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#the last of his kind left to bear the totality of grief
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Ocie: *goes home to cry to her partner and child*
Aax: *goes home to calm down with his partner and newly reunited father-figure*
Ulysses: “FUCK C’MON MAN EVEN MY CAT LEFT ME ALONE 😭”
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mhsdatgo · 2 months
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Do you think the show is biased against the Greens vs. Team Black? If so, how should the show have demonstrated that both teams are awful, in your opinion?
Hello anon!
I've got a lot to say on this one.
First of all, yes. I totally think that the show had some obvious kind of bias towards the Blacks. Not necessarily with the way the Greens were treated as devils with no likeable qualities except for Alicent (even if there are several instances of them doing so) but more because of the way the Blacks were whitewashed.
Rhaenyra.
Look, you'll never catch me not expressing my contempt for this woman, no matter the fact she was brought up by a man who did nothing but spoil, enable and indulge her in everything and anything she says and does. I can see the path they're taking in the show by adapting her as an irresponsible woman who flees at the minimal inconvenience and cowers to her dad at any minor inconvenience, but literally everything that makes her Rhaenyra Targaryen, Rhaenyra Targaryen, is removed.
She just looks like the next girlboss Targ Dragonrider queen after Daenerys. They basically made GOT season 8 and sent show!Rhaenyra as an apology. But in doing so they basically made her... Boring. Her and her children, which I don't love or hate. (The closest one I am to "liking" is Jace, I guess, but the leaks are just making me rethink everything again.)
I would've loved it if they had given us ONE pre-Dance book!Rhaenyra scene that would've made her appear more ruthless than what we have on the show, and not just the time when she offered 10 year old Aemond to be tortured. Make her ask Daemon to go after Vaemond (sorry pookie) like she did in the books, make her feed his corpse to her dragon. Sure that wouldn't have made me change my mind about how much I dislike her bUt it WOULD'VE made me go "damn she stands on business."
I wanted her to act out of grief and insist on going to war when she miscarried Visenya and lost her father, because although I don't think that the Greens did kill that poor little girl (she had dragon features and was likely going to die anyway) I do think that Rhaenyra should've been allowed her pain and the irrational and impulsive thinking that comes with it.
Alicent.
OH BOY.
Where do I even begin with this one?
Olivia Cooke SLAYED. Lemme just start with that. She took the whole cake and ate it too and left no crumbs. The direction they've taken with her is a realistic one, at least for the actions and decisions she's taking. Reckless, for sure. Risky, deathly even. Her fear is realistic, even for someone as Alicent Hightower no matter how much determination had protected her from dread.
What I don't like is the way she was treated as everyone's object and her shutting up about it. From Rhaenyra to Larys, everyone uses her for their own disgusting pleasures or outlet of frustration. And she's made to take it without fighting back even once. The one time she does, bless her, she's treated as a woman who's gone mad.
Now, I would've been fine with her taking all these hits if only they knew how to make Alicent change properly and completely from there. If it was me, the incident at Driftmark would be my start to revenge. No longer would I look at Rhaenyra with hope to reconcile with her. No longer would I bear any more of Viserys' shit when it's clear his first daughter (the image of his first wife) bears way more importance to him than me and all the four kids he forced me to have combined.
They'd have to nightly talk me out of suffocating him with my pillow a minute more for every wince and ache my now eyeless son suffers, for a month straight if not more. I wouldn't eagerly stand by his side and listen to his last words only to mistake them for permission to go along with my plans. I'd stand there passively at best, waiting for him to be done, before leaving the room.
Everything else can just be left the same way it was. Her fear when she realizes the effect Viserys' death has on her and her children is realistic. I'd break down for a moment too. I'd act as soon as I could too. I'd cry tears of relief, dread, grief (depends on how you interpret that scene) too. After letting his stinky ass rot for a fortnight. I would've preferred this to be a "there was a plan, but we weren't ready to act it out" situation more than a "what the fuck is going on" situation.
I'd also slap that "you toil in service of other men" dialogue from Rhaenys right back in her face (sorry grandma) since if we're talking about the show, it's literally the only thing she has done throughout the season.
House Velaryon.
HEAVY on this one. They have been done so wrong on so many levels. Every single one of them.
Laena was made to "pursue" Daemon, she changes from a precious, small and shy little girl to a confident, seductive young woman (teenager for fuck's sake, screw everyone who thought making her change this way would've been good) and later on a side piece, "the one Daemon settles for because he can't have Rhaenyra" even if it was known that she was the only one he was never unfaithful to, "she's made her peace" (WTF???????).
It apparently never hits Corlys that the bitch who he believes has made him childless (I AM TALKING ABOUT DAEMON) deserves no support from him and his house or that Luke should actually become a ward there at Driftmark if he's so adamant on keeping this farce that he's a Velaryon and the next Lord of the Tides.
Vaemond is seen as the odd, evil and power hungry one for pointing out that his house is falling into an OBVIOUS bastard's hands whether this kid likes it or not (even as my support for this claim goes as far as questioning Luke's parentage) and to add insult to injury he's made to say Rhaenyra is a whore, which never happened in the books.
The Silent Five are removed completely, Vaemond's sons as well (@redrosesandcharmingsouls knows I was FROTHING at the mouth waiting for Daemion Velaryon to make an appearance but the motherfuckers couldn't even give me that) so that we don't have any kind of reason to believe an execution so brutal and unjust had any repercussions on the support House Velaryon has on the Blacks overall. They are made into Rhaenyra's cheering squad through and thorough, even if they have every reason to be anything but.
The Laenor situation is actually really fucking funny. They made him leave instead of killing him to not bury the gays and they aren't aware that this has totally fucked everything up. Like thanks for telling me ALL of Rhaenyra's children are bastards. Cool, HOW THE FUCK TO YOU HANDLE SEASMOKE NOW?
Aegon II.
No this isn't an apologist post. I'm actually slithering on the ground on my knees for TGC daily but Aegon is a clusterfuck right now, no matter how you look at it. They tell us he's a psycho drunken rapist and he likes to watch children fighting every Sunday and when you actually see his adult version he's a crying love starved bitch of a man and he winces and frowns when Vaemond's head is cut off.
Instead of taking the throne to protect his children, he takes it because he's forced. And that makes Alicent the villain in everything once again. Now it doesn't matter if you look at the book version or what we see of the show version, everywhere you look this is just out of character.
It's inconsistent. He's made the worst thing ever so people can say "See??? They believe a rapist is better to put to the throne than our girlboss virtuous heir!!!" you either make him a psycho or a touch starved baby, why make both?
So yeah, I think this is all. For now. We'll have to see how this show progresses to see if I change my mind in any way.
Thanks for the ask!!!! ^_^
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claubabbles · 10 months
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At the risk of placing myself in the fire line of what looks to be another fandom war (maybe not here but in order platforms) I wanted to lay out some thoughts about Conrad, Jeremiah, and Belly.
To start off, the narrative that both teams seem to have constructed is:
1. Conrad is an emotionally neglectful abusive/toxic love interest who only wants to hurt Belly.
2. Jeremiah only sees Belly as a price to be won and a way to one up his brother.
I think the most important thing that people fighting against the other team are forgetting is context and complexity. It seems that in order to build the different narratives to be able to support team Conrad or team Jeremiah and dismantle the other team the different groups want to narrow down both characters to their most negative attributes and yell abuse or neglect or manipulation.
Neither Conrad nor Jeremiah are evil or just their worst attributes. Conrad is a protective brother who tries to bear as much of the burden of grief as quietly as he can to his own detriment. He is often neglected emotionally by the people around him who just cannot seem to want to wait for him to speak his mind. (For examples, when he tries to tell Belly and is interrupted, or when he tries to tell Laurel and is interrupted again) He is also heavily weighted down by other people's expectations (his father) and placed on a pedestal by his parents, Jeremiah, and Belly which just makes him a dumping ground for others feeling and emotions whenever he does not meet their expectations. He is rarely met with patience and kindness by those he loves the most and is often left behind whenever an argument ends. He is always the last to leave.
As for Jeremiah he is not evil or trying to one up Conrad in everything he does. He is just genuinely in the hardest corner of the love triangle where you are not only fighting your feeling for the girl you like but you are also in the impossible position of having your brother be such an important person in Belly's life. Furthermore, Jeremiah is dealing with the grief of losing his mother in a totally different way than Conrad and at the start of the season he is trying to bring himself and Conrad together. However, his resentment of finding out Conrad is not the perfect brother Jeremiah thought he was is leading him to a place of bitterness and distance that will only make itself bigger unless the too parties decide to mend things. Furthermore, his feelings are often not taken seriously and has to resort to saying hurtful things or giving statements in order to be taken seriously even by people he considers close to him.
Now here come the conundrum. If is not Jeremiah or Conrad who are evil then it's Belly. Thankfully we live in a world where every side of the love triangle can be complex.
Belly is also dealing with the lose of Susannah and both Jeremiah and Conrad are deeply tangled in her feeling of loss and a grief. They are a big part of her life and her memories of Susannah and therefore the thought of losing that connection to them is terrifying to her. The fact that she is choosing to deal with her feelings by trying to stay emotionally connected to them and using attraction as a way to remain close is not mature but it makes sense for a 16 year old girl.
All of this to say. Stop trying to make these characters less interesting than they are by just choosing to hate on them in order to win an invisible battle. Instead lets all pray from them to get therapy which is what all of them need.
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bl3randomfandoms · 8 months
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I Hope You Miss Me
Just a little fic for those of us who miss Luci, and wanted one more encounter between him and Bean.
"Luci... I miss you..." A gusty sigh full of grief escaped Bean. She sat on the shore, staring at the full moon. She'd dreamed about him. When she woke up, it had felt like he was right there, curled against her belly like he used to do. She had even felt his strange demonic warmth. Pulling herself up wearily, she'd left Mora to her own dreams.
The last few months had been the happiest in Bean's life. She had found true love at last. But every once in awhile, she missed her boys. Luci, she missed the most. Elfo, she had visited recently, even though the castle was hidden. He seemed to be doing well with Miri. A bit stressed out with the burden of ruling a kingdom, but she'd given him some pointers.
But Luci... he was dead. Gone. She'd never see him again. And to melt in lava... That must have been so painful for him... Hot tears pricked Bean's eyes.
"Oh, Luci... I'm so sorry. I feel like it's my fault you're dead. I really do miss the fun we used to have together. I don't even know if you can hear me."
A deep chuckle reverberated of the cliffs around her.
"Of course, I can hear you, Beanie Baby. I'm not deaf."
Bean looked around frantically in the moonlight. Then she saw him. Perched on a craggy rock, with his legs dangling over the edge. She even saw the bright cherry from his cigarette. Luci.
"Luci? Luci!" She stood up shakily, and he sailed over to her. Holding her arms out, she gathered him in a hug. They both laughed, and she felt his warm nose as he buried it in her neck.
"God, I missed you, girl."
"Me too, Luce. But, what the hell is going on? I thought you were..." She pulled away a bit, examining his wings. They were of the purest white, and made of soft feathers.
"Oh, my God. These are..."
Luci gulped audibly.
"Angel wings..." He choked out.
A golden halo appeared above his head, glowing brightly. Bean touched it. All she could feel was warmth.
"How?" She asked.
Luci's eyes darted to the sea.
"Well, ya know. God... He just thought it would be easier on me, I guess. I'm still me, though." He looked at her then, his dark eyes gleaming. Bean touched her nose against his. He still felt warm, but it was a different kind of warmth. She squeezed his body in her arms. It felt pretty solid.
"I thought you didn't have a body anymore." She wondered.
"I don't, really. But I've always been more spirit than body anyway." He shrugged.
"Hn. I don't have a ton of time." He continued. "This is only a visit." He stroked Bean's hand with his own tiny black one. She sighed, and it seemed to come from her toes.
"I felt you miss me," he said, "And it was kind of like a summoning. I guess that works the same with angels as it does with demons. You just have to call out to me sometimes. I dunno if I can always show up like this, Bean, but I'll always hear you when you call my name." He looked down at the sand.
"Your voice has a power over me. I... You... you're my best friend. The first person I ever..." He cleared his throat awkwardly. Bean smiled.
"I love you too, dude."
They hugged each other for a long time, and Bean felt his slender tail wrap around her arm. She was glad he still had his demon parts. If he had changed too much... It would have been hard to bear.
"I just... wanted to say..." Bean whispered. "I never got to say goodbye, and you know, that I miss you, and..."
"I know, Bean. It's okay." He patted her hand. "Don't sweat it, girl. And hey, I heard what you said earlier. About my death being your fault. It totally wasn't. Don't do that to yourself, okay? Damn."
They sat in the sand, watching the waves move in and out.
Luci pulled a bottle of wine out of thin air, along with two glasses. White liquid poured out, sparkling in the moonlight.
"I will say one thing about Heaven. They've got some damn good wine."
They clinked glasses, and Bean took a sip. Her whole body melted.
"Holy..." She breathed.
"Right?" Luci chuckled.
"Is God's wine better than Satan's?"
"Oh, HELL no."
They talked long into the night. About things that mattered, and about stupid crap. After awhile, Bean noticed that Luci kept glancing at Mora's sleeping body. She had turned over a few times, but stayed asleep.
"She's a pretty deep sleeper, Luci. And even if she does wake up..."
"Nah, I'm not worried about that. I just..." He gazed off at the horizon.
"What?" Bean pet his back, coaxing him. The little demon wasn't always the best with words.
"You're really happy with her, huh?" His voice was hesitant.
"Well, duh! I've never been happier in my whole damn life!" Bean exclaimed.
"Awesome." Luci said, more to himself than to her.
"You know what's weird? I don't even know how she came back to life, but I didn't really question it." Bean felt Luci's eye on her, and she suddenly had the feeling he was hiding something.
"Well, Bean. You ARE a witch. A very powerful one. It's like you keep forgetting. Remember when you kissed Elfo back to life?" Luci prompted.
"That was, I mean, I blew his soul back into his-"
"And what about when you cried on my severed head and I woke up for a bit? I'm telling you, you've got the power to bring people back to life!"
"Wow... I guess I do."
"Yep." Luci slapped Bean's thigh with his tiny hand.
The moon started to set, and they lay curled up on the sand. Luci waited until Bean fell asleep, then he pushed her hair out of her eyes and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"You'll always be my Bean." He scatted "Beanie Weenie" under his breath, and pinched her freckles. He was glad he tricked her into thinking she'd brought Mora back to life on her own. He felt better knowing his secret was well hidden. If Bean ever knew that he gave up... Well, she wouldn't know.
He felt the Call of God, and it sent shivers down his small body.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming, God-o. Until next time, Bean. I love you, girl. Forever."
He scanned the sand until he found a single lava rock. He placed it in the palm of her hand, then curled her fingers over it. A reminder that she hadn't been dreaming.
Unfurling his angel wings, he flapped them a few times, then soared up into a beam of light. He hoped she'd miss him again. Soon.
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blade-that-was-broken · 2 months
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The thing that gets me in the movies is “what is the reason why JD kept the stupid funderdrawers that Clay didn’t even want” i know it’s like a gag but treating it seriously is funny and I can think of only two potential reasons why he both made Clay wear them and also kept them afterwards.
the first one is that they were like a brand name thing advertised to kids that 8 year old Clay saw when shopping and he begged JD to buy for him and John was like “I’m not buying a 3 pack that costs $60 no way” and Clay begged and JD told him he’d buy them but they had to last for at least like 3 years at that price. And 1 month later Clay was sick of them and JD was like “tough shit bro” cause he was also an immature preteen at that age. He found them when he went back to the tree and kept them because they had belong to Clay and reminded him of how stupid that whole thing was. despite the fact that they were a biohazard and he eventually ended up putting them in a display when he got an intervention from his friends for his hoarding problem and had to organize all his memorabilia in a way that didn’t result in giant piles on the floor.
The other option is that the company that sold em was one of the brozone sponsors and somehow wearing em was part of Clays contract as a celebrity. And that Clay had like a million pairs of them one of which ended up in JDs stuff when he went back to the tree and grabbed a bunch of stuff and he was missing his brothers who he thought were all dead and he couldn’t bear to throw them out because they belonged to his dead brother despite the fact that they were a biohazard and he eventually ended up putting them in a display when he got an intervention from his friends for his hoarding problem and had to organize all his memorabilia in a way that didn’t result in giant piles on the floor.
Anyway this is thinking way to deeply on a movie gag that is admittedly a semi important plot point in the film but I think it’s interesting to consider that JD probably had a hoarding problem of some kind because he had literally all the childhood stuff from grandmas pod with him in Rhonda. It’s definitely one thing to take important memories but JD clearly took almost everything and still had it by the start of the third movie at least 20 years later, Poppy did not notice any indication in that pod that 5 childhoods went through there which is why she didn’t suspect that branch was part of brozone or that he had siblings. 5 boys living in a small house together is not a easy thing to hide evidence of… like John must have took literally everything in the pod that belonged to one of his brothers or contained some sort of reference to his little brothers his parents or himself with him he only didn’t take his grandmas macrame with him cause that was like one of the only personal items in the pod besides the one Brozone record of the failed performance that John presumably didn’t want to take.
Ngl I could totally see the first one happening. I actually have four younger siblings and I’ve seen this wayyyyy too many times. Granted, my parents had a better grasp on the term no though lol But I imagine it's different for parentified siblings - especially really young teen siblings
As for the concept of JD having a hoarding problem I actually have a really hard time seeing that. Dude has been perpetually camping and hiking for 20 years. And sure, Rhonda is big and stuff but I honestly can’t see him having that type of problem with what he does.
I think he took everything he possibly could because he thought they were dead. We know at VERY LEAST he thought Branch was dead. My guess is since he didn’t know everyone else left the tree, he probably thought they were dead too.
That kind of devastation and grief - especially for someone like JD who really loves his brothers - I can’t even imagine. I would probably try to take everything I could that was theirs too. It probably wasn’t a methodical thing either, like him going through stuff to see what he wanted to take. It was probably more like just grabbing anything he could.
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top-tier-tickles · 2 years
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Not Your Fault
This is a FNAF: Blueycapsules tickle fic requested by an anonymous. I hope you enjoy it!
(TW: ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, NEGLECT, CHILD DEATH, AND EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN)
__________________________________________
"Are you sure about this, Vinny?"
"Totally sure, Scotty. Besides, Michael needs it."
"I know, just.....Please be careful..."
"I will, I will. I know how to handle my brother."
Vincent adjusted his tie one last time while looking in the mirror, it hilariously clashed with his favorite bacon-patterned button up, but he didn't care, his nephew needed him.
He pulled his shoulderblade-length hair into a low ponytail, grabbed his car keys, and headed toward the door.
"Vin, wait." His phone-headed husband interjected.
"Yes?"
"Tell....Tell Michael that I send him warm regards."
Vincent sighed, and wrapped his husband in a big hug."I will, Scott..."
Scott returned the hug, and Vincent sneakily dragged his finger across his phone cord, causing Scott to jolt at the ticklish feeling.
"AHA- Vincent!" Scott squealed, playfully pushing him away.
Vincent chuckled, blew him a kiss and left his mobile home to his twin brother's house.
-KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK-
"If that's fockin Henry again, I swear..." William grumbled, walking to the front door. He opened it, surprised to see Vincent standing on the porch.
"The fock are you doin' 'ere?"
"I've come to see how you and Michael are doing." Vincent answered, scrunching his nose at the sheer smell of alcohol on the short man.
"Well then, come on in! Michael's been upstairs cryin' day n' night. Hasn't slept a wink." William said, leading his brother into the house.
Vincent blinked in surprise, how could William act this nonchalantly about his own son's grief?! Especially when he was the cause of it?! He shouldn't be surprised, William never was a caring man, let alone a father. It just got worse after Sunny passed.
William flopped back on the couch, popped the bottle opened, and chugged half of the thing in one swig.
"Jesus..."
"Oi, wanna drink? I got lots o' bottles..." William offered, holding up another unopened bottle.
"No thanks, I'm gonna check on Michael..." Vincent denied, waving him off.
"Booooo..."
Vincent scoffed, walking up the tall set of stairs to Michael's room. Poor kid, losing his mother at such a young age, having Will as a father, and now he just lost his brother in the accident, leaving just him and Liz, though Liz isn't exactly the best for him either. Poor girl is so neglected that she blames Mike and says he did it to get all of thier dad's attention, luckily, Henry was taking care of her right now. He could talk to her.
The flashing lights, blaring pop music, and massive amount of people were overwhelming enough, but he just had to make it worse.
There the birthday boy was, lying on the floor blubbering as his brother and his friends circled him.
"Your brother's kind of a baby, isn't he?" The one in the bunny mask said.
"It's fockin hilarious, innt? The one in the fox mask answered with a menacing laugh.
"Say, how 'bout we help him get a closer look?" Fox continued.
Suddenly, the four teens picked him up, carrying him over to the singing yellow bear of their father's creation.
Cry. That was all the poor child could do. Cry and beg for them to put him down. But nobody helped, only his sister was scolding his brother from afar.
"Hahaha! I think the birthday bitch wants to give ol' Fredbear a biiiiig kiss!" Fox laughed.
Soon the child's whole head was shoved into the bear's mechanical mouth, his legs flailing about as his brother and his friends laughed their sorry asses off.
"FATHA, COME LOOK-"
"OH FUCK-"
-CRUNCH-
Silence. Then screaming. Then more silence.
Blood. Blood smeared across the bear's face. Blood splattered on the stage and the brother's clothing and face. Blood on Henry's hands from pulling the lifeless body form the animatronic's mouth.
He did this. It was his fault. He's a murderer. No better than his father. He-
"Michael?"
The teen blinked. His uncle's voice pulled him away from the horrendous memory that repeated in his mind. He pulled the covers away from his face.
"Come in." He answered, his voice barely there.
Vincent opened the door, and there was his oldest nephew, his eyes glazed over. Tear tracks stained his face, his expression was unreadable, it was like he was nothing but an empty husk of what he used to be.
"How you doing, kiddo?" Vincent asked, placing his hand on Michael's shoulder, which the boy flinched at.
Michael l didn't answer.
"C'mon, kid, you gotta help me out here."
Michael sighed, and turned to Vincent.
Looking into his uncle's eyes, everything just caved in. Michael started sobbing, and threw himself into his arms.
"I-I'm a MURDERER! I'M A MONSTER! *HIC* I-I MURDERED MY BROTHER! I DON'T DESERVE T-TO LI-"
"Now you stop with that. It was an accident and you know it."
"B-but...but..."
"No buts." Vincent said, slowly pulling away and standing up. "I'll be right back. Don't do anything, okay?"
Michael nodded, still sobbing.
Vincent briskly left the room and grabbed a box of tissues and poured Mike a glass of water. Then, he made his way back upstairs.
He snuck a quick glance at William, who was passed out on the couch, a bag of chips in his hand. Vincent sighed and shook his head in disappointment.
He returned to Mike's room, handed him the tissues and the water, which was chugged down in an instant.
"There. Better?"
Michael l sniffed. "No...No, I'm not..."
"Oh kid, c'mere"
Michael l quickly returned to Vincent's arms, the sobbing continued. Vincent stayed silent, he didn't try to make him stop crying. If he told him to stop, he would just bottle it all up, that's not healthy.
After a good twenty minutes, the crying stopped, replaced with unsteady breathing with occasional hiccups.
Michael lifted his head, his eyes red and empty. His face fixated on a sad expression, a frown was the only thing that decorated his face.
Vincent frowned himself, he wanted to see Michael smile again, if only for a brief moment
"Oh, Uncle Scotty sends his warm regards." He said, smiling and wrapping his arm around Michael's shoulders.
"Okay. Thank you." Was his only reply.
Vincent sighed, then remembered something.
Earlier, he had made Scott feel a little better by tickling him. If that worked for Scott, maybe...
Sneakily, he poked Michael's side, resulting in a surprised jolt and slight giggle.
"Oh, Michael, what was that?" Vincent teased.
"NOTHINGIMGOINGTOSLEEPNOWGOODNIGHT" Michael said a bit too fast.
His nephew swiftly tried to bury himself in his blankets, he knew what was coming.
"Oh, Michael l~" Vincent teased, wiggling his fingers, guess who's coming for a visit!"
"Nohohohohoooo. FOHOCK YOU!" Michael cursed.
Vincent gasped dramatically. "There is NO FUCKING CURSING in this household! The Tickle Monster's gonna have to punish you!"
Suddenly, Vincent pounced, his fingers wiggling Micheal's sides.
"WAITWAITWAIT NOHOHOHO! Ihihihihi'm sohohohohohorry!"
"Too late for "sorry"! Face my wrath!"
"Hahahahahaha! Uhuhuhuhuncle!"
"Are you calling uncle or addressing me?"
"Bohohohohoth?"
"Well, too bad!"
Then, Vincent raised his fingers up to Michael's ribs.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHO! UHUHUHUHUNCLE VIHIHIHIHIHINNY! STOHOHOHOP!"
"Hmmm. Nope!"
Michael was thrashing around on the bed. Getting tangled in the blankets. He quickly grabbed a pillow, and began hitting his uncle, hoping it would deter him.
"Hey! That ain't gonna work, you little shit!" Vincent laughed, snatching the pillow away from him.
"NOHOHOHOHOHO! GIHIHIHIHIHIVE IHIHIT BAHAHAHAHACK!"
"Not a chance!"
Michael was NOT about to give up. He brought his leg up and began gently pushing Vincent away with his foot. His hands were too busy flailing around.
Suddenly, Vincent's hand wrapped around his ankle.
"You want me to tickle you here? Okay!" He teased, then began tickling Michael's sole and arch.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHOHO! YOU BAHAHAHAHAHASTAHAHAHARD!"
"That's strike two, Michael, one more and I go for the BAD spot~"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHOHO! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! PLEHEHEHEHEHEASE!"
Suddenly, something caught Vincent's eye.
On the floor was a small white feather, probably from where Michael hit him with the pillow.
Excellent...
He grabbed the feather and began flossing it between Michael's toes.
"AAAHHHAHAHAHAHA! GAHAHAHAHAHA! SH-SHIHIHIHIHIT!"
Then, Vincent halted his attack, a wicked smile growing on his face.
"Strike three..."
Suddenly, Vincent shoved his hands into Michael's armpits, tickling them mercilessly.
"AHHHHAHAHAHAHA! NOT THERE NOT THERE NOT THEHEHEHEHERE! PLEHEHEHEHEHEASE! EEEEEEK!"
Michael threw his head back in wild, uncontrollable laughter. His armpits had always been his death spot. His extreme reaction surprised even Vincent.
"Woohohohoa. Your armpits must suck! You definitely got that from your father-" Vincent stopped himself before he said anything else.
"WHAHAHAHAT?!"
"Nothing! Nothing, heh, just a bad joke." He quickly answered, praying that Michael didn't hear him.
"WHAAHHAHAHA! STAHAHAHAHAHAPIT! AHAHAHAHA!"
Oh thank God.
Vincent smiled once again. "Kitchy-kitchy-koo~ Kitchy-kitchy-kitchy-koo~" He teased like the sadistic bastard he was.
"OHOHOHOHOHOHO GOHOHOHOHOD! NOHOHOHOHOHOT THAHAHAHAT! PLEHEHEHEHEHEASE! OHOHOHOHOHOHO IHIHIHIT'S TOO MUHUHUHUCH!"
Vincent quickly realized that Michael was crying, his face bright red. Okay. Time to stop.
Michael gasped for air as his uncle removed his hands, curling up into a protective ball before any more tickles could be dealt.
"Haaah....hahaha...I hahahaate you..."
"Aw, love you too, kiddo!"
Michael groaned as he regained his breath, sitting up next to his uncle.
"Thanks,...I guess that helped..."
"Anytime, kiddo!"
"I just feel horrible. First crying to Uncle Henry, a-and now you and-"
"Michael, listen, no matter how many times you cry to us, me and Henry will ALWAYS be there for you, okay?"
"...okay..."
"Alright."
"....What was that you said about fatha?"
Oh shit. Well, no denying it now...
"Oh, well...uhhh...I said you got your ticklish armpits from your dad..."
"Fatha's ticklish?!"
"Oh, yeah. When we were kids, hoo boy, it was BAD. We're both pretty ticklish, but Willy DEFINITELY had it the worst! And it's exactly the same with him as an adult! Still just as ticklish just about everywhere! But his armpits were definitely the worst." Vincent said, laughing at the childhood memories. How did he end up the way he did...
".....Am I like him?..."
Vincent snapped his head around to look at his nephew.
"What?! No, no, nononono! You're NOTHING like William! There's SOME similarities, but children are BOUND to be some like their parents! But trust me, you're NOTHING like him! You're caring, loving, and a good kid! It was just an accident, you didn't mean it!"
Michael sniffed and blinked back tears. "Thank you, Uncle Vincent..."
"You're welcome, kiddo." Vincent said, giving Michael big bear hug.
"The fock are you lot talkin' 'bout?"
The pair turned to see the short man himself standing in the doorway, hands on his hips.
"We were just talking about how I need to get going. Sorry to leave so soon, bro."
"Alroght, just get the fock outta 'ere"
Vincent got up, and walked towards the door.
As he came to William, he sneakily poked him in the armpit, causing him to jump and nearly slam into the wall, letting out a loud squeak.
As William collected himself, he pointed at Vincent with a scowl. "DON'T YOU FOCKIN' START THAT SHIT AGAIN!"
Vincent laughed, and turned back to Michael.
"If you ever need me again, feel free to call me anytime."
"I will, uncle."
"Alright, love ya'll, BYE~!" He said, walking down the stairs to the door.
He walked out the door and headed for his home. Micheal would live with that guilt for the rest of his life, he couldn't cure that. But, at least he was able to make him smile for that moment.
___________________________________________
THE END.
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Note
angst with nozel, william, and fuegoleon where the reader is cursed by a devil on a mission ^^ ?
Oh it's been a while since the last angst request, so certainly Pairing: Nozel, William and Fuegoleon Genre: Angst Fanfic type: Headcanons Total length: ~1,1k Warnings: Death (of reader), implied/referenced depression of canon characters, angst, no happy ending, theme of hopelessness
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Nozel
When he learns about it, about your curse, it feels like… the ground would have caved from right under him. It feels like he got punched into the stomach, grabbed by the throat, and kicked around, as if he was nothing but a ragdoll. Because… it was all happening again.
The glimmer of happiness, a new beginning, just as he had dare to wish for a brighter future… was yanked away from his fingertips.
Yet another demon… but this time the target had been his beloved spouse he was planning on marrying one day. He thinks that he must be the one to bear the real curse, since everyone around him suffers a horrid fate. Thus… it must be him.
And he’s terrified of thinking that he has to watch, just sit by and watch, yet another person he loves dearly, wither away right before his eyes. He was powerless with his mother, and he feels powerless now.
But he does try to find a cure. After all he has more knowledge now and is stronger than then. So, he devotes his time to researching for a cure. Research and staying wake by your bedside late at night.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” he tells you, as if a mantra, time and time again.
He tried to hold it together, and he does, cracking only by the seams.
Until you die.
Then he holds you by the hand, as you take your dying breath, and as that final exhale leaves you, lingering in the air as if some divine bell that tolls for you and you alone. And that’s when he breaks. That is when the anger, the grief, the numbing sense of helplessness takes over him, clouding reason.
He needs an outlet. Throwing a chair across the room isn’t enough. Screaming out his pain, isn’t enough. Yelling out a beg for you to come back… isn’t enough, because you can’t hear him.
There is a boulder about two hours away from the Capitol, one that has always been there. Made of granite. There used to be a boulder. But it is ground into dust by mercury. And outlet for anger. An outlet for grief.
He’s so full of grief that he doesn’t know what to do with it all. But there is something he knows, something he believes, now more than ever.
“I must be cursed…” he whispers to himself.
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William
He has born a mark, a curse, for his entire life. And for the longest time, he believed that there must be something wrong with him. He believed that there must’ve been a curse, a hex of some kind, on him. But as you come back, bearing a genuine curse, one that seems to have wrapped around you in a way that seems impossible to remove… He doesn’t know what to do.
So, he begins to learn about your curse. What does it do? What kind it is? Because maybe that is a way to remove it all together. Maybe…
But the search doesn’t yield for much. It tells him, and you, about what kind of a curse it is. It tells you two that it will continue to eat away your strength, your lifeline, your magic… it’ll make you hollow, until your heart simply stops and says ‘no more’.
A cure, however… “there isn’t one”, “I’m sorry but I don’t know”, “the cure killed him so it can’t really be called a ‘cure’”… a wide variety of answers that… at the base of it all, were all the same. Nothing could be done.
He doesn’t want to believe it. He refuses to believe it. And yet the way in which you seem to fade away, right before him, like a dying flower of late summer… is so-, it’s far too real.
He sees how you grow tired of hoping for salvation that will never arrive. And he sees how you want to just be with him, for all the days you have left.
So, he stays with you, and he tries to find reasons to smile, because his smile makes you smile. And he wants to see you smile. But finding a reason to smile gets harder… day by day… until the last thing he has that makes him happy, is your smile.
But even that begins to fade away… disappear into dust…
Until you shed your last petal, like a gone flower of late summer.
And he is left sitting in your room, by your bed, his head down and his posture hunching forward. The weight of the heavens is on his shoulder.
Alone. And that is when he realizes that now, truly, he doesn’t know what to do…
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Fuegoleon
When he learns about it, he tries to approach the matter as methodically and calmly as possible, but inside he’s terrified. Because he doesn’t know about curses. He doesn’t know what he could do.
So, he requests audiences with every expert he knows of, going as far as to seek out the knowledge of the Witch Queen after Dorothy reminds him of Ancient Magic.
But even that, yields no promises of anything better; a bright future to come. Even if he doesn’t want to succumb to it, the idea that your life is draining away as you speak. Because you’re still here, you’re living and breathing and holding his hand like you used to. So, surely, it must mean something!
And as you live past the date the doctors gave you as your final day on this earth, he lulls himself into the idea that you’d fight through the curse. That you were, little by little, claiming victory over it.
When in reality you were just dragging out your slow, exhausting death, all for the sake of being with him for a moment longer. Every day is a blessing.
And then you grow too weak to get out of bed… the air seems to grow more stale no matter how much the windows would be kept open. At this point he starts doing his paperwork right there, in your room, because he doesn’t want to miss a single moment.
So, he’s there when you call to him, ask him to come over. He asks if you need anything, and all you can do, is sway your head, as if to tell him ‘no’. Because all you want, is for him to take your hand.
And he does, as you fade away.
He would cry, if he knew how to cry. He wants to cry. But he’s been holding in the tears for so long, he doesn’t know how to let them out anymore. And now… it feels like he was drowning in his own tears.
It’s all just a sea of static… and he doesn’t know how to swim in it.  
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lubdubsworld · 3 years
Text
物の哀れ ( ‘the sadness of things’.)
Characters : Alpha! Jungkook x Omega ! OC.
Genre : Arranged Marriage / Temporary contractual Marriage.
Warnings : Non- Con/ Extremely Dubious Consent . High functioning alcoholism. Genre related consent issues. Implied suicidal thoughts.
Summary : A recently widowed Jungkook agrees to a contract marriage to keep his company afloat. His grief overwhelms him and it is hard to look at his new wife as anything other than an intruder .
[  Author’s Note :  物の哀れ ~ Mono no aware can be translated as ‘the sadness of things’. It comes from the words 物 (mono – thing) and 哀れ (aware – poignancy or pathos). The ‘sadness’ in question comes from an awareness of the transience of things, as taught by Zen Buddhism. When we view something exceptionally beautiful, we might feel sad because we know it won’t stay so beautiful forever – but appreciation only heightens the pleasure we take in the beautiful thing in that moment. ]
Chapter 1 Chapter 2
Chapter 3
“Yoongi left a bunch of painkillers for you. He said you can take up to three per day.” Jin said calmly , carefully slipping the sleeves of my t shirt over my wrist as i held my arms out for him. He slipped the shirt over my head gently but his arms hit my shoulders, jostling me.   I swallowed the whimper of pain that shot through me at the movement. Mina was now awake, happily wiggling around on her rocker. 
It was a little past seven in the evening and Jungkook wasn’t due to arrive for another hour . 
“I could sleep on a bed of rusty nails right now. I’m so tired and i don’t know why. “ I whispered, staying still as he carefully drew the fabric down over my ribs, before stepping back. 
“I’ll sleep in the nursery with her. You should take the bed. You’re in no shape to be up and taking care of her when she wakes up. Jungkook’s asked me to stay here during the day because I’m not going to be performing for a couple months anyway and I’ve been losing my mind, rattling around that huge ass mansion all by myself. ” 
The phone rang, startling both of us. 
I groaned before moving to get up but Jin oppa held a hand up.
“Stay in bed. I’ll go see who it is.” 
I watched him disappear out of the room, settling back against the pillows and reaching for the ice pack in the small cooler by the bed. I had to ice my ribs every hour or so and while it didn’t seem to be helping much, I definitely appreciated the temporary numbness it offered. 
Jungkook’s guilt had driven a new wedge between us and he hadn’t so much as looked at me in three days. 
I wasn’t sure entirely if this was a good or bad thing. The fact that he seemed to be considering that he had to get his emotions under control to stop hurting the people around him was a welcome change. But the idea of going back to being ignored and treated like furniture , wasn’t really all that appealing. 
“Jungkook’s parents are on the way.” Jin’s voice broke through my reverie and i jumped. 
I resisted the urge to sob out loud . 
Mr and Mrs. Jeon were on the opposite side of the grief spectrum and just as annoying. 
Where Sooah’s parents were intent on making Jungkook remember their daughter as often as possible, Jungkook’s parents were intent on making him forget her. 
The only thing the two of them had in common was a burning hatred for me. 
Jungkook’s parents had wanted him to quit the company and sell it when it went into loss but Jungkook had categorically refused because that would result in all of his employees getting laid off, and back then Jungkook had been nothing if not ridiculously compassionate. Jungkook’s parents firmly believed that if it hadn’t been for me, their son would be back in Busan, letting them raise their granddaughter. 
“Great, that’s great. Did you tell them their son is not around?” I grimaced. I’d only met them three times in total and the last time was in the hospital two months ago when Jungkook had crashed in the middle of a board meeting, weeks of starving and dehydration catching up to him. It hadn’t been a pleasant experience, getting cursed out in front of the doctors and nurses and it probably won’t be any fun in the privacy of my home either. 
Jin gave me a sympathetic smile. 
“He’s already told them he’s on the way. I’m going to take Mina out on a walk. Give you guys some privacy. Shoot me a text when they leave.” he said gently. 
“Can’t I come with?” I begged and he laughed. 
“That would be a bad idea, even if it weren’t for the cracked rib. Just relax. Smile and nod and let them spew whatever nonsense they want and then they’ll leave. ” 
I opened my mouth to tell him how many flaws there were in his plan when the doorbell rang. 
“And that’s my cue. Text me, yeah?” Jin moved to pick Mina up from the rocker before reaching for the baby carrier on the table. 
I debated the pros and cons of staying in bed and finally decided against it, gently throwing my legs off the edge and raising myself up to a sitting position. I heard vague voices by the front door, Jin’s sweet tones mingling with Jungkook’s slightly gruffer ones. 
I heard the door close and the stillness of the apartment was as oppressing as ever. I could hear him quite clearly though. The clink of the keys as they hit the bowl, the small click of the door as he locked it. 
i could imagine him, exhausted from the day’s work, briefcase held in one hand while the other tugged on the knot of his tie. 
I imagined for a second, what it must have been like for him with Sooah. She was a bright , incredibly cheerful person. Everyone kind of faded into the background when she was around. Sooah had always been the first to smile at a stranger, the first to laugh even if the joke wasn’t funny. The first one to stand up to help someone in need. 
I swallowed, clutching the sheets to ground myself. 
I guessed that she must’ve always rushed to greet him at the door. I could imagine him wrapping both arms around her waist, drawing her into a hug or even a kiss. 
 How was your day, Kookie?  (I’d heard her call him that, once when they had been at my father’s house for a charity dinner. )
I wondered if perhaps the very sight of her would have taken away all of the day’s exhaustion from him. Perhaps, he would forget all the ways his company had been failing back then at the sight of her beautiful laughing face. Perhaps losing his company hadn’t been as terrifying as losing his job.  
And perhaps once he lost her, he just couldn’t bear the thought of losing his life’s work too. And so he’d agreed to meet my father’s demands. 
My fingers began trembling a bit .
I could imagine her moving around the house, pregnant and glowing, laughing as he nuzzled into the curve of her belly. Had he perhaps pressed his lips to her skin, whispered sweet endearments to his daughter through the fabric of his wife’s clothes? Had he perhaps loved Mina, deeply? WAs it just his grief that made it hard to be near his wife. Or was it perhaps me? Me holding the baby that should have been in his beautiful wife’s arms. 
The wife he had been so madly, deeply in love with. 
Love, I thought vacantly.
It wasn’t something I had ever felt, for anyone until I’d began caring for Mina.
But what Jungkook had with his wife was something different wasn’t it? 
The love a man had for a woman. Laced with desire, longing and passion. A love that made you put their happiness over your own.  
Love like that had never been in the cards for me. 
Ever
I was an Omega. Rare and hated and known for being selfish and greedy. People didn’t love my kind. They avoided me. They always assumed I would take advantage of them. My peers growing up had treated me with so much contempt. 
 The girls would whisper how I was trying to seduce their boyfriends. The boys would call me a tease, even when I stayed far away and did nothing to attract their attention. I’d gotten used to it. It didn’t bother me. it was the way of the world for me. Ad it wasn’t like I could honestly deny some of it. 
I looked at handsome alphas and wanted them. I wanted to be held and cherished. To be bought pretty things and cared for. It had taken decades for me to beat that part of mine into submission. To remind myself that if I ever let that part of me out, it would destroy me. 
But love? Being in love with someone? 
I didn’t know what that could have been like for Jungkook. 
Or maybe I had but I couldn’t recognize it because I’d never received it myself. Whatever the cause, it was for me, a fairytale. It was hard to imagine people loving each other so much, to the extent that they would die for each other. ( Jungkook’s words still hung in the back of my mind : that he had wanted to follow her even in death ) 
Jungkook was right.
I could never know what his loss was like. 
Because I would never know what he had lost. 
It felt a little like being dipped in an ice cold lake in the middle of winter. My skin broke out in shivers, hair standing on end and I felt my throat go dry so swiftly. I’d never wanted to run away so much. I wrapped a hand sound myself, scooting back on the bed again. I reached for the blanket, wanting to pull it over my head and curl into a ball. 
Shut out the world and all the things that didn’t make sense. 
“Are you alright?” Jungkook’s voice broke through the haze in my head and I swallowed. He had an alpha’s voice and my body responded even if my mind resisted. It didn’t happen all the time. Jungkook couldn’t control me. But sometimes when I was feeling vulnerable, instincts took over . I was already dropping the blanket and smiling softly.
“Mina’s out for a walk.” I croaked out, surprised at how awful my voice sounded. 
I felt the press of something against my fingers and I blinked, staring at the glass of water Jungkook was pressing into my hand.
“Don’t worry, I called them and told them not to come over.” He said quietly , watching me drink with still trembling fingers. 
I swallowed and stared at him. 
“I... Thank you. “ I said fervently, feeling a few knots come undone in my gut. I couldn’t really stand up to Jungkook’s parents the way I did with Sooah’s parents. Because Jungkook loved them deeply and hurting them would be the same as hurting him. 
“There’s a party in a couple of days. It’s my birthday. I’m turning 34.  Yugyeom’s organizing the whole thing, so I’m going to hire a babysitter for Mina, because Jin hyung will be there too and you need help caring for her anyway. You can stay home and rest. ” he said . 
I scoffed. 
“I’m going to come with you.” I said firmly. 
Jungkook frowned. 
“What?” 
I glared at him. 
“I’m not letting you go to a party organized by your shit for brains friend, Jungkook. You’ll probably end up getting drunk out of your mind and killing someone and I’m not going to hang around to clean that up. I’m coming to that party and I’m making sure you don’t have more than one drink.  “
Jungkook’s frown deepened into a scowl. 
Did you ever look at your wife , like this? With so much loathing? I thought stupidly. Or did she only ever get to see the sweet and wonderful side of you? Did she ever annoy you the way i seem to every second of the damn day ? Did you hate certain things about her too? Or was she so perfect that you could only feel love ? 
“ I can take care of myself. Its my birthday , I can do whatever the fuck I want.“ He snapped. 
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. 
“Not unless you’re a five year old kid in the sandpit, which you’re not. You’re an adult and when you make stupid decisions as an adult, very real people end up paying for it. You’re old enough to know this Jungkook and for once, just listen to me. You can drink, fine. But I’m going to be there and if I see that you’re getting drunk, I’m going to bring you home. You either agree or I’m going to call Yoongi oppa .” 
That made him pause. 
“Fine. Fuck you.” He snapped, turning on his heel and stalking out of the room. A few seconds later I heard the door to the shower slam shut.  
 I wanted to follow him and shake some sense into him but before I could decide if it was worth jostling my body, when another sharp pain lanced through my ribs.
Oh great. 
I took deep breaths the way Yoongi had taught me. Apparently, pneumonia was a thing that could happen, so i had to breath carefully to reduce the risk of that happening. 
The birthday party organized by Yugyeom was going to be a whole entire migraine inducing disaster. I could already feel the headache come on. It still amazed me that Jungkook was friends with him and his cronies. 
Yugyeom and his friends were the typical; brain dead alphas who thought themselves superior to all other ranks. Even worse, they viewed omegas as objects: fucktoys to be more precise and I bristled when i remembered the way he had always stared at me. 
Well, if he stepped anywhere near me, I would kick him in the teeth. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Jungkook’s mother turned up at home the next day, I wasn’t entirely surprised. I wasn’t surprised but it didn’t make things any more pleasant. 
“We’re willing to take Mina for a couple of days if you would both need time to prepare for the party. This is the first big event Jungkook’s holding after Sooah’s passing and we want it to be perfect. As his wife, i hope you’ll do your part.” 
Mrs Jeon’s pinched face did nothing for my already frayed temper. 
“There’s not much i can do with a cracked rib, mother.” I said politely. It stung, having to call this bitter, cruel woman mother but then, such was life. It was late afternoon and Jungkook was probably sitting in the comfort of his air conditioned office, being flattered and doted on by his smitten secretary while I sat here entertaining his vicious mother. 
“Nonsense, you’ve probably just scratched it. I know how you omegas like to exaggerate. “ she waved off my injury easily. “ There are so many details that need to be decided on and its unfair to drop all of those responsibilities on poor yugyeom’s head. Why don’t you go with him and help out a bit?” 
The idea of going anywhere with Kim Yugeom was easily the most repugnant thing to me. 
“I’m sure he knows Jungkook much better than I do. If i interfered, I’d only be getting in his way.” I said politely. 
Mrs. Jeon hummed.
“Well, its good that he’s agreed to the party at least. That woman never let him meet with Yugyeom or his friends when she was around.”
That woman being Jungkook’s late wife. 
I felt a sudden fondness for her. Clearly she had also recognized Yugyeom for the absolute pig that he was and kept her husband away from his rotten influence . But unlike with her, Jungkook didn’t actually care about me. So I had no way of stopping him from meeting the idiots. Yugyeom’s family was rich and reputed and it was clear that the Jeons wanted the friendship and the connection. Why else would they keep pushing for it so much?
“Is there any particular reason you’re here, mother?” I said finally, after hearing her babble on and on about caterers and invitations and what not. 
“I was hoping to meet Mina...why isn’t she here?” 
“I’m not able to care for her well, what with the rib. The doctor has advised me to rest so Jin oppa takes care of her during the day. Jungkook picks her back up on his way back from office. I can send her over to your place with him this weekend.” 
“That would be fine i suppose. Have you spoken to the decorators about changing the portraits put up in the house?”
I blinked.
“Sorry?”
“The penthouse, we’ve got it back now right? why don’t you move there. We have a cook and a housekeeper .”]
“this is closer to Jungkook’s office.” I had no idea where the penthouse was and could only hope it was farther way. 
Mrs. Jeon frowned. 
“This apartment is too small. Not to mention, you still have Sooah’s photos everywhere in this place. Surely that’s not healthy. Get rid of them and put up pictures of you and Jungkook.” 
Jungkook’s parents didn’t know that our marriage had an expiry date. i wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing. But they saw me as nothing more than a way to get rid of Sooah from the deepest recesses of Jungkook’s mind. 
“I’m sure, with time...Jungkook can make that decision by himself. When he’s ready for it.” I said gently, beginning the fresh throb of pain near my temple. 
“Nonsense, Heejin. Men won’t ever move on until you force them. Have you considered getting  pregnant?” 
I jumped about a foot into the air.
“I...what.” I croaked out. 
“You need a child too. He mated you. He owes you that. I’m going to tell him that he better do his duty by you.” She said firmly. 
“Please don’t.” I shouted, stunned out of my mind. Was this woman even sane?
“Why not?” She frowned looking at me like i was the one being unreasonable. 
 Why not? Because its barely been four months since he lost his wife of seven years to childbirth. Surely, you don’t think the remedy to that is to have him go through it all over again. 
 “ Mina is still small, mother. I’m sure we can wait a while. Maybe after she’s one or two.” 
 Jungkook would probably move on by then. Of course he would. Grief was overwhelming but it was also finite. It did get smaller over time. Easier to cope with. Jungkook would eventually be able to navigate his life around his grief. He would learn to make new connections and who was to say one of those wouldn’t be a compatible match? 
So two years from now, there was no reason Jungkook shouldn’t meet another lovely woman, a beta maybe and eventually expand his family. Of course i would be nowhere in the picture at the time. But that was fine. 
I remembered something I’d read somewhere, a while back. 
 If two people are like ships that pass in the night, they meet by chance for a short time , then do not see each other ever again. 
Like ships passing by each other in the night,  I reminded myself. That's what Jungkook and I were. 
“Well, if you think that’s wise.... fine. But now that Jungkook’s doing well, why don’t you entertain people more often? You haven’t had a dinner party here yet, have you?”
And so it went on, over an over for a whole two hours until I was wrung out from sheer exhaustion, my head throbbing and nails having dug half moon indents into my palms from fisting my hands too hard. 
By the time i finally closed the door on her face, I couldn’t help but sag against the door, sinking to the floor in a heap, cracked rib be damned. 
I glanced up at the solo portrait on the wall. The one my mother in law had wanted gone. 
“She must’ve really hated you, huh?” I said casually pulling myself up to my feet and moving to the dining space to stare at her face more closely. 
She was dressed in her wedding gown, a fitted mermaid dress with lace and satin detailing. She had a bouquet of white lilies in one hand, elbows bent and the blooms resting on her shoulder while her other hand curved around her slender waist. 
Beautiful was an understatement, I thought vacantly. 
“ You look like you didn’t put up with people’s bullshit. That’s cool I guess.” I smiled a little. “ You know in another world, we may have been friends.” 
I bit my lips.
“Yugyeom was shitty to you too huh? He seems the type. i’m glad you kept Jungkook away from him. I wish you’d somehow help get him away again. He doesn’t listen to me. Thinks I’m trying to control him or something. ”
It was ridiculous. What was i doing.. Why was i talking to a framed picture on the wall. God.
But now that I’d started, I couldn’t quite stop.
“About what happened with Jungkook... I don’t want you to think i was seducing him or anything. And when i said that I hated him calling your name when we... well you know why i said it right? It wasn’t anything personal...i was just pissed. I don’t enjoy the sex by the way... I don’t think he does either but he’s an alpha and you know how it is…they need that release or they kind of lose their mind .. So trust me we both hate the principle of it.... but at least he cums and well I don’t. He’s never made me cum. That should say something about how we feel about each other.......”
“Uh.. Should I come back later?” The voice near the doorway was so unexpected my heart jumped right to my throat and I screamed, stumbling a bit to the side.
Min Yoongi stood framed by the door, one hand wrapped around a bouquet of flowers and the other clutching his bag and stethoscope. He still had his white coat on over his shirt and slacks, hair mussed like he’d run his finger through it.
It took me a second to remember that Yoongi had a key to the house.
Another second to remember exactly what I’d been doing when he came inside.
Good God.
Had he heard the part where I’d talked about Jungkook not making me cum? Surely not? Oh Please no. 
“Jungkook told me to check on you. That you couldn’t sleep last night? Are you in a lot of pain?” 
Jungkook and I had shared the bed in his room last night and I had apparently, tossed and turned and whimpered through the night in pain. Or so Jungkook claimed. 
“Uh... I’m not sure. He said so... so..” 
“you guys sleep together right?” Yoongi asked casually, taking his coat off. I stared at the way the material of the shirt strained over his shoulders, my throat just a little dry. 
Yoongi smelled so ridiculously good. He was a doctor and he was so handsome and kind to me. The attraction would have been there even if i had been a beta but as an omega, the urge to just fling myself at him and beg him to make me his, it was kind of horrifying. 
Tamping down that part of me, I gave him a casual shrug, heart still pounding. 
“Yeah. There’s just two bedrooms here and one is Mina’s nursery. So ...” I finished awkwardly, watching him move around and place his bag on the table before unwinding the stethoscope, placing it around his collar. 
He gave me a small smile. 
“I’ll just take a quick look and check how your breathing sounds. that okay?” He asked gently. 
“Oh... sure. You need me to take my shirt off?” I asked curiously. 
He gave me a quick little smirk. 
“Not for medical reasons no.” He winked. 
I felt blood rush to my face along with guilt. What was I doing? This was Jungkook’s best friend!! His hyung. Someone he trusted and I was his....
His what? 
Nothing. I was Jungkook’s nothing. When was the last time someone had flirted with me . Someone who wasn’t a grade A creep. 
Yoongi moved closer, sitting down on the kitchen stool and beckoned me to come stand between his thighs. i moved, achingly aware of how much more potent his scent was up close. He looked up at me through sooty black lashes, a small smirk on his lips, feline eyes warm and open . 
“Put your hands on my shoulders, yeah?” He prompted. 
I hesitated, fingers shaking just a little before reaching out to rest on this shirt. I kept the touch feather light , the softness of his shirt the only thing I could feel.
He hummed and bending  down to lightly tug the hem of my shirt out of the waistline of my jeans. I bit my lips to stop myself from squirming. 
He glanced up , eyes meeting mine and holding my gaze. 
“You good?” 
“Uhuhbuh.” I stuttered and he grinned wider, pulling the fabric up to the curve of my breasts. He lightly ran his finger tips over the bruised skin , humming thoughtfully .
“You’ll be fine in a few weeks. Hang on.” He pulled back, plugging the steth in his hear before holding the other end up to my chest. He pressed it against my skin, just before the underwire of my bra and it was unexpectedly cold .
I jumped, fingers curling on his shoulder and squeezing down. 
“Hey.. what’s wrong?” Yoongi whispered, hands reaching for my waist, gently holding me steady and I flushed. He looked genuinely worried , lips turned down and brows furrowed and i felt absolutely stupid. 
“Sorry. Sorry.... It’s nothing.. i just.. it’s a little cold.” I laughed nervously and his gaze softened. 
One hand still curved around my waist, he brought the diaphragm up to his mouth, holding my gaze as he gently breathed warm air all over it. 
My throat went instantly dry and i had to swallow. He pressed it against my chest again and this time it was so much warmer. .
“Better?” He prompted and i nodded, guilt and discomfort churning in my stomach. What was i doing? I had no business indulging him. i had no business indulging any man. Ever.
 I looked away, pulling my hands up off his shoulder, pushing his hand off my hip as well . He didn’t say anything his shoulders stiffened at the subtle rejection. 
A mantle of awkward tension settled over us, a small thundercloud of regret and that threatened to rain misery all over us. I wanted to kick myself.  He was older than Jungkook by four years. Thirty eight years old. 
Did he have a girlfriend? Oh god, what if he was martried?
Nausea threatened. 
“Your breathing sounds fine. Are you practicing those breathing exercises , I taught you?” He asked casually and I nodded . I couldn’t trust myself to speak. 
“Hey...” He said gently and I flinched. 
“I’m sorry.” I blurted out. “ I didn’t mean to lead you on or tease you in any way and I’m sorry if i came on to you ...”
“What?! Heejin, stop. That’s bullshit. You never did any such thing. This was all me.” He said firmly. 
I stared at him.
“I know you’re married but... your marriage, its going to end right? Eventually.” 
I made to step back but he grabbed my waist again, this time a few inches over my jean and his fingers on the bare skin of my midriff made me want to melt. He had long slender fingers, a surgeons hands, and the press of it on my skin felt so foreign and gentle and different and good. 
“We don’t have to do anything. I just... I thought we could get to know each other. Over coffee or dinner.”
I wanted to sob at the unfairness of it all.
Because Yoongi was beautiful and handsome and so good and so much more than I could ever even dream of,  but he was and would always be so intricately woven with Jungkook and with Jungkook’s life. And I couldn’t imagine anything more messy than sticking around and watching Jungkook and his daughter forget me and move on.
“It’s.... probably a terrible idea. “ I said roughly, shaking my head. “ Its the kind of idea that would never end well.” 
“Are you sure? Because unlike Jungkook, i could probably make you cum.” He winked and I felt my face flame red. 
“Oh God...” I hissed, stumbling back. This time he let me move away, merely chuckling and reaching for his coat and bag . 
“I won’t bother you again. But the offer’s always open, yeah?” He smiled again. “ You need me to send over more pain meds?”
I shook my head mutely, begging him to just leave already. 
He nodded and held his hand up in a casual wave before walking out of the door. I collapsed on the stool and dropped my head into my arms , groaning. 
What had i gotten myself into. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I didn’t actually see Jungkook for a couple of days. The meds knocked me out and he worked overtime, only arriving after I’d slept off and leaving before i woke up. Jin brought Mina around everyday and there was something absolutely exhilarating about watching her clutch at her little teething toys and rattles, gummy smile peeking out every few minutes. 
On a whim, i told Jin what had happened with Yoongi and much to my surprise he actually laughed. 
“About time . He’s been pining for what three years now?” 
I gaped at him, completely thrown.
“I..he.. what.” I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around what I had heard. 
“He saw you at that art exhibition you put up in the Hyatt . By the way, don’t you paint anymore?”
I flushed. 
I had no proper response to that. What could i say? That my painting had just been yet another way to control me, only appreciated by father when he could use it to make more money. And that part of my marriage contract included that I wouldn’t paint or make any money off my art for the duration that I stayed with Jungkook. 
It was just yet another way my father reminded me that he controlled him. I didn’t fight him because he would win anyway. And the only thing he loved more than controlling people was winning battles that were always rigged in his favor. i wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. I would soldier through this awful marriage and at the end of it , i would disappear without a trace. 
I shook my head vaguely and Jin hummed. 
“Yoongi doesn’t understand art but he hung around the entire nine hours , morning to night . Three whole days of him just pretending to look at the artwork while secretly making moon eyes at you.”
I could only stare in sheer disbelief. 
“i... i never knew.” 
“How could you? Yoongi’s idea of courting is pretending he doesn’t exist and fading into the background. “ Jin rolled his eyes. “ He tried approaching your father to officially court you but your old man shut that down rather brutally.” 
I swallowed . 
“I... I’m sorry.” i said feeling foolish. Three years...what? I couldn’t think beyond the shock of the information. 
“Does Jungkook know?” I asked , scared. 
Jin shook his head.
“Like I said Yoongi never made it known . He was afraid it would make life difficult for you. He didn’t want any rumors around because everyone knew your father was looking to offer you to someone rich and young. Yoongi was what , fifteen years older? That’s quite a difference.”
“Thirty eight isn’t old.” I said sharply and Jin’s brow went up. 
“Oh?” He questioned teasingly and I flushed. 
“Jungkook is eleven years older. What’s another four more years?” I shrugged.
“You’re interested then.” Jin said thoughtfully. I recoiled, shaking my head quickly.
“I...what? No. No I’m not. “ 
“Why not? If it isn’t the age, then there’s no reason  to say no. Yoongi is handsome , settled and a great guy all around and besides,  your time with Jungkook is finite right?” 
“I... I won’t cheat on him.” I said firmly. “ i can’t... I... besides, Jungkook and I... we’re... we have sex.” My ears turned red, “ I can’t do that with two guys... I’m not like that. “ 
Jin nodded.
“Its alright.. Heejinah ...I’m sorry if i pressured you or anything. You don’t have to do anything. I know you have a lot on your plate right now. Yoongi probably got carried away . More than likely he’s going to panic and avoid you for a year just to recover.” He laughed and I smiled reluctantly. 
“He’s nice I don’t want to hurt him. “ I said softly. 
“ Sometimes that’s just inevitable . People get hurt no matter what we choose.” Jin gave me a sad little smile. “ Jungkook is just as nice a gy as Yoongi. If not better. He’s just...not in the right headspace to show that side of himself to you. I wish you’d known him before Sooah. He used to be this...playful and funny kid. We all went out of our way to keep him safe. Sooah was just as amazing. Usually , we try to find flaws in people our friends  date right? Well trust me Sooah was hard to dislike .” He laughed, eyes misting over as his gaze landed on her  portrait over the mantle. 
I followed his gaze and swallowed. 
“Do you think Jungkook will ever get over her?” I asked simply. 
Jin hesitated. 
“Someday? Probably yes. But it won’t be easy. He’s ... He feels things deeply. He always has. He loved her deeply, he cared for her deeply and so its only obvious that he’s going to feel the loss of her presence very deeply too.” 
I nodded. 
“Its his birthday tomorrow.” I said softly. “ I have a gift for him. Well its not a gift from me, but a gift nonetheless.  But I’m not sure if I should give it to him.” 
Jin gave me a surprised look. 
“What do you mean?” 
I smiled bitterly.
“Just that sometimes fate can be very cruel when it chooses its players. I’m forever wondering if he would be better off or worse without me in the picture and I just can’t decide.” 
“Different. He would just be different.” Jin said calmly. 
There was nothing else i could say to that. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yugyeom had rented out the rooftop restaurant in one of the poshest Hotels in Seoul and although the party was a pool party, I hadn’t bothered dressing for it. I wore a plain sequined top and burgundy skirt that fanned out around me knees. 
The place was teeming with people his age , friends acquaintances and business partners. The women had changed into bright , skimpy bikinis and lounged about in the brightly lit pool tossing a ball around .
The older people were being hosted by the Jeons on the lower level of the restaurant in a posh ballroom. Jungkook and i would have to visit them later but for now I was content sipping a mocktail, leaning against the bar while Hoseok and Lisa flanked me on either side, pointing out who was sleeping with who. 
Jungkook was in the pool with Yugyeom and Jimin and it was impossible to tear my eyes away from him. He looked happy almost, laughing and shaking water out of his hair as he moved around with the strength and agility of an Olympic athlete. Yoongi was in the pool as well and on the opposite team with Jin and Namjoon....and it was increasingly obvious that the half a dozen bikini clad women were there simply for an excuse to touch the handsome alphas as they worked up a sweat. 
“Jungkook is such a competitive bastard.” Hoseok laughed. “But I don’t know what’s gotten into Yoongi today. i can’t believe he’s in the pool. “
“Of his own volition. “ Lisa added. “ usually someone has to strip him and toss him in. 
Yoongi kept glancing at me every few minutes. It was impossible to miss. It was also impossible to miss that at least three of the six women in the pool were trying to get into his pants. 
I sighed and turned back to the bartender asking for a refill. when i turned back around, Jungkook and Yugyeom were climbing out of the pool and Jin was moving to the opposite side to take their place with Jimin. 
“Jungkook and i are going to go get a drink. Anything for you , beautiful?” Yugyeom reached out to touch me and I almost fell in my haste to get away from him. 
“Keep your hands off me.” I snapped . Jungkook frowned. 
“No need to be rude, Heejin , he was just being polite.” He said softly and i smelt the alcohol on his breath.
“Don’t drink too much Jungkook.”
“Oh come on, beautiful., Its his birthday let him live a little...” Yugyeom laughed and I glared at him.
“I’d rather have him live longer “ I snapped. “ And that can’t happen if you keep trying to give him alcohol poisoning.” 
Yugyeom rolled his eyes. 
“Is she always this dramatic, Jungkook-ah.” Yugyeom laughed. Jungkook didn’t laugh but he gave me a look that said, ‘ please don’t make a scene’ and I bit my lips. 
I didn’t want to ruin his night. He looked ....so close to a normal person tonight and whether I liked it or not Yugyeom had contributed to that. The music was apparently Jungkook’s favorites only, the pool because he loved volleyball in the water and the buffet had all his favorite foods. Yugyeom had gone out of his way to make the party perfect and i suddenly felt like the troll stomping on Jungkook’s happiness. 
Swallowing my own instinct to drag my husband away from the alpha who had his arms around him, I turned away and walked off to the pool. Yoongi’s face lit up when he saw me.
“Hey there, angel. Here to watch me kick some ass? “ He cupped his hands in the water, before tossing a handful of water at me. I blinked in surprise, laughing a little. 
“I’m just here to cheer Jin oppa. “ I said impishly, moving over to the lounge chair near his side of the pool. Yoongi’s pout was adorable and I couldn’t help but laugh. 
Maybe I could stop worrying about Jungkook for a while. Yugyeom wasn’t dangerous. Even if he got a little drunk, I was still here. So were all of our friends. 
It would be fine. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
it wasn’t fine. 
An hour later, I found Jungkook in a room filled with cigarette smoke and light music, yugeyom and his friends scattered around the place with a few beautiful women lounging about on their laps. 
“You said one drink Yugyeom...he’s completely out of his mind.” I said shrilly staring at where Jungkook sat on the couch , shirtless and laughing as some girl in a bikini ran her fingers up and down his arm. She had one leg draped over his thigh.  I felt sick at the very sight of it. 
its because he’s drunk ,  I told myself.  He’s drunk and can’t consent, that’s why you feel sick, nothing else.  
Yugyeom gave me an easy smile. 
“Guy just wants to have some fun. Reina’s a friend of mine. She’ll take good care of him don’t worry. She’s the birthday gift i got him. “ He leered. 
I resisted the urge to punch him in the face. 
Glaring at him, 
“Jungkook, we’re leaving. Come on.” I made to move towards him but a hand shot out, gripping my wrist like a vice. 
“Not so fast baby.... I already paid for her. You can’t just waltz in here and take away her livelihood.” He sneered. “ Unless you want to take her place. This is a special bar you know. All these lovelies, they have something in common with you.” 
I stared at him frowning.
“What does that mean?” 
“I hired them from an omega escort agency...you know because that’s all you omegas are useful for anyway.” 
I rolled my eyes, yanking on my wrist. 
“You and your medieval ideals can go to hell. I’m going home. Jungkook!!” I yelled again and this time Jungkook turned eyes landing on me. 
“Heejin?” He slurred. 
“We need to go home, Jungkook.” I said firmly. 
“Now?” He blinked. I nodded. 
“Yes now.” I made to move away but this time Yugyeom wrapped both arms around my waist, pinning me to his body. Pain , sharp and unbearable shot up my ribs and I whimpered. He was squeezing too hard and God what if the cracked rib just snapped? 
Panic began setting in and I yelped.
“Let me go you bastard.” I struggled to get away, staring in disbelief at my husband . 
Jungkook was standing but he swayed dangerously. There was no clarity there and his eyes were hooded. He was drunk. Really, really drunk. 
“Jungkook tell him to let me go!!” I yelled , trying to tamp down the panic that was rising up my throat. 
“Don’t worry Kook. Just gonna ask her to wait outside for a while. Why don’t you finish your conversation with Reina.. i’ll entertain your wife for a while.” He drawled and i felt my entire body go ice cold at that. 
Jungkook was blinking rapidly, the words clearly not registering and genuine terror began to bleed into my veins. Jungkook couldn’t even fathom that i was in genuine danger here, let alone help me. Oh God, why had i come alone? Where were the others??
Yugyeom held me tighter and i swallowed a groan . My ribs felt like they were on fire. 
“Let’s take this somewhere private, Heejin?” He whispered into my neck and i couldn’t believe it. Yugyeom was drunk yes, but was this idiot also insane? 
“Wait...no.. Yugeyom don’t be a fucking idiot. If you touch me, that’s fucking rape...You can go to prison for that .” I shouted, trying to drill some sense into his head. He wasn’t going to risk prison to make a point was he?? 
“Not if you seduce me angel...and you’re going to... Or I’ll just tell people you did...same difference , right?” he whispered. 
And then he began dragging me off to the corner and my eyes fell on a side door leading out of the room . 
 If you let him take you there this is going to become frighteningly real,  a voice screamed in my head and I inhale deeply, ready to scream loud enough to get the attention of everyone in the damned building. 
The door opened just as I opened my mouth and I froze, watching Mrs Jeon walk into the lounge, looking lost.
“What is this place?” She muttered out loud looking around and the arms around me fell away so fast, I crashed to the floor. 
“Heejin-ah!” Yoongi’s voice came from right behind her and I flinched, willing my shaking legs to stop trembling. 
“Mrs. Jeon...” I muttered, voice strained and ribs throbbing. 
“Heejin? What is going on here? Where’s my son?” 
“Fuck... Jungkook-ah...” Yoongi moved to get him and I took a deep steadying breath. 
Years ago , I’d taken a self defence class and one thing i’d definitely enjoyed learning was how to throw a punch. And It wasn’t something i’d forgotten. 
Planting my feet firmly , i lightly rotated my hips, a subtle shift, before engaging my core , drawing all the fury and helpless rage inside me into my fist. I pulled my shoulders in and took a deep breath. Punch past your target , i told myself. You’re not just going to break his jaw you’re going to put him in the hospital tonight. 
“Mrs. Jeon, Jungkook had a great time toni-” His voice was all i needed to hear  to know exactly where his mouth was behind me. 
i relaxed my muscles as i threw the punch, contracting them just as my fist landed on Kim Yugyeom’s face.  
The satisfying sound of flesh on bone felt like music to my ears and Yugyeom’s sharp cry of sheer agonizing pain even sweeter. 
He crashed to the floor in a heap and I could feel my fist throb like hell. I was going to bruise so badly. But it was worth it. 
“That was for telling me that you were going to rape me and tell everyone that i seduced you.” I said calmly. 
Yoongi let out a noise of disbelief. 
“What the actual fuck.....” He shouted. 
“Yugyeom what the fuck man? Are you out of your damned mind?” One of his friends yelled. Yugyeom merely groaned. 
He couldn’t answer, blood trickling down his chin and hands cradling his jaw, whimpers falling out of his  mouth. My own fist throbbed like hell so the damage had to be significant. 
Mrs Jeon looked horrified and when she opened her mouth i quickly held a hand up.
“I’m not doing this. Not tonight. “ I said calmly. Jungkook was quiet, the way he always got when he was drunk and I groaned. 
It was going to be a long night. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“We need to talk.” I said calmly and Jungkook swallowed. 
“Heejin, I’m -”
“Hear me out first Jungkook.” I said sharply. “ I don’t need your apology, it means nothing to me because it means nothing to you. You’re not sorry that you didn’t help me last night. You’re just angry that you had to help at all. You don’t give a fuck about me. I know that and I’m okay with that. What I’m not okay with is you getting drunk to the point that you don’t even recognize that someone’s in need of help. “ 
I took a deep breath. 
“If you did it to me, you’ll do it to your daughter too. Yugyeom is going to get you drunk someday when you’re taking care of Mina by yourself and then when she needs you, what are you going to do?” 
“You’re right... I shouldn’t have gotten that drunk -”
“I’m only here , talking to you , because of your daughter. If it was just you, I wouldn’t give a damn because you’re an adult and if you make your bed , you can just lie on it. It wouldn’t bother me. But Mina...she’s not capable of making the right choices. She need a father who can make the right choices, because whatever shitty choice you make, your daughter is going to be there along for the ride whether she wants to or not. You drive your car off a cliff tomorrow , she’s going to be there in the car seat laughing because she doesn’t know the consequences of your choices. “ 
I clenched my fists to keep my voice even. To stop myself from yelling. 
“I have something for you. “ 
I grabbed the brown paper wrapped canvas from under the table. 
“It’s a painting . Your wife commissioned me to make this a year ago when she got pregnant.” 
He froze so eerily still that it made me nervous.
“At first , i wasn’t sure if i should be giving it to you because well... because i was marrying you ... I wasn’t sure that it would be right, coming from me ...because I was taking your wife’s place after all...”
i laughed. 
“Now I know that's just bullshit. I don’t have a place in your life. I’m a nobody. This isn’t about me. This is about you. She told me back then that you were nervous about being a father. That was all she said. And she wanted me to pain this. “ I held the canvas out to him. 
“You can see it. I’m going to go stay with Jin oppa for a few days. I want you to see it. It shows how your wife saw you. The kind of father she hoped you would be. I want you to see it and make a choice. You can either get the help you need. “ i took a deep breath, “ Or I’m going to tell Yoongi that you’re incompetent to be a father. He’ll file charges , “ I had to close my eyes to get the next words out, “ and you will lose custody of your daughter.” 
Jungkook inhaled sharply, hands curling into fists on his knees. 
“i hope you make the right choice.” 
I wrapped both my arms around myself and walked out. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author’s note. :
I’m so exhausted I’ll tag people tomorrow! 
.@girlinthemikrokosmos  @xius-exos  @sugainfireslex  @yunkichiee@kpopstudybee @ephyraaaa  @peachoney9795 @ggukkieland  @veronawrites  @blr1004   @tinyhoagiepartylover @btsis7okay@squishyjk  @itsdingdong @emmmui  @honeeybunneey  @yeonkiminnie
@just-me-and-myselfs  @delicate-snow-flake  @kpop-lore  @beautifulvirgobutterfly @sumzysworld  @btsmylife21  @teresaisla
.@melrosaeparker @taestannie @dchimminie  @ meraki--life   @somewhereinthestarss  @mawwnsterr  @kookiesbreaky  @chimchoom 
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astaroth1357 · 4 years
Text
Demon Brothers as Roommates
Intro:
So, the MC has left the Devildom and, of course, everybody is quite sad… But this time around, they have a little trick up their sleeve. With just a bit of magic (and training thanks to Solomon) the MC can now summon one of their favorite demon boys up to the human world with them! There's just, uh, one problem though… After being summoned to their side, their beloved demon now refuses to leave it.
Alright MC, enjoy your new demonic roommate!!
Lucifer
Apparently Lucifer is on sabbatical… And yes, he does appreciate that irony in that.
Lucifer actually has a surprising amount of human world money stashed away in alias accounts (because this man renting a cheap motel on business trips? Let's be real) so he uses that wealth to get them a place befitting his standards… which are high.
Spacious apartments in nice areas that would make even the upper middle-class shit their pants? Congrats, MC, that's where you're staying now!
Even with all that money, though, Lucifer CANNOT sit idle for a second. The guy is used to working all his life and just sitting around would drive him insane!
Expect him to still be running some Devildom affairs long-distance style while doing something else on the side, probably stock market stuff tbh.
Is going to want to pay for and provide everything himself but will respect the MC if they still want to work and split the bills (not to a ridiculous degree, though, like half-and-half because that would mean getting three jobs at least).
A lot of trips and vacations too, especially if the MC likes to travel. It’s a good excuse to relax while also technically doing something so he doesn’t lose his mind doing nothing in particular.
He is going to be that strict roommate who expects you not to be a slob and isn't afraid to say so. Regularly scheduled cleaning/organization days are mandatory because hygiene is important. Take some pride in yourself and wash up, MC. That kind of thing.
Also going to have short-fuse for… antics. If you want to prank him, do so at your own risk because he may prank back (and that’s not nearly as fun as it sounds, trust me.)
Mammon
Yeah so, living with Mammon is like the inverse of Lucifer. Prepare to be poooor.
Man has no human money, are you kidding me? Even if he did, he wouldn’t keep it for very long. Couples budgeting is a MUST if you’re looking to survive.
The apartment is going to be whatever the MC can more or less afford on their own with Mammon shoved in somewhere like a cheap lamp… Don’t expect a lot of room.
However, Mammon is great at the hustle. Man can work multiple jobs and actually be pretty dang good at them. For the most part, anyway. He may occasionally trip up and get himself fired, but he bounces back quick.
If the MC isn’t so moral he can also uh… “find” some extra money lying around too. Just be careful when playing with fire, right?
Even if they’re poor as shit, Mammon is still a blast to be around. The guy knows how to have fun on and off of a budget. Lots of “window shopping” (getting kicked out of stores for goofing off), nightclubs, amusement parks, and cheap fun. They’ll never be without a story to tell or a smile on their face!
He IS pretty slobbish though. He’s not going to remember to clean up after himself unless told, but he’s also not going to be bothered if they don’t do the same thing. A weekly cleaning day is going to be ideal unless they don’t mind living in a pigsty...
Prank waaaaars!! The kind of guy to get them both water guns and have a war in the middle of the apartment complex. Good luck getting any rest with Mammon around.
Leviathan 
Whelp, your room is now his room, quite literally MC. You had to pick the shut-in…
The guy isn’t exactly poor but what human money he does have is all wrapped up in his many interests… Merch interests specifically. 
Thankfully, he won’t take up too much space. Put him in a room with a desk, bed (or bathtub), TV, and computer and he’s good to go! 
He’s not going to be a complete bum, thankfully. There’s no way that they can get him to leave the apartment, but he can run small online stores (usually anime themed) or become a streamer. Probably enough to help pay the bills, but not much more.
If they don’t mind having a literally permanent housemate, then being with Levi has its own kind fun. Lots of anime marathons, movie nights, and game nights. Really, it’s just like how he was in the House, but now transported to the human world.
Is probably going to want a pet goldfish, snake ,or lizard so prepare to house Henry 3.0.
When he does leave the apartment, it’s to take the MC to conventions, concerts, or anime stores. He always manages to get just enough money for these trips, but never says where the money comes from… Best not to ask. Could be black market for they know...
… He’s a shut-in. He’s a shut-in roommate. Hygiene isn’t exactly his main concern. If they ask him to, he’ll make sure to clean up after himself, but he may need a reminder.
Can have a fun side, but just don’t mess with his stuff too much. He doesn’t need a Mammon 2.0 around too...
Satan
He's either hatching a plan for world domination or adopting 10 cats… One or the other.
About as poor as Mammon at first, but threat not. He won’t be for very long. Satan is intelligent beyond his years (or equivalent his years maybe?) so he’ll probably net himself several degrees within a couple semesters like a certified prodigy.
At that point, there really isn’t much to worry about (aside from student loans, join our pain Satan) but he can sell himself just fine and probably get some high paying job like a lawyer or doctor or whatever… I’m not jealous…
They’ll start out in a pretty modest place, but there will be upgrades fairly quickly when he starts racking it in so Satan’s a fairly decent choice as a roommate.
He does still have that nasty habit of breaking things when he’s pissed off, but that can be subverted by getting a pet! Just hold up whatever cat you own when he’s about to rampage then declare that he’s scaring/upsetting them and he’ll stop in his tracks. Works every time!
Probably going to be the most domestic out of the brothers. He enjoys cooking (and ain’t half bad at it either), shopping is a practical necessity, he’ll take care your pets like they were his own flesh and blood, etc.
There will even to be points where he’s in bed reading in the middle of the night with tea and reading glasses like some kind of grandma so take that image for what you will.
Satan is the prankster of the household, but he does his pranks more as a way to give grief to his enemies rather than for funsies. Be warned, if you poke this bear he will retaliate for sweet, sweet revenge and he has centuries worth of pranks behind him. Good luck.
Asmodeus 
It's a new party every night, sweetie, get used to it!
Asmo is the only other brother who has some amount of money to offer from his own trips to the human world, but it's just a modest amount.
Is totally willing to work to help pay for a nice place. He wants a building nice enough to host parties!
Would go back to modeling and maybe dip his toe into acting from time to time… He gets a lot of gigs (this IS the Avatar of Lust after all) so they won't be strapped for cash. Which is good, because Asmo is a very "business by day, but party every night" kind of person. 
Do know that his shopping is NOT going to slow down either. Keep an eye on the budget.
He’s also going to make friends wherever he goes so he’s going to want for them all to hang out at least somewhat regularly.
That being said, he can tone it down some if the MC so desires, just know that they can’t keep him cooped up in the apartment for too long or he’ll start getting antsy. You can’t keep this stallion locked up, MC, he needs to run free!!
Being with Asmo is going to be like having a free pass to whatever gathering the MC wants to go to, at least. He could even get them into red carpet events with just his sheer charisma, charm, and er-… “charms.” Who doesn’t want to meet their favorite actress or singer, eh?
But oh, sweetie, please don’t prank him! Life is too short to waste on silly games (he also just genuinely just doesn’t enjoy being messed with so best not do it).
Beelzebub 
Brave choice, MC, but quick question. How in the world are you going to pay your food bills???
Beel is a real sweetheart through and through but his stomach is NOT. That thing will eat them out of house and home! (Maybe even literally!!) Both of them are going to have to work and probably some pretty looong hours (cause he’s got no money either).
Honestly, Beel would be best as a personal trainer in the human world. He’s a pretty decent combination of tough but genuinely kind and motivating. (The fact that he’s pretty easy on the eyes would help out a lot too).
But the MC won’t have to worry about Beel sneaking off with someone just looking for some “quality time.” He’d take his job seriously, though he’s not particularly versed in what the human body can’t handle so only the really dedicated (or masochistic) would stick with him anyway.
“Good work last week, April! You did so well that we’re going to go from 500 pushups to a thousand! … I can see you’re worried, but I believe in you.”
But hey, he can deadlift well over 2,000 pounds without breaking a sweat so who has the balls to argue with him, anyway?
Trying out every restaurant in town would be a must. He’d even plan out vacations for them with the sole purpose of travelling the globe and tasting the different flavors. Food trips!!
He's neat enough since he used to tidy up a lot for Belphie so no need to worry about him picking up after himself (except for the occasional pile of wrappers. Toss those out unless you want ants)
I mean, you can prank Beel if you want. He'll be pretty good-natured about it as long as it stays harmless. Just don't ruin any of his food, got it?
Belphegor 
So… Belphie makes for some excellent décor! Really he is great at laying around and looking fantastic just… he’s not that great at much else...
Realistically, choosing Belphie as a roommate is kind like having a high maintenance pet. He’s good for love and cuddles, but he’s not going to be helping with the bills or anything unless they whine incessantly about it.
If the MC can make enough for the both of them, then it should be fine. They won’t get upset and he won’t be crabby but if not… Oh boy.
Regular job Belphie is a needy Belphie. He’ll come back from whatever job he’s working, likely a night shift, and demand attention or cuddles right then and there. He needs to recharge those batteries, after all...
If he isn’t working then he's at his happiest. He can even pull off being a “househusband” of sorts. He’s not going to go above and beyond the call of duty, but he can keep the place clean, get a basic meal on the table (provided someone teaches him some human recipes), and get groceries if he needs to… You know, basic domestic shit.
They’re going to have to come to terms with the fact that, at some level, Belphie just doesn’t believe in “common curtesy” or “human decency.” If some neighbors are being too noisy for his liking, he will troll them to oblivion and beyond. He may even get sued for it if he takes it too far, so the MC will have to keep an eye on him…
He’s the House’s #2 prankster, but unlike Satan he doesn’t need any malice to be a little shit. The MC will be pranked and it will be at the most unexpected times. Be warned...
Check out my Masterlist for more!
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cosmicjoke · 3 years
Text
Ah, and now onto one of the most depressing chapters in all of SnK, chapter 132.
You know, if anyone ever needed a reason to despise Floch any more, how about the fact that he’s literally the reason Hange died?  If this bitch ass ho hadn’t shot the fuel tank of the plane full of holes, Hange wouldn’t have had to engage with the Titans to buy time for them to fix it, and they wouldn’t have died.  So, fuck you Floch.  I wish you’d suffered more before Mikasa finally ended your ass.
Well, anyway, what can I say about this chapter that hasn’t already been discussed?  Probably nothing, but I’ll try my best to give my observations anyway.
This really is Hange’s chapter, and Levi’s, in terms of putting a spot light on the importance of their relationship to one another.  
Hange’s sacrifice in this chapter is heartbreaking, it truly is, and such a major blow to everyone.  But to Levi most of all, and for so many reasons.
First of all, what stands out to me is the exchange between them, after Pieck tells Hange to stop being “gross”.  What I want to talk about here is when Hange asks Levi if he thinks their dead comrades are watching, and if he thinks they’ll be proud of what they do here today.  Levi tells Hange to stop talking like “him”, meaning of course Erwin.  This scene is just heart-wrenching, and part of that is, I think, because of Levi’s reaction to what Hange is saying.  He has, once again, such a weary, resigned looked on his face, and it’s because, I think, of the parallels he sees with Erwin.  I think Levi already knows, at this point, that Hange is going to die, in some way.  He recognizes the same, fatalistic bent to Hange’s mindset as he saw in Erwin, that day in Shinganshina, the same burden of guilt.  Just as Erwin began to bow and break under the weight of all the lives that had been lost under his command, Hange too is beginning to break, overcome by despair and hopelessness at what they perceive to be their failures.  Hange expresses this outright in the scene with Yelena, when Yelena tries forcing everyone to admit that Zeke was right, and Hange just resignedly agrees, saying that it was because of their failure to come up with a plan, because of their loss of hope, that Eren’s done what he has.  Of course, this isn’t true, just like Erwin blaming himself for the deaths of all those soldiers wasn’t based in any kind of truth.  But the sense of guilt is the same.  Hange blames themselves for what’s happening now, and they say this in front of everyone, including Levi.  And then Hange says what they do to Levi, about their dead comrades, and I think this must have been like the worst kind of deja vu to Levi, this kind of guilt driving Hange towards despair and hopelessness.  He tells Hange “Don’t you start talking like him, too...” because he can’t bear it.  He can’t bear to see his last, true friend succumb to the same fate as Erwin.
And then the Rumbling shows up, and Hange refuses for anyone else to engage with the Titans but themselves.  They tell everyone “I’m the one who led us here.  I pressed on, even at the cost of so many lives.  Time to face the music.”, and it’s Hange willingly taking on the role of martyr, the same one Levi had to help Erwin to accept for himself, in order to give their comrades a chance at victory.  Hange’s selflessness here is the definition of heroic.  True, unwavering conviction to what they believe is right.
But once again, similarly to Levi’s final push to help Erwin become the commander everyone believed him to be, Levi recognizes for Hange, in their final moment together, what it is they need.  He doesn’t try to stop Hange, doesn’t try to convince them against their chosen course of action, doesn’t cry out after them.  The same way Levi recognized in Erwin the way he was being crushed under the weight of his guilt, and understood how it would be a mercy and a salvation to make for him the decision to let go of his dream and die, Levi also recognizes in Hange that same burden and suffocating sense of guilt, and knows this is a decision Hange has made for themselves, their final absolution and ownership of their past choices, and that this is the thing Hange needs to relieve them of their burden.  A way for them to bear the burden of their past choices without regret.  Hange implores Levi to let them walk away and do this, and Levi does, because he understands, the same as he understood with Erwin.
But we finally see in full view the consequences for Levi in making these decisions, in letting his two, closest friends go to their deaths for the sake of their cause.  Levi’s expression in the following three panels is one of such unfathomable heartbreak.  He looks like a man utterly resigned to losing every good thing in his life, conscious and accepting of life’s bitter injustice and the grief of loss, but no less affected by it.  Levi is in so much obvious pain here.  Not physical (though obviously there’s that), but emotional and mental.  Hange is it for him.  They’re his last, real connection, his last, true friend, his last person.  And he has to let them go here.  Both for the sake of humanity, and for Hange’s own sake as well.  It truly is the bitterest pill to swallow.  And once again, it is a desperately heartbreaking display of Levi’s own selflessness, that he lets Hange go, that he lets Hange do this thing that needs to be done, without complaint, without protest, without influence from his own feelings, sacrificing once more what would be best for him for the sake of everyone else.  Levi looks devastated as he lays his fist against Hange’s chest and tells them “dedicate your heart”.  This final acceptance of his own, tragic loss, and Hange’s own choice to sacrifice their life.
And it continues when Hange flies away, at last, and we see Levi standing with the rest of their group.  Everyone around Levi has expressions of shock, dismay, and disbelief.  They haven’t yet accepted that this is happening, that Hange is flying to their death to buy them the time they need.  They look astonished and horrified.  But Levi is the lone exception.  He doesn’t look shocked, or disbelieving, but only continues to carry that same expression of weary, despairing resignation and acceptance.  And I think what we see in Levi, in this final arc is, in many ways, the culmination of a lifetime of loss and grief.  Levi’s lost more than probably any other character in SnK.  He’s experienced the most extreme forms of poverty and depravation from the time he was born, and with the death of Hange, has now lost every, single person that he ever formed any kind of close bond with.  With Hange’s death, Levi is left finally, completely alone.  And the look of defeat on Levi’s face throughout this entire arc is, I think, reflective of the affirmation he must feel, of the cruelty and injustice of life’s indifference to the suffering of everyone.  Every experience in Levi’s life has driven home to him the lesson, again and again, of the unfairness and cruelty of existing in this world.  And the events of this final arc, Eren’s betrayal, Zeke’s manipulations and cruelties, the deaths of so many comrades, the Rumbling, violence and destruction and allies turning against one another, and finally, Hange’s death, can only solidify for him the hopeless cynicism he’s fought against all his life, the awful comprehension of life’s brutality.  With Hange’s death, Levi is made to face once more what he’s always, deep down, known, which is that to exist in this world is to suffer with no purpose.  
And yet, still, Levi fights on.  He accepts Hange’s death with all the pain the loss crushes him down with.  He tells Hange goodbye, and asks them to “Just watch us.”.  Because even with the affirmation of all of Levi’s greatest despairs, he still finds a reason to make the fight worth it.  To realize the dream they all fought for, the salvation and future of humanity, and through the realization of that dream, to give meaning and importance to the lives of all those who have died in that dreams name, and meaning and importance to the lives of those yet still there.  Levi refuses, still, to give up, refuses to accept the futility and insignificance of people’s lives, even as he’s so ruthlessly reminded again and again of it.  And it’s in Hange, I think, that Levi finds that strength.  Because Hange also refused to give up.  Like they told Floch as he bled out, “We still can’t give up.  Even if we fail here, now, maybe someday...”  Maybe someday, life really will get better.  Maybe someday, people won’t have to suffer so much.  Maybe someday, there really will be a point to all of it.  Even in the face of total despair, Hange and Levi both found reasons to keep fighting.
Also, just some smaller observations about Levi’s physical state, and what it also says about his determination to not give up, but also about his perception of himself.
Levi is doing BAD here.  I didn’t notice this on my first read through, but when they’re all gearing up with their ODM gear, Levi is the only one sitting down on a crate, while everyone else is standing.  We see earlier in the chapter, when he leaves his room on the boat, he can’t even stand without the support of a handrail on the upper deck, or Armin’s arm around his shoulders.  And then when we see him testing his grip on the handle of his ODM’s blade, his hand is visibly shaking.  Levi’s physically too weak to stand on his own at this point, too weak to even hold his blades steady.  He must be in absolutely horrific pain.  Probably dizzy and lightheaded, probably nauseas even.  He’s FAILING physically.  On the verge, it seems, of collapse.  The fact that he’s even up and making the effort to move is something of a miracle, let alone that he’s prepared to engage in intense, physical combat, which just a short time later, he DOES.  That’s remarkable, and such a testament to Levi’s incredible will and unwavering conviction to fight for humanity.  He’s dying.  I think literally, he’s extremely close to death, genuinely frail.  But he still is ready and willing to give his all.  I think, over the course of the few chapters before this one, it must have been horrifically hard for Levi to sit by and watch as everyone else risked their lives to fight.  This isn’t something Levi is used to, being helpless and unable to fight for others.  He isn’t used to letting others take the risk while he stays back.  When Levi comes out of his cabin and Armin tries to convince him to go back to bed, Levi snaps with impatience that if he keeps resting, they’re all going to forget he even exists.  This reveals a lot about Levi’s perception of himself as someone who needs to make himself useful in order to matter.  As a tool to utilize.  He feels useless and like dead weight if he isn’t able to fight, and so, even on deaths door, he pushes himself to do just that, to become a weapon to be used in the coming battle.  It’s heartbreaking, to see Levi regard himself this way, even as it proves his incredible devotion and heart.  Once again, his own well being takes a backseat to the cause of others.  His health is secondary, in his mind.  For someone who always shows so much compassion and kindness and understanding for others, it makes it doubly heartbreaking, to see that Levi can’t manage the same compassion for himself, can’t give himself a break, or a pass for his weakness.  That he can’t allow himself that vulnerability, or for others to fight for him, even as all his life, he’s done nothing but fight for others.  
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dialux · 3 years
Text
It is not a dream, whatever they say afterwards.
...
She is born at the stroke of midnight, on the hottest day of the year. Anaire sweats and curses through the last week of her pregnancy. Fingolfin claims to have hauled blocks of ice down the Calacirya for his wife’s comfort, balanced on his broad shoulders.
But none of it matters, because the moment that little Aredhel, blood-slicked and howling, slips from her mother’s body, lightning flashes, thunder claps, and the heavens open up around her.
...
She is born in rain. She is born into a tempest that shatters trees and warps stone. She is born into the kind of elemental fury that cannot be taught, only experienced.
...
“There is not only joy to be had in life,” says her mother, once, tending to cuts on Aredhel’s back that were carved by a bear that Aredhel had attacked, armed with nothing more than a knife and her own courage. “There is duty as well, my little girl. Duty and kindness and love.”
Aredhel laughs instead of screaming. “The day I find love shall be the day of my death.”
“Do not say that!”
“I have seen it.”
“Aredhel!”
“Wish freedom for me, if you must offer me something,” says Aredhel, and rises, ignoring the blood staining her gown and the pain. “But not love, and certainly not duty!”
...
The gown had been white before it was ruined. Aredhel washes it in her own bathroom, scrubs and scrubs until her blood and the bear’s blood finally fade, until the sun has bleached the stains to nothingness.
Then she wears it again, braids her hair out of the way, and stalks into the forest.
She doesn’t return until she has tamed the bear into friendship.
...
Forever after, she wears white.
...
It is a reminder: life is a stain. It might begin clean, but it shall never end that way. The only thing to do is to wash it out, and to scrub until one’s arms ache, and to let the cloth dry out before being stained once more.
Aredhel learns many, many tricks to removing the stains.
...
I will have vengeance, or I shall have death, Feanor had snarled in the courtyard of Tirion.
Anaire does not ask any of her sons to remain. She does not even speak to Fingolfin. But she is in Aredhel’s rooms when she returns, sitting in the silent darkness.
“Do not go,” she whispers.
Aredhel remembers bears and blood and bitterness on her tongue. Her life in Aman has been a cage, glittering and golden, and if the world outside it shall be dangerous- well, she has a knife, and her own rage, and the knowledge to scrub out stains.
“Do not try to stop me.”
“Have you no love for a mother?”
“I will have freedom,” says Aredhel levelly, and watches her mother’s face crumple, and refuses to feel guilty for it. “I will have freedom, or I shall have death.”
...
(She does not tell that story to her father. The one time he asks- they all know where Anaire was, that last night in Tirion- Aredhel looks at him, steadily, until he turns away.)
...
There are unforgivable things. Those boats- well, Aredhel has never been a forgiving person, and she does not wish to become one now.
...
There are immense storms on the Helcaraxe. Aredhel hears, sometimes, Lalwen laughing so loud it sounds like a scream. She does not weep: she has not wept for many, many years. Even as her people- those she trusted, those who trusted her- fall like flies, Aredhel does not falter.
The tears would freeze on her face, and she has no time to brush it off.
...
When Elenwe dies, Aredhel allows her brother one night to mourn. She holds little Idril in her arms, soothing the shudders away, and doesn’t release her to anyone else. Her brothers are with Turgon; her father is tending to their people. What Idril needs is someone who remembers her.
The next morning, Aredhel wakes Idril, and she brushes the little girl’s hair out until it shines, casting more wood than strictly necessary to ensure it doesn’t freeze. Aredhel’s fingers are not nimble enough for the proper braids, but she manages a reasonable enough facsimile for her niece.
Then she takes her to Turgon’s tent.
“Get up,” she says coldly.
Argon is curled around Turgon, trying to keep him from fading through sheer force of will. He sits up when he sees Aredhel, eyes wide, and she bares her teeth.
“Get him up,” she says flatly.
“I don’t think that’s...”
“Get out, then,” says Aredhel, and doesn’t watch him scuttle out. Argon will bring someone- either Fingon, or her father- and all that means is that she doesn’t have too much time. She glances down at Idril. “Watch.”
It is four steps from the entrance of the tent to the bed. Aredhel takes the steel knife she once used to attack a bear with- the knife she’d left deliberately exposed to the elements- and places the flat very cleanly against Turgon’s throat.
Turgon jerks at the chill. Aredhel goes with him, fluid as water, so she doesn’t cut his throat but keeps the knife against his skin.
He is stronger than her. Aredhel lets him finally throw her off- though it takes longer than she’d expected- and waits, because Turgon’s  thrashing has finally led him to catch sight of his daughter, his little daughter with her braids done in the Vanya style, looking like the miniature of her mother. The grief in his eyes is simply awful.
Aredhel waits.
And when he finally draws himself around Idril, sobbing but not the terrible, bone-chilling silence of an elf on the verge of fading, Aredhel leaves.
...
“You cannot save anyone,” Aredhel tells Idril, when Turgon finally allows her out of his sight. “But you can offer them a path back. Whether they take it or not is their choice.”
“The Burners,” says Idril, then- that’s what she calls the Feanorians, precocious child that she is- “will you give them a path back, then?”
Aredhel had loved Celegorm, and Curufin, and the twins, too. But she is not a forgiving person.
“If someone burns their bridges,” she says finally, “you do not owe them more tinder.”
...
(That is a lie.)
...
It is not that she is unforgiving.
It is that she does not wish to be forgiving.
...
When Fingon saves Maedhros, Aredhel visits the healer’s tent in the dead of night. She watches the agony of her cousin’s hroa, etched into his skin, and she does not feel triumph.
If she sees Celegorm again, she will fall into his arms, and she will forgive him everything.
But Argon is dead, and so is Elenwe, and so had they all come through the ice, embittered and betrayed. It is not that Aredhel does not want to forgive her cousins; it is that she fears what will happen if she does. She cannot spend her life waiting for a knife in the back.
Turgon wants nothing to do with them.
Fingon will not leave them behind.
And Aredhel does not wish to see another brother dead. She kisses Fingon, and she kisses Fingolfin, and she kisses Finrod and all his siblings, and then she disappears into the night with Turgon, having not spoken to any of her Feanorian cousins since before the Helcaraxe.
...
“Freedom is not a dream,” she tells her mother, once. “I don’t want it. I need it.”
“If what you wish for is total freedom,” Anaire had replied, “you will never have it.”
Aredhel thinks about her mother, who had loved to dance but been forbidden from it by her grandfather; she thinks about how beautifully Anaire dances in the privacy of their home. She thinks about the way Anaire has chained herself down to the thunder and fury of the House of Finwe, and she laughs.
“You would say that,” Aredhel tells her.
...
She builds Gondolin and she leaves Gondolin and she returns to Gondolin.
The day she finds love- the day she knows she finds love- is when she takes a spear meant for her son. It all cracks open and bleeds away, all the rage seething beneath her breastbone, all the fury she’s spent centuries tending to, all the anger that she’s never known the beginning or ending of, and Aredhel is burning with it, blazing, bright as the father who would soon ride to his death and the brother who would collapse under betrayal and the gods she’d once rejected.
She dies from it, of course, but Aredhel has never feared flame.
...
She is set free upon the river, her corpse dressed in the hands of the niece that she’d once cradled so tightly, her hair braided by the brother she chose to follow. To her son she has given her hairclasps; to Idril she has given the knife that once saved Turgon from fading.
(They say steam rose from her body, so great it enveloped all of Gondolin in a great fog for weeks to come.)
...
That knife- that trusty, small little knife- saves Idril and Earendil from Maeglin, atop the wind-battered tower of Gondolin, when Morgoth finally attacks.
...
Later- years later- Ages later- Aredhel falls into her mother’s arms once more. She is a mother now herself, and she has watched and walked beside and touched and loved dark things, and she is not the girl who’d walked into a forest to conquer her fear with not even a knife to defend herself. She was born in rain and died in a river, a High Lady of the Noldor. She was not felled by Morgoth. Poison took her at the end; not hatred, and not blood, and not flame.
She is the first of her family to be reborn.
“Was it worth it?” asks Anaire, once and only once. “Your dreams of freedom- was any of it worth it?”
Aredhel tosses her hair, bares her teeth.
Smiles.
“It was,” she says, “necessary.”
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ackermanslov4r · 3 years
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Ohh man, I heard a song and I NEED a one-shot of Levi x Y / n
The song is Die For You, by The Weeknd, if you want to listen and seek some kind of "inspiration" for the one-shot.
A scene with a mix of angst and fluffy. s1.
Levi and Y / n have been in a relationship for a short time, but Levi is still not comfortable enough showing the things he is feeling, be it his emotions or his affection for Y / n, because he is still afraid of getting too attached and she ends up leaving him (either by breaking up the relationship or losing her on the expeditions), although he loved her more than life itself, and although he was the most fucking sure that he would do anything for her, he doesn't want to deal with the pain of loss again.
On the 57th expedition, where things seem to be out of control, Levi is injured, his former squad is dead, finding his s / o nowhere, only to find her surrounded by titans, her armaments are destroyed and her ODM equipment he is out of gas, Levi, unable to bear the thought of losing her, he hurries to save her, injured, and as soon as he kills all the titans, all his fears and anguish dominate him, and his last memories are of Y / n screaming for him, before passing out.
When he wakes up in an infirmary bed, with Y / n sitting on a chair beside the bed, looking at him with a serious expression but with tears in his eyes, with bandages wrapping his arms and hands, Levi quickly worries and feels guilt , and even before Y / n says something, he pulls her into a hug, where he tells her everything, how much she means to him, his fear of losing her, the fear of approaching someone again, feeling vulnerable again, and as a result, she sees him cry for the first time.
Y / n swears by her life that she would never leave him, not even to death, she would fight to be beside her love and for their future together. In the end, they kiss, and Levi promises himself that no matter what happens, he wants to be with his s / o forever, whether in life or death.
... I feel like that was too cliché LMAO. I don’t know if you’ve ever done a one-shot like this or similar, but I just listened to this song and thought it matched Levi so much, but I don’t know if I’ve specified it too much or confused it, or it doesn’t comply with its standards, but you are free to ignore this request, okay?
But if you do, I would be so grateful that you did, I love your writing, it’s so perfect :3 But anyway, thanks for the attention,dear~
your idea is so good,i hope you'll like it !
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Levi was standing there,all covered in blood,surrounded by the dead bodies of his comrades. The whole forest had turned red,and it was a total massacre. Sometimes,you could glimpse an arm,an head,or a leg,without any body. But still,even if he was surrounded by death,Levi could only think of her. Left alone,his squad dead,he had been looking for y/n for what felt like hours,without success.
Walking in the forest,barely noticing what was around him,he felt sick,desesperate,and a thousand of other emotions he couldn't name.Everything felt blurry,except the thought of her,the fear he felt for her. With every step,he could notice members of her squad,laying dead on the ground,their face and body devastated by titans. Once again,this expedition was useless,causing more damage than anything.
Levi was used to it. He grew up with death,and will live with it,with the ghosts of his past ,until the day he died,welcoming death like an old friend or ennemy. He always thought that,after losing so many people,it won't hurt anymore. He will simply not get attached,and won't be haunted by these old friends spirit. But right now,feeling the panic on his heart,the despair he was in...He knew it wasn't true. He couldn't stop his heart from loving people,as he couldn't stop them from leaving and dying.
But he could still hold himself on a little hope until he saw her,dead or alive. She couldn't be dead,he wouldn't let her be. He remembered all the moments where he could have done and said more,where he could have hold her tighter,kissed her longer. All this time he held himself,staying distant,because he was afraid.Humanity's strongest soldier was afraid,afraid of suffering,afraid of losing.
Even before getting into a relationship,he knew that how he felt for y/n was dangerous. It was a strong,powerful feeling,like something he'd never felt before.And,when it will be gone,when the reason of this feeling,this mix of happiness,love...When it will be gone,if he found her dead on this forest...He didn't know what will be left of him.What his already so broken heart and soul could support.So,he needed to find her,and tell her all the things he wished to tell her. How he loved her,for everything that she was,how he could die for her if she asked.He needed to say how she was the reason why he fought and woke up everyday. He wasn't good with words,but he'll make an exception for her.After making sure she was safe,and telling her that she couldn't leave him,couldn't die on him.He was ready to get her away from whatever was after death himself if she did.
His heart stopped for a few seconds as he finally glimpsed her,and the horror he felt at this moment was nothing like he ever felt.She was surrounded by titans,at least ten,and,after wondering why she wasn’t moving,he noticed her destroyed equipment.She was trapped,with no way of escaping and all his fear were going to come true.
But no. He couldn’t accept it. Couldn’t accept losing her. Even if he was hurt like he’d never been before,even if he felt all his body hurting,even if he could barely hold on his legs...He will fight for her. There was no way he’ll let her die there. Shaking himself a bit,he moved toward the titans,barely noticing what he was doing.
He let his instincts take control of his body. His hands were moving without even being ordered to,and he sliced the titans necks,moving to the other before the one he’d kill even touched the ground. He barely knew who he was or what he was anymore,all his brain focused on saving her,saving the only person he had left.
In a few seconds,a few blinks,the titans were dead. The smoke of their dead body was the only thing Levi was able to see as he touched the ground. Suddenly,he started to feel again,to take back the control of his body. It was as if all his injuries had gone worse,and the hurt was barely bearable.
He just had to see her. To see if she was alive,and safe,before passing out. His eyes looked over,each move of his head feeling like a punch in the face. And then finally,he glimpsed her running toward him,he saw the tears running down her face as she hurried up. If he had the strength,he’ll almost smile at this sight,at the fact that she was alive. But his vision turned black,and as he fell to the ground,he could only hear her screaming his name.
.........
It took Levi only a few seconds to know he wasn’t dead. He just had to glimpse the white room to know he was very much alive.If he happened to die,he was definitely not going to end up in a bright place.
Hardly moving his head,feeling the bruises on his body too well,he glimpsed a sight of the clean and almost empty room,before letting his eyes fall on the only other person there.His heart skipped a beat as he saw her,looking at him with so much worries in the eyes.
It only took him a few seconds to see everything about her. He had studied her face so often that he could notice every single change in it. There were black circles under her eyes,and her whole face,whole body looked tired,like she didn’t sleep for days. Her arms were bandaged,an some scars had appeared on her face. But beside this,she was alive. She had survived. He wouldn’t have to live his whole life with the regrets of what he could have said,but didn’t.
As she stood and went to him,her mouth slightly opened as if she was going to talk,Levi used all his force ,all the small strength he still had on his body,to grab her arms and bring her to his chest. Her scent filled his nose,this scent he loved so much and could drown into.This scent he thought he’ll never smell again.
He held her so hard he thought he might break her some bones,but feeling her,how alive she was,hearing her heartbeat...He wanted to stay like this forever,her in his arms,protecting her,her protecting him.He never liked physical affection from no one before,always thought it was disgusting.But with her,he always felt like it could never be enough.Like he needed to always be in touch with her.
“I thought i was going to lose you.” his voice was rough,low.He hadn’t spoke for days and he could hear it. “And that fucking scared the shit out of me.”
“Levi...” she moved,trying to face him,but he gently held her head to his chest with his hand. He knew he wouldn’t be able to form words if she looked at him.
“I can’t lose you too. You’re not allowed to die y/n, do you hear me? I don’t allow you to leave me alone in this fucked up world. I lost too many...loved ones.I won’t handle your death.My...heart can’t ” he hated how he stuttered on words,how even after everything he was still afraid to show her how much he loved her.
« When i first lost friends ,i wasn’t prepared for it. I didn’t think they’ll leave me. And it fucking hurt. Like hell. But after time ,i stopped seeing people like living things,and more like they were already dead.Because they always end up like that. They always leave.So i needed...to be ready for it.I don’t know if it really changed the grief or the pain but... » he stopped,trying to remember what he first wanted to say. 
« What i’m trying to say,it’s that i’ve always stay distant with you because i’m a damn coward who’s afraid of getting hurt again.Because i’ve never...loved.Never loved someone like that.That much.And because all the people i loved died. And i don’t ,can’t handle seeing you dead. Y/n I...I think this will be the end of me. »
His breathing was uneven,his thoughts coming out of his mouth without him noticing what he was saying.He saw,in flash’s,all these deaths,all these losses,and knew,felt in his entire body,that adding her to the list will be too much.
« Levi... » she started again after a few seconds,her own voice blurred with tears. « I promise you,even if you might think it’s not something you can promise...I promise you that i’ll stay.As long as you’re alive,i’ll be too.Not even death will be able to take me away from you. And we’ll fight together,to avenge the dead’s,and for our future. I’m alive,Levi,and i’ll stay alive,and if we die,we’ll die together,not one before the other.”
She moved,her blurry eyes meeting his,and she could have sworn she glimpsed some tears in them. But,knowing Levi will be ashamed if she saw him cry,she tilted her head,and lovingly,trying to put all the reassurance,the love she could in it ,she kissed him.Silently promising him an hundred,an infinite of other kisses,of time.
And,as he put his hand on her cheek,Levi did the same. And he promised himself that he’ll stay with her,be fully with her,tell her everything he wanted to say without being afraid anymore.They loved each other and not even death could take it away
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chrysalispen · 3 years
Text
#9 - Friable
AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33640546/chapters/84146896 CW: survivor's guilt, grief, dissociation, minor character death
It is the last of the dead that nearly breaks her.
Why she didn't correct the surly teamster outside the ruined and freshly emptied halls of the warehouse and go about her original task, she doesn't know. She should have done. She could have gently explained the entire thing was a miscommunication and simply returned to the camp and to her newfound sanctuary- quit this hellsforsaken place without another glance and spared herself further anguish.
Aurelia cannot bear to set foot within the Waking Sands. From rafters to bowels it still stinks of every battlefield she has ever seen, blood and offal and fear and death, and her every footstep echoes against dark sandstone and heat-weathered wood like the whispers of restless ghosts.
A tomb, fetid and close, silent recrimination. She was naive and foolish, and that selfsame naivety brought doom to the Scions.
She had thought that she had no tears to cry for these people, that the dull and displaced veil her emotions had placed between herself and the rest of the world would hold true. Her gorge had risen and held at the stink of bloated bodies and decaying flesh but it is Noraxia, fragile little Noraxia, lying perched atop the others almost as an afterthought in her tiny shroud, seeming for all the world like a wilted rose- that is the one she cannot bear. The Garlean turns away with all haste so that the man cannot see her tears.
The cotton is punctured for a few moments like the silk of an abandoned spider's web, dry and brittle.
The arduous task of bringing them all back to the camp for their final interment is sufficient distraction for some small time. Her tears dry and her composure recovers only to shudder beneath the weight of her guilt when she must bear Noraxia back to her people and face their horrified questions. And now she has retreated to this high and lonely mesa with her hands and face caked with dust and grime and deep soil, nails tattered and broken, standing by the stone of the Warden and staring sightlessly into a bright blue sky. The veil is there, she can feel that dullness sheltering her from it all- but it feels as easily torn as the body of a sylph: wanting only for a stray word or deed to shred it to pieces and open the wound anew. She squints into the cloudless blue bowl against the sun's blinding radiance, then down at the simple symbol carved into the face of an old stone. Unlike the gravestones scattered across the bluffs like white pockmarks against the scrublands, time and wind have - by some curious miracle - failed to grind this one to dust. Pray to Azeyma, if you can, the sister had suggested gently. Ask the Warden for justice. Your people keep no gods, I know, but- perhaps it might help.
Aurelia knows full well that the motive behind it is one of growing concern. Since her arrival at Adama Landama she has kept largely to herself, silent and downcast save for the odd task here and there to occupy her hands and her mind. The only person she has been willing to confide in is a man even more broken than herself, plagued by total amnesia and sick headaches and screaming nightmares not dissimilar to her own. She has lain awake several sleepless nights bundled beneath a shared blanket, her arms wrapped about a pair of broad and shaking shoulders while her own tormented mind spins dreadful scenarios she dares not even speak aloud, for fear they might become reality.
What no one knows about Aurelia Laskaris, slayer of primals, is that she has lost her nerve. She is desperately afraid. She is afraid of the Black Wolf, afraid of his tribunes, afraid of their ruthlessness and their cruelty and the lengths they will go to in order to have her. She knows that they will find her eventually even in this remote settlement, and that her presence has put the kind clergyman and the sisters at unspeakable risk. She does not know what has become of the others or what will become of her, and there are no answers.
She cannot remember the last time she felt so lost.
All she wants is to hide and cry until any tears she has left are utterly spent. But the same powdery and insensate veil that cocoons her from the world stifles her pain before it can bleed through the bandage. So she drifts through time in silence, enduring the slow rhythm of another day and the endless drudgery of grief and guilt upon her shoulders until night falls and the moon rises aloft against the cloak of stars.
Inhale. Exhale. Sun up, sun down. Overhead there is the piercing cry of a hawk, hunting some small prey upon the lower ground.
The wild roses are dead, Father, and I know not what to do.
It is not Father Iliud's kind eyes and careworn face she sees in her mind's eye, however, but that of her own father. Julian rem Laskaris, curled in the bed he once shared with his wife, clutching her wasted hand in his grip as if believing he can forestall the inevitable with will alone, watching the currents of eternity as they drift wide to sweep his beloved Vittora along. Railing against the injustice in vain, while her form slips from the shore with each slowly receding wave. In the end, there is naught that can be done save stand vigil while the tide goes out and takes her with it. So it was then, so it is now. Death is an ocean, she knows. A force of nature, neutral and uncaring, heedless of smallfolk and heroes alike. Aurelia has spent her entire life standing vigil upon the shore.
"Avenge them," the command breaks the lonely silence, hissed in a woman's voice gone hoarse with disuse. Aurelia cannot move or speak; she is staring at hands she does not recognize. They are filthy and bruised and - strangely - blurring about the edges until she cannot tell stone from flesh. "Let justice be done. Let them-"
The voice cracks like glass.
Someone is sobbing.
The hawk's cry fades into the keening of the wind, and Azeyma does not answer.
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one-boring-person · 3 years
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Okay so request~~~~
So at the end of last blood, he never stays at his ranch. He tells the aunt “Idk. I’ll move around, like always.” And then proceeds to destroy his home and land beyond repair, you know that story i wrote about picking up first blood rambo?? Well, change that to old man rambo!
What about him having rhat random chance meeting with someone like SR(from the one i wrote) and staying with them. How they take care of him without even knowing him, and how he has a chance to try out a new life away from war and what he was with someone who’s young and starting out on their own ambitions.
I could totally see him being introduced to SR’s friends as “oh, my new roommate!” And him telling SR all about vague war stories, they teach him to cook and cook him breakfast. Honestly just rambo being taken somewhere far away and nice and staying with someone who definitely has their own problems, but takes on the therapy by helping him instead.
Basically, SR is very very damaged and rambo can tell- but they’re so sweet and responsible, mature, and loyal. They take out emotions and pain through spreading love instead of war, he can’t let that go. Not now
(Hopefully that gives you ideas!!!)
I'm sorry this took so damn long for me to write, and I'm sorry that it's so bad, too, but I hope you like it in any case!😓😅
Life Goes On.
John Rambo (Rambo: Last Blood) x Named!OC (not mine)
Warnings: injury detail, death, blood
Masterlist
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John's eyes are barely open as he sluggishly guides the horse beneath him further on, their surfaces dry and sore even as he blinks them. By now it's useless, the dust in the air having gotten into his corneas within the first hour of his long ride, irritating his scleras very quickly. Exhaustion has long since numbed out any pain he still feels, his eyes becoming the least of his worries as he gradually loses the sensation in his lower abdomen, where his more serious wound is bleeding profusely onto his shirt, still oozing even after fifteen hours of being left alone. He knows the blood flow isn't too bad anymore, as his hasty attempts to patch himself up have left him with a better chance of surviving, but his other wounds are slowly driving him to a comatose state. The veteran can't move his fingers properly, the digits clunky and uncoordinated as he tries to grip onto the reins, the blisters from the tough leather split and leaking as he struggles to do so. Nausea has settled into his head, his vision blurred as his strength slowly fails him - he's too old to have survived as he used to. Without his medication, John finds himself plagued constantly by flashes of past grief and sorrow, images of his dead team back in 'Nam flooding his conscience, accompanied by the beaten and bruised face of Gabrielle. 
Beneath him, the horse walks slowly, his thighs aching from the hours of riding, chafing sores lining them under the fabric of his trousers, his body slouched forwards in the saddle. Pity for the animal also gnaws at his mind, and he feels a pang of guilt as he realises that it's unlikely it will be able to carry him much further without any respite. It's head is drooped, steps slow and unsteady, panting breaths rushing from its throat in haggard bursts. If he had any energy, John would remove the tack from the horse and let it go, but he knows this isn't a plausible idea for him if he wants to survive. He owes it to Maria to survive.
His conscience starts to slip, just as the sun comes to its highest point in the sky, heat and dry air lulling him into a false sense of security as he feels his control leaving him. Unable to keep a grip on it, he succumbs to the darkness rising up in his vision, falling into it gratefully, needing the reprieve.
Vaguely, John seems to recall a car pulling up beside him, the door slamming closed as someone shouts to him, hands taking the reins from his. Gravity seems to take control, and John falls from the horse, landing heavily in the dirt, but he doesn't lie there long. Whoever has taken hold of the horse is swift to come to his aid, pulling him into their arms as they try to drag him back to their car. They're struggling, and he wants to fight back, to tell whoever it is to get lost, but he finds he can't, his throat too raw to even force a sound past, so he can only stay limp as they manhandle him into their vehicle, murmuring gently to him the entire time. 
It's at that point that he finally loses consciousness.
*
Agony floods John's body as he comes to again, drawing a hoarse groan from his scratchy throat as he jerks upwards, his instincts still ready for action even after all these years. Blearily, he blinks, hands scrambling to identify his surroundings, dull surprise dripping into his conscience as he finds a soft duvet and pillows on top of a comfortable mattress, warmth encompassing him. Frowning, the veteran pushes himself upright, ignoring the pain in his body as he does so, his hand going up to cup his wound instinctively. Shocked to find a clean dressing plastered over the ragged injury, John blinks again and takes a look around.
He's in a small room, laying on a bed in the centre, the domicile unfamiliar to him. Idly he wonders if maybe he's died and found some kind of afterlife, but a sharp stab of agony from his side eliminates this idea from his head in seconds. The room is quite comfortably decorated, designed to be cosy and close, whilst remaining roomy enough to allow for decent living space. A few photographs line the wall, accompanied by posters of movies he's never bothered to go see, having never really managed to overcome the triggers they often set off when he's not expecting them. 
Just as he goes to climb out of the bed, the door swings open, and an unfamiliar figure steps in, a first aid kit held in one hand as they juggle a bowl of water in the other. Instantly, John's on his feet, instincts taking over as he ignores the flare of agony that springs up in him as he swiftly moves over to the newcomer. In seconds, they find themselves pinned to the wall, a hand wrapped around their throat. Yelping in fear, they let go of the bowl and first aid kit, smaller hands coming up to grip his larger arm, eyes wide as they stare at him in shock, wincing as warm water splashes the two of them. 
It takes all John has not to crush their windpipe, his rational mind taking over the militant instinct as he keeps them in a threatening hold, the youth unable to move at all. A wave of nausea washes over him, and he falters, vision spinning wildly as he drops back a step, losing his grip on the newcomer as quickly as he secured it, the sudden disorientation throwing him off as he falls to the floor again. Grunting in pain, he lands heavily, the impact jarring his bones and muscles roughly. Recovering quickly, the newcomer drops down beside him, eyes widened in concern now, rather than fear.
"Are you alright?" They ask him, voice soft with worry, searching his face for any serious problem.
It takes him a moment, but eventually, John manages a response, his usually rough voice coarse and gravelly now.
"'M fine." 
They just scoff, hesitantly reaching out to help him back up again, heaving his heavy body onto the bed again. 
"You are far from fine." They point out, "What happened, you fight a war or something?"
He almost laughs.
"Something like that." John murmurs bitterly, leaning his head back against the headboard.
Shooting him an odd look, the newcomer goes and fetches the spilt bowl of water, sighing at the mess before they hold it up for him to see.
"I'm just gonna get some more water, then I'll patch you up again, that alright?" They ask him, looking somewhat cautious.
Suspicious, John watches them for a sign of deception. Finding none, he simply nods, knowing he can easily take them out if he needs to. They smile, going to leave the room, only to stop in the doorway and turn around.
"My name is SR, by the way." They introduce themself.
"John." He grunts in way of reply, watching as they nod and leave the room.
*
Two months have passed and he's no longer bedridden, the veteran able to move freely around the house, even though there's still a little residual pain, and the mental horrors he faces every night leave him drained with no reprieve. With no medication to help him, it's no surprise that John has relapsed into a familiar state of sullen silence and brooding, finding himself reminded of the things he'd rather forget every day, in everything he does and everything he sees.
SR is no exception to this: he has warmed up to them, and he somewhat trusts them, the youth having shown him more kindness than he has experienced since Maria and Gabrielle. Their only downfall is that they remind him a lot of his murdered niece, the two having very similar traits that very quickly sussed out. Childhood trauma has led them to becoming very determinedly driven and friendly, ambitious and confident in some aspects of life, whilst also noticeably damaged in other aspects, that he realises very quickly. Somehow, however, they always keep themselves afloat, and choose not to show any of the weight bearing down on their mind, as he knows it is, though he is also very swift to realise that their way of dealing with this pain is very simple; they work to make life better for others. It's visible in everything they do: cooking for him every day, caring for him in any way they can, doing their best to let him know he can trust them. 
At first, he had been somewhat cold and closed off to them, but they swiftly worked to help warm him up again, reawakening the more personable version of himself he managed to cultivate in his time on the ranch. It was nice to become a little lighter again, but his guard stayed up, and still is, though not as much as it was before. Vividly, he can remember the time he found himself trusting them further: when their friends had come over to catch up. 
Naturally, they'd all been surprised to find some nearly hostile ex-soldier residing in their friend's home, living his life out with them. As soon as they'd said something, however, SR had leapt in to defend him, and had inadvertently shown their care for him on a much greater scale than before, reminding John of what his life was like with Maria and Gabrielle. When their friends had then left, an hour or so later, he had stepped up to them and told them how thankful he was, feeling more cared for than he ever thought he would. 
Now, after weeks of being taught how to cook, and being cooked for, plus hours and hours of talking with each other as they helped each other to overcome past grief, he can very honestly say he is immensely grateful to be with them. They know more about him than he told himself he'd ever tell anyone, SR often listening with rapt attention to his war stories, eyes wide as they hear all of the harrowing details. He feels comfortable telling these tales, and they seem content to listen, so he appreciates them in whole new ways. 
And when he finally opens himself back up to physical contact, the embrace he receives from his excitable carer is only too worth it, the first smile in months gracing his lips as he does so. Life feels like it's turning on its axis again - for the better this time.
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twinkleallnight · 3 years
Text
Belated birthday wishes Amy!
(@gkittylove99 ) I want to dedicate this to you. Since the time I started writing fics, you have always been there. Your comments feed my greedy brains to write more and better each time. Thank you for reading every fic that I write. Here is the one you had asked for two months ago.
Remember me -2
Book: The Royal Romance AU
Pairing: Leo x Madeleine
Word count: 1100+/-
Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.
Rating: Mature
Warning: Mention of death.
Prompt: Features @sundayromance week 27 in bold.
A/N: Thank you @jessiembruno for pre reading part of this post.
Summary: Leo has returned, has been brought back to Cordonia after almost three decades. But he is not the same Leo we knew. He is devastated after his wife Katie’s death and his own brother Liam is not able to revive him out of the grief. Everyone looks at one person with all hopes: Madeleine. Will their story begin again at the twilight of their lives?
Catch up here
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Madeleine had spent the whole day in her quarters. After all these years of only mundane work, she had not expected such a jolt and surely she was not prepared to withstand it’s force.
Once again, she stood up to face her duties, to complete the task given to her. Except that this time, the responsibility was encroaching into her personal space. The waves of emotions were lashing heavily on the gateway of her heart. This time she felt the walls of her defending bastions weakening.
The doors to her rooms opened early in the evening. Madeleine stepped out with the same grace and demeanour. She had learnt to curb the inner storms with years of experience.
A message was sent to the king that the countess is ready to meet his brother. Quick arrangements were made and she was guided to the backside of the palace that looked upon the serene lake. A curved path through the greens lead to the waters. She was told that she would find Prince Leo there. She requested privacy, so the palace staff left her alone at the passageway.
She could hear the lawnmower running nearby to trim the royal gardens. Her heart was racing high with each forwarded step. The sound of the mower reverberated in her chest. Soon the voices of outside world were lost and all she could hear was the roaring of a machine. But this was not the lawnmower, it was the noise of the racing bike on which she sat, as Leo sped them through the roads of Greece. The memories of yesteryears blinded her as her feet fell at a painfully slow pace on her path.
It was a bright sunny day when Leo had promised her a ride across the country on his racing bike. He had arranged for the bike on the borders of Cordonian land. They had stepped out of the palace in the limo with a pretext of a picnic. But Leo had some tricks up his sleeve and he played them well. Soon the couple had snuck away from the prying eyes of the security and hopped on a motorbike.
Leo took off in full speed as he was accustomed to the ride. Madeleine who was new to this free world sat snugly on the back. Her arms were across Leo’s chest, tightly held for dear life. She had shut her eyes close. The frills of her sundress were flowing madly as the bike zipped through the curving road. She was cursing herself for the wrong choice of outfit, for the wrong choice of the date, for every possible wrong choice that had put her in current situation.
Soon they were crossing a small town, when she heard the tyres screeching and she felt her body being thrown onto Leo’s back totally uncontrolled. This is the end, she thought. She quickly offered her last prayers to the lord and asked forgiveness for her mistakes. As the inertia of her fall broke, she realised she was still alive. She once again thanked the Almighty to grant her life.
She opened her eyes slowly to absorb the scene in front of her. There stood an infuriated cop in front of their bike ready to punish them. Leo signalled her to get down. She disembarked the beast and pressed on her dress to get the pleats back in order.
Her ears picked up the conversation Leo was having with the officer. She understood that he was angry on them for over speeding. But just then another rider passed by. The cop continued arguing with Leo. Madeleine couldn’t bear it anymore and charged with rage.
She started counter arguing with the cop, “That guy just went past faster than us. You didn’t catch him. How can you do this to us? This is absolutely unfair. Who is your boss? I need to lodge a complain.”
“Can you mute her down?” the cop said in an irritated tone.
“ I am sorry. Give me a second.” Leo pulled Madeleine to the other side, away from the cop. “Can you please calm down. I have this under control.”
“But Leo, how can they do this to you. You are the crown…”
Before she could utter another word, he had hugged her tight, one arm around her waist and the other hand covering her mouth. Her jade eyes were wide in shock. Leo’s sea blues pierced through her greens as he whispered over her cheek. “ Don’t mention the crown. Please.” She blinked in agreement.
“ Are we good to go?” he asked. She blinked again nodding slightly, her golden curls tickling his fingers tips in return.
He slowly moved away his hand to reveal her quivering pink lips. Her body trembled as she felt his strong arm circling her small frame. He could feel her holding her breath as his broad chest pressed against her bosom into the embrace. He loosened his grip realising it. His face lowered down, his lips crushing hers, almost sucking the air out. She stood stunned trying to gather what just happened while he quickly turned to walk back to the officer.
She tried to stabilise her steps and see through the daze. The officer was now grinning broadly. She turned her back to them, to hide her flushed face. She tried to look away at the woods, the faraway houses, anything that could take her mind away from the knots forming in her stomach.
Few more minutes passed away, when Leo tapped on her shoulder. She turned to face him, her eyes down casted, shying away from his gaze. His hand reached up. The back of his curled fingers caressed her cheek as she closed her eyes at the rising heat. He whispered against her lips, teasing her, as usual, “Mad Maddie.”
A whooshing sound of a flock of starling birds, passing by, startled her. It broke her reverie. She stopped to check if she was still on the right track, leading to the lake. Once sure, she sighed, “You were the one that got away, but the memories never wane away.”
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Part 3 here
Tags: @ao719 @annekebbphotography @anjanettexcordonia @bascmve01 @bebepac @charlotteg234 @choicesficwriterscreations @cordonia-gothqueen   @drakewalker04 @eadanga @glaimtruelovealways @krsnlove @hopefulmoonobject @hopelessromanticmonie @iam-the-kind-and-thoughtful @idontknowwhysblog @indiacater @jovialyouthmusic @jaxsmutsuo @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @khoicesbyk @shewillreadyou @lisha1valecha @lovablegranny @mrswalkers-blog @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @no-one-u-know @ntoraplayschoices @princessleac1 @ritachacha @secretaryunpaid @sirbeepsalot @speedyoperarascalparty @shanzay44 @texaskitten30   @txemrn @queenrileyrose @briefdreamlanddream @sfb123 @sweatyrysconnoisseur @theroyalheirshadowhunter @aestheticartsx @yourmajesty09
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cosmiclatte28 · 3 years
Text
Purpose (Jeno x you)
a/n : sorry for ranting in the previous post, but here is my first oneshot of Jeno x reader ...please leave a comment or just anything so I know what to do and not do in my future works :D
happy MLK day! Enjoy the long weekend aka monday break! 
warning : major character with disability! Please proceed only if you feel okay with it. Jaehyun is your brother :D (sorry if I use hyung accidentally, it’s a habit of mine. I make my characters always calling the older brother hyung, so it sounds less “romantic”)
word count : 3.0K
Check out my other works in my masterlist 
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ . . ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : 
“Jeno, do you ever wonder what your purpose in life is?” you rolled to the side of your body and rested your weight on one of your supporting arms, eyes aimlessly piercing into Jeno’s side face.
The said man who was staring at the ceiling turned his head to look at you. In this small bed you share with your best friend, he pulls his face back to give some respectful distance in between.
He glances back to the ceiling and hums, “Umm interesting, let me think of it.” He ponders for a while and your hand accidentally brush his. He laughs when a sudden memory comes into his mind and he ignored your hand that’s still lingering next to his.
“Tell me! You’re laughing! Did you know your purpose of existence in life?” you shake his taller and built body. His arm really feels buff and hard right now. Sometimes you wonder where the hell did your ten years old lanky best friend go. You’re his partner in crime since third grade and both of you graduated junior school together, even now you’re counting days to your senior school graduation still with him. Only that puberty hits Jeno Lee like a truck and bam here lies a young charismatic man lying with you on your bed as if it is nothing. (Well it is nothing right? Just two best friends sharing a bed. Lmao okay sorry author is writing this at 3.30 am)
He giggles and bops your nose, “No. I am not going to answer it.”
You pout, unaware of the effect it gives to the young man beside you. “Fine, I guess my purpose in this life is to bug and bother you.” You taunt and Jeno really wants to smack your head right now, but that is something he will never do.
“Fine if your purpose is to disturb me, then my purpose is to bear with it and make sure you never go beyond your line or hurt yourself.” He says this out loud, and continues in his heart, “Again, I’ll never let anything, or anyone hurt you again.”
Jeno lifts his arm to run a smoothing hand on your hair and you’re no longer surprised by this. Actions like this is common between you and Jeno.
“I haven’t washed my hair, stop touching it,” you run your hand over your head to stop him.
He chuckles and just ignores your word, “I don’t care, it’s not dirty you know. You smell sweet.” He sniffs into your hair and indeed it is fresh. You’re being over insecure.
“Fine. So, what time is it?” you cock your head to the side, showing him you’re asking a question.
Jeno runs his eyes into the clock hanging in your room, “It’s almost five. Your brother will be home after this around six. Do you need anything?” he asks when he sees you sit up from your laying position and grabbing your cane.
You nod, “Can you bring me to the café shop by the end of the road? It’s Jaehyun’s birthday today and I want to give him a cake.”
Jeno couldn’t help but feel his heart swells with emotion. Even after the unfortunate accident that hit you and your brother on the road, but only took your vision away, you never hate your brother at all. Jeno remembers how petrified he was the day he got a call from his mother telling him to rush to the hospital because you ran into an accident.
Three years ago
“Catch me if you can! I will finish the cake before you can get any.” You taunt at your older brother and run with all your might to get home faster than he did so you can stuff the whole cake into your mouth.
Jaehyun was still paying the cake when you ran with it already. He yelled out loud to you when you ran whilst looking back into him. He was too late.
Jaehyun saw your body flew through the concrete and the box of cake you were running with was already crushed over. The owner of the van got down and quickly run you and Jaehyun to the hospital. Jaehyun hugged you throughout the way to the hospital, his white shirt is already drained in dark red blood. His happy face he had that day for turning 20 was gone. He can only wish his one and only sister will make it alive.
The hospital did their best in trying to bring your consciousness alive. Your head hit the concrete, but luckily there are no serious injuries in your head. Fractures are found in your left side of the body but what hurts Jaehyun and your parents the most, was the fact that you will not be seeing anything in less than three months.
The experts were called, and everyone agreed that sadly nothing can be done to prevent you from facing the total darkness. From the age of 14 you lost your sight, you lost your friends, you lost your confidence, you lost your will to live. You wanted to die, but Jeno would never let that happen. He saw potentials inside you, and he saw the beauty you have within your heart that more people should see.
Jeno was the first non-family member to visit you after the news was spread. He was the first one to stay by your side and the last one from your school society.
You were suggested to move to a special need school, but with Jeno’s constant reassurance and help you stay with him in the regular school. After school, Jeno will accompany you learn braille and follow you to your post-traumatic therapy too. He even listened to the specialist called to teach you how to walk with a cane and how to use your cane as your second eye. He did struggle a lot to not play around with your service dog, because Goldy (your golden retriever who helps you walk in public) is not supposed to be friendly, Goldy needs to be alert!
Your family luckily didn’t abandon you, but they were sadly not in the same country as you were right now. Today, you’re only living with Jaehyun and Jeno is practically your neighbour from the flat next door.
Jeno actually did not want to bring you to the same store that caused the dreadful unfortunate event to happen to you. Not in the same day, on the same spot.
“You sure? I can buy it for you while you wait here.” He sounds worried that your post traumatic nerves might act up and calming you down in a crowded room is not easy.
You nod your head, “It’s been three years Jeno. Don’t worry. Jaehyun has never eaten that cake for three years! He did not want to go there. I guess my brother is more traumatized than me. I also want that damn cake.” You already stand up and grab a jacket. Without his help, you’re already good in dressing up. If you wear glasses, no one will know about your condition. The fractures healed perfectly, your face is still as pretty as one can be, it’s just that your eyeball did not spark life in them.
Jeno sighs, he can do nothing if you’re this persistent. “Okay, but please just this time hold my hands okay?”
You nod. Usually you ask Jeno to just walk beside you a several step behind, just to guard you. You’re good in walking with the help of Goldy. You never want to be a burden, although Jeno repeatedly tells you he doesn’t see you as a burden.
The tall man also takes his jacket and wallet. He stands by your side, gives his arm to you and you take it gently. Your right hand is holding Goldy’s leash and with Jeno by your side, three of you make your way to the bakery.
“Nice weather, it’s not crowded eh?” you ask when you feel the gentle breeze and rather quiet sound of the road. Usually this road is busy but not at the moment.
“Yes, I think it’s not the rush hours yet. We should hurry before it gets crowded. Hold on tight we’re crossing the road.” Jeno looks right and left. When he feels your grip tighten, he smiles to himself as he crosses the road with you carefully. Finally, you’re not as stubborn as usual!
You step into the store and automatically a smile comes to your face when the fragrance smell of sweet fresh baked pastries tickle your nose. “Hmmm this is yummy! We should consider living next to a bakery Jen!” you excitedly squeeze his arm you’re still holding on to and Jeno just smiles at your remarks.
“Do you want to sit down? I can order you a tea while they customize the cake.” Jeno asks, you deny it saying that you just want to go back quick before Jaehyun did.
So, after you do your ordering and finished the payment, Jeno only has to help with writing down the customized message. After 15 minutes, the box is set in Jeno’s right hand while his left hand is occupied with your firm grip.
You enjoy the short walking distance, simply enjoying the light breeze of the gentle wind and stopping for a moment to inhale the different smell in every block.
With your sharp nose, you know when you’ve passed by the coffee shop, the flower boutique, and your favourite Pizza place. You’ve ordered food for dinner and they’re already in your kitchen, you just need to reheat it.
--
Jaehyun drives his car back home, it’s a wonderful day. He got promoted thanks to the successful product launching his team did last month and today is also his birthday. Although a small part of his heart still grief over his own sister’s lost of sight on his birthday, he always try to cover that guilt because you’ve been repeatedly telling him not to bother it. He doesn’t know what he did in the previous life to actually deserves a really sincere and kind sister like you. That is also why Jaehyun loves you with all his might and heart.
He steps his foot into the comfortable apartment he shares home with his sister, and a trail of laugh echoes through the room when he sees you and Jeno holding a cake with a well decorated place. Jeno rushed his décor, simply putting on Happy Birthday Jaehyun balloons and draping a golden curtain over the bare walls.
“Happy Birthday Jaeeee!!” you scream on top of your lungs and open your arms wide. Jaehyun picks you up in his hug and turns you around, “Thank you! And you too Jeno!” he pats the younger’s shoulder.
“Blow the candles!!” you clap your hands and Jaehyun did what you say. He wipes a tear that escapes his eyes but quickly covers it up with a smile. He secretly wishes so that your smile will always be this wide and he wishes to experience more happy times with you.
“Both of you don’t have to do this you know,” Jaehyun says after putting the final heated up dish on the dining table. Although he is the one having birthday, he didn’t want you to set the table up. So, here you are seated on your chair, with Jeno on the other side.
“She insisted.” Jeno snickers.
You swear if he is on your side right now, you’ll slap him. Lucky he is far from your reach.
“Can’t you just be thankful hyung?” you roll your eyes and hufth.
Jaehyun lovingly ruffles your hair and kisses your cheek “Araseo, Thank you sweetie and you too Jeno! Thanks for dealing with this super annoying princess.” His tone sounds playful and you laugh at it.
“Jeno is whipped for me, he won’t bother having to take care of me all the time. Right Jeno?” you ask him this as a matter of keeping the spirit up. It’s as if you’re only playing around to Jaehyun’s joke but deep inside your heart… you did wish Jeno will want to take care of you til death takes you away from him.
“Stop that (y/n)! You’re making him uncomfortable,” Jaehyun mumbles as the three of you start digging into the dinner.
Jeno just laughs along, he is used to the two of you teasing and bickering with each other. He loves witnessing this and being in it. He loves the  warm feeling of being “home” whenever you are around. “Tell him the truth Jeno! Did you hate me for being annoying?” you suddenly feel a bit sad to ask him this. What if Jaehyun is right? What if Jeno is actually tired of you? Afterall he can get way better and prettier girls. Why did he stay with you if he doesn’t like you. You used to ask yourself that when you feel lonely at night.
Jeno looks into you and into Jaehyun. He somewhat senses you feeling down about asking this and that hurts his heart. After glancing at Jaehyun, and receiving a nod from the older brother. Jeno finally answers your question.
“You’re not annoying. Even if you are sometimes, you’re my annoying princess. Look, don’t be sad… I’ll never leave your side okay?” Jeno reaches his hand out to take yours into his. He gently take your palm into his and his thumb strokes your palm calmly. Sending a reassuring feeling to you.
You feel your cheeks burning and your stomach bursting with butterflies. Your heart can explode right now, with this soft touch of Jeno and how his sure answer ends all of your silly scenarios.
“You will never leave my side?” You echo back to him.
Jaehyun winks to Jeno and secretly leaves his chair. You snap your head to the side (luckily the right side because Jaehyun is on your right) “Where are you going?”
Jaehyun mumbles a quick excuse, “Needed to call someone for work, just remember… sorry it’s urgent, go continue without me.”
You return your head to face Jeno and the young boy is already thinking of his next line.
His thumb caresses your hand again and you love that sensation.
“So, to answer your previous answer... I love you (y/n).” his sincere honey deep voice sooths your ear and a warm sensation envelopes your heart.
“I love you and I will never leave you. I’ll be by your side just like now, until forever. Don’t feel bad for needing my help, I’m always happy when I can help you. Instead, I feel sad when I see you trying to do everything by yourself… It’s like you didn’t want my help.” Your bestfriend explains his own feeling to you.
You quickly shake your head, “Sorry Jeno, I didn’t mean to reject your help. Gosh, I’m just feeling like I’ve asked too much from you and that I should stop. It’s my fault.”
Jeno stands and moves to sit next to you, he brings a strand of hair away from your face clearing the view he loves and he wishes to wake up to every day.
“Don’t worry, I know you don’t mean it. Now, don’t hesitate to call me okay? I’ll be here for you.” Jeno gently touches your chin.
You nod and blush, “I love you too Jeno, it’s mutual.” You lean in closer, wishing Jeno can catch your signal and leads you to the thing you secretly put in your number one wishlist to do with Jeno.
He gets your signal, with a small smile the sweet man pulls you slowly into his face and as you tilt your head to the side, Jeno’s lips finally found yours.
It was fleeting but the sensation lingers for a while. You’re still busy controlling your heart beat when you feel Jeno already disappear from your side and Jaehun’s foot steps come into the kitchen again.
“So, what did I miss?” he looks into both of you, but judging through the red faces both of you have, he just lets out a small cough and giggles.
“Who’s ready for the desert? Cake is here!” he quickly takes the plates and cuts the cake into smaller portions.
You can successfully focus back on the dinner and continues talking around while enjoying the sweet chocolate mousse cake.
Dinner ends nicely, Jaehyun pushes both of you to the living room while he insists on washing the dishes with loud music blasting on his earphone. He is glad finally both of them come our to each other. He’s frustrated whenever he sees the clear mutual feelings both of you are trying to supress.
Turns out today is indeed a good day.
Jeno hugs you from the side when both of you sit at the sofa. He is cuddling you, who is sleepy from the filling dinner.
“Jeno, did you remember the question I asked you earlier?” you suddenly bring this topic up.
He hums, and holds your hand in his, “I did, I think I know my answer.”
You raise your brow, “What is it? Tell me.”
He steals a quick peck from your lips, “I’m going to find my purpose of living slowly with you by my side. We’ll explore new things everyday together, and when one day I really find my purpose, I’ll make sure you are there and you know it.”
You feel like all the chains and nightmares clinging into your subconsciousness is broken free. The insecure feelings of being less perfect is gone and you trust Jeno with all your heart that he loves you and he will not leave you.
You smile and run a hand on his jawline, “Then I will also hold your hand as I find my purpose in this life too. Thank you Jeno, for always staying by my side. I promise I will also be here for you whenever you feel like the world is against you.”
He kisses your knuckle of the hand that touches his cheek, “I know darling, now if you’re tired just sleep.”
You close your eyes and shifts your body until it is comfortable enough to hug him from the side while leaning into him. “Thank you and I love you Jeno.”
He whispers back, “Love you most (y/n). Sleep tight, sweet dreams” he pecks your forehead and stays until you’re asleep.
Tonight indeed is a good day for everyone of you!
   end.
tell me what you think xD
XOXO, cosmic
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