Epilogue“

So many days have passed and so many memories have gone by. People have moved on, things have been moved around. The White Flames Cafe where she used to go to no longer existed, the manager Josh no longer in the city. The place had been renovated to become a a Starbucks place. The designs were different, everything was different and the feeling she had when she came into the place was nowhere near the same as the time before she left. The bar where she used to work with Ryo Nishikido was closed down and the man who was her friend was no longer there. So many things have happened. She wondered if he still remembered her.

A yellow taxi screeched to a stop in front of the Everson Museum and a woman walked out. Like everyone around this city, she was a Taiwanese woman perhaps in her early twenties. Dressed daringly in a black off-the-shoulder shirt under her a green deep V-neck halter dress that reached her knees, the woman had a bold white belt that hung dangerously around her waist. With her black sunglasses on, no one could ever suspect that she was Ariel Lin Yi Chen, the artist who had won 2008’s Artist of the Year award here in Taipei.

The taxi driver, after being paid, drove off as the woman approached the double doors leading to the Everson Museum. After three months of rigorous work, the murals in the museum are finally complete. The paints have set in, the redecorations finished. Today will be the opening of the museum after being closed for three months. When she left for Oxford just perhaps two months ago, her mural had been left incomplete. She wondered who had took her job to finish it when she was gone. It was a bad thing for her to do, being the artist and leaving her artwork unfinished. But at that time, things were just moving too fast. She had no time to consider it. Now she’s back to see what a masterpiece it will become, if it will be.

As she approached the double doors that were heavily guarded with several guards and police officers, she handed one of the workers her invitation and went into the museum. She ignored every single artifact inside and the guests who have already entered. With the heels of her boots clicking on the floor, she walked to the eastern wing of the Everson Museum where she had spent her days working in oh a few months ago.

She saw her artworks displayed on the walls with historical artifacts lying around. Unlike the entrance, many guests were surrounding the place like flies swarming around a pile of compost. Though her artworks were highly acclaimed, she felt that it wasn’t her best work. She didn’t complete it. At the right side of the back wall, she had left the thing white. But as she looked at it now, there were many people there looking and mingling amongst themselves. Puzzled, she approached the area.

There at the place where she had left white and blank was a painting she had not painted. It was not her work. But by the signature at the bottom of the painting, she knew who it was by and saline tears slipped down her cheeks at the realization. She had met him through Director Cheng and her job of teaching him how to paint with her mind. With this one painting that he had completed himself, her job was finally complete.

A man stood close to the painting, his back to her as his hands slowly glided over the gigantic artwork. She could not see his face but it did not matter. She stepped forward and went up to the man. As she took her steps, the crowd got rowdy. As if noting the presence of the guests, the man turned around and stopped in his tracks when he saw her. His mouth opened as if to say something but could not utter it. He was shocked beyond belief at the appearance of this special guest. The woman gave him a smile and waved her hand.

“Hi.” Ariel said.

“H-Hi.”

Someone laughed, a joyous laugh that boomed around the eastern wing of the Museum.

“It seems that you really are ready to be the CEO of Cheng Corps.” Director Cheng commented, patting the woman on the back as he reached her.

The young man and woman eyed the old man.

“What do you mean?” Ariel asked.

The old man burst into laughter and shook his head.

“This is a scheme I made up for you after you left the press conference.” Director Cheng sighed, shaking his head. “As a CEO of Cheng Corps, I understand the responsibilities of being a husband and a father. Because of my work and the things I needed to do for it, I’ve neglected my wife. It made her believe that I no longer loved her, a thing that wasn’t ever true. I didn’t want you to become someone like me so I planned this studying abroad scheme. If you actually stayed at Oxford for the whole three years, I actually considered never letting you come back to Taipei.” The old man winked at Ariel. “But good thing you did.”

“Dad, I can’t believe you.” Joe said, running his hand through his hair in frustration.

The old man threw his head back and laughed.

“I know you young ones have a lot of things to catch up. So ladies and gentlemen,” Director Cheng turned to the crowd. “Let me show you a new artifact at the western wing. It’s something that will definitely shock you.”

The crowd followed Director Cheng out of the eastern hall, leaving the young man and woman by themselves in the spacious wing. Ariel gazed at the painting Joe had completed for her, feeling her lips turning upward in a smile.

“It’s you.” Joe stated when he caught her staring. “You’ve taught me how to paint and the first thing I painted was you.”

She turned to him and smiled.

“Thank you for painting me so beautifully.”

“That’s because you are beautiful.”

The man could no longer hold it in. Without waiting for consent, he rushed over to the woman and crushed her in a bear hug. He took in the smell of her shampoo, the soft texture of her long black hair, and the enticing warm flesh of her neck. It’s been only two months since he had left Oxford but it seemed like years since. Sure they had exchanged e- mails and phone calls but nothing felt as good as this. He have her in his arms and he’s never letting go.

“Are you happy that I’m back?” Ariel asked.

“It’s only been two months.”

The woman looked at him, frowning at his comment.

“Do you want me to go back to Oxford? Because I could you know.”

She began breaking away from her boyfriend but he shook his head and held her tightly in his embrace.

“No. I want you here with me forever.”

Ariel stared at this man for a moment, searching his eyes for something that had once been lost.

“Then make me live forever.” She said before claiming his lips.

x————————————————————-x

“Say Joe. When did you fall in love with me?” Ariel asked.

“Remember that time when you had appeared at my house for the first lesson and saw me naked?” The man besides her asked. She nodded. “You collapsed on the balcony and I carried you to the bed. This might sound corny but I fell in love with you at third sight. I just didn’t have the guts to admit it until Mike asked you out.”

The woman laughed.

“Love at third sight? Does that even exist?”

He shrugged and the couple trailed their eyes to the baby in the woman’s arms. The baby was the greatest gift God had ever given the two of them. Though their relationship have started out at the wrong place and the wrong time, though their friendship had been broken, something new have replaced that. Love. Ariel smiled happily at Rachelle, the baby girl Ella had given birth to just a month ago. Just yesterday, a paternity test had been made and the results had already come in. It turns out that the child Ella had carried in her womb for nine months was indeed Chun Wu’s. But that did not stir Jiro away from his purpose of wooing and loving Ella. No indeed. It was a moving moment when the two adults found out the paternity of Rachelle so much that Ariel had cried. To others it might just be a scene between the parents but to her, it was more than that.

Oh no, her hormones are acting up again. Ariel wiped the tears off her face with the sleeve of her hand, trying to calm herself down. But the sudden movement of someone snatching Rachelle away from her arms made her alert and she looked up to see Jiro standing in front of her. The baby was safely with him, both of his arms cradling the child lovingly.

“Don’t carry a baby with one arm, Ariel.” Her brother said. “What if you slipped and my daughter goes flying? I’ll kill you.”

“Jiro…” Ella reprimanded, whacking her boyfriend upside the head.

“Jiro!” Joe shouted, walking away from Ariel’s side and approaching his best friend. He raised his hand and punched the loving father three times in his right arm and ended it with a kick. “Just because Ella’s no longer pregnant doesn’t mean you can abuse my wife. I’ll have you know that if you kill the two of them, I’ll make sure you don’t want to ever live again. Got it?!”

Ella and Jiro exchanged glances before looking at the couple. Joe had returned to Ariel’s side and was holding her in his arms protectively.

“The two of them?” They choked out.

“Ella, if the child in here is a boy, let’s get them together when they grow up.” Joe suggested. “What do you say?”

Ariel put a hand to her stomach, patting it three times before whacking her husband.

“I will not have my child be in an arranged marriage!” She exclaimed. “You better think of something better, Joe Cheng.”

By the end of the day, Cinderella isn’t Cinderella and Prince Charming isn’t Prince Charming. They are just two people bound together by a love that couldn’t be put into words.

End

He punched the numbers into the lock, cringing every time it made a sound. The hair on the back of his neck stood on attention. Each and every sense of his was heightened. Breaking into someone’s house was something not for the weak hearted. Especially when you’re breaking into a house to steal a damn soft toy. He let out a breath of relief when the door announced its approval with a beep and went into the house as quietly s he possibly could. He knew the house like the back of his hand now. The blueprint of it was exactly the same has his own apartment. Except that it was only him and Jiyong in his apartment whereas there were four girls in this. And today was one of his lucky days since all of them weren’t at home. He tip-toed into the room. He had no idea why he did that when there was no one home at all. Moving ever so discreetly into the room, he found what he was looking for- a purple rabbit. He looked at his watch, three more hours before they were expected home. So he had about two hours with Tam Tam and still have time to bring her home to 2NE1’s apartment. Pleased with himself, he turned to leave the room. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw a lone figure standing there.

“Noona?” He could recognise that petite frame anywhere, even with his eyes closed. He was in serious trouble this time.

“What are you doing?” Turning the lights on to the room, Dara advanced on Seungri. Why on earth was he in her room, holding her beloved soft toy?

He noticed that her gaze landed on the stolen goods in his hand and quickly hid it behind his back. “How come you’re home?”

“Give Tam Tam back to me now. Or I will torture you very painfully and very slowly.” Dara took slow and deliberate steps towards the intruder.

“Can’t I borrow it for just a few hours? I promise that I’ll return it in perfect condition.” Seungri tried to use his maknae charms on her. He momentarily forgot that she was the queen of acting cute.

“Over my dead body.” Stepping close to him with every word until Dara had him cornered. Seungri panicked and got flustered at the closeness of the both of them. With her body pressing up against his, he could barely think. Let alone breathe. What ever happened next happened in a blur. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up against him before kissing her hard, stopping only when her legs weren’t able to support her own body weight.

Dara’s eyes fluttered open and there was no trace of him or Tam Tam. She looked around her whole house but it was as empty as it was twenty minutes ago. She let out a sigh and went back to her room. Dara turned off the lights before going back into bed. Feeling funny without her toy next to her. She was about to fall asleep when she felt her phone vibrate and flash it’s neon coloured lights.

“Noona, don’t worry. I’ll take care of Tam Tam like How I would take care of you. Because Tam Tam’s a part of you. I just wanted some part of you to be with me.”

-

Dara woke up the next morning with Tam Tam tucked in next to her like it never left her. She frowned when she saw a post-it note stuck to its torso. “Next time I’ll take you instead.”

Jiyong was wondering what was wrong with his maknae, smiling to himself the whole day. Giggling even, especially when he looks into his phone. The leader finally saw his chance when Seungri went to the toilet and went into his phone’s inbox. A message from Dara? He opened the text and had a shock of his life. He quickly put down the phone before Seungri came back but the message was stuck in his head the whole month.

“If you wanted me you should have taken me on the spot.”

Gentlemen Bastards Series by Scott Lynch

A Table Set for Six (And Five Were There) by Anonymous -  The one where Bug learns from each of the Gentlemen Bastards. Even the Lady Gentlemen Bastard.

Lingering On by Anonymous – The one where Jean deals with Locke dying, and Locke deals with Locke dying.

The Misery of the Gullible by Anonymous – The one that reads like an actual caper the Gentlemen Bastards would pull off, involving a miserable merchant haunted by ghosts and an alchemist widow.

13th Warrior (1999)

Somewhere Between by Anonymous – “After the events of the movie, Ahmed spends Solstice among his remaining comrades and learns to walk the space between Arab and Northman.”

30 Rock

Fangirls by Anonymous – Liz is a huge Wicked nerd, and Jack indulges her.

Better Than Coffee by Anonymous – Liz is high as Benjamin Franklin’s kite. That tienda will be the death of her.

(Don’t) Picture Me & You by Anonymous – Liz and Jack are Photostored together in the tabloids.

The Wrath of Jon by Anonymous – OMG. A story from Jonathan’s point of view. Absolutely striking and no mercy for anyone. Except fellow Federation members.

A Knight’s Tale

By the Hideyn Scrybe Ywrit by Anonymous – Modern London AU. Smacks of Guy Ritchie in which they are all a n’er do well gang engaged in illicit affairs. And all of which Geoff writes with a healthy dose of sarcasm and cynicism.

Temperate Self-Governance by Anonymous – Wat and Adhemar team up to save a perfectly safe Chaucer.

Glee

All the Single Ladies by Anonymous – A look at the inner workings of the various single ladies of Glee.

Vices by Anonymous – The many, variable, and somewhat adorable sides of Puck.

i sang the song that silence brings by Anonymous – Glee kids making it through the Zombiepocalypse.

Easy as by Anonymous – Finally, a story about Santana and Brittany. Santana isn’t a slut. She just likes sex.

it’s hard to breathe when you’re standing right there by Anonymous – Finn, Puck, and Quinn don’t exactly get their happy endings, but they all work to make sure that their baby will.

Chartreuse by Anonymous – A very lovely slice of what makes the Mercedes/Kurt friendship work so well outside of their mutual pwn-age of Fashion Diva status.

Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti

The Illusionist by Anonymous – A complex, winding tale of Jean’s encounter with the Goblin Market and one of its denizens.  Absolutely heart-wrenching and engrossing.

Queer Fruits by Anonymous – Lizzie contemplates Jean’s story.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Austen & Grahame-Smith

The Extraordinary Adventures of a Lady and her Gentlemen (Or, the Undead and the Automaton) by Anonymous – Liz, Mr. Darcy, and Fitzwilliam Darcy fend off the zombie army of a revengeful Wickham.

A Tangled Web by L. M. Montgomery

Three Times that Hannah Penhallow got the better of Gabrielle Penhallow and One Time that she didn’t by anonymous – And that last time really stings.

to those that wait by Anonymous – Hugh and Joscelin coda.

Catwoman Cat-Tales.

Some of the best Batman/Catwoman Fan fics evah.

Hi everybody,

Hope you all are having great holidays, and I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year! I hope that 2010 is bigger and  better for all of you.

I just wanted to let you know that I updated Chapter 3 of Fallen. Let me know what you think. Here’s an excerpt:

When I get engaged, Maggie, I want a big proposal. Flowers everywhere. Candlelight. Maybe in a romantic restaurant … or under a starlit sky in the park … or under a full moon on the beach. I don’t care where, as long as it’s romantic.

Today, is different from other days.
Pointlessly, I get more upset.
I miss you.
And now these words, turned into words I can’t say.

He simply stood there looking at her. He kept telling himself to turn away but it seemed impossible. Like she was all he needed to survive on. When he doesn’t get to see her, it felt like someone tore a part of him out. He wanted to say the words to her. But somehow, the words get stuck in this throat unable to come out. He couldn’t even call her name.

Now I can’t even watch over you, it’s really the end.
Thinking back I was really stupid.
Pointlessly waiting, I just misunderstood.
You have a boyfriend, I know that.

He knows he shouldn’t be doing this. He knows that he should keep his distance. But somehow, to keep away from her seemed impossible. Everytime he saw her with him, his heart would break a little. Is it wrong to fall in love with someone who will never belong to you? He would keep trying. That was what he told himself everytime he saw the both of them. Keep waiting and trying until one day she’ll be his.

My friends say i’m stupid. They say what’s so good about you, just snap out of it.
They said you just played with me. I dont care, who cares?
Just to be able to see you, I’m happy.

He hears the same old story every damn day. She’s just using you. She knows you’re in love with her, that’s why she’s using it to her advantage. She asks you to do little things for her because you’re like a love sick puppy. They would tell him to wake up, spend time with them. Forget about her. But the moment she speaks, he only hears her voice. It doesn’t matter if she was with someone else. As long as she knows he exists. That’s enough.

Do you remember?
The night in front of your house, I was nearly there.
My heart waiting, holding a bunch of roses.
I waited in the rain for you but you never came.

He waited. An hour passed, then two passed. Until it was three in the morning he still waited. Like a fool he waited, hoping that she would appear. It was supposed to be the day where he finally got his words out. Where he would tell her how he felt. It was the most important day in his life. But it was wasted. She never showed up. Roses crushed beneath his feet.

Then I was able to sort my feelings out for you.
Someone must be out there willing to comfort me.
Without even know that, I was confused.

It was then he realised that she was not the one for him. Because, if she were, she wouldn’t have made him wait. She wouldn’t have played him like a fool. He wiped away his tear and told himself no more. He was not going to cry for her no more. This love, never again will love. He just wouldn’t do it anymore. Looking at his reflection he was wondering why he was so stupid. His friends were right. This love, it’s already gone. No point catching it, it’s vanished. To the person who won’t ever come back. Fly far, fly away, so he wouldn’t have to see her again.

No more of you in my heart.
This is like one minus one.
September 19th is your birthday.
All alone.

It was that very day he realised that everything was just one sided. That it won’t be right. She would not leave her boyfriend for someone like him. Why should she? But what was he supposed to to, it was a fact that he loved her. He felt like a sinner to fall for someone who belongs to someone else. He’s so stressed that he can barely think. He thought of going up to her boyfriend and telling him that this is wrong. No, he must be going crazy without her. He couldn’t do that.
He stood beneath her window calling out her name and saw her shadow. She was not alone, but he kept on calling anyway. He just wanted to hell her that this love, is trying to forget, with time it will fade away. But memories are still here so his heart will still hurt.
He knew, it was too young for it to be called loved. But it was real. But they’re now memories, they’re the past and it will fade away.

Hey J, look at me.
After you left, it ain’t the same.
I’m not what I used to be.
It hurts so much you know?
I need you girl, always lonesome.
This love.

Her eyelids were seeing red, it was too bright to continue sleeping. She squinted her eyes open, adjusting to the glaring light. Where was she? She wondered as she looked around to her surroundings that suddenly looked familiar. She felt horrible, realizing that she was back in the hospital. She knew how she got admitted. She remembered being at the church, crying. It was because of her weak heart that landed her here. She blamed herself, she shouldn’t have caved into her emotions that easily. But that song that was played simply called out to her. As well as the person playing it. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness of the room, she looked around. By her bedside, there was a vase of beautiful white tiger lilies. Who were they from? She took a look around the bedside table but there was nothing.

Her doctor entered the room, the same doctor who did her heart transplant years ago. The one who told her the news months ago. He did his routine checks and left in under fifteen minutes, leaving the nurse behind, glaring at her. She was becoming uncomfortable under the nurse’s unwavering stare so she decided to look out the window.

“What is you relationship with him?” The nurse finally blurted out. Sooyun was confused, who was the ‘him’ she was talking about? Why was the nurse being so anal about someone who admitted her to a hospital?

“Who is he?” Sooyun asked the nurse, whose gaze was softening a little.

“The person who gives you those flowers every evening.” The nurse answered, looking at those flowers with longing. Did the nurse knew who the man was? Sooyun was about to ask her when the nurse just left without a word. Who was this man? Way was the nurse so uptight about it? As Sooyun left her room for a walk, she continued to ponder about it.

-

He left the studio earlier than expected. Shaun and Aimee had something on with each other so the session ended early. It was also probably due to the fact that the dance was already so polished that there was no need to practice anymore. As he made his way to the hospital for the third day in a row, he went to the florist to pick up flowers for the girl. He had no idea why he picked up tiger lilies.  They were wild flowers after all. But its the wildflowers that are the strongest because they can survive through tough situations. Maybe that was what he wanted for her, to survive.

He pulled his cap lower to cover half of his face so that no one could recognise him. Which was hard considering that the nurses and doctors in the hospital had mouths that can’t seem to close. He heard people whispering when he stepped into the lift to go to the ward. He could see it in his head now. Taeyang in the hospital to visit his girlfriend? Which would be good news since the world knows that he’s never had one. The lift announced that he had reached the desired floor and he stepped out, going to the ward which he was slowly getting familiar to. Taeyang silently prayed that the girl would be awake now, so that he could put his mind at ease. And then he would come back again tomorrow to see if she was doing better. He took a sniff of the flowers in his hand and got lost in his own thoughts, forgetting about his surroundings when he collided into someone.

Sooyun could feel herself losing balance and braced herself for the impact that never came. Instead, all she felt was warmth. Maybe death came to claim her after all.

“Are you alright?” Okay, it wasn’t death. Death wouldn’t have such a wonderful voice. Sooyun opened her eyes and had a shock of her life. He was a real human being! Not the angel of death she had hoped for. She steadied herself on her feet to show him that she was alright. Sooyun saw the flowers in his hands and she knew that it was him that was playing the piano the other day.

Sooyun abandoned the idea of a walk and went back into her room with him following in behind her. She watched him as he changed the water and replaced the flowers with fresh ones.

“Why tiger lilies?” He seemed to be taken aback by her question. Then, a small smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“You don’t know the story of the tiger lily?” Sooyun shook her head, causing his smile to deepen. “It’s a really old Korean story. There used to be a hermit who came across a wounded tiger.  The hermit helped the tiger by removing an arrow from its body. The tiger asked the hermit to use his powers to perpetuate their friendship after his death. The hermit agreed and when the tiger died, his body became a tiger lily. Eventually the hermit drowned and his body was washed away. The Tiger Lily spread everywhere searching for its friend.

“So the flower represents undying friendship. And besides, I heard that it helps in holistic healing. How true that is, I don’t know. But there’s a song named after it and it happened to be one of my favourite songs.” Sooyun looked at him. He was someone who thinks alot. He could have said that he bought the flower because it was pretty.

Sooyun placed her hand on top of his, “thank you.”

He gave her a shy smile and opened his mouth to say something when his phone rang. “I’ll be back tomorrow.” He promised.

“What’s your name?” Sooyun asked as he was about to leave.

“Taeyang”

“Taeyang like the sun?” A smile appeared on Sooyun’s face. He nodded in response. “It suits you. You’re smile is as bright as the sun.”

A/N: Just to inform my dear readers who might be confused. This fic was previously names Lifeless. I changed it because it sounded so depressing and I left that this title holds a deeper meaning and its more closely related to the fic. I hope that you all would enjoy this fic as much as the rest. ^^

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

JI!

JI JI JI JI JI

HYUNGGGGGG

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

yes maknae?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

oh there you are

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

what do you want now?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

sheesh i just wanna see how you are

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

really?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

nahh

HYUNG

WHEN IS MY

SOLO ALBUM

COMING OUT?

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

you don’t need a solo album

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

kjgkjdkjskjkjnsdg WHYY D:

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

you had a solo debut at the beginning of the year

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

;___;

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

GIVE OTHERS A CHANCE

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

WHO

WHAT OTHERS

TOP’s in IRIS

Taeyang’s solo album’s coming out

Daesung’s surrounded by noonas in Family Outing >.<

AND YOU’RE THE LEADER

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

so?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

what do i have? </3

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

you already have so much of attention.

you have musicals

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

*sulks in a corner*

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

psht!

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

hyung pleaseee!

PLEASE

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

why should i?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

o___e

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

give me 5 reasons

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

you love me?

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

of course i do.

i can give you everything

but i have to be fair to the others

and it has to depend on YG too

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

okay okay 4 more reasons

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

give me reasons why i should fight for you

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

you love me :3

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

a different one

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

this is hard

DOESNT THE FAN SERVICE MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU

you touch me and you violate my personal space >_>

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

AND YOU BORROW MY CLOTHES WITHOUT MY PERMISSION

THATS STEALING

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

>.<”

so

i look damn fine in them

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

people think we’re sleeping together when you wear my clothes

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

…haha

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

only one reason so far

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

dammit hyung

i just want a solo album

here’s the rest of my reasons:

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

fine.

go on

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

2. i wouldn’t want anyone else to do my album

3. i wouldn’t want anyone else to work with

4. i wouldn’t want anyone else to stay up late with

5. i wouldn’t want anyone else to share my success with

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

hmm.

FINE.

LET ME MAKE YOU A DEAL.

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

WHAT D<

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

i’ll talk to YG for you

and until he approves, you’ll have to do EVERYTHING i say

AND I MEAN EVERYTHING

^^

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

everything? :3 …like what?

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

like when i’m hungry you cook

when i’m cold, you give me a hug

make my bed in the morning?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

i hate making beds D:

but i’ll do it

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

so you start now

I WANT HOT TEA.

since i have to start writing songs for you

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

brb makin tea

*six minutes later*

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

tea’s outside you door hyung!

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

MAKNAE

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

WHAT NOW

I USED THE FINE CHINA

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

tell me 10 things you love about me.

BUT GIVE ME SOME SUGAR FIRST

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

brb getting sugar

*two minutes later*

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

sugar’s under the door hyung

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

got it.

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

okay okay 10 things

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

gahh this is hard ):

there are too many things

i love

about you

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

you have to be honest

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

honest honest?

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

HONEST

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

okay..

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

like pouring your heart out kind of honest

*five minutes later*

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

my tea’s getting cold

turning into ice by the time you’re done

*five more minutes later*

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

the tea’s finished

i even ate the tea bag

are you seriously pouring your heart out?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

1. the way you hide your face with your hand when you’re shy

2. the way words always come easy to you

3. the way you still sing your heart out even when you’re constantly put down

4. the way you smile

5. the way you work to be different

6. they way you show your thoughts

7. the way you show your feelings

8. the way you look at me when you want to say something sweet

9. the way your arms fit around me just perfectly

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

and lastly..

10. the way you kiss me, and tell me that you love me

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

^^

fighting for the solo album isn’t going to be easy

MAKNAE

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

WHAT

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

i’m hungry.

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

go eat >_>

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

i want kimchi pancakes

GO COOK

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

-______-

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

i want them heart shaped

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

FINE

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

GO WHILE I GO DO THE TRACK LIST

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

brb lookin for recipe book

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

actually

i already wrote a song for the both of us

i thought that it would be on our next album

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

MAKNAE

SCREW THE PANCAKES

come back

i wanna tell you something

about the song i wrote

maknae?

ARE YOU SERIOUSLY MAKING THOSE PANCAKES?

right, i smell them

i love you maknae.

and i didn’t think you’ll write all 10 reasons

but

they made me smile to myself.

i love the way your body fits in mine. and i love the way you pout like you’re begging to be  kissed.

there’s not enough words to say how i feel but i hope that I LOVE YOU would be enough

*two minutes later*

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

ARE YOU MAKING PANCAKES TO FEEL THE WHOLE BUILDING?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

no, daesung is

kekekekekeke

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

GAH.

anyway

you wanna hear the title of the song i wrote?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

okay, lay it on me!

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

Take My Hand.

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

:’3

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

are you crying?

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

NO

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

you’re crying. i can hear it from here

love the pancakes btw

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

I TOLD DAE TO CLOSE YOUR DOOR AFTER DELIVERY D:

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

FINE

i’m going to bed

the heart looks funny though.

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

don’t blame me, daesung did them

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

one more thing before i go maknae

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

yes?

ladies and gentleman, i’m gossip man G now says:

come to my room, i wanna hold you when i sleep

ORA YEAH!! are you ready for the maknae?? says:

<3

Fellow PattinAngel and fanfic-writer My Hubby is no Edward a.k.a. @Christina2227 asked me to make a banner for her FanFic ‘What’s lust got to do with it?’ A synopsis: While Edward & Rosalie are out of town, will Emmett and Bella be able to contain their infatuation for one another, or will they let the lust consume them? AU/AH, a bit OOC; rated M for a good reason

I gave her three to choose from and she picked the top one. If you want to read it, click on the links below:

‘What’s lust got to do with it?’ on FanFiction

‘What’s lust got to do with it?’ on Twilighted

Hey ho, ho hum, it’s Shnicky time! (okay that wasn’t the world’s best rhyme but when Westlife start kickin’ it with the songwriting, so will I)

Here’s another painfully cheesy Shnicky story. This is a different kind to what we had last time. Last time, we had Shane and Nicky acting like women and talking about the feelings. This time we have another story with zero plot, as it’s a porn!fic. Porn!fics are written entirely for the sake of masturbation of the writer and the readers. There is no plot and no point. Just various ways of how to disguise the fact it’s in fact, all porn.

This one’s a fun one, Nicky has been “kidnapped” and Shane is the chivalrous knight riding on a horse to Nicky’s rescue. Oh, what would King Arthur say?

PS: Don’t read this if you’ve just eaten, like me, you’ll risk barfing.

Shane tightened his grip on the reins of his horse. He kicked his ankle into the horse’s side, urging him to ride faster. He had already wasted too much time. He was scared of getting there too late. Nicky had already been missing for over an hour and he feared what could have happened to his lover in that time. He cleared a fallen tree and kept riding.
“Come on” Shane urged the horse. “Nicky’s in trouble”

He had seen the note. He hadn’t recognized the hand writing but he knew he didn’t have much time. He had less than ten minutes to reach his destination. He cleared the trees and could see a barn in the distance. The young singer flicked the reins once more, forcing the horse to run even faster.

When he reached the door, he jumped off the horse. He wrapped the reins around the door handle and raced inside.
“Nicky?” Shane called. “Nix? Where are you?”

Shane rounded the corner and found an empty stall. He peered inside and his heart began to pound. His blonde lover was inside. He was bound and gagged but looked unharmed. He ran to his side and quickly removed his gag.

“Nix?” Shane gasped. “Are you hurt?”
“Shay?” Nicky replied. “You found me!”
“Of course… Where is he? What did he do to you?”
“I… He went outside. He could be back any minute”
“It’s okay, I’m here now and I’m gonna get you out of here”

Shane untied Nicky’s wrists and ankles then pulled the blonde into his arms. He slid one arm behind Nicky’s back, the other behind his knees. In turn, Nicky wrapped his arms around Shane’s neck.
“I won’t let him hurt you” Shane whispered in Nicky’s ear.

Moving slowly and quietly through the deserted barn, Shane reached the door. A noise from outside caused the couple to duck and hide. A lone figure raced past them, neither lad was able to get a clear look at his face. Once he was gone, Shane stood up, carrying Nicky with him. The couple made it outside to Shane’s horse. He helped Nicky onto the horses’ back then untied the reins.

Shane climbed onto the horse in front of Nicky and instructed him to hold on tight. Nicky nodded and slid his arms around his lover’s waist. Again, he kicked his heel into the horses’ rib and they took off. The older boy clung to his lover for dear life. The brunette checking over his shoulder every few minutes to ensure they weren’t being followed.

Once they reached the tree line, Shane began to relax. They’d made it and he was fairly confident they hadn’t been followed. Eventually, he slowed the horse to a relaxed trot. He had pushed the friendly animal in his haste to reach Nicky but now they were ’safe’ he decided to go
easy on his four-legged friend.

“Did he hurt you?” Shane asked. Nicky shook his head.
“Did he… Did he touch you in any way?” Again, Nicky shook his head.
“Good”

After riding for another ten minutes, Shane spotted a cabin through the trees. He manoeuvred the horse through the trees and up to the cabin. He climbed down off the horse and tied the reins to the fence.
“Wait here” the young rider told his lover. Nicky nodded.

Shane approached the cabin. He knocked on the door and received no answer. He waited several minutes before trying to open the door. It was unlocked. He walked into the cabin, calling out to see if anyone was home. Again he received no answer. He quickly searched each room before returning to his lover.
“Place seems deserted” Shane told him.

He held his arms out for Nicky and the blonde slid off the horse and into Shane’s awaiting arms. The brunette carried his blonde lover into the cabin, through the living room and into the bedroom. He carefully placed Nicky onto the double bed. As his lover lay on the bed before him, Shane reached down and removed the blonde’s shoes and socks before climbing onto the bed with him.

“I was so scared” Shane told him.
“I wasn’t” Nicky admitted. “I knew you’d come for me”

Shane reached out and placed his hand on Nicky’s cheek. The blonde leaned into the touch and closed his eyes. The younger boy moved closer, capturing Nicky’s lips with his own. Nicky returned the embrace with an intense passion. He wrapped his arms around Shane and pulled him down on top of him. He ran his hands down Shane’s body, his hands stopping at the waistband of his pants. His left hand brushed against his pocket and he reached inside to retrieve the item inside. It was a piece of paper. As Shane began to kiss Nicky’s neck, the blonde unfolded the paper and began to read it.

“Shay?” Nicky asked. “That’s a lot of money he asked for”
“What?” Shane replied. He pulled away from the blonde and saw what he had been looking at. “Oh, the ransom note”
“You weren’t gonna to pay it?”
“What makes you say that?”
“The fact that there’s no money in your pocket… Was he asking too much for me?”
“Never, Nix… You’re priceless”

Shane leaned down and kissed Nicky once more. The blonde crumbled the piece of paper and tossed it onto the floor. His lips brushed against Shane’s and he moaned. He felt Shane’s hands under his shirt and he gasped as Shane’s fingers brushed his nipple. The younger boy pushed Nicky’s shirt up to his chin and began to kiss his stomach. The blonde giggled as his lover’s tongue prodded his belly-button. He reached up, while Shane was occupied, and removed his own t-shirt.

The younger boy sat up, looking down at the blonde beneath him. He had come so close to loosing him and that though terrified him beyond belief. Shane separated himself from Nicky for a moment to kick off his riding boots. When he turned back, Nicky was sitting up and looking at him.
Nicky crawled over to Shane and climbed into the brunette’s lap. He sat in Shane’s lap, straddling the younger boy. He pushed Shane’s jacket off his shoulders and tossed it onto the floor. Then he gripped the base of his shirt and pulled it off over his head. It joined his jacket on the floor.

“My Prince Charming…” Nicky whispered in Shane’s ear. “Storming my prison on his white… well, brown, horse”
“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to slay the dragon” Shane replied.
“It’s okay… You still get your reward” Nicky told him, taking Shane’s hand and placing it onto his hardness.

Shane smiled, already looking forward to partaking in his reward. He kissed his lover with a fierce passion. He wrapped his arms around the blonde and flipped him over, pinning him to the bed. He trailed his lips down to Nicky’s neck and back up, along his chin. He continued his pattern up to the older boy’s ear and suckled on his earlobe. As his lover began to breathe erratically, Shane’s hands began to separate the blonde from his pants. The older boy wiggled out of his pants and underwear and lay naked on the bed beneath Shane.

The brunette pushed Nicky’s clothes aside, allowing them to fall to the ground. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight before him. Nicky’s beautiful body lay, spread-eagled, on the mattress in all his glory. Without another moment’s hesitation, Shane closed his mouth over Nicky’s erection.
The older boy gasped as Shane’s tongue began to work its magic on his body. Nicky nervously bit his lip and his hand closed over a bunch of the duvet. He moaned and gasped as his lover licked, sucked and grazed his teeth along his hardness. He felt Shane’s hands glide over his thighs and over his chest. He wriggled and writhed as he fought the urge to thrust into Shane’s mouth.

He felt that he was slowly being tortured into insanity as Shane was dragging this out too long but the younger boy was thoroughly enjoying himself. After several more minutes of licking and sucking, Shane released his lover and climbed back up the bed, resting his head on the pillow beside Nicky.

“Can I have my prize now?” Shane asked.
“You know where to find it” Nicky whispered in his lover’s ear.

Shane smiled and removed his pants and boxers. As he cast them aside, Nicky rolled over onto his stomach. The younger boy slid back down the mattress and leaned over his lover. He pressed his lips against Nicky’s strong back and began to trial kisses down his spine, causing the older boy to shiver with delight.
As he reached his destination, he slid his tongue into Nicky’s crack, causing the blonde to shiver again. He smiled and began to rub his hands over the older boy’s ass cheeks. He separated his cheeks, giving his tongue better access to his prize. After thrusting his tongue in and out of his lover several times, Shane replaced his tongue with his finger.

Nicky reached down his own body and began to stroke his cock. Shane followed suit, stroking his own hardness in preparation. Knowing what was soon to come; Nicky lifted his body and placed the pillow under his stomach. Shane positioned himself on his knees.

The blonde bent his own knees, presenting himself to his lover. Shane retracted his hand, removing his finger from the blonde. He placed his hands on either side of Nicky’s body, holding his thighs gently but firmly. He slid his cock easily inside his lover’s tight passage. Nicky moaned his lover’s name as Shane filled him. He gasped as the brunette began to thrust in and out of him. He felt Shane’s hand close over his own around his cock and he bit his lip. He continued to moan and gasp as his lover stoked his hardness in time with his thrusts.

Shane leaned over his lover and kissed his back. Nicky was enjoying the mixture of sensations Shane’s hand; cock and tongue were subjecting him to. He whimpered as Shane’s teeth dug into his shoulder, marking him. Then his lover’s tongue began to massage the injury.

“You’re mine, Nix” Shane moaned. “All mine”
“Yes” Nicky gasped.
“Say it?”
“I’m yours… All yours”

The brunette started to harden his thrusts, causing the blonde to whimper again. Shane thrust harder and harder, sensing his approaching orgasm. He tightened his grip on his lover’s cock as he lodged his hardness deep in Nicky’s ass and shot his load. The older boy cried out in ecstasy as Shane’s seed filled him to completion.
Shane continued to stoke Nicky’s hardness, waiting for the blonde to come. After several more minutes, he felt his lover’s body tense and Nicky shot his seed into Shane’s vigorous, awaiting hand. The two lads collapsed in a heap of exhaustion… Both fighting for breathe.

Nicky pulled Shane into his arms, crushing their sticky bodies together. Their lips met in a gentle kiss and Nicky dropped his head onto Shane’s chest.
“Wow!” Nicky exclaimed.
“Wow indeed” Shane replied.
The younger boy slid his hand into Nicky’s hair. He aimlessly began to stroke and twirls the blonde locks through his fingers. Nicky sighed in contempt. Shane smiled down at his lover.

“That was hot” Nicky continued.
“Yes, it was” Shane agreed.
“I think I could get used to being the `damsel in distress’, Shay”
“The ransom note was a nice touch too, babe”

“So, how come you’ve never brought me here before?” Nicky asked.
“I’ve been pestering my uncle for the use of his cabin for years…” Shane confessed. “He finally relented”
“Years? Exactly how many people have you shared this fantasy of yours with?”
“Only you, babe… I promise”

“Well, it was a great fantasy…”
“Thank you for making it a reality, Nix”
“Anytime Shay… Besides, how often am I going to have a handsome man ride up on his gallant horse to rescue me from a mean, nasty kidnapper?”
“As often as you want, babe”

“I love you, my prince charming”
“And I love you… My `damsel in distress’”

Shane’s lips found Nicky’s and they lost themselves in each other’s embrace. Surrendering to a love, that was greater than any fantasy.

Holy whack! Would you look at that ending! Brilliant, eh?

Chapter 10“

He was late. When he spotted Gae Eul sitting there on the bench at the entrance to the mall, he knew he was late. So after parking the car, he put on a grey knit cardigan over his white turtleneck and ran hurriedly to her.
“Sorry I’m late.” Jae Ha said.

Ga Eul looked up and smiled, getting up from her seat.

“It’s okay.”

“Did you wait long?”

“No, it’s fine. Let’s go.”

Ga Eul slipped her arm around Jae Ha’s and the two of them walked into the mall together. It was only six o’clock so the mall was still crowded. Students were taking a break there before they go to their respective cram schools.

“What should we watch, Jae Ha?” Ga Eul asked when they were in the elevator.

“Don’t know yet, let’s decide when we get there.” Jae Ha replied. “Didn’t you say your brother is coming?”

“Yes, he’s coming with his girlfriend. Some girl name Cha Eun Cha?”

“He has a girlfriend?”

“Min Jae Ha, my brother is a man. He can get girlfriends, right? Don’t judge him because of Jan Di.”

Jae Ha raised an eyebrow.

“Who said I’m judging him because of Jan Di?”

“All So Yi Jung did was become a fool and drove drunk.”

“Aniyo, you misunderstood me. I just find it… Odd. Three years they dated before the car accident. I left for the States and now six years later, they’re dating other people? I have to get used to it.”

“Jan Di isn’t dating.”

“Are you sure about that?” Jae Ha chuckled and patted Ga Eul’s cold hand. “Omo, your hands are cold.”

“Of course it would be. I was waiting for you in the cold.” She pouted.

Jae Ha shook his head and took Ga Eul’s hands in his own, rubbing them to warm them up.

“Sorry about that.”

She giggled.

“It’s OK.” Ga Eul and Jae Ha walked out of the elevator and continued on their way. “So what did you mean about Jan Di? I’m her best friend. Why would she not tell me about a prospective boyfriend?”

“Are you aware that she’s working with Goo Jun Pyo of Shinhwa Corps?”

“Yes.” Ga Eul paused and then looked Jae Ha. “Do you know Goo Jun Pyo?”

Jae Ha shrugged.

“He said some things.”

“What! What!” Ga Eul urged him.

“Don’t talk about Jan Di.” Jae Ha said. “I got a question for you.”

Ga Eul raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

“This…” Jae Ha gestured towards him and her with his index finger. “Are you serious?”

Ga Eul’s smile faltered and fell. She slowly pulled her hand away from Jae Ha’s. The two of them walked side by side towards the food court of the mall. They had planned to meet Yi Jung there. Reading the uncomfortable position they were in, Jae Ha cleared his throat.

“I—“ He started.

“Yes.” Ga Eul replied. She turned and began walking backwards, trying to meet Jae Ha’s eyes as she did so. “I am serious. I want you to consider me as your girlfriend.”

“Ga Eul, you are my hoobae.”

“And Jan Di?” She countered. “Was Jan Di not your hoobae?”

Jae Ha paused.

“Jan Di is my hoobae.”

She stopped walking.

“Why? I met you first. I talked to you first. I fell for you first. She never did. Why isn’t it me?”

“Cho Ga Eul…” Jae Ha took a deep breath. “I just…”

“Want to steal her from So Yi Jung?” Ga Eul suggested. He shook his head. “Want to console her when he made her life miserable?” He shook his head again. “You just… Just what, Min Jae Ha? Can’t get over her?”

There was total silence. Ga Eul stared at him and scoffed, immediately turning around from the man as tears filled her eyes. Jae Ha stepped up and took Ga Eul’s hand in his. Surprised at the action, the tears she had tried to keep in all of sudden slithered down her white cheeks. Jae Ha offered a tight-lipped smile to Ga Eul and brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, spreading and wiping the tears away.

“Ga Eul.”

“Sorry about that.” She said, pulling her face away from his touch. She adjusted her hair and brushed away the tears before smiling at him. “I’m just… tired.”
Jae Ha looked at her.

“Ga Eul.” He called.

“I think we should watch Ninja Assassin. I heard from friends that it was awesome.”

“Cho Ga Eul, liste—”

“I know.” Ga Eul interrupted. “I know you will say no to me. When you left for the States, you offered Jan Di a part of your life that I can never get. But she’s moved on. You’re going to have to be honest with yourself and see what is better for you, with whom are you happier, and who will treat you well.”

“So why are you telling me all this?”

Ga Eul smiled.

“I’m just opening the subject up to let you know I’m an option too.” Glancing at the people who stared at them as they passed, Ga Eul cleared her throat. “I’m going to the bathroom. Find Yi Jung for me?”

“Okay.”

“Call me or something.”

With a nod to him, Ga Eul began walking away as if the outburst of tears didn’t happen. Jae Ha stared at her retreating back with a puzzled look on his face as if he was thinking hard. Then a smile broke onto his face and he laughed.

“Cho Ga Eul, you’re one tough chick.” A sudden ring tone had Jae Ha distracted. He took out yellow Corby and answered the phone.  “Jun Pyo, oh. I’m here. Where are you? Oh. We’re at the food court. Yes. Okay, we’ll wait for you. See you later.”

Checking his phone, Jae Ha dialed someone’s number.

“Yoboseyo?” Someone asked.

“Ya, So Yi Jung. Where are you?”

“In front of you.”

Jae Ha looked up and saw a couple walking towards him. The man was obviously So Yi Jung and the woman? Ah, this was probably Yi Jung’s new girlfriend. Something something Chae? Ah yes, Cha Eun Chae.

“Jae Ha!”

Jae Ha swiveled around and waved a hand to greet the one who called him. Here comes the other couple, Goo Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di. He subconsciously winced at the incoming confrontation between Jundi and Yieun but took a deep breath and stepped back for the four of them to meet.

“Yi Jung?”

“Jan Di?”

Jun Pyo raised an eyebrow.

“Aren’t you that pâtisserie from the party last night?”

“Isn’t she your ex-girlfriend?”

“You all…” Jae Ha spoke up. “You all have meet each other?”

Four pairs of eyes glanced at Jae Ha.

“Where is your girlfriend?” Yi Jung asked with menace lacing over his sweet voice.

“She’ll come. She’ll come soon.”

Inside, Jae Ha was cursing Ga Eul for leaving him to this awkward atmosphere of past and new lovers.

( _ _ _ )

They were at H-Diner, an ideal American Diner would it have been in Soho, New York City. But H-Diner was a private restaurant at the food court where they gathered after Ga Eul came back from the bathroom. After decisions by Jae Ha and Ga Eul, they decided to eat first before watching a late night movie. While waiting for the ordered food to arrive, Jun Pyo decided to open up a conversation.

“Jae Ha.”

Jae Ha looked up from his drink.

“How come you never told me you know Jan Di?”

“Goo Jun Pyo, do I know all your friends?”

Jun Pyo smiled and nodded his head, indicating to his best friend that he understood.

“So Jun Pyo-sshi, how long have you been going out with Jan Di?” Eun Chae, Yi Jung’s girlfriend, asked.

“I want to know too!” Ga Eul butted in. “The last I checked Jan Di, you were single.”

Jan Di made a face at Ga Eul.

“You were single too.”

“I suppose we’re the long term relationship of this circle then.” Eun Chae giggled.

Jae Ha gestured towards himself and Ga Eul as well as Jun Pyo and Jan Di.

“What about us? And them?”

“Jae Ha, you’re the psychologist. How about you tell us about it?” Jun Pyo mocked.

Jae Ha stared at the people around the table and frowned.

“Hm… Give me a minute.”

“We should introduce ourselves again.” Ga Eul also suggested. “Guys, tell us about your life six years ago until now.”

“Six years ago until now?” Yi Jung raised an eyebrow. “Why can’t we speak of current status?”

“Don’t argue with me.” Ga Eul cleared her throat. “Good afternoon, guys. My name is Cho Ga Eul, So Yi Jung’s half-sister unfortunately. I’m currently a Sales Specialist at Shinhwa’s Sales department and will always be Geum Jan Di’s best friend.”

Jan Di smiled.

“Tell me about six years ago!” Yi Jung ordered.

Ga Eul glared at Yi Jung.

“Six years ago, I wanted to kill my brother but was afraid I would go to trial for attempted murder. The judges would convict me immediately because Yi Jung has a lot of evidence against me.”

Everyone laughed. Jae Ha, Jan Di, Yi Jung, and Ga Eul herself laughed the hardest because they knew it was true in another sense of the word.

“I’ll go next.” Yi Jung nodded to everyone. “I’m So Yi Jung. I’m the owner and baker at Petit Pâtisserie. Six years ago, I met Go Eun Chae here and learned the arts of baking. Two years later, we opened Petit Pâtisserie together. But since she’s going back to school, I’m managing the bakery with a friend of mine. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jun Pyo nodded.

There were other details of course, from six years ago, but no one mentioned the details because they had one thing on their mind. Let bygones be true bygones.

“I’m Go Eun Chae, Yi Jung’s official girlfriend. I’m a late student at Seoul Univers—”

“Hold on!” Yi Jung called out and turned to his girlfriend. “What do you mean official girlfriend?”

Eun Chae shrugged.

“Who knows, maybe you have other girls besides me.”

“Cha Eun Chae!”

Everyone giggled and chuckled at the very mean joke.

“Yeh, I’m a student at Seoul University. Six years ago, I wanted to open my own coffee shop and serve baked goods. But since meeting Yi Jung, he persuaded me to open an official bakery.” Eun Chae shrugged her shoulders. “The man is very persuasive.”

“He’s a douche.” Ga Eul commented.

“Jan Di, it’s your turn.” Jae Ha urged.

The quiet lady smiled and waved to everyone.

“Six years ago, I quit school and began working odd jobs here and there. After my father died…” Ga Eul, Jan Di, and Jae Ha glanced at Yi Jung. “After my father died, my mom gave birth to a baby girl. The young man who named her Mi Mi had the word bitter at his tongue. But Mi Mi, to me, means resolute and it fits her perfectly. She is a very determined child who is now in first grade. As for me, I now currently work for my boss, Goo Jun Pyo.”

“Oooh, working with Goo Jun Pyo and dating him?” Yi Jung mocked.

“How scandalous!” Ga Eul added in.

The others glanced at each other and then at half siblings Yi Jung and Ga Eul. They were so in synch!

“My turn.” Jun Pyo nodded to his companions at the table. “Hello there guys. I’m Goo Jun Pyo and as for my introduction…. Well, I don’t mean to tell  you my sob story but six years ago, I married the love of my life in the United States. A year later, my wife gave me two kids.”

“Two?” Yi Jung asked.

“Oh, twins?” Eun Chae shouted out.

“Bingo!” Jun Pyo chuckled. “Yes, one girl and one boy who gets along really well. But unfortunately, my wife and I divorced when they were five. She died in a tragic plane accident more than a year ago.” A mutter of apologies went around the table. “It’s okay. When we were married, I thought I had tried my best to love her. But it wasn’t so. I will be better next time.”

“Now that’s an introduction!” Ga Eul exclaimed. She gave a thumbs up to Jun Pyo and reached over the table to hit her brother. “Idiot.”

“Ya! Am I a punch bag for you to hit?”

“Yeh, oppa.” Ga Eul replied cutely.

Everyone cracked up while Yi Jung had fire crackling from his ears.

( _ _ _ )

“This won’t go well for your friend Ga Eul.” He whispered.

“Why?” She inquired at the statement. “What’s wrong with her?”

“I know Jae Ha. During his university years, he fell in love with this hoobae of his and won’t stop talking about her. Yeah, I know I haven’t talked to him since I got married but hey, he could still be hung up on that girl. People say distance makes the heart fonder. He was madly in love with her. I don’t think Ga Eul has a chance even if they are going out now.”

She stared at him for a moment and dismissed the thought that floated in her mind.

“I don’t mean to diss anyone but my God, whose idea is this?”

“What idea?”

“This triple date.”

He chuckled and shook his head.

“It wasn’t my idea. I didn’t know my best friend is having a date with your best friend and bringing another couple in. But what seems to be the problem? I think it’s cute.” He pointed to the couple sitting up at the front to her right. “Look at Yi Jung-sshi and his girlfriend, Eun Chae-sshi. They look quite the couple with his arm around her and her head on his shoulder. Very romantic. But look at your Ga Eul-sshi and my Jae Ha. They’re watching the movie without even talking. And us, we’re sitting all the way back here gossiping about them. Isn’t that pitiful?”

“No.” Jan Di suddenly put a hand over Jun Pyo’s on the arm rest and sat up straighter in her chair, pointing to the couple at the front to her left. “Omo, omo! Did you see that? Jae Ha put his arm around her. Awww, that’s so cute.”

“But she’s not doing anything.”

Jan Di made a face.

“Hey, give my Ga Eul some credit here. This is their first date. She can’t be so bold to kiss him during their first date, right?”

“Why, was I too bold?”

Jun Pyo swung his arm around Jan Di’s shoulder and pulled her closer to him. When he saw her shocked action, he smiled and turned back to the movie as if nothing was wrong. She squinted her eyes at him and also turned to the screen. Reaching out, she pulled on his shirt sleeve. He pretended not to notice and watched the movie. She pulled again. When he didn’t answer, she pinched him.

“Owww!!”

A voice from above shouted:

“Be quiet down there!”

Jan Di and Jun Pyo exchanged glances and laughed quietly. Slowly, like little kids who got into trouble, they sink further down the chair. Jun Pyo turned to Jan Di.

“Do you know how I will be quiet?”

There was a question raised in her eyes. A spark flickered in Jun Pyo’s eyes as he tilted his head and planted a soft kiss on Jan Di’s lips.

“Boss, you’re awfully aggressive today.” Jan Di commented, half-joking but half-serious.

He gave her another peck and pulled away, smirking. She bit her lip. Jun Pyo leaned forward and kissed her for real this time. After some teasing, he felt her lean forward and he moved his arms around her neck, gently cradling it as he leaned deeper into the kiss. Although he wanted to continue, he moved his hand to her face and gently caressed it over her cheek. His fingertips traced over the strong lines of her jaw and over the smooth roundness of her cheeks before pulling away. Jan Di and Jun Pyo straightened in their seats and turned to watch Bi Rain whack some loony characters with his lethal weapons. A moment of silence passed them before she spoke up.

“Boss.”

“Yes?”

“You’re a meanie.”

Jun Pyo turned to look at him.

“What, you want more?”

“No.” Jan Di replied adamantly.

“Okay.”

Jun Pyo shrugged and glued his eyes to the movie screen in front of him. But half a minute later, he sneaked Jan Di a peck and looked away.

( _ _ _ )

The car stopped in the driveway next to Jan Di’s car. It was almost 10 o’clock, just in time for curfew. The two of them sat there in the front seats, just staring at the drizzling rain falling down on the windshield.

“I had fun today.” Jan Di stated, true from her heart. She glanced at Jun Pyo and smiled. “Thanks, boss.”

“I’m sorry for being too aggressive this whole day. I kept kissing you without permission.” Jun Pyo grinned. “It’s a good thing I invited Jae Ha.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It’s our first date. I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable since I popped the suggestion out of nowhere.” Jun Pyo shrugged. “At least with your friends there, it won’t be so awkward.”

“So it wasn’t impulsive?”

“What do you mean impulsive? I’ve been thinking about this for a while now.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“A week?” He shook his head. “Three days? One day?” Now Jan Di was frowning. “What is it?”

“One hour.”

“Jun Pyo!”

Jan Di reached over and hit his arm lightly as he laughed.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. Next time, let’s go on a date by ourselves. Just the two of us.”

“There’s a next time?”

“Do you not want one?”

Jan Di paused in her wake of opening the door.

“No, I will look forward to it.” She got off the car and paused there. “Good bye, boss.”

Jun Pyo peered out.

“Is that your pet name for me now, Geum Jan Di?”

“Have a good night, Boss.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yeh.”

With a nod of her head, Jan Di closed the door behind her and trudged into her house through the garage. When the garage door closed, Jun Pyo flashed his car’s lights and drove off.

As the distance between them increased, smiles slowly kissed their faces.

Chapter 2“

The room was cold. But his heart was colder. He was sure of it. Sitting there, Jay Park was watching every move and listening to every words that the television broadcasted.

“For someone who does arts, he also plays the role of connecting cultures. It is wrong to criticize other people or culture. It was wrong of Jae Bum to use such an expression. Jae Bum was not a bad child. He was a very good child. Only that back then it was very tough for him. He was very much unmotivated back then. He even said ‘If it is not Park Jin Young’s song, I have confidence to do well.’ But Jae Bum is not one to lie. And he still does not. And that is the most important thing. Jae Bum has been changing and the Jae Bum now is not the same as the Jae Bum then. “

Jay smiled sadly. He understood. He understood how much he had wronged Korea with those messages on Myspace. That’s why he left. Four years of tears and sweat, four years of unrelenting efforts and so much sacrifices on his part–in the end, it all came down to that one decision.

He was back home. He was Jay again.

Not as Park Jae Bum, not as Leadja.

Just… Jay.

How disappointing it was. His mother, who had urged him to audition, did not blame him. Instead, she understood the shattering of his dream and cried for him when he could not. He appreciated the kind gesture but rather than support him, he wished she would do something else. He wanted her to scream at him, yell at him, and scold him for disrespecting the country where she came from. She did not. And her silence only strengthened his guilt.

“If you all care about Jae Bum, fans and public opinion should leave him alone. It will be of help to give Jae Bum some time. During this time when Jae Bum rest, what I can do is meet him in Seattle as a singer and dance teacher to make sure that he does not rust as a singer. And I will help him out if he wants to return to perform on stage again.”

The question was… Will they accept him? Or were the fans’ pleadings stunts of pity? It was the netizens who drove him out of the country, wasn’t it? What made them cry, the tears in his eyes upon boarding the plane or the fact that his presence no longer existed for them to bash and abuse?

He hated them. But at the same time… He loved them.

Jay buried his head in his hands.

“He really loves the other six 2PM members. So if he returns, he will of course return as part of 2PM. To comeback solo, Jae Bum himself and the 2PM members will not want it.”

Jay felt reassured by Park Jin Young’s words. But in the back of his mind, he wondered. Was there really a reason to come back?

“Jay!” His mother’s voice snapped Jay out of his thoughts. He blinked and looked around. The television was now on commercial.

“Oh, mom! I’m here.” Jay answered.

“Time for dinner.”

Dinner? Jay’s head snapped to the clock. It was 7 o’clock. Had he really been sitting here for three hours?

“Yeh, I’ll come right down!”

Jay peeled his butt out of the sofa and rushed out of his bedroom. As he began his descent the stairs, he collided with another body.

“Come on, man.” Je Han gave his brother a little push as the two siblings fought for space down the stairs. “Are you that hungry?”

“Of course!” Jay replied. “Where have you been all day anyway?”

Je Han scoffed.

“Unlike you who buries himself in that sand of your room, I actually have a life.”

Jay raised an eyebrow.

“Dating girls and getting laid?”

“Hey, at least I can date.”

The two siblings now walked into the kitchen.

“Mom!” Jay whined. “Je Han is using informal language with me.”

“I’m speaking in English! There is no formal language.”

“Says you.”

Je Han ignored his brother.

“What did you make, mom?”

“Pizza dough with fish sauce and kimchi.” The mother replied.

“What??!”

☼~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~☼

When Jay stopped by, it was around 10 o’clock.

Unlike a month before though, the place was rowdy and very much crowded. About a dozen of young guys and gals gathered at the entrance under the sapphire neon lights of Ray Studios. Music blasted from the opened door and from where he stood, he could tell that inside, it was very much crowded.

“Hey man.” Jay asked one of the guys standing outside. “What’s going on here?”

“Boy, where you been?” The guy replied with a scoff. “It the competition boy!”

“Competition?”

“Max!” A friend of the guy called out from inside the studio. To Jay, it looked more like a club or something. “It’s starting.”

“What? Now?” Max inquired. He checked his phone. “They not here yet.”    ”Forget the niggas!”

At the announcement from Max’s friend, those who gathered outside on the streets began piling in. Jay quickly followed them inside. Although it was crowded and the human bodies just kept piling on and on around the studio room where he saw Nicko, Ray, Alexis, and Jen, the air seemed clean and clear as if it was ventilated or something. Another thing Jay noticed was the lack of smoke. Usually at dance competitions, there’s always smoke from cigarettes or beer or at least something semi-illegal. But there’s none and he was surprised by the clean environment.

The song that played in the background was an old song from 2006, Beep by Pussycat Dolls, but still it was very catchy. Guys and gals gathered around the edges of the room while the middle of the floor was cleared off. The spotlights were focused on the two girls standing face-to-face. Their stances resembled that of a dance off.

With further inspection, Jay found himself smiling. It was Jen and Ray. What kind of dance off will the two girls be having if Jen was a contemporary modern dancer? Do they do ballets or something? And Ray, this would be the first time he will see her dance. He’s looking forward to it.

“Alright, alright.” Jay’s eyes snapped to the man stepping up and dividing the two girls to their respective sides. It was Nicko. “Jen Grabovica and Rayleen Jang in a dance off to Show Me the Money by Petey Pablo. Bring it on!”

Immediately, the music started up as Nicko disappeared among the crowd. Jen and Ray started walking around in a circle, their concentration focused only on each other. Even the simple arts of walking seemed intense. The crowd was simply silent, anticipating and waiting for that one moment.

It didn’t disappoint.

As Petey Pablo started the chorus, Jen took a step towards Ray and began to display some toprocks with various speeds of popping. The mingling of hip hop and breaking looked a little odd because of the introduction but more styles came into play and merged together to create a masterpiece. Jen did a cliché ballet movement of jumping in the air and then fell down to a downrock. With momentum reached, power moves began exploding across the floor until a one-handed freeze held Jen in place. Jen smacked a kick at Ray.

It was now Ray’s turn and she took it with pleasure. Grabbing Jen’s leg, Ray pushed her opponent to the floor and took the limelight.

Jay watched closely.

For the last verse of Petey Pablo’s song, Ray just stood there moving her hips to the kinky music. But then she bent her knees and went down low until she broke out with a combinations of house dances and contortions for massive effects. What an intro she made. She totally skipped the foremost opening display of any breaking style and the seductive hip movements added a feminine touch to the hardcore dance. As the song neared the end, Ray began moving her torso back and forth in a rippling motion to match the beat of the song. All throughout the jacking movements, her feet performed several funky moves that brought her closer to her opponent. When they were just feet from each other, Ray took a step forward and gave Jen a flirtatious peck on the lips.

Ouch, what a burn! The crowd went wild as shouts began echoing through the room and applauses thundered about. Jay was one of the many people who did as such and even more, wolf whistling and everything. The girls excused themselves and merged through the crowd. Jay decided to follow. The more he came to know of Ray Studios and the happenings, the more intrigued he was.

“Ray, Jen!” Jay shouted as he transitioned to the hallway.

The girls halted in their wake and turned to look at him. Jen squinted her eyes and smiled when she recognized the man.

“Hey there, Jay.” Jen had to raise her voice or else they could never hear each other in the crowd. Well, it wasn’t crowded out in the hallway but the sounds ricocheting from the dance studio was loud enough. “It’s been a while. What, a month or something? What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to visit you guys but got pulled into the showcase.” He replied. “I saw the dance off. You is sick.”

“Why thank you.” Jen giggled.

“And here I thought you were a modern dance freak like Nicko and Alexis. You b-boy too?” Jen nodded. “Well why didn’t you say so?”

“Jay Park, you gonna dance tonight?” Ray spoke up. Jay’s eyebrows raised at the hoarseness and shortness of breath Ray portrayed. “How about it?”

“Ray, you okay? You sound awful.”

Ray smiled and nodded.

“I will after I rest a little bit. The performance killed me.”

“I can tell, it was really hard core.”

“Jen, Nicko is calling you.” Some girl shouted from inside the studio. “You up for MC.”

Jen whispered something into Ray’s ears. Feeling as if he was invading into their privacy, Jay looked away. He was about to go see some more dance when he heard his name being called.

“Jay, come here.” Jen called.

He looked back.

“What?”

“You want some coffee?” Jen asked.

“Coffee? At this hour?”

Ray smiled.

“This right here,” She gestured towards the crowd behind Jay. “They’ll take a while to go home.”

“Check her for me, okay?” Jen asked. She patted her friend’s shoulder. “And you. Rest a little bit before coming down.”

Jen gave a nod at the both of them before walking away. Ray and Jay glanced at each other. Ray turned away from Jay and began walking deeper down the hallway. Jay followed. When she stopped at the last door, she opened it and entered. Inside was a staircase leading upstairs.

“Are we going to continue our Korean philosophies?” Jay spoke up in Korean.

“Ya, are you here just to talk about Korean philosophies?”

“Of course.”

At the top of the stairs, Ray punched some keys into the keypad and the heavy metal door clicked open. What high security they had. Inside, Jay recognized the place as an apartment. From where he stood at the entrance, he could see the kitchen and the living room. The several closed doors were probably bedrooms and bathrooms.

“Sugar and cream?” Ray asked.

“Yes please.”

Jay took a seat by the counter island in the kitchen and watched as Ray poured him a cup of freshly brewed coffee from the coffee maker. She provided him with the sugar and cream and walked away.

“You’re not drinking?”

“In a minute.”

Ray entered a room and left Jay there. Taking the opportunity, he took in the sight of the apartment. It was pretty neat and had some cool gadgets. The living room was loaded with a 48″ LCD TV, leather couches, very big speakers, and a white grand piano. He sipped his coffee and paused. The air was different. It seemed… The air reminded him of hospitals with the whole disinfectant thing.

A minute later, Ray emerged from the bedroom dressed in a ruffled black skirt, black camisole, and some tights with knee-high leather boots. In her hand was a red electric guitar that she set on the coffee table in the living room.

“Are you…” Jay paused. “Are you planning to sing?”

Ray smiled and nodded.

“Yup.” The girl sat down opposite of Jay and took out an inhaler. Jay was silent as he watched her take her medication. A second later, she put the inhaler down and took a sip of her coffee. “Mhmmmm, this is very the sh.it.”

“You have asthma but you break dance with all the hardcore movements and sing? Are you crazy?”

“Aniyo.” Ray looked at Jay. “You said you are a b-boy. Okay, and? Why do you b-boy? Why do you perform? It’s because the rush of adrenaline attracts you like a magnet. You can’t help yourself. Or do you not feel that way?”

Jay shrugged.

“I love it, no doubt. I like the attention and the rush. But sometimes, the rush is too strong. It disheartens me.”

Ray giggled.

“You like to say dishearten a lot. Is that just the way you are or are you trying to be poetic?”

“Both.”

“So Korea.” Ray sipped her coffee. “What do you think of it?”

Jay had to think about it. What was he going to say? Will he lie? No, it’s not a lie. He did feel that way, four years ago. But that was four years ago. In his mind, he wanted to tell Ray about it. Why? Because she didn’t really have a clue of who he was and wouldn’t judge him purely on how much she loved him or how much she knew of his sufferings. Ray can provide him with an outside opinion not laced with sweet words.

He cleared his throat.

“If I were to say that I hate Koreans and that the place is gay, what would a nationalistic person such as yourself say?”

Ray cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. A second later, she shrugged and downed her coffee. When she slammed the cup onto the table, Jay flinched. She was mad.

“Boy, what the fu.ck is wrong with you?” Ray shouted, reaching out and giving Jay a whack on the arm. “You don’t say that kind of sh.it in front of us. We don’t care what you think about Korea in general. At least be considerate of others. And what do you man, Korea is gay? Look at the lame-a.ss Americans. They’re so freaking horny all the time that they make soft sex videos of dances and singers.”

“No, they’re just open with their sexuality.”

“So why are they not open with gays?”

Jay raised an eyebrow.

“You’re not making any sense.”

Ray made a face and whacked Jay again.

“I’m talking, don’t be rude.”

“Admit it, you lost this debate.” Jay urged, chuckling as the two of them fought over who won.

“I did not.”

“Yes you did. I didn’t even offer my opinion yet and you already made a big blunder.”

“Did not.”

“Aigoo, you’re so stubborn.”

“Fine, tell me this. Why do you think Korea is so?”

Why does he think so? He had asked himself this question oh so many times before.

“You like to get straight to the point, I see.” Ray nodded and Jay chuckled at the cute way she replied. “The truth?”

“No, I want the lies.” Ray snapped. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

“It was four years ago. I came to Korea trying my hardest to pursue my dreams as a singer. But it was hard. I did not know the language, I did not know anyone, and people treated me as if I don’t matter. I hated that. I was mad at myself and at the world. So I made those comments on Myspace. And now… People found out.” Jay gripped his coffee cup. As he spoke, his voice rose. “I hate it. I hate the fact that even after four years, I still don’t matter. They threw me out without a moment’s hesitation. I hate them to the point where I want to give up on everything, I want to erase all of the talents that rose me to the stardom and plucked me out of the sky. Singing? Dancing? What does it matter if they don’t value it? I… I was in love with them, infatuated with their love for me. But now that I look back, they were never ready to commit to me like I’ve committed all these years for them.”

Jay looked up at Ray, waiting for a comment or something. But instead, she just stared at him.

“Uh… Will you at least say something?”

“Of course I will.” Ray replied but made no sign to say anything else.

“Rayleen Jang.”

“It seems to me like you’re just one big insecure kid, Jay. Are you telling me you want Korea to commit to you when you haven’t committed to them either?”

“What!” Jay was appalled at Ray’s words. He shot up from his seat and stared down at Ray. “What do you know? I’ve committed so much. I gave up my life here in Seattle, I left my family, and I wasted so much time and effort for them. What have they done for me?”

“What is the meaning of commitment, Jay? It’s the effort made to ensure the existence of a relationship. It’s the pledge that you will always be with that person and stand by that person should things get complicated. It’s working together through thick and thin, supporting each other, making yourself the best you can be for yourself and the relationship. You’re speaking to me now in Seattle, Washington. Is that commitment to Korea? Aniyo, it’s just you talking sh.it about commitment and knowing nothing about it.”

“I—”

“I don’t know who you are or why Korea is so important to you now. I don’t exactly know what’s going on in your life but you’re wrong. You haven’t committed to Korea at all.”

Ray grabbed her inhaler and pressed the insert to deliver some medication into her lungs. Her dark grey eyes spoke of anger but understanding as she stared at him.

“Sorry, don’t get so worked up.” Jay said, sitting down again. “Are you okay?”

“Of course, I won’t let a jerk who makes fun of Korea get me sick.”

Once she finished, Ray got up and went to the living room. Jay gathered the two cups of coffee to the sink and followed her.

“Aww come on, we’re just having a debate.” Jay said, opening the door for her as Ray walked out of the apartment.

The two of them walked down the stairs with Ray holding on to the electric guitar.

“So who won?”

“Me.”

“Ya!”

By the end of the night, Jay Park knew one thing.

He had a reason to come back to Korea. He had to show Korea he was ready to commit to them.

A/N: The last time I studied english was three years ago, and I haven’t written something in english in a while, excluding inspirational thoughts. This is also my first attempt at G-Ri and my first time publishing. So please bear with me :/ Also, NEVER overdose on home meds. Just don’t >_>

It was the twelfth night in a row now. Jiyong was frustrated at the patterns the ceiling had, and the eerie silence that dug all the way to his wisdom teeth was unbearable. He breathed in and out, hoping that long breaths would induce some sort of sleep, but all he got was a tired ribcage and even more frustration.

Jiyong couldn’t live like this anymore — he decided that sleepless nights were a bitch. It was a waste of time, and all he managed to do was stare at his surroundings and twist his bed sheets around his fingers. He tried doing some work a few nights ago, but his mind was utterly blank. He laughed at himself, at the fact that it should be blank because he should be asleep in the first place. He probably woke Seungri that night with the loud sound his notepad made when it hit the door.

What’s worse, when the sun rises and it was time for normal people to be up and ready, he’d feel all worn-out and puffy-eyed, with the energy level of a snail. He initially blamed his first sleepless night on the coffee. Then he blamed two or three on stress. By the seventh night it became absurd, and now he believed that he’d gotten insomnia.

Jiyong sighed and rolled onto his back. “You’re no help,” he muttered to his pillows.

..

The next day, the pharmacist at the drug store probably pictured him naked with a rose between his teeth. She didn’t even look at him when she spoke and handed him the plastic bottle. As he left the store, he brought the zipper up to his chin to avoid any more awkwardness.

..

At 3 AM, Seungri called it a night and wished Jiyong sweet dreams. Before he could say something offensive, he remembered his little experiment and replied with a simple good night.

At 3:30AM, Jiyong turned off the blaring television and headed to the kitchen. Under the dim light, he didn‘t bother with the tiny print, shaking out four white tablets and swallowing them dry. He figured that if two were a regular dose, then four should make up for all the nights he stayed awake. He recapped the bottle and switched off all the lights, Gaho sound asleep in his basket.

An uncomfortable feeling settled in his stomach as he trudged down the hallway, like the start of a really bad stomach ache, and for a few seconds he forgot which door lead to his bedroom. Something or someone came into view from the door on the left. He didn‘t bother to squint, as he barged into one of the rooms and collapsed onto the bed. All he knew was that sleep was finally coming easily. The click of the door lock didn’t even reach his ears.

..

He didn’t know, he didn’t care, it was too amazing to let go. He was sure he was asleep, because his wasn‘t that focused. It was a beautiful dream. Cold palms were brushing his bare chest, (when did he take off his shirt?) down to his stomach and his sides, going back up to his shoulders, gently kneading the tired muscles there.

He was dreaming, and it was damn good and realistic. Something hot and wet pressed to his throat, his own arms curling backwards to his pillow. A smile grew on Jiyong’s face, his body temperature rising a few degrees, but he didn’t mind, as he kicked the covers off his legs.

The wetness at his throat was stinging, little bites going past his nape, and on to his chest. What seemed like fingers pinched his nipple, making him release a small cry, but he still couldn’t focus his eyes. Were they even open in the first place? It was a dream, he was so sure — a dark outline of someone or something in front of him made it clear. The outline let out a growl, suddenly becoming close and crashing into his lips. His hands weren’t in his control anymore, enveloping the outline and pulling him close.

The outline’s scent was familiar, very familiar, and Jiyong wasn’t ashamed to say it sent heat all the way down. He just couldn’t place his finger on who. The kiss reeked of need and haste, but it excited him even more. His lips were abandoned, as prickling fingers went to the hem of his pants, gently sliding in, his hips bucking gently at the pressure forced on his crotch by what felt like a palm.

He wasn’t surprised when he felt the familiar sensation of his erected member. He released a moan as something gave him a tight squeeze, pants and boxers circling his knees. Jiyong felt selfish at the fact that it was only one sided pleasure, so he stuck out both his palms in attempt and hit something firm. His eyes began to focus and his heart leapt into his throat at the sight.

“Maknae?” he mumbled. His mouth was dry and his head all fuzzy.

Jiyong got no reply, but he didn’t care. He was asleep after all, halfway through a very realistic dream. He’ll ponder about it later.

He lowered his palms to his temporary lover’s crotch, pants already unbuttoned and underwear half way off. His lithe fingers brushed against the shaft along the throbbing vein on the underside. He smirked at his lover’s reaction, taking his other hand and looping it around his neck to bring him down.

This time, his kisses were less needy, but still hot and hasty and heavenly. Sharp teeth grazed his bottom lip, lips slipping to tease Jiyong’s chin and his jaw, then back to their respectful place, this time using tongue and more teeth to probe.

His lover pulled back, suddenly taking both of his hands and pressing a small bottle of into his fingers. “Do it hyung,” the husky voice said. It was so real, he had to take more of these sleeping pills.

He messily coated his fingers and hands, and aimlessly felt around for an opening. His lover had his knees on either side of him, and impatiently took Jiyong’s wandering hand and guided him through. Jiyong laughed, the rumble of his vocal chords seemingly too real. He stuck one finger in, then two, and damn it felt tight. The keens erupting from the lover’s throat still couldn’t make him realize who he was.

His other lubricated hand slid up and down his own member, heat forming in the lower part of his stomach. Before he could he even take two more breaths, his hand was swatted away, and something hot and tight slid onto him. He released an acidic yelp, his lover grabbing onto his shoulders, short nails digging into him. Even the pain sensation was so fucking real.

Up and down he went, riding him, slowly increasing his rhythm, Jiyong’s hips moving in sync. He was so close, so close that he wanted to share his agony, grabbing his lover again, and digging his thumb across his slit, the moans and gasps he got in return fuelling his pleasure.

He was seeing stars, and planets and galaxies as he came.

“Seungri-ah,” Jiyong moaned breathlessly. That was the first name that came to mind.

Sweat coated him like a second skin, damping his hair and the skin above his upper lip. His lover came all over his hand and his stomach, then collapsed onto him, his warm lips leaving butterfly kisses all over his collarbones.

Jiyong wiped his hands all over the sheets, then enveloped his tired counterpart. Chest to chest, with their accelerated hearts beating in sync, Jiyong sighed, again seemingly too real. He was suddenly starting to doubt his dream, but he abandoned the thought as sleep took over his system, long breaths lulling him soundly with a smile.

..

Jiyong woke up with a start. His knuckles rubbed residual sleep from his eyes as he sat up straight. He was in his room, sheets clean, blinds slightly open and the door ajar, just like always. Fully dressed in pajamas, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

He yawned and stretched his arms behind his head, smiling at the satisfied popping sound. It was a good night’s sleep.

..

Later that morning, he slumped on the sofa and decided to take a better look at those sleeping pills. Turning the bottle around for the tiny print, he noticed something written in red.

Overdosing may cause hallucinations

Before he could think, Seungri shuffled into the living room, groaning and mumbling. “Are those painkillers?” he asked. “I need two,”

“No,” Jiyong said. “Why do you need painkillers?”

“My back really hurts,” he replied.

..

The whole apartment was in a total mess from Christmas decorations. Why Shiya wanted to decorate her apartment was beyond him. TOP never liked Christmas in the first place but he had to humor his girlfriend. It was not an easy task since the apartment was in such a bad state. It looked as if a war came and left. Christmas lights and ornaments were all over the floor. Even the tree looked like a tank ran over it.

“Val?” He had gotten used to calling her that. It was easier and it seemed that it suited her more. The past few months was a rollercoaster for the both of them. His solo album was in the final stages of work, causing more sleepless nights and worse tempers. Val was getting more comfortable in her own skin and showed sides of him that he never realised were there before. Her love for coffee almost became an obsession. She would drink it whenever she had the chance. SHe even bought a coffee machine recently and made it whenever she had the urge to drink coffee. The best part of it was that she could sleep like a log despite all the coffee she drank.

“In here!” A voice travelled from the kitchen. She was probably making herself another cup of coffee. As TOP went closer, something smelled funny to him, like something was burning. Smoke was drifting out of the kitchen. Uneasiness washed over him. Why on earth was the kitchen on fire?

Val sat before her oven, tears threatening to spill. Her Christmas cookies were burnt. The long hours she had spent on baking cookies for her boyfriend was ruined. All she wanted for Christmas was to give him warm cookies. He was going to die if he ate those pieces of disaster in the oven. It was supposed to be a surprise and now it was ruined. Her house was in a mess and she had no present to give to him. Christmas officially sucked and now she was pissed.

Val opened her oven, not caring about the smoke that was about to coat her lungs and threw the tray of cookies into the bin, along with everything else that had anything to do with it. The flour, the sugar even the butter. She saved the chocolate chips though, it would do well to make hot chocolate with those. Stopping only when TOP hugged her from behind, pressing a kiss on the back of her neck.

“What’s wrong?” Val almost melted when his breath hit her neck.

“Every damn thing.” She pushed him away, he has ungodly powers of making her feel better. And right now, that was the last thing she wanted. “Why the hell do people celebrate Christmas?”

“I don’t know. I never liked Christmas anyway.” Now Val was seeing red. He didn’t like Christmas? Then why the hell did she go through all that trouble? Buying a tree and the fucking ornaments. Wasting her money and efforts when he doesn’t even like them in the first place? Val started throwing things at him. First up was a whisk, followed by a spatula. One after another, things continued to fly in his direction.

“What the hell?” TOP shouted at her as he tried to avoid being hit by her. “Why the hell are you so angry for?”

“Well you could have told me that you didn’t like this festive fucking season. Then I wouldn’t have bloody hell bothered now would I? I can’t stand Christmas.” Val huffed as she tried to find more things to hurl at him. “Why on earth did I do all of this? It was for you damnit! How was I to know you hated Christmas?” Val pushed him towards the door with every sentence until her was cornered.

“Get out. I don’t want to see you right now.” What hurt the most was that he left without another word.

-

He shouldn’t have left. But would it be better if he stayed? He felt bad the moment he stepped out of the door, contemplating if he should go in and apologise for not making the effort to appreciate. He stood at the door for five more minutes before he decided to leave her alone.

The dorm was empty by the time he got back. The boys were probably out shopping for presents. The leader was probably with his girlfriend doing something nice and wonderful. And here he was, all alone after a petty fight with Val. She actually baked cookies? Does she even know how to make instant noodles in the first place? That though made him feel worse. She was really trying hard for him despite sharing the same views on the cursed date. He started searching through the cabinets, he knew exactly what to give her now.

Val had been stuck in her makeshift studio in her apartment for the past four hours. Why on earth had she blow up like an atomic bomb? He did nothing wrong at all. She didn’t even ask him how he felt and went ahead with her plans. They fought because of her own stupidity and her assumptions. Which was the reason why she was stuck in the studio, trying to perfect the song she wrote for him not long ago. There was a pounding and she wasn’t sure if it was her head or the door. It took her a few moments before she realised that it was actually the door. She left her workroom and opened the door. There stood her boyfriend in all his sex god glory. Inclusive of the stare and those lips. Those lips always made her weak in the knees. Val shook her head and forced herself to push the thought away. But there he stood with a coy smile on his face.

“Aren’t you going to let me in?” He went in away, like it was his own home and there was nothing that could have stopped him. He turned and looked at her. “Close your eyes and open your mouth.”

Val stared at him. What kind of request was this? She unwillingly complied anyway. She opened her eyes when she smelled food. “I’m not closing my eyes. What if you’re about to poison me?”

TOP rolled his eyes at that comment. “Fine.” And he shoved the box of cookies at her.

“You baked these?” Val asked as she examined the contents of the box. Those were some really ugly cookies. He only nodded in reply., knowing that his cookies look like Big Foot stepped on them. Val carefully placed the cookies on the counter before giving her boyfriend a bear hug. “I love you.”

TOP grinned. “I love you too. Now can we please have make up sex?”

“NEIGHBORS”

Part 7

Olivia spent half of the following morning at the police station, waiting for her friend’s response to the e-mail message she had sent. And thinking about last night’s dinner with Cole Turner.

The half-daemon had done more than just tell her about his experience as the Source. Olivia also learned about his life as Belthazor and his experiences with the Halliwells from the past two years. Namely, the deal he had made with the Triad; his attempts on the Charmed Ones’ lives; falling in love with Phoebe Halliwell; being hunted by demonic bounty hunters; the death of his mentor, Raynor; those trying months following Prue Halliwell’s death; losing Belthazor to a vengeful woman; adjusting to mortality and finally; the circumstances that led to the Source’s possession of his body. Cole also talked about being trapped in the Wasteland and acquiring his new demonic powers. Along with his failed attempts to win back Phoebe. Including his part in the recent death of a well-known slum lord.

In all, Olivia felt as if she had relived an engrossing, supernatural saga on good, evil, love and betrayal. Cole’s life story would have made a great novel. Or autobiography. She could see the title now – “THE DAEMON FORMERLY KNOWN AS BELTHAZOR”. Or perhaps “LIFE OF A DEMONIC ASSASSIN”, or even “WITCHES AND DAEMONS IN LOVE”. What amazed Olivia was that Cole and Phoebe’s story bore a strong resemblance to her experiences with Richard. Except for the tragic ending. Cole still might have a chance to start over again with Phoebe Halliwell – once she realizes that he had also been traumatized by the Source and the Seer’s machinations. And once Cole stops trying too hard to win her back.

Olivia contemplated the idea of a reunion between her neighbor and his ex-wife. For some reason, the idea did not really appeal to her. Her gut instinct told her that unless the middle Charmed One learned to accept Cole for himself, there would be no true happiness between them. And Olivia deeply suspected that accepting Cole was something that the Halliwells might not easily accomplish.

“Hey!” Darryl’s voice snapped Olivia out of her thoughts. She glanced up and caught her colleague standing in front of her desk. “You’ve been staring at that laptop all morning. Are you some Internet addict, or something?”

Olivia gave Darryl a cool look. “I’ve been waiting for a message. From a friend of mine in Seattle. If you must know.”

Darryl eased into the chair, opposite the redhead. “Seattle? What’s there?”

“I had received a tip on those . . .” Olivia paused and glanced around. She wanted to make sure there were no eavesdroppers. “. . . on those warlocks.” Her voice grew soft.

Dark eyes narrowed. “What kind of tip? From Cole Turner?”

Olivia heaved a frustrated sigh. “Oh God! Darryl, you’re not going to start another lecture on not trusting him, again, are you?”

“Look, you have no idea how dangerous he can be.”

A sigh left Olivia’s mouth. “Trust me, I have a pretty good idea. I saw him in action.” She paused, as her eyes returned to the computer screen. “In fact, I have more than a good idea. What would you say if I told you that I was once engaged to a warlock?”

Darryl’s eyes flew wide open. “A war . . . What . . . What happened to him?”

Olivia struggled to quell a surge of grief. Her eyes focused on Darryl again, as she quietly said, “Richard was killed, while trying to save me and my mother.”

“Oh.” Darryl glanced away, unable to meet her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

A bitter smile formed on Olivia’s lips. “So am I. You know, Cole reminds me of Richard. At least on the surface. They have that same sarcasm and air of loneliness. Only Richard wasn’t as reserved as Cole. And his tastes weren’t so . . . I don’t know, expensive.”

Darryl added, “But I bet your Richard never betrayed you in the end. Did he?”

“No,” Olivia replied shortly. “He didn’t. But are you so sure that Cole betrayed Phoebe in the end? Or were there other forces involved?”

Despite the chatter that surrounded them, Olivia and Darryl stared at each other in silence. Then Darryl began, “Are you talking about the . . . ?”

Olivia’s computer laptop beeped. “You’ve got mail,” it announced. She immediately tore her attention away from Darryl and concentrated on the computer screen. Using her mouse, she clicked on the new message:

“To: Liv71@aol.com
Subject: Malehex Corp.
From: DGraySPD@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, _ Oct 2002 09:39:16

D.G.”

“Got ‘em!” Olivia declared triumphantly. “Tower Bay Import/Export. Now that name sounds familiar. Ever heard of it?” she asked Darryl.

The other inspector frowned. “Yeah. It’s an exclusive company that imports and exports stuff like rare antiquities, expensive perishables – mainly food delicacies from other countries, and bond certificates. That sort of thing.”

“Rare antiquities, huh?” Olivia became thoughtful. “Great way to distribute certain items to other warlock covens and demonic organizations.”

Darryl looked shocked. “You mean that Tower Bay is owned by war . . .?” He paused, as an office clerk walked by. “By warlocks?”

“The Malehex Corporation,” Olivia clarified. “Which happens to be owned by the Crozat Coven.”

“I better tell the Halliwells about this.” Darryl stood up.

Olivia grabbed his arm. “Wait a minute, Darryl. When you do, tell them not to do anything.”

“Why not?” Darryl demanded.

“Because I want to find out what we’re in for. Reconnoiter the place. Get a layout. From what Cole told me, the Crozat Coven is pretty large. And I’m not in the habit of charging in like some idiot with a trigger finger.” Olivia reached for the telephone. Darryl asked whom she was calling. “The one person who can help me, right now. Well, actually there are two, but I don’t think Bruce will be available, this afternoon.”

Confusion whirled in Darryl’s eyes. “So, who are you calling?”

Olivia shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’m not calling Cole.” She reached for her telephone. “And don’t forget what I said. Tell the Halliwells to stay away, until I reach them.” Darryl nodded and walked away. Olivia dialed the number to the McNeill manor.

* * * *

“Thanks for helping me out, Dad,” Olivia said to her father, as she drove the car along Bayshore Boulevard. “I hope you weren’t forced to interrupt anything.”

Jack McNeill dismissed Olivia’s worries with a wave of his hand. “You didn’t interrupt a thing. I had already finished a board meeting. And the only other thing I had scheduled was a golf game with Cameron Douglas.”

Olivia frowned. “Cameron Douglas? You can barely stand him. Has this anything to do with Mr. Douglas’ sudden desire to retire? And his company?”

“Perhaps,” Jack replied airily. His blue-gray eyes radiated innocence. “Besides, I like golf. I think I can survive one game with Douglas.”

A smirk formed on Olivia’s lips. “Yeah Dad. Sure.” She stopped the car at an intersection. “The least said, the better. Right?”

Jack’s mouth twisted into a knowing smile. “Sometimes, Olivia, I think you know me too well.” He glanced around the car’s interior. “This isn’t a police car, is it?”

The light turned green and Olivia stepped on the gas. “Not quite. I had . . . borrowed this from a friend in U.S. Customs. I want the Crozats to think I’m a Customs officer. I have to return it before someone realizes that it’s missing.”

“Ah,” Jack said, nodding. “You don’t want this car traced to you.”

“That’s right. If they had sent a warlock after me, they must know I’m a cop. And I don’t want them to know I’m on their trail.”

Jack continued, “Which is why you asked me to join you, this afternoon.”

Olivia smiled. “You know me too well.” She spotted a wide, one-story building to her left. Black letters across the top read: TOWER BAY IMPORTS/EXPORTS. “There it is,” she commented.

“How did you find out about this place?” Jack asked.

“I traced it through a friend of mine in the Seattle Police. It’s owned by a Seattle-based corporation called MALEHEX.”

Jack’s eyes widened. “Malehex? Of course! I should have known,” he groaned. “I forgot that Malehex was owned by a warlock coven. I just didn’t know which one. Who told you about them?”

“Cole. He used to be part of the Brotherhood of the Thorn, which has done business with the Crozats.”

One of Jack’s brows jumped upward. “Really?”

“Does that bother you?” Olivia asked in an anxious voice. “That I had asked for Cole’s help?”

Her father shrugged. “Isn’t that what Harry had suggested?”

“Yeah.” Olivia stopped the car for a second, before she made a left into Tower Bay’s parking lot.

Jack continued, “I bet the Halliwells won’t be thrilled, when they find out.”

Olivia snorted. “Do I look like I care?” She eased the car into a parking space. “I think I had made myself perfectly clear, yesterday.”

“You don’t like them very much, do you? The Halliwells, I mean.”

A gust of breath left Olivia’s mouth. “Dad, did I say anything of the kind? Besides, the only two Halliwells I personally knew are dead. Prue and her grandmother.”

“Uh-huh. But you didn’t like them. And you don’t like Prue’s sisters. Am I right?” Jack insisted. He stared at Olivia. Who found it difficult to meet his eyes. “Look, honey, I realize they can seem a bit self-righteous. Come to think of it, one could say the same about both Penny and Patty.”

Olivia added darkly, “And Prue.”

“Yeah, well self-righteous or not, they’re not bad people. In fact,” Jack paused, “I’m sure that they can be pretty nice. They must be, or Cole would have never stuck with them for so long.”

Olivia switched off the car’s engine. “I guess you’re right. But we can talk about the Halliwells, later. It’s showtime.”

Jack nodded. He sat still for a moment. Within a blink of an eye, his body transformed into another body. He went from a six foot man with graying chestnut hair, blue-gray eyes and ruggedly handsome features, to a stocky, forty-something man with gray eyes and blond hair. “How do I look?” he asked his daughter.

“Even better looking” Olivia joked wryly. “It’s my turn.” Jack leaned toward her and waved his hand in front of his daughter with one swipe. Olivia immediately transformed into a man – a tall, thin man with dark-brown hair and a perpetual frown. Olivia felt a certain physical addition between her legs. She squirmed. “Gee Dad, did you have to change me into a man?”

A smirk appeared on the older man’s lips. “What’s the matter? Afraid I won’t be able to change you back?”

Olivia shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder how Mom has been able to deal with that sense of humor of yours, for so long. Let’s go.” Daughter and father stepped out of the car. Olivia handed Jack a phony U.S. Customs badge and the pair proceeded toward the building.

* * * *

Phillip Crozat eyed the new visitors warily. This was the company’s second visit from the U.S. Customs in over a month. One visit could be construed as a nuisance. But this second visit . . . The warlock began to wonder if the company had attracted any unwanted attention from the Federal government.

His cousin Andre wanted to kill the two customs inspectors. In case they discover something. Phillip pointed out there was nothing inside the warehouse to discover – aside from several boxes of stock certificates. Unless some idiot had left traces of the last witch they lured here.

Irritation rose within Phillip. With the exception of the witch they had killed at Candlestick Park two days ago, the coven has been encountering a great deal of bad luck in acquiring witches’ powers. The Charmed Ones prevented Cousin Simon from killing the mother of that unborn witch, last Wednesday. And a witch from the powerful McNeill Coven had killed Cousin Stephen, the following night. Phillip had them marked for retribution. But to go after such powerful witches required more fire power. With the powers of the Charmed Ones and the McNeills, the Crozat Coven could ascend to demonhood and become leaders of the Source’s Realm.

The sulky-looking inspector strode up to Phillip. “Looks like everything’s in order,” he said with a scowl. The man almost seemed disappointed.

Phillip haughtily replied, “I could have told you that. Tower Bay has been one of the most prestigious trading companies on the West Coast.”

A sniff from the Customs inspector was the response. The scowling man added, “That’s what George DeMere of DeMere Imports said. Two days before we discovered illegal arms in his warehouse. He was part of a big arms smuggling ring and have reason to believe that another company is involved.” He turned to his companion, a stocky man with blond hair. “Hey Dan! Find anything back there?”

Seconds later, the other Customs inspector emerged from the back. “Everything’s A-okay, Pete!”

Inspector Peter Zwick rolled his eyes. “Right. Let’s get out of here.”

To Phillip’s relief, the Customs inspectors finally left the warehouse. The warlock ordered one of his minions to follow them and make sure they had left. “Think they might be a problem?” Cousin Andre asked.

Phillip shook his head. “I don’t think so. But I want to make sure they really are customs agents.” The minion returned inside the warehouse, breathing heavily. “Well?” Phillip demanded.

“I saw . . . them leave in a car with . . .” The minion panted between words. “. . . with government plates. U.S.”

Andre said, “I guess they’re genuine.”

“Maybe so,” Phillip replied. “But two visits within a month? And this visit just three or four days after Cousin Stephen failed to kill a witch who happened to be a cop? I don’t know.” His eyes narrowed. “But in case they had been sent by that witch, I think we should prepare that trap. Just in case we have more visitors.” His lips formed a thin smile.

END OF PART 7

Christmas was not meant to be spent alone. Especially when you have a boyfriend. Well Christmas officially is ruined when the said boyfriend is in Japan doing promotional activities and all Ina had for company was Gaho and her little Christmas project. Ina sighed as she arranged the pictures into the frame. She had no idea what to get him for a Christmas present. He seemed to have everything he wanted. He is G-Dragon after all. Maybe the past few months haven’t been the best he had in the year considering the issues with the album and the concert and whatnot. Ina tried to fight back tears that were threatening to spill. She had never felt this helpless. There was nothing she could do to make him feel any better. Every time she saw him, her heart broke a little. With each passing day, his eyes grow colder, his sighs grow more depressed even his fighting spirit seemed to have died a little.

Ina needed to stop being depressed. She was supposed to help her boyfriend to feel better. Not be at the same level of negativity as him. Ina felt like such a loser. She turned to look at Gaho who was eating his fifth meal of the day and it was barely three in the afternoon. Looking back at her project, it was almost done but there was something missing about it. Ina looked at Gaho, then back at the frame, then back at Gaho again when an idea popped into her mind. Gaho’s paw prints! It would be perfect since Jiyong loves Gaho so much. Sometimes Ina wonders if Jiyong loves Gaho more than she loves her. Just sometimes.

-

Just sometimes, Ina wished that he would call. Despite him being all busy. It was Christmas eve after all. A simple text would have been nice. Christmas eve and all she was doing was giving Gaho a bath because he had ink all over him. As she was drying Gaho off, she heard her phone ring.

“Hello?”

“Come down now! It’s urgent. And bring Gaho too!”

“Hello? Hello? Jiyong? Hello?” But he hung up. Ina panicked. What if it was something serious? Ina ran around the house looking for Gaho’s leash when it was on the kitchen table. She hurriedly wore her shoes and left her apartment. Ina however, was not mentally prepared for the sight that greeted her. Jiyong was standing in front of a van with a huge bouquet of flowers. If Ina’s jaw dropped any lower, it would have fallen to the ground. Gaho was tugging at the leash trying to get closer to his daddy.

“You okay Ina?” Jiyong asked as he took the leash from her hand. Ina took a minute or two to compose herself. It was such a sweet surprise on a day like this.

“Where are we going?” Ina asked as she got into the van with Gaho trailing her.

“Some place special.”

Ina could not stop the tears that were flowing down her cheeks after they’ve arrived at their destination. The big tree by the road. Where they had their first kiss. Jiyong tied Gaho to a branch near the swing and went towards Ina to hold her in his arms. Ina’s eyes reflected the bright Christmas lights that decorated the tree and the swing. Picture perfect for a snow globe and what made it even more special was that Jiyong did all of this for her. She had no doubt now, that he did love her as much as Gaho. Probably more.

Jiyong took her hand in his and led her to the swing and urged for her to take a seat. Gaho was just sitting there like a statue.

“Why’d you bring me here?” Ina questioned as she sat on the swing, glancing at Jiyong who was pacing nervously.

“You know that this is our first Christmas together right?” Ina nodded in response. “And this is where we had our first kiss.”

“It was more than just kissing if you asked me.” Ina mumbled to her self.

Jiyong ignored her and sat down on the swing. “I wanted to give you this.” He took a box out of his pocket and revealed a ring.

“I’m not marrying you.” Ina stated, causing Jiyong to roll his eyes.

“I’m not asking you to marry me you idiot child. It’s a promise ring.” Ina gestured for him to continue. “I’m giving it to you as a promise that I’ll always love you. Always.”

“More than Gaho?” Ina quipped. Jiyong chuckled at her comment and held her close to him.

“More than Gaho.” He assured her as he pulled her into a kiss and put the ring on her finger. “But I think that boy just pooped all over the place.”

“Well. He eats five meals a day, he obviously has to let it out somewhere.”

Like many of you know, I’m completely addicted to FanFic. The writers of these gems are supertalented and made me not by a book for some time now. To explain this deskRob: Lemons is the name for the hot sexy scenes in the FanFic. The tequila shot with lime refers to one of the hottest scenes I’ve read. It’s written by @HunterHunting in her fanfic Clipped Wings & Inked Armor. An amazing fanfic that should be made into a book….

Download deskRob Lemony Rob here (1920 x 1200)

The music video was a wrap. He had never felt this satisfied with himself before. This was a song which he helped composed and here it was, about to be shown to the world. The last scene shot was actually the first in the video, where he was playing the piano. As everyone left, he still sat by the piano.

The piano was something that felt like home to him. Something that bound him to the ground. Just like the music that comes out from it, it was one of the times he felt totally at ease. He was still playing the piano when the church was empty. The only sounds he heard was from the piano and someone crying? He looked around the church hall, there was no one there but him. He strained his ear a little more and found the sound coming from the second level of the church. Curious to find out who was crying, he got up from the piano and went to look for the mysterious person.

There she was, huddled in the corner, so tiny against the stained glasses. She whole body was quaking with sobs. She looked too young and too small to be so hurt. He wanted to ask her what was wrong but at the same time, she was scared to approach her. What if she was insane? What if she was someone who cried for nothing? He stood behind her contemplating on his next move. Her cries got louder, with every sob, he could feel his heart breaking for her. He banished all the what ifs in his mind and sat down next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders and drew her in.

She didn’t hesitate to lean in on his shoulder. It was nice to have someone. She had no idea why she starting crying. Maybe it was the way the guy was playing the piano below. It sounded so sad, like he was craving for love. She had no intention to come to church to pray. All she wanted was to pray. After receiving the news three months ago, she would come to church every day to pray. To thank the powers above for giving her another blessed day. It was a good day until she heard him playing the piano. She had been an optimistic girl until she heard him play. Now all she could do was to cry. She couldn’t stop, she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to stop. Three months of insecurity and uncertainty just came washing over her. Her tears just started falling on its own accord. She had no idea who the person next to her was but she welcomed the comfort of someone being next to her. She clung on to his warmth and the assurance that he offered and continued to let it all out.

He held her. He held her as she continued. He made no sound as his shirt got wet. Even when there was snot on his shirt, he made no complains. All his attention was on the girl. He looked at her, really looked at her. She was anything but ordinary. Despite not being able to see her face, she was like a tiny doll that was begging someone to take care of her. It was then when she started gasping for air, like she couldn’t breathe. At first he brushed it off, considering that she had been crying for such a long time. But after a few moments, it seemed like she was struggling to breathe. Struggling to get air in her oxygen deprived lungs. And suddenly she collapsed.

He looked around the house, it’s empty as usual. Seungri was never home nowadays. He had so many plans and activities. What’s more, it was Christmas. Jiyong bet he had plenty of noonas to spend the day with. Ever since they’ve move in together he was getting more lonely. He shared an apartment with the maknae while the others shared differently. Jiyong was going to get ready to go out when maknae came home.

“Hyung! Come out! Guess what I got!” Seungri shouted the moment he entered the apartment. Jiyong naturally got curious. Seungri hardly sounded excited nowadays. Unless there was good food. Which was what Jiyong was betting on right this moment. “I got meat!” Bingo.

Seungri did the cooking while Jiyong set the table. Dinner was usually a lonely affair. The other members were out doing their own thing. There was meat today, so it felt slightly better. It was snowing outside like it did every year. This year felt colder somehow, without the members celebrating together. Jiyong stomach growled as he smelled the cooking. He had no idea he was hungry until his stomach protested.

Seungri was happily cooking when his leader appeared from behind. The close body contact made him freeze. His leader never knew that his small actions always cause his blood to rush to his head. Three points to guessing which head it was.

“Hurry up with the food. I’m hungry.” Jiyong gave him a puppy dog look which he ignored. Good food can’t be rushed and he wanted dinner to be perfect for his leader. It was Christmas after all. He declined going home so that he could spend it together with his hyung. He told Jiyong to take a seat and dinner was about ready.

Jiyong was washing up after dinner while Seungri went to take a shower. Looking in the fridge he found a box full of candy canes. An impish smile filled his face. He loved candy canes nad he was about to make sure that his maknae loves it too.

-

He sat languidly on the dark couch, sucking in his candy cane when Seungri came out of the shower. The young boy just stood in the hallway shocked at his leader’s actions.

“Wanna share?” Jiyong offered his half eaten candy to Seungri who just stood there with his jaw halfway to the floor. Jiyong moved to make space for Seungri who took about three minutes to move from the spot.

Maknae stared as Jiyong took a long lick from the curve of the candy all the way to the tip, closing his eyes as if it was the tastiest thing on earth. Seungri felt heat in his cheeks and somehow his pants felt tighter as Jiyong continued to savor the long hard candy. The ultimate deal breaker was when Jiyong put the candy in his mouth and pulled it out and pushed it back in. In and out and in and out. Until Seungri could not take it anymore and ran to his room. Jiyong knew exactly what was wrong as he got up from the couch, disposed the offensive candy and went to his junior’s room.

“Whats wrong? You don’t like candy?” Jiyong was taunting Seungri who laid face down on his bed, face buried in the pillow. “Or you don’t like the way I’m eating it?” Seungri made incoherent sounds into his pillow, not moving an inch when Jiyong got into bed next to him. Jiyong turned him over and kissed him hard. There was nothing sweet and loving about this kiss. Everything about it just spelled hard and needy, the exact same state of Seungri.

“Now you’ve finally got a taste of the candy cane.” Jiyong said as he broke the kiss. Seungri was a bright shade of red.

“I don’t want to suck something sweet.” Did that just come out of Seungri’s mouth? Jiyong was surprised at maknae’s openness when Seungri attacked his clothes, not that he was unhappy about it, more like. What’s gotten over him?

“Hey,” Jiyong stopped Seungri. “What’s going on? Why are you in such a rush?”

“Cause you’re such a cock tease.” Seungri pouted. Where did that come from? Jiyong a cock tease? He never realised that. Seungri went on explaining. “Ever since I got home today you were being one. You pressed yourself against me while I was cooking. Spilling soup on your pants and asking me to clean it. The candy cane was the worst.”

“Why?”

Seungri shot him a look of disbelief. Did he not know what the candy cane did to him? “You never enjoyed me like the way you enjoyed the candy cane.”

Realization dawned on him. So Seungri was upset over such a small matter? It was something Jiyong had to rectify. He held Seungri’s face in his palms and gave him a tender kiss. He unbuckled the belt of the man beneath him and use it to bind maknae’s hands together.

“Hyung! What are you doing?” Seungri was struggling against Jiyong, rubbing himself against him at the same time. Jiyong cursed under his breathe, all that writhing around was turning him on even more. Making him unable to think clearly. Jiyong was going to take his own sweet time with his lover.

-

The two lovers sat naked under the sheets watching television together. Christmas suddenly seemed better, spent in a meaningful fashion with the one you love. You don’t have to be opening presents- in this case, there was alot of unwrapping involved, to appreciate the ones you love.

“Hyung. Maybe next time I should be the one eating candy canes. No?”