Series Title/AU: My Baby Brother is the Strongest Character
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Featuring: Gun Park, Goo Kim, Jichang Kwak
TW: implied depression, suicide attempt
Jichang Kwak first met you on a Wednesday. It was the week he conquered Seoul, and at two a.m., he had an unusual hankering for Honey Butter.
He bought his chips and was already on his way out when he overheard the cashier:
"I'm sorry miss—" the flustered high schooler bowed "—but that gentleman over there already bought the last bag."
Jichang glanced back and saw a young woman around his age. You were dressed in an expensive-looking dress that fell just below your knees. The skirt looked like a flower blooming upside down.
You turned your head and Jichang was awe-struck; in contrast to your bright clothes, you looked worse than a widow in mourning.
You moved towards him. Your heels echoed in the small convenience store and your flower skirt bounced with every step you took.
Once you were right in front of him, you raised your palm. "Can you sell that to me?"
"The… Honey Butter?"
"Yeah. I'll pay you double."
Jichang narrowed his eyes at the basket in your other hand. It had three different flavors of onigiri, some cup noodles, cookie boxes, a limited edition matcha ice cream and canned beer. He came to the conclusion that you were just a spoiled brat on her way to an afterparty.
"Sorry," he said, waving the bag in the air. "I've been craving these chips since last week so…"
"Triple."
"Miss," he sighed, exasperated, "no offense, but you're being very rude. If you really want Honey Butter, you can wait for them to restock tomorrow."
Your face remained impassive. Jichang wondered briefly if you were going to blow up at his face, but instead, you stepped back.
"You're right." You capitulated. "I'm sorry for the trouble."
You returned to the cashier, who had been watching intently.
"I'll pay cash."
"Y-yes, of course. Would you like a paper bag?"
"No need. I'll be eating here."
Jichang suddenly felt bad, but there wasn't anything else he could do, so he took one last look at you before returning to his car, which was parked across the street. However, once he was in the driver's seat, he lost his appetite. He threw the unopened bag of chips on the backseat—at the same time, you stepped out of the store and sat at the table outside.
Jichang cocked an eyebrow. That basket was filled to the brim and you truly intended to eat everything right now?
Overcome with curiosity, he stayed in his parking spot and watched as you started with the rice balls and the noodles, taking sips of beer every now and then. If his brothers were here, they would be on his case, calling him a creepy, pervert stalker. But Jichang's guts told him to stick around.
And his guts were never wrong.
It was two-forty when you moved on to dessert. Two boisterous, boorish-looking guys approached you.
Jichang got out his car. As he approached to teach these morons a lesson, he overheard you ask them: "Are you going to kill me?"
One of them laughed. "Not if you're nice to us."
"Then fuck off," you said plainly before turning your attention back to your beer.
Unhappy with your attitude, the guys prepared to grab you but Jichang intercepted them. One clean sweep of his hand, then a warning look—and the two idiots were running.
He crossed his arms. "You shouldn't have antagonized them."
You paused, then you stared blankly at him. "You think they would've transformed into gentlemen if I invited them to eat with me?"
"…"
"Thank you for helping me."
"You're welcome."
"…"
"Is there anything else?"
"No."
He normally would have turned away by now. You clearly weren't interested in conversation. However, his instincts told him to stay. Those two thugs weren't the end. Something bad would happen if he left you alone now.
"Actually," he said, cupping the back of his neck, "I don't feel comfortable leaving you here alone. If you want, I can drive you home—or call a cab for you."
"Don't worry. I don't need a cab to where I'm going."
"So you live nearby?" Way to sound like a creepy, pervert stalker, Jichang, he scolded.
But you didn't feel attacked by his question. Instead, you shook your head and answered, "I'm going to see the Han River."
"…?"
"I've lived here for a while now, but I've never actually seen the Han River, you know?"
"You're going to visit the river… now?"
"It's the last one on my list."
There was a serene smile on your face, but it sent his internal alarms off.
"I'll come with you."
You blinked slowly. "Are you going to rape me?"
"What? No—no!"
"Hm… Well, it doesn't matter," you said, gathering your discarded food containers. "Let's go."
He opened the passenger door for you. "I'm Jichang Kwak, by the way."
You introduced yourself before entering the car.
"Where do exactly do you plan on admiring the river?" he asked, pulling the seatbelt across his chest.
"I was thinking the bridge up ahead."
"The bridge?"
"Uh-huh." You kept your eyes forward. "The lights are pretty."
Seoul is one of those cities that never sleeps, so even though it was past midnight, there were still the occasional trucks or cars crossing the bridge.
Jichang slowed down the car—you unlocked the door and stepped out before he could stop completely.
"Hey!"
"Thanks. You can keep my purse and everything inside."
"Wait—"
You ignored his calls and approached the edge of the bridge.
Jichang handled a lot of crises in the past, stress was an old friend, but this was different. He didn't know what he was thinking at the time when he reached for the unopened Honey Butter chips in the backseat and tossed it to you.
The chips hit the back of your skull, prompting you to turn around.
"What the—"
"You can have it." He pointed at the chips on the asphalt. "You can have the damn chips."
You glanced at the chips, then at him, then back at the chips again.
And then, you threw your head back with a guffaw. Your entire body shivered with laughter and Jichang tensed, scared that you snapped.
You pushed back the stray hairs away from your face and met his eyes.
The tight, dead grin from earlier was gone, replaced with a genuine smile.
"I'm sorry, I already forgot," you said, "but what was your name again, Mr. Honey Butter?"
Apologizing was not something Goo Kim did often. Actually, he can't recall the last time he said "I'm sorry" without sounding sarcastic. Apologizing is for people who can't deal with the consequences of their choices. Apologizing is for losers and weaklings. But eating crow was a thousand times better than the sinking feeling he got when you called him out for being an immature brat.
Honestly, you were right. At least Gun has an excuse for being overprotective. But what was Goo's reason? Why was he being so territorial? It wasn't like he was your boyfriend.
"You guys checked your room?" you asked, handing your luggage to Gun. "You didn't leave anything, right?"
"Double checked it," your brother replied as he placed your bag in the trunk.
You fixed the strap of your purse over your shoulder, unknowingly shifting the neckline of your cardigan.
That's right, Goo nodded. He wasn't your boyfriend, so he wasn't going to blow his lid when he spotted the bite marks and bruises over your collarbone.
"Triple checked it," he added through a gritted smile. "By the way, angel, you might wanna touch up your foundation."
You cocked your head to the side.
Goo blinked at your exposed shoulder and you hurriedly pulled on your cardigan. "O-oh. Thanks."
Gun, for his own peace of mind, chose to ignore the conversation.
"We'll be back in Seoul in less than two hours," Goo said, tone chirpy. "You sure you don't want to say goodbye to that bas—to Jichang Kwak first?"
"We already said our goodbyes."
"Aw, well then, we should—"
A familiar truck barreled down the road, stopping a foot away from Goo's sedan.
Jibeom waved from the driver's seat. "Noona, I can't believe you're leaving without saying goodbye first! Jihan, help me with the honey!"
The two younger Kwaks rushed to the back of the truck—well, more like Jibeom dragged Jihan with him.
Jichang in uniform, stepped out of the passenger seat and approached you. "You forgot your honey."
Jihan hurled from the back, "Oh, barf!"
You both ignored him and Jichang explained, "I told Jibeom you don't need four boxes of honey, but it doesn't go bad and it's healthier than syrup. I know how much you love pancakes and waffles."
"Uh-huh." You snaked your hands over his shoulders while he continued ranting.
"That said, don't overload on sweets. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and stay hydrated, I hear Seoul is a frying pan these days—you're a nurse but you always forget—I know you hate exercise but please keep walking daily—especially now that you work in an office instead of a hospital. I swear, you medical nerds are the worst patients—"
You hopped on your toes and raised your mouth to his. It was a brief, chaste kiss, but filled with all the affection you have for each other.
"Take care of yourself, bee." He brushed a protective hand over your hip. "I mean it."
You cupped his cheek. "I'll be fine, four-eyes."
He took your fingers in his and kissed the inside of your palm. "If I could, I'd handcuff you to my bed right now—"
"Um—" Jihan dropped the honey "—you do know we're still here, don't you?"
Jibeom let out a belly laugh. "We need to get used to it, Jihan, especially since noona might end up living with us."
Everyone turned to him.
Jibeom beamed. "You know, when she marries big bro."
Goo heard a crack in his glasses.
The mention of marriage was the final straw for Gun, who stomped forward and snatched your hand. "Onee-san, we'll be late."
"Oh, I didn't—"
"And sorry to burst your bubble," Gun said, snarling at Jichang, "but my sister has no intention of marrying anyone, let alone some cop from the sticks."
"Hey!" Jihan yelled. "That may be true but this is still my brother you're talking about! And what makes you think he wants to marry some school nurse?"
"I'm just making sure you don't get your hopes up."
Jibeom patted Gun's shoulder. "Don't be like that, brother-in-law. I get being protective of family but you can't stop your sister from marrying, can you?"
Gun shook him off. "I'm not stopping her from anything. My sister told me that she doesn't want a husband—she wants a harem!"
"Gun!" You covered his mouth too late. Why was he so tall!? "Stop it, I never said that!"
Gun gave you an innocent look. "But you did. You said all you needed in life is good food, new books and tons of handsome men who are obsessed with you. And me." He looked really proud announcing the last part.
"That's not—I didn't—"
"I remember everything you tell me, nee-san."
You sighed.
Jichang put a comforting hand on your head. "It's okay. I like your greediness."
You shut your eyes, exhausted.
Goo pulled you and Gun away. "Well, thanks again for the honey, really appeciate it. But we gotsta go. Our boss is expecting us tonight."
Jichang narrowed his eyes at the mention of Charles Choi. "All right. Take care on your way back."
Goo shoved you, Gun and the rest of the honey in the car before jumping in the driver's seat. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. See you never."
Goo flipped him the bird and hit the gas.
The Kwak brothers watched the sedan turn tinier with each passing second.
"Any of you got a cig?" Jichang asked, taking out his lighter.
"Thought you quit."
"It's a special occasion."
Jihan handed him a cigarette. "Not that I care but… are you really going to let her go? Just like that?"
The former King of Seoul inhaled slowly, savoring the smoke.
You two already talked and as much as he wanted to have you all to himself, it was unreasonable to make you wait for him. After helping Mr. Noh, Jichang will reclaim Seoul and court you properly.
His thumb traced your engraved message on the lighter. "A harem, huh…"
"I'm sure it was just a joke," Jibeom comforted him. But it wasn't necessary.
It was only natural that a creature as lovely and brilliant as you will attract all sorts of bugs. Jichang wasn't a petty man. After dying twice, after his humiliation at the hands of Gitae Kim and James Lee, he had let go of his pride and ambitions. Jichang already considered himself dead, living only to help someone else get their revenge.
But then you returned to his arms. You breathed life back into him.
If it meant having a place in your world again, he was fine being one of many men.
Soundwave comes back for you after a year ago he told you he wasn't your son...after he allied himself with the Decepticons...The News about him terrorizing humans and Autobots alike must have hurt you, winning some battles and losing some others, but always listening to his Lord and "Father," Megatron- you looked almost the same...except you looked tired, your eyes held hidden sadness, and your wearing that handmade scarf you made for him, His cassettes are following him...wondering why their boss is spying on this pathetic human...
Until Sounwave finally made himself visible in his adult form...You simply ran to him but stopped midway; it's in that moment that Soundwave sees an ankle monitor, The minute your out of the range the cos will come and if they see him they will attack him thats why you stop, He knows why you have it; you NEVER lied or were ashamed about you keeping Soundwave alive and raising him as your own for that short time...So being monitored and having your freedom taken from you is a small price for you. Soundwave makes the first move and goes to you...
He gets on his knees, and then he feels your small hands on him. Touching his face and smiling at him with relief, calling him my boy with no HATRED or DISAPPOINTMENT. Does he finally break down into sobs, and his form starts to shrink before you as he clings to your arms, picking him up in your arms, and you start to sing to him again like that little boy you found on the street and claimed as your own...
Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
Little one, when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you
From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine
As you cradle him in your arms, does he remember how some Cybertronians called him a FAKE and not a true Cybertronian, that he himself felt he didn't always fit in with robots around him, not Cybertronian enough...and not Human Enough, Never enough for either side and he question wether even his Creators cared for him, Sumdac has Sari and Lord Megatron will he feels no animosity and even pride with him around he...doesnt feel that genuine love like you did, He drownded in the Negativity and Hatred that he ran way for abit ...lied to Megatron about being on patrol alot, But hewas just creating his cassates to create a SEMBLANCE of a family...only to be reminded of the family he willingly left behind...
Only for you to smile and kiss his face and then glance at the glowing optics staring at you and their boss, you simply beckon them. The cassates were hypnotized by your aura, and with a nod from their boss, they started to crowd over you, curiously, and when you caressed and kissed each of them on their heads, they felt drawn in...
You take them inside your home, to get to know them and talk to your Soundwave, Baby him for as long as it was permitted, the windows in your home coming to light with warm glows of yellow and orange in the cold and dark blue night....
This little moment was peaceful and full of love. You can only hope it can last forever, but you're unsure...given Megatron won't let his perfect creation go so easily...
You guys can't kill me after this song...I cried so hard I dehydrated. This song makes a late 20-year-old sob like a fragging baby...This song just fits TFA Soundwave and Sari...two little ones who should be cared for not bullied for being different...
Soundwave comes back for you after a year ago he told you he wasn't your son...after he allied himself with the Decepticons...The News about him terrorizing humans and Autobots alike must have hurt you, winning some battles and losing some others, but always listening to his Lord and "Father," Megatron- you looked almost the same...except you looked tired, your eyes held hidden sadness, and your wearing that handmade scarf you made for him, His cassettes are following him...wondering why their boss is spying on this pathetic human...
Until Sounwave finally made himself visible in his adult form...You simply ran to him but stopped midway; it's in that moment that Soundwave sees an ankle monitor, The minute your out of the range the cos will come and if they see him they will attack him thats why you stop, He knows why you have it; you NEVER lied or were ashamed about you keeping Soundwave alive and raising him as your own for that short time...So being monitored and having your freedom taken from you is a small price for you. Soundwave makes the first move and goes to you...
He gets on his knees, and then he feels your small hands on him. Touching his face and smiling at him with relief, calling him my boy with no HATRED or DISAPPOINTMENT. Does he finally break down into sobs, and his form starts to shrink before you as he clings to your arms, picking him up in your arms, and you start to sing to him again like that little boy you found on the street and claimed as your own...
Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
Little one, when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you
From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine
As you cradle him in your arms, does he remember how some Cybertronians called him a FAKE and not a true Cybertronian, that he himself felt he didn't always fit in with robots around him, not Cybertronian enough...and not Human Enough, Never enough for either side and he question wether even his Creators cared for him, Sumdac has Sari and Lord Megatron will he feels no animosity and even pride with him around he...doesnt feel that genuine love like you did, He drownded in the Negativity and Hatred that he ran way for abit ...lied to Megatron about being on patrol alot, But hewas just creating his cassates to create a SEMBLANCE of a family...only to be reminded of the family he willingly left behind...
Only for you to smile and kiss his face and then glance at the glowing optics staring at you and their boss, you simply beckon them. The cassates were hypnotized by your aura, and with a nod from their boss, they started to crowd over you, curiously, and when you caressed and kissed each of them on their heads, they felt drawn in...
You take them inside your home, to get to know them and talk to your Soundwave, Baby him for as long as it was permitted, the windows in your home coming to light with warm glows of yellow and orange in the cold and dark blue night....
This little moment was peaceful and full of love. You can only hope it can last forever, but you're unsure...given Megatron won't let his perfect creation go so easily...
You guys can't kill me after this song...I cried so hard I dehydrated. This song makes a late 20-year-old sob like a fragging baby...This song just fits TFA Soundwave and Sari...two little ones who should be cared for not bullied for being different...
the way you write for Knockout is SO scrumptious. He bends me over.. when?
A brief foreword! When writing this out I did some digging on Knockout’s sexuality, because I had a vague idea he, at the very least, wouldn’t be considered ‘straight’—in any writing I do for him, I’ll be categorizing him as pansexual since I primarily write for fem!reader, and I view nearly every mech to basically be pan.
Oh my god, thank you so much nonnie….he’s truly been heavy on the mind lately…..
Knockout bends you over when he’s experienced enough inner turmoil over his incessant, pervasive fascinations on humans. And, even then, he’ll have enough self-loathing to make the whole ordeal strenuous. I believe, out of all of the mechs, he’s the most intrigued with human ‘etiology,’ medically speaking, but he buffs this with his disgust—because he’s heavily overcompensating.
He’ll prod you in the back with a tapered digit to further his point that your soft flesh is a shortcoming, disadvantageous for such a self-proclaimed apex predator of this world. And he’ll voice his lamenting on human sex, the wantonness of it all: hot, perspiring skin, slick fluids.
You know he broaches the topic of human intercourse with you in an attempt to make you uncomfortable. He’s just…incredibly invasive about it, and even more casual in his odd inquiries, as if speaking on the weather. You know he does it to piss you off.
You aren’t ignorant to how he often targets you, but he tries to ensure you don’t see through that facade. The only problem, is that Ratchet does; the veteran medic watches the ex-Decepticon pinpoint his red optics on you, like predator to prey, he can sense Knockout writhing in a tender disquiet that only shows in younger mechs who bite at the bit.
And then there’s the discussion of Breakdown being brought into this…
"The Spider sets a calculated trap to lure its prey. But unfortunately, the Monarch butterflies are poisonous to predators because of what they eat. By trying to consume it, the Spider is ultimately poisoned..."
Doing bird calls around the Doctor genuinely confuses him, like an actual head tilt will happen.
If he catches you doing said birdcalls, especially out in the open? He'll just scoop you up and take you back to his tent. Grumbling the whole way about you putting yourself on display for all to hear.
You ask him if you said something wrong, and he explains that he has no idea what you said, as he doesn't understand bird calls; he doesn't speak bird. He is a monster with bird attributes, with no relation to the species itself.
However.
He does know what a mating call sounds like, and is very upset you were just out in the open, practically shouting to the world you were single and ready to mingle.
Let's just say you're no longer allowed to do that, at least not outside the Doctor's tent, that is.
Your naga suitor is tremendously cunning and manipulative. A masterful planner, especially when it comes to putting you in lewd situations. Except that sometimes, the stars simply don't align. In this particular case, he pushed his luck too far.
At least the other yokai got a free show out of it.
