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sunflowerandco · 3 years

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Act VI: Looking Back

Rating: T for language

previous acts on the link in my bio :)

Hey everyone. After my favorite combo meal of some good ol' depression™ and school, I'm back to writing! I really hope you enjoy and I'm very thankful for all of the support if you stuck around this long. Thank you so much ❤

I hope you enjoy this origin story for Duncney in this universe

5 years before Act V

Bridgette approached a very focused Courtney in the hall. "Hey, Court. Got any plans this weekend?"

She responded, her face still buried in the locker she was trying to organize before heading home for the weekend. "Studying, studying, and more studying. I've got two AP exams in two weeks and my livelihood depends on me getting good enough grades."

"Is there any chance you have one day to let yourself have some fun?"

Courtney pondered and knew her response wouldn't please her friend. Still, she delivered it with a smile. "No." She knew Bridgette's campaign for fun was coming any second now as she shut her locker.

“You’ve been studying all week, Courtney. Come to Wasaga with us! My step-dad lent me the beach house for the weekend.”

Courtney felt apprehensive at the idea of a day on the beach with Bridgette, Geoff and their insistent need to suck face most of the time. “No thanks. I don’t want to be your third wheel.”

“You won’t be! It won’t be just me and Geoff. He practically invited our lunch period. Plus, Duncan’s coming...”

“And that holds significance to my decision because...?”

“...Because you like him.”

“I do not! He’s annoying, has no regard for authority, and is so, totally gross. I don’t need you setting up dates for me. At least not another disaster like Bradley.”

“To be fair, you did have a crush on him.”

“That was before I knew he was a total jerk.”

“What matters is that you gave him a chance. Why not give Duncan one? I've seen the way you look at him.” Courtney gave her look, signaling her to quiet down in front of everyone else occupying the halls. Bridgette smiled triumphantly and shrugged her shoulders matter-of-factly, finally getting through to Courtney.

"See? I'm never wrong." Bridgette walked off presumably to find Geoff. "I'll pick you up at two."

"I didn't say yes!"

"Love you, too!"

***

Courtney could deal with sweaty teenagers in a crowded setting. She could deal with speakers blaring in her ears. But, she couldn't stand to see Bradley's face across the room before running to Bridgette.

"Why is Bradley here?!"

"I don't know! I know for a fact Geoff didn't invite him. He was the only person off limits."

She knew she'd have to spend the better half of her day avoiding Bradley.

Courtney stood in front of the bathroom mirror of the beach house, washing her hands and reapplying her lip balm. For one thing, she had to hide from the guy she wasted a month of her life on. On the other hand, she couldn't find him. Not that she cared. Oh, no, no, no. Not Courtney. She didn't come to this outing hoping she'd find him. And she would never admit that even to herself.

When she exited the washroom, she bumped into a brown-haired, blue polo-wearing dudebro practically standing in front of the door.

"Hey, Courtney. You know you can't avoid me forever."

"It doesn't hurt to try."

"Listen, I just wanted to talk."

"In order for that to happen, there'd have to be something to talk about."

"Well, there is. I want to start all over. You and me. I've got drafts coming up for university football. Having a girl on my arm would help with my image and, well, I figured you could benefit changing that uptight, boring image everyone has on you."

Courtney scoffed, feigning interest. "Wow. While that sounds incredibly tempting-" Courtney started off with sarcasm.

Bradley wasn't the most receptive to rejection, but still persisted. "I knew you'd see it my way. It would help the both of us."

Courtney rolled her eyes at his insistent need to cut her off at every chance she had to speak. Her eyes diverted from his and her eyes gravitated to the neon green hair she spotted across the room. He hadn't noticed her stare, but seeing him made a sense calm take over her mind.

"...I'm gonna have to pass. Don't come up to me again wasting my time. I don’t need to associate myself with an asshole like you."

She finally felt like he would leave her alone for the remainder of senior year after letting him hear it. Courtney knew that wasn't the answer he wanted from his displeased layer of expression on his face. She held her hand out with a smile.

"Pleasure doing business with you." He begrudgingly shook her hand to save face from possible onlookers.

***

Duncan, Geoff, and DJ were all engrossed in conversation when Duncan's attention rerouted in Courtney's direction. DJ's voice faded slowly out of the forefront. "...All I'm saying is if dude didn't want his underwear up the flagpole, he should stop leaving it around the locker room!"

"What is he doing here?" Duncan was covertly protective over Courtney in the aspect of terrible ex-boyfriends. His reaction to seeing her shake hands with him made Geoff and DJ turn in that direction.

"I don't know, man. I swear I didn't invite that joke. It seems like they're making up, so that's good." The can Duncan held warped in shape as his grip tightened.

It was no secret how Duncan felt about Bradley. He had to spend two months convincing people that pantsing him, throwing eggs at his car and TP'ing his house were all in the name of fun and not some way of avenging Courtney.

He didn't mean to avoid her after the fact, but it made controlling his emotions easier.

***

Courtney, fresh off of telling Bradley off, finally felt she was able to enjoy herself for the day. As the day transitioned into a darker, breezy evening, her introverted nature dwindled as she allowed herself to let go. Catching up with acquaintances from various classes, taking in the ocean views, and the overall atmosphere made her feel recharged in a rare feat. Still, it was hard to find Duncan while sticking to Bridgette's side. She'd hate to verbally admit she missed trading meaningless quips with him, and it was out of the ordinary for them to be in the same setting without exchanging any words. She separated from her friend when she wandered around several spaces of the house. Then, she heard him.

He was projecting his conversation loud enough for onlookers to hear what he said. "It's actually sad how many times and ways I had to reject that girl. Even today I had to tell her to stay away from me. I mean, why would I want to associate with her?" A few laughs could be heard from the same acquaintances she caught up with at his declarations of rejection all created by him.

Duncan decided he'd heard enough and approached him. "You better watch you say around here. Courtney's not around to defend herself, and I'm known for not using my words to solve problems."

"Oh? Is that bitch your piece of ass for the week?" Bradley immediately felt threatened at how much Duncan was fuming at him. Duncan swung a fist, but he moved out of the way quick enough to dodge the attack.

Geoff immediately came between the two of them to settle the tension. "Just get out of here, dude."

***

She heard every word of it. She didn't want to defend herself for once. Her mind just kept repeating to itself. You need to get out. She sat on the sand with her knees pulled to her chest. Courtney felt Duncan sit next to her without a greeting. She still spoke lowly to fill the silence between them. "What gives him the right to think he can do and say whatever he pleases like that?!"

"You're right. Let me let him have it, Princess."

"No, it's not worth it. He's not, at the very least. And you need to stop getting into trouble all the time."

At the time, Duncan's need for revenge couldn't be subdued. He'd let it go for now, but his mind wouldn't rest until he felt justice was served on that rich, entitled fuck. "It's not like anyone cares if I do. Everyone just wants to police me-"

"I do." She immediately retreated to the ocean's view after she blurted those two words out pretty angrily.

A silent moment passed between the two of them. His brain felt like mush hearing that and seeing the bright reflection of the moon on her skin. All of his previous thoughts were clouded leaving one subject clear. He quietly said the first thing that came to his mind. "You look beautiful."

Courtney had gotten used to Duncan calling her nicknames. They were mostly delivered backhanded in response to her insults. This time it was unprovoked. It blurred the lines between real and fake. She decided not to respond and change the subject instead. She crossed her arms in defense of the drop in temperature. "I want nothing more than to leave this stupid place."

"Here." He said as he peeled the t-shirt off his back. Courtney truly didn't mean to stare as the fabric became less and less attached to his torso. He handed it to her after noticing she shivered when the wind picked up speed. She looked away quicker than she wanted him to notice.

"As if I need another reason for people to look at me weirdly."

He knew she just reacted the way they're expected to treat each other, but it still upset him for reasons he couldn't decipher fast enough. She immediately noticed his face fall, instantly regretting her delivery. "I didn't really mean that. Thank you." She smoothed out the wrinkles after letting the shirt fall over her body.

He couldn't stay mad at her for long, especially when her regret was so apparent on her face. Duncan considered the embarrassment she faced, and figured she was trying to regain some normalcy in their relationship. "Don't worry about it. Let me take you home."

Courtney didn't object, following him through the sandy plains to his car. After finding a tank top in the trunk, he slipped it over his upper half. Duncan opened the door on the passenger side for Courtney to enter. Moments that didn't include bickering scared Courtney. it was an occurrence that gave her mind the opportunity to wonder what a prolonged version of this happenstance would result in. Her feelings floating to the surface of her deeply buried psyche.

***

He didn't mean to drive in radio silence, but Duncan was more nervous than he'd like to admit. He almost ran a red light when he noticed the newly-acquired tan the sun gave her soft, warm skin as she crossed her legs in the passenger seat. He slammed on the brakes just in time, still startling her. "Duncan! I didn't accept your offer with the expectation of dying in your car!" It wasn't the greatest question, but he was relieved she opened a window of conversation to flow between them.

"What was your expectation, then, Princess?"

"Delinquent-proof driving!"

"You know it wouldn't kill you to be...nice?"

"And ruin the amazing dynamic of our relationship? I wouldn't dare!"

"I don't want anything to be 'ruined' either. Nothing will stop me from annoying you, no matter what happens between us."

Courtney relinquished in relief. She then remembered the very moment her fear took over. Acknowledging it meant accepting the affect his words had on her. Accepting those indulgent stares and rare, shared smiles. Despite her fears, she asked. "If you don't want anything to change, why did you call me beautiful the way you did?"

Surprised by the indicative effect of his words, Duncan responded as if the answer were so obvious, still attentive to the road ahead of him. "Because you are...? Nothing's gonna change because of that. I've always thought you were. I'll stop if you want me to."

Courtney felt her heart triple in size when she boldly responded, letting herself say whatever her heart told her to. "Don't... stop?" She stammered, even changed the pace of her words as she fought off her nervousness. "I... don't want you to stop."

"Okay, beautiful." Courtney's chest radiated with warm waves as she looked out the window. She looked in the opposite direction and noticed one of his hands resting in the space between their seats. Her mind and heart wrestled back and forth between doing what truly called to her. To shut them up, she turned her attention to the road ahead. And, like some gravitational pull, her hand made it's way toward his free one. A swipe of the back of each other's hands was enough to: burn beneath the surface of their skin; Duncan immediately caught on to her intentions. He tried to stay focused on the road as they fumbled, palm to palm, and slowly interlocked their fingers with the other's one-by-one. The silence after realizing how perfectly they fit was easy, comfortable, yet deafening.

At a red light, Duncan used the hand on the steering wheel to turn the radio to any random station he saved. Neither of them knew the song, but wouldn't forget any lyric of it after this.

You can't stop us on the road to freedom

You can't stop us 'cause our eyes can see

Men with insight, men in granite

Knights in armor intent on chivalry

She's as sweet as Tupelo honey

She's an angel of the first degree

***

When he pulled up to her street and their hands pulled apart, Courtney felt hollow. Duncan's mind conjured ways to make the moment last longer. "I'll walk you to your door." Courtney didn't object once more, smiling at his reciprocated persistence.

"Okay." The path, while short and forward in leading them to the door, gave them time before the eventual goodbye they dreaded. Courtney fumbled with her keys hoping to buy more time. Fleeting, fickle, borrowed time for a moment they used to curse themselves for dreaming of. He initiated.

"So... see you on Monday?"

"Of course. Um...thanks. For everything."

"It's no problem, Courtney. Goodnight." He leaned in and Courtney's breathing wavered. Duncan gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Courtney's hand rose to her face in an attempt to calm the burning sensation he left. This would suffice for what he really wanted to do. If he was right about the impact he assumed he had, he was doing the right thing for now.

Courtney hated to see him walk further from her and toward the car. In some entranced state, her hand grabbed his wrist, pulling him in closer.

Maybe she leaned in the wrong way; she over-estimated the distance between them as their noses collided with each other's causing them to both groan in pain. Her ache quickly shifted to embarrassment as she hastily spilled out her rambled apologies. "I'm so-so sorry! Oh my God. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

Her rambling ceased when Duncan pulled her in once again, his lips crashing onto hers with a yearning force. Her lips quickly overlapped his as his fingers tangled themselves in her hair, her arms linking around his neck. They parted for air but remained still with their hands attached to the other.

He'd never done something so worth it, unaware of the events to come.

#duncney #td duncan #td courtney #duncney fanfic

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favefandomimagines · 4 years

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Soul Surfer 6

AN: SURPRISE BITCHES chapter 6 came early!!! we get some cute Kie/Sarah/Violet action in this as well as some John B/Violet! we stan healthy platonic relationships!!

ALSO: i can’t tag anymore people 😭 i’ve reached the 50 tags limit! if anyone has any suggestions to tag more people, dm me!!

It had been around five days since Violet had spoken to JJ. Kiara made sure that the girl still knew that her, John B and Pope still wanted her around. They weren’t about to give up two friends because JJ was being an idiot.

Kiara knew that Violet was worried that they’d stop hanging out with her because JJ was their best friend. But to Kiara, Violet was also her best friend. In such a short amount of time too.

Violet had been throwing herself into work, all of the orders keeping her mind busy from wandering to JJ. Which it often did most nights and then she resorted to watching true crime shows on Netflix as a distraction.

JJ wasn’t doing any better. He kept trying to get her to talk to him so he could apologize but it was no use. Violet wouldn’t budge. He hated not being able to see her and to talk to her. He had to go back to sleeping at John B’s whenever he was afraid to go home. Of course he was grateful he had a place to go, but he wanted it to be Violet.

Violet hadn’t seen Pope and John B since the night at the Boneyard. She didn’t want them picking sides between her and JJ. It would have made her feel more guilty than she already did.

Kiara and Sarah, however, made sure they stuck by her like glue. Violet couldn’t seem to shake them but she didn’t mind at all.

Violet, Sarah and Kiara were presently at The Wreck having a well needed girls day.

“Okay, okay, Vi. If you had to choose: Harry Styles or Tom Holland?” Sarah asked. “That’s not fair! It’s like asking me to pick a favorite child!” Violet replied. Kiara and Sarah laughed at the girl’s response as she pondered the thought.

“Okay, fine. Harry Styles. Any day of the week.” Violet answered. The three girls sat at their table, falling into mindless conversation about boys and clothes, just happy they were able to spend time together, when the bell on top of the door rang.

Their attention was grabbed by the sound. Violet’s heartbeat sped up rapidly when her eyes landed on the blonde boy.

“Vi, I didn’t know he’d be here.” Kiara said quietly. “It’s fine.” Violet said, fidgeting with the rings on her fingers.

“Hey guys! You didn’t tell us you were hanging out today.” John B greeted the three. “Last time I checked this is girls day. Which you are not.” Kiara sassed back.

Violet refused to look up at her friend as they conversed with each other. She could feel JJ’s eyes on her and it made her skin feel on fire.

It was starting to slowly overwhelm her and she heard JJ utter a few words, she quickly got up from her chair and exited the establishment. Sarah and Kiara looked at each other before JJ followed after her.

“Violet!” He called. Violet didn’t stop walking, not wanting to face him. “Please talk to me.” JJ begged, grabbing her arm gently. “I told you to leave me alone.” Violet said, ripping her arm from his grasp.

She still refused to look at him, knowing that if she did, she’d actually end up listening to his potential apology.

“God, can you at least look at me?” He asked. Violet paused a moment before she finally looked up at him.

Only then did he see how upset she really was. At the Boneyard, the darkness hid her face and he silently wished for that again.

“What do you wanna say, JJ? You’re sorry? Sorry for what you said? You wish you could take it all back? Well you can’t! I trusted you. I didn’t tell anyone about my mom and you decided to use that against me.” Violet snapped. “Violet, I,” JJ started before the brunette scoffed and turned away.

JJ was persistent, however, going after Violet once more in another desperate attempt to get her to listen to him.

“I screwed up! I know that! I was mad at Rafe for what he said and instead of finishing to take it out on him, I took it out on you and I’m sorry!” JJ said.

Violet rolled her eyes and kept ignoring him by the time they approached her house.

“Please, JJ, just stop.” She pleaded quietly. JJ could see the hurt in her eyes. How her once bright, cerulean blue eyes were now a darker shade. He would describe it as how the ocean looked during a storm. And he wanted nothing more than to stop her pain.

Before either of them could continue with the painful conversation, the sound of raised voices alerted them both.

“Vivienne, you need to leave now.” Rob’s voice said. JJ watched as Violet’s eyes widened and the color seemingly drained from her face. “She’s my daughter too, Rob.” A woman said.

The two ‘adults’ walked on to the porch and their conversation ceased when they saw Violet and JJ.

“Violet, honey,” Vivienne started. “No. No, this is not happening.” She muttered. “What the fuck are you doing here?” Violet sneered. “Language, young lady.” Her mother scolded her. “You lost the right to tell me what to do when you gave up your parental rights!” Violet yelled.

“Vi, it’s okay.” Her older brother, Nick, said. Violet looked at her brother in disbelief at the fact that he was defending their mother.

Nick was three years older than Violet, the two being inseparable since Violet was born. That was until their mother took him and left. When Nick was old enough, he reached back out to Violet and their father trying to rebuild that bond they once shared. It worked for the most part though Violet never told Nick where they moved to.

“Both of you shut up.” Violet snapped. She turned around quickly when she realized JJ was still standing close to her. “You were right. Guess I am a sad little rich girl with mommy issues.” She muttered to him before she took off running.

“Violet!” Rob yelled. “Vi!” JJ added. The two males looked at each other momentarily before their gaze returned to Violet’s fleeting figure.

“You shouldn’t have come here, Vivienne. You knew what this would do to her.” Rob told his ex wife. “She’s still my child. I have a right.” Vivienne said. “You lost your right when you left! You signed away your parental rights to Violet the second you signed the divorce papers.” Rob yelled.

The room fell in a silence, though that didn’t stop the two teenage boys from eavesdropping on the porch.

“It’s been 10 years. 10 years and I’ve taken care of Violet just fine. We have been just fine.” Rob added.

Back on the porch, JJ and Nick sat on sides from each other. “So, you Violet’s boyfriend?” Nick asked, breaking the silence. “God, I wish.” JJ muttered before quickly correcting himself.

“Uh, no. We’re just friends. Or at least we were before I messed it up.” He added. Nick was quiet for a moment as he moved to lean on the porch railing.

“Take it from me, losing Violet sucks. But, if you beg and plead enough, she’ll let you back in.” He said. “Did you tell your mom Violet and Rob were here?” JJ asked. “God, no. Violet didn’t even tell me. Just because I’m back in her good graces doesn’t mean she tells me everything.” the older boy answered.

JJ thought for a moment until he realized he might know where Violet went.

On one of the many adventures JJ and Violet had together, JJ took her to a secret clearing he once discovered when he was running from his dad.

“Where are you taking me?” Violet asked with a laugh. “You ask too many questions.” JJ answered. “I’ve seen Criminal Minds, is this where you kill me?” She questioned. “No, pretty girl. I couldn’t survive without seeing that face every day.” JJ replied flirtatiously.

Violet rolled her eyes until they came upon a clearing in the woods. There was a small waterfall that went into a small pond below. “Wow, it’s beautiful.” She commented.

“That’s not the only thing.” JJ said, hoping Violet wouldn’t hear him but she did. “I know how you’ve been missing home so I thought this would help.” The blonde said.

Violet looked up at JJ before she wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you.” Violet whispered.

JJ knew Violet wouldn’t want him to be the one to find her, so he sent a text to the rest of the Pogues.

Kie had to work, as did Pope, and Sarah was dealing with her own messed up familial issues. John B was the only one able to go find Violet. JJ trusted him to talk her off whatever edge she found herself on.

The boy wandered through the woods, following JJ’s instructions, though the teenager wasn’t so good at giving directions. He swatted at the numerous bugs getting in his face when he found the clearing.

He saw Violet sitting on a rock, her feet dangling in the water. “Fancy seeing you here.” John B announced.

Violet turned around and saw her distant friend standing a few feet away. “How’d you find me?” She asked. “JJ. He figured you wouldn’t want to see him but he wanted to make sure you were okay.” John B explained, walking towards her.

He sat down on the rock next to her as the two looked at the waterfall for a moment.

“Did he tell you what happened?” Violet asked. “No. He told me some family stuff was going on and wanted someone to check on you. Said it was your story to tell.” He answered.

Violet sighed as she ran a hand through her hair. “He’s really trying, isn't he?” She asked him. “He really likes you, Vi. He’s never fallen this hard before and I don’t think he knows how to handle it. But yeah, he really is trying.” John Be said.

After an hour, John B drove Violet back home. By that point, the sun had set and it was already dark.

Violet sat in the van, staring at her house for a moment. Scared of what she was going to walk into. “It’s now or never.” John B told her. “And I’ll tell JJ you’re okay.” He added.

The girl groaned before getting out of the van. She gave John B a small wave as she slowly walked up the stairs.

“You’re back.” A voice said. Violet jumped and turned in that direction to see her brother sitting on the porch swing. Violet sighed and took a seat next to him.

“That guy was here for a while. At least two hours. We heard mom and dad fighting about you.” Nick said. “He really cares about you.” He added.

“So I’ve been told.” She muttered. “You sticking around?” She asked. “That’s why I’m here. I’m getting emancipated and I needed dad to sign off on the papers and mom followed me here. When I caught on she said it had something to do with getting us back or whatever. She’s crazy.” Nick explained.

“Tell me something I don’t know. So can I count on you to help me get rid of her?” Violet asked. “What are brothers for?” NIck replied.

Violet rested her head on her brother’s shoulder, her brain working a mile a minute.

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bxthharmon · 4 years

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Never Go Home Again, Pt. VI || JJ Maybank x Reader

Words: 3527

Series Warnings: violence / talking about abuse / toxic relationships / talking about nudes sex tapes and sex tapes / drugs / underage drinking

Pt. Warnings: boats in bad weather??

Series Summary: A new girl, a shoebox of old memories, a past she’s trying to forget coincide with a hotheaded, but selfless, boy. teenagers getting in way over their heads

Pt. Summary: The group make headway with an underwater drone, while Y/N seeks closure from her family.

A/N: time for some insight into y/n’s history!!! also i have to go into school tmrw and i am NOT here for it

Chapters linked in my masterlist.

“masterlist”

“Alright, keep a lookout.” JJ reminded you as you pulled up to the hotel,”We’re behind enemy lines.” he pulled out the gun, ignoring how John B argued with him as he loaded it, in full display. “Can never be too careful.” JJ reminded you.

“Hey, I predict bringing a weapon to a four star hotel will likely cause more problems than it solves.”

“Thank you, Pope.” John B sighed.

Kie leaned forward, her head sticking through to the front of the VW, “I swear to God, I’m gonna throw that gun in the ocean, JJ. Put it back.”

You reached through the window and snatched the gun off him, leaning over and handing it to John B, glaring at JJ as you pulled back out of his van window.

“”You can’t grab a gun like that!” he leaned forwards to argue, but at the look of your face when you turned around, he sighed, hopping out of the car, “Can’t forget my badge - professional bus-boy.”

“So where are we going now?” Pope inquired, following JJ to the doors.

“We’re getting the internet because only rich people have electricity right now.” JJ explained, leading you through the crowded, steamy kitchen and trying to grab some bits of food as he did, calling a greeting to a guy named Andrew. “See they got the backup generators going? Kooks don’t miss a beat.” he led you to a door, which opened to a load of computers.

“Sweet Lord, the internet!” Pope ran to the computer, sitting down, “I’ve missed you.”

“Let me get in there,” JJ spoke, “gotta check on my insta models.” you rolled your eyes, walking to the window and watching the ant’s nest of rich people thrive. You heard Pope type in the coordinates, and walked back to see what was going on. After the discovery of it being only 900 feet, and JJ telling you about the drone-camera-thing and his dad’s redundancy, you left again, not wanting to stick around for long.

“Pope, we’re not stealing the drone, we’re… borrowing it.” John B tried to justify.

“‘Humans are the only animal that can’t tell fantasy from reality.’” said Pope vaguely.

“Did you come up with that?” John B asked.

“Albert Bernstein came up with it,” he clarified, “but it applies to this whole treasure-hunting thing. So, which is it? Fantasy, or reality?”

“Why’re you so weird, Pope?” JJ asked, concentrating on rolling his blunt.

“It’s fantasy, but possible reality.” Kie suggested.

“Reality.” John B looked around at the group.

“Virtual reality.” JJ muttered, flicking his lighter on and going to light his blunt. You snatched the spliff off of him.

“The smell’s doing my head in.” you said, ignoring his hurt expression.

“Keep the signal clear.” Pope agreed.

“You know what your problem is?” JJ piped up, glaring at you.

“You?” You quipped, raising your eyebrow as if to say ‘I dare you’.

“No!” he shook his head, holding your gaze, “It’s that you take everything so seriously! And you don’t bother to find out what really happened. You make an assumption without knowing the full story.” he didn’t break eye contact with you. John B stopped the van, and you inhaled, holding your anger in.

“My problem,” you seethed, “Is that there is only one way to take most things. I don’t need to know the full story, because the message came through - loud and clear - regardless.”

“Well maybe,” JJ started, the pair of you ignoring the faces of your fellow pogues as your voices rose, “if you knew the other side to the story, you would know that that’s not how it was meant.”

“Really?” you laughed incredulously, and you could tell he knew he was entering a danger zone, “Because there’s only one way to take it JJ! Please, please, enlighten me on literally any other way I could have taken it!”

“Okay,” John B said, overpowering your argument, and drawing your attention to the shocked and confused faces of your friends, “Y’all need to sort your shit out, in the meantime, JJ, Pope, the gate’s open, let’s go, and Y/N, get ready, getaway driver.”

You moved to the driver’s seat, grumbling about being a getaway driver as you watched the three boys run through the gate, which was crawling shut.

You waited for about ten minutes, bored out of your mind as you held a hardly engaging text conversation with a girl from your old school. Your bored brain’s trance was interrupted by the cutting sound of a dog barking. You looked through the wire gate, seeing that the guard had left the car. You jumped out of the car, slamming the door as you ran to the gate, pulling yourself up and over, jumping down the other side in a well-practiced manner, running towards the barking.

You scaled the rows of boats until you saw the guard, calming the dog down as he shouted to a boat. From your angle, you could see a rucksack. JJ.

“Excuse me?” you yelled, and the guard turned his attention to you as you walked towards him. “Uh, sorry, Officer, you left the gate open.” you lied, racking your brain for a lie to distract the man. “There was a girl with a flat tire.” Please, Kie, be there.

“I know.” he responded gruffly, and you nodded.

“Well, Sir, she’s like, panicking ‘cause you ran off, and she has to get to the ferry. You should probably help her out.”

He looked you up and down suspiciously as you played with your hair, battering your eyelashes lightly. He sighed, walking away, the dog in tow. You waited until he was out of sight, and earshot, to call out to JJ. His head appeared over the side of the boat, and then he stood and jogged down the steps to face you. You barely spared him a glance, heading towards the impound yard at the back.

“C’mon, shithead.” you murmured, hearing his footsteps follow you, catching up and joining your stride.

“Y/N,” he attempted, trying to catch your attention as you stared straight on.

“JJ,” you mocked, “I don’t want to talk about it. It should never have happened, and I’m sorry it did. Can we move on?”

You didn’t wait for a reply as you stormed off, towards the others, leaving his heart breaking in the dust.

“Kie,” you sighed, collecting glasses from one of the tables, “I told you, okay? He pushed me away. I mean, message received, loud and clear.”

“But you were drunk, maybe he just didn’t want to take advantage of you?” she offered, and you put the tray of glasses down, sighing and looking over to her.

“He just kind of, walked off.” you reminded her, “He just pushed me away and walked off. I felt like such an idiot - it was so humiliating, I mean he flirts with me, he asks me about all the right things, he wants to know about me, and who I am in a way that no guy ever has before. And I guess I got so caught up in my feelings that I didn’t realise they were one-sided. He pushed me away, and there’s only one way to take that. Besides, you saw how he acted at the yard.” You dropped your head into your hands. “How do I face him Kie?” you could feel her rub your back, “How do I face him, and the boys - he’s definitely told the boys - after I embarrassed myself like that?”

She sighed, taking your face in her hands, “With your head held high, like a fucking a boss, because it’s his loss.”

“You’re a poet and you don’t even know it.”

You had dined at the Wreck, still ignoring JJ and agreeing to reconvene at the Chateau in the early morning to test the drone, which was what you were now doing, as the sun began to creep over the marsh, dawn only having been an hour ago. Pope and JJ stood next to you, checking the camera, with Kie and John B in the water and you sat on the side of the pontoon.

“God bless geeks, Pope, truly man.” JJ said, looking at the screen. “What would we do without you to control the drone?”

“It’s not a drone,” you pointed out, “It’s an ROV.”

“Shut up, shut up.” He said, looking out at Kie and John B, “It’s too early for that right now.”

“Hey, once we get footage of the wreck, we’ll bring it to a lawyer in town and file a claim.” said John B.

“It’s such bullshit, why do we have to do that?”

“Well there is maritime salvage law.” You pointed out.

“You can’t just go to the bottom of the ocean and scoop a bunch of stuff up.” confirmed Pope.

“I know, I know, it’s just, lawyers aren’t cheap, bro.”

“JJ, we’re about to get our hands on 400 mil, and you’re worried about being cheap?” you snorted.

“And as soon as they see the footage they’ll work for a comp.” John B explained.

“How do you know all of that?” Kie asked.

“‘Cause my dad said it. Like, a million times.”

“This tether is like, really long.” Pope pointed out, “In the wrong weather it could get pushed around.”

“Then we’ll go in dead calm.” you shrugged, glancing at the storm clouds above you, “So not today.”

“So now we just gotta wait around for the right weather.” You pulled up the weather app on your phone, “Or tomorrow, thank God.” You stood up, “I gotta go anyway. I’ll be back tomorrow evening, so see you guys then.”

The pogues looked confused and you shrugged, “I have a ferry to catch.”

“A ferry?” Kie asked.

“Yeah, my brother’s driving from college to Florida to meet his girlfriend so he’s passing through, I said I’d meet him on the mainland until he leaves tomorrow.” you explained, grabbing your bag. “See you later.”

“Do you ever think about Mom?” you asked, taking a scoop of ice cream, making Lewis look at you, nodding slowly. “‘Cause I feel shitty, like yeah, she did some fucked up shit, and is one of the major factors as to why I’m now living in some islands on the other side of the country, but, she keeps calling me, and I want to pick up. Does that make me a bad person?”

“No.” Your brother shook his head, “She’s our mom, you’re still allowed to talk to her, even if you can’t see her. Besides, we deserve some closure, so if you can get it off her, then do.”

You nodded. “I miss her. And I miss how happy Dad was when he was around her. How happy we all were. It hurts that she did that to us.” you looked out to sea, watching the islands in the distance.

“Me too, little sis, me too.” he leant against the bollard next to him.

“So, you have a girlfriend.” you grinned at the way he blushed, “How long you been together?”

“Eight months, since the start of college.” he smiled.

“I’m happy for you.” you smiled at the thought of him finally finding the right girl, he deserved it.

“Thanks.” he grinned, “How about you? Any guys in the Outer Banks catching your eye?”

You thought about lying, but you decided you’d done enough of that for a lifetime. “There was, but I don’t think so anymore. Things are… weird.”

“Oh yeah, what’s his name?” he nudged you.

“JJ. I thought we had something going on, but I guess he made it clear that that was fabricated.”

“How so?”

“We were like, hanging out everyday, and flirting and shit, but he kinda rejected me when I kissed him.”

“It’s his loss, any guy would be lucky to have you. But if you need me to kick his ass, I’ll get on that ferry with you and do it like, as soon as I can.”

“You’re so extra.”

“You got friends?”

“What do you mean? You think I’m a loner or something?”

“It’s a simple question!”

“Yes. Yes, I have friends.”

“Good friends? They look out for you?”

“Yeah. I’ve known them a month and they’re already better friends than any of my old ones were. They’re the one reason I’m glad I live in the Outer Banks now. I love them, weird as it sounds. And they love me.”

You went back to the motel he’d rented you rooms in, and sat on your bed, opening your phone and staring at the many missed calls from your mom. You tapped the call button, holding the phone to your ear.

It rang twice, then the line opened with a small crackle.

“Hey Mom.”

“Sweetie,” you could almost hear her relieved smile, “How are you?”

“I’m… uh, I’m good. I’m settling in. How’s Chris?”

“That’s great! He’s good, we’re good. Thank you. For calling back.”

“Why did you call, Mom?”

“I wanted to apologise. I’m so sorry. What I did - it tore us apart, and it was unforgivable. And now I see the situation you’re in and I wish I could take it back.”

“But you can’t, Mom. You destroyed my life, and you called to kill tow birds with one stone - pretend to seem like the caring mom you proved yourself not to be, and to clear your own conscience. Well fuck you. You really wanna know how I’m doing? I haven’t talked to any of my close friends from Cali because you made us move so suddenly that they thought I’d hid it from them. They all think I’m a slut, and I couldn’t win the fucking court case because of you! You left Dad high and dry, for a rich dude you’d known for a month!”

“Y/N,” she sighed through the phone, and you noticed that your cheeks were wet and stiff with tears.

“No, Mom. Don’t call again. Don’t try to contact me. I thought this would help get me closure, but your apology is just an excuse! I - I don’t ever wanna talk to you again.”

“I love you.”

You hung up, falling back onto the motel bed, and letting the sobs shake your body with such force that you couldn’t breathe.

You got back late the next day, when the sky was falling into darker hues every minute. You were tired, but you missed your friends. You dropped your bag off in the hallway and headed straight over the road to the Chateau. You found them in the hammocks. “Hey.”

Kie squealed, jumping up and tackling you in a hug that made you stumble back.

“Missed you,” she smiled, “had to deal with these shitheads by myself.”

“Sorry.” you smiled, climbing into the hammock with her as the boys protested to her insults.

“You missed some good waves.” John B commented.

“You guys know I don’t surf.” You chuckled. “I’m sure they were great though.”

“But you should surf.” JJ said, sitting on the other end of the hammock, both of your feet thrown over his. “How’s your brother?”

“I’m good without that hobby.” you laughed. “He’s good, enjoying college. What were y’all talking about?”

“How JJ believes in the gold.” Kie smirked.

“Oh my God, JJ, do you really believe?” John B joked.

“Totally. Wait, are we talking about four mil?”

“Four hundred mil.” You corrected, speaking softly, your anger at him seemingly having dissipated.

“I’m gonna dream about shipwrecks.” he rolled onto his side, as you and Kie giggled.

“Goodnight, Bird!” You laughed.

“Goodnight, Birdshit!” Pope mocked, making you all laugh.

“I love you guys.” You muttered, feeling Kie cuddle into you.

You stood at the bow, sunglasses on as you watched the waves roll out in front of you, and the wind bite at your skin, whipping your hair out behind you.

“Alright JJ, pin it here.” John B called, and you turned around, hopping off the front of the boat as JJ responded.

“Roger that, x marks the spot.” you walked to Kie, helping her with the wire.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen.” John B pulled out the ROV, “To going full kook.” he plopped the drone in the water, high-fiving you as he walked back to Pope. Kie started feeding the wire through, and you sat down next to JJ in the cockpit, watching how he pouted when you stole his seat. “Alright, JJ, we’re right over it, ten seconds northwest.”

“Got it!” he repeated the instructions as he followed them. “Why are you in here?”

“I wanted to sit down.” You countered, swivelling the chair from side to side.

“One hundred feet!” Kie called.

“You could sit down outside.” he nodded to the benches outside.

“But then you wouldn’t get the pleasure of my company!”

“I wouldn’t call it a pleasure.” he joked.

“Two hundred feet.” Kie’s call came.

You put your hand to your chest in fake offence, “C’mon man, you’re breakin’ my heart!”

“Sorry, bro.” he said, adjusting the steering.

“Three hundred feet.”

“JJ why did you push me away when I kissed you?”

“Y/N, while I would love to have this conversation, now is not the time.”

“Four hundred feet.” Kie looked down, “The tide’s turning.”

“Hey JJ?” John B called out.

“Yup.” You responded for him, swivelling the seat towards John B.

“Ten seconds, easy. South-southeast.”

You swivelled back around, repeating the instructions and ignoring the “Yeah, Y/N, I heard.” as he turned aggressively, and you shuffled the chair back.

“JJ, twenty seconds midspeed alright? South.” John B called.

You stood up, the sudden change in weather and instructions causing anxiety to gnaw at your stomach. You grabbed a sweater off the side, pulling it over your head to keep the wind from giving you hypothermia. You went to Pope and John B, hoping to make yourself useful.

“What’s going on?” You asked, looking at the storm clouds.

“700 feet!” Kie called, and Pope turned to you.

“A little bad weather, we’re fine.” He assured you, and you nodded slowly, knowing he could see you were still anxious.

You stumbled to the side as the waves crashed into the boat, JJ looking back at you, concerned. “This is not ‘dead calm’.” you mumbled as JJ peered out at the clouds.

“JJ, hold it steady!” John B called.

“900!” Kie called.

“JJ, we’re gonna turtle in this storm.” You said, watching the panic in your friends, as you fumbled with the sleeves. “Can I help with anything?”

“Sort the speed.” He said, moving so you could control the meter.

“920!” Kie yelled.

“Crank it north by northwest! Ten seconds!” John B called, panic clear in his voice.

“John B there’s too much current, we’re gonna lose it!” Kie yelled.

“South southwest JJ! Hard!” John B yelled, and you pushed the meter, turning quickly, working in tandem with the blonde boy.

“Half speed! Steady at this bearing, JJ!” He steered by his instructions as you slowed the boat.

“960!”

“980!”

You heard Pope yelling that you were at the bottom, and John B yelling for JJ to be steady, calling for quarter-speed. You slowed the boat again, both you and JJ looking at where the others crowded around the monitor.

“See anything?” JJ called.

You could see them mumbling, and their faces falling. They had found the boat, but came up empty. You helped JJ steer as they swept the wreck twice more, before running out of battery. You could hear Pope trying to bring the optimism back, but you knew it was futile.

“Guys, we’ve been through it three times, there’s nothing there.” you called.

“Shut up!” Kie shouted back, and you sighed, dejected.

“What? She’s right!” JJ backed you. You pulled your hand through your hair, taking the speed controls back off JJ.

“The gold could be buried, we don’t know!” Kie shouted, searching for something hopeful to say.

“If it was there, it would have been found on the metal detector, okay?” John B turned to face the group again. “Somebody beat us to it.”

You could see JJ getting frustrated, the sight of his best friend in pain clearly getting to him. “Or it was never there.” he muttered. You sighed, turning to check on your friends, who were riddled with frustration and anger. Eventually, you decided to go home.

When you eventually got back to the island, Kie pulled you aside.

“Are you and JJ alright again?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. Even if he doesn’t see me like that, I don’t wanna lose him. I talked to my brother about it, and I just feel like we should at least try to be good again.”

“You know we all love you either way right? And JJ cares about you, you guys have got to sort it out, you may have only known each other for less than a month, but I honestly can’t imagine how he’d be if he fucked things up with you.”

“You sure about that?”

“‘Course. Anyway, you’re coming out with me, Pope and JJ, maybe JB, tomorrow anyway.”

“I am?”

“Movie night down in the Kook Green.”

Tags: @tangledinsparkles @jellyfishbeansontoast @lolitstiana @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch @teamnick @thoughtsofthestars @obxmxybxnk @jjmaybankswife @kaelyn-lobrutto24 @sxcretinhuman @alexa-playafricabytoto @angvelics @badwolf00593

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ficsandcatsandficsandcats · 4 years

Text

Road Trip : Punk!AU

Fandom: The Witcher Pairing: Punk!Aevryn x Punk!Valdo, Punk!Jaskier x Reader, Punk!Geralt x Punk!Yennefer Word Count: 3,329 Rating: T (swearing and violence) Taglist: @heroics-and-heartbreak @whatevermonkey @mynamesoundslikesherlock @magic-multicolored-miracle @ultracolorfulnerdcollection @coffee-and-stories @nevadawolfe a/n: This one is pure, distilled angst with just a whisper of muddled yearning. Ball’s in your court, Joz. Enjoy.

Part VI - Your shockwave whisper has sealed your fate

{Part I}{Part II}{Part III}{Part IV}{Part V}

When Valdo Marx pictured the renaissance of his great love story it had never happened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Still he sat at a little table in the corner, awaiting Aevryn’s return. He clutched his phone in his hands, oversized vintage headphones tamping down his unruly brunette curls as he tried to calm himself by listening to his favorite album. His thinly veiled hipster sensibilities appreciated it because he knew no one else had ever listened to it outside of perhaps five people at most. His aching heart loved it because it was hers; a recording they’d made in his father’s studio when they were kids. The sonorous notes of the violin echoed in his mind, a secret unrequited anthem that kept her close at all times.

He saw the door open from the corner of his eye and sat up expectantly, hope plain on his face that faded to high-pitched anxiety when he saw who had entered the café.

“Valdo,” she said, sitting across from him without invitation, ever the queen of the space she inhabited no matter how briefly.

“Yennefer,” he replied, “What the hell are you doing here?”

She raised an eyebrow at him and the violet eyes fixed him with a cool, unimpressed look. But there was more there, curiosity, and maybe a little bit of uncertainty.

“Hardly a good first move, Valdo. Don’t you know the best way to win a woman back is to get her friends on your side?” she asked. Valdo scoffed and the bottle green eyes looked askance. His slender fingers slid the headphones off of his hair, curls springing back in place without so much as a dent. He crossed his arms in front of him, creasing the lines of his blazer.

“I’ve long given up any hope that you lot will ever be on my side,” he replied, his tone a blend of warm anger and icy disdain.

“It’s not like you to give up,” Yennefer remarked. Valdo considered her words carefully. She was a woman of few words but she was sharing them with him which had to mean something. Aevryn wouldn’t send her friend to speak for her, she was braver than that. And, he hoped, she cared for him enough to face him if she was going to end things forever. But hope was a dangerous thing and he’d been made a fool for it before.

“As charmed as I am to see a one-time rival and eternal thorn in my side, tell me what you’re doing here or tell Aevryn she can deliver her messages herself,” Valdo said, the words bolder than he felt, his heart beating rapidly at the thought of Yennefer walking out and taking all hope of a future with Aevryn with her.

“I’m not here for Aevryn,” Yennefer said and then reconsidered and said, “Actually, I am a bit. I wanted to meet with you first. She didn’t want me to, for what it’s worth, but I insisted.”

“It’s rare to meet someone more stubborn than Aev,” Valdo smirked.

“And yet, here I sit,” Yennefer replied, matching him smirk for smirk. He nodded in acknowledgment and gestured for her to continue, eyes slipping to the window every few moments, looking for a glimpse of mussed, rich brown hair.

“What makes you think that things will be different this time?” Yen asked, through with pleasantries.

“Because I’ve decided they will be,” Valdo answered simply.

“Oh well in that case, cheers,” Yennefer said sarcastically, her face unimpressed. Valdo swallowed a litany of crass, passive aggressive responses and leaned forward, emerald eyes meeting violet.

“I was a fucking idiot. I made a mistake. No, not a mistake, a choice. A really shitty choice that I have spent years processing. I went to therapy,” he said this last point with emphasis and Yennefer had to admit (well, not aloud) that it was a good sign. “I have been dealing with the consequences of my actions and I’m making new ones. I’m not going to pretend I’m some fuckin’ saint or that I’m a new man because frankly, darlin’, Aev liked the old one just fine. But I’m a better man in a lot of ways.”

“So you talked to a shrink and had to deal with some consequences and now you think you’re worthy of her,” Yennefer said.

“Of course I’m not bloody worthy of her, who could be?” Valdo exclaimed.

“Well on that we’re agreed,” Yennefer replied, though she couldn’t deny that it was what she’d been hoping he’d say. She knew it was time to uphold her end of the agreement with Aevryn and go get her from the little café across the street she’d posted up at, but she had more questions and she wasn’t going to get a chance like this again.

“You’re a pretty fucked up individual, all things considered. How do you do it?” Yennefer asked.

“What? Be fucked up? Like most things in my life, it’s mostly inherited I s’pose.”

“No, loving. How do you still love her and trust yourself with loving her? How are you not scared all the time?”

Yennefer wasn’t usually this open but Valdo was also probably the only person in the world where she could say this without it getting back to Geralt or Jaskier. And, despite his many, many flaws, he knew how to keep his mouth shut. Valdo thought about her question, eyeing her carefully but holding back the many questions of his own.

“Honestly?” he said, “I am scared. But I also know that I can either be honest with myself about what I want or I can keep trying to drown myself in distractions while the yawning pit of self-hatred that’s been eating me from the inside out grows larger.”

“Well when you put it that way it sounds easy,” Yennefer said.

“Isn’t it?” Valdo asked with a shrug. Yennefer looked back up into his eyes and held his gaze for a silent moment, considering what he’d said and what could happen next. She rose suddenly and nodded briskly.

“Thank you, Valdo,” she said, and walked out without another word.

-----

“I’m just saying it doesn’t make sense,” Jaskier argued, gesturing wildly as he had been for the last hour since Yennefer and Aevryn had gone for some alone time, “You think it’s odd too, right? You must!”

The question as directed at Geralt who grunted noncommittally, avoiding Jaskier’s eyes. You recaptured one of Jaskier’s hands in your own and gave it a comforting squeeze.

“Babe it’s been a weird few days, maybe they’re just getting their nails done,” you said. You looked to Win for support and she looked between you and Jaskier with an uncomfortable, blank expression.

“I mean it’s definitely possible,” she muttered, slipping an earbud in to try and drown out the welling conflict around her.

“Maybe Yennefer is the one who needed the time alone,” you offered.

“No, Aev was crying the other day. Crying, Y/N! She always tells me when something’s wrong and that means it can only be because of that rat bastard Valdo Marx,” Jaskier’s mouth curled into a disgusted grimace as he spat out the name. “But why would Yen be helping? She hates him as much as I do!”

“Maybe we should get something to eat,” you suggested, “Milwaukee has some good places, right Win?”

You sent the question your friend’s way but she was lost in her own world and didn’t hear you, leaving you floundering on your own. You looked to Geralt for help and he nodded before putting a hand on Jaskier’s shoulder.

“Jaskier, you need to eat. You get paranoid when you haven’t eaten.”

You shot Geralt a baleful look as Jaskier began to sputter and pulled his hand away from yours again to punctuate his angry rant with his arms but he still followed as Geralt led them off to find food.

-----

All at once, there she was.

Aevryn. Maybe, if he was lucky, his Aevryn.

She found him immediately, Yennefer having told her where to look though he was a hard man to miss. Even in a crowd she could find him. The caramel colored hair had been swept to the side and the sea green eyes sparkled with excitement. He rose from the table and crossed over to her. She held out a hand as he threw open his arms and they laughed awkwardly.

“Oh this is stupid,” she said, and moved into the hug. He embraced her so tightly she struggled to breathe but the pain was lost in the warm, familiar scent of his cologne. He screwed his eyes shut tight and took his first, full breathe in months. When they pulled back, reluctantly, she wiped a tear out of her eye.

“Stupid,” she laughed nervously again, moving to take a seat which Valdo quickly moved out for her. Once she’d been seated he took his place again and they just looked at each other, hearts beating a staccato duet. She placed her hands on the table and she tapped on it with her fidgety fingers. Valdo placed a hand over hers and it fit perfectly, as it always had.

“So I listened to it,” she began. She noted the way he sat up in his seat and tried to force his face calm but the forest hued eyes were pleading as he nodded, waiting for her to continue.

“It was a fucking mean thing to do,” she said. His face fell and he shook his head.

“Aev what do you… No, I wasn’t trying to…”

“You knew exactly what you were doing,” she insisted. Her words were severe but she didn’t look angry, her eyes holding none of the heartbreak or malice he was unfortunately familiar with.

“Did you, uh, did you listen to all of it? Did you hear Tom-”

“I’ve listened to it 12 times since it released. Half of them crying,” she said. Valdo’s eyes scanned her face helplessly, the whole plan falling apart in his grasp as he held her hand tighter.

“Aevryn I swear to Christ I-”

She pressed a finger to his lips, stilling his words. She felt his tongue lick gently against her finger between the slightly parted lips and she shivered. Her eyes sought his and held the gaze intently.

“It was beautiful,” she whispered. His face lit up beautifully and Aevryn felt herself slip just a little bit more in love with, awed that there was more room to fall for someone who had held her heart since she was a child.

“Aevryn I meant every single word, I l-”

“Oh I think the fuck not.”

-----

Geralt had headed to the best reviewed place in the area, determined to get something in Jaskier’s mouth so he would stop talking for a moment. He didn’t see Yennefer hurry out of the café across the street calling to them. He didn’t think anything of the way Jaskier tensed and then ran for the door. Only when he heard Jaskier yell did he realize what must be happening.

“Fuck,” he bit out, hurrying after his friend.

Jaskier stood before Aevryn and Valdo, chest hurting with all of the emotions it held. Aevryn looked guilty, the picture of someone caught in the act while Valdo sneered at Jaskier, clutching Aevryn’s hand possessively which only fueled Jaskier’s rage.

“Jaskier… please let me explain,” Aevryn began. To other patrons in the shop it looked like a salacious lover’s quarrel, a woman caught two-timing her lover. You reaching for Jaskier’s hands trying to pull his attention away and calm him down only made it look more exciting and more than a few people took out their phones to start snapping photos. A server hurried over.

“Hi, sir? Sorry, you’re going to need to please keep it down,” they asked. Jaskier’s body was taut like a snake ready to strike but he forced himself to be polite to the lady. He glowered at Aevryn who stood.

“Aevryn!” Valdo cried, losing the calm exterior he’d tried so desperately to cling to as she slipped from his hands.

“I’ve got to talk to Jaskier, I’ll be right back, you stay here,” she said, giving him a small smile before turning back to Jaskier who made a disgusted sound and charged back out the door, nearly knocking over Yennefer in the process. You’d heard of people being beside themselves but you’d never seen it depicted so clearly or painfully as Jaskier who paced and seemed so overwhelmed by anger and hurt that he struggled to breathe.

“Jaskier please,” Aevryn began, tears already coming to her eyes as she tried to approach her friend.

“Don’t,” he bit out, “Just don’t… fucking stand there and try and tell me to be calm or to listen or hear that he’s better. Jesus fucking Christ, Aevryn, what does it take?”

“Jaskier,” Yennefer tried cutting in but he wheeled on her, blue eyes flashing with white hot rage.

“Don’t,” he snarled at her and for once Yennefer backed down, stepping aside where Geralt wrapped an arm around her waist and she let it stay there, reassured by his presence.

“How could you do this?” Jaskier asked, “You know what, no, don’t answer because frankly there is nothing you could say to make it ok.”

“I’m not an idiot, Jaskier, and I don’t need you to try and make me feel like one,” Aevryn argued.

“I don’t think you’re an idiot but, fuck, I must be!” Jaskier argued, “I mean, what, how long has this been going on? And I didn’t know! I knew something was wrong but I had no fucking clue. What other secrets are you hiding from me? Were you ever not keeping secrets or have you been lying to me our whole friendship?”

“Jask…” Aev couldn’t form the words, overwhelmed by the pain in her friend’s eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, I didn’t mean any of this… I just…”

“Aevryn?”

Jaskier’s eyes darkened to pure anger again as Valdo walked out to the little alleyway you’d all congregated in behind the café. He was looking at her anxiously, worried by the tears in her eyes, so worried he made a beeline for her and didn’t think to glance at Jaskier whose body coiled and launched, striking so hard he knocked them both over. Amid the scuffle he could hear you screaming and feel Geralt’s hands try and seize him but Valdo managed to grapple him and shove him up against a wall, getting in two good punches, one directly into Jaskier’s mouth and the other in his ribs. Jaskier roared and seized Valdo around the throat, constricting his breathing long enough that the man stopped punching and then released him, forcing him onto the ground as he began to strike, punch after punch, heedless of anything but the need to vent all of the anger and pain that had welled in him over the years. Years spent staring at Valdo Marx’s smirking, taunting, heartbreaking face that had the sheer nerve to do it again. And again. And again. All without any way to stop him.

“Jaskier stop!” Aevryn cried, fighting against Yennefer who held her back from joining the fray, “Jaskier please I love him!”

Jaskier’s fist, bruised and bloodied, stilled in the air. Geralt pulled Jaskier off of Valdo who groaned and tried to sit up. Aevryn ran to his side, gently touching his bleeding temple and taking in his eye that was already purpling. There was blood staining his clothes but when she looked back at Jaskier she saw it was his. Valdo’s eyes were trained on Aevryn alone, unaware of anything but the words she’d said, echoing in his mind.

“Jesus, Jaskier,” you gasped as you eyed the blood running from his mouth, one hand holding his ribs. Jaskier stared at Aevryn and she saw the broken look in his eyes.

“You love him,” he repeated, voice raspy from his screaming, sounding tired and defeated. Aevryn nodded, tears filled with regrets and, she hated herself the most for this, some relief. It was out. Not as she’d planned or hoped, but it was all out there. Jaskier nodded, wordlessly, eyes falling to the ground. Yennefer walked to stand by Aevryn and Jaskier looked up to meet her eyes as well. They were unapologetic, but not without regret. He nodded again and scoffed, wincing immediately after and clutching his side.

“We need to get you to the hospital,” Geralt said, eyeing Jaskier’s ribs nervously.

Jaskier wordlessly walked away, not giving a second look back as you and Geralt helped him out to the curb to find a taxi, Roach parked too far away to walk with him. Win stared at you, stunned, and you exchanged confused, hopeless looks. She looked back over at Aevryn who was trying to help Valdo stand.

“Win, go find Roach and drive her to the hospital,” Yennefer said, helpfully offering your friend something concrete to do that didn’t force her to pick a side. She nodded gratefully and set off.

“Did you mean it?” Valdo asked, standing now as Aevryn winced at the black eye.

“Of course I fucking meant it,” she cried. He smiled and pulled her into an embrace that was meant to be celebratory but she only sobbed harder and even he wrapped her up tight, rocking her slightly and humming a comforting song the way he had years before.

“I’m going to make this alright,” he promised, “I love you and you love them, and I’m going to make it right for you. You’ll see, Aev. I can’t do everything but I’d do anything for you.”

-----

Sun had long since set but Jaskier stood in the same position he had since he’d been discharged, one bruised rib and a suspected concussion later. They’d parked Roach back in the same spot they’d arrived to town and he stood outside of the van, arms crossed, staring into the distance. Geralt drummed a restless beat against the steering wheel with his fingers and you sat cross-legged on your seat, feeling helpless. You’d tried to get Jaskier to sit in the van with you but he’d insisted that he wait right where he was. Win was in the far back of the van, headphones in, trying hard to stay above the waves of anxiety and pain that swarmed her from all sides. S

“Jaskier,” Geralt said.

“No.”

“Jaskier,” Geralt repeated, sighing deeply, “She isn’t coming.”

“You don’t know that,” Jaskier replied stubbornly, pale blue eyes fixed on the horizon.

“Babe…,” you began.

“Y/N, don’t, I know my friends. They’re going to be here. Yennefer promised… she said… they’re going to be here,” Jaskier insisted, but you heard his voice crack.

“Aev texted me,” Win said, her voice small but carrying in the terse silence. Jaskier stiffened and you looked hopefully at your friend who bit her lip as she took a shaky breath to continue. “Um, her and Yennefer are getting a ride with Valdo. She said they’ll meet up with us when the van is fixed.”

You reached out an arm to rest on Jaskier’s shoulder but he stayed stock still.

“No,” he said, “No, they’re coming. I know they are.”

You and Geralt exchanged sorrowful looks and didn’t say anything more. Jaskier stood for another three hours as night bled into the early hours of the morning. When the first stretch of dawn began to reach across the sky, he climbed into the car wordlessly and leaned against the side of the van, curling into himself as well as tightly as he could. You closed the door behind him and Geralt stirred Roach to life, briefly waking Win who had fallen asleep. She looked up hopefully and when she saw your tear-filled eyes she reached out a hand and took yours, holding it tight the whole rest of the way as Jaskier stared out the windows, seeing nothing.

#Punk!Jaskier x Reader #Punk!Aevryn x Punk!Valdo #Punk!Geralt x Punk!Yennefer #Road Trip:Punk!AU #Vicious Mockery #Vicious Mockery AU #Punk!AU

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miss-pearlescent · 4 years

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Tag Team (IV)

Chapter: I II IIIᴹ IV V VI VII VIII IX Xᴹ

When Kai had grabbed the guard standing at the side of the laboratory doors, he did not expect the guard to be so light...or scream like a girl.

Nor did he expect the guard to cry in a corner for hours after he had brought her to his cell.

Kai had planned this out for days after he had woken up. He wanted revenge and payment for everything he’d been promised. He’d gone through weeks of hell and was treated like a slave after all the experiments.

He had thought he would get the upper hand if he could kidnap a high-ranking guard and hold them hostage until he got what he wanted. He thought anybody left to guard the laboratory was high enough on the ranking that they’d be important.

But no way the crying woman that was glued to the wall could have been an important asset to Kai’s enemies.

Kai cursed under his breath when he heard another sniffle from the other end of the room. That was the only sound she would make ever since he grabbed her hours ago. Nothing he said could make her talk...not that he had spoken to her much.

As soon as he had taken her, he put the cuffs he’d stolen around her tiny wrists and then pulled her behind him as he ran toward his cell where he’d spent the last few weeks.

The moment he pulled off her helmet and saw the watery eyes and wet cheeks, he knew he had made a mistake.

But there had to be a reason why she was the sole guard left to man the laboratory doors. Kai kept her cuffed while he interrogated her, but she would not say a word. She just kept looking at the ground while fat tears dripped to the floor.

He couldn’t bring himself to threaten her, not when her lip trembled after he raised his voice even a little. She reminded him too much of his older sister who often took the blame whenever he got them into trouble back in town. She would always shut down and take it, no matter that none of it was her fault.

He refused to be the one to hurt this woman who happened to be caught in a bad situation by circumstance.

But now he was stuck in a rut. He couldn’t let the woman go; that would only land him in a ton of shit and without any leverage. But it had been hours and nobody had come looking for her. Obviously she was not as important as he had thought.

Another sniff from the other side of the room made Kai’s head hang low. Guilt was starting to seep into his bones.

Then a faint grumble.

Some days, Kai was glad he had ultra sensitive hearing.

He grabbed an energy bar from under his bed, ones that tasted sweet and salty—his favourite—and walked over to the corner where the woman cowered.

And man, did she cower.

Even though her back was facing him, her body seemed to shrink even smaller when his shadow approached her.

“Here,” he said softly, not wanting to make her jump. “Food.”

He came around and held the snack out to her.

But she seemed to be on a hunger strike because though she looked at the energy bar with longing, she shook her head.

“It’s safe to eat,” he said. When she still didn’t take it, he let out a sigh and took a seat in front of her. “I’m not trying to starve you.” The energy bar would keep her full for a couple of hours.

Her only response was to cross her legs under her, farther away from him, as she wiped the fresh tears from her face.

Man, how long could somebody cry before they dehydrated themselves?

He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, the one he usually used to wipe his sweat on his training days, and held it out to her.

When she refused to take that too, he decided to wipe her cheeks for her.

He took it as a good sign when she didn’t pull away, but she did close her eyes and shake a little.

Then more tears fell, and he felt like the ultimate asshole.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” he murmured, but he knew no matter what he said, he wouldn’t be able to convince her.

Would he trust somebody who kept him prisoner?

He let out a mental laugh because that was exactly what he did when he left his home in search of work to support his family.

After he dabbed her cheeks for a bit longer, he pressed the handkerchief to her hand, leaving it for her when she needed it. “What’s your name?” he asked, because he was tired of being the bad guy in this situation. “I’m Kai.”

She stared down at the wrinkled handkerchief. It was worn down but there was a clear K embroidered in the corner with black thread. Her gaze flickered upwards to his face and he could see the tears that made her eyelashes clump together. “I’m Joori,” she said.

The gears in Joori’s head turned back and forth. A few hours ago, she was on a mission to rescue a kidnapped teammate, and now she was the one kidnapped. Her anxious brain wouldn’t stop telling her that she was going to die here.

Why?

Her teammates had made no contact.

And her kidnapper proved to be stronger and faster than most humans when he had dragged her up and down dozens of hallways. Her teammates didn’t stand a chance even if they did find her in this jail cell.

But now her kidnapper was being kind to her. And she had a name for him.

Kai.

If she could pretend to be his friend, he might spare her.

So she offered him her name.

She watched as he unwrapped the granola bar he had brought and broke the bar in half, handing one half to her while he took a bite out of his half.

Her stomach growled once again and she couldn’t say no. She was really hungry.

She stuffed the granola bar into her mouth, almost moaning at how sweet and chewy it was. Her eyes were fixated to the ground as she chewed slowly, but she paid close attention to all of Kai’s movements.

Just in case.

The only sound in the small room was that of the crinkling wrapper as she folded it in her fingers.

Then Kai was holding out his unfinished half of the granola bar to her.

She looked up, surprised, and shook her head.

He lifted his chin, indicating she should take his offer. “C’mon, I’m sure they feed you guys well up there, but this is pretty good right? You’ll never get another chance to have it ever again if you don’t take it now.” She didn’t know what he meant, but when she still didn’t accept his offer, he added, “Don’t worry, I have a whole stash.”

Fine, if he said so.

Joori took the rest of the granola bar and popped it in her mouth in one bite.

Kai turned and leaned against the wall, resting his arm on a bent knee. She studied his physique, needing to find some weakness.

Except his arms looked like he lifted elephants for a living, and his grey eyes made him look out of this world.

How was she supposed to run from him?

She looked down at the cuffs around her wrists, knowing they were a special brand. When she had tried to get out of them, spikes grew out and poked painfully at her skin even with the sleeves of the guard suit in the way. It was an interesting prototype, if only they weren’t keeping her trapped here.

She was too small and weak to run. All she could do was wait.

“Joori?” a female voice rang out in her right ear.

She tried not to gasp.

They finally contacted her. Her teammates finally—

Her shocked gaze flickered up as Kai’s head turned her way. She held her breath and begged for silence.

“Joori, are you there?”

No, no, no. That was too loud. Her ear piece seemed to be on max volume.

But no way Kai could hear that, could he?

He narrowed his eyes, leaning forward. Maybe if she kicked him in the balls right now, he would pass out and she could run.

Where the heck would she run?

Joori cleared her throat as she heard her name being called out again. She couldn’t let him hear her only source of communication with her people.

But he seemed to know exactly where the sound came from as he crept closer and brushed her hair behind her ear.

It wasn’t visible on the outside, but the microchip was loud enough if you pressed your ear against the user’s ear. That’s exactly what Kai did.

“Joori, can you hear me? We’re coming for you so please stay safe, okay?”

She was both relieved and scared. Her team was coming to rescue her, but they were also coming back to a danger zone. She wanted to tell them to stay back, to leave her here to figure things out herself like she’d always done.

It was hard to have people care for you.

“If you can hear this,” Kai’s voice was deep and low as he whispered in her ear, his warm breath brushing the hairs on her neck. “You have forty-eight hours to produce $500 000 as payment for your Joori.”

Joori could only hear a tiny gasp on the other end. If her body wasn’t frozen in fear, she would’ve totally kicked Kai in the balls right then. But what would that get her? Probably a kick in the head right back.

“She will be at the Rich Valley escarpment at sunset. If you don’t have the money, then you won’t have Joori either.”

Joori went cold. Rich Valley escarpment was one of the highest cliffs in the country, looking over white water rapids. She could only guess that if her team didn’t produce the money, then Kai would throw her over the edge.

“Copy.” A man’s voice came through her earpiece. It must have been Jongin.

Then silence.

Joori closed her eyes as Kai pulled away. When she had been recruited by her uncle to join his unit of spies as their developer, she had expected to be behind a desk, tinkering away at gadgets and weapons. Never had she thought she would actually be on the front lines.

This line of work is dangerous. Mr. Lee had told her. She had nodded in agreement but her naivety got the best of her. Now here she was, a hostage who couldn’t even do anything to save herself.

---

Mwahahaha! Kidnapping! Hostages! Stockholm Syndrome? >:) Anything is possible in the world of ~fanfiction~

I’m putting this chapter out a little earlier than usual because I’m going to be pretty busy this weekend but also because OBSESSION IS OUT! WHOO!

#exo #kai #exo scenarios #kai scenarios #exo fanfiction #kai fanfiction #jongin #kpop #kpop scenarios #kpop fanfiction #tag team #superm

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seven-dragons · 4 years

Text

Drabble Challenge: Blake Friday

Happy Blake Friday everyone! @it-is-bugs gave us Blake Friday but I double dipped and did the costume prompt I meant to do a few weeks ago. All the digital gods have been against me and I am posting this with 1 bar of cell service, so either it will be 1600 words of fic, or 4 eggplant emoji. I won’t find out until I am home in a few days. Anyway, enjoy!

Lucien stood tall and imposing in his tuxedo, patiently waiting while Jean fussed over his tie and some other details only she could see. On the whole, Jean seemed more excited than he was.

"A masked ball! That's a novel idea for a charity function. I don't think I have ever heard of such a thing in Ballarat."

Jean stepped back and Lucien examined himself in the mirror.

"Well, I think Patrick and the board were trying to step things up this year, bring in more big spenders. The whole thing seems tedious to me, but as a member I need to do my bit."

"Then you'd better get going. Don't forget this."

Jean offered up a sequined mask in royal blue.

"Ah yes, wouldn't be a masked ball without it."

"You and Joy have a good time."

Lucien gave a perfunctory nod before heading out the door. He turned at the doorway to see Jean watching after him, hands clasped in front of her.

"Maybe if they do it again next year I'll see if I can get you a ticket, eh?"

"A ball?" Jean demurred, "Much too fancy for me. Go or you'll be late."

As Lucien drove away he felt a pang of guilt. It had not occurred to him for a moment to ask Jean to attend. She was his housekeeper and bringing her as a date to a social function would be laughable. But he wondered if she might have enjoyed the night out. Lucien thought of the dreary evening to come - tiring conversations, dull town dignitaries full of themselves, being polite to people he despised. It would be nice to have a friend like Jean be his side.

Joy was fine company. She was attractive, confident, and had a keen intellect that excited his mind and if he were honest, other parts of him as well. After so many years alone it was nice to have a romantic prospect. She was a good match for him, but there was a coldness to her as well, a lack of compassion beyond what was needed to get what she wanted. She would look good on his arm, and say all the right things to the right people, but he couldn't help feel like he was going to face the evening alone.

The Colonists Club was decked out in silver and blue. Rather than holding the event in a ballroom the steering committee elected to have a roving party of sorts throughout the club. There were rooms for cocktails, a room for dancing, rooms for quiet conversation. Drinks and food were on hand in each room, with musicians tucked away in every corner. Lucien could not help but be impressed.

Lucien and Joy made their way throughout the party, and after a few drinks he found he could be charming to the most self-important men and their even more self-important wives. He even managed to be cordial to Patrick Tynneman. Eventually they settled in to a quiet table in one of the lounges.

"By the way Joy, you look lovely tonight."

Joy was wearing a long white beaded dress that flared at the hips. Her mask was feathered and looked vaguely like a swan.

"Why thank you, Lucien, I had a devil of a time..."

Joy had launched into an explanation of the purchase and tailoring of her gown, but Lucien was distracted by a commotion on the other side of the room. A woman had entered, and was holding court while several men vied for her attention, offering to bring her drinks or something to eat. She was utterly striking. An elegant emerald green satin gown stretched over her lithe frame. Little buttons ran down the long sleeves like something out of an Arthurian painting. Her face was obscured be a mask of peacock feathers. Lucien could make out hints of copper-brown curls peaking out from behind the mask, but nothing more. He was mesmerized. So apparently was everyone else in the room. In a corner, Cec looked on approvingly. Lucien bolted from his seat, ignoring the exclamation from Joy as he turned away. Cec smiled as he approached.

“Are you enjoying your evening, sir?”

“Yes, thank you. Tell me, Cec. Who’s that woman over there?”

“Why my date, sir.”

“Your date?”

“Yes. All staff working tonight got a free ticket.”

“I see. Who is the lovely lady?”

Cec smiled.

“Just an old friend.”

By way of ending the conversation, Cec offered to bring Lucien another drink. He returned to his table and a frosty Joy.

“What was that about?”

“Oh nothing. I thought I saw someone I knew. My mistake.”

Lucien gulped the remainder of his drink to avoid answering any more questions.

The rest of the evening was a blur. He tried his best to entertain Joy, and to be charming company to everyone else, but he was preoccupied by the women he saw earlier. She was so familiar, yet the way she commanded attention made him sure he had never seen the likes of her in Ballarat before. He was determined to find out who she was. This was easier said than done. The Colonists Club was a warren of dark rooms filled with colorful costumes and masks that left him feeling disoriented. It was hard to tell friend from stranger let alone find a specific person.

Towards the end of the evening Joy had finally succeeded in cajoling Lucien towards the dance floor. As they entered the room Lucien stopped short. There was the woman in green, dancing gracefully with man Lucien vaguely recognized as a friend of Jean’s from the church. However the man was of no concern to him. Even while dancing she never took the mask off and he still could not see her face. He wondered if this might be his chance to introduce himself. Perhaps he could at least ask Jean’s friend what the lady’s name was.

“Lucien? Lucien!”

Lucien snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Joy with a forced smile.

“Since you clearly have other things on your mind then dancing, I’m going to powder my nose.”

Joy walked off in a huff, just as the song was ending. Lucien stood watching the woman, considering his next move. Should he cut in? Try and pull her aside? But to his relief the man and woman parted with a few words and she headed in his direction.

“Hello there!”

The woman stopped and regarded him carefully. He cursed the elaborate mask she was wearing. Was she smiling at him? Frowning? They were finally face to face and he could not muster up anything more witty than hello. The scent of jasmine wafted around her and it was distracting.

“Lovely evening.”

Lucien definitely detected crinkles around a pair of dazzling light green eyes. She was smiling at him.

“Yes, yes it is, isn’t it?”

Lucien was struck by her voice. It was high, yet warm and so very familiar. The band stuck up another tune and Lucien started to ask her dance, but was interrupted.

“There you are, my dear. I am ready for that dance now.”

The woman laughed, a rich, musical sound. She took the hand Cec offered and turned away without another word. Lucien thought to wait them out and try again, but the appearance of Joy scowling put an end to it.

“If it’s all the same to you I’d like to leave now, Lucien.”

Lucien hung his head. He’d been a boor and he knew it.

“Yes, of course.”

It was a frosty ride back to Joy’s hotel. When the evening started he had though it might end with an invite upstairs for a nightcap. Instead she all but dumped him in the car, suggesting that they might take some time to think about what they wanted from each other. Lucien know that “they” meant “him.”

By the time Lucien arrived home his head was pounding. He had behaved himself all evening and was in need of a stiff drink. He couldn’t help but think he’s lost two women that night, even though he didn't have the foggiest idea who the second one was. He wondered how Cec got so lucky. Lucien was surprised to find the house in complete silence. He had expected to find Jean in her bathrobe and hairnet waiting up for him to hear all about the ball. Instead the house felt empty. Drink in hand, Lucien sat down on his bed and slowly divested himself of his tuxedo. He was down to his slacks and vest when he heard the front door open and quickly shut, followed by the sound of feet padding carefully down the hall. Lucien wondered who was up and about at such a late hour.

Lucien stepped carefully out of his bedroom and looked around. The house was still quiet, but there was a single peacock feather laying at the base of the stairs. Lucien picked it up examined it closely. A faint hint of jasmine sent his mind reeling. It didn’t make sense, but it was the only possibility. The eyes, the voice, the feeling that they had met before, they all pointed to Jean. Yet she had said nothing. Cec had said nothing.

At the top of the stairs, Lucien could see light spilling out from Jean’s bedroom. He could make out the sound of Jean humming to herself. The mystery woman in green who had enchanted him all night might be at the top of the stairs. He might get to see her face after all. Calling out her name softly, Lucien ascended the stairs, letting the feather fall to the ground behind him.

#tdbm drabbles #the doctor blake mysteries #tdbm #lucien x jean

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selfship-uncharted · 5 years

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The Fugitive Part I - The Encounter

part I - part II - part III - part IV - part V - part VI -

part VII - part VIII - part IX - part X - part XI - part XII - part XIII - part XIV

A/N: I am quite nervous, this is my very first Red Dead Redemption 2 so be kind. Also please no spoilers I'm still playing it and I am quite at the beginning. I tried to write Arthur Morgan as good as I could, but it’s really a complex character. A/N2: Also, English is not my main language so be tolerant. Also, I'm quite a straightforward person and I usually go to the point, what it means I don't take my time trying to describe a scenery or an action. All that said I hope you enjoy this fanfiction. Pairing: Arthur Morgan x Reader Summary: You ran away from home since your father wanted you to marry someone you didn't want. Your father in order to get you home contracted Arthur Morgan's services to get you back. Words: 1,434 Warnings: None. Tags: @asiramhera

Some days earlier you were at your father's house in Saint-Denis. Your father was rich and in order to increase his fortune he decided to marry you to one of his partners. Of course, you didn't want him. He was way too older than you and ugly and slobbery... You didn't want him, end of the matter. You tried to argue with your father but it was impossible. He had made his mind and you could cry your heart out in front of him that he wouldn't care.

That's why you decided to run away. Maybe, it wasn't the smartest idea but you couldn't stay there and marry someone you didn't want in the first place. You tried to go as far away as you could, jumping from cart to cart. You were hoping to find some money to pay for a train ticket and go west, but you hadn't any money. Actually, all you did since you left was stealing food in order to survive. You tried to not get noticed by anyone because you knew your father would send someone to look for you. He wouldn't let go of the opportunity to increase his fortune that easily.

When the opportunity came you changed your clothes for male ones, trying to hide your long hair under a cowboy hat. You hope that like that nobody would recognize you. You stole someone's holster to get yourself a revolver in case you needed one. You were quite west of the country and you knew there was plenty of outlaws and men who used their gun before anything else. What you needed now was a horse. Maybe you could steal one and sell it to the next town to gain some money to take a train far away from your father. You leaned on the wall of the grocery store examining your surroundings. You looked for horses, there were two in front of the saloon but there also were people outside, so they could see you taking one of them. Another one stood alone by the stables, it had its saddle on ready to go, no one was near so it could be your chance. You were ready to go to it until you noticed the driver from the cart showing the dress you were wearing when you arrived at another man. What they were saying was left unknown, you were too far from them but you were afraid they were talking about you and that man was hired by your father to get you back. You had to act quickly but not too hastily or you will raise suspicion. After talking to the driver the man went to the men in front of the saloon. He talked to them showing him a photography but they shook their head as an answer. The man sighed and look around him until he met your eyes. You startled yourself, but bend your head down trying to hide your face under the hat hoping he didn't recognise you. Slowly you started to move to the stables. By the corner of your eye, you could see he was following you. "Hey!" He called you. He reached you, grab by your shoulder and make you turn to him. He was a tall man, with 3 weeks stubble, a pair of piercing green eyes and not a very friendly face. He looked at you, you didn't dare to move, he took the photo from his pocket and showed it to you. It was you, wearing a beautiful dress sitting in front of your father who was standing his hand on your shoulder. "What is it, mister?" You asked pretending a manly voice. "You lost your fiancée?" "I am looking for her." He said not convinced. He was suspicious of you, you knew it. "She ran away from home. And her father is really worried." "Of course he is..." You smiled with sarcasm trying to get rid of his grip. "You look like her." He pointed. Before you could say anything else he removed your hat releasing your long hair tied on a side braid that fell on your shoulder. You were fucked. "You are coming with me, miss L/N." He stated. "There's no way." You protested trying to get rid of his grip. But he held you strongly, it even hurt. So you only had one chance, you lifted your knee hitting his crotch. He bent in pain releasing you. And you started running to the horse you spotted earlier. "Come back, you little brat!!" He ordered you holding his pain. Of course, you didn't obey him, you reached the horse and started running like your life depended on it. You barely stepped outside the damn town that a rider reached you shouting at you to stop. You turned to see who he was and it was again, the man your father sent to get you back. You spurred your horse trying to make him go faster but the man easily reached your horse and took the reins from yours. "Leave me alone!" you shouted to him hitting him with your elbow to his face. "You brat!" He cursed unnerved. He jumped from his horse to yours making you fall. You landed on the ground with him on top of you. You tried to get him out of you, punching him with both of your fists. He took your wrists to push them in the ground at your head's high looking at you furiously. "I'm not going back! I don't fucking care how much money my father promised you I just won't 't!" you shouted at him trying to free yourself from his grip, kicking with your legs like crazy. "You listen to me, little brat!" he shouted with authority losing his patience. "You are goin' to do what I tell you to do! You will be coming back to Saint-Denis you liked it or not! So, better if you stay still and cooperate. If not, we will do it in a bad way." You panted tired of all the fighting, frustrated, you yelled. You were unwilling to accept your fate, there must be a way to get away from him but he was strong, his grip was firm he actually hurt your wrists. And he looked determined. "I can't come back..." You said with a small voice more to yourself than to him. "I don't want to..." "That is not my problem." He said raising you on your feet, but he didn't release you from his grip. "You don't understand!" You protested. "If I get back I will have to marry that man, and I don't want him!" "Seriously, princess, I don't care." He took the rope from his belt and tied your wrist together. "I'm paid to get you home, I don't care about your story." "Is this really necessary?" You asked referring to the rope. "Believe me it is. I don't want you to punch me again." Once he finished the knot, he removed your holster and he charged you on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, you couldn't help but protest for the treatment and he put you on his horse."Sit properly." He ordered you, you obeyed straddling the horse. "And give me some space." He jumped behind you and took the reins of his horse, he got sure you were safety sat and he ordered his horse to start walking. "So we are going back to Saint-Denis?" You asked. "Yes..." He answered. "And we are planning to go by horse." You noted. "Yes." "That means at least a week... Or two... Together... With you..." "Trust me, it will be more pleasant if you shut the fuck up." You rolled your eyes. "So tell me. How much my father is paying you, Mr Kidnapper?" "My name is Arthur, I am not a kidnapper I’m just doing my job." He answered bothered. "And it's none of your business since I doubt you can make a counteroffer." "You got a point. But be quite sure I will make every cent worth it. " you turned to him with a sarcastic smile on your face. Arthur looked at you puzzled. "And... what's with the smell?" You asked frowning. You sniffed around you. "Oh my goodness it's from you! You stink! When was the last time you took a bath?" Arthur smelled his clothes annoyed and he could state that yes, the smell was coming from him. "You will get used to it, princess." he declared. “And now, you better shut up or I gag you.” “You won’t dare!” “Try me.”

#RDR2 #Arthur Morgan x Reader #Arthur Morgan x OC #Red Dead Redemption 2 #RDR2 fanfic #art post #welcome my new OC #Claire Russell #The Fugitive

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vfdbaudelairefile13 · 4 years

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Misery Loves Company Part 2

Chapter Fifteen:

The One Where Klaus Holds A Martini Glass Incorrectly

“You know,” Klaus pointed out as the two began their long journey to the penthouse suite of 667 Dark Avenue. “People who live in penthouses are rich and powerful.”

“And the doorman said that one of the Squalors was the sixth most important financial advisor,” Violet agreed. “That does sound like someone powerful,”

“Maybe they can help us find the Quagmires and Sunny. We don’t have a clue where Olaf could have taken them. We’re in the dark,”

The phrase ‘in the dark’ which I’m sure you know, can refer to not only one’s shadowy surroundings but also to the secrets which might surround you. This is a feeling that both Violet Snicket and Klaus Baudelaire knew all too well. Every day, the sun goes down over all of these secrets, so everyone is in the dark in one way or another. If you are enjoying a nice, relaxing mid-summer day in the park, but you do not know about the deep and dangerous pit nearby, then you are in the dark even though you are not actually in the dark. If you are on a midnight hike knowing full well that several ballerinas are following you, then you are not in the dark even though you are in the dark. Of course, it is possible to be int he dark in the dark, and to be not in the dark not in the dark. But there are so many secrets in this world that it is likely that you are always in the dark about something, whether you’re in the dark in the dark or in the dark not in the dark. So you’ll eventually fall into the deep and dangerous pit dug by the ballerinas, which is dark in the dark in the park. For example, I am in the dark about the current location of Violet Snicket and her two siblings. That’s why I spend all my time and energy researching and telling this story in the hopes of finding them one day.

“We may be in the dark about where they are,” Violet said. “But...we aren’t in the dark about the fact that he will be back.”

Klaus nodded slowly. “He’s after you,” he muttered.

“He’ll never get me,”

“Let’s hope not,”

“Just remember the plan,” Violet said.

“I know. I know. When he shows his ugly face pretend I don’t recognize him,”

“Exactly. We’ll have the upper hand and the element of surprise and…” she began.

Klaus frowned. “Can...can we not talk about him?”

Violet looked at her brother who didn’t look back at her, he continued walking up the flights of steps. She nodded her head and followed along. For a couple of floors, the children didn’t say a word to each other. Both lost in their own train of thought. They noticed that at each curve in the staircase, there was a door that led to the apartment on each floor, and a pair of sliding elevator doors. From behind the sliding doors, the two youngsters, of course, heard nothing, as the elevator had been shut down, but behind the doors to the apartments, the children could hear the noises of people who lived in the building. On the seventh floor, they heard two men laugh as somebody told a rather unfunny joke. When they had reached the twelfth floor, they heard the splashing of water as somebody was taking a bath. When they reached the nineteenth floor, they heard a woman say “Let them eat cake” in a voice with a strange accent.

Violet couldn’t handle the silence. “I wonder what people will hear when they walk by the penthouse apartment,” Violet wondered out loud in hopes of making conversation. “When we are living there,”

“I hope they hear me turning pages,” Klaus replied half-heartedly. “Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Squalor will have some interesting books to read.”

“Or maybe people will hear me using a wrench,” Violet said. “I hope the Squalors have some tools they’d let me use for my inventing.”

“...maybe when we get Sunny back...they’ll hear her biting things or cooking,” Klaus said frowning.

“She cooks?” Violet asked trying to keep the conversation on Sunny.

“Yeah,” Klaus said smiling. “I know it sounds crazy because she’s so young but she seems to have already found her special interest.”

“You know she speaks really well for someone her age…”

“Thanks. I can’t take all the credit but I had this routine where I’d read to her and show her how to pronounce words and I’d have her read to me.” He said. “It was like a bedtime routine...I’d read to her...some nights it was my books and others it was hers,”

“You weren’t doing that at Prufrock,” Violet pointed out.

“I...I haven’t really had the time to do it since the fire. The last time either one of us read to each other was back when...when we lived with Olaf,” he muttered closing his eyes.

“Who read to who?”

“She read to me,” Klaus said smiling. “She has a big heart...she’s really brave, too.”

Violet could hear the crack in his voice, she turned to him noticing tears were in his eyes. “She deserves better,” he said finally.

“What do you mean?”

“She deserves an older sibling who can...protect her,” Klaus explained. “Maybe that’s why she was so excited to have you around...someone who can actually make her feel safe. God knows I can’t…I shake and tremble and…”

“Klaus, don’t be so hard on yourself. Olaf hurt you…” Violet said.

“...do you think he’s hurting her? Or the Quagmires?” Klaus asked. His voice still cracking.

Violet thought about it for a second. She knew the obvious answer...she also knew that Klaus knew the answer and she didn’t see it fit to outright lie to him. Lying doesn’t solve anything. She knew that from experience, it was something her father had taught her. “Do you want me to lie to you…?” she asked after a minute. “I could sugar coat it.”

Klaus sighed. “I should’ve let him take me,” he whispered.

“What good would that do? She’d be worried about you…”

“Better to worry than to be in danger,”

“Klaus…”

“You should’ve just let him take me,” Klaus told her. “ She should’ve let him take me. Or I should have left her in the auditorium…” Klaus’ eyes widened as a realization began to dawn on him. “This...this is my fault,”

“No…”

“I...I picked her up...I ran with her to catch the Quagmires…”

“You had your reasons…” Violet tried.

“My reasons were selfish,” Klaus explained, tears forming in his eyes. “ I’m the one with separation anxiety not her,”

“You don’t know that. She could have that, too. Just might not be able to communicate it properly,”

Klaus shook his head. “I should have left her in the auditorium,”

“Let’s talk about something else,” Violet suggested.

“I’d...rather not talk if that’s okay. I’m tired…” Klaus lied wiping his eyes as he clutched onto the banister for support. “It’d be better if we preserved our energy,”

Violet nodded. “You’re right,” she agreed frowning. “I’m getting tired, too. You would think after Olaf made us run all those laps when he was disguised as a gym teacher, that these stairs wouldn’t tire us out, but that’s not the case. What floor are we on, anyway?”

Klaus shrugged. “I’m not sure. The doors aren’t numbered and I lost count ages ago,”

“Well, at least we can’t miss the penthouse,” Violet joked. “Seeing that it’s the top floor,”

Klaus gave a low chuckle. “I wish you could invent a device that could take us up the stairs,”

“For someone as smart as you are, you seem to be forgetting that that device was invented a long time ago. It’s called an elevator, silly.”

“Oh, yeah. Elevators are out,” Klaus said rolling his eyes.

“And tired feet and stairs are in,” Violet joked.

Klaus smiled. “That reminds me of the time when my parents attended the Sixteenth Annual Run-a-Thon,” he said laughing. “You should have seen them, Vi, their feet were so tired when they got home my Dad prepared dinner while sitting on the kitchen floor,”

“Really?” Violet said smiling.

“Yeah, we only had salad that night,” Klaus said his smile slowly turning into a frown. “Sunny had suggested it,”

Once again, the pleasant conversation between the two half-siblings had turned sour. Violet frowned as Klaus became silent again. She didn’t blame him, she understood what it was like to miss someone near and dear to her. She snuck a glance inside her locket. She smiled as she imagined her birth mother making dinner with her father sitting down because they were both too tired to stand. She remembered all the times that her father had described their love...it sounded magical, she didn’t fully understand how something so pure, powerful, and perfect could end. She silently closed her locket, glancing up at Klaus to make sure that he wasn’t paying her any attention. She gave a low sigh. She felt bad when she imagined her life with her birth mother and her father nowadays. Now that she learned she had siblings, she felt like her fantasies and daydreams were cutting them and their father out of the picture. She didn’t know much about her birth mother, her siblings, or their father but she wanted to learn. She wanted to understand this family of four that she could have been apart of, had fate not gone the way it had. But then, when she thought of that she felt guilty because it felt like she was regretting her childhood with her father as if she were cruelly cutting him from the picture. Despite everything she had said to him that day, she did not hate him. She loved and missed him so much that it killed her but as the eldest of three children, she didn’t have time to let this affect her. She had two siblings to protect. Right now, she had a sibling, a friend, and a girlfriend to rescue. She gave a small, quiet sigh. She couldn’t stand the silence but she could see that no matter what she tried to talk about with her brother, he would find a way to bring it back to Olaf or Sunny. Again, she didn’t fault him for that. She understood it, she just really wanted to keep learning about her mother and maybe through Klaus’ stories, she could figure out what kind of woman she was.

The children continued their journey in silence. Occasionally, they would pass shadowy figures of someone else walking down the stairs. With each shadowy figure, both children did their best to try to see them in the candlelight to see if it was Count Olaf or any of his goons. But with everyone they inspected, they were nearly certain none of them was a threat. As they climbed, the children grew hungry. The children’s overused leg muscles began to grow achy and the two youngsters were growing tired of gazing at identical candles and steps and doors. Just when they felt like they couldn’t take it anymore, they reached another candle and step and door, and about five flights after that the stairs finally ended and deposited the two children in a small room with one last candle, the two siblings could see the door to their new home, and across the way, two pairs of sliding elevator doors with arrowed buttons alongside.

“That’s odd,” Klaus pointed out tired. “There’s two sets of elevator doors. See?” He said pointing at the two pairs of elevator doors. “On every other floor, there’s just one,”

“That is odd,” Violet agreed as she walked over and nearly pressed the button on one of the pair of doors. Before she could, the door to her new home opened quickly to reveal a tall man wearing a suit with long, narrow stripes down it. Such a suit is called a pinstripe suit.

“Hello! Hello! Hello!” the man said happily. “You must be Violet Snicket,” he said shaking Violet’s hand. “I thought I heard someone approaching the door,” he smiled at Violet and then turned to Klaus, giving the young boy a kind smile as well. “You must be Klaus Baudelaire,” he released Violet’s hand and almost immediately he latched on to Klaus’ shaking it. “Please come in,” he gestured for the two orphans to follow him into his large apartment. “My name is Jerome Squalor and I am so happy that you’ve come to stay with us!”

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Mr. Squalor,” Violet said, still panting, as she and Klaus followed Jerome into an entryway almost as dim as the staircase.

Violet glanced at Klaus in a big sibling way as to tell him to be polite to Mr. Squalor. Klaus snuck an eye roll Violet’s way as he smiled back at Jerome. “How do you do, Mr. Squalor?”

Jerome smiled at the two children as he put a hand on one of their shoulders. “Goodness, you two sound out of breath,” he said concerned. “Luckily, I can think of two things to do about that. One is that you can stop calling me Mr. Squalor and start calling me Jerome and I will call you two by your first names, too, that way we’ll all save breath. The second thing is that I’ll make you a nice, cold martini. Come this way.”

Violet and Klaus looked at one another confused. “...Jerome?” Klaus replied. “Did you say a martini?”

“Yes, you heard me right,” Jerome said as he walked further into his apartment gesturing for the kids to follow him.

“Isn’t that an alcoholic drink?” Violet asked equally confused.

Jerome gave the children a small chuckle. “Usually it is. But not only are you both just a bit too young for an alcoholic martini, but they’re also out. Aqueous martinis are in.”

“Aqueous martinis?” Violet asked.

“It’s just cold water in a fancy glass with an olive in it. So it’s perfectly legal for children,”

“I’ve never had an aqueous martini before,” Violet stated as Klaus nodded in agreement. “But I’ll try one.”

“Same here,” Klaus commented as Jerome turned to him.

“Ah!” Jerome said smiling at Klaus. “You’re adventurous! I love that in a person. Your mother was adventurous, too. You know, she and I were very good friends a way back. We hiked up Mount Fraught with some friends...gosh, it must have been twenty years ago. Mount Fraught was known for having dangerous animals on it, along with some very ill-tempered snow gnats. But your mother wasn’t afraid. But then, swooping out of the sky…”

Klaus looked at Jerome skeptically. “Was Montgomery Montgomery there? Or Josephine Anwhistle?”

“Who?” Jerome asked confused. “No, I never met any of your previous guardians, Klaus.”

“Do you recognize anyone in this picture?” Klaus asked as he showed Jerome both pictures.

“Besides your parents...I can’t say that I do,”

“Do you own a spyglass?” Klaus asked.

“No. But the last time I had seen your mother,” he replied to Klaus. “We were on Mount Fraught doing some high-impact bird-watching. Unfortunately for me one of the eagles flew off with my best pair of binoculars that day. I was not happy,”

Violet looked at Jerome in amazement. “You knew our mother?” she asked.

“Our?” Jerome asked confused. “I’m sorry, Violet, I don’t follow.”

“We have the same mother,” Klaus explained.

“We’re half-siblings,”

“Really!” Jerome said happily. “Well, it’s really convenient and lucky that you guys found each other.”

“If you don’t mind my asking...why did you and our mother lose touch?” Violet asked relieved that there was an adult that had enough tact and respect towards her that he recognized her as Klaus and Sunny’s sibling.

“Well, soon after that high-impact bird-watching, I lost touch with her,” He said sadly. “You know how it is. You get older. You find different interests. You marry a woman who despises all of your old friends.” he muttered that last sentence frowning. He continued working on Violet and Klaus’ aqueous martinis as he spoke. “But...there’s no need to discuss such unpleasantness. You see, I had wanted to adopt you from the moment I heard about the fire. Unfortunately, it was impossible.”

“Orphans were out then.” a voice from above called out. Violet and Klaus looked up to see a blonde woman in a white pinstripe suit smiling down at them. “But now they’re in! Good evening.”

Jerome looked up at the woman confused. “It’s mid-morning, my precious.”

“I am Esme Gigi Genevieve Squalor,” the woman began as she descended from the top of the staircase that she had been using to look down at the two children. “The city’s sixth most important financial adviser. Even though I am unbelievably wealthy, you may call me Esme. I’ll learn your names later.” she said dismissively.

Violet and Klaus looked at one another confused as Jerome handed them their aqueous martinis. Klaus grabbed his from the bottom looking at the glass rather confused. He glanced at Violet to see how she was holding it, although she was holding it more sensibly, she wasn’t entirely correct either. He glanced at the empty hands of Esme and Jerome hoping to see how they were holding the glass.

“I am very happy you’re here,” Esme explained. “When all my friends hear that I have two real live orphans, they’ll be so sick with jealousy. Won’t they, Jerome?” she turned to her husband.

He gave a low chuckle as he quickly made his wife her own aqueous martini. “I don’t know, darling. I don’t like to hear that anybody’s sick,”

“You’re going to have such a glamorous life with me that your friends’ eyes will roll back in their heads. You’ll be exposed to all the innest restaurants, the innest boutiques, premieres, cockfights, gallery openings.” Esme squealed.

As Esme spoke, Klaus was trying to see how she was holding the martini glass but he was unsuccessful because as she spoke, Esme continued to wave her hands around. Klaus decided to just hold the glass from the rim with his thumb and index finger. He looked from Violet to Esme confused. When he looked over at Violet, he noticed that she was staring at how he was holding the martini glass. Violet gave a small giggle as Esme noticed what Violet was giggling at.

So by the time that Klaus had turned back to Esme, she had an annoyed glance on her face. “Orphan boy...either learn how to hold a martini glass or you won’t be joining in on any of our very fancy dinners,” Esme said sternly.

“What my wife means is…” Jerome began before Esme interrupted him.

“I said what I meant and I meant what I said,” she explained. “Orphans might be in but they can still do things that would be considered out. Case and point,” she pointed one of her long, extremely polished nails at Klaus, who looked back at Esme uneasy.

“I…” he began unsure of what to say. By this time, Violet had stopped giggling realizing that Esme didn’t find this amusing. But Violet only stopped laughing because she didn’t find Esme’s reaction to something so trivial amusing.

Jerome merely frowned. “What my wife means is,” he repeated but was cut off again by Esme who huffed.

“Jerome. I’m not an idiot. I am able to tell people exactly what I mean,”

Klaus frowned as he placed the martini glass down. He watched as Jerome picked it up silently showing him and Violet how the glass is to be held. Klaus frowned when he realized exactly who Esme and Jerome reminded him of. They reminded him of Sir and Charles from the Lucky Smells Lumbermill. He gave a small smile at the thought of Charles and Jerome being a couple. He had known Esme for all of five minutes and already he could tell that she was vapid, rude, and cared more about herself than others. But even though he had only known her for this long, he could tell that Jerome deserved better in a partner just like Charles had.

Jerome and Esme began to lead the two children down a long, dim hallway to a huge, dim room that had various fancy couches, chairs, and tables. At the far end of the room was a series of windows, all with their shades drawn so that no light could get in. “Well, have a seat, kids and we’ll tell you a little bit about your new home.”

Violet and Klaus sat down in two huge chairs, grateful for the opportunity to rest their feet.

“Well let’s see. In case you ever get lost, remember that your new address is 667 Dark Avenue in the penthouse suite,” Jerome began.

“Oh, don’t tell them silly things like that,” Esme said, waving her long-nailed hand in front of her face as if a moth were attacking it. “Children, here are some things you should know. Dark is in. Light it out. Stairs are in. Elevators are out. Pinstripes are…”

She gestured for the two children to finish her sentence. “...in…?” both children answered as Esme nodded her head.

“And those ugly, horrible clothes you are wearing is out,”

“What my wife means is...we hope you’ll feel comfortable while you’re here,” Jerome said. “I feel awful about all the terrible experiences you’ve had. And to think this entire time we could’ve been taking care of you, at least Klaus.”

“It couldn’t be helped, Jerome,” she replied as she turned to Violet and Klaus. “When something’s out, it’s out. And orphans used to be out.”

Violet took a sip of her aqueous martini. She was not surprised to find that it tasted like plain water, with a slight hint of olive. She didn’t like it much, but it did quench her thirst from the long climb up the stairs.

“We’re glad you’re interested in orphans now,” Klaus said quickly. “Because we are concerned about our sister and our friends,”

“Mmm,” Esme replied.

“Oh! Sunny and the Quagmires!” Jerome said sadly. “I’m sure you’re anxious for them to be rescued.”

Klaus smiled realizing he was with a well-read adult. “We are anxious,”

“If there’s one good thing about being rich and powerful, it’s you don’t have to be anxious,” Esme explained happily. “After they’re found, the Quagmires and Sunny will live right here with us! The more orphans the better!” she cheered as she raised her martini glass as if she were making a toast at her best friend’s wedding.

Jerome nodded his head in agreement.

“It’s handy to have a few spares,” Esme muttered to Jerome.

“Okay…so Mr. Poe told me all about his Count Olaf person, too.” Jerome explained. “I told the doorman not to allow anyone in the building who looked even vaguely like that despicable man, plus, there’s a city-wide manhunt, so you should be safe.”

“That’s a relief,” Klaus said smiling.

“That dreadful man is supposed to be up in some mountain anyway,” Esme said. “Remember Jerome...the unstylish banker said he was going away in a helicopter to go find those twins and the baby that he kidnapped.”

“Actually,” Violet said. “The Quagmires are triplets.”

“And Sunny’s a toddler, not a baby,” Klaus corrected remembering how his sister would correct anyone who called her a baby, even him.

Jerome simply frowned at Klaus and Violet. “Rest at ease, you two! You live in a penthouse now! You’re never going to want for anything again.”

“All we want is for our sister and our friends to be safe,” Klaus explained.

Jerome sighed. “Well, I’m sure we’ll hear good news soon.”

Out of nowhere, Esme held out her hand as she smirked at the children. The two children turned around to see what she was staring at and watched as a newspaper delivery boy rode up the stairs, quickly threw a newspaper between the two siblings which Esme surprisingly caught and then they watched him descend back down the stairs. Esme unfolded the newspaper and shrieked loudly.

“Big fat fantastic news about what we were just talking about!” she shrieked.

Violet and Klaus felt their hearts shift in their chests.

“Has Count Olaf been captured?” Violet asked hopeful.

“Have Sunny and the Quagmires been rescued?” Klaus asked equally as hopeful.

“Better!”

Violet and Klaus looked at one another both thinking the same thought. What could be better?

Esme flipped over the newspaper showing the headline. “Dark is out! Light is in!”

“Oh,” Jerome replied frowning at the children.

“We have to turn on lamps and open curtains before anyone sees! Jerome, flip the light switches in the west wing! Orphans, open the curtains in the living room, would you?” she asked as she handed Klaus a remote for the curtains and pointed to the room behind her. She gave the kids a smile. “I’ll run around in panicky circles!”

Violet and Klaus watched as the Squalors both disappeared. Violet set her aqueous martini on the nearest table. Both children felt utterly confused as they were now alone. Klaus started to walk towards the living room that Esme indicated.

Violet sighed. “Something tells me the Squalors won’t be as helpful as we need them to be,”

“Meanwhile, Olaf could be getting further and further away,” Klaus replied.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but not only was Klaus in the dark about Olaf’s location, I feel the need to warn you one final time to look away and save yourself from the anxiety and suspense you will be feeling if you continue reading on because as I had said several times before... it’s all downhill from here.

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michaelmalloryfanfic-blog · 5 years

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fic: o thou, destroyer name

they are like two wounded animals circling one another, waiting to see who will strike first

. millory au .

post links: chapter i // chapter ii // chapter iii // chapter iv // chapter v // chapter vi // chapter vii // chapter viii // chapter ix //

ao3 links: chapter i // chapter ii // chapter iii // chapter iv // chapter v // chapter vi // chapter vii // chapter viii // chapter ix //

a/n: so maybe I didn't actually watch the show beyond episode three....in any case. I started writing this before I heard about the finale and so I'm just gonna pretend that only up to episode three exists. sue me.also I made up a last name for mallory. don't come at me with any canon compliance stuff. I am a dumbass. I don’t know what canon is.

The figure of a mother and a child come shambling into his path on his way to Outpost 3. There had been a slew of outpost failures at the beginning. At least ten had fallen in the initial chaos of bombfall. The rest held for a little while but soon enough more reports of fallen outposts came pouring in. The first outpost to fall after the initial blast was 12. When the news had come in, only two week after the bombs fell, Michael had barely taken notice. The outposts were never meant to last all that long anyway, a year maybe two. Just mid-tier new-money assholes who thought they were buying security but really they were throwing money in a pit. The next to fall was 23 and then 30 after only month. Then 31 through 44 in one fell swoop. Spread across ten countries and thousands of miles, their lights all go out at once. That's when someone starts noticing. They send a couple squads out. They either come back with nothing or they don't come back at all.

By the time concerns about the outposts fall to Michael, he's practically jumping at the chance to get away from the insufferable rich assholes he’s had to endure for the last year. As it turns out, the apocalypse is a lot less unholy sanction and more...red tape. Michael is young but he wasn’t a fool. He knew what ending the world would entail. He had been more than prepared for the pain and the screams of anguish. He had never been squeamish about blood or violence, those things all had come so naturally to him. But what he hadn’t expected was the sheer boredom once the dust fell. Surely the apocalypse should be a little more fun. He's not quite sure what he expects to find in Outpost 3. It's the only one left that still consistently attempts contact with the Cooperative. At the very least, it should provide some entertainment.

He had seen the three figures through the haze, had known what they were. Lost causes. Practically dead already. But still, he stopped and once he steps out of the cabin, the woman immediately crowds in. She is saying something to him, pushing the child at her feet toward him. He had to give her credit. Towering nearly six feet tall in his dusty, pitch black bio suit, he must look like the Death or the Devil himself and in a way he was both. Still, she pushes her kid forward.

“Please, we have nowhere to go, no way to survive,” she pleads. “Have mercy.”

He looked down at the child. Even from above it was a horror. Angry, red patches of skin covered most of its head. Bald, blotchy and painful. It kept its head down, perhaps too weak to even lift its face to look him in the eye.

“Please,” whispered the woman, pushing the kid closer, even still. “Mercy, have mercy.”

She had no problem looking him in the face. And though she too is a horror to behold, the eyes are still good. Great, big, mournful eyes, dark brown. Strategic. He can respect that. And perhaps if he had been any other person, any other creature he would have taken pity and put them out of their misery.

He crouches down until he’s face to face with the woman. He doesn’t need to ask, doesn’t need to tap into any kind of supernatural force to see that this wretched, ugly creature would offer not just herself but her last living child up for slaughter. No hesitation. If only so they could finally find release.

He reaches out one, heavily-gloved hand and places it gently, almost affectionately on the kid’s ruined head. He then moves to curve his fingers around the mother’s jaw. She closes those doe eyes and breathes out a sigh. Of relief? Of pleasure? Or maybe she’s just tired. He doesn’t care.

He stands. The woman’s still got her eyes shut with that stupid look on her face like she's so grateful. With his other hand he pulls a knife from a pocket in his bio suit.

“Help us,” she pleads.

He throws the knife at her feet.

“Help yourself.”

Her screams vibrate through the air long after he’s climbed back into his carriage and carried on. The anguish echoing into the mist makes him feel more alive, more himself than he’s felt in a while.

Outpost 3 turns out to be a delightful little pocket of chaos that he’s happy to nestle his claws into. He’s pleasantly surprised when he sees her again, his Ms. Mead. She doesn’t recognize him and she’s stuck to Venable’s side but it isn’t a problem. She will know him again. Less pleasant, though equally entertaining, is the presence of the confusing little puzzle that is Mallory.

Michael is loathe to admit that she catches him off guard. Her interview starts off as predictable as possible. She’s an open book to him and he doesn’t need to read her file to figure her out. She’s from some small town in Colorado. Moved to the big city only to find out that she’s destined to be nothing more than a minuscule parasite doomed to suck on the teat of vapid idiots like Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt just to survive.

But the longer the interview goes on the more it becomes apparent. There’s something missing. Something is amiss with little Miss Mallory. As she tells him about how her parents split when she was young, her first boyfriend, how she began working for Ms. Vanderbilt, she begins to sound less like a person giving an interview and more like someone reciting rote memorization. He can’t put his finger on it but something just isn’t right. It’s not that she’s not pathetic and so disgustingly human . It’s not what she is but rather what she isn’t. It’s more like someone has hollowed her out. A pumpkin that’s been scrapped clean of all its insides.

“She needs me,” Mallory says with the slightest, bland smile and it’s honestly a little weird, unnerving even. The lights are on but nobody's home.

Still he keeps going. She’s visibly uncomfortable as he gives his speech about the fruit and the fire. He’s only half disingenuous. He’s being more than a little honest and he has no idea why. Her eyes look darker in this light and when he reaches out to touch her, she starts to cry.

And the next thing he knows the room is on fire.

Mallory stays low after that and he’s content to let her. There’s still a plethora of juicy morsels to taunt and toy with. He lets her go, lets her crawl on her belly back to the shadows. The next time he sees her she’s a corpse. The fun runs its eventual course. Venable got a hole in her chest the size of his fist. Mead is his once more and Michael feels severely rejuvenated. So maybe that’s why he pauses at the sight of the inhabitants of Outpost 3 splayed out on the floor like broken toys. Maybe he’s just feeling himself a little too much at this point and that’s why he finds her among the wreckage and crouches down besides her. He breathes into her.

He’s prepared to see what comes next, knows that death needs crawl out of her like a beetle and life will claw into her. It takes a few moments but soon enough she’s heaving but besides that she’s oddly silent when she stares up at him, jaw slack, death still coloring her lips. She looks like shit.

Michael had often wondered why it is that people have children. And the conclusion he has come to is that it’s ultimately an act of vanity. At some point in people’s lives they realize things are screwed up beyond repair and of course they are right. So they decide to start again. Wipe the slate clean. Start fresh. They have children. Little carbon copies they can turn to and say, "You will do what I could not. You will succeed where I have failed." Because they want someone to get it right this time. But not him. Not Michael.

Personally speaking, he was more than content to watch his new world eat these maggots alive. But there’s something about the girl’s eyes as she tears her way back into consciousness. Her eyes are liquid in the firelight, red-ringed and glittering. She finds his eyes and he feels something pull at him, a cord tied to something within him that had been slack this whole time now pulled taut. Then she screams and Michael wonders if this is what it’s like to see a child be born.

“Welcome back, Mallory.”

#millory #millory fanfic #michael langdon #michael langdon fanfic #mallory x michael #otdn

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justoneday-namjoonii · 6 years

Text

Color me moonlight. I

☾ • I • II • III • IV • V • VI • VII ☽

› Summary: Some flowers are not to be plucked, for their thorns are far too sharp for any hand to graze, yet, she was touched. She was soft, fragile, she didn’t know it, but something that beautiful could never be bad. You grew in a garden of loneliness, do you have a place to bloom? It’s alright, I’ll give you a place and we can bloom together.

“You have 5 minutes to pack, and get the hell out of here!”

He shouted from downstairs, her ears ringing sore from the volume of his voice. Family members in the house were silent out of fear and shock; her cousins, aunts, grandparents, and all witnessed the heartrending humiliation. She rummaged through her shared room and hastily threw her belongings in the largest luggage she had.

“Uncle, please...” She pleaded, tears in her eyes as she walked down the stairs steadily, the old railing tight in her grip—attempting to hold on to the place she called home.

He shook his head, arms crossed as he suppressed the fiery rage.

“P-please don’t do this-” She sobbed, the luggage suddenly extremely heavy in her hands. “I have nowhere to go, I have no one else! I-I don’t know where to go-” She cries harder, chest becoming tight.

“You’re 18 years old! You have a job and money saved up. I don’t care where you go, but stay far away from this family.” He pointed to the door, the family watched from the living room and kitchen, this sudden outburst had turned cold the once peaceful night.

“Wait! Where are you going?” The youngest of her cousins, 5-year-old Daisy, ran to grab hold of her leg—this would be the last time she saw those big brown eyes and chubby little cheeks.

“I-...I love you, but I have to go, Daisy, okay?” She wiped her tears, trying not to fall apart in front of the innocent little girl.

“B-but why? Where are you going?...” Before she could answer her question, Daisy was ripped away by her mother and screaming—screaming for her big sister.

“Get out!” He snarled it once again, infuriated at this point. “Or I’ll get the police over here and tell them what you really are.” His threat triggered the widening of her eyes, he was dead serious and she shyly looked back. They all just watched, the only person to reach out was Daisy, the sound of her little screams and protest engraving a pitch in her memory as her mother held her in place.

She gave her uncle a look of betrayal, disbelief, how could he do this to his own family?...

She stood trembling outside of the doorway now in a mess of tremors, and he said this in a quiet tone. “You’re not welcome here, and I don’t want to see your face again.”

The door shut in her face, metaphorically feeding her to wolves on her birthday, of all days—surprise. She first walked to the bus stop, barely treading in a straight line with the luggage following her. The bus took her one place and she kept switching routes, until she was in an unknown city, hundreds of miles away from anything she’d call familiar. It was a surprise that she could find someplace to stay after a total of 8 hours on a bunch of buses. The world looked down at her misshapen identity and jeered. Thinking someone might care about was a daft suggestion, all she had now was herself.

She sat beside lonely, broken souls, winos with dreams of music but mainly by herself, tucked safely in the very back. She found refuge at a single hotel room at a reasonable price, the sheets of that bed were tainted with ice-cold tears and hushed screams into the pillows. I’m a monster, I’m a monster, I’m a monster, she unleashed her agony into a dingy white pillowcase, “I’m a monster...”

The sound of something breaking awakes me from sleep. A sound full of unfamiliarity, I try to cover my ears but I still hear it...

Office jobs aren’t so bad, you get to go to retirement parties for people you don’t even know. Hey, you might even score some free cake in the process. Somehow, you were invited to a retirement party for a coworker, and you didn’t even know the guy personally. He was more like an ex-coworker, given you were almost fired last week, you missed two deadlines and the were ready to kick you out. Luckily, you were saved by your expertise in butt kissing. They must’ve forgotten they sent the invitation last month. It was in the higher-level office too, in the rich part of the city, the part you’ve never spent a lot of time at. It’s said that the CEO knew this man when he first started the company and so it was only fitting to give him an extravagant sending off.

Of course, you were lingering around the refreshment and snack table, trying not to look uncomfortable, though it was inevitable, you still tried. The office was huge, it didn’t even look like an office, it was so high class and stately. The venue did not disappoint either. You wondered if you could ever live in a place like this, maybe if you won the lottery or became somebody’s sugar baby if anybody would take you as one, probably not. There was a lively discussion revolving around the better choice of luxury cars, the stock market, and what is the best company to invest in. You found it funny how they could converse about such things—your biggest life debates are whether to have a burger or pizza is better on Friday night.

“Well, let's gather around and have a toast! For Mr. Devaut, wishing him a happy and prosperous retirement.” The CEO stood up from his table, a glass of champagne in his hands, man did he reek rich and judgmental. You were, of course, a mile away from the lady giving out champagne so you awkwardly maneuvered through the crowd to get to her.

“Excuse me,” Fortunately, she saw me struggling to get to her and handed me the glass, “thanks.”

“First, I want to thank Clarence for being such a loyal and selfless worker.” He shook his head to be a tinge dramatic. “I don’t know where this company would be without him, he’s closed more million-dollar deals than anyone in this business, he’s a role model to all of you looking to move up in this world. So, Clarence Devaut, thank you.” He raised the glass and everyone followed suit, doing the exact same gesture, you toasted quickly before sipping on the strawberry champagne.

“Oh, you’re too kind Sir.” The man was beyond flattered and all the higher-ups praised him in. I wonder if all of them drink and throw parties with their other rich friends on yachts every weekend, probably. They probably attended exclusive events, spent their money on thousands of dollars of clothes or other more lustful things—that’s just what you imagined.

“Now, now, now. I know tonight is supposed to be about me but I like to thank all of you who’ve helped me reach the company goals.” The man continued talking but you fell on a deaf ear. The proud expressions and smiles on the older guys faces indicated that the presumed CEO son was near. The man continued going on about goals, stocks, other technical business terms that you didn’t really acknowledge. Why am I so insistent on not paying attention to these types of things? It’s not like you have a short attention span, you just get distracted by your thoughts on the subject or lack thereof. Either way, you downed half the glass of champagne and he was still talking.

You watched the group of men and women add to the conversation and laugh about things you wouldn’t understand. My thoughts were elsewhere, the CEO's son was here tonight. Now that I think about it, I’ve never actually seen the guy, I hear things in the office sometimes. Some girls would say he didn’t talk much but when he did, he was charismatic and charming in every way possible—no one could be that perfect. Not even someone as beautiful as he was supposed to be.

“Thank you Devaut,” A baritone toned voice came from the table of higher-ups, the voice was smooth like hot, honey. Who’s that? Some people were still sitting at their tables and you saw a man with a red silk shirt, and smooth dark brown hair that tickled the back of his neck with its unique length. He resembled a computer-generated image; his nose was formed beautifully, his eyes were big and beautiful, his lips were a pretty natural pink guise. His stance was poised and his broad shoulders forced your eyes to trail up to his chest and neck. You nearly choked on your champagne—that’s him?...

“And sincerely, we hope you have a fulfilling retirement.” He surveyed the room and sipped his drink before speaking again. His eyes lingered in your direction for a moment, he did a doubletake.

“My colleagues and I have arranged for you a little going away gift, just a little something to show our gratitude.” He reached into his suit jacket and held a white envelope—oh, he was too much.

“We hope you enjoy it.” He stepped over to the older man, handing him the envelope with a charming grin. The man glimmered with joy and suddenly became humbled, or so it seemed. He practically praised the young man with a string of compliments and thank yous. As nice as this is, nature has been calling and you couldn’t hold it anymore. You didn’t know where to put my champagne so you just took it with you. You quietly scurried down the hall and when you found the bathroom you sat your glass on the decorative table in the area between the restrooms. You went to the extremely tidy stalls and did what you had to do. When you walked out, your glass was gone. You leave for one minute and those pesky maids steal your drink. You just walked back to the venue with a plan to leave soon.

“There are gifts for everyone as a thank you for coming.” You heard one of the female representatives say and looked for one of your coworkers when you finally found her you waved her down.

“Hey, Shannon,“ Her face lit up when she saw me and you crooked your brow, “You didn’t tell me you would be here.”

“I didn’t think you would come.” She embraced me in a tight grip, her champagne glass pressing against my bare shoulder briefly. “I distinctly remember you saying that you rather go do your laundry then hang around a bunch of snobs who don’t care about average hardworking citizens.”

She laughed but she wasn’t wrong, you didn’t plan on coming here. “Yeah, I decided last minute to come.”

“Well, if you’re here you might as well have some fun, right?” She had a look in her eye, a look that screamed that she wanted you to get into some trouble. “Mingle around, maybe meet somebody. “ She smiled as if I would actually consider finding someone at a party like this, she has big dreams I suppose...

“Yeah, okay..” Sarcasm was obvious in your voice but she didn’t catch on to it. Yiu looked around, trying to see if there was anywhere to stand and look inconspicuous while at the same time being hidden. You wondered if those people really cared, it’s not like losing an employee like you would make a dent in their profits. In fact, you had never met some of the people here and they had never even batted an eyelash your way. The company wasn’t inherently bad—you got some benefits and you can invest in your 401k so there wasn’t much to complain about. It wasn’t fulfilling, but then again I don’t even know what fulfills me so that wasn't saying much. You decided to go to the not so busy bar and take a glass of white wine on the terrace. You took your phone out and browsed through social media to kill some time.

“I’ll be back, I just need to make a call.”

You glanced behind you, that silky red shirt and a face that resembled a flawlessly sculpted statue was the source of the voice. Why did he have to come out here? Sure, he’s the CEO’s son so he can do what he wants but you do not want to be in the same vicinity with someone with so much unyielding power. It would look way too obvious if you tried to leave now, so you just walked to the further side of the balcony and stared out at the city in hopes that he didn’t notice you. He held his phone and he pressed a contact and held the phone to his ear until he got a response. You didn’t want to make any assumptions but you got a glimpse at his face and he looked angry, or maybe just focused? That may be why he’s making that phone call...

“I gave you a whole 48 hours to get this taken care of. I was more than generous with the deadline and you mean to tell me you missed it?” He sounded angry and for some reason the tone of his voice made you cower for the person on the other end. You honestly couldn’t keep yourself from listening in on his conversation, what can I say? I live for drama that doesn’t involve me.

“No, I gave you more than enough time. Our sales are going down on that model because of the manufacturer's defects. You can’t try to make it up to me now.” You could clearly hear the person on the other end going out in frantic apologies and empty excuses. “Today is your last day, I’m letting you go.”

You glanced at him when he said that, his expression was so stoic as the wind played with his hair gently. He hung up the phone in the middle of the man attempting to crawl out the hole he dug for himself because he neglected to do as he was told. You sipped the wine, trying to look like you didn’t just witness someone getting fired over the phone.

He sighed, leaning against the balcony with furrowed brows. “Idiot...” He mumbled, trying to compose himself before going back inside to the party—but when he finally looked around, he realized that he had a small audience. A woman that he had never seen before stood with a somewhat sheer, flowy blouse and a high-waisted skirt that brought his eyes down to her legs. She shifted her feet in the thin heels, probably feeling the strain that the forced arch invoked, but anything for beauty, right? His eyes tend to linger on what he finds pleasing, the presence around living beings intrigued him. Whether a warm scenery, a beautiful color, or a pretty plant, he tends to get visually distracted and he felt a draw towards you. He approached you with the straightest of posture and gentlest of calls. “Excuse me?”

“Yes?” You stood up straight with the glass in your sweaty hand.

“You work for our company, yes?” He leaned against the balcony with one propped up arm. You swore you didn’t care about looks and that appearance was always deceiving, but here you are, speechless.

“Uh- Yes, I do.” You thought about extending your hand but he wasn’t looking at you so you spared yourself the awkwardness.

“What department?”

“Customer service.” How exciting, you get to help impatient people who refuse to look at the directions for the cameras. It was okay at times but it was stressful a majority of the time.

“Oh, then you would definitely know the answer to this. Model 0XHS-5D has been on the market for 2 years now and since we changed manufactures, it’s dropped in sales by 18%. In comparison to our original models, how do you think the quality differs? If it differs at all.”

“Uh, well, I get a lot of complaints about the lens. Customers say it smudges easily and it’s not sturdy enough for a three thousand dollar camera.” You explained, not bothering to look at him directly because of how nervous you were.

“That’s what the customers tell you?”

“That, and the pictures often distort when transferred from a USB to a computer. I get literal hell from customers for that,” You sipped your wine hastily, calming your worries, “especially those who are professional photographers...”

“So, in your customer service opinion, you would say it was the worst model?” The way he said that sounded like a challenge for you to say how you really felt and you did so in the most truthful way you could think of.

“Well, in the words of one of your customers Mr. Kim, ‘that camera is a $3,000 piece of crap’, that’s the censored version of what she had to say.“ The smirked, a small chuckle escaping your mouth.

“Hm.” He stood there in deep thought. “Thank you for your honesty.” You actually couldn't believe that he was taking advice from you—someone who debated leaving the company more than a few times. “What’s your name?”

“Y/n.”

“It was nice meeting you, Y/n.” He extended a hand to you and you shook his hand with a light grip, the way he looked at you...did he look at everyone that deeply? You felt his gaze sink into your very being as if to look straight at your soul, it left you breathless for a moment.

“Nice meeting you too, Sir...” He walked back into the party, a trail of bergamot and musk beckoning you to follow him but you knew better than that. ‘No.’ you scolded yourself, you need to get the thought of ever getting this close to someone that important again. You downed the glass of warm liquid with a conflicted sigh, people like you aren’t supposed to be around people like him.

3 weeks later.

“Take it off of the market,” Taehyung discoursed to the product representatives as his father sat at the desk. Taehyung recently started to act and make decisions on his father's behalf, he was the owner now. “It’s causing too many issues and I’ve been informed that it is the lowest-rated camera in our line, we don’t need to put money towards something that doesn’t satisfy the customers, nor does its job. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, Sir.” He walked off, closing the door on his way out.

“Son, you’ve done an excellent job with the company.” He smiled at Taehyung proudly, Taehyung was taking over seamlessly. “I should’ve handed the ranks over to you months ago and gone back to the hospital full-time.” He chuckled. The sole reason why he started this company was for his beloved only son. At a young age, Taehyung was infatuated with cameras and how they worked. He’d steal his dad's cameras and take them on field trips to school just to photograph what he found pretty. The high demand surgeon paused his career to invest, and eventually own, a tremendously successful camera company. He did it in hopes that one day, Taehyung would take it over and he did.

“Don’t get me wrong, dad, I love this job, but it's really been a lot lately.” Taehyung huffed, typing something on his computer. “The marketing team branches are a pain in the neck right now, they haven't gained any new clients in Milan yet and they keep asking for directions. Don’t they know how to do their jobs without being told every little thing?”

“They’re just not used to your style of leadership, you don't micromanage which is great but some people have to be told once or twice to do their job. They'll start to realize that you won't tolerate and shape up. It's hard yes, but that’s just because you’re new, it’ll get better with time.”

“That’s good to know.” He went back to his papers.

“Where did you get the idea to take that model off the market? I knew it was causing problems but I didn’t know to what extent.”

“An employee in the customer service department suggested it...She was from the downtown offices I think.” He off in daydream for a split second and bit his lip. “Dad, she- I don’t know, I’ve never met anyone like her.”

“What do you mean? You think she was beautiful?” He beamed, thinking his son had taken a liking to someone.

“I mean, she was pretty but I don’t mean she physically different, it’s like there was something off about her, y’know? Not in a bad way, just off.” He sighed. “It’s probably nothing, I just thought it was strange...”

“Oh, I see.” His father nodded as if to push that thought aside before changing the subject for his own comfort. “Do you mind if I catch the news?” Taehyung shook his head, handing the remote to his father.

“Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on our special broadcast on The 1989 Project. Today marks the anniversary of the termination of what our society calls the Cities best-kept secret. In May of 1989, The Foundation of Biology Research and Experimentation was founded by Jane Sato, acclaimed Doctor, and scientist of 10+ years. The practices of her organization took place at the Scientific Research and Medical Advancement Facility in the heart of Medical City. For a decade, new medical practices, experiments, and advancements were discovered thanks to her organization. But speculations of inhumane experimentation taking place on innocent and or willing subjects under her guidance put the Doctor in question. Sato stated that, quote, ‘What if the human being is but a vessel that can be morphed into something greater, stronger, and far more beautiful through science and medical treatment. I believe that through technological advancements, the idea of physical imperfections, chronic illness, genetic disorder or even the common cold can be made history through rigorous genetic and biological alterations. There is no denying that a humans DNA is beautifully made, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement. Our society, as we know it, could be radically transformed by humans with abilities that are beyond our comprehension.’ End quote. Her theory was embraced by few in her field, but those who did follow her were devoted to her dream. The idea that a humans genetic makeup could be bent to her will and mutated into nothing but a creature was a sickening notion to doctors, scientists, and civilians alike.”

“Can you believe that?” The old convenience store owner shook his head at the poorly colored tv screen as he wiped down the counters. You brought your chips and bottle of juice to the counter, pulling out your wallet from your backpack as you halfheartedly listened to the broadcast.

“Tragically, a few months after the speculations, a fire broke out in the laboratory and her research was destroyed, along with many victims. Several of the scientists and doctors working with her were off the record and so some are presumed to have perished in the fire, others are unknown. As many of the cities residents can recall, the story was promptly pushed under the rug after the case of Zoe Akasma Hawn opened in October 2007. The 19-year-old was found gaunt, with feral attributes such as fanged teeth, beady eyes, and oddly, severe discoloration of skin with a large unidentified symbol on her abdomen in one of Sato’s enlistee patient recovery residences. When her existence was discovered, her behavior was violent and she had to be detained and sedated for several days before she could be put into question. Though verbally incoherent, after intensive medical care, she professed to have no memory of how she obtained her oddities. Shortly after her case opened it was unexpectedly ended and hasn’t been disclosed since. The government claimed they knew nothing of Sato’s projects and neglected to give the citizens answers. After the fall of Sato’s life's work, she was never heard of again. It makes us wonder, is the government withholding the truth about these people? And if so, do we need to worry about people like Hawn running rampant in our city?”

You took out eight dollars so you could pay the $7.51, glancing at the television before you got your change and went on your way. You were on your lunch break and due to your lack of friends and or poor socialization skills, you had no one to eat with. The park was pretty empty at this time of day, kids were still in school and adults were busy working or grabbing lunch—the city seemed to engulf wandering souls like you that didn’t speak the language of busy streets and impatient shop owners. You walked down the sidewalk with your little plastic bag to go and you were eager to get to your sandwich in the office but the crosswalk had other plans. You stood in the small group of people, anxious to get across the street and back to the safe confines of your workplace. A cute couple was having an interesting conversation and you couldn’t help but eavesdrop.

“They say it was some kind of human experimentation or something. My mom used to say the government was lying about them not knowing about it.”

Before your mind could wander further into the idea, everyone began walking down the crosswalk and you scurried behind them. You opened the door of the office building and ran to the break room to retrieve your packed sandwich. When you made your way to the refrigerator, you peeked inside to look for your little lunch pack, you couldn’t help but smile.

Once, someone had stolen your packed lunch and you swore you would never leave anything of yours in this fridge, but you gave it a chance today and you were glad you did. You sat down quietly, some of your colleagues had gone out for lunch and so the office was arguably calm.

“Hey, Y/n.” You were in the middle of taking a bite of your sandwich when the girl across from your cubicle, the slightly annoying one, tried to get your attention.

You furrowed your brows, “Yes?” reaching for a potato chip to accompany the sandwich in your mouth.

“The CEO is visiting the offices this week, he might come here tomorrow.” She smirked. “He is so mysterious, y’know? His father gave him this company and I heard some of the higherups are still getting used to his management. He doesn’t make any announcements, he just gives assignments and he really means business.” She giggled, how she got this information would remain a mystery to you.

“Oh, that’s nice...” You spun around in your rolly chair and went back to your lunch. She always tried to reel you in with her greasy gossip tactics but you resisted it. You were never too fond of messy gossip. Maybe you didn’t crave drama because you were never involved in it in high school with all of those insecure girls who had nothing better to do than bully each other. 7 pm came quicker than you anticipated, the sun had set, most of your coworkers were gone, you were one of the only people here next to the janitor that knew you all too well. You gathered your belongings and walked down the dimly lit path of the lobby.

“Goodnight, Ms. Y/n. Be careful out there.” The older gentlemen with crows feet and pale hair tipped his hat with a kind smile.

“Goodnight, Mr. Go, I will.” You waved goodnight and went out into the city, you rarely walked home, most of the times you’d take the bus but you missed it by 10 minutes. There was no sense in wasting a Thursday night walking, why not stop by that jazz club and have a drink? It sounded like a good idea to you so you switched sidewalks to walk through the front entrance adorn by warm lights. Immediately, when you entered the club, the music soothed your ears. With slight hesitation, you approached the counter to order something.

“One Americano please.” The barista went to prepare your drink and you sat at the tiny table in the corner. As you waited, your eyes were glued to the jazz band. The music was amazing, you wondered how you ever paced this place by, how could you have neglected an establishment of such musical prowess?

He sat on the barstool with a siciliano, leaning against the bar in exhaustion. Work was non-stop, not a moment to breathe or rest his busy mind.

“Your Americano, ma’am.” The barista placed a drink on the pickup counter and the owner of that drink walked to the counter with a timid thank you. He knew that voice from somewhere. One glance and the two of you narrowed your brows at the realization of your presence.

“Hi.”

“H-hi, Mr. Kim.” Great—you can’t go anywhere without being disturbed. “It’s nice to see you, sir, bye-”

“You’re leaving? But you don’t have a to-go cup.” He pointed out the heavy clear glass in your grip and your cheeks threatened a shade a rose.

“Oh...I guess you’re right.” Grudgingly, you took a seat on the barstool beside him, your fingers twiddling with the cup.

“Have you ever been here before?”

“No.” You cleared your throat, drinking a bit more of the bitter coffee. “It’s pretty nice though...”

“Me neither.” He took his drink, sipping it elegantly. “So, since you’re here, tell me about yourself. I rarely get to talk with my employees in a casual setting.”

You sighed, you weren’t in the mood for a conversation. “Well-”

“Taehyung.” You looked at him confused. “Let this be two regular people, you can speak to me comfortably.” He smiled. “You can start by calling me by my first name, it’s Taehyung.”

“Okay, Taehyung. There’s not much to know about me...” You deadpanned, chewing on the fleshy parts of your bottom lip. “I go to work 5 days a week and I go home the end.”

“Aw, come on.” He couldn’t hold back an amused scoff, you saw his boxy smile for the first time when you did that. “Nobody has that little to them.”

“Yeah, you would think that..” The way you were somewhat content with describing yourself in such a dreary manner—he couldn’t tell if you were being hostile or blunt. “Not to be rude or anything, but what’re you doing here? I thought your office was in North Heights? You’re a far way from there...”

“I like to wind down after work, I’ve been on this side of the city plenty of times.” He defended.

“You were here for the location management check-up, weren’t you?” You quipped, a knowing smirk on your face—he was caught. “They had an announcement this morning in the office, they said you might be visiting the locations...”

There was nothing more for him to say—in an unexpected way, he felt profiled. It was like you had one idea about him in your mind and that’s all you saw him as. Though, a customer service employee like yourself had no impact on his confidence as a person, but for some reason, how you said it bothered him. Music played smoothly in the background, it lessened the awkward of you two just sitting by one another without a word. He found himself, stealing glimpses of you when you’d look at the live band. After a while, he could tell you had downed that drink so you could get out of here.

“It was nice chatting with you but it’s getting late,” You took that last sip, “I should go...” You tucked a dollar under your empty Americano class for the barista. You adjusted your dark green blouse and fastened your purse on your shoulder, “Goodnight Mr. Kim.” and you went on your way.

His eyes lingered on you until you disappeared from his sight, not to be seen until fate deemed it time. Without reason or motive, he felt an innate draw to your presence. The night he met you, and even now, your demeanor was so distinctive, he couldn’t decipher what it was.

The old faithful lock on your door still creaked when turning the knob, the landlord claimed it was common but you knew he was just too lazy to fix it. Your apartment wasn’t the biggest, most beautiful place in the world but it was the safest and cheapest place you could find—it did the job for suitable shelter. You somehow predicted a knock at the door and in a matter of seconds, good ole’ Jan was knocking at your door. You never rolled your eyes harder than when Jan was at your door—ThatwomanneedstofindbetterhobbythanbotherinmewhenI’mtryingtobealone-

“Jan, hi.” You feigned a joyful smile. “How are you?”

“I can’t complain, honey,” She was quite the character with her leopard print robe and thick New York accent. “I was wondering if you had any disposable razors, I’m all out and I have a date in an hour.”

You had to stop yourself from looking at her like she had a third eye, a disposable razor? Seriously?

“Um, yeah, let me go get it.” You cracked the door and ran to get your last disposable razor for this woman. This wasn’t the first tie she asked for random stuff, a hairdryer, butter, one night her 13-year-old son was doing a science project and the woman asked for ketchup, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and vinegar, which of course you gave her and never got back. After that, you decided you would just say you didn’t have whatever she needed, she had just as much freedom to go to the store of you.

“Here you go, have a good night.” You handed her the razor.

“Thanks, hon.” She smiled, running off to her place down the hall.

“Jeez...” You sighed, trudging yourself to the couch and letting the old bag of leather engulf you—another day, another night on the couch. You flip on the television and of course, the news station turned on, and the 7:30 news anchor came in with the latest story.

Breaking News.

“Good evening, I’m Amanda Mitchelle, here with breaking news. 5 pm today, the government released a statement regarding the Foundation of Biology Research and Experimentation.”

A video of some middle-aged lad in a boring suit stood at a podium with about twenty mics in his face.

“The government takes the safety of our people seriously. In light of the anniversary of the 1989 Project, we have learned that there were over 400 participants involved in the project. There is a slim chance that some experiments could have escaped and settled amongst society and all over the world. Just as we did when the Zoe Akasma Hawn case came to the light, we would like to announce that if there is anyone who knows of this project, please come forward. Again, the experiments are not normal human beings. We have suspected that Sato’s experiments, as of now they will be called Sato-Cross, has been diminished to creatures who are unable to comprehend basic knowledge, function within societal means, or process emotion. A Sato-Cross Experiment is not to be hidden and is to be turned in immediately. They are a danger to society, once again, they are not to be hidden.”

“That was congressman Nelson Greene, speaking in regards to The 1989 Project—”

You turned the television off, not wishing to listen to it any longer, it was nothing new. The 1989 Project, that seemed to be the only thing they were talking about. At times, you wondered what had really gone down but then again, sometimes you could care less. Suddenly, your phone buzzed. You narrowed your brow, how did he get my cell number?

Unknown Number: I’m sorry for contacting you so late Ms.Y/n but I am contacting you for Mr. Kim. He requested that you to come to his office tomorrow morning, he is discussing company changes with employess from each office location. Please save this number. Kim Taehyung’s secreatary, Margaret.

You responded with a simple ‘I will be there’, and left it at that. If you were being honest, you did not want to be near that man any more than you had to be. There was nothing about you that would help him, why couldn’t he call someone else from your office? You didn’t want to read into this, he is your boss and there’s nothing more to it. Even if his eyes lingered on you longer than they should have, the way he tried to maintain eye contact with you, it just made you feel out of place—as if you were undeserving of that type of attention. You laughed halfheartedly, I guess that’s pretty sad, huh?

He tried not to dwell on you, but it was like every time he’d close his eyes, he saw those dark orbs that plummeted into obscure nothingness, staring back at him.

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silverfootstepswrites · 6 years

Text

title Witness summary The more I know me, the more I hate her. pairing itasaku, tobisaku, hot messes

There was a tipping point each night. When a lull fell over everything. Like raindrops that froze in midair. The sudden silence that settled into the cracks of the moment.

Usually, that was sometime between 2 and 3 in the morning. When the sleepy drunks had stumbled their way home. The clubs had closed their doors, blinking lights gone black for the night. Just the lingering smells of fried food and cheap cologne lingering.

It was the worst part of the night, in her opinion.

Sakura opened her eyes. Itachi lay on his side, facing her. His hair tangling across his face. Raising her left hand, she snapped beside his ear. He didn’t stir. She sat up, tilting her head to the side as she watched his breathing. She grasped his hand, held it up over his face. When she dropped it, it smacked down against his cheek. He frowned a little but didn’t move.

She slid out of bed to get dressed.

Obito met her in Sumida. His mouth covered, scarf pulled up high around his face.

It had been hours since the last train had left. The station was completely deserted. Sakura settled on the opposite end of the bench from him, her hands deep in the pockets of her coat.

“I’m surprised you haven’t tried to run,” she remarked.

“I’m saving you the job of drowning me in the river, I guess,” replied Obito, staring straight ahead. His eyes blank. He slouched down in his seat, legs spread.

Sakura sent out a text. Obito blinked when a bright red dot appeared on his chest. He sighed. When he shifted a little, the light followed him.

“That really isn’t necessary,” he told her.

“Humor me,” she replied. She picked at some lint on the front of her coat. Chin tucked against his chest, Obito nodded.

“Was Madara telling me the truth?” Sakura questioned, “About everything, I mean. No half-truths?”

Obito crossed his legs. Uncrossed them.

“As far as I can tell, yeah.”

“Why was he poking around and trying to make deals behind the Uchiha-gumi’s back? And supporting Yakushi Kabuto?” she went on.

“Don’t you already know that?” Obito retorted.

Sakura raised her pointer finger, flicked it upward. The red dot followed. Landing directly on Obito’s mouth.

“Humor me,” she said one more time.

“He always hated the Fifth. Thought he should have been made head. He kept saying how he would stir shit up to make things more fun. I think he was just trying to start some trouble for everyone. He always said it was easiest to get his way when everyone was distracted,” Obito replied. When Sakura smirked, his eyes flickered over to her. Gaze lingering.

“Okay. Let’s talk Hong Kong. What’ve you learned during your time playing Red Eyes Chiu?” asked Sakura. Obito squinted, rubbing his hands together for warmth. He glanced over at Sakura, who didn’t seem the least bit cold.

“That you’re all rich as hell. But you, especially,” he snorted. This time, she met his gaze. She was still smiling.

“You might be even richer than the Dragon Head of the 24K. Which is ridiculous. Because that guy probably shits gold,” Obito added.

“Why did he leave you in Hong Kong for all those years?” Sakura then asked. She saw the way Obito’s lips twitched. Nostrils flaring.

“Because he could. And because he was a shit brother,” he grumbled. And then he looked over at her, “But he was my brother. And you killed him.” Obito’s eyes were icy as he glared at her. And Sakura’s answering stare was just as frigid.

“He didn’t want you threatening his position. He thought you might want to take over the Kobe-Uchiha’s,” Sakura realized. Obito said nothing.

Sakura huffed out a breath. Watching the white clouds spill from her lips. Dissipating in the air. She turned to him, lips curling upwards.

“Do you want to?” she asked.

Obito snorted. “The Godaime is definitely going to reabsorb us into the Uchiha-gumi. There’s no way he’ll let us run independently after the shit my brother pulled.”

Sakura’s hand slapped down on the bench between them. Leaning in closer. Her eyes narrowing.

“I asked what you want,” she clarified.

Obito froze. Just his throat bobbing as he swallowed.

“....Yeah.”

The corner of her mouth quirked up. She stood, hands in her pockets.

“I’ll be in touch, Obito-kun,” she declared. And when she pulled her hands free, she dropped something into Obito’s lap. She walked away, heels tapping and echoing in the empty train station. The red laser lingered on Obito’s face until she was out of sight. He sat for a long time. Staring into his lap.

Obito put a warmer in each of his pockets. He stopped shivering almost immediately.

Itachi’s eyes opened as she answered the phone.

“Wei? Ah. Yeah. With me,” she said in Cantonese. Her gaze flickered down to him when she felt him shift. He inched across the bed, throwing his arm across her lap. He wormed his arms around her waist, cheek pressing to the outside of her thigh. She patted his head, fingers catching in the snarls in his long hair.

She felt him sigh.

“What about Fai Tsai?” asked Sakura. She watched Itachi’s eyes drift shut. Eyelashes tickling against her skin.

“He’s predictable. Just like you said. Took over part of the bus route. Shook up a bunch of vendors in the night market,” Sai reported. Sakura’s eyebrows rose.

“And?” she prompted.

Sai chuckled. “I took care of them, Boss. No worries.”

She often thought that Sai was like something out of a slasher movie. He wasn’t a bad marksman, and he had studied wushu for a number of years. But his skills with a knife were something to behold. He had mentioned that he had been studying to be a surgeon before he had joined up with Mad Dog Kakashi. And then been passed along to her. She sometimes wondered how his patients would have fared under his care.

“The airport might be a bad idea right now, but Tenten is still in Tokyo, Boss. We could arrange for you to get to Shanghai by boat. And then get you a flight into Hong Kong,” suggested Sai.

Sakura glanced down at Itachi. He was still. Just his side rising and falling with each of his breaths. But just when she thought he might be sleeping again, his eyes fluttered open.

“Arrange for it in two days’ time. I still have a few things I need to take care of. By the way, put the Inuzuka-kai on our blacklist,” she said, her eyes drifting down to her bandaged arm. She was sure that it had scabbed over by now. But it ached whenever she moved her left wrist for any reason. It wasn’t deep enough for there to be nerve damage, but she wouldn’t be doing cartwheels on it anytime soon.

“This is going to drive me crazy. What happened?” asked Itachi later. He sat on the edge of the tub, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Sakura let him take her left hand. Examined the ugly blackish-red line raking up the outside of her forearm. It cleaved the body of the tattooed phoenix in two.

Sakura clucked her tongue against the roof of her mouth.

“I was careless,” she tried to dismiss it. But Itachi held onto her hand. His eyes narrowing.

“With who?” he insisted.

Sakura sighed, trying to avoid his gaze.

“I heard you say Inuzuka’s name before,” Itachi told her.

Sakura sighed, head falling against the tile.

“You’re just too smart for me, Kumicho. How am I supposed to lie to you when you’re this hard to fool?” she remarked.

Itachi said nothing. He lowered her hand onto the edge of the tub, getting to his feet.

“Where are you going?” she called after him. She glimpsed him putting on his belt and then his coat as he walked back and forth. He stopped in front of the bathroom door. Hands bracing on either side of the doorway. Eyes black as coal.

“Don’t leave the hotel today,” Itachi told her. And then he was gone.

Sakura smiled. She ran her hands over her thighs. Down her calves. Wincing when the hot water touched her cut.

“Ridiculous man. Telling me what to do,” she laughed to herself.

The past sometimes felt like the pages of a book flipping by too quickly. Some of the days were blurs. Others, she lost completely. Sakura still remembered some events with startling clarity, though. Like the day when she had gotten the koi tattoo.

Orochimaru sat in the room with her, leafing through a magazine as the needle buzzed away. The black walls were covered with photos of past clients. She recognized many of them. Dirty Sam was up there, the intertwined snake and heart on his sternum on display. Hashirama and Tobirama had gotten their matching tattoos of Guan Yu here.

“Boss, you really don’t have to be here,” she told him for the second time. Wincing just a little as she felt the prickling in her skin.

“Nonsense. My cute subordinate was hurt defending me from a savage yakuza. How can I abandon her?” he replied without looking up. He licked the tip of his finger to turn to the next page.

She had come in last week to get the outline done. She liked this tattoo artist. He didn’t ask her stupid questions, or remark on the odd scars on her body. But that’s why a lot of people liked him. He was skilled and he kept his mouth shut. He had even set up mirrors to let her watch him as he did his work.

No one knew Orochimaru’s schedule better than she did. Which was why she was aware of just how busy he was. He was currently trying to get on the Huang Group’s good side. Their access to firearms through the Russians was something everyone envied. There weren’t many guns in Hong Kong, and the people who had them were at an obvious advantage.

“Luckily, I know a pretty girl who already knows their chairman,” Orochimaru had remarked to her weeks ago. Sakura screwed up her face.

“I dated his younger brother. It’s not like we have a real connection,” she had replied. But Orochimaru shook his head.

“Fatboy Huang is surprisingly sentimental. The girlfriend of his dead brother- he’d want to take care of you. Don’t underestimate how powerful someone’s death can be, Jing-Mei,” he had told her.

More than being painful, because it really wasn’t, getting a tattoo done was boring. She dozed off for parts of it, head pillowed on her arms.

Sakura blinked her eyes open when she heard Orochimaru’s footsteps. Polished black shoes crisp against the tile. The needle stopped. She felt the tattoo artist dab at the skin before he rolled back in his chair. Orochimaru leaned over her.

“Hmm...” he simply said.

Sakura twisted her head to look at him.

“It’s quite nice. You’ll like it,” Orochimaru assured her. And she smiled.

“I have to come back a third time to get it colored. I was planning on red,” she told him, putting her head back down. She heard the chair roll over again. The needle buzzing as it touched her skin.

“I look forward to that,” Orochimaru lied to her.

Because he had gone and gotten himself killed a week later.

She had gone back to the tattoo parlor. Gotten the koi filled in in black instead.

Leaning against the side of the tub, Sakura sighed for what felt like the millionth time. She stood and stepped out of the bath. Water trickling off her, pooling onto the tile as she stepped out of the bathroom. Leaving puddles in the shape of her feet as she walked over to the phone. She picked up the receiver to dial a number.

She waited for the line to ring. Two. Three. Four times.

“Hello?”

“Are you busy, Charlie?” she asked. Water dripping down into her eyes. She wiped it away with her free hand.

“Not too busy for you, Aunt Cheng,” he answered.

#eastern suns #writing #itasaku #triad!sakura x yakuza!itachi #tobisaku #triad!au

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thinkingimmensely · 7 years

Text

Like an Open Book

Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI

A/N: Hi guys, I think I'm finally out of my writer's block hole plus I'm feeling really great and stress free lately, a good thing to keep the words flowing out. So this is a new story, I'm not sure how long it'll be but I'm currently halfway through the second part. The reader does have a pairing in this story but I want to know who guys think it will be!

Anyway I hope you guys like it!

MASTERLIST

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything from the Potterverse!

Enjoy!

Life wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair that other kids were allowed to play outside with their friends while you weren’t. It wasn’t fair that other children picked on you and the adults took their side. It wasn’t fair that you heard other people’s thoughts, or know their deepest secrets and fears. And it absolutely wasn’t fair that of all the people that had to die, that could’ve died, it had to be your father.

Your father, who was the bravest and kindest man you ever knew. Who loved you despite of your ‘gift’ as he would put it. The only one you could ever talk to without hearing anything from his mind.

You’ve never been the same since.

Five years later, here you were, walking through the hallways of the school you currently attended right after your OWLs, you actually had a good feeling that you would get an Outstanding on that last test. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You had received a letter to attend the school after your eleventh birthday and everything seemed like a huge joke at first. That was until Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster, paid you a visit and made you understand that magic, was in fact, real. Your mother was less than thrilled then but agreed to it nonetheless, not without a little convincing though.

Talking with Dumbledore was the first time you held a long conversation again since the passing of your father and it made you realize how much you missed human interaction. You had your mother of course, but the both of you stayed clear of each other as much as possible because of your gift, which you later learned was called Legilimency. Dumbledore taught you firsthand on how to control it so you wouldn’t delve into other people’s mind without your own consent so now headaches didn't plague you all the time when people thought or felt too loudly. He even went out of his way to teach you the counterpart of Legilimency which was called Occlumency, the act of shielding your own mind out from intruders. By mastering Legilimency, you used it to understand people better and read them like open books. You wanted to help them whenever they had too much bottled up inside them too, but social interaction wasn’t one of your fortes. As you rounded the corner towards the courtyard, you heard the other students laugh hysterically and shout in approval. You raised a brow curiously and approached the crowd, but as you got nearer you wished you could just go back and act as if you hadn't seen anything at all.

"Who wants to see me take off Snivelly's pants?" James Potter, a fellow Gryffindor, shouted in humor. The students barked in approval. Sirius Black, his best friend, haughtily grinned from ear to ear. It made you sick how they were genuinely enjoying this.

You gripped your wand tightly debating whether or not you should help Severus Snape, but before you could even make up your mind, it seems as though your body had already decided for you because the next thing you knew, James' wand flew out of his hand and you aimed for Sirius next, successfully disarming him as well without muttering a single word.

Severus fell flat on the ground and let out a groan in pain. He didn't have time to process anything before you pulled him up. Everyone watched you in utter shock, this was the first time they ever saw you interfere in one of the marauders' antics, let alone draw so much attention towards yourself. "I don't know what's going on but I suggest you stop before I report this to the headmaster."

James recovered from his surprise and snorted at your statement. "Really now, Y/L/N? You barely even join in conversations so how are you supposed to have one with no other than Dumbledore himself?"

Severus jerked his arm out from your hold. "I don't need your help." He sneered.

"You can thank me later." You hissed back and turned your attention back to James, your wand still pointed at him. "And just because I don't join in petty conversations doesn't mean I'm incapable of having one. This is why Evans despises you Potter." His smile instantly faded and a hard frown replaced it, "As for me, I'd choose the giant squid as well." You huffed and pulled Severus along as you walked away from the crowd, leaving them utterly confused. "Really Y/N?! I had everything under control!" Severus snapped at you now that the two of you were alone in the astronomy tower.

You rolled your eyes at him. "Pray tell, how is hanging upside down and getting your pants pulled off of you under control?" You taunted and took a seat by the windowsill. Severus kept on pacing around and messed up his greasy hair out of frustration.

"Now everyone will think I'm a fool! A Slytherin getting saved by a Gryffindor! Ha! That's a laugh. You should've just kept your mouth shut like before."

"I don't reckon we were friends before?"

He turned to you, his dark eyes clouded with anger, "I don't reckon we are friends now?"

You shot him a disbelieving look. "That's rich. You really want to lose me, the only person who still considers you a friend, today too?"

He instantly dropped his gaze and let out a sigh in frustration. "Stop reading my mind." He sounded defeated and tired. He took a seat beside you and stared out at the landscape as well.

"Then you should practice your Occlumency more. I'm starting to think that I'm failing as a teacher if this goes on."

"Well you're a horrible teacher."

You cracked a smile for the first time since the incident, "Ah, well, you think you could do better then?" You challenged him. He just huffed in reply.

This was basically all there was to your friendship with Severus; if you could even call it a friendship. Secret meetings in the astronomy tower where you would either talk a little and teach him Occlumency, and by the time you left the tower, neither of you acknowledged each others' presence. Well, that was supposed to be the case until you went ahead of yourself and helped him from James and cohorts. An action you might as well regret later, but somewhere deep inside your brain knew that it was the right thing to do.

You skipped dinner at the great hall that night, opting to eat at the kitchens instead, away from the judging eyes of everyone and away from their hushed whispers. The elves were warm and welcoming as always and fed you without restraint that by the time you left, you were so full you were sure you'd be stuffed until lunch tomorrow. As you neared the Gryffindor tower, Severus pushed past you in a rush, you looked at his retreating figure in confusion but decided better and continued your way to the common room instead. You'd eventually find out what happened to him tomorrow, and if he didn't want that then he better practice his Occlumency like you said he should.

#harry potter fanfiction #harry potter imagine #James Potter #Remus Lupin #Sirius Black #peter pettigrew #severus snape #Lily Evans #the marauders #hogwarts #james potter x reader #severus snape x reader #sirius black x reader #remus lupin x reader

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miss-pearlescent · 4 years

Text

Tag Team (II)

Chapter: I II IIIᴹ IV V VI VII VIII IX Xᴹ

You eyed the island from above, your stomach doing flips as you calculated the distance.

Too high.

You stared at the ceiling of the helicopter as you sat in your husband’s lap, his arm adjusting the straps that attached you to him.

It was a good thing he was talking with Joori, who was flying the helicopter, via headpiece because you weren’t sure if you would be able to make coherent words at this altitude.

Of course the leader of the gang needed to host a private party where guests had to literally drop in through a plane. Of freaking course.

You heard your name in the distance and turned, only to see your husband watching you with a worried gaze.

You gave him a faulty smile that didn’t even convince yourself.

“It’s okay if we go back,” he said.

You shook your head because you knew it wasn’t okay. He was just trying to reassure you. “I’m fine,” you replied through clenched teeth.

You loved that he knew about your fear of heights because he would always volunteer to do the parachuting missions. But you hated him knowing your fear of heights for times like this.

You wanted to look strong but it was hard when you were a million feet off the ground.

You gulped as he shifted forward, bringing the two of you closer to the edge.

It was now or never.

A warm hand cupped your cheek and you turned to look at Jongin. “I have you,” he said. “You are going to kill it tonight, and when we go home tomorrow morning, I’ll…” he trailed off, his gaze falling to your lips.

You licked your lips in anticipation. “You’ll what?”

He gave a slow grin. “I’ll tuck you in for bed.” Jongin flipped the visor of his helmet down, tilted your chin up, and suddenly, you were freefalling.

It was a long night of watching rich people flaunt their money and their status. Jongin yawned from his spot behind the bushes, checking his watch for the umpteenth time tonight. The sun was about to rise, and his wife was still in there.

He really married a strong one, he thought as his eyes glazed over watching her by the window. She still looked as good as she did in the beginning of the night, her silky black dress falling over her curves as she walked the room like a pro in her stilettos .The high slit up her thigh still made him salivate like a dog as she trailed behind the leader’s entourage.

Only a few hours left until Jongin would be able to tear that slit and salivate between her legs.

Jongin snorted. She really made him a horny motherfucker, didn’t she?

Just the other day, she had woken him up with a blowjob. Her excuse was that nothing else was working, and they were going to be late for a meeting.

He made them late for the meeting anyway by pinning her to the bed and licking her until she nearly passed out.

He shook his head, knowing he needed to concentrate on his work and stop fantasizing.

But damn, it was hard when his wife bit her cherry-red lip, pretending to be the innocent socialite that he knew she wasn’t.

Jongin’s brain was just starting to trail off again, thinking about his wife’s lips, when a hand clapped over his mouth.

Alarms went off his in head and he reached for his weapons, but something hard came down on the back of his head.

Then all was black.

You grasped Joori’s hand in your own. “Please. Please, Joori, I’m begging you.” Your voice was hoarse and your eyes were almost swollen to the point of being shut with how much crying you had done. Top that with the lack of sleep you’d had in the last 36 hours, you were probably starting to become a little delirious. “Please say you’ll come with me, Joori.”

The girl looked at you with wide eyes. Her mouth fell open but it seemed a frog was caught in her throat.

Joori had always been quiet ever since she joined the team two years ago. Her strength was codes and computers, not fighting and action. But at this moment, you needed her.

Mr. Lee cleared his throat. “I can bring in other agents from other branches to aid in the rescue.”

You shook your head. “That would take too long. Joori is my best bet.” She would be invaluable in breaking in the system and mapping out the laboratories where Jongin was being held.

“I-I…” the girl stammered.

Mr. Lee patted your shoulder, urging you to let go of the poor girl. “You need some rest,” he said. “And Joori will make her decision when she is ready. We will make sure we get Jongin out of there.”

You wanted to scream. How could Mr. Lee be so calm? Was Jongin not like a son to him?

Jongin was your husband, and he said he would always be there for you. You had never uttered the words but ever since the day the two of you were partnered up, you knew you would always be there for him too.

You hoped that he was aware of that fact.

You sniffled as you dragged your feet to the door, knowing you needed to sleep, but also unable to turn off your frantic brain.

The bastards had found Jongin waiting in the bushes—something that was so stupid of him to do! You had sent him off with Joori after you had landed on the island. You didn’t realize when he said he had your back, that he would literally be watching your back all night!

So when you arrived back at headquarters and found out that Jongin had never came back with Joori, you were terrified and furious at the same time. Joori managed to track Jongin down to a laboratory in the desert off the highway, except something was off. Her tracker could usually tell if the user was still alive.

According to the tracker, Jongin was neither alive nor dead.

You had gotten what you wanted from the leader—the codes to his labs—but now the man knew both your face and your husband’s. It was dangerous to go back, but you’d do anything for your husband.

You jammed your hand into the door pad to open it.

“I’ll go.”

The sentence was so quiet, you almost missed it.

You turned around, honestly surprised that Joori had walked all the way up to you with her silent steps.

“I’ll go help you save Jongin.”

You pulled the girl into a hug as you let out a huge sob.

“Is he in there?” you whispered.

Joori put a finger to her glasses and peered at the door behind the guard. Silently, she nodded.

“Okay, I’m going in.” You were just about to jumped out of your hiding spot when a hand grabbed your wrist.

Big eyes stared up at you with fear. “By yourself?”

It was Joori’s first mission so you understood her fear. Kneeling back down, you patted her hand. “I’ll be okay. I’ve done this a thousand times.”

The younger girl looked around at the towers of boxes surrounding the two of you. “Do I just stay here?”

You didn’t know how safe this place was, but you had an idea. “You have new technology to change your clothes, right?”

She nodded.

“Then change to look like him.” You pointed at the guard standing at the door. “Pretend you’re one of them and change shifts with him.”

You watched Joori go absolutely pale.

“Or not,” you added quickly. You didn’t want the poor girl to faint from fear.

But she took a deep breath and pressed a couple buttons on her watch. The next moment, you were crouching beside what looked like one of the guards.

Joori pushed up the black visor that hid her face. “Do I look like them?”

You nodded in amazement. “That was so cool. You have to fit us with that stuff later.”

“Of course.” Joori smiled back. “I think I’m happy with this prototype so I should be able to get it to you guys soon.”

You patted her on the shoulder in gratitude. “You’re a great asset to our team. I know you can do this, Joori.”

With a new wave of confidence, Joori flipped down her visor and stood, walking around the boxes so she looked like she had come from down the hall as she approached the guard.

The guard only looked confused for a second before he saluted Joori and then walked away.

That was easy.

When the guard was completely out of sight, you stood from your hiding spot. “Great job.”

Joori gave you a thumbs up and then punched the code that she had deciphered during the car ride to the lab. The pin pad sang a little song before the door clicked open.

You gave her a high five. “I’ll be out soon. If you feel threatened in any way, abort the mission. We will be fine.”

Joori nodded as you slid through the door.

---

I googled parachuting and skydiving ONE TIME for this chapter and suddenly all my ads involve parachuting or skydiving :))) Thank you guys for reading!! I know the chapters are short, but I like to drag it out because it feels so long when I write it that I want to savour every morsel that I put out if that makes sense (ahem in other words, it gives me more time before I realize I should start writing/posting another story luuuuuul). You guys are so kind with your likes and messages though T_T THANK YOU THANK YOU.

#exo #kai #exo scenario #kai scenario #kpop #kpop fanfiction #kpop scenario #exo fanfiction #kai fanfiction #jongin #tag team

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inqshead · 6 years

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no vacancy.

i was texting with katy when nojus came back. his hair was soaking wet and he tried to dry it with a white towel looking fine. he wore black pants to a tight black shirt with white socks and such a stunning smile. his cheeks were red and his lashes wet. i didn’t think nor hesitate, just spoke out what came to my mind. ,,are you okay?’’ nojus blinked surprised. ,,um yes. gonna grab the tea. any wishes?’‘ i lay on my belly, holding my head with my hands and tilted it sidewards. ,,surprise me.’‘ my heart missed a beat like omG. i mean, it got way more easy and honestly i couldn’t remember why i had been afraid. talking to him wasn’t difficult, it never was this comfortable with anyone else, even sava. yes, i still had a dying heart and my breath would go heavy or fast when he did certain things,, but i started enjoying those butterflies in my tummy and head and heart and just basically everywhere else. right now they tried to kill me. nojus smiled, threw that towel on his chair and left the room. i sighed really loud and long. gods. what happened to me?! when i opened my eyes and mumbled that this was a mess, in my tongue, i realized that nojus was back. ,,huh?’‘ that was fast. ,,i just wanted to add: don’t break anything and don’t delete the picture on your instagram.’‘ then the door closed and i was all alone again. what did just happen and who the fuck did he think he was? to calm my strange feels down, i decided to watch ‘(insert idol name) cute compilation’. at some point, when someone chewed a whole fortune kookie without taking out the paper first, i had to sit up crosslegged, couldn’t stop laughing and gave little ‘omgomgomgomg’s from me. ,,what’s with those sounds again?’‘ i screamed and jumped up to my feet, holding my hands up to fight. nojus stood in front of the door, an old fashioned jade-colored tray in his hands. i smelled cookies. i let my hands sink down. ,,oh.’’ we just stared at each other. ,,sorry.’’ still staring. ,,i have cookies.’’ ,,gimme.’’ we sat down on his bed. he leaned on the end with the pillows and i sat vis-à-vis. the tray between us. the tea smelled like heaven. it was warm, but not too hot. the cookies were soo delicious i nearly fainted. and for the first time in a while, i was hungry. and i thought of sava. it made me go insane that it would take so long until i could finally talk with him. i wanted the time to fly away, so that i could find out why he did what he did. on the other hand i wanted time to stop. i needed more time with nojus. speaking of him, i was so lost in thought, that i hadn’t realized he was talking to me. ,,- my girlfriend-’‘ i teared my eyes open. ,,your what?!’‘ omomomg nononono my world. oh no my world just fucking collapsed. nothing worked. i was going to die, about to jump down from his balcony. he laughed. he freaking laughed. ,,see, you only listen when i say such stuff!’‘ his laugh was so precious, it immediately cured my anxiety and selfdoubts. i still couldn’t move, until he added. ,,that was a lie ty.’‘ ,,you-how dare you.’‘ he continued laughing, while i wasn’t able to believe how mischievous he was. (how could i ever think he was a serious person, when he just cared so much and laughed, and made fun of me) my mouth was wide open and he didn’t even think of stopping. nojus hold his belly and had tears in his eyes. out of breath he said: ,,you really believed i had a girlfriend! hhaha.’‘ ,,ey! how dare you laughing!’‘ i don’t know why, but i was so caught in this moment that i started tickling him. i sat half on him and yes i realized that, but i had everything under control until he grabbed both my wrists and changed positons. nojus sat right on me held my arms besides my head. okay i won’t lie. this was intense. and i hoped he’d kiss me. his eyes seemed lost in a chaos whose whole extent i’d never be able to catch. not like sava, whose soul was drunk by the thought of love, a fruit he forbid himself to taste. thinking of sava. my blood started boiling and everything screamed no. nojus leaned down. he wasn’t heavy. when he looked me in the eye and i could feel his warm breath like a soft summer brease on my skin, i jumped throughout the times and suddenly nojus’ brown hair turned black and those blue diamonds changed places with grey souleaters. my breathing turned so fast that i barely could hold it under control. ,,you know, i’m a curious person.’‘ his voice sounded dark and heavy. if not sexy. raspy kinda. full of secrets. ,,so, how comes you won’t answer when i ask what happened that you had to make those squeaky sounds. don’t tell me it’s slime again. i think highly of you, so please don’t destroy that.’‘ slowly the world started to break into pieces. the grey turned into a blue that took my heart by storm. the beaten black changed to soft brown hair. his face wasn’t that close no longer. nojus. this was nojus. not sava. that one was thousands of miles away from here. although it felt as if nojus was too. he hadn’t kissed me. i was confused. my heart bled out. but i felt also somehow relieved. ,,oh. ooh. no it was a guy that ate a fortune cookie with the paper still in it not noticing it.’‘ i smiled really dumb when thinking of it, too cute man. ,,are you being serious right now.’‘ i laughed. ,,i guess.’‘ he rolled his eyes, smiling. and wasted not a thought if he should, i dunno, get off of me(?). at least my hands were free now. he interlaced our fingers and played around, made moves and seemed happy. ,,i’m so glad you’re as nice and special as i hoped you were.’‘ i didn’t dare to answer, he wasn’t finished yet looking out of the window and showing me the sharpest jawline on earth. was that some kind of declaration? ,,you know, when i first saw you i was surprised. you looked so interesting, so colorful and so innocent.’‘ oh god. what was we going to say? wait. he thought something like that, about someone like me?! bruh no way. ,,but when you started talking you seemed so distracted and, i dunno, so disgusted. as if you didn’t like how deteriorated it is here compared to your rich home country. and that made me...not necessarilay angry, but sad. disappointed. i thought there would be more to you. but then you were so thankful, and that made me doubt my opinion. but when i took your order you ignored me again and you didn’t even care about leaving. and then i wanted to help you up and you just ignored me!’‘ disgusted? i was caught in his impact, i had been so lost in the color of his lips and shape of his words. gods, if he knew why i didn’t react or anything... he made me angry. i sat up and he slid off of me. ,,then why did you came down to me, if you didn’t like me or don’t, i don’t know.’‘ we still held hands. ,,because i wanted to know for sure. and it turned out to be a very very good idea. i don’t regret it. you’re as wonderful and extraordinary as i hoped you would be.’‘ i was so stunned. and i just hugged him. i wasn’t afraid. he held me tight, i could barely breathe. ,,i thought you were an arrogant asshole and i felt so threatened and vulnerable. you have no idea what kind of an intense impact you have. that’s crazy. but i’m so glad that you’re nice to me. i mean, you even made me tea!’‘ he ended the hug. ,,but that’s what people do. caring. don’t your people do that?’‘ i had to laugh. ,,no they don’t.’’ i was like so ready to kiss him. but it felt wrong. not wrong as in you’re-just-a-friend-actually-wrong, but as in i-am-not-sure-if-you’d-want-me-to-i-should-wait-wrong. why would such a wonderful person kiss me? i don’t know anymore what we did after that, but we lay on our backs, his feet at the end with the pillows and mine on the other end. our heads next to each other. we started asking each other questions. the cookies were empty, the tea as well. i was full. the sun didn’t start rising yet. ,,who were the people on the picture earlier?’‘ i’m sure i just made that up, but he sounded kinda envious. ,,uh. katy. she’s a year younger than me. a close friend. and sava. my best friend.’‘ he made a ‘hm’ sound, kind of unsatisfied. ,,how old are you?’‘ ,,eighteen. you?’‘ ,,about to be seventeen. where are you from?’‘ ,,from here. are you in a relationship?’‘ i laughed. ,,me? no. never. no one would want me.’‘ i knew that was wrong. at least kinda. sava proved me wrong. and maybe nojus as well. i didn’t dare asking him. and i started feeling sleepy. ,,i guess i have to go now. i’m really tired.’‘ he tilted his head until we could look at each other. he seemed half asleep as well. the moon shone inside by that time. it was an act of light and shadow, that wandered all over his face. he was so unbelievable gorgeous and i could’ve looked at him forever. ,,okay. i’ll come with you. just a sec. what are you doing tomorrow? we have kinda a dance party or something in the evening here.’‘ ,,sounds good. we’re going to visit a farm, nothing special.’‘ ,,okay cool. the party’s at the pool, behind the building.’‘ wait. stop. nonono. water?! oh gods. people tend to wear not much when being near a pool. fucl it. why did they need to have a pool. that was shit. i got up, put his mac and the tray on his desk. ,,ohkay. you stay here. you’re more asleep than awake. see you tomorrow. thanks again. goodnight nojus.’‘ ,,say that again’‘, he mumbled sleepy with closed eyes.. ,,what?’‘ ,,my name. i like the way you pronounce it.’‘ ,,nojus?’‘ he moaned happily. i laughed and shivered at the same time. the butterflies turned into shooting stars that burned me from the inside. ,,sleep tight.’‘ he didn’t answer,, breathed heavy and slow. what a boyfriend look. dayum. i can’t remember the way back to my room, but i dreamed of the moon and slept until hammering fists on my door woke me up. ,,tiberius get the fuck out of your bed. it’s ten a.m.!’‘ ,,shut up olive!’‘

chapter six end.

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docholligay · 7 years

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Chekov’s Gun and Other Disasters

The second entry in the Silverleaf series, sponsored by Ben of my patreon! I hope you all enjoy our widening cast of characters, some light tragic anime backstory, and Mina being an ass. 2,200 words. Thank you Ben for sponsoring this!!

Haruka liked teaching gym. Not only did she get to move around all day, but, she found, students often didn’t know what they were capable of, and thought themselves weaker than they were, and there was nothing that brought out Haruka’s sense of personal pride quite like seeing a student move and change, realizing there was a strength within them that they did not know. They didn’t have to win any awards (though Haruka had often been the soft-hearted teacher who gave them out) they simply had to prove something to themselves.

Hotaru Tomoe caught Haruka’s eye from the instant Haruka walked into the gym, the girls sitting in their perfectly matched gym shirts and skirted shorts, in straight seated lines like the jewels waiting to be cut and polished that they obviously were. She thought of them, all having come from around the country to the finest academy for young ladies, filing back to their dorms at the end of the night, patiently studying at identical desks, ready to do it again tomorrow.

It freaked Haruka out a little, to be honest.

And Hotaru sat in the back row nearest the wall, in her shirt and skirt shorts, hair tied back with the issued headband, seemingly terrifyingly uncomfortable with the entire affair. And this was not the first time Haruka had seen this--so many students felt out of place in this physical world, as much as she always had as she struggled through her classes.

But she had done it, and she had succeeded, and she wanted these girls to trust that they could do the same.

Another student caught her eye, as she looked over the assembled crew, whose eyes never left Haruka, waiting to see if this new teacher was friend or foe.

The pink haired girl was bubbly and bright, chatting with on of her friends behind her, who seemed to be half-ignoring her, looking forward, trying to stay with the rest of the well-manicured pack. Chibiusa Tsukino was the kind of girl who sat in front, the kind f girl who chirped and chattered and vied for the attention of anyone giving it.

A less charitable teacher might have been annoyed by her, but Haruka was not a less charitable teacher, at least not yet, she worried in the back of her mind, pleased by the budget and the pay of this place but worried about the straight lines of calm girls she saw passing through the halls. She thought Chibiusa’s sparkle was quite charming.

“So,” Haruka put her clipboard behind her back, affecting a large smile that she hoped showed joy, and not the absolute abject terror she felt in front of a group of girls whose parents could buy and sell her, “I know most of you probably aren’t very excited for physical education…”

Was this her speech? Was this what she had practiced in the mirror this morning, while brushing her teeth, combing her hair, over and over again? It didn’t sound practiced at all. It sounded fearful and desperate.

Shut up, she hissed at the voice in her own head. “Anyway, I hope,. And I think, that I can change your mind about it. It’s not about being a jock,” she winked, “though I am that, too. It’s just about,” she gestured aimlessly, “learning how to have fun with your body, and cooperate with it, you know? It’ll be fun.”

A girl raised her hand high. “Miss Tenoh, will we be doing fencing this term?”

“Uh.” The thought had never occurred to Haruka that even the sports were different at this level, and she thought of the basketball sitting in her office. “Maybe?”

The girls looked at her, unimpressed.

It was going to be a long semester.

This school was sprawling. She could hardly believe it as she had toured through the buildings during her interview, each built to its particular purpose.

The arts building directly adjacent to the gym was one of the newest, and she entered into the glass atrium where the sun streamed onto the girls sitting at little tables, eating lunches, studying, or gossiping. It was beautiful and high-ceilinged, and as she passed through it toward Mina’s classroom, she couldn’t help but think how different this was from her time in public education.

It had, of course, been Mina’s influence that had gotten her the interview in the first place. Yes, she did her job well in the public sector, but places like this hired actual Olympians, not people like her who blew their knee and ruined any shot they had at trying for the gold medal.

Mina’s influence had governed a fair amount of her life since they were assigned to the same dorm, as she thought of it, and it had been her who had convinced Haruka that her life was not worthless and over just because her Olympic dreams had died at the hands of a poorly-set hurdle.

“Excuse me?” The voice took Haruka out of her memories of that day on the track.

She looked up to see a woman, taller than her, which always gave Haruka a bit of a shock, standing in front of her in a rich purple suit. She must be important, of course, but Haruka could not quite parse out how she might be important.

“Yes?” She felt, suddenly, a bit unchivalrous. “Can I help you with something?”

“Oh, not at all,” the woman smiled kindly, “I simply wanted to meet you. Miss Tenoh, the new physical education teacher, is that correct?”

Haruka extended her hand. “The hoodie must give me away.”

The woman laughed appreciatively and returned her handshake. “It’s not normal attire for an instructor here, that’s true. Setsuna Meioh. Principal of the Silverleaf School for Girls.”

“Oh! Nice to meet you!” Haruka adjusted the bag on her shoulder.

Setsuna walked alongside her, and Haruka was not certain if she knew where haruka was headed or simply had one of those bearings, but she headed in the direction of Mina’s classroom nonetheless.

“The dean of health tells me wonderful things about you. About the work you did.”

To an extent, this surprised Haruka, as she had spent a great deal of her interview choking on her own bile as the dean had assured Haruka she could do so much more with a better class of student, rather than the low-income populations she had served previously. But Haruka couldn’t get too mad, she supposed. She was the one who sold out to go to a rich kid school.

She puffed out her chest. “I can give them the discipline they need, and of course you know I’ve come up with some innovative programs, I know I’ll be great.” she felt herself eyeroll internally. When push came to shove, she fell back on the old bluster every time.

Setsuna stopped in front of Mina’s classroom. She definitely must have known where Haruka was going.

She smiled kindly. “I’m sure you will do a lovely job with the girls.” If she was somewhat uncomfortably knowing, there was at least the compensation that she seemed to be considerate, “You might be just what they need.”

Haruka gave one acknowledging nod, playing with the strap on her bag. “It’s nice of you to say so.”

Setsuna looked down the hallway, to a group of girls whispering nervously over papers as they exited a classroom, the first day of school already daunting.

“I suppose I should see what Miss Hino has done to the freshman. She also has a great deal of zeal for her work, if you know what I mean.” She gave a small laugh. “It was nice to finally meet you.”

“You too.” She shook Setsuna’s hand again, privately hoping that she would just go away and Haruka could stop pretending she knew what she was doing for even one minute.

She walked down the hall, calling out the freshmen leaving Rei’s classroom, and Haruka ducked into Mina’s. Everything was different here, Haruka knew, but even still, the idea of a purpose-built drama classroom had never occurred to her. But here it was, with a small stage at the front of the room, couches and chairs scattered in front of it in various combinations. At the back of the room, a strange collection of cabinets and tables seemed to be serving as Mina’s desk.

If the drama teacher couldn’t be odd, she supposed, then who could be?

Mina looked up, her eyes lighting up as she registered Haruka. “Hey! Good to see you didn’t get lost on the long walk.”

There was a certain fortuitousness, grace, or fate that had allowed Haruka and Mina to have the same prep period, but Haruka could not have imagined how grateful she would be for it until this moment. She slumped down dramatically into the beanbag chair across from Mina’s desk, tossing her bag to the floor.

“No wonder they fear you, proud warrior.” She set her chin on her hand and looked down at her.

Haruka lolled her head back, her limbs spread long from the beanbag chair like a huntsman spider. “They all just stare at me with these eyes, Mina. They just let me keep talking and they have their hands folded and I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

“Ah yes, not so much a blackboard jungle here as a blackboard UN summit.” Mina rose up from her chair and walked over to Haruka. “Did you die?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t know I was a ghost whisperer, but I’ll take it.” She playfully kicked Haruka’s shoulder. “You’ll get the hang of it. Takes time.”

Haruka rubbed her eyes. “I’m gonna get fired. One of the girls asked me if we were doing fencing. Fencing!”

Mina knelt down beside her. “You know she means the thing with the swords and not actually building a f--”

“Mina!” Haruka shot her a look. “Not helping!” she laughed weakly. “Building a fence I could actually maybe do. I should have just been a construction worker.”

“Buddy,” Mina put her hand on her shoulder. “You didn’t work your ass off for four years, and I saw it, i saw your ass slowly disappear! So that you could go do construction. You’ll be fine.” She patted her shoulder and stood up. “Want to come over to my place tonight? I’ll even order that shitty Italian food you love so much, with extra breadsticks, I’ll get some of that pink fizzy shit you like. For making the trip.”

“Your apartment is two doors down from mine.” She looked up at Mina from her place on the floor.

“The cat in 309 has an attitude. Dangerous. C’mon. Let me treat you.”

Haruka sighed. There was a peace in knowing that no matter how bad things went, Mina would be there. That had been true, from the day Mina had come through the dorm door, throughout her multiple boyfriends and girlfriends and friends otherwise affiliated, throughout Haruka’s bad dates and her eventual attachment to Yuki, and throughout the heartbreak after. She had lived in Mina’s apartment after Yuki broke their engagement, and then the one down the hall had opened up, like a sign from whatever you believed in.

“Okay,” Her knee twinged as she got to her feet. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Wear your jammies, we’re gonna watch some shitty action movies and eat cake.”

Haruka went back to her office, tucked back into the locker room. It was all hers, not the office she had shared with two other teachers back at the sprawling high school in the middle of the city. And there was air conditioning. It was deluxe.

Her first few classes had been fair enough, even with the nerves she felt, and the students had not, at least, rioted against her, and a few of them had even attempted weak laughs at her jokes. She was trying too hard. It was just like when she went on dates. Wait, why was she comparing teaching to going on dates? Just because she was bad at both?

No, she wasn’t a bad teacher. She had plenty of commendations that proved that. She was just nervous, and this was all new to her, this world of incredible wealth where the girls’ uniforms cost more than her nice clothes.

Thank god she just had to wear athletic shorts and a t-shirt.

She looked over at her desk. Bright yellow and dark chocolate, framed by red strawberries.

Her stomach rumbled in appreciative response. Mina must have known she’d be nervous, and sent it to her. She walked over to the bouquet and removed a strawberry, popping it into her mouth.

She flopped down into her chair, picking up one of the pineapple daisies. Pineapple was her favorite, even though it tore up her mouth every time. She just couldn’t resist it, no matter the pain.

There was a card attached to the side of it, that she hadn’t seen before, and she popped it open.

Her eyebrows popped up in response, the words immediately not Mina’s, even at the first.

Best of luck, and I hope to run into you again, in a purely colloquial sense, M. Kaioh.

Haruka turned that card over in her hand, and took a bite of the pineapple.

#silverleaf #I would develop a tag for my writing but lbr #I would never remember to use it or what it was

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