#fox kai au?? not sure yet | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

emeraldwaves · 4 years ago

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Title: The Sweetest Girl Pairing: KateAaron, Andreil Rating: T Word Count: 5,009 AO3

Summary:

Aaron doesn't consider himself a good Postmate. He doesn't particularly like his job. However, there's one bakery that he doesn't mind picking up orders from.

This was written for the @aftgexchange for @thetallwinchester ! I hope you enjoy this silly little Bakery AU! :D Thank you for the prompt!!

The phone buzzes on Aaron's dashboard and he looks at the device with disdain. If looks could kill, the thing would've exploded right there in his damn car.

[You have one new delivery request!]

Aaron regrets everything.

The small line is slowly moving down his screen. He's running out of time to accept this order and though he really doesn't want to, he knows it's either this one or some other shitty food pick up.

He taps his screen, accepting the order, and sighs.

Postmates sucks. Not as bad as Uber, cause there is far less human interaction with Postmates, but people can be so damn finicky about their food.

He pulls up the order on his phone screen. Fox Bakery, three miles from where he is now. Not bad, though he's never heard of this place. The person wants some cookies and a bagel. Interesting combination, but not the weirdest order he's ever gotten.

Putting the car in drive, he follows the map on his phone, annoyed he even has to do this. Postmates isn't a difficult job, but it's not ideal. It's tedious, it wears down Aaron's car, people are rude, and the list of awful shit goes on and on, but it pays the damn bills well enough.

Living with his brother and his cousin in their tiny apartment also isn't ideal, but he tries not to complain about that either. At least, not out loud. It's a place to live, a means to an end. Eventually, he'll be done with medical school and he'll be making so much money he'll be able to buy multiple houses. Houses he won't have to share with Andrew and Nicky.

It takes him a minute to find the damn bakery. It's actually not on the road it says it's on. It's down a side alleyway, sort of around the back of the street. Without the stupid little Postmates app, Aaron would definitely have gotten lost.

The front entrance has a few paw prints on it, and the logo is orange: Fox Bakery. A fox sits behind the text, it's tail making the curve of the 'y'. Aaron's just happy he found the damn place.

He pulls the door open, a small bell jingling at the top. The place smells heavenly, Aaron can't deny that. He doesn't have his brother's sweet tooth, but stepping in here, he can see the appeal. It smells like freshly baked cake and sugar. The smell wraps itself around his body and Aaron could take a nap right there on the floor, letting the comfort take over.

"Welcome!" A chipper voice calls out, and a girl pops up from behind one of the counters. Her long brown hair is tied up into a ponytail, a bow wrapped around it. The ribbons almost look like little fox ears. Lame. Her smile is wide, her dark eyes glistening with excitement.

Honestly, no one should be this excited working in the customer service industry, but she's certainly owning it, and Aaron can't fault her.

"Can I help you? We just took some cakes out of the oven if you're looking for something fresh!" Her voice takes on a bit of a sing-song, the lilting tone soft, yet tempting. Aaron's mouth goes dry.

For a second he forgets why he's there. Between her beautiful face, and the delicious smell, he tries to focus, but he just keeps staring.

"Uh," he says finally. Real smooth. He needs to get out of here. "I'm picking up for... Jeremy? Postmates," he says, holding up his phone.

"Oh! Great! Of course!" The girl beams at him and makes her way to a small shelf near the back. There are a few bags there, probably waiting to be picked up. "Here you go! Three cookies and an everything bagel," she says. "Do you know if they want cream cheese?"

"Just... throw some in there," he says, waving his hand to the side. He doesn't really care either way, but getting to stay here for a couple additional seconds isn't all that bad.

"Sounds great!" She tosses a few tiny cups of cream cheese into the bag and wraps it up, putting a cute fox sticker on the edge of the bag to keep it shut. Reaching over the counter, she hands it to him.

"Thanks," he mutters, taking it from her. Orange looks horrible on everyone, but somehow she makes it work. His eyes fall on the name tag on her sweater: Katelyn. Cute.

"Katelyn," he says, not realizing he said anything out loud.

"Yes? Oh! Yes! That's my name," she giggles. "Do you want to try something? I mean, since you came all the way here."

Aaron glances around the case. He really doesn't have much of a sweet tooth... "Uh, no thanks."

"Oh." Her face falls and she presses her teeth into her lower lip before smiling again. "No worries! Happy delivery!"

Fuck, he's dumb. He mentally kicks himself for saying anything. How is it he loses his mind so quickly over one pretty girl? He's not normally this awkward. Actually, that's debatable, but whatever. "Thanks," he mutters again, and rushes out of the store.

At least the bakery is out of the way, so not many people order from there. Maybe he'll never go back.

The problem is, Aaron wants to go back. He can't stop thinking about stupid Katelyn and how cute she is and the soft orange ribbon in her dark brown hair. She's stunning. Absolutely stunning, and as much as he hates his damn job, he's secretly waiting to get pinged for Fox Bakery.

But it never comes.

He supposes he could go there himself, and actually order something, but Aaron tries not to go to restaurants in his free time. He saves money by cooking at home, and why would he want to go places he always has to go for work? Still, he's actually tempted to go back and buy something just to see her one more time.

Creepy.

No, he's not a creep, and he won't go back for no reason.

But he will go back if he gets another order from there. Which, thankfully, a week and a half later he does. It's probably the fastest he's ever accepted an order.

The little bell jingles when he enters the place, and a short guy stands by the register. He's got bright blue eyes and messy brown hair and he looks entirely uninterested in being there. Disappointment washes over Aaron. Of course Katelyn doesn't work there everyday and he shouldn't expect her to always be there.

Sighing, he makes his way to the counter, taking the loss. "Hey, I'm picking up a delivery for Postmates."

The guy looks up, face unchanging. "Yeah, okay. Name?"

"Uh, Laila," he says, glancing down at his phone.

"'Kay." The guy walks over to the shelf right as Katelyn opens the door from the back, stepping behind the counter.

"Oh! Hey! It's the Postmates guy!" She laughs, and gestures to him.

"You know him?" The other worker asks, pulling the bag from the shelf.

She turns to look at him, her dark eyes full of excitement yet again. How someone can be so happy working in a bakery is beyond Aaron. "Well, sort of! He's come in before." She looks down, her cheeks flushing. "Sorry, I actually never got your name."

"Aaron," he says, reaching over the counter.

"Katelyn!" She smiles, waving at him. Though she quickly straightens up and gasps. "I-I mean I guess you already knew that from my name tag!" She gestures to the small badge on her shirt.

"Yeah," Aaron says.

The guy next to them scoffs, and clicks his tongue. "Shouldn't you deliver your order?" he asks.

Immediately, Aaron frowns. Who the hell is this guy? Maybe he's Katelyn's boyfriend and he wants Aaron to leave cause his girlfriend is obviously one of those people who is nice to everyone. Or maybe he has a crush on Katelyn and is jealous her attention is elsewhere.

"Oh! Neil's right!" she says. "Sorry for keeping you."

He wants to urge her that it's not a big deal. Worse case, he just gets less of a tip, which honestly, he wouldn't mind if it was because he stood here talking to her.

"Do you want a small sample to go?" She asks, and Aaron glances around the store. He should probably take something. It would be the polite thing to do, but Aaron really doesn't know what to take.

"I should... probably get going," he says, gesturing to the door. So much for staying and talking to her.

"Right! Of course! Good luck, Aaron!" She bows her head toward him and he stands, watching her. He waves, after what seems like both an eternity and not long enough, and heads back out the door. He wishes things had lasted longer than that.

He notices the bakery popping up more and more on his Postmates app. It's like everyone suddenly realized what a hidden gem this is. For once, Aaron doesn't care. He doesn't even care that he has to park on a side street and walk all the way around through the alley just to get to the damn place.

It's worth it when Katelyn is there.

He's been lucky. The majority of the time he goes, Katelyn is there. She always greets him, popping up from behind the counter with a cheery: "Hello Aaron!" A few times he's even smiled at her.

Every time he leaves, she asks if he wants to try something, and he always says no. Each time, he starts to regret it more and more. He just... panics when she asks, never sure what to pick.

A few times he goes, and Neil is there working by himself, and Aaron hates those times. Neil is nothing like Katelyn. The guy is completely uninterested in everything, and even though they both know each other's name, the conversation is always as short as it can possibly be. Aaron grabs his order and practically dashes out the door.

He wonders if Neil notices the difference between when Katelyn is there or not there. Aaron spends a grand total of 10 seconds in the store when it's just Neil but with Katelyn he always lingers for at least a minute. Or two.

It's stupid because he never actually talks about anything with her. Usually she talks about the specials or asks how Aaron's deliveries have been. One time, she talked about a rude customer who had come in just moments before. Aaron's honestly thankful he hadn't been there, because he probably would've punched the guy’s face in if he saw someone being rude to her.

One day, he gets a particularly large order: a dozen donuts, some cupcakes, and a half dozen cookies. He's hoping he gets there early, before the order is ready. Hopefully Katelyn will be there too.

Aaron doesn't really understand what it is about the girl that interests him so much. Honestly, he should despise someone as peppy as her. Yet, he can't help but find her endearing. He loves the way she giggles, and how her hair is always pulled back into a signature ponytail. He adores the way she says his name. Somehow, she always manages to punctuate the 'A's like they're really important.

Making his way down the side alley, he pops into the store, the tiny bell jingling. "Hi Aaron!" He hears her voice immediately, the high pitched tone cutting through the small room.

"Hey Katelyn."

"You know," she says, leaning against the countertop. "I was hoping this big order would be you. We're just waiting on the cupcakes!"

"No problem," he says, and for once he actually means it. Waiting for this order will be anything but torture.

"I can go check on them if you'd like! I know people can be mean when their food isn't on time," Katelyn says, a gentle sigh slipping from her lips.

"More bad customers today?" Aaron asks, looking around the empty bakery. He's glad when he's in here alone, it means he has the chance to try and talk to her, even if he often sucks at it.

Katelyn shakes her head. "No... the other day, my roommate gave our Postmate a horrible tip because he couldn't find our apartment. I felt so bad, I couldn't stop thinking about you and how hard you work. Even if a Postmate is slow, I try not to tip them too badly."

Aaron's cheeks light up. He's not even that good at his job. He doesn't even like working for Postmates. "Oh, uh, well, you know, not everyone is a good Postmate."

"I know, but who knows, maybe they legitimately got lost! Our complex is a little confusing," she explains.

Aaron is about to say he understands because he's gotten lost before but he gets cut off when a woman with long dark braids steps out from the backroom, carrying a hot tray of cupcakes. The smell is overwhelming, and it actually makes his stomach gurgle.

"Hello!" The woman says, placing the tray down. "Is this a regular?"

"Sort of!" Katelyn laughs. "This is Aaron, he's a Postmates driver."

"Oh! Hello!" The woman smiles. "I'm Dan. My husband Matt and I own this place. Thank you for coming by."

"Oh, cool," Aaron says, mostly because he has no idea what else to say.

"I'll get these bagged up for you," Katelyn says, and carries the tray over, wrapping up the cupcakes. "Are you sure I can't interest you in one? You've been in here so many times and never tried anything."

Aaron purses his lips. He always feels guilty saying no, and especially now, in front of the owner. This probably isn't the time to refuse. Swallowing, he nods his head. "Yeah, I'll uh, I'll take a cupcake." He supposes he can give it to Andrew.

Katelyn's face lights up, her eyes shimmer. She claps her hands together. "Of course! It'll be my treat! I promise you'll love it. I think cupcakes are our specialty... though, I do like the chocolate chip cookies too. A classic, you know?" She wraps up the treat and puts it in a separate bag, holding both out to him.

Nodding, Aaron takes the bags from her, separating the two. "Thanks."

"See you soon!" she says, waving, her beautiful smile lighting up her face. Holy heck she's so cute, Aaron wants to bury his head and never look at anything else again.

"Yeah," he nods, trying to stay cool. "See ya'."

He really does hope he'll see her again soon.

"What the hell is this?" Andrew asks, holding the cupcake in his hand. He twists it around and gives it a glare. "You poison this?"

Aaron rolls his eyes, clicking his tongue. "Yes. When you eat it, you'll finally die."

His cousin pouts, looking at the sweet treat in Andrew's hand. "You didn't get me one?"

"Nope. She only gave me one freebie. I wasn't gonna buy more," Aaron shrugs, hopping over the couch to take a seat.

"Dammit, Aaron! You should've handed it to me, at least I would've shared with Andrew-wait," Nicky says, stopping in the middle of his thought. "She?!" He gasps loudly, and makes his way around the couch, cupcake completely forgotten. "Aaron, do you have a girlfriend?!"

"Gross," Andrew scoffs, unwrapping the cupcake on the couch.

"...I don't... have a girlfriend..."

"He hesitated!" Nicky screams, bouncing up and down on the squeaky cushion. "Who is she, and why is she giving you free cupcakes?!"

"I dunno, she's just a girl at this bakery," Aaron says, shrugging. He sinks back into the couch. The last thing he wants to do is tell them about Katelyn. He'll never hear the end of it, and Andrew might hunt her down and murder her. So, better to keep his mouth shut.

Next to him, the wrapper crinkles, and Andrew tosses the trash on the table in front of them, ready to dive into the treat.

Nicky scoffs loudly. "Aaron, your cheeks are red. You're lying!" He hums loudly, bouncing up and down once again.

"I'm not lying!"

"You are!"

"Fuck," Andrew curses next to them and both Aaron and Nicky turn to look at the unruly blond. "Where the fuck did you get this?"

"Uh... why?" Aaron asks, immediately skeptical. The last thing he needs is his brother snooping around in his business. He likes Katelyn. As much as he hates to admit it, he likes her. He likes her smile, her hair, how she probably smells like freshly baked treats all the time. He likes going into the bakery; he doesn't want his brother and his cousin to ruin this for him.

"Aaron. I asked you where the fuck you got this," Andrew repeats. He's holding the cupcake in his hand, bouncing it up and down, a large bite missing from it. He's got a bit of frosting on his nose, but Aaron isn't about to point that out.

"Just a small bakery in town."

"We're going," Andrew says, shoving the rest of it into his mouth.

"What?"

"Tomorrow," he says, after swallowing. "We're going to this bakery."

Needless to say, Aaron knows he doesn't have much of a choice.

Katelyn blinks when Aaron steps into Fox Bakery with his twin. He supposes it's pretty jarring, seeing two people who look exactly the same when you don't expect it. "Hi Aaron! You didn't tell me you had a twin." Katelyn smiles her glowing smile.

"Yeah, this is Andrew," he says, gesturing to his brother who is eyeing all of the sweets behind the glass counters.

"Can I help you?" Neil asks, looking down at the blond. Andrew tilts his head up, stares at Neil and scoffs, like he's seen the most disgusting thing in the world. Only, Aaron knows his brother well enough to know that disgust means Andrew is interested. Of course his brother would be interested in Neil. The two of them can be uninterested assholes together. It's oddly perfect.

"No," Andrew clicks his tongue and Katelyn immediately looks distressed.

"Is he okay?" She whispers the question, leaning over the countertop.

Aaron rolls his eyes, looking at the way his brother continues to scan the treats, his eyes constantly flicking back toward Neil. "Yeah," he says. "He's just like that. It's fine."

"Oh," Katelyn says, narrowing her eyes at the two boys. "Well then, are you here to pick up an order?"

"Nah, my brother..." He pauses, realizing he doesn't want to tell her that he didn't eat the cupcake she gave. For some reason, he thinks it might hurt her feelings. "I gave him some of the cupcake and he really liked it. He's got more of a sweet tooth than I do."

"I see!" she says, smiling. "I can give him suggestions-"

"No, just... let him do his thing," he says, but then quickly turns back to her. "You can suggest stuff to me, though." Even if he ends up giving it to Nicky this time, at least he can get her talking.

"Oh! Okay, well, I'm gonna force you to pick a chocolate chip cookie. Like I said, classic," she giggles, pulling one off of the shelf. "I'm also a fan of the fudge, but if you don't like sweets I think that might be too sweet!"

Aaron honestly stops listening to the specifics of what she's saying and just watches her talk. He's ignoring everything else. He doesn't even notice the stare down Andrew and Neil seem to be having. He watches as Katelyn gestures to various treats, her eyes lighting up as she talks about each one. She's really passionate about working at this bakery, unexpected, since Aaron can't imagine working around people and food in a serious way. But Katelyn seems to know everything about what they have in the bakery.

She's put together a variety of treats for him to try and he doesn't even know what half of them are, but she's so excited about it he doesn't wanna disappoint her.

Neil slides a tray of more sweets down to the register. "These are for him," he says, gesturing to Andrew. His twin looks vaguely amused, and pleased with his selection.

"I'll ring you guys up," Katelyn nods. "You'll have to let me know what you think the next time you come in."

"Yeah," he says. "I'll let you know." He wishes he could share the treats with her, but that would require him to ask her to spend time with him outside of their little encounters and, well, he's just not ready to do that.

Later, he actually tries some of the treats Katelyn gave him before Nicky steals the rest. She was right, the chocolate chip cookie was the best, by far. It's so good, in fact, he wouldn't mind having another one. Some of the cakes are a bit too sweet, but he tried.

Andrew is absolutely addicted to the Fox Bakery. He goes all the time now, usually without Aaron, and he buys shit for himself. Aaron can't complain, but he does get a little jealous of the fact that Andrew is always going there. A couple of times he thought to go with his brother, but he doesn't want his brother to see him around Katelyn. Nicky and Andrew have already teased him enough for it.

There's a part of him that wants to ask Katelyn out, but he has no idea if she's interested. Hell, she might have a boyfriend! Maybe it's Neil? Either way, Aaron isn't ready to just jump into asking Katelyn out. Besides, why would she be interested in someone who barely talks to her, despite how nice she's been to him?

Aaron likes to think he can keep his mind off her, but what really does him in is seeing Neil at their apartment a few weeks later. He's stopped into the bakery a few times to make a few deliveries, and Neil never once said anything to him. Yet here he sits, on their couch, leaning against Andrew.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Aaron yells.

"Uh, I'm hanging out with your brother, my boyfriend," Neil says, shrugging as if he's so confused why Aaron is so mad.

"Your what?!

"Unlike some people, I take what I want," Andrew says, popping a mini cupcake into his mouth. Aaron hopes the idiot gets fat from all the sweets he keeps eating just to, apparently, go and hit on Neil.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Aaron growls, folding his arms over his chest.

Nicky pokes his head out of the kitchen, carrying a large bowl of popcorn. "It means that you've been pining over Katelyn for months now and have done nothing about it."

"W-What?!" Aaron scoffs, taken aback. "You've never even been to the bakery!" He yells, trying to shift the focus to Nicky.

"No, but Neil and Andrew told me all about it," Nicky shrugs. "Plus, I know you! You probably just stand there, all quiet like an idiot, barely talking to her!"

"I talk to her!"

"Barely," Neil scoffs, reaching forward into the bucket to grab popcorn. "Not like she's any better. She's always talking about you, hoping every time we get a Postmates order that you'll be picking it up."

Aaron's heart skips a beat. Katelyn talks about him? It's not just him who is constantly thinking about her, hoping an order for Fox Bakery will pop up. She wants to see him? She wants him to come in? "S-She is?" He asks the question before he can stop himself.

"Yup," Neil shrugs.

"Oh man, so you're both pining fools! It's perfect!" Nicky yells, laughing as he leans back against the couch.

"Shut up!" Aaron yells, glaring at his cousin."You know what? I'll go right now!" He stomps toward the door and grabs his jacket.

"It's closed," Neil calls out.

Huffing, Aaron slams his jacket back onto the hook and storms into his room. "Fine, I'll go tomorrow!" He slams the door shut behind him. Stupid Andrew, asking out stupid Neil. How the hell did his brother just swoop in and get this guy? At the very least, Neil is just an asshole, and not interested in Katelyn.

Still, Aaron has no idea how he plans to ask her out, but he knows if he doesn't he'll never hear the end of it from the rest of them.

Aaron tries not to think about how weird it is that he's going to the bakery alone for no reason than to ask Katelyn on a date.

A date.

He swallows, the word circling around in his head like a scary demon he has no idea how to face. It's not like he's never asked girls out before, but the thing is, he's never asked Katelyn out before. Katelyn, with her perfect smile, her passion for bakery treats and her signature ponytail that bounces against her neck every time she walks around.

Swallowing, he yanks the door open. He can do this. He's been walking into this bakery for months now. She knows him, he knows her, it'll be easy and not creepy at all.

He smooths out his jacket and steps inside, the small bell jingling as he does. Aaron sees Katelyn right away, bent over, slowly sliding pink and yellow cupcakes into place. She's humming softly, singing along with whatever basic pop song is playing on the radio.

When the bell jingles, she looks up and immediately stands, her ponytail bouncing with her body. "Aaron! Hi! Good to see you! I feel like it's been a few days. Though, your brother came in to see Neil. Are they dating? Neil won't tell me," she pouts.

Her words fire at him quickly and Aaron blinks, staring at her curious eyes. "Uh, I think so," he mutters, rubbing his forehead. "About that-"

"Oh, I know Neil seems a little blunt, but he's a really good guy. Pretty funny actually! So, don't worry about your brother," Katelyn giggles, reassuring him. She waves her hand up and down gently.

"I don’t. I mean that's good," he says.

"Mhm!" She nods, and heads over to the shelf where the delivery orders are. "Picking up?"

"Actually, uhm, no," Aaron says, swallowing.

"Oh! Did you come for your brother? Or... did I sway you with the treats I picked out?"

"The chocolate chip cookie was really amazing," he says. "You did sway me there." He rubs his hands together, leaning against the counter. How is he supposed to just ask her out? Will she think he's only doing it because of Neil and Andrew? Stupid Andrew, jumping into this random relationship with Neil.

"Great! I can give you more, or other things to try, if you want!" She offers it so genuinely, saying it with such a huge smile on her face. It makes his heart flutter, his cheeks growing far too red for his own good. He has to ask, he can't keep standing here staring at her like a total idiot!

"What if... we tried them together?" he asks, the question so quiet.

"Together?" She tilts her head. "Well, I've already tried pretty much everything in the store."

Shit, of course she has! What a stupid way to ask her to spend time together! He mentally slaps himself and exhales. He can do this, he can explain.

"No, uh, okay. Maybe we could get sweets somewhere else then?"

"Oh, but I mean, I'll still show you what's best here," she says, waving her hands back and forth quickly. "I don't want to be biased, but I think we're the best bakery in town."

Dammit.

Shaking his head, he slams his hands down on the glass. "No! Katelyn, I'm asking if you want to go somewhere with me! We can go, you know, on a date!"

She freezes, blinking once and then again, staring at him while his cheeks grow redder and redder. "Oh..." she whispers. "O-Oh!"

He's a fool. An utter and total fool. Neil probably just told him Katelyn was interested to trick him into looking like a total idiot when his brother had done everything right and perfect or whatever.

"Look, you don't have to it was a stupid-"

"What? Aaron! Of course I would want to... go on a date! I-I just was so surprised you asked, I thought you never would," she yells, her words slurring together as she rushes them out.

Huh? What? She really... had been waiting for him to ask!?

"To be honest, I was getting really close to just asking you myself, but there was a small part of me that was hoping you would and... yes! I would love to go out!"

Aaron tries not to look like more of an idiot by doing a stupid dance or something, so instead, he smiles, unable to stop himself. He pulls out his phone and pushes it across the counter. "Put your number in, I'll uh, I'll call you and we can compare schedules?"

"Sure!" she says, picking up his phone while she hands hers to him. "You do the same."

"Great," he mutters, the two trading back their phones.

"I'm... really excited!" She laughs, the sound echoing in the small bakery.

He has no idea what they're going to end up doing, but he has a feeling he's going to love it no matter what. He honestly doesn't care what they do, as long as he gets to learn more about her, and listen to her laugh and talk. Maybe even kiss...

He doesn't want to get too ahead of himself.

"Yeah, I'm really excited too," he says, a smile stuck to his face while he stares at her excited dark eyes.

He can't believe he found Katelyn because some idiot wanted to order some dessert on Postmates. He supposes he can't hate his job all that much, if it led him to the sweetest girl.

#aftg #all for the game #aftg exchange #kateaaron #andreil #katelyn #aaron minyard #andrew minyard #neil josten

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dandelionflower · 6 years ago

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She Sits Alone

Based off of the haunted mansion AU by @miraculous-of-salt

——————

Marinette was on the bus to the Culpa Mansion and she was sitting alone.

Normally she would feel hurt, but this was nothing new. She sat alone in class, she sat alone on the plane to the US, she was sitting alone on the bus now. She just felt numb by now. So numb she was barely excited for the mansion.

The Culpa Mansion. Marinette could babble about the history of the Culpa Mansion for hours.

~~~

Once the home of the businessman Garfield Culpa, it was a refuge for injured soldiers. One such person was Abigail Laurens, a nurse who got injured when an explosion hit her base. She critiqued his process and he fell in love.

Years after, their daughter Harriet Culpa met Darrian Poll. They were in third grade. He pulled her hair and she chased him around the playground.

They lost contact after high school and reconnected after college. She was a pro wrestler and he was a librarian. They got married as Harriet and Darrian Culpa. (She insisted on keeping her last name.)

Their son Micheal Culpa married Wenda Delair. They were unable to have children and assumed their bloodline would die with them until they saw a young girl rummaging in their trash can. They instantly adopted Rosemary and began training her in watercolor.

Usually, Marinette would be cut off from talking now and she would recite the rest to herself.

Rosemary never married and opened her home to any starving or homeless artist who couldn’t get on their feet. She passed the Culpa mantle to one of the more present artists, Denise.

Denise never married, though she had plenty lovers. She continued the tradition of housing the starving and homeless but allowed them to be employed in the manor as cooks, maids, gardeners, and security. She eventually gave birth to a son, Felix Culpa.

Felix had nearly every trait of the Culpa family, despite not being blood related to any of them. He was caring and cynical, like Garfield and Abigail. He was physically able and a bookworm like Harriet and Darrian. He was a lover of the arts like Micheal, Wenda, and Rosemary, and he was suspicious of the existence of love like his mother.

He became suspicious no longer when he met Bridgette Chang, the designer child of an author and illustrator pair. She designed all of Denise’s favorite gowns and was commissioned for Felix’s first suit. She struck up a conversation about his favorite novel and they became fast friends.

Soon, they fell in love and they were inseparable until Felix left for college. Even then, they were the only thing on each other’s mind. Felix wrote daily letters to Bridgette and whenever she didn’t read them, she was weeping in the private room Felix gave her.

The minute he returned, he proposed. They were set to be married, if not for one tiny detail.

Delila Ross.

She was a fellow member of Felix’s college and was obsessed with him. She almost got her hooks into him when she used a love spell. Luckily, Felix knew some witchcraft of his own and was able to fight it off. She disappeared soon after.

However, the day of the wedding, she returned to kill Bridgette. Felix warned all of the staff against her and threatened them with extreme punishment. She came in and, assisted by the staff, stabbed Bridgette through the heart with her favorite flower pin.

Theorists say Felix went insane, but Marinette didn’t believe that part. He allegedly killed every member of the staff that allowed Delila to enter the mansion and soon he died himself. Legend has it that he roams the halls of the mansion, now a hotel, in search of the reincarnated soul of his loved one and when he found her, he would have the power to return from the dead and be with her until the end of his days.

~~~

Before she met Adrien, Marinette had fantasied about being the reincarnation of Bridgette, after all, Chang and Cheng were very similar. However, now she had met Adrien and was dating him.

Speaking of, Marinette checked her phone. Sure enough, there was a text from her boyfriend.

Sunshine 😍: Hey sorry bout not sitting w/ u 😰

Sunshine 😍: It would have seemed rude if I turned lila down

Princess 💞: It’s fine! I totally get it.

No, she didn’t get it! She was Adrien’s girlfriend and he still managed to make Lila a priority over her. And not just Lila either, Marinette knew Adrien thought she didn’t notice the stars in his eyes whenever Ladybug was mentioned. How touchy he would get with other models during a shoot.

Marinette growled and pulled out the vest she was embroidering. Half was black with small white snowflakes and the other half was pink with little flowers. It was based off of Felix and Bridgette’s favorite seasons; spring and winter. She had already made a strictly Felix themed outfit for the trip and a Bridgette themed outfit, she wanted to make one based off of the relationship the two had.

After finishing, she took a nap, dreams of swirling snowflakes and a blue eyed cat approaching her filling her mind. She woke up with Adrien sitting next to her, tapping her shoulder.

“Hey, Princess. We’re here.”

She bolted up and pressed her face to the window. “What? I missed it? But I heard such great things about the gardens…”

He laughed and pressed a kiss to her temple. “We’ll find some time to check them out, promise.”

“‘Kay.” She hummed and leaned forward for a proper kiss, before another popped up.

“Hey, Adrien?” Lila. “You mind helping us out back here? We’re stuck on a level of Super Penguino, and I, as an award winning player, need a partner. Would you want to help me out?” She bat her eyes innocently and Marinette felt the all too familiar sense of rage well up inside her.

No, don’t do that again, she reminded herself. You don’t need this, Adrien loves you and he doesn’t want you to get in trouble.

“Sure, Lila! I’m sure Marinette won’t mind.” He pressed another kiss to her temple and went back to Lila’s seat.

Marinette sighed and stared out the window as they finally approached the mansion.

———-

There was a bit of concern over rooming, there was an odd number of students and the teacher surely couldn’t room with anyone. They talked about three in a room, but Lila said she read a study that claimed that three in a room was harmful to sleeping patterns.

“Alya! Want to room with me?”

Alya gave Marinette a sympathetic smile. “Sorry, girl. I told Lila I’d room with her.”

“Oh, alright.” That meant she’d be rooming by herself then. “Have fun.” She sat on the bench again, alone.

She heard a giggle from across the room. “Yeah, I’m definitely the distant relative of Bridgette. Who knows? Maybe I’m his soulmate and Felix will come back from the dead for me.”

“He’s supposed to come back for the reincarnated soul.” Marinette muttered. “Not the relative.”

“You know that?” A red headed boy in a cap approached her. “No one knows that, Grace and I usually have to tell them a million times. Grace!” He shouted over his shoulder. “Grace! Come over here! This chick knows the Culpa story!”

“Wait, really?” A girl with a two long braids walked over from the reception desk. “No one knows the Culpa story.”

“My parents told me some when I was little, I did some research.”

“Well, the fact that you know it makes you a celebrity to us. I’m Grace, this is Finny. What’s your name, celebrity?”

She grinned. “I’m Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I’m with the school trip from Paris.”

Finny gasped. “You mean you’re, the Marinette Dupain-Cheng? The same Marinette Dupain-Cheng who designed Jagged Stone’s favorite sunglasses, and his album cover?!?!”

“Fin’s a bit of a music nerd.” Grace snorted.

Fin, meanwhile, was patting his pockets down for a pen. “I don’t have a pen! Grace! Can you give me a pen?”

“No, ask her for he autograph later, dork. It’s the middle of the night, she probably wants to get back to her room.”

“Oh, right, sorry.” He rubbed the back of his head. “But I am totally asking for one later.”

Marinette winked. “That’s fine with me.”

“Where are you staying, anyway?”

“Umm, I actually don’t know. There was a room problem.”

“I can handle that.” Grace winked and Marinette noticed her eyes were a beautiful silver. “I’ve got some pull.” She sashayed over to the desk and started scribbling on a piece of paper. Apparently satisfied, she picked up a key and tossed it to Marinette. “Here. It’s the key to Bridgette’s room. A huge honor. Not something we take lightly around here.”

“Thank you! It’s not something I take lightly either.” Then, seeing her class was leaving, she lifted her bag and followed. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I hope!”

“We hope so too!” Finny yelled after her.

—————

Marinette hummed to herself as she began unpacking, planning her outfits for each day.

Her Felix themed set for museum day.

Her Bridgette themed set for the art museums.

Her Felix and Bridgette themed one for tour day.

And her ghost themed ones for all the other days.

Satisfied, she turned around and admired the room. It was exactly what she would have wanted. Pink everywhere, a beautiful white lace canopy over the bed, flowers all over the balcony and above the bed there was a portrait of Felix and Bridgette mid-proposal, Felix on one knee.

Marinette snapped a picture of it. Perfect for inspiration.

She texted Adrien a quick goodnight and went to sleep, soon to be struck with the same dreams of the blue eyed cat and the swirling snowflakes.

——————

Meanwhile, a sleek black fox and an orange bee held a meeting in the basement.

You think he knows yet? The bee asked.

I don’t know, Fin. He will once he makes his rounds.

She has to be her. Gracie, her life directly parallels with Bridgette’s. All the way down to the company she keeps.

Speaking of, we need to get everyone locked down and in their punishments for the night before Felix starts his rounds.

Before you do, a white and turquoise turtle crawled into view, we need to have a conversation about the other her.

What about her? Grace asked innocently.

What will we do about the ghosts? If they see her...

They’ll go insane.

Maybe they won’t, Finny suggested, they might just ignore her.

Unlikely. They’re more likely to torment her, which will end on the mansion being quarantined.

They won’t do anything without Felix’s permission, Allegra. Grace rolled her eyes. Which he won’t give until he has his bride.

But, it wouldn’t hurt if we let them scare her a little… Finny landed on Grace’s head. Would it?

Allegra and Grace smirked, well, as much as a fox and turtle could smirk.

Probably not… Allegra mused

I’ll spread the word when I lock up my section. See ya, Allegra.

As the bee and the fox climbed out of the basement, unnoticed in the empty halls, thunder cracked and a red headed boy, paired with a raven haired girl strolled the mansion, unaffected by the ghoulish shrieks of horror that followed them.

—

The rest

#felinette #mlb #ml felix #felix culpa #a scribble #marinette dupain cheng #ml marinette #adrinette #adrien agreste #ml adrien #haunted mansion au #ml lila #lila rossi #ml alya #alya cesaire

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idk-my-aesthetic · 5 years ago

Text

more of my au where zuko and azula are good siblings/ continuation of this post

mostly bc @zarakem is a nice person who said they were interested in hearing more :)

- most of it follows cannon ish w/ alot of like. stuff i already went over buttt

- they win the day of black sun, but ozai escapes and starts prepping to attack. they don’t actually get a chance to even find him, he bolts b4 they can

- they’re pretty sure he’s gonna attack on the day of the comet (which they’re right about) so they’re trying to train and prepare

- both azula and zuko are very very stressed but showing it in diffrent ways. azula by going back to her more.... difficult side bc it’s her defense mechanism, and zuko by overworking himself to an insane degree

- obvi their freinds + kit + iroh are like ‘please take a fucking nap’

- they basically go w/ aang and iroh on a life changing feild trip to. get their shit together so they go to the sun warriors to calm/understand their inner fires yada yada

- ozai shows up w/ all his supporters, a signifigantly smaller army but one that uses more tactical attacks + fun firebender powered machines that were stored at some nearby decommissioned army bases

- so most of the gaang + ty lee and mai are dealing w/ the ground attack, minus aang, Azula, and zuko

- zuko and Ozai have a proper Agni Kai. Ozai cheats and Zuko’s hurt, but Azula steps in to take his place and take Ozai down

- it kinda mirrors their first fight with him, with very injured zuko saving Azula in the middle of it and a third party stepping in. Though this time aang is mostly just healing zuko bc they had some time after the day of black sun.

- anyway after he’s dealt with there’s a bit of a question about who should take the throne. In the end zuko technically takes it but it’s pretty common knowledge that he and Azula basically co rule. (Plus Iroh deals w/ minor issues bc omfg these are children why are they running a country-)

Anyway that’s the MAIN plot I missed!! But I have more stuff in a less chronological order :)

- the fire siblings chilling w/ and getting used to Iroh is a Process. They’re not used to parental figures, even the gaurd (aka kit) is more like a much older sibling. (I started to say smthn like this on the last post and managed to forget half the sentence. *sigh*)

- the gaurd who saved them gives up her name for spiritual purposes after they desert and simply goes by “gaurd” for a while until the ppl start calling her “the kitsune” so she starts going by kit/kitsune

- note: kitsune are mythical fox creatures in Japanese mythology. (They’re what the 9 tails Pokemon is based off) they don’t have an inherent connotation with fire but they can, and there are generally characterized in 2 main ways. Either as malicious tricksters or messengers of the spirits (that are occasionally known to be benevolent, faithful guardians). Just figured I’d give some background into the folklore bc they’re not as well known like dragons and their hoards or pheonixes and their healing power :)

- alotttt of people end up with small crushes on Azula. Including Katara, Yue, suki, ty Lee, and mai. It’s just the lesbian energy.....

- azula ends up w/ mai and ty lee (at the like. Very very end of everything) and has no real interest in anyone else but katara’s small crush does make aang a little jealous

- all of that is mostly just like cutesy plaid for laughs type stuff- I have negative-infinity interest in making any real love triangles

- Azula and zuko join them in season 1 so please. Please imagine them at the North Pole b4 the siege of the north. They’re so cold. And yet so mad at all this sexist BS. Azula cheers Katara TF on when the whole Pakku thing happens while poor Sokka is holding Zuko back bc he 100% tries to intervene just in a protective big brother way

- zuko and Sokka are really dumb idiots about the huge crushes they have on eachother. Zuko is so jealous around Yue while also being grumpy at himself for being jealous bc Yue is a lovely person and he likes her a lot. Sokka doesn’t even like Yue they’re just mlm wlw solidarity

- they get their shit together in the cave of two lovers. Instead of aang and Katara being on their own it’s the two of them. Azula gets stuck with the hippies and it goes about as well as you’d think

- Azula 100% sudgests kidnapping Toph after Toph’s parents kick them out (b4 Toph runs away). Both zuko and Sokka seriously consider it

- Azula also pulls a knife on bumi during their dinner with him

- Zhao is still after them in season 1 (though he gets defeated at the siege of the north) and they have History bc Zhao has been trying to kill zuko and Azula for a while. They don’t even bother disguising themselves to raid the stronghold, and like half the base defects to join their supporters the next day

- as the day of black sun is nearing and they’re trying to gain troops Sokka insists on disguising them. Yes he dresses as wang fire. Zuko refuses to kiss him for as long as the beard is stuck to his face

- the gaang knows from the start that zuko and Azula are the prince and princess but finding out why they deserted is.... rough buddy

- though ppl that don’t know include Hakoda, who gets to join up preparing for the attack on the day of black sun to find out that not only have his kids been traveling with the prince and princess of the fire nation, but also his son is dating said prince

- ba sing is mostly skipped,,,,, but there’s this whole plot involving assasination attempts and the dai lee a few months after the war ends so. It’s dealt with eventually?

- mostly bc zuko goes there for political talks and while he and Sokka have ackward small talk with the king and bosco, Azula, ty Lee, and mai are dismantling the entire dai lee on their own. Not that it’s particularly difficult

- I feel like there’s probably more but I’m big tired

#atla #zuko #azula #pheonix prince dragon princess au #lonh post

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sandersstudies · 6 years ago

Text

Quirky - Chapter 5

A High School Superhero AU - Sanders Sides

(Will add tag list in a reblog! If I miss you, please let me know ASAP - As always, asks, comments, messages, reblogs, and keysmashes are more than welcome.)

-> Chapter Six

<- Chapter Four

<<- Chapter One

You can now also find the fic with the same username and title on AO3 :)

Virgil kicked a stone in front of him as the class walked toward the bus. Next to him, Logan was going on about the history of U.S.J., their destination for Hero Studies class. Virgil wasn’t a fan of field trips. He almost envied Terrence, who had stayed home sick from school.

“Pick up the pace, gang,” Mr. Picani said. “Last I checked, none of you had lead feet as a quirk.” There had been no updates on Mr. Sanders, but Virgil and many of the other students had been watching the news religiously. All that had been released to the public was that Mr. Sanders had encountered an unnamed retired pro hero at the site of a recent vandalism, attacked him using his quirk, and fled the scene. Police officers had pursued, but initially lost the trail until Mr. Sanders was arrested in the early hours of the morning in his apartment. The date of his trial had not yet been announced.

“Am I boring you?” Logan asked, stopping mid-sentence.

“Oh, no, no,” Virgil said, spasmodically grabbing Logan’s wrist and then dropping it immediately. “Sorry, guess I’m a little caught up in my own head. What were you saying?”

“U.S.J. is a fascinating location, that is all,” Logan said. Mr. Picani checked their names off his list as they got on board the bus. “Think: a single building containing several ecosystems and terrains to prepare heroes for work in any field at all! Especially useful for disaster intervention, search-and-rescue...but I won’t go on.” He took one of the few remaining open seats, and Virgil sat beside him, on the aisle side. “What were you thinking about?”

“Mr. Sanders again,” Virgil said, lowering his voice and leaning toward Logan. He felt exposed sitting near the aisle. “Do you really think he attacked another hero?”

“Rumor has it the other hero was the Flying Falcon,” Logan said in an even lower voice. “But I don’t like spreading inconclusive evidence.”

“The Flying-” Logan shushed him. “The Flying Falcon?” Virgil whispered. “Roman’s dad?”

“Inconclusive evidence.”

Virgil craned over the back of his seat as the bus started. Roman was several seats back reading a comic book, the seat next to him empty.

His posse not hanging out with him anymore? Roman had seemed a little quieter than usual yesterday. Then again, everyone had. Roman was dwelling an awfully long time on his page. He’s no genius, Virgil thought, But I’m pretty sure he can read. Roman’s eyes did look a little glazed over, come to think of it—

Logan pulled gently on Virgil’s sleeve, and Virgil came back to himself as he slid back into the seat.

“It’s rude to stare,” Logan said. Virgil felt his neck flush hot as he bounced his leg. Logan must think he was a real ass. He stared down at his hands, and then toward the front window of the bus, watching for U.S.J. to appear on the horizon. Another disadvantage of sitting on the aisle side of the seat was limited window access.

“There it is,” Rafaela said a few minutes later, pointing. Students craned their necks to get a first glance at the dome.

“Please stay in your seats,” Mr. Picani said from the front of the bus. Students sulked back down.

U.S.J. didn’t look like much to Virgil. He’d gone on vacation once with his mom and visited the Omaha zoo, and the huge glass building reminded him of the desert dome that housed things like Fennec foxes and meerkats. He had a vague idea that once he entered U.S.J. he would be pounced on by a bobcat.

“The hero Glass runs the U.S.J.,” Kai whispered to Kenny from behind Virgil. “They’re so cool.”

Virgil vaguely recalled seeing Glass on television before. The hero could turn things they touched into glass, and also transform into a glass figure which, when damaged, could regenerate almost instantly. That cheesy action figure, Virgil remembered. The little clear plastic arm that shot off and could “regrow with the power of their Quirk!” (that is, be replaced and reused). How many millions did heroes make off of dumb things like that?

Kai was bouncing up and down, grasping the back of Virgil’s seat and shaking it back and forth as the bus pulled up to the building. Virgil winced. He’d noticed that when Kai was overexcited, his quirk goo could leak from his nose and ears.

“Let’s go!” Kai said.

“Just a minute,” Mr. Picani said. “Your names must be checked off the list as you get off the bus, so don’t rush, now.”

“You checked us on off when we got on!” Kai whined, draping himself over his seat. Roman was instructed to check off names so Mr. Picani could lead the students into the building, and the students started to file into the aisle. Virgil wondered for a moment if Roman would be petty enough to leave Virgil’s name unchecked, but the class president’s face was serious as the other students got off the bus.

“Are you thinking again?” Logan asked, alighting just behind Virgil.

“A little,” Virgil admitted. At least Logan wasn’t embarrassed by Virgil’s awkward staring anymore.

“I do find the construction of U.S.J. compelling,” Logan said again. “The ecosystems…” He was staring at the building with barely-contained delight. “I’ve read about their systems of environment regulation for the six main zones. It’s fascinating. Do let me know if I go on about them too long.”

Virgil felt his lips contort irresistibly into a smile. Logan sure was a nerd, but it was kind of funny how excited he got. “You’re fine.”

Logan continued, rejuvenated by Virgil’s consent. “The main zones are the Ruins, the Landslide, the Mountain, the Flood, the Downpour, and the Conflagration zones. As their names suggest, each is related to a different environmental factor.”

Logan sounded almost like he was reciting from a book. His quirk isn’t a photographic memory, Virgil thought. In fact, Logan was liable to forget things that didn’t interest him. But it might as well be when it comes to this stuff.

“The Conflagration Zone is perhaps most impressive,” Logan went on. “Designed to simulate a city on fire, a blaze is kept constant within the zone, maintained by the environmental factors which prevent it from spreading into the other zones. It’s actually a very delicate balance, the design took years to perfect.” He spoke as proudly as if he’d designed it himself. The class began to move toward the entrance of the building where there was a large sign with U.S.J. emblazoned above it in gold letters.

“Glass is the official caretaker and one of the head designers, along with Multi-Man himself.” Logan’s arms moved emphatically. “Glass’ quirk is quite astonishing. I would be very interested in seeing it in person. Of course, they are also a faculty member. Perhaps they would prefer to be referred to by their civilian name.”

Other students were also commenting on the structure and its caretaker, but none in such technical terms as Logan, who had paused to take a breath after a particularly long paragraph.

“We’re going to process into the front entrance,” Mr. Picani said. “We’ll stop there and you’ll be directed into the next location.”

The students jostled a bit, and Virgil shrunk into his oversized hoodie. Logan, on the other hand, seemed to have grown two inches taller since they’d left the main campus. He was scanning each part of the building as they went through the front double doors, and Virgil imagined once again that he could hear Logan’s synapses firing.

The class oohed and ahhed as they entered the building. The raised platform they entered onto let them see across the entire space, which was more massive than a stadium. From their height, it reminded Virgil of an arena. In front of them was a blue arch leading to the stairs that descended into the rest of the building, which had a dirt floor. Smaller domes encased two of the environmental zones, but a real miniature mountain rose to the ceiling on their right, with a landslide arching down to its base where rested a mock town, small but with everything to real scale. It was so realistic Virgil expected to see people peering out of the windows to watch their arrival. At the edge of the town was a series of collapsed buildings which came almost up to the edge of the raised platform, and across from those was a lake to the students’ right; Virgil had anticipated a pool, a simulated lake, but the body of water had grass and even small trees at the edge, growing happily inside the pavilion with a healthy diet of lake water and sunshine.

The building seemed all sunshine, in fact. Even the mountain was contained inside the massive glass ceiling, and on this sunny day no artificial lights were needed. A few metal beams around the edge were the only reminder that they were not really outside.

Forgetting Mr. Picani’s instructions in their excitement, a couple students began to rush for the stairs that led down into the zones, but stopped suddenly, as if prevented by an invisible barrier.

“Woah there,” said a new voice. In their astonishment at seeing the building, none of the students had noticed the figure standing before him. The person had outstretched their hands to stop Kai with one arm and Rafaela with the other. They were not invisible, but clear through their entire body, and it was only as they began to return to their ordinary form that Virgil could make them out.

They wore ordinary black clothing that looked casual and modern. In place of the mask that usually covered the whole round face was a smile under dark eyes and hair. Virgil realized that the action figure had exaggerated the hero’s age: Glass could not be much older than some of the UA upperclassmen. A few students muttered the name in awe and surprise.

“Here, I’d ask that you refer to me as Mx. Stokes,” Glass said. “Glass is for field work and going on Ellen and things like that.”

Kai was staring up at Mx. Stokes in astonishment, mouth slightly agape. Mr. Picani walked up to the other hero.

“Mx. Stokes is going to begin by giving you all a bit of a tour, and then you’ll be prepared when you start using this place for rescue training,” he said

“That’s right,” Mx. Stokes agreed. “Do any of you know how many zones are in U.S.J.?”

Logan’s hand shot up so fast he almost smacked Virgil in the face.

“Yes?” Mx. Stokes said. “And your name is?”

Logan had begun after the teacher’s first word, so the response went something like “U.S.J-contains-eight-zones-six-of-which—Logan—six-of-which-contain-specific-environmental-factors.”

“Thank you, Logan,” Mx. Stokes said. “That’s correct. All of you are actually standing in the first zone now. The entrance is itself one of the zones, and if you’ll look down those steps you can see into the central plaza, which connects the entrance to the six environmental zones.”

Virgil stared past the other students down the massive flights of steps, lined with guardrails and wide enough that the whole class could have walked down side-by-side. At the base of the steps was the plaza, in the center of which was a circular green space. Virgil hadn’t noticed it at first; it had been dwarfed in size by the other zones. It was little more than a fountain surrounded by plants, a typical park centerpiece. It looked out of place only because it was framed by fallen buildings, a mountain, and a lake.

“Let’s start walking toward the plaza,” Mx. Stokes said, turning for the stairs. The students began to follow, Kai leading the way. Virgil grumbled at the thought of having to go back up the stairs again before they left. He envied Patton, who Mr. Picani was directing to a small elevator — too small for the whole class, but Virgil could dream.

“Now, when lots of people think of hero work,” Mx. Stokes went on. “They think first of TV stuff like punching people and blowing stuff up, right?” A few students muttered agreement. “Right! But the most important part of being a hero isn’t that stuff. Even more important than knocking the shit out of villains—”

“Glass,” Mr. Picani warned from the top of the steps.

“Knocking the stuffing out of villains is caring for the people we serve, and that often means search-and-rescue operations. Plenty of heroes are known for this kind of work.”

There was a beat of glances among the students. Rescue was Multi-Man’s speciality.

If he wasn’t in jail, would he be giving us this speech? Virgil wondered.

“Now,” Mx. Stokes said, breaking the moment. “If the entrance is noon, we’re going to move around the zones clockwise. Does anybody know what the zone immediately to our left is called?” The students were halfway down the stairs, and the collapsed buildings began to loom to one side.

Logan’s hand shot up in the air again, but Mx. Stokes glanced over the students and called on Kai’s much shorter raised arm instead.

“The Ruined Zone,” Kai said.

“Ruins Zone,” Logan corrected in a whisper.

“Right, the Ruins Zone,” Mx. Stokes said. “Or the Collapse Zone. It probably looks a lot like the place where you guys had your heroes vs. villains exercise, and where you took your entrance exam.”

Virgil shuddered at the memory.

“However, the Ruins Zone is meant to simulate an urban environment in the middle of a disaster like an earthquake or tornado, and some of the buildings are not very stable.” They’d finally reached the base of the stairs and had landed almost among the buildings where Patton, just coming off the elevator, was waiting for them. Virgil was startled by the level of detail in the fallen city. Real road signs lay bent at the side of cracked roads. He could see inside individual broken windows and into the rooms inside. He could imagine himself, perched on top of a building in his mask. He could swoop inside the windows and rescue...who was inside the building? He imagined a crouched figure inside. Perhaps it was—

He cut off his daydream halfway. Unrealistic.

“Could...could one of the buildings collapse now?” Kai asked nervously.

“Nope,” Mx. Stokes said, hands on their hips. “The entire building is currently in safety mode. Nothing can hurt you right now so long as nobody goes messing around. But some of the beams and stones are very unstable and are liable to collapse if tampered with, so it’s not a good place to experiment if you don’t know it very well. Anybody know the name of this next zone?”

Since they’d reached the bottom of the stairs, Logan had edged closer to the front of the class and was directly in Mx. Stokes line of sight when he raised his hand.

“Logan.”

“The Landslide Zone,” Logan enunciated.

“That’s right,” Mx. Stokes said, turning around to lead then away from the buildings and toward the small town, surrounded by forest and half-buried under the edge of the mountain with mud and rocks. “I think the name is pretty self-explanatory.”

Virgil was astonished with how long it took to walk first to the Landslide Zone and then all the way to the Mountain Zone, around five or six o’clock on Mx. Stokes’ imaginary map. Surely the building didn’t look this big from the outside? If he kept his gaze focused on the mountain, he found he could almost forget he was inside a building.

“Quite a lot of cliffs there,” Mx. Stokes declared after ignoring Logan’s hand to allow Remy to say “Mountain Zone.”

“Here’s a question,” Mr. Picani said, coming to stand beside Mx. Stokes. “I want each of you to think about your quirk strengths and weaknesses for a moment, and when we get back to the entrance, I’d like to hear which zones you feel work to your advantage and which would be most difficult for you.”

“Does this count as homework?” Remy asked.

Mr. Picani pointed a joking finger at the students. “Be lucky this is Hero Studies and not Literature or I’d have you write an essay on it.” A few students chuckled good-naturedly.

“We’ll take a quick break here,” Mx. Stokes said. “You guys can think about that question and take a quick look around the base of the mountain. No climbing though, okay?”

Some of the students practically sprinted toward the rocks, while Virgil and several others fell gratefully into splayed sitting positions.

“I am going to investigate the rock face, would you like to come?” Logan asked, leaning over Virgil.

“No thanks,” Virgil said. “Think I’m just gonna chill out here.”

“Understood.” Logan sped-walked away, paused to examine a root, and vanished behind a small clump of trees at the base of the mountain.

It is cool, having all this stuff indoors, Virgil admitted to himself. But he was no geology student. He flopped onto his back. The ground felt like real dirt, and he stared through the ceiling’s metal beams to see the clouds drifting lazily overhead. He hadn’t slept well after the news about Mr. Sanders. It was silly but—

He was distracted from his thoughts as Mx. Stokes leaned in to say something to Mr. Picani, too quietly for Virgil to hear except as a mutter. The glass hero touched the other teacher on the arm, and the two took several steps away from the class, though Mr. Picani’s gaze still scanned the students, most of whom had run some distance away or were now chatting amongst themselves. Kai had made a bouncy ball using his goo quirk and he and Kenny were tossing it back and forth, occasionally sprinting after it when it managed to slip through their fingers.

What was Glass saying to Picani? Half-closing his eyes, Virgil rolled onto his side as casually as possible to see the pair better. With the arrest of Mr. Sanders, maybe it was better not to trust anyone, not even the other UA teachers.

From Virgil’s distance, Mx. Stokes’ furrowed brows looked almost sympathetic as he spoke. Picani shooed the younger teacher away after a moment, and Mx. Stokes took a respectful step back.

Something’s going on between those two, Virgil thought. He glanced around to see if any of the other students were watching, but the only one nearby was Patton who was—

Looking at him.

Virgil quickly rolled over and went back to half-closing his eyes. He probably didn’t see that, he tried to convince himself. It didn’t work. He really didn’t like Patton’s eyes. If Virgil had had the courage, he would have watched to see if Patton ever actually blinked, or if his eyes were always staring just a bit. He didn’t look back for several minutes, and was nearly drifting into a nap when Mx. Stokes’ voice broke out again.

“Okay, everybody come back!” Mx. Stokes called. “Roman, you’re class rep, aren’t you? Run around toward the mountain and make sure we’ve got everybody back.”

Virgil pushed himself back into a standing position and dusted himself up without checking to see whether Patton was looking at him.

“Enjoyed your rest?” Logan asked as he approached.

“Enjoyed your investigating?” Virgil responded.

“Thoroughly. They’ve used an ingenious mix of sedimentary rock and artificial materials to create an accurate imitation of a genuine landmass. The trees are growing via an irrigation system routed from the lake under the tile.”

“Who knows the name of the next zone?” Mx. Stokes asked. Logan’s delight at the discovery of sediment and irrigations had distracted him long enough that he had not raised his hand by the time the question was answered.

“The Conflagration or Fire Zone.”

“That’s right, Roman,” Mx. Stokes said. “Let’s start moving that way. And before any of you freak out—” The teacher raised their hands defensively. “The safety settings make the location totally secure.”

A few students scoffed, but Virgil stifled a grateful sigh. The Conflagration Zone, situated near seven o’clock, was the first of the zones covered completely in a dome, this one red instead of clear, with drawn-on flames rising along the sides. Ordinarily, Virgil would have thought of it as a large building, but dwarfed by the entire U.S.J. it was much less impressive. Virgil could almost feel Logan shaking with excitement next to him.

“How does the Conflagration Zone work?” Virgil said, deadpan.

“Very interesting that you would ask!” Logan almost burst out. “Actually, the fire in the space is maintained via a chemical balance, not by burning materials, which regulates it while simulating real fire. Many of the materials inside are actually functionally fireproof. A ventilation system maintains a regulated amount of smoke, and—”

“So,” Mx. Stokes began from the front of the group. Logan trailed off his lecture to listen. “We’re about to go inside the dome now. We are going to stop right inside the entrance, where there won’t be any fire, so don’t break off from the group or run around.”

The doors looked as if they might lead into an ordinary pavillion or museum, but Virgil shivered (ironically, he thought) at the prospect of going inside. He pulled his hood over his head.

“The Conflagration Zone is an environmentally controlled space—” The teacher’s voice changed as he crossed the threshold of the dome, and Virgil was pushed along as the students followed. It was a good thing Logan had already told him about the zone, because he couldn’t hear Mx. Stokes talking over the roaring in his ears.

Like the Ruins Zone, the space contained rubble and several collapsed structures, all engulfed in fire. Standing just inside the door was like facing a raging campfire, and Virgil flushed in the heat. There was no lighting inside the dome besides the flames, so the entire place was illuminated in red and orange. A few mock streets between buildings were the only places away from the entrance that seemed to be totally clear of fire. The class’ brief stay inside was mostly a blur for Virgil, and he breathed deeply when they turned and proceeded back outside. Outside, Virgil realized, was how he thought of the inside of U.S.J., despite the domed ceiling above them.

“Everybody really likes this next spot,” Mx. Stokes said. “Who knows what it’s called?”

“Flood Zone,” a few students said at once.

“Right, sometimes called the Shipwreck Zone,” Mx. Stokes went on. “Nice relief after that heat, huh?”

The students muttered agreement. Near nine o’clock arched the clear blue water of the artificial lake, a large yacht bobbing like a massive buoy two hundred yards from the shore. Behind the lake rose up a small mountain on which perched wooden scaffolding to support a amusement-park-style waterslide, funneling water into the lake. The main slide twisted around several times, reaching the height of an office building, and was wide enough that the entire yacht could have slid inside it. An offshoot from the slide did not come to rest in the water, but jutted out over the zone, spewing water to form a waterfall.

“Looks fun, right?” Mx. Stokes said. “You can’t see from here, but rock formations stab out of the belly of the slide, and the way down is pretty dangerous. The slide and boat are fully functional, though. You guys can check them out when you come back for your first session of rescue training.”

They’d reached the edge of the water, and Mx. Stokes bent down on the mossy shore to reach into the water and cup it in their hand.

“Lightly chlorinated,” they said. “To keep out bacteria and the like. You can even—” and they slurped the water from their hand like they were taking a shot. “Though I don’t necessarily recommend it. Go ahead and touch if you like.”

Several of the students plunged their hands into the water. Kai slipped off his sandles and dipped in his toes. Virgil slid down to sitting and felt the wet ground sink slightly under his weight. When he stuck his fingers into the lake, he could still see them clearly, if slightly distorted in shape and blued in color.

Logan plopped down next to Virgil and plunged his arm in all the way up to his shirt sleeve. When he pulled his hand back out, he’d grasped a fistful of soil from the edge of the water.

“Incredible,” he said, rubbing the grains of sandy dirt between his fingers. “They’ve actually incorporated the lake directly into the ground of the location. The irrigation of the water must be highly advanced.” When he sat back up, the front of his shirt was blurred with mud, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“The lake is connected directly to our next zone,” Mx. Stokes said, gesturing to the dome near ten o’clock. “The Downpour Zone’s ceiling and floor are routed with pipes to and from the lake to create the constant rain without wasting water. Now, I can see you’re all enjoying the lake, but I’m not sure you all would like to walk into the eye of a storm.”

Virgil suspected Logan would enjoy that very much, if it meant a chance to learn about irrigation or whatever it was.

“So, we’re going to walk along the dome and take a look through the doors, and we won’t be getting soaked,” Mx. Stokes said, beginning to walk around the edge of the lake toward the second dome at a brisk trot. Some of the students took an extra moment to get up from the shore, and Kai skipped several steps as he tried to put on his left sandal. Mr. Picani brought up the rear.

“You guys still with me?” Mx. Stokes called over their shoulder smilingly. “We’re almost done, I promise.”

As they approached the final dome, there was a faint sound of thunder from within, muffled by the walls, and Virgil had an image of the Downpour Zone as a snowglobe on Mx. Stokes’ mantlepiece. The dome was indigo and dappled with large painted clouds of blue and purple, intersected with large beams. When the teacher swung the double doors in to let the students peer inside, Virgil remained suspended near the back of the group. He’d seen storms before, and he only had to wait through a few minutes of oohs and ahhs before it was the time he’d been dreading: time to ascend back up all those massive stairs to the exit. Do you want to be a hero or not? he asked himself in an attempt at motivation.

Not that badly, he responded.

The entire group sans Patton and Mr. Picani, who had returned in the elevator, slugged up the stairs. The only students still apparently full of energy were Kai and Logan, who had sparked a conversation in their mutual admiration of the space and were now gibbering away to one another excitedly.

Too discouraged by the stairs to keep up, Virgil walked a few steps behind. It looked like Logan had found a new, more willing set of ears, even if those ears sometimes leaked goo. Virgil found he wasn’t relieved to be rid of Logan’s lecturing, and managed to catch a few snippets of their conversation.

“The production of the building was a direct result of…that’s why I find it so interesting....me too!”

Kai was several inches shorter than Logan, and did pant for breath about halfway up the stairs. Virgil slowed even further, but still caught up to the pair.

“Hello, Virgil,” Logan said. He was smiling. “Kai also knows a lot regarding the history of U.S.J.”

“I’m a big Glass fan,” Kai said, pausing to catch his breath. “I figured.” Virgil hadn’t meant to sound so cold, but Kai’s nose was leaking goo again. The shorter boy sniffed and then suddenly tensed. “Oh no, don’t—” Virgil didn’t get a chance to finish before Kai let out a massive sneeze, splattering Virgil with flecks of goo like smashed Jell-O.

“Oh, gross!” he said instinctively, shoving Kai away from him. Whether the other student was already thrown off balance or whether he’d pushed harder than he meant to Virgil was never quite sure, but Kai tumbled back and would have fallen onto his butt if Logan had not been directly behind him. Too surprised to catch Kai, Logan fell back against the railing of the stairs with an “oof,” Kai essentially in his lap. His glasses went flying.

Kai exclaimed and threw out one hand as if to catch the glasses, and they were enveloped suddenly by goo shot from his fingers before they flew past the safety rail and over the edge of the tall, tall staircase.

Kai almost screamed. “I’m really sorry!” he said, covering the noise of Virgil swearing.

Virgil leaned down to drag Kai to his feet — he was very light — and take Logan by the hand.

“I think my glasses…” Logan muttered.

“They went over the edge,” Virgil said. “Gosh, I’m so so sorry, will you need new ones? Can you see okay? Should I—”

“Oh, they’re not broken!” Kai insisted.

“What?” Logan got back to his feet.

“They’re not broken,” Kai said. “My goo is a shock absorber, they’ll be protected.”

“Everything okay back there?” Mx. Stokes had been leading the group, but paused when Kai shouted, and had now turned around to approach them. Mr. Picani appeared at the top of the steps after exiting the elevator with Patton and was also peering down to see why the group had paused.

“We’re so sorry, Mx. Stokes,” Virgil stuttered. “It was my fault. Logan’s glasses fell over the side of the stairs.”

“Well, that’s not good,” Mx. Stokes said after a beat. They leaned over the guardrail to peer into the Ruins Zone below. “Can’t see much from here, huh? Well, why don’t you — and what’s your name, kid?” They planted their left hand on Virgil’s shoulder.

“Virgil.”

“Okay, Virgil, I don’t think Logan here will be much help to you down there.”

Logan had, in fact, lost his depth perception and was experimentally walking up and down the nearest three steps with only minimal success.

“You...you want me to go down there?” Virgil asked. He was unsure how to put confused emphasis on every word in a sentence at once.

Mx. Stokes tapped their thumb against their lip. “Here, Virgil, why don’t you take your class rep, he’s a popular guy, right? His light quirk will be a big help down there.” Virgil had no time to protest before Mx. Stokes was waving. “Hey, Roman! Hop down here a minute!”

Roman was near the front of the group but trooped down the steps at the sound of his name. Mx. Stokes slapped their right hand onto his shoulder so they stood in a T-pose connecting the boys (albeit a crooked T, because Roman was taller than Virgil).

“You’re gonna take a jaunt with Virgil here to recover Logan’s glasses,” Mx. Stokes said. “Think of it like a real hero mission, boys.”

Roman looked unimpressed.

“Now,” Mx. Stokes went on. “Safety settings are still on in all zones, so there’s nothing dangerous down there so long as neither of you messes with anything. Just go ahead and run down there and right back up and we’ll hold the bus for you.” They lightly smacked both the boys’ shoulders and jogged away, gesturing for the rest of the class to follow.

“I really appreciate it, Virgil,” Logan said, touching Virgil’s arm lightly before walking away and leaving Virgil facing Roman on the middle of the stair.

The two stared at one another for a second before Roman huffed and started off down the steps. “Well, are we going or not?”

Virgil bit his tongue. He supposed putting up with Roman was enough of a punishment for sending Logan’s glasses spiraling into a collapsed city, and began to follow the other boy down, loath to think that he’d have to climb the stairs all over again.

When Virgil reached the base of the steps, Roman had wandered a few steps into the city and was staring around the ground, occasionally swearing under his breath.

“Thought you and Specs were buddies or something,” he said, peering under some fallen beams. “What’d you knock his glasses off for?”

“It wasn’t on purpose,” Virgil snapped.

“Geez, chill out,” Roman said, straightening up. “Just a question. Where did the damn things go, anyhow?”

“They fell over there,” Virgil said, pointing deeper into the ruins. There were a number of beams arching above the walk and though a strong sunlight was coming through the ceiling, it was difficult to see underneath them. “Why don’t you just use your quirk?”

“I don’t need to use it for everything!” Roman said a little too loudly.

“Geez, just a question,” Virgil said, imitating Roman and sticking out his tongue. “What, jealous since you’re basically quirkless anyway?”

“Hey, fuck off!” Virgil said, bristling. “I didn’t drag you down here or anything.”

“You said it was your fault the stupid things fell.” Roman took a few steps toward Virgil, his hands balled into fists.

“Yeah, but it’s not my fault that you’re acting like a massive ass,” Virgil snarled.

“Oh, fuck off, I’ll get the stupid things myself.” Roman whirled around. He stalked away, shaking slightly at the shoulders. Just as he was about to round the corner of one of the collapsed buildings, he took a furious swing at a low hanging beam, the impact of which created a hollow groaning sound. Roman kept walking.

Virgil was about to follow him when suddenly the groaning grew instead of faded, and the beam shuddered and collapsed directly over Roman’s head.

#studywritesstuff #sanders sides #fanfiction #fanfic #fic

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ms31x129 · 6 years ago

Text

Blind End

A Never Again / AU / Missing Scene fic

********

Detective’s Gouveia and Smith had offered to drive him to the hospital and he had declined.

“Agent Mulder - Agent Scully told us repeatedly that she wasn’t sexually assaulted. And she didn’t appear to be in any distress during our brief interview with her early this morning at the suspect’s residence”.

“This morning?”

“Yes this morning we went to interview the other tenants when another tenant Kay Shilling was reported missing. She answered Mr. Jerse’s door. It appears whatever happened last night,”

Last night. Last night. Last night.. He had to focus on Det. Gouveia - he was still speaking.

“Between them was consensual…. A couple of hours later we got news 911 was called to the address we’d just been at with a report of an assault, some type of psychotic break on the part of Mr. Jerse according to your partner. Must have been for a guy to stick his arm in a furnace, right?”

Mulder nods not exactly sure which part of Det. Gouveia’s statement he’s actually agreeing to before heading to the rental car.

Mulder entered the hospital and could see Scully’s gurney being wheeled into the main ER doors. He was stopped by a rather large and imposing gray haired nurse who demanded to know who he was when he tried following Scully’s gurney.

“Just a minute, hold up there - are you the husband? Family?”

“No.”

“Well we have protocols at this hospital - who are you?”

“I’m Agent Fox Mulder with the FBI and that,” he points to the now closed doors. “Is my partner Agent Dana Scully and now if you’ll excuse me I need to be in there with her.”

“You will remain here Agent Mulder until I return for you.” She points to a waiting room and Mulder doesn’t move. “Agent Mulder I’ve worked here for 40 years and I know as soon as I turn my back you’re going to try and sneak in there - let the staff do their jobs. I won’t hesitate to call security and have you removed - FBI or not.”

“I’ll get some coffee and then I’ll be back.” Mulder stalked away, needing the motion to avoid sitting and doing nothing - allowing his thoughts to repeatedly analyze the fact that Scully had been with another man. Who was a murder suspect - last night. He didn’t like it. He also realized he really didn’t have any right to like it or not.

Outside Scully’s Hospital Room

2:00 pm

“Your partner has a concussion, Agent Mulder and her blood sugar was dangerously low either or both of which could have caused her fainting. We are going to keep her at least overnight - I would prefer 48 hrs. in order to monitor her. If you leave your number at the desk…”

“I’m not leaving. I’ll sit in a chair in her room, you won’t know I’m there - but I’m not leaving.”

The doctor nodded with grudging acceptance. Nurses through the night would notice before entering the room that afternoon and evening. Mulder holding Scully’s hand only to release it when he would hear the door open.

Scully’s Hospital Room

3:00 am

Mulder had been watching Scully for hours, the nurses kept assuring him she was okay, vitals were good she responded to pain stimuli even though she didn’t awaken. “Don’t worry, Agent Mulder she will be fine,” they said. Around 3 am though she began to whimper…

“Mulder… no … please stop.”

He stood and gently stroked her forehead trying to soothe her, “Shhh… it’s okay… Scully it’s okay.”

She’d quieted almost immediately and Mulder sat back down scrubbing his hands over his face. Was she thinking about the attack? Did she call out for his help and he wasn’t fucking there? Or did he have his answer? His attentions were unwanted? He’d pushed and she’d wanted him to stop… and he hadn’t.

He’d fallen asleep toward morning, his head on the bed near her hip with Scully’s hand on his head. The nurse who had barred him from the ER the previous day, she’d made it a habit to check in on patients the following day was the one to witness this…and more. The patient’s hand began to wander through Agent Mulder’s hair and her eyes slowly opened. Agent Mulder blinked and raised his head, Agent Scully’s hand moving down to cup his cheek. His lips curved into a gentle smile and he grabbed her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it before nuzzling it with his cheek.

The nurse gave a sigh and quickly swiped at her wet eyes before walking away. There was no need to disturb them. The patient was in good hands.

Mulder excused himself and stepped out of the room, his phone rang and Skinner told him to get back to DC immediately with some explanation into the report laying on his desk regarding Agent Scully’s assault. He hung up and dialed the phone.

“Mrs. Scully? It’s Fox, Fox Mulder.”

After speaking with Mrs. Scully Mulder stepped back into Scully’s room. He’s not there long.

“Hey Scully… Skinner called I need to get back to DC asap. I called your mom she’ll be here later today.”

He quickly leans over and kisses her forehead. “Feel better, Scully.” He avoids any eye contact and exits the room. “But… Mulder…” echoing in his ears.

When Mrs. Scully arrives she is stoic hugging her daughter with a million questions, she is about ready to ask when she glances in the trash and sees a small wad of bloody tissues.

“Dana?”

Scully had seen her mother’s eyes dart to the side. She sighs, “It’s okay mom I just had a nosebleed. The air is dry in here.”

Margaret Scully sits in the chair Mulder had occupied all night and pinned her daughter with a stare.

“You need to tell me what’s going on, Dana… and why I had to hear my daughter was attacked and is in the hospital yet again. Where was Fox? And why isn’t he here with you?”

X Files Office

Morning

Scully’s first day back was rough. She was still bruised, tired and also dealing with the aftereffects of her concussion, sensitivity to light, dizziness. Mulder’s relief at seeing her slowly leached away to be replaced by sarcasm.

“Welcome back. You look a lot better than you did in the hospital. And congratulations for making an personal appearance in the X Files for the second time.”

Mulder gets a file out of the cabinet and sits at his desk flipping open the file. “It’s a world’s record.” Scully doesn’t respond, Mulder clears his throat and continues.

“Ed Jerse is in custody at the St. John’s burn facility in Philadelphia. Traces of ergot were found in his bloodstream as in yours, but not to the degree that should cause hallucinogenic ergotism.” Scully finally sits and Mulder continues.

“He’ll undergo psychiatric evaluation after recovering from burn trauma. Comrade Svo has been shut down, he was under investigation for having connections to my friend Pudovkin. Case closed on Boris Badenov, which is really a shame because I was thinking of having an “N.Y.” tattooed on my ass to commemorate the Yankees’ World Series victory. Better late than never, hunh?”

Scully picks the rose petal off his desk. Mulder watches her uncomfortably before rising and putting the file away and getting another. He tilts his head back searching for the words, any words.

“The uh, field office in Dallas is uh, receiving reports of the image of a missing child appearing on a blank billboard outside of Arlington…” Mulder sits again opening the file. He pauses, there are things he can’t say here he can’t allude to anything with eyes and ears recording them. “So…. All this, because I’ve … because I didn’t get you a desk?”

Scully looks at Mulder holding his gaze. “Not everything is about you, Mulder. This is my life.”

Oh but it was about Mulder and more. It was about friendships - relationships that had faded away or passed her by. About life being more than her job, gratifying as it really was at the end of the day. About wanting to have a healthy sexual relationship. About an attraction that at its core was the one she’d promised herself she would never enter into again.

“Yes but it’s - -”

Scully looks at him questioningly. He opens his mouth to speak, wisely decides not to then sighs and fiddles with things on his desk. There’s an uncomfortable, weighted silence in the room.

Scully shifts her position in the chair and somehow manages to stifle a gasp when her tattoo started to throb anew - and the memories, thoughts start to bleed into her brain.

Scully wasn’t sure why the ouroboros design intrigued her so. The circle of life had popped into head and she’d managed to stifle a laugh. She’d observed the meeting between the two men and taken Ed’s card as a courtesy nothing else.

That was until Mulder had asked if she had a date… and found herself dialing Ed Jerse’s phone number. Would she have called except for Mulder’s remark? She doesn’t know.

He was attractive, but she could see he was more like the type of guy Missy would have brought home just to tick off their parents. So why call? Was it the darkness hovering about him intriguing? Didn’t she want to leave that darkness behind? She should have suspected there was something more to that darkness when she found a photo with his face burned out.

Instead they went to a dark and dingy bar and talked. She found herself opening up to him and she didn’t know why. Why didn’t the words “I’m fine,” breach her lips once? A few times she looked at him and didn’t see Ed - she saw Mulder. Mulder with his white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows. Mulder’s forearms were a work of art.

Scully shook her head and as she relaxed she had a quick image of all the patron’s in 1920’s clothing, Scully knew this was once a speakeasy bar famous for bootlegging and other crimes. The piano player looked like Mulder and the femme fatale draped across the piano looked like her, bright red lips were singing to the crowd, but she would turn and her eyes were all for him - the piano man.

She closed her eyes and gave a gentle shake of her head, when she opened them the vision was gone.

“You’re so curious. Get your own.” Ed finally said.

Getting the tattoo was an experience. Some would say the pain bordered on the erotic, maybe it did… She stared into Ed’s eyes part of the time, it hurt it really did she had to keep catching her breath. She had to wonder did she secretly like pain? The needle entered her skin repeatedly, her eyes blurred and burned. Ed became Mulder again - looking at her with concern and confusion.

He stepped towards her his hand reaching out to gently cup her lower back off to the right, like always guiding her, letting her know of his presence. Even from the first day she’d never felt he was touching her inappropriately, it was courtly, and comforting…Mulder was a gentleman in an era of increasing feminism.

She blinked again her imagination breaking apart like shards of glass embedding themselves in her skin, in that newly inked tattoo… Mulder’s spot.

Three weeks went by, Scully was pulled in for several autopsies due to backlog in other departments, being away from Mulder gave her time to think and 3 weeks later Scully made a decision she stopped into the basement office after her final autopsy. “Mulder?”

“Yeah, Scully.” He seemed to brighten and dim at the same time as she stood in the doorway, her hand on the knob.

“I want you to come to my place tonight. I’ll make us dinner and then we’ll talk. We have to talk.”

Mulder swallowed, “Okay, Scully.”

Scully’s apartment

6:30pm

Scully had decided to make braised steak with pearl onions and she’d done some herb dusted red potatoes and carrots, a tossed salad and dessert - Caramel Cashew Ice Cream would complete their meal. At least they’d have a good meal… before things possibly changed between them forever - she was pretty sure they already had.

She went into her bedroom and began to change into the dress she’d purchased last year on a whim. It was a beautiful green darker than kelly green, but not quite emerald. It was silky soft and it caressed her skin, flowing over her like water, the hem rested just above her knees. The dress had a little bit of flirtiness to it, Scully spun in a circle and watched it flare out. She felt sensual, feminine, she’d purchased a matching bra and panties to wear with it, but after seeing how it ruined the smooth lines of the dress she made the choice to go without.

Would Mulder notice?

Looking in the mirror the memories twirled into her consciousness the same way her green skirt had just moments ago. She’d driven Ed back to his apartment and he’d invited her up, there was a weather advisory out, but nothing she hadn’t dealt with before. There wasn’t any need for her to stay at his apartment other than the attraction she felt - or thought she felt.

“Look, the weather and a few drinks under your belt … I’d feel better if you stayed here. Hey, I’m not up to anything. I just want you to be safe. I’ll take the couch. That tattoo hurt at all?”

“Yeah, um…. it feels weird. I, uh, I can’t see it and….. but I feel different. It’s like, um, I don’t know how I feel about that.” Scully can’t explain it, it’s tingling or sparking, her skin - she imagines Mulder tracing it with his fingers. She shakes her head slightly as her shirt rises and Ed pulls the bandage away.

“It looks all right.”

Scully remembers seeing the blood on his shirt cuff and suddenly she wants his shirt off, there’s blood higher up on the sleeve too - words pass both of their lips - she’s already started down this path of being dangerous - reckless. How far will she go?

His hold on her wrists are actually beginning to hurt, so tight - she’s pretty sure she’ll have bruises. He’s leaning in and their lips are so close to touching. She takes a breath… Mulder hasn’t kissed her yet, he didn’t even kiss her when she came apart in his arms. Scully turns her head away, “No,” is barely a whisper.

Ed lets go of one of her wrists and slams his door closed before spinning Scully around and pressing her against the door, he quickly pulls her shirt over her head and drops it to the floor beside them. “Ed?” Scully’s voice is deserting her, any arousal ebbing by the time Ed has secured both her wrists in one of his - holding them above the door. His other hand is wandering, her buttock, her hip, her stomach, before cupping a breast - his touch is rough bordering on pain when he pinches her nipple.

She’s been held against her will too many times and she isn’t going to let this be another. He’s released her arms and the position he takes with her body … oh it’s Mulder, the way Mulder had held her just before seducing her with movement and silence. She hadn’t felt trapped in his arms - it was simply Mulder…. but Ed is not Mulder.

“Ed? … stop.” She asks him firmly and he does. Stepping away. “I’m sorry,” he replies. Scully bends down and grabs her top holding it in front of her. Now that the moment is over, she’s a little self conscious standing in a stranger’s apartment…this is not something she would normally do. Never. She’d never done it.

“I’ll … Just a minute …” Ed disappears down the hallway, he returns with a blanket, pillow which he tosses on his couch and he hands her one of his dress shirts. “I thought you could … wear it to .. sleep in- you know the weather’s still…”

Things are awkward now. Scully turns and dons the shirt it’s so long down to her knees, it covers and conceals her. Ed sits on the couch and Scully wanders over to his desk and picks up the photo with his face burned out and sits on the desk chair. He’s watching her and there is a sudden sadness in his eyes, a melancholy that’s deep beneath the surface. “Tell me about them…” Scully softly asks.

Ed shakes his head no, but then begins speaking of his children, his divorce and his ever spiraling downward life since. At some point he stretches out, his head on the pillow, he’d smiled at times and others he cried until his voice faded and he fell asleep. Scully covered him with the blanket and went into the bedroom, she didn’t think she was in any danger, but her instincts prevailed and after shutting the door a chair was shoved under the knob firmly.

She woke to knocking, Philly PD and the day went to hell. She didn’t want to think about it anymore, tonight was hopefully about new beginnings, adding another layer to the partnership between them. Scully was ready to take that step and if she’d read the signs right - so was Mulder. Scully could swear she felt his presence before he knocked and then the steady rapping sound happened - he was here.

Mulder was here.

Scully answered the door. “Hey, Scu…” She knew Mulder noticed as his eyes travelled the length of her body, before meeting her eyes. “You, you look… beautiful.” Scully could feel her cheeks heating even though it was just the reaction she’d been hoping for.

Mulder was still standing in her doorway staring at her, he was holding 3 bottles of wine. “Are you going to come in, Mulder?” Nodding almost dumbly he stepped inside and Scully shut the door. Mulder couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. “I, I brought … well I didn’t know which wine would go with dinner.”

Scully reached out to take one bottle in her hand, Vecchia Cantina Chianti, a lovely red wine. Scully smiles and takes it to the counter, Mulder is still standing holding the other 2 bottles, she can feel his eyes following her. Mulder is sweating, he’s uncharacteristically nervous, yet so aroused he can feel a distinct stirring in his groin. Why does he have more apprehension than his first date? Then again his first date hadn’t been wearing anything like the silky confection Scully was wearing now. She walked back over to him and takes the other bottles out of his arms, still smiling her hips swaying as placed those bottles beside the other.

Mulder’s eyes are still roving over her dress, silky, smooth… he fists his hands, stifling a groan. Jesus is, is she naked under that liquid green? Scully has already grabbed a corkscrew out of a drawer and then opens the cupboard above her head, she glances coyly over her shoulder. “Mulder would you get a couple of wine goblets? They’re on the top shelf.” Scully was pointing and she’d just been stretched on tip toe a moment ago… Holy Hell! She’s in her bare feet and her toenails are painted this girly pink shade like cotton candy - he’d always loved cotton candy as a boy.

“Mulder?” Mulder takes a deep breath and swallows, “Uh… yes.” He clears his throat as he walks forward, Scully is right in front of him as he reaches for the goblets. Oh this was a bad… bad idea…

Standing outside Scully’s door, in the hallway Mulder could smell whatever she was cooking and it smelled delicious. Now though, standing with Scully trapped between his body and the counter all he smells is her. All he feels as he presses closer is every dip and curve of her body, Scully hisses his name, “Mulder…” and the goblets are forgotten, she tilts her head back and Mulder’s head descends sealing their lips together for the first time.

Mulder’s hands aren’t idle immediately going for her breasts, neglected the last time they were in this position . Oh God! His hands completely cover them, his plucking and squeezing her nipple through the silk is devine and she can’t be idle any longer. Scully reaches back with the dexterity only a doctor would have unbuckles and unzips Mulders jeans, and has his erection freed from the confines. Her fingertips are tickling, delicately stroking his length, he feels ready to burst, he groans and pulls away from the enticement of her lips.

Mulder keeps getting drawn back to those lips even as he manages to speak, “Um… Scu - ly …” One of her hands is fisted around his cock, slowly pumping - if she doesn’t stop… “Bed … Bedroom?”

Scully pulls away from his lips both of them are breathing heavily and Scully gives a slight shake of her head, “No… right here … right now.” Scully kisses him again and starts guiding his cock forward and tilting her ass her very naked ass upward just the slightest bit- which is all the encouragement Mulder needs.

Mulder takes a step back, gently grasping her wrists - for a moment he remembers the bruised ringing them - and placing them on the edge of the counter. He suddenly doesn’t know if he can, he didn’t bring a condom - he wasn’t expecting this to happen. The thought of another man touching her… even as his inner dialogue is speaking his hands are still busy one from behind spreading her wetness all around, finger dipping in and out. The other plucking, lightly stroking and then deeply grinding her clitoris until she screams out. “MULDER!”

Scully is panting, still shaking from her release and Mulder’s hands have now trailed up to ther hips, gripping and sliding that silky dress above her waist his eyes zeroing in on that snake circling her back. His erection hasn’t waned even viewing the imprinted fact of her indiscretion, he slowly traces the mark with his fingertip and Scully moans, “Oh God…touch me, touch it Mulder…touch…”

Mulder placed his whole palm over it, Scully moaned again, Mulder began kneading the skin watch and listening for her reaction, she arches in ecstasy. “Why… Scully…?” Scully can hear the pain in his voice even as he continues stroking her back, the other hand is traversing a breast to clit journey over and over and Scully is quickly climbing towards another orgasm. But it feels like Mulder isn’t really there with her and she wants him to be.

Suddenly she feels him licking and biting her back it feels like he’s trying to eat the tattoo off her back and he pinches her clit and grinds at the same time and she explodes screaming out, “I didn’t do it! Mulder! I didn’t fuck him…”

He’s holding her hips firmly one second and the next she looks over her shoulder and sees him flex his knees slightly one hand around his erection, prodding her entrance “Good,” he groans out and finally pushes steadily into her. “Oh God…” they both moan out, Scully drops her head to the counter as Mulder begins thrusting inside of her. She feels every inch of him, amazingly she feels the pressure building again, but it’s deeper with his fullness inside of her.

Five or six more quick whip-like pistons in and out of her and she comes again, Mulder moments after. They both feel boneless, wrung out and sweaty, chests heaving from their exertions. He slips out of her and she turns in his arms, glancing to his penis slowly going flaccid he’s still an impressive male specimen. They gently kiss and pull each other into an embrace, hugging each other tightly. “Scully… I never… I wasn’t expecting. You know … this.” Mulder mumbles into her hair.

“I was hoping you liked my dress…” she looks up at him with a knowing smile. “I think that was obvious.” Mulder’s stomach growled and Scully chuckled. “Let’s eat Mulder.” Mulder kisses her forehead, the tip of her nose and finally her lips again. “I’d like that Scully.”

Later after eating and clearing up the table, Scully grabs her glass of wine and Mulder’s hand leading them into her bedroom. He has his own glass as well and he takes a sip before sharing that sip with her lips. Their mutual desire is rising from the embers, Mulder reaches down and lifts the dress off Scully. She stands before him naked all creamy rose skin he smiles and drops to the bed pulling her between his legs.

“Why are you smiling?” In response Mulder took a nipple into his mouth, Scully gasped. He let that nipple pop out of his mouth and raised his glass pouring the wine over the sister nipple before engulfing it in his mouth. Some of the wine had drizzled down, down and Mulder chased it with his lips and tongue. “Such pretty little nipples… the color of Rose wine…” he murmured against her stomach, causing sensual flutters down low. “Stand up, Mulder.” Scully breathlessly demands, she quickly divests Mulder of his clothes and pushes him back on the bed, he’s already hard and she settles over him her body moving sinuously, his hands running over her skin rough and soft.

They make love through the night, but when the dawn’s sun breaks through her windows Mulder is not in her bed. She throws on a robe and pads out to the kitchen and he isn’t there either. On her coffee table is her journal she sometimes writes in its open to an entry and the sentence stares up at her damning her.

“I made myself a promise after Jack, never again, would I involve myself with a co-worker… never again.”

And below it in Mulder’s script. “Okay, Scully.”

Closing the journal with a slam she hurls the offending object across the room and curls into a ball on her couch… what has she done?

End

Note: I hope everyone enjoyed the ride and I want to thank everyone for their comments and reblogs about this 4 part series. If you wanted tagged and I missed you I apologize ahead of time and vice versa if you didn’t. I’m going to take a little break and read some of the great fanfic by much more talented authors than I while I’ve been missing out on while working on this series. Thank goodness I don’t have to watch this ep again.

@cultureisdarkbeer @today-in-fic @patienceaintmystrongsuit @skullsmuldon @tulpa51 @baronessblixen @monikafilefan @itotallygazeatscully @mtbsuze @country3living @season4mulder @ficoritdidnthappen @monaiargancoconutsoy @starbuck1013 @peggyfromtheblockk @mulder-x-scully @sandymans-world @piper-scully @alienbaby-babymama @peacenik0

#msr fanfic #msr smut #msr #xfiles #the xfiles #xfiles season 4 #msrfanfic #mulder and scully #mulder #fox mulder #dana scully #never again fic

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tiny-maus-boots · 6 years ago

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Soulmates AU pt 8b

She had woken alone in bed and for a moment had a panicked thought that Aubrey was gone for good. It was silly and she knew it, Aubrey would never do that to her. Not in a million years or for a million dollars. But after the revelation of the evening before and the intensely focused way Aubrey had made love to her after…it had left Chloe with a vague sense of unease at having an empty bed. A feeling that wasn’t exactly comforted by hearing Aubrey’s confessional in the bathroom. Chloe left the slippers at the door to the bathroom and padded back through the closet to dress quickly.

It wasn’t surprising to her that Aubrey suddenly found herself wanting the company of people she only just met and hadn’t wanted to like from the start. At least, it wasn’t surprising to Chloe who suspected that Beca at the very least would be connected to Aubrey as much as she was connected to Chloe. Stacie had been the unknown value in the equation, but in retrospect Chloe thought maybe she should have factored her in. She and Aubrey both had three marks, that couldn’t be a coincidence could it? They just needed time to get to all get to learn more about each other, she was sure of it.

It seemed that like Aubrey and herself, Stacie and Beca were a package deal, always together and always aware of each other even subconsciously. Which was fine. It really was. She liked Stacie’s easy going humor, and she liked the way Stacie and Beca were with each other and truthfully she liked the way that Stacie was with Aubrey. Instinctively knowing where to tread lightly with her mate even while teasing and joking about things as if they had been old friends. Much like she and Beca got along well, each instinctively understanding the other without even knowing each other.

It had all been so…easy. So easy she hadn’t even bothered to bring up the topic of marks. Why ruin a good time with the heaviness of destiny? Arms wrapped around her waist from behind and Chloe leaned back into the warmth of Aubrey’s body, her hands sliding along her mate’s arms with a smile despite the worried tension in them. “It’s gonna be okay Aubrey.”

“Is it?” Chloe turned in Aubrey’s arms and rested a hand over Bree’s heart. It was beating wildly with the rising anxiety reflected in her eyes and Chloe touched their foreheads in a gesture of understanding. “Chloe…you’re my whole heart you know.” Aubrey placed her hand over Chloe’s, their fingers fitting together easily.

Chloe’s gaze drifted down to their hands and her breath caught in her throat for a moment. “Bree…” Aubrey’s eyes flicked down then up quickly in surprise. It was a strange feeling seeing Stacie’s name so delicately etched on Aubrey’s wrist right under her own. One part of her was filled with so much hope and joy at the thought that Aubrey would finally start to understand that they could be more without losing each other, that all they needed was time and patience. And of course the other much smaller more scared part of her wondered if maybe Aubrey had been right all along.

What if this was the end of them as a couple and they just moved on to other relationships? What if Aubrey left her? What if that third mark never revealed Beca’s name but someone else’s… Chloe cleared her throat against the sudden uncertainty of their future. That wasn’t how it was going to be, it couldn’t be. “Chloe I…didn’t do….”

She smiled sweetly at her mate and leaned in for a soft kiss. “It’s okay Aubrey. It’s going to all be okay.” Okay so it was definitely not as easy Chloe thought it should be but it was a start. “We’ll just take it one day at a time. They might not even have our names yet. I didn’t get yours until high school or something like that. Nothing says anything has to change right now.”

Aubrey nodded but breathed out a nervous chuckle and bit her lip. “You know damn well it showed up Senior Prom.” Chloe shrugged as if she hadn’t recalled but her lips edged into a not quite innocent smile.

“Was it?” She had waited a long time for Aubrey to take notice of her in a more than a best friend way, so long that she almost just gave up on the idea, sure that the blonde would never see her that way no matter that Aubrey’s smudge said otherwise. So she’d dated casually through junior and senior year of high school and Aubrey seemed never to mind or really even take notice of Chloe’s love life. Her focus solely on academics and varsity basketball, Aubrey’s two golden tickets to higher education.

The blonde rolled her eyes in mock irritation, her smile warm as she hugged Chloe tighter. “You’ve had my name over your heart since you and dumb Tommy what’s his face won prom King and Queen.” Chloe smiled at her mate and placed little kisses all over her face.

“You were so cute standing there all dumbstruck. I should totes be offended that you were surprised I won.”

Aubrey sputtered and scoffed. “I wasn’t surprised you won! I knew you’d win. It was just seeing you standing up there smiling and happy in your dress…it was like I saw you for the first time. I knew you were pretty. I’ve known that forever. But that was the first time I knew you were truly beautiful. You took my breath away that night and every night since.” She shrugged a shoulder as if was a silly thought as Aubrey always did but it made Chloe’s heart beat double time and swell inside her chest.

“Took ya long enough.” They both chuckled at that and Chloe took the opportunity to bring their lips together for another lingering kiss. “We’re gonna be fine Aubrey. It’s weird now and new but one day we’re gonna blink and it’s all going to make sense. Right?”

The blonde took a deep centering breath and nodded, the worry fading from her clear green eyes. “So what do we do?”

That was the question. Chloe shrugged and stroked a hand down Aubrey’s side. “What we always do I guess. Just take it day by day. Today we invite them over tomorrow…”

“U-Hauls.” Chloe’s laugh tripped out in a short unexpected burst. “Okay for serious Chloe, what if they…like us? What if we like them? Do we really just act normal and let things happen?” She understood what her mate meant. Did they bring up the marks and try to make things work or did they just let it progress more organically? It was a tough call.

The truth was she didn’t know what the best way to handle things and was just as blindly groping for answers as Aubrey was. “I think it’s pretty safe to say they like us babe.” Chloe ran a finger over Stacie’s name on Aubrey’s wrist, tiny blonde hairs rising in its wake. There was definitely something between them all. Something probably none of them were sure how to handle. “Let’s just start with today. Give her a call.”

Aubrey seemed to stop breathing for a second but she sighed out finally and nodded. “Okay. I can do that but you’re on bathroom duty.” She might have pouted a little if Bella hadn’t chosen then to try and come out of the bathroom into the closet. The overturned basket skittered with the fox still under it until it bumped hard into the door frame. The angle was wrong and it stuck awkwardly between the two rooms with Bella underneath pawing at the floor. “You owe me new boots.”

Chloe wasn’t entirely sure who Aubrey was talking to, her or Bella, but she wasn’t sure it mattered. “Not the Armanis….”

“Chloe I love you to the stars and back…”

“And all through the galaxy.” The redhead smiled at her mate, leaning in to her tall, lean body.

“….but she has to go outside.” Chloe just smiled and kissed Aubrey’s cheek. She considered it a minor victory that Aubrey hadn’t ended the sentence at the word ‘go’. It meant she was one step closer to getting Aubrey to just accept that they were caretakers for a fox now. The end. Aubrey gave her silent smile a side eyed look not trusting it for a moment.

“Kay.” It was impossible to argue the simple agreement and Aubrey turned on a heel to search for her phone with an annoyed grumble. “Love you!” Aubrey didn’t respond from wherever she had wandered out to but Chloe didn’t mind one bit. “She loves us.” Bella gave a grunting huff that might as well have been an eye roll. “What are we gonna do with you Bella?” Her only answer was another huff and the sound of expensive Italian leather being chewed viciously. “Okay Smelly, let’s get you cleaned up.”

One thing at a time, one day at a time. Everything would work out the way it was supposed to. As she struggled to un-jam the basket from the door her only really worrying thought was ‘will I ever get the smell out?’. Which was silly. Because the answer was no.

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baekhvuns · 2 years ago

Note

Lmao the choreographer posted about the SMN issue on his story and even commented 👁👄👁 I wonder if we hear anything about it, any apologies hmmm.

Omg do you remember that one fan call from DV era when Hwa said someone hated his long hair??? He talked about it again and wtf, but he likes long hairstyles, so let's cheer! I'm so happy that Atiny reassured him. Whenever he says he's anxious to reveal his new hair because "Atiny like his black hair the most" I'm like "BABY BOY I'M TEAM ITCHY SCALP I SUPPORT ALL YOR DYEING ENDEAVOURS!"

Seonghwa content spam: Please I- ... I'M GONNA EAT HIM FIRST STOPPPP. DON'T MAKE ME CRI and this? Harvard business major/class clown Park Seonghwa

We also got fox Woo today, so I win, I love my Foxyoung agenda

Right so Hwa is a Want enthusiast, we need more of them, taste taste 💕

Ksidisusiagsjahayhaa right, I don't think we're escaping that house, we're gonna become ghosts together I think lmaooo

I watched all Twilight films for shits and giggles, but sometimes didn't even shit nor giggle cause??? Those TVD edits would make me feral if I was 17 again aisuaidgjahashgagaga. TB is an older show... bestie making me feel old once again, okaaaay

PLL started pretty well it was a different type of a teen show, but then went batshit crazy and I kinda admire them for being so unhinged, but also wanna murder them for wasting my time lol

Look at this!

THAT SPOILER WHAT AM I READING?!?!?!? Are you crazyyyyyyyyy Baek 😭😭😭😭 There's only O N E (1) TRUE PAIRING IN MY HEART AND YOU'RE NOT TAKING THEM AWAY FROM ME 🔫🔫🔫🔫. No but I really liked that lil snippet, angst and witchiness alright 💔

I like darker Sunmi a loooot, though I actually enjoyed all of her recent comebacks, she suits all concepts. I think some Dreamcatcher songs may fit miss villain Y/N, but I would have to dig. And how about Monster by Irene & Seulgi? Does Y/N consider herself a little monster? Alsooooo, I hope THIS villain never dies <333

Korean shows continue with their wacky ass camera angles and shitty sound, like HOW HARD IT IS TO DO THINGS PROPERLY. The way they ushered some groups off the stage and played pre-recorded version yet gave BTS so much time... I see. Like no hate to BTS, but it surely felt like a show for them and Armys...

Aaannnnnd my friend's friend might have fallen for Kai actually, whoops I'm so sorry girl 🤭

Lmaooooo the jealous is sick for real 😭

Confession: I have purchased some Mingi photocards so there's that... - DV 💖

hi hello!!!!

Lmao the choreographer posted about the SMN issue on his story and even commented 👁👄👁 I wonder if we hear anything about it, any apologies hmmm.

the choreographer posted more 👁👁 the way all the threads are being deleted after the choreographer spoke up <3 love to see it,,, wooyoung really said be humbled 😭😭 VATA LOOKED AT IT SO HE BETTER BE APOLOGIZING FHDHFB and bbt

screams wooyoung etl era but in a culinary school <3

I DO!!!! MF HOW CAN U HATE BLACK HAIR AND LONG???? UNGRATEFUL COMEON 😭😭😭 so glad that atiny said other wise <3 besties deserved a another fan call for that <33 NO LITERALLY I GET THAT BLACK HAIR IS SUPERIOR BUT LIKE WHAT HE WANTED TO DYE IT A DIFFERENT COLOUR 😭😭😭🤚🏼 #TEAMITCHYSCALP

Seonghwa content spam: Please I- ... I'M GONNA EAT HIM FIRST STOPPPP. DON'T MAKE ME CRI and this? Harvard business major/class clown Park Seonghwa //// We also got fox Woo today, so I win, I love my Foxyoung agenda

oh that harvard one makes me want to write a uni au for him so bad 😩 he goes to harvard and so does the yn but his reputation is like why’s he at this big of a school but his grades say otherwise 🔫🔫 WOOYOUNG’S RED HAIR IS SUCH A GOOD DECISION WHOEVER DID THAT THEIR BANK 📈📈📈 foxyoung ayo, furry?

Right so Hwa is a Want enthusiast, we need more of them, taste taste 💕

PARK SEONGHWA IN A RED SUIT PERFORMING WANT BEST FRIEND WE WILL PASS AWAY FHQNDHWKHDQKDHKQ

Ksidisusiagsjahayhaa right, I don't think we're escaping that house, we're gonna become ghosts together I think lmaooo

LMFAOOOO 😭😭😭 if he’s a ghost with u, stuck with u i think u won at life

DHDNDBDBDN TWILIGHT IS A GUILTY PLEASURE but some concepts?????? MAN WHEN IN THE FIRST MOVIE HE KEPT COVERING HIS NOSE BC SHE SMELT I WOULDVE MOVED SCHOOLS CHANGED NAMES BC THATS SO EMBARRASSING I WOILD NOT COME TO SCHOOL THE NEXT DAY 😭😭😭 jBDWNDBSN THE TB EP’S QUALITY REALLY GOT ME 📈📉📈📉📈

PLL started pretty well it was a different type of a teen show, but then went batshit crazy and I kinda admire them for being so unhinged, but also wanna murder them for wasting my time lol

i feel like it started well but they kept milking the plot and it turned out unhinged fbfbf LMFAOOOO DBANBDKW it was hard to find unhinged shows, but miss alex russo from wizards was my definition of unhinged <3 i have to tell u this but i wqs just listening to a podcast while answering this and they mentioned TB in it AND THERES A MIND READING IN IT???

Look at this!

STOPPPP I WAS HOPIMG SOMEONE WOULD PUT THEM TOGETHER I WAS GONMA MAKE AN RDIT WITH TAEMIN KAI KEY TAEYEON AND SEULGI BC THEYD FIT SO WELL THE EVIL 🤌🏼🤌🏼😮‍💨 GODBLESS THIS PERSON FOR CREATING ART

HELLO FBWNDHVDKC <3 idk if u kNow bUT SEONGHWA DOES NOT LIKE Y/N 😭😭😭 ONE TRUE PAIRING WHO???? HONGJOONG FINALLY GETTING A CHANCE??? OR SAN CONFESSING <33 GUESS WE’LL NEVER KNOW BUT WE ARE CLOSE TOO,,, unfortunately if the ending is unhappy, some (main characters) might die <3 mIGHT,,, misss yn so witchy, bestie does magic and fights but is always somehow the bad guy <3 y/n’s what if taemin’s lore was a person was,,,

ive only heard a snip of her recent cb but it sounded really good! honourable mention but chungha’s dark concepts 🤌🏼🤌🏼😮‍💨 DREAMCATCHERS WONDERLAND FITS AND SIYEON’S VOICE ESP ENTRANCING AND PARADISE (this ones insane good omg) y/n is not exactly a monster but evil in a sense theres so much sadness and situations yn’s dealt as a young person that it grew it into y/n being separated from the rest of the civilians,,, hence the darker, secretive, magic-ey and harshness to the personality <3 kind of like lana del ray’s young snsd beautiful STOP THATS SUCH A GOOD SONG????? WHAAAT BESTIE IM DBDBBD OBSESSED HOLDON ONN DBDBD also i think instrumentals work really well to describe y/n’s feelings! like those hobbit background musics

i do think, flame of love would be the title track of this fic + sayonara hotori + monologue + shadow + heaven + identity!!

id like to share this bc this is vv much like the hwa in the fic!! or mayhaps even duke

NO LITERALLY DBDHDH BRO THEY PAY U TO DO UR JOB WELL WHATS GOING ON 😭😭😭 HOW HARD IS IT WHY U SO LAZY 😭🤚🏼 omg literally!!! it was such a mess,, i mean tbh hasn’t it been like that since 2018, esp after mama, ever since sm and yg stopped attending it’s literally a concert for them a whole reason why i never watch them BUT ATEEZ

Aaannnnnd my friend's friend might have fallen for Kai actually, whoops I'm so sorry girl 🤭

MISS GIRLIE NEVER ESCAPING THE DEVIL ONCE UR INTRIGUED HE AINT EVER LEAVING U ALONE 😭😭😭

Lmaooooo the jealous is sick for real 😭

possessive men <<<< ateez being possessive men <3

Confession: I have purchased some Mingi photocards so there's that... - DV 💖

IS THIS A MINGI ERA I HEAR COMING???? HELLOOOO ?????

and uh???

BOBA A WHOLE BOBA

sorry what the fuck is this bestie

if u want a choi san bodyguard, breathe

ANON ANON ANONEBQNHDJWHDWK

BETSIE SOOHYUK SOONYUK FJWKDJWKDLW THIS IS SEONGHWAS FATHER

#✉️ : ask #dv 💖 anon

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moodring89 · 7 years ago

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CH.4 Down the Rabbit Hole

Pairing: Jeongguk x Reader / Side Yoonseok Chapter Rated: M / NC-17 Genre: Fantasy, Hybrid AU (Prince Bunkook. Sue me.), Royal AU, Cinderella / Labyrinth feels Summary: Yoongi’s sister buys two tickets to the Autumn ball held at the Meadows, a notorious city known for its hybrid inhabitants, where she hopes to meet a certain bunny princeling.

A/N: Hello! First of all, sorry this took so long to finish. Like, seriously, so much happened in the middle of me writing this story. I lost someone, I was sick, I had to write two difficult parts. Lost my damn house. I’m needing emergency teeth work done. Sounds like excuses, but we’re here now, right? And there was so much to squeeze into this chapter. It’s so…extended. Not sorry though. The longest process was the editing, though. About the update chapter deletion: I did not realize that by deleting chapter 4’s update, that it would delete the comments you guys wrote. I still have what you guys said, but everyone who I replied to, probably didn’t get my responses. I’m not sure why I thought it wouldn’t delete the comments. Goddamn. A/N/N: I tried to wrap this up neatly. I’m not sure if I did or not and if I didn’t, I do have a CC account that you can feel free to ask your questions at...I hope to high hell that this story is not sappy af. I tried not to be sappy, but I cannot be objective about my own work. I can only hope that you guys enjoy it. Thank you to Melissa for looking over my story. I do believe that I’ve taken up enough of your time. Please enjoy!

Inspiration log #4 - Sweeter than sweet

04: Down the Rabbit Hole (Happily Ever After)

Weeks would pass, until she saw the prince again.

A fairy’s vision brought her this new life, but she didn’t know whether to be grateful for it or not. She’d decided to stay for now, although the option of leaving had never come up in conversation, unless it was with Yoongi. Her pocket-sized brother, with his too large a mouth, and rude quips, so much like her inner self. He wouldn’t want to leave, either. The Meadows was a beautiful place for them to live. High up from her lavish room inside the castle, she watched as the sun started to descend over the kingdom.

At six, she would be summoned for dinner.

It was part of her new daily, royal routine. She’d been forced to change her sleep schedule to accommodate its hellish timeline. Breakfast was at six in the morning, but due to her extensive, yet ridiculous wardrobe, she had to be up at five, so that the Queen’s ladies in waiting could assist her with getting dressed, and styling her hair. She’d never cared to go beyond looking presentable, she still didn’t – until she caught a glimpse of the king’s court.

The last thing she wanted to do was embarrass her in-laws, who just so happened to rule over an entire fucking kingdom. Hybrid royals, dressed in their best fashion. Young, beautiful rabbit hybrids who would have been better suited for the prince.

“Stop,” Jimin scolded her, able to hear her thoughts, as well as feel all of her budding doubts from his spot beside her. His wings fluttered opened and closed as quick as a blink, a sign of his unnerve, like he was ready to up and take flight. “You’re wrong and I can say that definitively.”

“Sorry,” she sighed, pulling herself away from the balcony. “Where’s Tae?”

“Slaving over your wedding present. These days, he even forgets to eat and fights me on rest.” Jimin scrunched his nose at her genuine look of worry, calming her, “I’ve been doing well with reminding him to take breaks and my wolf knows his place, so he doesn’t sass me as much as he does with others. You’re gonna love it, by the way, the present.”

The wedding present that Jimin could already see in his mind, but wouldn’t divulge. For the wedding that the Queen doesn’t stop gushing about, especially during dinner, like it was her only topic material for conversation. Bonus, she’d spent enough time with the King and Queen to do a basic comparison. Jeongguk’s outward behavior was much like his father, strong and masculine, making his presence goddamn imposing. She’d tried to find traces of his mother’s softness, but had come up short. Instead, she’d found most of their likeness in their shared bouts of shamelessness – delicate features, and simmering tempers.

The dinner bell chimed throughout the palace and she inwardly groaned at the thought of sitting through another long wedding discussion that she couldn’t even weigh in on. The Queen seemed to be in favor of seeing to all of the arrangements herself and wasn’t interested in any outside input, not even from the bride. Perhaps it was a recreation of the wedding the Queen wished she’d had in the first place and she was now living vicariously through her son’s marriage.

Jimin helped her into her heels, offering his hand to steady her. The first few steps were always shaky, so he kept a hold of her.

Curious was an understatement, as the next question had bubbled on the tip of her tongue for days. She didn’t want to succumb to this level of care, but, “How is his highness?”

“This is the first time that you’ve inquired,” Jimin noted with the amusement there in his tone, as they stepped out into the hallway, walking the familiar route to the dining hall. His wings fanned, contentedly, “To answer your question, the prince is doing what he does best. He’s engaged in competition, one of which he doesn’t much care to lose. I should mention that I’ve never seen the prince in an outright state of defeat. Even when he loses, Jeongguk makes sure he gains.”

She’d imagined that the prince enjoyed a variety of sports, given his physique. None of the articles had been specific about his hobbies in the past and it was something she wished to learn, even now. She readied herself, “So, like, fencing? Chess?”

“You.”

Clearly, she hadn’t been prepared for the answer.

“Oh.” ‘kay then.

The dining hall was a considerably smaller, more intimate room inside the castle. It was easily to tell that it’d been meant for family and not an entire kingdom. Therefore, it was probably one of her favorite rooms, apart from her own, and the ballroom. It would have been better if Jeongguk would come to dinner. During the first week of her stay, she’d been too anxious to eat to her contentment. Jimin was the one sending food to her room each night, before the kitchen closed. However, she’d learned not to expect the prince by now.

The girl took her usual spot between the King and Queen, greeting them cheerfully out of habit, and as a legitimate attempt at easing the awkwardness. The neat, empty plate setting across from her own did not affect her anymore.

“Your father has been enjoying the royal gardens,” the king said, breaking the silence with a start at friendly conversation, which she appreciated – truly. It was probably for her sake and for that, she’d been grateful. “I gifted him with his choice of camera, so that he may capture the palace flowers in full bloom. Journalists would kill to have access to our land. Your father’s photographs will be considered a rarity, therefore of value.”

If she knew her father, he would use this opportunity to upload as much photography as possible, so that he could also promote their family’s florist shop, despite the agricultural differences between the Meadows and human kingdoms being practically endless. He would find a way to use their new circumstances for his own selfish gain. It seemed like the Jeon family already knew of this fact, thus they further enabled him to do so, assisting him with his questionable endeavors, but on their terms.

Were they trying to take caring of her father or family’s future by doing this? What an oddly warm concept for royals.

“My mother was a botanist and after she passed away, my father took over her business, and he became rather passionate about the study of flowers.” Oh, holy shit – she hadn’t said that to anyone, ever. It was seldom that she brought up her mother. What would be next? Her father’s cacti collection? There was never a proper discussion between herself and her brother, not even with her father, and yet it had come out so easily just then.

“I’m sure she was a lovely woman,” the Queen offered with a smile that radiated comfort and warmth. It’s been so wholesome and kind in its delivery, which only made the girl feel more vulnerable.

“She was.”

Jeongguk’s father looked around the table, perhaps taking notice of how empty it was suddenly. He looked to the empty seat beside her, “Your brother has been skipping meals, as well. I heard that he spends most of his time at the library as of late.” He looked to his queen, pulling her into the conversation. “The boy told me that he wanted to be reacquainted with the grand piano, so I allowed him to do just that, but he played it so beautifully, it was as though they’d never departed in the first place.”

“My brother,” the girl said with a start, fully prepared to tell them all about Yoongi’s passion for hip-hop and synthesizing. How he’d poured himself into his music, but it didn’t feel like it was her place. She let it drop. “He loves music. I hope he can play something for us soon.”

The Queen turned to one of her maids, “Can you kindly ask that Hoseok call upon Yoongi for us? Thank you, dear.” She was smiling so sweetly that the girl had to wonder if the queen knew, like really knew about her brother, and the head of her royal guard – if she had, perhaps sent the fox hybrid to get Yoongi on purpose. “Now, let’s discuss cake. I was thinking of vanilla spice or sweet potato. I, myself, had a simple carrot cake for my wedding. It was stereotypical…”

The King sighed, heavily. “It’s my favorite. Why are you still upset about this? You’re going to ruin the flavor for me.”

Dinner was always in three courses, a large salad that she could never even hope to finish, followed by a protein. Hybrids were half human, so they required a healthy meat intake. It wasn’t wildly surprising and she’d been grateful, but it was obvious that they’d paid more attention to greens. Even the beverages were limited to vegetable and fruit cocktails.

She recalled the pinched look of complete and utter disgust upon Yoongi’s face, when he’d tried a lemon-ginger sparkler. The liquid fell from his slackened lips, pouring it directly back into the glass from his mouth. His face was so comically soured, as he asked Taehyung, ‘Did I just drink piss? Is this piss?’

The wolf hybrid raised a quizzical brow, ‘And how do you know what piss tastes like, hyung?’

Dessert was always interesting and was probably her favorite course. It could range anywhere from between creamy, spring blossom pudding to ironic bunny top cupcakes.

As the food was being served, the Queen settled her napkin onto her lap, and peered over at the girl, “I’ve already requested that Mimzy come at once, so that she can get started on your dress. Have you thought of what you’d like?”

This was new. “Well, I –”

“Of course you haven’t, dear,” she said, cutting the human off abruptly. “I’ve been positively obsessed with fishtail gowns as of late. A nice, lovely pink color would look best on you, I think. Standing next to our Jeonggukie with all the candles and the tulips, and oh, I just can’t stop thinking about how lovely it’s going to be.”

Right, yes, of course. How stupid of her to believe that the Queen was actually interested in her input, what with that, ‘Mother knows best’ attitude she had going for her. How did Jeongguk ever survive for this long?

“Son,” the King greeted, as a typical fondness spread over the rabbit hybrid’s features, pleasantly surprised. Meanwhile, that single word was enough to make the girl freeze on the spot, too afraid to so much as glance in Jeongguk’s general direction. It had been nearly two weeks later that her fiancé decided to suddenly show up now, out of the blue, as though time hadn’t passed between them.

Jeongguk’s formally bowed, before he’d addressed both his parents. He was speaking to them in a tone that was lighter than she remembered, softer somehow. In her all the memories she’d kept replaying, the hybrid’s voice was breathy and low, calling her perfect, demanding that she beg for him. Yeah, there was no way in fuck she was going to look at him. Not now. There was a hand gripping the back of her chair, the familiar spice of the Prince’s cologne hitting her senses when he’d closed her in. She inclined her head towards him, eyes focused on the carpet. The warmth of his breath hit her cheek he was so close, when he’d murmured a simple, “Princess.”

Despite it coming off as simplistic, she could hear the underlying heat practically dripping from the single word, intimate in the nature of which he’d said it, although sharing the same likeness to that of an insult. She ignored the shiver that’d run up her spine at that, resolving that her body was just a goddamn traitor. He circled the table towards his seat, where trays of food were already being set down before him. Still – she could not bear to cast her eyes at him, even while he was seated directly across from her with nothing but mere inches of table separating them.

“Forgive me for my long absence,” Jeongguk said, doing his best to sound so sweetly apologetic. Even the bow of his head had seemed like a sincere gesture from out of her peripheral, but she knew better. He continued, “The wedding occupies my thoughts regularly. Seeing the princess is but a bitter reminder of how I must wait to have her, even whilst she is within arm’s reach.”

She could feel the weight of his eyes on her then, as though burning metaphorical holes into her skin. It was a habit, a stupid habit all the same, when her eyes finally flickered to his, unprepared to be met with the dark, doe-eyed stare that awaited her. He looked thoroughly unsettled, not quite nearly as satisfied with just staring at her – the hybrid was a visual wreck, haplessly in ruins by his own self-restraint. And yet, there was beauty to be admired, brown hair parted to perfection, sun golden skin contrasting against the rich black cotton he was wearing, coupled with a choker made of silk that was fitted around his neck.

She felt trapped, then, “I’m sorry to be the obvious cause to your displeasure, your highness.”

He wetted his plush lips with the point of his tongue, catching her attention. “Those are just pretty, ineffective words in the end. I prefer action.”

Right in front of his parents, too, that’s nice.

She tried not to roll her eyes at him, fully aware of how rude it would be in the presence at a time such as this one. If they’d been alone, however, she would have let him have it. Changing the subject, she smiled with faux innocence, “Surely seeing each other more often would quell your sorrows. Please come to dinner from now on, my prince.”

The King clasped his hands together, the smack resounding in the quiet space. “How can my son possibly refuse such an offer? She’s so delightful.”

If only Yoongi were here to throw in some dry humor, perhaps try his hand at easing the tension growing in the room. Hell, she’d settled for anything. He could say something vaguely crass towards the Queen – anything, anything but this – this moment. Which reminded her, Hoseok was sure taking his sweet ass time.

Good.

Yoongi removed the book from his face, having used it to block out the light in the royal library, while he took his evening nap. It was Seokjin’s fault that he practically lived there now, waking up to the smell of hardcover, and taking in as much hybrid literature as one human could possibly withstand. The doctor casually dropped that there were books on hybrids of all breeds, but there was such little on foxes. The small bits and pieces he found were sacred to him, mentally bookmarked, and cataloged. He’d spent so much time reading, while successfully avoiding Hoseok in the process, knowing that he’d only suffer otherwise. The fox was terrifying, well and truly. So, instead of taking his inquiries directly to Hoseok himself, he’d spent long afternoons engaged in conversation with the Queen about the fox hybrid. What does the head of the Queen’s guard do? How did Hoseok come to fall into such a position? What drastic measures had Hoseok taken in order to protect her? Yoongi was entertained by these thoughts, in his own obvious interest that was being cradled safely inside the Queen’s palm, as she answered his every question. She wasn’t lacking in detail, either, as she described close calls, as well as candid examples of Hoseok’s many acts of heroism. Now that Yoongi knew more, he could safely admit to himself that it wasn’t enough. Somehow he knew that it would never be enough and it was with that knowledge in mind that, he decided that touching Hoseok wouldn’t be in his best interest. Thusly, he’d chose to ignore the redheaded enigma, practically diving out of the hybrid’s line of sight, as though one look would strike him down – hell, it probably would. He had that level of faith and confidence in Jung Hoseok. The blonde sat up from his spot on the table with a tired yawn, ruffling his hair out of his face. He’d heard the dinner bell when it had gone off, but he’d been too lazy to move at the time. Actually, he’d been too damn lazy to do much of anything recently. The last productive thing he could recall doing was locking the door to the ballroom, so that he could bend his fingers across the keys of the grand piano without being interrupted. Again. He placed the book down and made to hop down, when a loose thread of his sweater caught onto a piece of splintered wood. The tables in the library were ancient, despite appearing so finely polished, and in mint condition. He pulled on the hem of his shirt, watching as the stitching continued to unravel with every unwise tug. “Oh, for the love of Luna,” Yoongi cursed, as he wrapped the string around his finger, intending to pull it free, when a hand suddenly closed around his wrist, both startling and stopping him. He hadn’t even heard the doors being opened, let alone any steps advancing towards him. What the fuck? “I wouldn’t,” warned an amused voice, or the voice, rather. Yoongi immediately knew its source, whom it belonged to, and that it was Hoseok standing there next to him, being close, too fucking close in Yoongi’s opinion, skin to skin in a gentle touch that could do just as much to light him aflame. The fox’s tail curled slightly, as he concentrated on the thread going from the table to bottom of Yoongi’s sweater. “Hold still for me, hyung.” Hold still, when Yoongi couldn’t even breathe properly. The hybrid drew a thin, delicate throwing dagger from one of the leather satchels on his belt – steadying Yoongi’s wrist, as he carefully sliced through the thread from beneath where it was cutting into the blonde’s finger. The hybrid then casually tucked the weapon away, before tying the string still attached to the blonde’s sweater as close as he could get it to the stitching, knotting it firmly. “It’ll probably be ruined next wash,” Hoseok said, tsking at the damage. The hybrid stared down at the elder, dark eyes cutting. “What?” “The Queen said that you’re even better with a bow.” And why the hell did that just pour from his mouth? He blinked away at the shock, trying to recover himself. “I mean, she’d said in passing that you sometimes represent her in the Archery Leagues, and that you win too often.” ‘Too often’ was supposed to elicit some kind of reaction from Hoseok, perhaps a laugh, a smile – even a modest reply would have done nicely, but all Yoongi was met with was an eerie quiet. The tip of Hoseok’s tongue wet the surface of his bottom lip, “Interesting conversation that you’ve scored with me. A better conversation would be why you’ve hidden yourself from my sight, avoiding me as though you’re good at it, hyung.” Yoongi wasn’t very good at lying, but he liked exercising his rights, “I haven’t been.” “Oh, but you have, and I have theories,” Hoseok said, using his nearness to press Yoongi against the table, the wood digging into the back of the elder’s thighs. “All of this reading up on fox hybrids…” He tapped his finger down on the book Yoongi had been rifling through for the emphasis. “And you’ve learned nothing, have you, hyung? Well, allow me clue you in, then. All of my senses are heightened and sensitive. So, I can smell you, before I even see you.” The blonde swallowed hard at the implication that Hoseok had known of his whereabouts the entire time, which would mean all of his efforts had been in vain. Yoongi’s heart was racing at a speed that he was not used to dealing with, willing himself to calm down. There was no such luck with the way Hoseok was closing him in, the fox’s hands flat against the table at the sides of Yoongi’s waist. He’d felt helplessly trapped, but in a way that he preferred to be, wanting Hoseok, yet fearing him all at once. “Apart from smelling you, I can also hear you, hyung.” Yoongi closed his eyes against the low, dark tone the fox had taken on, shuddering pleasantly, because fuck – he wanted to be devoured, right here and now. The only thing stopping him from sitting on the table, all open and willing, was because he wanted Hoseok to be the one to place him there. “I had to dismiss my guards from your door the other night to give you privacy. You were being so very loud and you smelled so fucking good…” The other night, when the Queen had given Yoongi his fill of information, satisfying his every curiosity with the promise of more the following day. He’d been three fingers deep, envisioning Hoseok fucking into him ruthlessly with his wrists pinned to his back, as the other went to the front of his throat. Because when Yoongi thought of Hoseok, all he could think of was predator. “My theory, hyung, is that you want me. You want me so badly that you’re fisting your cock every night, whining into your pillow, pretending that it’s me. I heard you say it…” Hoseok’s hips met his own, allowing the blonde to feel his arousal, already so hard through the layers of their clothing. “You said my name. You said, ‘Hoseok, please fuck me…’ and it was the loveliest, yet the filthiest thing I’d ever heard, and I want to hear it again.” Hoseok was chasing him, crowding the human, angling his face with every overwhelmed turn of Yoongi’s, inching closer still. The blonde had no other choice but to be honest then, the guilt evident and thick in his voice, “I’m fucking obsessed with you.” The slow forming smirk that grew upon Hoseok’s face was goddamn indecent then and it took everything in Yoongi not to – ah, fuck it. He drew the hybrid in closer to his height, fingers digging into the back of Hoseok’s neck, desperate almost. Yoongi expelled the air from his lungs in a long, shaky exhale. He was trembling, so ready to break beneath the younger, should the fox deem it necessary. One look was all Hoseok needed in order to know, to truly understand that the human was too far gone – that they made a mess of one another with such minimal contact, that avoiding it for too much longer would only make it worse. He brought his hands to the small of Yoongi’s waist, placing him on top of the table. It was automatic, the way his legs so readily parted around Hoseok’s hips, pulling him in closer. The hand on the back of Hoseok’s neck grew more insistent, blunt nails digging into soft golden skin. Yoongi needed – his lips falling open, waiting with bated breath. “If I kiss you, I won’t be able to stop. I already know it,” Hoseok confessed, touching the tips of his fingers to the curve of Yoongi’s jawline, angling the elder’s face up to meet his own. The hybrid’s eyes darkened, “Instinct tells me to claim you, hyung.” He wore a mask of complete calm, as though the blood housed within his veins wasn’t boiling or itching to finally leave marks across Yoongi’s smooth, pale skin. “It says to fuck you and breed you like you’re one of my own, but I don’t want to chance hurting you.” “But that’s what I want,” Yoongi said, bringing his other hand to Hoseok’s wrist, guiding the hybrid’s fingers down to the slender line of his throat. “Humans aren’t fragile, Hoseok – most especially, me. I want it to hurt, need it to hurt. I wanna be able to feel you – for days, weeks. I want it to last.” In the next moment, Yoongi had willingly dug his own grave, hammered each nail into his coffin, using the same breathy tone as the night before, saying the lovely filthy line to rile the hybrid up, “Please, Hoseok-ah, fuck me.” The redhead could feel Yoongi’s pulse within his hand, the way his breathing hitched when he’d applied more pressure. His fox ear twitched, picking up on guards changing shifts just outside the library doors. The situation wasn’t ideal and despite Hoseok’s better judgment, he’d found himself leaning down to taste Yoongi’s lips, groaning into him the moment they’d made contact, confirming his belief that no – he wouldn’t be able to stop. Yoongi was deliciously receptive to him, mouth eagerly parting around Hoseok’s tongue. And honestly, it shouldn’t have felt this fucking good. The fox could almost concede that each kiss and every touch was like fire, slowly burning him through, searing him in ways that would surely leave a scar. He could feel Yoongi’s length with every slight rock of his hips, seeking friction against Hoseok solid frame. This really wasn’t the right place to be stripping Yoongi down, yet Hoseok found himself twisting the button free on the elder’s dark slacks. The zipper fell on its own when he’d dug his fingers beneath the waistband of Yoongi’s briefs. It really wasn’t the right place at all. And it was difficult for Hoseok to use his heightened senses, while he was being thoroughly distracted by his human. The hybrid sucked in a sharp breath, as a pleasurable chill ran down his spine, feeling the soft pads of Yoongi’s thumbs caressing the sensitive skin of each fox ear. He rebutted by wrapping his long fingers around the blonde’s leaking cock, tugging at Yoongi’s mouth with his sharp teeth, receiving a broken whimper in response. It was apparent that the human enjoyed the sting of pain and Hoseok was more than willing to give it, as he stroked Yoongi dry within his palm – leaning down to leave bruises against the elder’s skin. The firm, strong swirls over Yoongi’s pulse had him moaning aloud, too loudly – Hoseok determined, as he withdrew long enough to remove the sweater from Yoongi’s body. He wore a simple thin, black t-shirt beneath it. The dark shade complimented how pale he was, delicate veins standing out against skin so translucent. Hoseok enjoyed the way he flushed so easily for him, panting heavily in the quiet of the library, already so affected. He slowly released Yoongi from his grasp, trailing his fingers teasingly across his cock to grab the hem of his shirt and connected it at the collar, pulling them tightly together. Hoseok’s eyes gleamed mischievously, when he touched the fabric to Yoongi’s mouth. The blonde raised a brow in question, but allowed Hoseok to ease the material past his lips, and found that it only aroused him further – he fisted at the front of Hoseok’s uniform, bringing him as close as possible. “You look so pretty like this, hyung, but you sound even prettier,” Hoseok said, roaming his hands down the front of Yoongi’s bare chest, repeatedly skimming his thumbs over the erect, pink buds there. “But the castle is guarded by hybrids. We all have sensitive hearing. Truthfully, even with the gag, they’ll still be able to hear you. They’ll hear me, too…” He leaned in, taking Yoongi’s sensitive skin into the heat of his mouth, trapping a nipple between his teeth. The reaction was instantaneous, a jerk of Yoongi’s small hips, a muffled cry into the rough fabric of his shirt. Hoseok resumed in his torture, pressing a slow trail of wet kisses lower, “…sucking on your cute human dick, until you come.” The fuck… Yoongi groaned at the hot mixture of the hybrid’s actions and words, flushing deeply, wondering what the hell made Hoseok’s dick so fucking special. He wanted to know, but he was currently more invested in the direction of Hoseok’s hungry mouth. No – he wanted to fuck up into the fox’s mouth, wanted to feel Hoseok choke on his ‘cute human dick’. He wanted to smear his cum right across the hybrid’s stupid, grinning face after he was finished with using him. Instead, he slipped his hands away from Hoseok to grab at the edge of the table, knuckles turning bone white when he’d felt the first flick of the fox’s tongue over his heated skin. Hoseok’s movements were fast, when his hands were suddenly placed on top of Yoongi’s, pinning the elder there, while he darted the point of his tongue against the slit of his swollen cock, quick to taste the pearly precum that threatened to drip down. The hybrid was practiced, as he swallowed Yoongi’s length down in one go, humming appreciatively around him, “Mmm…” The deep sound reverberated, causing the blonde to shudder with chills. Hoseok enjoyed the familiar stretch of his mouth, breathing in and out through his nose to take his human even further to the back of his throat, before starting up a rhythm, determined to get the elder off as fast as he could, since he’d been tasked to fetch Yoongi, not to completely #wreck him. If Yoongi had been able to form a complete sentence, he’d tell Hoseok to slow the fuck down, but the more selfish part of him was all too pleased with the steady pace, the continuous lave of Hoseok’s hot tongue, how he’d paid extra attention to the head of Yoongi’s cock, swirling, and slurping lewdly. From beneath his dark lashes, Hoseok watched the elder get lost in a state of blissful enrapt, pulling off just to show Yoongi the sticky webs of saliva and precum hanging from between his cock and the fox’s swollen mouth. The redhead smirked at him, “I can’t wait to eat you up.” The way Hoseok said it, fuck – if this wasn’t eating Yoongi whole, then, what else would it be? Oh. The blonde felt a tremor rip throughout his body, the muscles in abdomen clenching. Oh. Once the fox was certain that the image had been painted all nice and vivid in the human’s mind, of Hoseok fucking him open with his sharp tongue, he wrapped his slender fingers around Yoongi’s length, and brought him back inside the warm suction of his mouth. Yoongi leaned his head back, having no other choice but to feel as his orgasm climbed way too fast. It was purposeful on the hybrid’s part and out of his control. This was what Hoseok wanted, sloppy and quick – no grace to be salvaged, when Yoongi’s eyes squeezed shut for all but a moment, reaching for the hybrid’s crimped fire red hair, more in warning than anything – Hoseok pinned his hands back down to the table, holding him. Fuck. Yoongi felt as the familiar rush swarmed him, crying out when he released into Hoseok’s mouth. Hoseok continued stroking him through each wave of pleasure, milking Yoongi of every last drop he had to offer onto his tongue. And humans, they were different. They smelled different, tasted different. Yoongi was like vanilla and spiced cinnamon, but with a human bitterness that he’d come to know and crave. He flicked his tongue across the head of Yoongi’s spent cock, before flashing him a grin. Yoongi was delicious and well worth the wait. Jimin had told the hybrid that it would be his year, his month – his forever. Hoseok was a very patient fox, but he was also voracious, and known for having an appetite. The hybrid could only hope that his cat-like human would be able to keep up with it. He helped Yoongi back inside his boxers, buttoning, and zipping up his slacks. Then he gently and slowly, unraveled the bunched up shirt from his mouth, dark eyes staring down at the elder’s too pink lips. “The Queen sent me to come get you.” Hoseok’s dick was pulsing beneath his jeans, having yet to be relieved, aching as he watched Yoongi’s pretty mouth naturally pout at him. “We have to go now, hyung.” Yoongi wasn’t entirely convinced that Hoseok had meant the last part. With a voice like gravel, the human returned to his typically shrewd behavior, “We don’t have to go anywhere. I don’t have to do anything, especially since we just – I finally get to have you. I’d take a small nap first if I wasn’t so certain that I needed more from you right now.” “And I’m going to let you have it,” Hoseok promised, as he grabbed at the side of Yoongi’s face with enough force to pull him from off the table right to his mouth. Any kiss was dangerous at this point, steadily testing the fox’s resolve, but Hoseok wanted what Yoongi needed – he practically yearned for it. The hybrid would do anything, anything to help ease the ache, but orders come first. “You’re also mine, hyung, and I’m going to make sure that you won’t forget that fact,” he murmured, drawing lazy circles over one of the many growing bruises along the side of Yoongi’s neck with his thumb. “You might want to quickly change into something high collared...” Even if hybrids wouldn’t be able to see the marks that Hoseok left, they’d be able to smell the fox’s claim. Yoongi had done enough reading to know.

Jeongguk started attending dinner, but anyone in the room could tell that his attentions were solely fixated on her, making eating difficult, even long after his presence had become ritual. It was as though he were the one starving, despite having consumed a full three course meal without stopping to so much as take a breath. She wondered how often hybrids needed to scent their mates, if it was part of his apparent duress, met with the twitch and flicker of his fingers, or a long, bent rabbit ear. Perhaps Jeongguk would be the one to beg her in the end? It was still relatively early in the evening, when Jimin escorted the girl to Mimzy’s workroom. He’d been tasked with helping her find her way around the castle, watching as silks, and frills were being fitted to her body. Not that he minded all that much, since he was in good company. They’d agreed that the Queen’s fishtail idea was to be scrapped, indefinitely. The royal seamstress was all too pleased upon hearing the declaration. “The only time I design fishtail gowns is for nautical weddings. Not saying that you wouldn’t look beautiful, because you would,” Mimzy said, as she focused on pinning a piece fabric into place. “But you’re not a fish’s bride. Don’t get me wrong, they’re totally cute, but you’re a rabbit’s bride. The two styles are much, much different, that I can assure you.” Whatever the hell that obvious statement was meant for. Jimin looked over the final sketches of her gown, closing his eyes to recall the wedding day in his mind, confirming that this would be the one. Sometimes the power of his gift still amazed him. However, not all of fae’s visions were of the good kind, especially when he was unable to prevent catastrophes from happening. Meddling too much with fate could one day strip him of his sight. There’d been plenty of times where he’d been tempted to risk it. Like last winter, where he’d been forced to act oblivious, knowing that Taehyung was but moments away from fracturing his wrist. The wolf’s supernatural healing ability or not, it still sucked. ‘Fuck – did you know?’ Taehyung hissed out, his inner wolf dripping from his voice, as he cradled his injured wrist to his chest, sinking his teeth into his bottom lip to keep from crying out in pain. He snapped, angrily, ‘Jimin! I said did you know that this was going to happen?’ The fairy gave a slow nod, somewhat pitifully, the glow of his skin dimming. ‘I-I wanted to stop it, but I…’ ‘It must’ve been hard for you,’ Taehyung gasped, trying to calm his breathing when Seokjin finally administered him a painkiller, the effects almost immediate. He’d waited until the doctor was gone to look over at Jimin, voice thick with relief, and tension. Taehyung’s eyes were wet, tears falling from his bottom lashes, ‘You can’t ever interfere, you know that, right? Don’t ever sacrifice your sight for me.’ Jimin knew the day would come where he’d be faced with that decision, trapped in a moment where freeing himself would mean disregarding Taehyung’s plea, in order to do what felt right. Unless the King’s admiral decided to retire the wolf hybrid, but that was highly unlikely. Taehyung was a crucial part of the kingdom’s defense unit. “All set,” Mimzy said, as she started helping the girl out of her many layers, comically hefting the heavy garments over towards the sewing mannequin. “I’ll be sure to have it finished by next week. That way, it’ll be too late for the Queen to object to the changes.” The fairy agreed, “That’s a wonderful idea.” He then placed down the sketches to assist the princess with her complicated attire. There were too many buttons, laces, and zippers for her to figure out. He could tell that she still wasn’t used to the clothing yet. The girl hadn’t bothered to startle, comfortable with Jimin at this point. He asked her, “Will you be alright from here? I have to go make sure Taehyung remembered to eat something.” “I’m sure that I can find my way around,” she said, before bowing her goodbyes to Mimzy, and parting ways. There were a number of times she’d been left to her own devices – most of that time had been spent alone in her room, staring out the balcony at the Meadows. She yearned to see the rest of the city, to walk among the crowds, and put her newly acquired golden card to good use, aka eating everything in sight. She enjoyed traipsing past the art leading into the Queen’s quarters, imagining seven year old Taehyung focusing intently with a paintbrush, squinting at his work. He was currently slaving over a piece to present to her at the wedding and the thought alone was enough to make her feel full with overwhelming happiness. She’d never received a handmade gift, not even from her own mother. Not on purpose, but rather she’d never learned how to paint or knit. Instead, what her mother had given to her consisted of love and knowledge. On the opposite end of the castle, away from what she’d been used to, were the King’s quarters. The Prince’s chambers were probably at the far end. She’d never so much as glimpsed in the general direction. Was she even allowed to go there? The décor changed the further she explored, purple turning into a deep red. The art on the wall was decidedly unimpressive in comparison to Taehyung’s, not that her biased opinion mattered on the topic. She’d come across her first set of guards, testing her boundaries. Neither hybrid so much as flinched when she passed them, thus green lighting the rest of her steps. It wasn’t until the cat hybrid appeared, Namjoon, Seokjin’s genius husband, stepped out into the hallway that she’d been stopped in her tracks. “Princess,” he greeted, as he closed the door behind him. He’d kept his hand on the knob and was slow to release it, puzzled by her sudden appearance. “It’s unusual seeing you here. Are you lost?” “No, Admiral,” she declined with a shake of her head, looking away. Namjoon was intimidating, dimples, or not. “I was wondering if Prince Jeongguk was in his chambers?” “He’s not, however if you’d like to wait for him, that would be fine as well.” He extended his arm out, pointing down the corridor. “His room is at the very end of the hall, the white door.” She nodded, meekly, “Very good. Thank you...” “You should inform us next time, so that we are able to make adequate arrangements on your behest. A formal visit would ensure that the prince be wherever you’re looking.” And with that, the hybrid was sauntering off, whistling a jaunty tune. What the fuck? Well, she hadn’t known that she could request such a thing. Honestly, she didn’t even think she’d be able to enter Jeongguk’s room without his permission, but you learn something new every day at the palace. She proceeded down the hallway, the white door standing out against rows of black. She stepped inside like it was the most natural thing to do, unprepared for the strong waft of floral that struck her senses. The room was covered in Bell’snaps, which was a delicate mix between snapdragons and roses, known for its unique bulbs. They were more commonly referred to as the Heaven and Hell flower, since they tended to grow along the border separating the two kingdoms. She’d learned a great deal about them, not because her parents were florists, but because she’d been presented with them year after year on her birthday without fail, since she was fifteen. Perhaps it would be premature to assume, but her heart had already confirmed it for her, that Jeongguk had been the one sending them to her, knowing who she was, that she was to be his someday, frustrated that he was unable to reveal himself. The hybrid still found a way. She gently touched a finger to one of the white petals. Of course he found a way. The rest of Jeongguk’s room was dark, almost in spite of the white glow of the Bell’snaps. The walls were painted the color of onyx, the furniture reminding her of storm clouds, or the surface of the moon – dark and bright all at once. His belongings sat atop of mirrors, cologne bottles, and silver jewelry scattered across them haphazardly. Hanging above his dresser was a selection of silk chokers, a look that he clearly took seriously. It was rude to touch without asking, but she found herself reaching for one of them. It was light pink, a color that seemed too soft for Jeongguk. She brought it around her neck and secured the ends. The cologne from Star’s End had come in an expensive bottle, not that it needed such a flashy appearance to sell its quality. The brand usually spoke for itself. Testing the fragrance out on her wrist, she’d decided that it smelled better when it was mixed with Jeongguk’s chemistry – a scent that was practically made to only be worn by him. There was framed art hanging up on the wall, one of which resembled that of Taehyung’s work. It was a depiction of what she’d imagined the Fae Realm to look like. She then wondered if Jimin had taken his wolf there, if he’d allowed Taehyung to see the fairy nests hidden within the forest – if he’d returned to the palace covered in glitter and paint. She attempted to sit on top of Jeongguk’s bed, the frills of her gown rejecting the movement. It was too high up, proving that the climb would be a task, which was simply ridiculous. Growing annoyed, she opened the door to his closet and went in search of something more ideal to wear. There was no shortage of plain button ups, so she grabbed one – a white top that was probably never worn. Beneath her dress, she wore a feeble pair of britches to combat the cold temperatures of autumn, so there was no need to steal a pair of his slacks. She huffed with each pull of her dress, untying the lace of her corset, cursing with every awkward bend of her fingers, as she tried her damndest to tear everything off. She’d have to see about more casual style clothing, something tasteful, yet less. So much less. She glared at the heap of clothing on the floor. Maybe she needed her maids more than she initially thought, as they tended to make fast work of the removal process. Jeongguk’s shirt was massive on her, the bottom of his shirt reaching mid-thigh, like a tunic. The sleeves could almost fold to her elbow. She climbed onto his bed without a problem this time, as she flopped herself onto his soft pillows, and was pleasantly assaulted by another hit of his cologne. This time it smelled more like him, diluted with his natural scent. And that was it, the pinnacle of comfort, as good as it was going to get for now: a place of belonging. With Bell’snaps at every corner of the room, the long mystery was finally over, curiosities settled. Yoongi would be happy to hear it, no longer burdened to play the role of Sherlock. She closed her eyes and pulled at the hybrid’s bed sheets, slipping beneath them, and tucking herself further into the pillows. How long had Jeongguk waited? When did he find out her name or her birthday? Why would someone as beautiful as Jeongguk even…? Why would he ever… …love someone so small…? The bed dipped beneath her – a firm tug of the sheets, soft warmth enclosing her within its arms, lights puffs of air hitting her skin. The familiar spice of Jeongguk’s cologne was stronger then, easing her into what was sure to be oblivion, but even while in her cozy, sleep induced mind, she knew that she wasn’t alone anymore. As though to solidify her belief, insistent hands were pulling her closer still. Jeon Jeongguk, a rabbit princeling with control issues. She curled herself against the wall of his chest, the movement instinctual, as their arms and legs tangled for much needed contact. “Princess,” he sighed, the lilt of his tone somewhat airy, and gentle. She swallowed hard against the feel of his fingertips teasing beneath the silk that was covering her throat. It was his choker to be exact. “It isn’t that I’m not pleased to find you in my chambers, asleep in my bed, in my clothes, but why are you here?” With sleep still muddling her thoughts, the conversation had come easily. “I was waiting for you.” “Well, that much is obvious. I have been waiting, as well.” Here it comes, the resume button being pressed from their last close encounter. Apparently, the hybrid wasn’t willing to let it go. She knew it and yet she’d expected more from him, to forget about his childish demands to enjoy the moment. He was still playing with the silk, pulling at it until it grew tight against her skin. “Do you have words for me?” “The magic words?” she asked, stalling. ‘Beg for your prince’. She’d never begged for anything. It wasn’t in her nature to do so, ask any of the Min’s. “Why must I?” “So that I know that I’m not the only one behaving so desperately. Marrying you won’t be enough to satisfy what has felt like a lifetime of my wanting you.” He pulled back far enough to look at her, dark eyes unintentionally cold. “It’s selfish of me, I know this all too well, but I need you begging for me.” She laughed, incredulously, “I’m the one who is desperate here. You reduce me down to ash beneath the burn of your gaze, as though you mean to consume me. Your presence is so great that it drowns out my own and yet–” The hybrid cut her off. “Then beg.” She bit at the side of her lip, holding back from cursing him. Submitting to him would call for setting aside her dignity. In the prince’s mind, he’d already given himself over to her forever ago, suspended in a state of longing, that she would never truly be able to understand. He wanted the same courtesy, and although it made sense on some messed up level, it was still difficult. “I’ve been curious since the first mention of there being a hybrid prince. I followed the papers, clinging to every written word, fantasizing. I even crossed kingdoms just to see you.” She had no idea as to why she was divulging all of these intimate details again. The night of the Meadow Ball, he’d known how deep her devotion for him had run. “The white Bell’snaps was your doing, wasn’t it? You gifted a flower that represented our two kingdoms, before I even knew of your existence. If anything, I’d been the one to suffer in ignorance.” He shoved his tongue against the inside of his cheek, growing impatient, “Just the same, princess.” “Please,” she whispered, the words barely audible. By the way the hybrid’s ears twitched, it was clear that he’d heard it. And yet, “What was that?” She closed her eyes, trying again, but this time louder. “Please, Jeongguk. I’m…” “You’re begging,” He informed her, gently, “…and you do it so well for me.” It would have been soothing, if not for the current situation. It was not at all a real appraisal, but condescension in its purest form. Jeongguk had the nerve to smile at her, as he demanded, “Again.” Was he joking? “You’re pushing it.” “Oh, am I?” There was sarcasm laced heavily within his tone, as he slipped his fingers into her hair, carefully pulling at the pins holding each strand into place. “I don’t really think so.” She was almost ashamed at how easy it was the second time around. “Please.” The last bobby pin was tossed to the floor. With her hair down, he combed his long fingers through it freely, comfortingly, before he closed his grip – the action abrupt, as he brought her face inches away from his own. The sharp gasp that escaped was enough to send a pleasant shiver down his spine, quite enjoying the way she sounded, eager to hear more. The hybrid stared at her lips, before he’d pressed their mouths together firmly. It was pressure on pressure at first, wanting to feel her and needing to be felt. She said it one last time between aggressive pulls of his lips, “Please.” Uncertain of how much begging would be sufficient enough to satisfy the prince, hoping that it was enough to reflect her own desperation. She roamed her hands along his back, feeling the muscles flex beneath her fingertips when she’d held on. Instinct told her to reach for his ears, intentions becoming apparent when she skimmed the nape of his neck, into his soft dark hair. It the hybrid pause, body as still as stone. He was suddenly staring down at her, eyes narrowed into slits, both dark and accusatory. If looks could kill, she’d already be dead. The white fur slipped from her hand, intrigued by how a single touch could so easily unravel him. “Your ears are just so soft,” she said, as though it would somehow justify her impulse to grab at them. The word ‘soft’ seemed to have struck a nerve, when the hybrid took hold of her wrists, and pinned them to the mattress. It was much like how their first encounter had originally went, with Jeongguk’s hips falling between her thighs with little effort. It felt like an eternity, until he spoke again. “Keep your arms down.” She nodded, wrists staying where he’d placed them, when he started to unbutton the shirt she’d borrowed from his closet, exposing new inches of skin. Wearing a bra wasn’t necessary with her gowns, an observation the hybrid had made as he worked further down. He allowed the shirt to remain shut, affording her brief moments of modesty. “I’ve wanted you for so long. I couldn’t wait to have you like this, all to myself…” How to articulate that she wanted him more than that? The bedside lamp cast a dim light over them, but it was enough to make out the hard lines of Jeongguk’s chest when he removed his shirt from off of his broad shoulders. The hybrid’s physique was a result of his time on the battlefield, a trained soldier within the Admiral’s squadron. Delicately sculpted muscles, miles of golden skin – Jeongguk was a whole meal that’d left her salivating, and starved for a taste, until she remembered herself. Touching him would mean breaking his command. He stared back, shamelessly, taking in the way she was openly admiring his body. “I was always worried that you’d find someone else. A nice, human boy,” Jeongguk confessed, a bitter smirk reaching the curve of his glossed lips. “There were tells about you, though, obvious tells of your inexperience, and that you’re untouched. You have no one to compare me to, princess.” “How fortunate for you, then, should you perform inadequately,” she teased back, her breath hitching in her throat when his eyes flashed darkly. He’d felt challenged by her. She continued to press him, enticed by the thrill of it, “You must be brimming with confidence…” Jeongguk grew quiet then, as he idly traced his fingers beneath the silk choker she was wearing, before tearing it from her neck – breaking the clasp in the process. It’d been weeks since he’d last scented her. Weeks that she’d paraded around the royal court, mingling with other hybrids, being ushered from room to room by his fae, who was usually in the presence of Taehyung. Even if she’d currently smelled like his cologne, it was not of him – not truly. Mating her would be the simplest long term way of making sure that he remained on her skin. Jeongguk wanted every hybrid within the kingdom to be aware of the fact that she’d been properly marked and not to be sought after, if anyone so bold existed. He parted the shirt covering her breasts, drinking in all of her insecurities with one greedy look – the newly exposed inches of skin calling to be claimed, for Jeongguk to take what had always belonged to him. The hybrid pressed his palms into the mattress, hovering over her, “Your heart is racing. I can hear it…” He lowered his mouth to where her pulse was fluttering against the side of her neck, swirling his tongue over the same spot with slow repetition. It was when she’d felt the sharp pinch of his teeth, that she’d arched her hips up into his own, and could feel how hard he already was for her. Their chests met once he’d settled his full weight atop of her, allowing her to feel more of him each time rocked forward, seeking friction. She’d learned that the prince was all about slow, thorough consumption – languid strokes of his tongue and rough, seemingly practiced touches. He knew just how to hold her, splaying his fingers across the opposite side of her neck, keeping her skin to his teeth. “Jeongguk, please…” This time she’d truly meant it, able to feel an acute ache in the deepest pit of her stomach. The slick of her arousal was wet against her inner thighs, already such a mess. “I want to touch you, too.” It would only be fair, not that fairness seemed to be of high importance to the prince. He trailed the back of his unoccupied hand down the underside of her arm, teasing past the curve of her breast. “Touch me, then,” was the husky response, voice breathy and thick against her throat, before he resumed his torture, drawing his thumb back and forth over her peaked flesh – making her tremble beneath him. “Before I change my mind, princess…” She uncurled her fingers at the warning, bringing a hand to the nape of his neck, as the other clung to his back. The rabbit ears were off limits for now, as she decided to tread carefully in mapping him out. She sucked in a breath when he slid his large hand to the slope of her stomach, the hybrid’s cool fingers slipping beneath her tights. The hold she had on his back moved to the arm that was currently at work, gasping when she’d felt three of his fingers cupping her through the silk of her panties. It was impossible for her to not want to hide, so very aware of how wet she was, but not wanting him to stop. As though able to read her thoughts, he laughed humorlessly, “You’re completely drenched for me, princess.” Oh, well, fuck – he was out to kill her. The hybrid felt along the tender flesh of her inner thighs, fingers coated with her slick. There was a lack of genuine remorse to his tone, as he continued, “You’re practically dripping all over me, begging me to stuff you full with my cock. Should I?” Jeongguk stared back with eyes as black as charcoal, the smirk touching his lips downright predatory. She wondered if he’d truly expected an answer, her skin burning the longer he searched her face for, every bit of the pleasantness wiped from his expression, and replaced with something hungry. Why the hell was she allowing him to get away with it? “Your highness…” He was quick to silence her with the firm press of his mouth, tongue parting her lips with ease. She hummed at the distraction, melting into the kiss. The hybrid moaned into her, pleased with how she fit inside his palm – his middle and index fingers bent, as he rubbed her through the silk material, easily slipping between the folds of her soaked flesh, and over her clit. It had become obvious to her that Jeongguk controlled every aspect of their coupling, like a wave that kept crashing down on her in a show of dominance, leaving her fighting for air, until the last moment when he allowed her to fill her lungs. He took slow, languid drags of her mouth, distracted by the slick warmth between his fingers. The mess had grown when he’d removed the remaining garment – webs of clear, sticky arousal hanging from between the material of her panties and her skin. He watched her through heavy lids, dark eyes having narrowed when he brought his middle finger to the center of his tongue, and made a show of licking it clean. Oh… The situation was foreign to her, intimidating – so much more than she could ever imagine, and yet she’d wanted more of it. The hand she’d placed on his arm steadily pulled him forward, encouraging him to continue. She whispered, unable to find her voice, “Please, Jeongguk. I need…” Please, please, please…Listening to herself beg was unbearable, even if it had come naturally by this point. “You’re such a good girl for me,” he cooed, lowering his mouth back to hers, their lips parting into shaky gasps, when he curved a long finger into her. She whimpered softly at the warm pressure filling her with every thrust. His tone was almost accusatory, “You’re so perfect and all mine. All. Mine.” He pushed in slow, shallow at first, allowing her time to adjust to it, before adding a second finger. The prince continued to taunt, enjoying the way her skin flushed red, “Will you be able to handle me, princess? You might be too small for my cock.” Her walls clung onto him tightly, as though to keep him in, welcoming the stretch of each intrusion, the strokes of his long, delicate fingers exactly where she needed it. “Listen…” The loud, wet sounds of his fingers moving inside her warmth made her want to die. “So, you’re into humiliation,” she breathed, shuddering when he teased his mouth over her breasts, meticulous in his onslaught of rabbit teeth and tongue, leaving behind a trail of purple and pink marks. “I am into…” He said, placing a firm kiss just her below her navel, “…the sound your body makes while I’m fucking you with my fingers.” More kisses, this time hot and lingering – from one side of her hips to the other. The hybrid held her eyes, lips twitching, “The desperate little moans and gasps that you make whenever you hold in your breath for too long, too afraid of what I might think, when all I want is more.” She jumped at the soft touch of his ears, velvet making contact with the sensitive skin of her lower stomach, as he brought one of her legs to rest on top of his shoulder – spreading her wide and pulling her closer all in the same process. Long before they’d started, he’d been able to smell her arousal, both heady and thick, clouding his thoughts, but at this proximity, it was damn near intoxicating. He nuzzled into her thigh, flicking his tongue out to taste her sticky skin with the flat of his tongue, humming contentedly at the sweet bitterness that he practically starved for. The hybrid met her eyes, critical of the way she suffered through her bouts desperation without verbalizing it, when she’d gasped another plea, her body trembling – hips arching to get closer to the awaiting warmth of his mouth. Fuck this. Her fingers reached for the ears that were tickling her skin, tugging on them gently, and felt as his breath stuttered upon her skin. The shiver that tore through the hybrid was satisfying for her to watch, pleased that he’d yet to pull back to reprimand her. Instead, he withdrew his fingers very slowly, dark eyes fixed on the way her walls clenched tightly around nothing, slick glistening against raw skin – Jeongguk’s hunger persisted, almost stealing the rest of his patience. He wasted no time in opening her with his thumbs, exposing her nice and wide for him, before lashing his tongue out over her clit, growling low and appreciatively – the sound reverberating against her, and gaining her chills. It was becoming too much, too soon, even for him, as he pressed his hips firmly to the mattress in an attempt to relieve himself, however slight. The touch of her fingers on his ears left him aware of the fact that she wanted to affect him just as badly, to have even a modicum of control over the situation – his precious little human. She’d have nothing, but this, this, this. He licked a long stripe from her entrance to the swollen hood of her clit, the hand holding her leg in place tightening when she’d jolted. All it took was the next reaction, a choked sob that sounded so raw and lovely to his sensitive ears, and Jeongguk was gone. The hybrid devoured her like she was a meal, trapping her within the tight suction of his mouth, as he darted his tongue over her in a myriad of quick, unmerciful motions. The higher she climbed, the more he wanted her to fall – as he grabbed at her hips, hard enough to leave bruises, and firmly guided her against his mouth. “A-Ah, Jeongguk…” She cried out, tugging at the white fur of his ears like it was a lifeline. “I’m c-close, I’m so close…I’m…” He licked at his swollen lips when he’d pulled off, “You’re going to come for me.” The hybrid was so confident with her end, rubbing fast circles into her clit with his nose pressed into her, delving his tongue past her entrance in deep, controlled thrusts. She felt her orgasm drawing closer, until the heat unfurled at her center. He drank her in the moment she let go, sucking greedily, as he pinned her hips back down to the mattress. “Oh, my fuck…” she gasped, limbs weightless, and mind freed. The high of her release was familiar, but more intense, both mentally and physically this time. She covered her face with a hand, laughing breathlessly, “That was amazing.” She was still playing with one of his ears, soft velvet brushing between her fingers. “Tell me how to please you. I’ll do anything.” “I know you will,” he said, while he once again settled between her legs. The material of his slacks felt rough against her sensitive skin, letting her feel the hard outline of his cock with each slow grind of his hips. “Now let me show you.” Jeongguk brought her hand against his abdomen, inching her fingers down lower beneath his own, where his skin hot, and toned. He bit at his plush bottom lip, letting go of her hand when she reached the button of his pants. She pulled it free and trailed the zipper down. The serious look of concentration on her face was endearing to him. The hybrid chuckled, “You get to expose me now, princess. Are you secretly enjoying it?” She smiled, nervously, unable to meet the weight of his stare, “I would enjoy making you feel good, too.” “An easy task for my sweet human...” The first touch of her fingers against the heated skin of cock was enough to leave him winded – throbbing and leaking within her small hand when she’d pulled from his briefs. He leaned onto the mattress, rocking forward into her closed fist, enjoying the view between their bodies. It was when she’d begun moving her wrist in tandem with him, strokes wet, and tight, he’d hissed between clenched teeth, “Yes, princess. Just like that…” She used the hand on his hybrid ear to pull him into a kiss, before sliding down to the back of his neck. He parted her lips with his tongue, licking into her mouth somewhat lazily, faltering from her touch. It was erotic, how innocent she was and how lecherous he felt, wanting to take it all away. He felt the exploration of her hand ending at the base of his spine, too close – when her fingers skimmed the pure white fluff of his tail, sending ripples of pleasure throughout his body. The kiss broke with his harsh breaths, warning her, “You must stop.” It was disarming, how beautiful the hybrid could look when he was being wrecked. She tested her limits, brushing her fingers through the fur of his tail, before giving it a hard tug at the ends. The guttural sound that followed after was almost worth the risk of continuing, finding their reversal empowering – another adventure, for another time. She’d stopped as he’d instructed, releasing him to instead lower his slacks and briefs down over his ass. It was fact that hybrids tended to mate from behind. That bit of information had been learned unwillingly, when she’d made the mistake of taking interest in whatever her brother was reading at the time, lost in the royal library. However, Jeongguk didn’t appear to be going with ritual at the present. No change in position. The hybrid took hold of his cock and started coating himself with her arousal, using the swollen head of his length to rub up and down against her. Dark eyes measured her, carefully, “It’s going to hurt at first and you won’t be able to have it back. It’ll be mine…” He pressed himself against her entrance, the fit snug – the pressure slight, but it was enough to make her tense up with anticipation. “The whole kingdom will be able to smell my claim on you after this. They’ll know I’ve properly marked and bedded you. This is what it means to give everything to me.” And with that, he slowly eased the tip into her, pausing the moment he was met with a barrier. The discomfort was evident on her face, her skin flushed with her thighs trembling at his waist. He steadily withdrew, before snapping his hips forward – breaching past the tight resistance, as he buried himself in deeply. It was the only way in his mind, since he knew that inch by inch would have been worse for the both of them. The hybrid was quick to bring his arms up to cradle her, chest aching when he’d felt her fingers curl into his back. They were trapped in a state of perpetual overwhelm. “You feel so good…” It took every ounce of Jeongguk’s self-restraint not to lose control, to remain still, and behave – fuck if it wasn’t difficult. “So tight and perfect for me, isn’t that right?” She nudged at him with her nose, needing him, needing more, their lips brushing between shallow breaths. He grabbed at the side of her face, sighing into her, eager to take – slipping his tongue into her mouth in hot, warm strokes. A brave nip of her teeth drew a soft moan at the back of his throat. “Fuck,” he cursed, allowing her to kiss along the prominent curve of his jawline. The burn of being so full one moment, and then empty the next was unpleasant, when he pulled back his hips, stopping until only the head of his cock was still inside her, before he rocked forward – beginning a slow pace at first, allowing them time to adjust. Another small bite was placed at the hollow of his throat, which prompted the hybrid to act on impulse when he pinned her head down to the pillow by her hair. There was no need for words with the way he stared at her then, eyes impossibly black – the muscle in his jaw twitching. No female hybrid would ever dare and perhaps that was why he loved, rather than loathed her species. He slowly loosened his grip on the strands, his point having been made, “Show me how well you touch yourself. I want to see how you’ve done it, time and time again, while thinking of me fucking you just like this…” She winced when the encouragement made her walls clench around him, nearly killing them both. He resisted the urge to start pounding into her, gritting his teeth, “You liked that, huh, baby? Come on.” She reached down between her legs, pressing her pointer and middle finger in circles over her clit – giving a startled gasp when he brought her knees to her chest to get a better view of how she was touching herself, stretched so tight around his thick length with the mess of their arousal making it easier to drive into her. The hybrid was determined to hold off for her, slowing his hips, so that he focus on leaving marks across her skin. He wanted to devour her whole, taking in the way her nipples stood erect, sensitive against his hot tongue, her eyes brimming with tears when she stared at him. It only made him want to ruin her more. The moment he could, was the moment when pain turned into pleasure – her walls gripping around him like a pulse. Spurred on by the her small cries, the hybrid gave her more, the sensual grind of his hips turning into hard, quick thrusts – hard and deep enough to feel it within her bones, the slick sounds of their sweat covered skin meeting loud in the quiet room. The muscles in his abdomen tensed, when he moaned out, “You’re going to make me come.” He was noisier than she was, sighing and gasping at a higher frequency as her desperate, needy sounds. “W-Wait, wait,” she cried, eyes closing tightly when he hit a spot, as though touching at her very core, exactly where she needed it, and how she needed it – leaving her breathless, lungs on fire from the suffocating tension. She threw an arm over her mouth to keep herself from screaming, trembling. “Let me turn over…” The suggestion was enough to have him slow to a stop, edging them both when he withdrew. She’d felt so very empty again, left red and raw and clenching around nothing. It was on shaky limbs that she moved onto her stomach, feeling a large hand slide down the length of her spine. He paused between her shoulder blades on his way back up, pushing her chest down to the mattress. Her hips remained poised, ass in the air with her thighs pressed tightly together. “You spoil me, princess,” the hybrid murmured, voice reverent almost when he took in the sight of her. “I thought hybrid ways would be too impersonal for our first time, especially when considering the sensitivity of humans. Overtime perhaps, but look at you behaving so well for your prince. It’s like you already know your place…” He moved his hand between her legs, two fingers trapping her clit, as he pushed his thumb into her. She whimpered, grabbing at the bedding, and holding it tightly. He smirked, dark and meaningful, “Your body is positively sinful.” He slowly withdrew his fingers, when he eased his cock back into her, watching the way she swallowed him up so greedily – the new angle allowing him to go deeper – deep enough to bottom out each time he slammed into her, hybrid instinct taking over him. It was her act of submission that had finally made him snap, dominant by nature. He grabbed hold of her hips where bruises had started to form, sending her forward with each powerful thrust. A whimper had the hybrid leaning far into her, the wall of his chest against her back to press apologetic kisses along her shoulders – skimming his fingers low across her stomach, down between her thighs, as he started rubbing her in time with his thrusts. Jeongguk was shameless, whispering filthy promises into her skin, moaning out her name – something that was now far more intimate than the usual, ‘princess’. The cool air reached the back of her neck when he scooped her hair up into a fist, drawing her head back, so that he could speak into the sensitive shell of her ear, “I want to feel as you come around my cock.” Thick tears were clinging to her bottom lashes, the pleasure overwhelming, as he continued striking over her chord, bringing her dangerously close to the edge. “Are you going to cry for me? I told you to give me everything.” She spiraled so fast – coming in spasms of heat and bliss, the tears flowing freely. The feeling was emotionally and physically intense, making her feel whole, sated and high, with her heartbeat racing. The hybrid continued pounding into her through her orgasm – teeth sinking into his bottom lip, when he released inside her, spilling so deeply without fear of consequences, knowing that there was no current risk. He brought a hand to her stomach, keeping her still as he filled her – possessive in the way he marked her thoroughly, inside and out. The hybrid waited for the erratic pace of his heart to slow in rhythm with hers, before pulling away to situate himself beside her. They’d claimed each other’s first time, before the wedding even. He wanted to laugh at the prospect. Although, he would have had her the first night he’d formally met her, if only she’d begged for it. They stared at one another in the dim lighting, the fire waning within the oil lamps, and drawing shadows along the walls. The silence was one of contentment, where actions held more meaning, than spoken words. Damp skin, rising and falling chests. Jeongguk leaned over, capturing a tear in its path down her cheek with his mouth. The kiss was lingering, when he slipped his fingers into her hair, and pulled her so that she was settled on top of him. This high up with her wet and slick skin touching his lower stomach, she felt utterly embarrassed, and dirty. “The white Bell’snaps,” she said, returning to the topic in hopes of distracting herself from feeling so vulnerable. He hadn't clarified earlier, even if it was obvious. She wanted his explanation. “Why?" “I really couldn’t leave you be, even while I was advised that I could risk losing you.” Jeongguk shook his head, as though finding it just as absurd now, as he did back then. “I associated the Bell’snaps with you, because it symbolized our two kingdoms, and our union. They brought me great comfort, especially during times where I’d felt frustrated, willing to cross the line, and disrupt fate just for a glimpse of you. I used to command Jimin to give me descriptions, while Taehyung attempted to put them down on canvas.” “I’m sorry,” she whispered somewhat guiltily, unable to imagine how lonely that must’ve have been. He brushed his fingers over a mark on her thigh, voice wistful, “You’re here now, princess…” Jeongguk paused to stare up at her then, time caught between them. Dark lashes against equally dark eyes, lips too pink, drawing her attention. “…and you’re all mine, finally.” She wanted to challenge him and be defiant just for the sake of seeing him get riled up, but there was no truer statement. Instead, she placed the flat of her palms against his chest and teased, “If we are to speak as though people are possessions, then you’re the prettiest trinket that I own, your highness.” “That fucking mouth,” he murmured, before forcibly pulling her down for a slow kiss, unhurried, and thorough – a kiss that was filled with heat, stirring, as they took turns sucking, and nipping at each other’s lips. “…drives me mad.” The hybrid’s breathing was harsh between each word, when he lifted her hips, so that he could push into her warmth, still slick with their mingled cum, easily sheathing his entire length inside of her. If this was the consequence of speaking smartly to the prince, then Luna help them both, because she won’t be able to keep her mouth shut.

On the day of the wedding, the streets of Meadow were lined with human and hybrid kind. Even though the girl hardly had any chances to meet with the kingdom, they’d embraced her all the same, celebrating, and leaving their gifts at the gates. The ceremony itself would be smaller and held within the heart of the castle. Garland made up of Bell’snaps decorated each room, even the hallways. It was the flower that spoke for itself. A bouquet was tied neatly with gold string, awaiting its bride. Yoongi was acting calmly, despite the circumstances. He’d always been protective over his sister, but the situation hadn’t caused him any alarm. From what he could tell, Jeongguk was woefully enslaved, even while the rabbit hybrid tried demonstrating otherwise, he’d always failed. The few, intimate conversations he’d had alone with Jeongguk were tense, for sure, but the boy hadn’t cracked under the pressure, nor had he fought against Yoongi’s shitty attitude, which made the blonde respect him all the more. “What time is the reception?” Yoongi asked, growing impatient. Hoseok was currently on security detail, ensuring the Queen’s safety – being sexy? What the fuck. Their father was there, playing the role of anxiety personified, and was flustered about it. He took out his handkerchief to timidly clean away at his glasses for the umpteenth time, “Well, son. That usually comes after the wedding ceremony. That eager to dance, are you?” “Oh, yeah,” Yoongi snorted, lacking any real enthusiasm. “That’s totally it.” “I feel ridiculous,” she said, stepping away from the mirror. Her mother’s pearls were pale, which matched perfectly with the dress. It was one of the requests she’d handed over to Mimzy, who’d added more beads to her gown. The makeup was applied lightly to go with her usual natural and soft preference, despite the Queen’s critiques. She had her hair pinned into place, save for a couple choice strands. Yoongi tilted his head at her, “But you look beautiful. When do we sacrifice you to King Kong?” “Better question, how do we give you away?” her father asked, placing his glasses on the bridge of his nose. He stepped next to her, “Your mother made a beautiful bride. Seeing you now, you make a beautiful princess.” “Damn it,” she cursed, trying her best not to cry. She fanned at her face, as if it would blow the feels away. She wasn’t, but, “I’m ready.” “Like there was any doubt,” Yoongi said, as he helped lower the netting of her veil. “I need to go be with the groom party. I’ll see you out there.” She nodded, somewhat dazedly, “Yeah.” He quickly reached in to grab her arm, leaning towards her, “Blink twice if you wanna Christian ‘Bale’ on this thing, we’ll make like fucking Batman and Robin, grapple our way out a window…” “I don’t want to bail, ever. What the…out, Yoongi. Get out.” Admittedly, Yoongi felt ready to belong to a bigger family. He knew that his sister was ready for it, as well. His father was a broken man prior to the palace life, without humor – doomed to wilt. The Meadow was a blessing for Yoongi, since it housed a certain fox hybrid. A shiver of excitement made the blonde pause for a moment, realizing that his lethargic behavior had gone away since living in the castle. Now his heart raced whenever he so much as thought about Jung Hoseok. He entered the wedding hall, making his way down the white carpet. The strong scent of Bell’snaps filled the air, and made his nose itch. The prince was at the end of the aisle with Taehyung and Jimin at his side. The wolf hybrid raised an expectant brow. “Well?” Yoongi smirked, “She’s on her way.” Jeongguk folded his gloved hands at the mention, standing tall in his dark royal attire. The hybrid exuded arrogance in Yoongi’s opinion, even if he wasn’t – hair parted with his pure white ears looking especially fluffy, and soft. Jimin was in what was considered formal garb for the fae kind, where a majority of his back was exposed with his wings on full display. A soft sheen of glitter highlighted his golden skin – not smudged with handprints for once, which was a sign that the wolf was behaving himself, but from the way Taehyung’s fingers were curled down at his sides, Yoongi could tell that it wasn’t without effort. “Would touching me make you feel better?” Yoongi teased, as he fell into formation with his hands folded neatly. Taehyung inclined his head, “Touching you could cost us our lives, human.” He rolled his eyes at that, “You think I’m scared of Ferngully over there?” “No, not at all,” Taehyung mused with a wry smile. “The fox, however…” He turned so that he was now facing the blonde, dark eyes gleaming with interest. “I can smell him all over you, you know. Hybrids can detect when someone is spoken for and you are most definitely off-limits. And receiving, Yoongi? I didn’t peg you as the type.” Jimin leaned over, careful not to touch anything, as he murmured softly, aware of the fact the wolf doesn’t like to be scolded, “You’re embarrassing him, my love, and before you say it, I know you don’t care, but try for today.” Taehyung hated being wrong. The wolf in him practically growled, “Of course.” Yoongi snickered when the hybrid’s tail stopped wagging, “Heel boy.” ‘I’m going to crush you,’ Taehyung thought, as he stared down into the fae’s eyes, where there was no mercy to be had, not that the wolf expected there to be any. No – Jimin’s eyes were sparkling prettily – pretty enough to cause the hybrid physical pain. A pain he’d always answer to with just as much aggression, ‘The moment I get my hands on you, I won’t let go. Not until you feel broken by me. Not until you beg me to stop.’ “Until then,” Jimin said, breathily, skin flushed by the stream of thoughts coming from Taehyung, overcome by the tension building between them. “You’re going to behave and just like Yoongi said, you will heel.” The music started, which caused all the guests to stand up from their seats. The soft melody being played was not the Wedding March, but rather something that had been composed and gifted from the fae realm. Yoongi had to choose whether he wanted to perform or be a groomsman. The moment she stepped onto the carpet, he knew that he’d made the right choice. The double doors parted for her, their father’s arm linked within her own. From beside him, he swore that he could hear Jeongguk’s audible pull for breath. It only solidified Yoongi’s theory, that the hybrid was so clearly spellbound, and taken with her. Jeongguk met them a few stairs down, taking her hand away from her father’s, and pulling her to him in a fashion that was perhaps, not according to tradition. The ceremony itself was straightforward, the same procedure for every royal marriage prior, vows to be repeated with listening – lots of listening. When the time had come for it, he was more than happy to finally unveil her, watching how she’d immediately looked away from him, as a deep blush flooded her cheeks. Despite all that they’ve done, how every single night since their first coupling, they’d been inseparable – unable to sleep without one another or keep their hands to themselves. She had the nerve to act shy and to look so pure, then. As though he’d never had his way with her, countless of times, in so many ways, in so many rooms – it was disarming, leaving the hybrid with every intention of ruining her all over again. He tucked his finger under her chin, lifting her face to meet his own. The look she received was severe and full of promise. He made no plans to release her, holding her with beneath his heavy gaze, until the priest told them to kiss. He brought his fingers from her jawline, slowly brushing her lips apart, before he claimed them in a bruising kiss, unwilling to let the current audience sway him. When the prince had finally pulled back, they were left panting. The royal official was proud to announce them for the first time as, “Prince and Princess of the Meadows.” The room doesn’t explode like it typically does in the movies. There was no rice being thrown or loud, celebratory cheering. A royal wedding was quiet and so, so very still like a picture, save for her side of the family, who looked so out of place, yet eager to express their excitement through facial expression. Yoongi too was smiling so wide, gums and all. Her father was a blubbering mess, snapping away on his camera. A long blog post would await her in the morning. Jeongguk walked her back down the aisle, bringing her out into the hallway where the King’s Admiral was prepared to escort them to the reception hall. “Admiral,” she greeted, less intimidated by Namjoon at this point. “Princess.” It was now a title that she could not so easily refuse, if ever again. “We’ll receive the gifts first,” Jeongguk informed her, holding her hand around his arm. They were walking at their own leisure, basking in the aftermath of the legalities. “Then there will be toasts, followed by lots of food, and then dancing. We’ll be the first to leave the hall. No one is allowed to go before we do, so we must be mindful of the time.” She nodded, “So, no partying ‘til the break of dawn? How droll.” He smirked down at her, “Your night has already been booked in advance, princess. Oh, how I intend to exhaust you.” “You’ve seen and had it all,” she said, trying not to die right there on the spot from the anticipation. “What more could you possibly want from me?” “If you haven’t noticed by now, I am insatiable.” He lowered his voice, speaking quietly despite the fact that he didn’t need to, “I’ve been thinking. Our children will be the perfect combination of bratty and stubborn. Do ask that Seokjin stops with your injections.” She flushed anew, as the heat steadily consumed her. “That’s a bit too soon, so I think the fuck not, your highness. I’ll take my nope salad with the fat-free dressing on the side.” “A discussion for later, when I have you coming undone beneath me,” the hybrid muttered with an air of nonchalance. Her ladies in waiting made quick work of removing the long extension of her dress, along with the veil, leaving her crown in place. Jeongguk helped her into her seat at the table, given her still too many layers. It was only once they were comfortably situated, that the guests were allowed to pool in. The night had proceeded exactly how Jeongguk said it would, with the presents first: There were bars of gold, precious gems, miles of land, rare silks, and exotic pets, save for the black and brown furred Pomeranian that caught Taehyung’s eye. Jimin covered his mouth, eyes scrunched up when he’d smiled big, “Our little Yeontan is here. This is him.” “Well, there was no way we were getting through this without re-gifting something,” the prince said, noticing her sad expression. He pulled her hand into his lap. “Besides, the dog’s eyebrows were very angry. Were you not satisfied with the snow leopard that we received? Let’s not be greedy.” It took two of the Queen’s guards to haul in Taehyung’s gift, setting the massive painting down on its easel. The frame was covered in a dark cloth, but she could already tell by its size that it would dominate whichever wall it would be hung up on. The wolf tugged at the cover, slowly revealing the art to the couple, eyes intense as he focused on their reaction. Taehyung was about making others happy – he lived for their expressions, to know that he’d been the one to bestow that happiness upon them. The moment he’d chose to capture, the image that he was unable to remove from his mind, was the night of the Ball, where the prince had finally met his princess. She was clumsy, yes, unbearably so, and even though he’d been engaged in conversation with Yoongi, seconds away from having to excuse himself – he saw art, and took a mental picture. It painting showed when the prince had brought her onto her toes, their faces mere inches from touching. The rabbit hybrid was in his masquerade mask, holding her against his frame. The colors that Taehyung used were bold and exaggerated, but in a way that appeared necessary with each stroke being so precise. It was breathtaking, more than what she’d been expecting, and for a long while she’d sat there with her mouth parted, intending to speak, but nothing would come out. Jeongguk smiled at the room, “For once, the princess is speechless.” He leaned forward with her hand still held captive within his grasp. The prince nodded to the wolf hybrid, his oldest friend, “It’s a beautiful piece, Taehyung. Thank you.” “Yes, thank you,” she beamed, snapping out of her reverie. “I love it.” Seokjin was not one for long, meaningful speeches. He didn’t like to give them, not even while they were in the form of medical lectures, but those days were far behind him. Sitting through wedding toasts was just the same, bothersome, and uninteresting. Watching Namjoon struggle, however, was one of his favorite pastimes. His husband was intelligent, surprisingly good with his words, except for at this very moment, where he had to explain his poetry and metaphors to a table of confused royals. Always overdoing it… When he was finished, Namjoon took a seat next to his husband, slightly defeated. He could feel Seokjin staring at him and if he looked, he knew that there would be a smug expression waiting for him. So, he didn’t. “So smooth, my love,” Seokjin practically cooed at him, but the condescending tone was there, to which Namjoon smiled at him sweetly, dimples on display. “My humiliation is your pleasure, is it not? Just as your enjoyment, is mine.” He extended his hand out when the music filled the room. “We haven’t shared a dance in ages.” “Because you have two left feet,” Seokjin murmured, as he took the admiral’s fingers into his own, and walked with him across the floor. He winked, “It was how I tripped and fell for you in the first place.” “Your jokes,” Namjoon mused, the good mood causing his cat ears to perk. He rested a firm hand against the canine hybrid’s waist, bringing them closer together. “Really get me going.” Hoseok entered the hall during his shift change to find Yoongi sulking at a table next his father, nodding somewhat numbly to whatever was being said to him. It was adorable, because the hybrid knew, he knew where his human’s mind was, utterly lost to the foxes, drowning in loneliness. And it took no time at all, for Hoseok to close the distance, watching the way that Yoongi tensed suddenly, as if he’d realized the hybrid was there without any certain, or direct recognition. Hopeful was a look that appeared so soft upon Yoongi’s otherwise miserable face, lips turning into a deep pout, so small within that moment. That was when Hoseok knew that a fox was in love with a kitten, unable to help himself, and he didn’t particularly want to, either. He’d never felt this way, with his heart in a constant state of duress, all because of this human. “Congratulations to your household,” Hoseok said, bowing in a manner that superseded ‘polite’. The action was so easily elegant and measured. With the fox’s posture, it probably wasn’t even intentional, but natural. It still kind of pissed Yoongi off, how Hoseok tended to handle everything with perfection, and that it always seemed to come so effortlessly. Whatever stupor Yoongi had fallen into prior to Hoseok’s presence vanished almost immediately, as he quietly surveyed the hybrid’s every move. “How kind of you,” he said, icily, before his father could toss around the same words, give or take a few nervous giggles. Yoongi challenged the hybrid, somewhat miffed that he’d been left to himself the entire night, “Is that all you wanted to say, then, guard?” Oh. Hoseok arched an eyebrow at him, narrowing his eyes darkly at the blonde, “No. I have plenty more to say to you. Will you excuse us?” The redhead’s usual cheery smile was in place then, not even bothering to wait for Yoongi to get up from his seat, when he’d started walking away briskly. He knew that his human would follow after him. Once it felt as though the hybrid might snap beneath his anger, Hoseok turned sharply on his heel, coming face to face with Yoongi. The blonde was biting at his lip, anticipating the hybrid’s retaliation. The difference in their height had never seemed so daunting, as it did then. There were couples dancing around them, the two of them paused at the center of the ballroom floor. Covering, Hoseok took the human by his hands, and pulled him in. “I don’t dance,” Yoongi said, stiffly. Hoseok chuckled humorlessly at that, “Well, I’m usually not talked down to, but we all have our firsts, don’t we?” He pressed a hand to Yoongi’s back, a small whimper escaping. This was what he’d wanted, this meager bit of contact. The hybrid leaned in so that he could speak against Yoongi’s ear, “You’re trembling, baby. It’s almost as if you ran your mouth without thinking that there would be consequences.” The elder swallowed thickly, as the tension practically seeped through his skin, “And what are the consequences?” Despite not being able to dance, Hoseok knew exactly how to guide him. Each firm touch was another burn against his skin. “Of pissing me off? Oh,” Hoseok said, while purposefully brushing his mouth over the pale skin of Yoongi’s neck. “You’ll come to know them. Intimately.” Dear Satan, I should have known it was you all along. Signed, Min Yoongi “Princess,” Jeongguk said, as he turned the girl about with ease. “I must inquire about the improvement in your steps.” She brought a hand to his shoulder, when he’d pressed himself closer, “A certain fae was offering dance lessons for free.” “And you allowed him to touch you like this?” The rabbit hybrid made a show of teasing his fingers across her skin. It was suggestive – the type of behavior that would have their parents unsettled. She quickly stole a kiss, gasping when his hands turn rough, pulling her more firmly against his chest. “Couldn’t help but notice that you have yet to deny it.” She couldn’t pass up the opportunity, “How else was I to ensure our honeymoon to the fae realm?” “Actually, I was wondering about something,” Jeongguk said, the change in his demeanor visible, growing serious. “I wanted to know if you’d like to come with me to the Isles of Lunar? I intend on making the trip regardless, but I want you there with me, since you were the one to help me realize my mistake. The night we’d formally met, when I’d revealed my truths to you, the truth about Lunar bothered me the most.” She smiled, overwhelmed by the sentiment, “Yes. I’ll go with you.” He leaned down for a kiss, but didn’t touch, waiting, until she leaned up the rest of the way to briefly seal their lips. “Also, Jimin didn’t touch me. Taehyung did.” “That wolf…” Jeongguk grumbled, pulling back far enough to stare down at her. “…is the handsiest bastard in the kingdom.” She laughed, enjoying the way he turned petulant and jealous over it, “Trust me, I know.”

- EPILOGUE -

Jimin startled from his vision with a sharp gasp, chest heaving with each painful intake of fresh air – beads of sweat collecting along his brow, orange hair damp in his eyes. Taehyung was there beside him, the young hybrid holding onto his hand, as the other picked up the book that had fallen from the fairy's loose fingers.

The hybrid’s ears fell back, as he swished his tail from one side to another, growing impatient with worry, “Where’d you go?”

“I went ahead,” Jimin murmured, voice soft as he stared into the wolf’s curious eyes, full of new knowledge, knowing what they would eventually become. It was difficult, seeing Taehyung grown in his vision to how young he was now, a mere boy. The things that Taehyung would eventually say and do to him were enough to make his skin burn.

The hybrid placed the book down on the bench in favor of examining the odd tint to the fairy’s complexion, speaking in awe, “You’re glowing.” The fae’s cheek was soft and warm beneath his paint covered fingertips, flecks of glitter falling to the grass with the brush of his hand.

“It happens whenever a fairy is at their happiest,” Jimin said, educating him, all the while remaining very, very still – not even his wings dared to flutter.

The words could have meant anything, but Taehyung took them in the way they were meant to be received, that he was the cause of it. He was already so smart and clever for his young age, mature. The wolf in him practically salivated whenever the fae was near, flooding the boy with impulses that left him feeling needy, and unreasonably possessive.

He wished Jimin didn’t belong to the prince.

He wished…

Taehyung continued tracing his thumb over the fairy’s cheek, watching the glitter smudge, and crack away like dust catching in the sunlight. He then leaned towards the opposite side of Jimin’s face, pressing his trembling lips to the fae’s bright skin, lingering in that position for what felt like an eternity, but couldn’t have been longer than a few seconds. The heart within the wolf’s chest was pounding so loud in his ears, he was certain any hybrid within radius would be able to hear it.

The fae’s hand twitched within the boy’s hold. He was hundreds of years older than Taehyung, but he couldn’t contain the warmth he felt for him, wings resuming to fan softly. He could tell that the boy was reluctant to release him, the evidence of his kiss in specks of glitter across his mouth, and all over his hands.

“Come with me? I need to tell the prince of what I have just seen,” Jimin offered, watching the way the wolf turned from curious to excited.

Taehyung’s tail was going a mile a minute, whacking himself on the leg, “What did you see?”

“His princess.”

THE END

Questions?

#jeon jungkook #jungkook smut #bts fan fiction #bts au #jungkook x reader #bts hybrid au #jungkook scenario #bts scenarios #down the rabbit hole #noonanet

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