BLOOD ON MY SHIRT,
ROSE IN MY HAND

The Tempest is Soul City's resident
hero. He goes by the pseudonym
Tempest by night, but lives as the
normal college kid Jeon
Jeongguk during the day.

But of course, every hero
has to have a villain, right?

The Phoenix is Soul City's resident
villain. She goes by the pseudonym
Phoenix by night, but lives as the
normal coffee barista Lalisa
Manoban during the day.

They say fire and water don't mix
well, but somehow, Tempest and
Phoenix are defying the odds.

or:
a collection of drabbles containing our hero tempest and our villain phoenix. very fluff, very soft, very cute.

( the + symbol indicates a new scenario, * * * is a continuation of a scene)

The world faces a great deal of problems every day.

Robbery, homicide, carelessness, idiocracy... there are a lot of dilemmas to be fixed, a handful of issues to be solved. All of it takes a great deal of time, but--

...but Jeon Jeongguk's main obstacle right now is that the freaking concealer pot is not doing it's job to conceal the bruise just right under his right eye.

Now, before you judge the poor guy, listen, no, he isn't a part of a gang, nor he gets into frequent fights with street kids nor he does boxing. No. He's a good guy--better than most actually. But here's the thing: Jeon Jeongguk is... what's the right word? Ah, yes. He's... gifted--yes. He's different than everyone. 

His entrance to this world caused quite a havoc, too. When he left his mother's womb, the sound of his cries caused a hurricane in the East. When he gets upset, the Earth shakes to grieve with him. He used to be a mystery, even to his parents. Hence why they took him to a shaman when he was 12, and the result of his consultation brought him to an unbelievable conclusion: Jeongguk was blessed by Poseidon, the sea god himself.

He gave him the ability to control and manipulate water as he pleases. If he wants it to rain, he simply flicks his wrists and droplets come pouring down from the heavens. If he needs to be alone, all he has to do is to run into the sea and the sea will embrace him as her own. However, with great power comes an even greater responsibility.

An affiliation with water also gave him cruel strengths. Wherein most people have blood flowing in their veins, Jeon Jeongguk has the ability to keep it from flowing.

Don't worry, though. Jeongguk is a good guy. He puts his powers to good use; he protects the Soul City to the best of his abilities that the people have named him the Tempest--a violent, raging storm that punishes those who deserve it. 

He knows exactly what he's doing, he's been carrying this double role for years now... but why the heck is this pot concealer not working?

"Woah, Gguk," a voice booms from his right ear. The pot clatters to the floor as he flinches, and a hand grips his shoulder. "Who did you fight with?"

Jeongguk rolls his eyes and picks the pot up. Violently, he scoops more product on his brush. "No one, Tae," he grumbles, "I hit my eye on the counter last night when I tried to pick up the whipped cream."

It's not exactly a lie. He did drop something last night, but it wasn't whipped cream. He'd been on a mission at the docks and when he got distracted, a strong punch was sent his way by none other than the Phoenix, his nemesis and the villain of Soul City.

Whereas Tempest is a child of the sea, Phoenix is a child of the flames.

Born with the power to rival his own, the Phoenix has the ability to bend fire and flames to her will. If her fire burns, his waters die them down. Their opposite qualities brought them together, and not long after their first meeting, their elements started to crash with each other.

It was only natural, of course. After all, fire and water did not, and will not ever blend well. It's one of the few rules of nature. It's instinct.

"Oh, poor you," Taehyung coos teasingly. His eyes drop to the brush in his hand and grabs it from him. Jeongguk almost lets out a grunt before he shooed him off. "Here. Let me help you. You look like you're about to cry."

"Gee, thanks, hyung."

The bell for the first period rings throughout the hallway. Taehyung pulls Jeongguk even closer and taps in the concealer to his bruises with his finger whilst students went out and about their way. He isn't a fan of tardiness, but if he enters the class looking like a sad banana, his prof will talk about it for days. 

Taehyung notices his distress. He grunts. "Lord Jesus, being late once in a while won't kill you, Gguk." 

Okay, maybe he was scared of being late, too. All this power but his Filmography professor still scares him more than anything in this world. 

"Just make it quick," he breathes when Taehyung touches a sensitive spot. "I still haven't done my homework." 

His bestfriend only snorts. "Of course you haven't."

+

The first time Jeongguk met his equal was three years ago. 

Word travels fast in the Soul City: a girl who possessed the ability to manipulate fire was reported to have robbed one of the local banks and set the whole place in flames. Show off, he thought. Of course, the people, as powerless as they were, only called one person to help their aid: Tempest. 

And so he went and did his responsibilities in the typical elemental fashion: making a whole show of summoning a massive amount of water out of the mist and cleared the place in one go. 

(He was young, please don't make fun of him.) 

"You like saving people, huh?" was the first question Phoenix had asked him when he found her at the rooftop of some bar hours later. He had been planning to confront the suspect, but the way she approached him took him off guard. 

The girl had her back on him, and from this far Jeongguk could see the crimson, gold, and black suit that she was donning. The design was almost similar to his own that it made him scowl. 

Jeongguk eyed her warily as he walked nearer, the scowl not leaving his face. "Yeah... I do."

Slowly, her eyes rose to meet his. A mask covered half of her face, hiding her identity except those big doll eyes that held a fire to them. Jeongguk couldn't blame her. He, too, has the same one on. "And you like being the good guy." It wasn't a question. 

"I think so."

To his surprise, Phoenix cackled, head thrown back in the process as if he just told the funniest joke she's ever heard in her life. "You're adorable," she said once she sobered up, wiping a tear on her cheeks. "But you know what I like?"

He raised his brow in question. "What?"

The Phoenix fixed her gaze upon him. The smile fell off, replaced by an intent look. 

"You."

The conversation left him feeling unnerved. He didn't know why. 

+

Jeongguk's motorcycle tires screech through the pavement as he takes it into an abrupt halt. As soon as his feet touches the ground, he breaks into a run towards the warehouse. 

The news had come in a while ago: 28-year old bar owner Kim Seokjin was reported missing three hours before. It didn't take long for Jeongguk to figure out what was going on, even as his Phoenix tracker was beeping in his pocket, letting him know that his nemesis was in some random location. 

And he knows her too well that if Phoenix is in a random location, it means that she is up to no good. 

He bolts through the heavy double doors and enters the premises with a loud commotion. Immediately, his powers starts to gather beneath his fingertips, yearning to unleash into the world. Jeongguk wills them down. 

"Help!" 

His body reacted faster than his mind. Soon enough, he finds himself running towards the source of the sound. Crates after crates after crates filled almost every corner of the room, but he zigzags between them with ease. 

A raging circle of flames is the first thing he sees when he gets into the last portion of the crates. There, in the middle, was Kim Seokjin, shaking in utmost fear as he tries to flick the flames away with his bare hands. The fire almost licks his feet, teasing. Typical of Phoenix. 

At the sight of the element, his own waters go crazy under his skin. Out, out, out, it begs. 

"Help me!" Seokjin screams once he sees him. Jeongguk snaps his eyes upwards and meets with his terror-filled ones. He doesn't need any more instructions before he lets go of the reigns he holds over his waters, and watches as they leave his fingers. 

"Don't worry," he assures him as his powers skitter through the flames. The contact of the two elements emits a hissing sound, steam rising up as the water tries to put off the fire. "I'll get you out of here." 

"Hello, darling," a voice purrs from behind him. Jeongguk wills the waters to stop for a moment, gathering every bit of his strength to counter his enemy's possible attack. "Here to make me wet again?"

He doesn't reply and instead turns so quickly to fling one hand, water erupting from his palm only to be met by an empty space. 

"I see you've missed me. I've missed you too." He raises his head to see Phoenix sitting comfortably atop a crate box, a fireball dancing in her hands. "Do you wanna play?"

"Phoenix, whatever this is, stop it," he grits through clenched teeth. His powers do their work again, but Jeongguk's attention is firmly fixed on his nemesis as she hops through the crate boxes with the grace of a cat.

Phoenix chortles. "I'm bored, Temp." The nickname makes him bristle. "Just wanted to have a little fun, you know. What's life without danger anyway?" She asks with a small shrug, nodding towards Seokjin. "Right, Jin?" 

Seokjin doesn't respond, still stuck in a fire-hazed stupor. 

"You're risking his life just for the sake of your fun?" Jeongguk couldn't believe it. "Are you out of your mind, Phoenix?"

She simply giggles. "Maybe. Or maybe I just did this on purpose so we can see each other again. You'll never know," she sings the last sentence as she climbs up to the roof truss. 

He ignores her and washes off the last of her fire. Seokjin looks at him with gratitude, but he just gestures at the door. "Go. Leave. I'll take care of this." 

"Thank you," Seokjin whispers, teary eyed. "Thank you so much." 

Jeongguk smiles at him, watching as he hurries towards the exit. When he knows Seokjin is no longer in the warehouse, he retraces Phoenix's steps at the crates. 

"Why did you let him leave?!" She practically whines when she sees the blackened ashes of her flames. "Gosh, you're no fun at all, honey." 

He knows better than to believe her little act. "You were going to kill him." 

Phoenix gasps, clearly offended. "And how do you know that?" 

"Instincts." 

To his surprise, she snorts loudly. "Yeah, right, just like how you knew I was going to be here tonight." 

Jeongguk almost stops halfway upwards. Phoenix knows about the tracker... doesn't she? "I don't know what you're talking about." 

"Oh, come on now, Temp," she exclaims as she hangs down from the truss, her feet dangling dangerously. Jeongguk's eyes widen for a second. "You think I don't know that you placed a tracker in my suit months ago?" 

At the retort, Jeongguk climbs even further. "I only did it because I know you're always up to no good." 

"Just admit that you wanted to see me," she says playfully. "It's not that hard." 

"I've got nothing to admit." 

"Alright, you started it." 

Jeongguk is just about to ask her why, when suddenly she places one of her fingers on the flat of the truss. Seemingly in a trance, he fixes his gaze at the small trail of fire that travels from the tip of her finger towards... towards... 

Towards him. 

In the name of Zeus--

He moves just in time as the fire blazes around his previous spot. That little minx, he thinks angrily, his own powers already thrashing inside him. 

Jeongguk looks up to confront the villain, only to be met with an empty space. 

Confused, he scans the warehouse again. All of it. Every nook and cranny. 

Nothing. She isn't here. 

"Great," he mumbles, imagining Phoenix's annoying laugh. "Just great." 

She escaped. Again. 

* * *

The first thing Jeongguk sees when he enters his bedroom later that night is Taehyung's message. He slips out of his suit and throws it under the confines of his bed. 

3 messages from Tae!

TAE:
dude look at this

tempest saved kim seokjin

https://knews.com/tempest-saves-missing-bar-owner

YOU:

who?

TAE:
you know!!!

that bar owner who went missing

seriously

do u not watch the news

YOU:

sorry

too busy playing 

TAE:
if i get kidnapped and the kidnappers take my phone then how would u be able to know where i am 😭

gods u are such a BAD friend

don't know why im putting up with you

YOU:
because im ur favorite :P

who did it anyway?

TAE:
jimin is my favourite sorry

anyway

they said it was phoenix WHO kidnapped him or something

YOU:
urgh

it's always her

she's just pure evil, you know?

TAE:
not gonna lie

that's kinda hot

YOU:
what the fuck

that girl is a psycho

how is that hot

TAE:
first of all!!!

i don't believe all psychos are hot ok

but imagine 

tempest has been portrayed as this hot, buff dude who can do anything and everything

and here comes phoenix who literally does all these crimes yet tempest hasn't caught her ONCE

like???? 

HOW

she's just so clever and wild

GIRL POWER I SAY!

and very hot

YOU:
oh

TAE:
also i think phoenix is superior

tempest needs to up his game a little more

he's falling behind

YOU:
hey he's trying his best okay?

TAE:
maybe

YOU:
and its not easy having the entire country under your protection

TAE:
sucks for him. but phoenix all the way

YOU:
this conversation is annoying. bye tae. 

With an angry scowl on his face, Jeongguk throws his phone towards the bed and strips off his clothes. 

+

The next time him and Phoenix meet, the moon is the only witness to their not-so-friendly sparring. 

Flames leapt around them both, circling and jumping in bright, dangerous arcs. Jeongguk lets a bit of control that he has on his waters go and fights the fire back, the elements dancing on their own. It's a beautiful sight, only if Phoenix didn't have her foot on his throat. 

Jeongguk uses his remaining strength and grabs her ankle. With both of his feet, he raises them to circle around her torso and flips them over, pinning Phoenix face front to the ground. A grunt leaves the villain's lips, and Jeongguk delights in it. 

"Must you be this rough, darling?" Phoenix asks, her cheek squished against the rough pavement of the rooftop. "I appreciate roughness, especially when I'm doing certain activities in bed, but not this way." 

Jeongguk chuckles. "You talk too much." 

He's blindingly aware of the villain's body beneath his, both of their chests rising and falling at the same time. Both of his hands held her wrists with a tight grip with no intent in letting go. 

"As much as I love this position," Phoenix rasps, "I can feel your little friend next to my ass so please... can you--" 

Warmth spread on his cheeks. With his skin tight suit, there's a very thin layer separating them both. Reluctantly, he pulls back. 

Only to have Phoenix flip them both over to straddle him and him pinned under her gaze. 

"That's better," she says with a smile. Jeongguk gulps. 

The flames and waters has been long gone now, but the moonlight provides enough illumination for him to see her face. Out of all the angles he has seen Phoenix in, this has always been his favourite. Her sharp features has become softer, almost innocent and gentle. 

The villain stares at him, gaze intent with flames burning inside them.

"You know, the last time someone looked at me like that we didn’t get out of bed all weekend," she murmurs softly. "Good times, I tell you."

Even if Jeongguk's heart was racing to get out of his chest, he stands firm. "Cute bravado, too bad it won’t save you." 

Phoenix chuckles. "But you’re blushing." 

"I'm not." 

"You are." 

"Shut up." 

She giggles. "Okay." 

Jeongguk rolls his eyes and looks up at the moon. This hero life can sometimes be a pain in the ass. 

+

"--don't understand your hatred with Phoenix like, she's hot and has a great body and her powers are awesome and--" 

Jeongguk pointedly ignores Taehyung's aimless blabbering as he scans the café's menu. He usually doesn't opt for coffee--he's more of a milk guy--but an encounter with none other than the she-devil herself last night at a bank only gave him three hours of sleep. 

He's a walking zombie now. RIP. 

"Good morning, sir, may I take your order?" 

He meets the barista's eyes and what the hell, he's suddenly hit by a sense of familiarity. He tries to rack for something, anything, in his brain, because there's an odd tug in his stomach that seems to pull him towards her. 

"Oh, um," he stammers, gaze going back and forth the menu on top and the barista. "I'll have--" 

"--Phoenix kicked Tempest's ass in the--" 

"Tae!" He snaps at his friend, the tug automatically disappearing. "I know you practically worship Phoenix but can you please be quiet for a second?" 

Taehyung raises his brow. "I was just telling you about the time where she--" 

"I don't wanna listen to it. She's still the villain, that's it. Tempest is the one who's saving our asses every time she causes havoc," he interrupts with a glare. "Anyway, I'm really sorry for my friend, uh..." he reads the pin on the barista's chest, "Lalisa. He's not usually like this." 

"Or maybe you're just pissed because Phoenix--" 

"Oh my god, Tae!" 

"You know," the batista, Lalisa, suddenly speaks. Both boys turn to look at her in question. "Phoenix isn't actually that bad." 

Taehyung grins so wide his teeth looks like it'll fall off and Jeongguk is so pissed. Even the barista? 

"I like her," Lalisa says with a shrug. 

"You've got taste, Lalisa, unlike my friend here." 

"Anyway!" Jeongguk pushes Taehyung back and huffs. "I'll have an Iced Americano, and no, Taehyung, I won't treat you today." 

Lalisa chuckles. Weirdly, the sound seems familiar. 

* * *

TAE:
saw the way u looked at the barista today

fuck you and your horny ass

YOU:
????

i wasn't horny the fuck

TAE:
why did u look like her like u were going to eat her

YOU:
cus she looked familiar

TAE:
omggg

did u guys fuck

YOU:

you are useless

TAE:
thanks ggukie <3 

+

It happened two years ago.

Jeongguk remembers it clearly: the street lamp was flickering next to the both them, and the smell of the dumpster was apparent as they were crowded into one corner of an alley. They'd been fighting in a club beforehand, almost close to tearing each other's throat at the amount of slashes and gashes they've given each other. It was the worst fight they've ever had, one that Jeoungguk regrets the most.

Phoenix was whimpering as he pressed a shredded part of his suit against the deep gash on her leg, the blood automatically seeping through the thin material. The sound was so unlike her that he blanched in fear.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs shakily, watching as sweat beaded on her temples. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go that far, I swear, I just thought--"

"Temp, no," she breathes, sounding labored. Jeongguk didn't meet her eyes, but he knew she was looking at him. "It's not-- god, it's fine. It's not... that deep."

"Nix, you're bleeding all over. It's not fine." He's profusely aware of the his own wounds, but they're not as deep as her own. "I can heal you, let me just--"

Suddenly, Phoenix snorted. It's a soft sound, barely there, but he heard it otherwise. When he looked up, he's greeted by a teasing smile and tired eyes. The fire in her gaze was dimmed. 

"That's a cute nickname," she commented. Jeongguk knew it was an attempt to lighten up the mood, but it didn't do anything to brighten him up. "Nix. Temp. I like it." 

Jeongguk clenched his jaw. "I don't get why you're trying to me feel better." 

Phoenix sighed. "Trust me. It's okay. Things like this are bound to happen. You're the hero, I'm the villain, we fight, the hero wins and the villain loses. It's common knowledge."

"But I don't want to hurt you," he confessed in a small voice. "It's not... it's not what I do. I don't want anyone getting harmed because of me." 

Her gaze softened. One of her hands reached down to caress his cheek, and he unconsciously leaned against her touch. 

"Temp, I..." she trailed off, thumb rubbing his cheek. "Thank you. Thank you, really. I don't... I don't know how to repay you." 

"You don't have to." 

And everything that happened next was a blur. 

One moment they were staring into each other's eyes, faces nearing, and then the next, they're kissing, lips tangled into a searing kiss. 

Phoenix kissed him softly, reverently, as if she's afraid he might break at any moment. Her hands cupped his face, holding him even closer. 

For some reason, Jeongguk knew it was wrong, but he didn't want to pull away. 

"We shouldn’t be doing this, it’s... unprofessional..." Jeongguk whispered to Phoenix's lips seconds later. His concern went unheard as she closed the distance to give him another soft peck. "The people--" 

She hummed, gloved hands caressing his nape. "I know," she whispered. "But it's thrilling, isn't it?" 

Yes, Jeongguk wanted to say. Very much. 

They gaze into each others eyes, and Jeongguk felt lightheaded. Floaty. Like his mind was up in the clouds. Before he knew it, he held Phoenix a little tighter, once again chasing what they shouldn’t be allowed.

It's wrong, but it's right in the best of ways.

+

It isn't the first time Jeongguk has gotten into a bit of an issue. 

As the hero of Soul City, you have just got to accept the fact that not everyone will adore you. There will be those that disapprove of your actions. There are others that just simply resent you out of pure jealousy. Although Phoenix is his rival, she isn't one of those people. He knows her and he understands her better. They're similar in most ways.

The other people, though... well, let's just say that they're consistently trying to sabotage Tempest at every chance they get. Which is why, oftentimes, he finds himself in a... little encounter.

The doors to the warehouse suddenly opens with a bang. 

"What have you gotten yourself into this time?" Phoenix asks as soon as she enters. She saunters towards him, eyes scanning the premises. 

Jeongguk wouldn't normally call for help, let alone from his nemesis, but she's the only chance he's got and he isn't about to waste that over a petty element incompatibility. 

"Oh good, you got my message," he breathes out, relieved. Phoenix raises her brow. "Mind helping me out of these cuffs?"

"Are you sure this isn't a trap?" She asks warily, the fire in her eyes dancing dangerously. Waiting. Ready to pounce. "I feel like something is definitely wrong here." 

Jeongguk groans. "Just-- come here, look behind me." 

With a questioning glance, she walks around the chair and stops. 

"Holy smokes," Phoenix exclaims as soon as she sees his wrists bound together. Jeongguk instantly flusters. "Aren't you supposed to be the hero, dearest? What's gotten our little water boy all tide up?" She asks before throwing her head back to laugh at her little joke. "Get it? Tide up? 'Cause you're--" 

Jeongguk grits his teeth. "It's not funny."

"Oh, come on, Temp, live a little," Phoenix lilts. He feels her gloved hands moving against the bindings, occasionally brushing against his suit.

"Not when I can't escape from this."

"That's why I'm going to help you, darling." She pulls back and examines the thick ropes. Jeongguk hears her muttering under her breath and he opens his mouth to snap at her, but-- "I can't cut these off."

"What?!"

"It's too thick, sweetheart." She sighs as she runs her hand against the texture. "Probably made of another material. Human-made, though I haven't seen anything like it."

His fists clench in frustration. "So what? I'm just gonna stay here? I called you for a reason, you know."

Behind him, Phoenix scoffs. "You're so dramatic, you act as if you'll be here forever." She rounds the chair until she's facing him again, and Jeongguk is forced to look up at her. She's scowling, he notices, as if in deep thought. "I'm blessed by Hephaestus. I know masonry and blacksmithing. There's another way for this."

At this point, he's already desperate to get out of his bindings. "Whatever it is, just do it. Just let me out of here."

He must've said something wrong, because Phoenix's lips tug into the smallest of smirks. The fire in her eyes seem to grow bigger. "Anything?"

"Yes, anything."

She lowers herself down to him until her knees were touching the ground. "I can melt these off of you."

At the indication of fire, his body tenses up. Fire and water has never gotten along together, hence why they have always been each other's nemesis right from the beginning. Flames are bright and they burn and they break, but the water is calm and they soothe and they heal. 

Phoenix notices his dilemma. A snort leaves her mouth. "Come on, you scaredy cat. Afraid of a little fire, aren't you?" 

"I'm not." 

"Then let's get on with it," she says matter-of-factly. "It'll be quick, I promise. I just have to melt these off and you can get on your merry way." 

"Nix," the nickname slips from him involuntarily. He doesn't notice one of the corners of Phoenix's lips tugging upwards. "My element and your element don't bond well together. They never have." 

"What do you propose then? Just wait until the good ole cops arrive?" 

He considers the thought. When he doesn't reply, Phoenix groans. 

"Just let me do it, Temp. It's not going to hurt, it'll be just a second." Her voice softens, and Jeongguk figures he prefers that more than her usual flirtatious drawl. "So?" 

"Okay," he grounds out. "Fine. Do it." 

The villain claps her hands in glee. "Thank you, darling, now." She walks behind him and crouches down the bindings' level. "Shush." 

Jeongguk struggles to turn his head to observe her, but when he sees the small fire dancing between her fingertips, he freezes. 

Phoenix chuckles under her breath. "You're such a big baby," she mumbles, and suddenly places her hands on the bindings. 

It's surprisingly warm, he thinks. Definitely not what he expected, but he can feel the heat crawling up the metal, trying to break into their tightly clasped material. Phoenix looks collected, eyes moving to follow the direction of her fire. 

"It's melting," she affirms. "I just have to--" 

Before Jeongguk could even say anything, a piercing pain shoots up on the inside of his left wrist. He flinches, and starts to let out a curse when Phoenix slaps his arm. 

"Can you stop overreacting for once, Tempest?" 

Jeongguk's nostrils flare. "You just burned me, you idiot--" 

"It was an accident, okay?! Now shut your pretty mouth and let me finish this. We're almost done," Phoenix scolds, and for some reason, Jeongguk can't find it in him to argue anymore. 

She works silently, occasionally humming random tunes here and there. Jeongguk lets her be, thinking that it's better that way rather than to argue. 

* * *

After a little while, he feels her stand up. 

"There, done. Run free, my little seahorse, for you are now free from your shackles," Phoenix dramatically announces, curtsying in the process. All the while, Jeongguk rubs his reddened wrists with a wince. Damn, this hurt more than it should have. 

Standing up, he fixes his mask. "Yeah, thanks," he says and starts to walk away. Thank Poseidon for Phoenix, if it weren't for her, he'dprobably be dead meat by now. 

Also bec--

Whoosh! 

He ducks just in time as a raging fireball flies over his shoulder. It sizzles as it lands on the ground, smoke rising up in the process. What the hell? 

"Hey!" Jeongguk turns back around to see Phoenix with her arms crossed. "What was that for?!" 

She looks shocked. "Uh, hello? I saved your life. Shouldn't I get something in return?" 

"Like what?" 

"Like a kiss on the cheek." 

He blinks. "A what?" 

Phoenix grins like the little devil she is and prowls closer, much to his growing nervousness. "A kiss on the cheek. That's what I want." 

Jeongguk involuntarily steps backwards. "Why?" 

"If I didn't come and rescue you, you'd still be sitting here and waiting for a death sentence," she finishes triumphantly. Why does she always have to be right all time? He thinks, frustrated. 

"Fine." 

As quickly as he can, he leans forward to plant a light kiss on her cheek, one that lasted for approximately 0.01 second, and bolts out of the warehouse before he can even see Phoenix's reaction. 

It's cool. It's fine. It's not like he panicked or anything. It's fine.

+

"You look like you had a rough night."

Jeongguk blinks his sleep-laced eyes open to see Lalisa walking towards his table. He's been in the café for almost an hour now (maybe?), in his poor attempt to study for his midterms but somehow, he fell asleep before he's able to get through the first page of his notes. Talk about responsible.

"Was I that obvious?" He asks, voice hoarse.

Lalisa only hums as she takes out a wet towel from her little tray and starts wiping the table next to his.

Gods, him and Phoenix had an ugly sparring last night at a house robbery. She'd kicked him in his sensitive area out of fun, she said, but it hurt like a bitch and now he can't even walk without limping. He was able to do a bit of damage to her, though, he landed a nasty punch on the side of her arm so he guesses they're equally balanced.

Still hazed with drowsiness, Jeongguk's eyes are stuck on the barista as she does a quick work of taking the dirty dishes. They drop until they land on her bare arm, and he belatedly realizes that there's a blooming bruise just under the sleeve of her dress.

"What happened to your arm?" He asks impulsively.

The barista turns to him with a frown, but she follows his line of sight and sighs. "Some dick punched me last night."

"Oh," Jeongguk mutters. With a low voice, he continues, "Harassment?"

Suddenly, Lalisa laughs. She curls on herself while her shoulders were shaking with the force of her laughter, and he just stares as he tries to figure out what's wrong.

When she recovers, her face looks red and she's grinning so widely. "Nope. Not even close," she says. "Let's just call it a... hobby."

"Letting people punch you is a hobby?"

Again, she snorts, a wave of laughter escaping her lips. "You're cuter than I even realized," is all she replies before ruffling his hair and taking her tray back to the counter.

Huh. That was... odd.

+

Something is wrong.

Jeongguk feels it. His waters feel it too, for they've been restless beneath his skin for days. They've been persistent, a little more wild than usual. Yearning to be let out for something Jeongguk doesn't know.

And then there's the other thing.

Phoenix has been quiet the past few days. The tracker has been undetected, no sign of her wandering through the Soul City or whatsoever. It's just... radio silent.

It isn't right.

So when his last class ends for the day, Jeongguk doesn't even say goodbye to Taehyung before he bolts back home and changes to his suit, taking his motorcycle out in a hurry. He doesn't want to waste any time. Not now.

* * *

He searches through every bar, every alley way, every bank, everything for a sign of those fire-lit eyes and blonde hair, but nothing. There's nothing.

It's like... she simply just disappeared.

+

The tugging starts after the next two days.

It's nothing at first, just a tiny tug at the pit of his stomach. But whenever he gets closer to the sea just by the docks, it goes into frenzy. Like... the sea is calling him. Trying to tell him something.

But for what?

* * *

He finally succumbs to the summons one afternoon later. Jeongguk stands on the docks in his Tempest suit, staring into the vast body of water right in front of him. For a moment there, everything feels right. The smell of salt in the air, the waves lapping onto the pier, the glittery sheen of the water. It feels like home. It always has been.

But the tugging has gotten stronger, the strongest it's ever been.

With a sigh, he straightens up. He gives the sea another look again before he readies himself. One heart beat, two heart beats, three.

And then he jumps.

It's the saline water that welcomes him first. It envelops his body, almost as if it's a hug. Jeongguk knows it is, though, he hasn't visited the sea for a long time. She must have missed him, since a school of fish start to surround him, welcoming him home.

Instantly, he becomes stronger. More powerful. He feels it in his bones.

To Jeongguk, swimming is as easy as walking. No one taught him how to swim, he just knows how. It's part of the gifts Poseidon has given him, but his most favourite of all, is the one little thing that he knows only he can do.

He holds his breath for a moment. Lets the sea caress him. Feels the current moving against his skin.

Slowly, he exhales.

And the next, he inhales.

Nothing happens. He's remains calm; chest rising and falling into a steady pattern. It takes a while to get used to the sensation. Breathing underwater and breathing above water are two different things, but similar in some ways. Jeongguk has a hard time adjusting due to the newness of the feeling, but eventually, he's able to move and swim forward.

The tugging increases this time around, more demanding. Jeongguk follows it without second thoughts.

* * *

He realizes he's been swimming for a long time now when he spots a medium sized yacht in the middle of nowhere. It's just situated in the middle of the sea, alone. It doesn't feel right.

The tugging stops. It's all completely still, except for the constant waves moving against his suit.

Jeongguk finally rises up to the surface, mask on and hair dripping wet. He brushes it up to get a clear look on the yacht... and then he sees it.

Or, rather, her.

Phoenix is standing on the mast of the boat, thick ropes tied around her body, her arms, her legs, all to prevent her from escaping. There are several men around her, as if at any moment she might escape. At the sight of them, his blood immediately boils. His powers starts going crazy within him, wanting to be unleashed.

He forces them down, down, down, because he knows better than to let his emotions get the best of him. Instead, Jeongguk hatches a plan. He slips back into the waters silently and starts to head to the yacht.

* * *

When he figures out the right timing, he allows the sea to take him towards the edge of the boat. The men are nowhere to be found, thankfully, just as he's planned.

A soft gasp leaves Phoenix's lips as he lands on the mast, and she instantly scrambles to get to him despite her tied feet. "Temp, Tempest, you're here," she stammers, "you're here."

Jeongguk hurriedly takes her into his arms. "I knew something was wrong," he says with a frown, checking her for any injuries. "How long have you been here? How did they take you?"

"I've been here for almost a week," she replies shakily, and only then he realizes that she's drenched and trembling. Jeongguk holds her tighter. "Somehow these guys tracked me while I was in Gangnam and they took me to this place."

"Why? For what reason?"

"I don't know," Phoenix mumbles. "Temp..."

Jeongguk looks around to check the perimeter. The men haven't returned.

"Temp," she says again, now softly and sounding broken this time.

He freezes.

He has never heard her sound this vulnerable, even after all those years of being together. Phoenix has always been a strong person in all aspects. She has a sharp mouth, witty mind, and insane skills, but his stomach drops at how fragile her voice sounds at the moment.

"Nix," he asks, concern apparent in his tone. "Nix, what's wrong?"

"Temp..."

"It's okay, you can tell me."

At his words, Phoenix finally breaks. With a sob, she cries into his shoulder, "They took my flames. They took them all away."

He stops. "What do you mean?"

"They kept me in a small tank when I came here, filled with water," she continues, shoulders still shaking with force. "They only took me outside when I needed to eat but now I can't summon even just a bit of an ember. It's gone. They're gone."

Jeongguk almost stumbles. An elemental wouldn't be an elemental without their element. They would have no identity, no purpose. "No, no, listen, I'll help you, okay? I'll let you out of this, just let me--"

"This is a Greek binding, Temp, it's not so easily broken," her voice breaks, and he grits his teeth, "this is a binding made specifically for the gods. It's invincible."

"Is there a key? Anything?"

"There is, but--" Phoenix's eyes widen. "Temp, they're here. They're coming back. They're going to drown me, you have to go."

"Go?" He frowns. "I came here for you."

For a moment, Phoenix's tearful gaze softens. "Temp. They're throwing me off the boat to kill me. You don't have to--"

"There's an intruder!"

Jeongguk isn't given a chance to reply to Phoenix when suddenly, a bullet comes whizzing past their direction.

His powers raged.

He glares back at the men, and they instantly point their guns directly at him and Phoenix. Discreetly, he pushes her to hide behind him.

"Let her go."

He doesn't even recognize his own voice.

"The gods have abandoned us," one of them men says at the back. "And now we're taking what's theirs."

"She is no one's property."

"She's blessed by the God of Fire, isn't she? That means she's part of them," he sneers. "His essence runs through her. She's as worst as all of them."

"We're just trying to save humanity here, little boy," the one with a cap says in a gruff voice, cocking his head to the side. "You should know that your kind commits more damage to us more than anyone. It's for the best of all of us."

"She's more of a hero than you will ever be," is the last thing Jeongguk says before he raises his hands upwards, and thunder rumbles in the sky.

The wind picks up speed, howling, whistling, until all of them were holding onto the railings for dear life, except for him. He stands firm at the mast, eyes blazing and wrists crackling with energy. The sky has turned into a dark shade of gray, and the sea around him swirls violently to match his anger.

"Give me the key," he speaks in a deeper voice, "or I'll make sure you'll never see the light of day again."

"Temp," he hears Phoenix whisper from behind him. "Temp."

"No!" The man screams again, gripping his hat in his hand so tight his knuckles had turned white. "The gods shall suffer!"

The waters around him start to shake alarmingly. The yacht is unbalanced, swinging side to side as Jeongguk summons a weak earthquake. The men scream and pray, but he keeps his ministrations going.

Only when he sees them quivering with fear that he opens his mouth again.

"The key. Now."

Without hesitation, one of the men tosses him a golden key with a small replica of the Aegis at the top. He takes it without hesitation and plunges it into the awaiting keyhole, twisting and bending.

"So protective…" Phoenix murmurs as she observes him. "You were never so protective over me."

The lock clicks and Phoenix hurries to get out of her bindings.

"I'm free," she whispers as she rubs her arms. "I'm free," she repeats, loudly this time.

Jeongguk nods. Slowly, he wills his powers to calm down as he takes Phoenix's hand in his. The men are quiet now, looking at them with horrified expressions.

"Let's get out of here?"

The corner of Phoenix's mouth curls up.

* * *

If you told Jeongguk five years ago that his years long nemesis and most annoying rival would be taking a shower in his dorm room tonight, he'd laugh at you and shove a dumpling in your mouth.

But it seems like things were different now, seeing as Phoenix is actually taking a shower in his dorm room and is about to wear his own clothes, and Jeongguk is slightly nervous at the idea of seeing her without a mask.

They've known each other for a long time now, sure, but they've never even seen each other's true identity. Their masks aren't just simple things: it provides a glamour that constantly readjusts their physical appearance to anyone that sees them.

Jeongguk is extremely careful in his glamour, and Phoenix is so damn good in hers, too. It's surreal to think that maybe tonight, he might see her as she is.

Maybe.

The door to the bathroom opens behind him and he doesn't turn around, fearing that he might catch a glimpse of something he isn't supposed to see.

"Are you wearing a mask?" He asks just to make sure.

Phoenix laughs, a soft, lilting sound. "Of course, lovely."

And she's back to normal.

"Okay, my mask is on, too," he replies, because what is he supposed to say to that?

She pads towards the edge of his bed and sits, and Jeongguk finally meets her eyes. The fire is still there, although weak, but it's still there. Her element remains.

His college sweater from a few years back looks too big on her, but he figures out that it's better than having her wear one of his ratty old shirts.

"Why are you standing there like an idiot, darling? Sit." She pats the spot next to her and waited until he finally sits down. "There, that's better."

He makes himself comfortable and crosses his legs. "How's your powers?"

"They're fine," she admits. "They're not completely gone, just temporarily depleted because I was in the water for the longest time. But it's okay now."

Her relief is too obvious that Jeongguk smiles to himself.

"That's good. I was so worried there, thought I've lost my rival and I'll be alone in this human world forever," he says dramatically. Phoenix slaps his arm playfully with a chuckle.

"Didn't know you had it in you to make a joke," she comments. "But hey," she says, quietly this time, "thank you so much for everything. If you hadn't come, my body would probably be floating in the middle of the sea right now."

It's sincere. Genuine. Jeongguk appreciates it a lot.

"It's okay. I was worried about you, you know," he admits. It's the truth.

Phoenix smiles and nods in understanding. "I know. I also know now that you're one of the people that truly cares about me. You've saved me once, you've saved me twice, and I hate to say this, but I guess I owe you."

He waves his hands. "You saved me, too. It's fine. Don't worry about it."

"But I've been wanting to do this for a long time now," Phoenix implies, sitting straight. "So listen."

He does.

"Temp, for all that you've done for me, I guess that the only thing that you deserve from me is to know who I truly am."

Jeongguk's eyes widen. She's... she's going to reveal herself?

"You're one of the few people that have seen this side of me; you've seen me vulnerable, you've seen me happy, everything." Her hands come up to the back of her head. "Now I think it's time for you to know the real me."

His breath hitches as Phoenix makes a quick work of the mask and then... and then she takes it off.

"LALISA?!" He practically screams on her face after seeing those familiar doll eyes of hers. Days ago, she was just a coffee barista in a café Jeongguk likes, and now she's actually his rival? "It's you?!"

Lalisa laughs and tosses the mask on his bed. "Yes, it is I, Jeongguk."

"Wait," he pauses. "How do you know it's me?"

He recalls their first meeting almost a month ago. It's impossible she could've known he is actually Tempest the months prior...

"Well, I honestly didn't know who you were before I started at the café," she explains with a grin, and Jeongguk takes his mask off slowly. "But when I saw you for the second time, damn, I'd recognize that non-existent top lip anywhere."

Jeongguk has the sudden urge to whack her head with a pillow. "Gods, you're so--"

"Annoying? Irritating?"

"How did you even get past my glamour? It's supposed to be safe!"

"I don't know. Ask yourself: was there a time I'd forgotten to adjust my glamour?"

Damn it. She's always right.

Jeongguk huffs and slouches. At this, Lalisa snorts. "So... what now?"

Her eyes lights up, and without the mask, the fire looks even more beautiful. Vibrant. "What do you say to a friendly sparring match? Winner buys the loser dinner."

This time, he throws a pillow right at her face. "Come on, you almost died! Why would you want a sparring match with me?"

"It would be fun!"

"Maybe when you aren't nearly murdered then we can do that."

"I'm alive, darling, it's fine!"

"Please don't call me that."

"Dearest?"

"No."

"Sweetheart."

"Okay, fine! We'll have a sparring match."

FIN.

* * *

a/n: this has been in my drafts since 1st of March grrrr so glad to finally let it out. what did u think??

also YES the suits i talked abt here are inspired by marinette and adrien's suits bc that's all i could think about pls don't judge miraculous was playing in the background while i was writing this

(basically miraculous + marvel suits. that's what the tempest and phoenix's suits look like)

also also uni is going to end in 2 months. YAY

anyway

thank u for reading XX love love