#M170909L

shon minho. alpha, 25. life force conduction, proficient. piercing artist at pin cushion. alpha district.

[ecxminho]

ecxminki

Cooking wasn’t Ren’s best skill, but today as recommended by a friend, he decided to get out of the house. Beside it’d be the first time he did anything in public since the attack at the white day party. He was participating in a bake sale. It was unusual for there to be one, but it was for Spring afterall. Pecan Tarts and chocolate brownies. Seemed simple enough.

He headed down to his stand the next day and set up, deciding that all of his earnings would go towards a charity. To his surprise, sales were rising quickly.

“Is this your recipe?”

“No, it’s from a book.” Ren smiled to the stranger as he handed over a brownie to Minho, an acquaintance of his.

“I need that book, could you lend it to me?”

What the male said surprised Ren, he honestly didn’t think they were this good, “Of course I can! Its such a simple recipe.”

“Yeah? Thanks, I appreciate it, man,” Minho replied with an easy smile, taking another bite of the brownie. He always had a soft spot for sweets, and this was delicious. Polishing it off with a few more bites, he dusted the crumbs from his hands and asked around his mouthful, "Can I get another for the road?"

He offered his wrist for payment, turning it so Ren could have easy access to his bracelet. Several moments later he managed to swallow and clear his mouth, though he was really craving a glass of milk after something so rich. After glancing at the pecan tarts also offered on the table, Minho turned his attention back to Ren. "Do you bake often?"

[ecxminho]

ecxjiyeon

“Which is why we are waiting so long to get back at him? Oh, come on now,” she said grumpily. “He would have forgotten what he had done — and where’s the fun in that?”

Jiyeon eyed the tissue paper box in the corner of her eyes and grinned, her mind already thinking up one devious plan after another. “Maybe we could TP his apartment with tissue paper instead of toilet paper!” But once she said those words out, she realized the cost associated with that and begun shooting her own idea down. “Ah, that’s not a good idea. Perhaps I’m not as good as revenge as I thought I am,” she said, her voice trailing off.

“Alright.” Her voice was definite and there was a steely gaze in her eyes. “We’d evoke revenge on him days later.” That’d show him, she said, her inner self laughing manically, almost as if she was a Disney villain.

Honestly, if he were a meaner and louder person, he probably would’ve laughed at this point. Not to make fun of her or anything--well, maybe a little. She sounded so earnest though, and it was hard not finding that wonderfully amusing. Minho didn’t bother correcting her on the toilet paper idea. Not really damaging unless it was inside the apartment or if he was the one who had to clean up the outside of it.

He did, however, correct Jiyeon on her understanding of the saying, because that was just a travesty. “No, you’ve got it all wrong,” he said, shaking his hand. “Well, no, actually. You’re getting there. It means revenge is best when it’s done coldly, like in cold blood. Or like you said, when it’s done later, unexpectedly. A few days seems too short, but he’s probably already forgotten it by now.”

Just thinking about it made him cross his arms and frown. “Who does he think he is, strutting in here offering coffee that’s already gone cold. I put that in my mouth too. Disgusting. We should spit in his.”

[ecxminho]

dinner ][ minho & jiyeon

( ecxjiyeon )

Minho checked on Jiyeon, and after confirming that she was done with the session, he slipped in to grab her tools and then left her alone to finish wrapping up. She had only been working here for several months, but she seemed like a decent person and they got along well enough. If anything she was a good worker and tattoo artist. The customers all adored Jiyeon and her work, and opening up the parlor to tattooing had been gaining them more and more customers as the weeks went on.

Once he cleaned up all the tools they used that day, he stuck them in the autoclave and let it run. By the time he walked out to the front again the parlor was empty. Well, besides for Jiyeon. "You got everything? I'm going to close up soon, I'm starving," he called out to her, stretching his arms out in front of him. Now that he thought about it, he didn't remember seeing Jiyeon eating dinner today either. The evening brought a continuous string of customers and there hadn't been much time to do anything else but tend to them.

"Want to grab something to eat? My treat," he offered since he was, technically, the boss here. "What are you feeling like eating today?"

[ecxminho]

ecxyoongi

the offer took him aback, and it was from a mostly-stranger nonetheless.

yoongi stared back at the other male, camera in tow as usual, half-expecting to just capture the nightlife for tonight and come home before namjoon did. maybe it was lonely, being a photographer, always disconnected from the activities going on. but the promise of alcohol sure was tempting— that yoongi actually contemplated on his decision whether to accept or decline.

then again, he hadn’t had any soju since that incident a little over a week ago— and he looked back at the stranger again, only recognizing him briefly from the party. he had an half-assed thought to bring it up, but it was old news. that happened every day. it wasn’t like the other guy was currently in an emotionally distraught state. he seemed fine. harmless.

“where are you heading?” he shut his camera off and began following after him, adjusting his beanie. “i guess it wouldn’t hurt.”

"not really,” minho confirmed and lifted his shoulders in an ambivalent shrug, “i’m pretty harmless.” that was probably exactly something a serial killer would say though, which didn’t really help his case, but it was the best convincing this person was going to get. his buddies told him about half an hour earlier that they were going out for dinner and that he had to bring someone, which probably meant that this was going to be a mixer.

they never indicated whether they needed more guys or gals though, because when he asked for more information they just shushed him and said it was going to be great. this also probably meant that it was going to be terrible, but guaranteed a fair amount of amusement for the night, and this photographer fellow was right here, so. “just this little barbecue joint that has terrific galbi if you cook it right.”

he jerked his head and began walking in that direction. “come on, my treat.” a pause. “or not, i’m not sure which gives less murdery vibes, not that i’m trying to fool you. i just need a plus one for this mixer.”

[ecxkrystal]

[ Late Night Meetings ] || Minho x Krystal

[ecxkrystal]

Krystal watched Minho for a moment before the boy shooed her away. She pouted before he explained and she nodded, moving towards one of the empty tables. Settling down in the chair, she crossed her legs and leaning her head against her open palm, elbow resting against the table. She watched Minho for a moment before turning her head to look out the window. The streets around the cafe were quieter this time of night. There weren’t any big night clubs or bars around here. Every once in a while, she would see a stray passerby, the only thing that indicated their presence in the darkness was the glowing bracelets with their insignia engraved in them. 

Krystal’s forefinger drew on the table, tracing random shapes and patterns as she hummed. There was a sort of quiet peace here, even if it wasn’t deathly quiet. There was the sound of the espresso machine and the soft sound of background music, but still, she enjoyed the rare moments of quiet. Hearing the mug clink as it was settled down on the table, Krystal turned her head to catch Minho’s eyes. She smiled, saying a quick thank you before taking the mug and sipping it. 

Her lips broke into a grin as she looked at him again, “Oh my god, this is really delicious,”  She licked her lips from the stray foam on her lips, “Are you new here? You can’t possibly be right? Not with these kind of skills.”

[ecxminho]

Her praise had him smiling. Subtle, subdued, but there. "Thank you, but nah," Minho replied, and shook his head. Good thing she seemed easily pleased. "I used to work as a barista a few years back, now I'm just friends with one and he lets me chill here most nights. Sometimes I'm forced to help out with taking orders," he said, mouth quirking in amusement, "but this is the first time I've actually made someone a fancy drink and all. At least in a while."

Now that part one was done, and successfully, he grabbed the scanner from his pocket and held out his other hand. "I'm glad you like it though, but I guess that means you're paying. That'll be 4,500 won." His smile slipped into a smirk and he crooked his fingers, silently asking for her wrist.

[ecxminho]

help wanted ][ minho & jiyong

[seomxj]

Jiyong left out just a soft chuckle under his breath as the other explained his good well guessed statement then he sighted to where the other male was pointing at. ❝Oh, of course❞ he gave a quick nod before heading to the couch and sat there, making himself comfortable with his back leaned on the backrest.

He was unsure of why he was left there, but it was a chance for him to pay attention at everything going on there. People entering and some other’s making art on people’s skin, he for sure knew what a tattoo was, he had a few but the business behind and the structure behind wasn’t clear for him.

jiyong was out from himself by the time Minho came back, his eyes were closing but he needed to stay awake. He lifted his eyes quickly, standing up to grab the mug and the croissant wrapped in a napkin, his smile got wider and couldn’t help but bit his lowe lip, the smell of food filled his lungs as if he hadn’t eaten in a long while but he didn’t want the other to notice how hungry he was, yet, it was too late, his own face betrayed him and the other couldn’t be more right. 

After chewing on his bite and swallow with a sip from the mug, Jiyong spoke in response to Minho’s question. ❝As I said before, I’m not very familiarized with this business but I learn quickly, also, everything I do has my one hundred percent.❞ It was noticeable that he was speaking quickly since he wanted to keep eating but he was soon done with his food.

[ecxminho]

Fortunately the offered breakfast wasn’t seen as a gesture of pity or offense, and once Jiyong began eating Minho grabbed his mug for another sip. He relaxed against the couch, draping his free arm across the back of it, and gave a slight nod while Jiyong answered the question. It was a simple answer, to put it nicely. To put it otherwise, it was rather basic and generic, and gave him pause as he considered it.

He supposed it was understandable. The guy kind of just walked in, after all. Not to mention this was only a receptionist position, and all he really wanted was someone who jived well with him and Jiyeon and their customers. Being an efficient worker and knowing the business was a plus. A huge one, but. “That’s fine. I’ve been handling most of it until now, and would train you into all the duties so you’re comfortable on your own.”

His fingers drummed against the sofa cushion, and he asked, “Do you have a resume on you? Or can you tell me your past work experience?”

[ecxjet-blog]

A small sigh of relief escaped his lips. Thank god. In honesty he didn’t really want a tattoo it was the first thing that had popped into his head. “Ah - Thats alright then.” He looked to the man and tilted his head to the side studying his face. A piercing? A good idea and less painful (form what he knew) then a tattoo. Jet took a few moments to think to himself. Rubbing his jaw and flashed a smug smile as the other spoke once again. “You may have just changed my mind.”

[ecxminho]

“Good man,” he appraised. It sounded like this guy was just window shopping, but with nothing else to do Minho didn’t mind humoring him for now. Besides, he might actually end up going through with something further down the line. “Most people get their ears pierced, or a face piercing like the eyebrows, nose, lips. Surface anchors are pretty popular too, and you can get them almost anywhere,” he explained, listing off the more standard, tame piercings. “What do you like?”

[ecxnamjoon-blog]

drunk people are always stubborn people. this, namjoon can say with experience— it’s kind of his job to get people drunk, of course, so it’s also his job to deal with aforementioned drunks. it’s not that fun, but it pays extremely well. so there’s that.

he snorts a little as minho tries to talk his way out of being cut off— and namjoon ignores the plea for more alcohol in favor of shaking his head. “no,” he repeated, but there’s a smile gracing his lips as he leans over the counter to take the glass, “i said you’re done, friend. i’d prefer you go home while retaining some of your memory, because once you start forgetting shit, that’s when you know you’ve had too much.”

he pushes another glass of water minho’s way.

“there isn’t a whole lot you can do to convince me to change my mind, so you should probably just go home,” he hummed amicably, glancing around the bar. “we should be closing down soon, anyways, so it’s probably best you stop now anyways.” it was a slow night, and the owner trusted namjoon enough to close up when he felt it was good to do so, and he had a feeling that he would take it easy tonight. go home and watch some tv, get some sleep.

(maybe before his power had manifested, take a cute girl home, but— well, unfortunately. that was not a thing anymore. it had been so long since he’d let himself get laid.)

(poor namjoon.)

[ecxminho]

“you can't really start forgetting until the next morning, but fine, you win.” he eventually complies with the whole vying for alcohol situation, and sips at his water slowly. the cool drink is a nice refresher when he’s starting to feel too warm, too jumbled in the head. somewhere in it all minho realizes that he’d rather avoid resembling a petulant child, as much as he’d like to sprawl over the bar and just lie there for a while.

he does the next best thing, crossing his arms over the counter top to prop himself up a little. the place is pretty empty, he notices once he's taken a look around, which means his friends probably left a while ago. those assholes. "shit. alright, yeah. you're right. i should get home," he says once he's facing forward again, pressing the pads of his thumb and finger against his closed eyes.

"how much time have i got to sober up?" he asks, even though his drinks are only starting to catch up with him.

[ecxminho]

"You can’t be serious."

“Yeah, I am,” he countered, and brought his drink to his lips for a sip. This time he wasn’t holding a shot of tequila, although he didn’t really regret ordering a whiskey sour. He was aiming for buzzed, not smashed. Sometimes it was nice pretending to be classy, emphasis on sometimes. “All that hard work and I never actually won the bet.”

Granted, he left out the part where the other contender woke up in the hospital, dazed and confused and also completely convinced that Minho had been the winner. It didn’t sound as cool, and honestly, he probably should have let Mino believe it and collect on the winnings. Damn that survivor’s guilt, although it probably wasn’t a valid excuse when no one technically died.

“Since you’re the one to blame,” Minho started and looked over, leaning back against the bar, “how are you going to make it up to me enough for two hundred dollars’ worth?”

[ecxminho]

"Some friends and I are going out drinking, want to come?"

The offer wasn’t all that sudden. They happened to be waiting at the same bus stop when he commented on the weather, rain falling against the roof of their shelter with sharp, overlapping beats. When it came all at once it was almost like a harmonization. His complaint had been more to himself than anything, but the only other person there agreed.

It was his first time meeting someone named Jet.  A little standoffish, but that’s what made the conversation interesting, even though they didn’t really chat about anything in particular. Most of it was Minho filling in the gaps and spaces with his idle musings. He was describing his lack of plans for the day when the bus finally rolled up to the stop, and looked over his shoulder when Jet replied.

Minho gave a small grin. “Sure. I was going to find out whether your tolerance is really as high as you say it is sooner or later anyway. I bet twenty thousand won that it’s not.”

[ecxtaehyun-blog]

♦ modification.

[ecxtaehyun-blog]

It was rare. Way rarer than he would’ve liked— but of course, he could almost feel a racing in his chest. No— not in that emotional drama-esque way. More like in the whole ‘you just made my life way easier’ way. Donors were rare— and the fact this guy was openly willing to support him… well, that was just a dose of warmth added to his cold little heart.

God dammit. Where was his negativity? Damn stabilizers.

Either way— he did his best to keep on his usual stony expression— but there was just a little bit of a smile trying to break through. “I’ll keep note. Expect some late-night calls— I don’t really function during the day.”

Maybe he should inquire about the man’s ability— but on the other hand, it could always be a surprise. He didn’t seem to be /too/ distructive. It’s not like he’d have some kind of catastrophic, impossible-to-control power, right?

Nonetheless— he decides to veer himself over, a steady gaze flicking through the products on hand. A few sent chills down his spine— and he grit down his teeth to mask it. “Give me something that isn’t made of silver. I don’t care what is is, or where it ends up— as long as it isn’t silver.”

[ecxminho]

“Does anyone? I only function during the day because coffee exists,” he replied. Smiles came easier to him. Mild, toned down, but doled out whenever he was amused. Like now, when he shot back with, “Yeah, alright. That’s smooth. I can give you my number for that one.” --entirely unaware of the deal he was more or less promising. Minho wasn't naive. He didn't think he was gullible or oblivious either. He just thought they were bantering.

Silver aversion? He thought that was more of a werewolf thing, but he swallowed down his chuckle. Metal allergies weren't that unusual, and there were only so many sarcastic comments he could make before people got annoyed at him. "Don't worry. It looks like silver, but it's mostly stainless steel and titanium. Plastics too, like teflon. We can find something that works for you," he explained, and looked over at the DJ to observe him.

It wasn't uncommon for people to barge in and ask for something, anything, but they were often drunk and Minho spent most of those encounters making sure they didn't vomit anywhere. Some people just got bored. He was willing to indulge. "I can pierce you pretty much anywhere. Ears, face, even your dick, but that's not really something I'd recommend for an impulse move. I think you'd look good with a lip piercing, or even a tongue one."

At this he grinned and stuck out his tongue, revealing a plain, steel barbell set in the middle of it. "Then we could match."

[ecxminho]

ecxjet

Roaming around the streets and ending up at different places was a habit he had picked up over time. And ending up at the tattoo and piercing parlour was no different - his eyes looked up to meet where the source of the voice came from. Muttering to himself he replied with “urh, no actually.” Great job. He didn’t really know why he was there and sighed trying to find a better excuse “I was, looking for a uh- tattoo” rubbing the back of his head he cracked a devilish smile. “You any good?”

“Sorry, I’m not the tattoo artist,” Minho replied, shaking his head. His voice sounded about as pleasant as he could manage, which for him was roughly somewhere between casual and interested. He didn’t want the guy beating himself up for the assumption. “I’m good at what I do though, which is piercing, if you wanted that instead.” He glanced over the newcomer, checking for any piercings, and smirked. “Any chance I can sway you toward the dark side?”

[ecxminho]

ecxtaehyun

He wasn’t sure how to react— in fact, he wasn’t really sure if he cared enough to do so. Nonetheless, he managed to hold some ounce of general decency in him (or perhaps the familiar scent of a certain piercer had given him the slightest bit of heed). He’d much rather find himself seated next to someone familiar than some obnoxious brat. The bus was completely full— and the only vacant spot was the one right next to him. If it wasn’t going to be him— with Taehyun’s luck, it’d probably be… god knows what. Moving his bag to his lap, he simply leaned against the window— a rather silent method of answering body-shot-guy’s question.

Truth be told, he was going to sit down whether he had permission or not, and if that meant dropping the DJ’s bag into the aisle, then so be it. Thankfully for the both of them--and the bus driver, who probably had dealt with his fair share of brawls on this thing--the seat was given up and Minho sat down.

“You don’t have to worry. I took a shower this morning, as I usually do,” he pointed out, noticing the distance placed between them when the other leaned away. A grin spread his mouth. “I don’t bite either.”

[ecxminho]

ecxlizzy

“— huh?” oh! there’s something dripping down her face. she makes a face of surprise, lips splitting into a smile, and she hastily wipes it away, grinning at the man. “hey, thanks — i mean, not that i wouldn’t have noticed it at some point anyways, but i appreciate it. unless you were like, staring at my mouth or something. which is creepy. you shouldn’t do that, i carry a pocket knife around with me for self defense. just saying.” there is no fear in her eyes. sooyoung is terrifying. 

well. that escalated quickly. it seems like an extreme reaction to him pointing out the sauce on her chin, and he thinks she’s joking. maybe? it’s hard to tell. minho tries not to blame her though, because he gets it. his sisters carry mace and pocket knives too. he raises his hand, gesturing that he’s come in peace. “no need to shank me just yet, but you’re welcome. thought it’d be nicer to know sooner than later.”

[ecxminho]

ecxnamjoon

“unfortunately, i am—” and namjoon sighs. and sighs. the life of being a bartender. “that’s your cap, no more alcohol for you. you could try to hand me all of the won in your pocket, and i wouldn’t take it.” as if to cement his point, he pulls away the glass that the other male had been drinking from, fills it with water, and passes it back to him. “you hit your limit, and i’d prefer you go home safely— along with everyone else in the bar, of course, but you’re the only semi-friendly face here.”

…he clears his throat, because he tries not to remember what happened not even a week ago, even if he regularly sees the faces that had been present there all around jeonnal. he hasn’t pressed the issue with any of them, especially since he disappeared just before everything got… serious, but his curiosity got the better of him, and he paused between cleaning the glass to look over at minho— before stopping.

it wasn’t his place to ask.

he's not drunk at all. despite his lean frame he manages a decent tolerance through regular drinking. not that he's an alcoholic, or anything, but there's only so much hanging out that can be done sober before alcohol gets thrown into the mix for some fun. besides, his friends have him covered for the night, and as if to show this he gestures to the open space next to him.

wait. they're not there. he tries to do a playback of the night, and they had at least been here...maybe three drinks ago?

alright, correction: maybe he's a little bit drunk, so it's probably time to go. instead he frowns down at his water. "that's cold, man. you could've at least let me finish the other one," he mumbles, words tumbling together. never mind that the drink had technically been finished--he just remembers that namjoon had taken it away, and that's apparently incriminating enough.

being drunk does wonders for him though, like being rather obedient, so he takes the glass anyway and gulps it down. "there," he declares and pushes it back to the bartender, looking both expectant and proud at once. "can i get another drink now?"

[ecxtaehyun-blog]

♦ modification.

[ecxtaehyun-blog]

He probably should’ve known already— before the man answered him. It wasn’t the first time Taehyun had lost utmost control of himself, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. Without mistakes, he wouldn’t be able to improve on his abilities— right?

Ew. Optimism. Maybe all those stabilizers fucked up his head.

The scratch marks catch his eye though— and he finds himself reveling in the art of his handiwork rather than regretting. Sure— maybe it was at the expense of some piercing guy’s skin— but damn. If he wasn’t on stabilizers, perhaps he’d still have that strong temptation to just rip through his skin and—

Wait. Focus, Taehyun. He’s still talking. He crossed his arms over his chest as he listened along. Still, he couldn’t quite get that thought out of his head. This guy was hot. It was awfully distracting— but he’d managed to tune in on enough details to get the gist of the situation. Someone got hurt. Someone started bleeding. It triggered him, and… well, the rest was history.

"It’s not a cannibal thing.” He didn’t know, actually. Would wanting to suck out blood count as cannibalism? Maybe he’d do a quick search on the topic later. “I was on edge. There were these bitches who kept getting on my nerves— I had a deficit in alcohol, chocolate and blood. If I’m under that much stress, my body tends to— …” There’s a motion he makes with his hands— a bit of a hiss escaping to show off his fangs. “— go completely feral.”

Of course, he’d spoken as if it was the most casual thing in the world— which it pretty much was. 'Oh, yeah, I have the undying thirst for blood. no big deal. I'm a fucking vampire, what of it?'

"They put me on stabilizers now— I should be fine for a few days. I could use a couple piercings, though." … he didn’t actually know what he wanted to pierce. Maybe his nipples. Why not.

[ecxminho]

That sounded like a cannibal thing. He was going to give him the benefit of doubt though, and a ghost of a smirk lingered at the edges of his mouth. (If it had widened a few notches when he noticed the other’s eyes on him, well.) If anything, the mention of chocolate had more of his attention. “Alcohol, blood...and chocolate. That’s adorable,” he remarked, sounding entirely too amused even after he saw the fangs.

At least his nonchalance was justified. This guy wasn't some crazy serial killer, just another person who had the misfortune of a weird ability. Snake physiology? Wait, no. "You're a vampire, got it. I'll keep that in mind in case you're ever itching for it again," he said, mostly joking. "I don't usually carry sweets on me, but I've got enough blood to spare a few mouthfuls." About a pint, if he remembered correctly. It had been a while since he donated.

"Alright, that's good enough for me. Let's get you started," he said, veering them back on course. This was, after all, a business. When he remembered to act like it, anyway. He uncrossed his arms and walked over, gesturing to the wall where an assortment of jewelry was displayed. "What do you want?"

[ecxlizzy]

bite me, bitch ][ minho & lizzy

the response is amusing as hell, for sooyoung— she’s biting back a snort of a laugh, at the enraged expression on the man’s face. “hell yeah,” she continues, stifling a giggle, “let’s fucking fight. you and me, big man, let’s go.” she promptly slaps her own chest and puffs up, and the smile she’s obviously fighting from surfacing is evident. she loves fucking with people — sometimes, though, it’s just too hard for her to stay even mildly serious. she’s a terrible actress. “one on one, pal, i’ll take you down!”

[ecxminho]

he raises an eyebrow, cogs turning in his head as he processes her wavering voice, threatening to break out into laughter, and the exaggerated posturing. his lips press together. just another dumb kid, and the aggression pretty much dissipates after that--shoulders unwinding, frown evening out. this girl looks kind of familiar, now that he’s up close, and he pinches the bridge of his nose.

“you’re lucky i’m not going to follow through on that.” with a sigh, he lowers his hand from his face and crosses his arms. "a hello would've been just fine. you're the girl from that party?"