THE SKY THAT DOESN'T END

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[dragonowl]

The Sky that Doesn't End Masterlist

Part 1: Our Memories Carved into the Seasons

Interlude: The Future History We're Starting

Part 2: Pathcode: Light through a Broken Lens

Part 3: Overdose

Or, if you prefer reading on AO3

Song Recommendations: by Owl

[owlsfeatherpen]

Scribbles of Courage

Genre: Coffee Shop AU. Barista x Writer. Seonghwa x OC

Rated: G

Summery: The owner of a small cafe has fallen head over heels for one of their regulars. He tries to keep it to himself though, worried about crossing the line with a customer. Meanwhile, a writer can't help but get distracted by the cute owner of the coffee shop when she's supposed to be working on her next book. Of course, they're unable to keep it from their friends who are more than happy to watch romance bloom.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6 (coming soon)

Thank you for reading!!!!

[owlsfeatherpen]

Scribbles of Courage

Genre: Coffee Shop AU. Barista x Writer. Seonghwa x OC

Rated: G

Summery: The owner of a small cafe has fallen head over heels for one of their regulars. He tries to keep it to himself though, worried about crossing the line with a customer. Meanwhile, a writer can't help but get distracted by the cute owner of the coffee shop when she's supposed to be working on her next book. Of course, they're unable to keep it from their friends who are more than happy to watch romance bloom.

First, Prev

⁕4⁕ Nari

The next day, Nari walked to the cafe with a weight on her chest, but a skip on her step. She was almost done with the first draft after a productive evening, meaning she was right on schedule and would be able to send it off to Yeosang by the end of the day to start the editing process. Then she could take a couple days to rest and catch up on things she’d missed.

The bell above the door jingled, announcing her arrival at the coffee shop and she was wrapped in the comforting scent of coffee and sweets. They must have gotten the baked goods in recently.

Maybe she’d treat herself to another slice of cake tomorrow; and a latte.

The taller of the two employees was at the register, but all three turned and greeted her with a smile as well.

Well, the owner smiled, froze, then turned away swiftly.

She tried to ignore it as she made her way to the counter.

“The usual?” the employee asked and her eyes searched for a name tag, suddenly very aware and embarrassed that she didn’t know any of their names. But there wasn’t one, so maybe she wasn’t too much to blame.

“Yes please,” she said, and fished out her wallet.

“Okay,” he took her card and completed the transaction, then smiled at her. “It will be right out. Your usual table is free today, Nari-shi.”

“Oh, thank you.” Right, the other one had said she was a vip to them.

I guess it makes sense that they know my name since I’m in their system.

Now she felt extra bad that she didn’t know their names. She resolved herself to find out by the end of the day while she made her way to the back of the cafe.

He was right, her normal table was empty and she breathed a sigh of relief, then paused. At the end of the table was a little sign that wasn’t usually there. In confusion, she bent over to get a look at it.

Reserved for Nari – Management /)/) ( . .) ( づ★

She blinked at it in shock for a minute before sliding in. As she started to unload her backpack she glanced around at the other patrons. The uni student that had taken her booth yesterday wasn’t around, but there was a couple of friends seated in the middle of the counter, chatting away. Which would have made it hard for her to get work done, even with headphones. So she was thankful to whoever had put the sign up for her.

“Here’s your boring, plain, coffee,” the shorter employee said, startling her out of her observations as he placed the mug on the table with a creamer and sugar packets. “You should try something else some time.”

“It’s just fuel to get through the day,” she said as she took the warm mug in her hands to push away the early autumn morning chill. “Besides, it’s not boring if the coffee is good.” She took a deep breath, allowing the rich smell to fully envelope her. Then she looked at him and smiled.

He had a brow raised and his mouth was pulled to the side in skepticism. “If you say so.” He crossed his arms and leaned down a little, lowering his voice. “Can I ask you something? What are you working on so intently? You mentioned a scene yesterday?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m a writer, and I have to send my draft off to my editor tonight.”

“Ooo,” he said, impressed. “That’s so cool. What do you write? Mystery? Fantasy? Romance?” He grinned a little as he said the last one, but she ignored it and nodded.

“I’m a little all over the place. But, I usually have romance.” She shrunk a little on herself as her hand rubbed at her neck. “I’m a bit of a romantic, so I guess it can’t be helped.”

“I thought so,” he said. “You just have that,” he waved his hands around towards her, “vibe. You know?”

“I guess so,” she said. “That’s what one of my friends says.” She couldn’t help but think of how he might get along with her book designer. It had already occurred to her with his bleached under hair and Hongjoong’s split dye job.

The bell announced another customer and he turned to check on things. “Well, I better get back to work before hyung scolds me, and I should let you get to yours. Good luck today.”

“Thank you.”

He rushed off, and it was only a minute later while her laptop was booting up that she realized she still hadn’t gotten their names.

Oh well. She would just ask when they refilled her coffee.

⁕⁕⁕

She wasn’t sure how long she was working, but before she knew it, she had another chapter done and an empty coffee mug. But the cafe was busy and she didn’t want to bother them for a refill just yet when they were working on much more complicated orders. So, she just buckled down and got back to work. They’d probably clear up before too long and come refill her coffee. She didn’t really need it yet anyways.

“Okay, where was I…” She read the last paragraph and looked over her notes to get back into the scene of the girl and her wishing star. She just needed to do a little research on—

“Nari-shi, would you like some more coffee?”

Her heart skipped and she looked up with wide eyes. He was right there. Talking to her. Asking her if she wanted coffee. And so handsome with his perfectly styled hair and glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose.

He tilted his head in confusion and reality hit.

Coffee. Right.

“That would be great,” she said, fumbling for the mug to place it within his reach. “Thank you, um…”

“Oh, it’s Seonghwa,” he said, his eyes becoming crescents with his smile.

“Thank you, Seonghwa-shi,” she said, wringing her hands in her lap. “Sorry. I’ve been coming here for so long and I just realized I don’t know anyone’s name.”

“That’s okay. We don’t wear name tags, and you’re always really focused on your work, so it’s understandable.” He looked off to the side in thought. “I guess I need to consider name tags. See what the guys think.”

“I’m sure others are more observant about those things than me,” she said. “I’ve just been so wrapped up in this that I haven’t really been paying attention.”

“Is it going well?” he asked, turning back to her.

“Yes, I’ll be done with it tonight, finally.”

“What is it you’re working on?” He shifted then winced and raised his free hand. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be distracting you.” He took a step back to leave.

“It’s okay,” she said quickly. “I can take a break for a couple minutes, and it’s not a secret or anything. I’m writing a novel. I have to turn my first draft in to my editor tonight, then I can take a break from it for a couple of days.”

“That’s great.” His smile was back, making her heart thump again while also pulling her smile to the surface.

“Thank you for the cake by the way,” she said.

His smile turned more shy and he reached for his apron pocket, then stopped. “It was getting late yesterday and you hadn’t eaten anything, so I was worried. I got your note too.”

She turned to the front of her notebook and held it up. “Yours was a good moral support, so I decided to put it in my notebook,” she said, then pointed at the little doodle. “Do you like rabbits?”

“Oh.” Pink dusted his cheeks. “The bunny is me,” he said.

She looked at it, then looked at him, and giggled. “I can see it,” she said. Her face heated up and she busied herself with turning back to the correct page of her notebook.

“I, uh, better let you get back to work,” he said. “Thank you for telling me about your story. Just wave us down when you need more coffee.”

“Thank you, Seonghwa-shi.”

Once he was gone, she fanned herself and tried to focus back on her computer, but it was proving to be difficult. She picked a new playlist, put in her second earbud instead of just having the one, and reread the scene again, and again, until her brain started to complete it, and she could move forward.

She could finish the confrontation scene, eat lunch, and then all that was left would be the happily ever after.

⁕⁕⁕

“You brought some lunch today,” the one with the two-toned hair cheered as he appeared to refill her coffee once more. “Good. I know starving artist is a thing, but maybe don’t take it too seriously.”

“Thanks, I appreciate the concern. But I already got a scolding from my publisher yesterday for skipping lunch.”

He snickered and poured her coffee. “Did I hear you say you didn’t know our names earlier?”

She flinched and looked away.

“Wow,” he drawled out, then placed a hand over his heart, dramatically clutching his shirt. “I’m wounded. After all the boring cups of coffee I’ve been forced to pour for you and I was just a nameless, beautiful, face this whole time,” he teased with a smile.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “But in my defense, you don’t wear name tags. Even Seonghwa-shi pointed that out. Nor have you ever told me your name.”

“That’s true,” he mused, then smirked. “You know, you should write me into your story as compensation.”

“What?” She said with a laugh.

“Nothing big. Just some random background character with a single line,” he joked and she shook her head. “Think about it. I could make the whole story.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Enjoy your meal.” He took a couple of steps then turned back to her. “I’m Wooyoung by the way,” he said. “The giant is Yunho.”

Said man looked in their direction, confused about hearing his name. When he saw them he raised his hand, and she raised hers in response, then he got back to whatever it was he was making on the other side of the counter.

“Thank you, Wooyoung-shi,” she said.

He sent off a fake salute then joined the others behind the counter.

⁕⁕⁕

“Finally!” She threw her hands in the air and then let herself fall backwards onto her floor as her legs detangled from their crisscrossed state. They tingled but she ignored them as she rolled onto her stomach and grappled for her phone, still on her coffee table.

She clicked on her editors name in her favorites contact list and he picked up after only a couple of rings.

“I was wondering if I was going to hear from you today,” he said with a huff. “Really pushing that deadline, aren’t you?”

“I still have…three hours before the day is over,” she huffed.

“So, you were going to wait till midnight and make me work all night?”

“You aren’t even going to start until tomorrow anyways, so don’t even try to pull that.”

“I very well could start it tonight. And I’ll get hooked and stay up all night working on it. If I don’t get any sleep, it’s on you.”

“Then I just won’t send it to you until tomorrow. But, Jongho needs it tonight to mark off that I hit the deadline.”

“Go ahead and send it to me,” he grumbled. “I’m already in front of my laptop and I’ve been waiting forever to finally get this. All of your ideas and everything you’ve shared has been so interesting. You can’t blame me for being excited.”

His enthusiasm warmed her and brought out a laugh. “I appreciate you letting me bounce ideas off of you,” she said. “And I appreciate the hard work you’re fixing to do. As for me,” she climbed up onto the couch and sprawled out. “I finally get to take a little break.”

“Any big plans to celebrate?”

“I feel like celebrating a draft is a little premature,” she said.

“You did it with your first couple books.”

“True. I don’t know. The girls and I are going to have a night in tomorrow. There’s a mini drama they wanted me to watch. We’re going eat tteokbokki, fried chicken, ice-cream—”

“Fried chicken? Can I come?”

“I will order you fried chicken if you want it that badly.”

“You will be my favorite person if you do. Anything else?”

“Well, I might go to my regular cafe and actually enjoy it for once. One of the employees was teasing me about only getting ‘plain, boring, coffee’ as he put it. Said I should get something else. So, I might treat myself to a latte and slice of cake.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” he said as the clicking of his mouse and keyboard came through the line. “Is that the same cake you got for free?”

She sat up straight, eyes wide. “Jongho told you?”

There was a pause on the other side before he spoke again, clearly confused. “Yeah? He just said that you skipped lunch and someone that works there gave you a free slice of cake.”

“Oh,” she breathed a sigh of relief. “Was that all?”

There was another pause. “Was there more to it?”

“No! No. That was it. They just noticed I hadn’t eaten and gave me a slice on the house since I’m a regular.”

“Guess loyalty pays off,” he said offhandedly. “This is really good so far.”

“You’re already looking at it?” She started rocking nervously. It didn’t matter how many times he had read her work, or how many others had. It always made her anxious.

“Yep. And on that note I’m going to let you go so that you can calm down and I can focus. Go get some rest, eat good food, play animal crossing. You’re going to have to get serious again when the new week starts. I’ll be done by then.”

“Thanks again Yeosang. Don’t stay up too late.”

“Mmhm.”

⁕⁕⁕

First, Prev

Author's note:

I think this chapter is a little longer. Some of these chapters are really long, and others are shorter.

Tag list open! Just let me know.

Thank you for every like, share, reblog. It means the world to me!!!

[owlsfeatherpen]

Starlit Destiny

Genre: Ateez Pirate AU

Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.

Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.

Notes at the end of the chapter

First, Prev

Chapter 5: Well Meaning ⸶Yeosang⸷

Carefully, he removed the decorative hairpiece, allowing his long black hair to fall around his shoulders. With his free hand he brushed a loose strand of hair behind the young gisaeng’s1 ear and leaned forward.

“Sit still,” he said quietly and cupped the base of the hair twisted around her head, slipping in the hairpiece he had been wearing. “There you are, Saena nui2. Does it feel more sturdy now?”

He stepped back and she shook her head slightly, testing it out. “Much better!” she said. “You’re the best Yeosang-ah.”

“Happy to be of service.”

“I’m so sorry to interrupt your practice time. I know how hard it is to play the haegeum.”

“Not at all,” he waved her off then clasped his hands in front of him. “I’m here to help.”

“I’ll return the comb tomorrow morning.”

“Keep it, I insist.”

She put a hand over her mouth and giggled. “Alright, I will.”

Someone cleared their voice nearby, making both of them jump. When they turned towards it, a noble man stood not far off. Yeosang’s smile grew and he dipped into a bow. “Father, I wasn’t expecting you.”

Saena had also dipped into a bow, though hers was deeper and she shrank away a little bit. “How can we be of service, Kang Daegam3?”

“I’m just here to speak with Yeosang,” the man said. “You may leave.”

“Of course, Daegam.”

She sent a small smile to Yeosang before hurrying off and he smiled softly after her. While he would have been confused by her reaction in the past, he had grown used to it. His father did not visit frequently and only ever came to see him, so most of the women were confused and intimidated by his presence.

But that’s just how he was.

“Do you like her?” his father asked suddenly and Yeosang looked at him in confusion.

“Of course I do,” he said matter of factly. “Saena nui is kind, just like the rest of the women at the gibang4. She’s even given me pointers on playing the haegeum5.”

His father only grunted.

“Shall we have tea in my room?” Yeosang asked. His father nodded so he quickly led the way, asking for tea to be brought to his room when they passed a servant.

“I can play you a new song I’ve been practicing,” Yeosang said as he slid open his door, allowing his father to enter first. “It’s still a work in progress, but I’m happy with it so far.”

“I would enjoy that,” his father said, sitting cross legged at the head of the room. “It has been a while since I heard you play.

Thrilled, Yeosang grabbed his instrument and stool from the corner of his room then took a seat across from his father. He rearranged his clothes carefully around him, the soft green and white fabrics draping over his legs as he got comfortable and positioned the instrument. The tea arrived by the time he was ready and the servant poured a glass of tea for his father before leaving.

The sound of the dual stringed instrument filled the small space and he fixed his full attention on playing it, flinching anytime he missed a note.

“I see you’re taking this hobby very seriously,” his father joked after he made a rather jarring mistake. He was already near the end of what he had learned, but stopped instead of trying to continue.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, bowing his head. “I should have played a piece I knew better.”

“Not at all.” His father smiled and gestured him forward.

Yeosang’s smile returned and he quickly put the instrument and stool back in place before kneeling and taking a sip of tea from the glass in front of his father, while his father poured a second one for Yeosang..

“I’m just happy that you’re enjoying yourself. You’re becoming a very talented young man.”

“Thank you, father,” Yeosang said as he dipped his head in embarrassment at the praise. “The tea is good,” he said, then took a sip from his own glass. “It’s very fragrant today.”

His friends and the gisaengs complimented him frequently. Even the random strangers that visited the gibang and heard him play had occasionally dropped praise. But it was uncommon for his father to say such things. He was thankful once more that his father visited him, and helped him, unlike the fathers of other children who were born out of wedlock. He didn’t need to have his father’s surname or be his heir. He was happy with this.

“If you have the time I can play you the piece that you enjoyed last time.” He sat forward and began to pour another cup of tea for them both.

“I take it you’re still friends with those ruffians from the ‘tea house’ though. Such a shame,” his father said, ignoring the offer as though he hadn’t even spoke.

Yeosang paused as he poured, his smile dropping for a second before he forced it back on and finished.

“You know I don’t approve of them,” his father continued, lifting the glass to his lips as Yeosang set the teapot back down, trying to keep it from rattling.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“I ask very little of you. I allow you freedom to pursue your hobbies and all I ask is that you remain respectable and not tarnish my reputation. Which you do for the most part. But those boys…” He cleared his throat, placed his cup down and reached for the teapot.

Yeosang lifted his glass with both hands, arms outstretched and head bowed. Waiting.

“What more do you want from me Yeosang?” he asked, pouring the tea. “I’ve given you all that I can given your situation. You know that.”

Yeosang placed the cup back on the table and placed his hands on his knees, head still bowed. “And I’m grateful. I really am, for everything.” He scooted forward slightly and met his father’s eyes. “I just really think that if you met them–”

“How is your training going?”

Yeosang swallowed his words at the sudden question and sat straighter. His eyes dropped back down and hands folded neatly in his lap.

“It’s completed. I passed my final test, with flying colors,” he said, his voice flat.

“Did you? I’ll have to speak to your master about that.”

“My master was my final test.”

“I see. Then I’ll have to test you and assess your abilities myself.” His father sat back and placed his hands on his knees, back straight. “Your friends. Can you make it look like they had a fight? They don’t both have to die, the other one can be framed. They live greedy, dangerous lives so it wouldn’t be a stretch.”

Yeosang’s eyes widened and his head shot up to meet his father’s gaze. The warmth and kindness was gone. The man that sat there was a cold and calculating government official.

He scooted farther away from the table and placed his arms on the floor in front of him as his body began to shake. “Father, please! Surely there is someone else. Someone that would be more beneficial politically.”

“Yeosang.”

“What do you gain from this? Wouldn’t it be better–”

“You knew going into this occupation that attachments would be dangerous, would be weaknesses,” his father said. His voice was deep and sharp. “Your master and I both warned you of that. But you swore you wouldn’t let your emotions get involved and I trusted you.”

“Father–” Yeosang’s voice quaked. He listened as his father got to his feet and began to walk towards him, but he didn’t dare move.

A firm hand landed on his shoulder, patting him a couple of times before landing heavily. “Yeosang, I made sure you had a way to survive. Found you a master and gave you an occupation to live by. Something someone of your status is lucky to have. I do not hide you from the world or ignore you. I even look after your mother by donating to this gibang. Something I do not have to do. I ask for very little in return. You have till the end of the week.”

Ice cold air replaced the firm grip on his shoulder and Yeosang shuddered at the change. He wasn’t able to move as he listened to his father stand tall and walk towards the door.

“I’ll have to listen to you play more next time,” his father said, sounding so far away now. “It is getting late and I have important business to attend to.”

The door slid closed quietly but Yeosang couldn’t move. Waiting and listening to the footsteps as they grew farther away and were then replaced with silence. He could hear bustling in the distance and then music and chatter as the gibang became more active.

He felt numb.

How could he..?

“Yeosang,” a voice called suddenly from far away. “I brought you dinner…Yeosang? What happened?” He was suddenly surrounded in warmth and pulled into a gentle embrace, his face tucked into his mothers shoulder. “I heard your father visited. What on earth did he say to you? Have you been like this ever since he left?”

He took in a shuddering breath as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled himself closer, his body beginning to shake.

“Heavens, do you know how long it’s been? The moon has already risen.” She combed her fingers through his hair then pulled away. He kept his eyes down and she cupped his face in her hand, gently wiping away the tears. “Will you tell me what happened?”

He closed his eyes and more tears fell. “He…” He couldn’t say it. She didn’t even know what he had been training for. What his father had turned him into. She would be heartbroken.

“Okay.” She pulled him close again. “You don’t have to tell me. But if he has asked something impossible of you, you don’t have to do it.”

“If I do not, then I don’t know what he will do,” Yeosang said quietly. The fear of what might happen to his friend’s if he disobeyed. Or his mother. Just because he didn’t kill them didn’t mean his father wouldn’t have someone else do it to punish him.

“Your father is a selfish, proud man.” His mother spoke with feeling. “Even in our passionate youth I knew I would never love him because of that. And I knew he didn’t love me. We only used each other. You were the only good that came from us. He does not care what his request will do to you. He does not value you as his son, he only values your usefulness.”

He pulled away and met her eyes. “Then what do I do?”

She took his hands and smiled at him. “Whatever you feel you have to do.” She cupped his face again. “Do not let him drag you down to his level. He will destroy your heart.”

First, Prev

Authors Notes:

We're slowly meeting the members! What did you think? Did you like it?

I know, I know. It ended up being kind of heavy. I can't not write angst, okay? It's just me. Don't worry. They don't all have sad back stories. Promise. There's only one more sad one after Yeosang. The rest live basically normal lives.

What role do you imagine Yeosang to have on the ship? What about the rest of the crew? I'd love to see if we're on the same wavelength.

Language notes (I'm doing my best. These are simple description based on research)

1 Simplest term: courtesan (it’s more complicated than that)

2 Archaic Korean term for older sister (noona). Said by males.

3 Title for a top ranking government official.

4 Courtesan house

5 Haegeum playing : I chose this instrument because Yeosang plays the violin in Ateez’s lore. And though it is completely different in sound, they are both played with a bow. Also, can you imagine how haunting that would be playing over the ocean for people who aren’t used to it.

[owlsfeatherpen]

Scribbles of Courage

Genre: Coffee Shop AU. Barista x Writer. Seonghwa x OC

Rated: G

Summery: The owner of a small cafe has fallen head over heels for one of their regulars. He tries to keep it to himself though, worried about crossing the line with a customer. Meanwhile, a writer can't help but get distracted by the cute owner of the coffee shop when she's supposed to be working on her next book. Of course, they're unable to keep it from their friends who are more than happy to watch romance bloom.

First, Prev

✧3✧ Seonghwa

Wooyoung’s loud talking on the other side of the curtain had Seonghwa gripping at his hair. He’d just barely gotten over what a fool he had made of himself by running away, resigned to hide in the back while he attempted to work on placing orders.

Pretending was more like it. The orders were just en excuse to avoid possibly facing her again today.

And now Wooyoung was talking her ear off when she was clearly busy with something.

Seonghwa stared at the empty order in front of him as he tried not to eavesdrop on the muted conversation. Eventually it stopped and the bell above the front door dinged. He let out a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding then slumped into his chair, head back and eyes closed.

“Hyung.”

He yelped and clutched at his chest, then turned a glare at the youngest who had only his head poking through the curtain.

At least the brat had the decency to hold back his laughter.

“Goodness. I even whispered so that I wouldn’t startle you. Just wanted to let you know that she’s gone and it’s safe to come out of hiding now.”

Seonghwa grabbed the tissue box from the desk and raised it over his head just as Wooyoung escaped with a cackle.

He debated throwing it anyways, but thought better in case it actually went through. He didn’t want to have to retrieve it either. Instead, he covered his face with his hands and slid farther into his chair until it threatened to roll out from under him.

Right now he had two options. He could continue to hide back here and wait till the others came to tease him. Or he could go out and act like nothing had happened.

If only he hadn’t run away.

Why couldn’t he just have been cool about it?

With another sigh, he jumped to his feet, straightened out his clothes, grabbed his notebook and pen, then headed back to the front.

“I’ve got the pouches down for the baked goods,” he said, while looking at his notes. “Do we need bags as well?” Instead of turning to either of them while he awaited their answer, he looked over their stock of tea.

“Um, yeah,” Yunho answered.

After jotting down a couple notes he looked at them and immediately regretted it. They were both smirking. But he cleared his throat and continued. “What sizes?”

“Just the small ones.”

“Okay, I’ll add it. Anything else?”

Wooyoung snickered, but Yunho schooled his expression and actually looked thoughtful. “We’re low on vanilla and caramel again. There’s probably only two days left. I haven’t noticed anything else, but I haven’t been able to really go over things yet.”

“No worries. I’m going to do a full inventory check now.”

Wooyoung opened his mouth, but the bell dinged and Seonghwa pointed at the register the younger one stood in front of. “Customer, Wooyoung.”

“Fine. You’re safe for now,” Wooyoung said, then blew his fringe out of his face as he turned to greet the customer with a bright smile.

Seonghwa let out a sigh of relief, but Yunho sidled up to him and he realized he was premature in thinking he was safe.

“When are you actually going to talk to her, hyung?” the giant said under his breath as he started a pour over coffee.

“She’s a customer, Yunho,” Seonghwa chastised. “And she’s clearly very busy right now. It’s not appropriate.”

“You’re just scared,” Wooyoung whispered as he joined them, a nearly finished latte in his hands. “What are you going to do if she walks in with a guy one day? You’ll have missed your chance.”

“Woo, please focus on your work.”

“I am.” He flourished the creamer to make a detailed leaf on the top of the drink, proving his point. “I’m just saying you shouldn’t have any regrets,” he said as he walked away. “She’ll be back tomorrow, so you’ll have to face her one way or another.”

Seonghwa sent a pout after him.

“We just want you to be happy,” Yunho said as he patted Seonghwa’s shoulder. “You work so hard all the time, which means you don’t get out much, and it’s clear you like her. Personally, I think she might have a little bit of a crush on you too.”

“Really?” Seonghwa’s eyes widened and his heart skipped.

No, Seonghwa. Stop that.

“Yeah. She seemed a little disappointed when Wooyoung told her the cake was because she was a loyal customer.” He wiggled his eyebrows and smiled. “I think she thought it might have had a different meaning.”

Seonghwa scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I’m sure you saw wrong. That’s hardly enough to think she has a crush on me.”

Yunho just shrugged and poured the now finished coffee into a mug and loaded it onto a try.

“Just think about it, hyung.”

✧

“Finally,” Seonghwa said as he stretched. He removed his glasses and rubbed at his eyes, then checked the time.

Two hours after close. He sighed as he shut down the computer and got to his feet.

He was exhausted, but he couldn’t help smiling. They were finally starting to gain some traction. And while that meant more work, it also meant his little dream was starting to come true. He slid on his coat as he made a call and gathered his things.

The line picked up with rustling and a sleepy groan. “Hyung,” San moaned on the other end with a pout.

“Our pour Sannie,” he cooed. “How are you feeling?”

“I little better then this afternoon, but I’m still tired.”

“What would you like for dinner? I’ll get it on my way.”

“You’re the best, hyung. Can I think about it and text you?”

“Sure,” Seonghwa said, pausing as he exited the curtain and looked over at her usual table that had been taken for the day. “I can give you ten minutes.”

“Thank you!”

“See you soon.” He hung up, his eyes still on the spot. She had been stressed and fighting a deadline, and her routine had been messed up. If that had been him, it would have thrown off his whole day. So without putting to much thought into it, he want into the back room once more to complete his plan before he chickened out.

First, Prev

[owlsfeatherpen]

Starlit Destiny

Genre: Ateez Pirate AU

Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.

Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.

First, Prev

Chapter 4: Unfortunate Circumstances ♔Hongjoong♔

He did not change his mind as a matter of fact. Nor did he regret that. He would try not to regret it later either when he would likely be dying from dehydration.

Contemplating what had brought him here, he shook the bottle that they’d so graciously given him and tried to determine how long he could make that minuscule amount last. Between that and the single dried pollack, not long.

“Well…I guess I’ll explore…” he said to himself, though he spent another five or ten minutes observing the sea before he actually got to his feet. Or maybe it had been longer. The sun looked significantly lower. Not that it mattered since he had nowhere to be. Still, some speed at exploring wouldn’t hurt. He shook the bottle again and frowned at it, then looked around him. Beach in front and behind, ocean on his right, and forest on his left. He closed his eyes and lifted his hand to point in front of him then spun until he was dizzy. When he stopped, he opened his eyes and stumbled forward, beach in front of him. Ocean on his left and forest on his right.

He started off skirting the water where the waves would occasionally make it high enough to wash over his feet and clear his tracks. Then after a while he began to walk along the tree line in search of shade from the oppressive sun. When it began to dip behind the trees, and he was free of the heat, he came across an outcropping of rock that led to a cliff side along the water’s edge and his steps grew quicker in hopes of a freshwater source. As he got closer he stumbled in the sand then came to an abrupt halt as he tried to make sense of what was in front of him.

There was a man looking out at the ocean from where he sat on one of the rocky outcroppings at the mouth of a cave. He was almost fully silhouetted now that the sun had dropped behind the cliff side. Hongjoong watched him for a minute, weighing the pros and cons of going over to the man. On one hand, he could be a sign of civilization and therefore a rescue. On the other hand, this man could have also been marooned, and then that would mean sharing any means of survival or having to fight to stay alive. But what were the chances that someone else had been marooned on the same island?

“Hello!” Hongjoong called, waving his arms above his head. The silhouette moved and Hongjoong assumed he had turned to him so he continued walking, faster this time. “I can’t begin to explain how relieved I am to find out I’m not alone on this island!” he shouted when he got closer. He could make out the stranger’s features now and paused, his eyes widening.

The young man appeared to be about his age and was observing him with a tilted head and squinting eyes which glinted inhumanly in the dying light. It was then that Hongjoong noticed the slits that edged along the base of the man’s neck on either side. Hongjoong gulped and took a step back. It was just his luck that he would come across a siren.

He took another step back and raised a hand. “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you,” he said as the siren started to stand, still looking at him as though searching for something. “I’ll just be on my way. Enjoy your evening.” He turned and kept walking, hoping that the siren would leave him be.

“Pirate!”

Nope. Nope, nope, nope.

Hongjoong sped up, trying not to stumble on the sand as he heard the siren chasing after him. He was yanked to a stop then spun around, his collar grabbed tightly in the siren’s fists.

If looks could kill.

“You,” the siren growled, lifting him slightly off the ground as he was pulled closer. “You’re one of the pirates that took her. Where is your ship?”

“Hey now,” Hongjoong forced out around the grip on his collar. “Let’s talk about this civilly.” He raised his hand in surrender but instead of relenting the siren grabbed on tighter, lifting him even higher.

“Humans and their words. Tell me where your ship is, now.”

Hongjoong scoffed and searched his belt until he found what he was looking for. “Look here, I gave you the chance to talk this out. Now either let me go,” he pressed his pistol to the siren’s chest then grinned. “Or you won’t be finding anyone.”

The siren looked down at the gun then back at Hongjoong with a scowl, but made no sign of letting go. Hongjoong pressed the gun harder and tilted his head. “Well?”

He was shoved away and nearly fell to the ground.

“There.” He steadied himself and coughed. “See, now we can talk normally.”

“Then talk,” the siren said.

“Well, first off.” Hongjoong dusted off his clothes, then straightened them. “It looks like you lost someone important to you and I’m sorry about that. But I had nothing to do with it.”

“Lair.”

“I swear. I did recently depart from the pirate crew but we didn’t dabble in capturing sirens. We’re not stupid. Well…I’m not stupid, but I wouldn’t necessarily say the same about the rest of the crew now.”

“She was a human,” the siren said, stepping towards him. “I saw you with the crew the day before she disappeared and her boss told me she was sold to you.”

“Not me specifically,” Hongjoong said. “That’s the whole reason I’m here. I was out all night and when I returned I found out that the captain had purchased people. I disagreed with him about it and got marooned here.”

“Do you take me for a fool? I know your kind. Pirates are all the same. You live to steal and cause chaos wherever you go and don’t care for any life aside from your own. Pirates hardly even live by their own ‘rules.’”

“That’s a lot of generalizing,” Hongjoong said as he dropped to sit on the sand. “I could do the same. All Siren’s kill humans for fun. They lure unsuspecting souls to jump to their deaths with haunting tunes. I’m sure they laugh about it and call us stupid for falling for it.”

“Not all sirens.”

“Clearly. You fell for a human. Deeply it seems if you’re willing to go after pirates.”

“Your ship is on the ocean, my home.” The siren looked unimpressed. “It’s where I am the strongest. Do you really think they would stand any chance?”

“Maybe not.” Hongjoong shrugged. “Maybe you really could take the whole ship. Or maybe you’re just blinded by your emotions and would end up dead for trying.”

“Enough. If you’re really not with them anymore then you’re a waste of my time.” The siren walked around him without another glance.

“Rude.” The pirate’s comment went ignored. “You know,” he drawled, taking a sip of his drink. “We might be able to help each other.”

The footsteps didn’t stop.

“I saw which direction the ship was heading.”

Here, the footsteps did stop.

“I know the typical stops and routes. And, I have connections.”

He stood and turned to find the siren’s head tilted in his direction.

“I could help you find her.”

“What’s in it for you?”

Hongjoong patted his pistol. “I was left a present for if I ever see that captain again.” He rifled around in his pocket for the norigae. “Does this belong to your human? A young woman dropped it on the ship’s deck while fighting to get free.”

The siren was in front of him instantly, the norigae ripped from his grasp. “She…she didn’t get hurt, did she?” he asked quietly.

“Not from what I saw,” Hongjoong said. “But she’s a fighter and that could get her into trouble.”

“Fine,” the siren said as he tied the norigae to his clothing. “We can work together. But if I found out you’re deceiving me—”

“I’ll give you a pistol myself,” Hongjoong waved him off then held out a hand. “My name is Hongjoong.”

“Seonghwa,” the siren said. He grabbed Hongjoong’s hand in an iron grip that had Hongjoong shaking his hand in pain once it was free. “I assume you have a plan?”

“Of course,” Hongjoong said, grinning again. “Well, a partial plan. We need to get off of this island first. I’m sure you can swim long distances, but I’m stuck here. Any way you can lure some fisherman here so I can hitch a ride? Then we’ll need to, borrow, a ship.”

First, Prev

[owlsfeatherpen]

Scribbles of Courage

Genre: Coffee Shop AU. Barista x Writer. Seonghwa x OC

Rated: G

Summery: The owner of a small cafe has fallen head over heels for one of their regulars. He tries to keep it to himself though, worried about crossing the line with a customer. Meanwhile, a writer can't help but get distracted by the cute owner of the coffee shop when she's supposed to be working on her next book. Of course, they're unable to keep it from their friends who are more than happy to watch romance bloom.

Prev: 1 Seonghwa

⁕2⁕ Nari

Nari deleted the line for the umpteenth time and held in a groan as she ran a hand through her hair.

Why can’t I just finish this one scene?

She slumped in her chair and reached for her now cold coffee, then sighed. Her phone buzzed and she peaked down at it, already knowing it would be a message asking about her progress. She was thankful that her editor and publisher were her friends and helped her stay on track, but right now the check-ins were causing more stress.

You can do this.

She flipped her phone over then gathered her hair into a scrunchy and focused back on her screen. With so little time left before her deadline, she didn’t have time to feel sorry for herself. Or get angry at the deadline she had set.

So what if the dialogue was stiff for now? That’s what editing was for. Right now she just needed to get something on the page.

And so she did.

Even though she was unsatisfied with the scene, she was able to move on to the next one that had already been in her head since the whole story had come to mind. She wrote with a fury and didn’t notice the time around her passing until a loud gurgling interrupted her thoughts. It broke her out of her concentration and she looked down at her stomach in betrayal. Then, glancing at the corner of her screen, her eyes widened in shock. It was way after her normal lunch time. But she didn’t want to stop yet and pack up. Her flow was finally going smoothly and—

Her stomach interrupted her again and she glared down at it. Then back at her screen and the blinking line on the document.

Just thirty more minutes. I’ll pack up when I finish this scene.

Blowing some fringe out of her face she focused once more on the screen in front of her and tried to immerse herself back in the scene. It proved to be difficult with the gnawing in her stomach, but she’d done it before. It was just as her fingers started to fly over the screen again that there was a slight rattle as something was set in her peripheral. Her eyes briefly glanced over to it without processing what was there, then they darted back a moment later as her brain caught up.

A slice of cake sat within reach, next to her now refilled mug of coffee. It was her favorite cake that she only splurged on for special occasions. There was a little fork sitting on a folded napkin next to the dessert, and a pink sticky note on the edge of the plate.

Surprised, she looked up to thank whoever had dropped it off. However, the words disappeared when her eyes met the young owner’s who were blown wide in surprise at being noticed. Before she could gather her thoughts, he had ducked through the curtain into the back room. Her brows raised in confusion so she sought answers from the little note.

You seem more stressed out than usual and we noticed you skipped lunch. Hopefully this will help until you can get to a stopping point. It’s on the house today. You’ve got this! Fighting! /)/) ( . .) ( づ★

She smiled at the words and accompanying doodle, then turned to the other two men who were snickering together by the register, their own gaze locked on where their boss had disappeared.

The shorter one with two toned hair noticed her attention and sent her a wink before turning away to busy himself with something. The giant was still trying to hold in his laughter when he met her eyes, but instead of acknowledging her, he turned away and acted as though he hadn’t seen her.

Not completely sure what any of their actions meant, or maybe not wanting to over think it, she took a bite of the cake, nearly melting. It was perfect.

She’d have to talk to her friends about ordering a cake from the bakery next door once her book was released.

But first, she had to finish the draft.

⁕

It took her a little longer to finish the scene then she had hoped. But that was likely due to the cake and coffee she was consuming, so she was fine with it. The sugar must have helped too because she felt like that was the smoothest her writing had gone all day.

Satisfied with her work enough to take an actual meal break, she started to pack up her things, throwing glances at those behind the counter. The owner was missing, likely in the back again. She deflated, having hoped to thank him personally for the cake, but she had overheard them talking about ordering necessities, so she assumed he was just busy with that.

Still, she couldn’t not thank him.

After tucking the note he left into her notebook for encouragement later on, she grabbed her own sticky note and penned a small thank you letter. Once she was satisfied with it, she placed it carefully next to the empty cake plate.

“Time to head out?”

She jumped in surprise as the two-tone haired worker spoke, grabbing her dirty dishes.

“Um, yeah,” she said as she slipped her backpack onto her shoulder. “I desperately need lunch.”

“I can imagine. I think you’re the only person here who hasn’t had anything. Well,” he smirked. “other than the cake.”

“Which I am incredibly thankful for. I really didn’t want to stop in the middle of that scene when I finally felt I was making progress.” She looked at the curtain to the back room, biting her lip before turning back to him. “Was the cake from your boss?”

“Yeah,” he said with a little more enthusiasm than she was expecting. “Hyung noticed how focused you were and how late it was getting, so he wanted to give you something to tide you over.”

Her heart skipped a beat and she mentally chastised it. “Can you tell him ‘thank you’ for me?”

“Of course! You’re one of our vips so we’re happy to show our thanks for your loyal patronage.”

“Oh.” She deflated a little. Of course that’s all it was.

“Will you be back tomorrow?”

“I should be,” she said, a little surprised at the chit-chat. Even as long as she had been coming, she hadn’t really held a conversation with any of them. “My deadline is tomorrow night, so I’m sure I’ll be buckled down like I was today.”

“Cool, we’ll see you then.” He smiled brightly and if she wasn’t mistaken, there was a twinkle in his eye. “Hopefully your usual seat will be open. Oh, and, you can always bring your lunch in with you if you don’t want to leave to eat.”

“Really? Oh that would make things so much easier. Thank you!” Her phone buzzed and she grabbed it, wincing when she saw who it was. “I’ve got to take this. That’s my publisher checking in. I’ve been screening my calls.”

“Oof, good luck,” he said with a chuckle. “Have a good day.”

“Thanks, you too,” she said.

“Oh, and I’ll make sure he gets your note.”

Her face burned at the knowing look he seemed to have and she forced out another “Thank you,” as she answered the call and rushed out the door. “Hey, Jongho.” She took a deep breath, hoping her tone sounded normal.

“Nari. is everything okay? Yeosang and I have been trying to get in contact you for hours.”

“Everything’s fine, and I’m on track. I was just trying to make progress and didn’t want to get distracted with my phone. But I’m finally taking a break and getting lunch.”

“You’re just now eating lunch? But it’s after three. I know you’re trying to hurry, but if you need more time we can push the deadline a couple days. You need to take care of yourself.”

“I’m okay, really,” she said in a rush. This is why she loved working for her friends. Yes business was important, but they were also always checking in on each other. “I was just really focused and they gave me a piece of cake, so I wasn’t dying.”

“Cake isn’t lunch.”

“Thanks mom.” She rolled her eyes.

“Wait, who gave you cake?”

“Um.” She tripped a bit on her feet as she felt her face heat up again. “You know, the guys at the cafe that I write at.”

“Oooh.” He hummed and she could hear the teasing. “Was it the cute owner you always mention?”

“Choi Jongho—”

“Alright, I’m sorry.” He chuckled and she sighed. “But, it was obviously him with how you’re acting, noona. One of these days I need to go and see for myself who’s caught the eye of my best writer.”

“I swear—”

“Have a good lunch,” he said quickly. “Check in with me again tonight, and don’t skip dinner. Bye~”

The line went dead and she held in a groan to avoid the stares of those around her. One of these days, he’d become aware of his own crush, and when that happened, she wouldn’t let him hear the end of it.

⁕⁕⁕

Prev: 1 Seonghwa

Author's note:

To keep things simple, I'll likely be using the same name for ocs for specific members. So, Nari is the name of Seonghwa's x Oc in both this and Starlit Destiny. We'll see if she pops up anywhere else too.

because if I don't do that I will spend entirly too long coming up with the "perfect" name every fic...

Tag list open! Just let me know.

[dragonowl]

Our Memories Carved into the Season

The Sky That Doesn’t End Series Masterlist (coming soon)

Genre: EXO AU, High School

Rating: PG

Pairing: Chanyeol x Myeong-suk (OC)

Summary:  In which a new girl comes to school. A new girl determined to be alone. That’s no problem for a happy virus though. Chanyeol has suddenly found a desire to make a deep connection with someone outside of his brothers, regardless of the trials presented.

Next, AO3

Chapter 1: First Meetings

Wednesday: March 7th, 2013

He turned away from the others as the bell rang, the teacher got everyone’s attention, and they gave their morning greeting. Chanyeol’s eyes, however, did not leave the girl that stood next to the teacher, her eyes downcast as she shifted nervously. 

“Everyone, this is Lee Myeong-suk,” the teacher said. “Transferring schools in the middle of the year is difficult, so be sure to make her feel welcome.” 

He gestured at Myeong-suk, and she gave a quick bow. “Hello everyone, I look forward to joining you for the rest of the year. Please take care of me,” she said. When she looked up, their eyes locked, and his heart stopped for a second as they both quickly looked away. 

The teacher gestured her to a chair, and he tried not to look up as she passed next to him to take the empty seat at the desk behind his, with Baekhyun. Kai snickered next to him and elbowed him in the ribs. He pouted at the younger man, then ducked his head, rubbing the back of his neck as his face heated up. 

~~~

Keep reading

[dragonowl]

Since I don't have anything new to offer for the anniv, I just thought I would reblog this for now. 14 years. What an accomplishment! This last year has been hard, but I pray that one day they will able to be ot9 publicly once more. And that they will receive the respect they are due from either sm or whatever other company that they might end up with. I haven't been following them for as long as many others, but it's also been longer than I thought. Introduced in 2018, deep dove in 2019. How time flies. They have truly come to mean so much to me. I've found comfort and joy in them. I've grown. I've made new friends because of them. I'm so thankful.

After I graduated college, my joy in reading and writing plummeted. All of my stories sat unforgotten. And I thought I might have lost all creativity in that regard. But they sparked that creativity again. And even though I haven't picked my original stories back up yet, I've grown as a writer and a person. I know when I am ready, I'll be better. I know I'll be capable. For this and many other things, I am so, so thankful to Exo. I look forward to hopefully many years ahead.

Lots of love to all my fellow Exo-Ls/Eris too! We're hanging in there together!

I also want you to know, that with everything that's been going on with them and sm, it's okay if you have had to take a break or step back. Or if you're coming to the realization that you need to. Hopefully, one day, things will clear up and we can all be happy with them again. But until then, you're doing great!

Exo-L, let's love!

-Owl

[inexowetrust]

260408 oohsehun instagram story update

[inexowetrust]

260408 weareone.exo instagram update

EXO 14th Debut Anniversary🩶 #EXO #엑소 #weareoneEXO #EXO14thAnniversary

[owlsfeatherpen]

Scribbles of Courage

Genre: Coffee Shop AU. Barista x Writer. Seonghwa x OC

Rated: G

Summery: The owner of a small cafe has fallen head over heels for one of their regulars. He tries to keep it to himself though, worried about crossing the line with a customer. Meanwhile, a writer can't help but get distracted by the cute owner of the coffee shop when she's supposed to be working on her next book. Of course, they're unable to keep it from their friends who are more than happy to watch romance bloom.

✧1✧ Seonghwa

The bell jingled above his head as he entered his cafe, the familiar sound putting a smile on his face as his two friends and employees greeted him from behind the counter.

“Hey hyung!” Wooyoung said, animatedly waving at him as he ignored the mug in his hand. “Morning.”

Seonghwa sent a small glare his way for the noisy greeting that would likely disturb the customers, but he couldn’t help the smile at the warm welcome.

“Morning, hyung,” Yunho said at a much more reasonable volume as he handed a to-go order over to a customer who was waiting patiently.

“Good morning,” he said to the two of them, then opened the door for the customer before allowing himself to glance over who all was currently occupying the small coffee shop. Several regulars were seated around and his eyes stuck at the back corner booth that was a familiar sight. It was covered in paper both flat and wadded up, as well as colorful sticky notes, books and a laptop. Then he deflated.

Instead of their normal regular, it was a uni student that had discovered them recently. The other booths and tables were filled with new and familiar faces, but the one he was looking for was missing. Then, just as he was ready to head behind the counter to start the day, his eyes passed over a familiar form.

She was seated at the counter, her usual items kept to a much smaller amount as she tried not to take up too much space. Her face was scrunched up in concentration as she typed frantically on her laptop.

Yunho cleared his throat. “Hyung? Are you going to stay by the door?”

Seonghwa felt his face flush but tryed to play it off. He stuck his hands in his pockets and raised his head slightly as he made his way behind the counter at an unrushed pace. “I’m just taking in the atmosphere,” he said, trying to remain nonchalant.

The two chuckled at him, barely having the decency to try and keep it down.

“Whatever you say, hyung,” Wooyoung said, patting him on the back as he joined them.

He ignored their teasing as he put on his apron and got to work.

“Binnie said that they had a rush this morning and got behind, but he brought over what deserts he could for now. The rest will have to come closer to eleven,” Wooyoung said just as Seonghwa noticed the desert display was emptier than usual.

“And here I was hoping we just had more business,” Seonghwa said with a sigh. “I’m glad they’re starting to get more customers at least.”

“He thinks it’s partly because we sell them here,” Wooyoung explained. “He told me most of the people that have been placing orders are our regulars and that we’re how they found them. Felix is ecstatic.”

Seonghwa smiled, imagining how everyone next door must be feeling. Times were just hard for small business. Especially with the influx of themed cafes and bakeries. “I’m glad,” he said.

“Oh, hyung,” Yunho said, looking under the counter. “Speaking of baked goods, I think we’re going to need some more to go pouches for them soon.”

“Okay.” He looked around the space and tried to take note of stock. “Let’s look over everything today, and I’ll place an order after we close up.”

“Yes sir.”

“Will do.”

The two replied.

“You opened this morning, right Yunho? Why don’t you go take a fifteen minute break.”

“Thanks hyung. Then,” he grabbed a mug and poured some for himself. “I’ll just be in the back.”

“I’m going to make a fresh batch of coffee,” Wooyoung said. “How’s San doing?”

“He’s starting to get better,” Seonghwa grabbed his notebook, ready to start the tedious task of inventory. “His fever broke so he should only have a couple more days of recovery.” The bell over the door rang, interrupting his task, but he was happy for it. “I got it,” he said under his breath to Wooyoung, then turned a bright smile to the customer. “Hello. Welcome to The Wishing Star. What can I get started for your today?”

✧Author's Note✧

Hello! Here's another random one I started about a year ago. I realized too late that I posted a rather unfortunate chapter of Starlit Destiny on Seonghwa's birthday. So, here's me making up for it. Happy late Birthday Seonghwa! Lot's of love.

Again, this is just casually edited. Hope you enjoy anyways.

Ask to join a taglist. Feel free to engage. It's my writing fuel instead of coffee lol

/)/)

( . .)

( づ★

[owlsfeatherpen]

Starlit Destiny

Genre: Ateez Pirate AU

Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.

Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.

First, Prev

Chapter 3: Gone ✧Seonghwa✧

He smiled, finally being able to slip on the socks and shoes after having spent too long trying to get all of the sand off of his feet. But it had been worth it. The simple black and white shoes were crisp and new. This would be his first time wearing them after Nari had picked them out. Something she insisted on after he had gifted her a norigae* and explained the pink pearls on it. The first pink pearls he’d ever made after only hearing rumors that it was possible.

Tears of joy.

Today was a special occasion and he’d saved the shoes just for this. Their first dinner together in town. Nari had been so excited when they had made the plan, even if they both worry how the other villagers will treat her after. She was already an outcast. Being in a relationship with a siren… Regardless though, he would be there for her no matter what.

The excitement and anticipation bubbled up in him and he quickened his steps, heading straight for her home. There were few people on this path, but those who he did come across were greeted with a bright smile, though they looked the other way instead of returning it. When he came to her home he stopped at the gate and peaked around the small area inside. She wasn’t waiting for him yet so he slid the gate open and stepped inside.

“Nari, it’s Seonghwa,” he called. There was no response. Nor any sort of commotion from inside the home. He stepped in farther, noticing that her shoes weren’t in their usual spot. “Nari?” he called again, but was greeted with more silence.

Maybe he’d gotten the time wrong.

He headed back towards the gate and slipped out onto the path once more. Either he was too early or she had been kept longer at work, which wouldn’t be a first. Luckily, he knew the home the worked in, so he headed straight there. Picking her up would just mean he had more time to spend with her.

The walk there was not as pleasant as he had hoped though.

The energy in the village was different today. People were watching him more than usual and whispering then looking away as soon as he caught them. The air was…tense. They must have already found out. The thought made his steps quicken through the busy streets and down alleys to avoid having to weave through the people.

It was oddly still at the bustling home where she worked. The front doors closed without any guards outside and there was no in and out of occupants. Worry was growing in his stomach but he tried to push it away as he knocked on the large wooden door. No answer.

He knocked again. Louder. Harder.

“Hello!” he called out. “I’m looking for Miss Nari. She wasn’t home. Is anyone there?” When there was still no answer he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Negative emotions, but none he could latch onto or define.

There was the sudden slow creaking of a door to his right and his eyes shot open searching for the source. A young woman stood there, half hidden and waving him over. When he opened his mouth she put a finger over her own and gestured him forward again. This time he obliged, keeping his mouth closed as he neared.

“You’re looking for Nari eonni, right?” the young woman asked.

He nodded. “We have plans this evening, but she wasn’t home.”

“I’m sorry,” the woman said and tears pooled in her eyes. “She didn’t come to work today. I think something happened to her last night or this morning. I heard the master talking about it with someone who looked important. An official or something.”

“What?” He took a step forward but stopped when she flinched back. “What do you mean something happened?”

“There were pirates in town,” she continued. “And they left this morning. Nari eonni isn’t the only person to disappear either. Men and women who were paying off debts. Some orphans. Most everyone is afraid right now. Afraid to go out or say anything.” She was shaking now and he stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder to give her some grounding. Fear and sorrow. Apprehension. Those were the emotions he had felt while walking through the town. It wasn’t just from his presence.

“You think the owner of this home knows what happened?”

“Yes, I think so. But—”

She wasn’t able to finish before he was around her and through the gate.

“Wait,” she whispered after him, her voice full of panic. But he ignored her.

“Where is the owner of this house?” he shouted. Several guards surrounded him but he didn’t move. “I’m here for Nari. Where is the owner of this home?”

“What is all this commotion?” an older man said, his head popping out from an open doorway to the home. When he saw Seonghwa he huffed, got to his feet and made his way out. He took his time coming over, either unbothered, or stalling.

“You really can’t hire good help these days,” the man was saying. “Who let him in here? Why do I have guards if they can’t even keep out one intruder?” When he was closer he finally looked at Seonghwa, really looked at him. His eyes widened in fear and he stumbled backwards a bit.

“Where is Nari?” Seonghwa asked. His voice dropped but he kept it even.

The man blinked at the question a couple of times then seemed to rouse himself. He lifted a trembling hand to his beard and began to stroke it. Still stalling. “How should I know?” He was trying to sound aloof but his voice shook. “I don’t keep track of my workers when they leave here. I can promise you one thing though, she’ll need to make up for missing work today after not showing up. She’ll be lucky if I don’t find someone to replace her. How ungrateful. I give her a place to make money and she repays me by slacking. What useless—”

Seonghwa was on him in an instant, sharp blade against the man’s throat. “This is your last chance,” he hissed. “Instead of letting words fall from your tongue that will get you killed, I suggest you tell me where she is.”

The man sputtered and tried to pull away, but Seonghwa had a firm grip on the back of his outer jacket, holding him in place. “I-I…I don’t know where they took her, I swear.”

“Who?”

“Pirates!” a sweat broke out on the older man’s forehead as the blade pushed closer. “The governor sold her to pirates. I don’t know why. All I know is that he had to meet some quota and sold off some slaves and inconsequential villagers.”

“Inconsequential?” Seonghwa grabbed the man by the throat, pushing him to his knees.

“She-she had no f-family. No name. No importance. No one was going to miss a nobody.”

Seonghwa growled and raised the dagger to plunge it down.

“The pirates were heading south!” the man shouted as best he could around Seonghwa’s grip, hands raised and eyes closed as he waited. “I didn’t want to give her up either! I was forced into it. She was a good worker and —umph.”

Seonghwa threw the man to the ground. “You’re a pathetic excuse of a human. Only finding value in another’s life based on their usefulness or status. How pitiful.” He turned, and stalked out, ignoring the guards as he exited through the main doors which swung open wildly as he pushed through.

Pirates.

He’d always done well to avoid them while at sea. But they were humans on his domain. No matter how much they thought they had mastery over the waves, they were still no match for his kind. He’d seen them loitering the day before. If they’d cast off in the early morning, he would catch up to them in no time, then from there…Well, if there was any crew left when he was done, he’d find out the reason behind this.

-✧-

Author's Notes

The song Missing Piece, that's been trending on TikTok lately really reminds me of Seonghwa and Nari.

Time for the adventure to really begin! I think the next chapter is one of my favorites. Can't really say why. I just enjoyed writing it I think.

* I didn't have a specific style of norigae in mind. But maybe something like this

As per usual, just mild editing happening here. So please forgive any mistakes I might have missed.

Hope you're enjoying so far! Let me know if you would like to join a tag list. I don't have one yet, but I'm happy to start one!

[owlsfeatherpen]

Starlit Destiny

Genre: Ateez Pirate AU

Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.

Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.

Prev

Chapter 2: Drastic Changes ♔Hongjoong♔

Hongjoong stumbled onto the deck, squinting in the sunlight and trying to make sense of the bustling activity.

“Hongjoong, where have you been?” The captain asked, patting him on the shoulder. “I’m afraid you missed a rather eventful morning. We’ve had some sudden changes.”

Hongjoong looked around the deck, surprised at the increase of people. “I’d say,” he said. “Have we turned into a ferry, Captain?” Wait, no. His eyes focused on the condition of the people. The ropes restraining them and the fear in their eyes. “Prisoners?” He asked, hopeful.

“No.”

Hongjoong shoved away from the man, now very clear headed. “You aren’t serious.”

“If you had been around you would understand,” the Captain said, his voice taking on an edge.

“What is there to understand?” Hongjoong shouted. “No human merchandise. No women and children. Those have always been the rules. There’s no way everyone agreed to this.” He looked around at the rest of the crew. Some were avoiding his gaze, others were meeting it with arms crossed, ready to follow the “captain’s” orders, whatever they might be.

“Listen Hongjoong, things aren’t like they used to be. You will drop this and deal with it. Captain’s orders.”

The man turned from him and Hongjoong looked over the terrified people again as the rest of the crew began to pull them to their feet and lead them towards the brig. A young woman tried to fight back, eyes going to Hongjoong, pleading. But she wasn’t strong enough. A norigae fell from her person and once she was gone Hongjoong walked over and picked it up.

It was well made. Likely a gift.

He scoffed and turned back to the older man. “Captain?” He scoffed again and stomped his foot on the ground. “My Captain died honorably. You’ve barely had the title and you’re already trying to tarnish it.” He slipped the accessory into a pocket then crossed his arms as the captain turned to face him with a furious glower. “If these are the choices you’ll be making then I refuse to call you captain. And I’m sure others will agree.”

The man looked like he might cut Hongjoong down then and there as he stalked back to him. Then, he calmed. “That’s too bad. I wanted to keep you around in honor of that old man. Throw him in the brig!” he ordered. “We’ll leave him on the next empty island we find.”

Before Hongjoong could move, firm hands grabbed him. He was disarmed as he tried to break free, then forced below deck and thrown onto the hard floor of a cell. His head cracked against the boards and he saw spots.

“Sorry Hongjoong,” one of the men who he had thought was a friend stood in the doorway. “Whether we agree or not, he’s the captain now. There has to be order on the ship for everyone to survive. Give it some thought. I’m sure if you change your mind he’ll let it go.”

Prev

[owlsfeatherpen]

Starlit Destiny

Genre: Ateez Pirate AU

Rated: PG (I think) for violence and mentions of sensitive topics.

Summery: A lonely siren loses the only person he has ever cared for. While hunting down those that took her, he comes across a pirate seeking revenge. As they follow their goals, they build a crew. A family. Now this misfit band of not quite pirates are working to uncover the darkness that is trying to take over.

Chapter 1: Lonely Moon

✧Seonghwa✧

The darkness was usually comforting, but tonight, as he gazed at the moon, it felt empty. 

The moon shone brightly in its full state, alone in the sky. 

Alone, like him. 

Like many sirens. 

Sometimes, after walking through the busy village, he wished he was more like a star. Stars were in groups and clusters. So much so that the humans could make designs and pictures out of the groups of stars to help guide them. Beautiful constellations.

He didn’t have that though. 

Leaning back against the rocks, he closed his eyes as the water lapped around his arms, occasionally reaching his shoulders. The sound of the ocean made the night less empty and he allowed it to lull him into a resting state. 

Then, quietly at first, another sound joined in from somewhere above him. It was quiet and gentle at first but it quickly grew. Emotions quickly followed. The wish to die and will to live clashing harshly with each other. 

He wondered who it was. The old fisherman whose wife had passed away recently while he was at sea. The young scholar who was studying to take the state exam for the 4th time. 

Or…

He climbed out of the water, grabbing the clothes he’d left nearby and started up his secret path. When he made it to the top of the cliff, mostly dry, the emotions had dimmed. It seemed the will to live had won out in the end. Though he could still feel a slight quiver in the resolution. 

There, at the edge of the cliff right above his home was the young woman he had often seen being picked on and cursed at in the village. Her tears glistened in the moonlight though her cries had become silent. But she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear his approach.

“Are you planning on giving yourself to the siren?” he asked.

She gasped and nearly fell to the ground as she spun to face him. 

“Wha-what?” She was breathless and he could hear sudden fear in her voice.

“You are standing above his home. If you were to jump, most sirens would see that as an offering.”

“I’m not going to jump,” she said, then her hands clenched into fists at her side. “And I’m certainly not planning on giving myself to a siren.”

“Trust me, I doubt he wants to take care of a human. What use would you be to him?”

The small amount of anger that had appeared flickered away again and she dropped her gaze. “None at all. No one has any use for me. I suppose I’m worthless.”

“Why do you say that?” he grew closer to her, head tilted. 

She looked at him again, studying his features, searching for something. “If you were from around here for any significant amount of time you would know that I am the lowest in this village.”

“All humans are the same,” he said, bristling. He never understood the humans’ need to categorize everyone as higher or lower. “Who told you that you’re less than anyone else in this village?”

“I’m an orphan to a family without a name. My mother died when she gave birth to me and a few years ago my father went crazy,” she stated without emotion. “Everyone says my birth cursed my family and that my life will bring a curse on the village. They say I am better off dead.”

“So that is why you are here tonight? To let fools dictate your life.” He was an arms length away from her now and he stopped. 

“No,” she said, meeting his eyes. He could make her features out clearly now that he was closer. The full moonlight glowing in her light brown eyes. The unique feature for this area was startling and he caught himself unable to look away as a fierceness entered them. “Not anymore.”

“You’re braver than I thought,” he said, his lips lifting into a smile.

“I would have to be brave to be talking to a siren right above his home.”

His smile dropped as her lips lifted into a small smirk. He tilted his head at her again. She was a puzzle. “How did you know?”

A small laugh escaped her, leaving behind a genuine smile. “You explore the village every now and then and trade pearls for money to buy things in the market. I’m sure most everyone knows.”

He smiled back. “I thought I was doing well at blending in.”

“No one knows where you live or what you do. You just show up with pearls and explore, and…” she looked him over with timid amusement.

“And?”

“You don’t really dress properly.”

His smile dropped once more and he looked down at his clothing that he had gathered. The colors went well together and he thought he had imitated the humans’ dress perfectly. Everything was tied and covered. “How?” he asked, meeting her gaze again. “Don’t I have all the proper clothing articles?”

“Most of them,” she said, looking him over again. “They just need to be tied properly. The biggest thing is your hair and lack of hat or shoes.”

“Why would I go through the trouble of putting my hair up only to cover it with a hat?” his lower lip jutted out just slightly. “And shoes are uncomfortable.”

“If you want to blend in, those are things you’ll have to do.”

He thought about it for a second then shook his head. “If everyone already knows then there’s no reason for me to change things now.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

There was a sudden sound in the bushes and they both jumped. He gently grabbed her arm and then moved to stand in front of her, searching the tree line just a few feet away from them. When nothing emerged and their beating hearts slowed to a normal pace, they looked at each other and shared a small laugh. 

“I should…get going,” she said after a moment of silence. “Thank you for talking to me.”

“I’ll walk you home.”

It was a short walk that skirted between the town and the woods and led to a small old house that was worse for wear and set away from the others. 

She stopped at the gate and turned to him. “Thank you again,” she said, then gave a small bow. 

“My pleasure,” he said, mirroring her. She smiled then turned to leave. “I’m Seonghwa, by the way. You can call for me over the cliff if you ever want to talk again.”

Stopping, she turned back to him in surprise. “Would that be okay?” she asked. He nodded. “I’m Nari. I…I’ll see you around then.”

He smiled then gave a small wave as she turned back toward the small house and disappeared inside.

✧

Chatter. Light, airy, friendly chatter. He didn’t know how he had ever really lived without it. The young woman talked about some of the things that had happened since he had last come up to land only two days prior. The distance between visits was growing shorter as he found himself more curious and craving the interaction.

This is what friendship felt like. It was warm and comforting. 

The sun was setting, dusting them in its red and pink glow and he couldn’t help but gaze at her as she talked frustratedly about something that her boss’s wife had done earlier that day. The story took a turn though as she explained that the woman had gotten what she deserved and fallen into a garbage pile because of her ranting. He laughed along with her, doubling over as she acted out the mishap. 

His eyes moistened and then a tear fell and he caught it in surprise, staring at his hand as two more tears joined the first and they became soft pink pearls. 

“What is it?” Nari asked, leaning over him to look. 

“Nothing,” he said quickly with a smile. He tucked them into his sleeve as she reached for his hand then grabbed hers in interception. “It’s really nothing. I’ll show you later.”

She narrowed her eyes at him with a small smile, curiosity sparked. 

“I’ll hold you to that,” she said, then plopped down on the grass next to him, arm around her knees, chin resting on top. “So, tell me more about yourself. What did you do yesterday?”

He shrugged. “Just swam around. Rested on some empty islands. Nothing special.”

“What’s in there? I’ve heard some pretty unbelievable stories.”

“There are others like me,” he said. “Few are as friendly though. Best to stay clear.”

“You’re friendly?”

He bumped her shoulder, smiling at her teasing remark. “There’s plenty of animals that you might find strange. But I would probably find some of your land animals strange as well,” he said. “It can be dangerous at times, but it’s beautiful too.”

“I wish I could see it then,” she said, laying her head on his shoulder as she looked out at the stretch of ocean that was visible over the cliff’s edge. “It would be nice to be able to see new things.”

“I could show you sometime.”

She shook her head. “I can’t swim and it would be difficult for me to see anything underwater.”

He turned, making her sit up with his movement. “I can teach you how to swim,” he said, taking her hand. “And some humans practice opening their eyes under the water. If you really want to see, then we can do it.”

“You really think so?”

He met her gaze firmly, leaning in closer. “Yes, I’m positive.”

“Okay.” She leaned in closer too. “Let’s do it then. I want to learn about your world, just like you learn about mine.”

They held each other’s gazes, then he looked down at her lips then back at her. Her eyes did the same. He leaned in closer, his eyes dropping down again as she closed hers. His heart was pounding in his ears as he grew closer. Then, he stopped and opened his eyes again. Her eyes opened too and their gazes met again. 

He opened his mouth to speak, trying to form words. “I–”

Sudden sound came from the brush and he jumped to his feet, pulling her with him as he moved to hide them behind a nearby boulder. He helped her into the brush, then pulled her close as he pressed closer to the rock to hide her from view. 

Voices were passing by on the cliff side path, likely some hunters or fisherman coming back to town from a long day out. They were taking their time, voices growing louder. 

She moved and he looked down to check on her and their eyes met for a brief moment before they looked away again. He shifted, realizing how hot his neck was and wishing the group would pass quickly. He needed air and space, a way to clear his mind and think things through. He’d never been in this kind of situation before. His heart continued to pound in his ears as he tried to make sense of the feeling and impulses that were pushing to be explored. 

“Um…” her voice was just above a whisper and cracked at the end, startling him out of his thoughts. “I think…I think they’re gone now.”

He tuned back into the sounds around them, then cleared his throat and stepped back. “You’re right.” His own voice caught and he cleared it, offering her a hand to help her out of the brush. Once they were back on the path, he let go of her hand then rubbed his neck, looking out at the setting sun. “I should walk you home,” he said. “It’s getting late.”

“Okay,” was all she said. 

He turned back to look at her. She was fidgeting, her eyes searching the ground before finding his. He smiled at her then held out his hand again, and slowly, she took it. 

She smiled as well, a blush alighting on her cheeks.

“Let’s go,” he said quietly.

✧Author's Notes✧

Hello! Pirate Ateez AU as promised. Even though they have fooled us once more lol

If you're new here, I have this post about this side project of mine.

I hope you enjoy it!

If you want to see my other work, here is this link.

And here is a playlist that is currently a work in progress.

[smsource]

EXO [REVERXE] Teaser Image - Crown 02

[dragonowl]

Overdose

The Sky That Doesn't End: Part 3

Masterlist

Genre: EXO AU

Rated: PG

Summery: After EXO are separated and chased down, they find themselves in a nightmare. Reality and dream intermingle as they become the center of experimentation under the Red Force.

First, Prev, Finale, AO3

Chapter 7: Falling Deeper

“Teleportation test using subject Teleporter and Teleporter clone #87. Objective: successfully send subject Time Manipulator through dimensional portal.”

Tao blinked his eyes open, the mechanical voice piercing his ears. Everything felt numb except for his knees which were screaming in pain from how he knelt on the metal grid-like flooring. As he tried to readjust, he found that he was being held in place, and his still foggy mind tried to figure out why.

“Tao!”

The voice was raspy but familiar and he turned his head quickly in search of his brother. Kai was to his left, hooked up to a large machine, his eyes frantic as he tried to tug free from the metal cuffs restraining him.

Tao tried to move again to get to him, but he was held firmly.

“Be still,” a voice spoke sharply by his ear and he looked up at the two women restraining him, the same emotionless expression on their faces that he had come to know the few times he had been conscious. 

There was the familiar mechanical swishing of a door opening behind him, immediately followed by loud protests and shuffling. He couldn’t turn enough, but watched as Kai went pale, eyes blown wide. The sounds began to round him on the right and Tao turned to see what had caused his brother to react in such a way. Two more women were pulling in someone else who was weak and stumbling, but fighting regardless.

“Let go of me!”

The voice made Tao’s heart stop and recheck that Kai was indeed secured next to him before seeking out the other man. They were hoisting him into a machine that was a duplicate of Kai’s, giving Tao a clear view of his face. His blood ran cold as a memory raced across the back of his mind of his own doppelganger and everything that had transpired in that brief interaction. Kai looked taken aback, meaning this was possibly his first interaction with a clone.

What had the voice said earlier? Number 87? Was that the tally of clones total? Or just Kai’s?

“Beginning connection.” One of the mechanical female voices said, regaining Tao’s attention as she began to hook up wires and pads to the now restrained clone who was still fighting.

When they moved away from him, his eyes followed them, then met Tao’s gaze, making him go completely still. The clone tilted his head in confusion and Tao had to look away from the startling marine eyes that were completely different from the warm dark brown of his brother’s who he sought out for comfort. But Kai’s eyes were on the clone, his brows pinched in equal confusion and concern.

“What…?” Kai asked just above a whisper and the clone’s eyes darted to him. He repeated the observation process that he had done with Tao, head tilting slowly one way, then the other. 

Their eyes didn’t separate as the women moved away, but as they began to busy themselves with a panel, Kai dragged his gaze away from the clone and back to Tao.

“Are you okay?” he asked, then, after a beat, he swallowed harshly. “You’re— you are you, right?”

Tao nodded quickly. “I am. It’s me.”

Before any more could be said, one of the women spoke up. “Ready to initiate teleportation test.”

“Exo-subject: Time Manipulator, ready,” one of the women holding him said.

“Exo-subject: Teleporter, ready,” another said.

“Teleporter clone #87, ready,” the first said. “Initiating test.” She pushed several buttons on the panel and the equipment that Kai and the clone were hooked up to lit up. 

“Wait, teleportation test?” Kai asked. “Tao.” Their eyes met for a frantic second before Kai turned to the woman at the panel as she started to turn a dial on the machine. “Stop! Where are you sending him? You ca—” He broke off in a scream as electricity traveled through the wires connected to him, his clone screaming as well as electricity traveled to him.

“S-stop,” Tao stuttered as his eyes began to burn and anger rushed through him. “Stop it!” He began to struggle against the hold on him. A small gray circle began to form in between the clones and he gasped then doubled his efforts to escape as it grew with their screams. Once it was the size of a person, he was drug forward. No amount of fight he gave loosened their vice grip on his arms or slowed them down. Nor did they slow as the machinery began to spark uncontrollably and the gray portal in front of him shifted.

“Stop!” Kai yelled suddenly between screams. “It— ah— It’s not stable. You can’t—” He cut off in a groan, trying to hold another scream in. “Tao! I’m sorry, I ca— I can’t stop it. I can’t—”

With another scream, Tao sought him out again as he was pulled closer to the portal, tears now streaming down his face, fear replacing his anger. Sweat was rolling down Kai’s face which was strained from the pain, his muscles taught as he tried to fight the machine. 

Tao could undo this. If he could use his powers, he would be able to go back far enough and break away before the clone was hooked up. Save both of them from the torture.

Alarms started to blare and one of the mechanical voices said something about the test failing. 

Reaching deep inside himself for his powers he looked at his brother as a headache began. “Kai!” he shouted, but the next moment he was shoved and lost his footing, his vision turning gray as the room vanished, quickly replaced by bright lights and colors erupting in front of him. Pain stabbed his brain as pressure built in his chest, his powers bursting forth as he lost consciousness. 

Tao’s story continues in “Time’s Castaway”

Taglist: @chaysingthesun

First, Prev, Finale, AO3

The final chapter is up! Just wanted to leave a note for future readers, Tumblr marked it as mature. No idea why, because it's not. The link above works fine, but it won't show up on your page or the blog if you have filters on. I've asked for a review of it, so hopefully it gets fixed. But I just wanted to let everyone know in case you clicked the link and got confused about the warning.

[dragonowl]

Hey everyone! Not sure what happened, but I just posted the finale to Overdose, and it got labeled with a content warning. There's nothing in it to my knowledge, so I've sent in a review request. But just wanted to give everyone a heads up, there is no adult content in that chapter.

[dragonowl]

Here is a direct link since it looks like they're hiding it. Or you can read it on AO3