The Life And Times

thedailyjane

(top to bottom)

oo1. take a drink if you are stuck inside your office because some clowns are causing chaos on the streets 🍷 liked by miii, superjaehyun, markismark and 600 others ----- load replies ---- femmediamant 🍷 ↳thedailyjane where is your loverboy 😒 poisonedae🍷 ↳thedailyjane control your loverboy 😒

oo2. now what did i do to deserve this liked by doctorlee, miii , thesungjaelee and 329 others

----- load replies ---- notsuperjaehyun I thought I was being nice ↳ thedailyjane it was very nice but you know gotham ↳posionedae @.notsuperjaehyun die oo3. GRWM for the Media In Gotham Gala liked by notsuperjaehyun, femmediamant, miii and 9000 others tagged : @.femmediamant ----- load replies ---- ↳femmediamant my gorgeous date 😍 though i think you were in need of some diamonds ↳miii congratulations on the golden quill award 🥂 ↳ thedailyjane ❤️ ↳ luzha @.ohemgee 👀 ↳ ohemgee @.luzha 👀 oo4. gothams night light 🙄 liked by luzha, miii, thedarkknight and 6000 others ----- load replies ---- ↳mark_lee_gcpd it never ends ↳femmediamant that was me... sorry not sorry ↳ thedailyjane 😑😑 ↳notsuperjaehyun come back to metropolis and you wouldn't have to deal with the bat ↳thesungjaelee metropolis is boring oo5. room with a view liked by femmediamant, miii, gothaminterior and 530 others ----- load replies ---- ↳femmediamant you're the view oo6. my favourite photographer tagged @.femmediamant liked by thesungjaelee, doctorlee, taralee and 8000 others ----- load replies ---- ↳miii you are a pretty good photographer as well ↳ thedailyjane ask your friend its pretty easy when minah is your subject oo7. it's a bit chilly... liked by miii ,luzha, gothamgazette and 6000 others ----- load replies ---- ↳luzha one could even say its going to be a bit frosty ↳posionedae poor victor, his wife is dying and you are making puns.. its so cold of you. ↳thedailyjane one does wonder how arkham has wifi oo8. the gotham grind liked by mark_lee_gcpd , miii, ohemgee and 8508 others ----- load replies ---- ↳femmediamant i know someone with a private plane if you need it oo9. you know you love me xoxo gotham girl liked by femmediamant, gothamgazette, taralee and 7000 othes ----- load replies ---- ↳gothamgazette 👀 MIII

oo1. i'm playing chess and he is playing checkers liked by luzha,ohemgee,mark_lee_gcpd and 30 others ----- load replies ---- ↳luzha are we talking about sungjae or a certain journalist from the globe? ↳miii neither of those options ↳ luzha sure m sure. oo2. with the kids forced me for a walk around the lee estate tagged ohemgee, luzha liked by thesungjaelee, mark_lee_gcpd , thedailyjane and 60 others ----- load replies ---- ↳ohemgee look how happy you are to be out in the sun, you should be saying thank you emily ↳luzha and lucas!!! thank you emily and lucas!! ↳thedailyjane i thought it always raining at the lee estate ↳ posionedae those clouds just follow sungjae ↳ thefemmediamant i will kill you oo3. big city liked by thesungjaelee , thedailyjane, leeenterprises and 20 others ----- load replies ---- ↳posionedae not a tree in sight disgusting 🤢

oo4. @.thesungjaelee does not want to deal with the lee enterprises board today. liked by femmediamant, ashleighhastings , luzha and 7600 others ----- load replies ---- ↳mark_lee_gcpd you don't get paid enough my friend ↳femmediamant i don't blame him ↳ miii dont encourage him oo5. dont need to worry about washing with the colours liked by thesungjaelee,luzha, ohemgee and 40 others ----- load replies ---- ↳thesungjaelee i don't see the problem here oo6. the boss is back tagged thesungjaelee liked by femmediamant, ashleighhasting, posionedae and 9000 others ----- load replies ---- ↳lee_enterprise is he?? ↳starlabs is he?? ↳luzha he left?? oo7. one meal without anything going wrong, someone buy me a lottery ticket liked by mark_lee_gcpd , thedailyjane, taralee and 43 others ----- load replies ---- ↳mark_lee_gcpd everyone thank mark ↳doctorlee don't you work for the richest man in this city?? ↳ miii point? oo8. the paps here tagged thedailyjane liked by femmediamant,luzha,ohemgee and 34 others ----- load replies ---- ↳ohemgee said like he isn't posing for the picture oo9. rare day off with @.thedailyjane liked by femmdiamant, mark_lee_gcpd, thedailyjane and 60 others ----- load replies ----

“You can’t keep picking up strays Sungjae,” M sat up , groggily taking in his surroundings as the memories of what had happened came rushing to the front of his mind. Barely escaping the hag that had wanted to take Jane back to her prison, the tower. Getting to the shores of Aruna, injured with a barely conscious Jane in his arms. 

“I didn’t pick them up,” Someone said snapping M out of his thoughts, he shakily got to his legs trying to find out who was talking and where they were. 

“Oh of course you didn’t,” the voice from before said. “The mute stray did who got found by the weird strays, at the point they are multiplying we are going to need another ship.” M’s nose wrinkled whoever was talking sounded like a complete bastard. Talking about people like they were hindrances - disgusting but he was thankful now he knew he was on a ship. Not ideal considering last time he was on a ferry he was seasick but that was in the real in this place who knew. 

“Parker don’t - they needed our help and they are all doing their part as members of the crew,” The other voice, Sungjae,maybe,  said. 

 M moved trying to move down on the aisle but the boat rocked leading him to crash into a wall with a loud thud during attention to himself. He didn’t get a chance to try and run (run where he did not know he was stuck on this damn boat) but a small girl raced over to him. 

“Are you okay?” she asked him, steadying up so he could stand still.. “You were pretty banged up when we found you and your friend ,” she said. 

“Jane!” he exclaimed. How could he forget her? Was she alive? Was she safe? Where was she?

“The blonde girl?” The short dark haired girl questioned. “Quiet a reaction,” she said looking at him slyly, “Maybe i should have said lover?” she teased as M flushed, shaking his head. It wasn’t like that, she was his friend, not that he wouldn’t mind it being something more.

“Is she okay?”  He asked. 

“She will be, Minah is looking after her,”  The girl said. Right Minah, ofcourse. “Don’t worry, Minah is oddly protective over Jane , she can’t talk but she will definitely let you know how she feels,” she said doing a fully body shiver.  “I’ll take you to see her,” the girl said.

“Where are we? I mean - i know we are on a ship but like where are going?” he asked.

Jane groaned wiping at the sweat on her brow, she eyed the back of the mysterious savior, his very broad back not that she was paying attention. “How much longer?” she asked with a huff, they had been walking for hours and there was no sign of life, just dense forest. She couldn’t even see her tower anymore. Not that she missed it, this is what she wanted to be free. She just always thought freedom would look a little different, more celebration and less trees.

“Not much longer,” The man said, turning to look at her. “We can take a break if you want.”

“No it’s fine,” Jane said, “Though so far every time I have asked how much longer you’ve answered, not much longer.” she pointed. “Are you sure you know where we are going?” she asked her eyes narrowing at him. 

“Kinda,” he answered. Jane blinked at him as her rage simmered to the surface.

“Kinda?” She exclaimed. “Are you kidding?,” she said, coming to a complete stop and glaring at the man. “We are lost aren’t we?” 

“No,” The man said. “I can’t explain but I know we are going in the right direction,” he said. “I’ve been here, I think, but i can't remember when -” he said at the point looking extremely lost. 

Milo (Top to Bottom)

oo3. she is reading her mothers book and sharing theories on who is meant to be who (tagged @.ellaellaella) ------ most recent comments ---- foreveryoung - the most sane couple are our parents thats all that matters! ellaellaella - atleast include the title!!! oo4. in the mood for (redacted) ------ most recent comments ---- j’aminjae - is that a mattress on the floor? foreveryoung- champange, always oo5. book worm ------ most recent comments ---- foreveryoung - i didn’t know you could read  ↳aspoonfulofmilo why are you here -.- astarlee - what are you reading? ↳foreveryoung - its empty

oo9. happiness  ------ most recent comments ---- j’aminjae - is a random tree? embarrassing Charlotte (Top to Bottom) 

“I am sorry i’m so late,” Jane greeted, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. M blinked, he would never be used to the instant transmission thing she did. A second ago M was alone in the kitchen searching for a packet of crisps to munch when Jane appeared. “I am all for being comfortable but I don't think sweats would pass the dress code,” she said eyes raking over M, an appreciative hum escaping her lips. M scratched the back of his neck, he still had to pinch himself when it came to her. “Now as much as I love the view, if we want to go on our date you need to get ready,” she said with a laugh.

M looked away from chewing on his bottom as he tried to figure out how to tell Jane they had long missed their reservation. “Babe,” M started as Jane’s eyebrow quirked up. “Have you been outside in the last couple of hours?” he asked, not liking the way Jane’s face fell.

“It hasn’t been that long right?” she asked. M sighed, he was sure Jane already knew the answer. “Shit,” she said glancing at the clock on the oven. “I am so so sorry, i lost track of time, everything had been going so well but then that company got involved and just ruined everything like they always do, i swear one day i am going to burn there building down,” she said, M wasn’t used to seeing her this annoyed - well at anything that wasn’t his best friend. Oh shit was the company Star Labs, he was 99.99 percent sure that it wasn’t but maybe Minah swayed Jane and Sungjae into working together for something.

“Don’t do that, not that I don't appreciate you dabbling into new interests even if it is arson, i just don’t think i am cut to be a prison hubby,” he said in mock seriousness, earning a giggle from Jane. “But in all seriousness it’s all good, we can always go out for dinner another time,” he said, Jane huffed shaking her head with a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. “No no none of that,” M said, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a hug.

“You aren’t mad?” Jane asked. “Most men wouldn’t like their girlfriend spending so much time with their ex,” she said resting her chin on her shoulder. “I wouldn’t blame you if you were,” she mumbled.

“Well i can’t say i love it, he is pretty handsome but i am not worried, its your job, your clients wouldn’t last a minute without you,” M said trying not to laugh as Jane nodded, hair tickling his neck.

“Honestly you have no idea,” she said pulling away from M. “You really aren’t upset about me ruining our date night?” she asked softly.

“One who said our date night is ruined?” M asked raising. “And two i am really not upset about anything though i think i am going to buy you a good old fashioned muggle watch so you don’t lose track of time,” he said. Jane opened her mouth to apologize again but M stopped her with a kiss.

“Why don’t you go wash up and change it something more comfortable, i’ll muster up something for us to eat and then we can have our date night,” he said. Jane murmured a fine heading towards the staircase.

—-

“So this is nice,” Jane said as she walked into the dining area. M nodded from the kitchen, he was a tiny bit proud of what he had managed in that half an hour. Unfortunately they did not have a ton of options, their grocery shop was long overdue but he did manage to whip up a simple beef stirfry with what they had. He had set the table making sure to use Jane’s favorite dining set and wine glasses. He used the candles his mother had bought home after her last trip to light the room, he had no idea what the scent was, something floral, but it was nice “That being said, should you have been cooking shirtless?” she asked, sipping on her wine.

“Strictly speaking no,” M chuckled placing a the plates down. “There were a few near misses,” he said, he had to dodge some oil spitting up from the pan. “But somehow i’ve managed to escape with zero injuries, must be because i was cooking for you,” he said .

Despite rolling her eyes there was no denying the smile on Jane’s face. “You are lucky i love you otherwise this cheesiness would be too much ” she muttered, shaking her head. “Anyway, why were you up when I got back?”

“Because I missed you,” M said with a big cheesy smile trying not to laugh at the face Jane pulled. “Nah i was watching a movie while going over the books but then got sucked into the movie,” he said.

“So you weren’t waiting for me?” Jane pouted. “So much for feeling special,” she teased.

M laughed. “Well how about we watch a movie after this, you pick but if it is french movie please have the subtitles added my French is still so so,” he said.

“Fine, I will suffer from subtitles that usually miss a bunch of context and cover half off the screen,” Jane said. “But don’t say that you are getting so good at it,” Jane praised. “But if you want, I know a spell that will help,” she offered. M shook his head, no he wanted to prove that he can learn on his own without magic.

The Beginning

Mark Yang was a thoughtful man. Not one to just come out a rip the proverbial band-aid off. Someone who approached topics with as much thought and care as they deserved. Straight to the point but tactful -

“So who is Jane dating?” Tara blinked owlishly at Mark wondering how or why Jane and her apparent love life was a topic of conversation. They had a strict no talking about their friend's love life during their own dates after the great Minjae debate of 2018 so for Mark to bring Jane up in the middle of their wonderful picnic date was odd. Especially since Tara was mid-rant about her crippling case of writer’s block.

“What?”

“I just need to know so i can start preparing Jaehyun,” he said. Tara continued to stare at her boyfriend as if he had grown a second head. What in the world was he talking about? “I know we said not to meddle but -” he continued. The no meddling rule Tara had broken several times and will probably continue to break because her friends seemed to have the emotional range of a teaspoon.

“Mark i honestly have no idea what you are talking about,” she said after a minute. “As far as i know Jane is still very much single,” she said thinking back to if Jane had given indication she was even considering dating again last time they had met up for drinks. As far as she could recall Jane was far too busy with work to even look at another guy. NCT’s world tour had only just wrapped up and they were already planning new comeback with that alone Jane’s time was more than occupied never mind her other clients. She was sure Tyler mentioned several interviews and events he had on the calendar.

“Haven’t you noticed that she is always smiling at her phone?” Mark questioned. Tara raised an eyebrow at the almost frantic tone that snuck in at the end. How long had Mark been thinking about this? She knew that Jane’s break-up with Jaehyun had affected the boys, Mark especially since he felt like he was trying to be as impartial as possible.

“Maybe she just got a nice message,” Tara suggested taking a sip of her iced tea. “Or a funny clip popped up on her feed,” she added. Mark raised an eyebrow, jaw clenching as he looked at Tara unimpressed. “Come on Mark, half of your team have been in non-existent dating scandals because they smiled at their phone,” she defended as Mark let out a huff.

“Then why is she acting all secretive,” He whined. “I ask her to hang out she is always busy and when i ask what she is doing its always ah nothing interesting,” he said eyes narrowing. “I know you don’t believe me but i know -” Mark said.

“I believe you but i just - the only people she hangs out with these days is Minah and maybe occasionally M,” she said as Mark’s eyes widened

“No,” Tara said raising a hand, they were just friends. “She wouldn’t right? I mean is attractive but he isn’t her type,” she said. “Right? No,” she said shaking her head. She was letting Mark get to her. “ They are just friends who are forced to hang out because their best friends are dating,” she said. That was it no one wanted to third wheel to Minjae. Except for maybe her brother or Daniel but that was merely to sabotage them.

“I hope not,” Mark said glumly. “Like M is a cool guy but Jaehyun is my bro, like my bro bro ,” he commiserated.

“One more bro and our date is over Mark,” Tara joked though her mind was elsewhere. Did she miss M and Jane falling for each other? She wasn’t oblivious, she would never Sungjae this type of thing.

The Bet

“Next time we should go to the Tiffany exhibit,” Minah said fanning herself with her program as Tara and herself walked out of the Saatchi Yates exhibit.

“You say that as if you aren’t already on the VIP list for the opening, aren’t you an ambassador for them?” Tara laughed. Minah shrugged there was a difference between going to an exhibit as a guest versus going with a dear friend and being able to analyse the art critically. “Do you have anything planned for the rest of the day or are you up for a little shopping?”

“Depends on what we are shopping for? Does it have something to do with Mark being back?” Minah teased. Tara shook her head looking down, a small smile on her lips and a light flush on her cheeks. “Oh it does,” Minah grinned. “Great i was looking to buy something new,” she said. She had a date night with Sungjae and he still hadn’t recovered from the last time she pulled an outfit from her secret closest so she should play it safe.

“It’s not like that,” Tara laughed. “The Black’s charity gala is coming up and i need something for it,” Tara explained. Minah nodded, vaguely remembering getting invited to the very same event. She had yet to RVSP to the event but it could be a chance for Sungjae to network and it was a great excuse to get him to wear a suit. She was drawn out of her thoughts by Tara’s stomach rumbling. “But first some lunch,” she murmured looking down.

—

“Do you know if Jane is coming to the Gala?” Tara asked sipping on her wine.

“I am not sure,” Minah said with a shrug. “Let me check maybe we can convince her to take a break and come with us,” she said pulling out her phone and dialling Jane’s number.

“Hey babe,” Minah said as Jane picked up, Jane’s face lighting up Minah’s screen. “Tara and I are out for lunch, say hi,” she said turning her phone around to face Tara who waved.

“And where was my invite?” Jane laughed. “Or did you just ring to make me jealous,”

“Obviously, “ Minah teased. “But no are you going to the Black Gala?” Minah asked. “Wait are you at the cafe?” Minah asked eyes noting the all too familiar window panel and what looks like its menu.

“Yes and yes,” Jane laughed. “Wait I’ll get M to say hi,” she said. Minah looked across to see Tara raising an eyebrow. Minah sat waiting as she saw and heard Jane’s part of the conversation. If she didn’t know better she would think Jane was flirting with M, the hair flipping, the giggles and did she just pout. Seconds later M’s face filled the screen, well half of it did it was very clear that Jane was still controlling the phone and they were sitting very closely.

“Hi Minah, Hey Tara,” M said with a bashful smile and shy wave before disappearing leaving a frowning Jane.

“I wish that boy would take a break, he hasn’t stopped all week,” she said shaking her head. Minah snorted, how very typical of Jane to notice other people needed a break but not that she did.

“Sounds like someone i know,” Minah said.

“Please tell me you are not comparing M to Sungjae again, what has he ever done to you Minah,” Jane joked, Minah hoped.

“Anyway Tara and I are going shopping after this and i was wondering if the promise of beautiful gowns and champagne could get you away from the office,” Minah asked.

“Sadly no,” Jane frowned. “Speaking of the office i better get back,” she sighed. “I’ll talk to you later,” she said hanging up.

“So Jane is spending alot of time at the cafe,” Tara hummed.

“I guess,” Minah said looking at Tara as if she had grown a second head. “I wish she’d stop It’s bad enough i have a coffee addict as a boyfriend, i am beginning to worry about Jane, the amount of caffeine she has to keep up with work,” she whined.

“Hmm,” Tara said, face scrunching up. Minah raised an eyebrow hmm, someone clearly didn’t know what it was like to have a boyfriend whose blood type was probably Espresso. “Okay so Mark has this theory,” she started.

“About Sungjae’s dependency on coffee, i am pretty sure its related to his mother,” Minah said fisting scrunching up as she thought about that wretched woman.

“No,” Tara said shaking her head. “Mark thinks Jane is dating someone new,” she said. Minah nose twitched in annoyance. Where did that even come from? If Jane was dating someone Minah would surely know.

“I know it seems like such a random statement but Mark had some evidence,” Tara continued.

“Evidence?” Minah snorted. “What is this a court case, I know Mark is close with Jaehyun but if they think they can start -”

“No one is starting anything,” Tara said quickly. “He just noticed that she was smiling at her phone a lot more now,” she said. Minah shrugged, she smiled at her phone at all the time, atleast 25 percent of the time it wasn’t related to Sungjae at all. “And that she is always busy,” she continued, Minah rolled her eyes ofcourse she was busy she worked. “And she is keeping more secrets,”

“None of this is proving anything,” Minah pointed out.

“But when you add she has been at the cafe everyday this week and that she was flirting with M during that call,” Tara pointed out.

“You sound very judgemental right now,” Minah said as Tara shook her head with a laugh.

“Minah i would never judge Jane for dating, I just do you think they are?” She asked.

. Minah blinked tilting her as she thought about it. Jane and M did spend a lot of time together but they were friends and according to Jane no one in London could make an Irish Coffee as good as M did. Normally she would call out that excuse but M’s coffee was magical - no pun intended. Admittedly despite being so busy with work and having an awkward situation to deal with at work Jane did seem lighter than she had in months.

“They aren’t dating,” Minah said finally. She knew if Jane was dating someone she would tell Minah without a doubt. “Yet,” she added, if Jane liked M then they would become a thing, that Minah as sure off.. “And would it be bad if Jane and M were to become a thing?” Minah asked. Apart from M being a muggle, she couldn’t really see any issues with them becoming a couple. There might even be some perks, like Jane and Sungjae getting along.

“No,” Tara answered immediately. “They’d be cute, lets's hope that if there is a thing between M asks Jane out quickly, i can’t have another pining couple in our friendship group,” she said. Minah glared at her playfully, she would rather people didn’t bring up the communications issues Sungjae and herself seemed to have.

“Ignoring that last part but M is far too shy to ask Jane out, like always women are gonna have to do all the work,” Minah rolled her eyes. “Trust me, any bet Jane will have to ask him out,” she said shaking her head.

“Any bet,” Tara said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Upping the stakes

“You look exhausted,” Tara said with a laugh as Tyler dredged into the living room. “12 am training session not agreeing with you,” she teased.

“Why are you up?” Tyler shot back falling onto the couch landing thud, Tara had luckily moved her feet in time. “And i could handle it if it was just 12 am training but i can't handle the mix, Tuesday he had us out there at 3 o’clock in the morning and the next training session at 8 on the same day,” he whined. He was all for sporadic training to keep their tactical secrets the last thing they needed was their competitors sneaking into a training session but some consistency would be nice.

“I was doing a writing sprint, it didn’t go well, i took a break and i am now watching - well i don’t really know,” Tara laughed looking at the screen, blinking as she took in the woman throwing her wine at another woman. Tyler snorted waving his wand at the tv and turning it off.

“I don’t know what that was but it's certainly not going to help you,” He said shaking his head. “Go get some sleep T,” he said throwing a cushion down at Tara.

“I would but i just downed three cups of coffee,” Tara said stretching out nudging Tyler with her foot. Tyler rolled his eyes, swatting her foot away. While he supported Tara in everything but her dating choice he was beginning to seriously worry about her, why did the life of a writer have to be so unhealthy? How could people drink so much coffee to begin with?

“I am cutting you off,” Tyler huffed. “Even if i have to go to every cafe, fast food shop and service station i will make sure you have no more coffee,” he said. “Sungjae’s shop will be the first to go,” he said eyes narrowing at the thought of the mere thought of him. “The best thing is i won’t have even had to go there, i will just ask Jane too.”

“Why Jane?” Tara asked rolling her eyes.

“Because every time i see her she comes in with one of those cups,” he said nose scrunching up. “Do they not have reusable cups there? Do they not worry about the environment?” Tyler ranted as Tara threw the cushion back at him. “Point is i think Jane has some sway there and since i am her favourite client,” he boasted.

“Yeah right,” Tara snorted. “Keep telling yourself that,” Tyler didn’t need to tell himself that, it was a fact. He was everyone’s favourite. “But Jane always has that particular brand off coffee?” Tara asked leaning forward as if that was an interesting fact. She was probably trying to distract him.

“Tara you can try and distract but i’ve already had one roommate whose sleep pattern was completely fucked i will not let my sister follow suit,” Tyler said eyes narrowing at her. “But to answer your question yeah for the last couple of months, i thought that she was going to get me to endorse the brand which would never happen, Sure N is nice but i have a reputation to uphold and if i was going to be the face of a cafe it would be one that is a bit more classy,” he huffed.

“Did you just compare me to Daniel?” Tara’s asked face morphing into a look of disgust. “How could be so cruel to me?” she sniffed dramatically. “And interesting,” she said eyes lighting up.

“If you don’t want to be compared don’t act like him,” Tyler said poking Tara legs. “And i mean i guess but the deal never even happened, I think Jane just actually likes the coffee,” he said.

“Or she likes the person that makes it,” Tara said as Tyler raised an eyebrow.

“Pretty sure she hates Sungjae as much as i do plus she wouldn’t betray Minah like that,” Tyler pouted. If she did it would certainly make things easier for him.

“Sungjae hasn’t worked at the cafe for years you know that,” Tara said as Tyler shook his head. Why would he know that? “I was talking about M, we think Jane and M might be a couple,” she said.

“Right,” Tyler said slowly, wondering if he should care. “Who is we?”

“Mark , Minah and I,” Tara said. “Minah and I even have a bet, she thinks Jane is going to have to ask M out while i think M will ask her out,” she explained.

“Minah’s right,” Tyler said. “And no i am not just saying that, guys like M usually don’t end up with a woman like Jane,” Tyler shrugged. “You’ve seen her exes, he’d never believe she is into him unless she spells out to him,” Tyler said. To go from Gabe to that, though he supposes M was better than Jaehyun… just.

“Oh my god you two are so wrong,” Tara shook her head incredolously.

“T i’ve never been wrong in my life what are you talking about?”

“You’ve never been wrong in your life,” Tara said pausing between each word before laughing manically. Coffee really wasn’t that girls friend, he supposes he would need to stage an intervention to make sure this type of behaviour didn’t become the norm. “Ty be serious please,” she said.

“I am,” Tyler said. “You need to get some sleep T because you are losing it,”

“I am just stunned by that last one, never been wrong - tell me when you have been right?” Tara asked. Tyler became abundantly clear that sleep deprivation did weird things to people. It made his best friend attracted to troll and his sister - this. (Maybe Minah just needed a long nap to come to her senses.)

“Literally all the time,” Tyler said matter o’factly. “People just never take me seriously,” he hummed.

“If you are so sure do you want in on the bet?”

“I do like winning,” Tyler said. “But if i am going to bet i need it to be more than just that, we should try and figure out when they will get together,” he said nodding. He would have to do some research to make sure Minah and Tara weren’t having some mass hallucination.

“You are going to lose Ty,” Tara said in a sing-song voice. Tyler snorted she should have known better after all Tyler Lee was never wrong and Tyler Lee never lost.

—--

“Just go along with what i say,” Daniel whispered harshly to Tyler when he answered the phone

“Oh no Ty i am so sorry,” he said causing Tyler’s brows to furrow in confusion. “I am sorry Kairi can you tell your friend, i can’t make it today,” he said, Tyler could practically hear the pout. “Thanks and yeah i know but he is under so much pressure you know,” he continued. Tyler rolled his eyes as he continued to hear this one-sided conversation. “Why would he do that? You’ve watched too many dramas,” Tyler raised an eyebrow Daniel didn’t sound happy.

“Hang on I’ll call you back,” he said to Tyler. Tyler blinked looking at his phone shaking his head. He hadn’t expected his phone call to be met with that reception but then again he assumed that at 8 in the morning Daniel friends wouldn’t be a problem. Maybe it would have been easier to text him. It didn’t matter because within a few minutes Daniel’s face was illuminating his screen.

“We didn’t need to face time,” Tyler said when he answered seeing more of Daniel’s apartment than Daniel. “Is this an artistic choice?” he asked before Daniel finally got the phone focused on him.

“Why can’t these phones just focus on where they need to,” Daniel grumbled. “And why didn’t we need to face time, did you not miss my face?” Daniel pouted. “Actually know i can see why you didn’t you are looking a little,” Daniel paused. “Dishelved for what one in the afternoon?” he asked raising an eyebrow. “Long night?” he smirked.

“If you mean two surprise training sessions in 24 hours then yes its been an extremely long night,” Tyler answered with an eyeroll. Daniel frowned, eyes narrowing at him. He could already tell what was going to come, Daniel was giving him a very similar speech to what he gave Tara. “Anyway i didn’t get you in trouble with your model squad did i?”

“No,” Daniel said shortly, “You saved me from what sounds like a truly awful blind date,” Daniel said. “And why do you even need surprise training sessions your a seeker for crying out loud it’s not like the other side can copy that,” he ranted.

“I am the captain,” Tyler pointed out, “And do i tell you how to do your job?” he asked ignoring the literally all the time that came from Daniel. “Anyway we are getting off-topic there is a reason i called you”

“So it wasn’t that you missed me?” Daniel teased. “I am heartbroken Ty, i am going to have to search for a new best friend now,” he continued. ‘

“Sure you are,” Tyler said like he would be able to find a better best friend than Tyler. “Weird question but do you still follow Sungjae’s friends on Instagram?” he asked. Daniel didn’t answer straight away instead just stared at Tyler, maybe the connection was lost.

“Sungjae’s friend?” Daniel repeated. “Did they break up?” Daniel asked eyes lighting up in excitement. “ I knew i shouldn’t have let Celeste take my phone,” he grumbled.

“No they haven’t.. Yet,” Tyler said with a sigh. It was bound to happen at some point soon. “But you follow that M guy right?” he asked. Daniel tilted his head to the side.

“M,” He said before a grin broke out on his face. “Let me just get this right, you called me looking all sort of dishevelled not even asking how i am or telling me you missed me to ask about M?” he said before giggling. “Oh i see what is happening, Ty, you are so cute,” he grinned.

“We’ve been through this Daniel handsome, I am handsome,” Tyler said pinching the bridge of his nose. “And i have the distinct feeling that you don’t get what is happening at all,” he said.

“Someone has a boy crush,” Daniel said in a sing-song voice. “I gotta say I’m surprised by your choice but M is pretty cute,” he said nodding.

“Daniel i do not have a crush on M,” Tyler said through gritted teeth. “I am not into guys and even if i were he wouldn’t be it,” Tyler said.

“Oh, so you’ve thought of who you would be into if you were,” Daniel raised an eyebrow. “But fine let's say i believe you and you didn’t just crush my dreams of going on cute double dates with my bestfriend who just happens to be dating the love of my life's best friend, why do you want to know if i follow M?”

“I want to see if he has any pictures with Jane or pictures that match her,” he said.

“Your manager?” Daniel asked. “The blonde girl who is friends with -” he trailed off facing souring. “Why?”

“Tara and Minah think Jane and M are dating,” Tyler said. “They have a bet, I want in on this bet but you know me i don’t jump into things without researching it first so- “ he trailed. “Do you have his handle?” he asked.

“No,” Daniel said. “I did but my new management team took over my account and i now follow no one,” Daniel said with a shrug. “I can ask Emily, i think she follows him?” he added. Tyler pulled a face, the last thing he wanted to do was interact with Daniel’s cousin.

The Originals AU

Jane could feel eyes on her as soon as she stepped into the Menagerie, it was to be expected after all she stepping behind enemy lines. Tyler’s precious little ego had started yet another turf war and Daniel to her surprise didn’t back down from his challenge. She supposed it's a given, the last time she saw Daniel was centuries ago, it seemed even Tyler’s most loyal soldier knew when to jump ship. It’s a shame her best friend couldn’t see how useless loyalty to family like Tyler truly was.

Ignoring the whispers, curious glances and downright evil stares she made her way to the bar, noting the way the ocean of people seemed to part around her. It wasn’t a new feeling but it was because everyone was in awe of her not because she was a pariah. Sitting down on an empty bar stool, she was surprised to find the bartender was a human. She knew Daniel liked to invite humans to his little soiree but they usually were the drink not serving them.

“What can i get you?” The pretty little human asked. Jane quirked an eyebrow at the woman, an accent that would explain why this girl was seemingly so unaware of what was happening around her. That or she had been compelled to ignore everything. Either way, what a precarious situation the little human was in.

“A vodka martini,” Jane said glancing at the woman curiously as she made her drink, she was pretty, thin with brown eyes, brown hair and a flush to her pale skin but she was just missing a few appendages to be considered Daniel’s type so she wasn’t eye candy. Or so she thought until she noticed a man appear at the other end of the bar, his eyes flickering from Jane to the bartender. Ah, so she was eye candy after all.

“One vodka martini,” the bartender said as she handed Jane her drink.

“Thanks, cutie,” she said with a wink at the bartender who laughed in response. Jane smirked as she heard a growl, turning to Mr Growly and raising her glass. She knew shouldn’t be antagonizing anyone, after all she was just here for a night out but it was fun.

What was not fun was some newbie vampire with bright orange hair and tacky bohemian one-piece trying to hit her from behind. Jane frowned as some of her Martini spilled on her dress, how annoying. She counted to 10 in her mind to stop herself from ripping this bitch's head off, teasing was one thing but actual killing would take it too far - though given her ugly hair it might be considered a favour. “I am going to assume you are too mortified by your drunken antics that the apology is on its way,” she said wiping her dress.

“You shouldn’t be here, you and your family aren’t welcome here,” the orange-haired girl spat. Since Jane’s own family were long gone since she was going to assume that this deluded creature was talking about the Lee’s.

“Giselle if you are finished playing bouncer Joshua is looking for you,” And here was the other self-proclaimed king of New Orleans. Daniel Choi, of course physically he hadn’t changed but Jane could tell a Tyler free century had done wonders for him. Giselle scowled before sulking off back into the crowd. Leaving Jane with Daniel.

“Long time no see,” Jane offered.

“What are you doing here?” Now Jane was not expecting a warm welcome but the sheer amount of contempt in Daniel’s eyes surprised her. She supposed it was not wholly unexpected given Daniel and Tyler’s little turf war. A war Jane was silently hoping Daniel won.

“I’m bored, i need a drink and I’ve heard this is the best bar in this little city,” Jane listed off her fingers. “Look i just want to have a good time, you know i don’t get involved in these petty little battles, especially not on the behalf of Tyler Lee,” she stated.

“Oh yes i forgot about that you aren’t his biggest fan,” Daniel said tilting his head curiously at Jane. “Look I’m heading back to the VIP section you are more than welcome to come along,” he said swirling around and walking off in the opposite direction not even checking to see if Jane is following, either too indifferent or too arrogant to care. Jane considered following after him but considering one of his followers had attacked her she’d rather not get to know the rest of his crew.

Deciding to go the other direction Jane found herself heading to one of the building's many balconies. Unfortunately the balcony Jane ended up on was occupied by a mangled dead body, the scent of blood was strong enough that Jane’s eyes darkened and fangs began to ache. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted what she assumed was the killer. Taking in the dishevelled appearance of the man, blood stains covered his skin and clothes, he rocked back and forth eyes not leaving the body. “Leave, it’s not safe,” he said.

Jane snorted in amusement, a baby vampire warning her to run. She considered just putting this kid out of his misery, some people just aren’t made to be vampires but she was bored. “Sweetie i could end you in a second,” Jane said taking a sip of her drink. “I take it you haven’t been a vampire for very long,” she said crouching down in front of him. She tilted her to the side, he was attractive. If she could get him cleaned up then he could be very handsome. The boy shook his head in response. “Okay baby, what is your name?”

“M”

“M? Listen i am sure know all about the Lee vs Choi feud but let's not do aliases,” Jane said rolling her eyes.

“It’s not, well i mean it is kinda, it’s a nickname,” The boy, M sputtered. “And are you one of them? I should go Danel will -” he stared panicking. Jane rolled her eyes snapping his neck, she couldn’t handle panicking she was here to have a good time. While waiting for M to wake up she tossed the dead body over the edge, M sucked her dry and it was just unsightly.

“Rise and shine,” Jane said at the sound of M stirring.

“You snapped my neck,” He growled.

“Yes and you woke right up so let's not do the dramatics or the whole panicking thing - yes i am friends with an Original and no it's not Tyler Lee,” Jane listed. “Does Daniel really have a no interacting rule?” she questioned a dry laugh escaping her lips. Perhaps she had given Daniel too much credit, he was Tyler’s protege after all.

“He doesn’t let me interact with anyone,” M murmured. Jane raised an eyebrow, why would Daniel care about who a baby vamp interacts with? Especially a baby vamp who is so unsuited to vampirism. “Don’t -”

“Don’t tell him you said anything? I am no snitch but i have to admit i am curious as to why he would care, are you fucking him?” Jane said bluntly. M was big, big height, big chest, big biceps, and big thighs, it would be a safe assumption that he was also big where it really mattered. It would make sense that Daniel would keep him as a pet from what she could remember he was a bit of a size queen.

“Fuck no,” M said automatically. Well, there goes that theory. “I am just a living warning,” M grumbled.

“Right,” Jane said slowly, she was curious as to whom M was a warning for but she was getting bored with playing twenty questions. “Well come on,” she said to him. “Get up, you are getting a once in a lifetime chance of learning how to feed from the legendary Jane Fraser,” she said.

“Who?”

“Me,” she said gesturing to herself. “See most people have more than just a letter for a name,” she explained.

“I am not allowed to leave,” M said. “He’ll know,” Jane couldn’t help but roll her eyes. How tragic, being afraid of Daniel Choi.

“Did you just use our ghost hunting trip as an excuse to flirt with a boy?” M laughed as he came back from the counter, fruity drinks recommended by said figure – Danny? in hand. Sungjae shrugged fanning himself with the café’s menu, the umbrella that was covering them doing little to cool him down. M rolled his eyes sliding the icy drink across to Sungjae and taking his seat across from him. M looked away out at the beach, the ocean glistening in the sun, the white sands full of tourist. It was like paradise, or it would be if they were there under different circumstances.

“Might as well get something other than a sunburn out of this trip,” Sungjae said taking a sip of his drink. “And it was hardly flirting,” Sungjae said, M snorted, perhaps Sungjae wasn’t flirting but the Dan boy was definitely interested. He was practically foaming at the mouth when he started speaking to Sungjae. “I just said hi and told him about why we were here – after that, it was all Daniel,” Sungjae pointed out.

“Yes I seem to recall Daniel saying something about how the spirits were leading him to you and that if you got possessed he’d suck the spirit out through your di-“

“Okay so I was flirted with, I was the flirtee while he was the flirter,” Sungjae huffed. “I don’t appreciate the judgement,” he pouted.

“Fine but if you keep being a willing victim to his flirting this island is going to have another tally on its already massive body count,” M shook his head. “Did you not see the way Ashleigh was glaring at him,” M said as Sungjae stared at him blankly before shaking his head. M rolled his eyes, of course, Sungjae didn’t, he was oblivious when it came to people’s interest in him.

“Maybe she was jealous that he was talking to me,” he said as M eyes narrowed at him. “Anyway, so what did you think of the briefing, do you really believe all those deaths are related?” Sungjae asked, it said a lot about his best friend that he was somehow more talking about gruesome deaths and possible ghosts than about someone having a crush on him.

“I mean it’s hard to say they are all coincidences, right?” M hummed, the long list of deaths related to the Grand Royal Olivier Hotel weighing heavily in his pocket. “It is just too many,” he said with a shake of his head. All those poor people.

“True but a few of them aren’t exactly surprising,” Sungjae hummed. “That band? Apparently, the leader was out of his mind on drugs and according to his letter their company barely treated them like humans,” he pointed out. M lips turned down in a frown, it was hard to argue the point but to him, all of it was still fishy. His older cousin was a massive fan and couldn’t believe the leader would do that.

“Okay but the model? Is about to get married comes to this island for a shoot and then suddenly walks out into traffic?” M pointed out.

“Maybe he really didn’t want to get married?” Sungjae suggested as M flicked a piece at him.

“That is a horrible thing to say,” M huffed. “Never mind almost all of that wedding party 100 years ago – they were probably the catalyst for all of these cases,” he said frowning as he remembered the names of all the people who died during the month leading to the wedding.

“It’s weird though, like let’s just assume the sister was nuts why she would kill her brother?” Sungjae said scrunching his nose up.

“You are just defending her because you have the same last name,” M teased as Sungjae rolled his eyes.

“I am sorry are you talking about Tara Lee?’ A voice interrupted them, Sungjae scowled at the stranger. M looked over sympathetically been on the receiving end of Sungjae’s cat-like glare was never fun. He would know.

“We were,” M commented looking at the stranger curiously, he was younger than Sungjae and himself, bright-eyed and sharp jawed. “Are you familiar with the story?” he asked. Maybe he was a local who wanted to share one of their towns urban legends with outer towners.

“Ah, you could say that,” the boy said scratching the back of his neck. “Do you mind?” he asked nodding to their table. M nodded as Sungjae rolled his eyes as he went back to downing his drink. The boy dragged a chair over from one of the empty tables.

“Didn’t we see you on the boat ride here?” Sungjae asked as the boy sat down, an eyebrow cocked as he looked over the boy.

“You might have,” The boy admitted. “You see my family was here in the ’20s, my great grandparents actually worked at the Olivier,” he said. Sungjae glanced at M with what could only be described as a this is your fault look. “My great grandmother was one of the survivors of Tara Lee’s attacks –“ he said with a frown, “But –“ he stopped.

“But-“ Sungjae repeated. “Look you came over here for a reason right?” he asked.

“Are you always so –“

  “Yes –“ M answered before Sungjae had a chance. “It’s been an hour since his last coffee, he is having withdrawal symptoms, rudeness is one of them,” he said shaking his head at his friend who looked less than impressed. “But he has a point –“ he looked at the boy as he waited for a name.

“Mark,” the boy filled in. “And, well this is hard to say, but after my grandfather passed away I was going through a bunch of his things and I found a letter,” he said shifting uncomfortably. Sungjae who had been glaring perked up a little at this. A letter was interesting.

“And –“

“It was from Tara Lee to my great grandfather,” he said shaking his head. “I think they might have been involved if you know what I mean,” he muttered.

“And you want to help us find her ghost so you can get answers?” Sungjae questioned.

“Well kinda yeah?” Mark said. “I don’t really want to find ghosts, I just want some more information, my great grandmother made sure none of our family ever came here but –“

“You want answers,” M said for him. “Okay, well our team is meeting tomorrow at the Sunny Morning café,” M said. “You should show up, we can always use an extra pair of hands,” he said to Mark as Sungjae pulled a face. “It will be nice to have another new team member, you know so Daniel doesn’t feel out of place,” he said sending a pointed look Sungjae’s way.