New Games~!

There are 4 games that I am currently obsessed with, even though two of them aren't available for play at the moment. Two of them are games for the 3DS, and the other two are phone games. All of them are simply recreational activities - ones that you could spend hours on and never get bored because there's always something to do.

The first game is called Dragon City. It is an application for your phone or tablet and like the title says, it is about raising a dragon city. You start off by buying habitats for your dragons because there are 18 elemental types of them. Each type has to have it's own environment for it to grow. You level them up by feeding them food that you either grow yourself or get as a reward for completing quests. You can also breed your dragons to create hybrids and battle your dragons against other people from around the world. Overall, this game is very fun and I could spend a lot of time on it. The only complaint I have is that the dragons require more and more food as they are leveled up, and a lot of the time you can't keep up with the food demand. In this situation, you could spend hours growing your own food, or buying food from the shop with gems. The problem is, you can only get gems if you pay actual money. One other complaint I have (and this may be due to my horrible internet at home) is that the game is always rebooting and never saves my stuff. Pretty sure it's my internet at home because when I'm playing the game on my 4G data, it never reboots and runs smoothly.

Another phone game that I am currently playing is called Moe Girl Cafe. Basically, you are a cafe owner and you must hire girls to take care of customers. You can change their outfits, the kind of food they serve, and who is a greeter, chef, or waitress. One thing I like about this game is that you get to design your own cafe. You can change it's size, as well as the walls, floors, and chairs. There are multiple decorations you can also buy that are actually quite cute. This game is great because it's one of those that you could play for hours upon hours (I've done it, so I know) without getting bored.

Now onto the main event - the 3DS games that haven't even come out yet. Both of them will be released sometime in 2016. 

I can't wait that long.

The first one I will talk about is part of a series. The series is called Fire Emblem, and is a popular RPG. The last game in the series was called "Fire Emblem: Awakening", and the name for the one that is coming out in 2016 is still not known. However, people have been calling it, "Fire Emblem: Choose Your Path." In these games, you are the protagonist and you get to design your own character. It gives a personal feel to all of the games because you are basically playing to decide your own fate. The plot in this game is that two countries are at war with each other. One country stands for justice and light. The other stands for glory and darkness. You were born in the light country, but you ended up kidnapped as a child and was raised by the dark country. Later on in the game, you are forced to choose between the two sides. What will be your choice: loyalty, or true family? One other interesting element in this game is that you are able to build relationships with people. This helps you get better stats and help you in battle if the two people with a good relationship are put together. You can also put male and female characters together (including yourself), and have them get married at some point in the game. You could even end up with a child. It is a very interesting concept, but I liked "Fire Emblem: Awakening," and I can't wait for this one to come out!

The last game I will talk about also doesn't have an official name. All that is known about it is that it will come out in 2016 and that it is a Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei crossover game. Both of these are popular RPGs and generally have fantastic story lines. I watched a trailer for the game but not much has been released. People are not aware what the game will be about or what our main goal is. I have loved the past Shin Megami Tensei games, so I'm sure I'll love this one as well. The only thing that irks me is that you HAVE to play as a boy. There is no girl option for you to choose from. You'd think that in 2015-2016, we'd have a choice by now. 

Above are the two trailers - the bottom is for Fire Emblem, and the top is for the crossover. Please watch them for more info!!

Mafia Story

My last blog was also about writing a new story, but I came up with another plot bunny that I am very excited about. The mafia is something I have always been interested in, and I figured I would be able to create a story about it. The main idea is that the mafia boss's right hand man's wife has a baby, and that baby is promised to the mafia boss's son to marry when they are older. Since I don't enjoy doing chaptered stories, I figured this could either be a short drabble, or a very long one-shot. What I planned on doing was focusing on how the son of the mafia boss and the newborn grow up together. It will focus on both family dynamics as well as the regular conflicts that they would face since they are involved in the mafia. Since this is almost an arranged marriage, I also wanted to insert the subject of the two actually falling in love as they got older. I don't fully know how I am going to set the story up or how I want to begin or finish it, but the main idea is there. Like my other stories that I have started, it might not be finished for a long time - but I'm anticipating starting it. I posted the foreword online and I already have over 50 subscribers to it. People are excited, and that makes me more anxious to start and finish it immediately.  

New Story Idea

I am currently thinking about writing a new story. It won't be very long - only a one-shot - and I'm hoping it will be less than 3,000 words. I want it to be slightly horrific and maybe gory. I'm going to name it "Silent Lullaby," and base it off of the rhyme "Ring Around the Rosie."

The main plot is this boy that has a mental illness. I'm thinking mostly depression and anxiety right now... He has been bullied at school and has very low self-confidence and self-esteem. Of course he has friends that love him very much, but they don't really know what he has to go through everyday. I'm still really sketchy about what the ending will be like, but I'm thinking suicide to be honest. One main thing that will be a recurrence throughout the story is the song "Tiptoe," and the song is above. You can play it if you want. I can picture the boy either singing it himself or having it on a CD that he plays over and over again. 

This story isn't going to be really happy by any means. Sure, there will be points that will make the reader smile (maybe), but overall it will be about an internal struggle that this boy has with himself. I'm not a doctor or a psychologist by any means, so the symptoms may not match up with the way he's acting - but I'm going to try my best. I won't post it publicly here, but let me know if you want to read it when I'm finished.

Seken

So, everything that makes you whole
can open your eyes time and time again
it's a new world

Hey, this is the first time you've smiled this much
I'm sure that you have taken some wrong turns
in the past
But it's funny how you live in the now

As far as the eye can see
there is a bright future ahead
Don't be afraid to express yourself
as you will be accepted by all around you
so just smile and let yourself be happy

The melody that takes you away
will be there for you always
There is now something to protect so try and be resilient
Darkness and despair will try to take you away
But it will not succeed
Because you have people around you that will never let you go

Falling too quickly will not allow you to breathe
Walk along the road of silence so that you may collect yourself once more
So, everything that makes you whole can make you open your eyes
And see a new world

Hey, there's so much sadness in the world, don't you think?

People throw words around
such as liar, ugly, and so on
They hurt you with such heartless words
And the world turns its back on you
They discard you like you're nothing to them
ignore it, take a step forward
and lift your head high

Jump from the highest point to show them you're not scared of anything
Hold your hands out so that I can grab them and be your one and only ally
so that you will never be alone in this cruel and hateful world

If one day you want to look upon the horizon and contemplate your life
Do it with an open heart and a smile on your face
Wipe the tears that have fallen away forever
And accept that you are strong

Plummeting towards the end seems to be so easy now
Falling through the dark skies with only the clouds as your witness
Give yourself a reason to exist and laugh at everyone for doubting you
Offer it all

Favorite Quotes

I decided that this blog will be dedicated to some of my favorite quotes - whether they be from books, movies, or non-scripted.

"If the king doesn't move, then his subjects won't follow."
----Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)

"Do you know why the snow is white? It forgot what color it was."
----C.C. (Code Geass)

"All men... Are NOT created equal! Some are born smarter, or more beautiful, or with parents of greater status. Some, by contrast, are born weak of body or mind, or with few, if any, talents. All men are different! Yes, the very existence of man is discriminatory! That's why there is war, violence and unrest. Inequality is not evil. Equality is! What became of the EU, who claimed that all are equal? It is in constant conflict because its tenants go against human nature! The MEF, which harbors similar sentiments, is constantly mired with sloths!"
----Emperor Charles zi Britannia (Code Geass) 

"There is no Heaven or Hell. No matter what you do while you're alive, everybody goes to the same place once you die. Death is equal."
----Tsugami Ohba (Death Note)

"Risking your life and doing something that could easily rob you of life are the exact opposites."
----L (Death Note)

"You can stay in the gloom for all I care but don't expect me to wait up. The world waits for no one, and I expect to be there when the world does something."
----Juan Hellsing (Hellsing)

"We ruin the countries we govern and the people in our care. We slaughter our enemies and sacrifice all our allies. We'll keep killing until there's nothing left but to destroy ourselves. It will never be enough."
----Alucard (Hellsing)

"To become a monster like me is to admit that you are too weak to continue being human."
----Alucard (Hellsing)

"I think it's fun to know the person little by little through looking at their personality."
----Haruhi (OHSHC)

"The world pushed me without mercy and when I pushed back, the world pointed and cried Evil.So please, accept me for what I am today. Don;t reject me because of what I was yesterday."
----Russia (Hetalia)

"Those who call themselves 'ugly' don't realize that someone out there thinks they're the most beautiful person in the world."
----France (Hetalia)

So... yeah. Those are some of my favorite quotes from a couple TV shows that I watch. I just think that while some of them might not be the happy-go-lucky stuff most people like to see, they speak the ugly truth. It makes people think and reflect on their mistakes, and hopefully make them into better people.

Red String of Fate 4 (TO BE CONTINUED)

"Why the heck are you dragging me to work with you?" Sehun grumbled as he trailed behind Tao.

Tao chuckled. "It was either bring you with me or let you stay with Luhan."

Sehun thought about it for a moment. True, he didn't know Luhan well, and he didn't want to be an intruder in their home. Maybe it was better that he went with Tao. "I could've just gone home, too."

Tao turned and gave him a look. "You know that I wouldn't let you do that. You'll survive without your dad for a few days. If you need something, then I'll get it for you."

"Tch. You're way too protective. I can handle myself, you know! Besides, I want to get a change of clothes. Yours are too baggy." To make a point, Sehun grabbed a large chunk of Tao's sweatshirt and pulled. It almost dwarfed him and was making him increasingly uncomfortable.

Tao paused in his walking to turn around fully and regard Sehun. They stood in silence for a moment before Tao smirked and continued to walk down the sidewalk.

"H-Hey! What was that stare for? Tao!" Sehun called as he ran to catch up with the older boy.

"Sehun, you're so loud. Calm it down a little, will ya?" Tao teased as he stopped beside a store and opened the door. He motioned for Sehun to enter and smiled when Sehun simply stuck his tongue out.

Tao winked at the younger. "Man, you're childish as well. Get your bubble-butt inside this store before I leave you to the morning rush hour."

Sehun looked appalled at the small name calling and pursed his lips. He stalked past Zitao and only paused when he was in the middle of the building. He took a quick glance around, and was slightly impressed. The floor was a fashionable black hardwood, with a finish that made it shine. The walls were made of clean red brick, and they had pictures and mirrors littering every inch of space. A reception desk -that was white and pristine looking- sat in the middle of it all, along with several chairs for clients to wait on. Sehun could also see a hallway leading into the back. He figured that that's where Tao did all the magic.

"Impressive, isn't it? I worked hard to restore this building to the way it used to be when I was a kid. I think I did a good job." Zitao said.

Sehun nodded along with the elder. "It is really cool looking," he murmured, walking over to the walls and trailing a finger down the rough texture. He turned his head towards Tao. "How do you manage to balance this job and the one at your father's company?"

Tao waved a hand dismissively. "This is just a side job. I only run this business on the weekends and when I have free days."

Sehun hummed in interest and turned back around to further inspect all the art on the walls. Most of them were, from what he could tell, drawings and paintings of ancient China.

"My receptionist should be here soon," Tao's voice interrupted. "He's nice. The kid's in high school like you. Maybe you know him."

"Maybe," Sehun answered, walking over to Tao who was organizing his needles and ink bottles. "Are you a popular artist?"

"Hmm?" Tao asked, turning. "Oh... well, I suppose you could call me popular. Only with a certain group of people though. Most of my customers are from the darker part of town. They come from the streets. They could be part of a few gangs for all I know. They're shady."

Sehun's eyes widened and took on a nervous light. "Have they tried to hurt you?"

Tao looked surprised at the boy's concern for him, but then he laughed. "Sehun, you're asking a national wushu champion if a few gang members roughed him up?"

Sehun pouted and hit Tao's arm. "Shut up! I'm trying to be a good friend here!"

"Yes, yes, " Tao sighed, calming down. "Okay - to answer your question seriously this time. No, they've never tried to hurt me. I'm on good terms with them, so I don't have anything to worry about."

Sehun nodded, pleased. "Good."

They both turned towards the door when they heard it open. Tao's eyes lit up and Sehun only looked at the person in confusion.

"Chanyeol! Finally, you're here!" Tao greeted the male.

Chanyeol laughed as he walked through the doorway, immediately heading for the desk. "Yeah, sorry about that Tao. Got up a bit later than I wanted."

Sehun was stunned by the boy's voice. He had the face of a puppy but the voice of a freaking bass that just dropped. He flinched a slight bit when Chanyeol turned his gaze onto him. The boy was about 6 inches taller than him and definitely broad. It was intimidating, to say the least.

"Who's this Tao?" Even his smile was creepy.

"Ah, this is Sehun," Tao said, swinging an arm around Sehun's waist and dragging him towards the tallest. "I found him last night in the rain without a coat. Took him home and fixed him up a bit. Now he's here."

Chanyeol looked like he wanted to ask a few questions, but simply smiled and held his hand out for Sehun to shake. "Park Chanyeol at your service. Nice to meet you, Sehun."

Sehun reached forward and grasped the larger hand. "Nice to meet you too."

ENDING FOR RIGHT NOW. WILL COME BACK AND EDIT LATER.

SENRITSU

I don't know what to do, I've forgotten who I truly am
I shiver as the wind blows against my cheek
There's a lullaby in the wind
But I can't see past the unending shadows

It seems like this walk will never end
I feel like traveling somewhere, anywhere
Hey, let's jump into the ocean with all our clothes on!

This is a resounding spiral
The music dances all around
Sing, like no one is listening
If my day is miserable, fine I'll dress up
The rainbow of colors is surrounding me
Love, like there's no one stopping you
Believe that there is something out there for everyone
Write your own story

Saying goodbye to the miserable human being I once was
A smile lights up my face
When I hum certain songs
I can hear the beats in my chest

With cold hands and colder feet
I walk along the edge of tomorrow
and walk slowly, though I want to run

The night is black with stars that shine beautifully
That's when you know it's show time
Colors swirl together to create their own melody
Dancing without adlibs is boring
Everything's happening at a lightening speed
There's too much going on at once
But happiness bubbles up inside
I don't want this to end

This is a resounding spiral
The music dances all around
Sing, like no one is listening
If my day is miserable, fine I'll dress up
The rainbow of colors is surrounding me
Love, like there's no one stopping you
Believe that there is something out there for everyone
Write your own story

Rei

Stumbling steps ring through your conscience, the darkness fades
Turning your head only to see nothing
Are you insane? Maybe
Because white souls are being released and they are dancing around you
No, they're taunting you. This has to stop. Give them a reason to stop
Cat-like eyes widen in surprise as blood seeps through pristine clothes
An insane smile takes over a cute face, hold a finger to a small smirk, keeping quiet
Whispering dreams into thin air, it's okay to sleep now
Your secret's safe with me...
.
.
Tattooed on the back of a small neck is the mark of darkness and despair
Walking in a crooked line, bright liquid dripping from your hand that holds a sharpened knife
Can everyone hear you now? The night is so silent, even the moon doesn't shine as bright as it used to
The sky is clear, and the stars tell a story
Cicada's cries pierce the air, and heavy footsteps can be heard throughout the forest
Gasps of air leave lungs at a fast pace, and bare feet are bleeding from the hard abuse
Leaving the past behind as you set out to be free
But it will always chase you until you come back to your home
Leaving is forbidden, and invisible eyes watch as a body falls to the ground
.
.
Relish in the idea that this is not you, that someone else is holding you captive
A harsh laugh comes from your throat, and you feel something take over you
They call it a curse, and maybe they're right
There's too much blood on your hands, unable to be washed off
Red eyes glint in the dark, and the demon comes for you
But it molds itself inside of your mind, confirming your suspicions.

Red String of Fate III (TO BE CONTINUED)

"Umm... I never thought Luhan would be so, uh..."

"What? Bubbly, happy...?"

"Well," Sehun muttered, scratching the back of his neck, "I didn't think he'd be so welcoming, actually. I mean, I'm a complete stranger and all he did was point me in the direction of the guest bedroom."

"Ah," Tao nodded, "well, he probably thinks you're one of my university friends. He's use to me having friends over, so he usually doesn't bat an eye."

"Oh," Sehun shifted his feet nervously. "Hey, Tao, I don't want to sound rude... but can I take a shower, please?"

Tao laughed. "Yeah! Yeah, I figured you'd ask, since you were out in the rain so long. I'll grab an extra pair of pajamas and show you the bathroom. Come on."

Sehun nodded and followed. After grabbing the nightwear, Tao led him to a fairly large bathroom and showed him how to use the shower. 

"So you just turn the dial and lift the thing on the faucet?"

"Exactly," Tao flashed a smile. "You learn quick, Sehun," he teased.

"Shut up," Sehun grumbled, swatting the older boy's arm. "Now get out so I can take a shower. I'm dying of hypothermia over here."

"Yeah, yeah... Geez, so demanding. But," Zitao mumbled, walking towards the door, "whatever you say, Princess."

He barely dodged the shoe that was chucked at his head.
______________________________________________________

Sehun felt great after he had wished Luhan and Tao goodnight and got under the covers. No, he felt fantastic. He was warm and bundled up in Zitao's old sweatshirt and sweatpants, under a thick blanket that was protecting him against the harsh rain that was once again falling outside.

He briefly thought of his father and what he was doing, but decided that his lovely dad could go one night without beating on a high schooler. 
______________________________________________________

The next morning, he woke up dazed and a bit confused. This wasn't his room, this wasn't his bed, hell - those weren't his walls! He figured that everything that happened last night had been a dream. A harsh, cruel dream that his mind had played out just to torture him a little more.

That was banished from his thoughts when he heard a knock on the door, followed by a sleepy Luhan peeking his head in.

"Oh," the older yawned, "You're up. Hey, come downstairs and have breakfast. I made pancakes."

Sehun just nodded warily and watched as the older retreated. He heard the sound of footsteps going downstairs, and supposed it was fine to get up.

He struggled to move his legs, as they had gotten twisted in the blankets, but soon freed himself and followed Luhan's instructions by heading downstairs. He was met with Luhan by the oven flipping pancakes and Zitao sitting at the island with a cup of (what seemed to be) coffee in his hands.

"Hey," Zitao greeted him.

Sehun could only nod back. He walked towards Tao, taking a seat next to him and leaning his head on the table.

"Feeling okay?" Tao asked, taking a sip of his drink.

Sehun nodded. "Yeah, just a little stuffy and tired. Probably because of the rain."

"Zitao told me what happened," Luhan interrupted. He set a plate of pancakes in front of the two boys. "That was really stupid of you, leaving the house without a coat," he chastised.

"Yeah, Zitao told me," Sehun said blankly. 

Luhan nodded. "But I understand why you did it. I'm not yelling at you, but please look after yourself more."

"You don't even know me," Sehun found himself saying. It was silent for a moment, and Sehun bowed his head. "I-I'm sorry. Forgive me, I shouldn't have-"

Luhan shook his head. "No, it's fine. Really. I shouldn't be putting my nose in places it doesn't belong."

"It's not that," Sehun said. "It's just - it's a difficult subject to talk about, so I'd really rather not."

"Fair enough," Luhan said, walking back to the oven and making himself a pancake. He didn't say anything else.

Tao snuck a glance at Sehun and saw the younger biting his lip worriedly. He chuckled and elbowed him. Sehun looked at him and Tao smiled reassuringly. "Hey, don't beat yourself up. Luhan isn't mad at you - he just worries."

Sehun smiled back and nodded, digging into his pancakes. Even still, he had his doubts. Luhan was nice enough to allow him into the apartment and make him breakfast. Sehun didn't need to snap at him like that.

"Hey, are you busy today?" Zitao asked, glancing up from his diabetes-drenched breakfast.

"Don't think so. It's a Saturday," Sehun said, looking at him questionably. Lord knows he didn't want to go back home.

Zitao hummed contently. "Good. Take a shower and I'll get you some of my clothes. I'm taking you somewhere today."

Sehun laughed. "Oh really? Where?"

"You're coming to work with me."

Short and boring but TO BE CONTINUED

MELODY

This long road that you travel is broken in two
You take another puff of your cigarette and laugh quietly to yourself
Life's little games, how could you have forgotten?
Winding spindly fingers through your hair, penetrating your mind

Struggling to sing, struggling to yell, you take a deep breath and dive into the black abyss
Where blackbirds reign and spread their broken wings over the horizon, watching with red, beady eyes
Paralyzing fear, shadowing doubt suffocates you until you can barely think
Release until it all becomes an alcoholic blur

Stepping up to the abandoned door for the first time in years feels strange without him by your side
He was your partner in crime, your best friend
With a little help from insanity, everything was taken away
Quick

Fall through the floors into the dreaded room of memories
Trapped inside yourself and now there's no release for all the pain
There's death, everything is dead, keep repeating until it is believed
Our minds are a dangerous place, the shadows dance freely with a little encouragement

Struggling to sing, struggling to yell, what can you put into your screwed up perspective?
Surely you don't believe you can fix this mess, we laugh at the thought
Climb the grimy stairs up to the rotting bedroom, and sit in his favorite place
On the moldy desktop there is the sight of torn papers and a bloodied knife
Think, think, what would be a beautiful reminder of everything that has happened
The thought rings in your bloodshot, blackened eyes.
"You're dead, everything is dead."
Carve your own words into the fading memory, write your own twisted melody

Red String of Fate II (TO BE CONTINUED)

"So why were you outside in the rain without a jacket?" Zitao asked as he sat down, giving Sehun a large cup of hot chocolate.

They had migrated to a nearby cafe that was amazingly still open, though it was close to one in the morning by now. Once they placed their orders, Zitao had taken off his jacket and given it to Sehun, the younger boy thanking him with a large smile.

Sehun shrugged and buried his face further into the warm coat's material. "...My dad was mad again," he said, words slightly muffled. "I didn't want to be there. I forgot my jacket though."

Zitao nodded with a sympathetic smile but didn't ask anymore questions. He took a bite of his chocolate cake and watched the younger in front of him fidget with his hands. He took the time to actually get a good look at the younger. He couldn't have been more than 18 years old, but the anxiety radiating from him made him seem a bit older. He had hazel, almost amber eyes that were covered by platinum blonde hair. He was a good couple inches shorter than Tao, with snow white skin that stretched over thin arms and impossibly long legs. Overall, his frame was frail and tiny - Tao was afraid if he touched him wrong, Sehun would break in half. When was the last time the boy ate?

"Tao?"

Zitao blinked his eyes rapidly, glancing at Sehun who was looking at him worriedly. "Hmm?"

"You were spacing out. I just wanted to tell you thank you," Sehun said.

Zitao narrowed his eyes at him.

Sehun rolled his eyes. "You know, for bringing me here. Making sure I'm okay. I'm a complete stranger, yet you bought me hot chocolate and gave me your jacket. Just... thank you."

Zitao grinned and his eyes crinkled as he laughed. "It's no problem Sehun. Really, don't worry about it."

Sehun shrugged and smiled at the older again before glancing out the window. He frowned when he saw that the downpour had turned into just a light sprinkle. He could get home no problem now. He glanced over to his companion to see him immersed in his mocha and cake, so he silently stood before shrugging the coat off. He handed the coat back to a surprised Tao.

"Where are you going?" Tao asked, trying to give the jacket back.

Sehun sighed and grabbed his still hot drink off the table. "I need to go home now. I've been gone for a long time and my dad might try and come find me." He shivered at the thought.

Zitao gave him a look. "Sehun, I know that you don't want to go back. It's all over your face." He grinned at the surprised look. "Look, let's just stay and talk for awhile. If you still want to go home then I won't stop you, but there's also quite a comfy couch at my place."

Sehun didn't understand why Zitao was being so nice to him. All they knew about each other were their names and the older boy was offering him a place to stay.

Seeing the skeptical look, Zitao smirked. "No tricks, Sehun - I promise. I even have this roommate named Luhan that I'm sure you'll get along with." He fished out his wallet from his pocket and showed Sehun a picture of a fairly young looking male. With a height no taller than 5'6" and those large eyes, he looked like a twelve year old girl.

"I know what you're thinking," Zitao snickered, "but he's actually 25 years old. He's our hyung."

Sehun groaned and rubbed at his eyes. "So not going to even ask right now," he mumbled, causing Zitao to let out a light laugh.

"Sehun," the older boy mumbled, "come on - just stay here and talk with me for a little bit."

Sehun weighed his options.

-----------------------------------------------

They learned a lot about each other that night. Sehun learned that Tao was originally studying to become a business major to take over his father's company back in China. However, his father had set up a branch close by Tao's college, so Tao would become the head there instead of traveling back home. In the meantime, Tao had opened a tattoo shop that he had been running for over a year now. The older boy had also been doing wushu for years, and was very skilled in hand to hand combat. Countering that, however, would be the older boy's fear of anything of the insect variety and darkness. Sehun laughed when he heard that this Assassin's Creed looking character was afraid of the dark. Tao had whined at him to not laugh, but it was so hard! Tao also seemed to have an affinity for fashion (his favorite brand being Gucci), and enjoyed children immensely, as shown by the multiple pictures in his wallet of his niece, Candy.

Tao, on the other hand, learned very little about Sehun. It seemed the younger really had no control over his life. He was currently in the top 5 in his class, which was fantastic, but the younger made it very clear that he wouldn't be able to afford college. Zitao was saddened by the fact, and when asked why, Sehun only shrugged and complained of his dad spending money (including Sehun's college fund) on things they didn't need. Zitao knew better than to push it, but couldn't help but ask where Sehun's mother was in this whole picture. He was shocked when the younger told him that she had died only a few years ago, due to a fatal car accident that happened the night of one of Sehun's dance recitals. Sehun had always loved dance, and even wanted to go to school to be a choreographer, but ever since that night he hasn't set foot inside a dance studio. Talking about his mother made Sehun tear up, and Zitao decided that that was enough for tonight.

He reached across the table to grab Sehun's wrist and gently tugged him up. He laughed when Sehun blushed in embarrassment and turned away, wiping at his eyes. Zitao sighed and rolled his eyes, handing his coat back to Sehun. Sehun took it with a questioning gaze.

"Put it on," Zitao said gently, as to not upset the other boy further. "You're in no state to return home. You can sleep on the couch at my apartment - Luhan won't mind."

Sehun nodded his head blindly and put on the oversized garment. It was a lot better than returning to a house that doesn't even feel like home.

Red String of Fate (TO BE CONTINUED)

"The legend goes that you have an invisible red string of fate tied to your pinky that leads to your soul mate. No matter how far you go or how long you live, you will find each other."

This particular legend had always fascinated Sehun. It was the one written in Sehun's favorite story book that his mother used to read to him all the time. You'd think that as a kid of 6 years old, he would grow tired of the repetitive story.

But no. That book was the one he'd ask for every night before he went to bed, and his mother would simply laugh at him and jokingly ask if he was tired of it yet.

Years later, however, Sehun is 17 and in his last year of high school, and his mother is in a better place.

________________________________________

Sehun is sitting on a bench outside. He's at the park, his favorite one, with the small slide and swings covered in a thick layer of snow. It's cold, and he forgot his jacket, but he figured that possibly freezing to death was better than going home.

Going home meant yelling, going home meant violence, going home meant listening to his father's drunken slurs as beer bottles smashed to pieces on the wall near Sehun's head. Usually he'd lock the door to his bedroom and hide under the covers, but he had gotten home late that night. The bruises on his thin wrists spoke for themselves.

Sehun smiled a little to himself as he silently watched the purple markings. He wondered if his mom was disappointed in him because he was unable to defend himself. For running away. He dismissed the thought quickly. That kind of thinking wasn't going to help his cold fingers and blue-tinged lips. Sehun had been sitting there too long

He glanced around, blond hair falling into his eyes as he searched for a nearby building. He wanted to take shelter. It was really getting too cold but he didn't want to go back home just yet. He huffed in frustration when all he was met with was darkness. No lights to indicate that anyone was around, nothing to show that businesses were open.

Groaning in frustration, Sehun's rubbed at his arms and smirked. He could barely feel them. A sudden touch on his head made him yelp and jerk around, glaring at the one who bothered him.

A boy who, to Sehun, looked about college age (around 20-21, Sehun was sure), stood behind him. At first glance, he looked like a bodyguard or a mercenary. He stood at least 6'0", with tan skin that stretched over a narrow face and muscular body that made Sehun a little concerned for his safety. He had dark, narrow eyes with light bags under them that reminded Sehun of a panda, and a kittenish mouth that was pulled into a frown. His hair contrasted with his skin as it was a light blond color, with a shaggy mohawk that hung in his face and shaved sides. Sehun also noticed several piercings in his left and right ears.

"It's cold out kid," the man spoke. Sehun was surprised. His voice was kind and soft, not at all like his appearance. He had a slight accent that told Sehun he wasn't from this area. 

Sehun grinned at him. "Yeah, I know."

The other raised an eyebrow at his answer but sighed. "Then why are you out here? You're turning blue for God's sake!"

Sehun averted his gaze back to the ground. He watched as the boy came around to sit beside him. His eyes were narrowed at him curiously.

"Come on now, kid. I don't bite. What's up?"

"You know, I'm not supposed to talk to strangers," Sehun whispered, avoiding the question. He was startled when a hand was suddenly stuck under his chin. He glanced up to meet the stranger's gaze. "What...?"

"Tao," the other answered. "Hwang Zitao."

Sehun chuckled a little. "So you're Chinese? I noticed your accent," he mumbled. Zitao kept his hand up to Sehun stubbornly, willing the younger boy to take it. After a minute of staring, Sehun sighed and reached forward, eagerly grasping the warm hand with his stiff, cold one.

"It's nice to meet you, Hwang Zitao," the foreign words sounded strange on his tongue, "I'm Oh Sehun."

(TO BE CONTINUED.....)

Silent Doll Poem

The moon shines on the dark cracks of the floor
It's dirty, like the spiderwebs that coat the walls
What are you doing, simply sitting there?
.
.
.
.
Hi, Ms. Elise
Looking at me through those dark lifeless eyes
What visions do you see?
Deathly, doll-like eyes
What do you dream of?
You're tearing apart at the seams
The thick red liquid burns in the light of the lone candle on the table
There are patched crevices on your skin
Yelling, accusations, spoken truths
Stuck in this endless cycle of breathing and living
Is this what you want?
.
.
.
.
Hi, Ms. Elise
What truthful lies will those sinful lips breath?
Whom do you love enough to choose?
Your heart is beating
Can you hear it?
Already you spin your words
Around and around until they become a dance
The moon shines through the hooded windows
Illuminating a still figure
The feverish tongue still moves
The sound of devotion filling the air
Stitches are placed upon your wounds
And everything has gone cold…
.
.
.
.
Still.
.
.
.
You.
.
.
.
.
Do not.
.
.
.
.
Answer….