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#fanfic fragments
cjbeaumontpnr · 2 years
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Instead of doing NaNoWriMo this year, I’m thinking of doing Nacevember instead. Just do one little Nace Fanfic Fragment per day, every single day in November. What do you guys think? Should I do it? Do you have requests that fit my fanfic style/tone/voice?
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halfelven · 9 months
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Frodo comes back from Mordor and every storm he stands out in the rain, still, silently begging it to take away the burn he still feels (he’ll never feel like there isn’t ash in his throat; he still feels it in his lungs.) He just wants to feel like he isn’t burning, like he’s clean; he wants to feel water again.
‘It’s a shame he went mad,’ they say in the village.
Sam knows better than to ask. He stands out too, but back by the round door, where he can still feel the light, somehow. He doesn’t call to him to come back in. He just stays there so Frodo knows that he can. (He forgets, sometimes.)
The rain gets chilly as the year goes on. He doesn’t want to be cold again, but he is.
‘You’ll catch your death.’ Sam says it, even if he knows. He has to say something.
‘I won’t,’ Frodo says and what he means is he already did.
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ctrlsht · 7 months
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Fragment of the Past 01
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pairing: patient!jungkook x psychiatrist!reader genre: thriller & yandere au
summary: You are a well-known and respected psychiatrist and author. You start treating Jungkook, who suffers from PTSD after surviving an extremely traumatic incident. As you help him confront his traumatic past, he begins to act strangely, and you start uncovering something about him that will change everything.
chapter summary: As you get to know your patient, Jeon Jungkook, you begin to notice that something is wrong with him, until the day he confesses to you what really happened during the night of the incident.
chapter warnings: mention of PTSD and depression, mention of hatred towards the family, mention of murder. This chapter is the only chapter that isn’t too heavy. word count: 8K
note: This fiction will contain multiple mental disorders and psychology facts. I conducted my own research to avoid spreading misinformation, but there may be aspects I've overlooked, so I am open for any corrections.
"Dr. Y/N, your next patient is already waiting outside. Shall I invite him in?" Soyeon asked while holding the doorknob, your office door slightly ajar. You leaned back in your swivel chair, glancing at the clock hanging beside the door. Soyeon stood patiently, awaiting your response.
“It’s still 2:30 and my next session is 3 o’clock. He arrived early?” 
“Yes, he did. In fact, he already arrived at 2. Although he mentioned not informing you since it’s still early.” 
You looked at the clock once again and contemplated your decision. You still have 30 minutes before the new session starts but you’re not going to do anything, anyway. Just like your next patient, you’re just waiting for the clock to strike at 3. 
“Let him in. We’ll just start early.”
After a few moments, the door opened once again and a tall muscular man entered the room. His movements are slow like he has all the time in the world and when he faced you, his eyes sparkled, and he offered a subdued smile without revealing his teeth. He removed his black ball cap and extended his hand, presenting you with a box of cake.
“Good afternoon, doc. I’m sorry I’m too early from the original schedule but I got you a strawberry cake. Heard that you love them.” He said.
“It’s okay, I don’t mind. Thank you and it’s nice to see that you’re in a good mood, Jungkook.” You smiled and reached the box of cake that he gave you. He smiled even wider as he removed his leather jacket and you immediately saw his full sleeve tattoo on his right arm. They were beautiful. It perfectly suits him. 
“Thanks, doc. I’m happy that I didn’t dream about ‘that’ nightmare and I believe it’s because of the medicine that you prescribe me. You help me a lot.” He responds, sitting on the white sofa facing your desk.
When he is settled down on the couch in front of your office table, you press the ‘record’ button of your phone. You record your session with your patient for your advantage. It helps you review and recall  the discussion that you had with them, and it’s useful whenever you’re writing a book. Having the recordings allows you to convey your words more precisely.
Of course, you always ask for their consent to record the conversation. However, there are patients who do not agree with it, and in such cases, you still record them. They wouldn't know, would they?
“Well, that’s good to know.” You said and got the folder placed on the side of your table and opened it. It’s the record of him for you to easily navigate his diagnoses. “Are you still visiting the gym like I’ve recommended to you?” 
“Yes I do and it helps me to distract my mind to what happened. Going back to the gym helps me a lot, honestly. It’s hard to push myself to go back at first but as I was in there, it became easier.” His smile is like a pill that can light anyone’s mood. It is so bright and contagious. No one will guess that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He witnessed how his mother died in front of him exactly six months ago and he suffers a lot. He’s unable to talk for weeks after the incident happened and was advised to attend psychotherapy. 
Right now, he has made significant progress, and you're glad about it. Throughout your sessions with him, you've observed how he copes with his trauma and understands what's going on in his mind. It's a major trauma for him to witness what happened to his mother. According to studies, women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and you've handled multiple cases with women experiencing PTSD. However, in your years in this career, he is the only man you've treated with this specific diagnosis. It's a new experience for you, especially since it's your first encounter with a male patient with this condition. You've conducted extensive research, but there are still things your patient does that contradict what you've read.
“During the weekends, I spend all night reading your book, Dr. Y/N and it helps me so much. Plus, it’s good and I love it. I can’t wait for you to release the book that you’re writing right now. When did you plan on releasing them?” He crosses his legs as he looks at you with so much adoration. 
“I haven’t finished writing it so I haven’t planned the date of release.” you replied, turning your attention back to the folder in your hand. “I’m glad that my books help you. Do you think that you’ve already overcome your trauma with the event that happened?” You looked at him and the smile that he had seconds ago was gone. His lips were formed into a straight line and he stared at you. It only happens for seconds and he immediately brings his bright expression once again.
“I’m not quite sure about that, Dr. Y/N. I may be happy right now, but later on, I’ll remember the tragic event once again.” He responded. 
“It’s okay. It really happens. Healing from your trauma doesn’t happen in a short period of time. But eventually, you’ll be okay. It may not be right now nor tomorrow but one day,” you assured him.
“Will you leave me after I completely heal, Doc?” he leaned forward, his gaze intense.  You didn’t respond right away and waited if he’s about to add more with his statement but turns out, he’s also waiting for your response.
“Well, that’s quite the opposite, Jungkook. You’ll be the one to leave me after our final session comes to an end.” You tried to smile. “And as your doctor, I genuinely want you to heal and move on to continue living with your life.” 
“Then I’m not quite sure if I’ll be happy for our final session to come to an end.”
You achieved success as a psychiatrist and book author within just four years of your career. Your excellence in your work is a result of the praises you've received from people. You've built a strong reputation and you're determined to maintain it. While you may be at the top now, you know there's still a long road ahead. You're committed to continuing to excel in what you do and to break numerous records.. 
The day has finally ended and you are still inside your office room as you continue on writing your ongoing book. The paradox of choice. You’ve released three books and this is going to be your fourth one. You’ve been pouring your blood, sweat and tears in every book that you’ve released resulting in its success and you’re confident that this ongoing book will be the same. 
You have nothing else to do except to work 24/7. You’ve been doing this for the past four years already and you have no problem with it. In fact, you love everything you do. But there are people who’s against your life cycle. 
As you type on your laptop, your phone chimes, seeing a notification from your friend, Taehyung. He's been your friend since you were in diapers.
Taehyung: You’re not at home. Where are you?
You: Clinic. Why?
Taehyung: what the. At this hour?
You didn’t respond because you figured out that he doesn’t have anything to do but to disturb you and honestly, you don’t have the time for that. 
Taehyung: Join me for dinner. It’s on me.
You: Can’t you eat by yourself and you have to treat me just for you to have dinner?
Taehyung: You talked as if we’re not friends. Come on, Y/N. I know you love your job but don’t wait until you are the one who becomes a patient.
Taehyung doesn’t understand you. You’re doing what you love and you don’t have a problem with it yet he thought that you were drowning yourself with work. You can choose what you want and you choose to burn yourself from work. You don’t have any problems with it. 
You decide to fix your things and get ready for Taehyung to pick you up. As much as you love your career, you also cherish your friendship with him. He's your only friend, and you don't want to lose him. You've come to consider him as family.
“My father is asking me again if I can now run the business in New York." Taehyung said as he got the pork belly from the grill and placed it in his bowl of rice before he put it together in his mouth. 
“Tell him you haven't decided." You respond subconsciously while wrapping the pork in the lettuce and eat it. 
“What amazing advice coming from a therapist herself.” Taehyung smirked.
"What is your decision then?"
"I don't really know, Y/N." He released a deep breath and continued. "I do want to manage it but I can't. I love what I'm doing right now."
Since his teenage years, Taehyung has been destined to inherit his father's assets, including the family company. However, Taehyung chose a different path and became a successful musician and artist. He's content with his career until his father reminds him of his obligation to take over the family's oil company in New York. He has been wrestling with this difficult situation for years and has yet to find a solution.
“Try to do both.” You suggest while having a mouthful of pork belly. 
“I don’t know if you’re fucking with me or what but damn, Y/N. If you’re my therapist, I’ll immediately leave your clinic and find another one.” Taehyung rolled his eyes and you tried not to laugh. "I can't choose both and you know that!" 
You do want to help your friend to get out of this situation but the only thing you can do is give emotional and moral support because you don't have control over his family. You do feel sorry for him but you can't do much. 
"The conflict between personal desires and altruistic choices has been common in dealing with ethical dilemmas. Choosing a decision between what you want and what your father wants that will be beneficial for the majority is quite a difficult situation and you need to weigh them according to how you see it. Your father has been there for you and in return, he wants you to handle his business not only for the benefit of him but also for you." You pause and take a bite of kimchi before you continue. "But you wanted to keep pursuing the career you have right now. It's a personal gain. It's up to you if you become selfish or selfless." 
Many researchers have presented real-life ethical dilemmas and case studies to understand how people navigate decisions that involve personal desires and the welfare of others. These studies often highlight the complexity and context-dependency of such choices which is what Taehyung is experiencing right now. 
If you were to decide with his situation, you'd choose to continue with his career that he has right now. Life is too short to become selfless. What society makes people believe can result in each and everyone's failure. 
If he chooses to do what his father wants, it won't guarantee success, as he has no clue about running their business. And even if he manages to muster the passion to understand how it works, he might not only fail himself but also disappoint his father.
You ended the night with Taehyung bringing you back to the clinic to get your car. It was nice catching up with him once in a while and hopefully, it won't happen often. Taehyung has known you since forever and he knows that even if you love him, you will still choose your work over him. 
You were about to open the door of the driver seat of your car when you felt something. Or more of someone. 
You don't hear any noise coming from afar or nearby and you're certain that you're the only one who is at the parking lot in front of the clinic but you feel like there is a pair of eyes that's watching you. You're facing the two-story building of the clinic and catch sight of anyone but the only thing you see is a light coming from the entrance and nothing else. 
You slowly turn around to see the surroundings and the only thing you see is a quiet night street illustrated by a few streetlights. There is no one, yet you can still feel that pair of eyes looking at you. 
You weren't sure if it's because of overworking or the alcohol you've consumed tonight but you're certain that one of it is the reason why you are having this kind of imagination. 
“Good morning, Yunjin. You look pale today. What’s wrong?” You looked at your patient that’s seated across the sofa in front of you. Her lips were paper thin and she continuously blinked her eyes. Yunjin is a 25-year old diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder and she's been your patient for a year already. Being diagnosed with depression can cause a lot of factors including imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. These imbalances can occur in anyone, regardless of their external circumstances. In Yunjin’s situation, it’s caused by her genes and hormones and most likely, she inherited from her family.
Yunjin came from a well known family and her life is what every person dreams to have. She already has everything yet she still suffers with depression. 
Not because a person has a wealthy and happy life doesn’t mean they do not encounter problems. 
“It’s happening again. I’ve lost track of my motivation to continue painting.” She speaks hoarsely. “Last week, I’m pouring all my hardwork and energy into what I’m working on but now, I’ve messed up. And I don’t even know why I am doing this because my work is mediocre in the first place.”
“You know that’s not true, Yunjin. Your paintings are amazing. I love them so much, especially the one you gave me.” You said carefully.
“No, you don’t understand. My works are trash compared to others.” Her voice is already trembling—on the verge of crying.
“Everyone has a unique and creative way to express their works. Not because you think that the works of others are more creative means yours are not. Your paintings are a masterpiece, Yunjin and I won’t get tired of reminding you about that.”
Yunjin is one of your patients who is incredibly transparent. She is consistently honest and open about her feelings, and you have played a significant role in nurturing this honesty.  Over your years of being a psychotherapist, you’ve encountered thousands of patients with different problems and diagnosis. You’ve known the ins and outs of them and you’ve mastered the meaning of every action they’ve made and words they’ve said. You also know if they’re telling the truth or not and you can spot it within a single session. 
That’s what you’re known—for being an excellent psychiatrist. 
However, you’re not yet perfect and still working with your skills. You know that you’re already great but there is still room for improvement. 
Not because you’re confident with how you read your patients means that it’s the truth. Sometimes, they deceive you and that’s a case that you have to improve with yourself.
It’s almost five and a few moments from now, you’ll have your last patient for the day. The truth is, you’re already exhausted with all the work you did today and given that it’s friday. Tomorrow, it’s a rest day, therefore, things should be done until today if you want to enjoy the weekend. But in your case, you’ll most probably work with the book you’re currently writing. 
Jeon Jungkook is your last patient for the day and hopefully, after the session, both of you will feel relief. 
“Hello, Dr. Y/N. You look so tired. Are you okay?” Jungkook asked you as he removed his bomber jacket revealing his full sleeve tattoo. He has a taste in fashion and it suits him so well. With his tall and muscular body, he can wear anything and still look stunning. Beside his body build, Jungkook is handsome. With his beautiful doe eyes and perfect smile, he can captivate anyone. And it’s something that you should be cautious about. 
“I’m fine, Jungkook. You don’t have to worry about me.” You slightly smile and insist him to sit on the sofa. “Please take a seat. How are you?” You try to energize your voice to hide your exhaustion. 
"Today was supposed to be great until one of my employees messed around at work. His name is Bryan, and ever since he got hired, he's been getting on my nerves. If it weren't for the fact that he's my uncle's son, I would have fired him right from the beginning," he began, settling into his seat.
“What happened?”
“He lost the memory card of the camera I used from the photoshoot yesterday and now, we had to redo the shoot.” His eyebrows scrunch as he tightens his lips. 
“Your feelings are valid, Jungkook. It’s okay to feel that way. What you can do to control your emotions when you’re in that situation is to leave and take a break where you can breathe.”
“You’re right. But now, I feel okay. Relief even. I just fired him from being incompetent. Someone like him doesn’t belong in my studio, anyway.”
You take a pause to look at him. He looks at you with a blank stare and when he does that, he’s unbothered or doesn’t care. You admit that he’s not easy to read but you’ve learned to master his gesture and there is something about him that feels off. 
“Can you tell me why his action results in you firing him?”
“Because he’s useless and I don’t need useless people in my team.” He responds like the answer is already obvious.
“Don’t you think that he can improve?” His gaze intensifies and after a moment, he smirks.
“My studio is not a training ground, Dr. Y/N. It’s a place where you should already master what you’re doing.” His fingers move in his lips to play with it, eyes still bore at you.
“I’ve established my business from the scratch and I’ve poured my blood sweat and tears just for my business to be in where it is now. Perhaps, I have the right to do anything that's better for my studio. I know what my worth is. Don’t you think, Dr. Y/N?” 
He’s full of himself. But you didn’t say that.
“Well, you have a point, Jungkook. But you’re the one who said it. Your studio is made from scratch and perhaps, you know what being in your lowest point feels like.” You try to smile genuinely. “It’s okay to know your worth and at the same time, look back where you came from.” You looked at his medical records and proceeded. “How’s your condition? Are you still experiencing anxiety?”
“30 minutes ago. When I was traveling to get here.” 
“Why? What’s running in your mind?” He wiggled his ankle and continued to play with his lips, thinking of the answer.
“I was nervous during the ride. I don’t know but sometimes, you make me feel nervous.” He let out a playful chuckle. 
“Why?”
“The fact that you knew everything about me makes me feel something. You’ve known everything about me yet I don’t know a single thing about you.” You don’t understand what's his point so you try to laugh to ease the heavy feeling you feel right now.
“Of course, you knew me, Jungkook. You’ve mentioned that you knew me even before the session started.” You give him a smile and you put down the folder that you are holding right now.
"Yeah, I know you, Doc. Everyone knows you. I'm aware of everything that's public about you. What I want to know is who Dr. Y/N is without her MD and PhD. What do you do during your days off, and what are your hobbies besides helping people with their problems?" He glanced at the wall beside you, where a painting of you hangs. It's a picture of you that people can see in your books, a gift from Yunjin. 
You’ve known Jeon Jungkook with his traumas and all however, you don’t know what he’s up to right now. He entered your clinic being a fragile person with his traumas and right now, it felt like you’re talking to another person. Maybe because this is him without his diagnosis. 
And you don’t know how to feel about it. 
It’s a photoshoot day for a magazine featuring you as a doctor and an author as well. It’s a media organization focusing on psychology and human behavior and you’re delighted to be featured for the upcoming magazine. You’ve already featured in some magazine but this time, it’s different because it’s ‘Psychology Today.’ 
You’re now on your way going to the studio with your team along with your agent, Kim. You seem to look calm and relax but deep down, nervousness is wrapping your insides. It is by far the biggest media organization where you will be featured and it’s another achievement of yours. 
As you get out of your car, you weren’t surprised that the location where the photoshoot is going to be held is this enormous. It’s a four-story building located at the center of the city. You’re not sure if the media organization also owns this but as you looked at the name of the building, it looks like it isn’t.
GCF Studio
As you enter the building, you are greeted by enthusiastic guards and staff, which motivates you even more for this shoot with them. The interior is minimalist, with the entire first floor being plain white. When you walk through the glass door, the first thing you see is the reception desk. To the right, there are couches and a coffee table where people can wait, and to the left, there's a cafeteria. You walk straight ahead toward the elevator, and one of your assistants presses the button for the third floor.
As the elevator door opened, you were greeted by a hallway with various doors, clearly indicating it's a working area where the shoot takes place. You walk a few steps before entering through double doors, where you find a bustling room filled with people busy at work. It resembles a dressing room but on a larger scale, with various outfits hanging, and several vanity mirrors where people can prepare for their shoot. It's fantastic.
“Good morning Dr. Y/N. Before we proceed with the shoot, I’d like to discuss with you what look you’ll be having for today. You also have full control of what you would like to look at and we’re here to assist you.” You are greeted by a young male with full of feminine energy. He’s tall and petite wearing a white blouse and a sweater that is hanging on his shoulder. He leads the way and you smile before you follow him. 
You’ve thought that this photoshoot will only take an hour of your time but you’re wrong because an hour just passed and they were still dressing you up. You didn’t feel uncomfortable because everyone is approachable and enthusiastic. They made you feel that you’re indeed their client. 
After an hour and a half of preparation, you finally entered the photoshoot studio, and once again, you found many people inside. You're not entirely sure about each person's specific role here, but everyone is clearly occupied. 
But the atmosphere immediately changed when the door swung open. It was chaotic seconds ago and right now, everyone is silent looking at the person who just entered. 
You saw a familiar figure. His tall and muscular figure is very familiar to you. He’s wearing a black slacks and a casual long sleeve polo that’s folded up until his elbow where you can clearly see half of his tattoo while his hair is pulled back. 
Jeon Jungkook is undeniably handsome and he knows it. 
“What’s this chaos? I told you that once I’ve entered the studio, everything should be ready.” His voice was threatening as he spoke with authority. A side of him that you’re not surprised to see. 
What surprised you is the fact that he’s inside of the studio. 
What is he doing here?
Everyone works silently as if they were being oppressed in their workplace. They were enthusiastic and approachable seconds ago and it all changed when he entered inside. 
“Good morning, Dr. Y/N. It wasn’t obvious how you look surprised to see me here, aren’t you?” Jungkook gave you a boastful smile like he doesn’t look threatening a few moments ago. 
A sign of bipolar disorder.
“Welcome to GCF Studio where there is no room for failure.”
You will be working with one of your patients and you’re not even aware of that.
Ethically, there is nothing wrong with working with your patients outside the session but you aren’t fond of that. The idea of working with your patient outside the session doesn’t suit you and particularly with the patient that is in front of you right now. 
You haven’t thought of the reason why but you just don’t. 
Everything is already set up, and you are now behind the backdrop while Jungkook is holding the camera, ready to capture everything. You're confident in the outcome of this shoot, but at this moment, it feels like everything is crashing down at your feet. Everyone is looking at you with high hopes for the result of this photoshoot, and you wouldn't want to ruin it.
“Smile for me, Y/N.”
You don’t know how you manage to end the photoshoot smoothly knowing that Jungkook is making you uncomfortable. You were mad at yourself because you don’t know why you felt that way. He isn’t doing anything but to do his job in taking a photo of you. 
Now that you're home, you don't have anything to be distressed about when thinking about what happened during the shoot.
You have to admit that there is something wrong with his words and actions. There are signs that he’s becoming manipulative and a sudden change of mood. He's self-absorbed and lacks remorse for others. You’ve been thinking that there are other diagnoses with his actions and behaviors however, you cannot suddenly show up and tell what other illness he has. You still have to observe your sessions with him. 
You have now freshen up and are ready to rest but you decide to visit your office to check your schedule for tomorrow and the following days. You only have one patient for tomorrow and most of your schedules are meetings. Before you log out, you glance at the folder of Jungkook in your patient list and you click it subconsciously. 
Jeon Jungkook, 31-year old male who suffers from PTSD, after surviving an extremely traumatic incident.
He witnessed his mother die in front of him and aside from that, he was also shot in his left thighs twice. And it happens in the comfort of their home. 
The suspect? A loan shark who’s coming for his mother. 
There are a lot of questionable things that happened during the incident and one of them is how come that he always claimed to have a successful business while his mother is buried in debt? He also claimed that he doesn’t know about the debt of his mother. There are several inconsistencies in his story but the bottom line is, the loan shark surrendered and is now in maximum security prison for murdering his mother.
You transfer the recordings you made over the following days to your computer and listen to one of them, specifically the conversations you had with Jungkook.
You have 12 sessions in total with him and you have 5 more sessions left before it finally comes to an end. You don’t count the remaining number of sessions with your patient until now.
You love to read books during your free time, However, it most likely does not happen due to your busy schedule. But right now, you take a break from everything and decide to go on a date with yourself. You don’t normally take a break but you’re becoming busier than usual and you don’t want to risk your health because you know that there are a lot of people that need you. 
You’re not a fan of going out and you prefer to stay at home and rest but getting out of your comfort zone won’t hurt you. You decided to visit your favorite cafe and do your thing there. You dislike rowdy places, that’s why you went early in the morning where people are still in the comfort of their bed.
You underestimate the morning and how you’re used to people getting up mostly before lunch yet there are people who also like you—waking up at 6 in the morning to get a morning coffee in their favorite cafe. 
“Dr. Y/N! You’re here!” You lift your head to see Jeon Jungkook standing in front of you with his bright smile while holding a cup of coffee. 
Among all the people you could meet here, you don't understand why it had to be him.
“Jungkook. I didn’t know you’re here.” You try to return the smile and you almost fail when he sits in front of you. 
He’s wearing a casual polo shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. Unlike the last time you saw him, every strand of his hair is falling into a harmonious arrangement. It looks so soft and suits him well. He looked effortlessly handsome as usual. 
“Just grab a coffee and then, I saw you.” He smiles sweetly before he gazes down at the book you’re reading. “I don’t know why I am surprised that you like reading books even for the fact that you’re an author.” 
"I read when I have time," you respond. "How are you?" you add, trying to steer the conversation away from yourself.
“I’m doing amazing. I’m continuing to write in my journal like what you suggest. It does help me a lot, Dr. Y/N.” He takes a sip from his coffee as he gets comfortable in his seat. He’s not leaving any moment now.
“That’s good. Journaling really works.” You just said whatever is in your mind because you’re thinking of an excuse to leave. 
“That’s right. But we’re not in the session right now, Doc. We don’t always have to talk about me.” He leans backward as he glances at your book once again. “The four agreements. I’ve read that book before. It’s good. You’re really into self-help books, aren’t you? You like to write and read about them.”
“Yes. It does help me to improve my writing. How about you? I didn’t know that you also read nonfiction books.”
“I started to read because of your books, Doc.” He looks at your eyes filled with tenderness, traced the curves of your face as if he's memorizing it.
He’s been looking at you like that lately as if he wants you to drown with the way he stares. The way he looks at you carries an underlying tone, and truthfully, that's one of the reasons why you've become uncomfortable around him.
“I’m glad that I’ve encouraged you to read books.” You answer while looking at your wrist watch hoping that he understands that you wanted to leave already. 
“Your photos from the last time were amazing. Our team has already sent you the soft copy. Did you receive it?” You do but you didn’t tell him.
“I haven’t seen it but I’ll check it out later.” You looked at your wrist watch once again.
“Yeah, you should. They were amazing. You’re stunning as always.” His eyes twinkled but you didn’t notice that.
“I want to thank you and your team for working hard on this shoot. I do appreciate it so much.” you smile and look at your wrist watch for the last time. “I’m afraid that I have to leave you right now. I already have to go home.”
“That fast? We haven’t talked a lot, Doc.” He fixed you with a steadfast gaze and you were caught off-guard. You’re thinking of what to respond but you were out of words. After a few seconds, he chuckles. “I was just kidding, Doc. I know how busy you are and I understand that.”
You let out a nervous laugh. “I apologize, Jungkook. There are a lot of things that I have to do. But I’ll see you on tuesday.” 
“You don’t have to apologize because I understand. Yes, I’ll see you on Tuesday, Dr. Y/N.”
Tuesday came and you just woke up yet you already wanted to end this day. It’s strange that you haven’t properly started your day but you already feel heavy to move forward. Yesterday was exhausting for all the work you’ve done and you didn’t get home until 10pm, however, it doesn’t justify your heavy feeling right now. You’ve experienced worse so you don’t understand why you feel this way.
As you make your way to the clinic, you receive numerous work-related calls, and you're already feeling tired from answering them. However, you have no choice but to attend to them.
“Good morning, Dr. Y/N. Your first patient has already arrived. Do you want me to let him wait inside your office or here in the lobby?” The receptionist spoke on the other line. 
“You can let him in. I’m almost there.” When the traffic light turns green, you already move. “Is it Mr. Park?” You asked.
“No. It’s Mr. Jeon, Doc.” 
Damn. That’s why the morning feels heavy.
As you arrive inside your office, you spot Jungkook in the corner looking at the frames that are standing in the chest drawers. The air conditioner is already on–Soyeon the receptionist must have turned it on. He immediately turned his head towards you when you opened the door and greeted you with his charming smile. 
“Good morning, Dr. Y/N. I thought you'd take longer to arrive because the receptionist already let me in.” He greeted and walked his way towards the sofa–where your patient normally sits. 
“I was stuck in the traffic. You know, morning rush hour.” You responded as you placed your things on your office table. 
Jungkook is a punctual person. He may arrive early or on time but he is never late. If you count the things that you like about him, you’re counting nothing because that’s the only thing you like about him.
“How are you?” Is the first thing you asked him when you get comfortable with your seat. You press the record button on your phone that's hidden from him.
“Bad. I met my father last night and I wish I didn’t.” He brushed his hair back and slouched on his seat. 
It's the first time he mentioned his father at the beginning of a conversation because he never does unless you ask about it. From his descriptions, his father seems like a terrible person. He never fulfilled his role as a father, often creating conflicts with his mother. His family life seems chaotic, and you believe it might be one of the reasons he's become the person he is today.
“Why did you meet him?” 
“He just showed up to my house without permission to talk about bullshit. My life is already at peace and he’s ruining it.” His jaw tightened.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Your eyes locked into him as you try reading his mind. You know that every patient that walks into your office has different problems in life and they are sometimes hard to predict but this man in front of you is something else. There is something in him that you couldn’t understand. 
“No. He’s a waste of time. He’s really… Okay, I’ll talk about him briefly. He’s a horrible person and he doesn’t deserve to be a father to me. I never got to experience the love from a father because the only thing that he gave me is hatred. He always gets drunk and gamble and he cheated with my mom multiple times. I’m not going to be surprised when I find out that I have other siblings from different mothers. He’s the worst person I’ve known.”
You find his explanation vague but you didn’t think much about it and you let him continue.
“Do you have other instances where you see the different side of your father? Something that makes him a person to you?” You asked.
“None. Even during childhood. Especially now that he only wants money from me. He and mother are very similar to each other. Maybe that’s why they end up together. They both pissed me off and even though my mother is not here anymore, I can remember her because of my shitty father.”
You were taken aback with what he just said. He never badmouthed his mother until now. When he discussed his mother, there is nothing else he said rather than how he misses her and how she’s a great mother to him. 
But you didn’t say anything about it and let him elaborate what he just said. 
“Do you think that your parents do the same thing?” You asked–hoping that he doesn’t suspect your question.
“Yeah. They may be doing it in different ways of being a shitty person but they are the same for being useless parents.” He puts his index finger on his lips and slowly rubs it while resting his elbow on the arm rest, looking at you with intensity. 
You’re finding a word to say but you found nothing. You wanted to look away but it would indicate that he caught you off-guard. 
You saw a glimpse of his demonic character for a second. His eyes that had once been warm and inviting, now bore into you with an unnerving intensity as if trying to peer into your soul.
He spoke once again and his voice took on a low, whispery, and the words that slipped from his lips sent chills down your spine.
"Maybe that's why she died. Now, I wonder when my father will be next."
You're standing on the side of the street embracing the subtle chill in the air as the city lights painted the night with different colors. People are walking by and snippets of hushed conversations drifted on the breeze while the flow of traffic added to the scene with vehicles weaving through the crowd.
You don’t know why Taehyung is taking so long to arrive. You’ve been waiting for him on the sidewalk for 10 minutes already when in fact, he should have been here 30 minutes ago. You’re going to come with him on his event show because he’s been annoying you for the whole week to come with him and for him to stop, you just agreed.
What pisses you off more is that he's running late, and your stomach is growling. You haven't had dinner because Taehyung assured you that he'd swing by the drive-thru to grab something for you to eat.
You're waiting for Taehyung, but someone else showed up in front of you.
“Dr. Y/N, hi!” You met Jeon Jungkook’s eyes with his bright and warm smile. He’s wearing a gray hoodie and skinny jeans that fit him perfectly. You looked in the surroundings of him if he's with someone and it seems that there’s none. 
“Hello, Jungkook. You’re heading somewhere?” You gave him a warm smile that hopefully, doesn’t look like it’s forced.
“Yeah. I’m going out for dinner. I was actually in that building,” He pointed out the building behind you and it looked like a law firm office. “I already saw you when I entered there but I didn’t have the chance to greet you because I’m in a hurry and now, you’re still here.” He glances at the road and returns his eyes to you. “You’re waiting for someone?” 
“Uhm, yeah. I am.” You looked at your phone to see if Taehyung had a message but there’s none.
“You’ve been here for a couple of minutes already. Are you sure that they are still going to make it here?” 
“Yeah. Maybe they—
You were taken aback when your stomach started to growl and heck, it’s so loud that you want the grounds to eat you alive. You were sure that your face was burning red and you couldn’t bear to make eye-contact with him as your gaze fixed elsewhere.
 You glance at him as a soft chuckle rumbles in his throat. “I already hate the person that keeps you waiting in hunger. You know what, I’d love to treat you for dinner with me and drive you to your destination afterwards. Or we can just go to a drive-thru.” If he’s someone else, maybe you will consider his offer. 
“No, it’s okay Jungkook. You don’t have to do that.” You glance at your phone to pretend that someone messages you. “My friend is already on his way. You can go.” 
“Your friend of yours is really something else. What kind of man is he for making you wait for so long on the street with your stomach empty?” His voice took on a sharp edge as his eyebrows knitted together.
“I’m really fine. You don’t have to think about me.” You force a smile as you bite the inside of your cheeks.
“I insist, Dr. Y/N. I really want to treat you for being there for me during my worst days. You help me a lot and I want to get you something to show my appreciation. It’s nothing big and I will be guilty if I just leave you here.” 
“I really appreciate your gesture, Jungkook, but I have other plans. Maybe next time?” You smile hoping that he understands that you don’t really want to go with him.
“With the same guy that made you wait in the cold air? Oh come on, Doc. You know better.” He spoke in a pompous tone, as if he proved that Taehyung is a horrible guy.
“You can make up to me some other time. I’m really–
You haven’t finished your sentence when Taehyung’s audi arrives beside you and he instantly gets out to meet your gaze.
“Y/N! I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. The traffic is so heavy.” He didn’t notice Jungkook until he opened the passenger’s seat and slowly glanced beside you. Jungkook released a sarcastic laugh and glared at Taehyung.
“What a surprise that Kim Taehyung–a famous musician and artist let a lady wait in the cold breeze with an empty stomach. I didn’t know that you’re such a gentleman, Taehyung.” He spoke in a mocking tone as Taehyung looked at him in confusion. 
“I’m sorry, who are you?” 
“You wouldn’t want to know.” He arched a brow before he returned his gaze to you. “If you really insist on being with this guy, then I’ll leave you already. I just hope that he won’t completely ruin your precious night.” He said before he finally turned around and walked away–placing his hands in the pocket of his hoodie. When he’s already out of sight, you turn your head to Taehyung and glare at him.
“What?” You suddenly smack his chest before you hopped in the car.
“Damn you.”
It didn't take long before Jungkook was back, sitting on the couch in front of you. You’ve realized that your day always feels heavy every Tuesday of the week and that is whenever you’re going to have a session with him. 
You've tried to shake off the discomfort you feel when he's in front of you because you regret thinking of him differently from your other patients, but every time you try, he makes it worse.
“Are you taking your medicines I’ve prescribed you?” You scan his record file that you’re holding. 
“Yeah. I consistently take them, Doc.” He responded as he smugly looked at you and before you think of negative thoughts of him, you already returned your gaze back to the folder.
“Are you still having nightmares during your sleep?” He didn’t instantly respond like he’s thinking about the question carefully.
“I do. I still do, Dr. Y/N. But it wasn’t worse, unlike what I have for the last months.” 
“Then it’s a good sign. You’re now improving. Are you still thinking about the incident?” You give him a genuine smile while he slowly crosses his legs and places both of his arms on the arm rest.
“Yes, but not as frequently as before. I love my mother so much but I’ve learned to let her go and accept the fate she has. Afterall, it was her fault.” He was looking at the painting that Yunjin had given you as he answered. He doesn’t have much of a reaction but his last sentence caught your attention.
“Why do you think that it’s her fault?” You ask in your soft voice.
“You see, my mother isn’t the perfect mother and she has her mistakes and sometimes, she doesn’t learn from them. She keeps doing the same thing until she has to pay for it and that costs her life.” He responded.
“Do you want to talk about the mistakes that your mother made?” He smiled and played with his lips once again. You’ve noticed that he’s doing that if he finds something funny or there are things that he knows and you don’t.
“But we will take forever if we discuss it right now, Dr. Y/N. But if you’re really interested, we can talk about it over dinner. You promised me last time that you’ll come with me for dinner.” You mentally rolled your eyes with his statement. Here he goes again.
“Not right now. I still have a lot of things to do but we can talk about other things like how great your mother is.” You said and he laughed—as if your statement is absurd. You try to not raise your brows with his action and behavior. 
“Let's not talk about that, either.”
You were doing your best to understand his actions and statements but there is something in him that you haven’t seen. Something that will answer everything
“But I will tell you how I see my mother during the incident.” He leaned forward and intertwined his fingers “When my mother is kneeling and begging for her life, I was thinking that ‘damn. It’s really happening, isn't it?’. And when the trigger was pulled, the world stopped. And after a few moments, I felt a sense of relief and before I knew it, I was shot as well.” His voice was soft and light as if he’s confessing something that he should have confessed before. 
You felt a shiver down your spine as the creeping horror crawled along your arms, raising goosebumps. You held unflinching eye contact, determined to keep your composure and hide the discomfort and fear you felt.
“Where were you when your mom was being shot?” You asked as you held your breath.
This question is already asked during the investigation. ‘I’m in the living room, 10 feet away from her. When I saw her  position and situation, I immediately ran towards her but it was too late because before I even reached her, she was already shot in the chest. It didn’t take 10 seconds of my life before I was shot as well’.
But you still ask him once again. Away from the detectives.
“I was there, I told you.” 
“Yes, but in what position?” Your hands are already trembling. 
“I was standing,” He took a deep breath before he continued. His next sentence didn’t surprise you because it was something you already expect but trying to deny it to yourself, and it terrifies you, so much that you thought that this may be your last day.
“After I was shot, I collapsed, along with the gun I was holding.” 
a/n: I'm almost done with the whole series so I've decided to post the first part. I hope you'll like this new fic because I enjoy writing it! I am open for comments to further improve my works. Have a nice day everyone!
taglist: @iloverubberduckiez-blog @kingofbodyrolls @fangirl-death-rose @looneybleus @softie00
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vulpinesaint · 1 month
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listen i am geralt of rivia hater number one but one thing i actually CANNOT stand is when the fandom mischaracterizes him. took one look at this man who speaks very straight-forwardly and matter-of-fact and is a little recalcitrant with his words sometimes and went "haha he communicates in grunts! man who only says 'hm'!" and then won't even write him to speak in full fucking sentences. hello???? hello???????? yes the netflix show was a bad influence on everybody because they were trying too hard to depict geralt as a stoic manly badass but we CANNOT let that distract us from the REAL thing to make fun of geralt for. which are his Constant Unprovoked Monologues
#also the fact that he fakes his dumb stupid little rivian accent because the man was NOT raised in rivia. but i digress#'haha he only says hm!' where were you for every episode when he launched into a speech about the lesser evil. that's like. the whole thing#geralt of rivia will do nothing But talk once you let him. don't give that bitch a chance! he'll start up about honor again!!!#convinced that most of this is because netflix show insisted on showing us him around jaskier so much#and jaskier does not shut up. love him to death. but geralt genuinely does not have time to get a word in edgewise#i will admit that this is something that i had to learn by reading the books and paying more attention to it#but it's not like he DOESN'T do it in the show. if you ever sit with a witcher episode transcript for whatever reason#and really take a look at geralt's lines. man he talks a whole fucking lot.#again cannot emphasize enough that he Monologues. HE TALKS HIS WAY OUT OF SO MANY SITUATIONS.#me when i look filavandrel of the elves in the eyes and 'hm' at him and he lets me go. no bitch he monologued!!!!#terrible. terrible. let this man speak. if i see you fanfic bitches continue making him talk in sentence fragments again i'm gonna kill#as for my own fanfic. i will always prefer a geralt who talks too much to be believable over a geralt who barely speaks at all.#both because i believe in letting him speak his mind which he OBVIOUSLY likes to do. sideeyes him.#and because it's just fucking boring and a little annoying to read speech patterns that don't sound like how people talk.#cough cough lan wanji the untamed. man i'm not sitting here and reading this motherfucker's two word sentences#let him speak!!!!!!#anyway.#geralt of rivia#the witcher#fanfic
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chromatic-lamina · 5 months
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valuta
Rosi's mother gives him a coin to protect him from those who bear the Will of D. Law's mother gives him a coin to pass along the wisdom of a medical clan. Rosi's coin doesn't protect him from demons, but preserves his life in other ways. Maybe it can save the life of another boy lost in the snow hoping for a better life.
Art by @tinylongwing
Aftersales are now open for the Corazine, Fragments of the Heart! Please check out their carrrd  their tumblr: @corazine and the store! (and please check out my fic. Haha!)
Fandom: One Piece (Anime & Manga) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Donquixote "Corazon" Rosinante & Trafalgar D. Water Law, Donquixote Doflamingo & Donquixote "Corazon" Rosinante, Sengoku The Buddha & Trafalgar D. Water Law,  Characters: Donquixote "Corazon" Rosinante, Trafalgar D. Water Law, Donquixote Doflamingo, Sengoku The Buddha, Donquixote Homing, Donquixote Mother, Trafalgar D. Water Law's Mother Additional Tags: Corazine: Fragments of the Heart.
Link to the spot art (there’s one more piece) here!
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zhimaqiu · 1 year
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Snow muffles everything. It's early morning, Miri still sleeps soundly in her room, neatly tugged in a thick blanket. Her mouth probably opened wide, a trickle of saliva going down her cheek. Even with a window ajar in the living room, no sound comes from the outside. Everything's quiet except for hissing of a pan in the kitchen.
Rei tries to flip a French toast with one hand, the other still hangs lifeless at his right side. He curses under his nose when another attempt ends with a splash messing up his hoodie and the countertop around him. Kazuki looks at him, his eyes wide and innocent, from his breakfast work.
"Need help?" But no response follows. He puts down the knife he's using. "Come on, it won't harm your pride if you say it. Here, let me."
He walks over, stops close to Rei, just behind him, and gives his assist with his right hand and a fork he found on the side. He counts to three and then they flip the toast together. The mixture bubbles a bit, so Kazuki's hand immediately lands on the cork to lower the heat.
"There you go." His words come out gentle, in a similar tone in which he soothes Miri when she's got a nightmare. They sound just next to Rei's right ear as he focuses his gaze on the pan. He continues while doing that: "Nothing scary, right? It's not like it's impossible to do it with one hand, but some toasts are stubborn. You'll get it."
He stays close for a couple more seconds, but reflects himself and walks away, leaving Rei starring blankly at the spot where just a moment ago he saw a red sleeve substituting the arm he had sacrificed. His heart feels softer, like if it was dipped in a sweet coating, but beats so terribly fast he has to take in a sharper breath.
"Thanks," he murmurs as his features melt in the fond feeling that appeared in his chest, not for the first time.
He thinks back to the conversation with his father, when he brought up all the little things that made him fall in love with his newfound family. He also remembers holding Kazuki up in the kitchen back then, their blood mixing as they supported each other.
I knew my partner would come to save me. And he did.
Yes, if something was on, he knew his partner will indeed come to save him. Even if it's just flipping a toast.
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sinvulkt · 3 months
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Did I Think That Out Loud? by SomeoneNamedGem
It's hard to keep secrets when you have a psychic tadpole in your head. Mild spoilers for Act One, but no further. Completed, 3.4k words.
*** ** * ** ***
Astarion felt that pang again, the creeping hunger. It started as a dull ache, a throbbing one, ebbing and flowing but growing stronger and stronger over time until it was a sharp knife digging into his stomach. His mouth watered, his subconscious crying out at him to feed, feed, feed–to feast on the sumptuous meal that lay before him. “Stop it.” Despite his best efforts at self-control, Astarion could only watch helplessly as his hands reached out for the battered boots sitting on top of the crate, his stomach grumbling in hunger. “That’s not how it works!” He snatched up one boot, but was too slow to reach the other in time. Moving even faster than he, Shadowheart ripped the other boot away, dodging just under his grasping fingers. Astarion hissed at her, and she hissed back. He could see the same ravening hunger that he felt distort her features. “Seriously, it’s not funny. That’s not how it works, and you’re all taking the piss.” Astarion began to chew on the edge of the boot, trying to digest the delicious magic he could feel within. “Give me that!” Gale snapped, ripping the boot out of Astarion’s hands before trying to tear the other one away from Shadowheart. She writhed around it protectively like a snake tightening its coils around its prey. “Guys, I don’t literally eat magic items!” Gale distracted Shadowheart with a brief minor illusion, manifesting a large magical apple to draw her eyes away. “I just consume the essence of the Weave inside them, and it doesn’t feel like literal hunger!” “You say that while holding the most delicious pair of boots I’ve ever seen,” Astarion said. “And I’m bloody starving because of that hunger you’re projecting into my tadpole.” “Again, that’s not how it works!” Gale  shouted in exasperation, finally managing to rip the enchanted footwear free from Shadowheart’s grip. “I’m not projecting anything of the sort.” “I’m pretty sure it is,” Shadowheart said. “Listen,  you can even hear my stomach growling.” “If you’re not literally eating magic items,” Astarion said. “Then why do they disappear when you’re done with them? Hmm? Can you explain that?” “It’s because the mundane material discorporates once the enchantment–shut up! It’s because of the Weave!” “Suuure,” Karlach said in between mouthfuls of bent iron from the magic shield she was currently chewing on. “Now hurry up and eat those boots, boot-eater, so I can stop chewing on this thing.”
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fregget-frou · 1 year
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Do you think that when Freelancer grows old with Gavin he’ll hold their hand as they go and sing the same song he’d sing to put them to bed? Do you think he’d hold them in his arms and brush their hair in the same way when they’re hungover and sick? Do you think even as they age he’d still look at them with the same stupid grin as they fold laundry on a Sunday afternoon?
When eons pass and freelancer and the rest of the world are gone and replaced by something anew Gavin will still be there, mind long eroded from the suns, to never remember their face again?
But when he looks into his lovers eyes he recognizes a glint, a warm smile as they laugh at him? Do you think when he’s sleeping he’d remember the wrinkles and lines in freelancers hand and trace the exact replicas on his lovers palms? Do you think he’d hum a familiar tune that always seemed to put them at rest, just like something he could just barely remember?
Do you think Gavin looks at his lover, his jaded and old mind long forgot you with time but when he folds some laundry and stands next to them, he asks them if they remember this? Even if he didn’t remember it himself?
Do you think they’d give the same smile, the same crinkle and say, “Let’s do it again, to jog my memory.” And they do it again. They fold the laundry on a Sunday afternoon and even if neither remember or even know what that was about a star in the evening seem just a bit brighter.
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soulreapin · 5 months
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That happened again and again throughout their years in school.
Lance walks in, Keith walks in, Keith notices the smell, Keith’s nose wrinkles and he looks away from Lance and then walks as far away as he can get before Lance follows after and begins to antagonize him.
“Maybe it’s a sensory thing?” Hunk offered one night in their shared room when a look from Keith dug deep into the skin beneath Lance’s armor. “How long did it take you to find The Smell?”
“Years,” Lance rolls over on his bed, pressing his cheek into the mattress so he can look at Hunk tinker with something on the floor, “But come on! It’s every single time, like even when he’s in the room for eight individual seconds!”
Hunk jerks his hand away from something that sparks in the project he’s working with. “Heightened senses, then, I don’t know. Why is it such a big deal?”
“Because it’s every time and he doesn’t have to be such a dick about it! Like is it so fucking hard to be like hey, man, your perfume hurts my nose? I’d be like, oh, sure buddy, I’ll make the effort to tone it down whenever I know I’m gonna be around you!” Lance flips over and exclaims this to the bottom of the top bunk.
“But would you? Really?”
Lance chews on his lip for a second. “...Maybe.”
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hjemne · 6 months
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Babygirl I have 38 thousand words of incomplete trigun fic spread across 8 wips and have no idea how to even start dealing with it
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Fragments Friday but in text format this time.
A fitting moment to repost my chapter 1 cover separately, now that the ARR arc has wrapped up.
The last beat is this ficlet, G’raha pov, ~1k words. Angsty af, implied magical suicide. May cause pain and upsetti. Go in prepared, or don't go in at all. Don't act like I didn't warn you.
───── ⋆✧⋆ ───── "He doesn't have to linger. Just give the command, the spell will float him, sparing his body the damage it would otherwise receive from remaining inert for gods know how long, the artificial slumber wash over.
Forever."
Preparing for a catnap in the Crystal Tower, G'raha takes a moment to look back when he really, really shouldn't.
───── ⋆✧⋆ ─────
The humanly impossible amount of ancient knowledge churns in his head, comforting him so strangely. He knows what he's supposed to do, it's no more complicated than flipping a switch. He knows everything.
Except...
Does he ever wake up?
Is this really as brilliant as it seemed some minutes ago?
Generations will change, the Tower will stay intact, just as the public knowledge about it, and when that mythical Right Time comes, someone finds a way to rouse him.
He'll be fine.
Right?
His throat dries up. Somewhat out of place, a thought that he didn't even bother snatching a flask of water makes him crouch right where he stood.
"You'd better think of me. You'd better miss me."
No way the Warrior of Light was genuine. The time they've spent together, the kiss, it has to matter to him at least one little bit?
Of course it was bluff! Just a friendly jab. His own way of saying "well, screw you too" because he does care.
Right?
G'raha curls up. Hugs himself tight because, probably, most likely, you fool, no one else ever will.
He doesn't know Vivi as well as he believed. Vivi doesn't know him. This entire summer, this incredible, fleeting thing that made him feel like he's been hit over the head with something heavy, they wasted all of it on frolicking around. It was fun, yes... Nothing brings you so close together as swapping the contents of the salt and sugar jars just before dinner at Saint Coinach's. It was fun. Fun.
G'raha has never shown his other facets. What if Vivi merely followed suit?
Ah. Empty worries now.
"Goodbye, Warrior. Find someone better than me."
A coward and a liar.
His body finally unclenches from itself. He stands up and wanders around, pointlessly, for he's able to teleport anywhere at will now.
His new home, - not tomb, he yanks himself, - is spacious and quiet. There are rooms and passages hidden from anyone but him, the caretaker of this place. When he's ready, he'll go to a room called Umbilicus. He doesn't intend to wait until he's exhausted, but... Just a little longer.
The perfect Allagan creation patiently waits for its master.
G'raha ascends the massive winding stairs, slowing down to look around here and there. Fresh memories pester him like flies.
What's Vivi up to? Dining at the Seventh Heaven? Perhaps back home already. Or wherever his wondrous life takes him next. Oh what he wouldn't give to-
G'raha gives himself yet another mental shake and rubs his face.
"Alright, enough. Umbilicus."
He remains still.
The grandiose structures of blue and gold loom over him. Decorative spires point at him like weapons. Surfaces that are polished enough to serve as mirrors show that he looks exactly like he feels: tiny and frightened. He wants to point and laugh at the reflection, the sound that comes out of his throat startles him back into silence.
"I am doing this."
Fists clenched and eyes shut, he teleports.
And there it is. A small room, oddly soothing after the open space of the main hall.
He doesn't have to linger. Just give the command, the spell will float him, sparing his body the damage it would otherwise receive from remaining inert for gods know how long, the artificial slumber wash over.
Forever.
His chest feels tight again.
This's it.
"I chose this. This's my destiny. This's my destiny."
Destiny, what a silly word to love. It always felt like a glorious path one takes to find the ultimate fulfillment. To rise like a new star.
Now that he's on the other side of the sealed golden doors... It's more akin to a dark maw preparing for a feast. No fanfare, no laurels, no one to watch a fool willingly walking down a cliff.
He shouldn't think of it this way.
And why, of all seasons, must it have been...?
He won't descend to comparing the end of his tale - the end of this chapter of his tale - to something as sappy as the last day of summer.
He inhales slowly, deliberately, yet his breath hitches on the exhale.
He whimpers.
Fear, grief, regret, like mad dogs off the leash. G'raha lets them pounce and knock him off his feet. He may even scream without worrying about being heard.
- I would've loved a different life.
A croaking, not-his voice.
He stands in the middle of the room and cries grossly, loudly, like a lost child.
What does it take to be a hero?
Now he knows.
Everything.
It takes everything.
Could he have ignored the pull? Could he still open the doors, live with shame, but live?
Promises don't go well with possibilities.
All of his being protests this choice.
This's why, he belatedly nags himself, he rushed all those people out of the Tower.
Be faster than doubt.
He smears the still-flowing tears with an irritated, hurried motion.
There's a spark of rage, and he grasps at it with all he's got.  He only needs to reach out to the Tower in his mind, and so he does.
It responds instantly. A flawless link.
The aether around him concentrates, swirls and shimmers, gently lifting him in the air.
It's not cold and not warm either. It's right. He's suspended in the middle of the darkening room that begins to look like a sea of stars. The incomprehensible power and knowledge are coursing through him, for he's the heart of the Crystal Tower.
His recent outburst feels so distant now, although his cheeks are still wet. He smiles vaguely and closes his eyes.
"Goodnight, Eorzea."
───── ⋆✧⋆ ─────
Credit to this fic which inspired me to word-vomit my own version.
My AO3 is here if you wanna leave kudos or comment!
───── ⋆✧⋆ ─────
Note: "Promises don't go well with possibilities" is a thick hint at G'raha and Vivi parting ways, not having bonded that much in ARR, despite the intimacy of their gremlin moments. G'raha's all about promises and Vivi's chaotic nature is endless possibilities. I generally use this as their ship name.
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cjbeaumontpnr · 2 years
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I'm working on an EXCLUSIVE bonus Nace Fanfic Fragment for reasons...
-shifty eyes-
How do you like these first few lines I brainstormed up tonight?
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halfelven · 1 year
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Frodo pours tea, and some tips out from under the lid, spills on the table. The cleaning rag hangs from the stove, but three feet is three miles, and he is in the dark again, everything dust. He would choke on it if he could breathe.
The eye is watching; the enemy golden—the only light in the dark, if he could reach him.
He would go to him if he could.
He reaches for the ring, but it is dead. The enemy too.
He should be glad. It is quiet. There is peace. His hand shakes. He never sleeps.
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inkpot-winters · 1 year
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Evan shakes his head in amusement, cigarette dangling from his lip as he runs a surprisingly gentle hand through Regulus’ curls. “Your mind was a million years away just now, even whilst you were beneath me.”
“Don’t be crude.”
“That was hardly crude! Have you heard the drivel that comes out of Barty’s mouth?”
“Now, now, children,” Barty emerges from the en suite, shirt still unbuttoned. “It’s quite rude to talk ill about people behind their backs.”
fic: engraved upon my heart (in letters deeply worn)
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kuroartsdotcom · 2 months
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Once again here with fic art for an update that grabbed me by the throat so hard i had to draw something about it. Follow link here!
You should read this fic and listen to this song with it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32stOXR5Yn8
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sinvulkt · 1 month
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Cogito, ergo sum
Time/Place: Canon Divergence before Act 1, the Mindflayer colony
Characters: The Team
Main tropes: Non consensual body modification, ’spy infiltration’, eventual mind control
Summary: The Nautiloid manages to reach the illithids colony and the Thralls transform. They become mindflayers but for one thing: their mind is still mostly theirs. How to escape when any sane person would kill them on sight?
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Snippet:
Walking hurt. Standing hurt. Moving hurt.
Gale could bet eating would hurt too. How did a Mindflayer even eat? Past studies of the tentacles and their role in Brain-eater anatomy flashed in front of his eye. He shuddered at the thought.
He took another step, tensing as newborn neural connections screamed in complaint. Next to him, other freshly transformed mindflayers did the same. A pulse in the back of his mind insisted he meet the Elders, pushing him forward despite the pain. When Gale tried to resist, it backlashed and the consequent headache sent him on his knees. Gale didn’t insist on fighting the impulsion after that. 
Being a Mindflayer was… weird. Gale would have thought he would not have enough of himself left to think after the transformation. All books he had found about the matter pointed to a thrall identity being erased under the worm’s evolution. And yet, here he was. Gale of waterdeep, magicien extraordinaire, trapped in a squishy body he could barely control.
A wise man once said: “I think, so I am.”
Gale wondered how much of the adage remained true when applied to his current predicament. Adages, he had found, often did not account for cursed luck.
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Plot Description:
The Nautiloid vessel doesn’t crash after the attack. Rather  it arrives at its intended destination: illithid colonies. 
Furthermore, the infected that were on the vessel all transform, including Gale and co. The trick is, their larva have still been tempered with. As a result, while their bodies undergo ceremorphosis, their mind remain their ‘true’ individual selves. 
Now they have to navigate the illithid society while hiding their intact ego, all while fighting against the new instincts their mindflayer body provide them with. Will the Emperor, responsible for their tempering, contact them? Will they find each other, cooperate and escape? Or will they struggle alone, unaware other illithids of the same ‘batch’ are in 
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