#cannot gush enough about her <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[inafieldofdaisies]

Women in Blue / Las Azules (2024–) | Season 1, Episode 3 | Bárbara Mori as María de la Torre

“The truth is, your actions have consequences. You want to lead them? You have to understand that.”

[cashmoneyyysstuff]

Crying bc that could never be me bc I never really had close guy friends when I was young please write a one shot or something of childhood friends y/n and Katsuki of Katsuki being immune to cooties and bringing these tendencies to UA together 😭

eeeee i was secretly hoping someone would ask me to talk about this more tehhehehe here you go ! I didn’t rlly get what you meant with him carrying the cootie thing to high school so i wrote this around your ask a lil, hope you don't mind ! i tried honoring your request as best i can, hope you enjoy !

fem reader, polar opposite’s trope except not POLAR opposite’s cus yn is a little shit on the low, mitsuki favoritism lol, mitsuki and katsuki arguing n bein sassy, katsuki gets embarrassed, mitsuki is mischievous, katsuki calling his mother old, yn calls mitsuki ‘miss’, pure fluff honestly, say it with me CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS TROPE WOHOOOO, mentions of making out n kissing, established relationship, cooties lol, lemme know if i missed sum else <3 !!

katsuki wants to do one of three things right now : dissapear, sink into the floor or die—and the more he hears his old hag babbling on and on to you with a familiar photo album in her lap, the more he's starting to find the all three options tempting.

" oh look, this was at you guys' kindergarten graduation ! you were both soooo small, do you remember that ?! "

he hears his mom gush from the other bigger living room couch she's sitting on with you. it's been 15 minutes since you had come over to his house and the plan was for you guys to hang out, watch a movie and get a make out session in before you leave or preferably have you sleep over.

that was the plan, until his old hag came and fucked it up.

15 minutes since she'd dragged you over to the couch and talked your ear off about whatever the fuck moms talk about and you, being the sweetheart that you are, listened patiently the whole time, chatting and giggling out jokes easily. katsuki really, really doesn't know how you do it but he sure as hell respects you for it.

you'd always insisted on being polite with his mom, something about staying in her good graces after you guys had started dating. katsuki thinks that's extremely stupid because his mom has loved you since that day in elementary school when he'd dragged you over to her, his little hand gripping yours tightly and proudly exclaiming you were the one he was gonna marry. you were sweeter and calmer than he was by far and she was immediatly enamoured with you. katsuki's damn near sure she loves you more than she loves him. that in itself isn't the problem. the problem was that she's been hogging you ever since you walked in the door.

usually, katsuki's fast enough to drag you up to his room before she can get her claws in you, but he wasn't fast enough today and that's how he ended up in his current predicament.

" and this one when you came over for christmas—oh, katsuki begged me to let you stay over, you know ? you cannot believe how loud he can get when he doesn't get his way, started rolling around on the floor n' everything ! "

katsuki feels his ears redden the more he listens to this conversation and he wishes so bad for you guys to just fucking go. he could go to his room and avoid this entire conversation in theory, but he'd rather avoid his mom telling you some other embarrassing stories that you absolutely do not need to know about, so he concedes and tries his best to drown the conversation out, scrolling on his phone.

"ou, i have an adorable picture of katsuki in the bath let me find—"

" DON'T FUCKIN’ SHOW HER THAT, HAG ?! " katsuki shrieks, startling you, his mom looks surprised for no more than a milisecond before shooting him a nasty glare unphased by her son's outburst. "what's got you pipin' up now, brat ?" she asks unimpressed.

katsuki practically zooms over and snatches the album away from his mother's grip, shooting her a glare identical to her own. " i'm gonna burn this in your sleep one of these days, i swear. " he grumbles, trudging off to put the album back on one of the shelves of his living room and ignoring his mom wishing him good luck with that. katsuki feels like he's lost a battle when he hears you giggle quietly when he turns away, no doubt his mother had said something about how he was embarrassed to have you see his baby pictures. he vows to get revenge and thinks the best way to start is by throwing this cursed collection of pictures on an open fire. he decides to just put it back on the shelf for now.

�� what a spoilsport, am i right ?” mitsuki nudges you with her shoulder and you giggle at what katsuki personally finds a horrible joke. to each their own though, or whatever.

katsuki scoffs to himself. he makes his way back to the couch and stands in front of you both, arms crossed.

“you done hoggin’ my girlfriend now or are you gonna keep yappin’ some more ?” mitsuki scoffs at her son’s words, wrapping her arms around your frame and pulling you against her tightly when she sees katsuki’s hand creeping towards you, assuming he'd try to pull you away.

“ i’m sure you can be patient for a little longer, as hard as i know it is for you.” you hear katsuki scoff out an insult under his breath, mitsuki pays it no mind. “besides, yn has been enjoyin’ our conversation so far, haven’t ya sweetie ?” she asks. you, again, being the sweet thing that you are, happily nod with a smile. mitsuki looks up at her son with a smug look, her expression screams “see ?”.

“ she’s only agreein’ cus yer fuckin’ holdin’ her hostage.” katsuki grumbles. he feels his patience dwindling at a pace that should definitely be alarming. he looks at you and feels his heart flutter when you offer him an apologetic smile. his patience returns the slightest bit.

“hostage ? don’t be ridiculous katsuki—” then it’s as if a lightbulb goes off, katsuki can practically see it gleaming above her head and he really doesn’t like it.

“he’s always been like that y’know ? all clingy—you remember that right ?!”the excitement in her voice becomes more prominent when she sees you nod enthusiastically. katsuki has a strange, foreboding feeling about this.

“ i remember he’d constantly want you around holdin’ his hand everywhere. one time—" she pauses as she bursts into giggles that, to katsuki, sound more like witch cackles than anything.

“one time you refused to hold his hand because you got scared he’d get cooties” she chuckles. katsuki feels his stomach drop.

“but he said that wouldn’t happen because he was too strong to get them !”

fuck patience.

katsuki grabs you and stalks off so fast you feel like you’re floating a little bit. he quickly yells out a “we’re goin’ to my room, don’t fuckin’ bother us !” then he’s quickly running up the stairs with you in tow. it’s only when you get to the hallway that leads to his bedroom that he looks back at you. he rolls his eyes when he sees you clearly fighting back a laugh.

“be quiet.”

“i didn’t even say anything yet !” you defend, giggling at the same time. katsuki fights back a smile at the sound.

“yeah, but you were going to and i don’t wanna hear it.” he bites. he squeezes your hand afterwards, telling you it was a joke in his own way. in actuality, katsuki could listen to you talk for hours and hours, days on end without getting bored. you’re being a brat right now though, so he won’t tell you that.

you smile at his back as katsuki drags you along muttering to himself about how he “never should’ve left you with that old witch for so long.”

“i remember that, y’know ? the cootie thing.” you admit jokingly. walking up a little faster you catch up to him and walk side by side. he glances at you from the corner of his eye then looks away and scoffs “of course you do.” he groans.

“ you’re mom didn’t mean to embarrass you, i’m sure.” you try to console him despite still snickering at the memory of his face going beet red after his mom had ‘exposed’ him. “and it was nice to see those pictures. it felt all...nostalgic.” you reminisce about the summer days you’d spent over the years with your katsuki with a smile. remembering the days of adventures and melting ice cream. of waterparks and bandaged covered knees.

katsuki doesn’t make a sound next to you and you think he’s just ignoring you until he speaks again, the scowl on his face threatens to melt away. “that old bat had it out for me the entire time. she’s fuckin’ evil incarnate, just doesn’t show it to you.” he feels prideful when he hears you laugh “that’s mean !” you scold through giggles, but his smirk says he’s seen through you. he comes to a stop and backs you up until your back is against the wall.

“yer laughin’ though. not as much of an angel as you’re pretending to be, are ya ?” he teases, leaning in closer to you until your noses brush. you try to fight back the smile that pulls at your mouth but it doesn’t work and after a moment you’re giggling again. katsuki swears every time you laugh an angel gets its wings. he steals a sloppy kiss to hear the sound again.

your hands play with the hem of his plain black shirt. he’s handsome, too handsome. his outfit consisted of a plain black t-shirt and some sweatpants yet he still looks like a model and it makes you want to kiss him silly, call it revenge for looking so good.

“ i’m not pretending to be anything, definitely not an angel.” you chuckle “unlike you, i’m just being nice.” you stick your tongue at him and he chuckles. rolling his eyes, he scoffs. his warm hands reflexively start running up and down your waist.

“yeah well, that’s cus unlike me your ass gets to go home. you’d be less nice if you were stuck in here like i am.” you playfully roll your eyes at his dramatics

“i doubt that. besides, miss mitsuki likes me !”

“she’ll get mad at you for callin’ her miss again.” you gasp, quickly clasping your hand over your mouth as if his mom would hear you from here. katsuki’s snort makes you snort as well.

“c’mon” he urges after a minute, grabbing at your hand and tugging at it “we’re goin’ to my room.” he mumbles out a “fuckin’ finally” and you laugh.

then you get an idea.

you suddenly rip your hand from his and katsuki immediately stops dead in his tracks to stare back at you like you had just insulted him. you let out a tiny snort at his expression.

“the hell are you doin’ ?”

you clasp your hands behind your back and sigh, even looking down at the floor sadly for extra dramatic effect “we can’t risk it, suki.”

“hah ?” katsuki fully turns to you, slowly starting to grow worried at your sudden shift in attitude. “what’re you talking about ?”

“i mean..if we hold hands..” you slowly look up at him, revealing your shit eating grin “you might get cooties..”

katsuki looks at you for about 15 seconds with an incredulous look on his face and you burst out laughing. he’s definitely one of the most expressive people you’d ever met, so seeing what kind of faces he’ll makes next is always fun.

he walks over, grabs your hand and squeezes hard, as punishment you assume. you yelp through giggles.

you hear him let out a disappointment sigh when he turns his back to you and drags you to his room again. you happily follow along behind him like you’d done for years now.

"i really shouldn't have left you with that old hag for so long." he mutters bitterly. you let out a snort and smile to yourself, content that your plan to mess with your boyfriend ended up being succesful. you perk up when he suddenly huffs out a laugh.

" and anyways, i won't be gettin' any cooties. m'too cool for 'em." you laugh out loud and the way he grips your hand a little tighter tells you you don't need to see his face to know he's proud of that.

"what if i have them ?" you challenge in between snickers.

katsuki scoffs dissaprovingly, you can basically see him rolling his eyes despite his back being to you.

"you don't. only losers get cooties. and as far as i know, you're not a loser." he's a little embarrassed because this is reminding him too much of when you were kids and it makes him cringe. when he'd come up with excuses like him being 'too strong' or 'too cool' to get cooties because he just couldn't admit he simply wanted you close. "yer anythin' but." you hear him mumble.

you walk up next to him with a somewhat shy smile "i'm flattered you think of me that way." you confess.

"don't let it get to your head." katsuki quips. you respond by sticking your tongue at him again. he tries to ignore the loud thumping of his heart but it's not going too smoothly for him. his cheeks slowly redden and he looks away from you again, not before shooting you an eyeroll.

"hope you know you owe me extra cuddle time for wastin' it talkin' to my ma." katsuki adds, changing the subject. you smile up at him in response and offer him a sweet 'mhm !'

his mom may have embarrassed the shit out of him, but he figures it wasn't all bad. he's still deadset on destroying that photo album before she ends up showing you that picture of him in the bath, though. he'll think about a plan later but right now he plans to enjoy his cuddle time with you, cootie free.

[ddejavvu]

imagine reader always trying to make hotch flustered for the fun of it and then one day she is losing a lot of blood and hotch asks her what her type is and she answers with "you" nsjsja (also pre relationship)

(also also I loveeee everything you write for hotch it's always so good !!! and I actually cannot get enough🤭)

MWAH thank you!!! you're so sweet <3

--

You've been told that your comedic side comes out at the wrong times. You're a natural tease, your tongue moving faster than your head to razz whoever you're speaking to. Typically, it all blends together; it's just normal. But with Hotch? He's different.

He's different because he tries not to laugh at your jokes. He tries to keep his composure, thinks that maybe if he just ties his tie tighter that morning, it'll hold his face in a frown and a smile won't be able to escape. No matter how hard he tries to resist amusement, though, you know he feels it.

Perhaps that's why you're so harsh on him. Why you steal a seat next to him on the jet just to peer over his shoulder, asking if he's texting a hot date. Why you knock feet with him under the table, gasping dramatically and asking him if he's trying to play footsie with you. He acts tired of it, sighs and scoffs and grumbles but his cheeks go red every time, and you take it as a win.

What's less of a win is the bullet in your shoulder. It's hard to think about much else now, just the searing pain above your arm that makes you want to chop the limb off completely.

Your knees give out and you crumple to the concrete beneath you while your team moves in. Derek handles the arrest, JJ and Reid keep their weapons trained on the unsub just in case, and Hotch darts to your side.

"Hey," He huffs, tugging your knees out from under you so that you're sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall behind you, "Hey, keep your eyes open, okay? We can fix this, this isn't-" He presses his hand into your wound and you wince, "This isn't as bad as it could be."

"Yeah," You rasp, peering down at your red-stained shirt, "'Coulda been wearing my favorite top."

"Head back," Hotch commands, pointedly ignoring your attempt at a joke, "You're loosing blood fast. What's your type?"

Your head feels fuzzy, but you're not far gone enough to miss that opportunity. You muster a sleazy smile, blinking hazily at him, "Mm, you, boss."

"Shut-!" Hotch scoffs, almost a snort, scrunching his face in a poorly-withheld grin and knocking it against your good shoulder. He takes a moment to laugh, and you're sure the adrenaline coursing through his veins is the only reason you're getting such an open reaction from him.

"Shut up," He musters, a weak smile on his face as he lifts his head again, maintaining steady pressure on your wound, "You can't take anything seriously. You just got shot."

"With Cupid's arrow," You gush, and if you had the strength to lift your arm, you'd cup Aaron's cheek, "Thank you for saving me my sweet prince."

"Don't ever call me that again," Hotch lets out a sound that's somewhere between a groan and a laugh, "Careful, L/N, the medics aren't here yet. If you keep teasing me I might take you down."

"Do it!" You beg, your own laugh wheezy and weak as you manage to grab hold of his tie, "Please, sir, take me!"

[muffinsin]

Hiya, I'm new to the blog but I've loved everything I've read so far! I was wondering if I could request the Dimitrescu daughters (separately) getting saved by a maiden that they thought hated them? Like, maybe a hunter breaks in + smashes a window and the maiden literally carries (or drags) the daughter to safety and refuses to leave their side until they've warmed up.

Maybe the maiden never actually hated the daughters (like a miscommunication/the maiden having a difficult to read expression), or maybe they stopped hating the Dimitrescus a while ago but nobody noticed? Idk, it's up to you, I just think you'd have a fun take on it :3

I went through the anon lists and hopefully I didn't miss any, so if possible can I be sleepy anon? Please and thank you, and have a great day/week!

Hi :)! I’m happy to hear ya like my works :)🙌 Honestly what a cute prompt!

Let’s get into it :) anon name is all yours🙌

Masterlists

Bela

Bela is, a mystery to you

To her, you seem like an enemy. A staff member, yet with a deep hatred towards her

Perhaps, if you weren’t so pretty and cute, perhaps if she didn’t like you in some strange way she is too proud to voice, you would’ve ended up in the basement already

Alas, Bela keeps you safe and only puts you in your place when your work isn’t done properly. She thinks you should consider yourself, lucky

To you, she seems like an uptight boss bent on punishing you for every little mistake

You wonder, what have you done for her to be this obsessed?

She notices every little mistake you make

A true perfectionist, you realize soon enough, and it bothers you to no end

But, unlike her interpretation of you, you don’t hate her. You don’t even really dislike her

She’s just..uptight, a little bitchy, yes. But she’s smart, you’ve come to notice, and quite obviously she is breathtakingly beautiful

Perhaps, if both of your false views and interpretations of one another were out the way, you’d have talked sooner

You would have liked to start a conversation with the supposedly dangerously intelligent and cold eldest daughter of Alcina Dimitrescu

Bela, on the other hand, would have liked getting to know you sooner

Still, she only ever sees false hatred in your eyes that is truly mere curiosity

She has never been all that good at reading people’s emotions

Their intentions? Yes, their facial features? Yes. But still, her books cannot teach her to fully understand humans, people, it seems

It’s a fatal misunderstanding on both your parts, one that this day will clear up, it seems

The day, while not being an ordinary one at all, is not all that unusual to Bela. An uprising, again, though somewhat cute in numbers

Four maidens. Bold, or perhaps only desperate enough, to dare fight back

It’s a pointless fight, a squabble she doesn’t even bother notifying her sisters about

Even with the many knives and utensils scattered around them in the kitchen, the fight seems pointless

That is, until Bela easily dodges a pot that smashes into the fragile window behind her

Immediately, she screams in pain at the cold air rushing in

The three remaining troublemakers spot their opportunity instantly, so it takes less than seconds for the other kitchen windows to be shattered

Bela grits her teeth, one arm wrapped around her protectively, her other hand clutching her sickle

She refuses to tell her sisters. Refuses to allow Mother to hear of this. She can do this! She can’t cause her family trouble. Cassandra would have never let this go on. Daniela would have killed them in seconds. Bela should have never let it come this far, should have prevented the window from breaking..

Throwing herself back into her battle, she strikes one down, but pays the bitter price when two steak knives are sliced and thrust into her thighs

Immediately, she falls, her blood gushing, her limbs aching and as if on fire. The cold immediately finds the large gashes and digs through. The blades of the knives seem icy cold like the terrain outside

She manages to knock one down with her, but as the back of her hooded head hits the windowsill, her vision begins to blur

One more

She tries to call out for Cassandra, hoping, pleading, Mother will hear nothing of this

To her surprise and horror, she finds she can’t reach her sister, too far away for her weakened swarm to detect

She grasps for her weapon, but can’t detect it. Was it lost when she fell? She can’t remember, but tastes her own, foul blood in her mouth

With difficulty, she sees the maiden’s lips moving. She can’t make out what she’s saying, but her expression enough is sufficient to allow her to assume it must be some kind of insult

Pride, cockiness, a human’s downfall

She watches as, seemingly out of nowhere, you stand behind her, bringing Bela’s abandoned sickle down at her neck

It’s messy, and rough, but enough for the woman to drop her weapon and scream. Enough to fall to her knees and enough for Bela to finish her off

Golden, unfocused eyes meet yours. She looks unsure. Worried. Confused. Cold. Hurt. Scared

Never did you think Bela Dimitrescu would feel such things. Never did you think you would truly see a glimpse of humanity in her

But, you have…

You have seen her eyes squint when she laughs with her sisters, seen the faintest hint of a blush and happiness hidden beneath pride when being praised by her mother. You have seen her playful annoyance aimed at her youngest sister

When you close in on her, her first instinct is to lean in. Then, nearly within that same moment, she snarls and pushes herself harder against the cold wall

You hate her. She has no reason to believe you are not part of this attack, or at the very least are now that her weakness is so pathetically displayed

But you don’t approach predatorily

With your hands raised, you gently move closer to her

She watches you closely, her golden eyes watchful even as her body trembles

Slowly, you unwrap the sleeping robe from around you. Is it this late already? Bela hadn’t noticed

The material is thin, but the action shows your intentions nonetheless, and so she allows you to lean into her personal space

A small, quiet gasp passes her lips when you pick her up. Automatically, she sets her hands on your shoulders and wraps the robe tighter around herself

With her vision blurry and the foul taste in her mouth, her bloodied, non functioning legs and aching arms, she doesn’t protest when you keep holding her up and close to you

Your warmth is…comforting

Bela winces a little. She doesn’t want to look up at you, doesn’t want to ruin this perfect moment

After all, when she does look up, what will she see? Hatred? Annoyance? Cockiness?

You pass the fireplace, walk up the stairs

She clings tighter to you, but there are no others in the hallway

All staff members know better than to leave their rooms at nighttime, and even more so in winter, when it is known the residents of castle Dimitrescu are more on edge and easier to irritate

After a little while she notices where you’re taking her- her own room, her safe harbour

She extends an aching arm and closes her fingers around the door knob, helping you open the way inside

She wonders; have you ever been in here? What do you think?

Despite her annoyance, Bela manages to bite down a curse when her cheeks heat up a little

Secretly, perhaps, she wants you to like her room

And like it you do

Bela is every bit the perfectionist you knew she is

But, there is beauty in this

Her shelves are organized neatly. The books placed in them tell you the woman in your arms is fond of just about everything

Information and documentaries of a vast range of topics can be found, from hobbies to animals, to biomes, to sciences

Her bed is made and her nightstand is nearly empty, save for the storybook placed on it

It isn’t opened and sports no mark or so

You assume she hasn’t touched it in a while, but somehow, you correctly guess that it’s meant for the few times her sisters sneak into her room and the story calms their anxious minds

When Bela looks up at you eventually, she gasps quietly at the softness found in your eyes

She stays quiet as you set her down on the bed, doesn’t even wince when you brush aside her hair to have a look at the nasty cut on her head

With the heat of the room, the wounds begin healing slowly

And still, you fuss over her

She hopes you don’t take notice of her dusty pink cheeks and wide eyes when you press your sleeve to her forehead

Your subtle smile tells her differently

Cassandra

She hates you, you’re sure of it

And you hate her, she’s sure

After all, why else would she dump dead, stinking deer in front of your room every single morning?!

Why else would she do this to you and no one else!

Why is she tormenting you? What have you done to her!

After all, why else would you dispose of her beautiful gifts every single morning?

You must hate her!

She feels stupid for gifting you her finest meat every day, but can’t stop, either

Perhaps she can yet woo you, after all

But you dump it off to the kitchens every time! Not even back to her! The kitchens! For common staff!

You must hate her…!

When you pass her in the halls, you do your best to avoid eye contact. Were you looking at her, you would notice her doing the exact same thing

Despite her hatred for you, you are curious about her

She’s beautiful, there’s no question there

With chocolate-coal-brown hair that easily falls down at her shoulders, sometimes curled, at other times straightened, her golden eyes you only sometimes dare gaze upon

She has one lazy eye, and you find it’s the cutest thing in the world. Her features are stunning and you regularly fight yourself to avoid staring at her

At night, at times, you can’t help but wonder what this beauty of a woman would be like curled against you

Her pale, snow-white skin pressed against yours, her face tucked away by your neck, your arms tight around her

Sometimes, you bitterly remind yourself; she would strike. Bite down at your jugular with all her might and drain the life from you

But, perhaps even happily so, you would allow her to

Despite her hatred of you, she has you wrapped around her finger

Despite your hatred of her, you have her wrapped around your finger

A raid at the castle marks the time both your lives are about to change

Raids are, by all means, hardly unusual

While they aren’t everyday happenings, all residents and staff of the castle, even the villagers, know of the foolish men and sometimes women attempting to break into the castle every few weeks or months or so

None are successful, but it seems this never dampens their spirit

But, there is protocol

And so you find yourself hiding in the only room closest to you at the beginning of the raid: the armory

The very armory occupied by Cassandra Dimitrescu

You know protocol, you know to hide in the nearest room, lock it even, and wait it out. Protocol never mentions the case being in which a Dimitrescu sister is near

You hold your breath, but it’s no use. She notices you immediately, and given the current raid at the castle you ought to be happy she doesn’t automatically strike you down

Instead, she holds your gaze for a moment. Your eyes meet a dark gold, more beautiful than anything you have ever seen before

You don’t notice you’re holding your breath until she stretches her arm out, her gloved fingertips pointing towards the back of the room

You understand instantly. A hiding spot, as instructed. Of course

Even as you slide between and behind the large barrels, hide behind the suits of armor standing at the back, you can’t help but keep your eyes lingering on her

Her back is smooth, her hips surprisingly slim

She looks regal, yet lethal in the way her fingers twitch and she grasps the weapon tighter every few seconds

Soon after you’ve slipped into your hiding place and Cassandra started sharpening her weapon- you briefly wonder why it is she stays with you, rather than throw herself into the sure fight happening somewhere in the castle- when you begin hearing shouts ahead

Then, you see them, two men, as they burst into the armory

They’re broad shouldered and sport brown hair and a brown, stubby beard. Thick noses and burst lips adorn their faces. They’re twins, and judged by their clothing, hunters stemming from the village

You hold your breath and shrink against the suits of armor and barrels surrounding you

They sneer at Cassandra, their weapons- two machetes, one each, drawn. They’re wholly focused on her

If they’ve seen you, they pay you no mind at all

Cassandra doesn’t wait for one of them to attack. Instead, you watch as she throws herself into battle

Swarming halfway and masterfully avoiding all incoming attacks from the two intruders, she catches one’s neck with the end of her sickle and reaps chunks of the other man’s clothing and skin from his ribs

You watch as blood forms and drops fast. The man splutters uselessly, stumbling back while the other, though injured, tries to fight back

It becomes clear to you now, why Cassandra is known as the best huntress at castle Dimitrescu

Despite her impressive display, your eyes press shut when the injured man stumbles in your direction

Again, he doesn’t seem to take notice of you, and yet you don’t dare move

Then, a loud bang forces your eyes open and a scream from your lungs

But you are not the only one screaming, and so you are lucky enough to be unnoticed again, for…

Cassandra’s scream was the one outweighing yours, you realise

The woman screams and shakes, her hood torn off to reveal teary eyes and her beautiful, pale skin breaking off slightly

Behind her, you notice the crack in the wall now a large gap. It must have been caused by the explosion you’ve heard

She’s still fighting strong, having finished the already weakened man bleeding out near you

Still, you grit your teeth and watch with wide eyes as the machete of the other connects with her arm. At first, she howls in pain, the noise so desperate and pure you almost cry

Then, the limb falls. You watch as it falls from her and breaks off into what must be hundreds of little flies that curl in on themself as the cold wind touches them

You grit your teeth when the woman stumbles backwards, her back dangerously close to the large gap in the wall. If she was to fall…

The man seems to have the same idea, pushing and swinging his machete around like a madman trying to make her back up into the gap

You decide you can’t bear to stand idle while her fate may be sealed

Slithering from behind the armor and barrels, you yank the other machete from the dead man’s tight grip

In a smooth, albeit difficult swing, the sharp blade meant for monsters connects with the man’s exposed neck, just where Cassandra struck him before

His head tips to the side as he collapses, and you drop the weapon immediately

Cassandra groans and growls madly as you near yourself and push her weak arm wielding the sickle aside

She reminds you a little of an animal with rabies, the way she shakes and growls, and you hope you don’t pay the bitter price for your care

Still, you wrap your arm around her slim hips and pull her towards you, wary of the large piece of broken off wall behind her

She doesn’t fight you, merely keeps on growling and- crying? You can’t be too sure. You didn’t take her for one to cry, but then again, you wince when you nearly step on what used to be her arm

Carefully, you scoop the unmoving flies from the floor and into your pocket

The woman is clearly out of it, her lips parted and sharp, fang-like teeth on display as she snarls and growls over and over again, her screams quiet, but almost banshee like in their shrill tone

You wonder; is she trying to reach her sisters with it? If she is, it’s entirely too quiet and weak of a scream, you decide

You take another gamble and hook your free hand under her legs, promptly lifting the woman into your arms

Again, she snarls and shakes, but makes no move to attack you

That is, if you don’t count her sharp, bloodied nails of her remaining hand digging into your shoulder

And still, you can’t bring yourself to believe this is meant to be an attack

You carry her out the library and the only place you know to be warm; the kitchens near the grand dining room

Cassandra relaxes significantly as you move her to the room, the warm fires and steam warming her sore body

Still, you don’t dare let go of her

When you hold your breath, you realise; she’s almost..purring? That can’t be right

The next thing you realise are the flies, previously unmoving, buzzing in your pocket

You set the woman down on a clear part of the table and retrieve one of them, smiling as it buzzes in your hand

You place a gentle kiss to it, not unaware of the small gasp coming from Cassandra, and release it. Immediately, it returns to the stump where her arm used to be

You repeat the process, kissing flies as they return to her

Cassandra’s thankful for the cold still in her body, for it’s at the very least suppressing her growing blush

You feel her lean against you and cant help but wonder;

Perhaps, she doesn’t hate you

Maybe, you don’t hate her

Daniela

Daniela is almost 100% sure you hate her

You never react to her sly smirks, her cute giggles, the sweet hand resting on your shoulder!

She has tried flirting with you for ages, and nothing!

You’re never rude to her, actually- you’re very kind to her!

You always bring her a flower when your work in the gardens is done

You always braid her hair for her and brush it out after

You make sure her room is clean and her bath is full of bubbles and delicious scents

You always smile when you see her

So why haven’t you kissed her yet!

She doesn’t understand

She’s thrown you so many signs! All she could. But you haven’t acted on a single one

She thinks, you must hate her

And you?

You’re a little…clueless

You like her, so very much

You lie awake at night, your mind occupied by the beautiful, auburn haired woman that regularly visits your dreams and thoughts alike

Sometimes, you dare dream

Could she be yours?

Could you make her happy?

Could she want you?

But is she not with others? So many stare when she passes, you hear the hushed voices either insulting, or praising her

She’s a goddess residing in this castle; what chance have you got?

You try to be close to her, yet never too close

You don’t want to disrespect her, never

You care far too much about her for such a thing

Then, one day, there is an attack

Lycans, they say, a stray pack headed from the village and led by their prey directly to the castle

Of course, the staff is immediately brought and locked away for safety

You are less lucky, having insisted the day prior you’d like to clean out the library

After all, this is where Daniela is known to spend her days…

Now, separated from the other staff members, you have little choice but to stay put

You try your best not to glance at Daniela, who stands with her sickle held tightly. She too heard the alarms, it seems

You grip the fire poker, your eyes still trained on the floor

You wonder; if you looked at her, could you ever advert your eyes again?

It seems, there is little to no time for you to dwell on this thought, for a loud bang and a snarl is all you hear when the door to the library is ripped from its hinges and a furry snout peaks through

Before you have time to react, Daniela grips the lycan already

You watch as she works, no, plays with the wild animal

She spins it and giggles, grips and yanks, breaks and slices

The beast only snarls at her, yet can’t even hope to land even a single claw on her

All goes well, you don’t even think you need to make use of your improvised weapon

Even the snarls and screams from the outside dull. They’re retreating, it seems

Then, however, a gasp is ripped from you when the beast pushes against you. Whether it did it on purpose or was knocked against you, you can’t tell, but you do realise one thing; you’re falling

Hoping to catch yourself, you reach out to grab all within reach

Only, unfortunately, is that a lever

In the next second you feel icy cold wind come down at you and hear the piercing scream of the auburn haired woman next to you

Your hand stretches out, your lips parting as you scream a warning that comes too late

She’s knocked back by the force of the lycan’s gigantic paw swiping at her, thick claws dragging through her dress and soft, pale skin

You feel ill as blood pools at her stomach and the sickle falls from her

She kicks the animal away, yet it looks, and sounds, as though each move only pains her so much more

You realise your own mistake fast and quickly work on shutting the windows again, her scream and your own blood pumping loudly urging you to work faster, faster, faster

When you look to the side, she’s barely sitting up, her bloodied hands and arms desperately shielding herself against the creature

You don’t think, can’t think, won’t take the time to think now

With the fire poker gripped tightly in your hand, you charge

You scream, and it’s met with a pained howl

Thankfully, Daniela must have injured the creature enough for a simple, powerful strike to its heart to finish it off

And still, you feel your uniform slip from you and the nasty, aching pain of the large slashes made at your back

You grit your teeth, ignoring the mark the creature has left on you even as its foulness enters your body

You turn Daniela to find her bloodied and shivering, her flies dropping, her skin seemingly switching between breaking and healing itself

Again, you don’t dare waste time

She watches you through a blurry haze as you wrap your arms around her. She almost tastes your scent

It takes everything not to taste you

She feels her wounds, the pain she has almost forgotten all about. What is pain? This is a nasty reminder

Next she’s lifted to you, her fingertips and face nuzzling your warm skin

You feel her move to you, as close as she could, and all but grant her this

You know now what happened, what you have caused her

And you’re set to fix it. You won’t allow a stupid mistake, an accident, to be it for her

Daniela shivers still as you pick her off the floor and rush through the halls

Yet, all she feels is you. Your warmth. Your heartbeat, loud and close against her ear. She loves every moment of it

She isn’t sure where you bring her at first, until she finds herself set on her bed

When did she get here? She can’t tell. Black dots appear in her vision and her stomach feels slick with blood even as it starts closing up again

You gently cup her cheek, your eyes, so beautiful and worried, checking her over

You notice the little cuts on her face heal and shut nearly instantly, whereas bruises caused by the cold wind stay stubbornly in place

Perhaps, if the cold hurts the woman, the heat could help her, you figure

Daniela whines when you move from her and for a moment you feel your cheeks heat up. Her fingers entangled with yours, her golden eyes wide and hopeful

She doesn’t want you to go. Not now. Even if you hate her

And really?

Neither do you

You only wish to hold her close, to protect the precious creature held so close to you

You wish to cup her face and stroke the soft fingers holding onto yours so sweetly

You want nothing but to nurse her back to health, to know her, really know her

To be here

To make her yours

You watch, the truth laid bare in her eyes. No flirty smiles you don’t understand, no hidden meanings behind words you can’t understand

Her feelings, exposed and shown to you in her bright, golden eyes

You lean down as gentle as you can, and even more so, you press your lips to the flower tattoo adorning her forehead

“I’ll draw you a bath, it will warm you up”, you whisper. Then, you promise:

“I’ll return, iubita mea”

[girlgrouptrash101]

Karina (Aespa) as Your Girlfriend

Requests:

"aespa’s karina as your gf please?"

"Can you do Karina from aespa as a girlfriend please?"

"I would like to request Aespa Karina as your girlfriend 😍"

"hi!! i hope your having a great day and i hope your doing well, can i request aespa’s karina as your gf? thank you~"

"Hello! Can I please request Aespa’s Karina as your girlfriend? Thank you!"

A/N: cannot believe it has been over 2 years since I've written anything lol. so here's a lil something to try get the creative juices flowing again wOO 🤭

- C

when 99% of the relationship is you just staring at karina and wondering how someone can be that beautiful. as you SHOULD

idk why but i feel like karina is the perfect person for the trope where she would make a habit of going to the same coffee shop every day even though she hates coffee,, just because you were the cute barista that worked there

despite her cool and composed aura, she unfortunately had no idea how to talk to you outside of ordering a drink; her brain would just fizzle out whenever she tried to strike up further conversation 🥲

so you had to be the one to take the first step, which took a hot minute because perhaps. miss yoo jimin had a sliiiiiightly threatening aura at first (you quickly learned she was really just a cutie patootie behind that stoic face she tended to wear. teehee)

after gaining enough courage, you ended up asking her out for coffee because you thought hm,, she comes here every day for coffee she must love it!

safe to say it was a little surprising when she responded with a very embarrassed "...i don't even like coffee"

with the tips of her ears flushing red as she had to explain her reasoning behind coming in every day

you decided instead to take her to the carnival that came to town every summer

[insert cliche top of the ferris wheel kiss here]

and every summer since then you've always gone to the carnival together, the two of you running around to go on all the rides like little kids, never getting tired of it even though you do the same thing every time it comes

she's the kind of girl to be super head over heels for you but never admit it until those times where you lay side by side in bed at night, your eyes doing your best to see each other's silhouettes in the dark

her hand coming up to rest on your cheek, thumb gently caressing your face as she reminds you of how much you mean to her

but don't bring it up the morning after unless you wanna get hit with the "idek what you're talking about i would never be so sappy 🤨"

fit checks!!!

refuses to leave the house in said fit unless you send a paragraph in all caps hyping her tf up (it's just what she deserves!)

queen of soft launching your relationship on social media 🥹

like IG stories of flowers you gave her, or your hands intertwined, but nothing too much more than that

because it's her relationship and she doesn't need the world to know about every little thing you two get up to,, that's for her to know and her only

well......... her and the aespa girlies who can't help but smile every time their leader comes home and launches herself face first into her pillow, gushing over how much she likes you and how nice your date was

(which she will NEVER admit happens. she's no softie, okay? okay. yes she is hehehehe)

ningning stealing karina's phone at the dorm and blowing your phone up with memes n sending off guard pics of Karina lol <3

Loves going for walks in the park nearby, no matter the weather or time, especially if there's something on her mind and she just wants to get some fresh air and chat it out with you

lives in your hoodies whether you like it or not, you have no choice cuz girlie just treats your wardrobe as hers

never brings PJs when she's staying at yours as an excuse for you to lend her even more clothes

brings a film camera everywhere,, her favourite thing is when the film fills up and she gets the pictures developed so she can bring them back to you and you can look back over the memories shared together

scrapbooking together !!! will even spend hours in the stationary shop looking for the perfect pen/washi tape to use for it hehe.

Can't stand it but also loves it when you compliment her as often as you do

(but it hurts ur heart a little when you feel she doesn't believe what you say is true, you wish she could feel the same love she has for you for herself too :[ )

so you pledge to always be there to lift her up and be her #1 fan!! in both day to day life and as a My of course

which meanssss first row seats to all the aespa concerts, practice nights, just generally supporting her through thick and thin, and she will no doubt do the same for you!

and that one day you came to an aespa fansign to surprise her 🥹 she had to hold back all the affection she wanted to give you :((((

gaming nights 🤓 and by gaming i mean gardenscapes....... god she's such a lil nerd

anime nights 🤓 her getting all excited when her faves come on screen, smacking you on the leg repeatedly with joy while she explains what's going on (because as much as you enjoy sitting down to watch her favourite shows w her, you really didn't understand half of it LOL)

loooooves late night arcade dates

especially so she can win plushies in the claw machines,,, or rather, you can win them for her (so chivalrous 😁)

her love for claw machine plushies gets so bad that your bed now has a mountain of them stacked up that you have to throw off before bed everyyyyy night omg

not to change the subject but like. Karina's morning cuddles 🥹

or for the mornings where you wake up late, your eyes opening to the sound of her padding back into the bedroom to check on you, a smile creeping onto your face as you feel the bed sink where she sits by your side

and when she leans over to kiss your forehead, her gorgeous locks framing her face while her cute glasses slip down her nose 🥹🥹🥹 IM GONNA CRY

tldr; the softest girl that just wants to be loved the way she loves you 😔

[nat-20s]

I have already gushed about how much Shaun Temple loves and adores Donna Noble but I cannot emphasize enough that I am 100% certain she is JUST as wholly besotted with him!! I know in my heart they are like. An EMBARRASSINGLY lovey couple. I know Donna's like SHAUN!! HEY!!! and he's like YES HON?? and she's like. You have a cute butt :3. Hell it's probably WORSE now that her other special little guy is back and she's not trying to work around an open wound of inexplicable grief. Hope she has flex time at UNIT because she's been repeatedly late due to a impromptu 20 minute snogging session.

[dat-town]

the things we see in souls

Characters: Hyunjae & female reader

Setting & genre: Alchemy of Souls au, fantasy, childhood friends to strangers to lovers

Summary: It’s been 10 years since you last saw Jaehyun. Now seeing him again is like meeting a stranger. But what if his arrogance is only a mask to hide his scars and affection?

Warnings: canon-typical violence, monsters, blood, wounds, scars, Hyunjae is quite cocky, verbal and physical abuse from his father, wording/mannerism is not historically accurate, arrange marriages are a thing here, mutual(?!) pining

Words: 10.5k

Author’s note: spin-off to the things we lose in fire but can be read on its own, even without seeing the kdrama too

@lily-blue a year and half later but here it is. i had just as much fun writing this as the Sunwoo one, so i hope you'll enjoy it too. (also see how it's almost 11k?) wishing you all the best for this year too from the other side of the world! <3

It had already been 10 years since you last saw Jaehyun.

You had both been on the verge of turning from careless playful youngsters to the type of adults your parents had wanted you to be, so he had been taken to the capital of Daeho to be trained to be the best mage of your generation under his uncle’s care while you stayed back in the Seoho Fortress to learn about the medical use of herbs to the best of your abilities.

In your memories he was all mud and carefree laughter, mischievous pranks like pulling on your braided hair but a helping hand when you had to climb over walls too high. You had been kids, all innocent and not knowing better, so why is it that now, finally grown into the young woman your parents could be proud of, you feel childlike excitement just thinking of seeing him again. It must be nostalgia, you tell yourself, it cannot be because of those gossips that had made their way down the sea all the way from the busy city to the forest-nestled town of yours.

Jaehyun had certainly gained a reputation. Son of a trade company owner nobleman and nephew of Seo Yul, Jeongjinrak’s leader. The Seo family from the Seoho Fortress might not have had blue royal blood in their veins but they were relatives of the former Queen, so they were treated as such. Rumors said Jaehyun acted like every bit of a prince, all spoiled and self-confident, even though he hadn’t grown up in a palace. They said that he was handsome and one smile of his could sweep a dozen girls off their feet. They also gushed about him being able to master Chisu, the ability to divide and control particles of water already despite his young age.

It sounded like he had gotten quite a bit of attention and it made you nervous. You could only hope that he would still remember you after all these years, that he would recognize you despite how you shredded your youthful features.

You let out a shaky breath as the carriage crossed the capital city walls and you stuck your head out to see the lively market and the cramped buildings, the ladies walking around in colorful skirts and the jewelleries and sweets sold by elderly at wooden stalls. The sight made you smile and you tried to familiarize yourself with your surroundings, your new home. Soon enough busy roads turned into a path through green forest until you reached the high gates of Songrim. You could practically feel magic crackling in the air as the guards opened the protective doors via a magical key to let the carriage inside the mage district of the town. It was the largest and most powerful mage society of the country led by the Park family and it was an honour that you were chosen as its medical institute’s new apprentice.

“You must be Y/N. Welcome to Sejukwon Infirmary,” Lady Heo greeted you kindly as soon as you got off the carriage and she instructed the staff to take your luggage to your room before she invited you in for a meal. While you listened to her introduce the place to you, you couldn’t help but glance down the bumpy road continuing towards Jeongjinrak and wonder what Jaehyun was doing.

Jaehyun was actually not in Jeongjinrak at the time.

Even though mage scholars were strictly advised to stay inside Songrim and only leave for the city if absolutely necessary, especially after curfew, he had long figured out how to tweak the rules in a way to benefit him. Not to mention, nobody dared to stop him as he was the nephew of Jeongjinrak’s leader. Good thing Seo Yul was busy enough not to check on him too frequently. Otherwise he might have scolded him for sneaking out, not that it would have hindered the guy’s advances much, not unless news of his behaviour reached his father’s ears. But since Seo Yul was his mother’s younger brother, Jaehyun doubted that the man would tell on him, especially not to his father.

So it was more of an open secret that Jaehyun and his friends would make a weekly visit at the Chwisonru Courtesan House to indulge in food that wasn’t brought inside Songrim walls, drink rice wine and entertain the ladies regardless whether they were courtesans or ladies sneaking out just like they did. They were all very much interested in the daily lives of mages even if it wasn’t that exciting, especially since the last of Jinyowon’s escaped monsters had been captured. So maybe Jaehyun made up some stories that earned surprised gasps and impressed wows from the enthusiastic audience. He couldn’t really help it, the urge to stand out, the need to be watched and admired was in his blood. Ever since he was a boy, he had been expected to achieve grand things. Anything less was simply not allowed. Being ordinary would have been a disappointment, a fatherly slap well-earned.

So even if it was all just temporary, his company bought on golden coins, their attention on him only for the thrill and free drinks, it was better than nothing, better than never being good enough. At least the insincere compliments and expensive alcohol on his tongue made him feel less miserable, even if only for a night.

“Is it really true that Kim Sunwoo saved you when the nail-eating mouse was on loose?” One of the girls asked, giggling, clearly having had too much wine with how red her cheeks were and how loose her tongue became. Jaehyun’s hand clenched firmer at the cup in his hands and his mood immediately turned sour as he slowly guided his unimpressed gaze to the silly girl.

“I didn’t need saving. Much less his,” he told her, tasting bitterness in his mouth as his thoughts wandered back to the festival which had turned into chaos due to the shapeshifter monster. If it wasn’t enough that he was apparently no match to the boy born with the Firebird’s energy and his equally annoying priestess sweetheart, rumours about what had happened that night had spread quickly. Way too quickly for his liking even though nobody really confirmed what happened.

“Let’s go. I lost my appetite,” Jaehyun stood up quickly followed by Juyeon and Younghoon without question and he ignored the protests at the table as he left a bag of coins behind.

Outside the night air was still warm from the stuffy day but the cold breeze against his face was welcomed. The journey back to Jeongjinrak would have been much faster with horses but they didn’t bother with them mostly because on foot it was easier to go unnoticed as they slipped in and out through a secret door of the walls around Songrim, their footsteps hidden under the plant litter. They had walked on this route countless times and never got caught, so Jaehyun was taken aback when under the moonlight he heard his name called from the porch of Sejukwon.

“Jaehyun? Is that really you?” The female voice sounded again when he turned towards its source. He briefly glanced at his companions to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating but both Younghoon and Juyeon looked just as bewildered as he felt. He could see Juyeon’s hand move to his sword by his side too as the figure leapt towards them carrying an oil lamp with her.

Jaehyun squinted on instinct when the bright yellow light came closer and prying his eyes open, he saw your flushed face. For a moment, he thought that he must have been dreaming because it couldn’t be you. You were supposed to be miles and miles away. And yet, he would have recognized you anywhere without a doubt. That golden sparkle in your eyes and that cute mole under your eyes. Even if you had grown up, even if it had been a decade since he last saw you, he knew that it was you.

“It’s really you. Good. I thought I was imagining things,” you chuckled in such a carefree manner that for once Jaehyun found it hard to speak up. His chest was burning when he saw that you lifted your hand to curl your fingers around the illuminating medal hung on a silver thread around your own neck, a matching pair to his, hidden under his undershirt. Even without checking, he knew that it was also lighting up, signalling your closeness and suddenly his throat felt dry under your watch.

“Hyung? Who is she?” Juyeon asked tentatively, breaking the silence before it could have stretched too long, his hand still on the handle of his sword and Jaehyun wasn’t sure what to tell. What were you exactly? An old friend? A stranger? A daydream?

He gulped before a smug grin made its way over his lips almost out of habit.

“Probably just another girl obsessed with me,” he shrugged and shared a laugh with his friends before looking back at your stunned figure. He could see the hurt in your eyes then the way it slowly morphed into anger, your hand letting go of the medal, letting it fall against your chest.

“So you really did change,” you hissed, disappointment clear in your voice, before shoving the oil lamp against his chest harsh enough to cause a little pain with the metal digging into his skin. Your eyes looked all gold and fierce from that close, just with the lamp between your bodies and Jaehyun had to remind himself to breathe once you turned on your heels and ran back to the infirmary’s building.

“Woah, you really should be more careful not to anger half of the women population in Daeho,” Younghoon noted while he turned down the path and Jaehyun snorted as his fingers curled around the handle of the lamp.

“What can I say? It’s my charm,” he forced a laugh, following his friend but he couldn’t help but glance backwards, wondering what you were doing in Songrim of all places.

However, soon enough he became occupied with other problems because  his uncle was waiting for him in front of his room when they eventually got back to the Jeongjinrak dorms.

“You got a letter from your father,” Seo Yul handed over a yellowed envelope, the wax of their family seal unbroken in the middle, once Younghoon and Juyeon scurried into their own rooms after polite and apologetic bows.

“Huh, then he didn’t forget I exist?” Jaehyun muttered under his nose as he took the envelope, waiting for his uncle to say something else, maybe to tell them off for breaking the rules but the man just patted him on the shoulder and told him to get a good night's sleep before his footsteps turned down the hallway.

Jaehyun broke the seal and read the letter about his father’s visit once before throwing the paper into fire to burn until nothing remained from his words, nothing but ash.

You didn’t even know who you were more angry at: Jaehyun or yourself.

Sure, you didn’t expect him to welcome you with open arms as if you were still best friends but the way he treated that night felt like a slap. It would have been bad enough if you believed that he really didn’t realize it was you and this was how he treated every girl but you were sure that he recognized you. Otherwise his eyes wouldn’t have zeroed in on that medal you shared, your farewell gift from ten years ago so you would find each other later. It felt naive now, you felt naive and stupid, hoping for something that never stood a chance, something that only existed in your fantasies. But was it really that wrong of you to hope that he also treasured your time together and kept you in his good memories? At least he was still wearing his piece of the twin medals but maybe that didn’t mean anything. Was he perhaps disappointed when he saw you and that’s why he was so quick to deny your past? Gosh, no matter how much you tried to tell yourself that it didn’t matter, that you shouldn’t have cared, Jaehyun’s conflicted face when he saw you kept haunting you.

“Y/N, careful! The potion is boiling,” Lady Heo reminded you and you snapped out of your thoughts to focus on the cauldron of herbs in front of you before it could have overflown and caused serious burns.

“Sorry,” you mumbled, trying to get your footing again, focusing on your tasks instead of letting your thoughts wander off like they had done ever since that accidental encounter with your childhood playmate and partner in trouble.

It certainly didn’t help that apparently Jaehyun was the talk of the town. Whenever you went out to the market, you heard girls’ whisper about Jeongjinrak students, about Jaehyun’s visuals and whether it was true that he kissed girls breathless in one of the upstairs rooms of the courtesan house. You weren’t even jealous, just annoyed because you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing his name and being reminded of how he had treated you.

No wonder you weren’t exactly delighted when you were asked to join the head lady of the institute on her weekly visit to Jeongjinrak with new supplies but you convinced yourself that the chances of meeting Jaehyun would be low. It was just a quick drop by after all and you were supposed to meet only Seo Yul and nobody else. The institute’s leader was older than his nephew and his features were somewhat softer but you could see the resemblance between him and Jaehyun, especially because you had known his sister, Jaehyun’s mother too.

“Y/N. You have grown up nicely,” he smiled at you kindly as he welcomed you even though it hadn’t been so long since you last met back in Seoho Fortress when he had visited.

“Thank you,” you bowed your head politely before helping Lady Heo pack out the supplies from the bag to the storage room where the man accompanied you. You thought that would be it, you certainly didn’t expect him to ask you about his nephew.

“Have you had a chance to meet Jaehyun?”

“Uhm,” you hesitated, fingers freezing around vials of immunity serums. “No. Not yet,” you lied eventually because no matter how angry you were at Jaehyun, you didn't want to get him into unnecessary trouble.

Seo Yul looked like he wanted to say something else like how you had been close as children but eventually he just nodded and let you finish up quickly without mentioning Jaehyun again. It was a relief, really, because you weren’t sure how many questions it would have taken for you to snap.

You certainly felt close to saying something unlady-like when you caught a glance of the guy anyways while leaving the grounds of Jeongjinrak.

He was walking the opposite direction with a few others, their hanboks in different shades of blue sweeping the ground, carrying an air of confidence and magic with them. Some bowed towards you and Lady Heo without stopping and you did the same, although you couldn’t help your gaze from shifting to Jaehyun’s tall and proud form. His hanbok was the darkest of blue, almost like the midnight you met on. It was lined with silver, just like the double swords on his back. In daylight he looked even more handsome with his fair skin, small nose and delicate features. It was unfair how he had grown up to look like a prince and you wondered whether it was part of the reason why he acted so arrogant. The twin medal burned against your skin as your eyes met briefly and you refused to be the first one to look away knowing that he still wore its pair. But Jaehyun’s eyes were dark and emotionless as he walked away. The burning sensation disappeared with him but the heaviness in your chest didn’t ease up.

You certainly didn’t expect him to seek you out on his own after that but apparently Jaehyun was full of surprises. Literally because you had decided to put the stupid necklace into a wooden box inside your bedside table instead of wearing it as a constant reminder of how little your past friendship, you, meant to him. This way the mage could sneak up on you without you noticing his closeness until you turned around and almost dropped the glass jar from your hands. You let out a surprised gasp when taking a step back in order to avoid bumping into him, you stumbled, almost losing your balance, and if it wasn’t for Jaehyun reaching out to hold onto your waist, stabilizing you, you would have surely made a mess. For a moment too long you were frozen in place, his closeness and touch on you rendering you speechless. He really was nothing like the little boy that lived in your memories. His broad shoulders and the secure hold on the small of your back told you stories of countless practice hours and his eyes now lacked the carefree spirit he had as a kid. 

“Let go of me,” you mumbled, both flustered and frustrated, brushing his hand off you with your empty hand. You quickly stepped away and put the jar onto the shelf, busying yourself with checking the others already there. You were just stalling, since you didn’t want to be the one asking Jaehyun why he came. You doubted it was because he felt bad.

“Y/N…” He called your name way too gentle for your heart but you refused to soften so easily.

“Oh, so you do remember me,” you snickered in a mocking tone as you turned towards him but kept your distance. It was just the two of you in the herb room and it was bad enough. Terrible because for the first time since that night encounter two moon phases ago you saw something akin to guilt flash in Jaehyun’s dark eyes before he casted them down but maybe you were just seeing things. “What? Were you embarrassed because of me in front of your new friends? Am I not worthy to be in your circles now?”

“It’s not that,” Jaehyun rolled his eyes but you did not appreciate the gesture.

“What is it then?” You huffed, crossing your arms in front of your chest as if that could be a defensive layer between him and the wild beat of your heart because it wasn’t fair. He wasn’t being fair. He ignored you, he denied knowing you and now here he was refusing to tell you why.

“What are you doing here?” He asked instead, deflecting, as he looked around in the herb room, gingerly touching a bowl of cream you were working on before he showed up. His attitude was seriously pushing your limits.

“Really? Not even a ‘how have you been’?” You scoffed, rolling your eyes. “I should be asking you that because I actually work here. Becoming a healer has always been my dream. Or did you forget that too?”

It felt good, jabbing back at him a bit, trying to make it hurt but it was a losing game because this new Jaehyun was nothing like the boy you once knew.

“Can you stop that?” He snapped, frustration leaking through his words and it made you temporarily content, to be able to trigger an emotion in him. It only egged you on.

“What? Reminding you that you were acting like a shitty friend?”

“We’re not friends anymore,” Jaehyun corrected you sharply, keeping his voice quiet and cold.  It silenced you immediately, leaving the room in a tension so thick you could barely gulp. You tried not to show it but his claim hurt more than you would have thought. Maybe you were indeed the only one who treasured your childhood adventures after all.

“Right,” you whispered, voice barely audible, staring ahead aimlessly. You felt something uncomfortable lodged in your chest, something heavy. “Why are you still wearing the necklace then?”

There was no way for you to know that he actually wore it even now without having yours on but based on Jaehyun’s reaction, the way he blinked rapidly, he did.

“I…” He opened his mouth to answer but then closed it without actually elaborating and suddenly you were really tired of this argument. At the end of the day it didn’t matter whether he wore it for sentimental reasons or out of habit. He clearly didn’t think of your connection as fondly as you thought so, hence it was useless to entertain any idea like that.

“Nevermind,” you sighed, wanting to get over it, wanting him away. “What do you want?”

Jaehyun took a moment too long to answer, seemingly mulling over something, but before you could have sent him away for taking so long, he cleared his throat and pulled his fingers across the wooden edge of the desk by his side, a nervous habit of his that apparently he couldn’t shake off since childhood.

“Do you know about the upcoming lunch between our families?”

“Yes, of course. Why?” You hummed because your parents had promised before you had left Seoho Fortress to visit you soon and your father had mentioned that he would like to meet Jaehyun too, to see what kind of man he had grown up to be. Back then you had been excited, happy for the excuse to see him more, for your families to spend more time together just like in the good old times.

But now that you have talked with the guy and how had been treating you in front of his friends, you weren’t exactly enthusiastic about attending but it wasn’t like you had any other choice. Jaehyun seemed to share the sentiment, albeit you weren’t sure about his reason. Not until he added:

“It’s supposed to be an engagement discussion… about us.”

“What?” The shriek leaving your mouth was definitely louder than what you intended but you couldn’t help it. Even the idea of Jaehyun’s claim was ridiculous. Sure, you were at the age to be married off but your parents never really pressured you. They knew how important your medical journey was to you and they supported you without forcing suitors on you. So what was the sudden change of heart? And with Jaehyun of all people? Was it why they allowed you to move to the capital in the first place? Was it all planned?

“My father will propose uniting our families. Just thought you would like to know,” Jaehyun shrugged as he averted his gaze to the open book on the table, his nonchalant behaviour unnerving you even more so. You circled the table until you were across from him and slammed the book closed, successfully earning his attention.

“How are you so calm about this?” You questioned, eyes boring into his. He looked unfazed, almost bored as if he was talking about the weather but you had noticed how his fingers twitched by his side, how he gulped when you leaned closer.

“It’s just an engagement. A lot of things can happen,” he said and the implication behind his words brought burning shame down your spine because you hated how vaguely and nonchalant he spoke. Did he hope that his parents would change their minds and break it off? You knew his father enough to know that there was no sentimentality in his decision, that it wasn’t about the closeness you have had as children. It was most likely because his father had heard about the new success of your father’s shop’s spice and herb export and as a businessman in trade he saw it beneficial. But business could change as fast as the wind.

It left your chest with a hollow feeling that Jaehyun seemed so unbothered about it.

“Just?” You echoed his voice, hating the way your heart skipped a beat at the thought of getting engaged with him before you realized how little he probably cared. It was almost worse than if he had openly hated the idea. “So what? Will you still go back to your courtesans with a ring on your finger?” You blurted out without thinking, without realizing what it would reveal to Jaehyun. He caught on to it too fast though.

“Are you jealous?” He asked with a teasing lilt in his voice, edged with arrogance and a hint of surprise dancing in his eyes like flames. Looking at him suddenly burnt.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” you muttered in a smaller voice, lowering your eyes.

“Am I?” Jaehyun asked, taunting. He leaned forward, balancing himself over his hands on the table, coming so close that you had no choice but to look him in the eyes. Those dark deep pools devoid of childhood playfulness. The mischief in them now was a little mean, a little too serious. “You had an obvious crush on me when we were fifteen. Shouldn’t you be happy?”

Taken aback, you took a sharp inhale, eyes widening at the realization. You had no idea that he had noticed, that he knew that you had been halfway in love with him when he had left. He never said anything and now you were left wondering whether this was the actual reason why you hadn’t met in the last ten years. The betrayal of it tasted like heartbreak on your tongue but you tried to keep as much of your pride as you could.

“Sure. My fifteen year old self would have happily married her best friend but like you said, we are not even friends anymore, we are practically strangers,” you reminded him as deliberately as you could while pulling away, putting some distance between you, so you wouldn’t feel his closeness burn you even without touching. You really couldn’t tell whether your words meant anything to him at all, even if they did, he didn’t show signs of it. “You should leave.”

To your surprise Jaehyun didn’t argue but of course he had to have the last word.

“See you at the weekend, Y/N,” he said as he straightened his back and you refused to look as he turned his back on you, leaving the room as swiftly as he came almost as if he wasn’t there. He left nothing behind, just the turmoil in your heart.

To say the least, Jaehyun wasn’t exactly looking forward to seeing his father again. No wonder he so rarely visited home despite his mother’s nagging. Time and time again his father reminded him that no matter what he was doing, it could never be enough and while Jaehyun knew that his father’s inferiority complex when it came to his mother’s royal relatives or how he couldn’t get a seat in the Unanimous Assembly wasn’t his problem to solve, its cruelty was still deeply integrated in his bones.

The young mage wore his best clothes made from fine silk material and delicate embroidery, its color the exact blue his mother favoured, as he stepped into the holiday mansion where they were supposed to meet. He schooled his expression into an emotionless facade and raised his chin high up, proud and confident, as he followed the servant to the pavilion where the lunch would be served. He greeted his parents with a deep, polite bow when he reached close enough. He avoided his father’s eyes while his mother rushed up to him, putting a hand onto his cheek asking if training was hard on him.

“It does him good. He cannot get lazy,” his father interjected before Jaehyun could reassure the woman and he eventually reluctantly agreed. He hoped the attention would shift from him to other matters as he sat down but he should have known better; his father couldn’t miss out on berating him. “I heard you mastered Chisu recently. Took you a while. You should try harder.”

Jaehyun gritted his teeth, resisting the urge to remind his father that it was a rare skill to have at his age, that in Jeongjinrak there were only a handful of students who could master it by the end of their studies at all.

“Yes, father,” he muttered, fingers clenching around nothing in his lap under the table.

“You better not embarrass me today in front of Ryu Bookmin. We need their alliance,” the man warned him and Jaehyun gulped. He could practically hear your voice echo in his ears asking whether it was really just an engagement to him. The truth was: it wasn’t even that to his father, it was just business and Jaehyun knew that he could change his mind any moment. It made no sense to think too much into it.

“Yes, father,” he repeated like a diligent son would because that was the least Jaehyun could do. Growing up he had been constantly reminded that if he wasn’t the only son of the family, his father would have long kicked him out for being the disappointment he was. Just because his birth constellation, that had been dusting on a shelf in Cheongbugwan, wasn’t too promising, because it didn’t foresee him living a dazzling future. Since being average was punishable, Jaehyun had learned early on to cheat if he couldn’t get first place without it. Even if his father never once told him that he was proud of him no matter what he achieved.

Jaehyun let out a relieved sigh when your family was announced by a servant, putting an end to his humiliating conversation with his father. He stood up from his chair, eyes kept on the lavish table until he heard your approach.

The pulsating warmth from the necklace he wore was missing this time too just like the last time he had seen you and he hated how much something so insignificant could bother him. Jaehyun lifted his eyes at your figure after greeting your parents politely and his breath got stuck in his throat indeliberately.

Based on your previous encounters he could already tell how nicely you had grown into a young woman, all pretty and lady-like and while he had found an almost sick pleasure in making you blush last time, he hadn’t fully realized just how breathtaking you were. With your pink-lilac hanbok, similar colored ribbon in your hair and lips slightly reddened, you had never looked more beautiful. And yet, a part of Jaehyun liked that version of you that had messy strands of hair out of your braid hanging into your face, cheeks flushed and eyes burning with something fierce when you looked at him angrily. It felt raw and honest and he hoped only he could see you like that. Maybe that’s why he blurted it out, that comment about your old crush on him, something he selfishly hoped you never forgot. He wasn’t even sure why he brought it up. He certainly didn’t plan to, but you were so defensive, so clearly worked up by the idea of getting engaged to him that it just slipped out. He had always liked teasing you after all, even as children, even if this time around it wasn’t that much of a joke.

“Y/N… so lovely to see you!” It was Jaehyun’s father who greeted you first after exchanging a few overly honeyed words with your parents, putting you into the center of attention. “How is work treating you at Lady Heo? If it’s hard, we can put in a word for you. She’s family, you know.” 

What a not so subtle reminder that the Lee family was just as related to the Heo one as the king’s via the Seo blood and she was practically working for one of their own. So typical. Jaehyun tasted bile in the back of his throat.

“That’s exactly why we’re reassured that she’s in good hands,” your father commented all fawning but Jaehyun kept his eyes on you, watching your expressions closely. You never looked his way and he could tell that it was on purpose, probably because of your last conversation. Still, he could see the slight frown on your face behind the forced smile.

“I’m glad to hear that. Maybe we can soon bring our families closer officially too?” His father noted, again not so subtly and both parties chuckled before the food was served to eat.

While the meal itself was quite nice, much nicer than what Jaehyun could get himself at Jeongjinrak or the courtesan house where he frequented, he found it hard to swallow. Based on how little bites you took, maybe you felt the same.

Your parents, mainly your fathers, talked about the journey to the capital, the new trading roads near Seoho Fortress and mentioned both of your studies. They also exchanged opinions on how big of a havoc the monster attacks caused and Jaehyun’s father couldn’t help but blame Songrim’s leader. Despite the neutral topics, Jaehyun could see that your posture was still as rigid as his.

“The world is such a dangerous place,” your mother shuddered when the rise of black market trade for cursed objects was on topic before putting a hand over yours, patting it gently. “It’s a relief that Y/N has an old friend here in Songrim. I remember how keen on Jaehyun had been to protect our daughter even when they were kids. Like that time, when that antique vase was broken, he took all the blame.”

Jaehyun forced himself to smile at the meant-to-be compliment despite clearly remembering the beating he had gotten from his father that day. It had been better that it was him than you.

“I owe up to my mistakes, madam,” he said, his throat scratchy.

“A responsible young man,” your father noted and Jaehyun could see where this was going. Knowing about it beforehand didn’t change much about his ambivert feelings regarding the matter.

“I’m glad you think so, Ryu-nim, because we would be happy to welcome your daughter into our family. We all know how fond of each other these two were as children and now they are both of a marriageable age, so maybe it’s time to let their fondness flourish,” his father got straight to the point in that ridiculous vague language he tended to use in his business meetings too.

“I couldn’t have said it any better. Let’s drink to that,” your father suggested and as the youngest ones at the table, both of you and him hurried to pour rice wine into the elders’ cups as they started talking about your future as if you weren’t even there, as if your opinion didn’t matter. Jaehyun had already known it wouldn’t, however not even him would have guessed that instead of a long engagement or at least waiting until he finished his mage studies, his parents would want to hold the wedding during the next lunar month as it was said to be a lucky one.

Wide eyed, he snapped out of his own surprise when he heard the creaking sound of a chair moving against the floor and he whipped his head towards you.

“Sorry, I don’t feel too well,” you mumbled and Jaehyun could see the tremors in your hands as you smoothed down the hanbok material before bowing and turning around to walk into the garden.

“Aw, she must feel faint from the sudden news. All this excitement, it’s only natural,” your mother chuckled and Jaehyun couldn’t tell whether she really believed it or she just said it so the Lee family wouldn’t think that you were being rude.

He barely hesitated though before excusing himself from the table to follow you. He found you by the pond, out of your parents’ view with a hand over your heaving chest.

“Y/N…” He called your name gently, trying not to startle you but you still looked taken aback when you turned to him, looking him in the eye for the first time that day.

“You heard that, right? They want us to get married next month,” you spoke in disbelief and while Jaehyun himself wasn’t exactly thrilled either, he wasn’t sure which aspect of it bothered you the most. Was it too soon? Or that you had no say in it? Or that it was him?

“Yes, because of the angle of stars or whatever,” he shrugged because he wasn’t in the position to protest, there was nothing he could have done to change his father’s mind. If anybody, his father would have beaten his own ideas into his head.

Jaehyun had always known he could never fully shake off his father’s control over him but keeping his distance and doing his best to avoid his anger, he could almost forget about it. He would have never expected that when the day of marrying him off came, it would be you of all people on the other side of the table. It made it easier to act docile and yet, it was breaking his heart. You deserved so much better.

“We haven’t seen each other in ten years, you say we aren’t even friends, but you’re really okay with this?” You questioned, frustration building up both in your voice and movements. Jaehyun half wished you would hit him, then he might have felt less guilty about dragging you down, into a family where his father would judge and belittle whoever was by his side.

“It’s not like we have that much of a choice now, do we?” He asked, keeping his voice leveled, standing still and rigid even when you pushed at his chest.

“I hate it,” you hissed harshly and helplessly, sounding sad and mad at the same time and Jaehyun let you punch his chest to relieve your frustration. He deserved your hatred. “I hate it because I will live in a mansion like this but I will be miserable because you will hate me for trying to tie you down.”

Oh, you were so wrong.

“I could never hate you,” Jaehyun whispered as he put a hand over your closed fist against his chest and held it close. With his other hand he reached out and tilted your head up by tapping your chin, so he could look into your shiny doe eyes. You were unapologetically honest, so he could be too. “Look, Y/N, if I have to marry somebody my father chooses for me, I’m glad it’s you.”

It was selfish, so selfish and ironic, because he had been running away from this for the last ten years. This was the reason why he never said anything about your all too sweet lingering gaze when you were younger. The reason why he never went back to see you. He could see his father’s influence on himself, he could almost feel it tangible beneath the rebellion and pressure in the way he enjoyed winning over others, in the way his main motivation was his own greed and he was afraid that he would become like him one day. And what he feared the most was treating you of all people like his father had done with the people around him.

Moments passed and you seemed calmer, your breathing stabilizing, your fingers unclenching under his touch, all warm and lovely, and Jaehyun thought that maybe things would be alright.

“It’s not that big of a compliment as you think it is, Jaehyun,” you sighed, pulling your hand away and somehow his heart ached missing your touch. “I don’t want you to accept me since I’m good enough. I want you to choose me.”

You had fully intended to walk away after that, after blurting out what exactly had been bothering you about the whole situation. After baring yourself in front of Jaehyun like that but when he had called your name, of course you had halted your steps like the weak girl you were.

“You should wear the necklace,” he had simply said and it shouldn’t have made your heart flutter. It was just a stupid necklace after all but still, it connected the two of you in a way no engagement could.

And here you were sitting over some prescription medicine you were supposed to work on at Sejukwon but your hand was playing with the medal on the long string around your neck and your mind was swimming in memories of that last afternoon. You had walked back to the pavilion after you had left Jaehyun by the pond, blaming the heat and the tightness of your dress for the uncomfortable feeling in your chest but expressing how much of an honour it was that they thought so highly of you. You hadn’t acted up, hadn’t said no because at the end of the day Jaehyun had been right: it wasn’t like you had much of a choice. No matter how much you yearned for love and romance, you were your parents’ dutiful daughter and if they bestowed a practical marriage upon you, at least it wasn’t with a stranger. Your feelings for Jaehyun might have been complex, old infatuation festering, a new wariness forming because he was acting cocky and confusing but you knew that he wasn’t a bad person. 

The sound of the siren bells ringing ripped you out of your thoughts and you rushed outside to see what was going on. It was the capital’s emergency alert for any attack and like medics on call, Lady Heo and the others quickly got ready to go to the scene with supplies.

“You stay here in case somebody comes for help, we’re going to tend the injured,” the woman said before she left with the servants for the town, towards the source of the sound.

You couldn’t do anything but wait and it was nerve-wracking like no other. You walked up and down the porch, trying not to think of the worst, of the possibility of Jeongjinrak students being dispatched to the scene as well only to get hurt by whatever enemy they faced.

When you noticed a limping man approaching the infirmary, it pulled you back to the present, quieting your worries temporarily. You rushed towards the man to help him but you stopped in your tracks just a few steps away when you noticed that something was off about him. You had never met a soul-shifter before as it was an illegal dark practice of spirit magic but you immediately recognized the symptoms of a soul-hungry shifter with their cracked, discolored skin and darkened veins.

A scream was scratching your throat as you turned on your heels and ran back towards the house, this time with the soul-shifter behind you, grabbing at you. You almost fell when you ran up the stairs of the porch but managed to keep your balance and put some more distance between you before you reached the food storage room next to the kitchen and hid inside, closing the door behind you. With your heart beating wildly in your chest, you had to put a hand over your mouth to suppress your shaky breaths, any sign of life as you heard the wooden floor outside creak beneath the monster’s weight.

A few long moments passed and you thought that maybe he had left but then a knife cut through the door, breaking it down little by little and you couldn’t hold your screams back as you were afraid for your life. You tried to look for some kind of weapon in the small space around you but you came up short while the door was turning less and less of a protective layer between you and the man every second. His hungry eyes and manic grin was already visible through the cracks within the wooden material.

Then out of nowhere your chest started burning with a comforting warmth and the criminal was ripped away from the door.

“Stay there, Y/N,” you heard Jaehyun’s firm voice and you felt like you could have cried from relief but then a moment later worry hit again as you heard noises of scuffle, pained groans and curses.

Just when you couldn’t take it anymore and opened the door, a dishevelled Jaehyun stepped inside the kitchen. He was in front of you at record speed, his sword dropped at your feet as his hands frantically touched your face, looking for injuries.

“Are you okay?” He asked, still panting, dark eyes raking over you after his hands slid down and he held you by the arms.

“Yes, I… I am. Thank you,” you whispered and Jaehyun’s tensed shoulders slumped in relief.

You were unharmed but the earlier shock still kept you alert and that’s how you noticed the bloody spot spreading on the mage’s blue hanbok near his stomach area where it was torn.

“You are hurt,” you pointed it out dumbly, trying to process what you were seeing without panicking. 

“It’s fin–” Jaehyun tried to protest but you weren’t having it. You pushed him to sit on the nearest surface and that alone made him hiss.

“Take it off,” you told him with urgency in your tone while clawing at his hanbok, not even thinking about the implications of it until Jaehyun laughed no matter how stained his voice was.

“If you wanted me to undress so badly, you could have just said so,” he tried to joke while shredding off the overcoat layer, grimacing at the pain when he flexed his stomach muscles with the movement. 

“Shut up,” you snapped at him, flushed all the way down to the ears and impatient because he was taking too long, you reached for the tied ribbon of his silk shirt to undo it. As its two sides fell apart you could see just how much blood soaked his white undershirt. With a lump in your throat you bunched up the material in your hand and pulled it upwards to actually see the wound but then Jaehyun circled your wrist with his elegant long fingers and stilled your movements.

“Y/N,” he called your name more affected than you would have ever thought he would. It made it harder to look him in the eyes but you pushed down the embarrassment and looked at him. His eyes seemed almost feverish. Was it maybe from the blood loss? “Let me do it.”

He eased his hold on your hand and you let go immediately to run off to fetch some clean cloth, a bowl of water and pain numbing cream. By the time you made it back, Jaehyun was sitting where you left him in only his pants with his bloody clothes in a pile next to him. His bare chest was all golden skin and taut muscles under the dangling necklace and you had to remind yourself to breathe, to focus.

You cleaned the area around the wound to get rid of the drying blood. The wound itself wasn’t too deep luckily but it was a long and ugly cut from a knife, so it would definitely scar even if it was treated immediately.

Both of your hands were bloody and trembling by the time you finished dressing the wound, so you didn’t expect Jaehyun, who had been uncharacteristically quiet until then, to touch you, much less intertwine your fingers with his, making you look up at him.

“I’m glad you are okay,” he said, thumb caressing your palm, the touch so intimate you didn’t know what to do with yourself.

“How did you know?” You asked, not clarifying what you meant but he understood anyway.

“I didn’t. I just wanted to check on you to make sure you were okay,” he said as if it was the most normal thing in the world and you wanted to scold him, tell him not to make your heart flutter if he won’t be there to catch you when you fall.

You pulled your hand out of his hold gingerly and washed the blood off your hands in the bowl of water you brought before, then told him that you would bring him a clean shirt as the infirmary kept some for situations like this.

When you got back, Jaehyun was with his back to you and stepping closer, your eyes widened at the sight, a choked sound nearly escaping your mouth. His lean form was a field of scars, mostly old, whitened criss-cross ones but a few long thin lines looked new and pink. You had treated people from Jeongjinrak before, so you knew it wasn’t from school punishment, not to mention Jaehyun was from a noble family, so nobody would have really dared to lay a hand on him, not like  this. Nobody but his own blood.

“Jaehyun,” you whispered, voice breaking even before getting his name out, tears threatening to spill from your eyes.

He looked over his shoulder halfway ready to face you but you didn’t want him to turn around and see you like this, so you put a hand gently on the upper side of his back to stop him. You leaned your forehead against his shoulder with your eyes closed and inhaled in his smell, tracing an old scar with shaking fingers for a while without saying anything..

“I’m so sorry.” Sorry for not knowing, for not being there, for being too self-centered to even consider his side during arguments.

When Jaehyun moved, this time you let him, facing his chest, hand sliding to the necklace in its center, the medal warm under your touch just how it was against your own rib cage over the layer of your hanbok.

“Y/N,” Jaehyun slid a hand to your neck just under your jaw, thumb grazing against your chin as he tilted your head up.

Your breath hitched when your eyes met. There was something vulnerable and soft in his usually mischievous or cold eyes, something rare like a precious gem. You could feel its weight pressed against your chest, his touch eliciting a yearning you hadn’t known before. You could feel heat radiating off him as he stepped dizzyingly close and the way his heart was beating under your palm. Your eyes fluttered closed when his lips touched yours, softly at first, barely there, then when you hummed against his mouth, he pressed in closer, almost hungry like he had been holding back for eons.

“Well, that was way too easy, Lee,” Kim Sunwoo said, unimpressed but clearly intrigued about the reason behind the quick win, as he held out a hand for Jaehyun on the ground. The older just rolled his eyes, swatted his hand away and pushed himself up, his ego more hurt than the wound on his side and his bottom that hit the hard floor of Jeongjinrak’s practice room, so he suppressed a hiss.

“His head is elsewhere,” their teacher noted and Jaehyun would have rather not talked about it. His thoughts were definitely not in that room. They were a few miles West, in a messy kitchen where your hand was on his bare, burning up chest and you were melting against him.

“He’s still recovering, let him be,” Younghoon interjected, ever the peacemaker.

“Right, our hero,” Ji Changmin just had to fake coo which made Jaehyun want to throw something at him.

The soul-shifter’s recent attack was the biggest news lately, so everybody was talking about it. About how the monstrous man had caused havoc in the town square and then had headed towards Songrim because its magic had been pulling him in. Jaehyun had already heard multiple versions of how and why he had shown up at Sejukwon to save the new apprentice but he didn’t bother correcting them. At least his father seemed satisfied with his reputation for once.

“Keep it up, Ji, I can take you down any day, even injured,” Jaehyun warned the boy sternly before their teacher decided to call it a day.

The mage students started packing up, going back to the dorms, calling dibs on first shower rights. Jaehyun walked alongside Juyeon and Younghoon like he always did but his mind still went back to the infirmary and to gentle, tentative touches against his skin. 

“So Chwisonru tonight?” One of his friends suggested, clueless, and Jaehyun didn’t even give it a thought.

“I can’t. I have to go to Sejukwon for bandage change,” he declined as if the two activities were mutually exclusive. He couldn’t help it. It would be the first time he saw you after that day. After Lady Heo had showed up suddenly and whisked you away to help with the new patients not caring about what she interrupted. After you had looked back at him with kiss-swollen lips and blown eyes while following the woman. After three long days of stupid bed rest thanks to his overprotective uncle’s orders.

So when he unexpectedly saw you on Jeongjikrak grounds while passing through the inner court to the dorms, Jaehyun had to blink to make sure he wasn’t just seeing things and it was really you. But it was, even the medal pressing over his heart confirmed. He halted his steps, following you with his eyes as were carrying a box and Lady Heo was nowhere to be seen. The mage’s lips were twitching into an amused smile when unaware of their presence you not so subtly looked inside the main building through one of its windows.

“No offence, hyung, but it seems like you’re the one obsessed with her, not the other way around,” Juyeon chuckled teasingly, a shoulder bumping into him at his sudden stop.

Whether it was a coincidence or you heard them, the next thing Jaehyun knew was that you turned around and noticed them, awkwardly bowing in their direction with the box held close to your chest. He didn’t waste any time and changed the course of their path, walking up to you, followed by the others like always. Good, because he wanted to introduce you properly.

“Y/N, these are Kim Younghoon and Lee Juyeon,” he nodded towards his two friends respectively, which you followed with another polite bow even if your confusion was clear on your face. Then he stepped forward and took the box from your hands, his fingers brushing yours before turning to his equally confused mage friends.  “Guys, she’s my fiancée.” 

“What?!”

“When did this happen?”

The reaction was immediate. Juyeon and Younghoon gave voice to their surprise out loud while you widened your eyes and looked at him like you couldn’t believe your ears. It was quite funny if you ask Jaehyun.

“I will walk you,” he looked at you, ignoring his friends’ eager questions and teasing comments in favor of spending a few minutes alone with you now that he accidentally crossed paths with you. You looked like you were about to protest but the guys took the hint and left first after politely saying their byes.

“Fiancé now?” You raised an eyebrow in question when it was just the two of you and Jaehyun’s face lit up with a cheeky grin.

“Aren’t you?”

“Who are you and what did you do with Lee Jaehyun? Did that soul-shifter get you eventually?” You narrowed your eyes at him but he could tell based on your lips curling up that you actually liked this side of him, the one not trying to push you away. It was clear from the way you smiled when you turned away from him, walking towards the storage room, letting him follow you with the box.

He caught up with you easily, arms grazing as you walked side by side. Jaehyun didn’t say anything and you seemed content with the silence as well until you reached the building where his uncle and Lady Heo were discussing something. You faced him then, asking for the box back and the guy couldn’t miss the opportunity: he let the wooden object be the only thing between your bodies and leaned down close enough to see you blush prettily.

“See you later,” he promised with a cheeky grin and pecked you on the lips just because he could and because you couldn’t really reprimand him with your boss a thin wall away and hands full after he let go of the box.

Jaehyun was pretty satisfied with himself, thinking that he got you wanting more after giving you that little taste, before retreating back to the dorms to take a shower, explaining briefly (only the very must) to his friends about his relationship with you and then headed towards Sejukwon before sunset. He even sat through an unnecessarily long small talk with Lady Heo before the woman told him that you were in the herb room, so he could find you there. The closer he walked, the warmer his chest got and this time he wasn’t sure that it was because of the medal or something else. When he eventually saw you hovering over some purple flower, trying to extract its pollen, he leaned against the doorframe with a smile that made its way onto his face just by looking at your concentrated expression, that adorable pout on your lips he wanted to kiss off.

So when you finally straightened your back, closing the lid on the little jar on the table, he pushed himself away from the doorframe and hugged you from behind, looking over your shoulder. Even though he couldn’t see your face clearly from this angle, based on how easily you relaxed in his hold, he was sure that you expected him to do something like this after sensing his presence. The thought that you might have wanted him close just as much made him feel dangerously content.

“What’s with you for real?” You asked with a chuckle but quickly made sure he knew it wasn’t an objection as if you were afraid of hurting his feelings. “I’m not complaining, it’s nice… just unusual.”

“Can’t I be sweet to my fiancée?” Jaehyun teased because it might have become his new favourite word. You didn’t seem that impressed by his sweet talk though.

“Jaehyun,” your tone turned almost chiding as turned in his embrace and crossed your arms in front of your chest.

The mage student sighed deeply. He knew your confusion wasn’t baseless because up until that day the most affectionate thing he said was that he was glad you weren’t hurt and that he wouldn’t have minded marrying you instead of somebody else if he had to. And then he kissed you without explaining anything about just how long this feeling had been brewing in his heart. But words weren’t his forte, not like this, and he shuddered just at the thought of admitting outright that he missed you and that he wanted you close.

On the other hand, it was you. You who had seen his scars, both physical and not, and still held him close. You who had seen him as a snotty kid and still wanted him after ten years of cruel silence. You with your shy smiles, fierce eyes and gentle touches. If it's for anybody, he could make an effort for you.

“That day when the soul-shifter attacked you,” Jaehyun started with a gulp, not even wanting to think of your screams that he had heard and that fearful look in your eyes. “I was going crazy thinking what could have happened if I got here too late and I realized I don’t want to lose you. Not again.”

Your eyes widened at his admission and a pink hue blossomed on your cheeks before concern took over in your eyes.

“But… What if your father change‒”

“I don’t care. I’m done letting him control my life,” Jaehyun cut you off with a determination he hadn’t felt in a long while. If his father wasn’t happy with him even with him trying his best not to anger him and follow his wishes, then how worse it could be if he actually started doing what he wanted?

Jaehyun reluctantly let go of your waist to reach into his hanbok and pull out the necklace matching yours and put it onto your palm, closing your fingers around it, so you could feel it pulsing in your hand almost as if it was his heart.

“Remember when you asked me why I’m still wearing the necklace you gave me?” He inquired and when you gave him a small, curious nod, he continued: “It’s like keeping a part of my old self, not forgetting who I really am, and I have missed being who I can be with you.”

You smiled so sweetly at his words, your pretty doe eyes filled with so much care and acceptance, that Jaehyun felt like his heart could burst not being able to contain this fond feeling taking over him. It came to him almost like a crushing ocean wave.

“You know how members of the Seo family have a part of their souls kept in a lantern in Seoho Fortress for safekeeping, right? I left mine there before coming here. But Y/N…” He whispered, lowering his eyes to look at your smaller hands in his. Gentle, caring hands that touched him like he was something worthy and loveable. He took a deep breath and looked into your beautiful eyes. “I would give it to you if I could. If you accepted it… me.”

You let out a small sob with wet eyes and Jaehyun couldn’t help a laugh.

“Hey, come on, don’t cry,” he reached for your face to wipe off the escaping tears softly with the pad of his fingers. “Is it that bad?”

“No, it’s…” You shook your head hurriedly and reached for his wrist to hold, his heartbeat loud in his vein against your thumb. “I love you.”

Jaehyun’s breath hitched as he stared at you dumbly, not knowing what to say. So he tried to express what he felt with the way he slowly slotted his lips against yours in a soft kiss. When you smiled against his mouth, he copied the gesture, endeared, and pulled you closer. But as your hands fell to his sides, he tensed up from the pain shooting into his wound and something so small made you pull away immediately as if you couldn’t stand the thought of hurting him.

“I should change your bandage,” you cleared your throat, and you surely meant to be professional now that you remembered the original purpose (excuse) of his visit with that weak attempt of yours to put some distance between you but Jaehyun wasn’t having it.

“Later,” he shook his head and leaned in again but you ducked away with a giggle.

“Jaehyun!” You gasped his name half-scolding, half-giggling.

“What? It hurts here, maybe a kiss would help,” he tapped on his lower lip with mischief clear in his eyes and oh how victorious he felt when you let your lips touch again.

In a world full of monsters and black magic, corrupt politics and business matters overruling feelings, he couldn’t promise you forever. But one thing he knew for sure: his soul, even bare and ugly, was safe in your hands and he would do everything in his power to treasure yours.

[fillinforlater]

Monday of Appreciation: Part 100

Hello everyone, Smite here!

100

Let's celebrate this big number and even bigger achievement with a massive a mount of stories that I have compiled over a bunch of weeks now. 10 in total by 9 writers including all kinds of idols (most are meta, sorrry (not sorry)).

However, first off, I want to say thank you to the interest in support this series has gathered. Thank you all very much for liking and reblogging and sometimes even commenting, it means the world to me. Most of the times, I regard this series as a big success.

I need to say it again though that this is the final regular MoA post. For 100 weeks straight I have gathered between 3 and 11 stories from our community, the only reason/motivation being: Appreciation to those that I really like and want to support. Sadly sometimes, MoA has been seen as something like an seal of approval or rather the "not-inclusion" as a seal of disapproval. This has never been the case or my intention.

With that said, MoA is not dead and will never be dead until I'm dead. New parts will randomly pop up and I will gush over another way idol X has been... written. Until then, stay awesome and feel free to go back to the older parts of this series.

These are the final 10 stories on the regular series of Monday of Appreciation:

-1-

@gangplanksorenji: Do you think you are forgiven? ft. Sakura

Reading smut like this and knowing it was written by Orenji of all people still makes my mind boggle. This is unfiltered smut, set up perfectly (especially with the homage to LSFM's latest comeback). All in all great, especially with the non-focus then back-focus on Sakura.

-2-

@coldfanbou: Culmination ft. Somi

This fic is the finale of the ultimate Somi-bimbo-self-sex-slave series. No, I'm serious, you couldn't go further if you wanted to. It also explains why OC is so hesitant to go after her. Also, NTR, but it's so over the top that it kinda flew under my radar. Somi's hotness is melting our minds, isn't it.

-3-

@lustspren: California Love ft. Soyeon, Minnie

The first time I saw these outfits, I kneeeew someone HAD to write a fic about them, either idol x idol or include an OC and oh boy, lustspren delivered. This has quite the excessive set up, all edging leading up to that hotel room scene that does it all justice. To say it with the words of Mister Smith: "That's hot."

-4-

@smuttysabina: Owning Aespa: Chapter 1 ft. aespa

Exquisite! Charming, funny and utterly drenched in lewdness while also shoving absurdity in your face the entire time. This perfectly encapsulates @smuttysabina's writing style. It's blunt yet still a bit teasing and I like how the descriptiveness is subtle enough to keep you on edge. Literally.

-5-

@ggidolsmuts: Xiaoting's Shouting ft. Xiaoting

This fic has a chinese version and though I cannot speak of the quality of that version, this one definitely has it. One of the many, many great stories you can find in Ddeun's masterlist. Damn, now I can't decide if I want an obedient plaything Xiaoting or a demanding loud Xiaoting (haha, Xiaothing or Loudting (I'm so funny (right?)))

-6-

@tothosewhoyearnforit: A Million Dollars ft. Karina

Ah, the great switch life. Though you might not have a million dollars (sadge), the ability to switch around your behavior to accommodate to your partners wants and needs in the moment... man that is everything. Okay, no, someone incredible hot like Karina, now that is everything. Just like the OC in the next story, I'd pay more than a million to get Karina.

-7-

@smuttysabina: Owning Aespa: Chapter 2 ft. Karina

Oh, look! It's the second chapter to the story we already had! This time we get the bouncy girl in the shower as she bravely strikes a deal with us. Will she succeed though? You better find out yourselves (no really, this will be in the test tomorrow).

-8-

@existslikepristin: Sowon's gig ft. Sowon

Sorry, ELP, I had to put a name on this hilarious mess of a fic. Maybe it does not really deserve a name, but I'm all for it to get one. Hell, even my name is terrible (at least it does not spoil the twist). So yeah, if y'all have like 29,4 seconds on your hand, this is the stuff for you. Damn, why do I love your writing so much?

-9-

@okaylikesmomo: Chapter 4: Sauna ft. Chaewon, Kazuha, Sakura

I love how unhinged this is if you ignore all the context and previous chapters. It makes me think if my multi-chapter series' feel this crazy if one just starts in the middle. Crazy or not, sex sex sex. Although it is okay (writing) sex, neither the writing nor the sex are just 'okay'. LSFM really is that hot and makes us crave for more steamy sex sex sex. What a mess (-.-).

-10-

@iznsfw: Above the law, (under you) ft. Tzuyu

What else can I say except: IZ GOAT?! I guess so, every angle, idea, set up and kink this incredible qt has written has worked flawlessly. I rule that you are guilty of being way too fucking good at this and sentence you to write more sentences to make your sentence longer so more sentences lead to new masterpieces. Please.

Guys, that's it. With a final bow the curtains fall. Until next time. Ciao!

[whorefordean]

You want dean AND rafe requests? Well, how about this; Imagine having a sleepover with Sarah and watching Spn, and while she's crushing on Sam, you don't shy away from talking about how Dean is the better option and Rafe hears you going on and on about it, and because your relationship is still pretty much on the down low (yk, because he's your bffs brother), he's forced to keep his jealousy in. Only letting out pouty huffs and passive/mumbled comments of how he was the better option.

older brothers // r.c

pairing: rafe cameron x reader

wc: 1.4k

warnings: slight cursing, implied public smut but nothing explicit, kinda got a little off topic but i think its kinda cute idk

Thank you and enjoy <3

_______________________________

“I don’t know. I have a thing for older brothers, Sarah. You know this,” you say, holding back a smirk as you look at her older brother. Rafe glanced up from his phone to gauge Sarah’s reaction. She remains unaware of the confession you had indirectly made.

Thank god, Rafe thinks. He couldn’t risk Sarah knowing the very real truth behind your statement. The two of you had been dating for two months now, unbeknownst to Sarah. You had begged Rafe to keep your relationship private, in fear of hurting Sarah. She had been your best friend since the second grade. It made you feel like shit keeping such a secret from her. But Rafe agreed, and you couldn’t lose either one of them.

Rafe plops down on the chair closest to your end of the couch. He subtly pushes his chair a bit closer to you. You exchange small smiles, and Rafe winks at you quickly. He decides to busy himself with his phone, still listening to your conversation with his sister.

“Oh, please! Dean is horrible! Sam is so obviously the better choice,” Sarah argues. You scoff.

“No chance! Dean is way better! He gave up his entire life to take care of Sam! His entire motivation for everything he does is to protect Sam! You don’t think he’d put the same effort into a relationship with someone he cares about? Not to mention he’s so much hotter than Sam,” you exclaim, ignoring the fact that Rafe is right beside you.

“I don’t think either one of them are that great,” Rafe mumbles under his breath, only loud enough for you to hear. You let out a quiet laugh and rolled your eyes.

Sarah glares at you playfully, “I wouldn’t know he’s had one semi stable relationship that we’ve seen, and that didn’t end on the best note,” Sarah says referencing the Lisa plot line.

“Plus, Sam has great hair,” Sarah adds quickly. You stare at her in shock for a few seconds.

“Sarah, every time Sam looks at a girl, she bursts into flames. Dean’s clearly the better lover in this situation. He never leaves the bar alone, and he never leaves his lover unsatisfied,’’ you joke about Dean’s habits in the earlier seasons.

You can see Rafe’s head snap to look at you after you finish speaking. The jealousy in his eyes doesn’t go unnoticed by you.

“I cannot believe you just said that!” Sarah looks at you in disbelief, letting out a quick laugh. You laugh with her before continuing to gush about the onscreen brothers. You can see Rafe pouting out of the corner of your eye. You turn your attention back to the screen.

You watch as Demon Dean stalks through the bunker looking for Sam.

“Holy shit, he’s so hot. And the red lights are definitely helping,” You exclaim. You had tried to hold back your comment. Honestly. But the way he holds the hammer and the cinematography with the emergency lighting was just too much.

“I look hot in red LEDs too,” Rafe grumbles quietly. Your eyes shoot to his as you blush faintly. His eyes are partially covered by his floppy hair, but you can still see the disdain in them. He looks miserable with his cheek pressed into fist, his elbow digging into the arm of his chair.

“What’s your problem?” Sarah asks, finally acknowledging Rafe. He raises his head to look at her, his eyes widening slightly.

“I can’t hear what you’re saying, but I can hear you grumbling and brooding over there,” Sarah continues. She copies her brother’s previous position and lets out a string of overdramatic huffs and groans.

“Just annoyed, Sarah. Thank you,” Rafe glares at his little sister. You hold back a small laugh at the two bickering.

Rafe notices and sends you a glare. You notice the switch go off in his head. This is real jealousy now. You hadn’t meant to make Rafe jealous for real. Honestly, you didn’t think a fictional character could cause him such anger.

When the next episode ends, Rafe abruptly leaves the room. You wait a few minutes before telling Sarah you’re going to use the bathroom. She whines about having to pause the show.

“Just fill me in,” you mumble as you exit the room to find Rafe. You watch Sarah to make sure she doesn’t see you heading upstairs rather than to the bathroom down the hall.

You quickly make your way to Rafe’s bedroom, the door slightly ajar. You push it open to find Rafe sulking on his bed. You hold back a small laugh when you notice the pout on his face.

“Rafe, what’s wrong?” You question as you plop onto his bed beside him. He’s laying on his back with his head resting against his pillows. You take this opportunity to climb into his lap. You straddle his waist momentarily before lowering your upper body flat against him. Your hands are folded against his chest, chin resting against them.

Rafe ignores you, so you take this moment to press a small kiss to his pout. You continue placing quick kisses to Rafe’s lips until he finally breaks out into a smile and kisses you back.

“Do you like Dean more than me?” Rafe asks you abruptly. The room is quiet for a few seconds before the two of you start bursting out laughing.

“Sweetheart, I like Dean, but I love you. You have no reason to be so jealous over a fictional character,” You giggled as you explained. Rafe laughed as well and pressed a sweet to your forehead.

“Hey, what did you tell Sarah?” Rafe asked after a couple minutes. Your eyes grew wide as you shot up from your position on Rafe.

“Oh, shit,” You gasped, turning to the door. You hadn’t realized how much time had passed.

“Yeah. Oh, shit,” Sarah said from her spot in the doorway. The three of you stared at each other in silence for a short moment.

Sarah’s arms were crossed over her chest, and her face held a deep scowl. She was the first to speak up.

“I can’t believe you ditched me for my jealous brother,” Sarah groaned. You furrowed your brows.

“How did you know-“ You started to ask.

Sarah scoffed, “I have a thing for older brothers.” She was mocking you about your earlier comment. “Plus, you’re over all the time. Even when I’m not home. Also, me and John B caught you guys that one time,” Sarah spoke nonchalantly. Your eyes widened more in horror.

“Not the beach,” You begged to some higher power that it wasn’t the beach day. You and Rafe had gotten a little carried away in his car one day. Not long after the two of you had exited the car, Sarah and John B showed up. You thought you were in the clear but apparently not.

“Unfortunately, it was the beach,” Sarah shuddered at the memory. She had her suspicions before then, but that day had confirmed it for her.

Embarrassed, you had plopped back down onto Rafe’s bed. You buried yourself into his side, trying to hide. His body shook with laughter, and you smacked him. Sarah laughed at your reaction.

“Sarah, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hide it from you, but I didn’t know how you’d react,” you explained. Sarah shrugged it off.

“He’s been way nicer to me and Wheeze lately, so I guess it’s fine,” she huffed playfully. You smiled and stood up to hug her. Rafe groaned as you left his side, causing Sarah to stick her tongue out at him.

“Wait, does this mean we can’t drool over Sam and Dean anymore?” Sarah whined. It had been her favorite hobby lately, watching Supernatural with you.

“Oh, absolutely not! I’m actually having withdrawals from my favorite boyfriend right now,” You spoke seriously. You grabbed Sarah’s arm and started dragging her back downstairs to finish your marathon.

“What?” Rafe exclaimed, jumping up from his bed.

“I’m just kidding!” You yelled over your shoulder, halfway down the stairs.

“I’m not kidding,” you whispered to Sarah.

“I heard that!” Rafe yelled from the top of the stairs. You and Sarah laughed at his feigned anguish before plopping back onto the couches and continuing your show.

[casukaga]

Please talk about what you love the most about your lil blorbos (Cable and Maverick and anyone else!) and what has been a fun challenge while playing them! And any other details that you're like "this is so neat but so niche so no one will know unless this VERY SPECIFIC SCENARIO COMES UP"

HEHEHEH WELL SINCE YOU ASKED….. :3c

cable—

i fuckin love this guy.

the basic rundown of cable: he’s charming, charismatic, loves spontaneity, and loves living life dangerously!! he’s all about doing what makes you happy and is a big advocate for self-love. they’ve got a high self-esteem and know their self-worth (he knows he’s hot shit and loves himself a lot!! ❤️) they also used to work at a brothel and are super open about their sexuality. this guy? horny. they love performing and pole dancing and wearing high heels. he’s also very affectionate and loves any and all kinds of physical contact. he’s also aromantic and pansexual!! he is platonic partners with my gf’s character, ophelia 💕

you ask me what i love about cable and it’s just. all of him LMAO.

i love cable sm because there’s a lot of myself in him (i made their character at a time when i was doing a lot of self-reflection). also he’s so open and honest and self-confident, i’m like— WOW, i aspire to be like you someday…

if i were to give a challenge i have while playing them… i love rp (it is my favorite part of dnd), but i fear i’m not the best at improv. i tend to get nervous during sessions for this campaign specifically. i think it’s that i’m so self-conscious about playing cable accurate to how i imagine him in my head that i’m just a bundle of nerves. i’m nervous at first, but eventually i get into a groove the longer the session goes on. though, these past few sessions especially, i’ve been pretty happy with how i’ve been playing him!! it delights me when my friends tell me they love cable as well 🥺

i also play leiana, my high elf druid!!

i realized i haven’t talked about her / showed her publicly on social media at all, so here she is. i don’t have as many things to say about her as i do cable, but i love her all the same!!

she was the first character i tried to give an accent to (irish), and while my irish accent is definitely not that good— it is what it is. this is just how she sounds like, and it’s good enough for me.

leiana is a cartographer and she loooooves bugs. loves bugs. which is very much not like me because i am, unfortunately, a little bug hater. but leiana has such a fascination with nature and bugs especially. she studies bugs and likes to pin them (she only pins dead ones she finds, she would never kill a bug herself) and she has a collection of pinned bugs!

she also has a pet tarantula named fenri, who can change colors! (he’s primarily pink and matches leiana’s hair.)

leiana is no stranger to grief and she fears dying. currently she is trying to distance herself from the party for Reasons 🥲

while i have a few more dnd characters, they are for upcoming campaigns that i have yet to play in!! cable and leiana are the two i am actively playing at the moment :3

maverick is also in my brain constantly these days, but unfortunately i cannot talk abt xem for reasons….one day i will gush abt them to my heart’s content…

thank u for letting me chatter abt my ocs, i give u a little kiss on the forehead

[outmakingmoonshine]

So Will Poulter is training for season 3 of The Bear and you know how Marcus's friends like to hug Sydney out of nowhere when first meeting her?

This is the only gif I could find of the hug, idk who made it, it's not even from tumblr. If you made it let me know and I'll add credit.

I assume it's because of how highly Marcus speaks of "Chef Sydney" and Chester kinda felt like he already knew her. I can only imagine how much Marcus was gushing about her to Luca in Copenhagen so if they have a scene together I need to at least see a very warm welcome from Luca to Sydney... with Carmy watching from the sidelines *evil laugh*😈

(but not too evil, I don't want my anxiety ridden, fragile white boy to experience too much pain 😭)

Any more than that is wishful thinking imo, I doubt they'll make Luca a love interest for Sydney at this point but minor interactions that also signal to Marcus that she reacts differently to other guys and she doesn't like him like that because this clueless but loveable guy cannot read the room is good enough.

And I think Sydney would be a tiny bit flustered even if she wasn't interested in dating Luca... he's hot and he's hugging her! Who wouldn't be flustered!

And Carmy won't like ANY of it, not Marcus gushing to people about Sydney, not Luca hugging Sydney, not Sydney liking it lol

I need to see this

[rockonfishboy]

All my rambling thoughts while watching TADC episode 3

Watched this episode with a friend when it came out and I have! Feelings!! So here’s my rough approximation of some of my thoughts on it while watching!

Spoilers ahead!

——— • Love the gang hanging out together

• “And Zooble turns straight!” JAX NO

• “What do YOU, the VIEWERS, think it is?” Mm. Don’t like that. • Every time “Today’s Adventure” plays I just grin like an idiot, I’m SO happy it’s in every episode

• Caine being desperate to create an adventure that Zooble will go on is a really interesting concept

• I miss Gummigoo ;^;

• OHH THE LIGHTING IN THIS EPISODE. THE VIBES!! THE HAUNTED MANSION!!! IMMACULATE. I cannot possibly gush about it enough.

• “I’m not really a fan of horror, and I don’t really handle jumpscares that well.” She’s just like me

• Ohhh the ghost is so cute 🥺 what a little guy-oh, whelp, goodbye

• RAGATHA’S HORRIFIED FACE IS SENDING ME

• Oh that’s nightmare fuel :D

• “You know, I’m starting to think…” oh. oh that’s-that’s the end of the sentence.

• “Well, this is some rather inconvenient lore placement” I love Kinger

• THE 2D EYES

• Them being fixated on the fly is so funny to me for no reason

• NEW SLEEP PARALYSIS DEMON JUST DROPPED

• “You look beautiful, honey”

• “UUUUUP!!” AHDAJGDA

• Zooble therapy time!

• Oh no,, sad therapy time

• Aw Zooble :( dang

• Caine is 100% listening to Zooble when they tell him to ‘just forget it’ and I don’t think they realize that. Poor Zooble

• OH GOD OH NO CAINE. He’s just as trapped as the rest of them

• “I ended up shooting the love of my life” Kinger’s face here worries me

• “Okay I won’t” the humour in this show is so good man

• HE DID NOT MISS

• Kinger protecting Pomni, I love them actually

• “w h a t” *WHEEEEEZE*

• THE GIRLS HAVING A TEA PARTY IS SO GOOD. I love Martha, she seems so chill

• Jax being tied up made me laugh really hard. Yes, good, keep it that way. He deserves it.

• Tbh Caine putting in a pacifist route is more than I expected him to do

• “How’s your wife, Kinger?” THE AGONIZED SCREECH I LET OUT, OUUUGHHH MY HEART-RUDE AND UNCALLED FOR, ACTUALLY

• “Seven years of computer science for this, huh?” OH????

• “He just wants me to suffer.” Hm,, I don’t think she’s talking about Caine there

• “How about we just relax for a bit while nothing’s chasing us?” Awww

• Pomni crying,, ouch :(

• OH BACKSTORY?? NO TEASE?? JUST RIGHT INTO THE PAIN????

• “She was funny, creative, really into entomology. I used to hate bugs, but she somehow got me to like them.” Cute established/married couples where one just gushes about the other usually makes me weak but this time it HURTS

• Oh god I love them so much and she’s not even HERE

• Their whole talk is sooooo good and heartbreaking. I love their father-daughter / grandfather-grandchild dynamic, it’s so well done.

• “I’m glad you’re here with me.” SOB

• “As long as you remember it, things will be okay.” PLEASE I CAN’T DO THIS

• Glowstick

• Pomni thanking Ragatha for always looking out for her and Ragatha looking so taken aback and grateful AUGGGHHH. YES. Ragatha deserves SO much love.

• “Did you remember to get my comedy mask?” “…F*$&!” AHDJAHDA

• “It wasn't that bad, actually.” AWWWW

My expectations for this episode were high but DANG. The team absolutely knocked this one out of the park. Definitely my favourite episode so far.

Kinger’s one of if not my favourite character and I’m SO happy he got so much focus. His and Pomni’s relationship and him comforting her is devastating and beautiful and I can’t even say anything about it without just devolving into

Anyways, I can’t wait to fanart about this episode like a normal, functioning person!

[drottni]

LBFAD Rewatch Part 11:

1. The way he can't even LOOK at her as he tells her "I knew this was a dream from the beginning " 😭😭😭😭

2. XLH's master reeling in her two boyfriends with bait. Like "come here you poor miserable little fishies. I got some juicy worms for you."

3. idc how epic of an intro you get Lady Arbiter and her little pet dragon, YOU DONT JUST HIT MY BOY DFQC LIKE THAT. NO. *angry glares* Also my poor baby just closing his eyes and bracing for it like "ah shit here we go again". Him thinking he just deserves it 😭🥺 Can he just have a break plz.

4. "So she has been saving me since we first met. And I have been hurting her." 🥺🥺🥺

5. Changheng: The splitting process is very painful. No matter what you must persevere.

DFQC who has been through every torture life could throw at him: -_- Bro. I got this.

6. DFQC as soon as Changheng leaves: *cue music* I am in my plant parent, cottage core, countryside girlie era. I am gonna be so full of love you will have to come back to me.

7. If he doesn't plant you like a seed, carry you around in a pot like a baby, water you with freshly collected dew with gentle drops, take you for morning sunrise walks, talk to you continuously, and watch over you even while sleeping, he ain't it. WHY WAS THIS SO ROMANTIC. SHE IS LITERALLY IN A POT OF DIRT AND I AM GUSHING OVER THE ROMANCE. No one is doing it like them.

8. XLH having to create straight up physical barriers between her and DFQC so that he can't come close enough to see that emotionally she's barely holding on. How his pleading eyes and sweet apologies are two seconds away from making her cry. She can barely even muster anger towards him.

9. The bridge scene: *exists*

Me:

10. I knowwww its stupid and breaks her entire plan of keeping him in the dark and is a totally senseless move on her part BUT I LOVE THAT SHE CANT RESIST AT THE END. THAT LITTLE GESTURE SHE DOES TO MAKE HIM SMILE. THE WAY SHE CANNOT PHYSICALLY STOP HERSELF FROM SAYING "PLEASE SMILE PLEASE BE OKAY I AM DOING THIS FOR YOU I NEED YOU TO BE OKAY"

11. DFQC: For her, I will alter fate.

Me:

12. THAT KISS. SPOKE A BOOKS WORTH OF WORDS. THE WAY IT CONVEYED ALL OF THEIR PENT UP EMOTIONS AND APOLOGIES AND I LOVE YOUS AND GOODBYES! I WILL DIE FROM JUST THE POWER OF THAT KISS ALONE. HOW IN THE HECK!

13. DFQC: There is nothing in this world that can shake me.

Taisui: *grasping at straws, panicking* What if the love of your life forgot about you? What then?

DFQC:

14. The fact that its DFQC who reminds XLH aka "Goddess who says she will only care about the 3 realms now and not personal desires", that she has to kill him to save the three realms. The fact that her love for him is and always will be stronger than anything else. The fact that he knows this is what must be done and is the one to convince her to do it! AHHHHH KILL ME.

[huntershowl-moving]

SHIPPING INFO // ANSWER THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR MUSES SO PEOPLE KNOW HOW SHIPPING WORKS ON YOUR BLOG.

WHAT IS YOUR OTP FOR YOUR CHARACTER(S)?

i don't have one particular otp — big ships change depending on the Era hellhound is in!

HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE?

nothing illegal obviously — other than that, aside from long-lifespan characters whose mental maturation is slower, i generally stay away from with 10+ year age gaps when the younger muse is under 20. just feels like a weird power dynamic i guess?

ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING?

yes! ships on this blog cannot be pre-established — i tend to lose interest fast if they don't build up naturally, either through lots of ooc plotting or through writing. on top of that, seph is ... piiiiicky. she has very specific Types. generally, ships with very gentle, soft, mentally well-adjusted characters are possible, but transient — seph falls out of love after a point, but remains staunchly protective of them.

the long and short of the matter is she's a freak, and you kind of have to match that to be compatible as a long-term partner. but even then they don't always line up perfectly! idk. seph's weird. simultaneously very easy to ship with and very hard to ship with.

WHO ARE OTHER CHARACTERS YOU SHIP YOUR CHARACTER WITH?

oh i've got lots of good ones going on right now!! pls forgive me for gushing. focusing on currently heavily-plotted and/or written ones for this bit bc otherwise it will be pages and pages!! if i forgot someone you have full permission to impale me on a pike i am SO SORRY. (all of these will be under a readmore at the end of the post for length!)

there are more sort of beginnings/potentials for ships that haven't been explored yet which i haven't included here, but i'm truly excited to see where each and every one of them goes!!!

DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?

yes absolutely hahaha — at least communicating ooc about it is necessary! i'm much more comfortable shipping with partners i mesh well with as a mun and have an easy time talking to.

ARE YOU SHIP-OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?

LOOK I. LISTEN. LISTEN... IM FERAL FOR SHIPS. FERAL. even though seph is picky about them — and i promise it's not personal if it doesnt work, it truly is just her dumb creature ass being unable to normal.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM?

N/A for this blog, but as a fun trivia fact, i'm deep in satosugu hell rn

FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU?

it's all vibes babey. we just start writing their non-romantic dynamic buildup, and if it clicks (or even if u just think ur character would have a crush!) we talk about it ooc and plot some more, then plot some more and before u know it, the angst hammer looms over ur head

Tagged by: @bearratic (thank youuuu!!) Tagging: (points) do it

ship gushing below. <3

@vsagis' villain izuku— i had to put u first bc u kickstarted this shipping renaissance. seph and izuku clicked instantly and started a long-term trajectory that i don't think either of us writers expected. they're just freak enough to match each other, just soft enough to genuinely care. we're really putting these two through the horrors(tm) and watching them fall hopelessly, horribly in love. <3

@spiritcrown's pasha — how could i not mention pasha!! i was so happy to see you back, because pasha and seph's relationship was soooo formative for seph's development wrt romance. seph is absolutely, completely and utterly devoted to pasha. they worship at the altar of her. they would bend heaven and raise hell for her.

@crowshoots' jesper — UAHGHGBBHBH INCOHERENT CRYING NOISES. the first thing seph noticed about jesper was extremely respectable fighting skills, but even then they were definitely uhhhh touch and go for a while there before they started to simmer down and. pin each other down and — one thing led to another and jesper's being antagonized by her antagonists and they're too deeply in love to go back!! i love them. i l

@crowgreeds' kaz — HHHHHHHHH god. hi siri i know ur not around the dash much but idc im writing u into this. kaz and seph both have such a darkness in them that the other recognizes and not only feeds, but when necessary, balances. they're ruthless and violent and mean but at the same time, they have such a softness for each other that they both thought was dead. also, you're the recipient of probably the best rp reply i've ever written (that fucking. hellhound kill description. my GOD im feral for seph protecting him)

@tewwor.... goose is2g we really have the creatures ever. litho — FIRST SHIP!!!! FIRST SHIIIP i still cant believe it took 4 irl years for them to finally admit their stupid feelings. now they're soulmates and there's no turning back. he's the reason seph likes poetry in every verse. the softest snarkiest ship. probably the closest to a true YA-style soulmate seph has. she hasn't forgiven him for all the twilight jokes though tough luck jie & ricochet — the boys... the absolute chaos trio... i never expected seph and jie to fall for each other but honestly i should have. he falls so neatly into her "equally feral" type. ricochet is so calm and seph is kind of intoxicated by that. sheathed claws kind of vibe. just love these three their dynamic balances itself so well

@spungolden's dio — two femmes raised as weapons with deeply suppressed emotions, chillin in a murder alley, five feet apart cause theyre not g— (theyre gay. theyre so gay) these two are so sweet they sometimes make me tear up. they skipped the trauma stage and went straight into lesbian domestic fantasy with only occasional murder.

@chaoslulled oh boy(s). toji — brutally in love. they saw and embraced each other's monster, refused to shy away, and now they somehow revolve in this strange orbit of violent and incredibly soft with each other. i think he's the first of the current ship lineup that seph has in-thread said the L-word to. this ship was so easy to jump right into, the chemistry was like lightning in a bottle. satoru — one of the most genuinely unexpected slowburn ships i've stumbled into. these two read each other for filth INSTANTLY as lonely motherfuckers who, in some way or another, had loved and lost. they haven't even gotten to the oh-shit moment in the slowburn yet but i'm lookin forward to it yakuza sukuna — THE PAIN. THE SUFFERING. AUHHHGHGGGG HOL YOU'RE FUCKING KILLING MEEEE. these two are mirrors in the worst possible way. they've got their throats stuck under their boss' boot heels; they've been disfigured, they've had their siblings used as leverage, they've been made into muzzled dogs. despite hating each other at the start, they can't not recognize that, and it's led to this fierce protectiveness that isssss whoops evolving into feelings. i'm sure nothing will go wrong

@eraserisms' shota — AHHHHHHH god okay most of this ship has been pure plotting vibes and responses to memes, but i truly cannot wait to get into writing more of them because they own my heart and soul. i think they know each other to the marrow in a way that's not super common for seph, and the gentleness and caution with which they're starting to explore revisiting their care for each other is heartbreaking in the best way

@sasouken BEE!!!! ok chronologically(??): deku — so precious and wholesome from the start. your honor he's just a little guy with a big dumb crush. when i tell uuuuuu some of our plotting has literally made me tear up a little??? the absolute bleeding heart on this boy??? HURTS ME??? one day they'll hold hands casper — slated to be our angstiest dynamic, i just Know it. two motherfuckers who love their siblings, inextricably involved in a tangled web of crime and violence. two people who have lost so much and don't want to lose anyone ever again. i will die i WILL satoru — such... a different vibe than i was expecting in an amazing way?? his dynamic with seph is so fuckin sweet? so much physical touch born of trust and comfort. also again: her first ever fwb (for now), which is truly a wild thing to experience. sukuna — i .. . dont even know what to say about this one. (affectionate). he unlocked an entirely new dimension of freak in seph's psyche and attraction style that i couldn't comprehend before we started writing them but retrospectively makes so much sense. what the fuck is going on with these two i have no idea but i am OBSESSED with it. also writing them getting down nasty has been extremely fun, i'm enjoying it a lot

[multifandombxxch]

PLAY TOO MUCH

requested:

Hey, can you do a plug!Taeyongx x Chubby Reader. Y/n playing too much with Taeyong's feelings cuz y'know he really likes her and whatever but y/n doesn't believe him.

Pairing: Plug! Taeyong x Chubby reader

warnings: age gap, insecurities, fatphobia, raw sex (wrap it before you tap it), S*xual Harassment, mentions of drugs.

"Bout to catch another flight (yeah)

the apple bottom make 'em wanna bite (yeah)

I just wanna have a good night

I just wanna have a good night (hold up)"

The familiar lyrics of Coi Leray's 'Players' were currently blasting through multiple speakers in my dorm parking lot.

What may be the cause of this you ask?

My roommate was having another party.

On a fucking school night.

My bedpost was banging against the wall as the bass of the speakers was quite literally shaking the whole building.

I kissed my teeth in annoyance I was trying to catch up on an episode of 'House of Dragon' for Christ's sake.

"I cannot take this anymore. I'm calling her." I grumbled.

Calling MIRAE<3...

Ring

ring

ri-

"Hey boo, wassup?" she answered

I sighed pinching the bridge of my nose "Rae I literally can't hear myself right now. The music is way too loud and it's getting late. Don't you have an 8am tomorrow? "

she groaned on the other side "Bitch I told you to come downstairs and live a little. You can't spend college cooped up in the dorm."

I rolled my eyes at that. Rae did invite me to the party but I wasn't one for loud music and crowded places plus...I wanted to avoid a specific someone.

"I'm good, thanks and you know I wanna avoid he who shall not be named. " I said.

I didn't have to say his name she knew exactly who I was referring to.

she chuckles nervously on the other side

"what?'" I question a sudden feeling of anxiety filling me.

"Imma just give it to you straight. He's here and I told him you were upstairs so he said he was gonna deal with his clients and then go up to see you."

I took the phone from my ear and stared at it like it was some foreign device.

Then I placed it back on my ear

"Bitch you did what?!"

"Oh calm down. He's literally been obsessed with you since last semester. He's damn dedicated I'll give him that and he's fine as hell." She gushes.

after a couple minutes of silence ( really just me being lost in my own thoughts ) I spoke up

"I'm nervous. I like him but what if he's just fucking around? I'm not exactly his usual type." I admit softly

"Y/n" Mirae's tone is much softer now.

I shut my eyes tightly.

I didn't need pity right now. but I couldn't help but remember the awful things that were said to me

'why do your hips bend in like that...it looks weird'

my hip dips

'you need to start working out I can see the damn rolls on your back

my back rolls

'no one is going to want someone who can't take care of themselves

my body

I didn't think I was attractive or deserving of any attention.

the attention I got from men made me feel dirty instead of wanted.

I mean...being groped by a random man at 15 wasn't something I had on my bucket list.

Now all of a sudden I'm supposed to believe someone wanted me for me.

change the topic from your body Y/n

"It's fine...forget about it." I quickly cover up.

"So how long ago did he say he was coming up" Nice change of topic idiot

she sucks in a breath "He actually went up about 2 minutes ago"

my eyes went wide in panic. Our room was on the third floor I had roughly a couple seconds before he kno-

KNOCK

KNOCK

KNOCK

three rapid knocks came from behind my room door.

"Oh is that him? I'm hanging up then babe." Rae rushed out before hanging up. I put the phone on my nightstand.

Christ, I didn't even have time to fix my hair or something.

I was still seated on my bed when I heard his deep amused voice

"Y/n I gave you enough time to prepare for me so come open the door."

My body jerked at the sudden call out. I hurriedly got off my bed and made my way to the door

I counted to three before opening it and coming face-to-face with he who shall not be named aka Lee Taeyong aka the university's plug.

He grinned as he held up a bag of my favorite snacks "Hey princess...missed me?" Funnily enough, the bag looked out of place in his hand due to his outfit. He was in a black t-shirt and some black ripped jeans. and his signature silver accessories around his neck, wrists, and fingers.

He didn't have his bag with him...weird he usually has it because it contained his "goods"

I must've been staring too long because he suddenly spoke up

"Are you gonna let me in or are you gonna let that mind of yours go places it shouldn't" he smirked

The inside of my mouth became dry and suddenly I couldn't speak. I stepped aside allowing him to walk in and put the bag on my study desk.

I closed the door and turned to him.

No surprise he was already staring at me. he always stares at me.

am I really that ugly?

he was looking me up and down while his bottom lip was caught between his teeth.

"You did all that for me?" he question gesturing to my attire

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion until I caught myself in the bathroom mirror.

embarrassment

hide...hide right the fuck now.

I completely forgot I was only in an oversized t-shirt that stopped mid-thigh...with no damn bra on.

I gasped and covered my face with both my hands.

he chuckled and I felt him coming closer to me.

suddenly he took my hands from my face.

"Stop being so cute y/n...makes me wanna fuck you more"

my breath caught in my throat.

he only found me attractive because of my body

a familiar feeling of disappointment filled me

he pulled me closer by my hands and moved his hands to grip my waist

"What's wrong cupcake?" he asked concerned.

His black hair fell in front of his face. He was too good to be true.

"Is someone bothering you again?" he grilled me his eyes suddenly turning dark

"No" I answered

"don't lie to me. You know I'd kill for you." he grunted, suddenly gripping my jaw.

he can't be serious right now

he doesn't mean that

"I am serious and I mean every. fucking. word." he said suddenly serious.

did I say that out loud?

Fuck it the worst that could happen is that he destroyed my already low self-confidence so I decided to ask.

"Do you actually like me?"

he stared at me incredulously "Y/n don't ask me stupid questions. Why would I follow you around and practically throw myself at you if I didn't like you?"

he was blunt about it but I just couldn't believe him.

my doubt must've shown on my face because he suddenly turned me around and pushed me up against the wall.

he was so close I could feel his heartbeat against my back.

"You think I'm playing with you?" he asked me

"Yes" I admitted

"There's no way you'd want me. You don't usually go for girls like me.

he pressed against me more and growled "The fuck do you mean girls like you? "

tears lined my eyes

"Fat girls...chubby ones!" I whispered

after a beat of silence from me and heavy breathing from him...he released me and stepped back.

I still faced the wall. I couldn't bring myself to look at him...I was too scared I was right.

"Y/n look at me" he spoke out.

I remained unmoving

suddenly he tugged the back of my t-shirt causing me to fall back into him.

"You think i dont want you because of your body?” He questioned….his tone soft and careful.

I nodded.

“Or you could want me just for my body….I know you would probably want to sneak around since nobody wants to be seen with me”

I could feel his heartbeat on my back.

He said nothing for a couple seconds and then��.

“Should I fuck you and claim you to prove you’re wrong?” He asked bluntly

My body stilled.

“Answer me baby…I need an answer y/n. I won’t touch you if you don’t want it” he rasped out.

I nodded.

And that’s all it took for him to devour my body.

“Let me see your pussy baby” he grunted as he laid me back on the bed.

I clenched my thighs tighter together

What if he hates what he sees

All of a sudden he forced my legs open and used his index to take some of my wetness

Causing me to whimper.

He looked me in my eyes and licked it clean off his fingers.

“You taste better than I could even imagine princess” he moaned out.

Three.

I had three orgasms before he put his dick in me.

I was already a trembling mess but that didn’t stop him from fucking me senseless and giving me two more orgasms.

The blissful look on his face as he marked me everywhere and Painted my walls white with his cum was better than any artwork in any museum.

His body jerked and trembled as he whispered how beautiful and breathtaking he found me.

Slowly he rolled over and laid next to me.

After we came down from the high he realized that we didn’t use protect which I reassure him by telling him I was on the pill.

“No more playing y/n, I fucked you raw. I claimed your pussy and marked your body….tell me your mine.” He as he laid next to me.

“I’m yours” I whispered blissfully

He pecked my cheek “that’s right princess”

[sweetchcolate]

Oh boy, where do I start? I'll go with the negatives first I guess? Get those feelings out of the way at least.

One of the things that bother me about this finale is the way it tried to resolve both overarching arcs (the holy beginnings festival sculpture crafting and the Rafael plot), but didn't give the latter enough respect or gravity: the second Anne and Shall return to the workshop, they act as if they haven't just spent 3 weeks as prisoners to someone who could kill them at any moment (and who almost suceeded on the very last day). Their entire experience gets swept under the rug to leave more screentime for Anne to gush about the sugar sculptures and get ready for the festival.

Which... in a way, it is in character for Anne to care about sugar crafting more than anything (to the detriment of her own health or safety: see the duke of Philax arc). But at the same time, I genuinely think the anime could have cut back on a scene or two (like Anne and Elliot asking the church official to move the sculptures in early) to have Anne and Shall reflect on everything that happened and decompress.

[This scene kinda happens later on, when Anne is finalising the biggest sugar sculpture in the church, but it's more oriented towards the future (what Shall wants to do now that he knows he's a fairy king candidate, Anne wanting Shall to be happy and Shall wanting her to be happy) rather than what happened for the last 3 episodes]

Because of that, as much as I enjoyed the moments where everyone at the workshop gets to finally witness the fruits of their hard work and have fun at the festival, there was something... lackluster about the very last scene between Anne, Shall, and Mythril. It felt like a repeat of cour 2 episode 4's ending (or even cour 1 episode 4, the first royal fair), where Shall mentions his desire to follow Anne wherever she goes, despite everything that happened since then. You could have skipped the entire Rafael arc mess and you wouldn't know it from the way Shall and Anne acted.

Where's the growth? What's new in their dynamic that adds to this scene (compared to after the first royal fair or compared to when Anne returns Shall his wing in the second cour)?

tldr; to me, Rafael's kidnapping was treated more like an inconvenience or a 3 episode hiatus from the Paige workshop, and its consequences weren't really adressed nor felt (other than Rafael's 'humans and fairies can't live together' shtick affecting Anne and Shall).

The other gripe I have with episode 12 is that conversation Shall and Anne have near the end, when Anne is putting the finishing touches on the sculptures.

Their whole conversation is clearly marked by Rafael's poisonous words that fairies and humans cannot be together: Shall mentions that he wants to devote himself to Anne's happiness forever (even if that might mean she'll get married to a human and thus distance herself from him), and while Anne is happy at the sentiment, she also doesn't want to be a burden and prevent Shall from chasing after his own happiness. They both have each other's best interest in mind, both want the other happy, but do not realise that they've already reached this happiness by being with each other.

If I were reading the same scene in the LN, I wouldn't mind the angst because I know there will be more volumes to address that plotpoint. But the anime doesn't have this luxury, even more so since this is a finale (with no other seasons in the work so far), so why picture the last moments of their relationship in such a heartbreaking way? Why not have them each think 'I know it's better if the other stayed with their respective species, but for now, I'll cherish the time we have together' or something to that extent, thus showing both their doubts, but also their desire to enjoy the present moment and ending things on a bitter, but sweet, note?

tldr: overall, while this was a really good episode, it didn't live up to the expectations of concluding two major arcs in a satisfying way. One of the arcs's consequences were not given enough weight, and Shall's and Anne's relationship ended on this weird note where it's clear they're set for future angst, yet the anime finale doesn't have the room to resolve this.