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CIY CH 30

Chapter Thirty

📍Pairing: detective ateez ot8 x detective afab reader 📍Summary: "Welcome Home" 📍WC: 3.2k 📍AU: detective/mafia 📍Genre: action, dark romance, poly romance 📍Warning(s): 18+ rating (all of CIY is), anxiety 📍Beta readers (and sole motivation): @yourfatherlucifer, @bunnliix, and @adelusionforyourthoughts 📍AN: The last chapter of Case: It's You. Book 2, Case: It's Us will begin posting most likely in the beginning of March. I have some collabs i want to focus on and to knock out pieces i missed last year with FFF. Anyways, the taglist fo CIU will be reset and directions to join will be listed at the end of this chapter. Are you ready for the climax of Case: It's You? 📍dividers and banner made by me!

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It was a lot more nerve wracking descending the stairs than you thought, a lot less prepared for this conversation than you had hoped for. You could see the majority of the open space, the industrial pipes and vents above with the fans blowing air. The whole space was renovated nicely, with a large sitting area that doubled as a game or theater set up with the large flat screen on the stone wall. Shelves occupied the rest full of books and other items, including a dagger and sword collection.

Wooyoung was the last to notice your presence, moving about the large industrial type kitchen cooking up a feast just as you had asked, but the others had all stopped to look up at the stairs the moment the door opened. San had let you step out first, taking it slow as you fought off the panic that threatened to engulf you. You told yourself you had no reason to be scared, they wouldn’t hurt you. Yeosang was watching from over his monitors he had set up on the dining table, Jongho standing next to him, while the other four were standing in the living area discussing something important if you had to guess from their demeanor.

They just… stared. Some smiled, like Hongjoong and Yunho, even Yeosang had a shy little smile. But otherwise their concern was so evident it almost made you turn and run back into the room. Wooyoung, bless him, noticed that when he noticed you. “There’s my pretty girl- hey! Y'all stop gawking at her! Not unless you’re going to get on your knees and beg for her love.” He pointed his spatula at a few of them as if ready to hit.

Yunho chuckled and made his way over to meet you at the bottom of the stairs. “Sorry about that butterfly, we’re just happy to see you moving about.” You rolled your eyes but took his outstretched hand once you reached the last step. “Yeah, well, get used to it. I’m not about to be some doll you keep in a box.”

He smiled wider, stopping you there instead of helping you down like you thought. “Wouldn’t dream of it Butterfly, you’re meant to fly after all.” Blushing at his comment, you gently smacked his shoulder. “Shut it charmer, I’m hungry and I’d like to chit chat.” “Of course, anything you want.” He hummed out and then swept you into his arms. He hadn’t been as clingy as the other two, so the contact threw you off, for a moment reminding you of the night you found out everything.

It left a bad taste in your mouth and had you scrambling out of his arms. “I can walk just fine.” With a huff you moved past him to the others: in particular Hongjoong. “I want answers. Please.” He nodded, sombering up and looking to the others. They each sat down and both Yeosang and Jongho made their way over. Yunho took his seat next to Mingi, placing a hand on his thigh to still Mingi's bouncing leg, Yeosang sitting next to Mingi on the other side and and Jongho sat on the arm next to him, all on one sofa. You glanced at San to have him sit, which he did, sitting on the far end of the other couch next to Seonghwa.

Even Wooyoung paused in his cook, leaning against the counter and giving you all his attention.

While you were thankful they did, none of them standing above you and giving you ample space, the intensity of their stares made you uneasy. Unwavering attention, somber expressions, even Jongho’s usual tense demeanor was for a different reason: concern for you.

Taking a deep breath, you let it out in a huff, placing your hands on your hips and furrowing your brow with a playful glare. “I swear to fucking God if you don't relax a little I'm going to start swinging! I'm not going to suddenly combust and I'm not made of crystal either.”

At your threat, there were some tense smiles, but other Wooyoung scoffing in the kitchen no one relaxed.

“Yes you are.”

Surprisingly, it was Jongho who spoke up, drawing your attention with eyes wide with shock. “What did you say?” You took a step closer, ready to fight him on it. You weren't fragile. You weren’t-

“You are fragile. Ready to combust. Crystal or glass or whatever.” He repeated, shifting on the arm rest as Yeosang grabbed his arm with alarm. “I'm just saying what everyone is thinking! And it's true. When I found you…”

As he trailed off you stepped forward, thigh brushing his knee as you stared him down with a locked brow. “What? What about it?!”

“Easy Gorgeous, this is what you wanted to talk about right?” Hongjoong stood up to try and intervene but you held up a hand to stop him, gaze locked onto Jongho's in a battle of wills.

“When I found you… when you held on to me, I thought… I thought we lost you for good.” His tone significantly softened, but he held eye contact, seeming just as shocked as you were by his words. “We don't want to lose you.”

“And when was I ever yours to lose Choi Jongho? Maybe some of the others but yours? Don't make me laugh.” You scoffed, rolling your eyes and waving him off dismissively.

Just for him to grab your hand and pull you closer. Out of reaction. You brought your other hand down in an attempt to hit him, just for him to grab your wrist. Both were now locked in his hands, his feet hooking behind your calves and effectively trapping you against him while he still sat on the arm of the couch unwavering. “Let. Me. GO!” You still struggled, but while you were smaller and could be quick, he was much more physically fit and overpowering. Despite your best efforts your breathing became labored, eyes wide with unbridled fear as your body reacted from trauma as opposed to Jongho himself.

Despite his rough grip, his face softened. “Look at me, little one, I’m not going to hurt you.”

Stiffening at the pet name, heat flooded your senses, mingling with the icy fear that was in your veins and somehow balancing it out. He didn’t say anything else, nor make a move, just waited out for your struggling to seize. Instead you deflated, hands balled into fists to try and keep your fingers from trembling more than they were. “Why does it matter to you?” Your previous demeanor to take action and demand answers was long gone, the vulnerable side of yourself that you often rejected coming back to the surface. These men had a way of bringing it out, apparently that meant Jongho as well. “I…” He started, dropping his hands from your wrists to settle on his thighs, giving you the option to back out if you wanted. When you didn’t, he continued, a tremble in his voice. “You… you matter to me little one, more than I’d like to admit. Butting heads with you, watching you thrive in this kind of work, seeing the way you interact with my partners here… It all matters to me. I’m sorry I reacted poorly, I thought if I could get you to walk away before you got too deep there was a chance for you to be happy elsewhere but… that’s not an option anymore is it?” You shook your head, staring at him as if he had just grown a second head. Softness was not something you expected to ever see from this man, and coupled with the pet name it had you feeling some type of way. “No… it’s not. I want to be a part of this. No, I need it. With you all. I want…” You paused, taking a deep breath to gather up what courage you could, turning to look at every single one of them before meeting Jongho’s still soft gaze. It felt like you had to tell him this the most. “I want to join the Black Pirates.” The way he smiled up at you had the apples of your cheeks burning, for a brief second finding him adorable. “For new members we take a vote and if it’s not unanimous, it fails. Should we take a vote?” He looked to the others, but you were staring at him, a question in them. “It’s not the first time for the vote… no, but I disagreed every time. I get it if that makes you angry at me.” Swallowing hard, you shook your head. Now that you understood a bit of why he was so hateful to you, you couldn’t be upset with his actions. Well, not at this moment. You might give him hell for it later though. “Just you though?” You couldn’t help but glance over at Yeosang and Yunho, having thought they two might have protested at least. You know San and Wooyoung wanted you since the first time you met them both, and the others had shown so as well over the last few weeks.

Yeosang caught you looking at him and smiled sheepishly, nodding his head. “I want you here. I uh- well…” He trailed off, getting more bashful the more you stared expectantly.

It was Wooyoung that chimed in, making his way over in a rush, announcing himself with a giggle before he pulled you back against him once he was sure you would not panic about it. “Sangie is obsessed with you, Goddess. Asks about you constantly, praises you. It’s so fucking cute to get him flustered just by mentioning you. You know, if you sat on his lap right now he would practically combust? He’s never been with a woman, just us, you could teach him a few things.”

“Wooyoung!” San stepped in, huffing as he stood up. “Let’s not suggest things like that right now.” “Why not? I think it would be very healing for her to hear just how much we want her and care about her. Did you know, love, that he’s been your secret admirer for awhile? Like that breakfast waiting for you the day you were late. Oh that was fun to get out of him.” You could hardly process what he was saying, watching the way Yeosang fidgeted and now refused to look at you, much like a shy boy in the presence of his crush. When Jongho slid his hand through the man’s hair, eliciting a low deep moan from him, your brain went haywire. Of course you had already decided Yeosang was adorable and had a lot of cute habits, like his lisp and the way he would preen at your praise just to name a few.

“I see. I’ll keep that in mind.” Shit, were you actually getting aroused by this? It was a nice thought that you actually could, but you knew the act itself was off the table. Especially if Jongho touching you like that had adrenaline running in your veins ready to fight and run. So you turned your attention right to Mingi who was sitting next to the pretty boy. He was watching with those boba eyes of his that melted your heart. You hadn’t talked to him since he had interrupted your time with Wooyoung, pouting from your lack of attention. “Do you want me here?” The sex, the shared moments in between, and the brief moments after… you couldn’t say for certain that he did want you here.

He looked offended you asked. “Of course I do Princess. Do you have any idea how badass and amazing you are? You’re an upgrade to our team for sure. And not just because the sex was amazing, I like you for way more than just that.” He elbowed Yunho next to him. “Right?” Yunho nodded, smiling softly as he patted his thigh and met your gaze. “Remember what I told you, Butterfly? This is another way I meant it, as a Pirate. San has always been right about you being perfect for us, and that means in this way too. You’re a hard worker, you fight for what you believe in, and you’re a force to be reckoned with. My balls still hurt thinking about your knee, you know.” He teased with a wink, resulting in a blush on your own cheeks. “I do feel bad about that but it didn’t seem to affect your performance.” You pointed out, shifting in Wooyoung’s arms. The man tightened his hold on you, chin resting on your shoulder as he let out a whine. “And you know how San and I feel already. We love you. Cherish you. Most definitely worship the ground you walk on Goddess. Having you as a Pirate with us? It’s perfect. You’re perfect.” Fighting off the smile that wanted to spread across your lips was hard, so you didn’t. Especially when you locked eyes with San, his own smile mirroring yours, his dimples on full display. “You two are charmers, I swear.” San chuckled with Wooyoung, the broader man nodding. “It worked, we got you now don’t we?” You couldn’t deny that, warmth spreading through your body at their obvious affection. That meant six out of eight agreed for you to join. Six out of eight of them wanted you, wanted to work with you as an equal and a partner. Hesitantly you glanced at Seonghwa, feeling a bit intimidated despite knowing he did care for you. Still, you had held him at gunpoint, he had freed you at the safe house and you had, essentially, killed a man to try and fight for him and Hongjoong. Did they know that? How you had made that decision, in that moment, to fight for them? With nothing more than a knife? The way Seonghwa softened, you thought maybe he did. You felt shy, insecure, anxiety eating in your chest. So much had happened, all the care shown to you over this last week being second guessed at this moment. And he seemed to know that. “Angel?” He started, standing up slowly as you removed yourself from Wooyoung’s hold, his presence suddenly overwhelming for you. “Hey, it’s okay-” “It’s not. It’s not okay.” You stammered out, backing away from Wooyoung to create some space as heavy weighted emotions took hold in your heart. It finally hit, not just what had happened by the Red Wolves hand, but what led up to it. Your questioning at gunpoint, the way Yunho fucked you, being held hostage by them and still choosing to fight. What if that changed things? Did that really make you good enough? Did that really make you deserving of their words? Seonghwa shared a quick glance with Hongjoong and both approached you, stopping when you backed up. The guilt and pain that twisted their features suddenly twisted your own emotions in your gut. “You don’t think you deserve this… do you? Being a Pirate?” When you nodded, they reacted in a way that had you jumping, staring at Hongjoong now on his knees as he had fallen to them with a groan of pain. Seonghwa was shaking his head, using your shock over Hongjoong to close the distance and grab you by the waist. You jumped at that, attempting to pull away until you saw the gun.

“This is why, isn’t it? You don’t think we want someone that hurt us?” There was pure anguish in his voice, pushing it against your chest. “You think you’re a liability after what happened? And wondering just how we can agree to having you on board huh?” You hated how right he was, holding onto the gun because he wasn’t giving you a choice. “You wouldn’t have gone with them if I wasn’t there. I wouldn’t have been there if I didn’t hold you at gun point. You wouldn’t-” You were shut up with a kiss, words muffled against Seonghwa’s lips as he held you tight against him. Your mind went blank, confusion settling under the bliss that came from his sweet lips on yours.

When he pulled away, he directed your attention to Hongjoong who was gripping his knees tightly, still on the ground but tense. He presented himself as if he was offering his life up to you for a mistake. And in hindsight, he was. He blamed himself for what happened, you could see it in his eyes, hear it in the way he said your full name, slowly and syllable by syllable. “We signed up for situations like that, you hadn’t. Being a Pirate means there will always be a chance of that happening again-” The air in the room grew thick with a new tension, somber expressions befalling each member as they looked at you almost protectively. You normally would hate it, demand that you could take care of yourself.

But they knew you could, they admired that you could, and therefore their protective demeanor meant something entirely different to you.

Tears were running down your cheeks unexpectedly, finding new strength to pull from Seonghwa. He let you, watching as you were on your knees before Hongjoong the next second, wrapping your arms around his neck and holding onto him. He latched on, burying his face into the crook of your neck, trembling in your arms. “Being a Pirate means I’m with you, all eight of you, and that’s more than worth the risk Hongjoong. I can’t think of anywhere else I want to be, or that fits me more. Working with you all, being with you all, just… this is my home, isn’t it?” There were arms wrapping around you both, a kiss pressed to the top of your head. You didn’t have to look up to know it was Seonghwa, the sound of his humming filling your ears. “Welcome home then Angel. We’re happy to have you.” Hongjoong’s arms tightened around you, a wet spot forming on your shirt from his own silent tears. “We’re in this together, Firecracker. Promise not to let you get hurt like that again okay?” As much as going through that again would terrify you, you glanced around the room, taking note of the others. Wooyoung was now holding San’s hand, freely crying while San was trying not too, both looking as if they wanted to come join. You waved them over, and they joined rather fast, surrounding you with so much warmth. Wooyoung on your right across from Seonghwa and San now behind you. Both kissing the top of your head just like Seonghwa did.

Then there were the other four, Mingi and Yeosang leaning into their respective partners, both Yunho and Jongho sharing a look of determination, all four watching you. With your own determination, you took a deep breath and kissed the top of Hongjoong’s head instead. “If I do… I’ll be okay. I’ll have the eight of you right? I think I can handle anything if I have you all in my corner.”

The four of them squeezed you tightly, the amount of emotions in the room overwhelming but it felt right. It felt right to experience this with them all, to be vulnerable with them and receive this support. This is what it meant to be with them all, to be in this together.

Seonghwa said the final words, making it official as he seemed to comfort his family; his lovers. “Then together. Welcome home Angel.”

To be part of the taglist you MUST follow these directions! 1- Reblog this chapter. No blank reblogs will be considered, feedback is needed.

2- Reblog the Case: It's You Masterlist with at least one thing you liked about the series.

3- You will NOT be added to the taglist if you do not have your age in your bio or have the tumblr basic photo. You will be blocked for no age, but if you have the basic pfp i will just exclude you from the taglist.

4- there will be a cap of 100, as i do not think 100 people will follow these directions to the tee.

5- there is the ao3 version of Case: It's You and Case: It's Us will be posted in time with the tumblr here. So if you want to be a silent reader, or miss your chance for the taglist, I suggest subscribing to both CIY and CIU when it comes out on ao3. My ao3 username is: Cutiepiedoom. You can also search for the story. The reason I'm doing this: Tumblr writing community is dying, I work hard for this story and yes I choose to post for free but I can also choose to only send to those I know enjoy this. i do not have to share my work, i can stop any time i want and I will if i think at any point it is not worth it to post. A Taglist in particular is a waste of my time, so I'd rather make sure I'm tagging people I KNOW are going to enjoy this series. And that means reblogging it, giving me feedback, geeking out about it, letting the author know that it is LOVED. Thats all you need to do and i can promise you thats plenty of motivation for authors to give more and more. It brightens are bad days and keeps our love for our hobby alive. So please, don't bitch about this <3

Thank you~ Doom.

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