frankly, the thought is laughable.

Eren is practically barking about how the enemies outside need to be crushed with extreme prejudice. He’s basically a Trumpist now.

All that said, it’s still believable that Eren will die before the end of the story.

Maybe Eren will die in the final battle, and SNK will just sputter to an end because the world is shit now, and any survivors will have to weather mass starvation, lack of shelter, no medicine, and who knows what else.

If the series tries to spin that as the beginning of a bright future full of hope, I’m going to laugh.

I also think it’s possible Eren kills his friends and lives. It has been foretold that Eren will win, whatever that means.

This “win” that Eren foresaw was probably incomplete, because that’s just how storytelling works, and we’ll learn that he actually “lost”. He doesn’t have to die, though, for that to happen.

We don’t actually know what Eren’s win condition is, other than that it entails Historia living (as in she’s still breathing when this is all over, her actual desire to live notwithstanding) and Eren’s enemies dying.

Eren’s enemies are dead or will die soon. Even if the Alliance kills him, they have nothing to return to. The world is dead. At this point, they’re fighting solely on principle.

Good storytelling usually emphasizes karma and just desserts.

…I think there’s a good chance Historia will die by the end, if only to ensure Eren doesn’t get away with what he’s done.

But Eren himself doesn’t have to die for this scenario to play out.

On balance, I think Eren living is slightly more likely than not.

Historia Reiss: Likely Dead

I’m really sorry to all the Historia stans reading this. Historia can’t catch a break, and I don’t think it’s going to get better.

Historia’s role as the damsel in distress so far has only made one thing clear: she doesn’t matter.

She’s a hot girl who exists to be placed in danger and spur everyone to action.

Historia has been nothing but fodder for Eren’s character development. I think it only makes sense for that trend to continue.

If Eren, the tragic villain, is favored to live, then storytelling logic dictates that Historia, the villain’s muse who inspires him to murder, must be favored to die.

If Isayama gave a damn about her character, it wouldn’t be like this, but this is the world we live in.

Cruel, yet oh, so beautiful.

Mikasa Ackerman: Lean Dead

If Eren is slightly favored to live, then Mikasa’s chances aren’t too great.

A tension is being built up between Eren and Mikasa: between Eren’s desire to wipe out his enemies, and Mikasa’s struggle to cope with that.

The reason Eren is likelier to live than Mikasa is because while Eren in eminently capable of throwing away everything precious to him, Mikasa…isn’t. Like, at all.

Mikasa has always been clingy towards Eren, but I will her credit: multiple times in this arc, people have openly talked about killing Eren, and Mikasa has not tried to murder them.

Mostly.

When Mikasa gets told to go somewhere else to contribute to the mission, it’s because they can’t trust her to come through for them if it falls to her to kill Eren.

Eren is prepared to kill Mikasa, but Mikasa still struggles with needing to let Eren go.

In this situation that is a critical advantage.

If Mikasa is supposed to fail to overcome her love for Eren, the series will almost certainly seek to highlight that by having her confront Eren directly and fail at the moment of truth.

If Mikasa is supposed to succeed in letting Eren go…well, Isayama may decide to kill her anyway.

The moment Mikasa resolves definitively to let Eren go, her character arc is complete.

After that, all bets are off.

Maybe she resolves to kill Eren, but fails anyway.

Maybe she kills Eren, and then dies. The world is cruel, and thanks to the Rumbling, it is also now ugly. Mikasa’s whole life has been crushed. Her dream was a simple rural life. That’s not possible anymore.

Like. In any form.

I think an ending where she dies after fulfilling her duty is not out of the question.

Armin Arlert: Lean Alive

If the Alliance has a good chance of failing, that means they all have a good chance of dying. I do, however, think he has a better chance than the others of living.

I think that with Paradis’ enemies wiped out, the Walldians will be in the mood for a more level-headed leader.

The thing about nationalists like Floch and Eren is that they’re only popular during times of desperation. After the people feel secure again (or the nationalists destroy everything and people realize how much they suck) they’ll usually gravitate towards a more traditional leader.

So I’m saying Armin could be the Joe Biden to Eren’s Donald Trump.

Basically, if Armin isn’t playing some leadership role post-Rumbling, he’s dead. That can happen even if Eren wins, though. That’s why I give him about even odds.

Now that Armin is in P A T H S, he’ll probably try to speak to Eren again. If SNK has any final reveals about Eren’s motivations, it’d happen here.

…I really don’t want the pregnancy to be real.

I really don’t want it to be Eren’s surprise motivation.

But if it’s coming, it’ll happen here.

I don’t know what Armin will do if Eren drops something like that on him.

Armin…isn’t as capable as people think he is.

His attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution with the world were flailing and unsuccessful.

I don’t know how he’s going to negotiate with a dad who’s convinced that violence is the only viable option to protect his kid.

When Armin is the one who failed to broker a peaceful resolution to begin with.

When Armin tried to convince Connie to back down from violence, he was immediately shut down by Connie, and it was laughably easy!

Armin can’t even negotiate with CONNIE.

That’s the intellectual firepower humanity is relying on.

Don’t expect him to win.

(NOTE: Huh, you know, I never realized until now, but this series has totally ruined every major character. Armin is a useless idiot, Mikasa probably needs someone to hold her hand the rest of the finale, Historia’s been sidelined. What happened?)

Reiner Braun: Lean Dead

Ok, I know everyone thought Reiner would die last time around, but this time…

Eh, I think Reiner will die this time.

Reiner’s character arc is basically over. He’s found a new source of motivation in the form of Gabi and Falco, and he’s made peace with all the people he’s hurt.

There may be a scene coming where he reconciles with his mother. That would require him surviving the final battle, so I have him down as only leaning dead.

Annie Leonhardt: Lean Alive

Annie has a better chance at living than most everyone else, but that’s only because many scenarios where she lives or dies are easily foreseeable.

Maybe Annie is able to meet her father again.

Or maybe her father will die, and Annie decides to move on from her past and fully commits to Armin.

Annie’s character is in a different place compared to the others. Most of the other characters’ arcs have been played out or will be by the time the series ends. Annie’s isn’t.

Annie has a burgeoning romance with Armin. And it’s a romance that could lead to children. We all know how much this series looooooves children.

I think Annie has a good chance of making it out alive, especially if Armin does too.

Jean Kirstein: Likely Dead

Sorry, but I think Jean is destined for the glue factory.

Jean had a chance to live a long, peaceful life when Floch offered it to him. He passed it up.

You might think Jean should be rewarded for his selflessness, but we all need to keep in mind that one of the themes of Attack on Titan is that if you end up sacrificing yourself for others….you end up sacrificing yourself.

Jean made his choice. He’s not coming back.

Connie Springer: Likely Dead

Connie is going to die for the same reason Jean is: it’s the path he chose.

He chose to make his mother proud by fighting for humanity, even if it’s a suicide mission.

It’s the path he chose, and that’s it.

Pieck Finger: Toss Up

Pieck is something of a wild card.

I list her as a toss up because she seems closest to Gabi, and I think Gabi has a good chance of living. If Gabi is going to survive, though, she’s going to need a new mother figure. Pieck would be great in that role.

At the same time, her character is not particularly important. I could easily see her dying just to give the final battle a higher death count.

Gabi Braun: Safe Alive

Gabi is one of the likeliest ones to live.

She’s not directly participating in the battle, she’s safe from the rumbling, she has a burgeoning romance, and she’s a kid.

Kids have died in Attack on Titan, but never one who’s a major character.

As a child, Gabi represents the next generation; the future of humanity. To fulfill that role, she needs to live to the end.

Falco Grice: Likely Alive

Falco is a kid, too, so ofc he’s bound to live.

Not only is he a kid like Gabi, he’s also in love with Gabi. I highly doubt this series would end with a burgeoning romance cut tragically short.

Individually, Falco and Gabi represent something important in Attack on Titan: the future. Future leaders, future workers, future caregivers. They are humanity’s future.

But as a couple, they represent something even more important than that: posterity. The promise of an ongoing future for humanity.

Falco and Gabi love each other. When they get older, they’ll marry, and they’ll probably have kids.

Attack on Titan always emphasizes needing to move forward. Falco+Gabi is how humanity moves forward from the Rumbling.

Levi Ackerman: Lean Alive

Yeah, really.

I think Levi is going to make it.

He’s a safe distance from the battle, he knows he can’t fight, and he knows that he’d fail to kill Zeke even if he tried.

What we saw in 136 was Levi starting to make peace with the fact he is not going to fulfill Erwin’s final order to him. He’s starting to see the big picture: his role was to create a better world for humanity’s posterity.

That’s why he chose Armin over Erwin. Erwin had played his part and earned his rest. Giving Armin the injection was a generational passing of the torch.

In light of that, Erwin’s final order doesn’t seem so important.

So if Levi stays rational, he likely won’t have to do anything that would risk his life.

He may well make it out of this.

Zeke Jeager: Lean Alive

Zeke is probably going to live just because he’s the one who’s been most obsessed with death. It’d be weird if Attack on Titan (which theoretically celebrates life) were to grant Zeke his death wish.

If Zeke has been imprisoned in some sense by Eren, then he’ll probably live on in some form, so he may not live in an “on earth” kind of way, but alive is alive, so I’m counting it that way.

Everyone on Fort Salta (inc. Onyankopon, Mr. Leonhardt, and Ms. Braun): Likely Dead

This one wasn’t hard to figure out.

Their lives are directly contingent on Eren losing, so if Eren is likely to win, that must mean they are likely to die.

It would be sad for Karina and Mr. Leonhardt to not reunite with their kids, but that’s not a major problem in the grand scheme of things.

Miss Kiyomi and Yelena: Likely Alive

They’re stranded in the middle of the ocean, but if Falco survives, he can come back and rescue them.

I think they’ll be alright.

Ymir Fritz: Safe Dead

She’s already dead, silly, so of course that’s her rating. :P

#shingeki no kyojin #attack on titan #spoilers #snk spoilers

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myaekingheart · 3 years

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115. Exalting the Comrade in Arms

read the scarecrow and the bell on ao3 index | from the beginning | < previous | next >

Rei sat at the kitchen table staring off into the distance, coming to terms with this new, sharp turn her life had taken. Kakashi glanced at her over his shoulder as he cleaned up dinner, throwing whatever leftovers they had in the fridge and wiping down the mess. Toshio followed dutifully behind, desperate for scraps. No longer able to deny him, Kakashi tossed the dog a stray noodle before securing the lid on the container and closing the fridge. When he looked back once more, Rei remained pensive. “Are you okay?” he finally asked. He knew she likely wasn’t, but at least she had stopped crying.

Nodding slowly, Rei murmured “Yeah…yeah, I’m alright.” Her mind focused less on her menstruation—it was over, there was nothing else to be done—and more now on what was to come the next morning. How could she possibly face Lady Tsunade after all of this? Did she even still want this? But she had already accepted the promotion—in a daze, yes, but accepted nonetheless. There was no way she could back out now. Besides, this was what the universe clearly wanted. If it hadn’t been, she never would’ve gotten her period. Fate made the decision for her, whether she liked it or not. Now all that was left to do was face this strange, new future. “Hey, Kakashi…?” she whispered after a long stretch of silence. Kakashi raised a brow, sitting beside her, giving her his undivided attention. “Can you…I mean, you’re more experienced with this than I am so, um…do you think you could give me some…advice?”

“Advice?” he repeated. Rei gave him an affirmative, pleading look. “What kind of advice?”

“I don’t know” Rei replied, “Just…tell me what it was like for you. Being captain, I mean. Were you scared? Did you ever feel like maybe they had made a mistake? How did you cope with the pressure?”

Kakashi sucked in a deep breath. He didn’t really want to think about the darkness that encumbered him back then, the emotionlessness of it all. He was so cold and unyielding. Truthfully, he never coped at all. He merely buried everything deep inside of himself, taking on the brunt of the responsibility with seemingly no issue only to take out his frustrations on others. He thought of the many he had killed, the corpses that littered the ground after each mission. Back then, he would not hesitate to kill anyone who so much as looked at him the wrong way. In retrospect, he couldn’t fathom how he could have ever been so cruel. His love for Rei had made him rather soft, he supposed. The thought of love, however, dug up nasty feelings about the way he handled himself back then. Nauseating memories of Konoha’s red-light district, of a woman in a satin negligee who he used and abused once a week. Things he never had the guts to admit to Rei. This woman had meant nothing to him, after all. She was only a vessel, an empty space, an object. And when he was finished and they’d lie together until her next client came in, all he could think about was Rei. That was his coping mechanism: taking his frustrations out on an innocent bystander and all the while imagining someone else. There was no way he could ever tell Rei of his transgressions. He was young and dumb and overflowing with unbridled angst. He would have to find a way around the truth to answer her question. He would, unfortunately, have to lie.

“Being a captain…” Kakashi started, “was a lot of responsibility. While I may have been skilled enough for the job, I don’t think I was emotionally prepared for it so I don’t think I coped as well as you will.” Okay, so perhaps it wasn’t a total lie. He did have faith in her ability to not only do this job but to do this job well. She had proven herself, hadn’t she? If Tsunade thought she was prepared, then who were they to question her judgment?

“I feel so pathetic for being scared” Rei replied.

“Well, this is a big step in your career” Kakashi assured her, resting a hand on her forearm. “You have every right to be nervous. If it means anything to you, though, I think you’re going to do just fine.”

Rei eyed him curiously, wanting to believe him, but it was so hard to take the compliment. “Do you really mean that, or are you only telling me that because you feel obligated to as my fiancé?” she then asked.

Kakashi leaned back, almost offended, and shook his head. “If I didn’t think you were cut out for this, I would tell you” he replied. “You know I would never let you step foot into something you were unprepared for, especially something that comes with so much danger.”

It was that word, danger, that stuck out to her the most. This was dangerous. A dangerous job and a dangerous new set of responsibilities. Every time she was put in charge of something, it seemed as if Rei attracted nothing but danger. Nothing but death and disaster. She closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath as the image of Naru’s dead body flickered in the back of her mind. “I just need to know that I won’t be leading people to their deaths” she whispered. “I just…I can’t go through that again. I can’t have that on my conscience.”

“Rei…” Kakashi murmured. He shifted his hand to her back, rubbing gently. His heart broke for her. He knew all too well the specific brand of pain she was facing, the way that here, even four years later, she was still utterly and completely traumatized. “I know it’s scary, but that was just one mission out of how many in the past eight years?” he started. Rei hated to admit that he had a point. “Maybe you weren’t prepared for a leadership position back then, but things are different now. You’ve grown so much and worked so hard. And besides, if it makes you feel any better, you’ll have a lieutenant working by your side, too.”

On one hand, the promise of a lieutenant brought with it a sense of relief. The power would not rest solely on her shoulders. She would have someone to conspire with on battle tactics, someone to fight alongside her and share the brunt of the responsibility. On the other hand, however, this further brought up yet another point of contention: who, exactly, her lieutenant would be.

There were really only three options: Yugao, Mikazuki, or Tenzo. Rei tossed and turned all night weighing the pros and cons of each. The whole of her morning commute was spent further dissecting their merit.

Yugao was strong and capable and had worked under Kakashi on Team Ro so Rei believed deep down that she was trustworthy enough for the position. Her and Yugao had worked together plenty of times, but Rei had yet to see her in any real position of power. Would she even be up to the task? Could she handle the pressure? She had been so stoic since Hayate’s death, almost even resolving to simply riding the wave of someone else’s leadership rather than taking the reins on her own. Rei wasn’t even sure how much passion she still felt for her career after losing her love. She would never be able to live with herself if she had forced Yugao into a serious commitment like this without her utmost dedication and approval.

Mikazuki was a formidable opponent, highly intelligent and possessing a powerful dojutsu. Out of everyone in the ANBU, Mikazuki was the one that Rei probably considered herself the closest with which meant that their chemistry would likely benefit their leadership capabilities. As incredible as the shinkantazagan’s power is, however, it’s also rare and valuable. Mikazuki’s innate abilities not only made her easily identifiable but could also turn her into a target for the enemy. She had already been captured once before. Rei wasn’t sure she had the strength to risk losing yet another dear friend on the battlefield.

And then there was Tenzo, a former member of the Foundation who had been a part of the ANBU for heaven only knew how long. Rei knew very little about his past but it seemed as if he ate, slept, and breathed the black ops. As if he knew nothing else, had never lived any other way. Another former member of Team Ro, Rei knew without a shadow of a doubt that she could trust Tenzo in a position of power alongside her. The only issue was that, interpersonally, she did not know him well enough. She had never bothered to spend enough time with him to become well-acquainted with who he was and even how he worked. Was his merit worth jeopardizing their leadership abilities due to faulty compatibility? Rei wasn’t sure.

Tsunade tented her fingers and smiled softly as Rei stepped foot into the hokage’s office that morning. “I hope you’re still up for that promotion” Tsunade replied. “We need ANBU captains now more than ever, and I can’t think of anyone else more fitting for the role than you.”

“That’s a pretty hefty compliment” Rei murmured, rubbing the back of her neck anxiously. “But I appreciate your faith in me” she quickly added so as not to sound ungrateful.

Tsunade picked up on Rei’s uncertainty, cocking a brow in suspicion. “You’re not getting cold feet now, are you?” she asked. Yesterday, Rei had seemed so bright and optimistic. It was that attitude that further confirmed Tsunade’s comfort in promoting her. Now, however, she wasn’t so sure. If Rei wasn’t confident in her abilities, then Tsunade couldn’t be confident in this promotion.

Rei’s eyes widened, holding her hands up in surrender. “No, no, no! Absolutely not!” she stammered. It wasn’t a complete lie, at least. No matter what, she could not reveal to Tsunade her overwhelming anxiety about this. She would just have to bury it deep down, put on a brave face, pretend like this was exactly what she had been longing for. She felt her stomach clench as if in response to her lie. Straightening her back, she composed herself with a serious expression and asked, “What are the next steps that need to be taken for this?”

Shuffling through some paperwork, Tsunade explained, “I’ll assign you a team of new recruits fresh out of Ishoku next week.” Ishoku. Rei had nearly forgotten about the training subdivision. She wondered who was training her new team now. It made sense for Kakashi to train her when she was inducted—he had already been captain for years. None of this was necessarily new to him. But Rei was fresh meat, inexperienced. Teaching was not her priority—leading was. She wasn’t quite sure which she may have preferred. “In the meantime” Tsunade continued, “it would be worth your while to brush up on your own training and find someone to act as your lieutenant.”

“Right, of course” Rei nodded. “Kakashi brought that up last night, actually.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Tsunade’s mouth. She wasn’t surprised in the slightest at the mention of Kakashi’s involvement. In fact, she had fully expected him to guide and assist her as she navigated this new role. That was part of the reason she felt so comfortable with promoting Rei in the first place. Kakashi was a legendary shinobi and his time as captain served as a model for the rest of the ANBU. With him as her mentor, Tsunade knew that Rei was in good hands.

“Now, picking a lieutenant isn’t a requirement” Tsunade explained. “Kakashi certainly didn’t have one when he was a captain. With that said, for someone new to this position of power such as yourself, I find it helps to balance out the responsibility a bit. Lieutenants can help alleviate some anxiety and provide support for when you’re first starting out.”

Rei nodded. God, did she understand the importance of that. “If it’ll help me make the best possible decisions” she started, “then by all means, a lieutenant would be best.” Especially if they keep me from leading innocent people to their deaths, she thought to herself. The thought of having someone there to stop her if she was about to make a leadership mistake was truly comforting.

“Consider your options carefully” Tsunade warned. “And try to have an answer for me by Friday morning.”

Rei gave a single, affirmative nod before departing for headquarters. Friday morning. That gave her three full days, counting the present, to make her decision. As she descended the stairs an stepped out into the light, she felt her throat tighten. The pressure was overwhelming. If only someone could make the decision for her, if Tsunade could just assign someone to work alongside her, but Rei knew that that wasn’t right. If she was to be in charge, she needed to start making smart and clear-cut decisions. This was her first test of strength.

The minute she stepped into the ANBU headquarters, she caught sight of Tenzo walking down the hall with a few other men that Rei did not recognize. Sucking in a deep breath, she reached out and called his name.

“Rei?” he asked, almost as if he was confused to see her there. There was a look of such deep focus on her face, a strong sense of purpose. “Is everything alright?” They never talked outside of missions, so her flagging him down certainly struck him as odd. The confusion on his face was, perhaps, meant to be a warning sign that this was a bad idea.

“Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine” Rei reassured. “I was just wondering, uh, do you have a minute? I wanted to talk with you about something, if that’s alright.”

Tenzo glanced to his comrades, who made faces at each other as if he was not actually in a relationship. He considered his options a moment before urging them to go on without him. He seemed, however, mildly disappointed he could not continue on with them and Rei began to reconsider her plan but it was too late. Once they were alone, Tenzo turned his attention back to Rei. “What did you want to talk about?” he asked.

In this newfound privacy, Rei felt a jolt of ice slither down her spine. How was she even supposed to start this? We don’t really know each other that well but hey, want to be my lieutenant? Ridiculous. She stood there opening and closing her mouth for a moment, trying to find the right words, but none of the options seemed to fit right in her mouth. They all sounded so abrupt and strange, so inappropriate. Finally, after she was certain Tenzo was about to combust with concern, she croaked, “H-how long have you been in the ANBU?”

“Uh, as long as I can remember” Tenzo chuckled nervously. “Why do you ask? Are you writing some sort of tell-all for the black ops newsletter?”

“Oh, no, I just—” Rei started, but her mind quickly snagged on something else. “Wait a sec, there’s a black ops newsletter? Since when?” Tenzo blinked despondently, realizing the joke clearly went over her head. Rei considered the idea for a moment, almost offended that no one had brought this up to her before, but quickly dismissed the thought. She shook her head, swatted at the air, tried to refocus. “Whatever, it’s not important” she muttered. “What is important, however, is that—”

Before she could finish her sentence, she felt a strong gaze boring holes into her back. Turning slowly, she caught none other than Mikazuki approaching. “Hello, Tenzo” she said, eyes downcast. She quickly leaned up to place a shy little peck on his cheek, then nodded towards Rei’s direction. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything. What, um…what were you both talking about?”

It suddenly became horrifically clear to Rei that perhaps Mikazuki had misinterpreted the situation. The laughter, the awkward joking, it was all too suspicious. Rei in no way wanted to appear as if she was trying to steal another woman’s man and getting on Mikazuki’s bad side was a recipe for disaster. The weight of that little list in the back of Rei’s mind grew heavier.

“Rei was just asking me about my experience in the ANBU” Tenzo replied. Immediately after he said this, though, he began to second-guess himself. Rei’s intentions were ambiguous at best and suspicious at worst. What was her angle? What was she really after? He wasn’t sure he even wanted to know. Clearing his throat anxiously, he added in a mutter, “Or something like that.”

Mikazuki pursed her lips as she gave a minute nod. “That’s nice…” she murmured.

“Yeah, I’m just, uh…” Rei started, awkwardly. She searched the air for the proper excuse, the best way to get out of this. Tenzo was a bust and if she was to have any chance of salvaging Mikazuki’s potential, she needed to save face. “Just writing an editorial for the black ops newsletter” Rei jested, forcing a friendly smile.

Tenzo stifled a chuckle as Mikazuki looked to the two of them, completely lost. “Th-there’s a black ops newsletter?”

“Hmm? Oh, no! No, it’s just, uh…just a joke” Tenzo replied, rubbing the back of his neck. Mikazuki clearly remained skeptical and suspicious.

“So, uh, I better get going” Rei started, shoving her hands in her pockets. She slowly backed away as she spoke, trying to appear as charismatic and unaffected as humanly possible. “Oh, hey, here’s an idea! Why don’t you guys join Kakashi and I for dinner one of these nights? Does barbecue sound good? I’m sure Kakashi would love to see you both. It’s been a minute, right? Just let me know when is good for you guys and we can all sync our schedules! I’m thinking Friday nights, but whatever works for you, you know? But whatever, we’ll iron out the details later!” As she departed, her back slammed into the door to the women’s locker room. The doorknob hit her right in the spine with a sharp, shooting pain. She groaned through her smile, presenting a tense thumbs-up, before turning into the solace of the locker room. Once alone, she sunk down onto one of the rickety wooden benches and dug the heels of her hands into her eyes. “Motherfucker” she groaned.

“Rough morning already?” a voice asked from overhead.

Rei squinted past the glare of the ceiling light to find Yugao looming over her. A sly grin touched her lips, hands planted firmly on her hips. “You have no idea” Rei complained.

Skirting around the bench, Yugao took a seat beside Rei and asked, “Do you want to talk about it? Or is it the kind of stuff you don’t really want to bother other people with?”

“No, no, it’s fine” Rei sighed. She rubbed her eyes and stretched her sore back, leaning forward to rest her forearms on her knees. “I’m just…in a weird place right now. Forced to answer questions that I don’t know the answer to. It’s like…it’s like that feeling when you stay up all night studying for a classic lit test only for the teacher to hand out a biology test instead. You feel totally blindsided and unprepared.”

Yugao laughed softly and shook her head. “I trust you with the classic lit” she commented. “But biology? Not so much.”

A bittersweet laugh broke past Rei’s somber, stressed exterior as she raked her fingers through her bangs. “I’ve got a big decision to make and not a lot of time to make it” she sighed. “I don’t feel like I’m cut out for this sort of thing, and it scares me. Like whatever I decide is going to have a profound effect on the way I handle things moving forward, and my reputation as a shinobi. Peoples lives could be at stake and I just…don’t know if I’m ready for this. It just all feels so heavy.”

A fizzle of something profound surged between them in that moment, a shared understanding about loss and grief. Yugao sucked in a sharp breath. “I know what you mean” she sighed. “You tell yourself not to think about everything that could go wrong, but in the back of your mind it’s always there nagging at you. That squeaky little voice asking ‘what if you fuck up? What if someone else dies?’”

“Exactly” Rei nodded. “I just hate feeling so unsure of myself. I don’t want to make a mistake, but I feel like I already have by getting all mixed up in this.”

“What exactly are you mixed up in?” Yugao finally asked.

As much as Rei had wanted to keep her mouth shut, she couldn’t keep it to herself any longer. The secret was stewing deep within her chest, raring to eat her alive. Sitting here with Yugao like this made her feel trusting anyway. Whether or not she should embrace that trust, however, she did not know but much like a surge of vomit, she couldn’t stop it from coming now. Rei toyed with the bandage at her thigh as she explained, “Lady Tsunade has promoted me to captain.”

“She did?” Yugao replied. There was a sense of disbelief in her voice, but pleasantly so. “That’s so great, I’m so happy for you. But also, god, that’s such a huge responsibility. No wonder you’re anxious.”

Rei had never expected the strength of relief she felt in finally admitting the news. Sure, Kakashi knew but he knew everything. She was not afraid to be open with him. She knew he would never judge her and besides, he was not within this circle any longer anyway. His knowing was inconsequential. A bittersweet laugh broke past Rei’s lips. “I still don’t even know if I’m ready for this” she admitted. “But at least the leadership won’t be entirely on my shoulders. I’ll have a lieutenant.”

“Of course” Yugao nodded.

“Lady Tsunade is giving me until Friday morning to take my pick” Rei replied.

“Do you know who you’re going to pick?” Yugoa asked. There was never a hint of insinuation in her tone, never a lurking persuasiveness begging for Rei to pick her and in tht, it seemed Rei’s growing suspicions had thus been solidified.

“You know…” she started, toeing the groutlines in the floor. “When I woke up this morning, my answer would’ve been a solid no. I had ideas but no real plan. But now…now I think I know exactly who I’d pick.” A surge of anxiety coursed through Rei’s veins—she never expected to be so nervous about the proposal. She wondered if this was how Kakashi felt he when he asked her to marry him, even if this wasn’t quite the same. Rei could feel Yugao’s expectant gaze awaiting her answer. She couldn’t afford to screw this up. She couln’t afford to waste anymore time. Looking Yugao in the eyes, Rei replied, “I was thinking it should be you.”

Yugao leaned back a moment, considering the offer. This was truly a monumental request and she was honored that Rei would even consider her as an option. They were not the closest of all the girls in the ANBU, but they worked well together. They had a chemistry that was highly important in positions such as this. After a few moments of deliberation, Yugao gave a single nod. “Alright” she said. She tried to remain dignified and composed—after all, she was now face to face with her superior—but she could not fight the pleased smile threatening her lips. “I humbly accept.”

An incredulous laugh bubbled up from deep within Rei’s chest, the relief washing over her like a wave at high tide. She, too, remained composed, however. She extended a hand for a firm handshake, which Yugao dutifully reciprocated. “I look forward to working with you, Ms. Uzuki” she smiled.

“And I to you, Ms. Natsuki” Yugao replied. “Or would it be Mrs. Hatake?”

“Well, I’m not married yet” Rei laughed.

Yugao swatted at the air and shook her head. “Oh well, it doesn’t matter” she replied. Her laughter toned down then as she looked Rei in the eyes, and in her gaze was a certain sincerity, deep and moving. “Thank you, Rei, for this opportunity. I can’t think of anyone better to work alongside.”

“I can’t think of anyone better to be my lieutenant” Rei replied. The sirens blared down the hallway, a sign that their time was up. Sentimental exchanges would have to wait. They had work to do.

Rei strapped her gauntlets to her forearms and secured her boots to her feet as Yugao made her way toward the exit. With a hand resting on the doorknob, however, she hesitated before looking back over her shoulder. “Hey, Rei” she called. Rei looked up expectantly. A tender smile touched Yugao’s face. “I think you’re going to make a really great captain. Honestly.”

#rei natsuki #kakashi hatake #the scarecrow and the bell #naruto #naruto oc #fanfiction

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osleyakomwonkru · 5 years

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A Tale of Two Blakes

Let’s be clear about one thing: The Blakes, for the first 17 years of Octavia’s life, never had the opportunity for a healthy relationship. Never.

It isn’t either of their faults. It really isn’t. They didn’t choose their circumstances. Neither of them asked for it. They got what they got.

Octavia got a brother who was more like a father, whose sole mission was to protect her. Keep her out of harm’s way. Keep their family safe.

Bellamy got a sister who he had to love and care for - knowing that barring some miracle, she’d remain a non-person for the rest of her life and never been able to leave the cell of her birth.

They got that miracle. They went to the ground. But the unhealthy dynamic that protected them for years on the Ark didn’t fit their circumstances on the ground, yet it continued, because they didn’t know any other way to be. And with no other role models to look at, since they didn’t know any other siblings, since they didn’t exist in their world.

“Their world” is also an important topic here: Prior to the dropship, Bellamy *had* a world - he had his sister, his mother, and also a life outside that room in the rest of the Ark. A job. Presumably friends. Octavia had none of that - she had only her mother and her brother, who taught her most of what she knows, and an Earth Skills class that ended violently, with that violence being praised. Also important.

The Blakes are too similar for their own good, and most of that stems from the fact that almost everything Octavia knows, she learned from her brother. The good habits and the bad habits. She learned them from him.

They were trapped in a cycle of emotionally abusive codependency, because that’s all they’d ever known. But as time passed, things started to soften. They start to heal from that. Octavia had a world outside of Bellamy. Bellamy released his hold on her and let her explore that world. Their most beautiful scene together is in 3x03, when Bellamy is ready to let her go and disappear into the grounder world, if that’s what she wants, though she’ll always fit in with him.

Then the rest of season 3 happened.

Bellamy lost his girlfriend Gina, was consumed by rage and anger, and vented it on any Grounders that he could see, and embraced the leadership of a man who espoused that ideology. Which led to...

Octavia losing her boyfriend Lincoln, and also being consumed by rage and anger, but venting it only on the people she saw as responsible - Bellamy, Pike and the rest of Farm Station.

It is at this point a lot of Octavia haters pop up and say that Octavia is physically abusive to Bellamy. She did beat him up once, yes. But Bellamy isn’t innocent of physical abuse either, it just manifests differently due to the different power dynamics. Octavia attacked Bellamy, because he’s always been the centre of her world and thus always the one responsible. While Bellamy attacks the people around Octavia, because they threatened his control of her. He tied Atom to a tree in hostile territory for kissing her. He roughed up Lincoln and tortured him despite her pleas to stop. He also prevented others from stopping her beating him up, because he felt he deserved to be punished (we’ll be coming back to that later) and violence was all he’d ever taught her on the ground. After all, it had been his own response to the person he loved dying too. He hasn’t yet thought of breaking the cycle, that only comes later.

Octavia initially wants to leave, get away from her brother and everyone else that painfully reminded her of what she’d lost in 3x11, but after they save Raven, she’s changed her mind - “we survive together” is what she says, even if she still doesn’t know how to process Bellamy. Even if she can’t stand the sight of him, she still knows they need him and that they need to work together.

It still takes time before she accepts him again. After spending most of season 4 apart, he opens the bunker and saves her again, and this is when they’re on the road to recovery from everything that had happened since the beginning of season 3. She forgives him, she loves him, they love each other.

After all of the chaos, separating on a high note was good, because that could finally begin to break their codependency. This was a good place for them to spend six years apart. Live their own lives, something they’d never had the opportunity to do before. Then come back together as adults, with new and separate wisdom and experience under their belts, and build a new healthy relationship from there.

But that didn’t happen, did it?

From the moment the bunker was opened, Bellamy cast judgment and criticism on Octavia, even though he had no idea what had happened over those six years to get her there. She was willing to let it go for awhile, and was ready to trust him on the plan he had.

Then she came thisclose to getting a sonic cannon to the face. Some of her people died. That’s what that trust gave her.

I can’t say that they went back to old habits. Not completely. Octavia did give him more latitude than she gave anyone else, but otherwise put her people first. Bellamy also tried to control her as he had in the past, but also put his people first. It was a recipe for disaster from the outset, because neither of them were messing around. The dance went around for awhile - Octavia’s battle plan threatened Echo’s life, Bellamy helped murder Cooper, and so on.

Then Bellamy cast the first stone at Octavia. His mission in life - “my sister, my responsibility” took on a new meaning - instead of protecting Octavia from the world, he believed he needed to protect the world from Octavia.

He poisoned his sister. She lived.

She threw him in the pit. He lived.

She then sacrificed herself for him. She lived again.

All of this should be enough to clear any sort of lingering moral debts they have to each other, regardless of what they’d done, regardless of whose side you come down on. Cryosleep, like those six years apart, provided the opportunity for a clean slate. And their conversation at the end of 5x13 did seem to be at least hinting that way.

Well, Bellamy woke up on the wrong side of the cryopod. Because he’s been unimaginably cruel to her since the season started. And encouraged that behaviour from everyone else, even when he’s defending Clarke to all of them, which is hypocrisy and double standards of the greatest magnitude.

Even when she hated him, Octavia never turned him away from a mission. Even when she hated him, she never deliberately put his life in danger. Even when she hated him, she never left him for dead on a hostile planet.

Oops, getting ahead of myself.

But that’s the point I’m getting at. Bellamy has no right to judge her. None. Especially not when he’s also done unimaginable things. And when he was struggling with the consequences and fallout from those, he had support. He had people who helped him through, and he came out the stronger for it.

Octavia has no one. And he’s been making damn sure since the beginning of the season that she doesn’t. How is she supposed to ever come to terms with everything when she doesn’t have people in her corner like he did? That’s not even looking at the big elephant in the room, which is her mental illness (discussed in that post in depth). It’s that mental illness, her desire to die and her unhealthy coping mechanisms learned from her brother that led her to seeking out that beating from Skaikru in 6x02, which mirrors not only the scene in 1x08 where Bellamy is begging for death while hallucinating, but also his beating at her hands in 3x10. He thought he deserved punishment for his actions, so did she here. It’s all part of the same cycle that they’ve been trapped in for seasons now.

Bellamy could have broken the cycle. Hell, he’s been all talk about breaking the cycle of violence. Yet he leaves his sister for dead. Not even left her for dead, actually. It wasn’t as if it was 4x13 where Clarke didn’t make it back to the rocket in time. He deliberately denied her safety and forced her to stay in a hostile toxic forest.

Many months ago, I posted an edit of the picture at the top of this post, with my one hope for season 6 being a reconciliation between the Blakes. I’ve changed my mind in the months since, and especially in these weeks of the new season. Octavia deserves better than that. Better than a brother she’s sacrificed for, that she’s fought for, that she’s almost died for, and then still been left behind.

#the 100 meta #the 100 #octavia blake #bellamy blake #blake siblings #the blakes

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littleteatimestories · 5 years

Text

Prompt: @ourwritingprompts’s #163 “I’m an emotional wreck.” “It’s okay, you’re a cute emotional wreck.” Pairing: With Peter Quill/Star-Lord As requested by @nighthood13

A/N: Request fulfilled! 😆 I know some of you think I can’t fulfill a request for the life of me, but I’m trying bit by bit. I actually have 3 requests in my list right now. Since I’m done with this one, I’m still accepting 8 more. For more info on the prompt request, go to this 🔖

I hope this is to your liking. I tried to make Quill as cute as he can be, but I feel like I have better plans for him. 😅 Anyway, enjoy!

It just felt like yesterday. At that time, there was an emotion inside of you that you felt so weak. Next, you felt your heart palpitating and your brain malfunctioning. You then noticed that your hands were turning into dust and the last thing you saw was Peter looking at you terrifyingly. He probably ran over to you because you didn’t know what happened afterwards.

Darkness… That was what you sensed on that moment. You finally knew how death was and you became scared to hell. Once everything went back to normal after five years, it never was the same for you. You frequently had nightmares. The worst part was hearing about Gamora not coming back ever because, according to Quill, Thanos killed her for the soul stone. That devastated you even more since the green-skinned female was one of your closest friends. You could say that you two were like sisters. You always saw her in your dreams, mostly being ceased of her life or saying her goodbyes. You wanted to believe that those weren’t true, but the truth was already set in front of you. All you could do was weep.

A few lives were traded just to bring humanity back. You heard Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff were one of those ‘heroes’. You didn’t know what happened to Captain America himself because no one would tell you.

In your case, Sam Wilson was the one who helped you in treating your so-called PTSD. Peter assisted you along the way as he tried to ask The Falcon of your condition. Sam tried, but Peter couldn’t help in bursting in anger just because he didn’t understand a word that was explained to him. Maybe the stress was also affecting him since Gamora was gone.

After six months of treatment, you were back to your old self. You were always so tough and a risk-taker. You finally accepted that Gamora was truly gone and realized that the only thing you can do was to honor her sacrifice and move forward.

You and Peter were actually helping one another in the coping process. You felt closer to him. You found him adorable at one point when he sensed that you had a panic attack. He was really worried and you assured him that you were fine. He didn’t buy that and still kept fretting over you.

The Guardians were back in doing space exploration, plus with an additional new ‘recruit’. Thor decided to tag along and so, there wasn’t a time that Peter and he would argue of who has the better leadership skills.

“Look, Thor. I only decided to have you in my ship because I felt very pity,” Peter debated.

“Listen here, Star-whatever-you-call-yourself, I may not be worthy of being the ruler of Asgard, but I am worthy of being a good leader. That’s one of the reasons why Mjölnir and Stormbreaker chose me,” the God of Thunder countered.

Peter laughed sarcastically. “Yeah, right. So that means the Milano chose me to captain her. My ship chose me so I’m worthy to be her captain.”

Thor squinted. “Your ship is a female?”

Peter groaned loudly. “You know what, just don’t do anything.”

“You don’t tell me what to do.”

Peter just rolled his eyes and walked to your area where you were tinkering with some stuff.

“He’s really persistent,” you remarked.

“And he’s annoying the hell out of me. Ever since he came, it’s never quiet here.”

You shrugged your shoulders. “Well, he’s at least entertaining.”

“I don’t get his jokes. Only Rocket laughs with him.”

You quietly giggled and continued on fixing your weapons.

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

You looked at him quizzically. He continued on, “We’ve been through a lot with that war with Thanos. Dying just like that… You should try imagining what Rocket had been through. Five years without us… He survived that.”

“Yeah, I know… But, it was still different being able to die. All I felt was just pure darkness.”

“I guess that afterlife thing wasn’t true at all, huh?” Peter attempted to make a joke.

You just smiled on that one.

The ship shook excessively. You and Peter were alerted at once. You two went to the Flight Deck to see what was going on.

“What just happened?” Peter asked, casting his eyes at the space beyond.

“We’ve got company!” Rocket announced as another collision came into contact with the Milano.

“Enemy ships?!” you confirmed.

“Nu-uh, sweet cheeks! Asteroids!”

“Great! I leave you to drive the ship and we already have asteroids flying all over us!” Peter chided as he perched himself on the co-captain’s seat.

“Oh wow! I didn’t know this became all my fault!” Rocket retorted.

“I am Groot! (Look out!)” Teenaged Groot pointed forward as a large asteroid was barreling directly at them.

Rocket turned the ship too late as the big chunk of rock hit the left wing. A red alert instantly flashed, declaring for immediate landing.

“Nearest planet, anyone?!” Peter yelled.

You quickly checked the computer at the third seat. “Lithios! Sending in the coordinates!”

“Prepare for a hard landing, losers!” Rocket declared.

***

You loudly gasped and started scrambling up on your feet. You started to sprint to who-knows-where. Everything you see were all different shades of purple and it was making your head hurt more. You felt like you were seeing things. Right now, you think you just saw Gamora standing at the distance. Your heart was starting to pulsate and you were wheezing aggressively. You finally gave into the anxiety attack as you laid on the ground, curling and sobbing like a baby.

Someone was calling out to you, but you were in deaf ears. It was like going back to that void again.

“(Y/n)! Hey, (Y/n)! I’m here!” Peter was trying to get your attention. You weren’t budging, still staring straightforward and crying nonstop. He held your shoulders tightly and gently as he moved you to face him. He focused on you. “Hey, you’re okay, alright? You’re okay. Everything’s fine.”

You wept noisily and embraced him. He returned it and soothed you.

***

“I’m sorry,” you apologized.

“For what?” Peter questioned.

You sighed heavily. “That I’m an emotional wreck.”

You finally met up with the rest of the Guardians. You were all sitting on the ground with a purple fire burning at the center. Apparently, Lithios is a crystal mining planet, though, the crystals here were the purple-colored ones. Rocket said Lithios crystals were worth 100,000 credits per piece; the bigger the size, the higher the price. Thor, though, went to find his own area.

“So what?” Peter seemed disinterested with your answer.

You narrowed your brows. “Don’t you get it? I looked like I was falling apart back there. I could have gotten myself killed if this planet was a dangerous one. I could’ve let the team down just because I could’ve had a tragic way to die.”

“But you are still here and you did not die,” Drax commented as he sipped on a gooey-looking soup.

You fought the urge not to roll your eyes. “Yes, Drax, I am still alive and kicking. I was only sharing a scenario.”

Drax’s eyelids drooped. “You are not kicking. You are sitting right there.”

You finally bowled your eyes whilst exhaled a breath as Peter chuckled and spoke, “But, really, it’s okay. You’re a cute emotional wreck, anyway.”

All of the Guardians including yourself stared at him. Peter froze and flickered his eyes from one member to the other and vice versa.

“What?” he queried.

“I think I need to clean my ears. Did I hear ya right, Star-munch?” Rocket opined as he tried to clean his one ear with his pinky paw finger.

Mantis, who was sitting beside Peter, held his back hand and felt a strange euphoria coursing through her antenna. The Terran immediately swatted his hand away from her.

“You are in love,” Mantis concluded.

Peter laughed dryly. “Okay, that’s just funny. First of all, I am not.”

“Is it hard to deny that you are in love with (Y/n)?” Drax went straight to the point.

Peter gaped at him. “I am not, okay? (Y/n)’s like a sister to me, that’s it.”

“Right,” Rocket drawled, signifying that he didn’t believe him.

Peter huffed and attempted to change the topic. “Anyway, we should be worrying about the ship. Rocket, when can we expect full functionality of the Milano?”

Rocket brushed his shoulders up and down. “I don’t know. It could take weeks or, worst, months if we don’t have the materials we need. Just look at the ship. We have a broken left wing and I’m not sure if I can fix that easily.”

“Find a way. We can’t stay here for too long.”

Rocket grunted. “I’ll do what I can. But you do have a point. We can’t stay here long.”

And their conversation prolonged. Groot peered at you and gave a small smile. “I am Groot. (He likes you.)”

You returned the upward curve on your lips. “I hope so. I really do hope so.” You gazed at the Star-Lord longingly.

#peter quill x reader #star-lord x reader #Guardians of the Galaxy #marvel

40 notes · View notes

laurendormanblog · 4 years

Text

Blog #8: Coronavirus Updates - March

This comes from a post from simplepolitics on Instagram, released throughout the month of March.

3 March: Boris Johnson has set out a 4 point plan to contain the spread of the virus - contain, delay, research and mitigate (make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.) It detailed measures that the government aren’t taking right now, but could take ‘at the right time and on the basis of scientific advice’. These could include:

Encouraging home working and discouraging unnecessary travel.

Consideration of school closures and reducing large-scale gatherings.

Using the Ministry of Defence for support.

Government departments having a coronavirus lead.

Helping businesses with short-term cash-flow problems.

Using more volunteers in hospitals and recalling recently retired staff.

“Our ability to test and treat is going to get us through the coronavirus and get through it in good shape.”

4 March: NHS and Coronavirus.

‘I’ve heard the NHS declared a level 4 incident?’ It’s been level 4 since January. All that means is that we’re co-ordinating nationally.

‘So, what’s happening right now?’ Worst case scenario planning. Reviewing hospital beds, use of video consultations and setting up 24/7 incident teams.

‘And if it gets worse?’ If cases rise, action plans come into play. Extra staff might come from NHS leavers and retirees. Using volunteers like St John’s ambulance has also been raised. Some non-urgent care could be delayed.

‘Will the NHS get more funding to cope?’ Jeremy Corbyn asked in Parliament today. The PM said he’d ‘give them everything they need’ to cope, but wasn’t more specific.

5 March: Plans to fight Coronavirus may limit personal rights (travel, gathering, education etc.) To what extent is that justified?

10 March: Fighting the virus. Individual events may be cancelled, but the UK is resisting ‘lockdowns’ or bans on public gatherings. We’re at stage one - contain - of the government’s 4 point plan to tackle Coronavirus. Is it the right policy?

YES - STAY AT CONTAIN

Those with any symptoms have already been asked to self-isolate. A leading expert said, “Many outdoor events, particularly, are relatively safe.”If measures are introduced too early, they may not be as effective in the long run. There’s the huge practical and economic disruption of closing schools/offices.

NO - MOVE TO DELAY

On average, people take 5 days to show symptoms - they might not self-isolate even though they are carrying the virus. We haven’t yet reached our ‘peak’ so we still have time to act preventatively. We need to protect the most vulnerable. The markets are already volatile - we shouldn’t delay to avoid economic impact.

11 March: As we get deeper into this virus thing, people will become poorly. Some of them you will like. Some you will love. Others might be people with whom you disagree. Maybe disagree a whole lot. Let’s find a way to treat everyone with respect and humanity, whatever their ideology. Abusing people for being ill is as nonsensical as it is ugly.

11 March:

The World Health Organisation has changed the state of Coronavirus to a pandemic. A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease. The virus is now in 114 countries. This change of language may change how countries choose to deal with it. WHO Director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was keen to give reassurance. He said, “There’s been so much attention on one word. But these words matter much more:

Prevention

Preparedness

Public health

Political leadership

People.”

13 March: Boris Johnson didn’t announce closures to schools yesterday. Schools will only close if specifically told to - if a student or staff member contracts the virus.

WOO

Children won’t be missing out on education.

Different countries are at different stages - we shouldn’t feel pressure to follow measures.

Children who are off school could spend more time with vulnerable grandparents.

NHS staff may also not have childcare - and therefore be unavailable for work.

BOO

Online learning is a viable alternative.

Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia and Denmark have all announced the temporary closure of schools.

We don’t fully understand the role children play in spreading the virus.

While children may seem to have mild symptoms, teachers and support staff could be at risk.

14 March: Updated virus advice - symptoms. A new continuous cough and/or a high temperature. Sneezing and a runny nose are NOT symptoms. What to do:

Stay at home for seven days.

Sleep alone (if possible).

Ask friends to go to the shops (and leave things on doorstep).

You do NOT need to tell the authorities.

Do NOT call 111 (unless symptoms are getting worse or aren’t better after 7 days).

For now, people you live with don’t need to stay home, but you should stay 2 meters away from them.

16 March: New UK measures to tackle the virus include:

Avoid unnecessary social contact - that means pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues.

Avoid non-essential travel.

‘Whole household’ 14 day isolation if anyone you live with shows symptoms.

Work from home if you can.

Starting tomorrow, emergency services will no longer support mass gatherings. Schools to stay open. This will be reviewed.

17 March: Health and Social Care Committee. Commons Committees are cross party. Made up of MPs who are passionate about health, they examine policy, spending and legislation to hold the government to account.

The Health Committee meets later to hear from a selection of experts. They want to know how prepared the UK is to deal with coronavirus - it’s called an inquiry.

They’ll examine areas such as rises in cases, preventative measures, further options and NHS plans. Jeremy Hunt (Conservative) is in the chair. They’ll hear from:

Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser.

Sir Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England.

Professor Keith Willett, Director for Acute Care at NHS England and other colleagues.

Results of inquiries are public and many require a government response.

17 March: Travel advice - advice now against ‘all but essential travel’ outside the UK for 30 days. From Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

17 March: Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, has given MPs his expert opinion. He expects the number of new cases to start coming down in two to three weeks. He keeps thinking overall UK deaths under 20,000 would be a good outcome. (Although obviously a horrible one.) He thinks we need a big increase in testing. Without people going to hospital. A community based test.

17 March:

Financial measures:

Businesses to have access to government backed loans (totalling £330bn) available from next week.

Extending 12 month business rate ‘holiday’ to all businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure.

Retail, hospitality and leisure sector - for small businesses who may not have insurance - cash grants of up to £25k/business.

Mortgage lenders will offer three month mortgage holiday to those who need it.

Other announcements:

NHS will postpone all non-urgent operations from 15 April for 3 months.

Foreign Office advise no non-essential foreign travel for 30 days.

18 March: Emergency Coronavirus Bill.

‘What’s the issue?’

Changes to the law are needed to give public bodies necessary powers to respond to the crisis. The legislation lasts 2 years. The four UK governments can switch the new powers on and off when needed.

‘What will this Bill do?’

Measures are wide-ranging but include:

Recently retired NHS staff will be able to return to work without pension penalties.

Volunteers will be helped to take Emergency Volunteer Leave.

Use of video and audio links in court proceedings will increase.

Port and airport operators could be asked to temporarily close if Border Force staff shortages result in a threat to security.

Police and immigration officers will have strengthened quarantine powers - including power to detain people to protect public health.

Statutory sick pay will be paid to those self-isolating from day one.

‘What’s next?’ The Bill will be labeled in Parliament tomorrow.

18 March: Wales and Scotland confirm schools to shut on Friday.

18 March: Schools in England, Scotland and Wales will close on Friday afternoon. Schools in Northern Ireland are already closed.

18 March:

Schools update:

Schools in England to close on Friday to all but children of key workers (e.g. NHS staff, delivery drivers) and vulnerable children.

Nurseries and private schools will be asked to do the same.

Exams will not take place in May/June.

Schools in Northern Ireland will close to pupils from tonight.

Scotland and Wales had already announced closures.

Other points:

Everyone encouraged to follow previously given advice on self-isolation and social distancing.

Testing being ‘scaled up’ - moving to 25,000 a day.

19 March:

PM gave June as an optimistic time frame.

He said we can ‘turn the tide’ within the next 12 weeks - if we take the steps already outlined.

Government in negotiations to buy an antibody test - to assess whether people have had Coronavirus.

First patient has entered a clinical drugs trial.

Ask businesses to ‘stand by their workers’ - ‘as we will stand by you’.

20 March: Kids questions.

1. What does Coronavirus do? It can cause fever, a cough and difficulty breathing. Medical experts say 99% of people will make a full recovery.

2. I’ve heard about social distancing - what is it? It means making sure there’s enough space between people who are well and those who might not be well. It helps stop the disease spreading.

3. Can I help? Yes, by regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When you could or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hand!)

4. What’s happening to stop it? Doctors around the world are working hard to find a vaccine that will protect people.

20 March: Boris Johnson ‘tells’ pubs, restaurants, clubs, theatres, cafes, etc. to close tonight and not reopen tomorrow.

20 March: The ‘Coronavirus job retention scheme’ means employers will be able to access a grant to cover 80% of retained workers salaries up to £2,500/month. VAT payments deferred until the end of June. Universal Credit standard allowance increased for 12 months by £1000. Working Tax Credit will be raised by the same amount. Self employed with zero income can access Universal Credit at rate equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay. Next self-assessment income payments also deferred until 2021. Local Housing Allowance will be changed so it covers at least 30% of market rents in a claimant’s area. Cafes, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, clubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms, leisure centres to close as of this evening. Takeouts unaffected.

21 March: Updated virus advice. In general: Stay home. All the time (except key workers who can’t bring their ‘A’ game from home). Only shop for essentials and keep distance from others. Buy only what you need (and leave stuff for others). Symptoms: A new continuous cough and/or a high temperature. What to do if you have the symptoms: Everyone in your home needs to stay home for 14 days. Sleep alone (if possible). Ask friends to go to the shops (and leave things on doorstep). Try to keep distance from others around the home. Visit 111.NHS.UK if you need help.

21 March: Government urge people to be responsible when they shop and think of others. It will be left to retailers to limit items and that the government shouldn’t be involved. There is more than enough food to go round and the food supply chain can expand. Curfew on deliveries to stores and delivery driver hours relaxed. Competition rules suspended to allow collaboration between supermarkets. Plastic bag charge suspended.

22 March: Government explicitly confirm ‘you can go for walks. You can go to the playground.’ Exercise is ‘probably the right thing to do’. Obviously don’t get into contact with other people, though.

22 March: Now taking special steps to shield the most clinically vulnerable. The NHS has identified up to 1.5 million people who will be contacted and urged to stay at home for at least 12 weeks. They have been identified as high risk. Others in the same household will not be required to stay at home - but should still follow social distancing. Care will continue. Carers can still visit - as long as they follow guidelines. Support networks will be created for those without help. Advised people to look out for neighbours. Reiterated staying 2m apart - even in outdoor spaces.

23 March: All McDonald’s restaurants in the UK will close by 7pm tonight.

23 March: If Boris Johnson falls ill with the virus, Dominic Raab (Foreign Secretary) will stand in. If Raab is also ill, another minister will step up.

23 March: The PM is ‘making a statement to the country’ at 8.30 this evening. It’s post COBRA, prime time TV, at a time when the Coronavirus Bill is in Parliament so can easily be added to, while many people are calling for the government to go further. Expect a big announcement.

23 March: The PM tells the nation ‘you must stay at home’. You may leave the home to shop for necessities. 1 form of exercise a day. A medical need. Traveling to and from work, if absolutely necessary. If you don’t follow instructions, the police will have powers to stop you.

23 March: Very clear message is “You must stay at home.” Only go out for:

Shopping for essentials

One form of exercise a day

Medical need/caring for a vulnerable person

Travelling to/from work - where this is absolutely necessary and you can’t work from home.

Do not meet up with friends or family members you don’t live with.

Closure of all shops selling non-essential goods.

Closure of libraries, outdoor gyms, places of worship.

No gatherings of more than 2 people in public, apart from those you live with.

The police will have the power to enforce rules - this includes fines and dispersing gatherings.

No social gatherings including weddings. Funerals are not included in these measures.

Measures will be reviewed in three weeks.

24 March: One clarification from last night - the government has confirmed that children whose parents live apart are allowed to travel between their houses.

24 March: Coronavirus - help for the self-employed? ‘What’s the issue?’ On Friday, the government announced it’s financial package to protect workers. It was a huge intervention, but concentrated on the 85% of people in the employment using the PAYE system. There was no wage guarantee for the self-employed. Since then, MPs on both sides of the House have raised the issue.

‘What’s the latest?’ Today, the Treasury Committee urged the Chancellor to take more action - following an ‘unprecedented response’ to their call for evidence. Help has been promised - but Rishi Sunak was keen to stress how complex it is. He said, “The issue is one of finding a way to target help… rather than having something that provides blanket cash subsidies to 5 million people.”

The message is help is coming - but nothing firmer for now.

24 March:

The government is seeking 250,000 NHS volunteers to help during the crisis, through a new volunteer scheme.

5,500 final year medical students and 1,800 final year student nurses will be going into work early.

A new NHS ‘Nightingale’ hospital is opening in the ExCel centre in London. It can hold 4,000 patients.

Hancock paid tribute to NHS staff.On overcrowded tubes, said Transport for London should run enough carriages so that people can obey 2 metre rule.

Journalists were not in the room, but submitted questions via Zoom.

25 March: Beware! Fake news - the self employed amendment. People are sharing, a lot, an amendment that would offer self-employed people up to £2,500 per month. An amendment is a change that is suggested to any new bill (new law). At specific times in the process, MPs/Members of the HoL can vote to include/refuse them. This amendment does exist. However, MPs didn’t accept the text. It was so one sided, there wasn’t even a vote. Having been through the Commons, it is in the Lords today. Supporters of the amendment will try again. They will fail. Those looking for self-employed help need to wait for the announcement this week, probably on Friday.

25 March: Parliament will finish for its Easter Break today - a return on 21 April will be under review.

25 March: In 24 hours 405,000 people have responded to the call to be NHS volunteers. Care message - stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. Confirmed we will hear from the Chancellor tomorrow on additional help for the self-employed. An antibody test, which would test if you have already had the virus - is being evaluated - reiterated accuracy of testing is key. Rollout would be staged. In other news, the Coronavirus Bill has passed the House of Lords without amendment.

26 March: Off-licences have been added to the list of essential shops. They can now stay open for the duration of whatever this is. Other essential shops include supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, laundrettes and more.

26 March: New Self Employed Income Support scheme will be worth up to £2,500 per month. This will cover 80% of wages, against average profit over the past three years.

26 March: To the self-employed - ‘You have not been forgotten.’ Launching a new self-employed income support scheme. Offering a taxable grant worth 80% of average profits over the last three years, up to a maximum of £2,500. Open to those that make the majority of their earnings from self-employment - with trading profits up to £50,000. Open for three months but it will be extended for longer if necessary. Only those with a tax return for 2019 are eligible. Anyone who missed the deadline for submission has an extra four weeks. It will be up and running by the beginning of June. Reiterated other support available, such as Universal Credit.

27 March: The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has tested positive for the Coronavirus. He is currently experiencing minor symptoms, but Dominic Raab is set to take over if needed.

27 March: The rate of infection has been doubling every 3-4 days. Figures are a powerful reminder to act. Confirmed that the Prime Minister has tested positive for Coronavirus. PM is continuing to lead the UK’s response via video conferencing. PM has brought together businesses, universities and research institutes to boost testing capacity to the front line. Hundreds of tests to take place by the end of the weekend. Confirmed approval for two new temporary hospitals in Birmingham and Manchester. Matt Hancock, Health Secretary has also tested positive. Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, is self-isolating after having symptoms.

28 March: Frontline NHS staff will begin to receive tests this weekend. Critical care doctors and nurses with symptoms, or who have people at home with symptoms, will be tested. If they’re negative, they can go back to work. Loads more tests coming next week. It won’t apparently, be long until ambulance crews, paramedics and GPs also get tested. Social workers are on the list too.

28 March: Grants will be with over a million businesses as soon as possible. Administrative barriers to be removed on manufacturing and supplying of face masks and hand sanitiser. Employers - where work can’t be done from home - should follow safety guidelines. If that’s not happening, authorities should be informed. Hospitals in London are not at capacity. Capacity is being expanded. 500 beds will be available at Nightingale/Excel Centre next week.

29 March: Letter issued to the public from the Prime Minister.

29 March: All parts of the country are on an emergency footing. Merging police, fire, ambulance, NHS etc. Groups are creating coordinated local responses. National Supply Distribution, supported by the military are delivering Personal Protective Equipment to NHS Trusts and Healthcare settings. A new web-page and phone number launched to support the most vulnerable. Once registered, prescriptions and food can be delivered. After reviews in the next few weeks, over 3-6+ months, social restrictions are expected to gradually lift.

30 March: We’ve got a new thing to help us breathe. Problem? We struggled to supply enough ventilators. Also, the patient needs sedation and is almost always in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Solution? A new form of a machine (CPAP) is easier to produce and could keep 50-60% of CPAP using patients out of ICU. What next? The CPAP has been given the nod by the first set of regulators and is in testing. It could be in our hospitals in ten days or so. Mercedes F1 can, apparently, knock out hundreds of these a day. There are concerns that the seal around the mouth can be a little leaky. This could create an infection problem. Manufacturers say that if Personal Protective Equipment is used, the risk to carers is minimal.

30 March:

So far today…

Morrisons has committed £10m of food and other bits to foodbanks.

EasyJet have grounded their fleet for at least two months.

Dominic Cummings - the PM’s advisors - is self isolating with virus symptoms.

While we, apparently, have the capacity to test up to 10,000 people a day, yesterday we tested only 7,000.

30 March: Just under 200 prisoners are expected to be released temporarily from Northern Ireland’s jails. It’s due to staff shortages due to the crisis. They will be subject to conditions and release will be under constant review.

30 March:

Unprecedented numbers of UK residents trying to get home. Government are working with other countries to get Britons home.

They have a new arrangement worth £75 million with a list of ‘partner’ airlines - to target flights from priority countries where commercial flights are not running.

Reductions in traffic/footfall show that people are following advice.

Priority is trying to keep the number of severe cases below intensive care capacity.

Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance said it was “premature to put an absolute time on how long this goes on for.”

31 March:

Yesterday saw the highest single daily increase in the number of deaths from COVID-19.

Government are sourcing more ventilators from a group of businesses such as Rolls Royce and Dyson. The first of 1000s of new ventilators will be produced this weekend.

Conducting rapid trials on drugs, including anti-malarials, which may be able to reduce impact.

Social contact has been reducing. There is a ‘bit of a plateau’ in the number of new UK cases.

Despite these ‘green shoots’ - warned against complacency and taking ‘our foot off the pedal.’

Home Office confirm they will extend NHS visas, free of charge, for about 2,800 NHS staff whose visas are due to expire before 1 October.

That’s it for March! I will upload updates for April (so far) soon!

All credit goes to simplepolitics on Instagram.

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born-inastorm · 5 years

Text

CHARACTER INTRODUCTION

THE BASICS

NAME/NICKNAMES: Ororo Munroe

ALIAS: “Storm”

AGE: 34

PREFERRED PRONOUNS: She/Her

AFFILIATION: X-Men

FACECLAIM: Anna Diop

THE DETAILS

FAMILY: N’Daré (mother - deceased), David Munroe (father - deceased). Her parents died when she was 5 years old; a plane crash destroyed their home in Cairo.

THREE FAVORITE THINGS: Thunderstorms, teaching and teamwork.

EDUCATION: College-level courses at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters / Qualified teacher.

SKILLS:

Master Thief: Ororo was, in her youth, one of the most skillful thieves in the entire city of Cairo. Expert Combatant: Ororo is a gifted and formidable hand-to-hand combatant with years of close quarter combat experience. Weapon Proficiency: She is an excellent marksman with handguns and is experienced in the use of various firearms. Ororo is also highly skilled with wielding knives, experienced in the use of the bo staff, and trained in sword fighting. Expert Tactician: Storm has strong natural leadership skills and has lead teams of X-Men for years. She is a highly accomplished and skilled strategist, tactician, and field commander. Expert Gardener: Ororo is also an excellent gardener owing to her supernatural abilities and has her own botanical gardens at the Xavier Mansion. (um hi i love this) Multilingual: Storm is fluent in English, Arabic, Swahili, Russian, Japanese, Wakandan, Yoruba and more. Aviation: Storm has skill in piloting advanced aircrafts. Indomitable Will: Ororo has an exceptionally strong will, thanks to years of practice to control the weather.

WEAPONS: she is the weapon...

ABILITIES:

Atmokinesis: Storm is a powerful mutant who is able to control the weather and all of its forms with ease. She can control meteorological tempests, such as lightning, thunderstorms, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, mist, and typhoons. She can even siphon electricity, causing her to shoot it out as lightning of any intensity. Atmospheric Resistance: Storm is immune to extreme weather conditions like extreme heat or cold, storms and is capable creating a small atmosphere around her, thus this allows her possibly survive in areas where there is a lack of oxygen such as areas of high altitudes. Electricity Manipulation: The ability to manipulate, control, and create pure electrical energy; such as lightning. She’s capable of discharging lightning bolts from her hands, while also summoning a lightning bolt from the sky. Earth Link: Storm is psychically linked to her immediate surroundings, as she can detect the position of fighter jets whilst creating tornadoes to keep them at bay. She was capable of avoiding unintentional causalities when the pilots ejected from their jets. She can also detect if a nearby animal or plant has died or if the weather is about change. Enhanced Senses: When Storm's eyes go white, she can see her surroundings in the form of energy. She uses this ability to see through harsh weather conditions like fog, darkness or clouds. Flight/Levitation: With the power of wind, Storm is even able to fly by making the wind lift her up in the air. She could fly at great speed, allowing her to smash through a wood fence while spinning towards attacking mutants.

THE QUESTIONNAIRE

IN THE LAST YEAR SINCE THANOS WAS DEFEATED, WHAT HAS YOUR CHARACTER BEEN DOING?

Mourning the loss of mutant life especially, finding her faith and hope in a better world again and rebuilding. Storm's first priority for a long time has been the safety of her students and all mutants out there who feel like they don't have a place in the world. Making sure they knew that Xavier's school was still a safe place for them and more so, actively seeking out and offering help and a home directly to them. Staying busy, being proactive and strengthening the community within her own found family has taken up her time. More than hoping a threat like Thanos never came around again, she wanted to make sure it didn't. If it did, at least, she wanted to be ready. Be stronger. So she trained more, pushed herself further and peddled the idea that together, anything could be achieved. Failure is just another lesson to learn and she was sure that they wouldn't falter so devastatingly again, even in the face of that new threat: Galactus.

As always, Storm was ready and willing to help along with the other X-Men who she had missed dearly during the tragedy Thanos had previously brought. She spoke up, gave inspirational speeches, argued and pleaded for everyone to come together. They couldn't bend in the face of hatred. There was a bigger picture now just like there should have been with Thanos. They had to save the world; she had to save the world. And yet.

WHAT HAS YOUR CHARACTER LEARNED IN THE AFTERMATH OF THANOS, HIS SNAP AND EVENTUAL DEFEAT?

That she should have done more. Should have held tighter to her loved ones, should have inspired her students more and above all, she should have protected them. Since coming to Xavier's school, since becoming a member of the X-Men, Storm had held tightly to the rage she was capable of feeling towards humans. She never let it cloud her judgment or control her decisions. Anger was a fuel and at times it knocked hope and faith off the shelf. "Normal people" scared her but she learned to conquer that fear, to not let fear influence her like that at all. She never wanted to lash out at non-mutants although she sympathized with her students who did, who came from experiences that had taught them that same fear she'd known but it wasn't an easy thing to get over. To grow from. And then the slaughter on Genosha happened. Rage suddenly felt like the only option and if it weren't for what little remained of her loved ones (Jean) then she might have done something that she would have regretted.

Living in a broken world was hard but as always, Xavier's remained open and Storm stayed put mostly. She of course would have given anything to turn back the clock and bring everyone back but that just wasn't plausible. Right? Until it happened. A part of her really thought that it might have given the world a new perspective on what was important- truly important. That the protestors and politicians in this world of superheroes and mutants and aliens would progress. With everything, it wasn't all good and it wasn't all bad but still, there were the 'protestors' outside the gates of Xavier's while Charles tried to calm the masses. Galactus was breathing down their necks and they still couldn't get it together. So yeah, Storm learned and re-learned that having hope is hard.

THE SAVAGE LANDS IS A NEW AND DANGEROUS PLACE, HOW IS YOUR CHARACTER COPING WITH THE NEW ENVIRONMENT?

Well, at least half the entire population of living things didn't dust again, right? Ororo is adaptable, she's a leader and a teacher, and not above frying whatever lurks in the long grass if it's gonna threaten to eat someone. She's probably had a cautious fly around, noting the fact that literal buildings from home have been transported wherever the hell they are; including a makeshift Genosha's Castle that has been offering sheltered. Storm is fine, she's more concerned about finding her fellow X-Men and students. Keeping them safe is her top priority.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Storm's past before the X-Men isn't really public knowledge. She's a mystery (which really means I'm taking some inspiration from the comics and mostly following the movies. Her parents death- and the rubble she was stuck under before being rescued- then growing up an orphaned thief in Cairo before Xavier found her in is the bulk of her backstory. Oh, hailed as a goddess? Maybe she’ll tell you about it sometime, maybe not. So if there are any plots you're into that involve her from the comics, let me know!). For her, who she is now began when she found her calling at the school. She could accept herself as a mutant and help others to do the same. Ororo found her purpose, love and family. Plus, she became a badass superhero.

Definitely the Mom™ friend and coolest teacher you ever had. Has a soft, understanding way about her that makes you feel as if you can confide without being met by any judgement (you can). Her capacity for love is boundless. The first to tell any mutant that they are not something to be cured or changed; they're perfect the way they are. Very passionate about that for both mutants and anyone else really. Self-love and care should be a priority for everyone even if she doesn't quite follow that thinking for herself.

Didn't dust during the Snap. Stayed with Jean and Charles at the school keeping things together and leaning on her best friend more than ever. Basically the number one Jean Grey stan in town and she's ready to fight about it.

A loyal friend who doesn't take anyone's crap. An aspiring beam of goddamn light! But finds it difficult sometimes to keep on shining for the sake of everyone else when the weight of the world feels so inclined to come down on her shoulders. Absolutely doing her best. A soft badass. A kickass cinnamon roll.

#white hair don’t care

Let me know if you want to have any pre-established connections with her!!

#u: intro #bio #;o;

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def-initely-soul · 5 years

Text

Artifex (M)

Original Update: August 15, 2017

Boogie Nights & Colombian White - The Cartel Masterlist

A/N: part of EXO 1970′s Cartel AU Collab Project, this one is Kyungsoo’ part! Special thanks to @kpopfanfictrash & @the-porcelain-doll-xo for letting me use their characters plus to @rudeboywonho& @igot7bangtanbaes for a read through, as well <3

Words: 5336

Rating: M for Mature themes, mentions of drugs, explicit language

Genre: Angst/Action

Do Kyungsoo - The Fed

Fuck this and fuck that and fuck him in particular. How was he supposed to cover that up?

And what was that Kai good in, anyway? Ruining cars and damaging public property?

Probably.

Kyungsoo sighs tiredly, taking off his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose. Those requests are getting harder and harder each time. If it was anyone else, they wouldn’t be able to handle them.

But luckily for them, it’s him. And he’s the best at what he does.

Kyungsoo puts his glasses back on, focusing on the paper files laying on his desk.

You may wonder how such a well-respected federal agent ended up covering for the most infamous drug cartel in Miami. The one owned by a certain Byun Baekhyun.

Well, let me take you a few years back.

Kyungsoo wasn’t very open as a child. Well, he’s not very open now too, but as a child, you’d have to get the words out of his mouth by force. That happens to a child when they lose their parents at a young age. Kyungsoo barely even remembers them, it was a car accident, for as long as he can remember. So he had spent most of his life living with his uncle, a respectable lawyer, who Kyungsoo deeply admired for his line of work.

But not as much as his brother Junmyeon did.

Yes, you read that right. Junmyeon and Kyungsoo are brothers.

And they were really close back then. Kyungsoo used to idolize his big brother, especially when Junmyeon stood up for him on every occasion. Junmyeon was everything Kyungsoo wasn’t. He was polite, open, inviting, brave and couldn’t stand injustice.

What an irony, huh? The brother that valued justice turned out to work for a drug cartel while the brother that couldn’t care less became a federal agent.

Although in the end, he too got caught in the crossfire. But let’s not rush things, shall we? Let’s take it from the beginning.

When Junmyeon was only sixteen, making Kyungsoo fourteen, the big brother took an interest in the line of work his uncle was involved. The glamour and the fulfillment that came with helping others blinded him that he failed to notice all the things that happened in the background. All the things his uncle was really taking care of. And when he realized, well… Let’s just say it was too late to walk out. It was like falling into quicksand. The more he tried to get out, the more he sank. After a while, he didn’t even want out and that’s when Kyungsoo’s image of him shuttered. If someone like Junmyeon turned out like this, what would become of him?

When Kyungsoo hit eighteen he left the house. Too hurt, too bitter to hear the pleadings of either Junmyeon or his uncle. He moved away to college while working multiple jobs to cope until he got his bachelor at Law Enforcement. He made sure to cut all ties with his remaining family, to prove that he could make something by himself. Not by the connections his uncle had and certainly not through intimidation from Junmyeon’s circle.

After he got his bachelor, he took the entrance exam to become a federal agent. And when he passed, the training began. It was brutal, intense and merciless. So time-consuming, he had to leave several aspects of his life behind. But his efforts weren’t in vain. He rose to be one of the youngest special agents to join the task force and one of the best.

Maybe even the best.

He managed to solve cases and trace criminals in half the time other agents did. He became the pride of the Criminal Investigative Division. Soon, trainees began looking up to him, wanting to be him while seniors respected him and trusted him.

And why shouldn’t they? He never gave them any reason to think he wasn’t to be trusted.

And truth be told Kyungsoo was always punctual with his work. He stayed after hours more often than not, took upon him more cases than anyone could handle and still his work was spotless, incomparable. He embodied an immaculate, peerless federal agent.

So that’s why, when the CID Assistant Director needed someone to monitor a certain criminal enterprise under the reigns of Byun Baekhyun, all responsibilities fell to Kyungsoo. He was the only one the Director trusted enough to not screw up and the only one that could follow through.

Kyungsoo, though accepting the case, he didn’t do it with much vigor. He’d rather go out in the field, rather have his life on the line, instead of monitoring some mafia boss that spent his time fucking, getting wasted or high, or all three at the same time.

You could say that Kyungsoo didn’t have much of a survival instinct and maybe that’s why he’d rather be caught in the middle of the action than just plainly spying on someone or staying put behind a desk. He wanted the adrenaline, the magnificent feeling of boiling blood pumping in his veins when one wrong move could have him compromised. He sought that dangerous thrill. He yearned for it with every fiber of his being. It was his personal drug. Making him forget anything besides the moment, making him shelve his lonely, pathetic life.

So even though this case would help his steady ascent to success, he wasn’t too excited about it.

A week after being appointed to Byun Baekhyun, a week after constant, sleepless nights spying on the man, Kyungsoo had a visit from the last person he’d expect.

When Junmyeon knocked on his front door, Kyungsoo didn’t know how to react. They had lost all contact since Kyungsoo moved away, how the hell did Junmyeon know where he lived? And what the fuck did he want?

“It’s been a long time, little brother,” he had said with a stone-cold expression that had nothing to do with the brother Kyungsoo remembered. Junmyeon in his memory was always smiling, warmth seeping from his eyes. The person in front of Kyungsoo at that moment was a complete stranger.

Kyungsoo barely remembers the actual words that they exchanged. He only remembers Junmyeon trying to plead their relationship as brothers to not rattle on Baekhyun’s “activities”. And Kyungsoo had found quite a lot of those “activities”. Drug trafficking, prostitution, blackmail, homicide. Byun Baekhyun’s business had it all. Kyungsoo had quite a catch with this case, and he sure as hell wasn’t gonna give that up for the sake of a brother that chose to appear only when he found it beneficial. Kyungsoo had originally said no.

Originally.

Junmyeon hadn’t backed down after Kyungsoo’s negative response. And the conversation that followed wasn’t something two brothers would talk about, no. Because they weren’t talking like they were brothers anymore. No, they were beyond that. That bond had begun perishing the moment Junmyeon had chosen this kind of life and it had crumbled to ashes when Kyungsoo had walked out of that house without looking back. This conversation was purely professional. As professional it could have been, between the right hand of Byun Baekhyun and a federal agent.

In the end, Junmyeon had to bribe Kyungsoo. He lured him in with money, the last resort, the fallen god everyone worshiped. Kyungsoo tried to resist its appeal, he really did, but the temptation was too strong. Both from the amount of money Junmyeon offered and by that accelerating tingle that spread quietly through his bones when he thought about the risk.

At least he didn’t go down without a fight. He bargained for the price until they reached a mutual agreement. And after that Junmyeon was gone.

What surprised Kyungsoo at that particular visit, wasn’t the reason Junmyeon had visited. No, in fact, Kyungsoo had been waiting for Byun Baekhyun to send one of his men. Neither was the fact that Junmyeon was one of these men. What surprised him was the way Junmyeon held himself.

He had walked with a slow yet pompous pace as if he owned the place, as if everyone had to kiss the ground he was walking on. His gaze was indifferent as he had taken in Kyungsoo’s apartment, his eyes cold and distant. He was radiating an aura of prestige. He carried himself with a silent, deadly confidence that came with the thought of knowing he was gonna get what he came here for. And the man Junmyeon was at that moment, was no longer Kyungsoo’s brother. And Kyungsoo no longer thought of him as that. Junmyeon was now the right hand of Byun Baekhyun, the most notorious Mafia Leader in all of Miami.

Some days after the first contact, Junmyeon had called. Byun Baekhyun wanted to meet Kyungsoo himself. Something about having to know the men under his leadership.

Kyungsoo had reluctantly agreed and Junmyeon wasn’t too thrilled with the idea either, although Kyungsoo had no idea why.

Two weeks after the phone call, Kyungsoo finally got to meet him He had gone to Club Medallion, dressed in a blue, patterned blazer, with matching trousers and an intricate yellow shirt, all a “gift” from Junmyeon, who had deemed Kyungsoo’s black suits to be too boring for a club like Medallion.

The introductions were short and to the point. Baekhyun didn’t waste any time in small talk, jumping straight to the reason this meeting was happening. Do Kyungsoo was from now on working under Byun Baekhyun’s command, making him one of his men. Which meant if Kyungsoo was ever to cross him, he would most probably end up chopped off in some dumpster in Liberty City.

Kyungsoo didn’t exactly feel scared or surprised by that; he knew what he was getting into. When he had stepped foot into the club, he had felt the same adrenaline that took over him when in the middle of an operation. But the impact was stronger tenfold. It was addicting, catastrophic and hypnotizing. Working on a case was only a drop in this vast ocean, a small taste in comparison with this. Like someone’s first taste of the drug that went around that same club. While this here was the real thing. Kyungsoo couldn’t get enough. Hell would freeze before he would want out.

Baekhyun must have sensed that. Must have seen the hunger in Kyungsoo’s eyes, as he took in the delightful, addicting haze that enveloped the club. He must have sensed Kyungsoo was made for this kind of life. Molded to be beaten up, chased and in the middle of the fight. In his mind, Baekhyun called him an adrenaline junkie and he had smirked, realizing they had one thing in common.

They eventually came to a mutual understanding, everything rolling off smoothly, despite Junmyeon’s nervous tapping of his foot. Luckily the other two men in the room hadn’t noticed, leaving Junmyeon standing against the wall going through all the reason this could go wrong. He knew his brother was stubborn and adamant to his beliefs and ideals and Baekhyun was, well… Baekhyun. However the night passed without any unfortunate events and to seal their contract, Baekhyun offered Kyungsoo one of Minseok’s girls to spend the night with, for free.

Kyungsoo wanted to protest, having no interest in satisfying his body needs, though he knew Baekhyun wouldn’t take his refusal lightly. Their deal was already on unsteady ground and he didn’t want to start on the wrong foot, so he finally agreed, as Minseok came to pick him up.

Minseok was a reserved man, his face stuck into a permanent expression of stern indifference. He had shaken hands with Kyungsoo and they chatted lightly while walking through the club. Minseok showed him every available girl at the moment, insisting on a girl named Lola, however, that’s when Kyungsoo’s eyes fell on you.

The moment he saw you there, scantily clad in a tight, red dress he froze. Minseok’s eulogy on the other girl went into deaf ears. Kyungsoo had stopped listening, his eyes glued to your form that was talking with another man, that lightly caressed your arm. What were you doing here?

A thousand memories swam through Kyungsoo’s mind. He tried to avoid reminiscing but he couldn’t help it. Not with you standing 20 feet away from him.

~ He had met you when he was still in college, via a mutual friend on a night out. Kyungsoo had been his usual self; not talking much, a bitter expression plastered on his face as he sipped quietly on his Gin and Tonic. You, on the other hand, were everything that annoyed Kyungsoo; loud, boisterous, talkative and friendly. At first, he found you irritating, “too much hustle for nothing” were his exact words and you found him conceited, cocky and snob. None of you liked the other one at first and whenever you happened to be in the same room you both did your best in avoiding each other, otherwise, a spiteful match of bantering would ensue.

Until one fateful night, at a party next to his house. You had been flat-out drunk, and with all of your friends already gone, the only person at the party that knew you, was Kyungsoo. He begrudgingly managed to drag you all the way to his apartment, muttering curses to himself as he tried to hold you up while opening the front door. He dumped you on the couch, not bothering to give you a second glance as you slept peacefully, walking straight to his room.

Though in the next moment he found himself drowning in guilt, however, he would never admit that. So he stepped back into the living room and tried to wake you up. When that didn’t work, he almost left you there again. But the sound of his consciousness was louder than the sound of his sleepiness. He swooped you in his arms and took you to his room, to lay you on his bed, while he would take the couch for the night. In that moment, in those few seconds it took him to walk to his room, he didn’t find you at all annoying. You had curled up in his embrace, your hands clawing around the fabric of his shirt, your eyes fluttered shut as you drooled a bit.

Kyungsoo had chuckled at that, thinking how cute you looked in that moment, and not basically pissing him off. But he would never admit that either.

The next morning you had woken up in his bed, scared out of your wits when you came face to face with the unfamiliar surroundings. You were still wearing the clothes from the night before so at least that was a relief. On the bedside table was a bottle of water and some aspirin and you eagerly downed the bottle when swallowing the pill. You cautiously made your way to the door, opening it only to find Kyungsoo on the other side, cooking breakfast.

You looked at him wide-eyed, for once no witty remarks falling from your lips. Kyungsoo, upon seeing you, stood still before swallowing nervously and averting his gaze.

Then he asked you if you wanted breakfast.

Long story short, after that you both began tolerating each other, if not more than that. Kyungsoo became more open with you against his personal instincts and you became more understanding. Soon you had become friends, casually spending time with one another, as if you were friends for years. Although, let’s say both of you wanted something more.

But that was something that never happened. Kyungsoo took his bachelor and moved away for training, while you were left behind to finish your studies.

Your goodbye was a very heartbreaking memory for both of you. It was his last day before leaving and you had both decided to spend it at your house. But uneasiness had snuck into your apartment in the wake of his departure. Both of you knew you meant something more to one another and both of you understood it was already a lost battle.

But that didn’t stop Kyungsoo from telling you how he felt and eventually kissing you. And you had let him. It was the last day of seeing each other and you would both regret it if you’d let it slide with just a simple goodbye.

You spent the night with him, bodies tangled together and with your sheets, not knowing where you ended and where he began. Not knowing which lips were whose, which hand was touching skin. In that night, that magical, magnificent night, you were his and he was yours.

But then that night ended.

Kyungsoo was gone in the morning, leaving behind messy sheets, unfinished business and most importantly, a wounded heart.~

That’s Kyungsoo last memory of you and as he watched you talking, flirting with another man, his blood began boiling.

Minseok caught upon his staring and he looked at him curiously, a mischievous look taking over his features.

“I see you already picked one…” Minseok said.

To which Kyungsoo replied, confused “I… what?”

Minseok pointed out to where you were. Kyungsoo looked around to see which girl Minseok was talking about but when he realized there wasn’t any other girl there but you, his eyes widened in shock and anger.

“It seems she’s occupied at the moment but if you got your sight on that one we can-”

“I don’t want her for the night.” was Kyungsoo’s quick response, his eyes glued to you while you stood there, unaware of the pair of eyes following you. His jaw was tense, unable to believe you were working there and the man next to you wasn’t a possible fling but a customer.

Minseok paused. “What? Then would you be interested in someone-”

“No, I’m interested in her.”

Minseok frowned in irritation while managing to pull a calm smile. “I’m not sure what you mean exactly…”

Then Kyungsoo turned to look at him, his eyes gleaming with determination. “How much to buy her?”

“Buy her?! I don’t think you can afford-”

“Then talk to Baekhyun. Tell him I don’t want his money. Tell him I’ll do his dirty work, I’ll cover for him whenever he wants, I’ll join him if he lets her go,” Kyungsoo had argued.

“Do you know how much money she owes us?” Minseok had uttered in shock and mild annoyance.

“I don’t give a flying fuck. I’ll pay for it all. And I won’t just cover for him. There is a lot of things I can do from the inside, such as checking upon files that contain info you might find very useful. I’ll be your inside man, I’ll do whatever you want, I’ll even fucking blow you if that’s what it takes to let her go.”

Minseok was looking at the man, wide-eyed. Kyungsoo covering for them was one thing, but providing them with info about potential rivals… that was something else entirely. Something that Minseok didn’t have the right to accept or refuse.

He brought Kyungsoo to Baekhyun’s office once more, where Kyungsoo repeated the same words from before. He would do anything and he meant anything to set her free. Baekhyun had almost laughed in his face but as he was presented with the prospect of Kyungsoo being more than just a cover-up, he felt intrigued.

The money they had promised Kyungsoo wasn’t an outrageous amount since all Kyungsoo would do was cover them. But now… Baekhyun was tempted but the delicious idea waiting at his feet. Practically owning Do Kyungsoo, having him covering up his “activities” while also being their informant. Kyungsoo said he wanted no money, just to set that girl free.

Which in itself was risky. Who was to promise Baekhyun that as soon as he set the girl free, Kyungsoo wouldn’t rattle him to the feds? No one, that was the correct answer. Byun Baekhyun was known for being reckless but naïve? No, that was something Baekhyun never was.

But as he realized Kyungsoo wasn’t gonna let it drop until they set her free or until they shut him up with a bullet in his mouth, another idea popped into Baekhyun’s mind. Even though the girl had already paid more than half the money she owed them, the remaining amount was still enormous. There was no way Kyungsoo would be willing to pay all that.

But Kyungsoo hadn’t backed down even then. He offered to pay for the original debt, paid and not paid, so they should give her the money she worked for.

Baekhyun was enraged, he almost shot him on the spot. Junmyeon had to hold him back, while he sputtered curses and trying to reach for his handgun. How did he dare to throw commands at him?! One word from Baekhyun and Kyungsoo wouldn’t live to tell the story.

Kyungsoo hadn’t budged though. He didn’t even flinch. All he did was staring at Baekhyun and only when Baekhyun managed to calm down a bit he saw the madness hiding in Kyungsoo’s eyes.

It was the kind of madness that made someone fear for their lives. The kind of madness of a man ready to get what he wanted or die. Baekhyun realized, while Kyungsoo’s words sounded like a command, they were in fact pleading. Desperate. Begging to save someone at the cost of himself. At that moment Baekhyun understood where Kyungsoo was coming from. Besides, he too had felt that same kind of desperation before. And he realized the yearning for adrenaline wasn’t the only thing they had in common.

So Baekhyun had agreed. He’d agreed, taking pity on the man but if anyone asked, he did it because of the info Kyungsoo was willing to share.

After a long night of bargaining, they came to another agreement. Kyungsoo was to work for Baekhyun, being his inside man for free, until he had repaid the girl’s debt. Meanwhile, they would have set the girl free with the amount of money she made while working on her pockets, though Baekhyun threatened to drag her back in if Kyungsoo was ever to double-cross him. And after the debt would have been settled, Kyungsoo would be paid, as they had agreed in the beginning. And although that seemed beneficial for Kyungsoo, don’t let the situation fool you. Baekhyun himself had proposed this, as a mean of binding Kyungsoo to them. A way of making sure Kyungsoo had something to gain from sticking with Baekhyun.

A few days after, Kyungsoo was outside the club, at 6 a.m., hiding in his black Ford Cortina, waiting. Junmyeon had informed him you were to be released that day. So Kyungsoo had eagerly waited, hiding in the shadows, heart almost beating out of his chest as he finally saw your tired form walk out.

You were wearing jean dungarees, a black t-shirt, and an oversized green suede jacket, while a big tote bag was hanging from your shoulder. You quickly looked into the bag, before looking around wearily and holding the bag closer to your chest. Kyungsoo smiled as he realized that’s where the money was. You were always so easy for him to read.

Although you looked tired and a bit afraid that all of this might just be a big joke, there was a glimmer of hope in your eyes. You looked at the Club Medallion for one last time, taking its picture in.

Most people would have wanted to erase every memory from such a place, but not you. You wanted to keep it in your memory as a reminder that all things come to an end and that means the bad do too. And since you had lived through this, you could do anything.

At that moment a small smile appeared on your lips and Kyungsoo could swear he never found you more beautiful. Then you slowly turned around, the smile still hanging from your lips as you quietly walked away.

The feelings your image woke in him were clashing with each other.

He couldn’t help but smile seeing you happy and at last free. He never asked Baekhyun why you were indebted to him and honestly, he didn’t care. As long as you were free and safe, everything else was meaningless.

But bitterness had settled deep inside his gut, knowing that now he could never be with you. He wanted you out of this life, out of this world of drugs and dirty money and danger, which meant you had to stay away from everything that had to do with it. Including him.

So he never got out of his car. He didn’t open the door to walk to you, he didn’t approach you. He only watched you. He watched you through his windows, hiding under a black snapback, his eyes glued to your figure that got smaller and smaller until you eventually disappeared.

And then he didn’t move either. He stood still, his gaze after the direction you had taken off to. Wishing a miracle could happen and that somehow, somehow he could call you his.

That’s when he remembered, miracles didn’t happen. This was real life. And real life was a shitshow, leaching away people’s dreams and happiness, leaving them dry and miserable. It was unforgiving.

So with a sigh, he averted his gaze. He started the engine and he took off in the opposite direction you left.

Further away from you.

Now, things for Kyungsoo are a bit different. Even though he still works for Baekhyun, your debt was settled and now a generous amount of money is steadily put every two months into his pockets. And even if Baekhyun decided not to pay him anymore, Kyungsoo would still stay. While working for him, he realized how dull his life was. And how the thrill of being a double agent, being almost caught was all he needed.

Things with them are a bit better too. Kyungsoo’s and Baekhyun’s relationship has turned into friendly acquaintances, instead of Kyungsoo loathing the other man for capturing and threatening you. While his relationship with Junmyeon remained the same. Kyungsoo isn’t sure if Junmyeon is trying to fix things or not and if he is, Kyungsoo couldn’t care less.

Kyungsoo stands up from his desk as he finishes his last report and walks over to the archives. He looks around him cautiously but he tries to appear normal. He doesn’t want anyone prying on him for what he’s about to look.

The other day, on another meeting with Baekhyun, he overheard the name “Taewon” being mumbled through hushed whispers. From what he got, they were looking for him. But Kyungsoo didn’t know the name. And curiosity took over him.

That’s what his visit to the archives is about. He’s not sure if he can find anything in the archives with that name, but it’s worth a shot.

So as he closed the door behind him, he gets to work.

After a while of looking with no obvious results, the door opens and causes him to look immediately to the person walking inside.

It’s a woman, another federal agent and when she looks his way, she’s more than surprised to see him there. Kyungsoo remembers this one. She looks quite young and she’s the youngest to join, after him. But she’s mostly appointed to desk work, as most women in FBI seem to work on.

Kyungsoo looks at her for a second before going back to do whatever he was doing before she walked in. He rearranges the file at hand before placing it back to its original place.

“What are you doing here?” she asks suspiciously.

Kyungsoo’s eyes stay focused on the files in front of him with a look of focus as he answers.

“What does it look like? I’m working.”

Kyungsoo is calm and collected, trying to pretend he’s just doing his work. And he’s pretty good at it. Pretending, that is. If it was anyone else, they would have been intimidated by his cold demeanor. But this one won’t be easily fooled.

She scoffs lightly, not replying as she stares at him ominously. Kyungsoo though doesn’t pay her any attention as he nonchalantly walks over to the door.

“I know what you’re doing.”

Kyungsoo stops at that, turning to look at her with a disinterested face.

“And what exactly is that I’m doing?” he says, crossing his arms over his chest as if waiting for the punchline of a badly written joke.

The girl turns to return his stare with blazing eyes.

“Covering for Byun Baekhyun.”

At that, Kyungsoo snorts. “Whoa, you should have become a writer with that imagination of yours.”

Her jaw tenses, eyes furious. “I haven’t imagined anything. Tell me, is it a mere coincidence that since you’ve been appointed to monitor him 14 months ago, not a single clue has been brought to light?”

Anger rises from Kyungsoo. “He’s not Miami’s most notorious Mafia leader for nothing. The man knows how to cover his tracks.”

“And that’s why the Assistant Director chose you for this, isn’t it? If anyone was able to find something, it would be you,” she retaliates. “So tell me, how can you not find anything while you’re the best in your field? And what would the Assistant Director assume when I tell him my suspicions while you’ve been given every mean possible to complete this mission with nothing to show?” she quickly says, as she observes Kyungsoo’s expression hardening.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you admire Byun Baekhyun by the way you spoke of him,” she delivers the final blow.

At this, Kyungsoo’s vision turns red as he takes a step closer. “I’d watch my words, little girl. It won’t be a nice move to make me your enemy. Everyone here knows my name, knows I’m the best among them all. And you? You’re an unknown agent, destined to work in the background, behind an office desk while other, more skilled agents do the real work. And I’d say you spent some serious amount of time observing my case, while it’s considered strictly confidential. Tell me, who do you think the assistant director will believe? Me, the pride of the task force? Or you? A small, insignificant agent?” he says, low, calmly though his voice emits authority.

The girl looks at him wide-eyed as she cowers under his stare.

Kyungsoo’s eyes don’t miss the movement and he smirks. “That’s right. I wouldn’t bet on the later, either.”

He moves past her to reach the door when he decides to speak once more.

“I’ll give you one piece of advice. Stick to your business and stop snooping around. If you don’t, you’ll end up buried somewhere in Miami, being food for worms. So keep your nose out of people’s business before you’ll regret it.”

And with that last piece of “advice”, Kyungsoo walks out of the room, confident in his posture. Though secretly wondering if he fucked up.

Because if anyone is ever to know his connection to Baekhyun… Kyungsoo is as good as dead.

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majorcdanvers · 5 years

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Name: jade Zodiac: Sagittarius Personality Type: INFP-T Appearance: Brown/blonde hair, pale af, my eyes are like greeny-brown?? Idk. Personality: kinda extroverted but my personality type is introverted so I guess a bit of both?? I like to think I’m pretty nice😂. Sexuality: bi bi bi boo💗💜💙 Extra info: my hobbies are literally just Netflix and reading tbh😂, my fave subject was French lmao, I still know some 💁🏻‍♀️. (I’m gonna send the fandoms in a separate post there’s a limit on here)

Fandoms:- MCU (yee yee) (preferably the avengers but if u think anyone else then go with them boo) Mr Robot (my mind is still fuuuuucked from that bish u don’t even know) Harry Potter (Maurauders or golden era I don’t mind🤷🏻‍♀️) Bohemian Rhapsody (mama UWUUUUU) THANK U ASHLEY ILY BOO💙💁🏻‍♀️💗💞

alright boo, here goes a hella long post !

no.1 steve rogers with a beard

steve is such a sweetheart and a good man, which are good characteristics in a man. steve is able to bring you back to earth when your dreams are taking you up into the clouds & steve’s well dressed mannerisms are something you appreciate. the warmth, sensitivity and kindness you both have brings you both close together although conflicts in your relationship may be stunted by both of your stubborness not to talk about it. steve enjoys making decisions for your relationships and usually your happy to let him do as he does, although steve sometimes finds you too passive and casual with your indecisiveness. although the two of you may have different approaches to life, you will both come to love and see what each other has to offer.

headcannons

steve is very soft and sweet with you. he doesn’t want you to see the superhero part of him, to keep that part away from a good relationship as much as he can.

he can’t hide his job from you, publicly being recognized and being from the 1950s, but he wants to keep the danger of his job as far from you as he can.

he appreciates that your not as obsessed as half the world seems to be with the avengers and that you don’t mind that you don’t know his colleagues like he does.

neither of you are bulletproof, after all.

you have met a couple of them at tony stark’s parties, which just being able to say you’ve been to a tony stark party makes all your co-workers scream, so you feel like you’ve done your job there.

steve is all for the classy dating he was used to back in the day. taking you to a movie in nice clothes and going to eat a diner where the two of you can drink milkshakes and dip your fries into them.

and then dropping you off at your doorstep and sneaking a kiss before someone catches you.

he’s very much 1950s dating, always a gentleman and makes sure to do the right and proper thing when people were watching. one time you kissed him on the lips without warning in a mall and he gasped so loud you thought he was going to have a heart attack.

he’s just… a big puppy dog and you love him so much, ugh, especially with that beard. you urge him strongly not to shave it off because it just looks so good.

no. 2 angela moss

you and angela are attracted by the differences in your energy levels, as angela appreciates your calm and steady demeanor and you enjoy her hearty and bubbly personality. between everything that has happened with the alderson’s, her father’s death and the 5/9 attack angela appreciates the active ear from you to listen to her rants. and you enjoy the social leadership angela has, always introducing you to her friends, co-workers and elliot. she always seems to believe that the two of you will be best friends. with your views on the decaying world in similar views, the two of you find a close chemistry in the topics you discuss.

headcannons

angela and you had been close friends for a long time because of allsafe cybersecurity and had always been very adamantly straight but something in you allowed her to see that maybe she wasn’t as straight as she thought.

she decided to explore this territory of being someone she wasn’t in an unharmful way to you. asking you to lunches and parties just to see if anything happened.

after a while her heart would start to beat much faster than normal and her hands got really clammy and nervous.

even though she was the extroverted one, you were the one to ask her out. seeing her struggle with herself, asking her, if she was comfortable, if she wanted to go to the movies with you. as… something more than friends.

after the first date, she gave you a quick peck on the lips before running off to the subway, wishing you a good night.

the next monday, she was still awkward and blushed a lot around you. even her best friend elliot kept making eyes at you, working harder than he usually had at his job. you had never spoken to elliot because he seemed to rather be on his own but this day kept getting weirder and weider.

eventually, angela came around and told you how much she enjoyed the date the two of you had with a huge grin, and you were relieved that she hadn’t regretted it after all.

it had been seven months later when the 5/9 attack had come down on everyone and the two of you had been going strong. you had even had a few conversations with elliot that were enjoyable.

after the failure of the economy, angela was glad to have you. someone she was able to talk to without feeling pressured or uncomfortable.

no.3 remus lupin

you and remus would take refuge in each other, being able to take downtime away from your social lives together. since the two of you grow to be so comfortable with each other, your privacy sphere is extended to remus where you don’t feel the pressure to talk or be anything as you do in society. the two of you also inspire each other, as you are highly creative and remus delights in taking part in your creative passions. while remus is creative as well, he enjoys having you there to focus and interpret his readings. you both are also hopeless romantics, even in a world of war and fear. remus is also able to help you cope as a faux therapist through all the tragedies that happen around you. the two of you work so well together that it seems odd to call you anything but soulmates.

headcannons

remus always took comfort in you. you were probably one of the most relaxed people he met at hogwarts. with sirus and james always wanting to prank and sneak out and peter always being paranoid.

he took pleasure in the quiet nature you had. being able to study together in the library without much interruption or the need to be constantly doing something against the system.

the two of you were relationship goals. able to pull off being in separate houses and teenagers. you didn’t sneak around to be together and were wholesomely good with each other.

everyone loved it and felt like you were the most popular couple in the school.

no.4 john deacon / joe mazzello

the two of you are both soft and sweet. you’re able to spend small amounts of time together without feeling neglected that he’s on tour or you’re not with him. there’s always calls and letters and you always feel fulfilled with him. especially with him there.

headcannons

uwu, i don’t know what to put lmao

no.5 cheryl blossom

cheryl is all hard edges but you are able to soften them. the two of you are two opposites attract, but the one singular thing keeping you together is the way you are able to talk to one another through your inspirations, although cheryl has more of a single minded focus on her popularity while yours is branched out to multiple things. you were attracted by cheryl blossom first, but who wouldn’t be, as she was a strong woman who took charge even after her brother’s death. cheryl later was drawn in by your gentle nature and how easily you listen to her.

cheryl asked you out after seeing love, simon and coming to terms with her sexuality. although, you asked her to keep it on the down low since your parents didn’t know that you were gay.

she smiled and accepted it as a challenge. so, while at school she was a little more affectionate with you and kind but it was nothing more than flirty comments she gave anyone and not being an absolute bitch to you.

sometimes the two of you would skip class to makeout in the bathroom… or behind the bleachers… or in your car.

and only kevin knew of your secret relationship and was really sweet and supportive (and cheryl threaten to cut his dick off if he told anyone).

but the longer your relationship was kept under wraps, the closer someone got to the truth of the matter. especially with betty and jughead with their noses in everyone’s business.

it ended with the masked man getting to you, and almost killing you before, bless their souls, betty and jughead stumbled upon the sight and the masked man ended up ditching.

you were close to passing out, as he had been choking you, and did just before asking for cheryl.

betty and jughead ended up taking you to thornhill where cheryl took you in and closed the doors in their faces.

when you woke up, cheryl was there, blotting your head with a wet towel and smiling softly. you both talked for a long while and the next day at school you came out to your friends on dating cheryl and she paraded you around the school excitedly.

#marvel #marvel ships #marvel ship #mcu #mcu ships #mcu ship #mr. robot #mr. robot ships #harry potter #harry potter ship #harry potter ships #riverdale #riverdale ship #riverdale ships #*mine #*ships #*answered

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