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franniebanana · 3 years

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CQL Rewatch - Ep 23

Seriously, how useless are these two right now? The puppets all dropped dead around them, yet none of them run up to help Wei Wuxian. I think we saw Lan Wangji running, but he just had dramatic close-up shots for the first few minutes as well. Like, stop looking dumbfounded and stop just providing facial reactions to things, and get up there! Act like you're in a war, gdi! They're reacting to seeing Wen Ruohan stabbed, which I chose not to cap for obvious reasons.

So even though I knew the story from the book, I still think this moment is pretty cool when they reveal that it's Jin Guangyao who has stabbed Wen Ruohan literally and figuratively in the back. The last time we saw him, poor Nie Mingjue was getting the crap beat out of him by Jin Guangyao, so seeing this here--like, ooh! Double-double-cross! Triple-cross!! It's fun to see a twist that doesn't make you groan! Because, of course, you want to root for Jin Guangyao because he's a bastard and has always been looked down on everyone. Now you see that he was not a villain at all, and he was actually helping the good guys by double-crossing Wen Ruohan! Of course, we know he really is a villain and all, but most of that really doesn't come until later in the story haha.

I do enjoy the light parallels here between Lan Xichen and his brother. We see both of them willing to give their best friends the benefit of the doubt and protect them from those who are less willing, let's say. And both of them are even willing to stand up to other people they know and trust. Nie Mingjue is one of Lan Xichen's closest friends, and we see Lan Wangji stand up to his own uncle. If you're looking at CQL without the romance angle (which, why would you?), this parallel is a bit more striking. You basically have two sets of bosom friends. Obviously one set crumbles at the end, but there are definitely a lot of parallels and comparisons to make. And sorry, for a show that couldn't have any gay characters, they sure made it seem like Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao had a thing for each other (even though neither of them is gay in the book, mind you). A weird sort of change--I don't even ship them, but their early scenes seemed very shippy. Maybe it's my American lens, I don't know.

But speaking of weird changes, allow me to go on a tangent. Wen Qing's role expansion doesn't bother me, not really. I kind of say it does, but it's not really the expansion that gets to me. It's the fact that she was going to be a love interest for Wei Wuxian that bothers me. Wei Wuxian is gay. He's gay. Lan Wangji is also gay--if not gayer. Her being a love interest for either one of them means they are no longer gay. Bi, maybe, but what that would have done was erase their canon sexuality. It would have also turned their relationship into that horribly tropey brothers-in-arms or whatever name you want to give it--basically JUST FRIENDS who want to defend each other's honor. You can certainly read CQL that way, but if you are, I don't think you're paying attention to Wang Yibo's performance at all. And if you're not paying attention to the second lead, then why are you watching this show at all? So, changing their sexuality changes the whole show (which already is so tropey, from what I understand) into something so derivative, I wouldn't even want to bother watching it. One of the things I think you take away from CQL is Lan Wangji's, frankly, undying love for Wei Wuxian. If he goes and has a fling with Wen Qing at any point, that cheapens his character dramatically in my opinion. Lots of people can say this better than me, and probably have, but I'm very grateful to those passionate fans (and to Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo) for helping to change the script from the original drafts, which were frankly no better than a junky harlequin romance, having Wen Qing passed around like a piece of meat, which is so far from her character in the novel, and definitely a disservice to her.

Not gonna lie, it's adorable to think that Jiang Yanli and Lan Wangji have been talking over the past few days, maybe having tea together, while Wei Wuxian is in a coma. I feel Lan Wangji was a very calming presence for Jiang Yanli, because she was probably very worried and fretful over Wei Wuxian. I like the idea of him playing the guqin for Wei Wuxian, and then having tea and a quiet chat with Jiang Yanli before leaving. Also very cute that Wei Wuxian is half-heartedly trying to badmouth Lan Wangji, by calling him boring and uninteresting, but he can't even get through the sentence without smiling to himself. Obviously he's loving the idea that Lan Wangji has been at his side every day, worrying over him and slowly doing his part to nurse him back to health.

I love his expression here: shock and relief and joy, all mixed together upon seeing that Wei Wuxian has woken up. Obviously he knew he'd wake up eventually, but he didn't expect it so soon and I don't think he expected his heart to be in his throat and to be so indescribably happy to see Wei Wuxian awake.

Wei Wuxian, of course, can't really meet his eyes, and Jiang Yanli makes a swift exit (she knows what's up--these boys need to talk). And Lan Wangji just has love in his eyes: Heart-guang Jun. I mean, imagine how he must be feeling right now. He had just gotten Wei Wuxian back from what seemed like certain death, finally reconciled, and then Wei Wuxian is in a coma! He must have been terrified of losing him again. It's probably all he can do right now to not hug Wei Wuxian.

I seriously love everything about this scene. I love the colors, the cinematography, the longing glances Wei Wuxian gives Lan Wangji, the way Lan Wangji quietly scolds him while still playing the guqin because he's a professional. But really, I just find this scene very pretty and moving and emotional. I enjoy seeing Lan Wangji getting to take care of him and even more that Wei Wuxian lets him and puts up with it. I think most of us are quick to retort a good old, "I'm fine" when asked how we are, but in this case, Wei Wuxian is not fine, and he has no ground to stand on if he's trying to prove that. It's hard for Wei Wuxian at this point, though, to really lean on anyone, even Lan Wangji who is his best friend. He certainly can't lean on Jiang Cheng for reasons I don't think I need to go into again. He kind of leans on Yanli, but at the same time, he can't (and doesn't wish to) burdon her either. Lan Wangji is really the one person he should be able to lean on and seek comfort from, but he feels awkward and uncomfortable, because of the dark spiritual energy and giving up the sword, and Lan Wangji's crusade to help him.

"Who is good and who is evil?" Wei Wuxian is struggling with a moral dilemma: is it right to round up the Wens and kill them/hold them captive? The Wens did horrible things, after all, and this is the reality of war. Of course, we've just seen Lan Xichen struggling with it as well. Why capture the women and children and elderly, who have nothing to do with the war? He's only met with the fact that it's not just the male cultivators who are dangerous. Still, his mind is only placated by the lie that the people will just be interrogated and sent to a labor camp--then cut to the blood on the floor. So Wei Wuxian is not only struggling with what the Jin Clan and other clans are doing, but he's also thinking about his own deeds--how many people did he kill? How many did he brutally murder in the name of revenge? Because of the things he's done, is he good or evil? Is good and evil so black and white? Does it just depend on whose lens you're viewing it through?

Lan Wangji looks at Wei Wuxian with all of this knowledge and doesn't know what to think. He's afraid of what Wei Wuxian has become, afraid he'll end up like Wen Ruohan--he's afraid of losing him entirely. But the situation is not black and white, and good and evil is not so easily defined. You can only know once you know that person's heart, and Wei Wuxian isn't really letting Lan Wangji in anymore. He's trying to convince him with his words, but that is simply not good enough.

I think if Lan Wangji hadn't stopped him here, Wei Wuxian would have played that flute and tried to end all of the Jin "hunting party" (sorry, that was a little dark). His emotions were already high after the conversation with Lan Wangji on the cliff, and we've already seen him feeling disturbed by how the Wens are being chased and rounded up. I, for one, wouldn't have complained if Jin Zixuan's cousin bit the dust earlier. I think his name is Jin Zixun. Is that it? See, even I don't remember him.

I love how even though they are far apart, this scene still feels very intimate. It's very moving, and the music and the cinematography help to cultivate that feeling. I like how Wei Wuxian perks up when he hears Lan Wangji pluck the first few notes, and Lan Wangji does the same when he hears the sound of Wei Wuxian's flute. I feel like they are spiritually connected here as they play this haunting duet. And I think it's a connection they haven't felt for a long time. There has been so much tension between them for so long, and this scene feels like a big sigh from both of them. While I still feel like there is tension present, there is a bit of a release here--at least, that's how I feel as a viewer.

Ah, yes, the awkward period where Jiang Cheng has become leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, wants to control Wei Wuxian, but doesn't know how. He's new at this, so I can't blame him for being a bit awkward as he figures out what he's supposed to be doing. As a young man, he basically nagged Wei Wuxian for doing inappropriate things, but now when Wei Wuxian misbehaves, Jiang Cheng is in part responsible for that behavior. At some point or another, the two of them grew up. Wei Wuxian's misbehavior isn't precocious anymore--it's serious and it has consequences, and just as in Gusu, Jiang Cheng sees that those actions are a reflection of the Jiang Clan. Only now, they aren't just a reflection of the clan, they're also a reflection of Jiang Cheng, himself, and his leadership (or lack thereof).

And speaking of awkward...Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have some...unresolved...stuff to deal with. But God forbid they actually talk right now. How can they? They're at this stuffy banquet that neither one of them want to be at. I feel for them both. Wei Wuxian is hurt because he thinks Lan Wangji doesn't trust him. Lan Wangji feels terrible because he wants to help Wei Wuxian, but the latter won't really let him in and allow him to do so. I feel myself just on pins and needles during these scenes with all these glances, but at the same time, I love it because DRAMA and ANGST! And they're just so in love lolol.

Nie Mingjue has to be that guy that always wants a certain table. The waiter leads him over and says, "Is this table okay?" expecting the answer to be yes, but nope--not Nie Mingjue. He'll request a different table. XD

I love this little conversation--it's like they're both measuring each other up. I think they each have a healthy distrust of the other. Although Wei Wuxian has always been kind to Jin Guangyao, I don't think that discounts the whole demonic cultivation thing in his mind. He knows Wei Wuxian is smart and clever and, most importantly, capable. And as for Wei Wuxian, I don't think the ease in which Jin Guangyao manipulated Wen Ruohan is lost on him.Essentially the downfall of this great cultivator and enemy of all the other clans was due to one man: Jin Guangyao. I think Wei Wuxian is thinking the same thing I am: he's extremely clever, devious, and potentially dangerous if you get on his bad side. His rise to power within the Jin Clan is kind of amazing. His estranged father admits to Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen that Jin Guangyao is his son, his station has improved drastically in a short amount of time. He sure as hell is dangerous.

Jiang Yanli can hardly contain her excitement when Jin Guangshan brings up her former engagement to his son. Just kidding, of course. I'm kind of horrified for her that he's bringing this up now in front of all these people. It feels very much like he's pressuring not only her, but also his son to get engaged again. First of all, Jiang Fengmian and Jin Guangshan agreed at the time to let the children decide whether they wanted to get married or not. Second, if you're going to talk about this, at least do it in private! Third, this is not letting the kids decide. God, this would be humiliating! And I also totally expected Jiang Cheng to speak for his sister here, so I'm glad he didn't do that. It's really none of his business either.

Lol! The weird cutoff here! Who's speaking??? I don't know!!! I mean, obviously, it's Wei Wuxian, but it's like they don't expect us to recognize his voice hahahahaha.

Other episodes: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | Or just check out the #CQL Rewatch hashtag

#wangxian #wei wuxian #lan wangji #theuntameddaily #cql #the untamed #jiang cheng #jiang yanli #wen qing #jin guangyao #lan xichen #ep 23 #cql rewatch

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mediocreauthor · 3 years

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NANA Week, Day 4: Fireworks @7daysofnana

They celebrate their first Hanami since Nana left.

She will come. She will come, she repeats herself as she puts Nana’s kimono neatly on the bed. She prepared cow meat sukiyaki, she might be hungry, after all. She takes out strawberry glasses Nana gifted her two years ago. It seems like centuries ago, when their relationship was being put to a test.

When Nana, no, she is Hachi now.

I am Hachi since Nana named me.

When Hachi thought she was going through the hardest time of her life. But it was okay, it was all okay because Nana, even though not right beside her, was still here.

She dusts Nana’s guitar; she may want to play it. Maybe she will hand it to Nobu, while she sings with her sultry, magical voice. Just like she did when she climbed on their table, holding a cell phone. When she enchanted her. She glances at Ren, he is fast asleep on the bed. His little face looks angelic. ***

Her entire body is on fire. She is going to die! She can’t form coherent sentences to describe her pain, it is too late for an epidural, Fujiko-chan says. She wants to clog her. A hand squeezes hers, she can feel the cold metal of Nana’s ring. “You can do this Hachiko. I am right here with you, you can do this.”

She should wonder where the hell Takumi is, but when Nobu’s hand gently rakes through her hair, she can’t even remember his face. Her daughter is coming. She has waited so long for this. Her baby, the one she sacrificed so much for will be here any moment. The hand holding her loosens and she turns her hand in panic.

“Nana please don’t leave me!” She can’t recognize her own voice, it sounds ragged and hoarse. Her ears buzz. She sees her other half’s beautiful face through tears, Nana looks surprised for a second, Hachi can’t understand why, obviously she can’t do this without her.

But then she cradles her from behind and kisses her sweaty hair. “I am not going anywhere.”

*** She hears a faint knock on the door. Her chests clenches with anticipation, she missed her people.

Your people.

Swinging the door open with a bright smile, Hachi greets Yasu and Miu. They are both in kimonos as she requested. “Welcome, welcome!” her tone is barely above a whisper. “Ren is napping.” Yasu smiles, heading to the room. He really loves Ren so dearly, just like his best friend would.

“I can’t wait to be an uncle.”

She will not cry today. She will welcome Nana with a big smile.

Miu asks how she’s been, they dive into an idle chat. She is the only one who asks how Takumi is too. The rest don’t acknowledge his existence, she doesn’t blame them. She herself wants to forget it sometimes.

“You have prepared so much. We should have come earlier to help.” Miu begins setting up the table.

“Oh, that’s okay. I went a bit extra for Nana, I want everything to be perfect for her. Just like our first Hanabi.”

Miu looks at her with an emotion she knows all too well, it’s on Junko’s, Kyosuke’s, Takumi’s face every time she talks about Nana’s return. She pays them no mind, they don’t know Nana.

“I heard it rained so much that year.” She comments. Hachi giggles and turns her back to Miu, washing tomatoes that Jun gave her.

“These tomatoes are good. Where did you buy them?”

God, shut the fuck up.

She spends the rest of time going over minor details, mixes bath salts to create Nana’s favourite smell (it reminds him of Ren), she folds her bedtime clothes, tastes every dish thrice, turns on the ventilator, Nana would appreciate the breeze. Climbing up seven floors does things to your body temperature.

Nobu and Shin’s arrival wakes Ren up, her son seeks her with his little grabby hands, once again filling her heart with affection. Shin bursts into the room immediately, his face lit up with a smile. Hachi kisses his cheeks, he hugs her tightly.

“Hello mama. Why did you make my brother cry?”

“I didn’t make him cry! You guys' arrival woke him up.” Hachi pouts but gives Ren to Shin regardless.

“We are sorry for that.”

Her stomach clenches and she faces Nobu, he looks at her with a sincerity she doesn’t deserve. He coos at Ren, tickling his chin. “Hello little buddy. Sorry we woke you up.” Ren stops crying in favor of chomping on Nobu’s finger.

“He is teething.” Hachi explains. Nobu studies him lovingly. “You're all grown up now, Ren.”

***

“It’s a boy!” Fujiko-chan declares.

What? She sees her baby’s face covered in blood and something gross, bellowing. A nurse approaches, taking him away. She wants to reach but her arms feel like chunks of metal.

“No it’s a girl… I really thought he was a girl.”

Her eyes meet Nobu’s, tears matching one another. “You did it Hachi.”

Nurse gives her his son, he is heartbreakingly small, but his warmth comforts her. She looks for a sign, a resemblance of Nobu but this little creature weirdly just reminds him of Shin. Nana walks toward the door, panic envelopes her for a second, but she looks back and says “I will let others know.”

Nobu drapes his arm over her shoulder, they stare, baby stares back. His irises are light brown, filled with curiosity. Hachi gently grazes her finger over his cheek and she can swear he smiles but she is probably high on adrenaline. “Welcome, my love.” She takes in a long breath. “I wanted to name him Satsuki. You know, like- like Ren picked. I really wanted to-” A hiccup crawls over her throat. She can feel Nobu’s fingers on her chin, he looks like he’s about to say something, but kisses her instead, almost reverently.

They seperate, so much unfinished hanging between the short distance. Nobu rests his forehead against hers.

“How about Ren?”

***

They sit down to eat, she would prefer if they waited for Nana but starving her guests doesn’t scream hospitality either. Misato- Mai, damn it- has arrived, she smiles ever so politely at her.

“These are so delicious, Hachiko-san. You shouldn’t have gone into all this trouble.”

“Abuh!” Ren protests when Yasu confiscates the chopstick he almost stabbed himself in the eye with.

“Of course I should have! Nana can arrive any moment now.” Her friends look at each other, mentally communicating, eventually Shin sighs and puts his bowl down.

“Hachi,” he begins. “Nana may not come today.” She immediately understands from the guilty faces that avoid her gaze that they have rehearsed this conversation. She lets rage take over.

“We always celebrate Hanami together, Nana knows this. She will remember.”

“That was before she left Hachi. I don’t think Nana wants to see us right now.” Nobu at least sounds demure.

“We don’t know where she even is yet.” Miu adds.

We don’t know if she is alive, is left unsaid.

“She knows where we are! Isn’t it enough?” Her high voice startles Ren, he picks up the tension right away, eyes getting glossy. Yasu gives him his glasses.

“We just don’t want you to be disappointed wh- if she doesn’t show up.”

I am not a fucking child.

“How dare you give up on her?” She knows it’s unfair. She knows that Yasu spent all his life savings on a private investigator. She is aware the police precinct is sick of Mai’s calls. She knows Nobu stops by Ren’s warehouse every morning, hoping his friend would open the door.

“If you think Nana actually forgot about us and started a new life in god knows where, were you even her friends?” Her tone is filled with disdain, she hates herself.

They have the nerve to look dejected, Hachi just continues. “She is just healing. She’s been through so much. She needs a break, she will come back.” She glances at her hands, noticing they didn’t have nail polish. “She will come back.” Hachi weakly repeats.

“Of course she will.” She perks up, Yasu is confidently smiling at her. “Healing takes time. It might be too early for her, this year. But one day, we will be all sitting at this table together. Don’t worry, Nana.” “Guh!” Ren shakes his head as if he knows what Yasu is talking about, maybe he does.

Maybe it’s Ren who knows.

Shame creeps up on her, “I am sorry.” she murmurs. “I am so sorry. I just… I thought if I believed enough, it would come true.”

Small explosion noises are heard and the light of the fireworks fills the sky. Ren gets antsy on Yasu’s lap and reaches for her. She holds her son, watches how fireworks reflect on his big, astonished eyes.

She thinks of Nana’s warm smile by the river, how the small firework Hachi was holding illuminated her face, she remembers Ren (as if she ever forgets), showing the word Satsuki proudly.

***

She remembers Nana’s eyes, wandering around the room, unable to focus on anything. Her movements are jittery, her cheeks are hollow- has she lost weight since the last time she saw her? They lay quietly in the dark room.

“Hachi, do you want to go to the beach?” She is about to drift off to sleep, her voice is muffled by the pillow. It’s the middle of the night. “I can’t leave Ren alone, can we go tomorrow?”

Nana’s breath hitches. “Sure, tomorrow.” Her voice is so small. Hachi barely hears the last sentence as sleep takes over her. She should have realized.

“I want to see the sea.”

***

Ren’s little hand wipes her wet cheeks, he licks it in wonder. She quietly sobs, burying herself in his hair. She sees the untouched strawberry glasses from the corner of her eyes, they taunt her.

Next year, she tells herself.

#osaki nana #komatsu nana #ai yazawa #nana manga #nana week #Terashima Nobu #okazaki shinichi #honjo ren #yasushi takagi #miu shinoda #if this timeline dont match its because i am stupid #dont come for me

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peachyteez · 4 years

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second chances ≫ DAY TWO, NEEDLES.

as a feral wolf hybrid that was violent with all of the employees assigned to him, seonghwa was subjected to be put down. however, jiyu being the softhearted feral hybrid nurse she was, she decided to save seonghwa no matter what.

PART OF THE HEAVEN SERIES.

✧ taglist: @defsoul15, @choisaniskillingme

feel free to let me know if you would like to be added!

✧ note: puppy!beomgyu makes me so soft, y’all don’t even know—

back。| next。

“are you sure this is a good idea?” yeonjun asked for what seemed like the millionth time since jiyu came into work. even though he transferred seonghwa’s file to her, he still had his doubts about leaving jiyu with a violent hybrid.

jiyu sighed. they were walking down the hall towards seonghwa’s room so jiyu can check up on him. “yes, jun. i’ll be fine,” she reassured. “you underestimate my skills a lot, you know,” she teased with a chuckle.

yeonjun pouted and crossed his arms. “can’t blame me for being worried,” he grumbled. seeing they already arrived at said hybrid’s room, he patted her head. “well, this is your stop. hope to see you during lunch and not in the infirmary,” he said before leaving.

jiyu scoffed at yeonjun’s remark, yet she couldn’t help but smile. pressing the numbers on the keypad, jiyu took a deep breath before pressing the enter button.

seonghwa’s ears perked when he heard two voices on the other side of the door. then he heard one of them walk away while the other stayed. hearing the beep of the keypad and the opening of his door, seonghwa turned his head away from the window to look at the person.

he was mildly surprised when he recognized the same female from the previous day. he kept his eyes trained on her with his guard up.

jiyu softly smiled when she spotted the hybrid sitting on the floor and looking back at her. seonghwa didn’t say anything and returned his gaze out the floor-to-ceiling window. jiyu gently placed the clipboard down on the table and walked towards the hybrid and sat down next to him, but maintaining a safe distance. “hi, seonghwa.”

seonghwa glanced at her from his peripheral vision and gave a slight nod of his head—his way of greeting. jiyu’s smile grew wider when he acknowledged her. he wasn’t as bad as others made him out to be, and she didn’t know why.

“can you let me do a checkup on you?” she carefully asked. she saw him tense. “is that a no?”

after a moment’s hesitation, seonghwa wordlessly stood up from the ground and moved to the bed. he sat down and stared at jiyu. sensing her confusion, he gestured with his head towards the stethoscope around her neck.

jiyu gasped. “thank you!” she chirped before springing up from the floor and walking towards the hybrid. she placed the stethoscope in her ears. “don’t be alarmed. this is just to check your heartbeat. i promise i won’t hurt you, okay?” she gently reassured before putting the stethoscope on his chest.

seonghwa flinched from the cold metal object on his chest and he started growling. jiyu immediately retracted the intstrument. “no no no, it’s nothing harmful. see?” she put the metal part of the stethoscope on her own chest to demonstrate how unharmful it was. “it’s not hurting me and it won’t hurt you, either.”

his growling ceased after a minute and jiyu took it as a sign to try again. gently placing it on his chest, she internally sighed in relief when seonghwa didn’t start growling again. telling him to take deep breaths in and out, they smoothly finished with the stethoscope.

“your heartbeat sounds normal,” she mumbled to herself as she wrote on seonghwa’s medical file. most of it was filled out with the exception of his heart rate condition and the shots. it turns out that the previous nurses were never able to give him his shots since he always attacked them.

jiyu took a deep breath as she prepared the syringe. her back was towards seonghwa, so he didn’t notice the needle in her hand. she turned back towards the hybrid. seonghwa spotted the syringe and immediately, his started growling again. and this time, his chilling gaze was fixed on jiyu.

jiyu hid the syringe behind her back. she felt her heartbeat quicken at the thought of seonghwa attacking. “are...are you afraid of needles...?” she asked.

seonghwa backed up on the bed as he kept his eyes on jiyu. like the previous day, he pressed himself ip against the corner and continued growling as a warning. gently putting the needle back on the table, she held her hands up again.

“look, i don’t have the needle anymore,” she showed. “please calm down, seonghwa. i won’t hurt you.”

she waited with bated breath for him to calm down on his own terms. seeing that jiyu was just standing still, not making a move, seonghwa immediately stopped. but he still kept himself pressed against the wall.

“okay, then...no shots today, i guess,” jiyu mumbled as she slowly shuffled back over to the clipboard. putting the cover over the needle, she put the syringe back in the breast pocket of her white coat and turned back to the hybrid in the corner. her face softened. “sorry, buddy.”

seonghwa cocked his head to the side, skeptcism written all over his face. usually whenever he refused the shots, the nurses always tried to hold him down to insert the needle into his arm. not that the method ever worked since seonghwa always went into violent mode.

yet jiyu just put the syringe away and didn’t try to force him?

jiyu sensed his apprehension. “i won’t force you to do something you’re not comfortable with. i don’t know what you went through before coming here, but as your new caretaker, i’ll try to help you recover as much as i can,” she explained with a soft smile. “so no need to be afraid of me, okay?”

a curious expression replaced the glare on seonghwa’s face. did the woman in front of him really have no malicious intents? did she really mean what she said?

glancing at the clock, she realized her time with seonghwa was up. “oh, it’s soobin’s turn,” she said to herself before turning her attention back to seonghwa. “well, that’s all the time we have for now! i’ll come by and check up on you during my lunch break.”

with a little wave and smile, jiyu left seonghwa’s room. like the previous day, seonghwa stared at the door. he cocked his head to the side again. “interesting...”

meanwhile, jiyu internally berated herself as she walked to soobin’s room. “ohmygod, why did you have to whip out a needle on the first day!” she whisper–shouted to herself. “so much for trying to get him to warm up...”

“jiyu!”

turning towards the voice, her eyes widened when she saw a familiar golden retriever hybrid barreling towards her at high speeds. “wait, wait, slow down–”

bam!

her warning proved to be useless as the puppy–hybrid literally crashed into her and they both tumbled to the floor.

jiyu, flat on her back with a hybrid towering over her, crossed her arms and furrowed her eyebrows. “beomgyu, what did i say about tackling people?” she gently scolded as she reached up and flicked his forehead.

beomgyu laughed and stood up before helping jiyu up. “sorry! i just got excited,” he sheepishly explained as he scratched the back of his neck. jiyu couldn’t help but smile.

“beomgyu, come back!”

frantically turning the corner was yeonjun as he searched for the energetic hybrid. finding him with jiyu, he sighed in relief. approaching the two, he bent down with his hands on his knees as he tried catching his breath. “what...did i...say...about running...off?” he panted.

beomgyu stuck his tongue out. “you’re just out of shape.”

yeonjun immediately stood up straight. “yah!”

beomgyu giggled and hid behind jiyu, poking his face above her head since she was significantly shorter than him. yeonjun just sighed—he can never win against beomgyu. jiyu snorted at the scene, letting beomgyu rest his chin on top of her head.

“you actually came out unharmed,” yeonjun incredulously commented. “how did he not attack you?”

“i was just gentle with him. but i couldn’t give him his shots...seems like he hates needles,” she said.

“oh, yeah! yeonjun–hyung told me about park seonghwa,” beomgyu piped up. “if he ever hurts you, i’ll bite him!”

jiyu softly chuckled as she imagined beomgyu trying to bite someone like seonghwa. “thanks, beomgyu,” she thanked as she reached up and scratched behind his ears, making him close his eyes in content.

yeonjun stuffed his hands in his white lab coat pockets. “yeah, he wouldn’t let anyone give him his shots. usually, the other hybrids take a week or two until they get used to us and the checkups, so we can give them the shots. but it’s been about two months already for seonghwa and he’s still attacking everyone, even if he’s seen them everyday.”

jiyu furrowed her eyebrows. “i don’t know what he went through before coming here, but maybe that explains his behavior,” she said. “well, either way, i won’t force him into doing something he’s not comfortable with. the previous nurses were probably too forceful with him.”

yeonjun thoughtfully hummed.

“oh, i was supposed to go visit soobin!” jiyu squeaked in realization.

beomgyu gasped. “can we come, too?!” beomgyu asked, giving her his best puppy–dog eyes.

“yeah, can we?” yeonjun asked. “i haven’t seen him since he was admitted here.”

jiyu nodded. “alright, just try not to overwhelm him, okay?” she asked, although she was directing the question more to the hyper golden–retriever hybrid.

beomgyu smiled and playfully saluted. “yes ma’am!”

yeonjun sighed. “sometimes i think you listen to jiyu more than you do to me.”

#9th member of ateez #ateez imagines #ateez scenarios #ateez fluff #ateez angst #park seonghwa #seonghwa imagines #seonghwa scenarios #park seonghwa imagines #hybrid au #kpop hybrid au #ateez hybrid #hybrid!ateez #did i plan another series even though i just started this?#yes i did

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ivy-min · 3 years

Text

a snapshot into ivy’s life

a/n: so this is a little outside the realm of what I typically do for practice challenges, but I needed something creative to motivate me into doing some writing stuff. please enjoy the very extra edits and bits in between. the pictures in each edit are some that I imagined either her taking, someone in her family, or just something that fit her life altogether. I have elaborate backgrounds for each image in my head but ofc I will not burden you all with that. an easy 1.9k

also, there are definitely some Korean words I wanted to use and researched but was afraid of doing the culture a disservice. however, it is very prominent in her life! and if I had a more reliable source than the internet I would include more terms but I do not, unfortunately. doing my best to learn. ANYWHO here is ivy!!

「 the min sisters at large 」

Looking back, Ivy isn’t sure she could say her childhood was idyllic. There was love and family and creating new worlds with Kennedy, but there were heartaches too. Watching struggle of her father as he built Min Industries from the ground up in Illéa. Witnessing her mother battle against the harshness of her grandparents (though in particular her grandfather). Pleading with each one of them to stay just a little bit longer at bedtime instead of going back to work.

She understood why they left. But it got harder to watch them go each time.

She was well taken care of, given the best of education and opportunities. Swim lessons at two years old, horseback riding lessons at seven. While Ivy stood steadfast at her parent’s side, Kennedy was always the one to pull away. Ivy wanted to make her family proud. Her little sister cared more for finding life away from pesky lessons and the family’s reputation. She believed there was more to discover beyond the walls their parents had created. “Don’t be such a suck up! You really think all this is going to matter in the end?” Kennedy had asked her once. Ivy didn’t have an answer. Not when she yearned to be a part of both sides of the Min coin. Parents or Kennedy. Parents or Kennedy. She wondered if there would be a day when she would have to choose.

Nevertheless, Ivy loved Kennedy and Kennedy loved Ivy. Different in motives but similar at heart, they never strayed too far from one another. If there was one defining feature of Ivy’s childhood, it was her spirited little sister.

↳ exposition

「 the shoes of parents & grandparents to fill 」

Seo-jun Min and Ha-eun Yoo had nothing to offer one another when they first met. Ha-eun was a quiet, demure oncology nurse working at a small hospital in Seoul. Seo-jun had just graduated from university loaded with student debt and a degree in business he had no clue what to do with. When they found each other, suddenly they had everything to offer. Life moved quickly then. After only seven months of quaint dates between Ha-eun’s long shifts and Seo-jun’s failed business ventures, they eloped. A year later, they had a son. Jae-sung. Another two years passed and they were blessed with a daughter whom they named after the lilies that bloomed outside their home. Nari.

At three years old, Leukemia was all that was left of their daughter. She passed in her sleep, cradled in her father’s arms.

In their path to healing, Seo-jun and Ha-eun packed up their son and moved to Illéa where opportunity and a fresh start called to them. Together, they knew what they could devote their lives to: a medical research company dedicated to provide medical care to all in need and to find a cure for pediatric diseases. By the time Jae-sung was 18 years old, he knew that his legacy was to carry on his parent’s dream of avenging Nari’s short life. He honored that legacy.

Then he met Kathleen.

Kathleen Adair was the most intelligent, strong-willed woman he had ever met. He trailed after her their freshman year at Brown until she finally relented and allowed him only one meal. Just one. “Then it’s going to be the best meal of your entire life,” he declared rather confidently. He didn’t know she had watched him as often as he watched her. The meal was terrible, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. “Alright, Jae.” The nickname only she had ever managed to pull off. “I’m yours.”

His parents vehemently protested. “She’s not suitable. She doesn’t understand what it takes to be a part of this family.” He knew what they really meant. She’s not Korean. He thought small mindedness had been left behind after the last war, but he understood them too. Still. Nothing was going to stop them from marrying as soon as they graduated.

At 25, Jae-sung was pronounced CEO of Min Industries. At 25, Kathleen was announced as the youngest graduate professor of biomedical sciences in the history of the University of Allens. They liked to compete with one another.

Their daughters became their lives. They also became the lives of their grandparents. Though it was never said aloud, Ha-eun and Seo-jun could see Nari in the softness of Ivy’s smile and in the light of Kennedy’s eyes. Respecting their family’s traditions and honoring the legacy of the work put into the family’s company was often emphasized. Legacy. Kennedy was smothered by it. Ivy was enriched by it.

↳ conflict & rising action

「 an energy unmatched 」

Death was always unexpected, always tragic. One person could have the breath stolen from their lungs, yet it was the people left behind that sank under the weight of their grief. That ached for years and years to come.

If Ivy could describe the year she turned 19, it would be with one word: grey. The grey of the clouds that taunted the guests of Kennedy’s funeral with rain that never came. The grey pallor of her mother’s expression just before she fainted after barely eating for a week. The disappearance of Ivy’s best friend had shaken her spirit in a way she never thought was possible. Were daughters destined for such an untimely end in her family? It felt like it. Nari and Kennedy. The grey of their portraits displayed on the mantle above the fireplace.

Ivy would sit in front of that picture for too long, furious at how her parents had chosen to memorialize the life of their second daughter. Kennedy was light. Yellow and orange and pink, fiery and beautiful. How could she have been reduced to nothing but a dull, humiliating grey? How could she be... nothing?

In a fit of emotion blurred by tears, Ivy snatched the picture and threw it to the floor. Pieces of glass flew everywhere and the portrait lay folded under what remained of the black frame. Seconds later, Ivy was on her knees trying to gather the broken fragments. Smoothing away any wrinkles on her sister’s face and ignoring the blood that seeped from where the glass had begun to cut her legs.

When she was found crying, bleeding, clutching the picture to her chest, Ivy was rushed to the hospital to have 12 stitches placed on her knees and shins. Her grandparents blamed her parents, her parents blamed her grandparents. “Why weren’t you with her?” “Why do we need to be together every second of the day?” “Because daughters need their mothers!” Amidst the arguing and cries of her family in her small hospital room, Ivy stayed quiet. She knew what they were really blaming each other for anyway.

Ivy never again lost herself the way she did that miserable afternoon. She didn’t want to be another reason that made her family yell the way they did. Instead, she found different pictures of Kennedy to keep with her and around her home.

Pictures that helped everyone remember Kennedy’s unmatched energy in vivid, beautiful color.

↳ climax

「 vassar & beyond 」

In August, the eldest Min sister was gone to school. In November, the youngest Min sister was gone forever. Not an ideal start to an undergraduate career. Instead of letting Kennedy’s death hinder her education, Ivy buried herself in her courses. A distraction from horribly sleepless nights and not a friend in sight. At the start of sophomore year, Ivy’s roommate Alba took one look at her and declared her hers. With a new friend in tow, Ivy found people exactly when she needed them. They brought a part of her back to life.

Alba. Leo. Wren. Dimitri.

Though Ivy was strongly encouraged by her parents to choose the major of Science, Technology, and Society, she found that she enjoyed her studies. Learning about the effects of global pandemics, health inequalities, or bioethics opened up her world to ideas she’d never considered. (So did her film minor, but even then she was too afraid to consider growing that passion into something more concrete.) Alba had been skeptical of Ivy’s predicament. “Your parents can’t force you to work for them. You’re an adult.” Perhaps not, but losing another daughter was inconceivable. Not when Kennedy almost broke her family apart.

Approximately one week after celebrating her graduation, Ivy began her prompt employment as a junior associate within her father’s team of business heads. The whispers of nepotism behind her back never bothered her, comforted by the knowledge that her takeover of the corporation wouldn’t take place for years to come.

By July, those hopes were squashed by Jae-sung’s proclamation that within the month, she would be announced as the next head of Min Industries. Interviews were organized, contracts were drafted, all faster than Ivy could come to terms with. Set to take the mantle by the time she was 24.

One year. One year until she was thrust into a world she felt she had no business being a part of. She was deeply frightened of the beyond and frantically searched for any way out.

July 27. The announcement of King Raphael’s Selection.

↳ falling action

「 a wayward path forward 」

Running away from family was new for Ivy. That had always been Kennedy’s expertise. Ran straight to her grave. Filling out the Selected application was even worse, from laughing with her parents at the absurdity and throwing the envelope away to digging in the trash bin at 2 in the morning. Submitting it during a feigned trip to the library. Even afterwards, she had convinced herself that the likelihood of being chosen was practically inconceivable. Vizzini would’ve been proud.

The leak was the tipping point. The office had been abuzz with the news of King Raphael’s extremely public error, but Ivy was none the wiser until Alba’s incessant video calls forced her into lunch. It took two sentences for Ivy to slam ‘end’ and dive straight into Tweeter. “Did you see? King Doof-ael leaked the Selected names.” If Ivy had stayed on the call, she would’ve discovered that her name was safely tucked away on a slip of paper until that evening’s Report. Instead, she panicked. Her father noticed. The truth was revealed. All before her name was even officially announced.

Screaming in the Min and Adair household hadn’t been heard since Kennedy’s accident. Neither parents or grandparents thought Ivy would be the one to bring it back, drowning out the poor voice of Justin Timberpond once her name had been aired for verbal confirmation. “Why have you chained yourself to such an archaic tradition?!” “You’re bright! Capable of greater things instead of a meaningless throne!” “That man has already proved himself incapable of leading a country if he needs to find a wife this way!” For once, they were a united front. Against her. And for once, she didn’t care that they yelled.

Each day leading up to her sendoff had been a battle. Long talks with her mother that always ended with, “I’m making a different choice. Different does not mean wrong.” Jae-sung pleaded for her to let someone else go, her grandfather all but ignored her. Even Ha-eun came to Ivy with her renowned mandu dumplings and naengmyeon as a scapegoat to discover the real reason as to why her granddaughter had up and unsettled every plan set in motion.

Ivy kept her truth to herself, as she almost always did. She didn’t know what her life would look like a year from now and it thrilled her, despite the pain buried deep in her chest. All that mattered was that she had taken every possibility and turned it into a wayward path forward. Forward.

↳ resolution rising action

#caught in writing #oc8 #practice challenge #((i am capable of making a pun once a year and it is in this fic))#((i proofread but if there's typos or things sound weird don't come for me pls))

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mywonuderful · 4 years

Text

Not So Cold-Hearted Pt.23

Summary: Y/N, a member of a popular newly debut girl group and Wonwoo has what some may call a relationship with emotional ambivalent. Will their relationship remain cold-blooded or will they finally come to an agreement and become something more?

Pairing: Jeon Wonwoo x Reader

A/N: As always, if anyone is interested in being added into the taglist for this series, please feel free to send in a ask or message me!

masterlist

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

“Remi! Skye! How’s she?” The girls closed the door of your room as they walked down the hall when they saw a group of males walking towards them “The anesthetic hasn’t worn off yet so shes a little nauseous and tired.” Skye said without much energy. “But how is she?” Jun questioned as the girls remained quite, making the boys anxious. “Hey look, you’ve guys work really hard today and you must be tired. How about you guys head on home and rest up? Well check up on her a bit later if she wakes up.” Joshua took a hint as your members nodded. “Congrats on your awards today. I’m sure Y/N is just as proud, no matter what.”

The boys walked pass your room where the curtains of the window to your room were closed but were sheer so your figure was noticeable. “Should we go in?” Dino tried peeking in. “I think she’s asleep though.” Minghao stated, taking in of your blurred figure. “I’ll stay here for a bit to check on her when she wakes up.” He sat down on one of the chairs in front of your room. “Are you sure? It’s been such a long day. Maybe we should head home and come back early in the morning with some food for her.” Jeonghan suggested as his members pondered before agreeing. “You guys can head back first. I’m going to stay for a bit.” Minghao reassured his answered as they nodded at his decisions but slowly leaving. Wonwoo was leaning at wall with his arms folded, with his eyes not leaving the window to your room. “You’re not leaving?” Minghao looked up to him as he continued staring into the window. “I’ll keep you company.” Wonwoo sighed, taking a seat beside Minghao. “Are you sure it’s not about something else?” Minghao curiously asked. “I’m…. I’m not sure.” he mumbled, rubbing his face in his hands. “About what?” “I don’t know… Just her.”

“Y/N?” “I guess?” “I’m listening.” “Of course you are.” Wonwoo flatly said as Minghao sat up from his seat, looking over at him with confusion. “What?” “You and Y/N are practically in love with each other. I heard her confessing to you before her last practice with Moonbin.” Wonwoo’s voice was somewhat heavy as Minghao looked at him with eyes. “So it wasn’t delivery.” Minghao mumbled. “Look it’s not what you think-” “I should’ve known from the beginning but now I’m all confused with my feelings. I don’t even know what to feel anymore.” “Wonwoo listen-” “Why do I worry so much for her? Why do I feel so angry when she’s with other guys? I just find myself wanting to be next to her.” Wonwoo started blurting out words as Minghao remained quiet, trying to listen in to his words feeling happy that his band mate was finally letting out his feelings for you. “But of course, I can’t win against you. Your killer smile, soft eyes, and melting voice. No wonder why she’ll choose you in a heart beat. “But I don’t have that type of feelings for her.” “Of course you love her- wait come again?” He almost whined before turning to look at Minghao with a blank expression. “Y/N and I have known each other since we were trainees. I know her inside out and that’s just our way of expressing our friendship.” Minghao smiled as Wonwoo blinked mutely.

“But you said you like her.” “I do like her. She’s like a little sister to me. I like her enough to know that she deserves well. And you seem to be true about your feelings about her.” Wonwoo was taken back about what he said “So… You don’t like her?” “I don’t have romantic feelings for her. If that’s what you’re trying to get at.” He chuckled as Wonwoo leans back on the chair, resting the back of his head against the wall as he let out a sigh. “Do you know…. if she’s interested in anymore?” Wonwoo carefully asked as he heard Minghao chuckle. “Well, that’s up to you to find out. Now that you’ve come to understand your feelings, you show follow it and express it to Y/N. Don’t confuse her anymore.” Minghao advised “Come to understand my feelings?” “What you just said, it seems to me that you’re in love with Y/N. Those words are what you felt in your heart.” Minghao stood up, stretching his arms over his head. “How about we head back? We should give her some rest. She’s been through quite a lot today. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I’m worn out.” Minghao lets out a small yawn as Wonwoo nodded before hanging an arm over his shoulder while walking back to their dorm.

---

Wonwoo’s alarm rang as he sat up right away, shutting his alarm before walking into his bathroom. He quickly washed up, and changing into some casual wear before checking the time as it read 8:30AM. He quietly opened his door, peeking out to see if any of his members were awake but only saw darkness in the kitchen, living and dining room. He carefully tippy toed pass the kitchen and living room, biting down on his lip whenever the flooring squeaked.

“Going on a morning stroll?” Seungkwan turned around from behind the kitchen counter, drinking a glass of water as Wonwoo jumped, falling back onto the floor before quickly standing back up. “Huh? Oh yeah, going on a morning stroll.” Wonwoo stuttered, as Seungkwan stopped drinking his glass to pop a vitamin in his mouth. “Come eat your vitamins before you leave then” He poured him a glass and handed him his vitamin as Wonwoo quickly took it. “Is our manager driving you to see Y/N?” Seungkwan questioned, making Wonwoo choke on his water. “If you’re going to see if, you can just say it. It’s not like you’re hiding it well.” “Uh… no I’m taking the taxi.” Wonwoo said in between his coughs “Take care. Tell her we’re going to pay her visit a bit later in the day.” Seungkwan patted his shoulder before heading back room. Wonwoo got on the taxi before heading to his aunts restaurant, knocking at her door as she opened it with a shocked face

“Wonwoo?” He entered as she brought him some tea and sat him down. “Congratulations on your win yesterday! I was screaming so loudly that the neighbours next door filed a complaint of me being too loud.” Seri chuckled happily as Wonwoo nodded before she pulled out her phone. “But did you see on the news yet?” her expression hardens. “News?” “It’s all over the news and in articles about the Y/N’s incident from yesterday’s performance.” She slid her phone across the time as Wonwoo picked it up and started skimming through multiple articles, showing pictures of your bleeding knees and short clips of you collapsing at the end of the performance. His eyes widen by the second from every article and video as his aunt bit her fingers. “How are the reactions so far?” He eagerly asked as his aunt retrieved her phone with a sigh. “From her special collaboration with Moonbin, she’s been getting lots of positive reviews and comments but after the incident started spreading, she’s been the most searched on almost all website engines. Everyone has been blaming the staff, wanting them to apologize but there hasn’t been any statement from the broadcaster nor your company about her health. The last update given was that she was rushed to the hospital.” Wonwoo stared at the table, going through a wave of emotions. “Is Y/N…. is she okay?” she slowly asked, seeing his harden face. “I’m not sure. We went to check on her yesterday but her members said she just fell asleep.”

“So… are you going to her now?” “….Yeah.” His aunt smiled from his words as she stood up before tying her hair. “It all makes sense now.” She could help but to let out her cheeky smile. “You and your weird actions.” Wonwoo lifted his head his head, looking at her with a empty expression. “You must’ve felt so angered and worried when you went to the hospital last night, knowing that you couldn’t see her that you must’ve not sleep properly. So then you woke up early today which is something you rarely ever do to pay her a visit. But before you head there you came to me, probably able to ask if I could make her some food. Am I not wrong?” She questioned as Wonwoo blinked a couple of times before looking away, redness forming in his cheeks “Yeah… I guess so.” He shyly admitted while scratching the back of his head. “At least you’re admitting to your feelings…. Gosh, just confess to her already.” Seri spoke loudly as she walked into the kitchen, leaving Wonwoo dumbfounded. Wonwoo pulled out his phone, reading articles of praises on both your performances and how professional you carried out the incident as well as articles of how well suited you and Moonbin were together has emotions of jealousy and sadden grew in him.

“Alright. I made some soft foods for her so that it’ll be easier on her. Do you know what’s her favorite fruit? I’m going to try making some puree for her.” “*insert fruit*” he replied, rather confidently as she smirked. “Of course you’ll know.” She hummed while heading back in as Wonwoo started wondering how he even knew. His aunt came out with stacks of containers before wrapping it all up. “Here. Tell her I’m sending her all my support and love for her recovery.” She walked Wonwoo out the door before he got into a taxi and headed to the hospital

Wonwoo arrived at the hospital as he entered and headed to the front desk. “Hello, I’m here to visit Y/N L/N.” He pulled down in mask. “Ah, I see. May I ask what your relationship is with her?” The nurse asked.

‘Relationship?’ Wonwoo’s heart sped up from the word. “Uh, I’m a friend of hers.” He stammered. “She’s in VIP room 16.” He took the elevator up to the VIP floor, feeling his hear rate quicken by the beeping of each floor. He got off, reading each number on the room before standing in front of your room. Right when he was about to opened the door, the doctor walked out. “Ah, you must be one of Y/N’s visitors.” The doctor smiled as Wonwoo bow to greet him. “Y/N is still asleep but her condition has improved greatly.” He informed before leaving as Wonwoo softly entered your room, seeing you peacefully sleeping. He placed the food at the table on the side before taking a seat on a chair side your bed. His eyes traveled to see your body wrapped in bandages feeling pain from just your sight. His hand shakily moved towards your face, gently touching the patches on your cheeks, as he blinked back the tears forming in his eyes. He rested his head on his arms on the side of your bed, feeling helpless.

---

Your eyes slowly fluttered opened before blinking a couple of times to focus your eyesight. You sat up, as your hand gazes over someone’s elbow as you looked to your side and saw Wonwoo sleeping on the side of your bed. You reached over to the side of the bed to get your glasses as you quietly groaned at the pain spreading through your body. He had his eyes closed, sleeping on top of his arm with his head facing you. You felt lighthearted yet surprised that he came to visit you, especially by himself. You observed his resting state, seeing his back slowly move from his breathe. As memories started replaying from yesterday, you couldn’t help be to feel joy and thankful from the little things he did to you.

“Thanks Wonwoo…” You whispered as you softly smiled at him. Even though you weren’t happy with your state that you’re in at the moment, you couldn’t help but to feel overjoyed that Wonwoo came to pay you a visit, making your heart flutter. “Thanks for what?” He opened his eyes, looking right into yourself before you froze. He looked up at you stared at him before the two of you broke in a faint laughter with blushes on both your faces. “Why are you here so early? Shouldn’t you be getting some extra sleep from all your hard work from yesterday?” You questioned him as he sat back down you and leaned back on the hospital bed. “I could ask you the same.” You smiled as he looked around the room, avoiding your eyes. “I just wanted to see if you’re okay.” He mumbled while looking away, making you smile at his words. “Well, as you can see, I’m fine and alive, if that’s what you’re wondering.” he turned to look at you, not convinced with your words. “Did you… By any chance see any of the news yet?” He asked as you tilted you head in confusion. He pulled out his phone and showed you the articles where you were currently the hot topic on all search engines and news. You read over them, as your smile transitioned into a stiff expression as Wonwoo sensed that you read about your incident. He wanted to ask you about your condition but felt that it wouldn’t be the best time,

‘Am I suppose to feel proud or disappointed in myself at the moment?’ you thought to yourself. “Are you feeling alright?” Wonwoo placed a hand over you leg as he lowered his head to meet you eyes. You looked up with a weak chuckle. “Yeah, I’m fine.” You quickly replied, still feeling his eyes on you. “The doctor said I’m lucky to be alive after having to fall 3m but I should be good to go in a few months!” You tried your best to shallow down the hiccups forming in your throat as you quickly wiped away your tears before facing him with a smile. He knew you didn’t want to go into dept and he respected as he returned with a reassuring smile. “Of course.” He stood up and placed the stall stack of container to the table in front of your bed. “I stopped by at Aunt Seri’s place before coming here to get her to make you some food. You should try eating, even if you don’t have much of an appetite.” You nodded as he opened the multiple containers displaying delicious food. Your eyes sparkled as you felt you stomach growl. You rested your hand over you stomach, letting out an embarrassed grin. “Please tell Seri I said thank you so much.” He handed you the container as you rested it on your legs. You picked up the spoon but as you lifted your arm, pain on your wrist started to ache as you scrunched your face.

“Is something wrong?” He asked as your shook your head. He closed some of the containers for you to eat later on. You tried lifting you spoon once again but gave up from the aching as you let out a quiet sigh. “Is it bad?” He looked up. “No no! It’s just that,” you quickly objected, knowing that Seri’s cooking never fails to impress you. “I can’t really lif-”

“FOR GOODNESS SAKE, SHE CAN’T EAT ON HER OWN SO FEED HER.” Your door flew opened as Mingyu screamed in frustration as you and Wonwoo looked at him in shock. “I am so sorry, please ignore him. Just pretend you didn’t hear that and go on.” Dokyeom smiled as he tugged him back you saw the rest of the boys standing in the back, embarrassed at Mingyu. “THIS IS SO FRUSTRATION WONWOO. HOW DO YOU EXPECT SOMEONE TO EAT IN HER STATE.” Dokyeom covered his hand over his mouth as he mumbled the rest. As the doors clicked closed, the room fell into an awkward silence as the both of you stared at the door, trying to register what just happen. “Do you need help?” Wonwoo shyly asked after a while. “If it isn’t too much.” he sat down beside you before taking a spoonful of food and blew onto it, bringing it to your mouth. You took a bite, but even with how soft the food was, you still have treat eating it, as your eyebrows furrowed and your eyes closed from how painful it was to gulp it down. “Are you okay?” “It’s really good. It’s just a little hard for me to eat.” you confessed as his face saddened. “Sorry you had to go through this.” He apologized before feeding you another spoon but you weakly pushed his hand away. “There’s nothing for you to apologize for. I didn’t hear when the staff told me about the problem on the stage.”

“You should’ve asked!” You felt that his tone was sharp at you, making you feel frustrated and annoyed. “Look Wonwoo, I’ve tried asking the staff but every time they’re about to answer, something and someone comes in and then they give me the damn same answer of ‘just a problem on the side of the stage.’” “It wouldn’t harm to ask again.” Your bottled up emotions were about to explode. “Does it look like I want this to happen Wonwoo? The only thing on my mind when I fell was that I must get back on that stage and finish it with my members no matter what. You just don’t understand me. You never do.” You spatted out as Wonwoo sat there looking at you with an alarmed look. “Y/N calm down-” “Maybe if you were in my shoes, with fractures, bruising, and aching everywhere and the fact that I’m completely useless for the next couple of months, then maybe you’ll understand. So please, don’t tell me to calm down.” Tears started flowing down your face as Wonwoo’s jaw dropped, seeing your state. His heart was torn into pieces, as he didn’t mean to make you feel this way at all. He only wanted to comfort you and tried to take away the stress from you. You laid back onto the bed, turning away from him as you sniffled. “Sorry, but I think I need some time alone.” You said between your hiccups as Wonwoo stared at your back feeling completely defeated in himself. He got up, closed the container and left it on the table before walking towards the door, before giving you one last look, feeling his heart ache as he opened the door and left.

<<prev // next >>

#jeon wonwoo #wonwoo #wonwoo seventeen #wonwoo x reader #wonwoo fanfic #wonwoo scenarios #wonwoo imagines #wonwoo fluff #seventeen scenarios #seventeen imagines #seventeen fluff #kpop #kpop fanfiction #kpop scenarios #nsch

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tanoraqui · 4 years

Text

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] Epilogue

[now all on AO3!]

The real tragedy is that, while Nie Huaisang got to attend Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan’s wedding, and of course it was lovely and everything it could have been, he had to miss the subsequent banquet, which was the event of the century. A week later he’s already heard a song about it; two weeks and he’s heard four, and more rumors than usually circulate in a year, and even they mostly pale to the reality as reported from the horse’s mouth

“ - I was just going to run around dodging until some ghosts got through, but then Lan Zhan leapt to my defense, catching Sandu with Bichen!” Wei Wuxian grinned at Lan Wangji and Nie Huaisang with equal glee, though his smile for the former was much softer. “Jiang Cheng struck back, of course, and they were off - two of the greatest cultivators of our generation, leaping from table to table right there in Glamour Hall, fighting blade to blade - and whip to guqin!”

He gestured dramatically, recreating the moment and nearly smacking Lan Wangji, seated beside him, in the face. Lan Wangji simply ducked, expressionless except maybe for the faintest crinkle of his eyes. Nie Huaisang sipped his wine and watched in delight

they’d come under cover of darkness, sneaking up old side-stairs they’d all used during the Sunshot Campaign. Perhaps excessive, but a little caution never hurt anyone

drinking together in Nie Huaisang’s bedroom when everyone was supposed to be asleep felt ridiculously nostalgic, though

“But Jiang Cheng - don’t tell him I said this - is just the tiniest bit much less impressive than Lan Zhan, so I had to leap in in turn - Lan Zhan didn’t realize we were just play-acting, nobody had thought to bring him in on it, he just defended me because it was the honorable thing to do.”

The stars in his eyes put the clear night sky to shame.

“I will not allow harm to come to Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji said calmly

holy shit. Holy shit. How had Nie Huaisang missed this one, when he prided himself on keeping up with all the juiciest gossip about his friends.

He refilled Wei Wuxian’s cup. “And that’s when you started the food fight? I heard there was a food fight.”

“Yes!” Wei Wuxian clapped. “I couldn’t exactly use my sword - I’d already boasted that I didn’t need it! But Lan Zhan was going to kick my shidi’s ass, and I had to step in - so I tipped a bowl of soup right in his face!” He ran a hand down Lan Wangji’s chest and frowned dramatically. “It ruined all his beautiful robes - I’m so sorry, Lan Zhan.”

“Mn. It was no trouble.”

Now that Nie Huaisang was looking for it, he recognized the slight stiffening of a man absolutely desperate to grab that hand and pull its bearer into his lap and then some. Holy fucking shit.

Wei Wuxian cackled. “It wasn’t! You just kept fighting with Jiang Cheng - so I kept throwing food! At both of you, because sometimes Jiang Cheng kept trying to hit me, too - until not just ghosts arrived but some corpses, too, coming up from the dungeons.” That broken-glass edge to his smile again. “It seems Jin Guangshan had been quite a bad boy, or at least one of his guest disciples had - a man named Xue Yang got called out, I heard? But he disappeared?” He turned to Lan Wangji. “We heard people talking on the road.”

“Mn,” Lan Wangji confirmed

“I heard the same,” Nie Huaisang said. “Creepy weirdo. Jin Guangshan is saying the corpses were yours, of course, but it’s a little hard since Zewu-jun found all those notes on demonic cultivation in Xue Yang’s room - and some of them with Jin Guangyao’s handwriting on them.”

“We heard about that - kind of,” said Wei Wuxian. “Is he really in the dungeon himself now?”

“Yes.” Nie Huaisang smiled, and topped off his own glass. “Between that and having reason to believe he’d just given all the Wen prisoners to Nie Sect on a whim, Jin Guangshan is quite displeased with Lianfang-zun.”

he felt a little bad for Lan Xichen, but the man would get over it. He still had one respectable, far superior sworn brother

Wei Wuxian raised his glass in toast and Nie Huaisang met it gladly, and leaned forward again. “So what happened next?”

“Oh, you know.” Wei Wuxian leaned back and waved one hand. “Lots of shouting. The peacock got shijie out of there, so I guess maybe he’s okay for her. A lot more fighting - Jiang Cheng kept doing a really good impression of trying to kill me, Lan Zhan kept stopping him, and I kept stopping Lan Zhan from hitting Jiang Cheng too hard. Jiang Cheng shouted again about how I’d better destroy the Tiger Seal or leave YunmengJiang forever, just like we’d planned, so I threw half of it in the air and broke it with Suibian - and good thing I wasn’t holding it, because even just half of it exploded so hard it blew up half of Glamour Hall! I was nearly knocked out - Lan Zhan had to carry me out on Bichen!”

he spoke airily, except for the last part which he spoke with hearts in his eyes, but there was a weight like a brick to it. Nie Huaisang wondered how much of the supposedly pre-planned drama had come down to split-second decisions about what mattered most

though it was also hilarious to think that anyone believed it wasn’t choreographed, on the part of Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng at least. For one thing, Qinghe had strength; Lanling, appearance and secrets; and the spirit of Yunmeng, true to its motto, was sheer bloody-minded perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, preferably with as much drama as possible. If Sandu Sengshou and the Yiling Patriarch truly fought to the death, even Huangang-jun wouldn’t be able to stop it, and a mere wedding banquet couldn’t contain the battle - it would be on the edge of a cliff before the entire cultivation world, possibly with the earth on fire around them

it was even more hilarious to think that even if emotions ran that furiously high, either of them would do a single thing to ruin their beloved sister’s wedding day, without her explicit permission and encouragement

“I can’t believe you destroyed a major sect hall without me” Nie Huaisang shook his head mournfully. “Remember when we set off firecrackers in the Cloud Recesses?”

“Yes,” Lan Wangji said firmly, while Wei Wuxian burst into laughter.

“Ah, Huaisang-gongzi,” he said, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. “I promise I’ll invite you next time.”

"You’d better!” Nie Huaisang cried. “I mean, you still have half the Tiger Seal to destroy...”

Wei Wuxian shot him a wink that said, that’s true, and you’re my friend, but I’m not biting that hook you’re using to fish for information. Nie Huaisang shrugged, can you blame me? and lifted the wine jug again

“More? You know, you’re welcome to stay more than one night. This is so fun, just catching up - and I know A-Yuan will be delighted to see you again!”

“He really is a cute kid, isn’t he?” Wei Wuxian smiled wistfully, then shook his head. “But no - maybe we’ll say hi to Wen Qing and Wen Ning, but we’ve given Jin Guangshan about four different things to worry about, when he used to have just one or two, but it’s still probably better not to consolidate them.”

Nie Huaisang had to nod to the wisdom of that. (It was a pity the whole tower hadn’t come down on the man’s head, really.) He savored the last few sips of his own glass. “So you’ll be gone in the morning - do you know where?”

“I’ve heard that there’s a shidi of my mother’s starting to make a name for himself as a rogue cultivator - another disciple of Baoshan Sanren. I thought I might find him and, you know, say hello at least.”

His smile was touched with mournful longing, but his eyes held the particular glint that said someone was about to be befriended, or possibly adopted into YunmengJiang on authority of the Head Disciple, whether they liked it or not. It was a very Wei Wuxian expression, and Nie Huaisang didn’t think he’d seen it since they were all young and stupid at the Cloud Recesses

“I am going with him,” stated Lan Wangji, Victim Example #1 of that expression

“Aw, Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian, for lack of a better word, snuggled up against him, before turning back to Nie Huaisang and saying with exaggerated disappointment. “He’s finally accepted that I’m not going to go back to Gusu to be cleansed within an inch of my life, so he’s following me around and keeping me out of trouble day by day instead. So righteous! So boring!”

good god, did he not know...?

Nie Huaisang met Lan Wangji’s eyes and found there a well a patience deeper than the sea, and affection just a great Well, he had to toast to that

He raised his last mouthful of wine, to clink against Wei Wuxian’s glass and the cup of tea Lan Wangji had been politely nursing. “Well, good luck to both of you!”

That’s all, folks! Thanks for reading!

#mdzs #the untamed #my fic #nie huaisang #wei wuxian #lan wangji #i think this au may have come to like...16k or so total #that was. unintentional.#i mean this last bit is really just an entire scene that i happened to format with bullet points as i wrote out all the dialogue and stuff #...his bodes ill for the efficiency of my fierce corpse jiang yanli canon rewrite #anyway i'll probably put some minimal polish on all this and slap it into ao3 bc by god i wrote like 16K #IN LIKE 8 DAYS NO LESS #LOOK UPON ME YE MIGHTY AND encourage me to go get some sleep

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explodingsynapses · 4 years

Text

fytheuntamed's Untamed Fall Fest: Day 2- Family

Go under and come up again

Nightless City, if it could be called a settlement anymore, did not rankle any memories.Ning Shushu tells him that it is not surprising. A Yuan had never been here.But Wen blood runs through his veins, this was the seat of his family; A Yuan feels that it at least ought to tickle a little something.

Read below or on ao3.

Go under and come up again

A Yuan has always nursed a phantom ache in his heart. Or at least, he thought it was phantom until recently.

His heart would constrict, his days drowned in emptiness. He had always thought that the ache was to align with his Baba’s anguish. Hanguang Jun was always present, always kind, always righteous, always around for A Yuan.

He made A Yuan food, he snuck him candies, he buried him in piles of bunnies. He would let A Yuan sit on his lap for hours and let him test his fingers across Wangji.

His practice sword was fashioned by his baba. His first guqin string was tuned by his Baba.

When he moved into disciple quarters, it was with an easy assurance that he could walk into Jingshi anytime. His father packed his things, talisman papers, and ink brushes, and his grass toys.

By all means, Hanguang Jun’s steadfastness surprised other disciples his age. Even having both, a set of parents instead of just Baba, some of them were always a little taken aback by the bond that tied A Yuan and Hanguang Jun.

And yet, A Yuan had never needed his courtesy name to realize that his father hurt constantly. Not from the wounds in the back, but from inside.

So, when A Yuan hurt, and when he looked hard for the shadows that came to engulf him and grasped at nothing, or maybe something phantom; he had wondered if you could inherit sadness.

*****

Nightless City, if it could be called a settlement anymore, did not rankle any memories.

Ning Shushu tells him that it is not surprising. A Yuan had never been here.

But Wen blood runs through his veins, this was the seat of his family; A Yuan feels that it at least ought to tickle a little something.

Everything about the place is alien. The residence of his family is intact, if overgrown weeds and crumbling walls are overlooked.

Ning Shushu points things out.

They search for spaces where a cenotaph could go, or a memorial would make sense. A Yuan feels very little. He has not walked these corridors. And as much as Ning shushu is guiding him through the old walls, his stories sound like their family regretted any walk through these corridors too.

His family healed people. A Yuan has never been inclined towards the healing arts. He does not know what he wanted to be, as a child, or even when he grew up.

He knew he wanted to be something that would temper the anguish his father carried. He wanted to be something that mirrored his father in his righteousness. He wanted to be motley of things that didn’t mirror his father but always brought a tint of warm nostalgia in his father’s eyes. The eyes would get wet, but they appeared less wilted.

****

A Yuan had not inherited sadness. He had drowned in it as a child. Ducked and tried to gasp up for air, and the only thing that held on, that had delayed the drowning had come in the form of Xian Gege, the lotus trying to not sink as he held on to A Yuan.

Xian Gege had held onto him for as long as he could. He had held others, family of A Yuan above everything even as the world was pushing them down to the abyss.

But he knows he went under and came up again. He did not come whole, shedding pieces of himself, memories behind. He does not know their count, to be able to find them all again.

He wondered how many people willingly drowned themselves in the hopes that he would not drown. He does not know their names. He does not even remember those faces well. He had not recognized Xian Gege or mourned Qing gugu or known that Ning Shushu had been killed trying to protect…He remembers a bit of Granny now. But he cannot complete a picture.

*******

Nightless City leaves them both more restless. That is not the outcome they envisioned. In the end, they leave the city without leaving a mark.

A Yuan does not think it’s even his place to demand things. As eager as he has been to rejuvenate a connection, he knows that he does not have the same rights on the family as Ning Shushu does.

They make camp in the woods.

“Did it bring bad memories?” Ning Shushu gently asks after the quiet goes on for too long.

He is perceptive and A Yuan does not like to lie.

“No,” He pipes out despondently, “It did not bring any memories.”

Ning Shushu blinks, “and that upsets you.”

It is not a question. In fact, his gentleness always reminds him of Baba. But while A Yuan knows the iron, the ice, the fury his father guises in himself, he thinks Ning Shushu is an endless pool of tender patience.

“It does not upset you? The last blood heir of Wens does not know anything. Does not remember most things. Don’t I owe that to my family, my blood? They all tried so hard to make me live.” A Yuan has rarely had meltdowns. He was always precocious, well-adjusted.

“It does not,” Comes back softly.

A Yuan just stares. He knows he is on the cusp of being considered a grown-up, but he feels like a little child, with eyes wide open, and tears pooling in his eyes.

“No one sacrificed things for you because you had the wen blood running in your veins. They did it because you were a child that they cherished and loved. Blood does not make family, A Yuan.”

A Yuan just kept looking at him intently.

“Wei Gongzi always looked out for me. He knew my sister and I were sent to spy. He knew the things our uncle was getting up to. He did not hold it against us. In fact, he was kinder and affectionate than anyone I know. Even JieJie would sometime doubt my abilities, fret about me, but it was Wei gongzi who believed in me. He went against Wen Chao to defend my archery skills. One of them was my blood, the other is the man who has taught me the most about family. “

“Wei Gongzi does not share his blood with anyone. The Jiangs were not his blood. We were never his blood. It did not stop him from loving them as he did. It did not stop him from loving and protecting us. He had not even met your parents. Yet Granny told me a few days with you, he went around telling people that he had birthed you. He simply cared and gave love. We never wanted, none of us ever wanted you to feel this way.”

Ning shushu’s voice is soft, patient.

A Yuan manages to croak out through the streams of tears down his cheeks, “What did you want for me? I am no healer. I am not…”

“We wanted you to live. We wanted you to be loved. We wanted, we hoped that you would get to live your life.”

A Yuan looks on in confusion.

“None of us were under any misconception that we were living on borrowed time. JieJie and I had taken part in the war. The others were old, crippled by the war. They did not hope to live longer. Their only wishes towards the end were for you to be able to live a happy life, and for Wei Gongzi to not suffer for the choices he made to protect us.”

A Yuan lets out a strangled sob. He does not know what he is crying for. He still cannot picture their faces, but something is crushing his heart. How can he be so loved by people he does not even remember?

“This is beyond what we imagined. Hanguang Jun raising you, for you to be so loved, so gentle, so accepting. Wei Gongzi and I thought you dead. We probably held out a little kindle of hope of you being alive. Wei Gongzi blamed himself. You being alive is a miracle. We would have been happy if you were raising chickens in a farm if you were doing it with a smile. Now, you are the first Disciple of Gusu Lan, so well-liked by your peers, so gracious…I know everyone who fought for your life is smiling from above. ”

“I do not know anything about being a Wen,” A Yuan cries out.

“I was never much of a Wen. Wei Gongzi is not a Wen. Your Baba is not a Wen. They are two of the best people I know. It is fortuitous that you resemble them and not our cousins.” Ning Shushu tells patiently.

“I miss them,” He croaks out without meaning to.

“Your fathers miss you too.” Ning Shushu said kindly, “We can start our journey towards them at dawn.”

“But the memorial?” A Yuan protests. He will not be so self-centered.

“Your happiness was always our primary concern, A Yuan. They have waited for a few years for a memorial, they can wait for some more time.” There was a smile there.

A Yuan just sniffled, letting himself wonder a bit.

Ning shushu continued “And it has taken coming back to this city to make me realize that this was never home. This was prison. We were not Qishan Wen. We always hoped to leave and be happier in our mountain, and that is on the way to Gusu.”

“Dafan mountain, the dancing goddess?” A Yuan asks.

Ning Shushu nods.

“I don’t remember their faces.” A Yuan blurts out, “I mean could you tell me about them?”

Ning Shushu nods happily before launching into a story.

It is when A Yuan is almost asleep, that Ning shushu said, “We should ask Wei Gongzi to come too. He was their family too, he should be able to mourn. And he is a better artist than either of us. He could paint their faces for you.”

“Why did you not ask him earlier?” A Yuan asks, only curious.

“He has spent a lifetime going away from your Baba. And your Baba has lived without him long enough. The thing about Wei Gongzi is he always thinks of everyone else’s happiness before his own. And just this once, I thought I would not give him any choice besides Hanguang Jun.” Ning Shushu said.

A Yuan lets out a snort in the middle of his yawn, “He was wearing Baba’s inner robe…”

“Ah nephew, you need to know their sordid history for the context. You did not spend your teenage years watching them moon after each other and as JieJie said ‘be sanctimonious idiots’. But well, I tried,” Ning Shushu mumbles, or maybe A Yuan is already halfway to sleep.

It’s fine. They have time.

*******

FIN

#fytheuntamed #day2 #family #untamedfics #untamed fall fest #a yuan #wen ning #grief #mourning #healing #emotional comfort

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xofanfics · 4 years

Text

Dawn - Alternate Ending II

Genre: angst, fluff, implied smut

Pairing: Reader x Mingyu ; Reader x Junhui

Word Count: 3.5k

Summary: You find out you’re pregnant after you and your boyfriend break up.

You closed the last box you were packing for the night. In the end, you decided to move in with Mingyu. No one wanted you to but it was your decision to make. You didn’t want your daughter to grow up without her dad around. You didn’t want your daughter to grow up hating him for not being there for her. So, you were moving in with him and that was that.

Mingyu came in, wiping his hands on his shirt. “When should I have the movers come?”

“How about Saturday?”

Mingyu nodded and taped up the box. “Sounds good.” He took out his phone and handed it to you, showing a picture. “I rearranged the room a little. I pushed the bed against the wall to make more room. I was thinking the crib can go next to the dresser?”

You smiled. “Yeah. It just can’t be too big.”

“When she gets bigger we’ll move into a bigger place, of course.”

You leaned in, pressing your lips to his cheek for a quick kiss. This brought a smile to Mingyu’s face. He said, “What was that for?”

You returned his smile. “No reason.”

He placed his hand on your stomach, gently caressing it. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

“About four more months…”

“I hope she’s just as beautiful as her mom.”

Blood rushed to your cheeks, making them hot. If he said anything else cute, your whole face would surely light up like Christmas tree lights. Your smile became wider.

Then Mingyu started laughing. “You’re blushing right now?”

You felt your cheek, self-conscious. “Shut up.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Can we try again? I miss you…”

Mirai was a good girl but she wasn’t you. Though he’d been dating Mirai for over a year now, he didn’t feel as strongly as he felt about you despite dating you for a shorter period of time. He cared about her. He did. He loved her. But it wasn’t the same.

When Jun was with Mirai, he constantly wondered if this was how things were supposed to be. He loved her and cared about her but, on the other hand, he felt restless, bored even.

He wished that you hadn’t chosen Mingyu but what right did he have to protest when you’d chosen the father of your child? When he first realized that you’d gotten back with him, he was hurt. It hurt him because you’d expressed how much he hurt you. And for you to end up choosing him felt like a slap in the face.

But none of that mattered. And he couldn’t talk to anyone about it either. So, he kept his feelings wrapped up inside him. He had to pretend that he was okay with how things had turned out even if he wasn’t.

He’s seen you several times after you made your decision. He was still very much a part of the friend group. He recalled a time where everyone ate dinner together. You were there, too, of course. You’d still been pregnant at the time, your belly huge. Everyone cooed over you and asked a million questions about the baby. Thankfully, almost as if for his sake, your boyfriend wasn’t mentioned in the conversation.

He watched you as you talked. You were beautiful as ever. This pregnancy had you glowing in every way. Even looking at you, he felt guilty. It wasn’t like he wanted to have an affair with you; that wasn’t it. But he wished that things had gone differently. And he wondered why you made this decision. But from what he’d gathered, he figured you were afraid. Afraid of judgment, afraid of motherhood, maybe even afraid of losing him. Maybe that was why you broke up with him in the first place. Maybe you thought that he wouldn’t stay with you.

After dinner, he took a taxi home with Michelle since her boyfriend’s place was near his. And she said, “Do you still have feelings for her?”

He froze. Could he be honest with her? Could he be honest with himself? He didn’t think he could say it out loud so he just nodded.

“I’m sorry…” Michelle put her head in her hands. She was friends with both of you and couldn’t help but put the blame on herself. “I feel like this is my fault since I set you two up in the first place…”

“Don’t blame yourself,” he said. “It’s not your fault that we didn’t work out. It just wasn’t meant I guess.”

“Are you happy? Mirai seems like a good girl.”

“That’s the thing that’s been bothering me. I don’t know. I’m satisfied but I’m still not sure.”

He wanted to be happy and, to be honest, he wasn’t even sure if he was unhappy because you seemed to be happy without him. The cause of his unhappiness was unclear. Maybe he was just bored with his life in general. Maybe Mirai wasn’t the problem. Maybe he was getting tired of his job. Maybe he just needed to do something exciting. Maybe a trip would be good for him. Maybe he should just leave Korea, period.

Your water broke at the most inconvenient time ever. You were in the middle of a meeting and your baby apparently wanted out. You stood up from your chair quietly when you realized that something was wrong. To make matters worse, your coworkers all looked up at you.

A few awkward seconds passed before you said, “My, uh, water broke…”

Your boss looked at you with wide eyes before rushing toward you to ask a million questions. “Oh God,” she said. “Are you in any pain? Did it really break?”

You felt the back of your pants, confirming that, indeed, your water had broken. At that moment, you were grateful that your pants were black.

Your coworker that sat at the desk behind you said, “The baby’s really coming?”

“I think she’s ready to come out.” You added, “Should I go to the hospital now? Do I wait? What do you do?” You couldn’t help but laugh. In movies, it was always so much more dramatic when a woman’s water broke. But you weren’t in any pain; contractions hadn’t started yet.

You grabbed your own phone and called Mingyu. You wanted to let him know sooner rather than later. Your due date wasn’t for another two weeks and Mingyu had argued with you about going to work. Your boss fought with you about it too but you couldn’t just sit at home doing nothing while everyone else was at work.

“Hello?” he answered.

“Mingyu,” you said, “she’s coming…”

“Oh my God!” he said, panic clear in his voice. “You’re at work, right? Should I come get you? How far is the hospital? Did you call Doctor Lee?”

“No, no,” you said. “I can manage on my own.” But then you felt the moisture in your pants and felt gross. “Actually, could you go home and bring me some pants? Then we can go together.”

Mingyu was excited. He practically ran out of the office, yelling a little too aggressively at his boss that his daughter was coming before grabbing his jacket and dashing down ten flights of steps, clearly too impatient to wait for the elevator. He took a taxi home, throwing some comfortable clothes for you into his backpack. And he also grabbed your favorite snacks. He threw all these items in a bag in quite the hurry before taking off for your office.

His baby girl was going to be here soon. You weren’t due until June 26th but here she was two weeks early. He smiled to himself on his way to pick you up. He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms. You’d both decided on the name Jaehwa. It was so pretty.

He came into your office for the first time, to give you the clothes. He’d never been here. And everyone was excited to meet him. As he walked in the door he was greeted with “You’re Y/N’s boyfriend, right?” and “Are you excited?”

While you were in the bathroom changing, your coworkers took a liking to him. Your coworkers told him that he was handsome and that they were excited for you.

“I never saw Y/N as a mom but no one is fully prepared to be a parent,” said your boss.

“She’s the best,” Mingyu said, smiling proudly.

He was excited. His heart swelled every time he looked at you. You would be going into labor in just a couple hours and the two of you would meet your baby girl. He couldn’t wait to see her beautiful face.

You came out in a few minutes, holding onto the wall for support.

Of course, Mingyu rushed to your side. “Are you in any pain baby?”

“A little,” you said. “I’m just really uncomfortable…”

Mingyu nodded. “Let’s get you to the hospital so you can get comfortable.”

Your coworkers bid you goodbye and good luck as you left for the hospital with Mingyu’s hand around your waist.

A baby’s cry filled the room as you recovered from that last push. You’d spent the past ten hours in labor and were grateful that it was all over. Mingyu wiped the sweat from your forehead with a small towel. You let out a deep breath, completely exhausted from giving birth.

You barely had enough energy to move your head. You felt weak. Pushing out a baby took a lot out of you.

Mingyu kissed your forehead. “You did well, baby. She’s here…”

And a moment later, a nurse was carrying her over to you. She was still a little fussy, limbs flailing around. She was beautiful and it brought tears to your eyes. “Mommy’s here,” you said, caressing her tiny little hand.

As she settled down, you passed her to Mingyu. And Mingyu stared at her for a moment before tearing up. His little girl was finally here.

“She’s beautiful,” he whispered, sniffling. “She looks like you.”

And you smiled. “I can’t wait to watch her grow up with you.”

Mingyu laughed. “Hopefully she doesn’t grow up too fast…” He returned your smile. “You’ll be an amazing mom. I know you will.”

You thought about it. Though you didn’t want to be a mom, initially, you were grateful to have been put in this situation. It made you stronger and forced you to be more responsible. Every decision you’d made at this point was so that the baby had a good life. At first, you doubted you’d move in with Mingyu but the more you thought about it, the more it made sense.

A FEW MONTHS LATER...

Jun felt happier these days. He’d been working out. His skin had been clearer. And he and Mirai were doing better. Whatever he’d been going through must’ve just been a phase because he felt much better about himself, about his life, about Mirai. He was happy with her. He knew that he loved her even if she wasn’t you. He had finally come to terms with what happened with you. He felt like he could finally move on and maybe that reason alone was the reason for his happiness.

Jun’s doorbell rang as he started to get his dinner together. It’d been a long day and he hadn’t had much time to cook anything. He’d settled on making some stir fry. He paused to get the door. He expected it to possibly be his protein powder being delivered a little early. But Mirai was on the other side of the door, face swollen and red like she’d just been crying.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as she came inside.

She didn’t answer at first. She took off her jacket and her shoes before walking to the kitchen table. “I didn’t get approved for my visa extension…”

“Oh,” was all Jun could say. He reached out for her and took her hands in his. He looked down at her but she wouldn’t meet his eyes.

He knew what this meant. In a situation like this there were usually two options: Break up or do long-distance. He’d never done long distance before and wasn’t sure how he felt about his girlfriend being so far away from him when he’d grown accustomed to pretty much seeing her whenever he wanted. He didn’t want to break up either. He felt like their relationship was in a good place yet Mirai’s visa situation was trying to keep them apart.

He knew that these thoughts were crossing her mind as well. She stood up from the chair and went to him, wrapping her arms around him. Jun held her in his arms for a moment as his girlfriend cried into his shirt. When she calmed down and wiped some of her tears away, she said, “What are we going to do?”

Jun said, “I-I don’t know…” He swallowed. He knew that this meant that she would have to leave the country soon, so he asked her the most important question. “When do you have to go?”

“In the next two months…”

Jun wasn’t ready to let her slip through his fingers like this. He didn’t want to lose her. “What if I went with you?”

She looked up at Jun, wiping her tears and finally meeting his eyes. “What?”

“What if I went with you...back to Thailand?”

“You’d do that?” she asked, in complete disbelief. “You have your whole life here. You got approved for your visa and you just got that raise. You’d have to start over again.”

“I mean, as corny as this sounds, there’s not much in Seoul keeping me here. I have a job and an apartment here but I can always have both of these things somewhere else. I can apply to jobs in Bangkok. My company has a location in Thailand too so I can talk to my boss about relocation...”

She kissed him. “You’d really come with me?”

“Of course,” he said. “I love you. I care about you. I don’t want to be here if I’m here and you’re in Thailand…”

“I love you, too, Jun…”

Then she started crying again. “No one’s ever done anything like this for me...You’re such an amazing person, Jun.”

Not to say that Mirai had been through guy after guy but the men she’d dated in the past weren’t men of their word. They were the kind of men that would promise her things and break them. Jun was the most genuine and the kindest man she’d ever met. She was curious why the last girlfriend he had broke up with him. He hadn’t told her much, just that she was the one who broke up with him and that she’d met her briefly in the street that time. She always wondered but didn’t want to push him into telling her if he didn’t want to. After all, it didn’t matter. Jun was with Mirai now and he loved her enough to leave his life in Seoul behind for a new one in Thailand.

Jun smiled. “No more tears, okay?”

Things had changed. You weren’t sure if you made the right choices up to this point. Since you had Jaehwa, you felt like something was missing. You loved your daughter but sometimes you just felt so overwhelmed with being a mother. Mingyu was here, together with you, but being a parent wasn’t easy by any means.

You were a little jealous of how easily it seemed to come to Mingyu. And Jaehwa was already a bit of a daddy’s girl. He was always getting her to laugh and she was constantly reaching for him. She was seven months old now and you felt like you didn’t have the bond with her that you thought you would. You knew that it was stupid of you to think this but you wondered if deep down Jaehwa knew that you’d thought of having an abortion. But it was silly to think something like that.

You got out of the bath; your fifteen minutes of relaxation was over. Reality set in as you put on your pajamas. You sat on the bed. You weren’t feeling like yourself these days. Depression was beginning to set in. You’d read about postpartum depression but you weren’t sure if that was it or if you were just feeling a general unhappiness with the way things had turned out.

Mingyu came in the room with Jaehwa in his arms. She was still awake. He sat down next to you on the bed and said, “She’s a little cranky tonight.”

You smiled. “Are you tired?” Jaehwa reached out for you and Mingyu placed her in your arms. You bounced her in your lap, causing her to erupt into little baby giggles.

Mingyu looked at you and he knew something was wrong. He got that feeling from you often but he wasn’t sure if he should ask you about it or not. So, finally, he said, “Are you okay?”

You nodded. “Yeah…”

He scooted closer and put his arm around you. “You don’t seem like yourself lately.”

You started rocking Jaehwa. It was well after her bedtime and you knew that she was fighting sleep because all the lights were on and her parents were awake. “Let me put her to sleep first,” you said, cradling your baby in your arms. “Then let’s talk.”

Mingyu’s heart swelled as he watched you. He loved seeing you hold her. He loved seeing the woman he loved holding their baby. Since you’d given birth, he felt so proud; so proud of you and the baby you made. He was confident that Jaehwa was the most beautiful baby he’d laid eyes on. He loved her with all of his heart and he wanted to be an amazing dad to her.

You looked down at your daughter. She looked up at you with curious eyes and though you weren’t making any specific expression, she smiled at you. It was small things like this that made you happy you decided to go through with the pregnancy. She whined for a moment as you rocked her and, by the time you looked down at her again, her eyes were closed and her mouth was open.

Mingyu chuckled and took out his phone, snapping a picture of the cute moment. “I’m gonna send this to my parents.”

“She looks like you when she’s asleep.”

Mingyu rolled his eyes. “Yeah I guess all she got from me is my eyelids since your genes clearly took over.”

You chuckled as you stood up. “Maybe she’ll look more like you when she’s older.” You placed Jaehwa down in her crib, putting the blanket over her.

Mingyu waited for you on the bed; he’d made himself comfortable and he patted the side meant for you. You got in bed next to him and turned the light out.

He pulled you onto his chest. “Are you unhappy?”

You sighed. “I think I’m just feeling a little...burnt out.”

“What do you mean?”

“I just need a break,” you said. “I was thinking of taking a couple days off next week. You know, to get myself together.”

Mingyu nodded. “That’s fair. My mom can watch Jaehwa the days you’re off so you can at least have some alone time while I’m at work.”

“I hate to ask her something like that…”

“It’s fine,” he said. “She complains about how we don’t bring her over often enough. She’d love to spend more time with her.”

You nodded and lay on his chest. For a few minutes, you just listened to the sound of his heartbeat. You assumed Mingyu had fallen asleep but when you looked, his eyes met yours.

He cleared his throat and said, “Does this have anything to do with what I asked you the other day?”

The other day, Mingyu suggested that you get married. It had taken you by surprise, to be honest. It’s not that you didn’t want to or that you didn’t love him; you did. For some reason, you just weren’t ready to take that step. You had some things you needed to work on before you became anyone’s wife.

You shook your head. “No. It’s not that.”

He frowned. “Do you love me?”

“Of course I do,” you said, sitting up. You took his hand in yours. taking his hand. “Marriage is just such a huge commitment and, with all of these things going on, I don’t think I’m ready yet.”

He kissed your forehead. “That’s okay. I just wanted to know what you thought of it. Don’t feel pressured. If we’re going to get married someday, I want it to be when you’re ready.”

You kissed his lips, climbing on top of him in the process. “I love you, Mingyu...”

He held you by your waist, looking into your eyes. “I love you, too, Y/N…”

Mingyu watched as you peeled off your pajama shirt before he flipped you over and planted kisses against your neck, careful not to bruise you for work in the morning. After the rest of your clothes were tossed all over the floor and the bed, he settled between your legs and the two of you made love for what seemed like the first time in weeks.

#svt angst #svt fluff #svt smut #seventeen angst #seventeen fluff #seventeen smut #mingyu fluff #mingyu angst #mingyu smut #jun fluff #jun angst #jun smut #kpop imagines #kpop angst #kpop smut #kpop fluff

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vixey-chakraborty · 3 years

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The Investment [Part Two] & [Ratfox]

In which, after a meeting at InterPride, and after some encouragement from Tiana, Vixey reaches out to another investor...[takes place: late June, 2021]

@professorofcrimeratigan

[tw -- some scheming on ratigan’s part]

VIXEY: It had been her contact at InterPride that pointed her in the direction of Pedram Ratigan. She had never heard of him before, which was both worse and better. At least with Seamus, there had been some familiarity there. He knew her parents, and she supposed that had helped him agree--when he had been a bit skeptical. (Which, honestly, fair, in her opinion.) However, that familiarity also meant there was more pressure, because if he said no, it would not have reflected poorly just on Vixey, but on her parents as well. And that wasn’t acceptable.

Mr. Ratigan didn’t know her at all. They were a blank slate to one another. It meant she had much more to prove, but there were also fewer expectations. Due to this, she had chosen Tiana’s place and a proper dinner reservation to wine and dine the man.

He was led to her table by the redheaded hostess, whom Vixey thanked as she stood and offered her hand to the man.

“Mr. Ratigan, I presume? I’m Vixey Chakraborty. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me. I know you’re a busy man.” [outfit]

RATIGAN: An invitation to dinner had been extended to him.

This would not have been such a surprise had it been from someone he actually spent time with, such as a co-worker or Mrs. Robinson, but for it to come from a complete stranger had been a bit of a red flag. Always erring on the side of caution (paranoia) he looked her up. He would have done it regardless, but still. In his line of work one could never be too careful. Her last name had seemed familiar but it wasn’t until he had gotten the results back that he understood where from— her family owned a farm nearby.

Why someone like her would want to entertain someone like him was a bit of a mystery but that worked in Ms. (or did she still go by Mrs.?) Chakraborty’s favor. It made him more willing to go, just to see what would happen.

He smiled to the hostess and kept it as he took the woman’s hand. Polite. Formal— thankfully not here for any social reason. Business then.

Ratigan waved his other hand, eyebrows furrowing slightly. “Even academics need to get out and see the sun every now and again. I should be thanking you for the excuse to.” He gestured to her seat, unbuttoning his suit’s jacket before he took his own. “So, what can I do for you, Ms. Chakraborty?”

VIXEY: Vixey’s heart was beating very fast as she shook Mr. Ratigan’s hand. She had never done something like this before and she found it extremely intimidating. Googling “how to ask someone for an investment” didn’t really yield the results she’d wanted. She had spoken with Jun a bit, and obviously had convinced Seamus, but Mr. Ratigan was a proper businessman. Not a family friend she was basically asking a very large favor of.

When he gestured, Vixey took her seat again, glad he’d indicated for it--otherwise, she probably would’ve remained awkwardly standing for a few seconds too long. Her leg started bouncing under the table. She hoped he wouldn’t notice...or, she would, if she had even noticed she was doing it.

“Right, well, I believe I mentioned in my email that I was looking for support for my business venture.” Vixey didn’t believe this, she knew it. She had stared at the email several times, had Jun read over it, had her parents read over it, had Tiana and Barbie read over it.

“I am looking to--open a thrift shoppe on Main Street.” She said it all in one big breath and then smiled, nervous and sheepish, but also--a bit exhilarated.

RATIGAN: Well. That was rather a let down— but what had he expected? A part of him settled back now that he knew this was just a small, mundane matter.

Tiana’s Place had been a good investment. The woman had done everything in her power to ensure its success, as he knew she would, and he hadn’t needed to do anything but keep her books. All the while he had his own business running within it and should anyone (though he very much doubted anyone would) find the threads of it they would be led back to Ms. Truitt.

It had been nice having something so close to home. Sometimes running a network from the telephone could get exhausting, especially when working with some of the dimmest people the criminal world had to offer.

If he could do that again, he figured, why not? Ms. Chakroborty did not seem to have the spine Ms. Truitt possessed, which made this all the more enticing.

“That’s a smart venture. Ever since the last clothing shoppe closed I am sure everyone has been waiting for someone to save them from having to travel elsewhere.” He smiled. “How can I be of help to you?”

VIXEY: Vixey let out a little breath when he didn’t immediately get up and walk away. She had been half expecting it. She had no idea how to negotiate a business deal. This wasn’t what she’d gone to school for. It wasn’t something she had ever thought she would need skills in. Maybe it was easier than she thought it was going to be…

“I’m glad you think so,” Vixey gushed, meaning it truly. If he had thought the shoppe a bad idea and ended things right there well...months of Vixey’s work would have gone to waste. That was the last thing she wanted now that she had come this far. Vixey had already, possibly, wasted months of her life getting a degree in nursing, just to turn her back on that profession the moment her life got hard. If this fell through too, she would feel truly lost.

She didn’t know how upfront she should be. Asking for money felt like such an intimate conversation.

“Well, I was--pointed in your direction by a few contacts of mine.” There, that felt professional. Even if those contacts had just been Tiana and Simba. “They told me that you--are interested in investing in small businesses around Swynlake.” That wasn’t asking for money, she supposed. At least, not outright.

“I, uh, I have all my business plans and such here.” She pushed the bulky folder towards him. “With budgets and design ideas, marketing plans...that sort of thing.”

RATIGAN: Despite her avoiding the word completely he knew what this was leading up to. (It was all anything ever led up to these days, wasn’t it?) Ratigan admired her wish to skirt around the question, seemingly waiting for the right moment or signs from him saying that she could go ahead and ask for the money she was looking for.

He leaned forward to retrieve the folder, holding the spine of it against an open hand while the other was allowed to flip through its pages. This he could admire, most people would have told him they sent him something on his email he could open or present him with their laptop to scroll through, but a physical copy held weight— showed effort.

Of course he did not actually care about this clothing store and whether or not it would benefit him. Either way he would walk out of this unscathed, even if it did fail, both monetarily and in reputation.

He was more interested to know who she was and if he would be able slip things under her nose without notice, just as he had Ms. Truitt.

“Well done. It seems you have a clear vision and goal in mind.” He glanced up, but returned to the pages in front of as he asked again, “Clearly you’re in no need of advice so, what is it I can do for you?”

VIXEY: Was that clear?

It didn’t feel clear to Vixey. In fact, she needed all the advice and help she could get. She still felt horrifically out of her element. Vixey hadn’t ever wanted to open a business. She had gone to school to be a nurse and get bossed around by other people! She didn’t know how to be a boss and run a business. The idea was incredibly daunting.

There were so many questions she wanted to ask: how do you hire people? How do you fire them? How do you budget how much they should be paid? How do you get stock for something like a thrift store? What kind of insurance was best? Of course, these were all things she could read online or in books and she had but—

Asking a genuine businessman was preferable and she couldn’t bother Jun for all of it. She’d feel horrible, using him like that when he’d already helped her so much.

But, as much as Vixey wanted to open her mouth and let all these anxieties pour out of her, she knew she couldn’t. Ratigan was not the person to ask. She needed to project confidence. Poise. He wouldn’t want to invest if he didn’t think she believed she could do it. Vixey wouldn’t blame him.

So, instead, she just smiled and fiddled with her fork.

“Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say. Uhm, I am currently shopping around for investors.” Asking for money was not natural for anyone and certainly not Vixey. She had worked hard, her whole life, but it was her father who reminded her that he had started out that exact way. Moving to a brand new country and starting a farm. He had relied on investors and community members to help him through those first years. And then he had even given her the first loan—it was a modest thousand dollars, but Vixey was already anxious to pay him back.

“If you—flip to the budgeting tab, you’ll see I’ve worked out my first year of finances. I’ve already got enough to pay for most the rent from another investor. But, obviously, there is still a deficit in the budget.”

About 20,000 pounds, but saying that out loud was intimidating.

RATIGAN: No, it wasn’t, but if he was going to get this show on the road before the restaurant called closing time then he figured it best to attempt boosting her confidence level. If she thought he thought she was competent then it may be enough to get her say what she meant.

Other investors. Ratigan wished he could roll his eyes. Honestly, he should have prepared for that given this woman’s financial situation and seeming polite sensibilities. She wouldn’t want to up and ask a stranger for all of what she was looking for. It seemed to be like pulling teeth even now since she wouldn’t just come out and say exactly what she needed from him.

Multiple people being involved would be rather annoying. More eyes on the books meant less of a chance he would be able to do much of anything. Especially if they were all going in evenly and no one had more say over the other— except if she knew them personally, then she would value their opinion above all else since this was a small town and relationships always seemed to win out in the end. Unless it was the right person at the helm and a nudge in the right direction could persuade them to listen to reason rather than their social obligations.

“I see.” He wished he could shut the book, tell her he wasn’t interested, and not have to deal with the, no doubt, ridiculous people she’d already gotten involved. Unfortunately, she was friends with Ms. Truitt and, not wanting to jeopardize what he did have, Ratigan knew he would have to hear her out. “And may I ask why you think I’d be a good fit for you?”

VIXEY: The truthful answer to Mr. Ratigan’s question was simple: because he had the money.

Obviously, Vixey couldn’t say that. She felt a bit bad even thinking it. It was true, however. She didn’t know Mr. Ratigan, he had no personal reason to invest. They both knew this. It made Vixey feel horribly uncomfortable. Doubting herself once again. She wasn’t as bold as Tiana nor as level-headed as Jun. Maybe she wasn’t cut out to be a business owner after all. But, she had already sunk so much time into this.

She had a plan.

So, after a brief pause—thankfully there was food she could shove her face with in the meantime (made sense to her now why so many people did business over dinner)—she swallowed and cleared her throat.

“You have a lot of experience with business. Tiana told me about some of your other ventures. And while I have done a lot of reading and learning, I know that there is still much more I could learn. I found you appealing because of that. And you’ve already invested in Swynlake, so I thought you might be open to it and that it was worth a try.” She tried for a winning, confident smile.

RATIGAN: Usually Ratigan was a big fan of games like this. Someone coming to him in need and not wanting to say it out right for one reason or another. It would amuse him to no end watching the other person squirm or bristle until eventually something gave and they finally admitted defeat. Here it was all just so— boring. They were discussing something of no consequence. (To him, anyway, which was all he cared about.)

But, again, what had he really expected?

He went through the motions, making sure his microexpressions were accurate to what she was saying to him. Sheepish flattery at the compliments, nodding as she shared her thought process, and rubbing a hand at his cheek as he pretended to think it over. He already had. There was no harm to him whether he gave her the money or not. If she failed then it was what it was, he lost nothing. If she succeeded then very well, he would have helped another person in this town gain a business. Either way his reputation remained. It was only if he didn’t invest that he may stand to lose something.

“Are you simply seeking a loan from me? Or am I to have some sort of stake in this venture as well?”

VIXEY: “Oh, well--” Vixey was rather taken aback by how blunt Mr. Ratigan was being, but perhaps this was how it worked in business. Vixey surely wouldn’t know. It made sense, she supposed, that someone who was sinking money into something wanted to make sure that it survived to see a return investment. Vixey wouldn’t blame them. It was a very practical thing to do.

She smiled, a bit uncomfortably, though she managed to swallow it down and smile brighter.

“My original plan was just for the investment, but I would be happy to hear if you wanted to be more firmly involved. I’ll admit that all of this is rather new to me, so I would, at the very least, appreciate any advice. I’m sure you--when--if you’d like to invest--want to make sure it succeeds as well. I’d be all ears. Truly. And very grateful.”

RATIGAN: He chuckled, sitting forward now. “Well, in that case, my first piece of advice for you is to not admit to such naivety. When dealing with money people tend to become less than sensitive to the well-fare of others and more inclined to focus on themselves. Even if you’re working with friends and family— perhaps more so since they think those are the people that will be more willing to forgive them for their actions.”

After all, where would he be if not for the sins of man?

“If it’s advice you seek then I will give you the same deal I offered to Ms. Truitt. Where she wanted to learn how to keep her books, I could help teach you how to run a business. Whether that be marketing, management, accounting, or financing. You’re asking for—” Ratigan glanced down to the binder. “10,000? If you give me 10% ownership then I can provide that, my personal experience, and should anything else come up, and it will as that is the way of life, then you can always come back to me for whatever else it is that you need.”

VIXEY: Oh, that--well, that actually sounded really good.

It took some of the pressure off Vixey, as there would be someone who actually knew what they were doing at the helm. And the way he spoke, it was obvious that he had a lot of experience. Something which she sorely lacked.

However, Vixey wasn’t one to make any split second decisions. This was something she would have to talk over with her father. And probably Jun. And also Tiana. She needed to collect all the evidence and organize it, then make a decision when she was ready. 10% ownership was a big deal, even if it sounded relatively small. They would have to set up guidelines for how much say he would have and what that would look like moving forward.

Her brain started whirring as she considered all of these options.

“Thank you, Mr. Ratigan. That is extremely generous. Much more than I would have hoped for.” It was, also, she realized, very business savvy, because it meant he would get a say in his investment. A higher guarantee of a bit of profit, or, at the very least, breaking even.

“I will have to consider it, but why don’t you send over a contract for me to read? If your firm has one on hand, otherwise, we could design one together, though that might take a bit longer. I can--get my answer to you in a few weeks? I am hoping to have my petition submitted to the board by the end of July and the shoppe opened by September at the latest, so it would certainly be before that.”

RATIGAN: Good, he had been anticipating that answer. As naive as this woman was she did have some sort of sense about her. He would have been more concerned had she simply jumped at the offer and agreed to it straight away if only because he did not want to deal with someone so ridiculous. They could be entertaining, like how the court kept a jester, but those sorts of people were not to be kept around and given a direct line of contact. So long as she remained competent this whole ordeal would be tolerable.

“That’s alright. I can have one drawn up and sent to you in no less than two days' time. I’ll use the email you’ve contacted me with in case they need any additional information.” It would take less time for him since the law firm worked for him (under a different identity), but in the interest of appearing relatively normal he would give it a few days. Just enough to let it breathe but not too long to allow the deal to be lost in the weeds of the rest of her planning.

“And please, take your time. If there is anything I have learned in my days it’s that it is better to be sure of yourself and your decisions than rush into something and be left with regret.” Ratigan smiled, closing the binder and handing it back over to her. “If there is anything else I can do for you in the meantime, please, don’t hesitate to ask. Now or in the future.”

VIXEY: This all sounded good to Vixey. Almost too good. But, that was Swynlake for you. Close knit communities allowed for a kind of opportunity Vixey had not seen before. As a girl, she had wanted the opportunities of the whole wide world! All the things that it had to offer. Now, though, she appreciated the opportunity of connections, more than she ever thought she would.

It was nice to feel as if she had a place to land softly, where her grief could be a gentle thing she carried with her. And that she did not have to explain herself. Everyone understood, because they knew her and her family and had heard, one way or another. She had thought that kind of gossip would bother her. It had at the hospital. Somehow, it was easier here. Vixey didn’t feel…judged or pitied. And she had made friends easily, sliding back into routines she had once hated for their simplicity and now cherished for the very same reason.

“Thank you so much. Your offer really means a lot. I will definitely keep that in mind.” And probably write up a list of questions, fret about sending it, then send it anyway.

“For now, let’s just leave it at that. I don’t want to take up any more of your time.”

#bdrpratigan #ratfox #the investment #part two #lookbook

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wujipianover · 4 years

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grief, the price of love

for jiang yanli’s birthday! happy birthday shijie! @mdzsnet

summary: She talks. It’s not entirely appropriate but it’s for Wei Ying so both don’t mind. She tells him about their childhood, stories of Wei Wuxian getting in trouble. She talks about when he first came to Lotus Pier, so tiny. How he ran away at night and she carried him on her back after he fell from a tree. Talked about how he used to lie on boats for hours at a stretch on the rivers of Yunmeng. How he was loved by every single vendor there. Lan Wangji takes in every detail hungrily. Her heart aches for him. There was always something between them that the world never understood, never bothered to understand. He can’t mourn openly. So she talks and hopes her memories would be able to fill the cracks.

(jiang yanli survives nightless city. she learns she isn't the only one left that cares for her wei ying)

grief is the price you pay for love

tags: jiang yanli lives, grief/mourning, cooking as therapy, jyl teaches lwj how to make soup

read on ao3 if you want!

When she wakes up, it’s to the sound of her little brother singing a lullaby that their mother used to sing, long long back ago with a sleeping A-Ling in his arms. She smiles, warmly. And then there is pain, unbearable pain all over her body and Jiang Cheng is getting up and fretting.

“A-jie! You’re up! Thank God!”

The relief that washes over him is palpable.

Then everything comes back to her. She was stabbed. Her hand ghosts over her abdomen that is covered with bandages. Dark, heavy grief settles over her. He’s gone. Otherwise he would be here, she knows him enough to know that.

“A-Ying?,” she trails off. A lone tear escapes unknowingly.

The Zidian around Jiang Cheng’s arm crackles menacingly. He’s grinding his teeth, a habit he’s had since he was 6. But now his eyes are dark and anger rolls off of him. He clutches A-Ling tighter.

“He’s dead. Had been dead to me long before.”

And that’s the end of the conversation.

Jiang Yanli’s heart shatters. She knew that. She knew everything that her Wei Ying had done. She looks over to her son and feels some of the weight lessen. But she still loves Wei Ying. Loved Wei Ying, something ugly reminds her.

She’s trying to not sob, all the heartache forming a lump in her throat when she falls asleep again.

She wakes up again to quiet. A moment later a nurse walks in and checks on her.

She wants to see her son again. She has to talk to A-Cheng again. Above all, she needs to see her Xianxian again.

She wasn’t done mourning for her husband. His loss, she feels in her heart, something she carries everyday. Jin Zixuan was not always kind to her. But later, there was love, so much love. It had washed over her and cleansed her off everything bad they had to endure. Wei Wuxian’s absence at the wedding was felt by all. But she had smiled and that hadn’t felt like a lie. But she never blamed the loss on Wei Wuxian. She knows him. Knew him.

Jiang Cheng walks into the room a while later. The nurse had told her that she had been asleep for two days. Seeing A-Cheng’s face erupt into a smile settles some of the sorrow stirring in her. She has him.

He kneels beside her bed.

“A-jie, I am so glad you’re up! We will be travelling to Lanling tomorrow and I wish I could stay with you there. I could if Wei Wuxian had kept his promise,” he stops himself. Clenching his jaw he says, “Well then, none of this would have happened.” His voice is softer, melancholic.

Her heart gives out. “You know none of this is his fault,” she tries gently.

“How can you still believe that?” He looks from where his face was buried in his hands. There are dark bruises under his eyes. He’s not been sleeping well. Too young, he’s too young and he has experienced more grief for a lifetime. He’s a sect leader now and the weight of responsibilities are visible in the tense line of his shoulders. “After all this?” HIs voice is choked.

Jian Cheng, she realizes needs reassurance because deep down, the parts covered by formalities and duties, he feels the same as him.

“Because you knew him”

“I don’t think I did.” There is finality in his words. He gets up suddenly and steels his expressions. The face of a sect leader.

“The Jiang sect has cut all ties with Wei Wuxian. His death will not change this fact.”

He salutes her. This is too formal. She wants to go back to a moment before.

“I will ask a nurse to bring A-Ling to you. Shijie needs to rest for her journey tomorrow.”

He turns on his heels and leaves before she can get a word out.

Life goes on. It takes a month to learn to walk again. A month more till she can hold her son again. It’s painful. There is an ugly scar on her belly but it acts as a reminder that someone, someone was there for Wei Wuxian. So it’s beautiful.

She wrestles her way into sect leader business much to the dismay of Jin Guangshan. Too long, she had gone on living in the shadows. There’s not a lot she can do, what with not being able to travel to other sects. But she attends meetings at Lanling and no one has dared to question her presence. She survived a knife to her belly. She has seen too much loss. She is strong and capable.

Jiang Cheng refuses to acknowledge Wei Wuxian. Rumours fly around that he gave the final blow that killed him. Her Xianxian ceases to exist, replaced by stories and myths of the Yiling Patriarch. It’s as if he was never a person before. As if he was never a boy. Just a boy.

So she flings herself into complaints from the villagers in Lanling. They are young, honest, ordinary people. They have problems that don’t take cultivation to solve. So she devotes herself to their needs, and then to the needs of the people who come to her from far away. Wei Wuxian did the same thing with the Wens. He was right. She wishes she had told him that, or tried to convince others of that.

She nurses his memory too, he will be alive in them. She remembers him smiling. He was born with a smile that could compete with the sun. It’s lonely though, being the only one alive who cares about him.

And then she gets a letter. And is reminded that she is not alone in loving Wei Ying.

Respected Young Lady Jiang,

I hope this Second Young Master Lan doesn’t offend Young Lady Jiang by sending this. Sect Leader Jiang informed me of your recovery. It comes as good news.

I am not aware of how much Lady Jiang has been informed on the matters of Wei Ying. This young master feels the need to inform that they still haven’t found a body. I continue to play Inquiry every night in hopes to find Wei Ying’s spirit. If there are any developments, Young Lady Jiang would be the first one to know.

This humble brother apologizes for any breach of privacy.

Wei Ying’s Lan Zhan.

She reads the letter again. How foolish for her to think that she was all alone in thinking about Wei Wuxian as he was. For the first time in a long time, his memory brings a smile to her face.

It gets easier. Time heals. A-Ling is a joy, raising him is second nature. The cultivation world becomes messy and she draws away from it. They have fallen into dramas that are not worthy for sect leaders to get into.

She spends her time talking to the common man and making sure Wei Ying’s Jin Rulan is worthy of his name.

She doesn’t hear from Hanguan-jun. There are whispers, nasty talk of discipline whips and seclusion and a young child. She doesn’t pay heed to any of it. A part of her wishes for another letter. She desperately wants to talk about him. Seems like that’s the only way to keep him alive now.

It’s almost noon and she is in her room going over written grievances to her when there is a knock at the door. It’s Hanguang-jun at the door looking pained and awkward.

They salute each other. “Young master Lan hopes that he doesn’t intrude the privacy of Young Lady Jiang.”

She beckons him to enter in response. He walks inside slowly, regal and elegant but stiff.

“Not at all Hanguang-jun, The letter was appreciated.”

Lan Wangji relaxes at that.

There is a pause, Jiang Yanli guesses he’s wondering what to say.

“Lan Wangji was in seclusion and therefore was not able to play Inquiry all this time. He apologizes”

It confirms what she knew all along, there was no answer.

“It was very kind for Hanguang-jun to try.”

“I wanted to.” It comes out so earnest, Jiang Yanli melts. Lan Wangji’s ears are pinker.

“Will Hanguang-jun want to learn to make A-Ying’s favourite food?”

It’s an indulgence, Lan Wangji would not want to waste his time on such frivolity. She remembers the food of CLoud Recesses and how plain it was. A-Ying’s favourite would not suit Lan Wangji’s palate. It’s more for her sake, making this for his brother’s Lan Zhan would mean more. She goes to apologize when Lan Wangji says softly, “I would like that very much.”

And so they make their way to the kitchen. She makes everyone leave, their mouth agape.

Lan Wanji is silent beside her as she talks him through the recipe. It’s simple soup with lotus and meat. Hanguang-jun is a fast learner and he listens to her attentively, humming his assent occasionally.

The process is therapeutic. Chopping and stirring and tasting. She can do this in her sleep. The rhythmic movements ease her. The fact that Hanguang-jun’s brows wrinkle like he is trying to memorize every flick of Jiang Yanli’s wrist.

She talks. It’s not entirely appropriate but it’s for Wei Ying so both don’t mind. She tells him about their childhood, stories of Wei Wuxian getting in trouble. She talks about when he first came to Lotus Pier, so tiny. How he ran away at night and she carried him on her back after he fell from a tree. Talked about how he used to lie on boats for hours at a stretch on the rivers of Yunmeng. How he was loved by every single vendor there. Lan Wangji takes in every detail hungrily. Her heart aches for him. There was always something between them that the world never understood, never bothered to understand. He can’t mourn openly. So she talks and hopes her memories would be able to fill the cracks.

“He was born with a smiling face, you know.”

“I know,” he gives the smallest smile.

The soup is ready and she pours them in two bowls. They sit and eat in silence. Lan Wangji’s eyes water and she doesn’t know if it’s from the spice alone.

He leaves without a word after the meal. Jiang Yanli has never felt this content in three years.

Sixteen years later a message talisman stirs her from her sleep.

He’s back.

Wei Ying’s Lan Zhan

She comes alive again.

#you deserve the world #mdzsnet #mdzs #the untamed #jiang yanli #lan wangji #jiang cheng #wei wuxian #im late but its my bday tomorrow so its okay #my fic #cql #its sad im sorry

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qvestchen · 4 years

Text

Nemesis // Soonwoo SVT

Summary: It was really laughable. The idea that Jeon Wonwoo had a nemesis. And yet there it was. The clear proof that all his life, like a nagging dull ache, Kwon Soonyoung had stepped all over his plans without ever really acknowledging him.

And maybe it was wrong for Wonwoo to seek him out but all he wanted was answers at first. He had never imagined they would stand opposite each other, fingers on triggers, his death in his nemesis’s hands and vice-versa.

Author: qvestchen

Status: Ongoing

Chapters: Home, Previous, Next.

Nemesis // Soonwoo SVT

Chapter 3: Felt like you teleported

"Who was it? Someone asking for Wonwoo from you?" Mingyu asked Jeonghan when he finished talking on the phone.

The three of them were sitting in Wonwoo and Mingyu's dorm room. Jeonghan and Wonwoo had just returned from their strange but unfruitful trip to the uni hospital, something Mingyu was still having trouble grasping.

"It was Soonyoung," Jeonghan said. "He was asking about you, Wonwoo. What is happening? Do you know each other?"

Wonwoo had not said a word since they had returned, obviously disappointed over something.

He isn't even playing his game. What happened? Mingyu had asked, only to get no answer.

But now Wonwoo looked up quickly. "Kwon Soonyoung? What did he say?"

"Alright, calm down, dude. Care to tell me what is going on or am I just talking to myself here?" Mingyu asked.

Wonwoo ignored him, clutching at Jeonghan's arm. "What was he saying? Can we go meet him?"

Mingyu sighed, turning away. "Okay, I see how it is. Replaced by a fairy today. Don't mind me. I'm fine. I always loved Seokmin more."

Jeonghan said, "Uh, well, he didn't really say much. He asked if I had a friend with your name and I said, yeah, he's here with me, want to talk? And he cut the phone saying...uh, some choice words."

Wonwoo was quiet.

Jeonghan chewed his lip. "Are you okay?"

"No," Mingyu groaned. "My best friend replaced me for a new guy."

Wonwoo cleared his throat. "It's obviously a mistake. Sorry, guys, I'm feeling tired. I'm going to turn in for the night."

Jeonghan and Mingyu exchanged glances and then, the latter mouthed, Out, now!

Once outside the door, Mingyu turned to him. "Look I don't really interfere but care to tell me what is going on? He is behaving strangely."

"I don't know. I at the cafeteria earlier—"

"I thought the other guy called you," Mingyu said.

"Oh did he?" Jeonghan scrunched his forehead thoughtfully before shrugging. "Well, that's not important. I don't even know you guys properly to be honest. I'm just as lost as you. Your friend just heard that Soonyoung's friend had an accident and demanded to accompany me to the hospital. It happened in front of you all. Don't blame me..." his voice trailed off as he looked at the floor. "I...I just wanted to be friends with you. Seokmin was so nice to me and..."

Mingyu's gaze softened. "No, no, you're misunderstanding me. I'm not blaming you. I'm really sorry if you felt that way. I was just..."

"I understand." Jeonghan smiled. "You're just worried."

Mingyu returned the smile, beaming. "Yes, exactly. And he's not big on communicating so I thought it's better to ask you."

"I guess, they have some history together. Wonwoo seemed like he knew Soonyoung and I've just recently got to know Soonyoung too so I can't say what exactly it is but seems like Soonyoung knows him too."

Mingyu looked at the closed door beside them. "I suppose we'll know if they ever meet."

Jeonghan's face was determined when he answered. "When they meet." Not if.

He had waited till it was well past two before getting up and walking across his room. He opened the dorm room but didn't step out into the corridor outside. Instead he stepped into hospital wing, walking noiselessly to Joshua's bed.

Yoon Jeonghan stared at the sleeping boy, watching almost in fascination as moonlight lit parts of Joshua's peaceful expression. His eyes followed the turn of his lips, the slant of his nose and stopped at the tired dark circles beneath the eyes. He made a face.

He stood for a moment, as if silently debating something and then reached for Joshua's wrist, fingers grazing the bronze bracelet. Something like wild electricity crackled at the touch and Joshua moved slightly, sighing almost in relief whilst still asleep.

"You're weak," Jeonghan said, a sneer rippling across his features, and turned away, disappearing as silently as he had appeared.

Behind him, Joshua's face looked healthier than before.

"Wait, are you sure it's okay for him to be discharged so quickly? He fainted yesterday!" Soonyoung argued with the nurse.

Joshua smiled. "Soonyoung-ah, I'm totally fine and kind of embarrassed so drop it. Let's go before we miss our first class."

"You're not going to any class as far as I am concerned. We're going back to our dorm room where you will lay in bed and I will baby you around until you get better."

Joshua's eyes crinkled up as he laughed. "Okay, Mom. Let's just get out of here. I hate hospitals."

Soonyoung and Jun looked at each other at the mention of 'mom' but didn't say anything. Later, the message was clear.

But at the dorms, Joshua shooed them all away. "I'll stay with Jihoon. He doesn't have early morning classes and you all can go study."

Soonyoung and Jun left finally, promising to attend the first so Joshua didn't have to feel that they were missing out on their "absolutely important education". They walked out of the door in silence but soon Soonyoung spoke up, "I'm worried about him."

"Me too. All he does is work on his laptop and study. I don't even remember the last time he did something apart from studies and drama club. It's burning him out," Jun said.

"The nurse said he is exhausted and he looks it too. Maybe we should let his pa—"

"We should help him have some fun."

Soonyoung and Jun jumped at the sudden voice.

"Ah, did I startle you?" Jeonghan smiled, his eyes sparkling with charm. "I came to see Joshua but I heard you two first."

"You have a really soft tread." Soonyoung laughed.

Jun nodded. "Felt like you teleported here."

The three of them burst out laughing.

"But seriously," Jeonghan said, as they settled on the park benches near their dorm, "I feel like he needs to have some fun, take his mind of studies and maybe date someone nice. I don't know, maybe I don't even have the right to say all this. I really want to be there for him but sometimes I feel like he doesn't like me..."

Soonyoung looked at him with pity. Jeonghan's eyes were downcast and he was fidgeting with his sleeves. "Jeonghan, that's—that's not true."

Jun puffed out his chest. "In fact, according to my shrewd judgement, he has the hots for you."

Soonyoung spluttered. "Jun!"

"What?" Jun raised his eyebrows. "I know sexual tension when I see it."

Jeonghan coughed. "Jun, you're really funny. But coming back to what we were talking about, how about we host a party for him?"

"A party?" Soonyoung contemplated.

Jun's eyes immediately lit up. "A Glad you're okay and we love you to bits party? Can we have a proper huge party with good drinks and games and a DJ and a huge guest list because there's this guy I really want to ask out?"

"Exactly," Jeonghan reacted with equal excitement. "Let's go big!"

Soonyoung interjected. "How will we host a party when all of us are broke?"

The other two nodded, shoulders slumping.

Jeonghan looked around the campus park and he smiled. "Maybe we won't need to host one at all. Get everyone ready for the best Friday night party of your lives!"

"Wait—"

But Jeonghan was already gone, shouting "Dino-ya! Dino, hey, wait up!" to someone walking out of the park.

"Isn't Friday today?" Jun asked.

Soonyoung sighed.

"And why are we going to this party again?" Joshua asked, making a face, as Soonyoung fussed with his jacket one last time.

His friend stood back and looked at him, obviously happy with his work of stealing Seungcheol's faux leather jacket and having Joshua wear it. He messed up his hair a bit. "You look like you're going to steal a few hearts tonight."

Joshua rolled his eyes. The jacket felt odd on him and he wished he was wearing a band t-shirt over ripped jeans like Soonyoung minus the choker that his friend was obviously happy wearing.

"We are going because our friend Dino is hosting a Friday night party and the average college student attends parties on Friday nights so here we are!" Jun grinned.

Jun looked drop dead gorgeous and confidence flashed out of his excited smile. He did a turn, his jacket and jewellery glittering against the moonlight.

"That reminds me. Since when did we have a friend named Dino. You all are such liars," Joshua said, trying to turn back.

Jihoon put a firm grip on his arm. "I hate to be here but there's no way we're going back." He had turned up in a hoodie and sweatpants, looking the picture of annoyance, and Joshua wondered how they had convinced him.

"Let's go!" Soonyoung said, opening the door and walking in.

Joshua sighed and followed his friends inside. He was the last to enter but he felt the room's energy shift into something darker as something whistled through the air towards Soonyoung. He lunged forward to pull him back but he knew he was already a second late. There was a sickening sound of an object hitting a hard surface and he closed his eyes fearing the worst as several voices screamed out.

The DJ stopped the music.

"Well, fuck, that was a near save."

He opened his eyes at the voice and looked at Soonyoung who was smiling weakly, pointing to a dart lodged into the wall beside, a dart that landed a considerable distance away from the dartboard, a dart that had narrowly missed Soonyoung's eyes, missed them by a hair's breadth...Joshua felt like he couldn't breathe.

From somewhere in the crowd, Seungcheol could be heard saying loudly, "Which idiot threw that?"

Someone walked up to Soonyoung and said in a shaky voice, "Are you okay? I am so sorry. I don't even know how it went there. I promise I'll never even touch a dart from now on. This was actually my first time. Oh God, are you okay?"

"Nothing happened so it's all cool. No worries," Soonyoung said, smiling, as the colour returned to his face. "Though you should stay away from darts for a bit." He stretched out his hand. "Should we just introduce ourselves and pretend like we didn't meet over my attempted murder?"

The DJ turned on the music again and the crowd went back to dancing and talking, seemingly disappointed that there was no drama.

The other boy reached out to shake his hand. "Really sorry and yeah, I would like that. I'm Wonwoo, by the way, from History department and those over there are my idiot friends who told me playing darts was a good idea."

Soonyoung's smile slipped. "You're him."

hi! so sorry it took ages to update but we were busy with work and studies.

hope you all liked this chapter. there is so much going on and lots of little easter eggs scattered across the story for our lovely readers so let us know how you are liking the story so far and what you think might happen next?

next update soon(woo)er than you think~~

#soonwoo #seventeen au #seventeen fic #hoshi #wonwoo #seventeen #soonyoung #jihan #joshua #jeonghan #junhui #dino #mingyu #scoups #woozi #vernon #seungkwan #minghao #seokmin

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babyflossy · 5 years

Text

sworn enemies (7) | k.mg

pairing: werewolf!mingyu x vampire!reader

summary: when you find a werewolf nearly dead in an alley, you didn’t think helping him would change your life so much. sometimes fate works in strange ways.

genre: supernatural au

warnings: more blood, swearing

word count: 1761

parts: one previous next

seungcheol decided he didn't care if mingyu thought they wouldn't like the place, they needed a safe place to hide out until they could devise a plan. it didn't take long for the group to pick each other up and get ready to run again. mingyu told them it was at the outskirts of the city, meaning they couldn't shift to get there, they would just have to be quick.

mingyu knew the way from muscle memory now, they weren't far away now, the only thing slowing them down was vernon not being able to walk properly. jeonghan had inspected the injury and said it looked like he had broken it, and he couldn't walk on it until the bone was set to prevent it healing incorrectly. they couldn't set the bone there and would have to wait until they got to the house. jun wrapped an arm under his shoulders to help him walk faster, catching up to the others.

"it's not far now," mingyu promised the pack and they paused when they got to the tree-line. your apartment block was in sight now, but they would be too when they left the safety of the woods.

"i'll carry vernon, we'll just have to run for it," jun spoke up, crouching slightly so vernon could hop on his back. he looked worn out, the bags under his eyes heavy and dark, and too pale.

they left in their groups. seungcheol led his group first so mingyu could get there before the rest of them. he hadn't really thought about what you would say. he just knew that they were desperate, and you wouldn't turn them away, he also hoped you would be able to stitch up there wounds like you had done to him so many times. mingyu raced up the stairs to the first floor, wonwoo and chan right behind him, seungcheol waiting at the door checking the other groups were getting there okay. soonyoung's group came next so jihoon's could make sure jun and vernon got to the building without being seen.

mingyu told wonwoo and chan not to freak out before he knocked on the door. the two boys shared a confused look before trying to listen inside the apartment. they couldn't hear anything at all and wonwoo nearly said something about the house being empty before the door opened.

you stood there, staring at mingyu before noticing the two boys behind him, and then seeing the last group enter the lobby downstairs, hurrying up to the front door.

"mingyu, what the fuck?" you could tell it was his pack by the overwhelming scent of werewolf, and you could also smell the blood from their various cuts and scrapes. you didn't have time to think before he was rushing inside, you held the door open for the rest of them, a boy you assumed to be seungcheol entering last, staring at you with narrowed eyes.

they took up your whole living room, jun had already dropped vernon onto your sofa and you looked around frantically.

"we didn't have anywhere else to go," mingyu explained with pleading eyes. "we're being chased and this was the closest place i could think of."

your eyes took in the group of boys, all of them staring at you with wide eyes. you saw the way their eyes flickered from mingyu, to you, to seuncheol. they all looked worn and battered and you knew you couldn't kick them out. "you can stay here."

before mingyu could thank you, however, seuncheol spoke up, "care to explain, mingyu?" his eyes were sharp and mingyu looked panicked for a moment. he looked around and saw similar looks among his pack mates.

"this is my mate, y/n," he didn't seem to want to say out loud what you were and you couldn't really blame him.

"she's a vampire," seungcheol hissed, "she's dead."

"thanks for that," mingyu's words were icy and you heard the pack collectively hold their breath. "what did you wanna do, then? let us all die out there? she's my mate, so elaborate if you have a problem."

they stared each other down for a few tense moments. the rest of the pack watched before wonwoo stood up and walked over to seungcheol. he faced away from you and mingyu and spoke to him quietly. wonwoo told him that you had helped migyu whenever he was injured and he thought you could be trusted. you had no idea how he knew about that, and it seemed like mingyu didn't either from the confused expression painted on his face.

seungcheol's dark eyes flicked to yours and he nodded slightly, which you returned. he turned away and starting talking to jeonghan and joshua quietly. the rest of the pack seemed to let out the breath they were holding and started talking among themselves.

you faced mingyu and wonwoo stood beside you, his voice was deep but we wore a small smile, "it's nice to finally meet you," you looked at mingyu but he looked equally as confused as you. wonwoo saw his perplexed expression and rolled his eyes,"come on, gyu. you're not very secretive."

you chuckled at that and looked around. you didn't know how long they would stay for but you knew you didn't have enough supplies for them for long. "right, well, we need food, and bandages, and rubbing alcohol–"

"make a list and we'll go and get it," mingyu insisted, his gaze on you as you tried to think of everything you'd need.

you grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and wrote the list. you checked vernon's ankle before writing down a splint that they could buy from the pharmacy, telling them what to ask for. mingyu left, list in tow, with seungcheol, joshua and jihoon, leaving you to deal with the worst injuries.

the rest of the pack started asking you questions as you waited for the others to return with the supplies. you were cleaning jeonghan's neck wound with saline solution whilst he complained it was too hot.

"how old are you?"

you had to think about that before you could answer. you start to lose track of time when you've been alive for so long. the days and years melt together sometimes. "i think i was born in 1898, i can't really remember," you admitted, concentrating on cleaning the blood still leaving the wound on jeonghan's neck. you were unbelievably grateful you had gone hunting yesterday, it made being around so much blood infinitely easier, even if werewolf blood wasn't the most appetising to you.

"you're so old." chan giggled before you shot him a glare, successfully shutting him up.

"should we all call you noona, then?" minghao laughed into his glass of water and you rolled your eyes at them.

by the time mingyu and the others returned with the supplies, vernon's ankle had started to heal at the wrong angle. you inspected it carefully before looking up regretfully. "it's started to heal incorrectly, i'm going to have to break it again." you could see the colour drain from his face and he looked at you with pleading eyes.

"isn't there anything else you can do?" he looked around at the older members, who were purposefully avoiding his gaze. the pain would be worse because he knew it was coming.

"bite this, it'll help for the pain," you handed him a wet chunk of bark and he looked at it uncertainly. before he could voice his confusion, seungcheol beat him to it.

"what is it?" he demanded, looking at it as if it would tell him all the answers he wanted. it was painfully obvious he still didn't trust you and you could feel mingyu take a deep breath in behind you.

"it's boswellia soaked in a pain draught. a witch i know makes it for me," you explained as vernon cautiously took it from you and smelled it. it smelt sweet, the smell drifting into the rest of the room. "that reminds me, can you burn the sage on the counter?"

"why?" it was seungcheol again.

"do you always ask this many questions?" you didn't mean to snap but you didn't like being questioned on every decision you made. "it will mask the smell of all of you. the hunters will think this is a witch's house. they'd never dare to disturb a witch in her house." joshua got up and took the sage, lighting it with the matches next to it and setting it in the bowl next to the front door. you looked back to vernon, who was still pale in fright and smiled reassuringly, "it'll be quick."

he bit on the boswellia and closed his eyes. you took a hold of his leg and foot and lifted it slightly, before swiftly twisting your hands, hearing the crack of the bone splitting again. vernon screamed into the wood and let his head collapse back into the couch cushions whilst you set his foot in the splint.

you handed him a small blue vial and answered the question before it was spoken, "it's a sleeping draught, it will help the bone heal faster and better." vernon drank it immediately and he was soon unconscious. you propped his foot up on some cushions to stop the swelling and moved on to the next injury.

it took a few hours to clean and dress everyone's wounds and you were just finishing bandaging joshua's hands when he started speaking. "where'd you learn all this?" his voice was just above a whisper due to half the pack sleeping around you. jeonghan, jun and mingyu had called dibs on your bed, leaving the rest of the pack to make makeshift beds around your living room.

"i've worked a lot of jobs," you smiled faintly, thinking of all your careers which were all so different, "i was a nurse in world war two, actually."

"really?" he was shocked and it looked like he couldn't quite believe it.

"yeah, i think that's one of the best things about being what i am. i've learned so many things, i've met so many people. it really gives you a different perspective of the world when you've seen everything i have." joshua nodded and listened to you in awe. he asked questions about your past until everyone else had gone to sleep, leaving the room in an eery quiet, the smell of sage strong, but comforting.

when joshua finally settled down to sleep, you carefully stepped over eveyone's bodies, checking on them before sitting on the kitchen counter, which seemed to be the only free space left in the tiny apartment. you tucked your legs under yourself and closed your eyes. it had been a hectic day and you were glad for some peace.

a/n: i’m not sure how i feel about this chapter - but i promised they’ll actually start getting together soon! also, requests are open, so i guess send them in!

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irenerei-n-svt · 4 years

Text

FLOWER

(Part 1)

So i am retconning my JeonghanxJoshua omegaverse. Dont worry the setting is still the same just some setting and plot different

• On my Omegaverse. They only get to know their 2nd gender on their 18 birthday. But also will have late bloomer (like Jihoon seen in MingyuxJihoon )

• They were close ever since they met. Jeonghan was the one approached first and being really nice with Jisoo

• Occasionally teasing Jisoo by teaching him weird Korean making other people laughs at him (of course Jeonghan will properly apologise)

• The reason is also because Jeonghan likes it when Jisoo just innocently listens to him. Even though Hansol also teaches Jisoo Korean as well.

• Jisoo, after a while he got fond of Jeonghan, looks up at him actually. Jisoo appreciated Jeonghan's enthusiasms and effort to practise and sing. While Jeonghan dotes on Jisoo and proud of Jisoo being multilingual.

• Them being fond with each other, hugs, back hugs, hair ruffles, gazes. Of course is just Jeonghan being affectionate and Jisoo accepted it because he was brought up at western so he could tolerate it better.

• Jisoo would just follow Jeonghan anywhere lol. They find it funny too because its always happens naturally.

• Jisoo looks up at Jeonghan and Seungcheol even more when they find out they are Alphas.

• Jisoo being the 3rd hyung also hope that he could alpha so that it will stable the team even more.

• Male omega in this au is not that rare actually. People are already accepting and dropping weird stereotypes. So omega can work properly as well because of new type of meds. But only heat period is just something cannot be undone.

• Due to the culture history, there are still some stereotype of AlphaxAlpha, even though in this universe, people don't really care much. (Unless u are from upper class or royalty. Or you being a traditional minded person.)

• So times comes where doctor comes to check when Jisoo fully becomes 18 years old.

• Jisoo is nervous, Seungcheol and Jeonghan are close during blood test

• But during consultation, its a private time so Seungcheol and Jeonghan did not get to join in.

• This is when doctor revealed to Jisoo that he is an Omega.

• When Jisoo knew the news he froze.

• For some reasons, he felt devastated and ashamed. He felt he does not deserve to stand beside his team mate, even Jeonghan.

• Jisoo was the first omega to get known to his results. Thats why he got panicked. He is afraid if he will drag down the team quality.

• He felt he was different from them. And the emotions grows extremely in short term.

• With weird sense of stubbornness, he was determined to not let the others, not even Jeonghan to know about his gender.

• He lied to members and researched. He even went to get medicine without telling members. His family supported him from behind. The medicne is legal and it helps to suppress to not give off omega scent

• But

• Actually Vernon caught him went out at night. Vernon just wanna have some snacks from fridge and end up seeing Jisoo returning from outside with the meds.

• Jisoo lied that he felt feverish so he went to get some vitamins and antibiotic

• Vernon be like oh ok cool.

• Condition is bearable so Jisoo hope to keep it a secret as long as he could.

• BUT What hit Jisoo was when svt members gathered and talk about gender preferences for love interest

• (to be meta i mean kids/human does make mistake, and mind you i am not writing this to lowkey racist/sexist, they talked about it because they just pure curious but then they stopped doing it ever since because they noticed the topic is sensitive and offensive)

• Jeonghan when the kids asked hin about his partner preferences : well i will be grateful if my partner is an Alpha too...

• Jisoo who is sitting other side strumming his guitar eventually heard it and was flushed with unknown emotions. He just quietly puts down the guitar and leaves.

• Jeonghan noticed Jisoo's emotion aura change as he sees him leaving.

• But Jeonghan did not finished his words actually and Jisoo did not get to hear it.

• Jeonghan, S.coups and Vernon also was the ones to suggest they should not be talking about gender preferences anymore and the boys agreed (because they are a jumble of alphas betas and omegas)

• The other 2 of 95line come together and tried to express apology to Jisoo. (Lol they did not know what was the real reason)

• They thought is because of Jisoo's Western upbringing he is more sensitive about this because it might sounds offensive to foreigners.

• Jisoo would just say he is fine, because they are all curious on stuffs like this so he does not fully blame them for having the conversation. Jisoo thanked them for being considerate.

• But from then on, Jisoo distanced himself from Jeonghan which Jeonghan felt really weird.

• Jun probably : Jeonghan hyung why is Jisoo hyung avoiding you like he'd saw a ghost?

• Jeonghan awkwardly laughs

• Seungcheol : must have been you playing a weird prank on him

• Cues in Jeonghan slapping Seungcheol on his shoulders.

• Mingyu probably : but Jisoo hyung was acting weird ever since his birthday right?

• Jun : I do see Jisoo hyung tends to stick with Vernon though

• Jeonghan : You are quite right tho.

• Detective Jeonghan starts to think and observe. He can wait for answers but it must be from Jisoo himself

• Vernon probably : Josh hyung, why is Jeonghan hyung looking at us like that?

• Jisoo : Don't mind him.

• Cues in Jun who secretly asks Jisoo and check out if he is ok.

• Cues in Jun worried look in his big big eyes

• Jun : Hyung, was the gender test that scary?

• Jisoo then realises his action recently might have projected insecurities so he just smiles at Jun. Stating the gender test is fine, everything is healthy.

• Jisoo : Don't worry Junnie, I am fine. I am just tired.

• Cues in Jun who just quietly hugs Jisoo.

• It lasted about a month until Jisoo finally has his first heat.

• He woke up with slight fever and his actions got slower

• It was during practise and Jisoo suddenly felt a burst of heat from his body

• He hurrily rushed out from the practise room. And ran to washroom.

• The only thing in Jisoo's mind : I have to cool this heat off

• Meanwhile, Jisoo's scent actually flooded the practise room before he ran out.

• It triggers Seungcheol, Jeonghan, Mingyu and Wonwoo ( I have established in before Mingyu and Wonwoo are early bloomers, not yet have rut before 18 but they already showing alpha traits)

• The kids who are not aware of the reasons well were scared.

• Jeonghan yelled at the others to ran out even ask them to ran back to dorm first

• Seungcheol asked Jun to go to adults and claimed that they will lock themselves in.

• But before that happen, Jeonghan rushed out before anyone realised.

• Jeonghan felt the scent is calling him and luring him to Jisoo.

• Apart from a weird heat emerging from his core, Jeonghan also heavily felt the urge to protect Jisoo at all cost. Before other alphas could find Jisoo.

• Jeonghan murmuring while following Jisoo's scent : Please be safe, Jisoo-ah

• And Jisoo now is having a cold water head shower. He buries his head under the tap and keep hoping water will calm him down. He has already taken meds but it does not seems to be effective yet

• But he could feel a scent coming near and he begged for his heat to go away

• Then he heard someone calling out his name

• Its Jeonghan panting after all the running

• Jisoo then remembered all sorts of things, how the doctor told him about outcomes of omega male in heat if some untamed alpha assaulted them.

• And he remembered he does not want Jeonghan to know his omega gender

• And Jeonghan is an alpha standing in front of him. And drawing himself closer towards oneself.

• Jisoo panicked, backed his away and tried to lock himself into toilet cubicle

• But was stopped by Jeonghan and Jeonghan grabbed Jisoo's wrist

• This is the first time Jeonghan really really exploded and shouted at Jisoo.

• Jeonghan : Ya, Hong Jisoo, what did I do to make you hate me this much? You could at least let me know it!!

• The moment Jeonghan grabbed Jisoo's wrist, he felt a weird electricity ran through his body.

• Jeonghan unaware of Jisoo is overwhelmed by new experiences, and was driven by worriness and his alpha instinct, kept on prying : Have you been stressing yourself about this since your birthday?!

• Could not cope with all the unfamilar sensations, Jisoo in tears, tried to shake off the firm grip. He could only whimpered "Please"

• Jisoo : anyone but you

• It made Jeonghan ticked

• Jeonghan : Do you hate me this much?

• Jisoo just kept quiet and shook his head. He felt the him now is disgusting and unfit to be with a SVT . Unfit being a friend to Jeonghan as well.

• Jeonghan knew they could not stay alone like this.

• He also knew if they stayed longer, and looking at Jisoo's crying face with his whimpering voice, Jeonghan will definitely lose it.

• Jeonghan pulled Jisoo up and they both are ready to run. Lucky the nurse already sensed things are off and already rushed to where the 2 boys were.

• The nurse just finished took care of the other alpha boys that locked themselves in. And Seungcheol told the nurse Jeonghan and Jisoo are still out there, so the nurse went to find them.

• Jeonghan hurriedly back off once he saw the nurse. Letting Jisoo to get attentive care first.

• After Jeonghan got his suppressant injection. He is more calmer now. He helped the nurse to get Jisoo to infirmary. And later go check up Seungcheol with the others.

• The other boys are calmer too and they are worried about Jisoo too

• After confirmed Jisoo is now safe they went home. Apologised for scaring the other kids.

• The whole team now realised its not gonna be like before anymore. There will be more omegas and even betas. They need to work things out.

• Jeonghan speculated Jisoo's off character behaviour might be due to finding out himself is an omega.

• Seungkwan: Why he did not tell us?

• Jeonghan: He is scared. And scared to ask for help. As if we will push him away if he told us.

• Seungcheol: Abandoning anyone is not an option here

• Jeonghan looks at Seungcheol in grateful eyes.

• Jeonghan : Thank you Seungcheol-ah

• Seungcheol just pats Jeonghan on his back.

• That night they decided to embrace everyone's gender and in the future, no more hiding.

Is late now so i better stop now

#seventeen omegaverse #omegaverse au #omegaverse #omegaverse headcanon #omegaverse heacanons #Jeonghan x Jisoo #flower #Jeonghan #Jisoo #yoon jeonghan #hong jisoo #joshua hong

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shijiujun · 5 years

Text

[ENG] History3: Trapped Novel - Chapter Six

~5,000 words (proofread by @weilongfu)

Translation Masterpost can be found here

Disclaimer: Translations are entirely mine and Wei’s - these are not official translations and some phrases have been changed for better English interpretation so you’ll definitely see better/different translations elsewhere. Also keeping in mind when we translated this we aren’t exactly thinking about the style of writing and this translation is as close to the novel as we can make it XD So yes, some parts may be a little awkward to read. And yes some teeny weeny details and words may not turn up in the translation because the Chi to Eng mind acrobatics didn’t work out. If you see asterisks, scroll all the way to the bottom for notes!

Full chapter below the cut

Chapter Six

Hospital

Tang Yi and Dao Yi both sprint into the emergency room and see Jiang Jin Tang, who’s wrapping up Hong Ye’s wounds.

“Hong Ye!”

“Ah Yi?”

Tang Yi rushes forward immediately and hugs Hong Ye, who’s sitting up in the hospital bed.

“How is she?”

As he’s treating her wounds, Dr Jiang explains the situation, “There are a few abrasions, I’ve already prescribed some medicine for that. And because we are afraid that she may have a concussion from trauma to the head, so we’ve also done a brain MRI, and now we’re waiting for the report to come out.”

Realising that Hong Ye was mostly fine, both men release huge sighs, relieved. Dao Yi’s tightly clenched fist at his side also relaxes gradually.

“That gun was just pointing at us… I was really scared, my mind just went blank-”

A nurse comes over with swift steps and goes over to Dr Jiang’s side, and reports, anxious, “Dr Jiang, the other patient has been wheeled into the operating theater, Dr Zheng hopes that you can go over right now.”

“Okay, I’m going now.”

Dr Jiang’s expression is somber, and just as he’s about to turn to leave, Tang Yi grabs onto his arm.

“Is it Meng Shao Fei?”

“Gunshot wound to the abdomen, his Glasgow coma score is 3♯.”

The man wearing his doctor’s robes answers, then moves Tang Yi’s hand off of his arm, before following the nurse quickly into the operating theatre. The doors of the emergency room slide open once again, revealing Captain Shi and the rest of Team 3, who were informed about Shao Fei’s injury earlier. Their expressions all reflect panic and worry - even Yu Qi’s eyes are red, and she’s obviously cried a few times on the way here.

Captain Shi rushes straight for the desk and grabs onto the nearest nurse to ask, “Meng Shao Fei, where’s Officer Meng?”

“Officer Meng was shot in the abdomen, he’s currently still in surgery.”

Standing on the side, Zhao Zi is unable to hide his panic either and asks, anxious, “How did he get shot?”

“We’re not very sure either. Please wait at the side, and don’t obstruct the way into the emergency room.”

Captain Shi looks up, about to find a place to sit, when he sees a particular someone in the waiting area. He walks forward angrily, and without saying a word, Captain Shi directly slams his fist on the other’s face.

“Tang Yi! I agree to let Ah Fei protect you, but he’s not for you to use as a shield for bullets! Why did this happen? Why?”

Blaming himself for it all, Tang Yi does not resist - his eyes do not land on Captain Shi even once, and his expression is so cold and distant that he almost looks like a nonchalant outsider. Only those who know him well like Hong Ye and Dao Yi understand, that the man in front of them is in a state of absolute fury.

“Tang Yi you listen carefully, you better pray that nothing happens to Shao Fei, otherwise I won’t stand on ceremony and will arrest you to the police station!”

“Boss, don’t be like this! Boss!”

Zhao Zi and Jun Wei hold onto the captain’s arms on each side, and drag the fuming man away from the emergency room, that is packed with plenty of other patients and their family members. The last one to walk in is Ah Zhi. Right before he leaves, he turns and sends Ah De a look at the doors to the emergency room. Ah De subtly shakes his head at him, before turning his gaze back to Tang Yi seated in the plastic chair and who is staring straight ahead.

The Tang Household

Having just returned home from the hospital, Ah De follows closely behind Tang Yi up the stairs. Jack, who’s been waiting there since earlier, takes the initiative and approaches Tang Yi first, “Boss.”

“Where’s he?”

“Inside.”

Tang Yi’s footsteps do not cease as he angrily tears his suit jacket off of him, the garment dropping to the ground. Ah De picks it up and hangs it over his arm, his expression revealing both anxiety and unease.

The moment the door to the room opens, they see the man who attacked Hong Ye and Shao Fei earlier tied to a chair in the room, gagged with a piece of cloth. Once the man sees Tang Yi’s expression, he immediately begins to struggle and shout.

“Get out.”

Knowing that Tang Yi intends to torture the man personally, Ah De immediately stops in front of him. He says, “Boss, let me do it. Don’t dirty your hands.”

“Get out,” the words leave Tang Yi’s throat softer than before, but his tone this time leaves a chill down everyone’s spine.

“This small matter, I can handle it-”

Ah De does not get a chance to complete his sentence before he’s viciously shoved to the wall. Glaring at the subordinate who has interrupted him repeatedly, Tang Yi glares at the man.

“He dared to touch my people, and you call it a small matter? Then what is a ‘big matter’?”

“I’m sorry, I spoke out of turn. I’ll leave right now.”

Having followed Tang Yi for so many years, this is the second time Ah De has seen such an expression on Tang Yi’s face - the first time, was four years ago when Tang Yi woke up in the ICU ward, only to be given the news that Boss Tang was dead. Ah De knows that he can no longer say anything. All he can do is hold onto the suit jacket in his hands and leave the room, feeling panicked.

The merciless expression on Tang Yi’s face is akin to a grim reaper just as it’s about to wield its scythe - he grabs at the man’s jaw and smiles coldly, “Hold on just a little longer. I’ll definitely let you listen to the sound of your ribs breaking one by one.”

Wearing his spiked brass knuckles on his dominant right hand, the man tied to the chair is so fearful that he soils himself, his pants stained with the evidence of his shame and also the unpleasant stench.

Outside of the room, Ah De is unable to sit still and instead paces outside the door, wanting to know what’s going on inside, then also looking at his phone from time to time, as if waiting for someone’s reply.

Jack calmly plays with the butterfly knife in his hands, and speaks, “Don’t worry. He won’t beat him to death. Boss knows this much at least.”

If the man is beaten to death, then he cannot reveal any clues. The trick is to beat him until he thinks he will die in the next moment, but leave him that tiny, little glimpse of survival. Only then can they get the answers they need. This is what Jack learnt from the battlefield, and this is also the logic he used on himself when he was captured as a hostage and interrogated. Even if he was at his limits, he remembered that there is no reason for him to be loose-lipped, because once he tells the truth he no longer has any value. And people without any value and use will truly walk towards certain death.

“Why would I be worried about that fucker?”

“Oh? Then I must be mistaken. I saw that you were so nervous, I thought both of you knew each other.”

“What do you mean? What do you mean by I know him? Who does he think he is, do you think I will know a small fry like him?”

Jack looks at the man who has suddenly switched moods, then smiles, “De Ge, don’t get so angry. I’m hardly being serious here, don’t take it to heart and don’t listen too closely.”

Ah De suddenly grabs onto Jack’s butterfly knife in his grasp and warns sternly, “Some things cannot be said for the fun of it. Also, be careful of your knife.”

At this moment, Ah De’s quiet phone sounds with an incoming message and quickly leaves. A few minutes later, Jack deftly keeps his knife and walks over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. With his smiling eyes that scream anything but friendly, he watches as Ah De drives out of the house.

Restaurant booth

“Why did you only just return my texts, he’s already been caught by Boss,” Ah De says to the person who’s been waiting there for a while, the moment he opens the door and walks into the booth.

Hong Ye coldly looks at the man who hurriedly closes the door, and asks, “Li Zhi De, did you really want to kill me?”

“I didn’t! The plan was just as I discussed with CEO Zuo previously. We’ll pretend that your attacker is your competition from the bid* and I already instructed them to use only sticks to teach Meng Shao Fei a lesson, to make him look like he can’t protect anyone at all, that’s al!”

Hong Ye picks up the glass of red wine, and with sharp eyes scrutinising the other’s every reaction, she continues, “Sticks? But he was holding a gun. That time, you were the one who said you could chase Meng Shao Fei away and that’s why I reluctantly cooperated with you. In the end, this show has turned out to be farce. Or… did you have other motives for this?”

“CEO Zuo, how could I have any other motives? I really don’t know why it has turned out like this. I called and confirmed it earlier, before my people got to the carpark everything had already happened. Those people weren’t sent by me. I wanted to take care of these small fries by myself, but who knew Boss would do it personally, and I didn’t expect that Boss would have such an extreme reaction towards Meng Shao Fei getting hurt…”

That very last sentence, Ah De says through gritted teeth.

At his words, Hong Ye, who was cutting through a slice of blue cheese with her fork, freezes. Taking a deep breath, she picks up her handbag from the couch, and with a raised eyebrow, she says to Ah De, “In any case, the show is over. If that guy says anything to Ah Yi, you’re on your own.”

“CEO Zuo! CEO Zuo!”

Ah De shouts after her in a panic, but he can only watch as the woman leaves the booth without a backwards glance.

The Tang Household - Balcony

Tang Yi, who hates the smell of cigarette smoke, smokes one now - something that happens rarely. His sleeves are folded all the way to his elbows, still stained with dried blood.

Jack walks to the balcony and speaks, “He’s been sent to the hospital to Dr. Jiang already. Does Boss already know who sent him?”

Tang Yi’s eyes are filled with murderous intent and his gaze sweeps towards the red-haired man. Jack shrugs and smiles, “I’m simply curious what person wants to die so much that he dared to touch the person Boss cares about the most.”

Tang Yi does not reply immediately. Instead, he draws a cigarette out of its box and lights it with his lighter, watching as the white rings of smoke float into the air and dissipate. Then in a voice coloured with resentment, he spits, “Chen. Wen. Hao.”

“It was him after all.”

Having gotten his answer, Jack’s eyes move to the side and watch the brass knuckles settled on the surface of the table still stained with dried blood, and secretly makes his plans.

Restaurant parking lot

Hong Ye walks towards the parking lot, but sees Dao Yi, who’s already standing next to her car.

“What are you doing here?”

“Boss already found out who sent the men who shot at you.”

“Is that so?”

Expressionless, she moves towards the driver’s seat, not want Dao Yi to realise that this was hers and Li Zhi De’s plan, but she hears an unexpected answer.

“Chen Wen Hao.”

Hong Ye heaves a sigh of relief on the inside, and pretends to be calm as she says, “I already told Ah Yi that he should be careful with that old fox.”

“Miss, this time you were lucky that nothing worse happened. I understand that you want to protect Boss, but getting our brothers to hurt yourself, what if something actually happened? We will be very upset and hurt.”

Hong Ye looks at the man who already knows everything, and stops playing the fool. Instead, she goes straight to the reason for doing it.

“Ever since Ah Yi met hat cop, nothing good has happened. I’m protecting him in my own way, what right do you have to accuse me?”

Dao Yi exhales heavily, and calmly replies. “You’ve seen Boss’ reaction towards him. If you’re really thinking about Boss, then let him handle his relationship with Meng Shao Fei. I don’t wish to see you get hurt.”

“You don’t want to see me get hurt?” Hong Ye looks at him, her eyes bitter and asks, “Do you know who has hurt me the most? It’s you, Gu Dao Yi!”

The man averts his gaze and is silent for a few moments.

“Let me send you home.”

He walks towards the left side of the car, about to open the door and sit in the driver’s seat and prepared to send the person most important to him safely home, but Hong Ye slaps his hand away in anger.

With tears running down her face, she yells, “Everytime we get to this topic you hide! Why can’t you face the feelings that I have for you? I just want to say, I like you, Zuo Hong Ye likes Gu Dao Yi!”

“Miss, it’s only because I’ve taken care of you for so many years, so you’re mistaken habit and dependence as liking me.”

“I’m definitely not mistaken! I’ve liked you since I was young, I’ve had a crush on you and also confessed to you for so many years! How could I be mistaken?”

“Miss…”

“Right. You’re right. It’s habit. I’m used to you treating me well, used to you taking care of me, used to you cleaning up my messes, and then I thought habit was me liking you… Very good. I’m awake now…”

Prideful, Hong Ye has tolerated one rejection after another, and yet today all she has gotten is this embarrassing situation. So she lifts her chin up, inhaling deep, and speaks, “You being nice to me is because Boss Tang asked you to. If that’s the case, let’s end it here. These past few years have been hard on you, Uncle Dao Yi.”

Pushing aside Dao Yi who’s standing next to the door, she sits on the driver’s seat and slams the door shut. She starts the engine of her blue car and drives out of the restaurant’s parking lot.

Dao Yi stands in the parking lot and watches Hong Ye’s car leave.

Hospital corridor

“Toothbrush, shampoo, cup, hot flask, ah! I forgot to bring the hot flask…. Is Ah Fei awake?”

Carrying a bag filled with a change of clothes and some necessities, Zhao Zi walks to the hospital room Shao Fei is in. Opening the door and taking a look, he immediately freezes.

Inside the room, Tang Yi stands at the end of the bed watching an unconscious Shao Fei, still under anaesthesia. Hearing the noise made from the door opening, his icy gaze shifts, and Zhao Zi immediately shivers. Timidly, he retreats out of the room and even closes the door shut on his way out.

Standing outside the door, Zhao Zi pats at his chest and hammering heart. “Oh my god, why is he here? I.. better visit later then.”

He picks up the bag, deciding that he will first go somewhere near the hospital to eat something first, then circle around the area a few times before he comes back to visit Shao Fei.

Inside the room, Tang Yi quietly holds Shao Fei’s hand - the one without the IV drip - and gazes intently at Shao Fei’s face, so pale due to the loss of too much blood.

“Meng Shao Fei,” Tang Yi softly calls the person who’s already become the most important person to him.

The man lying in bed moves the fingers clasped in Tang Yi’s hand, then slowly opens his eyes and looks at the blurry but familiar figure before him. Unconsciously, his lips curve up.

“Poker face.”*

Saying those words with a smile, Shao Fei closes his eyes, incredibly at ease, and slips back into sleep.

“You see? It has a dead face like yours, I’m giving this to you. Hold onto it!”

Tang Yi cannot help but laugh at the thought of their conversation then, and takes the keychain out from his suit. Since the day he lost control and beat the culprit who shot Shao Fei half to death and tossed him to Jiang Jin Tang afterwards, Tang Yi has been carrying the keychain with him, along with the lighter that Boss Tang gave him.** Shao Fei gave it to him, this skeleton keychain.

Looking at the man in the hospital bed, Tang Yi is unable to move his gaze from Shao Fei for a long while.

Outside the hospital

Just as he’s leaving the hospital through its doors, his path is blocked off by a car that suddenly pulls its brakes and stops in front of him.

Jack, who’s been following closely behind Tang Yi since they left the hospital room, immediately stands in a bodyguard’s position, shielding Tang Yi at his front, ready to attack at anytime.

A man alights the car and with an expression of calm, gestures towards the open car door and welcomes Tang Yi in. Politely, he says, “Mr. Tang, Boss Chen wants to see you.”

Jack moves to touch his butterfly knife, but immediately after a gun is pressed at his waist belonging to another subordinate. The clean and smooth movement is familiar to Jack - obviously, these are moves taught to him also by the army.

“Just as well. I have something I would like to ask Boss Chen as well.”

Tang Yi looks towards Jack and with his eyes, hint at Jack to not return the attack. Then, he moves into the backseat, and is sent to a Chinese tea room by Chen Wen Hao’s subordinates.

In the tea room

“We finally meet.”

The man who controls the drug network and supply in Cambodia looks just like any other elder, and with a smile he welcomes the young Xing Tian Meng leader, who was ‘invited’ here.

“If you’ve got anything to say, then get to the point. I don’t like to beat around the bush,” Tang Yi says, expressionless as he kneels on the tatami mat of the tea room.”

“Good!” Chen Wen Hao says, impressed. “We return to others what has been done to us. That has always been a rule in our world, and since you picked on my subordinate, Wang Kun Cheng, so I retaliated with Zuo Hong Ye. But now that Zuo Hong Ye is fine, it seems like I’m on the losing end of this.”

“What do you want?”

“I hear that Tang Guo Dong raised you up himself, and he treats you like his son.”

Deliberately using a nonchalant tone, Chen Wen Hao tries to find out the truth about the rumor that Tang Yi is Tang Guo Dong’s secret son***, but Tang Yi does not react to the sentence.

Chen Wen Hao picks up his tea and drinks, then continues, “I once treated Tang Guo Dong as my family, and I even went to jail for him willingly. I didn’t expect him to have a son and then not tell me. Then again, according to the ranks in Xing Tian Meng, you should call me ‘Uncle’ as well.”

“Of course. Those who Xing Tian Meng re indebted to, I definitely will treat them as family… but those who betray Xing Tian Meng, no matter who they are, I will make him pay the price,” Tang Yi smiles, responding to Chen Wen Hao, who for some reason keeps focusing on the topic of Boss Tang.

“Since we’re all family, why not let’s make a deal.”

Chen Wen Hao looks at the unflappable young man who reveals no emotion no matter how Chen Wen Hao tries to sound him out, and gives up on asking about the relationship between Tang Yi and Boss Tang. Changing the subject, he talks business instead.

“I don’t intend to be Xing Tian Meng’s enemy. After all, this is not my territory, what’s more important is to be able to make money. I can forget what happened with Wang Kun Cheng and everything that happened before. We’ll treat it that we didn’t know each other then. From today onwards, I can reject all of Xing Tian Meng’s orders. I do my own business, you reform your organisation, we don’t touch each other’s territory. How’s that?”

Filling up a cup with hot tea, he slides it across the table until it’s settled before Tang Yi.

“It’s a deal!”

Tang Yi raises the cup in Chen Wen Hao’s direction, and the man raises his own cup as well. They down the cup in one go, then turn the cups over to show that no drop of tea is left in their cups.

Chen Wen Hao eyes curve as he smiles, and looking at the young man seated in front of him, he says, “Good! I’ll introduce you to someone next time, this person will be very helpful to your legal business.”

“Thank you Boss Chen,” he smiles at the old fox who has finally been led back here after years of planning, placing the cup back on the table.

Hospital roof

“Fuck! So suffocating!” Shao Fei shouts to the sky, who’s sitting on a wheelchair and was pushed up to the roof for some air by Tang Yi.

Tang Yi stands on the roof, gazing at the view in the distance, and says, “Thank you for saving Hong Ye.”

“Please, I’m a cop! This is what I’m supposed to do.”

“But…” Tang Yi returns his gaze to the person next to him, and frowning, he continues, “Don’t let this happen a second time.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t want to lose another friend.”

“Hey! I’ve been upgraded? From half a friend to a friend? Oh, ouch ouch ouch ouch-”

Shao Fei, who was almost at death’s door, enjoys less than three seconds of happiness, before he’s yelling out in pain from pulling at this wound.

“Are you okay? Let me bring you to a doctor.”

Concern written all over his face, Tang Yi anxiously looks at Shao Fei, who’s pressing at his abdomen. Shao Fei is bent at the waist, lightly holding onto where he pulled at his wound and pitifully, he implores, “I just came out and you want me to go back? Please let me have some more air, please, please.”

Tang Yi smiles, shaking his head. Gazing into the other person’s eyes and with a somber expression, he says, “Meng Shao Fei, I’m very happy that you’re still alive. Although you’ve been opposing me constantly in the past four years, but until the moment I was standing in front of the operating room and seeing how pale you were, in a deep, induced coma, I realised… I don’t want to lose you.”

The person listening to this recalls the moment he realised his own feelings for Tang Yi, the night that he cried out of hurt and pain. Shao Fei thought that in the other person’s eyes, he wasn’t even a ‘friend’, but now hearing the confession that Tang Yi didn’t want to lose him.

“You made my life so different and let me experienced warmth again. So I hope that you will live well, even if it’s just for my sake-”

Tang Yi continues to speak, not realising that the person next to him has teared up, his eyes all red. Suddenly, an arm hooks around his neck and lips press to his.

Until they’re almost breathless, only then does Shao Fei finish the kiss and stands from the wheelchair. He walks towards the roof’s shorter wall in front of him and looks towards the clear skies, then turns around and points at the Xing Tian Meng leader, who is sporting an indescribable and complex expression right now.

Full of sincerity and being so serious, Shao Fei says, “Tang Yi! I’m chasing you for sure!”

He will not be like the female characters in an idol drama where she is indecisive and counts the petals on a flower, but also eventually doesn’t dare to take the step to chase after her own happiness.****

No matter who he, Meng Shao Fei, likes, he doesn’t care for anyone else’s opinion. Even if the other person is a male, even if he’s Xing Tian Meng’s boss, even if the underworld and cops are from two different worlds, Shao Fei wants to trap Tang Yi’s person, and have Tang Yi’s heart as well. And-

He will never regret it!

The Tang Household

Tang Yi sits behind his office desk that is illuminated only by a desk lamp, looking at the lighter and skeleton keychain on the table. He recalls what Boss Tang once told him…

“Promise me, if one of these days, you can only choose between yourself and Xing Tian Meng, then give up Xing Tian meng.”

“I’m already prepared to-”

“Just leave that to me, you shouldn’t be the one to have it. Xing Tian Meng was established by your uncles and I, and we have a duty to keep it alive but also die with it. And you don’t.”

“Because I don’t have the right?”

“No, because you still have a future,” Tang Guo Dong smiles and caresses the top of his head.

“Silly boy! There are a lot of precious things in life that’s worth you chasing after, do you understand that?”

“Like what?”

“Love. If you’ve never been in love, you haven’t actually live life properly.”

The man reaches out with his finger and lightly pokes at Tang Yi’s chest, over his heart.

“Every person in life was born lacking one rib, and that rib grows on the person you like. Maybe you think it doesn’t matter right now, but I hope that one day you will understand what happiness is like loving someone. When that happens, don’t forget to let me see what you rib looks like. I hope you will that person won’t be like you, with an icy expression on their faces all the time…”

Tang Yi presses at his chest, right over his heart where Boss Tang once poked at and recalls everything that has happened between him and Shao Fei these past four years. He picks up the skeleton keychain, and makes a decision.*****

Hospital

Busy with helping Shao Fei pack after settling his discharge papers, Zhao Zi and Yu Qi look up to see the Xing Tian Meng leader walking into the room.

Bringing up her courage, Yu Qi opens her arms and blocks his path, and says, “What are you doing here? We don’t welcome you here.”

Although she doesn’t know what the other person is going to do, in any case, she must not let this man close to Shao Fei, because everytime something happens to Shao Fei, this man is always involved.

“Tang Yi, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to give you an answer.”

“What answer?”

Zhao Zi scratches the back of his head and dumbly asks Jack, who’s followed at Tang Yi’s back and entered the room as well. Jack doesn’t reply, only pinching at Zhao Zi’s cheek with a smile.

Shao Fei nervously looks at the person walking towards him, not sure what kind of answer he will give him.

The next second, Tang Yi imitates the action that Shao Fei did on the rooftop a few days ago - he hooks his arm around the back of Shao Fei’s neck and pulls him close, and in front of the other three people, he kisses Shao Fei’s lips.

So startled Zhao Zi and Yu Qi are that heavy breathing sounds being to come from the both of them, their eyes wide and staring at everything that’s happening before them, speechless. On the other hand, Jack who’s standing on the side with his arms crossed, looks upon the scene with amusement.

“Meng Shao Fei, I want you!”

“We’ll see who will get the other person first!” Shao Fei declares, arrogantly lifting his chin up, and looking at the man who so certainly confessed to him.

♯Glasgow Coma Scale is usually used for helping to assess and quickly describe levels of consciousness in injured people, primarily looking at how impared the brain is by looking at the ability to open eyes, respond verbally, and respond with motor skills. A score of 3 is pretty damn low and means that Shao Fei is not doing well. When the book says he was probably close to death, they mean it!

https://www.nursingtimes.net/Journals/2014/10/10/n/p/l/141015Forty-years-on-updating-the-Glasgow-coma-scale.pdf

https://www.glasgowcomascale.org/

*In the previous chapters, I wrote ‘dead person’s face’ as a literal translation, but in this case, he’s calling Tang Yi that as a name of sorts and not a description, so I’ve switched to ‘poker face’ as a term rather ‘dead person’s face’ or ‘like a dead person’ kind of thing… sorry if it’s confusing!

**WE DID NOT GET THIS LITTLE GEM IN THE SHOW AND OMG that is possibly the sweetest thing ever?!!

***Think in usual cases we’ll call him a bastard i.e. a son had by a woman that Boss Tang never married

****What have you been watching, Shao Fei?!!!!

*****I really like this detail?!!!! And the way the flashback worked in this case because basically Tang Yi symbolically chose Shao Fei over Xing Tian Meng by picking up the keychain, just as Boss Tang said omg

#history 3: 圈套 #history3圈套 #history 3: trapped #history3: trap #history3 novel #translations #ch 6 is finally up sorry for the wait

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