#but i'll just leave a sneak peak and see if anyone's interested

[halfagone]

Hey, @im-totally-not-an-alien-2? >:3 I love you, and your giga brain.

Damian despised commercial planes. His siblings might tease and taunt him for his preferences, mocking him for being too 'high and mighty' to be amongst the 'common folk'. What is wrong that Damian simply wished not to be pestered by wailing children? Of course, more often than not, he bought first class tickets, but the point still stood.

Another aspect Damian disliked about commercial planes? The unnecessarily long waiting times. In the half an hour, hour-plus that it took to load everything necessary to satisfy the entire plane's passengers, Damian could have already been in the air if he had simply taken their family's private plane.

But Damian had been trying to put more effort into his civilian life. Although he had not taken up the position as CEO of Wayne Enterprises quite yet, he had been preparing for the position. Which also meant, unfortunately, that he had to fly out from time to time to speak with international stakeholders and investors.

That was all well and good. That is, until, his flight had been delayed 14 hours due to poor weather conditions. This is what happens when you do business in December, apparently.

So here Damian was. Stuck in Paris, France, in the thick of the Christmas holiday season. Now he needed a hotel room for the night.

When Damian came across the first hotel that would suit his needs and musts, he found that the place was rather busy. Thankfully the woman at the counter spoke some English, and Damian himself had adequate French skills, so they managed to communicate well enough.

Well enough that Damian knew there was only one room left. The hostess had told Damian this at the same time the other hostess, working beside Damian's own, had told the other customer that there was only one room left.

Damian traded a look with the other customer. A young man, roughly the same age as Damian himself. He didn't look any more pleased at the development than Damian was.

"Do you think any other hotels would have open rooms?" The other young man asked the hostess in French, Damian was able to translate.

The hostess shook her head with a wince. "I am sorry, sir, but I do not think there are." The young man groaned, quite loudly, burying his face in his hands.

"Fuck Christmas," the young man muttered to himself in English, with a crisp American accent. Damian hadn't even realized from America.

"Has your flight been delayed as well?" Damian asked the other young man in the same unfortunate predicament. "If you do not have any issues with it, we can always share the room. I only need to stay here for one more night."

Damian was not usually in the habit of helping random strangers, but if his career as Robin had taught him anything, it was that he could not simply ignore another person in need the same way he might have once been able to.

The young man glanced over at Damian skeptically. "My flight's been delayed for the night as well," he informed Damian. Then, he worried his bottom lip, and said, "Fine, we can split the room for the night. I'll split the cost, to make it fair."

The young man went back to the hostesses and communicated this decision to them, making them clap and beam brightly, saying, "Wonderful. Truly a Christmas gift, oh-" The woman hesitated upon seeing the pair's pained grimaces at the remark. "Please have a good night."

After paying, the two took up their luggages and headed for the elevator to their now shared hotel room. Once inside the elevator, Damian expected to be faced with an awkward, uncomfortable silence, only for the other young man to introduce himself, "I'm Danny. You?"

"Damian," he replied, a little short. Danny didn't seem all that bothered by it, however, simply nodding and returning to wait for the doors to open.

This was going to be a long night, Damian already suspected.

A night made longer by one fact.

There was only one bed.

~To Be Continued~

DeadSerious au but its one of those Christmas romcoms where one hates Christmas and the other shows them the true meaning of Christmas as they fall in love.

Except they both hate Christmas and they bond over it and fall in love while the batfam tries and fails to get them into the holiday spirit.

[kingbuffy]

Apologies for the shortness but I'm excited to finish my fic, and I feel like a sneak peak will help motivate me. The angsty Nero fic is in the works and I've got most of the story planned out at this point. Instead of chapter by chapter I'm planning on making it one loooong oneshot. Please enjoy!

_

Nero has always had an….interesting view of Sparda. Growing up on Fortuna, he too once believed that the Legendary Dark Knight was more god than demon, here to protect his worshipers and punish all evil. It wasn’t until he realized that the many adults in his life growing up considered Nero to be that very evil that his viewpoint began to skew from his peers. What did it mean to be human? And why was Sparda different from other demons? Why was Nero different from other humans? Father Herodes always said Nero had been blessed to carry a great burden, to constantly fight against his nature and be forced to purify his sins for the rest of his natural life. An honor to Sparda, Father had said.

Fuckofffuckofffuckoff

He shook his head, breaking his gaze from the stained glass effigy of Sparda he had been staring at the entire time Michael had been talking.

“You're sure it's a demon?”

Michael stopped his rant, pausing to consider Nero's question. 

“Well…we're not actually sure. Reports say it's very elusive, which isn't common for demons.”

Dante's proof of that.

“It seems like it has some intelligence, but doesn't seem like a higher demon, but the carnage it leaves is…concerning.” Nero raised a brow.

“Possession?” He suggested. Michael grimaced, clearly uncomfortable with that idea, as if Nero is anymore comfortable with it either. Perhaps the man just believes Nero to be used to such things. Which…yeah…he can see why he would think so.

“Perhaps, but we can't be sure. It seems less like it's hunting and more like it's searching for something, merely attacking anything or anyone in its way.” 

Nero barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes, he wished Michael would cease the dramatics and let him get to work already. 

“Sounds like possession to me, not sure what's so different about this one.”

Michael visibly swallowed, and his old eyes were grave. It was as if his thirteen years as a grunt for the Order had finally caught up to him, and Nero knew at that moment what exactly kind of thing they was dealing with. He knew, but he longed for Michael to say anything else.

“Normally I would agree but…this thing doesn't hold the shape of a human like a possessed person does,” his gaze turned to the intricate Sparda effigy that had held Nero's attention earlier. “It looks and acts like a hybrid, and it's been skulking around Headquarters, Fortuna Castle, the old Fortuna orphanage.” 

“...the old orphanage? Why?”

Michael avoided Nero's eyes, “I was hoping you would know more than anyone.”

Nero sneered, his thinly veiled disgust hiding the dread churning in his gut. “Right, of course, because the Angel of Death would smell the blood in the water right? You bastards are so predictable.” 

Guilt flashed in Michael’s expression but Nero had already turned away. 

“No! I-”

“Save it for confession Mike, send me the details before Saturday. I'll take the job.” And with that Nero threw up the two finger salute and shut the doors to the chapel on his way out none too gently.

Dammit.

This is the last thing he needs. From keeping Devil May Cry in business, to helping to repair the damage to Redgrave, to maintaining his life on Fortuna, Nero's feeling a little stretched thin without a blast from his past coming in and mucking it up. On top of all that, the return of his father and uncle from Hell has thrown him off his already shaky equilibrium. He does not want to unpack his relationship with either of them let alone his relationship with himself. The Order may not be what it once was, but it still manages to fuck up what little peace he has. 

Damn hybrids. Damn the Order. Damn Sparda.

[mystargirl-interlude]

Part one ^

Track Two: mean - Taylor swift . A&w part 2

Pairing. Billy Hargrove x OC

Word count : 1.8k

When I finally got to my class after receiving a school tour by a kid I can't bother to remember the name of I walk in a take a quick scan of the classroom and students and notice the same guy from earlier, the one from earlier with the mullet.

I try to sneak past the teacher when his back is turned,

I notice that the only chair left is one next to mullet guy. As I walk towards him I notice him straighten up out of the corner of my eye. I sit down and pay no attention to him only seeing him look at me out of the corner of my eye.

The teacher turns around and I see him scan the classroom and land on me

"Ah! New student" I hear him say and I begin to internally cringe when hear what he says next

"Have you been to this school before? You seem to look very familiar"

"Sorry no, I just moved here from Russia"

He stares at me a bit longer but im grateful he let it go.

I can feel Mullet guys eyes on me but an thankfully saved by the bell but not from him approaching me in the hallway

"Alexandra right?" He asks me as I back up on the lockers

" yeah, um I'm sorry did we meet?"

"No, no, we crossed paths briefly In the office. Im billy" he says radiating confidence

"cool" I reply pursing my lips not knowing what else to say

"Im just gonna...." I say walking away quickly

"Wait!" He says sprinting to catch up with me

I stop and turn around already fed up with him and it shows on my face

I stay silent wanting to hate him but finding funny how persistent he is

"How about I take you to the movies tonight? What do you say, 7 a'clock?

I'm ashamed to say I actually thought about it until I heard laughing by the lockers and saw who I assumed were Billy's friends laughing looking at us.

Everything I was feeling in that moment 3 seconds ago has faded.

I stare at him and scoff walking away not daring to look back at him but as I turn the corner I can see him slightly and see him with his mouth gaping and his friends no longer laughing.

I assume they are like this because no one has ever rejected him. hard to believe anyone would since he's the best looking thing that has probably come into this town in the vast 4 years

I'm not gonna lie it felt good to humble him but that feeling was in the back of my mind. But he's the man that peaks in high school and never moves on. That's what mean kids are . Someday I'll be living in a big old city and all he's ever gonna be is mean.

After school

me and my grandma decided since we are in America and in a basically all English to speak a mix of English and Russian just to help my grandma get more familiar with the language.

"Sasha, before you came I went into Chicago for a bit and I found this ice rink. It's only one subway from the big city" she says

"Wait, really? I didn't think there was any around here" I replied partially thinking out loud

Tomorrow is a half day since it's a pep rally which I have no interest watching

"Do you mind if I go tomorrow? Just to check it out because tomorrow is a half day and I have nothing to do?" I ask

"Yes. Go ahead."

Her replies are very straight forward since she doesn't know many other words but I don't mind

The next day

There is this small friend group that I have been talking to recently I mean it's technically just two people but I am talking to someone else who isn't in the "group" but their names are Steve and Robin and the one that isn't the group is Nancy.

When I first walk in I'm met with Nancy by the doors waiting for me

"Hey! Sooooo are you excited for your first American pep rally today??" She asks

"Actually first pep rally ever, I didn't even know they existed"

"Omg that makes it even better !!"

"I'm probably not gonna stay for it though, I'm planning to leave early cause I have errands to run later" I reply

"Come on, it's your first pep rally, here I'll make you a deal , if you don't like the first ten minutes of it then you can leave ." She reasons

"Fine" I reply slightly smiling

We had this conversation while walking to our first period which we both have together so when the conversation ends we reach our class and walk in .

Class goes smoothly along with my classes with Robin and Steve. Time passes and comes the pep rally one of the American teen necessity's as so I've been told. We enter the gym and see the stands filled with students and the floor filled with basket ball players and snobby cheerleaders.

We begin walking up the stands looking for a seat, we eventually find a little section with enough room for the three of four of us. Once I sit down my eyes gravitate towards billy and I guess his did too cause we made eye contact and I swear I have never looked away faster.

The pep rally started with the band playing music and the cheerleaders dancing along to it while the basket ball players stand back. I could still feel Billy's eyes on me the entire time. Steve told me that he is in basketball and Robin told me that she was in band so I was slightly confused as to why they weren't in this pep rally but I didn't pay much attention to that thought.

I have surprisingly made it through almost the entire game without leaving so that's a plus.

As I was watching I noticed the billy took the ball from a player on the opposing team and it felt like he was dribbling the ball for forever but eventually he made his way around the player and threw the ball into the net cheering as he made it. We all began clapping as he made the last shot of the game but I quickly stopped as I noticed he looked my way winking and pointing at me almost as if he was saying "this one is for you" as if we were in some cheesy rom com. Yuck. But all the girls around me were blushing and giggling so I assume it was for one of them

"holy fucking shit, did you see that!" Robin screeches in my ear shaking me while Steve and Nancy laugh

I roll my eyes playfully shoving her in a joking matter

"You can convince us that wasn't for you" Nancy says

"Why would it be for me? I've spoken two words to him??"

"Yeah and those words were rejecting him after asking you out" Steve replied

"It's probably nothing" I brush off

But thank god that's when the pep rally ends and the band plays some sort of music as we all exit and most leave for the day but I stayed back despite saying I was going to leave early. I went to the girls locker room with Nancy to chance into my skating clothes which is just athletic sports bra and leggings.

Me and Nancy enter the locker room expecting no one to be in there since we have assumed everyone has left besides the ones that participated in the pep rally.

"Sooo are you exciting to explore more of America today" Nancy says to me while helping me do my hair

"I mean kinda? I guess I'm just more excited to get back on the ice-" as I was saying that I was cut off my shuffling coming from one of the stalls and whisper shouting

Me and Nancy look at each other confused and I bend down to look under the stall to see if I can spot feet and I see a pair of men's sneakers and one of rainbow flip flops and messily painted toenails.

I cover my mouth to prevent my laugh and look up at a confused Nancy and I silently telling tell her  to get down on the floor to see what I seeing.

When she sees them she looks at me and we burst out laughing no longer trying to be quiet. We quickly stand up

"Out of all places to fuck why the girls locker room??" I say purposely loud on our way out to make sure whoever was in there heard me as we make our way to the ice rink

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

Billy's pov:

After the pep rally this random girl I've never seen before comes up to me batting her non existent eyelashes. She hands me this crumpled up piece of paper and walks away attempting to sway her hips.

I open the paper and it says "meet me in the girls locker room in ten minutes" I debate wether or not I want to torcher myself more but I couldn't bring myself to care cause she's just one more notch on my belt.

I walk into the locker room looking around and I feel someone dragging me into a stall and she gets down to business very fast..

As we were doing our business I guess I heard two people walk in talking, then I heard the accent that can be recognized anywhere and that pris Nancy wheeler

“So why is your name Alexandra but you go by Sasha?” I hear Nancy ask

“It’s like how some people’s names are William but go by billy, it’s so much shorter than saying al- ex- an- dra.”

“Ohh okay”

And then they continue their conversation but then I remember the position I’m in with- Emma? I think her name was but I couldn’t care but the fact that the girl I’m trying to get just walked in while I’m getting blown messed the the mood and I think Emma noticed cause she started going faster which just pissed me off so I tried pushing her off and she started whisper screaming at me while I started at her and then I heard Sasha and Nancy get quiet for a second which made me think they heard us because of how fucking loud Emma was.

Emma kept rambling and then I heard laughing which shut her up real fast and as I was about to exit the stall I heard Sasha’s voice say “out of all the places to fuck why the girls locker room?” And then their laughter fade out.

Well..

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

Y’all this took so much longer than it should’ve. I was supposed to be medicated for adhd but I wasn’t so obviously I couldn’t focus and kept getting distracted but I finished about 900 words in a day which is shocking but anyway I hope you enjoyed it and stream boygenius also this isn’t proof read so sorry for misspells 🤞

[inklessletter]

Hi there! It's Vane (or Bane) speaking, thank you for coming by. I'm in my thirties, I'm from Spain (English is not my native language, so if you see something odd, you know the reason now), I've got the laziest dog in the world and I'm currently hyperfixating on Stranger Things, especifically on steddie, so most of my posts will be about that, even though the original intention was it to be more generic. Joke's on me. I should just cut the crap and just use an ST icon, I'm not fooling anyone, I'm in love now.

I've been drawing since I was a little girl, but I've had some sort of traumatic experiences showing my stuff online lately, and I'm trying to make peace with that, so I made this blog with the intention to actually be bolder and share the few things I do. I expected it to be more drawings than fics, but I guess I keep surprising myself, so, yeah, I'll embrace the change. I've realized that writing fics is healing my soul in ways I've not expecting, so, you know, I'm kind of my own target audience, but if you like what I do, feel free to comment or share my posts, or to engage in a converstion about common interests, my asks are always open. I'm always happy to meet new people and I'm glad to interact with anyone.

Above all, this blog is a hate free space. We are all here to have fun and respect each other, so, if by any chance there's someone who doesn't like what is posted here, I politely invite them to just leave. Keep the hate away, please and thank you.

Also, I must say that I'm not aiming to post +18 stuff, but I am also not aiming to stop reblogging things for adult if I feel like it, so, you must be warned about this. This means, that at some point I could post NSFW, always specifically writing down a warning, even in the masterlist. By the way, I must ask minors to not interact if in such posts or else you will be immediately blocked. This goes for blank accounts and accounts that might be suspiscious to me, too.

I feel the need to please ask people to NOT post my pictures as their own (reblogging the post is always welcome, but reposting is NOT), and if you want to use any of my drawings, please ask for permission first to know how to use it correctly. Respect the artist, please.

That being said, I'm going to proceed to make a MASTERLIST of my posts (I'm fascinated with all the talent in this site, I keep reblogging amazing things and then I'm having trouble finding my own stuff). Most of my works are on AO3 so, please, read the tags there if you want!

Fanfics

Faith, should I take a leap? [oneshot - steddie]

Back when I was living (for the hope of it all) [oneshot - steddie]

I think I've seen this film before (and I didn't like the ending) [oneshot - light ronance]

Is it chill that you're in my head ('cause I know that is delicate) [oneshot - steddie]

Laughing on a park bench thinking to myself (hey, isn't this easy?) [oneshot - steddie]

It's a love story (baby, just say yes) [chapter 4/6 - steddie] ONGOING

You drew stars (around my scars) [oneshot - mike w. & steve h.] Bonus scene!

All I can say is it was enchanting (to meet you) [oneshot - steddie]

Fanarts

Steve Harrington B&W [digital art - FINAL]

Steve Harrington B&W [digital art - WIP]

Eddie Munson B&W [digital art - WIP]

Robin Buckley [digital art - WIP]

Steve Harrington Scoops Ahoy! [digital art - FINAL]

Steve Harrington Scoops Ahoy! [digital art - WIP + LINEART]

You're dangerous, Harrington [lineart color final]

It was very metal, what you did. That's all I'm saying [digital art]

Are you real? [sneak peak lineart grayscale final]

I'm not sure if you're mine, or if I'm yours [sneak peak lineart grayscale final]

Harder, Munson [sneak peak lineart final]

Is this shit recording yet? [digital art - FINAL]

I will keep updating this list. Thank you very much, and I hope you have a great day!

(By the way, if you haven't guessed yet, yes, I'm a swiftie, too).

Love,

Vane

[selfobsessed-godcomplexed]

Did the dopamine wear off?

[Rick Sanchez x GN! Reader]

A/N: this is just a sneak peak and/or rough draft to a series I'll be writing. It's nothing good, just what's off the top of my head. This just sorta focuses more solely on reader and their feelings rather than actual rick and reader action, sorry. Idk what to do with this lol.

"Did the dopamine wear off yet?"

Rick simply groans in response. As if even processing the question was a daunting task. Neither of you were the type for love. He seen it as a pathetic concept of human emotion. You both knew it wasn't real. Yet both of you felt something with each other that neither have felt with anyone before. Something that not even the two smartest people in the universe could explain.

You heard the swishing of Rick's portal gun and next thing you knew; he was gone. You sigh. Standing in the middle of his garage, looking out the opened door into the quiet night.

You didn't care. Why would you? It doesn't matter if he loves you or not. You had better things to do than worry about what that asshole thought of you. You're practically a god, his presence in your life has no benefit. He wasn't anything special.

It didn't matter what you two felt for each other. In the end, this love was simply nothing but a dopamine high. It wasn't real. You were smart enough to know the truth. No matter how much you wanted your relationship with rick to mean something, it most likely never will.

You weren't the type to love, at all. You never loved anyone. Aside from maybe a small exception to them. But they were gone, so it doesn't matter. Despite being a human, or an empty shell of what use to be human, you had no interest nor tolerance for human emotions. You've dated people before, but it was all pure lust. Love was out of the question for anyone.

You were the smartest person in the universe, maybe even more than rick by a few standards. And yet, you can't explain these feelings you have. You couldn't understand why rick, of all people, made you question yourself. Why him? Why is it only him? What's so special about this self-obsessed, god complexed alcholic scientist?

Ever since they died, you've lived your life in solitude since you were 25. Yet no matter how much you wanted to be alone you couldn't ever really get rid of rick. And you despised it. You despised him. Everything you ever did was to spite him. You hated this man with all your heart, but despite his genius; he sure couldn't take a fucking hint.

At first it was nothing. You met him during a birding man festival. You had only stopped by to see what was going on. After all you weren't completely void on the concept of fun and happiness back then. He had offered you a smoke of some illegal drug he had on his person alongside one of the bird people, to which you of course accept. But Rick had taken an interest to you and it infuriated you. He wouldn't leave you alone. The festival had been fun and all but you had no intention to have anyone in your life. Then suddenly everywhere you went he was there. You couldn't get rid of him no matter how hard you tried.

You never considered him a friend. But in the end he was all you truly ever had.

You wouldn't call what you and Rick have now a relationship. There was intimacy, but you knew you didn't have what it took to love. But you never could truly understand your feelings for him. This feeling, that only he could make you feel, was so surreal. You could even say it scared you. Why couldn't you explain it? It didn't make sense.

Even if it were love, rick surely no longer felt it. He use to be so attached to you. He'd hold you tight as if he'd lose you the second he let go. He was cynical, narcissistic. Yet he valued you over anything. He wasn't one for emotions, but he didn't need to admit anything for you to know. It didn't take a genius to realize that whatever it was we felt, was more real than ever.

But it all changed. He did everything to avoid you. He treated your questions as if they were too much of a daunting task to answer. He pushed off everything you've tried to talk to him about. Everything you have to say is met with an eye roll and a huff. As if every word that came out of your mouth was pure nonsense. He treated you like you were some futile idiot whom he pitied. He treated you like you were nothing. After everything you've been through together.

And it made you wonder...

Had the dopamine finally worn off?

[lazarettta]

Misthios V

Pairing (Mother Miranda x Spartan!Reader)

Rating (T)

Word Count (1.9k)

Warning (Language)

You spend your morning with Alcina and her daughters while Miranda deals with Karl and Village business.

By the time the sun had begun to peak over the mountains you'd already made yourself at home on one of the balconies of the castle with a woven basket full of croissants and mason jar full of freshly squeezed orange juice. You'd been snooping in the kitchen looking for a snack when you found the partially hidden side door. It was shielded by produce crates and bags of potatoes—you guessed it was an old service door or something, and it was probably what the help around the castle used to sneak around the castle grounds while their Mistress sleeps.

You certainly did. You took a trip to town on a whim and you were bored. You didn't have anything on you in terms of currency but you weren't one to rely on some currency to get you by as there was always a favor or two to be traded. New era, same tricks and it never failed you once. Most of the village was still asleep when you strolled through but the few farmers you saw tending to their stocks gave you less than friendly looks but you didn't take any offense. You were new and places like this didn't take too kindly to a new face, especially a young new face.

Hell, the woman in the bakery shop by the church wasn't very fond of you either until you revealed that you understood every word that she said. She turned into a different person and suddenly you weren't much of a stranger anymore, by her standards anyway.

By the time you found your way back to castle Dimitrescu, you had bruised knuckles, a basket full of goodies you probably shouldn't be eating and a decent knife now warming the holster in your boot. It wasn't tactical or as balanced as you liked but you felt a hell of a lot better with it than you did a few hours ago without it.

You had no idea who's bedroom you'd invaded to get to the balcony though you didn't really care, you saw a plush chair that was only just covered in ice and the cushions were only just a little wet, shockingly.

And that is exactly how Alcina found you, and she wasn't alone. Trailing behind her bundled up even more than you with the hood pulled up over her blonde head was a young woman with eyes that matched Alcina's. Curious that she didn't get her mother's height though—she was probably around your height, give or take.

“You missed breakfast, dear.”

“Didn't think you'd send a hunting party for me,” you smiled but in truth you hadn't realized how much time had passed since you got back to the castle. Between stuffing your face full of bread you hadn't really had in years and well, yeah, you definitely lost track of time. Thankfully there were still a few pastries left in the basket for you to offer to Alcina and who you assumed to be one of her daughters.

The girl's eyes hadn't left you since she first saw you—you knew when you were being studied but for the moment, you were too tired to actually care but not tired enough to drop your guard with these people.

Alcina waved away your offering as she took a seat in the other chair, obviously as unbothered by it's less than ideal conditions as you were but her daughter graciously scooped up a buttered croissant before leaning against the rail, her back to the gorgeous view behind her. She was probably used to seeing it and you certainly weren't a stranger to such joys either but you never really grew bored of them.

“(Y/n), this is Bela, my eldest daughter. Also my successor should anything ever happen to me.”

“Mother, stop it. Nothing will ever happen to you.” You watched as Bela ducked her head, but she wasn't blushing, she turned to you, pushing the hood back from her face slightly but she didn't say anything.

Alcina pulled her cigar holder from somewhere on her dress she was currently wearing, and pointed down at the basket sitting on the small table between you three, “It's not safe to roam around on these roads at night.”

You shrugged, “I can take care of myself, Lady Dimitrescu. A few wolves don't really scare me.”

“There are far worse things out there than death, (Y/n).”

You scoffed, laughing a bit much to the dismay and surprise of the Lady and her daughter, “I've been around long enough to know how true and wise that statement is, but I'm far too old to be scared by it anymore.”

Bela looked at you curiously, “But you don't look a day over thirty, (Y/n).”

You bit back another laugh, picking at the pastry still sitting on the napkin on your thigh. Well. You weren't going to be getting any answers if you didn't give any yourself. “Who do you think Miranda got her skin care treatment from?”

You looked up when the other two balcony occupants were quiet for too long and you realized that they were both staring at you with equally unreadable but different expressions. Though Alcina's hat always made it impossible for you, or anyone else, to gauge her moods and reactions.

“What?”

“You're being serious?” Bela asked, both of her eyebrows disappearing beneath her loose hair.

“Yeah, seriously. I met Miranda back when she was ruling her first kingdom. She thought I was a fucking Viking for the longest time.” Miranda is going to murder you and find a way to make it permanent.

“You're joking. Mother, the mortal is joking...isn't she?”

“Mortal?” you finished your breakfast and wiped away the crumbs, “I haven't been called mortal for a very long time, but now that we've all established that no one on this balcony is of average stock...”

“We can really talk.” Alcina finished as you trailed off, taking a very long and heavy drag while giving you another once over, slower this time as if she was going to find the answers to whatever she was wanting to know. She glanced at her daughter and sighed when she saw her starting to tremble a bit.

“Bela go inside and get your sisters.” Alcina said softly but her tone still held no room for argument and you could tell that Bela wanted to protest against her mothers wishes, “Have tea prepared and brought to the study.”

“For everyone?”

Alcina smiled a bit, “Yes, dear, for everyone.”

When Bela was around the corner and well out of earshot, Alcina brought her attention back to you. And you looked back, waiting for her to ask or say what was on her mind.

“What era?”

“The Peloponnesian war. I'm the last living Spartan on Earth.”

Miranda neatly folded away the paper the moment she heard the ceremony doors opening. Miranda sighed heavily when she heard Karl’s mouth down the corridor—the man's need to chatter (and argue) never ceased and Miranda was positive she would be leaving this meeting with a migraine. She'd rather be doing something more productive with her time…working on her own research, cracking you like an egg or maybe even trying a new recipe for a change.

It wasn't long before Karl burst through the doors, his prized hammer resting on his shoulders and a cigar between his teeth and in his other hand was a satchel that was holding something it wasn't designed to carry. The grin he wore grew when his eyes landed on her and Miranda sighed inaudibly behind her mask.

“Well,” he purred, sitting on the bench he normally claimed and set his hammer down next to it, “If it isn't the woman of the hour! How kind of you to meet with me today.”

Miranda didn't care too much for his charming tone—his charisma was impressive but Miranda had never been a true fan of it, and Alcina outright hated him forcing Miranda to often play the role of a mediator every time there was a faction meeting which almost always ended in chaos and bloodshed. Thankfully it was only once or twice out of the month unless it was an emergency.

“Your message said that you have something of importance to show me, Lord Heisenberg, get on with it.”

“Oh, someone's testy today,” he mumbled under his breath but just loud enough for her to catch his words and Miranda's jaw clenched, “As requested, one head of a troublesome villager only searching for his beloved little girl. Maybe do your job and tell that supersized bitch to keep her brats on a leash next time.”

The satchel landed on the floor at Miranda's feet. Miranda's eyes narrowed in his direction, barely glancing at the satchel that narrowly missed touching her, and Karl felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise alarmingly fast, “Do not forget your place here, Heisenberg.”

Karl snarled but he quickly conceded—he's proved himself to be the biggest Alpha in the region time and time again but he wasn't stupid enough to think that he could challenge Miranda evenly. Miranda relented, accepting his surrender but she didn't buy it, she never did.

“All I'm sayin' is that we don't hunt in the village for this very reason—”

“I understand that, Heisenberg. And it's been taken care of. Lady Dimitrescu will see that it never happens again.”

Karl grumbled but thankfully he didn't push, this time, “There's something else too that I think you should know. There's a stranger in the village, probably owns that cute little camp my lycans tore apart a few miles outside of town.”

That caught Miranda's interest though she did not let it show—it wouldn't do to have a man like Karl have even the slightest bit of leverage over her. He was still too useful for her to kill.

“A stranger?”

“Yeah,” he smirked, relighting his cigar and taking a long pull, “Tall, real tall and quite a looker too...I'm here to officially claim her. If she's as tough as she looks, I'll—”

Miranda's wings fluttered when those words left his hairy lips, he didn't have to go into detail for her to know who he was talking about and Miranda felt the edges of her claws trying to grow beneath the veil of her dark wings.

“No.”

“No!?” he sat up quickly, setting both of his feet down on the ground, “What do you mean no?! Aren't those your laws for fresh meat?!”

“Yes, and that woman is off limits. Defy my word, it will not end well for you. If that is all Lord Heisenberg, I will see you this Friday at the faction meeting.”

“You gave her to that zombie in the castle didn't you!” he called after her when Miranda transformed into a flock of birds and left through the rafters.

Karl pulled his hammer to him as he jumped to his feet and he destroyed the bench he was previously sitting on but Miranda was already gone by the time the splinters where she had once stood, “I never get anything nice around here! Always scraps this and scraps that ever since that bitch took over!” he turned and threw his hammer, nearly slicing a pillar in half and he was half transformed before he caught himself.

Karl dusted himself off with one hand while the other brought another cigar from an inside pocket of his oil stained coat and picked up his hammer on the way out of the ceremony room, his temper simmering down. He took one last look at the damage he caused, and smirked.

“Have fun cleaning this up, mother. ” He didn't care what she said, the woman in the village he saw this morning was his game.

[ga-yuu]

~Genjiden 2nd Anniversary General Election!~

With all 13 Male leads and stories from his POV---

This time too, featuring the both Genji brothers fighting for your love---

Also coming with promises---

1st place winner - Baby pictures!! (Most likely it's going to be Yoshitsune....come on he's the face of this game.)

Top 3 male leads - Will feature in a new story event in new clothes!(Please don't let it be the same trio - Yoshitsune, Yoichi, and Shigehira. I do love them, but I do want other characters too.)

1st place winner - Will also get a cuddly pillowcase! (Again, of course it's going to be Yoshitsune....unless, fans like me want to vote for someone else.)

Remaining prizes on the day of the general elections!!

Along with this----

Genjiden radio celebrating the 2nd Anniversary with Akihito and Yoritomo.

KEYTALK boy group will also sing for the 2nd Anniversary Video, which is 'FACTION' from their upcoming release album 'Action!'

Now for the most awaited!!!

Sneak Peak of the stories from his POV----

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Genjiden general election, opening!

A sweet love story spun from his point of view ♪

I was not feeling well. But, when I saw Yoshino, she didn't mean any harm and was really concerned about my health.

(When I first met her, I thought she was a very normal girl.)

Sueharu: "You know, Yoshino. I'm a merchant, so I can't help but want things that have value."

.................

Her hair and eye color which changed still remain showing the sign of her different abilities. The moment I saw this----

Yasuchika: "----Beautiful."

(At first, I was just interested in the 'fox princess'. But now----)

.................

Every night....Yoshino sleeps in my arms. I whisper my love to her.

(You're still the same as when I first met you. Your eyes reflect the purity of your heart.)

Tamamo: "I never thought I'd be so taken by it."

.................

When she came to Kyoto to help with the official duties, I invited her to my room....

Akihito: "----When you're dealing with me, you've got to leave nothing chance."

(You're so straightforward and honest, I feel like I want to be a bit mean to you.)

.................

When she visited my room with the work she had solved, she made a face as if she weren't expecting me to say that---

(The idea that she would be useful to the Shogunate if used well turned into an unexpectedly good find and now it is.)

Kagetoki: "In your own way, you're cute."

.................

She and I came to the lake to cool off. As we stared at the surface of the lake, I remembered something....

(At that time, I would have felt nothing when I saw Yoshino's face like this, but----)

Kurama: "It's no bad to see your blushing face. Makes me want to humiliate you even more."

.................

She caught me simply 'playing' with a human. Then suddenly she started to catch my interest----

(When I first saw her, I thought she was a foolish woman whose worth is just being used and thrown away. But the more I know her, the more she exceeds my expectations.)

Ibuki: "I'm glad that now I have a new toy that's worth breaking."

.................

The kisses that I give her were sweet yet, forceful and she never seems to get tired of it.

(You sound like you're crying. How cute.)

Morinaga: "Again. This time it won't be as painful."

.................

I and her went on a long trip and stayed at the Oyo rooms inn. We were surrounded by gentle moments.

Benkei: "....It's strange, isn't it? In the past no matter how busy I was, I never felt the need to spend time with anyone."

(I'm sure I'm still the same, but.....)

.................

Late at night, when I finished my work and returned home....I was surprised to find someone greeting me.

(Seriously.....why do you have to be so cute?)

Shigehira: ".....I don't think I'll ever win against you."

.................

I was watching her making some kind of medicine. But still, behind my teasing gestures and words, I hid a sweet vow....

(Every time I get to know Yoshino, I fall more and more in love with her.)

Yoichi: "-----You're more troublesome, than any bad enemy."

.................

I quickly pulled her into an empty room. We both play with each other in our own sweet world....

Yoritomo: "Haa....you were like this from the very first time we met. You never gave in that time, and you still never give in now."

(That's what I got interested in, but----)

Yoritomo: "....I wouldn't have kept her if she hadn't been so good."

.................

As we melt into each other's heat and our bodies becoming one....

(----Our values and upbringing are completely different.)

(You were so bright to me that I thought we would never have a future together....)

Yoshitsune: "I can't let you go any more, because I love you and you love me too....

.................

[kenmasgameboy]

PIPSQUEAK

a kuroo x gangmember!reader

summary;

" you like to cause a bit of trouble, pipsqueak?"

" pipsqueak? seriously?"

Life for you got turned upside down after your first year at Nekoma high. Realizing it was too dangerous, your parents sent you back to live in Miyagi and attend Karasuno with your old friends. Kuroo Tetsuro, the Police Chiefs son, comes into contact with you in the most unexpected way possible, bringing trouble wherever you both go.

—————————-

Prologue.

      High school was never that interesting to you. Though, you'll admit that it was a good way to help the days pass. You always found different games to help.

At first, games to you meant sneaking out of the house, slashing tires, almost getting arrested, going to parties. You had a bad reputation. You had been mixed up with all the wrong people before at your old school. But now you were going to turn your life around. Even if that means that now games to you would mean studying. Kind of.

         The closest you'd probably get to your new life would be getting in trouble for minor things at school. For example, falling asleep in class was a specialty of yours. Truly, an art form. Waking up to that sweet slap of a ruler against your desk was better than any alarm clock you'd ever hear. The rush in your chest, the heat to your cheeks, the sweaty palms. Incredible. But that is it. You promised your mother that this year you would be making her proud at Karasuno. You wouldn't be hanging out with those "thugs" as she liked to call them. You would keep up, maybe pay attention, and maybe make some more real friends.

       The truth was that school never felt like a real challenge to you. Sure there were plenty of difficult subjects that made you feel stupid but you always kept out of the drama, minded your business, and kept your head down. It was fine. There really was a target on your back now that you were the new girl at school though, and you had adjusted week by week meeting new people and reuniting with some old ones, too. But ultimately you decided the social system just wasn't made for you. There wasn't really a good place for you to fit in, or maybe it just wasn't comparing to the kind of family you made before.

      Today was one of those days where your motivation was at its peak, you were taking good notes. Studied for a quiz, been overly diligent. Then that sweet beautiful sound of the lunch bell rang, you pulled out your food, grabbed your skateboard, and left the classroom in a bit of a hurry. As you were leaving you started to hear a conversation:

      Dude, don't worry, I have it completely handled. Watch...

      "(Y/N)!" Narita, your classmate called for you once you exited the room and into the hallway. He stood next to Ennoshita who looked like he would explode any second. You knew Narita, him and Ennoshita were in Class 4 with you and you really didn't have that many real friends at school but you wouldn't mind calling them that. They were some of the friends you were reunited with from middle school, they were a big comfort to you when you transferred in.

      "Hey, how's it going?" You slowly walked over, trying to find your excuse to leave and take a nap without seeming impolite.

      "Great, good. Thanks, yourself?" Narita answered for him and Ennoshita. He also seemed in a hurry for some reason but was much worse at covering it up.

      "Pretty tired, but uh, for the most part—" You started but your sentence didn't last long.

      "You should come to my party! Uh— Our party. We're having a party it would probably wake you up. It's in Tokyo! I mean—" Narita came in strong.

       "Nice, buddy. You really do got this handled." Was all Ennoshita followed it up with, "Gotta go, see you guys in class."

       "A party?" You laughed a little, just because these guys were anything but the partying type. You started walking and Narita was following you like a hawk, "Don't you guys have volleyball practice or something?"

        "Yeah, of course. But not this Friday night! I mean technically we do but we'll be done at 6:30. Party can start at 7:30." Narita followed up, "All the volleyball guys will be there, too. We have a summer training camp in Tokyo starting on Monday so this is kind of the only day we can get everyone together. We already had our friends from Nekoma invite pretty much everyone they knew."

       "N-Nekoma, huh?" Your smile wavered, "That sounds like it'll be really fun for you guys. Thanks for the invite, but I don't really know anyone on your team. Plus, I can't get to Tokyo by 7:30." You said, declining as well as you could without making your answer too suspicious.

       "Well, yeah about that. Um, by 'it's in Tokyo' what I meant to say was Tokyo guys will be there. They're volleyball players, too, actually." He explained, rubbing the back of his neck and adjusting his satchel, trying his best to act cool and lean against the vending machine you were using.

       "So, it's a Volleyball mixer with you guys and a bunch of guys from Tokyo but it's not in Tokyo? Where is it, then?" You asked for the elaboration, kind of liking this dancing way to get to the point.

        "Yes, well and other schools in Miyagi, too. It's a lot of schools, I mean I'm talking Nekoma, Fukorodani, Aoba Johsai, Johzenji, Date Tech, Shiratorizawa.. maybe.. Inarizaki.. and more.. again maybe. But it's at Kinoshita's house. Which is still kinda far, but it has a pool! His family is loaded and they'll all be gone this weekend." Narita finally got to the point.

        "Sounds like it'll be a good time for you guys. I'm happy for you, sounds like you've made a lot of friends from other schools." You cheers'd your milk to him and started walking again to find a place to eat.

        "No, no. Girls will be there, too. It's kinda the whole point."

        "You really have to work on your pitch." You said plainly.

        "Please, I need your help (Y/N). I was put in charge of getting girls to come to this party." Narita begged, you couldn't help but let out a laugh at his desperation. In all your years of knowing him and being in the same classes you had never seen him talk to a single girl who wasn't in a group project or something related to it.

        "Why you?"

        "It was either me or Tanaka."

        "Oh, then definitely you are the better choice." You agreed, having known just from the previous stories he's told you. "Interesting proposition. I'll think about it."

       "You'll think about it and say yes?" He tried, "Every time I talk to a pretty girl I feel like I'm going to throw up, I can't talk to groups of girls and invite them to a party. But you're likable, more well known now since you're the new girl."

       "First of all, rude that I don't make you want to throw up. I'm pretty, sometimes."

       "Fair."

        "How about, I'll say yes if you tell me who it is you have a crush on, which girl you most want at this party then I'll help out." You offered. Narita thought for a minute as you started eating your lunch.

       "Fine." He nodded, "This is my duty to my boys." Then he leaned into your ear and whispered the name of the prettiest and smartest girl in your class: Ichika Yua. Ichika was going to be a tough sell.

       "Alright. A deals a deal. You've given me a secret and I will do what I can do. How many girls do you need, anyway? Are we going for a 1:1 ratio or..?"

       "No, these guys need a much higher chance I think. Let's try a 4:1 ratio."

       "Yeah, actually you're gonna take what you can get."

       "Yes, ma'am."

        "Now give me the rundown on your team. I don't really know any of them and I need to know for my pitches I have to do this week. And don't think because I'm doing some work means that you can slack off okay. I really only know 2nd-year girls, if you want 3rd year or 1st you have to go to them. You need to try too. Also, will there be alcohol?" You listed off your demands and were straight forward. Narita made a slow nod,

        "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you know any girls from Nekoma who could come?" He asked you the dreaded question.

        Yup, you were originally supposed to spend your high school years at Nekoma High School. When you were entering high school your dad got a job offer in Tokyo, forcing you to move out there after middle school. Then after everything happened, your Mom knew it was too risky to let you live out in Tokyo still and she shipped you back here to go to Karasuno and live in a small apartment by yourself. You have family friends who come to check on you and your parents visit when they can. It's not horrible, at least now you get to come back to streets more familiar.

      "Um, I think the girls I knew from Nekoma aren't exactly the girls you want at a party. Besides, you should just ask your volleyball brethren to ask some girls and pull their weight. Or are they too pretty for you to talk to?" You teased Narita and knocked his head.

      "Hey, girls are girls." Narita held his head from where you knocked it.

      "Sure, if thats the case then the next time you see me I better be seeing some chunks."

     You and Narita continued to eat lunch together that day. Until you realized you only had a limited amount of time left and had to use the bathroom before class so you excused yourself. You skated away around the outside of the courtyard with a bun in your mouth and around some of your other classmates, waving.

        "Dude, uh. Who was that?" A guy with an aggressive appearance walked up to Narita, having walked past a few minutes before but stayed just to gawk.

        "Huh? (Y/N)?" Narita clarified, innocently.

        "(Y/N)... wow. What a beautiful name." Tanaka sighed in simp, "Is she our year?"

        "Yeah, man. She's in my class. You never noticed her before? I'm surprised she was the talk of Karasuno guys for like the whole first week of this year." He laughed. "She is technically new to Karasuno this year. But she's from Miyagi, I've known her since grade school."

        "My babe sensor has been reserved for Kiyoko only recently. Trying to be loyal." He humphed, "You guys a thing?"

       "What? No, no." Narita laughed, "No, we've just been friends for a while. She's helping me get girls to come to the party on Friday."

       Tanaka jumped up with optimism, "Yes! This is going to be the best party of our high school lives!"

       "I hope so." Narita rubbed his neck to try and tame his nerves again.

       "(Y/N).." Tanaka sighed again, "You know who's gonna go nuts when they get a look at her, right?"

       "I know."

———————————-

next

Thank you so much for reading!! Please let me know what you think and keep reading!!

[heartbeatan]

Woman On Top (Chapter 1)

Return to Table of Contents.

Return to Jungkook Fanfictions.

Return to Masterlist.

Chapter 1

"Fuck, Jungkook," you breathed, trying your best to keep your voice no louder than a whisper. Your nails dragged across the vanity surface as you tried to cling to something.

"I know, baby, but someone will hear you," he panted against your skin. Without it being said, he knew exactly what you were trying to imply. His dick had found your sweet spot and he was pounding into you just the way he knew would make you feel insane. He knew you wanted to cry out and let him know how good it felt, the way you would if you two were alone - but you weren't alone. You were in someone else's bedroom, hiding away from a house full of party goers so you could sneak in a quickie. It was something you two loved to do - find a forbidden place to fuck and try to drive each other crazy without getting caught. The secrecy of your relationship, the fact that you shouldn’t be sleeping together at all, and the risk of being caught was something that fuelled you both.

"Ah!" you squeaked out as a particularly strong snap of his hips took your breath away.

"Shhh," he whistled slowly into your ear - you could almost hear the smile behind it as he taunted you with his ability to stay collected. “Look at me," he asked you softly. Your eyes were squeezed shut as you tried to focus on muffling the moan that wanted to escape from you. When you didn’t comply, Jungkook gripped hard on your hips and snapped himself hard and as deep inside you as he could. Your knees buckled from the impact. “Look at me.” This time it wasn’t a question, but a demand. The break from his thrusts gave you a moment to find your sanity, and you opened your eyes to catch his devious gaze through the vanity mirror. His eyes locked on yours, he began to move again. The erotic picture of him fucking into you sent a shiver through your body and threatened your stability once more, but it was too good a picture to turn away from.

Beyond the rhythmic wet noises of his hips meeting your ass, you could hear clearly the conversation between at least two people taking place in the hallway just on the other side of the door. How long had you two been gone? Had people noticed your absence? How long until someone walked through that door and found you bent over a stranger’s furniture?

"We have to hurry," you said. Obediently, Jungkook slid his hand between your legs and began to rub circles around your clit, helping you reach your peak faster.

"Mmm," through pursed lips your voice creaked again. You weren't sure you would be able to keep it together. "I can't, I'm going to come," you pleaded with him a near whole octave higher. His free hand left your hip and he wrapped it around your mouth.

You reached behind and gripped the nape of his neck, grinding your pelvis into his hand while simultaneously still taking his dick until your orgasm finally hit you and spread like a wildfire through your veins. Your body quaked, then stiffened, then quivered, then stiffened again as he rubbed you through it and released any bit of pleasure your body still had to give. His hand still clamped around your mouth restricted your breath which only heightened your release and, fortunately, it also left you unable to generate a scream.

"That's my girl," his lips brushed against your ear as it ended, and your muscles began to relax. You looked up and found smug, satisfied eyes staring back at you while he kissed a short trail down your neck before biting into your shoulder.

The voices on the other side of the door became distant as the guests exited the hall. You made it. Or did you?

“Did they hear us?” you asked.

“No,” he said as he pulled out of you; you winced, sensitive even against the slightest friction. “But we should get back before someone notices.” He began to do up his pants. You weren’t ready to stop, you were greedy for another climax, but he was right.

"You don't want me to finish you off first?" you asked as you pulled the hem of your dress off your waist and back in place above your knees.

"Not right now. Seeing you come is enough to sustain me until we leave."

"Oh, I'm sorry, did you think you were coming over tonight?" you cocked your eyebrow at him through the mirror. 

He looked up at you and chuckled. "You don't want me to?"

"Well, I have been flirting with a very charming man who runs a visual effects company. He seems interested in more than just sex - he wants to take me out to dinner,” you teased as you straightened out your hair.

"I buy you dinner," Jungkook retorted.

“Ordering pizza doesn't count. I'm an old lady now, Jungkook, I need to start looking for a real boyfriend." You winked at him then began to inspect your makeup for any signs that you had just been bent over a vanity. “What's the story with you and your friend you've been chatting with all night?"

He smiled. "Let's see. She loves video games, skateboarding, and Starbucks." He leaned in and gave you a long, hot kiss over your shoulder blade.

"Sounds like your kinda gal," you purred as you turned to face him.

"Meh, she seems nice," he shrugged as he closed the gap between you and pulled firmly on your backside.

You felt a smirk cross your face. His taste in women had certainly changed since the two of you started sleeping together. You were older than him – too old by some people’s standards - but you liked to think you brought a little maturity and perspective to his romantic life, given that you had already lived through your new adult phase. When you first got together, he still had the sexual maturity of a frat boy and would have pursued nearly anything with a pulse that smiled at him. His yearnings were near completely superficial. Today, he's meticulous and looked for depth and connection with women. "She's fucking hot though."

Or maybe not, you thought rolling your eyes.

"But I already know what sexy piece of ass I want to be in tonight. Are you really going to go home with whats-his-face?"

"First of all,” you gave him a little slap on the chest. “I’m a person with an ass, I’m not a piece of an ass.”

He chuckled.

"Secondly, no, I was just teasing you. Besides, he seems a little Victorian in his romantic morals. I feel he would have some colourful names for me if I invited him home right away."

"Ugh. Men!" he scoffed playfully.

"You go first, I'm going to use the bathroom. I'll text you when I leave."

"I'll see you later then." He gave you a quick peck on the lips and a slap on the butt before he snuck out of the room.

You waited an appropriate amount of time before you made your exit and headed towards the bathroom. There was a decent line up of men and women waiting. You had your thighs clamped together trying to contain your come from dripping down your leg, which was bothersome, but at least the long line up gave both you and Jungkook a believable excuse if anyone asked “what took you so long.”

The thought made you grin though… life couldn’t really get much better than this. Here you were at some big-wigs house, networking with the sorts of people you never thought you’d meet, nonetheless share a tax bracket with. You were at the top of your career, the CEO of a sought after production company, no financial worries, still had killer legs and even though you barely had time for yourself nonetheless a real relationship, you had found a hot young man who loved to fuck you with no strings attached. You really were a woman on top… how did you get so lucky?

[neoculturetechxgot7]

Gardenia on the crown - J.J.H

4; dreams of sunshine eyes

pairing: Jung Jaehyun × Reader

genre: angst and the shy touches of fluff

length: around 2,5k words

warnings: mild swearing

// masterlist //

``

Starry flames flicker on the hundreds of candles saturating the ballroom with golden hues, reflecting on expensive pearls and tangling through lace trim and floral paterns. Nobility swirls around the soft notes of violin and piano, men in tailored suits kindly asking for the pale hand of shy princesses, inviting them to a dance that will stain the night with their scent.

You’re standing in middle of it all, fitted flawlessly in the embrace of a young prince's arms and slowly losing your sanity to the sight of his stunning features, iridescent shadows from the crystal chandeliers casting a sparkling galaxy on his skin. His eyes, those that captured your thoughts from the very moment their Egyptian caramel shade dipped into your soul, still have you mesmerized and utterly lost in their enigmatic depths.

He spins you around so gently, cremé gown blooming around your ankles in the heated rhythm and a moment later, you feel his fingertips sear a temptingly slow path around your waist when you step forward.

"You haven't told me your name yet..." A breathless whisper falls from your lips, accompanied by the over-accelerated pound of your heart. The charming stranger who managed to gather all of your attention to the excellence of his dance and the alluring electricity beaming from his entire presence is still hiding behind anonymity. The ache to discover something as simple as his name is swallowing you alive.

"My name is Jung Jaehyun, my lady...”

You wake up suffocated in the cradle of cloud coloured sheets, nightgown clinging low on your decolté and a rushed pulse racing through your veins. Midday sun refracts from the window, brushing peachy shimmer on your skin and a sweet heat around the endless void of the room.

Yet, somehow, your body feels absolutely numb. That night... Your brain is playing the filthiest game by reminding you of it.

Your glance swivels around the intricately decorated wooden furniture in protest to your mind trying to shove more images of that dying dream before your eyes. Sweaty fingers reach up to rub them a little too harsh, leaving you with a shadowed vision of a vortex of colours and a low sigh dips past your lips.

If you only knew that magical night would be your very first meeting with the devil personified, you would've locked yourself in the cozy escape of the underground library, or your room or maybe the kitchens...Hell, even the moldy, freezing dungeons your father caged criminals in would seem like a better option than being in that ballroom, at that time, with him...

Two sharp knocks on the door slice through your self-pity thoughts just as you're about to hop off of the comforting warmth of the bed, naked feet hitting hardwood floor.

"Come in!“ You shout, hands instinctively tugging on the white silk of your tiny sleeping dress to conceal the exposed expanse of your chest.

But the relieving sight of your maid has your limbs going slack as she walks in, a smile on her face that makes some type of jubilation sizzle under your skin.

"My Lady, you're finally awake!" The girl chirps with the lightness of her kind heart and then quickly trods towards your still seated form. "Will you be attending the morning assembly in the dinner hall or would you prefer breakfast in bed?"

At her mention of any kind of...well...social interaction with the arrogant existence of the royals, your body goes limp and fluffy pillows hug your backside as you fall back. The sole idea of seeing Jaehyun again exhausts you. It's barely been a day since you first arrived and his face is plastered everywhere. Even your damn dreams...

The maid presses her lips in an empathetic line before sparing you the most understanding of all glances. Oh, she knows better than anyone how you'd hate to see that man after having spent the entirety of last night listening to a nice, long monologue of unspeakable and profane adjectives to describe your soon-to-be husband.

Sometimes you wonder what level of patience one must hold to be able to withstand your -borderlone hysterical- hate speeches.

"I'll inform his wonderful grace of your absence, my Lady." With that sarcasm dipped remark, the girl pivots on her heels and strides towards the door, blush skirt flowing behind her. "And bring you some breakfast."

"Thank you."

♤

You finish the very rich meal within minutes -the cooks around this place are priceless, a blessing for your tastebuds- and after a little bit of sinking in a puddle of self loath and cursing your failure of a fate, you decide to distract your mind by simply getting lost in the magic of a book. Literature is a hidden paradise for you, poetry, a little heaven.

Back home, you'd always have a book resting by the wooden extend of your nightstand, every night fading between yellowed pages and inked words that took you on a trip to fantasia. Maybe reading something can help now too...right?

No.

Because you're running a dainty finger over the red and black book spines lining every shelf of the grand bookcase only to skim the leather binding of old catalogues and dictionaries. Your eyes frantically scan each and every title in search of the slightest trace of good, classic literature, those pieces that leave you gasping after the very last sentence, but to no avail. Annoyed at the obvious lack of quality writings, you pull one of the many useless books out, trying to check if the one behind it, on the inner lining, is any different.

An hour later there's a sea of stacked books expanding on the floor of your bedroom, over the oak bureau by the window and some even sprawled across your unmade bed, yet nothing seems close to your taste. You found a couple of fairytales, the ones mothers escort their kids with to the sweetness of sleep. Even dug out a little notebook full of scraped poetry, written in midnight ink and infinite pages of dreamy calligraphy. But it didn't really pick at your interest either, so it now lays untouched on your nightstand, keeping company to ruby necklaces and a porcelain vase filled with roses.

Your knees bend over the plush mattress as you take a good seat in the boredom that has already started to define this day. With nothing else to do but stay in your room and stare at the elegant carvings on the walls, your pinky is twitching; sign of the bottled up energy that's currently restricted due to your absolute refusal of meeting eyes with the royals.

If only you weren't this stubborn and lowered that ego, maybe today wouldn't completely go to waste...

Then, something tickles at the back of your head; an idea?

A library. They must have one here, right?

Maybe visiting the palace library will be a convenient option. You can still spent time alone, buried in the wrinkled edges of lettered paper, while also keeping that well needed distance from Jaehyun and his awful family.

But then again, you don't even know how to get there and the so unpleasant possibility of bumping into too familiar faces has your skin coated in a drizzle of coldness.

Even so, your feet subconsciously plant onto polished floor and lead you to the door, expensive golden silk with embroidered morning stars blossoming around your ankles. It takes you no time to step delicately into those pointed heels that clank an air of intimidation with every step, as you -for the umpteenth time- curse every forsaken force in this damned universe for binding you with such a fate.

Having to sneak out of your own royal chamber like a common fugitive simply to enjoy the smallest comfort of reading a book. Pathetic, to say the least.

♤

You find yourself striding down the seemingly endless stretch of a hallway, peach tinted light bouncing of off smooth stone that arches into a high ceiling. Large, curved openings formed the one side and thick marble columns separate them.

It took a lot of wandering around wide halls and visiting two of the many towers of this palace for you to reach this point, the faintest wave of spring heat kissing your neck and cheeks as a reward. Surprisingly enough, you were met with no person you knew, only kindy greeted by maids dressed in creamy beige, a humble smile on their faces. Once, you actually happened to spot -what you thought would be- one of the ladies of the court and her small escort following shortly behind, heavy gowns of cotton and purple satin flowing with her every delicate step. She bore an almost blank expression, lips pressed together in a manner that made you wonder if she disliked this place as much as you did.

Taking a peak outside the enormous windows, you realise you're walking the perimeter of a circular yard, the expanse of its area covered in emerald, neatly cut lawn. A whole lot of people are gathered, small kids playing around with leather balls, servants scurrying to get some random task done and a big group of men standing on the very middle, some carrying weapons of all sorts.

With feet inching closer to the stone edge, your stare rakes their sun bathed faces and thankfully you recognize none. They are all of noble ascent, from what you can tell at that distance, golden threaded crests decorating the corners of their uniforms.

While your eyes fight to grab onto the stitched details, they happen to -so tragically- fall straight onto another pair of breathtaking brown orbs and within a fracture of a heartbeat you're pulling back and hiding behind the column.

Fuck.

Momentarily, the edges of your vision blacken as you suck in hungry inhales, a nice bunch of profanities roaring in your head to mix with the thumping in your ears.

You just can't avoid him, can you?

Shaking your head to get rid of the slight panic possessing it, you slowly slide to the side again, solely to catch another glimpse of Jaehyun. He’s surrounded by a small crowd of men, holding a steady grip on a steel forged sword that's so well polished it seems almost like platinum.

What a sight.

His glove clad fingers tighten as he ducks to an attack stance, raising the light reflective metal in the air as if it's the lightest feather. You notice the absolute perfection in his technique, balanced from the very handle all the way to the sharp tip and can't help but admire how, the next second, it comes down to slice morning breeze and barely scratch Jaehyun's opponent. He's incredibly skilled, every move laced with such precision, and you notice the subtle flames his eyes emit when seizing each chance.

The other is quick to deflect any incoming hits, but still overwhelmed by their lighting speed and strength that eventually goes in for an attack himself. He bringing his own blade up and aims for the prince's chest, leaving you watching with complete devotion to the scene, as he takes a hasty step forward.

Something inside your chest clenches in such an unexplainable manner and time itself dramatically unfolds, each second slower than the previous.

But then, Jaehyun ends the match with a swift and simple dodge to the side, sword simultaneously flying to crash against the side of his opponent's armor with a loud, echoing bang.

He should’ve watched the ribs. Always watch the ribs, you think while gazing the loser gasp in slight pain.

The nobles all around the young prince cheer -much like you do on the inside without realising-, yelling out praises along with a well-deserved applause as he drops his heavy weapon, that sunshine blessed smile making another appearance. His cheekbones literally shimmer with the milky glow of victory, all of that aristocracy putting even the highest of angels to shame. He stands proud and tall, fingers carelessly ruffling auburn strands of auburn hair, their tips dripping sweat but still giving him the look of effortless beauty.

You're about to retreat back to the shadows and run away before your body gets completely enchanted by the spell of his irresistible attractiveness...but that ice in the pit of his gaze cuts straight through your unprotected soul once his head turns.

You're suddenly frozen in place, prematurely surrendered to the way his eyebrows furrow and your expectation is yet another cocky grin and probably another stupid comment meant to irritate you the moment you face him. If it weren't for the starstruck expression plastered on your face, mouth slightly agape, maybe it wouldn't have been this bad but no, that's not the case today.

It's pretty damn obvious you've been watching, pretty damn obvious you've been lurking like a creep and gawking over the impressive ability of fighting he has conquered.

And he's well aware of that fact because those pearly, white teeth get covered by a way too smug and way too annoying smirk, it's curvy edge cutting through your dignity harder than any knife ever could. You note the way his chest heaves from the lightness of a chuckle.

Oh the embarrassment, oh the pain of your intimidating facade being all wrecked down in a split second.

If only never seeing him again was an option...lf only you could stay away from his stupid beauty and bluntly cold demeanor...

"Greetings, my Lady." A honeyed voice suddenly disrupts your desperation, causing your reflexes to stick your back falt against the smooth stone in horror.

Yet when your gaze snaps to the source of those words, you find a curious and somewhat charming a pair of sunshine filled eyes trained on your form. A toothy grin, white and beaming with luxury, is spread across the young man's face, a perfect contrast to his autumn skin.

Taking in a short breath of relief, your royal instincts kick in and you bow respectively at the gentleman, while he moves forward, hands folded behind his back in a kind manner. "Good morning my Lord."

"I'm afraid I do not recognise your face, darling. Are you new around here, perhaps?" He asks and it seems as if heaven lost one of its angels; his whole being radiating a unique kind of divinity as he stands so confidently.

"Oh yes." Your knees bend once more as you quickly introduce yourself, trying to sound as formal as possible, getting over the previous scare. "My name is (Y/N) of the (Y/L/N) dynasty and I'm present here as the rightful betrothed of prince Jaehyun."

His eyelids momentarily shot open after hearing your title, almost in shock, and that smile flashes impossibly brighter before he bends in respect. You feel warm fingers snake behind your own and with an airy pull he places a fragile peck on the back of your palm, as soft as freshly picked petals, to make you shudder.

"I'm so delighted to finally meet your grace. I am prince Heachan, cousin of your beloved."

You internally cringe at that last comment...As if Jaehyun and his wholesome stupidity could ever be loved...

"Nice to meet you too, prince Heachan." Your reply comes with a slight tilt of your head, pleasantly surprised at how well behaved and gentle he looks and acts, despite being a member of that horrible family.

Heachan takes a short look around, as if searching for something, and then aims his friendly glare back at you, this time baring a questioning expression. "And you're here without your escort?"

Your shoulders quickly stiffen, realising you have to explain yourself for carelessly wandering around the palace without a single maid accompanying you, something highly unusual for someone of your importance.

He notices that and chuckles and your heart softens at the way the apples of his cheeks shine with such a dull pink.

"Well, I'm looking for the library and..." Your eyes trail a regretful path down the hem of your dress, feeling a little embarrassed at the words you're about to speak. "I think i got lost..."

The boy laughs again, this time a little louder and more genuinely, one hand propping on his waist, sinking into the bejeweled red velvet of his shirt while the other makes an airy gesture. "This definitely isn't the library, or anywhere close to it, dear."

He extends an inviting palm, eyes glimmering with traces of a blazing summer and the tint of pure gold as he continues. "But I can take you there, if you please."

//

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