#before that i was bashing my head against radiance and it took me a while to beat her and i didnt want to do anything other than Play HK

[figofswords]

new art Soon (real) (not clickbait)

sneak peak:

[stingslikeabee]

size, sender measures the size of their hand against receiver's. // whichever verse u want 👁️

actions speak louder than words prompts . accepting

It was curious that for a being representing something as incorporeal as light, Melissa found herself craving more tangible mementos in the form of physical touch from the Sun-God. Maybe it was a sign of weakness - to need something that the priestess could hold onto instead of relying on the faith that nurtured her soul and served as the foundation for the life she had known so far.

But for every single moment where Rhayeon held out a hand to her, his faithful follower took it without hesitation. Every gentle brush of shoulders in a narrower hallway, the embrace that he sometimes offered her when they shared a bed, the soft trail of fingers pushing hair behind an ear - these were all treasured memories now; dutifully engraved into Melissa's heart and mind as proof that the Sun-God lived.

And perhaps, more important than that - that Rhayeon, in his infinite kindness and generosity, had seen fit to share his radiance with the high priestess.

The way Melissa's pulse quickened and how her breathing turned shallow during these moments was an indication that something was not quite right with the woman - but then again, to be face to face with divinity had not crossed her mind until a few weeks before, when all she had was impenetrable darkness surrounding a lost and forgotten body.

And it all happened again - when Melissa found herself engaged in conversation with the Sun-God only for him to suddenly pick up her hand, placing an open palm against hers as if comparing them. The gesture was so simple, so likely to be deemed common by anyone else - but not when it came from him and to someone like her. As if Rhayeon was breathing life into her form all over again, giving her a shred of his own essence by allowing mankind to take that shape. The creator and the creature - Melissa only able to be alive thanks to his blessing and his many gifts.

And yet - it was Rhayeon that looked at the brunette as if she was some sort of miracle when it was clearly the other way around.

"I do not presume to know what My Lord thinks or feels, but sometimes it does appear as if something troubles Your Radiance," her voice was low, almost like a murmur - they were close enough for Rhayeon to hear Melissa, but perhaps the woman had chosen to be quiet only because her claims were so bold. How did she dare to question him?

What sort of high priestess was she if such queries needed to be asked?

"Forgive me for being out of line, My Lord, but why look at me as if surprised I exist? I should be the one constantly thanking you and returning your blessings tenfold for rescuing me from the pits of despair that Ravina locked me in," the brunette sighed adoringly, moving to support herself on both knees while Rhayeon remained lying on his side, as he had been. His gaze followed Melissa, of course - the golden sunshine of his left eye never straying too far of the figure of his follower, even as she used both of her hands to once more press his palm against her chest, over a heart that fluttered wildly in the face of the intimacy of that act.

"I exist only because you willed it, My Lord. And I will never be able to convey how grateful I am for this miracle."

Suddenly bashful, the woman lowered her head - and the honey-like irises were hidden behind semi-closed lids, voluntarily depriving herself of the sight of Rhayeon as if he was indeed the sun himself, too bright and too powerful to look at. Lost in her own faith and contemplation, Melissa never knew just how painfully accurate her words had been to someone who was no ancient deity to a lost civilization - but a mortal like any other.

[twisted-crumpets]

Could i request the first kiss with fem!mc but with the vice dorm leaders, please? The other one was so good! 💕 Thankyou

Ayyyyy of course I can and welcome.

Also thank you for the kind words I really do appreciate them. 🖤

━━ Trey Clover ━━

Trey was always pretty observant and soon noticed how his feelings may not be as unrequited as he previously believed.

Pink blushes and eyes dreamily locked onto each other’s for too long was sort of a dead giveaway. However, Trey wished to formally explain his feelings for his S/O.

Unfortunately, an Unbirthday Party was coming up and whilst all of the treats were made, the roses were a far cry from done and Cater begged anyone who’d listen for help.

Hearing the third year’s desperate pleas, his darling decided to meet up with Trey so they could both tackle as many roses as possible.

The job wasn’t completely unpleasant, yes they both would rather be doing something perhaps a bit more enjoyable, but they both treasured each other’s company and the small talk was rather entertaining.

It wasn’t long before it finally clicked in Trey’s mind that they were alone and peered down at the girl who was honing her all into making a stubborn rose red.

“S/O, I’m sure you are well aware but I just wanted to say.. I love you.”

His darling nodded at first before taking a violent double take and glancing at Trey baffled and red at his casual confession.

“Hmm~ was it not obvious already? I would’ve thought you already knew.”

Teasingly chuckling at her, he pressed a gentle kiss against her crimson cheek, unable to hide his smirk. Cupping her warm face in his hands, he looked deep into her eyes to ask for permission before pressing his lips against hers.

The kiss was long and warm. It filled them both with a feeling of home and and comfort and neither of them wanted to leave.

Eventually, Trey pulled away, poking her still red face with his finger, unable to wipe his former smirk off of his face at her bashfulness.

The garden may not have been very finished, but they couldn’t care less when they had one another in their arms.

━━ Ruggie Bucchi ━━

Ruggie was worried. He always knew that he wanted to eventually confess how he feels to his love, but he knew that with essentially no money, he had limited resources.

Sneaking money out of Leona’s wallet little by little, Ruggie began to feel more confident in finding the perfect inspiration or possible gift for his beloved. As he stood in Sam’s shop, he felt a deep sense of regret for not just stealing a necklace to sell instead.

Prices so high it made him dizzy in the head and weak in the knees. Despair lingering in his chest.

That is, until he saw Trey buying some eggs which caused an idea take root in his mind. Baking was something couples did often and it did sound rather romantic. Plus, who was he to deny spending time with his love and filling his stomach for delicious doughnuts?

After class, S/O was nearly tackled to the floor by the blur that was Ruggie who had a strong determined look twinkling in his eyes.

“Shishishi sorry about that... hey! Uh before you go, I’ve been asked to make some treats by Leona, but I barely know much about it. Do you mind giving me a hand?”

Tentatively, his S/O nodded her head, eyebrow raised in bewilderment before parting ways, delighted and perplexed.

Making her way to the kitchen, she began to wonder what was in store. The hyena loved to play pranks, maybe he had one in store for her?

It was however a great relief to see the cheeky student frowning at the recipe as if it was in another language.

His ears cutely twitching hearing her giggles, his head shooting up and with a grin so wide that it could’ve split his face in two adorned on his face.

Hours passed and she couldn’t deny that the evening was very gratifying, with the happy chatter and raucous laughter that filled the room. When doing a count of the doughnuts that were laid out on her tray, she soon noticed one had gone missing and quickly informed Ruggie, teasingly questioning him about its whereabouts.

“Shishishi ahhhh S/O this has been gone for ages~~ you are too easy to trick!”

Placing it back on the tray, she observed the design on the surface, eyes widening to the size of dinner plates after resist to messy “I love you” scrawled onto the surface of the small treat.

Cooing at the sweet gesture, she wrapped her arms around the trickster and softly responded to his feelings, immediately feeling him let out a gigantic sigh of relief.

Pulling away slightly, she stared at his lips entranced before finally connecting them, a cute yelp escaping from the boy.

The kiss was sugary sweet and fluffy and many more was stolen by the playful thief, accompanied by booming laughter and warm doughnuts.

━━ Jade Leech ━━

The Monstro Lounge has always been a rather busy establishment and had many a particularly busy day. Today seemed to be one of them as the orders kept piling up and showed no signs of stopping. Tireless hours catering and cleaning, until finally the crowd has thinned until the room was empty once more and the Lounge was finally closed.

Weary and stressed, Jade decided to go to the school pool and unwind. The tranquil silence flooded the room and Jade slowly sank into the room watery depths, feeling himself becoming truly serene. Which was sadly interrupted by voices from above calling his name.

With a slightly irritated sigh, he heaved himself onto the pool’s edge, scanning his surroundings with narrowed eyes. That was until they befell onto his love and instantaneously softened.

“Oya? What are you doing here S/O? Surely it is due time for you to be back in your dorm?”

His stomach suddenly felt light and filled with his butterflies learning of his dearest’s concern for him and slowly shut his eyes, not expecting her to stay and hurried rush a variety of sentences jammed together creating one love fuelled mess.

Disheartened by the lack of reply, she went to leave, slightly embarrassed before she was stopped by a cool hand wrapped around her wrist, revealling a slightly pink Jade.

“I must inform you that your feelings are not unrequited.. I love you too, my flower.”

Tugging her wrist to kneel by the pool side, he tilted his head upwards and connected their lips, completely intoxicated by the contrast between their bodies.

Gasping for air, his darling didn’t notice the toothy smile spread across Jade’s face as he pulled her into the pool, wrapping her arms around his neck and connecting their lips once more.

Addictive kisses were stolen and exchanged and neither of them could ever wish for more as they melted into one another, hearts swelling with every touch.

━━ Jamil Viper ━━

Jamil was ready to pass out. His usual menial chores were increased tenfold as a result of Kalim and his impulsive decision to let his wild pets roam free inside the dorm.

The chaos of the day finally reaching its end, Jamil dragged himself towards his room, ready to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Until, he set his eyes on his love sat patiently on his bed, instantly brightening and then furrowing her eyebrows in worry over the fatigue that seemed to radiate from every part of his body.

Ushering him to bed hurriedly, Jamil fought every urge to sleep as he inquired about why she waited for him at such a late hour.

When hearing her admit her worry for him, he scoffed and gently flicked her nose, thankful for the darkness of the room hiding the pink that was painted across his cheeks.

“That was rather foolish of you. This is my job and has always been, you don’t need to worry for me.”

He softened at her indignant whines of protest he brought her into a warm hug and sleepily murmured his feelings into her hair, blissfully unaware of what he just said until he felt his beloved stiffen up in his arms.

“Hmmmmm.... I love you, you know that right, Jewel?”

Calmly he apologised, unable to hide the slight disheartenment in his tone which left him as soon as he heard her shyly repeat his previous words.

Cradling her face, he pressed his lips to hers in a small tired kiss, lips moving in sync lazily. Tiredly pulling away, Jamil crawled under his covers and gestured for her to follow suite as he pressed his warm frame against hers and held her back close to his chest. His heart thumping wildly in joy, his brain still struggling to process the sheer amount of love he holds for his beloved.

“Goodnight my Jewel, I will wake you up in the morning.”

━━ Rook Hunt ━━

Rook had been acting suspicious. He already did have a shady appeal to him, but it was even more apparent than usual.

Whenever he appeared before her, his scent began to be rather sweet and fragrant and his hands where always stained green.

It didn’t help that he kept staring intently at his love like she was the last star in the sky, and despite his usual romantic bravado, this new behaviour screamed at her that he was planning something.

During the lunch break, Rook eagerly bounced up to her, hearts almost visible in his eyes, asking if she was free after school. Taken aback by his suddenness, she stood and stared for a while trying to gather her bearings. Agreeing apprehensively, she couldn’t hide the curiousity filling her eyes.

Upon hearing her reply, he could’ve sworn he entered heaven.

He almost launched her to the botanical garden, his heart running marathons, his mind a mess of thought out poems combining into one chaotic choir of infatuation.

With happiness radiating in every step, he took her to an picturesque area where an archway of orchids greeted them.

“Dear S/O, no amount of words could possibly describe how much my heart swoons for you, my love for you is as bountiful as the sea, encasing me in your radiance. This simple archway is a humble tribute to your golden heart, which I hope to one day own.”

Going weak at the knees at such a heartfelt confession, she responded with such excitability that could have put his to shame.

A stronger sense of devotion was glowing in the hunter’s eyes as he wrapped his toned arms around his love, span her in a circle, holding her close to his heart and kissed her with immense passion.

The kiss was fiery and warm and his darling could feel themselves melt even further into him.

The kiss went deeper and deeper, drowning them both.

Pulling away, Rook panted for air and presses his forehead against her’s.

“Hehe, ma bichette, our love seems to truly be written in the stars.” *

━━ Lilia Vanrouge ━━

Lilia was always very mysterious, but it truly did reach new levels of strange.

The mischievous fae had planned to hang out with his S/O a week in advance and seemed to be up to no good, with the telltale glint in his eyes being a dead giveaway.

Meeting up with his darling at her dormitory, he placed a hand on the small of her back, and began to lead her into the forest.

“Kufufufu I believe that in order for our small rendezvous to be truly enjoyable, one must insist for their guest to close their eyes and have faith in their partner. “

Apprehensively, she placed both hands into Lilia’s cold and calloused hands, shivering slightly at the temperature different between the two and closed her eyes, making her more aware of the sounds the dark forest created.

Sweet bird song and the light windy breeze clashed together in perfect harmony, gifting her the ability to completely relax and put her faith in the impish boy.

It felt as though they both had been walking for a millennia until she was finally stopped in her tracks, and the giggling from the man who was once before her turned silent.

Curiously, she opened her eyes and gasped in amazement. The scenery around her being nothing short of magnificent.

The moon had begun to peak out and painted the trees a beautiful silver. Small delicate beads of light flickering around, illuminating the forest gracefully.

Slowly turning around, she jumped at the sight of the usually talkative fae, quietly smiling lovingly at the innocent joy on his lover’s face.

“Sweet dove, the words I utter now are the words you are the true emotions that have taken flight within me. I love you. No, love isn’t enough, it scarcely passes as sufficient enough. There is no word that exists within any of the dictionaries in all the world that could possibly describe how much I cherish every part of you.”

Hearing her acceptance towards his feelings, he giggled so purely it reminded her of tinkling bells and elegantly dipped her, gazing at her loving expression that was aimed at no one but him and pressed his lips smoothly against hers.

He could’ve sworn that nothing fit quite so perfectly as the two of them, lips moving in sync, hearts beating a thunderous rhythm, joy and mirth beaming through their lovestruck grins.

*my doe

Thank you for this request and sorry it took a while, I was struggling with getting some of the characters right. I tried to make each confession specially tailored to how each character would go about love.

I hope you enjoyed your meal!

[sp00kymulderr]

eupnea (Ezra x Reader)

Warnings: Just sickeningly sweet fluff, no plot. Kissing.

Pairing: Ezra x Female Reader

Word Count: 1,902

Request: once upon a time @goldafterglow​ sent me an ask that just said “Hi the only! thing! I can think about right now is nuzzling Ezra’s tummy and making him giggle because he is a sweet good boy with a soft tum and he deSeRVES IT PLS SOMEONE NUZZLE HIS TUM OR I’LL RIOT” and I took it and ran with it, in a completely different direction.

A/N: Ok so there is tummy nuzzling in this but it’s not the main feature of the fic, but I did fit it in. Hands up if you would also really like to be nuzzling Ezra’s soft little tum right now.

Like a moth to the flame, unable to resist his radiance, you were drawn to Ezra from the very beginning.

When you had met, you working mechanics for a contract while he was there to dig, you didn’t really believe in love. Certainly not love at first sight, true love, soulmates. None of those old fairy tales your mother told you growing up. You hadn’t felt it before, never needed anyone in that way.

But then there was Ezra and you felt struck by lightning.

Even when he put on a show to the others of being the intimidating vagrant fringeling only looking to make credit, you saw straight through it. He was more, had so much to him. His presence thrilled you, made your blood pump like molten liquid through your veins, you knew you would never be able to get enough.

And oh, Ezra was resplendent. When he smiled it warmed every cold part of your being, his laugh lighting up the bleak constant dark of the planet you were stationed on. Beautiful too. Like none before him, there was no hope for you. From those shining, wide eyes to his striking nose, the unusual patch of blonde at the front of his soft head of hair to the small silvered scar below one eye. You never wanted to look upon another face again.

He felt it too. Desperate with it, seeking you out at each opportunity. Spending hours in your tent just talking, him with that sticky sweet voice and words spilling from him like honey from the jar. You swapped stories of life on the fringe and futures you could barely let yourself imagine. Quickly overcome with longing - lingering gazes and grazing hands, hiding away together with your fingers interlaced and your hearts becoming ever more entangled.

And yes he admit to you he had a past, and he was certainly not faultless, but you understood that beyond anything else he was a man with true heart. Genuine and kind where it mattered despite everything, despite the pain you saw in him that he tried so hard to hide. Despite growing up in a world so unforgiving, where he had quickly learnt to be cunning and devious to survive. He hadn’t let his lot in life completely determine his humanity.

You loved him more with every new part of himself that he revealed to you.

With Ezra, it was immediately like all the little pieces of life's puzzle were put together. It all made sense. Everything. It was the most powerful thing you had ever experienced. You both knew, from the very beginning, this thing between you was life-changing. Nothing would pull you apart.

***

After that contract had ended you decided to stay together, impossible to part when you dreamt only of each other.

And now in what feels like a different lifetime, you are settled. A particularly fortuitous dig with enough successfully mined aurelac to fill several cases and only one barely escaped ambush had left you both with enough credits that you could actually find a home, a comfortable cabin tucked away in beautiful unspoilt forest, this place is for the two of you and no one else. Having somewhere the two of you could call home felt like the most beautiful luxury you could imagine.

To begin with you had been concerned that Ezra would regret his decision, you understood his need to rest a while now that he could - you were both so weary, had both been through so much in this life. But he was so accustomed to being constantly on the move, not staying in the same place for long enough to call it home. Part of you fearing he would come to resent you for tying him down to this place, this quiet life, you.

The look on his face now though tells you clearly that he is perfectly content.

You rest together on the plush, comfortable couch – your head in his lap as he absent-mindedly brushes his fingers against your jaw with a lazy smile. He glows; rested and nourished, well fed and well loved, and your heart swells with pride to know that is your doing – that you had in hand in renewing a tired spirit. A slow tune drifts through the air from the crackly old speakers on the opposite side of the room, and you close your eyes as you sing along in a happy daze.

“My beautiful little songbird” he chuckles as the music fades out leaving you singing on your own, and when you open your eyes he’s looking down at you with the kind of adoration that takes your breath away each time. He loves you so deeply, so fierce and yet gently. Even after years he holds you like you are something more brilliant than any gem he ever pulled from the ground.

“You’re the beautiful one” you murmur, reaching up to stroke a hand against his cheek, tracing gently over the small silvery scar, “I’m just here to provide some music”.

“And you certainly do that, such sweet music. But I see we’re at an impasse, birdie, because I cannot accept such a title while you’re here making all the goddesses envious”

“Hush,” you grin, “let me have this. Don’t I deserve to see my love smile so bright as I tell him he’s more brilliant than every star in the night sky?”

He laughs turning slightly bashful at your words but it’s there, the beautiful curve of his plush lips to grace you with that genuine smile. You do adore seeing him like that, to make him know how much you adore him and see him lose his words because of it. There was a time before when he didn’t take compliments so well and you had to convince him that each loving word was true, those days when he was haunted by his past ventures and the loss of his limb. And it had hurt to see him struggle like that, watch him so slowly come to terms with it.

Ezra starts to say something in return, something you’re sure will be nothing short of poetry meant to flatter you, but interrupts himself with a wide yawn, his torso stretching up with it and causing the grey fabric of his shirt to ride up slightly. The movement reveals the gentle swell of soft golden skin that you are so fond of, that you have often laid your head on as you talked for hours, and that now is another sign of the good life you’re finally living together. You move and hand to where the fabric has ridden up, just resting it there for a moment as he returns to himself to look down at you with that dopey, lazy, happiness written all over his face.

“I love you so much” you stutter, taken by the way he looks framed by the orange glow of setting sun through the window.

“Every bit of you, more than I could ever say” you sigh, moving your head to nuzzle your cheek against his stomach then turn to kiss it, a light giggle floating down to you, “I’m so grateful that my star brought me to you”.

“Your star?” Ezra asks, you hum a yes against his skin then kiss again. His hand lies at the side of your neck, pleasent stroke of his thumb against you.

“Didn’t I tell you the story? The soul star?”

“I can recall every story you’ve ever shared with me, songbird. I can conjure up where we were and exactly how you told it at any given moment. This one is new to me and I would be delighted to hear you tell it, please” he answers, excitement wavering in his tone, he always loves to listen to you.

“Ok, I’ll tell it.” you chuckle, brushing against his belly with your cheek again, feeling him relax further in to the couch as you do.

“It was one of those romantic old wives tales my mother used to share. I never believed it, couldn’t understand it until we met”, you punctuate your words with another tender press of your lips to his skin. “She told me every one of us has a star, our own incredible bright light that watches over us, up in the distance keeping an eye on us. She said our star knows what we need and when we need it, and when it comes to the right time the star will call out to us. If we answer the call and follow where it leads, it will take us to the place our soul belongs”

He hums softly, letting you continue as his hand comes to cover yours that lays on him.

“It was told often, and I always laughed it off. I didn’t feel I belonged anywhere, you know that. But then there was the job, the one on Triada Five,” Ezra squeezes your hand at this, the job you had met on “I didn’t want to take it, it was long and the ship was a rust-bucket that looked like it wouldn’t make it half way there. I was about to turn it down, figured I could make the same credits fixing ships on the Pug, but something...something stopped me. It was like a tiny voice whispering in my ear, comforting and kind, told me that if I took the job I would find everything I needed. And I didn’t even doubt it, didn’t question it at all.”

“It was your star” Ezra mutters, intrigued, absolutely taken in by your story.

You nod, skin soft against his where your head rests, before moving to sit up and placing yourself in his lap. You can feel the pooling of tears in your eyes, you had never let yourself believe it entirely but hearing him say it overwhelms you. If you hadn’t taken that job, who knows if your paths would ever have crossed. Whether it was your soul star, or fate, or pure dumb luck you don’t know but you are grateful of whatever force was in play then.

“I suppose it was my star. I think it called out, and led me to you, Ezra. And I think here-” you place a hand on his chest, over his heart, “is where I belong. With you”

You feel a tear trickle from the corner of your eye, Ezra quickly catching it and wiping it away before he pushes forwards to kiss your lips.

“I think you’re correct, birdie. And it’s dawning on me that I felt it too, long ago” he reveals, arm coming around your middle to pull you closer, “I was lead through galaxies to you. You are my reason for everything”

And then he’s kissing you again; deep and never-ending, just you and him and the peaceful chorus of rustling trees in the forest around the cabin.

You remain like that for a long while, bodies pressed together, mouths open in quiet adoration of the other. The sun leaving the sky as you find yourselves through each other again and again. When he finally pulls away, you are breathless and bursting full of pure affection.

“Come on, songbird,” Ezra says as you chase his lips for once more kiss “Let’s wander down to the lake. The stars are out and I believe we owe them our gratitude”

Permanent tag list:

@youhavereachedtheendofpie​ @princessbatears​ @catfishingmorales​ @hdlynn​ @fleetwoodmactshirt​ @chews-erotically​ @keeper0fthestars​ @marydjarin​ @readsalot73​ @a-seeker-of-imagination​ @agentpike​ @heatherbel​ @din-damn-djarin​ @seasonschange-butpeopledont​ @mstgsmy​ @sin-djarin​ @huliabitch​ @ahopelessromanticwritersworld​ @phoenixhalliwell​ @dindjar-n​ @softpedropascal​ @millllenniawrites​ @blancatobarxoxo​ @cyaredindjarin​ @goblinqueen95​ @knittingqueen13​ @teaofpeach​ @agirllovespancakes​ @insomniamamma​

Ezra tag list:

@pedropascallion​ @justanotherblonde23​

[euphoria-vmin7]

lucent | kth

pairing: artist! kim taehyung x reader

genre/warnings: FLUFF FLUFF SO MUCH FLUFF, seriously some of the sappiest things i’ve ever written, taehyung is a sweetheart, oc is WAY too curious, established relationship, artist! taehyung, some tears but happy tears, they’re both just so in love with each other :(

word count: 3,446

summary: artistic as ever, taehyung’s gotten inspired and started up on another new project. except this time, he won’t let you see what he’s working on. and patience is not something you’re good at.

rating: pg

--a/n: and here’s my next submission for the BGW BINGO BASH!! this fills the “don’t touch that!” square. enjoy :)

REPOSTING THIS FOR THE 5TH TIME AND HOPING THAT IT WORKS :( 

Lucent

lu·cent

adj. softly bright or radiant

© euphoria-vmin7 2020. all rights reserved. do not repost, translate, or modify.

Your bare toes felt cold as they pressed against the wooden floor, and you winced as the boards creaked in the silence of your apartment. Stepping out of the warmth of your bedroom’s covers and into the hall had goosebumps erupting over your flesh, and you hugged your cardigan closer to your body. You stopped to adjust the thermostat, increasing the temperature just a few more degrees to make up for the frosty snow that was covering the ground outside. Gushes of wind hit the glass of the windows, causing a shiver to run through you despite not feeling its chill. Eyeing the dim glow of light spilling into the hallway, you knew exactly where to go.

His back was partially to you, body hunched over his drawing pad with determination and a bit of weariness. Sketches were littered across the floor, many of them crumbled into balls that had just narrowly missed the trash can in the corner of the room. In front of him, a huge blank canvas was propped against his easel and his paints were tightly shut on the side. He hummed to himself quietly, his fingers working swiftly as his pencil replicated the images in his mind, so deeply consumed with his visions that he didn't even notice you there.

“Are you coming to bed?” you asked quietly, leaning against the doorframe to admire him. He didn’t jump or startle, instead looking up to see you and pausing his work. He flipped the sketch over quickly, but you were too tired to even attempt to notice. The smile he gave you, though tired, was filled with the radiance you knew only he had.

“In a bit,” he replied, soft eyes sparkling with the dim orange glow filling his studio.

You pushed off the edge of the door and approached him, slipping your arms around his neck and leaning down to kiss his cheek.

“Taehyung,” you sighed softly. “It’s so late,”

“I know, love,” he replied, picking up your fingers to press his lips to them. “I just wanna finish this sketch,”

“We both know that might take all night,” you mumbled, cheeks flushing at the affection even after so long. You didn’t want to admonish him, as his inspiration often struck at the most random of times, but you wanted him to get his sleep. Taehyung’s long fingers brushed over your exposed wrists where the sleeves of your cardigan had lifted and you shivered once more.

“Promise it won’t,” he answered, his voice a deep and dulcet tone that flowed like the sweetest honey. “I’m almost done,”

“I miss you,” you said quietly, pressing close to his cheek with a small pout that had him chuckling.

“I’ll be there,” he hummed, his thumb tracing over your palm slowly. The tips of his fingers were smudged with pencil lead, but you could care less.

“Okay,” you said, smiling at him sweetly and he brushed his lips against your palm once more as you pulled away. “Don’t work too much,”

He hummed and flipped his sketch back over, almost immediately immersing himself into his creation once more. For a second you watched him work, his round glasses perched low on his nose, the sleeves of his brown turtleneck pulled up to the elbow, and the golden glow the light brought to his honey-kissed skin, before heading to bed, deciding that you had never seen a prettier sight.

Taehyung slid into bed after you had already fallen back asleep, his movements hushed. But you’ve always been a light sleeper, so in seconds he’s watching you turn to face him with droopy eyes.

“What are you working on?” you mumbled, closing your eyes and nuzzling into him.

“Just a project for class,” he answered, tugging his glasses off to place them on the nightstand behind him. “It’s pretty important,”

“Oh?” you smiled. “I’m sure it’ll turn out great. It always does,”

Taehyung chuckled. “Thank you, love. I hope you like it,”  

You had never seen Taehyung more immersed in a project. Sure, with all of his projects he put in the utmost care and dedication into making them perfect. But this one, without a doubt, was the one he was most serious about. He’d come home after class and go straight into his studio, working for hours on end until you were too tired to wait any longer. And only once you were fast asleep would he slide into bed next to you with a sweet kiss to your head before the cycle repeated the next morning. You didn’t mind. You knew this routine would continue as Taehyung’s creativity continued to run at high speed. Seeing the satisfaction on his face once he finished was worth the wait.  

You didn’t count on him being so secretive though. While he normally was pretty open with letting you see his artwork, he wouldn’t let you even catch a glimpse of this one. He had even turned the large canvas away from the door of the studio so you couldn’t casually glance at it as you passed by. And when he was done working on it he covered it with an old white tablecloth. Everytime you’d ask to see it he’d simply respond with a “Sure, I’ll show you later,”

Except later never came.

The day would end without a glimpse of the masterpiece Taehyung was surely hiding under the cloth, and your curiosity would only grow as they passed. It took a large amount of self-control to not just sneak into his studio and take a peek, but you managed to push through.

Now a few weeks later, you gripped Taehyung’s arm as you quietly hummed to yourself, eyes lazily drifting around the familiar coffee shop while waiting to order. It always had such a familiar coziness to it, filled with memories of you and Taehyung since the day you first met him. Thinking about how your relationship had developed over time spurred an innocent happiness within, a contentment with what he had given you all this time. What started out as an amiable friendship that later blossomed into such a pure, everlasting love brewed in this very coffee shop. In a way, it was as though the cups of espresso and spoons of sugar had bore witness to the rapid changes in your relationship, so that if you ever forgot, they would be there to remind you.

At the sound of his name, Taehyung flashed the cashier a smile as she placed two cups on the counter. He pulled out his wallet and handed her his card with a light flourish of his wrist before his eyes caught a trinket in the pocket. Glancing at the picture he had been looking at everyday for years, he grinned to himself and looked at you, watching as you hummed and took in the cafe with a simple smile. His heart swelled with sweet contentment just as it always did when you were around, and he brushed a thumb over the picture before closing his wallet and sliding it into his pocket. Taehyung thanked the cashier and handed you your cup, before taking your hand in his, quietly admiring the way they fit so snugly.

The cold frosty air of the winter morning brushed against your cheeks as you stepped out into the street. A steady stream of smoke billowed past your lips and the coffee you were holding was warm against your cooled skin, though Taehyung’s hand was much warmer. He began walking with you down the busy street, eyes moving over the sights of the city with admiration. You wondered what inspirations were bustling through his mind. Whether the scenery around him would look better in paint or pastels. Whether he should capture it with a brush or with a click of his camera. Taehyung was always so artistic, his mind a wonder that you longed to explore.

“You’re staring at me,”

You bit your lip to hide your smile, having been caught in this position far too many times to be embarrassed anymore. “You’re pretty,” was your simple reply.

“So are you,” he answered, a slight grin on his face as he continued with his eyes straight ahead. Despite hearing this many times, however, you flushed. Though all that you managed to let out was an unattractive snort.

“You’re prettier,”  you stressed and Taehyung shrugged beside you.

“Can’t argue there,” he said casually and you threw your head head back to allow a laugh to escape.

“So…” you started, giving him a sidelong glance as you walked. “When are you gonna tell me what that huge thing in the studio is?”

“Oh that?” he asked, a neat brow raising as he looked at you.

“Yes that,” you rolled your eyes playfully. “The huge painting or whatever it is that you’ve been obsessing over for the past few weeks. When can I see?”

“You can see later,” he sighed, lips quirking at the corner.

“You always say later,” you pouted, tugging his hand lightly. “And then you never show me,”

“Fine,” he chuckled. “You can see it when I’m done,”

“But-” you deflated, shoulders slumping. “That might take forever!”

“Curious little thing, aren’t you?” he laughed, moving his hand to slip comfortably around your waist.

“Can’t help it,” you shrugged. “Your art is always amazing and I want to know what that mind of yours thought up this time,”

He had it in him to blush at your compliments. “Be patient, sweetheart. You’ll see soon,”

As it turned out, patience was not your strong suit. With everyday that passed, Taehyung would be practically glowing as he emerged from his studio, and the curiosity grew further. You wondered what this school project consisted of. What kind of masterpiece he had created that made him so happy.

The curiosity lingered in the back of your mind, but you had to put it aside as you bent over your textbook, fingers woven erratically through your hair as you tried to memorize the terms for your upcoming exams. Every single noise was teasing you as a means for distraction and you struggled to stay focused on the work you did not want to do. You didn’t even have Taehyung here to motivate you to stay on task. He had stepped out for a bit to head to his favorite art store a few blocks over - something about not having anymore of the perfect yellow paint.

Your eyes lazily drifted over the definition, knowing fully well that you had been reading the same sentence for the last six minutes, and you craved a reason to get distracted. You sighed wearily and pushed away your thoughts before sitting up straight and focusing.

As soon as your stomach grumbled, however, you shot up from your chair with a grin, fully intent on grabbing a snack. The responsible part of your subconscious was reprimanding you, but the more prominent lazy part stuck its tongue out in response. The apartment felt quiet without Taehyung, despite the fact that he had always been a man of few words. His presence was always noticeable and you missed it now that it was gone, even if it was for only a little while.

After grabbing a juice box and a pack of pretzels, your mood soured as you began walking down the hallway to your impending doom. Just knowing that you had to go sit and study made your pace falter. You feebly attempted to stall as you stopped to adjust a picture frame, but knew that it wasn’t going to do much good in the long run.

You were about to give up when you passed by Taehyung’s studio and the curiosity that you had pushed aside came rushing back. Without really noticing it, you found yourself wandering in, glancing at the flecks of paint that had splashed across the sheets Taehyung had placed on the floor. His smock was hanging on the corner of one of his easels and his paint brushes were dipped in cups of mud colored water.

You chewed on your lip nervously as your eyes raked over the tablecloth covering his most recent work. A part of you was telling you to forget about it but another part was so damn curious. Just a peek couldn’t hurt, right?

Your fingers twitched as you raised your hand to grasp the cloth, the material smooth between them. With a final huff, you pulled the sheet down just as the studio door slammed open and Taehyung yelled out a hurried

“Don’t touch that!”

But the words soared straight over your head as you gazed at the canvas in complete shock. You barely registered the tablecloth slipping from your fingers entirely, instead letting your wide eyes rake over the absolute masterpiece in front of you.

“Taehyung…” you breathed out, mouth agape in wonder. “What...What is this?”

The brunette didn’t answer, and your heart briefly dropped in fear that he would be angry at you for your actions. But then he was chuckling softly, his hand massaging his temple in an almost endearing manner. You reluctantly tore your eyes away from the canvas to look at him nervously, but he only smiled sweetly, taking a stand behind you to look over his own creation.

“What does it look like?” he grinned, his glasses sliding just a bit down the sharp slope of his nose. “It’s you,”

It was you. Sprawled across the canvas in strokes of paint that you knew belonged to Taehyung only, was you. He had painted you in a pose you had never seen before and the way he did it made you look so astonishingly beautiful, it had your throat swelling with emotion. The way he picturized you made you feel like the most beautiful girl on the planet, and you marveled at the talent that flowed through his veins and past his fingertips.

“But you-“ you started, struggling with your words. “This is absolutely beautiful, Taehyung! Where did you get the idea to paint me this way?”

His rectangular smile was radiant as he gazed at you, pulling out his wallet quickly.

“This,” he sighed, holding a small printed photo out in front of you. You took it with care, and smiled as you recognized the scene. You were seated in a field, wearing a bright yellow sundress and smiling as you pointed out something in the distance. It was an exact replica of what Taehyung had painted on the canvas in front of you.

“This is from when we went on that picnic in the fields behind Seokjin’s farmhouse,” you grinned, voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t even know you took this picture,”

“Blame Jungkook for getting me into photography,” the brunette smiled. “At that moment I thought that I’d never seen anyone more beautiful in my life. It was the moment I realized that I felt more love for you than a friend would,”

“Oh, Taehyung,” you sighed, beaming at him as your cheeks flushed.

“It was that moment that led to where we are now. After the picnic, I realized that I was so in love with you, I asked you out the very next day, remember?”

You nodded bashfully. “How could I forget?”

“It was one of the most important days of my life. So it seemed like the best thing to paint as a prelude to the next gift I’m about to give you,”

You breathed out an amused laugh. “Another gift? You’re spoiling me, Tae,”

He chuckled as he tucked the photo away and pushed his wallet back into the pocket of his pants.

“Well, I was actually going to wait to give you the gifts. I was gonna wait until this weekend when we went to Seokjin hyung’s farmhouse and give it to you in the field,”

“Aww,” you cooed, feeling slightly guilty for ruining his plans. “That’s so sweet,”

“But,” he gave you a pointed stare and you winced sheepishly. “Since someone was so curious, I guess now’s as good of a time as any,”

“Okay but I’m still trying to process this gift,” you grinned, eyes focusing on the painting once more. “It’s so beautiful Tae, I can't believe you made this for me-“

Your words died down in your throat as you glanced at Taehyung, his expression a mixture of nervousness and happiness.

“What’s wrong?” you asked, cupping his cheek in your hand. He pulled it away from his face and kissed your palm sweetly before gently gripping your fingers.  

“I would’ve liked more time to practice this before the weekend but I’m just gonna wing it,” he chuckled, his cheeks a deep shade of pink. He took a deep breath before speaking.

“(Name), I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have met you all those years ago. I guess I should be thanking Jimin for that but since the day you first walked into my life, you’ve done nothing but make me happy. We became such good friends after getting to know each other and I realized that you were one of the few people who actually understood me. Who cared for me and wanted the best for me. And I don’t know when exactly I started falling in love with you but I guess I’ve always known that you're the only girl for me. Being with you has been like a dream that I never want to wake up from. I look at you and wonder what you could ever see in someone like me, how you could possibly love me as much as you do now. And sometimes I feel unworthy of you or scared that maybe you’d be better off without me. But you always tell me that you love me for who I am and just like that all my doubts are gone. I’m so lucky you gave a guy like me a chance because I don’t know where I’d be without you. You’re my muse and my inspiration. Everyday you encourage me, motivate me, and care for me and I love you more than any words or paint or art could describe. You make me so so happy and I just can’t help but think about what it’d be like to spend the rest of our lives together,”

You watched with wide eyes as Taehyung’s hand emerged from his pocket holding a small black box. Your breathing picked up as he slowly lowered himself to a knee and smiled at you from the floor. Your heart was thudding against your ribcage and you feared that he just might be able to hear it. His eyes were glazed over with unshed tears though he was donning a lucent smile that had your heart fluttering. “So (Name), my love, would you make me the happiest man on the planet and be my wife?”

And with that last question he opened the box to reveal the most beautiful ring. It wasn’t huge or garish, but an effortless jewel mirroring the sweet simplicity that was Taehyung. Your breath hitched as you clasped your hands over your lips, a sound between a laugh and a sob escaping your throat as tears spilled over your waterline. His words tugged on your heartstrings in all the right ways, and you took a minute to realize that this was real. That Taehyung was yours and you were his and he really loved you.

“Yes,” you let out a watery laugh as you nodded. “Yes of course I’ll marry you, Taehyung,”

He stood up quickly, the brightest smile on his face as he sniffled and you laughed fondly as he slipped the ring onto your finger before scooping you into his arms and kissing you sweetly. He laughs into his kisses and you can’t help but join him because god, you love him more than anything. His fingers traced the cool metal of the ring nestled perfectly around your finger before he interlaced them with a squeeze.

“I love you,” he mumbled, smiling as he pressed another sweet kiss to your lips. You sniffled as he moved his thumb to catch a stray tear against your cheek.

“I love you too,”

He buried his face into your neck and you could feel his smile on your skin, butterflies erupting in your gut for the millionth time. Over his shoulder, your eyes raked over the beauty he had captured in his brush strokes and your heart swelled as you thought about all the masterpieces you’d get to see for the rest of your life. Though the greatest one would always be him.

.

[starswornoaths]

Her Pendants, His Garden

A commission for my dear friend @karoiseka of her girl and the resident crystal catboy! Post 5.0 below the cut, but no spoilers for the new patch, so you’re safe and sound to read! Thank you so much for your patronage, hon!

Commission Info!

If there was one thing, just the one, that the Exarch would consider a secret he would rather be kept to himself for fear of mockery, it would be that he felt something of an understanding of trees.

“Understanding,” might be a poor choice of word, though he wasn’t sure how else to describe the feeling he grappled with, standing still in the boundless, beautiful garden that was all of Lakeland, knowing he was the oldest thing in it. The lilac colored grass, the lavender elf trees, the brilliant blooms that had sprung to life...all things he toiled to help bring to life, things he had watched stretch ever higher, ever toward the sky. 

Perhaps that was why he struggled to consider himself wholly selfless: how could he plant trees whos shade he would never walk in, knowing that he would live for eons, as the Crystal Exarch?

“Your thoughts are loud.” His companion— his dearest one— mused at his side.

He turned toward her, the Warrior of Light and Darkness both, and couldn’t help but smile. Karoiseka hadn’t so much as looked his way, and yet she still knew him well enough that he was, once more, getting very much into his own head.

“Can you hear them? Do you know what I’m thinking?” The Exarch asked with a playful smirk. 

Truly, it wouldn’t surprise him in the least to discover that she knew exactly that he was thinking about; more often than not, she seemed to have an eerie, almost preternatural sense of what was weighing on his mind. As long as she never suspected he had a gift for her on his person, then he might yet manage to surprise her with something that wasn’t potentially world ending today.

“I’m not a mind reader, Crystal Boy,” she reminded him, and then she turned to face him, bending to peer up at him from under his hood. “But I can practically hear the gears in your head turning. That rarely means anything good.”

“I think of plenty of positive things!” G’raha insisted, even as he tugged his hood down to shy away from those piercing eyes of hers. 

“Oh? And what are you thinking of?” She asked with a perk of her ear and a swish of her tail.

He watched Karo straighten as they continued to walk down the garden path, and felt a twinge of guilt at not wanting to explain what, precisely, he had been ruminating over. His mind hadn’t wandered far before she had pulled him back to the present, thank goodness, but even with how close they had become, how much he loved her, endlessly, he struggled with trying to put to words how he felt regarding the years he had lived, and how much farther they stretched than they should have. 

No, better to think of the present. Of the warmth of her hand in his. Of the happiness, the want to live that she inspired in him. Of how he had never looked forward to tomorrow so much as he did when she reentered his life. Better to focus on her.

“I was ruminating on the weather, and hoping it holds for our outing,” he said instead— technically also the truth. 

“Oh, is that all?” Karo asked, and threw her head back in a laugh as if in relief.

The sound was bright and genuine. Her laugh was a ray of sunshine that he lingered in, warmed by her radiance. How quickly she made such concerns as nigh immortality seem so petty, compared to committing the present to memory. Historian and archivist as he was, he would be remiss in his duties to not take in her every brilliant facet.

So he decided to let himself be G’raha Tia today— and more specifically, just for her, he could let himself be Raha.

She made a point to reach for the hand not yet turned crystal, to make sure he could feel her touch and be comforted by it. He was glad he had foregone his usual arm wrappings; he’d have her touch as unobstructed as he could manage. He readily laced their fingers together and moved that inconsequential, crucial ilm closer to her, to unmake the distance entirely.

Karoiseka had done as much for him, had waded through the void and been battered by the stars themselves, had fought her way along the better path, all just to reach him. It was the least he could do to embrace the life she had battled so desperately for him to have— and to embrace her, for the love they had unexpectedly found along the way. 

Their walk wasn’t far— he could only wander so far from the Crystarium when not away on business, after all— though when they finally stopped at the shore of the lake, they at last came to a stop. After a scan to ensure they were well and truly alone, they set bow and staff alike against the tree beside them at the lakefront, a physical way to show that they had both unburdened themselves of titles and obligations, if only for this singular moment to enjoy their surroundings and one another alike. The breeze coming off the lake was refreshing, and the way it caught her hair when she turned to look at him stole his breath. Though really, she always did that anyway.

For a moment, they took in their surroundings— and each other— though the Exarch eventually gave into his own selfish desire and draped his arm warmly around Karoiseka’s shoulders. He didn’t dare tug her closer, he didn’t want to push her in any way, though he deliberately angled himself ever so slightly toward her in silent invitation.

When she let out a happy hum and bumped her head into his chest as a show of affection, she stumbled back unexpectedly when her temple connected with the spot he’d hidden his gift to her— the box tucked away in his breast pocket. 

“Oof— what—” She startled, gently rubbing at her temple.

A moment of panic hit him when she managed to hit the one spot on his chest he had hoped to conceal, though it was easy enough to hide that panic with the equally genuine panic of fretting over his beloved.

“A-ah! I’m so sorry, Karo—!” The Exarch let go of her hand and stepped in front of her with a swiftness that blew his hood off of his head. He ignored the way only one of his hands felt the gentle warmth of her skin when he cupped her face in his hands and tilted it up closer for inspection. “You hit one of the embellishments on my coat— did it hurt you?”

“No, no, you’re being silly.” Karoiseka insisted, flushing prettily beneath his searching fingertips, bright eyes averted even as she didn’t pull away from him. She pouted most endearingly when he smoothed his thumbs over her cheekbones. “You can stop fussing.”

“I have. Now, I am admiring!” The Exarch laughed, glad that he managed to sidestep her discovering the gift he had before he was ready to give it. “To have such beauty in my grasp, how could I not?”

“Oh! Y-you—!” Flustering, Karoiseka swatted at his chest— and when her hand smacked the hard, decidedly square box in his coat that accompanied a strange rattling, her hand froze there. The discomposed expression on her face twisted into a ponderous arch of her brow, a shift of her sharp gaze, and a curious tilt of her head against his hands. “Wait...what is…?”

He realized a second too late that she was staring at it, her fingers molding over the edges, flexing, inspecting, testing.

“Ah.” Knowing when he was caught and cornered, the Exarch sighed, removing his hands from her face to scratch at his cheek and fiddle with a tassel on his coat in nervous habit. “I had meant to surprise you with it.”

Her hand still remained enclosed over his coat, around the box, though she made no move to attempt to divest him of it for closer inspection. After a moment, her fingers went lax, no longer gripping around the edges, and shifted away from the box altogether to lay over his heart instead.

“You needn’t surprise me with anything. You know that.” She said, and it struck him how quietly she spoke those words.

The thought occurred to him that she might think the surprise grave, given his previous attempts at secrecy with her and the rest of the Scions. Or she might not have expected him to want to give her gifts.

Or...was she unaccustomed to it? Was it unwelcome? The thought hadn’t even occurred to him before now, though suddenly the slight weight of the gift in his breast pocket felt as dense as lead, and he had to make a concerted effort to swallow his heart when it leapt into his throat the moment that panic gripped him. 

“I know. I wanted to!” The Exarch managed around a stammer, mentally cursing himself all the while. Nevertheless, he persisted, “It was the least I could do— I feel as though we’ve hardly had a moment to ourselves, and I wanted to show you how much I—”

“You’re babbling, Crystal Boy.” She chided gently, words wrapped in a giggle and formed around a broad smile. “Be at ease. I’m flattered, I just want you to know I don’t expect it.”

“Ah. Ah!” His ears perking with realization were enough to give away that he hadn’t realized he’d gotten caught in a bit of a loop, his brightly blushing face only flushed all the deeper the more he looked at Karoiseka, who for her part was watching him with growing amusement. “Y-yes, of course! I’m glad to have surprised you— or rather! Surprised you in a good way— or in what I hope is a good way—” 

At Karoiseka’s pointedly blanched expression, brows raised in a very clear show of waiting for him to be quite finished with his anxious rambling, he visibly straightened himself as he cleared his throat, and when she removed her hand from his chest he made an effort to tug his robes back into place. 

“I should stop overthinking it, I think.” He admitted in a calmer tone.

“I agree.” She replied in a flat tone.

“Right.” With a deep breath to collect himself, he tried, again, to find his eloquence. “Karo. I know I’ve likely exhausted you for how much I remind you of how happy you make me.”

“You don’t. That’s impossible.” Karoiseka corrected him. Her ears tweaked in amusement as she offered a bashful smile. “I could never get tired of you in any sense of the word.”

“...Right.” He amended, ignoring the heat growing on his face. He was fairly certain his blush was spreading clear down to his chest by now.

When he averted his eyes from her patient, expectant gaze, he couldn’t help but let his focus shift to her bow, crossed over his staff and propped against the tree. It’s familiar blue crystals shimmered faintly in the sunlight, dappled with an iridescent kaleidoscope of fractals of light. 

Once he’d found his courage again and he peered at her with a sidelong glance, she looked ethereal, breathtaking, and somehow that made the words come easier. 

“Though I was not the one that gave you the bow you now wield, I know it was crafted with fragments of the tower.” 

“So I was told.” With a content hum, Karoiseka nodded. “But really, I could tell even before the weaponsmith said so— only so many crystals that are this shade of blue.”

“I rather liked the idea of a part of my home going with you on your journeys. To accompany you when I cannot.” The Exarch felt himself wince as he continued, “But I misliked the idea of only offering a part of me as a weapon for you. To mark you as an arbiter of the Crystal Exarch. Such an implication felt ill suited for you.”

“I never viewed it that way.” She tried to reassure him, though when he held up a hand to signal he wasn’t quiet done talking, she offered him a grin filled to the brim with fond exasperation. “Alright, alright, go on. I’m listening.”

Helpless in the face of his affection, helpless in front of her as he always was, the hand he’d held up moved to close the distance between them, to cup her face in his hand. She eagerly leaned into his touch, though her eyes twinkled in mischief when she snuck a kiss to his palm as she did so. Despite his flustering at her affectionate antics, her affection eased him into finally reaching into his coat with his free hand and producing the box she had bumped into. 

“I would much rather offer you a piece of my home that I had taken myself, and made into something that served no other purpose than to bring you joy.” He murmured, and slid his hand from her face to open it. “I wanted you to always have a part of me with you, to show the world— any world that you’re in— that I am yours, Karo. Always.”

The Exarch’s breath caught in his throat at the way she peered into the box, her eyes wide as saucers and her lips parted in shock. Though she moved a hand in the space between them, it hovered there, moving neither without nor within. She stood, transfixed by the two crystal hair tassels inlaid in the box. There was such little movement that for a moment, he feared he had offended her.

Then she spoke.

“Raha...” Karoiseka whispered in a voice that trembled with the weight of reverence and unshed tears in equal measure. 

That one utterance unmade him entirely, struck him at his heart, and before he could even register the sting of tears in the corners of his eyes— and in hers— she launched herself into his arms. Even unfeeling as it was, his crystalline arm wrapped around her to clutch her closer without thought, without anything but the instinctive need to always keep her close to him and remind him that he was human, that he was alive. He managed to avoid spilling the crystal tassels out of the box, even as he yet stumbled to keep them both upright from the force of her impact.

He made to ask if she was alright when he heard a telltale sniffle from somewhere around his shoulder. Her arms— powerful, fierce, unyielding as they were— squeezed him so tightly that he felt every jagged piece of his crystalline heart fit back into place. She had that effect on him all the time, really, but the physicality of it was soothing. 

“You like them?” He asked in spite of himself, just to be sure.

Karoiseka slipped her arms from him and stepped back, gazing at him with wide, glassy eyes, and in lieu of her own babbling, she smiled wide enough to make the corners of her eyes crinkle, enough to make those tears slip down her cheeks, even as she vigorously nodded. His posture softened in relief, and he moved to gesture toward the box still in his grip.

“Would you like me to put them on for you?” He offered.

With another enthusiastic nod of her head and another sniffle, he handed her the box and took the first of the two tassels in hand.

“They’re not too complicated— I am not much of a goldsmith, admittedly— a simple hinge and a clasp was about all I could manage.” He spoke softly as he clasped the first one around the end of one of her braids. “Though Iola was instrumental in ensuring that my handiwork was of suitable durability, for a blessing. I wanted to make sure these would endure whatever trials and tribulations you may face.”

“They’re beautiful.” Karoiseka finally managed to croak out, and from what he could see in his peripheral view, she was peering down at the other tassel, still in the box. “I can’t put to words how much this means to me.”

“You needn’t.” The Exarch reassured her, taking the second tassel. “That you would wear them so gladly is proof enough. I only hope these small tokens can convey even a little of how much you mean to me.” 

“Of course they do!” She reassured him.

The second braid he aimed to adorn was a little smaller, and a little trickier to put a tassel on. The fiddling gave him time to babble distractedly, letting his heart be more honest with her.

“I know that obligations have kept us both busy— and I, in particular have been scarce of late for my work. I feared it would be less apparent how I cherish you, so I suppose this is something of a declaration of mine, if you would have it.” 

“Always.” She promised him. 

The clasp finally worked through her braid and secured itself properly, though he lingered, his hands moving almost on their own, completely naturally, to hold her face again. 

“No matter what happens, I beg you to never doubt my heart, or your ownership of it.” His hands guided her head into tilting down just an ilm, just enough for him to press a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.” Her head straightened, and he kissed the tip of her nose, cherishing the way it crinkled cutely under the attention. “I love you.” The third kiss, she met him half way for, their lips finding one another in soft enthusiasm. “I love you, Karo.”

The tears she had managed to swallow came back in full force, though her smile had never been bigger or brighter, and he had never felt so warm.

“And I love you, Raha.” She whispered, overwhelmed. 

When she moved to embrace him again, he marveled at the way her new hair tassels caught the light that filtered through the tree branches, and shattered it in resplendent rainbows across her shoulder, across his chest. It seemed most fitting to him, as she had always been the sun spot that he had lingered in, a shunned outcast finding refuge and acceptance. In her arms, even the parts of him he had lost to the tower felt warm.

[huicitawrites]

Would it be very bad of me to ask for more ThorkellXfemale reader? :3

“Thrill of The Battle”

Yandere! Thorkell x Female! Reader

scenario

warning: obsessiveness, possesiveness, fighting.

———————————————————

“I won’t duel with you.” her response came out dry and cold, [e/c] hues fixated on the sword as she brought up the small stone up its blade. She tried to ignore the man standing before her, but the shadow his monstrous height casted upon her made it difficult to do so. Moreover, she could feel him eyeing her up. His intense stare sent shivers along her spine, still, she kept her composure.

“C’mon [Y/N],” as always he chuckled. Is everything a joke to him?, she rolled her eyes. The blonde viking huffed and crouched down to her level, seeking for her sight. However, she stilll kept her pretty eyes on that stupid sword. He could not believe he was getting jealous of a sword.

Without a word’s warning, the man snatched the sword out of her smaller hands and lefther with that little stone alone. The [h/c]’s opened mouth shut in a pout he found adorable, and immidiately she stood up.

“Give it back.” ordered the female warrior opposed to him, but the other paid no mind as he played around with the weapon. His big hands fidgeted with its hilt and his calloused fingers ran up through the blade, examining its sharpness and strentgh. It was almost weightless to him, even shorter than his own legs.

The viking continued to observe her sword, ignoring the demanding stretched-out arm and making her opened palm wait. “What, paying me with the same coin? Really, do you think that’ll work on me?”, but the man kept her cherished sword on his hand.

“Thorkell, don’t make me repeat myself. Give. It. Back.” this time, [Y/N] clenched her fists and straightened her back; feet strong and firm while her shoulders were held wide. Lastly, she tilted her head upwards; glaring into his eyes.

The giant merely giggled, finding your attempt in intimidating him pathetically cute. His slim cheeks adopted a slight, rose colour with how you looked at him determined.

The smaller warrior growled and reached her arm upwards. Quick in motion, the blonde lifted the sword high; making it impossible for her to grab it. After all, she was no match for his terrific height.

“It’s mine! Give it-“ the maiden was silenced by a single finger on her rosy lips. “Shhh, I’ll give it back”, for a second her [e/c] eyes glimmered and she accidentally gifted him a smile. The viking lowered the sword, but just when she was about to take it, he rose it again. “However,” he said with emphasis- “You have to defeat me in battle”. She froze, lips shut and eyes wide.

She forgot he’d do something like this, try to deal his way into battling her. Try to force himself on her in all ways he could.

Moreover, she despised battling with him. He is a lunatic, a battle maniac. Many believe he has giant’s blood running through his human veins.

“What do I get in return?”

“Well, I’ll return this cheap-stick”, suddenly, a new-found sense to beat him invaded [Y/N]. He crossed the line by insulting her sword, a warrior’s most trusted companion- the most precious treasure.

A weapon that had accompanied her throughout life. A gift from the village’s harald to symbolise her honor.

“And if I lose?” she asked. The possibility, she acknowledged, was high yet not that greater than hers. Aware this was Thorkell, she surely could not afford to lose.

“I keep this sword- I’ll give you a better one. Plus, I get a kiss.”

The woman hissed in disguss, “That’s unfair!”

“Not really. I will fight bare-handed whilst you-” the tall blonde advanced toward the little warrior and clasped his fingers around her chin, pulling her face to his side and cooed sickengly sweet, “-will use a shield. Aren’t you a shield maiden, the best in your village to add?”

Perhaps other warriors would have been honored to be recognised in such a way, boasting up their pride and returning the favor. [Y/N] begged to differ, for it was far from a compliment but a taunt. And damn did it work, it would be humiliating to refuse.

“Alright, I agree to your terms.” said the brave woman as she spun on her heel and walked towards the small arsenal that laid a few meters away. From the shelf, she took out a round, wooden shield and hooked it on her [right/left] arm.

Thorkell stood on the opposite side awaiting with an eager grin plastered on his face. If she had squinted hard and observed the look on his eyes, she’d get scared at the adoration they held. In his eyes, she was the prettiest valkerye- [h/l], braided, [h/c] hair waving along the light breeze of the air meanwhile her long skirt danced along with those hips. The armor that hugged her delicate form perfectly hugging all curves as the chains added a radiance to her figure.

The petite stood her ground as she locked sights with the giant, she knocked on her chest with the shield and dared “I’ll bring you down, Thorkell The Tall”.

His grin only grew and he laughed between teeth.

‘I am shorter and weaker, but faster and more agile. I have to be, one punch and I’m doomed’, she tightened her hold on the shield, ‘Two punches on the shield and it’ll surely break into splinters’.

The second they stood at arms reach, her blonde opponent and captor threw a punch which she dodged by a strand’s distance. She ducked below it with a twirl and saw his rib cage’s side. Fast, [Y/N] bashed her shield’s edge into the opening; causing the viking to tumble. Without a pause, she continued; taking advantage of the little time she had before he’d recover his breath.

The man twisted his feet to root his stance on the ground and brought his other arm to jab it into her gut, however wiser, the shield-maiden bashed his wrist away and diverted the hit. Following the blocking up with a bash that pushed on his shoulder. [Y/N] then push-kicked his hip, creating an aliviating distance between the two.

The [h/c] huffed and puffed, for it took a lot of strength in her moves to do any harm to the monster before her. Let alone push such mass. Thus, in terms of stamina Thorkell had the upper hand.

The man felt a little pain, nothing more than a sting on his side. Where he touched, it hurt more. He laughed, “Oh, [Y/N]! You really did it!” his sudden outburst startled her, “You broke some of my ribs! I want to make you mine even more”

The sentence sent shivers crawling through her spine. “I will never be yours, or anyone’s for that matter”

“Mhmm...Whose name was engraved on that sword? It certainly wasn’t yours, ást.”

He insinuated something else, something darker. The way his tongue rolled of the sentence, he laced it with venom. Hatred evident.

The response came fueled by raw rage, a blank mind and an adreline energised body. The warrior maiden dashed to him, a battle cry escaping through her lips. Sweatless, Thorkell tipped sideways and stretched out his ankle. You had been so, so predictable.

She tripped over, head diving down to the ground. Just a second before contact, and getting a serious concussion, she covered her head with the shield and bent her elbows and knees; lessening damage with a roll. Still on the ground, she slided her shield on beneath his feet. He fell backwards with a thud and a cloud of dust.

Certain of victory, [Y/N] lifted her shield and brought it down on his stomach.

He caught it, grasped it with his fingers. Before the [h/c] warrior could react, the sound of cracking wood and the sight of tiny splinters filled her senses.

The giant snapped in half the little warrior’s shield, all she had to protect herself from him. As her eyes widened in surprise, she urged to get away. Nonetheless, the little warrior was no match to the giant’s strentgh as he tugged her by the armor’s collar. He pulled her tiny form flush onto his broad chest. Arching his back, he flipped them over.

There she laid, vulnerable beneath him. A thick, muscled arm pressed threatly against the lump in her throat. She thrashed and squirmed, trying to flee his hold. The lack of oxygen did not contribute to her favor, and while she gasped for sweet air - right before all she could see would be pitch black, the man moved his arm away.

[Y/N] coughed as air filled her lungs once more, her mouth opened big and puffing. Thorkell raised his upper-body from her, making the heavy weight that caged her body disappeared. Even so, he kept his limbs around her; each knee beside the corresponding leg and each arm next to its matching shoulder.

She was trapped, unable to do anything in her situation. No matter how much she squirmed or thrashed, the blonde did not flinch at all. A malicious smirk sat on his lips as he admired the display below him.

“I win, [Full Name] the War Maiden!” he exclaimed joyously. Her struggling ceased and she accepted defeat. For a few silent minutes, Thorkell gazed on the pink flesh he had been craving. As well he took notice of a thin, crimson trail that fell down from its corner.

It enticed him furthermore.

There was no warning when he crashed his lips on her. His slim tongue ran over the trail of blood to lap it up. He slided it over her lower lip, asking for entrance. Yet at her denial, he thrust his way through; igniting a passionate kiss in which his lips danced along hers. The man’s tongue explored her mouth with greed, getting at every corner of the wet cavern. If it were a battle, he thought, it would be even more relishing. Hence, he proceeded to wrestle with your tongue.

Various times she tried to push him away, palms using all force they could against his chest. Howbeit, boulder-like, he remained intact and unfazed. Once again she found herself running out of air, subsequent to the harsh tapping on his chest; he broke the steamy kiss.

A string of saliva connected both lips. The petite gasped quietly, trying her best to avoid the giant’s intense eyes. Content and satisfied with his actions, he released the imprisoning hold and stood up.

“Now, onto that pesky sword”, she had completely forgotten; cursing at her own distraction. He turned around and made his way towards your sword, mockingly unaware of the weight he dragged across his leg. She was clinging desperately onto him.

Thorkell grunted, annoyed with her resistance. There could not simply be another name engraved on the sword, least of all another’s man name. Not when she belonged to Thorkell. Its mere existence drew him mad, wishing to hack such scum into a pile of mauled flesh and bones.

He shook the leg she held onto, leaving her behind and spectating while he walked toward the weapon and grabbed it. For a second, she could see a sour frown as he grasped the hilt- then came a wicked, toothy smile.

Utilizing his bare hands, he placed both of them on the steel and began to bend it. He paid no mind to the small cuts that the blade did to his palms, and proceeded to curve the sword in ways that deemed it useless. The weapon became so deformed of its shape, it finally snapped in half. A loud, out-of-pitch clang met her ears and she broke down. Silent tears cascaded down her cheeks as glistening hues glanced at the broken sword.

“What a weak sword,” he scoffed at the pieces and then flung them to who knows where, “oh don’t cry, darling.” Thorkell’s heart tightened with pain at your sorrow, “I’ll get you a new sword. A stronger one. A weapon worth of a grand valkerye, fit for you”.

Somehow, at his statement she cried harder. [Y/N] attempted to pick herself up, nevertheless her shoulders dropped and your form became hunched.

The tall blonde approached excruciatingly slow. He crouched, again, to her level and whispered in her ear “You have to understand, I could not let my future wife use such a puny stick to defend herself. The one I’ll give you will be much more useful.” Her distress did not vanish and in hopes of cheering you up, he lifted her off the ground in a warm, gentle hug.

“It’ll be crafted of the best steel we can find, with a blade so sharp it will cut down whole ships.”

I want it to cut down giants, she thought.

“And we will engrave it our names! Wouldn’t it be a dream come true? Fighting together, you baring my last name...Yes...that’d be a dream come true”

At least your tears halted, be it in terror or not.

———————————————————

A/N: Sorry for the delay! I had a few ideas as to what to write about but they did not seem original from the headcanon I made. Aand, I didn’t know in which point of view to write ‘cuz you said female reader and I thought that ‘You’ would spoil it. Anyways, hope you liked it!

[jjonyangdan]

[ oneus / son dongju (xion) ] ; fluff | college au | 1.2k words

→ it’s been quite a bit of time since the last time you spent time with dongju like this.

→ a/n: to the anon who requested, i’m sorry this took time to get out;; it was supposed to be done yesterday but i lacked motivation TT i was debating on what to write, as this wasn’t what i originally planned, as i think i might be making that into a mini drabble set series? so i apologise if this isn't what you expected;;; 

online schooling has commenced for me, so it might take a bit of more time to work on the ravn college au drabble, but it is planned to be written next! thank you for requesting and i hope you’re fine with wait for the other half of your request 💚

The crisp breeze strokes your cheeks as you’re making yourself comfortable on one of the metallic chairs situated outside the brightly lit store, setting down various food products on the circular table in front of you. You can hear the sharp sound of the legs of a chair scraping against stone, your companion entering into your line of sight as they breathe vapour in the cold air and mirror your actions.

There’s a smile decorating your face, your eager fingers immediately leaping for one of the canned beverages as a metallic snap rings in the air and a reinvigorating rush floods your mouth. A refreshed sigh is released from your throat and you place the drink back down, reaching out for another one of the items scattered before you. “This is just what I needed after finally completing that tedious assignment.”

Dongju, who sits across you, flashes you a small smile and does a little cheer. “You did well~” he says, following his compliment with soft—and fluffy due to his sweater-paws—claps. “Now we can celebrate with food.” With a radiance shimmering in his eyes, he searches for his own snack out of the assortments laid out on the table to indulge in.

You giggle endearingly at his excitement and bob your head in agreement, enveloped by a coat of ease. “Thank you again for paying for everything. You really didn’t have to.” Fingers fumbling with the packet trapped in your hands, it takes quite a few tugs to finally split it apart but once the flavour has dissolved in your mouth the struggle is history and you’re peacefully munching on more of the chips.

“Don’t worry about that,” he stubbornly reassures, “you worked hard, so you deserve this.” His eyes aren’t trained on you but the colorful package within his grasp as he focuses to rip it open. You know how this is only a distraction so he doesn’t get swept up in the waves of doubt and contrition that could sometimes creep over him. “I couldn’t do much for you, so I want to make up for that with this even though it’s not really anything.”

“Nonsense. What are you going on about, Dongju?” Your lips dip into a frown as you set your half-eaten snack down and slide your hand gently into his. You lace your fingers together as they snuggly connect, fitting as if they are two perfect halves. “Just with you there beside me is more than enough, as cheesy as that sounds.” Hums flow peacefully past your lips, wafting in ripples, as you beam at him. “And besides, how does buying me drinks and food at the cafeteria when you didn’t have to equate to not doing much? You’ve been constantly taking care of me!”

He manages a shy smile at your heartfelt adulations, looking down from your dazzling smile. “Thank you...” it comes out as a timid whisper, fingers applying pressure to your hand. He can hear your endearing laughter soothing his ears, cooling the bashfulness warming his cheeks. The sound lingers and circulates within his chest as he watches you steal another sip of your drink, a look of pure satisfaction spreading across your visage.

“I should be sorry instead of not being able to spend time with you.” There’s a pout clenching your lips, dejection swimming in the pools of your (e/c) eyes as you sway your hands together side-to-side in a serene rhythm. “This is more than enough. I’m just glad I’m finally able to return to our little midnight dates like this.”

He silently coincides, a warm smile blooming on his soft features, as you both return to filling your stomachs with the goodies you’ve purchased, exchanging bursts of conversation here and there and sharing laughs.

Days with Dongju would often consist of trips like these, strolls around campus while admiring the scenery amidst the varying seasons or soft cuddle sessions in either yours or his dorm. Each moment spent with him was peaceful and sweet, full of loving whispering and comforting snuggling and a lot of playfulness. However, for the past month, you’ve been occupied with completing an important task for one of your classes which had limited the time you could spend with him. But with that out of the way now, you could now return to the little activities you always did with him.

You’re both exchanging bites and peacefully feeding each other. With a smile you have your chin cradled in your palms as you admire his beauty illuminated by the store’s light. You don’t understand how he can manage to look so adorable, so ethereal, whenever and wherever you saw him. He could be doing anything and you’d instantaneously be enchanted by his delicacy and fluidity when handling things (that is, unless you were to agitate him in some shape or form but he’s still cute like that).

Dongju looks up when your dreamy giggle brushes his ears, noticing your fixation on him. His head slants slightly to the side, but he allows himself to observe your wide grin for a while more. It’s difficult to not burst out into small laughter, finding your state lovable. “What’s wrong?” he asks when his voice decides to show itself, earning a questioning hum from you, “you’re staring at me.”

The only answer he receives after is of you curling your palms directly against his cheeks, greeting his skin with a sheet of coolness as you cup his face. “Your cheeks are all red,” you comment, a smile in your voice. “I’m trying to warm them up with my hands.”

“But your hands are cold as well?” He snickers in amusement, visage draped in a veil of amusement

“Oh? They are?” You laugh as well but don’t move to lift your hands away.

He, in turn, doesn’t pull away and instead shoots you a sweet smile. He softly takes hold of your hands, covering them with the sleeves of his sweater as he encases them within its snug wool. Peeling them off his countenance, he resumes to hug them together on the table between you both. “I’ll give you my own warmth this time. Be thankful~”

“Thank you, Dongju. I love you~” You quickly bounce forward to land a swift peck on his lip, which causes him to giggle out of shyness. 

You’re then exhaling, your breath materialising like fog toward the sky as you feel the winds begin to adopt a sharp blade that slices against your skin. “It is getting colder though. I think we should start heading back now,” you say with a hum before eliciting a noise of realisation. “You don’t have classes tomorrow morning, right?”

“Nope~”

“You know what that means? We can cuddle ‘till noon!”

He finds himself smiling at your excited tone, but he’s just as set on the idea as you are. His eyes are trailing your form that springs to your feet, your hands dancing on the table as you’re beginning to gather the mess to discard. You’re quickly shooting him a look, one that urges him to aid you, which he does.

Afterwards, you’re both ambling back to his dorm. You have your arms around him, a skip in your step. He’s wearing a smile, glancing fondly at you out of his peripheral. It’s chilly but it doesn’t feel like it when you’re in close proximity with him and he can sense your warmth nuzzling into his side. It’s beginning to pacify him into a state of drowsiness and he can’t wait until he’s able to embrace you tightly to his chest and take in your existence and the fluttering of your heart, having missed you dearly as well.

[danddymaro]

With All My Heart | Venom Snake x Reader

ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ I’m back and hopefully for good. Of course, it’s a reader insert. I hope everyone is already well aware of how they work ( ◞･౪･) ?

Word count:

Anyways: 

I like myself some sweetness, so Sweet fluff stuff? YASSS // Somewhat NSFW, but full of sweet love.

Again, as I’ve mentioned before I don't see many metal Gear things, it’s the same backstory but I don’t think it really matters much here.

With All My Heart

Her back lay flat onto the small bed, and not a second after, her head joined, fully rested onto the mattress, infecting the sheets beneath them with her radiating warmth.

- And it didn't stop there, her comforting heat traveled more, spreading out of her like the sun's own rays would, reaching her beloved and enveloping him in the sweet radiance as well.

He also came down, hovering above her, his hands both laid flat on either side of her head, the rest of his body lowering closer to cuddle towards her warmth, affectionately cradling his loving sunshine with his own adoring tenderness, reminding her that her love was well returned and requited.

A small kiss was placed over her left eyebrow, rising a sweet smile from her, and as he came back up to take in all of the preciousness of the cute grin he'd aroused, he stopped, winded by what he had captured instead.

For a silent moment, his eye was aimed to hers, focused like a curious crow's would be at the sight of gleaming silver.

She'd enticed a concentrated connection none one could break.

Havoc could be wreaked right outside their door, and he wouldn't have the will to tear himself from her. In fact, there was a good chance it would all be ignored, not even left as an afterthought.

He kindly moved aside her now messy bangs, moving the stray hairs out of the way to admire her sweet (e/c) eyes.

The two gems had always fascinated him, along with everything else that had to do with her. So, It wasn't to say that he'd never noticed them before, or given them the attentiveness they deserved.

If he were being truthful, he'd admit that everything about her was bewitching. Everything about her was stunning, but there was just something especially wonderous about her (e/c) eyes that tantalized him.

Whether she was saddened or angered, joyous or even dull in mood, they held a captivating charm that bewitched him, drawing him in with an effortless, yet powerful pull.

He could have sworn he knew every detail about the amazing gems he'd stared at for months, but to his surprise, there was something within those shining beauties that had changed.

There was a new glow that he hadn't seen before, and at the discovery of it, his body moved on its own, following what silent orders her (dark/Light) eyes gave him.

With his ungloved fingers, he traced over her facial features, tracing the lines that would exist if he were to draw her. He took in everything he could, to the point of even seeing her as he closed his eyes, his mind not knowing anything but the woman his fingers were softly grazing.

"You look beautiful," he muttered, the words coming out low and breathless.

At his sudden admittance, he watched as her face began to blossom with new color, bashfulness showing as she drew her eyes from him, too embarrassed to look at him straight on.

"John..." she muttered just as softly, having no real response for him but the dumb little mutter of his name.

He'd called her beautiful before and she never came to believe that perhaps there was a hidden meaning behind the instances.

She wasn't doubtful of his words, not when he looked so spellbound, and especially not when he touched her so gently, because she was well aware that a touch so sweet couldn't exist without there being tenderness there.

She wasn't doubtful of his proclamation of love, but she was far too modest to look up at the neediness that was notable in his gaze.

Furthermore, she was beyond flustered due to the thickness of his voice as he had spoken to her just then. There was a want that existed for her, and that was what had her so rattled with both exaltedness and anxiousness.

' - But I want him too,' She reasoned, 'I want him just as much,' She thought to herself with a thick swallow, drawing her eyes back over to him, her face still blazing with the same timidness his loving gaze had arisen.

'And I want this...' She declared with certainty, not willing to back away from him more. 'I don't want you to think otherwise, John...I don't want to back away from this,'

She looked at him with the same sweetness he would always get the pleasure to taste when their lips moved against each other.

- She didn't want to hold back anymore.

Batting her eyes up at him, she began to smile, prompting him to offer her a soft smile of his in return, his face inching closer to hers, nearing close enough that his nose lightly grazed hers.

Their hot breaths and pants mingled, becoming one just as they soon would. Tension...

Anticipation... They both felt it.

Instinctively, her lips twitched, more than ready for him to touch them, a pang of disappointment striking her when it was delayed, seeming to never come. It was a merciless play that she thought was unfair and cruel, leaving her body shivering.

Taking notice, he released a soft chuckle, repeating the action yet again, the tip of his nose barely touching hers with another featherlight brush, watching her expect the loving press the second time as well, "John..." She murmured in the same sweet voice that had the power to make him do just about anything she wanted him to.

"Please stop teasing me," she begged, sounding smaller and smaller as she continued to speak. It was killing her, the deprivation of a single kiss paining her so much, it was nearly unbearable. "Please... kiss me, just kiss me," she said with a hushed voice, still small yet full of demand, screaming of need and desire.

Her plea though soft, yet as powerful as a lion's roar, making his skin riddle with goosebumps.

"Of course," he said sweetly, "But first," he started, licking his lower lip, feeling it suddenly go dry.

There was just one thing he needed to let out and let her know, "I'll be gentle." He said softly, "I'll try," he added, meaning it wholeheartedly. "So, tell me if I'm hurting you," he continued on while his hand gently grazed her cheek. He couldn't bear to hurt her, and wouldn't ever dream of it, even if it was as unintentional as it could come.

"You can tell me anything," he told her, hoping she wouldn't withhold her pain for his own sake.

With a docile nod, she offered him a sweet smile in return, her stomach filled with fluttering butterflies, the little creatures doing all the tricks they knew.

Shaking her head she answered him back, "I trust you," she said in a breathy tone, her eyes batting close as he gently pressed his lips over her forehead.

"I trust you John..." she assured him, "And I love you... I love you so much," She added, her voice quivering, the quake in it making the man give her yet another smile as he moved to press his lips over her eyelids where just beneath them, small tears began to collect.

He didn't know what reason existed behind the misplaced kiss, not understanding what fueled him to lay one over each of her closed beauties, but he reasoned that perhaps there was no other reason aside from his overflowing love taking reign, his body set to pilot mode and controlled by his heavily palpitating heart.

- He wanted to kiss every bit of her, love her all he could to make up for his absences, past, present and future.

She kept complaints to herself, knowing there could be nothing done but wait, and he appreciated that. He appreciated not just her love, but her dedication and patience with him.

With the final detour taken, he moved over to her lips, giving her the smooch she'd begged him for from the start, and that she'd been so desperate for. As he had expected, she eagerly responded back, diving in with desperation.

She replied back, kissing him just as fiercely, pouring in all the love she felt through the heated collision as though it'd be the last one they would ever share, and she had to cram a lifework of affection in one, single press.

Her back arched, her two hands placed at the back of his head as she floated up to a cloud higher than 9.

She nearly forgot to breathe, her sole focus placed on the addicting taste of his invading tongue, the wet muscle eagerly exploring the warm space within her mouth. A deep, drawn-out moan then fell past her, muffled by their wet kiss as she felt his hands grab her sides, each of them placed at her hips and squeezing them as though he had ownership of them already. 'I'm yours... I'm all yours!' She chanted in her head as she became mush in his manly hands.

They parted in what felt like too soon, her lungs immediately filling with air as she gasped loudly, staring at him with a desire for more of those wildly mind-numbing Kisses.

He took half a second to draw back in, aching for another kiss as well, hard presses from his lower half colliding with the rising of her own hips which had instinctively moved.

"God (f/n)..." He mumbled, his teeth scraping her lower lip, tugging lightly, causing her body to let loose of a small shudder of delight.

Her hands slid over his shoulders, working back the black elastic holding his dark hair together. Successfully, she loosened his chocolatey strands, her fingers weaving through the long strands with blissful joy as they continued to make out.

His lips then traveled down, finding a small spot just behind her ear to give attention to, making her upward thrusting cease with a loud gasp as he circled his tongue over her skin. His fleshed hand, ungloved and fully bare slipped beneath the edge of her periwinkle turtleneck, the skin both soft and smooth against his rough palm, a difference he could feel.

Molding her clothed breast through the thin material of her undergarment, he could feel the small peak risen beneath the cotton fabric.

"I love you," He told her, " (f/n)...I love you..." he repeated.

Nodding quickly, she gave a strong heave, "I know..." she breathed out, her (e/c) eyes gazing up at the ceiling, the two twinkling gems tearing with joy. "And I love you too," she huffed.

She loved it when he told her, when he wasn't afraid to admit to her that she meant everything to him.

There was a beautiful feeling that came with his words, and it always made sure to stay for hours, making her feel alive.

His lips left her skin, and he rose up, both legs still on either side of her waist as he stared down at her with haggard breathing, looking arousingly wild as well as manly and overwhelmingly sexy.

His right hand reached down to her, starting from her lips, grazing down to her navel, his eyes connecting with hers through the entire movement. He stepped off from the bed, his hand held out for her, and without question she took it, soon being pulled into his chest.

Again their tongues danced, meanwhile both tasked themselves with going through their lover's clothes, piece by piece falling to the ground, discarded and forgotten. Completely bare, she gazed up at him, seeing the hunger within his gaze grow more.

Swallowing hard, she gave herself fully, each movement of hers being run by the thudding muscle within her chest, letting it guide her.

Again they fell onto the mattress, their naked skin brushing against each other with each movement they made, her mind going hazy as his large hands preoccupied themselves with her most sensitive spots, knowing just where to touch her as though he already had the manual to her own body, having studied it dutifully beforehand. 'This is the best feeling ever...' she thought in bliss, not feeling pain at his first plunge within her, instead, feeling nothing but completion and fullness.

His body hovered over hers, and she felt like she was covered by a soft blanket that protected her from the rest of the world,

'Don't let me go...' she thought to herself, breathing hard.

- And she didn't have to tell him, because he wouldn't ever give her up.

He wouldn't let anything but the feeling of love touch her.

She felt his hands caress her naked body, affectionately petting her sides as he picked up his pace, every stroke striking her at her most vulnerable spot, sure to raise a moan from her, "I love you, John," she murmured, never growing tired of proclaiming her love to him.

Her arms were then tightly wrapped around his neck, her face remaining hidden onto the crook of his neck as his hand slid down her hip, running over the side of her thigh until it landed on the back of her knee, lifting it to hold it within the crook of his arm as he continued to thrust within her.

"- I love you so much," she repeated, her panting breaths fanning over his sweat glossed skin.

"- With all my heart," she added, her body involuntarily shaking as they were both almost at their highest peak.

Together, they enjoyed his night home, withholding nothing from one another, falling deep into the scathing waters of passionate lovemaking.

ʕ ง •ᴥ•ʔง WHOOOP!  ʕ / •ᴥ•ʔ/

[nobodyeverasked]

heathers; lee minho

(1731 words) - small

Summary: The shell of shyness can be melted by a warm hand.

Boisterous echoes of heavy, hip-hop music soaked the room, the bridges and verses etching themselves into Y/N’s head as he watched one of his friends, Lee Minho, practicing his freestyle dance. He moved with so much energy and accuracy, his breaths steady even through the blades of his sharp movements. All Y/N could do was sit in awe next to another friend of his, Jisung, while Minho’s body harmonized with the music.

As long as Y/N has been friends with the two boys in this room, he has never been able to fathom Minho’s dancing. Just how he was able to amalgamate with anything that boomed through the speakers, and how his fingers weaved in between the embers of his own grace so easily baffled him.

Sparks of admiration writhed wildly in Y/N’s eyes, his gaze falling over the sweat-soaked T-shirt that clung to Minho’s body. His breaths pulsed through the tepid air of the practice room as Jisung and Y/N stood up to get ready to go for their lunch.

Jisung kept his eyes on Y/N, how the flames of sheepishness singed his friend’s cheeks with the scarlet glow of shyness, and how his eyes darted across the pine floors. He has never noticed how the delicate cinders of bashfulness seemed to always coil around Y/N’s shaking breaths. It made the gears in his head turn with the inquisitive currents that soared through his mind.

“Imma get changed, I’ll be back soon…” Minho absentmindedly threaded a hand through Y/N’s hair, his tired smile catching Y/N’s gaze from off the floor in an instant.

“O-okay…” Y/N’s words tripped over themselves and tangled between his lips, his voice crushed by the shimmers of joy that always lingered in the older boy’s eyes. Minho nodded to them before exiting the room in a sweaty trudge, unknowing of the fires of joy and compassion that spread through his fingertips and intertwined with the younger’s hair. Even the way Minho’s cheeks glistened with a passionate glow, and how his voice was riddled with the arias of delight made Y/N melt, his icy breaths of self-assurance dissipating in Minho’s austral presence. 

“Oh. My. GOD!” Jisung’s widened with the sparks of realization, his voice rising with the arias of joy and hilarity. “You like him!” Y/N’s gaze snapped to his friend’s, the echoes of Jisung’s words pounding at the black door that Minho shuffled through just minutes ago. 

“Shut up!” Y/N slapped a hand over Jisung’s parted lips. His blush grew deeper, the scarlet fangs of embarrassment biting into his neck and sinking deeper into his skin. 

“Sorry…” Jisung’s voice died down to a hollow whisper, his fingers squeezing Y/N’s shoulder as he beamed with a radiant smile, his eyes littered with shimmers elation. He never thought of his two best friends being together, but with that possibility skipping through his mind, he has never been happier. “You like him?”

Y/N sat down quietly, his gaze suspended longingly to the ceiling. “Yeah…” He took a deep breath, his head collapsing in his shaking hands as he could feel the ashes of doubt scatter across his back and claw down his spine. “There’s no way, though…” 

“Yes, there is, just go for it!” Jisung sat down next to him, his arms draping over Y/N’s shoulders. “C’mon! He’s totally you’re type and I can see it!” His voice rang with the chimes of optimism. A smile still pulling at his lips. His embrace grew tighter, the flames of comfort spiraling around them and littering Y/N’s stare - wilted with self-doubt - with the sparks of hope. 

“Really…? Do you really think I have a chance?” Y/N leaned into the alleviating touch that grew heavier on his body, Jisung’s tranquil embrace scratching a small simper onto his worried frown. 

“Of course you do!” Jisung pulled down on Y/N’s chest, leading his head to his lap. His agile fingers - surging with the embers of confidence and blazing loyalty - twisting stray locks of the younger boy’s hair. He smiled as he could feel the tension relax in Y/N’s shoulders, a candle-light of confidence withstanding the rainstorms of his own mistrust.

“He’s just so talented, he’s such a good dancer and singer. He’s so beautiful and so so so perfect! I-I’m not…” Y/N let his gaze wander to the windows of the practice room, his eyes tracing the slivers of sunlight brushing against their floors and skipping stones of radiance across the scarlet walls.

“Shut the hell up! You’re sweet and inviting, and I can tell he likes your smile. You helped us compose 42, remember? Plus, even if you weren’t, Minho wouldn’t care.” Jisung tapped his palms on Y/N’s chest as he spoke, his eyes following the wisps of ivory clouds brushing against the afternoon sky. He felt a sigh breach the air, the embers of compassion convulsing to their breaths as Y/N raised his eyes to Jisung’s. “I’m being serious!” The older widened his eyes when their gazes locked together, his hands whipping up in surrender.

“Thanks, Sung, but I don’t wanna lose him… What if he says no?” Y/N sat up from Jisung’s lap, a hum escaping his lips as his fingers untangled from his hair. “Jisung-” The younger instantly started to panic, words of confession that linger on the tip of his tongue tasting sour. The thoughts of dancing with Minho in the practice room like they always did, and his friendly touches that scorched Y/N’s skin decaying in the windstorm of uncertainty.

“You need to go for it, tell him how you feel-” Jisung’s words were cut off by the sound of a closing door and a tired groan, the echoes of Minho’s steps rippling across the floors drowning out any thoughts that Y/N had of what he was going to say.

“Tell who what?” Minho scratched his head, a crisp, white sweater sheathing his hands as he stood in front of Jisung and Y/N, his eyes half-sheathed and a tired yawn bursting through his lips. His eyes annexed between the two boys when the currents of tension and awkwardness lumbered through the room, their gazes wandering across the room and running over everything except for Minho. “Oh~, does someone have a crush?” Minho cocked his head to the side, a cocky smirk weaving onto his mouth.

“Uh….” Y/N’s mind went absolutely blank, his mouth hung open by the weights of bewilderment, his thoughts running rampant to find something to say. “Yeah! No! I mean- ungh…” Y/N dragged his hand down his face, his eyes rolling at his own emotional ineptitude.

“I’ll leave you two alone for a bit.” Jisung heaved himself up from the ground, patting Y/N on his shrugged shoulder before slipping through the door with a playful wink, his smirk lighting Y/N’s cheeks ablaze with the scarlet hellfires of worry. All he could do was look ahead at Minho who blankly stared back at him, their gazes seized in a whirlwind of tension.

“Minho…?” Y/N let his worried stare drift back to the floor, his hands shifting stiffly behind his back.

“Yeah, sup?” Minho tried to hide his distaste for the haunting silence drifting between them, the harmonies of Y/N’s laughs and his casual conversations that tumbled amply through his lips being all the older boy could think about. He wanted the radiance of happiness that dwindled in Y/N’s heart to shine through the thunderclouds of his vivid dismay spiraling around them. Taking a step closer to his best friend, he could hear the shakiness in Y/N’s breaths and the deep thought that lurked in his wondrous eyes.

“I… I like you… A lot…” The younger shook his head as he just let the words out. “ It’s just the way you make me feel a little more special. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way, I mean, you’re so talented and beautiful and amazing and-”

“Shhh~” Minho pressed his finger to Y/N’s trembling lips, making the parade of words that left his mouth instantly stop, and the shivers of worry that crawled down his spine dispel from his tense body. “I like you too, you’re so nice and inviting, and your smile is literally everything. You’re so handsome and I love hearing you talk.” With every aspect that Minho listed, he took a step closer, until their breaths entwined and their gazes were seized within one another’. All the younger could do was stare in surprise, the sparks of ardency that floated around in the older’s eyes kindling embers on his skin that felt so foreign.

“R-really…?” Y/N could not believe what he was hearing, the boy he has liked for so long, harbouring the same feelings for him?

He loved how Minho’s fingers felt against his lips and how his delicate hands stroked the side of his neck. He barely paid attention to the searing scarlet creeping onto his cheeks, Minho’s laugh overflowing the room with smooth tides of pleasure and joy.

“Yeah, Y/N, I like you too, a lot.” Minho’s hands nursed the skin of Y/N’s neck as he caresses trailed down to his forearm, and to his fingertips, sparks igniting between their gazes and their grazing touches. Cinders of admiration lit up and took flight around them, a blistering heat zealous ardor intertwining with their breaths and dancing in the sunlight glazing the room. “I know we’re going to lunch with the three of us right now, but how about we hang out a little later tonight? Just you and me? I heard there’s a cafe opening down the street and apparently, everybody’s talking about it.”

“That sounds amazing.” Y/N finally let a smile - shining with relief - burst through his fearful pout, the air growing heavy and thick with the tepid flames of passion whipping around them.

“Great.” Minho cupped Y/N’s cheek, interweaving their lips in a velvety knot of blooming amity, the heat rising between their pressed chests and crawling up their necks. “Now, let’s get going,” Minho let his thumb wander across the back of the younger’s hand as he clutched it softly, his lips - bursting with passionate sparks - gliding across Y/N’s knuckles. “Who knows how long Jisung’s been waiting.”

[seju-k]

My Alternative Ending to Frozen 2 **MAJOR SPOILERS**

So as many people are speculating about the alternative ending Frozen 2 would of had, ya know with how the castle looked like from the art book, if Elsa didn’t save Arendelle. WELL ANYWAYS, my friend and I were talking about it and I went ahead and did my own ending in regards to the photo and discussion. 

There is major spoilers within the one-shot, so if you haven’t watched it, don’t read it, if so, then click the ‘Keep reading’ link.

 A year had gone by with the events of Anna and Elsa’s journey to the Enchanted Forest. It had felt like ages for the younger sister, so much has changed since then. And some things didn’t. Like how Sven and Olaf would mess around and getting into crazy adventures with each other, or Kristoff being his awkward self. She loved that that would never change for her. And Elsa? Well.. Elsa’s love for her sister was her whole world. Just don’t mention it to her husband.

 Fresh autumn leaves filled the sky as Gale whistled through the streets of the kingdom. Lively chatter echoed about, bouncing off the walls and stalls of the small portside. Feet bustling as they hit the stone roads with every step the people took. The kingdom’s people were getting ready for a huge celebration that were to happen that sunset evening. And things were still in the midst of preparation. Just like Anna.

***

 The Queen was in her chambers, sitting upon her chair in front of her vanity mirror. A somber expression resting upon her face as she gazed at her reflection. Something was on her mind, and it was bothering her more than usual. It was so out of her character. Elsa must have felt this countless times while in their youth. 

  A heavy sigh left her parted lips. There was no need to psych herself on this important day of hers. It was supposed to be of joy! Union! An everlasting happy occasion! But, to not be able to share this moment with her parents. That’s what was getting to her. And it was aggravating her to no end. Luckily a knock on her door had snapped her away from her thoughts that she swore she would beat down if that was the last thing she would do.

 “C-Come in!” Anna yelled out before clearing her throat to waive her doubts away. Plastering her cheerful, usual smile onto her face. From the reflection in her mirror, the fifth spirit had walked into the room. “Elsa!”

  The older sibling smiled at her little sister, “Are you ready for your big day?” 

 For a split moment, the young girl’s face had faltered; Elsa had noticed, but regained her fiery spirit to fend it off. “I was born ready!” She spun around on her seat to face her sister, hands balled into fists in exclamation like she was ready to tackle the day. Parts of her was, but the more uneasy parts of her wasn’t.

 “Okay,” The older one of the two said in worry, “What is it?” 

 “What is what?” Anna coyly asked.

  “You tend to over exaggerate when something is wrong.”

 “Whaaaat? Psssh,” a dismissive hand waved from the Queen. “No I don’t.”

 A raised brow from the spirit-embodiment female suggested otherwise. Her younger sibling just proving her point. 

 “Weren’t you the one who said not to keep secrets from each other ever again? To share everything.”

 “Don’t use my own words against me!” Anna playfully exclaimed.

  “But you’re right.” She let out another sigh and let her hands fall into her lap. Elsa kept quiet, letting her sister take her time while she sat across from her on the bed. The older sister’s attention never leaving her little sister.

 “It’s just..” Anna struggled for the right words to form before speaking, finding what she hoped would be good enough to not unease her sister. “I always thought of getting married here at the castle. Ever since I was a kid..” 

 Her gaze was down into her hands, looking distant into an old memory. “Having Father walk me down the aisle with both you and Mother beside the altar waiting for me as is my soon-to-be-husband.” Just the recollection of that made her eyes turn glossy with fresh tears daring to expose her sadness and grief.

 A sniffle and batting her eyelids, the Queen managed to keep her tears at bay. For now. Though the crack in her voice disclosed her feelings. “But everything is different! Both of them are gone! And nothing of them remains..” Anna hiccuped and used her forearms to wipe at the tears that rolled down her puffy cheeks. “It all got washed away and destroyed in the flood when the dam broke..”

***

 “Mattias, please, the dam needs to be destroyed to break the mist spell and free the forest.” The princess pleaded to the lieutenant who was blocking her path onto the walkway of the dam. Three very large, and very angry rock giants on her heels. She planned on using them to take out the structure.

 “If this dam breaks, then Arendelle would be destroyed.” The older man’s voice was filled with concern for his kingdom. “We’ve sworn to protect it at all costs.”

 Anna felt a pang of heartbreak at his words. He spoke the truth, the strong tidal wave that was kept at bay with the stoned dam would wipe away the entire fjord. But this. This would right the wrong that was done to this forest, and it’s people all those years ago. 

 “I know.. But destroying this dam is the next right thing. My grandfather betrayed the Northuldrans and caused this whole mess.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because my sister gave her life for the truth.. So please.. Before we lose anyone else..”

 With a heavy heart, the lieutenant processed this newfound information and followed his orders. Sizing up his build and raised both his shield and sword. Clashing his weapon against the steel of his shield, his men following his actions. In the distant, the rock giants moved their attention towards the noise and found their prey that ran from them for disturbing their slumber.

 Boulders flew through the sky towards where the Arendellians were gathered. The group dispersed quickly to keep from getting crushed while the princess ran onto the pathway on top of the dam. 

 “That’s it! DESTROY THE DAM!” Anna yelled out at the giants. More large chunks of rock soared through the air, crashing against the stone barrier. It had torn away at the end on where she entered, running towards the other end. Although her path was cut short with a boulder tearing at her exit. This was not good. 

 Trapped on the dam, she began to panic. There was nowhere left for her to go, she’d be crushed and brought down along with this walled barrier. So all she could do was get a head start and start her mad sprint back to Mattias and Kristoff at the now cliffside in the opposite direction. 

 With boulders still raining down, the floor beneath her feet began to crumble and split while she ran. “Come on.. I can.. Make.. This.. !!” On her final step, Anna leapt off towards the side of the cliff. She’ll make it! 

 Her hand reached out to grab onto the edge of the cliff, but her leaping distance was not the greatest. She would fall short, and her expression blanked. She wasn’t going to make it. Mattias and Kristoff had jumped towards the edge of the cliffside, to try and catch her. Their fingertips just grazing the princesses. 

 They couldn’t catch her in time.

 “ANNA!!” Kristoff cried out as he watched his beloved fall down towards the unforgiving waters that rushed past the dam. His hand still extending downwards, willing for his arm to miraculously extend to grab his loved one’s hand.

  Anna gasped as she fell towards the depths, tears spilling from the corner of her eyes while free falling. She was going to die. Her gaze moved to the sky, the sun’s rays peeking through the mist. It tore through the icy cloud, slicing open and making its presence known to all of the Enchanted Forest. This was the end. At least both Elsa and herself gave their lives to free the people from within the forest. The Kingdom of Arendelle would understand their sacrifices. Kristoff, Sven, and Mattias would take care of the people.. Grandpabbi and the rock trolls too.

 Shutting her eyelids tight. She was ready to succumb.

 All Anna regretted was how she and Elsa left things before uncovering the truth, and doing the next right thing. 

 “Elsa..”

 Her body crashed into the water, and everything went pitch black like the dark sea. 

***

 The tidal wave that was unleashed had raced down the empty ravine. Strong currents splashing and lashing out against the sides of cliffs. Tearing down trees and moving giant boulders in their wake. It was nothing but destruction that it left.

  It had turned, moving with the direction of the cavern which led to the fjord and the Kingdom of Arendelle. On the cliffside, where the townspeople and the rock trolls laid in safety and waiting for the return of their queen and princess, witnessed the oncoming doom that was to befall on their homes and land.

 The sight was truly terrifying to behold. Torrents of water gushed towards the empty streets, annihilating everything within the area . And the vigorous influx of water had impacted onto the side of the kingdom’s castle walls, shaking the foundations. It tore through as if it were nothing. The icecap roofing of the structure shattered from the impact. The building crumbling from the weight of the tide overcoming the stronghold. 

  It left nothing.

 The flag of Arendelle that flew in the sky, the one the queen had promised that would always fly, had been lost to the waters.

  As was everyone’s hearts.

***

 Moments passed, and the princess had found herself gagging and gurgling water from her lungs and throat. Inhaling deeply of the cool crisp air to fill her airways. It stung a bit. How long was she out? Wait, how did she survive that fall? The raging currents should had crushed her down towards the rocky floor and bash her skull. 

 The answer to her questions laid right beside her. Holding onto her in fact. Her perplexed gaze looked up at whose arms she was in. Radiance of a pale beauty was all she could see, given that the newfound sun was causing a glare in her vision. Then they moved to shield the rays that obstructed Anna’s view to show themselves.

  It was Elsa. And she looked so much different. A good different. Beautiful different. So she was alive, they both were! Thank goodness she didn’t lose her dear sister. 

 “You’re alive, but how? Did you find the fifth spirit?” The older one gave her a knowing look, “You are the fifth spirit!”

“But wait..” The younger sister gazed at her oldest one, “If I’m alive then..” A mournful expression began to paint on Elsa’s face. “Arendelle..”

 The fifth spirit looked away, pain and anguish on her facial features. It was confirmation to the princess's unspoken question. 

 “Oh..” Anna muttered lowly. She couldn’t believe the place she called home all her life was gone. In an instant. “You sacrificed Arendelle..” That grabbed the oldest sister’s attention, cerulean eyes locking onto her younger sister’s, “For me?” 

 “... I love you.” 

 Fresh salty tears erupted from the princess as her arms wrapped around the blonde in a tight embrace. Grieving at the loss of her kingdom and home, and happy that her sister was both safe and sound. She hadn’t even noticed but the two were riding on the Nokk towards the shoreline. Exhaustion taking over her entire body and laid limply against secure arms. 

 It had been a long two days.

 By the time the two sisters reached the shoreline, it was noon. But even then, a veil of clouds made it to cover the sun for the time being. Shading the surface of the Earth. Gingerly easing her sister awake, Anna batted her tired eyelids. “Time to wake up.”

 “Huh..?” 

 Elsa giggled softly at the younger girl’s sleepy antics. “Come on, we need to let others know that we’re okay.”

 If it were their cue, Kristoff and Sven came running down a small side cliff of dirt. Gale leading them to the pair. “Anna!” The tall blonde cried out, “You’re safe!!” The once tired female, jolted awake and ran to her boyfriend’s arms. Picking up the smaller woman with a twirl and tight embrace, he was relieved to see her safe.

 Setting down the girl, he looked over at Elsa, the older woman smiled heartedly and opened her arms to allow a hug from the ice deliverer. He enveloped her in a tight hug, also relieved that she too was okay. 

Anna watched with a warm smile, then hugged Sven before both traded off. The blonde petting the reindeer, and the auburn haired beauty hugging Kristoff once again. All seemed to be perfect. Almost perfect. 

 “Wow, you look different!” The male blonde finally said while looking at the older sibling, “Did you cut your hair or something?” 

 Both girls giggled and looked at each other, giving each other a side hug. “Or something..” Then the queen’s face turned to a more serious note. “Anna, I need to ask you something.” The freckled girl looked at her sister, mimicking her expression with a hint of worry. “Do you wanna build a snowman?”

 Shock developed on her face at the sudden question. “What?..” Did she mean what she thought she meant? 

 The fifth spirit closed her eyes, allowing her senses to dive deep and be one with nature. Gale, the wind spirit, whistled in response. A flow of snow flurry bristled through the air towards them. Cerulean orbs opening with a smile on her thin pink lips, she looked back at Anna. “Thank goodness water has memory.” A twirl on her hand, the flurry began to reshape a familiar figure.

 Anna gasped as she moved to kneel beside the mound of snow: applying sticks for arms, coal buttons, twigs of hair, and most importantly that orange carrot as a nose. Then it came to life, like Frosty the Snowman.

 “Anna? And Elsa! Kristoff and Sven!! Oh you all came back!!” The overzealous snowman proclaimed. The group hugged the smaller member of their family, missing his presence. “Oh, how I love good happy endings!”

 “Quick question,” Olaf spoke once everyone broke away, looking up at Elsa, “Is the whole ‘putting us in mortal danger’ gonna be a regular thing?”

 The blonde chuckled softly, patting the snowman on the head, “No that’s it.”

 “Well not it it.” The male blonde interjected. He looked both nervous and calm. “There’s one more thing.” He released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, swallowing the lump that dared cling onto his throat. He got this. Right? 

 Moving in front of Anna, Kristoff kneeled a knee to her. “Anna, you are the most extraordinary person I’ve ever known. I love you with all that I am,” a hand moved into the inside of his leather vest, pulling out a rare orange diamond ring. Presenting his love for the girl. “Will you marry me?”

 Tears again prickled at the corners of her eyes. She’d been doing that a lot as of late, wasn’t she. But the tears of joy were more than enough for this moment. Trying to fan herself to dry them, and being overly excited, she cried out. “Yes!” Then leapt into his arms to better seal the deal with a kiss.

 Then it struck her. Where would they marry? Arendelle was destroyed. And she loved the rock trolls, but their customs weren’t for everyone. She also couldn’t impose the Northuldrans with Arendellians invading their forests again. “Where would we hold the ceremony though?”

 Olaf looked confused for a moment, the castle was the obvious place. “Well in Arendelle, that’s so obvious Anna.” The group of four had forgotten to inform the snow being of the situation. 

 “Olaf.. Arendelle,” Elsa started, trying to word things for him to understand. “Well. Arendelle is.. Gone..”

“Gone? Like it’s moving. OH! Everyone went on a vacation!”

 “No Olaf,” Anna began, “Arendelle is destroyed because we broke the dam to free the forest.”

 It took a moment, but he was beginning to see the picture with this new information. “O-Oh..” He looked sad for a moment, though his a blink of his eyes, he found a bright solution. A bright side of it all. Like always. “We can rebuild! We can rebuild Arendelle into what it’s supposed to stand for!”

 The idea put them in better spirits. They could rebuild the kingdom to have a better connection with both the Northuldrans and themselves, and have peace and love. “That’s a brilliant idea Olaf!” The young girl cheered, looking over at Elsa with excitement. Who in turn looked slightly distraught. “What’s wrong?”

“Well, the spirits all agreed for me to stay here, in the forest.” She started off, Anna slowly beginning to show signs of refusal. But Elsa pressed on before her sister could speak. “I am the bridge between nature and our people, I have to stay. But,” the blonde continued, taking her younger sister’s hands in hers, “A bridge has two sides. And Mother had two daughters.” Anna’s eyes began to widen, almost knowing where she was going with this. 

 “Arendelle deserves to stand. With you, Anna.” 

“Me?” Elsa nodded to her. “But that would mean?” Her older sister smiled at her reassuringly. “If, if that’s what you think is best, then I support it. I’ll do my best for our kingdom.”

***

Rebuilding their ruined kingdom took almost a year. Of course the Northuldrans had helped their endeavors in building new houses and showing them of their cultures while doing so. Sparking interests and curiosity from the people of Arendelle. Both which Anna and Elsa were more than happy to entwine both cultures together in their infrastructure. They believed it’ll help Arendelle grow closer with Northuldra, while also keeping their looks more modernized. 

 And the end result was beautiful. Like a dream even. Never did they think this would have happened in their lives, but here they were. Better and stronger together, than ever. It was remarkable. Reforming the foundations to build a better kingdom, and to lead it how it should have been since the very beginning. This was no dream, but their newfound reality. 

 Their new home to start again.

***

 Back within the bedroom, it took Elsa all her strength to not crumble when watching her baby sister shed tears in front of her. It was agonizing to witness. But she needed to be strong for Anna. Like how Anna was always strong for her, she needed to repay that at this moment. Be her rock and keep her spirits up.

 “Oh Anna..” Her arms opened up for the girl, inviting her for a close embrace. Without hesitation, the younger girl jumped into her arms, crying into her sister’s chest. “Cuddle close, scooch in..” Elsa whispered soothingly, easing her dear sister into a small whimper. Her arms acting like a veil, warding away all of her negative thoughts and sadness.

 A familiar tune was hummed in the silent room, it came from the older sibling. It calmed Anna, remembering that their mother had sung it to them as kids. “Where the northwind, meets the sea..” A nimble hand moved to touch her chest, right above her heart. “There’s a heart here, full of memories.” The brunette looked slightly confused for a split second at the changed lyrics.  “Come, my sister, homeward bound.. When all is lost,” then dawned upon her on why her sister did such a thing. Softness replaced her confusion.  “Then all is found..”

 “They’ll always be with you, sis, in here.” Her gaze moved to the hand on her sister’s chest. “So don’t think for a second that they’re gone. Okay?”

 Wet tears and snot rained from the Queen’s face. The song, her sister’s words, her being here for her when she needed her most. It all made her really, really happy. And grateful to have such a wonderful sister.

 “Oh Anna, it’s your wedding day,” forming a tissue from soft snow, she used it to clean her baby sister’s face. “Don’t go ruining your dress.. But are you feeling better?”

 “Uh huh,” Anna sniffled and smiled. “A heck of a whole lot better, thank you, sis.” Wrapping her arms around the blondes neck, she hugged her lovingly and tightly.

 Elsa returned the embrace with the same fondness ten-fold. 

 “You’re welcome sis.”

 "I love you.."

 "I love you too.."

[chronicfangirling]

Crystal Snow (Hoseok ver.) - Heart Crystal

Pairing: Hoseok x OC Genre: Romance, encounters with beautiful idols, impromptu dates, Christmas kisses--no mistletoe necessary, koi no yokan, love and its possibilities Words: 2499 Summary: Taking a flight to Shanghai as a chance passenger and risking deportation to attend an unlicensed party for the sake of dancing with one Jung Hoseok? Totally worth it.

Crystal Snow (Christmas with hyung line) Seokjin ver. | Yoongi ver. | Hoseok ver. | Namjoon ver.

(2017 December 24)

"I can't believe you let Kim Seokjin go to that ice princess! You know how the Shanghainese would say his name? 'Zhen'--for treasure--meaning you let the grand prize slip out of your hands."

"Nuh-uh!" Hyejoon wagged a finger at her supervisor's face then traipsed down the street, ahead of their group. "Seokjin-oppa was meant to go with her, and I'm meant to come here. He may be a prince, but he's not my prince. My grand prize is out there somewhere, I can feel it."

Ducking into the dark maze of back alleys after Hyejoon, her long-suffering supervisor winced. "Is that why we're heading to that unlicensed night club with a bunch of teens instead of celebrating like proper adults?"

"I guess I'm just nostalgic..." Hyejoon mused. "You know, when I was in school, I once went to this rave--"

"And it was dispersed by the police and you were nearly booked as a juvenile delinquent, but some dude saved you." Her supervisor sighed. "You've told this story many times."

"It's my favorite story after all," she giggled.

The rest of her co-workers all sighed as well, saying that she should've gotten rid of all her rebellious impulses as a child, rather than drag them into a dodgy party in Shanghai and get them all deported. Hyejoon imagined that flight attendants always had such wild adventures on their trips, but they were ground staff after all... still, she wanted to do something crazy for Christmas Eve 2017. She waved her phone containing alert of the party--she just had a good feeling about it.

When they finally found the place, it was at the height of an impromptu couple dance contest. Hyejoon clapped for the current performer, but her hands went still and silent when she caught sight of the man across the dance floor. Bopping his head to the song, even his little graceful gestures seemed timed to the beat. The dance ended with an insane death drop, and he smiled in appreciation--not even the bucket hat obscuring his face could hide the radiance of that smile... like a ray of sunshine in the dim club.

"Hey, want to dare me to enter the contest with that guy?" Hyejoon suggested.

Her supervisor goggled at her. "Umm, no--"

"Well, if you insist!" She fluffed up her hair, free of its usual work-regulation bun for once, and checked that her sequined dress clung at all the right places before she sashayed towards him.

"We totally didn't!" her coworkers yelled after her.

Slipping past the next couple taking their places on the dance floor, Hyejoon smirked at them over her shoulder. "I'm not someone who'll ever back down of a challenge!"

She reached the man, belatedly noticing that he was surrounded by a bunch of suited companions. He himself wore sweater and jeans for a more casual look--but she could tell that they were rather expensive. "Hi!" Waving with both hands and bowing at the same time, Hyejoon greeted the man.

"Oh, hello!" he replied. Up close, he was almost literally shining--beyond his good looks, it was his bright aura that attracted her, like a moth to a flame.

I think I know now... why I ended up here in Shanghai.

"Why don't you enter the contest with me?" she asked.

He tugged the bucket hat lower on his head. "I don't know..."

"Oh, come on!" She winked. "Don't worry so much about it, I won't bring you down."

His companions snickered about him being popular anywhere, and he shushed them before turning back to her. "Uh... I'd much rather just watch right now."

"Aww, but--" Hyejoon patted his hand and he snatched it away. He was slouching in his seat now, as if in hiding, and she realized now that his demurring wasn't out of hesitation, but an actual rejection. "Oh... okay. I'm so sorry. I just... thought there would be good results if the two of us worked at it together." She forced herself to simper cheerfully as she bowed in apology and tiptoed on the edge of the dance floor to rejoin her coworkers.

But they were nowhere to be found in their previous spot, and a couple more performances passed before they tottered back to her, red-cheeked and giddy. Clearly, they each had a shot--or five--to loosen up. "Where were you?" She pouted, unhappy that she was now the only sober one.

"We got some liquid courage for you, crazy girl, not that you need it!" Her supervisor pushed two cocktails in her hands. "And we told the DJ to play that song you're always dancing to."

Hyejoon choked on her drink. "Wait, what? But I'm not dancing--"

To her chagrin, the host was already announcing her as the final entry: "Kim Hyejoon and her partner!"

Sufficiently buzzed, her coworkers whooped and tossed her out into the dance floor. The crowd cheered--then groaned when she attempted to leave, motioning to the glasses still in her hands. Someone relieved her of her drinks and shoved her out again.

The first strains of 'If you leave' floated from the speakers and Hyejoon gawked at the crowd, which was first hushed, then grumbling in discontent as she remained frozen. One partygoer booed and while she was still mentally debating fight versus flight, someone tugged at her hand.

She gasped and found herself pressed against the chest of the shining young man from earlier. "There will be good results if we work at it together." He gave her a small smile as her eyes widened; in shock, in realization, then in hope. He nodded at her. "Ready?"

He twirled her into place beside him, and Hyejoon surrendered to muscle memory to take her to the correct stance. They danced in unison, with the exact same moves, as if they had practiced together hundreds of times before. She let the music take her over, arms popping and feet sliding across the floor. Her partner danced at a level far above hers, but she didn't let that worry her, and enjoyed moving to the rhythm.

The song wound down, and instead of moving to the last stance, he took her hand again--she had felt it coming and was ready for him, and half-dipped, supported by his arms. The crowd went wild but they hardly heard it as they beamed at each other, basking in the rush of the dance.

The host stopped them from leaving and called back all the other couples. Despite the enthusiastic response to their dance, the death drop couple took the win.

"It's okay, Hyejoon, you did great!" her coworkers cheered. "You too, Hyejoon's partner! You were awesome!"

The host distributed participation prizes for all the ladies. Excited, Hyejoon opened the little red velvet box and found a pair of earrings, adorned with heart-shaped crystals. "How pretty!" she exclaimed. Grinning coyly at her partner, she leaned close enough for him to breathe in her perfume. "Could you put it on for me?"

He didn't respond to her blatant flirting, but he took the earrings and carefully put them on her ears, not poking her unnecessarily even once.

Hyejoon tilted her head, feeling the crystals swinging. "How do they look?"

Her partner's smile evaporated and he winced. "Sorry..."

She cringed. "Oh no, does it look that bad?"

"No, you're pretty," he clarified. "But you only got the consolation prize because of me."

"Nuh-uh. I wasn't sure earlier but..." She gripped the rim of his bucket hat, giving him a chance to protest, before pulling it off to fully reveal his handsome face. "You're Jung Hoseok. I'm right, right?"

"Uh, yeah." Seemingly bashful, he scratched at the nape of his neck. "How...?"

"I'd know those moves anywhere--bursting with power but flowing seamlessly." she gushed. In a quieter voice,  she revealed: "I've always wanted to dance with you."

"I see," he chuckled.

"And I did. You--" She tapped his chest, right upon his heart. "--are my grand prize." She gazed into his eyes, wondering if she had enough courage left over to kiss him, but her reverie was interrupted by the entire club thrown into a commotion.

"Ack, it's the police!" people screamed.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Hyejoon shrieked. She watched her coworkers rush off and turned to Hoseok, who was waving for his companions to go while they can.

She was clutching at his sleeve and he peeled her hand off--she thought he would slap it away and make his escape--but he grasped it securely. "Can you trust me?"

She nodded. "Of course!'

Walking, Hoseok led her into the street, and she was about to ask why he wasn't hurrying, but he pressed a finger upon his lips for silence. Hoseok walked right into a bunch of policemen who all yelled for them to halt.

"Oh, thank God!" He shouted in English. "We're lost, me and my girlfriend, please help!" He crowded them, loudly asking for directions to the nearest McDonald's until the annoyed policemen finally waved for them to leave. It was only when they were rounding the corner that one of the policemen brought up their fancy clothing and how they had smelled of cigarette smoke and alcohol, and chased after them. But Hoseok led her into a niche between two buildings and they crouched in the shadows as the policemen ran past.

They had barely gone when Hyejoon gave way to emotions bursting in her chest: nervousness, shock, and above all, mirth. "Hah... hahahah!" she cackled.

He gaped at her, as if she had lost her mind. "I don't mean to offend you, but this isn't an appropriate time to be laughing." He shook his head. "What terrible luck to lose a contest and then get caught in a raid."

"No, it's the best luck!" she insisted. "I mean, some people might say, that it's bad luck that the two times I've gone to an illegal party, they both got busted by the police--"

"I hate to tell you this and ruin your good mood, but that is pretty bad luck, yeah." Hoseok wrinkled his nose.

"However!" She bopped the end of his chiseled nose. "Both times I got saved by someone truly amazing."

Leaning against the cruddy wall with no care for her party dress, Hyejoon closed her eyes, as the memories came flooding back. "Gwangju, summer of 2009, there was a party hosted by the most popular dance groups in town." She watched his face for any signs of listlessness, but when he cocked his head to listen, she continued. "At that time, I fought a lot with my parents because no matter how hard I tried, I always ended up as average and that wasn't good enough for them. For once, I wanted to rebel. So I went there."

She snorted at the mental image of her awkward teenage self. "In my average way, I could follow a rhythm but the very best dancer there--he encouraged everyone to let go and pour their feelings into dance."

"And that was when you discovered how much you liked it?" he prompted.

"Yes! It didn't matter that I wasn't a talented dancing star, it was fun." she affirmed. "But then the police came because of reports of underage drinking. I nearly got caught but that same dancer rescued me."

"While we were hiding, just like this, I cried and cried... saying that my parents would never let me back home then, and that I should let the police catch me because it's not like I'll amount to anything--I'll always be the unspecial, ordinary, average me." She shuffled closer to him. "But do you know what he said?"

Hoseok blinked at her, and ventured: "'If you don't work hard, there won't be good results...' was it?"

"You remember?" Giggling, she pointed at herself. "It's me, Kim Hyejoon... I was the girl you saved that time."

His face fell. "... Sorry. I don't remember," he murmured, wringing his hands and looking down at them. "It's just something I say to people all the time."

"It's okay." She caressed his arm and when he glanced up, she smiled. "It doesn't matter that you've forgotten, that I'm only one of the many people you said it to. Because it was what I really needed to hear at that time, so I kept those words in my heart."

"You ended up making your parents proud?" he asked.

"No way!" she pealed in laughter. Noticing Hoseok's confused, slightly horrified frown, she added: "But I also realized that my 'good results' could be different from someone else's good results. Some days, just surviving is good enough. And if I can be happy for that day, then I've also done well."

He stared at her for long moments, pondering her words. Finally, he chuckled. "Then, you're wiser than I could ever be."

"That's why, I want to thank you." she said. Her hand moved down his arm, patting his hand.

"I should be the one to thank you." He took her hesitating hand and squeezed it. "Thank you. Those words that I scattered like seeds in the wind... thank you for letting them root in your heart."

"No matter how many times you forget... I'll always remember," she promised.

Shaking his head, he graced her with that sunny smile, all for her this time. "I don't think I could ever forget you now, Kim Hyejoon."

"Keep me here," she commanded, with an impish flick of her finger against his beating heart.

"This moment will crystallize in my heart." Holding her hand, he crossed his heart with her finger. "Preserved as one of my precious memories."

"And I... I'll keep you here." She pressed the fingers of her free hand against her lips. As she inched closer, he guided the hand he was still holding on his shoulder. They kissed in that blind alley like two teenagers, fulfilling the promise of that interrupted connection from eight years ago.

When they parted, Hoseok blinked at her, as if in a daze. She was about to tease him, but her ears perked up. "Hey, do you hear that?"

"I don't hear anything," he mumbled, still sneaking peeks at her mouth as she talked.

"Exactly. The coast is clear." She grabbed his hand and stepped out of their hiding place.

But her coworkers popped out of another alley, now sober from the shock. "Hyejoon!"

"Hoseok!" His companions had been standing watch and rushed over to him.

"You crazy girl, we thought you were a goner!" her supervisor screamed.

"Hey, let go--!" Protesting when her coworkers tugged at her arm, she struggled to keep hold of Hoseok.

"This is dangerous, if you got caught here it would be very, very bad!" One of Hoseok's companions--his manager, it seemed--seized him by the shoulders and started leading him away.  

"Hyung, wait!" Hoseok's hand unlinked with Hyejoon's and he grasped at air in an attempt to maintain the connection, but their respective companions pulled them their separate ways.

"There's no time!" the manager cried and marched him down the alley.

Hyejoon looked over her shoulder, searching for Hoseok and met his eyes--she knew his frantic look was reflected on her own face. To calm him, she quirked her lips in a grin. He grinned back, just he was walked out of the alley and out of sight.

"What happened to you?" her coworkers all asked in concern as they hurried to their hotel.

"Just... making more precious memories," she answered dreamily.

And she would've thought that it were just a Christmas dream, if not for the weight of the heart earrings dangling from her ears, their crystalline coolness brushing against her skin with every step.

One day, I know, our paths will cross again.

[johawsboxofmadness]

Mistform, Chapter 1

A WIP concept that is newly relevant with the release of Oathbringer.  Spoilers for Words of Radiance, Oathbringer(retroactively)* and Mistborn: Secret History ahead.

*I wrote this after reading Secret History around its release, before even the preview chapters for Oathbringer had come to my attention.  It works eerily well with some of what’s in the latest volume though...

The storm vanished.  Wind, rain, sound … gone.  Eshonai stood up, dripping wet, her muscles cold, her skin numb.  She shook her head, spraying water into the cloying fog, and looked up into the sky.  

The face was there.  Infinite, expansive.  The humans spoke of their Stormfather, yet they never knew him as a listener did.  As wide as the sky itself, with eyes full of countless stars.  The gemstone in Eshonai's hand burst alight, cutting through the wisps of moisture in the air like a beacon.  

Power, energy.  She imagined it coursing through her, energizing her, enlivening her.  Eshonai threw the gemstone through the haze and against the ground, smashing it and releasing the spren.  She worked hard to get the proper feel down, as Venli had trained her.  

Is ᴛʜɪs ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ?  The voice reverberated through her like crashing thunder.  

The Rider had spoken to her!  That happened in songs, but not … never … She attuned Appreciation, but of course it was the same rhythm now.  Beat. Beat.  Beat.  

The spren escaped from its prison and spun around her, flying through the murk in a halo of red.  Splinters of lightning sprang from it. Angerspren?

This was wrong.  

I sᴜᴘᴘᴏsᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴍᴜsᴛ ʙᴇ, the Stormfather said.  Iᴛ ᴡᴀs ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴ.

“No,” Eshonai said, stepping back from that spren.  In a moment of panic, she cast from her mind the preparations that Venli had given her.  “No!”

The spren became a streak of red light, but before it could hit her the mist around her condensed, spiraling inward, catching the spren.  

A faint voice echoed in Eshonai's ears.  

“So, can I offer an alternative?”

The spren struggled for a moment, trying to get closer, before the mist threw it to the ground, bashing the small red point of light against the stone repeatedly.  The red spren surged back, sputtering like a wet ember, flying free again before being caught just short of Eshonai's chest.

The voice seemed strained as it spoke a second time.

“How about it, friend?  I don't think I can hold this thing forever.”  

Eshonai paused.  While she still didn't want that red spren to get to her, she knew nothing about this second voice.  

“Sorry we can't wait to get to know each other first, but this really is a limited time offer.”  

Whoever it was, at least they were giving her a choice.  

“Alright.”

With that, the red spren was thrown back one last time, and the mist streamed over her, cloaking her in a swirling series of translucent streaks, faster and faster until all she could see was white.  She gasped, as a new rhythm joined the others.  

Iɴᴛᴇʀᴇsᴛɪɴɢ.

The rain returned, but Eshonai didn't feel it.  

The first sensation Kelsier felt was warmth.  It was relaxing, like sitting by a good fire with a mug of something hot and a fuzzy blanket.  There were other sensations, like the dampness of whatever he was lying on, the smell of stone after a rain shower, the sound of his breathing, and grit sitting uncomfortably near his eyes, but the warmth was what he felt first.  

It was a moment or two before it dawned on Kelsier that the Cognitive Realm had neither grit nor dampness.  As an experiment, to make sure he wasn't dreaming or hallucinating or insane, he opened his eyes, got up, and started dancing around.  

The sky was a blue he'd never seen before, the sun was far overhead with no mist in sight, and as far as the eye could see there was nothing but stony plateaus, but he was definitely breathing actual air, dancing on actual stone, and the space around him was filled with actual swirls of maroon mistcloak.  

So excited was Kelsier that he didn't feel anything was wrong with the mistcloak's color for another few moments, moments he filled with dancing and jumping and just enjoying the feeling of being alive. When he did take a second to think about the mistcloak, it distracted from his jumping and dancing such that he stubbed a toe on an inconsiderately-placed rock.  

With that, Kelsier was no longer alone.  

Later, Kelsier would wonder if this was how Marsh had felt, when Ruin took control of his brother's body using the Inquisitor spikes.  He was no longer in control of the two arms, two legs and pair of eyes he'd been using a second ago.  In the heat of the moment, he just tried to scream, partially in horror, partially in frustration. Freedom was so close, he could smell it, but something else was in control of the body he'd been using.  

Eshonai screamed.  

There was pain, but that wasn't why she screamed.  The pain was nothing compared to a wound or giving birth, so the pain was hardly worth screaming over.  Her form was different, but that wasn't why she screamed.  She'd switched forms many times, and although this one was new, it was not horrifying or sickening enough to warrant screaming either.  

Eshonai was not alone, and that was why she screamed.  

That whatever was with her screamed as well was just convenient.  

Eventually, Eshonai stopped screaming.  

Silence hung for a moment, before a familiar voice broke it.  

Well, that was not the best first impression I've ever made.  

Unlike before, this voice did not echo in her ears.  Instead, it seemed to come from inside her head.  

Can we start again?  I think we should start again.  I'll just start again.  

The voice didn't have any particular rhythm to it, which made the strange sensation even more strange.  In fact, the voice sounded almost human.  

Good, um, afternoon?  I think it's afternoon.  It's hard to tell when you can't turn your eyes.  Good afternoon.  My name's Kelsier, what's yours?

“I am called Eshonai.”

Nice to meet you Eshonai.  So, what's your problem?

“Problem?”

Most people I wind up around have a problem.  Neither Spook nor Vin had parents worth the rust on a counterfeit boxing.  The Lord Ruler created systematic racism, and had a face in dire need of a fist.    Dockson was in deep, passionate love with boring lists.  Fuzz was trying to preserve the existence of life in general.  Marsh wanted to free the skaa.  The Ire coveted the soul of a god.  Breeze was too lazy to get his own wine.  All problems.  What's yours?

“I...  My people are dying.”

Silence reigned in Eshonai's head for a moment.

Well, that's not the worst problem I've ever heard.  Dying's bad, but it's something that can generally be avoided if you put your mind to it.  

The obvious truth hung in Eshonai's mind for another beat before “Kelsier” continued.  

Tell me more about your people, perhaps I can help.  

Eshonai took a deep breath.  She'd sat down on the edge of a chasm and told the voice in her head named Kelsier about the Listeners and their plight.  Rhythms had echoed off the barren stones, blending together as earlier beats ran into later ones. Remembrance, Mourning and brief bursts of Irritation had mingled with Loss and Tension as the story unfolded.  How they were slowly losing the war they'd started to avoid losing themselves, and how desperation was driving them to risk summoning their gods anyway, just to survive.

Silence settled as the echoes died.  Realization crept in like a cremling after a crumb.  

Venli had tried to get her to bond with an Angerspren.  If that was what was necessary to attain Stormform, Eshonai wanted no part in it. She hummed to Resolve, to try and bring back certainty she didn't feel.  Hopes had been pinned on that form.  

Hmm.  So if I understand correctly, bonding with little miss red and lightningy would have transformed you into “Stormform”.  So what did bonding with me do?

Eshonai hummed Curiosity.  That was true.  This certainly didn't feel like any form she'd been before.

She stood up experimentally.  

Hair swished as she moved.  It was long, longer than nimbleform's, but with strands fused and woven together like strips of cloth, down to her ankles.  She was light, she could tell that much.  Less so than in nimbleform, but nowhere near as bulky as Warform or Workform. She felt an urge to attune Joy and leap about, but a smarting toe made her think twice about indulging it.

What really stood out, though, was a warm feeling from one of the tendrils of hair.  She picked it up in hands whose marbling was only just perceptible, if she looked.  A fragment of crystal was lodged there, probably a piece of the gem that held the Angerspren.  

The rhythm of Betrayal tried to bubble up, but Curiosity overrode it.  The violet stone was glowing with Stormlight.  

Ooh.  

Eshonai breathed in, and did something.  She had no word to describe it, much how a blind person would have no word for blue. Whatever something was, it felt right.  

Faint blue lines lit up across her vision, pointing down and away.  

Rust.  You're a mistborn.  

To Be Continued (hopefully). 

[13luecloud]

Good Hugs - Seungkwan

Title:  Good Hugs

Member: Seungkwan

Genre: Fluff with slight angst, manager!reader au, platonic!au

Summary: Good hugs are the best for sad kids, and in this case for sad Boo Seungkwan.

Word count: 676

Notes [!!]: 

This drabble is in relation to the recent rumor with SEVENTEEN, targetting with Seungkwan especially. 

Protect Seungkwan at all costs! He is too precious for this world filled with harshness.

PS: I’m also delighted to say that I finished this in one setting, which is not often the case with my writing. I believe that that itself is an achievement. :D 

          You marched your way to their practice room and pushed the door open. “Hey guys, I read the–!” you stopped, surprised to only see your reflection on the mirror across. The boys weren’t here. They normally stayed up beyond midnight for rehearsals, but probably not tonight.

           You had thought so until you spotted Seungkwan. He had his head leaning on the adjacent wall as he sat in the far left corner, slacked in a low hunch while scrolling through the contents his phone. His natural positive radiance shined dimly. He must’ve noticed you because before long he looked up and met your staring pupils. “Oh, noona,” it was difficult to miss the melancholy in his voice. The reason? More or less that stuck up rumor, you’d bet.

           It was long understood that the internet can be unforgiving, but sometimes they unreasonably were. Many news outlets promote the spread of rumors and the netizens bite, attacking celebrities, armed with nasty comments and dug up regretful history. Whether the information was factual or not did not matter–the implied truth did. Everyone becomes blind with what they believe was done. May the accused be innocent or guilty they were the antagonists of their issues. And although these fires will die out eventually, the damage had been done when they do.

           As one of the boys’ managers, your heart sank in distress and your brows furrowed in ineffable anger at how the boys were wronged. Everyone who had worked with Seventeen was well aware of how dearly the team treasured their fans. They worked hard–planned their albums thoughtfully, sang until their throats dried, and danced until their muscles sored–all because they passionately wanted to repay the endless loving support they received from CARATs. But someone dared to tint smudge on the beautiful relationship both parties shared in the eyes of the public. Despicable, really.

          “Seungkwan-ah,” you gently sang his name and approached the boy. You settled yourself beside him, your legs crossing and your fingers fiddling with each other. Silence took over while you mused for fitting words to say. With the situation as it was now, it seemed stupid to ask if he was alright because, sure enough, the issue bugged him more than it bothered you. It pained him more than it ached you. Turning your head to his direction, you noted that he was still focused on his phone. “Hey,” you cooed at last, “You shouldn’t be browsing the internet right now, you know.”

           Seungkwan sluggishly nodded and weakly lowered his hands. “I know noona.” His eyes did not glint well, jaded as his shoulders slumped against the wall.

           You shifted in position to face him, spreading your arms wide. “Do you want a hug? Noona gives good hugs.”

           He slowly glanced your direction and declined. “It’s alright noona, I’m okay,” although he smiled, it appeared forced. It was forced.

           “No you’re not. Your drained expression and body give you away. Now come on, I promise noona has good hugs for sad kids.”

           Hesitation flashed in his eyes, but before long Seungkwan dived into your embrace, burying his head on your shoulder as he tightly clung on to your body like a whining child on his loving mother. Your arms wrapped around him, one of your hands caressing his burdened back while the other brushed his hair. Soon your sleeve became damped with his flooding tears. “That’s it, let everything out,” you encouraged him, patting him as you gently swayed in place.

           “It felt so hurtful noona,” he whimpered, “They–they were all against us. T-They bashed me, the m-members–everyone...! It hurts me so much noona!” Seungkwan’s hold tightened and he wept his stress on and on.

           You didn’t bother shushing him like anyone would’ve probably done. Instead you gave him your undivided attention and listened attentively. Not even the risk of the possible misunderstandings swayed your resolution. He needed this. He needed comfort badly and you knew that. And you were glad you were here to give him a good hug.

#SeungkwanProtectionSquad #SeventeenProtectionSquad

[kentuckywrites]

Let There Be Blood

Knowing the Blood Lobster is still on the loose, Pongo makes another chance encounter and puts an end to it, once and for all, and with @eienias20 ‘s Jaynix and @killerdraco ‘s Draco bearing witness.

“Tyrant hunting eh? Sounds like fun!”

Jaynix flashed a smirk towards Draco, whose gaze remained focused on the comm device in his gloved hands. She had found him searching the mission board for potential work and was about to do the same herself, but working with the highly recognized Squad Dad seemed like a much better option. She was itching to get out into the field, and what better way to busy herself than with a tyrant?

Draco lifted his head, tilting it in her direction. “I wouldn’t call it fun...but either way, this tyrant has been crushing base camps left and right, and the Harriers are having a hard time taking it down.”

Jaynix crossed her arms over her chest, still giving him a confident yet curious smirk. “Good thing I bumped into you then. I’m always up for tyrant bashing!”

“The more, the merrier,” He responded, placing his comm device in his back pocket. Adjusting his shades ever so slightly, Draco stepped away from the mission board, and Jaynix began to walk alongside him, feeling the sheath of her longsword hit her back with every step she took.

“So the tyrant we’re fighting...what is it?”

“It goes by Luciel, the Eternal. It’s a millesaur that roams Primordia, and according to the recent updates, it’s been getting closer and closer to the city, and it even destroyed a few base camps around the area.”

“Damn,” Jaynix said with a small frown, “Good thing you’ve got me then, huh? Would’ve been hell to try and take down alone.”

He chuckled as they walked out of the East Gate and into the grassy continent of Primordia. The stars shone bright, with hardly a cloud in sight to obstruct their radiance. Jaynix found herself wondering how Alexa was doing. She knew she had work in the Industrial District tonight, but she wondered if there was a chance that they could go stargazing one night. Mira’s night sky never ceased to amaze her, and she knew that seeing them reflected in Alexa’s irises would be a dream come true.

They walked along the dirt road, passing by one of the base camps. The BLADEs stationed there were sitting on top of their rover, chatting over their midnight snacks, and as they passed by Jaynix returned their wave.

“Do you think I should’ve brought my rover along?” She decided to make conversation with Draco as they moved quickly past the tiny shoreline to their right.

He shook his head. “No need. Our target isn’t too far away.”

“Good to know. Then...we’ll be able to take it, just the two of us.”

“I hope so. Aevi and Zack busy with Curator work, I know. They discovered a new flower the other day that’s supposed to contain healing properties. They were thinking of using it in personal patches, but they’ve got more research to do before any decisions are made.”

“I remember Aevi telling me about that!”

Draco smiled softly as they left the base camp behind, continuing further into the continent as the moons shone down upon them. Jaynix’s eyes closed as she thought about how close their team had gotten over the past few months. The five of them, one big happy family. Her. Draco. Aevi. Zack. Pongo.

...Pongo.

“Hey, Draco?” She stopped walking as her fellow Interceptor’s name popped into her head. “Have you seen Pongo in a while?”

Noticing that she had stopped walking, Draco did the same, and turned around to face her with a small scowl. “You know...I haven’t seen him for a few weeks, actually. But he’s probably been busy with work, just as we all have.”

“Hmm.” She looked off to her left, where the plains stretched out for as far as the eye could see. In the night, there weren’t many indigens to be seen, but she knew that some of them - the Ictuses especially - were on the prowl, using the darkness as their cover. Her mind flashed back for a moment to the mission in Oblivia with Zack, Aevi and Pongo - and she shuddered. She had healed almost completely, but it didn’t stop her from thinking of how terrified Pongo had been, how he had charged in despite his fear because she was hurt…

But since then? She hadn’t seen him. He hadn’t even visited her in the MMC when she was recovering. And now there was a large part of Jaynix that wondered if there was a reason he hadn’t come to check on her. There had to be a reason that Pongo hadn’t spoken to Draco at all. There had to be.

“I’m worried.” She told him.

“Draco cast a glance off to his right side, taking a deep breath. “...Me too.”

Suddenly, a swift breeze flooded in from the west, pushing against the fabric of their clothes and pushing their hair every which way. Draco’s mouth opened as his light brown hair drifted in front of his shades, and with his shoulders tense, he addressed Jaynix with a darker tone.

“Something’s wrong. I don’t know what, but I know something’s wrong.”

Jaynix took a wild guess, knowing that sometimes, he got this sense for people close to him. “Pongo?”

Draco took a deep breath. “I think so.”

~~~ Tired.

Pongo was tired. Every fiber of his being was being dragged down by fatigue, and there was nothing his coffee could do to help him. This fatigue was not physical, he knew, but rather it was emotional. Everything that had happened over the past few weeks had taken its toll on his mind, and he could only find peace in the quiet of the night. No missions to get to, no people to talk to. Only the night sky, the rippling waves on the coastline, and him.

The stars were beautiful. They reflected upon the ocean waves, their images disrupted only by the occasional ripple. The air was crisp and clean, the smell of salt water in the breeze. His hair blew into his face and fell back into place moments later, and he grinned to himself, enjoying this quiet time to himself. His mind wandered to strange places, asking questions he couldn't answer - but he didn't want answers. He only wanted peace.

But one thought, reoccurring, haunted Pongo's conscience. Where is Justin now? He was aware that he shouldn't care, he should just move on and forget the man who had betrayed him - but he couldn't. Ever since that night outside the barracks, he couldn't forget the feeling of Justin's lips on his, how nice his light brown hair felt in his fingers. The strange feeling of desire emitting from the Blood Lobster as he pushed Pongo against the wall...

Pongo's eyes closed as he forced himself to think of something else. But no matter how hard he tried...

"Lovely night, isn't it?"

Pongo could swear that he could hear Justin's voice in the back of his mind. But one quick glance to his right told him that it wasn't his imagination. There stood Justin Wright, the Blood Lobster, the man that Pongo had considered his first true love. He found his hand clenching into a fist as he turned to face him, a dark scowl on his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but Justin beat him to it.

"Didn't expect to see me so soon, I'm guessing. But I couldn't stay away."

"What do you want?" Pongo tried to keep his voice calm, but deep down he was doing everything in his power not to lash out at him.

Justin gave him a sickening smile. Gods, how Pongo hated that smile. He used to find innocence in it. How could he have been such a damn fool?! "It's simple, really. You made me realize something. The story of the hero and the villain is one that can be interpreted many ways. My interpretation, my belief, was that the hero had to kill the villain for a happy ending. You were the hero, I was your villain, and yet...you didn't kill me."

That stupid decision. Pongo grit his teeth, reliving the events from inside the Ganglion Antropolis. The pointed guns, the tears streaming down his face -

No. He wouldn’t let himself fall down the same hole again.

Justin continued, “But there’s another path. One that doesn’t involve killing. One that will satisfy the both of us. What if we both forgive and forget, and live together happily? Isn’t that what you want?”

Pongo stared at Justin with a burning hatred, but mixed with his feelings of hope he began to look more and more lost. The crevices of his eyes burned with unborn tears and his knees shook as a breeze swept through the area. The scent of sona herb cologne hit his nose and he cringed, taking a step back.

“This story could have an even happier ending,” Justin said with a determined smirk, “We could both have our happily ever after - together. I know I want this. I know you want this. Just say yes.”

Pongo couldn't help himself. As his mind raced with possibilities, tears streamed down his cheeks, his vision went blurry and his heart beat at a thousand miles an hour. He was experiencing the night at the Ganglion Antropolis, the night outside the barracks, all over again. He knew that if this continued, he would be left broken again. He didn't want to be weak. He wanted to be strong, he wanted to do the right thing, he didn’t want to be this helpless husk of a human being.

So when his hands moved to grab his dual guns, Pongo didn’t stop himself. Slowly, surely, he pointed both of them at Justin, whose copper eyes widen with shock. “Wait...no, you wouldn’t. You couldn’t do it at the Antropolis, you won’t do it now. You’re not strong enough. You wouldn’t. You couldn’t.”

“You have no right to tell me what I can and cannot do,” Pongo told him, his voice rising slightly. “You made me believe that you were a good person. You made me fall in love with you. And I hate these feelings I still have. I want this story to end. I want to put us both out of our misery.”

“But I’m finally seeing things clearly!” Justin cried out to him, “I’m sorry for everything I’ve done! I just wanted to be happy!”

“And killing innocent people, threatening an entire city, that made you happy.” He growled.

“It did! Past tense! Please, my hero, forgive me!” Justin sounded more desperate with every word he spoke. “Please…”

Pongo’s eyes closed. He couldn't let this facade deceive him - how could he trust Justin, after everything he did to him?! To the city?! But he couldn’t bring himself to kill him - he had never killed anyone willingly before, even in the war against the Ganglion. There had to be some alternative, some way to cheat the system, some way to find peace -

But there was only one option that he knew would work.

“Justin...I loved you.”

A faint spark appeared in Justin’s eyes. “See? We can -”

He was interrupted by a bullet piercing his skull. Choking on his own words, his body collapses into a heap on the ground, blue fluids pouring out of the wound. Pongo opened his eyes again, and they were indigo.

“Past tense.”

~~~

When Jaynix and Draco heard the gunshot, they knew exactly where to look. They ran to the strip of beach right outside the East Gate, where they had passed by moments before. At first, Jaynix could only see one figure, but as they grew closer, she spotted a human body, sprawled out on the ground with blood covering the grass. He wasn’t alive, not anymore.

“What the…” Draco whispered, staring at the scene in utter shock.

The dark figure turned to face them, and in the darkness of the night, Jaynix could only pick out the unmistakable, pupiless indigo eyes that belonged to one of her best friends.

Pongo gave them a tired smile.

“It is over.”