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cvrnelians · 1 year

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if the fates allow - chapter two

dark!bucky barnes x reader: As could be expected, you were just a tad upset about having to spend Christmas in a mental health facility. On the brightside, you didn’t have to spend it alone. Your friendship with Bucky Barnes, another patient on the unit, brought you a certain level of comfort during your stay. When you are discharged from the hospital shortly thereafter—and Bucky is forced to remain—you promise him you’ll be his pen pal until he gets out, after which, you’ll meet for coffee and catch up.

But when things don’t go quite as well as Bucky had hoped, he takes drastic measures to ensure that you remain the integral part of his life he always envisioned you to be.

warnings: stalking, kidnapping, suicide attempts, and non-con elements. proceed with caution.

(gif is not mine)

chapter one // chapter three // chapter four // chapter five

chapter two: pisces

music

🎁 MARCH 🎁

“I don’t think I can do this.”

Sam turned to look at Bucky from the driver’s seat, observing his friend carefully. They were at yet another stoplight. Bucky hadn’t ridden in a car in months. He didn’t remember there being so many stoplights in Brooklyn prior to his last hospitalization, but he was grateful for them nonetheless. They were buying him time.

Today was the day.

He was finally getting a new arm.

“You can,” Sam said simply.

“How do you know?” Bucky snapped, gripping onto the door handle. His hand was shaking. He could feel the pinpricks of tears forming in his eyes. Although the multiple stops were a welcome detour, he felt like he was jumping out of his skin the longer he sat in Sam’s car.

“Tell me, have you ever had your arm ripped off?“

“Bucky,” Sam sighed. Bucky could tell the sigh wasn’t one of exasperation or annoyance. Sam felt genuinely sorry for him.

“Have you ever been forced to hurt people with its replacement? Kill them with it?” he yelled. “Because I’m pretty sure you haven’t.”

“Bucky,” Sam repeated.

“Or did you just forget to remind me?”

He suddenly became aware that Sam was pulling into the parking lot of the medical center. He clenched his jaw, frantically looking in every possible direction. He felt like a wild animal, being preyed upon by something bigger and stronger and hungrier. He couldn’t contain his anxiety anymore, accidentally ripping the door handle clean off. He and Sam both let out a collective gasp, halting all movement to look at each other.

“I—”

“You’re afraid,” Sam said, shutting the car off. “I get it.”

“No, Sam. You don’t. You don’t. You fucking DON’T!”

Sam’s gaze wandered to the sidewalk, where a woman and her children had stopped to stare at the crazy, disheveled looking man screaming at the top of his lungs in his best friend’s car. Bucky’s gaze followed, too keyed up to be embarrassed. They both awkwardly smiled and waved at the woman, who promptly shuffled her children towards her car.

“You’re crying.”

“I’M NOT CRYING!”

Bucky slammed his fist into the glovebox, creating a massive dent in the process. Sam paused and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

“Oh no, I didn’t mean t–”

“As I was saying,” Sam interrupted, keeping his voice low. “You’re crying, you’re screaming, and apparently you’re hellbent on destroying my car…which you’re going to pay to have repaired, by the way.”

Bucky sighed, covering his face with his hand. “Sam, I’m so s—”

“Nope. You don’t need to apologize. I get it. You’ve been through a lot. More than most. But you’re still here.”

“Barely,” Bucky grumbled, rolling his eyes.

“I’m looking at you right now, aren’t I?” Sam snapped. “Listen. Whether you like it or not, you’re alive. And personally, I’m glad, especially considering all the times you’ve tried to hurt yourself.”

“Sam—”

“You’re forgetting that you have options here. No one is forcing you to do anything—not me, not your doctors, not the government, not anyone. I can drive you back to the apartment right now if this is too much. But I know this is something you’ve wanted for a long time, and if it can make life even just a tiny bit easier for you, I want to support that. If it’s something you really want, I encourage it.

“Besides, you trust Shuri. She helped you get the last one off with no pain whatsoever. And I’m sure the new one she built is top quality. But hey, if it’s not worth it to you, then we can leave right now. Because you’re not going to keep screaming bloody murder at me in my car. I can tell you that.”

The two glared at each other for a few seconds. All Bucky wanted to do at that moment was thank Sam for being so kind to him, but he was too prideful and too on edge to utter a single word. He had wanted to have his arm back, just…not a metal one. He still had scars along his shoulder from all the times he had tried to rip the thing off. With the amount of strength the serum had given him, it was both confusing and infuriating that he couldn’t. When Shuri removed it for him in just fifteen minutes, it was a huge relief. Like ripping off a bandaid or extracting a splinter.

A very big, very dangerous, very life-altering splinter.

“Look, man. We can get pizza afterwards,” Sam said flatly.

If he wasn’t so upset, Bucky would have laughed. He had said it as if he was a bratty child that needed incentive to clean his room.

And he had to admit, he really was in the mood for some pizza.

☾

“Bucky, your hair!”

After months of confinement in such a hollow, lifeless cage, this was exactly what Bucky needed to hear. He was caught off guard, only this time, not in a bad way. To finally hear something said about himself that was so casual, so blithe, so unrelated to his mental state…it was a much needed breath of fresh air. It made him feel normal, like he was just another person. Someone that took morning walks and went out for coffee and got haircuts. Just like everybody else. And you hadn’t even mentioned his arm yet.

He was over the moon.

Of course, this could have been just part and parcel of finally getting the chance to see you again—on his birthday, no less. He had been looking forward to it since the moment you left the hospital. There was no way for him to count down the days until he saw you next, as he had no clue when he was going to be released. It was enough to make him go insane—which he wasn’t, Dr. Banner had reassured him.

Just traumatized.

He hated that people saw him that way. What even was post-traumatic stress disorder, anyway? Who was Dr. Banner to tell him that he had a disorder? Frankly, he thought people like Dr. Banner were the disordered ones. Did they seriously think he wouldn’t be at least somewhat affected after witnessing his best friend die, multiple human beings die in battle? He didn’t get it. What was so disordered about having an emotional reaction to being physically and psychologically tortured for years on end? For losing a limb, for having it replaced with a tool used to kill people, for being injected with an experimental serum that would alter his body forever? How could anyone just move on from having their humanity completely disregarded? How could he be expected to return home as the same person he was before?

So maybe death wasn’t the answer. Not for other people.

But he wasn’t just other people anymore.

No one looked at him the way they used to. Not his mother, not his sisters, not even Sam. Women didn’t look at him the same way anymore. They used to look at him like he was something nice to look at. Now when they did happen to glance his way, they would immediately cross the street.

He had lied to you. The worst part wasn’t the nightmares.

It was the knowing. The awareness that he was both feared and pitied simultaneously…

It was almost too much to bear.

When you are on the brink of death—being made to endure more pain than most people will ever experience in a lifetime, with no definitive end in sight—what was so disordered about wanting to experience some relief from it, even years after the fact? What was so disordered about wanting to end it all—the nightmares, the insomnia, the crying episodes and the random bouts of rage and shaking and pain?

That was how he viewed his suicide attempts, like he was doing himself a kindness. Having mercy for a wounded animal, putting it out of its misery. Dr. Banner referred to this thought process as “twisted.” That was the word he used. Twisted.

Bucky found it ironic. He resented his loved ones for treating him too gently, and he resented strangers for not treating him gently enough. Any time someone was rude to him on the street, he wanted to scream: “Do you have any idea what I’ve seen? Do you have any idea what I’ve done?”

They didn’t. Of course not. And they wouldn’t. And as far as Bucky was concerned, they shouldn’t.

Being around you made him feel different. Better. You never once treated him like something was wrong with him. You hadn’t known him before all of this happened, so you had no preconceived notions about who he should be or how he should act. You didn’t handle him like an expensive porcelain vase or a ticking time bomb. You met at a low point in both of your lives, and so you looked at him just like you would look at anyone else. You viewed Bucky as your equal, and you treated him as such.

And he loved you for it.

“Oh my god!” you exclaimed, jumping up from your seat to give him a hug. The diner where you agreed to meet was your favorite from what you had described in your letters, and he was happy to meet you anywhere you wanted. “Hi!”

“Hi doll,” he mumbled, squeezing onto you tightly.

You pulled away and cradled his jaw with both hands, peering up at him to get a closer look at his much shorter haircut. Your reaction made him a little nervous. He couldn’t tell if you were happy with it or simply surprised. A few days after Sam picked him up from the hospital, he made it his mission to go to a barbershop and get himself cleaned up. By cutting his hair, he felt like he was shedding some of the memories he had been carrying around with him for so long. He thought that would probably sound silly if he said it out loud, so he didn’t.

He had liked his hair best before he was shipped off. It wasn’t too short or too long. Having a buzzcut reminded him too much of being in combat, and having long hair only made him think of being in captivity. When he had been a prisoner of war, growing his hair long was just a byproduct of not having access to basic necessities. He hadn’t bothered to cut it when he returned home. He had more important things to focus on, like motivating himself to get out of bed.

“It looks amazing!” you said, scratching your fingers along the nape of his neck. It made his shoulders seize up, his immediate reaction to clutch onto your wrists and push them away. You laughed, clearly satisfied with yourself for making him feel ticklish.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he said shyly. He motioned for you to sit down across from him, which you gladly complied with. “I got us a booth instead of a table. I hope you don’t mind.”

“I love a booth. But James, when did you do this?”

“Yesterday. I had to get it cut, I couldn’t take it anymore.”

The week leading up to your meeting had been…interesting. Shuri had given him his new prosthetic the day after he was discharged, and he was still getting used to it. It was certainly lighter and more flexible than the last one. Vibranium, she had said. He couldn’t help but wonder what you would think of it, if you would be afraid. Walking away from Shuri with something she had created specifically to help him left Bucky with a sense of security he had thought was no longer attainable. Even so, he was still anxious that you would be thrown off by it in some way. He hoped not. He made sure to warn you that he had gotten a new prosthetic when he called you a few nights before to arrange a time to meet.

You knew Bucky had been a prisoner of war and had lost his arm in battle, but you didn’t know the specifics. You didn’t know that he had been brainwashed to kill people.

He preferred to keep it that way.

Every morning, he felt an overwhelming urge to expend as much energy as possible. He would wake up before sunrise and run loops around the park until he felt like his chest was going to explode, returning to Sam’s apartment (which Sam kept referring to as “their” apartment) to shower and head back out into the city again, day after day. He needed to distract himself. He had yet to visit his family, who—as loving as they were—only added to his anxieties.

After this most recent hospitalization, Sam strongarmed him into moving into his place. He had a bedroom set up for him and everything. Bucky had to laugh at that. He had been evicted from his last two apartments. In hindsight, it probably hadn’t been the best idea to live alone after coming back from active duty. He had never showed up to the jobs Sam would help him get, so he was never able to pay rent.

It wasn’t like he really needed the money. Steve had left Bucky virtually every dime he had when he died, but he wasn’t willing to dip into it. Spending Steve’s money meant that he had to acknowledge that he was really, truly gone. It was too much for him to handle. Even if he wasn’t willing to spend the money, he still had the option of staying at Steve’s house, which he had also inherited. But he couldn’t bring himself to do that, either.

“You have no clue how happy I am to see you,” you said. “I was seriously on the verge of breaking you out of there.”

You ordered your coffees and chatted away. Bucky knew he could be a difficult person to talk to, but conversation came easily with you. You gave him time to digest information before he responded. You gave him your full attention, not once playing around on your phone, which was sat facedown on the table. You didn’t interrupt him. He selfishly hoped that this was unusual for you, that he was the only one you acted this way with, but he knew that probably wasn’t the case. It was just what you did.

You cared.

He was a little concerned that he was scaring you with how quickly he was wolfing down his french toast, however. He had finished an entire tub of icecream the night before, leaving Sam in stunned silence as they watched some movie Bucky couldn’t concentrate on.

“Sorry,” he mumbled. “I was just so tired of hospital food.”

“Oh no, you don’t need to apologize. I get it. When I was let out, I was a bottomless pit. I was eating peanut butter with a spoon every day, like, nonstop.”

He was on the verge of ordering himself another plate when you set a small gift box on the table, lightly pushing it towards him. His eyes widened.

“What’s this?”

“It’s your birthday, isn’t it? March tenth?” you asked.

Bucky felt his breath hitch in his throat.

You remembered.

☾

Bucky slowly moved his hand back and forth, admiring his new birthday gift. A silver signet ring sat comfortably around his index finger, a delicate constellation engraved along its surface.

“Lupus.”

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Not the kind you're thinking of,” you chuckled. “It’s the wolf constellation. Lupus is the Latin word for wolf. That’s you.”

“That’s me?”

“That’s you.”

“What, lupus? As in the debilitating inflammatory disease?”

“No. You’re a wolf.

“Sorry. A wolf?”

“Intelligent, loyal, strong, quiet, brave, misunderstood. You’re a leader. You’re a wolf. Remember the Christmas gift you made for me?”

Bucky opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. The fluorescent lights of the diner reflected off of the ring’s surface. Of course he remembered the gift he made for you---or more accurately the gift MJ made for you, a pitifully impressive origami wolf. But he had to admit, putting it together was worth it to help cheer you up, even if only for a short while. And you were bringing it up now, so. Maybe he didn’t give the thing enough credit.

“Maybe you’ll think this is weird, I don’t know, but I keep your Christmas gift on my desk in my bedroom. Every time I look at it, it makes me feel just a tiny bit better. Less alone somehow, like I have a little piece of my friend with me. It reminds me that some people actually care, even if they’re limited in how they can show it. Y’know, since the hospital didn’t have a Sachs on the second floor or anything. If they did, I know you would’ve gone all out. Like, I’m confident you would’ve bought me an actual wolf if you could.”

His heart skipped a beat. You kept it. You kept it! And you assigned meaning to it.

You cared, too.

Your face fell. “If you don’t like it, I can…that’s a super weird thing to say, isn’t it? Yeah, it was just a folded up piece of paper. It’s really not that deep. You probably think I’m—”

“I love it,” he interrupted. A handful of people turned and stared. He hadn’t realized he was speaking so loudly. He ran his hand through his hair and cleared his throat, quieting back down. “I love it.”

“Really?”

You seemed unconvinced. Why didn’t you believe him? How could you ever have any doubt?

Bucky smiled, placing his hands over yours and giving them a light squeeze. “Really. This is beautiful. Thank you.”

Beautiful and thoughtful and moving. He had never received such a personal gift, not even from his own family. Maybe not even from Steve. All Bucky wanted to do was reach over the table and give you a hug, but he didn’t want to come on too strong with the physical affection. You had already given him a hug when he came in, and he wasn’t going to push it. He didn’t want to risk making you uncomfortable, not when he had just gotten you back. He had been waiting for this. He had been waiting months to see you again.

“It’s nothing,” you said. “So I made it up to you, then?”

How could you even ask that?

“What?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

“On Christmas Eve, I apologized to you because I didn’t get you anything. And you said that I could make it up to you someday, which sounds kind of suggestive, actually. You little weirdo.”

“Well don’t you have quite the memory?” he chided. The fact that you’d thought about your conversations with him after the fact, that you thought about him at all, made him feel warm inside. “You’ve more than made up for it. Those letters, even just you keeping your word and taking the time to see me. You have no idea what this means, what it’s meant...”

You really didn’t.

“…although I’ve gotta be honest. I’m not so sure it’ll fit on the metal arm.”

You were part way through laughing when you let out a little gasp. “Bucky, oh my god! I didn’t even notice. How did I not notice? I’m such an idiot!”

“Or, wait. Not metal. Vibranium. And here I just thought you were being polite.”

You would end up staying at the diner for an additional hour and a half before calling it quits. You were both tired, but a good kind of tired. A satisfied, all talked out kind of tired.

You leaned forward in an attempt to grab the check, but he beat you to it. “Bucky, come on. It’s your birthday! Let me get it. Or at least let me pay for mine.”

“What?” he asked, shoving a wad of cash into the check holder, briskly passing it to the waitress with a smile. “Did you say something? I can’t quite hear you.”

“Thank you. You really didn’t have to do that. I’m more than willing to pay for myself.”

He wanted to laugh, but he didn’t want you to feel like he was mocking you or trying to belittle you. He knew you were more than capable of paying for your own meal, but you shouldn’t have to. Not when you were with him, anyway.

“Don’t. Really, it’s my pleasure.”

It made him feel good to do something for someone else, to do something for you.

And then it hit him.

Bucky could take care of you. Maybe he couldn’t take care of himself, but he certainly trusted himself to take care of you. Because you were important, and he actually cared about what happened to you. And maybe, just maybe, if he tried as hard as he could to treat you the way everyone had been telling him to treat himself, he would finally feel useful again. Maybe he would feel real again. Alive. Connected to someone, to something. Maybe making you feel happy and grounded and safe would make him feel happy and grounded and safe. Maybe you could help give him a purpose. Maybe you were his purpose.

And maybe he was yours.

“Walk me home?” you asked, bumping your shoulder with his as you stepped outside.

“Forcing me to buy you breakfast and walk you home?” he teased, rolling his eyes. “So demanding.”

“You don’t have to. I’m not worried about my safety or anything.”

“You’re not?” he interrupted. “You might want to think twice about that. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is. You’re a woman in the city by yourself. Do you carry mace on you?"

“I just wanted to spend a little more time with you, that’s all.”

Bucky stopped mid-stride, turning to look at you. You really were trying to kill him, weren’t you?

“And besides. Don’t you know that wolves typically run in packs?”

Intelligent, loyal, strong, quiet, brave, misunderstood. You’re a leader. You’re a someone. You’re my someone. You’re a wolf.

That’s you, doll.

That’s you.

☾

@repostingmyfavs

thank you for reading 🩵

#yandere marvel #yandere bucky barnes #yandere bucky barnes x reader #dark!bucky barnes #dark!bucky barnes x reader

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f1xmalereader · 1 year

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Road trip

Alex Albon x Male Reader (Platonic)

Road trip f1 bingo

You and Alex Albon were assigned to do a PR video for Williams, which involved going on a road trip together. You were excited to spend some time with your teammate outside of the track, and Alex seemed equally eager.

As you hit the road, Alex took the wheel, and you settled into the passenger seat. The plan was to drive around the countryside, showcasing the beautiful scenery and talking about the upcoming races. However, things didn't go as planned.

After a few hours of driving, Alex suddenly realized that he had taken a wrong turn, and you were now completely lost. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, "I should have brought a GPS."

You tried to reassure him, "It's okay, we can just ask for directions."

Alex shook his head, "I don't want to admit to the camera crew that we got lost. We need to figure this out ourselves."

You nodded, understanding the pressure that came with being in the public eye. "Alright then, let's try to find our way back."

As you drove deeper into the countryside, the road became bumpier and the scenery more rustic. You couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure, even though you were lost.

"You know," Alex said, breaking the silence, "this isn't so bad. It's nice to get away from the track for a while."

You smiled, "I know what you mean. It's good to have a change of pace."

As you drove on, the conversation flowed freely between you and Alex. You talked about everything from racing to your personal lives, and the more you talked, the more you realized how much you had in common.

After a while, you finally stumbled upon a small town, and Alex pulled over to ask for directions. The locals were friendly and helpful, and you soon found your way back to the main road.

As you continued your road trip, you felt a newfound bond with Alex, and you knew that this experience would bring you closer together both on and off the track.

When you and Alex finally made it back to the Williams factory, the PR team was waiting for you. They seemed a bit concerned that you had taken longer than expected, but you explained that you had gotten lost along the way.

Despite the slight setback, the PR team was thrilled with the footage that you and Alex had captured. They praised your chemistry on camera and the way you had both handled the unexpected turn of events.

As you and Alex made your way back to the team's garage, you felt a sense of camaraderie that you hadn't experienced before. You knew that you could count on each other not just on the track, but in life as well.

Over the next few weeks, you and Alex continued to bond over your shared experience. You went out to dinner together, explored the city, and even went on a few more road trips (although you made sure to bring a GPS this time).

As the season progressed, you and Alex became one of the strongest driver pairings in the paddock. You worked together seamlessly on the track, sharing information and pushing each other to be better. Off the track, you continued to grow closer, forming a strong friendship that would last for years to come.

Looking back on that road trip, you couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected detour that had brought you and Alex together. Sometimes, it's the unexpected moments that bring people together, and you were glad that you had experienced that firsthand.

#f1 imagine #f1 x male reader #f1 x reader #formula 1 #formula 1 x reader #f1 fic #male reader #x male reader #f1 #alex albon #alex albon x reader #alex albon x male reader #alex albon x you

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dynjir · 6 months

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God, words can't describe how much fucking HATE driving.

The other day, I spent 1.5 hours for a trip that was supposed to take 35 minutes because all of my usual routes were under construction, my GPS would NOT give me any other route options, the signs that directed you to a detour route weren't accurate and had me driving in circles, and the routes I was trying to eyeball through the map only lead me to shady-ass spaces that probably wouldn't have even gotten me where I needed to go anyways.

I hate you confusing signs that lead people to nowhere!! I hate you drivers who cut people without using a turn signal!! I hate you non-existent state law that should mandate people to use turn signals!! I hate you construction zones that constantly make me fear for my tires getting a nail stuck in it!! I hate you dimly lit roads!! I hate you rainy days that makes the road way more dangerous than it already is!!

#dyntalks #vent #I got so unnerved about driving into unknown territory #that I called up a friend in the middle of the night just for emotional support #as I tried to get back to more familiar roads and resigned myself to getting home via a reliable but incredibly time consuming route #thankfully they live in a different time zone where it wasn't nearly as late there #but GOD #any trip longer than 15 mins is just a miserable experience for me unless I'm super confident about the route #which is almost never #I don't even want to drive to go get groceries after that but I have to #ughhhhHHHH

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dhiksharithi · 8 months

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Top RideSharing Companies

Gone are the days when we had to go through strenuous efforts to hail a taxi. Imagine having to do that on a sweltering June afternoon or a stormy night, for that matter. The mere thought of it can send one into panic mode. Thanks to the expanding ridesharing world, we no longer have to fret, for ridesharing applications have made it relatively simple to catch a ride. According to growth projections, the ridesharing market will grow to a whopping USD 242.73 billion in 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 16.3%. A detailed look into some of the top ridesharing companies will go a long way to helping and inspiring others to set foot in taxi booking application development.

What is ridesharing?

A ridesharing application enables users to hire cabs through a mobile app and website. After signing up and entering details like name, contact number, email, and payment information, the user can book a ride on the app. All the user has to do now is enter the destination, and a nearby driver shows up to drop them off at their destination.

Drivers show up at the pick-up location with the help of navigation resources. Navigation resources assist drivers in getting to their destination by providing directions and awareness for detours. The application also allows users to track drivers. The application lets users pay via multiple payment options like GPay, credit card, and debit card.

Top Ridesharing companies in 2022

Uber, popularly hailed as a ridesharing giant, is at the top of the game with a vast market share, but there are other companies too, like Lyft, Juno, Gett, Grab, and Bolt, in the business that have been actively competing.

Here are the top ridesharing companies in 2022,

Uber

Lyft

Juno

Gett

Grab

Bolt

Via

Curb

Gojek

A deeper look into some of the top ridesharing companies will offer better insights.

Uber

Uber remains at the top of the game despite the escalating number of similar taxi booking apps, thus owning the title- frontiers in the ridesharing services market.

Launched in California initially, Uber has not been short of controversies and has still managed to garner a reputation for itself. Proof lies in the fact that Uber is estimated to have generated $17.4 billion in revenue in 2021.

Pros of Uber

Uber caters to passenger needs in many ways. Its range of services includes UberX, which seats up to four passengers; UberXL, which seats more people; Uber Select for more luxurious rides.

Uber provides services at a cheaper rate compared to regular cabs.

User-friendly mobile application.

Cons of Uber

Uber practices surge pricing. Uber doubles or triples the fare when the demand is high, which has not been received well by users.

Uber has faced accusations of discrimination against customers in the past.

Availability:

Uber operates in more than 70 countries and 10000 cities globally. The United States, where Uber first began its services, offers the most access to Uber.

Mobile apps:

Uber operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Lyft

Lyft, another popular ridesharing service provider, can be rightly termed as Uber’s competitor, with its services available to nearly 95% of the United States population.

Lyft claims to commit to effecting positive changes for cities by reducing carbon emissions from its rides and by promoting shared vehicle rides, bike share systems, and electric scooters.

Pros of Lyft

Lyft, like Uber, comes with a wide range. Lyft Plus seats more people than Lyft. Lyft Premier is for more luxurious rides.

Lyft mandates its drivers to have completely up-to-date insurance coverage on their vehicles.

Its focus on safety gives Lyft a competitive edge over its competitors.

Cons of Lyft

One of the drawbacks of Lyft is that it operates only in the United States and Canada.

Their drivers are not guaranteed a minimum wage and have few benefits.

Availability:

Lyft operates only in the US and Canada.

Mobile apps:

Lyft operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Juno

Juno started its ridesharing services in 2016 in New York. Juno entered the ride-hailing market with a driver-focused angle. Juno said it paid more money per ride to drivers than Uber and Lyft. It even went on to become the next big company after Uber and Lyft. Sadly, Juno could not sustain itself and announced that it would cease its operations in 2019.

Gett, a ride-hailing company, acquired Juno for $200 million. Juno told its users to switch to Lyft for ridesharing needs.

Pros of Juno

Juno worked towards creating a hopeful beacon for drivers with a tip button, lower commissions, and other incentives and options.

Lower commission fees compared to its other competitors.

It stood right to its tagline, Juno treats drivers better, drivers treat you better, by providing 24/7 support for drivers and customers.

Cons of Juno

Juno’s service was limited to New York and some parts of New Jersey.

Juno was infamously known for promising equity to its drivers but only settling with a small, one-time payment.

Availability:

Juno provided its services only in New York and some parts of New Jersey.

Gett

Gett is an international on-demand rideshare company that started its operations in Israel as GetTaxi in 2010. It is now the highest-rated UK taxi app. Unlike Uber and other similar apps, Gett hails only taxis, not ordinary drivers.

Gett is mainly a B2B transportation technology network focused on ground transportation management, while its competitors center on on-demand car services. It operates in 100 countries and over 1500 cities, serving over a quarter of Fortune 500 companies. Gett, having acquired Juno, transitioned all of its operations in the United States to the Juno platform.

Pros of Gett

Gett lets its drivers keep all of their tips.

Gett helps solve the issue of hectic traveling and offers 24/7 support to business customers.

Gett claims on its website that it provides simple solutions for a corporation’s travelers with SaaS solutions.

Cons of Gett

Gett is not easy to access when there is peak demand for taxis- when it’s raining or during rush hour.

Availability:

Gett is available in North America, Europe, Israel, and Russia.

Mobile apps:

Gett operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Grab

Grab, a predominant taxi-booking app in the Southeast Asian region, began its operations in 2012. It was formerly known as GrabTaxi. GrabHitch services by Grab allow users to carpool and hence offer cheaper rides. It typically costs 20-404% less per ride.

Grab offers a variety of car and taxi options. GrabCar is where it operates like Uber- drivers register to use their vehicles. GrabTaxi is where Grab pairs with other licensed taxi services allowing users to get a taxi through the app. Grab also offers GrabBike(motorcycle) and GrabExpress(courier service), depending on the area.

Pros of Grab

Grab provides various taxi options to suit customer needs.

GrabHitch helps reduce carbon footprint.

GrabFamily provides safety seats for customers.

Cons of Grab

Grab offers its services only in 30 cities across the Southeast Asian region.

Availability:

Grab is available in eight countries across the Southeast Asian region, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Mobile apps:

Grab operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Bolt

Bolt, initially known as Taxify and founded in 2013, is the first European super-app with the mission to make urban mobility more affordable, safe, and sustainable. Bolt is now one of the fastest-growing mobility platforms, offering ride-hailing, car-sharing, and electric-scooter services to more than 100 million customers in over 45 countries.

Bolt has become a fierce competitor to Uber in many parts of Europe.

Pros of Bolt

Bolt actively tries to reduce its carbon footprint by bringing more electric vehicles and scooters.

Bolt’s Green Plan intends to impact communities positively and includes investing in reforestation and soil conservation.

Cons of Bolt

There is no wide range of car types available as provided by its other competitors.

Available countries:

Bolt operates in over 500 cities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Mobile apps:

Bolt operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Via

Via, headquartered in New York City, is another ride-hailing operator

that connected users to affordable car rides.

Via’s decided to cease its on-demand ride operations when profits started to decline after the pandemic. It has now shifted its attention to mass transit systems like buses and vans. Via is now pretty content with its growth of transit technology.

Pros of Via

Via was open to letting licensed service animals ride with their owners.

Via has come to be an efficient option in public transportation networks.

Cons of Via

Via’s ride-hailing service prevailed only in a few select markets, unlike Uber or Lyft.

Available countries:

Via operates in over 20 countries globally, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada.

Mobile apps:

Via operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Curb

Curb is one of the top taxi apps in the United States. It is known for enabling users to connect with nearby taxi drivers through the application. The Pair and Pay feature allows users to pay with their preferred payment method instead of with cash.

Pros of Curb

People find it relatively simple to hail a taxi with the help of the Curb app.

Curb ensures to make a thorough check on taxi drivers.

There is no prevalence of surge pricing.

Cons of Curb

The Pair and Pay option is available only in select cities.

Available countries:

Curb is available for operations in 65 cities across the United States of America.

Mobile apps:

Curb operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Gojek

Gojek is an Indonesian company founded in 2010 that provides on-demand ride-hailing and many other services like food delivery. Since its focus is on the Southeast Asian market, it is no secret that Grub is its rival.

Gojek provides a wide range of options for its users. GoCar, GoCar XL, and GoTaxi are some of the options available.

GoRide is Gojek’s motorbike ridesharing service.

Pros of Gojek

Gojek’s motorbike ride-hailing services provide a competitive edge to others in the business.

Cons of Gojek

Gojek, in the past, got into a controversy when it suspended its drivers, citing their fraud attempts.

Available countries:

Gojek is available in over 200 cities in five Southeast Asian countries

Mobile apps:

Curb operates its mobile apps on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Wrapping up

The ridesharing service offers numerous benefits like easy booking options, no parking trouble, and a low carbon footprint.

The global ridesharing market is to hit USD 242.73 billion in 2028. No wonder the success of these apps acts as a driving factor for other players looking to set foot. Though these top ridesharing companies have garnered enough support and made it big, other new entrants still stand a chance, provided impressive market research is not compromised.

Our product adds a precise business model and meticulous planning to the table that will help your business gain a foothold in the ridesharing market.

To know more

https://www.rebustar.com/blog/top-ridesharing-companies/ https://www.rebustar.com/uber-clone/

#Rebustar #RideShareCompany #UberCloneScript #Taxibookingappdevelopment

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lindsaystravelblogs3 · 11 months

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Days 26-28 – Tuesday-Thursday, 20-22 June

Tuesday

This was an amazing food day. How could anyone possibly eat that much? Not sure how, but we did! We had really enjoyed our few days in the Aeolian Islands, but it was now back to mainstream Italy.

We started the day with a taxi ride to Marina Lunga where we boarded the hydrofoil for the trip back to mainland Sicily at Milazzo. We were then back on our coach for the drive down Sicily’s eastern coast to Ortigia. Our destination for lunch was the setting for some of The Godfather movies – a wonderful restaurant perched high on the mountain in the village of Forza d’Agro – an interesting name reminiscent of some parts of the films.

A feature of the drive from Milazzo was the iconic ever-active Mt Etna, smoking away to our starboard side for maybe fifty kilometres. We were probably at least fifteen or twenty kilometres away at all times, but the volcano stands our starkly from the surrounding flat land, and even at that distance, looked impressive. It was pretty smoggy, so we never had great view of it, but it gave me a buzz anyway.

The ascent to the restaurant was pretty spectacular too. It was very steep and we zigged and zagged around a dozen or more hairpin bends to make our way to the top. One corner is so sharp that, in all the times Gilberto has been up there, only one driver had previously managed to get around it without backing and filling to negotiate the bend - but our driver (Aurizio) managed it first go in both directions - it was tight but he made it. The views were incredible along the coast, both north and south.

Looking north and looking south, on the way to The Godfather's restaurant.

There was a huge fortification on the seaward side as we went up. It was perched over the sea on a very narrow isthmus that was almost impossible to photograph from the bus, but that was awe-inspiring as we wound our way around it, with a massive precipice dropping straight into the ocean immediately below my elbow. It gave me quite some quivers.

Once we reached the parking area, it was a short walk to the restaurant, but Gilberto took us on a longer detour to visit a couple of churches even higher than the restaurant. (I have been saying ‘our leader’ for days because I had trouble remembering his name – but it is Gilberto and he is a great and caring leader – so much better than Gian-Franco in Sardinia and Corsica!) They were great architectural and ecclesiastical edifices and they provided even more vantage points for great photos, but it was very hot and we were glad to sit down in the restaurant.

Lunch was described as a 'typical Italian Style lunch'. It definitely wasn’t, because nobody could eat that much food more than a few times in a lifetime. Lavish doesn’t even start to describe it. I think there were seven different Starters – served serially with two large platters of each per table of eight. By now, we were all stuffed and hardly ready for the next six or eight Entrees, let alone the five Main courses and numerous Desserts. The food was exceptional, but in such mammoth quantities. Most of us thought the starters were the meal and ate accordingly, leaving little capacity for the other three-quarters or more still to come. I have never seen anything like it, but it was there (and mountains more just kept coming) and it would have been rude not to at least taste it – or gorge oneself stupid on it. Then out came the coffees and liquours – a choice, or choices, from about eight exotic bottles – on top of the bottomless wine glasses we had already enjoyed. We never met the Godfather, but if he was supplying the vittles for our group, he certainly excelled himself in his extravagance. None of us felt like eating again for about three days. It was a meal that I will never forget!

Rolling back down the hill, we reboarded the bus for the rest of the trip down to sea level and on to Syracuse and Ortigia Island where we stayed for the next two nights. By now, my cough was really bad and sleep was almost impossible. Heather also had the same virus, but hers was not as bad as mine. Her other symptoms may have been worse, but not the cough which I was unable to control at all. I had a fever and the shivers and ached all over all night.

Wednesday

We were driven to the UNESCO Heritage-listed site of some 2500-year-old Greek and Roman ruins. I don’t recall a lot about this, probably because I was trying unsuccessfully to stop my cough spoiling it for everyone else. One particularly monumental site was a quarry where thousands of huge standardised limestone blocks (I think our guide said they were each about three tonnes) had been hewn by hand to use in building the original city. The quarry was mammoth and because the best sandstone was below the surface, excavation had created a huge underground cavity held up by dozens of columns of residual rock. It must have been awesome, but the whole structure collapsed when a massive earthquake hit early one morning – fortunately before anyone was on site, so there were no casualties, but the devastation must have been mind-boggling. We visited a huge Greek amphitheatre and a slightly smaller Roman one on the site. We couldn’t enter the Greek one because it was being prepared for a performance of one of the traditional Greek tragedies that evening – but some of our group attended the performance and said it was quite an engrossing experience.

We had an extended walking tour of the town and its markets, but I simply can’t recall anything that my photos don’t show – not sure why my mind is so blank about it, but maybe just the cough and feelig so rotten in the heat. We had quite a bit of free time that day but I think we just went back to the room where I could cough without disturbing anyone other than Heather. I think we ate in a local trattoria that evening where we settled down for a drink and some tapas and ended up with a more substantial meal than we needed – especially given that we were still recovering from yesterday’s extraordinary traditional Italian Style lunch.

Thursday

Our coach took us to Noto this morning – a city that was almost totally destroyed on a massive earthquake in 1693. It seems that most places in this area have been devastated at one time or another (sometimes multiple times) following the huge earthquakes that occur periodically. I hope we are not due for another one now!

The city was rebuilt in a Baroque style, and it is certainly a wonder to behold. I will try to put some thoughts together about the differences between Australian and European cities, but this one appears to be notably more ornamented than most of those we have visited. I was feeling pretty awful and Heather wasn’t much better so we let most of our group continue the tour while we settled into a shady area near the war memorial and tried to cool off and consume ever more cough lozenges. We then strolled back to the bus pick-up point where I tried to photograph some small birds. I got a few pics but they were all effectively silhouettes so useless for identification purposes (or anything else).

I was really out of it by now. I had had an awful night with fever, the shivers, headaches, aching all over – even earache and toothache in almost all of my teeth. Weird! I hadn’t slept due to my almost continuous coughing and I really felt rotten. The bus took us to a farmhouse where we were to have lunch, but I was not up to it. I didn’t tell anyone other than Heather, but it must have been pretty obvious and as we were sitting down to eat, Gilberto said I should lay down inanother room. He had asked me a couple of time before if I wanted to lay down but I said no, because there was really nowhere to do so. But once everyone else went to lunch, a couch in the room where they had all been having a drink became available so I lay down there.

I must have been of concern to Gilberto (and the staff at the farmhouse) because they kept fussing and eventually called an ambulance for me. I though this was a bit of overkill, but I really did feel dreadful and was gasping for breath between coughs. Interestingly, I wasn’t quite as bad if I stood up, or even sat up straight, but as soon as I lay down, the cough became irrepressible. (A week ad a half later, it is still very hard to control the cough when I want to lay down to sleep, and I am in and out of bed many times before I can finally drop off, even after sleeping pills.)

The ambulance arrived and I was examined at length by two paramedics who eventually decided that I was fit to travel back to the hotel in the bus, but that I needed to see a doctor. Our next hotel was in Modica and I was very glad to be there. The hotel staff organised us as the first people to be allocated a room so we didn’t have to stand around waiting - certainly a blessing to me.

Once in the room, I collapsed onto the bed and lay there until Gilberto managed to call a doctor who came to examine me. I couldn’t understand much of the conversation in Italian between the doctor and Gilberto but I did understand that I had a bad case of bronchitis and needed an antibiotic. When the doctor left, he said he would call again on Saturday, before we moved on, to make sure I was OK to continue – total cost of his services for both home visits was seventy euros – amazingly cheap compared with the cost of so many other things here. And the cost of the ambulance visit was zero because Australia has a medical reciprocity agreement with Italy.

As soon as the doctor left, Heather and Gilberto walked the kilometre or so to the pharmacy (arriving just in time before it closed) and got my antibiotic and some vitamins and cough drops to aid my recovery. I really appreciated that because it was very hot and walking that distance uphill in the sun would have been awful.

I was not up to eating, but Heather kept me supplied with small offerings from the kitchen over the next couple of days.

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a-tale-of-2-sloths · 1 year

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Day 12 - Manuel Antonio National Park

After finally cracking the bus timetable so we can plan our return journey from the treehouse, we packed up our gear and headed to Manuel Antonio National Park. The rules aren’t slightly contradictory and open to interpretation in terms of what you’re allowed to take in re. Food and drink. I think they try to limit what you take so the monkeys and other wildlife don’t get fat on left over crisps, or swallow all the disposable plastics. So we wolfed down some breakfast bars and yogurt en route and hid the crisps at the back of the rucksack. Don’t judge us, we’ve gotta eat and we’re responsible! The bus driver gave us the call to say which stop we needed to get off at and it wasn’t immediately clear as to which direction we should be going in, but G asked a local taxi driver who sent us on our way. We eventually joined a trove of other tourists making their way to the park, where bags were searched and tickets were scanned. And result, no food taken!

As always, our first stop was the toilets followed by a picture of the map as it has various trails and paths that lead off the main circular walk. There were lots of tour guides offering their services, but we decided to fly solo and take a look in the general direction of any big groups that may have spotted something. Our first detour was a half mile walk to the waterfall, which was less of a fall and more of a drip! Especially after seeing a truly magnificent waterfall in Monteverde! What also didn’t help is all the signage saying sensible shoes needed to be worn, so naturally G and I were flip flopping round the place! After returning back to the main route we saw a couple of raccoons frolicking in a little stream before heading onward to a sloth path where we saw no sloths! Thankfully our sloth satisfaction is fairly high, but it’s always nice to see a furry face! That is where the guides really come in to their own, their ability to spot nature and whip out a telescope so you can have a peak!

We pushed on towards one of the park’s private beaches via the cafe but alas it was closed so no snackage there! Possibly for the best as the area was over run with monkeys, including the toilets where several were queuing up for the taps to be turned on by passers by so they could have a drink! We followed some steps down to a little cove where there were several people along the beach and a few in the sea. G went for a little paddle but the current was extremely strong. It was a postcard picturesque view with various birds of prey soaring over the trees and waves crashing on to the shore. Everyone’s reaction when coming down the steps and beyond the foliage was the same, a combination of awestruck and glee!

Once we’d had our fill of La Playa 1, we moved on to La Playa 2! This was a much longer stretch of golden sand, with jungle at the back, the trees providing shade for many and blue seas stretching as far as the eye could see. There were lots more people in the water, laughing away as the waves tugged them here and there. We went for a dip and the water was warm, the sand smooth and it was most refreshing. We’d really got a sweat on walking through the jungle. I’ll be buying a ‘summer’ backpack as the squishy bits may make it comfier, but it’s just constant spongy friction which for someone who already radiates heat is just hotness overload! That combined with the suncream, general humidity and walking up and down steps… I could have stayed in that sea all afternoon! But in the heat of the day we paddled for 10 minutes before I dragged us back to our shady spot to reapply more suncream and top up our fluids.

We had a little bite to eat in the form of some grapes and contraband crisps, before taking a little stroll along the length of the beach. I’ve never seen so many crabs, from hermit crabs making their way down from the jungle and bustling around our towels, to larger crabs on the rocks in the sea. There really is nature every where you look here (although I still want to see a toucan properly!) I’m fairly sure we’ve heard them and possibly seen a group fly over the jungle. I should have taken Craigo up on his offer of using his fancy binoculars as the freebies from the National Trust aren’t quite cutting the salsa! We took another quick dip before drying off, seeing a big old lizard and heading back. The beach gets cleared out at around 3.30pm as the park closes at 4 and on our way back we did catch a glimpse of a little sloth smiling stupidly down at the his adorning fans.

After weighing up our options, we decided to have an early dinner in the town and very nice it was too especially as we were bloody starving! I had a beef burger whilst G went for chicken, complete with a brownie to share. We grabbed a couple of Cuba Libres (rum and cola tinnies) and headed to the public beach, which was still full of activity. From people playing volleyball, to having an evening swim but everyone was there for the same thing, the sunset! We picked our spot, took a pew and watched the sun drop from the sky beyond the horizon, leaving beautiful washes of pink, purple and orange behind. It wasn’t too long before the stars started to come out in their thousands as the crowds departed. We stayed for a while before miraculously making it on to the last bus and headed back to pick up some supplies in the form of more money and food for our jungle stay.

Alas, the food would have to wait as the shop was quite small and we wanted fresh bread. But on the plus side we were able to hop on another last bus?! Pura Vida! Nothing seems to stop when it should, but equally not everything is open when you think it will be so it’s hammocks and coconuts really! By the time we got back I was so ready to wash the day away, a combination of sand, salt and sweat! We rounded off our evening with a drink in the garden and booking our final accommodation in San Jose the night before we fly home. It’s hard to believe this trip is slowly coming to an end, but not quite yet! We’ve still got a couple of days deep in the jungle and Niko has confirmed pick up for 11am tomorrow! If rumour is to be believed (aka the Air BnB information) there is no chance of any blog updates for a few days as there’s no signal, no Wi-Fi, no way out!

So this is it. See you on the other side. Providing the jaguars don’t get us!

G’s highlight - Another bloody sunset! She’s asleep as it’s nearly 1am but bet your bottom colon (choice wording!) that it’ll be that!

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waltergmeyer-blog · 1 year

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Another day in Zion

Day one in Zion, we opted to drive through the part of the park that was open to cars to scout out what we could. We drove the one winding road through the accessible part of the park, including around some steep switchbacks and through a mile-long tunnel. The tunnel had some windows cut in the rock that offered glimpses of the spectacular scenery outside.

We elected to do the East Rim trail to what was reported to be great view from the overlook at the end of the trail.

I am not a big fan of heights and much of the trail is on the edge of cliffs, much without handrails. At one point, I was ready to give up when the trail went out over some wooden planks to go around a rock outcropping. There was quite the drop-off and the boards had seen better days. Zach went forward a little bit and came back to report there was just that one bad area and then it was smoother sailing for as far as he could see. I did make it across.

A bit beyond that flimsy wooden crossing, I came across a woman who was probably in her 60s. She had run out of water in her small water bottle and looked very tired and dehydrated. This would be a tough walk down if you were dizzy and it would be hard for a helicopter or stretcher to carry her off the mountain. I tried to give her some water out of my Camelbak, but was having a hard time milking it out of the mouthpiece so when Zach came up a few minutes later, I asked he had enough to spare to give her some of his. He did. We hiked to the top with her and I gave her some pretzels out of my pack.

There was a great view from the rim when we got to the top. Lots of people were feeding the squirrels. In front of the signs that said not to.

By the time we got back near the park entrance, some parking spots had opened up in one small lot, so we checked out the visitors center then hopped a shuttle to check out the rest of the park.

On the shuttle ride, the driver pointed out the “Three Patriarchs,” three spires, each named after biblical leaders. The plateau nearby is called “The Altar of Sacrifice,” a reference to the sacrifice of Abraham in the Bible. Allegedly, the natives who inhabited this area may have sacrificed young men from their tribe by casting them off this cliff as a way of appeasing their gods. Many Native American tribes believed in human sacrifice. The Aztecs famously would sacrifice the entire team which lost in one of their ball games. In other cultures, young men would volunteer to be tortured to death to appease the gods. For them, dying at age 20 to please the gods, help the tribe and become a legend was worth it—a fair trade in their minds. They traded the 40 or 60 years they might have had remaining for immortality and honor. I wondered: is it really any different than the men who sacrificed themselves at Gettysburg or Normandy—trading their young lives for the good of the tribe.

After covering all of the roads in the park by car or shuttle, we were able to plan our next day in the park—we only had one more day. We opted to do the river walk and scout out The Narrows, which was one of two things Zach really wanted to do in Zion.

The river walk was packed with people. Apparently, all of the people who had gotten into the park free for National Public Lands Day wanted to come here. When we saw an alternate trail heading the same direction, we detoured to it and were glad we did because not only was it more picturesque, closer to the river and dirt rather than paved, there were fewer people, and there were a couple of deer. Our first big-game wildlife encounter!

We talked to a few people who were coming back from hiking The Narrows. Along with Angels Landing, The Narrows is one of the famous features of the park that attract hikers and adventurers. The river along which we had been hiking emerges from a canyon with steep sides. As you hike up the river, the passage narrows, hence the name. You can hike for miles upriver and never be in water that is above the mid-chest. But you have to get about eight miles up the canyon before it gets really narrow and the awesome beauty of this river flowing through a slot canyon is truly apparent.

We assessed the situation. We had each brought a change of shoes specifically for this hike—ones we were willing to let dry for several days after. We had brought hiking sticks—we had been warned the rocks can be slick and it is easy to slip. We had brought little drawstring backpacks so as not to get our full packs wet. And we were going to leave our camera and binoculars in the car and only use our phones for photos and planned to carry them in double Ziplock bags, just in case.

But we weren’t planning on doing this hike today so had not taken any of those preparations and decided it was not worth it to attempt the river now. Zach wanted to at least get a feel for it, so while I sat on a rock, people watching, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the valley, he climbed down the hill, took off his shoes and socks and played in the river for a while. He reported the water was--as I expected it would be--very cold.

We were considering doing The Narrows the next day, just planning to start earlier and come prepared, but we saw signs warning that there was the possibility of flash floods that day. Rain anywhere upstream can flush the canyon with water too deep and swift to survive. The handy signs in the park also informed how many dozen visitors had perished that way. Likewise for the death toll Angels Landing takes.

#zion national park #national park #adventure #travel #hiking #photography #utah

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blahandwhatever · 2 years

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Today I thought I’d have myself a nice finale to the warmth in Gallery Park and do some shopping afterward. Thought maybe, just maybe, I’d leave the house around 2 PM, and theoretically, I could have, but in fact I left just before 3 and soon learned a hard lesson about driving east down Willow Road at this time, as 3 PM is when the local high school gets out, and there was traffic, but more importantly there was a stream, an interminable stream of teenagers crossing the road, and we drivers stood there helplessly as the relentless crowds plowed on mercilessly, and it is precisely in these situations - not the many low-utility ones where people just end up creating confusion and annoyance by making up their own rules - that I wish some people would actually sacrifice their right of way and let a car or two go, but these were teenagers, and masses at that. With no end in sight, I decided to take a detour through the shopping center parking lot and Rand Road, which in turn brought me too many red lights, much extra distance, and probably more time wasted than if I’d just waited.

Eventually I got on Palatine Road and relaxed - until a police car showed up behind me in the other lane, and remained there interminably, at one point passing me briefly before falling back again, and finally I decided to make a left turn in a different direction than where I was headed to lose him, and lose him I did, but now I had to do a U-turn, and wait in a long line of left-turning traffic, and finally be back on my way, and the worst part is that the police turned right on the same street, so I would’ve lost him anyway, while my own right turn was only one block ahead, and so I kicked myself for another unhelpful detour.

And then I got to the park, and it was largely barren but still a good walk and a bittersweet goodbye, but on the verge of a little chilly for the outfit I’d chosen (which was annoyingly one I’d worn too many times already, but difficult body; and I would’ve liked to wear pants instead if I didn’t think I might be too hot, and damn it, the cusp of 70 degrees is truly the most difficult weather to dress for because it could go too hot or too cold at the drop of a hat).

And I chose to prioritize taking my time with the outdoors, and after all the delays, there was no time to make the Whole Foods stop I’d hoped for, and somehow traffic was terrible even though it was well before 5, and there were more cars behind me that looked like police but it turned out weren’t, and I made it back before dark and stopped by Target, where the risk of a police encounter merely crossing the street after dark is low, and man, I have to finally get bullshit fixed.

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couplesinstitutecounseling · 2 years

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Get The Relationship You Want By Going Through The Mess

The other day I was driving in a city I don’t know well. I had my map app on and I was headed to coffee. Much needed coffee! Then there was a mess of road work in front of me. Lanes closed, cars merging, confused drivers, on and on…I’m sure you’ve all be there. The map was telling me to go through the mess but I was in a hurry and really wanted to get to the coffee. On the map it looked like if I turned right, I could avoid going through the mess to get to the destination. So, I turned right…only to find that there was no way into the parking lot from that street. On top of that there was more road work, more unsure drivers and more mess.

I did the only thing I could do in that moment. I accepted my fate and flipped a “U”. If I wanted coffee then I would have to go through the mess.

Then it hit me and I laughed. My mom, who was traveling with me, asked what I was amused by. This is what I said

“I just realized how spot on this situation is right now. I tried to avoid the mess in front of me by going around it. Yet that isn’t how life works. This all (gesturing at the roadwork traffic) just reminded me that a lot of times the only way to get to something you want when there is mess on the way is through the mess. It’s human to want to go around, to avoid it but it just takes longer and you end up going through the same mess you tried to avoid…some time even a bigger one.”

I like how little moments in life can remind us of important truths. Lately, I have been dealing with a number of difficulties in my life and it’s been overwhelming. Before I pulled up to the roadwork mess, I had been telling my mom about how tangled and jumbled my mind felt…how I wasn’t sure how to get clearer. After my little detour I realized that the only way to the other side of it was through; even if it is hard, painful, exhausting and messy.

When it comes to relationship struggles this message is BEYOND important. Just like me, most of us want to avoid going through a mess, it’s hard and often painful. Yet after working with couples for so long I can tell you that the people who have success in their individual and relational growth and fulfillment are the ones who accept that the only way to get to what they want is to go through the mess in their way. They do more than just accept it, they do the work through it, putting one step in front of the other.

Couples come in to therapy with destinations in mind; better communication, improved intimacy, more connection, a balanced chore agreement, and so on. However often they struggle with doing the work to get to the destination. The work is hard, messy, and requires individual reflection and effort. Yet many people just want a direct step by step guide to getting to their desire; a straight, clean trip there. That just not how change and growth works.

Here are some examples,

Open communication in a relationship means you are going to hear things you don’t want to and you have a responsibility in how you react so your partner feels safe to be open.

More intimacy and connection means you will have to take steps to initiate and risk hearing “no”, struggling with the perceived rejection and still staying open to your partner

Balanced chore agreements often mean understanding each other’s different definitions of “clean” and compromising, not just a to do list.

The point is the path to a desired destination is not always straight and can often be messy yet trying to avoid it often makes it a longer and more difficult journey.

So, ask yourself a few important questions…

What is your goal or destination?

Is there a “mess” are you trying to take detours around? What is it?

What do you need to do to move through it, even if the progress is slower or harder that you want?

Is there anything you need to share with your partner about this struggle?

Can you do it on your own or do you need help?

Slowing down and taking stock of how you may be avoiding a mess and how it may be keeping you from what is desired is difficult but important; it can make the difference between wondering around lost and actually getting to where you want to go.

As always if you find you need help navigating these issues, reach out to us. We can help.

Oh, and for all of you still on the edge of your seats, I did get my coffee!

#relationship counseling #couples counseling

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cillspropertea · 2 years

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Flipped

Chapter 11 : Fedora

The reader is Aberama Gold’s eldest daughter, Esmeralda Gold in this fic.

Warnings: tense situations, possible kidnapping, manhandling

Gif by @twvstedsouls

This fic might have dark themes which may irritate or offend some readers. But if you’ve seen Peaky Blinders and are familiar with Thomas Shelby, you’ll be okay. The story, plot, character histories and back stories might not be relevant to the original “Peaky Blinders” . Warnings will change per chapter. This is my first fic. Hope you all like it. English is not my first language.

Author’s note: I apologize for the late posting of this chapter.😔 I wasn't feeling well and which is probably why my creative juices had dried out too. 😓 Will try and post the next one earlier than the promised timeline.😊😉💙💙

Do not hesitate to comment, reblog and engage. It works as fuel for my writing. 😉💙💙

Synopsis: Your father’s one mistake shall alter your life’s direction forever.

Word count: 3031

Thomas hadn’t been okay with sending Charlie away with the others to the country side hideout, but Polly had convinced him at the last minute to do so. Esmeralda was not okay with parting from him either, the little munchkin had grown on her like Fungus, but she too did not protest knowing that it was for the best after all.

Charles had fussed a lot in the beginning. But after a few difficult days he had stopped, so everyone had assumed he had compromised according to the situation.

“Charles is unwell.” Polly had rushed into Esmeralda’s room after softly knocking the door, quite early in the morning. “What do you mean?” Esmeralda got up. “I don’t know for certain but I think he is missing his Father.” You nodded. “Ada says he hasn’t been eating properly and has reduced his milk intake as well. Doesn’t cry a lot anymore, only at night. But he’s been having fever since yesterday which I find alarming. That poor child has been through so much. First his mother and now his father isn’t near him.” She shook her head sadly. “So Thomas has asked me to get him. Arthur is coming with me, he wants to see Linda. She’s been chewing his ear off for not being there at all as her delivery is due any day now. She’s pure trouble that one. God knows what Arthur was thinking when he married her!” Polly said pacing in the room, then she finally came to sit by Esmeralda. “But that’s not why I’m here. We’ll be staying there overnight Thomas has to go on a formal political event of some sorts, will be back quite late in the night. So I wanted to know if you’d be okay by yourself here.” ‘With Thomas alone’ she seemed to omit but say through her eyes. “You can come with us if you want...” “It’s fine Polly. I’m used to being alone by now. You should go. And don’t worry about me. Just bring that little monster back as soon as you can. I can’t wait to see him.” Polly smiled and touched her face adoringly. “I just need to go into the city for something. You think Thomas can lend me his car for today?” She asked batting her eyelashes.

-----

Esmeralda hadn’t lied. Technically she did have to go to the market to get something for Charlie but, after a small detour. The car stopped where the road ended near the woods. There were only two ways to get to where she was going, either by foot or on a horse. “Wait here…” she’d asked the driver and started her small but tough journey by foot into the woods.

Just a few miles into the Lee territory, she saw Esme waiting for her with two horses.

-----

“Does Polly know you are here?” Esme asked, looking ahead as her grey horse moved rhythmically. “She knows I am to go somewhere, but not the exact details.” Esmeralda replied, “And I’d like to keep it that way if you don’t mind.” She said looking at her plainly. Without a response Esme pushed her horse to increase speed. Esmeralda too encouraged her black stallion to move faster. She was quite familiar with horses, the only animals her Fa… Aberama allowed to be kept. She knew how to take care of them and rode pretty easily too. Esme seemed impressed by the her riding skills but did not comment.

After riding fast in the mountainous woods, they stopped near a black caravan on a small hill top. Both of the ladies got off and tied the horses to a tree nearby. Esme walked closer to the caravan, “Jal…. Jal” she called out loudly as she looked behind the caravan too. “ieși tu,puternic. avem nevoie de ajutorul tău!” ‘Come out you powerful one. We are in need of your help!”

Esmeralda quietly watched her, standing still. Suddenly, it grew darker, as if the clouds were trying to give him cover from the sun or could it be the other way around? Out came a man of a tall and lean build with worn out cloths which were in desperate need of cleaning. His long hair, which hadn’t been washed for weeks Esmeralda was sure, had little trinkets and beads in them. His ribs were literally protruding from his sides, edges of which were obvious from his worn out filthy white shirt. “Sunt aici, sunt aici, încetează să țipe și să-mi sperii prietenii. Ei dorm dimineata...” ‘I’m here, I’m here, stop screaming and freaking my friends out. They sleep in the morning you see…’ He was wiping his hands on a cloth much dirtier than his hands. He spotted Esmeralda and started walking towards her. “And how did a pretty thing like you end up on a doorstep of a sinner like me, eh?” He smiled. His yellow teeth, except a gold one on the left, made Esmeralda gag, but she controlled her expressions as best as she could. Esme stood beside her, “She needs your help…”

“I need you to put a curse on someone, some people actually.” Esmeralda spoke up straight-forwardly. Jal came even closer to her, looking into her eyes as if he was trying to read her. “What makes you think I can do that eh? Didn’t mama ever tell the little girl that the fairytales she reads at bed time aren’t true?” He cocked his head, “Except the monsters though… That part is very much real” he nodded with wide crazy eyes. “There’s no need to pretend friend, she knows about your talents. I told her.”

He turned to Esme, ”And hadn’t I warned you about telling people about my whereabouts child? Especially people who are not kin?” He was angry as he took step after step into her direction forcing her to step back each time, “It shall have consequences!” Esme looked like she was about to faint. “sunt rudă!” Esmeralda shouted. ‘I am Kin’ He turned and marched back towards her. Keeping a hand on her temple he closed his eyes and when he opened them a freaky smile graced his lips, “I see her, I see Sybill.” Esmeralda’s breath hitched after hearing her birth mother’s name on the strangers lips. His face had softened, as if in just a few moments he was able to see her mother’s history behind his closed eyelids. “And I see the fire inside of you. You want it gone. You want to feel like your old self again.” He rather stated than asked. “Let me remind you young one, it’s you who hones it and owns it. If used wisely, this pain, this sorrow, and everything else it is, can turn into a weapon no one can defeat. You’d be the queen, with the world at your feet” His voice was hypnotizing her. Or maybe it was his movements. He tended to move his limbs with quite a lot of femininity and flourish. As if he had some kind of a hold on everything around him. When Esmeralda simply stared at him with a gaping mouth and did not respond, He sighed loudly. As if he was deeply disappointed.

“Alright, I will help you, but you have to know girl, there is always a payment.” He said turning around and looking at the skies. “How much?” Esmeralda asked, mentally thinking of ways she could ask Polly to lend her some cash and then how to repay her. “Not cash child, never cash…” She did not understand him calling her a child. He did not look like someone who was that old, but when she looked at him again she chose not to point it out. “Anything… you name it.” Esmeralda spoke without losing a beat. “Careful now little one…” he pointed a digit at her. “You may regret it later. And remember these, payments can never be taken back.” He warned. “Just say it…” she gritted. He once again closed his eyes for a few moments. His expressions seemed as if he was concentrating on some mental argument. “Your motherhood.” He said opening his eyes and watching intently at Esmeralda’s reaction. Her eyes flashed.

Esmeralda wasn’t expecting this. She knew exactly what he was asking for. It meant she would never be able to become a mother. But the question was, was it worth it? She was about to speak when Esme stopped her. “Wait! I think you are not grasping exactly what he’s saying Esmeralda! You…”, “I do know exactly what he’s asking for. You don’t understand Esme…” Esmeralda cut her off, “And I’d appreciate if you stayed out of it!”. Esme rubbed her temple, “You think I don’t understand? Why do you think I’m helping you eh?” she rasped. “Those fucking Shelbys! They ruined my life too you know…” She sighed

Jal simply watched both the girls in amusement. “I’ll tell you what, let us decide the details of our… arrangement right now and you can have till tomorrow to decide, if you want to go through with it or not. What ya think?” He said with a tilt to his head.

Esmeralda contemplated for a few moments then nodded solemnly. He asked her to come into the caravan with him. When Esme tried to accompany them he shook his head and continued leading Esmeralda inside his dark caravan home.

-----

Esmeralda walked out of the shop with just the right thing for Charlie. She was absolutely sure that the little munchkin would love the toy horse she had bought for him. She was still thinking about Jal and everything that had transpired when suddenly she felt someone cover her head with a black cloth and muffle her mouth with a hand. She felt the person gradually drag her somewhere and then plop her on a chair. Heaving, she tried to calm herself as much as she could. In that moment she had a realization, she wasn’t scared. ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ she’d thought. She did feel baffled as the person had attacked her quite unexpectedly but other than that she wasn’t freaking out. This revelation itself disturb her but brought a weird sort of calm in that terrorizing situation as well.

When the cloth was taken off of her face she squinted at her surroundings. It was a warehouse of sorts, filled with boxes and dust. It was dark as dimly lit bulbs glowed in some corners. Four armed men stood around her at a safe distance. She held her purse tightly in her hands as she heard footsteps gradually approaching her from her behind.

“Who are you and what is the meaning of this?” she asked, her voice steady but vary. “Make a guess signorina”, his voice sounded familiar or was it the accent. And that word ‘Antonio called me signorina!’ He chuckled at her glowering face. “I’m Luca Changretta.” Esmeralda’s heart sunk. This was the man the Shelbys were looking… no, hunting for everywhere. And he was in the city. ‘Fuck!’ He sunk in his seat a bit, resting one leg on the other. “And why have you kidnapped me?” Esmeralda still did not falter and that irritated Luca. “Oh signorina, you misunderstand! This isn’t a kidnapping. This is just a… meeting. I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. And I have to say, I am not disappointed” his eyes roamed her form making Esmeralda’s skin crawl but she simply stared into his dark eyes, not giving anything away. “Is this how you treat your allies? Picking them up whenever it pleases you?”

“So this is our latest recruit in our team against the Shelby’s…” a tall, slender man came and sat on a chair in front of her. His face was concealed under a black fedora which he wore quite abnormally low on his head. He tilted his head before taking of the hat. He had long defined features with a toothpick on the side of his mouth. “Dios Moi! No wonder he bet on you.” His eyes sparkled. Esmeralda looked at him straight in the eyes. In that moment, she was very much aware of the possibility that she might not get out of there alive. Yet she could not feel her heart race or palpitate.

“Look at her. Just look at her. How enticing is her temper right now eh?” he called his men standing around them as they all snickered and laughed. ‘Prick!’ Esmeralda had established that much but she still could not figure out what the purpose was of all this so she just decided to shut up and let the arsehole have his fun after all, she did work for him. “You don’t look like your father’s daughter at all. I bet even he doesn’t like what he sees in the mirror.” He waited for a reaction which never came. Sighing, he realized it was time to get to the point. “I needed to make sure we were on the same page regarding our agreement, against Thomas Shelby.” He got up and started pacing in front of her.

“Antonio told me about your request, and I’m afraid I’ll have to deny it.” She closed her eyes. “As the tradition of a black hand goes, I have to be the one to pull the trigger. And danm! I can’t wait to do it” he rubbed his hands in anticipation. Contemplating for a moment she said, “Then our deal is off.” She stood up, making the men around her point their weapons at her. Luca laughed. Looking around at the gang members ready to shoot at her. A small smile played on her lips as she gradually walked towards the main man himself. She stared right into his eyes as she abruptly took out and pointed her own gun from her purse to his temple, the one she was practicing with every day, “If you think for a single second that these guns intimidate me, that these guns can make me change my mind, you are absolutely mistaken”

Even though his men were truly tense, Luca raised his eyebrows, smirking. He was enjoying this, Enjoying riling her up. It’s not everyday someone, let alone a woman stood up to him this way. In a flash his fingers covered hers on the gun as he pressed it further into his own temple. It was his way of daring her to pull the trigger. “Do it…” he further enticed.

Esmeralda silently gulped. Her eyes unblinking. She knew what would happen when she did it. Luca would be dead, but the very second his body would hit the floor, hers would be next. His men would make sure of it. But she did not care, no one, absolutely no one would decide her actions or fate for her. If the last thing she ever did was wiping that filthy smirk off of this goon’s face then so be it. She’ll die proud and sated. Her finger stressed over the trigger as she loosed a breath. She saw fear in Luca Changretta’s widened eyes. That too because of her. The rush of satisfaction she’d felt in that moment could have been bottled and saved for later as well.

Just as the trigger was pulled, Luca had raised her arm towards the ceiling. A loud bang clanged throughout the big dark space. He pushed her away and got a hold of her gun. “Fucking hell woman!” he laughed like a luntic and paced forcing his men to laugh along with him giving them the impression he wasn’t effected at all. Esmeralda simply shook her head slightly, hiding her own triumphant smile as she had seen he was shaken up as he had underestimated her. And that he’d just seen a glimpse of what Esmeralda had become. She was fearless of consequences and fearless of death.

-----

Thomas Shelby

The dinner was a celebratory one, arranged by Mr. Churchill himself even though he wasn’t expected to be present himself. The purpose of it was to give these people to engage and make new connections which shall benefit everyone in the future. All the important political people were invited and so their presence was mandatory. Thomas did not believe in mingling and engaging in nonsensical long conversations, he had other ways to make connections which worked just fine for him. So he simply replied and nodded to questions directed directly towards him and otherwise simply stood as a brooding figure in a tux, in a corner near a bar, waiting for the appropriate time to leave without seeming rude. One particular man had caught his attention who went by the name of Oswald Mosley. His direct and indirect messages weren’t difficult for Thomas to decipher at all. But what exactly did he want from him had to be distinguished through a one on one meeting. He was certain of it.

On the way back his thoughts wandered. The truth was he had truly missed his wife by his side tonight. These sort of events were her kind of thing. She not only enjoyed them but simply flourished in them as well. He remembered how he would simply watch Grace in parties like this one. She would be in her element, in her zone. While taking a cigarette out his feet touched something soft in the car. It was a purse. “Robert whose is this?” He showed it to his driver. “Oh that must be Miss Esmeralda’s I think. She must have forgotten it after her trip today” He nodded. “Did you go with her?” he asked after a moment. “No sir, Oliver did.” He simply started looking outside when Robert continued, “He is new sir, and doesn’t know a lot of the routes yet. If Madame had told me earlier she was visiting the Lee territory I would have taken her myself…” Thomas looked up. ‘She went to the Lee’s? Why would she go to the Lee’s?’ As soon as the car stopped he asked Robert to call Oliver to his office at once. Something was bothering him, but he did not know what. And he had to find out.

#thomas shelby #peaky blinders #thomas shelby x reader #peaky blinders imagine #peakyxtommy #tommy shelby x reader #peaky blinder fanfic #thomas shelby imagine #thomas shelby x y/n #peaky fookin blinders #luca changretta #tommy shelby imagine #tommy shelby #charlie shelby #aunt polly #polly gray

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hansolmates · 3 years

Text

busted in busan

summary; you’re snowbound at the airport, when the only thing you want is to be homebound. your anxieties heighten as the snow rises, worried that you won’t make it in time for christmas where your fiancé and his parents expect you—picture perfect. when all flights are cancelled due to a massive storm, you have to turn to the hands of an unlikely, hard-headed hero who knows the fastest way out of busan (and into your heart) pairing; jungkook x (f) reader genre/warnings; a christmas detour!au, fluff, angst, slice of life, strangers to lovers, enemies to lovers, pining, this is a total romcom, hallmark movie galore! tw–microcheating (or not however you look at it) mentions of sex, making out, profanity w/c; 10k a/n; for @suhdays holiday hallmark event! this event was totally up my lane, i couldn’t wait to post it! a huge thank u for @eerieedits for making this wonderful fic banner! this is totally unedited, i’ll to go back to it tonight but pls enjoy! for those of u who need a little more christmas charm this year, this is for u

if you loved this icy couple, please consider giving it a like n’share!⛄⛄⛄

“The Korean Air 1102 flight from Gimhae International Airport to Incheon International Airport will be delayed six hours due to the intense weather conditions. Please be on standby for any further updates.”

You’re twitching, fighting the urge to nibble on your nails because you’ve just got them done for Christmas. They’re a sleek champagne gold, because your fiancé insisted that they’re far more mature than your usual red and brown reindeer art. This is awful, and is only going to get progressively worse as the snow builds and builds. Right now the weather isn’t that bad, the snow isn’t even sticking to the ground and—oh.

Gnawing at your lip, your fingers brush over the cold window, a clear view of the landing strip you should currently be boarding. The touch is icy, and the pads of your fingers are enveloped in little rings of fog at the sudden warmth nudging the glass. Upon closer inspection and a squint of your eyes reveal that in fact, the snow is now sticking to the ground. Big, fat clumps are covering the freeway and destroying your Christmas plans.

Your fiancé will understand if you’re a little late for their Christmas Eve party, but you’re not sure if his parents will. You’ve been on livewire all week, wanting to at least spend the morning of Christmas Eve with your family back home. Knowing that your fiancé’s Christmas Eve party would run until very late, you booked a noon flight with enough time to get ready and impress his parents. Evidently, it was an ill-prepared idea.

Immediately falling into your terminal’s line, you hope that you can talk with the receptionist in hopes they could put you at ease.

“How soon will you announce our flight’s departure?” A sad smile.

“Is there any way you can put me on the next possible flight?” A shake of the head.

“Will the weather let up?” A frown.

Every bit of rejection weighs you down, and you’ve run out of questions to ask. For a receptionist, she’s not very receptive.

“C’mon lady, you’re holding up the line,” a voice tugs you from behind, “you’re not the only one who’s gotta get down to the city on Christmas.”

You fight the urge to roll your eyes, wanting to slap the rudeness off this man’s face. Instead of falling back in line, you move to the side to glare at him. He’s unfortunately attractive, albeit in a rugged sort-of way—nothing like your fiancé. The leather jacket that he carries tall is worn and crackly at the collar. Wavy dark hair he constantly has to hold back, a gesture that looks flirtatious and to your chagrin the receptionist is definitely recepting to him.

“Your refund should be processed in about two to four business days, Mr. Jeon,” the receptionist murmurs, the simultaneously sultry and chirpy voice making you twitch in your spot. Maybe if you drank a cup of tall, dark and handsome you’d be getting the same kind of treatment.

“Thanks,” he replies shortly, and it’s then you notice the extremely large luggage next to him. It’s the size of you, and despite the broad shoulders under the baggy jacket, he lugs it with careful force, making sure not to bump into anyone as he wheels it away from the counter.

It seems that your trainers have a mind of your own as you follow him down the terminal. He side eyes you as your feet pick up the pace to match his long legs, but he waits for you to say something first.

“Why did you ask for a refund?” you ask, frowning at him, “the flight is only delayed.”

He scoffs, “Do you see the snow? They’re just saying it’s delayed so they can hold onto your money a little longer. Besides, it’s a win-win. I get my refund sooner and some other poor sap can take the ticket and wait until five in the morning.”

“Five A.M.,” you exhale to yourself, slowing down.

It would be too late by then, far too late. Your shoulders slump, people start to bump into you without a care.

“Besides,” you hear his voice say from your stricken form, “I had a backup plan.”

That’s when your feet start to burn up, and you whip around to pump your legs, catching up with the man who’s already far down the hall. “What kind of backup plan?” you blurt, raising your voice because the crowds are starting to get noisier and deeper the further you follow him.

He hooks his lips into a confused frown, “You’re awfully nosy.”

“I’m in a pinch, my fiancé’s parents will kill me if I don’t show up to their party tonight.”

“Your fiancé’s parents… will kill you?”

“That’s an exaggeration,” you cough, immediately feeling self-conscious, “they’d kill me with their eyes. They’re really big, really pretty corporate people. They have high expectations for their future in-law.”

“Ah, and you're the country pumpkin who managed to sweep the rich guy off his feet?”

“Something like that,” you reply, rocking on your heels, “my dad was his dad’s former secretary, and we grew up together.”

The stranger with a plan stops in front of a long line. It’s so long that you’re not entirely sure where it leads to. People are piling out the door two at a time, and you can see they’re trying to get through the process as fast as possible. The window leading outside is blurry and caked in white ice. He hooks one leg over his luggage, the metal and plastic case is so high that his feet barely touch the ground. Like a kid with a flat scooter, he wheels himself through the line.

“These lines are for busses going in the direction of our flight,” he jabs a finger out the door, “if the flight got cancelled I was just going to ride one of these,” out of his pocket he pulls out two tickets, flicking it in front of your face.

“Are there any tickets left?” your eyes bug, and you immediately pull out your phone to reserve a spot.

“Nah, been booked since last month.”

It’s then that your eyes zero in on the second ticket he has in hand. Both tickets are addressed to the same name. You lower your phone in your pocket, narrowing your eyes. “Why do you have two for yourself?”

He pats his luggage as a response.

“That’s not fair!”

“It is when you buy it, sweetheart.”

“A literal human could be in that spot, wanting to go home for Christmas!”

“You’re just salty you don’t have a ticket, don’t take it out on my luggage,” he feigns a pout, rubbing the handle of the heavy container, “you’re hurting it’s feelings.”

It doesn’t take long for you and the stranger to reach the end of the line. To others in line the two of you look like two companions bickering good-naturedly, but in reality the only thing you want to do is slap that smug smile off his face.

“You want my ticket,” he states.

“I want your luggage’s ticket,” you bite back, staring petulantly at where he sits comfortably between the handle.

Unbeknownst to you, the man’s face morphs into a teasing grin upon seeing you glare a little too hard at the silver and black case. It just so happens that your eyes gravitate to the middle of the luggage, at the apex between his long legs leading up to a pair of black sweats. Despite the soft, baggy fabric you can see how the bulge of his thighs outline the thin cotton, looking large and inviting which—

Fuck. You’re engaged. Why are you checking out some stranger’s thighs? Your fiancé also has nice thighs, think about those!

“How much do you want for it?” you cough, crossing your arms and turning to the side to hide your flaming cheeks.

“Who said I was offering?”

“I’ll pay that and then some.”

“With your rich-boy’s money?”

If your hands were not digging into your elbows and you weren’t so concerned about your gold-foiled manicure, you’d deck him. Do the holidays normally make this person so snappy? He simply flips his hair, and you catch the shaved ends of his sides.

“Three-hundred,” he says easily, and if he notices you staring he doesn’t say anything, “including any extra fees for my luggage.”

“Done,” you hold out your hand for him to shake.

“I’m Jungkook, if you care,” the man named Jungkook adds wryly, practically swallowing your small hand with his larger one. You shortly reply with your name, and he merely nods, “a thank you would suffice.”

“Thanks,” and it’s then that you manage a scarily pretty smile, one that Jungkook finds both alarming and amusing. It’s a catered smile, one that you’ve trained yourself to accomplish after hours in the mirror in fear of your fiancé’s parents seeing right through you. It’s the smile you give during work when you don’t give a shit but you need to suck it up. It’s a 9/10 success rate.

“Scary,” he shivers, and then you realize he’s the 1/10.

The only bus for you two to pile on is one of the smallest. Probably half the size of a regular coach bus, but at this rate you don’t care. You’ll fly by hot air balloon if the weather wasn’t so crappy.

“Taehyung!” you startle at Jungkook’s sudden belt, and he does a big, beefy-chested bro-hug to the driver. Ah, so he has connections. You watch the two interact from your corner, pulling up your hood to stop the rapidfire snowflakes from pelting your eyes.

The driver is a classically handsome thing, dark eyes and dark fluffy hair. His paperbag pants look absolutely frigid however, and his teeth are chattering as he regards Jungkook with annoyed eyes.

“Listen, so plans have changed—”

“As always, Kook.”

“—and I need you to do me another solid. Do you have room in the compartment for my babies?”

“The answer is, and always no. That’s why you bought two tickets.”

“I know but,” he gestures to you with a jab of his thumb, “like I said, plans have changed.”

“Jungkook,” Taehyung frowns, “trying to do some Christmas miracles? In this snowstorm?” Taehyung shakes his head, eyes flickering to the running bus. Most of the ticket holders are already on it. “I can save you two a three-seater, but there’s no room in the compartment. It’ll be a tight fight but—”

“It’s perfect. You’re dynamite, Tae,” Jungkook even has the audacity to reach his hands out and squish the driver’s cheeks, much to his distain.

The two of you are ushered quickly into the bus, leaving you in the very front diagonal to where Taehyung is sitting. The three seats are tiny, it probably barely fits Jungkook’s thighs with the large luggage nestled in the other two seats. The two of you suggest to put the luggage out in the aisle and take turns holding it, but Taehyung interjects that the luggage is a fire hazard.

“But not a human,” Jungkook decides, and he gestures for you to sit down in the available seat. You’re practically shoved against the window as Jungkook manages to squeeze his gargantuan luggage in the other two seats. He’s tall enough to grab the metal rungs of the bus, steeling himself in the middle of the aisle.

Taehyung doesn’t fight with that, and finally puts the bus into drive. Pulling out of the airport feels akin to leaving the eye of the storm. It’s going to be a long journey, and it makes you worry as to whether you’re going to make it on time or not.

Your favorite pastime is watching the window on a long car ride, especially when the snowflakes crystalize and melt away through the warmth of the vehicle. However, you’re irked. You thought Jungkook was a bit of a wank, a little too full of himself and far too mysterious for your own good.

Exhibit A, the luggage that’s currently threatening to wheel over and crush you against the glass. You wonder what’s so special about this luggage that Jungkook so desperately wants to protect, even so far as to buy its own seat. Sneakily, you lean over to smell the zipper. Surprisingly, it smells a little vinegary, the fumes getting you a little lightheaded within seconds. Your eyes dart to Jungkook, who’s currently engaged in conversation with Taehyung. You tilt your head and sniff again, confirming the slightly rancid smell.

It’s then you take in Jungkook’s form once more. He dresses a little schlubby, his clothes are old, his eyes are sunken in, and his luggage is filled with weird-smelling things.

Oh no. Is Jungkook a drug dealer?

Your fiancé’s parents would surely have a fit if this man gets arrested and you come up in the report as an accused accomplice. It makes sense, he would want to make sure that his goods are in his view at all times, and it explains why he so easily gave you his ticket for triple the actual price.

A giggle interrupts your thoughts. Yes, a tired, yet bubbly giggle. Jungkook’s face is pressed against his bicep, and you catch the fluttering of his eyes as he tries to keep up with Taehyung’s rambling. His grip is starting to loosen on the metal bars, and you’re worried that he might accidentally slip, or not hold tight enough in the event the car takes a sharp turn or slips on black ice.

“J-Jungkook,” it’s the first time you’re saying his name out loud, tasting it on your tongue as you regard him steadily, “why don’t we take turns sitting? I don’t mind standing for an hour while you sleep.”

He regards you with a sleepy smirk, shaking his head against the fabric of his jacket. “You’ll be flung in two seconds, besides can you even reach the handles?”

Good point, but Jungkook is far more muscular and if he does end up flying he’ll crash through the window and further hinder your commute. It’s why you choose your next words carefully, and you convince yourself it’s the only reason as to why you propose your solution.

“I’ll sit on your lap,” and since it sounds super weird coming out of your mouth, you tack on, “I’ll put your jacket over your lap as a barrier.”

He slacks, regarding you with a scrunched face. “Is the jacket supposed to make that situation any better? I’m fine standing like this.”

“This ride is going to take hours and you’re barely on your own two feet,” your point is made when the bus topples over a speed bump, and Jungkook looks awfully small as he moves to grapple the top bar with both hands, “my fiancé doesn’t get jealous, I’ve sat in plenty of friend’s laps before.”

“We’re not friends,” he blurts with a raise of his brows.

“Yes, I know that,” you’re a little insulted by the curt reply, but he still looks rather horrified that you’re proposing the following, “I don’t like it either, but I’m sitting in your seat and now I’m feeling guilty as hell.”

It’s a lot of shuffling and shifting after that. You try not to laugh as Jungkook rips off his leather jacket, folding it into a perfect square, ironing out the corners of the crinkly fabric as he gestures for you to take a seat. You try not to take note of how sturdy his thighs are, or how the muscle stretches across the seat so well that there’s no way for you to fall between the cracks.

“You’re going to sleep anyway,” you try to assure him, side eying him as he presses his forehead against the window, “it’ll be like being with a dead body.”

“Didn’t know you were into necrophilia, but whatever floats your boat,” Jungkook mumbles, eyes immediately fluttering shut.

At first it was easy, ignoring the fact that you’re sitting on top of a human. The drive seems endless however, Taehyung driving further and further into a sea of white ice. You force yourself to thread your fingers together, sitting on the very edge of his knees with your back ramrod straight. Eventually, you tire out and relax against Jungkook’s lax body. Your face is centimeters away from Jungkook’s. Long, dark lashes, and a strand of equally dark hair falls in front of his eyes. His cheeks are flushed from the blaring heater, and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in.

Hm, for a drug dealer, he smells pretty.

Despite the weird-smelling luggage that looms over the two of you, the white long-sleeved shirt he wears is soft to the touch and smells fresh.

You huff, and shift in your seat.

“Stop,” Jungkook mumbles into your shoulder, and you don’t have the heart to look at him.

“I’m sorry, it’s cramped,” you reply.

“I get that, but you don’t have to—hike yourself so far up here,” he sounds almost embarrassed saying it, and his hand shuffles to adjust his belt. “Literally can’t sleep because you’re making me pop a boner.”

“Why, I’m engaged!”

“God, I know. It’s like your personality trait or something,” Jungkook retorts, “just because you’re engaged doesn’t stop my body from reacting. I’m sure your fiancé has reacted like this, stop acting like a blushing virgin.”

You tense, your eyes glued to the window in front of you. How do you even make a comeback to that? Wringing your hands in your lap, you feel your palms sweat with nerves the longer it takes for you to reply. This causes the gears to run in Jungkook’s mind.

“Holy fuck, have you two not—”

“Shut up,” you hiss, turning your body around to slap him in the chest, “shut up shut upupupshutup!”

You make seething, burning eye contact with Jungkook. You expect him to have a shit-eating grin on his face, teasing you for your relationship. Instead, Jungkook is wide-eyed, mouth parted open like a confused guppy and his big bug-eyes looking stricken. He says nothing.

The road starts to get bumpier, and the drive swerves from time to time to avoid black ice. Neither of you are relaxed. Combined with the heart of the storm, your heart is currently wrung on electrical wire, pumping blood with a fervor you cannot stifle.

“I’m going to put my arms around your waist,” Jungkook murmurs softly, and you lift your arms slightly to see him lace his fingers over your belly button. “Like a seatbelt.”

You sigh, relaxing in his hold. Now it’s awkward. He feels compelled to hold you to keep you safe, even though he clearly finds it awkward you’ve already put him in this position.

Jungkook isn’t so bad, you think as you let your gaze linger on his hands. They anchor you to his lap, making sure you’re not jostling during the ride. He may have a razor sharp tongue and gets under your nerves just for the heck of it, but he’s kind of nice. Under the prickly leather jacket, there’s a softness to him you can’t help but gravitate to.

It’s dark outside, save for the speedily descending flakes and the dim lights of the highway. You’re sitting on the lap of a total stranger, yet it’s a stranger who’s holding your waist like he’s a seatbelt, a stranger who’s making you feel safe to say the words that have been haunting you for the past few months.

“I’ve tried to initiate sex,” you finally say. “I don’t know why he doesn’t want me, it’s already been two years.”

Your eyes turn red with bloody horror. Your vision blurred by the insanity of what you’ve just blurted out to this surprisingly kind stranger who’s offered his seat (both times) to you.

“I didn’t mean to word vomit like that. Forget I said anything—”

“Must be his loss,” Jungkook cuts you off, and when he says it doesn’t feel impolite at all. However, Jungkook doesn’t continue on, doesn’t give you rhyme or reason, just lets you linger on his reply like a madwoman.

Maybe it’s because you’re so touch starved, maybe you’re just seeing things, but for some reason Jungkook’s fingers feel more apparent against the seam of your jacket. They tighten a fraction, drum around the metal zipper that holds the thick fabric together. Your palms feel like a fountain, and you try to ignore the burn between your legs, the liquid heat betraying the commitment that sits on your finger.

You’re engaged to be married, you chastise yourself. All eighteen carats that symbolize that bond glare at you, bright and eager to make you feel guilty. The whole reason why you’re on this cramped bus ride is to get to your soon-to-be husband. Some pretty stranger with strong hands won’t change that.

“We’re here! Finally!” Taehyung cheers, and you realize now that you’re parked into a tunnel surrounded by other buses.

Jungkook and you wait until everyone steps off the bus. The pads of Jungkook’s fingers play an unsung tune, absentmindedly drumming to a song you can’t put your mind to.

“God, you can’t just pay the extra money for someone to take care of this?” Taehyung hauls the large luggage in the aisle seat, and you feel like you’re being revealed under a curtain, doing something you’re not supposed to be doing.

You hop off his lap, scoop your backpack in your arm and scramble off the bus. The cold, winter air bites into every available pore in your body, replacing the warmth that Jungkook gave in the tiny bus. You hike the collar of your oversized turtleneck higher up your chin, prickling in shivers as you wait for Jungkook.

“I don’t remember Seoul being this, empty,” you say to yourself, frowning at the lack of humans past the bus station. You peer curiously at the dark, dark road off the terminal. There’s no flicker of light, or a skyline filled with bustling sounds and flickering head beams.

“That’s because we’re only halfway there,” Jungkook walks past you, luggage in tow.

“What?” you pull out your phone, it’s already 4PM and it’s pitch dark outside.

The snow is beating down as you two speed walk out of the hangar, reaching a nearly vacant parking lot save for a pure white minivan. You barely notice the vehicle with all the snow, blending in perfectly as wave after wave of ice beats down on it. The pops of rust by the tires, gaudy orange stripes is the only thing you can focus on as you try to make it to the car as fast as possible.

“Get in and start the car,” Jungkook practically shoves the keys in your hands, gesturing for you to take the passenger seat.

When you enter his car, you’re hit with a scent scarily identical to the one in Jungkook’s luggage. You nearly gag when you inhale too much, and your eyes flicker over to the lemon air freshener attached to the exhaust, trying its best to mask the smell. You vaguely remember all the warning stories your parents told you as a kid—never enter the white van.

Ohmygod, you’re in a white van and all of Jungkook’s drugs are in the back.

You shake your head, willing the car to start as you arch your back over the console to start it up. You’ve been around your fiancé’s parents too long, letting them fill your head with judgemental gab and crazy assumptions only rich people have about people lesser than them.

Once the car spurs to life, soft holiday music plays from a pop station. The front window of the car is absolutely covered in snow, you can’t even budge the windshield wipers to scrape the layer of ice off.

Suddenly, a blanket of ice slides off the window, swept to the concrete. You’re met with Jungkook’s toothy smile and horror-esque stare, and you have this jerk reaction to nervously laugh and jump in your seat. Your nails dig into the cheap fabric of your seat as Jungkook’s scary expression melts into a more softened one, as if happy to have gotten you to laugh in such sucky times. Jungkook continues to brush your windows, meticulously making sure no ice can cause any damage as you two go into the night.

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road!” Jungkook whips the door open, throwing the snow brush at the space between your feet.

As soon as he shuts the door, your stomachs growl simultaneously.

The two of you break into a quick laugh, giggles that overlap the twinkly holiday chimes and the packed snow crunching under Jungkook’s boots.

“After McDonalds,” Jungkook declares, setting up the GPS for a quick pitstop to the nearest fast food joint.

Ten minutes into the drive, you pull into a generic food joint, too starved to find gourmet McDonalds. You make it a point to flick your card and lean over his body to meet the cashier, telling him you’re spotting the meal. Jungkook doesn’t complain, and tells the cashier to add in a vanilla sundae for good measure.

Color yourself impressed, but you can’t help but gawk as Jungkook expertly sets up his food on the dashboard like a five-star meal, with fries in the cupholder and a burger unwrapped perfectly to catch any spills and to keep his fingers from getting greased up. For such a terrible snowstorm, he pulls out of the joint gracefully, a brief intermission in your long journey.

“So, is my fiancé’s place far from where you need to be?”

Jungkook shrugs, a stray fry hanging from his mouth. “It’s not far, not close either. I don’t mind, I like driving.”

“Do you drive around a lot?”

“Yeah, for work. It’s a little annoying that I have to spend Christmas alone, but it is what it is.”

Pausing on your speculation, you take a big bite of your burger. You were hoping that your conversation would spur on a little more detail about his drug-esque job. However, all you start to feel is the heaviness of your fast food meal, stemming from your chest and filling your grease-filled stomach.

“You’re spending Christmas alone?” you say, and you don’t mean to sound so sad saying it, but the thought of him being alone tonight makes you feel pinched with pain.

“I can practically feel your puppy-eyes,” Jungkook shakes his head, not even needing to look at you as he focuses on the road. “I’m fine, don’t you worry.”

“Do you wanna come to the party?” you offer, trying to sound as neutral as possible as you throw the suggestion on the dash.

“Not my thing,” Jungkook scrunches his nose, “with my line of work, I prefer to lay low.”

Trying not to feel a hurt by the sudden (but expected) rejection, you practically eat your burger whole, eyes glaring on the road. You surmise it’s a valid excuse, drug dealers aren’t exactly one for highly-populated areas and with your fiancé’s reputation, you’re sure his parents would smell Jungkook’s reputation in a micro-minute.

The drive isn’t anything special. You’re sure if it were spring, the foliage would be pretty and the sun would be setting into melty orange hues by now. It’s all black and white, boring shades that are aggressively pelting at the van and hindering your evening.

“So, what other character traits do you have?” Jungkook cuts through your semi-brooding, as easily as one slices through butter, “other than the obvious that you’re engaged, and that you’re getting married. And oh yeah, you have a fiancé!”

You scoff at his cheesy joke, folding your arms together. “I like spending time with my family. Watching movies under a weighted blanket. Plants.”

His stare dips away from the road for a fraction, enough for you to catch that he’s rolling his eyes, “Fascinating. Not a plant person myself. I like those cute little succulents though. Had a bunch of those in college.”

“I am also a ramen connoisseur,” you say pointedly, turning up your nose.

“Ah, are you?” you smile a little when you see Jungkook’s eyes light up at the mention of food, “what’s the criteria for good ramen?”

“Deep, creamy broth. Also, the egg. Gotta look like a custard-y, eggy sunset. It’s just,” you smack your lips together, mimicking a chef’s kiss, “perfect.”

He chuckles, and goes on to tell you a story about a ramen shop he’s visited on his travels. It’s one he declares that you need to visit, one he still dreams about often. It takes a ferry and it’s a bit of a trek, but he says it’s worth it, and the eggs are as custard-y and sunset-y as you’d like.

It’s between pockets of his story and pulling yourself out of this little bubble of a van you realize: are you flirting with Jungkook?

The longer this trip goes, the more your stares linger. They linger like the snow that sticks to the ground, unable to do nothing but cling. Layer after layer of confusing feelings, building up to a blizzard that you’re unable to quell.

“So, your family’s also going to be at your fiancé’s party?” Jungkook asks, poking at yet another one of your personal facets. He’s being blatantly nosy, yet neither of you seem to mind.

“Oh, no,” you shove your hands in your pockets, “they wanted to stay back in our hometown with the extended family. Y’know, the older members can’t really travel as much as they used to.”

“Ah, so you’re splitting up your time,” Jungkook drums his hands on the wheel, eyes drooped slightly as he continues along the monotonous road, “your fiancé couldn’t make it?”

“Couldn’t,” you reply lightly, “just, y’know, work.”

“Been there, done that,” Jungkook replies, “I’m sure he missed out though. What’s your family like? Are they the type to bake cookies until 3 A.M.? Oh, or do they get wine drunk and talk shit about their annoying cousins—”

“Jungkook,” the words fly out of your mouth before you can even think, “I’m engaged.”

The weight of your words holds differently now. A whole day has passed with this man, and you’ve developed an attachment that simultaneously scares and thrills you. Not an hour goes by that you have to think to yourself that you’re taken, to the point that you can’t even tell what’s in your head and what’s being spoken out in the air.

Instead of a snippy comment, a snarky retort of, “I know, I know!” like you anticipate, Jungkook stops the car.

There’s no human trace for miles, so it doesn’t scare you when he slows down and pulls off to the side. He gears the car into park, roughly pulling the handle. He lays his arm over the steering wheel, turning his body so he can face you fully. The heat in the car suddenly feels too cloying, and you shrink in the seat as he leans in on you.

“What is that supposed to mean?” he asks, and from the looks of it, he’s genuinely hurt.

“I—Jungkook,” you plant your feet on the ground, trying to find some power in this situation, “I mean I, we—you just can’t keep doing this.”

“Do you feel like I’m trying to steal you away? Or, seduce you or something?” Jungkook is starting to talk himself into a stupor, eyes flickering from the window, to you, to behind you, and back to you. It’s almost jarring, seeing how self-conscious he starts to get without the presence of an audience. Gone is the smooth talker that you met at the terminal, willing to haggle it all for your cash. “Are you uncomfortable? Is it weird I have a crush on you?”

“Wait, you have a crush on me?”

He reels back, nearly pressing his head against the window. Jungkook runs a hand through his hair, exhaling deep from his lungs. “Adults still get crushes, y’know.”

“Yeah, but not to people you met eight hours ago.”

Jungkook arches a brow, “People fall for people in the most unlikely of ways.”

That singular statement hits you, hard.

Jungkook looks like he wants to get out of the van. He seems stuffy, and he unzips his coat and shoves it under his legs.

“You’re cute,” he echoes the statement like he can’t believe that in a short amount of time, he’s attached to you, “you seem to have good taste, you love family, and your personality isn’t half bad,” the last bit is meant to be teasing, a lighthearted way to end his bout of emotion, but it only makes you ache further, “And it makes me upset knowing that you have to keep convincing yourself that you’re in a relationship that isn’t as fulfilling as you hope. This whole drive, you’ve been anxious about going to his parents, worrying that you’re not going to make it on time instead of relaxing with your family. Where you actually want to be.”

“I also want to be with Jimin,” you say weakly, a half-hearted attempt to defend yourself.

You never mentioned your fiancé’s name until this point. It makes Jungkook stiffen a little, finally putting a name to the man that’s supposed to have your heart. It makes the relationship concrete, palpable.

“I’m sure you do,” Jungkook smacks his lips, evidently sealing the conversation to suffocate under the snow.

Jungkook puts the car into drive, sliding back into your current route.

“And to answer your question, Jungkook. No, you having a crush on me is not weird,” and smaller, quieter, you reply, “because it’s weird that I might have a crush on you, too.”

You know that Jungkook catches your statement, because he cranks the volume of the radio harder, effectively shutting you out.

The first thing Jungkook says when you finally reach the Park’s house is: “Wow.”

His van looks completely out of place, parked on the side as limos and Escalades drop off more and more people into the large estate. It’s pouring with elegant piano music, and the large window in the middle of their home reveals a century-old chandelier, crystals beaming and winking against the hundreds of guests that lie underneath.

The rest of the way driving was almost painfully fast. After that awkward wave of emotion, neither of you said anything. Well, you didn’t at least. Jungkook attempted to clear the air by singing along to the Christmas songs on the radio, but it only further attracted you because to your chagrin—Jungkook’s a pretty good singer.

The estate isn’t in Seoul persay, it’s a sizable plot of land that definitely comes from old money. It’s decked up like the North Pole, lit up and tiny crystal lines dotting the expanse of the rooftops. The snow certainly adds to it, and many guests are outside taking pictures of the picture-perfect holiday show. The blizzard has finally subsided, leaving a clean blanket of snow across their yard.

You scoff to yourself. What they find to be a Christmas miracle only derailed yours.

Jungkook stares at you while you send a quick text to Jimin. You tell him he needs to come fast, because you don’t want his parents to see you all sweaty and dressed like you’ve been traveling for hours.

“Oh, uh,” you finally take a look at him, and you immediately regret it because you’re getting sucked into his gaze, “I think you put my bag in the trunk?”

“Right,” he shakes his head, “follow me.”

He tilts his head down when he’s outside, as if the snow’s going to start back up and drown him. Your thumb scratches the ring on your finger as you hop out of the van, effectively popping the bubble the two of you have been sealed in for the better half of the evening. Is this going to be it? Is the last you’ll see of Jeon Jungkook?

All those thoughts evaporate when Jungkook opens the trunk.

There’s no drugs.

In fact, you don’t even know what to think. The van is absolutely filled, wall-to-wall art supplies and canvas carefully lined up like Tetris blocks to avoid damage. The floor of the van seems to receive the brunt of the messes, and you catch recent paint stains and spray cans stacked to the side. It explains the smell.

There’s some clear cases in a corner, protecting completed prints that are already framed. Your eyes cling to a vibrant hyacinth, coral and satin blue petals bunching in the middle of a black background. It’s absolutely gorgeous, if it wasn’t for all the paint lying around, you’d think it’s real.

Jungkook’s an artist.

“Holy shit, I thought you were a drug dealer,” you blurt, and you want to smack yourself in the face.

“Excuse me?” Jungkook jerks his head towards you, “did you think I was a drug dealer this whole time?”

“N-no,” you frown petulantly, letting Jungkook loop your arms through the straps of your backpack. “Maybe. You were very shady.”

He laughs, a genuine laugh. It confuses you, the way he tucks his hands in his pockets and bends his back over to look up at you through his dark lashes. It’s like nothing’s wrong, like he’s trying to erase the past eight hours and leave with no qualms. You don’t know if that comforts you or terrifies you.

“So, you were willing to let a potentially dangerous man be your travel partner for eight hours so you can make it to your fiancé’s party?” Jungkook’s eyes flicker over to the front door, “you must really love him.”

“I do,” you say the phrase like it’s second nature. Rehearsed. Practiced.

“Merry Christmas,” Jungkook pulls out his hand, and you don’t hesitate to grasp it.

Liquid heat sparks through your skin, one that tingles from where his large palm encases yours, all the way to your heart.

“Merry Christmas,” you echo, and your feet feel like lead as you back away from him.

Jungkook waits until you go inside the house, even though the valet is side eyeing him and mentally telling him to leave already. Turning your back to him is rough, like you’re without snowshoes and you’re trudging through snow.

The goodbye feels rushed. Your heart is cold and heavy. Unfortunately, by the time you realize you haven’t paid Jungkook for his bus ticket and the ride, it’s too late. Jimin has already pulled you in his awaiting arms, and Jungkook has peeled out of the driveway.

“You look awful,” Jimin coddles you, dusting the invisible dirt off your jacket. You know Jimin means well by the statement, but you can’t help but feel a little unsupported by his words. You did all you could to make it to Jimin in time for this party full of faceless, nameless people. And yet, Jimin inadvertently manages to put you down for finally making it.

The hallway is relatively empty, save for one staff member who cleans the wet linoleum floors whenever someone with snow steps in. You can easily make out where the heart of the party is, the tinkly holiday music playing from the speakers, along with all the bodies huddled by the extra large Christmas tree that is brimming with presents.

You do feel like a wet noodle, in comparison to Jimin and Namjoon’s complementary pinstripe suits. Jimin’s deep burgundy suit pops in the endless hallway of marble and light wood as he quickly leads you upstairs to a spare room for you to change. Namjoon’s more muted grey still looks stunning on him, cutting his tall figure nicely. You think it’s cute that Jimin made an effort to match with his assistant, not making him feel out of place in this big party.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Namjoon interjects softly, gesturing to the garment bag hanging on the boudoir, “I picked out your dress.”

“I’m sure whatever you bought is beautiful,” you assure softly, stepping fully into the room. It’s an extra bedroom, you’re assuming it might be yours.

“We’ll give you some time to freshen up and get ready,” Jimin squeezes your arm, a touch you can barely feel due to the puffiness of your down jacket. It’s just an awkward escape of air to you, a sssttt that you catch Namjoon hiding his smile for, “we’ll walk around a bit and bring you some food.”

“I want cupcakes,” you blurt impulsively, and the two of them laugh on their way out the door.

Once you’re finally alone, you strip yourself bare. Jacket, shirt, socks, underwear. You make quick work of taking a hot, damp towel to wash your arms and legs, scrubbing your face of any oil and dirt from the day. You wrap yourself in an indulgent fluffy robe, the plush material comforting you as you flop on the bed.

It’s been a day.

You take a five minute cat nap, the weight of the day taking its toll on you. When you finally flutter your eyes open however, you see him.

It’s not exactly him, it’s his art. It’s mounted right atop the headboard, a large blown up painting of a tiger lily. The orange and gold flecks flicker and go perfectly with the decor of the room. The piece is longing, aching for you to go back to two hours ago when you could’ve phrased your words better, balm the situation into something to salvage. This must be a sign, you think. Upon closer look, you see the signature Jeon JK etched in silver in the corner. Who knew the Parks were buying Jeon Jungkook’s work, the world is smaller than you’d originally thought.

It ignites you. You rip the zipper of the garment bag, pulling on the slinky glittery gold dress Namjoon picked out for you. It’s gorgeous, and you don’t know how he managed to find your proportions, but you figure an assistant of his caliber has access to many things. You don’t have much time, so you slap on some light makeup and swipe some highlights across your eyes. By the time Jimin returns, you’re pulling your hair up and out of your face.

Jimin walks to the bed with a pretty red velvet cupcake, “You look beautiful,” he says immediately, and you follow to sit with him at the foot of the bed.

You don’t hesitate to grab the cupcake from his tea plate, nearly shoving it in your mouth. You definitely need a rush, something to curb you over for the plans you have tonight. “Sugar sugar,” you chant like a mantra, and you don’t care that your lipgloss is smudged and crumbs cling to your cheeks.

Jimin just rubs circles onto your thigh, letting you eat and relax. He knows you’re not a fan of these kinds of parties, preferring to wallflower it, preferably at a wall closest to the buffet. His touch is comforting, and you chew slower in order to prolong the inevitable. It takes a beat for you to finish your cupcake.

“I need to talk to you,” the two of you blurt at the same time, and you point and giggle at each other like you’re still five year olds tinkering in the sandbox.

Jimin pouts, “Can I go first? Mine’s kind of important.”

“Mine’s also really important,” you don’t mean to invalidate Jimin, but you really need to get this out. “I might explode if I don’t say this now.”

The blonde scrunches his nose, obviously weak to your unusual distress, “I guess I wouldn’t want that.”

You clutch his hand, the hand that holds the plain wedding band he picked out for himself two years ago. Your eyes flicker to how your ring kisses his, “Jimin. I love you, like really love you. I can’t imagine my life without you, you’ve been my best friend since we could crawl. But as I traveled down here, I realized that even though I love you, I think I’m not in love,” you wince at how cheesy that sounds, “I don’t want you to feel like you’re not good enough, but the whole trip down here made me realize I don’t think I can commit to this.”

“Oh, thank fuck,” you gasp, watching relief wash over Jimin’s features. You’re not even done with your whole spiel and he’s already unbuttoning his blouse, “this makes what I’m about to say a whole lot easier.”

“Jimin,” you trail off, squeezing his palm, “what do you mean?”

“I mean, I think I’m in love.”

Your jaw slackens slightly, seeing the sweat that lines Jimin’s slicked back hair. He must’ve been thinking about this all night, waiting for you to tell you this. Your chest aches, weighing in on all the sudden facts. “Who is it?” you ask.

Jimin shrugs, “The man who does my taxes and makes sure I sleep at least seven hours a night.”

“Namjoon,” you conclude, eyes moving to the sealed door. You think Namjoon is waiting out there right now, silently supporting you two as you go through this. Of course, Jimin’s parents would be livid if anything would tarnish his reputation. A broken engagement would be sticky to cover up, and Jimin falling for his assistant is a headline right for the books.

“I’m sorry,” Jimin whispers, despite the room being vacant he feels the need to keep his words short, “You came all this way to hear this. But I guess we’re on the same page, huh?” His soft fingers make a beeline for your ring finger, removing the diamond band, “And by the way, I love you too. Which is why we’re going to come clean in the morning and work this out with my parents, together. I’m sorry if you felt obligated to follow me all this time just because our parents did.”

“Hey, like you said, we’re in this together. Both in and out,” you chastise, pulling your engagement ring from his grasp and holding it to the light. “Can I keep this? Instead of an engagement band, it can be our best friend band. I’ll even get it re-sized so it can go on another finger.”

Jimin pulls you into his arms, crushing you. The silky material of your dress bunches and rides, but you don’t care. The two of you can’t help but be a little crybaby-ish about it, feeling much like your younger-selves when you had to pull each other out of trouble.

The two of you walk out of the bedroom hand-in-hand, and Namjoon is leaning against the banister in the hallway, a soft smile melting on his tanned skin.

“I’m so happy for you,” you gush, hugging Namjoon tightly. You’ve only known the man for a few months, but you can tell he’s taking care of Jimin and that’s enough for you.

“I… really thought you’d be more upset.” Namjoon marvels, patting your back.

Jimin interjects, “I think she’s found someone hotter than me.”

“Impossible!”

You could stay at this party, lay low until you and Jimin have to confront his parents in the morning. They suggest to get all the food they need and sneak out to the home theatre. The three of you hustle it down the stairs to another part of the house, in order for you to make your getaway and avoid Jimin’s family.

“Hey,” you stop in front of another painting, pulling the two men to a stop. Your eyes lock on a framed droopy peony, tipped with pink dye. You realize you can’t stay here, not when someone’s home alone tonight. “Namjoon, I need you to locate someone for me.”

Jungkook does not expect to see you at his front door.

You’re stunning, and look as breathless as he feels. The liquid champagne number that hugs your frame does things to him, and he’s strangely attracted to the fact that you paired this expensive dress with your snow-drenched trainers.

You showing up at the wee hours of the morning was the last thing Jungkook thought would happen. It’s nothing short of a holiday event, you look like you’ve just walked out of a gala and then ran a marathon to reach him.

He thought when he said goodbye, it would be the last time you’d cross paths. At first, he was okay with that. After all, feelings come and go, and spontaneity only works a percentage of the time. Seeing you presently however, throws all those half-hearted concedings out the window.

“Hi,” you finally say, drinking from the fact that you actually found him.

“Hey,” Jungkook breathes, “you look, beautiful.”

“Thanks,” you smile.

“So, is this about you not paying me back for the ticket?” Jungkook suddenly feels guilty, having dipped out of Jimin’s manor once he saw him appear at the door. It was unrightful jealousy, and because of that he needed to drive away as fast as possible. “Because honestly, it was me messing with you. I really don’t need the money.”

“I figured, from the fact that I had to take the elevator up to the penthouse of the building.”

“So then why are you here?” Jungkook wobbles on the balls of his feet, unsure of what to do with himself.

“My ex-fiancé is in love with someone else,” you lay your cards out just like that, and Jungkook’s unprepared to deal.

“Holy shit, I’m so sorry—”

“Let me finish,” you cut in gently, “my ex-fiancé is in love with someone else, and that’s okay. We’ve been best friends since we were little, and we want nothing but happiness for each other. And for me? Happiness is right in front of me.”

You bite your lip, and Jungkook fights down the urge to run up and pull you into his arms. You must be so cold, running out without a jacket and rushing to his home. However, he lets you finish, and he holds himself down by clutching the door frame as casually as possible.

“I also have a big, fat crush on you,” you say boldly, “and I had to tell you as soon as I could. It took a twenty-minute phone call and some serious leverage from Jimin’s company to figure out where you lived. That receptionist is definitely not letting me use my frequent flyer miles next flight.”

“You harassed an airport receptionist just for me?” he smiles wanly, placing a hand on his chest, “I’m touched.”

“You make me excited to try new things, to be spontaneous and do things for myself,” with every statement you take a step further, and soon enough you’re in his dimly lit apartment. The plush couch in his living room looks awfully warm and comfy, and the light music that plays from his speakers is soft and soothing. “So, let’s spend the holidays together and see where this goes. And go to your art gallery tomorrow, because I did research you on the drive and found out you had to rush here because of a big show.”

“So you’re actually a stalker?” Jungkook teases, tugging you over to the couch.

He takes the lead, plopping himself on the couch first and inviting you to sit next to him. You take a detour and plant your body atop of him, and with an ‘oof’ the two of you are sinking.

“A stalker and a potential drug dealer does sound like a promising pair,” Jungkook jests, his hand palming the silky material of your ruched up ball gown.

“I’m sorry,” you pout, wrapping your fingers around the long tresses of his hair, “can you please stop bringing that up? It was judgemental of me.”

“I like when you’re judgemental,” he pokes your puppy-faced cheeks, ruddied with embarrassment. “I like picking fights with you and getting you all riled up.”

“Will you rile me up now?”

Sexy, he thinks. He figures a vixen has been hidden under you, one suppressed by a complicated engagement and many other factors he’d love to learn about in the near future. The situation at hand however, is far more pressing. Your body is finally warming up, and Jungkook tries to ignore the weight your body is causing, re-igniting an ache he felt hours ago when you two were squished against each other in the coach bus.

“I’m going to kiss you now,” you declare, and you look a little frustrated that Jungkook is taking so long to process this information, “and I hope I take your breath away.”

You taste like sugar and the softness that comes with the holidays. It’s tender and oh-so comforting, and Jungkook can’t help but squeeze your hips closer as your lips brush fervently against his. The feeling is both new and old, and Jungkook figures you’ve finally uncoiled a flame that you can no longer quell.

Soon enough your kisses turn hungry, and Jungkook has to remind himself that you two have only known each other for a total of twelve hours, and he isn’t sure of what’s appropriate to jump to due to the speed of your relationship. Once he feels the first roll of your hips, a liquid heat that Jungkook can’t help but return back, he pulls away from your soft lips. Not too far, but a few centimeters apart so that Jungkook and you can catch your breath.

“We should take this slow,” he starts, trying to make a reasonable impression now that you’re a guest at his home and finally settled from their long trip. “I really, really want to get to know you. And you’re so beautiful and I really do want to have sex but—”

“Jungkook, I have not had sex with someone in two years,” you speak with a depraved tone, as if it’s been centuries since you’ve been touched. He can’t help but throw his head back and laugh, “a night full of sex sounds like the best last-minute present ever.”

You bring his hand over to your core, the shiny glassy material of your gown doing nothing to hide the glimpses of pleasure you’re minutes away from experiencing. You whine desperately at the thought, and Jungkook’s a goner.

“Well, I guess I’m about to pull a Christmas miracle,” he murmurs against your lips, ready to work his magic.

#jungkook x reader #jungkook fic #kwritersworldnet #btsghostie #btswritingcafe #jungkook smut #jungkook fluff #jungkook angst #bts fic #bts x reader #bts fluff #bts angst

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siswritesyanderes · 3 years

Note

Ok but yandere carlise x reader x yandere esme

(Not as detailed as I’d hoped to make it, but I quickly realized that if I went into detail then this thing would become very long. Hopefully avoided making the characters too OOC. Let me know if you like it, and how I did!)

…

You first met Dr. Cullen when you spent the day volunteering at the local hospital for one of your college classes.

There was a whole group of students there to help out, and you honestly weren’t sure why he seemed to notice you in particular; it certainly wasn’t because you were doing such a great job. Your work speed, in restocking the closets, was roughly average, and you kept having to ask your fellow volunteers where things were supposed to go. Granted, you at least weren’t one of the students who was transparently doing the absolute bare minimum to get the credit, but you wouldn’t exactly consider yourself a shining star of competence either.

Still, Dr. Cullen approached you personally to say, “Thank you for your help. You’re really doing us a great service.”

He was a beautiful man, with warm eyes that seemed to be beholding the goodness in your soul, for how amiably they glimmered.

“I don’t know if I can take any credit,” you said, admittedly flustered by the attention. “It was our teacher’s idea.”

He smiled kindly. “Nevertheless, we’re glad to have you here.”

You smiled back. “Glad to be here.” Then you continued working.

When Carlisle walked away from you, he carefully kept the reluctance from showing in his expression. He sent Esme a quick text warning her that they might have another soulmate in town: a human. His initial thought was that this would be the end of it; so long as Esme avoided meeting you, she wouldn’t feel the awful desperation currently clawing its way up Carlisle’s throat, and so long as Esme wasn’t suffering, Carlisle was confident in his own ability to let you live your own life, just as he had done with Esme, at first…

But then, he knew how that had turned out for her: years of pain, mistreatment…The thought of anything of the sort befalling you…The world was so dangerous, between humans and vampires and other such things, and you, so small in comparison, so vulnerable…

Carlisle regained his composure (though, to the untrained eye, he hadn’t lost it in the first place). The world could be dangerous, yes, but his awareness of that fact was informed, in no small part, by the fact that he wanted justification for keeping you. And he couldn’t give himself such license; it wouldn’t be right.

He wouldn’t drag you away from your human life.

Perhaps he could keep watch over you, and do you small favors every now and then, but that was the most he could afford to indulge.

He heard your stomach growl from across the room; he detoured to a vending machine and bought you a light snack. (Perfectly timed, Alice texted him your preference. No doubt, she was scouring the future to see how you might fit into it; he would have to have a talk with her, to be sure she didn’t go overboard. And deciding to have a talk with Alice functioned in the same way having a talk with Alice did.)

Dr. Cullen handed you a snack from the vending machine, which puzzled you at first; it didn’t seem like the hospital was handing out food to anyone else, and even if they were, why would one of the doctors take the time for such a thing?

He answered your unspoken question with a polite smile and the words, “You were looking a bit faint; I thought you might need this.”

Had you been looking unwell? You didn’t think you felt that bad, but a doctor would recognize the signs if something was wrong, and you were pretty hungry. “Thanks,” you said, and he dipped his head in your direction. Then he and his kind smile departed.

That wasn’t the last time you met Dr. Cullen.

Your paths crossed in all sorts of places: in the grocery store, he tapped you on the shoulder once to ask if you’d dropped a hundred dollar bill, and he urged you to keep it even once you’d told him it wasn’t yours; you saw him in your school’s science building, one day (He was there to speak to one of the professors, and he asked you if you had drunk any water recently.); and you even ran into him at the library. All incidents spaced out over weeks; not close enough together to really be coincidences worth thinking about. You figured that you had probably crossed paths just as much before meeting him, but only noticed now because you knew who he was.

Anyway, the two of you remained acquaintances. He was a nice man.

When someone slammed into your car, a few months later, he was the doctor who cared for you.

“A hit and run?” he murmured, tutting in displeasure as he moved a light across your eyes. “People should be more considerate, and careful with other people’s lives. You could have been seriously hurt.”

“They probably just made a mistake and were scared of the consequences,” you offered, because the doctor genuinely seemed somewhat upset. You were trying to assume the best about the other driver, because the alternative was getting angry about something you couldn’t change. You had barely even seen the car that had hit you. You just knew that it was some shade of yellow, and apparently much stronger than yours. “I wish we’d gotten to trade insurance information or something, though; my car is apparently totaled.” Despite your best efforts, your voice wavered.

“Don’t you worry about that,” Dr. Cullen said, and you were probably delirious, but something about the decisive way he said it made it seem, to you, as if he himself planned on helping you get your car fixed. “Follow the light with your eyes.”

You did.

“Have you...” The doctor seemed to choose his words carefully. “Have you called anyone, to let them know what happened, and that you’re alright?”

“No, I guess I haven’t. The ambulance got there so fast, I guess I didn’t have time to think about it.” You weren’t terribly concerned, though; if your relatives hadn’t been made aware of the crash, then they didn’t know to be worried yet. No need to call them now.

Dr. Cullen stilled at your words, though; the light in his hands shone in the spot between your eyes and did not move. It was as if he was deep in thought. No, as if he were at war with himself.

“Dr. Cullen?” you prompted.

He quickly smiled, setting down the light. “I think you should call them. Now, if you can. I would...just feel better if someone knew where you are, and that you’re alive.”

You called them (as awkward as that felt with the doctor right there in the room, patiently waiting), and Dr. Cullen seemed to relax.

Once you were released from the hospital, you went back to only seeing him every once in a while, around town.

Your car was mended seemingly overnight, under mysterious circumstances, and a part of you jokingly wondered if Dr. Cullen was some sort of fairy godmother, or guardian angel.

Then, another month after your accident, a stranger approached you while you were walking back from your last class of the evening.

“Hi,” the stranger greeted you, somewhat apologetically. She was shorter than you, with a lovely face and spiky black hair and a spritely disposition. “I’m Alice. I’m so sorry to bother you, but could you help me carry something to my car? It’s getting late, and I really don’t want to be here after dark.”

“Oh, sure,” you answered, feeling so at ease that you forgot every warning that would normally flood to your mind about the danger of following a stranger to her car. So at ease that your mind somehow just failed to observe the taller guy standing right next to Alice, well in your field of vision. You saw him, but you didn’t really think much of him.

You followed Alice to a bright yellow Porsche, and the shade of yellow stirred something in your memory, but you couldn’t say what; you were too busy looking for what you were supposed to be helping her lift.

A lovely woman with a long blond ponytail leaned against the car trunk, staring at something that she was holding in her hand, and there was a figure sitting inside the car, too; you couldn’t see them through the tinted windows, but you saw enough to be confused as to why you had been called here to help when it seemed Alice had many potential helpers, here.

Your panic, as you began to realize the ruse, had only just begun to climb when the blond woman suddenly moved, swift as a bird, behind you, and there was a hand over your mouth and a feeling like a pinch in the side of your neck.

The thing she was holding. It was a syringe.

The tall guy (the one you hadn’t thought much of, at first) moved to open the nearest door of the Porsche; he moved the passenger seat forward, to access the back row of seats.

“Wait, stop,” you slurred against the hand (the stunningly cold hand) over your mouth, as the woman who had syringed you began to maneuver you into the Porsche with surprising strength. You were already losing control of your limbs.

“This is officially the worst thing I’ve ever done,” the woman griped as she slid you carefully inside, then climbed in behind you. You were sandwiched between her and the person you’d seen through the tinted windows: a sulking young man with bronze hair. Four strangers total, and you were in the back seat of their car.

“Thank you, Rosalie, for your help,” Alice said resolutely. “Will you drive, Jazz?”

The tall one nodded, climbing into the driver’s seat while Alice occupied the passenger side.

You struggled to find your voice, or your fists, through the haze of sedative.

“It’s okay,” said the sulking young man at your side, in a surprisingly gentle voice. “I’m able to hear you, even if you can’t speak. I can read minds.”

“The human is still awake?” Rosalie said.

“Not for much longer, but yes. You have time to apologize.”

“Sorry about all this,” Rosalie said, gently nudging your mouth closed (as it had fallen open). “Don’t be scared; we just…have to bring you to Carlisle and Esme. They’re pretty great people, and they’ll treat you really well. And these guys were going to do it anyway, so I had to come and make sure things went smoothly. Alice and Jasper can’t even administer a shot; they probably would have chloroformed you or something-”

“Wouldn’t’ve had to,” said the tall guy in the driver’s seat- Jasper, apparently. “Could’ve just lightly flicked the back of their head at the right angle. Provided Alice checked the future to make sure we did it right.”

“…and didn’t cause a concussion, or worse,” the bronze-haired one deadpanned.

There was a brief silence. You were sinking against the self-proclaimed mind reader, unable to support your own weight. You were about to sleep. You actually wanted to sleep.

“Don’t worry, Rose,” Jasper added. “I’ve made sure the human isn’t afraid.”

You supposed you weren’t. Why weren’t you?

You fell asleep before you could figure it out.

…

You awoke to the sound of agitated voices, outside the (closed) door of a bedroom that was not your own.

You were in a bed, and it was obscenely soft and pleasant, but it wasn’t yours, and you weren’t home.

Where am I?

You felt weak, and tired. Heavy, confused. But you had to stay awake, and regain your wits, because you had been taken somewhere, and you didn’t know where or why. There was a window across the room. It was nighttime outside the window. Maybe if you could make it over there, you could climb out and run for it, but you didn’t yet have the strength to even get the bedcovers off of you.

“Because it’s been awful to watch how badly it affects you to be away from your mate,” one of the voices outside the door was saying. “All five of us agreed, and we never agree on anything!”

“And it’s not like it wouldn’t have happened eventually,” another voice agreed. “Just like with Esme.”

“Exactly! You were only prolonging your own suffering, for no reason.”

There was a sigh, and a familiar voice said, “Are you all finished?” It was Dr. Cullen; that much you knew, even though you had never heard him sound so tired.

“We did it for you, because you deserve happiness.”

“And now that Esme has seen them, there is no way to undo it, is there?” Dr. Cullen asked rhetorically. “Edward, is the human awake?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll bring some food up, Carlisle,” an entirely new voice suggested. “The children have been…underhanded, today, but there’s no reason we shouldn’t make the best of it.”

“It was for the best.” (Your head was clear enough, now, that you recognized this unabashed voice as belonging to Alice.) “You’ll see.”

Footsteps approached the door, and shortly a woman entered the room. She was soft-looking, with caramel brown hair, and she held a dinner plate in her hands.

“Good evening,” she said, soberly. Sitting on the edge of your bed while you struggled to sit up. “I’m so sorry the kids did this; we didn’t ask them to, but they thought they were doing us a service. I’m Esme Cullen, Dr. Cullen’s wife. Here: eat something.”

You ate a forkful of pasta only because it was too close to your mouth to refuse. “Why ‘m I here?” you asked hoarsely. “Take me home.” Another forkful slid into your mouth.

“I’m very sorry,” Esme said. “I’m so, so sorry, but you see…the trouble is…” Her eyes scanned over you, and she smiled a seemingly involuntary smile and didn’t finish her sentence. As if looking at you was simply a much better use of her time.

“I want to go home,” you said.

Esme sighed, pressing her lips together contritely. “The trouble is, I can’t bear to relinquish someone who is so important to Carlisle, and Carlisle can’t bear to relinquish someone who is so important to me. I promise you, though, we will make it up to you.” She fed you more pasta.

It tasted delicious, but that did nothing to assuage your terror. “You don’t even know me. What do you mean, I’m important to you?”

Esme clicked her tongue softly and rhythmically against the roof of her mouth, as if to soothe. “Carlisle can explain that better than I. But rest assured, everything is going to be alright.”

Your skin crawled, at the dissonant cordiality. “Where is Dr. Cullen?”

You heard a flutter of what could have been footsteps, if people were capable of moving that fast. Then, the bedroom door opened again and Dr. Cullen entered.

“Hello again, dear heart,” he greeted you, and his demeanor was about the same as it was in public, or in the hospital. Respectful, polite. Maybe just a bit...off. Too much of something, maybe too polite and kind for the circumstances. “I’m terribly sorry about all of this.”

The apologies were making this worse. “You don’t have to be sorry,” you said. “Just please take me home.”

“I can’t do that, angel,” he sighed. He did appear sorry, but not as sorry as he should have. “But I can explain everything to you now.”

He sat down on the other side of the bed, opposite Esme, who was still feeding you. And he did explain everything, in such expansive detail that you fell back asleep before he even got to the part about mates.

…

“You can pretend with them, but not with me.” The voice was quiet, and not so much accusatory (despite the pointedness of his words) as reminding.

“I know that, son.” Dr. Cullen sounded positively serene.

“You knew how much time you were spending with Jasper, in your saddened state.”

“Yes.”

“You knew that we would do this.”

“I…suspected.”

“You meant for us to do this.”

“That’s enough, I think. Thank you.”

Silence fell.

You opened your eyes just a crack. The pillow beneath your face was awash with yellow light; the sun had risen, since last you’d fallen asleep. None of it had been a dream. You were still trapped in a house with these people who thought they were vampires. You closed your eyes again. The two voices had been speaking from the direction you were facing: Dr. Cullen at your level, perhaps in a chair at your bedside; and the other above, as if standing.

“One month,” the first voice suddenly added, and you weren’t sure what it was in reference to. It was as if an inaudible question was being answered.

“That’s her optimistic guess, or her pessimistic?” Dr. Cullen inquired.

“If all goes well, it will be one month. Poorly, and the longest she’s seen is three months.”

“Well, that is good to hear. I’ve waited much longer with hope for much less.”

“I know.”

You turned over, so that your back was to them, and began to open your eyes again, but then you heard Dr. Cullen rise from his seat, take up the chair, and move around the foot of the bed. You kept your eyes shut as he set his chair down on the new side and sat in it once more. He did all of this matter-of-factly, as if he’d changed sides every time you’d turned over during the night.

The thought of anyone wanting to see your face that badly made you shiver a bit.

“Awake?” Dr. Cullen inquired casually. You didn’t hear an answer, but the other man must have nodded, because Dr. Cullen continued, “Good. Esme will be done with breakfast soon. She’s so happy to be cooking again.”

“Jasper is in the kitchen with her,” the other said, as if that was a related statement somehow. “I’m going hunting. Good luck.”

You weren’t sure why, but you felt as if he was talking to you as much as Dr. Cullen.

#yandere twilight #not harry potter #yandere carlisle cullen #yandere esme cullen #male yandere #female yandere #obsession #stalker #twilight fanfiction

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nctinthehouse · 3 years

Text

deja vu

based on “deja vu” by Olivia Rodrigo

reader x ex!Jaehyun

genre: angst, fluff, ex lovers au? idk

wc: 3.1k

AN: I wrote this a while ago but I wasn’t planning on releasing or even write it in the first place however, I just fell in love with the lyrics and song when it came out and I could not pass on writing about it. I guess this is my interpretation of the song? Way too many thoughts at night time lol. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it 💕

Do you get deja vu when she's with you?

Running is something you’ve always enjoyed. It’s relaxing, good for your health and helps you clear your mind. Even as a kid, you were always seen running around and giggling. It made you happy.

You’re currently out on a late evening run along the river. This particular area is your favorite place to go to, whether it's for a run, out for a walk or even on the way to work. You like to come here when you need a break from something. The river, the ambience; it made you calm. It’s a special place and means a lot to you. There’s even a cute small store a few minutes away that you discovered when you started coming to this area more often. It’s like a secret place, not a lot of people seem to know about it. Owned by a local lady, she’s so lovely and kind. Her face always lights up whenever you stop by. There’s a lot of memories around here.

It was a really nice day today; clear skies with a few clouds. The sun is starting to set, changing the colors of the sky and clouds with hints of pinks and blues. It kinda reminds you of cotton candy ice cream.

Hmm, you kinda want ice cream now.

You’ve been running for a while now so you decided to jog to the local convenience store and get some ice cream.

As you’re approaching the store, you immediately slow down before stopping completely. You spot someone coming out of the store.

It’s Jaehyun.

His arms around another girl.

You and Jaehyun make brief eye contact with each other. You realise that they’re now walking towards your direction. Snapping out of your thoughts, you lower your head a bit and start walking towards the store trying to avoid having any sort of contact with them. Luckily, you and Jaehyun just walked past each other without acknowledging each other.

But as they were walking towards your direction and walking past, you hear his girlfriend ask him

“Jae, that store is so cute! How did you find it?”

“Oh I was just in this area one day and stumbled upon it. Came here a lot ever since then”

“Well this will definitely be our place from now on, we should come here more often”

That was our place

I found it first

You think to yourself

Stopping again, you turn your head around and spot them smiling and laughing before walking in the store and greeted by the lovely lady there who gave you a huge smile and wave; also waving back at her.

As you’re looking around the store, you think back to the time when you first brought Jaehyun to this area...

“how am i just finding out about this place??” Jaehyun says as you both are currently walking hand in hand along the river

“well now you know” you chuckle

You tell Jaehyun about how you discovered this area as well as the store up ahead when you took a detour on your way back home from class. One of your classes got cancelled which meant you were finished for the day, much earlier than usual. You didn't have anything planned for the rest of the day so you decided to take a different route back to your house.

It wasn't a very busy place which you grew to love. It was perfect for someone who needed a quieter place to think and relax, away from the crowded pavements and honking cars; a place where you could de-stress

“oh Jae, here's the store, come on!”

You quickly pull Jaehyun towards the store excitedly

As you guys go into the store, you spot the lovely owner. You let out a huge grin and wave as you go up to the counter where she is

“oh, Y/N!! so nice to see you again!”

“oh! and who’s this fine young gentleman?” the lady raises her eyebrows

“this is Jaehyun, my boyfriend” chuckling and gesturing your hand towards him

The lady puts her hands on her chest and looks at you guys adoringly

“oh you guys are such a cute couple! Y/N you want an ice cream?”

“yes please!” nodding your head

“Jae you have got to try the ice cream here! the strawberry flavor is a bonus”

“why am i not surprised that it's strawberry flavored” Jaehyun chuckles

After browsing around, you go up to the counter where you’re once again greeted by the lovely lady

“hi sweetie! the usual today?”

You nod your head and chuckle “yeah, thanks”

Looking down at the counter, you look like you’re miles away. The lady notices and frowns a bit

“sweetie, you alright?”

You look up and give her a small smile

“yeah, i’m alright”

As you see your ice cream is ready, you take your card out of your pocket getting ready to pay. However, the lady gently pushes your hand away

“it’s on the house”

You look at her with wide eyes

“oh, no i-”

“i insist” giving you a smile and holding onto your hand

“thank you. i promise to pay you back next time!”

The lady waves her hand around

“oh sweetie don't worry about it! just think of it as a thank you for always dropping by my store”

“thank you again” letting out a small laugh

“take care of yourself ok? i’ll see you around”

“i will” giving the lady a smile and a wave bye before going out of the store

❀❀❀

As you take a seat at a nearby picnic bench and start eating your ice cream, you see that Jaehyun and his girlfriend are still around. Your eyes can't help but wander towards them hanging around by a car. His car. The same car Jaehyun would drive you around in especially during night time. You see them playing around and her feeding him ice cream. You start to notice small things about her such as the clothes she's wearing; she kinda reminds you of herself. Looks like she’s wearing that jacket too. Just like I did.

Is it jealousy?

Maybe...

But more like pity.

So when you gonna tell her that we did that, too?

She thinks its special, but it's all reused

❀❀❀

Moments later, you see them get into the car and drive away. All these thoughts suddenly start clouding your mind and you can't help but wonder

How fast did he move on?

Did he even move on in the first place?

You’re not just trying to replace me, right?

I wonder, how many more things we did together, you do with her too?

You began to reminisce on some of the things you and Jaehyun did when you were still together…

Do you get deja vu when she's with you?

Remember when we used to go on road trips to Malibu?

Music, ice cream and Jaehyun.

Those were the 3 things you loved and needed the most whenever you went on road trips. Heck you could probably throw out the music and ice cream and just have Jaehyun as company only.

Those road trips were often unplanned. Sometimes you and Jaehyun would go without thinking about where you guys would specifically go or what you guys would do there.

There was a particular time which was the most special. It was the first road trip you and Jaehyun went on after you guys made it official. Actually, it was also the first date you guys went on as a couple.

You remember back in high school when Jaehyun would tell you about the times he and his family would go on road trips to Malibu during school breaks for some family bonding time. You hadn’t been to Malibu before so you were very excited when Jaehyun decided on taking you on a road trip there, especially as a first date since you guys had not been on one yet.

Jaehyun drove up to your house and honked his car, letting you know that he’s arrived to pick you up. You run downstairs and look through the curtains and see Jaehyun getting out of the car. You quickly grab your stuff and head out of your house.

You jog up to him, both of you embracing each other in a tight hug. As you let go, you spot the jacket he currently has on

“wow i love your jacket! is it new?”

“oh this? nah, i bought this a while ago from some vintage store”

“can i try it on? i love vintage stuff” your face lighting up

Jaehyun smirks a little as he takes off your jacket with you taking yours off too. He hands you his jacket and holds onto yours as you put his one on.

You let out a gasp

“thanks, this is mine now” you grin at Jaehyun widely before jumping into the passenger seat of his car

Jaehyun looks blankly at you briefly

“baby what am i gonna wear then?”

“you don’t need to though, it's not even that cold right now” you say as you place your arms on the edge of the car windows

“but what if it gets a bit chilly later on?”

“just wear mines” pointing to your jacket that he’s currently holding

“this? you think this would fit me?”

“what? you won’t know unless you try it on” shrugging your shoulders

Jaehyun reluctantly puts on your jacket. He struggles a bit with the sleeves but he manages to get it on. You start laughing as you see how small your jacket looks on him

“kinda suits you though” you laugh

“shut up” Jaehyun says jokingly as he whacks your arms

You fake a loud gasp as you place both of your hands on your chest, not breaking eye contact with him as he gets into the driver's seat

“Y/N you know i’m only joking” Jaehyun chuckles as you glare at him with a unimpressed face

You look away from him and roll your eyes

“baby come ooonnnn i’m sorry i was only jo-”

“just drive” you say with a monotone voice

Jaehyun looks at you for a moment, noticing you biting your lips. He realised sometime ago that it’s something that you usually do to stop yourself from smiling or break out into laughter.

He takes your hand in his and gives it several kisses. Seeing you breaking out a small smile, he smiles to himself before starting the car and driving.

❀❀❀

When you finally got there, Jaehyun happily took you to some of his favorite places he loved to visit. Hours went by quickly and you guys were hungry so Jaehyun decided to take you to a park and have a picnic. It was nice out too so why not.

You guys bought some food from a nearby cafe and set up a picnic spot that had a lovely view of the ocean. There was also a hiking trail in the area and you guys decided on doing that after some lunch.

After lunch, Jaehyun went and got both of you ice cream from an ice cream truck that was parked nearby

“you know what?” you say as you scoop out a another bite of the ice cream

“what?”

“i think i’m gonna make it a goal to try as many different strawberry ice creams i can whenever i visit a new place”

“sounds good baby”

As you look out towards the ocean, Jaehyun takes the opportunity to give you a small kiss on the side of your lips which surprises you. You jump a bit and stare at him with wide eyes

“sorry, you just had a bit of ice cream there” Jaehyun smirks

“oh”

You’re quiet for a few seconds before saying

“is it all gone…?”

Jaehyun leans in closer and closer; he rubs his nose against yours lightly

“almost” he whispers against your lips before locking in with yours

Your first kiss. Oh how sweet it was.

Do you get deja vu?

♡♡♡

Remember when you used to come over to my house?

If you weren't hanging out at Jaehyun’s, he’s usually at yours.

You and Jaehyun would stay over at each other's house every weekend. You guys often had days where you just didn't want to do anything special. Just chilling at home such as eating, sleeping and enjoying each other's company. When Jaehyun is over at yours, one of the things you guys like to do is to sit on the couch and binge watch your favorite TV shows. Today is one of those days.

You guys are currently sitting next to each other, crossed legged on the couch at your house; a bowl of popcorn on your lap while the channel you’re currently watching is doing reruns of one of your favorite shows, Glee. This wasn't exactly one of Jaehyun’s favorite shows. He didn't hate it but he wasn't a huge fan of it like you were. He doesn't mind watching it over and over with you as long as he’s spending time with you.

Grabbing some popcorn pieces, you look at Jaehyun

“Jae open up”

Jaehyun looks confused but opens his mouth anyway

You throw a couple of popcorn pieces, trying to aim it in his mouth but failing; the popcorn always hitting his face. You try a few more times before Jaehyun lets out a complaint

“babe come on!! your aiming skills are awful”

“hey it’s not my fault your mouth ain’t big enough”

Letting out a shocked laugh, Jaehyun grabs some popcorn and throws it at you. You guys end up having a mini popcorn fight before stopping as you realise you got popcorn on the couch and the floor. You guys weren't bothered to do a lot of cleaning today.

A while later, your face lights up as one of your favorite songs on Glee has come on. You grab Jaehyun’s arm and start moving it around, you were too excited.

Moments later, you grab the remote and get up from the couch. You pretend the remote is your mic and you start singing along to the song, belting out some words slightly out of tune

“WORKIN’ HARD TO GET MY FILL”

“EVERYBODY WANTS A THRILL”

Suddenly, you point the remote down towards Jaehyun, wanting him to sing the next bit. He hesitates for a second but joins in anyway, with you singing along

“PAYIN’ ANYTHING TO ROLL THE DICE”

“JUST ONE MORE TIME”

Jaehyun thinks you look ridiculous but looks at you in admiration; a huge smile on his face.

Still singing out of tune slightly, Jaehyun sits and watches you as you're dancing around. He shakes his head and throws his head back laughing. He wipes some of his tears away from laughing so much.

“DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’”

“HOLD ON TO THAT FEELING”

You whip your head towards him, slightly taken aback as Jaehyun suddenly gets up and takes the remote from you and starts belting out the lyrics

“STREET LIGHT PEOPLE”

You let out a laugh as you both dance around singing the rest of the song out of tune but somehow in harmony.

Do you get deja vu?

♡♡♡

Remember the first time you told me you loved me?

Being a music major, you spent a lot of time in a music room, especially in front of a piano. Growing up, you’ve always wanted to be a pianist. You remember the time when you were a kid and saw someone sitting in front of a piano playing a song at a train station. You looked at them with wide eyes and was so mesmerized by the upbeat melody. Letting go of your mum’s hand, you ran up to them and watched them play. You found out from the nice stranger that they were playing a song called “Uptown Girl’ by Billy Joel. It was at that moment you realized what you wanted to be when you grew up.

Ever since then, that tune has stuck with you. When you first got your very own piano, you spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to play it as well as listening to the song many times. Whenever you played it, it brought back all those memories. It meant a lot to you.

You were finished with lectures earlier than expected so you decided to head to the music room to work on a few things.

Whilst sat in front of the piano wanting to work on an upcoming assessment, your mind drifted elsewhere and you started playing Uptown Girl.

You were so focused on playing that you didn't hear Jaehyun coming into the room

“whatcha playing babe?”

You slightly jump at his voice before turning around

“what you doing here? i thought you were in class”

Jaehyun took off his backpack and sat next to you as you scooted to the side a bit to make space for him before he set his bag down beside the piano bench

“class got cancelled so i’m free the rest of the day woooo”

You chuckle at his response and nod

“soo… whatcha you playing babe?”

You told Jaehyun the story about how you came across the song and how your love for music came about when you were a kid.

You and Jaehyun met during high school and eventually bonded over music and grew closer throughout the years. Now here you both are, attending the same university as music majors.

“can you teach me?”

“i can try”

You played the song a few times so Jaehyun could listen to it and get the vibe of it before teaching him the basics then the harder bits.

“i think that's enough learning for now”

“okay” you giggle

Jaehyun asked if you could play him the whole song and you happily obliged. While you were playing, Jaehyun looked at you and was fascinated. You had a huge smile on your face and thought you were the most precious person ever. He wanted to love and protect you by all means.

You were about to go onto the next part when suddenly you hear

“i love you”

As soon as you hear those words, your hands come to a halt. You stare at your hands for a moment before looking at Jaehyun in shock, mouth slightly ajar

“i love you, Y/N”

Do you get deja vu?

A different girl now, but there's nothing new

Shaking your thoughts away, you roll your eyes and scoff before getting up and throwing the now empty ice cream cup away. You decided to head home and enjoy the rest of your evening by watching reruns of Glee with some more strawberry ice cream.

I know you get deja vu.

AN: Thanks for reading until the end! My longest fic I’ve written so far and I’m pretty happy with it. As always I’m happy to get any feedback on it and I really hope you enjoyed reading this. I’m currently working on another fic that’s based on a song I’ve been loving lately so I hope to get that one up sometime! Take care everyone 💜

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