#in a loving gale way in a “im studying what happened here” way not in a shipping way u know

[andrewknightley]

Maybe is my very particular interpretation but for me gods are very much a Concept more than people so the whole gale/mystra thing is very much a wizard falling in love with magic itself as an artist falls in love with art itself. And oh man no matter how much you love it that cant never love you back. Not like a real person. But you feel something is missing and you dont know what it is (it is real human connection and people who actually love you) so you are like. "Ah i see i could become Better At What I Am I just need to Improve." And thats your thing ! and what people said you were good at since you were a kid thats where your value is isnt it!!

[osatokun]

I'd love to know more about Glinda and her relationship with Gale!

she is a character,an npc from the vampire the masquerade ttrpg I'm playing. Lover (and now wife) of my OC. I just love her so much, a perfect woman. So I took her and started to play BG as Glinda. I'm lucky too meet another Glinda near Baldur's Gate, this name doesn't sound that weird when there are another Glindas around..

Gale is very, very similar to my OC in character ( but much younger) so naturally Glinda the tiefling fell for him. Just her type, a soft loving soul yearning for comfort.

Glinda-Sophia Dequir, the tiefling, has a very silly lore, because..why not,she's gonna be a saviour of the Baldur's Gate. She is a strong sorcerer with..not a food ability to control her powers, wild magic is making wild stuff. She was born near Baldur's gate in a small village for sure. Her parents died when she was maybe 11 or so, and she almost burned down the entire village unable to control her emotions, probably accidently summoned a fire creature of some sorts. Elemental or even a young tiny dragon (silly, yes, I'm bad at dnd lore.but her original vtm lore connected to the dragon, thats where she got her big scar on the chest originally. Plus I only played in Chult campaign and I have absolutely bo idea what's happening here on that sword coast)

Anyway,she ran away, but Elminster found her and, well, raised her. I told you I have stupid story?I do, yes. He mostly taught her how to control her emotions better, her magic better, how to look deeper in things and seek for the truth. Most of the time he had no idea who he is, he was jurs El, a funny old man, cheese lover. She knows a lot about cheese, yes. In the end, he is so freakin old, he could have a few spare years to raise a wild kid. But the most important thing, he helped her to steel her will. She is a determined iron villing disaster now.

Having this story in mind, I find it satisfying to be grumpy to Elminster. She is like, wtf dad, Mystra hurts people, all the time , and she wants to hurt the man I love, Im gonna fight her with my bare fists.

At the time she was stolen by ilithids she ..probably had a little business of her own, a tiny potions shop or something, having pretty calm life.

What else can I get from my vision of the character.

She has zero shame, she is still very curious, sometimes its for the bad. She is studying necromancy (a bit..necromancy of Thay was very calling for her) . When Gale is trying to catch the whole picture, see all the situation, she points to the smaller things. Sometimes it helps her not to get lost, sometimes it helps him.

She is extremely monogamous, and not ready to share her love and bed with strangers, she need to trust person frist to get them into her life. But she fell very quick for Gale because ..well, in the horrors they all were dropped in, first thing he promised is to make a good meal. In the very beginning. Local man falls from the sky and offers you a home made food? He is my husband now.

Plus he differs a lot from other companions. All of them used to the fights, even she herself fought creatures in the local woods. And he is just a wizard in distress, wanting to go back to his cat and cozy tower. A lot of knowledge in his head, not that much blood on his hands. He brought her some comfort she needed to stay strong and believe in finding a way to cure.

For the relationships they have.. mostly comforting and loving? that's pretty generic, he is a very comforting character after all. She keeps him closer to the earth, becoming a God sounds like a destruction of one already so perfect adorkable human being. I picture him as a person who keeps his personal encounters very private, doesn't like to show even too much skin to the others and generally liking to share time alone with his lover, be it a talk or a date. Better go to the Weave and talk to eachother without anyone's hearing, or more x) it's hard to get personal space while traveling..

Glinda on other hand is absolutely fine with disturbing personal spaces, but she is doing her best to hold herself in her hands. She is..imagine a person who acts like a cat sometimes. I'm sure even her tail is twitching and wagging when she's angry. But she is being very respective for his comfort. Thats why Im happy they got to Baldurs gate and finally got a room for themselves x.x

What else can I say.. hm..

She is 30 something years old,maybe 34 or so. Likes stupid books a bit too much. Oh she laughed so hard when they found "Elminster library" and the erotic books about Volo,El and faeries.

she adores his level of awkwardness just as he adores hers. And she'll punch in the face everyone who hurts her man (respectfully acknowledging aloud that he can take care of himself, but she also want to take care herself.)

She probably has fur on tips of her ears and loves head scratches. Not the inside ones tho..

[justkurotingz]

agent y/l/n (2)

the second part of the series! tbh i planned to write this later but quarantine has got me sooooo bored :’c hope you enjoy <3

angsty, lil fluff <3

A/N: half of this is probably super inaccurate so i guess this would be more of a canon/alternate universe, but bear with me!

word count: 1.6k

“our unsub is TEN?!” morgan did a double take, and garcia sighed. “yup baby boy. ryan carter, 10 years old. he has dark brown hair, freckles and green eyes.” spence spoke up, directing your attention to him. “for an unsub to be this young, some form of immensely early childhood trauma must have severely impacted him. he may be suffering from a psychotic break.”

your heart ached for the poor child that had suffered so much it brought him to kill two people for a peace of mind. “wait a second.” you peered at the pictures of the victims spence had pinned up. “kyla neyers and tori luis look awfully similar. the eyes, the hair, look at the way their noses arch. the boy-” “ryan.” hotch corrected and you bit your lip, “sorry, ryan must be targeting people that look like someone from his childhood.”

“well, from his family history I can tell you his mother died in childbirth so ryan never would have met her.” garcia’s voice floated in and hotch turned to the team. “try relatives on the moms side. aunts, cousins maybe?” garcia sighed, “mom had no siblings, and her parents live in russia. ryan probably would have never seen them face to face.” “alright, dad’s side then.” emily shrugged, and garcia sucked in air through her teeth.

“apparently, his birth certificate never lists a father. single mom maybe, the father dumped them?” spence frowned and you spoke up. “we’ve got to find his father.” “already on it sweet cheeks.” “thanks pen.” you smiled and cut the intercom. 

“so ryan could be living with his father.” emily pondered, and jj nodded. “he couldn’t have survived on the streets as a baby, and no adoption records exists. his father might have abused him causing ryan to act out and run away.” 

“what if his father has been killing women and forced ryan to help? he might have a type, blue eyes, brunette, high arched nose bridges....” you trailed off and spence’s eyes lit up. “right! and after ryan escaped, he went back to doing the only thing he knows, killing women that look like kyla, tori, and possibly other women his father killed.”

“that’s awful.” jj whispered and you nodded. “i know. we need to stop him, he’s probably just a scared kid.” “who killed two women.” hotch interrupted, and grabbed his coat as garcia’s voice crackled through the intercom. “alright, i found a string of murders in the early 2010′s with victims that look like ours. the suspect was a william gale, but he escaped before arrest. sending his last known address now, he’s local and he definitely could be ryan’s father.”

“got it, let’s go.” hotch said, and everyone rushed to the cars. as morgan drove, you glanced out the window. “you ok?” spence’s voice transported you back into reality. “yeah, just...” “i know, it’s sad.” your best friend spoke up. “studies show the child is unable to escape from the abusive, damaging childhood dynamic. it occurs before the child’s sense of self is formed, therefore ryan is reverting back to what he knows, his father.”

“we’re here.” morgan’s voice cut through spencer’s spiel of facts and you nodded. “federal agents!” no answer. morgan breached and we checked the rooms of the house out. “clear!” you sighed until you heard the soft cock of a gun.

“ryan?” you turned around very slowly to come face to face to a young boy, about 10. he was about 4 feet tall, and had a gun pointed at your torso. his freckles contrasted his bright green eyes and your heart sank. “ryan, i’m agent y/l/n. please put down the gun.” your voice was soft, calm in contrast to his shaking arms.

“i-i didn’t mean to kill them. i didn’t mean to hurt anybody. i don’t know who i am anymore. i’m a monster!” he cried and without thinking, you tossed your gun aside. “y/n!” hotch hissed behind you, and you realize everybody was watching.

“don’t look at them, look at me ryan. you can call me y/n. i set down my gun, look.” you pointed to your gun, a foot away from you both. “can you set down yours? i just want to talk to you. put down the gun.” “no! you’ll hurt me!” 

“i promise, nobody is going to hurt you. we just want to help you ryan. i know you didn’t mean to kill anybody.” he faltered, hope spilling into his eyes. “y-you do?” “yes.” you confirmed and moved on, “and if you set down the gun, nothing’s going to happen to you. you have to trust me baby.” you whispered and he shook his head.

“i know you’re scared, look, i’ll take off my vest. i know you’re not going to hurt me.” moving slowly, to the shock of your team, you slipped your vest over your shoulders. “it’s just me. just me i promise you, there’s nobody else here that matters. i know what your father made you do. he made you kill those women and bury them after he did bad things to them didn’t he?” ryan nodded and you closed your eyes, taking a shaky breath.

“put down the gun ryan. we’re gonna get him. i swear, we’re going to catch your father and he’s going to go away for a very long time. but you’re not like that. you’re just a small boy. can you put down the gun baby? please, for me?” he paused, lowering the gun, but didn’t drop it.

“ryan, baby you have to set the gun down. all the way down. i promise, nothings going to happen to you.” “wh-where’s my mom?” he whispered and your heart broke for the third time today. “oh baby, what did he tell you?” “he said mommy didn’t want me, so mommy ran away.” you looked sharply to the left, the tears in your eyes now streaming down your face.

“don’t cry!” he said in concern and you opened your arms. he dropped the gun and rushed into your arms, giving you a big hug. “no sweetie, your mommy wanted you. she wanted you so so much. ryan, i went to college with your mom.” you heard the intake of breath of your entire team behind me, and continued with the story. “she was the sweetest person i ever know. she looked exactly like you. she was funny, smart, and wore the craziest socks ever. she even had four pairs of pizza socks.” that brought a smile to ryan’s face and you smiled.

“she died baby, she died after giving birth to you.” “i-i killed mommy?” his face fell, tears leaking out of his eyes. “oh no baby, no. no, you didn’t kill mommy. it was just mommy’s time to go. she loved you very very much and i know she’s sorry she couldn’t be there for you and help you.” he was quiet, then wrapped his arms tightly around you. “i’m so sorry.” you whispered, kissing his cheek, holding him tightly. “it’s ok auntie y/n. i know im gonna go to jail because that’s where bad guys go. can you come visit me?” “’all the time, i promise.” you smiled and he beamed, slipping out of his arms. “bye bye!” he waved and you gently waved back as he walked out with emily. as soon as he was out of sight, you fell to the floor, sobbing. “hey, hey, hey.” spence gently lifted you from the ground, but you couldn’t even stand, so he had to hold you tightly to him.

“i didn’t know. i didn’t know ryan was her child. but i saw her in him. he’s just 10.” you wrapped your hands around spence and the two of you stayed like that for a long time, until hotch came back in, telling you both it was time to leave.

the trip back was quiet, and only when you were back in the office hotch turned on you. “do you realize how incredibly stupid that was!” he hissed and you nodded, staring at the ground. “it worked.” jj spoke up and emily furrowed her eyebrows. “that was one of the most moving moments i’ve ever witnessed. the boy was 10, and practically related to y/n.” “she did good.” morgan confirmed and spence’s smile said wonders.

“if you ever attempt something like this.... i was so worried about you.” hotch sighed, his hand dropping from it’s menacing position and you smiled at him. “i’m ok, i just really want to go home.” “and that you will. goodnight y/n, i’m glad this didn’t go sideways.” with that, hotch left and the team hugged you. “that was so selfless.” jj whispered in your ear, giving you an extra squeeze, and then it was just spence and you. “let’s go to your place.” spence wrapped an arm around your waist and you two walked back to his apartment in silence, staring at the sky.

“i thought he was going to shoot.” spence admitted a while later when you were sitting on his couch. “spence, he’s 10. he wouldn’t have shot.” “you don’t know that!” he snapped, his irritation and frustration finally showing. “kids with severe childhood trauma can be dangerous and unpredictable! you almost died today!” “spence...” you trailed off, looking at his face. “i thought i lost you.” a tear trickled down his cheek and you hugged him tightly, crying yourself.

“i’m ok, i promise. i’m not that stupid.” your job took determination, compassion, wit, bravery and strength, but today your display of selflessness was the one that hit home that most.

[ilguna]

Meliorism Talks

EUNOIA

the title is interesting

METANOIA

the dawn of time

metanoia is a boost for self esteem

slowburn teaser

when did they find out they were soulmates?

gale + rosecelli, friends?

how i came up with the last name

tanith is gone

rip tanith

their soulmate words

is rosecelli a dom or sub?

songs that give me vibes

who would finnick choose, gallows or rosecelli?

inspiration for prevaricate

one bed au

finding out the definition of prevaricate

liking how it’s going so far

reaction to the minefield

reaction to chapter 17 of metanoia

after i murdered hydri

relieved at prevaricate ending

loving the ending!

cute as HECK

happy with the metanoia ending

excited when i posted the moodboard

identifying with personality/moodboard

what would rosecelli study in college?

is rosecelli and gallows the game storyline?

canon name reveal

personality vs looks

what happened to rosecelli, happened to annie

how to pronounce rosecelli

aftermath

why did finnick get mad at rosecelli and not johanna?

i suggest an angsty AU

please don’t kill him

anon loves the idea

i am unrelenting

no, i will never let them be happy

cry my children

bargaining for a short story

photo album short story?

roscelli’s to-be axe

the axe fits rosecelli’s aesthetic

rosecelli would go feral

rosecelli is That Bitch

living through rosecelli

i suggest a metanoia prequel

rosecelli is AMAZING

metanoia prequel

rosecelli’s fancy weapons

random convo

pet names (or lack thereof)

rosecelli showers finnick in gifts

trident is iconic

a gift idea that rosecelli bought finnick

finnick talking to annie about living situations

finnick and rosecelli moving in together

annie staring at rosecelli in chapter eighteen

chaotic power couple

finnick leaving annie

rosecelli warned finnick

finnick breaking the news to annie

who’s annie’s soulmate?

might be true

poor annie

beginning of the hate fuck convo

spicy couple

would rosecelli shower finnick in sugar cubes?

what if finnick/rosecelli had fucked in district 13?

finnick would’ve been smug after the hate fuck

annie watched finnick flirt in the arena

flirting wasn’t obvious

what’s up with tigris?

what happened after rosecelli killed the peacekeeper?

what if finnick left like rosecelli wanted? - AU

would annie leave finnick for her soulmate? - AU

what would’ve happened in chapter fourteen

would finnick still get married in that case?

would rosecelli and gallows get along?

would finnick regret marrying annie anyway? - AU

who would win in a fight? rosecelli or annie?

finnick’s girl can whoop some ass

did finnick and rosecelli get along during rosecelli’s victory stop?

rosecelli’s favorite ice cream flavor?

zavian would get frozen yogurt

and peanut toppings

tanith and zavian being soulmates

and the immediate regret after

smh anon has grown attached

same anon

who would win in a fight? gallows or rosecelli?

content anon think she’s trying her best

didn’t rosecelli have male cousins? (fight idea cont.)

disappointing that everyone calls rosecelli a bitch

she’s not always like that

rosecelli would have to eat all the sugar cubes to piss finnick off

them fighting? i think u mean making out

fighting is their foreplay lmao

finnick would stick around even after death

the encounter in 13 is canon? no but i can make it be

only play fighting tho

nasty spat to make out session in front of panem

canon would be nice but annie...

breaks up w annie for that good puss puss

everyone watching back home like....

gallows/rosecelli crossover - AU

what about the other way around?

how rosecelli would react

gallows would pull a knife on rosecelli

what would she smell like?

definition of metanoia

who would they be?

something rosecelli would say

idea where rosecelli killed peeta and johanna - AU

liking that idea

rosecelli was unfazed

the worst time to find your soulmate ever

poly of rosecelli/gallows/finnick?

feminist icon!!

what if rosecelli and finnick had a baby?

reminds her of a brooklyn99 quote

roscelli not letting finnick help

them being parents!!!

beetee as godparent???

im loved <3

comprimising in choosing katniss?

rosecelli being poc friendly

FASHION SENSE

a sad ass idea

her star signs!!

explanation 1/3

explanation 2/3

explanation 3/3

her EXACT birthday

i am rosecelli

new au incoming

here it is - AU

more to it

even more to it

it sounds cool though

rosecelli slander

rosecelli keep 6ft away challenge

planet anon and i are rosecelli

his speech to her was cute af

he was dropped as a baby

krampus before santa

as she should

the motherly voice...

malefic - AU SHORT STORY

i expanded on it some ^

and a little more

its not her fault!!

they scared the shit outta each other

new idea for rewrite

rosecelli = new toy lmfao

baby talk is back, bless up

finnick’s self care trips 

omg the mfing godparents

what if rosecelli/gallows were tributes in the same games?

her internal diaogue lmao

AKRASIA

i suggest the idea

more off the idea

excitement about the title

short story idea - AU

another short story idea - AU

annie finds her soulmate post-metanoia

what if annie found her soulmate after metanoia? 

running into finnick/rosecelli 

don’t have to compete for annie 

ROM-COM 

finnick is the face of the rebellion 

i write out a blurb if rosecelli/finnick died together

plutarch getting them both out?

rosecelli is a handful but she’d be helpful

rosecelli begrudgingly accepting the fact she’s “mockingjay”

rosecelli would have to be shitfaced to do anything

finnick as the face also makes sense

trying to find a name for rosecelli’s rebellion title

how it would change rosecelli/finnicks relationship

more to the pretend relationship

re: pretend relationship and kissing

gale being nosy

the rebellion name?

annie having to watch her ex fuel the rebellion

what if rosecelli is tasked with protecting finnick? - AU AU

further explanation of above

a scenario in which rosecelli protects finnick

another funny one

rosecelli kills katniss/peeta to protect finnick (bodyguard)

reaction to that

rosecelli comforts finnick after mags

the thought of that is feel worthy

even more feels

song suggestion for rosecelli

rosecelli just wants to be loved

finnick is a literal puppy

finnick is the only annoying puppy she wants

them kissing the arena and then remembering the cameras

draco/roscelli and harry/finnick parallel

pyrrhic

only she is allowed to kill finnick

AU for Roscelli/Johanna being lovers

enemies to lovers with johanna? - AU

omg if they were soulmates - AU

sexual tension <3

finnick/rosecelli are otp BUT johanna and rosecelli--

the hate sex????

imagine johanna’s face when they speak to each other

[leggyre]

here we go. time for The Robbie Files(tm);

I think I should start by describing the way Robbie is bad with people, because, as stated before, it's different than Matthew's own social problems. Well, Robbie is... Really bad at caring for others.

He often comes off as someone egocentric because his thought process usually includes things that benefit him only. It's not a thing he does on purpose, like, he doesn't think lowly of others; he just forgets to include others. It’s different.

He tends to ramble a lot. About everything. But mostly himself. People often find this annoying, so he never had many friends. He never really cared about that, though -- he's always had Bubble when no one was there to listen!

Bubble is somewhat of a therapy pokemon?? Well, he's supposed to help Robbie with his social skills, but... Well, it's mostly a way for his parents to keep their kid from coming to their room whenever he thought about something new to ramble about for hours. Bubble is always pushing him to try to talk to others, and is also always trying to keep others from giving up on him. It doesn’t work that well ever since they left home.

Robbie is obsessed with the pokemon league and battle mechanics in general. You know, like, in anime like yugioh or dbz, when there’s long scenes with the audience describing exactly what the people fighting are doing, including what might be their thought process and entire strategy? Robbie is like that. He’s watched videos of major league battles on repeat, hundreds, maybe thousands of times, ever since he was a little kid. And on his journey, his main goal is not only to become the new champion, but also to do it in a way that’s never seen before -- he wants to come up with a strategy no one has ever thought of!

That’s why he’s really picky with the pokemon he chooses, and he changes it whenever he finds a new weakness.

His pokemon usually aren’t very fond of him, though Bubble can convince the more lighthearted ones that he’s not all that bad. Some just can’t take it, though; Snickers HATES HIS GUTS throughout most of their time together(though Snickers practically keeps a collection of grudges). Gale doesn’t dislike him, but... He’s a bit disappointed that someone beaming with positive energy doesn’t know how to share it properly, so he grows distant and uncaring very fast.

wow! this is long! and kinda funny considering how matthew’s version of this post is a bunch of silly quirks well tbf matthew does have something like this that i havent shared yet but THATS A THING FOR ANOTHER DAY....................................

heres some silly quirks

bubble is basically his impulse control

he can’t keep his hands still. he’s always doing something like gestures when hes talking or tapping his fingers very fast when he’s sitting down

his pokemon’s nicknames are usually the very first thing that comes to mind

he LOVES mimikii because that little thing is really heckin’ strong!!! it can beat his entire team in one go sometimes!!!

he has actually tried to convince matthew to at least borrow him for a while so he can properly “study” that strength, but... well, no one but robbie wants this to happen

(im... actually thinking of how to make this happen. they trade mimikii and buddy for like a day. or maybe just a few hours. i do have it written that the moment buddy finally evolves is when he spends some time with matthew, so,,,,)

he avoids using g-max as much as possible. its mostly just a way of challenging himself

somewhat scared of fairy types! mostly the mischievous ones. he used to be also somewhat scared of ghosts before being friends with someone who might be one

he’s actually pretty creative when coming up with ways of using his pokemon’s moves and abilities, but that usually doesn’t end up achieving what he wants (aka strats good in battle)

[conspiraships]

🌹 SRY I CANT THINK OF A F/O

🌹 - Beauty and the Beast AU

was originally gonna write Gale/Andy but then i remembered stupit bitch Krycek exists and that’s what’s gonna happen. ill write Gale/Andy l8r … but for now… Mercy/Krycek … this is rlly long … oopsie (4,962 words)

“there’s a monster in the woods, Alex” his mother used to say. “it lurks, waiting for disobedient little boys who won’t go to bed on time”

“like, it’s just sitting in the woods, waiting?”

“oh for fucks sake, Alex. just go to bed please. im begging you.”

“i want milk”

“fine”

of course no one believes the stories about the monster in the woods. it’s just because their town is surrounded by thick, tight woods with very few paths in and out of it. but there’s nothing but wolves, moose, wild animals living there. it’s dark, deep, unwelcoming, but there’s no monsters.

and even when his mother went missing when he was 13, Alexei Krycek refused to believe it was anything like a monster. her horse went missing too, and he knew for a fact that it meant the wolves got them. (that didn’t ease the hurt. his mother was gone, and he was only 13. he didn’t know how to live without her at 13. but it wasnt a monster in the woods who took her from him.)

he still doesnt believe in monsters even when the Man Who Smokes Too Much takes him in, and the Man Who Smokes Too Much’s eldest son is absolutely CONVINCED that there ARE monsters in the woods who WILL come for everyone in the town unless they’re all very kind to nature.

Alex finds a reprieve in Jeffrey, the youngest Spender son. they grow close, and when the Man Who Smokes Too Much dies, Jeffrey and Alex are the ones who start to find work while Fox spends his time buried in books, studying, and reading about the mind and mythical

“Jeffrey you can’t go now,” Fox says one day. they’re all well into their twenties and Fox can’t hold a job he likes because everyone knows him as the boy with his nose in his books, the boy who used to leave out picnic baskets for the Monsters even though there was a food shortage.

“Fox.” Jeffrey and Alex say it in the same tone and Fox grins at them both but he sobers up when Jeffrey keeps packing. “i have to go,” Jeffrey says. “if i dont, we could lose the house. and out of all of us, Fox, you need this house the most”

“Jeffrey … there have been several cases of missing persons between us and-”

“if they arent traveling right, they are going to attract wolves,” Alex says. “we learned that from your father.”

“i’m still pretty sure the monster in the woods took him,” Fox says disdainfully

“grow up,” says Jeffrey. “you want me to bring back anything specific from the city?”

“actually,” Fox says before Alex can say anything, “remember those roses he brought us…”

“the day your mother died?” Jeffrey and Fox exchange a sad smile and Alex is reminded that he doesnt fit in with them. hes not part of them. he’s not a Spender or a Mulder. he’s a Krycek. his father never smoked more than enough for three people and his mother used to tell him fairy tales that would make Fox explode with happiness.

Jeffrey leaves, and Fox goes back to psychoanalyzing everyone in the town and keeping up with as many detective cases as he can. Alex works.

Alex works, and works, and works until Jeffrey doesn’t come home. it’s not the monster, he tells himself as he packs up supplies to go search for Jeffrey (or, more realistically, his body and his horse probably half eaten by wolves). the monster was a bedtime story for everyone in the town. (Fox disagreed, and gave him a spray bottle of something that smelled of lemon and onions to ‘keep the monster away’)

Alex takes his horse to go look for Jeffrey. halfway between Foxhunt and the city, he finds Jeffrey’s horse with her reins snagged on a tree. she makes a break for it as soon as Alex sets her free, but he has hope. maybe Jeffrey is alive after all. he follows a small broken path next to the tree he found Jeffrey’s horse trapped on, but the deeper into the woods he goes, the darker and colder it gets.

wolves howl. but he knows its wolves, and not monsters.

“God dammit Fox,” Alex snarls, directing his horse down the path, toward the wolf howls.

when he breaks into a clearing, his lips are blue. but in the clearing is… not a house, but a mansion. it’s not even close to being a castle, but it’s too large to be a simple house. no lights are on but the door is open. if anything, it’s a place to warm up if it’s abandoned

(it’s not. and Alex hates himself for a while after he walks in there. he finds Jeffrey, gets him out, but gets knocked out before he can join Jeffrey. he hates himself when he wakes up in a room lushly decorated. silk curtains, a thick plush carpet, soft cotton sheets and an ornate comforter. he hates himself for enjoying the rest for once, not having to share a room with Jeffrey, sleeping on a twin bed that’s too old and uncomfortable. he hates himself)

Mercy is irritated.

not one, but two people have invaded their home in the last 48 hours. they let the first one, Jeffrey, go. but Alex? he actually came into their house. he didn’t rob their garden, that they can forgive. they’re roses. their mother loved roses, and their mother probably would have forgiven someone for taking her roses after a few days. but Alex… Alexei… he walked into their home without permission. they don’t like that very much at all.

“you should really let him go…”

“Monica,” Mercy warns.

“it’s going a bit far,” says Monica. “maybe just… i dont know, make him pay you or something? but locking him up?”

“i gave him Mom’s room. the door doesn’t lock, so he’s not exactly a prisoner.”

“if he feels like one, it’s the same thing,” John points out.

“I hate both of you please get the fuck out of my living room.”

they don’t raise their voice, but the cutting glare they send them and the way they bare their teeth, fangs glinting in the firelight, send John and Monica from the room. Mercy pretends they can’t hear their whispering and heads upstairs to deal with their… Guest

he screams when they walk in, and Mercy can’t help but look over themself. they hven’t looked in a mirror in years (Monica covered them up long ago) but Monica brushes their hair. and their fur. and makes them take baths regularly. but they are wearing some of John’s clothing. maybe that’s what’s alarming.

“what the FUCK are you?!” Alex shouts, putting the bed between the two of them.

wow. wow. just wow. so Mercy grins, baring their teeth. their fangs, prominent and long, make Alex recoil. “I’m the Monster in the Woods,” they say with a dangerous growl. “and you have trespassed onto my property.”

(they hate themself for taking pride in the fear and disbelief that seem to cross his face. he recoils further, and he can’t look at them for days. he doesn’t leave their mother’s room, and John tells them that he eats only the bread and drinks only the water they give him. they hate themself for loving the power they have over people. and they hate the disappointed look Monica gives them whenever they revel in frightening him)

“Monster.”

“I have a name, darling.”

“I’m leaving, Monster. and if I never come back, it would be too soon.”

“cute that you think you can escape me.”

(he doesn’t leave. they’re human enough that sometimes he’s not scared of them, but there are times where their fur stands on end and their hair swirls in the air around them and their eyes take on a terrifying yellow color and their fangs seem to grow, and Alex Krycek cannot move past them when that happens. and they always seem to stake out the door whenever he wants to leave)

(”Mercy,” Monica says in disappointment.

“he’s not free yet. he doesn’t know how violated he made me feel.”

“maybe you like having him around,” Monica offers, flinching when Mercy’s hair starts to swirl around them and their eyes turn yellow.

“why would i enjoy the presence of a human, Monica? why would i keep him around? let him stay? he is being punished.”

“your mother was a human.”

“and humans killed her. and now i am this.”

Monica can’t argue that.)

“Doggett,” begins Alex as John sets down a tray of food. “why do you stay here?”

John looks surprised, and sits on the bed beside Alex. “Eat,” he orders. “Mercy is…”

“Mercy?” Alex asks sharply.

“the Monster. Their name is Mercy. they are… lonely. we stay because we love them. and Monica and i know deep loneliness. when we found Mercy, they were halfway between human and beast, curled up in the rose garden. we were drawn off the trails by their sobs. they lost their mother when they were very young to hunters who mistook their foraging mother for some kind of animal.” Alex looks stricken, but John continues speaking. “Mercy … attacked him, as best we can figure. they didn’t kill them, but the hunters went back to their town with injuries.”

Alex dips his bread in his soup and asks, “why are they a monster now?”

“if you didn’t believe in monsters, Alex, i don’t know if you will believe they were cursed.” Alex snorts. “exactly. but one of the hunters had married a witch who cursed them. she cursed them to become the beast the hunters thought their mother was, and to be the beast they seemed to attack like.”

“a curse,” Alex repeats in disbelief.

John shrugs and stands from the bed. “believe it or not, but you cannot deny the face of the beast that keeps you from leaving, Krycek.”

“you have a rose garden.” it’s a statement, not a question, and Mercy laughs aloud, their eyes bright with amusement.

“do i?” they tease.

“i want to see it.”

“and i want my home to return to a private dwelling with no trespassers.” they return their gaze to her book. “we can’t have what we want, Krycek.” they’re not going to show the man who only calls them ‘monster’ and not their name their most sacred spot. he doesnt deserve it if he cant acknowledge them.

“show me the rose garden, Mercy.”

they stand behind him stiffly, and he notes that they don’t look at the roses. their gaze is firmly toward the sky. Alex could make a break for it, but the roses…

for a … monster who won’t look at the roses, they are tended to quite well.

“why is this bush missing roses?” he asks. a shudder runs through him at their disgusted scoff.

“perhaps you should have asked why i was being so cruel to Jeffrey.”

“actually,” Fox says before Alex can say anything, “remember those roses he brought us…”

“the day your mother died?” Jeffrey and Fox exchange a sad smile

“ah.”

Alex ran his fingers over the stems that were missing roses. was Fox’s mother worth this? his mother … Mercy’s mother… perhaps they both were, in their ways. if Alex’s mother had loved roses, he would understand the sacrifice Jeffrey was making for his brother.

“they’ll grow back.” Alex flinches at the sudden proximity of Mercy’s voice. to his credit, he doesnt hiss when one of the rose thorns snags his palm but he does grimace at the blood. “let me see.” his body tenses when Mercy’s … hand… definitely a hand, even though they are covered in fur like a wolf with claws to boot, comes up behind his to hold his fingers open.

“it’s a cut,” he says flatly.

“come inside. we’ll get it cleaned up and wrapped.”

“you will do that for me?”

“please. I’m not a monster.”

he may keep the cut open longer than strictly healthy. but Mercy’s hands that look so monstrous bandage him so gentle and their eyes glow yellow in concentration, their tongue sticking out of their not-quite-mouth-not-quite-muzzle in a way that Alex wouldn’t call… cute, but it’s cute.

they tell him stories of their childhood after re-wrapping his hand. they speak with a fond sadness that Alex knows all too well. he lost his mother when he was young as well, and he has something of a found family too.

Mercy tells him how their mother taught them about plants, for survival, for food, and just for knowing.they tell him how their mother took them into the forest to help her forage and how once they encountered an elk so tall they thought he was a monster at first, and how he stared at them with eyes too wise, knowing they wouldn’t hurt him.

he learns about the constellations from them. they tell him how their mother showed them the stars, and that night Mercy takes him to the roof of the mansion and shows him the stars the way their mother did.

they show him some of the techniques their mother had for woodworking and they build a small bird house together.

when Alex’s hand is healed and no longer needs bandaged, Alex tells them about his own mother. they snort derisively over his mother’s stories of the monster in the woods (but for different reasons), but Mercy is enthralled with his mother’s other stories. Alex tells them which herbs his mother favored in her cooking, and how much he misses that. he tells them how he used to brush her hair and how she would run her fingers through his and sing him to sleep.

they both remember their mothers with a fond sadness.

and Alex no longer fears them, because he knows she isn’t the monster in the woods.

“come with me.”

“excuse me?”

“did i stutter, Krycek?” Mercy demands. he tenses, ready for their fur to stand on end or their hair to swirl around them but it doesn’t. they just look… impatient. not mad, just impatient. Alex heaves a great sigh and climbs out of his bed. he wasn’t doing anything, but having them treat him like a dog can become grating.

“where are we going?” he asks when they lead him from the room. they don’t answer, but lead him through the mansion to a room he’d never been to before. (in all fairness he’d never been to many rooms in the mansion.)

“here” Mercy says with a smirk. they push open both of the double doors dramatically and Alex rolls his eyes, stepping into the room after them. “it’s … it was mine and my mother’s. she was an avid book collector. so… was i.”

Alex stills as he looks around the room. it’s not as massive as a public library or a rich prince’s personal library might be, but there are several floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with books. crammed is a more accurate descriptor. its… amazing. Fox would be jealous, and thats all the motivation Alex needs to approach the nearest bookshelf.

“you can come here whenever you want. i…” Mercy hesitates when Alex looks away from the shelves and to them. “i understand that it’s quite boring here. i… would let you go but because it’s winter… i don’t want you getting hurt on the road.”

a sneer crosses Alex’s face. “its not like i have anything to get back on.”

Mercy’s fingers twitch and whatever openness they’d shown him vanished, a darkness settling in their eyes and a scowl spreading over their not-quite-muzzle. “John has been taking care of your horse in the stables. when the snow melts, i’ll have John and Monica pack you supplies and send you off.”

“…wait. what?” Alex tracks them as they walk over to a bookshelf and piles a few books in their arms.

“you can leave when the weather is better. John and Monica will take care of you.” they give Alex a cruel look. “you don’t have to deal with a monster anymore.”

they leave while Alex is still processing what they said

(when he asks after them, John and Monica can only shrug. not even they’ve seen the monster… Mercy. they’re eating. John tells Alex that they take the meals they leave for them, but they don’t leave their room as far as they can tell.)

Alex spends most of his time in the library. Mercy’s collection isn’t as big as the town’s library, but it’s incredibly diverse, and he’s only found about ten books that overlap with what he’s already read.

he’s so involved in studying psychology books that Fox would salivate over that he doesn’t realize the time or that he’s exhausted. but he wakes up with a pillow instead of a book under his head an a thick blanket wrapped around him, his books off to the side with clear bookmarks.

John and Monica swear up and down that they didn’t go into the library after Monica took his dishes from dinner away.

(Alex thinks the blanket might smell like Mercy, but he doesn’t know what smells like them and what just smells like the house.)

he sees them once before the snow melts, and it’s from the library window that looks out over part of the rose garden. some of the roses started dying, but Alex was no botanist, so he wouldn’t be able to offer to help Mercy even if they were speaking to him.

Mercy stood in knee high snow, no coat but seemingly unfazed by the cold. their head was bowed as they held a rose in their hands. the bush was completely empty except for the one Mercy stood over so reverently. Alex watched them until they moved away from the rose, leaving it swaying in the wind.

the day the snow melts, Alex pretends to be asleep all day. he listens as John and Monica discuss what else he’d need as they packed up his few belongings (mainly borrowed clothes from John he insisted he didn’t need anyway).

Mercy didn’t come through at all. the next day, it rained and Alex used it as an excuse not to go. he went out and brushed his horse but didn’t leave.

the third day after the snow melted, Jeffrey shows up with Fox in tow.

they pound on Mercy’s front door, but they don’t show their face. Jeffrey yells at Monica and John, and Fox asks an absurd amount of questions that his host’s family can’t keep up with.

“Jeffrey said there is a monster,” Fox says when he sees Alex. Alex clutches his pack tightly, the psychology book he’d stowed away pressing into his stomach.

“it was enormous,” Jeffrey agrees. “with fangs like a wolf’s… claws! not quite a muzzle but not a human nose either! covered head to toe in fur!”

Alex snorts. “it’s not like you, Jeffrey,” he says. “to buy into Fox’s shit.”

“it’s not shit,” Fox snaps.

“and you know i’m right,” Jeffrey spits. “i saw it when i left this place. you’ve been here all winter, and you’re telling me you haven’t seen it?”

John shifts, a scowl on his face. Monica’s expression is carefully blank but three months in their company taught Alex how to spot how Monica felt. and she is angry. (had she been so angry when Alex first met them? he didn’t know.)

“ive only seen these two.” Alex gestures to the humans next to him and raises a brow when Jeffrey opens his mouth to argue. “why would i lie about something like this? if there was a monster, i would have seen it by now. but i’ve only seen people.”

he misses the dubious looks John and Monica exchange, but doesn’t miss the looks Fox and Jeffrey exchange. any further pushing gets the same results from Alex. a willing silence, secretive and cold.

“he protected you”

“he still left.”

“but he didn’t let those men try to hurt you.”

“he still left.”

“Mercy.”

“he left! he’s gone and he’s not coming back. get out! get out get out get out get out get out!”

“Alex, come inside. you’ll catch cold.”

“that’s fine.”

“you’ve been out here since dinner. Fox and i are worried about you. you come out here every goddamn night, ever since we came back. Alex, what the hell is going on?”

Alex points at the sky and traces his finger along a particular path. “Corona Borealis,” he says.

“what the ever loving hell are you talking about, Krycek?”

“it’s a constellation, Spender. created when, after Dionysus fell in love with Ariadne, Ariadne threw her wedding crown into the sky. the jewels of the crown are said to be the stars of Corona Borealis.”

Jeffrey scowled at him. “you sound like Fox.”

“leave me alone, Jeffrey.”

mid spring, about a month after the snow melted, a caravan comes through, absolutely demolished. they claim to have been assaulted by a monster in the woods.

with an ‘I-Told-You-So’ expression on his face, Jeffrey uses this as an opportunity to prove that he was right and arranges a hunting party to find and kill this monster in the woods.

Alex can’t deny it when he sees the wagon destroyed and several people injured, one person even missing an arm. there is a monster in the woods, and he thinks he knows who it is.

(he’s unaware of Fox following him when he sneaks out that night, somehow oblivious to the second set of horse hoof beats an horse snuffling)

“Alex Krycek,” greets John when he opens the door to cease Alex’s pounding.

“where are they?” Alex demands. John sighs, but doesn’t try to play dumb.

“in the rose garden.”

Alex storms out of the mansion, still oblivious to Fox entering the clearing. he doesn’t see Fox and John speaking, too focused on finding Mercy. the monster.

he believes the caravan and her people when he sees Mercy watering their roses. the not-muzzle has elongated into a full and proper muzzle and their lower half has become wolf-like. an impossibly terrifying bipedal wolf-human beast, watering roses.

“why?” he spits at them.

they still, ears that have grown to a furry point twitching at his voice. 

“the roses need watered,” they say, not looking at him.

“that’s not what i’m talking about and you know it!”

this time they do look at him. their eyes are still human. still brown. Alex can remember the kind concentration when they bandaged his hand. remembers the sadness when they spoke of their mother. the excitement sharing the stars and the earth with him.

“my darling,” they say, voice thick with some unidentifiable emotion but dripping sarcastic sweetness, “i have no idea what you’re talking about.”

suddenly, words threaten to spill out that Alex bites back like bile. ‘why can’t i forget what you smell like? why can’t i forget how your hands felt around mine? why can’t i forget how warm it was to sit next to you? or how your eyes lit up when you looked at the stars? why can’t i forget the sweet sound of your voice? or how you sound when you sing? why can’t i forget how i hurt you that day in the library? why can’t i forget you?’

Mercy stops watering and cocks a hand on their hip.

“Krycek,” they snap.

“Why did you attack all of those people?” he shouts suddenly, unbidden. a bird shrieks and takes flight from one of the bushes. Mercy’s eyes widen and he watches them flicker as they take in his question.

then they laugh. throws their head back and laughs until it becomes a series of barks and they’re hunched in half to catch their breath.

“i’ve attacked people before,” they say when they can breathe again. “but that was years ago. when i found the men who killed my mother. i haven’t harmed anyone since.”

not physically, Alex wants to yell, his heart aching an racing in his chest. “a caravan came through this forest. they were utterly demolished. explain that, monster.”

their eyes harden and turn yellow as they stare at him. their hair begins to swirl around them. their lips curl and their fangs are bared.

“i have never harmed an innocent person,” Mercy, the Monster in the Woods, snarls at him. their watering can falls from their grip and they advance on Alexei Krycek who seems frozen in place. “i have harmed, my dearest Krycek, but only once, and for revenge. for my mother.” they stop mere inches from him and lean in, arms holding him still. “how dare you accuse me of this heinous act, when you know what i’ve been through. who do you think you are? get the fuck off of my property and never come back.”

he’s released with a shove, only saved from falling when Fox catches him. Fox…

“they’re beautiful,” Fox whispers to him as he helps Alex stand. Mercy’s ears twitch but they don’t look back at them, instead picking up their watering can and resuming the watering process. “is she telling the truth?”

Alex Krycek swallows. “yes,” he says, barely audible.

Fox releases him and steps forward. “what’s your name?” he asks Mercy. they snort.

“they call me the Monster.” their voice drips with bitter hatred, and Alex flinches.

“but you must have a name?” Fox presses. they don’t answer. “Alex believes you. but that means someone or something else in this forest attacked that caravan. and until we can figure out who it was… everyone will think it was you.”

“only three people outside of my home know i exist,” Mercy snips.

“And Jeffrey Spender is leading a hunting party to put you down.”

both Fox and Alex flinch when the watering can handle shatters in Mercy’s grip.

“when?”

“before sunset,” Alex supplies.

Mercy flies into a frenzy. they rush to the mansion and starts packing up everything. Alex, Fox, John, an Monica trail behind them as they tear through the mansion. the last thing they do before they speak to them is seal the library.

“take John and Monica far from here,” Mercy says to Fox, handing John and Monica the two bags they’d been packing.

“what?!” exclaims Monica, dropping the bag to grasp Mercy’s arm. they don’t look away from Fox, and Alex has to clamp down on the envy he feels.

“do you understand me?” they snarl. “get them to safety.” only when Fox nods do they look away. with gentle hands, Mercy puts the bag back in Monica’s hand. “go with them.”

“no!” protests Monica.

“please,” Mercy whispers. “please go with them. you can’t be caught in this. i can’t let you die. Monica… please go.”

“and leave you to die on your own?” demands John.

Mercy bares their teeth in what Alex thinks is supposed to be a grin. “A fitting death for a violent monster.”

they’re alone. the sun is low in the sky, nearly set, and Mercy is alone. if Jeffrey is going to kill them, this is how it should be. they find themself in the rose garden, standing before the bush with only one rose.

“i’ll see you soon, Mother,” they say to the rose, dropping to their knees before the bush. they bow their head.

John and Monica have each other. they’ll be alright without them. they might be in pain, but they’ll make it through.

Mercy once thought that when they died, no one would be left alive to mourn them. and only six months ago they were sure that John and Monica would be the only ones to mourn them. and a day ago they thought Alex hated them. four hours ago they thought he hated them. and now they know they’re leaving behind three people to mourn them.

“i’m so sorry,” they say, digging their claws into the dirt. they squeeze their eyes shut and tears leak out into their fur. they don’t move when they hear hoof beats. they won’t give the hunting party the satisfaction of killing a beast. they’ll have to kill Mercy as Mercy pays respects to their mother and mourns for those in their life.

he can’t be too late. please don’t be too late. please please please please please.

his heartbeat pounds in his ears an his legs are trembling with how tightly he’s squeezing his horse. his knuckles are bleached white and his fingers are cold as he grips the reins.

he can’t be too late. he can’t be too late.

he’ll never forgive himself if he’s too late to keep Jeffrey away from them. he’ll never forgive himself if he’s too late to tell them. to save them. to be near them one more time, even if they can’t forgive him for the things he’s said.

his horse bursts into the clearing of Mercy’s home but Alex doesn’t slow to a walk. they sprint across the yard, alert for any other sounds. he hears nothing and his horse whips around the side of the house. Alex pulls the reins and jumps down before he even comes to a full stop.

“mercy?” he gasps out, stumbling into the garden.

“why are you here?”

he faces them sharply.

“well?” Mercy bites, glaring up at him from their place on the ground.

Alex stares at them for a few long, silent moments.

“i will not leave you alone. i will not let you die for a crime you did not commit.” he drops to his knees beside them and presses his forehead against their shoulder. “i won’t let you be alone.”

Mercy’s tense, he can feel it. their words come out even more tense than he’d imagined. “monsters deserve to be alone.”

“then,” Alex Krycek says to Mercy, the monster in the woods, the creature, the person he loves, “it’s a good thing you’re not a monster.”

[jvuhn]

Olivia

Christmas party.

“Can’t even look at you”

Moksha. 

Hongkong side restaurant.

“May charger ka ba.. paubos na battery ko paheram. Ilan pa percentage? 40. Tagal pa yan. Kailangan ko para makauwi ako.. but I wanted to take you home”

Australia.

“Uy, Note 9. Gaya gaya ng phone forever”

Treehouse 1. 

Japan.

Ice eye drop.

Cigs from japan.

Asking to what to wear for formal event coat and tie.

Went to you after the formal event and you saw me in my formal attire.

Drive by to one stick. Our usual YB spot.

Yii dashcam.

"I need to pick up my litol brader is it okay if we use the h1 for picking him and his friends? Yeah. (Wow shes not picky with my anti date car) listen to this *plays alive acoustic by kruwella* she likes the SQ set up of h1"

Alive.

Uptown katip.

Drive the car while in the nail spa because no parking.

Happy glass game while waiting at NKTI.

Been you.

Getting you drunk.

Buffalo wings.

Mint chocolate shake.

My secret romance.

Terius.

Jedspeed.

That night before leaving the country april 25 "close your eyes".

Treehouse 2 when i followed early in the morning and convoyed you back home.

Greenhills to get your laptop fixed.

“You are one unique Pokemon that I will never let go”

Accompanying you to NKTI East Ave and De Los Santos Hospital. 

Talk about your work and achievements (always so proud of you) and personal stuff.

Beerpong always trying to get you drunk.

Blade timog.

Sudden carwash cause you bought rain repellant and mits.

Korea.

May 30 always that date. 

Santolan Town Center. 

Aladdin. 

Scouts honor.

“Hinahanap ako ni Mommy”

Classified kitchen.

“Alam ko kung sino kasama mo manuod ng aladdin”

Greenhills to buy Nord.

Lg2.

Prologue.

Magnolia.

Ramen nagi.

Black Scoop.

Botejyu.

Plant errands at taguig.

Japanese restaurant near fantastic baka. 

Tipsy pig timog you so so drunk and drunk driving at its finest. 

Netflix series and movies with food and drinks of course. 

Mr. Kebab.

Greenhills.

BLK 513.

Potato corner.

Evade K and D. 😂

Army navy.

Lam tin tea. 

Caliburn.

Premium Strawberry Juice.

Going to makati to pick you up with bea.

Makati shortcuts.

Goto tendon.

"Bea saying that ive changed and you got kilig"

Fat russells.

Karaoke singing our lungs and hearts out. 

Car matting at areneta ave. 

Car matting at west avenue for altis. 

Banawe. 

Bosch europa.

Powertorq. 

Change oil.

"Lets drive thru mcdonalds im hungry. Stuck in traffic eating mcdonalds and singing in the car"

Antipolo. 

Led lights ph. 

Romeos. 

Car errands you sleeping in of course or out of nowhere wants to clean the car or we were so tired from all the errands so i fell asleep on you. 

Vv9736. 

"She got 3rd wheel with her little bro and his girlfriend. The little bro and girlfriend are making "harot" while stuck in traffic. She told me she wants that too so our next date we got harot" haha

Francos baptism. 

Your cooked meal Bangus and rice. 

"May dala siyang mango. Gusto ko siya ang gwapo pa".

"Gym". 

Citadine. 

Moa. 

LANY. 

Moscato yellow tail. 

"Pano ka maglinis ng face? Parang carpenter". 

Here with me.

Makati shortcuts.

Sm north.

Archery bullseye.

BTS. 

BTS Keychain.

Vertis. 

Wangfu.

Daiso.

Bbq popcorn.

John wick 3.

Korea. 

Batman Keychain from Korea.

Buen comer. 

Trinoma. 

King chef banawe. 

Shangrila. 

Movie bench. 

Kissing booth. 

Nomiya izakaya with winona. 

Canada. 

Sleeping early in the morning to getting sleepy at 930-1030 to falling asleep. 3 days live in. 

Ooma.

Fat Cousin.

Maginhawa.

3 days Live In.

“Ang bilis kung galing sa bahay mo papuntang Makati”

“thank you for waking up early”

“Ang ganda ng rain shower”

Songdowon. 

Vinci X.

Our send a selfie everyday cause we just couldnt get enough of each other. 

Nicos birthday. 

Aki. 

Gabs birthday.

House renovation.

"When the house is done ill invite you over".

Hair color "take a picture of me..my hair". 

Your spa date with tris then off to capitol commons.

Tipsy pig capitol commons. 

I need you right now. 

Our not so christmas. 

Christmas at Josh.

Last tambay at Josh.

New year. 

Omni. 

Diffuser na napaka bango. 

Towel. 

From everyday to weekly. 

Helping me study. 

Going to clark. 

Veterans army restaurant delivery.

Simulator at my laptop and saying im here na. 

Surprise visits. 

Starbucks mindanao.

"Did you miss us going roadtrip and have no where to go"

Dampa seafood grill tomas.

Aegis Boost.

Tristel house tambay.

Roses delivery. 

Valentines at your place.

To all the boys.

"Can we make this last?" - 2/14/20

"Im starting to like someone else"

Billie not biting me.

Polo.

Maxie. 

The family. 

Pancake house.

Cube gilmore for computer chair.

Singing in the car.

Doing netflix and chill.

Mang juan. 

Lockdown. 

Mangobravo. 

Birthday. 

Massaging machine. 

Korean zombie movie. 

Video call while watching.

Kingdom the zombie series. 

On a break pause. 

World war z. 

The sims. 

April 11. 

Still lockdown.

Aegis Boost (replacement)

Chill at your house. 

The King. 

Falling asleep while watching. 

Never have i ever.

To all the boys i loved before.

Julie And The Phantoms.

SM Sucat.

“Sino yang gagong nakaharang sa kotse natin” 

Half saints. 

Yoshimeatsu at BF Paranaque.

Grab food since no dine ins outside. 

Chicken chingu our favorite. 

Gout food. 

Araneta ave for visit. 

Banawe. 

Winona. 

Santolan town plaza.

Moved to other spot since you guys dont like barcino.

Mclarens.

Musicroom after with Winona. 

BTS online concert. 

Drag S.

Trying Tsiklet and Mango Grapes.

Bulacan.

Con.

Rustic mornings. 

Golf Driving Range.

Ortigas to BGC real quick.

Popeyes.

Arcovia.

Make hatid bea. 

Christmas. 

Gc3 auto lounge.

Jico’s despidida.

Yoos Korean BBQ at Pearl Drive

“Wag mokong ingittin sa S21 mo. Magaaway tayo”

Computer building. 

Valentines at Clark Noreng Chicken at Friendship because you don’t like to eat at JunJuns then went to Subic to meet up with Gian? your friend.

Harbor Point.

Starbucks.

Cafe Espresso.

“Picturan mo kami habang naglalakad ung candid ah”

Greenstreet.

Pho Hoa.

Pet shop supplies. 

Woofpack.mnl.

Harley.

Cartimar. 

PET ALLEY.

Shima Japanese at BF Paranaque.

Plant shopping.

"Iba nanaman kotse niya". 

Batman cake. 

Letters.

“My Future Pilot”

Portable vacuum. 

Space sweepers. 

Air Double bed. 

Baby pictures. 

Deodorant Mall Hopping.

Tagaytay. 

Josh.

Lunch under the sky.

Carwash.

Convoy to Tagaytay Highlands non-stop screaming and this is not your car.

Tagaytay Highlands. 

Jurassic Park Cake cause you said you wanted a Jurassic Park Cake.

I remembered us when I watched Kissing Booth 3 a while ago. I know I may not the be perfect boyfriend to you I have flaws that makes you jump off or made you let go of us for how many times already but you always give me the last decision for us. I’m regretting my decision and I’m missing you.. missing us.

Remember you always tell me that we are destined to be with each other that we have this invisible string thats linked to the two of us that whatever happens we will always find our way back to each other.

I hate myself for losing you.

[wintych]

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MAN WHO EARN AND BROKE MY TRUST. (The day I decide to give you space before letting you go)

Hi Babo, kamusta? I bet pag mabasa na nimo ni, im slowly healing na, :) Babo, still remember those times, i don’t want to trust or take a risk for a relationship, cause daghan kay kog issues? Then i told you, if makahulat ka, basig naay chance? Im praying to God nga pag dili man gale pure imong intentions, mas maayu kuhaon ka ni Lord, pero grabe bai, after 3 months, nag uyab nta, idk, i can see in your eyes how pure and innocent are you, and how different you are from other guys, You made me feel, safe haven those times, swerte kay ko sa akong kamaldita, wala kay emik, ni shut up rka, og gisabot ko nimo, Then you made me realize nga, elegal tika, para dli one sided, so kulba kaayu ko, that God is soo Good, smooth ra kaayu, until sa mas legal nata, even put chain lock on our fb status na legal ta. so free nka makalaag2 sa balay sa akong brother.

We create moments and deep talks, then i tried to enter and destroy your walls, then i realize how valuable and how much i wanted to love you and embraced everything about you. I trusted you so much that i gave everything to you, even helping you financially, vice versa, goes thats what lovers do right? and start to dream and plan for our future right after I pass my board exam.  I even seriously said nga sus maski pag magpakasal nko sa imoa sa Judge next year (2021, this year cause we started soul connection on March 2020) then you smiled.

You were there, while im procrastinating about my theis subject, to finishing my degree and even attending my graduation pictorial. Grabe we’ve just known for almost 8 months, then felt like kaila na kaayu ta. i already told you na magcebu ko after pandemic, but pandemic last this longer, so i decided with your pleading power to have self review, sulayan basi diay makapasar with God’s guidance. 

So review days start, naay away kay dili pa tika masabtan, naa koy needs nga dili nimo ma.attain, disappoints pero guess wat? im learning to understand you more deeper. i made balik2 things,but im learning. So in the middle of review days, nabikil mi ni kuya and decided to go home, am so hesitant to be home, kay magLDR ta pero tungod kay nagsalig kos imoa, i went home, then abe ko mas mstrong ta duha, pero constant ghpon ang commu, nak adjust nkos imoa, and even focused on studying more, then here it goes, so shock nga wala lng man ka nagpahibalo nga akong name sa in a relationship is cannot be seen anymore, Baboo i asked you, nganu? then you asked dili ikaw ana? and i burst out, nagging and saying those words out of control. cause its not once, its been twice, first you hide it, then to not seeing my name anymore?

So i calmed myself and said sorry cause you are still in the middle of your work so i decide to txt you, to talk on your bhaus. Then it all started, you dont want to talk to me anymore, no answered calls, youve already ghosted me for almost 6 days not having any answers nor talks from you? and it hurt so bad, im so distracted, you didnt even bother for my feelings, babo? why? just because i bursted out like that your going to throw away everything we build? why? why wont you dare talk to me? is there really someone new? babo why? why those nicknames and in a relationship of your hasnt change? why? T.T why leave me those thoughts, and what ifs, Babo, why? and the most funny thing is, i decide to give you space and im hoping that we will be okay after all, but deep inside me, you could possibly leave me forever. Babo i trusted you, everything i trusted you and waited for you. So i decided to wait until feb 13, 2021, and here i am crying breaking down, praying that you will give me answers, and thinking that any sooner will end up separate ways, but deep inside me, hoping that you would comeback cause i will embrace you fully again. T.T i know i cant do anything to change your mind for now, but my weapon will only prayers, and praying that we will be back to normal eve its impossible T.T please dont give up, i invested on this beacuse you want me to trust and love you with all of me T.T. and now were you? just keep on seening me and its fucking hard! T.T please comeback for the last time T.T lets work on this T.T sorry, ill make it up to you more.

But i know its impossible T.T may miracles happen T.T

waiting until feb 13 T.T i miss you so bad T.T

-Babi,

01/31/21

[kpopfanfictrash]

The 7th Prince (V)

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Pairing: You / GOT7

Rating: PG

Word Count: 3,806

Summary: A land under a curse. Seven mysterious princes. A decision that will make or break the Kingdom. (idea from this post here, by @cyjsgirl​)

At least you have tonight to look forward to. Bambam’s parties are, if nothing else, entertaining. They offer a chance for you to escape. Something you greatly desire. You grin, remembering Jinyoung’s rather correct assessment of character.

Y/N, the escapist.

For tonight – definitely.

It’s cold. Much colder than the midnight market and as a result, you’re shivering five seconds after you leave the coach. You frown into the wind, clutching Yugyeom’s arm tighter. “I regret everything,” you mutter, ducking your head against the gale.

Yugyeom grins, pulling you closer. “What specifically?”

“Wearing this dress.”

At this, your brother’s expression sours. “I can’t say I’m a fan,” he grumbles. “Although likely every male in attendance will be.”

You’re wearing a deep emerald, almost black dress. Threads of silver weave to create the illusion of leaves in the moonlight. Your hair is loose, brushed out in waves around your shoulders with a deep, plunging neckline which already has your brother worried. The sleeves of your dress are long but the neckline is so dramatic that altogether, it creates a rather revealing appearance.

Yugyeom looks on disapprovingly. “I know you’re a grown woman and can dress however you want, but -”

“Yes, I am a grown woman,” you interrupt.

Yugyeom laughs, nodding in defeat. “Okay, fine. I’ll shut up.”

The walkway to Quinque’s palace is made entirely of glass, clear and beautiful beneath your feet. Exposed to the brutal elements though, so you’re shivering by the time you arrive at the doorway. You hop from foot to foot to keep yourself warm, Yugyeom laughing at your antics the entire time. 

Before you can knock twice, Bambam throws open his door. “Welcome!”

The Prince of Quinque is dressed entirely in purple and silver tonight. Even his hair is dyed an ashy grey which makes his gaze seem darker, smokier somehow. Bambam steps aside and grins. “Everyone is down the main hall. Feel free to explore, but don’t get lost.”

“Does your mother know this is happening?” Yugyeom asks, shrugging off his jacket.

Bambam waves a hand. “That’s neither here nor there.”

“So, no,” you say, stepping between them.

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”

You laugh at this, peering down the hall. “I wish you the best of luck on keeping this a secret, Bambam. It sounds as though half the Kingdom is already here.”

“Oh no,” Bambam wrinkles his forehead. “This party is much more exclusive than that.” Offering the two of you a low bow, he quickly shoos you away. “Enjoy!”

You and your brother leave as the knocker sounds. Things in the hallway are relatively quiet, although in the distance you can hear the sounds of the party getting started. Muted music and laughter echoing from around the bend. Bambam’s parties are notorious for being fun, enigmatic and full of risk. Bambam lives for this kind of thing, for creating enjoyment in others.

Tonight is no exception. When Yugyeom pushes open those doors, you find yourself wide-eyed with wonder. The palace is half-lit by crystals which hang loosely from the ceiling. Fountains pouring mid-way down the walls and everything else in black, purple or bright silver. It creates an aura similar to the night sky – albeit a more eclectic, wilder one than the one outside.

It’s as though the night were scraped inside out. Pulled through a loophole and emerged twisted. Twisted, but beautiful. As you descend the patterned staircase, you see other partygoers start to mingle. Talking and laughing, drinking from their silver goblets as they begin to dance.

“You okay without me?” Yugyeom whispers once you reach the bottom.

You nod, shooing him forward. “Go on, have fun.” The girl your brother is staring at you recognize as the same he’s had a crush on for forever. You don’t want to deny Yugyeom time with her.

Quietly stepping aside, you slip from view. Fading to the outskirts of the room, which you honestly prefer. Away from the hustle and bustle Bambam and Yugyeom inevitably bring. You end up at the drinks table, lifting a goblet from one end to sniff its contents. It smells like wine, so you take a sip. Then another, as you recognize the taste.

“Princess?”

The voice makes you start, almost dropping your drink when you whirl around. Im Jaebum smiles back at you, amused by your reaction.

Hastily, you drop into a curtsey. “Prince Im.”

When you rise, you’re surprised he’s laughing. “There’s no need to call me that. Jaebum is fine.”

“Alright. Jaebum.” 

The corner of Jaebum’s mouth lifts in an almost-smile. “So,” he says, scanning the room. “You come here often?”

There’s no judgment in his question, just curiosity. As Jaebum stares, you notice how uncomfortable he looks. It’s as though he doesn’t know how to stand casually. Or where to put his hands. You get the feeling that Im Jaebum doesn’t come to many gathering like this.

“Sometimes,” you smile, switching your drink to the other hand. “But you don’t, do you?”

Jaebum looks back, startled. “What gave you that impression?”

“Your hand is on your sword,” you inform him. “Typically the worst threat at one of Bambam’s parties is if he decides to serenade the audience in song or not.”

Jaebum laughs, said hand falling from his hilt. “That does sound dangerous. I’m afraid I’m used to a different sort of evil.”

Though his words are light, their implication makes you sad. Jaebum has had it even worse than you have, you realize. You’re expected to marry and become Queen. Jaebum gave up any choice or childhood he had long before you. He gave up that fun, excitement, hopes and dream to be the warrior he is now. A man who has known little levity over the course of his young lifetime.

The thought spurs you to grab his hand. Jaebum looks surprised at your motion, fingers intertwining with his. “Come on,” you say. “I have something to show you.”

As you move past the crowd of people, you grab a second goblet. Press it quickly into his hand. “Take that.”

He allows it to happen, letting himself be pulled along. Jaebum’s smile flashes white as you slip in and out of darkness. The noise of the party fades behind you, reduced to mere pinpricks by distance. When you find the door you were looking for, you push it open to reveal a thin, stone staircase. At the top is a terrace – small, nothing like your one in Senary. It’s the most beautiful view in the Kingdom, though.  At least, to you it is.

Quinque, along with Senary are the two westernmost city-states. When you gaze east, you see the entire Kingdom before you. Spread out in sprawling hills and architecture, rambling down until it finds the sea. The lights farthest are Duo, lapping along the shores of the ocean. Duo is a land of ambassadors, a land of travelers and merchants. Also the land of Wang Jia Er.

You turn back, focusing on the Prince beside you. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Jaebum is looking at you. “Yes. It is.”

Taking a sip of wine, you blush as you look at the land. “I used to come here when I was younger,” you confess. Spreading a hand over the stone wall of Quinque. “When Yugyeom visited Bambam, I’d come out here. Sit on this terrace and stare at the sea. It seemed so small from this distance.”

“Small but wild.” A smile plays on Jaebum’s lips. “Like many things.”

You nod. The moment is still, except for the distant flap of wings. 

Suddenly, you turn to face him. “Jaebum.”

His eyebrows rise. “Yes?”

“You seem like an honest man.” You stop, unsure how to continue. He does seem honest - which is why you enjoy speaking with him. You’ve enjoyed everything about your time with Im Jaebum, actually. “What do you think I should do?” you ask, voice tentative.

Jaebum seems startled by the question. “What?”

“What should I do?” you ask, voice dropping. “What I mean is, should I marry you, Im Jaebum?”

Wide, dark eyes stare back at you until slowly, the Prince of Unum shakes his head.

“No?” Your pulse drops, the world around you fading. “No.”

You knew this could happen. Knew that it would happen, logically. If you asked, you knew you’d find out that this game is nothing more than that - a game. This man, this moonlight, this glasses of wine. All just atmosphere. Flighty, flimsy, but nothing substantial. No one who truly, actually wants to marry you. All these men want is a heir for the throne. A Princess for their Kingdom. The fact that you’re you is of little consequence.

Fear clenches your chest, weakening your knees. You hate this feeling. Hate feeling like you’re a burden and so you turn away, struggling to hold in the tears already pricking at your eyelids.

There’s a sudden hand upon your arm. 

“It’s not you,” Jaebum says, turning you towards him. His eyes are wide and you realize this is the most emotion he’s shown all night. “Gods,” he groans, lowering his head. “I am so, so sorry.” 

His hand reaches to wipe away your tear but you push his hand away. “I’d prefer if you didn’t touch me right now, Prince Im.”

Jaebum drops his hand. His expression is bleak and it’s this, more than anything that makes you pause. His voice was distraught, and so you find yourself taking a step closer. “It’s not me?” you ask.

Jaebum shakes his head. “No. It’s not. It’s me, me and my stupid self.”

You tilt your head, studying him. “How so?”

Jaebum’s slowly exhales. “I’m in love with someone else.”

That wasn’t… what you expected. 

You blink, reconciling this new piece of information. “You’re in love with someone else.”

Jaebum nods. “But I can’t marry her,” he adds. Soft, so that you barely hear.

“Why not?” The stone is still cool, rough beneath your palm. And then you realize. “Ah,” you say, some of your anger dissipating. “She’s not royal.”

The Prince nods. “She’s the daughter of my former tutor. We had lessons together, until my feelings were so obvious that my tutor informed my father. We were separated then – I was then sent to the front and she was sent away.”

His story surprises you. “I haven’t heard this,” you admit. Out of all the tales about Im Jaebum, none of them included a girl.

“Yes, well.” Jaebum smiles, the motion quick and fleeting. “It isn’t something my father likes to publicize.”

Your gaze moves away from him, lost in thought. Across the fields there are tiny, sleeping towns. Sloping hillsides and far-off castles. It all looks so normal but nothing in this Kingdom is as it should be. Jaebum should be able to marry whomever he loves. Jinyoung shouldn’t have to consider marrying you at all. Your brother shouldn’t be forced into being King. You should be allowed to rule alone.

None of it makes sense and thinking this, your gaze slides to Jaebum. “Despite my initial reaction,” you say. “I’m not mad at you.”

Jaebum looks as though he’s trying not to laugh. “You’re not?”

“No.” Exhaling, you turn to face him fully. “How can I be? We’ve only met twice. That’s hardly enough time to fall in love with someone.”

Jaebum shrugs. “Some people have fallen in less.”

“I haven’t,” you say, ignoring his words. “I’ve never been in love.”

“Then you’re one of the lucky ones, I’d say.” Jaebum’s smile is rather sad. 

A feeling you return. “Sometimes,” you nod, looking away. “I feel that way too.”

The two of you stand that way for a while, just enjoying each other’s company. Just existing, without having to worry about the rest of things. Without having to charm, flirt, think about representing your country. It’s nice just to be… you. For once.

“I’m glad I told you” Jaebum’s says, his voice cutting in the night. “It was killing to keep that inside. To act as though I was free, as though I was whole. I just – if you had ended up choosing me, you would have been with half a person. Half of me already is elsewhere.”

“That’s a lovely thought,” you sigh, staring dreamily across the landscape. “To belong partly elsewhere.”

“’Nice’ isn’t the right word I’d use,” Jaebum laughs. “Painful is more accurate.”

“Love is pain,” you quote and though Jaebum laughs, he trails into thoughtful silence.

“I know it’s a cliché,” he says, gaze flickering to yours. “But how could it not be painful to give a part of yourself? Look,” He gestures with his glass. “Even this war once was out of love.”

You’ve heard that rumor. That the reason Septum was cursed in the first place was because their King loved the witch. “Is it true?” you ask, breathless. “Did the witch really love him?”

“Maybe.” Jaebum shrugs, taking another sip. “I like to think so. Somehow it makes my own sacrifice easier. To give up my love, my life to rectify the love of another. That seems a fitting legacy.”

Silence falls, this one heavy and quiet.

At last you sigh. “Are you asking me not to choose you, Im Jaebum?”

Jaebum stills, you see him from the corner of your eye. “Not necessarily.”

You face him now. Dropping your arms, along with all attempt at pretense. “What are you saying, then?”

“I’m saying I want to be honest with you,” Jaebum confesses. “I’m saying that I love someone else and don’t think I could ever love you back.” Jaebum says all this in a rush, all in an exhale. “If, after all that, you still want my hand… I would be more than happy to ally our Kingdoms.”

“If, after all that…” you repeat. It’s a lot to think about.

Jaebum sets his glass down. “I know I can’t marry the one I love,” he says. You look over and meet his gaze, wind whipping dark tendrils of hair across his visage. “If you know that you can’t love the other princes though, I would be happy to accept your hand. I can’t say I don’t find you intriguing, Y/N.” Jaebum laughs, the noise of it disappearing into the night.

You smile back at him. “I’ll keep that in mind.” As you take another sip of wine, you look at your hands. “So. Tell me about this girl.”

You stay out there for a while, until you actually start to shiver and Jaebum forces you back inside. He drapes his cloak over your shoulders and ushers you forward. “It’s all hopeless, anyways,” he says, grinning as the two of you enter the hall. “Youngjae is going to be the one to sweep you off your feet. Mark my words.”

The two of you are like that – laughing, talking – when you spot him. From the corner of your eye, you see a hooded figure duck out of sight. The tail end of a cloak whipping around the corner. Your heart races as, for a moment, you wonder.

Turning to Jaebum, you quietly slip his cloak from your shoulders. “Thank you,” you say, handing it back. “It was very much appreciated.”

Jaebum takes the fabric from your hands. “I’m glad we talked,” he nods.

“I enjoyed our conversation, too.” You mean it. If Jaebum can’t be your husband, at least you can look forward to having him as a friend. “May there be many more to come.”

Bowing, Jaebum smiles when he leaves.

You stand there for a moment longer, hardly daring to think about what you do next. Which is turn around. Slip through the shadows until you arrive at that one corner of the wall. The corner you saw a shadow disappear from sight. The one which you disappear around as well, moving down the dimly lit hall that makes you squint. Inching one step forward at a time to peer into the gloom.  

“Mark?” you whisper. “Mark?”

No one answers and you take another step.

Of course no one answers. Mark isn’t here. That mysterious man has, unfortunately haunted your thoughts ever since the midnight market. He would never be here though, never attend Bambam’s party. Mark isn’t noble, nor is he upper class. You would have recognized him if he were. You would have known, if he – a hand slips around your mouth.

The hand stifles your scream, pulling you back until your shoulders hit someone’s chest.

“I thought my name was Robin Hood?” Mark whispers in your ear.

And then he’s letting you go, spinning you around while he laughs handily. Collapsing slightly against the wall to keep himself upright. Mark is again, dressed entirely in black. From his tunic, his gloves, even his cloak is midnight.

You frown, crossing your arms tightly over your chest. “That wasn’t funny,” you snap.

Mark’s laughter echoes in the hall, loud enough that you grow worried about someone hearing and grab his hand, ducking the two of you into the closest enclave.

Mark seems surprised by this. He keeps looking at your hand, wrapped in his with a slightly shocked expression. In this enclave, only his face is visible. The candlelight makes his features flicker, more shadow than substance.

“Why are we here?” Mark whispers, voice exaggerated.

“Because,” you say, glancing over one shoulder. “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.”

“Ah.” Mark grins. “Strangers, still? After I saved your life,” he frowns, shaking his head. “Chilling, the ease with which you dismiss me.”

You narrow your eyes, dropping his hand. “I already said thanks, you prick. Multiple times.”

“You thanked me once,” Mark points out. “But I understand that you’re using hyperbole for comedic effect.”

You cuff him sharply on the elbow.

“Hey!” Mark exclaims, surprised.

“Is for horses,” you grin.

“God.” Mark rolls his eyes. “With witticism like that, who needs court jesters?”

You forgot how attractive he is. Even now, glaring and half-hidden from sight, your pulse races. You push away this thought, remembering who you are and why you’re here.

“What are you doing?” you ask, squinting up at him. “You don’t seem like the type to hang around these kinds of parties. Also - forgive me if this is rude - but you have the look like a spy and I have to question that.”

“A spy?” Mark’s lips quirk into a smile. “Pray tell, what does a spy look like Princess?”

“You know,” you say, gesturing vaguely. “All black and no smile. What’s up with that?”

“Black is slimming.” 

You snort, crossing your arms. “You just don’t seem the type to go to one of Bambam’s parties.”

“And you do?” Mark counters, before he frowns. “Bambam? You mean the Prince of Quinque?”

“Yes.” Your eyebrows draw together. “Everyone calls him Bambam. Where are you even from?”

For the first time, Mark looks uncomfortable. “Around,” he says vaguely, looking past.

“What does that mean?” His expression is so evasive that your own eyes widen. “Are you even from Morsus? Or,” you gasp as the thought occurs to you. “From across the sea?”

Maybe Mark is from one of those countries you’ve yet to visit. Those strange, distant lands - it would explain the odd choice in clothing. It would also explain why you’ve never seen him before. Why he doesn’t really know Morsian customs – or rather why he knows them, but doesn’t know how to use them. You remember his formal, royal greeting in the city and smile.

Mark’s gaze slides back to yours. “Yes,” he answers, more definitively this time. “I didn’t want to say, since I didn’t know how you felt about those nations.”

“Really?” Your eyes widen. “I find them fascinating. Tell me more,” you insist, pulling on his sleeve. “Tell me where you come from. What’s the name? What’s it like? Is it true there’s no magic there? No curses, no wars? Is it true that the people are all wealthy and brilliant and happy?”

Mark’s face falters, just a little as he laughs. “That’s a lot of questions.” He surveys you. “I don’t want to tell you its name. And it’s a place, like any other. Some things are better, some things are worse. Magic still exists but there, it’s celebrated not feared. People often use it to help one another.”

The thought of magic being celebrated gives you pause. “Really?”

As long as you can remember, magic has been something of a dark subject. Logically, you know that’s not right. There are all different kinds of magic. Gifts which heal, not harm. Some magic can bring light, some magic saves. But then there are humans who command death. Humans who reign curses. Ones who call upon pain and anger, skin bristling with the current of fear.

This is the kind of magic you’re used to. This is why magic is feared in Morsus.

“Really.” Mark’s gaze is earnest. “Things are… different, across the sea.”

You frown, still trying to understand. “But how? How can things be peaceful with magic around? Look at what happened to our kingdom.”

Mark’s expression sours. “Magic didn’t hurt Morsus, Y/N. Magic is neutral, it doesn’t corrupt - humans do. Even in a world devoid of magic, humans would still find ways to hurt one other.”

He’s right. You stare at Mark, unsure of how to respond. You’ve seen enough politics and mind games to know that even without magic – humans are still capable of plenty of harm. Like this stupid rule imposed on you, to marry a Prince.

Mark watches your expression change. “You see?” he breathes.

You’re suddenly very aware of how close you are.  There’s not enough space between you, Mark’s body is just inches away. And yet, you don’t find yourself wanting to move. 

Tilting your head back, you look at him. “You do have an interesting way of seeing things, don’t you?”

Mark’s lip curves. “You have an interesting way of listening.”

The space around you falls silent as you seem to run out of words. “Well,” you say, blinking back at him. “I should probably get back to the party.”

“Should you?”

His question hangs in the air. Yes, you should. Yes, you should find your brother, you should return to your responsibilities. You should mingle, talk, dance with others. You should do all these things, but you don’t.

“Or,” you say, pausing. “You could tell me more about this land you can’t name?”

Mark’s eyes glimmer. “What do you want to know?”

[Master List]