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yoonia · 21 days

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the bedroom hymns ● chapter xvi

⟶ Chapter summary | The many layers of mysteries that are present in the home castle are beginning to feel daunting. But the biggest mystery of all may have been about your magic. After your last encounter with Yoongi and finding yourself in a predicament which further questions the secret behind your family’s magic, you try to find ways to find your own solutions to grow stronger, to gain control of your magic, only to constantly being face with one obstacle after another.

⟶ Author’s Note | It took me a while to finish this part, so forgive me for my absence. I’m splitting what was supposed to be the filler in chapter 16 into two separate chapters because there’s going to be a lot of information dump happening and I don’t want to confuse everyone. So please don’t be surprised with the short chapter(s) coming. Thank you for your patience and have fun reading! [Ps. This is highly unedited so I’m sorry if there’s any mistake]

chapter xvi. respite

Quite some time has passed since the first time you began using the magic portals, long since you have arrived in this castle and learned about the existence of magic in this realm, and you are slowly beginning to notice the changes happening with your body.

It seems to you that the more you are using the portals, the easier your body becomes affected by their magic. Just as how you seem to be getting more sensitive to the flow of magic that is a part of the portals.

Returning from Grimm had costed you quite a predicament. Once again, the journey had drained your energy that you slept through the night and nearly woke up late the next morning after your return. Even the palace maids who have been tending to your needs since the day you came to the castle had become so concerned, thinking that perhaps you have gone ill.

It wasn’t until later in the evening when you figured out the reason why you have been feeling a deep fatigue coursing through your body each time you returned from your excursions. Not until the moment the royal physician was brought to see you after a full day of being listless, with barely any energy for you to have a meal.

The royal physician took his time examining your body thoroughly, yet once he deliberated his assessment, you were quickly taken by surprise, not expecting to hear him talk about your mana and how it had everything to do with the reason why you were feeling sluggish and drained.

“It seems to me that you have exhausted your mana. Have you perhaps been using it excessively as of late, Your Highness?”

“I—no, not that I recall. I haven’t done much but study with my tutor and keep myself busy with royal duties,” you simply answered as you laid back against the pillows, refraining from admitting openly that you hadn’t even begun training on how to wield your magic, much less to start getting to know about it at all.

You had no idea how much most of the people within the home castle have learned about you, or if any of them ever knew anything about your previous life at all. Particularly about your life back at The Citadel, back in the human realm where magic didn’t exist. You also had no idea if there was anyone within the castle who may have learned about the family’s magic and the responsibility that had been placed upon you to protect the secret behind the magic.

A part of you wished that you could have said something about it. Because maybe then you could find someone to help you solve the things you had wished to know. To find someone to confide in.

Someone who belonged in the castle, who was trusted by the King himself, instead of confiding to a member of the mercenary army suspected to pose a threat to the empire.

Shaking your head, you forced yourself to stop thinking about this—to stop thinking just how dependent you were becoming to the handsome and mysterious stranger that you probably shouldn’t trust—just as the royal physician shared with you another theory while being oblivious to your trailing thoughts.

“Then perhaps your body is having problems adjusting to the castle. The magic barrier that His Majesty, The King, has placed here is quite strong. It must have been draining your energy as you come in contact with it, or—” the physician stopped himself as he deliberated the issue further while rubbing at his chin. But then he suddenly started shaking his head, as if brushing away those thoughts with his lips curling downward in displeasure.

“No,” he began wondering to himself, brushing away whatever thought crossing through his mind as he murmured, “I doubt that His Majesty’s magic would feed on your mana. The barrier surrounding the castle would require a power source, but I can’t see anyone else other than His Majesty who would be powerful enough to provide such energy.”

That can happen? You couldn’t help but wonder. Has your father’s magic been feeding on your mana?

But that sounds—so terribly wrong.

Just as these thoughts continued to run rampant in your head, a faint tingle ran through your forearm while you were being examined, and you couldn’t help but remember how similar it felt to the sensation coursing through you whenever you walked through the magic portals.

Had it really been the reason? Have you been right for thinking that perhaps the magic portals have been draining your mana, your energy, feeding off your magic that had been lying dormant within you?

Is this why Father had insisted that I only use the portal only once a day and not more, and to not stay any longer than the time limit that he had given?

Or had it been the other way around? What if it has always been my mana which activated those portals, while the keys have only been the medium to help open the doors?

Clearing his throat, the royal physician brought your attention back to him as he gently reassured you, “I will leave you with some remedy and a special potion to help strengthen your mana and help you rest for the night until your body recovers enough. I will also leave a list of nutritions that could be added to your meal. It may help you heal faster if your body receive the proper sustenance needed for your recovery. I shall leave it in the hands of your personal maids so they could hand them to the royal chef.”

Your mind was still stuck in his previous comment and your own assessment of the condition that you found yourself in that you barely paid attention to his words, although you were still able to answer him with a soft murmur, “Thank you, Sir.”

The physician said nothing else after. “In the meantime, please don’t strain yourself too much, Your Highness. You have quite a delicate constitution which may require a lot of care,” he inquired, before softly adding, “I am sure that His Majesty would prefer that you take care of yourself well until he returns home.”

You said nothing other than gratitude to the royal physician as he made his leave, allowing you some privacy and enough time to have your much-needed rest. Yet the silence that you were left with couldn’t stop you from spending the night wondering, thinking back to everything that he said; about your mana being drained without you realising it.

Looking down at your hands as you kept them rested on your lap, you slowly opened your palms. There hadn’t been enough books in the library that could have given you any clue on how to make use of your mana and practice your magic.

You could only figure this out simply because you had tried to look. Out of all the magic books that you had been digging into in the library outside of your tutoring hours, you had found little to nothing that was written about any magic that may conjure portals. At the very least, nothing that seemed similar to the magic that your father had cast in these portals.

And there had been nothing other than the old scriptures you found about ancient fairies and their ability to move between space and time that sounded similar to those portals. Although there were mentions of these ancient beings traveling to many different parts of the realm, even crossing between realms.

But what if there was something in those scriptures that could explain about the source of your father’s magic? Had there been something in those texts that you had missed?

That night, as you slowly drifted into sleep under the effect of the potion that had been given by the physician, you made a promise to yourself to return to those scriptures and learn more about the magic that was written in them. You fell asleep that night feeling hopeful, determined to find the roots of your father’s magic.

Perhaps, with a little more digging, you would find the reason why he had left you with such a huge responsibility of keeping this magic as a secret, while setting things in motion to have you venturing into those portals and to walk across the parts of the world hidden behind them so blindly.

Perhaps, you could also find the answer to one of the biggest secrets that he has been keeping from you and everyone else for years.

The secrets about your mother.

“I might have to show it to you to prove it…”

Yoongi’s voice echoes through your mind as if it bounces against the invisible walls standing all around you.

The words that he gave you seems to have been engraved in your memory ever since the day you met him in Grimm, and they keep haunting you both in your dreams and during your waking hours. It has been a couple of days since, yet it still feels like yesterday when you parted ways with Yoongi in the dark forest of Grimm.

Since then, you have been overcome with a deep feeling of regret.

The regret for not being able to have more time to spend with him. The regret of not being able to catch his sight, to be completely helpless as you watch him getting swallowed under the thick foliage, held back by fear that had a tight grip in your chest.

And you also feel the regret that always comes to haunt you whenever you recall about the offer that he made that day. When he reached out to you, offering to assist you in learning more about your magic. You hate thinking that you might have missed out on a chance to figure out your magic.

But it couldn’t be helped, after all, when your father’s voice—repeating the same words and warnings about how important it was to keep the family’s magic a secret—kept echoing through your head while you were staring at Yoongi’s extended hand which he offered you that day. You had felt the itch to reach out to him, to accept his hand, even if it was only for the sake of feeling the gentle touch of his fingers on yours instead of actually having him help awaken the magic that was lying dormant inside you.

Yet you just couldn’t do it.

And now you are left with the constant wonderings—all the what ifs and what could haves—while the long list of regrets that are still lingering with you becomes the reason why you keep seeing in in your dreams.

The dreams are never the same.

In one dream, you recounted the moment you refused his offer. Only this time, you had stepped away from him at the tavern, choosing to end your time together earlier than what you had intended to so you could escape his attentive eyes. In another, you haven’t even heard the same words spoken by Yoongi before his image vanished right in front of your eyes.

But there was one particular dream that appeared so vividly that you continued to see it even during the daytime, taking over your idle mind with his presence as if you were taken back to that moment, when you sat right across from him with his deep, unwavering gaze locked on yours.

“I might have to show it to you to prove it…”

You never truly understood what he meant by saying those words, but in this dream of yours, none of it mattered. And your father’s voice hadn’t been there to stop you from leaning forward at the table to give him your rapt attention. Your mind was also silent, and the thunderous sound of your heartbeat faded away when you spoke to him,

“How?”

“Give me your hand.”

Time seemed to remain still as you reached out to him, giving him your hand. You barely touched the tips of his fingers when something magical happened; as a bright sparks of silver dust light up between both of your hands, with specks of blue dust erupting the moment you made contact with his skin, and the same tingling sensation that you had often felt from the portals came surging through your arms before settling inside your chest.

Before your mind could ever make sense of what was happening, the light only grew brighter, and everything faded under its blinding glow which later pulled you away from the dream. And as you slowly woke up, finding yourself lying on your bed alone, nothing else remained from the dream, except for the tingles running across your skin which took their sweet time to fade away.

Stepping out of the treasure room, you clutch the golden pocket watch in your palm, feeling victorious that you finally have it in your hand.

You had come to the treasure room right before your afternoon lessons with your tutor, hoping that you would be able to find anything that might be useful for your next trip through the portals. Your father had been right, after all, that the treasure room may provide you with anything that you may need to support your daily activities while you adjust with your new life at the castle.

Like a pocket watch, for example.

Something that is so small and simple, yet crucial for the sake of your safety while you are out there, roaming through any foreign land that the portals are taking you.

Why have I never thought of this before?

You cannot help but wonder as you look down at the ticking watch in your hand, regretting that you didn’t think of getting one in the first place. It could have saved you a lot of trouble if you had.

The last couple of trips you made had been risky, as you kept cutting it too close to the time limit that had been given to you by your father, only missing merely minutes or even seconds before the portal started closing behind you after you slipped back through.

You had nearly gotten into a bigger trouble when you returned from Grimm, almost missing a toe when you barely managed to return to the portal before it closed on you. You blame it to your impulse need of chasing Yoongi into the deep forest when you started to feel like he was slipping away from and disappearing for good.

It was after that incident when you finally learned your lesson and decided that something needed to change. That you would need something to hold onto which may help you to keep up with the time, instead of simply relying on the signs of dusk as a reminder to let you know when it was time to return home.

The idea first came to you after observing Lord Gordan, the royal aide and the head butler of the castle, while he was working on his duties. You had often seen him pulling out a golden watch from the pocket of his suit to help him tell the time, and wondered if it would be something that you could make use of.

After receiving the royal physician’s approval to return to your daily duties this morning, you feel like you are ready to embark on another adventure. With this golden pocket watch in your hand, the magic necklace that had been passed down to you from your late mother, and the dagger hidden under the skirt of your dress, you feel as if you are unstoppable, ready to face anything that may come to your path as you walk through the portal later once your tutoring hours are over.

Now if you only could just find a way to calm the restless thrums of your heartbeat inside your tight chest, then everything would be well. That is all that you could only hope for, at the very least, as you make your way to your tutoring lesson.

Because what better way to find answers other than to gain them straight from the people who are in charge of teaching you everything that is needed to learn as the heir of throne? Who else would know the answers you need, other than your tutors?

“You want to—” Lady Laurel carefully repeats your question. She is looking slightly wary to even voice it out loud, even if it is just the two of you in the library that her voice is lowered when she continues, “—practice using your magic?”

You have only been away from the library for a couple of days while you were resting, only keeping contact with Lady Laurel by corresponding through letters and the books that she had left behind through your personal maids for you to read.

Today would be the first day that you are back with your daily lectures. You could tell from the moment you saw Lady Laurel sitting by the study desk in the library as she waited for you to arrive that she had a lot of things planned out to keep you busy for the day.

But you have come up with your own plan when you marched your way to the library.

For weeks now, Lady Laurel had filled your private lessons with lectures about the fairy tale land to get you to know this new realm a lot more. So far, you have learned about its history, about the kingdoms and the people, even the non-human beings that you may find should you ever have the chance to visit those lands—elves, fairies, werewolves, even human mages—and you have heard about the real events that are the makings behind all the tales known and shared in the human realm.

During those long weeks, Lady Laurel had also been teaching you the basic knowledge of magic; the types of magic that you may encounter and each of their origins, the history behind them, and the ancient spells that have been written in the textbooks that you have found in the library during your solo studying.

She was also the one who first taught you to find a way to identify your mana.

She had mentioned how it would be helpful in the future should you start using your magic, as you would have become familiar to the mana flowing inside you by the time you begin your magic practices. If only she knew with what you have been doing once you were done with her lessons, how you have been using the theories that she had taught you into practice once you were left on your own.

There has been nothing much that Lady Laurel could teach you in her lessons other than the ability to reach within, to feel the presence of your magic and have a good grip on it, to recognise it as a part of yourself instead of something that simply appeared in your body overnight. But your solo practices that you have been doing in the shelter of your bedchamber had taken it a step further, enhancing it until you could make use of it to recognise and then respond to the magic that exists around you.

Just like the way you had used it to respond to the magic in the portals and to recognise Yoongi’s inner mana.

Yet that is just as far as both of you could get. You could tell that there are restrictions that your tutors would need to follow when they are guiding you through your lessons. Because not once had she ever tried to do more; whether it was to help you unleash the magic inside you, nor to use it by conjuring the magic for a purpose.

But you want more. You have been ready for more. And after your last encounter with Yoongi, you have gained the courage to express your desire to learn how to properly use your magic more actively. To learn how to expel its powers and make use of it for your own benefit.

And that is exactly what you said to your tutor the moment you joined her at the library’s study area, as you were taking the seat right across from her as you usually would during your tutoring hours.

Keeping your eyes on Lady Laurel, you try to gauge her reaction. Even from the moment you had first thought of bringing this up to her, you had expected to have an intense response from her, and for her to straight up refuse your request.

And you have been prepared to deal with whatever the outcome may be, knowing that you are not going to back down that easily.

“Yes, that is exactly what I said,” you answer her with your chin raised, feeling determined about taking the next step into learning how to use your magic. “I want you to teach me how to unlock my magic and help me practice using it, instead of just trying to feel it. Because I already know that it’s there, lying almost dormant inside me without me knowing how to use it to protect the people who are dear to me, which is something that I want to be able to do.”

These thoughts have been running through your head for the past few days while you were being holed up in your bedchamber under the royal physician’s restrictions. The feeling of want and the deep curiosity you have to know more about your magic, to be able to reach within yourself so you could somehow wield it so that you could make good use of it, has been growing stronger that you can no longer deny it.

That need had been lingering in your thoughts that it was almost impossible for you to remain idle during your bedrest, and you had then taken the risk to secretly try to find ways to unlock your magic on your own.

You just couldn’t help it, after all. When you had nothing else to fill your time with aside from watching the scenery outside of your windows and reading the pages of your books, until neither could easily calm the havoc happening inside your mind. So you stole the short chances you could get between the hours you were given to rest under the heavy medication and the constant flurry of lady maids coming and going into your room as they attended to your needs.

Using the vivid images of your dreams, the basic knowledge of magic that you learned through your lectures, and the small facts about your magic that you learned from Yoongi as your guidance, you had spent your quiet nights trying to get in touch with the magic that was believed to be coursing through your body.

You tried everything you could; from using your necklace to see if it could bring out the mana inside you, to copying Yoongi’s action which you saw in your dreams, by placing your hands together to see if it could bring out your magic.

But no matter how hard you tried to concentrate and tried to cast your magic out through your fingertips, nothing seemed to be happening. Nothing more but a surge of energy crawling its way from your palms, through your fingers, stopping at each tip, before they vanished into your veins.

And you continued to try, until there was nothing left but the exhaustion rolling through your body and the missing warmth of Yoongi’s hand which your body seemed to have memorised from that day and what you are now craving to feel the most.

Having to openly ask your tutor for her help had been your last resort, knowing that she has her limits to what kind of guidance that she could offer you in learning about magic. Yet you had every reason to harbour some hope that she would somehow comply with your request.

Oftentimes, whenever you would try to inquire about any specific theories to learn about during your lectures, Lady Laurel would have embraced it—she has always loved your curiosity and your eagerness to learn—and grabbed any chance that she could have to share any knowledge about the realm that you were still struggling to understand.

This time, however, she seems uneasy to hear your request. Not because she is reluctant to teach you about magic, as she has been doing so ever since the first day she started her lessons. What seems to make her reluctant about this is the fact that you are asking her to help you learn about your magic.

With a remorseful sigh, Lady Laurel leans forward in her seat. Reaching out across the desk, she places a gentle grip on your wrist. “Your Highness, I’m sure that you are curious to learn more about your magic,” she begins with a polite smile, “But His Majesty had specifically inquired—”

Before she can finish her words, you immediately cut her off.

“I know what my father said”—as you have repeatedly said each time I tried to bring this topic up before, you silently wonder with a frown—”but His Majesty has yet to return, while here I am, feeling like my soul is slowly being sucked out of my body without understanding why. Maybe if I could control my magic, things will be different and I’d know how to prevent something like this from happening again.”

Through the letters that you have been exchanging with your tutor, you had explained everything that the royal physician had relayed on you about your condition.

At first, you simply mentioned about your draining mana in your letter to try and ask for her opinion to see if this was something that could possibly happen. Without mentioning the secret doors and the magic portals in your letter, you questioned her if there was anything that you may have come in contact with which might be able to drain your mana without you ever realising it.

The response that you were given with hadn’t been enough to answer your curiosity. But there was something in her letter which caught your attention, when she explained in a rather plain sentence—

“There are certain elements that have been built all over the castle, each one imbued with His Majesty’s magic. Perhaps, with His Majesty being gone, these elements have been trying to find a new source of energy. I have highly suspected that your magic might be similar to that is of the King’s, which made it possible for the energy around you to mistakenly drain your mana to fill whatever they are lacking.”

“You know very well the reason why I would have to refuse taking over your magic training, Your Highness,” Lady Laurel regretfully says as she pulls back. You hate how genuine she seems to be as she is saying all of this, about the regret of not being able to fulfil your wishes, as she is being held under the King’s orders.

It wouldn’t be until later when you notice the unspoken words hidden perfectly in her response, that she isn’t refusing your request because she isn’t capable of doing so. Because she is capable. But she is also bound under your father’s rules when it comes to your lessons.

“All I can do without His Majesty’s guidance would be to guide you to become in tune with the mana that you have inside you, preparing you for the actual training that you are about to have under the King’s guidance himself,” she continues, and just like that, she turns to pick up the guidance textbook and the set of candles that she would use during these sessions, ready to start another one of her practices that she has been introducing you as of late. “We can continue to do that today and see how far ahead we can go this time. The last time we did—”

Once again, you cut off her words before she could finish talking. “The last time we had our lesson, you were helping me identify my mana and how to channel onto it so I could feel its flow inside me.”

And to recognise it without exposing your magic form. Something that you have caught on after a while and seems to be one of the main tasks given to her when your father passed down the duty of tutoring you while he is gone. But you say nothing of this.

After all, if you are trying to convince her to change her mind and sneak behind the King’s orders to fulfil your wishes, the last thing you should do is to show her that you have figured out all of her cards—the little tricks that she had played to skirt around the subject of your magic.

You may never figure out the reason behind all the secrecy about the family’s magic, or why your father would prevent anyone from helping you in unlocking your magic without his presence. But oddly enough, the more you think about it, the more you understand why your father would take such measures.

The magic that he uses to create the portals wouldn’t have been a regular kind of magic. You can tell that it is something special, something that your father has treasured for a long time, even before you ever came into the world.

But would your magic be anything similar to what your father has, just like what Lady Laurel previously claimed? Would you be able to create your own portal one day to find your own escape?

As if answering your question, Lady Laurel gently speaks to you, “I know that you are curious, and the lessons that you have been getting so far no longer seems to adequate to your needs, as you have gotten enough of the basic knowledge that you could gain in such a short amount of time. All I can ask of you is for you to be patient for now. His Majesty will be returning soon, and he will be able to guide you with your magic and answer a lot of your questions.”

As much as you hate backing down, you realise that you have no other choice—at this moment, at least—but to give up, and follow your tutor’s advice.

“I suppose, I can be a little more patient,” you finally say to her with a sigh.

Your acceptance seems to please her, as a smile grows on Lady Laurel’s face. She beams as she rings the bell to summon the maids for a serving of tea and snacks to accompany your lesson, just like always. And while in waiting, she continues to set up all the books of magic that she would need for your lesson, followed by lighting up the set of candles that she has laid out in front of you.

“Let’s continue with our practice on your focus today,” Lady Laurel says to you as she returns to her seat while gesturing you to keep your eyes on the flickering flames. The same way that she has always guided you during your focus training.

This practice might be far off from helping to unlock your magic, yet you still have to admit that this practice may have been quite helpful so far. Because it was through this practice that you had inadvertently figured out one of the skills that you have developed ever since you started learning about magic.

The skill which allows you to trace and identify others’ mana; be it within a person or a place.

The same skill that you revealed to Yoongi the last time you were together.

As you try to empty your mind and focus on the flickering candlelights, the dejected feeling that came over you earlier is slowly being lifted when you remember that this day is still far from ending, and you still have other tutors to turn to.

So you try to make it through the end of your lecture, doing your best with your simple training, Even if it only means that you will be walking out of here in the afternoon with sharpened focus. Perhaps it might be able to help you later by preventing you from falling asleep too soon if you ever decide to try to unlock your magic on your own again.

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drunk-on-dk · 6 months

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OVERSET | JEON WONWOO (M)

Pairing: ai!wonwoo x R&D!reader Genre: fluff, angst, smut Rating: 18+ (minors do NOT interact) w/c: ~9.4k

Synopsis: Increasingly becoming cognizant of the worlds surrounding him, W0NW00, an AI so carefully wired and generated with the purest intentions even has the potential to become jaded. How can such a consumeristic world be so cruel when all he once knew was the joys of 53V3NT33N? This new understanding makes him unfamiliar to fans; his creator sending him to you, a trusted developer of LEVEL 1 robots, in hopes that you can reverse the sudden changes in W0NW00’s conscious. Are you part of the system W0NW00 is learning to become adverse to? Or will your presence help remind him of the world he once only had knowledge of?

This is part of the Seventeen Sci-Fi Collab organized by the amazing @idyllic-ghost! Big thank you to Bee for being the genius behind this collab, all the world-building and work you've put into this is amazing. The sci-fi genre was something I had yet to attempt, and I found this enjoyable to write (thank you as well for being extremely patient as it took me awhile to feel comfortable enough with my edits to post this).

You can read all the fics here!!

18+ warnings under the cut!

warnings: reader & Wonwoo can be quite pessimistic; commentary on consumerism (?); reader is a bit systematic and lacks personality initially, they take their job very seriously; smut, unprotected sex (practice safe sex habits pls), was supposed to be suggestive but became a bit explicit.

a/n: I love the sci-fi genre, but writing my own sci-fi fic was a bit of a challenge for me. I had not meant to delay so much, but had been in a bit of an editing rut. I really hope you all enjoy this fic, as I am quite excited to expand more into sci-fi. Also major shoutout to @wonuwoe as I appreciate all the brainstorming and getting to meet you through this collab!!

★+ Prologue +★

"100 years ago it was thought that the Earth, as we know it, would disintegrate. That the sun would implode and leave everything in darkness. Miraculously, it didn't. Due to some external force, human scientists still haven't agreed upon what it exactly was, none of the planets in our former solar system were ever destroyed. The Earth, along with the other planets, were pushed away from each other, and ended up in different parts of the universe. Earth just happened to come to a solar system with alien life. At first, we were cautious, and people were prepared to fight. However, the aliens were welcoming of our planet. Those of us who didn't die from 'The Great Journey' or from trying to fight the aliens, were welcomed into the new solar system. Soon enough, we had integrated completely, and we received materials and assistance from our sister-planets in exchange for human labor. What humans knew of technology was very limited, but with the resources of the aliens we created artificial life forms. We named these robots Automaton, and they served as workers when humans couldn't. Eventually, there was no need for human labor at all. To pay back for the help the aliens gave us, we used Automatons. With the extensive development of these robots, we eventually managed to create artificial sentient life. These Automatons were human-like in looks and had human consciousness, but they could not bleed and were stronger than we ever could be. At the present time, there are even different levels of Automatons. Level 3 robots are the workers, level 2 robots are the caretakers, and level 1 robots are the celebrities. The Automaton music group 53V3NT33N (SEVENTEEN) is made up of 13 members, all very talented, and all representing two human states of mind."

★+ Under Diagnosis +★

W0NW00's previous developer had quit on him - more so had fled from the company, which was quite the gossip for many - unable to solve the sudden changes in consciousness that he was facing. Not even his lead cognitive researcher could understand this change in W0NW00. It all had become too much, the company put too much pressure on his previous developer, and him as well. Though he was a robot, he became increasingly aware of the demanding schedules and consumerism of it all.

What had made W0NW00 act this way? Why did his dominantly kind demeanor turn sour all of a sudden? Suddenly, his malicious side was portrayed more to fans, his unwavering kindness cracking beneath the spotlight. There was no explanation and it was not like any form of brute force could reset the drastic changes in his attitude.

At least to say, management really did not like this change in the automata. Even though there had been some oddities in other members of 53V3NT33N, W0NW00's recent behavior was starting to become quite troublesome in the eyes of the company, requiring his managers to pay extra close attention to what made the seemingly perfect idol tick. After all, his emotions were kindness and maliciousness. Fans of the group liked this duality, loved it even, as it made him an intense member.

However, W0NW00's cognitive system had been faring a little too much on the malicious side as of recently. His self-portrayal was turning bitter due to his sudden stand-offish nature. No one would understand why, it was hurting his relationship with the fans, and management feared it would harm his relationship with group members.

These changes have put W0NW00 in an increasingly tricky situation. Nights were no longer spent with other members, rather W0NW00 had been stationed in the research and development laboratory in the company building. Continuous tests were run on him, trying to understand his quickly developing violent thoughts.

The first red flag was aggression towards other members, not physical aggression, but words of malice spoken to other members after schedules that went well. W0NW00 would always find a way to call out something he noticed wrong. Not that he meant to necessarily harm the members, but he couldn't help but nitpick at each and every flaw.

5C0UP5 noticed it in the form of non-compliance and lack of care for the group's reputation. The leader couldn't wrap his head around this changing behavior either. W0NW00 had never been one to do anything unbeknownst to the group, but W0NW00 began to put the group at risk as he began to break the rules. He'd sneak out quickly after schedules in order to get extra charging hours, which would ultimately end up ruining rest and charging hours for the rest of the group. W0NW00's lack of care would peeve the rest of the automas off.

Fans noticed it too, as W0NW00 wasn't responding as positively during events, which is when the company started becoming increasingly worried about the robot. Fans started questioning what had changed as well.

Through this all, W0NW00 felt lost. He knew he was a robot, he knew what he was made for after all, but W0NW00 felt human, his conscience was human-like after all. Was this all that he was made for? Is he just a commodity? Then why does he feel this way about being consumed by others? Why can't he make any mistakes? Why can't he be his own entity? What would he be without 53V3NT33N? These are all things that began to drive W0NW00 deeper into his negative state.

Management deemed it was time to take action, thus landing W0NW00 in the lab for further troubleshooting and ending up with you.

★+ The First Encounter +★

W0NW00 remembers his first encounter with you all too well. You strolled into the office, glancing briefly at him with inquisitive eyes, and paying no further attention to where he was sitting at the examination table. After your brief fixation on him, your eyes remained focused on the clipboard grasped tightly in your right hand. You sat down with a sigh, clipboard clattering in the quiet room and making W0NW00 fully shift his attention towards you. His eyes which had once shimmered with kindness now had a dullness to them, a feature that his previous developer could not determine what had caused this change along with his negative state.

You shimmied the mouse gently to awaken the bright LED screen. The clicking sound resounded across the room as you opened the software, humming in acknowledgment as the information regarding the robot illuminated before you.

His previous developer's notes left you inquisitive as you skimmed them. This was a peculiar case. Typically it was easy for companies with R&D centers this powerful to reverse such effects on the cognitive state of the robots.

"Good afternoon," You spoke gently, sounding polite yet W0NW00 could sense some firmness in your tone. "My name is Y/N, I am pleased to be assigned as your new developer. Can you please confirm your name for me?" You had a plethora of historical data and information that you could read on the screen in front of you, but it was protocol to ask.

If one thing was to be known, it was that you always followed the expected protocols.

That's why W0NW00's company hired you after all.

"W0NW00," he spoke flatly, eyes focusing on the white, sterile walls ahead of him. It was the sort of room that would make anyone feel a bit unwelcome and cold. "Sixth member of 53V3NT33N."

The fluorescent lighting made his vision go a bit blurry, he had always been a bit sensitive in this sense, and it's always been an uncertainty as to why his vision was affected more than other members. This was reflected in the data that was fed to your computer. W0NW00 watched curiously as you stood up, adjusting the brightness of the lighting in the room to be more accommodating per his negative reaction.

W0NW00 almost registered this as pure-hearted kindness, until he remembered that every thought, feeling, and reaction of his was collected as data through the damn diagnostic band that is wrapped around his arm each session. Regardless, this eased W0NW00 a bit, and he appreciated it nonetheless.

You noted the improvement as he visibly relaxed, jotting something down on your clipboard before turning to face him. Your heart beat faster upon facing him straight on.

It was hard to avoid the fact that the robot before you was essentially perfect, trying to not let your cold exterior soften as W0NW00's eyes shifted from the wall towards yours. He looked so kind even with his sharp, cat-like features.

You approach him, wrapping the diagnostic band around his arm. This band is intended to connect to a small port on his arm, feeding all the information you need to your computer. He's cold, unnerved as you smooth the band over his arm, and confirm that it is connected.

As noted, something seemed extremely off about the robot. The dullness in his soft eyes pulled on your heartstrings a bit too much for comfort.

Personally, as a developer, you always tried your best to remain systematic in your actions. Everything had to be performed exactly per the defined process. You continually reminded yourself that your patients were robots, not humans. It was your only way to detach yourself from them, or else you knew you'd grow too fond of the autos you helped develop. It is too easy to do nowadays.

Regardless of the tremor you felt within you, you proceeded with the diagnostic tests and questions.

"Alright, W0NW00, now I'm going to run some tests. Please note I am not going to implement any changes in your system until these tests come back absolutely positive."

"Noted," W0NW00 repeats blandly. "Can you please refer to me as just Wonwoo during these tests?"

You pause almost as if you're in thought, but you already know the answer. "I'm sorry, W0NW00, but that would be inappropriate of me. I have to refer to you by your designated name during these tests or else I can compromise the diagnostics."

W0NW00 rolls his eyes in dissatisfaction, this doesn't go undetected by you. That was a new one. You'd never seen this much sass from a robot in a while, especially not a level 1 who was supposed to be perfectly charming.

Turning back to your computer, you proceed with coding the tests for this session within the diagnostic system.

"Our first test will be a data collection of your recent thoughts and actions, dating back to your most recent schedule. Can you recall anything that you'd like to share with me before I run this first test, W0NW00?"

"Hm," W0NW00 humors you, copying your trick from earlier as if to convince you he's thinking. You know better, especially since you can see this displayed directly in front of you on the screen. W0NW00 knows that too, but he's not going to make this easy for you. "Not necessarily."

"Alright," you sigh, clicking the button to proceed with the first run of data. A copious amount of statistics are spat out on a separate sheet. This will be something for you to unpack later. You save this information, filing it away in W0NW00's collection for you to study after the remaining tests.

"The next test will be to see if you have any reoccurring thoughts or actions. Are you willing to share any of those?" You pause, W0NW00 shakes his head to indicate he isn't willing to share any, so you continue with another data pull.

You finish the session off with a couple of additional tests to further understand his cognitive state, tests that his previous developer hadn't been able to code and pull the statistics on.

W0NW00 was relieved when you finally deemed the session complete. He felt drained, more than he ever had before - more than he ever felt after a long day of schedules. He couldn't wait to return to the dorm to charge.

He watched as you downloaded the data from today's session to your electronic pad, the information transferring speedily and you ensured it was all there before putting the pad to sleep.

W0NW00 noticed your systematic elegance as you took each step to save the data, file it away in an organized matter, and shut the computer down properly. Others had been a bit more careless, so W0NW00 almost appreciated your thoroughness.

However, you were practically everything W0NW00 was growing distaste for. You were the system. You abided by it, you lived by it, and you would never understand him. He knew that damn well. You were about to know his thoughts about you as well. Part of him grew interested in the next session, just to see if it made you tick in any way.

W0NW00 was stunned when you announced the diagnostic session was over, confirming the date of your next session, and leaving the room without another word.

★+ New Day, Same Analysis +★

"Good Morning, W0NW00," you drone, still polite and as systematic as ever. W0NW00 didn't even bother to respond, sighing in resentment as you performed the same routine upon entry. He could predict your movements at this point after enduring multiple research sessions with you.

You stayed static, you portrayed no emotions during sessions, and it seemed as if you never would. It was beginning to drive W0NW00 a bit mad. W0NW00 was convinced he may be a bit more human than you, even if you were the one with a nervous system and heart pumping warm blood through your limbs. You might as well have the neural network of a robot at this point.

It was a typical session. You'd enter in, bid W0NW00 "good morning" or "good afternoon" depending on the time of day, dim the lights, and turn on the LED computer screen. Your clipboard made the same jarring, clattering sound each time you set it down.

You'd run the same damn tests.

Ask the same damn questions.

Collect the information on the same damn electronic pad.

And you'd end the session with the same damn confirmation of the next.

You seemed pleased with each session so far, but W0NW00 couldn't quite imagine you were able to gain much from these diagnostics. Maybe this session could be different if you'd just loosen up a bit.

"Please," he sighs defeatedly, trying to soften your firm demeanor. "Please just refer to me as Wonwoo."

"I'm sorry, W0NW00," you'd start, but he'd cut you off before you could say another word.

"But," he repeated the same words from each session when he'd ask this question. His words were bitter as he spoke. "But that would be inappropriate of me. I have to refer to you by your designated name during these tests or else I can compromise the diagnostics. Same old, same old, Y/N. You're so predictable."

This stunned you a bit. You could see the switch before your eyes for once. He had asked for you to call him Wonwoo in such a kind, polite tone, yet when he realized you didn't bite the bait, he switched quickly on you.

W0NW00 almost cried out, thinking he had cracked you for once, but this was reversed when you smiled, speedily writing something down on your clipboard as if this had satisfied you.

Which it did, you were excited to see the switch from his positive state to a negative state before you. This was exciting progress. You just needed a few more diagnostic tests to ensure there weren't any remaining outliers in the data that you could eliminate.

W0NW00 could basically sense you bouncing in your seat, making his mood go sour for the remainder of the session.

However, you threw W0NW00 off a bit this session, you had one new question. One that you declared you were able to establish from the other questions.

"W0NW00," you hum, reading the question from your electronic pad, "what makes you so resistant to entertainment? I must question this, you're made to entertain after all?"

"What?" W0NW00 snarls, pulling the most visceral reaction from him yet. "I'm not resistant to entertainment. I'm not sure what you pulled from your data to get that understanding."

"Well, can you enlighten me? Or should I just run the test?"

"Sure, I can enlighten you. Have you ever considered I feel the same way that you do? That I can have my own thoughts as you do?"

"Of course I do -"

"No," W0NW00 cuts you off. "I don't think you do, that is the thing. You run these tests on me like any other developer. Actually, you're a bit colder than most developers. But it's not just here. I can feel it everywhere else. I'm treated like a product. The whole group is treated like products. I know that's my duty, but I can't help but feel like there is more than being consumed. There is more to living, even if I am just an automation."

You're aggressively typing this all into the computer, making sure you don't miss a single word as W0NW00 rambles on. This is the most W0NW00 has confided in you. Sure the tests pull valuable information regarding W0NW00's feelings, but this is more than the computer could ever tell you. Hearing W0NW00's organic stream of consciousness is extremely valuable to running your diagnostics.

W0NW00 is quick to stop once he realizes he's pleasing you, ending his thoughts and returning his attention to the sterile wall ahead of him. "That is all."

You try to hide your smile. He's being spiteful, you know he's realized that he has fed a bit too much information to you today, and he's stopping himself while he is at it. Regardless, you're pleased with today's session.

You wrap up as usual. You collect all the data onto your electronic pad, file away the data, and turn off the computer. You're about to leave and confirm you're next session before W0NW00 stops you yet again.

"Save it," W0NW00 sighs. "I'm aware of when our next session is. You don't have to announce it each time. You're just like a broken record."

★+ OVERSET +★

"You don't understand it do you?" W0NW00 growls. Frustrated as another day passes with you as his developer. The same old routine is being performed over and over. You still don't understand his frustrations, at this point, anyone with a functioning brain should. He wasn't understanding why it wasn't clicking for you, you were clearly intelligent, but god damn, you were brainwashed by the system just like this company.

"What do you mean?" You question, intrigued by W0NW00's sudden outburst. He's more displeased than usual during your sessions. Whilst you've been able to collect a good amount of data from the previous sessions, you have slowly been seeing W0NW00 speak more and more. Today was clearly a day he was ready to speak.

"That these sessions don't help."

You spin in your chair, turning to face the clearly perturbed robot. You raise an eyebrow, crossing your arms and settling further into your seat. You raise a hand, a motion to indicate that he should continue, get whatever it is off his chest while he's at it. "What makes you say that?"

"Seriously?" He says incredulously, "You're part of the system. The system that I have grown to hate. I cannot live without having each and every emotion of mine prodded. I cannot live without worrying about how I impact others. I cannot have my own thoughts ever, and here you are trying to change and poke and prod at me."

You're computer is running data at a rapid speed, W0NW00's emotions translating through the screen as his system and neural networks work at an incredible pace. Your eyes flick between him and the screen, wanting to pay more attention as W0NW00's words intrigue you.

Each session you've grown to understand him more and more. You've become increasingly aware of how he feels, and you feel a bit guilty. He's right, robots have become so advanced, but it isn't right to treat them as just a commodity.

Your change in procedural work hasn't gone unnoticed by management. You continue to follow protocols, but you've been a bit messier. You've become more curious about W0NW00. You're avoiding the development of codes that will reset his defined emotions. You're avoiding the final steps that are required to lessen W0NW00's malicious side, and management is demanding results.

Management claims it is an inevitable malware that's coded into his system. That it's taken him over. He's closer and closer to self-destruction, closer to sabotaging the group, and closer to losing his fanbase.

You no longer have the desire to please the company. You're too curious about W0NW00 at this point, but you can't do anything too drastic. Not until you have a proper game plan. You've heard of recent escapes from Earth, and at the rate W0NW00 is sharing information, you don't doubt that some members of his group will be escaping soon.

It's easy to understand how he's frustrated. The more you listened to him, filtered through his data, and studied the group, it became clear that he wasn't fulfilled. He desires more, it's only natural for anyone who has a conscience.

W0NW00 doesn't see it since you've been trying to remain under the radar, but you understand him. You can see it in his performances. You can see it in the results of these sessions, and you can definitely see it as W0NW00 continues to rant.

"I feel stuck, Y/N. Is this what it is like for you? Do you feel stuck in your job as a developer? Do you get satisfaction from this just like everyone else around me does? If I could just leave, I wo-"

"Wonwoo," you're voice drops low, fearful of what he will say. Every single word and thought of his is documented. If he speaks of any intention to escape, you know it will draw a red flag for the company and his management. You know you'll have to destroy the data from today's session. You'll determine how to do this later, but your concern right now is to stop W0NW00 before he says anything stupid. "You need to

Of course, W0NW00 pauses upon hearing you refer to him as Wonwoo, as he has requested many times. He's angered quickly again when you don't speak, annoyed by the way you seem off-character and squeamish in your chair, infuriated by the way you frantically click at your mouse, trying to terminate the program.

"Now you're referring to me as Wonwoo? Is this just a trick to see how I'll react?" He continues to rant, hands tightly gripping the table and eyebrows threaded together as he works himself up. You pay little to no attention to him, trying to ease the situation at hand ahead of you on the LED screen.

The computer is suddenly crashing, the code that you were previously running is now indicating an infinite loop, and the program is faulting as your computer continues to malfunction. In a panic, you're doing everything you can to execute the code, scared that management will recognize this oddity.

This session has overset W0NW00, and you're uncertain about what to do, as you've never seen a code turn malicious. You're eyes go wide, staring at W0NW00, you can't believe it.

All you can do is jump out of your seat and run over to W0NW00 to remove the electronic diagnostic band from his arm. You have to stop the data recording and terminate the code by eliminating the connection to the computer.

W0NW00 is aghast as you tear the band off his arm, your hands feeling warm on his cold body as you make sure there are no remaining connections to the system.

"Wonwoo," you whisper, sternly as you stare into his eyes. He seems to soften for once, sensing the urgency in your shaky words as you quell his anger. "You need to calm down. I understand you. I really do. But I need you to know you need to watch what you say."

"You understand?" Wonwoo exhales, feeling hopeful as you wrap up the diagnostic band tightly, nodding as you begin to fiddle with the band, acting as if you are troubleshooting problems with it in case management questions the removal of it.

"I do," you speak lowly, butterflies fluttering in your stomach as you lock eyes with Wonwoo. "But you need to realize you're stepping into dangerous territory. I don't mean to interrupt you, but I'm trying to protect you."

For once, he is looking at you with relief. His eyes are full of stars as he actually feels like he's being heard for once.

For once, you are looking at him like he is human.

It makes him feel something he's never felt before.

Your breathing is shallow as you connect with Wonwoo for the first time, your heart pounding so hard in your chest that you can practically hear it in your ears. Wonwoo observes how flushed your cheeks are, registering how emotional you are actually feeling, and realizing just how serious you are.

"I'm going to put this band back on, but you need to proceed with the session just like any other. We cannot return to the same topic. Do not indicate any desire to escape." You emphasize this prior to wrapping the diagnostic band around his arm, a nod of his head confirming he's heard your words and has taken them seriously.

Returning to your desk, you begin to reload the software. However, before you finalize the restart, you softly speak again, "I will have to refer to you as W0NW00 again. I apologize, but please understand."

"I understand," Wonwoo's voice is hushed, a soft smile gracing his features as you breathe out in relief.

"W0NW00," you start, voice returning to a professional tone. You eye him closely, your mannerisms indicating that you have successfully started the program up, and are once again recording data. "I apologize for that. It seems as if the system crashed. Shall we proceed with the session?"

"Yes," Wonwoo indicates, trying his hardest to not overthink the current events.

Wonwoo understands it now. Understands that you aren't all systematic, that his words have an impact on you, and that you are receptive after all. He has more faith in you now, knowing that you're here to protect him.

You continue and complete the session as usual. However, this time there is an understanding between you and Wonwoo. One that you'll do everything to erase the data on. You'll do anything to help Wonwoo.

★+ Comfort in Your Thoughts, Voice, and Touch +★

Things have since changed between you and Wonwoo. You now start the sessions differently, you take the time to set up your computer, and you allow Wonwoo to remove his band prior to the program.

You told him you'd argue with the company that it's to save his charge. However, you now look forward to your talks with Wonwoo prior to your sessions, talking freely knowing that the computer is no longer able to collect each and every bit of information.

Wonwoo loves that you call him by his preferred name during these undocumented talks with you. He loves the melodic sound of your laugh when he cracks a witty joke. He feels an uncontrollable obsession developing within him that he can't quite understand.

Wonwoo feels better and feels more understood around you, he can see changes in your behavior. You're not as systematic, more relaxed around him, only returning to your default systematic behavior once he is connected to the diagnostic band.

Your touch haunts him, the feeling of your nimble fingers on his arm when you wrap and unwrap the band around his bicep has him overanalyzing his thoughts.

He feels lighter, he doesn't feel as burdened after being heard by you, understood by you, and connected to you by your fleeting touches. Wonwoo can't help but look forward to these sessions with you.

Who would have thought that'd been the case days ago?

Oddly enough, these sessions have been improving Wonwoo's negative state of mind, reversing the trend of his daily emotions and leading them in more of a positive state. Management has taken note of this, unsure if these changes are taking place when you haven't implemented any developmental changes in him.

For now, they don't question it.

Regardless, Wonwoo yearns to hear your voice, yearns for your occasional touch, and yearns to spend time with you. Even if it's him locked in this sterile room, he's glad it's with you.

Wonwoo has grown too comfortable for once. Inevitably, as he once believed, the system tends to disrupt everything that was once good.

★+ The Escape +★

You've begun hearing of members of 53V3NT33N escaping Earth and traveling to other planets. Wonwoo isn't aware of it, he's been stuck with you in R&D for days now after management has cracked down on his diagnosis.

However, today was a different day. Management knows you are erasing data. You were confronted with it before today's session. They've noticed peculiarities in Wonwoo's behavior, in the data reports you've returned, and in the results you've been providing. They've also noticed the increase in "blank" spots, and the increase in system errors, unlike the software systems that have been developed to perfection.

Albeit, you weren't providing any updates of substance, which wasn't per your reputation as a developer, and your lack of urgency during the time of other member's escapes was especially concerning to management.

Wonwoo can't help but notice the aggressive rate at your leg shakes. It's been like this since the beginning of today's session.

"Everything alright?" He questions, genuinely worried about your anxious state. You're never like this, even as you two have been sneaking more time together prior to sessions.

Wonwoo's words are drowned out, the tapping of your pen against the desk resounding through your head as you consider your options. You know it's time to make a move.

You have access to a ship. There is one in the development center that you could hijack, it was simple; you'd just have to make sure you tear away the tracking core to ensure the company can't locate you and Wonwoo.

You're haunted by anxious thoughts. Was it even possible to get Wonwoo out of this room without management noticing? Where would you even go? When was the last time you traveled to another planet? How will Wonwoo react to news of other members escaping?

Would Wonwoo even want to go with you? Does he even trust you enough?

You stand up from your seat, shutting down the computer in front of you just as quickly as you had booted it up. Striding over to Wonwoo, you make sure his band isn't wrapped around his arm yet.

"Wonwoo," you speak eerily calmly, "Your members are escaping."

"What?" He's confused, not quite understanding the weight of your words.

"It isn't just you who has implied leaving Earth, others are too. They've just held you here for a bit too long for you to know."

He's clearly processing, not quite sure where you're headed with this, but he leans towards you in anticipation, hanging on to your next words.

"Management is onto me as well," you breathe, voice quivering as you realize how serious this may be. "They know we aren't progressing with our sessions as I should be. They know I am terminating data. They are onto me, and I'm not sure how much longer they will keep me here."

The weight of your words settles on him. "What can we do? Where are the members going?"

"I can locate a ship. There are multiple in the terminal right off the plant here. If we are strategic enough," you pause, gauging his reaction. He doesn't seem appalled by the implication of your word so you can continue. "We can escape too, we can be freed from the shackles of this system like you've been talking about."

There's a minute's pause between you two as you both consider the situation.

"How can we trick management?" He ponders, hinting that he isn't against your suggestion, but he does realize this requires a bit more thought than just running.

"I just -" you stutter, uncertain of any plan. "I can't think of any way to fake that we are in our session. The band reports everything. Management will know if we leave our session if you never put the band on."

"I mean," Wonwoo thinks some more, peering down at the port on his arm where the band connects. "Is there a way," he slowly speaks, eyes implying what you're horrified he may reference as he peers at his port, "is there a way that we can tear this port out? Leave it with the band?"

"I'm not so sure about that, Wonwoo. I mean, it could have negative effects on your system, and I'm not sure how successful that would be. It would be too risky to the health of your network."

"It's worth trying," he pleads, already toying with the port on his arm, already seeming as if it were possible to remove the said part.

"You can't, I said it would be too risky-" you argue, but Wonwoo stuns you, pulling the port out of his arm. It's immediately recognizable that the port has disrupted something, and you can verify from initial inspection that it will definitely have an effect on the efficiency of his charging.

"See," he chides, but he can sense the effect on his system too. Nonetheless, he connects the port to the band, and the diagnostic band accepts the port. "It works, go check on your computer."

You rush to the computer, reboot it, and load the same software. You're jaw drops, almost unbelieving that the program recognizes the port without being directly connected to Wonwoo. It isn't feeding any valuable information, but it's recognizing that it's him regardless.

"It's working," you chime in disbelief, eyes wide as you turn to him, realizing this is the time to make the run for it.

"Lead the way," Wonwoo declares, encouraging you both to move forward with the escape.

There is no hesitation between you two as you lead him through the bright hallways of the R&D wing. There is a shortcut that leads to the terminal where the ships are, if you can get through there undetected, you are bound to make it to the ships.

If anyone were to spot Wonwoo, they would be suspicious. Of course, he's recognizable, and with everyone in the company being high-strung regarding escapes, it would be an immediate red flag.

Thankfully, you two make it unscathed to the terminal, and you work quickly to prep the ship.

"Wonwoo," you gain his attention from beneath the ship as he helps the best he can, mostly just on the lookout as you prepare. "I don't have the strength, can you attempt to pull the core out from beneath the ship? There is a tracking device, and we'll need to pull this before we leave."

"Of course," Wonwoo is quick to trade places with you. He works swiftly, but your eyes dart around the terminal. It's dreary, industrial, and clean. Everything you've started to resent over the past few days. It encourages your escape even more, a wash of relief falling over your shoulders as you determine this is the right situation.

Wonwoo appears from under the ship, the core of the craft held in his hands before he smashes it against the ground, shattering the material at both your feet.

"Let's go," you smile, climbing into the ship with Wonwoo and booting up the vessel. Your adrenaline has never run so high, you feel it through your veins as the vibration of the ship resonates through you.

It's been a while since you've started up one of these, thankful you were able to successfully start the craft up without issues. Wonwoo is impressed too, of course never navigating one himself.

It's a blur how you two escape, taking off at light speed as you accelerate up into space, leaving the stratosphere of Earth at a record speed, and focusing until you've fully left the exosphere.

You have no clear where to go from here, but, holy shit, you've successfully left. And you have Wonwoo here with you.

★+ The Long Path Home +★

It's a long path for you and Wonwoo. It's uncertain where you'll end up. You've heard of a planet called Lumen before, but you have no clue how to even get there. You're just thankful Wonwoo can even assist in navigating the ship between planets.

Your first stop is Opifex. After the escape from Earth, Wonwoo suffered significant damage during the boarding of the ship. His arm was damaged in the process of tearing out his main port, the tear in his arm reflecting in the functionality of his charging system. This concerned you more than Wonwoo could understand. You weren't sure if you could make this travel alone without him.

You rarely visited Opifex, but you had connections as you'd offer occasional assistance in developing robots that were created on this planet.

Your main connection was a level 3 robot named Changkyun. He had previously assisted in the creation of another idol robot, which you were the head developer of. You hadn't spoken to him since, yet you knew he'd be able to help Wonwoo. Discreetly at that.

You knew you weren't safe yet. Even if the tracking was removed from the ship and you had escaped from Earth, anyone could identify Wonwoo and the logo on your ship.

There was a constant state of fear during your travel to Opifex that you'd be caught. Tracked down. That Wonwoo would completely lose his charge.

"What is wrong, Y/N?" Wonwoo's concerned for you. He knows exactly why you're anxious, he is too. But he's hoping he can quell your anxiety somehow.

"I'm just tired, Wonwoo," you sigh, checking the ship's charge levels, anxiety only growing upon realizing you really do have to stop in Opifex soon. "Also concerned about getting to Lumen safely. We really need to stop at Opifex to make sure you're repaired before we even consider locating Lumen."

Wonwoo's free hand runs through your hair, the comforting motion alien to you, but you gladly accept it, leaning your head into his hand as he soothes you.

"How much longer until we reach Opifex?" You can tell Wonwoo is drained too. He needs Changkyun's help as soon as possible.

"I believe only a day more of travel," you confirm per the navigation. You know how to get there, and where to land. You decide against pinging Changkyun, in order to eliminate as much of a footprint as possible.

"Why don't you get some rest?" Wonwoo prods when he realizes your eyes start to roll back, head bobbing to the side after a while.

"Do you mind?"

"Of course not," he smiles gently, making your stomach flip.

You oblige, not having the will to fight after the past events. You lay back in the cot behind the main seating area. Observing Wonwoo as he takes his place in the captain's seat, he adjusts the controls to his liking as he navigates Opifex.

Your heart pounds as you observe him, Wonwoo made you feel free, he made you feel safe even in times like this. You've never felt this way about anyone. It's hard to fall asleep, these thoughts consuming your mind.

Wonwoo turns back to check on you, the same soft smile making you flush as you lay on the bed admiring him. You can't help but feel a connection with him, emotionally, and desire even more.

Eventually, sleep took you after much contemplation of your thoughts.

When you awoke, it only felt like you had slept a blink of an eye's time. The ship rattled, alarming you and jostling you awake. Only to realize that Wonwoo had landed the ship. You immediately recognized the planet, he had safely landed the ship at Opifex.

Wonwoo's smile relaxed you even further, dusting off his pants as he stood up and headed towards you. As per usual, Wonwoo's hand ran through your hair, instantaneously soothing you.

"We've arrived," he coos softly, trying his best not to overstimulate you more in your drowsy state. "Just lead the way once you're ready."

It's easy to see he is drained as well, in desperate need of a charge, and you're relieved that you've made it to Opifex.

The both of you quickly tidy yourselves up, you do your best to cover Wonwoo's damaged arm, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention to the automation as you make your way to Changkyun's workshop.

There was an odd sense of security here, but you knew you had to lay low. You didn't want word of your appearance here. You knew his company would be looking for him, as that's all they were doing prior to the escape for the other members who had left before Wonwoo.

It was easy to find Changkyun, his shop was located where you had previously remembered it. It felt almost nostalgic coming across his shop, he had an eclectic style, yet the place was tidy enough to store and easily find all his supplies.

"Y/N?" Changkyun questioned in delightful surprise as you knocked at his door. "What are you doing here? It's been quite some time."

"Hello, Changkyun," you smile brightly. Something that Wonwoo can only pin as jealous pings inside him at your reaction.

How odd, he thinks to himself.

"Do you mind if we come in? I do have a favor to ask, which is why we are here," you speak quickly, emphasizing that you didn't just show up for no reason.

Changkyun holds the door open for you both, allowing you and Wonwoo to shuffle into the shop. Wonwoo takes note of the large magnifying lens contraption strapped to Changkyun's head, quickly noting that he is a Level 3 robot, and shows his own wear and tear after working all these years.

Wonwoo immediately deems him as trustworthy.

"What is this favor you are requesting," Changkyun prods, curiously eyeing Wonwoo as if he could understand where this was going.

"I can't share too many details," you speak hurriedly, beginning to unwrap the material around Wonwoo's damaged arm to provide Changkyun with a visualization of the problem at hand. "We've escaped Earth. However, in the process of avoiding getting caught, Wonwoo had ripped his port out. I think it's affecting his charging system. I just don't think we can go on for much longer until we have some sort of fix."

Changkyun hums in understanding, immediately resorting to his tools and materials. "I'm not sure if I'll have the materials for a level 1 robot, I haven't created one in quite some time, but let me see what I have."

You and Wonwoo let Changkyun search, shuffling around the shop quietly as you try your best to quell your anxiety. You hope and pray that Changkyun can help, there is no one else you feel comfortable resorting to. There is an unspoken trust that you have with the Level 3 robot, after spending years learning from his skills and further understanding the creation of robots.

Wonwoo's free hand is grasped in yours, you aren't quite sure when this happened, but it eases you slightly. You've grown to become attached to Wonwoo, amazed by how quickly things changed between each session and landing you in this scenario.

Thankfully, after a while of searching, Changkyun determines he has parts that will suffice, and will be enough to repair Wonwoo's system in order to allow him to charge properly.

Changkyun bids you off, encouraging you to get some rest as he makes the proper repairs to Wonwoo. You're continuously flooded with thoughts, but part of you feels better knowing you now have Changkyun's help. You hope Wonwoo can charge up before you continue your journey.

It takes a few hours, Changkyun claims the connections are not as direct as he thought they'd be, but by the time he is done, Wonwoo seems way too worn down.

Changkyun encourages you both to get your rest before continuing with your journey. He offers you a place to stay, it isn't much, but it's a spare bedroom in the back of his shop, offering it as a safe place to rest before continuing.

"Thank you," you hum sincerely, expressing your gratitude one last time before Changkyun wraps up for the day to head to his normal engagements. "Thank you so much for your help."

"Anytime, Y/N," he smiles, bidding you both good-bye and good luck on the rest of your journey.

That night you and Wonwoo share the crickety bed in the back of Changkyun's shop. Wonwoo had been timid originally, but you claimed it was alright, that it would provide you some more comfort if anything.

Wonwoo was relieved at that because he couldn't think of anything better. He was finally able to get closer to you.

Laying next to him, you adjusted the glasses and sat on the bridge of his nose, they'd always fall down a bit when he wasn't paying attention, a feature about him that you found so endearing.

Wonwoo was seeming better already, charging much faster than you anticipated. His hands found their way to your arm, nimble fingers running up and down your skin.

He could recognize the way your skin bubbled with chills, uncertain of what he was doing that made you react this way. His skin didn't react like this to touch, but the way yours reacts reminds him just how sensitive humans are.

"What are you doing?" You hum in content, enjoying the softness of Wonwoo's skin on yours. His skin was different, not nearly as warm as a human touch, but the synthetic skin was so smooth, feeling comfortable as it dragged across yours.

"What are these bumps on your arm?" He asks out of genuine curiosity.

"You're kidding," you laugh, eyes opening humorously to gauge if Wonwoo is serious. He is absolutely dead serious. "It's this phenomenon, we tend to call them goosebumps. It's a bodily alert that humans feel, a reaction to touch."

Wonwoo hums in acknowledgment, "Is it good?"

"In this case," you smile, enjoying his innocent curiosity, "it is very good. It feels nice what you're doing. Very soothing."

"What else causes goosebumps?"

You can't tell if he's twisting your arm at this point, looking for a reaction, because there is an insinuation in his tone as his hand drags upwards towards your neck, looking for more of a reaction from your skin. Which he earns, as goosebumps run all up and down your body at his barely-there touch.

His fingers travel to the crook of your neck, his hand wrapping around the back of your head and finding a home in your hair. He pulls you closer, testing the waters as he yearns to feel more of your body against his. Curious to see if he can pull more of a reaction out of you. It's all so new for him and he's hungry for more.

"Wonwoo," you whimper, allowing him to pull you into his body, your lips falling impossibly close to his perfectly molded ones. "Are you trying to send me into shock?"

You try to joke, but your words come out whiney as Wonwoo's lips brush yours.

"I don't know," he teases, his plush buds continuing to skim yours. "Is this good?"

"It's very good," you confirm yet again, your breath being knocked out of your lungs when Wonwoo's lips finally attach to yours. Kissing him is different, it's almost as if he's immediately on the same wavelength as you.

Your lips fall into the same rhythm, and you're just realizing this is something you've been craving for a while now. It becomes heated quickly, and Wonwoo's hands stay wrapped in your hair, ensuring you can't break away from the kiss.

He understands what it is like to be addicted to something now. He recognizes this feeling as lust, knowing of its effects and understanding why humans love it so much. He needs more of you and he needs more now.

Wonwoo pulls you on top of him, the motion feeling incredibly natural as he continues to kiss you, swallowing your little noises as you moan in delight.

You can sense him react to you in a similar manner as a human. You forget how advanced Level 1 robots are sometimes. You had been a bit worried that he wouldn't react similarly, but you can feel his cock swells beneath you.

"Wonwoo," you whine, finally breaking the kiss after what felt like light years of delight. However, you need more. "Please, need you to touch me. Need you to fuck me."

"I need it too, Y/N," he groans, the sound that comes from him is deep, uncharacteristic of his usual voice, but it sends shivers down your spine. Wonwoo is encouraged by the goosebumps that reappear on your skin, very apparent to him as you remove your shirt.

Wonwoo's lips instinctually wrap around your pebbled nipple, loving the way the bud peaks along with the bumps on your skin. He's even more encouraged by the sound that falls from your lips, a breathy moan that has his cock growing even harder.

"Please," you croon. "Can't wait much longer."

He's quick to pull his pants down, helping you stumble out of your shorts and underwear as well. He's amazed by how wet your nether regions are, and you're amazed by just how perfectly sculpted his cock is.

"You're perfect," you moan, running your folds over his length and pulling another groan of pleasure from him. "God, whoever created you did an amazing job."

You raise yourself slightly, teasing yourself with the head of his cock, the skin soft against your folds as you wet his length. You sink down slowly, your walls contracting in delight as your pussy greedily accepts his thick manhood.

Wonwoo recognizes the slight pain in your features as you accept him, but he can also sense the relief you feel as he bottoms out, feeling the contraction of your walls around him throughout his entire system.

"Let me ride you," you moan when you sense that Wonwoo is hesitant. "Let me take care of you."

He doesn't argue, overwhelmed by the unrecognizable pleasure he feels as you begin to bob up and down on his cock. Your nails dig into his skin, a sensation he's never felt before as they clamp into his shoulders, leaving divots in his synthetic skin and claiming your mark on him.

The pathetic noises that tumble out of you encourage him to move, his hips rolling upwards into yours and pulling even more deranged sounds from you, ones that encourage him to groan in enjoyment.

Wonwoo watches as a bead of sweat falls down your neck, loving the effect and glow that graces your skin. His hands wrap into your hair, pulling it up off your neck as you continue to ride his cock with more fervor.

He pulls on your hair tightly, enough for you to feel a tinge of pain, but it only increases the pleasure you feel in the deepest pits of your stomach. Your clit burns and throbs at the pleasure, your core heating and winding up tightly as you roll your hips against his, meeting each thrust of his.

"Wonwoo," you're screaming at this point, eyes blown out as you watch him, his jaw hanging slack as he becomes overwhelmed with the feeling of you wrapped so tightly around him. The friction of your pussy around his cock has him feeling engulfed in all ways by you.

The pleasure that builds inside him begins to feel impossible to fight off, he's unsure if he can hold this feeling back much longer, especially not when your walls throb around him with each thrust.

It's brutal at this point, the sound of your skin slapping against his, the visual of your breasts bouncing in front of him, and how you feel all too perfect like this.

"Y/N," he breathes out in desperation, "can't hold it for much longer. You feel too good."

"Good," you cry out, no longer able to hold your own pleasure back. "Finish with me, Wonwoo, release."

Wonwoo can feel the fluttering of your walls, the intense pleasure exploding inside you as you spasm around his cock, your body falling limp in his arms as you reach your high. Wonwoo is pleasured too, but you're not filled with cum, only watching as he reaches his own form of pure pleasure. He continues to thrust into you, driving you into overstimulation.

Wonwoo doesn't realize you're spent, especially since he can't necessarily be spent himself, he has the stamina of a Level 1 automation overall. However, he recognizes it after he pulls one more orgasm from you, holding up your form as your limbs can no longer hold your body up.

That night you sleep incredibly well in his arms, connecting with him on a level you would have never anticipated. This was something you would have never imagined as a developer, something you always condemned previously, as you feared growing a connection like this.

But now that you have it, you'd do everything to not lose it.

The next morning, you are awoken by a frantic Wonwoo. Changkyun had come early, informing you that there are correspondent Level 3 robots searching for you and Wonwoo.

Word has spread, and you're no longer safe here at Opifex.

Changkyun informs you that your ship has been reclaimed by the company. However, he offers you an older ship he has in the far back of his shop. It isn't the most modern craft, but it will get you to Lumen.

After providing you with the proper navigation and instructions on the ship, Changkyun bids you both goodbye yet again.

Thankfully because of Changkyun, you and Wonwoo are able to escape yet again, continuing your journey to Lumen. You continue to spend this time with Wonwoo, feeling more at piece in an unidentifiable craft, and knowing that his damage has been repaired.

It's comfortable with Wonwoo, you two work well as partners you've determined. You take shifts navigating the ship, Wonwoo has become quite the captain as you spend the next few days searching for Lumen.

Thankfully, your trip has come to an end, even though you've enjoyed the time with Wonwoo, the travel has been tough. You can see Lumen in the distance. A planet similar to Earth, yet seemingly a bit more thriving as you approach the safe haven planet.

★+ Lumen +★

Lumen. Wonwoo and you had finally landed safely on the planet. It felt safe. It felt like home. You felt as if you could be anything and everything you wanted to be with Wonwoo.

Lumen is similar to Earth, yet the land is lush and the population is diverse. Travelers from multiple planets have made their way here seeking safety. Here you felt accepted. You didn't have to consider the previous system of Earth. You weren't tied to anything.

Both you and Wonwoo could start fresh, and you both could sense this feeling. Wonwoo held your hand tightly, breathing in the fresh air and peering down at you. You looked peaceful, eyes shut as you did the same, head lulling back as the crisp air filled your senses.

This made Wonwoo's eyes flood with adoration seeing you look this free. He remembered what you once were like on the first day you met him. He felt lucky knowing he could be here with you, like this, now. He knows of others who weren't that lucky to have their partners with them after escaping their planets.

Here you'd settle with Wonwoo, in a quaint house where you two could be your true selves, and not worry about others' expectations of you two. Wonwoo holds you tightly at night, knowing that he always has you, the first person who has ever understood and listened to him. The unexpected developer that he can live freely with.

#seventeen smut #wonwoo smut #wonwoo fic #SCI-FI seventeen collab #svthub #seventeen x reader #wonwoo x reader #seventeen fics

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animehideout · 9 days

Text

LOVE IS THE MOST TWISTED CURSE OF THEM ALL

PART 13 ( FINAL )

Gojo Satoru x Fem! Reader

A/N: Omg can't believe that we reached the end of this ff! I started this fic on Dec 12, 2023 and today it's ending on April 19, 2024 🥺.

Thank you everyone for Being part of this journey, thank you for reading, for your support and for your patience! I truly appreciate and you guys truly saved me! I love every single one of you 💗💗💗.

I hope you enjoy this final part as well, and stay tuned more fics are coming 🔜

I'll post an analysis of this fic to emphasize the meanings, morals and life lessons included, if you're interested of course!

Again thank you so much 🙏🏻🫶🏻

Warning: SMUTTT MDNI 🔞 NOT PROOFREAD ⚠️

If you're a Smut Asmr enthusiast you can click on this YouTube link : Gojo Kissing Asmr to add to the experience while reading.

In your house, the place that now you can confidently call a home. Crazy how when two souls bind they make any cold and abandoned place, alive and warm.

Satoru closed your bedroom door as both you got inside, his blue eyes never leaving yours, his hands circled your waist, as you walked backwards.

"You gave me a hard time y/n! I thought you hated me for real!"

With hazy eyes that seduced the shit out of him, you spoke,

"I had to give you a taste of your own medicine Satoru"

"Oh God, this attitude gets me fucking hard for you" he blurted out, growing more impatient.

You smirked as you saw how desperate he was,

"Too excited, Satoru?" you teased,

"Mhm, I know you are too!" he answered, pushing you on the big bed and hovered over you, taking you by surprise on how fast he was, "if you allow me my princess"

You nodded, your mind racing with wild thoughts that contradicted your innocent face, you can't wait to feel him inside of you, filling every inch that's screaming for him.

"It-its my first time though–"

"Don't worry princess, just trust me"

He leaned down pressing his lips on yours, moaning into the kiss. He stripped out of his clothes in front you, you watched him fully naked before your eyes that scanned him, your inside throbbing, growing impatient wanting him to fill the emptiness inside you. Now he helped you out of your clothes. He paused for a moment to admire your body that was under him. His blue eye glistening with love and lust. His large hands reached to touch your neck, chest, abdomen and then rested on your thighs, spreading your legs.

You closed your eyes as you felt the tickling sensation of his long fingers running on the soft skin of your inner thighs.

"Open your eyes princess, keep your eyes on me"

You nodded and did as he said feeling the heat,

"Mhm"

"Fuck... look at you princess so wet for me"

You gasped a bit when you felt his breath on your pussy. He admired you for a bit, the his tongue started working on pleasuring you down there.

You felt the need to grab into something, so your hands found their way to his hair, pulling on it.

"S-shit" you moaned,

as he continued to eat you out,

"Let it go baby", he whispered still devouring you till you cane around his tongue.

"Fuck"

"You taste so good baby, daamn" he exclaimed as he now slowly pushed himself inside you. "F-fuck baby" he groaned at your tightness.

"S-satoru"

"T-tell me when you w-want me t-to move baby" he groaned wanting to thrust into you so bad.

"You can move" you whispered

He slowly started moving, looking at you making sure you felt comfortable. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him into a passionate kiss, while he pulled out and pushed back into you. You whimpered from the new sensation that made you crave him even more.

"You okay?"

"Mhm f-faster"

He smirked, finally getting the green light ti pound you, each thrust sent both of you on cloud nine.

"Satoru don't stop" you moaned rolling your eyes back.

Your words and moans only motivated him to keep going faster and harder leading him and you to your climax.

"Shit, I-I'm close S-satoru" you shut your eyes tightly.

"Fuck—together baby"

You rocked your hips up, both of your hearts pounding out of your chests till both of you released at the same time.

"Yeaah oh fuck baby"

He laid next to you on the bed for a few moments looking into each other's eyes then started giggling as he pulled you to his chest.

"you did so good princess, I love you so much"

"I love you too"

.....

"Here! lemme help you clean up!"

"Thanks" you smiled softly

"What about we watch a movie and cuddle till we fall asle–.. are you okay?" he asked as he saw you zoning out.

"I–I'm" but you couldn't finish your sentence, feeling out of breath.

"Y/n what's wrong?" asked Gojo worriedly,

"I- I can't breathe–" you stuttered,

You quickly put on your panties, and grabbed Gojo's shirt that was thrown on the bedroom floor and put it on, hurrying outside for some air. You clutched your chest, coughing violently, each cough racked your body making you stumble into the wall and random objects.

"Baby- y/n lemme take you to Shoko" he said trying to grab you, but you flinched away, you were too sensitive to any touch,

"No-no"

"Baby please wait" he pleaded, still fully naked,

You swung the house door open, rushing to the street trying to inhale fresh air as much as possible but it was too hard to do so, making effort to breathe. Barefoot, only in Gojo's shirt that became a dress on you. Desperately gasping for oxygen. Cold sweat trickled down your forehead, your vision blurred, dizziness taking over you, your world spinning trying your best to take control over your body that betrayed you.

Gojo rushed outside as well, he had to put his pants on before chasing after you. He couldn't leave the house naked.

"AAAAAAA" you screamed your lungs out, as your eyes scanned your surroundings,

"Y/N" yelled Gojo, fear taking over him, he hugged you tightly, you buried your head in the crook of his neck.

With a flick of his finger he exorcised the curses that were surrounding both of you in the area, making them disappear in a matter of seconds.

"A-re those–?" you mumbled, feeling your heart beats get steadier and your breathing back to normal.

"Yes, curses! wait– you can see them!??" he asked, his eyes widened when he realized you saw the curses.

"Wait!!! I saw them?!!" you looked at Gojo in surprise processing the fact that you can see curses now.

"Does that mean–"

"My curse broke!?"

"Your curse broke!?"

both of you exclaimed at the same time, looking at each other in surprise.

Gojo hugged you tight, spinning you around.

"Omg baby finally!!! We have to go to Jujutsu High now!" he added,

"Wait– can we go tomorrow? I don't think I'm ready to face them, besides I'm still processing it" you said looking uncomfortable.

"I know, but I'm sorry princess, we don't have a choice! it is a must that we inform them now! All of us have been waiting for this"

You nodded in defeat, after all informing them is totally the better option than seeing other curses and not knowing what to do beside screaming.

You went back to your house, took a shower and put on some proper clothes on while Satoru made a phone call to Principal Yaga.

"You ready sweetheart?" he asked.

"Yeah ready" you answered with a deep breath.

"Hey hey babe, look at me! it will be alright. I'll be by your side the whole time okay?" he said cupping your cheeks.

• At Jujutsu High •

You hesitantly sat on the chair, the higher-ups eyes fixated on your every move, making you feel extremely awkward.

"So Gojo Y/n, Satoru told us that you were able to see curses tonight and that you had trouble breathing and dizziness?" said one of the higher ups

"Mhm yes right, I couldn't breathe and I had a weird feeling as if I'm being choked or suffocated and when I went out for some air I've seen 3 curses surrounding us"

"And you're aware of what that means?"

"It means my curse broke— right?"

"Correct! how did it break though? what did you do to break it? It's been months since taking your vows why did it break tonight?" he asked

"uhm" you didn't know what to say,

You and Satoru looked at each other, and you can see the smirk on his face, then you realized that the vows were not the ones to break the curse, but true love bonding; by making love.

You can feel your cheeks warm up, a red tint colored them. Satoru lowered his head trying not to burst into uncontrollable laughter when he saw how shy you got from your realization.

You stuttered not knowing what to say, it was really inappropriate to tell them that sex with Gojo broke it. With a small chuckle Gojo looked at them and said,

"Don't worry about it, it just did, I helped her with it"

"It is official then. Y/n ! starting from today you're officially a Jujutsu Sorcerer welcome to our society"

You kinda felt proud that now you're part of something and not just a purposeless human being who doesn't even know themselves. But at the same time you felt terrified at the fact that you've got hella responsibilities on your shoulder starting from tonight.

"Thank you" you muttered, fidgeting with your fingers.

"But I must tell you, a lot of special grade curses will attempt to attack you and kill you–"

"Not only curses but also the other sorcerers" said one of the other higher ups

"other sorcerers? aren't all sorcerers serving the same purpose, killing curses?" you asked

"Well, as you can see, not all sorcerers are good, staring from your case with Mei Mei, there are many of them and more worse than her. You're considered both a balance and a threat to our world y/n" he explained

You felt extremely uneasy and uncomfortable, too much pressure, too much information to process. Feeling very overwhelmed more than ever. Your forehead dripping with cold sweat.

"I know you've already told me that the prophecy said I'll bring balance but how? what is my task exactly?" you asked, questions making your head spin.

"You're the strongest now, and to remain that way you mustn't die, it's all in your hands from now on, the Jujutsu Community depends on you for protection from the Ultimate danger"

"The ultimate danger?"

"You know our task as sorcerers to exorcise curses and protect the normals, those who can't defeat themselves"

"Yes?"

"Well the prophecy didn't only mention you, it mentioned also the danger we'll face, it is mentioned that an ancient and dark sorcerer will try to invade humanity with curse energy leading an evolution, a world full of sorcerers and curses"

"So the non sorcerers are at risk?"

"Exactly but also the sorcerers"

"Is it Sukuna that will carry this deed?"

"No! not Sukuna"

"Huh? isn't he an ancient dark–?"

"He is a special grade curse, but it's not Sukuna's plan to make the world full of sorcerers that want to exorcise him, Sukuna's goal is to be the ruler, gather followers and execute those who do not submit" explained Satoru

"Then who's this sorcerer?"

"We don't know! but all what we know that you'll be the first one to confront him" added Principal Yaga.

You gulped, being the first one; without experience on how to use your Jujutsu, and to meet one ancient strong sorcerer that has destructive plans is kinda crazy and it made your heart go crazy. What if you're not capable of defeating him? What if you disappoint the Jujutsu Community that has faith in you?

All of these questions burned your throat, but you can't ask them, you'd be seen as weak and scared and you definitely can't let them know that.

"Alright then" you simply said, then excused yourself and left the meeting room.

Gojo followed you, he can sense your discomfort.

You stood in the balcony, joined by your husband.

"It's not an easy task you've got" he started,

"Ugh thanks for reminding me again Satoru" you rolled your eyes at him.

"Come on Y/n! you'll get used to it" he whispered pulling you close to him by your waist, his big arms surrounding you in a protective way.

"I don't even know what my technique is Satoru"

"Oh but I do!"

"You do?"

"Yes, your technique was already foreseen, its a heritage from a very ancient sorcerer, the last sorcerer that had it was like 200 years ago. That sorcerer maintained balance in our world for years, emphasizing safety for both sorcerers and non-sorcerers, there's a reason you won against me during our fight, it blew my mind that you succeeded in laying a punch even though i had my infinity on. Your technique is copying others techniques just by touching them while it is activated. You can use their techniques against them"

"Wait what?? How do I know? And what if I'm fighting against curses ? how am I supposed to defeat them since not all curses have a technique, not all of them are special grade or first grade after all?"

"Good question, actually you have a strong burst of curse energy that could easily destroy curses, you just need to learn how to activate it"

"So I need a lot of practice huh? A long way to go? What if I'm not ready yet to face that sorcerer?"

"You don't need practice, you're a natural at it, you just need to try and believe in yourself, in your abilities, in your technique, that's how you're gonna summon it, you've got the spirit of the great old sorcerers in you, you're capable of everything Y/n just search inside of you... you're capable of things you don't know you're capable of"

His words were very comforting and motivating, you can feel your tense muscles relax slowly, nodding your head at his words.

"I believe in you y/n" he added, kissing your forehead.

You closed your eyes taking into the moment.

You can't deny that his words boosted your confidence and your ego, it's finally your time to shine.

"Embrace this new version of you Y/n!" he added kissing your temple.

"–I wanna meet Mei Mei" you said out of the blue.

"Huh? meet Mei Mei?"

"Yeah! I'm not allowed?" you raised your eyebrow.

"No not like that, you're allowed of course, it just was unexpected, I thought you didn't wanna see her face"

"You're right, but you said I have to embrace this new version of me so maybe it's time to speak my mind and confront others instead of hiding" you said confidently.

"Damn I love this mindset" he said with a smile.

"Oh but trust me you're next" you said teasingly.

"Wait what?" he said panicking.

"Come on Satoru, you know I'm not fully done with you"

"But I thought you forgave me" he said pouting.

"Oh I did but it's about time I forget, come on take me to Mei Mei"

You were serious though, you didn't forget what he'd done to you yet. It's true you love him with all of your heart, and he does too but you felt that ignoring him for a week wasn't a proper punishment.

......

Gojo took you to the prison where Mei Mei is staying. He unlocked the door stepping inside.

"Gojo? you came!" said Mei Mei but het smile dropped instantly right after she saw you take a step inside her cell.

Satoru stood by the door, while you moved closer towards her, you can tell by the look on her face that she felt something different coming from you, something intimidating, something strong, not the usual you.

"Y/n y–"

without saying anything you interrupted her with a slap across her face. You slapped her with all your might earning a gasp from her and from your husband, his eyes widened, he didn't see it coming.

Mei Mei looked at you in shock, and said in confusion,

"You slapped m—"

"Oh I did! I could've done more but I just chose not to"

"You—"

"Uh uh no no! I'll talk and you will listen Mei Mei, Im here to speak my mind, to say the things that I couldn't say before because I thought my words won't make any difference, and even if they don't now I really don't care because I'll speak any way"

You paused for a second, leaning towards her, your eyes piercing through her soul.

"I hope you're enjoying your time here in this cell, reflecting on what you had done and most importantly realizing that you deserve to be here. I hope you realize that all of us pay for what we do. Because sooner or later we won't escape the universe's justice. and I hope you realize that what you've done to me is terrible, I hope you feel the guilt every day and I hope it eats you up for trying to ruin what was already ruined life, for trying to kill me. You know something Mei Mei I allowed you to hurt me because I didn't know I can protect myself, I didn't know I was capable of stopping someone from harming me both physically and emotionally because I was weaker than all of you. But now I do and damn it feels great. You and Toji will both suffer. See all of what you do to others will come around to you and you can't hide from it so enjoy your stay here" You said,

and started walking towards Gojo who was leaning against the door frame proud of you happy that you finally realize your worth and potential.

You held his hand and then looked back at Mei Mei,

"Oh by the way Mei Mei, your attempts to tear us apart only drew us closer so thank you for that" you added,

then walked out hand in hand with Satoru making sure to lock the door.

"That was hot" exclaimed Gojo

"Oh you think so?"

" I know so"

He grabbed your chin making you look up at him,

"I know that you'll punish me anyway, you won't let it slip but I'm lucky that you didn't hate me I was worried really worried, you were so cold so distant as if I wasn't visible to you. So I'm going to accept any punishment from you as long as you don't hate me"

"you know I had to do it"

" I know I know I deserve to be treated like that, but I thought we had no hope I thought our marriage was over the moment I was hoping to fix things so I'm glad you gave me a chance to make it up for you to be a real husband so.you can punish me now but promise not to leave me cuz if you do then I'll drown again"

"You know something; we all make mistakes and wr are the ones who decide to fix them before it's too late or to ignore them but learn how to live with the consequence"

"You're right, I don't wanna live with the consequences, I wanna live happily with you Y/n"

You looked up at him, you can see the softness in his eyes and the way he speaks to you, you can't help but fall more and more deep for him.

"So please tell me that you won't leave me" he pleaded, a hint of worry visible in his tone.

He was feeling really overwhelmed, he knew you being the strongest now means you're at risk in every step you take, that you're targeted by many who want to haunt you down. He was worried that he might lose you, and besides he was afraid you might not be able to forget what happened in the past and end up hating him, even though you said you loved him. He was dealing with mixed feelings, trying to fix many things at the same time and trying to protect you but he knows the higher ups won't allow him to.

"Please-"

"I-" you started to speak but got interrupted by no other than Megumi,

"Oh Gojo finally!!!"

"Megumi?" you and your husband said at the same time.

"Oh Y/n sensei!"

"Is everything okay?" asked Gojo

"Nah it's far from being okay !! it's Yuji!!"

"What happened to Yuuji??" you asked worriedly as you walked towards Megumi

"Sukuna took over him, and we don't know where he is now"

"What do you mean Sukuna took over him?" questioned Gojo

"I was in my room sleeping then I heard a noise outsiders when I looked outside of the window I thought it was Yuji but when he looked back it was Sukuna, when I went down to stop him he was already gone"

"Shit shit shit" you said, "we need go and look for him...now"

"Baby—wait, you can wait in our room I'll go and look for him" said Gojo

"What do you mean Satoru! Yuuji is in danger and you expect me to hide in our room and do nothing to find him? I'm going with all of you, now!"

Megumi looked at Gojo as you started walking away,

"What's wrong? you look worried ?" said Megumi

"Yes Megumi yes, you know she's in danger and we don't know what to expect"

"You can't change fate Gojo! it's what the prophecy said, I'm sure Y/n will manage , you should be the first one to put your faith in her! besides she's got time till her curse breaks and she'll practice being a sorcerer"

"She's a sorcerer now"

"She's gonna be ok— wait what did you say?"

"Her curse broke tonight, she's announced a sorcerer by the higher ups"

"Oh"

"Mhm"

"I can understand your worry now, but she's gonna be fine! she's strong!"

"I know, come one let's go" said Gojo with a sigh...

.....

• Time skip •

A couple of hours are now separating you form the break of dawn, Gojo was trying not to leave your side the whole time you were searching for Yuuji, he was always keeping a protective eye on you, scanning your surroundings making sure no one around is trying to harm you.

All of you; students and teachers met up again in Jujutsu High, to find another plan.

You were in the school garden, sitting on the stairs waiting for the higher ups to call for an urgent meeting, your heart aching for Yuuji, he's the sweetest boy you've ever met and you were genuinely scared for him, all what you were thinking about was him, you were hoping to find him and save him from Sukuna's hands, Gojo was discussing things with Principal Yaga most likely about you and the students trying to figure out where he could possibly go.

....

"I see you're alone y/n. Stargazing as usual?" said a deep voice that made you stand up quickly from your seat.

"Ryomen Sukuna" you said and started walking towards him, "You better leave Yuuji alone" you threatened.

"Wait wait, it's true then, they weren't lying , I can feel it emitting from you" he said as he exhaled,

"What and who are you talking about? "

"Your curse energy, pretty strong, it's intoxicating"

"Yeah you were more than excited to fight me when I become a sorcerer, here I'm in front of you, I'll fight you so you better let go of Yuuji"

"Uh no, I know I said that, but I'm no longer interested in fighting you, someone else will"

But before you could ask him, you saw a group of people entering Jujutsu High, coming your way.

"Good luck beautiful, for now I'll watch through this brat's eyes" With those last words, sukuna switched back to Yuji,

"Sensei, sensei run!!!" said Yuuji

"Yuji-Kun are you okay?" you asked worriedly grabbing his forearm

"Yes I am, let's go we need to get inside and find Gojo sensei" he started pulling you away,

but you knew this time there's no running away, thia fight is yours. As much as it terrified you, you can't run away.

"Yuji calm down, go and find Satoru and the others...trust me" you reassured.

"Itadori Yuji, Sukuna's vessel, whats up with that look on your face? still grieving over Junpei?" said a long haired guy,

"Mahito" said Yuji through gritted teeth.

You looked between both of them, the sooner joined by your husband who rushed to tour side, still not aware of those who stood in front of you.

"Y/n, Yuji you're here!? are you okay? did Sukuna do something? where did you go?"

"He went to talk to these bastards" answered Yuji pointing at them,

The moment Gojo turned his head to look at them, his eyes widened, his heart dropping to his stomach, a shocked expression displayed on his face as if he saw a ghost,

"S-suguru geto?" he stuttered

"Geto?" you repeated

"Long time no see Satoru" spoke this so called Geto with a gentle voice,

You looked between both of them in confusion.

"Isn't he dead?" you asked out of the blue.

"That's not possible, I killed you" spoke Satoru, his eyes still fixated on the man in front of him.

Sooner you were joined by the other students, Nanami, Utahime and Principal Yaga.

All of them stopped in track the moment their eyes met Geto's eyes.

"Geto?" they said in union.

"I think it's an insult to call me Geto" he said, and walked forward his finger gripping a thin string, opening up those stitches on his forehead revealing his true self. "You can call me Kenjaku"

"Kenjaku?" said the others in union, eyes widening upon his reveal.

You were the only one confused,

"Who the hell is Kenjaku?"

"The ancient sorcerer, mentioned in the prophecy?" explained Nanami

"So I'm gonna fight him? fight a brain or what exactly?" you asked and pointed at him, genuinely confused.

"I see you brought all of them curses with you?" said Gojo

"You can say we work as a team Gojo Satoru, I hope you're not pressed that now you're no longer the strongest" exclaimed Mahito in an offensive tone trying to get in Gojo's nerves

"Is that guy a curse?" you asked Nanami,

"Yeah he is"

"He looks h-human"

"Deceiving right? I look human, but I'm not one, little one. Oh Nanami ready for another battle, I wasn't finished with you last time"

Nanami remained calm but you can see his veins popping out on his neck and temples. The presence of Mahito annoyed him to the core, he might be the most hatred curse out there, more than Sukuna himself. He's just an annoying bitch who likes to play games on others.

"We're here for only one reason, to kill Y/n so move and make it easier for all of us" said Kenjaku.

You can feel your heart jumping out of your throat, no one is able to save you now, you're the one to save you. The prophecy is now a reality and there's no escape from it. It's your fate, it's what you were born for, you existed this whole time just for this moment and you have no other choice but to win this fight and bring balance once again to this messed up community. But a surge of courage took over you, as if you weren't alone, feeling another kind of presence lingering around you.

"You can try and kill me..Kenjaku" you threatened and moved towards him.

And the battle started.

Gojo against Jogo, Nanami and Yuji against Mahito, Nobara and Megumi against Hanami, Inumaki, Panda and Maki against Dagon and You against Kenjaku.

Kenjaku summoned curses with a flick of his fingers, sending them swirling towards you like malevolent spirits hungry for your death. You moved with grace, your movements fluid as you deftly dodged the curses, each one hissing and snarling as it sought to tear you apart. Your moves were natural, a result of years of training in martial arts. You haven't used any curse energy yet. Not sure how to do it, how to summon your energy.

"Just search inside you" you remembered Gojo's word. .

With a deep breath, you tried to focus, looking in front of you as Kenjaku sent one of the curses running towards you, you were focusing, pressing your lips together as the curse was getting closer and closer, but you stood your ground, trying to trust yourself this time.

The moment the curse got right in front of you, inches away from your face, as if the time stopped and started moving slowly. The curse exploded. A burst of if energy left your body.

You successfully summoned that power and now you can feel it take over you, running through your veins. It felt great, you felt unstoppable, powerful and undefeated. You can now exorcise those curses.

With each burst of energy you felt yourself growing stronger, instead of feeling drained, you felt as if you were feeding of the death of those curses who's curse energies faded into the air.

.....

"Next" you said as you looked directly into Kenjaku's eyes, who was hesitant to summon another curse.

"You think you can win against me? I'm no ordinary foe. I have been living through centuries of dark knowledge"

"Then prove it, you're nothing without those curse that you summon" you challenged.

You did trigger him, you actually looked down on him, making him appear as weak. But he didn't know that it was part of your plan to offend him and make him try to fight you. He didn't know about your technique yet so he wasn't careful with his next move.

He ran towards you, trying to lay a punch on you, but it was easy for you to dodge it. In a moment of daring, you lunged forward, your hand reaching out to grasp Kenjaku's cloak. Your skin touched, and in an instant, you felt the surge of power as Kenjaku's own curses turned against him. You can feel yourself taking control, and you were able to manipulate the curses inside Kenjaku, making them respawn no matter how hard he tried to stop you.

The very creatures he had tamed now obeyed your command, their twisted forms holding him down as you stood there looking down at him.

Hanami, Jogo and Dagon were already dead but Mahito was still alive, playing dirty tricks on both Nanami and Yuuji.

But ince you overpowered Kenjaku, everyone stopped in tracks, waiting for you to finish him off and kill him.

You were about to do it, but stopped the moment you felt a presence lingering in the air. It was a warm presence, comforting one it was similar to the one you felt around Gojo, Nanami and your students.

"Maybe it's him" you whispered to yourself.

You looked up, your eyes meeting Gojo's sad eyes. By the look on his face you knew he wasn't ready to witness his bestfriend get killed again, even though it wasn't really his bestfriend but it was his body.

In that moment, you discovered something new in you. You closed your eyes hoping that what you're about to do actually works and don't make a fool of yourself instead. You started focusing, summoning spiritual forces that you didn't know existed within you.

"I know what you're trying to do, but in order to do so you need to sacrifice someone you know that right, if you're trying to kill me to bring Geto back then it's not possible, you'll destroy the body" said Kenjaku out of breath.

"They didn't lie when they said you're ancient, I can tell now.. I have to sacrifice yeah but not necessarily a physical one, I do things differently, it will be a soul, and it's yours" you said with a dirty smirk.

You shut your eyes tightly, tracing Geto's soul energy that was felt. Using a secret and unusual ritual you resurrected his lost soul.

You summoned Geto back, Kenjaku's presence was slowly fading into nothingness, Geto's soul taking over the body once again. Everyone watched his body on the ground, slowly twitching fighting to gain consciousness.

Your eyes shifted to Mahito, you started walking towards him, your eyes darkening as if you were possessed , empowered by ancient souls of old shamans. By your aura, now everyone can tell why you're the strongest.

Being arrogant his whole existence, Mahito actually thought he stood a chance against you after witnessing how you finished off one of the greatest sorcerers across the centuries. He attacked you, thinking he was fast, he out his hand on your shoulder but in a split second before he can actually think of his next move you did the same and placed your small hand on his chest;

"Idle transfiguration" those words left your mouth smoothly, and you watched how his body exploded under your soft touch.

Silence fell over the place, witnessing how you destroyed Mahito easily as if he was nothing.

"What the hell?" said a honey-like voice,

Everyone looked around and it was Geto standing, trying to understand what happened.

"Satoru?" he added softly,

"Suguru" said gojo and ran towards his bestfriend,

He hugged him tightly, unable to process that he's alive and standing right in front of him. Unable ti believe he was real. You brought geto, you brought his bestfriend back, your heart ached for the years full of pain and regret Gojo had to endure, for the nightmares that visited him every night. You smiled to yourself as you saw both of them hug each other hoping that the nightmares will finally leave him alone.

"Suguru, this is my wife, Y/n" said Gojo introducing you to his bestfriend,

But before you could react or say anything, you unexpectedly fell on your knees, the world around you spinning, you over used your curse energy for a beginner. Summoning Geto's soul back took a lot of effort but it was all worth it.

"YN!!!"

.......

You woke up in the hospital, you can feel every bone in your body hurt like a bitch. You looked around, many smiling faces were looking at you.

"SENSEI WELCOME BACK" yelled Yuuji happily.

"Shush Yuji you're so loud, she just woke up" said Megumi in an annoyed tone.

"Baby, are you feeling better?" said Gojo holding your hand, his thumb caressing your soft skin.

"Satoru! mhm I'm fine" you whispered tiredly,

Your head was pounding and you felt really sleepy.

"Ehm your family came to see you baby" he added,

"What?"

You looked at the other side and then you saw your family sitting there in the corner, hesitantly trying to start a conversation with you.

"Mom? Dad?" you said in confusion, not expecting to see then after all this time.

"Come one guys let's give them some privacy hm?" said Gojo pushing his students out.

"Satoru! can you stay please!" you spoke softly, not wanting to stay alone with them cuz you know it might be awkward and you felt too weak and needed your husband to support you.

The others left the room and now you were laying on bed, Gojo holding your hand and your family trying their best to find the right words.

"Yn, my dear we're glad you're okay" begun your mom.

"We were extremely worried about you, when we heard that you had a fight with Kenjaku we thought that you got hurt" added your dad.

"You grew stronger Y/n! we're ready proud of you" said one of your siblings.

You looked at them then at Gojo, you didn't know what to say, it was really awkward. Your family did hurt you the most, and you were expecting them to apologize not to casually show up at the hospital.

"I don't know what to say, I really don't" you spoke, trying not to cry.

"Yn!! we know we failed as parents, we didn't treat you fairly, we messed up and we didn't realize then that it affected you, you always seemed strong, silent.. you didn't show that you were hurting because of us, you seemed normal—"

"Just because I don't speak about it doesn't mean I'm not feeling it mom!"

"We're so sorry about that my sweet Yn. I wish we can make it up for you"

"How? by being present now? after abandoning and neglecting me for years? I know, you came to see me just because I became like you; a sorcerer not because I'm your daughter right?"

"No no baby no, you're our daughter, our sweet Yn! we confess our mistakes, we mistreated you, and you didn't deserve that, not even a bit. I wasn't a good mother, I should have asked you how you felt, I shouldn't take your silence as an answer"

"We failed you Yn and you have every right to cut us off your life. But just know that we love you, and we realized our mistakes really late. We thought that you were living your best life when you got married, we didn't know about the abduction we didn't know about your suffering..and it's our fault because we should've reached out" explained your father.

"We should've been there for you, but just know that sorcerer or not, we love you for who you are Yn" added your mom trying not to cry, but a tear betrayed her. They started walking towards the door,

"We'll let you rest, Gojo take good care of her" he said his voice cracking.

"Wait!" you said,

"I know you messed up, you did hurt me the most, you made me feel neglected, different, weak and pathetic. You were the reason I found comfort in isolation rather than with you. Now I don't know if you mean this apology or not but I don't wanna cut you off. Family remains family whether we love it or hate it. Maybe it's kinda late to try to fix things with me, since the damage is already here in me. But I do forgive you, you fed me and provided a shelter for me when I was a kid, and I can't forget about that" you added in a sad tone but deep inside you were happy to see them again and to hear them apologize.

"Oh baby" said your mom and hugged you, joined by your father and siblings.

Satoru watched with a smile, he felt bad for you. He was ashamed of what he did, he didn't know you felt that way, he didn't know you felt so alone. He didn't know you were neglected by your own family.

"Come on, Gojo" said your mom

"Yes son in law, join us in this family hug" added you dad pulling Gojo as well.

.....

Now you were alone with Gojo, your family is at Jujutsu High with the rest if the teachers and students preparing for a party that your husband had planned as a surprise.

*knock knock*

"Oh he's here! come in" said Satoru

The door was pushed open and it was Geto. You got into a sitting position.

"Hello" he said softly,

You smiled and nodded as he took a seat next to Gojo.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked,

"Yeah I'm fine thank you, what about you? how are you feeling?"

"Alive"

"Suguru wanted to see you and check up on you, he's a shy person tho, just like you.. I think you'll get along well" said Gojo jokingly,

"Thank you for- I don't know what to say, from bringing me to life again, even though I don't deserve it—"

"I think everyone deserves a second chance!" you reassured.

Geto smiled,

"Thank you, then I'll make sure to make the best out of this chance.. I won't fall into the trap of my old mistakes that got me killed" he giggled,

"What now you're gonna tease me for that?" said Gojo rolling his eyes,

"Nah Satoru, I know I deserved it, I was a jerk with that mindset and ideology"

"Oh I'm glad you realized that now"

You looked at both if them giggling at how they started bickering.

"Thank you Yn you're the reason I'm reunited with my best friend once again, thank you for giving us this chance to find each other again" said Geto truly grateful,

"Everyone deserves a best friend" you smiled,

"I thought you wanted to punish me, but you ended up bringing my best friend back, you always amaze me, I don't deserve you Yn, you're too kind for this world, even though a few hours ago you were completely ruthless with Mahito".

"That bitch totally deserved it" you exclaimed.

"Oh that attitude I fucking love it" said Satoru and pressed a kiss on your lips,

"Ahem, so I'll be in Jujutsu High" said Geto clearing his throat, feeling like a third wheel.

"Yeah we'll be there in an hour"

...

• Time Skip •

As you stepped into Jujutsu High, hand in hand with your husband Gojo, you blinked in surprise as you took in the sight before you; tables adorned with delicate flowers and twinkling lights. In front of you, stood your friends and family, gathered together to welcome you. But it wasn't just any celebration – it was a second wedding party.

Gojo got on one knee and looked up at you, you raised your eyebrows in confusion.

"S-satoru what are you doing?"

"Baby, we didn't get to celebrate our wedding properly. We both hated it at first, it was forced on us, we weren't happy back then, but now..now we are! With time we realized that getting married was the right thing to do, not for the prophecy no, but for ourselves, you summoned a buried part of me I didn't know it existed, a softness, a feeling I was carving for years but wasn't able to experience it, till you made it possible. I fell head over heels for you Y/n and I'll continue to love you till my last breath. Y/n will you marry me again?"

Tears welled in your eyes, it was too emotional. On one hand, you felt a surge of gratitude for the effort your family and friends had put into creating such a beautiful moment, a memory you would cherish forever. And on the other hand, your husband Gojo, you realized how much you love him, and that he's the one you'll be spending the rest if your life with, you complete each other, and you need each other.

"I do, and I'll never leave you" you said and at the same time you answered the question that he asked you yesterday but wasn't able to answer him because you got interrupted.

Everyone started clapping and cheering for you, as he spun you around and gave you as long passionate kiss, the sun glowing above you all.

You spent the rest of the day and night celebrating, chatting together, everyone got along, and you for real got along well with Suguru, you were joking together and making fun of Gojo, joined by Shojo who was the happiest, the smile never leaving her face. A smile that she missed for years. You brought their memories to life again and helped them to make new memories as well, memories they'll remember for a life time. Nanami, is now more open, no longer annoyed by Gojo but rather more grateful for the beautiful chaos around him, the chaos that used to annoy him, now all their laughter and loud voices are music to his ear, it made him feel less lonely, it made him realize that life is worth living if you're with the right ones. Your family were there as well, they were Yuji's victims, he couldn't stop talking to them on how amazing you are, and how you helped him as a teacher.

What a night, full of laughter, love and joy.

...

You looked at Gojo who was sleeping peacefully beside you, you kissed his cheek and then out on a jacket and walked outside. You wanted to watch the sunrise. You wanted to see the merging colors, the way the sun rays will take over the darkness and shine up the world announcing a new day ahead.

"Going somewhere?" asked Gojo in a sleepy voice , yawning.

"Nah just here waiting for the sunrise"

"Oh I thought you're escaping me" he said and circled his arms around you in a protective and firm way.

"Me escape you? come on don't be silly! I know you won't let me leave"

"Of course I won't! you belong here, you belong to me, to my arms, once you're locked here there's no escape"

You giggled, pressing a kiss on his neck.

"Wanna get a better view if the sunrise?" he added.

"Hm?"

Without answering you, he used his teleportation skills to get you up on that hill where he found you that night where both of you confessed and shared your first kiss.

"Damn I gotta get used to you teleporting me everywhere" you joked,

"We'll get a better view from here"

You laid your head on his chest, taking into the moment and started speaking softly,

"You know sunsets used to be my favorite, I used to prefer it over sunrise"

"Any specific reason?" he asked, wanting to know more on what's going inside that head of yours.

"I wanted my life to end, I wanted that for years, so I kinda related to the sunset. Convincing myself that endings can be beautiful too, just like the sunset, trying to romanticize death, make it less scary. At least if I didn't live beautifully then I can die beautifully. But now I can relate more to the sunrise, I no longer wanna die, not now at least, I wanna live- my life now feels like sunrise a new beg—"

"Beginning- a new beginning" said Gojo interrupting you "I understand that feeling very well"

"How?" you asked,

"You broke my curse too, you broke it by another curse, or at least what I used to believe was a curse"

"What curse?"

"Love Y/n! Love is the most twisted curse of them all...." he paused and looked at you and then added, "But even if it's a curse, I still wanna feel it, as long as it's with you. I'd let my soul burn so you can feel my warmth, you've made my life a heaven cuz you're the greatest blessing I've ever had in my life" he leaned down a kissed your forehead.

"Satoru—"

"It was meant for us, we were meant to be together. Both of us experienced different things but ended up feeling the same thing; loneliness. I was the most wanted, feared and respected even by my enemies, I was up too high but too lonely, in the contrary, you were looked down even by your own family and ended up isolating and feeling the loneliness for years. That proves that what you felt, what you had been through is not your fault, it was never your fault. We were on opposite ends of the spectrum but ended up dealing with the same. But when we found each other, everything changed, I felt alive, I felt that I have a purpose in life, a reason to wake up each morning and feel excited and thankful that I'm breathing.. You saved me Y/n! You saved me from myself, from my loneliness. You just made my black and white life, colorful, you put an end to my nightmares... I love you."

"I love you too Satoru" you said, a tear of happiness rolling down your cheek.

Both of you kissed, as the sun light glowed on the horizon, announcing a new day, a new beginning, a new intake of oxygen and a new chapter. .

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huhjxn · 1 year

Text

N E W J I N S : A Small World

huh yunjin musician & vlogger smau

every person have a different path destined for them depending on their passions and aspirations. huh yunjin is a courageous kid who chased her dreams of becoming a musician, but she realized that a certain girl starts to become part of that dream. just like any other journey in life, she is faced with different obstacles as she tries to pursue y/n. can she actually succeed or will she just be another 'jin' that you meet?

main cast: huh yunjin, kim chaewon, kim minju, jeon heejin (and more...)

genre: fluff, slight angst(?), wlw, their-besties-are-exes trope, defo slow burn

updates: 2-3 times a week

warnings: swearing, red flag chaewon, they r rude & gay

a/n: i just opened a taglist for this! comment or send an ask to be a part of it

[0] profiles

[1] studios & coffee shops

[2] new song out now!

[3] broken hearts

[4] chaewon's new girl

[-] extra: minju day

[5] looking for u

[6] i saw that

[7] green is the color of jealousy

[8] stunning

[9] case study with hyunjin

[10] i might kill my ex

[11] y/n as a uni student

[12] yunjin's vlog

[13] shutdown

[14] finally??!?!

[15] the date

[16] uni over cuties era

[17] she's so dense

[18] it's out

[19] best girl

[20] everyone is down bad

[21] back in the game (?)

[22] do you get déjà vu?

[23] and you'll be losing me

[24] low blow (wtf)

[25] huhyunny fuck you

[26] front row seats

[27] other jins

[28] makeover with hyunjin

[29] new hair

[30] blonde slytherins

[31] airdropped pic

[32] love it when pretty girls

[33] past and present

[34] the favor

[35] jennifer huh: a bad bitch

[36] take me out

[37] minyn are down horrendous

[38] minyn are still down horrendous

[39] motivation

[40] bad intentions?

[41]

[42]

[43]

[44]

[45]

[46]

[47]

[48]

[49]

[50]

#huh yunjin x reader #huh yunjin #kim chaewon #kim minju #jeon heejin #2kim #le sserafim #loona #iz*one #le sserafim imagines #huh yunjin smau #smau #le sserafim smau #NEWJINS #le sserafim scenarios #huh yunjin imagines #huhjxn

989 notes · View notes

svn-bangtan · 10 months

Text

Soulmates

»pairing: Yoongi x reader

»genre: BTS | 13+ | Fluff

»wc/date: 4.5k | June 2023

» warnings: Just some fluff

»Summary: Everyone had a soulmate and many find theirs much faster than others. Throughout her years being alive, Y/n is slowly beginning to lose hope in finding her soulmate. After becoming a successful artist and meeting a new client and a stranger at a cafe, things change very quickly.

» notes: THIS ONE-SHOT WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OLD ACCOUNT @loomdiamonds

» m.list | Taglist | Thoughts? Comments? Concerns

Soulmates. The notion of being destined to be with someone, a connection meant to last a lifetime. It's a captivating concept that defies comprehension.

In this extraordinary world, every person bears a unique tattoo on their wrist. It consists of their soulmate's first and middle initials, followed by their last name. For instance, if Y/n's soulmate's name is Tong Sochun, her tattoo would read Tong S.

Discovering one's true soulmate occurs through physical contact, such as a high five. When this happens, the wrist tattoo vanishes, replaced by a new one encircling the ring finger, bearing the partner's full name. From that moment forward, they both embark on a blissful journey together.

Simple, right? Well, not quite.

Y/n's tattoo reads Min Y., a constant reminder since her earliest memories of yearning to meet him or her. However, as the years pass, hope gradually slips away.

Recently, she relocated to Seoul, seeking better prospects in this vibrant metropolis. Unfortunately, after spending considerable time here, it feels like an exercise in futility.

Today, she finds solace in a cozy cafe, engrossed in a new book, relishing her well-deserved day off. These are the moments she eagerly anticipates—a chance to escape reality, stepping out of her apartment and immersing herself in simple pleasures that help momentarily forget about soulmates and the complexities of daily life.

A deep sigh escapes Y/n as she briefly diverts her attention from the book, gazing outside at the enchanting view of Seoul. She offers a faint smile, hugging her coffee mug a little closer. For an instant, she glances down at her wrist, tracing the delicate script that has adorned it since infancy.

Despite her waning hope of finding her soulmate, Y/n yearns to experience the same happiness her parents share—a love so profound, nurtured from childhood, and fortified by a single hug in first grade.

It's every girl's dream—to witness her mom and dad, who never had to embark on wild adventures to find their destined partner.

Setting her cup down, Y/n sweeps her hair away from her face, observing as the first snowflakes begin their gentle descent from the sky. Her gaze drifts downward, lost in contemplation.

Out there, somewhere, Y/n's soulmate patiently awaits. Perhaps they ponder the same questions that haunt her. Uncertainty and countless inquiries swirl within them, chief among them being the fear of rejection.

Rejection is a cruel blow, one that cuts deeply. It ranks among the worst acts one can inflict on another, second only to criminal behavior. When you experience outright rejection, your tattoos vanish, and you become destined to never find love again. Even if you were to try, happiness would forever elude you. It's challenging to articulate fully but rest assured, it's a devastating fate to endure.

What if Y/n's soulmate has passed away, unbeknownst to her? The same fate awaits.

Love becomes an elusive concept, eternal happiness forever out of reach. If she never gets the chance to be with her soulmate, life becomes an unrelenting misery. It's an unfortunate reality, one that plagues the minds of all who ponder the enigma of soulmates.

This notion has even crossed Y/n's mind. At twenty-eight, while all her friends have found their soulmates, she has begun to wonder if her day will ever come. Perhaps her destined partner is no longer among the living. Yet, her wrist bears the undeniable mark—a reminder that they still exist, waiting to be discovered.

"What is a lovely lady like yourself doing all alone up here?" a male voice suddenly interrupts, causing Y/n to jump slightly.

She turns her head and finds a tall man with shaggy brown hair, his warm smile directed at her. Returning the smile, she shrugs her shoulders and raises her book. "Just reading, cherishing the simple things."

Nodding, he gestures toward the empty seat in front of her, silently seeking permission to join her. Y/n agrees, and as he settles across from her, her eyes are drawn to his hand. She notices a name etched around his ring finger, and a quiet sigh escapes her. 'Of course, someone as good-looking as him has already found his soulmate,' she muses inwardly.

"You'll find them one day," he remarks suddenly, causing Y/n's eyes to widen in surprise. 'Did I say it out loud?'

Chuckling, he holds up his hand, his gaze fixed on her bewildered expression. "You were staring, so I assumed you were questioning yourself." Y/n offers a faint smile as she turns her gaze back to the window, where the falling snow gradually blankets the ground.

"It's astonishing to think that somewhere out there, my soulmate awaits me," she muses, looking down at her tattoo with a tender smile. "I admit, meeting them is a truly magical experience." She takes a deep breath and glances at the man, finding him already gazing at her with a smile.

"Hopefully, that day comes soon," she confesses, her fingers gently tracing the tattoo. "This waiting game has become unbearable."

The man chuckles in response to her words, understanding etched on his face as he takes a sip of his coffee. Once again, they sit in silence, finding comfort in each other's presence until Y/n breaks the quietude.

"I apologize for my rudeness. I'm Chun Y/n," she introduces herself.

"Chun?" he says, his expression a mix of confusion and surprise. Y/n nods, offering a sweet smile. "Yes, I'm not originally from Seoul. I moved here from Namyang-dong."

He nods, his grin widening. "Well, my name is Hoseok, and I might just know your soulmate," he declares, standing up and leaving Y/n perplexed.

"Wait, what?"

"Chun is a rare last name, right? I don't think I've ever come across anyone with that surname," he explains, prompting Y/n to slowly nod. "Yes, it's more common in Japan, if I'm not mistaken."

Gently taking hold of her hand, Hoseok gazes down at her tattoo, humming in contemplation. "Well, a good friend of mine, who recently returned to back to Seoul, bears your last name and initial on his wrist. He hasn't met his soulmate yet. It's possible that the two of you are destined for each other."

"But I'm confused," Y/n interjects, withdrawing her hand. "Is that why you approached me? Do you do this with many women?"

Hoseok bursts into hearty laughter, a sound that oddly resembles a windshield wiper, shaking his head. "No, I mistook you for my fiancée by accident. You two have a striking resemblance, and when I noticed your mark, I thought I'd explore the possibility."

"Oh, I see..." Y/n says, leaning back in her seat. "So, what now? If I choose to entertain this possibility, how will I meet your friend?"

Hoseok smirks, reclining in his chair and taking another sip of his coffee. "Leave that to me Chun Y/n."

Sometimes, Y/n finds herself plagued by a persistent thought that whispers she may never cross paths with her soulmate. It's as if the universe has singled her out, marking her as one of the unlucky ones destined to live without that profound connection. This notion lingers, casting a shadow of doubt and loneliness over her heart.

Yet, despite occasional glimmers of hope ignited by her encounter at the café, Y/n has learned to temper her expectations. She has grown accustomed to guarding her heart, shielding herself from the potential pain of disappointment.

In this particular moment, Y/n is immersed in her art studio at work, fully absorbed in a new piece taking shape on her canvas.

Suddenly, a gentle knock at the door interrupts her concentration, drawing her attention towards the entrance. Her face lights up with a smile as she sees her boss, Kim Namjoon, stepping into the room, accompanied by an incredibly striking man.

Rising gracefully from her seat, Y/n warmly greets them both, and Namjoon turns towards his companion, ready to make the introductions.

"Y/n, this is Yoongi, my best friend and a producer," Namjoon announces, his voice tinged with pride. "Yoongi, meet Y/n, one of my incredibly talented artists. She's the one who painted that remarkable piece you showed interest in a few months ago."

A delicate blush colors Y/n's cheeks as she gazes at the man introduced as Yoongi. His presence commands attention, and the timbre of his deep voice momentarily catches her off guard. "Thank you," she responds graciously, her voice gentle and composed. "I truly appreciate your kind words, sir."

Yoongi, his eyes seemingly locked on Y/n, offers her a warm smile. "Please, call me Yoongi. I'm intrigued by the story behind that captivating painting," he says, his curiosity evident as he takes a leisurely stroll around her studio, Namjoon following closely behind. Together, they admire the artwork adorning the walls, until their attention is drawn to a copy of the painting that had caught their eye.

With a steadying breath, Y/n prepares to share the tale behind her creation. As she points to the two figures portrayed in the painting, she feels Yoongi's unwavering gaze upon her. She strives to maintain her professional composure, even as her heart flutters with anticipation. Her words flow with passion and depth, painting a vivid picture with her storytelling.

"Beautiful," Yoongi remarks, causing Y/n to momentarily lose herself in his gaze. A deeper shade of pink graces her cheeks, and Namjoon interjects, unwittingly shattering the enchantment.

"Speaking of soulmates, Yoongi here wanted to commission a piece for his own," Namjoon shares, unknowingly pricking at Y/n's delicate hopes. Swiftly, she masks any trace of disappointment and offers a genuine smile. "It would be my pleasure to create a piece for you, Yoongi."

"Hey, Y/n," Namjoon says with a warm smile. "I need to take a quick call. I'll be right back." Without waiting for a response, he exits the room, leaving Y/n alone in the studio.

Just as their connection seems to deepen, a stack of papers held precariously in Yoongi's hands begins to waver, threatening to tumble to the floor. In an instant, a gust of wind rushes through the studio from Namjoon leaving briefly, scattering the papers in all directions.

Reacting with swift reflexes, both Y/n and Yoongi instinctively reach out to catch the fleeing sheets, their hand's mere inches away from touching. Their eyes meet briefly, a fleeting spark of electric anticipation passing between them, hinting at the profound connection that almost transpired.

Yet, their near-touch is abruptly interrupted as Namjoon bursts into the studio, his voice filled with urgency. "Yoongi, we have to go. It's already 3, and we'll be late for our meeting with Jin." Namjoon swiftly exits the studio, with Yoongi following in his wake. However, before he leaves, Yoongi turns back to offer Y/n one final smile. "I look forward to working with you, Y/n."

Returning the smile, Y/n bows respectfully. "Likewise," she replies softly as Yoongi walks away, leaving her once again in the solitude of her studio. A sigh escapes her lips as she settles back into her seat, her gaze fixed upon the canvas before her. "Every time, Y/n," she whispers to herself, a tinge of frustration evident in her voice.

Shaking off her thoughts, Y/n firmly grasps her paintbrush, determined to pour her emotions onto the canvas once more. Stroke by stroke, she channels her hopes and dreams, infusing her art with passion, knowing that one day, amidst the uncertainty that lingers, her soulmate might just find her.

"I'm curious, what prompted your call today?" Y/n asked, taking a sip of her coffee. She heard Hoseok chuckle on the other end of the line as she finished tidying up her workstation and made her way toward the bedroom in her studio.

"Your soulmate, of course," Hoseok replied, causing Y/n to roll her eyes. It had been about three days since they had met at the café, and ever since, Hoseok had been eager to introduce his friend to Y/n to determine if they were potential soulmates.

Unfortunately, due to their busy schedules and Y/n's dedication to her artwork, they hadn't been able to meet yet. Despite Hoseok having a soulmate, Y/n couldn't shake Mr. Yoongi from her thoughts. She knew it was wrong since they could never be together, but she couldn't help but think about him.

"I don't know, Hoseok," Y/n said as she sat on the bed in the bedroom. Mr. Kim, the building owner, had kindly agreed to remodel her studio into an apartment-like space, complete with a sleeping area. Y/n was grateful for this arrangement since she practically lived in her studio more than her actual home.

"Why not, Y/n? He's available tonight, and so are you. It's perfect," Hoseok persisted, causing Y/n to roll her eyes and glance out the window at the weather. "I'm still at work, and even if I go, I probably won't have time to go home and freshen up. Besides, have you seen the weather outside?"

"You're impossible, Chun Y/n, you know that?" Hoseok teased, eliciting a laugh from Y/n. After some time on the phone and a bit of convincing, she eventually agreed to finally meet Hoseok's friend that night. Once she hung up, she lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling, contemplating the upcoming meeting.

'Try not to get your hopes up, Y/n. There's a strong possibility it's just a coincidence,' she thought to herself. As she lay there, a knock on her studio door interrupted her thoughts. She got up and opened the door, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the man in front of her.

"Mr. Yoongi?"

"Hello, I just came to talk to you briefly about the painting. May I come in?" he asked politely. Y/n nodded, opening the door wider for him to enter. She took note of his well-fitted suit and noticed that his hair was now styled in waves instead of being pushed back.

Closing the door behind him, Mr. Yoongi stood in the middle of the room with his hands in his pockets. "So, have you thought of any ideas for your painting for them?"

He paused for a moment, turning to look at Y/n. "Well, I'd love to hear your ideas. I've made a list of possibilities, but I'm not entirely sure."

"I'd love to help you in any way I can. Let's start by discussing how you would describe your soulmate," Y/n said, walking over to her desk to grab her notepad. She heard him sigh as he took a seat on a random chair, capturing Y/n's attention.

"I haven't met them just yet," he said quietly, his words drawing Y/n's full attention. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

"It's alright, really," Mr. Yoongi replied, looking up at Y/n with a slight smile before leaning back in the chair. "After I saw your artwork—forgive me if this sounds creepy—but I couldn't help but look more and more at all of your pieces. Since starting my career as a producer, I feel like I've lost touch with people, and I stopped actively searching."

Y/n nodded, immediately understanding his sentiment as it resonated with her own feelings. As much as she wanted to meet her soulmate, with each passing day, her hope dwindled, fearing that perhaps they didn't want to be found.

"When I saw your artwork, it instantly made me feel alive again. It made me see the brighter side of things and gave me the courage to give the search another try after all these years," he continued, locking eyes with Y/n.

Unbeknownst to her, her heart began to beat faster. "Thanks to you, I found hope again. With this painting, I want to convey that even during my period of giving up, not a day went by that I didn't think about them. And who better to paint it than the person who restored my hope?"

Y/n smiled warmly, feeling honored by his words. She jotted down some notes in her notebook. "Well, just know that I am truly honored to undertake this for you. Your soulmate is already so fortunate to have you."

They engaged in a conversation, discussing various ideas for the painting until Mr. Yoongi's phone suddenly rang. He apologized and checked the caller ID. "I'm sorry, but I have to meet up with a friend right now."

"That's alright. Let's call it a night," Y/n said, setting her notebook aside as they both stood up. She walked him to the door, and as he was about to leave, his eyes caught sight of a flyer hanging nearby. "You're having a showcase?"

"Yes, it's the day after tomorrow. You're welcome to come if you'd like," Y/n replied, offering a polite smile. Nodding, Mr. Yoongi returned the smile before opening the door. "I'll definitely stop by. See you later. And thank you again for your assistance."

"Anytime, Mr. Yoongi," Y/n said, bidding him farewell.

"Wow, I had no idea you were such a talented artist!" Hoseok exclaimed, his eyes scanning the art gallery where Y/n's showcase was taking place. Y/n chuckled softly and nodded in response.

"Well, to be fair, we haven't known each other for that long," she replied graciously, expressing her gratitude to the attendees. Hoseok seized the opportunity to inquire about her recent date. Turning towards Y/n, he asked, "So, how did the date go? Are you guys soulmates?"

Y/n let out a deep sigh, shaking her head in disappointment. "They never showed up," she stated, her gaze focused on a piece of artwork in front of them.

Strangely, she wasn't as disheartened as one might expect. In fact, she had almost decided not to attend the date herself after her encounter with Mr. Yoongi. "I should probably strangle him," Hoseok muttered under his breath, expressing his frustration with his unreliable friend.

As Hoseok continued venting about his friend's unreliability, Y/n turned her head to the side and caught sight of someone entering the gallery. A light smile formed on her lips for a brief moment before she quickly shook her head and redirected her attention back to Hoseok.

It's not him, Y/n. Remember, don't get your hopes up. His soulmate is out there, and it's unlikely to be you, she reminded herself silently, glancing down at her wrist.

Although Y/n had met Mr. Yoongi twice, she had never caught a glimpse of his wrist to determine their compatibility. In truth, she preferred not to know. She had been making an effort to stop thinking about him, but for some inexplicable reason, she couldn't shake him from her thoughts.

"He's right there. I'm going to give him a piece of my mind," Hoseok grumbled, his frown directed at someone behind Y/n. Shaking her head at his impulsive behavior, Y/n decided to stroll around her exhibit, relishing in the pride she felt for how far she had come in her career.

Painting had always been her refuge, her way of escaping reality, and each canvas held its own unique journey and story. While she never shared those stories with the public, she delighted in hearing people's theories and interpretations of her artwork.

Lost in her own thoughts, Y/n found herself standing in front of her piece titled "Loveless Love." Several people had gathered around it, captivated by its beauty and engaged in discussions. This sight brought a wider smile to her face.

"It's a truly beautiful piece, as I've told you before," a familiar voice spoke, causing Y/n to jump slightly in surprise. She turned her head and saw Yoongi standing there, his gummy smile radiating warmth. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's alright," Y/n replied, her gaze returning to the painting. She could feel Yoongi's eyes on her, causing a gentle blush to color her cheeks as she focused on the artwork before them. Despite the crowd surrounding them, it felt as though they were the only two people in the room.

"So beautiful," Yoongi whispered, capturing Y/n's attention once again. She met his gaze, and in his eyes, she saw a certain look.

Slowly, he reached up his hand, his fingers tenderly grazing her cheek before delicately tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

Y/n's heart fluttered as she gazed up at Yoongi, the man she had come to love deeply. They sat together under the shade of a grand tree, sharing an intimate picnic. Her eyes met his, captivated by the gentle glimmer in his deep brown orbs, and a radiant smile graced her lips.

"Yoongi," she said, her voice filled with affection. "I can't help but wonder... how much do you love me?" As she spoke, Y/n noticed the beautiful ring adorning her left ring finger, engraved with Yoongi's full name.

Yoongi's eyes locked onto hers, and he tenderly clasped her hands. "Trying to extract my wedding vows, huh?" he playfully remarked. "Well, I'm afraid that's top-secret information. But I can promise you, my love for you is immeasurable." His words were accompanied by a light chuckle as he lightly tapped her shoulder.

Unable to contain her joy, Y/n giggled and lightly tapped his good shoulder in return. Leaning down, Yoongi planted a soft kiss on her head, his gaze never leaving her eyes. "Seriously, I want to know," Y/n insisted, a glimmer of curiosity shining in her gaze.

Her expression turned tender as she spoke, her voice filled with heartfelt sincerity. "My love for you knows no bounds. It will endure through rain and sunshine, treating you like a precious diamond and never letting you wander far from my side. Even when distance separates us, you'll always remain in my heart, every second of every day. My love for you will bloom until my very last breath, for with you, I have found purpose and a love I want to show you." Y/n's eyes sparkled as she held Yoongi's gaze, her love pouring forth.

Yoongi's gaze softened, brimming with warmth and adoration. "I remember the first time I saw you," he reminisced.

"From that moment, I knew you were my soulmate. Your presence in your studio captured my attention completely. Your eyes, your smile... they stole my heart the instant you spoke. I never believed in love at first sight until I met you. And to this day, I can't believe how perfectly we were meant to be. You are everything I've ever dreamed of in a soulmate, and now, you are mine. Please never doubt how much I appreciate everything you do for us. You mean the world to me, and I love you with all my heart."

Y/n's cheeks flushed with warmth and delight. "Stop," she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of affection and amusement. "That was so cute, it might make me start crying." She covered her face with her hands, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of Yoongi's love.

Yoongi chuckled softly and gently removed her hands, his lips pressing against the back of them. "And if you do cry," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness, "I'll always be here to wipe away your tears."

Feeling her heart swell with love, Y/n sat up fully, being careful not to bump her head on a tree branch. Their eyes met once again, and the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own little universe.

"I can't wait to marry you," Yoongi confessed, his hand tenderly caressing Y/n's cheek. Her smile grew wider, and she felt an overwhelming sense of joy and anticipation.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Y/n leaned forward and kissed Yoongi with all the passion and love she held within her. The kiss started softly but soon deepened, as every inch of their bodies and souls melted into one another. Yoongi's hands cradled Y/n's face, ensuring the perfect connection, while she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, savoring the warmth of his embrace.

Finally, they pulled apart, their lips still tingling, but their smiles radiant and content. Y/n rested her head on Yoongi's chest, listening to the comforting sound of his heartbeat.

Time seemed to stand still as Y/n gasped, returning to reality. Her eyes widened, and she looked up at Yoongi, astonishment etched on both their faces. Slowly, a slight pain emanated from her wrist and left ring finger, drawing their attention downward.

Unbeknownst to them, the entire room had turned their gaze towards the couple, their curiosity piqued. Y/n's wrist tattoo faded away, replaced by a name on her ring finger—Min Yoongi.

"Oh my god," Y/n whispered in awe, her eyes flickering up to meet Yoongi's matching expression.

He is my soulmate. He's who I've been waiting for, she thought, her heart overflowing with joy.

Countless questions swirled in her mind, but before she could voice them, Yoongi took action. In a moment of pure instinct, he pressed his lips against hers, leaving Y/n breathless and captivated once again. She gasped in surprise but quickly melted into the kiss, their connection growing stronger with every passing second.

The room erupted into applause and cheers, but Y/n blushed profusely, hiding her face in Yoongi's chest. His laughter reverberated through his chest as he relished in her adorable reaction. "See, Y/n? I told you I knew your soulmate," Hoseok declared triumphantly, catching the attention of both Y/n and Yoongi.

"He's the one I was supposed to meet?" Y/n asked, her voice filled with astonishment. Hoseok nodded, and Y/n turned to Yoongi, finding the same disbelief mirrored in his eyes.

"Yes, Yoongi, she's the one you stood up last night," Hoseok explained, prompting Y/n to laugh wholeheartedly.

"In my defense, I didn't go because I got caught up in work after visiting you," Yoongi confessed, causing Y/n to smile and playfully shake her head. "It's alright. At least now we know who this painting is for."

Yoongi's eyes softened as he whispered, "Yes, my beautiful soulmate, Chun Y/n." Y/n's heart raced, and her smile widened further. Embracing the moment, Yoongi leaned in for a quick peck on her lips. "Guys, please get a room," Hoseok groaned, earning giggles from everyone witnessing the affectionate exchange.

"Can't I cherish my beautiful soulmate?" Yoongi playfully retorted, his eyes shining with adoration.

"Stop it," Y/n protested, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. She looked down shyly, only to be gently guided by Yoongi to meet his gaze once more. "Don't be shy now, Y/n. This is how it will be forever. I promise you," he declared, his voice brimming with sincerity.

"Forever," Y/n whispered, her eyes sparkling with love and excitement. "I absolutely love the sound of that." Their love had found its place, and from that moment on, they embarked on an enchanting journey, hand in hand, destined for a future filled with eternal love and happiness.

#min yoongi #Suga #Yoongi #yoongi x reader #suga x reader #yoongi imagine #yoongi oneshot #Suga oneshot #bts fanfic #bts fic #suga fanfic #yoongi fanfic #bangtan sonyeondan #bts x reader #bts #bts yoongi #BTS suga

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shygirl4991 · 4 months

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MASTER LIST OF FICS

SMG34

Becoming Canon After a successful heist in getting the notebook back SMG3 and SMG4 confess their feelings to each other 2.Sequel to Becoming Canon The Next Step (not being worked on) SMG4 and SMG3 have become a canon couple, dating should be easy according to all the memes SMG4 has seen. But dating your rival of several years is anything but easy especially when SMG3 villain past comes to haunt him 3. Forklift Date SMG4 gets the courage to ask out SMG3 on a date and he is ready to wow his date with his style and Rizz forklift. 4.Azure Potion When SMG3 accidentally drinks a truth potion he ends up confessing his crush on SMG4 to Mario and Meggy. Sworn to secrecy the pair come up with a plan to find out Fours feelings and get the boys together. 5. Death of SMG3 (Angst Ask) 6. Meme Swap SMG4 and 3 decide to practice their meme powers and attempt doing their fusion spell but when Eggdog and Beeg SMG4 distract the men their spell ends up failing causing everyone to swap bodies. Now SMG4 and 3 need to figure out how to swap themselves back before their sons get into mischief in their bodies 7. Meme Swap side story's by @alianarepasa My friend did a side story check it out! 8. Mistletoe Wars SMG4 and 3 are fighting to see who is throwing the best Christmas party, but when someone brings a surprise mistletoe to the fight both men will end up having an unexpected heart to heart 9. Brewing Romance SMG4 starts to struggle with his finances when he learns living in his newly built castle is more pricey than he thought. So when he gets an invite to the grand opening of SMG3 Coffee n Bombs he manages to land himself a second job as the cafe waiter where both men will learn that coffee won't be the only thing brewing in this cafe 10.Beeg Fatherhood SMG4 is new to this parent business, so when Beeg acts out whats a father to do?

11.Tumblr Sexyman The crew receive a letter from SMG3 to join a tournament that can change the boys into men, the great tumblr sexyman tournament. The crew must go through multiple challenges to win tumblrs votes. Who will be victorious in this grand tournament? 12. Coffee Prince and the Frog SMG3 is a busboy with a dream to run his own cafe, he slaves away at his friends restaurant in hopes to save enough to open his cafe. But when a talking frog named SMG4 asks for a kiss to break a curse placed on him, the two will end up going on a journey that will change their lives forever. 13. True Color SMG3 was told by eggman to kill SMG4 his ex rival, deep down he knew he couldn't bring himself to harm someone he grew close to so he comes up with a plan to trick eggman. Except SMG4 wasn’t a part of the plan, the man on the floor crying not only over his dead meme but at the fact his friend and crush was about to kill him. Will SMG3 be able to live through his fight with Eggman and finally admit his true feelings, he better cause there's no way a great villain like him will lose!

14. Split Into Threes SMG3 just wanted to make himself a nice cup of coffee before the work day began, but when he takes a sip from his freshly brewed coffee and passes out he will wake up to a huge surprise. Three other versions of himself now run wild in the mushroom kingdom and he has to stop them before the world learns all his secrets.

15. Next Step With You (Reboot of The Next Step) SMG4 and SMG3 relationship changed after realizing their feelings in WOTFI 2023, now together the pair can take the next step together. That is until a strange gift arrives on SMG3's birthday making him face his demons from his past. 16. Six Split For Fours After the event of Splits into Three everything felt like things were back to normal, that is until Three’s boyfriend kicks down his front door announcing he has fallen under the same spell he did. Together they will learn the secret of the cherry potion and with SMG4 splits put an end to the evil gang's plan. 17. (vent fic) The Chains of a Fragile soul SMG4 world gets shaken when he learns that SMG3 is dating someone, with this news SMG4 starts to learn what these new strange emotions he is feeling are. With a love rival now appearing in the showgrounds can Four win Three heart or will he lose the battle to a mysterious new person?

18. (Vent oneshot) The break up- After so much failure SMG3 is done being in his boyfriends shadow and decides to find his own path.

page 2 here for more fics

#shygirl4991 #smg4 #smg34 #smg3 #smg43 #smg4 smg3 #smg34 fanfiction #lizaluv

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hugheses · 10 days

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9-13-19: From No. 1(s) to another

Jack Hughes has a large support group, which extends outward from his parents, brothers, a large family with several members based on the East Coast and plenty of mentors in the hockey community who are connected to him through his father or his own journey. His general manager was once his father’s agent. His coach spent six years at the unique hockey factory from which he just came. He spent a few weeks playing on the same team as the veteran goaltender in Slovakia at the world championships, and his coach was also on the staff there. There’s also this interesting tidbit about the roster — he has two teammates who were also the No. 1 pick in an NHL Draft. Great players can talk about their experiences and veterans have seen it all, but this specific part of Hughes’ experience would be hard for all but a small fraternity of players to relate to. Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier have been through an NHL season as the most recent No. 1 pick, the most intriguing 18-year-old in the league. Hischier did so with the Devils two years ago. “I actually just saw him the first time (Thursday) to be honest, but I’ll try to do my best to help him out wherever he needs me,” Hischier said. “I want to do exactly the same thing that the other guys did to me. I thought I felt really welcome in that team. Everyone was treating me well but was treating me like a normal player as well so I’m done trying to do all that as well.” Some of Hall’s experiences as a rookie with the Edmonton Oilers might be similar to what Hughes will face this season. Hughes is a much-hyped American prospect, but he spent much of his childhood living in Toronto. The Canadian media will likely treat him as a son of Toronto and an honorary citizen, so some of the attention could be similar to what Hall experienced as a No. 1 pick north of the border. “I think if I look back to my rookie season as an 18-year-old, and all the hype and all the talk, I would say, ‘Try to enjoy it as much as you can,’” Hall said. “Expect a little bit of failure, expect to come out of some games just with your tail between your legs a little bit and the season is not going to go perfect so there’s going to be some ups and downs. You’re never as good as you think, you’re never as bad. From there, I think it’s just growing as a player, as a leader, as a person and knowing that eventually when you’re 20, 21, 22 you’re going to be one of the faces of the franchise and how are you going to be when you’re that.”

#jack hughes #nico hischier #taylor hall #queue #articles

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taekooktimeline · 6 months

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October 20, 2023 -

Tae goes live at 3am in Korea. He plays a few songs, then abruptly sits up and says he’s suddenly thinking of “Jungkookie” (he was in Japan for a Calvin Klein event).

He then puts on Jungkook’s cover of “To Find You” by Sing Street, saying “I suddenly want to listen to Jungkookie’s … there’s a song Jungkookie ALWAYS sings to / for me.”

Timestamp 4:23

Video snippet -

https://x.com/mybwits/status/1715060947285602542?s=46&t=StSwHjW0_Domk_lHUFMaCg

https://x.com/yourstrulytkk/status/1715061619380678857?s=46&t=StSwHjW0_Domk_lHUFMaCg

It should be noted that translations vary if he says “Jungkookie” sings it “to” him or “for” him, but honestly, I’m not hung up on this because it’s a powerful truth bomb either way. It’s a beautiful song, and this moment highlights another instance of how Taekook share music with each other, and also is another glimpse of us getting to see how romantic they are towards one another. Jungkook ALWAYS sings this romantic song to Tae, or for Tae.

Some translations -

The version of “To Find You” that Tae plays is the cover Jungkook sang on his February 28, 2023 live. In that live, Jk had said during the halfway point of the song, “Isn’t this nice?” which can be heard in the version Tae plays. He starts the song and sings along to Jungkook’s voice. He makes cute faces to reciprocate when Jk asks in his live, “Isn't this so nice?” and he cutely agrees with him, shutting his eyes and saying “Hmm” as he nods in agreement.

Timestamp 5:19

Snippet of Tae responding to Jk’s question to ARMY during his live in February 2023 - https://x.com/taekookalbum/status/1715064081567146386?s=46&t=StSwHjW0_Domk_lHUFMaCg

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cylz3SoN_Ma/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The lyrics of “To Find You”(super sweet, super romantic)-

Jungkook covered this song multiple times during his February 28, 2023, live, singing it for over ten minutes to ensure it was perfect. What’s also interesting to remember is this is the same day his IG was deleted. These events seem significant. The theories proposed by many are now more plausible/ believable in the light of the new revelation by Tae, which is that Jk sang the whole song for Tae during the live. Despite getting interrupted he ensured that he completed the song, as if he knew that Tae was in the audience and he was singing it for him. Based on the analogy of the song being about a protagonist’s determination and commitment to their journey, and how it’s special to Taekook - Tae suddenly thinking of the song and sharing how Jungkookie always sings it to/for him, and quickly pulling up Jk’s Weverse live February 2023 cover, which is clearly saved on his computer, and since he played it months after the live when Jk was out of town - all of this clearly shows that the song holds special meaning to them. This was the version Tae wanted to listen to and play for us. He has fond memories attached to the song, and it must remind him of Jk, whose presence he missed. I’ve covered JK’s February 2023 live extensively below because this song is essential to Taekook.

Jk shares it’s a song he’s heard “a long time ago” but heard it recently and wanted to sing it -

timestamp 8:21 (when Jk first mentions the song), timestamp 9:09 (when he first starts the song)

The doorbell rings and Jk pauses singing to check who it is, before announcing he doesn’t answer the door for someone he doesn’t know (timestamp 10:27). He then starts the song over (timestamp 10:49).

But as he sings he shakes his head and says twice that the vibe should be heavier (timestamps 13:04 and 14:15).

He starts the song over again (timestamp 14:51). The final version is the one we hear in Tae’s live, as this is the take where Jk turns to the camera and asks viewers, “Isn’t this so nice?”

Time stamp 15:30, song ends around 18:00 - total time mentioning / singing this song is 10 mins, and the live total is 28:26

Jk covering the song snippet -

https://x.com/smol_kia/status/1715061960025485387?s=46&t=StSwHjW0_Domk_lHUFMaCg

Tae’s October 20, 2023, Weverse live - https://weverse.io/bts/live/3-137344598

Jk’s February 28, 2023, Weverse live -

https://m.weverse.io/bts/live/2-114998351

#taekook #taekooktimeline #2023 #lives #to find you #singing #closeness #romantic

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veryace-ficrecs · 8 months

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Hangman/rooster fic recs

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

the fox you feed by lemqnie - Rated M

It is 1885. Bradley Bradshaw undergoes the worst thing in the Wild West: a three-month long journey with his enemy (Jake Seresin) and a 13 year old (Maddie Whitman).

or they're cowboys travelling west to deliver a 13 year old girl to her parents.

We're Crashing Like Waves by Renai_chan - Rated M

Jake is a movie star looking to get some surfing lessons and Bradley is a surfer living a quiet life in Hawaii. Like the land and the sea, they come together on the edges of O‘ahu.

An Unexpected Visitor by DraconisWing24441 - Rated T

It's been a year since the mission, a year since Bradley and Jake have seen each other and decided to start over, but as friends. But when Jake decides to show up at Bradley's house one night, old feelings are rekindled and starting over, together, suddenly seems a hell of a lot more possible than before. ***** Unlocking the door, Bradley yanked it open with the full intention of ripping into the person pounding on his door for no good reason only to freeze as the open door revealed a soaking wet Hangman on his front stoop. Frozen in shock – he hadn’t seen Hangman since the mission ended – Bradley found himself just staring at him as he tried to process the presence of the blonde aviator in front of him. Bradley asked, “Hangman? Wh–what are you doing here? And why are you soaking wet?”

waking up to you by honestlydarkprincess - Rated T

Jake drinks too much at a party he and Bradley throw for Bob's birthday. He wanders off, settles into Bradley's bed and they fall asleep. That's it, that's the fic. Based on the prompt "we’re roommates and you drunkenly passed out in my bed; move over I’m coming in"

you were nothing but trouble, baby and I've been sifting through the rubble lately by hangmanbradshaw - Rated M

Rooster rolled his eyes, but didn’t go any faster. He was in his head, which Jake knew how to handle. He pulled out his phone and tapped on the music library, swiping until he found what he was looking for. The beginning strums of Slow Ride filtered through the car bluetooth. He lulled his head over, smirked widely, and said, “I love this song.” Rooster shook his head, but Jake could tell a small smile was threatening to blossom. It felt like a small victory. “You haven’t changed.” Or The Twister AU

I miss your smile (And the wild things you say) by snowyroads - Not Rated

He doesn’t know when he fell asleep but when Bradley blinks an eye open, he sees the sun through the window, noticeably lower than when he got here. It casks a golden hue into the room against the baby blue walls. He rubs his face as he sits up, hears the sound of splashing outside along with laughter. Bradley forces himself to get up, the jet lag and time difference already messing with him, making him tired. “How many we need?” Bradley opens the door upon hearing the voice in the living room, maybe a bit too hard as the noise stops Jake in his tracks. Bradley doesn’t fail to notice how Jake’s shirtless, just in his swimming trunks, water dripping down his chest and abs. He feels a little light headed. or in which Bradley never realized how hard it would be to watch Jake Seresin walk around in swimming trunks for 2 weeks.

We Were Something, Don't You Think So? by Jeston17 - Rated T

Jake has too much to drink, leaving Bradley to take care of him and take him home. When Jake confesses that he still has feelings for Bradley, they’re left with no choice but to talk things over the next morning. Or: Jake gets drunk at the Hard Deck, Bradley rescues him from a creepy guy, Jake confesses he misses Bradley, and they work things out.

Men Like Us by DancingDisaster - Rated M

Seresin men love with reckless abandon. It’s put every man before him in the ground. Jake refuses to be buried. He flies like he has nothing left to lose (he doesn’t), a one man army (he is), leaving everyone else in the dust (so they don’t leave him). Admiral Kazansky claps him on the shoulder, says he expects great things from him, and Jake’s smile is feral as the rest of his flight school cohort looks on in disbelief. Hangman, they all say, like Jake’s entire personality was a long con, and he ranks first in class. Rooster doesn’t look at all. (They've got history spanning the better part of a decade and they are absolutely, positively not over it.)

looking good, feeling good by andthentheybow - Rated T

When the high of the fact that they made it out alive finally begins to fade, the burning in his ribs begins to make itself known. All seven of them that were in the air are ushered to the carrier’s medical wing to be checked over; most of the attention is focused on Maverick, who’s trying to brush the doctors off, but Rooster can feel two sets of eyes on him. Phoenix is expected, the slight worry between her brows suggesting that she can tell he’s in pain despite his brave face. Unexpected is Hangman, who puts a gentle hand on Rooster’s back and looks at him with something akin to concern.

kiss me, please by miraculousmultifan - Rated M

Pulling his gaze away from over Hangman’s shoulder, Rooster backed himself against the wall, pulling Hangman with him until he murmured desperately, his gaze still flicking to the side, “Kiss me. Please.” *** Rooster needs to hide from an old ex, and who better to back him against a wall and kiss him stupid than Jake “Hangman” Seresin?

low key in love by iridescent - Rated T

Bradley runs warm by nature, always has. Today, half an hour after exercise, he’s practically a radiator. He figures he can be generous enough to share the surplus heat rather than suffer through the nuisance of watching Seresin gradually edge closer to hypothermia. (In which Hangman is often freezing and Bradley, who is a human furnace, notices and starts feeling begrudgingly obliged to do something about it.)

only just getting started by bottledyarn - Rated T

Five times the dagger squad thought they knew what the deal was with hangman and rooster + the one time they got answers

flames look beautiful (if you forget what they can do) by Ravens_Words - Rated T

Bradley Bradshaw returns to consciousness with a gasp, hand going to his side, where a searing pain makes itself known. "-ster, hey," Jake snaps, holds his face in both hands and forces him to look his way, "breathe." Bradley does as he's told, as painful as it is, and his vision clears somewhat. Jake's crouched beside him, concern etched on his face, and what happened comes back to him in flashes. The mission going sideways at every possible turn, seeing Jake's plane get shot down in the sky, the less than smooth emergency landing in the woods that followed.

miles to go by Notchka88 - Rated M

Truth be told, Bradley hadn’t been expecting to be team leader. Given Maverick’s continued criticism of his flying and the shit Bradley had said to him—it had startled him to be Maverick’s choice. It had startled Hangman too, judging by the way his jaw had tightened and how he’d looked away, avoiding Bradley’s eyes during the briefing. Bradley should have been ready for Hangman’s reaction after everything that had happened between them, but it had still stung. (AU Canon Divergence where Rooster is Dagger One, Hangman is Dagger Two, and the mission goes as badly as in the film. When Rooster is shot down, it's Hangman who follows after him.)

I need attention (and I need it all from you) by haridwar - Rated M

“Mom and I agreed I wasn’t gonna enlist Mav.” Bradley had been reluctant to remind him while also trying not to sound too heartbroken. He didn’t want his mother feeling guiltier than she already did when there were more important things to be thinking about. “You promised your mom you wouldn’t fly, that you wouldn’t be a fighter pilot. There’s so much more to the navy than just that kiddo.” or: Bradley is a mini Hondo

#top gun maverick #top gun fic recs #rooster x hangman #hangster #sereshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake seresin #jake hangman fic #veryace recs #ao3 fic recs #fanfic recs #ao3

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scotianostra · 3 months

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On February 1st 1329, Sir James Douglas bestowed land and money to Newbattle Abbey before he left for with The Bruce’s heart for the Holy Land.

The Good Sir must have known it was a dangerous journey he was going to undertake, he gave the land so that each year a mass would be sung for St Bride and 13 poor people would be fed so the saint would intercede with God for his immortal soul.

In the 1849 book Registrum S. Marie de Neubotle the story is told as such:

On St. Bride’s day, or the 1st of February, in the end of the year 1329, at the park of Douglas, the “good Sir James of Douglas,” being then about to depart for the Holy Land with the heart of his royal master, bestowed on the monastery of Newbattle his half of the land of Kilmad, the other half of which it already possessed by gift of Roger de Quinci; while the monks, on their part, became bound to sing a mass at St. Bridget’s altar within their abbey church on the feast of St. Bridget, yearly for evermore, and to feed thirteen poor folk, that the saint might make special intercession with God for the weal of the good knight.

If you are wondering why it says “in the end of the year 1329” it is because we were still using the Julian calendar back then, the New Year began on March 25th.

Of course most of you will know that Douglas only made it to Spain, landing at Santander where a stone, now lost, recalled the hero ‘El Duglas’. Douglas and the Scots joined King Alfonso XI of Castile in his war against the Sultan of Granada, Muhammed IV.

In Castile an English knight marvelled at Douglas’s unscarred face - he expected the famed warrior to be covered in battle scars, as he himself was. Douglas replied, ‘God be praised, I always had my hands to defend my head.’

On August 30th 1330 Douglas alongside several Scots, including Simon Lockhart of Lee, William Keith, Robert Logan of Restalrig and Walter Logan, William Borthwick, Kenneth Moir, William St Clair of Rosslyn and John St Clair, charged into battle against The Moors at The Battle of Teba, Douglas and the Scots knights died at Teba.

James’s body was found by the silver casket. Muhammed IV had the bodies of the Scots sent with guard of honour to King Alfonso. The surviving Scots, Sir William Keith and Sir Simon Lockhart, cut out their friends’ hearts and boiled their bodies down in a cauldron. They took the knights’ bones and hearts back to Scotland. You may have seen artwork of James throwing the heart ahead of him, this is just artistic licence, he would not be expecting to die, and the casket would most definitely have remained around his neck, as seen in the statue in the second pic, which is on The National Portrait gallery wall in Edinburgh.

It was after Teba that the Douglas Arms were changed, the heart being added to show his devotion to The Bruce.

#scotland #scottish #history #soldier

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blessedarethebinarybreakers · 11 months

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I’m trying to come back to Christianity after deconstructing and your blog has been a great help to me, but I still struggle with the phrase “Jesus died for our sins.” I feel like it places undue responsibility on people who had nothing to do with his death. How is it possible that he died for my sins when I didn’t even exist 2,000 years ago?? Or am I taking the phrase too literally?

Hey there, I feel you! I know of so many people who, especially as young children, were made to feel a lot of guilt over the idea that "Jesus died for your sins." And that's a problem, especially seeing as Jesus came to liberate us from our guilt, and to invite us into full and mutual relationship with him.

While the dominant Christianities that exist in our culture/s right now don't like to acknowledge it, there have always been many different ways of understanding what happened on the cross and how salvation "works." So if this phrasing does harm rather than good for you, there are many other ways to understand salvation!

One that resonates most with me is a view of salvation that doesn't focus solely upon what happened on the cross, but instead takes the entire Incarnation into account. In her book Inspired (which is such a fabulous read, especially for folks working to reconnect with Christianity & scripture), Rachel Held Evans sums this idea up well:

Jesus didn’t just “come to die.” Jesus came to live—to teach, to heal, to tell stories, to protest, to turn over tables, to touch people who weren’t supposed to be touched and eat with people who weren’t supposed to be eaten with, to break bread, to pour wine, to wash feet, to face temptation, to tick off the authorities, to fulfill Scripture, to forgive, to announce the start of a brand-new kingdom, to show us what that kingdom is like, to show us what God is like, to love his enemies to the point of death at their hands, and to beat death by rising from the grave. Jesus did not simply die to save us from our sins; Jesus lived to save us from our sins. His life and teachings show us the way to liberation. But you can’t fit all that on a bumper sticker.

For God so loved the world, They took on human flesh. Jesus's whole life was lived in love for us, for you — all the joys and connections that contained, not just the pain and death.

___

Another thing that I always stress, and that you point out in your ask, is that we have to be careful when we discuss who's responsible for Jesus's death. Otherwise we end up with people blaming Jewish people, or scared little kids, or even God for his death.

Ultimately, it was human beings in a very specific context, and imbued with systemic power, who enabled and carried out his execution: Roman soldiers acting on behalf of the Roman Empire. Jesus died because corrupt human powers cannot stand for the Good News of liberation and abundant life for all peoples. He died in ultimate solidarity with all who are similarly oppressed or executed across history.

___

It's reeeally long so sorry in advance, but if you're interested in an exploration of theologies of the cross, I've got a YouTube video on the topic! If you don't have the time or inclination to watch it all, the parts I most recommend for you are:

(13:01 - 21:54) Delores Williams & Historical Consequence — paying attention to real-world impact; don't use cross to justify suffering

(1:21:41 - 1:27:00) Theologies that look at Jesus' whole life, not just death, starting with Jesus as Moral Influence/Exemplar

1:42:54 - 2:00:00) The Cross as Solidarity — Christ becomes one with all who suffer unjust / systemic violence — on the cross, God knows godforsakeness — good news for oppressors as well as oppressed

If you check out the PowerPoint linked in the video notes, you'll also find links and resources in that :)

Finally, you might want to wander through my #crucifixion tag or #sin tag for more related to your question.

Wishing you well on your journey, anon! May the Spirit of Love guide you into healing and wholeness <3

#new to christianity #<not really but this is good info for folks who are new / reconnecting #theologies of the cross #salvation #jesus died for you #crucifixion #incarnation

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777-maple · 2 months

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90 Days of Manifesting My S/P (success?)

I am embarking on a 90-day Affirmation Tape Experiment to manifest my S/P after two years of trying. I am grateful for the journey's duration; it brought invaluable insights into myself, love, and the art of manifestation. After four months of no contact, I focused on self-concept, and now, we're back in touch, although there are some current "blockages" to navigate.

- There are only six months until he plans to go into the military.

- I am manifesting him NOT going into the military and just getting his EMT certificate.

- He goes to school and works, so there is not much time to talk.

- I am manifesting that he texts me every day, and we see each other every weekend.

In the past, subliminals were my go-to, but I transitioned to various manifestation methods and manifested plenty. With my S/P, everything was hot and cold because of my inconsistency. I am rediscovering the efficiency of overnight tapes.

I am committing to nightly loops of six affirmations for three months, with updates every two weeks (but also just whenever I want).

- [S/P] and I have the perfect relationship.

- It is so easy to manifest [S/P] because I am a master at manifesting people.

- It was so easy to manifest [S/P] being a whole new person.

- I manifested [S/P] so quickly.

- I have always been wanted, desired, and irresistible.

- I have always been magnetic, unforgettable, and irreplaceable.

- I always manifest quickly, no matter the circumstances.

Day 3, visible changes are not here, but I am committed to this challenge. Also, why didn’t I try this earlier? I did; however, the affirmations messed up my sleep. How did I fix these sleep challenges? I devised a new method: ambiance on a timer for three hours, smoothly transitioning to affirmations while asleep.

Day 6, I can tell my resistance is way less today, I have the tape playing continuously from when I arrive home to waking up, excluding social times. I have been noticing a pattern with my wavering thoughts. Instead of thinking the stereotypical “this won't work,” I often face thoughts like “I need to do more for this to work.” I found myself thinking that I should affirm for 30 minutes a day for specifics; I stopped this thought because if we have a perfect relationship, he would already be doing these things, and I wouldn’t be thinking about specifics like this. In general, I have been watching my thoughts and keeping that mental diet. I have also been finding myself affirming automatically throughout the day, but I am not trying to force it because I do have that limiting belief of not doing enough, and I need to show myself that affirmation tapes are the ONLY THING I need to manifest. I have considered the possibility of listening 24/7 during winter break, but I do not want to face burnout like I have in the past while trying similar challenges. I am just committing to nightly listening for 90 days. I have realized past failures in manifestation challenges; I am determined to break the cycle. I’m planning on reaching out on Dec 21st (it is currently Dec 13th) because then he will be off break, but for now, I am committing to the tape and living in the end. Stay tuned for updates.

Day 9, he texted me first 😱 and called me; I had the tape on; however, I wasn’t paying attention, doing laundry and watching Suits.

Day 10, he texted me first again. Literally so in love with me. Only day 10, wtf.

Day 11, he was going to come over, but he got food poisoning, so he just called me, and we spoke for a few hours. He keeps texting me first like nonstop.

Day 13, no contact today; on delivered. Reminding myself it’s part of the bridge of events. Tarot cards advise patience. Planning to text on Christmas if no contact by Friday. Keeping a hopeful mindset.

Day 14, feeling insecure, but committed to listening for 90 days. Recognizing past patterns of worrying and waiting for things to work out. Living in the end.

Day 15, a confidence dip; can’t stop thinking about him. I’m concerned about cycles repeating. Putting away tarot cards to avoid uncertainties. Prioritizing gaining confidence again.

Day 16, more confident, realizing I don’t need to do more to manifest. Reminding myself of the promise not to affirm during the day. Embracing the belief that everything will be perfect by day 90. Standing firm and focusing on the journey.

Day 18? Had a really cute dream about him and me being together. I have been tackling those limiting beliefs and opposing thoughts fr 💪. Christmas is tomorrow.

Day 21 had another really cute dream about him.

Day 22, I can feel my mind and my limiting beliefs purging; I have this belief that negative thoughts and feelings always tend to be a big sign that something is about to manifest. This is what I wrote in one of my posts once, “Everything only has meaning if you give it meaning. After observing the process of manifesting something new multiple times, I've noticed I often hit a sort of rock bottom. In the beginning, it involved a few days of confidence followed by uncertainty and worry. But persisting through it always led to improvement and successful manifestation. I've learned to assign a new meaning to these tough days – they're a massive sign that what I'm doing is imprinting on my subconscious. It's like my subconscious is "fighting back" against this foreign idea, but if I persist, it'll absorb and manifest. The resistance might show up as opposing dreams, intrusive thoughts, or even the opposite appearing in the 3D. Take it as a sign that after persisting, your subconscious will be impressed and manifest. Just stand firm during this time. Stand on business.” I almost had a mental breakdown, but I just sat down and affirmed out loud for maybe 10 minutes till I was feeling better, then I reminded myself of this. I often feel the worse mentally right before I manifest something, and when I persist and make it through this “purge,” the desire is right around the corner. This may be a limiting belief; however, I know that with time and practice, being able to ignore these feelings will come even easier.

Day 23 feeling hella confident again 😮‍💨

Day 25: He texted me first this morning, New Year's Day, nonstop flirting. I go back to school in 2 days. For the past 4 days or so, I've been using the 4v1 method, “I maintain a mental diet by monitoring my thoughts throughout the day. If a negative thought contradicts what I'm manifesting, I stop myself and affirm the positive opposite four times”—definitely helping.

Day 28, Jan 4th: Okay, so we reached 28 days, and whoa. I never expected anything to happen this quickly; I thought I'd get to day 90 with maybe a text. I feel like I've learned a lot about manifesting in these past 4 weeks; I've got discipline under control. I'm doing well with a mental diet. This is the only method I've stuck to for more than 3 weeks. In an earlier draft, I wrote about how I always struggled to get past week three, and you can see that I started to face some struggles around there. However, those doubts I expressed barely impacted my manifestation. For the past 3 days, he and I have been talking a lot. He has been calling me things like "hun," saying stuff like “I'd love to… I'd love that” (using the word love towards me), and just last night made a “joke” about us being romantic. I never expected all of this to happen in less than a month. I am living in that end. He is treating me like a princess. And we should be seeing each other this weekend. As long as he doesn’t get food poisoning again, lol. I don't know what happened during those days we weren’t speaking, but you just have to remember that those are the bridges of events, and you need to trust where you are headed. I will continue to update; just know things are going well.

Day 30: He left me on opened, but I’m staying optimistic. I think it’s because I've been feeling kinda weird these past two days, and I found it kinda weird how much he has been texting me. Just negative thoughts, but it’s okay.

Day 31: He texted me; we’re good.

Day 36: We have been speaking every single day; he has been calling me so frequently. He compliments me, tells me so many sweet things. He’s coming over on the 26th (it's the 12th today), and we plan on going out before the 26th just to see each other because we haven’t been face to face in months. My plan after this is to create a general tape to listen to for the rest of the year.

Day 40: Things are going fine, still texting every day. I'm adding a new affirmation to the tape [S/P] calls me every single night, and he is always so excited to talk to me. Just because this is the one thing about our relationship I want to change. He’s only called me like 3 times in the past 2 weeks. I should be seeing him this weekend, but I don't know; we haven’t really discussed it.

Day 43, Jan 19th: We haven’t spoken these past 2 days; he’s been stressed, I guess. But I am still making more progress over the past 40 days than in 2 years. I am just hoping we are together by the 90th day, and I may add something to my routine; I decided to have two tapes going at once for the next 47 days. This next tape will have affirmations addressing the problems I have seen with this tape; however, I am keeping the original tape, just 2 at once, you know. And the subconscious is smart; if it hears two affirmations layered, it's not gonna get confused. The new affirmations: - [SP] always treats me like a princess. - [SP] calls me every single night; he texts me “good morning” every single day, and he puts effort into seeing me every single weekend. - [SP] puts effort into our relationship; he is always showing me how much he loves me, and he is always very excited to talk to me. - Everything about me and [SP]’s relationship is consistent and exciting. - [SP] asked me to be his girlfriend in the most perfect way. - I always manifest in 3 days or less. What are the problems I have been seeing? Consistency and getting bored of each other. And when I get bored, I start doubting, then it manifests in the 3D. I 100% believe this is the reason for all the on and off silence over the past 43 days. Yet I would say that for half of the 43 days, we have been speaking, so honestly that is a win. I am just amazed by all the progress.

Day 53: We haven’t spoken in 4 days because I left him on open, and I was kinda mad at him. We were gonna go out on the 26th; it’s currently the 29th, but he said his leg hurts too much, and he's still stressed (he injured his leg a few weeks ago, and he has a boot on). I have sort of been spiraling these past few days. I found myself going into old patterns like I used to before. At the beginning of these 90 days, I told myself that I would not affirm throughout the day, that I would just rely on the affirmation tape. I think I started to freak out about time a bit considering I only have 40ish days left of this challenge, and I was scared that I would fail and disappoint myself. But no matter what, I am manifesting this guy, even if it takes a little bit longer, and I am so close to extending the time just to relax myself. So this is now the 120-day challenge instead lol. Just kidding but maybe just to calm me down. I feel like I failed just a little bit. I entertained some negative thoughts which obviously manifested him away. I think I just got attached to him and the 3D. Anyways, from this point forward, I will only be using 1v4 to affirm, no more affirming 24/7. However, I have been trying this new mini experiment since last night. I could never visualize to sleep or affirm to sleep; however, I discovered that if I think my affirmation slowly and align it with my breathing, I can fall asleep that way. This will just be a mini experiment. I will still be using both tapes, just because I think those extra affirmations are needed. I feel like these past few days I have been doing too much to save my feelings. I fell into the old habit of “if I affirm a lot, I will manifest quicker,” which never worked for me. I fell into the old habits of “needing to do more” instead of just trusting. Now I am reminding myself that I don’t need to do more, that this is a part of the bridge of events. There is nothing I need to fix, nothing I need to do, my desire is here.

Day 54, I had a dream last night where he confessed his feelings to me. I don’t remember exactly but it was like “I really like you, I can’t stop telling my friends about you” and other stuff. The affirmation I have been repeating to bed is “S/P asked me to be his girlfriend”

Day 73? Feb 19th, I haven't updated in a while; I sort of went on a spiral and could not, for the life of me, get out of it. However, on Feb 17th, I sent him a memory from 2 years ago, and we spent all of yesterday talking. We were on the phone for approximately 6 hours straight. He told me that he is feral for me; we talked a bit about our relationship, and he definitely loves me—I can just tell. I think we may actually be hanging out soon; it’s just scheduling with work and school. On to the manifestation stuff, I am still listening every night, but during these past few weeks, my confidence in it has dwindled. I am mostly relying on my mental diet now. I may just start affirming more so that I can really keep my mental diet up. I don't know; things are going really well between the two of us; I'm not worried.

Conclusions: I decided to "give up" on this challenge here. I learned a whole lot about manifesting; however, I do not think this is beneficial for me anymore. Remember when I said I couldn’t ever get past 3 weeks? Well, I definitely made it past 3 weeks now. I am starting a new challenge to finish things off. I learned discipline like crazy, which was something I could never do. I saw physical proof of manifestation multiple times over 75 days. I understand the importance of a mental diet so much more now. Trust me; I am not giving up, and I am providing this resource to people so they can understand that the process is sometimes not a straight line, and these experiences are crazy normal, especially if you’re new to manifesting. One last thing: some people can say it is sad I didn’t get him in 90 days; however, I broke through so many limiting beliefs. I completely changed him as a person, and this is the most success I've had with him in 2 whole years. So I am pretty happy for myself.

#manifesation #loassumption #manifestation #manifesting #affirmations #self concept #law of assumption

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tarlosweddingcelebration · 1 year

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Welcome to the Tarlos Wedding Celebration Event!

Now that TK and Carlos are finally hitched, I wanted to host an event where we could celebrate the couple and how far they've come. I want to spread all the love and appreciation for these two incredible characters who mean so much to so many of us.

Each week, I will be posting 3 sets of prompts. One will be aimed more towards gifsets and edits, and the others will be a short prompt, as well as a dialogue prompt, aimed at everything and anything else you'd like to create. All of which will be listed below. Of course, you can pick from whichever set you want, mix and match them, and create as many posts as you like for each week. Lastly, you can get involved in whichever weeks you'd like. There is zero pressure to create for all of them.

The event will run for 4 months / 19th May -> 7th Sept

Please be sure to tag either #tarlosweddingcelebration or #tarlosweddingevent in your posts, and on ao3.

☆— under the cut, you will find the 3 lists of prompts —☆

list one

week 1 (19th - 25th May) — favourite tarlos centric episode(s)

week 2 (26th May - 1st June) — favourite tk and/or carlos rescue(s) / or favourite parallel(s)

week 3 (2nd - 8th June) — favourite s1 moment(s)

week 4 (9th - 15th June) — favourite quote(s)

week 5 (16th - 22nd June) — favourite s2 moment(s)

week 6 (23rd - 29th June) — favourite comedy moment(s) / or favourite outfit(s)

week 7 (30th June - 6th July) — favourite s3 moment(s)

week 8 (7th - 13th July) — favourite emotional moment(s)

week 9 (14th - 20th July) — favourite s4 moment(s)

week 10 (21st - 27th July) — favourite hug(s) OR moment(s) that means a lot to you personally

week 11 (28th July - 3rd August) — favourite background or underrated moment(s)

week 12 (4th - 10th August) — favourite musical moment(s)

week 13 (11th - 17th August) — favourite friendship (tarlos + ______)

week 14 (18th - 24th August) — favourite kiss(es)

week 15 (25th - 31st August) — free choice / or (themed prompt) tarlos + colours

week 16 (1st - 7th September) — free choice / or (themed prompt) the journey/evolution of tarlos

list two (each has two options - do with them what you want)

week 1 — alternate first meeting / disastrous first meeting

week 2 — hosting an event / out with friends

week 3 — career swap / s1 alternate ending

week 4 — three little words / pride month

week 5 — no more catan / trapped together

week 6 — honeymoon shenanigans / a furry friend

week 7 — alternate proposals / another coma

week 8 — sacrifice / regret

week 9 — shotgun wedding / one final bump in the road

week 10 — only one bed au / soulmate au

week 11 — under arrest / date night

week 12 — overworked / hyperactive

week 13 — hanging with 126 / dinner with parents

week 14 — making up after a fight / tattoos

week 15 — free choice / or wedding themed angst and/or comfort

week 16 — free choice / or wedding themed fluff and/or smut

list three

(a special thank you to the amazing @tarlosweeklyprompts/@chaotictarlos for contributing these prompts for us)

week 1 — "You saved my life... I feel like I owe you."

week 2 — "Honey, where are the limes?"

week 3 — "The only good thing in my life, is you."

week 4 — "I told you I would never leave you."

week 5 — "You're my soulmate. Nothing will change that."

week 6 — "When I think about forever, all I see is your face."

week 7 — "Not to be cheesy, but you're literally the love of my life."

week 8 — "Walking out on you is the worst thing I've ever done."

week 9 — "Each day of my life I get to have you by my side is worth living."

week 10 — "No, I meant every word." "Then why don't I believe you."

week 11 — "You want me to wear what!?"

week 12 — "You're so silly."

week 13 — "How did I get so lucky."

week 14 — "I think I'm ready to talk about it."

week 15 — free choice / or "You're lying. He's not hurt."

week 16 — free choice / or "Why is Lou on the counter!?"

[hosted by @angeltk]

#tarlosweddingcelebrationevent #angeltk #info post #tarlos #tk x carlos #tarlosweddingevent #tarlosweddingcelebration #911 events

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fnaf-is-awesome201 · 1 year

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Baby Steps

Healing is a long journey, one filled with many small steps. Luckily, Vanessa has a few friends that are willing to help her out along her journey.

Special thanks to ( @mason-gaylord ) mason,( @docleonidas ) doc, and ( @beneathascorpionsky ) beneathascorpionsky for assisting with the outlining process.

Hey, here’s another one. This one is partially based on Idea 13 from @halogenrobotics ‘s idea list. This one’s a little different than the others. It’s a collection of stories, with each segment featuring a different animatronic. Fair warning, it is very long, with five main segments and an epilogue of sorts for the sixth segment. Most of it will be under the read more.

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Roxy

Vanessa wandered through the entrance doors to Rockstar Row, searching the room as she entered. The room was brightly lit, covered floor to ceiling in colorful neon lights that reflected off of the dark tiled floors and cast a colorful glow on the various glass displays scattered about. It was fairly quiet, with the faint music playing over the speakers not quite being drowned out by the sound of the bustling chaos just on the other side of the doors.

“Come on, where could she be?” Vanessa asked herself as he took a few steps in, continually scanning the room. She walked towards the animatronics’ green rooms. Most of them had the curtains pulled back, leaving the empty rooms in full view. When she passed by Roxy’s room, she could hear someone muttering and growling to themselves behind the closed curtains.

“There she is.” Vanessa muttered as she wandered over to the door, stopping to knock on the door before entering her room.

“Yeah?” Roxy called through the door, sounding slightly frustrated. Vanessa opened the door and walked in, finding Roxy sitting in her chair in front of her mirror, fussing with her hair.

“Hey, Roxy. I hope I’m not interrupting anything… Are you busy right now?” Vanessa asked as she saw Roxy glance back at her from her mirror.

“No, I’m not too busy. I’m just trying to make sure there’s no grease or anything in my hair after that last party…” She picked a few crumbs out of her hair, grumbling in disgust as she continued to pick through her hair. “One of the little kids dragged his fingers through my mane and made it all gross and messy…” She tossed her hair back over her shoulder and continued to mess with it, trying to fix a few out of place strands. “Why? What’s up?”

“Well… I was kinda hoping that… maybe you could help me out with something…” Vanessa asked before looking over at Roxy. She had frozen in place, seemingly stunned by Vanessa’s request. “No, never mind, it’s silly…” Vanessa muttered anxiously, moving back towards the door.

“Woah, hold on a sec.” Roxy said, spinning around in her chair to face Vanessa. “Now you’ve got me curious.” She waved a hand towards Vanessa. “Spill, girl. I’m all ears.” Vanessa sighed, hesitating and picking at the fabric of her sleeves.

“It’s just… I want to kind of distance myself from what happened… Make myself as different from Her as possible… And I’ve been trying to do that, but I just feel kind of lost on what to do next.” She glanced at Roxy, who nodded in acknowledgement and motioned for her to continue. “So… I was wondering if… maybe… you could help me find a new look?” Roxy got up from her chair and went over to Vanessa.

“Ah, I see. Have any ideas on what you’d like to start with?” Roxy asked.

“Well… before… before Her… I tried to add some rainbow streaks to my hair. I thought it would look nice, so I gave it a shot. It didn’t go perfectly… but I did like how it looked regardless.” She responded, looking up at Roxy, who nodded, trying and failing to contain her enthusiasm. She gently placed a hand on Vanessa’s shoulder.

“Well, you’ve come to the right place, then! C’mon, let’s head over to the salon and get started.” Roxy responded and led Vanessa over to the salon, chatting more along the way about what Vanessa wanted to do with her hair.

As soon as they entered the main room, Vanessa noticed that it was very quiet. There weren’t any big crowds or overly loud guests, just a peaceful empty room with the salon in the middle.

“I’m guessing this place isn’t super busy, huh?” Vanessa asked, turning to look at Roxy as they walked toward the salon.

“Well, it’s not technically open to guests yet. It’s fully stocked and hooked up and everything, but I think they’re waiting to find more staff before they reopen.” Roxy responded as she opened the front door and gestured for Vanessa to go inside. “Still, I like to come down here sometimes. It’s a nice place to just think and relax for a bit, I guess.” She shrugged as she closed the door behind her and turned on the main lights, flooding the building with warm, bright light. “Besides, I’m less likely to be bothered here than I am in my room.”

Roxy spun one of the chairs around towards Vanessa.

“Take a seat, blondie!” Roxy motioned to Vanessa to sit in the chair. Vanessa sat down, staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror for a second, before quickly looking away. “Now, let’s see what we’re working with before we pick out some colors.” Roxy carefully took the hair tie out of Vanessa’s hair and draped her hair over her shoulders, humming slightly in thought.

“W-what?” Vanessa nervously turned and looked at Roxy.

“Your hair is… really tangled…” Roxy said as she tapped a single claw against her face once or twice, then shrugged at Vanessa. “That’s easy to fix, though.” She continued and tilted her head to the side slightly. “You know, your hair looks really nice when it’s down like that.” She stepped back and motioned for Vanessa to follow her. “Come on, let’s pick out some colors for your hair and get started. And, if you want, I can give you some hair styling tips when we’re done.”

Vanessa followed Roxy and picked out some hair dye, eventually going for a bright rainbow of colors after looking through all her different options. After that, she got her hair brushed, washed, and trimmed, before finally prepping her hair for the dye. She chatted with Roxy while getting her hair dyed, with Roxy mostly ranting on about all the gossip and drama she had seen earlier in the day and occasionally asking Vanessa about her day or her new job. After the dye was applied, Roxy stepped back to admire her work.

“Well, I think this will turn out beautifully!” She flipped her hair back over her shoulder, confidently admiring her work, before swiveling Vanessa’s chair around to face her. “Hey, while we’re waiting for the dye to finish up, how about I paint your nails?” Roxy asked.

“Yeah, sure. That sounds nice.” Vanessa watched Roxy as she disappeared into the storage room. After a moment, she wandered out, holding a large case full of different colored bottles of nail polish. She set down the case on the counter in front of Vanessa, and opened it up, displaying all of the brilliant colors available.

“Which color would you like?” Roxy’s tail swayed excitedly behind her as she asked this. Vanessa looked at the case, almost overwhelmed by all the different bottles and colors to choose from.

“Honestly, anything but purple would be great, please.” Vanessa watched Roxy as she perused through the bottles.

“How about…” She picked two out and held them in her hand before holding the bottles out towards Vanessa, showing off the glittery polish inside, shaking them slightly so that it sparkled magnificently in the light, “Red and black?”

“Aren’t those your colors?” Vanessa asked with a quiet laugh. Roxy put the bottles down on the counter and chuckled.

“Okay, okay, you got me there. But hey, if it looks good on me, it should look good on everyone, right?” She paused for a moment. “After all, who wouldn’t want to look as beautiful as me?” She took a step back and tossed her hair back, striking an overly dramatic pose as she did so.

“Fair point,” Vanessa chuckled. Roxy fixed her hair and walked back over to the counter, putting the two bottles of polish she picked out back into the case, before sifting through the rest of the bottles, occasionally pulling one out to show off the color.

“Alright, how about something else… Hm… how about blue? There’s a bunch of nice shades of blue in here. Or maybe a nice green, or orange… Oh, wait! How about yellow?” She started going through various drawers around the salon. “I remember I saw a particularly nice shade around here somewhere the other day…”

“Yellow would be lovely.” Vanessa answered as she watched Roxy dig through one final drawer before holding up a bottle of polish triumphantly.

“Ha! Found it!” She pushed the large case of polish aside and set the bottle on the counter in front of Vanessa.

“Oh, that is really nice.” Vanessa picked up the bottle and examined the color, watching it shimmer in the light, before handing it back to Roxy.

“Alright, then let’s get started!” Roxy pulled up a chair, grabbed a bottle of base coat polish, and sat down in front of Vanessa. “So, do you want to do anything special, like add some cool designs or patterns or anything while we’re painting your nails, or-” She glanced down at Vanessa’s nails before applying a base coat and stopped in her tracks. “Oh…”

“What?” Vanessa anxiously pulled her hand back.

“Well… we need to fix your nails first. They’re just… a bit ragged…” Roxy tapped her claws on the counter beside her as she tried to remember where she could find a manicure kit. Roxy paused when she saw Vanessa pulling her hands close to herself, slightly embarrassed.

“Hey, it’s not that bad! Trust me, it’s an easy fix.” Roxy gently placed a hand on Vanessa’s shoulder. “Just… don’t forget about the little things, you know?”

Vanessa sighed, holding her head in her hands.

“I know… it’s just… it’s difficult sometimes…” She sighed again, covering her face, trying to hide herself away and hide her embarrassment.

“I know.” Roxy leaned against the counter as she spoke, her tone very sincere. Vanessa glanced at her, surprised. “Believe me, I know. But trust me, you’ll feel better in the long run if you take care of yourself.” Roxy leaned back in her chair, tapping a claw against her chin as she thought for a moment. “Think of it… like routine maintenance. You have to take care of the little things when they come up, so they don’t turn into bigger problems later.” She leaned closer to Vanessa, lowering her voice slightly. “I know it’s tough sometimes, but you really do need to keep up with these things. And hey, if you need it, I’m always willing to help out a friend. Okay?”

Vanessa hesitantly nodded, dropping her hands from her face, and smiled at Roxy.

“Yeah… okay.” Vanessa answered Roxy, who simply nodded in acknowledgement before getting up from her chair. “I’ll try to get better at that, Roxy.” She said quietly as Roxy walked back towards some shelves near the back of the building, combing through the various boxes as she looked for the elusive manicure kits.

“You better!” Roxy chuckled, looking back towards Vanessa. After a moment or two, she found what she was looking for and returned to her chair in front of Vanessa. “Now, let’s get back to those nails, and afterward we can see how the dye turned out.”

Vanessa continued to chat with Roxy as she fixed her nails and started painting them. After her nails had been painted, the dye was rinsed out of her hair and her hair was dried. After she had brushed her hair and Roxy made some slight adjustments, Roxy turned Vanessa’s chair around so she could see her hair in the mirror.

“Not bad, if I do say so myself! Not bad at all. Wait…” Roxy quickly fixed a couple out of place strands in Vanessa’s hair and stepped back. “There, perfect.” She glanced at Vanessa. “What do you think? Is it a good start?”

Vanessa stared at her reflection in the mirror, her expression blank for a few moments. It was still uncomfortable to look at her reflection, even after so long. But, she started to see a bit more of herself as she looked into the mirror. It may have only been a minor change on the outside, but to Vanessa, it made a big difference. She smiled as she turned towards Roxy.

“I’d say it’s a rather good start. Thanks, Roxy.” Vanessa looked back at the mirror and turned her head, admiring the rainbow of colors in her hair.

“Cool!” Roxy exclaimed.

Suddenly, there was a faint beeping sound that lasted for a few seconds before the room went silent. Roxy rolled her eyes and huffed, starting to make her way towards the door and motioning for Vanessa to follow.

“Looks like it’s time for me to get back to work.” She opened the door to the salon, letting Vanessa walk out before following close behind. “But hey, we should do something like this again sometime. Maybe next time you stop by, we can try out some makeup and see if there’s anything you like.”

“Yeah, that sounds like fun.” Vanessa walked with Roxy to the main lobby. As soon as they entered the lobby, the faint beeping started again, more persistent this time.

“Well, looks like I really need to get back to work now. I guess I’ll see you later, then.” Roxy started walking back towards the atrium, pausing for just a moment. “And seriously, if you ever need any help, you know where to find me.”

“Thank you, Roxy.” Vanessa smiled and waved at Roxy, watching as she waved back before heading into the atrium.

“Thank you.”

-------

Monty

Vanessa had been wandering around the main atrium of the Pizzaplex, checking out the shops and different attractions, and chatting with some of the animatronics for a moment or two before they had to rush off to work again. Eventually, she ended up wandering into Monty Golf. It was unusually empty, and with that it was surprisingly quiet. Vanessa wandered around for a bit, pausing every once in a while to look at all the different minigolf courses. There were golf balls scattered everywhere around the courses, some of them even stuck up in the decorative trees and nearby structures.

“Well… that’s a little strange…” As she continued on through, she could hear faint laughter in the distance. After making it to the other side of Monty Golf, she finally spotted the source. At the final course, Monty was giving lessons to a large group of little kids, their parents watching and waiting close by.

“Ah. That explains it.” Vanessa wandered a bit closer, staying to watch the end of Monty’s golf lesson.

“Last call, who’s up?” Monty waved his hand towards the group, trying to encourage someone to step up to the course. As one boy stepped forward, everyone else took a few steps back. Monty set a golf ball down at the start of the course and stepped back, allowing the boy to play.

“Alright then, give it your best shot!” Monty watched as the boy stared blankly at the course that stretched on in front of him, before swinging his golf club with all his strength at the ball. Everyone behind the boy ducked to avoid getting hit as the ball bounced off of one of the obstacles and hurtled back into the crowd. Monty sighed, grumbling quietly in frustration for a moment, as the crowd of children burst into a fit of giggles. The boy was still facing away from the group, his face going red with embarrassment.

“Hey now, that’s enough of that.” Monty glanced towards the group, his somewhat stern tone quieting their laughter briefly. After a moment, he walked back over to the boy and knelt down beside him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re doing great, kid, but you’re still hitting way too hard.” Monty got back up and grabbed his own golf club, which was leaning against the wall. He placed another golf ball in front of the kid, and then placed one off to the side. “Here, just follow what I do, alright?” Monty stood off to the side of the course, waiting for the boy to mimic his stance. “Now, just gently hit the ball, see?” He gently swung the club, watching as the ball followed along the side of the course, before rolling to a stop at the very end. “Try it.”

The boy stared at him for a moment, before slowly stepping up to the ball and copying Monty’s demonstration. After a brief pause, he hit the ball, watching as it bounced back and forth along the course, avoiding the obstacles in its way, before finally landing in the hole at the end of the course.

“Nice shot, kid!” Monty cheered, giving the boy a thumbs up. “With skills like that, you’ll be a pro in no time!”

A big smile spread across the boy’s face as he walked back over to the group. Monty turned back to face them.

“Well, looks like that’s all the time we got today.” Monty waved the group of parents over as the kids grumbled disappointedly in protest for a moment, only to rush over to their parents and talk about how much fun they were having. “Come back real soon, everybody!” Monty waved as the kids walked towards the exit with their parents, most of the kids waving back to him before leaving.

After everybody had left, Monty looked around the room, chuckling quietly to himself as he kicked around a few golf balls at his feet.

“This’ll take a while to clean up…” he muttered, sweeping a few balls off to the side with his golf club. His eyes continued to wander about the room, amused by the chaos the children had brought. After a moment, he froze, his gaze landing on a familiar face.

“Hey, V!” Monty boomed, waving to Vanessa as she approached. “Good to see you again!”

“It’s good to see you, too!” Vanessa smiled, holding back a laugh as she looked at the mess scattered around the room. “Looks like you had fun with the golf lessons today.”

“Kids. They’re fun, but MAN do they know how to make a mess.” Monty chuckled as he looked around. After a moment, he looked back towards Vanessa. “So, how’s it going? How’ve you been?”

“It’s going pretty well, actually.” Vanessa smiled. “I’ve been doing really well at my new job, and I got Roxy to help me with my hair, which was a nice change.”

“I thought something was different! Looks nice! Very colorful.” Monty complimented, giving Vanessa a thumbs up. He paused for a second, tilting his head slightly in curiosity. “So, what’s up? You’re here a bit earlier than usual.”

“Well, Gregory wanted to stop by, so I’m just kind of wandering around while he does his own thing.” Vanessa shrugged. “I caught the end of one of your classes and decided to stick around for a bit. Looked like everyone was having a lot of fun.”

“Yeah, it’s really fun! I like to teach them, and the kids love to play.” He paused for a moment, lowering his voice ever so slightly. “I’m just glad they seem to like me.” After another brief pause, he shook his head slightly and adjusted his sunglasses, causing a reflection of brilliant neon light to dance across the lenses. “Must be my charming personality!” He laughed as Vanessa grinned and rolled her eyes.

“You know, watching you teach the kids kind of reminds me of something I used to do.” Vanessa paused for a moment. “You know, before everything here…”

“You used to work with kids?” Monty said, failing to hide his surprised tone. Vanessa glanced over at him, a confused look on her face for a moment.

“Oh, that’s right. I never told you guys about that, did I?” Vanessa smiled. “Well, yeah, I used to work with kids. Before I came here, I used to volunteer at local schools from time to time. Mostly preschools, but sometimes I’d work with older classes.”

“Really?” Monty leaned on his golf club, listening intently, his head tilted to the side in curiosity as Vanessa continued.

“Yeah, really. I mostly just assisted the teachers with simple things, but occasionally I’d teach the classes when needed.” Vanessa thought for a moment. “Well, I guess by teach I mean handing out worksheets or coloring activities. I’d read stories to the preschool kids, too.” She smiled. “And of course, sometimes I’d be asked to talk about my job testing games.”

“That sounds nice!” Monty said enthusiastically.

“It really was nice… I want to try and start doing stuff like that again…” Her smile began to fade as she thought about it further.

“Well, why don’t you?” Monty asked, curious.

“It’s just… It would mean being close to kids again, and…” Vanessa’s voice trailed off into little more than mumbling. She sighed and put her head in her hands, unable to continue.

“Let me guess, you’re worried you’ll hurt them?” Monty interjected, pausing for a moment as he looked over at Vanessa. Vanessa nodded and took a deep breath, trying to control her anxiety.

“I know it’s unlikely but… I still worry about it… I’m just scared that I’ll get upset, and-” Vanessa stopped as Monty placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Trust me, I get it. I feel the same way sometimes.” Monty’s voice was quieter than usual, his tone serious and sincere.

“... Really? You do?” Vanessa glanced at him. Monty nodded and stepped back.

“Of course!” He paused for a moment, thinking. “Look, I might be rockin’ awesome,” He hesitated for a brief moment, taking off his sunglasses as his tone shifted, becoming slightly more melancholy. “But… y’know, that doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes get a bit frustrated… maybe even angry… when the kids break something, or throw trash in the water or leave it on the course, or make fun of the other kids…” He sighed and blankly stared off into the distance. “And for me, yeah, getting angry can be… dangerous…”

“How do you deal with it? What do you do when you get upset?” Vanessa inquired, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Well,” Monty held his chin and glanced up towards the ceiling, lost in thought for a second before he responded. “There’s a lot of ways to deal with it and manage it. One of the more important things to remember is to always think before you speak. You don’t want to end up saying something in anger that you might regret later, trust me on that.” He gently tapped his sunglasses against the side of his snout a few times, thinking. “One thing that I’ve found that helps is to take a step back, count to ten, and take a deep breath-”

“But you don’t breathe.” Vanessa blurted out, looking over at Monty as he huffed and rolled his eyes.

“You know what I meant, no need to get smart…” Monty grumbled as he put his sunglasses back on, hiding behind the tinted lenses. “Point is, you need to give yourself space to process, reset, and recalibrate.” He paused for a moment, looking down at the floor and tapping his claws against his chin as he thought. “Wait… maybe not that last one…” Monty mumbled to himself for a moment, trying to think of a better way to explain.

“Yeah, maybe not.” Vanessa chuckled. “But I think I know what you mean.” She smiled.

“Getting angry is completely normal. It happens to everyone, believe it or not. There are some things that you can’t control no matter how hard you try.” Monty continued; his voice quiet yet sincere. “The important part is how you deal with it. The one thing you have control over is how you react, you get me?”

Vanessa contemplated for a moment, her expression blank as nothing but silence filled the air around them.

“Yeah. Thanks, Monty, that’s really helpful. I’ll try to keep that in mind.” Vanessa broke the silence, smiling softly at Monty as she spoke.

“Good.” Monty nodded at Vanessa.

Suddenly, they were both startled as a staffbot approached them, beeping angrily as it irritatedly pointed at both of them and then at the exit.

“The attraction is now closed. Please make your way to the exit.” It said in its robotic, monotone voice.

“Alright, I’m going, I’m going.” Monty growled, holding up his hands defensively. He waved for Vanessa to follow as he gathered his things and they both headed for the exit.

The main atrium was surprisingly uncrowded, with only small groups of guests gathered at some of the restaurants and other attractions that were still open, leaving the main floor mostly clear.

“Looks like it’s getting late.” Vanessa looked around, chuckling to herself as she watched parents carrying their tired kids towards the lobby to leave. “I should probably find Gregory so we can get going.”

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea." Monty looked around for a moment. “Well, I have to go meet up with the others, so, tell the kid I said hi, alright?” He started to walk off before he turned back towards Vanessa. "And good luck with that volunteering gig, by the way! I hope my advice can help you get through it!" He chuckled and waved back at Vanessa as he walked away. “See you around, V!”

Vanessa smiled in return.

"Thanks, Monty. I think it will."

-------

Chica

Chica wandered through the Pizzaplex, enjoying the music playing over the speakers and happily humming along as she admired all the assorted colors that surrounded her. Most of the guests had already left for the night, but she would occasionally bump into a staffbot or two in the empty halls, pausing to have a friendly conversation before continuing on her way.

After walking for a while, she stumbled upon Vanessa. She was sitting at a desk, absentmindedly chewing on a pen, mumbling anxiously to herself, deeply lost in thought. Chica walked a little closer, trying to hear what Vanessa was worrying about, but her words were still indistinguishable.

“Hey, Nessa!” Chica chirped, gently tapping Vanessa on the shoulder.

Startled, Vanessa yelled and jumped out of her chair, practically throwing it to the side as she turned around, startling Chica in the process and causing her to take a few steps back. After seeing it was only Chica, Vanessa took a deep breath to calm herself down.

“Chica!” She chuckled nervously. “Where did you come from?”

“I was just walking around, you know?” Chica shrugged. “Anyways, I was hoping I could ask you something. But, if you’re too busy-”

“No, no, it’s fine.” Vanessa cut in as she discreetly pushed the now ruined pen out of view. “What’s up? What did you want to ask?”

“So, I remember you said that you used to bake cupcakes a lot, right?” Chica said, failing to hide the excitement in her voice.

“Oh… Yeah, I used to make them all the time for friends and coworkers.” Vanessa smiled slightly. “I’ve been wanting to start making them again. It was fun to bake and decorate them.”

“Oh! Oh! Can you teach me?! Please please please!” Chica practically squealed with excitement, hopping in place and clapping her hands enthusiastically.

“Sure, Chica.” Vanessa laughed.

Chica led the way to the kitchen, excitedly babbling about how she’d always wanted to make cupcakes, as well as asking questions about how they should be decorated and what flavors were the best.

Once they were in the kitchen, Chica and Vanessa gathered everything they would need and got started. Vanessa walked through every step with Chica, helping her measure out ingredients and being sure to explain each step in detail as they worked. When they were finally ready to start baking, they had made a few different batches with different flavors, since Chica couldn’t decide on just one. Then, with the cupcakes in the oven, they started to clean up and get out the decorating materials so they would be ready when the cupcakes were done baking.

“Hey, Vanessa?” Chica turned towards Vanessa.

“Yes, Chica?” Vanessa glanced over at Chica as she continued to clean up.

“I’m just a bit curious…” Chica hesitated for a second, arranging a few containers of sprinkles in front of her before continuing. “You seemed pretty lost in thought when I found you. Is something going on?”

“Oh, I was just thinking about something I have planned for later this week…” Vanessa sighed.

“Can you tell me about it?” Chica looked over at Vanessa. “Maybe talking about it would help ease your mind about whatever’s making you nervous.”

“Well…” Vanessa hesitated, before finally giving a defeated sigh. “Alright. It… involves a good friend of mine. His name is Luis. I’m pretty sure you’ve met him before, right?” Vanessa looked over at Chica. Chica placed a hand on the side of her face, gently tapping her fingers against her cheek and humming quietly as she thought.

“Hm… Oh, yes, I think I remember! He was the one who ‘geeked out’ when he met us, right?” Chica asked.

“Yep, that’s him.” Vanessa chuckled. “We decided to get some coffee and catch up this Friday.” Vanessa jumped, startled, when Chica let out a loud gasp.

“You’re going on a date?! That’s great!” Chica squeaked, giggling gleefully.

“NO!” Vanessa panicked, freezing for a moment after seeing Chica’s surprised expression. “I mean…” Vanessa hesitated for a moment, before letting out a sigh and giving an awkward smile. “Maybe? I’m not really sure…”

“Oh, this is wonderful news!” Chica exclaimed, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

“Yeah… I’m just a bit nervous about it, I guess…” Vanessa said quietly. She looked over at Chica, immediately noticing her somewhat confused expression. “I… haven’t really been on a date before. I’m just worried that, if this is a date, I’ll mess it up somehow…” Vanessa turned away for a moment, slightly embarrassed.

“Oh, Vanessa, I really don’t think you have anything to worry about!” Chica started to arrange different colored frosting next to the sprinkles. “Besides, it’s just a first date! It’s not a big deal if things don’t go perfectly.”

“Oh? And how many dates have you been on to make you such an expert?” Vanessa joked, laughing quietly.

“Well… none…” Chica huffed. “But I’ve seen and talked to several wonderful couples around the Pizzaplex! They come here all the time!” She faced Vanessa and put her hands on Vanessa’s shoulders, trying her best to be reassuring. “Just be yourself and have fun! I’m sure everything will be fine!”

“Well… if you say so…” Vanessa smiled at Chica.

“I do say so!” Chica gently patted Vanessa’s shoulder before going back to organizing things on the counters. “I just want you to have a good time!”

“Thanks, Chica. You were right. Talking about it did help me feel a bit better.” Vanessa smiled at Chica, who was humming happily to herself.

“No problem, Vanessa! I’m glad I could help!” Chica continued to hum to herself for a moment before she was interrupted by a loud ding. “Oh, looks like the cupcakes are ready!”

After the cupcakes had some time to cool, Vanessa and Chica got started with decorating. Vanessa separated the cupcakes out so they could each decorate them however they wanted, though Chica managed to grab a couple to eat before they were decorated, trying and failing to hide the evidence in time. After a little while, all the cupcakes had been intricately and carefully decorated, some more simplistic in design and others more complex.

“Oh, these look lovely, Vanessa!” Chica gushed, holding her face in her hands as she admired the cupcakes.

“Hey, I can’t take all the credit here! You made them too, you know!” Vanessa chuckled as Chica continued to closely examine each cupcake, before she carefully picked one up and took a big bite.

“Wow, these are really good!” Chica quickly ate the rest of it. “I love them, Vanessa! Thank you for teaching me the recipe!”

“Aw, thanks Chica! I’m glad you like them!” Vanessa looked over at Chica, who was already picking up another cupcake. “Just try not to eat them all, okay? I want to take a couple back for Gregory to try.” Vanessa grinned as she picked up a cupcake for herself and separated out a few to take with her.

“No promises!” Chica giggled as she picked up yet another cupcake.

Vanessa quickly found a container and packed away the cupcakes she had picked out, leaving the rest for Chica as she continued to grab cupcake after cupcake, each time commenting on how good they were before picking up another. After Chica had finished off the cupcakes, Vanessa helped her clean up the mess they had made in the kitchen and made sure everything got put away in its proper place. Chica glanced at the clock once they were done, letting out a loud sigh when she saw the time.

“Looks like the doors are going to close for the night pretty soon.” Chica turned towards Vanessa. Vanessa’s eyes widened as she whipped her head around to look at the clock.

“Oh, wow, I didn’t realize it was that late…” Vanessa mumbled to herself. “I should probably get going, then.”

“I’ll walk with you to the lobby if you want!” Chica waved Vanessa towards the door and opened it to let her through. Vanessa smiled, grabbed the container of cupcakes, and followed Chica as she made her way to the lobby. Chica talked the whole way there, pointing out her favorite colors in the neon signs and bright screens, and she made sure to tell Vanessa about all the best places to spend time around the Pizzaplex. Finally, they arrived at the lobby.

“This was so much fun!” Chica paused for a moment. “Oh, maybe we can trade recipes next time you stop by!” She exclaimed; her voice filled with excitement.

“Honestly, that sounds great!” Vanessa smiled at Chica before making her way towards the doors. “I’ll see you later, Chica!” Vanessa chuckled as she watched Chica wave excitedly.

“See you later, Nessa! Oh, and good luck on your date! Be sure to tell me how it went!” Chica called out, pausing, and waving for a moment.

Vanessa turned and smiled as she stopped in front of the door to wave back to Chica.

“I’m hoping for the best.”

-------

Sun/Moon

Vanessa walked towards the entrance to the daycare, smiling and holding back a chuckle as she watched a train of tired parents lugging their equally tired children towards the exit. As she approached the main doors, she could hear someone joyfully humming to themselves just behind the doors. She went up to the doors to knock, but she paused at the doors when she noticed they were cracked open slightly. She opened the doors a bit more and poked her head through, looking inside the daycare area. There, she saw Sun, holding a small stack of papers and excitedly roaming around the room, the bells on his shoes jingling quietly with each step he took. He hummed to himself as he disappeared behind one of the play structures.

Vanessa pushed through the doors, looking around the brightly colored and brightly lit space. Despite the fact that everyone had only just left, nothing in the daycare was out of place. Everything was neatly organized and in its proper place. Vanessa walked further, her gaze wandering from one thing to the next. As she looked at the walls, she noticed that there were drawings, most of them in crayon, that had been carefully put up all over the place. Vanessa smiled as she looked over the drawings, amused by the sketchy outlines and vibrant colors in every picture.

After a moment, Vanessa could hear the faint sounds of jingling bells returning. As she turned to face the source, she saw Sun walking out from behind one of the play structures, completely focused on shuffling through the stack of papers he was holding. When he looked up and saw Vanessa, he waved to her enthusiastically, causing the bells on his wrists to jingle.

“Vanessa! Hello!” Sun said excitedly, quickly walking over to Vanessa. “How are you today?”

“Hey, Sun.” Vanessa smiled. “I’m doing alright today. How are you?”

“Oh, I’m doing GREAT!” Sun paused, straightening the papers he was holding. “I was just putting up a bunch of pictures the kids made!” He excitedly pushed the papers into Vanessa’s hands. “LOOK!”

Vanessa flipped through the papers, each one covered in sketchy yet carefully made drawings.

“Wow, these look really good.” Vanessa continued looking through the drawings, each with their own unique style. When she was done, she handed the drawings back to Sun.

“I know, right?!” Sun turned towards the wall plastered with drawings, waving a hand dramatically at the pictures. “Those kids are real artists!” He paused for a moment, turning back to face Vanessa. “Speaking of kids. Moon and I wanted to ask how the little stardrop is doing? We haven’t seen him in a few days.”

“Oh, Gregory’s doing fine. He’s just been dealing with school stuff lately, so he’s been busy.” Vanessa paused for a moment. “He’s probably playing games with Freddy in his room right now.”

“Oh, I see! Well, that’s great to hear!” Sun said excitedly as he carefully stuck another drawing to the wall.

Vanessa grinned then paused, the smile fading from her face as she thought for a second. “I… I was actually hoping I could ask for your help with something…”

“Oh, of course! I’ll help if I can!” Sun walked over to the nearby security desk and set down the papers, turning back to face Vanessa. “Okay, I’m listening!”

“Well… I was wondering if you had any advice about dealing with nightmares?” Vanessa asked hesitantly.

Sun froze for a second, before hesitantly tapping a finger against his face and humming quietly as he thought. After a brief moment had passed, he shrugged and shook his head.

“I’m sorry Vanessa, but I don’t think that’s something that I can really help with…” Sun looked towards Vanessa. As soon as he saw her vaguely sorrowful and disappointed expression, he panicked, frantically waving his hands in front of him as if he were trying to swat away his words. “BUT! But… you should ask Moon! He’s much better suited to answering those kinds of questions.” He anxiously began to curl in on himself as he fiddled with the ribbons on his wrists, which made the bells attached to them ring softly. “He’ll be here in just a moment…”

Vanessa nodded and smiled at Sun. She looked around for a moment, taking in the bright colors of her surroundings before she heard faint mechanical clicking and a quiet whirring noise that stopped after a moment or two. When she looked back to where Sun had been standing, Moon was standing next to her instead.

“Hello, Vanessa.” Moon said, his voice calm and quiet, as he slowly waved to Vanessa. “I understand that you had a question you wanted to ask me?”

“Well… it’s just that… I keep having these nightmares, and I don’t know how to make them stop…” Vanessa paused for a second, glancing over at Moon. “I was hoping that… maybe you had some advice?”

“I assume these nightmares are mostly about… Her?” Moon asked after a brief pause.

Vanessa flinched as Moon mentioned Vanny. After spending the next few seconds in silence, she took a deep breath, trying to give herself the strength to continue talking.

“Yeah... they are…” Vanessa mumbled, her voice barely audible and her words forced. “You can probably guess what she does in them…”

“Yes… I believe I can…” Moon’s voice trailed off as he stared blankly at the space in front of him, remembering small pieces of what happened, of what he saw, when Vanny still roamed the Pizzaplex. He quickly shook his head, focusing his attention back on the current situation before he could think about it any further.

“I know they’re just nightmares…” Vanessa continued, staring at the floor, and picking at the fabric of her shirt sleeve. “I know they’re not real… I know they’re not going to happen… but they still really scare me.” She sighed wearily, glancing over at Moon as she continued. “I just want them to stop…”

Moon remained silent for a moment, tilting his head and tapping his fingers on the counter over the security desk, lost in thought.

“Unfortunately, given the reason behind your nightmares, I don’t have any advice to give to make them disappear…” Moon paused briefly before waving a hand towards Vanessa. “However, I do know of a few tricks that might help you until they fade away.” He leaned against the counter as he continued, glancing around the room. “There’s a few things that I do here with the kids that I would recommend.”

“Alright. I’m willing to try just about anything at this point…” Vanessa mumbled as she shrugged and turned to face Moon.

“One of the main things I’d recommend is trying to stick to a routine. At the daycare, we try to get everyone to sleep at the same time each day. Getting into a comfortable routine can help you get a more peaceful rest.” Moon quietly tapped his fingers on the counter as he continued. “Another important thing is to make the space feel safe and comfortable. And, while I know you are not a child, I’d recommend trying a nightlight.”

Despite her best efforts to hold it back, Vanessa couldn't help but chuckle and crack a smile at Moon’s suggestion. Moon paused, lifting his hand off the countertop before he froze. A few seconds of silence passed before Moon let out a quiet chuckle and began to gently tap on the counter once again.

“I know it may sound silly, but I’m serious.” Moon assured, turning to face Vanessa. “Being able to see and identify your surroundings can help you stay calm as you fall asleep, and could make it easier to calm down if you wake up during the night.”

After a brief silence, Vanessa sighed tiredly. She rubbed her hand against her arm for a moment as she thought, before a soft smile crossed her face.

“I guess it’s worth a shot…” Vanessa said, her voice quiet yet hopeful.

“Trust me, Vanessa. It will help.” Moon reassured her.

"Thanks for the advice, Moon. I really appreciate your help." Vanessa replied, smiling gratefully at the jester. Moon bowed gracefully in response.

They stood in silence for a few moments, with the music playing faintly over the daycare speakers being the only sound they could hear. After a little while, Vanessa let out a tired sigh, breaking the silence, as she checked the time.

"Well, I should probably go and check in on Gregory and Freddy." She paused for a moment. “Thanks again, Moon. I guess I’ll see you later.” She made her way towards the door, but she paused at the door when Moon spoke.

“Wait a second, Vanessa.” Moon called, tilting his head slightly for a moment. "Sun and I would like to know if we could accompany you. We haven't seen the little starspot in a while."

Vanessa turned back to look at Moon, a look of mild surprise on her face for a brief moment, before she smiled and gave a quick shrug.

"Sure, I don’t see why not." She waved Moon over, motioning for him to follow her, before she opened the daycare doors.

They made their way over to Freddy’s green room, where they found Freddy and Gregory sitting on the floor, drawing with some markers they had found. There were papers scattered about, most of them blank, but a few were covered in beautifully colored drawings. As soon as Freddy and Gregory noticed Vanessa and Moon standing at the doorway, they gleefully invited them both in to join them. They all gathered in the room and sat together, drawing and talking for a while.

When Vanessa finally paused to check the time, she was shocked at how late it was. She waited for a pause in the conversation before she stood up.

“I’m really sorry to cut this short, guys, but we should probably get going.” She waved to Gregory, motioning for him to get up. Gregory huffed and stood up, crossing his arms in defiance.

“Aw, c’mon! It’s not even a school night!” Gregory protested.

“I know, kiddo. But it’s getting late, and we really need to get you used to a normal sleep schedule, especially since you’re in school.” Vanessa said as she gently tousled his hair.

Gregory grumbled irritatedly, swatting Vanessa’s hand away. He looked over to Freddy and Moon, trying to get them to take his side. They glanced at each other for a moment in silence.

“Vanessa does have a point, starshine.” Moon stood up and faced Gregory. “You need to get enough sleep.”

Gregory huffed disappointedly as he looked towards Freddy. Freddy hesitated for a moment, before he let out a sigh.

“I have to agree with them, superstar.” Freddy said reluctantly, pausing for a moment before he stood up and walked over to Gregory. “We had a lot of fun today! But now it is getting late, and you should get some sleep.”

“... Fine.” Gregory huffed. “Can we play tomorrow?”

“Of course!” Freddy assured, wiggling his ears happily, before he froze for a moment. “As long as it is okay with Vanessa, that is.” Freddy turned towards Vanessa.

“Yeah, sure!” Vanessa smiled and nodded. She walked over to the door, Gregory trailing close behind her. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow, then.”

After they had all said goodbye, Vanessa and Gregory began the journey back home. After driving for a bit, they stopped by the store to pick up some groceries. They wandered the isles for a bit, picking out things they needed before walking towards the checkout to leave. Before they made it to the checkout, Vanessa noticed something on one of the shelves that caught her eye.

She slowly approached the shelf, picking up the item that caught her interest. It was a nightlight that had been made to look like an old lantern. Vanessa continued to stare at it, unable to shake the feeling that there was something remarkably familiar about it. In a strange way, it was a comforting sight.

Gregory turned to look at Vanessa, confused.

“What’re you-” He stopped as he spotted the lantern. He stared at it for a moment before he recognized it. “That looks a lot like the lantern the princess had in that Princess Quest game…”

“Really?” Vanessa muttered, turning it over in her hands as she continued to stare at it. “No wonder it looks familiar…” She paused for a second before slowly walking over and silently putting it in the cart.

“I didn’t know adults needed nightlights…” Gregory glanced at the light, then looked back at Vanessa.

“I didn’t either, kiddo.” Vanessa smiled. She tilted her head, gesturing towards the exit. “Come on, let’s get going.”

They quickly checked out and got back on the road, finally heading back home. Once they got home, they put everything away and got ready for bed, both of them very tired after a long day. Before Vanessa went to bed, she set up the nightlight on her bedside table. The soft, dim glow was comforting, and as she closed her eyes and began to drift off to sleep, she smiled.

-------

Freddy

Vanessa meandered anxiously through the various display cases in Rockstar Row, muttering and murmuring to herself as she tried to calm her nerves. After a moment had passed, she took a deep breath and walked over to the door to Freddy’s room. She hesitated in front of the door for a moment before knocking on it gently. She heard heavy footsteps on the other side of the door for a second, before the door slid open to reveal Freddy’s happy face waiting to greet her.

“Hello, Vanessa! It is good to see you!” Freddy exclaimed gleefully.

“Hey, Freddy.” Vanessa smiled slightly, trying to hide her anxiety. “Can I come in?”

“Of course!” Freddy said as he stepped out of the way to let Vanessa into his room.

“Thank you.” Vanessa wandered around the room for a second before turning to face Freddy. “So, how’re you doing? How was your day?”

“I am doing quite well! Today was a wonderful day.” Freddy said, cheerfully wiggling his ears. “How was your day today, Vanessa?”

“My day was… okay.” She hesitantly said as she glanced at Freddy. Freddy froze for a moment as he picked up on Vanessa’s nervous tone.

“Is something wrong?” Freddy asked, concerned.

“No, it’s just… I’ve got a lot on my mind right now, and…” Vanessa paused and sighed, raising her hand to rub the back of her neck for a moment before she continued. “Can… Can I talk to you about something? Something… kind of important?”

“Yes, of course.” Freddy walked over to the couch on the other end of the room and sat down, gesturing for Vanessa to sit on the couch as well. “What is it you want to talk about?”

“Well…” Vanessa let out a sigh as she sat down on the other end of the couch, staring off into space for a moment. “It’s about Gregory…” She paused for a second before glancing over at Freddy. “Do you think I’m doing a good job? You know, with this whole parenting thing?” she asked hesitantly, her voice quiet.

“What do you mean?” Freddy looked at Vanessa, a somewhat confused look on his face.

“This is all so new to me, and I’m so worried that maybe I’m doing something wrong, and I just can’t see it yet…” Vanessa closed her eyes and put her head in her hands. “What if I mess it up? What if…” She paused, her voice lowering to a whisper. “What if he hates me?”

Freddy froze, stunned by Vanessa’s words. He remained silent for a minute, stuck on her words, before he let out a sigh and gently placed a hand on Vanessa’s shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“You should not worry so much, Vanessa.” Freddy said, his voice quiet and sincere. “I promise, Gregory does not hate you.”

“How can you be so sure?” Vanessa mumbled.

“Gregory has never once said a negative word against you. He looks up to you, and he trusts you.” Freddy paused for a moment, letting out a quiet, halfhearted chuckle. “Besides, we both know that there is nothing that could make him stay if he did not want to.” He looked over to Vanessa. “Trust me, Vanessa. He is happy with you.”

“I guess you’re right…” Vanessa sighed. “Still… Do you think there’s anything that I could be doing better?” She paused, propping up her head with her hands. “I feel like I’m out of my depth here, and I just really don’t want to mess anything up…”

Freddy stayed silent for a moment, tilting his head slightly and holding his chin, his gaze wandering around the room as he thought.

“I think you are doing a great job, Vanessa!” Freddy said cheerfully after a second.

“You really think so?” Vanessa replied hesitantly, her tone somewhat skeptical.

“Of course! I have seen how well you take care of him, and you have not done anything that would cause me to be concerned.” Freddy paused for a second, looking back over at Vanessa. “You make sure all of his needs are met, you make sure he is comfortable and happy, and you are kind, calm, and patient, even when it may be difficult.”

Vanessa smiled at Freddy as he continued to talk, trying his best to help relieve her anxiety.

“It is evident that you care a great deal about Gregory, and that he cares about you as well. I could not think of anyone better to be watching over my superstar!” Freddy said proudly, giving a nod of approval in Vanessa’s direction.

Vanessa remained motionless for a moment, seemingly stunned. She could feel tears starting to well up in her eyes, making the world around her appear shaky and out of focus. She took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeve.

“Thank you, Freddy. That… that really means a lot coming from you…” Vanessa looked over and smiled at Freddy.

“You are welcome, Vanessa.” Freddy paused, giving Vanessa some time as she tried to regain her composure. “Out of curiosity, why are you so worried about this all of a sudden?” He tilted his head, curious and slightly confused.

Vanessa hesitated for a moment.

“I-I want to try and adopt Gregory properly…” Vanessa said anxiously. “Up until now I’ve just been fostering him, but I’ve been working through the adoption process, and there’s only a few steps left to go.”

“That is great news, Vanessa!” Freddy exclaimed loudly, excitedly jumping out of his seat.

“Yeah, it is.” Vanessa chuckled, pausing for a second before letting out a sigh. “I want to ask Gregory if he’s okay with it first. I want his permission beforehand because he should have a say in this. I’ve just been really nervous about asking him.” She hesitated, her gaze falling to the floor as she continued. “I’m just worried that… maybe I’m not ‘good enough’...” She muttered to herself, failing to hide the concern in her voice.

“As I have said before, you should not worry so much. You are not inadequate, Vanessa.” Freddy said, his voice calm and sincere as he spoke. “You have been doing a great job looking after Gregory so far, and I see no reason why that would change.” He paused for a second. “And I am sure Gregory will be more than happy to give you his permission for this! I cannot wait for him to hear about it!”

Vanessa smiled.

“Honestly, I can’t wait, either.”

-------

Epilogue

The West Arcade was filled with the sounds of hundreds of different arcade machines, all beeping and playing music from various different games. The blinking lights and screens and vibrant neon lights painted the darkened space with brilliant colors that danced across the walls. The music emanating from the dance floor carried through the upper levels of the arcade, eventually finding its way to where Gregory and the animatronics were playing games.

“That music is so distracting! Can’t he turn it down just for a little bit?!” Gregory growled, focusing intensely on the game he was playing.

“C’mon, kid, the DJ’s just doing his job.” Monty said calmly, peering over Gregory’s shoulder as he played.

Gregory pressed several buttons in rapid succession, grumbling irritatedly under his breath as he focused on the game. Then, his face lit up as the machine played a triumphant tune, the words “YOU WIN!” and “HIGH SCORE!” flashing across the screen.

“Sweet, high score!” Gregory cheered, throwing his hands up in the air in celebration.

“Nice work, kid!” Monty let out an enthusiastic laugh as he pumped his fist in the air. “You’ve got some serious skill, little dude!” He said as he gently ruffled Gregory’s hair.

“Hey, c’mon, knock it off!” Gregory chuckled as he pushed Monty’s hand away. He shook his head to fix his hair before looking back at the arcade machine. When he looked back at the machine, his smile disappeared. “Aw, man!” He picked up the small strip of tickets, looking at them disappointedly. “Only 10 tickets?! I spent over an hour trying to get that high score…” He huffed, crossing his arms and looking down at the floor.

Monty paused for a moment, silent. Then, he carefully lifted his glasses, glanced around, and gently nudged Gregory’s shoulder.

“Hey, wanna see something cool?” Monty asked, trying his best to keep his voice quiet.

Gregory looked up at Monty and nodded, his disappointment melting away into curiosity. Monty waved Gregory out of the way, before cautiously looking around once more. Then, when he felt the coast was clear, he stepped up to the machine, and gave it a light kick. As if by magic, the machine started spitting out long strips of tickets, which started folding into large stacks as they hit the floor.

“Awesome!” Gregory quickly pulled his backpack off of his shoulders, immediately stuffing fistfuls of tickets into the pockets of the bag.

“Just don’t tell Fazbear.” Monty chuckled.

“Don’t tell him what?” Roxy asked as she rounded the corner of the row of arcade machines.

Monty whipped around and looked over at Roxy, somewhat startled. Roxy stared at him for a moment before glancing down at Gregory, who was busy piling the last of the tickets into his bag. Roxy looked back up at Monty for a moment, a mischievous look in her eye.

“You really think that’s the best way to get a lot of tickets?” Roxy laughed, resting a hand on her hip. Monty and Gregory glanced at each other, confused, before looking back at Roxy and nodding. Roxy chuckled, seemingly amused by their response.

“Come on, I’ll show you the REAL best way to get a bunch of free tickets!” Roxy said, waving for Monty and Gregory to follow before she ran off, disappearing behind several rows of arcade machines.

“Hey, wait up!” Gregory took off after Roxy, Monty trailing close behind him as they navigated their way through the labyrinth of flashing screens.

Vanessa and Luis laughed, able to observe the ensuing chaos from their small seating area tucked away from the arcade.

“They’re sure having fun, aren’t they?” Luis laughed, looking over at Vanessa.

“Oh yeah, definitely.” Vanessa laughed, grabbing a slice of pizza from the open box on the table in front of her. “Monty always sneaks Gregory a bunch of tokens. They’d probably play all night if we let them.”

Suddenly, they heard a loud crash from the back of the room, quickly followed by Monty yelling “SCATTER!” as Freddy peaked his head up over the rows of machines and began to run over to the source of the noise. Luis and Vanessa erupted with laughter, amused by the pandemonium and the sound of heavy footsteps and Gregory’s mischievous laughter sprinting away from the scene.

“Those two are quite the pair of rascals!” Luis said, fighting to get his words out between small fits of laughter.

“Oh, you don’t have to tell me that.” Vanessa chuckled, taking a bite out of her slice of pizza before continuing. “Just yesterday, I caught them using that old windup music man prototype to terrorize the staffbots and wet floor sign bots. Chica and I spent over an hour trying to catch it before it disappeared into the vents.”

“That definitely sounds like something they’d do.” Luis chuckled.

“Did I hear my name?” Chica said as she popped up behind Luis, startling him and causing him to nearly spill his drink.

“Hey, Chica. Sorry, I was just telling Luis about what happened yesterday.” Vanessa grinned, holding back a laugh as she watched Luis carefully place his drink down on the table and pick up a napkin to wipe the soda off of his hand.

“Oh, yes. I had Monty and Gregory apologize, but some of the bots are still a bit upset about that…” Chica said, crossing her arms and shaking her head.

“We could have them apologize again if you think that would help.” Vanessa suggested.

“No, I think it would be better to give the bots some time first.” Chica sighed. Then, she gasped, putting her hands up to her face in shock. “Oh no, I forgot about the cupcakes I left in the oven!” She darted off towards the kitchen, quietly scolding herself for forgetting.

“And there she goes.” Luis said. “She really seems to care about those bots, huh?”

“Yeah, she really does.” Vanessa set down her half-eaten slice of pizza on her plate on the table. “She treats them like siblings, really.”

“Well, that’s nice of her.” Luis said, reaching towards the pizza box on the table before hesitating when he realized there was only one slice left. “Do you want any more pizza, or is it okay if I have the last slice?”

“Go ahead, I’m good.” Vanessa shrugged.

“Cool.” Luis grabbed the last slice of pizza and promptly took a big bite. “You know, I really did enjoy going to the movies with you. It was a lot of fun.” He paused, taking another bite. “But here we can get cheap pizza and free drink refills. You can’t get that at the theater.”

“You gotta love the former employee perks.” Vanessa chuckled. “If you consider pizza this greasy a perk, that is.” She remarked as she pointed out the thick ring of grease soaking into the cardboard of the pizza box.

“Hey, I consider any pizza a perk.” Luis said before quickly finishing his slice of pizza and drinking the rest of his soda. “Speaking of those free drink refills…” He stood up and shook his empty cup. “Be right back, alright?”

Vanessa nodded. As Luis left to refill his drink, Vanessa noticed a blur of movement out of the corner of her eye.

“You know, I could just get you some fresh pizza so you don’t have to take what’s left of mine.” Vanessa said, grinning as she faced Gregory, who had already almost finished the uneaten pizza that had been on her plate. He froze for a moment, staring wide-eyed like a deer caught in the headlights, before quickly stuffing what was left of the pizza into his mouth.

“No, it’s fine.” Gregory replied, wiping the crumbs from his face with the back of his hand. “Thanks, though.” He smiled and ran off, venturing back into the maze-like arcade. Vanessa chuckled and shook her head slightly.

After a few moments, Luis finally reappeared and sat back down next to Vanessa. They talked for a little while, the noise and music of the arcade slowly fading into the background, before Chica grabbed their attention, prancing gleefully towards them with a small platter of colorful and carefully decorated cupcakes.

“I’m back! And I didn’t burn them!” Chica happily chirped as she walked up to Vanessa and Luis. “This is the first batch I’ve made on my own, so I’m not sure how they’ll taste… But you’re more than welcome to try one if you want!” She held the tray out towards them.

“They look wonderful, Chica!” Vanessa complimented, standing up and carefully selecting a cupcake from the tray.

“And they smell great!” Luis added, standing to grab a cupcake as well.

As they both took a bite out of their cupcakes, a loud cheer erupted from the arcade. They looked over to see Monty lifting Gregory onto Freddy’s shoulders. Gregory clutched stacks of tickets in his raised fists and had even more ticket strips draped over his shoulders. Freddy paraded Gregory around the room in celebration, with Roxy and Monty marching close behind him, still cheering along with Gregory. They eventually made their way over to the others, marching in time with the music echoing from downstairs.

“Hey, kiddo. What’re we celebrating?” Vanessa asked, walking over and looking up at Gregory.

“I finally finished the toughest game in the arcade! I’ve been trying to beat it for weeks and I finally did it!” Gregory exclaimed excitedly, shaking the tickets in his hands.

“That’s awesome! Good job!” Vanessa said, giving Gregory a high-five.

“Would you like a celebratory cupcake?” Chica asked cheerfully, holding the cupcakes up so Gregory could take one.

“Yeah!” Gregory grabbed a cupcake, quickly stuffing it into his mouth, smearing frosting on his face in the process. “Awesome! Thanks, Chica!” He turned towards Vanessa and Luis as he wiped the frosting off his face. “We’re going over to Fazerblast to play a few rounds if you guys want to come with us!”

“It would be more fun if you all joined us!” Freddy added eagerly.

“What do you say, Luis? Want to play some Fazerblast?” Vanessa playfully nudged Luis.

“Yeah, sounds like fun!” Luis said.

“Awesome! You guys can be on mine and Freddy’s team! Come on, let’s go!” Gregory shoved the tickets in his hands into his backpack before excitedly drumming his hands against the top of Freddy’s head.

“This will be fun!” Freddy exclaimed as he turned towards the exit.

“I’ll race you there!” Roxy challenged the others, pushing past Freddy as she ran ahead.

“Hey, that’s not fair! Wait up!” Monty growled before sprinting after her, Chica tailing close behind him.

Vanessa and Luis lagged behind Freddy as he walked towards the exit. As they walked side by side, Vanessa blankly looked around her, lost in thought. She thought about how much things had changed over the past year.

After being freed from Vanny, Vanessa thought she could never be like her old self again. And yet, with a little help from some new friends and some hard work, things were finally starting to get better. She had done so many things she never thought would have been possible, and she had a whole family behind her to help her along the way.

“Ness? Everything okay over there?” Luis joked. When Vanessa didn’t answer, he looked over at her, slightly concerned. “Vanessa?” He paused for a moment. “You doing okay?”

Vanessa looked over at Luis, smiling softly.

“Yeah, I’m doing okay.” Vanessa let out a gentle sigh as she continued to walk. “Just thinking about how grateful I am for you and the others.” She reached out towards Luis and gently grabbed his hand. They both smiled at each other as they continued to walk towards Fazerblast to join the others, looking forward to the bright future ahead.

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