#does this outfit look a whole lot like suitor suit? .....yes. yes it does

[eternalsnowfan02]

Le Chasseur d'Amour is taking up the mantle of cupid for the day. Hit the deck!

[astaroth1357]

Demon Brothers being Soft for Their Daughters 

Might just be me but I think there's nothing cuter than a Dad who loves his daughter so I made a hc for our boys. Strap in, it’s a long one! 

IMPORTANT! Watch out for first half spoilers! Assumed that the child is a half human/half demon with the MC!

Lucifer

Tries to be really strict but ends up being kind of a pushover.

Oh there ARE rules that even his little girl can't break, but most of the time she can get away with almost anything if she's cute clever enough.

Pushes her to be the best at almost anything she tries, expectations be real high; gonna take the MC stepping in to remind him winning isn't everything and please cool it on the pressure.

Lowkey learned his lesson before and doesn't want to make another Satan situation so tries to take MC's advice to heart and not be quite so controlling.

Her favorite uncle is Mammon and he gets cold sweats about this every night.

Wasn't able to be there for a lot of her firsts due to work and gets real sulky when he misses out. Videos just don't offer the same experience...

Feels bad that work keeps him so busy so he tries to make up for it with toys, clothes, jewelry, pretty much whatever she likes at the time.

Would never admit it, but his black heart melts every time he comes home and sees she's excitedly waiting by the door.

One of those parents who will never stop bragging about how amazing their kid is to anyone who will listen, but never when she's in the same room.

100% that overprotective "I'm going to give you a brief tour of the torture chamber, then we’ll browse my whip collection. Oh, make sure she's home by 8" kind of dad if she were to ever bring home a date. They will know that his baby is not to be messed with (like anyone's crazy enough to try honestly).

Mammon

So over the goddamn moon that someone actually wanted to have a kid with him that he couldn't shut up about it for weeks.

Treasures his little girl more than anything he owns, even Goldie. When she's a baby the two of them are practically inseparable.

The biggest pushover to ever be pushed. She's about the only person he's ever unconditionally generous to and he really spoils her rotten.

She's just as materialistic as her father, honestly, but MC made sure their girl was raised with good morals. The first of which being no stealing. Ever. She works for every cent she spends.

On the one hand, he's actually pretty damn proud and relieved that she won't be called "scum" or anything like her father, but on the other hand like… Ew. Who raised you? (No one remind him it’s kind of his doing anyway).

For once in his greedy existence, he can tell a sob story about really needing that loan or those shoes for his beloved daughter and actually mean it… most of the time 😏

Even when she's young, though, she will ask him if a gift he's giving her was taken from someone else and, man, he cannot lie to her face. People shame him for stealing all the time but the little look of disappointment she gives him hurts WAY more than all of his brothers’ insults combined.

Probably one of the most supportive and involved dads in existence. He will be at every game, every recital, every meet. Even if he's complaining the whole time, if anyone so much as suggests that he just shouldn't go he'd be appalled.

…. He's perhaps a little too involved because he's also totally the kind of father who will lowkey stalk his daughter's dates to be sure nothing bad happens. MC, please step in. She needs privacy too.

Leviathan

Was incredibly worried about having a kid, he's not even had the best track record when it comes to pets and parenting is some high-level normie stuff. But his little girl's first smile absolutely melted his doubts away.

That being said… he's still not the greatest with little kids. For a long time if the baby so much as sneezed unexpectedly he'd start shouting for the MC and checking every website he can like??? My half demon baby won't stop sneezing, is it pneumonia???

Gets a lot less panicky as the child gets older, but in those early years he'd practically want to stick them in a bubble wrap suit.

He passed on his love of the ocean and underwater creatures pretty early on. The running joke is that his girl knew how to swim before she knew how to crawl.

Family aquarium trips are an absolute must.

The second they're old enough to understand plot he's introducing them to his favorite shows, but only the best (and most child-friendly) ones of course. He wants his daughter to grow into a woman of culture, damnit! Pop culture that is.

Sooo much text/chat lingo between these two. It's not her fault really. She was bound to pick it up but man can it sound like they're speaking tongues at times.

With practice she can and will beat her old man at most video games and, yes, it makes his cry tears of equal parts pride and aggravation.

Has a mini-panic attack every time she hits a new milestone, like, yes he's so fucking proud but also don't you think she's growing up too fast??? MY BABY GIRL!!! 😭😭😭

Cries like a baby to the MC when she goes out on her first date because he realized she's really, truly, growing up and he's afraid his little girl isn't going to want to spend time with her lame old dad anymore.

Satan

Tries to be strict and IS strict but mostly on schoolwork.

Her grades best not be slippin' or this Book Papa will take all her stuff away. End of discussion.

Otherwise, he's surprisingly chill being the Avatar of Wrath and all. He of all people understands the desire to just have your own life and do your own thing.

She'll inherit his temper though, that's a given, and if they both get going then watch out. Fights between them can get verbally explosive, but never physical. Even at his angriest Satan would never once lay a hand on his daughter.

Read to her every night when she was young: storybooks, novels, mythologies, didn't matter to him. Whatever she wanted to hear. Still, he was so proud the day she told him that she wanted to read on her own.

100% makes nearly everything in life a teachable lesson but also helps her when she needs it. He wants her to forge her own path but is still very supportive when the situation calls for it.

Would never EVER admit it, but he does just as many dad jokes as Lucifer.

Of all the brothers, he's probably the most typical father to have, there for his kid just enough while also making sure they're not getting away with murder.

Is totally chill with her dating because he knows he doesn’t have to be super protective of her. She can more than handle herself if something goes wrong, in fact, if he were to step in it would probably add insult to their already grievance injury.

That being said, he IS the Avatar of Wrath. If someone hurts his girl he’s going to have a turn one way or another.

Asmodeus

Oh YEEESSS, he's not normally the commitment kind of guy but he and MC raising a child? They'd be the most gorgeous thing in the universe!!! (Not counting himself of course)

Beautifying his baby since day one, but the MC keeps him from doing anything too extreme. A lot of baths, good moisturizer, hairstyling (when she grows enough of it), etc.

Soooo many outfits. She'll practically never wear the same thing twice and Asmo coordinates his own clothes to match hers all the time.

He actually goes out and parties LESS if you can believe it, especially when she's young and needs a lot of supervision. But he'll get pent up real quick so learning how to do a quiet quickie during naptime is a must.

His girl is all over his Devilgram, nearly every milestone is snapped up and recorded. He loves her more than anything and would just scream about his pride and joy from the rooftops if social media didn't provide him that outlet.

Makes sure his daughter knows that she is gorgeous, she is loved, and passes on every bit of self-confidence he has. Doesn't matter if she grows up a girly-girl, tomboy, or anything else under the sun. When you're feeling good just being you, heads will turn on their own accord!

Not the best at discipline and would only really step in if he thinks she's being a real jerk about something. Day to day attitude adjustments are totally up to the MC.

He is, however, the best sex-ed teacher one could ever ask for and makes sure his daughter knows there's no shame in what comes natural, just be sure you're respectful and responsible!

Completely unfazed when the suitors began lining up, I mean she is HIS daughter. It was inevitable. Offers tips and advice when he can but lets her go off and experiment naturally. Young love is a beautiful thing! (Just don't break his girl's heart though because he may lowkey curse your whole bloodline)

Beelzebub 

….. MC, you're going to be eaten out of house and home.

Though his daughter's appetite isn't AS bad as his, Beel could tell it's going to be an issue from day one but he's ready for it.

Dedicates his freaking life to being sure she never goes one night hungry. He'll cook, he'll shop, he'll even share from his own plate if he has to. The thought of her going through anywhere near the level of starvation he feels on a daily basis is enough to crush his soul (if he has one)

You better bet there will be eating competitions. She never wins, but the fact she can even get close will have him grinning anyway.

That being said, he will push for a healthy and active lifestyle for her too. 

Highkey wants her playing sports and doing team activities because he genuinely thinks it will help her stay healthy and make friends.

Just the right amount of discipline. Tries to be understanding but also knows when to call a spade, a spade and express his disapproval.

Very in-tune to her emotions and her needs even if he can’t quite grasp WHY she's feeling the way she is. Keeping up with teen drama is going to be the bane of his existence...

Uncle Belphie=That one cool uncle who lets you get away with anything and probably gives out sugar after bedtime.

One of the only brothers who makes a point of his daughter also seeing and exploring her human heritage too and not just treating her like a pseudo-demon… And it's totally not just for the added excuse of sampling human world cuisine, like, come on who do you take him for? 🤫

Somewhat cautious about her dating, but ultimately just wants her to be happy. He'll usually trust her judgment but he's pretty good at reading someone's character and if he gets real bad vibes from anyone he's not above telling her, "No. Not that one." Whether or not he's listened to depends on the situation.

Belphegor

Lol MC, you could have picked a much better choice. Borderline Deadbeat/Cool Dad here!

Kids… not his thing. He doesn't dislike them exactly, they're just a lot of work and he's sort of allergic to that. He's more of a semi-irresponsible babysitter type.

Case in point, "Belphie, watch the baby" becomes "Belphie, if you're going to take a nap at least hold onto her leg so she doesn't go anywhere."

Only saving grace is she takes after him so most days she's pretty dang sleepy too. Naptime is a good third of the daily routine (not that anyone is complaining).

Shit at discipline because, like, what leg does he have to stand on? If she wants to ditch class, why not let her? Once or twice ain't that bad.

Takes her on a lot of "field trips" to the human world like he would with Lilith. Genuinely wants her to experience both sides of her identity and encourages her to explore her human side just as much as her demon.

The kind of chill dad that you feel comfortable going to when you've got to talk out a problem or need life advice. He might not be able to offer many answers, but he tries in his own way.

Will prank his kid and will not feel sorry, but is never cruel about it. In fact, this will only spur on a mutual prank war between the two.

Uncle Beel=that genuinely nice uncle who tries to teach you life lessons and how to take care of yourself… while also eating a ton of food.

Would be super confused at first if she started dating like?? How? He kind of sees her like a mini-him at times and his human came to him. Since when did she stay awake long enough to leave the house?? But otherwise he goes with the flow. Whatever she wants, her life.

He might get a bit more agitated if she starts to date a human, like, lowkey bad flashbacks to the whole Lilith situation and the MC would probably have to cool his jets about it. Different circumstances after all.

[bump1nthen1ght]

Waltz of the Vampire (Vampire x Reader)

Pairing: Fem!Fat!Reader/Fem!Vampire

Genre: Fantasy (Vaguely Historical/Renaissance)

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3469 words

Summary: You forcibly attend the ball of the rich family that has just moved to town, unexpectedly finding comfort with one of their daughters.

Request: Hey!! I love your writing a lot! Would you consider an elf or a vampire whatever suits your fancy with a fat fem!reader. I try hard not to hate my body but it can be really hard sometimes and I know a lot of people go through it not just plus size folks but... idk it’s my weakness and a huge comfort. Anyway I hope you have a awesome day!!!

A/N: I really loved writing this request, and after I finish Thicker than Water, I might make a part two.

Serena has been to a lot of parties. Too many, in her opinion, even over her 326-year span of life. Her matriarch, “Mother” as she is called by her and the coven, believes there is no such thing.

Every move they make is celebrated by a grand ball, invitations sent out to every available person. Mother claims it’s the best way for them to fit in, to hide in the crowd rather than the shadows.

Serena understands this, she’s seen it work wonder for their reputation time and time again, but she still does not like them.

Tonight is especially dreadful, a bad hunt the day before and a quick spat with her “brother” enough to sour the whole get together. Serena spends most of the night eluding suitors and dance partners, embracing a mysterious persona so she can enjoy some alone-time.

As she looks around at the dance floor, Serena concludes that she is not a fan of the new fashion statements of this era. A bit too strict, too formal, with precise lacings and starchy hoop skirts. It makes the dance floor too stuffy in her opinion, no room to twirl your fabric or move your limbs.

She sips on her special red wine, eye’s lazily perusing the hall for her siblings, hoping to gain some company, when she spots you. Selena is brought to a pause, mid-drink, as your embroidered skirt glimmers, catching the light as you twirl it across the room. Her eyes widen, determination peaked when she notices you don’t have a partner.

How beautiful.

----------

Oooh, I love this song.

You hum, unconsciously bouncing from side to side as your favorite piano piece begins to play. It’s a piece you have on your list to learn in the future, bubbly and cheerful with a bumpy melody and the option for a fun violin accompaniment.

The energy of the music quickly translates to the dance floor, where couple’s begin to giggle and improvise amidst the strict waltz and counted-steps. It’s a shame that it’s such a good piece because for the first time of the night, you really wish someone would ask you to dance.

When the news the MacArthur’s were throwing a huge welcoming ball had reached your household, your mother quickly began throwing together preparations for you to attend. You had sighed, set your feet in a preemptive ice bath, and ready for another boring night.

As a former socialite herself, from girlhood you were forced to attend party after party. While it had done as intended and transformed your sister into a perfect lady, it had the opposite effect on you. The stiffness of the hoop skirts, the suits, and all the damn people always stuffed up your throat and flushed your face. With your sister as the shining star, it was easy for you to slip into the shadows, and avoid the preening of your mother’s etiquette lessons.

Now, as a growing woman with more and more free-time, you used all of your abilities to avoid huge social gatherings. You found your place amongst small gatherings with local friends, sneaking wine from the cellar and telling stories in the freezing cold around a fire

But as the music increases it’s tempo, with flourishing skirts and plenty of laughter, you can’t help but lose yourself in the joviality of the gathering. The fancy dresses, the even fancier alcohol, and the decadent ballroom had you wondering if you had been missing out a bit.

If only Margaret and Min-Young were here, now that would be a party.

You giggle into your champagne, heels still tapping against the hardwood and hand slightly tossing your skirt back and forth. You easily fall back into your reclusive corner to avoid embarrassing eyes who may glance upon your solitude. But a tiny yelp escapes you when your heel accidentally digs into a foot. You whip around, faced already flushed red with embarrassment.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry! I didn’t look where...I was…”

Behind you, dressed in a dark purple satin gown, is Serena Macarthur herself. She stands a solid two heads above you, hair done up in an immaculate up do and two shimmering ruby earrings dangling from her ears. Her face is serene, lips curled up in a bit of a smirk. You quickly jerk away and give a half-decent curtsy, noticing her beautiful black dancing shoes which you just stomped on. “I apologize, Miss Macarthur, I can’t believe I acted so foolishly. I didn’t realize-”

“Oh, there is no need to worry darling. I’m alright, no harm done.” She says, her voice low and musical, almost like a thrumming bass line. Her gloved hand is placed on your shoulder, the other slides up your neck and tilts up your chin to meet her eye line.

My god, she is stunning.

Her eyes are a color you’ve never seen before, not dissimilar to the sharp gemstones in her earrings. Serena’s makeup, simple yet sharp, does everything to accentuate the cardinal-red of her irises. You can feel the simmering blush heating up your skin as she continues to stare. “I was actually coming this way to speak to you, flower. It’s my fault really, for sneaking up on you.”

You shake your hands, nearly spilling over the champagne in your glass. “Oh no, it’s no problem. Like you said, no harm done”. You force a giggle, hastily taking a sip of your champagne. “May I ask what you wished to speak of?”

Serena smiles, a smirk which is just as sharp as the rest of her, though her eyes betray no slyness or ill-will. “I was going to enquire about your dress. I noticed it from across the room and was stunned by how enchanting it is.”

“Oh! Well, thank you very much.” You blush, unconsciously rubbing your finger over the embroidered flowers on the skirt. “I actually-”

“Whoops!”

In less than a second, you find yourself right next to Serena, as a drunk dancer trips and spills his drink all over the floor. You blink, brain not even fully processing what just happened, as you notice Serena’s arm on your elbow and the red wine splattered where you stood just moments ago.

Did she move me? But when-how did she-

“Sorry! Sorry about that.” The man slurs, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. His partner, a distressed young woman, grabs his elbow and forces him to stand straight. “Guess I’ve had too much.” His embarrassed partner chokes out a laugh as he continues to sway.

“Yes, it seems you have. Make sure to fix that, soon.”

Serena’s tone is barely above talking volume, but holds a command like a powerful shout, Both of the dancers jerk with surprise, furiously bowing as the female drags the man out of the hall.

Serena sighs, rubbing her forehead with exasperation. She turns toward you, smiles back on her face.

“Would you like to take this to the garden? Seems the party is getting a bit too rowdy for good conversation.”

You nod, still a bit befuddled by Serena’s quick mood change and even quicker reflexes. But you link elbows when she holds hers up in invitation nonetheless, following her outside.

---------

The Macarthur estate is beautiful, as expected, and the garden fits that image to a T. Even in the moonlight you can see the finely cultivated roses bushes which decorate it, along with the gleaming marble fountain and sitting space under an ornately decorated gazebo. The two of your heels click along the paved path as you walk towards the center, your half-empty drink still in hand.

“You were sadly interrupted, but you were mentioning something about the dress?”

You nod, taking another long sip of your champagne, hoping a little alcohol may temper your thoughts.

“Yes, I was just going to say that I made it myself.” Serena’s eyes grow wide, eyes darting up and down your attire, and you feel yourself fluster. “It’s a tradition in my family, you see. My great-great-grandmother was very diligent when it came to teaching her kids how to sew, even the boys, and it became such an insisted upon skill that all her children ended up making their own evening clothing for special occasions. It ended up filtering down that every child makes one special outfit themselves, for what occasion it doesn’t particularly matter, but something thatt is uniquely you.” You pull up the end of your skirt, pointing out the flower pattern. “I’ve always had a fondness for gardening, so I tried to incorporate that into my dress. Plus,” You smooth out your skirt, “Most party dresses I’ve found are a bit too restrictive for my tastes, I wanted something I could really get into some fun with, y’know?” You force a giggle, immediately wondering if that comment was a bit too salacious for high-society talk. Serena simply smirks, letting out a low chuckle of her own.

“I wholeheartedly agree. May I take a closer look?” She gestures to your skirt and you hastily nod. The two of you take a seat by the fountain, Serena’s glove accidentally brushing against your calf as she picks up your skirt. You try and control your shiver from the simple contact. She hums admirably as she runs along your work. “Such incredibly done Sunflowers, the detail you put in is astounding. And these are forget-me-nots, correct?”

“Oh yes, those are my favorite kind.” Serena’s hands continue to run along the linework, following the bumps and dips of each flower petal. “As you can see I had trouble with the lavender, what with the petals being so small.” Serena shakes her head, a fond smile on her face. She looks up at you, forcing you to hastily act as if you weren’t admiring her face.

“The work you put in makes them twice as beautiful, mistakes be damned.” You blush even harder, throwing your hand and taking a final sip of your champagne.

“Thank you very much, but I have a long way to go.”

Serena’s hand hasn’t left your skirt, now resting on her lap as she continues to look at you. You swallow the last droplets of champagne down your throat, trying to fill the silence.

“The band is incredible, did you hire them locally?” You stutter, setting down your glass. Serena continues to fiddle with your skirt.

“Some of them, yes, but the violinist is actually my older sister, Marigold.”

“Wow! Make sure to give her my compliments, she’s very talented.” Serena nods, before her eyes dart down your toes. As the music echoes out of the hall and into the garden, you had unconsciously begun to tap your toes to the beat. When she glances at you, she can see your head slightly bobbing, a content look painting your face. A small smile forces one on to hers.

How cute. She internally sighs, noting how soft the skin of your cheek looks, the nice curve of your jaw, and your adorable noise. The pulsing blood which would run down your throat, the crimson looking devine against your exposed collarbone and dripping below your breast line.

She stands up abruptly, forcing those evocative thoughts out of her mind. You were quite cute and good company, someone Serena would like to get to know. Sometimes the crossed wires of her brain confused attraction for bloodlust, mistaking the butterflies for hunger pains.. She is almost embarrassed; It was one of the common hurdles new vampires had to overcome, a bridge she thought she crossed years ago

You startle, looking up at her with innocent doe eyes. Serena holds out her hand, ignoring how she can hear your steady pulse, unintentionally matching the beat of the music.

“May I have this dance, fair lady?” She almost whispers, bowing slightly.

Your face flushes, nodding without a word, and slipping your bare hand into her glove.

Serena boldly grabs your hip and presses you against her, quickly taking the lead. Your brain fervently recalls all of your formal dancing lessons, pressing your head into her chest as she takes you along.

In her arms, following her perfected steps, that slithering self-consciousness sneaks back into your brain. Your logic tries to reason with it;

You wanted to dance, but now that this beautiful woman has gladly offered her hand, you want to stop?

But your insecurities are louder, screaming about every trip and every spare touch. This close, you can feel her firm musculature through the dress, spotting the hint of her bicep as she leads you. With her dainty and elegant hand on your side, you feel twice aware of your size underneath, every imperfection concealed by your dress.

You had fallen in love with this dress when making it, but had always been hesitant to wear it. You feared that once you put it on, that beautiful picture in your mind would shatter, leaving you forlorned of what could never be. Not with you wearing it, you had thought, avoiding your own mirror as you left.

“Something on your mind, flower?”

Serena whispers into your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. Your back jerks and contorts back into position, almost stepping your foot on hers. You shake your head furiously.

“Oh no! I-I just-” You stumble, trying to find an easy excuse, but are stopped when you take a look at her face.

She’s resplendent, even up close, not a hint of makeup to be seen. But across her cheeks, slightly faded from what looks like years away from the sun, are-

“My, you have such wonderful freckles.” You murmur, without a second thought.

Unbeknownst to you, if Serena could blush, she would. But the scrunched up look of embarrassment is telling, hinting that maybe this beautiful heiress has her own things she hides away.

“W-well, thank you.” She hastily utters, eyes averting from yours. It’s uncharacteristically shy and you can’t control the giggle that escapes you.

To give her some reprieve, you take your eyes off her face and trail them around the garden. They catch on the fountain, where the contrasting colors of your dresses stand out amidst the black. In the reflection, the two of you could not look more different. Serena stands a head above you, slim-fitted dark purple dress pulled across her curves, while your bright green dress cinches at the waist, flowing out like the flower's detailed skirt. It blows and beckons with every movement, brushing occasionally against your form and showing off the contours of your body.

Damn, you think, we look hot.

Just as fickle as it’s counterpoint, confidence quickly overtakes your mind, blocking out the noise of your doubt. You hold tight to your beautiful partner, in the beautiful dress that you made, and allow the happiness of this moment to exist uninterrupted, however short it may be.

The music increases its pace, the smooth line of a saxophone bringing up the energy. With a new burst of energy, you allow yourself to improvise amidst the  strict waltz. You lift your weight off your heels and try to glide from step to step, like the fast-paced tango dancers your mother once took you to see. Serena matches your enthusiasm, gripping your waist, even lifting you a few inches off the ground when a particular chord strikes. Her fingers slightly tickle your ribs, an ecstatic giggle escaping you and you falter a misstep. Your mind almost stops, embarrassed by your stumble and that insecurity sneaking back in, but Serena follows your new tempo with grace, urging you along with improvisation.

Your bodies follow the music with abandon, ordered steps devolving into impassioned stamps and twists, Serena twirling you around as the violin and piano sing from afar. Your heart and mind are running on adrenaline. It’s like when you were little, letting out your energy in any way possible. Serena’s laughter is magical and for once you don’t detest your awkward snorts and chuckles.

As the music slows, the two of you near-tumble back into the fountain, taking a seat with heaving chests.

“Whew, I haven’t danced like that in a while!” You say, brushing a stray hair back behind your ear. Serena nods, patting her stomach as she continues to laugh.

“Me as well. I forgot how fun it could be, when you’re not counting your steps.”

“Oh good, you do that too. I always wondered how no one got dreadfully bored just saying 1-2-3 over and over.” You mutter, taking in a deep breath and patting her thigh. Your other hand drifts down to the fountain water, letting your fingertips brush across the top and inadvertently catching your reflection once more.

It’s not the most flattering angle, your shoulders slump and the water slightly distorted, and those intruding thoughts try to slip in once more.

Oh shut up, let us have this.

Your logic sighs, batting it away without another second thought.

As the two of you sit, your energy eventually begins to drift back down, your muscles slightly tired from that short burst of impact. You sneak a glance at Serena.

While her outfit is still immaculate, her updo shows the smallest signs of dishelevement, curly black hairs falling down above her ears. In a way, she’s more beautiful than ever.

“Me and some friends are actually getting together next week. The shepherd's daughter, Violet, is getting married and they are throwing a little shindig at the barn to celebrate. Do you want to come?”

Serena looks up at you, slightly surprised, face furrowed with that hidden bashfulness. But she nods nonetheless, shooting you a bright smile.

Still high off your dance, you just barely miss her large fangs, which glimmer under the moonlight.

You smile back, only startled when the large bell tower from  the center of town chimes. Your head looks towards it’s large face and back towards the moon position. You’d guess it was midnight. Seems the two of you had lost track of time while dancing.

“Well, I should probably be going.” You say, standing up and brushing off your skirt. “I do have some gardening to attend to in the morning, going to need a solid amount of sleep. But,” You say, eyes demure and locked on your toes as Serena stands up, “I had a lot of fun tonight. More than usual, I would say.” You giggle, twirling a strand of your hair. Serena hmms in agreement.

“Me as well, flower. Your company has been the highlight of my night.”

In a bold move, Serena grabs your hand and lays a kiss on the back of it. Her eyes radiate that power and certainty from before, crimson irises shining in the night. Your blush crawls its way back up your neck.

“I-I can say the same.”

The two of you stay in that position for a moment, Serena pulling away her lips but keeping a lingering hold on your hand. Your heart thrums in your chest, while hers is deathly silent. Neither of you wants to be the first to pull away.

“I-uhm.” You stumble, hand still locked in place.

Now’s as good a time as any. You suppose.

In a quick movement, your hand loosens from Serena’s grasp and you give a quick peck on her cheek. In another, you have pulled away, sprinting towards your carriage.

“I-I’ll see you Saturday!” You shout, nearly tripping over a rose bush.

Left behind in the garden stands Serena, cold hand pressed against the burning skin of her cheek. Your kiss shot through her body like a lightning strike, almost jolting her frozen-heart alight.

That night, Serena goes for a hunt. She barely takes the time to change out of her formal clothes, nearly tearing the delicate lacework of her dress. Her claws catch on her gloves and almost rip apart, her heels scuffing the floor as she kicks them off and to the side. Her undead body is thrumming with life, untapped energy that longs to get out.

Her thoughts run a mile a minute, forcibly distracted by the Grizzly bear she currently has in a choke hold. It puts up a good fight, but Serena is running off of pure bloodlust.

At least, she thinks it’s bloodlust. A deeper part of her knows it's something else; The sparking fire of something new and a little bit frightening.

The last time she was personally invited to a ball, an event, a ceremony was less than a couple months ago. When you hold a position such as hers, look like her, they are common occurrences.

But to a party? Not a politically motivated meetup, but a genuine, let your hair down, party? Well, she hadn’t been to one since she was a youngling of 150.

And for the first time in a while, she is excited.

[theflashdriver]

Time After Time (Silvaze)

The weather was fair yet cloudy, it wasn't too warm, but it wasn't too cold and the tide was almost fully in. Sunset was a little more than a few hours away, before it came the clouds would break further and a beautiful, pink-red, sky would be revealed. No attacks would come today; there would be no evil, hairbrained, scheme put into motion on either a domestic or galactic level, though such a plan had been entirely unmade a little more than a day prior. Yes, today, this calm day at the docks of Soleanna was one that Silver the hedgehog knew well. To most of his friends, today might have seemed especially mundane but he knew it differently. To him, this day was like no other. Although, unlike when he'd first lived it, he was viewing it through the lens of nostalgia.

Despite his knowledge and experience of today, Silver the hedgehog was quietly quaking in his boots as he wandered past the shops and restaurants on the city's most coastal street. When he'd last been here, to this exact day rather than this exact place, he'd been fourteen years old and yet, as he'd come to know, it wasn't the first time he'd visited this city and it certainly wasn't his first time being fourteen. Currently he was twenty-four in terms of linear time. He'd gained a lot since that day, both in terms of height and understanding his place in life, but it wouldn't be farfetched to say he felt all that and more had been stripped away. He felt as though he'd reverted into an insecure and nervous youth, not as a result of this time nor place but as a result of his intended next action.

Walking side by side with him, holding his hand in hers, was a feline who'd matured in equal measure to him, linearly and otherwise. Blaze wasn't wearing her usual guardian uniform, the ten-year anniversary of them reuniting had warranted a change in both of their wardrobes. While he had donned spiffy black boots, a set of nicer gloves, a white dress shirt with black trousers and a bowtie that he was seriously regretting, she had put herself in a full suit. A deep burgundy jacket and trouser combination hid a button up, white-silken shirt and a purple-wine coloured tie. She'd kept her heels but, despite their best efforts, he was still just a little taller. She seemed to like such outfits far better than the dresses she'd once been forced into. Suits seemed to further imbue her with a certain brand of confi-

She came to a sudden halt, causing him to stumble, and the rolling of her eyes fully derailed his train of thought.

"If you spend all night watching me, you'll miss the sunset," She'd caught him staring and come to a stop, a small smirk had formed on her muzzle. Just as quickly as she'd halted though, the princess took a small lead and pulled him after her, "Come on, let's find somewhere for dinner."

A few years prior, she'd have insisted he keep his eyes forward and stop looking. Safe to say, she'd gotten far better at hiding her blush. While once he'd been oblivious, now he was the one who'd stammer and redden. The heat laying siege to his muzzle was proof enough of that. As he sped up to match her pace, he fought not to meet her eyes nor muzzle again. In lieu of that, he managed to turn his attention to the sea and tightly grip an object that he'd stashed deep within his right pocket; a small, purple, ring box. It was the clear source of his nervousness, a source that he half hoped was obvious to her and half hoped was not. He wanted to surprise her, even just a little, but to say he was tense about proposing was an understatement.

Blaze was his partner, she had been when they'd battled monsters in a city overtaken by flames and now, she was again. Even during their younger years together in that prior life, he'd always just kind of figured they'd stick together forever. Back then that mentality derived from a rather simple and childish desire to stay with his best friend for ever and ever but, with time, that want had rather evolved. She was still his best friend and yet she was something much more. It'd taken time, they'd fought for ages to overcome the denial and embarrassment that came with their burgeoning feelings, but, in the end, they'd managed to admit their love for one another. He cared for her in a way that he knew he couldn't care about anyone or anything else. Their loss of one another had brought what'd gone unspoken and unthought of to light, even if it'd blinded them at first.

This was just like that first step towards love all over again, he felt like he was stumbling at each and every step, but now there was something even deeper to it. He'd been too young, naïve and oblivious to understand what he was really getting into when they'd first started dating. Blaze was a princess, her family had defended her kingdom for generation upon generation, their romantic lives had historically involved suitors, people with power and land in her world. Only a few generations prior, becoming the second half of a royal pair had been an event that Blaze could only describe to him as ludicrous with competitions and bribery and all manner of horrendous implications. It was supposed to be a bizarre spectacle of some sort, guesses and bets were gruesomely made on who would take the royal's hand.

Asking the girl who'd died for his future, who he'd been more than willing to die for, who'd call him naïve, chastise his insecurity and who he couldn't live without to marry him would be ludicrously difficult. Asking that same girl, who also just happened to be the princess and guardian of an entire world in which he was a relative nobody and a stranger, seemed practically impossible. She cared so deeply for her people and their wants, more than she cared for herself. He'd so casually tended to other people's futures, yet he was scared to take a serious step towards theirs. He'd battled monsters and lived through the unliveable but asking his closest companion a simple question seemed far more gruelling.

Pulling his right hand from his pocket, he reached up to awkwardly tug at the small cluster of chest fur he had access to. He was probably a little underdressed for all this, she'd made such a bold choice while he'd been indecisive, but that was nothing new. He'd recommended this place and time both due to its romanticism and to force himself to act. This was the exact day they had reunited, that moment was mere hours away. Out there a much younger Silver and Blaze were blindly wandering across the city, on an inevitable collision course. There would only be one opportunity to actually act on his want, a moment he thought perfect to pop the question. If he failed today then the site where he wanted to propose would be overcrowded, a seemingly impossible task would truly become impossible.

They'd known where and when they were visiting today, but, beyond that, they'd essentially schemed in secret. Though this beachside wasn't unlike those in her dimension, they both knew the area well enough to take each other on unique, albeit relaxed, adventure. There was a good star watching spot just outside the city, a few good movies playing, some attractions that would currently be going unused and plenty of historical sights. He'd promised to take care of their early actions while their later efforts were up to her.

"So, did you have an actual plan for dinner? It's a Tuesday night, I doubt we'll need any reservations…" She half asked and half mused.

"O-Oh, right," He'd been pulled from his thoughts again. Looking to her and tugging more tightly at his chest fur, Silver explained his plan, "Yes, I made plans. There's a place that does really good pasta around here. It'll close down in a couple of years, but the head chef will go on to start running a far bigger and busier restaurant in station square. His current restaurant is quieter, a small place on the waterfront that's much too expensive for its owner to maintain," Realising he was rambling, releasing all he had researched in the future, he caught himself, "B-But that just means the view is very good, it's not too far from here either."

"That sounds perfect, let's go then-

"W-Wait," He stopped walking this time, she turned to him with a small quirk on her brow. Much more and she'd start asking questions and he'd crumble where he stood, "Before the restaurant, there's somewhere I'd like to go first. It's just a little further ahead."

She gave him a knowing look before resuming her lead, their reunion was burned into her memory just as it was his, "I suppose that we can go there first, but it's hardly going to vanish."

"So will we though," He interjected, walking alongside her, "So I figured we should probably avoid that, I don't really know what'll happen if we bump into ourselves. I've never really done it before."

"Doesn't that mean we should be avoiding the wharf at all costs? Perhaps even the whole city," She questioned.

"Maybe but," He scrambled for an answer, "I just thought it'd be romantic. I think we can stand to do it just this once, I know I'll be too distracted by you to notice another of myself hiding nearby."

"Well, I suppose the same is true of me… and it is a rather special place," He could tell by the flicking of her tail that she was curious, she knew he was up to something, but also genuinely interested in visiting the site, "I suppose, just this once. I think we might start to notice if there's more than four of us in the vicinity. It might distract from another day's romanticism."

It took a lot to keep himself from sighing with relief but, despite that urge, he was still incredibly nervous. She'd agreed to come to the spot, but he still had to act once they'd arrived. He knew what he wanted to say, he knew what he wanted to do, but putting that into motion was going to take the sum of his willpower. Even then, that might not be enough. He hoped the site of such memories would catalyse him.

A squeeze of his hand tugged him from his thoughts again, Blaze was scanning him with a lingering inquisitiveness. He beamed at her, fully knowing she'd recognise the nervousness behind it. Fortunately, she seemed to take it in good faith; her shoulder gently met with his as she walked just a little bit closer to him. Their relationship with contact like this had changed a lot over the years, going from natural to embarrassing to natural once more. The hedgehog was glad he could find such comfort in her touch. Despite having regained both his memories and his companion ten years ago, he was still a little new to contact. While he'd hug and hold others, the quiet moments were still reserved for her.

"What about later tonight? Have you planned a lot?" He inquired, realising that he'd been too deep in thought to properly drum up conversation.

"I've got a couple of things up my sleeve, you'll just have to wait and see what happens," She hinted, leaning just a little bit more to accentuate her point, "It'll just depend what we have time for and where our wanders take us."

"I told you everything but you're not going to say anything?" He whined, half-jokingly, "Blaze, please..."

The only response he received was her tail winding around his waist and her leading ever so slightly faster.

Clearly, she planned to lead him on for the entire evening. He'd kind of come to expect that from their dates. While he planned relatively simple things for the most part, innocent and obvious, the feline enjoyed playing with him quite a lot. Her position in her home world meant that dates were often sporadic, arranged at the last minute or constantly shuffled and reshuffled, but she'd learned to take advantage of that. He'd find her at his door and, very quickly, find himself being pulled across islands and in all sorts of directions. Despite this, she didn't like to take advantage of her position as guardian. Most commonly, they would find themselves hiking across far off islands and cooking in by campfire or she'd order food and pull him up to the castle for a night in. Blaze seemed to relish in surprising him with what was, in comparison to the lives they knew and had known, relatively regular things. He'd be lying if he said, just as he had her, he'd fallen in love with things being regular.

He threw another glance oceanward, finding the sky still overly cluttered with white, fluffy, masses, untouched by the reds and pinks of a sunset. The change in tone from day to night couldn't have been too far away, they were going for dinner rather than a late lunch after all, but the lack of signs was giving him some comfort. As they reached his intended destination, it told him that they still had some time.

He'd brought her to the site at which they'd soon be reuniting. They wouldn't quite be meeting for the first time in this lifetime but they would remember what they were to one another. It was a stairway down to the thin wharf that edged along the entire coast and splayed out in places to create small harbours. It was a simple, unassuming, sight; but the view of the sea from those stairs was breath-taking, even when the sun wasn't setting.

The first time they'd visited here was the darkest day of their life. Amy Rose had just stopped him from killing Sonic, displaying her love by defending the blue blur with her body before bluntly admitting how much she cared for him. Uncertain how to proceed from here, Silver's faith in their mission shaken, he'd meandered his way to these steps and found himself moping but, ultimately, had been distracted by the sight and smell of the sea. Eventually Blaze had joined him but, with the future on the line, he hadn't had the strength to so much as mention the beauty of their surroundings, let alone suggests they sit for a while. They were trying to save their world, but the cost of such a victory proved to be too much. He'd lost both her and his memories of her only a handful of hours later. They both ended up reincarnating into entirely different lives in total opposite locations, they'd become strangers.

In this life though, this spot held a very different meaning. It was where they'd reforge their connection, where she'd convince him to visit her world for the first time and he'd managed to claim a moment of true peace for the first time across any of his lives. That peace hadn't lasted for too long of course, the future was still destroyed back then, but it'd been enough of a taste that he knew what he wanted and where he wanted to be.

Leaving her side, he rushed up to arrive at the top of the stairs and took a seat on the far-right side. Sitting himself on its pale wooden boards, he patted the spot next to him. She rolled her eyes and grew another smirk before walking over to sit with him. These were the positions that their past selves would soon take to talk and, eventually, reminisce. He swore he could see the slightest twinge of pink on the clouds but, beyond that, the cluttered sky was still hiding many secrets.

He turned his attention to her, just in time for her head to meet with his shoulder, "It's not quite the view I remember, but it's getting there."

A bigger smile broke onto his face, he reached across his body with his right hand and held it flat to her; fingertips to the sky. Without so much as blinking, she brought her left hand to meet it. Palm to palm and finger to finger before, gently, their fingers slipped into a grasp. This was the first contact they'd made in this lifetime, the trigger to remembering had been no more than a simple touch.

Silver knew what he wanted to do, he'd been riling himself up to do it all day, but he couldn't help staring for just a moment. He could easily imagine the younger feline who'd just regained her memories; the combined look of shock, regret and happiness was unlike any expression she'd worn before or since. Now she just looked happy, peaceful even, so much had changed across these lives; the places, their comfort and feelings alike. After a minute or so of flickering between her and the ocean, he took a deep breath and steeled himself.

His closer hand was still locked in her grasp, so he stretched with his right and struggled to cross his hand over his body to delve into his right jacket pocket. Once he'd grasped the box, he threw a glance in her direction only to find her expression had changed; she was squinting, but not at the horizon. Almost instinctively, he followed her eyeline only to find that the cloud barrier had shifted slightly. The orange sun was struggling to break through the clouds.

It was as Silver realised this, that he felt Blaze's hand slip free from his and a sudden push impact his right shoulder, sending him tumbling from the banister-less staircase and onto the wharf below. The moment he hit the ground he used his powers to force flip himself back upright, prepared to fly back up the stairs, but the suit-clad feline had jumped straight after him and very almost knocked him back to the ground.

"W-What's going on? What was-

Before he could finish, her hands had found his shoulders and shunted him backwards. His back met with wood, her palms were on his chest and the sky was blocked by the edge of the staircase above. She'd pushed him into the minuscule nook beneath the wharf's staircase, the sea was directly beneath their feet once again. Before he could shift, the princess moved. She was no longer pinning him with her body so much as caging him, her hands placed against the wood at either side of his neck. This wasn't a position he was new to, but she had fully caught him by surprise. His muzzle was painted fully crimson, sweat immediately began to pool on his brow, but Blaze wasn't even looking at him; her gaze was thrown to the boards above them. He only half understood what was happening but, before he could ask, she gave a demand.

Her words came out hushed and sharp, "Stay still, keep quiet. I think you're about to arrive."

It took a moment for those words to process, he hardly had an impeccable sense of time, but he was certain they weren't about to meet. It was only then that he realised what of that day he remembered; only really from meeting Blaze onward, the exact point of his arrival was lost on him. He remembered the sky just beginning to change as she called out to him and he turned, but not the minutes leading up to that.

"Already? I didn't see myself or anything," Silver answered, trying to keep his voice equally low, "How do you know?"

"The clouds were beginning to part," She hesitated, as footsteps padded above them, "When I found you that day, my eyes landed on you because you were caught in the first sunbeam. I saw it starting."

He'd just thought it was somewhere nice to sit, he hadn't noticed that back then. Looking up and to his right, he saw a glimmer of sunlight breaking through the slats. Silver couldn't see much from his position, but he knew well enough to take her word for it. Well, that and he didn't have the strength to. He'd waited a moment too long and missed his opportunity, that realisation sapped him of energy. His other self hadn't arrived mid-proposal, but he had failed.

"What're we going to do?" She questioned.

"I guess we'll just have to stay here and keep still," He sheepishly mumbled, feeling thoroughly to blame. They'd be sat up there for a good few hours, "If things go how they're supposed to then they shouldn't notice us and, when they remember, we might be able to slip away?"

"You're right, I think leaving before that would be dangerous. Changing the future here could be dangerous," She nodded, her head very almost meeting with his, "Remembering will probably distract them enough," Her eyes flickered back to the wood above, "Well, distract us enough."

She didn't look upset, but he couldn't help grimacing; he'd effectively stranded them, "I'm sorry, I should have timed this better."

"Oh hush," She looked at him, seriousness in her eyes but a joking smirk on her lips, "Even if you should have, this is a very fitting experience. I never considered that we could relive this," As his brow softened, the harshness fled her eyes and a small spark of excitement took its place. Footsteps sounded overhead. Silver the hedgehog, age fourteen, had just arrived, "Let's enjoy ourselves."

His chance to propose was dashed, he couldn't move his body nor his spirit from this position, but at least she was happy. This was a rather unique opportunity, no one else could really relive a significant moment in their life as they were about to. Even if it wasn't the new experience he'd wanted to give her, at least it was an old one that he knew was close to their hearts. As he watched her eyes drift across the woodwork above, he couldn't help but marvel at her again. The drop had made her fur ever so slightly unkempt, almost urging or asking him to push the pieces back into place. She hid her emotions so well, but he was equally skilled at uncovering them. As she stared at the boards above, he couldn't help but keep noticing that smile on her muzzle and the slow batting of her tail. She wasn't lying about wanting to enjoy this.

He gently reached up, made cramped by her holding, and went to push back a strand that was dangling from her ponytail. He'd only just made contact when a voice called him to flinch and pin himself back against the wood.

"So, it is you," Those four simple words clued him in to this current moment without holding any real meaning whatsoever. That voice was one he knew all too well; it was that of Blaze the cat, age fourteen. Almost instantly, even without seeing, he could visualise the goings on above them.

"Oh, hey!" His own mid-pubescent voice almost brought his toes to curl, but his eyes did flicker to the woodwork above. He couldn't really see anything, but he perfectly remembered what was happening, "I've seen you a few times before. What was your name again…? I don't think I've asked before..."

Once he finished stumbling over himself, she'd take two steps closer and make a brief introduction, punctuated with a nod, "I am Blaze the cat, guardian of the Sol Emeralds."

"Blaze… that name really does sound familiar," The reason for that would soon become apparent to the youngster, "Well, I'm Silver! Thank you for helping out the past couple of days, you were amazing!"

She'd pause for a moment, still stood somewhere behind him. Meanwhile, his prior self would quickly turned his attention back to the water, confused by a strange feeling that was engulfing him, "Why are you not with the others? Surely they're celebrating another victory?"

"If I'm honest, I don't really know," A bizarre feeling had pulled him there, a wanderlust like no prior, "When I first arrived, I just happened to pass through here; the blue sky over the sea looked so pretty. I felt like I was supposed to see the sunset on it before I left, I figured it'd be even nicer than the regular sky," Yes, soon the clouds would part to reveal a beautiful sunset, but that would pale in comparison to what he was about to receive, "You're not at the party either though, did you come out here to watch the sunset?"

"You could say that," She had chosen to offer, obscuring that very same feeling in her heart, "…Would you mind if I joined you? I don't know why, I've seen the sun drift beneath the sea a million times, but this seems… rather important."

"Important?" She'd confused him but offered no elaboration, "Of course you can, anyone who wants can and should see this," He'd pet the spot next to him but she'd choose to sit a good half foot further away, "The skies of this time can be so pretty, I can't wait to see it reflected on the water!"

Now that pair were sitting side by side, an awkward silence engulfing them as they tried to focus on the sea but kept exchanging hesitant glances. The older Silver allowed his eyes to flicker to his Blaze. Any lingering concern had left her face and been replaced by a curious stare, it briefly dropped to grace his muzzle before flickering back to the floorboards above them. Given their positioning, she likely had the better view, perhaps she could even see herself. As long as neither of their past versions caught on, nothing could go wrong.

Silver was reminded of the ring in his pocket. His hope of presenting it was abandoned but, at this moment at least, he was almost too awed to worry about that. Even if he'd wanted to right now, and he'd thoroughly kick himself later for not acting, another moment would come. This was still something special. He cast his gaze towards the ocean, the clouds had split far further now and cotton candy colourations were fanning out across the sky. No reflections were clear yet but, within the next half hour, he knew they would begin to appear; that truly beautiful sky would arrive soon. By the time that the pair above had made their peace, the world before them would be cast in the most stunning of colours. Regardless of what happened this evening, regardless of how events progressed, this would linger in his mind as one of the best days he'd ever lived, and now they were getting to experience it for a second time.

Despite being pinned to the wall, despite the tension tied to hiding and the loss of his engagement plan, the lapping of the waves just feet beneath them, the gentle glow of the sun on the horizon and the closeness of her frame to his was putting him entirely at ease. When he was fourteen, he'd been drawn here, but now it felt like he was meant to be here. His ears flickered as the conversation picked back up.

"Is this really the only reason you didn't stay for the party?" The young princess had dared to ask, opting to break the quiet for once. Even before they'd remembered each other, they'd been able to read the other's voice and expression so fluently.

"Well, mostly, yeah," She'd just thrown him a look, a look that told him that she could tell he was lying, "Th-That and, well…" It wasn't that he was embarrassed at being caught so much as he was struggling to disclose a truth that he didn't truly understand, "If I stay for the party then they'll ask me to stay longer, I think… a-and if I do that, then I won't be prepared for the next problem," He'd be scratching at his chest fur now, surely, "I don't know, they probably want me there but don't realise that they shouldn't have me there. I'm more useful elsewhere, you know?"

"You're so naïve," That was the first time he'd been called that in this lifetime, "If you're not going to stay for long, then you should have stayed for as long as you could and had your fill of fun rather than worrying and cutting it short. They'd probably rather have you around for a short while than not at all. They're sad but they've always understood when I've had to go," The feline was giving advice that she herself should probably be taking, "These opportunities are rare for me and, by your tone, I assume they are for you too."

"They are a little, yeah. I don't stay in the same time as them. You're probably right but… there's also just something about this sky, I don't know what it is…" Just now he'd turned to her, he'd got his first proper look at her and noticed the gem that marked her forehead. Something about it, her clothes and the colour of her fur would seem familiar too, just like her name, "Why aren't you with them? You're their friend too, right?"

"Hm," She'd been staring at him, though she'd probably just turned away from his inquisitive look, "I suppose I just needed some air and peace. It's nice to be away from my kingdom but it would seem I've exchanged one rowdy crowd for a different, albeit more social, sort."

The older Blaze snorted ever so slightly, "I'd been curious about you ever since the prior battle, I just couldn't bring myself to admit it."

"This is so strange," The twenty-four-year-old hedgehog mumbled, eyes flickering from the upper left in order to meet his girlfriend's gaze, "Is it weird that I'm really enjoying this? It's so strange, being an observer to the very reason we're here. If I hadn't come here that day and you'd decided not to talk to me, we wouldn't be here right now."

Silver noticed a change in her demeanour, the waving of her tail stopped and the smile on her face grew. Something was going through her head, she was contemplating something very deeply, but that expression quickly passed. Her shoulders rolled into a more relaxed position and her features softened, forming into a look he knew all too well. The hedgehog had no idea what she had decided, but he already knew the result of it.

He felt her grip shift slightly; the base of her palms was pushing on the edge of his shoulders. She'd already been close, but now her nose was bumping against his. She'd captured all of his vision, her tone was still hushed but, somehow, huskier, "Why don't you pay just a little more attention to the here and now…"

Her head tilted, he felt the weight of her wrists drop to his clavicle as her tail had managed to curl its way around his leg. The scent of her lavender perfume was surely beginning to mark him, its aroma was almost hypnotising him. The first kiss landed lightly, a stunning but soft peck on his lips, but the second was just heavy enough to get her message across. A gentle bite at his lower lip followed, a request for access.

He granted it without hesitation, the third kiss pushed him against the wood and brought his back to curve as he conceded to her control. Overhead they were still talking, growing more distracted and fascinated by the other with each passing moment. Still, they had to keep this subtle and quiet, Silver knew fine well that Blaze could have been doing more to overpower him. Through this kiss, their eyes had remained half lidded and captured within the other's glow; never quite breaking. His hands came to hold her, his fingers almost clawing at the small of her back as he tried to pull her even closer.

Their passionate bout soon paused though, she'd pulled back as a handful of familiar words spilled from the younger hedgehog's mouth, "You really do look familiar, I know I've seen you before but… it's like there's more to it than that? I'm not really sure how to describe it."

"Oh?" The feline half-hummed, trying not to seem desperate for answers but prompting him to speak further.

"I came here to look at the sky, but I can't stop looking at you. It's like you're drawing me in," The future hedgehog of the past explained, eyes locked on her, "I don't think his has ever happened to me before."

"Well, I'm sorry to be such a distraction. It is a beautiful sky…" She answered, not even looking at the very view that they were discussing, "But I'd be lying if I said you weren't distracting me too."

"R-Really?" The sound of shifting above caught him just a little off guard, he'd forgotten that he'd been the one to move closer first, "I've never felt anything like this before, it's like I already know you…"

"It's so strange but… I feel the same," A shuffling came from further behind him, the climax was about to arrive, but, once again, the adult Silver's attention was pulled from the princess above and towards the one in front of him.

His Blaze had shifted, her hands had dropped from his shoulders and found her sides, the feline's eyes had broken from his and a seriousness had overtaken his muzzle. They'd gone from so intimate to bordering on distant in no more than a minute. She caught his eyes only to part from them again, reaching down and dusting off both her jacket and her trousers. Had she noticed or remembered something that he hadn't? Were they at risk of being spotted? Was she preparing turn?

Even though his attention had been stolen, Silver's ears still picked up the younger hedgehog's voice, "But you aren't from around here, are you? There's no way we could have met before."

"I'm certain I'd remember your face," The young feline commented before seeming to catch herself, "Well, it feels like I do remember your face…"

"I wonder if…" He'd just started a sentence that he'd never get to finish.

Their hands had touched, that contact had sparked something that lingered deep within their very souls. They'd undone the lock and regained the memories of their past life. In little more than a second, he'd learned of another life in which he'd fought for a bright future, she'd learned of a world and time that so heavily contrasted that of her present one. Most importantly though, they'd both learned of each other.

The current Blaze though, his Blaze, had taken a single step away from him as their past selves made their first contact of this lifetime. Her eyes had returned to his, bring with them a steely serious expression that he'd thought was reserved for only the most difficult of fights, "Silver…"

"Y-Yes?" He stammered.

She dropped to one knee. Her right hand had sunk into her pocket. He immediately understood what was happening. His jaw slacked and eyes went wide as the princess revealed a small, silver, box.

"We've lived both together and apart; I don't ever want to be apart again. I want to stay with you for the rest of my life," Her voice was stable but he could see hints of concern in her demeanour. Little quirks like the flicking of her tail and the bending of her ears; little things that only he could identify. Those worries were entirely pointless, of course. He felt himself begin to shake; his vision had begun to blur.

The hedgehog managed to take a stumbling step forward, closing the gap.

"I know this sudden, but I've been carrying this little box with me for five months now, just waiting for the right time," Her voice was still quiet but, somehow, it cut through the splashing of waves and talk above. She captured held attention in a way that nothing else could, "I can't imagine that there'll ever be a better moment than this…"

The box was thumbed open, revealing a golden right with a band of inset red gems, like a combination of his cuffs and the jewel on her forehead. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, all their moving and talk faded from recognition as his vision shrunk to the ring alone and the face just above it. He hadn't expected this, he hadn't remotely considered it!

But it was perfect, it was so perfect.

"Considering all we've been through, both in this life and the last, this might seem like a formality, but…" That iron expression was wavering, being cracked away by the pressure behind her inevitable next words, "I want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?" The question was asked but, before he could give an answer, she had started to talk again, "I know that-

"Y-Yes," It took all he had not to shout as he cut her off, almost falling forward as he reached for the ring and her hands, "Yes, of course Blaze! Of course I will!"

It took some fumbling to get the ring onto his finger, the sound of their past selves shouting and crying with mixed joy and regret acted as an impossible backdrop to this unimaginable occasion. The sun had broken through the clouds, the sunset was freely visible; everything had aligned so perfectly, even if he had failed earlier. In the moment, they almost forgot that this was their time, their chance to escape before their past selves noticed.

Once the ring was on, his hand slipped back into hers. With no more than a single glance up to their past selves, finding them on their feet and clinging to each other as though the universe was about to tear them apart again, the newly engaged couple ran along the wharf. They tried to keep light-footed at first but, eventually, their footfalls rang across the wood. The adrenaline of the moment carried him and, almost certainly, her as they dashed. It perhaps wasn't the most normal thing, proposing and then running from your past self, but it made this endeavour all the more memorable.

They ran until the sun had slipped its way down to sit on the ocean's smooth skyline, slowing themselves to a halt as they arrived at another set of stairs. It was narrower and more crudely constructed, attached to a small harbour that was home to a trio of small vessels. Side by side, shoulder to shoulder, they took a seat on those cramped stairs and began to catch their breath. Silver's mind was still racing, his eyes flickered to her before crashing into the ring on his finger; he could hardly believe it was real. He passed his thumb over it, feeling the smooth bands that shielded the gemstones.

"Blaze," She very quickly turned to him, "Th-That was incredible!"

"I know me doing this means something more than you were maybe hoping, taking any role in the royal family is difficult, let alone the one you are," She wasn't quite meeting his eye, instead choosing to almost look past him. He felt her hand slip from his, "Was I too sudden? Were you ready for me to ask? I know I didn't really drop any hints, but I wasn't sure how to. I thought about discussing our future, but we did most of that when we started dating, and you seemed happy so…"

Thoughts ran rampant through his mind, concerns and regrets; not about her choice to act, but his own inaction. He was overwhelmed, happier than he'd ever been, and now he had an opportunity to reassure her and return that happiness. That ring was burning a hole in his pocket, it was the answer to this problem. If he could will himself to draw it, then her worries would disappear. What kind of fool would he be if he failed to?

She kept talking through his silence, worry still plagued her face, "I also know that this is another huge responsibility you'd be taking on, and with the future at peace you might have hoped you'd never really have another. If you want some time to think or-

"P-Please don't worry about that, Blaze. I-I…uhm," The nervousness in his tone surely wasn't helping her. He closed his eyes, curled his toes and took a deep breath. He had to do this properly, "I have something for you too," Taking her left hand in his, Silver rose from the stair only to turn and drop to one knee. After a moment of rummaging through his pocket, a small box was retrieved and held before him. By the way and speed that her initial surprise dovetailed into a more relaxed joy, he knew that he had offset her worries. Even if it was a little pointless now, he unleashed the words he'd been reciting for months now, "Blaze, I don't want to lose you again. I've spent a life with you and one without you, nothing and no one could fill your place in my heart. I want to stay by your side forever, I always have. Both in this life and our past one, there's nowhere I'd rather be than with you."

The ring box sprung open with no more than a thought, revealing a silver band with a large red gemstone. Tears still lingered in his eyes, but now they'd started to form in hers. Without missing a step, she lowered herself to match his height and let her lips find his again. He was hardly able to focus but, with a little more fumbling, his ring found itself on her finger. Tonight had hardly started, and what little they'd done had gone entirely contrary to his plan, but, just as he'd thought it ten years ago, this truly was the best night of his life.

[babbushka]

Beautiful, Beloved (Chapter 4 Sneak Peek)

You had met three times: The first, an introduction. The second, a lunch. The third, your wedding. Can bonds be made in such short a time as a week long honeymoon aboard the immensely impressive RMS Titanic?

Yes, yes they can.

Titanic!Kylo Ren x Reader

1.8k; no warnings, full chapter coming soon! 

The sunshine on your face elicited a great sigh of happiness from your lips, as you leaned slightly against one of the grand windows of the promenade. How ingenious to have the long walkway covered, to have it closed off. You were certain that should it simply be an open deck, men’s hats and women’s shawls would simply be whisked away into the ocean.

And oh what a monument it was -- the ocean! How it glittered sapphire underneath the late afternoon sun. Golden ripples of light shimmered in the distance, cut through only by the black silhouette of a seagull’s wings. You and Kylo walked down the promenade, both preening under the approving gazes of the other passengers.

It was a luxury to even be here, up on the promenade. A private access for first class passengers only, and my, were you and Kylo among some of the more wealthy and notable pairs that had graced the polished and waxed deck floors. Still, it was important to impress, important to make your presence known.

And impress you did with your outfits. You’d both be changing for dinner of course, changing into much finer fabrics and cuts of cloth, but for this stroll in the beautiful weather you elected to don a more casual look.

Kylo was wearing a handsomely tailored three-piece lightweight tweed suit in a cream color so unlike the rich blacks you had seen him in before. He wore a striped button-down shirt underneath his vest, the stripes a light red color that matched your dress wonderfully. To shield the sun from his eyes, he sported the very fashionable straw boater hat, which did the marvelous job of making his ears stick out slightly.

You wore a very elegant walking suit of a sort of pinky coral color. It was made of gorgeous blend of cotton and linen that helped keep you cool in the sun, despite the high-necked lace blouse that you wore underneath the jacket. The jacket was tailored specifically to your measurements with smartly placed darts, and was secured with hand embroidered buttons in a matching coral fabric.

You were the only one on the promenade wearing such a color, and you found yourself preening under the attention. Your wide-brimmed hat was decorated with beautiful ostrich feathers dyed a matching color, and your shoes were a matching satin. It was an ensemble that would be seen across the ship, that was for sure.

You took one last breath of the fresh salty air, and returned to Kylo’s waiting arm. He had been observant mostly on the stroll from the suite to the promenade, and he was observant still, sparing a glance to some wealthy reclining passengers.

“It might be prudent for us to rent a set of chaises and rugs, what do you say?” Kylo asked you, nodding in the direction of those who were all poised to lounge and people-watch. He gave a protective squeeze of your hand as those people people-watched you.

“Hmm, there are so many opportunities to sit aboard the ship, I’d prefer being arm and arm with you just as we are now, as we walk.” You said after a moment’s thought. The chaises looked very comfortable, but there were a hundred places to be comfortable on the Titanic it would seem.

No, you thought to yourself, better to stretch your legs and get your exercise now while you could, before the two of you decided to indulge in one another and possibly never leave the suite.

“May I ask you a question?” Kylo asked, voice so soft that the sheer shyness of it broke you out of your inner monologue.

“No.” You teased, eyes sparkling with mirth as you gently nudged his hip with your own, your feet carrying you slowly and leisurely down the deck.

“Had this not been arranged by our families, would you have agreed to this?” Kylo wondered aloud, with no small amount of tremor to his voice. He waved his hand about, gesturing with his whole body in that way that you were coming to really find endearing. “To me, I mean. I know there were other suitors.”

You smiled, ducked your head as far as your carefully balanced hat would allow. You didn’t want to seem so infatuated with him already, so soon – but you couldn’t deny that you were. You were so fond of him, and these questions of his would only endear you further to him.

“There were a great deal many other suitors, you’re right.” You nodded with a bit of a huffed laugh, thinking of the clamor that came about with the courting seasons, all those letters from adoring men you were so reluctant to respond to. “There could have been a thousand other suitors, and I would have still picked you.”

Kylo’s step faltered for a moment, and you wondered if his palms were sweating beneath his gloves.

“I don’t mean to give off a sense of false modesty, I am merely curious as to why. What is so compelling about me?” He pressed, frowning, as if it were some great mystery.

“Well, it’s just that, isn’t it? You’re compelling.” You said, encouraging him to press himself to your side once more, the sound of waves gently crashing in the distance a symphony to your ears. “The day we met for tea, I found I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. You’re captivating -- the way you speak and interact with the world, the ideas you have. I may not know much of them, but the little I do know is far and away more interesting than the lot of the other suitors combined.”

“Hm.” Was all your eloquent husband had to offer, but you took it more of a sign of him allowing you to continue speaking, rather than a true response.

“I didn’t want a husband who would treat me as a decoration. I didn’t want to be put on a shelf, confined to some archaic idea of what wives should be. I wanted someone who would be willing to challenge that establishment, to look at me and not see just some means for an heir, but a person of substance.” You explained with a sigh, letting some of your lingering fears about marriage out.

“There’s no one more challenging than me, that’s true.” Kylo quirked a little grin, prompting you to smile so widely that your cheeks hurt.

You were glad to know that this man, with all his faults, would do right by you.

“Good, it will do well for us both to keep the other sharp.” You bumped his hip with yours once more, and he lunged at you, captured your face in one of his gloved hands and kissed you outright, right in front of everyone on the promenade. You laughed against his lips, pushed him away playfully because such a display would surely spark gossip, but you held him close to your side anyway. You leaned your head against his shoulder, glad for the angling of your hat to allow it, and sighed happily, “I trust you to treat me with respect, you know.”

“Why’s that?” Kylo teased.

“Because you’ve killed others for not showing you that same decency.” You replied lightly, once again stunning him with your response.

This time, he did not slow his step, but you could practically feel the way his heartbeat jumped and danced below his skin, pulse going wild at the very mention of his patricide.  

“You are not deterred by the fact that I am a murderer?” He asked. You were worried he’d be angry, but there’s a playful lightness to his tone that has you chuckling and only hugging his strong bicep.

“If I were I wouldn’t have married one.” You said, before shrugging, “I think murder can be a justifiable crime, sometimes it’s the only option we have to get what we want.”

Kylo pulled you to the side of the promenade to allow others to walk past. He leaned handsomely against another one of the large open windows that you had begun this walk smiling into. He didn’t smile, he was deadly serious as he took your hand in his own, ran his thumb across the knuckles.  

“I’d kill for you, if it meant giving you what you want.” He said sincerely, and you smiled, cupped his scarred cheek, showed him you weren’t afraid.

“I know darling, let’s hope you won’t have to.” You said back, about to lean in when --

“Tea ma’am?” A voice interrupted you.

You and Kylo turned towards the waiter, holding a silver tray that had practically anything one could require for a cup. Your stomach rumbled at the sight of the finger sandwiches, and you found that you weren’t so annoyed with the intrusion.

“Oh yes please, Kylo would you like some?” You nodded, and the boy set the tray down and began to fix you a cup, pouring tea into fine china.

“No thank you.” Your husband responded, stealing a kiss on your cheek anyway, “I’ll save my appetite for dinner.”

The waiter handed you the teacup and saucer to rest it on, and then disappeared, recognizing the scowl on Kylo’s face from the many years of being snapped out to scurry away. Kylo didn’t snap, but he didn’t have to.

You joined him in leaning against the window, sipping your tea. You could feel Kylo’s eyes on you as you squinted into the sunlight.

“When was the last time you were on a ship?” You were curious, for he seemed so unfazed by the wonder of it all.

“Sailing back from Africa.” He replied simply, and oh, you knew what that meant.

“Does it bring a sense of unease, to be back on the open waters again?” You asked, suddenly feeling guilty, worrying that perhaps he wasn’t enjoying himself, plagued with memories of battle.

“Not at all, this is much different from a warship. In fact, I don’t think it could be any more different.” Kylo smiled reassuringly, setting you calm once again.

“How so?” You asked behind your cup, and you swore you saw a blush creep across the strong bridge of his nose.

“Well, for one thing warships don’t have beautiful women sipping tea in day-dresses.” He said, making you laugh from the sheer force of his charm.

“You think I’m beautiful?” You playfully batted your lashes at him, and he rolled his eyes, stole another kiss to your cheek as the sun shone on the ocean, shone on your skin.

“I think you’re radiant.” He clarified.

And well, then it was your turn to blush.

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

Tagging some friends! I hope you all enjoyed this little sneak peek :)  @dreamboatdriver @kyloxfem @heldcaptivebychaos  @solotriplets @formerly-anonhamster @lookinsidemyhead @candycanes19 @adamsnacc-kler @taylovren-types @whiskey-bumblebee @oberynmartell @magikevalynn @tinyplanet-explorers @chelsjnov @romancedeldiablo @helloimindelaware @elfieboxcat @laurenshit @autumnlovesadam @peterisparker @mp938368 @hidingp @goodboybensolo @intrestellarsarah @the-marvelatic @miasera @emily-strange @proxyfoxy @disaster-rose​ @hazydespair​ @yosoymuyloca​ @1-800-choke-that-snoke​ @ktellmeastory​ @anongirl007​ @zimmerxman​ @okk--maaan​ @flapjacques​ @thepilotanon​

[fatrainbowmermaidunicorn]

That Girl Will Never Be Mine (Taehyung x You ONESHOT)

A/N: I always feels Tae is a possesive lover too. I always feel that because he is so good looking and also an incredible person, he (or people) might think that he will get whoever he likes but I think he will somehow fall in love with a girl who didnt fall for him at first sight like most and had to actually work to get her. So, I love your idea of "shes so beautiful, she has a lot of suitors" because a little competition andd a jealous tae? Well, that sounds like a plotline to me ❤ and I am sorry if this is not my best work

Also,this is inspired by this  drabble with the same title. You can read the drabble here first or just continue reading this story 💜

MASTERLIST

A/N : And also, I’m trying a new thing here and you are in no way obligated to do it but if any of you like my stories and want to give some support, why not buy me a coffee? ☕💜

Taehyung waves off to the screaming fans one last time before the stage recline down, hiding all seven members from the crowd, his face etches from smiling.

"Good job guys! Another successful show, I am proud of you," Namjoon patted each of their backs and ruffles Jungkook's hair before bowing and thanking the rest of the staff, crew and their team for another successful concert in their tour. The other six members, including Taehyung did the same and retreats back to the dressing room, slumping hinself on the chair. Taehyung took out his phone as the others starts chit chatting, discussing about whether they should take a shower now of wait until they are back in their hotel room while some are already removing their makeup and changing out of their stage outfits. Taehyung glanced at his phone.

Of course.

Dozens of texts and misscalls, hundreds of notifications, but none from that one person that he actually want to hear from.

None from Y/N.

Taehyung lets out a frustrated sigh as he scrolls emotionlessly through the texts.

"Oh wow, hyung got a lot of booty calls," Jungkook laughs as he reads Taehyung's text over his shoulder. "Baby, call me after your concert. Taetae, my room number is 801, Tae, remember me?" Jungkook read the texts in a girly voice, mimicking the flocks of girls who left the texts.

"Shut up brat," Taehyung roll his eyes and tossed the phone on the dressing table.

"Why are you so grumpy? Maybe you should take on one of those invitation then, to ease up a little hyung," Jungkook laughs and went over to his station.

"No thanks. Not interested,"

"Kookie, you should know by now Tae is only interested in girls who is not interested in him," Namjoon laughs out loud. Taehyung glares at the leader through the mirror.

Fine, make fun of him. He dont care.

"Why is it so hard to even reply to any of my texts? I left her multiple before we started the show!" Taehyung grumble.

"Shes just not interested in you Tae. Wake up already!" Jimin chimes in. "Dont you ever think that you didnt see her because shes practically hiding from you? Shes not interested, move on already,"

"She might not be now, but I'll make sure she will be mine soon enough," Taehyung greeted his teeth with determination.

"We just finished a good show. A bunch of girls just passed out because you look their way and Y/N is the first thing you can think about?"

"Shes always what I'm thinking about Chim! I dont care how many girls want me, all I want is her. Urghh, what is it about me that she hates so much anyway?" Taehyung leans towards the mirror and examine himself. Why wont Y/N like him? What is he lacking? "Thats it, I'm calling her!"

"Suit yourself. We all know theres no point in stopping you anyway," Jimin shrugged and walks away.

Taehyung immediately reached out for his phone that he tossed earlier and press speed dial number one.

Mine ❤

After a few rings, Y/N picks up. Well, she kind of have to. They are friends. Its not weird for her to answer his calls  Although Taehyung wants nothing more than to be more than friends ever since he met her that first day BigHit sent him and Jimin to their new highschool. Just a shy, absolutely beautiful, art student. Taehyung who was usually easy going and friendly suddenly turned tounge tied when hes around her, but someway, some how, he managed to be friends and the two of them and a few other friends become a whole group of besties. That was way back, and what Taehyung hope to only be a highschool crush develop into a full on feeling of in love.

Kim Taehyung is in love with Y/N, and its either she didnt know it or pretended that she doesnt.

"Hello? Y/N?" The line was noisy on the other side. Is she outside? If she does, with who? Not with men right? Why didnt she tell him shes going out? He texted her all the time to tell her what hes doing. Eating, praticiting, shooting, recording, everything!

"Tae? Taehyung! Hiiii! I thought you are busy on tour! Why are you calling?" Y/N's voice sounded chirpy, and it immediately melts his heart. All thoughts of anger melted away. Thats how big of an impact Y/N has on him.

"The concert just finished..." he grins. Baby. Urghh he wanted so bad to say those words to her, to call her that, but he knows he cant. Y/N only sees him as a friend. For now. "Didnt you read any of my texts?" he questioned out loud, wandering why didnt be received any reply from her.

"Oh sorry Tae. I'm outside with the gang and I didnt expect you to call, or text me, since you are on tour and all," Y/N giggles. "Oh my god, you should have seen Jae hyun! What he did was so funny! He-"

"Why is it so noisy? Iant it late at night there? Are you at a bar? Are you out drinking? Since when do you even drink?! When are you coming home?" Taehyung cuts her off, not interested to know about Jae Hyun or any other guy for that matter, especially one that is making her laugh. He should be the only one who makes her laugh!

"Well, the gang are. You know I dont drink Tae," Y/N giggles. "Why are you calling?"

Her question turn Taehyung's mood turned sour immediately. Here he is, missing her like crazy even in the middle of tour, in the mjddle of a super busy schedule and she dont even bother to read his text on the account of being outside having fun with some guy? Sure, Jae Hyun is one of his bestfriends too. In fact, he is sure Y/N is hanging out with their usual gang, but its not fair how they are outside living their normal life with Y/N and he is here, stuck performing. He wants to go out with Y/N too!

Yeah, people say hes lucky. To be debuting, to have a great career and awesome brothers as his band members and sure, Taehyung is happy and grateful too. But if only Y/N is his, then his life would be perfect. Y/N and him used to be the closest duo in their group but all that changes after he debuted. Packed, busy schedules take his time away from his friends, and Y/N and little by little they drifted apart, and now, with his packed schedule all year round, he dont know if he can recreate the closeness between him and Y/N again. Oh, how he wished his longing and feelings for her dissapeared just like their closeness.

Its true what Jungkook said. He can have his pick from the various girls in his phonebook, but none of them can even come close to how Y/N makes him feel.

"I'm just calling my best friend. Is that wrong?" Taehyung snapped. "If that best friend bothered to checked and replied my texts, hundreds of them, I wouldnt have to call now would I?"

"Tae... I'm sorry. I really didnt noticed, and I was just asking," Y/N's sighed sadly. "Why are you angry at me? Please dont be ang-"

"Just forget it! Have fun with the boys!" Taehyung angrily hangs up the call, huffing.

He knows he shouldnt be mad. Heck, he has no right to be mad, they are friends, and Y/N is not obligated to reply lr answer his calls if she didnt want to, but thats how it always is. He got angry when he thinks about how she is fine without him. He gets mad when he thinks about every second shes with someone else and not him. He didnt talk to any of his friends for a month once when Y/N has a boyfriend for two weeks before.

Afterall, he is Kim Taehyung. Theres nothing he hates more than what he cant have. and right now, thats Y/N.

/////

Y/N sighed and slipped her phone back in her bag.

"Is that your boyfriend?" Her best friend giggles, knowing how uncomfortable Y/N will be when she calls Taehyung that.

"He is not my boyfriend!" Y/N denies quickly. "But yes, its Taehyung,"

"I really dont get you Y/N. Kim Taehyung wants you. The Kim Taehyung! And you rejects him? Boy, you are really something else," her friend shakes her head. "The best friend turned idol slash international superstar and still madly in love with the best friend from high school only happens in fan fictions Y/N, and yet here you are. Happening right to you, and you rejected him? What is so wrong with Taehyung anyway?" She looks straight into Y/N's eyes trying to find and answer. When she find none, she shrugs. "Just, I dont know, think about it okay? Maybe its not such a bad idea, to be with him,"

"What are you even talking about? Taehyung is my best friend. Our, best friend," Y/N looks at her in disbelief. All of them hangs out together since they were teenagers doing homework together, its not possible for Taehyung to likes her. Especially now when he practically owna the world. Most of their friends had said that Taehyung harbour feelings for her, but that couldnt be true right? They are just friends. Have been for a long time even before Taehyung debuted. Sure, he was a trainee when they met and Y/N enjoyed being his friend. Sure, they were the closest duo before, maube Taehyung is a bit fond of her rather thab the others, but in love? Y/N chuckle to herself. It cant be.

She cant deny that Taehyung is really good looking, funny, charming, attractive and owns all the others positive things about him. and at one point in their friendship, she did have a crush on him. The two of them were so close when they first met. They did everything together, they are the typical high school bestfriends that are inselarable. But after Taehyung debuted.. well, thats when things starts to change for them. Is it his busy schedule or is it his changing attitude now that he is an idol that makes them drift apart, she cant tell, but one thing is for sure, the feelings she thinks she had before has dissapeared.

"Yeah, a friend. To us, not to you Y/N. I am pretty sure he wants to be more than that," Soo Young grins.

"No he doesnt! You know Tae is nice! He treat all his friends nicely," Y/N shrieks, but she knows its no point. They jabe had this argument a million times before.

"He is nice but I dont see hundreds of text from him in my inbox. Or sudden anger when I hang with a bunch of guys," she smirks. "Just face it will ya? Kim Taehyung loves you, and definitely more than just a friend,"

"Stop it Soo Young, he does not!" Y/N tries to deny it, but looking at the text Taehyung just sent her, Y/N got a feeling that somehow maybe her friend is right.

I'm sorry for snapping at you Y/N. I am just tired with tour and I miss you. I miss you very much and it just.. you know.. affect my mood. I'll call you early tomorrow morning okay?

Xoxo, Tae

/////

Taehyung woke up early the next morning, which is unusual for him, especially the morning after a full blown concert. But sleep is not an option when all he can think about is Y/N and how he unnecessarily snapped at her last night. Granted, he did this so many times already. His jealousy always takes over and he always ended up snapping at her, which leave him with a big sense of regret later.  But he just cant control himself. Taehyung just wants Y/N all for himself.

Sure, he sent her a text saying sorry. And he waited for hours for her reply. Just a simple OK would do, but none. Y/N didnt reply anything. Is she that mad at him? Did his jealousy finally blew his relationship, if there was even any, over?

Taehyung sighed and ran his hand through his hair before reaching up for his phone.

1 new message.

With excitement and sheer hope, Taehyung quickly click it open, hoping and praying that it would be Y/N.

And sure it is, there, the name he waited so all night to grace his screen appeared.

Mine ❤

Even better, it wasnt just a text, but a photo. A photo of her beautiful face smiling at the camera, which looks like shes inside a plane, with a ticket held up covering half her face, showing the destination. Taehyung scrolled down to read the caption, heart racing.

Sorry Taetae, I fell asleep lastnight the moment I got home. Me and the gang are on our way to you ❤ we are attending your tour! Surprise! See you in a few hours.

Is this reall happening? Shes not angry at him. She coming to see him!

Y/N is coming to see him perform! Taehyung grins widely to himself, letting out a deep chuckle without realizing. He has never felt this happy in his whole life.

Y/N is coming to see him! Nevermind that shes coming with the whole gang, that part was long forgotten by Taehyung already. This is finally going to be the best tour ever!

/////

"Hey Tae, I think your schoolnates are here. They managed to pushed through and be at the front," Hoseok turns back to Taehyung after peeking through the curtain from the backstage. Its minutes to their concert for that night, at the crowd is packed, expected of another sold out concert, but Taehyung cant seems to stop talking about how his "gang" from school is coming tonight, so Hoseok cant resist but to give it a peak.

"Hobi, I think you got it wrong. Tae doesnt care about his friends. What matters is, is Y/N there?" Namjoon chuckles as Taehyung gives him a glare.

"Yah, I care about both my friends and Y/N hyung. Okay fine, I care about Y/N a little more," he grins. "Is she there Hobi-hyung?"

"Cant see really clearly, but I think so, yes Tae," Hoseok rolls his eyes. All of the boys knows what Y/N looks like by now. Well, they should, with how much Taehyung talks about her, showing her pictures to them. "This is going to be the best show you will ever give dont you Kim Taehyung?" Hoseok smirks.

"What are you even talking about?" Taehyung shrugs, feigning ignorance. "I always give my best performance hyung,"

"Yeah?" Hoseok looks at the younger man, who is grinning from ear to ear and laughs. "If you say so Tae. But I can tell tonight is going to be better," he chuckles.

Its obvious to everyone, Kim Taehyung is absolutely whipped by his own classmate. A girl who he will never get.

/////

Taehyung felt giddy all over. He cant wait to start. He have all this energy in him and he just cant stop smiling. This is the first time Y/N actually came and see him perform live. Sure, she and the gang has watched his performances on tape and videos before, but shes right here, in front of him, at the front row of his concert. There might be thousands filling up the stadium tonight, but Taehyung already knows that his eyes will only be seeing one person throughout the night.

/////

His eyes search the crowd the moment they entered the stage, followed by a huge roar of shouts and applause from the crowd. But nothing can distract him from locking his eyes on Y/N tonight. He expects to see her looking at him, smiling and waving, cheering him on, fueling his energy and passion more, but what did he see?

Y/N is not even looking at the stage.

In fact, shes busy talking, no, giggling, like a school girl in front of their crush with some guy who is standing beside her.

What the actual hell?

Taehyung is pretty sure he dont know him. He must be some random fan attending the concert. But why is he obviously flirting with his girl? Just like what he intended to do, Taehyung cant stop keeping his eyes of them, although its more glaring at the two of them rather than looking at Y/N now. And seriously, those two just wont stop laughing and talking. Why does this always happen? Why does she have to be so freaking beautiful? Attracting guys anywhere she went?! Taehyung growls to himself.

This is not a coffee shop for them to have a date! Its a damn concert.

So watch the damn concert already!

"Tae!" Namjoon hissed at him backstage as the 6 of them retrieve back to give space for Jungkook's solo. "What the hell is going on?"

"What do you mean hyung?" Taehyung sighed and plop down on one of the couches, gulping down a bottle of water  . He knows exactly what Namjoon is talking about, but there is no way he is going to admit that.

"Oh please, you know exactly what I am talking about. Keep your head in the show Tae. And stop screwing up!" Namjoon huffed and walked away. Taehyung sighed. He knows he should focus on the show, its only for two hours, but how can he when the girl of his dream is right in front of him, and shes not even looking at him?

Taehyung tried to concentrate for the rest of the show, but failed miserably. He missed a lot of the cheography, accidentally hit the other members on stage, causing them to stumble and even forget a few of the lyrics. All the while, glaring and shooting daggers at Y/N and the guy's direction. Sure, his fans thinks its cute and assume that its part of the performance, some even say Taehyung is giving off an angry vibe which is considered hot and sexy, but the other members knows better and by the end of the show, all of them shakes their head and shot him a look of dissapointment.

Taehyung sighed, dissapointed at himself for letting a girl mess with his head as he takes off his makeup and change out of his stage costumes.

"Taetaeeee! Your performance is amazing!"

Taehyung whipped his head around to see the girl that is haunting his life  smiling and beaming cheerfully at him. Shit, how can he forgot he invited her to backstage later. He even offered to take Y/N out for coffee after the show and send her home and why is it he suddenly feel his anger start to dissapear just from aeeing her face?

No, keep your ground Taehyung. She should know what she did!

"Really?" Taehyung snickered. "How can you know?"

"Huh? What do you mean Tae?" Y/N took a step forward and looks at him with confusion.

"You said my performance is great. How did you even know? You are so busy selling yourself to some guy you just met!" Taehyung is full of anger now that the image of the two of them flashes back into his mind.

"What? Taehyung. Why are you saying things like this? He is just a new f-"

"I dont want to hear it," Taehyung raised a hand to stop her. "Know what, just go home Y/N. Im tired and Im going to have some rest," Taehyung starts to pick up his bag and start to walk out but Y/N held back his hand.

"Tae, whats wrong? You said we can go out to coffee to catch up or something remember?"

"Do you think I'm in the mood to have coffee right now Y/N?!" Taehyung pulls backs his hand aggressively.  "Just go home! Ill see you later,"

"But Tae. I-"

"Just go. Bye," without listening to another word from Y/N, Taehyung walks out, slamming the door behind him, missing what Y/N said next.

"But Tae.. I have asked everyone else to go back and I have no way to go home now.." Y/N sighed and slowly makes her way out into the dark night, figuring her way back to her hotel and why Taehyung is acting that way.

/////

"Where are you going hyung?" Jungkook stretches on the couch and look at Taehyung whos wearing his jacket, ready to go out.

"I am having lunch with all my friends who came to the show last night. Ill be back before dinner. See you Kookie," Taehyung gives a small give, which is reciprocate by Jungkook and start the small walk towards the restaurant they had booked.

His mind starts to reel back to the night before. He immediately went to bed when he reached the hotel last night. When he wakes up today there was no message or misscall from Y/N. What does he expect? He is the one who rudely asks her to leave, she wouldnt be textiing him to ask him how he is doing. He should be the one doing that. Until when will he realized that he has no right to get jealous and even when he does, Y/N wont understand why.

Taehyung sighed.

Y/N's surprise and sad face from last night filled his mind again. Is he too mean? He picks up his pace, wanting to see her faster. She will be at the restaurant right? She wouldnt bailed on their group lunch just because shes mad at him.

Entering the restaurant, Taehyung spotted the long table filled with the familiar faces of his friends, laughing among one another. His eyes grazed each seat but Y/N is no where in sight.

"Oh Tae! Come on over!" One of his friends who noticed him spacing out at the door calls him in, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Theres our superstar! Good show yesterday," another slapped his back and motioned for him to sit. Taehyung gives out polite smiles before asking the question he dreadfully want the answer to.

"Wheres Y/N?"

"Y/N? Oh you didnt know? She has a high fever. she was caught up in the heavy rain last night," Soo Young answered and eyed him skeptically. "Arent you with her? I thought you two went for coffee?"

"Wait. Fever? Rain?" The question immediately went passed him. All he can think about is how Y/N is sick right now. "Arent you guys together? Why are you guys all okay?"

"Together?" Soo Young raised an eyebrow. "But she told us to go on home first to meet you backstage. She said you are taking her out to catch up and you are going to send her home?"

"What? She-"

"Are you telling me you let her went back alone? In the middle of the night? In a city she never been to before?" Jae Hyun interrupt from the other end of the table. Just the fact that Jae Hyun is concerned and also he himself is looking like a real jackass right now sets Taehyung on fire.

"Shut up. Just.. where is her hotel?"

"Why?" Jae Hyun glares. Taehyung ignores him and turns to Soo Young. After a few seconds of intimidating glare and Y/N's whereabouts in his hand, he quickly say goodbye and ran off in her direction.

Good job Kim Taehyung. Not only did you get angry at you dream girl for no reason at all. You snapped at her, insulted her,left her alone, and you even make her sick. Great, fucking job. Maybe the boys are right, Y/N will never be yours.

/////

"T-tae?" Y/N open her tired eyes to feel the wet cloth on her forehead only to be met with Taehyung's handsome face etched with worry, looking over her.

"Hey.. you are awake. How are you feeling?" He smile. A smile so beautiful that Y/N cant helped but smile back, although in her heart she is still deeply hurt by his action last night.

"Why are you here? How do you know where I am staying? Is this a dream?"

Taehyung laugh. Oh Y/N, how can anyone be this adorable?

"No, you are definitely not dreaming princess. I am here and I am going to nurse you back to health,"

"Okay, I am dreaming. You are calling me princess, thats weird," Y/N laughs. Taehyung realizes what he had slipped and give back a small smile.

"Just take a rest okay? Your temperature is going down, you will be better soon. I have also ordered you food. Ill feed you. Lets eat okay?" Taehyung helped her sits up and starts feeding her slowly. There is nothing he wont give to take care of Y/N like this every single day. Why cant she just let him?

"Thanks Tae. You really shouldnt have. You really are the best friend in the world," Y/N smiles as she keeps eating the food. Taehyung swallow the bitter truth and give her a small smile. Best friends. Of course, thats all he will ever be.

"Y-yeah of course. What are best friends for right?" He smile and swallow before uttering his next words. "Hey Y/N?"

"Yeah Tae?"

"I am really sorry about what I said to you last night. I dont have any right to get mad at you. And to leave you walking home alone? That is j-"

"Hey, dont worry about it Tae," Y/N smiles and patted his hand. "You must be tired and there I was yapping away aboit coffee and wanting to catch up," she giggles. "Sometimes I forgot that you are this huge world star now, always busy. You are no longer the same boy who is always around walking me home from school, buying ice cream on the way,"

Taehyung kept quiet. He didnt know why her words hurt him so much. Is that what she thinks of him all this while? That he has become too big to even hang out with his best friends? Is that why she is never interested in him, not at all?

"Y/N.. is that what you thought? All this while?" Taehyung look at her face, looking for answers.

"Well.. yeah. Isnt it? I mean, I know you are busy. Arent you?"

"Well, yes. But not-"

"Maybe someday when you finally have free time. Maybe 100 years from now," she giggles more at her own joke, " we can finally catch up. We can bring my children to an amusement park or something,"

Taehyung clenched his fist tight. He knows shes just joking around, but now he cant stop imagining Y/N happily married to some guy, with their kids running around. Oh hell no, he is never going to let that happen. Y/N is his, and he will make sure of it even if its the last thing he needs to do.

"Why wait a 100 hundred years then?" Taehyung flashed her his infamous smile.

"What do you mean?"

"What do you say, if your fever is better of course, that we go out to the amusement park tomorrow? Just us two? I heard they have a big one nearby. And we have an off day this whole week. So what say you?" Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.

Y/N looks at him and a smile alowly crept up her face.

"Its a date,"

/////

"You are going to a god damn amusement park Tae, why are you fussing with your clothes so much?!" Jimin huffed for the hundred time as Taehyung rumnage through their closet for the thousand times.

"Chim, I told you. She said it herself! Its a date. A freaking date! I need to look good! God why is everything so ugly?! We dont have time to shop for bew clothes. I an doomed!" Taehyung sighed and slumped down on his bed, buried by a pile of clothes, frustrated.

"I think Y/N only meant it as a matter of speaking..." Jimin mumbled, because he knows its no point explaining it to someone as love struck as Taehyung is right now anway. "Tae, you already look good in anything. Just pick whatever okay. And if she does like you, it wont matter what you wear anyway,"

"You are right Chim. Y/N is not that petty to judge someone by appearance anyway," he smiled at the thought of her.  "Shes just perfect,"

Jimin chuckles at his lovestruck friend and shake his head, pulling the blanket, ready to sleep. Taehyung can day dream all he wants, buried in the pile of clothes. Hes going to bed. Jimin was about to drift off to sleep when he last heard what Taehyung said.

"I am so in love with the perfect girl Chim. I just wish shes mine already,"

/////

"S-so which one do you want to ride first?" Taehyung stammered, nervously wiping his sweaty hands on his pants. He is finally on a date with Y/N. An outing, just the two of them. Sure, Y/N might think this is only outing between friends, but who cares, its still a date to him, and she look so beautiful Taehyung cant think straight.

Shes dressed so casually in shorts and an oversized jumper, hair flying loose and looking so happy eating a cotton candy that she was so excited to buy the moment she saw it. And looking at all the other eyes staring at her, Taehyung knows that he is not the only one who thinks shes looking absolutely beautiful today.

Y/N has always been beautiful. That is one of her traits that caught his eye the first time he saw her in school.  But sometimes her beauty is too much that she attracts everyone wherever she goes, and that is not a good thing for Taehyung. Especially when he is so easily consumed with jealousy and he went crazy when he does.

Why? Why does she have to be so freaking beautiful?

"Lets do the teacup! Then we can ride the pirate ship anddd that huge rollercoaster!" Y/N points to all the rides while jumping excitedly. "Hey, you okay? Why are you stammering?"

"Uh... nothing. I am just uh.. scared of scary rides?" Taeahyung gives a crooked smile, hoping she would believe him. There is no way he going to admit why he is so nervous being around her. And come to think about it,  what he said is true. He is scared of scary rides, rides to his heart and its scary as hell.

"Dont worry. I will protect you!" She giggles and hold his hand. Taehyung almost fainted the moment they touched. God, keep yourself together Kim Taehyung! You are Kim freaking Taehyung! Heart, stop beating so fast. Its just hand holding. You held way more hands during fanmeets! "Lets go!" Y/N drags him to the long line of the teacup, where the staff handling the ride is oogling her with no shame. Taehyung clenched his hand, wanting nothing more than to scratch his eyes out.

"Wait here in line Tae, I'll ask him how long the wait is going to be," before Taehyung could stop her to approach the guy with the beady eyes who is still staring at her, Y/N is gone. Taehyung kept his eyes on them, watching as the guy smile and getting too friendly for his liking. What are they even talking about? Shes only supposed to ask how long the wait is!

Y/N suddenly waves at him excitedly to walk over and Taehyung came by.

"What is it?"

"This nice guy said he will let us cut the que. Isnt that nice?"

"Really now?" Taehyung looks at the guy up and down, who is looking back at him, smirking.

"Yes sir. You and your pretty girlfriend c-"

"Oh he is not my boyfriend! He is my best friend!" Y/N cuts him and Taehyung felt like his gut has been stabbed.

"Oh really now?" The guy raised an eyebrow. Taehyung swear he really feels like punching him now. "Well, then you can go on as many time as you want," he smiles and winks, offering hia hand to helped Y/N up the platform. Y/N laughed, totally oblivious of how every single guy is flirting with her, like always.

"Yeah. How can someone that handsome be with me right? Have you seen him?" Y/N laughs. "And thankyou, maybe I'll come back again if we have time after trying all the other rides," she bowed and enters the ride, sitting opposite from Taehyung. Taehyung smiles at her and ponders on her words.

Oh Y/N, if only you knew that you are the only one who owns this supposedly too handsome man's heart.

Taehyung's mood drop from extremely happy to worse than sour in a heartbeat. The same thing with the guy at the teacup ride happen all over again. And again. And again and keeps happening. Its as if the whole park is after his girl. Y/N gets to cuts all the line, gets free drinks, win a teddy that Taehyung tried so hard to win for her for free and the popcorn guy even gave her his number on the box. To make matters worse, she keeps denying they are in a relationship and keep stressing that they are just friends. Taehyung knows its true, they are not in a relationship, but must Y/N be so against it? Is being with him appalled her so bad?

Y/N was chattering happily, eating her free popcorn, talking about how everybody is so nice, not noticing Taehyung's sulky mood and how he is already consumed in jealousy when he saw someone he knew.

"Mia?"

Y/N looked up from her popcorn to see a beautiful young girl smiling and waving at Taehyung. She recognized her immediately. She is an idol too, must be Taehyung's work friend.

"Oh. Is that your friend? Let-"

"Mia, hi!" Taehyung immediately walked over to the girl, leaving Y/N behind. Well, Y/N has been flirting with everyone in the park with no regards to his feelings, maybe he would return the favor. Okay, he knows its not her fault, she dont even know the guys are flirting with her, but Taehyung knows he gets crazy easily when it comes to Y/N and jealousy, and this is one of the moment.

"Kim Taehyung! What are you doing here? Are you even allowed to wonder around an amusement park with this..." she looks at Y/N up and down with a disgusted look. "Person?"

"Oh uh hi. I-"

"Dont care," Mia shrugs and hold Taehyung's hand, dragging him away from Y/N as Y/N followed a few steps behind. "So I just finished a shoot here and my manager said I can spend the rest of the day enjoying the rides. Want to play with me?" Mia hugs his arms, leaning her head on his shoulder. Taehyung take a peek behind to look at Y/N. He wanted to pushed Mia away, tell her that hes spending the day with the girl of his dreams, but as he looks at Y/N, she is smiling at him, as if his close relationship with another girl doesnt effect her at all, and thats when he snapped.

He will always only be a best friend to Y/N. Nothing else, nothing more. Y/N will never be his.

And suddenly his heart is filled with jealousy and anger and the feeling of just... hurting her. To make her feel how he feel all this while.

"Yeah, sure Mia. Why not," he gives out his charming smile.

"Okay great! But what about... her?" She points to Y/N behind them.

"Oh her? No one special. She can follow us around," Taehyung shrugs and turns back. Y/N was surprised with his answer. Whats wrong with Taehyung now? Why is he behaving like last night again? Did she do anything wrong? Y/N decides to just follow them around for a while. Maybe they havent seen each other long, so they just want to catch up? Taehyung wont just ignore her for the rest of the day right?

Y/N's hopes dissapeared when hours passed and Taehyung didnt even talked or looked at her once. They didnt even ride the rides with her, taking a private car together, leaving her alone, riding with strangers. So much for an "amusement park date to catch up" Kim Taehyung.

Y/N sighed, but still follows them around.

Little by little, fans has started to gather as they realized that Taehyung and Mia are together, at an amusement park and at what look like a date. And soon enough, the crowd had gathered and followed them around to the point Taehyung's manager have to come. In the midst of the increasing crowd, Y/N being tiny and fragile got pushed by the fans who is trying to approached the couple and take photos before the moment is over, resulting in a scraped knees and bruises over her body. She tried to gets up and calls out for Taehyung, running behind them to catch up but was held back by the security.

"Sorry miss, please back off,"

"No. No. I am his friend. I was with him the whole day!" She points to the two celebrity.

"Yeah right, everybody said that," the security laughed and rolled his eyes. "You and these thousand other girls. Go home and study girl, stop chasing cleebrity around,"

"No. I am serious. He is my friend. Look, I have his jacket!" Y/N points to Taehyung's jacket that shes wearing. The one he gave her earlier because of the chilly evening air.

"Wait, are you a saseang?!" The security eyes her up and down.

"What?! Me? No! I am-"

The security ignored her and spoke into his walkie talkie and soon after a few more came and pushed her back.

"Miss, you have to stay about 1 kilometres away from Mr. Kim or legal actions will be taken against you. We dont tolerate saseangs,"

"But I am not.." Y/N sighed as she looks at Taehyung who is escorted away, not even looking back. "Nevermind. I'll back off," Y/N plop down at one of the benches and think about the way to go back to the hotel. Maybe she can just ask Jae Hyun for help.

"We heard what the security said," Y/N looks up to find a group of girls standing in front of her, circling her, hiding her from public sight. "You are a saseang arent you?"

"What? No! Its a misunderstanding. I am actually Tae's high school friend. I-"

"How dare you call him Tae you crazy stalker! Leave our oppa alone! He and his bandmates deserve some privacy you crazy bitch," the first girl shove her shoulder hard.

"No. Wait. I am not a-"

"Bitches like you deserve to die!" And before she can start defending herself the girls start shoving and hurting her, pulling her hair, slapping and punching her all over. Y/N is pretty sure they are the crazy one here.

Almost losing conciousness and bleeding all over, Y/N can only smirks to herself. I cant believe this is the way I will die. By being punch by Taehyung's fan.

/////

Who the hell is that guy?!

Taehyung paced around in his room. Before he was ushered back to the car by his manager at the theme park, he managed to sneak a look behind the crowding fans, and he saw, far away at the back some guy carrying Y/N bridal style. She is hugging his neck but Taehyung cant see her face or anything else.

Who is he?

Why is she letting him carry her like that?

And after what happen yesterday, Y/N is still not even a bit jealous?

Taehyung huffed and continue to pace around his room. His mind is going crazy. Y/N didnt contact him after nor did she reply to any of his texts and calls.

Maybe he really did it this time. Maybe Y/N is truly mad at him.

/////

Taehyung didnt see any of his friends after that anymore. They didnt answer his calls or his texts. They also didnt attend any of his shows anymore. Taehyung was confused. Is Y/N that mad at him for ditching her the other day? To the point she asks their friends to stop being friends with him? Doesnt that mean she has feelings for him then?

Taehyung needed answers, so he keeps on calling and texting. Plus, he misses Y/N lile crazy and he is starting to regret what he did the other day. After a few weeks of trying, Soo Young, fed up with his relentless effort in calling finally answered.

"What the hell so you want?!"

"Well, hello to you too. Is this how you talk to a friend?" Taehyung asks, confused on her behaviour.

"A friend?" She scoffed. "After what you did to Y/N, do you think you can call any of us friends again?!" So he was right. Y/N is pissed that he ditch her the other day.

"Wait. Just because I left Y/N at the amusement park you guys are not going to be friends with me anymore? Look, I know what I did was wrong. But I am s-"

"Left her at the amusement park? Its more like left her to die you asshole! And here I thought you actually love her!" Soo Young screamed out.

"Huh? D-die?" Taehyung stammered. what is she talking about?

"Y/N was in a freaking coma for a week because your crazy fans beat her up at the park you asshole! And you did freaking nothing to help! You think just because you are famous now you are better than your friends?! Just stop calling and stay the hell away from her!" Soo Young screamed at him but Taehyung is no longer listening as the phone he is holding dropped to the floor.

What has he done?

/////

Y/N opened her eyes to the smell of sterile and medicine, her eyes adjusting to the white walls around her. She tries to move but she cant, everything hurts.

Where is she?

The last thing she remembered after getting beat up is a guy's voice shouting at the girls who is assaulting her and carrying her before she passed out conpletely.

"Hey.. you are awake," Soo Young's voice spoke softly to her ear and her friends friendly face entered her vision.  Soo Young explained what happened. How she was in a coma for a week already, and how a stranger at a park save her and how they are all no longer friends with Taehyung.

Taehyung.

No matter how hard she tries, she cant figure out why Taehyung did what he did and Y/N finally give up in trying to figuring it out.

Y/N focuses on recovery, putting Taehyung to the far back of her mind. After a few weeks, her bruises and cuts got better but is still very much visible and she no longer needed a wheelchair, only crutches to walk. On a lazy weekend while watching her favorite drama and inhaling a carton of ice cream, a loud knock comes from the door. With her bad leg, she hopped to the door.

"Coming!"

Y/N opened the door to find Taehyung looking straight at her, a huge bouquet of flowers in hand.

"Y/N. I-"

Panicking, Y/N immediately slammed the door shut at his face, tears starts to stream down her face. She doesnt know why shes crying. But seeing Taehyung again, after everything that happens... it just bring out the emotions that she never knew she felt.

"Y/N?" Taehyung calls out softly, while knocking on the door. After a few minutes he realizes that Y/N is never going to open it, atleast not today, and decide to just say what he wanted to say from behind the door.

"Y/N? I know after what I did I dont even deserve to see you. And I know you hate me so much that you cant even bare to see my face. I know I am a few weeks too late but I came immediately after I found out. Y/N, I am sorry. I didnt know why I did what I did. And if I could turn back time I would, but I cant. I am sorry I ruined what could have been the happiest day for us and turned it into this... tragedy. I am really sorry. You dont know how badly I regretted everything. I will give up everything Y/N, just to take it back. I swear," Taehyung sighed. "I'm... I'm just going to leave this flowers here by the door. Its for you. And I will come back every single day. You dont have to see me. But I will come back and wait for you until you are ready. I am sorry Y/N," with that Y/N heard his footsteps slowly went away, leaving her alone with her tears.

And true enough, Taehyung came back every single day for the next few months. Y/N found out from the news that he skipped his tour just to do this. He must really be willing to do anything like he said. Everyday he will leave something for her. Flowers, cookies, teddies, books, anything and he will sits on the floor by the door and talk about his day and how sorry he is and how he misses her. And slowly, Y/N find herself waiting for his daily visits and the tears stopped, replaced by a smile and a few giggles.

After 4 months, Y/N decided to finally open the door and ask him one final question.

"Y-Y/N? You opened the door!" Taehyung smile, surprised and immediately hugs her. "S-sorry. I just miss you so much," he stares at her longingly, backing away.

"This doesnt mean I forgive you Tae,"

"Of course! Of course! But its progress! What do you want me to do Y/N? I'll do anything, even if it takes forever," Taehyung smiles and she knows he means it.

"Answer me this one question Tae. Answer me with honesty. No bullshit, no lies, no excuses, and I will decide if I want to forgive you,"

"Of course Y/N. What is it do you want to know? I'll answer anything. Anything at all,"

"Why?" Taehyung looks at her, confused. "Why are you always mad at me for no reason? Why are your mood always changing? Did I do something wrong? Do you hate me? Do you not want to be my friend anymore? Why?"

"Well... thats not one question," Taehyung chuckles.

"Taehyung..."

"Okay, okay. Kidding," Taehyung smiles and takes a deep breath. Its now or never. Its time to tell his dream girl, the truth.

"You want to know why? Its because of you Y/N. You are driving me crazy. from that first day I saw you in high school, I have been crazy about you, over you. I cant sleep, I cant think straight, I cant even be myself, all I can do is think about you and how to make you mine. How it feels if you are mine. If you love me back. I want you Y/N. I want to take care of you, to love you, to be the only face you think about every single day, to be the last face you see at night, the first face you see in the morning. Every single day I wonder, why cant I be that person for you? I love you L/N Y/N. I have been madly in love with you for years and I am sorry I have been acting crazy, but I just cant help it when I see other people looking at you or laughing with you. You are just so beautiful, so perfect to me, I am afraid that someone else will steal you away. I dont know how I will live if that happens. Jealousy is my best friend when I am around you and thats what happen that day. I knew now that you will never be mine, and I accept that. But I will take care of you from afar. And to answer your question, no, I dont want to be your friend, because I want to be so much more. But Y/N..," Taehyung smiles. "I have accepted it Y/N, that you will be the girl who will never be mine,"

Y/N feels her mouth dropped opened. Is Kim Taehyung really finally confessing to her?

"T-tae, I didnt know-"

"Hey, its okay. You didnt know. Atleast you didnt ignore my feelings on purpose," he smiles. "I am so sorry Y/N. I love you and I will do anything to make things right again. I regret everything I did,"

"Wait," Y/N stopped him. "So you are saying, that everything you did to me before, the mood changes, igboring me, getting angry, everything, is because you are jealous? And because you cant have me?"

"Well, yeah," Taehyung gave a small smile. "I love you too much that the thought of not having you drive me crazy. And you are just so beautiful, guys are always all over you,"

"But you said this will never happen again. Because..?"

"Because I finally accepted that you are the girl that I love, but you are also the girl that at will never be mine Y/N," Taehyung smile, a sad smile. Y/N giggles and took a step forward and held his hand.

Oh who is she kidding. She might have denied it to Soo Young and the rest of the gang, but who could ever resist Kim Taehyung?

Obviously not her. Because she is fi ally admitting to herself that she is desperately in love with her best friend. From that first day in high school. And how lucky is she that her best friend is Kim Taehyung.

"But Tae, whoever said that I will never be yours if you never ever asked me?" Y/N grins and the happiest smile slowly crept up Taehyung's face.

[cordonianchoicesqueen]

Rewritten: The Royal Romance: Yacht Party (Part 18)

A/N: Sorry it’s taken so long to get out another entry in this series. I’ve been travelling and interviewing and it’s been a whole thing! I am really looking forward to continuing writing the beach party with the growing tension between Drake and Riley + the full on romance blossoming between Liam and Riley. 

Summary: Riley attends Olivia’s boat party alone and ventures to the famous beach party that Maxwell was so excited about.

Choices Chapter: Book One, Chapter Nine

Disclaimer: Characters and main storyline from Pixelberry’s Choices.

Word Count: 2100+

Warnings: none

Link to Full Series: Rewritten

Tags: @krsnlove @cora-nova @hopefulmoonobject

Yacht Party

I approached Olivia’s luxury yacht as though it was a lion’s den. It was huge with multiple decks filled with dignitaries and suitors. I could hear laughter and music riding through the air as I arrived at the gang way. Hana wasn’t going to be there, Liam was with his father and there was no way in hell someone could drag Drake onto this boat. I had to hope Maxwell was inside. I readied myself, took some deep breaths and entered the den.

A bodyguard checked my name on a list and I was handed a glass of champagne. The first person I noticed was Tariq, dressed in a three-piece suit with his hair slicked back as usual. He was surrounded by a number of women, including Madeline. He looked as though he was in his element, telling a story avidly but the women looked bored, which he was completely oblivious to. “… And so,” his voice travelled, “my silk bathrobe came back with a loose thread! Can you believe it? Fabric softer than an angel’s cloud! Ruined! I fired the dry cleaner on the spot.” Madeline looked him in the eye with her stone-cold glare, “Stop talking to me.” I smirked. Madeline was definitely a force to be reckoned with and I knew there was no point trying to get her on my side but it was almost funny to watch her tear down others with barely any effort. I avoided the group best I could. However, I was unlucky enough to enter Olivia’s eye line. In her second outfit of the day; she sneered, handed her empty glass to someone and made her way through the crowd towards me. “Lady Riley! I’m so glad you could make it,” her tongue dripped in sarcasm. “Thank you?” I said, eyebrow raised. “You’re absolutely welcome! Now, I know these mingling events may not exactly be your cup of tea and I want you to feel comfortable. So, I’ve decided to help you out,” Olivia smirked. On cue, a staff member walked up and offered me a life jacket. His expression gave away nothing as he bowed, politely. I could feel the panic in the pit of my stomach. What was this? Was she going to throw me overboard? I gingerly accepted it. “I don’t really have to wear this, do I?” I asked, trying not to let her know she was rattling me. “I don’t want you to drown in your own fear,” Olivia cackled. As the joke landed, I narrowed my eyes and went close enough to Olivia that no one else would hear me, “Olivia… you’re mean and a loser.” “Does this look like the face of a woman who cares?” she hissed back. “It’s getting about time you give this whole thing up and went home.” “You’ll have to try harder than this,” I retorted, dropping the life jacket to the ground. “A good host opens with an appetizer,” Olivia replied. “I hope you don’t continue to disappoint,” I taunted. For once, I had actually managed to get a rise out of her. Olivia’s body went rigid and her fists clenched. “You-” she started. “See you around,” I smiled warmly and shrugged, exiting the conversation. I walked away, leaving Olivia fuming, alone, behind me. In the distance, I spotted some sailboats lining up to begin the next race. After getting another glass of champagne, of course, I found a nice little spot at the railings where I could watch. I wished I could be with Liam in the royal box as I had been for the horse races. Maybe in a year I would be. I felt alone in the sea of people. I knew I couldn’t let Olivia get to me but the reason she managed to irk me so much was because in my heart I knew she was right. I didn’t belong there, not like the other women. I didn’t deserve to drink the fancy champagne and rub elbows with dignitaries from all over Europe. I belonged in the dumpster behind a bar in New York City. “They’re so beautiful. Look at all the colours,” Penelope said, sweetly, approaching me. “Oui, it’s a sight to behold,” Kiara said, joining too. Maybe I wasn’t as alone as I thought. “I like the one with poodles on the sails,” Penelope pointed. “I hope they win.” “My favourite is the one with the fleur de lis… Riley, which boat do you favour?” Kiara asked. I pointed out to sea, “the boat with the star-spangled sail.” Kiara laughed, “You really are une Americaine, through and through.” I smiled a genuine smile. Maybe Olivia’s influence was waning and I finally had a chance to see the real Kiara and Penelope, not the versions they became as Olivia’s minions. Kiara was right too. There was something nice about seeing something in an unfamiliar place that reminded me of home. I wasn’t the same as everyone here but that’s what made me unique and interesting. I was an American but I was an American ready to learn and adapt. The starting pistol fired and each of the ship’s sails inflated, catching the wind. They looked utterly graceful from a distance, skimming the water, almost flying, into the distance until they were just dots on the horizon.

An hour later, the sailboats reappeared. I had been happily chatting and getting to know both Penelope and Kiara, over a few too many drinks, but the return of the boats brought excitement to everyone aboard Olivia’s yacht. Luckily, we still had our spot at the railing as people crammed in, wanting to witness the final few minutes of the race. I leant out, feeling the salt air on my face and causing my hair to fly out behind me in beautiful waves. It was a tight race but, finally, the boats crossed the finish line. “The one with pirate sails won,” Kiara said, surprised. “On to race number two!” Penelope replied energised. “I’m going to need a lot more champagne!” I complained to which both girls cheered.

A couple hours later the races had come to an end. I was suitably tipsy off the never-ending supply of champagne. Olivia could be the absolute worst but goddamn did she know how to throw a good party. Although, my definition of a good party was basically anything with an open bar. I and the other suitors gathered on the docks, chatting about the beach party to come. I made an immediate bee line for Hana and enveloped her in a hug. “Never leave me again,” I said, desperately. She wrapped her arms tightly back around me. She giggled, “now the real party begins!” “Maxwell already told me how excited he is for the beach party…” I grinned. “Do I hear my ears burning?” Maxwell approached arms open wide. “Ready for the beach extravaganza?” “I think so?” I said. “Why? Is there something I should have prepped?” What would it be this time? A new dance? Dog training? Skeet shooting? Cake decorating? “Nope! It’s just a fun party on one of the most gorgeous private beaches in the area,” Maxwell pulled a beer out his pocket and popped it open.

The private beach was alive with beautiful women and gorgeous men dancing to upbeat pop music with their champagne flutes high in the air. There was volleyball and water sports; plus, a buffet filled with a variety of delicacies. It truly was the party Maxwell had promised. I stepped out the limo and scanned the gorgeous beach, “Alright, where’s Liam at?” “Looks like he’s tied up with the Queen and Madeline right now,” Maxwell nodded his head in the direction of a shaded part of the shoreline. “Should I try to make a move?” I asked. “Better to bide your time. You’ll likely get only one shot at spending time with him today. Better to do it when Queen is not around. In the meanwhile, we might as well eat!” he said, excited. Under a brightly coloured marquee was a scrumptious buffet that made my mouth water. Maxwell and I couldn’t have moved faster to join the line, right behind Hana. “Have you tried the appetisers?” she asked. “What are they?” Maxwell said, eyes transfixed on her. “Some kind of avant-garde gourmet seafood thing,” she explained. “They seem a little… fishy… literally,” I made a face. “It’s a bit high-end but we should give it a try,” she shrugged. “I’m… pretty sure it’s still moving,” I said looking at the weirdly textured appetiser. “That means it’s fresh?” Hana tried. “Well… here goes,” I said “Mmm, Squishy,” Maxwell said, trying the food. “Well, it tastes like caviar and very expensive caviar at that!” Hana smiled. “Kind of like a fresh, salty sea Jell-O,” I said, trying to get used to the unknown taste. Over by the picnic area, I could see Drake standing strategically beside a table towering with food but with no line. He spotted me and smiled, running a hand through his mop of hair. I smiled back and he tilted his head to indicate we should join him. “I hope you all came hungry because the real food has arrived,” he grinned. “There’s so much of it!” Maxwell said, licking his lips. “Is this… barbecue?” Hana said, shocked. The table was layered with burgers, steaks, hot dogs and lots of grilled vegetables. There was a ridiculous selection of cheeses and sauces. I felt myself drooling and I suddenly realised how much I missed home. “Oh yes. Classic Americana. You’ve got your pulled pork, chicken kebabs, brisket, ribs, vegetables and sauces unique to regions around the world,” Drake said biting into his food, leaving BBQ sauce across his lips. “And you can’t forget the classic sloppy joe.” Hana eyed the food nervously, “A… what?” “Seasoned ground beef with onions, tomato sauce, and whatever else you feel like throwing in there,” Drake explained. “You had me at not fish!” Maxwell exclaimed, grabbing himself a burger. “It looks messy… but intriguing,” Hana shrugged, trying to level with everyone else’s excitement. “Drake, I love sloppy joes! They were basically all I ate through middle school,” I said, reaching for my own. “Thank you, Brooks. Somebody else around here can appreciate a simple dish,” Drake said, meeting my eyes. For the second time that day, I felt trapped in Drake’s gaze. It was as if neither of us could look away… or didn’t want to. I hated how my heart rate increased when I heard him laugh and that I couldn’t stop thinking about his dimples. I didn’t want to think that he was handsome. I didn’t want to be attracted to him. Yet, I needed to come to terms with it to get over it. He wasn’t Liam. I was here for Liam. “It feels a little strange to have such casual food here,” Hana said, picking at her dish. Drake turned his attention to Hana, a slight blush in his cheeks, “Liam thought that Brooks would appreciate it. A little taste of home.” “This was his idea?” I asked, eyes wide. See! Liam, even when he was away from me, was thinking about me and trying to work out ways to make me happy. I couldn’t wait to see him again, to be wrapped in his arms. I couldn’t wait for an excuse to kiss him and feel his body pressed against mine. I had to erase Drake from my mind. “Mostly. From a purely selfish angle, I’m not exactly a caviar and oyster kind of guy, so I may have told him it was definitely a great idea,” Drake said. “Anyway, dig in! I love a good barbecue! Reminds me of the cookouts on the lawn or summers with the family…” “Aww, Drake,” I said, wiping sauce from my cheek, “That’s actually kind of sweet…” “It is not! Now would you rather talk or would you rather eat?” he retorted. “Let’s… talk about what happened to the real Drake. You’ve been awfully nice lately,” I teased. “Sharing food with us… talking about family cookouts… You need to frown of something. This isn’t right.” Drake scowled at me. “… Happy?” he raised an eyebrow. “Mildly… I’m keeping my eye on you,” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Don’t strain yourself,” he replied. We chatted as we dug into the barbecue assortment. Drake laughed at Hana as she attempted to eat her messy food daintily and Maxwell made sure to help wipe the sauce from her lips. For a moment, it felt as though I was just hanging out with friends rather than in a strange competition to marry a prince. I really didn’t know how I’d ever lived without them.

[wendynerdwrites]

Cinder-Jaehaerys

@speisla

AU Cinderella!Jon and CharmingPrincess!Sansa xD

I FUCKING LOVED THIS ONE!

Jaehaerys:

He ends up where he always does: crouching by the hearth, covered in ashes. He tries not to close his eyes. Every time he does, he sees the cruel, purple eyes of his older brother, Aegon, and Uncle Viserys as they tear apart his doublet. Father just watched them do it.

Father promised that if Jaehaerys made himself some suitable clothes for the grand ball, he’d be able to go to his cousins’ festival. “Disappointment” and “half-a-bastard” though he may be, he’s still technically as much a prince as Aegon or Viserys. His father liked to blame Jaehaerys for House Targaryen losing control of Westeros, for the rebellion that split the Seven Kingdoms back into sovereign nations. It was, after all, the kidnapping of Jaehaerys’s mother that sparked the rebellion. Rhaegar Targaryen, his kingdom reduced to Dragonstone and part of the old “Crownlands”, claimed that if Jaehaerys had been born a girl, he’d have completed the prophecy that would have brought the dragons--- and, by extension, Targaryen dominance--- back. They also blamed Jaehaerys for Princess Elia, his father’s first wife and mother to Aegon, leaving with all the remaining Targaryen women.

It’s an idea many of the remaining Targaryens are eager to believe, and thus, it’s been Jaehaerys’s lot in life to serve as the scapegoat and servant to his once-mighty, but impoverished family.

This, though… This might have been his chance. His Stark Uncle, the King in the North, had announced a weeklong festival in honor of his eldest daughter’s sixteenth Name Day. Princess Sansa was named heir apparent to her father’s throne after her older brother, Prince Robb, abdicated to elope with a girl from the Westerlands. Of the various kingdoms of Westeros, the North was the largest, nearly the size of all the other kingdoms combined. On top of that, she was connected by blood to the King of the Trident and the Crown Prince of the Vale of Arryn.

The King of Winter invited every high-ranking House in Westeros to attend, and rumors were that he was looking for a suitor to win his daughter’s heart. Any man who won the princess would secure his family an unprecedented alliance for his House.

Jaehaerys isn’t so vain to think he could make the princess fall in love with him. Unlike his brother, uncle, and father, he lacks the valyrian beauty of House Targaryen. His eyes are a dark grey, instead of violet, and his hair is not silver-gold, but dark brown. He has a long, solemn face and according to his father, has none of the fire of a true Targaryen, just the cinders of lost greatness.

But he’d hoped to at least speak to his Stark cousins, perhaps get them to take pity on him and take him in. By all accounts, the Starks are kind, honorable people. And Jaehaerys believed he might have a chance of a life with them should he charm his uncle or cousins. Father would not refuse a request from the King of Winter, surely.

His father promised to take Jaehaerys if he could come up with an outfit fine enough to wear to the grand festival ball.

So Jaehaerys had stayed up as late as he could, constructing fine clothes from his brother and uncles’ castoffs, desperate to get to Winterfell.

He’d made himself an outfit of charcoal lamb’s wool trimmed in scarlet satin. A mix of Stark and Targaryen colors, that wouldn’t show any smudges of ash. 

But when he came down to the courtyard in his new finery, it took merely three seconds for Viserys to notice that the trim of Jaehaerys’s clothes came from an old robe of his. Aegon quickly joined in, noting that the lamb’s wool had come from a cape and a cloak.

“You’re a bloody thief!”

In seconds, Jaehaerys’s handiwork was in tatters, and his family was laughing at him.

Jaehaerys ran off, away to his cell. He’ll never get away from here, he’ll always be the bastard prince.

He curls himself into a ball beneath his threadbare covers and tries to disappear. 

When there’s a knock on his door, he shouts for whoever it is to go away. His father’s servants have always been kind to him. After all, he’s one of them. But he’s in no mood for comfort right now.

Usually, his friends are good about understanding such things, but this time, it seems, they won’t let him wallow. He hears a click and the door opens. But it’s an unfamiliar, feminine voice that speaks. 

“Raise your head and dry your tears, Nephew. You’re going to the festival.”

Jaehaerys does raise his head, only to find before him a woman he’s never seen before. Yet it takes him about half a second to realize who she must be. She’s beautiful, with bronzed skin, silver-gold hair, and amethyst eyes: the tell-tale traits of a Targaryen. 

“You… You are---”

“I’m your Aunt Daenerys, and I’m about to make your every wish come true.”

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Sansa:

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She’d spent much of her life looking forward to her coming-of-age ball. The event that would announce to the world that she is a woman grown. A grand party for her, with guests from all corners of the world, music, dancing…

It was never supposed to come with so much pressure. Sure, her father had changed the laws at her birth to do away with gender preference in the line of succession, making Sansa second-in-line, but that was all she was ever supposed to be: second in line. Robb was strong, clever, good, and three years older than her. He was the heir, with all the pressures and responsibilities that entailed. She was the spare, the one with freedom. Not as much as her younger siblings, perhaps, since she was raised in much the same way Robb was, but certainly more choices than her older brother.

Then Robb had to go and decide that he was the Prince of the Dragonflies born again and run off with the Westerling girl.

Now Sansa is heir, and the future of the Stark line. And instead of her coming-of-age being an era of freedom and romance, it’s to be one of responsibility and obligation.

The Stark line has to be secured. And she is notoriously unattached.

As Crown Princess, she cannot afford to merely flirt and enjoy her special day. No, this is to be the step in one long, laborious process of finding a consort to help her rule the North some day.

Her older brother is unsympathetic. “Come now, Sansa, deep down, we both know you’re more suited for this than I am. You want this.”

Perhaps he’s right, in a way. Sansa’s always had a certain enthusiasm for matters of state. But did her brother have to saddle her with this before her coming-of-age ball?

Sansa winces as her seamstress pulls her gown even tighter. “Do you have to strangle me?!” She snaps. 

“We only want to show your figure to its best advantage, my princess,” the woman replies.

“I have a small waist already, you said so yourself!” Sansa points out, “How much more narrow does it need to be?”

“They’re only trying to give you the most fetching silhouette, Darling,” Mother says, sitting by the full-length mirror.

“Why bother?” Sansa asks, “I could be fat as a house and the whole court would still be tripping over themselves to earn my favor.”

Queen Catelyn sighs. “She’s right. Minnie, let it out. It’s not as if she needs the help.” 

Sansa smiles at her mother, grateful. “Thank you, Mother. Besides, how am I to choose my future consort wisely if the oxygen to my brain is cut off?”

Catelyn sighs. “We don’t expect you to choose your husband-- 

“--In one week, yes, but you hope I will,” Sansa replies, “That I’ll lose my heart to one of your suitable, high-born guests, and not the grandchild of some foreign merchant.”

The mother and daughter look into one another’s eyes. Finally, Queen Catelyn sighs. 

“Yes, Sansa. That’s exactly what we hope.”

The princess tries to ignore the crushing disappointment of hearing her mother say it out loud. She looks away from Catelyn and over at her wolf, instead. Lady hops to her feet and pads over to her mistress. Sansa scratches her ears affectionately.

“Well, maybe I should let Lady choose for me. She’s always been good at identifying who is false and who is true.” 

Her mother groans. “Sansa…” 

“Or better yet,” Sansa adds, “Maybe I should unleash Ghost onto the guests. Whatever man can tame our bastard wolf wins my hand!”

“Keep talking like that, and your father will order that monster’s death,” Catelyn warns.

“If Father does such a thing, I’ll run off and marry the pig-boy!” Sansa threatens, “Then you’ll have Arya as your heir!” 

Her sister is rebellion incarnate, and would probably abolish the monarchy the moment the crown touched her head. She is their Aunt Lyanna born again. 

“Don’t even joke about such things,” Catelyn warns.

“Don’t make threats,” Sansa shoots back. Ghost is supposed to be Jaehaerys’s wolf. And this was their chance to finally meet their cousin. She would not present their poor, long lost relation without his wolf.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Jaehaerys:

He still can’t believe this. He’s flying. Truly flying. 

“How is this possible?” He asks his aunt as he clings to her. 

Daenerys grins. “Turns out the ‘Prince Who Was Promised’ was a princess all along.”

Jaehaerys’s stomach does a flip. “So I wasn’t the death of House Targaryen’s hopes!”

“Rhaegar is a pea-brained fool,” Daenerys replies, “Why do you think Elia ran off like she did? Why do you think she took us with her? She truly loved him, you know. But she saw what a shit he was, and she wasn’t going to let him destroy us all.” 

Jaehaerys runs his fingers against Drogon’s glittering scales. “So all this time, you’ve been in Dorne, with these dragons?”

“You’d be surprised how much you can hide in a desert,” Daenerys tells him, “You think we were going to let Rhaegar find out?”

She has a point. Still, Jaehaerys isn’t so easily won. Daenerys came to him with finery and promises, but there’s always a condition.

“Why are you helping me, then? I’m Rhaegar’s son!”

“Because you’re a Stark, and I want the Kingdom of Winter on my side when I build my new empire.”

That… That is far more honesty than Jaehaerys ever expected.

“So what, you expect me to seduce my cousin?”

“No, just form a connection with her entire family and eventually channel your influence into getting them to support me. We both have a lot to gain here, Nephew. Given the state my brothers and yours left you in, the sooner you’re free of those entitled shits, the better.” 

Jaehaerys swallows. So he’s a pawn. He’d ask about the consequences of not filling that role, but he’s too far into the air and too smart to suggest such a thing.

“How do you expect Father will react when he sees me at the festival?”

“You’re not going to attend as Jaehaerys Targaryen,” Daenerys replies, “You’re going as Prince Jon of Dorne. Prince Trystane is too young, so you’ll be going in his place. You’ll grow a beard and be outfitted in enough finery that there’s no way they’ll recognize you.” 

It’s a testament to his relationship with his family that he doesn’t doubt this.

“And how exactly am I to use my Stark connections if they think I’m a Martell?”

“You’ll tell them the truth at the end of the festival.” 

“And they’re going to trust me after I’ve spent a week lying to them?” Jon demands. 

Daenerys turns her head. “Seven Hells, Nephew, you really don’t know, do you?”

“Don’t know what?”

“The Starks have been trying to retrieve you since you were born.”

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~ 

Sansa:

Not even her mother matches her skills in faking enthusiasm. Today is proof of that, as even her queenly mother has begun looking bored while receiving their hundreds of guests. 

Sansa, though, keeps her smile bright and her eyes wide as she greets each noble and thanks them for attending. She’s been doing the same thing for hours now. The line of attendees seems never ending.

Her heart skips a beat when the Targaryen banner comes into view. At long last, they’re here!

She swallows her impatience in receiving the guests ahead of them. And it’s her restraint that makes the disappointment so much worse when she catches sight of the Targaryen party. Three men, not four, all of them silver-haired. But perhaps-- 

“Presenting His Grace Rhaegar, First of His Name, of House Targaryen, King of Dragonstone, his son, Crown Prince Aegon of House Targaryen, and the king’s brother, Prince Viserys of House Targaryen.”

Sansa’s crushed. She can’t imagine how Arya, Bran, and Rickon will react when she tells them. Her smile nearly slips.

“An honor, Good Princes,” she says once they’ve greeted her parents. “But I must ask, could our cousin, Prince Jaehaerys not accompany you? We hope he’s not unwell.”

Prince Viserys slinks forward and grins, “Such a kind, considerate heart. Is it any wonder your name means ‘Charm’? My nephew merely preferred to remain behind and govern our lands in our absence. But he sends his best.”

Sansa tries not to shudder as the prince presses a kiss to her hand. Her heart sinks.

Perhaps the Targaryens have been telling the truth all of these years, perhaps Jaehaerys really doesn’t want to be with them…

The one bright spot in all of this is now gone. Sansa feels her spirit sink.

King Rhaegar is about to speak, when all of a sudden, an ear-splitting shriek rips through the sky. Sansa looks upward. Her jaw drops.

It’s a dragon, and it’s heading right for them.

~_~_~_~_~

Jaehaerys: 

He has to give his aunt credit, she definitely knows how to make an entrance. A bold one, too, as she has them swoop down just as his father, brother, and uncle are going through their introductions.

Jaehaerys keeps his eyes on the ground as they land, hoping his velvet cap and new beard might be enough to keep his family from recognizing him. He’s terrified, just seeing them again. As he and Daenerys alight from Drogon’s back, he half-expects Aegon and Viserys to run towards him and tear his clothing off again. 

He lets his aunt take the lead. She sweeps towards the Starks and makes a grand curtsey. “Your Graces, it is an honor. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone and Mother of Dragons.” 

“HOW---?!” Father shouts, speaking for everyone, if their expressions are anything to go by. Every eye is glued to Drogon.

“Dear Brother!” Daenerys embraces Rhaegar, ignoring the question. “Other brother! Nephew! How lovely to see you!”

Jaehaerys realizes her game now. They’re all so focussed on the dragon, they won’t take much notice of him. No one ever notices him, though. So why should he be surprised?

No one ever notices him… Until now. There’s one person not staring at Drogon. Jaehaerys looks up to meet two large, sapphire eyes gazing upon him. The most beautiful eyes he’s ever seen, attached to the most beautiful everything else he’s ever seen.

Her face is not only clear, creamy, and delicate, it’s kind. Her hair is a waterfall of auburn silk. And she holds herself with a natural grace and elegance. Jaehaerys’s mouth goes dry.

“And, of course, allow me to present my cousin, Prince Jon of Dorne!”

The King of Winter is a stern-looking man with greying brown hair and silvery eyes. The queen is a beautiful redhead with a calm disposition. Jaehaerys bows to them. “Your Graces.” 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Jon,” Queen Catelyn says kindly, “Allow us to present our daughter, Princess Sansa.”

Jaehaerys almost faints when she smiles at him and extends her hand for him to kiss. But he reminds himself that he’s not Jaehaerys anymore, he’s Prince Jon, and he ought to act like it.

He presses his lips to the back of her hand, inhaling a fresh, lemony scent, and looks up at her, a smile spreading across his lips. He can’t help it. “Dear Princess,” he hears himself say in a voice far too confident, too bold to be his own, “I flew here with my cousin with many pleasantries prepared, but I confess I’ve forgotten them all in your presence. Perhaps it is for the better, though. Meeting you at last, I am compelled to offer you only the sincerity you deserve. Forgive me for ever thinking rehearsed charms were worthy of you.”

Where did that come from? He sounded like one of those dashing heroes he read about in the castle library.  But these words just flow from him. And with them, his fear of his father, uncle, and brother. Princess Sansa’s fixed smile softens to something genuine and it fills him with a rush of excitement and confidence he’s never known before. 

Looking at her, he feels like a hero from a story. A story all his own. The story of Prince Jon, not Jaehaerys of the dragon cinders.

A blush rises to her cheeks. It’s beautiful. “I’d heard the Dornish possessed a certain charm, but I confess, this is something altogether different than what I’ve seen from Ambassador Blackmont.”

“I merely speak the words you inspire, Princess.” 

It’s the truth, and he can tell that she knows this.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Sansa:

“May I have the first dance, Princess?”

She’d arranged for the Targaryens to be seated closer out of hope that they’d bring cousin Jaehaerys. The result is that oily Prince Viserys being the first among the guests to reach her. 

Jeyne and Beth think Viserys is handsome. Sansa doesn’t like the hungry look in his purple eyes. 

But she feels compelled to agree. Rejecting such a high-ranking guest so quickly, so publicly would cause an incident. Reluctantly, she grants him the first dance. 

He doesn’t let go of her when a new song begins. When she tries to pull away, he pulls her to him more tightly.

“You’re so shy,” he remarks, “So sweet, so dutiful. A vision of virtue.”

It takes all her self control not to roll her eyes at this. Clearly, he’s not going to let go so easily.

She thinks quickly and pretends to be charmed by him. When they sway past the band, she leans out and calls to Victen, the band leader, “The Blizzard Reel!”

A northern dance that will surely knock this wannabe dragon on his arse. Sure enough, after a few minutes, the Blizzard Reel starts up.

Unfortunately, Viserys manages to keep up better than expected. “So the winter princess has some fire in her after all!” 

She’s ready to gag when she’s swept up by another male dancer. Her heart skips a beat.

It’s Jon, the Dornish prince.

 “Are you in need of rescue, Madam?”

“Yes,” she says.

He nods. “Next partner change, then.”

She’s in Viserys’s arms again, but the reel calls for a passing of partners. And before long, she’s in the arms of the Dornish prince again. The two of them spin and turn, well out of bounds to the sidelines. He releases her, but Sansa continues to hold onto his doublet, and drags him out of the ballroom and into the hall.

“I wouldn’t expect a Dornishman to be so skilled in a Northern dance!” She remarks, truly grateful.

Prince Jon blushes. “To be honest, I was guessing the whole way through.”

“Really?” She can barely believe it. “Then why---?”

“I saw you with Prince Viserys. I wanted to help you.”

“I take it my instincts about him are correct, then,” Sansa replies, looking the prince up and down, “He does not seem a kind or honorable sort.” 

“There’s a reason my Aunt Elia fled the Red Keep as she did,” Prince Jon says, “Prince Viserys was only a boy at the time, but he showed every sign of being as cruel and selfish as his father. Everything we’ve heard since only confirms it. He is a foul man, Princess Sansa. Prince Aegon and King Rhaegar are no better.”

Sansa’s heart skips a beat. “And my cousin? Prince Jaehaerys? What have you heard of him?” 

Prince Jon hesitates. “He… He does not live a happy life, Princess.”

Sansa clenches her teeth and fists. “I knew it. He’s kept away by that knave Rhaegar, just as my Aunt Lyanna was.” Her heart breaks for poor Jaehaerys. So alone. Living amongst such foul, cruel men. Motherless, with a villain for a father. Her eyes well up with tears. “He should be here, with us.” 

“You… You care much for your cousin, Princess?”

Sansa looks up. “Of course. Rhaegar stole my Aunt Lyanna, raped her. She died bringing my cousin into the world. The Seven Kingdoms split apart to end the tyranny of the Targaryens. But my father never got to save his sister. Jaehaerys is all we have left. And our family will never be complete until we get him back. And to be raised among such people…” She shudders. 

A handkerchief appear before her. Prince Jon’s face is kind. “Do not fret, Princess Sansa. There may be hope for your cousin, yet. I’m sure he’s a strong man. After all, he’s a Stark, like you.”

Sansa can’t help but smile. “Indeed. There’s even a wolf waiting for him here.”

 “...Pardon?”

Sansa wipes her eyes with the kerchief. “A direwolf. Several years ago, my brothers found a dead direwolf in the woods. A true direwolf hasn’t been seen south of the Wall in centuries, mind you. But here she was, recently killed, but with six pups still trying to nurse from her. Four were male, two female. One of the male ones was an albino. Silver-gold fur, like a Targaryen. My brothers brought the pups home, and we each took one. We’re closer to our wolves than anyone or anything. But the albino one has always been the odd one out. He’s wild. He only behaves himself around myself or my siblings. And we’ve always known that he’s meant for our cousin, Jaehaerys.” She hangs her head. “It probably sounds mad to an outsider, I know…”

“...That’s… That’s beautiful. And you’ve been raising this wolf all this time?”

Sansa nods. “He’s wild. They’ve wanted to put him down many times, but we won’t let them.” 

“Sansa… That…. I…”

But before he can say anything more, they’re interrupted by the appearance of Princess Daenerys.

“Jon, I need you.”

~_~_~_~_~

Jon:

He glares his aunt as she rails against him. “What if Rhaegar or Viserys overheard you?!”

“Let them,” he retorts, “I don’t see why she shouldn’t know. My family has been trying to get me back for years. They’ll protect me.”

“Not if your other family gets to you first! Trust me, Jaehaerys, you want them far away before anyone knows who you truly are. Do you honestly think they won’t do anything possible to gain leverage over the Starks? Over me? All I ask, Nephew, is that you stick to the plan!” 

He sighs and looks at Daenerys. She’s done so much for him, and he owes her that much. “Fine. But… Aunt Daenerys…”

“...What?”

He groans. “I think I’m in love with her. And I’m not sure I can lie to her.”

Daenerys groans. “For pity’s sake! You’ve spent your entire life holed up in Dragonstone! How could you possibly know what love is?!”

“Easy. It’s everything I’ve ever been denied,” Jon answers, “And I feel it when I’m with her.” 

His aunt groans. “Fine. Love her. Woo her. That’s fine. But if she truly loves you back, she’ll understand a week of deceit.”

“Why should she?” Jon asks. “She deserves better.” 

“Because you’re the prince in the tower, Jaehaerys. Because we all deserve better. And if she’s the girl you think she is, she’ll understand.” 

Daenerys sits beside him, and places a warm hand on his shoulder. “It’s just a week, Jaehaerys, I promise.” 

He frowns. “Very well, on one condition.”

“What?”

“Don’t call me ‘Jaehaerys’ again. That’s the name Rhaegar gave me. I’m not going to be his victim anymore. I’m Jon now.”

Daenerys smiles. “Very well, Jon.”

Jon is not the tattered, ashen, half-bastard. Jon is the man who loves Sansa, who is a Stark, who can stand up to Rhaegar, Viserys, and Aegon. Jon is the prince in Winterfell, not the boy he left behind in the cinders of Dragonstone.

The week carries on, and Prince Jon scores victories. Sansa gives him her favor for the tourney. Jaehaerys was trained in combat and jousting, as Rhaegar refused to allow any of his sons to be “weaklings”, even the half-bastard ones. He was never as good as Aegon, though. 

But Jaehaerys is gone. And Prince Jon isn’t afraid of his older brother, or his uncle, or even his father. He faces Rhaegar in the finals, and the terror Jaehaerys always felt under the violet eyes of Rhaegar Targaryen melts away. Jaehaerys’s knowledge of Rhaegar, however, doesn’t. Jon knows Rhaegar’s weaknesses, and he has the courage to use that knowledge. After three tilts, he unhorses his father.

Prince Jon presents the princess with a crown of Winter Roses as Rhaegar Targaryen marches from the field furiously.

He claims the first dance from Princess Sansa, and when she retires, she slips him a note to meet her in the godswood.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Sansa:

She’s not a fool. She’s noted the changes in Ghost’s demeanor. She’s come to realize that ‘Prince Jon’ is too pale to be a Martell, to comfortable in the Northern climate, and that he bears more of a resemblance to her father than to any Dornishman she’s ever met. 

And Gods, does she hope she’s right. 

So she brings Ghost and Lady to the godswood. And she waits. And waits. There’s a rustling in the bushes, then a cry.

Ghost jumps to his feet and runs for the clearing. Horrified, Sansa takes off after the wolf, Lady following.

She can barely make things out in such darkness, but two men struggle to subdue another. Ghost charges forward, sinking his jaws into the arm of one of the attacking men. 

“SANSA!”

Jon’s voice. But before she can do anything, a blinding pain pierces her shoulder. Sansa sinks to the ground, stunned.

It’s an arrow, she’s been shot.

She hears Jon’s voice again. “GHOST! PROTECT SANSA!”

“NO!” She screams, trying to get close to Jon. “STOP!”

Another arrow hits her. Then one hits Lady. Sansa screams.

The world goes black. 

~_~_~_~_~_ 

Jon:

They give him something to keep him from struggling, and before he knows it, he’s waking in a dark room, bound to a chair. 

His eyes are barely open when the first blow comes, striking him across the face.

“Tell us about the dragons.”

Jon looks up at the cruel, purple eyes. “Is that why I’m alive, Uncle?”

Viserys glares. “That’s why you’re alive for now. And the sooner you tell us what we need to know, the easier your death shall be.” 

Jon glares. “You’ve always been a sadist, Viserys. But you’ve never been particularly bright. I’ve grown up with you, remember? How many times did you make promises to me, then break them? I’ve always been your plaything. There’s nothing to stop you from torturing me, regardless of what I tell you.”

His uncle howls and strikes him again. Jon feels his right eye begin to swell.

“GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF MY SON!”

His father is like a giant bat, descending upon them. Rhaegar comes closer, shoving Viserys aside.

 The world goes dark again. He wakes in a soft, warm bed. Rhaegar sits at his bedside, smiling down at him. 

As a child, Jaehaerys would pray and hope and wish and obey and endure out of hope that one day, his father would look at him with the same pride and affection he showed Aegon. Jaehaerys forgave his father everything, hoping against hope that one day, Rhaegar would love him.

But Jaehaerys is gone. Jon knows better.

Still, it’s hard not to feel the effect of Rhaegar’s smile. To feel his heart ache when his father strokes his cheek for the first time.

“Jaehaerys,” Rhaegar whispers, “My son. My sweet, dutiful boy. What have we done to you?”

Jon actually laughs. “Where to begin?”

“I’m sorry, Jaehaerys, I’m so sorry. Forgive me. Your whole life, I’ve been taking my failures out on you. I’ve mistreated you, neglected you, abused you… I should have been a better father, but… I couldn’t look at you without seeing your mother. I blamed you for her loss. I’ve failed you and her. I’ve failed everyone.” 

Jon feels sick. Rhaegar sinks to his knees before him, hands clasped.

“Please, my son… Forgive me. I promise you, it’ll all be different now. I understand now. You’re my Prince that was promised, not Aegon. You’re the Song of Ice and Fire. You’re everything I’ve fought for. I was blind, but I understand now. Let me help you… Let me help you become the king you were meant to be. You are meant to bring back the greatest empire in human history, my son. The Prince Who Was Promised. Let me help you take the world that’s rightfully yours, Jaehaerys. Let me be the father I should have been all these years. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”

Jon looks into his father’s eyes. “Sansa,” he whispers, his throat parched.

Rhaegar hurries to bring a cup of water to his lips. “Pardon?” He asks, when Jon has imbibed the whole cup.

“Sansa!” He says, more forcefully. “Princess Sansa!”

His father hesitates. “Of course. She’ll be yours. It seems you’ve inherited my preference for Stark girls.” He chuckles nervously. “She’ll be your queen, Jaehaerys, if you wish it. Once we take the dragons, there won’t be a single woman beyond your grasp. The Valyrians of old had many wives, after all. All we need is to get the dragons from my sister, and…”

“You shot her!” Jon says through clenched teeth.

“Oh, my son, you’re delirious, you--”

“---NO! YOU SHOT HER! AND I SWEAR, RHAEGAR TARGARYEN, IF SHE HAS PERISHED, YOUR DEATH WILL NOT BE QUICK!”

“MAESTER FRANCEL! COME IN AND ATTEND TO THE PRINCE!” 

“I’LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU! NEVER!” Jon shouts. He’s restrained and some other liquid is forced into his mouth.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Sansa:

They try to stop her. They make promises. Father says he’s sending armies, that he’s conferred with Princess Daenerys.

“You must stay in bed, Sweetling, you’re hurt!”

They sedate her at first, but stop when she refuses to eat. Her wounds are healed well enough.

“Father,” she tells her king, “If you want me to succeed you, then you must let me be a leader. You would let Robb go, we both know it.” 

“I let Robb go, and I lost him!” Her father protests.

“You’ll lose me if you don’t let me go.”

She was never martially inclined, but she knows how to find Jon. Reports from a siege Daenerys laid against Dragonstone yielded nothing. Rhaegar, Viserys, and Aegon have vanished. No one has any idea where they are. There have been reports of sightings all over Westeros, but they all turned out to be dead ends and decoys. Rhaegar has exhausted all of his remaining resources to keep his son hidden. 

But Sansa knows how to find them.

Ghost stays by her side as faithfully as Lady, but when she saddles her horse, the white wolf knows what to do.

Ghost is Jon’s wolf. He always has been.

Many of her forces think she’s gone mad. And some desert her. It doesn’t stop her. She follows the wolf through the North, through the Riverlands, the Crownlands, and the Storm King’s domains. She follows Ghost through the Dornish marches. 

More and more of her men melt away, insisting she’s gone completely mad. She doesn’t care.

She comes upon the tower in the Prince’s pass. A ruin, really. It’s just her, Ghost, and Lady.

She realizes where she is. Where she must be. Seven Hells. History repeats itself in the strangest ways.

Viserys laughs at her when he sees her. He stops laughing when Ghost rips out his throat. Aegon goes much the same way.

She finds Rhaegar and Jon at the top of the tower, the king holding a blade to his son’s throat. 

“One more step, from you or your beasts,” the king rants, “And he dies.” 

She can tell from the mad look in his eyes that he’s not bluffing. Her heart breaks at the sight of Jon. He’s thin as a skeleton, his eyes are hazy. What have they been doing to him?

Sansa sinks to her knees. She can stand no longer. “Jon…” She sobs, “I’m so sorry…”

“You can both make it out here alive,” Rhaegar says, grinning, “Just… Just get him to tell me about the dragons. That’s all. All I want are the dragons… Tell me how to take my sister’s dragons…” 

“I don’t know!” Sansa cries, eyes glued to edge pressed to Jon’s throat.

“But he does! He rode them! He rode them with her!” Rhaegar rants. “He’ll tell you, won’t he?”

Sansa takes a deep breath. “Yes, he’ll tell me anything. He loves me.”

“Tell her, Jaehaerys! There she is! Right there! Sansa! Your Princess! I got her for you! She’s fine! Now tell her, son! Then you can be king, and she’ll be your queen! And we will all rise again!”

Jon mumbles something. Rhaegar grins and bends his ear closer to his son.

“At long last…” The Mad King croaks, “My whole life… Just… just say it a little louder, Jaehaerys…”

“I said…” Jon murmurs. “MY NAME IS JON!”

Jon seizes the blade, yanking it from his father’s hands. Ghost pounces. Rhaegar falls. Jon towers over his father, furious.

“Jaehae--- Jon, please…”

Sansa’s breath catches as she hears the prince reply, “You shouldn’t have hurt her.”

She crawls over to him, wrapping her arms about his shoulders as Rhaegar bleeds out.

“Jon…” She whispers. “Come home with me.”

He nods slowly. “We’ll have a family. A real one.”

They help each other to their feet, and Jon leads her into the chamber where he was kept. The wolves follow. The two collapse.

It’s a new dawn when they wake, and Sansa helps him onto the saddle. They ride North, his arms about her waist the whole way. 

She sends word ahead to Winterfell and arranges for a ship to take them to White Harbor. She nurses him back to health in his cabin.

When they finally make it back to Winterfell, Sansa finds that her mother has done as asked, and the preparations are well underway for the wedding. Her sister greets her with tears of joy. 

“Thank god you’re back! I don’t want to be queen!”

The princess weds her prince in the godswood, and they live happily ever after. 

[itskimtaehyung]

PROM

gif cr: @qweentae

Pairing: Yoongi x Reader, Taehyung x Reader

Summary: You’ve been dreaming about prom your whole life. When that day finally comes, you have the perfect venue, the perfect theme, the perfect dress, and the perfect date. But when your boyfriend, Yoongi, can’t go with you, he sends his friend Taehyung instead and things get kind of weird...

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Word Count: 9.5k

Content: This is pretty PG-13 so there’s not much to warn you about. A little bit of swearing but that's pretty much it.

A/N: This was originally supposed to be a Tae fic but it ended up having a lot of Yoongi. Turns out I don’t know how to write a non-Yoongi fic lmao. I’m telling you now this fic takes place in May 2015 (the year I went to prom) but most of the songs are ones that came out after that so don’t yell at me for the inaccuracies. Also shout out to @qweentae and @jungkookbunbun for helping me through my writer’s block and helping me choose the right words

Playlist of the songs mentioned (which I highly recommend you check out to get the full experience)

Sneak Peak:

Tae...

It may be just a minor infatuation, but you don't love him.

Not the way you love Yoongi.

You will never love him the way you love Yoongi. 

You stormed into the shop excitedly, with your boyfriend in tow, knowing exactly what you wanted. You had been eyeing a specific black sequin gown for weeks, ogling at it every time you passed by the shop on your way to school. It was floor-length, with an open back, and flowed down the mannequin like a cascading sparkly black waterfall, hugging all the right places. And in your favor, this gown just happened to have a matching black sequin tuxedo jacket.

“Yoongi! Look at it! Isn’t it perfect?” You squealed, pulling on his hand and jumping up and down in excitement. “We have to get them!”

The store clerk eyed the two of you suspiciously. “You two do know how much it costs, right?” She sneered.

You looked at the price tag dangling off the garment and gasped. “Oh,” was all you could say. The sparkly piece of fabric costed more than you made in three months as a part time math tutor. Why didn’t I check the price before getting my hopes up? You thought.

You were about to leave the shop, when Yoongi took the tag from you and gave it a glance before saying, “Don’t worry, Y/N. I’ll take care of it.”

“What?” Your eyes widened. “No, that’s too much! I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You really want it don’t you?” You gave a small nod. “Then I’ll pay for it. Agust D has been doing really well on the charts lately, so Big Hit gave me a bonus that would just about cover it.”

“Still, Yoongi. It’s too much! I could never ask you to spend that kind of money on me. No matter how rich and famous you get.” You said that last part a bit teasingly.

“Are you two going to buy something or not.” The sales clerk pestered.

“Yes.” Yoongi replied before you could protest. “We’ll take the dress and the jacket. We’d also like to get the rest of the suit along with it.”

“Great.” The clerk smiled for the first time since you and Yoongi arrived, but you could tell that it was insincere. “I will have to get your measurements and tailor the garments accordingly. Custom tailoring is included in the price on the label.”

“Even better,” Yoongi responded. “Let’s get to it then.”

You and Yoongi had known each other practically forever, as your moms were best friends from high school. Every time your moms would get together for brunch or tea, you and Yoongi would stick together and let the adults have their fun. Yoongi was four years older, but that didn’t prevent the two of you from getting along. When you were younger, the age gap between you and him seemed quite drastic, but slowly diminished as you got older.

Over the years, you had had your fair share of suitors, none of which could make you smile as much or laugh as hard as Yoongi did. Yoongi also had a few girlfriends here and there, but his face never quite lit up as much when looking at them as it did with you. Since you were still young and he was nearing adulthood, neither of you ever tried to make any romantic advances. You would go through most of high school single, with the occasional douchebag that would break your heart only for a moment, before Yoongi would swoop in with platonic cuddles and cozy movie nights that made you forget all about them, just as best friends should do. And Yoongi would go through most of college also single, with the occasional sorority girl that would leave him the second a taller, hotter frat boy came along, before his music career picked up and he dropped out of school all together.

You had told him that he was so close to finishing his degree that he should just stay and get his diploma before going off and touring the country. But really you wanted him to stay with you for as long as he could before leaving and possibly not coming back. You had told him it’s best to have a backup plan in case the music didn’t work out. You had told him that he should take a bit more of a pragmatic approach to all of this. What you hadn’t told him was that you loved him more than anyone else and didn’t want him to leave you so soon.

He had told you that he just finished his first mixtape and that one of the producers at Big Hit Entertainment really liked it. He had told you that if he finished school and got his diploma, by that time the producer might have found a better, more available rapper to take his place. He had told you that this was a once in a lifetime chance and if he didn’t take it now he might never get an opportunity like this again. He had told you, right before he left for his first tour to promote his mixtape, Agust D, and a few days after you celebrated your 18th birthday, that he loved you.

“I love you, too.” You had said, not fully grasping the meaning behind his words, thinking he meant it completely platonically like you two had been saying to each other for years.

“No, Y/N. I love you.” He looked at you with an intensity like you had never seen as he cupped both your cheeks in his hands and pulled you closer, placing his lips on yours for the first time. It was a sudden gesture but it was soft and gentle, and the kiss was over before you were ready. “I always have,” he sighed as he pulled back.

“Why are you telling me this now? Now that you’re leaving?” You hoped the look on your face would convey that fact that you didn’t want him to let go.

“You know why.” He replied, his eyes never leaving yours. “Now you’re old enough, and now things are finally going right for me. And now, now that I’m leaving, because I don’t think I could go without letting you know how I feel.”

“I love you, too,” you repeated, deepening your gaze, hoping he would see exactly how strongly you felt these words. You stood on your tiptoes and kissed him back with the ardor you had felt but could never show until this moment.

The two of you spent that night at Yoongi’s place, tangled in each other’s limbs and hoping that somehow the sun would refuse to rise, allowing you to stay together for just a little bit longer.

The sun, however, did not oblige, and with the light of the next day he left for two months, touring the country and doing shows to promote his name and his mixtape. He met countless producers that tried to steal him away from Big Hit, and countless girls that tried to steal him away from you. But he was faithful, both to the company that gave him a chance, and the girl that gave him her heart.

When he returned, you greeted him with open arms and a wide smile. He told you about all his adventures on the road and all the amazing people he met. You told him about all your boring days at school and all the tedious assignments you were given. He told you about how much he missed you and wished you had been beside him. You told him about how you had been busying yourself with prom preparations to distract yourself from missing him too.

Yoongi’s time back felt more like a short visit, for he was all too soon whisked away to the capital to discuss the business side of his contract. And so, while he was off discussing budgets and numbers with accountants and business execs in Seoul, you were here discussing budgets and numbers with venues and caterers back home.

You had dreamed about your prom your entire life. Dressed up in your nicest dress, arriving in a stretch limo, escorted by your prince charming. You only had one prom, so you wanted to make it perfect. So much so that you joined prom committee and started pitching ideas months in advance. You knew you wanted an Old Hollywood red carpet theme and would do anything to make it happen. You and Yoongi had your outfits ready since January, even though the dance wasn’t until the end May. You were beyond excited and couldn’t wait to spend the magical night with him.

You had just gotten off the phone with the people at the venue about the final touches and preparation for the dance that was merely a week away when your best friend, Jina, walked into the student activities office.

“Hey, Y/N, I need you to look over the permission slips one last time before I distribute them.” She handed you a stack of papers. Since this was a school function taking place outside of school hours, students were required to submit a signed permission slip before purchasing a ticket to the dance.

You scanned the document for any mistakes.

In the case that the student is under 18 years of age, I, the parent/guardian of [print student’s name] grant permission for said student to attend this school function. I understand that this event takes place outside of school hours and off of school grounds. I understand that the school is not responsible for transportation to or from the event. 

It looked good so far.

Each student is allowed to bring one guest that does not attend the school. ID of the guest must be presented at the time of ticket purchase. Guest must be 21 years of age or younger. 

Wait.

“Uhhh, Jina? Why does it say that the guest has to be under 21?”

“Principal Kim’s orders.”

“But I’m supposed to go with Yoongi!” He had just turned 22 back in March. “If I’m over 18, why should it matter?”

“If you have a problem with it, you should talk to Principal Kim about it.”

“Okay, I will!” You stormed out of the office.

You marched into Principal Kim’s office with the permission slips in hand, but not before greeting his secretary. If you wanted something, you couldn’t afford to be rude, no matter how angry you were.

“Principal Kim?” You poked your head in the doorway. He was on the phone and held his hand up towards you signaling you to wait. When he hung up, he motioned for you to enter his office.

“What can I do for you, Y/N?”

“Principal Kim-”

“Now, Y/N. I have told you many times that you can call me Jin. I’m not like most principals, you know; I’m a cool principal.”

“I know, and I have told you many times that I respect you too much to strip you of your title and will continue to call you my principal.”

“Very well. So what brings you to my office?”

“I was looking over the permission slip for prom and it said that my guest has to be no older than 21?”

“Yes, that’s correct”

“Why? If I’m over 18 why does it matter?” You complained.

“Some of the students haven’t turned 18 yet and these rules have to be inclusive of everyone.”

“Can’t you just bend the rules a little for me?” You put on your best pouty face. “My boyfriend just turned 22 a couple of months ago so he just missed the age limit by a little bit. Plus I’m your star student. Shouldn’t that count for something?”

“I’m sorry, Y/N, but I can’t bend the rules just for you. You’re going to have to find another date or just go with your friends.”

“But all my friends have dates!” You realized how immature you were being and stopped yourself before you threw a tantrum. “I understand, Principal Kim, and I respect your decision. Thank you for taking the time to see me.”

“Any time, Y/N. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of any help.”

“Sorry my ass,” you mumbled saltily to yourself on your way out.

“So I can’t go?” Yoongi asked. You were sitting across from him in an arm chair while he sat on the couch in his living room.

“No. the school won’t allow it. Why couldn’t you have been born two months later?”

“Because I think that would have killed my mother.” He chuckled.

“Not funny. What am I going to do? We’ve been planning this all year!” You made no effort in hiding your frustration. As silly as it may seem, you were about ready to cry because your perfect night was not going as you planned.

At that moment Yoongi’s housemate, Tae, walked in, having just taken a bite of the steamed bun in his hand.

Yoongi looked over at him. “Why don’t you take Taehyung?” The boy stopped in his tracks upon hearing his name.

“What?” Tae said, mouth full of bun.

“Tae. You’re taking Y/N to her prom.” It wasn’t a question, but an order.

“Uhhh okay sure,” he still hadn’t swallowed., so it came out more as, “Mmmmm mmkkmm frrrr.” He then left the room, eyes wide, without questioning or protesting.

You had known Tae only half as long as you had known Yoongi. The two boys became friends in middle school, when Yoongi was in eighth grade and Tae was in sixth. Yoongi said he met the younger boy during lunchtime, when Tae was sitting by himself in the cafeteria. Taehyung was an adorable little thing, much smaller and a lot shyer than the other kids. He never did talk much when surrounded by strangers, and often ate lunch by himself. Yoongi felt bad for him and thought he could use a friend, so one day he joined him for lunch. It took a while for Tae to warm up to Yoongi, but Tae has been his best friend, and by extension yours, ever since.

You remember the first time Yoongi brought Tae over to play video games. He wouldn’t look at you most of the time and would only talk to Yoongi. Although he was small for his age, he was still two years older than you and therefore seemed much bigger and slightly intimidating. You tried to give yourself an air of maturity to try to impress the new playmate, attempting to use big words and stifling laughter where you didn’t find it inappropriate. However, after seeing him with Yoongi, you came to realize he was just as silly as the boys your age.

You were never able to get 100% comfortable with Tae, though. Maybe you two were too different. Over the years, he remained his silly, childishly innocent self, while you gained the maturity that you tried to fake all those years ago. His personality seemed to clash with Yoongi’s, who was more mellow and sometimes bordered on lethargic, and you wondered how they had remained friends after all these years, even choosing to move in together once Taehyung graduated high school. Of course there was no escaping him, since he was best friends with your best-friend-turned-boyfriend. Despite knowing him for nearly nine years, you were never very close. You didn’t share your secrets or go to him for advice the way you did with Yoongi. You didn’t make an effort to spend time with him outside of your group hangouts with Yoongi. He was a lot more quiet around you. When you saw each other at the apartment, you greeted each other curtly and made small talk, but never anything more.

“So I’m just gonna go with Tae?” You asked incredulously.

“I don’t see why not,” Yoongi replied. “If I can’t take you, Tae is the next best thing.”

You scoffed. “What about our outfits? We’ll have to go out and buy a new one for him! We only have a week before the dance to get everything tailored!”

“The main part is the jacket, and Tae and I have similar upper body measurements so he can just take the one we bought for me. Also the bow tie. And the rest is just basic tux stuff which I’m sure he has.”

“Okay. But are you sure you’re okay with not going? And you’re okay with me taking him?” You started to warm up to the idea and relaxed a little bit. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad that Yoongi couldn’t go. Sure, Tae wasn’t your boyfriend, but he was still insanely handsome, even you couldn’t deny it. He knew how to dance and have a good time, so you were willing to give it a shot.

“Honestly I’m not too bothered about not going. I was only interested because I know how important it is for you and I just want to make you happy. Also I love you and I know that you love me, so I trust that you won’t pull any funny business with Taehyung.”

You moved from the chair to the couch and sat down next to your boyfriend, scooting close and tucking yourself under his arm. You looked up at him and smiled. “Taehyung is like a 5 year old, though. What if he embarrasses me or what if I can’t stand to be with him for more than 20 minutes? I’ve never been alone with him for that long before.”

“You can drop him off by the food table and go hang out with your friends. Hoseok and Jungkook will be there too, right?” You nodded. Hoseok and Jungkook were Yoongi and Tae’s friends from high school, and also your best friends, Jina and Hyejin’s, boyfriends, respectively. “If anything they can take Tae off your hands if need be. Or take Tae’s hands off of you.” He chuckled once again.

You sighed. “Fine. But only because I love you.”

The night you had been waiting for finally arrived. Although Yoongi couldn’t escort you to the dance, he wanted to at least help you get ready and then join you and your friends at dinner. You went over to Yoongi’s place so he could help you get changed and make sure your hair and makeup were okay. Since he was also joining you guys for dinner, he decided to dress up as well, although not in the black sequin tuxedo jacket that matched your dress. Instead he donned a grey sportcoat with subtle silver sparkles that he got from the stylists he worked with on his tour, pairing it with a simple white shirt which he chose not to button up all the way. You were in the midst of asking Yoongi whether you should wear your pearl chandelier earrings or blood red ruby droplets when Tae entered the room, announcing that he was ready when you are.

“What the hell are you wearing?” You exclaimed, giving him a once over. When your eyes made it to his face, he was staring at you blankly, his mouth open.

He quickly snapped out of his daze and his gaze shifted from you to Yoongi, then back to you. “What do you mean? I’m wearing the jacket Yoongi gave me.” He replied innocently. In addition to that jacket he was wearing a deep red button-down, which he also chose not to button up all the way, and tight black pants.

“Yeah but you’re supposed to keep it classy. Don’t you own a white shirt? Or a vest? Maybe a cummerbund?” Yoongi put a hand on your shoulder to calm you down.

“I don’t even know what that last thing is.” He replied. “And I tried it with the white shirt and bowtie and it just felt so stuffy. Not my thing. This suits me much better.’ He used both his hands to gesture up and down his body.

You had to admit that he did look good. The red and black went well with his dark brown hair, which he had textured so that it was a little bit wavy. And at least he had the decency to put on some nice dress shoes.

Yoongi put his arm around your waist and pulled you close. “Hey, at least now you don’t have to worry about which earrings to wear.” He said softly into your hair.

You stepped out of his embrace and shoved the ruby droplets into your ears. “Sure I guess. Whatever let’s go.” You grabbed your sparkly black clutch off the nightstand and placed your phone inside. “We don’t want to keep the rest of the group waiting.”

Dinner took place at one of those fancy seafood restaurants by the pier. You met your friends outside, greeting each other and squealing about how good you looked in your dresses.

When that was all done, Hyejin eyed your little trio and said, “I see you brought two dates with you tonight.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Oh, my god, stop. Don’t.” You teasingly pushed her away.

“Yoongi looks nice tonight. Too bad he can’t stay long.” She added. “And Tae cleans up well. He’s looking quite handsome tonight. It’s kind of making me want to trade dates.” Hyejin smirked.

“Hey!” Jungkook protested. “That’s not cool!”

“Don’t worry, babe. I’m just joking.” Hyejin reassured. “But don’t you think Taehyung looks nice tonight?”

Taehyung stood there and didn’t say anything. He just looked around the group, and you could tell that your friend was making him uncomfortable.

You, too, were quite uncomfortable and you let out a groan as you buried your face in your hands. “Can we please just go inside and have dinner?” You chimed in, desperate to drop the subject. Sure, Tae looked incredibly good tonight, but you didn’t want to be, couldn’t be, thinking about him that way. “I’m starving; I haven’t eaten all day.” You grabbed Yoongi’s hand and started leading the group toward the restaurant entrance.

Thankfully dinner was not as awkward as it could have been. The seven of you made small talk as your enjoyed your pricey-but-delicious seafood dishes. Your friends asked Yoongi how his latest tour went, and you asked Yoongi’s friends how school was going for them. By the end of the meal all of you were laughing at something hilariously adorable that Taehyung said while splitting a giant ice cream sundae. When the check came you guys spent so long trying to figure out how to split it that Yoongi finally got fed up and offered to paid the whole thing himself.

“No! You don’t have to do that, Yoongi!” You protested.

“It’s not a big deal, Y/N. I got it,” he replied.

“At least let us pay you back. That’s a lot of money for all seven of us.” Hoseok chimed in.

“Don’t worry guys, really,” Yoongi reassured. “Honestly I have more money now than I know what to do with.” He let out a small laugh.

“Ah, Yoongi! You spoil me too much!” You said, grabbing onto his arm.

He turned to face you. “That’s because I love you so much, Y/N.” He leaned in to kiss you on the nose. Your face scrunched up at how cute he was being.

Everyone at the table responded by saying “Awwwwwww.” Except Taehyung. Tae just sat there awkwardly. Maybe because he was supposed to be your date tonight. Maybe because he sat closest to you and Yoongi and was uncomfortable with your PDA. Anyway, you didn’t really notice.

“You guys are too cute!” Exclaimed Jina. She turned to her boyfriend. “Hoseok, why can’t we be cute like?”

“Are you saying we’re not cute?” Hoseok asked, dramatically putting a hand to his chest and pretending to be deeply offended. “I am hurt. Everyone knows I’m an adorable ray of sunshine so maybe it’s you that’s the problem,” he joked.

Jina giggled and swatted his arm. “Sure you are, babe.” Hoseok made an exaggerated pouty face.

After Yoongi took care of the bill, leaving a generous tip for the waiters, the seven of you got into your waiting limo and headed off to the venue. Taehyung remained silent for most of the car ride, only occasionally joining in on the conversation and smiling at whatever someone said. You were so distracted by the conversation amongst your friends that you didn't really notice. You arrived not long after and Yoongi stepped out of the car first, extending his hand to help you out of the vehicle. You took it and smiled at him.

“I really wish you didn't have to leave.” You said once you were in front of the venue.

“Aw I know, babe.” He pulled you into a hug. “Are you going to be coming back to my place afterwards?”

You nodded.

“Great. I'll wait up for you.” He smiled and gave you a soft peck on the lips.

You smiled back at him and let go of him reluctantly.

“I’ll see you later.” He gave you a gentle push toward the entrance. “Now go have fun. I love you.”

“Love you, too. I’ll try.”

Tae walked up next to you and stuck his elbow out for you. “Ready?” He asked. You placed your hand in the crook of his arm and let him escort you in.

When you walked in, there were tables set up in the lobby with teachers and various other staff tending them and checking people in. You and Tae showed one of the teachers your IDs and she gave you each two marbles. There were large jars at the end of the table, each with a name on them. You were supposed to drop a marble in for the person you wanted to be Prom King and the person you wanted to be Prom Queen. Not knowing any of the nominees, you just dropped a marble into a jar for each category without even looking. Still not saying much to each other, you and Tae then walked into the ballroom, Collar Full playing as you entered.

You take in all the sights around you: the big white letters on the stage spelling HOLLYWOOD, the black and gold streamers lining the walls, the gold balloons scattered around the room, and the red velvet table cloths draped over the tables. There were round standing tables around the perimeter of the dance floor for guests to gather and chat and enjoy refreshments. It was everything you had dreamed it would be, and you just wished Yoongi was here to see it all.

Your group found a table off to the side to put your belongings and the boys brought you all some punch.

“It's a shame it's not spiked,” Hoseok said, taking a sip from his cup and frowning.

Tae pulled a rather large metal flask from the inside pocket of his jacket. “It can be.” He raised his eyebrows.

“Sweet!” Hoseok replied, sticking his cup out for Tae.

“Make sure no one sees.” You warned. You really didn’t want to get kicked out on the night you had been dreaming about your whole life.

“Don't worry, Y/N. I got this.” Tae smirked. He poured some liquor into each of your cups. The punch was so sweet that you all downed it easily.

You spent most of the night telling jokes and getting a little tipsy while enjoying the music. The alcohol helped you loosen up a bit around Taehyung and you were able to talk to him more easily. About halfway through the night, with the contents of his flask depleted, Taehyung brazenly grabbed your hand and pulled you on to the dance floor. The DJ was playing Fast Pace and the boy moved to the sensual, midtempo rhythm. Damn, he really knows how to dance, you thought. You couldn't help but stare at the way he moved his lean body fluidly with the music, never missing a beat. You thought about how if Yoongi were here, he would not be nearly as graceful. It might have even been embarrassing if you didn't love him so much. But Tae, Tae. The way he moved was something else, and you considered yourself lucky to have someone like him by your side on the dance floor.

The people around you seemed to notice him as well. Some of them stopped dancing altogether to watch the boy. You were starting to feel self conscious with all the eyes in your direction. Taehyung noticed and pulled you closer to him, swaying your body in time with his. You quickly got lost in the feeling and soon all the people around you disappeared. As far as you were concerned, you and Tae were the only ones on the dance floor. Your eyes made their way to his and roamed the rest of his face, taking in the way his hair swooped down to just at his eyebrows, the fuzzy caterpillars slightly peeking through; his wide eyes, the most beautiful shade of chocolate brown; his cute little nose with a faint, barely noticeable mole at the tip; his soft, plump, pink lips that spread into a smile when he looked at you, revealing his pearly white teeth.

Why are you thinking about this? Stop it, Y/N, you thought. You can’t be thinking this way about him.

When the music stopped, you were still looking up at Taehyung, your mind in a daze. It’s probably just the alcohol. You were snapped out of it when Principal Kim’s voice echoed through the ballroom.

“Ladies and gentlemen and everyone in between.” He had gotten up on stage and was now speaking into a microphone. “Now is the time that I know many of you have been waiting for: the unveiling of Prom King and Queen!”

You and Tae turned toward the stage. He kept an arm around your waist as Principal Kim spoke. “Shall we start with the King?” The crowd murmured in response. “Okay! Sticking with the theme here, I think I’m going to try something a little different,” he continued. “And the winner of the 2015 Oscar Award for Prom King is… Park Jinyoung!”

The spotlight focused on the popular guy in your calculus class as he made his way to the stage. He was smiling and confident as he accepted his crown and afterward made his way off to the side of the stage.

“Now, everyone. It's time for the crowning of Prom Queen!” Principal Kim seemed far more excited than anyone else in the room. The only people who really cared were the ones who personally knew the nominees. “And the 2015 Oscar Award for Prom Queen goes to… Y/N!”

“What?” Your jaw dropped and you looked over at Tae. “I didn't even know I was nominated?” You said to him.

“Really?” he replied. “I voted for you.” He smiled at you. “Now go!” He gave you a small push towards the stage. “Before they give your crown to someone else.”

You smiled back at him and made your way toward the stage. You continued to smile as you accepted your crown and hoped no one could tell how nervous you were. You were thankful for the bit of alcohol that was still in your system, for if you weren’t still a little tipsy, you probably would have passed out from the nerves. You scanned the crowd until your eyes found Taehyung, who gave you two thumbs up when your eyes met. This gave you the boost of confidence you needed when you saw all the audience looking at you. You greeted your king with a bow and the two of you made your way to the dance floor for your obligatory king and queen dance.

The dance was definitely awkward since you didn’t know Jinyoung very well, but at least you didn’t step on his feet or fall or anything like that. It felt nothing like dancing with Tae and the entire time you were just hoping the song would end so you could go back to him. You didn’t even pay attention to what the song was; you just wanted it to end.

The song finally finished and you pulled away from Jinyoung. You thanked each other and said your goodbyes. “Congratulations, my queen.” Jinyoung said.

“Congratulations to you, too, Jinyoung,” you replied.

Jinyoung looked over to where Tae was waiting for you. “Don’t let me keep you from your boyfriend.”

“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a friend.”

“Of course.” He smiled. “Well, have a nice night. I’ll see you around.”

“See you around.” You spun around and made your way back to your date.

“That crown looks nice on you,” he said when you approached him. “Royalty suits you.”

“Thanks,” you replied. At that moment the DJ announced that he was going to play another slow song. The sounds of So Far Away began to fill the ballroom. “Oh! It’s Yoongi’s song!” Your face lit up when you heard it.

“May I have this dance, my queen?” Tae extended his hand out and bowed to you.

You giggled. “Why of course.” You replied, curtsying and taking his hand in yours.

Tae used his other hand to wrap around your waist and pulled you close against him, swaying with the music. You rested your cheek against his chest while he placed his chin atop your head. One hand was still in his while the other laid on his shoulder. He was quite a bit taller than Yoongi, so you had to reach a little bit higher. You closed your eyes and pretended it was Yoongi there with you. Being this close to Tae, it was hard not to inhale his earthy sandalwood scent, a stark contrast to Yoongi’s sweet blackberry cologne. You could hear his heart beating in his chest, getting faster as the dance went on.

You tried not to focus on how his arm felt wrapped around you, or his chest against yours. Instead you tried to focus on Yoongi’s voice and his beautiful lyrics.

Dream. I was there for your creation and I will be there for your end. Dream. Wherever you go, it will be lenient. Dream. You will fully bloom after all the hardships. Dream. Your beginning is humble, so prosperous your future will be.

The song ended before you wanted it to and Tae held on to you just a little bit longer after the music stopped. The DJ had already started playing Hard Carry when you finally pulled back from him. He looked you in the eyes and didn't break his gaze. Before you knew it he was leaning in and pressing his lips against yours, and you were letting him. His lips were even softer than you imagined them to be. They tasted faintly of punch, peppermint lip balm, and a little bit of vodka.

He looked startled when he pulled back. “I– I shouldn't have done that.” He stuttered. “I'm so sorry.”

You felt the heat creep up your neck and you avoided his gaze. “It’s okay, Tae. Just don't let it happen again.”

“Right. Sorry.”

You looked around to make sure your friends hadn't seen. They were nowhere to be found, probably off in a dark corner somewhere making out and groping each other.

Taehyung left you alone for a while, choosing to indulge himself in the dessert bar while you went out to get some fresh air. You sat on one of the benches on the terrace that connected to the ballroom, very similar to the ones in Disney princess movies. You gazed up at the stars, surrounded by topiary while Ssenunni thumped behind the closed doors.

After about half an hour, you heard the doors behind you open. Or rather, you heard the music suddenly get louder and clearer. You turned around to see Taehyung standing behind you, slowly and hesitantly making his way forward. He gestured toward the empty space on the bench next to you, asking for permission to sit down. You looked at him and nodded, neither of you having said a word to each other yet.

Tae sat hunched forward, with his elbows on his knees. He looked out into the night and took a deep breath before saying, “I’m sorry.” You remained silent, staring at the back of his head. “I think I drank too much and I wasn’t thinking clearly. We were having such a good time and the last thing I wanted was to make it weird.”

You wanted to say something but you weren’t sure what. “It’s okay”? No, because what if he thinks that means you liked it and he tried to kiss you again. “Don’t worry about it” seemed too casual for this situation. Instead, you just remained silent.

“Things have always been kind of awkward between us and I think I just made it worse. Again, I’m sorry.”

When you still hadn’t said anything, Tae turned around to look at you. Your blank expression didn’t change and you just stared back at him.

“Can we just… Can we just pretend it never happened?” You finally said.

“Yeah, yeah. I can do that,” he replied.

You gave him a small smile which he immediately returned, relieved that you weren’t as mad at him as he thought you would be. That’s when you heard the DJ scream through the microphone, “Ayo, Ladies and Gentlemen, this night is coming to a close and this next song will be my last! Prepare yourselves because it’s going to be a bop!”

Tae stood up and looked down at you. “What do you say? Shall we go inside for one last dance?” He stuck his hand out for you to take.

“Sure,” you replied, slipping your hand in his as you stood up.

He led you inside just as The Beat started blasting through the speakers. You found your friends and all of you gathered on the dance floor for one last dance. The six of you jumped around so much that at many times, Tae had to push your crown back on your head to keep it from falling, for you were too busy dancing to notice.

The night may not have gone exactly how you always dreamed it would, but you still had a great time. By the end of it, you had removed your painfully high heels, and had to walk barefoot back to the limo, where you passed out from exhaustion and fell asleep on Tae’s shoulder on the way back to the apartment he shared with Yoongi.

When you returned to the apartment, even though you were on the brink of passing out again, you were completely ready to confess everything to Yoongi. However, although he told you he would wait up for you, you found him asleep at his desk, where he had been working on some new music just hours before. You felt kind of relieved, for, upon seeing him, you weren’t as ready to talk to him as you thought you were. Not wanting to disturb him, you slipped out of your dress and into one of Yoongi’s t-shirts, and crawled into his bed, thinking that if he woke up during the night he would come and join you.

The next morning when you woke, Yoongi was no longer at his desk, but the blanket beside you remained unwrinkled. You got up and used the bathroom before going into the living room. You found Yoongi on the couch reading something on his tablet and you sat down next to him. Tae was nowhere to be seen, and the apartment was completely silent, so he was probably still asleep. Yoongi looked up from his iPad at you and you took a deep breath, preparing yourself to tell him what had happened.

“How was last night?” He asked before you could get your words out. “Sorry I fell asleep before you two got back.”

“That's okay. I actually wanted to talk to you about something and I don't think I would have been ready to last night.”

A concerned look washed over your boyfriend’s face. “Is something wrong?”

“Well…” You paused, trying to organize what you're going to say and choosing your words carefully. “So, Tae brought some alcohol with him last night… And–and we both got kind of drunk.”

“Mhm.” Yoongi's expression didn't change.

“And I was crowned prom queen and still kinda tipsy. And they played a slow song after my dance with the king and it was your song.” You started speaking faster because you were so nervous. “So Tae and I danced to your song and we were still kinda drunk and when it ended he pulled back and kissed me…” You left out the part where you kissed him back.

“That's it?”

Your eyes went wide at his question. “Uhh. Yes?”

Yoongi let out a sigh of relief. “Don't worry. I know. Tae told me before he left this morning.”

Tae already left? Where did he go that early? He wasn't avoiding you, was he?

“If you already knew then why did you look so worried?” You asked him.

“Because you sounded so serious. I was worried that Tae did something bad that he wasn't tell me.” His brows knit together again. “He didn't do anything bad, right?”

“Oh, no! God, no! Absolutely not!” You didn't think Taehyung was even capable of something like that.

“Good, good. And you two were drunk. It's not like you actually like each other.”

“Right, right.” You lowered your gaze from his.

Did you like him? You didn't think so. But then again, the more you thought about it, the more you felt like you did. When he kissed you it was very different from when Yoongi kissed you. When Yoongi kissed you, it felt like a piece of you had been missing but then found, like something you never thought you'd see again was finally returned to you. When Tae kissed you, it felt warm and fuzzy, like wrapping yourself in a blanket and cozying up by the fireplace on a cold winter day, warming you from the inside and out. Two very different, very nice feelings.

Shit, Y/N. What are you doing? You thought. You love Yoongi. How could you ever doubt that? Tae… That was just because you were drunk. Nothing more. It may be just a minor infatuation, but you don't love him. Not the way you love Yoongi. You will never love him the way you love Yoongi.

Yoongi glanced at the clock, then back at you. “I have a meeting in an hour so I gotta go.” He stood up and planted a kiss on your forehead. “I made you breakfast and I’ll be back by lunch. We can go to that sandwich place you said you’ve been wanting to try.” He made his way to the door and grabbed his jacket and keys.

“Okay, sounds good. Good luck at your meeting,” you said as he opened the door.

“Thanks, babe. Love you.”

“Love you, too,” and with that he was gone.

You were left in the empty, silent apartment to be alone with your thoughts. You wanted to get your feelings sorted out before Yoongi returned. But first, you were starving. You hadn't eaten anything in over 14 hours and felt that if you didn't get something in your stomach soon, you would faint. You walked over to the kitchen to see what Yoongi had made for you. You looked on the stove and saw your favorite: french toast with the recipe your mom gave him, as well as some coffee, and fresh squeezed orange juice, the rinds still on the counter from when he made it.

Would Tae ever? You asked yourself. Probably not. I've never seen the boy cook in his entire life. He’d probably be the type to put fishcakes in water and call it soup.

Yoongi: 1

Tae: 0

What the hell, though? Why am I even comparing them? As if I would ever choose Tae over Yoongi.

You had just sat down on the the couch with your plate of food when the front door opened. In walked Tae wearing basketball shorts and a white t-shirt, which was almost transparent as it clung to his chest, drenched in sweat. His dark hair covered part of his face, made darker by the perspiration dripping down his forehead. His muscles glistened as they caught the light streaming in from the window. The veins on his arms bulged as he gripped the basketball in his hand.

“Hey.” He said, as he closed the door behind him.

“Hey.” You replied. “Where did you go so early in the morning?”

“I was out playing basketball with Jungkook, Hoseok, and a few of our other friends.” He lifted the basketball a little higher to show you. “Damn, it is hot outside. I’m gonna hop in the shower before I leave a puddle.”

“Please,” was all you said in return.

Dammit. Why did he have to look so good drenched in sweat.

He left you to finish your breakfast in peace and you were grateful that he was gone. When you finished, you got up from the couch and put your plate in the sink. You poured yourself a glass of Yoongi’s orange juice as Tae was getting out of the shower. As you were finishing up your juice, Tae stepped into the kitchen wearing a clean white t-shirt, grey sweatpants, and a white towel around his shoulders. His hair was still dripping from when he washed it, the water droplets falling, only to be absorbed by the towel.

You were about to start washing the dishes when he put a hand out to stop you. “I’ll do it.”

“No, that’s okay. It’s my mess.”

Tae took the plate and sponge from your hands and set them down in the sink. “I’m about to eat. There would be no point in you washing all the dishes only to have me dirty up some more immediately afterward. It’ll save water to wash them all at once.”

“Okay. There’s still some leftover french toast that Yoongi made earlier. Help yourself.”

“Cool.” He reached over you to grab a plate from the cupboard.

Okay. He’s getting too close and you need to leave, Y/N, you told yourself.

You ducked underneath his arm and made your escape, running to the couch and pretending that you were late for a TV program you wanted to watch. A few minutes later, as you were flipping through the channels, Tae sat down to join you. He left an entire couch cushion in between you two and for that you were thankful.

“Hey, Tae.” You looked over at him.

He had just stuffed a large forkful of french toast into his face. “Mmm?” He said with his mouth full.

“Did you tell Hoseok and Jungkook what happened last night?”

He swallowed before answering. “I thought we were going to pretend it never happened. No, I did not tell them; it’s none of their business.”

“But you told Yoongi.”

“That’s because it’s his business. You’re his business. If I kissed his girlfriend, he would need to know. If anyone kissed his girlfriend that wasn’t him, he would need to know.” He took a sip from his cup of coffee. “Also, I knew you would tell him. If you told him before I got to, he would think I was keeping it from him and he would never forgive me. I’ve known him for too long to throw away our friendship like that.”

You had never seen Tae act so serious before. You knew he valued his friendship with Yoongi, why else would he have stuck around this long? But he never explicitly said it. Then again, you and Tae had never really had any heart-to-hearts like this in the past.

“Also, if he got mad at me and kicked me out, I would have nowhere to go. I can’t just move back in with my parents; they live on the other side of the city. The commute to school would take me like 3 hours minimum!”

You smiled at that last bit. As if that was the only reason he didn’t want to move back in with his parents.

Neither of you knew what else to say so Taehyung continued to eat his french toast. All was silent except for the sounds coming from the TV. When he was finished, he set his plate down on the coffee table in front of you two.

“Y/N,” Tae said, breaking the silence.

“Hmm?” You replied, pretending to be too absorbed in the TV program to look at him.

He, however, was staring at you and couldn’t take his eyes off. “Can I tell you something?” He asked almost shyly.

This caught your attention. He had never spoken to you this way before. You finally turned to look at him. “Uhh, yeah. What is it, Taehyung?”

He glanced at the TV then back at you. “Uhh.. Well…I’ve always liked you.”

“Well, I like you, too. Isn’t that why we’re friends?” You asked, praying he didn’t mean what you feared he meant.

“No.” Oh, no. “I mean I used to have a huge crush on you when we were kids.”

Welp, there it is. Exactly what you didn’t want to hear come from his lips. His beautifully soft lips. What? Shut up. You caught yourself staring at them and nearly drooling.

“Why else do you think I was so shy around you?” He continued. “Talking to you alone always made me kind of nervous. I never told you because you always seemed to like Yoongi more.” Now I’m not so sure about that, buddy. “Which is understandable since I kind of tried avoiding you when Yoongi wasn’t around.”

Still, you said nothing.

“For a long time I thought I was over you. Over the crush, I mean.” His eyes left yours and stared out the window behind you. “But seeing you last night… You just looked so beautiful and I just… I couldn't help it.”

“Maybe you are over me,” you reasoned. “And those feelings just came back because you were drunk.”

“I mean, I guess that's also a possibility.”

“And maybe you still feel that way right now because of how the alcohol made it feel when you kissed me. Maybe if you kissed me again right now, you wouldn't feel anything.”

The boy positioned himself to face you and in response you turned your body toward his. He stared at you silently for a moment, with brows furrowed and eyes flickering to every corner of your face before saying, “Can we try it again?”

Your eyes widened. “What?”

Yes, you wanted to, but no, you shouldn’t.

“Sorry. That was inappropriate of me to ask.”

“No,” You started and immediately saw his face fall. “Uh– I mean… Uhh. Sorry, I was just shocked you asked that.” You avoided looking him in the eyes. “But, yes. I think we should try again. Because I can't stop thinking about last night and I just want to make sure I don't actually have feelings for you.”

Makes sense, I guess.

“Wait, so you felt something, too?”

“Yes.” Your eyes met his again. “But maybe because I'm not really used to drinking that much.”

“Right, sure.”

“So, should we…?”

“Uhh right, yeah.” Tae reached his hand up to brush the loose strands of hair from your forehead kind of awkwardly and brought his hand down to softly stroke your cheek. He then leaned forward so slowly you thought he might never reach you. Impatient, you leaned forward and pressed your lips against his, closing the gap between you two. His hand left your cheek and wound its way into your hair while your hands lay flat against his chest.

Nothing. You felt nothing. Except the overwhelming sense of relief because you felt nothing. You hoped that Tae felt the same.

At that moment, the door opened and in walked Yoongi, your boyfriend.

“What the fuck is going on?” You and Tae jolted apart.

“I– Yoongi, I can explain!” You started.

“I can't believe you two.” He marched into his room and slammed the door shut.

“Fuck,” Tae muttered.

“I should go talk to him.” You said.

“No. Let him calm down a bit. It'll be no use trying to reason with him when he’s this upset.” You knew Tae was right. He got up from the couch and grabbed his plate. “I'm going to do the dishes,” he announced, and made his way to the kitchen.

“I’ll help.”

“No. You really don't have to. This is my mess.” You weren't sure if he was still talking about the dirty plate or this whole situation.

“I’m going to help.” You insisted.

“Fine.”

Tae scrubbed while you rinse, for the most part in silence. You were enjoying not having to talk to him until he turned toward you and said, “I’m sorry. This is all my fault.”

“Tae. You've apologized to me like 6 times in less than 24 hours. I don't blame you. Part of it is my fault, too for letting it happen. Twice.”

“Yeah, but I initiated it both times.”

“But I didn't stop you.” That shut up him for a moment. You could tell he was trying to figure out what to say next.

“You didn’t… You didn't feel anything the second time, did you?” He asked hesitantly.

“Uhhhh. No.” It was the truth. “Did you?”

“No. No.” It was a lie. “I didn’t.”

“Good. So now we don't have to worry about that. We just have to worry about explaining this to Yoongi.”

“Right. Yeah.”

The two of you did the rest of the dishes in silence. You were thinking about what you were going to say to Yoongi, or rather how you were going to say it.

“Do you think I should go talk to him now?” You asked as you were putting the dried dishes back in the cupboard.

“It's been approximately 32 minutes since he stormed out so I think it's safe to say he calmed down a little bit.”

“Okay. Wish me luck.”

“He’s an understanding person; you don't need it.”

You gave him a small smile before walking toward Yoongi’s room. You stood in front of it and took a deep breath before trying to enter. You knocked twice and tried the doorknob. It was locked.

“Yoongi, it's me.” There was no response. “Yoongi, let me in.”

You heard shuffling from within and the door swung open revealing Yoongi on the other side. He didn't say anything. He just turned around and sat back down at his desk, facing his computer. You sat down on his bed facing him. You willed him to look at you.

“Yoongi.” Silence. You weren't sure if he couldn't hear you due to the headphones he was wearing, or if he was just using them as an excuse to ignore you. “Please talk to me.”

He turned toward you and took off the headphones. “Why did you do it?” was the first thing he said. “I mean I know why you did it the first time. But why'd you do it again? In my own house too?”

“I know. I'm sorry I–”

“You're sorry? You're sorry.” He scoffed. “If you were really sorry you wouldn't have done it in the first place.”

“I know. I just– I just wanted to make sure I didn’t have any feelings for him.”

“And you thought shoving your tongue down his throat would be the best way to do that??” The words came out angrier than he intended.

You gaped at the sudden raise in his voice. You sat there speechless, on the verge of tears, unsure of how to respond.

“I’m sorry,” was all you could muster, your voice soft as you looked down at your lap.

Upon seeing how his tone affected you, he softened a bit.

He got up from his chair and sat down on the bed next to you, keeping his distance. All you could think about was how much you wanted to lean against his chest, have him put his arms around you and whisper his forgiveness in your ear.

“And do you?” he asked.

“Hm?”

“Do you have feelings for him?” He didn't sound angry anymore.

“No, I don't.” You answered, and you saw him relax a little. “I still love you. More than anyone else.”

He looked relieved and he put his arm around you, pulling you in for a hug. He planted a kiss on top of you head and held you as he said, “I love you, too. I'm sorry I yelled at you.”

“And again I'm sorry I kissed Tae.” Twice. “Please don't be mad at him.”

He let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t worry about him. I’m not mad anymore.”

You scooted over to snuggle closer to him. “Are we going to be okay?” You murmured into his chest.

“I hope so,” Yoongi responded, stroking your hair.

[dragonologist-phd]

Of Diamonds And Dust: Ch 3

Chapter 3: A Princess And A Plot

Marja Aeducan has been planning this moment her entire life. But when politics come into play, nothing goes according to plan.

(Also on AO3)

For the tenth time that morning, Marja twists in front of her mirror to check over her armor. The straps, the fitting, the polish- everything needs to be perfect for today if she’s going to stand up to the scrutiny of the Assembly. She’s brought out her best armor for the occasion-the suit of mail once belonged to her great-grandmother, the Assembly should appreciate that- and her pale hair is braided elaborately in the latest fashion. As long as it took, it was worth it. Now that she’s finally taking command of her own military commission, she’s not going to ruin it by showing up to court looking like some common soldier.

“Your shield, my lady?” Gorim stands at her doorway, mildly observing Marja’s self-inspection.

“Yes, yes. I can’t let people forget what we’re celebrating; they should see me as warrior.”

“As opposed to the Paragon of Beauty?” Gorim asks with a teasing smirk, and Marja playfully bats his shoulder.

“You’re impossible,” she says, but she can’t deny that his mere presence makes her feel better. Gorim’s armor has also been painstakingly polished, and his golden-brown hair is recently trimmed. As Marja’s second, Gorim has just as much at stake today as she does. And yet he manages to smile jokingly at her as if it were any other day.

“One can’t take all this marching about too seriously. It’s not good for the health.” He smiles easily. Marja rolls her eyes but lets a smile of her own slip onto her face as she exits her room and Gorim falls into step at her side.  “Speaking of, what’s the plan of attack?”

Marja tilts her head back in thought. The Diamond Quarter will be full today, not just of nobles but of merchants and smiths and warriors all decked out for ceremony. No better time to see and be seen. “We’ll browse the market, make an appearance at the Provings, and be back in time for the banquet. And try our hardest to avoid Trian.”

Gorim’s face falls a fraction. “Aye, he’s in a state today. I heard him raging at one of the servants this morning from two rooms away.”

“Prick,” Marja mutters, but that's the brother she knows. “Perhaps we should go to the Provings first. We won’t run into him there. The whole spectacle is beneath our beloved prince.”

“There won’t be much peace for you at the Provings,” Gorim says, a chuckle creeping into his voice. “From what I hear, half the men fighting today will be claiming to do so in your honor. You’ll have quite a few suitors clamoring for your favor. Lord Harrowmont in particular is convinced that one of his sons will sweep you off your feet.”

Marja swallows down a frustrated sigh. She knows that such courtship is an inherent part of the political games they play in the Assembly; any such alliance she makes could affect the entire city for years to come. She acknowledges that eventually, she will likely have to throw herself on the sword of marriage for the sake of such politics. The knowledge doesn’t make the process any less grating.

“Perhaps I’ll meet these suitors in the arena,” she says scathingly. “We’ll see who knocks who off their feet.”

Gorim frowns. “The traditionalists may see that as an insult.”

“The traditionalists take most things as an insult. The people would love it.” The more Marja thinks about it, the more appealing the idea is. “And so would Father, for that matter. Nobody in the Assembly would argue with him.”

Noise from the gathering outside becomes more obvious as Marja and Gorim approach the large palace door. Marja takes a deep breath and schools her expression into a smile. The celebrations are in full swing now; the court is waiting.

“Ready to head into battle?” Marja asks Gorim, her hand on the door.

Gorim inclines his head. “I always am, my lady.”

The streets of the Diamond Quarter are as full as Marja expected, and it seems that everyone in attendance requires a word with the princess. Marja mills about with the people, doling out flattery and intimidation as needed. In between conversations, she and Gorim exchange comments in low tones. One noble throws sharp words after a disagreement; he will need to be watched. Another seems over-eager in her compliments; she’s fishing for a favor, which they might be able to work to their advantage. Everything is mentally filed away for future use.

Eventually, an all-too familiar voice cuts through the crowd. “Marja!”

Marja bites down on her lip to stop herself from cursing aloud. Gorim tenses beside her, and Marja lays a reassuring hand on his arm before turning to greet her brother. “Astra vala, Trian!”

Trian looks as stiff and pompous as always in his ceremonial outfit. Bhelen trails after him with a weary expression. Although all three siblings share the Aeducan looks- pale blonde hair, sharp features, grey eyes- the two brothers could not be more different in personality. Marja can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy as she wonders how much of the day Bhelen has already spent tending to Trian’s moods. Unlike Trian, Bhelen greets Marja with enthusiasm. “Astra vala! It’s a pleasant surprise to see you out in the market.”

“Yes,” Trian adds, eyes narrowed. “Especially since you should be attending our father at the feast today. Have you so little respect for him that you ignore his wishes to mill about with common folk?”

Gorim frowns. “Lord Harrowmont told me we wouldn’t be needed for hours at least-”

“Silence!” Trian spits at Gorim. “If I want the opinion of my sibling’s second, I will ask for it.”

“Don’t speak to Gorim that way!” Marja snaps immediately. Trian turns angrily to her, and she fights to push back the stab of regret. She’s had a lifetime of experience in dealing with her brother; she knows better than to provoke him. He’s always had more temper than tact, and is prone to letting personal issues spill over into matters of business. It’s easier for everyone involved if Marja stays on his good side.

But she refuses to stand by while he treats Gorim like dirt. Marja stares her brother down steadily, positioning herself between him and Gorim as she does so.

“I speak to lower houses as they should be spoken to,” Trian says slowly, as if explaining a simple concept to a rather dull-witted child. “Now go do as I say.”

Marja bristles at the order, but forces herself to remain calm. The last thing she needs is a shouting match with her brother on the streets for all to see. When she does speak, her voice is soft but sharp. “It truly is adorable how you think you can order me around, you know. It’s almost as though you think you’re some kind of king.”

Trian’s face turns an impressive shade of red. “I’d advise you to watch that tongue, dear sister. Sometimes I think you forget who the heir actually is.” He stalks away, turning over his shoulder to shout, “Bhelen!”

Bhelen sighs darkly at the order, but he shakes it off and follows his brother with an apologetic glance at Marja as he goes.

Well, that could have gone worse, Marja thinks. Beside her, Gorim fidgets unhappily. Trian intimidates Gorim more than he admits- Trian has that effect on a lot of people, unfortunately. A side effect of being next in line for the throne, Marja supposes, although that may not be a position he holds much longer.

Marja mentally pulls herself back from the thought. There are rumors, yes, and the rumors grow with each passing day. Anyone with eyes can see that Marja is the king’s true favorite, and Trian’s attitude has done little to earn him any steadfast allies in the Court. It would not be completely unreasonable to expect the king to pass over his eldest son. But it would be dangerous for Marja to boldly assume he intends to do so, and so for now she plays her part and tries not to antagonize her brother any more than is strictly necessary.

“Ignore him, at least for today,” Marja says firmly to Gorim. “We’ve a lot to look forward to. Let’s not let Trian ruin it.”

They never do make it to the Provings, unfortunately. The news reaches them before they even leave the Diamond Quarter- the Provings came to an abrupt end due to some scandal, although nobody quite agrees upon what happened. Any details that make it past the arena are muddled- Marja hears contradicting reports that ring with various degrees of truth.

With few other options, Marja and Gorim return to the palace. The sense of urgency that permeated the streets is absent here; the nobles drift through the banquet hall under a façade of calm opulence. Still, when Marja at last finds her father, he is deep in conversation with a group of guards.

“Then take care of it,” he orders fiercely, and the guards hurry away. The king sighs and raises a hand to his head in frustration. In moments like this, it’s easy to see how King Endrin earned every silver hair in his long beard.

“Astra vala, Father,” Marja says, and his look of anxiety melts away.

“Astra vala, my daughter.” His wrinkled face breaks into a fond smile. “How fine you look in your great-grandmother’s armor.”

“I’m honored to wear it,” Marja replies, bowing her head slightly in respect. “What news do you have of the Provings today? I’m afraid I’ve only heard rumors so far.”

Her father shakes his head. “The guard is sorting everything out as we speak. We’ll have the full story by tomorrow or they shall answer for their incompetence. But we should not allow such a thing to sully our ceremony tonight.” A scowl crosses his face. “Sadly, our guest of honor does not agree. Our Warden friend was to be in attendance tonight, but he insists on aiding with the search. I can only hope this doesn’t interfere with our mission tomorrow.”

Marja raises an eyebrow. “What in the world has happened that would cause a Warden to miss your fine feast?”

“The Wardens have a habit of seeking out oddities, I’m afraid,” the king sighs. “And this one has obviously not come to pay mind to ceremony. He claims a Blight is on the way and that they need recruits. But there are some things surfacers cannot understand.” As the king continues to speak, anger begins to color his words. “What the Casteless did today brought dishonor to many fighters in the Proving. They will see him answer for his actions, not be whisked away to join some surface army.”

Marja raises her eyebrows. A Casteless fighting in the Provings? The rumors circulating the city are beginning to make sense. “You mean this person defeated our fighters? Perhaps the Warden’s interest is not unearned. If there is something to be gained from enlisting such a fighter…”

“Not this again.” Her father sounds tired, but Marja presses on.

“If we allow Casteless to join in the army-”

“I have heard this argument from you and Bhelen enough times.” The reply is sharp, and Marja holds back her words. What the king says is true- the argument is long-standing. The more progressive families of the Court are in support of the allowance of those born Castless to join the Warrior Caste. It is a sharp break from tradition, but it would go far in improving the lives of many within the city. More practically, it would bolster the ranks of the dwindling dwarven army and drain influence from the Carta. No matter how many times Marja and her younger brother make these points, however, the majority of the Assembly remains steadfastly traditional. Trian stands with them, and the power of the crown prince outweighs that of his siblings.

To his credit, the king has always allowed the discussion to be had, although he has little patience with it. Tonight, especially, his nerves are worn thin, and Marja knows she should tread softly. “I merely mean to express my surprise that an untrained alley fighter would cause so much trouble for the Proving participants. It would seem that either this Casteless is worthy of the Warrior title, or our actual warriors are not.”

The king gives her a stern frown that slowly shifts into a begrudging look of appreciation. “Well put as always, my girl. But this is an argument we should save for the Assembly. Tonight, we celebrate your first command and prepare for the morning’s battle. Come, the other nobles await.”

“We’re so close, Gorim,” Marja says as they return to the palace that night. The hour is late, and the halls are empty but for the occasional servant passing by. Without the crowd of the court before her, Marja feels uncharacteristically apprehensive. “I know the court loves to gossip, but… what do you think will come of all this? They say my father wishes to make me heir in the end, but it’s all speculation at this point.”

Gorim considers this for a moment, and Marja feels a rush of gratitude. She knows he will answer honestly, without fawning or worrying over her ego. At last, he says, “King Endrin will be hesitant to do something too soon. While there is precedent, it’s an uncommon act, and one that may be questioned. But he also sees the flaws in Trian, and it is obvious to all he favors you. A strong success from you would be the only excuse he needs to officially make the decision.”

Marja lets out a long breath. The words have been whispered around her for some time now, but she has scarcely let herself believe them. Future Queen of Orzammar. Try as she might to remain realistic, she wants this fiercely; it feels as if her whole life has been leading up to the title. Trian may be her blood, and she remembers a time before they resented each other, but she also knows his temper and obstinant attitude in the face of progress would only bring harm to their city.

“Then let’s give my father a strong success,” she says, and Gorim nods.

“May the ancestors look down on us with pride,” he whispers, almost to himself.

Marja smiles, her eyes distant, already imagining the possibilities. “I can see it, Gorim. We are going to be spectacular.”

Suddenly, a figure darts around the corner, looking feverishly behind him. It’s Bhelen, and when he sees Marja he grabs her arm and without explanation ushers her into an empty room.

“Bhelen! What on earth-”

“Marja, I’m so glad I ran into you. There is something very important we need to discuss immediately.”

“Prince Bhelen-” Gorim begins, following closely behind Marja, but his words halt when the prince whirls around on him. He regards Gorim for a moment, then nods.

“Yes, we can trust you.”

“Bhelen, what’s happened?” Marja demands. Her brother turns to her, the concern clear on his face, and when he speaks his voice is heavy.

“Trian is going to kill you.”