#having to stay at a comfortably furnished place with a person who was nice to me completely free of charge and responsibilities
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its probably just me or whatever but genuinely one of the tropes that upset me the absolute most in media was like. when the villain kidnapped others and made them a comfortable home or smth, and was nice, and still the kidnapped ppl just kept going on and on about "can i go home now" "i want to go home" "when do i get to go home"
i know its absolutely irrational but i always felt incredibly bad for the villain and totally related to the anger when they eventually snapped. they did so much!!!!!! they were nice!!!!!! it was a nice place!!!!!!!
#actually please let me know if im not alone#or let me know what this says abt me lmao#im fairly sure its rooted in the fact that i never wanted to be home and if i was kidnapped and subjected to the cruel fate of#having to stay at a comfortably furnished place with a person who was nice to me completely free of charge and responsibilities#i wouldve never looked back#so on one hand i was jealous#on the other i feel like i also felt personally attacked when i saw someone's efforts not being acknowledged?#i understand. it was kidnapping and THEN niceness. i get it. i understand.#BUT VILLAIN WAS *NICE* WHY ISNT IT BEING ACKNOWLEDGED AND RECIPROCATED#so many feelings#like even just writing this out i feel that horrible urge to cry and also break things#it makes me feel so much#i need to write shit like this#its a little grace core tbh#somewhat. she has no illusions. she knows shes not trying to be particularly kind#but she does throw irrational fits like that
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SCROOGE
My works are 14+ ONLY. If youâre under 14 DO NOT interact with me or any of my works
Pairing: Grumpy Seonghwa x Christmas enthusiast!fem reader
Word count: 3,480
Note: Another imagine from my Christmas series on Wattpad from 2021 <3 since this imagine originated on Wattpad, there will not be any continuations
You brought your hand up, tapping your knuckles against the door of your soon-to-be home. The hinged barrier swung open, revealing Seonghwa, the owner of the apartment.
"Hi. It's Y/n. We went out for coffee last week to talk about me possibly being your new roommate." You told him.
"Yes, I know. I called you yesterday saying you could move your stuff in."
"Right." You chuckled, nervously. "I don't know why I said that."
"It's fine. Do you need help?"
"Yes, please. It's not much, but it'll take me a while to move it all by myself."
Seonghwa stepped aside, allowing you to roll your suitcase inside.
"Wow. This place is nice. Very spacious." You commented.
"Thanks. Let me show you to your room."
You followed him down the hallway to the empty bedroom that would soon be full of your stuff. When you saw an ad for the opening online, you were quick to contact Seonghwa because you heard the room was mostly furnished. There was a queen sized bed that just needed sheets and a comforter, a few shelves and a desk. Just the basics, but it was enough for you.
You thanked Seonghwa and placed your suitcase by a wall before leading him to your vehicle where he helped you take out boxes, carrying them up to the apartment.
As much as you wanted to talk with him and get to know your new roommate better, you couldn't. Carrying the boxes from your car and to the apartment left you breathless.
Seonghwa walked behind you, his eyes catching sight of writing on the box he was carrying. Glancing around the side, he saw the words CHRISTMAS STUFF scrawled on the box in bold sharpie. His top lip curled in disgust. Just thinking of the holiday made him want to hurl. Too much cheer, too much happiness, too much music, and too much for him. You seemed like a nice person, so he tried to give you the benefit of the doubt and attempt to look on the bright side.
She's just got this one box. She's probably not one of those overly cheerful people who are obsessed with Christmas. He thought.
You let out a huff as you set down the last box.
"Finally. Thank you for helping out."
"No problem. I'll leave you to it. If you need any assistance, just let me know."
"I will. Thanks."
Seonghwa gave you a small nod before closing the door and leaving you to yourself.
"Okay." You rubbed your hands together. "What first?"
It didn't take long for you to get settled in. Before you even knew it, you had all your boxes empty and everything was put together. You had your sheets and comforter on the bed and put all your little knickknacks and other items onto the shelves. You smiled to yourself as you took a gander around your new room. Thought you had just moved in, the place was honestly already starting to feel like home.
You had been staying with Seonghwa for almost a full month now. It was nearing the end of November and you couldn't help but notice the lack of Christmas decorations in the apartment. Normally, people would have their trees and decorations up by now, but the whole pace was bland and didn't give off any holiday cheer at all.
"I noticed you don't have any Christmas decorations." You mentioned as you waited for yours and Seonghwa's ramen to cook.
"I'm not really a Christmas person." He answered.
"Oh." You frowned. "Well, to each their own."
As you stirred the noodles in the pot of boiling water, an idea popped into your head.
You decided right then that you were going to take it upon yourself and decorate the apartment, making it look festive for the holidays.
The next day, you left to go Christmas shopping. You had brought a few Christmas decorations with you from home, but it wasn't enoughâyou needed more.
A few hours later, you returned to the apartment with an armful of bags. Thankfully, Seonghwa didn't seem to be around as you lugged the newly purchased items to your room.
Once you had everything unpacked, you started to decorate, stringing garland along the shelves in the living room, placing little nutcrackers along the windowsill, all while listening to Christmas music.
You hummed along as you strung tiny fairy lights across the coffee table, maneuvering them around the tiny reindeer and snowmen figures.
You heard a door open, followed by the shuffling of feet. Turning around, you saw Seonghwa standing at the end of the hallway that connected to the living room. You thought he wasn't home, but it appeared he had been in his bedroom the whole time.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"Decorating." You answered with a smile. "I didn't think you'd mind."
"I don't love it." He answered. "But you live here too, so I guess it's fine."
"Ah. Good." You turned your attention back to the task at hand, bobbing your head to the festive music.
You heard Seonghwa's soft footsteps for only a moment before the sound ceased.
"Could you turn off that noise?" Seonghwa asked, seeming a bit irritated.
"Oh. Sure. Sorry."
"It's fine." He muttered, walking out of the room.
You did what Seonghwa asked and turned the music off, opting for headphones so you could listen in peace and enjoy the music without disturbing him. His reaction kind of stunned you. He said he wasn't a Christmas person, but his reaction almost made it seem like he hated the holiday. You didn't think about it too much, as you still had a box of Christmas stuff from your house to put up.
By the time you were done decorating, the place had a cozy and festive feel to it, one that made you feel warm inside. Seonghwa may not care much for Christmas, but there's no way he can't like the bright and festive decorations you put out. A proud smile spread across your face as you admired your handiwork.
Seonghwa returned to the room, walking over to the wall where you had hung two stockings. His face scrunched in distaste as he lifted one of them up.
"What is this?"
"That's your stocking." You told him. "It has your name on it."
"Well, I don't want it."
"What? I painted our names on the stockings myself."
"I didn't ask you to get me a stocking."
"You didn't have to."
He grumbled in response.
"You know, it's proven that Christmas decorations lift your mood." You told him.
"Not mine."
"We'll see about that."
A few days later you and Seonghwa were sitting in the living room watching TV. Your eyes drifted from the screen to a huge empty spot in the living room. As happy as you were that you decked the place out with Christmas decor, something was missing.
"We need a tree." You commented aloud.
"No we don't. What you did is plenty."
"Come on, Seonghwa. You can't have Christmas without a tree."
"If you wanna go, by all means, knock yourself out, but I'm not going."
"Don't be such a Scrooge." You ruffled his hair playfully. "Plus, I could use an assistant to help choose the perfect tree."
Seonghwa gave you a hard glare, but stopped when he saw the bright expression on your face. As badly as he wanted to say no, he couldn't.
"Alright, fine. If it'll make you happy, I'll go." He gave in.
"Wonderful!"
Once the both of you were all bundled up, you jumped in the car and drove off to the nearest Christmas tree farm.
"There it is!" You pointed.
You pulled your car into a parking space and stepped out into the lot. A sign at the entrance of the tree farm read: Get your Christmas trees here! You hurried across the small parking lot, Seonghwa dragging behind. Closing your eyes, you took in a deep breath, enjoying the scent of the trees.
"Do you smell that?" You asked.
"Not really." Seonghwa muttered.
You ignore his response, scanning the selection of evergreens.
"Let's look at this tree." You pointed. "It looks really nice."
You walked over to said tree and began inspecting it, running your fingertips along some of the the needles as you walked around the fir. Upon inspection, you shook your head.
"There are some dead limbs on here. We don't want that."
"Of course we don't." Seonghwa remarked sarcastically.
You continued your search, passing by trees that didn't catch your eye. You finally came to a stop when you spotted the perfect tree. It was the perfect height, not too tall, but not too short either. The fir was perfectly healthy and had deep green needles.
"This is the one." You stated.
Glancing around, you called one of the employees over, showing him the tree you wanted.
"Alright. We'll get it all wrapped up for you." He told you before walking off.
As you waited, you spotted a man dressed as Santa Claus sitting in a large, red chair under a small awning. There were no kids around, so you decided to have some fun.
"Hey Mr. Claus." You greeted the man as you approached.
He smiled warmly. "Hello, young lady. What would you like for Christmas?"
"Oh." You were surprised he asked. "I didn't expect that." You chuckled.
"Why? You're never too old to get a Christmas present from Santa."
You smiled, then began to think about what you wanted. You knew Santa wasn't real and that this wish couldn't be fulfilled, but you wanted to tell the man anyway. You leaned in, whispering something in his ear.
"Oh a very kind wish." He responded with a nod.
His eyes trailed over to Seonghwa who was watching you from a distance, a soft expression on his face and a slight twinkle in his eye.
"I have a feeling it'll come true." Santa told you.
Oblivious to Seonghwa's staring, you gave the man in red a gentle smile.
"We'll see."
You returned to your grumpy roommate who put on his usual sour expression when you walked up.
"What was that?" He asked.
"Oh. I was just talking to Santa." You answered with a shrug. "I thought it would be fun."
"Aren't you too old for Santa Claus?"
"Apparently not." As you answered Seonghwa, you spotted a small stand nearby serving hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies.
"Ooh. They're selling hot chocolate. You want some?"
"I don't know."
"You're seriously gonna turn down a delicious, hot, chocolatey drink? It's chilly out here. A hot cocoa would warm you up."
"Alright, fine. I guess I'll have one."
"Perfect." You smiled and headed over to the small stand, ordering two medium hot chocolates.
The man working at the stand had your drinks ready before you knew it. You started rummaging around in your bag for cash only to stop with you saw Seonghwa reach across the counter with money in his hand. You glanced up at him, but he kept his gaze ahead as he grabbed his drink. You followed suit, taking your beverage. The warmth from the liquid seeped through the cup, radiating onto your cold hands. You took a sip, the sweet, cocoa coating your tastebuds and warming you from the inside out. You let out a hum of satisfaction before taking another sip.
"Thank you for paying. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it. That was very nice."
"It's no problem." Seonghwa answered as he sipped on his cocoa.
About that time, one of the tree farm employees approached you to let you know the tree was ready. Behind him were two other employees with your tree resting on their shoulders.
"Thank you so much. My vehicle is this way." You motioned, leading the group to your car.
They tied the tree snugly to the roof, ensuring that it didn't fall off on the trip home. You paid the man who you spoke with about the tree and bid him goodbye, wishing him a Merry Christmas as you left.
"This stupid tree is making a mess." Grunted Seonghwa. "Look at all these pine needles."
"That's just part of it. We can always clean it up later." You told him, reaching for another ornament. "Why don't you help out?"
"I'm not decorating."
"At least put this one on."
Seonghwa sighed, pushing himself up from his spot on the couch. When he reached for the ornament, he stopped. Pinched between your fingers, hanging from a silvery string was an ornament of Toothless the dragon. Seonghwa blinked a few times before bringing his eyes up to meet yours.
"What do you think?" You inquired with a bright smile. "He reminds me of you, so I thought it was fitting that I buy it."
He didn't answerâhe couldn't.
"Oh. Check this out. I got one for myself too." You pulled out another ornament, this one depicting the Light Fury.
If Seonghwa's eyes weren't wide already, they sure were now. Seeing you grinning brightly, holding both ornaments made his cheeks warm. Did you not realize that the two characters were in love in the movie? Were you aware of what you were doing?
Based on the cheery gleam in your eye, you were completely oblivious to the fact and he didn't know if that made the situation better or worse.
"Seonghwa?" You called.
He blinked himself out of his daze, returning to reality.
"Sorry." He murmured, taking the ornament from you.
"Look at the bottom." You urged.
He turned it upside down. Written in tiny, white letters was, Our first Christmas 20XX
Seonghwa's face was on fire at that point. First the matching ornaments, now this? It was all becoming too much and it didn't help that he had a massive crush on you.
"It's..." He started to speak again, but the words were stuck.
"You're speechless." You chuckled. "I'm glad. Why don't you hang it on the tree?"
He slowly moved towards the fir, hanging the ornament on a branch. He momentarily debated about going back to the couch, but decided not to.
"I don't mind helping out." He told you, his voice coming out quieter than he intended.
Your face lit up at his offer.
"You mean it?"
He nodded.
You let out a small squeak of excitement. "Grab an ornament and put it wherever." You told him, gesturing to the box of festive tree decorations.
He then began pulling ornaments out of the box, strategically placing them onto the tree, making sure each one was spaced out just right and filled in any gaps.
Once the tree was finished, you stepped back and got a look at it. The lights you had strung around the fir were ready to be plugged in. You couldn't wait to see what the tree looked like all lit up. As you prepared to plug in the Christmas lights, you noticed Seonghwa was out of the room. Before you could call his name, he came rushing in with a handheld brush and dustpan, dropping to the floor to sweep up the needles littering the hardwood panels.
"Sorry." He chuckled softly. "I can't stand it."
Once he cleaned up the needles, you placed the tree skirt around the metal base that held the evergreen.
"Alright." You clasped your hands together, grabbing the plug once again. "Are you ready?"
"I suppose." Answered Seonghwa.
You shoved the plug into the outlet, the tree coming to life, giving off a warm glow and illuminating the room. A soft gasp left you as you marveled at the festive sight before you.
Despite the merry spectacle in front of him, Seonghwa's eyes were on you the whole time. The lights on the Christmas tree reflected off your large eyes, making them twinkle in wonder and doubling your cuteness. He could feel himself falling even harder for you, which wasn't totally a bad thing.
"You know what we should do next? Bake cookies."
Seonghwa was quick to regain his composure, acting indifferent and pretending like he wasn't just ogling at you.
"I've had enough Christmas for today, thanks." He responded.
"Baking cookies isn't a Christmas thing." You told him.
"Still. You can bake them yourself. I'm not interested."
Truth is, he was interested. He hated Christmas for so long and suddenly you come along and start changing his mind in just a few days. The idea was nearly impossible for him to comprehend.
"Are you sure? This is my last offer." You told him.
Seonghwa sucked in a deep breath, weighing his options. If he baked cookies with you, then he would be able to spend more time with you, which he really wanted. So, in the end, he agreed.
In all honesty, he enjoyed baking with you. Did you make a mess? Yes, a little, but the important thing is you both had fun and also made some delicious chocolate chip cookies.
You were right. Baking cookies isn't just a Christmas thing, but it did somehow feel festive, which Seonghwa, for once, didn't completely hate.
Christmas approached quicker than you had anticipated. You didn't have anywhere to go or anyone to hang out with, so you opted to stay home and have your own little Christmas party with Seonghwa. He wasn't too keen on the idea, but you knew that you would somehow win him over as you had with other festive things.
You managed to talk Seonghwa into letting you play Christmas music. To your surprise, he was more easily persuaded than you expected.
You were currently baking gingerbread cookies that Seonghwa helped you make. The two of you sat in the living room playing board games and card games while the cookies baked in the oven. Seonghwa had just beat you at an intense game of UNO when you heard the oven beep from the kitchen.
"Oh! The cookies are done." You pushed yourself up from the floor. "I'll be right back."
You exited the room, going to the kitchen to take the gingerbread cookies from the oven. They looked incredible. Each one was perfectly shaped like a little gingerbread man. The next step was to decorate them, then they would be ready to eat.
"Hey, Seonghwa. If you wanna come help decorate the cookies they're-" You came to a stop when you saw him standing by the tree near the window.
"Look." He pointed. "It's snowing."
You walked over, standing beside him and peering out the window. Sure enough, there were large, fluffy snowflakes falling from the sky in a flurry, coating the street below in white powder.
"Wow." You marveled. "This is perfect. A white Christmas."
"Y/n." Seonghwa called out softly.
"Yes?"
Seonghwa took your hands in his, taking a step closer just as a slow Christmas song begin to play, the music filling the room.
"Can we dance?" He asked.
You nodded, sliding your arms around his shoulders. Being in such close quarters made you feel a bit bashful, so you tried to distract yourself by focusing on the song.
Seonghwa held you close as the two of you stood by the window, swaying to the music and watching the snow fall outside.
"Look up." He told you.
You did as he said, lifting your gaze only to spot mistletoe hanging from the ceiling.
"I thought you didn't like Christmas." You remarked with a smirk.
"Not entirely."
You knew what was coming next and you were more than ready for it.
"What about decorating the cookies?" You asked, your eyes glued to his lips.
"The cookies can wait."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he closed the gap between you, placing his lips gently on yours.
Your hands that were previously resting on his shoulders moved to his hair, gently running your fingers through it. You could feel Seonghwa's body relax under your touch, meaning that he was enjoying it. You couldn't help but smile a little against his lips.
"I have a confession." Seonghwa uttered once he pulled away.
"That you like me?" You grinned.
"Besides that." He chuckled shyly, his cheeks tinted pink.
"What's the confession?"
"You made me appreciate Christmas. I've never really been a fan of Christmas. It's just too merry, too happy, and too brightâbut seeing the way your face would light up whenever you would do anything Christmas related, made me see things differently."
You couldn't help but smile at his confession. Truthfully, you had noticed a change in him over the past month, and knowing that you played a part in that made you happy.
"So, that means you'll participate in Yuletide traditions?" You asked, hopefully.
"Perhaps."
"Then let's go decorate those cookies." You took his hand, attempting to lead him to the kitchen, only for him to swiftly pull you back towards him.
"First, one more kiss."
Hongjoong âď¸ Yunho âď¸ Yeosang âď¸ San âď¸ďżź Mingi âď¸ Wooyoung âď¸ Jongho
Masterlist á° â enjoyed this imagine? reblogs & comments are very much appreciated!
DO NOT steal, plagiarize, copy, repost, alter, or translate my works in any way
#ateez imagines#seonghwa x reader#park seonghwa#seonghwa#hongjoong#kim hongjoong#yunho#jeong yunho#kang yeosang#yeosang#choi san#mingi#song mingi#wooyoung#jung wooyoung#choi jongho#jongho#seonghwa imagines
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The Vamp and the Were [IronStrange]
Summary: Tony would mark the day he met a vampire that did not immediately jump at his throat. Just for once â that would be a nice change.
Relationship: Tony Stark/Stephen Strange
Tags: IronStrange, Vampire Stephen Strange, Werewolf Tony Stark, hurt/comfort, idiots in love, angst, fluff
Ko-fi | Read it on AO3 | Masterlist | Word count: 1.3k | Previous | Next
Chapter 3: Three time's the charm
Tony stood in front of a door. He didnât know how or why that was possible when two minutes ago there hadnât even been a building.
But now the door was there and Tony was looking right at it.
There wasnât a bell, not even a name plate, yet Tony was pretty sure he was at the right place. He could smell it.
He didnât know what smell it was because the sorcerers certainly hadnât smelled like anything, but he did smell something.
He rapped his knuckles on the door.
Some long seconds nothing happened, but then the door that shouldnât be there opened, revealing Strange.
Tony wore his prettiest PR smile when he looked at the man over the brim of his sunglasses and proudly announced, âI found your secret hideout.â
âStark.â Strange seemed neither impressed nor intimidated which would both be valid reactions if you lived in a camouflaged home and someone uninvited had knocked on your door. So Tony hunting this place down couldnât be that bad. âWhat do you want?â
That was plainly rude, which was why Tony chose to ignore the question. âDonât you want to let me in?â He glanced past the man, curious about what this weird building might be hiding.
Strange didn't move an inch.
Tony thought he was going to slam the door in his face again, but then he finally stepped aside. âPlease donât touch anything magical.â
âI would never.â He totally would.
Tony stepped inside and found the air calm and almost chilly. The roots of his hair prickled, which was never a good sign. He decided to stay on guard, but remained nonchalant on the outside. He even took his sunglasses off with one hand and put them into the pocket of his shirt.
Then he raised his other hand, in which he was carrying some plastic bags. âI brought food. Vietnamese, to be specific.â
It was a peace offer. Maybe a bribe. Fact was: nobody rejected the gift of free food.
âThanks, but I just ate.â
Okay, apparently nobody but this one strange individual.
Still, Strange didn't throw him back out immediately. Instead, he asked him, âTea?â
âCoffee.â
Strange nodded, as if he had thought something like that, and started heading for a hallway. Tony took this as a silent invitation to follow him.
The hallways were narrow and stretched much longer than they should have. At one point Tony was pretty sure they were walking in a circle, but he didn't say anything. Maybe the building was secretly a maze. Or there was magic involved.
He was pretty sure it had to be. They passed windows showing parts of New York that were nowhere near this area. Other windows even showed completely different cities.
Either there was some amazingly good technology at work here â somehow Tony doubted it â or it was definitely magic.
Finally, they stepped through a bland looking door into a cozy kitchen. It was furnished in an old-fashioned way, with furniture thrown together from different decades. None of them seemed from this decade.
Another person was present, whom Tony recognized relatively quickly. âHey, I remember you. You had some good fighting moves. Food?â
Wong, who was first sporting a similar unimpressed facial expression like Stephen did when he met Tony, changed that as soon as the food was mentioned. He eyed the plastic bags Tony placed on the kitchen table with interest, trying to guess what the other man had brought.
âChicken?â
âBeef and veggie.â
âThis is acceptable.â He took one of the bags and left the room without Tony being able to object.
Stephen had watched that encounter amused. âYou can always bribe Wong with food.â
âIâll remember that.â Tony was glad that the other manâs mood had changed and was less hostile now. âSo, I think I was promised coffee.â
Strange did a swirl with his fingers and a mug plopped into existence right next to Tony. Only his fast werewolf reflexes made him catch it in surprise before a disaster could happen.
âCool party trick. But if you could do that the whole time, why did you drag me through your weird maze of a house?â
Strange shrugged. âI have no influence on the Sanctumâs choices.â There was the smallest of fond smiles on his lips as he mentioned that name. âPlus I thought I would be funny.â
______
Stephen glanced at Wong. âStop with that silent judgment, would you?â
âIâve never been silent about my judging.â Wong didnât even look up from his scroll he was taking notes from.
The two sorcerers sat several yards apart in the Sanctumâs library. Wong at a study table, and Stephen in his regular reading corner. Since there was no one else in this part of the Sanctum â there were some novices that cleaned the relics display cases on the second floor â no one was bothered by them talking loudly across the library.
âYes, but normally I know what it's about.â Stephen stretched his fingers, using the conversation as a short break to relax them. The cloak reached from the back of the armchair Stephen was sitting in to curl its corners around his hands to help ease the pain. It didn't help much but he appreciated the gesture.
Since Wong did not speak further, he voiced his own assumptions into the silence.
âIs it because I tried to solve the problem of the clogged toilets by summoning an all eating shadow worm that almost broke free and fled into the city?â
That forced a reaction from Wong, who now finally turned around to him. âIt what?!â
There was a sly smile on the Vampâs face. âActually I just asked someone from Kamar-Taj who used to work as a plumber. But good to know you think I would do something as stupid as that.â
âThatâs not funny, Strange,â Wong mumbled and went back to work.
âIt was a little funny.â At least seeing Wongâs face like that just now was.
Stephen also fell back into silence, waiting.
It took a few minutes, but Stephen had learned to be patient.
âDo you think fraternizing with Stark is a good idea?â
Ah, there it was. The real reason Wong had worn that judging face in the past few days. But Stephen also heard concern in his voice.
He had asked himself the same question, but that hadn't brought him any closer to an answer.
âI donât know,â he admitted. âHe hasnât acted dangerously towards us.â
âYet.â Wong turned the page of his notebook. âYou have been keeping secrets from him.â
That was true. Stephen sighed quietly, his eyes back on Shintaroâs scripts of âTemporary anomalies and how to avoid themâ. He suddenly found it hard to concentrate on it.
âDo you think he is a threat to the order?â he heard his own voice ask.
âWe will be able to contain and eliminate him if necessary. But it would be an inconvenience for everyone involved.â
Of course, a public figure could not be eliminated without questions being asked. And questions could turn out to be dangerous to a secret magic organization.
Stephen did not question that Wong apparently did not think it would be difficult to defeat an Avengers â one of Earth's mightiest heroes. They had dealt with much bigger and powerful beings in the past.
Still, despite all reason, Stephen didn't like the idea of having to go against Tony Stark, nor of stopping meeting him.
He noticed that the conversation had come to a halt, and when he looked up again, he met Wong's eyes. They seemed to look right through him.
Although Stephen was the one with additional superhuman abilities due to his vampirism, Wong always seemed to be able to guess his thoughts. He saw Stephen, his desires and his fears. And that made him a good friend (even if sometimes a very annoying one).
The seconds stretched when they looked at each other.
âJust be careful,â Wong finally said.
Stephen nodded, noting that Wong respected his decision, whatever it would be in that matter.
They both turned back to their readings.
_________________
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#ironstrange#doctor strange#tony stark#Vampire Stephen Strange#Werewolf Tony Stark#stephen strange#marvel#mcu#strangeiron#The Vamp and the Were#spacemermaid writes
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At The Manor House Hotels, guests can choose from range of beautifully designed rooms, each offering its own unique charm & luxury. Every room is encouraged with modern facilities, plush furnishings, & stunning views, confirming that your stay is nothing short of brilliant.
1. Deluxe Rooms
The Manor House Hotels â Deluxe Rooms offer good blend of comfort & cost of rooms. These rooms are large, well-designed, & Comfortable & due to that they are perfect for single & couple visitors. Featuring free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV & sumptuous bathroom, the Deluxe Rooms offer our guests with comfortable & relaxing place in Dehradun.
2. Premium Rooms
For more opulent option there are important Premium Rooms that will offer even more pleasurable stay. It comprehends features such as big room size, fashionable bed cloths, & stunning view of the surrounding environment which makes this room suitable for clients who are classy. Whether it is leisure or business travel, our Premium Rooms in The Manor House Hotels give visitors comfort they deserve to rest.
3. Luxury Suites
For individuals who would love to step up their game, The Manor House Hotels has Luxury Suites for true mythical experience. These relaxed luxuries are equipped with living room, bedroom, balconet & finely decorated. Designed for families, or guests who prefer even more space & desire their own personal territory, Luxury Suites offer top level of comfort & privacy. Luxurious & stylish, these suites offer modern comforts of world-class facilities to your room service, & incredible views to make these best hotels Dehradun has to offer.
4. Family Rooms
Traveling with family? The Manor House Hotels many Family Rooms are Spacious & Comfortable Accommodation for Family Groups of Any Size. Built for both parents & their children, you can suppose to find several beds in these rooms, large bathrooms & many other conveniences which will help make your family visit enjoyable. Confirming that there is ample of room for each to settle & have nice time it makes rooms in this hotel perfect for providing unforgettable moment for any family visiting Dehradun.
What Makes The Manor House Hotels Stand Out?
When it comes to choosing right rooms in Dehradun, The Manor House Hotels is unparalleled in terms of comfort, luxury, & convenience. Here are some of key features that make this hotel best choice for your stay:
1. Unmatched Luxury
Staying true to its name, The Manor House Hotels give each room utmost attention to detail that lets guests live comfort of luxury. High-quality linen, king or queen size comfy beds, luxurious furnishings, & all various finishing touches as well as contemporary facilities all go long way toward making your room one where you will love to reside.
2. Breathtaking Views
Another interesting feature about The Manor House Hotels is that it boasts of High Mountain & green scenery. In just any season, views of Dehradun are very stunning specially if you are taking your coffee in morning on balcony or just night cap at night.
3. Personalized Services
As for The Manor House Hotels, customers have always been kings & queens. Among chief values of hotel is its facility to deliver services that will be specific to needs of each individual patron. It ranges from arranging your transport, arranging sightseeing trip, coming up with diet plan to suit your needs, everybody at The Manor House Hotels confirmed that nothing was left to chance.
4. Modern Amenities
Despite antique feel, modern comfort of the hotel is provided to meet all of your needs & make your stay memorable. Guest rooms include free Wi-Fi, satellite/cable TV, & facilities for in-room catering, which will allow leisure & business visitors to unwind securely, while being in touch with outside world. There is also available fitness centre, spa & swimming pool, so that guests can have comfort & be pleased with all conditions during their staying at hotel.
Dining at The Manor House Hotels: A Culinary Journey
The Manor House Hotels also has something for your taste buds, apart from its luxurious rooms. Be it craving for Indian palate or global gourmet or some snacks by poolside, hotel has restaurant fixed within it and caters to every taste buds..
The restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients & offers seasonal menu that reproduces rich culinary heritage of region. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining with stunning views of mountains, making it truly special experience. For those who prefer to dine in privacy of their room, in-room dining services are available 24/7, confirming that you can enjoy gourmet meals at your convenience.
Explore Dehradun: Things to Do Around the Manor House Hotels
While comfort of The Manor House Hotels might make you want to stay indoors, Dehradun offers wealth of attractions & activities for visitors to explore. Whether you're nature fanatic, history buff, or shopaholic, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.
1. Robberâs Cave
Located just short drive from The Manor House Hotels, Robberâs Cave is one of Dehradunâs most popular fascinations. This natural cave formation is surrounded by lush greenery & features river that flows through it. Itâs perfect spot for day of investigation & picnicking with family or friends.
2. Sahastradhara
For those seeking tranquility, Sahastradhara is must-visit. Known for its therapeutic hot springs & beautiful waterfalls, this site offers peaceful seepage from hustle & bustle of the city.
3. Forest Research Institute
If youâre interested in architecture & history, Forest Research Institute is attractive place to visit. Its colonial-style buildings, vast botanical gardens, & educational expositions make it great spot for day out.
4. Shopping at Paltan Bazaar
No visit to Dehradun is complete without indulging in little retail therapy at Paltan Bazaar. Located in heart of the city, this active market offers everything from local handicrafts to trendy clothing, making it flawless place to pick up keepsakes.
Book Your Stay at The Manor House Hotels: Your Home Away from Home
Choosing The Manor House Hotels for your stay in Dehradun assurances blend of luxury, comfort, & personalized service. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or for business, hotelâs brilliant rooms in Dehradun offer peace-loving retreat that allows you to recharge & relax.
From large Deluxe Rooms to opulent Luxury Suites, every detail has been carefully designed to confirm that your stay is nothing short of exceptional. And with its prime location, world-class dining options, & range of abilities to enjoy, The Manor House Hotels is impeccable place to experience beauty & charm of Dehradun.
So why wait? Book your stay today at The Manor House Hotels & experience best luxury hotel rooms in Dehradun. Let us be your home away from home as you discover everything this beautiful city has to offer!
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Homestay in Shimla: Your Cozy Home Away from Home
Shimla, the beautiful and famous hill station tourist spot, located in the snow-clad regions of Himalayas, is one of the favourite tourist spots to visit for people seeking calmness and peace. However, there are some key attractions that one gets to discover when they are residing in a homestay; attractions such as Shimla well known for colonial style buildings, lively Mall Road and splendid view of mountains. A best homestay in shimla provides the best of the city along with the nicest of the locals that you could ever meet.Â
Why to Go for a Homely Stay in Shimla?Â
While it is true that hotels have a lot of qualities, homestays offer a friendly ambiance that is rarely found in hotels. Here are some reasons why staying in a homestay in Shimla can enhance your travel experience:
Local Experience: Why homestays: You could meet the locals, and this is always an added advantage to your stay. It is possible to communicate with hosts and get to know the traditions of Shimla, as well as engage in childrenâs activities.Â
Authentic Cuisine: Most of the homestay accommodation provide traditional meals which are prepared using organic produce from local farms. You can enjoy especially the Himachal cuisine that is not available in other restaurants which are common.Â
Peaceful Environment: Homestays are also known for not being set in crowded areas as are hotels; rather they offer a serene place for one to be and or relax.Â
Personalized Service: The hosts will for sure do almost everything just to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You are given close attention making your stay as comfortable as well as memorable as possible.
Best Homestays in ShimlaÂ
When it comes to the best homestays in Shimla, several options stand out for their exceptional hospitality, comfort, and stunning locations:When it comes to the best homestays in Shimla, several options stand out for their exceptional hospitality, comfort, and stunning locations:Â
Raman Villa Homestay Located away from the hustle-bustle of the city in a village environment, Raman Villa is one place where tourists can have a home-like environment and have a look at the mountains. The hosts are always jovial and welcoming and the rooms are very big and very neat. The house is well furnished and is a homestay that has all the touch of a modern home yet has antique architecture and structure typical of Himachal. Guests can get to taste home cooked meals and have a nice time in a well designed garden compound.Â
The Corner House Located at the Walking Distance to the Mall Road, The Corner House is one of the most sought after homestay for the tourists in Shimla. Calm and comfortable rooms with the homely atmosphere create a special atmosphere for families and couples. The hosts are friendly, and the food that is offered at the place is good, making the environment of the place more attractive.Â
Aamod at Shoghi Located at a mere 13-km drive from Shimla, Aamod at Shoghi Holiday retreat gives you a homely touch with luxury. Located in a very quiet forested location this homestay is ideal for those who love nature. These are wooden cottages, equipped with modern facilities and services and thus it is one of the best homestays near shimla. Such features as nature walks, trekking and a bonfire to keep people warm makes the experience better.Â
For this homestay that is located in the outskirts of the city where people can feel relaxed and calm, people can make use of the Sukh Dham Homestay. It is situated in Mashobra Valley with a beautiful garden, well furnished room and all modern amenities and homely atmosphere. The hosts also ensure that customers are well taken care of, providing them with all the comforts of their own home.Â
Centrally located in a place surrounded with apple orchards, the Apple House is an exclusive homestay in Shimla. This homestay features large and clean rooms, friendly resident hosts and great home cooked food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most of the people visiting the place are thrilled by the natural beauty of the place and the closeness of the park to other amenities.
Conclusion
Staying in a homestays in Shimla provides a more authentic and enriching experience compared to regular hotels. Whether you choose the charming Raman Villa, the conveniently located Corner House, or the nature-surrounded Aamod at Shogi, you are sure to have a memorable stay filled with warmth and comfort. For those looking to experience Shimla like a local, a homestay is the perfect choice.
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Devika Katra | Luxury Space In Jammu
Introduction:
Devika Katra lovely piece of structure that combines wealth, ease of use, and fashion. This project is the correct instance of modern-day metropolis life as it has carrier apartments, retail stores, and 5-star hotels. It is located in a manner that makes it easy to get to and gives a fantastic nice of existence for both residents.
Construction Excellence:
The project is an exceptional example of splendid construction and innovative design. The property shows off a contemporary layout with awesome take care of the little things. Each serviced apartment is designed to be the right blend of practicality and fashion, ensuring that you have a costly time dwelling there. It is planned that a lot of companies will flow into the retail regions, making shopping more thrilling. The 5-star hotels have luxurious rooms and top-notch offerings, making them perfect for choosy travelers and guaranteeing a memorable stay.
Prime Location:
It is in an incredible spot, which makes Devika Katra Jammu an extremely good choice for both companies and people who need to stay there. It is right in the middle of the city and has extremely good access to vital locations, making it easy for each person to get there. The region is near major transportation hubs, schools, hospitals, and exercise regions. This project increases the project worth, making it a perfect place for city human beings and enterprise owners to head.
Service Apartments:
Its service apartments are made to be the proper blend of comfort and ease of use. These residences are furnished and have all of the cutting-edge conveniences that both quick-time period and lengthy-time period residents ought to need. Each flat has a snug residing room, a properly-ready kitchen, and a lovely interior, making it experience like a domestic faraway from domestic. There also are a whole lot of services on-web page for citizens to apply for, along with fitness centers, swimming pools, and protection guards who are on duty 24 hours an afternoon, 7 days every week.
Retail Shops:
The shops at Devika Katra make shopping a laugh and exciting. The buying areas are installed to meet the needs of a huge range of customers. They have a mixture of shops, from high-stop boutiques to normal necessities. Its prime role ensures lots of foot site visitors, which makes it a desirable spot for stores. For introduced ease, it has cutting-edge buildings and masses of parking spaces. Shopping there may be a tremendous time.
5-Star Hotels:
It has 5-star hotels which are very fancy and raise the bar for carriers. There are many high-give-up functions at those resorts, along with fine eating places, spas, and office centers. The luxury rooms and great service make sure that visitors have a pleasing and enjoyable stay. Whether you're in Devika for paintings or delight, the 5-megastar resorts offer exceptional providers inside the location.
Conclusion:
Devika Projects In Katra is greater than just a building, it is an area to live. It has a unique mix of luxury, ease, and class, with its high-end provider flats, energetic shopping regions, and five-star motels. It is a landmark location due to the fact it's miles in an extraordinary spot and was constructed to the very best requirements. It will offer a brilliant city residing enjoy.
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Luxurious Yet Affordable: Best Rooms in Andheri on a Budget
Situated in the upmarket suburb of Mumbai, Andheri is a location full of vibrancy and offers excellent connectivity to all major city attractions and business centers. It is one of those places in Mumbai where traditional markets rub shoulders with modern malls and entertainment centers. Amidst such a dynamic area, it becomes a priority time for travelers not to overspend and still have a taste of luxury in affordable accommodations.Â
Why Choose Andheri for Your Stay
Andheri is a nice locality if you want a bit of everything at a time. Very few other localities in Mumbai can match the convenience and excitement of this locale. Not too far from main attractions and commercial centers, Andheri ensures you will not be much far away from any destination. The place is quite well-connected to the rest of the city through its Mumbai Metro and local trains, thereby easing traveling hassles. Moreover, Andheri stands very famous for its nightlife and multivariate options for dining, out of which any person will find food as per his taste and preference. Be it exploration during the day or chilling after work, Andheri provides a dynamic environment to your stay with its chirpy atmosphere and great connectivity.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Rooms
While choosing the best rooms in Andheri, you must make your decisions based on some criteria that will give you the best choices. First, follow the price range and affordability that will sit best with your wallet without compromising your comfort. Look for rooms with a number of key amenities like Wi-Fi connectivity and air conditioning to ensure that you have a good time without any hassles outside the room, whatever the season may be. This becomes extremely vital, as proximity to places of interest and business hubs serves to increase the ease of staying here. Therefore, considering these three criteriaâprice, amenities, locationâone should be quite sure of getting the best rooms in Andheri for one's needs and expectations.
Best Rooms in Andheri: Ginger Mumbai Andheri East
When it comes to budget hotels in Andheri, one certainly cannot go wrong with Ginger Mumbai Andheri East. From the very trusted chain of Ginger Hotels, this hotel wonderfully melds affordability with luxury to offer the best rooms in Andheri for travelers. Located just off the Western Express Highway, this Ginger Mumbai Andheri East hotel is convenient to the railway station, international airport, and Bombay Exhibition Centre, thus considered a perfect place for business as well as leisure travelers.
The hotel comprises 142 well-furnished luxe rooms, each equipped with all modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, LCD/LED TVs with satellite channels, a tea/coffee maker, and refrigerator. Guests can sample a meal at the signature all-day diner at the hotelâQminâwhich also has a workout gym, meeting rooms, and express laundry services. One can easily book their accommodation in one of the finest budget hotels in Andheri right from their website. It creates no hassle and is a quite convenient experience.Â
How to Book the Best DealsÂ
Want the best rooms in Andheri at the best prices? Here are some smart booking tips that will help you in your endeavor. First of all, booking in advance often gives you tremendous savings and ensures that you get a room, especially during peak travel seasons. Avail discount codes and promotional offers offered by hotels or booking platforms to cut down costs further. Ultimately, a hunt for a budget accommodation at Andheri always includes trustworthy booking websites like Booking.com or Agoda. Both often have very aggressive rates and useful reviews to help you make decisions. Use them to your advantage, and you can make reservations for the best rooms available in Andheri without breaking your bank
Insider Tips for a Luxurious Stay on a Budget
For visitors who want to be treated like royalty without overspending, some insider tips may prove valuable when staying in Andheri. Begin by getting maximum value out of the hotel facilities; many budget Andheri accommodations offer such accidental luxuries as rooftop pools, free breakfasts, or gyms. Local dining available can also offer great value, since there is a very eclectic Andheri selection: from street vendors with lip-smacking street food to fancy restaurants cranking up authentic Mumbai cuisine. You could fuel your travel by engaging in budget-friendly activities like visiting the local markets, exploring historical sites like Mahakali Caves, or taking a stroll along Juhu Beach. By combining these tips, you will be able to enhance your stay in Andheri without blowing your budget.
Conclusion
All that put together, Nothing can outshine the opulent yet reasonably priced rooms of Ginger Mumbai, Andheri East in Andheri. The hotel personifies comfort and elegance and leaves no stone unturned with full modern amenities and the advantage of a convenient location. Advanced booking is recommended to pick up the top deals and promotions on your stay. By booking ahead, you get the best rate possible and an assurance of a room on your desired travel dates.
Looking for a combination of luxury and budget, catering for budget hotels in Andheri as they explore the city, one finally wants a mix of these two things: Ginger Mumbai Andheri East. Superbly balanced, it gives quite an experience at a reasonably low price point. Comfortable for the business or leisure visitor, this hotel greets everyone with its warm atmosphere and the necessary facilities for those little details important to every traveler. It also means a memorable stay in Andheri without diluting on comfort or spending overly on budgets as it opts for the Ginger Mumbai Andheri East.
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Nephrite aesthetic moodboard!!
Nephrite:
Nephrite, a former warrior who has turned into a reclusive 18-year-old girl, seeks to live a life far removed from her past battles, yearning for normalcy and peace.
Appearance and Attire:
Coloration: A serene green complexion, embodying the essence of her namesake gemstone.
Hair: Mid-length and wavy, adding a touch of softness to her otherwise guarded appearance.
Outfit:
Top: Comfortable hoodie, ideal for blending into the background.
Bottoms: Baggy jeans that allow ease of movement and a relaxed fit.
Footwear: Sneakers that are practical and unassuming.
Gemstone: Trilliant-cut, located on her left palm, which she often uses to communicate through holographic images.
Personality and Traits: Nephriteâs personality is a blend of silent strength and shy reclusiveness, reflecting her desire to stay out of the spotlight while dealing with the echoes of her warrior past.
Silent and Shy: Prefers to avoid attention, often staying on the sidelines and observing rather than participating.
Non-verbal Communication: Being mute, she communicates through sign language, writing, or emitting holographic images from her gemstone. She also makes expressive cat-like noises and signs to convey her emotions.
Feline Features: Possesses retractable claws and feline fangs, remnants of her warrior days that now serve as subtle defenses.
Creative Passion: Finds solace in creative expression, particularly in fanfics, shipping, and fan art, where she explores her imagination and connects with others through shared stories and characters.
Interests and Hobbies:
Fan Culture: Immerses herself in the world of fanfics and fan art, creating and sharing her own works with others who share her interests.
Werecat Depictions: Has a particular fondness for depicting fellow werecats, drawing from her own experiences and fantasies to craft intricate and heartfelt narratives.
Powers:
Bubble creation and bubble storement
Night vision
Climbing
Nine Lives (Nephrite can give additional lives to anybody that meet her standards but this power is extremely powerful and possibly risky)
Cat-astrophic Luck: A form of luck manipulation, where situations seem to always turn out in the favor of the individual with a cat-like twist, whether it's narrowly avoiding disaster or stumbling upon unexpected opportunities.
Catnip Control: The power to manipulate and control others' behavior through the use of a catnip-like substance, inducing relaxation or distraction.
Merits:
1. Acute Sense: You have exceptionally sharp hearing, smell, vision, or taste.
2. Ambidextrous: You have a high degree of off hand dexterity, and can perform tasks with the "wrong" hand at no penalty.
3. Animal Affinity: You've an innate understanding of and rapport with a certain type of animal, such as dogs, bats, rats, cats or wolves. (Felines)
4. Catlike Balance: You possess an innately perfect sense of balance.
5. Communicate with Animals: With your deep and profound understanding of spirits within all life, you can communicate with any normal animal.
6. Computer Aptitude: You are familiar with and talented in the uses of computer equipment.
7. Danger Sense: You have a sixth sense that warns you of danger.
8. Eidetic Memory: You can remember things seen and heard with perfect detail.
9. Friendly Face: You have a face that reminds everyone of someone, to the point where strangers are inclined to be well-inclined toward you because of it.
10. Good Night Vision: Maybe you spent a lot of time camping. Maybe you're just a fisherman who's used to getting up before dawn. For whatever reason, your night vision is excellent.
11. Hideaway: You have a special hiding place that no one knows about a house, a cottage, a nicely furnished cave, etc. you never registered this place in your name, so anyone trying to trace you there is going to have a very hard time.
12. Literacy: You are able to read and write without the benefit of having been formally schooled
13. Pitiable: There is something about you that others pity. This causes them to care for you as if you were a child (Muteness)
Headcanon âvoiceâ: Grey Delisle
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This is nested amidst the lap of Udaipur's tranquil landscapes; a rare luxury abode that escapes into comfort and peace is Mountain Creek Udaipur. Set in such stunning surroundings, this private villa had facilities which would be second to none in class, giving both traditional charm and contemporary elegance. Great for those who are looking for a private and truly sumptuous retreat holiday.
Unbeatable location Mountain Creek Udaipur is located in a manner that depicts strategic positioning to have beautiful views of the rolling lush green landscapes most characteristic of this historic city, best known as the "City of Lakes.". The villa is just beautifully poised in a very nice and quiet location, away from the din and bustle of the city center, and at the same time, yet close enough to sniff around all that would be of interest to one about Udaipur's rich culture and heritage.
The silence of the environment is good for the soul and freshens the mind with much energy to be productive at the same time.
Exquisite Accommodations
Each room and suite in the villa is tastefully appointed and designed with a careful blend of traditional Rajasthani dĂŠcor and contemporary amenities. Every room provides a breathtaking view of either the large gardens or mountains in the horizonâa perfect setting that ensures your stay is added beauty in pictures. The rooms avail comfort and style that any human would value in modern settings.
The power of personalized email is At Mountain Creek Udaipur, every bit of your stay is carefully handcrafted to give an unrivalled feel. Offering personalized services, which range from private chefs to your own and every other whim catered for, their villas will take luxury living to the next level.
From private butlers and chefs to in-house spa treatments, guests are offered anything that could humanly be possible to exist. Featuring an outdoor pool, guests are ensured that they have the perfect relaxing oasis for a soak on a lazy afternoon or some invigorating laps under the sky.
Absolute â literally. Be it dining or wining; it is a culture meeting place for an exploration of taste. The in-villa private chef offers some of the finest menus based on dietary needs and the freshest, locally-sourced produces.
Enjoy your food whether you're inside their tastefully furnished indoor dining room or al fresco under the stars in an exclusive garden settingâdining at Mountain Creek is a sure treat for all your senses.
cultural immersion and activities Welcome to The Mountain Creek, Udaipur. This is not just the gateway to luxury living but also a land where the rich cultural tapestry of Udaipur unfolds. The historic city offers much to be seen, with its majestic City Palace and serene Lake Pichola. Apart from these, the hotel is surrounded by a number of bustling local markets. Outdoor adventures are sought out with a series of hiking and bird-watching opportunities available from surrounding hills.
It organizes as well for traditional cultural performances right on the villa so that guests experience the vibrant local arts and music without having to leave the compound for their retreat.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Ensconced in the picturesque ambiance of nature, served by the splendid ever team of hospitality, Mountain Creek Udaipur turns into an abode for special social celebrations. From event planning to the services offered in the environment, it be the classic romantic wedding, the milestone golden years anniversary celebration, or just a simple gathering for family or friends, they are custom-tailored to perfection. Udaipur, the Mountain Creek, is not just a stay but the ultimate abode of the deep connection of nature with culture and luxury. This private villa pays an ode to the brave and beautiful spirit of Udaipur and offers an escapist stay that is indulgent and inspiring. The promise of Mountain Creek Udaipur to every soul that is looking for an experience custom-designed and rich within this magical city of India assures that each of your stays is luxurious and memorable. Whatever may be your visit here - to escape into the solace of solitude or to celebrate with a tinge of grandeur in nature's abode, Mountain Creek Udaipur ensures that your visit really counts.
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Exploring Vclub Gurgaon: A Fancy and Fun Place
In the busy city of Gurgaon, Vclub Gurgaon is a special place to relax and enjoy nice things. It is a luxurious club that feels like an escape from the everyday. When you go inside, the beautiful decorations and fancy furnishings make you feel like you are in a very upscale and elegant place.
Fun Activities
At the center of Vclub Gurgaon, there are lots of fun activities for members to do. The gym has all the latest exercise equipment for people who want to stay fit. For those who want to relax, there is a wonderful spa where skilled workers give treatments to help you feel refreshed and calm.Â
Tasty Food
Vclub has many excellent restaurants and lounges with delicious food. You can enjoy a fancy dining experience or a more casual outdoor meal. The chefs make dishes that taste amazing and give you new flavors to try.
Meeting People
Vclub Gurgaon is not just about relaxing â it's also a place to meet new people. The club hosts special parties and gatherings where members can socialize and make new friends. Whether it's a dressy cocktail party or a fun wine-tasting event, the excellent service makes every occasion great.
Excellent ServiceÂ
The staff at Vclub is very well-trained and attentive. They go out of their way to make sure members have everything they need and feel valued. From the friendly greeting when you arrive to the personal attention during your visit, the club always provides top-notch service.
A Peaceful Escape
In the middle of the busy city, Vclub is a peaceful escape from everyday stress. It's a place where you can experience luxury and relaxation. Every moment feels special and indulgent.Â
Amazing Facilities
Vclub Gurgaon has world-class facilities to enjoy. The modern gym, refreshing spa, tasty restaurants, and stylish lounges provide the best experiences. Members can do many different fun activities in extreme comfort.
An Exclusive Lifestyle
Vclub Gurgaon is more than just a club - it's a luxurious lifestyle. You get access to an exclusive world of sophistication when you become a member. Whether you want to relax, exercise, or socialize, the club promises an exceptional experience.
Vclub Gurgaon Ticket Price
Vclub offers affordable entry for everyone. General tickets cost just âš499 on weekdays and âš699 on weekends. Special deals are available for students, ladies, and couples. Membership plans provide even better value if you plan to visit frequently. Check their website or ask at the venue for the latest Vclub Gurgaon ticket prices and offers.
If you want an extraordinary lifestyle full of luxury and leisure, Vclub Gurgaon is the ultimate destination. This fancy place in Gurgaon city is an escape from the ordinary into a world of elegance. With incredible facilities, personalized service, and diverse activities, Vclub Gurgaon provides an unforgettable experience that makes you feel special and refreshed.
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How to choose the best Luxury lodge accommodation?
Booking a stay at a small, upscale lodge means you'll receive the kind of personalized service you won't find anywhere else. Sit back, relax, and let someone who has your best interests at heart take care of your requirements, often even anticipating them before you are aware of them yourself.
What, therefore, should you prioritize while you search for the perfect home? Here are a few pointers:
Elegantly Furnished Accommodations
A beautiful location is really necessary for a relaxing holiday. The general rule of thumb is that it need to be at least as nice as the home that you now reside in. Going somewhere that is less comfortable than your home won't help you relax at all. Your home is the most pleasant place in the world. Windermere Accommodation is the best. This category includes things like linens with a high thread count and a variety of pillows to choose from. You are seeking for a place to lay down that is peaceful.Â
Good, locally-grown food
Find the best local vendors when you are traveling to a new destination and want to explore the culture of the area via its food and drink. This will help you get the most out of your trip. It is a wonderful opportunity to show support for local farmers while also getting a sample of some delectable food that is farmed locally. Lake District Hotel is preferred by many people. Any dietary limitations that you might have would, of course, be taken into consideration and addressed. In addition to that, the hosts have also be able to suggest some good eateries for evening meals.
Trip and excursion ideas
It's not uncommon for high-end lodges to be situated close to tourist hotspots. You can count on your host to be a wealth of knowledge, both before and after your arrival, so that you may plan your trip in advance if that's how you roll. Lake District B&B has been outstanding.
There is a strong emphasis placed on privacy and exclusivity for visitors staying in luxury lodges. Because there are not as many rooms or suites, guests have the opportunity to unwind in peace and private while also receiving more personalised attention than they would at a hotel with a larger number of accommodations. Cumbria Hotel will provide you the best facilities.Â
The professional and friendly personnel at the hotel is dedicated to catering to the guests' every desire and ensuring that their time there is as relaxing and delightful as is humanly feasible. The employees at luxury resorts go to great lengths to make their visitors feel like they are the only ones there by doing things such as organizing romantic candlelit dinners or private tours.
In addition, there are the little touches that make a big difference, such as internet connection for those who really must get some work done during their stay, laundry services, books and periodicals to peruse, freshly baked goods and chocolates, bathrobes, and hairdryers. You can find Cumbria B&B at affordable prices.
You and your loved ones would greatly benefit from staying at a high-end lodge. A short visit might give you the push you need to get back to your hectic life.
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Cancelled Episode 15 "Rebirth"
"Yo mama so fat, dad jokes are about her, cos not even yo dad's mouth can escape her ass!"
-yo mama jokes series
"Well, I'm all for killing and getting revenge on this lizard king, so...what exactly are the exact plans for doing so?" I clarified queries on specifications of Lizard King Killing 101.
"Well, first step, decipher and read the inscription, now I haven't been able to understand it yet, but we do have a Dragon Lord Secret Discoverer here, if you would, madam," Erik remarks sarcastically as he once again takes out the inscription for all to see.
Hydrogenium had prepared a table and chairs for us to sit comfortably while we discussed the suicide mission.
I must admit, her apartment-cave looks to be furnished well, like someone could actually stay here for the rest of their lives.
We're all sitting on the nice wooden chairs that I'm confident are normal plastic chairs just painted to look like wooden chairs but whatever.
And while we're all either hands folded, or placed on the table, or cupped together and to cover our faces, the fox and Erik are busy playing together as Erik is cuddling and petting the fox. Did he just forget that that's a living ancestral person way older than him who can definitely perceive what is going on the same way a human does-
Anyway. It's not like the fox is protesting anyway, hell, it looks to be enjoying it, even. Well we're back to the suicide mission discussion.
Erik placed the inscription in front of the fox girl on the table for her to read while we all stood around her, eagerly awaiting news.
"Well, AHEM," she clears her throat loudly, clearly to assert dominance over us, and begins reading off the inscription.
"This glass tells the tale of old yonder, in a land where beasts and gods wander. There was peace in the land for years gone by, until the one came who was not of an ally. A seed of great power, fell from the stars above, it wielded immense strength, most could only dream of. It started a destructive war, of which thus stoleth the great lion's roar. Gods and beasts all across the land, fought for the jewel, or be turned to sand. In the end, as the dust and smoke all cleared, that which had appeared had now disappeared, for all of power had been vanquished, and only the Lord of all Dragons was there to mourn for the languished." She finished her long sentence.
"Wow, this is why I hate poems, what the hell does that even mean?" Nemean let out an exasperated sigh at A SACRED INSCRIPTION THAT DATES BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS LIKE YOU CAN'T EXPECT THEM NOT TO WRITE IN SOME CRYPTIC MESSAGE POEM, NEMEAN!
"Basically, it just means that thousands of years ago, there was some ancient powerful seed, that caused all the gods and beasts to fight and kill each other over it, and in the end, only the Dragon Lord survived and emerged victorious..." I explain the inscription in order to save his absolute clueless mind.
"But if he really did kill every single one of those gods and beasts...doesn't that make him extremely powerful? Plus, with this..."seed", that supposed to be a supply of power...there's no way we can take him down, even if every single mortal creature rebelled against him right now," Disparage reasoned some unthought logic into our minds. Right...
"Well, there has to be seriously no way he's able to kill all of them himself, maybe he just waited until all of the others killed the others for them?" I tried to find loopholes in his reasoning.
"But then he would have to fight those really powerful gods capable of killing other gods, and if he can win, then..." Hydrogenium came in to the conversation with her own opinions.
"Or maybe he didn't even kill all of them and just sealed them away," Snowball butted in too.
"Also, this line. "Of which thus stoleth the great lion's roar"? What the hell does that mean?" fox girl asked.
"Hah, maybe the great lion is one of the gods that were sealed away because it was too powerful for the Dragon Lord to fight," I dismissively suggested.
"Well, that might actually be true...in the village, I've heard of an old legend, that there was an ancient lion god whose mere roar could kill gods, but then he got sealed away by the Dragon Lord," Hydrogenium brought in her own knowledge to the potluck.
Well, if that's true, then we'd have the power of a god on our side...if we can even find a way to unseal him...
"Alright...I remember he should be...somewhere in these woods, quite close to us, if I'm not mistaken," Hydrogenium finishes her sentence and takes out a map of the entire forest, even complete with the location of the cave we're in right now. Well that would certainly be inconvenient if an enemy were to catch this map and find out where our secret lab is.
She continues the legend as she studies the map. "This god wasn't like the others, he was too powerful to be killed normally, so the Dragon Lord sealed him away and took his roar. It was said he could manipulate the darkness and turn day into night with a snap of his fingers, he could summon monsters of the abyss and use your own shadow to attack you, and even wield deadly dark poisons!"
Well we definitely want him on our side now then.
"Oh yeah, the poison thing is the second-most famous thing about him, the first being the great lion roar, it's the exact reason why he's known as the...
Black Venom King."
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âGeralt. My dearest friend. My closest companion. Light of my life, fire of my-â
Geralt narrows his eyes. âWhat do you want, Jaskier?â
âSeeing as how Iâve made you famous, and I flatter myself that this has eased you path somewhat, why, this very inn not only took us in but even offered us a discounted rate-â
âWhat do you want, Jaskier?â Testier this time.
âAhh. Well. Let me put it plainly: Iâm in need of a favour.â
Geralt raises one eyebrow, in an expression he knows speaks volumes.
âI need you to come with me to Lettenhove this winter and pose as my fiancĂŠ.â
Geralt nearly drops the sword heâs sharpening. A million thoughts whip through his mind, but one is most pressing: âWhy, for Meliteleâs sake?â
Jaskier waves a hand in a vague and non-descriptive gesture. âItâs a court thing, you know how families are, and my mother has made it abundantly clear that itâs time for me to settle down and this year Iâm to return affianced or else sheâll select someone for me. And I canât get hitched to some local lady, Geralt, I simply canât, itâll ruin my bardic appeal, not to mention my employment prospects, and of course I wonât be able to travel with you, and itâs-â
Geralt holds up a hand to ward off the wall of words. The idea of no longer travelling with Jaskier is unconscionable, not that heâd ever admit that out loud. And they spend so much time together theyâre practically married anyway. How hard could it be to pretend for a few days?
âFine,â he says gruffly.
âOh, Geralt, you are wonderful.â Jaskier beams and throws his arms around Geraltâs neck. Geralt growls, but secretly, itâs actually rather nice.
-
âMother, this is Geralt, my fiancĂŠ.â
Cold, clear eyes look him up and down, assessing him, and pinch into an expression suggesting he has been found wanting. Geralt decides against opening his mouth and further cementing that opinion.
âA witcher.â Her voice has the familiar twang of Jaskierâs, but with the flat, expressionless cadence he associates with the higher echelons of the aristocracy.
âA witcher!â Jaskier confirms in a cheery tone. âIsnât that exciting?â
She sniffs in a manner which makes it clear that exciting would not be her first choice of word. âI see. He will be joining us for this yearâs Yuletide?â
âHe will.â
Her face draws back into the impassive mask of the well-bred. âVery well. You will stay in the east wing.â
âThank you, mother.â Jaskier executes a stiff bow which Geralt copies and they beat a hasty retreat.
-
âThat went rather well!â
Geralt blinks. âJaskier, Iâm fairly sure your mother means to have me killed in my sleep.â
âOh, donât mind her. Sheâs always like that. Sheâs actually softened up a lot since dear old dad died, gods rest the grumpy bastard.â
Geralt struggles to imagine how such staid, cold people could possibly have produced a son as bright and warm as Jaskier. They might as well be a different species.
Jaskier pushes open a door to a grand suite, all plush velvets and gold ornamentation, a thick woven rug underfoot. Itâs the most opulent room Geralt has ever seen, but Jaskier pays it no mind and throws his bag casually on the bed.
âWeâll have to stay here together,â he says apologetically, not looking Geralt in the eye. âBut the bed is plenty big, or I can sleep on the sofa if youâd rather -â
Geralt is still taking it all in: The space, the furnishings, the frankly enormous bed which looks divinely comfortable. And there, through the next room, that looks like-
âIs that a copper bathtub?â he asks, eyes wide. Such luxuries were a rarity indeed.
Jaskier grinned. âIt is. Let me get some food sent up and Iâll wash your hair?â
Geralt grumbles, just for the effect, and decides that putting up with tedious aristocracy might have its benefits after all.
-
Yule festivities in Lettenhove are, mercifully, a mere matter of days. First there is the fitting for formal attire, which Geralt scowls through but Jaskier promises will be made up for with plenty of good food and wine. Then there are several deeply tedious aristocratic parties, which Jaskier sails through and Geralt spends mostly hiding in dark corners, as is his wont.
Occasionally, Jaskier will grab him by the hand and introduce him as, âGeralt, my husband-to-be,â and something funny will flip over in his stomach which will require several drinks to settle. When he returns to his dark corner heâll find his heart pumping a little faster as his eyes track Jaskier flitting around the room. Itâs probably just indigestion from all the rich food.
Then there is the formal family Yuletide dinner, a spectacularly awkward and singly unpleasant evening spent around a long, cold table with Jaskierâs mother and various cousins, who regard Geralt with expressions ranging from bland disinterest to active hostility. The food is heavy beyond measure and the conversation cruel and bland by turns.
They cover the need for raising taxes, the many failings of the servant class, and the petty squabbles over jewels and titles that seems to be the bread and butter of these people. With each hateful line, Geralt feels his blood rising. If it werenât for Jaskier making pleading eyes at him, heâd take great pleasure in explaining some hard truths to them.
When a cousin begins expounding on useless lazy peasants in the estate, complaining that they canât work because of plague, but we all know theyâre simply idle, Geralt grits his teeth so hard that he swears the sound must be audible.
Beneath the table, Jaskier takes his hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. Staring down at their joined hands, Geralt detaches from these awful people and their awful conversation and focuses on the simple warmth of Jaskierâs fingers intertwined with his own.
-
They make their escape from dinner as soon as can be considered polite, and Geralt takes a second to lean against the door to their room, breathing deeply.
âYou did well not to throttle anyone,â Jaskier says with a reassuring smile. âIf weâd had to listen to cousin Edrick for a minute longer, I might have launched over the table with a carving knife myself.â
Geralt reaches for him without thinking, and once again Jaskierâs hand slips into his own. Itâs grounding, to feel something genuine in this place surrounded by artifice.
âCome on,â Jaskier says. âLetâs get out of here.â
Geralt doesnât even ask where theyâre going before nodding.
-
They sneak away from the estate out of the servantsâ door and follow a winding path toward a cluster of lights in the valley below. The path into Lettenhove town is quiet and calm, and as they walk the snow begins to fall in soft flurries, covering the ground in a peaceful white blanket.
The town looks picture perfect when they arrive, a charming jumble of thatched cottages and a small, cosy inn from which bright light spills out into the snowy night. When they enter the barmaid runs over to hug Jaskier and the proprietor slaps him on the back, and Jaskier has a kind word and a waved greeting for every person in there.
Geralt feels something unwind in his chest, something he hadnât realised was tight and twisted until now. Seeing Jaskier in his element, among people who love him for who he is, instead of among that cold, hateful family, he feels right in a way he hasnât for days.
Jaskier is already buying drinks and passing them around, and he excitedly waves Geralt over. âBree, Geoffrey,â he addresses the couple behind the bar, âThis is Geralt.â A shy smile sneaks over his face. âMy fiancĂŠ.â The couple gasp in delight and congratulate Jaskier, then theyâre embracing Geralt like old friends and pushing a drink into his hands.
âCome on, Geralt, join us!â Bree smiles warmly. âItâll be the ten oâclock bells soon, and we must have Jaskier lead us in a song.â
The evening is a whirl of music and dance and loud, terrible singing, which the entire town seems to join in. For once there is no corner for Geralt to hide in, so he stays by Jaskierâs side, basking in the reflected glow of these peopleâs clear adoration of his bard.
-
When the midnight bell chimes and Geoffrey turns them all out for the night, the revelers wend their way home still singing and drinking. As the place empties out, Jaskier slides over to Bree to press a kiss to her cheek and a bulging purse into her hand. She tries to wave him off but Jaskier tucks the money behind the counter all the same, and Geralt watches, a deep wave of fondness sweeping through him.
The snow is still falling when they step out into the now-quiet street, soft, fat flakes drifting lazily from the sky and sticking in Jaskierâs hair. His cheeks are flushed pink and his hair falls in an messy sweep over his eyes; without thinking Geralt reaches out to brush it away behind his ear. Jaskierâs blush deepens as he does so, but he shivers in the cold.
âHere.â Geralt unclasps the thick cloak from around his neck and sweeps it over Jaskierâs shoulders. Jaskierâs mouth forms a little o of surprise and he looks up at Geralt, something tender in his eyes.
Geraltâs gaze is caught by the snow flakes settling on Jaskierâs lashes; heâs so focused that he almost jumps when Jaskier reaches out to take his hand. The sky seems to glow with a soft orange light as the clouds reflect the last few fires in the town below; everything is warm with Jaskierâs hand in his despite the chill in the air.
âThank you,â Jaskier says softly. âFor being here with me.â And leaning in, his breath caressing over Geraltâs face, he touches his lips to Geraltâs cheek in a ghost of a kiss.
Suddenly it occurs to Geralt that this will be it, tomorrow theyâll head back on the path like none of this ever happened, no more holding hands or being close, no more being introduced as Jaskierâs betrothed. And despite the hellish parts of this experience he really doesnât want it to end. He likes being Jaskierâs person, and he likes Jaskier being his.
They are still standing close together, mere inches between them, and itâs no effort at all to lean in, slowly, cautiously, to find Jaskierâs lips with his own, to place a tentative kiss there. And then Jaskierâs hands are fisting in his shirt and tugging him closer still, and his arms go around his waist and Jaskier is kissing him back like heâs been waiting for it, their mouths slotting together like they were made to fit each other, and everything is blazingly bright like the white of the snow.
When they pull apart they stay with foreheads pressed together, breathing the same air, and Geralt can see a smile cracking wide over Jaskierâs face.
âI like being engaged to you,â Geralt says quietly, unable to keep it in.
Jaskierâs smile widens even further. âI like being engaged to you too,â he says. He kisses him again. âFiancĂŠ.â Another kiss. âHusband to be.â And another. âPartner.â One more. âBeloved.â
âI like the sound of those.â He suspects he may be wearing the same dopey grin as Jaskier is.
âThen letâs make it official.â Jaskier bites his lip. âMarry me?â
Jaskier is a picture of perfection, eyes gleaming and cheeks ruddy, snowflakes in his hair. Geraltâs heart has always been right here.
âIâd be honoured.â He considers for a second. âBut not in Lettenhove.â
Jaskierâs laugh sparkles with joy. âAnywhere but here.â
#PLEASE ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY ROMCOM NONSENSE#i am feeling festive and also sappy#geraskier#the witcher#my writing
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Breathe Again | KTH
~summary: everything in your world has changed. everything, that is, except the boy who still believes there are spirits in the forest. ~pairing: taehyung x reader ~word count:Â 16.6k ~my neighbour totoro au, artist!taehyung, fashion designer!reader, childhood friends to lovers, comfort, fluff, slight angst, slow burn, totoro just wants them to be together ~rating: pg13 ~warnings:Â mentions of burnout, mentions of a toxic work environment, a skipped meal, a tiny bit of blood, being outside in bad weather, heights?
~a/n: hi everyone, long time no see! welcome to my first fic since my hiatus!! this is for the ghibli collab which is being run by @birbdaeâđ this one is for anyone who likes ghibli films, wants some comforting boyfriend vibes from tae or just vaguely chaotic totoro contentđthis one turned kinda long, but I hope Iâve captured the ghibli vibes well! I would love to hear if you read this and what you think! come chat with međ
Taking you over familiar roads, the bus bumped gently against uneven ground. But you didnât so much as blink, cheek resting against the glass which rattled slightly in its pane.
You knew this place.
Something about returning down these roads stirred memories within you, though they tugged more at your body than your mind. The haze of smiles and childish laughter these streets made you recall felt alien to you.
But you knew that if you were to set your feet down in the earth here, they would be able to take you home even with your eyes closed. Your hands have memorised the shapes of the leaves in the forest and the wind would push your hair back like an old friend.
You knew this place, and it knew you.
Thatâs what you were afraid of.
It was as if a tape was being rewound: taking you whizzing back through the exact route you had ridden out of your hometown when you left so many years ago.
Who would remember you? More importantly, who would remember your goals, the way you had rushed away to the city at the first chance to pursue your goals as a fashion designer.
You hoped they wouldnât ask. After all, you didnât know the answers yourself.
Of course, there was the possibility that the town you were coming back to would have changed. There were always new buildings going up in the city, roads closed and the crowds still crawling around like ants. Always moving, never slowing.
But the moment you turned away from thanking the bus driver and settled your feet on the soil, you knew there was no question of this place being unrecognisable. Grass still tufted through at the edges of the road; there was the stream that had always run here, still bubbling merrily and bouncing the odd fleck of light through the grasses it nestled between.
Rumbling into life again behind you, the bus trundled on its way.
First stopping to take a deep breath, you turned after it, feet falling in the shallow furrows made by the tyre marks. As predicted, you gave barely a thought for the direction, your legs easily remembering their way down the short road to reach the market square.
As you moved past the first houses, you parted ways with the stream. It wasnât long after that the road opened into the square and you finally saw another living being.
Though it wasnât a big town by any stretch, there were always people around during the day. Luckily it wasnât market day today, which you were thankful for because the whole town would have been out, and you may well have been caught up for hours by all the people wanting to talk to you.
As it was, three ladies cried out at you from a front doorstep where they were chatting. Hurriedly shooting them a smile, you waved, hoping that would deter them. In the end, you were only waylaid by a couple of questions â how long would you be staying? howâs the big city? â that you could brush off with noncommittal answers.
In that time, you had attracted the gazes of an older couple strolling hand in hand nearby. Gripping the strap of your backpack tighter, you bobbed your head in greeting and scurried past.
Grabbing your phone from your pocket, you picked up the pace. Shooting a quick message to let your aunt know you had arrived kept you occupied with an excuse to avoid a few more staring faces. Perhaps they would think you rude, antisocial, to be walking with your head down and staring at your device instead, but it was comforting in a way. A remnant of your city life, where everyone was wrapped up in technology.
Having braved the main square, you lowered your phone again. Forcing a steady exhale from your mouth, you pressed further through the mercifully empty streets leading away.
The squeak of a bicycle wheel was all the warning you received for the next person you would pass on your journey. Preparing a smile in a hurry, you found yourself staring across at a man you recognised coming around the corner.
Kim Taehyung hadnât changed much, face lighting up in his trademark rectangular grin as he saw you. He had grown into his handsome features in the time you had been away, and you found your smile wasnât entirely fake as he slowed on the other side of the street.
Simple white t shirt hanging from his frame, he was wheeling a bike beside him, dusty bags slung over the top. He fit right in with this place.
He was just opening his mouth when you gulped back your faltering smile, ducking your head again and continuing on your way.
With your feet carrying you slightly faster now, you garbled greetings and smalltalk to the other villagers you crossed paths with. The path sloped downhill as you approached the edge of the town, where houses fell away to make space for the rice fields and farmland. From your road, you could look across the flat terraces that stretched, glittering, to the horizon.
Approaching your own place at last, you had to admit you were glad to see Mei lean out of her window to greet you. The old woman had lived there as long as you could remember, and always had a kind word to say.
But though you returned her wave with genuine care, you didnât stay to talk, instead pressing the keys into the disused lock of your front door. Reluctant from its neglect, it resisted, grating around slowly until finally caving, releasing the door with a groan.
The last time you had seen the inside of this house was many years ago now. Your aunt had raised you here, but had now moved in with her new partner; rather than selling, she had kept the place for you, âin case you ever want to come back or visitâ.
Sliding the door aside with only a few snags, you stood in the doorway, unmoving.
For a brief moment, a familiar yet long-forgotten feeling had fallen over you. With a blink, the notion that a flurry of movement had greeted you from the shadows slipped away easily.
Dust bunnies, Mei always used to say.
Tugging vigorously at dust sheets that covered the windows, you let light stream into the room, at last allowing you to pull the door closed. Despite all that still required attention, you slumped against it.
Sniffing, you swiped a hand across your cheek. Surely it was just the dust irritating you.
While something inside you felt⌠different, relieved, to be back here, a larger part of you resisted that. This was only a temporary waystation. There was no use getting settled here again. This was no longer where you belongedâŚ
If only you had found that in the city. That was supposed to be where you would thrive, forge your life amongst the unforgiving glare of neon billboards and buzzing traffic.
You resented the feeling of ease that crept over you now you were back. Resented the people that were content here, fitting fluidly with the meandering of village life. Like Kim Taehyung: he had grown up here with you, but unlike you he had remained right at home, never erring.
You had tried so hard, forever persistent that the world would bend to your will. That you were destined for greater things than this unremarkable town.
Yet now you even found yourself envious of those who stayed here.
They seemed happy.
A low buzz shot through your thoughts, drawing your attention to your illuminated phone screen.
With a dispassioned sigh, you pushed yourself to your feet. You ought to shift some dust from this place in time for your aunt to come for dinner.
Luckily, the house was empty, the few furnishings shoved away in cupboards. After fishing a broom from somewhere, you swept, and had just pulled the last cushion from the cupboard when you heard the familiar call of your name.
Hurrying forwards and plastering a smile on your face, you tugged the door open to help her; her arms were bursting with food. Still, you were surprised by the urge you got to hug her. After depositing all the ingredients in the small kitchen, you gladly returned her tight embrace.
âMy darling,â she squeezed you tight, âitâs been so long.â
âI missed you, auntie,â you admitted.
Perhaps you had sounded a little too forlorn because she quickly drew you back to study your face.
âHow have you been? Feeding yourself well enough?â
You let out a sound halfway between a giggle and a shriek as she grabbed at your cheek, a gesture that seemed far too familiar.
Brushing her off, you didnât have time to dwell on the sensation her affections had stirred in you, as more voices drifted from the front room.
Of course, she had invited some friends.
By the time you had greeted each woman, dodged questions and laughed at your aunt and her girlfriend bickering from the kitchen, a steaming bowl was pressed into your hands and everyone gathered to eat. This was a scene you were so familiar with, a sight so common in your childhood, but nowâŚ
You shifted, eyes trained on your bowl as Mei told a story of your five-year-old self.
Why was everyone still the same? So nice to you, so comfortable with each other just like always? Your life, your career was seemingly spiralling off course and that guilt still sat heavy on your bones.
How could you retreat back here, accept all this? You should still be working. Not giving up. But you couldnât bring yourself to do that either.
The same feeling lingered even through the clinking of dishes as your guests chipped in to help clear away, and remained in the following silence and dark as you flattened out your futon, curling up in isolation.
You wouldnât allow this to feel right.
Even as sleep finally ensnared you in its claws just to spit you out the next morning, you continued to tell yourself what you should want. You should be missing your job, you should be missing the city. And though your heart wasnât in it, you wouldnât allow yourself to think otherwise.
The sun was high in the sky the next day when you found yourself staring at the blank page of your sketchbook.
I still want to design. Right?
Okay, so, letâs make a design. Design something. Just one thing. Just one idea, so I know I can still do it. I want to know that this is still the right thing.
I can do it.
Your eyes ran down your watercolour palette, each colour stained with others and hollowed in the middle with use. The small pot of water you had prepared sat too, remaining clear as your pen hovered over the paper.
Some time later, it clattered onto the tabletop.
That blank page stared at you for the rest of the day. Your contest continued even as you slurped at the instant noodles you had made. Every time your thoughts strayed outside, they would be tethered right back again.
There was no point running from your struggle. You would go out as soon as you had managed something productive. For now, the packets of food you had brought in your bag from the city would tide you over.
But as certain as you were that you would achieve something, the next day stretched out in exactly the same way.
It was on the third day that a knock at your door broke through your otherwise deserted world inside this room.
Without a second thought to the depressing dinner you were halfway through, you stood up. Only for a moment you hesitated, before conceding that this wasnât the city, and it was more usual to have visitors here.
Padding across the floor, you pushed the door aside.
âY/N! Hi!â
You blinked in the beaming face of Kim Taehyung that greeted you.
âTaehyung!â you returned in genuine surprise, âum, come inâŚâ
Stepping back as you remembered your manners, you cast a look around the room. Unfortunately you hadnât yet disposed of the slowly growing pile of torn ramen packets on the table, but it was too late.
âThank you, you donât have to-â
Nonetheless, Taehyung stepped inside to let you close the door on the cloudy day outside. If he noticed the sad state of your abode, he made no comment.
âI-I just thought Iâd come by and visit you,â he smiled hopefully, âI havenât seen you out since you came backâŚâ
Gulping in the face of his innocent curiosity, you glanced at the floor.
âIâm sorry, I just havenât⌠had the chance.â
Your excuse was weak and you knew it. Either way, Taehyung was quick to brush aside your worry.
âItâs nothing to apologise for! I thought I had just missed you and- well, I wanted to come to see you anyway. Itâs been a while.â
A soft chuckle passed your lips, which curled into a sad smile. With a nod, you looked up at him.
âYeah. It has.â
Though his face was smiling as always, it had softened as he studied you.
âDo you want to go on a walk?â he offered, âit must have been hard, being away from the countryside.â
The thought of your abandoned ramen cooling on the table behind you dissipated in an instant.
The outside was a refreshing thought, and it was as if Taehyung had opened the door to the possibility. Once there was a time you would have headed out for no reason, just for fun. That was something you had left behind, but with the welcoming boy to encourage you, you were nodding eagerly before you could form a reply.
Although the village was no longer bathed in sun, cool air rushing to meet you instead, the breeze seemed to carry some weight away from your shoulders. The route Taehyung began to tread beside you was well ingrained in your feet, but your mind was still waking up to the familiar sights.
âI always loved the view from here,â you smiled, muttering almost to yourself.
Taehyung heard you, though. There was no noise for your voice to lose itself in, except the wind that took your words on a winding path through the air.
Slowing his steps, you eased beside him as well. You had barely left your road, but being so near to the edge of the village, the swathes of rippling fields were never far from view; now they stretched out like a carpet below the higher ground your village occupied.
âWhatâs it like, living in the city?â Taehyung recaptured your attention.
Startled, your eyes turned to him as he remained gazing across the lush greenery, hands tucked casually into the pockets of his loose trousers. His shirt, too, billowed slightly in the playful breeze as you strolled together.
It was those words which brought you crashing back to your senses. The city had been far from your mind, chased away the moment you were reminded of natureâs sprawling cloak across the land. It had been so easy to forgetâŚ
âBusy,â was all you offered in way of reply at first. A slight sigh was whipped away by the wind before you found the words to continue. âThereâs always people doing things, just like here. Only⌠bigger. More. They donât have time to stop and speak to you. Itâs so much brighter tooâŚ
âI like the neon signs,â you admitted, âbut with them, you can barely see the stars.â
While you spoke, Taehyungâs eyes drifted back to you, listening intently. After you stopped, he left silence to settle for a moment.
âIt sounds different,â he replied.
You simply hummed an affirmative, but a large smile was sliding back onto his face.
âBut I bet they love you!â he grinned, face lifting in such eager happiness that it made your heart ache. Wanting so badly to return his joy, you knew you could never fake happiness that genuine.
âNot reallyâŚâ you scuffed your toes against the ground, suddenly particularly interested in the way the dirt cracked around your shoes.
As such, you missed the deepening furrow of Taeâs brows, but he stayed quiet, sensing your inhale as you prepared to elaborate.
âMaybe itâs because I had always dreamed of moving there, but nothing was as easy as I imagined,â you spoke quietly, âI was so stupid thinking everything would be simple once I got a place as an intern. The company took me on, but I havenât got any further.â
A short glance back to Tae showed his brows set in a serious line, mulling your words seriously.
âIâm sure if you keep working hard, theyâll see you,â he smiled, âyou always wanted to be a designer. I know you can be.â
For a moment, his words stunned all breath in your throat. Swallowing harshly, you tore your eyes from his, roughly shaking your head.
âItâs just not going right,â you lamented, âall Iâve done since I moved there is work, I take the overtime and travel for shows at weekends, shadow where I can⌠I feel like I canât do anymore. And still, nothing. Not even a commission, let alone a promotion. I havenât headed a project team once. Itâs likeâŚâ panting softly from the speed your frustrated words spilled out, you paused for a moment, shoulders slumping. âItâs like everyone else knows something I donât.â
âThatâs why you came back?â
His low tone was still light and looking back to him brought you face to face with wide, earnest eyes. Of course, he had guessed accurately. You hadnât quite intended to spill in so much detail what was troubling you, but you couldnât bring yourself to resent it.
Confirming his assumption with a nod, you watched Taehyung cock his head to the side before returning his gaze back across the forest.
By now you were drawing closer to where the trees huddled together at the borders of the farmland. The track was a little less well-trodden here, your feet falling between scattered grasses that pushed upwards.
âI donât think itâs you thatâs the problem,â he twisted his body around to face you, still walking towards the forest.
All you could do was blink, slightly startled at his assertion. Thankfully, he continued, pulling his hands from his pockets and spreading them to indicate the surrounding trees which you were entering.
âYouâre doing everything you can, and that should be more than enough. Thereâs no secret to learn⌠well, maybeâŚâ
âHey!â you elbowed him as he trailed off, âdo you know a secret?â
Mirroring your grin, Taehyung sighed, shaking his head at the ground. You kept your eyes trained on him, as if he might really hold some clue that would solve everything for you. Then he raised his head, fluffy strands of hair falling across his smile-brightened eyes.
âMaybe patience,â he shrugged, âIâm sure youâd get somewhere eventually⌠but also- maybe you should try to value your time more. There isnât just one path you can take, and you can always change.â
âI-I guess thatâs true,â you stammered.
It was something that had crossed your mind, but you had always shoved the idea away the moment you considered it. You knew what you wanted to do, and you shouldnât give up on it. Hearing another say it, out loud, was⌠strangely affirming. But your eyes still fled Taehyungâs gaze, skittering about the trees stretching their hands to the sky.
âEither way,â a gentle nudge at your side brought your begrudging gaze back to your friend, âitâs good to have you back for a bit. Iâve missed you. Iâm sure your aunt has, too,â he quickly added.
Grateful for his offer of turning away from the previous conversation, you relaxed a little.
âIâve missed it here too,â you admitted, âthanks for coming over, itâs good to be out.â
For some reason, as you continued ambling through the forest, you felt no guilt creeping in about time you should be spending working. Instead, you barely felt the minutes passing as you laughed with Taehyung about various scenes from your childhoods. If anything, the small amount of guilt tugging at you was guilt for losing touch.
Eventually, you found yourself reclining in the grass at his side.
âDo you remember when you told me there were spirits in this forest?â you laughed softly.
âHey!â he grinned back, âthey are real!â
Though you giggled along with him, you sensed some defiance in the glittering of his eyes, which made you tail off. Your mouth quirked up at the corner.
âYou really still believe in them?â
You didnât miss the way his eyes strayed from your own, glancing to the grass and across the leafy landscape. But still, he responded.
âI saw them,â he murmured, bringing a fond smile to your face.
âMaybe people out in the countryside really are crazy,â you joked, flopping back to lie on the floor.
âMaybe,â came the chuckled reply.
Taehyungâs shoulder brushed against your own as he joined you on the floor.
Warmth blooming in your chest, you continued to stare across the treetops as they were brushed with the glow of the encroaching sunlight. Something within you longed to capture this moment, grab the warm-tinted clouds streaming across the sky and bring them to earth to rest beside you.
And later, you would realise that was why you had turned to design.
You picked up your paintbrush and brought colour to the white sheet at last.
Too caught up in your seeming breakthrough, with a design almost finished on your page, you were easily busy enough to ignore the way Taehyungâs face crept into your mind. Trying to summon images of the breathtaking evening you had spent, the boy was inextricable from the memory.
The relief and liberation that had flooded you the moment you allowed yourself some respite had come from having him beside you.
Though you were a fashion designer, not a portrait artist, the flipside of the page was steadily filling with sketches of Taehyung. You hadnât been able to capture him the exact way you wanted, his striking features escaping you, but you couldnât hold back from trying at least.
But though you had made some progress on your creative block, you still clung to the shelter of your empty house. The hush of the village provided you with a peace of mind you hadnât even noticed was missing while you were away.
Before you could dig yourself any more holes wondering about the fate of your career, however, exactly the person you had been hoping to see came back around.
Taehyung beamed widely from his perch on your doorstep. That wonderful smile never failed to produce a brighter grin on your own face too.
However, this time he didnât step into your house when you made room for him. Disappointment sunk to your stomach, realising you had expected him to stay.
But his next words killed off any sadness before it could even take root within you.
âPut your shoes on,â he flashed a playful grin, âyouâre coming to mine for dinner.â
âI am?â you snorted, though you were already reaching for your boots.
âYep,â he smirked.
Folding his arms, he leaned against your doorframe while you hurriedly got ready.
âUnless you have plans?â he chuckled, âanother extravagant microwave meal for one?â
Gaping, your head shot up to meet his twinkling gaze.
âYou may be right,â you scoffed, finally closing the door behind you as you joined him on the street, âbut that doesnât make it nice. What would your grandma think of your manners?â
âAnd what would your aunt think of the way youâre eating?â he retorted.
Lips rising into a begrudging smile, you sort of fell against him in a playful nudge. The next moment, though, your eyes grew wider as he slung an arm around you, giving it a squeeze as his fingers nipped at your cheek.
âIâm joking,â he cooed, âI just want you to eat well.â
At least the sentiment was there. About an hour later you found yourself sat giggling in front of a bowl of charred remains that once were food.
âI tried,â Tae was pouting, poking around in his own bowl.
âYou didnât have to try something so fancy,â you hid more laughter behind your hand, âthereâs more room for error.â
âBut grandma told me exactly how to make it,â he frowned down at his dish as if it had wronged him, âI donât know what I even did to mess it up!â
Unable to help it, a fond smile broke onto your face.
âThank you, Taehyung.â
Your words seemed to startle him, as he immediately started spluttering about how you could thank him after he destroyed your dinner. It only served to pull more laughter from you.
âI appreciate it,â you assured him, ânow how about we make something simple?â
His kitchen was stocked with fresh vegetables from the farmlands, making it easy for you to pick some and get to work. Closer to the rice fields than your house, Taehyungâs place bordered with the forest, every window giving generous views on the surrounding greenery.
âDone!â
Turning away from the trees outside the window, which you had somewhat lost yourself in, you found Taehyung stood proudly behind you. In his hands sat a bowl stacked with the vegetables he had chopped.
A look back at your own board showed you had made much less progress.
âLet me finish those,â he placed his bowl down and came to stand next to you. âI think you would be better off doing the cooking.â
Laughing, you agreed and let him take the knife from your fingers. Next, you began to fry your ingredients with the rice that hadnât been a victim of Taehyungâs previous attempts.
Once he was done, Taehyung approached you, sliding the remaining vegetables into the pan. But even as they fell, sizzling, into the dish, he didnât move away from you.
âSmells good,â he complimented.
Muttering a brief thank you, you kept your eyes on the food as you stirred it. You could almost pretend the heat in your cheeks was from the warmth of the stove and not the way he leaned closer as he smelled your cooking, such that his chest pressed up against your back, face hovering above your shoulder.
But before your resolve could wear thin enough for you to look around at him while he was in such painfully close proximity, a rumble interrupted your thoughts.
Taehyung instantly pulled away, apologies spilling from his lips. You, on the other hand, burst into laughter.
âWas that your stomach?â you cried.
âMaybe,â he mumbled, rubbing a hand across his middle.
Chuckling, you shut off the stove.
âLuckily, dinner is ready,â you grinned.
Taehyung eagerly dashed to grab plates, letting you pile them up with food.
Together, you brought your steaming meals to the front room where Tae pushed open the front door, inviting you to sit on the step.
âI guess it is kind of late,â you said after your first bite, âno wonder you were hungry.â
Proving your point, the boy beside you was already wolfing down his meal. Smiling to yourself, you dove back into your own food as you stared across the darkening valley, stars now painted in the mirror-smooth surfaces of the rice fields.
Sweet as always, Taehyung thrust a basket of the vegetables into your arms before you left â though, of course, he was walking back with you. Still, you were embarrassed to note the hint of resentment at his wonderful actions, as it meant you had one less excuse to see him again. In truth, you didnât want to leave at all.
But you still thanked him profusely, and you meant it. His kindness warmed your heart, and guilt twisted inside you at the thought of taking his actions to mean anything further.
He probably felt sorry for you, lost as you were. Meanwhile he had found a place in the world, and he was happy here. Almost certainly he only wanted to do some good for an old friend.
But for tonight, you couldnât help but indulge in the flutters Taehyung set off in your heart, a few more sketches joining the others before you fell into bed.
Since you arrived, you hadnât been very productive. You knew this, but bringing yourself to care was becoming difficult. No, you were too busy enjoying finally getting some peace and time away from the job that had been tiring you out.
But even in your time off, it seemed too much to ask of them to let you rest.
â-so I need your assessment of the project before we can move forwardsâŚâ
Your bossâ voice crackled over the line as you held your phone passively at your ear. Gulping as she rambled on about the practicality of your colleagueâs design â when she was the one who had given the project to him when you really wanted it â you stared blankly at your notebook. Only one page remained filled. The simple design you had been thrilled with a couple of days ago now crumbled in your estimation.
Tell her you canât do it. This is your time off. At least ask to be paid for it-
âOf course. I can do that,â you replied automatically.
Instant alarm bells started ringing in your head. You had to stick up for yourself before too much was loaded onto you-
âWonderful, Iâm sending them over now. Thanks a lot,â your boss spoke, line cutting off before you could so much as open your mouth.
Huffing, you flopped back onto your bed, where you had been sleeping peacefully before your ringing phone rudely awoke you. But you didnât rest there for more than a few seconds before you were rolling yourself off and staggering over to dig out the laptop you hadnât touched since leaving the city.
Opening up your emails, you saw the most recent one from your boss, but unfortunately your inbox was also rammed with several others you hadnât bothered to check. You supposed you could never have expected to be completely away from work.
Resolving to check them later, you clicked on the first of the files from your boss. Already, you groaned, seeing that the plans were more extensive than you had believed over the phone.
You couldnât deny that you accepted this too easily.
But then again, you never wanted to be seen slacking. Maybe if you did this, it would finally be noticed and you would be in line for the next promotionâŚ
That was what you told yourself the last time too. And the time before that, and before that.
At this point, even the thought of actually being promoted didnât fill you with the excitement it should. It was all you had worked for, and yet all you could think of was how much more work it would mean.
Attempting to shove away your heavy pile of thoughts, you focussed back on the task at hand.
Wrangling your brain into action, however, proved difficult. You realised too late that it should have been lunchtime, hurriedly trying to make yourself something while it was already halfway through the evening, sky darkening beyond your window. But even though it was getting later and you had been working all day, you had got next to nothing done.
Even the pattering of rain on your roof which began early on did little to ease the stress creeping back into its familiar residence in your brain.
Your head was spinning as you sliced up a pepper, not able to focus on the simple movement of your hands. You knew you should be looking at your work, but even as your mind hovered around the matter, you were unable to think straight as everything proved a dead end.
A sharp pinch shook you from your haze.
Hands stilling, you looked down to find a sliver of red already growing of your fingertip. Cursing, you threw down your cooking, turning to the sink.
The blood was swept away with the stream of water from your tap, showing only a miniscule cut, but your finger shook anyway. Staring down at the small line, even though it was clean now, your breath hitched in the back of your throat.
The rain, relentless on your roof, was the only sound muffling the sobs which left you as you hunched over the basin.
Letting your hand drop, you clutched onto the edge of the surface. You felt like a child; your computer was filled with demands, your head occupied with work, but you just didnât want to.
Why couldnât they just leave you be?
Some instinct within you had set your feet moving before your mind could catch up. Abandoning your laptop where its screen still passively illuminated a square of your desk, you were slipping shoes on, practically throwing your door aside with your sudden desperation to reach the outdoors.
The rain which immediately hit your skin hardly occurred to you. All you could manage was to breathe deeply in the saturated air.
You had succeeded in rediscovering some of the inspiration that led you to your current path; it had always been the beauty of your hometown, the countryside with its vast fields and open skies, the peace and the fury of the elements.
And maybe you had forgotten it, but now you knew it again you wanted to seize it with both hands. The pull of work only made you resent it more.
You had to escape.
And so your feet were taking you down your road, slipping on the track which had already begun turning to mud under the onslaught from the heavens.
You had barely left the glow of the last house on your street before water was running in streams down your cheeks, mingling with the salty tears that had been falling before. Hiccupping, you wrapped your arms around yourself.
Though you sniffed, you didnât bother to wipe at your face.
But already the ruthless pelting of raindrops began to batter away the frustration that had been stirred in you. Still breathing heavily, you pressed unflinchingly on, your mind only able to focus on stepping forward through the storm.
Despite your lack of destination, your pace was rapid and soon you were stumbling between trees as you reached the forest. Here, the hammer of rain was lighter, plucking at leaves harmlessly and filling the air with the hollow chorus.
The oppressive feeling from sitting caged by your computer was fading. But now you werenât sure whether your shaking was from your outburst or from the cold. Only, you couldnât exactly bring yourself to care.
It wasnât until now that your pace slowed in the least. Finally you were away from the pressing weight that had begun to crush you, even if it still remained waiting for you at home.
Weaving between trunks, your speed waned at last, allowing your fingers to trace along the wisened and cracked bark of each one. Even when you needed to blink repeatedly to gain clear sight from unshed tears and raindrops collecting on your lashes â even when your frame shook from head to toe, hair plastered against your skin â you finally felt free.
Having nature roar around you cast the demands of work, something that once loomed over you, far out of your sight.
Feet still tripping forwards, all it took was a toe catching on a root before your knees were meeting the earth.
Down here, the raindrops jostled the smaller plants that coated the forest floor. Looking up, you tried to wipe your hands, though it was fruitless against your sodden trousers.
But you paused in your motion as you caught sight of something.
Ahead of you, some tree roots twisted upwards, sculpted into a small arch. Although beyond that, you could see little, you rose slowly and stepped closer to it.
A few leftover tears leaked from your eyes, but they were indetectable as they slipped among the rainwater. Taking no notice, your eyes remained ahead as you reached the strange opening.
Ducking, you padded inside, not hurrying at all. It inspired a stiller pace for some reason.
The first thing you were aware of was the lack of rain falling on your back. Instead, the air was perfectly calm, only the distant pattering of water on leaves a reminder of the storm you had previously been in.
A few more steps and you found yourself in the centre of what appeared to be a large tree. Bark walls encircled the generous space, though it was obscured by the abundant greenery coating them decadently.
Tiredness was rapidly seeping into your bones now, and all you could think of the moss was how soft it looked, so tempting to your drooping eyes.
Exhaustion masked any shock you would otherwise have felt, then, when your eyes fell on a larger shape lying near the far wall. But this was not part of the tree, nor its foliage. Drawing nearer, you found it appeared to be furry. Enormous ears lay flat on the leafy ground where its head lay. Its round belly rose taller than you did from the ground, even though it was horizontal.
Staring through your bleary eyes, you merely chuckled at the unusual sight.
The creature inflated with each deep breath. It was sleeping.
You were sure you must be too, given what a funny dream you were having right now. But you were still so tired.
Without further thought, you let yourself tumble to the ground so you could rest, propped up against the forest creature. Indeed it was as soft as you had imagined looking at it.
Everything was peaceful as sleep embraced you at last.
Taehyung jerked awake, the whole house seemingly clamouring in his ears.
Eyes wide, he threw off his covers, though he wasnât sure what he expected to do. The wind was hurtling through the air outside, hitting his house like a freight train. Windows shaking in their panes, bullets of rain still spattered against the glass.
Pulling his blanket with him, Taehyung retreated towards the main room. Although he stayed back from the windows, he still looked out, watching the vague shapes of dark trees as they attempted to uproot themselves in the blustering air.
He couldnât deny being a little unnerved by the sudden ferocity of the weather. With a calming breath, however, he reminded himself of the true form of the wind. The image of the grinning cat brought a smile stretching across his own lips as well. It had been years since he had seen it, or the spirit Totoro and their friends.
But even if he was a child then, he clutched onto those memories, trying to keep them vivid as possible.
He was about to settle down on the sofa to wait out the noise when a different shape made itself known in the window.
Doing a double take hard enough to give him whiplash, Taehyung managed to keep himself from staggering backwards in shock. Blinking determinedly, he kept his eyes fixed on the familiar form as it drew closer into the light from his porch.
Although he knew they were real, he still found himself struggling to comprehend it.
This wasnât another dream, another memory or image on his canvas. Pushed against all the walls in his study, and his bedroom too when they overflowed the space, images of the forest spirit were strewn about his living quarters. He could never forget it butâŚ
Why would it come back?
A moment elapsed, Totoroâs huge frame blocking out much of the view behind them as they stared blankly down at Taehyung the way they always did. The pandemonium of the wind died away.
And then Taeâs senses kicked back in, and he was sprinting to the door, hurrying into the night because there was something else.
Totoro was carrying something-
No.
Someone.
Breathless, he stood on the step, taking in the figure cradled in Totoroâs arms. It was you.
He remained still, so Totoro moved forwards, towering above him. But Taehyung could never be intimidated, knowing this gentle giant well enough. Instead, his eyes remained on you as Totoro lowered you towards him.
You were clearly asleep, eyes shut and chest rising and falling evenly. But it was how on earth you came to be so, in Totoroâs arms, and now in front Taeâs house, that had his brow furrowing deeply.
Though water no longer sat on your skin, the dampness of your hair and clothes remained. You must be freezing.
However, as Tae hurried forward a couple more steps to reach out for you, a warmth engulfed him. Recognising the forest spiritâs familiar magic, a hint of a smile returned to his face.
Though Totoro now relinquished their grip, the magic remained cocooning you, making Taehyung able to hold you in his arms as you had been rendered weightless.
Straightening to their full colossal height, Totoro backed away. Still feeling that comforting magic wrap around the two of you, Taehyung smiled as he bowed, as deeply as he could with you in his arms. Totoro gave a little bob of their own before turning away.
For a short moment, Taehyung watched the spirit amble away. But you were the priority. Unsure how long the magic would last, he backed into the door to push it open and get you both inside. Looking around in mild panic, he settled on the first place he thought of and moved through to the bedroom.
Setting you down on the futon, he pushed your wet hair away from your forehead with his palm.
Next, he hovered for a moment.
Eventually he stood back, swallowing nervously as he watched you. It was still the middle of the night, and raindrops were splattering the window again, though less harsh than before.
Of course, his concern was still unsatisfied. If Totoro had found you, that could only mean you had been in the forest. But⌠why? At this time of night, you should be safely tucked away inside.
Well, at least you were now.
Sighing, he turned away to retrieve the blanket he had dragged to the living room. Collecting a few more cushions for good measure, he placed them down on the closer edge of the futon. It was big enough for him to sleep here too, while still leaving some distance between you.
After depositing his bedding, Tae made one more trip to the cupboard, bringing out a duvet. Though thick, it was very light. He liked to think of it as his âcloud duvetâ.
Seating himself, he leaned across to you to cover you with his favourite duvet, but stopped short.
The hair lying on his pillows was already drying. So too were your pyjamas.
Sighing, he shook his head lightly and continued to throw the covers across your sleeping form.
He would get his answers in the morning. Settling down himself, Taehyung turned onto his side so his back faced you. For now you were okay, Totoro had made sure of that.
But aside from what had happened to you, one thing plagued his mind the most even as he closed his eyes.
Why had Totoro brought you to him?
Beams of light hung lazily in the air, only warded off by the thin fabric of Taehyungâs curtains. Blinking in the hazy morning, the usual hushed whisper of the forest greeted him, no trace of the furore of last night.
Except for the weight on the bed beside him.
Rubbing one hand across his face, he looked down at you. You remained nestled against the pillows, hair fanning out as the light cast it into rich colour. When his arm fell, it was perilously close to you, but he didnât move it away.
Taehyung knew there was breakfast to be made and explanations to be had once he left the comfort of the bed.
Still, he lay unmoving, content to simply let his gaze roam your resting features. Warm light glowing against your skin showed it invitingly soft. His dark eyes traced your eyelashes where they rested, the gentle slope of your lipsâŚ
His breath hitched, a slight gasp lost in the fabric of his pillow.
At the first inclination of your lashes shifting, bringing you closer to wakefulness, he retreated, sliding out from his blanket and away to the kitchen. A puff of air left his lips as he willed his feet to fall noiselessly, leaving you to slumber.
He could easily blame the moment on his hazy awakening from sleep. He could pretend he only stayed next to you for want of staying warm in bed for a while longer.
Except he knew it would never be the truth.
You were truly breathtaking to him, painted perfectly in the dreamy morning light. All he could do was steer his thoughts away and turn them to preparing some breakfast.
And that was what roused you: the vague scent of steaming rice in the air and the odd clang of kitchenware from the other room. Rolling over as your eyelids cracked apart, you registered the indulgently soft duvet you were under, the scent of rain on the pillow.
It was already light, so you eased yourself to sit, stretching out your back with a quiet groan.
Vaguely, you remembered the sound of raindrops in the air, earth biting at your knees and a giant tree. It had certainly been a strange dream, you thought as you opened your eyes.
And paused, blinking.
This wasnât your room. Hell, it wasnât even your house.
From among the fluffy mountains of bedding, you slowly took in the place. Somehow, you werenât exactly panicked by the position you found yourself, oddly comforted by the domestic sounds of cooking. You could guess where you were, and became more certain when your eyes fell on a row of assorted paintings propped against the wall.
When Taehyung poked his head into the bedroom, he found you awake and sat up. You had moved to the side of the bed, and were sitting cross legged as a hand delicately skimmed the surface of the nearest painting.
For a moment, he didnât announce himself. Breathing deeply, his eyes rested fondly on the back of your head, ignoring the painting. He could see the artwork anytime, and he knew it well.
A vibrant green landscape of the forest, he had put Totoro and the other spirits dotted about the trees. Some were barely there, signifying how they protected the woods even though almost no one believed in them at all.
You must have sensed him, however, for you were snatching your hand back from the image and whirling around to face him.
âYou alright there?â he smirked gently at your surprise.
âYeahâŚâ you murmured.
Noticing you chewing your lip, looking between him and the painting, Taehyungâs small smile faded a little. The confused tone you spoke with placed a light frown in its place.
âYeah?â his low voice echoed.
Pushing himself away from the doorframe, he drew closer, hands dug into his pockets.
âThat⌠that thing, in your drawing,â you frowned, staring right at it. âI dreamt about it.â
âAh,â understanding dawned on Taehyung and he sat down beside you. Neither of you complained at the closeness as his leg pressed flush to your own. âThatâs the forest spirit I told you about. Well, all of them are. But thatâs Totoro.â
His tone had been anything but ridiculing, but still you looked around to find his expression genuine, eyes slightly creased at the corners in a vague smile.
âI-I donât understand,â you breathed.
âYou didnât dream about them,â he leaned closer for emphasis, shifting to face you better, âit was real. Do you remember coming here?â
For a moment, you frowned, eyes escaping his as they seemed to look far away while you tried to recall. You came up empty.
âNoâŚâ
âThatâs because Totoro brought you to me,â Taehyung went on, patient as before, âlast night, they brought you in from the storm.â
He paused for a moment, wetting his lips as he gauged your reaction before carrying on:
âDo you remember why you were out? Did you fall asleep in the forest?â
Again, that look took over your face. Your gaze fell to your hands as they played with the hem of the duvet, untangling the mass of memories from the night before.
âI think⌠I must have doneâŚâ you frowned, then suddenly started. âOh crap! I remember why I left! My boss is gonna kill me-â
Panicked, Taehyung placed his hands on your knees as you carried on rambling, starting to push the blankets away in your sudden rush.
âHey, hey, Y/N slow down, whatâs going on?â
âI-I got a call from work,â you hastily explained, âthey need me to approve a set of designs and I said it was fine even though-â
âI thought you took the time off work?â
âI did, I did but I said yes anyway but then I just felt so⌠so- argh! I was so stressed all over again and I just wanted to get outâŚâ the clarity you lacked the night before made you cringe as you pictured yourself walking down the muddy track in just pyjamas, heading into the trees in the middle of the night. You chuckled drily, âmaybe not my wisest idea.â
âNo,â Taehyung had to agree, inclining his head, âbut youâre here right now. Work doesnât need you this instant.â
Pulling your lower lip between your teeth, you werenât quite sure if he spoke the truth. Either way, you decided you didnât much care when the boy broke into a shy grin and offered a hopeful âstay for breakfast?â.
He had managed to cook without mishap this time, resulting in a self-satisfied grin which you could easily tell translated into an I-told-you-so.
Happily full after his meal, Taehyung told you that he was going to do some painting, but that you were welcome to stay. From someone else, you might not be sure if they meant it or were just saying it out of politeness, but Taehyung had already offered you a set of clothes and a hot drink.
You certainly didnât want to go yet, and you dared to hope he wanted you to stay as well.
So you accepted his offer and settled on the sofa with a steaming mug of tea and a book you had plucked at random from the shelves. Meanwhile, Taehyung turned on an old fashioned radio, which crackled softly into life in the corner before filling the atmosphere with calm music.
You knew for a fact Tae had a study in his house, but he brought his materials out into the main room anyway. Neither of you needed to say much as he set to work and you sipped your tea, going about your tasks in the mutual comfort of shared space.
He was facing the window as he worked, allowing you a view of his progress.
In the end, you became far too distracted to make it far through the book at all, too busy watching colour fill up the blank spaces. The work had already been started, with just a wash of colour occupying the canvas.
Now, you got to watch as from the blur of colours and shapes came the form of a forest. But this one was not bathed in the glory of day, the colours dark and muted instead.
Smooth brushstrokes left in their wake a body of water, glittering stars scattered within it. The limited palette of the night-time scene was fascinating to you. At last, Taeâs brush was picking out the form of the spirit again, peering from behind the trees. Your mouth curved up into a smile.
As Taehyung stood back, brush clamped in his mouth as he assessed his work so far, you scrambled to flip over a chunk of pages in your book. Burying your face in it, your cheeks burned as you realised you had been staring this whole time.
âWhat do you think?â
Making an effort to look as surprised as possible, you turned back to find Tae beaming at you.
âI think itâs wonderful,â you assured him, âthe colours, the water⌠everything.â
His eyes lit up, smile only growing wider.
âThank you! You really think so?â
At your indulgent nod, he turned back with renewed enthusiasm to complete the side of the forest which had yet to emerge from the melange of colour.
âShall I get us lunch?â you offered not long after, noticing that you had now been there for a few hours.
Though Tae was engrossed in his painting, nose almost pressed to the canvas as he detailed some leaves in the moonlight, he graced you with an appreciative smile and a nod.
Slipping away to the kitchen, you soon reacquainted yourself with where everything lived and got to work. It wasnât long before your limited cooking skills had done their job. A brief call to Taehyung had him emerging in the doorway with a smile on his face, taking the bowl gratefully.
Once again you settled happily on the front step, taking in the tranquil forest. It had calmed to a mere breeze since the night before, the leaves rustling, bright green in the midday sun.
âI can see why you like it here,â you commented between mouthfuls, âit must be a great place to work.â
Taehyung hummed around his mouth of food, but soon swallowed and replied, head tilted as his eyes scanned the forest.
âIt inspires me.â
âSo does Totoro,â you smiled. However, it couldnât be denied that you were digging for more information after your strange encounter.
An understanding smile curved Taeâs lips and he set his chopsticks down briefly.
âYouâre right,â he nodded, âfor me, theyâre tied together with the forest. I havenât seen them since I was younger, but this place keeps them alive in my imagination, I suppose.â
âWow,â you breathed, âno wonder your work is so good, hmm? You really love this place.â
As you dug back into your food, Taehyung turned his smiling eyes to you. Though you didnât meet his gaze, he held his breath. Chewing his lip, he wondered why he couldnât shake that feeling that had overcome him that morning.
Eventually, he forced himself back to his food, shuffling an inch or so away from you for good measure.
âI think itâs important to have a good place,â he stated, still staring at his dish when you looked around, âa place that works for you, when you need to be creative. Iâm sure you can understand that.â
âYeah,â you nodded vaguely.
But though you never disagreed, you werenât sure you did understand. And it struck you that perhaps you should. Previously, you had only cared about what your job title could be. Never had you focussed on where you were, convinced you could continue to force out designs the way you always hadâŚ
But right now, you thought you might share Taeâs view, the motion of the leaves and the gentle sun caressing them stirring up your long lost desire to create.
And the presence of a warm figure beside you, full of support, had you wishing perhaps a little too much that you could stay.
You couldnât delude yourself for much longer, unfortunately. Inside, Taehyung was happy to leave your dishes on the side and his brushes out as he offered to walk you home.
However, when he proposed taking you âthe scenic wayâ, you dared entertain the thought that perhaps he might like having you around, too.
Though you hadnât been here for some time and thus your sense of direction was shaky at best, you could tell that Taehyung was leading you around to the other side of town, albeit through the forest. Neither of you were in any hurry to get there, instead enjoying the dappled shade of the woodland path, reams of laughter drifting through the tree trunks as you joked together.
A subtle ache had begun in your cheeks from the constant smiling. But as Tae broke from the path, insisting on building an âinstallation art pieceâ, you couldnât bring yourself to stop.
Instead, you eagerly joined Taehyung as he ran giggling through the trees, scouring the floor for twigs and stones. If anyone else had seen you, it would certainly appear childish. Especially when Taehyung encouraged you to give him a leg up so he could reach a particularly beautiful fallen leaf that was lodged in the crook of a tree branch.
It was when he leapt down again with a subtle huff that you both burst into laughter again. Through the slits your eyes became as you creased with mirth, you caught a glimpse of a broad, boxy smile that robbed you of breath in an instant.
In front of you, Taehyung was chuckling, that beautiful smile still stretching at his lips. And once again, the urge to capture this moment swelled in you. You couldnât take your eyes from him, simply trying to commit the image to memory with the unattainable hope that it would never fade away.
As he wiped one last tear, you hurriedly turned away, cursing the intense speed your heart had reached.
âWhatâs your plan, Van Gogh?â you joked, hoping he couldnât see your sudden nerves.
âNot sure,â he replied happily. Fingers catching your wrist, he tugged you further on. Striding away towards the path ahead of you, he would never see the heat blooming in your face at the contact.
Flustered, you hurried after him, only to run into his back as he stopped without warning.
âTae? Is-?â
Poking your head from your spot behind his shoulder, you too rapidly quieted.
Though it was not long since you last saw Totoro, the memory was a haze of rain and tears. Now, though, you gulped at the sight. The spirit was waddling along the pathway, each step somehow regal with its commanding size.
With wide eyes you turned to Taehyung. His side profile showed an awed smile, a shallow breath escaping him.
When the creature turned around, you stiffened. But beside you, Taehyung simply stepped forwards, leaving you staring between him and Totoro. Bowing briefly, Tae moved even closer while you hurried to observe the same manners.
Unaffected, Totoro simply turned, continuing their ambling journey through the woods.
Frown taking over your face and unsure what to do, you looked to Tae at your side. However, his expression had split into a joyful grin that obscured his eyes within creases, and before you could even open your mouth, he was dashing to follow the spirit.
Taken by surprise, you could do nothing but follow, tripping through the undergrowth until you spilled back out onto the path.
Laughter was bubbling from your lips before you could control it. Taehyungâs giggled soon mingled with yours in the air.
On reaching the spiritâs side, you slowed somewhat. Totoro accepted your presence with barely a look your way as they kept plodding onwards. What were small steps for the creature, however, took you at a surprising pace that had a sweat breaking from your forehead after a while.
âTada!â
A flourish of Taehyungâs arms accompanied the first breaking of the companionable silence you had journeyed in.
Following where he gestured, your eyes lit up at the sight of glittering water.
âThis was where we were going?â
âYes! Do you remember it?â
A bounce had already entered Taeâs step, and he spun to talk to you while skipping backwards.
âOf course I do!â you nodded.
Just outside this village, the stream grew broader, creating a wide, flat brook. Countless afternoons of your childhood had been spent here, hopping over the stepping stones that lay above the waterâs surface, or splashing in the shallow depths at the edges.
Despite the fuzzy heat of the evening, you found a little extra energy to race after Taehyung to the bank.
Within moments, he was kicking his shoes off and hopping into the glistening water. It only just came up to his ankles, close to the side where blades of grass drooped over, their tips disturbing the surface.
Sitting down for a breather, you also slipped off your shoes and dipped your feet in. Soothingly cool, the water brought relief against the heat you had worked up on the walk.
However, you never got much chance to rest as Taehyung stuck a hand directly under your nose. Scoffing, you took it anyway. In some small retribution, you aimed a kick in his direction once he had dragged you up, sending droplets of water showering over his legs.
Of course, you were instantly shrieking as he sent a playful, but much more powerful, wave of water back your way.
Though you were still aware of the large form of Totoro standing nearby, you were inexplicably more comfortable with their presence now. In fact, they faded to the back of your mind as you let yourself become preoccupied with the impromptu water fight that had your breathless laughs carrying over the rippling stream.
Eventually, you collapsed back onto the grassy bank, head thrown back as you breathed, heavy and exhilarated. For a moment, you simply let a gentle breeze soothe your skin.
When you looked back up, Taehyung snapped his eyes away from you so fast you were hardly sure you had caught them in the first place. Just as he turned away, a shadow fell over you.
Tipping your head back, you saw Totoro looking back down at you.
Before you could speak, let alone turn to face them, a bundle of sticks had fallen at your side, a couple rolling right up to your fingers where they rested. Picking the rough objects up, you looked back to the spirit quizzically. They were the sticks Taehyung had collected earlier, eventually carried here with him and left on the ground.
Then Totoro moved away, downstream a little.
Approaching you, Taehyung bent down to retrieve a few for himself.
âI think they want to play,â he smiled.
Totoro was watching you, almost expectantly. A smile quirked over your lips.
âI know this game!â
Side by side, you and Taehyung padded upstream a few paces, selecting a stick each.
âThree! Two! One!â he counted loudly, although you swore he dropped his stick a little before the last was called.
âHey!â you shoved him playfully, but he was already taking off jogging towards Totoro.
You had lost sight of the slim shapes moving through the water, so you walked after him, groaning as Totoro held up the gnarled stick Taehyung had chosen.
âThatâs not fair!â you tried to sound indignant, even going so far as to fold your arms, but laughter betrayed you.
Several rematches later, the sun was beginning to dip in earnest, and you had to admit it was time to get home. You were still closer to Taeâs house than yours, given the roundabout route you had taken.
As the light painted the sky darker, a few wisps of grey swirling below amber, the laughter died down at the prospect of going back home. Either way, there wasnât much you could use as an excuse to stay here longer, so you slipped your shoes back on and began making your way over the stepping stones.
Taehyung went first, more steady on his feet while you slipped, taking a moment to get your footing on each one.
Totoro, on the other hand, simply watched you go.
Once, you turned back to give them a shy wave, but they didnât move. Despite the muteness of the spirit, you thought it looked a little affronted at your leaving.
Iâll come back you promised silently with a smile.
Staring at the wonderful creature, you understood the fond firmness of belief Tae had described feeling about the forest spirits.
But with your eyes averted, your next step was not calculated. Suddenly there was no rock beneath your foot, leg slipping straight down the side as you whipped your attention to the front too late.
âWoah!â
A gasp left you as Taehyungâs exclamation faded from the air, his hands steadfast around your waist. Gulping at the sudden contact, you dared to look up. Dark eyes bore right back into your own and they werenât breaking away.
âYou okay?â
When the words left his lips, you felt them as breath drifting across your own more than you heard them.
You tried to nod, afraid that your noses would touch, close as you were. Somehow, though, you couldnât look away. The hypnotising softness within his irises had you unsteady all over again as you placed your foot carefully back on stone.
Still, his hands stayed in place. And you didnât want them to move away.
Tentatively, you breathed in, unable to help your gaze dipping to Taehyungâs temptingly plump lips.
He canât have missed it. But you realised too late, returning your gaze to the safer, yet still perilous, territory of his eyes. Only to find him slightly further away, adamâs apple bobbing in his throat as his eyebrows raised slightly.
Snapping your mouth closed, you stiffened as horror set in. Was he uncomfortable? Had you revealed yourself?
But still he didnât back away-
A yelp punctuated the air, startled from your own lungs with the impact of your body against Taeâs chest. In a split second, you were landing against something firm with a large splash in the relative quiet of the evening.
Gasping as cold water covered your back, you jerked only to find a strong arm circling you in its grip. Below you, a low rumble of laughter vibrated through your body.
Eyes widening, you realised you were lying pressed flush against Taehyung.
As the grip around you loosened, taking some warmth with it, you looked into Taeâs eyes which were once again creasing with mirth. He struggled to sit it the shallow stream, eventually ending up with you straddled on his lap as his arm remained looped casually around you. Despite the water, icier now in the deepening evening, heat was flaming in your cheeks.
Eager to twist around, you laid eyes on what had caused your unfortunate impact. Totoro stood in the water, unmoving as ever although they were quite clearly the only culprit in sight.
âWhat-?â you spluttered.
Still laughing, Taehyung helped ease you off him, keeping your hand clasped in his own as you both clambered to your feet. Water dripped from your hair, your legs and shoes sending miniature downfalls over the stepping stones as you returned to them.
âHave we angered the spirit?â you stage whispered to Taehyung, who laughed loudly.
âSorry Totoro, we have to go home,â Tae sent a bow towards the creature. They blinked back.
Giggling slightly, you took a tentative step onto the next boulder. No sooner had you moved than the wind suddenly picked up around you, the waves in the brook growing more prominent as chill air ensnared your damp skin.
Taehyung cursed under his breath.
âItâs freezing,â he muttered, gritting his teeth.
Subconsciously, you huddled closer to him as he looked around â first at the path ahead and over the stream, then back towards the forest. Both of you seemed to gravitate to the latter, where leaves rioted in the air above the treetops.
As you stood in the wind, Taehyungâs arm had lifted to absently hold your waist. You felt him tug lightly.
âMaybe we should go back to mine. Itâs still too far to your place, we might both freeze.â
âAre you sure?â you breathed, though you wanted to agree there and then, run back to his warm bed and not move for several hours. The way your voice came shakily with the shivers that began only confirmed Taeâs plan, and he was already setting off towards the riverbank.
âVery sure. Letâs get inside.â
Not needing to be told twice, you followed hastily, only connected to Tae by your fingertips that clutched each other as he led the way.
A particularly violent gust had your shoulders hunching. You were nearly at the side of the stream, and so you kept your focus for a moment longer on the rocks in front of you, before at last your feet met the grassy floor.
But on looking up, the sight that greeted you on the bank had your mouth hanging open.
What looked like a bus was standing in front of you. Or what would have looked like a bus, if not for the fact that it was smiling.
But after the day you had had, you made no protest as Tae told you it was okay to get in, merely accepting your fate with an incredulous sigh.
Taeâs hand on the small of your back as you stepped inside didnât go unnoticed by you, but you let it slide. It was nice to be out of the cold, so you busied yourself with getting cosy on the seats that ran down the sides of the interior.
A jolt announced your departure. Looking around, you found Totoro hadnât joined you, but watched you leave from the bank instead.
Turning back to the scene in front of you, you were surprised to note that no wind touched your frozen skin any more, despite the fact the windows on this bus seemed to be⌠well, non-existent. Beside you, Tae was leaning out slightly with a giddy grin lighting up his face, hand splayed in the air.
With a smile creeping onto your own face, you resigned yourself to the unexpected journey. Folding your arms against the side, you too stared out across the sky.
The treetops were far beneath you now, your whole village visible though it looked toy-sized from here. Wisps of clouds flew close overhead while your vantage point showed the glaring sun peeking above the horizon, illuminating your face with the last of the dayâs warmth.
A glance to Taehyung showed his face bathed in the glow as well, painting his skin with molten gold that danced in his eyes and streaked through his hair like brushstrokes.
You couldnât tear your eyes away.
Mindless to the risk of him catching you, you allowed your gaze to trail along his features, cast into striking light and shade. You longed to reach out, touch his hair. It looked indulgently soft, waving in a light breeze as you travelled.
All too soon, shadows were once again flitting over his cheeks as you were brought closer to the ground.
Awed smile remaining on his parted lips, he turned his face to you. Though you swallowed, you didnât bother to look away, simply returning a smile. If possible, his seemed to soften even more at this.
Landing was softer than leaving the ground, barely a bump letting you know you were back on the earth. Since you sat down, lethargy had crept up on you, revealing how spent you were after the day outside.
Taehyung stood while you were still blinking groggily from your position laying on your arms.
âCome on,â a low chuckled accompanied the sliding of arms around you.
You complied, finding your feet and stepping out of the bus with a yawn. Without a moment to spare, the vehicle? creature? had leapt from the ground, soon whizzing out of sight.
Until you climbed the steps to Taehyungâs house, the cool air waking you sufficiently to slip off your shoes, you hadnât noticed that your clothes had dried.
âThey never stop with the surprises,â Taehyungâs low voice chuckled, making you look up.
You had been standing just inside the doorway, ogling your sleeves as if you might blink and find them soaking wet again in an instant. Meanwhile, Tae stood in the living room, one hand dug into a pocket as his other fingers slipped open the top button of his shirt with practised ease.
Gulping at the sight, you fixed your eyes back on his.
He simply smiled. Under one arm he gathered a blanket that had been strewn on the couch, but it was his free hand he held out to you, fingers outstretched, inviting.
Grateful, you stepped closer, inhaling the comforting scent of his home. You hadnât noticed it before, but though your clothes were dry they still gave off the odour of river water, making the aroma of paints mingled with herbs and spices more prominent by contrast as you closed the space between you.
Hand closing around the offered blanket, you broke eye contact for the first time.
âThis feels like a dream,â you murmured, head shaking lightly.
A beat of silence as Tae released his grip on the soft fabric, transferring it to your fingers.
âIt does,â he whispered.
Had you looked up, you would have found his eyes still trained intently on you. So close, he bit his tongue, not trusting his voice further given the way his throat closed up, lending his deep voice more gravel than usual.
Stifling a yawn, you looked around, already pulling the blanket over your shoulders. Despite the quick journey and drying off, the chill of the outside lingered a little.
âWhere do you want me?â you yawned.
Tae cleared his throat before he spoke, stepping away though he left his fingers tangled loosely with your own.
âThe bedroom is fine, i-if you want to, that is,â he hastened to add, âweâre both tired. Letâs get some sleep.â
While normally your manners would have you protest at least a little, you had to admit how sleepy you were becoming. It was impossible to deny that Tae had just proposed exactly what you wanted, and so you let him lead you to the bedroom, where you sunk onto the futon as he gathered some clothes from his wardrobe.
Folded beside you, you handled them with reverent fingers, slipping out of your clothes once Tae had excused himself for the bathroom.
You reversed your tasks once more before you found yourself bundled in comforting blankets, the weight next to you a steadying influence in the darkness. Though you longed to reach out for him, trace your fingertips over his skin, hold him close-
you really were just too tired.
And maybe it was testament to the security of his presence that you were unable to act on your desires, sleep claiming you strongly instead, taking you quicker than you had managed in months.
Waking up, however, was a different story.
While the exhaustion of yesterday had muffled any thoughts beyond wanting to sleep, today your mind was overflowing even as you first blinked at the pale light.
Beside you, Taehyung still lay sleeping. You were simultaneously aware of his peaceful beauty, and the panic with which you found yourself revelling in it. It seemed you had become a little too attached to him. Maybe this had all been a mistakeâŚ
Also in the back of your mind, though rapidly elbowing its way to the forefront, was the fact you hadnât been home for an entire day. Your phone was still there; who knew how many work calls you might have missed?
Though you couldnât quite find it in yourself to regret turning away from it, you couldnât shake the itching responsibility to get back and see what mess awaited.
But at the same time, that terrified you beyond belief.
Most of all, however, your mind was swimming with colours. Shapes, snippets of designs floated in your brain. You werenât sure when the last time that had happened was. You used to dream up your designs, when you were still beginning your career, desperate to create.
And though there were many scary things waiting for you, this revelation, this newfound desire to design again, lent your limbs new strength as you rolled from the bed.
Reclaiming your clothes from last night was first up; Tae had draped them over kitchen chairs to air out, but the smell lingered a little. It didnât bother you too much, so you dressed quickly.
It was then that the soft creaking of floorboards caught your attention. You turned just in time to see Tae emerge from the bedroom, eyes barely cracked open while his lips were puffed out in an adorable pout, clearly only half-awake.
Stopping with an arm on the doorframe, hair flopping haphazardly around his face, he squinted across at you.
âWhere are you going?â his low voice still rumbled in his throat, dry with disuse this morning.
Silently moving, you quickly padded across the floor towards him. None of the curtains were open yet, the watery morning light permeating the air tentatively.
In this dim space, you had the courage to lift your palms to press against his cheeks. On meeting his big eyes that stared across at you, you swallowed.
âThereâs something I have to do,â you breathed, gaze skimming down his face as he watched you. Despite his bewildered state this early in the day, he was beginning to become more alert at your words.
Slowly, his fingers lifted to wrap gently around your wrist.
âOkay,â his voice remained husky, âbut⌠youâll come back?â
You tore your eyes from where they had focussed, without your consent, on his lips, to return his intent stare.
âOf course I will,â you whispered, mouth turning up at the corners.
For a moment, your breathing hitched. Such close distance between you two was becoming frequent, but you were far from used to it. Your cheeks still heated up, breath shallow as you savoured the softness of his skin under your hand.
Your eyes slid closed. In the relative darkness that encapsulated you, it was easy to think wishfully, imagine leaning closer in this timeless space where no one would seeâŚ
But then the moment passed, your hand slipping inconsequentially from his lingering grip.
Bringing your hand back to your side, you squeezed a smile his way and took a step backwards.
Then another.
He remained standing there as your pace sped up, and soon you were out of the door. As it closed behind you, you swore you could have seen a large pair of eyes blinking from between the trees.
Knowing what you did now, you couldnât write it off, but neither did you pay any more attention, feeling a strange weightlessness as you trod the path to your house.
Going the short way this time, it didnât take you long as you walked the tracks beside the glistening rice fields and farmland. Workers were already out, having risen with the sun which had fully emerged from the trees by now. As you passed, you exchanged nods and waves, smiling and giving good greetings to all you looked up at you.
Quiet fell again once you reached your road.
A nervous chill ran through you, but there was a thrill to it.
Approaching your house, you found two figures standing outside. With a frown, you drew closer.
âAuntie?â you called, making the women turn to you, âMei?â
Meiâs warm face formed a friendly smile while your aunt beside her gawked. Recovering from her shook, she hurried to you, grasping your hands as your received her with confusion.
âMei told me you were at Kim Taehyungâs? Is that true?â
With a glance to the old lady, you confirmed.
âThatâs a relief,â your aunt laughed, âI came around yesterday to find you gone! You even left your phone!â
She was holding it out to you. Smiling weakly, you suddenly felt the weight of her watching you. Thankfully, Mei began to walk back towards her house, lessening your audience.
Sure enough, when you powered your phone on, it was instantly lighting up, ping after ping flooding your screen with notifications, calls and messages.
A frown made your auntâs concern clear, but even you surprised yourself with your confidence as you simply grinned back.
âI have it under control,â you assured her, and walked up your steps to the door.
Inside, you took a breath, but could put it off no more. Beyond the fear of what you were about to do, lay the images of your home, the expansive fields and forests that had always been your source of inspiration. And now, a giant, friendly forest spirit-
And a hand, resting in yours.
The dial tone filled your ears, and you took a seat. Your notebook was still atop your desk, thrown aside to make way for your laptop, sat open with its screen dead. Nor had you disposed of your instant food wrappers-
âY/N,â a stern voice crackled through the line. Your boss. âWhere are those plans I asked you for?â
Though she couldnât see you, you brought a smile to your face, summoned to lend you confidence.
âIâm sorry,â you quickly apologised, already hearing the reprimand on her lips, âbut something came up. And I⌠I have something to tell you.â
A sigh.
âGo on.â
âWell⌠Iâve been thinking. I appreciate all the opportunities Iâve had with this company, but I donât think itâs taking me where I would like to go-â
âY/N!â you werenât sure you had ever heard so much emotion in your bossâ voice. Her voice rang with pure shock, âDo you mean to say-?â
âThis is me, handing in my notice,â you spoke clearly, âthank you.â
Silence stretched out for longer than you could comfortably take. But, should you need to, you were ready to repeat yourself. Somewhere on the other line, you heard a muffled voice trying to get your bossâ attention, but it was soon gone again. You knew well the dismissive wave that person will have received.
âVery well,â she spoke at last.
And with that acceptance, you felt like you were floating.
There was a spring in your step even as you cleaned up the mess you had left behind, the whole time itching to get your hands on your pens and brushes.
You had quit. You had quit!
For so long, the notion would never have crossed your mind, the prospect of giving up too terrifying to consider. But you werenât giving up, not at all. Maybe you were giving up on what you thought you wanted. Or what you had wanted, once upon a time, but now no longer fit you.
Instead of guilt or fear, you were filled with excitement. You knew what you wanted.
And you were halfway there.
This, however, was the easy part. No matter how hard it may be to rebuild your career, starting afresh, none of those obstacles scared you quite as much as the next thought to enter your mind.
Taehyung.
But you had promised him you would come back.
And perhaps one upheaval was enough for one day, you thought as you gathered your sketchbook, your paints. You could afford to hide from your feelings for a little longer, right?
You certainly couldnât deny them, but you were afraid to admit them. Who knew what could happen then? You dared not hope for them being returned, and concluded to let yourself enjoy time with Tae for now.
After all, you were so excited to create, an almost alien passion that you were thrilled to welcome back.
And you could think of no one better to share this joy with. Taehyung was an artist too; he would understand.
Not far from Taeâs house, back past the open farmland, a familiar shape dominated the path in front of you. The sight of Totoro brought a smile to your face, reminding you of all the magic you had discovered in this place since you returned.
What you hadnât quite expected was for them to be waiting for you. Unsure what to do, you settled for a quick bow and a quiet âhelloâ as you continued.
Walking past the spirit, it just watched you for an extended moment before following along behind.
Taehyung was at the kitchen window when you arrived, and saw you coming. A boxy smile lit up his face before it disappeared from the window, emerging only seconds later in the doorway, a pair of paintbrushes clutched in his hand and dripping onto the porch. The day had bloomed into gorgeous full sun, and he held his hand up to shield his eyes from it as he watched you arrive.
A glance behind you confirmed Totoro was still following.
âThey were standing around outside all morning,â Tae began talking, coming down the steps to meet you, âthought they wanted me to come into the forest, but when I tried, they walked even further down that way. What do you thinkâs got into them?â
âBeats me,â you shrugged, âbut they seem happy enough now.â
Sure enough, Totoro had retreated a little further towards the treeline, still watching you both. For a moment, you and Tae both twisted around, looking back at the creature.
âAnywayâŚâ you laughed.
Joining in, Tae led the way back inside, wiping his brushes against his trousers.
âDid you do what you needed to?â he asked, back facing you. The art supplies in your arms hadnât gone unnoticed, and he was pulling out a chair to place next to his own setup.
âYeah,â you hummed, setting your things down, âI, er- I quit my job.â
Brows lifting, Tae straightened up to face you. But his mouth soon slid into a bright smirk.
âOh yeah?â
âYeah,â you breathed. You couldnât keep your own beaming smile away from your face.
His eyes lingered on you for a moment longer.
âSo youâre going to be around here for a while, then?â
âYeah,â you smiled warmly, âI think I am.â
Over the next few hours, the image you had hoped for came to life. Sitting side by side, you and Tae both went about your works in pleasureable silence. Him, hidden behind an easel and periodically popping his head around it to survey they scenery, and you, meagre sketchbook propped on a cluttered desk.
It was perfect.
And finally, your creative energy was allowed to burst forth. For the first time since you were a student, you drew. And drew. And drew.
Pages seemed to fill themselves up, and if some thoughts were still unpolished, at least they were here, proof that you had never lost your spark, the spark which the fruitless toil of your old workplace had stamped out. Maybe you had just lost your way, temporarily.
And for that short afternoon, you were able to push all other thoughts from your mind. Especially those pertaining to a certain fluffy-haired artist with a boxy smile.
But even having half your worries settled was a relief.
That night, you returned home. Though you slept easier than the last time you were in this bed, you were ashamed of how much you longed for Taeâs presence next to you. Even when you had slept silently, barely touching save for the odd brush of an arm or leg when you rolled over, it was a grounding relief to have him there.
Luckily, you hadnât even had to ask him yesterday if you could drop by again; he had leapt on the chance to invite you himself.
So you didnât dwell on the way you reached out when you woke up, expecting to find a warm presence under the blankets with you. Instead, you happily climbed out of bed, ready to repeat your routine from yesterday.
This time, you at least brought some snacks along from your kitchen.
Today brought a large dose of d             ja-vu along with it. Totoro was once again waiting for you, expectant. It took you off guard, but slipped your mind once you were back at Taeâs side, happily working for the remainder of the morning.
But Totoro didnât give up. Those large eyes blinked through the window when the two of you went to prepare food.
âDo you want attention?â you chuckled, knowing you wouldnât receive an answer.
âWhat do you say?â Taeâs low voice grew closer, âfancy a break outside?â
You were prevented from replying when his breath fell across your neck, causing you to stiffen. But he simply leaned over, hooking his chin lazily on your shoulder as he dropped another spoon into the sink where you were washing up.
âY/N?â he frowned when met with your silence, small pout forming as he drew back to look at you.
You shook yourself.
âWhat? Oh, yes,â you tripped over your tongue, âthat sounds great. Looks like Totoro would appreciate that too.â
With a laugh, Tae wiped his hands on a cloth.
âIâll go get changed.â
Not long later, you were surrounded by trees, bathed now in deep shade that shielded you from the midday sun. Totoro had seemingly been satisfied by your attention, as they had followed you on your walk without protest.
Not that you were sure how they would protest if they wanted to, but your point stands.
It was strange how accustomed you were to the spirit by now, no longer staring over your shoulder at the creature. Instead, you were preoccupied by Tae as he ran, giggling, towards a tree with the perfect low-hanging branches for climbing.
By the time you had reached him, he was dangling, sloth-style, so that he was level with your head. His grin was just as goofy upside-down, and you swatted at his soft hair as it hung off his reddening face.
âBudge up,â you grinned, trying to hoist yourself up as well.
You had succeeded in getting onto the first branch when Totoro appeared by the base of the tree. Smiling down at them, you waited for Tae to clamber up to the next bough.
The moment you looked back to him, however, you felt a strange tug, shrieking when you found no branch below your feet. Looking about wildly, your feet flailed, scrabbling for any kind of purchase.
From where he hung onto a branch, Taehyung looked down sharply in a panic, but instead found you level with him.
Wide eyes stared at one another until the same feeling clutched at Tae, stomach dropping as he was miraculously lifted from his perch.
A look behind you showed Totoro still right there, also floating. One arm was holding you, Taeâs hand clutching the other. As you blinked in mute shock at the spirit, they opened their mouth, stretching into a wide grin. Laughter floated past your lips at the sight.
Somehow, you dodged the branches crossing your path as you ascended, though they grew sparser as you carried on upwards. Unlike your journey in the bus, you could feel a breeze coursing past you now.
Gaping in disbelief, you found Tae again, reaching out to him. Your expression was mirrored on his, and he eagerly entwined your free hands, smile softening as you were brought closer in the air.
And as you floated high above the ground, you somehow felt little difference than the way you always did when Tae was beside you, hand resting in your own.
You laughed again, a sound of pure joy, forgetting the spirit carrying you as you simply watched his eyes. Among the cool breeze, you felt a slight tickle of warmth from his breath.
As you watched, his smile slowly melted from his lips, captivated instead by your stare, though he looked no less peaceful.
But just as distant hills could be revealed beyond the thinning leaves, you felt a warm hold loosening around you. You hadnât even noticed it, but now it was retracting, you could feel the spiritâs magic clearly and panicked. In an instant, you had grabbed the nearest branch, which was surprisingly sturdy.
In your rush, your hand had slipped from Taeâs, but a shudder of the branch told you he had also caught hold of it.
The calming magic slipped away completely.
Now clutching the tree for dear life, you looked down, but Totoro was nowhere to be seen. Squeezing your eyes shut, you sucked in a deep breath. Then, with a surge of energy, you swung further onto the branch, ignoring the way it lurched, to give you a steadier sitting place.
âYou alright?â you panted.
Only a grunt answered you as Tae copied your action.
As he righted himself, you caught an uneasy wobble in his expression, instinctively holding out a hand.
âCome here.â
Gladly taking it, Taehyungâs shoulders lowered, easing a bit once you were connected. Waiting for him, you shimmied a short distance to rest where the branch met the trunk. On reaching you, Tae pressed closer, shoulder up against your own.
Smiling fondly, you twisted so you could reach your arms around him loosely.
âItâs okay,â you whispered, though you had no idea what had just happened.
âNot a fan of heights,â he murmured, but his deep voice did not seem panicked.
âAt least itâs pretty,â you pointed out, nudging him the smallest amount to avoid toppling.
You were right. Between picture frames formed by intertwining branches, the land stretched out in the brilliant light. The same land that had always inspired you. How could you bring yourself to be irritated at Totoro for bringing you here?
âYou seem remarkably calm,â a chuckle rumbled through Taeâs chest.
âIâm not sure anything else can surprise me now.â
He smiled, turning towards you. In this position, though, you were intimately close, his nose barely an inch from your own once he had twisted to look into your eyes. Inhaling sharply, you gripped the tree trunk harder.
âWhy do you think they brought us here?â
âI donât know,â you whispered, not trusting your voice, âbut they wouldnât hurt us.â
âI know that,â Taehyung nodded, gaze dropping enough for you to deflate again.
Still holding onto each other like it was the most natural thing, you eyed the landscape for a little while longer, allowing quiet to elapse.
But this proximity wasnât doing you any favours. Though you were sure Tae was oblivious, your heart was beating erratically, unable to forget his presence. All the thoughts that had occupied you lately were flooding in, except this time there was no escape.
Literally.
You were stuck in this tree next to the man who drove you crazy any time he looked your way. The man you were dying to spend time with the moment you woke up each day. The man who accepted you, supported you, reminded you where your true passion lay.
No, you couldnât take this.
âHey,â a low voice brushed your earlobe, just moments before a gentle finger found your chin, bringing it up.
You had barely noticed your gaze falling from the view in front of you while you lost yourself in useless circles of thought. Now, you couldnât look away as shining dark eyes captivated your own.
âWhat are you thinking about?â Taehyung asked, lips curving upwards.
Licking your lips, you tore your eyes away. This was too much for your poor heart.
âY/N?â he ducked to catch your eyes, brow creasing.
You were too weak for this boy. As soon as you saw the slight displeasure on his face, you longed to chase it away.
You sighed.
âYouâŚâ
Nearly as quiet as the breeze, you half hoped your admission would be carried away. But as you bit your tongue, daring to look up, you knew Tae had heard. His smile grew, though he tilted his head questioningly.
âWhat about me?â
âWouldnât you like to know,â you grinned, looking away again. This was too risky. Maybe he would buy the joke and drop it before you made a fool of yourself-
âI was thinking about you too.â
You blinked.
âYou were?â
He hummed, not a trace of insincerity in his large eyes as he nodded.
âWellâŚâ you picked subconsciously at your sleeve, âwhat were you thinking about?â
âNosy,â he griped, taking a light swipe at your nose with his forefinger.
Succeeding in bringing a smile to your face as you jerked your head away with a laugh, he sighed, shuffling closer indetectably.
âI was wondering⌠maybe Totoro did this because of you-â just as you gaped indignantly, he hurried on â-because of us. They put us up here⌠together.â
âOh. Yeah,â you nodded, brow furrowing.
âBut even if- if thatâs not the caseâŚâ
Taehyung trailed off, bringing your attention back to him. He wet his lips, sucking his lower one between worrying teeth before meeting your eyes again.
âWeâre alone and, well⌠I was wondering what it would be like to kiss you.â
That knocked all the air out of your lungs. You sucked a shaky breath, then out.
âWhat it would be like?â you echoed.
He nodded, gulping.
And then something snapped. Unable to stand it anymore, you slid your hand to his jaw, the next moment surging forwards, lips colliding desperately.
His arms tugged you closer instantly, pulling you against him, fingers grasping at your waist hungrily as he titled his head to meet you. And heaven, it felt amazing. His lips were as soft as they looked, leaving you lapping at them with desire as his caressed yours just as dreamily, simultaneously intense with longing pressure and gentle with reverence.
Caving to him completely, you let yourself mould to his embrace. The flowing wind around you, the rustling of the leaves were utterly driven from your mind by the maddening nudge of his tongue, prompting you to deepen the kiss.
But though your fingers still clutched his jaw desperately, you were forced to break the kiss, falling away giddy and breathless.
Tae lifted a hand to your hair as well, stroking it soothingly as he pulled you close again, foreheads touching.
âWellâŚâ you were the first to recover your voice, âI think it would feel something like that.â
A smile burst onto his face, dominating your vision, no doubt a copy of your own ecstatic grin.
Almost immediately, a strong wind ripped through the treetops. Wiping the smile from your face, you gripped tighter to both the tree and to Taehyung.
He looked around.
Following his gaze, sure enough, you were met with two large eyes staring innocently back at you.
A beat consisted of you blinking at one another in silence, before a gasping laugh burst from your mouth. Clapping a hand over it, you met Taeâs eyes, also finding him dissolve into laughter that creased his eyes.
âLooks like you were right,â you chuckled as the warm magic began to lift you once again.
âYou were just waiting for us to confess!â Tae cried.
But the wide smile on his face as he pulled you closer mid-flight showed he was far from outraged.
That night saw you tumbling at last into the same bed as Tae again. You didnât want to leave, and you never had to.
Over time, you moved in, your own things settling among the paintings, brushes and pots that filled Taeâs house. Your house.
Every day you would see the trees, feel the wind through your hair and the sun glowing between the forest branches â the very place where you had finally given into the love binding you.
And you drew. You drew and drew, and designed until you were making a name in your own right. People would ask you about the distinctive round creatures that commonly featured in your designs. Of course, you would always laugh, a familiar sound that you shared with your boyfriend, keeping the unofficial secret between yourselves.
The two of you knew, not only the forest spirits, but the dust bunnies and flurries of wind that snaked through the roof timbers on the coldest nights. And then, you could always be assured of a warm presence beside you, to hold you through the night.
But above all, you got to see that glorious smile every day, never fading from your life.
You could breathe again.
Thank you for reading! If you want more, there is a follow up drabble here. Come chat with me if you enjoyed it!
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