#(what should i absolutely NOT do??? invite this strange vampire man into my house before he's even said hello)

[softersinned-arc]

@balldwin / plotted starter.

Something is going to happen tonight.

She's not sure why she knows, only that she does know. Everything feels slightly off: the plants in the house quiver when she isn't near, as if they're afraid of a coming storm, and the cats have been stalking the halls of the house with obvious anxiety when they're not staring out the windows as if on guard. Something possessed her to renew all of her protective spells this afternoon, to carve new runes into her black pillar candles and light them all; they're still burning, the flames flickering unevenly as she opens the front door and steps outside. Even in her boots and with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and a cup of tea burning between her hands, the winter chill feels profound, and the snow falls silently.

That alone would be enough to put her on edge: the water always sings for her, but tonight, there's no sound to be heard.

"I hate surprises." She says this to herself, mostly because there's no one there to hear her complaining; the cats are keeping their distance from the cold as she kicks the door closed behind her, and even Maeve Roe hovers far enough away that Astoria can barely see her. Something is coming. It's getting closer and closer; it's been getting closer and closer for hours now. Her tarot cards and tea leaves have done nothing to help her sort through what it might be. Her intuition is maddeningly vague. Astoria only knows that it, whatever it is, is getting closer because the itching in her left palm has grown from a light tingle to something almost painful.

She feels the wind shift before she sees the headlights. Slowly, she takes a sip of her tea, wincing when she burns her tongue. It comes closer and closer and closer. Maeve Roe flickers under the sliver of the moon, like a vision fading from view, and Astoria tries not to read too much into it. If she were listening for it, she'd hear the sounds of the nine o'clock train passing a few miles away, its whistle audible even when its rumble can't be felt, but she's not listening for it. She's waiting.

She hardly notices the car even as it pulls up. Instead, she's staring at the shape of the man inside it, trying to catch a glimpse of him before he opens the door. When the door does open she feels another chill, unexpected and deep enough that she swears she feels a vibration in her bones.

The first thing she realizes, as she hears the sound of snow crunching under his shoes when he steps out of the car, is that he is a vampire. The second is that his presence, intimidating though it may be, doesn't feel wrong. Shouldn't it feel wrong?

"Hell of a night to be driving," she calls by way of greeting, and she inclines her head towards the door. She's not sure what possesses her to make the invitation, only that she makes it before she can stop herself: "Well? Are you coming in?"

[sunflowergem]

41, 65, and 94 on the big huge tav ask game!

Which way did they take? Did they run into Elminster? What was their opinion of his news for Gale? They start at the mountain area and complete that section first but with the path looking so strange Sunflower decide to try the under dark to see if they could find a less dark and dangerous path. Not here best moment as a leader but Shadowheart got a cool mace out of the forage, worth it? So I believe I ran into him just before the underdark in a temple area (finished my playthrough months ago and have forgotten some bits, waiting to cross play to do the definitive version of Sunflowers run with Briar) and she is has always been taught to be a gracious host so she invites him to the camp. After the news she is trying so hard to internalize the concept of don’t shoot the messenger. “Well that’s one more thing for the to do list” But yeah, she is low key pissed about what this goddess is asking. In Sunflower’s eye, friendship with Gale aside, all life should have the freedom to chose its own fate. She knows that Gale’s going to feel like this is his only option so she is determined to not let him have the chance. Fun fact: Sunflower typically doesn’t cuss, It’s not lady like after all, so until they are under the tower and Gale offers to try and blow himself up right there she turns to him and says “Absolutely fucking not.” Completely calm looking him dead in the eyes. Local man was so stunned he did not blow himself up. She then doesn’t cuss again until they are at least in Balder’s Gate. Much to the annoyance of Astarion (and possibly Briar) who before this was trying to get her to cuss and is more annoyed now that he knows she knows how.

Does your Tav go to the circus? Do they like the activities? Yep! She’s up there with Karlach on excitement levels. She’s low key disappointed by the end for obvious reasons and adds Dribbles to the to do list. Was down with the face painter, sculpting couple, Popper, and some of the bards. Refused to speak or even look near the Djinni, she has read too many stories about them to tempt fate like that.

Years after the game, what do you think your Tav is up to? Depends on the end of course so here’s a few quick blurbs on her worst, bad(dark angel), neutral(return home), good(diplomat), and best(traveling demigod bard) ends for Sunflower. Her worst end it kinda looks like a good end for her, similar to ascended Astarion or god Gale. She becomes a goddess, goddess of determination and subversion. So if you play as her and support everyone else but ignore Sunflowers personal story, basically don’t let her develop as a character. In the immediate she will make sure to help all her friends and heal folks after the final battle but is whisked away by Ao after she absorbs way too much power(explanation for another day) to remain in the material plane. She’s then on a divine house arrest until she can control her new power. She might be able to hear if people reach out to her but is not able to interact with Faerûn for a very very long time. Most people she knew would be long dead by the time she can return. She might have an interaction with a older Astarion(divine power to heal vampirism) but they would probably be the last person she knows and he would be gone soon too. Overall it’s the isolation and alienation ending for her. Eternally lonely.

[ggukcangetit]

Name of the Game: ksj fic (M)

title: Name of the Game

pairing: seokjin x reader

genre/au: Anastasia AU, fluff, mystery, a bit of angst, smut, comedy

rating: 18+

word count: 14.2k

warnings: lost identity, slightly graphic description of a car accident including mentions of blood and dead bodies, minor character deaths mentioned, mentions of nightmares, mentions of past trauma, y/n gets lost multiple times, sexual content including oral (f and m receiving), kissing, grinding, fingering, breast play, nudity, unprotected sex (PLEASE USE PROTECTION).

summary: The Hotel -Strange, The Manager - Far Too Charming, The Situation - Dire, The One in Trouble - You.

a/n: here’s my adaptation of the 1997 animated Anastasia film! the idea of the hotel was inspired by the Spanish tv series - Grand Hotel! i didn’t manage to finish this by the deadline. but it is finally over. i’m not very happy with how this story turned out but i hope you enjoy it nonetheless. this was part of the Wish Upon A Star collab featuring some incredible writers and their brilliant adaptations/interpretations of different stories from our childhood. 

The address seemed correct. You had asked three people on the way over, and they had all pointed you in the same direction, accompanied by a knowing look. And in a way, they were completely correct. Concordia was a Gothic style castle, standing tall in the midst of acres and acres of lush green fields - a foreboding structure lost in time, separated from the rest of the world by sheer distance. In fact, the nearest payphone and gas station had been almost 100 miles away -  which you had used to phone the Mins.

“I think I’m almost there,” you spoke into the phone, surveying your surroundings doubtfully. “I asked a bunch of people and they all told me it’s just a few minutes away.”

They had lied. It took you at least 3 more hours to bike there.

“You sure you aren’t lost, kiddo?” You could almost see the teasing grin on Yoongi’s face.

“Oh, would you look at that? My time’s almost up” - you rolled your eyes at Yoongi’s giggles filtered through the receiver - “I’ll give you a call once I find accomodation, Yoongi! Take care, and don’t swipe any more tangerines from the shop!”

“Look out for yourself, kiddo.”

You had lived with the Mins for the better part of your 21 years of existence. They had found you almost 12 years ago, sitting under a large tree, bawling your eyes out. You had no memory of how you had gotten there, or who you were - just your name and a very battered piece of sheet music in your pocket. It was solely due to the kindness of a young couple who ran a modest cafe that you were even alive at this point. Their only son, Yoongi, preferred to lord his 4-5 year age difference by calling you ‘kiddo’. You would rather die before admitting it, but you really adored the nickname. 

Living life without an identity, without any roots, without a past - it was inconvenient at best, and unsettling at worst. You were eternally grateful to the Mins for everything they had done for you, but the first indication of financial distress arising from difficulties at the cafe had prompted you to pack your bags and leave in search of a job. 

Concordia was a name everyone knew. It was one of the oldest hotels in the country, passed down through 4 generations, known for its grandeur, luxury, and exquisite service. But most importantly, the food at Concordia was absolutely legendary. People saved up money throughout the year, so that they could travel to the hotel and try the food just once. And as a person who didn’t have much to lose, you decided that this would be the perfect place to apply for a position in the kitchens. 

What you hadn’t expected was to come across a gigantic looming structure, more suited for housing a reclusive vampire with horrible mood swings or a flamboyant literary figure prone to wild fantasies and nights of debauchery. Or both. 

You had almost turned back after seeing the castle for the first time - it didn’t seem like a place you’d want to spend more than a few seconds in. But something inside you kept nudging you forward.

There were two men standing at the main doors, looking equally formidable and archaic as the building they were guarding. After a few terrible attempts at convincing them to let you in, you gave up on the idea.

You looked around carefully. Surely there was another way of getting in. Once you were inside, you could convince whoever was in charge to give you a chance. You just needed one chance to prove yourself. Just one. 

Just then, a couple of people walked out using some kind of side entrance - a magnificently dressed woman and a young man with a certain swagger in his steps.

You crept over towards them, hoping that something from their conversation would help you out.

“I don’t understand why that silly girl creates such a fuss about bringing food to my room!” The woman rolled her eyes and brought a cigarette to her lips.

The young man took a lighter out of his pocket and lit the cigarette with a practiced sort of ease. “I’ll have a word with her, don’t worry.”

You strained your ears, trying to figure out just what they were talking about. Something to do with the hotel?

“But Mr. Kim,” she continued, taking a step closer to the young man. “Why can’t you bring my food up to my room?” The tone of her voice had most definitely changed, dropping a few octaves as she tilted her head to one side. 

“Now, now, Mrs. Trent,” he replied, with a hint of a chuckle. “You know that’s against hotel policy.”

With that, he took a definite step back. 

“Shame,” she continued, sweeping her eyes over him. “Make sure Kate doesn’t make any more mistakes with my room service.”

“Will do, ma’am,” replied Mr. Kim. He bowed to her and showed her back inside using the side entrance.

This was your opportunity. 

You followed behind them, making sure to maintain a decent amount of distance, and slipped in before the large door slowly creaked shut.

The inside was comparatively more inviting than the exterior. Lanterns at every few feet provided soft, warm lighting, and the decor looked a lot more modern and familiar than expected. The side entrance opened into a sort of lounge area, filled with comfortable sofas, small wooden tables, and a few dozen bookshelves. A record player -

“Can I help you?”

You hurriedly stepped back from the person you had bumped into - the man from earlier, Mr. Kim. 

“Uh…” You floundered for words, caught off-guard by how handsome he was. Chocolate brown eyes, devastatingly plump lips, ridiculously broad shoulders, and strong eyebrows - one of which was quite beautifully arched as he sized you up.

“I-I got lost. I wandered away from the lobby. C-could you”- you straightened your posture, mustering up all of your confidence - “direct me back there? I need to complete my check-in.”

Mr. Kim stared at you for a few moments. He seemed to be considering your words. You weren’t dressed half as extravagantly as the woman from before - who was probably a good example of the hotel’s usual clientele - but you somehow resisted the urge to tug at your clothes self-consciously.

“Of course,” he flashed you a brilliant smile, gesturing towards another part of the hotel. “This way, ma’am.”

You breathed a sigh of relief, quickly turning it into a cough as he turned towards you inquiringly. 

“Sorry, my throat is absolutely parched.”

He smiled again. “I’ll get one of the staff to bring out some water and refreshments for you.”

You nodded weakly and stood there, trying to look like you belonged. 

As soon as Mr. Kim was out of sight, you headed in the direction he had gone. Hopefully it was towards the kitchens. If not… well, you didn’t want to think about that.

It was soon evident that you were lost. Whatever this corridor was, you had no idea where it led or whether Mr. Kim had headed that way at all. Perhaps you should have waited near the front desk and thought your plan through…

“Are you looking for something?”

You whirled around at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. It belonged to a middle-aged woman, with a soft kind of beauty that had aged gracefully. You probably should have stuck to your story about being a guest who had gotten lost in the hotel. But something about her kind eyes encouraged you to tell her the truth.

“You want a job in the kitchens?” she asked, sounding a little skeptical. “My dear, there’s a way to apply for such positions. Why don’t you go back home and look at some proper avenues to apply for hotel internships?”

“Please,” you tried to keep the desperation out of your voice. “Just give me a chance. If I’m not capable, I’ll leave. But please, don’t turn me away.”

She sighed. “What’s your name, child?”

“Y/n.”

“What?” Her eyes seemed to well up for a moment, but she gathered herself quickly. “Y/n… Umm, alright. We’ll give you a try. One week. And if things don’t work out, you have to leave without a fuss.”

You beamed at her. “Thank you! You won’t regret it -”

She shook her head with a resigned smile. “Call me Yuna.”

Your first impression of Concordia had been spot on. There was something definitely off about the place. At the end of your first day working there, you noticed that all the staff seemed to get along with each other but there was a certain tension whenever the owners of the hotel were mentioned. Nobody said anything, but an uneasiness hung in the air every time. 

“So tomorrow,” Yuna turned towards you. She was the head chef and you had spent the entire day observing her as she directed everyone in the kitchen. “I’m going to ask you to help Kevin with the breakfasts. It’s not too tough - but in my experience, you can tell whether someone has potential by the way they cook eggs.”

You smiled. She had a subtle sense of humor, and everyone working with her absolutely adored her. She was the mother hen and head chef all rolled into one. 

“And about your accommodations-”

An interruption arrived in the form of the last person you wanted to see.

“Do we have any strawberry pastries left?” Mr. Kim asked, sauntering into the kitchen like he owned the place. 

You busied yourself with some dust that had miraculously lodged itself into your left eye at that very moment, trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible. But unfortunately, those piercing eyes had spotted you.

“Look who it is,” he drawled, walking over with slow, deliberate steps. All the amiable attentiveness in his eyes had been replaced with a calculating smugness. “Our lost check-in.”

“Ah, Seokjin,” Chef Yuna interrupted your staring match. “I see you’ve met our newest recruit - y/n. Y/n, this is Seokjin - my son.”

You gulped. “N-nice to meet you, Seokjin.”

“It’s Mr. Kim or Manager Kim to you, Lost Check-in,” he said, with a definite sneer. “Mum, forget about the pastry. I have a meeting with Madam Iris in a few minutes.”

With that, he walked off, leaving you a humiliated mess. Chef Yuna opened her mouth to say something but you were off without a second thought. Manager or not, how dare he speak to you like that!

“Mr. Kim! Mr. Kim! KIM SEOKJIN!” you all but screamed, finally catching his attention. Although, if he hadn’t been ignoring you so obviously, he would’ve turned around sooner.

“What is it, Lost Check-in? I have more important things to do,” he asked, huffing much louder than necessary.

“Why did you speak to me like that?” You glared at him, trying to keep your temper in check. “I know I lied to you before but that’s no way to talk to another human being.”

He stared at you for a few moments, and once again you got the distinct impression that he could see right through you. It took all of your determination to not break eye contact.

“Because,” he whispered, leaning in closer. “You aren’t a guest here. So I don’t need to be nice to you. Do you understand, Lost Check-in?”

You stood rooted to the spot, goosebumps breaking out all over your body. 

“S-stop calling me that!” you yelled, long after he had walked off.

Concordia belonged to the Chavalenet family. Madam Eva Chavalenet, the matriarch of the family, was silent, formidable, and barely ever seen by any of the guests or staff at the hotel; Madam Iris Farrow, Eva’s daughter, was intelligent, graceful, and extremely beautiful. She ran the hotel along with her husband, Anthony Farrow, who was the family’s solicitor. Iris and Anthony had an eight year old son - Ryan - who was an absolute terror, and someone Seokjin did not like having around. 

Unfortunately, management meetings meant that he would be seated at the antique dining table in the Chavalenet’s residential quarters, trying his best to avoid whatever it was that the young heir would try and lob at him, while the boy’s mother rattled off a long list of things for him to take care of. Seokjin couldn’t understand why none of the members of the family attempted to, or even wanted to, keep the child under control.

“Seokjin,” Madam Iris began the meeting, pulling out her expensive looking reading glasses out of her equally expensive looking purse. “The last few months have not been good for the hotel. We will need to have some layoffs.”

Seokjin kept his expression neutral. This wasn’t the first time staff had been laid off over the past year. Whoever was managing the hotel’s accounts was either doing a terrible job, or the expenses had truly outrun the income they generated from the guests. The former was the more likely possibility because people paid a pretty penny to come and stay at Concordia, and as far as he could remember, business had been booming since he had been promoted to manager two years ago.

“We’ve reviewed the staff’s evaluation forms and come to the decision that housekeeping and kitchen staff need to be reduced by 8 overall. We’ll leave it up to you to make the final decisions.” She looked up from the stack of papers in front of her and gave him a small smile. “It’s going to be difficult, so make sure to consult Chef Yuna and get her opinion on the matter as well.”

Management meetings always proceeded like this. Madam Iris gave him orders, Anthony Farrow agreed to every word she said, and Madam Eva remained unyielding in her silence. Previously, the Assistant Manager would also join these meetings - but ever since the position had been terminated, it was always the four of them. And that annoying brat, of course. 

“Before I forget,” Anthony said, turning his gaze towards Seokjin. “Make sure the sheets in our room are washed with the new ultra fine formula detergent.”

Seokjin’s jaw ticked in irritation. Anthony Farrow had married above his station, doing everything that his wife and mother-in-law asked him to do. It was only while interacting with the hotel staff that Anthony found his voice and used it with incredible high-handedness.

“Darling, don’t bother Seokjin like that.” Madam Iris understood the strategy of appeasement very well. “I will speak to Helen when she comes up to our room tomorrow morning.”

Usually, this was when the meeting would end and everyone would head back to their rooms. 

Today, however, there was an unusual interruption in the form of-

“I’m so sorry! I got lost on the way to the kitchens!”

Seokjin stared in astonishment as you hastily tried to explain why you had quite literally stumbled into the management meeting. It wasn’t that you were doing a bad job of it, per se… It was just a very tough crowd. 

“How long have you been working here, girl?” snapped Anthony.

“I’m new,” you answered, shortly.

Before Anthony could express his outrage at the tone of your response, Madam Iris stepped forward and surveyed you carefully. “What’s your name?”

“Y/n.”

Something flickered in her gaze but she masked it quickly. “Well, y/n, this is very disappointing indeed. Usually our staff know how to conduct themselves in front of the guests and the owners. I’m afraid-”

“Let her be.”

Everyone’s attention snapped to Madam Eva who had spoken for the first time that night. In fact, Seokjin couldn’t remember the last time she had spoken voluntarily in the first place.

“Mother?” Madam Iris looked confused.

“The meeting is over. No need for unnecessary fuss.” Her tone was final and no one dared say anything after that.

Seokjin wasn’t sure if you understood the significance of the moment. But before any further damage could be done, you had excused yourself with an apology and left the room. 

You woke up early the next morning, partly because of another nightmare and partly because you were anxious to get to work on time. Chef Yuna may have taken on a complete stranger the day before, but you were pretty sure her kindness wouldn’t extend any further if you messed up.

On your way to the kitchens, you found yourself lost once again. It was the hotel’s fault, really. It was far too large and had one too many winding corridors. How did the guests find their way around without getting hopelessly lost? Was there some sort of map that was given out to them at the time of check-in? 

A sudden movement from a few feet away caught your eye. It was a shadow - which meant that there was someone moving about in the alcove. 

Curiosity got the better of you and your feet headed towards the person, wondering who it-

“Mr. Kim?!” 

There was no mistaking those broad shoulders. Kim Seokjin stumbled slightly, startled by your presence. 

“I-I can explai-” he stopped abruptly when he realised it was you. “Oh, it’s just you.”

You glared at him, offended by his tone. “What were you doing just now?”

“I wasn’t doing anything,” he shrugged, attempting to leave without divulging any more information. 

“So you just skulk around dark alcoves indulging in shady behavior for no particular reason?” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It was so easy for him to regain control of the situation with that penetrating gaze and intimidating body language. “But more importantly, what are you doing in this part of the hotel?”

“I got lost again,” you muttered, looking away in embarrassment. 

“And instead of being thankful that you bumped into someone who could help you find your way back, you’re accusing me of - what was it? Ah, that’s right, ‘indulging in shady behavior’,” he emphasized the last few words with air quotes.

“As if you would have helped me!” you retaliated. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you sent me off in the complete opposite direction and made sure I never found my way back again!”

“I wouldn’t have,” he said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “But now that you’ve brought it up, I’m going to do precisely that.”

You gaped after him. What exactly did he have against you?!

“If you don’t take me back to the kitchens,” you said, making him slow down. “I’ll tell Madam Eva that you were lurking about in places you have no business being.”

It was a long shot. But something about the atmosphere the previous night had indicated that Madam Eva’s approval was hard to come by. And the entire room had been quite shocked when she had asked for you to be left alone. 

Seokjin stopped and turned around slowly. Your threat seemed to have done the trick because he didn’t look quite as smug as he had a few moments ago. “Fast learner, aren’t you?”

You held your ground, determined not to be shaken by his intimidation tactics. 

“Fine. Let’s go.” He began walking again, in a different direction this time.

You held back a grin and followed behind him.

“But if you ever” - he whirled around suddenly, taking you by surprise - “think of blackmailing me again, things will not end well for you. Understand, Lost Check-in?”

Overall, your second day working at Concordia had not been very eventful. Chef Yuna had been very pleased with how you had prepared the eggs and potatoes for breakfast. She was looking more inclined to keeping you on permanently. Besides that, not much had really happened. You found out more about your coworkers - Kevin, Michelle and Laila. All three of them had been working there for more than two years and seemed likeable enough at first glance. 

Chef Yuna herself was something of a genius in the kitchen. While she didn’t cook often, her instructions were impeccable, and the one dish that she had cooked for dinner had been so incredible that five guests had sent back compliments to the chef. On top of that, her pleasant personality made her a hit with almost everyone. 

You could see where Seokjin got his charms from. He had a way of drawing people towards him with a combination of beautifully arranged words, intuitive actions, and overall handsome aura.

Although, there was something slightly sinister about the way he operated. You realised that the incident with Mrs. Trent had not been a solitary one. Manager Kim regularly charmed gifts, favours, and cash out of the guests. You had observed him on more than a couple of occasions, just chatting with some guest, and before you knew it there was something small being passed into his hands. And it wasn’t just women who gave him things either. 

“I hope you enjoyed the classical music session in the grand hall last night, Mr. Cowen,” said Seokjin, talking to the elderly gentleman seated near the balcony. “There’s another one scheduled for the end of next week, if you’re still staying here at that time.”

Mr. Cowen seemed utterly delighted to hear this, and not only extended his stay at the hotel but also pressed a rather thick envelope into his palm. No doubt, this was a regular occurrence because Seokjin was just incredibly smooth at handling everything that people handed to him. 

You made it a point to avoid him as much as possible. And your little stunt that morning had also ensured that Seokjin left you well alone. All in all, it was an arrangement you were quite happy with.

“Y/n, don’t forget about tonight!”

You turned towards Laila, confusion lining your expression. 

“Tonight?”

Laila rolled her eyes. “I told you about it yesterday, remember? We have a staff gathering every Friday evening! It’s basically a small party where we eat, drink, and dance to music on the manager’s boombox! It’s a lot of fun!”

You scrunched up your nose at the mention of Seokjin. But Laila looked so excited that you figured it was worth going to. Not that you had any other grand plans for the evening…

“Sure! Where does the party usually happen?”

“There’s a large unused room below the lobby,” explained Laila, eyes sparkling in excitement. “The Chavalenets don’t keep any hotel events there because it’s on a lower level, so we take advantage of that and have a good time there instead!”

“Sounds fun! I’ll be there!”

“Oh, and don’t forget to dress up!”

You stumbled on thin air. “Dress up?”

“Of course! It’s a party, y/n!” 

“I don’t have any fancy clothes…” you mumbled, scratching the back of your neck.

That did not seem to faze Laila. “Well, it’s a good thing I have tons to spare!”

Later that night, you walked into the forgotten room below, dressed in a knee-length, midnight blue dress courtesy Laila. She had insisted on you wearing a pair of sparkly earrings as well, claiming that you absolutely could not proceed without it because it matched the little sparkles in your dress. 

You were quite glad that you had followed her advice because everyone else clearly took these small Friday gatherings very seriously. In fact, this party turned out to be the most free-flowing gathering you had encountered since stepping into the hotel. Gone was the stiff, unnatural feeling that usually clung to the atmosphere. Replaced, instead, by normal conversations, comfortable interactions, and a general feeling of warmth and comfort. 

“Y/n, you look beautiful!” Chef Yuna walked over to you with a big smile on her face. 

“Thank you! Though, I’d say most of the credit goes to Laila for letting me borrow her dress.”

Chef Yuna laughed and pointed you in the direction of the snack table. Your eyes sparkled at the sight of every dish sitting there - shrimp appetizers with a subtle garlic dip, baskets full of freshly baked bread rolls, two large bowls of salad, slices of turkey, chicken, and salami, and a very delectable looking cake with fresh cream and strawberries.

“Y/n, where did you learn to cook? Do you have any formal training?” Penny, who worked at the front desk, had only spoken to you in passing before. 

“Oh, the family I lived with owned a cafe,” you said, sipping the punch slowly. It was a little too tart for you. “I used to help out a lot here and there, and eventually got quite interested in cooking. But I don’t have any formal training.”

“That’s odd.”

You raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Penny shrugged her shoulders. “You don’t have any training or experience, but Chef Yuna still hired you. I can’t see why.”

“Well, I’m grateful that she gave me a chance,” you said, a small frown gracing your features. “Otherwise I’d be unemployed and homeless.”

Penny took this as an indication to leave. You wandered around the room, avoiding people, and mulling over her words. It was a bit odd that you had been hired. Although you had tried to keep yourself from overthinking the reason behind it, now that Penny - a relative outsider - had pointed it out, you felt a little uneasy. Surely, there wasn’t a sinister motive involved…

“Shoot! The tape’s jammed!”

Kevin fumbled with the boombox, trying to open it and take the cassette out. A mass of wriggly black tape shot out after a few moments, startling him enough to make him lose his balance and fall on top of Laila. 

“My dress!” Laila yelled, as the punch spilled on her cream colored outfit. 

“I’m so sorry!” Kevin hastened to get off her, and looked around helplessly.

“Let me take a look at it,” you came over, inspecting the tape and boombox. “I can fix this but I’m not sure about your dress, Laila.”

Kevin was relieved that the tape emergency was over, but one look at Laila’s furious expression wiped the relief off his face. Chef Yuna placated Laila with promises of a home remedy for the stain, while you busied yourself working on the boombox.

Yoongi’s obsession with music, and any and all technology related to music, meant that you had seen him fixing countless tangled cassette tapes before. The boombox hadn’t eaten any of the tape, thankfully, so you looked around for a pen or pencil with which to wind the tape back into place. There didn’t seem to be any in the room, but Michelle told you that there was plenty of stationary in the backroom of the kitchens. 

While walking up the stairs, you noticed something moving about in the shadows. Was it Seokjin being shady again? Surely not…

“UGH!!!!!”

Alas. It was exactly that.

Well, not exactly. This time around, something had frightened him so much that he had let out an almighty shriek, jumped two feet into the air, and accidentally hurled a large bunch of keys in your direction. 

You realized it was accidental because a few seconds later, Seokjin’s frantic voice could be heard searching for the keys.

“Where is it?” he muttered, crawling on all fours. 

You contemplated giving him back the bunch without any fuss. But the image of his annoyingly handsome face staring at you condescendingly made you reconsider your course of action.

“What’re you doing?” you asked, walking up to him slowly. 

Clearly, the man didn’t do well with sudden noises because he let out yet another loud yelp and fell on his backside. 

“What’s wrong with you?!” he demanded. “Why would you sneak up on someone like that?”

“I was walking by when I saw you being shady again. And for the record,” you added, kneeling down beside him. “It wouldn’t feel like I was sneaking up on you if you weren’t sneaking around yourself.”

He frowned at you, and you realised that he was still in his formal work clothes. Although, you could tell that he had been rummaging about for quite a while because his shirt had come untucked and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. You tried not to let the pronounced veins on his arms distract you. The last thing you needed was for his obnoxiously large ego to become even more bloated by realizing that you found him extremely attractive.

But really, you didn’t need to worry about him realizing anything. For Kim Seokjin was busily trying to comprehend the fact that you were wearing a relatively short dress and kneeling down next to him. Never before had he contemplated how long and slender your legs were - but now that he had caught more than a glimpse, he couldn’t quite get those thoughts to leave him.

“What were you doing, anyway?” you asked, realizing that no one had spoken for a significant amount of time. “I’m beginning to think you’re either a sleepwalker or a very clumsy pervert.”

That seemed to snap him out of it. He got up quickly and dusted his pants, glaring at you the entire time.

“Neither. And you need to mind your own business, Lost Check-in.”

It was your turn to frown. “Stop calling me that.”

“Stop getting in my way,” he retorted.

“Tell me what you’re up to.”

“Or else what? You’ll get me into trouble?” he sneered.

You smirked and brought the bunch of keys out from behind your back. “Not at all. I’ll just keep the hotel’s main set of keys to myself and watch you get yourself into trouble.”

“Give that back!” He lunged at you, trying to get the keys back.

You should have thought this through more thoroughly. The initial advantage you had was now gone, and instead, the man before you was able to use his height and ample shoulders to his full advantage and trap you against the wall. You held the keys behind your back, determined to keep them away from him as long as possible.

Now that you were backed up to the wall, Seokjin had to press himself flush against you in order to get closer to the keys. His hands moved wildly, trying to feel for the keys and brushing against your thighs instead. 

The sudden contact made you jolt upwards, knocking both your heads together and temporarily ceasing the fight. 

Although, if anyone had seen the two of you, they definitely wouldn’t have thought you were in the middle of a fight - the angles and movements were much more like two people feeling each other up very heatedly.

“You’re such a pain,” Seokjin muttered, rubbing the spot on his forehead you had bumped into. The tips of his fingers were placed very gently against his forehead, but somehow the movement itself was extremely aggressive.

The image was so bizarre that you burst into giggles, doubling over and collapsing onto the floor. He stared at you for a few moments before the corners of his lips started twitching upwards as well. Sighing slowly, he sat down next to you.

“You’re very strange,” he said, though it lacked the usual crisp annoyance.

“You’re one to talk. Lurking in shadowy corners on more than one occasion,” you retorted, giving him a pointed look.

He sighed. “If you must know, I’m looking for the treasure.”

You quirked an eyebrow. “What?”

“Growing up at the hotel, I had always heard about rumors of a great treasure that was hidden somewhere here. Mind you, no one really knew anything concrete about this treasure. But the rumors were always fantastically exciting.” He paused, leaning his head back against the wall.

“If you’ve known about it for so many years, why are you searching for it now?” you asked.

“Because I don’t think the hotel will be running much longer.”

You raised your eyebrows in surprise. “Why not?”

“Financial problems. I won’t bore you with the details, but it’s not been looking good for the past year.” A sad smile graced his features. “This hotel is my home, and it feels weird to think about a time where it won’t be a part of my life anymore. But I have to plan for the future, look ahead and make sure there’s a plan b in case the worst comes to.”

You remained silent. How were you supposed to respond to this?

“Anyway,” he continued. “Can I have the keys back?”

You looked at him, surveying his features closely. Once you moved beyond how handsome he was, you could see the determination in his eyes as well. This man was a survivor - just like you. That’s why you decided on your next course of action.

“I’ll help you.”

He blinked a few times. “Huh?”

“I’ll help you,” you repeated, handing the bunch of keys to him. “I’ll help you look for the treasure.”

It had been a week since you had started working at the hotel. Chef Yuna was satisfied with your work and hired you on a six-month contract.

“That way,” she said, while passing the contract to you. “You are free to leave the hotel if you find somewhere else you want to join. If not, we can just draw up another contract for you to continue.”

You smiled at her. She really was a very kind and compassionate person, who always looked out for the people around her. Unlike her son… 

Although maybe Kim Seokjin wasn’t as bad as you had originally thought he was.

“Lost Check-in! Don’t you look lovely today!”

Correction: he was just as bad as you had thought.

“Can you not breathe down my neck, Manager?” you said, through gritted teeth. He was currently standing right behind you, staring at the soup from over your shoulder. The close proximity meant that you could feel his breath on your neck - which was extremely unsettling.

He backed away a little and stared at you with mischief dancing in his eyes. You frowned and crossed your arms across your chest, anticipating some kind of sabotage. And sure enough, he suddenly leaned forward, brushing his lips against your ear.

“Do you know where the gummy bears are?” He pulled away slightly, tilting his head and gazing at you inquiringly.

“The gummy bears…?” you repeated, slightly dazed by the sensation of his lips on your ear.

He grinned and flicked your forehead softly. “I’ll just ask Laila.”

Apparently, Seokjin had a slight gummy bear addiction. Chef Yuna had banned any sort of gummies from the kitchen for that exact reason. Somehow, Seokjin managed to overcome that obstacle as well - he would ask the grocer to smuggle in his favorite rose colored gummy bears, even going as far as saying some guests had requested it but wanted it kept a secret. 

Laila, who you thought had a pretty obvious crush on Seokjin, was chosen as the gummy guardian in the kitchen, and occasionally, Kevin also helped hide the stash when things got too chaotic. It was only Michelle who would possibly disapprove, and therefore, was kept completely in the dark. 

“What was the manager talking to you about earlier, y/n?” Michelle came over to you after tea had been prepared for the guests. 

“Oh, uh-” you saw Laila desperately shaking her head from behind the counter. “Nothing in particular. He was just being tiresome.”

Michele frowned but nodded her head. “Okay. Just don’t fall for what he says, okay? Do your job properly and listen to Chef’s instructions. Everything will be fine that way.”

You nodded your head. What a curious thing to say… You wondered what had brought about this response from Michelle. Everyone in the hotel seemed to be very fairly fond of, if not incredibly smitten with, Seokjin. This was the first time you were witnessing such an explicitly negative response towards him. Even Madam Iris and her husband maintained a level of aloofness associated with the upper class. 

“Why does Michelle hate you?” You were standing next to Seokjin as he tried to jimmy the lock on a random cupboard in some random room. You still hadn’t been able to figure out what his process for finding the treasure was - it just seemed like a bunch of inaccurate guesses. But at least he had finally relented to your persistent nagging and asked you to join him on his next escapade.

“Why do you think she hates me?” he asked, frowning as the lock wouldn’t budge. When you didn’t respond, he turned towards you and chuckled at the skeptical expression on your face. “Okay yes, she isn’t particularly fond of me.”

“I figured that much out myself, funnily enough. What I’m asking is why?”

He hesitated a little, as if trying to find the right way to explain the situation. “Michelle and I were - uhm - we had a brief dalliance a couple of years ago. In fact, it was right after she had started working here. Things didn’t end well…”

You pressed your lips together, desperately trying to keep a straight face. It didn’t help that the tips of Seokjin’s ears had started to turn red as he finished recounting his story.

“You played her, didn’t you?” 

“No way! I would never-” he stopped, realising that you would not fall for his stories. “Yeah well, it’s not like I promised to marry her or something! We just kissed a few times and she helped get a couple of persistent guests off my back.”

“Yeah, you played her.”

He sighed, pushing past you on his way out of the room. “Whatever.”

It was incredibly amusing to see him annoyed and flustered like this. You made it a point to find out a few other things that would possibly elicit the same reaction from him. Maybe there was a particularly scandalous gummy bear story you could wedge out of Laila. 

Just as you both rounded the corner, something small and fidgety dashed into you, successfully knocking you off your feet. 

“Hey! What the hell?”

The bane of every hotel staff’s existence, the reason why a large crate of tomatoes had rolled down the main flight of stairs, the culprit behind the large pudding stain on the special ivory tablecloths, the spoilt young heir of the hotel - Ryan Farrow sat on the floor opposite you, seemingly delighted about the fact that he had managed to topple a new victim.

“Watch where you’re going, kid,” you said, trying to keep your temper in check. You had heard dozens of stories about the terrors unleashed upon your coworkers by this child, and even though this was your first direct interaction with him, you were already extremely annoyed.

“You watch where you’re going, old lady!” he yelled, scrambling to his feet and sticking his tongue out. 

“I am not an old lady!” you yelled, chasing after him as he began running off in the direction he had come from. “Hey! Get back here! You should say sor-”

The sight of a very displeased Madam Iris stopped you in your tracks. Ryan grinned at you from behind his mother, made a series of unfortunate gestures, and ran off before you could chase after him.

“Y/n,” Madam Iris spoke with a calmness not reflected in her eyes. “I’m not sure I understand what you were doing just now.”

You stood still, knowing that she had more to say, more excessively long sentences to use, more haughty expressions to display. 

“I can’t imagine that you’d be chasing my son around the hotel,” she continued, raising a thin eyebrow. “Yelling at him to apologize to you. What exactly would my son need to apologize to you for?”

“I wasn’t yelling at him,” you replied, stiffly. “He was too far away so I had to speak loudly. Also, he was running through the corridors very fast and could’ve hurt himself along with someone else. I was ju-”

“How dare you?” she frowned at you. “How dare you think you have any right to tell my son what he can and cannot do? This is basically his hotel. You work for him as much as you do for me and my mother.”

You bit your lip harshly to stop yourself from saying something that would land you in further trouble. 

“If I ever see you treating my son like that ever again,” she looked you up and down with a disdainful expression. “I will have you sacked immediately. Understood?”

You didn’t trust yourself to say anything more. Madam Iris gave you one final look of disapproval and walked off. 

“That was quite something.” 

You groaned and buried your face in your hands. “I don’t feel like listening to your bullshit right now, Seokjin.”

After getting no response, you removed your hands from your face, only to be greeted by a large hand full of rose gummy bears. Seokjin stood in front of you, wiggling his eyebrows and nose, trying to indicate that you should take some of the gummy bears from his hand.

He looked cute. 

“Is there something wrong with these gummy bears?” you asked, once you had recovered from his oddly endearing actions. 

He frowned, a soft pout forming. “I’m appalled. Whatever differences we may have, Lost Check-in, I would never put my precious gummy bears in danger.”

You remained unconvinced, so he picked up a single gummy bear between his thumb and index finger, and popped it into his mouth. After a couple of chews, he thrust the gummy bears towards you, gently bobbing his head up and down to signal to you that it was safe to try some.

You rolled your eyes and picked up a couple of them. Seokjin was watching you intently, trying to gauge your reaction to his favorite treat. 

Your first instinct was to say that you hated it - it would be so much fun to watch his disappointment. But his large brown eyes were filled with a clear emotion - anticipation - the kind you feel when introducing your best friend to something you love. At least, that’s what you’d imagine the feeling would be, because you never really had a best friend before. 

“I like it.” It was a simple statement but somehow, it managed to earn a full-blown smile from him.

“Excellent! I knew you’d like it!”

Your face felt hot as he grabbed your hand and shoved the rest of the gummy bears into it.

“Oh, and I got this for you.” He reached into the inside of his suit jacket and pulled out a battered looking document. “It’s a map of the hotel - it’s quite old but I’ve scribbled down any new additions or structures that may have been added more recently.”

“Where’d you get this?” you asked, trying to avoid the more pressing question of why he was going out of his way to give this to you.

“Madam Eva gave it to me,” he replied, simply. 

“Madam Eva? Why would she give you a map of the hotel? Didn’t you grow up here? Why would you need it anyway?” The questions poured out before you could really check yourself.

“Oh hush, Lost Check-in,” he tutted, shaking his head. “I got it from her to give to you. So you wouldn’t keep losing yourself in dark corridors. I wouldn’t want you to bump into someone else like you did with me.”

“Huh?” was your very intelligent response.

Corridors. So many corridors. None of them leading anywhere. Just an endless path. No destination in sight. No doors on any sides. No rooms. Not a single person around. You were all alone. A single object far away. Too far away. The corridor doesn’t end. A figure in black. Growing larger. It was coming for you-

“It was a nightmare… thank god...” You woke up in a cold sweat, breathing harshly as you struggled to gather your surroundings. 

You were in your room, the gentle sounds of Michelle’s snores calming you down while you got up to get a drink of water. It didn’t seem like you would be able to get to sleep anytime soon so you decided to study the map Seokjin had given you. 

It was no wonder you kept getting lost in the hotel - it was massive and there were a number of rooms within rooms whose existence you wouldn’t be aware of unless you specifically knew where to find them. 

Your eyes wandered over to the top left corner of the map. That particular section of the map was much more faded than the rest of it, making it hard to decipher exactly what was there.

“Seokjin!” You burst into his room just as the clock struck 6 in the morning. “I think I know where we should be searching next! Th-”

You nearly collided with the table in the centre of the room as you realised exactly what you had stumbled upon. 

Seokjin doing his morning stretches. Seokjin, with bed hair and rosy cheeks, doing morning stretches. Seokjin, wearing a peach colored t-shirt and tiny pink shorts, with bed hair and rosy cheeks, doing morning stretches. Seokjin, whose ears were now a bright red, wearing a peach colored t-shirt and tiny pink shorts, with bed hair and rosy cheeks, doing morning stretches.

“Y/n?” he asked, looking very confused.

“Thigh- I mean, hi!” You looked away from the lower half of his body, donned in the most ridiculously tiny pair of tennis shorts you had ever laid eyes on. “I have an idea.”

“Okay? Is it related to knocking before you burst into someone’s room at the crack of dawn?” he replied, grinning cheekily.

“Shut up!” you scoffed, turning away from him. You didn’t need him to see how affected you were.

“Okay, just gimme a minute.”

Soon, he was back, appropriately dressed and smelling like strawberries. Of course he smelled like strawberries…

“So what was your great idea?” he asked, sitting down on the floor.

“I was looking through the map of the hotel,” you said, opening it up. “And this place right here on the top left corner of the map - I think this place would be worth a shot.”

“No.”

“No? Why not?!” You were slightly annoyed at how quickly he dismissed your suggestion.

“Because,” he said, pulling the map closer to himself. “This is where the Chavalenet suites are located.”

“Oh…” You frowned at the map. “But that means there’s a greater chance of finding the treasure over there! Have you looked there before?”

“No, because only select staff are allowed there during fixed hours. Madam Iris insists on it.”

You crossed your arms over your chest. “I think we should check it out. Come on, we’ll be very careful! They’ll never know we were there!”

The earnest look in your eyes seemed to make Seokjin waver. He stared at you for a few moments before shaking his head resignedly. 

“What’s the worst that could happen… Ah, fine. Let’s plan on exploring that section of the hotel while dinner is being served. I know that Anthony requested a special performance by that famous children’s magician, so they should be occupied for much longer than usual.”

You grinned, collecting the map and getting ready to leave the room. “I’ll meet you outside the kitchens at 7!”

It was exactly twenty past 7 when you rushed out of the kitchen, nearly colliding with Seokjin in the process. He tapped his watch a few times, wiggling his eyebrows teasingly.  

“I hate that woman!” you huffed angrily, slipping into your jacket. “She actually requested that I peel all the potatoes for tonight’s dinner. Do you know how many potatoes were served tonight? 200!”

“You peeled 200 potatoes by yourself?” Seokjin raised his eyebrows in alarm. 

“No,” you sighed. “Chef Yuna got Laila to help me out but Madam Iris kept popping in every few minutes so she had to go back to doing something else. Mind you, I might not have finished at all tonight if she hadn’t helped me. But it still took an insane amount of time.”

The two of you walked towards the Chavalenets’ section of the hotel. It was located at the back of the building, effectively cut off from the usually busy portions of the hotel. 

“Why is this family so weird?” you complained, picking at a thread on your jacket. “One doesn’t speak, one is an evil tyrant, one is a spineless asshole, and don’t even get me started on the kid!”

Seokjin chuckled softly. “They weren’t always so weird. Especially not Madam Eva.”

“Really? I don’t believe it. She just sits there and watches her daughter do whatever she wants.”

“No, it’s true. She was a very powerful woman - used to command the attention of everyone in the room. Everyone respected her and she really cared about everyone in the hotel - staff and guests included. In fact, she was the one who introduced special events for guests during the evenings. She also had part of the hotel renovated so that there were more staff quarters.”

“So what happened?”

“A couple of things. About 15 years ago, Madam Eva’s husband passed away quite suddenly. Everyone was pretty shocked, but in hindsight it shouldn’t have been such a surprise. He liked to live it up - smoked like a chimney, drank like a fish, and ate everything the doctors specifically asked him to avoid. Anyway, around the time of his death, rumors about the treasure started circulating. There was speculation that he had left something behind but hadn’t told the rest of the family. Overall, his death created a lot of upheaval in terms of property and inheritance issues.”

Seokjin paused, pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly.

“It was about two years after that that Madam Eva’s son and his family died in a car crash. Adrian, his wife Sophie, and their little girl - who funnily enough had the same name as you.”

“Really?!” you asked, eyes widening in surprise. That would explain why Chef Yuna and the Chavalenets had reacted so strangely when they had heard your name.

“Yeah,” he said, turning towards you with a sad smile. “I still remember that day clearly. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Madam Eva as devastated as she had been that day. The police barely managed to stop her from going to the crash site. I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if she had managed to get there - apparently, the explosion was so bad that only a few body parts were recovered.”

“Wow…” You didn’t know what to say. The story sounded horrible on its own - what must it have been to actually have to live through it?

“Anyway, here we are” -Seokjin pointed at a couple of large doors next to each other - “that’s Madam Iris’ study and her and Anthony’s bedroom next to it. On the other end of the corridor is Madam Eva’s room and an empty ballroom where they sometimes hold meetings.”

“Okay, let’s start with the study.”

Madam Iris’ study was a very well organized room. There was no way you could rummage through it without moving something out of place. Seokjin suggested that each item should be returned to its place as soon as it was inspected, making sure that nothing was left to be put back at the end. It seemed like a pretty efficient system, but unfortunately, there appeared to be nothing useful that could point you towards the treasure.

“I knew it!” Seokjin stood up and waved a large paper notebook frantically. “I knew she was tampering with the books! There’s no way the hotel could be doing as badly as she claimed!”

You frowned and took a quick glance at the notebook. Not being familiar with any of the accounts, you looked at Seokjin for some help. He began explaining every single mistake with a feverish excitement, his words coming out faster as he got more excited. 

Suddenly, you heard a noise from outside the room. 

There was no need to check who it was - in whatever scenario, you and Seokjin could not be caught rifling through the papers in Madam Iris’ room. 

“Seokjin!” you whispered frantically. “Shut up! There’s someone coming!”

He wasn’t paying any attention to you, excitedly rattling off different things from the notebook. The voices were getting closer and in a last desperate attempt, you pulled him behind the large red curtains and smashed your lips to his.

That seemed to shut him up for a moment. But as he realized that your lips were on his, he attempted to pull away. There was no way you could risk letting Seokjin talk right now. So you moved your lips over his, kissing him fast and hard, while your fingers frantically tapped a pattern onto his left arm. Hopefully he would notice the pressure on his arm and understand that you were trying to tell him something - that you were trying to tell him to shut up for a few minutes.

Thankfully, he stopped struggling after a few taps on his arm, focusing on kissing you instead. 

You nearly missed out on the conversation happening at the other end of the room because Seokjin’s lips were just so damn powerful.

“Iris,” you recognized Madam Eva’s voice, low and stern. “I’m running out of patience. When is that lawyer husband of yours going to be done with the new staff contracts?”

“Mother, please, have patience. Anthony can’t just rush through such an important task. We need to everything is absolutely perfect before handing it over to you.”

“You have until the end of the month,” Madam Eva said, her voice ringing with finality. 

The door slammed shut and the sound of the two pairs of footsteps slowly receded into silence.

It took you a few seconds to realise that the coast was clear. Pulling away from him hastily, you took in the sight of his bruised lips and dazed expression. Pushing aside the delighted feeling blooming in the pit of your stomach, you brought his attention to the conversation you both had just overheard. 

“Sorry about that - I had to find some way to shut you up quickly! But more importantly, we need to find those contracts! Did you hear what they were saying? I’m sure Iris is planning something sinister!”

Seokjin had not, in fact, heard anything that had been said. His brain had started glitching as soon as your lips had descended on his. But it was only when you started tapping his hand, did his world come crashing around him. 

“Y/n! We aren’t supposed to be here! I’ll get into trouble if they find me here!” 

9 year old Seokjin had quite a few reservations about raiding the special chocolate cabinet that was kept locked and stored inside the grand ballroom. 

“Shh!” you whispered, pouting at him. “If you keep screaming like that, they’ll definitely find us!”

“What?!” Panic seized his entire body, the words spilling out of his mouth before he could think about them. “I knew it! This is a disaster! I’m going to be in so much trouble! Mum is gonna-”

The feeling of something soft on his cheeks made him halt his word vomit. Your lips, to be precise. 

Before he could overreact to this as well, you began tapping his forearm rhythmically. The movement snapped him out of shock, alerting him to the fact that two of the hotel staff were currently taking away the old centre pieces on the tables. 

He pulled away from you slowly, nodding his head to let you know that he would be quiet until they left.

It was a good 15 minutes later that the coast was finally clear. However, Seokjin’s ears were still red and his cheeks felt like they were on fire.

“Sorry, Jin,” you apologized, grinning at him mischievously. “I had to shut you up quickly!”

It came back to him in a rush. A pile of memories, falling from the sky and burying him under the emotions he had kept locked up for more than a decade.

He couldn’t believe that this was happening. Madam Eva’s beloved granddaughter was still alive. You were still alive. You were Madam Eva’s granddaughter.

“I can’t believe I kissed him like that!”

You were currently having a mini meltdown inside your room. Thankfully, Michelle was still working so you had the whole place to yourself to rant about your ridiculous choice of actions.

“I could’ve just covered his mouth with my hand!” You buried your face in your hands. “But NO! I had to use my mouth to cover his mouth! What was I thinking? No! What is he thinking?! Fuck!”

This was getting too much. Your face felt unbelievably hot, and you couldn’t make sense of your own actions. It wasn’t as if you hadn’t kissed a guy before - in fact, those sloppy kisses you had shared with Yoongi’s best friend, Hoseok, had been quite enjoyable. But that was after Hoseok had said that he liked you - you hadn’t just jumped him out of nowhere!

“I’m such an idiot!” you groaned. 

There was no point screaming to yourself inside the room. Perhaps a walk around the hotel would help you calm down. You’d probably get lost again and it would take hours for you to find your way back. The perfect distraction!

The walk was beginning to do the trick - you were so busy examining the different paintings and statues lining the corridors that you ended up at some random part of the hotel, too immersed in what you had found to overthink the kiss.

“A piano?” You walked into the small room, marveling at the beautiful ivory piano situated in a corner. 

“It looks like no one’s used this in years,” you muttered to yourself, opening the keylid and lightly running your fingers over the keys. “Shame… it looks so magnificent.”

An idea popped up in your head. When the Mins had found you 12 years ago, the only object in your possession had been a roughly folded set of sheet music. Yoongi had saved up enough money to buy a second hand piano - but there hadn’t been enough keys on it to play the last page of the sheet music. 

But this grand piano would do nicely. 

Sneaking a peak around the room, you made sure that no one else was there. The last thing you needed was for Madam Iris or anyone from her family to catch you here. 

“Okay, let’s try this.”

The first note sounded rich, and the tone was definitely of more superior quality than the one you had practiced on with Yoongi. As you continued playing the piece, your thoughts wandered over to the Mins. A wave of homesickness hit you suddenly and images of the cafe sailed through your mind - you wondered how they were doing. Was the cafe managing a little better now? Maybe you’d use one of the hotel’s telephones to call Yoongi and see how they were doing…

“Huh?” You stopped playing, confused by the sound coming from the key you had just played. 

You were now on the last page of the sheet music - your right hand on the highest scale available. The e flat key did not sound right, and you checked the sheet music to make sure you were playing the right one. 

“No… this seems right. Why does it sound off?” you wondered, pressing the key a little harder this time.

All of a sudden, there was a loud creak and one of the wooden panels behind you sprung open. You nearly fell off the piano stool in shock, just barely managing to hold on as you waited for someone to jump out from the shadows and attack you.

Thankfully, no one did. But the panel remained open, subtly inviting you inside.

“What’s the harm in checking it out?” you reasoned with yourself. “No one’s going to find out.”

And so, you stepped through the opening, walking into a very large room filled with trunks of different sizes, a few large cabinets, and dozens of pictures set up all over. It almost resembled some kind of store room. Upon closer inspection, you realized that all the pictures were of the same people - a young man with a soft smile, a very beautiful woman standing next to him, and a little girl who never seemed to be facing the camera when the picture was taken.

They looked so familiar. Like something out of a dream. A dream that you were struggling to grasp at as it slipped away into your subconscious. 

With every picture you examined, the ache inside your chest grew. Soon, there were tears falling from your eyes as an overwhelming rush of memories hit you like a ton of bricks. Your father showing you the different keys on the piano while your mother fussed about not having enough time to teach you how to write. Your grandmother talking you on walks through the property, telling you stories about how there used to be deer and rabbits before most of the greenery was cleared away. Your family showering you with so much love while you raced about the hotel making new friends, playing hide and seek, and dragging your best friend along with you.

“It can’t be…” you wiped away your tears furiously. “How can this be true…”

You sat down on one of the trunks, burying your face in your hands. Your head hurt. Your chest hurt. Everything hurt. You wanted to cry. You also wanted to punch your way through the hard stone walls. 

You felt… lost.

“Are you sure?” Anthony asked his wife, the fear very apparent in his voice.

Madam Iris snapped at him. “Of course I’m sure! Would I be joking about something like this?”

Anthony gulped and looked down at his hands. “So Adrian and Sophie’s kid is still alive… what if they are too?!”

“No, they’re not,” she replied, shaking her head definitely. “I saw their bodies in the crash. It was just that pesky kid I couldn’t find…”

“You don’t think she’s back for revenge, do you?” 

“I’m pretty sure she has no idea about her true identity,” Madam Iris contemplated. “But it’s better to not take any chances - we should get rid of her quickly. Before someone else realizes who she is.”

Anthony stared at his wife doubtfully. “Doesn’t that seem a little extreme? I mean… she’ll probably never figure it out if she hasn’t already.”

“My darling,” Madam Iris sat beside him and took his hand in hers. “How many times have I told you not to use that little brain of yours? It’s landed us in a fix quite a few times already. So please, leave the planning to me. And just do as I say.”

“You aren’t joking, right?”

Seokjin sighed and shook his head. He had been trying to explain everything to his mother for the past half an hour - but every few minutes, she would give him a skeptical look and ask if he was playing some kind of elaborate prank.

“Why would I joke about something like this?”

Chef Yuna rubbed her forehead tiredly. “It did catch me by surprise when she said her name was ‘y/n’. My mind immediately thought of the little girl running around the hotel, stealing everyone’s hearts.”

Seokjin smiled softly, recalling all the memories he had of you when you were both children. 

“Including yours, if I remember correctly,” his mother teased him.

Seokjin’s ears turned red and he cleared his throat loudly. “I don’t know how to tell her… that she’s part of the Chavalenet family. Probably even the next heir if we consider the inheritance laws.”

Chef Yuna nodded her head. “The oldest child of the oldest child will inherit the property.”

She looked at her son who was busily examining the skin around his fingernails - a habit he had picked up around the time of his promotion. It signaled a great amount of anxiety inside him. 

“Maybe you should talk to Madam Eva about this,” she said, gently. “It’s probably the best course of action right now.”

Seokjin nodded his head. Somewhere in his mind, he knew that Madam Eva would have to be told about this revelation. It was the next logical step - she would be the best person to tell you the truth.

But his heart felt heavy. On one hand, he was incredibly glad that you were still alive - his childhood friend, the only person he ever remembered being really close to. On the other hand, this meant that both of you belonged in separate worlds - worlds which were leagues apart, worlds which didn’t have any place for each other.

A part of him, selfishly, wanted to keep the truth to himself, and be able to stay by your side for a bit longer. Over the past couple of days, he had come to the startling revelation that he had feelings for you - and the thought of never being able to act on those feelings made his heart clench painfully. 

He wanted to kiss you again - properly, this time. But now, even if you somehow managed to return his feelings, there was no way the two of you would ever work out.

Life was quite unfair sometimes.

Madam Eva had tears in her eyes as she hugged you tightly to her chest. Soft sobs wracked her entire person, and you patted her back awkwardly.

“My sweet child,” she managed to say between sobs. “My sweet y/n. I can’t believe that you’re here in front of me! That you’re alive! I missed you so much!”

Truth be told, you were very overwhelmed by everything that had been going on the past couple of days. You had even briefly contemplated running away and going back to the Mins. 

But then Seokjin had told Madam Eva the truth - the truth you had no idea he was aware of.

And that had stung.

“How long have you known?” you asked him, once things had quietened down a little. 

“Two days,” he replied. His eyes looked sad and that annoyed you even more. Why was he sad?! He was the one who had figured out your identity and then revealed it to your family without once thinking of telling you anything! If anyone should be sad, it should be you.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Your tone was clipped as you tried your best to control the anger underneath.

“Huh?” 

You uncrossed your arms from over your chest. “If you knew, why didn’t you tell me? I should’ve been the first to know! I’m the one it affects most! How could you not tell me?!”

Seokjin recoiled a little. “I- uh- wasn’t completely sure. I didn’t want to confuse you.”

You let out a mirthless laugh. “How considerate! You didn’t want to confuse me? Well how do you think I feel now?! I was ambushed by a family and a past that I wasn’t prepared to confront! I was barely able to wrap my head around the memories that suddenly assaulted me when the whole hotel came crashing down on me in tears and embraces! HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL, SEOKJIN?!”

You were yelling now as tears streamed down your face. Seokjin attempted to reach out to you but you brushed his hand aside roughly.

“Don’t touch me.” The words felt like they were choking inside your throat. “And don’t talk to me. Ever.”

You didn’t have much time to yourself as the hotel began preparing celebrations in honor of your return. The first item on the agenda was a bonfire organized by your grandmother. Everyone was very excited about it because it had been years since she had actively taken part in any hotel event. 

“Feels like the good old days!” Chef Yuna said, barely able to contain the excitement in her voice. “You lot have never been to an event organized by Madam Eva - they’re really a once in a lifetime kind of experience!”

It was just around dusk that everyone gathered around a large bonfire, prepared for an evening of song, dance, and wonderful food. The guests along with the hotel staff were extremely excited about the bonfire, but there were three faces that looked like they would rather be anywhere else but here.

The first was Madam Iris, whose hazel eyes burned with a cold anger as she watched everyone fuss over you. The second was her husband, Anthony Farrow, who looked pale and kept glancing at his wife nervously. And the third was you, who felt like you deserved none of this and couldn’t reconcile whatever was going on with what you had known for so many years.

“It has been many years since my heart felt any kind of joy,” Madam Eva began, looking around with a bright smile. “As many of you know, I lost my husband 15 years ago, and shortly afterwards, my son and daughter-in-law were killed in a car crash. All these years, I thought that I had lost my darling granddaughter as well - but somehow, the heavens have granted me a miracle. It’s been so many years since I last saw you, my dear y/n, and I cannot express how happy I am to see you again.”

Everyone clapped and cheered as she gave you another hug. Maybe you didn’t deserve it, but it felt nice to be showered with so much love and affection. You just wished you could remember something more - you had absolutely no memory of the car accident that had killed your parents even though many other little details about your past were very clear. 

“Please, everyone help yourselves to the food and drinks prepared by our talented Chef Yuna and her incredible team!”

Halfway through the event, everyone had scattered to different parts of the grounds. Besides the main bonfire, a number of small heating devices had been set up so that people could stay warm outdoors. 

You had just finished a small plate filled with dishes Chef Yuna had made. They were all incredible but everything felt like sandpaper in your mouth. You wondered when it would be okay for you to go back inside without it looking too impolite. 

Trudging back to the bonfire, you noticed that only Madam Iris was sitting there. You were in no mood to interact with her - she hadn’t been subtle about expressing her dislike towards you even after finding out who you really were.

Just before you could turn back, she stood up and walked over to pick up something that had fallen on the ground. She was wearing a billowy black cloak over her expensive clothes and the bonfire behind her illuminated her silhouette like…

The air is full of smoke. You cough and sit up, looking around for your parents.

“Mum! Dad!” you yell, coughing furiously. “Wh-where are you?!”

The smoke is getting in your eyes and you rub at them to try and clear your vision. You try and get up but the shooting pain in your left leg stops you. There’s a huge gash below your knee, red and brown as the dirt on the road mixes with your blood. 

“Mum! Dad!” you scream again, hoping that they might finally hear you. “Help me, please!”

Suddenly, a huge explosion rocks the area, sending you flying into the nearest obstacle. 

Your back hurts as you try and sit up again, trying to see where the explosion came from. Your eyes catch sight of a brilliant orange light, roaring against the night sky. 

A fire. 

And in front of the fire, stands a figure in a black cloak, looking so frightening that you start crying in fear.

“HELP!” you yell, struggling to get to your feet. 

The figure is getting closer and something inside you knows that you need to get away from it.

“HELP ME! PLEASE!” You have somehow managed to stand up, but fear keeps you paralyzed in place.

A sudden gust of wind blows through the night, shifting the direction of the embers, and you catch a glimpse of their face.

Suddenly, the ground beneath you wobbles and you find yourself hurtling down the side of the road. You try desperately to grab onto something but your momentum is too strong. You finally come to a stop after crashing into a tree, the last of your consciousness slipping away as the face comes back to haunt you.

It is your aunt, Iris.

“It was you!” you screamed, as the memories came back - the car crash, the chase that led to the crash, your parents’ frantic voices, your mother pushing you out of the car before it crashed. “You were there that night! You were chasing our car that night! You’re the one who watched us crash and didn’t do anything about it! You killed my parents!”

Madam Iris glared at you with unbridled hatred. “Shut up! Just SHUT UP! You ruined everything, you stupid little bitch! I was this close to getting everything!”

A fight ensued as Iris attacked you with all her might. At one point, Anthony joined in as well, and you were worried that you would be outnumbered. But somehow, Seokjin managed to find you and subdued Anthony quickly. After that, it didn’t take long for you to get the better of Iris - a few punches and she was down. 

“Why are you doing this?” you asked her, panting for breath. 

She sat down by the tree, exhausted, but spitting venom from her eyes. “Fuck you.”

It turned out that Iris didn’t need to say anything. As soon as your grandmother had looked at Anthony sternly, the frightened man had opened his mouth and spilled each and every one of his wife’s secrets. It was quite a sad story overall. 

On that fateful night, 12 years ago, your father had found the ‘treasure’. Both he and Iris had been looking for it for days, believing that it was either a lot of priceless jewels or some very important property papers. After your father had found it, he had tried his best to keep it hidden, but Iris had found out about it anyway. A huge argument had taken place, following which your father had decided to run away with you and your mother. You had all snuck out in the middle of the night, driving off in a car with some of your belongings. Iris had given chase and watched as the car had crashed and then burst into flames. She had also believed that you had rolled down the edge of the road to your death. 

Over the past 12 years, she had tried to find out where your father had hidden the treasure, but did not succeed. In fact, it was you who had stumbled across it the night that you had found the hidden room behind the wooden panel. 

Alas! The treasure was not so much a treasure as a horrific surprise. Your grandfather had apparently sold off the hotel a few days before his death - and hidden the fact from everyone, including his wife and children. However, he had hidden the legal papers so that neither the new owners nor his family would ever be able to prove the fact. It was one last ridiculous game he had played before succumbing to all his vices. 

Iris’ grand plans of selling the hotel citing financial losses - which she had orchestrated herself - had also been foiled by the discovery of those papers. She and Anthony had been taken into police custody for further questioning. 

Your grandmother had taken the news of the sale relatively well. She had immediately packed her bags and left to visit the new owners, hoping to garner some goodwill in the process.

All of this had happened in a matter of a few hours, and you had completely forgotten about the injuries you had sustained from fighting your aunt. So, that was why you were currently sitting in the room behind the front desk, trying not to fidget as Seokjin tended to your wounds.

“That was… an interesting series of events,” he said, trying to ease the tension in the air. “I never really liked that woman but I definitely didn’t think she was that crazy.”

You remained silent. Seokjin continued to clean the cuts and scrapes carefully. Once again, you noticed how he gently held the cotton swab but then shook it vigorously to get the excess antiseptic off. It was strangely endearing, and made you want to laugh and cry at the same time.

“Jin?” you used your nickname for him. 

He looked up from the cut on your knee, eyes wide in surprise. 

“Do you have any rose gummy bears?”

He blinked a few times before smiling and nodding his head. Quickly finishing up with the rest of injuries, he asked you to wait while he raided the secret stash. 

“Here.” He handed you a small bag full of his favorite gummy bears and sat down next to you.

You gave him a small smile and took out a couple of gummy bears, swiftly popping them into your mouth. Seokjin said nothing, waiting patiently for you to finish eating as many as you wanted.

“Can I tell you something?” you asked, after a while.

“Of course.”

“I really want to kiss you right now.”

Seokjin’s ears turned red as he stared at the wall in front of him. His side profile was so gorgeous, soft lines defining his strong features. 

“Can I?” you asked, making him turn towards you. “Not to distract you. Not to prevent people from finding us. Nothing like that. Just” - you tilted your head to one side - “because I want to.”

He nodded his head slowly, giving you the permission you hadn’t asked for the last time. 

You drew him closer and softly kissed his lips. After a few seconds, he responded as well, cupping your cheek with his hand, and returning your kisses with enthusiasm.

“Why do you want to?” he asked, in between kisses. “Why do you want to kiss me?”

You pulled away and frowned at him. “You’re an ass. Why do you think I want to?”

He grinned, kissing you behind each ear and starting a slow path down your neck. “Indulge me.”

“It’s because- ugh!” you gasped as he nipped at the sensitive spot near your collarbone. “Because - because -”

He stopped his assault on your neck, eyes twinkling playfully. “Because?”

“Two can play at this game,” you muttered, incredibly embarrassed and equally turned on. You moved over to sit on his lap, grinding against him while leaving open mouthed kisses along his neck. Once his entire neck was sufficiently covered with light nips, you moved back to his lips, kissing him deep and hard.

“Y/n,” he gasped into your mouth. “I’m going to explode.”

“Are you now?” you whispered, swiping your tongue into his mouth and feeling your insides curl with pleasure. “Good.”

“I’m serious,” he managed to say between some very loud moans. “I’ll ruin my pants if we keep going like this.”

“Fine,” you said, hopping off and making quick work of his belt buckle. “Take it off then.”

“W-what?” he choked, unable to believe what he had just heard.

“Take off your pants.” You raised an eyebrow and looked him up and down carefully. “Do you know how many times I've thought about seeing that cock of yours after walking in on you doing morning stretches? Why the hell would you wear such tiny tennis shorts anyway?"

If possible, Seokjin's ears turned even more red. "A-are you sure? We don't need to rush or anything."

"Yeah, we don't. But I want to. So," you said, rubbing your palms along his legs. "Take off your pants."

Seokjin grinned, the cheeky glint back in his eyes. "If you insist. But I'm not going to be the only one losing their pants."

"With pleasure," you replied.

The pants were off and soon, the two of you were back to kissing each other like there was no tomorrow. His tongue ravaged your mouth while one of his hands dropped down between your legs and started rubbing you over your panties.

"Feels - mhmm - so good." You matched the rhythm of his fingers, bucking your hips into his hand. Your hand also moved down from his neck and palmed his cock, drawing the most delicious moans from him. Very soon your top and his shirt joined the pile of pants, leaving you both in just your underwear.

"Y/n," Seokjin groaned, taking in the sight of your breasts. "You're so hot."

The two of you remained like that for a bit, almost completely naked, tongues down each others' throats and hands rubbing each other into ecstasy. You felt wetness between your legs, clenching violently when he parted your panties and stroked you between your folds.

"Fuck..." you moaned into his mouth.

"Does that feel good, sweetheart?" he mumbled into your mouth. "Do you want me to use my mouth?"

Your brain could barely process what he had said, but you nodded anyway, senses hazy with pleasure.

"Okay, lie down for me, y/n" he said, pulling away from you. "Let me make you feel good."

You lay down on the sofa, legs parted, as Seokjin hovered over you. "So beautiful. So wet."

He began peppering your inner thighs with light kisses, making you squirm in pleasure. Making his way to your core at an agonizingly slow pace, he finally removed your panties and licked a stripe between your folds.

"Jin! Fuck! I-" Your hips shot up at the intense feeling.

He paid no heed to your moans, licking and slurping your pussy until you were absolutely on the edge.

"I'm close! Please!"

Seokjin plunged a finger inside, using his other hand to keep your legs down. The sensation of his long, slender finger inside you combined with the sight of his head between your thighs was enough for you to reach your climax.

Stars exploded in your vision as the orgasm rocked through you. Seokjin continued his beautiful work on your pussy until you breathed a shaky sigh of pleasure.

"Did you like it?" he asked, teasingly. There was no way he could've missed your screams of pleasure.

"How about I show you just how much I liked it?" you asked, sitting up and playing with the band of his underwear.

Seokjin smirked and quickly shimmied out of his underwear. "Be my guest."

Your eyes widened at the sight of his cock - it was huge. Would he even be able to fit?

"Tell me what feels good," you said, licking long stripes up and down his length. Precum was leaking from his tip already, and you used your tongue to tease him further. Seokjin moaned, gripping the fabric of the sofa as you sucked his cock a few times.

"Don't tease, y/n," he managed with a lot of difficulty. "I don't think I can control myself for much longer."

Pressing a few small kisses to his tip, you leaned back and positioned yourself in front of him. "Okay, I think I'm ready."

A pained expression crossed his face as he took in the sight of you kneeling on your knees, waiting for him to cum.

"Maybe next time," he said, pulling you up to him and placing a soft kiss on your lips. "Right now, I want to be inside you."

"Are you sure?" you asked, returning his kiss.

"Yeah, but let's hurry," he mumbled, taking his throbbing red cock in his hand.

You laid down on the sofa again, spreading your legs for him. He positioned the tip of his cock in front of your entrance, rubbing you a few times before entering slowly.

"Tell me if it's too much," he whispered into your ear, before placing kisses all over your face and neck.

"Mm hmm,"you mumbled, getting used to the stretch.

Seokjin moved his mouth from your neck to your breast, placing sloppy kisses on the mounds before taking one of them in his mouth. You shuddered with pleasure as his tongue swirled around your nippled.

Your senses were getting overwhelmed again - Seokjin had started thrusting into you while simultaneously moving his mouth onto your other breast.

"Is this okay?" he managed between thrusts, his voice hoarse and delightfully sexy.

"Y-yeah, just do what you need to," you said, gripping his biceps with all your might.

He grunted in response, increasing the pace of his thrusts. The room was filled with the sounds of both your moans, and you knew that a second orgasm was building.

Just then, a shrill ring sounded through the room, startling you both. Seokjin barely managed to keep himself from falling off the sofa, placing a hand over his chest as he looked around wildly.

It was the telephone.

Seokjin sighed and pulled out of you, quickly going over to pick up the receiver.

"How can I help you?" he asked, standing there in his full naked glory.

You bit your lip as you drank in the sight of him - from his rippling shoulder muscles to his abs to his tapering waist and dangling cock.

"Of course, madam. But it is currently 2 in the morning. Please call after 7 am in order to make a reservation. Thank you. Have a good night."

Clicking the receiver in place, he rushed back to you, jumping onto the sofa with a smirk.

"Now where were we?"

this took me 2 hours to format on the site T_T i am exhausted. please give it some love! i would love to know what you thought of this story! please like and reblog! thank you! tagging @yoongsgguktae​ @sugamonster22​ @anglofmrcy​ @blue1928​ @jinpanman​ @thatlongspringnight​ @thatmultifandomhoe​ 

[herbgerblin]

taako gets (very politely) kidnapped by the bird king p.2

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Also now on Ao3!!

—

“Give us a moment,” Lup says, planting a leg between Taako and the King. She grabs the knob and very quickly slams the door before another word is spoken. In a fury, she grabs Taako by the shirt collar and hisses, “You have exactly ten seconds to explain to me what the fuck is going on before I call the cops.”

“You would never call the cops here and you know it,” Taako snaps back.

“Seven seconds.”

“Bird King. Wants me to marry him. Absolutely loaded.”

“What the hell, Taako?

Taako shrugs. “I don’t know? He just showed up! How do you think I’m supposed to react?”

“I don’t expect you to just leap out the door without a second thought for your own regard!”

“Did you miss the part about how I said he’s absolutely loaded? Look!” He holds up the gold coin still in his palm. “Just a handful of these could cover rent. Hell, we could buy a house! A big house!” 

Lup sighs and runs a hand over her forehead. “Okay, one: you are such a disaster gay. And two: that could be fool’s gold, Taako.”

“Already checked. Besides, fool’s gold has iron in it, and he’s very clearly fae.” He gestures at the door. “Also why would a king bother with fool’s anything? He magicked it out of the air. With birds, Lup! Birds!”

“Okay,” Lup sighs. “Let’s say I indulge your little romantic fantasy for a moment. Who’s to say he won’t make it disappear as soon as you’re gone? Hell, who’s to say he’s really the Bird King at all? He could be a wraith in disguise ready to devour your ass as soon as you get five feet away from the house!”

“Ha, vore!” Taako hisses, which earns him a kick in the leg.

“You know, I can still hear the both of you,” says the king’s muffled voice from outside the door.

Lup ignores him and lowers her tone. “I don’t care if some hot, well-dressed guy displaying untold magic has just shown up at our doorstep. I’m not letting you get dragged away like this!”

“I don’t see the point in arguing, Lup,” Taako whispers back. “I mean if he is the Bird King, I think he can do what he wants.”

“I don’t care if he’s the goddamn emperor penguin! He’s not kidnapping you to fulfill his dumb, royal purpose.”

“You’re just mad because you didn’t get picked to be the Bird Queen!”

“Enough of this,” says the voice beyond the door. Taako and Lup look up to see a flurry of feathers conjure forth just a few feet away from where they are both squished against the entrance. With a hail of wings and a screech of corvids, the man that was previously standing outside on the porch was now standing in the foyer of their own home. Crown, cape, bird and all.

“Hey!” Lup shouts, letting go of Taako’s shirt. Taako loses his balance and falls over with a yelp. “Aren’t you like, not supposed to be able to come into our home unless we invite you in or something?”

“I’m not a vampire,” Kravitz replies flatly. 

“He’s not a fucking vampire, Lup.” Taako says, picking himself up and patting down his disheveled hair.

“I do apologize for entering your home like this,” Kravitz says, with enough impatience to give his voice edge. “But we really should get going. It will be sunset in my kingdom soon, and I have duties to attend to.”

“Sorry about that, homie,” Taako says, shoving Lup with his arm. She grumbles at him. “Had to confer with the council before we get this show on the road.”

“Well then,” Kravitz says. “Forgive me for being...unfamiliar with your customs.” He looks so strange standing in the middle of their home. His clothes look new, hand crafted. But they also look a good century behind the modern tops and skinny jeans that Taako and Lup are wearing. Compared to their humble, mostly second hand furniture, the King looks like he would fit better in an art museum.

“It’s cool,” Taako says, putting a hand on Kravitz’s shoulder that doesn’t currently have a large black bird resting on it. “While my sister isn’t on this hype train, you can go ahead and mark cha’boy as being down.”

“That is excellent to hear,” Kravitz replies, seemingly brightening at that. Taako really had no idea what he’s in for, but that doesn’t seem to bother him much. Especially in regards to how pretty Kravitz’s smile is.

“Why him?” Lup asks. “Why are you choosing Taako?”

“Yeaaaahhh,” Taako says, removing his hand. “Hate to grind those gears, but Taako’s not too clear on this either.”

“You...don’t recall this?” Kravitz asks. He reaches into the inner folds of his jacket and pulls out a small envelope, yellowed due to time. The only unique signifier to it is the name written on the back: Taako, in big, swooping letters.

“Oh!” Taako yells. He slaps a hand to his forehead. “Shit. I forgot. I had entered the lottery.”

“You. Did. What?” Lup asks, eyes darting from the envelope to her brother.

“My kingdom’s royal selection lottery was established years ago,” Kravitz says, as if that’s enough of an explanation. “Taako’s entry was chosen over many hundreds.” He glances at Taako with confusion. “There were numerous correspondences sent proclaiming you as the selected consort. I had assumed you had seen them, but were keeping Taako away at my ire. Did you not receive them?”

“I…thought those were junk mail,” Taako mumbles. His face tinges with a warm blush. “I may have...put them in recycling?”

Kravitz looks over at Lup, and Lup shoots him a look that very clearly says, the man you’re trying to marry is an idiot.

“Well, l mean, you did eventually come in person,” Taako says, sweeping that info under the metaphorical rug. He looks Kravitz over once more. “And believe me, the gesture is appreciated.”

Kravitz nods in agreement. “I am not displeased by the choice.”

At that, Taako preens. Just the tiniest bit.

“Say I am fine with you two going,” Lup says, clearing her throat. “Which I am not. Would you be coming back?”

“Ideally, no,” Kravitz says, facing her. “Once Taako is crowned King Consort, he will be ruling perpetually by my side.”

“Excuse me?” Lup shouts.

“Goodbye taxes!” Taako says with delight. Then his expression abruptly shifts to something dour. “Wait, perpetually? As in: I’m not going to see Lup ever again?”

Kravitz nods. “My realm is, for lack of better words, adjacent to yours. Yet, it exists as its own reality.” He snaps his fingers again. The rift appears in their living room, once more sending their senses on edge. But this time, instead of formless color, they see a gorgeous castle, tall and black, cutting a silhouette against a warm, afternoon sky. In the distance is an endless cycling of birds in flight. Kravitz continues, “Less bound by the natural laws. The ascension to the royal throne would require some...shedding of mortal ties.”

“Now, wait a minute—” Taako says.

“Bullshit!” Lup interjects. “You can fuck right off with—” Taako slaps a hand over Lup’s mouth, though that doesn’t stop her from muffling a few more choice words. There is a sharp drop of temperature in the air and Taako winces. If there’s one thing he knows, it’s that rudeness is not tolerated in situations like these.

Kravitz says nothing, but his mouth is a thin line. The raven on his shoulder however, screeches loudly and angrily. The rift ripples like a disturbed lake.

“Hey, Krav,” Taako says, desperate to calm the conversation. “Can I call you Krav?”

“You may,” Krav says, tone flat.

“Listen, cha’boy’s definitely into the whole fantasy elopement thing. But I’m not going anywhere without my sister, and you can take that fact to the grave.” He takes his hand off Lup’s face and wraps his arms around her shoulders. “So I’ll come with you willingly, and prepare for the wedding, but my sister must attend me. That’s absolutely final.”

There is a very tense moment between the three of them—four, including the bird, who slowly stops screeching. No words are uttered for a solid minute.

Taako glances nervously at Lup, who narrows her eyes at him. Her hands are locked on his wrists.

“I will grant this request,” The King says, finally.

“Excellent!” Taako exclaims, almost too loud. He lets go of Lup. “Will I—should I pack up my stuff? I mean, I don’t know what’s the travel time? How many kilometers away is your kingdom? Will I need to get a storage unit?”

“All board, and amenities have been fully prepared for your chambers,” Kravitz assures. “Of course, some of the minor preparations will be awaiting our arrival. The menu, wardrobe fittings, portraiture—”

“You hear that Lup?” Taako says. “Couture threads and everything!”

“What a blast,” Lup replies, failing to hide the sarcasm.

“We will have to make additional lodging for your sister,” Kravitz adds, glancing at her. “But that will not be a problem.”

“Glad we’re clear on that,” Taako adds. “But we are keeping the gold that you so kindly left on the porch?”

“Of course, that is still yours.”

“Great!” Taako motions for Lup to stay by the door. “Lup, help me pick up all the shiny shit while our guest, uh, has a seat on the couch.” Taako grabs Kravitz’s hand and pulls him into the living room and onto the couch, pointedly ignoring the still open rift right by their coffee table. “Stay right here, babe. Just a few more minutes and we’ll go.” Kravitz eyes him with confusion. Lup grabs her purse from the kitchen counter and both twins turn the corner to go pick up the treasure from the front porch.

They both crouch down, Taako glancing hesitantly over his shoulder.

“If this goes sideways, this is all your fault,” Lup whispers.

“I’ll think of something,” Taako whispers back. They both stuff Lup’s purse with gold and jewelry. It all clinks together loudly, just enough to hide their murmurs.

“You said you’d marry him,” Lup says. “That’s a promise. You can’t break faerie promises!”

“I said I’d go and prepare to marry him,” Taako replies. “Everything after that is speculative.” 

“I hope you’re right,” Lup says, softly. Once all the coins are gathered, Taako takes a few of the necklaces and rings and throws them on for good measure. He also takes out the tie holding his hair back and lets the strands fall loosely around his face.

They both stand up and re-enter the house. Taako walks over to the king and grins.

“How do I look, Krav?” he asks, waving a jewel covered hand dramatically. The lamp light bounces off his necklace and glitters across his face. “Appropriately shiny?”

“Yes,” Kravitz says, leaning forward. He seems to take in Taako adorned in gold with a delighted interest. “Very much so.”

Lup makes a fake gagging noise. “C’mon, nerds. Let’s go.”

Taako takes Kravitz’s hand—while also holding onto Lup for good measure—and the Bird King leads them both through the rift.

And far, far away.

[classic80sand90smovieloves2]

Spike having a crush on you would include~

(Not my gif)(sort of requested by anonymous)

(Spike was one of my first crushes and he will forever hold a spot in my heart)

- The entirety of your relationship: Enemies to lovers, slow burn, 500k words.

- When Spike falls in love he falls hard. For him it’s not just a simple crush, he is absolutely irrevocably in love with you.

- You’d have to be someone who he’s occasionally forced to interact with whether that be a friend of Buffys or a hunter yourself. At the start of your “relationship” you hate each other and for good reason but then one moment he sees you in a different light and it’s all over for him.

- After that he’s more or less hopelessly devoted to you.

- Lets make one thing clear: he makes it very difficult for you to get rid of him. You could absolutely hate him and he’d still force you to be around him, like showing up to your job where you can’t turn him away or barging in on something you can’t make a scene at.

- He’s kind of a masochist especially when it comes to you. Beat him up, be aggressively sarcastic, tell him to shut up; he likes it.

- But as much as he likes aggression he’d also flock to a woman who treats him kindly when no one else does. If you were to show him the smallest bit of affection or kindness he would gravitate towards you whenever you were around.

- He really wants to get on your good side and be respected by you. He can’t help but tell you how he thinks him doing this or that should count for something and that you could at least be friendly to him even if you hated him.

- A lot of his decisions are fueled by how many good boy points he’ll get. Praise is honestly like a drug to him and he thinks a lot of the things he does deserves praise since he used to be evil.

- He very proudly tells you about the good deeds he did with Buffy.

- You’re the only thing that keeps him doing good and holding on. You’re the reason he can keep himself together in even the toughest of situations.

- He gets a bit shy at times, unsure of what to say around you and not wanting to make a fool of himself. Other times he’d get all sarcastic and tease you, trying to deflect from how he really feels or how much your annoyance by him bothers him.

- If you were to blatantly show your distaste for him, he’d insist that he never liked you anyway and try his best to insult you although they’d always be weak.

- He gets really defensive about things involving you or how he feels.

- After he gets embarrassed he just tends to turn around and walk off, not wanting to “make a fool of himself” any longer than he has to.

- He’s very protective. Even if he previously hated or wanted you dead, he couldn’t bear to see you hurt. He’d go after anyone who made you upset or injured you.

- Always tries his best to comfort you even though he hardly remembers how it feels to be human and have human emotions. He’s out of touch but he’ll give it a shot; patting your back and/or assuring you everything will be okay. The first few times around it will definitely be weird having him try but you’ll get used to it.

- He uses any excuse he can to visit you or make you invite him over.

- Makes up stories to get you to come over to his house and hang out with him because he doesn’t think you’d agree to be around him if he didn’t.

- Very affected by the thought of you naked or in some form of undress.

- Steals your clothes or pictures of you, like genuinely breaks into your house and steals them. Look he doesn’t exactly have a moral code, alright?

- He’s moody and obsessed and morally gray; but he’s a vampire without a soul so don’t hold him to his actions too much.

- Would he write poetry about you and his feelings? Yes. Would it be awful? Maybe, but never to you if you were to read it.

- Opens doors for you, walks between you and the street, offers you his coat when it’s cold. Chivalry may just be dead after all.

- Chances are, you’ll know he likes you way before he admits it and/or the two of you end up together. He can’t help but show how obviously into you he is.

- He gets very jealous when another man is around you. He’ll blatantly insult your boyfriends, male friends, or some guy that’s hit on you.

- He plays dumb when you question him about his feelings or actions, not wanting you to catch on to how he really feels in fear of rejection.

- Everyone thinks you’re dating from the way he acts with you. He always has this pleased smile on his face after they say something in regards to your “relationship”.

- He gives you such fond loving looks, especially when you aren’t looking at him.

- Nicknames, most of them will annoy you.

- Using the excuse that he’s training you to fight/defend yourself to get close to you.

- He thinks nearly everything you do is cute. Anything that shows just how mortal and naive; compared to hundred year old immortals, is precious to him.

- He falls way too easily for your flirting. You could sound so sarcastic but he’d still just love hearing you say the words, even if he knew you weren’t serious. A part of him would still hold on to the hope that you were.

- Everyone else is aware of his feelings for you and what he’s trying to accomplish even if you aren’t. They try to get him to leave you alone but they’ll never succeed.

- He would try to use his accent to his advantage after hearing about how women like english/british men. He’d probably try to get Buffy to tell him if you happened to like accents and she’d just give him this warning look.

- Raised eyebrows and smirks are a very common method of flirting for him.

- Playing with your hair is also a common flirtation/intimidation method, whenever he can get away with it that is.

- Sometimes he would just flat out flirt and try to proposition you without any subtly. If you react negatively then he’ll just tell you to “take a joke” or undo his words by saying something rude.

- He lies awake every “night” thinking of you, he just can’t get you off his mind. His dreams are invaded by thoughts of you whenever he does manage to sleep.

- He imagines being with you all the time. Daydreams; or rather nightdreams I suppose, about a relationship with you and the idea of you loving him just as much as he loves you.

- Being around you is honestly torment for him. Not having you for himself is absolute torture. At times he’d feel as though he’d rather die than live in a world with you and he wouldn’t be afraid to tell it to your face.

- He would do anything to make you love him. Whatever change he could make, he’d make. Whatever thing he could do, he’d do. He’d go to the ends of the earth to find something, become something, that would make you want him to be yours.

“What wouldn’t a man do to be hers?”

- He insists he’s changed; that he can be good and that if you’d just give him a chance you’d see.

- He’d genuinely cry if you rejected him, especially if you did it cruelly. He loves you too much to stand it.

- How he would ultimately confess all depends on the kind of person you are or the circumstances you’re under.

- At times he would just try to kiss you instead of verbally telling you how he feels. He might have to try a few times before you realize what he’s trying to do or before he gets it right.

- Other times he would just confess. He’d tell you he loves you straight off the bat. There oftentimes isn’t a lot of debating on whats the best thing he could say to express his feelings, he just goes straight for it and moves on from there.

- And then there would be the times that he would indirectly show his feelings and finally confess with a hopeful question.

“A DATE?! YOU ARE OFF YOUR BIRD I MEAN, do you want it to be?”

- If you were silent or not keen on him liking you, he’d try to rationalize his feelings and how it isn’t strange for you to fall for each other. He’d insist there’s something between you and; more often than not, you can’t deny it.

[taesbetch]

01 | Creatures Of The Night

Pairing: Jungkook x Reader

Genre: Angst, Fluff, Smut: Vampire!AU

Summary: Creatures of the night, Soul mates, a war between species. You had thought all these things were nothing but folktales. But as the world hidden in plain sight crashes into your day to day life you struggle to keep up. Going from being hunted to the leader of a vampire groups mate, your world is turned upside down and the fight to survive is on. 

Word Count: 3.8k

Next

The sun shone directly in your eyes as you watched you family drive off into the distance. Though the heat lay a blanket of warmth around your skin your heartfelt cold as you relived your mothers final words.

"Try not to call us"

Wow. How absolutely fantastic. Standing outside of your home you sighed. You had 10 days to find a new place and figure out how to survive on your own. Your so-called parental protector had found a new boyfriend, one who had flipped your world upside down. Letting out a noise of frustration you dragged your feet back into your now-empty home. Deciding on a nap.

---

The same feeling as the one prior seeped in as you sat in your classroom, the sun blaring through the glass window. You looked towards the clock, trying to think of an idea but nothing particular came to mind. Watching it tick by slowly you remembered that your mum's boyfriend buried around 20,000 dollars in the forest for the so-called apocalypse. Smiling softly you felt a weight lift off your shoulders, there's no way they remembered to dig it up. It had to still be there. Zoning back into reality your ears adjusted to the girl in front of you, her eyes fixed on you.

"Hey did you hear me!" the girl said snapping in front of your face. 

"Sorry, i missed it” you stated, pushing your current issue to the back of your mind.

"They said to stay clear of the forest, 4 girls dead, they say by a mountain lion due to the bite marks but I find that incredibly weird considering we don't get mountain lions, Reya what do you think?" the girl asked Reya who was staring out the window obviously not paying attention as well. 

You’ve known Reya since before you could even remember. Though the two of you were best friends, Reyes mind was always a hard one too read and it often felt like the gurl held multiple secrets. 

"I think that it's the mountain lions," she said turning towards us. Your heart skipped a beat as her eyes bored into your soul almost as if your thoughts had been spoken out loud.  "So don't go into the forest," she said sternly as the bell rang.

As the class got up packing up with the rest of the class, you continued to look at Reya in shock as her eyes kept burning into yours. Can she read minds?

"Maybe" she said getting up with a shrug. You almost gasped as your eyes followed her movements. 

"Sorry what??" you asked getting up too. You pushed past people in order to catch up with Reya. Just as you both exited the classroom she answered. 

 "I said maybe, as in maybe its mountain lions, no one can be sure though," she said smiling widely before leaving the classroom.

Quickly making your way home you looked up to the sky noticing how quickly the sun was setting. It is winter...You picked up your pace knowing you wouldn't have a lot of time to find the money.  lion smion, there's nothing out there...but still you wanted to be cautious. 

After gathering your things and changing your clothes you quickly walked towards the entrance of the forest. The travel seemed like a lifetime even though it was only located 15 minutes from your house. 

As you got there you looked up at the trees and back towards the city.  You always found it strange how there was just the city and then bam a forest but You’ve never questioned it, and to be honest, no one has needed to. Taking a deep breath you looked at the shovel you stole from your next-door neighbour and began your search. 

remembering that he has said be buried it near a large tree with a knifed X into it. 

As you kept walking the sky started getting darker and the air was getting cooler. The trees seemed to glimmer underneath the moon but there was something spooky about this forest. Before you could take another step you heard rustling in the distance. Crap. You probably should’ve left a lot earlier. 

Your head snapped into the direction of the noise. Was that the mountain lion? Your eyes scanned the empty area as your heartbeat sped up."Hello," you called but it came out more like a terrified wheeze.

 "Well, what do we have here?" 

Once again your head snapped into the direction of the noise. shocked that it was a voice and not a growl.  Your hand came up to your heart, almost like an instinct. As your eyes adjusted your body almost feinted from the amount of work it was doing. With your heartbeat finally leaving your ears your eyes managed to make out a figure in the dark. You could see it was a man and you could make out some of his features but not all of them.

"Oh. Hi you scared me" you said sighing in relief, 

"Oh sweetie he hasn't scared you just yet," another male said gasping once again you turned. this man was a little closer than the other one and you perfectly make out his outfit but as he stood in front of the moon his face was a little hidden. 

"Mmmmmm type O jungkook's favourite. Maybe we should bring her back to him?" another said popping out from the right. Three males. in the middle of the forest. in the middle of the night. You froze as your heart dropped the feeling of unsettlement kicking in. 

"Guys....can you smell that? What rank is it? An ultimate?" another one said as his head turned in different directions. "fuck. We should go" the first one said angrily as they all sighed in frustration.

"I thought they were extinct what the hell," another one said before turning around and disappearing in the shadows. You watched in relief as they all disappeared except one. 

"we'll see you again human" he winked at me before disappearing with the rest of his group.

You blinked a couple of times, your body frozen in place as the wind began blowing harsher against your skin.  What just happened?

"Oi you idiot"

You turned around, this time without fear as the familiar voice interrupted you.  Reya. standing there with her arms crossed angrily she walked forward as your eyes connected. Were people just out in the forest constantly? Is there an event you didn't know about?

"I said not to go into the forest," she said grabbing my arm angrily. “Is this for your mum's boyfriends money? Gosh. is it really worth it ?” she said as she started dragging you back in the direction you came.

I pulled my arm away from hers and stood my ground as she looked at me confused "...They left" you blurted. 

“what do you mean they left?” She asked, her eyes softening. You sighed, a cloud exiting your mouth as the cool air had suddenly become colder.

“Mum. She left with that bitch of a boyfriend. I said i wanted to finish high school here so left. And gave me nothing. I’m losing the house in 10 days Reya. I didn't know what else to do...” You explained. 

Reya stood quietly. she looked at the ground before placing her hands on her hips. 

“so instead of coming to me, you decide the best idea is too rummage through the forest at night?” She asked, her tone soft yet intense. 

“well...I know...We’ve been friends for the longest time, but I’ve never been to your house. I haven't met your mum i jus...I didn't want to intrude. You clearly have stuff going on in your private home life Reya.” You said. 

Reya bite her lip before hugging you tightly. 

“You idiot. I know i have a lot going on. and honestly, I'm sorry that i haven't invited you into this part of my life before its just that its-...well a lot. But my home is ALWAYS open to you y/n. Your my best friend for god's sake” She exclaimed. as she released you from her grip she grabs your hand. 

“You're coming to live with me. You can’t say no” She smiled. 

“Only if your sure...because I’m going to feel hella bad if I’m an inconvenience to you...Do you have room for me?” You asked, your free hand coming to the back of your neck nervously. 

Renya let out a small laugh as she looked at you excitedly. 

“Trust me. We have room.” 

------

Standing in front of a beautiful mansion, your jaw hit the ground. the driveway was lined with small trees guiding the way to the beautiful house. The wood coloured panels and sleek black colour scheme had you drooling a little bit. 

“Yeah, You definitely have room” You whispered, still in shock. 

Walking in the house you gawked at the interior the living room area that connected to the kitchen was gorgeous, to the left a glass wall let you see out to the city. You didn't even realise the house sat above the city until now. 

 "Remee are you rich?" You asked her, still in awe at her big ass place. 

"I guess you could say that. Follow me ill show you to your room!" she said running up these beautiful gold plated stairs. 

"Is this why no one has ever come to your house? Cause you're worried they'll steal something?" you asked following her through the second floor.

She laughed as she opened up a door to a room. 

 "no, I'm not that paranoid. Here's your room. We’ll grab your stuff tomorrow but it's currently 11pm and we’ve got school tomorrow” She said the pain in her eyes when the word school came up very evident. 

“Yikes did you say 11pm?” You asked in shock. The time had really slipped by. 

“I know, kinda crazy. I'll give you a tour of the place tomorrow! The bathroom is through that door there and don't worry ill come get you in the morning. Just rest up and don't worry about your living situation any more. I've got you.” Reya smiled. 

“Thank you...really” You stated. 

as Reya left your new room with a goodbye you took a deep breath. Looking around at your beige and white schemed room you smiled softly. 

You could get used to this. 

However, as you let yourself drift to sleep. Red eyes stared from a tree in the distance and a target had been unknowingly placed on your back. 

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

Sis, Wake up!”

 You fluttered your eyes open slowly, bright light started invading them causing me to squint. “10 more minutes” you groan as you rolled back under the silky sheets.

“I've been trying to wake you up forever. It's like you were dead!”  Renya said hitting me with pillows.

 “Remee please don’t make me get up, this has been the best sleep of my life” You whined as you tried to fall back into my peaceful slumber. Reya chucked a uniform on the bed hitting you one last time. 

“Well, you can have another great nights sleep when we come back after school. Sis, please don't make me try and convince you to go. I already wanna ditch,” she said happily. 

“ugh, We have to go...” You replied as you attempted to move your body. Keyword...attempting. 

“Now get up you lazy bum! We have to go to school!” she said before exiting my room. You groaned before throwing the sheets off your body, staring at the ceiling. Hearing birds chirp you let yourself have another minute before you threw yourself out of bed. 

---

The class was rioting as the day had just begun. The teacher hadn't arrived to class yet so as the paper was being tossed around and gossip was being spread you took the opportunity too  Finally, the doors handle starts to riggle, The classic old door playing up again. But just by the wiggle, the class knew who it was. 

Everything seemed to stop before everyone rushed towards their seats picking up any rubbish that was in the way and throwing it in the bin, Reya, who was on the other side of the class started jumping over desks just to get to her seat in time. Just as everyone was seated and was acting ‘normal’ the door slide open.

“Class A year 12. You have new students.” She said before entering in, as she walked in the faces coming in behind her looked so familiar it was scary, the seven boys standing in front of the class were so good looking some girls were actually drooling. One of the boys caught my eye, his dark hair and emo aura intrigued you, he caught me staring and smirked before looking next to me to Renya. blushing hardcore you ignored the tense state of your friend. 

As they introduced themselves you watched as Reya nervously played with her fingers, you creased my brows in confusion as she looked at you. Something was clearly bothering her. She tried to smile at you in reassurance but it didn’t work out very well.

“Class would someone please show the boys around before chapel starts,” miss asked, as soon as she said that all the girls in the class shot their hands up except you and Reya. You tried your best to read her but it wasn't working very well. 

“We want her to,” 

Jin, the boy who looked like the oldest one pointed at you. Shouldn't they be in different year levels?

Everyone’s eyes clicked to me, some girls glared at the back of your head as you slowly got up. “Follow me,” You said softly ignoring how all seven boys stared at you as if you were prey. 

walking through the hallways you could hear the boys whispering behind you. The hair stood up on the back of your neck as you pointed to different rooms. explaining what the are. 

 “and this is the spare classroom, we mostly use in for dance class as there aren’t any desks here, and the walls are soundproof,” You explained opening the door and letting them look in.

 “Can you take us inside?” jimin asked as the started to block your exit. “Yer I guess I can,” you said as your heart started beating faster. 

Leading them, you walked them in. 

“so yer it’s a pretty decent roo-“ You started but as soon as you heard the slam of the door closing and the click of the lock, you whipped around faster than you could say ‘what the fuck’. 

The boys all started spreading around the room except Jin who stood at the door with a big as the smirk on his face.

 “Erm…is something wrong?” you asked gulping the saliva that was gathering in your mouth out of nervousness.

“Mmmmmm yes something is a very wrong young one,” Namjoon said as he rested his body against the wall sighing “see, you saw some of us in the forest last night, remember that?” Yoongi asked as he gave a faint smirk.

“Oh…that was you guys? Why were you in the forest? And why is it a problem that I saw you?” you asked in confusion, why are they making such a big deal out of it.

“mmmmmm, maybe she didn’t…’see’ us” taehyung said putting focus on the word see as he scratched his head and looked off into the distance

 “doesn’t matter…I’m hungry,” jungkook said as he stepped closer and closer towards you.

your heart skipped a beat as his piercing gaze looked straight into my soul. A smirk came onto his face before he closed his eyes and took a whiff. 

“My favourite,” he said before opening his eyes, the red of his eyes matched the colour of deep blood. As he smiled at you two fangs diverted your eyes to them causing you to freeze momentarily. 

Gasping you backed up against a wall, He laughed at my obvious fear as the rest of them smirked waiting for the scene to unfold. 

“Do you know what we are?” he asked the word right on the tip of my tongue.

“Y-y-you’re a-a vampire” you whimpered as you clutched the edge of my shirt. 

“See guys! now she knows about us! do you know what happens to humans that find out about us?” he smirked coming closer to you. 

 “I don’t really wanna know to be honest” you whimpered again, looking around for some sort of exit but there was no point, his ‘posse’ had the place surrounded. 

“It doesn’t matter anyway, you’re about to find out” he smirked, opening his mouth wider as his hand held my neck tightly. breathing in you were ready to let out a scream but the front door was pulled open.

Everyone stopped, jungkook’s fangs and eyes disappeared as Reya stood at the doorway. you had never been more grateful to see her in your life than at this moment right now.

 “There you are, why are you guys in here? Shouldn’t your tour be done?” Reya asked, the door still wide open, wasn’t that locked?

You shuffled your feet to move out but jungkook who was in front of you, growled softly under his breath. 

“Y/N, let’s go,” Reya said motioning out the door quickly.

 “What about us? You can’t just leave us alone” taehyung pouted as he swiftly grabbed her hand. Your heart skipped a beat for a second, we need to both get the fuck out of here.

“You’re old enough, I’m sure you can find your way,” she said coldly as she snatched her hand back from his grip. 

“If you want your friend you’re going to have to come in and get her” jungkook said as he gripped my arm tightly pulling me into his rock hard body.

Trying to communicate with her through your eyes you watched in fear as she rolled her eyes her temper clearly boiling.

 “Well?” taehyung asked as everyone looked on. ,s if what was happening was a game. Reya took a breath before walking in straight towards where you were.

Taehyung smiled and slammed the door shut as some of the boys started laughing.

 “not a smart move” jungkook chuckled before his fangs reappeared.

Waiting for an ear-piercing screech you watch on worriedly but your eyes narrowed at the relaxed girl. 

 I started struggling against his grip as Reya walked closer.

“I only like saying things once, so listen closely. You WILL leave her alone, I’ll let you roam around, but if I see one bite mark on her unscarred skin, or one student in this god damn school dead, I will kill you, now let her go” Reya stated, authority laced in her voice.

Jungkook and his companions laughed as he brought you in front of him, holding you still with one arm and removing your hair in front of your neck with the other.

“And what are you, a low power witch, going to do to stop me” he smirked as he brought his fangs closer to my neck.

Tears strolled down my face as you prepared yourself for the pain...

“Remember what I told you,” she said staring him down.

Before his teeth could puncture your neck, his hands dropped from your body and went straight to his head, he screamed loudly, dropping towards the floor. Jin and Suga ran straight too him. Looking at him confused.

“I wouldn’t exactly call me, low rated,” she said grabbing your arm and pulling you towards her. Confused, you continued to stare at the group of vampires. 

“Remee, stop please” you whispered tugging on her sleeve, looking down at the pained boy. She glanced at you confused before stopping whatever she was doing.

As jungkook regained himself he glared up at the two of you. scooting a little closer to Remee you tried not to be as scared as they all circled us shooting daggers into our backs.

“so what are you, middle rate? You don’t smell like an ultimate witch” rap monster asked as he examined her. 

“I don’t know, are you willing to find out,” she said glaring at all of them. the tension could be cut with a knife. Your friend was so confident and so unfazed by the blood-sucking boys. 

“Now let us go,” she said turning to jimin who was blocking up from the door. When jimin didn’t move she sighed and with a flick of her hand jimin was flung across the room. As he groaned you watched as some of the boys moved away from Reya. 

“One time everybody, one time,” she said as she led you out of the room.

As Remee dragged you down the corridors you head was spun. The situation not settling well with you. 

 “Remee, what the fuck just happened, their…and you’re…and what the hell!?” I exclaimed clutching my head with my free hand. 

“I’ll explain once we get back to my house,” she said as we exiting school “were ditching?” you asked, Your brain lowkey breaking down at the knowledge that these mythical creatures were real. 

“Yer well I think this situation calls for ditching ya know?” she said as the two of you left school. You tightened your grip on your friend's hand as you knew without her guidance your body wouldn't know how to act. The memory of those red eyes and white fangs burned in your brain as you walked...

What now? Are they going to be after you? 

You looked at Reya who still looked calm and composed and something about it calmed you down. 

You would be okay...hopefully. 

[bubbletimestories]

Yes, my Lady (Sebastian Michaelis/Reader)

Summary: You are a cousin of Ciel who has nothing to do with etiquette or conventions. After an evening of playing with the servants, you go to bed but fall asleep halfway. A butler devil will accompany you and take care of you... with zeal.

Warnings: sensuality, sexual tension, strip-tease 

Themes: erotism, sleep, virginity, undressing, touch 

A/N. I wrote this in one go and I absolutely did not read it again ^^

Translated with Google traduction, sorry ^^’

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23431300

*********************************************************

Bursts of laughter pierce the silence of a mansion on which night has fallen and the butler of these places comes to order his subordinates to make less noise. The count's sleep is a precious thing and even if the house is huge, Sebastian does not want to risk his master waking up, under penalty of suffering his bad mood when he has so much work to do. Silently, the hell of a butler approaches the servants' quarters where the cheerful voices of his colleagues come from, as well as a laugh whose origins he recognizes without understanding its presence.

- Lady Y/N?

When you hear your name, you startle and blush immediately because you cannot mistake who is behind your back. Bard drops a curse and puts down his cards, waiting to see what's going to happen, as do the maid and the gardener who watch their supervisor with concern. With his ruby eyes that make so much of an impact on you, Sebastian details your strange man's outfit, the clothes he recognizes as those of your cousin, the count. The simplest possible, they highlight your silhouette more than they hide it and he frowns when he discovers one of his shirts because those of his master would be too small to erase the curves of your female body.

Aware that all of this may seem preposterous, you are tempted to apologize and blush while running away but this idea does not last. You prefer to smile by raising an unobtrusive eyebrow in the direction of the butler, waving your cards with your fingertips.

- I was bored, alone in my room, so I wanted to keep Finnian and the others company. Are you joining us for a game?

Sebastian stares at you, radiant in your impertinence as a lady to whom nothing is refused, and makes a modest sign to refuse the invitation. The softness of his voice should not make you forget the strange sparkle of his almost pink eyes when he looks at you.

- It’s very kind of you, but I’m afraid I’m still too busy. Feel free to call me if you need anything.

You cannot say if you are disappointed or relieved by this answer but you let him take leave before returning to the game in progress and to the servants who, if they were very surprised when they saw you arrive, got used to your presence and to your familiar attitude. As the butler's steps wander off into the hallway, May Linn slides you in with a playful tone.

- You see, miss, he didn't even notice that I had taken a shirt from him.

You are far from being so sure but you say nothing, preferring to resume the game as if nothing had happened even if the disturbance caused by the arrival of the man in black has not yet subsided. You lose the first round but win the next, the hours passing at a crazy speed, much faster than during the many balls that you are required to attend and which are deadly boring. Midnight has long since struck when you put your cards down on the table, stifling a yawn, struggling to keep your eyes open.

- Thank you very much for this beautiful evening, I think it's time for me to go to bed. Well done for your three of a kind, Baldroy, I didn't see anything coming.

The servants greet you cheerfully, exhausted themselves, and you go out into the corridor to return to your room, candle in hand. In this huge mansion, you have the impression that ghosts could emerge from the walls and it would not be surprising after the tragic events of a few years ago. But the specters do not scare you, you are much too tired to let your imagination wander. However, you quickly realize that you no longer know where to go to find the stairs, you had to turn in the wrong place. Your eyelids close on their own and you lean against a wall for a while, taking a break. The freshness of the partition does not help you get out of your torpor, on the contrary, and you fall asleep half standing, in an anything but graceful position. It’s only a few minutes, just long enough to rest your eyes. You’re already imagining yourself walking the rest of the way, the passing corridors, the marble staircase, your bedroom door and your bed calling you. Sleep weakens your legs and you slide down the wall, threatening to drop your candle on the polished parquet.

Two arms support you before you touch the ground, retrieving the candle while lifting you with ease in a fluid movement. Surprised, you open your eyes with a grimace of protest, open your mouth to ask that you be put down but a soft voice anticipates your thoughts as you are lifted from the ground.

- Hush ... don't move, to carry you is the least I can do. I am unforgivable for letting you stay awake for so long.

Sebastian hemmed his lips in a smile as he walked the mansion without making more noise than a spirit, the candle casting shadows on his face, bringing out his bright eyes like those of a wolf. You would like to contemplate him at your ease, convinced that an eternity staring at him would not allow you to feast on his strange appearance, like a vampire in a gothic novel. However, when he whispers to you to rest at ease, your eyes close on their own and you plunge into a warm drowsiness, coiled in the arms of the butler.

In an effort to stay awake, you open your eyes and discover that you are in your room, the young man placing you on the bed that welcomes your body like a fluffy cloud. Now you're going to be able to sleep for a day or two, at least that's what you think and you notice with astonishment that the butler does not leave the room. Instead, he sheds the candle to better lean on you, his gloved hands brushing against your ankles as he begins to take off your shoes. Before your questioning look (despite the sleep that blurs your thoughts), he quietly explains:

- You can't sleep in this outfit. Relax, I'll take care of everything.

A groan pits your throat and you refuse to close your eyes, sensing without really understanding how special this moment is. With a calculated casualness, Sebastian carefully arranges the shoes before pulling your stockings, slowly, gently sliding them over your naked skin like a snake's molt. Your breath quickens to be thus stripped, especially by him who haunts your shameful dreams for some time. He seems to think of nothing but his work and goes up to your belly, a ray of moon hanging the white of his gloves along your leg. With a movement of the index finger, he blows up the button on your pants and your heart misses a beat when you see the malicious glow in the bloody pupils. For nothing in the world you would not want him to stop and while he spreads the sides of the garment to better remove it, you feel your pelvis contracting forward as if to call for a caress, not to break the contact with those long, careful hands.

- Let me do it…, he laughs softly while watching your fine flesh reveal itself as he takes off the pants, Lady Y/N, the male clothes suit you to delight.

As soft as a rag doll, you can only look at him and observe the spark of pleasure in his look to see you so offered, unable to calm your breathing or the beating of your heart. The jasket you're wearing doesn't last long, but when the butler prepares to undo the thin buttons on your shirt - or rather, "his" shirt - he interrupts his gesture with an embarrassed air.

- Please excuse me, I fear that these gloves will bother me to do my job properly. Allow me...

He steps back slightly and wedges the white fabric between his teeth, removing with a sensual slowness the only barrier between him and your half-naked body. One by one, the gloves fall to the floor and you think with a shiver of what these long, nimble fingers could do. Sebastian resumes his torture, undoing the buttons to free your chest better, touching the tips which harden as he takes off the immaculate shirt. From the disorder of your body, he loses nothing, neither the tension of your muscles, however languid, nor the movement of your lips half-opened by the emotion.

Leaving you halfway between the torpor and an excitement of which you do not yet understand all the power, the butler stands up to get a nightgown but you moan your dissatisfaction, shaking your head to signify that you do not want to clothing, you don't want anything on your body except his own. This thought shocks you so much it is daring and the pink goes up to your cheeks, however, you do not look away.

- Sebastian…

Your voice is nothing like a little girl's petition, not knowing what she is asking for, there is the imperious tone of the Phantomhive and the man in black cannot help but smile. He drops the night linen and returns to the bed, his eyes shining like two amethysts as he looks at you. You have nothing of a frightened virgin without flavor nor of a false virtue who only seeks to satisfy her voracity. The hell of a butler had already had the opportunity to observe you from afar, to notice the confusion when he met your gaze (and how could it have been otherwise?), this way of acting as if the outside world was of no importance. His bare hand lands on his heart as he tilts slightly, waiting for a word from you.

- Order and I will obey

His whisper fills the entire space of the room like a shadow that slides over your skin, creeping into each pore to fill you entirely. Your heart stops and you feel feverish, without any shame at the idea of being naked in front of the servant because he is much more than that, you would have to be blind to see in him only a docile and harmless young man. The beast has never been so present and you want it.

- Sebastian... warm me up.

Two hands with black nails come to grip your wrists while a breath comes to extinguish the flickering flame of the candle. Before the room sinks into darkness, you have time to notice the smile of the butler running his tongue over his sharp teeth, wedging your body between his thighs.

- Yes... my Lady

[ssaori]

I meant to post this a long time ago, but I never got around to do it. Now, it’s @tiedtogetherwithadagger Kat’s birthday, whose prompt inspired Not Playing by the Rules. So this is the perfect opportunity to post this awfully premature episode from the sequel I might never finish at this point. :D Enjoy!

________

"So, what you do is to try to roll twenty or above, and bam! Suck it, losers!” Stiles explains as they turn into the driveway. He knows he should be more worried about the whole meeting with the parents thing. Technically, that’s not why he’s going, Isaac invited him for his birthday party the Hales are throwing him and Stiles just happens to be Derek’s boyfriend. It’s really not a big deal. Stiles met a couple of parents in his career. He can handle this. Totally.

“You’re freaking out, aren’t you?” Derek asks, ignoring Stiles’ gushing about beating a powerful warlock last week.

“No,” Stiles drawls out, holding up a finger, “but are you sure this shirt looks okay?”

“No, it’s horrible.” The ‘wolf rolls his eyes in a familiar fashion. Stiles sighs.

“I knew I could trust you to give your honest opinion. Best shirt ever.” It’s a baby werewolf blowing out candles. It’s adorable. Derek is just saying that because he has an image to uphold. Stiles gets that. Grumpy werewolves don’t melt at the sight of a baby werewolf.

“Please take it off, I brought you a button down for a reason.” Derek glances in the rearview mirror to the pressed, white button down in the back seat.

“Isaac will totally get it, you’ll see.” Stiles grins as they slowly come to a stop in front of the house. Stiles whistles. It’s three story, off-white and could be a mansion if Derek wouldn’t bite Stiles’ head off for calling it that. “How many of you will be there again?”

“The whole pack – my family, Scott, Isaac, some other betas.”

“I have no idea what that means but it sounds like a party. Let’s go!” Stiles is giddy with nervous energy as he reaches for the door handle, ready to step out of the sleek car, but Derek stops him with a hand on his arm.

“Wait. Before we go inside…” Derek takes a deep breath. “You know how you think I’m faking the whole ‘wolf thing?”

“Oh! Wait, your parents don’t know? I was under the impression they’re playing too.” He frowns. “Weird. But I get that, totally.” He grins. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“No, it’s… It’s the opposite, actually.”

“So they know!” Stiles bounces in his seat. “Cool! Awesome, no secrets, I dig it. Can we go now? I’m about to pee my pants.” Derek lets his head drop back on the headrest, closing his eyes and massaging the bridge of his nose.

“You have no shame, do you?”

“Absolutely none.” Stiles shakes his head. He takes a calming breath and puts his hand on Derek’s thigh. The other man tenses under his touch. “Look, you’re right, I’m nervous.” He sighs. “I’m meeting your parents for the first time, we’ve been together for only a few months, and we haven’t seen each other much since I went back to uni. It’s a lot, okay? Meeting you again in person is a lot in itself, now I have to get to know a bunch of new people and Isaac is having his birthday party for the first time in forever, so he’s probably freaking out, so I have to be there for him, and—”

“You’re overwhelmed.” Derek cuts him off impatiently.

“Yes, to sum it up, I am. I know you like to be all impatient and grumpy and whatever with me, just… could you tone it down a little bit today? This is a big deal. I need you to be my Wolf-man and not Grumpy McQueen.” Derek rolls his eyes taking a deep breath, then nods.

“Okay. Fine.”

“Two words.” Stiles purses his lips. “That’s awesome.” Derek sends him a flat look, which makes Stiles grin. “Are we ready, Wolf-man?”

“Sure.” Derek pushes open his door, but before he can leave, Stiles pulls him back.

“Hold up, I forgot one more thing.” Derek turns to him with his eyebrows raised. Stiles leans over the control and kisses him on the lips. Before he can pull back, Derek takes hold of the back of his head, pulling him deeper in, sneaking a little tongue into it as well. They part with equally satisfied sighs.

“Please lose the shirt?” Derek whispers in the space between their mouths.

“Keep on dreaming, Wolf-man.” Stiles whispers back, then gets out of the car with a wide grin on his face. Isaac is waiting for them at the front door with his own grin.

“Finally! I was about to drag you inside myself.” He calls, then him and Stiles meet on the bottom of the stairs, hugging each other tightly. “The whole house heard your freak out.” He whispers in Stiles’ ear.

“That’s impossible.” Stiles whispers back like he’s sharing a very important secret with a child. Isaac just shrugs, pulling away.

“Are we ready?” He asks, looking over at Derek. Stiles frowns at his boyfriend, reaching over and tugging his necklace that Stiles gave him, out of the shirt’s neck. He pats the Pietersite claw satisfied. Derek’s jaw clenches as he looks at him darkly. Stiles grins.

“Everybody gotta know who gave that to you.”

“Have you ever heard the phrase, don’t poke the sleeping bear?” Isaac wonders out loud. Stiles shrugs with his whole body. Isaac laughs, then runs up the stairs. “Come on, they’re all out back!” Stiles doesn’t get the opportunity to see the house, because Isaac is rushing them through it to get back to the party. As they step through the back door, Stiles freezes. He knew a lot of people were going to be here, but… that’s a lot of people. Like seriously.

Scott is chatting with the girl Derek first came in with, so that is where Stiles is going to go to, but just as he turns in their direction, Derek hooks a finger in the back of his shirt, pulling him back.

“Mom first.”

“Right.” Stiles adjusts the collar of his shirt, following Derek to a group of older people. They’re all beautiful. Seriously, Twilight lied. Vampires? Pfft, try werewolves. “Hi!” He grins at them when the woman in the center of the group stops chatting to look at him. She looks a bit like Derek, Stiles supposes, with her square jaw and strong nose. She smiles at Stiles, reaching out a hand.

“Hello, dear. You must be Stiles, Derek’s new friend, we’ve heard a lot about you.” Friend? He looks over at Derek, who’s rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed. Friend?

“Yes, hi, Derek, you wanna do this, or…?” Stiles looks between the woman and Derek.

“Yeah. Mom, this is Stiles, my boyfriend, Stiles, my mom.” The woman visibly pauses at that, watching Derek. From the corner where Stiles saw Scott earlier, comes an ear-piercing shriek.

“Your what?!” As Stiles turns, startled, he sees the girl Scott had been talking to – Derek’s sister, if Stiles remembers correctly? – looking at them wide-eyed. Stiles assumes Scott, although with strange accuracy, was just telling her about Stiles as well, that’s why she had such a perfect timing at crying out.

As Stiles turns, there’s a strange, animal-like growl coming from behind him, then Derek steps in front of him. Stiles is going crazy for sure, but are Derek’s shoulder’s wider than usual?

“Enough!” Derek’s mom calls out. As Stiles turns to look at her, he immediately takes a step back, because. Her eyes. They’re… glowing red? Stiles frowns as he bumps into Derek, who reaches out to steady him. As Stiles looks down at the hand holding his elbow, he sees… claws? At the end of Derek’s fingers?

“Are you okay, Stiles?” Derek’s mom is quick to step forward with a concerned expression. As Stiles looks down, Derek’s fingers are normal, like there were never claws there. What the hell?

“Uh, I think… There might be something in the punch.”

“You didn’t have punch yet, Stiles.” Scott says. Stiles looks up at him, he’s standing to the side, looking at Stiles like always, completely normal. Oh, thank God, Stiles wouldn’t be able to handle if his best friend grew pointy ears or something. Well, he could. Actually, that would be… that would be awesome.

“I definitely saw claws at one point.” Stiles says faintly. Scott frowns at him, then looks down at his own hands.

“Claws?” Derek’s mom asks with a tight smile.

“And red eyes.” Stiles stares at her eyes.

“It must’ve been the sun.” She says.

“Or not?” Stiles glances heavenward, where the sky is heavily clouded.

“I’m sure it was just... your senses playing with you.” She nods, but Stiles doesn’t miss the look she sends towards her son. As Stiles looks back at Derek, he’s glaring back at his mother.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Stiles asks, utterly confused.

“Nothing, it must be–”

“I meant to tell you before we came in.” Derek states defiantly, still staring his own mother down. Stiles is slightly intimidated by that look, even though it’s not directed at him.

“Okay?”

“Derek, no. Not now.” His mother sounds stern and Stiles watches them like a tennis match.

“It’s okay, mom. He basically knows already, this would be just... Some extra knowledge.”

“Don’t I get a say in it?” Scott asks from the side, taking a step forward.

“Wait, don’t I?” Stiles asks as well, looking between the three of them now.

“You may not want to push it.” A female voice whispers in his ear. Stiles shrieks - very manly shriek, mind you - and steps away from Derek’s sister.

“I’m the alpha, Derek.” His mom says. “I get to decide who we tell it.”

“We’re werewolves.” Derek says, raising his chin rebelliously. Stiles raises his eyebrows.

“Yes, Wolf-man, we’ve been over this a few times I think.”

“No, dude.” Scott sighs, turning to Stiles with a sheepish expression. “It’s like, for real.”

“Yeah, for real.” Stiles nods. “You’re werewolves, I’m a level fifty warlock--”

“For fuck’s sake.” Isaac steps between the lot of them, his face changing. Stiles watches with wide eyes and open mouth as his eyebrow bones thicken, as do his cheekbones, hair spurs from his sideburns and jawline, fangs grow over his teeth and claws emerge from his fingertips.

Everybody seems to hold their breath, Stiles included. He watches Isaac’s changed face for a long time, just taking it in. Nobody comes closer and nobody’s touching Stiles. They all just... stare.

Finally, after what feels like hours, Stiles takes a deep breath, and whispers:

“Fucking awesome, man, I totally need that special effects for the shop next summer.”

“For crying out loud.” Derek grunts, stepping in front of Stiles. He takes hold of his hand, brings it to his face, and so Stiles can feel the bones changing, the hairs growing out. It’s so strange, so alien and fascinating at the same time... All Stiles can do is stare. Then, without any warning, he promptly throws up on his boyfriend.

[kyouxa]

Diabolik lovers Chaos Lineage: Reiji Sakamaki (Story 14)

In terms of the gameplay: The black choices lead up to a bad ending, the white choices lead up to a good ending. Please no reposting onto other sites, ask me before translating this into another language too! I’m an amateur translator, but I hope you do enjoy it anyway!♡

Place: Scarlet mansion — Entrance hall

Ayato: Heh, I kinda like the look of this mansion from inside.

Laito: Hey, where exactly is Bitch-chan‘s room? I might pay you a visit later on

Yui: T-That‘s a little...

Kanato: Such a thing doesn’t matter. I just want to go home already...

Subaru: Tch, if you keep complaining search for an exit yourself then

Yui: Seems as if the normal atmosphere had returned...

Reiji: Since the nostalgic started to come back to this mansion, my head started to hurt...

Shu: It‘s not like you should be complaining in the first place. You are the one who has regained the memories of everyone after all.

Reiji: It might be a consequence of my action.

Monologue

Everyone whose memories have returned, had the situation explained while they confused each other.

This is a fake world where we are supposed to continue fighting. This place is where our memories got changed because of magic.

And nobody of us will leave this place until Socrates is convinced with our true love—

Of course, not everyone was able to swallow the situation immediately.

In order to give them time for organizing their feelings, everyone came back to their own mansion with their original brothers.

Place: Scarlet mansion — Entrance hall

Yui: (Socrates-sama, he told us that he won‘t set us free until we prove the true love between Adam and Eve)

(Instead, he restored everyone's memories. I wonder if there was a reason for his sudden mind change)

(Kino-kun has been lost ever since then and Socrates-sama doesn’t answer anything even if we try to talk to him)

I'm glad everyone remembered, yet I can’t help it but wonder how we are supposed to get out of here...

Reiji: The king is Adam... this is why he was pointing at me further than that.

Me and you as Eve. It seems as if we have to prove it together. The true love bond between us.

Yui: But that is...

Reiji: If that is exactly what he wants — we are supposed to take everyone’s live except us.

Yui: ...Ngh!

(No, we can‘t just make such a ridiculous choice because of this man...)

Reiji: But other than that, there seems to be no other choice but to prove that he truly is convinced.

Yui: Yes...

Reiji: Anyways, there is another big problem we have. Our current food supply.

I am concerned how much you can keep with just the food you have now...

Yui: If you think that everyone needs to eat, which includes around 14 people...

Reiji: No, you should be the one eating all the food by yourself.

Yui: Eh!? W-Why is that?

Reiji: In consultation with Ruki and Carla. We as vampires would not die because of lack of food, but you as a human would.

This is just to avoid the worst scenario.

Yui: Really... for vampires, human food is also something special. But if you don't eat, you won't die ...

Reiji: That is right. But if we do not drink blood, we will be craving in certain pain.

Although it has been many days since we came to this miniature garden, our body were not affected.

However, when it becomes more than this—

Yui: You will be starving for blood?

Reiji: Yes, we all will suffer in pain. In some cases, there might even be the possibility of attacking you without hesitation in search of blood.

Yui: Such...

Reiji: If you only want to suppress the blood sucking impulse, it may be manageable as long as you are here.

However, there is a case where we might run into desperation because of our despair in this closed space.

Above all, even those who try to get out of here may appear.

Yui: Eh? Is there really no way to get out?

Reiji: There will be. All I have to do is protect Eve so she will not get annihilated.

Yui: ...Ngh, I can’t imagine anyone trying to do that...

Reiji: It is certainly not guaranteed. But if we are caught up for too long, everyone might fall into madness.

Yui: (Everyone might fall into madness... that may be true as he said)

(Everyone... there is no guarantee that I can give any of them a reason to continue not to do so)

Reiji: As long as this is okay, you will not be hurt in any situation.

You are the finest food for vampires after all. From now on, please do not leave my side at any time.

If you do not want to be the prey for many other fangs.

Yui: Nh... Yes...

(I can’t help but wonder how much time is still left until everyone‘s hungry for blood)

(If we haven't found a way to get out of this garden until then—)

Place: Scarlet mansion — Living room

Ruki: I continued searching around with the help of your map. However, no place has been found that could make us leave this space.

Reiji: As I thought, it really is not easy to get out of here ...

Yui: (They’re continuing to discuss with all three representatives of each houses every day, but the situation still isn’t good)

(I wonder if it would be better better if I left and went to my room, so I don't get in their way ...)

Carla: Thoughts that are spread in this space, are permeated around the church.

If we destroy the church, we will be able to erase this whole space at once.

Reiji: If so, is there a guarantee that we can return to our original place if we do so?

Carla: Hmph, try it for yourself and figure it out.

Ruki: We can’t try such a method which would risk everyone’s life this drastic.

First, that man would probably interfere again.

Reiji: Exactly... I do not know what to do if we did something more unintentional.

Yui: (Socrates's desired proof... he wants us to show him the true love between Adam and Eve ...)

(Can it only be shown in such a way as taking the lives of everyone else?)

Carla: I will not move at any of your current given orders.

If necessary, I will move freely by myself. Keep that in mind.

*Carla leaves*

Ruki: This guy just acts selfish... but further discussions are meaningless for now.

Let's all return back to our mansions for today.

Reiji: Yes... take care.

*Ruki leaves*

Reiji: Haa... I can not stop thinking of the future

*Reiji leaves*

Yui: (Oh, Reiji-san also starts to leave!)

Place: Scarlet mansion — Hallway

Yui: (Reiji-san, where did you go? He seemed tired, so I wanted to invite him to a cup of tea)

(...Oh, maybe!)

(Eh!? Reiji and Shu-san... ?)

Reiji: It is unusual for you to walk around and not sleep in the hallway.

Shu: That’s it. Don't you notice it until I talk to you and there’s a given proof to you?

Yui: (No way, are they fighting again? B-But what... should I do to interrupt them?)

Reiji: You have been busy and you have not spoken at all since the incident at the church took place.

Shu: There’s nothing specific to talk about with you in the first place.

Reiji: There never are words that stop people from talking.

If you have something to say, what would happen if you say it clearly?

Yui: (After all, it’s a terrible mood... right now I have to break in this...)

Shu: ...I remembered getting angry when my memories returned.

Yui: (Eh?)

Shu: After coming to this mansion, you were starting to put your chin higher than ever. You were working hard.

Reiji: I agree. Even though it was not easy to handle, I was leading everybody until now.

Is that not funny? It is a classic example of what you were not used to do after all.

If you are here to complain or dissatisfied, please do not hesitate. You may make me laugh like this.

Shu: Laughter you say.

... Well, wasn't it the middle of summer for you back then?

Reiji: Eh... ?

Yui: (Shu... san?)

Shu: I don't certainly know what you think. But well, it seems as if you fit perfect.

You really are better than me, as the eldest son.

Reiji: Please do not say such foolish things. Everyone has the right place for the right person.

I realized that I was in need for a different place, where I could show my real powers.

Shu: Heh. So what?

Reiji: I am not regretting that I have found the right place for myself. I rather am proud of finally finding it.

It certainly feels like I have finally found my own and true meaning in this place.

That is why I want to apologize for taking away the elder brother’s role from you.

Shu: Hmm...

As I thought, you really changed.

Reiji: Eh?

Shu: Well, it doesn't matter to me what you think. Do as you personally prefer it.

Now it seems that you can finally live like you want to. I think that’s okay.

Reiji: Shu...

Shu: Haa ... I'm sleepy. I’ll get to my room. See you.

*Shu leaves*

Reiji: Good grief, there is no reluctance to choose words for his behavior after all.

So what? How long have you been hiding yourself over there?

Yui: Oh, did you realize that?

Reiji: Naturally. I did not eavesdrop. First, did I not tell you to be waiting in that room?

Yui: I'm sorry…

Reiji: Right now, what are you going to cry for? Look, I will wipe them with a handkerchief.

Yui: I-I'm sorry. It just feels as if Reiji and Shu-san finally start to understand each other a little more.

Somehow, this made me go a little sentimental...

Reiji: What is that about? You really are a strange woman. Look, come closer.

*Reiji pulls Yui closer*

Yui: Ah...

Reiji: I want the one who I care the most about, to be in my arms a little faster. Just stay like this for a while.

Yui: Yes...

Reiji: Right now I can only say what that a huge disaster it is to be trapped in this miniature garden ...

But it certain seems that there was something special I got because of it.

Yui: (Something Reiji-san got... ?)

Choices

1) — Is that about Shu-san? (black)

2) — What did you get ...? (white) ♡ ♡ ♡

— Is that about Shu-san?

Reiji: Haa, just why are you dragging Shu into this kind of topic and atmosphere now...

Yui: No! I thought it was going to be...

Reiji: Good grief, it is absolutely not. You really must have hit your head somewhere.

Yui: I’m sorry...

Reiji: You really are good at thinking of other guys in any type of situation, aren’t you?

Now, once we have returned to my room you must live with the consequences your mouth just made.

You may not be the only one I have my eyes for after all, I may fall for someone else too...

Yui: Eh!? R-Reiji... san!?

Reiji: Fufu, I was joking.

Yui: But! Reiji-san!

Reiji: For now let‘s keep this at the joke level. After all, you truly are the only one I have my eyes for. The one who brought me this far.

Because of you, I have been finally able to find a place for myself in this world where I do not pity myself anymore.

This only happened thanks to your guidance.

Yui: That's really not true... ! I'm not doing anything special!

— What did you get? ♡

Yui: What exactly did you get... ?

Reiji: I was finally able to find my own place.

Although I may not have found it all alone by himself.

Yui: Is that true?

Reiji: Is that a person... you are not aware of?

It is definitely you who was the one who led me this far, Yui.

Yui: That’s wrong, I’m not doing anything. Everything is alone Reiji-san’s hard work.

Reiji: For you to say such a thing... but just for now let me show you how grateful I am.

Yui: Yes!

end Choices

Yui: (I'm not really doing anything after all. I was just staying by his side)

(If Reiji-san truly changed, I think it’s only because of Reiji-san’s own willpower)

(Anyway, no matter who you are or who you want to become, it all depends on your own power and will to start changing yourself)

Reiji: Oh, I almost forgot. This will be your punishment for breaking my given orders.

*Reiji kisses Yui*

Yui: Kya... !

(I-I was surprised. I thought he was going to suck my blood)

Reiji: You seem to be craving for my fangs instead. Even so, if I would suck your blood, the others would immediately smell it.

Once I would do so, you would be really falling into becoming food.

Yui: T-That's right...

(But it was a strange feeling because only a weak stimulus was given to my body...)

Reiji: If you want me to suck your blood, I will grant your wish once we return safely. Can you wait until then?

Yui: Yes...

Reiji: All right. I will promise that we will be able to leave this please before you are starting to become jealous.

Yui: H-Hey, it’s not like I’m jealous. But...

(To get out of this space. That‘s surely not an easy task to manage after all)

(But I believe in him. Reiji-san—)

[bamon4bamily]

TVD 9x09 (part 2) Enjoy! =)

Cut to - Stefan and Caroline, lying on the beach, having some margaritas, just chilling, doing absolutely nothing but stare at the ocean and talk.

 STEFAN: Look at us; who knew we could actually let loose and just go with it.

CAROLINE: I know, I’m loving this side of us!

STEFAN: Marry me again…

CAROLINE: (Laughs, thinking it’s a joke, then realizes he means it) Wait, what?! Are you serious?

STEFAN: Yes, Care; we deserve the wedding we want, not that show we had to put on; I mean, it was beautiful, but it wasn’t us, and we didn’t even get to enjoy it.

CAROLINE: A million times, yes! Let’s do it (they kiss)!... Now, about that thing… I’ve been given it a lot of thought; this is a decision we need to make together. Guess it comes down to answering ourselves if we want this to be short and sweet, or long but uncertain.

STEFAN: If this was just about me, I’d go with short and sweet. I always hated being a vampire, and the mere possibility of becoming a ripper again terrifies me, but the idea of not being able to be with you for much longer, terrifies me even more. I’d like to think I came back for a reason, not just to die all over again.

CAROLINE: I know this might sound selfish, but I rather take a chance with the ripper than lose you. And, if it ever came to that, I’d be here to bring you back. We can do this, Stefan.

STEFAN: We can do anything (kisses her). It’s decided then. Maybe I’m destined to be a vampire…

CAROLINE: Or maybe you’re destined to be with me.

STEFAN: (Tender smile) I like that reasoning better (kisses her).

CAROLINE: So, this option you mentioned, are we sure it’s safe?

STEFAN: No, I mean, there is always a risk with these types of things.

CAROLINE: And Damon is on board with this?

STEFAN: He said it was my decision, he’ll do it if I decide to go through with it, so…

CAROLINE: Are you really sure it’s what you want to do?

STEFAN: What I am sure of is that I want to be with you for as long as I can.

CAROLINE: Me too. Well, once we go back home, we’ll get it done.

STEFAN: And start planning for our second wedding.

CAROLINE: Oh, I’m already on that.

STEFAN: (Laughs) I love you.

CAROLINE: And I love you (kisses him). Now, how about we go upstairs and take a “bath”...

STEFAN: (Stands up real fast) You know, another pro is that next time, we’ll be able to vamp our way to the room (smirks).

CAROLINE: Plus, vamp sex, you gotta miss that (smirks back)!

STEFAN: That alone is worth the risk of the ripper coming back. (Grabs their stuff and carries her to their room).

Cut to – Tulum ruins. After four hours Bonnie and Damon conclude the temazcal ritual; La Bruja offers them some fruit and tea to rehydrate.

 LA BRUJA: You are true warriors; I’m impressed you got through the four hours; many don’t get past the first. You know, my ancestors believed the temazcal represented the womb, a place of transition between the heavens and the underworld, and that once you came out of the ritual, you were reborn.

BONNIE: I’ve died many times, linked with a cosmic energy source, but have never felt anything so sublime. Thank you, this truly was a gift.

LA BRUJA: No need to thank me, it was my pleasure. (Turns to Damon, who is very silent and meditative) Damon, how was your experience?

DAMON: Terrifying, yet beautiful at the same time… I don’t know how to explain it. I think I cried at some point, laughed, screamed… Cathartic, to say the least. A million times thank you, honestly…

LA BRUJA: I knew you would face your demons and fight till the end to defeat them. You two have a unique bond, soulmates beyond a doubt.

BONNIE: (Looking into Damon’s eyes with a soft smile) I guess we are…

DAMON: I know we are (kisses her).

LA BRUJA: Destiny doesn’t make mistakes (winks).

BONNIE: Tell me about you and Grams.

LA BRUJA: (Smirks) In the beginning we used to hate each other. Although our covens were amicable, the Bennett’s had a history with the Gemini and the Mikaelson witch, and my coven didn’t approve. Also, your grandma is as stubborn as they come, couldn’t stand her, yet I sort of loved to hate her. Then, a situation forced an unusual alliance and we ended up becoming best friends. After some time, one thing led to the other, and well… you can figure out the rest. One thing is for sure, I love that woman to infinity.

BONNIE: It’s so strange, I feel like there is this whole side of Grams I never knew…

LA BRUJA: Just like there is a side of you she doesn’t either. That is the beauty of human relations, you never truly get to unveil the mystery of the inner self.

BONNIE: I’m happy to know she has that kind of love. Sorry if I seemed rude before, I’m honored to have met you.

LA BRUJA: No hard feelings, I understand you being wary, but I’m hoping that after this bonding moment, we can become friends.

BONNIE: You know it!

DAMON:  I’m curious, you said you met my mother, does that mean you’re an immortal?

LA BRUJA: We are all immortal, Damon. Now, what keeps me in this specific state of existence can be thought both as a curse or as a blessing. I am mother nature, assigned to protect and preserve all biological beings. I am bound to this earth till its end…

BONNIE: Don’t you get lonely? Seeing the people you love move on while you remain?

LA BRUJA: Not at all; just because they move on to another plane of existence doesn’t mean we are not connected. We might not be able to interact physically, but spiritually we are linked for eternity.

BONNIE: That’s a beautiful way to look at it.

LA BRUJA: It is. Well, I must be heading out now, but before I leave, I need to give you two things. One, (hands her an amulet) this earth amulet, whenever you need to reach me hold it in your left hand, close your eyes, and I’ll be there in a blink of an eye. 

Second, a message from the Shaman… (Says the words in Mayan) “Ti' le ak'abo' le unión vence le k'aas” … In darkness, unity defeats evil. Never forget that, it might be the answer you need when the time comes…

BONNIE: What do you mean?

LA BRUJA: Just, remember, promise me.

BONNIE: I will, I promise.

LA BRUJA: Good. My work here is done.

BONNIE: Listen, we should see each other before we go back home, let us invite you to dinner one of these nights.

LA BRUJA: I’d love to! You know how to reach me.

DAMON: Thank you again, really, this has been one of the best experiences of my life, or death, however you want to see it.

LA BRUJA: Ay, Damon, you are such an uncanny soul; but a good one, so stop doubting yourself.

BONNIE: (Teasing) Listen to the herb lady, Damon, she’s on point.

DAMON: (Laughs) Is Sheila this mocking?

LA BRUJA: Oh, yes, it’s definitely a Bennett thing!

BONNIE: Hey!

LA BRUJA: (Laughs) But that’s why we love you ladies.

DAMON: That’s right, Bon Bon (smirks and hugs her).

BONNIE: Oh, I’m still gonna get you back for this, when you least expect it (kisses him, winks).  

LA BRUJA: Well, amigos, my time to go… (just as she suddenly appeared, she disappears, along with the Shaman and the hut).  

DAMON: How about a dip?

BONNIE: (Smirks and slowly takes her clothes off) Catch me if you can! (Runs into the ocean, Damon takes his clothes off as fast as he gets up, and vamps in after her. They make love, multiple times, until sunset).

Cut to - Edward, waking up inside a cell in the underground hi-tech facility.

AUGUSTUS: Sorry, son, I tried giving you the benefit of the doubt, but you don’t seem to get it together. I trusted you’d get things done, thought you were on the right track when you took care of that lunatic Darius, but your attachment to the Donovan kid keeps getting in the way; and for the life of me, I can’t understand why. He might be blood, but he is not family. Oh, well, never leave a boy to do a man’s job.

EDWARD: Where is she?! What have you done to her?!!!

AUGUSTUS: Who? Oops, I think they might have overdone it with the sedatives… Well, it will pass, nothing to worry about. Unless… you haven’t stopped taking your medication, have you?  

EDWARD: I know what I saw, where is she!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AUGUSTUS: Bring Donovan back, and you might find out.

EDWARD: You have all this high-tech equipment, I’m sure you can find where he is.

AUGUSTUS: Well we know he flew to Lima a couple of days ago, but we found his cellphone, and his wife’s, at their house. I’m guessing someone told them not to bring their phones along.

EDWARD: You had him, he gave you what you wanted, and you let him go. If you still needed him, why would you let him go?

AUGUSTUS: Unfortunately, when it comes to humans, errors are bound to happen; we missed a minor detail.  

EDWARD: That’s quite the understatement… but you are wasting your time with me, so go play with your toys, you might have better luck with them. Oh, and I will find out what you did to her, don’t doubt that for a second.

AUGUSTUS: (Grins, sarcastically) In the meantime, I’ll have one of my toys bring you your medication; can’t have you going off to La La land just yet. (An odd man approaches his cell with some pills) I hope it’s the right prescription… (smirks and walks away).  

Cut to - Tyler and Lexi playing cards and having a drink, after a long day at the school.

 LEXI: (Opens her cards) Royal flush…

TYLER: Are you kidding me?! (Opens his) Poker.

LEXI: Aw, Wolfie, (as she takes his chips) better luck next time.

TYLER: Well, I’m out of money, and dignity.

LEXI: Ha, I warned you. (Takes a sip of her drink) So, how are you adjusting? Are you liking this teaching thing?

TYLER: Much to my surprise, I actually am. You?

LEXI: I’m loving it! I’ve always been a huge fan of Harry Potter, so I kind of feel like I’m in Hogwarts.

TYLER: Are you serious, Harry Potter? (Cracks up).

LEXI: Hey, they’re amazing books!

TYLER: (Teasing) Oh, I’m sure they are, but I never figured you as a fangirl.

LEXI: You have no idea, haven’t missed a single con.

TYLER: Ha, ha! As in those geek events where everyone is dressed up? Please don’t tell me you go in costume…

LEXI: Of course I do, I have Hermione down to a T! Just ask Bonnie, she’s gone to a few with me.

TYLER: Bonnie?! Oh, this just keeps getting better! (Alaric comes running in).

ALARIC: Hey, guys.

LEXI: What’s up, boss?

ALARIC: Oh, gees no, please don’t call me that. We have a situation…

TYLER: What’s going on?

ALARIC: It’s actually quite funny if you think about it. You know how Katherine used to be a Traveler?

TYLER: Uhm, yes, but not after she became a vampire…

ALARIC: Yes, but then she became human, died, was queen of hell, came back; who knows what she really is at this point… Anyway, turns out one of her students is an active Traveler and, well, long story short, something happened, and they switched bodies… and no one can figure out how to switch them back. Just thought I’d let you know so you don’t freak out when a teenage boy comes in here, pours himself a drink and starts acting like a crazy person.

LEXI: Did you just say, teenage boy? (She laughs hysterically) Oh, this is too good!!

TYLER: (Also laughing uncontrollably) Karma is a bitch!!! 

LEXI: We have to see this, please, Ric, ask her to come!

ALARIC: Well she, or shall I say, he, is in his room at the moment; freaking out. Radka is with him and the student, trying to look for a way to reverse whatever they did back.

LEXI: (Jumps up) What are we waiting for? Let’s go!

ALARIC: (As they are walking out) Guys, just try not to laugh too hard.    

Cut to - Matt and Khuyana, who have been staying at a cabin, somewhere near the Machu Pichu ruins, for a couple of days.

MATT: Middle of nowhere, you, me, and absolutely no connection to the outside world; I can get used to this.

KHUYANA: I have to say, I thought I would go crazy without my phone, but it’s so liberating!

MATT: It is; makes you think just how dependent we are on our little gadgets, and how disconnected from the natural world.

KHUYANA: I’m reconsidering your offer not to go back to Mystic Falls, or Lima, we can just stay here and live out the rest of our days as hermits. You can become a writer, and I can become a sculptor, or a painter.

MATT: Well, I can’t write for my life, so I’ll need to find something else.

KHUYANA: Or you could be the sculptor, you are great with your hands (smirks).

MATT: Well, we have a couple of more days to decide… (kisses her).

Cut to – Sage and Alex in a real high-end apartment, near the University’s Medical Lab. Sage wakes up, real hung-over. Gets out of bed, goes to the kitchen to grab an aspirin. Alex is reading and having coffee.

 ALEX: (With happy-go-lucky sarcasm) Morning sunshine!

SAGE: Oh, shut up, Alex; my head is killing me.

ALEX: (Mocking) Wonder why? Here (hands her a pick-me up drink he had already prepared for her, she chugs it).

SAGE: (Hits his chest) Why did you let me drink so much last night!?

ALEX: (Laughs) Are you serious? When have you ever listened to me when I tell you to slow it down?

SAGE: I didn’t even drink that much, how did I get so drunk!?

ALEX: I’m guessing it had something to do with seeing Sam again, and meeting his new girlfriend, Elena… (pushing her buttons) she’s hot!

SAGE: Please, she’s your average, totally overrated, “girl next door”.

ALEX: Meow! Catty much? After all these years, you’re still stuck on him.

SAGE: First of all, it’s only been two years. Second, I’m not. I just think he can do better, that’s all.

ALEX: Wait, I thought… never mind, I don’t even want to know. Listen, we start the program early tomorrow, how about we stay in, veggie out, and binge some Walking Dead.

SAGE: That actually sounds like a great idea, can’t function today; but we’re not watching your lame ass show, so get ready for a Hunger Games marathon.

ALEX: (Rolls his eyes) Fine! I’ll make us some lunch while you set the rest up.

SAGE: (With a puppy face) Salmon and cream cheese bagels?

ALEX: Yes, I knew you were going to ask for that, so I went to the market early in the morning; got some champagne and oranges for mimosas too.

SAGE: (Kisses his cheek) You’re the best!

Cut to- Akumal, Mexico. Caroline, Bonnie, Damon and Stefan are having an oceanfront dinner.

CAROLINE: So, how were the pyramids?

BONNIE: Out of this world, you guys should have come.

CAROLINE: We were exhausted, but will definitely join next time; I’m thinking we should make this trip an annual tradition.

BONNIE: Definitely.

DAMON: No objections here.

STEFAN: Or here.

BONNIE: So, wanna hear a crazy story?

CAROLINE: Always.

BONNIE: We met my Grams soulmate…

CAROLINE: What?! Here? What are the odds! How did you meet him?

BONNIE: Actually, it’s a she…

CAROLINE: (Spits out the wine she had just taken a sip of) What??!!!!! Oh my god!! Wait, are you playing with me?!

BONNIE: Nop, she’s a Mayan witch, and apparently mother nature…

CAROLINE: (In total shock) Grams?! Really?!! You’re joking, right? Did you guys smoke that stuff again?

BONNIE: (Laughs) No, totally clear minded.

STEFAN: You mean to tell me Sheila…

DAMON: That’s right, brother, she even told us herself. Her reflection appeared through La Bruja’s eyes, spilled the tea to Bonnie…

BONNIE: When you hear it like that, it does sound like we were trippin (they laugh).

CAROLINE: Now I’m totally regretting not going with you guys! So, what did she say, what happened?!

BONNIE: She told us how they met, and then she initiated us in a ritual called temazcal; that was pretty much it. Crazy shit, right!?

CAROLINE: Absolutely insane!! I totally want to meet her!

BONNIE: I told her we would have her over for dinner one of these nights, you can meet her then.

CAROLINE: Ooh, yes, can’t wait! Well, now that we are exchanging our day stories, we have one we want to share with you as well… We are having a second wedding!

BONNIE: That’s great!! You definitely need a due over, last one was pretty bad, no offense.

DAMON: Only good take away was mine and Bon Bon’s dance, rest was a Carry meets The Exorcist fiasco.

BONNIE: Do you have a date? Are you going for a June wedding again? CAROLINE: Oh no, I’m done with June weddings; I want it to be as far away from June as possible, so we’re thinking early December.

BONNIE: That’s coming up real soon… sure you’ll have enough time to plan?

CAROLINE: Yes, we want something simple this time around. Plus, I’ll have my maid of honor to help me out.

BONNIE: And who might that be?

CAROLINE: Bonnie Sheila Bennett, do you even have to ask?! Of course it’s you, it’s always going to be you! Don’t tell Elena I said that.

BONNIE: (With a sweet smile) Well, I think this deserves a bottle of champagne.

DAMON: I’m on it! (Calls the waiter to order the bottle).

BONNIE: Have you picked a venue?

CAROLINE: The mansion; like I said, we want to keep it classy but simple.

BONNIE: It will be beautiful.

DAMON: (After the waiter serves them the champagne, holds his glass up) To due overs!

EVERYONE: Cheers!

CAROLINE: Okay, so, we might change the mood with this one, but we need to tell you something else … Stefan?

STEFAN: Well, Damon, you already know what this is about. Bon, we didn’t want to tell you until we had made a decision.

BONNIE: What’s going on, Stefan? You’re freaking me out…

STEFAN: Essentially, I’m dying.

BONNIE: What?!

DAMON: Bro, context! You can’t just spit words out like that!

STEFAN: Sorry, Bon. Let me try this again. So, you know how I died, and then you brought me back, and then, well, I had the cure before I died, and then I gave it to Damon, and then...

DAMON: Oh, for god’s sakes! Bon Bon, thing is, the cure is wearing off fast. At this rate, we don’t know how long it will last before… well you know what. Stefan talked to me about it, and I came up with an idea; the only way out of this is if he takes the antidote, which is in my blood...

BONNIE: Wow, you sure you’re not the ones that are high? Sorry, had to break the tension to process this… Stefan, you do know what taking the antidote means, right?

STEFAN: I do, that’s what made it so hard to make the decision, but after a lot of thought, Care and I decided it’s worth the risk.

CAROLINE: We want to do it once we get back home.

BONNIE: This has never been done before, it could be dangerous, (turns to Damon) for both…

DAMON: Bon, don’t worry; we should be fine.

BONNIE: Not if it works like the cure, it won’t. Plus, you’re missing a major detail, Stefan died without the cure, it’s not in his system anymore so the “antidote” wont work. Your sudden deterioration is because you don’t have the cure anymore, just like what happened to Katherine but at a slower rate … Didn’t think it could happen, given that you died and came back, but I guess it did. Answer is simple, if you want to survive and don’t mind becoming a vampire, you need to be turned the old-fashioned way… (They all stare at her, mind blown, and a bit embarrassed they hadn’t even thought of that).

DAMON: (To Stefan) You see? This is why I insisted we talked to Bon Bon first!

CAROLINE: (To Bonnie) I told him to tell you too.

STEFAN: (To Bonnie) Sorry, I asked them not to tell you. I didn’t want to drag you, once again, into one of my problems.

BONNIE: Stefan, are we friends?

STEFAN: Of course we are.

BONNIE: Then, your problems are my problems; you’re not dragging anyone. (Teasing) But if you would have listened to them, we could have solved this way sooner.

CAROLINE: I can’t believe we didn’t even think of that…

BONNIE: Sometimes the answer is so obvious you doubt if it makes any sense.

CAROLINE: (To Stefan) So, what do you think?

STEFAN: To be honest, old-fashion way scares me even more, at least with the antidote option there was a chance the ripper might not come into play; but if we do it like this, it’s bound to happen at some point.

BONNIE: Not if you learn how to control it, and we can help you do that. You can do this, Stefan, you are much stronger than you give yourself credit for.

STEFAN: Thank you for saying that, Bon.

CAROLINE: So, old fashioned way it is…

DAMON: Dibs on the kill!

STEFAN: There’s no way in hell I’m letting you kill me; Care is the one that needs to do it.

CAROLINE: No, no, no, I’m not doing it. I’ll give you my blood but I’m not going to be part of The murder of Stefan Salvatore, true crime series episode.

STEFAN: Bon?

BONNIE: Oh, hell no.

DAMON: (With a grin) Looks like it’s gonna have to be me, bro.

STEFAN: Maybe it’s best if I just ride out this decomposition…

DAMON: Oh, come on, it could be fun! Just like old times!

STEFAN: Fine, but I swear, if you so much as smirk, I’m gonna go ripper on your ass.

DAMON: I’ll be gentle, and well behaved, pinky swear.

STEFAN: It’s settled then… Care, you’ll give me your blood; Damon, you’ll do the deed; Bon, you’ll be my moral support.

CAROLINE: God, this is insane! If anyone heard this conversation, they’d either put us in a loony or in jail.

BONNIE: That’s true for pretty much every conversation we have (they all laugh).

CAROLINE: Okay, now that we got that out of the way, let’s celebrate! (They spend the night drinking, laughing, dancing, having a great time).

Cut to – High-tech underground facility, Edward’s cell. The man that gave Edward his medication is still standing outside the cell, on guard. Edward can’t stop staring at him, intrigued by his uncanny behavior and appearance (which strangely resembles him).

 EDWARD: What the hell are you...

 TVD 9x10 coming next! Hope you stop by, read and enjoy! 

[darksunrising]

Sola Gratia (2/?)

Masterlist

Rating / Warnings : General Audiences, no warning.

Fandom : Bram Stoker’s Dracula, BBC’s Dracula, various Dracula and vampire lore.

Part 2/? (2452 words)

Author’s notes : Here’s part two ! I also updated part one to be a bit better, don’t hesitate to check it out ! (taglist at the end !)

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“I always thought it was a disputable likeness.”

“JE-sus FUCK-”, I spat out as I turned over, stumbling back from shock. How in the hell- I didn’t even hear a goddamn thing, which was concerning given how close he was standing behind me. An eyebrow elegantly arched at my profanity, he seemed to study my figure. I was suddenly very aware of how absolutely dreadful I probably looked.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think- I didn’t mean to break in- The door-”, I stammered, somehow unable to find any decent words.

A twinkle of amusement brightened his dark eyes, and he didn’t do me the mercy of saying anything to put me out of my misery. I took a deep breath, and awkwardly held out my hand for him to shake.

“I am Eris Cetero. I got caught in the storm, and saw light. I didn’t know where else to go. I would be eternally grateful for your hospitality, sir.”

A bit dazed that I was able to align so many coherent words, I didn’t even have the time to react when the man gently took my hand in his, and planted a light kiss on my knucles.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Doamna Cetero. I am Count Vlad Balaur, and welcome you into my home.”

I managed to thank him, by God knows what miracle. From the moment our eyes met, he had not moved his gaze, nor did I see him blink, now that I thought about it. A shiver ran down my spine, making me shudder.

“My, you must be freezing. Come, sit by the fire. Do you have anything dry to wear ?”

I shook my head as he led me to one of the sofas facing the hearth, a hand barely hovering over my back.

“My bag is in a sorrier state than I am”, I sheepishly admitted.

“Well, I might be able to find something for you”, he told me with a gentle smile.

“I couldn’t, really, I don’t want to impose-”, I started, but he dismissed my protest with a flick of the hand.

“Nonsense, I will have no one die of pneumonia in this house. Wait for me here, I will soon be back.”

He left the room in long paces, and I followed his tall silhouette as it disappeared into the halls. Whatever I was expecting, it wasn’t that. He did look somewhat close to the portrait, however. I looked up to study it further. The figure was certainly recognizable, tall, some form of nobility in the posture. He was a Count, after all. His hair was neatly laid in elegant black waves across his broad shoulders, so dark it was almost lost to the background. He was obviously younger in the portrait, but still carried as much poise as he did then.

The crackling of the fire almost covered the sound of the rain. A log broke in half in a flurry of embers. The flames licked at the charred wood, and I started to follow their ethereal dance in the darkness. Hugging my knees closer to my chest, I wondered if I shouldn’t drip somewhere else than the Count’s expensive-looking antique sofa. Found myself unable to move, anyway.

My curious host stepped back into the room, dragging me from my drowsiness. He had a pile of neatly folded clothes in hand, and what I assumed was a towel. He was still smiling, which, for some reason, made me a bit uneasy. I shook off the feeling. I mean, he was just an old eccentric man. A little weird at times, but who isn’t?

“I’m afraid you might find the style a bit dated, however, it’s warm and dry, which is what we are looking for, aren’t we?”

He laid the pile next to me, and took his leave, respectfully closing the door behind him. Unsure about what I should do, I still took a look at what he brought. The fabrics were soft, and felt luxurious. Dated indeed. A long wool skirt I just could have worn as a poncho, a thin linen shirt closed by a series of pearl buttons, and a jacket, matching the skirt both in style and warmth. after a sigh, I decided to peel my own clothing off my body. Cold water ran down my back as I slipped my shirt over my shoulders. I decided to keep my underwear, for legitimate and obvious reasons, and put on the outfit the count prepared for me. He even had thrown in a pair of socks and boots, which, curiously, were exactly my size. As I stood up and patted down the skirt, I caught my reflection in a window. There, I was ready to leave for the suffragette rally, whilst my husband slaves away at the vintage car factory. I spun around, and the skirt flared in a very satisfactory manner.

“Are you dressed ? May I come in ?”

The sudden knock on the door nearly made me lose my footing. I caught myself on the back of the sofa, and approved the request. The Count entered, pushing the door with his foot as the carried a wodden tray, holding a steaming kettle and delicate cups. He laid it on a small side table, and turned back towards me, clasping his hands together.

“Aren’t you feeling a tad better now ?”

“Much better, thank you. If I may ask, out of curiosity, where does this dress come from? It’s not very often people have that sort of clothing at home.”

“Well”, he started as he poured tea into a cup. “It is a family home, and I must admit I do not know everyone who ever lived here. It may have been my grandmother’s, or her mother’s.”

He invited me to sit, and handed me a cup, which I accepted gladly. It had a subtle, comforting cinnamon aroma The warmth of the cup was doing wonders for my almost purple hands, slowly regaining a human-like color.

“Eris…”, the Count enunciated, slightly rolling the ‘r’, almost to himself. “What an unusual name. You must have terribly interesting parents.”

“Oh, far worse. Historians”, I scoffed.

“Greek, dare I venture ?”

“Yes. They’re kind fo the reason I am here right now, in a way.”

“Please, indulge an old man.”

He seemed genuinely interested. I guess living in a mountain surrounded by huge “KEEP OUT” signs was bound to make anyone feel starved for any distraction. It was a bit of a challenge not sounding demented as I told him about my family. Strict, absent parents, very demanding concerning school work, insisting on me keeping up with their research. As they were interested in the Classical Greek world, I shifted my interest to the Balkans, which was shocking enough, and became almost disowning when I started a masters in medieval studies. I became a bit estranged to them after that terrible offense.

“Do you still study that field ?”

“Well”, I sighed. “I should hope so. I’m in my second year of doctorate on ‘Archaeological evidence for the conflictual relationships of Balkanic regions and the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century AD’.”

It had him laughing softly.

“That sound like quite some work”, he commented, a strange glimmer in his eye.

“It is. That’s why I had to take a break, coming here. I told myself I’d take advantage of it and work, maybe visit Targoviste. Turns out, I’d rather risk death by the mighty elements than do that.”

I tried to smile, but the weight in my chest started to come back. It lifted while I was running high on adrenaline, trying to escape my doom during the storm, but now that I was out of danger, it sure as hell was back. The Count had a strange look on his face, almost as he was trying to read my mind through my eyes.

“I’m sorry, I just-”

“You must be tired, after such an eventful day”, he softly told me. “Let’s prepare a guest room, shall we?”

He was right, by all accounts. I took a deep breath, and handed him my empty cup as he held out his hand for it. His fingers brushed against mine, just a second, yet long enough that it didn’t feel unintentional. He did nothing of it, and placed the cups back on the tray, before escorting me into the halls. As we left, he took hold of a small candelabra and had it lit over the fire.

We made our way through the lenghthy corridors, and I started undertanding just how huge the place was. Confusing. Labyrinthic, almost. I wondered how I would ever find my way without breadcrumbs, or a trusty ball of yarn. I started taking mental notes of some reference points. A weird cat in a painting here, a knight fighting a giant snail in the corner of a tapestry there, that sort of thing.

“Are you also interested in art, Lady Cetero ?”, the Count asked, semingly noticing my interest.

“A little. I’m afraid I connect better with pieces of armor and war apparatus in general, though. A bit of an influence from my thesis, I think”, I admitted.

“Ah, in this case, I have something I am fairly certain you will enjoy”, he announced, before taking a right into another corridor.

We passed a few doors, and stopped in front of a slightly larger one. He slipped a large iron ring out of his jacket’s pocket, holding dozens of different keys, some oranate, some rougher. Without much hesitation, which was impressive considering the sheer ammount of choice he had, he unlocked the door, and pushed it open, gallantly leaving me to enter.

The room was dark, yest I discerned a faint glimmer across the walls. As the Count stepped in, and lit torches on the walls, I almost couldn’t contain a squeal of excitement. On the wall opposite the door, a suit of armor was displayed on a mannequin. Intricately worked in gilted vegetal arabesque, the darkened iron still suffered indents and scrapes, and the golden sheen had flaked in some places. I ventured that whoever had worn this had very little understanding of the crime it was to ever put such incredible crafstmanship at risk on the battlefield. It was very reminiscent of the kind of battle gear I had studied in my first year, but I never saw a complete one, least of all in such an incredible state of conservation. The suit was surrounded by weapons of the same make, still bright and shiny, the incrustations of stones and pearls seeming almost alive in the flickering light of the flames. The other walls were all covered in an almost artistic display of a large variety of other weapons, which it seemed spanned across centuries and all the surrounding regions of the Balkans.

“This is...Absolutely incredible”, I managed to breathe out. “How did you come to have such a collection ? Even the museum in Bucharest doesn’t compete !”

“I am very interested in history, you see. Some of the pieces here were there before I was born”, he told me, stepping closer to the central figure of the room. “This armor has been in my family for generations.”

He looked somewhat nostalgic, eyes drifting along the glistening metal. He stood tall, and I couldn’t help but picture him in it, his silver hair back to the dark waves of his youth, sword in hand, covered in blood and dust, leading his men into battle against roaring, bloodthirsty waves of ennemies.

“I would love to take a better look at them tomorrow, if you don’t mind”, I asked, trying not to look so eager as I felt.

“It would be my pleasure, however, I will have to take most of the day to attend some... Urgent matters.”

I nodded along, and we left the room, me with a last longing look as the Count extinguished the torches, and locked the door. He then led me along a stone staircase, set in what I assumed to ba a small tower, as I glanced outside through the narrow windows. On the second story, the floors was made of dark wood, which looked a bit dull. I figured if he lived alone, he didn’t have much time to varnish the whole castle. As we walked, the boards creaked in a sinister way, that reverberated through the halls. I couldn’t help but shudder, and though I head a soft laughter from the Count, walking ahead of me.

He stopped to open a door, and entered before I did. It was a fairly large room, with a high ceiling, supported by large wodden beams. An iron chandelier hanged at Mid-height, which was still half a dozen feet above my head. A large fireplace was carved into the wall, which my host had somehow lit as I studied the rest of the room. Behind wooden pannels, a large canopy bed was set near one of the three windows that pierced the wall, opening to a view of the wind-swept valley.

The Count carefully removed the large bedspread, which had probably been collecting dust for a while, revealing divinely comfortable-looking covers and fluffy pillows. To be fair, I was so exhausted I would have slept on the floor with no second thought, had that been necessary.

“Make yourself at home. You will probably find something to change in the wardrobe, if you want. I will leave you this for tomorrow, should you wish to explore”, he told me as pulled the key-ring out of his pocket, and laid it on a large desk. “Have a restful night, Lady Cetero.”

Bowing his head slightly, he exited the room, leaving me alone if it weren’t for the presence still lingering inside. I figured there was a slight possibility that I really were deep into hypothermia, and hallucinating, or, more likely yet, that he was a ghost. I slipped into a nightgown, still feeling a bit like a gothic novel heroine. I wondered a second how I could ever find sleep with all the wonder, excitement and slight feeling of dread that filled my mind. However, as soon as I let the heavy blankets over me, sinking into the matress, everything went quiet, the faint sound of the rain and rumbling thunder slowly lulling me to sleep.

~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Taglist : @carydorse @angelicdestieldemon @bloodhon3yx @thewondernanazombie @battocar @moony691 @mjlock

Don’t hesitate to ask if you wanna be tagged !

[lucatorahaven]

vampire au post

4 skype convos haphazardly mixed in from very different times

[29/11/2014 4:27:51 AM] Probably Not Assorted Cheeses: Vampire au

Lucas the incompetent vampire who eats mostly animals

Duster was the one who bit him, only bc duster was literally starving n lucas came at a bad time

idk if duster should be born a vampire or not but Wes is one too and together they taught lucas how to survive.

however eventually they had to leave, they offered for lucas to join them but lucas can’t leave his family behind, the kid’s too sentimental :’(

so together they staged his death (which im too lazy to try n think of)

claus knew bout the vampire thing tho, lucas couldn’t live alone like that. He also ended up biting Boney in an accident so hey vampire dog.

claus grew up and eventually had his own family. Lucas could only really watch from afar but then the kids got his age and it was hard to see him and keep the gig up. He visited his parents funeral anonymously and afterwards him and claus stood there just

“sup” “how’re the kids” “twice your age and with kids of their own” “heh, i always thought you would be the one with kids yano?” 

it was very bittersweet, it felt like they’ve never been apart 

“it never stops feeling strange without you” "I know” 

lucas thinks of that conversation a lot

he started off the "younger uncle" then the "weird neighbourhood kid that visits grandpa claus" and inevitably the "weird kid from nowhere who goes to the cemetary every other month to put flowers on graves older than appears to be"

SO without attachments lucas traveled with boney, hoping that they find duster along the way.

eventually lucas comes back to tazmilly but it’s been a couple hundred years now and it’s completely different so he doesn’t recognize it

n lucas one day is caught outside with no shelter, it’s almost morning so he runs into osohe (which is way outta town so he assumed it was abandoned)

vampires can’t enter homes without being invited in because apparently homes are holy land but osohe is fuckn haunted so that doesn’t apply (adding on to the abandoned theory)

that’s how kumatora and him meet, she finds him exploring osohe all “wtf the fuck who are YOU...this me house”

So she gets an awkward lie explanation from lucas 

n she eventually catches on lucas is a vampire n is just DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE I NEVER MET A VAMPIRE BEFORE FUCKN SWEET

lucas is just UM.;;; IS IT OK IF I STAY

"oh dude it's cool!! but u gotta tell me bout yourself bc i never met a vampire before ok?? i live iN THE PERFECT GOTHIC HOME BUT THERE’S NONE!! but here you are and i’m JACKED i gotta go to work tho so brb but afterwards u gotta tell me about yourself ok CYA"

lucas is still processing everything by the time she leaves, but he’s grateful and figures a conversation is the least he can do to repay her

in this au kumatora’s into cryptology bc her house is FULL of books and it’s a common subject (also the fact her castle is filled with ghosts and there are zombies just across the moat, it’s a p convenient hobby)

when she comes back she’s super excited because he’s still there 

lucas is kinda reserved but he still answers questions bc it’s POLITE

she asks bout p much everything?? “HEY do you need that” “y-yes” “is this true?” “not that i know of” “ok experiment time” “uH;;” “wait am i keeping you up?? it’s still daytime” “no it’s okay” 

after exhausting lucas of all his Vampire Facts kuma invites lucas to live at osohe castle, it’s big enough anyways

lucas is wary af bc he doesn't wanna accidentally get close to someone who 1. has a life span and 2. is technically food

but lucas ends up sticking around anyways, boney really likes it and he lowkey enjoys her company

so they keep chillin n lucas tells her how he hunts animals n how he only takes a bit of blood so they don't die and 

IDK I GO BY THE THEORY THAT VAMPIRES HAVE VENOM bc otherwise their entire food source becomes COMPETITION n they can bite but not?? TURN THEM INTO ANYTHIng so controlled blood flow for feeding purposes

also vampires only need to eat once or twice a month? they die around 6+ months without eating from starvation. It all depends on how quickly the blood cells in their body die basically.

ALSO when they bite you it doesn’t hurt bc their saliva numbs it so (sneaky bites) but it still feels weird as shit

bUT YA SO LUCAS N KUMATORA CHAt a whole bunch...you know that “accidentally get close” thing i mentioned? it happened

(it was kinda hard to avoid when the first companion you have that’s not your dog is informed on vampires and vampire goods, that was convenient)

so they keep hangin out and kumatora unlocks his Tragic Backstory

n sometimes kumatora helps him feed? like they go out together finding animals n storing blood

n lucas is fascinated with how technology has advanced bc he doesn't really?? go into towns anymore but he fuckn LOVES it

n they play video games n general COOL FUNTIMES

kumatora let’s lucas borrow her labtop to occupy himself and he looks for other vampires or hints of them

(this is under the assumption that osohe can get electricity in a modern au while still being ignored / abandoned)

n when kumatora goes to work he cleans up the castle n tries to show how much hE REALLY APPRECIATES HEr

n lIKE i also go by the logic that vampires do not do the stereotypical “turn into ashes at sunlight” it is a slow progression that takes up to 12 hours until absolutely turned to a crisp 

so basically if he covers himself and wears a shit ton of sunscreen he can chill in the middle of the day for like...a hour or two

and bc kumatora's WORTH IT he visits her at work n she's all LucAS WHAT ARe yO U DoING??   

lookin like a modern goth kid......has a huge red burn on his cheek..

he blames it on how pale/blonde he is “my brother is ginger you know”

kuma gets super worried n he's all bruh it cool i have like..2 more hours until i need to go to a hospital   

n kumas jsuT I GET OFF IN 4 HOURS GO HOME

kumatora invites him to movie nights with her friends n shit

people start calling lucas kumatora's goth boyfriend “never call him that when he's around or i'll murder you”

theyre all rather cool with lucas and find his speech kinda funny?

"wow look at those teeny boppers" "GET A LOAD OF THIS GUY GOD I LOVE IT" “???????????????" kumas friends ask for lucas more all WHAT SCHOOL DOES HE GO TO WHERE DOES HE LIVE "oh he's......foreign B)"

eventually it comes up how lucas doesn’t really want to be a vampire anymore and kumatoras just “dude i can help you find a cure” bc maybe her hobby is a bit Excessive but live your dreams

but ya lucas is just?? constantly wants to visit kumatora n loves her night shifts!! visits all the time they go on hikes a lot n jusT? GETS SO FUCKIGN ATTACHED IT SCARES HIM CONSTANTLY

they sometimes fall asleep on the couch together n when he's all "wow shes so cute.." he realizes how fucking Deep he’s in this and he’s FUCKED

he tries to distance himself but he Can’t Fucking Do It (just like w/ his fam)

whenever he tries to push her away she looks so upset it kills him 

N HE'S IN SUCH A STRUGGLE BC HE'S JUST

SO HAPPY TO BE AROUND HER??????

N LIKE WHEN THEY CUDDLE N STUFF HE'S JUST SO OVERWHELMED BC oh my god heartbeats!! oh my god she's gonna die before me

n lucas really fucking feels the severity of how FUCKED he is when its her birthday n hes just

yes she's gonna age and he's gonna outlive her n they could never realistically be happy even if by some offhand chance she even RETURNS the feelings

N HE HAS TO HIDE HIS CRYING N STUFF BUT KUMATORA HAS  A 6TH FUCKN SENSE FOR DISTRESSED LUCAS SO SHE'S ALL bruh :( whats up

so he opens up to her about his feelings and anxiety and she hugs him through it, it’s kind of a shitty way to confess 

“idk if i can forgive you for deciding that i’m gonna die before you” “are you threatening murder” “that and no way death’s gonna get me, i’m pretty stubborn”

a lil while passes

“you know... i’m okay with becoming a vampire” lucas refuses bc dude.. you can’t even comprehend the weight of immortality.. what if she regrets it 

“to hell if i make my closest friend suffer because of a life span” “hah i guess that’s the same for me”

they drop the vampire topic for the time being and move on to other ones such as... mutual feelings :^)

they’re both romantically inclined i mean... lucas spent 300+ years being a hermit and kumatora had other things to do

so they take it slow, it’s p much the same as before except.. hey...now when i think “man i wanna hold their hand” i CAN

it'd also be really sad and/or cute if the ghosts in the castle some of them were lucas's family which might be why boney likes it so much but also imagine them kissin on the couch "kuma ghosts r there" "EH THEYRE JUst ghosts" ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) claus looks into the camera "after so long... finally my little brother gets some action :')"

but idk if that’s a thing bc it feels kinda weird i feel like kissin n shit wouldn't b very often bc as much as they both loVE IT 

IT'S NOT THAT GREAT FOR A VAMPIRE

YANO.... HEARTS R BEATING... NECK IS RIGHT THERE (lucas still adores it tho)

so back to the topic of Mortality

kuma gets attacked in an alley on the way home from work

n lucas finds her bc they were gonna meet up but he smelt the blood and when he does find her he just goes FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK n didn't know how to save her 

also thinking rationally is hard when OH LOOK AT ALL THAT BLOOD AHhaHA

SO HE BITES HER

he carries her body home n he spends the whole waiting process between DEAD and VAMPIRE crying just "hoyl shti please work please work" “what did i fucking dooooo” “what if i was earlier” “what if i was too late” so many anxieties

kuma wakes up and lucas transistions from panic to HAPPY PANIC OH THANK GOD

she’s really out of it bc of the process and he’s crying apologies “it’s okay you saved me” but he’s still crying, they cuddle for comfort

"hey atleast we did it NOW when i'm a hot sexy 19 yr old and not a wrinkly old lady” “kuma” “i’m tryna make light of the conversation”

so now that kumatora’s a vampire she only works night shifts until she eventually quits. They moved to a new town / whatever so it was easy to avoid having to meet someone in the daytime. facebook helped keep in touch with her friends while still letting the friendship die out.

it took kumatora a bit to get used to being a vampire. she threw up a lot at first and she didn’t like having to drink blood but she did eventually get used to it

idk if they find a cure bc idk what the cure would BE but they eventually find other vampires :^) they continued lucas’s search for duster and probably found him tbh

[elejahfanfic]

Fanfiction

Part 1

BtVS x The Originals AU story

Author: elejah-wonderland (that's basically me. Or if you like ElejahFanfic. Lol. As this is my side blog 😁😊

Buffy Summers x Elijah Mikaelson

ft. Willow, Xander, Cordelia, Giles, Spike... and others

A story in which Buffy and the gang fight demons on a regular basis, as well as an ancient evil.

>Elijah is an Original vampire, who actually works as a surgeon. Some of his memories were erased. He doesn't know that he was sent to a parallel world by the LaRue Coven from New Orleans.

Oh, and they live in Sunnyvale

a/n: I hope you like it. I just feel lije writing a Buffy x Elijah fanfic. 😁😊💕

@eternityunicorn

@elejahforever

@ggonzalez303

🏵️🍀🎁

Elijah sat down at his desk in his office. Strangely his mind travelled back to the day he got off the bus a year back. Was it strange - in many respects it was not. It was nit the first time he went back to that day. Once in a while he felt his mind seemed to play with him. There were names that constantly came up. And today, the name of a woman, a patient, called Rebecca, as well as the face brought a memory back. Or was it yet again a figment of his imagination?

"Hey -" Dr Jenny Calender said knocking at the door, "Penny for your thoughts"

"What?" Elijah turned his head snapping out if his thoughts.

"It's been a crazy day - I'm checking out of here? How about a drink?"

"Drink?"

"Yeah - you know that thing people do after a bad day of work to forget about the real world for an hours, socialize and talk about absolute nonsense?!"

"Yes. I could use a drink. And a bit of nonsense." Elijah said, pucking up his jacket, he walked out with his friend and colleague.

***

Elsewhere

"What do you want me to tell you, Buffy? Giles looked at the doppelganger, swallowing a silent sigh.

"I want you to tell me that today was not for NOTHING! Five people are dead! And Kendra-" the slayer shouted tearfully.

There was nothing Giles could say. They both knew that the demons and darkness was always a step ahead. Shaking her head, Buffy walked out of the Watcher's Bookstore, slamming the door behind her.

"Who is going after her?" Xander looked at Willow and then at Giles.

"I think she needs to be on her own for a while" Giles said taking his glasses off as he sat down.

"We need to find out how to kill IT." Willow said taking a book. "We beat the Mayor, the Master, The First. We can beat this - ancient Evil wherever it can from."

"Maybe it escaprd from that Hell dimension, Buffy sent Angel to when she killed him?!" Xander now said.

Putting his glasses on, Giles lookrd at the young man in a serious fashion, "You might be right."

***

Days after

'The Madhatter' , Gile's Bookstore

"I apologise for speaking to you the way I did." Buffy said to her menthor.

"Please - let's forget it. There are pressing things. The Council have already sent a new partner. Someone completely different."

"Oh, man. Something tells me I'm not going to like it, right?! But I really don't care."

"Hey there" A man in his early thirties, with blonde peroxide hair, dressed as a military punk rocker walked in from the side door. "I'm William Stevens. Best known as Spike"

Rolling her eyes a bit, the 22 year-old said, "A vampire, seriously?"

"I'm not just any vampire."

"Yeah. Been there. Ok - if you do as I say, you will survive." She then turned to her faithful Watcher. "I'm going patrolling."

"Be careful" Giles said.

"I always am." Taking a cupcake from the table, Buffy shot a look at the vampire, "are you waiting for a special invitation"

"Who twisted your pants?!?" Spike shot back at the Slayer.

Not acknowledging his comment, she got into the passanger seat.

"That means I drive" Spike said and got into the car.

"Sunnyvale Cemetery. I hope you know where it is"

"I do. I know more than you know"

"Sure you do" Buffy muttered and put the music on pretty loud, flashing back to a few hours before.

The Sunnyvale General Hospital

Xander, Willow and Buffy waited for the Chief Surgeon.

Buffy was unusually quiet, looking out of the window absent-minded.

"Hello" Elijah greeted them, making a small nod.

"Hi. How is Faith?" Buffy said.

"No big change" Elijah replied.

"So, why did you call us then?" Buffy said.

"We are transferring her to another hospital. To L. A." Elijah replied.

"L. A.?" Willow said surprised.

"This hospital doesn't have facilities for a patient that is deep coma."

"Right. Can we see her?" Buffy asked.

"Yes."

"Ok." Buffy looked at her besties, who unanimously agreed that she should go see the other Slayer on her own.

*

"We got some of the Turok-Hans - and I got a new help, now that Kendra is - huh- yeah - damn - it's like - I can't even find time to grieve. It's all business. One slayer in hospital, another one dead. Here is a new pair of hands. That's Giles. Quote. I don't know anymore what it's like to do normal stuff - and sleep. But hey - I guess sleeping is not much, right?! I bet you'd rather be kicking butt - yeah"

Buffy swallowed hard as she looked at the former Slayer laying there with the myriad of tubes stuck in her.

Taking her hand, she now whispered, "I'm gonna miss you."

"Hey" a voice behind her now made the Slayer flinch a little.

"Hey" Buffy said to the vampire. "I was about to leave. They said that they are about to prepare her for the - road"

"Yes." Elijah slipped. "Uhm - do you have time for a cup of coffee?"

"Coffee? - I don't know - I'm - not very - civil lately - you know - haven't done coffee or any ocial thing for ages" Buffy breathed in a sigh of churning nervousness that sank in her stomach.

"One coffee - the world will not end and I don't bite" Elijah said cutely.

"Very funny. Ok. One coffee. I hope it's not the hospital canteen"

"The Sunrise Diner?" Elijah suggested. "I'm out of the graveyard shift, too. Dying for scrambled eggs on toast."

"I still can't get that thing that you can eat food."

"Yeah, I know. Ok. Let's go."

Shooting one more look at Faith, bidding her a silent goodbye, Buffy followed Elijah out of the ICU room.

And then, if life was not complicated enough, she let herself go again. It was meant to just be a little see you later thing. But -

And before she knew what was happening his lips landed on hers, gently cupping her face, drawing her to him. Her eyes fluttered closed, breathing in his scent.

Heat pulsed as his kiss deepened, making her shiver slightly. Blood scalded her cheeks. She moaned against his mouth, when his tongue swept in, now entangling with hers. Her palms trembled against his chest, agony bleeding from both her soul and her heart. Waves of warmth shuddered through her at the taste of him, but then she pulled away, turning around, walking out of the Original's house breathing heavy, trying to steady the dizzy feeling in her head.

-to be continued-

[cykelops]

cannot stop thinking about my lady and gentleman vampire. dont mind the block of text.

before they got married and she knew what he was, they went horseback riding a lot. she loves horses, and it was the only invitation to visit him she could not resist. his house is situated in a pretty isolated part of the country and its flanked by forest that he doesn't own, so plenty of hunters and nature-lovers can be found. they both have a wild streak so they race a lot, and racing gets them further away from the house each day. hunters pursuing him from his home country find him during one of those rides because they think him alone. they got separated when he went to pick fruit for her. he manages to outrun them briefly enough to find her and tell her to run back to the house, and she gets there at nightfall before something in her gut tells her to turn around. she had never seen him so afraid and though his concern for her safety had been enough to convince her of the danger, now she feels like she's abandoned him.

she rides back, despite having no actual sense of direction, or tracking skills, making finding him again a hopeless endeavor that goes on for hours. just when she's about to dissolve into frustrated screaming after him, she finds him. He's so injured he can't move and he won't tell her what happened. He's bleeding a lot, and he's delirious enough to joke that none of his blood is really his so it's alright. she finds it absolutely stupid AND disarming that he can find the strength to joke when he looks so bad.

she may look like a stiff breeze could blow her over, but after her family stopped supporting her financially she's had to do a lot of manual labor in her home so she manages to get him onto the back of her horse and hold on to her. they ride about a quarter of the way back, with his help because again no sense of direction, but he starts to be ominously silent. he doesn't hold on to her anymore, but tries his best to stay on by sheer force of his legs.

finally, he cant stand riding so close to her because he's injured, and injury makes him hungry, and the house is some ways away yet, so he insists she let him down and go get help. she says she will never find the way herself (a lie, she could, she just would feel like she's abandoned him again). they both mourn how equally and horribly stubborn they are and continue riding until about halfway these he can't keep holding on anymore and collapses off the horse.

she dismounts as quickly as she cans and runs to him, checking for head wounds and ripping his shirt open in case he's broken his collarbone or similar (her brother once suffered a fall to that effect). He's unconscious while she does, and it's hard to get the dead weight back onto the horse, so she sits there with his head on her lap on the verge of crying out of frustration because if she hadn't wasted time with gentle fancies she could have... bulked up. she's determined to (discreetly) increase her physical strength after this ordeal.

he wakes up groggier than ever and she tries to talk to him. he gets one look at her above him then down at his position, and he's across the meadow before she even realizes what happened. this is when it starts to get. Strange. an injured man should not move so quickly, and even a man at peak health should be incapable. she must have hit her head somewhere too.

he orders her to leave. she laughs and says she doesn't take orders from any one man, and certainly not a sick man acting against his own best interest. his usual softness is nowhere to be found. she thinks she would be frightened by this under normal circumstances, but here they are extreme. he tries to argue with her to no avail, all they do is talk in circles. it's clear that he is not going with her, and she won't leave without him. he considers scaring her with his powers, or his fangs--maybe for good--for 'her own safety' and finds that train of thought so selfish and bullheaded he tells her she should let him die here because he’s a worse man than he thought himself to be.

so instead he tells her the truth. that the people that came after him were hunters. that they attacked him because they think he is evil, and they think he is evil because of his hunger. he tells her he cant go on riding with her because he's afraid of what he'd do if he got hungry enough. he would never, not in a million years, hurt her like that, but knowing he had considered it at all would pain him all the same and he could not trust himself around her ever again if that thought actually came up in his head.

she has a lot of questions, so many questions, and shes not afraid to ask them or to move closer. who does he drink from? no one, he says briskly, then corrects himself and admits he ought to be kinder and recognize the animals he drinks from also have families and lives. how much does he need? every fortnight or so he drinks just enough not to feel sick, but never enough to activate his powers. she asks him about his powers but he deflects all those queries. by the last question, she's sitting right beside him and he's barely noticed, so focused on her face to discern what she thinks of him and why she doesn't look scared. the final question asked is "so if you drank to recover your strength, you'd be able to ride home safely with me?" and her wrist thrust upon his face. "that's alright then."

AND THAT'S ALL I GOT

[thegayagenda-forkids]

Teen Wolf

AO3 Link

Buffy kept her eyes trained on T.J. Kippen. She didn’t fully trust him. He had been dating her best friend for five months now and of course she was happy that the two seemed to care greatly for each other, and that’s all she wanted, but she was afraid for Cyrus. T.J. always acted weird once a month.

T.J. would retreat from everyone in the world except for Cyrus once a month, and at first, Buffy suspected that he was trans like her own boyfriend, but that was disproved since all of the people in their friend group were quite open about their gender identities and sexualities. Then Buffy started paying more attention.

She would look over his shoulder whenever he was online and see moon phase calendars, and there was always a date circled in his locker, which Buffy started looking up. Why was he always circling the date of the full moon? Then she noticed more weird things. One day, she saw a pair of handcuffs fall out of his backpack and he quickly shoved them into his locker, thinking nobody saw them. He always got extra protein at lunch and one time she saw no less than fifteen packs of beef jerky in his locker and four more in his backpack.

“Okay, Kippen, speak,” she said cornering him one day.

“Woof woof,” he said dryly.

“Funny, but seriously, talk.”

“What would you like to talk about? Politics? Current events? How climate change is real and politicians denying it is causing a rapid end to life as we know it?” He was changing out his history book for his math book and putting it in his bag.

“I’m talking about how weird you’re acting…” she said, looking at the calendar he hung up. “Two days before the full moon.”

T.J. paused a little and looked at her. “How do you know it’s the full moon in two days?”

“How do you?” She asked. “It’s circled one your calendar. And I know you were looking into it on your phone...it’s really easy to read over your shoulder.”

“Okay...and?”

“Why are you looking that up?”

“Ever thought to consider that I just like astronomy?”

“If Cyrus said that, I’d believe it.”

“Then why not consider that I’m taking Cyrus out for stargazing and a full moon is one of the best nights to stargaze?”

“Because it falls on a Wednesday and Cyrus hates staying up late for the next day at school.”

“Maybe you don’t know him as well as you thought. He’s sleeping over.”

Buffy scoffed. “He wouldn’t sleep over in the middle of a week.”

“Ask him yourself,” he said. “We already made plans.” He closed his locker and he walked off to class.

________

Buffy did ask Cyrus. “Yeah,” he said. “I’m staying over at his house on Wednesday, why?”

“You never stay over on a weekday! You never have!” She said. “That’s what you always told me and Andi when we invited you over.”

“Things change,” he said. “And you’re not my romantic interest.”

“Ugh, don’t tell me you two refer to each other like that,” Buffy mock-gagged.

“No, we use proper pet names, like babe, sweetheart, muffin, teddy.”

“Muffin and Teddy are not proper pet names,” she said.

“To us they are. Muffin for me, Teddy for him.”

“You two are undeniably and irritatingly sweet,” she said. “But...have you not noticed T.J. acting weird?”

“He’s not acting weird.”

“He’s tracking moon phases.”

“He’s interested in astronomy.”

“Lie.”

“I’m interested in astronomy.”

“More believable lie,” she relented slightly. “But a lie nonetheless.”

Cyrus got a text and he read it before putting his phone away. “We’re going stargazing.”

“Cyrus...I’m not sure if I trust T.J.”

“You just hate him,” he sighed. “You have since the seventh grade.”

“I actually stopped hating him,” she said. “Remember? He rapped the apology, I accepted him, I said he used to be the worst but now he’s the best?” She stepped in front of Cyrus. “I’m worried about you. I don’t want him hurting you.”

Cyrus sighed. “Trust me...you shouldn’t be worried about him hurting me.” He stepped around her and went to class.

________

Even Andi, Marty, and Amber were saying that she was being too paranoid. Jonah had no opinions. “You guys say I’m too oblivious, so I don’t see anything, but I don’t see anything in general.”

“Jonah, no offense, but you’re no help here,” she groaned. “Come on, guys, nobody acts that way! And handcuffs?!”

“She you sure that you saw handcuffs?” Andi asked.

“Maybe Cyrus wanted handcuffs?” Marty asked, and everyone threw their napkins at his face.

“No dirty jokes about Cyrus!” Andi said.

“It wasn’t even a joke! But I won’t suggest it again,” he said, putting his arms up.

“Look,” Buffy said. “Amber, you know T.J. better than anyone. What’s going on with him?”

“No clue,” she said. “He asked me if I could sleep over at Andi’s on Wednesday, and I’m not one to complain. Every time Cyrus is over at our place, mom is always on the night shift now and I’m at Andi’s.”

“You go to Andi’s every full moon?” Buffy asked suspiciously.

“I don’t exactly pay attention to the moon phases either,” Amber said. “But about once a month.”

Jonah stopped and raised an eyebrow. “Buffy...are you accusing T.J. of being a werewolf?”

Buffy stopped and looked around her friends sitting at their booth in The Spoon. “Yeah that does sound crazy...doesn’t it?”

“Completely,” Marty said. “Please tell me you don’t think that.”

Buffy looked down. “I wasn’t….”

“Oh my god, that's what you’re thinking now!” Jonah gasped.

“You put it in my head Jonah!”

“Buffy, T.J. may reek like wet dog,” Amber said. “But he’s not a werewolf.”

________

Buffy couldn’t get it out of her head as she watched him right up until he and Cyrus were supposed to be sleeping over. Werewolf made no sense but it also made all the sense in the world. The handcuffs were for T.J. to keep himself chained, probably...right? Unless…

Buffy’s next search was if werewolves ate humans. All search results said that humans could be eaten by werewolves, but that werewolves didn’t seek them out specifically. That didn’t help ease Buffy’s head.

“Cyrus, you just gotta trust me! You can’t go to T.J.’s house tonight!”

“Buffy, I already made plans,” he said, packing his bag for his homework. “We’ve had this planned for weeks.”

“Yeah...but who knows what he has planned?”

“Probably stargazing and watching movies, like we usually do.”

“I saw handcuffs!”

“Maybe we want to go past PG-13…?” His red face made Buffy absolutely sure that nothing like that would happen.

“Cyrus, I wasn’t born yesterday.”

“And neither was I,” he said. “I’ll see you in class tomorrow.” He closed his locker and met up with T.J., holding his hand as they walked back to the Kippen house.

__________

Buffy wondered if she was going too far as she sat in her car outside said Kippen house watching the two boys sit on the porch just talking and laughing with each other. Then she watched the sun start to go down and both of them go inside. She saw T.J.’s bedroom window was open and the two kissed before there was strange movement. They both went down to the floor, but then only T.J. got up and left the bedroom.

The moon started going up and Buffy panicked. T.J. was alone in a house with Cyrus on the full moon and he was acting too weird for nothing supernatural to be happening. She opened the door and heard the growling, and then a howl. Buffy slammed her car door in a panic and ran inside the house, thankfully the front door was unlocked.

T.J. was in the kitchen with bags of beef jerky in his arms when Buffy ran in. “Don’t hurt him!”

He stared at Buffy like she had grown a third head...though to be fair she was standing in his kitchen after throwing the door open.

“What?! Driscoll what the hell are you doing in my house?!”

“Don’t hurt Cyrus! I uh…I dunno…” she looked in his kitchen drawer nearest her and found a little Chinese take out packet and tore it open, revealing chopsticks, and she held it in her hand like a weapon. “I’ll stake you!”

“Buffy, you think I’m a vampire?!”

“Wait...stakes are vampires...uh…” she took off her earring. “I’ll stab you with silver.”

T.J. groaned. “You think I’m the werewolf.”

“You aren’t a werewolf?”

“No I’m not a werewolf!”

“But the handcuffs...beef jerky...moon calendar?” She heard the howl again and tensed up. “THAT NOISE?!”

He sighed. “Clearly that didn’t come from me, did it?”

“Cyrus...he’s upstairs...he could be in danger! Cyrus!” She bounded up the stairs and T.J. had to run after her, dropping a few bags of jerky.

Of course anyone else would have put two and two together earlier, and in hindsight, Buffy knew she should have thought of this sooner, but she was too busy wanting to save her best friend that she opened the door and screamed at the wolf man sitting where she saw Cyrus last.

The wolf snarled, handcuffed to the radiator and started to lunge at her when T.J. pulled her back and out of the room. “Cy...it’s okay...it’s okay…you’re just hungry.”

The wolf man kept snarling as T.J. slowly approached, keeping a hand up to warn Buffy to stay back. The wolf man...Cyrus...sniffed and seemed to recognize the scent. T.J. left an open bag of jerky in front of him then walked away, grabbing Buffy and pulling her outside his bedroom before closing the door.

She stared at the closed door. “Cyrus is the werewolf?!”

“Yeah…”

“Since when?! Why didn’t he tell us?!”

“He didn’t want to tell anyone,” he said. “And you need to calm down. His ears are super sensitive.”

“Right...right...since when?” She asked, a lot more quietly but still freaking out.

“Remember when his step-dad insisted on an RV trip? Sometime then, he got attacked by a werewolf but doesn’t remember it.”

“How come we don’t know but you do?” She asked. “Doesn’t he trust us?”

“He trusts you, but not himself,” he said. “I found out by accident. I saw him eating our neighbor’s cat a few months ago, and I locked him in the garage until sunrise.”

“He was eating a cat? That doesn’t sound like Cyrus…”

“He made me hold a funeral for it the next day.”

“...That sounds like Cyrus…”

“The next morning, he told me everything but said he didn’t know how you guys would react. He didn’t want you to be afraid of him.”

“How come you’re not afraid?” She asked. “That’s a werewolf.”

“That’s also Cyrus,” he chuckled. “You don’t think he’d act like a puppy once you get over his big scary look and scratch him behind the ears?”

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh a little. “That’s true...but he looked ready to attack…”

“Because you looked ready to attack,” he said. “He’s very defensive. And he has no human memories in his wolf form, and no wolf memories in human form. I’m the one that has to tell him everything he does on full moons.”

“So all the research? It was for him?”

“Yeah...didn’t you do a ton of research when Marty came out to you?”

“Yeah...my parents thought I was trans for two weeks until he let me tell them,” she laughed a little.

“Well, it’s only fair that you thought I was the werewolf and not my boyfriend then,” T.J. said. “I was only trying to figure out what’s best for him when he’s like this.”

Buffy looked at the door again. “So...what now?”

“I just take care of him. He gets really hungry and he likes meat like this. And, unsurprisingly, baby taters. I ordered some for delivery later.”

“And what about the rest of us?” She asked. “Andi, Jonah, Marty? Even Amber?”

T.J. shrugged. “Up to him. You gotta treat it like his coming out. In a way, it is…”

“You’re right…” she sighed. “Mind if I stay too?”

T.J. smiled. “Not at all, might be nice to have a human conversation while my werewolf boyfriend controls himself from eating any other household pets. But I should warn you,” he said. “He tends to try a prison break around 2 a.m.”

Buffy laughed. “He may be a stronger and bigger dude as a wolf, but that’s if still Cyrus Goodman, I can handle him.”

[toreadorwriter]

What happens in the dark ch 6

A blood hunt had been called on Marie, causing the Nosferatu to flee the city.  Prince William had heard through the other Nosferatu about what had happened. A rather nosy and money hungry fledgling was more than happy to tell the prince and subsequently gain status within the Camarilla.  William also got the news that the hitman's ashes were found in a filthy stained alley way which delighted the prince but the cause of death was still unknown to everyone else. 

There was a knock at the door, and  the ventrue redirected his attention from the view outside the window. His Sheriff ushered the newcomers into the office, it was the Baron and Baroness of Hollywood, again. Two times this week,  this is getting ridiculous. The prince pinched the bridge of his nose to stave off the impending headache. 

It was at this moment that Prince William was aware of a subtle change in Jewel’s aura. Was she pregnant? He was confident the child was not just a human after all. The offspring of a vampire and a human is rare but disgusting occurrence frowned upon by kindred society. What the Baron did in his free time was none of his business, but he did hope the child of such a union wouldn't survive.

Giving them a fake smile, the Prince noticed that Jewel was wearing a shimmery green backless dress with a silver belt that was way too ostentatious for his taste,  obviously meant to hide the baby bump. She was also wearing shimmering gloves to match with her outfit and her hair was put into a messy bun and held together with a silver stash. He hated to admit it, but she looked absolutely astonishing with her green eyeshadow that made her eyes stand out. The ghoul smirked at him as if reading him.  He must say he did see why Isaac liked her. Ms. Balewa signed at him in warning. He had been caught staring, hopefully the others didn't notice.

Isaac noticed. 

''Are you done ogling my fiancee? If so let's please proceed to the theatre."

William almost punched him then and there but he controlled himself clearing his throat. He was better than the Brujah after all. 

The tension in the elevator down to the lobby was enough to give the air a taste. 

An hour later, the group was at the theatre and greeted by the Counsel of Primogen, and a few straggling kindred and other associated members of the undead society were in the background. Jewel noticed that both Anarchs and Camarilla were in attendance, and hoped that the Sabbat decided to skip this event too.

The crowd swarmed them like flies to honey and started asking all sorts of questions and chattering amongst themselves. Ms. Balewa stared them down and cleared a path so Prince William could enter the theater, with Isaac and Jewel scrambling to keep up. 

Walking onstage, Prince William cleared his throat. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the theater.

''Hello everyone, I apologize for dragging all of you out here tonight. I know a lot of you are all busy but tonight is a special one. I would like to announce that Ms. Jewel Abrams is now Baroness of Hollywood. I know the Anarchs are separate from the Camarilla and are often at odds, but -”

Willam was cut off by an uproar. 

“WHAT THE FUCK” was shouted from the back, probably from one of the Last Round gang. 

This was also the first time Strauss had an expression on his face, and it was one of disgust. 

 Therese raised a gloved hand and the crowd went silent again. '' Isaac, why her? She's not even a Vampire and she's only 24 That's way too young for a Baroness! She shouldn’t even be here!”

“I think we have more pressing issues at the moment other than this  kindred’s affairs with the kine. As long as she does not break the Masquerade any more than her existence does, who cares? We should focus on why was a Lasombra in Los Angeles and a LA kindred ordering hits on others! There are not enough of us to hold off the Second Inquisition as it is. “ Nines added to the din in the theater. 

Gary was being his usual self in the back, although the anger about how Isaac scored his next target as his ghoul started to show on his twisted face. He slunk down farther into the shadows. 

The voices began to rise again in anger and confusion and disgust before Ms. Balewa picked up her walking stick, which disguised a huge club and smashed it hard on the ground. The sound echoed like a shot.

''Please try to behave yourselves." The prince said pointedly and everyone fell silent again. He cleared his throat. “Having a ghoul working as a Baroness may be exactly what we need in order to protect this city and keep it moving during the daytime, and to be the hidden face of kindred to mortal society. I expect you all to assist Baroness Jewel in her endeavors.”

Jewel’s face drained. The prince just turned her new position as Isaac’s wife into something way larger than any of them anticipated. 

There was applause from the audience, and Jewel did not need any supernatural powers to tell that most of the enthusiasm was not genuine. Jewel felt her social anxiety kicking in, so many people were staring or glaring at her and she felt sick to her stomach.

She decided the best course of action was to wave and nod to acknowledge the prince and immediately turned and grabbed Romero’s hand and bolted out of the room. 

Alysa was waiting in the hallway with an orange rose, a granola bar, and Jane and Seregi.

Jewel ran into the brick wall who currently goes by Seregi. 

''Oops, sorry daughter." Sergei chirped happily before scooping her up and twirling her around. The door slammed and Lorenzo walked through the door. 

''Sir,  please put the baroness down!” Lorenzo warned and the Tziscme rolled his eyes.

''Don't worry I'm her father how about you put that gun down son."

“My father is telling the truth, please put the guns down.”

And that put Lorenzo at ease. ''Alrighty, if you need any help don't be afraid to call us. Baroness.” A pointed glare later at the ghoul, and they returned to the auditorium.

“Can we leave now? Camarilla affairs are always so dull. Aren’t you hungry?” Jane asked Jewel, who texted Isaac and Romero it was time to leave.

There were more than a few stares when Jewel left the building, followed by strange and familiar vampires alike. 

Jewel ignored them and clambered in with her future husbands. Alysa,Anatole, Mercurio and Susi were already waiting in the limo. How did Alysa travel so fast?

 ''how did you guys?." but before she could finish what she was saying ,Susi nervously handed her the invite that her parents had sent them.

 Seregi reached out and touched Suzi’s hand. “I know how you and the rest of the world feels about my Clan, but I promise you we are just as normal as the rest of you. I just wanted to meet the people who so warmly welcomed my daughter into their home.” He then brushed his greying hair out of his eyes and reclined back in his chair.

Tensions were still high amongst the passengers of the limo, so Alysa and Anatole used their powers to help everyone relax. The unnamed driver was thankful for that, he was starting to get nervous.

The limo rolled into a driveway connecting to a house on the outer edge of LA. The estate was huge, with poisonous and spooky looking plants decorating the gardens and alongside the driveway. Mercurio and Susi started to get nervous. Holding his girlfriend's hand, Mercurio squeezed her hand gently ''Everything will be alright, this is all for Jewel." he whispered to Susi, but then again why was he doing this for Jewel? It's not that he had anything against her, it was just the necromancer felt so distant to him. He tolerated her because she's his girlfriend's friend, but he never actually had the time to sit down and get to know her.

 Seeing as that they literally had no choice  but to walk into the creepy ass Addams family wannabe mansion, he hoped he would live long enough to actually get to know her and not end up as a new piece of furniture. No matter what Seregi said in the Limo, he still didn't trust the fiend. 

The limo mercifully stopped moving and everyone left the vehicle. 

For all appearances, Jane looked every bit the charming and not at all threatening hostess.

''Welcome to our lovely home! I bet you guys are just dying to see what's inside!." The Tziscme cheerfully invited everyone inside and began to follow the cobblestone path to the doorway.

Alysa turned around and pointed at Romero. “I heard your thoughts, that was a figure of speech. You will be fine.” she then turned around and followed Jane inside.

The inside was beautiful, it was gothic and very neat. Blood Red furniture was placed in the living room and rare macabre decor littered the walls, interspersed with framed family photos. It was an eclectic sight, but it worked. 

Jewel groaned from embarrassment.

'' Mom, Dad, why did you stick that picture up in the foyer, I look hideous!” Jewel whined and Sergei looked at her in utter complete shock.

 ''I love your prom photos, you look like a princess in your pink dress." he defended but Jewel begged to differ.

''Dad, I had acne! And what is up with that eyeliner I look like I should be in an emo band. Ugh blue eyeshadow too." she said and her old man shook his head 

''You were a teenage human, they all have acne. Regardless of how you feel, I think you are beautiful. Besides this is my favorite picture and look how happy you are in it anyhow." Seregi then leaned over and hugged Jewel and kissed her forehead, much to her embarrassment and everyone else’s amusement. 

Suddenly, the meows of an unknown cat filled the room and out popped Jewel's childhood pet cat, Cinnamon and Spice. The two headed cat walked up to Jewel and happily jumped into her arms purring loudly. 

“What the hell is that?" Romero shouted.  He thought to himself “What did those fiends do to that cat?”

''Romero shut it,  don't be rude” Susi muttered and Isaac had to give both his ghouls a warning look. 

“Behave.”  he pointedly whispered and that set them both straight. 

“Awww you guys, don't be afraid of the cats, it's not their fault they were left for dead. I had to fuse them together to save their lives. But, I promise they are normal cats." Sergei said taking the cats from his daughter. The cat liked its paw before using Seregi as a launchpad and bounded off to God knows where.

The door opened and the cat exited the room. The door kept opening to reveal a rather large man in a butler outfit. His soulless eyes stared at them glassy and fish like, and what was left of his blonde hair was combed to the side. 

'' Oh Jeffrey thank Cain you are here, is dinner ready yet?" Jane asked and the Butler smiled widely, revealing rows of yellow razor sharp. How many teeth do humans have again? This man had an exceptional amount of them.

 "Why Madame, yes absolutely, your father Andrei has commanded me to let you and our guests know."  He said casually before bowing. He rose and said joyfully “ Ms. Jewel, it's nice to see you. You've blossomed into such a beautiful young woman. I am honoured you've returned back home." 

“It is nice to see you again too, Jeffrey it's been way too long." The baroness replied politely.

 The grotesque butler smiled before leading them to a huge plush and expensive looking dining room.  Two was there with Andrei and Two waved hi to his friends and roommates. ''Wow, I didn't think you'd all come, It's nice to see everyone." He said picking his nails and avoiding eye contact. While Jeffrey and some war form Tzimisce fledgelings placed tons of food for the vampires and humans on the table.

Andrei smiled at Jewel and she couldn't even react in time before he swept her up excitedly. 

''Hey, Grandpa, not so rough I'm….” But jewel couldn't finish her sentence because Andrei cut her off with the hug.

 ''Come sit, let's eat, we will discuss what's wrong during dinner." He chirped placing her down.

 Jewel hoped the baby was fine after all that. 

Everyone gasped in amazement seeing all the delicious and bountiful food on the table there was a normal human Thanksgiving-style feast: honey glazed ham, yams, mac and cheese,stuffing,turkey, and tons of desserts. Drinks of all sorts were also provided for the humans in the room. Jewel tsked her lips, she would definitely have to steer clear from the alcohol while she was pregnant. Should be fun to explain that one in a few minutes. 

Issac pulled the seat out for her and she smiled at him ''Thank you, love." She said thoughtfully smoothing her dress down while she sat down. The hosts’ fledgelings served everyone their food and that's when Sergei got straight to the point.

''Jewel, we've gathered everyone here today because of what happened. The hitman has been killed and we don't know why.” he lied knowing damn well he did it and had to stop himself from giggling .

“Marie has been the one who sent him unfortunately. I heard she has a blood hunt called on her head and has fled the city."

 He told her and Jewel wasn't shocked just disappointed. She did not look at the others in the room to see their reactions. 

Jane picked up where Seregi left off. “ It is a little odd that she was living with you in the first place, but the issue has been solved and we can  move forward in safety now. I’m sure if we all work together, we can keep more threats at bay and stop them before they take action.” 

Jewel sighed, twirling her food around on her plate. She decided it was time to let them know.

 ''Mom, Dad, Grandpa there's something I have to tell you all that might make you reconsider that the threats are gone." She confessed and Isaac intertwined her hands with hers.

 ''I'm pregnant, you’re going to be Grandparents."

Sergei, who was busy downing a glass of blood suddenly choked and sputtered. Jeffrey pat his back while Jane stood up excitedly shaking her sire ''Oh my God, did you hear that , Father there's going to be a baby! A human baby! I get to hold a baby again!” She squealed excitedly.

Andrei was so excited that he literally almost pulled Romero over the table in a hug. ''This is a very joyous time, we we must celebrate!" he said ecstatically. Romero was less than happy at being anywhere near this house and even more so being hugged by the Archbishop of the Sabbat, but he was relieved the news was received well by the family. 

Andrei stood up after releasing Romero and began a toast. “To the baby!” before sitting back down and letting the dinner begin. 

 During dinner Romero couldn't stop feeling nervous he ate a good amount of food, but still this was a Sabbat household! And he was engaged to the daughter of a Sabbat vampire ,but they were nice and hopefully it stayed that way.

 Romero happened to catch a glance of Jane's necklace and his face went pale. Inside the pendant was a bunch of sharpened baby teeth encased in a gem and he hoped that they didn't kill a child for that jewelry. 

Upon noticing him staring, Jane smiled sweetly at him.

"Honey, not to worry. These are Jewel's baby teeth, we don't kill children." She assured him.

That was a relief but still creepy as fuck regardless. Romero gave Jane a quick nod before distracting himself with a German chocolate cake.  The other humans were busily chomping away at it. Romero cut a piece and placed it on his plate and caught something moving out of the corner of his eye. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Andrei suddenly reached out to him.

''Oh God, oh shit he's going to turn me isn't he?" He thought to himself and that's when he saw Andrei holding a tub of vanilla ice cream.

 "Do you want some of this or not?" The vampire asked and Romero sat there in horror

"Oh, um, yes." he sputtered and the Tziscme elder covered the cake in some ice cream. Romero never imagined that that he would ever associate with the flesh crafters, much less be fed perfectly normal human food by them. Besides, before he met Jewel, he was actively at war against them.

 He looked around the dining room awkwardly at his new extended family. 

God, tonight was one hell of a night for all of them.

To be continued...