#due to unforeseen circumstances i will be passing away

[musedeluce]

Exhaustion

Love and Deepspace Headcanons - You're so tired, all you want to do is sleep and go to see them. They're in the same situation.

A/N: Canonically, in the game we have a motorcycle hence the assumption the MC has their own transportation. Assume they're wearing the proper protective gear and that it's easy to get off XD (Though I know biker gear can be quite hard to actually take off. Just go with it pls lol) Brought to you by me being tired as hell, and thinking it would be nice to be able to go to someone and rest. ^J^

Tags/Warnings: Fluff, exhaustion, loneliness.

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Work had been rather grueling, long, and tedious, all in one, and there was still more to do. Sighing internally, you shot off a text in order to sadly, cancel the plans you had to visit. It looked like you'd have to stay at least an extra 10 hours, due to extremely unforeseen and urgent circumstances for the Hunter's Association.

Your final message felt inadequate to convey the warmth and happiness you felt knowing that he wanted to see you as much as you wanted to see him. Bolstered, the rest of the shitshow was just a bit easier to deal with as you had something to look forward to.

Wind whipping around you, the ride was something you needed. The sense of freedom, the speed, the music and the lights all gave you a sense of solace as you headed towards your destination.

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Xavier

You appreciated the irony as the elevator passed your floor and stopped at his. As you approached his door, you finally let yourself feel the exhaustion weighing down on you. Your body felt heavier, and it took more effort to move. Sleepiness hovered just beyond consciousness, and you fought it off. Looking at your watch, you sigh. 3:07, your estimate had been right on the money.

Still, despite how tired you were, you did want to see Xavier, even if this visit would probably just amount to you sleeping over.

Knocking to make Xavier aware of your arrival, you're just about to enter the door code, when it opens and Xavier stands before you, his arms open for a hug.

Wordlessly, you accept his invitation, hugging him tightly. His embrace is firm, warm and comforting and you can't help but relax into him.

"I thought you'd be asleep." You murmur softly, hugging him just as tightly.

"I woke up when I heard your bike." He nuzzles his face into your neck. "It's the signal for your arrival after all." Reluctantly, he breaks the embrace as you pull away to take off your shoes and put your satchel, helmet and jacket on one of the hooks. He makes his way back to his bed, turning to look at you as you follow, undressing down to your underwear.

Collapsing into the soft blankets, you burrow under the sheets with him. Xavier carefully, gently adjusts your position so you lay against him, your head resting on his arm, your back against his chest. Together, you drift off to sleep.

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Sylus

Unsurprisingly, he met you at the entrance to Onychinus Headquarters

"Sweetie, I would have preferred picking you up." Sylus takes your helmet and satchel from you, handing them off to the twins to deal with. "How rude of them to overwork you like this." Normally, you'd respond in kind, a fun playful exchange that flowed naturally. But frankly, you were too tired to really talk.

He gazed at you, taking everything about you in, and after he did so all he did was wordlessly kneel down and support you as he took off your shoes. "You look exhausted, Kitten. Let me help you." Sylus slips your jacket off your shoulders

Providing support, he guides you towards his room. You're absolutely sure that if he thought you'd allow it, he'd pick you up and carry you, but he didn't. You appreciated it as you much prefer to walk on your own, when you can. "I took the time to fluff your pillow

You may be tired, so much so that its obvious that once you relax you'll fall alseep, but you are very good at ignoring it, soldiering though until your body decides to force sleep.

How lucky it is then, that you can go to Sylus and rest, before it comes to that.

Ultimately, you crawl onto Sylus's bed and collapse, and he's not far behind, climbing in with you despite his wonky sleep schedule.

He faces you, pulling your head into his chest and your body flush against him as you both drift off for some much needed sleep. You feel safe and relaxed with his arms around you.

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Zayne

Unfortunately, this was a more common occurrence than either of you would like. Both of your jobs were quite intense and often required long hours.

Still, you both made a conscious effort to make time for each other, even if it ended up being strange hours sometimes. The times he got home before you were not rare, but infrequent, and this was one of these time.

Taking of your gear and shoes as you entered his home, you hoped that he was at least resting, hopefully asleep. It was something he deserved, and right now all you wanted to do was rest with him.

A warm glow cascaded over the room, making you smile. Zayne had left a light on for you.

Padding softly through the foyer, you quietly open the door to his room, making sure the light from outside doesn't disturb him. Much to your relief, Zayne was sleeping peacefully, his handsome face relaxed. He had an unguarded quality about him that you rarely saw.

A rush of affection suddenly overcame you. Carefully, you went over to him and kissed his forehead. As you withdrew, you felt him grab your hand, his eyes still closed. "Stay here" he murmured, his voice gentle and low, hazy with sleep as his hand falls from yours.

You move over to your side, ensconcing yourself in bed, growing cozy and warm with him next to you.

He gravitates towards you, intertwining his legs with yours and nuzzling his head into your neck, and you fall asleep, your eyes gently closing as you're tangled together comfortably.

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Rafayel

The solitary lamplight from Rafayel's studio illuminates the path as you walk up to his door. Although he had given you a key, you knock gently, just in case Rafayel was absorbed in his art.

A small clatter sounds after you knock, and you can't help but feel amused despite the haze of tiredness dulling your senses.

When he opens the door, a playful, soft smile pulls at his lips. "I don't suppose you have any news of my wayward companion?" He steps aside and helps you with your gear and shoes.

"Hmmm I think I have some news. It seems your companion has made it to their destination." Rafayel cleans up the box of paintbrushes he spilled, making sure your path is clear.

"Well! Now that they've arrived, they can't leave for a while. It's mean of them to leave me alone for so long, and so often." His pout is playful, his eyes focused on you as he intertwines his fingers in yours, holding your hand gently, as if it was some priceless thing, something to be cherished and treated with care.

You squeeze his hand as the two of you make your way to his room, his bed looking like the most luxurious, comfortable place in the world despite it really just being a slightly messy, normal bed.

"As much as your wayward traveler loves to explore, I'm sure they love being here too and would always make an effort to return to you." With that, you climb onto bed, letting go of his hand, your exhaustion amplifying the soreness of your body, making every movement take extra effort. As soon as you're comfortable, you open your arms to Rafayel, who had merely just stood beside his bed as you did so.

You open your arms for him, and he joins you in bed, almost clinging to you under the covers, entangling all his limbs with yours and burying his face into your neck, head resting on your chest, near your shoulder. "I missed you." Together you drift of, feeling safe and sound with each other under the covers.

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

Zoomies

Zoomies: Y/N likes to keep her private life private, especially from her close friends at Star Labs. Unfortunately, she is forced to reveal a secret of hers when her daughter’s day care closes for the day.

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Toddler Shenanigans.

To Note: Barry Allen x Female!Reader, Reader has a Daughter.

Request: @twilightlover2007: My idea for the next is the team doesn't know about Y/N's life outside of working at Star Labs until one day she brings a special little guest with her due to some unforeseen circumstances. She brings in her 2 year old daughter. HR and her daughter become fast friends; I wanna see a kid fascinated by all the stuff in Star Labs and when she sees the flash suit she squeals as she's a huge fan of his. I would love for her to have feelings towards Barry but she never said anything mostly cus she's a single mama. (Dad either died or is not involved).

Authors Note: For some reason I get the feeling that HR would make a great babysitter, also, little baby gorl in flash onesie? So adorable! —🐝

Word Count: ~3.7k

“…sorry to inform you that the daycare workers of Central City’s Toddler Town are out with the flu and thus we are unable to open up the daycare to look after your little one. We offer our most sincerest apologies and will work to…” Lowering your phone, you looked at your daughter who was happily shoveling Cheerio’s into her mouth, oblivious to the troubles in your life.

“Well, looks like you’re stuck with me today, kiddo,” You sighed out, massaging the place on your forehead where you already felt a headache forming. This morning hadn’t gotten off to a good start. First, your alarm clock had failed to go off, then your daughter didn’t want to get changed into her clothes for the day, and to add to that, the daycare that usually looked after your daughter while you were at work had closed because most of its workers had come down with the flu.

It wasn’t the worse thing in the world, but life as a single mother wasn’t easy and you savored the moments you had to yourself. Well, a quick call into to work and you could work at home for the day… but your daughter would be a distraction, and a very good one at that. An idea came to you. Cisco and the others would be at the lab, and that meant plenty of extra eyes and ears to keep track of your daughter.

“Not the safest place but it’s better than stuck at home with you climbing up the walls.” You sighed to yourself, setting your phone down and reaching for a washcloth to clean up the mess your daughter had made while eating breakfast. She wasn’t that bad of a messy eater, but she did sometimes get enthusiastic with her food, and that usually ended up with food projectiles raining around the circumference of her highchair. Cleaning up the cheerios was a quick task, and by the time you were done, Y/D/N was kicking in her seat and waving her arms at you, obviously wanting down.

“Mama!” Y/D/N exclaimed, her feet kicking against the high chair. “Down, down!”

Setting aside the washcloth, you picked her up and set her against your hip before reaching for a wet wipe on the kitchen counter to wipe her… you guessed it… messy face.

“Were you eating your Cheerios or just playing with them?” You asked as she giggled and tried to hide her face from your attempts to wipe at her cheeks. Little meaty fists half heartedly smacked at your hands, and withdrawing the wet wiped, you looked at your daughter with a raised eyebrow. “What? You want to have food stuck to your face all day?”

“I want down!” She squealed, kicking her legs against your body. Letting out a soft chuckle, you lowered her to the floor and watched her dart off for her toys neatly packed away in her toy box. Keeping up with your daughter was difficult, from the moment she woke up to the moment she passed out, she was on the go. She didn’t walk, she sprinted. Where she got the energy, you didn’t know, but you did know one thing: Y/D/N was going to be a firecracker when she grew up.

You watched as she pulled out her beloved flash stuffed toy and started zooming around the kitchen, making noises as she went. She absolutely adored the Flash, he was her hero and idol. If she could grow up to be him, she would. Well, she’d be meeting Barry for the first time today, and while you wouldn’t tell her that it was him that was the Flash, she would probably be over the moon about all the Flash paraphernalia.

So while your daughter ran around, you cleaned up the kitchen and started gathering your required supplies to be working at the lab. Packing a backpack, you started adding a few things for Y/D/N to tide her over for the day, mainly a few books, some colored pencils, and several snacks. If you ran out of things to keep Y/D/N entertained at the lab, well, there was plenty there that she could play with safely. Tucking your wallet and car keys into your backpack, you shouldered it before looking around for your wayward daughter.

“Y/D/N?” You heard a giggle from the living room adjacent to the kitchen, and Y/D/N head popped up over the side of the couch, mischief in her eyes. Grabbing her coat, you held it out. “Come on, it’s time to go!”

She slipped from the couch and hurried over, her sock covered feet scurrying across the floor. Somewhere in the time you had been gathering your things, your daughter had managed to get herself into her favorite flash once complete with a hood that had little lightning bolts.

“Y/D/N…” Little lips pouted up at you as she wrapped her arms around her red covered body and turned her chin.

“Don’t wanna change!”

“What happened to the clothes you were wearing during breakfast?” You asked, your eyebrows pinching together as you looked around for the discarded clothes. She wasn’t the best at dressing herself yet, but she could wriggle in and out of clothes enough to change them. Currently, her favorite onesie that mimicked Barry’s suit, was only half zipped up, her left arm was bunched at her elbow, and the onsie itself was shifted on her body so it was longer on one side.

Just by the look on her face and the pleading in her eyes, you found yourself folding to your two and a half year’s wishes. Shaking your head while laughing, you fixed the lopsided onsie so it was on her body correctly and flipped up the hood, watching as her eyes lit up. With an enormous grin on her face, she let you put her coat on over her onesie, and that grin only widened when you pulled out her red Flash sneakers that had little wings attached to them.

“Gotta complete the look, right?” You explained as you tucked her feet into them. With her shoes and coat on, her flash stuffed toy in hand, and your backpack slung across your back, you picked her up and carried her out of the apartment.

“…above all, I need you to listen to the adults, okay?” You spoke  from where you were kneeling in front of her. “No touching things that aren’t yours or we might not be invited back.”

Y/D/N nodded at you in all seriousness, and despite the seriousness of the conversation, it was hard to keep a strait face while she was dressed so adorably. Looking up at the building, you silently wondered how your team mates would react once they found out that you, a single woman not in a relationship, had a daughter. Your life outside the team was private, you had never really talked about it because, well, single mothers didn’t usually have a good reputation. That was going to change today and you only hoped that your friends would take kindly to Y/D/N.

Taking your daughter’s tiny hand in yours, you walked towards the entrance, wondering what you were going to say when the team set their eyes on the little girl next to you dressed as the flash. When people saw her, their hearts melted she was that adorable, but would the team be mad at you because you had never told them about her? You were about to find out.

Entering the building, Y/D/N started skipping along side you, kicking her light up flash sneakers. The lights flickered off the walls of the lab and as you neared the cortex, you heard a heated conversation between Cisco and Caitlin regarding the design of Barry’s suit and the sensors within it.

“I’m telling you, it will look ridiculously cool and help with Barry’s aerodynamics.” Cisco’s voice rang out.

“That’s absurd, Cisco, his suit needs to be affective, not aesthetically pleasing.” Caitlin argued back as you and your daughter emerged from the hall. Caitlin and Cisco were standing head to head, both with sour faces.

“Aesthetics is part of the package,” Cisco insisted. Caitlin snorted and shook her head, then she caught sight of you. You waved at her as her eyes went wide and next to you, your daughter tugged on your coat.

“Mama, who are they?” She whispered, hiding behind you but poking her hooded head out from behind your legs.

“These are my friends,” You explained, lifting your eyes from your daughter to your friends. “This is Cisco and Caitlin.”

“Oh my God that’s a tiny child,” Cisco eked out with strained tone. “Why do you have a tiny child, Y/N?”

Caitlin gave Cisco a look before stepping forwards and bending down.

“Hi, my name is Caitlin. What’s your name?” Caitlin asked. Your daughter edged a little further out from behind you and kept her eyes on the floor.

“I’m Y/D/N,” She said shyly, still hugging your leg. You cleared your throat.

“Y/D/N’s daycare is closed today,” You explained, looking down at your daughter.

“I’m still trying to process the fact that you have a kid,” Cisco said, his voice high. As you were snorting, your daughter let out a dramatic gasp and darted forwards.

“Y/D/N!” You exclaimed as she moved her feet across the cortex to body slam the glass screen that covered Barry’s suit when he wasn’t using it. She pressed her face against the glass, her body practically vibrating.

“Mommy, mommy! Look, it’s the Flash!” She gasped, only briefly glancing back at you for a moment before gluing her eyes back on Barry’s suit.

“That’s not the Flash, baby,” You spoke up, hurrying forwards. “That’s just his suit, you know, like how you have your suit?”

“OMG, she’s exactly like a mini Y/N.” Cisco whispered from behind you. You shot a dirty look over your shoulder at Cisco taking a dig at your mostly hidden love for Barry. Well, a lot of people knew you loved Barry, but you know, Barry wasn’t exactly the most observant of people when it came to the romantic feelings of others. Besides, you had your daughter to look after, your feelings for Barry would always come second to her. In addition, how could you ever compete with Barry’s first love, Iris? While Y/D/N continued to fawn and preen over Barry’s suit, you took a step back and rubbed your forehead.

“You look exhausted,” Caitlin commented, walking over to where you stood. You looked at her and shook your head.

“I’m a single mother of a child that seems to have an unlimited amount of energy through the day.” You told her. “Half the time I am watching I spend chasing after her and the other half I spend searching for her. She doesn’t give me a break.”

“You could always put a tracking device on her,” Cisco chipped in as he walked over with his hands stuffed in his pockets. Your head was snapping to his faster than a mother hearing her child talk back.

“You want me to put a tracking device on my daughter!?” You hissed under your breath. Cisco held up his hands.

“I’m just saying,” He said in his defense. “You’d always know where she is.”

Sighing out in frustration, you ran hand over your head and looked back at your daughter fawning over the various Flash paraphernalia scattered around the cortex. She was having the time of her life.

“I don’t want to become a helicopter mom,” You sighed softly. Caitlin cocked her head to the side and gave you a shrug.

“You are a mom, I think you are entitled of being a helicopter mom at this age. Toddlers get themselves into the strangest of situations.” Caitlin told you before you both looked to where your daughter had been standing. She was gone.

“Snicker doodles,” You cursed, your head swiveling around in search of your daughter. “This happens every time!” Trying not to panic, you began searching for your child with Caitlin and Cisco’s help.

“I think that tracking device would be helpful right about now…” Cisco spoke as you poked your head into the nearest bathroom. She wasn’t there.

“Not the time, Cisco!” You uttered out, feeling like a bobble head with how much your head was snapping around trying to find your naughty daughter. “Y/D/N!”

“I’m sure she couldn’t have gone far,” Caitlin spoke up, going to the cortex desk and pulling up the security cameras. Just as you looked at the possible hallways Y/D/N could have wandered down… you heard a squeal of laughter coming from the labs. The three of you hurried in the direction of the labs. You hurried to the labs and upon emerging into the spacious room, you stopped short.

HR had your daughter perched on his hip while he stood in front of a white board, and your daughter was currently drawing all over the board with what you only hoped, was a dry erase marker.

“Oh thank God,” You sighed out, putting your hands on your knees and breathing out a breath in relief. You literally felt like you had lost a few years off your life, loosing Y/D/N is the labs. “Y/D/N!”

At your sharp call, Y/D/N’s head snapped around and HR looked your way.

“This little precious Flash wandered in here!” HR happily explained as you marched up to him with a frown on your lips.

“Y/D/N Y/L/N,” You started. “What did I tell you about wandering off!?”

Her lip wobbled as her face fell, she knew she shouldn’t have run off on you. You let out a sigh at her face.

“You make me worry so much when you do that. If you want to go somewhere, you need to tell me first, okay?” You said as you walked up to HR and made sure you had eye contact with your daughter.

“Sorry,” Y/D/N whispered out, slumping against HR’s shoulder. She knew she had done something wrong, and that was all you needed out of her, to recognize that what she had done was wrong. So softening your face, you let your eyes lift to HR.

“I see you made a friend?” That had her perking up and a smile starting to grow on her face. Her little face beamed up at HR and she started kicking her feet in happiness.

“HR! HR!” She chanted, her little fist gripping his shirt. HR beamed back at her and tickled her side, making more squeals of laughter erupt from her lips.

“Mystery case of where Y/D/N went is solved, I’m gonna go work on that tracking device.” Cisco said, placing a hand on your shoulder as he passed you. You didn’t have the constitution at this point to tell him otherwise.

“HR, do you mind watching Y/D/N for a little while? I need to get some work done.” You softly asked while Y/D/N went back to dragging the hopefully dry erase marker, across the white board. This time HR was beaming at you and gave you a thumbs up.

“Me and the little one can spend hours drawing!” HR said excitedly, true excitement glowing within his blue eyes. You felt better about leaving her in his hands, after all you knew that Y/D/N already seemed to adore HR and he her.

“I owe you one,” You told him before back away and leaving the two to play with the whiteboard.

The day had gone wickedly fast, much to your surprise. HR had kept Y/D/N so entertained you were sure that the two were best friends by the end of your work day. Between drawing on the whiteboard, HR reading one of his novels to her, and the finger painting session, you were convinced HR was a God at babysitting. That or he had a natural disposition with children. Either way, the pair adored each other and you dreaded the moment you had to separate them.

Work ended for you and you were shifting into team flash mode. Barry had arrived for patrol for the night and had yet to cross paths with HR and your daughter, so that conversation hadn’t happened yet. The night kept everyone busy and at some point, Y/D/N had passed out while being carried around by HR, and he hadn’t bothered to put her down. So drool was slowly collecting on his shoulder. HR hardly seemed to care, or notice that he was still carrying her around. Looks like you found yourself a potential babysitter.

You got into helping Barry navigate the streets of Central City as Cisco monitored the police channels. There wasn’t much going on tonight, mostly just a few burgleries, one fire, and a cat stuck in a tree that had already scratched three firemen trying to get it down. Barry had manged it, but he had earned himself a nice set of scratches on his cheek. It was a good thing he healed fast or his coworkers would have questions in the morning.

You were clicking through a few feeds of security camera’s when Barry blew in, done with patrolling for the night. You looked up at his cheek as he pulled down his cowl and frowned.

“That cat did a doozy on you, Barry,” You spoke. Barry let out a snort at your words and walked over to where you sat at the cortex’s curve desk.

“First time I’ve dealt with resistance during a rescue.” Barry spoke, his fingers brushing over the healing scratches. “How’s your night been? Cisco said you had to work here today?”

And there is it… how exactly did you go about talking about this? How did you tell Barry that you had been hiding your daughter away from the team since the moment you found out you were pregnant? As it turned out, you didn’t have to say anything. 

HR came walking into the cortex, your daughter still drooling away fast asleep on his shoulder, while twirling one of his drumsticks in his free hand. Barry spared him a glance and then did a double take, his brows pinching together as his mind worked over the fact that HR was carrying a child.

“B.A.!” HR exclaimed. “You’re back! How was your night?”

HR happily walked over, oblivious to Barry’s gawking, as he was his usual cheerful self. You watched as Barry’s eyes ran over your daughters form, dressed in her flash onesie, which was now dirty. It didn’t take a genius to figure out who she belonged to… she was after all, a spitting image of you. HR stuffed his drumstick in his back pocket and began patting Y/D/N’s back as he hummed and went to talk to Cisco.

Your eyes dropped to your lap as Barry turned back around to face you.

“Y/N?” Barry asked, his voice still soft. You pursed your lips and hesitantly raised your eyes to meet his in trepidation. “I— I didn’t realize you had a daughter…”

You cleared your throat, feeling your cheeks warm in shame.

“Yes, well, I’m not exactly proud to be a single mother.” You murmured softly. “Her daycare is closed today and I needed help watching her… she’s a handful since she never stops running around until she’s passed out from exhaustion.”

Barry’s face softened and he let out a breath through his nose.

“Nonstop the whole day? Sounds like she’s got a serious case of the zoomies.” He chuckled. You joined in and rubbed your tired eyes.

“Yes, well, she also idolizes the Flash. I think she’s trying to get as fast as him.” You reply, glancing at your daughter passed out on HR’s shoulder. “She’s obsessed with that onesie.”

“She’s cute,” Barry commented before studying you closer. “You know, Y/N, we wouldn’t have judged you for being a single mother.”

“I know, it’s my pride,” You admitted. “As a single mother I think I’m trying to prove that I am capable of providing for her the way she needs.”

“You don’t need to do that alone,” Barry told you, giving you one of his heart stopping smiles. “We’re here for you, just like you’ve always been here for us. Next time you need help just call me.”

“Barry, I can’t ask that of you. Not when you are dealing with your own issues and Iris…” You told him. Barry shook his head at you.

“Iris and I broke up a while ago, we just don’t seem to work.” He explained, rolling his head to the side. “We— it’s probably not ever going to work, I thought I loved her for so many years. I’ve been ignorant to those around me.”

You shrugged at him.

“You were in love, Barry.” He scratched the back of his head.

“Was I?” Barry asked, his eyes momentarily distant. “Look, Y/N, I know if this sounds weird, but do you want to go out some time? I feel like I’ve never really known you and I want to know you better.”

You stared at Barry, your cheeks warming. Barry must have seen something on your face because he was turning a shade of pink and scrambling for words.

“I know you’re busy with Y/D/N and all, but I also want to get to know her too, she’s important in your life. Probably the most important thing actually, I mean, she already likes the Flash? You think I have a chance at getting her to like me?” You started laughing at Barry’s word scramble.

“Barry, I’m pretty sure she’ll like you the way you are, no Flash needed to convince her.” You told him. Barry’s face turned bright once more.

“Great! Because there is this Flash day event involving kids, there’s support to be a bunch of little kid activities she might like and since she already likes the Flash…”

“She’ll love that.” You spoke, cocking your head at your sleeping daughter. “She eats, sleeps, and breathes, all things Flash.”

“Great! I’ll text you the details when I get home,” Barry said with a glowing smile before the two of you looked back over to HR who was still patting Y/D/N on the back. He really didn’t seem to even know he was doing it. “He’s a natural with kids, isn’t he.”

“Surprising, isn’t it.” You said with a tired sigh. “But those two sure seem to adore each other.”

Date Published: 6/30/22

Last Edit: 5/1/23

Barry Allen Masterlist

[tidalwaveofcolor]

Cross Country Runner Neil Josten AU

Neil Josten seemed to appear at Palmetto out of nowhere. Or that’s what his team thought anyways. From his obvious lack of knowledge about the sport to his almost nonexistent record in high school, his teammates were nearly convinced that Neil had simply appeared one day. From what his teammates knew, Neil was recruited late in his senior year, well after cross country season had passed. In fact, it was rumored that he was originally recruited for the track team but was switched due to unforeseen circumstances. Even after months of summer training the team barely knew anything about the mysterious runner.

His avoidance of the team was truly impressive. Neil managed to dodge all invitations to group hangouts. Always being well equipped with a sheepish smile and convenient excuse.

“Sorry Daniel, I would love to go out tonight but I agreed to tutor a classmate tonight. Maybe next time?”

Even his roommate barely knew a thing about his schedule. According to him, Neil was out of the dorm before he woke up and asleep before he came back.

So, the team did what any person in this situation would do. They theorized. At fist only rational explanations for their teammates strange behavior turned into bizarre stories that soon became a running joke in the team.

Neil Josten however couldn’t remain a recluse for long. With his team growing more and more nosey by the day, he found himself giving ground. Letting his attitude slip and occasionally granting his team small truths about him. Not enough to give away all his secrets but enough to sate his teams burning curiosity.

Seemingly content with what little Neil had given them, his team backed off. That was until he made the mistake of talking to Andrew Minyard, the goalie for the exy team. In Neil’s defense it wasn’t really his fault. He never wanted to go to the student athlete event but his coach had forced him to. It also want his fault that Andrew was the most interesting person there. Now Neil had to deal with not just one but two sports teams butting into his private life. And, debatably worse, Andrew Minyard had taken an interest in Neil and seemed intent on uncovering all of Neil’s secrets. Neil had a feeling this was going to be a long five years of college.

Sort of a work in progress. Not sure if I want to actually turn this into a fic but who knows.

[jikookiekosmos]

Seneschal || jjk (Part 1)

➥Pairing: vampire!jungkook/reader, former prince!jungkook/reader

➥Summary: Having been burned by the rest of the world, Jungkook was content to watch it go up in flames. Or, at least, he was until you gave him hope for something new. As plans are set in motion to unite your rival kingdoms, unforeseen circumstances arise. In the midst of the chaos, Jungkook is sure of one thing: he’d be damned if he let you get burned, too.

➥Genre: strangers to lovers, angst, slow burn, (eventual) fluff, (eventual) smut, royalty au, supernatural au

➥Rating: 18+

➥Words: ~6k

➥Content Warnings: a bit of angst, no smut in the first part but there is a little bit of nudity mentioned, blood and violence are mentioned, vampire lore(?), swearing, this is more of an intro chapter than anything else so there isn’t a whole lot that happens

A/N: so uh…it’s been a while, yeah? I haven’t updated any of my BTS fics on this blog in over a year due to a lot of life things (you can read here if you’re curious as to why), but I finally had a little time to sit down and dedicate to this idea I teased back in November 2021. As mentioned in the content warnings, this is more of an intro chapter so there isn’t a whole lot going on…definitely will be more happening later.

Anyways all that to say thank you to everyone who has supported/is still supporting me and my writing even during my hiatus. It means the absolute world to me 💜

(Also special shout-out to @dntaewithluv for listening to me ramble off idea about this for a literal year, I love you so much and appreciate you immensely ��️)

seneschal [sen-uh-shuhl] (noun) an officer having full charge of domestic arrangements, ceremonies, the administration of justice, etc., in the household of a medieval prince or dignitary; steward.

Otherwise known as Jungkook’s consolation prize when he was coerced to step down from the throne.

It had been 2 years since the…incident occurred, but Jungkook could still remember it as if it had just happened.

Which is exactly what he was reflecting on as a vial was being thrust into his vision.

He blinked rapidly a few times before staring up at the person holding the vial out for him, their face a mixture of excitement and mild impatience.

“Well? We don’t have all day. Drink up, Jeon.”

Jungkook glared.

“My apologies, please drink the potion, Mr. Jeon.”

“Jimin, you know how I feel about you and formalities-”

“It just so happens that my manners come out more as my patience grows thin.” Jimin teased. “So,” he tried once more, “drink it.”

Jungkook sighed and shook his head, knowing it was better to leave well enough alone.

“Are you sure this is safe,” Jungkook asked as he stared hesitantly at the vial filled with blue liquid just inches away from his face.

Jimin rolled his eyes before grabbing Jungkook’s hand and closing it around the vial. “Yes, for the billionth time I wouldn’t give you something I thought might harm you.” He took a step back and crossed him arms, waiting patiently for Jungkook to do something.

With a sigh Jungkook carefully brought the vial to his lips, swallowing the liquid without putting too much thought into it. The taste was bitter, but not wholly unpleasant, and a few more moments passed before either of them spoke.

“And the verdict is?” The genuine curiosity in Jimin’s voice was something Jungkook had always found to be endearing.

Jungkook chuckled. Jimin may have still been a wizard in training, but he always had Jungkook’s best interest at heart.

“How am I supposed to know if anything happened? You tell me.”

Jimin blinked before the realization set in. “Oh, right.” He stepped forward once more, peering into Jungkook’s eyes as best he could in the dim lighting of the room.

Jungkook already knew the results before Jimin could confirm them. The way his face dropped said it all.

“They’re still red. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, I’m following all the rules-”

“Jimin.”

“Maybe the spellbook is outdated, you know? This is the only one I’ve ever seen anyone else use, it must be centuries old at this point-”

“Jimin,” Jungkook stated more firmly this time, clapping his hand on the other’s shoulder to keep him from pacing around more. “It’s fine.”

Jimin groaned. “But it’s not fine, what kind of a supposed ‘wizard’ am I if I can’t even do a simple eye color changing spell.”

“You’re one that’s trying and that’s what matters.”

“Yeah, but,” Jimin broke off, pout prominent on his face. “you shouldn’t have to wear contacts all the time.”

Jungkook offered a gentle smile to his downtrodden friend. “There’s lots of things I shouldn’t have to do, but I do them anyway. It’s only a slight inconvenience, not a big deal.”

Jimin didn’t seem convinced. “I don’t know why you need to wear them in the first place, does it really matter if people see-”

“Yes,” Jungkook cut him off with a tone of finality. “We’ve been over this. It’s best for everyone if they don’t figure it out.”

“So you’re honestly fine with everyone thinking you did something horrible enough to make you step down from the throne? You’re ok with letting people drag your name through the mud constantly?”

Jungkook shrugged. “It’s just better this way.”

Jungkook could swear he heard Jimin growl. “It’s not right and you know it. You’re just too set in your ways about not wanting to bring dishonor on your family. Which, by the way, not sure if you noticed but they aren’t the most honorable people.”

“Don’t.” Another statement with a stern tone. This time, Jimin obeyed.

Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, letting the dark curls fall at their own leisure. “I need to get going or I’ll be late.”

If he left now he had just enough time to stop by his room and grab his contacts he’d left behind on his way to see Jimin, as per Jimin’s request.

“I’ve got it all figured out, so you won’t even need them this time!” Jimin had promised.

Jungkook had hope that one of these days Jimin would be victorious in all of his spellcasting endeavors, and he’d be there to support him the whole way through.

Right now, however, he had bigger matters to attend to.

On his way back to his chambers he saw Seokjin, who he figured was en route to go check on Jimin, seeing as he was the appointed court wizard and Jimin was his apprentice.

Jungkook nodded at him as they passed by each other, but Seokjin calling out for him had him turning around.

“Yes?”

It was then that Jungkook could see just how tired Seokjin looked. “Lord Jeon requests your presence before your meeting with the king.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “Did he now? He bother to tell you what it was about?”

Seokjin shook his head, brows somewhat furrowed. Jungkook sensed that he seemed tense overall, and Jungkook didn’t like it.

“He didn’t. He just said it was important and had to be done as soon as possible.”

With a deep sigh, Jungkook relented, mumbling a thank you to Seokjin as he changed the direction he was walking. His brother’s chambers were located in a completely different wing of the castle, but he still had enough time to stop by his own room afterwards if he played his cards right.

He could hear the noises before he even approached the door, faint enough to go unnoticed by other passerby, but due to his heightened senses he had the unfortunate luck of not being able to remain oblivious. Jungkook knocked on the door despite the urge to just barge in; protocol was a big thing here and it was best for him to keep that in mind.

When he got no answer, he knocked once more before he squared his shoulders and turned the knob to open the door.

Without waiting for a greeting, he walked in, fully prepared for what he might find, seeing as it’d happened before.

Sure enough, the sight he was met with was exactly what he expected.

“Ah, so you finally came,” a snarky voice called out to him, slightly muffled. Jungkook rolled his eyes as he waited for the other party to get situated.

“What do you want, Yoongi?”

The blonde man in the bed not far from Jungkook smiled as the sheets fell around his waist. The woman next to him had even less shame, not bothering to cover her naked torso.

It wasn’t like Jungkook had never seen it before, anyway-

“Now is that anyway to address your superior?”

Jungkook gritted his teeth. “It is when my ‘superior’ is my younger brother.”

Yoongi tutted disapprovingly. “If you recall, you’re still only 24 years old-”

“Yoongi.”

“Which makes me the older brother now since I just turned 25.” he flashed a grin and the woman beside him snuggled up to his arm, still not completely covering her breasts. Jungkook looked away.

“So,” Yoongi continued, “you care to try that again?”

“I don’t, thanks. What do you want?”

Yoongi huffed, clearly unamused. “What I want is for you to tell our father what my requests are for the event we’re holding.”

This intrigued Jungkook enough to turn his sights back to his brother. “You’re not attending?”

“Unfortunately, no,” Yoongi feigned remorse. “I have more important matters to attend to.”

Jungkook watched in disgust as Yoongi grabbed a hold of the woman’s chin to turn her face so that he could kiss her. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath.

“So you’re not coming then?”

“Oh he’s not, but he will be,” the woman ran her hand up Yoongi’s arm. Long, teal hair covered her shoulders, reminding Jungkook of when it was first dyed. He’d been there with her after all, so of course he’d remember it.

She giggled at her own joke while Yoongi laughed boisterously, 2 sounds Jungkook wished he’d never have to hear again.

He’d never been that lucky.

“I don’t have time for this,” was his only remark before he turned on his heel to exit the room.

Jungkook ignored Yoongi’s calls for him to come back, instead taking longer than necessary strides to put as much room between him and his brother as possible.

A low growl died in his throat as he pulled on the edge of his chain dangling from his neck. It looked like an ordinary chain necklace to the untrained eye, but it was long enough to where the end of it could fit in Jungkook’s pocket. From his neck, the rest of the chain disappeared beneath his shirt, covering the length of his chest.

It was a safety measure more than anything, something Seokjin and Jimin had helped him come up with following the ‘incident.’

⊱─────✧༺✧༻✧─────⊰

“Silver has been known to cause excruciating pain to vampires,” Seokjin had explained, “but this is a special chain, charmed with a spell that dulls that effect.”

“It doesn’t get rid of it completely?” Jimin’s confusion was evident alongside his concern for his friend.

Seokjin shook his head. “It won’t, only because that was Jungkook’s request.”

Jimin’s worried stare shifted to Jungkook, who was sitting on one of the tables in Seokjin’s chambers. His shirt was shredded, and his chest was stained scarlet: souvenirs of his most recent outing.

He went out to feed, traveling several towns over, and ended up failing miserably. Jungkook maybe got a few seconds of satisfaction before he was being ripped away from his willing victim and promptly beaten by 3 other men.

He absolutely could’ve taken them, but he was already ashamed of what he was doing in the first place. He figured that this was punishment that he had coming in one way or another.

That night when he stumbled into Seokjin’s room, bloodied and defeated, they put together a plan straight away.

Jimin asked to sit in and observe, since he was still unfamiliar with certain spells, but he missed that part of the conversation when he was fetching supplies.

“I don’t understand, why do you want the chain to still be able to cause pain?”

Jungkook sighed, wrapping part of it around his fist and noticing instantly the slight burn the metal singed his skin with. “Because the pain will hopefully be enough to stop me.”

“Stop you from doing what?”

Jungkook slowly raised his eyes to look at Jimin, a small, sorrowful smile stretched across his face.

“Something I regret.”

⊱─────✧༺✧༻✧─────⊰

The familiar sting of the chain branded the inside of his palm with invisible marks, and he kept it curled inside his hand until he was in front of his own chamber doors. He was really pushing time now, close to being late for his advisory meeting, but he’d risk a slight delay in the start of the meeting versus having to explain why his eyes were crimson colored.

Once he had his contacts fixed, he all but jogged to the large meeting room down the hall. A few guards and his father were already there, waiting on him as it seemed he was the last to show up.

“You’re late,” the king greeted, a hint of disappointment in his tone.

Jungkook was used to that by now.

“Sorry, Your Majesty, I had to run a few errands first. Shall we start?”

The king cleared his throat and nodded, holding out his hand to the guard nearest him. A scroll was placed into his large palm before he quickly unraveled it.

Jungkook watched his eyes flit across the parchment, and when he deemed it satisfactory, the king handed it back to the guard so he could pass it down to Jungkook.

“You’ll find the agenda there for tomorrow’s event. I’m entrusting you, as usual, with all the planning so you can make sure everything is taken care of.”

Jungkook hummed as he read through everything. It all looked to be in order: designated time for the other guests to arrive, instructions for what catering needed to be prepared, an outline of what was required for Yoongi’s meeting with the princess-

Jungkook read that line again. And another time. He ground his teeth together as he looked back up at the king whose eyebrow was raised as he waited.

“Well? Is something the matter? You look perturbed.”

“Father-”

“This is an official meeting, boy. No informal titles allowed.”

Jungkook’s jaw was clenched. “Your Majesty,” he tried again, “what is this last portion here about a meeting with a princess?”

“Ah yes, that.” The nonchalant answer made Jungkook’s anger rise even further. “The meeting between their princess and our prince is what will be the defining moment for the entire event.”

Jungkook had known there was some sort of event happening that was supposed to – hopefully – demolish the rivalry between the two neighboring kingdoms. There had been bad blood for far too long, and it sometimes made it difficult to retrieve supplies from other areas without conflict arising.

Jungkook had been tasked with planning everything for the guests arrival, as his job required him to do. Despite being kicked from the royal lineage, he was allowed to stay a part of the royal court and act as a steward of sorts. It wasn’t always the best, but he figured it beat being exiled from the kingdom entirely.

He worked tirelessly over the last several months to ensure that all boxes were checked for this gathering. But this new information blindsided him, and now it suddenly made sense why his father and Yoongi both seemed so cocky and sure that this would work.

“And no one thought it pertinent enough to tell me that this would be happening?”

Of all things he could’ve done in that moment, the king had the audacity to shrug. “You won’t be present for that bit of it, so we didn’t feel it was necessary to tell you.”

“Then why isn’t Yoongi here for this instead of me,” Jungkook tried to keep his tone respectful, but even he couldn’t stop some of the malice from slipping through.

“The prince” the king put heavy emphasis on the title, “is busy carrying out other affairs, so it didn’t seem important to bother him with this.”

“Yeah, affair is certainly one way to put it,” he mumbled, crossing his arms as he looked to the side.

“I beg your pardon?”

 Jungkook exhaled through his nose. “Nothing, Your Majesty.”

The king stared at Jungkook for a few more moments before he dismissed the other guards in the room.

“Gentleman, if you’d kindly take your leave for a moment – I need to have a discussion with my son. Two of you may remain posted at the door in case you’re needed.”

The guards obeyed quickly, bowing as they exited.

Jungkook scoffed. “So now I’m your ‘son?’ I’m surprised that word still exists in your vocabulary where I’m concerned.”

“Jungkook, be quiet!” The king raised his voice as a warning and slammed his fist against the table, stopping Jungkook’s jabs in their tracks.

“Regardless of your faults and any heinous acts you may have committed, you are still my son. Whether I like it or not.”

Jungkook hated how those words caused a dull ache in his chest.

“And because you are my son, that is why you are still allowed to be here in the first place. Do you ever think about how easy it would’ve been to toss you on the street like some mere commoner,” the king spat, his own outward frustration mirroring what Jungkook felt on the inside.

“You only tell me every chance you get, how could I not?”

“Watch your tone with me, boy. I am not above throwing you in the dungeon for insubordination.”

Jungkook was well aware. At this rate, he had his own personal cell with how often his father (and more so his brother) felt the need to send him there.

“Can we go back to what this ‘meeting’ is supposed to entail? Why is their princess involved?”

The king squared his shoulders and smiled. “They’ve offered a marriage proposal.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, a what?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. The king’s eldest daughter, Princess Mina, is being offered as a marriage candidate for Prince Yoongi.”

“And Yoongi agreed to this?”

The king frowned at Jungkook’s continued lack of formality before he nodded. “He’s been preparing for it for a while now.”

Jungkook clenched his fist under the table.

“Fucking unbelievable,” Jungkook muttered, a few seconds from leaving the meeting altogether in order to give the prince a piece of his mind.

“Language,” the king reminded him sternly.

“Look, fa- Your Majesty. With all due respect to you, I think this is a terrible idea.”

“Please do enlighten me as to why you feel that way.”

Jungkook sighed as he rubbed his temples. “Arranged marriages amongst royals never seem to work out well from what I’ve seen. Arranged marriages amongst anyone just seems like a poor idea.”

“Your mother and I married as part of an arrangement, and we turned out fine.”

Jungkook would beg to differ, but that was an entirely different conversation for some other time.

“I just think it’s odd that he would accept this proposal when he’s already involved with someone else.”

Finally, it was the king’s turn to look taken aback. “Whatever do you mean?”

‘He doesn’t know,’ Jungkook realized.

“Don’t worry about it, I just assumed he already had someone in mind is all.”

“Unlike you, the prince seems to be able to keep his mind off of finding love amongst the common rabble outside the castle walls.”

Jungkook winced.

“Additionally, if he did already have someone in mind, I’m sure I would’ve heard about it by now.”

“You know better than I would,” Jungkook lied. He knew that Yoongi kept many, many secrets from their parents, which is why he’d always been the favorite. They never got a glimpse of his true nature, but unfortunately for Jungkook, he got to see all of it.

“Indeed,” the king said with finality, marking the end of that conversation. “Now, back to the preparations for the event-”

“I’ll handle it,” Jungkook sounded much more deflated than when he entered the room. Animosity exhausted him.

“Good. I expect nothing less of you. I don’t expect much from you to start with, but I at least anticipate you will do your job.”

Another mindless insult. Jungkook stopped keeping count of how many times his father shamed him years ago after the scandal first broke.

If anyone asked him, he’d even go so far as to say his father’s love for him died the same day his human life ended.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, the queen and I have other matters to attend to before tomorrow.” The king got up from the table and walked off, not even bothering to see if Jungkook would also make way to leave. Before he exited through the door, he turned back one last time to look at Jungkook.

“Don’t make me regret letting you stay here. This is the most important thing the kingdom has faced since you were a child, and if you mess it up somehow, being exiled will be the least of your worries.”

Jungkook received the threat with a solemn stare, no more words spoken as he was then left alone in the large room.

On the way back to his chambers, Jungkook had a lapse in judgment. He turned and let his feet carry him to his new destination, landing three hard knocks on the door before it opened quickly.

“What?” An annoyed tone filtered through the open doorway. “Oh – it’s just you.”

Yoongi’s hair was less disheveled than it had been earlier, but it was clear he was now trying to get himself ready for later activities in the day.

“What do you want?” Yoongi crossed his arms as he leaned against the doorframe, not allowing Jungkook any space to enter the room.

Not that he really wanted to, anyway. He just needed to know one thing.

“Does she know?”

Yoongi blinked in confusion. “Does who know about what? You gotta be more specific, I can’t read your mind-”

“Does she know,” Jungkook interrupted, more sternly this time. “What’s happening tomorrow. Does she know?”

He had to ask. As much as he loathed her now, he still thought she deserved better than to be cheated on and discarded like she was nothing.

Even if that’s exactly what she’d done to him.

Jungkook watched as Yoongi’s eyes sparked with amusement when he finally understood. “Aeris? Yeah, she knows. She actually just left by the way; sorry you didn’t get to see her again.”

Jungkook’s eyebrows furrowed.

 “So she knows and she’s fine with it?”

“Yeah, I mean – she gets it a ‘thing’ I have to do. It’s completely transactional and I’m only doing it for the betterment of the kingdom.”

Yoongi was lying through his teeth and Jungkook wanted to wipe his smug grin off his face. His entire life Yoongi had been selfish and only looked out for himself, so this idea that he was doing it to help the people living in the kingdom?

Absolutely preposterous.

Jungkook needed a fucking break. He needed to get away, clear his head before he had to come back and deal with everything else tomorrow.

He walked off without another word, something he knew Yoongi hated – which is most of the reason why he’d done it.

“You know,” Yoongi shouted after him, “I think bitterness suits you. It’s a good look since it matches the rest of your miserable demeanor!”

Jungkook ignored him and continued walking, not stopping until he reached his favorite spot in the entire castle.

He would often come up to the highest balcony, somewhere he could be alone with his thoughts and not have the added stress of other’s opinions for a short while.

The balcony was all but abandoned as he was the only one to frequent it. The only crime he’d ever say he committed was stealing the key to the door that granted access up here. After a while, everyone else forgot about it, so he was able to keep this spot hidden. A place of his own, where he didn’t have to worry about being found.

A place of his own where his thoughts could run wild. A place of his own where his demons continued to follow him despite his best efforts.

A place of his own where he could just be alone.

After all, that’s what was best for everyone, right?

Jungkook couldn’t help but wonder, as he’d done many times before, what his life would be like now if he hadn’t been attacked. His entire life – as a prince, as an official royal family member, as a living, breathing human – was cut short in the blink of an eye. His humanity as he knew it was gone in an instant.

If it hadn’t happened, though, where would he be now? Would it be him getting ready to marry someone for political gain instead of his brother?

He shook his head as he let out a humorless chuckle. He knew he’d fight that decision with everything he had, and for he first time since it had been stripped away from him, he was relieved he wasn’t in that kind of position anymore.

The thought of sharing his life with someone he didn’t truly care about, whether it was for the greater good or not, just didn’t seem right, nor did it seem fair. Not to mention the fact that it didn’t just include him: someone’s else’s life would be affected just as much as his.

It dawned on him then that he was standing here, genuinely putting thought into how he would handle such a situation. He wasn’t some cold, heartless being. He still had the ability to care for others, and that alone gave him some sort of hope.

He looked up at the moon, admiring how the light spilled through the branches of the tree overhead.

“Maybe I still have some humanity left after all.”

lady-in-waiting (noun) a woman of noble birth who serves a female monarch as a member of the royal household.

“Please hold still, Your Highness,” you huffed with thinly veiled frustration as you tried to lace up the corset you were currently working on.

You made a mental note to go shopping later in order to find better dresses for the princess. They still would be ones that were just as extravagant, but hopefully didn’t give you a blood pressure spike to assist with.

“Oh please, what’s with the formal treatment? It’s just us right now, you don’t have to do that, you know.”

“Yes, but,” you tugged once more, finally letting out a sigh of relief when the strings worked how you wanted them to. “With the event happening soon, it’s better for me to get back into the habit.”

Being best friends with the princess granted you some privileges that you were grateful for. When it was just the two of you, you didn’t have to uphold this extra formal, fancy attitude and instead you both got to be much more laid-back. You knew she appreciated it just as much as - if not more than - you, since she was held to a higher standard and scrutinized more heavily.

However, by the kingdom’s definition, you were first and foremost her lady-in-waiting, which ranked above any and all other duties you had in the royal court. Which, unfortunately, meant that at certain times your role took precedence over your friendship, and that was just the way it had to be.

“Ugh, I can’t wait for all this stupid royal relations stuff to be over.”

“Mina-”

She held up a hand. “Let me get it out, then you can scold.”

You waited patiently, fixing the other parts of the dress while she rambled on for the umpteenth time about her dislike for the event happening soon.

“…I mean this is a rival kingdom, we don’t even like them, so why bother. You know?”

“Mhm,” you hummed as you agreed honestly. It did seem like a stretch for your kingdom to try and force relations with one who had been a long-standing rival. The way you saw it, if after all these years and prior failed attempts had yet to work, what made the king think this would be any different?

Of course, there was now the added factor of a new bargaining chip: the king and queen were offering one of their daughters as a potential marriage candidate for the other kingdom’s prince.

Mina, being the oldest princess in line, begrudgingly accepted for the sake of the kingdom.

The plan had been set in motion months prior, but it was all finally happening tomorrow – both you and Mina were on edge, anticipating the worst but hoping for the best.

What was supposed to happen seemed simple enough: the king would accompany the princess on her visit to the other kingdom, escorted heavily by guards and with you at her side, as you always were. She would meet the prince officially for the first time, and both kings would try to strike up some sort of arrangement.

You figured this would actually be more beneficial for them, seeing as their kingdom was still recovering from a huge scandal that happened a few years ago. You remembered it vividly, taking note of how the abruptness of it all never sat right with you.

The eldest prince stepped down from his position as next in line for the throne, following some sort of act that was only described as ‘utterly disgraceful’ and never really elaborated on in the public news.

Before the news broke, the kingdom was well known for its power and influence all over the land, and the downfall from it all landed a huge blow to their standing. It aided your own kingdom in rising above them in their rivalry, but it appeared that now your own monarchs wanted to put everything behind them and unite for…whatever reason.

You tried not to get too deeply involved in the politics. Your duty was to serve Mina, and the royal family as a whole – this didn’t leave you much room to voice your own opinions.

 Mina’s soft calling of your name pulled you out of your thoughts.

“Yes?”

Any frustration you had left from the dress fiasco quickly evaporated when you saw her face. She was biting her lip, and in that moment she looked very meek, small. Very unlike the exuberant, confident young woman you knew.

“I’m scared.”

You sighed at that, pulling her into a hug that she gratefully accepted. This was this first time she had outright said it, but you could tell she was terrified from the moment she was first told about this arrangement months ago.

“I know,” you patted her back. You wanted to tell her everything would be alright, that it would all work out, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do it.

Lying to someone to provide them comfort was never something you could get behind, and you didn’t plan to start now.

“I promise you, though, that whatever happens, we’ll get through it together.” You didn’t feel bad saying that because it was the truth; you were ready to face anything when it came to Mina, and you’d do anything for her.

She was basically the most important person in your life, and you’d be damned if you let anything bad happen to her.

Well…anything short of letting her go through with a marriage to a man she’d never met.

Just as your duty to her came first, her duty to her kingdom came first. You knew it and respected it, even if you didn’t always like it.

Mina giggled, her frame shaking slightly in your hold. “It almost sounds like you’re the one I’m supposed to be marrying,” she teased.

You joined in her laughter. “I mean, I don’t think it would yield quite the same results-”

“We both know we’d be arrested before we could even say ‘I do.’” Mina joked, despite her dark attempt at humor having a level of truth to it.

“A princess marrying her lady-in-waiting?” You covered your heart and pretended to be appalled. “Imagine the scandal!”

Mina shoved you lightheartedly, her laughter echoing off the walls. She looked miles happier than she’d been a few minutes prior, and you were relieved to see it.

“C’mon, help me with my hair or we’re gonna be late.” Mina collected her hairbow from her dresser and handed it to you so you could tie up her hair in the back. When you were done, she glanced quickly in the mirror and nodded, pleased with the result.

“Is there anything else you need to do?”

You gave yourself a once-over in the mirror as well and decided that your outfit would have to do. It wasn’t bad by any means, but if you had a little more time, you probably could’ve spruced it up some more.

“All good here. After you, my Lady.” You made a grand gesture out of letting her go first, which earned you another light shove.

“Cut that out! We still have a few minutes of freedom left before we have to be formal.”

You chuckled. “You got it.”

✧───────⊱✧⊰───────✧

You accompanied Mina to her final etiquette training before the big day. Everything she learned was more of a refresher than new material, but her nervousness kept her from doing her best, which led to her being reprimanded by the queen.

“How can you expect to marry someone if you can’t play the part of a prim and proper princess?”

Mina bit her tongue, as she usually did with her mother, and you expected to get an earful from her later about the situation. To your surprise, instead of venting, she was quiet and calm upon returning to her chambers.

Before she was ready to sleep for the night, you checked in one her one last time. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

With a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, she responded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

✧───────⊱✧⊰───────✧

You had never woken up more stressed out in your entire life.

All your training had culminated in this moment. You were to make sure that the princess arrived safely along with her appointed guards, and it was also up to you to make sure that everything went off without a hitch.

Such a small responsibility, right? What could possibly go wrong?

Well, for starters-

The castle you found yourself in was much larger than you anticipated, which was saying a lot considering the castle you lived in was already rather large.

Also, you weren’t the best with directions, but as long as you and Mina didn’t get separated, that shouldn’t be a problem.

And it wasn’t a problem…until it came time for her to meet the prince.

“We’re sorry, miss, but only high-ranking royal officials can be present for this meeting.” A guard held out his arm, blocking you from following Mina into the room. She frowned and tried to protest on your behalf, but her father wasn’t having any of it.

“She’ll be fine, we need to get a move on.” He grabbed a hold of her elbow and ushered her along, and you got one last look at her worried countenance before the doors closed.

Now was when the panic set in.

“I-I need water. Or just- something.” You said it aloud but didn’t really know if anyone would hear you or help you for that matter.

Thankfully, the guard who had just cut you off was kind enough to give you directions to the kitchen and dining area. You’d been there not too long ago when everyone was eating the meal that had been prepared, so surely – you thought – it wouldn’t be an issue to stop by and get a drink to calm your nerves.

That plan worked for all of about ten minutes before you re-entered the hallway from the dining room only to find nobody was around. No guards, no passerby, nothing.

It didn’t help that, from what you had seen, most hallways looked nearly identical.

You were officially lost. Alone, panicking, and lost in a castle you’d never been to before with no one in sight to help. Unsure of what else to do, since walking around aimlessly definitely did not seem like a good idea, you did what any normal person would do.

You sat down on the floor and wrapped your arms around your legs, resting your head on top of your knees.

This had to be your worst nightmare. You were separated from Mina, the one person other than yourself who you were responsible for taking care of, and you were also stuck in unfamiliar territory which was one of your biggest fears.

None of your training ever prepared you for this-

“Are you alright, miss?”

A soft voice filtered through your thoughts, making your head snap up. Your breath got caught in your throat.

There was a man kneeling down in front of you, his hand extended as he offered you a gentle smile.

Suddenly, your situation didn’t seem like such a nightmare anymore.

A/N: thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!

permanent taglist: @inlovewiththemoonn​ @lavienjin​

fic taglist: @veronawrites @thisartemisnevermisses​ @outro-kook​ @cravingforhotchocolate​

please let me know if you want to be added or removed!

➥Series Masterlist

➥All Works Masterlist

[brattylikestoeat]

One of the things I try to teach people at my company is, when you call out don’t give them an excuse.

My script goes: I understand I was scheduled to work today but unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances I will not be making it today. If the situation changes or persist, I will communicate that to you.

Don’t lie and say you are sick, don’t lie and say someone passed away. They can ask you to verify that.

[saltto]

– The Forgotten Valentine –

Jenna Ortega x Reader

Pov: third person

Word Count: 630

Summary: Years ago, a young couple exchanged heartfelt Valentine's Day gifts. But due to unforeseen circumstances, they were forced apart before they could reveal their feelings. Now, many years later, fate reunites them in an unexpected place.

In the bustling city, where dreams and fate intertwined, two hearts beat in unison, their connection forged by a forgotten Valentine's Day. Years ago, Jenna and Y/N, two young souls brimming with love, exchanged heartfelt gifts, unaware of the tumultuous path that awaited them.

Life had taken them on separate journeys. Jenna, an aspiring actress whose dreams soared to the heavens, found herself on the precipice of stardom, her name whispered among the echelons of fame. Her talent radiated like a celestial light, drawing the attention and admiration of audiences worldwide.

In contrast, Y/N stood tall as a steadfast and unwavering security guard, her commitment unwavering as she safeguarded the city and its inhabitants. With her unassuming presence, she instilled a sense of security in those around her, a silent guardian ensuring the safety of the community she served.

As the years passed, the memory of that fateful Valentine's Day lingered in their hearts, a cherished but fading whisper. The circumstances that had driven them apart remained a haunting echo, a missed opportunity for love's tender embrace.

One evening, the city buzzed with excitement as the premiere of a highly anticipated film graced the silver screen. Cameras flashed, illuminating the red carpet, as celebrities adorned in glamour and elegance adorned the night. Among them, Jenna stood, her face radiant with success and yet, a hint of melancholy.

Unbeknownst to her, Y/N stood at her post, her watchful eyes scanning the crowd. She had heard whispers of the premiere and couldn't resist the temptation to catch a glimpse of the dazzling world she had left behind. Hidden beneath her uniform, she yearned for a chance encounter, a glimpse of the woman she had never forgotten.

As fate would have it, their paths converged that very evening. Jenna, amidst the dazzling lights and adoring fans, caught sight of a familiar face. Through the veil of time, she recognized the earnest gaze of the security guard standing amidst the crowd. It was Y/N.

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the years melted away, leaving only the essence of their shared past. As the film played, and applause erupted, they found themselves drawn together by an invisible force, lost in a sea of memories and unspoken words.

After the premiere, they sought solace in a quiet corner, far from the flashing cameras and the superficial world that surrounded them. The weight of their untold feelings hung heavy in the air, intermingled with the whispers of what could have been.

"I never forgot that Valentine's Day," Jenna finally whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability. "Life took us in different directions, but my heart always carried the echo of our unfinished story."

Y/N, her eyes reflecting years of longing, reached into her pocket. From its depths, she produced a faded valentine card, preserved like a treasure over the passing years. "Nor did I," she confessed. "This card has traveled with me, a reminder of the love we dared not speak."

As the evening wore on, amidst the city's lights and the throbbing heartbeat of their shared memories, Jenna and Y/N found solace in their honesty. Though time had carved deep grooves into their lives, their connection remained unyielding, defying the boundaries of time and circumstance.

In the tender embrace that followed, they discovered that love, though forgotten, could be reignited, burning brighter than ever before. From that moment forward, Jenna and Y/N vowed to rewrite their story, to embrace the love they had once buried deep within their hearts.

For, in the vast tapestry of life, sometimes the forgotten valentines carried the most profound messages, waiting patiently to be unveiled, and reminding us that love, when found again, could be the most enduring and cherished gift of all.

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch2 Dealings With Fate

(WARNING: Mentioning of death in this chapter.)

Kanae. The eldest butterfly sister. It should've been her. Graceful, beautiful, kind Kanae.

...But-

There was some mistake when a paled hand was pointed at the direction right down the middle of the crowd, making all heads turn to follow it. The hand's direction was tilted in a way that made no mistake who the blind man was pointing at, despite the fact he couldn't see he made no mistake. So when the hand pointed, and everyone fell silent, whether in shock or respect you weren't sure. But what made your blood cold was the serious hand pointing in the direction of your own, frozen and shocked body.

"Y/n. Would you please stay behind with me? I have something we have to discuss."

The world felt smaller now with all eyes staring at you. Some in silent neutrality, some in shock, and one or two in anger. Not that you could blame them..If you could even look at them that is. Instead all your shocked body could do was stand quietly and let the fate loom over you. Then there was a break in the silence. A whisper, a hurried one. Encouraging the others to follow suit. And slowly, one by one, retreating footsteps headed towards the exit. Towards the path of another year of freedom which was sealed with the slam of a sliding door. Which left you staring into the abyss of a blind man who held your fate, with two daughters sat beside either of them, as if they were just silent observers of fate and destiny unfolding before them. You couldn't move. You couldn't breath. Perhaps if you stayed still and quiet enough, you could fool the blind man in front of you into thinking you'd disappear with the others or make him think you were spirited away with the wind itself. Oh how you wished that was the case for you.

The hand which had remained extended lowered to gesture the ground in front of you with such calmness compared to your fear it was almost scary. "Won't you please sit down? I did say I wished to discuss something very important with you. I promise you it won't take more than twenty minutes to discuss." You silently obeyed, sitting back down in your spot in front of him, and he continued talking once he heard your body settle back down. Hand retreating back to his body. "Thank you. Would you like a cup of tea? It would be helpful to calm your nerves."

How did he- You shook your head stiffly. "N-No. T-Thank you."

He didn't see to be offended at your denial and you mentally cursed yourself for allowing your fear to be heard in your voice. "No matter. Do you know why I have asked you to remain here with me this night, Y/n?"

You hoped it was a misunderstanding. "I..I'm c-confused."

"Hm. Well there's no need to be frightened, as I mean you no ill will, but it has come to my attention that an unpaid debt has been hung over you that I failed to see sooner. I wish to talk to you about a solution that will take place to pay it in full."

Ah yes. The debt. The one that hung over you for as long as you could remember and one you had worked hard to fight against lest it control your fate later in life, and now it seemed that it has. It was never meant to be like this, but like a wolf baring it's teeth at a cornered rabbit, it held you by the throat in a chokehold. There was no getting around it now, the debt your parents wracked up by borrowing money from the late Shinazugawa family before you were even born. Not much was known to you about the two people who brought you life, other than they were some of the poorest amongst the village and that both had passed away due to unforeseen circumstances shortly after you were born..

And before they could repay that debt owed to the Shinazugawa family.

With neither of them around, that debt of theirs then fell upon you and even with the death of most of the Shinazugawa family, it was still something that weighed you down. Kept you here. Something that as soon as you could comprehend words and situations, had fought against lest it control you. From a young age working hard to earn measly coin after coin, and carefully counting, and hiding it all in a place where no one but you would know to keep it all safe. Each small clink of a coin added to your collection putting one more tiny dent into the mountain that was your debt to what was left of the Shinazugawa family. The brothers Sanemi and Genya. In fact...that was a reason why you suspected Sanemi hated your presence and tended to avoid you more than anyone else. Because you were just essentially a reminder of something that hung over himself and his brother as well. Which is why you were planning on presenting the money you had spent YEARS working hard and giving up so many things just for the sake of saving more money, to Genya instead of Sanemi. While you and Sanemi couldn't stand to be around each other, his brother was slightly different. As a child, Genya wasn't much more different or harsh as his brother, but as he grew older he had become more-...kinder and less to anger than his older brother. Especially around women. In fact, some in the village say he's timid around the women of the village now but you weren't sure. You hadn't spent much time around either brother to find out, too focused on working and getting coin after coin to pay attention to them. But if you could give back the money you wished your late parents hadn't borrowed, then nothing would be weighing you down anymore and you could be free to travel away from here. To be free without the fear of anyone hunting you down for any stupid debt. You were ALMOST there! You just needed a little more time! Just a little more time and you'd have all the money you'd need! You estimated you could get it all settled in just three months time from now but now...This seemed to change everything. After all you never told anyone of your work to pay back the debt. You were always afraid if you did, someone would get the idea to try and steal the large amount of money you had been saving up. The only one who knew was the elderly woman who took you in, in exchange for you caring for her in her old age, and eventually left you the small house and land that she had that you now lived in. You always believed you could beat this, if you just worked hard enough in the fields, and hauled enough bags of rice for the farmers, and cleaned enough houses. Earning what little money you could and sparing as MUCH as possible to pay it all off. It was hard work and up til now it seemed the gods heard your prayers for help. Just for one more year of freedom! To make it to that goal! But now what had you done to deserve this?

You quickly nodded. "A-Actually I've been thinking about that myself!"

"Oh?" His head tilted at you still kindly. "I'm glad we are both on the same page at least."

"Y-Yes! I-I'm highly aware of what I owe the Shinazugawas and I've been working o-on it for a very long time!," you assured the Elder. Perhaps you could appeal to his more reasonable nature and NOT do what you thought he was about to suggest. What you were AFRAID he was about to suggest. "A-A-And I'm nearly done with paying off the debt! I just need a little more time and I-I'll have it all paid off I assure you!"

His expression didn't change much but he seemed pleasantly surprised. "Oh?" And he hummed in thought. "Well then this does change things a bit doesn't it?" He smiled wider and you almost let yourself sigh in relief. "And for how much longer will it take you to pay off the rest of your debt to them?"

"T-Three or four more months!," you answered back as calmly and confidently as your nerves would allow. 

Surely he'd be merciful and pick one of the other girls upon realizing you didn't have time to get married and would nearly be done with the Shinazugawa family a month or two into the new year. But any hopes you had died in your brain when the man before you instantly frowned back. ...and he hummed. Not a good hum either, a hum that told you that they were upset by something they heard or thought.

"Well then...There is a problem with that."

"W-Why? I promise you I'm not lying!" Was he thinking you were lying about paying them back? Well you never told anyone until now hoping telling him would change your fate. "I am really close to paying back what my family owes them I promise I'm not lying-"

He silenced you by holding up a hand. "Y/n, I assure you I have no reason to doubt your word and I do believe you when you tell me you've been working hard to repay your family's dues. Honestly it's very noble..." He sighed. "However there lies the problem as well."

"W-With the debt?"

"No. Not the debt itself but the situation as a whole."

"....I-..I-I'm afraid I don't understand."

It was then that the Elder sucked in a breath between his teeth, and you knew what was to come was just more bad news. "I understand that you're aware of how your family's dues came to be?"

"I do."

"Then I don't suppose no one ever bothered to tell you the other half of it then?" At this you were confused. Other half? What 'other half'?! As far as you knew, you just owed the brothers eighty coins you spent years on collecting and storing away in your poor life. But the Elder must've sensed your silence as confusion. "Allow me to explain. Many years ago, when your parents first asked Sanemi's parents for help, they made a safety precaution in case they could never pay off that debt."

Precaution? What precaution? You never heard of any second agreement to this ordeal!? "What promise was that?!"

"Before your parents deaths and the tragedy of the Shinazugawas, it was agreed between both heads of the households that if your parents were unable to repay their end of the bargain, then one of their children would be married into the Shinazugawa household to pay it off." In a INSTANT, your stomach immediately dropped at his words and the true meaning of them washing over you like a blizzard in your veins. The Elder however only slowly nodded reluctantly. "And you see...The deadline for which the debt was placed is due. Your parents died before they could have anymore children, and so the deadline and debt must be respected and paid accordingly."

You could only stare at him before the horrific realization of what would upon you slapped you in the face. "A-Are you saying because I haven't paid off the debt within a deadline I didn't even know about, that I'm going to have to make up for it by marrying SANEMI!?"

"Or Genya. I haven't chosen which one to go through with it yet. I was hoping you had possibly finished it off but it seems I was wrong."

"But I can STILL pay it off!," you were quick to plead with him begging even at this point. YOU MARRYING SANEMI!? NO!! NO NONONO!!! "Please! Give me some time before you tell them!"

"That's the problem. You see...They already knew from the beginning this was coming. I just haven't told them of my decision because I wanted to talk to you and see what could be done about the situation. I'd wish I could wave off this problem, but it would be dishonorable to just disregard the deceased ones' unfinished business. So I'm afraid this situation would fall upon the responsibility of the ones who they left behind. I am truly sorry, Y/n."

The reverberating silence beyond the crackling fire engulfed all of you into silence. Silence of that death would usually bring, your situation making your inevitable freedom die and burn within the hellfires of eventual holy matrimony. Of a husband you'd never have the pleasure of loving first and the silence of freedom's death were replaced with the promise clacking of shackles of the inevitable outcome of being changed to Sanemi for eternity. Or Genya. Nothing against Genya of course, he is as innocent as you in this situation, but even the thought of having to be anywhere NEAR Sanemi even by proxy. But nothing could be done with this situation...

Or-

Your panicked face suddenly stopped looking panicked, and you froze you for a moment..Or what if there WAS something you could do?!

"When is the deadline for the debt?," you slowly asked him.

"The deadline was never really established in concrete perse. Just that it all must be settled before the youngest child reached the age of twenty five, but the reason I wish to have this situation settled now is because of the amount of time it's taking to be fulfilled. It's never good to leave something unfinished for so long."

That 'youngest child' would be Genya! Who still had a few years to go before that age!! So by that logic you still should've had PLENTY of time, but if the Elder wished so, he could have you pay it sooner rather than later. Which didn't give you that much time...but you had to try.

"How long is it until the first full moon of next year?"

"We are in the last month of this year and the first full moon is half way through the New Year's first month. So that would be around six weeks from now. Why do you ask?"

"How about a deal to counter that debt?"

At this both daughters beside the Elder seemed to look shocked and the Elder tilted his head in question. "A wager? Now what could you mean by that?"

"If I can get the rest of the money to pay the debt in full before the first full moon next year, then you must agree to not marry me to either brother."

Now this seemed to catch the elder off guard because he hummed in surprise....before another smile crossed over his face. "Now that is a bold claim."

You shrugged. "I have nothing to lose." Except your freedom. "And really it wouldn't be harming anyone. In the end either way the debt WOULD be paid wouldn't it? Nothing lost. Only something gained for all involved."

He hummed again, seeming to mull over the offer in his mind for a good moment before he nodded. "Alright. It's agreed then. If you're able to repay what your parents couldn't, but if you aren't able to then you must pay what is owed."

Even if it means you'd be bounded by marriage to Genya or WORSE Sanemi. But unbeknownst to him, you were already thinking about a way that would ensure your freedom in the end.

"Agreed. Please inform Sanemi and Genya of our dealings."

"I will be sure to. I look forward to seeing what you have in store."

[treason-and-plot]

I don’t know if I miss it but how did saffron start an affair with Liam

Hey Lovely! There have been passing references in the story about how the affair started but probably the most complete description is here:

'....Saffron ran into Liam at a concert at the Hoi Polloi Event Centre one night. The concert was a hastily-assembled fund raiser for the victims of the Sunlit Tides Meteor strike, which had devastated the town a few days previously. Saffron was there because Teddy’s band was playing, and Liam was there because he wanted to support a good cause. His wife Stephanie was not, because she was away on a speaking tour. Sybilla had originally said she would go with Saffron, but pulled out at the last minute because she got a better offer from Josh. When Saffron saw Liam in the foyer afterwards she was still feeling hurt and angry by Sybilla’s betrayal, and also disappointed because Teddy’s band’s appearance had been cancelled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’. She recognised Liam as a teacher from her school and it was comforting to see a familiar face. She had waved to him and he had recognised her face too and had walked over to speak with her, his smile warm and open and friendly,

“Hello,” he said, “It’s Saffron, isn’t it?” They had started talking about the concert and he had questioned why she was alone, and she had mentioned how annoyed she was that Sybilla had reneged on her promise to accompany her. Liam had been sympathetic and asked her if she’d like to go and have a coffee, except they couldn’t find any coffee places open at that time of night so had gone to have a drink at a hotel bar instead. They had drunk and talked till 1 am, and then he had kissed her. She liked the way he kissed, and kissing a teacher made her feel naughty and sophisticated all at the same time. She liked what he did to her in the stairwell afterwards too.'

Thank you so much for the ask, and sorry for the wall of text!

[myhauntedsalem]

Okiku the doll

In 1918 a young man bought this doll for his two year old sister. The sister and the doll became inseparable until her untimely death the following year. It was soon after the death that the family noticed the dolls hair getting longer.

Was 'Okiku' the doll inhabited by the spirit of their daughter?

Located in a little wooden box, on display in the Mannenji temple in the town of Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, Japan, stands a small, 40cm doll, which takes pride of place as part of a shrine.

This doll is no ordinary doll, as every year its hair needs to be trimmed, as it grows. The hair is allowed to grow till it hits knee length on the doll, then is trimmed back to just below shoulder length. Now I am not exactly an expert on such things, but I was always under the impression that a dolls hair does not grow.

The hair has been growing for at least the past 75 years, and it is from this that the shrine has become famous.

The doll was bought in Sapporo by a 17 year old Eikichi Suzuki in 1918, for his 2 year old sister Okiku. He was visiting the area for a marine exhibit, but upon seeing the doll in a shop window, he knew at once that the doll needed to be bought and given to his sister.

The doll stood about 40cms tall and was dressed in a traditional kimono. The hair was black and cut to about shoulder length, in a traditional style, and the eyes were piercing, like black beads pressed into the life-like flesh of the face.

When Eikichi returned home he presented the doll to his little sister, who fell in love with it immediately. The doll became Okiku's favourite toy and, it would seem, best friend.

Okiku played with her doll everyday, and soon gave it the same name as herself, 'Okiku'. The doll would never be out of Okiku's sight.

Unfortunately, in 1919, Okiku passed away after a severe fever. She was only three years old. The doll was to be buried along with Okiku, but due to some unforeseen circumstance, the doll was never placed with Okiku in her final resting place.

Okiku (the doll) was instead placed in the family’s altar, in commemoration of their daughter.

Sometime thereafter the Suzuki's noticed that the dolls hair was getting longer. It once had a traditional shoulder length cut with neat ends, but now the doll had hair reaching down towards the waist, and the ends were more random in length.

The family believed the spirit/soul of their daughter inhabited the doll.

In 1938 the family moved to another locality, but not wanting to take Okiku with them (possibly out of fear that the 'magic' of the doll was due to the proximity with their daughters resting place) they instead took it to the Mannenji Temple.

Here they informed the priest of the dolls hair, and the priest, over time, could confirm that the story was true, the hair did indeed grow. Periodically the hair would get a trim and soon photos of the doll with different lengths began to adorn the small shrine, dedicated to the Okiku the doll and Okiku the girls memory.

It has been said that upon analysis of a cut sample from the hair that it does indeed belong to that of a child, but since the sample was not cut directly from the doll itself, no definitive conclusion can be made.

[endogenicredstararchive]

Pondering Things 4: Everything is Changing

Hello, everyone! I hope you all have had a lovely day so far and, if you are just now going to bed, I hope you have a lovely night!

Everything changes. It's part of the ebb and flow of life. Buildings fall, people come and go, and beliefs shift. And the only thing that remains consistent is the pain that change can bring. And nothing makes that more apparent than when a long time neighbor decides to move away. For the past several months, and elderly couple that lives next door has been trying to sell their house. They were planning to stay there for the remainder of their twilight years, but, due to unforeseen medical circumstances, they have to leave. I personally never knew them, but it still hurts nonetheless. Especially considering the issues that they're dealing with. My heart goes out to them.

Anyway, they've been trying to sell their house for the past several months, and have had no luck thus far. However, just today, a young couple bought the house. My mom says that they've pulled up the sign out in the yard. So, I imagine the new couple will be moving in soon. Perhaps I should go and greet them on the day they move in. Or, maybe I should watch from afar, as I'm content to do. I'll decide that when the day comes.

As for myself, I'm sitting out here, in the late afternoon sun, bracing against the cold breeze. Even though I detest the cold, I've come out here to make sure I write something for you all. And that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I'm staring down the driveway, watching the house across the street. Wondering what it would be like to live elsewhere. I've lived in this cul-de-sac all my life, and honestly, all that leaves is a bitter taste in my mouth. I'm not the type of person that enjoys suburban noise. Nor am I the type to enjoy loud, screaming toddlers. And unfortunately, this place has both of those. Sometimes, I wish I could just leave my way down the driveway and make my way down i-95 and stake a claim somewhere else. Alas, due to physical disability, I can't. I have no choice but to live here with my parents until they pass away.

Still, I try to make the best of my less than stellar situation. I have to love this neighborhood, despite it's flaws because I'll be stuck here for the rest of my days.

Everything changes around me, and I feel as though I've stayed the same. I'm a stone in the ever flowing river of time. Immovable, but slowly eroding away. I either have to move, or remain still. The sad thing is, I don't know which one I should do. Should I move, and risk causing trouble for my family, or do I stay put, and stagnate? There are other places I want to see, and people I would love to meet, but in wanting that I feel that I'm burdensome to my family. Am I selfish for wanting to leave this place?

Ah, I think I've gone all long enough. I hope that, in some way this brought you some semblance of joy, or perhaps some food for thought. I'll try to write again soon! Thank you all so very much for reading!

[dailykoreanpop]

"This is so devastating": ASTRO Moonbin's mother birthday revelation leaves fans shattered

On Wednesday, April 19 KST, Gangnam Police revealed that ASTRO’s Moonbin passed away reportedly by suicide. Shortly after the initial police reports, ASTRO’s agency Fantagio confirmed via an official statement that the idol had indeed passed away and requested fans to keep him in their prayers and not fall for malicious or speculative reports.

Shocked and devastated fans of ASTRO’s Moonbin soon took to various social media platforms to pay their last respects and tributes, remembering him through his music, K-dramas, interviews, and kind deeds.

Reportedly, it is also the late idol's mother’s birthday today on April 20 and fans are aghast with this piece of information. “This is so devastating”, wrote @jagt_4567 in response to this.

"Oh man i want to cry so bad": ASTRO’s Moonbin passes away on the eve of his mother’s birthday; fans left devastated by this news

The mystery surrounding ASTRO’s Moonbin’s untimely demise is looming large and heavy on everyone’s mind but one cannot imagine what the singer’s immediate family, close friends, and bandmates must be going through at the moment.

The singer was reportedly unwell in early April and had shared it with fans on Weverse as well. Additionally, on April 7, Fantagio announced that the Perfumer singer had missed a flight to Bangkok for a tour because he was feeling unwell, however, the late idol still went and performed.

Fans were left all the more devastated when they found out that Moonbin passed away on his mother’s birthday eve, as revealed by Twitter account @inmypixelworld. 

The idol was planning to hold a concert, 2023 MOONBIN & SANHA Fan Con: [Diffusion], at the Broadway Theatre in Macau, on Saturday, April 22.

Additionally, the 2023 MOONBIN & SANHA Fan Con Tour: Diffusion in Jakarta to be held on May 13 has now been canceled due to "unforeseen circumstances." Fans will be refunded their tickets in due course of time.

Moon Sua, the late ASTRO singer’s younger sister, was also scheduled to be the MC today for a music show after her group Billie just accompalished their first-ever big win this month.

Fans also pointed out similar instances in K-pop, like how Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon’s father died on her birthday (March 9) and BLACKPINK’s Lisa’s grandfather died on her birthday as well (March 27).

The late idol's parents are not related to the industry but the fact that both their children -- Moonbin and Moon Sua -- started their careers as child artists and have built successful careers in the K-pop industry is a testament to their parents’ love, support, and sacrifice for their children.

ASTRO’s Moonbin’s agency Fantagio notifies fans that the singer’s funeral will be held in private

Shortly after the initial reports of the singer's death went viral, ASTRO’s agency Fantagio took to social media to confirm the news of his unfortunate death, requesting fans not to fall for speculative or malicious news reports about his alleged suicide.

Additionally, they informed that the singer’s funeral will be held as quietly as possible, with immediate family, close friends, ASTRO members, and company colleagues in attendance in accordance with the bereaved family’s wishes.

ASTRO members JinJin and Yoon Sanha are currently with the bereaving family, while MJ, who enlisted in the military, took a special leave to attend his fellow band member’s funeral. Member Rocky, who left Fantagio and ASTRO has joined the funeral proceedings along with Cha Eun-woo, who is on his way back from Los Angeles to Seoul to attend the Perfumer singer's funeral.

Additionally, several K-pop artists like IU, LE SSERAFIM, and Billie have canceled their promotional activities in the wake of the ASTRO singer's untimely and unfortunate death.

Credit: Sportskeeda 

[horizon-verizon]

I once came across a person saying that having Larys kill his brother and his father didn't make sense because he seemed to like them (book or series) and that it was a demonization of the character, while next the series cleared Daemon of the murder of Laenor... Yes. What a headache. Already, Larys is among the options among the suspects, in addition to being the most probable, with perhaps the direct complicity of the Greens. And Daemon isn't the only one proposed for Laenor's death.

One, there is no indication that Show!Larys liked or disliked his father or brother. The one scene where we actually see him with either of them is at Rhaenyra’s wedding feast where Larys tells Harwin green is the color of the light of the tower of Oldtown. And there is absolutely no scene where he interacts with Lyonel. So  this idea that Larys liked his brother and father comes from nowhere even in the show and is a wish fulfilling thing.

Two, there is also no indication -- overt or subtle -- that Larys felt strongly either way for his family in Fire & Blood. So again, where is this idea coming from? Why can’t Larys truly want power and kill his family to get it? It’s possible that people, maybe including his family, ignored, mocked, historical underestimated, were disgusted with him since childhood due to their own ableism or Lyonel frequently passed him over, but there is nothing that shows Lyonel interacting with Larys negatively even when Larys is master of whispers. Since Larys served this role during his father’s service as Hand.

Three, here is what Gyldayn says are our options for who killed Harwin & Lyonel:

The cause of the fire was never determined. Some put it down to simple mischance, whilst others muttered that Black Harren’s seat was cursed and brought only doom to any man who held it. Many suspected the blaze was set intentionally. Mushroom suggests that the Sea Snake was behind it, as an act of vengeance against the man who had cuckolded his son. Septon Eustace, more plausibly, suspects Prince Daemon, removing a rival for Princess Rhaenyra’s affections. Others have put forth the notion that Larys Clubfoot might have been responsible; with his father and elder brother dead, Larys Strong became the Lord of Harrenhal. The most disturbing possibility was advanced by none other than Grand Maester Mellos, who muses that the king himself might have given the command. If Viserys had come to accept that the rumors about the parentage of Rhaenyra’s children were true, he might well have wished to remove the man who had dishonored his daughter, lest he somehow reveal the bastardy of her sons. Were that so, Lyonel Strong’s death was an unfortunate accident, for his lordship’s decision to see his son back to Harrenhal had been unforeseen.

(A Question of Succession)

And Laenor’s death:

The circumstances of the murder remain a mystery to this day. Grand Maester Mellos writes only that Ser Laenor was killed by one of his own household knights after a quarrel. Septon Eustace provides us with the killer’s name and declares jealousy the motive for the slaying; Laenor Velaryon had grown weary of Ser Qarl’s companionship and had grown enamored of a new favorite, a handsome young squire of six-and-ten. Mushroom, as always, favors the most sinister theory, suggesting that Prince Daemon paid Qarl Correy to dispose of Princess Rhaenyra’s husband, arranged for a ship to carry him away, then cut his throat and fed him to the sea. A household knight of relatively low birth, Correy was known to have a lord’s tastes and a peasant’s purse, and was given to extravagant wagering besides, which lends a certain credence to the fool’s version of events. Yet there was no shred of proof, then or now, though the Sea Snake offered a reward of ten thousand golden dragons for any man who could lead him to Ser Qarl Correy, or deliver the killer to a father’s vengeance.

Viserys

Viserys couldn’t have killed the Strongs because he would/could have killed Harwin much earlier before even Rhaenyra birthed her second son and he obviously tolerated his presence, if for anything for his father, Lyonel’s, continued service. Viserys, even though later reinstating him, didn’t want Otto to have an easier time coming back after already dismissing him for questioning Rhaenyra. Viserys has also long accepted Rhaenyra’s sons though seemingly knowing they aren’t Laenor’s (as he also knows Laenor was gay). Viserys also was not a person given towards underhanded schemes, preferring open partying, feats, and as little conflict as possible except when Vaemond’s relatives mention bastardry again after he already ruled it forbidden. 

Same for Corlys. He knew Laenor was gay, and he was very willing to just let Rhaenyra’s sons live as Laenor’s trueborn sons. We never hear of any protests from him and after Laenor dies, we hear nothing of him blaming Daemon or Rhaenyra.

Finally, Daemon lived with Laena and their daughters in Driftmark with the Velaryons for 3 years or so before Laenor dies. He still seems to live close or with them after Laena dies, so Corlys would have had a better sense of whether or not Daemon killed his son. It would have been beyond stupid for Daemon to try to kil Laenor being so close and knowing that people will suspect him. And Corlys sent out rewards for Qarl’s capture, with no indication of suspecting Daemon. Rhaenys, with her personality, would not have let Daemon pass, and there’s no indication that she ever actually liked Daemon, yet we hear nothing of her suspecting Daemon. Daemon and Rhaenyra married 4-5 months after Laenor and Laena die and even that time was too little to everyone else. In this context, the idea that Daemon killed Laenor to get to Rhaenyra is ridiculous because if he didn’t care about the “appropriate” time to wait to marry his target, why would he wait 4-5 months after killing Laenor?!

Annoying as hell.

[shit-talk-turner]

cancelling an RSVP to a wedding you said yes to for anything short of a death in the family is ASTOUNDINGLY rude. If someone had called out from my wedding a week before because of “work” it would have been the last time I invited them to something for sure /////// for real!! There's a reason there's RSVP due dates bc they already paid for her seat, her chosen meal, and things like table place cards and seating charts. Can't imagine how expensive that was because their venue looked very fancy 😫 Cancelling a week out feels somehow worse than like the day before last minute cancellations due to truly unforeseen circumstances like illness, travel problems, caring for a loved one, tragedy, etc. I just got married last year and the only kind of cancellation maybe a week out we had was because someone's grandma passed away, which was totally reasonable. Anyone else who had to cancel due to work did so like polite people by telling us via RSVP.

exactly! Illness, family emergencies, fine. But “work” for someone who is at best self-employed (and let’s be real, that’s a generous description)? The few people who believe that she had “work”, be for real please

[mammalsofaction]

At the end of the day, Perry hadn't neede to find him at all.

Agent H could hardly finish her sentence before Perry had pushed past her, out the door of the Surveillance labs and heading for two floors below. If pressed, he couldn't tell you the agents he'd passed in his near-manic desperation. He could hardly tell you what time it was, much less care what they all thought of him as he stormed inside the Clinic, apprehending the first medical personnel he sees.

Heinz, he demands, then clarifies with Doofenshmirtz. Doctor. Where is he?

"Agent P, please, stand down and stay calm." The nurse bids calmly, and he nearly bursts a vessel in frustration. He is perfectly calm. Practically the poster child of meditative serenity! "He is still debriefing with Major Monogram with Doctor Ahmad due to the unforeseen circumstances-,"

Debriefing. Debriefing? They were acting like Heinz had been sent on a case, instead of suicide mission he was no longer obligated to follow through with. He wasn't a fucking agent! He was fucking kidnapped!

"Agent Perry the Platypus! You are not allowed further beyond those walls without a permit! Agent P-for God's sake someone call security-,"

Stupid science geniuses and their stupid innate desire to help and be good letting themselves be tricked into missions just because Perry wasn't there to tell anybody no and trying to kill him with worry when he doesn't try to get in contact for almost a week-

He pushes the door of the first medical check-up room. Empty. Second. Empty. Third. Occupied; no Heinz.

"Agent P?"

"What the hell is going on here?"

"Does he have a permit to be down here?"

"He's looking for-,"

Empty. Empty. Empty.

"Agent P," calls the nurse he'd talked to back in the lobby. He's panting. Winded. He must've chased him all the way. "Perry, for God's sake, just listen-,"

Perry violently shakes the man's hand away where it's fluttered close to resting on his shoulder, finally stopping and turning to stare expectantly. The nurse steps back as he takes in the expression on his face. Perry barely notices; hears almost nothing but the rush of blood in his ears.

H-E-I-N-Z. He spells out. The nurse gulps. Where. is. he.

"I keep trying to tell you," The nurse repeats sternly. Voice trembling, but firm. "He's debriefing. Doctor Ahmad has determined he does not suffer any urgent medical injuries. He's not here yet but he's fine. You can't simply-,"

"Perry?"

Within a second, Perry's head shoots straight up, and all at once-the breath he has been holding for 6 minutes, 17 hours and 5 days is released, all at once.

Heinz was standing...mostly, on his own. Though he has an arm slung around the back of Francis' shoulders, clearly favouring his right leg. He was covered in soot, his left eye swollen and black.

His entire left hand was....mauled? Scratched and gone, revealing sparking circuitry, bolts and titanium in place of flesh and bone.

At the other end of the hallway, this party of three-Francis, Heinz, and an unfamiliar doctor-stops in their tracks.

Stupidly, bafflingly, endearingly, Heinz lifts his right arm, and waves.

He's ok. He's fine. He's safe.

Perry takes a step forward, and his lips wobble. He takes another step, and his breath falters.

Then he runs.

Francis lets Heinz go only a second before Perry catches up to them, and Heinz grunts as Perry knocks into him. He stumbles, but he doesn't fall, and for a small infinity there was only this: two men in the middle of the hallway in OWCA's medical clinic gripping one another like a drowned man's lifeline, and letting the embrace say everything they could never properly put into words.

Then Perry takes a step back, and stomps on his foot.

"Ow," Heinz complains, but it is half-hearted. Threaded through an undercurrent of laughter. Perry doesn't realize how much he's missed listening to it until it was gone; he never does. "I'm still injured, you know. That's my only good foot. Your bedside manners are deplorable, Perry the Platypus, and that's me saying that."

Francis clears his throat. "It's a good thing you're here, Agent P, we were...just about to call you, really. Despite the overall success of our mission, there are still a few less than ideal particularities to iron out before we consider the case closed. And you are, of course, still our best man for the job."

Conveniently forgetting, of course, that Perry was still technically cashing in his mandatory leave, but for once, he doesn't feel so torn up about it. He's had a long enough break from Heinz, he feels. Considering the amount of trouble Heinz had somehow gotten himself into while Perry wasn't looking, it'd be better on his conscience to stick around for a couple of days, at least, before Perry reminds his boss they had a lot of other employees around.

"Are you still angry with me?" Heinz wheezes, when Perry still refuses to look him in the eyes even as he helps him limp towards Dr. Ahmad's office. He still was, a little bit.

"I didn't think it was going to take me so long," Heinz muses. Perry doesn't think he's imagining the injured scientist melt further into his embrace. "Do you think Vanessa missed me?"

He doesn't think they're talking about Vanessa. Not really.

Perry shakes his head. Doesn't matter. You're home.

Heinz smiles.

Found you

[ispravahomes]

Meet Pooja and Sudhanshu Kejriwal- Homeowners of Villa Amberly. Lovers of the hills.

Sudhanshu and I love the hills. We plan 2-3 vacations a year out of which two of these are always spent amidst the mountains. Being avid travelers, one of the main reasons why we choose to work is so that we can pursue our passion for travel.

And it’s this extreme fondness for travel that caused our paths to intertwine with each other years ago, when we had both decided to take a road trip to Ladakh; a trip that marked the beginning of our journey together, both in life and in our trekking chronicles. Thereafter, visiting Ladakh became one of our rituals that we would love to do together. Almost every alternate year we would find ourselves in Ladakh enjoying the serenity of lush green mountains coupled with the majestic blush raised by the sun

Having spent the majority of our holidays high up in the mountains, the decision to retire and move to the hills came to us naturally. Our biggest challenge dawned upon us when we had to decide which among the many mighty hills in our country should we settle in. While Ladakh has been a place extremely close to our hearts, we realized that its extreme weather conditions would eventually start to take a toll on our health, as we grew older. Dharamshala was another place we were looking at actively. Its well-connected medical facilities along with a list of other important factors made it an ideal place for us to live in but due to some unforeseen circumstances, we weren’t able to buy a house there as well.

After having spent almost a year, pondering over this subject, and feeling like the odds were against our favor, we finally came across Isprava and its offerings. We read about how they were all set to kickstart their latest endeavour (back then) in Coonoor. And from then on, one thing led to another and before we knew it, we were truly, madly and deeply in love with the blue hills of the Nilgiris. This piece of haven had everything we were looking for; perfect weather all around the year, easy accessibility, well connected medical facilities and friendly gentry. And off we were on our very first trip to Coonoor, one that was quite the adventure.

Having wanted to get an authentic insight into the local culture of Coonoor, Sudhanshu and I decided to check ourselves into a small boutique property. We even drove down to Coonoor so that we could evaluate the conditions of the roads, traffic, and the commute time. Our hotel was further down than we anticipated it to be. But what came as a bigger surprise to us was the fact that we had to pass through a Naxalite post to get to our final destination. Scary indeed!

On reaching the hotel, we were greeted by both, the breathtaking views of the verdant Nilgiris as well as the caretakers of the Oland Plantation, the boutique hotel we had checked ourselves into. As we were being taken to our cottage, which was 200 meters from the main house, next to a waterfall, we were given a list of do’s and don’ts that surely added to our already existing paranoia. We were told to keep our balcony door shut owing to the presence of numerous monkeys in and around our villa. We were even asked to not wander away too far as there was a wild elephant on the loose along with a couple of leopards and bison. This was the moment we realised we were living in the midst of a jungle, which for a person visiting the place for the first time, is surely intimidating.

But all of this was long forgotten when we witnessed, for the first time ever, one of Isprava’s bespoke villas. Just a glimpse of the villa, and we were head over heels in love with the home and its location. Visit Isprava to read more.

[hazygrains]

September 3 – 4, 2022

This trip finally pushed through after planning it for quite a while! We, bisprins, wanted to spend our time together away from the city, but I honestly couldn’t remember how we all ended up agreeing to go to the inflatable island. Can I just say that this was one of the most exhausting yet, at the same time, relaxing trips I had experienced? First off, the weather was already bad, days before this trip. The southwest monsoon being enhanced by the tropical typhoon and some unforeseen circumstances made us almost back out, but screw it, we still pushed through, rain or shine. So the day before our trip, we decided to just meet up at the office. Most of us were scheduled to work from home that day, so we all just went to the office after our shift. We also wanted to meet up with the tech team that was in the office and celebrated our officemate’s birthday.

September 2, 2022 – Friday | Ry‘s birthday celebration + office Friday socials

We spent a few hours bonding with everyone, then around 8 pm, we decided to go ahead and travel to Zambales. On our way out of the office, Ems decided to go out with us and go home. It was funny because we were supposed to just drop her off at her place, but then she asked us where we were going and if she could also come, and we all agreed. We accompanied her to her condo to pack for like 5-10 minutes. It was way too sudden and crazy! We love spontaneity!

We arrived around 2 am at Jhaey‘s place in Zambales. We were all drained from the travel, so after we freshened up, we called it a day. We woke up around 6 am because the time slot we booked for the inflatable island was the earliest, 8 am. We still needed to travel from Zambales to Olongapo, which was like an hour’s drive away. We were all regretting our life decisions at this point. Lol! We arrived past our scheduled time, but the management agreed to move it to 9 am. The weather was gloomy, and it was raining every now and then. The downside of this weather was that the rain turned the sea water brown and murky, and there were trash strewn about. Srsly gross! Anyhoo, we took the Sprinkle pass, and that was an hour access to the floating island. Thank goodness, we took just the hour pass because dannnng, it felt like we were there for so long. We wanted our time to end already. It was fun, though. We all slipped and fell in the water. But yes, never again.

After the exhausting activity, Jhaey brought us to this authentic Korean restaurant somewhere in Subic. We were all famished! And that moment was the highlight of my day. It was by far the best k-restau I’ve ever been to! Super yummy, reasonable prices, and large servings. Can’t wait to go back there! We went back to Zambales after that scrumptious brunch. We caught up on lost sleep, and since it was raining nonstop that day, we decided to just rest, spend time together. We didn’t even bother drinking, but we still played question card games for deeper conversations. And talked about everything and nothing ’til the wee hours.

Our itinerary wasn’t followed due to the weather. We were supposed to try the new pizza place near Jhaey’s and also visit Mapanuepe Lake, but oh well. We just stayed at the beachfront and grabbed lunch/celebrated Marnie‘s birthday before we went back to the jungle. We still made the most of our time, and I was happy to spend my weekend with these beautiful people. ♡

P.S. We had work the next day and most of us called in sick. This trip was definitely one for the books.

The following days after this trip were tough for me and my family. I had an emergency when we were on our way home from Zambales. I went straight to the hospital when we arrived in the metro. Mama’s heart wasn’t doing well, and she was brought to the hospital. She underwent an angiogram procedure, and the doctor suggested doing a bypass operation because she has three clogged arteries. She’s still recovering and is doing somewhat okay now. My siblings and I are still asking for politicians/government’s financial help. A lot has already helped, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Her coronary bypass operation is scheduled for January next year. I hope everything goes well.