Happy Magical Monday guys! Tumblr may be going to hell but I’m still gonna post. So here is a new chapter for all of you to enjoy and hopefully the next update will be 20sob, but we’ll see.
Only mere seconds had passed since she had emerged from her teleport when she sensed something flying at her. Not bothering to move she deflected throwing stars that were aimed at her. However they didn't stop there. Another assault came from behind her but she dogged it with ease. "Enough Yuki. I'm not here to fight." Nothing but silence answered her until a woman in purple robes with grey hair stepped out of the shadows. She was twirling a kuni around her finger with a pout on her lips.
"You're no fun sis. I haven't seen you in centuries and you don't even want to spar with me?" MC rolled her eyes at Yuki's whining. Four hundred years and she hasn't changed a bit. Noticing the serious glare on her face made Yuki frown but her eyes softened a bit. "Fine. I'll put the knives away for now. You look too much like Saizo when you frown like that." That was enough to almost make MC laugh but instead she just let her face fall flat.
"I didn't come here to talk about him. I need your help Yuki." MC pulled one of the books out of her satchel. "I need your codex to decode something from the hunters." This peeked Yuki's interest and she walked closer to MC, taking the book.
"You didn't go and wipe out another clan did you?" MC rolled her eyes and followed Yuki as she walked away. "What? I wouldn't judge. I just killed some this morning. They were snooping around some poor town and harassing pretty girls." MC only rolled her eyes.
"You know I don't live like that anymore." They stopped at a bookcase and Yuki picked one off and handed it to MC. "Wait you're just going to give it to me? No games, no tricks, no catch?" Yuki smiled at her and MC knew there was indeed a catch.
"Now I never said that my sweet baby sister. All I want little one is to see you more. After all you're the only connection I have left to Saizo and I miss my little brother. So if you want my codex I want you to stay with me for a while. I'm thinking at least a month." MC frowned at her conditions but Yuki didn't seem to notice.
"Yuki I can't stay here with you. I have things to take care of that can't wait. I was attacked by another witch and I need to find out if she has a coven for me to worry about. Plus I have a life now. I can't just up and disappear for a month." This really surprised Yuki and now she was curious.
"You have a life? Since when? I'm hurt that you never told me." MC rolled her eyes and Yuki frowned at the lack of information. "Are you really not going to tell me anything? That hurts sis. I thought we were family." MC let out a sigh and looked up from the codex.
"Yuki Saizo is dead and so is my marriage with him. Plus every time I see you, it ends in a near death experience. And I just had one of those so I don't need another." Yuki smiled in amusement.
"Well you really have been busy. And here it seemed like you didn't have any fight in you. So at least tell me why this other witch attacked you of all people. Obviously she didn't know who you were." Knowing that Yuki wasn't going to just drop the subject MC sighed and closed the book.
"She attacked people I care about. At first I thought she was just a twisted human but she was was tainted by dark magic. So I had to imprison her inside of this stone." MC help up the stone that she now wore as a necklace and Yuki didn't hide her shock.
"A forbidden spell? How did you live through that?" MC just shrugged not wanting to tell her about V and the twins.
"Old age and two familiars. Plus Saizo wouldn't let me cross over." Yuki laughed began to sharpen her knife.
"That sounds like him. I wonder what his reason was though. Saizo loved you more than anything. He would only keep you on this plane if you were happy here. Care to share?" Yuki was still trying to push the subject but MC had gotten what she needed from her and needed to get home.
"Something like that. Yuki would you mind doing me one last favor?" Yuki raised her eyebrow and put her knife on the table. "Sleep for me." Yuki's eyes went wide when she realized what MC was doing but it was too late to counter it. Her mind had become a fog and her vision grew dark. Soon she had slumped down on the table in a deep sleep. MC left a note and a plate of dango for when she woke up. Yuki was a pain to deal with most of the time but she was Saizo's sister, and that made her family. "Utsusemi did you find the other codex?" The crow cawed from across the room and MC walked over to him. He was pecking at a book and MC pulled it off the shelf. It looked like a simple cookbook but MC could tell that it was cloaked. "Of course she would. Let's go home Utsusemi" The crow flew down onto her shoulder and she teleported home. Once she opened her eyes she saw that she was in her garden. She let out a relieved sigh and Utsusemi flew off into the trees. She walked back inside and saw Jumin and V still sitting at the table. When they saw her come in V instantly relaxed and smiled at her.
"Well home. Did everything go ok?" MC nodded and put the books back on the table.
"Jumin I know these books are important to you but would you mind if I held onto them a little bit longer? It's going to take me a while to work through all the codes.
"By all means go ahead. I'm certainly not using them. Keep them as long as you need to." He paused as if thinking. "I only have one request for letting you keep them." MC raised an eyebrow but he only smiled. "You let me come back here not only to spend time with V but also to learn more about magic." Her eyes widened in surprise but quickly filled with suspicion.
"Why do you want to learn magic? Hunters normally can normally only deflect it but I've never heard of one who can cast it." Jumin only shrugged but gave her a confident smile.
"Good thing I don't consider myself a hunter then." Seeing that she wasn't satisfied with his answer Jumin let out a sigh. "There's something inside of me that I can feel being pulled towards magic. I didn't realize it until I saw you use it though. It almost made me feel happy. Ever since I learned about my family and magic I haven't quite known who I am. It's as if I lost my bearings but I feel like you can help me find answers." MC saw the flicker of pain in his eyes and let out a sigh.
"I swear old age has made me soft. Fine. First we'll have to see if you're capable of even casting but it will have to come at a later date. For now read this book until you have it memorized. Then we'll go from there." She waved her hand towards him and a small brown book appeared in front of him. He picked it up and looked it over reading the title.
"Basics of Practical Magic." Jumin tried not to sound skeptical but it sounded like such an obvious title. "What is the point of reading this?" MC rolled her eyes and frowned at him.
"Magic requires studying. Plus not all people can be accepting of magic so it's a good way to gauge. If you truly want to learn magic with good intentions then you'll have no problem understanding the material." Jumin was confused by her answer but liked the idea of the challenge. "However I can't let you take it out of the house." Jumin was about to say something when the front door opened and the twins came into the kitchen. The sight of Jumin and the floating books made their jaws drop.
"Mom! What's going on?" Saeran was the first to recover and he seemed to be on guard.
"Jumin, magic, mom? 707 has stopped working." The idea that Jumin was ok with magic baffled Saeyoung. Jumin was the most logical person he knew and magic defied all that calculated logic. "Jumin are you alright?"
"Of course I am. Why would you ask such a ridiculous question." Not understand their shock Jumin began to thumb through the book MC had given him. Realizing that Jumin wouldn't give them an explanation the twins looked to MC and she sighed.
"Jumin already knows about magic." She could tell that they had more questions but she didn't really want to go over everything right now. In her eyes the most important thing right now was to decode these books before Yuki decided to come get the codexes back. She had maybe three or four days before that happened. "I'll answer your questions later. For now why don't you go in the garden and practice. You both need to work on conserving your energy. You can't always depend on energy potions." MC didn't even bother looking away from the books floating in front of her as she talked. Knowing not to fight with her the twins did as they were told. V debated on following them but he still had questions about Yuki and other things. Feeling his eyes on her MC glanced over at V. "Is everything ok V?" He could tell that her attention wasn't fully on him but she had still picked up on his busy mind.
"Yes everything's fine. I'm just thinking and wondering." He debated if he should say more but MC only smiled at him, as if she already knew.
"You have questions about Yuki and the books don't you?" V only nodded as his cheeks blushed. No matter how much he tired to hide things from her he always ended up being transparent. So he nodded and she bit her lip. It was probably the safest option to tell him about Yuki, considering how Yuki was. Letting out a sigh she let the books float down to the table. "What do you want to know?" Hearing what she said Jumin looked up from his own book and listened.
"Well I guess my first question is, how is she still alive? Is she a witch too?" Pouring herself another cup of tea MC tired to think of the best way to explain.
"I don't know if you could really call her a witch. She stole one of my spell books a long time ago and learned just enough magic to keep her from aging. She was the oldest child of the Kirigakure children and Saizo was not on good terms with her, but that was normal with shinobi families. However unlike with his brother, Hotoro, Saizo was never able to form a relationship with Yuki." V was in awe at all of this new information. It made him realize that he really knew only a little bit of MC's past even when it seemed like a lot.
"Why wasn't he able to get along with her?" Jumin had asked the questions only mere seconds before V could.
"Honestly I was never really sure. I think that way deep down Yuki cared for her brothers but she also tried to kill Saizo on several occasions. She also tried on several occasions to use me to get to Saizo. One time she even poisoned me and made Saizo fight her for the antidote." The look of shock on both their faces only made MC smile. "To be fair to Yuki though she only made it seem like it killed me. I think that was the final straw for Saizo though. I guess in the end their personalities were just too different. Yuki is a hedonist who enjoys teasing others and Saizo would just rather sleep in trees all day." When she was finished speaking V was absolutely dumb found. He had no idea that MC had went to see someone so reckless. It really made him feel uneasy.
"If she's Saizo's sister though why didn't you tell me about her?" MC frowned at his question and the hurt sound in his voice. It's not like she was keeping it a secret. She just didn't think it would ever be important enough to mention. It had been at least two hundred years since she'd seen Yuki herself.
"Two reasons. The first being that it didn't matter. I haven't her in centuries due to our different styles of living. The second one being, Yuki can in no way know about my current life. Despite her teasing ways she sticks to her code. Yuki is extremely ruthless and will cut down anything she doesn't approve of, with no regard to who it effects. And if you did earn her approval she would constantly cross the line just like she did with Saizo." Having said it outloud MC realized how terrified she was of that happening. Yuki was just too much for her to handle. V still had questions but he understood her reasons. If she wasn't intentionally hiding it then he had no other reason to push the issue. Jumin on the other hand was far from satisfied.
"What do you mean by cross the line?" MC's eyes narrowed slightly has she looked at Jumin and it was obvious that she was annoyed.
"It doesn't matter what it means. I would do anything to protect everyone from her but no matter what she's still Saizo's sister. I honestly don't know if I could do anything to actually hurt Yuki." Jumin was about to say more but V put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. V trusted MC and if Yuki was bad news then she probably was. Not to mention he could tell that MC was done talking about it.
"Jumin just leave it. If she says it's a bad idea then I trust her." Thinking it over Jumin finally dropped the issue and V was thankful. The last thing he wanted was those two butting head again. "I'm curious though MC. Did the books you got from Yuki help you any?" MC looked up the books and sighed.
"In a way yes. I've been able to decode segments but it's a lot more complex than I thought it'd be. To be honest it would go faster if Saeyoung could help me but I don't want him to read any of this." She looked to Jumin. "Your grandfather was rather ruthless. Most hunters would just kill a witch and burn her body but he seemed to enjoy torturing them. I think he might of been trying to study them or something." Jumin frowned at this information. He knew that his grandfather had killed witches but actually hearing that it was true made him feel terrible.
"My father always said that he was a rather cold man. I'm sorry MC." He wasn't sure what he was apologizing for but he felt that it needed to be said. "People don't deserve to die for the way they live their life. I hate the idea of there being people out there who would hurt someone who's different. Someone like you. And I'm sorry that my family was one of them." Jumin's words carried such a conviction that MC could almost feel his hatred for violence. She never in a million years thought she would hear a hunter apologize. In fact she knew that having it happen wasn't just a chance. The air of the whole room had changed with those few words, and MC knew it had set something motion.
"Thank you Jumin. That actually means a lot. We thank you." Jumin raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled. It was the first time she genuinely smiled at him. "All witches are connected even after death. Everything is this house not only flows with my magic but traces of the previous owners. I am old and have seen many witches fall before their time. So when you apologize I could feel the peace that washed over their spirits. There is power in words and that power is even stronger when you believe in them." Both Jumin and V took a moment to absorb her words. V did notice somewhat of a shift in the air after Jumin apologize. He looked at MC as she went back to her books and just stared. Even though she didn't think much of herself V could see everything that she was. He saw her kindness in how she thought of others before herself, and he saw how much she loved in spite of her pain. There were still many things he didn't know about MC but he wanted to learn them. No matter how long it took. MC could feel V staring at her and was fighting the blush it was causing. She continued to face the book but smiled. "Something the matter dear?" V blushed at being caught and tried to recover.
"No I'm just admiring the view." Now MC was blushing and she nearly dropped the book she was holding. V smiled in victory as MC cleared her throat and covered her face with the book.
"You're ridiculous." She hissed at him but he could see the softness of her eyes. V grabbed her hand and laid a kiss on it.
"Yet you love me anyway." It had sounded more like a question which surprised him. MC noticed and put the book down. She squeezed his hand and looked at him with nothing but utter fondness.
"Of course I do. I have since I met you." This was news to him and his cheeks grew a deep red. He was about to say something when Faust began to hiss in his ear. Hungry. The snake slithered down V's arm, onto the floor, and then left through back door. MC looked at the time and noticed that it late. She was about to go get the twins when they came in through the back door.
"Moooooooooom we're starving. What do we have to eat?" Saeyoung collapsed in the chair next to her and leaned his head on her shoulder. MC rolled her eyes but clearly didn't mind.
"I was just about to ask what you boys wanted to eat. I'm too busy to cook right now but I can order a pizza something like that." The twins seemed to be thinking and she looked to Jumin. "Will you being staying for dinner Jumin?" He looked up from his own book and seemed surprised by the question.
"Is it that late already?" He checked his watch to see for himself and frowned. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. I'd like to read as much of this book as possible before I leave." MC nodded at him and looked at the other three.
"Pizza is probably the best option then. Is that ok with everyone?" When no one objected Saeran pulled out his cell phone.
"I'll order it and then we'll go get it. Just the usual?" Everyone nodded again and Saeran began the order. The room fell silent and Saeyoung noticed that he had never seen any of the books on the table.
"Mom what are all of these books? I've never seen any of them before." He picked one up and looked through it. His eyes lit up when he realized that they were in code. "They're coded! Oh mom please let me do one! You know how much I love this kind of stuff. Do you have a codex or are you making one?" MC bit her lip still debating if she should let him help.
"Their hunter journals that I recently acquired. Yes their coded but I really don't think you should help me with these. The hunter that wrote these was especially twisted and graphic. It's almost two much for me to handle. The emotions imprinted on them alone is hard to take in." This was an update that none of them had been expecting. It seemed to set a morbid curiosity in the air as well. Everyone wanted to know more but didn't know it it was ok to ask.
"I'll be ok mom. Is it any worse than what you've written in your journals?" V's eyes went wide after Saeyoung spoke and MC just glared at him.
"I knew I should of burned those when I adopted you two." Saeyoung only shrugged and went to pick up another book. "You can help me tomorrow. For now why don't you and your brother go pick up the pizza. But don't use any magic. Not even teleporting." Everyone gave her a curious look but she pretended not to notice. "It's a precaution. Rika might not be our only enemy, so just trust me." She wasn't looking at them but the twins could hear the seriousness in her voice. They knew she was worried about something, so they listened.
"All right. We'll be back in a bit." Each of the twins gave her a hug and then left the house. When it was clear that they were gone Jumin cleared his throat and looked at MC.
"MC do you plan on telling the twins about me?" MC looked at Jumin and raised an eyebrow at him. "Considering that you raised them I can only imagine that they too have a strong dislike for hunters." He paused and sorted out his words. "I know it may not seem like it but I do consider everyone in the RFA to be family. My point is that I worry them knowing about me will damage my relationship with them, and I don't want that." Hearing Jumin say all of that made V smile and when he looked at MC she was smiling too.
"I don't think you have to worry about that. I didn't raise my sons to be so close minded. They'll definitely be shocked to find out that someone they look up to is a hunter but it won't change how they feel about you." She paused seemed to be thinking. "I won't tell them about you but only because I think it should come from you." Jumin nodded and smiled at her.
"Fair enough I'll tell them after dinner. Thank you MC." She only shrugged and stood up from the table.
"No reason to thank me. I'm putting my trust in you. I hope you can keep it." In one swift motion she had cleared off the table and Jumin was again left impressed. Sensing that MC didn't want to talk anymore V piped up.
"Jumin would you mind stepping outside with me. There's something I wanted to ask you about." Jumin raised an eyebrow at his friend but V was already addressing MC. "Is that alright with you?" MC nodded and smiled at V.
"Just stay close to the house. The sun is setting and there's no telling what could be in the woods tonight." Her tone was ominous but V held his questions back. It was obvious that she needed some space to herself. He kissed her cheek before leading Jumin into the garden. With Jumin and V gone MC finally let all of the emotions wash over her. The books were crawling with traces of magic. Everytime she picked one flashes of all the pain and torture that the witches went through. Some of them had actually left injuries on her and she could feel the blood under her dress. Even though they healed right away the pain stayed like a phantom. Getting up from the table her body shook with pain. "Alonzo bring me some herbs." The owl flew around the house until it dropped a dried bundle of herbs in her hand. She lit it on fire and blew it out causing it to smoke. After leaving it near the journals MC moved over to her desk. There were several unopened envelopes on the desk and she frowned. Opening one of them her eyes scanned over it and she sighed setting it back down. Alonzo hooted at her and she sighed. "It's a problem for another day. Besides they're only angry because I'm not dead." Feeling the exhaustion inside her body she laid down on the couch. Her plan was to just rest but soon she felt her eyelids closing just as the last of the sun slipped behind the horizon.
Ok so this was inspired by @v-dcc of V as a tattoo artist. Like I’m so in love with this that I made it my desktop. Any way here is the first chapter and I hope I do this art justice. Definitely going to be more to come of this story! Also this is pretty long so I put a cut in it and the story tag is going to be F&I
The sun shined in the window and spilled onto V's face. He groaned and threw and extra pillow at the window. This only knocked down the blinds and V put his head under the last pillow. If there was one thing he disdained more than women it was mornings. He was at the shop until like three in the morning working on a cherry blossom piece. The girl had done nothing but flirt with him the entire time so by the end of it he was in a sour mood. Now that he was up it was pointless to try and sleep. So after getting dressed and grabbing his coffee, he headed to his shop. As he was unlocking the door to the shop he noticed that people were moving stuff into the shop next to his. It peaked his curiosity but he'd see it eventually so he just went about business as usual. He only had four appointments today but that's usually how it was. V liked to get to know the person he was working so he could make sure they got the best tattoo. He went to the back and saw his apprentice struggling to make coffee. "Do you still not know how to use the coffee machine Yoosung?" The blonde boy put down the pot and threw his hands up.
"It's not my fault you have such a stupid fancy coffee maker! Like I don't even get why you have it cause you never use it." V handed him thermos of coffee and Yoosung snatched it. "Why accept the gift if you're not going to use it?" Yoosung drunk the coffee and sighed.
"I accepted it because it was the only way to get that woman to leave me alone." Yoosung shrugged.
"Yeah she was persistent. I still don't understand why you just didn't go out with her." V shot him a look and Yoosung dropped it.
"Anyway, did you sleep here last night?" Yoosung was still wearing his clothes from yesterday and he blushed a little.
"Yeah but only because that session lasted so long. I would of just had to come back here by the time I got home, so I slept in the back." V rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Well go on and head home, and shower. The first appointment isn't until noon so I don't need you right now. And you know you don't have to be here every morning before me right?" Yoosung nodded at him and smiled.
"Yeah but I like to cause I can get some practice in before you take over." Yoosung was beaming with pride and it made V smile. Yoosung’s energy was sometimes annoying but he was hard working and that’s all that mattered to V.
"Whatever. Just go home and get cleaned up. This maybe a tattoo shop but we still have an imagine to maintain." As Yoosung was leaving he saw Vanderwood coming in.
"Careful Vandy he's a bit cranky." Yoosung passed by Vanderwood and out the door before he could be asked anything. So Vanderwood walked in and treaded carefully. V had on his glasses and was nose deep in a notebook when Vanderwood found him.
"Why is Yoosung leaving? Are you not opening the shop today?" V barely looked up from his notebook.
"He slept here last night so I sent him home to get cleaned up. Why are you here?"
"Damn dude. You really are a sour puss today." Vanderwood set a white paper bag on the table. "I brought you some breakfast. Maybe that will put you in a better mood." V glared at him but sighed. He set down the notebook and took his glasses off. They clattered against his dog tag necklace as he grabbed the bag. "So what's got you in a sour mood granny?"
"I told you not to call me that, and I'm not in a bad mood. I'm just tired." V took the doughnut out of the bag and Vanderwood just shrugged.
"Could of fooled me. And if you don’t want to be called that then don’t wear a granny chain." Vanderwood had known V since he opened the shop. Not only was Vanderwood the one who sold it to him but owned the car garage at the end of the block. So he knew when V was in a grumpy mood. "Let me guess. Someone flirted with you and all you did was get annoyed." V shot him a look and Vanderwood felt a chill go down his spine. "That's a yes. Excuse me for not giving you an sympathy. Most guys would love being such a chick magnet." V tossed the rest of his doughnut in the trash and got up. Vanderwood sighed and decided to drop the subject.
"Don't you have your own shop to open? I'll walk you out." V headed for the front and Vanderwood followed. He knew better to fight V when he was in a mood. When they got outside the shop V noticed a car full of flowers parked next door. While Vanderwood continued to babble V looked at the car and noticed how the light reflected inside the car and he could see the depth of it. Without even thinking he walked over to the car and peered inside. Every seat except for the driver was covered in flowers. There were daffodils, roses, lilies, even succulents and cacti. There were probably more but he couldn't tell. He was so busy looking at the flowers that he didn't notice the brown haired woman standing behind him tapping her foot.
"Excuse me but do you mind? I need to get in there." V turned around and saw a woman in khaki pants and black tank top standing behind him. He moved out of her way and she opened the car door. She grabbed an arm full of flowers and V could see her struggling. Normally V avoided getting into other people's business but the flowers had him curious.
"Do you need any help?" The woman stared at him and raised an eyebrow. To V she almost seemed suspicious and he regretted ever asking. "Or not. Just thought you had a lot in there and would want some help." He shrugged and put a hand through his hair.
"Oh thanks but it's ok. I have a cart to use inside but these already cut and need to be in some water. Putting them on the cart would only smash them." She turned on her heel and headed back into her shop. V for better lack of words was stunned. She didn't try to hit on him or anything, and she just flat out refused him. He walked back to his shop and just completely ignored the smile on Vanderwood's face. When he got back inside he grabbed his notebook and went to sit outside. His brain was just telling him to stop but he really wanted to draw the flowers. So he watched and drew as his new neighbor set up flowers and paid him no mind. At least that's what V thought but MC was very much aware. In fact she was so aware that she was arranging the flowers in the best way for him to draw. She was a little creeped out by it at first but didn't mind when she realized that he was drawing the flowers. Time flew by as V did sketch after sketch of the different arrangements and before he knew it he saw his first client coming up to the shop. MC watched as her new neighbor greeted a tall slender guy with long grey hair. They went back into the shop and MC sighed in relief. She was turning around when she ran smack into a younger blonde boy. They both crashed to the ground and MC's watering can spilled all over her.
"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry! I'm running late and you turned around so fast that I couldn't get out of the way. Are you ok?" MC looked at the blonde boy and really wanted to cuss him out but she could he was just a kid, and he looked like he was about to cry. She let out a sigh and stood up.
"It's alright. Spilling water comes with the job." She smiled at him and that only made Yoosung feel worse.
"My name's Yoosung Kim. I work at the tattoo shop next door. You've probably already met my boss V. He's the guy with the blue hair" Yoosung seemed so proud of the fact that he knew him. It made MC curious though because V seemed like a giant ass but Yoosung seemed like an innocent little kid. Maybe she had misjudged V.
"I'm MC. I just opened my flower shop here." She gestured to the building beside her and Yoosung smiled. He was about to say something when V's voice called out his name.
"Shit. Gotta go. Nice to meet you MC!" Yoosung called as he ran to the tattoo shop. V watched as Yoosung ran over this way and noticed that the girl was soaking wet. Once they were inside Yoosung began to talk really fast. "Sorry I'm late V. I accidently knocked down MC and she got soaked." V pretended not to care but he was a little happy to know her name now.
"You're still late and Hyun's already here." When they got to the back the man with long silver hair was sitting at a table looking through some sketches. He looked up and smiled at the two.
"Hey Yoosung! What's up?" Yoosung gave him a high five and started getting V's equipment out.
"Hey Zen. Not much really. I did get to meet the cute florist next door so that was exciting." Zen's eyes looked up from the sketches in surprise.
"Really now? Did you get her number?" Yoosung blushed and shook his head. "You're killing me man! You know I gotta live vicariously through others. I'd do it through V but he treats women like the plague." V rolled his eyes pulled his hair into a messy ponytail.
"Did you decide which design you want Hyun?" Frowning at V's lack of a reaction Zen nodded.
"Yeah I want this one. It has the romantic feel I'm going for." He handed V a sketch and it was one he had done of MC's roses earlier. As V transferred it to the stencil he couldn't help but smile. As V worked Zen turned his attention back to Yoosung. "So why didn't you get her number Yoosung?" He just shrugged as he got the rubbing alcohol and began to prep where Zen wanted the tattoo.
"Well for one I completely knocked her on her ass and she spilled water all over her. I didn't think that would be the best time to hit on her. Plus she seems like one of those people who is nice but also scary. Like when I crashed into her I thought she was going to cuss the shit out of me. Even though she smiled I could tell that she was pissed." V was listening to Yoosung's every word despite telling himself that he didn't care. There was something about MC that bugged him but he couldn't figure it out. She definitely wasn't like women that he was used to but that really didn't mean anything to him, or did it. Either way right now he needed to focus and do his job.
"Alright Hyun. You ready?" Zen nodded and V began his work. He worked for almost three hours before feeling satisfied to stop for the day. He had done the basic outline of the piece and some shading. V cleaned off the tattoo and smiled at Zen. "What do you think?" Zen hopped off the table and went over to the mirror. He twisted so that he could see the roses and vines on his ribcage. There was a mirror, microphone, and a stack of paper all inbedded in the vines.
"It's awesome V! This just might be my favorite one now." V rolled his eyes but smiled.
"You say that every time." V took his gloves off and threw them in the trash.
"Well that's cause you do fucking kick ass work!" He slapped V's hand they slid into a fist bump. "Alright I'm gonna home and take some new selfies. Take care guys!" He left just as V's next client was coming in. After Zen V's appointments seemed to go by pretty fast and before he knew it he was on the last one. It was a smaller piece. The woman had wanted a cancer ribbon and a few flowers in honor of her mother who just passed away. When it was done she cried and V felt his heart lift at her joy. Once she was gone V sat down and sighed. He was so beat that he might sleep here tonight.
"Hey Yoosung." The blondes head popped in the door way. He almost reminded V of a puppy. "Go ahead and go home. I'll clean up tonight. Also make sure you practice tonight. You've got an appointment tomorrow." Yoosung eyes lit up like fireworks and he was barely stopping himself from bouncing up and down.
"Are you for real? I actually get to work on someone tomorrow?" V nodded and Yoosung squealed. "I won't let you down boss!" V waved his hand toward him and Yoosung took off. Once V heard the jingle of the doorbell he got up and started cleaning. He changed all the trash and wiped down all the tables. Just as he was about to start cleaning his tattoo gun he heard the doorbell.
"Sorry we're closed now." He said as he made his way to the front. When he got there he found MC standing there. She looked tired and V wondered what she was still doing here so late. "I hope you don't want a tattoo cause we're closed." She seemed dazed but her eyes snapped open when he was done talking.
"Oh no. I figured you were closed but I was hoping that you had a first aid kit." V looked closer now and noticed that she had a towel wrapped around her hand. She also had red smears on her smock.
"Yeah just a second. Try not to bleed on the floor ok." V turned his back to her and she just frowned. He sounded like an asshole but MC wasn't surprised. Most men were assholes, especially when they were that good looking. V came back and handed her a first aid kit. "So what happened?" V's question surprised her because he didn't really seem to care about anything.
"Oh. I tripped over a box and fell down with a bunch of vases. Talk about an omen." She let out a small laugh but V could tell that she was upset. "Anyway, thanks for the first aid kit. I'll bring it back over tomorrow." She smiled and turned around to leave and V saw some red seeping through the side of her shirt. Before he could stop himself he was reaching out for her and grabbing her shoulder. MC stopped and looked back at him, clearly shocked.
"I'll come with you. I'd feel guilty if you got clumsy again and bled out." He pushed her out of the shop and locked his door.
"It's ok really. I mostly got it cleaned up. I just needed some bandages." She tried her best to convince him but it seemed like he wasn't even listening. They got to her shop and she sighed. V looked around the shop once he was inside and it honestly looked like an indoor garden. "I fell down over there." She pointed over toward a fridge with a glass door. V grabbed a broom that was next to the counter.
"Alright just sit down and take care of those cuts." MC nodded and V walked over to the fridge. He noticed that she had in fact moved all of the glass into a pile. Using the broom he swept the glass into an empty box and carried it up to the front. MC seemed completely spaced out and seemed a little pale. V looked at the towel she had wrapped her hand in. There was a lot more blood than he expected and wondered if she was ok. He was honestly surprised by his concern and didn't really know what to do. "Hey are you sure you're ok? Is there someone that you need me to call or anything?" MC had been feeling a bit dizzy but V's voice helped her snap out of it.
"Oh no I texted my roommate and their on their way over. She just had to finish work so she should be here soon. Thank you for your help though. I hope it wasn't a bother." V just shrugged and MC went to hand him back the first aid kit.
"Keep it. We have more at the shop. Plus you obviously need it more than I do." She huffed out a breath and V just turned around a left. Something about that girl made him act weird and he didn't like it. The last thing he needed was more complicated feelings. MC watched him leave and she was still angry at his implications. This guy was definitely an asshole and nothing could change her mind.
Aeeeeeeeyyyy guess who got their head out of their ass and posted an update. This girl! Sorry guys work is just wearing me out more than I thought it would.
I felt a something warm stroke my face and it felt nice. Once it stopped I slowly opened my eyes and saw V hovering over me. He smiled at me kissed my forehead. "Good morning." His voice was a light whisper but I could tell how happy he was.
"Morning." I said rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?"
"A little bit after eight. I told my Father we'd meet him in the cemetery at eleven, so we have plenty of time." V pulled me into him and I was eye level with his bare chest. My cheeks flushed as I remembered last night. I look up at V and he has an amused smirk. "You're so cute when you blush." I pouted at his teasing but then I remembered something.
"Hey V, do you remember after your last doctors appointment? You said that I looked more clear." He took a moment to think and then nodded. "What did you mean by that? You said you'd explain later but you never got a chance." V let out a small chuckle and kissed the top of my head.
"I'm surprised you remember that. I had forgotten about that until now." I waited as he sorted out his words. "Well before my surgery I could see you. Like I would of been able to describe you to an officer or something. But there were things that I missed, and didn't see until after my eyes were healed."
"Like what?" I was full of curiosity and V seemed amused by it.
"Just little details. Like this mole you have in front of your ear. I also never noticed all of these." His hand glided over my arm and I new he was talking about the scars on my arm. "Also your eyes. I never noticed how deep they were before my surgery. When I look into them I'm completely captivated and they seem to change every time. So bright and yet so cryptic. Since I've noticed this I've wanted to paint them but I honestly don't think I can do them justice. I've honestly not even sure what color they're supposed to be but I love them all the same." I wanted V to tell me more but I was too shy to ask. No one had ever made me feel more beautiful than V was in this moment. No matter how hard I tried to see if he was lying I knew he was telling the truth. "I've also noticed small things that you do. Like how you twirl your hair when you're embarrassed, or how when you're about to have an attack you fidget with whatever is on your wrist, normally a hair tie." V began to stroke my hair and I relaxed into him. "I guess since the surgery I've just began to notice small things and it finally felt like I was finally seeing you. Like all of you." I watched as V continued to try and sort out his words. "I'm honestly not doing these feelings any justice. I was never really good with words." I rolled over so that I was laying on top of him. He was definitely surprised.
"I don't know about that. Your words have definitely had an effect on me." I moved my head down and kissed his lips. His surprise only lasted a second before he returned my kiss, and tangled a hand in my hair. When I pulled away he almost pouted and I couldn't help but giggle. "I never thought someone could love me as much as you do and I always feel bad for letting my anxiety doubt you." He pulled me in for another kiss and this one was full of love and empathy. When we finally pulled away I was left breathless and V only smiled.
"I'm glad that you doubt my love sometimes though, because if gives me an opportunity to prove it to you. Like just now." I blushed thinking about the last kiss and he smiled. "I may not be smooth with words like Hyun but I find myself good with actions. At least when it comes to you I am." I knew exactly what he meant. No one had ever had an affect on me like V did. He was able to calm my attacks like they were nothing, and everything just felt natural with him. "You really are an amazing person MC." I was about to kiss him again when a pounding came from the door. I was so startled that I fell off of V and the bed.
"Hey Jumin's here so put clothes on and get out here." It was Saeran and I just sat on the floor in embarrassment.
"I swear to god I want to strangle him sometimes." I stood up and went over to my dresser to get dressed. I could feel V's eyes on me the entire time. "It's rude to stare ya know." I said hiding my blush..............
For some reason Ao3 is broken and won’t let me post there. So here’s the full chapter. So I just put the rest of the chapter under a cut. I’ll try adding it again to Ao3 tomorrow. Enjoy!
The next morning MC woke up with V passed out right beside her. She smiled at his sleeping figure and decided to get up and make some breakfast. Last night V had told her that he liked pancakes but hadn't had them in years. She successfully slipped out of her room only to find Jaehee in the kitchen. "Good morning Jaehee. I figured you wouldn't be here so early. Didn't you stay the night at Saeran's?" MC raised an eyebrow and Jaehee blushed.
"I did but I figured I'd stop by and make sure that you were ok. Saeran said that you pulled an all nighter to finish orders. I didn't realize you had company though." Now MC was blushing as Jaehee sipped her coffee.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." MC decided to play dumb as she pulled the pancake mix out of the cabinet. When she turned around Jaehee was hold up a pair of black lacy underwear.
"Well I found these wedged between the couch. And they certainly aren't mine. So the next question is who did you take them off for?" MC's face was red and Jaehee was happy.
"Can't a girl please herself without being outed?" Thinking that Jaehee would let it go MC turned back to the pancakes.
"Yeah I thought that too until I found these." MC turned and saw her holding up a condom wrapper and V's boxers. "I know for a fact that neither of these belong to Saeran. MC ran forward and tried to take the evidence out of her hands, but Jaehee was too fast. "Just tell me his name. Is he still here? Cause I could go look in your room if you'd rather." Jaehee began to leave the kitchen but MC blocked the door.
"His name is Jihyun and it was a one time thing." It wasn't a total lie but MC was still petty about Jaehee keeping her relationship a secret. Not to mention her and V still had a lot of things to figure out. "I met him yesterday while I was doing some shopping. We had dinner and one thing lead to another. He left after he thought I fell asleep." Jaehee was disappointed with the story but didn't think she was lying. However she was happy to see MC finally trying to date.
"Well alright then. I thought perhaps it was V or Saeyoung." MC's eyes went wide and she laughed.
"Why on Earth would you think that?" Jaehee just shrugged and went back to her coffee.
"Well Saeran said that V was in the shop this morning and you both looked tired. And lately Saeyoung has been disappearing after getting texts. We assume he has a secret girlfriend." MC forgot how sharp both her and Saeran were. If she wasn't more careful then her relationship wouldn't be secret for much longer. "So when did you start randomly sleeping with guys?" MC shrugged and didn't really know what to say. The more questions Jaehee asked the worse MC felt about lying.
"Since that night at the bar. I hooked up with someone and liked how it felt so I kept doing it." Again not a total lie. She was just making it sound like more than one person. Jaehee felt guilty suddenly knowing the truth and MC noticed. "Hey it's not your fault. I'm really happy for you and Saeran. If anything you guys gave me the push I needed." This did in fact made Jaehee feel better and she hugged MC.
"I really do hope you find happiness MC. I have to go to work now but I'll probably come back here with Saeran if that's ok." MC smiled at her and nodded.
"Of course. I think I might go out with Zen tonight though so if I'm not here don't wait up." Jaehee nodded and turned to leave. Once MC was sure that she was gone did she relax. Getting flustered so early in the morning just made her want to go back to bed. Leaving the pancake mix where it was MC headed back to the bedroom. V was still on her bed and she was glad to see him sleeping. She tried her best to slip in bed unnoticed but V groaned and pulled her close to him.
"And where were you little lady?" His voice was drowsy and sharp. V nuzzled into her back as if to spread his drowsiness.
"I was going to make us breakfast but Jaehee bombarded me with questions. Now I'm just tired again." A low chuckle vibrated from V's chest and he buried his face in her hair.
"I don't need breakfast. Just stay here with me." MC smiled to herself. The only time V really expressed wanting her was when he was sleepy or during sex.
"As you wish." Was all she said before falling back asleep. When she woke up the room was dim and V wasn't next to her. MC looked around and found him standing by the door. "Jihyun come back to bed." He turned around and smiled at her.
"How can I resist such a sweet offer?" He walked over to the bed and dove on top of her. She couldn't help but laugh as he rolled her on top of him. His fingers grazing over her ticklish spots.
"What were you doing anyway?" She laid on his chest tracing his tattoo. He hummed against her touch and had to think about it.
"I was looking for my phone and was about to go check around the couch. However now that you're awake I don't need it. I also thought I heard someone else in the apartment." My eyes shot open and I looked at V in panic. "It's ok I was just hearing things. Unless Jaehee got off work early." I relaxed a little once I saw how sure he was.
"That does remind me though. I don't think Jaehee is staying at Saerans tonight, so we should probably stay at your place." V's eyes stayed closed but he nodded. MC looked at the clock on her nightstand and saw that it was already three. She moved to get up but V held her down. "V it's three in the afternoon. I need to at least put some clothes on and possibly shower." V hummed at the last part and grabbed her ass.
"I can get behind that last part. As long as I joined you that is." MC laughed a little and kissed one of the flowers on his chest.
"And what if I said no?" Your voice and full of teasing and V picked up on it. He opened his eyes and smiled.
"Funny I don't remember giving you a choice little lady." Any retort she had was stopped by the pure look of desire in his eyes. MC had always read stories about men undressing women with their eyes but she never imagined it would be so intense. Even though she was already half naked his eyes seemed to be searching her. She tried not to think about it but she could feel her cheeks heat up and knew it was too late. "Are we having pervy thoughts again little lady?" The blush on her cheeks darkened and V felt satisfied. No one had ever responded to him this way. In public MC seemed so strong and he'd never seen her bend to anyones words. So to make her so flustered made him feel special. It made him want to push his luck. Feel too flustered MC wiggled her way out of V's arms and went over to her closet. V only smiled after her and was behind her in an instant. "I'll take that as a yes. Why don't you tell me what you're thinking? I want to be able to satisfy your fantasies." His breath tickled her ear and neck. V put his hands on her hips and spun her around so he could look at her.
"God you're such an ass." MC put her arms around V's neck and played with his hair. He only shrugged and kissed her. The kiss was hungry and full of love. MC could feel her knees shaking and a moan was trapped in her throat. V's kisses always had a way of making her crave more and this one was just as good. When V pulled away MC didn't even try to hide her pout. She let out a loud sigh and rolled her eyes. She got over to the door and took her shirt off. When she looked back at V his cheeks were pink and she smiled. "Well if you're coming with me then come on." She slipped out the door and V didn't hesitate to follow her. When he caught up with her in the bathroom she already had the shower running and was taking off her undergarments. Her hands glided over her smooth skin and V wanted to replace them with his hands. MC could feel V's eyes on her but she pretended not to notice. If he was going to tease her she'd return the favor. Before stepping into the shower she looked back at V. "Oh my dear Jihyun. Don't tell me you've suddenly become shy." Her lips formed a pout but there was a fire in her eyes. As she disappeared behind the shower door V discarded his own pants and climbed in behind her. MC felt V behind her and smiled. His hands found her hips and he pulled her close to him. A small gasp came from her and V pressed into her tighter. She expected his hands to begin teasing her but instead V just held her. It was a nice surprise but she couldn't help but wonder what happened. "Is everything ok?" The water was the only answer she got until V sighed.
"I just," His sentence fell flat as if overpowered by the sound of the shower. The air between them had shifted and MC could tell that he was trying to sort out his feelings. Very slowly MC turned around in his arms so that she could wrap her arms around his waist. V watched her and smiled. She was beyond patient with him and it soothed his anxiety. "You make me feel so many things all at once. Feelings that I never thought I'd feel again, and they seem stronger than I've ever known. It makes me both anxious and happy." Now that he had started there was no stopping his words. He let them all out as if trying to wash them down the drain. "The more time I spend with you, the more I want to make this work, but I'm so anxious that I'll mess it up. I still feel like the most undeserving person of you but I want to believe that I am deserving." MC met his eyes and saw a flash of pain across them. He gave her a sad smile and ran a finger over her cheek. "It's ok. Weather or not I think I'm deserving I still love you. So you don't have to convince me that I am. I am me and I'm in love with you." It was the first time V had actually said that he loved her. V noticed the surprise on her face and worried that he said something wrong. Before he could apologize MC stretched up and kissed him.
"I love you too Jihyun. The fact that you feel that way and were able to tell me makes me beyond happy. I never thought I'd ever be so happy with another person. Everyday I find new things that I love about you and I want to know more." She paused and V gave her time just like she gave him. After trying to put the words together MC began to feel dizzy. She rested against V and murmured against his chest. "We should get out of here before I pass out." V barely heard her but he noticed that she was acting a little sluggish. Keeping an arm around her waist, he reached behind her to turn off the water. She shivered when the outside air hit them but it was a nice relief. "Thanks. I usually don't take such long showers. I felt like I was about to pass out." MC handed V a towel and he wrapped it around his waist. After she had her towel on she noticed that V was still just watching her as if he expected her to say more. "That's also why I stopped talking. I still had more to say, in case you were wondering." V stayed silent and MC began to feel awkward. "I just didn't want you to think I don't understand your feelings, because I do, I just don't handle heat very well." Seeing that she was rambling again V walked over and softly kissed her. When he pulled back she had a look of confusion and V smiled.
"It's alright. We have time remember? Now let's get dressed and we can finish this over at my place." He hugged her and kissed the top of her head. Seeing V be so patient with her almost made her want to cry. MC had never felt so loved by anyone other than her Grandma and Zen. She looked up at V and smiled.
"Alright deal, but you're not going near the stove. I'll make pancakes." V's eyes lit up but his face tried to stay stoic, as he shrugged.
"Whatever you want little lady." V turned around so he could smile. His composure was always so flexed around her but he didn't want her to know that. It didn't take long for them to get dressed and MC had grabbed the pancake mix. Neither one had been over there since V's cooking mishap. When he opened the door it still smelled like smoke and he heard MC cough a little. "Sorry. I didn't think the smell would still be so strong. I think I have candles or something, hold on." He began looking around and MC just headed to the kitchen. She looked in the cabinets and found some vanilla extract. After putting some in a cup to sit in the oven she started on the pancakes.
"Don't worry about it. I took care of it." V stopped looking and followed her voice to the kitchen. As soon as he walked in he noticed the sweet smell. "How did you?" He looked around for a candle or something and MC just laughed.
"Ancient kitchen hack." She opened the oven door and V looked in. "I put some vanilla in a bowl and am heating it up. Basically a homemade air freshener." She pulled the bowl out of the stove and placed it on the counter. "Now it at least doesn't smell like smoke." She gave V a teasing smile and he rolled his eyes.
"I'm never going to live that down am I?" MC shook her head and smiled. She began looking for a pan and got it out for her. "Do you need any help?" She walked over and gave him a light kiss.
"Nah. I just needed the pan. There's only two of us so they won't take too long to make." MC frowned after realizing they still needed. "Do you syrup by chance?" V didn't even have to check. He barely had basic groceries so he knew there was no syrup.
"Sorry doll. I was surprised you actually found some vanilla." MC sighed and seemed to be thinking. "Do you have some at your place?" She nodded and V held out his hand. "Give me your keys and I'll go get it." MC was hesitant but pulled her keys out of her pocket.
"It's in the cabinet above the stove. There's also a bottle of wine on the counter if you wanted to grab that for later." V nodded at her and kissed her cheek before leaving. It felt weird being in each others apartments alone but it almost gave them a chance to really see each others aesthetics. V's apartment was a blend of modern and cozy. The colors were muted, mostly greys and blacks, which gave it a very clean look. MC's apartment on the other hand had more space and always seemed a little messy. There were lots of plants over by the window and various frames hung on the wall. V easily found the syrup and the wine and headed back over to his apartment. He opened the door and found MC pulling plates out of his cabinet. "You're back just in time. Thank you for getting the syrup." Her smile was so sweet and genuine that V nearly stopped working. The idea of her greeting him like this everyday suddenly plagued his mind as he walked over to her. He leaned down and planted a kiss on her. MC was caught off guard but didn't fight it. His lips were soft and gentle against her. It wasn't a kiss of desire but a kiss full of warm, kind, affection. When V pulled away MC was almost dazed. "What was that all about?" V only chuckled and picked up a plate of pancakes.
"I love you that's why." V didn't see it but her cheeks heated up at his words and MC smiled. As she followed after him with her own pancakes she couldn't get over how happy those words made her. She never thought those words could ever make her so happy.
"I love you too." Even saying it felt good, and watching V's cheeks dust pink made her feel so satisfied. They ate for a bit but MC couldn't really tell what V thought of them. "So how are they?" She asked when they were about half way done eating.
"They're good. Kinda remind me of the ones my mom used to make for me." MC perked up at this. V rarely talked about his past and she really wanted to hear it. "I can't even remember the last time I talked to her. Then again she hasn't tried to contact me either." His face looked sad as he poked his pancakes with his fork.
"Maybe she's scared to." V looked at MC in surprise and she instantly regretted her words. "I mean I don't want to assume anything. You just seem to miss her which makes me think you just drifted apart. If that's the case then she's probably like you and just too scared to make the first move." To keep herself from rambling MC put a bite of pancake in her mouth looked at her plate. V only chuckled a little and then moved to put his plate in the sink.
"You're probably right. Hell with all the changes I'm going through I'll probably get the balls to write her soon enough." He looked back to MC and saw that she was almost studying him as if trying to understand what he meant. "Sorry that sounded weird. Don't worry about it little lady. Are you finished?" He pointed to her plate and she nodded. V picked it up and put it in the sink with his. He then grabbed her hand and began pulling towards the back of the apartment. "I want to show you something." They stopped at a door and V felt the to of it's frame for the key. "I've never shown this to anyone. Not even my ex." MC was nervous now but also excited.
"It's not a weird sex room is it?" V rolled his eyes and stepped away from the door.
"If you're just going to tease me then maybe I don't need to show you." He started to walk away and MC grabbed his arm.
"Ok ok I'm sorry. Please show me what's behind the door." She pulled him back over to the door and pouted her lips. "I promise not to tease you anymore." V smiled at her and pinned to the wall next to the door. Her cheeks blushed at the sudden change as she rested a hand on his chest.
"I'll be holding you to that doll." Suddenly his teasing demeanor faulted and MC could see how nervous he was. V was trying to be open with her so of course he was nervous. She slide her hands up his chest and put them around his neck.
"Whatever you want to show me will not change how I feel about you. I can guarantee that. I want to know everything about you, so please show me." As soon as she said that V reached over and opened the door beside them. He stepped back so that MC could look inside. There were a couple of easels and a table that was covered with paper. Once she was all the way in she saw various paints and other art supplies on shelves. "Is this like your studio?" Her voice was filled with awe as she walked around. MC stopped at the table and saw the it was covered with drawings of flowers, various backgrounds, and even some of her. "Are these drawings of me?" V heard the surprise in her voice which made him uneasy. He stood next to her and ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah. Since that night we got stuck in the elevator I kept getting this urge to draw you. At first it was annoying because it was unlike me. I never draw people. Then it sorta became soothing to do when you weren't around." V looked at the drawings with her and sighed. "Vanderwood is right though. Not a single one does you justice, and as an artist that's incredibly frustrating." MC frowned at his words and looked back to the drawings. They were all so fluid and she couldn't find a single flaw in any of them. If she had never seen herself she would assume that they were drawings of a model.
"I think they do me too much justice. I mean they're all so gorgeous. There's no way this is what I look like, is it?" V slowly turned her head away from the drawings so that she was looking at him.
"It's not. You're more beautiful than any canvas or paper can hold. Even memories are nothing compared to you actually standing before me. I could probably try until I die, but I'd never make anything as beautiful as your physical self." There was so much conviction in his words that MC was completely flustered. Her eyes darted to the floor and she began fidget with hair.
"I highly doubt that. You're too amazing of an artist to not do that." In her embarrassment MC saw a photograph sitting in the corner. There was a sheet over it, but it had fallen, and she could see part of a woman's face. "What's that one over there?" She pointed to the picture and V tensed up. MC went over to it and pulled the sheet down. It was a blonde woman, with green eyes, laying on a bed in a nightgown. The woman looked so afraid and as if she had been crying. It was a beautiful and heartbreaking imagine but something about it made MC feel insecure. "Jihyun, who is this?" V felt the shift in the air but didn't know what to do. There wasn't really a better answer than the truth, so that's what he went with.
"That's Rika. My ex fiance." His answer only gave MC more questions, but she knew she had to tread carefully. "Does it bother you?" His question only made her more tense. She knew that it shouldn't bother her but for some reason I did.
"No not at all. Why would it bother me that my boyfriend has a huge, and very vulnerable photo of his ex." She didn't want to think that he had it for emotional reasons, but she was unsure what to think. Tired of looking at the photo MC turned around to face V. She hoped for any kind of clue from him but he was as stoic as always. "Why do you still have it? Do you still have feelings for her or something?" V wasn't sure if it was her question or the calm, coldness in her voice, but he realized that he had no answer for her. Time seemed to stop as she waited for him to answer, and the longer he took the more insecure MC grew.
"I don't know." It was far from the answer she expected and she didn't know what to do with it.
"What do you mean by that? You left her at the altar for cheating but you don't know why you kept the picture? You love me but you don't know if you still have feelings for her?" MC knew she was probably overreacting but the fact that V couldn't even give her reassurance was too much. Not able to stand it anymore MC walked past him and headed for the door. V didn't move to stop her until she had already left the room. He pulled her back from the door and held on to her.
"Please don't leave MC." The fact that he had actually stopped her from leaving almost made her want to stay, but if he didn't have an answer she couldn't stay. "At least tell me what you're thinking." His voice was so desperate and it only made her more confused.
"I'm thinking that you need to find an answer to my question. I love you but I need to know that you only love me. All I'm asking for is reassurance. So until you can do that I'm going to go and process all of this. Call me when you're ready to talk. I love you." With that she slipped out his arms and went out the door. V was beyond shook by everything that had just happened and the first thing he felt was the anger. He knew what the answer to her question was but he couldn't figure out why he didn't say it. Not sure what to do with any of his emotions he went into the studio and let it all out. Not ten minutes after the rain started to pour.
I meant to post this yesterday but I got too busy. Enjoy!
I opened my eyes and saw how dark it was in the room. Something had woken me up but I wasn't sure what. Then I heard the knocking on the door, and I sat up so quick that V half woke up. "MC? What's wrong?" His voice was laced with sleep as he tried to pull me back to him. "Was it a nightmare?" He sounded a little more awake now that I wasn't answering him.
"No. Someone is knocking on the front door." This really seemed to get his attention because he was already moving off the bed. I got up too and followed him. As we got closer the pounding got louder and I could hear crying on the other side. I moved past V and unlocked the door. V grabbed my arm and I could tell he was worried. "I think it's Saeran." V let go of my arm and looked confused. I opened the door. Sure enough Saeran was on the other side in a pure state of panic. As soon as he saw me he collapsed into me and started sobbing.
"It happened again. They must hate me now." Saeran gripped at my shoulders and I could feel his nails dig through. "I didn't mean it. I'm sorry."
"I know Saeran. Come inside and calm down." He nodded and followed me. I heard V close the door behind us, and I knew I was going to have to explain things too him, but first I needed to help Saeran. We walked into the living room and Saeran sat down on the couch. I went into the kitchen where V followed me.
"Is everything ok MC?" I sighed as I got a container of ice cream out of the freezer.
"It will be once he calms down. I'll explain later." V seemed uneasy but he nodded. "If you want to go back to bed you can." V crossed his arms and frowned at me. It was obvious that he didn't want to leave. I felt bad for what I was about to say but it was the truth. "He'll calm down faster if you're not there." V's face filled with sadness and guilt, so I went over to him. "I'm sorry. It's just complicated when Saeran get's like that. It's nothing that you did it's just that he doesn't want anyone to see him like this. I promise to explain it later but right now Saeran needs my help." I reached up and gave him a quick kiss. He still looked dejected but I could tell that he understood.
I posted this on Ao3 last night but fell asleep before I could post it here 😓 Anyway I hope you all enjoy!
Injured Eyes and a Room Full of Questions
As MC walked up to V's house she cursed herself for not teleporting closer. She was trying to not seem suspicious but it had only caused her to think about everything that could go wrong. When the house came into view MC could tell that an ominous air hanging around it. Something bad had just happened and it caused her to pick up the pace. She didn't even knock on the door and just went right inside. Everyone stopped and turned toward the door opening to see MC walk through. There was a young blonde boy who was about the same age as the twins, a tall man with black hair who looked as old as V. "Who are you?" The man with black hair spoke with a hostile tone and MC was biting her tongue thinking about how to answer. Before she could say anything V's voice rang through the room.
"MC is that you?" His voice was strained and she pushed past the older man only for him to glare at her. She saw V resting on the couch and he looked almost on death door. He had a rag over his eyes and MC could blood stains on his face.
"Well it's definitely not the reaper. What's going on? Who hurt you like this?" She reached for the rag but V stopped her hand. "Jihyun, you don't have to tell me what happened but I can't treat you if you don't let me look." Hearing the softness and worry in her voice made V let go of her hand, and she removed the rag. His eyes were red and puffy but the right eye seemed to still be bleeding. MC had been alive long enough to know these kinds of wounds. She had seen countless witches gouged in the eyes and now she was seeing it with V. The anger surfaced in her again and she wanted to know who did this, even though she had her suspicions. "How did this happen." She spoke through gritted teeth and V actually felt a little afraid to answer.
"It doesn't matter she's gone now." His voice sounded so sad and MC sighed. Instead of pressing for more answers she opened her satchel to make medicine. She felt the eyes of the other two but she did her best to ignore them. Until the one in the suit spoke.
"You ignored me the first time I asked but I still have questions. Mainly who are you and how do you know V's real name?" MC didn't turn toward him but watched V as he went to speak for her.
"Don't speak V. You need to rest. I'm perfectly capable of speaking for myself." That was so like her and V chuckled despite the pain. "I'm MC. You probably know me better as Saeyoung's and Saeran's mom. I learned V's real name while doing research on him and Rika. I'm assuming you're both in the RFA with my boys?" The blonde piped up from behind her.
"That's right! I'm Yoosung Kim and this is Jumin Han. He's V's best friend." MC glanced up at V and could tell he was in a lot of pain. She pulled out a small pill bottle from the bag and gave V one of them. Jumin watched her only growing more suspicious.
It’s finally here! About time too right I got all the chapters on Ao3 updated so I can finally post a new chapter! talk about taking an eternity I hope everyone enjoys ^_^
When I woke up the sun wasn't even up yet. I rolled over and looked at the time on my phone. Six thirty in the fucking morning, god I hated my messed up sleep schedule. My alarm wasn't set to go off for another hour or so at least. I carefully got out of bed and made sure that I didn't wake up V. I made my way to the kitchen and found Jumin feeding Elizabeth. "Good morning MC. Why are you up so early?" I shrugged my shoulders and began making some tea.
"Hell if I know. It's only because of V that I even sleep anymore. Are you about to head to work?"
"I still have about and hour before I leave. Elizabeth was hungry though so I woke up early." He leaned against the counter and looked at his cat with a fondness. I smiled at the two and wondered where my own cats were at. "If you're looking for your cats Azul was on the balcony and Yeti is on the sofa." I nodded at him and took a drink of my tea. It stayed silent for a bit which was unusual because it had become normal for Jumin and I to be up alone with each other.
"Is something the matter Jumin?" He seemed a bit surprised but smiled softly at me.
"Nothing is really the matter. I'm just thinking about how soon Elizabeth and I will be alone here. I'm worried about how she'll adjust." I smiled at Jumin and knew what he really meant.
"If you're going to be lonely you could always get a girlfriend." I winked at him and he rolled his eyes.
"I don't find that funny at all. You know I have no interest in that sort of thing." I shrugged and petted Elizabeth.
"What about getting another cat? Blue Russians are a good breed." Jumin seemed to think it over but didn't seem that interested. "But seriously I know a neurosurgeon whose single and doesn't care for romance. Considering how busy you both are I think you'd match well." This time he didn't roll his but almost seemed curious. It was brief but he seemed like he wanted to ask, maybe there was hope. "No pressure though. You'll meet her at the wedding anyway." I sipped my tea and waited to see if I had peaked his interest.
"Why is that?" I smiled behind my tea cup.
"She was my foster sister after Rika and we've stayed in touch through the years. She was also always the who treated me under the radar when I was with Jake. She's very stubborn and headstrong but she's good at her job and she cares more than she'll admit." Jumin gave me a stern look as he realized what I was doing.
"I can see what you're trying to do and it's not going to work. My resolve to stay away from relationships is firm and no woman will change that."
"What about a man then? Maybe someone like Zen." My suggestion definitely caught him off guard and I couldn't help but laugh. "Hey I'm not judging. Being bisexual isn't a bad thing. It would put an end to all those rumors." Jumin's cheeks were flushed as he coughed.
"You sound ridiculous. Anyone who would believe such nonsense is an idiot." Seeing him so flustered had me laughing and he gave me a very flat look. "You're hardly one to give life advice anyway. You've only loved one man your whole life." I sipped my tea and shrugged.
