Archive of Our Own

You ruffled your dress, white in color with the high neck line and long sleeves. A broach of the family name on the neck, with many layers of ruffles and lace on the skirt. Your stockings reached your thighs and white shoes to match with an awful hat.

You held onto the basket that held little clothing and snacks, you gazed back at the giant home that would no longer be yours. Sighing as you walked down the long driveway then pass the gate, placing your basket in the bikes and hopping on the new leather seat.

Taking a deep breath before pedaling down the sidewalk, looking ever so graceful in the worst of moments. You had left your family home… the warm place you were born and raised in. But it no longer felt that way, it was more toxic than healthy.

The customs were getting out of hand and you were tired of being treated differently. Living in a home of 6, you included, wasn’t so bad but it got bad down the road. At the age of 5… your father had died.

He went on some exploration again and got caught with some unknown disease… there were no treatment and no high percentage of living. His immune system was weak because of the chain smoking so that made it worse. He didn’t live to see his youngest daughter, your little sister, be born.

It was just your mother, Bernadette Walsham… a mother of 5 children and a still grieving widow. Dean was your father, a loved man in your community and most religious there was. He’d support the churches but didn’t judge anyone else’s religious views. It was their choice he said.

Both of them together was like a haze to you… neither of them were really close. You can barely recall your mother saying one positive thing about him other than being a hard worker. She stopped allowing his name to even be said in the home.

Your older brothers who actually knew how their father was.. couldn’t say a word. They were told that it was a sin to speak on the dead so their mouths stayed shut. Even your baby sister was never told of your father existing… that’s when photos slowly started to disappear.

Day by day, you’d catch your mother scratching his face out or covering them with tape. Just to only keep herself and the children present… wiping your father away like he never existed.

It took two to tango but you mother shoved it away like she was all alone.. until some man named Greg came in. He tried to take over as Dean but you never accepted him. He wasn’t your dad and would never be, so you didn’t speak a word to him.

There was 30 year old Dallas, the eldest sibling who had moved out at 16. He went straight to working, met some fine woman, who he later married and has a child with. Then 26 year old Benjamin who was currently training to be a doctor with a fiancée on his side. So beautiful too.

24 year old Jonas who went into the military to protect the country… was also set to marry soon as he came home. Then it was Nella, your 17 year old sister who’s in high school still. Focus on studies but is also dating a senior who’s gonna be an officer or fire marshal.

You weren’t even last but… the least in their eyes. Elmira Walsham… a 22 year old woman who didn’t care for relationships. You wanted the educational freedom, to go off into bigger studies and maybe travel the world. But your mother called it an excuse… says ‘pretty girls aren’t allowed to be smart. We sit there and do what the men tells us.’

If you were able you would’ve thrown something at her, if she wasn’t you mother then you would’ve cursed her. What kind of person says that? Only women can be the pretty puppets so men objectify them?! Ugh such a waste.

It’s the reason you’re leaving Jedburgh.. and the reason you’ll never return. You don’t want to marry some rich guy just to sit around and pop out children. Why couldn’t you travel? Why couldn’t you attend university? Why couldn’t you…  be you ?

Those were questions you didn’t get answers for… you felt alone. So you left home to be alone… honestly being alone was better than feeling it.

The bike ride may be long but you’d keep going till you reach the place you were meant to be. The golden embers of Jedburgh had faded over the years and was more of beige/brown colors.

You rung your bell as people who passed by, the women nodding and men tipping their hats. You didn’t look like you were running away, just simply enjoying a bike ride… to the ends of town. Where you struggled to get over the bridge but you looked over the small town before descending.

Riding through the tall grove of trees, passing small homes where pets or children were in the yard. A few houses elderly people who waved at you once you rung the bell. It was like you wanted people to notice you going off, it’s not like anyone would follow you anyway.

You kept biking and biking, being wary of your ruffles and the bike wheels. The ground started to change and more buildings were present in your view.

Off to the side was a sign painted nicely saying ‘welcome to Swindmore,’ you smiled in relief. You had made it.

The town didn’t look full or empty, officer roaming while swinging their clubs to look cool. A few teenagers walking from shop to shop, a priest greeting elderly outside the church. They all looked so happy.

The streets were more brick like, the buildings stood firm with signs labeling them, white fences around parks or street lights. Passing by a bakery smelling like rich bread, a courthouse, a tiny theater, and a new inn.

You decided to take a stop to rest your sore legs, the bike ride was longer than you wanted it. You climbed off with a huff and dusted your dress down, grabbing the basket before heading into the inn.

The doors felt so newly painted, they didn’t creak and held no chips. A friendly looking man behind the counter, twirling his very barber like mustache. It curled at the ends while he flipped through some book.

You eased up to the counter and spoke in a low manner, “Good evening sir.” He jumped back holding his chest, you flinched but smiled as an apology.

“Sorry I thought you would’ve heard me..”

He takes a deep breath to calm himself down, “Sorry these ears are full of hair! I need to clip them one day or I’ll be stolen from.. again.” His voice wasn’t what you were expecting. Maybe some high pitched, Italian guy but it was very deep.

“Oh.. well I came to ask a question sir.”

“Oh dear call me Tae! I sound even older being called sir.”

You giggled behind your gloved hand, you reached into the basket and pull out a slightly torn photo of a house. “I’ve bought a home here but don’t know exactly where it is. May you help me?” He hummed and looked to the photo.

His face went though so many emotions that you could only name confused, distraught, horrified then back calm. He blinked a few times before scratching under his chin, “I can’t believe they were still selling this place…usually the dumb.. I mean uh… non native people came for it.”

You ignored the slick comment and mentioned that you moved away from home. “I’m starting new and it was all I could afford.” His eyes read pity as he flipped the photo over. He talked and wrote down exactly where to go and you couldn’t miss it.

“Be safe little one and come back anytime!”

You waved him goodbye as you left the inn, you climbed back onto your back and rode off down the street. The homes were Victorian, each with intricate roofs with little fences on top. Some held gardens and all were block with short black fences. You slowed to see a man hitting a just sold sign into the green of a tea green home.

This was your home. You rung the bell and it startled the man but he waved seeing you bike closer. “Ah welcome, are you miss Walsham by any chance?” He held an English accent but you nodded.

“Ah welcome to your new home! Let’s take a look inside shall we?”

You left the bike by the fence and admired the outside of the hole. The window and columns were Jade green, the curtains white and designed with various lace.

The foyer was tight, deep brown set of stairs to your left and many old photos were up. A tiny bench by the stairs with a sewn pillow on it, the living area was to the right through the brown archway.

There was a Astoria grand loveseat that looked mighty comfy, two accent chairs in the jazmin velvet color with throw pillows. A petite ottoman next to the old gramophone, the rug was wide and an archer lane Macarro.

Above the fireplace held a small clock and the tall French designed mirror, the window to the left with opened blue curtains and more frames of random people. He led you to the very green colored kitchen that matched the outside.

All the high up cabinets had windows to see the plates, bowls, and cups. A rack for special China over the black sink, clear jars for sugar and such, and an island with a basket of real flowers.

The rank over that held bronze pots and pans, the oven behind it had more pots underneath and a cup holding wooden instruments for cooking. A slide door for the dining area that was a small a rounded table for 4 people.

It was the perfect kitchen with a great view of the background and, “Is that a greenhouse?!” You shouted giving the agent a scare. “Why yes! It hasn’t been used in so long but there is a key.”

He reached in his pocket and handed you the key that was even shaped like a flower you never seen before. It was more like a conservatory, it was big and made of black steel.

It held a mini hallway leading to an area you could sit in and play piano, a wider space with another gramophone for dancing or something. The glass windows giving the area so much sunlight on the various greenery, it made you feel so welcomed. You left the room and the man showed you around the upstairs.

“This is the main bedroom and there is another that houses a bed as well.”

Most of the house was decorated in greens, bronze, and browns. The space felt wide enough for you to freely move around, an antique cabinet in the corner by the white fireplace.

The bed was a queen sized English Charles the second bed canopy, the green and black curtains were tied to the golden posts. A French belle accent chair to the right of the bed and another by the cabinet. Another Macarro rug under the bed and an old world blanket on the bed.

The space was so comfortable that you placed your basket on the bed to claim it. You were showed there second room which was smaller for a child or preteen.

A Cherry wood frame but not as exquisite as yours, a copper grove rug covered most of the wooden floor. Another accent chair with its own end table, the curtains covered the triple rectangular windows.

Frames of two young boys on the walls, both had black hair but didn’t look so similar. “Was this home owned by anyone before me?” You asked the agent who raised his brows. The place held too many frames for it to be this “new.”

“Well uh… it was a very long time ago when they did. My great grandfather had sold them this house and… they went missing shortly after.”

You didn’t like the way his tone felt so… somber… like it emotionally hurt him. You gave him the money in a satchel and thanked him for the home. He handed over the keys and wished you the very best before being on his way.

You looked at the paintings once more and hummed, “Time to spruce this place on up.” You went into your home to change into a more comfier dress and kept your hair in a neatly done bun.

Shopping would happen later as you swept the floors, rewashed the dishes, and placed things in the order you needed it to be. The frames on the 1st floor caught your eye, one was a man with slender eyes and short black hair.

You squinted at the signature in the corner of the frame, “Hmm Park Zirrud… that’s an odd name there sir.” You chuckled as you fairly bowed to the frame then walked away to continue cleaning.

The whole evening to night was spent cleaning that you realized supper was never made. You and Nella were the ones who cooked dinner at 6pm everyday before the men arrived home.

Well… Greg. You hated it but grew so accustomed to it that once the clock stroke 12, you made your way downstairs. You had picked up the ends of your dress to hurry down but found the fridge empty.. of course you didn’t get to shop.

“Stupid! Ugh I hope there’s an open market somewhere.”

You rushed back upstairs to change into a more suited dress, the high neckline with sleeves and an laced front. The corset was a light brown matching the sides of the skirt, the fabric underneath was fluffy and white. Your hair stayed in the bun as you hurried out and to your bike.

Hopping on and riding away to the market hoping you would find something open… while they quietly watched you leave.

Sitting on the roof of the home was a man… a man who was invisible to the world around him. His knees pressed up to his chest where his elbows perched up and held his head. He looked down and out, while his other set of arms held onto the roof ridge.

Yup… his other set of arms, he wasn’t some hybrid but definitely a mixture of something. Not wicked but something many were in fear of… he was a spider.

He sat on the roof letting the moon gaze upon his golden skin, his siren like eyes watched over the young woman who left his home. “Another owner… wonder how long it’ll take for this one.” He whispers to himself before standing.

He groans as he sinks in his extra arms and hops down the chimney, the house looked the same with his family frames up. The exact family who left him alone… he hated it more than anything.

The home that he was once raised in…was the house he may forever live in. You can’t say he died but disappeared… after he turned 23, no one could see anymore.

Some have but he was only screamed at and ran away, being some freak thing in their attic. It was his… a place he kept secret from any owner that dropped by. He’d run them away, finding small ways to scare them until they never came back.

It had been more than 20 years and some returned, a young woman who looked too happy to be here. There was no one else with her, so the man walked around the home to see who she was. His heeled boots clicking the wooden floors that were polished, he’d find a way to apologize.

His hands in his pockets as he strolled the floors, entering the room that his parents once slept in. The place he’d run to for safety during thunderstorms, when his younger brother would cry out Hail Mary.

He shivered as his hand went to touch the mattress, he trembled like it was cold and there he was again. Back in that tiny attic where he barely had space, a nice corner for his spider webs to be laid. He sighed as he laid back on that lonely web… in the area that no one could find him.

Then again, he was hard to miss if you could actually see him. He was 8’0 at most and wore an eggplant purple suit, styled dark black hair, and the most beautiful man you could’ve seen.

In his… well alive days, women and men either wanted him or wanted to be him. They could do neither but they tried, dates happened consistently but no one peaked his interest. Or they’d scream their heads off once introduced to his family then the ritual had to start.

The one thing he never wished he was apart of… it’s one reason he didn’t like his kind and wanted to keep away from humans. Once he brought an love interest who wasn’t similar to him or at least of some species… the webbing ritual would occur. He didn’t even want to explain what it was.

So he sat in that lonely attic, looking out the tiny window that showed the moon as he heard the front door slam. You were back home, he didn’t even know you were there until he heard plates and things crashing. Found out you were cleaning which was smart.

Those utensils hadn’t been used in over 100 years, he can’t believe anyone even came back. Didn’t they call the house cursed and warned people away? Or maybe you were just as desperate as he was. Longing for something new… to get out of something horrid.

You huffed after you left the Olsen market, your arms cluttered with bags as you walked into the home. You shut the door with your foot and didn’t bother locking it… but it later did anyway.

You bought various meats, fruits, and veggies in one store! Even you couldn’t believe you got such a great deal at one place, back home it took 5 different stops.

Ugh… that wasn’t home anymore. Just a town where you were forced into things you didn’t agree with. This was home now and you would learn to accept it, even if it felt older than you were told.

You placed everything away correctly and even organized it… you had that itch to just do so. You huffed as you undid the corset, thankfully it was just buttons and not the ones you were taught to use. Those strings were deadly and crushed your ribs too many times to count.

The next few days were about getting used to the town and looking for a job. You had finished unpacking and pulled out the one thing you kept close… a photo frame of you, your mom and dad, and 3 brothers. Your mother was pregnant with Nella at the time.

Everyone stood straight; you and your mom wore the same styled dress with similar colors of purple and white, you dad matching your brothers with the same informal suits. Everyone looked so happy with big smiles on their face… then the accident happened.

You remember that night of your mom and dad arguing.. again. He was going away for a few weeks which meant Nella’s birth would’ve been missed anyway. He’d bring back so much money but the disease outbreak struck while they were asleep.

The natives knew how to keep safe and even tried stopping his crew but they didn’t listen. You wished he did… maybe your mom wouldn’t have lost her senses. Maybe your sister would know a better dad besides Greg… maybe you’d have a better support system.

You held onto the frame, pressing it to your heart feeling it skip a beat. You knew things happened for a reason but what was this for? You didn’t receive a single good thing besides the new home… but what was to come of this?

Would you become rich? Meet some guy who understood you? Maybe attend college for once… you didn’t know… but wish you did. “Come on Elmira! You’re gonna get a job and find a way to live!”

You nodded with new determination, placing the frame in your little carrying basket and walked out of the home. The white and mint green plaid dress was more light and you didn’t feel constricted.

You made sure the little bow was tied up neatly and centered, your hair was down and slightly curled. You hopped onto the bike and rode off down the road back into town, it was more people out who all looked so pleased with life.

School bells were ringing, a few people attending court, and the shops were all filled with various shoppers. You stopped at the inn and saw Tae speaking to a male with a very… bright colored suit.

“Ah little lady you’ve come back! Need to somewhere to stay or an old pal?”

He twirled the mustache making you chuckle, he still thought you’d leave the house for some reason. “No Tae, I’m actually looking for work.”

Tae hummed and looked under his desk, he popped back up with a newspaper and hitting his head. “There should be some openings. Most is factory work or farming but you may find something you like.”

He handed the paper over and it was already on the hiring page, a few were marked over in pen like someone didn’t want those to be shown. You saw factories, farms, an old garden that needed to be tweaked, and one at a medicine store for stocking.

The owner had a name that sounded too… noticeable. “Hey who’s Park Sujung?” Tae had visibly tensed, he tapped on the counter while the gears in his head turned. You figured he was thinking of a lie so you flipped the conversation.

“I’ll probably head to that garden, medicine doesn’t fit me.”

“Haha! Of course, gardening sounds nice. Hope you get the job and come see me again if you can.”

You knew the laugh was fake cause it sounded higher than his actual tone. He was an animated guy so the hardy laugh came out forced. You nodded to Tae then left the inn… you’d head straight to that pharmacy. The exalted elf… definitely a weird name for a place that sold medicine and diapers.

The inside was oak and grain, shelves of different medicines you never heard of. Little jars of liquids and powders, the diapers you thought of, and the front desk had bigger jars of lollipops for kids.

You looked around the place but didn’t see a single employee though the shop was open. You saw a tiny bell that was oddly shaped like a spider, you tapped it but it didn’t ring. “Hmm it looks new though.”

The bell was shiny and didn’t have a single crack, you kept pressing the button until you heard something crunching like a bag of bones. You cringed at the sound and heard a light cough before a woman appeared. She was putting her white coat on and fixed her glasses before approaching the desk with a painted smile.

“Hello sweetie how may I help you?”

You blinked at the strong accent she carried, she looked nice and sounded so gentle. “Uh… I checked the paper and see you were hiring for someone to stock?” She gasped and clapped her hands, you noticed how sharp her nails were.

“Finally I was hoping someone would drop by! I tend to get boxes in but I never have time to stock myself. When can you start?”

You told her that same day but she told you tomorrow would be good. But she did give minimal training on where to grab boxes, how to stock, and what to do if customers asked for certain items.

You could see she was very quick on feet, she moved so silently but could walk around the place 3x with one blink. You were surprised her nails didn’t break though her clothing, it didn’t even scratch her own skin that looked pretty tough.

“Well that’s about it! Anything you’d like to ask your new boss?”

Her name was Sujung and she was married into the infamous Park family that lived there for centuries. You remember the frame on the wall and thought she’d knew who it was.

“Did you know a Park Zirrud?”

She stopped smiling as she looked at you with great fear in her eyes, she grabbed your arms pretty tight and looked into your soul damn near.

“How do you know that name?” She squinted while sounding suspicious.

“Uhh I moved not too long ago and there’s a bunch of picture frames… one of them had his name on it.”

Sujung squeezed your arms before letting go, it seemed like she knew him but wouldn’t exactly say. “Ahem I have a meeting to indeed so I’ll see you tomorrow okay!” She smiles so wide that you wore some of her teeth looked pointy?

She must’ve noticed as she closed her lips, she hurried to usher you out and locked the door. She waved before closing the sign and turned away, she went into the back room so quick and closed that door as well.

“Okay… that was weird.”

You shook it off and decided to bike around town to waste time… and shake off the nerves of your new but odd boss.

But at the home, sat a very bored man in his still fresh purple suit. He adjusted the little pieces of hair on his forehead but they barely got out of place.

He grunted and left them alone, he sat on the steps looking at the frames… he remembered every single person on those walls. “Hey uncle Ilsong… tell my mother I love her… even if she’s gone back home.”

He sighed as his chest felt empty, he reached into his left pocket where his tiny cursed treasure stayed. It was an old locket… on the inside was a tiny paper with 3 letters written to form a very important word he couldn’t see.

It looked like an old time watch before they made ones that are big enough to see the actual time. Also one you didn’t necessarily have to carry in your pocket.

His thumb rubs over the little thing, he kept it close cause every time it opened an old memory would be surfaced. The main reason he was in this predicament anyway… and the reason his ego wouldn’t let it go.

The man was so deep into the locket that he didn’t hear the door opening and close… but he did hear,

“Ahh who the fuck are you?!”

He flinched and looked around, there you were clutching your basket and he sat there looked dumbfounded. Neither of you moved so you questioned him again.

“Are you gonna sit there and look dumb all evening?”

He blinks again and looks at his clothing, you thought it was odd and was shocked no one saw him enter. He had long ass legs and wore a purple suit… he really couldn’t hide behind much.

“You… you can see me?”

“Well yeah I can mister. So what are you in my home?”

You could see him. You actually could see him! He started to hyperventilate and jumped up from the stairs, you flinched as his head was too close to the ceiling. He jumped down and the size difference was way too noticeable, he was like the slender man… but handsome… and had an actual face.

“Be careful before you knock yourself out..”

“You can actually see me oh my gosh! I can’t believe this… haha dad! Eat that in your shitty dirt hole!”

You squinted at the male as he went to the frame you saw before and threw the middle finger. “That’s very rude to your father you know?” He stopped his actions and saw how serious you were.. you obviously didn’t play around with that.

“Well for a man who stopped respecting me, I’m doing the same.”

You hummed, the sudden fear had dropped down. If the man actually wanted to steal or kill then he would’ve done so. “Up for some tea mister purple giant?”

He agreed and followed you to the kitchen… wait.. you weren’t scared of him? Did he not look scary? Then again seeing a very tall man with golden skin, black hair with bangs curled over his siren like eyes, and plump pink doll lips in a purple suit wasn’t that scary.

It was actually nice noticing the man would be interested on breaking into your home.. let alone talking to you.

“So mister purple giant! Why are you here and what all have you snatched?”

Your eyes skimmed his long but fit body, “Which wasn’t much.” You mumbled while handing him the tea. He slowly grabbed it and winced like the cup was scolding him.

“Is it that hot? Maybe I got used to grabbing the handle bars?”

He shook his head, “Sorry uh… I’m not so easy with handling small things.” You did notice the cup looking like a dolls cup in his hands. They seemed small to him but very large to you.

“Oh well that’s fine, I won’t really care if they break.. then again someone else might.”

The man hums while sipping the tea, he tries to look as normal as he can while sipping it. Instead you looked worried and wanted to giggle, he even stuck his pinkies out to look proper.

You snorted, “If you didn’t like tea you could’ve said no to me.” He waves his hand and sets the cup down. He starts to clear his throat so you quickly made him water and gave him the glass.

You watched as he chugged it down and the pinkness in his cheeks gave that he was embarrassed. “Sorry.. not a big fan of green tea. More of a… coffee person.”

You ah’ed but didn’t have any coffee makers so he stuck to water. Someone would’ve called you crazy for talking to this strange man in your home but he was very nice.

He looked at the clock and sighed, he fixed his jacket and stood up to do his usual routine. “Hey mister giant where are you going?” You called out but he didn’t listen, he kept walking towards your room.

Since he was so tall, it didn’t take that many steps to reach. He closed the door as you sped walked down the hall, “Excuse.. me?” You had opened the door but he was gone. You checked behind doors and the windows couldn’t open… so where he go?

“Mister purple giant! Hello?! I hope I didn’t scare you off..”

You even looked under the bed but nothing… you eventually shrugged it off and did your routine for bed. Meanwhile he sighed hearing you call for him as he laid back on his web. Though you could see him… he still felt so alone.

He was tied to that attic for his own selfishness… looking at his locket before stuffing in his pocket and falling into a long deep slumber.

The next day was your first to start working, you still felt so odd about the man you spoke to yesterday. Was it a dream or did you actually talk with someone who broke in?

Either way he seemed like a nice guy and you hoped to see him again. You dressed in a sage green dress with puffy sleeves and the white apron like fabric on top. It was laced around and the waist section cut out in hearts and teapot shapes.

You grabbed your basket but not before kissing the frame, you’d head out to work and randomly shouted. “I hope to see you again purple giant!” You oddly heard a thump above your head, maybe he slept in some hidden attic you thought.

It was silly but you giggled and headed off to work… but who would know you were actually right? The man can’t believed he smile as he heard you, he stomped his foot on the ground as a response to you.

Peeping out the window behind his head to see you smiling and getting onto your bike. “So cute… if only I wasn’t so stubborn.” He whispered before finding something to do, including stretching his other limbs out to relax.

He did it once a week to remember what he actually was… the 4 arms sprouted from his sides and the tiny slits under his own eyes opened giving him split sight.

His teeth had sharpened while he chewed on a random stick from the beam, “Another stick to chew till I spit out webs again… ugh.” He cringed at what his own body did, some days he hated being part spider and now an ever-aging spirit.

You on the other hand, was headed to work to officially start with the boss who was quick walking and weird. You entered the store but was met with a guy wearing a hoodie under his white coat.

“Oh welcome to the exalted elf, how can I help?”

Hmm maybe they didn’t receive customers like that. “I’m the new employee, name’s Elmira.” He hums and does a bow, he almost looked like Sujung but even that sounded bad. “I’m Jihyun. It’s nice to have someone else working here.”

You almost noticed a similarity between he and the purple giant, their eyes were both slender with that dark brown color. Except his cheeks weren’t as chubby and his hair was shorter, plus he looked more shy.

You worked the entire day with him on your mind, wondering if he’d actually steal this time or be on those steps once you got back. You literally met him once and already smitten.. he could’ve been a serial killer or something.

Yet you’re still alive and that was probably him responding last night. You just wondered where did he go last night? How did he vanish so quickly and quiet? Maybe he’s like Sujung and quick on his feet.

“Hey Missy! Have you seen Jihyun around?”

Looking up to face some tall ass person wearing a mask covering their faces and their eyes were a sage green. They looked the height of him but mysterious… well shady.

“Uhm Jihyun! Someone’s looking for you!”

Surprisingly, he didn’t see the man as he was taller than the shelves. But when Jihyun approached… he was just a foot shorter which scared you. Why were they so tall or maybe you were just tiny?

Well that’s if you can count 5’6 as tiny but they looked well over 7’0. The men gave each other these distinct glances before Jihyun escorted the man to the back room. You kept sweeping but got closer to the desk to see if you could make out anything.

It was slow, slurred whispers between them and the disgusting sounds of bones crunching and cracking. But there wasn’t any sound of pain from anyone. You tried to peek through the window and got a glimpse of a shadow, the taller man had 4 fucking arms?!

“What the fuck?!”

You accidentally shouted as your broom dropped, they heard it and turned towards the door. You quickly picked it up and went back to sweeping.. hoping your perplexed face wasn’t sweating.

The two men hummed and grunted before the tallest left the store, you didn’t hear Jihyun as he came up behind you. “Miss Walsham. May we have a word?”

You noddded and followed him into the back room, it was pretty warm in the room but nothing cooler or hotter. Though you looked like you were standing in a steamy mist for an hour.

“Miss Walsham… you came from Jedburgh am I correct?”

Another nod, “Yes I came here on my own.” Your shaky hands crossed in your lap as he looked you over. His eyes were sage green like the other man.

“Do you happen to live in the old Park home?”

“The Who?”

He sighed and perched his glasses up on his nose, “The green home. It had a conservatory in the backyard, you probably see frames of previous owners on the walls.” That’s when you got it.. he was speaking of the house you lived in. Maybe he knew the purple giant.

“Ohh of course! I do why sir?”

“Well my last name is Park… the home belonged to my uh… very late family.”

You oh’d and nodded to him but had no clue on what to say. So you ask, “Is there a problem sir?” He shakes his head with a nervous chuckle, the look of shame written all over him.

“I just uh…need  to get some things out of the attic. Just some old boxes you probably wouldn’t want!”

You blinked a few times. You may not have been there long but you never even see the attic. Though the purple giant could’ve been there but you haven’t found any route to actually reach it.

Jihyun looked impatient as you sat there thinking, really considering if you wanted him to come there. It may have been his old home but it still felt weird for him to be there.

“Uhm come around 8 o’clock… I wouldn’t want you to see all of the mess I’ve made haha.”

You deeply hoped he couldn’t tell you were lying but he simply nodded and let you leave early. You hopped on your bike and ignored the same tall man standing by a lamppost… but everyone else didn’t notice him there??

Shaking your head, you hurried home and hoped the gentle giant would out of his hiding spot.

You slammed the door scaring the man who came from the kitchen, an odd plant in his hand that looked like some spider.

They were in some black vase and the stems were long and green, the flower itself was red and had parts of it curled up and out like spider legs.

The man simply smiled and did a shy wave, “Welcome back owner!” You smiled but remembered tonight. “Mister purple giant! You’re gonna need a new hiding spot because an old owner is visiting here tonight.” His eyes flashed something but it was too quick to process.

“Were there going to the attic by any chance?”

You nod and he cussed in some language you couldn’t understand, “Fuck! What did he look like?” You went to explain Jihyun and the giant placed his plant down before grabbing you by the arm.

Though he rushed you up the stairs, the hold on you didn’t feel tight.. a little too light honestly. He took you into the small room and pointed to the bottom frame of a little boy not smiling.

“Did it look like him.. just older.. last name Park?”

“Yeah! His name is Park Jihyun!”

The purple giant groaned and kicked at the foot of the bed, you flinched and he apologized for the tiny outburst. “There’s a lot you don’t know little one… it’ll be best if you don’t either.” You were confused as he looked back to the frames.

He looked so empty as he stared at them, so you looked to the frames and saw the names written in cursive. Park Jihyun and Park Jimin. The one on top looked exactly like the giant; the slender eyes, less puffy cheeks, and those beautiful plump lips.

You looked between them and that’s when he nodded slowly, “Might as well formally introduce myself… My name is Park Jimin… the son of Park Zirrud and Irza… and Jihyun is my younger brother.” So the first frame you saw… was his dad?! But the photos looked too old to date.

“Well… nice to meet you Jimin! I’m Elmira Walsham.”

You smiled brightly and stuck your hand out, he couldn’t believe it and shook it back. “You’re something else little one… shouldn’t you be afraid of someone like me?” You shrugged your shoulders cause he still hasn’t hurt or killed you.

“It’s weird that you live in my attic that I haven’t seen before but you haven’t hurt me.”

“But I will..” he whispered something you couldn’t make out but switched the conversation. “When Jihyun arrives let him look around but I’ll hide somewhere else. Act like you never seen me before.”

You lifted your hand and crossed your heart with the other, “I promise.”

You put on a more rose pink dress with tiny flower patterns, your hair in a bun, and cookies in the oven. You took a deep whiff of the peanut butter cookies before a knock came to the door. You went to it and there was Jihyun with a tight warm smile.

“So sorry I’m a little early, I didn’t want to take up much of your night.”

“Oh that’s fine! I also made cookies if you’d want some.”

He thanked you but set up the stairs, you ran to the kitchen but felt an odd hold on you to turn around and follow the guy. ‘Follow him, I turned it off.’ You could hear Jimin whispering in your ear which scared the living daylights out of you but listened.

Jihyun had walked into your home and was feeling over the walls, he made a happy noise as he pushed his nails into the wallpaper and pulled. You gawked at a small door opening, you stepped closer as he began to walk up.

The stairs wood looked old and beat up, the walls were shallow so the fit would’ve been complicated for anyone to go through. The steps creaked under your shoes as you reached the attic, it felt so stuffy but there wasn’t a single box in it.

His mouth twisted around while his eyes scanned the entire space, he went in a tight corner but didn’t see anything. “I guess your family cleaned this place out before leaving.” You suggested but he turned back and his eyes were a dark brown color.

“You didn’t know this attic existed?”

You truthfully shook your head, you especially didn’t figure it to be in your room. “Have you seen anyone here? Maybe they spoke to you in some form… preferably wore a noticeable suit?” You knew he meant Jimin but you quickly shook your head.

“If I saw someone in such a color then I wouldn’t have missed em’ haha.”

He fake laughed along with you, maybe you were just as naive as he thought. He bowed and you awkwardly did it back, “Ah so sorry! It’s apart of my culture that a lot of westerns don’t understand.” You hummed and led him out of the tight squeezed attic.

He was pushing the door closed and you noticed those heeled black shoes on the steps. The door was closed before you could get any reaction, “Thanks for letting me look and so sorry for the interruption.”

You didn’t talk much but he did take a cookie before going, you didn’t even realize the pan was on instead of in the stove. Once you looked the door, light steps made their way around the corner.

“Finally he’s gone! So glad I cleaned up before he came.”

You crossed your arms and turned to Jimin, that exact purple suit as he chewed on an apple. It looked a bit sparkly and pale, not so bright from the garden.

“How do you move so quick? Then you’re super quiet… you wear the same suit but don’t have a smell.. you were able to whisper in my head and now eating a translucent ass apple! Just who the hell are you Jimin?!”

The taller just blinked, he tossed the apple down but it faded into particles like sprinkles. You were amazed by it and slid your foot where it landed, it had gone away.

“I’m not normal Elmira… but you don’t what to know what I truly am.. it’ll haunt you if you knew.”

“It didn’t haunt me to find you on my steps did it?”

He blinked and walked closer to you, you felt the need to cower cause of his height. He slowly bent down to look in your eyes, you watched as the nut black shade switched to those sage green ones then back to black.

Your jaw dropped a bit but Jimin used his index finger to push it back. “We.. are different. My family isn’t dead but they moved around. Only Jihyun and his wife Sojung stay here to watch over this house.” Ah, so that’s what she meant by married into the family.

“Why are they so concerned with this place? Why are they worried about you?”

He lightly chuckled, he leaned in to press his lips to your forehead before moving back. “They aren’t worried… they want me gone before I can come back.” His words slowly fading and you tried to reach but it went through his body.

“But Jimin what does that mean? Jimin… Jimin.. Jimin!”

The last you reached for him, you had fallen to the floor. You felt an overwhelming feeling to just cry it all out. Laying on the ground, letting the tears roll down your cheeks… as he watched with an deep ache in his chest.

He could hear your cries, the slow dragging of your feet, and the bed creaking under your weight. He laid there on his remade web… wishing he could apologize, deeply hoping that one day he could hold you in his arms.

Comfort you the way you needed it… but he can’t. Jimin grabs the locket from his pocket, a single tear sliding down his cheek. He took a shuddering breath and batted his eyes to stop the flow of tears.

Why did he feel so much for you? An ache worse than the normal to keep you happy and smiling. But the one thing he held on… he just couldn’t let go… but now there was someone else.. he couldn’t let go of either.

Those next few days were… tough for you. It felt so different from the rest, you were consistently busy from the big rush hour of customers. The shop hasn’t received this much attention in so long.

You would work, work, work then go home to just sleep. Didn’t even feel the energy to cook or eat. Your feet would be sore and dresses were getting old, some days you forgot about laundry.

Once Sunday reached you felt grateful, it was an off day and you could clean all you want. You were so busy that you didn’t notice… that Jimin was missing.

He probably stayed in the attic so long that it was normal to be there for some days. But you were there now and so used to his presence… that him being gone made you feel a yearning.

You put on a simple black dress so if you got dirty it wouldn’t show as much, you’d be walking through the garden… and a creepy ass forest. You grabbed the bucket pass the garden and into the thick dead trees. You were going to find the old well.

It was a part of your owned land which was already paid off of, so you just had to walk a mile in then out. You knew it was only one pump well where you could get fresh water from so you can wash.

The darkness had engulfed you but the top of the twisting trees had sunlight shining through it. A few leaves hung from the trees as the old path led you deeper and deeper into the forest.

You felt a cool shiver down your back as you finally reached the well, you thanked the heavens and rushed to it. You pumped enough water into your bucket but heard something rattling in the trees.

You did a quick look around but saw nothing, “It’s okay Elmira just some wild squirrels or something!” You tried telling yourself as you kept pumping till the bucket was full enough.

“Starts with an S but not a squirrel my dear.”

You gasped at the sultry feminine voice, you turned to see a woman being held up by a thick spider web. It looked way too large to be from some average spider or tarantula. “What… what the hell..”

She smiles and some of the strings helps her down, her dress is similar to yours and all black but it fitted her body frame. “Now why is such a beautiful little thing like you are in these woods?”

You could ask her the same.. leaving out the little part as she stood over 6’5. “I.. I uh.. needed water!” She chuckled as she slowly made steps toward you. You tried to back away but bumped into a taller frame.

Turning slowly, you looked up and those green eyes sparkled. They were giant but not in the purple suit..it was the man from the store. “Getting water from our well? You must be the new home owner Jihyun spoke about?” You processed what was going on and saw part of his face in the light.

It was Zirrud. You were shaking as the air felt colder around you, clutching the bucket for dear life. “Yeah.. he.. he’s my boss at work.” They nodded and stepped so quickly to each other, their hands lacing together.

“Sweetie you shouldn’t be here… didn’t someone tell you not to come in these woods?”

You shook your head. You wanted to back away but your back was touching the well as they kept stepping closer. You could see two slits under the woman’s eyes opening up… there were more eyes?!

You cringed at the sight and the man leaned closer but he held two more slits than her. He smiled so large that you couldn’t miss his fangs glinting from the peaks of sun. “Well… dinner is usually served at this time… bottoms up.”

You let out the loudest scream you could as you threw up the water bucket. They shouted in pain and tried to scramble away, you started to take off but another person dropped from the trees.

It was Jihyun with 8 eyes, fangs were long, and he made crackling noises from his fist as he stepped closer. “Hello… you don’t mind if we take the house back for a while do you?”

Your heart accelerating, you were surrounded by these… these weird people. Tears forming in your eyes as you hugged the bucket..

“We actually do mind.”

Your eyes widen. You looked behind Jihyun… and in that purple suit… was your mister purple giant.

“Jimin!”

He smiled and cracked his neck, “Close your eyes little one… gonna be messy.”

You listened to him as the immediate sounds of bones crunching made you tremble. There was hissing, swooshing, grunts and words thrown in a different language. You heard the woman scream and a loud breaking sound, you kept your eyes closed and held that bucket like a child.

You were squatting down as the sounds kept going until birds flew from the trees and everything went silent. You heard more grunting and cracking before a thump hit the ground. It’s when you opened your eyes to see that Jimin was injured.

“Oh my god Jimin!” You threw the bucket and ran to him, he looked weak and blood patched on his sides. You smacked his face as his head rolled around slowly, “Focus on me Jimin… you’ll be fine… just stay with me… please stay with me.”

The last thing he heard was your weak voice cracking before the darkness filled his sight.

“Mm..”

You snapped up from the chair to look at the small bed, it took some time but you were able to do it. You blinked the slumber away as you looked at the balled up man under the sheets.

“Ugh… hurts.”

You rushed over and grabbed a washcloth from the bin, the water was still warm as you squeezed it out. “Don’t move so much Jimin.. your sides were injured from.. earlier.” You thought he wouldn’t want that brought up.

He flutters his lashes as his weak sage eyes looks into yours, he watches as you check his bandages to change them.

“Think you can sit up for me?”

Jimin nods and pushes himself up while you grabbed a small knife. You cut at the bandages to reveal the wound marks… and his very toned chest and stomach.

He had a glistening 6 pack as you rubbed the water and liquid medicine mixture on the wounds. He didn’t even flinch while you leaned over him, just silently watched in admiration.

“Thanks for helping me… no one’s really done that before.”

“It’s cause I care. Most of these sick twisted humans don’t.”

He chuckled heavily, “Even my kind doesn’t.” You finished wrapping his waist and that’s when he randomly slapped himself! “Ah Jimin what the hell?!”

He touched his waist then looked under the sheets.. his purple suit actually came off! “Where’s my suit?! What.. where… how did you get it off of me?”

You blinked cause it was pretty simple after taking out some locket from his pants. “I was able to grab this little thing from your pockets.. then your suit just vanished.” You said softly.

He grabs it and you flinched back seeing that his suit was halfway on, the jacket was off due to his bandages. He scrunched his brows as he looked towards you… were you the answer this whole time?

“Take this back.”

“Um okay?”

You grabbed the locket and his pants were changed to boxers, you looked away not wanting to see anything you shouldn’t. “I guess it’s time to come out about it… haha I think I found the way to break this bullshit.”

He takes a deep breath and you pointed to the edge of the bed blindly. “There are some clothes for you. I’ll come back in once you’re done.” He hummed as you quickly left the room, the locket still in your hands.

You rocked on your heels while looking at the wall, the door opened so you turned and almost tripped on air. The white shirt with ruffles around the collar, strings to keep the little opening closed but still showed his honey skin.

The long sleeves were puffy with with ruffled cuffs, it was tucked into the high waisted navy blue pants. The waist hugged his so perfectly, the hourglass shaped showed so well in the foreign clothing.

He must’ve brushed his black hair back to show his forehead, his eyes back to its natural color. “Well… how does it look?” You caught yourself drooling over him, the man looked too good for his own self.

“It’s uhm.. you’re gorgeous.. I mean handsome.. yeah!”

He chuckled and did a very prince like bow, “Why thank you m’lady.” You giggled and did a curtsy that made him giggle back. “Let’s go to the conservatory if you won’t mind… it’ll be better and more open to talk there.”

You nodded and both of you walked to the outside garden, you sat on the couch while paced before you. He looked so nervous but you patiently waited till he was ready to speak.

“Elmira… I may look human but I am not… well half human if you could say.”

You blinked but motioned for him to keep talking. “My family… we’re spider-folk… uhh it’s hard to explain really but we’re not exactly like the usual hybrids.” He went to the shelf and pulled out a book, it was titled the legend of the spider folks.

He showed the book and you opened it, the first picture already creeped you out. “We’re spider like creatures. Half human and half spider… which is the photo you’re seeing of my well great late cousin.”

The guy was smiling while holding the head someone, his lower half was the body of an actual spider. His eyes were green like Jimin’s but he didn’t have an extra set of eyes.. unless they were closed.

You flipped another page and saw a photo of a man with 6 arms, a young boy next to him with 4 and 2 nubs under them.

“That is my grandfather and dad… he was 12 at the time and his extra arms were growing in. We have 6 eyes and arms but we still shoot out webs like the actual spider.”

You blinked and looked up to Jimin who nervously smiled, “So this is how you appear in that form?” He nodded. Referencing back to when he told you to close your eyes… but you already seen how they looked… technically.

You flipped again and dropped the book, “Yeah figured cousin Monie would scare you.. she’s actually nice though!” The thing on the book was scarier than you imagined. It was huge with sharp teeth, big red eyes, the extra limbs and it looked as massive as the house.

Monie wasn’t the kind of… spider you’d want to meet. “Nice.. ha ha yeah.” Jimin smiled and mentioned she lived back in Korea so you wouldn’t really meet her. So that must’ve been where he was from.

“Can I see you?”

He looks up with big eyes, “But you’re looking at me.” You shake your head gently.

“No Jimin.. I want to see you.”

He felt utterly nervous, he can’t count the times women have ran once they saw him. But you saw his family so maybe this wouldn’t scare you. “Okay.. just… please don’t run away from me.”

You nodded and sat back, Jimin rolled his shoulders back and groaned loudly. The shirt had ripped as arms splurged under the wound, inked words were on his wrists and by his elbows.

4 slits under his eyes opened up and they matched the sage green ones, he licked at his teeth to show his fangs. He had bent down because his stature was tall but you were accustomed to it.

He fiddled with his sharp nails while you stared at him, the silence was making him fidget as you blinked. You scooted closer to him, slowly reaching your hand out to softly caress his face.

He sighed and laid his cheek to your hand, all 6 eyes blinking slowly as if he was some cat. You did the most bold thing in your life, besides running away, and leaned in to press your lips against his.

Jimin gasped in the kiss but his heart made a steady upbeat as he kissed you back. His hand coming up to wrap around around your nape pulling you closer… is this what was meant to happen?

Kissing this beautiful man with more limbs and eyes than a human… feeling your heart rate match the pace of his. Slowly being entangled into his arms as he hugs you tight.. it felt so warm and comfortable.

You separated to get a breath in, he looked into your eyes and you looked at all of his. Both of you smiling like teens who’ve had your first kiss.. cause it was that. You never kissed anyone and he was too afraid. But not anymore… as he had you.

“I’m cursed Elmira… that locket is the why… it belonged to someone I loved but.. they didn’t feel that way towards me.”

He eyes looked down as you hugged him close, letting him lay over your chest to hear your heart pitter patter.

“It was like a love curse… I’d be stuck as this spirit thing until my true love opens it… I was too afraid and couldn’t do it.”

You kissed his forehead as he looked up, you even pecked over each eyelid. “May I open it Jimin? Hehe I don’t think I can go another night of you disappearing to that lonely attic.” He sighed a shudder but nodded… maybe this was it? Maybe this could break it all along.

You looked down to the locket, slowly pressing the little button and opening it. Both of you gasped to see the inside of the clock but this time, on the inside lid was a paper and the letter formed the word.

Both of you saying it unison, “You.” A chime rung in your eyes and a bright light shines. You cover your eyes but the feel of Jimin’s arms around you had faded away. You started to panic and reach around for him but couldn’t feel him anymore.

“Jimin?! Jimin!”

The chime came again and the light went away, you blinked a few times and the clock actually started ticking. You looked around… but Jimin was gone.

“Jimin? Don’t play around with me… I don’t like jokes this time!”

You looked around the garden and all the flowers had changed. They were like the spider flowers you seen Jimin holding, a lid was named ‘Red spider lily.’ They were beautiful and matched the creatures though some may be afraid of it.

You went back into the home and looked everywhere… even searched the closet where you found all the boxes. And a empty large spider web in the corner.. it must’ve been his bed.

Each box held things from his past like old clothes, toys, frames, and such. You looked over his baby photos, seeing his fangs grow in, and the little nubs on his sides that made you coo.. yet cry.

He wasn’t here… you hoped this curse breaking would’ve kept him but it didn’t. You sighed and closed the boxes but kept the locket in your hand, you had left the attic and went to lay in bed.

“Wherever you are… I hope you’re safe… but I miss you already.”

Tears falling down your cheeks as you whispered to yourself, “Please.. please come back to me my mister giant.” You clasped your hand around the locket. Turning over before you softly cried yourself to sleep… wishing for the one you loved to return.

Months. Not hours, not days, and many weeks had gone by. Jihyun and Sojung were gone and some old man ran the store now. You went to quit and just hoped Tae had an offering for you, thankfully he did.

The inn was getting a makeover and he had invited you to a small gathering for the grand re-opening. You dressed in your finest tea green dress with the ruffled bottom, a matching ruffled hat over your French braided pigtails.

You made sure each bow was in place and the locket… safely around your neck. You haven’t took it off and didn’t dare to, just a tiny bit of hope that Jimin would come back for you.

“Alright Miss Walsham! Let’s go and enjoy our evening for once.”

You did the mini pep talked and walked out of the home, you biked to the inn where the gathering were. Many people smiling and laughing with their family and friends. You happened to see Tae laughing with someone by the door.

He caught your eyes and waved you over, you squeezed through the crowd until you met him. “Hello Tae! The place already looks ravishing.” He squealed in happiness and hugged you tightly.

“I’m so glad you’re here to see the inside! It makes me so happy that we finally got it done.”

You wondered who’s ‘we’ was until you heard a thought clearing, “Well hello little one.” You gasped. The world around seemed to get quiet as you heard the voice, it was always like a whisper. So gentle yet made your knees wobble.

You slowly turned and in front of you was that same dark haired man, those slender black eyes, the lips you had kissed before… but not in his purple suit.

His shirt was long sleeves with lace ruffles, a king colored vest with his ruffled necklace over it. Black pants that hugged his lean legs and those dashing heeled shoes. A family crest broach with a tiny spider in the middle of the necktie.

He smiled as he grabbed your hand, bending down to place a kiss on your knuckles. “Nice to meet you little one.”

You giggled doing a little curtsey, “And it’s nice to meet you too mister giant.”

Jimin did come back for you, it took long boat rides to come from Korea back to Swindmore but he did it for you. That sweet one word that was in the locket, the thing that led to a person who was you.

The person he loved, the one he’d never let go of, and the one he’d always love… would always be you.

Swinging you around as you both danced under the moonlight, he bent down to kiss your lips again. He gently muttered in your ear as you felt more connected with him.

“You showed me colors you know I can’t see with anyone else… and for that… I’m grateful it had chosen you to free me. I will always love you Park-Walsham Elmira.”

You cupped just cheeks while staring into those eyes, “And I’ll always love you Park Jimin.”

And that’s how their story ends with the cheesiest line of happily ever after.