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haravath0t · 6 months

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𝐀 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧-𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬

𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝚗𝚎𝚞𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎, 𝚣𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚒, 𝚊𝚢𝚊𝚝𝚘, 𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚊

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒌𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓 - 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝟹

𝚜𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚜 : ̗̀➛ meeting the in-laws during the holidays…how does that work? (genshin men x Filipino!reader)

☕🤍🌿 𝚕𝚒𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗'𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗: 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 ! 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚜 ! ☕🤍🌿

₊˚.༄ 𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦

Oh, they’d love him.

The minute he walks through the door, his aura is undeniable. He’s practically the dream son-in-law any Filipino parent can ask for.

Taking off shoes at the front door? Check. A put together outfit? Check. Going up to your parents immediately to take their hand and doing the “mano”? Check. Your parents would eat it all up too!

“Ayyy, wow! Mabait s’ya!” (Wow! He’s polite!) “Ang galing naman! Ay thank you, thank you!”

They would even notice that he took care of the refreshments too, it seems. By refreshments, we mean water bottles. Lots of it. It undeniably will be the brand that he likes the best. No, it is not the crystal geyser, no it’s not dasani, just a bunch of “flavored water with the best aftertaste.” (Don’t get your hopes up, it’s good ol’ mineral water.)

It’s all nice and all, but when he sits down? He may not look like it, but he’s a nervous wreck. “Is this alright?” “Perhaps I can say something. But what?” “Hmm, no, not that.” In truth, he’s amazed that he even landed on a beautiful partner, that is you, someone who has exercised so much patience and has taught him ways to express himself. However, to practice all he has learned from you in the face of other people, especially that it’s your parents? It is safe to say even the Iudex himself cannot help but feel queasy.

He cannot bring himself to really start any conversation as much as he would like to, even the bustle of your family slowly trickling in cannot take away the unspoken worries he has. It is thanks to you holding his hand below the table that his worries ease even a little, as well as your inquisitive parents.

The fact that your parents start off by asking questions eases Neuvillette, his posture as elegant as he looks, relax ever so slightly, something you notice by the slightest shift in his seat. The longer they talk to the quiet Iudex, the more your parents are comforted as well. Perhaps their daughter is in good hands, after all.

“Please, do not worry. I shall swear to you that your daughter will live every day knowing how much she means to me.”

ᨒ ₊ ⊹ 𝘻𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪

Like Neuvillette, he’d have an aura that one cannot deny. It’s as though he carries himself with a quiet yet powerful sense of confidence, truly the definition of finesse as he steps in. It’s as though a higher power has stepped into the party. (hah!)

He was well-dressed, having his dress shirt with a nicely placed tie, some nice slacks, and a trench coat that only accentuates his lean visage. As always, his long brown hair was in a ponytail, and he came in with leather gloves.

The way he takes off his shoes and the way he practically bows down to your parents to “mano” them is pretty second nature to him. “Greetings. Thank you for hosting this night for us.” He’d say, and his deep voice along with the gentle tone he uses amuses your parents and even your cousins. Sure they knew he was a good man for you to be married to, and sure they have heard him speak before, but to hear him and be within his vicinity is such a shocker to them!

The titas are fawning over him already, trying to lean closer to hear this man talk, even approaching so that way they can greet him as well. His smile was so kind, his amber eyes something no one can look away from, and his stature made him look much taller than he already is.

In his hands were a container of dumplings that you and he had made together, a suggestion made by him to thank the hosts, your parents. “Ay! Thank you!” Your parents seemed more than pleased. It is when he takes off his gloves and holds your hand does your wedding rings shine in the light, a reminder to the family just who he was happily married to.

They cannot help but talk about you both now, watching Zhongli catch up with your parents quietly, all the while his hand subconsciously places itself on the small of your back, letting you take a plate and dig into the various foods and desserts you would like. Though your parents have talked to Zhongli several times before on smaller visits, they still cannot help but feel some form of intimidation towards the man, feeling as though it was too good to be true.

Your titas love him alright, but your titos? Oh, they envy him. Almost every man in that party does. They felt as though Zhongli needed to be eased in, and what better way than through drinks and games? Mayhaps mahjong? Oh, that’s where they had made a mistake.

Zhongli refuses beer, settling on tea while he talks to the titos with ease, though he wouldn’t hesitate to give out his opinions on some topics, which undeniably tarnish some of the pride your titos came into this party with. The worst part? He’s winning the mahjong matches no matter how many times the titos or your guy cousins switch. The man at this point seems unshakeable! He didn’t show it, but he was getting a hoot out of it.

However, even if it may be so, he’s always coming back to you. Even amidst the noise, his smile truly appears when you’re near. Your parents don’t miss how easily you two reciprocate, and they cannot help but feel relaxed.

“Salamat sa diyos,” (“Thank god”) Your mom sighs, looking at your father. “She’s taken care of.”

₊˚.༄ 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘰

Unlike the previous husbands, Kamisato Ayato is an intimidating type. Rather than him being a bit nervous around your parents, it’s more of them being nervous around him.

They immediately approved of your marriage with him, his name alone already ringing a bell to both your mom and dad. When he met them, asking their blessing in your marriage? Oh, they cannot help but become nervous. They tried to dress their best, you came in with an extra spotless looking household, and the biggest array of Filipino dishes you can even recall. Admittedly, it was a little too much, that you even got a bit annoyed of how they were putting much more effort into this than they should, but you had to just let Ayato be, letting him praise your parents in turn.

When you called your parents to notify them that you two were coming to this year’s Christmas party, it was the same reaction. Even though Ayato does his best to reassure them that he’s just “your husband”, it seems to never be so.

And so, he’s dressed in a simple yet elevated outfit: a light blue collared shirt, paired with a black tie and vest, and a long black trench coat.

The kids loved him, of course, but you can see your parents practically curl up. He greeted your relatives and your parents with ease, amusing them each time he even spoke to you so lovingly.

“My love, let’s grab something delicious to eat.” He’s heard saying to you with a smile, gently guiding you through the crowded house where the trays of food are lined up.

Though many are in awe of the famed Kamisato, they are undeniably going to think of your comparability with the young man too. The titas talk to your parents, and it’s a whole round table in itself.

“Ang pangit ng damit ng anak mo!” (“Your daughter’s clothes look ugly”) A Tita whispers to your mother. “Lalo na sa tabi n’ya.” (“Especially next to him.”)

“Couldn’t your daughter have a better job?” “I feel like this is some joke.” “He could leave her one day, watch…let’s see if she can keep her act together.”

Your ears catch it pretty quickly, the women talking so loud. Undeniably it hurts your mother, but she lets them talk, trying to toughen it out. Ayato is quick to notice your concern.

“Hey,” Ayato chuckles from behind, kissing your temple. “Why don’t you find us a seat? I’ll get us your favorite drink, hm?” His voice, as always, was so sweet, and you couldn’t help but smile. “Fine, fine,” you sigh. “I’ll be in the living room.” Ayato can only smile and look at you with loving eyes. “Good girl.”

And so, you opt to find a cozy seat on the couch in the other room, somewhere by the corner and by the window. Ayato was going to get your drinks from the freezer, yes, but also to make a quick stop.

“Ahh,” Ayato chuckles, standing beside the circle of titas and your own mother. Immediately the chatter dies down, and he practically commands the flow of the topic, all the while he holds onto your drinks. “I don’t want to be so intruding, but I cannot help but overhear what you all are talking about!” It is only then that the titas start to feel a tinge of guilt, and Ayato stops them before they even come up with an excuse.

“Why, if I may add my own contribution, I’d like to offer that before you begin to judge what my wife and I have with one another, that you all consider just what type of people you all are that makes you all so capable of passing judgment, hm? You won’t tarnish my impression of my wife, but you are tarnishing my impression towards you all.”

₊˚.༄ 𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘢

Oh, your parents had their doubts when they met Childe. They couldn’t help but wonder if he was a bad influence or not, but they decided that they can’t really sway you to reconsider or to think about it a bit more. So alas, when you and your husband come in for the Christmas party, Childe, or rather, Ajax, was already having a happy face.

He looked so cozy in your eyes, dawning a red crew neck sweater with gray pants, all put together with a black belt and a beige coat. No doubt he was handsome, and yet the elders can only stare at this rather loud and rambunctious man that was your husband.

Your parents greet him, but he hugs them! It’s quite a shocker to them, but they couldn’t deny, his charisma was something that had them soften up. “If you don’t mind, I also brought along someone else!” He says to your parents, and before they can question him, out peeps a smaller boy behind his legs, someone who looked similar to Ajax. He had the same red hair and blue eyes, the same freckles, and your parents’ eyes went wide.

Was this his kid? Your stepson? But the questions were immediately answered when your husband spoke: “This is Teucer! My little brother! He has been missing us, so I figured he can come along!”

This made your parents second guess their previous view of Ajax. Did he really speak so highly of you and your parents that he trusted his little brother to come along? Yes, yes he did. The implication alone made them smile. Maybe they needed to rethink this.

“No, it’s okay! Come, go eat na! There’s so much food!” Your mother beckons to Teucer, leaving you and him alone. He’s very affectionate with you, and openly so, that it makes your parents blush. They watch you two settle, watch Ajax sit you down on his lap while he feeds you food from a plate you two are sharing, all while Teucer fights his older brother to snuggle up to you.

That’s only temporary, though, especially when the little boy gets whisked away by your own young nieces and nephews, causing the kids to be even louder than usual. Still, this gets your father and mother to talk to him.

“So Ajax…” They start asking him questions one by one, and each makes them slowly relax. He’s ticking all the requirements: he’s making a steady income, you and him are getting along fine, and that you’re also being well received by his own family.

But then comes a dreaded distraction: a yelling noise from a chorus of men that was your Tito’s. And Ajax’s head snaps in curiosity. “Oh, don’t mind them,” your father waves dismissively. “Pacquiao is fighting tonight.” It was then you see Ajax’s eyes widen. “Wait. Like the boxer?!” “YES!”

Your father did an immediate 180 if he hadn’t already. For all you know, Ajax wasn’t yours any longer, for he was already given a bottle of beer and within the crowd of various Tito’s, seeing him mimic punches as though Pacquiao himself was being coached by this man.

Your mother couldn’t help but laugh with you, seeing the Tito’s and a now buzzed Ajax talk amongst themselves as though they have known each other as long as you and him have.

“You know, anak?” Your mother starts, looking over at the sight of all these men gathered around the TV while your husband screams alongside your mother’s husband. “You were right. You married a good guy, a good family oriented guy. I like it.”

#the rikane wonderland advent calendar #neuvillette #neuvillette x filipino!reader #neuvillette x you #zhongli #Zhongli x Filipino!reader #zhongli x you #kamisato ayato #Kamisato ayato x Filipino!reader #kamisato ayato x you #tartaglia #childe #childe tartaglia ajax #ajax x you #ajax x reader #childe x Filipino!reader #zhongli x reader #neuvillete x reader

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arminsumi · 6 months

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could you write anything about jealous aki? drabble/hc/ fic i'll take any thoughts you have on him

sending all the love to this beautiful blog of yours 💖💖💖

A Bit of A Situation

AKI アキ

Note : my moongem!! 😣💗 good to see u again!! thank u for bringing love n aki to me hehe. hope u enjoy!!

Aki; stood tall and stoic in an immaculately neat suit and tie.

His posture stiffens and throat constricts when he watches a sleazy co-worker chatting you up during a mission.

Aki's just cleaned his katana of blood with a smooth swipe of a cloth. He clicks it shut into its saya.

The co-worker isn't bad-looking, but Aki thinks you can do better. He clenches his jaw a bit when you laugh in response to his loud, obnoxious flirting.

Aki stares.

When he feels this prickling feeling in his chest, he's reminded of something someone asked him once;

"Aki, do you think you're the jealous type?"

"No, jealousy is immature."

And Aki has considered himself mature until he sees that sleazy co-worker chatting you up.

Why does it bother him? It just does. Aki heads over to you two, and uses his superiority to his advantage.

"Hey, idiots. Focus on the task at hand unless you want me putting your flirting session into my report to Makima, yeah?" he threatens with a stony face.

A stony face, a cold voice; but you smile when Aki speaks to you even if it's just to reprimand you. You just like him.

The co-worker disappears, leaning into his car to get his weapons and supplies.

"I wasn't flirting." you say to Aki, and he looks at you with slightly raised brows like he doesn't care.

"Okay." he responds, "I saw the exchange and saw you laughing with him. I think that constitutes as flirting."

"I was laughing at his attempt of flirting." you told him to clear up the misunderstanding.

Aki doesn't have a response; he feels a bit silly about his misjudgment.

He stiffens his shoulders.

You give him a smack on his shoulders.

"Lighten up. Your shoulders are so stiff sometimes I wonder if they're made of wood."

"I'm not usually this stiff, I swear." he replies awkwardly, like a teenager trying to prove to his crush that he's not a dork. It's funny to see small shifts in his demeanor when it's just you and him.

"What do you mean? You're always stiff. I think I should take you out for a spa day; you look like you could use a break."

Your name is called by another co-worker, detracting your attention from Aki. He feels a small pang of annoyance when the moment is interrupted.

"Ayyy, we need you. There's a bit of a situation in the lobby; we found someone's head."

You reply with one of your weird little jokes that Aki loves so much, "Oh no. Someone lost their head? That's not good, we should get it back on their shoulders. Okay, see you Aki."

"Don't call me Aki; I'm your senior."

"Mhm. My jealous senior." you tease flirtatiously.

Aki's back stiffens even more. He purses his lips and avoids your gaze, looking at the sky, the parking lot cars, the apartment windows, anything except you.

His eyes follow your back as you walk off to the apartment where the "situation" is commencing. Then he cringes at himself; crinkles the corners of his eyes and tightens his face like he just sucked on a lemon.

I do not permit the copying/reposting/translation/plagiarism of my works. Do not steal what I've worked hard to create.

This is fictional work.

#fluff #aki #aki hayakawa #aki fluff #aki x reader #aki hayakawa x reader #aki csm #csm aki #chainsaw man fluff #csm fluff #csm x reader #aki chainsaw man

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directdogman · 1 month

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Hiya hound!

This isn’t really a question but I recently got into your work (mainly dsaf and dialtown) and I wanted to mention how much you’ve inspired me in terms of writing and storytelling. I got into dsaf around 6 months ago, and I started playing dialtown around a month or two ago and i’ve really been inspired by your work. Me and a friend have been working on a game of our own inspired by your work and it’s been a blast so far! I really respect you as a developer and I know you probably won’t see this but I just wanted to thank you for inspiring me to be more creative in terms of humour and writing and I hope to see more from you as you move onto new projects!

(p.s. the SECOND the norm plush comes out i’m buying it instantly)

ayyy im glad to hear it! glad to hear my work connected with you :)

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hepbaestus · 29 days

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Missa left Phil a book!!

[Start ID: five screenshots of a Minecraft book written by Missa sinfonia to Philza on the QSMP Minecraft server that says:

Dear Philza, Ayyy what's good, hope you're having an amazing day! I've been busy but I got a new job! Cleaning houses! That's gonna help us to get money for the kids! Oh by the way.

(in caps lock) Don't trust BadboyHalo! He killed some rabbits, I worked with raccoons and he killed those guys too! I'm so scared please help. Holy moly canoli.

He threatened me! (keyboard spam) Take care of our beautiful eggs! I don't want to put you guys in danger!

-Missa (there is then a 5 page gap)

by the way, I made some cake. /EndID]

#qsmp #qsmp liveblogging #philza liveblogging #q philza #q missa #death duo #pissa

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sexhaver · 2 months

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me n bailey marathoned the first season of this show over the last few days. some thoughts:

Alan Cumming, specifically his accent and wardrobe, are by far the highlights of this show. i sincerely hope someone has made an edit compiling all of his outfits without any of the actual gameplay, because he is consistently serving cunt

like just look at this

that being said i did keep seeing him as Fegan Floop from Spy Kids

oh right there's an actual game/competition component to this

im just gonna get this out of the way: the entire premise of the show is fundamentally flawed. they keep trying to make it sound like the three Traitors in the group are "backstabbing" and "working against" the Faithful (non-Traitors), but, like, everyone on the show (Traitor or Faithful) is competing for the exact same prize pool. it's not like The Mole (or any other social deduction game), where the secret evil team actually has different goals diametrically opposed to those of the good team and has to complete them without having anyone notice. here, the evil team just... votes on someone to "murder" every night. that's it.

to emphasize this point: the literal only thing that can ever give you away as a Traitor is being bad at lying/concealing guilt. there are ZERO gameplay differences between the goals of a Traitor and the goals of a Faithful, which means the arguments over who to vote for banishing are based entirely on "gut feelings"

nobody on the show has ever played a social deduction game before. late into the season, there's a day where all 3 Traitors are alive and it's down to 6 people total (so 3v3). anyone who has played Mafia/Werewolf/ToS/etc knows what this means: barring bullshit last-minute rules from the producers, it is quite literally impossible for the Traitors to lose, because none of them can be voted up. it takes 4 out of 6 votes to exile someone, and there are only 3 Faithful left. if no Traitor votes for another Traitor, then it is, again, literally impossible for a Traitor to be exiled. furthermore, if they all coordinate their votes on one Faithful, all they have to do is convince one of the remaining two Faithfuls to vote with them, and they instantly win $180k (split three ways). and hey, wouldn't you know it, one of the Faithfuls (Kate) was already really suspicious, and another one of the Faithfuls (Quentin) said out loud multiple times that he was voting for her!

so what do you think the Traitors did?

god this part pissed me off so much im having to pause for breathe while typing this. okay. so.

two of the Traitors voted for the third Traitor, who got voted off.

after being voted off, youre supposed to walk up to the Circle of Truth and reveal if you were a Traitor or not. the guy who got eliminated (Christian) was entirely too nice and gracious about it. me n bailey discussed this and came to the conclusion that we would either a) out the other Traitors on the stand and explain, using game theory and math, exactly how fucking stupid they are, completely ruining the game for them, or b) pretend to cry a little while walking up to the Circle of Truth but as soon as you walk behind the first other Traitor's chair you flip it over backwards and elbow drop their nose into their face while screaming "YOU STOLE $60K FROM ME YOU SON OF A BITCH"

also the guy who got eliminated (Christian) was very clearly autistic and Every Single Reason the other traitors gave for not liking him was like straight out of the DSM V diagnostic criteria ("he talks too loud and laughs weird", "he's got way too much energy all the time", "his emotional responses don't make sense")

apparently there's a season 2 but i cannot bring myself to watch it after seeing Christian thrown to the lions (ayyy Sunday school reference)

also at one point a Faithful has to leave because of COVID (this was filmed in 2020) so the producers don't let the Traitors murder anyone that night for balance reasons, but to compensate, they tell them they can like. write down three names that will be publicly revealed to everyone the next morning, and then one of those people dies the next night. so obviously this is mostly a nerf for the Traitors because they miss a night of killing someone, but the intention was clearly to give the Traitors an opportunity to sow confusion by putting one or two of their OWN names onto the list to make them seem like Faithfuls. and they even had an extra objective during that day's game where one of the three people could earn a "shield" to protect them that night, so if a Traitor was on the list, they could basically "steal" the shield from the other 2 (since they obviously weren't getting killed no matter what). but i think the Traitors heard "write down three names" and "kill" and had all the blood rush to their respective dicks because they just wrote three Faithfuls lmao. deeply unserious show

#the traitors

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megs-98 · 1 month

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Petals and Poems

Ayyy, look who's back to writing ! :) only took me 6 weeks but that's okay coming back with a short fluff piece. it was originally my wip titled lounging about, but it kind of took a turn and the blorbos did what they wanted, hope yall enjoy <3

Pairings: Gale x f!reader

Summary: Gale is off to work after making you breakfast, so you decided to go shopping and leave some gifts for him to find once he arrives home. Also Tara is peak mom in this.

Tags: None, just two idiots in love :')

Word count: 1.9k

The breeze rustling the curtains and the smell of the salty sea air is what woke you this morning. The start of the spring season in Waterdeep. As you raised your arms over your head as you stretched you noticed that your love was not next to you in the bed. Sitting up on your elbows, you looked around the room, looking to see if he were out on the balcony or in the ensuite bathroom. You didn’t see him anywhere, but soon enough you realized where he was as you heard the clatter of pots and pans. Smiling to yourself, you finally removed your blankets as you walked over to the bathroom to freshen up for the day before bundling up in your robe and walking down the tower stairs.

“HONE–” You and Gale both rounded the bottom of the stairs at the same time as he was calling to you that breakfast was done, bumping into each other. You quickly grabbed his apron, a lovely gift from Astarion with embroidery reading “Kiss The Wizard”, and he grabbed your wrist, the two of you stabilizing each other. You heard a loud merow from Tara as she ran off after getting startled by the two of you. Between his fits of laughter, Gale gave you a kiss on the cheek and told you that he had prepared breakfast for the two of you.

As you entered the kitchen your nose was hit with the sweetness of berries, the yeastness of fresh rolls, and the savory smell of eggs with a side of cheese.

“This smells, and looks, delicious as usual, Gale. Thank you.” You said as you planted a kiss on his lips as he leaned against the counter. Gale hummed against you as he grabbed your waist deepening the kiss. You could feel his smug smile against you as you tried to pull away from him, laughing as you reached for his hands.

“The breakfast you slaved over is going to get cold if you don’t stop it.”

“As I’ve said before, my angel, you could sate me for a lifetime.” Gale responded as he winked at you before turning back to the counter to prepare the both of you a cup of tea. You rolled your eyes as you took a seat at the table to make yourself a plate. Soon enough, Gale joined you at the table with a steaming cup of tea as you both enjoyed breakfast, discussing the plans the two of you had for the day. Gale talking at length about the various meetings he had with other teachers at Blackstaff Academy and what he was needing to do to prepare for the upcoming term starting. You listened intently before explaining that you were just planning on going to the markets, specifically the flower market, to see what you could find then doing some light cleaning and reading upon your return to the tower. Gale excitedly asked that you show him whatever you buy when he gets home that evening.

“You’ve brought a certain sense of peace to the tower with your taste in decor, I can’t wait to see what you find.” You couldn’t help but blush as he voiced his adoration for you. It was something that still caught you off guard even though the two of you had been together for some time already.

You and Gale said your goodbyes to each other as he left the tower, sighing contentedly as you closed the door behind him. You made your way back upstairs with Tara to finish getting ready for the day. The two of you entered the shared bedroom and went straight to the closet as you discarded your robe. Browsing your options, you finally found some, hopefully, acceptable pieces. For being a tressym, Tara was quite the brutal fashion critic. You held two blouse options up for Tara after you chose what pants you were going to wear.

“What do you think, Tara, the pink or the blue blouse with these brown trousers?”

Tara circled your legs as she looked up at the two blouses considering the options very carefully.

She sighed a bit as she jumped on the bed. “My dear child, while you have improved in your fashion sense a bit since moving here, your choices are still abysmal. Trade the brown trousers for black and pair it with the pink blouse. The pink suits your features well.”

You did your best not to be upset because a winged cat just insulted you but you also appreciated her advice. She was a bit right, after spending years adventuring and wearing almost only armor during that time, you really weren’t sure how to dress yourself and definitely realized that being in the City of Splendors with Gale. You silently nodded and did as Tara said, getting dressed as she left, leaving you alone in the room. You slid on your boots, grabbed your coin purse, and left the tower heading for the market center.

You quite enjoyed walking through Waterdeep, it was so different to what you were used to, having only been in the Baldur’s Gate area before. Even your adventures didn’t take you far from home. The market center had been your favorite since Gale first took you there. All of the smells always hit you a few blocks before you reach your destination. The various spices, cinnamon, sage, rosemary, coriander, chilis, almost every spice you could think of. Be it sweet, savory, spicy, the vendors had it. There were also the fishmongers fileting their most recent catches of the morning. That wasn’t as nice of a smell, but the saltiness in the air from the ocean water helped get past the fishiness of it all.

Your favorite spot in the entire market, though, are the flower vendors. All the flowers you could imagine, from common flowers found in almost every Waterhavian garden, to rare flowers found in the far reaches of Faerun. You could spend hours sitting in the midst of the fresh floral scents that came from the lilacs, roses, even the flowering herbs. You found it very calming, and as much as you wanted to stay, you were there for specific flowers to decorate the tower with. You bought 3 large bundles of lavender, baby’s breath, and an assorted mix of primrose, varying from pink to purple and to white.

Happy with your purchase, you decided to make your way back to the tower. Humming as you walked along, you looked around and one of the various bookstores caught your eye. You decided it wouldn’t hurt to pop in and see if you could find anything for yourself and hopefully something for Gale. You were able to find a book that piqued your interest, a guide to the folklore surrounding The North and other areas throughout the Sword Coast. However, trying to find a book that you thought Gale might want was proving difficult. Every book you were finding you quickly realized that he either had a copy back home or read a similar book already. Accepting defeat you start putting back the books you had wanted for Gale, knowing that he would be happy that you found something for yourself. While putting the last book back, you see a small book that had been pushed behind other books on the shelf. Pulling it out, reading the title Whispers of the Muse: A Tale of Poetic Magic. A book detailing the story of a wizard, who turned his spells into beautiful poetry, and his journey finding love amidst an adventure. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself as the wizard in the book reminded you of your own wizard. You quickly went to the shopkeeper to pay for your finds and continued your return home.

Gale announced his arrival back to the tower with a tired “I’m home, my love!”. He hung up his coat and set his bag down by the door, rubbing his neck as he made his way into the kitchen. With a wave of his hand, the candles came to life and he was surprised to see that he was greeted by Tara, sitting on the kitchen table, glaring at him.

“Mr. Dekarios! Have you any idea what time it is? The Mrs. waited for you as long as she could, the poor woman spent so long this afternoon cleaning the house and getting dinner ready for you.”

Gale looked around as he listened to Tara’s words and did notice that the tower was more organized and less dusty than he had previously left it this morning. He also noticed the bouquet sitting on the table next to Tara and a gift. He ran his fingers over the soft petals of the primrose and smiled as he saw his favorite flower, lavender, paired with your favorite flower, primrose, put together so beautifully.

“Thank you for taking care of her, Tara. I do truly appreciate it. I will be sure to show her my thanks, and apologies for returning home late, in the most appropriate way I can. Also, my dear Tara, please remember not to eat the lavender, it gives you the most terrible stomach aches.”

Tara gave Gale a low growl as she glared at him again, leaving for her spot on the couch with a harsh flick of her tail. Gale chuckled to himself as he reached for the gift that Tav also left for him, finding a note placed on the top.

Gale, I’m sorry I’m not there to greet you when you get home. It’s getting late and our bed is calling my name with its siren song. There’s a plate of dinner saved for you. I hope you like the flowers and the book. I think you’ll find some similarities between you and the fictional wizard. I love you and I’ll see you soon.

Unwrapping the book, Gale read the title and was immediately intrigued. He skimmed through a bit of the book before deciding it could wait til morning. He had the love of his life in his bed and he needed her.

Making his way up the stairs, he noticed more vases of flowers. The various bouquets adding fragrant pops of color all throughout the tower. Gale made his way to the bedroom and slowly opened the door. Slightly hoping you were still awake in bed, he peeked in, finding you sprawled out in bed, taking up as much space as your body would allow with a book laying open next to you. Admiring your sleeping form, Gale couldn’t help but thank the gods for you and him finding each other and falling in love. He didn’t know what to do without you and he didn’t want to go back to living without you.

Getting into his sleep clothes, he carefully got into bed, pushing your limbs back onto your side of the bed before pulling you into him for a cuddle. Gale was worried he had fully woken you up at first, as you had started to stir, but you sleepily pulled him in closer, placing a kiss on his chest where the orb was and went right back to sleep with a small smile on your face. Gale carded his hand through your hair as he kissed the top of your head, silently thanking you for everything you had done for him and saying I love you in every way he knew how.

#bg3 #gale dekarios #fanfic #gale of waterdeep #gale x tav #tara the tressym #your honor they are in love

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peachesofteal · 4 months

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Hi peach! Maybe I’m just missing something here, but I have read dead disco multiple times (and love it so much) and I don’t really understand where this take of “this throuple is unhealthy and the best ending would be if they all went their separate ways” came from. I’ve always read this as a very sweet and loving relationship with Johnny and Simon taking care of Darling when she can’t always take care of herself. They love her unconditionally and have done nothing but love and support her and do their best to be there for her. They’re not perfect, but nobody is and no relationship is either. I love some angst and drama as much as the next reader, but at its heart I always took this as a very precious relationship and story. I hope we get to see that again. (I know you won’t respond to this too specifically because spoilers, but, for what it’s worth, I just really wanted to put it out there and chime in with my two cents.) At the end of the day, of course it’s your story, but I just wanted you to know that there are people rooting for them all to make it through this and be stronger for it 🫶

Ayyy -

So, I completely hear you because Dead Disco is my own personal comfort fic and I've always held it so dearly in my heart. The way Simon and Johnny care for Darling, how they know her so well, anticipate her needs, understand what's going on in her head without her even having to tell them... ugh. I love them. You're right, they aren't perfect, no one is, but they all do try to the best of the abilities.

I think there are a fair amount of readers who worry that Darling is just not... capable of handling a throuple, and those perceptions are completely valid. It looks like it's not working out so great right now.

At the end of the day, this is a love story.

#peaches asks #dead disco #the-ashronaut

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vendetta-if · 4 months

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Ik this is by no means a new or original take, but I'd just like to say K. really is the perfect Luka/Jackal song and that that the vibes of reading One Autumn Morning and listening to it are immaculate, amazing work as always :)

Ayyy, glad you like the story and agree that the song fits Luka’s and Jackal’s relationship 🤭 I hope you and the others who read this ask won’t mind if I yap about song lyrics a bit in this post 😆

Anyway, it is actually pretty hard to find songs from my playlists that match their relationship other than “K.” by Cigarettes After Sex and “Backseat” by southstar. (If any of you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know).

But since then, I’ve found like a couple more that kind of fits for the story of their relationship and one of them is “Spectre” by Radiohead. While the vibe of the song might not be a perfect match, the lyrics actually fit quite perfectly 🥺

Also, with “K.” and “Backseat”, to me, the lyrics sound like the relationship seen from Luka’s perspective as he realized he fell in love. While for “Spectre”, the lyrics are more from Jackal’s perspective and how his problems and paranoia kind of get in the way of acknowledging his feelings for Luka.

I’m thinking of either making Jackal a separate playlist or just combine his and Luka’s so I can put in these songs 🤔

If you’re interested, here’s the song and the lyrics below:

Spectre - Radiohead

youtube

I'm lost, I'm a ghost Dispossessed, taken host My hunger burns a bullet hole A spectre of my mortal soul

These rumors and suspicion Anger is a poison

The only truth that I could see Is when you put your lips to me Futures tricked by the past Spectre, how he laughs

Fear puts a spell on us Always second-guessing love

My hunger burns a bullet hole A spectre of my mortal soul The only truth that I can see Spectre has come for me

#asks #anon ask #char: luka #char: jackal #music #if: vendetta #vendetta if #if vendetta #if game #if wip #dashingdon #choicescript #hosted games

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oddinary4bts · 1 year

Text

The Forgotten Spaces | ch 4 (jjk)

☆summary: you've been dancing on the same dance crew since your teenage years, and you finally have an important role in it. It feels like life is taunting you when your rival comes back after disappearing for a year, ready to tease you every chance he gets. Will the teasing turn into more, or are you going to take him down with you?

☆pairing: photographer and dancer!Jungkook x dancer!female reader

☆rating: 18+ (minors DNI, there will be mature content in later chapters)

☆genre: slow (SLOW) burn enemies to lovers, college!au, slice of life!au, angst (oop), smut and fluff

☆warnings: nausea, hangover, the park jimin effect, drinking, cursing? a time skip of a month

☆word count: 9.6k

☆a/n: why is posting making me anxious? fun fact, I'm posting from New York City this week! Went to the two first Agust D concerts ayyy

☆a/n pt2: always and forever thankful for @moonleeai and her dedicated work as my beta reader <3

☆series masterpost here

☆Read What Was Hidden here, the fic that inspired this whole story, written by @daechwitatamic, one of my fav human beings on this app <3 It follows the story of Jo and Taehyung before The Forgotten Spaces

☆☆☆☆☆

For this meeting of our end of the world

It's with you that I want to sing

On the threshold of the memories the dead of today

Them that breathe for us

The forgotten spaces

Je t'écris - Gaston Miron (rough translation by me)

☆☆☆☆☆

Saturday, May 19th

Jungkook feels sick. Sick of everything, but mostly sick because his hungover has kept him in bed all day. He doesn’t even know if he’ll be able to pull up for dance practice later. All he knows is that his room has been spinning whenever he wakes up from naps, and that he fucked up majestically last night.

He doesn’t quite remember everything he said. He just remembers you, in his room, and then you being gone, replaced by Jimin and Taehyung.

The only thing he knows is that you know. The text that’s been sitting on his phone all day is reminder enough.

[11:12 am] You: hey, i hope ur okay this morning.. if u ever wanna talk about last night, we can grab a coffee or smth😌

He doesn’t know what to say, so he hasn’t replied. Because he’s not okay at all, and he doesn’t want to talk about it. Especially not with you.

Especially not when he hasn’t been able to eat anything since the first time he woke up today. It’s nearing 4 pm now, and he technically needs to be at the studio in two hours. Hobi already said he’d pick him up, but he’s still far from being presentable right now.

Jungkook groans, hiding his face in his pillow. You come up in his mind, the look of horror on your face last night making everything spin around him twice as much as before. Whenever he closes his eyes, you’re there, and he almost hopes to go blind.

Though he’s pretty sure you’d find a way to haunt him even if he was blind.

Another groan escapes him, and he turns his head to the side as someone knocks on his door. “Uh?” he lets out, loud enough for whoever it is to hear.

He’s surprised to see it’s Yoongi as the man opens the door. “I made you soup,” Yoongi says, and sure enough he is carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of soup on top of it.

Jungkook expects the thought of eating to make him feel worse, but surprisingly enough, no nausea rises inside of him. Instead, he realizes his stomach feels dreadfully empty, so he forces himself to sit, wincing at the throbbing pain at his temples.

It’s almost enough to make him forget the pain in his leg.

“Did you take any painkillers?” Yoongi asks as he puts down the tray at the foot of the bed. “And have you drank any water?”

“Yes and yes,” Jungkook replies, voice raucous from disuse. “Pretty sure I could use some more painkillers though.”

Yoongi nods, watching his younger friend carefully. “Do you need me to go get you some?”

Jungkook slowly shakes his head no. “I need to get out of bed if I want to make it to dance practice.”

At that Yoongi laughs. “Good luck with that.”

Jungkook frowns, glaring at Yoongi. “I’m very capable, I’ll have you know.”

“Your room smells like someone died in here.”

Though he’s usually sensitive to smell, Jungkook’s hungover state keeps him from being able to tell if the room really does stink. “Tae and Jimin cleaned up.”

“Then you must be the dead body,” Yoongi says, in that deadpan kind of way of his. He shrugs his shoulders, before adding, “Anyway, just eat and then take a shower. I’m sure you’ll feel better.”

Jungkook nods and watches as Yoongi makes to move out of his room. Yoongi’s at the door when Jungkook says, “Hyung?” Yoongi turns around, a quizzical look on his features. “Thank you for the soup.”

A smile breaks out across Yoongi’s face. “Anytime.”

And then Yoongi leaves, shutting the door softly behind him, and Jungkook is left alone once again. He looks down at the soup, and he realizes he really is hungry. He pulls the tray closer to him, making sure the soup doesn’t spill over the rim of the bowl, before grabbing the spoon.

The first spoonful of soup has his eyes fluttering shut with delight. Yoongi’s always been an amazing cook, and he hasn’t disappointed today. It awakens Jungkook more than anything else could have, and he’s finished the bowl of soup so quickly he almost considers eating the tray.

He’s still famished, but at least he’s got something in his stomach now. It’s enough to get him to stand from his bed, and though everything wobbles for a few seconds, he’s able to start gathering what he’ll need for his trip to the shower.

The shower really helps make him feel human again, and he’s relieved. As he steps out and looks at himself in the mirror, eyes dipping to his scars, he feels ready to confront the whole world if need be. He won’t have to bail on dance practice after all.

He’s down in the kitchen, eating some reheated pizza from last night, when Hobi arrives. His older friend pats him on the back, before putting down a Gatorade in front of him.

“Thought you’d need this,” he says, before climbing on the stool next to Jungkook.

Jungkook chuckles, immediately uncapping the Gatorade to take a long swig. It’s the last thing he needed to feel as good as new, and he offers Hobi a wide grin as soon as he puts the bottle down.

“I sure did,” he says, and the two friends laugh.

One thing that doesn’t change though, is the heaviness in Jungkook’s heart. Because if you know, then it’s just a matter of time before the rest of the crew knows. He doesn’t think he’ll be able to deal with everyone pitying him at the same time.

Maybe then he’ll just have to dip again.

Jin comes into the kitchen, and he stops as he sees Jungkook and Hobi at the counter. Valeria trails behind him, and Jungkook is struck dumb once more.

He never thought Jin would be able to pull the girl. He’s still surprised that she does exist, and whenever he’s alone with Jin he makes it a priority to remind his older friend.

“Sup’ losers,” Jin says as he starts moving again, heading towards the fridge to store the bottle of rosé wine he’s holding. “Surprised you were able to get out of bed.”

He says that over his shoulder looking right at Jungkook, who rolls his eyes. “I’m not a senior citizen like you, I’ve still got youth on my side.”

“Listen you little shit,” Jin bursts out, and Valeria starts laughing. It has the effect of a calming shower on Jin, who only glares at Jungkook. “You’re lucky the lady is here. Otherwise you’d be dead.”

“If you’d be able to catch me, that is.”

Jin looks towards Hobi.

“Don’t ask me for help,” Hobi says, raising his hands in defense. “You’re all alone on this.”

Jin’s head turns towards his girlfriend next. She’s shy, and Jungkook has never really talked to her before. So when he and Hobi look at her too, she blushes, before shrugging.

Jin lets out a childish whine, before saying, “Alright then, I’m old.”

“We like you like that.” Valeria is the one that speaks, and Jungkook chokes on a laugh as he turns back towards Jin.

“You heard her.”

Jin is fake-glaring at his girlfriend, but then his features soften. “Yeah, but at least she’s pretty.” And just like that he moves out of the kitchen, pulling Valeria behind him.

“I’ve been told I’m pretty too,” Jungkook yells behind Jin, and Hobi laughs next to him. “He’s so whipped,” Jungkook says after a few seconds, just to make sure Jin is out of earshot. His comment makes him think about another couple that’s starting to form, and he turns to look at Hobi. “And you? What’s up with Jiho?”

Hobi chokes, flushing fully red, up to the top of his ears. “What do you mean?”

Jungkook raises his eyebrows as he tries to hold in the shit-eating smirk that wants to form on his lips. “What do I mean? Why did you invite her yesterday?”

“I –” Hobi says. “I just thought it’d be fun to hang with the crew…”

“The crew?” The smirk has won now, and it breaks across Jungkook’s lips.

“Well, you know, just like…” Hobi falls silent, before letting out a strangled laugh. “I honestly didn’t see it coming.”

It’s cute, and Jungkook’s smirk turns into a softer smile. “To be honest, me neither.”

“She’s got balls though,” Hobi says, laughing lightly this time. “She’s the one who suggested we should go on a date, after dance practice last week.”

All that Jungkook remembers of that night is that he walked with you after. The rest is a blur of anxiety and his leg hurting. But he’s not surprised that Jiho’s got balls: she has to be your closest friend for a reason.

“You said yes, I hope,” Jungkook says.

Hobi slowly nods. “Yeah. But I invited her yesterday because of that too. And we’re going to a restaurant she suggested tomorrow.”

Jungkook doesn’t have to fake the happiness that takes over him right now. He’s happy for his friend, he really is. For his friends, plural. Because Taehyung, Jin, Yoongi and now Hobi… They’re all happy. They all have met someone, someone to care for them where no one else can. Strangely, it’s something Jungkook doesn’t really want for himself right now, maybe because he’s too stuck in the past.

Too stuck trying to heal from the crash, knowing some parts won’t ever heal and refusing to give up the fight for now.

It brings him back to you. To last night, and to whatever he said. He wishes he could remember the words, just to know how bad he fucked up, but he doesn’t. He won’t remember, and he won’t ask you.

He won’t take you up on your offer for coffee. He knows pity when he sees it, and he abhors it. Especially when it comes from you.

Instead, he focuses on Hobi, on the smile that lights up his friend’s face as he tells him about Jiho, about how they’ve been texting almost constantly. It’s all Hobi talks about on the ride to the studio, as he mentions stuff Jiho told him.

Stuff she told him about her when she was younger, but also about you. About how you’ve been friends since the first day of kindergarten, when someone pulled her braids and laughed at her and you punched them in the face.

He’s not surprised child you would punch someone that deserved it in the face. He’s pretty sure adult you would do it too.

Hobi parks his car next to the studio, and they are getting out of the vehicle when Jungkook notices you walking, hands buried in yet another oversized sweater. You’re wearing yoga pants underneath, and your hair is pulled up in a high ponytail. You catch his gaze a few seconds after he notices you, and he’s about to smile at you when you just look away, walking in the building without once glancing back.

What the fuck?

Jungkook frowns, especially as Hobi says, “What happened with Y/n last night?”

For some reason, Jungkook immediately grows defensive. He shrugs, a little vehemently before starting to walk towards the door. “Nothing happened. Just let it slip that I got into a car crash.”

“So she knows?” Hobi asks.

Another shrug of Jungkook’s shoulders. He buries his hands in the pockets of his black sweatpants, just to hide the way he’s clenching his fists even though he’s trying to stay calm. “Yeah. So everyone will know.”

“I don’t think so,” Hobi says, and Jungkook glances at him, brows knit together. “I mean, she’s good at keeping secrets.”

“She’s probably already told Jiho,” Jungkook points out as they reach the door. He doesn’t see you on the other side, and that’s the only reason why he opens it.

“Well, Jiho didn’t say anything about you, if that can reassure you.”

Hobi has felt the switch in his mood, hasn’t he? Because his voice is careful, as if he’s afraid to spook him.

“I don’t care,” Jungkook lies. Because he really does care. He doesn’t want everyone to know. Because it makes it too real, and for now he still can pretend it hasn’t happened.

He wishes for it to stay that way.

Hobi doesn’t push him more, and a tense silence moves between them. Jungkook wishes he could go back to his previous good mood about his friends’ happiness, but he’s back where he was last night. Somewhere in the dark of his own mind.

Not a good place to hang, if he’s honest.

He already knows he’s going to see you when he reaches the studio. Somehow, it still makes his heart constrict in his chest, that same way it did last night. As if someone is clenching their fist around it, and it makes it harder to breathe. He shrugs it off, taking a deep breath to calm down, before looking around.

Everyone but Heather is already here. And no one is looking at him, no one seems surprised or seems to be pitying him. You don’t even act like you noticed him entering – you take off your sweater, dropping it in a corner of the room with your phone and your keys. He hates it, but his eyes follow the curves of your body, and he wants to curse you for only wearing a sports bra.

Your body is lean, the results of dancing for most of your life with a mother that used to be a ballerina. Jungkook is pretty sure she’s controlled everything you ate growing up, and drilled it so hard into your head that you can’t stand bad food now. He remembers, when you were younger and someone brought cake to practice to celebrate a birthday, you always barely took a bite before saying you were full. You claimed you didn’t like cake, but he always noticed the way you eyed it while everyone else ate.

He used to make fun of you for it, and today he knows he was an asshole. All he can hope is that your relationship with food is better now. And it looks like it is – you’re not as thin as you were before. You look healthy, and your skin and hair are glowing.

It takes him a few good seconds to realize he’s staring, as if something about you has changed. And he doesn’t know what changed, just knows that he feels struck.

You notice him staring, and you furrow your brows. “What are you looking at?”

It’s said aggressively. As if you’re angry. He only then realizes that you might be, and maybe that’s why you ignored him outside. He can’t for the life of himself figure out why you’d be angry – did he say something yesterday?

“Nothing,” he replies, and he looks away as his heart beats out of his chest.

You act like that for the whole of practice. For all the pity looks Heather throws his way, you send twice as many glares. It feels like last night never happened, and maybe it didn’t. Maybe it was just a nightmare, and he never told you everything.

He knows you know though, because whenever he puts too much weight on his leg as he demonstrates the movements he has in mind, you clench your jaw. A muscle feathers under your skin, and then you look away. Shame passes on your features, and then it’s gone to be replaced with a scowl.

He’s getting tired of it by the end of practice, so he pulls you aside to talk. Jiho stubbornly stays next to you, until Hobi walks up to her and asks if he can talk to her, probably sensing that Jungkook needs some time alone with you.

You both glare at each other while the others filter out, wishing you good night. Jungkook hears Scottie teasing Lance about meeting up with a girl, and the last thing he hears is Lance telling him to fuck off before everyone is finally out.

It takes almost twenty seconds before you blink and say, “What do you want?”

“What’s wrong with you?” he asks, folding his arms on his chest as he cocks an eyebrow.

You scoff. “With me? Nothing. What’s wrong with you?”

Do you know or do you not? He’s a little confused as you just look at him, clearly expecting an answer. He’s dumbfounded – the last thing he expected from telling you everything was you being furious at him.

“Did I do something wrong?” he asks.

It’s just a back and forth of questions at this point, with no visible answers in the distance. Indeed, you just say, “Do you think you did something wrong?”

It’s absurd, and it makes him laugh. Which, he reckons, might be taken as insulting. And of course you take it the bad way, because how else would you take it?

“You’re so fucking oblivious,” you grumble.

He’s still laughing. He wants to stop, but for some reason he cannot.

“What’s so funny?” you enquire, and your cheeks are turning red.

“Just,” he starts, “I don’t know. The last thing I expected from last night was you getting angry at me.”

You roll your eyes. “If you were looking for pity you won’t get any from me.”

That’s the thing. He doesn’t want any pity from you. And you saying so makes something warm blossom in his chest, and it sobers him up. His face falls serious, and he holds your gaze long enough that you raise your eyebrows in question.

“Thank you,” he says.

You scoff. “You’re fucking weird, Jeon.”

He shrugs. “That’s why you like me, uh?”

Your eyes widen, and you look so appalled he just starts laughing again. “Quite the opposite actually,” you say even though he’s laughing. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I don’t know,” he repeats. “I’m just relieved you haven’t changed.”

He really is. You have no idea how much.

“Okay?” you let out, and it sounds like a question. You scoff again, before adding, “Why didn’t you reply to my text?”

Oh, so this is what it’s about. You’re upset because he ignored your text. It feels absurd and stupid and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, so Jungkook just smiles and shrugs. “I genuinely don’t really want to talk about last night. I’m all okay today.”

And he does think he is, now that he’s talking to you.

You remain silent for a while, pulling at some dry skin on your bottom lip. You then brush a strand of hair that’s fallen from your ponytail behind your ear, nodding your head. “Understood. Won’t be nice to you again.”

“Oh please,” Jungkook teases. “You can’t resist it.”

He’s happy. The more he talks to you, the happier he is. He feels like he’s floating, and he wishes you’d both stay right then and there, in the studio, until the end of time.

He hasn’t felt so light in forever.

“Oh, I can, Jeon.” You fold your arms on your chest, imitating his posture. “Watch me.”

But there’s a teasing glint in your eyes, probably awakened by his own teasing demeanour.

“I’m sorry I didn’t reply to your text,” he apologizes, because he feels like he needs to clear the air with you. He doesn’t want you to be upset with him anymore. “I genuinely didn’t know what to say, and I figured I was going to see you tonight anyway.”

You look away for the first time in the conversation. Your eyes move down, and he’s pretty sure you’re looking at the scar on his stomach. It makes it itch, and if he weren’t with you, he’d scratch it. But he resists, offering you a tight-lipped smile as you look up at his eyes again.

“Well, forget I suggested coffee then,” you say. You wink at him. “I’ll start being a bitch again now.”

“Please do.”

You look startled. “You want me to be a bitch?”

He laughs, scratching the nape of his neck. “No.” He scrunches up his nose, thinking really hard about what he wants to say. Only he doesn’t know what to say. He feels like he’s never talked to you before in his whole life. He can barely remember breaking down in front of you not even twenty-four hours ago. “Yes? Just be your same usual self.”

“Noted,” you say, nodding your head forcefully.

It’s cute, and it makes your ponytail swing behind you. He has half a thought to reach and pull on it, just to annoy you, but he resists.

Instead, he looks around, before resuming his attention on you. “Just, one thing.”

You hold his gaze, cocking an eyebrow in question as you purse your lips. “Mmh?”

“Please don’t tell the others,” he says. It’s a little more serious than he was just a second ago, but he feels like it’s needed to get the point across. “I’d prefer if they didn’t know.”

The corners of your lips stretch into a small, soft smile. “I didn’t plan on telling anyone. I figured you’re the one that should tell them if you want to.” You glance towards the door, and you’re not watching him when you add, “I think Bridget told Heather though. And I don’t know if Heather will remain silent”.

He doesn’t care if Heather tells the others. He just doesn’t want you to do it. It makes no sense, but at the same time it makes all the sense in the world to him.

“Yeah, I think she knows too.” He pulls at his piercing, letting out a small sigh. “I’ll talk to her.”

You nod, and the room falls silent. He wishes he had more to tell you, but it seems you’ve run out of conversation topics, because you eventually wet your lips and say, “Well, I guess I’ll be going home now”. And then you laugh, shaking your head. “I was supposed to leave with Jiho, but I’m pretty sure she’s gone with Hobi.”

“Hobi talked about her for like an hour before we got here,” Jungkook admits, relieved that you provided a topic. “They’re going on a date tomorrow.”

You smile, widely, and he reckons you’re like him. Your friends’ happiness makes you happy, and happiness truly looks good on you. It makes your eyes sparkle, and you look like a kid who’s just received the perfect gift on Christmas morning.

“I know!” you yelp, taking him by surprise when you even clap your hands. “They’re going to the restaurant I suggested.”

There’s something warm in Jungkook’s chest. It just becomes stronger and stronger the more he looks at you, and it makes him feel wary. Enough so that he looks away and tries to tame it down.

“I hope everything will work out for them,” he says, and he scrapes his throat because the warmth is choking him up now.

“I’m sure it will”, you reply, confidently. “Jiho has been into him for like three years now.”

Jungkook feels bad for her, because three years ago Hobi was still with his ex. But it seems patience makes miracles, because she’s getting a date with Hobi now, isn’t she?

It makes Jungkook realize that sometimes, the right person for someone might have been around all along. They’ve just been blind to it. Now, that’s a thought that makes him want to get out of this room. To flee this cloud before it breaks, and he meets your gaze.

You’re watching him already, with a wistful look on your features. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

He hates it. Hates everything that your little sentence makes him feel, so he just nods his head, before saying, “It’s getting late, I should hurry if I want to catch the bus”.

Your eyes widen. “I’ll order you a Lyft, come on.”

“No!” he refuses. “It’s all good.”

“But it’s late,” you insist, and you bend down to grab your phone on your sweater.

It offers Jungkook a straight view to your cleavage, and he freezes, right as pink dusts his cheeks. “I swear,” he reassures you, adding your name before continuing, “I’d rather take the bus. But thank you for the offer.”

You fake-glare at him. “Right, I’m supposed to be a bitch anyway.” You fold your arms on your chest, cocking an eyebrow arrogantly, and you look just like you’ve always looked when you say, “What the fuck are you still doing here? You’re wasting my oxygen.”

It makes the both of you laugh, and Jungkook just shakes his head. “Please, I know you love looking at me.”

You look offended, somehow, and you scoff. “I’d rather gouge my eyeballs out of my head instead of having to look at you for a second longer.”

“Ouch, that was rough.”

“You deserved it.” You shrug your shoulders, before motioning at the door in a swooshing motion. “Now, go lick your wounds somewhere else.”

“Aren’t you leaving too?”

You glare at him now, and you’re so good at it he almost thinks you’re angry. “Why, do you want to walk me home?”

His mouth falls open. Would you let him walk you home? For some reason, he’s pretty sure you’ll punch him if he even suggests it. So instead, he chooses to say, “And suffer the whole way? Nah, I’m good.”

It’s a low-key mention of his injury. You immediately catch on to it, and Jungkook hates the look that takes over your features. He thought that you didn’t have pity for him in you, but it seems you do. You do and it feels like the fist around his heart is back, and the air burns a little.

You seem like you want to say something, but he’s quicker than you.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“Jungkook.”

“No, I’m serious, don’t you fucking look at me like that.”

And just like that the light atmosphere shifted back into darkness.

You scoff, shaking your head. “And here I was starting to think that you’re a decent guy. Never mind, Jeon.” You scoff once more, and the corners of your mouth are pulled down in a look of pure disgust. “I’m going home.”

He lets you go. He doesn’t even look at you as you pick up your stuff and leave, not once glancing back.

No matter how enjoyable this interlude in your usual relationship was, Jungkook prefers the usual hate. It’s safer, more comfortable, and a habit that protects him from the vulnerability.

Why then is he staring at your text two hours later in his bed at home, unable to fall asleep, wishing he didn’t say what he did?

In all truth, he knows why, he just doesn’t want to formulate the thought. Doesn’t want to give it the power to exist in the confines of his brain. So he ignores it, shoves the warmth in his chest so far down in the hole occupied by his lost dream that he can’t really feel it anymore.

Only then does he feel safe again, but he still can’t fall asleep.

He hopes you’re not struggling with insomnia as much as he is.

Thursday, June 28th

The auditions for nationals are in a week. Seven days, and you’re still not sure you’ve mastered the choreography well. You’re anxious – have been for weeks now – and all you want is to lie down on the floor until everything is over.

Which, coincidentally, is what Lance has been doing for the last fifteen minutes, claiming he needed a break from Jungkook. Because Jungkook is worse than Hobi, making you repeat the choreography for stupid unnecessary things like Jiho’s hair was in her face or Scottie’s shirt rode too high while he was doing a certain move.

In May, when you learned about what happened to Jungkook, you had a few days of feeling bad for him. Wishing you didn’t get in a fight with him during that dance practice, wishing your relationship with him wasn’t just hateful.

It feels like there’s been too much history between you for it to ever change. Because you saw a glimpse of something else, for a few minutes that night. Jungkook was more open, calmer, and his expressions were set in a softer look. It was easier to be around him, more enjoyable, and you wished for a fleeting moment that it could last.

Alas, it only lasted a few minutes before he moved back to the harsh look he reserved for you, only because he assumed you were pitying him. Which, maybe you were. You don’t know. It’s hard to tell when you haven’t been through what he has, and when you can tell he suffers.

But you’re not sure if it’s pity or concern. You don’t think he can tell the difference either.

“Lance,” you grumble as you finish the choreography, heart beating out of your chest. “Get the fuck up we need you.”

Lance mumbles something incoherent, before turning his head away from where you’re glaring at him. It makes you look up to catch Jungkook’s gaze, and he immediately looks away the moment your eyes meet. He’s been doing that a lot now too. Where he used to glare at you or smirk insufferably, Jungkook just ignores you.

You don’t think you like it. But you’ve gotten used to it over the course of the last few weeks, so you just roll along with it now.

You’ve kept his secret safe. You thought it would be hard, especially to hide it from Jiho, but after a few days it just became normal. Jiho has more to tell you about Hobi anyway.

Because they’ve found time to go on dates every week since then. Sweet dates, with him picking her up and bringing her flowers and doing things that he knows make her happy. Even at dance practice, everyone can see how they are sickly into each other. You’re happy for Jiho, you really are, but it’s starting to feel a little lonely.

At least you’ve got Jo and the other girls now too. You’ve met the mysterious Kiko now – a sweet girl with the voice of an angel – and your girl’s nights with Jiho have turned into Thirsty Thursdays. You haven’t understood the meaning of the Thirsty yet, considering all of them are dating now, but you just roll along with it.

It’s led to fun nights, and that really is the only thing that matters, right?

Tonight makes no exception. Jiho, Heather and you have dance practice until 10 pm, and then you’re supposed to meet with the girls at a bar on their side of town. Which means you’re already dressed up, though you put on a sports skirt to avoid showing off your ass to the rest of the boys. Not that it would matter – Scottie is not interested in women at all, Lance only has eyes for Chaeyeon now, Hobi is way too respectful for that and Jungkook doesn’t even look at you anymore.

You scoff, glancing away from Jungkook to settle your gaze back on Lance. “Get up,” you repeat, before walking over to him to kick him in the ribs. “Or I’ll tell Chaeyeon how much of a loser you are.”

He fakes offence. “Me, a loser? Nah, we’re going to win this shit.”

The sudden confidence is a boost to everyone’s mood, and soon enough you’re back to dancing, with a much-needed vigor. It’s enough that Jungkook lets you go after you’ve done the choreographies two times more, telling everyone they did a good job.

“Same time Saturday,” he says.

You think you notice him looking at you in the mirror, but as soon as you turn your head in that direction he’s already glanced away, focusing himself on typing something on his phone.

“We know,” Lance says jokingly, before punching Jungkook in the shoulder.

Jungkook snickers, and he deadpans, “You were two hours late last week because you were too busy with your girlfriend”.

“Can’t blame me,” Lance says, shrugging his shoulders. “Chae comes first, the rest of you can suck it up.” It’s cute and endearing, and your heart feels warm as Lance glances your way. You have no idea what brings him to think of that, but he scans the whole room before suggesting, “We should rent a cottage. After the auditions. We should all get shitfaced for three days straight.”

Hobi laughs from where he’s standing next to Jiho. “Scottie is too young for that.”

“Hey, I’m twenty-two!” Scottie exclaims. “I can get shitfaced.”

“You’re a baby,” Heather puts in. “Just accept it. I refuse to acknowledge the fact you are major now.”

Scottie rolls his eyes, placing a sassy fist on his hip. “Then sucks to be you because I am, and I’m going to get shitfaced with Lance. Right?”

Lance has a large grin on his lips. “Damn fucking right.”

“As long as we get a cottage with a hot tub I’m in,” Jiho says innocently. Hobi cocks an eyebrow as he looks at her, as if he didn’t just say Scottie can’t go. “What?” Jiho adds, shrugging her shoulders. “A cottage weekend does sound like fun.”

It does. It really does. You haven’t gone to the countryside in years now, and you can already picture a cute, picturesque cottage on the side of a lake, with a long quay you can lie on and stargaze. The cottage has a fireplace, a circle of rock in the middle of which flames burn at night until they turn to embers and you roast marshmallows on it. You can almost feel the warmth of the hot tub, and the laughter of friends seems to almost overtake your ears…

Yeah, you’re due for a trip out of the city.

“I want marshmallows,” you say, sighing dreamily. “I haven’t had marshmallows since like…”

“Since the camping trip when we were thirteen? When Jisung got shit on by that seagull?”

You burst out laughing at the same time as Jiho does, right as the memory comes back to you. It had been a fun camping trip, with Jiho’s parents renting a camper. They had invited you along on their trip, and you had gone to the beach with them.

Good memories indeed.

Your laughter recedes, and you notice everyone is looking at you. Even Jungkook. His eyes are a little widened, as if he’s surprised, and there’s a light flush on his cheeks when he looks away.

It’s the strangest sight to see, and you’re unable to shake the feeling away while you get ready with Jiho later to rush to the bar where Jo and the others are already waiting for you. Jiho notices your unease as she applies your eyeliner.

“What’s up with you?”

“Nothing,” you immediately say, way too fast for it to sound casual.

She just cocks an eyebrow and keeps applying the makeup. At least she has the decency to ignore the blush that creeps on your cheeks.

“It’s just…” you sigh, and turn your head when she starts to work on your second eye. “I don’t know.”

“Jungkook?”

You want to kill her for knowing you so well, so you remain silent, choosing peace over violence.

“I’m going to say something right now that might make you want to kill me,” Jiho says, lips pursed.

“I would advise not saying it,” you mumble and she playfully pats your cheek.

“Don’t move.” You pout, but obey nonetheless. She continues working in silence for a time, before saying, “I know about the accident”.

Your heart stops in your chest, and you’re pretty sure all colours have drained out of your features. You still try to play it cool, saying, “What accident?”

“February last year? Jungkook got injured, then ghosted us. Ring a bell?”

You can’t really pretend you don’t know what she’s talking about, can you? “How do you know?”

“Hobi told me,” she admits. “He made me promise to never talk about it, but he mentioned you knew already.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t blame you for not telling me,” she reassures you, having sensed your discomfort. “Actually, it tells a lot about your relationship with JK that you respected his decision.”

You scoff as she pulls the eyeliner away from your face, putting it down on her vanity to grab her La Neige lip tint. “My relationship with Jungkook? We’re not even friends.”

“Why though?”

It’s a good question that just pisses you off further. “Because he’s a dick. He told me about the accident and got angry at me for looking concerned and then he started ignoring me.” You chuckle bitterly. “It’s not like I’m going to try and make him talk to me. I don’t give a shit about him.”

Jiho is silent for a long time. Far too long for it to be normal. Like she doesn’t believe you at all and is waiting for you to realize. You’re just as stubborn, so you don’t say anything as she puts the lip tint on her pretty lips.

It makes for an awkward two minutes, but she’s the one that breaks first. “You don’t believe that.”

You furrow your brows. “Why the fuck would you say that?”

She laughs. Not in a mean way, probably just because your cheeks are burning and she believes she can read you like the back of her hand. “Because you don’t believe that.”

You fold your arms on your chest, sitting back in the chair she’s forced you to sit in while she did your eyeliner. You remain silent once again, clenching your jaw as you choose not to get upset. You’re not sure it works, and Jiho just playfully punches you on the shoulder.

“Calm down, babe,” she says. “He’s changed.”

“He’s still an ass with me,” you point out. “He’s changed with the rest of you guys, but he’s even worse with me. He’s been completely ignoring me for weeks.”

“Because he’s scared of what you think about him.”

“He doesn’t give a shit about what I think of him? He’s made that clear enough.” Jiho goes back to her infuriating silence. And you don’t want the conversation to keep going in that direction, so you ask, “How has it been going with Hobi anyway?”

She flushes red as she always does whenever Hobi is mentioned. “Do not think this conversation is over,” she says, threatening you with the lip tint bottle. “But it’s been…” She chuckles. “It’s been great. I think we’re pretty much official now.”

It’s disgustingly cute. It makes you think of Lance and Chaeyeon, of Heather and Bridget, Jo and Taehyung and Kiko and Yoongi…

It makes you feel lonely, like Lance did earlier. It’s a feeling you’ve grown accustomed to growing up, so it’s easy to let it slide over you instead of letting it fester inside.

“Look at you,” you say teasingly. “Who knew you’d pull your lifelong crush?”

“Lifelong?” she snickers. “I’ve had a crush on him for like two years.”

You throw a no-bullshit look her way.

“Okay maybe three…”

It makes you both laugh, and it diffuses the situation that was escalating just a moment ago. You’re relieved, because you’re pretty sure if she mentioned Jungkook just once more you would have blown up in her face.

You take shots downstairs with Jisung and Felix before going, and you giggle in the Lyft on the way to the bar the other girls chose. As per usual, you’re the two last to get there – fashionably late is the way to go, right?

It takes you way too long to realize girl’s night will in fact not be girl’s night. Yoongi is the first you notice, maybe because he’s looking at the exit when you walk in, as if he’s just waiting for the right time to bail. He nods as he sees you, and Kiko turns. She smiles her shy smile, the one that doesn’t show her teeth, and she nods as well, almost a copycat of her boyfriend.

Then it’s like a domino effect, and everyone turns to look at you. Nine pairs of eyes, all on you: Jin, Valeria, Taehyung, Jo, Bridget, Heather, Kiko, Yoongi and Jimin. The latter offers you a secretive smile.

You might have been texting him a little. Nothing serious, but he does appear in your dms once in a while, replying to a story you posted. You always decided to ignore him, only liking his replies, but tonight there’s something in the way Park Jimin is looking at you, sitting there, that makes something warm trickle down your spine.

Maybe because of your conversation with Jiho. It’s hard to tell, and your best friend pulls you towards the rest of the group before you can figure it out. The feeling only increases tenfold when you stop next to the table, and Jimin gets up to greet you, quickly followed by the others.

You hug everyone, and Jo holds you a second longer. “Sorry for inviting the rest, Tae begged and I figured…” You pull away from the hug, and she does have a sheepish look on her features. “Thirsty Thursday doesn’t mean no men?”

You laugh at that comment, shrugging your shoulders. “It’s fine, don’t worry.”

And really, you don’t mind. You like hanging out with them all. You’re relieved they didn’t think to invite Jungkook though, because one thing you’ve figured is that, where Jimin goes Jungkook usually follows.

The night starts off with talking and a few drinks with the group, until you find yourself intoxicated more than you have initially planned to. It doesn’t really matter – you have a day off tomorrow at the internship. Indeed, it only goes from Monday to Thursday, since the lawyer you follow takes the day off on Fridays for the whole of summer.

So you drink, and when they clear a spot for the dancefloor, you let Jiho pull you to it. Let her dance with you, like you usually do when you’re trying to get a guy’s attention. You reckon she’s drunker than you – she’s a giggly mess and she keeps stepping on your feet, which she never usually does. It’s fun, and you feel some anxiety peel away from your skin as if you’re an onion and someone’s about to cut you up to pieces.

You do feel like somebody is about to cut you up to pieces when Jimin moves closer to you, and the smirk on his lips sets something on fire inside of you. Or maybe it’s the alcohol. It doesn’t matter because you pull away from Jiho to move closer to him, almost instinctively.

It’s like he fits like a glove. You face him, throwing your arms around his neck to pull him into the dance as his hands find your waist. One of them slips to your back, and he presses you against him as you move to the music, the rhythm a sensual dance between the two of you.

“Hello, you,” he purrs, and you look up at him.

“Hello,” you reply in the same tone, and he makes you spin until your back is facing him. He’s impossibly close and as his hands guide your hips, your eyes trail up.

You entirely stop moving when your gaze meets Jungkook. He’s standing near the door, clad in different clothes than earlier today, but in that same black shade he seems to adore. He also has a chain, with large links that give a rougher vibe to him.

The look on his features is rough too, especially as Jimin leans to speak into your ear. “I thought you might want to piss him off.”

You chuckle, turning your head to gaze at the man behind you over your shoulder. It brings your face way too close to his, and you have to resist the lava in your blood that makes you want to close the gap.

It’s the self-destructive kind of magma, and you don’t feel like indulging in it. Instead, you purr, “Why do you think I’d want to piss him off?”

Jimin chuckles, and you turn your head away from him because damn him, his lips really are inviting. “He’s been a little shit at home. I assume he’s been that way with you too.”

You laugh, and it’s bitter, angry. It surprises even you. “He’s been ignoring me.” You turn in Jimin’s arms, until you’re facing him. You keep your head hung low, enough so that he can’t lean down and press his lips against yours. Jimin is a gentleman though, you know he’d never kiss you without asking for consent first.

“Explains why he’s been a little shit then,” he says matter-of-factly. He straightens a little, putting a comfortable distance between your faces.

“And you think this little show is going to piss him off?”

He smirks, tilting his head to the side. All the while he’s been making you move to the music, and you know to outside gazes you look like you’re flirting. Can planning to piss Jeon Jungkook off count as flirting?

“Oh, I know it will,” Jimin says, shrugging his shoulders. “Jungkook wears his emotions on his face.”

Maybe he does. Around you, his emotion is usually mostly contempt, so you don’t really know.

“What do you gain from pissing him off?” you ask, and you genuinely wonder. What is Jimin trying to do?

“Nothing,” he admits. He purses his lips, before offering you yet another dashing smile. “Mostly I just want to see what he’ll do.”

Jimin pulls you a little closer, and his forehead presses against yours.

“What are you doing?” you murmur, as your heart beats like a hammer against your ribcage. Hell, even if you’re not really into Jimin like that, he’s Park Jimin. You don’t think anyone in their right mind could stay indifferent to him.

“He’s looking right now,” he replies. He chuckles, before saying, “Now, let me tell you what you’re going to do”. His lips move so close to you it feels as if your brain is short-circuiting in your head. “You’re going to act as if I’ve just offended you, and you go to the bathroom.”

“Why?”

“He’ll follow, and maybe he’ll finally…”

Jimin never finishes his sentence. Someone bumps into you, and it breaks the contact between you and him. Instead of pulling you back in, Jimin motions towards the bathroom, offering you an encouraging smile. You’re stunned for a moment, and you hope it does the trick. You hope you really do look offended, because in truth, you were enjoying Jimin’s proximity.

You don’t like that you were. It feels like you shouldn’t be enjoying his proximity at all. He’s not even really your friend anyway.

You don’t have a choice but to follow his advice though, and you turn around, beelining straight to the bathroom. You make your way through the crowd, scrunching up your nose in disgust at the sweaty guy your hand accidentally touched, and a few seconds later you finally find the line to the bathroom.

It’s a unisex bathroom, with three stalls that are currently all occupied. There’s a guy in front of you, and you glare at him as he smiles at you. He frowns, but it works and he turns back around. A stall frees up a little under a minute later, and you’re mindlessly watching a girl washing her hands when a large hand finds the small of your back.

You startle, and you turn around fully ready to knock some sense into whoever it is, until you see it’s Jungkook.

You freeze for a few seconds, and then let out a laugh as you realize whatever Jimin was doing worked.

“You and Jimin, uh,” Jungkook says bitterly, and his hand clenches into a fist where it falls at his side.

You cock your head to the side. “So you’re talking to me now?”

He plays with his piercing in silence, before scoffing. “I was never not talking to you.” You widen your eyes and let out a disbelieved laugh as you fold your arms on your chest. “I’m serious,” he adds. “I just…”

“Don’t even try to explain, Jeon, save your oxygen.”

He’s frowning now, and you reckon he probably has the same expression on his features that you have on yours. “I thought you said you weren’t going to flirt with Jimin.”

“That was over a month ago,” you point out. “People change, unless you haven’t noticed.”

“Oh, I know,” he says, chuckling bitterly. “But Jimin? There are dozens of guys in this bar, can’t you just choose someone else to fuck?”

You’re starting to see red. You feel it in the tremble that starts deep down in your core, before taking over the whole of your body. “I’m not going to fuck Jimin. He’s just a friend.”

“You dance with all of your friends like that?”

You turn away from him, hoping one of the stalls will be free now, but you’re in no luck. He grabs your arm, forcing you to turn back around. Your eyes drop to his hand on your arm. His fingers are gentle, way gentler than his features. “Fucking let go of me,” you snap. “I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t know what part of getting into an accident made you want to act like you’re just a fucking victim of everything around you but my life has nothing to do with yours. Why do you fucking care?”

He looks stunned. “I… What?”

His confusion douses your fury, and you furrow your brows. “What do you mean, what?”

“I don’t care.”

You don’t know who he is trying to convince right now. And you don’t feel like getting to the bottom of it with him. In fact, you really don’t like the look on his face, and you just want to put distance between you and him. So you roll your eyes, before saying, “Alright then, leave me alone, Jeon. I won’t dance with Jimin again.”

He doesn’t even look happy or relieved that you’re saying that. Instead, his features fall a little, moving from a frown to a sad expression that makes something stir in your chest. “I… If you want to get with Jimin, you can.”

Now, you really are confused. “You come here to be a little bitch about this all and now you’re saying it’s fine?”

He pulls at his piercing, and his eyes flicker to the man that walks past you, indicating that a stall must be free now. “Yeah. If that’s what you want, who am I to tell you not to do it?”

You don’t know. You have no idea how the conversation managed to take this turn, so you wet your lips, cocking an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I…” he trails off, shrugging his shoulders. “I was being a dick. You’re right, I should stop acting like I’m a fucking victim.”

Now, your heart really does ache in your chest. Because what you said was inconsiderate, and you don’t even really mean it. Not the way that he interpreted it though, that’s for sure.

“Jungkook…”

“No, it’s really okay,” he says. He still looks sad, but he offers you a tight-lipped smile. “I’m sorry.”

Just like that he’s walking away, and why are you following him? You stop him by grabbing his arm, just like he did to you a moment ago. You hold on to him longer than he did to you, because his skin is warm under your fingers. His tattoos didn’t take away the softness of his skin, and you don’t really want to let him go. Not just yet.

“I didn’t mean it.” You look him in the eyes as he turns just enough so that his gaze can meet yours. “I got angry.”

“No but you’re right,” he insists. “I don’t know what I’m doing, I don’t know why I don’t like you talking to Jimin. You can do whatever you want.”

You let his arm go, albeit reluctantly. “If it can reassure you, I am not interested in Jimin like that. Like yes, he’s attractive, but I’m not really looking for a relationship right now.”

At that Jungkook laughs. It’s somehow melancholic, and you reckon you’ve brought his demons to the forefront of his mind tonight. “Jimin-hyung doesn’t do relationships, you’re in luck.”

“No,” you grumble, and you shut your eyes, as if you have to explain something to a thick-headed five years old. “I’m really not interested in Jimin. Like at all.” Your eyelids flutter open, and you catch the movement of Jungkook’s eyes as they snap away from you.

“Okay,” he lets out flatly. “I’m sorry I ruined it.”

He looks genuine. You’d be angry at him if he didn’t really look as genuine as he does right now.

“Nothing’s ruined, I promise,” you reassure him and you offer him a small smile. “I was tired of dancing anyway.”

The word ‘dancing’ has his gaze trail to the dancefloor, and he bites at his piercing before glancing back at you. “Oh.”

You realize this is awkward. Because what you said really seems to have upset Jungkook. And you can’t really blame him, it was low. The only thing is, you’re not close enough to him to make him understand. So all you can do when he says he’s going to head home is wish him goodnight.

You feel horrible as you watch him leave, and he’s only just crossed the doors leading to the world outside when you break into a small jog. You make it outside in a hurry, just to see he’s leaning against the wall next to the door.

He seems startled to see you, and you feel just as startled to see he hasn’t really left yet.

“I was wondering,” you let out, and you take a deep breath to steady yourself. “Are you going to come to the cottage? You didn’t say you would earlier.”

You have no idea why that’s come to your mind, but you’re just going to roll with it.

“Uh.” He glances down at his phone in his hand. “Am I even invited?”

You wet your lips, shrugging. “I mean, you’re part of the crew, of course you are.”

He holds your gaze for so long you think the Earth has time to revolve around the sun once before he speaks again. “Am I really part of the crew?”

You reckon he might need to hear it, so you don’t hesitate when you say, “Of course. We’d be nothing without you.”

At that the sad expression on his features melts away. It does so slowly, starting with his eyes. They crinkle at the corners, sparkling a little, and then it trickles down his face, until the corners of his lips tug upwards. It makes you smile too, and you just gaze at each other like that for a few heartbeats. It feels intimate, miles away from the usual bickering and hatred that you share.

It’s new, but it doesn’t feel scary. Jungkook doesn’t feel scary when he’s smiling softly.

“Yes, I’ll come,” he finally says.

It makes you blink, and it’s like the scene is coming back into focus. You realize there are a couple of people smoking a few meters away, and a soft breeze pushes the smoke towards you. You hate the smell, but somehow you can’t shake the smile from your lips.

“Good.” You nod once, and you glance towards the door. “I guess… I guess I’ll let you go home then.”

He nods too, and he tilts his head to the side. He’s surveying you with those big eyes of his. They shine with stars right now, as if his happiness brings the constellations to his gaze. Or maybe it’s just the reflection from the streetlights and car headlights, but it’s beautiful.

Jungkook has beautiful eyes.

“Just waiting for a Lyft,” he says, motioning up with his phone.

You worry at your lips, before flattening your skirt mindlessly. “Is it going to be here anytime soon?”

He looks at the rectangle of light, face falling serious. It takes him a few seconds, but then he nods. “Yep. Should pull up pretty much now.”

You glance at the two sides of the street, and sure enough a car slows down until it stops in front of you. “Alright then,” you say. “Good night, Jeon.”

You don’t usually say his last name like you said it just now. It feels different, in all the right ways that it can.

“Good night,” he echoes, tentatively adding your name at the end. “I’ll see you at practice Saturday?”

“Yes. See you then.”

You’re grinning like an idiot when you’re home later, thinking of the interaction. It felt refreshing to be with Jungkook like that. As if you can be friends.

You never imagined you would want to be friends with him, but somehow tonight you want it. It only doubles up when a series of texts appears on your screen, hiding the top part of the anime you’re watching in bed before going to sleep.

[3:02 am] unsaved number: lmaooi jmin saud i cockblocled him😂 [3:02 am] unsaved number: cockblocked* [3:02 am] unsaved number: sry im drunk

You laugh softly, turning on your back as you pause the anime. You go to the conversation, and you’re about to reply when he adds,

[3:03 am] unsaved number: plz ignorr this

You don’t hesitate when you save his number under his name.

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What do we think of this chapter?? Enemies to lovers not too enemies anymore uh? Hope you liked it! Let me know what you thought!

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fictionalmenmakemecry · 6 months

Text

Fuckin' with the Ecosystem- Chapter 5

Characters: Carmy Berzatto x reader, Richie, Sugar, Sydney

Summary: The tension between you and Carmy has made work a little more uncomfortable, since the last time you saw him, he was running out your door. With the renovation of 'The Bear' on its way, the challenges start building up. This leads to a hospital visit and you meeting someone from Carmy's past.

Warnings: Blood (If any way squeamish), Fluff, Angst, Cursing, Mold

A/n: Things are getting ssppiicyy! This chapter is starting to get to the knit and grit of it. I hope you guys are ready for it. Thank you for all the support. I've had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Please, please let me know what you think! I want to know if you're enjoying it or not. It's a long one, so get a hot beverage and buckle up!

If you haven't read, here's: Chapter 1 , Chapter 2, Chapter 3 and Chapter 4

Enjoy!

You woke up in your apartment, and your eyes getting forced into focus and landing on the stale Chinese that was left on your floor. The memories from the past night flooded your brain. Your first night in Chicago and a memorable one, not for a good reason.

You pulled yourself off the mattress of the floor and went to the bathroom dreary eyed. You took the next five minutes to figure out how the shower worked before hopping in.

"Why can't we just paint around'em'?" Richie voice carried as Carmy entered the back door.

"I wanna do this right. You're being lazy", Fak said back.

Carmy walked up to see Richie, Fak, and Marcus near the lockers.

"Ayyy Cousin, your back" Richie brought his hands up grinning.

"How did it go?" Marcus asked, leaning up against the wall.

"Yeah- fine..." Carmy hummed, scratching his neck.

"Is she coming in?" Richie asked, messing with a paint scrapper.

Carmy paused, his mind lagging behind the rest of him.

Richie glanced over to Marcus with furrowed eyebrows and Marcus shrugged his shoulders. Both of them aware of the mess, which was Carmy, in front of them.

"Oh.. uh.. yeah, maybe, " He mumbled, walking away.

"Um.. okay then, "

"I'm telling you, it's not gonna take that long. Don't make me get mom," Fak brought Richie's attention back

"The fuck you are" He snapped.

"Watch me" Fak threatened leaning into Richie

"I dare you," Richie warned, towering over his short stature.

"Mom... mom.." Fak said quietly, pushing Richie's buttons.

"Do it." Richie spat back.

Marcus stood between them, watching them argue. He decided to take matters into his own hands and start unscrewing the bracket off one of the lockers.

Carmy knocked on the opened door of the office. Sugar's head popped up with a smile on her face.

"Hey," She spoke softly.

Carmy nodded.

"Where Syd?" He asked, looking down the hallway.

"She's not in today. She's gone to talk to some old colleagues about the new menu" Sugar clicked the pen in her hand a couple of times.

"Oh, right- yeah... I remember her telling me somethin' about that, " He uttered, thinking back.

"You alright? You seem....off. " Sugar looked at Carmy worriedly.

Sugar was always tuned into Carmy. As the years passed growing up together, Carmy was always cold and distant. Never wanted much attention from anyone. Sugar had this innate behavior to pick up whatever subtle mood Carmy was in. Whether he wanted to show it or not.

"Uhh.. yeah, just a rough couple of days.."

"Wha-"

"MOMM" Fak voice traveled immediately, breaking Sugar's train of thought.

She got up from the chair and sighed, making her way out to the sound of bittering between Richie and Fak.

Carmy took the place of Sugar. He rubbed his hands over his face, wanting this day to be already over.

He brought out his phone and looked over your old texts. Should he text you good morning ? Or maybe sorry, sorry for dipping like an ass.

He didn't want you to think that he was coming on to you just to sleep with you. He was so worried that you would think he's just another asshole guy thinking with his dick. Once he left, he realized that's what you probably thought of him. He wanted to tell you how much you meant to him. That the feelings bubbling up inside of him were getting out of control and he didn't know how to handle it. The only thing he was certain of now, was that he needed to ignore them and focus on the restaurant.

His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment. He locked his phone and tossed it on the desk.

He leaned over, letting his head hang, still feeling exhausted. At this point, he wanted to forget about last night. He had too much shit going on right now. He couldn't buckle. Especially with everything going to plan, this was a critical time. Last night was a mistake. He was tired, and emotions were high. He needed space from you. He needed to reset himself.

"Good to have you here in one piece, sweetheart." Carmy heard Richie call out.

He could feel his heart thump knowing that you were in.

Fuck.

He continued to sit there listening to the conversations you were having with everyone. He was trying to grasp your mood. His leg started to jitter.

"I'm just glad that I'm here so the real work can start," you chuckled.

"Ooh you little bitch" Richie grinned crossing his arms.

"Is Carmy in?" You asked in a more serious tone.

"Office," Sugar hummed, making you look behind, not noticing her before.

You turned with open arms and hugged each other. Even though you haven't been in the last few weeks, you've gotten close to Sugar with being on the phone so much. She seemed to be always available when you needed her even with the chaos she was dealing with here.. You appreciated that, with the stress of moving.

"Hi," you smiled.

"I've gotta check out your new apartment sometime?" Sugar asked looking into your eyes, pulling away from the hug.

"Definitely, thanks again"

You made your way to the office hearing a cluster of voices start again from the locker situation.

You took a deep breath, wanting to just get past this. You walked up to the doorway, feeling your hands clam up.

Carmy was sitting in the chair scrolling through his phone.

"Hi...." You smiled weakly, not wanting your voice to sound shaky.

"Hey." He bluntly said, continuing to scroll.

"I just want to talk about last ni-"

"No need. I fucked up. Don't worry about it." He looked up finally, his lips pressed and eyes cold.

You were caught off guard with his bluntness.

"Oh, well.. no-" You started, wanting to explain your thoughts.

"Honestly, it's all good. Things are hectic right now, so let's just forget it." He stood up and shoved his phone in his pocket.

You moved to the side to let him brush past. No words came to your mind after being dismissed the way you were. You heard him chime into the conversation with the others. You stood there, not quite understanding what happened.

Was he mad?

Your stomach sunk from the disappointment. Was Carmy not the person you thought he was? You thought he would understand the situation you had with Nick. But it seemed like he didn't even care. Maybe you didn't know Carmy as well as you thought you did.

That thought made your stomach churn. Everything was perfect one moment and then gone the next. You sat down on the chair and passively looked through some of the documents that Sugar asked you to look over. You were reading the words, but nothing was going in. Your mind was far away from work.

"You need to take the lockers down." Carmy said, glancing at Richie, who was rolling his eyes.

"Don't see the po-"

"Cousin, if we gonna do this, aren't half assin' it"

"Thank you," Fak chimed in, gesturing his hand to Carmy.

"Where's the paint?" Carmy asked looking down at the one can on the floor.

Fak gave a side eye to Marcus realizing they might have messed up. Carmy brought eyes back to them.

"That's it?" He whipped, seeing the expressions on their face.

"Well.. it's cost a lot... for just one can. The one you wanted.... We could only get one, " Fak explained, scratching his forehead.

Carmy exhaled out feeling annoyed with the situation. He felt the money slipping through his fingers and they haven't even started on the big jobs yet. He brought his hand over his face, puling down his expression while thinking.

"Look.... it's fine. I know it's not gonna to be enough. We'll increase the budget for the paint. Don't have an option"

"Marcus, go with him, make sure he gets enough, maybe another two cans" He continued.

"No worries, Chef." Marcus nodded and followed Fak out, making their way to the office to get one of the bundles of money that was hidden before continuing with the mission of getting more paint.

Richie and Carmy started unscrewing the old rusted brackets of the lockers. Richie groaned on about how his date last night was the dullest one he has had yet.

"Cousin, listen, this broad was stiffer than a slab of plaster." He explained, as the brackets creaked and started slowly pulling away from the wall.

"Mhmmm," Carmy peeked to the front side of the lockers over to Richie, making sure the lockers didn't topple over.

"When I brought up Bill Murray, she didn't even fuckin' blink. Like Bill Fuckin' Murray and I got nothin'. I had enough after that. Paid the bill and left. " He sighed.

The lockers creaked more and more as they lifted away from the wall. They were beyond their prime, with rust covering the sides of them. As Richie and Carmy moved the lockers away from the wall, the exposed back part of the locker broke away. Carmy readjusted his hand to get a better grip to start lifting it away from the wall. With his hand moving and not looking at where it was going, the rusted back panel glided along the inside of his hand.

"FUCKK" Carmy spat, dropping the locker immediately while looking down at his bleeding hand.

Carmy saw blood emerge from the palm. A long cut from one side to the other side.

Richie quickly worked his way around the locker to see Carmy gripping onto his wrist, his hand getting more and more covered in blood.

"Christ," Richie exclaimed, racing to the kitchen to get a clean rag.

"Shit" Carmy hissed.

He thought of you in that second, knowing that you knew first aid. He was hesitant to get you, with everything that was going on between you two, but the amount of blood was freaking him out.

Hearing Carmy yell out your name in such distress made you instantly jump up and run over to the commotion. As you turned the corner, you saw Carmy look to you with panic set in his eyes.

Richie is holding a rag tight around his hand. Your eyes traveled down to see splotches of blood on the ground where they were standing.

"What happened?" You asked frantically, rushing to Carmy's side.

"I-I fuckin' sliced my hand on the locker" Carmy spat feeling the pain get more intense now that the shock was wearing off.

You glanced over to see the loose panel, sticking out.

"Lemme see." You leaned over carefully, taking the rag away.

His hand was pumping blood, and travelling all over his hand. The rag was already dyed red.

"Carmy, it's deep. You gonna have to go to the hospital" you winced looking at his fresh open wound.

"Fuck me" He leaned his head back hating the thought of being stuck in the E.R for the rest of the day.

You looked over to the locker to see rusted metal exposed. You didn't want to take your chances. He was definitely going to the E.R.

"Someone's gonna have to bring him to hospital" You looked around.

"I'll bring 'im" Richie offered, still holding pressure to Carmy's hand

"No...no, you gotta stay here and finish this" Carmy said adamantly.

"Sugar?" You asked, not seeing her anywhere.

"Gone to get us lunch." Richie flickered his eyes to you briefly.

You exhaled knowing you were going to have to do it. Which wasn't great after the whole fiasco last night.

"I-I'll take him" you sighed knowing it was going to be awkward as hell.

"No..no you gotta stay here and sort things out with Suga'"

"Well one more day isn't gonna break us" Richie spoke up.

"Let me just fuckin' bring you ok?" You snapped getting annoyed from the lack of urgency between the two of them.

"Fine" Carmy said bluntly.

Richie offered his car and helped Carmy in the passenger seat as you got in the driver.

"Don't go too hard on her" Richie cheekily grinned leaning on the passenger window.

"Why the fu-"

"He's talking about the car," You smirked back at Richie

Carmy did an audible sigh clutching on to the newly stained rag on his hand. You looked over your shoulder after putting the car in reverse. Richie gave a salute watching you both pull away.

"How far away is the hospital?" You asked pulling up to a junction.

"About ... uh.. 20 minutes... if traffic is not bad" Carmy mumbled keeping his head down.

He continued to give you directions as you got closer and closer. No other topics were brought up, and to say it was awkward was an understatement. The tension in the air was bad, and you glanced over to him from time to time, but he would just stare out the window gripping onto his injured hand.

"Carmy, I just want to talk about las-"

"Can we not?" He cut across you.

You took a deep breath not appreciating his coldness towards you out of nowhere.

"Why.... Why can't we talk?" You said gently, not wanting to make the situation worse than it already was.

"Cause' I'm in a fuck ton of pain. Is that ok?" He looked at you for the first time since being in the car.

"...Okay" You hummed

You tried to not take it personal as you knew he was in a bad spot right now. He was having a hard time. But you wanted this out in the air. To just talk about what happened. What went wrong. Why was he so distant from you.

As you pulled up to the E.R door Carmy struggled to unbuckle his belt but after a few attempts he got it.

"I'll see you in there, let me just park the car" You said before watching him get out.

After 15 minutes of driving around trying to find something, you were finally able to park the car. You walked through the sliding doors and looked around to see if you could find a curly haired man sitting down with a bleeding hand. As your eyes scanned, you found him in the backend of one of the rows of seats.

"Want help?" You asked gently, sitting beside him

You watch him struggle writing with his left hand while holding the clip board against his lap with his injured one.

He brought his eyes up and nodded, giving a weak smile. It wasn't much, but it was something. He told you the information as you worked down through the form.

"My birthday is-"

He paused noticing that you were already started writing down his digits of his birthday.

"You remember?" A small smile creeping up on his face naturally.

You glanced up and nodded. Of course you remembered. You remembered forcing him to tell you years ago. He was stubborn, but after snooping through his application for the job that was stored away, you found out.

A minor detail that you remembered about him meant a lot to him. He never expected anyone to know his birthday as usually he thought the day was more of a burden for everyone than anything else. He always tried to glide past his birthday as fast as possible, which was hard to do when he lived in Chicago. But in New York, it was easy to forget when no one knew it in the first place. But when you got to know each other more, you demanded to know.

He didn't even realize you knew until it was the end of a long service night.

"Carmy, there's gonna be a problem with your paycheck this week, for some reason the direct debit is gonna be offline" You explained standing on the other side of the of the counter he was scrubbing.

"What you mean?" He squinted his eyes, figuring out what you were on about.

"I don't know, something about the bank fuckin' up. Vince wants you in his office" You continued.

"Uhh.. ok" Carmy looked over his cleaned bench before throwing a rag over his shoulder making his way to the office with you following behind.

He really didn't need this to happen right now as he was already behind on rent and he couldn't give his landlord anymore excuses.

Carmy gently knocked the closed office door before opening it, sticking his head in to see a small sponge cake with buttercream frosting sitting on the desk in completely darkness with candles on top brightening up the room.

His face light up immediately. He looked back to see your face covered in a cheeky grin.

"Un-fuckin'-believable" He shook his head with a huge smile on his face.

You ushered him into the office trying not let anyone know what was going on. You closed the door behind you and saw him look down at the cake with the candlelight reflecting off his eyes.

"I told you I would find out" You cackled, going over next to him.

"Who else knows?" He glanced at you.

"No one. Hence why we are hiding in Vince's office. Plus, I don't have enough cake for everyone.... So it's our little secret. " You giggled, feeling the mischievousness get to you a little.

You watched as he stared down at the cake smiling, like he didn't think it was real.

"Happy Birthday Carm" You said quietly, feeling your cheeks hurt from all the grinning.

He looked over at you and mouthed thank you. He gave you a half hug with his one arm wrapped around your shoulders before leaning down and blowing out the candles bringing the room to darkness.

"Carmy?" A woman called out.

Carmy got ripped out of his dissociated state by a familiar woman's voice.

You both looked up to see a brown hair woman in navy scrubs glancing down at him.

You looked over to him with his eyebrows furrowed.

"Uhh......Claire?" He eventually said.

She nodded eagerly.

"Oh my god, it's been so long. I didn't know you were back in town" She grinned.

He sat there for a moment. He couldn't believe Claire was here. He was caught completely off guard. His attention snapped back when you gave a light cough, realizing he hasn't introduced you yet.

"Hi Claire, nice to meet you" You leaned over shaking her hand when Carmy finally got the words to introduce you after staring at her for awkwardly long time.

"What happened?" You watched as she brought her attention to the blood stained cloth.

"Uhh.. I-I had an accident- but n-nothing too serious" Carmy stuttered.

"Okay, well let me have a look at it for you and get you fixed up" She smiled flickering her eye between the both of you.

Whatever you were witnessing, you felt like the third wheel. You felt like you were watching their meet cute after years of not seeing each other. You could sense something going on between them which unsettled you.

"Do you want to head back? I think I'll be okay from here" He looked over to you pressing his lips together.

You glanced up and noticed her eyes soft with kindness and joy like she was in a Hollywood movie as 'the girl next door'.

"Um... okay" you brought your eyes back to him.

You were taken aback with being dismissed so quickly. You definitely felt that you were interfering with something between them now.

"What about your ride? I could wait out here til' your done" You offered.

"I'll call Richie. I think you head back and make sure everyone still on track" He gave a quick smile.

"Thanks for bringing him in" Claire hummed taking the half filled form off of you.

You watched as Carmy followed Claire down the hall. You were left sitting there not understanding what had happened.

What was going on? Who is Claire? Is she his ex?

All these thoughts whizzed through your head as you made your way back to the restaurant with Google Maps on your lap.

If she was his ex, then they must have ended pretty civil.

Family friend maybe?

But the way she looked at him. The way her eyes sparkled when she first came over. It definitely seemed more than friends.

You continued to overthink as you pulled up and put Richie's car into park. You sat there for a moment to gather your thoughts and pull yourself together.

"Ayye , you're back fast," Richie chimed, unscrewing the lockers on the other wall.

"Just me," you gave a weak smile.

"Did he bleed out on the way there?" Richie scoffed turning the screwdriver against the wall.

"Ha. Ha". You mocked walking over to him,

"Do you know a Claire?" You questioned, handing back Richie's keys.

He paused on what he was doing, putting the keys back in his pocket, and a smile emerged his face.

"Claire? Highschool Claire?"

You shrugged, not trying to show not to care. You had a feeling that your poker face wasn't working though.

"Why?" He walked over closer to you.

"She was at the hospital. She's looking after him." You stated.

You could feel Richie eyes on your face, trying to pick up any emotion resting on your face.

"Yea, yeah, that sounds about 'ight. I think I remember Fak sayin' somethin' about that" His eyes still on you.

"I remember running into her couple of years ago and I barely recognized her. You should have seen her in her ugly duckling stage."

You instinctively felt your mouth scrunch up.

"She had these ugly ass glasses when she was younger. She's a beaut now" He continued.

You looked down, avoiding his eyes, afraid that he would see all the emotion on your face that you were feeling in your stomach. The bubbling anxiety that seem to get stronger and stronger with every mention of this Claire.

"I remember she used to have the biggest crush on him years ago... like-"

"I gotta catch up on some work, but uh... Carmy said he ring you when he's done" you muttered before b lining it to the office.

Richie raised his eyebrows, leaving him hanging by the lockers. He wasn't an idiot, he sensed something was going on between you and Carmy. Whatever the hell was happening, he wanted no part in it. He learned his lesson from the past of getting involved with Carmy's love interests.

You heard Fak and Marcus come back with the paint, and Sugar followed, holding lunch in a big brown paper bag for everyone.

Lunch was spread across what furniture was left up at the shop's front. It looked desolate now with a lot of the counter space removed and the signs taken down from the walls leaving rusted marks behind. Everyone was settled by leaning against the wall or counters, stuffing their faces with lunch.

"Where's Carm?" Sugar asked, holding a sandwich.

"Hospital" Richie muffled with a mouth full of bread.

"What?" Her jaw dropping slightly open thinking of the worst case scenario.

"It's okay... he just cut his hand", you showed your hand to demonstrate the wound.

"It was deep, so brought him to the hospital to get stitches" You continued.

She nodded lightly, trying to catch up on what had happened.

"He'll be okay" you gave a reassuring smile.

"Ooohh he'll be more than okay" Richie laughed.

"Claire is nursing him" He smirked at Sugar.

"Claire Claire?" Sugar asked staring at Richie on the opposite side of the room where he was sat on the counter.

"Oh yeah, forgot she worked there" Fak hummed taking another bite of his lunch

"Fuck me, bangin' body and smart, go cousin" Richie grinned cheekily.

You bite your lip hard trying to hold back from showing how agitated you were getting. It clearly wasn't working though.

Shut up Sugar mouthed to Richie before quickly glancing at you. Richie eyes flickered to you also. You felt your face heat up and looked down avoiding anyone's eyeline. Your stomach was in knots after Richie's rave about Claire. What you thought was just going to be a little bit of a rough day, was turning out to be one of the worse days.

"Thanks for the lunch Sugar. I'm gonna catch up on some work and eat in the office" You gave a fake smile to her, clutching the sandwich in your hand.

You went back to the office and closed the door wanting to be left alone for awhile. You didn't touch the sandwich, you couldn't even stomach taking a bite right now. You tried to settle yourself by taking deep breaths. It helped a little til' your heard the familiar hum of Carmy's voice in the distance. You closed your eyes and tried to block him out not wanting to hear anything that was being said about this 'Claire'.

"OOOHHH.. Here comes the devil himself, " Richie announced, seeing Carmy come through the front door.

Carmy had a puzzled look on his face not completely sure what he was coming into.

"You hungry?" Sugar asked offering the sandwich to him.

"Uhh.. yeah, thanks" He gave a quick smile before scanning the room.

"..Wait, I was 'pose to give you a ride?" Richie realized taking a swig of his can of coke.

"Y-yeah, well... Claire offered, she was on her lunch" He unwrapped his sandwich.

Richie looked over to Sugar and wagged his eyebrows repeatedly while she rolled hers.

As they pulled up on the curb, front of the building, the windows covered in newspaper. Carmy opened the door, he gave a small smile before getting out of the car.

"Carmy...." Claire's called out, making him look back, his hand still on the handle.

"I would hate to lose contact... again." She took her phone out of pocket and tapped the screen a couple of times before handing it to him.

He took it off of her to see 'New Contact' on the phone.

He paused for a moment and looked up, giving her a brief smile. For some reason, he hesitated. It was still the same Claire that he doted over years ago. The feeling he had when around her was there but...something wasn't right. When he first saw Claire, he barely recognized her. She looked so different, but her manner was the same. She was still shy, gentle, with the same kind smile.

He typed out his number fast, not looking over it before handing it back to her.

She looked down at her phone and saved the number. She brought her eyes back to him.

"Thanks for the ride", they looked at each other for a moment.

"See you later" she smiled watching him get out of the car.

Carmy leaned down and looked through the passenger window, giving a loose wave. He watched as she pulled away and drove down the street.

As they caught up while she was fixing his hand up, he couldn't stop thinking about the look on your face when Claire introduced herself. The look of confusion? Sadness? Or maybe jealousy?

The thought of you feeling jealous made him think that maybe he had read last night wrong. Maybe you wanted him but just couldn't for some reason. it didn't matter how many time he told himself to stop over analyzing the night, he couldn't. He kept thinking on what he could have done differently.

What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he just stop thinking about you. Stop wondering what you were thinking of him? He couldn't even think straight when talking to Claire.

Since yesterday, you haven't left his mind once even when he was occupied doing tasks, his mind would still be revolving around you. He was tired. He needed time to re-center himself. It wasn't healthy thinking in circles like he has been. Especially about someone who was one of his closest friends.

He walked towards the door with his newly bandaged hand. He had a feeling that he was going to get an earful from Richie about Claire. Memories from the past jolted his mind of Mikey and Richie hounding on him about bedding Claire. They would go on about how it would 'loosen' him up, whatever that meant.

For the rest of the day, both you and Carmy avoided each other. With so much going on with the restaurant, it was easy. Sugar and you were in the office dealing with registering the new restaurant and organizing the safety inspection when it came to gas line. Sugar headed home earlier, with Pete calling her about dinner being ready. You realized that no one was going to give you that call as you usually went home to a microwave meal calling your name.

"Hey I'm gonna be lockin' up ina bit" A soft voice came from the door.

Your head snapped up from the interruption.

"Uhh.. yeah. No problem. Let me just tidy up here, " you fumbled, caught off guard with him even talking to you.

Carmy fought with himself all evening, whether he should say anything to you about last night and even today. He knew he was cold towards you and felt like a piece of shit.

Fuck it

"Uhh.. s-sorry for today. Its been kinda rough and-" He said, looking with sympathetic eyes.

"Honestly, don't worry about it. You've been through enough as it is" you gave a reassuring smile and gestured to his injured hand.

He looked down at the bandage and smiled. He realized that you were there for him when he needed you. There was no hesitation on your end. He felt even more guilty about earlier now.

"How is it?" You asked bringing him back to the conversation.

"Um.. It hurts... B-but I'll live"

"Thanks for helping me... Really" He continued.

Silence came between both of you. Your eyes lingered longer than they should. His too. For one second, things seemed to be normal. A part of you wanted to hug him. You imagined yourself crashing into his chest and breathing him in. But there was a nagging feeling in the back of your mind. Your mind always wandering back to Claire.

You wanted to ask about her. You wanted to ask him how important she was to him. Was he interested in her? She clearly was interested in him. There was no doubt about that.

But all those questions were obvious, and the answers would hurt too much. You wanted to be clueless about them, but your brain was intrusive with constant thoughts about Claire.

"I'm glad I was able to help." You gave a gentle smile tapping your pen mindlessly against the desk.

After everything that has happened today, Carmy was happy to see you not completely hate him. It gave him some peace that you've recovered from how he acted the previous night.

"Well, I'll start closing up." Carmy scratched his head, turning back towards the kitchen.

You sat there with a smile spread across your face. You felt the familiar fuzziness in your chest. The feel that you could only associate Carmy with. He was the one who could you blush with just one look.

With the back door locked, you both walked around towards the front of the building where the yellow hued streetlights reflected off the newspaper covered windows.

Carmy stuffed his hands in his pockets trying to retain any heat left in his body. He glanced over at you to see the light breeze carry some of the loose strays of hair across your face. You shook your head trying to get them out of the way but failed. As cold as it was, he wanted to take his hand out and gently moved them behind your ear. He saw how your nose and ears got redder with the harsh cold surrounding them. You caught him staring but he brought his eyes down instantly, hoping that he wasn't admiring you awkwardly for too long.

These urges that he got were hard to ignore. He didn't want to think like this. As hard as he tried, his mind would always lead more than friends when it came to you.

If there was any chance of clearing the air about the past night, this was going to be it. While you both were alone and no chaos was happening around you.

"I know last night was a mess.... and I wan-"

"N-no, no, I was a dick." He stated continuing to look down at the ground.

A memory flashback through your mind of him walking out the door in a rush.

"Okay... maybe a little" a smile crept up on your face.

"Yeah," You heard a chuckle from him.

You wanted to tell him that what happened last night was nothing to do with him. You wanted to explain why you were like this. You needed to tell him how you felt. Whether he felt the same or not. You could at least put it to rest and not wonder what if. With Claire in the picture, the urge for you to put yourself out there was stronger. But also, the chances of getting hurt were higher.

"Carmy, I've never told you this... but.." You broke off trying to find the courage.

You looked over to see him looking at you. His eyes searching your face.

What the hell. Just tell him what you feel.

Before its too late.

"I've never said thank you for contacting me... for reaching out" you sighed, feeling your heart thump in your chest.

You couldn't do it. Even if last night showed you anything, maybe... even maybe he might feel the same way about you.

The edges of his lips curled up like he knew you backed out on what you were actually going to say.

"Of course, you were always on my mind, " He hummed

That surprised you. You knew he was onto bigger things after getting an offer for a new job in New York. You knew how fast the restaurant business was when it came to successful chefs. Maybe he was making it up, just to be nice. Or maybe it was true and you needed to just stop overthink everything word that came out of his mouth.

The idea of inviting him over to your place crossed your mind. You wanted to not have the last memory of him there rushing out the door slamming it on his way out. You wanted to put yourself out there and inviting him over would be the first step to do that.

There was a couple of moments of silence before you took a deep breath.

"Um.. Do you-" You started but heard a faint buzzing.

Carmy took his phone out of his pocket to see a random number pop up on his phone. He looked up at you nearly asking for permission to answer it.

You nodded, not wanting to take him away from the phone call. You watched him swipe his finger across the screen and bring his phone up to his face. He looked over to you, giving a light smile.

"Hello?" He answered.

You heard the murmuring of the other person on the end of the phone.

"Oh.. Claire, " He announced, bringing his eyes down to the ground.

Your ears perked from him calling her name out.

The feeling in your stomach dropped. She has his number. Of course she does. If they're exes she wouldn't delete it and if they're close friends then she would definitely have it. The pure disappointment you felt made you nauseous. You clenched your jaw waiting for the horrid feeling to go away, but it didn't. You felt like this phone call was going to drag on for awhile and didn't want to be tortured listening to conversation.

You gestured your thumb over your shoulder, indicating to Carmy that you were heading home. He pressed his lips together into a flat smile and nodded in acknowledgement. You gave a smile and wave, with him returning one back. You began to walk down the street hearing Carmy's voice get more and more distant.

Carmy watched you walk away and bit his lip in annoyance. He wished his phone was on silent.

"Carmy?" He heard Claire call out on the other end of the phone.

"Oh, y-yeah, sorry... did I? I didn't see the typo when I put it in" He shook his head bringing his attention back to the conversation.

"I was thinking about maybe we could meet up tomorrow night... if your free" She added.

"Uhhh.. y-yeah I should be." He responded.

He started slowly walking back to his apartment absent-mindedly continuing his conversation with Claire.

Days went by and things started getting serious. All of you realize that the place was going to need more than just a facelift. The excitement of finding the money, made Carmy and Sydney think that a lick of paint some new furnishings would make their vision come to life. That's until the ceiling collapsed on top of Richie in the form of black mold.

"This place is solid.. I swear- I swear to you on my own grave" Richie placed his hand on his chest looking over at Sugar and Sydney.

"I don't know, look at the black patches along the walls" Sydney pointed to the corner where the lockers were.

"Nah, some bleach and paint and these walls are good as new"

"Syd has a point, that ceiling looks like it about to cave in any second" Sugar commented crossing her arms looking up above Richie.

"Hold on, just look" Richie leaned over and grabbed a broom that was leaning up against the wall.

He held near the end of the broom and hit the tip of the handle to the ceiling.

"See? If it was mold, I wouldn't be able to-"

Suddenly a black cloud of dust bellows around Richie with chucks of the ceiling falling around him.

"Shit!" Syd shouted jumping back with Sugar, avoiding the clump of black mold landing where they were.

With the dust settling, Richie head hung in defeat. He was still holding the broom with the majority of him covered in black dust.

"Fuck me" He mumbled to himself.

"As you were saying Richie?" Syd chuckled with Sugar.

"Yea.. yeah whatever..." He uttered.

"Oh God... Syd I hate to break it to you but.. I think we are gonna need more than just a facelift" Sugar leans over looking up at the crumbing hole above Richie.

"You okay?" She brought her attention down to Richie who now started using the broom to swept the mess just created,

"Yea.... just covered in black shit" He huffed.

"Yeah... We are definitely gonna need more than just a facelift" Syd sucked in her lips wondering how they were going to break it to Carmy.

Later that day, the news got around about the hole in the ceiling, which lead to an emergency meeting at the shop front. You received a text from Sugar asking if you could come in even though this was your first day off since moving here. You didn't really mind as you were still setting up your apartment and resting.

You came in from the back and leaned over to see the gaping hole near where the lockers used to be before making your way to the front to see Syd, Sugar and Richie already discussing things.

"Hey" You greeted before getting hit in the face with a musky smell that was getting stronger as you walked in.

"Oh God... What the hell is that smell?" Your face morphed into disgust as you resisted the urge to breath through your nose.

"That would be Richie" Sugar nodded her head towards him.

You glanced over to see a depressed and filthy Richie on the other side of the room leaning up against the wall.

"Hey, hey I tried to get this shit off but the more I rub, the more it spreads. I needa shower" He said irritably.

"Where Carmy?" You asked surprised not seeing him yet.

"We were gonna ask you" Syd said furrowing her eyebrows.

Within that moment, the locks on the front door clicked and Carmy came walking through the door with his shoulders uptight shielding him from the frosty weather outside.

"S'up, sorry... I got caught up" Carmy closed the door behind him

"..With Claire" Richie coughed out, smirking at Carmy.

"Shut up" Carmy giving a dirty look to him.

"What's up?" He turns his attention to everyone and landed his eyes on you, giving a brief small smile.

You gave a smile back but having a depressing feeling from the image of him and Claire hanging out before this which was probably true. You wished Richie didn't say anything so you could have pretended to be oblivious.

"We have a new feature that Richie created today-"

"How the fuck did I know it was gonna come down like that"

"Richie, if I remember, did you not- and correct me Syd if I'm wrong, swear on your grave that this place is 'solid'" Sugar clapped back with air quotes.

"Fuck you- you're not the one that got cover in black sh-"

"Guys, guys c'mon" Syd tried to interrupt with Sugar and Richie yelling at each other at this point.

You looked over to Carmy to see him pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

"Cousin, stop" He raised his voice looking over at him.

"COUSIN, SUGAR!" He yells bringing the arguing to a halt but with Richie and Sugar giving each other death stares.

"Thank you" Carmy exhaled.

"Here's the deal, there's a massive hole in the ceiling and it doesn't matter who caused it, it's there now" Syd glanced over to both Sugar and Richie before continuing.

"The facelift that you and I talked about.. well.. it's turning more into open heart surgery at this point" Sydney explained looking over at Carmy.

"Yea, yeah... I had a feeling you were gonna say that" Carmy hummed leaning his head back staring up.

"Fuckin' shit" He said under his breath.

"I- I was doing some light research coming over here and from what I'm seeing..." You paused knowing the number you were going to say next was going to hurt.

"We're gonna need at least 400,000 dollars more" You winced and bite your lip not wanting to bring the bad news.

"Holy shit" Sugar gasped.

The place was silence to the point where you could hear a pin drop. The atmosphere was tense with everyone tired of the challenges the restaurant constantly throwing at you all.

"We're gonna have to inform the city that we have critical mold issue" You explained.

"What?" Richie called out with a puzzled face

"Yea, apparently in state of Illinois if you- hold on" You pulled out your phone and pulled up the tab you had open already.

"I quote 'if you have significant damaged caused by mold you have to notify your neighbors and IDPH" You read looking up from your phone.

"So with that, I looked up what might need to be done when it comes to the mold issue... and.. ", you put your phone in your back pocket.

"Well.. my very rough guesstimate is around 400,000 dollars.... at least" You added biting your lip.

Everyone stayed silence processing the bomb you just dropped on them when it came to changing the whole plan of the restaurant.

"Carm... I know you don't want to... but we gonna have to go to Jimmy" Sugar spoke up looking across to him.

Carmy knew they were forced into a tight corner with the condition of the property. The idea of pumping serious money into this place was becoming very real.

"Fuck... I know. He mumbled

"That's gonna be a fun conversation" Carmy inhaled rubbing his eyes with both of his hands.

The rest of the night was spent on all of you coming up with a pitch. A pitch that would somehow convince Jimmy to lend even more money with no proof that he was going to get it back. Carmy, Sugar and Richie were apprehensive with Sydney being the only positive one. But she didn't understand how awkward Jimmy can be, especially when he had something to hang over your heads like the fine total of 800,000 dollars.

"18 months? Will that be enough?" You glance over to Carmy as you all surround a scrap of cardboard that Carmy was scribbling figures over.

"It's gonna hafta be... I feel like he won't give us any longer"

"It's gonna be tight..." Richie voiced out.

"We're gonna have to hit the ground running. Pretty much booked out every week" Sugar added biting on her thumb nail.

"We'll have to open up sooner. Way sooner" You looked over to the makeshift calendar that had the timeframe of when everything was getting done across the wall. With a lot more getting added on to the to-do list and a less time to work with, a new calendar was going be to be needed.

Carmy brought his hands up behind his head extending his elbow outwards. Everyone continued to look down at the torn piece of cardboard seeing the future of the restaurant on it. The future of all the success on it. It was unnerving to see it in plain figures. Money having a chokehold on survival rate of 'The Bear'.

"Everything will be fine...." Sydney said to herself.

"...Won't we?" She glanced at everyone with her face covered in anxiety.

The room stayed silent with the sounds of city in the background.

Chapter 6

Masterlist for other fics

Taglist: @wabi-sabi1090

#fanfic #fluff #fanfiction #love #carmy berzatto #carmy the bear #the bear #carmy x reader #chicago #the bear hulu #the bear fx #the bear fanfiction #the bear fic #carmen berzatto #natalie berzatto #carmen berzatto x you #smut #carmen berzatto fluff #jeremy allen white

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lets-zofifi-stuff · 1 year

Text

The Smallest Miracles

Fairy!Sun and Moon & Witch reader short story

Heavily based on Fairy AU by @ayyy-imma-ninja, Fairy Friends AU by @themuse-artcorner and this drawing.

Thank you all!

hurt/comfort, no romance

Trigger Warnings: abuse, animal abuse, implied suffocation, panic attack

Edit: there is an ao3 with (currently) three more chapters.

====================================

It would be fitting to say, it was a dark stormy night, when I sneaked into the poacher's den, but in fact it was a calm chilly evening, in the middle spring. The sun only began to set down, when I found the base of the operation I was tracing down for months.

There were plenty of people in the world willing to pay a hefty price for a magical creature. So obviously, there came assholes who busied themselves with catching and selling them. But they made one serious mistake. They tried to hunt in the witch's domain. Mine, to be precise.

They made their base in a wide sinkhole in the middle of the old forest. About half a dozen goons were camping next to the mouth of a cave, presumably their main storage. They were sitting by the campfire and drinking heavily from glass bottles and ceramic jars, for warming-up.

I was hiding in the bushes, observing. The day was cold. A gentle drizzle, half way between rain and fog, was settling on me as a damp layer. If not for my warm coat and thick gloves, I would be already freezing. I had a hood pulled deep on my face with my pointy hat put on top.

The sinkhole was an excellent place to stay hidden, and to help keep imprisoned beings inside. Far worse to defend yourself against an ambush. I had a few spells prepared.

I made the fog rise from the forest floor and slowly flew down into the hole. They didn't notice anything suspicious about it until they all started to feel dizzy and unsteady on their feet. The airborne spores I added to the cloud were working.

I sat on my trusty broomstick, covered my nose and mouth with a scarf and flew down into the cloud. I landed unnoticed near the mouth of the cave. I nearly tripped over one of drugged bandits. He was wiggling on the ground, mumbling something about the rain, so I assumed he was dreaming about being a worm in the mud. He seemed strangely content with that.

The cloud was only reaching a few feet inside. Further, the air was clean, so I was able to uncover my face.

Creatures in the cages looked at me when I came in. Some got startled by the presence of a human, but some seemed to recognise that I am not one of their captors. Maybe they even knew what my pointy hat meant. A shine of intelligence in some of the eyes, made me feel sick to my stomach. Not like I wasn’t expecting magic folks trapped together with magical animals, but it was always a shock. Sleeping spore was far too good for those bastards.

I could see only about eight cages with residents inside. Either the poachers were bad at their job, or they managed to transport and sell most of their catches before I could stop them. I didn't have much hope of rescuing the poor guys after they were given away into the hands of some rich collectors or power-hungry mages.

I waved my hand at the creatures. “I am a friend. I want to help, I promise. Let me do that, please.” None has answered me, but that was okay. Many beings able to speak like to fall silent at the moment the human shows up. I was not here to make friends anyway. I began to walk from cage to cage, speaking to them soothingly and checking up their condition.

All the creatures seemed to be in relatively good health. They had to get captured recently. I could risk simply letting them go as they were. They were able to find their way out and take care of themselves, just like they were doing before humans took them.

Meanwhile the sleep cloud outside started to dissipate.

I quickly opened the cages and urged the creatures to move fast, before the bandits could wake up. I didn't need to tell them that twice. All ran out and didn't look behind once. If some of them were about to trample their former captors in their sleep, I couldn't blame them.

I could give myself a pat on the shoulder for a good job, and fly home. Or should I try to place some curses on the bandits, while they were still unconscious? I couldn’t exactly arrest them, I was just one person, and what they were doing was hardly even illegal in this part of the world. But a good curse or two would make their life miserable for a good while, and force them to seek some very expensive help with their removal.

I was just about to start when something brought my attention. Deep inside the cave, there were rows of shelves, and boxes, likely with gear and supplies, for the long hunting trips.

I spotted a big glass jar, lying overturned on the ground. From afar I thought it was just an emptied container for alcohol. The fading daylight was not enough to let me see clearly, but I felt there was some object inside. I wordlessly ordered the crystal at the end of the broom to lit up with starlight stored inside. The gentle glow revealed a tiny figure curled up inside the jar.

I crouched down to have a better look and gasped. It was a fairy. A real fairy like in the old children tales. It had to be.

The figure was yellow, with something like orange flower petals growing out of the tiny head. They were dressed in fabulously colorful clothes. On their back… there was a set of butterfly-shaped translucent wings. The wings were sparkling in the light, and flowed like silk, but they had to be able to spread and fly once.

Could I be mistaken? Fairies were extremely rare, and nearly impossible to spot. They were supposed to live deep in the woods and never ever show up to adults. They were supposed to only be seen by nice kids who’d listen to their parents, respected nature and did their chores in time. Naturally, many people doubted their existence after getting older.

My mentor told me about them too, when I was still very young. She said they are beings of great magic. They were supposed to be invisible to most, and have a natural bond to all living things, and energies of the universe were flowing through them freely.

“Nature's tiniest miracles“ she said with her eyes so dreamy. It was so unlike her to act this sentimental, that the memory remained clear. She had traveled everywhere, saw everything and had a very cynical view of the world. She also swore she saw a fairy once in the distance as a girl, and tried to find it ever since. But apparently they were once in a lifetime sightings.

Now one was right before me, closed in a jar. A jar that likely was once used for storing cheap booze. Somebody made an effort to jab carelessly a few times at a metal cab, to create holes for air. Did the bandits even know what they had trapped?? Could somebody really be this stupid?!

Even though I never saw a fairy, I could say this one didn’t look healthy. Their petals were withered, their skin sickly pale, and they were sitting curled up with their face hidden in their knees.

I put my hand on the glass. When I did that, the fairy finally looked up. Their face was round like a child's, sunny yellow with a bouquet of freckles. Their big round eyes went wide with fear, one sky blue, one gold like a sunset. They also started to shiver.

“Don’t worry,” I said, taking away my hand, and putting a reassuring smile, a little forced but still genuine. “I’m here to help.”

They opened their mouth and said something. Their lips were moving but very little sound was getting through the glass. I pointed at my ears and then at the jar cab.

“I can't hear you. I will open this now. Don’t panic, alright?”

Once I took off the top, the yellow fairy crawled out. They laid down on the ground, panting erratically and shaking. That scared me. Were the holes in the cab not giving them enough air? Or was it the reaction to shock? Fairies were always described as fragile and sensitive creatures. I swallowed hard.

“I am not going to hurt you, I promise.” I said in a soft voice. “I’m a friend.”

The creature peaked at me.

“I know you are scared but would you let me-?”

“Moon,” they said. I blinked in surprise.

“What about it?” The fairy shook their head and pointed.

“Moon,” they repeated urgently.

I moved my light up and realized the wall behind the shelves was not a cave’s wall but a gray curtain. The fairy was pointing at it.

“Alright. I will look there. Please, try to take deep breaths.”

The cavern went further than I realized. Behind the curtain was another part of storage I would otherwise miss. More supplies, barrows, boxes, some very small cages, like for birds and rodents.

“What am I looking f-?” I began to ask and stopped myself because I saw. On the higher shelf standing another jar. It looked empty from down there, but I sat on my broom and levitated myself up. I picked it off carefully and held it in both hands. Inside-

I was wiser than to falter and fall off the broom but only barely. Another fairy??

This one was blue, with clothes in a star pattern. They didn’t have petals, but there was a hat on their head. A soft-looking nightcap, trimmed with white down. Half of their face was light, almost white part in the shape of the crescent, the rest was deep blue. The constellation of freckles sprinkled across their nose and cheeks correspond to those on the yellow fairy’s face. The fairy had deep dark circles around their eyes. That had to be “Moon”.

But something was wrong. The little figure was lying on the bottom of the jar, and didn't react when I moved their jar. I felt the cold panic rising. I lowered to the ground, and hurried out. The yellow fairy was waiting where I left them. They brightened, like a sunrise when I stormed back out.

“Brother?” they asked, looking at the jar. When I came closer the relief on their face fastly shifted into horror.

I put the jar gently on the ground. Did those fuckers forgot to make holes in this one entirely?!

No, the holes were there although less of them. I opened it with shaky hands, reached in and carefully pulled the fairy out. He was just the size to fit on my opened palm.

I turned him to his back and lowered him so the yellow fairy could have access as well. They immediately crawled on my palm, forgetting about their fear of me, and kneeled by their brother’s side.

I craned down and held my breath. Was I too late? Please, spirits, don’t let me be late.

I wasn’t.

We could both see movements of the tiny chest. Slow, shallow breaths.

“He is alive!” cried the yellow fairy. I let out a sigh. Thank you spirits!

The fairy took their brother in their arms and hugged him.

“But he is so weak!” They weren't wrong. It could be just fear that I felt, but the blue fairy looked like he was about to die at any moment.

“How long has he been unconscious?” I asked.

“He was still awake when I saw him last time. The jar fell off the shelf, I rolled off, and lost sight of him. The floor was uneven, it got stuck on something and I couldn’t… couldn't…” they looked like they were about to cry.

“When was it?”

“Yesterday… morning?”

“I will use some healing magic on him. It should help some, regardless of what is wrong.”

“Magic?” They looked at me in fear. “Are you a mage?”

“No. I am not.” I rubbed my fingers together, mentally preparing for the task.

“Let me access him, allright? And be still for a moment. This requires concentration and balance.”

I put two on the blue faerie’s chest. His sibling didn’t try to stop me. I breathed deeply and focused on the life energy inside me. I told it to flow down my arm through my fingers, and connect to the magic of the blue fairy. My fingertips started to glow. Moon tensed under my touch.

“What’s happening?” gasped the yellow fairy.

“He fights me,” I said. “Even though he is unconscious.”

He was no doubt a creature born to magic, as he was able to sense my intervention and tried to push me away. I bit my lip trying to stay calm. I didn’t want to force my way through the fairy's natural defenses. It would cause him distress and exhaust him further but I was starting to feel tired myself.

“Please, don’t fight me, please, don’t fight me,” I mumbled, pressing my energy gently against his. For a moment I thought it would be all for nothing. But then a small yellow hand lay down on mine. It felt good.

Maybe it was his sibling's familiar aura that made Moon lower his guard, or maybe it was me regaining some sort of peace for a moment, but I could feel the resistance fading and my magic was able to flow. The fairy relaxed under my touch.

When I finished, Moon was breathing easier. His face gained some more color, and dark circles around his eyes faded slightly.

The yellow fairy hugged their brother tighter.

“Th- thank you. But… Are you really not a mage? I thought they are the only humans that can use magic?”

“I’m a witch. Do you see a hat?” I pointed at my head. “Haven't you ever heard about us?”

They shook their head.

“Well, I guess there are not too many witches around really.” I signed.

“I’m… My name is Sun.”

“And he is Moon?”

“Yes. We are twin brothers.”

“Nice to meet you Sun, I’m-” I turned my head as I heard some groaning outside. The bandits were waking up. I couldn’t exactly fight all six of them.

“... going to introduce myself later. We need to go.”

“Go?”

“I need to take you out of here, quick.” I began to empty one of my bigger pockets. Witch’s clothes have many of them as a principle.

“We will go to my hutt. It’s a safe place. You two will be able to rest and recover.”

“I don’t know. I think Moon would-”

“Okay, done. You should both be able to fit in here.” I carefully picked Sun and plucked him into the pocket. Then I passed him the blue fairy. “Here. Hold him, when we’ll fly, watch if he lays in a good position.”

“A-alright.” Only Sun’s head was poking out of the pocket. Moon layed secured in his arms. “Wait, fly? You can fly too?!”

I sat on my broomstick. The celestial magic from the crystal flew through the wood. My clothes fluttered in the nonexistent wind, as we raised into the air. Sun gasped loudly and I couldn’t help but smile. Who does not like to show off sometimes?

I squeezed the stick tighter and we leaped forward. “Wooaaahh!” shouted Sun.

We flew out just in time to see the poachers that were waking up and scrambling on their feet. The broom flinched and wobbled as I was trying not to crash with them.

I grit my teeth and jerked the end of the broom upward, pointing it at the sky, accelerating. Some of the more awakened bandits started to shout at us and look around for their crossbows. But before they could begin to shoot, and we flew out of the sinkhole.

We weren’t ascending fast enough and pierced into the tree line. Now both me and Sun were screaming.

Somehow I avoided hitting any bigger branches. We soon bursted out above the treetops, like a fish jumping above the green waters.

I was finally able to flatten out and calm down.

The wind was hitting my face. The last shines of sunset dyed the clouds in pinks and oranges.

“You alright down there?” I asked, looking down.

“Yes, yes. We are okay.” breathed Sun. “That was so fast!” Fortunately he seemed more excited than scared.

“You guys don’t usually fly this fast, huh?” I grinned.

“No. Usually not,” he gave me a warm smile in return. He was still looking tired and sick, but maybe soon I would be able to fix that. I set a course for home.

#fanf sun #fnaf moon #sun and moon x reader #fairy friends au #fairy!Sun #fairy!Moon #witch!reader #short story #zofifi's post #zofifi's writing #long post

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thepouletgalactique · 7 months

Text

Annular Eclipse Fairy / Kreslas Reference

I'm finally releasing a little project I've had in mind for a long time. @ayyy-imma-ninja's incredible universe inspired me, so I decided to make a crossover between our two universes.

I hope you like this little project, @ayyy-imma-ninja 🥺

For now, this is just the prologue. The plot will feature @ayyy-imma-ninja's 3 fairies as well as characters I've invented myself for the sequel. Please be patient~

Warning: this little story is not canon to @ayyy-imma-ninja's, please don't associate what I do to what Meg does. My work is less qualitative than what she produces, so please consider this plot as fanfiction. Respect her work.

Now good reading~✨

(Production dated 11/02/2023)

-- Prologue Part 1 --

Kreslas : You're not in bed yet?

Gysper was leaning against what looked like a miniature handmade desk, lit by a firefly set against the wall of their den.

He quickly turned his gaze to where the voice emanated from.

It was Kreslas, crouching at the edge of the entrance.

The two fairies lived in a tree cavity with other congeners of several different species. Fairies tended to live alone; nevertheless, over time, they had organized themselves into a community, like an isolated village in the middle of a forest. Each had its own den to live in, with the exception of the Rain Fairy, who had long since decided to take in the wild Eclipse Fairy, which was frowned upon in the village.

Gypser : And you're back late from your rounds.

Night had now fallen for several hours and darkness had blanketed the sleepy village. Only the gleaming pupils of Kreslas and his imposing silhouette stood out in the night.

The Eclipse fairy went inside and answered.

Kreslas: The surveillance team and I were quite busy this evening...

For Kreslas, strange things had happened today, but he preferred to avoid the subject, as Gypser was usually quite anxious. He turned the conversation to what was keeping his companion awake... He approached to look over his shoulder, placing one hand on the other, and asked.

Kreslas: What's keeping you up so late?

Gypser hurriedly put away the parchments he'd been scribbling on a few moments ago.

Gypser: Nothing special, I had things to do.

Kreslas raises an eyebrow with an amused smile, he wasn't fooled. In fact, he knew what the little fairy was up to.

Kreslas: Ho "nothing special” ? Like how to organize food supplies for this winter? You know there's still 5 months to go.

Unmasked by his intentions, Gysper tried to justify himself by stammering.

Gypser: Autumn is approaching soon, I can feel the seasons changing. Rainy, cold weather is just around the corner. We need to make sure all food stocks are full for the village. And also calculate the expiry of food; organize stocks by type of food; calculate rations; above all plan for emergency reasons; also plan for potential problems and...

Still smirk on face, the big fairy watched him explain himself, gesturing all the while. He straightened up, then crossed his arms, unconvinced by his answer.

Seeing that Kreslas didn't approve of his excuses, he stopped, sighed and placed his hands on the desk. His fingers tightened slightly in concern over the parchments on the desk.

Gysper: I'm just forward-thinking... And worried... Especially after the thefts that took place there a while ago…

Kreslas: I know, I just don't like to see you so stressed... Don't worry, we'll find who did this.

He says, trying to reassure him.

Gysper: I'm not so much worried about who did it, but about the repercussions it could have. I've got a bad feeling about this. I don't want the village to be endangered in any way.

Anxiety growing in his voice as well as in his being, he closed his eyes, calmed down for a moment and then smiled slightly.

Gypser: But I don't doubt you, you've always been a good hunter.

In a burst of tenderness, he rose from his chair and embraced the waist of his partner.

Feeling those tiny hands clasping me, his heart vibrated from within his chest. Teasingly, he continued.

Kreslas: On the other hand, when the prey come to me on their own, things simplify considerably.

Easily, he lifted him up and nibbled lightly on his neck with his sharp teeth, all the while making comical mouth noises that made Gypser burst out laughing.

Their sizes were very significant. Kreslas usually towered over the other fairies by a head, measuring around 20 cm/7.9 inch, while Gypser was a head shorter than the others, measuring more like 13 cm/5.2 inch.

They enjoyed the moment embracing each other for a few seconds, before Gypser asked curiously.

Gypser: Tell me what happened, it's not often you're home this late...

Kreslas lifted his head from his shoulder to stare at him. Hesitant to answer, he put him down.

Kreslas: The patrol and I found a trap... In the stock that was stolen a few weeks ago...

He tilted his head.

Gypser: Do you think it's the same fairy who came to steal? Could it have come from other villages in the area?

Kreslas: No, I don't think it was a fairy, the trap was far too... heavy and sophisticated to be a trap built by a fairy. I also found footprints. Footsteps from "bigger than us".

Gypser jumped.

Gypser: Could they be fairy hunters?! I thought there hadn't been any for a long time!

Kreslas: It could be one of them. The "bigger than us" are evolving, but we're still desired creatures. The village has faced hunter attacks in the past, so we need to be on our guard. The theft last time may have been a way of knowing that this stock belonged to fairies or an animal, so I was stupid to suggest that the village ransom the entrance...

Gypser: You're not stupid, you wanted to do the right thing to keep the village safe. It's a good thing this stockpile isn't close to the village. We need to alert the other villages around here.

Kreslas: I don't understand why they didn't warn of a potential intrusion earlier. The day shift hasn't heard from them for a while... They've sent signals again today, with no response.

Gypser: That's really strange... I hope nothing's happened to them.

A few seconds of thought passed before the Eclipse fairy spoke again.

Kreslas: Tomorrow I'll go and check on you, flying high in the foliage so as not to attract attention. You, spread the word in our village and try to get out as little as possible. We have to be careful.

His heart raced at the idea of Kreslas moving away from the village; he'd done it to parts before, but not in such an urgent situation.

Gypser: Please, be careful...

Seeing Gypser's anxiety grow in his eyes, he smiled slightly and stroked one of his petals.

Kreslas: I promise.

Gysper remained tense all the same. Staring into space, he was already thinking the worst, biting his thumbnail in stress. Kreslas took his hands, slipping his fingers between his own.

Kreslas: But now it's time to rest.

Trying to dodge Kreslas' directions, he turned back to his desk.

Gysper: But first I just have a couple of things to finish-

He let out a small gasp of surprise before finishing his sentence. Kreslas had already caught him before he could reach his chair, pinning him down with his arms and lifting him off the floor. A teasing smile played across his face.

Kreslas: Where are you going? No more excuses now. At ease!

The little fairy jiggled as she tried to shake him off.

Gysper: Hey, it'll only take a few minutes!

Kreslas: You always say the same thing and end up falling asleep with your nose on your desk! You can continue tomorrow with a clear mind.

A small chuckle came from Gypser's mouth, then he sighed, defeated.

Gysper: Okay, okay, but I need you to put me down so I can change.

He chuckled before putting it down gently and setting up his extinguisher. Gysper looked for something to change into for the night.

Krelas, for his part, didn't have any specific clothes to rest in, so he contented himself with watching his partner frantically rummaging through his belongings.

But his attention was suddenly drawn to something outside, far away in the gloom. He began to stare intently at the outside of the den.

An unexplained shiver ran down his spine.

Something was bothering him, the wind was blowing abnormally for him, but he couldn't explain it. Krelas was very familiar with the sounds of foliage from his wilderness days, before he met Gysper. The sound of nature was no longer a secret to him.

He continued to examine the void, unable to look away. A bad feeling was slowly creeping up on him. Was it paranoia?

Gypser had chosen his outfit and was about to put it on when he watched Kreslas furtively scan the entrance. Curious and concerned, he asked.

Gypser: Is everything all right? Did you see anything?

His companion's voice roused him from his torpor, and he shook his head to regain his composure.

Kreslas: No, everything's fine. I'm just a little tired. Let's get some sleep...

He didn't want to worry any further with unfounded premonitions.

Yet Gypser's anxiety had not subsided. Kreslas still had some wild attitudes, including his sensitivity to the dangers and things around him.

Just as he was about to ask the same question, a rumbling sounded behind the trees. Something was approaching at high speed, a creature looming up in front of them. The two fairies had never seen anything like it before.

The creature before them was black with spinning wings, linked on either side by metal rods, producing a deafening din. It also had a sturdy, smooth black frame. A silver logo representing two Laurel branches, a crown and a pistol bullet were visible on its sides. Finally, an intense red light resembling a eye seemed to be watching them intently with lifeless and emotionless.

The creature was facing them. Blocking the only exit, pointing something at them.

Taken by surprise, both were frozen, time seemed to stand still for a moment. Gypser's eyes widened. Petrified on the spot, he clutched his clothes tightly. For Kreslas, the only priority was to protect Gypser. Instinctively, he rushed towards Gypser, hoping to reach him in time.

Kreslas: Gypser! Get down!

In his rush, the metal monster fired. An explosion followed by a dazzling flash then a thick cloud of nauseating smoke gradually filled the room.

Kreslas was thrown against the wall of their lair and lost sight of Gypser.

Other vermin of the same type arrived on either side of the village and fired into the other dens. Taken by surprise, few fairies managed to escape. Those who did were either captured by nets and dragged to the ground, or crushed by the flying things hurtling at them.

Disoriented, Krelas got to his feet despite the pain. His head was spinning and nausea was rising in his throat, the shock had weakened him. He groped the walls for his companion. His vision was blurred by the thick smoke and the wounds inflicted by the explosion.

After a few minutes of fruitless searching, his strength suddenly left him due to the cloud of gas.

Sore and feeling his body getting heavier and heavier, he collapsed to the ground while, outside, the cries of other fairies echoed under the explosions.

The cold ground kept him slightly awake.

Powerless, he used the last of his strength to concentrate on the surrounding noises, the cries and explosions continuing for a few minutes until silence returned. Then the ground began to tremble, as something climbed the tree where he was standing. A white light blinded him and swept across their now messy dens. Unknown voices broke the silence.

??? : There are still some here.

??? : They are completely stunned?

??? : Yep! The drones did their job well, I see.

Kreslas felt his body leave the ground as a large, warm hand reached out to examine him. He barely had time to make out the man's silhouette before he lost consciousness.

This was the beginning of the end...

-------------------------------------------------------- Prologue Part 1 - Prologue Part 2 (Soon) - Chapter 1 (Soon)

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