#inspired by a conversation I had with princess (she's very smart)

[psychotrenny]

The contemporary corporate culture around mental health awareness/support is so fucking agonising. It's like this play-acting of social responsibility by forcing people to sit through empty platitudes and useless advice written by and for bougie fucks whose greatest mental health issue is feeling a little stressed before their monthly performance review. To add injury to insult, many of the institutions pushing this stuff the hardest are the ones most responsible for the material conditions that actually cause or exacerbate so many mental health problems. Like having decent working conditions or reliable access to housing is gonna improve mental health a lot more than breathing exercises and mindfulness.

[firelordsfirelady]

XVI. Prisoner Heist

Author: @firelordsfirelady

Imagine: When Y/N—a princess of one of the Water Tribes—is told she’s leaving her tribe, she never expects that she’s to be betrothed to the Fire Lord’s son, nor was she prepared to be exiled the very day she arrived at the Fire Nation. With her life in the hands of her new fiancée, how will life change for the princess? 

Pairing: Zuko x F!Reader

Trigger warnings: arranged marriage, feelings of fear, banishment, mentions of burns/abuse, frustration, violence, betrayal

Word Count: 2054

Destined to be Yin and Yang 

I own no rights to Avatar the Last Airbender or any of the characters/story. 

Author’s Notes

The characters as all aged up so Zuko’s banishment happens when he’s 16 

Keep in mind I am bringing a unique world with inspiration from ATLA in their characters, some of the events that happen, bending, etc. Not many things may align or occur with what happened in the show. It’s intended that way, so I hope you enjoy it regardless.

See Y/N’s inspiration here. 

Destined to be Yin and Yang Soundtrack (YouTube)

With the light of the moon guiding me through the shadows of the city, I snuck my way outside of the palace’s walls where a lonely guard stood on alert. Knocking her out with a rear naked chokehold, I drug the body into a nearby shed before I stripped her of her Earthbender armor and tied her to a wooden post in the room. Putting on the uniform, I quietly made my way back to the unconscious guard’s post before walking towards the front gates. I gave a nod to the guards as I walked past them and into the palace.

Once inside, I walked around while trying my best to look like I was in that location with intention before I arrived downstairs at the holding cells. Another Earthbender guard was talking to an older Earthbender guard as I arrived, but I stuck to the shadows as I listened to their conversation.

“Sir, I was assigned prisoner transfer duty,” Zuko’s innocent voice floated through the air around me and my eyes widened as I realized he had also come up with the same idea to rescue his uncle. “But I’m…late. If my commander finds out--” Zuko’s words were spoken with uncertainty. “I’m already in enough trouble this month….” A small moment of silence passed between the two before the Earthguard spoke.

“The Firebender was taken to the Pit; the other prisoner is still here.” My eyebrows furrowed at the mention of a second prisoner. 

“The other prisoner?” Zuko asked the same question I thought in my head.

“Yeah. The bald kid. He’s with the King right now.” I frowned as I realized the predicament Zuko must’ve felt at this moment, but I hoped he was smart enough to know that he had better luck rescuing his uncle than taking on the whole earth kingdom with no help other than a Waterbender.

“Thank you sir. I will make haste to catch up.”

“Don’t forget that the path through the forest is the fastest route. Take the shortcut through the tunnels ahead to try and catch up.” The Earthbender guard bowed as Zuko did and then left down another hallway. Once the guard was out of sight, I quietly stepped out of the shadows and down the stairs. Zuko turned to look at me, but I knew the dimly lit hallway hid the details of my face just as well as it hid Zuko’s.

“At ease, soldier.” Putting my hands up in mock surrender, I softly spoke the words. The tension in Zuko’s shoulders slightly eased as he realized when I stepped closer that I was a friend. “Come on, we’re late enough for the prisoner transfer as it is.” Zuko nodded as we walked through the tunnel like the Earthbender had said and arrived to a small trail in the woods around the palace.

Once we were a safe enough distance away, Zuko and I tossed the helmets away and started running along the road in hopes to catch up to the convoy. After a few hours, I had to slow down to a stop as Zuko and I reached a split in the road. I was breathing heavily as my lungs tried to compensate for the intense amount of running we had just done, but I was suddenly thankful for all the days I would drive the crew crazy running laps around the deck. Resting my hands on my knees, I watched Zuko walk over to the path on the right and lean down to pick something off of the ground. I straightened up as Zuko did, but I couldn’t see whatever he had picked up.

“This way.” Zuko called back to me over his shoulder before he started off down the right path, and I was not too far behind him. As Zuko and I jogged along the path, I watched the thin sticks of the trees in the forest around us slowly disappear as an early morning fog crept in and permeated the forest. We came to a small clearing where we could see the imprints of wagon wheels in the moisten road of the path.

“They were here recently.” I said as I leaned down and touched the slightly damp spot on the ground. “We are close, Zuko.” I stood up and wiped my hands on my earthbender outfit then looked ahead of us. “We may be able to cut them off if we travel on either side of the trail.” I stripped off the heavy gear that weighed me down, and I let out a relieved sigh as I didn’t realize just how heavy that piece was for me. Looking back to the Firebender, I found him staring at me, and I felt my heart somersault in my chest before I moved to the right side of the trail. “You lead, I’ll follow.”

We heard the convoy before we saw them, and I briefly looked at Zuko as he jumped to set a tree on fire in front of the large bird an Earthbender leading the convoy was riding. Both of the large birds threw their rider off as the tree crashed down to block the convoy’s route before snapping at the humans and running away from them. Throwing a ball to block the back side of the cart in, Zuko jumped and landed in front of the convoy. I followed his lead as I used the back ledge of the cart to jump and kick the guard in the back. I formed a small block of ice at the bottom of my foot as it connected with his cheek, sending him flying back with an audible thud on the side of the road. Landing of my left foot, I spun on my heel and roundhouse kicked one of the guards that tried to run towards me. I shifted to attack the guard again when a blast of fire from behind the Earthbender made the man drop to the ground in front of me.

Looking over, I watched as Zuko approached Iroh’s outstretched hands and used a downward kick of fire to bust the metal chains binding the older Firebender’s wrists. I tried not to think about the heat rushing to my cheeks as I turned my attention to the Earthbenders as they helped on of the men up. I walked forward as Zuko sent a fireblast their way as he leapt over the wagon and flipped to the ground beside me. Iroh joined Zuko’s other side as the three of us looked at the three Earthbenders.

Two of the earth benders pulled two large chunks of rock from the earth and sent them in our direction. Zuko pulled me back as Iroh used one of the chains that had been wrapped around him as a heated whip to break both of the chunks apart. Letting go of me, Zuko used one hand to flip in front of Iroh as he released a spin kick full of fire and knocking down the two Earthbenders. I gathered the water molecules from the fog around us and encased the remaining Earthbender’s upperbody in a case of ice to prevent him from bending the rock from the earth as Iroh flung his chain like a whip. The chain wrapped around the Earthbender’s leg and sent the Earthbender falling to the ground as Iroh pulled the chain quickly. My ice shattered as the guard fell to the ground. Iroh walked towards the Earthbender with a serious look on his face. As the Earthbender scrambled to crawl backwards from the older Firebender, Iroh gathered his chains into his right hand as he stood above the guard.

“Do it.” The guard said through clenched teeth as he accepted his fate. The forest around us fell silent as I held my breath to see what the older Firebender would do. He took some deep breaths as he looked at the younger man on the ground.

“We’ve all seen enough death.” Iroh turned away from the guard and walked towards Zuko and I. Zuko turned to follow Iroh. As I turned to do the same, I saw the guard quickly get up and let out an angry grunt. Without blinking I felt a sharp sting as a large sharp rock pierced my shoulder and let out a sharp cry as I sent ice daggers at the Earthbender. Closing my eyes and gripping the protrusion of the rock implanted in my shoulder, I focused on keeping my breathing even as I pulled the rock out. Biting back a scream of pain, I toss the rock to the ground before placing a hand against the bleeding wound as I faced the two Firebenders.

“We need to go.” Iroh said as he looked around us. “There will be more of them coming.”

“But Y/N--” I waved a dismissive hand at Zuko’s concerned words as I walked between the two of them.

“We need to go, Prince Zuko.” I said while applying slight pressure to my wound. My heart squeezed within my ribcage, and I couldn’t look at the man whose voice held concern for me as I led the walk towards the boat.

Once the sun had almost set behind the horizon, the three of us arrived at the boat we used to get to the shore. Climbing into the boat, I bit my tongue to control the yelp as my wound reopened from the motion. After Iroh and Zuko settled into the boat, I used my waterbending to coax the boat into the water.

“It seems like we are always getting on or off boats.” Iroh lightheartedly said as Zuko rowed away from the coast. I let out a small chuckle at the older man’s words, but the motion of laughter caused a slight grimace on my face. Silence filled the boat briefly as Zuko stopped paddling as he looked up at the sky above us. Looking above us, I could barely make out the dark silhouette of a large flying creature in the darkened sky.

“What is it, Zuko?” Iroh asked as the figure disappeared behind the treeline.

“It’s nothing.” The younger Firebender said without turning back to look at Iroh as he slowly started to paddle again.

“Are you alright?” Iroh asked as he shifted his attention to me. The older Firebender’s face showed his sorrow for my injury. I shrugged, but put most of the effort into the side that wasn’t hurt. Shifting slightly to lean over the side, I rinsed my hands in the water as Zuko slowly padded. Once my hands were clean, I sat up as I maneuvered the water to create a small wave to propel the small canoe along back to the ship. Zuko turned to look at me as he opened his mouth to say something, but he closed his mouth at the shake of my head as I avoided eye contact with him. “It’s faster than you paddling.”

“You’re bleeding again.” Zuko’s soft words caused me to look down at the white undershirt of the Earthbender armor that was red with fresh blood from the small wound in my shoulder.

You’re just a distraction. Zuko’s words echoed in my mind as I sped up the boat a bit and avoided any further eye contact with the eyes staring at me with concern. 

“It’s a mere flesh wound.” Iroh bit back a bark of laughter that helped to offset the rapid pounding within my chest.

Once we arrived back to the ship, I bit the side of my cheek as I climbed the rope ladder first to get back on the boat. Lieutenant Jee helped me up, but accidentally grabbed a tender area of my injured shoulder and I couldn’t hold back the cry of pain. I was quickly released as I held a gentle hand to my shoulder.

“I’m sorry--” I dismissed the Lieutenant’s apology with a wave of my hand.

“It’s okay Lieutenant Jee.” I heard Zuko’s angry steps as I saw the Lieutenant’s face pale at the man approaching. “Calm down, Prince Zuko.” My calm words made him stop behind me. “He couldn’t have known. Show him a bit of mercy, please.”

“I am tired.” I announced without turning around to look at the man with the heated stare, then I left to go to my room.

Tag List @chevysstuffs @puttyly @ginger24880 @night-fall-moon @junieshohoho @0kauy @coolgirl458 @hypnoticbeing @angelruinz @preeyansha @playboygeniusphilanthropist @ssonniiu  @chi-ara @hagridshaircare @stell404 @kyo-kyo1 @herondale-lightworm @simonsbluee @nadlx33333 @nerdisthenewcool @jewelsrules @soggycrout0n @mymomsdisappointment

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Okay this might be a little all over the place so I apologize in advance! I just read the last chapter of The Princess & The Playboy (spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read it yet!!) and I have so much to say.

Firstly, that was a whole roller coaster of emotions. I’m so glad Eric taught Y/N how to protect herself rather than just being protected, the idea of having Sebastian on tape threatening them was a smart move on her part. Also I’m so excited that we finally got Sleric endgame! I’m so very happy Eric and Sloane were able to take a chance on each other, and we’re both willing to continue working it out. They both deserve so much happiness in their lives and I’m glad they found their way back to each other. Not to mention I just love Eric as a character overall, he is such a big brother to Y/N and he’s managed to climb his way up into my top 3 favorite OC’s of all time:))

“I swear to god I'm quitting this job,” grumbled Eric, flipping Dean the bird as he left.

"That's his love language," you said, Dean laughing.

This exchange alone is one of the many reason why I love Eric so much, that big teddy bear.

I don’t even think words can describe how I felt finding out that Y/N was never actually responsible for picking up Max that day and her parents blamed her anyway knowing it wasn’t her fault. She didn’t deserve that at all and I’m so glad she has good people in her life who won’t hesitate to tell her that. Finding out the connections between the Cherry Blossoms to all of Y/N’s songs made me cry in the best way (and honestly has me wishing Finish Line was an actual song, I’d love to know it if was inspired by anything). I’m glad we got to see the quite a bit of the aftermath of Sam and Max being back, and I love that they had each other, they kept each other as okay as they could’ve been given their circumstances, and their friendship was really well written. The entire interaction between them all when they got to see Sam and Max again was adorable, I’m so glad they got back safe, and the fact that they decided to lovingly rag on their siblings upon seeing them for the first time in so long.

“You don’t know this yet but I really love you, kid.” He burrowed his head in the crook of my neck, nodding once.

MY HEART! You hit me right in the feels with this one. It was so sweet having Sam go to hug Y/N and Max hugging Dean.

Also, Deans conversation with Cecilia was great too, she deserved to know that it wasn’t her fault and she was not responsible for the actions of her father. And lastly, the orange sneakers making a comeback was so pure, even if they didn’t match a single thing Y/N was wearing, they couldn’t have fit in better.

Overall this whole fic was truly so amazing, it was so beautifully written and I’m so damn grateful you decided to not only create it but share it with us. Thank you so much for that!! I hope that one day you might revisit this world for a timestamp, but until then, I just want to say thank you again. Your work has helped brighten some of my bad days and I’ll forever be grateful for the joy you helped bring into my life with so many of your fics:))

Let me just say thank you for this wonderful review! And thank you for being so sweet! Being an escape for even a little while is a big part of why I share!

I'm so happy to see you pick up on all the little things I wanted to make sure got in there! Found family is such a big thing for all of these characters and seeing them all finally come together was a joy to write! Maybe someday we can revisit them and see how everyone is doing!

[wonlouvre]

pairing: doctor!wonwoo x lawyer!female oc genre: modern royalty, arranged marriage, fluff and angst word count: 3.7k WARNINGS: hospital setting, mentions of surgery/operation, blood, violence

a/n: so, this is it guys. the final part of ifliys :( i would like to extend my sincere thank yous to each and everyone who have read, liked, commented and shared this series. this is the very first fanfic i was able to finish/complete because of the support, love and motivation you all gave as i wrote this. don’t worry! there is an epilogue and i will announce what i have in store for them in the near future. in the meantime, this is part ten. thank you very much!

ten: moonlight | masterlist

The Queen is talkative. That’s one of the many quirks she has that you noticed when you were growing up. It’s not the uncomfortable or annoying kind of talkative. You really don’t know how to exactly put it, but she’s talkative in an elegant and easy-going way. One time, she decided to take a walk on a particularly busy street with only one member of the security detail assigned to tail her a few meters behind. She told you the whole story, excitedly. She was casually strolling and asking typical questions like what time is it to some vendors, passersby and the like. She even held a conversation about olive oil that lasted a good twenty minutes until the stranger she was talking to recognized who she was. You can tell that she had a blast as she laughed all through the evening. 

Spending time with her gradually dwindled because of your job paired with your official duties as the Crowned Princess. But when opportunity arises, you make sure to make it worth the wait. Conversations are easy with her because she’s trustworthy and most importantly, she’s your mother. She usually asks you random, yet unexpectedly relevant questions whenever the two of you share a cup of coffee or tea or when you go shopping and even now is no different, as you’re about to choose the right fabric for your wedding dress. 

“Describe the person that brings the best out of you.”

Ah, here we go. Your mother is surely not distracting you but her intent stares as she props her arm against the armrest of the white couch she’s sitting on is definitely pulling you away from the matter at hand. The look on your eyes is telling her really? and she fires back with an expecting one telling you a silent, “well? Come on. Tell me.”

You snort and shake your head, bringing your attention back to the table. You’re not denying your mother an answer because you know who to describe. It’s not that hard to figure out and you know she’s smart enough to know.

Jeon Wonwoo.

“How do you want me to describe? Personality or physical features?” You ask back and humor her as you fiddle with one lace material. 

“Both,” she challenges with a mischievous grin and you’re not one to back down. 

“Well, the person is quite tall and sharp in terms of physical features,” you start, doing your best to describe him implicitly. “Has a way with words, but they are all genuine and honest.”

Unbeknownst to you, your mother’s fond smile confirms your assumption that she is smart and that she knows who you’re talking about. But she presses on, loving how you describe this mysterious person. 

“What about those features then? How do they help you?”

You thought for a moment and when the right words came to mind, you didn’t hesitate to say, “They inspire me to do and be better not only for myself but for everyone else. Mostly it’s their genuineness and honesty that inspires me.”

You and your mother laugh together at your last sentence. 

It’s true though. After witnessing Wonwoo in the light of his Kingdom, something tugged at your heartstrings. You don’t exactly remember when, maybe it was around high school, but you remember adamantly telling your friends that you would want to be with someone that will bring the best out in you. Someone that can fuel your desire to be of service for the greater good. It sounds awfully used too often and you’re sure you’re not the only one who thinks this way, but as you have already said, it’s the truth.

Despite the circumstances, you found that someone. You found Wonwoo.

A few seconds later, Jeongyeon comes in with a knock and announces, “Your Majesty, Prince Wonwoo has arrived.”

Your eyes spring up at the name, distracted once again. And when you see the “tall” and “sharp” Prince, you’re quick to your feet and run towards him. He stumbles a little when you jump at him in a tight hug, arms clinging around his neck. Nonetheless, he smiles and welcomes your enthusiastic embrace with a soft smooch on the side of your head. 

“Wait,” you abruptly pull away. “You’re not supposed to be here, though.”

Wonwoo acts dumb, tilting his head to the side. “What do you mean? Her Majesty invited me to be here.”

“Calm down, Y/N,” you hear the culprit say behind your back as she stands up to greet her future son-in-law. “There’s no dress yet. It’s okay for him to be here.”

You subtly roll your eyes. You’re not one to be superficial but if there were a dress already, she’d take her words back. You return your arms back to Wonwoo’s waist and lean your chin against his chest, your lips pulling into a pout. He leans down to meet your lips with a quick peck but your mother was quicker to push you aside and to take her turn in giving him a hug. 

Your jaw drops and your pout is exchanged with a scowl. 

Wonwoo tries his best to hold his laughter but to no avail, fails as he formally greets the Queen. “Good afternoon, Your Majesty.” 

“Always good to see you, my Prince,” the Queen replies and gently pats his cheek. “And now that you’re here, I can finally take my leave.”

“Leave? We haven’t even picked a fabric yet,” you remind her and stand in between them. 

“Honey, you have been going back and forth since nine in the morning,” she retaliates and walks back to the couch to pick her bag up. “Let’s schedule for another day. Unless you want Wonwoo to leave and we continue.”

Your stance immediately takes a hundred eighty degree turn. “You know what, you’re right. Let’s clear Saturday next week and we’ll take it from there.”

“I thought so.”

With a knowing wink, the Queen takes off.

That memory was from about three weeks ago after your visit and vacation at Wonwoo’s Kingdom. Wedding planning was back and the two of you went your separate ways for the time being to prepare your respective attire and accessories. Wonwoo didn’t know you had that conversation with the Queen not until she told him here at the hospital where you lie unconscious and fighting for your life.

The Royal Hospital was once again swarmed with a plethora of men in black suits because the Crowned Princess of the Kingdom has been shot twice, one on her shoulder and another on her left leg. It was a failed attempt in assassinating the King but Kim Mingyu took the opportunity to target your vulnerability and let his men shoot you instead as if it was his plan b. Kim Mingyu, whom he never desires to meet, is finally in police custody. He didn’t try to elude his impending arrest. In fact, he knew he would get arrested. He just wanted to toy with people until he couldn’t anymore. 

Wonwoo has no words to spare to describe him and seeing his face and hearing his name everywhere and everytime is just making his blood boil. 

The Queen has never left the hospital from the moment she arrived while you were undergoing operation up to being placed in a private room. She was calm when Wonwoo stood up from the bench to respectfully address her. She just nodded her head when he couldn’t say a word without his lips trembling and enveloped him in a warm hug as he cried on her shoulder. 

She told him that the two of you haven’t spoken since your father’s arrest and it has been unbearably painful and challenging. She acknowledges how terrible and neglecting she has been as a mother when she knows how absolutely difficult this is for you. It’s even more heartbreaking because you never once complained. Instead you respected her silence and distance. She regrets her absence and seeing you lying on a bed, looking so cold and fragile is making her world completely fall apart.

“Wonwoo, I’m so sorry that this happened,” the Queen solemnly says and holds his hand tightly. “The Kingdom promises that everyone involved will be held accountable.”

Wonwoo nods. “I understand, Your Majesty. Our Kingdom will do so as well.”

“I also want you to know that Y/N never wanted to end the engagement,” she adds. “She was just afraid that someone like her doesn’t deserve to receive your love.”

Wonwoo didn’t know that you looked up to him. If anyone should be admired, it should be you because you were ready to drop everything just to uphold justice. It’s been three days after the operation and you still haven’t opened your eyes. The operation was successful. No artery nor major organs were damaged, but you did lose a lot of blood. Just like the Queen, Wonwoo has been by your side, patiently waiting. Right now despite your stable condition, he still feels like dying. 

The love of his life almost died before his eyes. 

Wonwoo rests his head on the small space beside your arm, similar to the first time he took care of you a few months back. He gazes at your peaceful face, silently begging for you to wake up. He wants to kiss, hear and hug you again. He wants to be with you again. 

“Wonwoo.”

He sits up straight at the sound of his name and finds the Queen sadly smiling at him.

“How about you go back to your apartment for today?” She suggests, taking the seat on your other side. “Take a long shower and have some shut eye? Hmmm?”

Wonwoo bites his bottom lip, hesitant to leave and not have his eyes on you. He badly wants to stay and be here when you finally wake up. But the Queen is right. You’re safe now so he has nothing to worry about anymore. 

Slowly, he stands up from the chair he’s been sitting on for who knows how long. He clasps his one hand around yours while the other sweeps the hair that’s covering your forehead and lands a gentle kiss there. You’re starting to warm up and that’s a relief. 

He talks to you every single day, hoping you’d hear his voice. For now, he’ll keep it to himself.

I love you.

Later in the evening, you find your mother quietly dozing off, her head swaying from left to right and vice versa as she remains upright on the couch placed near the wall. You blink your eyes and adapt to the sudden brightness greeting your senses. You try to move your head and take in your surroundings and after a few minutes of contemplating, you recognize where you’re at and remember everything. 

Dad.

Your violent gasp immediately roused your mother from her sleep and seeing you struggling to sit made her jolt up and hurry beside you. 

“Darling,” she calls and holds your thrashing arms down, worried that you’d worsen your wounds. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

“Dad,” you voice out against the dryness of your throat. “Mom, where’s dad?”

“He’s okay too.” You can see the tears welling up on her eyes as she caresses your hair and gently pulls you in a hug. “He’s safe.”

Together, you shed the tears of anguish that you have been holding back for so long.

The King couldn’t be here because the court didn’t allow his appeal to accompany nor visit you even just for a day. He couldn’t even carry his daughter’s body to the ambulance because he was handcuffed and heavily guarded. He couldn’t even protect his daughter from the harmful consequences of his mistakes. Your mother told you that he desperately wants to be by your side and you do know that. You’re way past his inability to be here and that’s none of your concern anymore. As long as he is safe, you’re more than content. 

The trial has been rescheduled for next week and your father has to be detained until then. You’ll try to visit him again once you’re discharged and together with that, you’d also find the strength to accompany him at his trial. 

Your mother was firm on staying and insisting that she’s fine when you tried to urge her to go home, but you can clearly tell how tired she is from the lack of sleep so you didn’t let her win. It’s already late in the night when she finally gave in. Your mother kisses your cheek one last time after the doctor assessed your condition. Jeongyeon would stick around for the evening in her stead. Poor girl cried so much the moment she saw you widely awake.

Once it’s only the two of you left, Jeongyeon helped you sit on a wheelchair and wheeled you next to the window before she left to grab some extra bottled water. You can’t stand properly yet because of the wound on your leg so a wheelchair is necessary if you want to be mobile. You’re starting to feel the back pain after lying down for so long, you need to move. The doctor was a bit apprehensive about allowing you to leave your bed, but gave in when you promised to stay inside the room. 

The moon, shining in all its glory, up in the dark sky looked so enticing, you had to take a closer look. The three days went by so fast and running through all that ensued leaves a sickening sensation down to your stomach. You shake your head, not wanting to relive the frightening memories.

Your attention goes back to the moon and one person comes to mind. 

It makes you selfishly wonder if he ever visited once or asked and worried about you as you bring your hand up to your neck. When you don’t feel the lifebuoy pendant, your heart skips a beat. You then looked down to your hand, your engagement ring is also not on your finger. You frown, growing upset. They could have removed it, but it should be back to you by now. You looked around the room, hoping to find your precious gems within reach. Just in time before you could wheel yourself around to search for them, you hear the door open.

“Hey Jeongyeon, have you seen my necklace and ring?” You ask to the void as you tilt your head back to the moon.

When you don’t hear any answer other than the sound of heavy breathing, you remove your gaze from the window to see who came in if it’s not your assistant. To your surprise it’s no other than,

“Wonwoo.”

Wonwoo didn’t keep count of the exact times, but he knows how long and how much he begged just to hear your voice call his name once again. He didn’t even have the chance to change from his sweatpants and sleeveless shirt when he received the call from Soonyoung (whom Jeongyeon told to). Honestly? He didn’t bother at all because he just wanted to be right here at this moment. 

To be with you. 

He takes slow steps as he calms his breathing. Meanwhile, you remained seated and let him come to you. You’d run to him just like you did back then, but your leg wouldn’t appreciate that. 

It felt like forever for Wonwoo to get to you. But when he finally drops on the floor and lightly rests his head on your lap, there’s no reason for him to complain anymore. 

Your tears fall again for the nth time tonight. You caress his wet locks, probably from the mixture of his shower and sweat. He cries too because you can feel it seeping against the pants you’re wearing. He wraps his arms around your lap, careful from crashing his weight. You, on the other hand, bend your head down to kiss the crown of his head.

Both of your hearts are shouting, finally. 

The beautiful moonlight shines on the two of you as you both silently settle down there for a moment, not giving a care in the world because this is just what you’ve been yearning for and you’re not allowing anyone nor anything to steal this away ever again.

Your long face doesn’t go unnoticed by Wonwoo and he knows why you’re pulling it against him. But no, he is not falling for it. Instead he ignores your silent plea and continues tucking you back on the bed. You glance up at him and try to win him again with your attempt at puppy dog eyes and when he doesn’t, you give up.

“You know that this bed is too small to fit two bodies, Y/N,” he states the obvious and drags a chair to sit on. “I know you’re smart enough to see that.”

You huff and pull the covers closer to your chin. If it wasn’t for the wound on your shoulder, you’d turn your back against him. 

Wonwoo just rolls his eyes at your antics and holds your hand under the warm blanket. 

After your short reunion, Wonwoo decided to get you back to your bed because it was nearing one o’clock in the morning. You haven’t brought up what happened and it’s alright because you still have another chance to do so. Hopefully.

“I’m sorry, Wonwoo,” you whisper under your breath but his ears can hear your words. 

He nods and kisses the back of your hand. “I know, baby. It’s not your fault.”

Baby.

You never use pet names or terms of endearment and hearing him say it for the first time almost made you faint. It’s an exaggeration but you’re weak at the moment and anything that flusters your heart can potentially weaken your whole body. 

Wonwoo then brings something out from his pockets and your eyes brighten at the sight of the necklace he gave you. He chuckles when he sees your excited expression and stands up. His fingers tenderly graze the skin of your neck when he puts it back to where it rightfully belongs. 

“I thought I lost it,” you say, holding the pendant between your fingers.

He sits back down and what he mutters next makes you feel a twinge of guilt. 

“I thought I lost you.”

You sigh and coax him to you, grasping the hand enclosed to yours. “Come here.” 

This time you let him take the small space on your bed. You sit up as well so that you can reach his height. He helps you and once you’re comfortably situated, you wrap your arms around his waist and rest your head on his chest. 

Wonwoo smiles at your affection and lets his hand smooth against your hair. You have always been brave when it comes to touching him and he’ll never forget how you kissed him on the lips first. He’s so glad and relieved you’re finally awake. He doesn’t think he can go on for another day without you. And now that you’re holding each other like this, he wishes for this night to never end. 

“I’ll probably not inherit the throne,” you say against his shirt. “I don’t think your family would want you to marry an abolished monarch.”

Wonwoo’s hand drops and he breathes out a disappointed sigh. He is not having this conversation with you right now. Why must you ruin the moment? 

When you don’t feel his hand against you anymore, you look up and steal a kiss under his chin. However, that doesn’t suffice because he’s still upset and it’s evident on the frown adorning his handsome face.

“But I realized I love you, so if it means I have to beg all the way to their Majesties for your hand then—”

Wonwoo doesn’t let you continue and shuts you up with a searing kiss. He softly squeezes your cheeks with one of his hands, almost as if commanding you to pucker your lips. Your eyes widened in surprise but when he put his other hand at the side of your neck, you surrendered. 

It’s no secret that you and Wonwoo kiss. Oftentimes they’re just quick brushes, but sometimes they get a little bit more intense, deeper. You won’t get into detail though, because that’s a story to tell for some other time. 

For now, you eagerly meet Wonwoo’s passion as he lays you back down on the bed, of course with caution. He doesn’t fully drop his weight on top of you, one arm carrying his upper body while the other gingerly cupping one side of your face. 

His chest is firm and his shoulder broad as you grip your hands on them and continue kissing him. You should be asleep by now because you are still recovering. But Wonwoo is a doctor himself, right? So if he took the initiative to kiss you until sunrise, then it must be alright. 

Okay, maybe it’s wrong to mock his profession like that. But, you’re just grateful to kiss him like this again. Because the last time you shared one, tears were streaming down your face and you two were on the verge of breaking up. 

“I should really put you to sleep now,” Wonwoo whispers against your lips, breathless. 

You hold your laughter, still basking in his taste. When you open your eyes, Wonwoo is already hoisting himself back up. Your lips draw into a pout again and the cause of it just rolls his eyes.

“I promise there will be more, but for now rest, okay?” He pinches your cheek lightly and sits back on the chair. 

“You can take the couch,” you tell him.

“Sleep, Y/N.”

You no longer defy and close your eyes. 

You remember the first time he commanded you those words and looking back, they are all fond memories of your then developing relationship. There were many questions when you and Wonwoo got along so well and so fast. There were many doubts and insecurities. The two of you shared those in silence, which could have endangered your hearts. However, even though your relationship was shaken and tested, the two of you persevered. 

For you, Wonwoo persevered and words and actions are not enough to thank him. You couldn’t have overcome this without his support and patience. So from now on, against all odds, you’ll do exactly the same.

[issaxcharlie]

Something so right

Pairing: Alive! Luke x Fem reader

Summary: A date with the golden boy of the school reveals Y/N’s and Luke's true feelings for each other and they have no choice but to face what they feel. Who will take the first step?

(The fragments of the song are from Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift)

Luke Patterson was more impatient than usual. 7:30 pm and no sign of his best friend, the one who had never missed a Sunset Curve rehearsal in these two years that they had been playing together.

“Am I the only one worried about Y/N? She is not usually late."

Reggie slaps his forehead, a memory snapping back into his head. "I forgot to tell you she won't be here today, she said something about a date."

The guitarist feels a punch in the stomach, he tries to hide how bitter the news fell on him, but his friends know him better than that.

“A date? With who?” Alex asks, genuinely curious.

“Austin Grayson.”

“Ugh, really Y/N?” But of course it had to be the school's golden boy. Luke can't help not feeling insecure. Austin Grayson is everything Luke Patterson isn't, and that scares him. What if that's what she's really looking for in a partner? He just wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Nice, he really has to like her to invited her despite what everyone says." Bobby responds as he takes advantage of the short break to rest his hands. Reggie and Alex nodding in agreement.

“What do they say?” Luke asks, completely lost.

“Oh please, most of the school thinks you guys are dating. There isn't a day that I don't hear someone call her Patterson’s girl." Alex replies, and Luke looks even more lost.

He can somehow understand why they would think that, he always enjoys having her and feeling her close. Usually touching her hand or arm in some way, hugging her whenever he sees fit. Carrying her books in the hallways or supporting her at her basketball games, just like she accompanies them to all the band's rehearsals and performances, or how she sometimes wears to school the clothes that he 'accidentally' leaves at her home when her mom invites him to dinner. On second thought, it’s easy to understand the confusion.

You don’t know what is happening. Austin is sweet, handsome, smart, and yet you feel nothing. Forced yourself to laugh falsely all night, and couldn't help but think that it would have been more fun to join the boys in rehearsal, especially when they were only a few days away from Sunset Curve's first performance at school.

When you finally get home, you walk with your head on the floor, trying not to make eye contact with your date. Austin gently grabs your chin so you turn to see him.

A fake cough from behind causes you both to jump away from each other. You don't even have to turn to find out who owns that perfect timed cough.

“What are you doing here?” You refuse to turn around, but you know he's smirking anyway.

“It’s movie night, love.” You force one more smile towards Austin as you curse Luke under your breath, who emphasized the last word in that seductive deep voice he sometimes does when he sings and that secretly melts your legs.

“Patterson." Austin tries to get past the awkward moment by participating in the conversation, and Luke responds by approaching and placing his arm on your shoulder.

"Grayson. Thank you for bringing her safe and sound." He sounds sincere, and that makes you smile for real for the first time of the night.

“It was nothing... I should go. Goodnight Y/N, I had a great time.”

Luke lowers his arm from your shoulder and leans back, ashamed of his rare moment of insecurity and letting you say goodbye to the boy.

As soon as he leaves, you turn to see your best friend, who looks sadly at the ground, and you hug him tightly.

Luke has been through very difficult months, and it is easy for someone who is vulnerable to feel insecure, especially in situations new to them. Not to mention that you are definitely not going to fight with the person you love for putting his arm on your shoulder or calling you in an affectionate way, which are things that he usually does, guy in your doorstep or not. You decide that he showing a little jealousy for once is not the end of the world.

“I missed you so much, rockstar.” You murmur still against his chest, your statement only makes him hold you tighter. You can't help but think about how just hugging him for a few seconds makes you so much happier than the whole date you just had.

“I’m sorry for making a scene. No wonder everyone thinks we are dating.“

“I don’t mind. I couldn't wear your cool flannels or your necklaces if I was dating someone. Plus it would take away valuable time that I can use as the president of the Sunset Curve fan club.” He chuckles. You can feel his body relax and his heartbeat begins to calm down. He gives you a sweet kiss in your hair before letting you go.

Best friends walk into the house, and as Y/N goes to change into something more comfortable Luke sits at the kitchen counter to chat with his second female best friend.

"You have to do something quick, I don't want to have you here crying and eating ice cream while she's on some date with some graceless snob.”

The guitarist can't help but laugh. Y/N's mom has always been a music lover and one of his greatest inspirations. She gave him his first guitar and taught him how to play, always supporting him in each of his steps as a musician. She has always loved him like a son, believing in him with all her might and always blindly entrusting him with what she loves most in the world, her daughter Y/N.

“I know, I will I promise. What I felt today when I saw Grayson touch her face and so close to her lips... I never want to experience that again. I was thinking maybe at homecoming? Sunset Curve is going to perform.”

She wrinkles her nose in response and Luke laughs again.

"Yeah too much information, I’m sorry. And I know, but we have to start somewhere. As soon as we get booked at a good enough club you'll be the first guest.”

They both make a pinky promise and smile.

“I’ll make you proud someday. I swear.”

“I’m always proud of you, my sweet boy. I know you’ll do amazing things, just take good care of my princess during tours.”

“You know I will.” They pinky promise again and reunite with Y/N in the living room to watch movies til the teens fall asleep cuddling.

Homecoming day arrived and you don’t have a partner. It is not hard to imagine why, being surrounded by at least one of the Sunset Curve members 24/7, especially Luke who tries to be close to you as much as possible, as if he is afraid that you will forget him if you spend too much time separated. Which is actually something you like, if you are honest with yourself. Is not something you would tell him but feeling him close and having his attention devoted to you most of the time feels quite special.

The date with Austin didn’t feel right and only confirmed what you've been trying to deny yourself for months. You are in love with freakin Luke Patterson. And you are in really deep, loving the good, bad, fun, boring, charming, and annoying parts, absolutely every side of him. And now is the time to finally do something about it.

After the guys show tonight, even more girls will be raining down on them than usual and things could get really messy, it's best to make your move first. Inside your heart you know that he feels the same, and if he doesn't have the courage to act on it then you will.

The first and most important thing you need to do to get the operation going is to kidnap Reggie, Alex and Bobby.

After a little threatening session everyone sang about Luke's idea for tonight, which made you grin like an idiot and feel more confident about your plan. The surprise that he will get when he sees how you sabotaged his plan.

Convincing Luke that it was best for you to come on your own so that they would have more time to prepare was not easy, but in the end you succeeded.

He's not a suit kinda person, but you went along with him to get a dark blue one that looked unreal on him just a few weeks ago, and you knew he would find a way to wear it sleeveless so he will look even more irresistible. You opted for a black dress that fades beautifully to blue towards the bottom of the skirt and in which you really look pretty good If you can say it yourself.

Sunset Curve finishes singing the first song, Now or never. It's time for the song Luke wrote for you, but he turns to see his friends scared when he still can't find you in the crowd. They smile at him and start to play the song they practiced with you just a few hours before.

“The way you move is like a full on rainstorm, and I'm a house of cards. You're the kind of reckless that should send me running, but I kinda know that I won't get far.”

You walk onto the stage as you start the first verse, Luke is shocked for a few seconds but then grins from ear to ear.

“And you stood there in front of me just... close enough to touch.” He recovers much faster than expected and pulls you by the waist towards him, just the microphone separating you two while he looks at you with the most seductive face you’ve ever seen.

“'Cause I see, sparks fly, whenever you smile... Get me with those green eyes, baby as the lights go down.” He blushes a little and smiles while his eyes are locked on your lips, capturing every move.

After what seems like an eternity, the song ends and before you can even say thank you, Luke's lips crash against yours, and it’s even better than what you’ve dreamed plenty of times. All the people start screaming, but you especially hear Reggie and Alex a few steps away who sound pretty happy for you.

“Reggie, an issue occurred, I have to go, sing home is where my horse is if you want to.” Luke whispers to his friend, before effortlessly carrying you off the stage.

“Admit it, you just want to touch my legs.” You joke while he walks with you on his shoulder.

“I’m in love with a really smart girl.” You stay quiet, your heart wants to jump out of your chest and you don’t even want to imagine how red your face is right now.

The guitarist finally brings you down when you leave the building, and you both walk to the park next door, where you met when you were just kids.

"Do you remember exactly how we met?" He asks while taking your hand.

“Reggie and Alex teamed up to destroy you in a game they invented and I was the only one in the park, so you invited me to join your team. And when we managed to win you said that we were the best duo on the face of the earth, that we had to be best friends forever."

“I sound very intense.”

“You are.”

They both laugh at the memory.

"You were still right."

“When did you finally realize that you loved me?” Luke asks, smirking playfully.

“I've known for a long time, but I didn't dare to admit it until recently.”

He completely accepts my answer and sincerity and smiles at me.

“I always knew that we would end up together, you eat me with your eyes when I'm not wearing a shirt.”

His teasing takes effect and you blush just remembering him in that situation.

He smiles cheekily and then takes mercy on you and changes the subject.

“So, we are the best duo on the face of the earth, best friends forever, and now an official couple?”

“That’s right, handsome and smart. Nice.”

Both approach until their lips touch, the kiss begins calm but quickly becomes more passionate, his tongue claiming every inch of your mouth, his arms strong on your hips. You let this amazing sensations envelop you and you lose yourself in him, happier than you've ever been.

When you are with the right person, everything feels just right.

Thank you for reading!

Taglist:

@siennanoelle01 , @totomoshi , @kiss-themoongoodbye , @writerinlearning

[teabights]

Cigarettes out the Window

Summary: Josie, senior, buys from Eddie Munson, her long term crush.

Pair: Eddie Munson / OC

Inspiration from this tiktok, hense the title.

Warning: Drug Use/Abuse, absent father

Word Count: 6,593

"Eddie Munson!" Josie greeted the 20-year-old with a smile.

"Yeah, what do you need, sweetheart?" His voice was smooth like butter.

"Hey, do you have any oxys?" Her voice dropped to a whisper as they were standing in the school hallway.

"Oxys? Jesus…" He started.

"Listen, I have like fifty, however many oxys that'll get me, I'll get it." Josie said with a smile.

"Listen, I don't usually have oxys in my box, not a lot of people ask for them, so once I sold all I had, I didn't get more. Let me ask my guy after school and I can let you know this evening." Eddie informed her.

"Do you have anything else?" She asked.

"I only have three joints right now. I am low on supplies, my guy has been out of town." He spoke.

"Fine." She said with a small huff.

Her eyes wandered over the man's chocolatey brown eyes. They made her heart melt. His eyes always were so inviting. She leaned against the locker, letting her eyes linger for a second too long because Eddie started to smirk.

"Do you have a staring problem or what?" Eddie asked.

"Your eyes are pretty, shut up Munson…" She snapped back, letting a blush creep onto her cheeks.

"Ah, you think my eyes are pretty. Isn't that sweet? And your eyes, princess, are cold and icy. Below freezing." He made it theatrical for her.

"Oh Edward, that almost sounds like you think about my eyes a lot. Like maybe when they look up at you when my li-" she started to tease, but at last the bell rang to signal the passing period had started. "Call me later."

Eddie couldn't believe where she was going with that, the slight strain that appeared in his pants was going to be a hard one to forget. "I will."

They departed from each other. They walked to their separate classes. Josie had to endure listening to her math teacher babble on about the lesson, which she already had her homework done for. Math was her strong suit. Math and pharmaceutical math, so she could correctly medicate herself with drugs and not kill herself. Her eyes had wandered to the big window and she watched the tree sway slightly in the small autumn breeze.

"Ms Wood, would you care to join the class mentally today?" Her math teacher asked.

"It's 47. The answer is 47. You just add 322 to 101, divide it then by 9 and you get 47. It's simple algebra." Josie answered without moving her eye from the window.

"Yes, very good Ms Wood. Would you happen to know how to solve number six from the homework assignment." She asked.

"Number six was easy." Josie's eyes fixed on her teacher's frame. "It's 6. It's almost a joke. Pi times 12 then divide by 6, round to the nearest whole number. Any idiot could do that in their head."

"Well, well then," Her teacher left her alone and continued back to the lecture.

Another failed attempt to make a fool out of Josie Wood. Her teacher tried. Maybe her teacher liked showing off how smart Josie is. Josie knew that all this math was the only way she felt truly challenged. The bell rang for dismissal after a long thirty-five minutes.

"Ms Wood, hang back…" her teacher said.

"Yeah, whats up?" Josie said as she walked up to the teacher's desk.

"I have a few kids who could use your help to study…" Her teacher started.

"No." Josie was quick to answer.

"It'll look good on college applications. I know John Hopkins looks for this kind of stuff. Pharmaceutical isn't something you are just magically good at to be able to get in with beyond acceptable grades and the number three spot in the class." Her teacher rambles on.

What her teacher didn't know is that she was magically good with it. She hated that there was obvious conversation in the teacher's lounge between the teacher and the counselor about Josie's life goals.

"Listen, I appreciate it, but I think I will be just fine." Josie bragged.

"I'll find a pretest for pharmaceutical math and we can include that in your application." Her teacher spoke.

"Fine. I'll stay after class tomorrow to do it." Josie sighed as she walked to the door.

"Sounds like a deal, have a good afternoon." Her teacher said with a smile on the woman's face.

Josie mumbled out a "you too" as she left the classroom. She walked out into the parking lot and over to her baby, a 1980 vista cruiser named Stein (she loves Blondie.)

"Well, well, Josie Wood," A voice spoke and she looked behind her: Jason Carver.

"Hey Jas… what's up?" Her eyes looked over the man's face for any hint of what he was thinking about.

"Billy couldn't hold you down?" He teased.

"Well, more like he was off being a whore. I am sure he actually fucked your mom." Josie joked.

"Yeah right… anyways… you want to go to my party on Saturday?" He asked.

"A Carver party?.... No. I saw Mrs Q's grade book. Boy, you have a 68 percent. It's not even an honors class." Josie spoke out.

"Listen, I am not boy fucking wonder like you." He said, a bit irritated because his intelligence was being questioned.

"Yeah, but it's such basic math, apply yourself, get at least a 87 in class then come bug me with this shit." Josie shook her head.

"I'll have it up by Saturday." He stated as he started to walk away.

"Good luck. The probability of that is slim to none." She muttered as she got in her car.

She got the engine to turn over and she drove home, where she'd patiently wait by the phone for Eddie to call. She hoped he didn't forget. She got home and sat at the dining room table. She proceeded to work on the English assignment that was due last week. She completely forgot about it and managed to talk the teacher into letting her do it and turn it in late.

"Hey Josie, how was school?" Her mom asked.

"Good. Mrs Q is setting up a pharmaceutical math test for me to take tomorrow to include in my application for John Hopkins. She also tried to embarrass me in class. The only thing she did was embarrass herself." Josie told her mother.

"Did she catch you daydreaming again?" Her mother asked. "Why didn't you ask to be in honors math?"

"Yes and because… " Josie started but the phone rang. "I'll get it!"

Josie hopped up and answered the phone.

"Wood Residences." She answered the phone.

"Listen Jos, I am about to leave to pick up, when would be the best time to swing by with it?" Eddie said in a quick tone.

"Uh probably… when my mom goes off to work in an hour." Josie spoke.

"Josie, is that a boy you are talking to?" Her mom asked.

Josie moves the phone away from her face, keeping the speaker end on her ear to hear Eddie. "Mom, it's just Harrington. You know he's harmless. He just wanted to know if he and Robin could come over. They got the exclusive new movies in their store." Josie lied so excellently.

"One movie, that's it. No one else besides Robin and Steve." Her mom stated.

"Yes ma'am…" She puts the phone back so she can talk into it. "My mother said one movie… but still an hour. Also, bring the popcorn still, please."

"Couldn't tell her it is the town freak who you are trying to buy drugs from?" Eddie teases.

"She'd kill me…" That earned a look from her mother. "You can't bring grape pop because I know you will spill it on the white couch."

"Only water." Her mother commented as she fished through her purse.

"Okay, well, I will bring the popcorn… see you later Josie." Eddie’s voice was laughing at the situation.

"See ya…" Josie moved to hang up the phone.

Josie took in a deep breath. She hoped she sold that.

"Here. Get a pizza for you three." Her mom handed her twenty bucks.

"Robin is a vegetarian and Steve and I always get meatlovers…" Josie lied to her mother.

"Just remember this when you want those new tapes. You choose pizza over tapes." Her mom handed her another twenty. "This is it until I get paid next week."

"Thank you mom. I appreciate you. You're the coolest." She hugged her mother, sensing that she needed it.

After another twenty minutes, Josie fixed her mom's dinner. Cooking was another talent she had. She also fixed a miniature version of her mother's meal. She wanted to save room for a pizza. Her mother left a few minutes later for work. Josie took the time to clean up and focus back on her homework. It was about fifteen minutes later that there was a knock on the door. Josie got up and walked to the door, she looked in the mirror, looking the same as she did at school. She looked through the peephole, seeing Eddie on the other side. She opened the door.

"Eddie!" She cheered.

"I am Robin and Steve tonight." He joked immediately.

"Okay, Robin and Steve! Come on in…" She moved to the side to let the man enter her house.

"I was able to get enough oxys to keep you stocked for a while. You can pay fifty now and the other two hundred when you get a chance." Eddie said as he sat himself on the couch, cozy. He puts the little black box on his lap, opening it to pull the pill container out and put it on the table.

"Two… hundred? Damn Munson… I only have an extra twenty right now. Fuck, I am going to have to baby sit or start charging to do homework." She sat down next to him.

"Well, you are the only one I bought oxys for, so I expect that you'll buy all of it." Eddie said.

"I can do your homework for you. For the rest of the semester. I can get you like…" She started.

"No, no, I need the money. I've been saving up to leave this town after graduation. Take your time to pay me back." He stated.

"Okay… I can probably con another fifty out of my mother when she gets paid. Jason… maybe…" Josie's thought wandered off.

"Jason?" Eddie's voice filled with anger.

"Jason invited me to a party." Josie said as she reached over to grab the bottle. She popped the top open. She slips one into her mouth, chewing it up to make it work faster.

"A party? And what will you do there?" Eddie was curious where her pretty mind would go with this.

"So, he would probably get one oxy for 150 or I can make him pay me 150 to go with him…be his… date." Even saying the words made Josie want to gag.

"He's truly stupid. That might work." Eddie said.

"Do you wanna stay for a movie and pizza?" She asked.

"Like a …. Date?" Eddie got a shit eating grin on his face.

"Ew no Munson, everyone knows you like me, except I don't like you." Josie lied.

Eddie pretended a knife got plunged into his heart and he fell limp against the couch. "You hurt me."

"Okay, drama king, whatever." Josie rolled her eyes as she hopped up from the couch to put in Friday the Thirteenth Part Five. "Can you order the pizza?"

"Yes ma'am." Eddie got up to find the phone.

Once Josie got it set up, she saw Eddie standing against the door frame with the phone to his ear. He looked like a dream to her. She sat down on the couch. Eddie returned to sitting down next to her.

"Twenty minutes." He muttered.

"Sounds good." She muttered.

Josie started the movie and leaned against him slightly. Eddie slid his arm around her, totally in a nonchalant type of way. She took this moment to snuggle against him more. She is still for about 15 more minutes before she giggles a little bit. There it is, the high she's familiar with. She's been on and off pills for a year. Her relapse is always inevitable. Eddie made eye contact with her. He chuckled and shook his head. He knew that she was gone. The knock on the door made her jump a little bit. Eddie chuckled again as he got up to go to the door. He just handed the pizza guy the twenty and took the pizza. He came back to the couch, setting the pizza on the table. He opened the box and Josie quickly grabbed a slice. She ate it as she mumbled the words to the movie. They watched the rest of the movie with only quiet giggles coming from Josie. Eddie ate like two pieces of the pizza, while Josie ate three. Eddie moved to get up from his spot.

"Eds no! Don't go." Josie begged.

"I have to go home. My uncle is making me work on homework and he wants to check it." Eddie said.

"Wait Munson…" Josie begged again as she got up from her spot, her head spun for a moment.

"What Jos?" Eddie asked as his eyebrow rose.

"You're cute." Her words were a bit slurred.

"Oh Josie. Let’s get you to bed.” Eddie said.

“No, M’not tired.” Josie whined.

“Well, I have to go.” He sighed out.

“Fine…” She huffed out.

“You are aware we still have school tomorrow?” He asked, so genuine.

“Yes, I am.” Josie said confidently.

“Go to bed.” He said as he walked towards the doors.

Eddie left the house before Josie could protest. He didn’t understand why people enjoy being like that. It was not the same as a marijuana high, even if you smoke yourself out. Josie put in another movie and laid herself on the couch for the rest of the night.

Meanwhile, with Eddie, he pulled up to Family Video. He, honest to God, was getting a movie for his uncle and him to watch tonight. He walked over to the counter immediately to Robin and Steve.

“Hey Eddie, what’s up?” Robin asked.

“Women are just… complicated.” Eddie remarked.

“True.” Steve and Robin both said and exchanged glances at each other.

“What is Josie on? Right? You were seeing Josie tonight? I heard her say ‘call me’ to you in the hall today.” Robin spoke.

“She’s on pills…” Eddie muttered.

“But I thought she quit.” Robins said, slightly concerned.

“But she never really quits, she just says she did.” Steve whispered.

“Addicts who don’t want help are going to relapse. She is going to continue to relapse.” Eddie stated.

“This is why she is good at pharmaceutical math. She knows how to not kill herself.” Robin pointed out.

“Damn…” Eddie said as he dropped his head. “Also, if her mother asked, you two were there tonight. She couldn’t tell her mom that it was me who was going to be over.”

“Okay.” Steve mutters.

“She was also being super flirty with me when we were watching the movie. She said I was cute.” Eddie said.

“Oh Eddie…” Robin spoke with a smirk.

“She totally has a crush on you Eddie.” Steve pointed out.

“What? No.” Eddie shook his head.

“Yeah, and she liked you since what… we were sophomores and you were on your first try of your senior year.” Robin spoke.

“I am going to grab the new Star Wars… do you guys have it?” Eddie asks.

“Yes sir.” Robin pulled out a copy from underneath the desk. She had set it to the side for him.

“You are the best.” Eddie said as he pulled out money from his pocket to pay for the rental. Eddie got the rental and headed home.

In the morning, Josie woke up. She sat up on the couch, feeling groggy. She walked to her room to get started. She got changed for school and walked out to the living room. She noticed the bottle and quickly grabbed it. She shoved it in her pocket just as her mom walked in.

“Well, that shift was a nightmare. I am going to go lay down. I love you. Have a good time at school.” Her mother said in one breath before she waltzed over to her child to plant a kiss on her head.

“I love you. Sleep well. There is left over pizza if you want it.” Josie said happily. She grabbed her bag from the dining room table.

Josie walked outside and over to her car. She climbed into her car, turning over the engine. She drove herself down to a convenient store by the house. She stashed the bottle of pills into the glove compartment. She then got out of the car and walked into the store. Her eyes grazed over the different types of coffee.

“Wood?” A grating irritating voice filled Josie’s ears.

“Carver, what is up?” She asked quietly before she started to fix a cup of coffee.

“What do you say about my party invite?” He asked.

“Uh, only if you pay two hundred dollars to be there.” She answered him.

“What?” He raised an eyebrow at her.

“I need two hundred dollars, you need me at the party, seems fair enough.” She grinned at him.

“I am not paying for you to be there.” He rolled his eyes.

“Do you need oxys? Fifty a piece, I’ll sell you four.” She said quietly to him as she put the lid on her coffee.

“Four oxys? For two hundred?” Jason seemed genuinely interested.

“Yeah, what do you say? I have it in my car.” Josie said with a smile.

“But you have to also come to the party for two hours.” He bargained.

“One hour.” She argued.

“One and half.” He stated.

“Fine… let me get this coffee then we’ll do it.” She rolled her eyes as she walked to the cashier.

Jason nodded and finished his morning breakfast grab. Josie got checked out and walked outside to her car. She opened the door, putting the coffee in the cupholder. She got the bottle out from the glove compartment and opened it. She pulled out four white circular pills. She grabbed a baggie she had from buying weed a while ago and put them in there. She closed the bottle up, throwing it back into the glove compartment. She leaned against the side of her car, concealing the baggie in her hand. Jason ended up outside after a minute and walked over to her. She looked at him.

“Show me the pills.” He muttered.

She flashed him the baggie and looked at him. “Show me the money.”

He slipped the money into her hand and took the pills, shoving them into his pocket. “See you Saturday.” He walked off to his car.

She shoved the money into her pocket. “See you Saturday.”

She sold her peaceful Saturday night to hang out at a party full of people she doesn’t like. She sighed as she slid into the car. She turned the engine over and drove off to school. She parked her car in the usual spot once she was on school campus. Her eyes looked over the parking lot. Eddie’s van just pulled up. She cut the engine She quickly got out of the car, with her bag and cup of coffee in her hand. She locked her car up and then walked to the van. She walked up to Eddie’s window and knocked. She saw him jump a little and turn down the music. He then rolled down the window and looked at her.

“You look chipper this morning.” He commented.

Josie adjusted her bag so she could sling it up on her arm and used her other hand to dig out the two hundred dollars from her pocket. She handed it over to Eddie. “Sold to Jason this morning. Four for two and an hour and a half of my time at his gross party.”

“You are going to his party?” Eddie asked.

“Yeah, for an hour and a half. Then I am dipping out, getting high, and watching the shit ton of movies I am going to be renting when I leave school today.” She stated.

“That sounds like a great time…” Eddie’s voice was different, like he was jealous or something.

“Are you jealous that I am going to Jason’s party?” Josie asked.

“What? No. I don’t give a shit. I just want you to be safe.” Eddie spoke.

“I am not fucking him if that is what you are worried about. I don’t have any fucking interested in a basketball player. Basketball isn’t even a cool sport, football is. But the basketball players wear their leathermen’s like the skin of an animal.” She rambled on. Her cheeks flared up when she realized that she rambled. “Sorry.”

“I know you aren’t going to fuck him. I just want to make sure they aren’t going to fake invite you because they want to harass you.” He said.

“Well, I appreciate it, Eds. I will be okay. How about after the party, you come over and watch movies with me. My mom will be working the night shift, so she doesn’t even have to know I have someone over. You and I can watch movies, maybe read a little bit of The Hobbit. Hm?” She proposed.

“You still getting high?” He asked.

“Yes, I have two hundred and fifty dollar bottle of oxys in my car that I need to finish.” She stated. “My mom doesn’t work tonight, but why don’t Steve, Robin, and yourself come over tonight and we’ll watch the new Star Wars? She’ll cook for us and she loves Star Wars.”

“I can rewind the copy I have at my house and bring it over. My uncle and I watched it last night.” He states. “And yes to Saturday.”

“What about Saturday?” Robin asked as she walked up to the pair.

“Yeah, what about Saturday?” Steve asked as his car pulled up next to Eddie’s van.

“Nothing… Tonight my house and Star Wars?” Josie asked.

“Your mom is cooking?” Steve asked.

“You know it, Steve.” Josie said with a smile.

“I am in.” Steve answered.

“I am definitely in. Your mom is the best cook.” Robin praised. “Eddie?”

“Yeah… I’ll come because I have to bring the movie.” Eddie stated.

“Cool, I will call my mom at lunch and let her know.” Josie squealed a little bit. “Okay, I have to go… I still haven’t finished my late English assignment and I have until 10:30 to do so.” Josie heads off to the school.

“What’s happening Saturday?” Robin asked nosely.

“Saturday is her party debut at Jason Carver’s house for a quick hour and a half. I am meeting her at her house afterwards to hang out and watch movies.” Eddie said.

“Why is she going to Carver’s?” Steve asked.

“Because she upsold the shit out of Carver. She sold him four oxys for two hundred bucks and an hour and a half of her time at the party.” Eddie stated. “She still owed me two hundred for the oxys I sold her.”

“Damn Eddie, she should sell for you with that.” Robin joked.

“See you guys at 3?” Steve asked.

“See ya Steve!” Robin waved him off. “Ready?” Her question aimed at Eddie.

“As I will ever be.” Eddie put the cash into his little box. He then crawled out of the van. Him and Robin proceeded to walk into school.

Josie made it through until lunch. She walked over to one of the only few payphones outside of campus. She slid a few coins into the coin slot. She then dialed her house phone number.

"Wood Residence." Her mom answered the phone after a couple rings.

"Hey mom, it's Josie." Why did she feel the need to tell her mom?

"Whats up baby? Are you feeling okay?" She heard the worry in her mothers voice.

"Nothing, I just was going to ask if you wanted to make dinner for Steve, Robin, Eddie, and I for dinner. Eddie has the new Star Wars rented out and I know you are dying to watch it." Josie rambled out.

"Eddie? Who is Eddie?" Her mother asked.

"He's a friend of Robin and I's." Josie answered.

"You've never mentioned him. Do you have a crush on him?" Her mother asked.

"Ugh, mom, no. So are you okay with those plans?" Josie asked.

"Yes baby. Now go enjoy your lunch. I'll make your favorite." Her mother sang into the phone.

"Okay bye... I love you." Josie said quietly.

"Bye baby. I love you." Her mother said then hung up.

Josie hung up the phone. She walked to the cafeteria. Robin was with her band friends. Eddie was sitting in his Hellfire group. Josie rolled her eyes as she went to sit down next to Will at the Hellfire table.

"Hey Jo." Will said with a smile.

"Hey William. How's your brother doing, twerp?" Josie asked. Eddie’s attention turned to Josie after hearing her ask.

"He's good." Will nodded his head.

"Why do you care about Jonathan?" Eddie asked bluntly.

"Eddie, I've known him since we were like ten. He's a friend." She stressed out the word 'friend.'

"Alright, my bad." Eddie spoke.

"Jealous?" Josie asked and the guys sitting there went 'Ooooo.'

"Not at all." Eddie shook his head.

"Mhm..." Josie focused herself on the lunch she had.

The conversation became small mummers in between bites of food. Josie would occasionally glance at Eddie and see him quickly look away.

Soon the lunch bell rang. Josie was the first to get up and throw her trash. She walked to her locker to exchange her books.

"Well?" A female voice entered her ears.

"Jesus, well what?" Josie spoke.

"The movie thing?" Robin asked.

"My mom said yes. We can let Steve know he grabs you. I'll tell Eddie..." Josie answered her.

"Okay, don't hate me, but… Steve and I may have told Eddie that you like him.” Robin said.

“What?!” Josie said, slightly agitated.

“I am sorry. He just seemed so clueless and honestly a little interested in you and your well-being.” Robin said quickly.

“It’s fine. I am sure he doesn’t even remember the conversation.” Josie muttered.

“Josie!” Eddie said loudly as he walked over to you and Robin.

“See you tonight.” Robin said and fled.

“See you Robin… Eddie, so my mom said you guys can come over and she’ll make food and you can bring Star Wars.” Josie started as she proceeded to walk to her class, Eddie following her.

“Right tonight, sounds fine with me.” Eddie said.

“Listen, my mom loves Star Wars, so she is really looking forward to it. You cannot let Mama Wood down, or she’ll hate your guts. I really want her to like you. It’ll be easier to have my drug dealer around all the time.” Josie stopped at the door of her English class.

“Well, I definitely won’t let you down. I’ll show up.” Eddie spoke. “Are you going to get…?”

“Yes, my mom will be around us to eat and watch the movie. She will go to bed afterwards and not care what we do.” Josie rambled out.

“Okay, maybe we can go out at Skull Rock and hang out.” Eddie spoke.

“Awh, do you wanna makeout with me there or what?” Josie joked. The bell rang and she stood there, waiting for him to respond.

“Hmm… I think that it is you…” Eddie said with a smirk.

“Go to class Munson, you are going to be late.” Josie said as her eyes rolled. She walked in her class room.

As the day passed, she ended up in her math class. Her teacher left her alone today. Her teacher put down a worksheet for everyone. She handed Josie a pharmaceutical math test sheet for her. Josie just smiled as she did the test. It is almost too basic for her. She hopped up before class was even over and put it on the teacher’s desk.

“Done already? I’ll grade it later and let you know Monday.” Mrs Q said.

“Yeah, it was easy. Is there a harder one you can find me?” Josie asked.

“I’ll have to meet up with the school nurse to see.” Mrs Q comments.

“Sounds good. Can I sneak out here? I have to get home a little early to clean up.” Josie asked.

“Yeah, go ahead.” Mrs Q said as she wrote a note for early dismissal for Josie, handing it to her.

“Thank you.” Josie took the note and walked out of the class.

“HOW COME SHE…” Josie heard. The sound muted after it closed.

Josie walked to her locker, cracking it open. She threw all her books in the locker and closed it. She didn’t have any homework. She was free. She made sure she had her keys. She walked to the main office and gave the front office the note. She then walked out to the parking lot. She got in her car. She honestly sat in the car for a few minutes. She opened the bottle of oxys. She took one out and swallowed it quickly. She drove herself home. She parked her car next to her moms. She gets out of the car. She walked in.

“It’s early.” Josie’s mom commented.

“Mrs Q let me go early because she gave me the simple math test.” Josie responded.

“Well, you are going to be great. Can you help clean? I’ll start dinner in about an hour.” Her mom stated.

“Yeah, I’ll clean.” Josie stated.

She cleaned to the best of her ability. Soon there was a knock on the door. Josie came over to the door, peeking in the peep hole. She squealed seeing her friends on the other side. She flung the door open.

“STEVE! ROBIN!” She pulled them into a hug.

“Josie!” They both said with a chuckle.

“Come in.” Josie said she moved and the two walked in.

“Edddddie!” Josie says as her arms are wrapped around the man.

“Hey Jos.” Eddie hugged her back. He could see her mom watch the two.

“Come on in!” She said excitedly.

“Are you…” Eddie whispered.

“Shhh…” She muttered with a wink.

“Dinner is about done. Steve, honey, can you set the table?” Her mom asked.

“Yes ma’am. Robin, help me.” Steve said. The two walked into the kitchen.

Eddie holds up the movie. “Where do I set this up?”

“Come here.” Josie took his arm and dragged him over the player at the TV.

“You are cute when you are out of it.” Eddie muttered as he sat up the movie to be ready for after dinner.

“Oh shush Munson.” Josie mumbled.

“Dinner is ready and the table is set.” Robin said.

Josie grabbed Eddie’s hand and dragged him over to the dining room. She sat in her usual seat. Eddie sat next to her. Steve and Robin sat across from them. Her mother sat at the head of the table. They all dished out food and Josie’s mom started to talk, so everyone listened.

“Jo, how did you think you did on that test in math.” Josie’s mom spoke.

“Mrs Q is going to let me know Monday.” Josie responded, pretending she didn’t have oxy flowing through her.

“A test?” Steve asked.

“Yeah, she gave me a pharmaceutical test to include in my paperwork to send to John Hopkins.” Josie responded, realizing that she never spoke a word about it to her friends.

“John Hopkins… that’s in Maryland right?” Eddie spoke.

“Yeah, it is one of the prestigious schools.” Robin spoke.

“Why not somewhere local like Indiana University.” Steve asked.

“Because… I.U. isn’t the dream. Getting out of Hawkins is the dream.” Josie said.

“Eddie, aren’t you a second year senior?” Josie’s mom asked.

“Uh, yeah, but things have been hard. I am not as blessed as Josie, I suppose. I am getting real close to a D in English.” Eddie answered, feeling nervous. “Wayne is…”

“Wayne? Munson? He’s a nice man. I used to go fishing with Josie’s dad and Wayne was always there.” Her mom said with a smile. “You were that little boy who played that guitar toy huh?”

“Uh, yeah,” Eddie said, a little embarrassed.

“Oh wait? You were?” Josie said with a grin. “He’d get mad when I had my tambourine toy!”

“Yeah because tambourines suck.” Eddie commented.

“Oh, how cute, you two were baby friends and didn’t even know it!” Robin commented.

“Shh Buckley.” Josie stated with a small glare, but couldn't help her smile.

The group got quiet and ate the food. A few “This is so good. Thank you Mrs Wood.” came from the peanut gallery. They finished eating and Josie collected all the dishes and put then in the sink. Her mother and Eddie walked out to the living room first. Josie started the dishes. Steve and Robin came up beside her like the devil and the angel on her shoulders.

“So, I think your mom likes Eddie, which makes being with him a lot easier.” Robin commented,

“So? Does he want to be with me?” Josie asked as she did the dishes.

“Let me ask.” Steve said. “During the movie, I’ll whisper to him during a loud part.”

“Oh my Gosh, just ask him when we go to… Skull Rock, all of us.” Josie stated.

“Why are we going to Skull Rock, that’s my makeout spot.” Steve commented and took on the role of rinsing off the dishes.

“That is where Eddie wanted to hang out there after we watched the movie.” Josie said.

“On a Friday night?” Steve’s eyebrow arched.

“Please, it won’t be that busy. I think Cunningham has a party tonight, so…” Robin commented as she started to dry the dishes and put them in the dish rack.

“Guys… Munson asked. Okay?” Josie said with one last final protest.

“Fine.” Steve said and rolled his eyes.

They finished the dishes and end up in the living room, watching Eddie and Mrs Wood laughing.

“Oh Wayne was so proud of that tiny little thing.” Mrs Wood said, still laughing.

“He’s still convinced it was the smallest thing he’s ever caught.” Eddie chuckled.

“Movie time?” Josie asked.

“Yeah, dear, go ahead.” Her mom spoke.

Josie started the movie. Josie sat between her mom and Eddie on the couch. Steve sat in front of Eddie and Robin in front of Josie. They watched the movie in silence. Josie would peek over at her mother as her mother’s eyes lit up from what’s going on on the screen. The movie was soon over and her mother hopped up.

“Alright, I am going to bed, if you kids are doing anything else, have Josie home by 2. I trust you Harrington.” Her mom said she walked off.

��Yes ma’am.” He shrugged his shoulders when Robin looked over at him. “I don’t know why…”

“She must have seen Eddie drive.” Robin commented.

“Hey! I was so careful!” Eddie said with a smirk.

“Let’s go losers.” Josie said she stood up.

The two pairs left the house, climbing into Eddie’s van, mostly because Steve refused to have all those drugs in the car. Josie took a second to grab her oxys. She climbed into the passenger seat. Eddie turned over the engine and drove them as close to Skull Rock as they could get. Josie had taken out an oxy and chewed it up. Robin watched her for a moment, not sure why her friend felt the need to do oxys. The pairs walked out to Skull Rock. Eddie pulled out a joint and lit it for Steve and Robin. He took one long hit before passing it to the pair. He walked over to where Josie was sitting and giggling.

“Jos?” He asked as he sat down next to her.

“Yes sweetie?” She answered as she leaned her head on his shoulder. “You smell nice.”

“Thanks? But uh, did you time that out right?” He asked.

“What? Munson, of course I did. You can take up to six a day. I took one before dinner and one now. I am just keeping the high going.” She said.

“You really do know your stuff.” Eddie muttered.

“Well, I have only been abusing since the summer between sophomore and junior year. I made sure I wasn’t going to kill myself. I can’t let my mom know that I do pills, she’d kill me. She’d cry forever. That’s why my dad left, abusing pills. He’d be so proud to know I followed in his footsteps.” Josie casually overshared with him.

“How did you…” He started to ask.

“A friend of mine's dad had cancer and he had oxys. He never noticed when her and I took one or two.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I am done talking about it.” Josie’s eyes stared up at the sky, pointing to a set of stars. “See that one? It’s Leo.”

Eddie’s eyes follow the point of her finger and he smiled. “Yeah, and I know that is Sextan right next to it.”

“Wayne looked at stars with you too?” she asked.

“Yeah, he said as a fisherman, in case you get lost, you need to know how to navigate with the stars… Sounds like Pirate lore to me.” Eddie grinned.

They shared a quick glance and smile. He noticed that her eyes still seemed like stark blue crystals in her eyes.

“I think I am going to blow Jason’s party off tomorrow? The thought of getting all hot to hang out with him all night, no thank you.” Josie muttered. “I hardly doubt he remembered my end of the deal.”

“He might… but yeah, he cannot force you to go.” Eddie mumbled back to her. He bravely took her hand in his.

“TOLD YOU! FIVE DOLLARS BITCH!” Robin screamed as she held out a hand to Steve.

“HE DIDN’T KISS HER YET!” Steve equally screamed.

“Robin…. Shut up.” Josie said a bit loudly.

“Jos…” Eddie squeezed her hand for attention.

“Hm?” Her gaze was a bit fuzzy as she giggled a little.

Eddie goes in for the kiss. Josie quickly scrambled to kiss him back, her arms going around his neck.

“Five dollars.” Robin spoke at a much quieter tone.

“Fine…” Steve mumbled as he pulled a fiver from his pocket and handed it to Robin.

Eddie and Josie broke the kiss after a few more beats, both of them panting a little bit.

“It’s been…” Josie started.

“So long… I know. Robin spilled the beans.” Eddie motioned to their dumb friend.

“Rob, I swear to God!” Josie gets up and starts to chase Robin around.

“I’m sorry - I’m sorry!” Robin squealed as she ran around, laughing.

Eddie got up and stood with Steve as the girls ran around.

“Ask her out man.” Steve spoke.

“I definitely will. Maybe a proper date then I will. Not while she’s high…” Eddie answered him.

The girls eventually stopped because they weren’t in the best shape. Josie walked over to Eddie, throwing her arms around his neck, giving him a little peck on the lips. His arm hooked on her side. Josie and Eddie went back to where they were sitting earlier, looking at the stars. Steve and Robin joined them. They exchanged stories all night.

[sylverstorms]

Cassandra Dimitrescu x Maiden ----Valiant

The tavern is lively in the evening.

A fact you are endlessly grateful for. It provides an imperfect little sanctuary to drown out the mad howling from the outside.

The shrill sound is nothing new, nor out of the ordinary for you; it has been with you your entire life. Ever since you were a child, you remember the fear it instilled and the nights it kept you awake, shivering in terror underneath the covers of your bed. You remember the stories your mother told you about the monsters lurking in the darkness of the forest… even more so now that her warnings and tales are all you have of her.

Perhaps that subconscious terror is the very reason which had you seeking work at the inn.

You could do literally anything else in the village than tolerate the half-mad grouch that is the owner –he never even pays on time— yet you are still here. Possibly to escape the cold walls of your empty house at night. Possibly to avoid being alone with the howls and the padding right out your door. You don’t know how the other villagers do it. They’re either braver, denser or crazier than you give them credit for.

As for yourself, you know for a fact you are not as strong as other people think you are. Maybe it is your sturdy build that tricks them, or the killer glare you’ve perfected over the years of putting up with the town’s shit. Whatever the case, you are in no hurry to debunk the lie, even while you recognize it for what it is.

A distant howl threatens to crack the cocoon of safety you’ve convinced yourself you’re tucked into, so you focus on the drunken chatter and the bard’s soft music a tad harder. It’s just the wind. Just the wind out there. Your knuckles are white around the bear glass you’re in the process of cleaning.

And then something strange catches your eye.

At a shadowed, quiet corner of the tavern, a shopkeeper is speaking to a hooded woman. The scene would not be anything out of the ordinary… only, you know just about every individual in this damned village –it comes with the job— yet you do not recognize her.

And you’d remember that tight, lithe figure, that is for certain.

There aren’t many girls in the village who can make plain black robes look like an article right out of a fashion magazine. So, yes, she is the first thing your mind settles on. But your attention quickly shifts to the person she’s talking to. The man has had far too much wine to drink –you’d know, you served it— and he’s not exactly the type you’d trust being inebriated around women. Already, he’s looking at her like a starved beast salivating over a freshly cut steak.

Your hazel eyes narrow at his direction.

“I will ask you for the final time. Do you have what I ordered for my mother?” the girl asks, her silvery voice curling slowly around every word, as if she’s talking to a toddler or a fool. It’s as funny as it is cute, but you can’t let yourself smile just yet. Something in his gaze takes all the mirth out of the situation for you.

Instinctively, you’ve moved closer.

“I have it. Yes, of course. Come with me an’ I’ll give it to you.” There is a very obvious slur to his words that inspires no confidence.

You want to shout when the girl so very easily follows him outside.

There are too many things wrong with that thought. Her, possibly new to the village, alone with a lecher like him. Her, unprotected, out in the dark, where every soul in this cursed place knows not to be.

Suddenly, you’re hyperventilating and you don’t know why. You don’t know her and her wellbeing is none of your concern. Everyone in the town is out for themselves, that part was made abundantly clear to you a long time ago. There is no room for compassion, especially at night. She made a bad decision and the consequences are her own to deal with.

You are not a heroine to follow her out and save her from the wolves and the man’s intentions and the rumored monsters. You are not that good of a person. You know it like you know the sky is blue; you are not that brave.

But you must be stupid.

You must be, because it’s not a minute later that you hurry out the back door, as well. It’s difficult to see anything in the dead of night, but you manage to spot the pair on the side of the building. The shopkeeper is now leaning too close to her, a drunken grin to his lips as he reaches out to grab at her chest. The girl’s hand flies to her hip, the handle of a weapon visible there just under the shadows—

Your fist is faster.

It cracks straight against the man��s jaw in a sound that shouldn’t be so satisfying but it is. His head knocks against the wall and he falls backwards like a pushed domino. Howls echo in the distance but the sound of your heart is too loud in your ears to register them.

You turn to the girl to make sure she’s alright –to see her with a gleaming sickle in hand, hovering awkwardly mid-air. At least she had a weapon with her. Yet it’s not so much the blade as her face that captures your attention.

She is beautiful. All delicate features befitting a princess, curved nose and cupid lips and a small chin. Her brown hair looks silken-soft as it runs down the sides of her angelic face… but you haven’t heard of any angels with an umbral, rose-like tattoo on their foreheads.  

You have heard of beings bearing such markings that you’d be smart to avoid.

The contrast between the attraction you feel and the danger you should feel leaves you hanging there, still and mute. She is the first to move, hooking her sickle back to her belt in a motion far too dexterous not to ring some alarm bells in the back of your head.

“Well.” she says. “Looks like I’ve been rescued.” she doesn’t sound rescued. “Unnecessary… but sweet of you.” If her smile wasn’t so pretty maybe you would have already started running indoors.

“N-no problem.” you say as you’re beginning to regret all your life choices.

Her eyes flash down to your neck, then back up to yours. You don’t see her move, but her hand is suddenly on your bicep, just above the curve of your elbow. You can feel the chill of her skin through your clothes. “Relax. You’ll have a heart attack.”

Easy for her to say.

A quiet moment passes between you, during which you are all too aware of the fact your back is now pressed against the wall and she’s in front of you. Then, “Is it the howling…?” she asks. You’re half-lying when you nod. “Don’t worry about it. I can’t very well let my valiant protector get eaten, now, can I?”

It’s meant as a joke, but your heart constricts further in your chest. Images you’d like to avoid thinking about come to mind. How casually did she say the word ‘eaten’, though…?

“I’m –not really any of those things.” You shake your head. “What did you need from this guy?”

Conversation is probably good, you muse. It helps with your nerves and it keeps her occupied. Plus, she’s kind of really cute, the way her voice so perfectly matches her face. You can’t help but add that to the list of reasons.  

A pout crosses her balmy lips. The moonlight that caresses her face makes them glitter. “I wanted a surprise gift for my mother. My order should have arrived by now –so maybe I don’t need him, after all.” Maybe I don’t need him alive is what she doesn’t say but strongly imply.

“No, no! I can get it for you!” you say the second she makes to move towards the unconscious shopkeeper.

A soft, airy chuckle leaves her lips. “Didn’t you say you aren’t a valiant protector?”

“Words I stand by. But there’s been enough loss in the village as it is.” you somehow find the courage to reply. “I’ll get it from him tomorrow—”

“So, that’s where you are.” Another female voice chimes in, this one several tones darker than firmer than the brunette’s. The figure that looms in the darkness wears a similar attire, but she feels more ominous than the one in front of you. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” she says, stern, like an older sister you don’t want to ever cross.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m coming.” The brunette waves with her free hand. The one that’s not still on your arm. She turns back to you, her expression sweet amusement once more. “Be home tomorrow night and have my order with you, yes?” You can imagine it’s impossible for anyone to say ‘no’ to her when she bats her lashes like that.

You also don’t want to imagine what will happen if you refuse.

“Uh— Yeah.”

She beams. She downright beams. “Excellent!” She steps away and you take a much-needed breath…

But then she seems to think twice about it and slips right back into your space. Dainty fingers catch your chin, deceptively strong. Cool, soft lips land on your warmed cheek. She smells good, is all you can think about while she’s that close. Like the cold and roses and faint undertones of something metallic.  

“Thanks, sweetheart.” she purrs.

The edge of her hood brushes your forehead and she’s out of reach before you can even blink. She waves at you from her sister’s side, who looks none too pleased with any of this.

And then— she blends into the dark and you finally register how cold it is outside.

Ko-Fi

[hostess-of-horror]

Danse Macabre

Finally! After so many days of writing, I have finally finished my biggest fanfic yet! It's another Phantom x Peach fanfic and it is a bit of a sequel to my previous one "Encore at Midnight". I had this really cool story concept for a little while and I felt like I just could not do anything else unless I write it down. It was a bit of an experiment since I had to do a little bit of research just to pull some things off (however, it is far from perfect, so please forgive me). Also, I have officially made some OCs for this fanfic, yay! Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy what I have created!

Number of Pages: 17

Word Count: 9358

[Content includes: Themes of Death/Mortality and Some Suggestiveness (not smut though!), OC “Death”, Graphic Body Horror, and Slight Profanity]

For @salamifuposey, @kindpopstar, @jawaii-chan, and everyone else who wants to read this fanfic!

____________________________________________________________

My Dearest Princess,

Forgive my absence these past few days. I have been preparing the final touches in my newest masterpiece, and I have been dying to show you what I have created. It is something I have not done before; consider it an experiment of sorts. My excitement cannot be contained any longer! Tonight, I invite you to a performance unlike anything you have seen before. I have arranged a carriage to arrive at your castle at around midnight. It will take you to Spooky Trails, where I have made refuge, and you will be accompanied along the way. She will be your guide, and I assure you she will not lead you astray. I pray you receive this letter and that you accept the invitation.

Your Humble Host,

P

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Princess Peach reads and rereads the letter. So many questions run through her mind. What does he mean by “experiment”? What kind of performance will this be? And who is this guide? She looks up from the letter, and across from her is an unfamiliar face. Sitting across from her is a woman looking out of the carriage window, admiring the night sky. Or, at least it seems like she is, for the bright reflection on her tea shades completely covered her eyes. Her guide is abnormally slender and taller than her, however she could not tell exactly how much. Her alabaster skin pops in contrast of her dark attire, which consists of a frilly ivory blouse and high-low trail skirt, a velvet violet corset, leather pants, and a long onyx black coat embellished with jewels. Her frizzy, unkept silver hair is pulled up into two buns with small strands of hair shimmering like a diamond. Peach had never seen anyone quite like her before; it’s like she came from another world entirely. The guide turns her attention from the view towards Peach and smiles. Peach averts her eyes and looks towards the window – it was rude to stare, especially at a stranger. “So, you must be the one my master has been interested in all this time? He has told me so much about you.”, the guide spoke. Peach brings her attention back towards the guide. “I am, miss.”, she responds, “And, he has?”

“Oh yes! He is simply infatuated with you! I dare say, obsessed, even. And now that I have a chance to see you up close, I can definitely see why.”

“Infatuated is a good word to describe him. He has shown his affection quite often since our first reunion.”

“Has he now?”

“Mm-hmm. He’s been nothing but a gentleman towards me, even if he does get pretty… excitable from time to time.”

“Consider yourself lucky, your highness. Having an enthusiastic partner makes the relationship a lot more interesting!”

“Well, yes, I agree… I- um…”

“Is there something wrong?”

“Phantom and I have only met a little while now; almost a month I believe. I’m not sure if I want to start referring to him as my partner.”

“Just yet, you mean?”

“Oh, please don’t get me wrong, I do like him! I just like to… take things a little slow.”

“Ah, I see. I completely understand. You want to get to know him a little bit more before you make any decisions. A rather smart move on your part.”

“Exactly.”

“Don’t tell anyone this, but my master isn’t one to do such a thing. That is not to say he’s completely reckless, but whenever there’s something – or someone – he’s interested in, he becomes determined. Stubborn even. And personally, it is not his best quality sometimes. It makes him look like a moron. A blind one at that.”

“I guess you can say he becomes inspired. Phantom is an artist, after all. Art is meant to invoke emotion, no matter the medium. It would make sense that he himself is the same way.”

“Insightful! And right you are.”

“Not to mention, Phantom is an opera singer. Opera, of course, is highly emotional and very dramatic, and so is he.”

“That too. I know this might be a personal question, but your first reunion with my master…”

“Yes?”

“What happened that night? I ask because I remember seeing him wallowing in shame after his trip over to the Mushroom Kingdom. When he returned, he threw himself onto his fainting couch, murmuring curses, almost about to cry.”

“Oh my! Well, Phantom was in the ballroom inside my castle that night. He was singing this beautiful melody. When I found him, we talked for a bit and discovered we both have something in common.”

“And what would that be?”

“Companionship.”

“Ah…”

“As we talked, he told me about his life after that battle at Spooky Trails a few years ago. He was so lonely, unable to find friends to call his own. Soon he became… anxious. I cannot describe exactly what came over him, but it was obvious he was in pain. Then, his eyes turned red, and suddenly darkness. I fainted.”

The guide stares at Peach, her mouth slightly agape. Although her tea shades cover her eyes, her expression is readable. It is a look of shock – that look of knowing exactly what had just happened with Phantom on that very night. She sighs, “I see. That is not the first time he has done that. My master can be terrifying when he has his moments.”

“Everything was just so overwhelming. I was scared, yes, but afterwards I was more concerned of his well-being. I cannot bear to see someone in pain; being alone can take a toll on anyone… Oh, that poor thing! He must’ve thought that he harmed me when I fainted!” Peach exclaimed. Silence takes over the conversation. Peach’s eyes wander towards the carriage floor while the guide’s attention never breaks. Her eyebrows furrowed, Peach fidgets with her gloves. The guide adjusts her position, leaning over towards the worried princess. She reaches out and holds her hand; Peach stops fidgeting. “I’m glad that you care about him, your highness. Very few do.” she gently smiles, “There have been many times I believed that the only people who care about him is me and the others.”

“The others?”, Peach asks.

“The rest of my master’s theatre troupe. Just like him, we are all one with music.”

“…may I ask what is your name?

“My name? Oh-! my name, how could I forget my manners? How rude of me! I am Dolores, your highness.”

“And if I may ask as well, if you don’t mind, where do you come from?”

Before Dolores has a chance to answer, a flash of shadows sped by the carriage. Dolores motions towards the window, her head peeking out, looking over the view. Her pearl white teeth shows as she grins from ear to ear. “We’re almost there! Ah, soon you will experience the greatest show yet, Princess Peach!”, she exclaims with glee. Peach takes a look at her window. Memories flooded her mind like a rushing river coursing through the barren earth. Spooky Trails.She remembers now; it was all coming back to her. This was all leading to the very location where her battle with Phantom took place. She, alongside Mario, Luigi, and a few Rabbids, witnessed Phantom’s creation and fought him as he flaunted about on the old, decrepit stage. To think, he was an almost entirely different person. Phantom wasn’t as gentlemanly as he is as of recently, but since their first reunion, he has been wanting things to change.

He wants her. Her heart. Her soul. Her beauty. Everything.

To think it has come to this. To think the princess, who has been known for being saved by her plumber in shining armor and being in love with him, would fall for such a character. But has she truly fallen for Phantom? Or is it all just nonsense? If it was just nonsense, then why would she accept the invitation? Peach takes in the environment as the carriage rolls across the cobblestone path, driving through the dead trees and the old, seemingly abandoned village. Despite having never returned after the battle, Peach regains her memories of Spooky Trails, almost to the point of knowing exactly where Phantom resides. Dolores returns to her position, her shining grin still on her face. Peach turns her attention back at Dolores and asks, “What was the inspiration behind this performance?”

“I would tell you, but it would ruin the surprise! My master has ordered all of us to never reveal his masterpiece until it is time.” Dolores answers.

“Oh…”

“All I can say is that this is no ordinary performance. My master is quite the visionary, you know!”

“Very well, then. I won’t ask any more questions, if it’s going to ruin the surprise.”

“Are you excited, your highness?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not often that I get invited to such events.”

“Really? But you’re royalty! I thought you would be invited to all sorts of performances.”

“I do, but it just doesn’t happen that often, and I honestly don’t know why. I adore the theater!”

“We all do too. Our lifestyle is nothing but the theater… quite literally!”

“Gosh, that must be so wonderful, to be part of a theatre troupe. To perform for all to see, to entertain others through amazing plays! I’ve always wished to join when I was a little girl.”

“Oh! Would you look at that! We’ve finally arrived!”

After what it seemed like more than an hour, the carriage, at long last, finally stops. Dolores gets up from her seat, slowly crawling her way out of the carriage. Her elongated body almost struggles through the small door, but she succeeds with grace. She then offers her hand to Peach with a softer smile, “Your midnight show awaits, Princess Peach…” Taking Dolores’ hand, Peach steps out of the carriage and immediately she is greeted by a massive silver gate. The very gate that stands guard the entrance to Phantom’s stage. It is beautifully sculpted, shaped into swirls and patterns holding up an illuminating full moon, with two music notes placed on each side as the borders. Yes, Peach remembers now. Dolores walks up to the gate and peers through it. She waves at something or something – Peach could not tell – and opens it, allowing themselves to enter. Peach follows behind. She didn’t know how tall Dolores was when they were in the carriage, but now she could get a good look at her stature. Dolores was tall – taller than any human she has ever seen before. If Peach could guess, her guide was three to four (maybe five!)feet taller than her and was practically towering over her. Ever since they met, she had this feeling of uneasiness. Who is this woman? What is this woman? Where did she come from? So many questions. There was something off about Dolores, and it wasn’t necessarily her abnormal physique. There was something, but Peach couldn’t put her finger on it. Whatever it was…. Perhaps she doesn’t need to worry too much about it.

Approaching the decrepit stage, the two ladies are met by a small man wielding a large, glowing lantern. This man is the opposite of Dolores in terms of height and physique. He is a short and stout dwarf, donning a regal yellow robe over his slightly mismatched clothes. The light emanating from the lantern reveals his nicely trimmed beard, his long, curly chocolate brown hair tied back into a ponytail, his fluorescent amber eyes giving them a warm welcome. His smile grew bigger once Dolores waves again; he waves back. “Dolores, there you are! And you brought our special guest! Wunderbar! It is a pleasure to meet you, eure hoheit.”, the dwarf greets them, bowing in courtesy. “Are the others ready, Stefan?”, Dolores asks.

“We’ve been ready for a while now. Just making sure everything is perfect for tonight.”

“And what about our master?”

“He will not show his face. In fact, he wants me to tell you that no one must see him until he has shown himself to us all.”

“Ah, well that makes things interesting.”

“I agree. Anyway, enough chit chat! Let us proceed! We must not keep our master’s little freundin waiting.”

“Por favor, Stefan! Don’t tease… that’s my job.”

Stefan chuckles as he ushers them to go into the stage. Dolores follows Stefan, and Peach follows Dolores. They all walk deeper through the torn platform and dusty curtains. Damaged props, broken wires, hanging ropes, and mangy fabrics scatter the place. The further deeper they went, the larger the backstage seems to be. Peach looks in awe as she continues to follow her guides. Who knew that this abandoned stage held such secrets? After a few minutes of walking, Stefan places his lantern on the floor, lighting up the entire floor, and begins to crawl on his hands and knees. His fingers trace the nooks and crannies of the floorboards, mumbling to himself. He searches until he finds a small hole and grabs it. The hole turns out to be a handle, and Stefan pulls and lifts up the floorboards. He reveals a decent sized door leading to a much darker pathway – a long stone stairway stretching far into a secret tunnel. Stefan’s lantern gave light to the darkness, making the trip down into the underground refuge much less intimidating. Dolores holds Peach’s hand as they go down the stairs. This was such an odd way of attending a performance. Peach could not imagine what kind of performance involves having to venture underground in order to see it. What could she possibly expect from all of this? Part of her mind began screaming for help, pleading to go back to the Mushroom Kingdom. Part of her mind wanted normalcy, no surprises. It wanted her to stop and return to her chamber, to her castle, to Mario and her friends. However, the other part was curious. It was that familiar curiosity – the same curiosity she had when first reunited with Phantom. She could never forget that night. Never in a lifetime. Everything about him, whether it be music or shadow, is just so…. Alluring.

Alluring… Beguiling… Captivating… Enchanting…

Her mind finally gives in. She goes for the latter. How could she not? She has ventured too deep into this tunnel to start leaving. For once, she is able to take a break from her royal duties. To forget her troubles. To finally experience something new. For once. As for curiosity, she was more concerned about Phantom. Why would he not allow anyone to see him? Of course, it must be for the performance, but what exactly does Phantom have in store? The more Peach thought about him, the more impatient she became. Phantom. Oh, where are you, Phantom? Her mind falls into that familiar trance. She wants to see him again. She wants to hear him again. Perhaps Peach has become just as obsessed as he is with her. This must be an addiction. It must be. If it wasn’t, then she would never be where she is right now. Whether it be curiosity, obsession, or madness, Peach will continue to walk into shadow if it meant she will meet her friend again. Stefan, Dolores, and Peach finally reach the end of the tunnel, finding a wooden door decorated with gold etchings, which looked out of place amongst the cobweb-shrouded stone walls. With a strong push, Stefan enters through, allowing the door to creak wide open. Behind the door is a humongous hallway, adorned from wall to wall with a vast multitude of paintings, flyers and posters of plays and musicals, candles, and curtains. To think a dusty tunnel would lead to a beautiful makeshift palace! It’s like discovering a treasure chest inside of a dank, murky swamp. Is this where Phantom was residing all these years? Peach gasps. Dolores turns around and smiles, “Welcome to our humble abode, your highness. In this place, music is our lifeforce. We eat, we drink, we breathe, we sleep in music. Just like our master, we are not only creators of art – we are art itself. And tonight, we shall once again breathe life into another masterpiece. I cannot describe how immensely happy we all are. We are so glad that you accepted our master’s invitation, you will not regret it! Now, come along with me, let us go into the Ladies’ Dressing Room. Natasha has designed a wonderful costume for you to wear, and Ophelia will help you with your hair and makeup. I assure you they will make you absolutely gorgeous. Of course, that is not to say you’re not already beautiful.”

Stefan leaves the two ladies and heads towards the Gentlemen’s Dressing Room, which is across from the Ladies’ Dressing Room to the left, placing the lantern onto an iron hook built into the wall. “Well, I’m going to get myself ready and meet up with the others. I’ll see you all at the Gallery! Bis bald!”, he says as he closes the door. Dolores enters through the door to the right and holds it open for Peach to walk into the room. There sitting inside are twin sisters, both garbed in fine, flowy silk and chiffon gowns, working on their latest projects. To the left is a somber young lady sitting near a vanity, dressed all in Aegean and periwinkle blue, her pale pink hair intertwined into exquisite dreadlocks that reaches down to her shoulders. Wrapped around her head is a flower crown composed of lavender, Baby’s Breath, Fairy Foxgloves, and Forget-Me-Nots. To the right is a cheery young lady wearing a similar gown but in shades of fuchsia and rose, checking over the details of an extravagant costume, which is porcelain and peach in color. Her pale blue hair is also made of dreadlocks, as well as composed with the same flowers with the addition of small vines, but is pinned up into a lovely cornrow braided bun. The twin in pink looks up from her work and gasps, “Dolores, you’re back! And the princess is here! Ophelia, look! They’re here!” Ophelia turns around, her saddened expression softening into a weak smile, “Oh, hello again. And it’s nice to finally meet you, your highness.”

Dolores greets them back, turning her attention back to Natasha’s project, “Is the costume ready?”

“Yes, it is! I was just making sure everything’s perfect!”

“It looks amazing! Buen Trabajo!”

“Aww, thank you!”

“Alright, now we must hurry. I need to be in costume. I’ll meet you all in the Gallery, and don’t dottle please.”

“Don’t worry, Dolores, we’ll be ready as soon as possible.”

Dolores leaves Peach with Natasha and Ophelia, entering through a darkened room to get ready for the performance. Once she leaves, Peach witnesses what is perhaps the most amazing thing she has ever seen. The speed in which Natasha and Ophelia got her ready for the performance was astounding. What should have lasted for about a few hours or so ended up lasted for a few mere minutes! No human possesses this level of speed, especially with makeup. Any makeup artist would take their time getting every detail right. There would be no possible way anyone could apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush, concealer, lipstick, and every other detail really fast without messing up. But Ophelia proved that such an ability was possible. Natasha was no different. She helped Peach get into the extravagant costume without any struggle at all, as it fit perfectly onto her frame. How did she get her size just right? And it’s so comfortable too! “And… done! Oh, look at you! You are just beautiful, your highness! Don’t you think so, Ophelia?”, Natasha exclaims happily, proud of her job well done. “Oh yes, I agree…”, Ophelia smiles weakly again. Peach looks over to a nearby mirror. They were right; she is beautiful. Perhaps even more so, she thinks to herself, for she had never worn anything like this before. It is true that, being of royal blood, she is accustomed to an extremely elaborate (and expensive) wardrobe. But this… this is different from any other dress. It is a ballroom gown, completely encrusted with diamonds and pearls, with lovely black roses making a long trail from her waist down to the skirt. The white skirt is massive, flowing down towards the floor like a mass of billowing fog. Her shoulders and bosom are exposed completely, giving room for a glistening choker made of the same jewels. Her hair is done up in a high bun, lightly sprinkled with silver glitter, and tied together with another black rose.

She looks heavenly. Like an angel.

With everything all set and done, Natasha and Dolores begin preparing themselves. As they do, Ophelia pauses for a moment. “Oh, your highness! I almost forgot something. Before we go, our master wanted me to give you this.”, Ophelia says, handing her a small card. It reads: For the Princess. Before heading back to primp herself, her expression slowly turns gloomy, barely keeping up with her smile, “You are so lucky to be chosen…” Peach turns over the card as she waits for the twins to get ready and continues to read:

Tonight’s performance is a one-of-a-kind experience. You, my dear, will not only be the audience, but also part of the story! Everything and everyone around you will be interactive, so please do not be shy. Converse with your newly found friends! Eat, drink, dance with your heart’s content! And please, do not wait for me. I hope you enjoy my masterpiece.

- P

Ah ha! So, this is what Phantom’s performance is! It is a role-playing experience, and based on what the card says, it must be a party he’s hosting. What delightful news! Although, Peach must admit that she has never role-played before, especially in something like this. But wait – didn’t she say to Dolores earlier that being part of the theatre was her childhood dream? Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to try out her acting skills! Peach beams. She could not believe Phantom would make something like this. Whatever this role-playing party entails, she thinks to herself, she’s going to do the best she can. “We’re ready!” Natasha exclaims in a sing-song tone, “Are you ready, Ophelia?” Ophelia nods. Natasha excitedly takes both her and Peach’s hands, leading them out of the Ladies’ Dressing Room and into the Gallery. Peach almost could not keep up with the twins, for they have remarkable speed, as shown by their natural talents on makeup and costuming. How fast can could they possible go? If this is how fast they can walk, then how fast can they run? Natasha’s ecstatic giggling echoes through the hallway, and with every step they take, the upbeat tempo of music could be heard from behind the Gallery doors. The closer they went, the louder it became. The melody drifts in the air like a calm perfume for the ears, capturing Peach’s attention with its harmonious essence. A delicious delicacy for the senses. Just like Phantom’s voice. He must have composed this melody, for there is no way Peach could have been so immersed and entranced by its sound if it wasn’t. The three ladies approach the Gallery doors, the music muffled behind them. Natasha takes a glance back at Peach and Ophelia, unable to contain her excitement anymore.

She pushes the doors wide open.

What words could possibly describe the sheer extravagance of the Gallery? To think that all of this is completely underground! To think Phantom created this gargantuan chamber, big enough for him and perhaps one hundred guests! Maybe even more than that. Peach could tell, just by admiring the Gallery, Phantom is quite the fan of marble, silver, and velvet. Marble floors and pillars framing the chamber and silver-framed mirrors and portraits decorate the walls. Deep black velvet curtains cascade from the middle of the ceiling and down towards the floor, giving the appearance of one massive Bohemian tent. In the middle hangs a glamourous jeweled chandelier, giving a dim light to the darkness. Looking around, Peach notices there are seven rooms divided by the curtains, each one color-coded, with three rooms on both towards the left and right. To the left are the colors blue, purple, and green, and to the right are orange, white, and violet. The seventh room is located right in front of the ladies, right across from the Gallery entrance. Inside is completely shrouded in shades of red – wine, scarlet, crimson, garnet – and there sits in a shiny throne a crowned gentleman – a prince – with a glass of Amontillado in his hand. His wavy, champagne blonde hair falls delicately around his party mask and square facial structure. His rosy lips gently purse as he raises his glass to drink. He is accompanied by two other women, who are garbed to the nines in the richest finery, blushing and laughing amongst themselves. Every now and then, the prince would turn to one of them and whisper in their ear, making their faces turn into deeper shades of red. As Peach follows Natasha and Ophelia, she finds more guests, all conversing amongst one another in the color-coded rooms. The costumes they wear are vibrant in color and theme, ranging from jesters, to creatures, to knights, to fairies and pixies. These guests, including the prince himself, must all be part of Phantom’s theatre troupe. Peach begins to count: one… two… four… six… nine… eleven. Eleven members of the troupe. She wonders if there are any more, considering how large the Gallery is.

The prince turns his attention suddenly towards Peach, and so do the two women. Soon, almost everyone begins to stop for a moment and do the same. Simultaneously, Natasha and Ophelia bow, gesturing to Peach, “My Lord, we have brought you your special guest, Princess Morrigan of the Stygian Border.” The prince sets down his glass on a nearby silver platter, and stands right up from his throne, adjusting his vest and coat. “C’est magnifique, my loyal subjects! Now the masquerade can truly begin! Come, come! The night is young, gather around everyone! Let us celebrate all of our blessings and forget our grievances!” he declared, “May we prosper in these trying times, and may we never run out of wine to drink.” The crowd laughs and cheers, some of them raising their own glasses. He turns to Peach, his eyes wandering up and down, and smirks, “My, my… Enchantee, your highness. I must say, you look… ravishing tonight. I am Prince Fortunato, at your service. Why don’t you join me, my dear, in the Red Room? Surely, we can have some… fun together, what do you say?” Greeting her, Prince Fortunato places a soft kiss on her hand, his emerald eyes admiring her beauty. Or perhaps something else. Although Peach has to be polite, she immediately had no interest in him. Too cocky, she thinks to herself, too full of himself. It reminds her too much of Bowser. Then again, Phantom was that way, too, at least in the past. But she learned that he was not licentious. He never looked anywhere else but into her eyes. He never searched for anything other than her eyes. He ever seemed like he was after a particular goal other than seeing her whenever they meet. That is the one thing Peach was sure about. Ah, but remember! This is only roleplay; nothing is real. Prince Fortunato, as well as everyone else, is only pretending. In that case, this gentleman is an excellent actor!

Prince Fortunato leads Peach back to his throne, the two women still standing to accompany him. Envy fills the air. Their expressions turn sour as they watch Peach get even more attention than them. Peach could already tell that this is no ordinary masquerade. She has been to many royal revelries throughout her life, and all of them were filled to the brim with sophistication. Every guest, staff member, and host had class – anything that was considered less than classy wasn’t allowed. This masquerade is different in terms of the usual standards of hosting such parties. It was as eccentric as its Gothic décor, consisting of tables filled with silver platters of fruits, meats, bread, and desserts, goblets of beverages, and candles. Every once and a while, a few guests would stuff themselves and each other with this feast, disregarding etiquette for sheer pleasure. Peach isn’t used to the cacophony of this kind of merrymaking. All of this was nothing but pure, unadulterated debauchery – something she was taught never to delve into. She is a princess, after all, and princesses never do those sorts of things. However, did she not accept the invitation to let herself loose? Did she not agree to join this performance – this masquerade – to experience something new for once? For once? Feeling out of place just standing idle amongst Prince Fortunato and the guests, Peach goes over to one of the tables and picks at a plate of grapes. She watches as the guests gather around Natasha and Ophelia in one huge circle, clapping to the music’s rhythm as they frolic together. The fabrics of their dresses fly with their movements as if they were colorful wings dancing in the darkness. As she plops the grapes delicately into her mouth, her eyes continue to wander over the décor. Suddenly, she stops at a grim sight. There as the centerpiece sits three skulls, two of them from a different species, ones Peach isn’t familiar with. The skull placed in the middle, however, is human. She could not tell if these skulls were real. She hopes they aren’t real. Taking a closer look, an engraving is found on its forehead: Ars longa, vita brevis.

Without warning, the Gallery doors burst open! The music stops – the crowd jumps in surprise! Prince Fortunato rises to his feet, alarmed by this sudden interruption. Peach turns around. There standing in the doorway is an aged peasant woman in old, torn rags, her hair glowing bright red like a burning inferno. Her complexion is dirtied, her makeup is smudged, her eyes red-hot with fury. She scowls as she approaches the partygoers, her hands clenched as if she is about to attack. “For shame!Have you no shame?!” the peasant chants, flailing her arms with rage, “Have you no compassion for your people?! The plague lays waste throughout the land! And yet, here you are, surrounding yourself with wealth and whores! They are suffering! They are dying! There is no hope for us! For shame! For shame! Have you no shame?!” Peach watches as everyone else steps back, avoiding her filthy presence. Twelve. Twelve members in Phantom’s theatre troupe. Prince Fortunato steps forward, confronting her, “Who dares… who dares interrupts us?! Who dares trespass Fort Fortunato and speak against the Crown?!”

“It is your undoing that dares enter your home! This, all of this, will be your downfall!” she responds back angerly, gesturing to the masquerade.

“Leave this instant, or else I’ll have your head for this!”

“I have seen it, Prince Fortunato! I have seen your fate in the deepest of dreams! Doom is upon you all!”

“Ah, it’s one of those so-called soothsayers my people love so much… how lovely. They love having their fortunes told, don’t they? Superstitions and all that. Hmmm. Well, in that case, go on. Amuse us with your… dreams and visions, fortune teller. We do love to be entertained.”

“It will come, Prince Fortunato, in retribution of your indulgences. You and your party may hide all you want; it will still find you! Mortals cannot escape from what is inevitable. In the end, it shall visit us when our time comes… and your time is nigh.”

“Qu’est-ce que tu racontes? What is this ‘it’ you’re talking about? Whatever ‘it’ is, I am sure it will not ruin this masquerade. Princess, do you hear all this? She’s simply mad!”

“Our time is nigh!”

“Tu es timbre!”

“For shame! For shame!”

“Quitter cet endroit!”

“Have you no shame?!”

The peasant stops. Her eyes shift towards Peach. A look of horror falls upon her face. “You…”, she whispers, slowly raising a pointed finger at her. Peach watches as she approaches her, still pointing, terrified. Her expression contorts as if she is studying, searching for something. “You… are to be Death’s Bride… Yes! You are Death’s Bride!” she exclaims, falling to her knees, clutching Peach’s skirt, “Oh, you poor soul! So young… innocent… all to be swept by its dark embrace! I beg of you, your highness, leave this place! Forget these fools! Forget all of this! Save yourself!” With a swift grab, Prince Fortunato pulls the peasant away by the shoulder and pushes her aside. “Unhand her this instant! You trespass my fortress, you waste our time with your superstitions, and now you insult me and my guests?” he yells, “Everyone! Let us show this insolent wretch what it means to insult those higher than her! Bring me a chair! Bring me some rope! Let’s play a game with her, shall we?” Peach could not believe it. A prince sacrificing the well-being of his people for an elaborate masquerade! And now, he and the other guests have decided to torture this poor woman! She cannot stay silent any longer – she must act! “Wait!” Peach cries, making everyone stop in unison, “Have mercy on her! Please!” Prince Fortunato scoffs in amusement, “Why, and for what? She insulted us, you heard her!”

“Yes, but none of that would have happened if you attended to your royal duties as Prince and took care of your people!”

“E-excusez-moi?”

“This poor woman is in dire need of assistance, and you have all the wealth to help her! Maybe you should consider.”

“Ha! My dear, you jest! I have no need for peasants! Why should I dabble in their affairs?”

“Because their affairs are yours as well. They have relied on you for so long, and you rely on them. Without your people, you’re done for!”

“Do you not see the extravagance of this masquerade? The bountiful feasts presented on the tables? Our costumes? The wine in our glasses? I am rich, Princess Morrigan! Wealthy beyond imagination!”

“Wealth that came from people like her! Please, my Lord, have mercy.”

“Are you mad? Ha, you must be! Just as mad as the fortune teller!”

“If I am as mad as her, then I must be! Yes, that’s it! Perhaps your foolishness is just another wild hallucination, for what respectable royalty spoils themselves to the point of gluttony and greed?”

A crowd of gasps shatter the silence. The crowd glance at Peach, then at the prince, then back at her, awaiting another response. Prince Fortunato stands silent, completely stunned by her audacity. His face becomes flushed, his teeth gritting, his emerald eyes bright with anger. His fists clench. “Oh…. I’m a fool, am I? Am I a fool?! I am not a fool! I am Prince Fortunato, the next in line! Heir to the throne! I am as respectable as royalty can be!” he furiously shouts, “I will not be insulted like this! I will not be degraded like this! I need not your judgment, or hers, or anyone else’s! I am no fool, do you hear me? I am not a fool! I am a Prince, full of riches and beauty! I am perfect! I am powerful! I am untouchable! You think I’m a fool? You call me a fool, eh? Ha ha! Well then, let me entertain you all! Come, gather around, my lovely guests! Let me show you what a true fool really is!” With a whip of his cape, Prince Fortunato rushes from the crowd and goes behind the throne. Everyone watches as he switches his coat and cape with another coat and removes his crown with another accessory. In a matter of seconds, he reappears, this time donning a shiny blue coat and a mask in the shape of a rabbit’s face. Raising his arms, he presents his new costume to the crowd, “Here! Here! I am now a fool! But Prince Fortunato? Oh no, no, no! He is no fool! You imbeciles! He is a national treasure!” Has Prince Fortunato finally lost his sanity? What could he possibly gain from this? Peach is stunned, as much as the rest of the others. However, she is not as terrified as everyone else. She sees Natasha and Ophelia cradling each other, comforting one another despite both being in distress. She sees Stefan in costume backing away, almost seeming to run away and hide somewhere safe. She sees Dolores frozen in utter fear.

Peach remembers what she had said: “My master can be terrifying when he has his moments.”

No one could help but watch as Prince Fortunato danced along the ballroom floor, singing random songs in a mocking fashion. He flails his arms, waving his hands wildly as if no one is watching him. Is this even part of the roleplay? This moment feels too spontaneous to even be scripted. Peach could not imagine Phantom having his own theatre troupe mock him, regardless of whether or not it would be intentional. Whoever is playing Prince Fortunato must truly be a fool. Prince Fortunato sings in a sardonic tone:

🎶“Look at me!

Watch me float and gloat and show off my coat!

Watch me as I sing about plumbers – oh, how I hate them!

I hate them so much, oh what a bummer!

Watch me as I make sweet, sweet love to my precious spotlight

Under the moonlight!”🎶

Although the song is less than perfect, Peach admits to herself: he has an amazing singing voice! And he sings opera, just like his master! She wonders if all of the members of the theatre troupe can sing as well. Ah, no! Enough of that! Don’t get distracted now! As he sings, Prince Fortunato runs and leaps onto a nearby table, knocking over huge plates of food, skulls, and candles on the floor. Everyone else watches as he spins and taps his feet on the table, his arms still flailing around. No one in the theatre troupe tries to stop him – they’re all too shocked and afraid to even do so. They did not want to get involved in such mockery. Peach could. However, what would happen if she did? As much as she would like to stop him, she just couldn’t. For whatever reason, whether it be out of shock, or out of fear, or out of curiosity, she did not move at all. Still, the Prince continues:

🎶“Imbecile, imbecile, imbecile!

Everyone’s an imbecile but me!

Listen to me, listen to me!

My ego is as big as it can be!

Come, my Princess, marry me please

Or else I’ll cry, cry, cry!”🎶

Then, the sudden drone of a large bell rings! It brings everyone into a hush, sending an immense chill down their spine. No one moves. The drone continues. And continues. And continues. Is this what the peasant woman was talking about? The impending doom that is to fall upon this masquerade? The fate of everyone who stands here on this very night? This inevitability that will claim those who still walk on this earth? Whatever is coming for them… has arrived to make its debut.

The Gallery doors creak open. Seeping through the entrance is a cloud of fog, billowing across the floor like a massive white sheet. It surrounds everyone, almost rising up to their knees, and soon the entire chamber is filled to the brim with gloom. Prince Fortunato finally steps down, his eyes staring in fear at the entrance, and retreats behind Peach. As fate approaches them, soft murmurs of terror arise from the crowd. One by one, each and every actor and actress trembles in anticipation. Peach awaits as well, but more out of curiosity than the shock of terror. This feeling; she remembers it all too well. She has to know what happens next. She has to know what kind of resolution this entire roleplay performance is coming to. Although the resolution is frightening, it was the satisfaction of discovery that keeps her within the Gallery. She will not leave. Fear will not take over. Only curiosity. Only awe and wonder. Only fascination.

And lo and behold, there stands the face of Death in his newest and blackest masterpiece.

He stands tall, bejeweled and shrouded in crimson, emerging from behind the murky darkness. The sheer size of him is intimidating enough, but the opulence in which he had adorned himself gives him an almost divine presence in the masquerade. Out of all the costumes Peach has seen, this one is more magnificent – more vibrant and elaborate – than the rest. Blood red veils cascade down from his large cavalier hat and alongside his cape. His vest a skeletal ribcage, patterns of bones scatter his scarlet greatcoat, and in his paws is a colossal gold cane. Hidden underneath the shadow of his hat is a golden mask, formed into the shape of a skull. Everyone slowly backs away as this masked red-clad stranger approaches them. But not Peach. Instead, she stays, completely in awe. She has become too enamored by his Gothic glamour to even be remotely scared. Finally. After so many days, they finally meet once again. She could see his sapphire eyes peering through and meeting hers with a sign of notice. He stops for a moment. That look… that tender gaze! Although they had only met for a little while before this moment, Peach confesses to herself: she could never have enough of those bright eyes. Those gleaming sapphire eyes. Even through that skull mask of his, she could stare into them all night long.

Alluring… Beguiling… Captivating… Enchanting…

Phantom shifts his attention to Prince Fortunato, his eyes wide with fury. The partygoers cower as he floats over to the foolish prince, towering over him as he looks down. Prince Fortunato scrambles, quickly taking off his blue coat and rabbit mask, full of sweat, almost hyperventilating. His face is revealed with a terrified expression. His eyes look up at Phantom, awaiting whatever fate – whatever punishment – shall bestow upon him. Phantom twists his cane and slowly he pulls it apart, revealing it to be a scabbard with a long, sharp sword inside it. Peach gasps as he unsheathes his weapon, raises it up in the air, and points it down at a quivering Prince Fortunato. “Please, monsieur!” Prince Fortunato gasps and swallows, “Spare me! It was only a mere jest! I was only having some fun entertaining my guests! I-I am the host, after all! Monsieur, please… Have mercy…!” Everyone watches in horror as he pleads for forgiveness. Phantom takes in a deep breathe; music begins to play again. It is in minor key, deep and dramatic – the orchestral equivalent to an imposing force. Peach holds her breath. Finally. With a smooth, baritone voice, Phantom sings his haunting solo:

🎶“Fortunato!

Surrender to me,

Look upon the face of Death!

It is meant to be,

Now savor your last breath!

Fortunato!

Your time has come at last,

Take your final drink of wine!

For your sins in the past,

Oh Prince, your soul will be mine!”🎶

“No!” the prince cries out, “You cannot take me! I will not let you! My guests need me! My people need me!” What hypocrisy! What foolishness! Peach watches intently. What is going to happen next? Will this masked presence spare Prince Fortunato? Will Prince Fortunato’s mockery be forgiven? She anticipates what comes next, whatever that may be. But although she tries to expect the unexpected, there is one thing she is certain about: the masquerade was doomed from the very beginning. Phantom lowers his sword, just by an inch, almost as if in contemplation. A few moments of silence passes. Everyone watches him in anticipation. Peach. Prince Fortunato. Dolores, Stefan, Natasha and Ophelia. Everyone. Anticipating. Anticipating. Anticipating.

Phantom smirks, letting out a soft chuckle. His sword lowers even more, and finally inserts it back into the scabbard. A sigh of relief fills the Gallery…

Then sudden horror! It happened so swiftly. So much so that if one were to blink at that moment, they would miss it completely. A scream pierces the silence! It was Prince Fortunato, now on the floor collapsed to his knees! He screams in agony as his covers his face! Phantom had made a sharp wave of his hand, almost as if he were to slap him across the face. But no! It was much, much worse. A terrible fate had fell upon the prince.

Blood…!

Oozing from his face is a gush of crimson blood! His eye sockets, his nostrils, his mouth, his pores – all drenched in blood! Horrid blemishes begin appearing on his flesh, leaving opened, pus-filled wounds as they pop one by one! Tears and yellow fluids mix with the blood, staining the floor with a pool of secretions! And the screams! Oh, the screams! Prince Fortunato tries to hide his face once more, only to find that it hurts too much! His hands pull away from his face – and, oh God! His flesh, his flesh – it is rotting away! What was once the pristine beauty of a spoiled, gluttonous prince is now the face of nightmares. He coughs and chokes; he cannot scream anymore – blood has filled his throat! He falls onto the floor, panicking, suffering! To think that this is what his people had to endure while no one was there to save their lives. With eyes stained with tears and blood, he rushes over to his guests and reaches for help, but in vain, for who could ever touch a diseased man? With a final cry of fear, Prince Fortunato falls. There lays on the floor is a twitching corpse, the face mutilated by the worst of illnesses…

This display of gore puts the guests into a state of frenzied panic! More screams and sobs fill the Gallery, as well as the sound of footsteps running and chairs and tables knocked over. If they don’t do something, Phantom will come after them next! Anything to get away from this face of Death. Chaos ensues! All except for Peach. Peach stands still amongst the disorder of the partygoers. Her widened eyes are fixated on Phantom. Is it shock? Is it fear? Is it something else entirely? Of course, anybody would be frightened by the sheer grotesqueness of the prince’s death and the possibility of meeting the same fate. But strangely, it seems to not bother Peach at all, almost as if she isn’t aware of the situation. Perhaps she is still mesmerized by Phantom’s extravagant appearance? Perhaps she is somehow desensitized? Whatever is going on, Peach still remains, as well as the peasant woman. The two ladies stare as Phantom slowly turns to watch over the terrified crowd. He observes the scene quietly. All in unison, the panicked guests rush toward the Gallery doors. With a wave of his hand, he blocks the entrance, slamming it tightly shut. Ophelia throws herself on the doors, slamming her fists frantically, “Open the doors! Open the doors! Oh please, open the doors!” Everyone begins to do the same. But alas, their attempts of escape are futile, for their master – the Red Death – had already claimed their souls. Once again, Phantom sings:

🎶“Crowned with privilege and villainous

Bathe in the blood of your wickedness

Tonight, retribution is at hand

For this masquerade shall be damned

Mask yourselves to hide your shame

But in the end, they know your name

Into the earth, your corpses will sink

May your blood be the wine they drink…”🎶

And one by one, each guest fell, forming a massive pile of bloodied bodies in front of the entrance. Peach takes in what had just happened. She had never seen something so macabre before. Roleplay, she thinks to herself, this is all just roleplay. This is all just pretend. No one is hurt. They are all just acting. This is all just roleplay. But by the stars, it looks so… real! There is blood everywhere. Not just the red pool on the floor, but also smeared handprints on the doors too. How did Phantom do all of this? This must have taken so much effort and hard work to even pull off such a remarkably gory scene! Peach couldn’t help but wonder what exactly went through Phantom’s mind when making this performance. This was something she never expected, let alone how absolutely graphic it was going to be. But regardless, the entirety of the roleplay screamed Phantom. It was bold. Dramatic. A complete subversion from a usual masterpiece. There was grandeur, there was beauty, there was mystery, there was tension. Then finally the payoff – an act of karma against the avaricious Prince Fortunato and his hedonistic friends. Now only she and the peasant woman are left. Peach cannot imagine what this powerful reaper is going to do next. Ah, no – she suddenly remembers!

Death’s Bride. She is to be Death’s Bride…

Her thoughts are interrupted by another cry, this time from the peasant woman. She turns to find Phantom approaching her, his hand lifting up to claim another soul. But why must the good die? Death is inevitable, it is true. Life is short. Peach knew this. But what did this poor woman do to deserve such a fate? Why do bad things happen to good people? Perhaps it is meant to be, just like what Phantom said. Roleplay. It is all just roleplay. Should she stand by and let things take its course? Or maybe… what could she do? Roleplay…. Ah, of course! Peach dashes over and stands in between them. “Wait!” she says, defending the peasant woman, “Have mercy on her!” Phantom pauses, taken by surprise for a moment, but then resumes in character. “Young or old, poor or rich… Death waits for no one. Her time has come.” Phantom calmly responds, his voice low. “Can you at least give her enough time to live another day? Can you see she has suffered enough? Please, I beg of you.” Peach pleads.

“You stand in front of the face of Death… and yet you are not frightened. Are you… not afraid of me?”

“I do not fear what is inevitable. I just want to give her another chance.”

“Such compassion… and all of this for a stranger. However, as painful as it may be, you cannot persuade me to spare her.”

“If that is not enough, then I will offer a gift to you.”

“And what is this gift you speak of?”

“For this woman’s life, I offer you myself. You can have my soul. You can have everything, all of me, and I will not refuse you.”

Phantom is rendered speechless, despite staying in character. Do his ears deceive him? No, it couldn’t be. It couldn’t possibly be! Deep down inside, he could not believe what Peach had just said. He watches as Peach ushers the peasant woman to flee the masquerade, and so she does, retreating to a small secret entrance hidden by the large curtains. Silence. As much as he tries, Phantom seems to be unable to speak. Now only he and the princess are alone. Together. Just like that one night. “I believe that is enough to persuade you?” Peach says with a soft smile. That smile. Oh, that sweet smile! He could stare at it forever! “I can be yours, and yours only. I will not leave. I will be not be frightened.” she continues, “It must be lonely, going around the world and reaping souls for those who’s time has passed. You don’t have to be lonely. You can have a companion! Someone who will join you by you side. Don’t you want that?” Companionship. Is Peach talking to Death or to Phantom himself? The lines between roleplay and real life begin to blur before his very eyes. He could not differentiate which is just acting or an actual confession. She must be playing a trick – she must be! This could not possibly be real! This is just too good to be true! Taking in a deep breath, staring deep into Peach’s pretty eyes, Phantom sings one last solo:

🎶“Oh, Sweet Maiden!

Surrender to me,

Look upon your paramour!

It is meant to be,

Together forevermore!

Oh, Sweet Maiden!

Your time has come at last

Take your final drink of wine

For this spell I shall cast

My Bride, your heart will be mine!”🎶

With a wave of his hand, two shiny, black feathered wings sprout from Peach’s back! Peach glances over in surprise, admiring her new wings. They sparkled under the light of the chandelier with iridescent glitter. Natasha must have added these in while making her costume. Once again, she continues to be impressed be Natasha’s work. Then her eyes glance over towards the Gallery entrance. Peach stops. Something has changed. Her eyes squints as she tries to make out what she is seeing. Confusion floods her mind until realization hits her.

The bodies… are those…. Mannequins?

Phantom places his paw on her cheek, delicately turning her face towards him. The softness of his caress fills her senses, and she is greeted by his tender gaze. What a tender gaze he has! As her eyes are locked in his gaze, Peach feels herself being gently embraced around her waist and leaning back into a dip. Her heart begins to race. Beat after beat it quickens its pace, her breathing becomes more and more shaky. It must be adrenaline – all of this is so new to her. Peach finds herself reaching out towards Phantom and, ever so gently, she takes off his skull mask, revealing his face. At long last, she finally sees him. Oh, how she missed him! “Did you enjoy the show, your highness?” Phantom grins, “I must admit, there were some things that weren’t… intended to happen, but as long a—” He is stopped, as Peach catches him off guard. Locked in a tight hug around his neck, he feels his lips being locked with hers. It was passionate yet gentle and warm. Peach, the princess he has adored for so many years, is giving him a kiss. A kiss! Is this a dream? Is this actually happening? So many thoughts went through Phantom’s mind. He could not process all of them at once; his head could possibly burst from excitement! His eyes flutter and close, letting himself melt into Peach’s embrace. If they could pull each closer than they already are, they could. But no matter how much closer they can be, it just wasn’t enough. They wanted each other. They craved each other. The unbridled desire for connection and companionship broke loose, and immediately they find themselves losing all control of their yearning. Their lips break apart, their hot breaths mingling with each other. They open their eyes; Peach grins and so does Phantom. They kiss again, neither of them wanting to stop. “Ah…!” Phantom gasps in between her soft lips, “Mon ange de la mort…!”

Overwhelmed, Peach swoons as Phantom dips her even further and surrenders herself to his kiss of death.

---

She woke up the next morning. The first thought that would have come to her mind was how she even managed to return to her castle without any notice. But no, the very first thought that came to her mind was what happened last night. She laid in her bed and, as stares up at the ceiling, touched her lips softly with her fingertips. Then up her rosy cheek, then down to her neck, and across her bare shoulders. She could still feel his touch. She sighs deeply – what a performance that was! Peach stretched her whole body and curled up, sinking back into sleep. A love stricken grin appeared on her face as she whispered to herself, “Until we meet again.”

[wilted3sunflowers]

characters made for @oznitus​ dorm, ling already knows Mara but now they also get to meet the new group on the block

They all hail from The Emerald Plains 

Mara Malice Species: human Inspired by: Madam Morrible  Height: 5′7″ Age: 21 Favorite Food: salt water taffy Hated Food: Corn [popcorn is the only corn allowed]  Fun Fact: Would have been part an important family but her father ran off with his “true love” in poverty instead of just marrying who he was arranged with. Mara doesn’t know this.  Unique Magic: The Fates Design She can set the goal and things will fall into place, if its further into the future or a very hard to accomplish goal it will take a lot of magic, and even saps magic from her a bit for each day as fate gets rolling into place like she wanted. so shes not seen doing a lot of magic, especially if she has plans going on behind the scenes. Most don’t know her unique magic. 

A teachers assistant that typically while helping grade and work on other things is stationed in Oznitus. Kind of like a baby sitter but not that Crowley would say that. She’s actually earned the nickname ‘mama’ from some more ornery students. As her first year being a teachers assistant she kind of wants to put the best example forward and typically will just say white lies.

“Oh no, Trien sir, i just passed those students in the library. Are you sure that it was them you saw? Come, let’s talk this out, i’d love to help you solve this mystery” taking his arm and leading him off meanwhile the students in question hiding under her desk or throughout the room just out of sight.  Actually has grown close friends with the main Oznitus trio, especially Mika who she talks a lot more casually with and interacting more with him like a best friend especially when off the clock so to say. Gets along well with Evett and Theo too.  Mika started a joke of telling the first years to call Mara and Evett ‘Mama’ and ‘Pops’ because they can be quite the more paternal of them trying to keep everyone in line and orderly 

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Viridian Hunter Species: Human Inspired by: The gate keeper Height: 5′1″ Favorite Food: Filet Mignon Hated Food: Chocolate covered Cherries Year: 2nd Age: 18 Class: 2-D  Best Subject: Summoning Club: Light Music - he feels remiss they don’t actually practice their instruments much and a lot of it is just ‘socializing’  Fun Fact: Thinks women are amazing, it’s a common thought from the Emerald plains that the women are the more highly regarded ones. Typically better at magic than the others Though has that actually been put to the test? Where are those stats? How did they test the magic? Seems a bit of just another one of Viridian’s biases  Unique Magic: Lock and Key  He can make anything un-openable but also he can just as easily open anything he wishes with a magic formed skeleton key. He usually can’t open things enchanted though. he’s trying to see if he can though, he wants to see if he can eventually get to that level. 

Met Tsavorite while very young and actually was an orphan the family took in and while they technically adopted him it was very clear he was more of a live in friend because Tsavorite wanted him around. Playing a lot of dress up, playing fun games, telling Viridian to break some rules that were in place that usually would get Viridian so worried and wound up but bending to Tsavorites will to do as she asked and if he got caught Tsavorite would just coolly say “ I told him to.” and that was the end of the conversation. She has surprised him by saying this when he was caught once actually trying to sneak seconds in the middle of the night because he didn’t eat much that day from playing all day with Tsavorite. They sat there in the kitchen with Tsavorite eating with him after the staff made something fresh. It’s one of his most appreciated memories. 

He admires Tsavorite greatly and does anything she asks of him. To him Tsavorite can’t do wrong, he knows rules, he knows morallly that some of the things she does do....isn’t the best. But rules don’t apply to Tsavorite. He learned that one early on. 

He is more akin to a butler and handmaiden for Tsavorite, picking out outfits, getting them clean, making appointments, doing Tsavorites hair, he even bathes her as if she was a genuine princess that gets pampered. Though Berenice was the one to point out that was a bit ‘odd’ before Tsavorite hushed her and told her she could do it if she found it so ‘odd’ which had Berenice not saying another word on the matter. 

Viridian is slightly jealous of the fact Berenice seems to be the favorite, though he does sometimes wonder if it’s actual favoritism considering Berenice does get called ‘Little Kitten’ and petted often as if she was an actual pet and more closely scrutinized by Tsavorite if shes not groomed to the usual expectation and wearing what she told her to. Though he often shrugs this thought off to the back of his mind. After all he was Tsavorites doll first before Berenice came into the picture. Tsavorite cares about those close to her, even if she shows it in...odd ways. He’s sure of it. 

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Tsavorite Diona Proserpine Species: Human ( ? ) has some fae blood in her Inspired by: The Emerald City Height: 6′ 6″ Favorite Food: Green Apple slices with Caramel  Hated Food: Tapioca Pudding Year: 2nd Age: 19 Class: 2-E Best Subject: Magic Practice Club: Gargoyle research facility  Fun Fact: Doesn’t yet know how to genuinely interact with people on a personable level, even those closest to her don’t get the full her and her emotions she keeps locked tight. Kind of considers those closest to her more like pets or toys with appreciation but it feels there’s not actual thought of them as their own free willed people. She needs to work on this.  Unique Magic: Emerald Spires Creating dazzling green stone columns and working more and more each day to forming them into other shapes and see how far she can stretch them. She has successfully been able to make walls which, if you think about it, is just a horizontal column...kind of. 

Tsavorite Proserpine. A name that strikes fear into those of the Emerald Plains. Those who are smart enough to know who really runs the capital. Coming from a long family who’s said to even started the capital base of the Emerald Plains. Born with a Silver spoon in her mouth and treated more like royalty than just simply someone rich due to the power of both financials and magic prowess her and her family possesses. What Tsavorite wants, Tsavorite gets. 

She knows money and power get you everything and connections are how you strengthen keeping your station. She very much lives by the ‘Keep your enemies close’ rule but it should be no shock that Berenice and Viridian are the closest to her. While it may seem that she treats them as lackeys, those who actually have seen Tsavorite interacting with general working class staff and those who she’s not close to that Viridian and Berenice are obviously more favored by her with more ‘niceties’ given to them. 

Viridian is the one trusted fully to handle her appointments, her outfits, keeping everything organized and in place. He’s trusted enough that she knows he could never do anything of his free volition that would come at her. If something caused him to turn on her, she would no doubt know it was a fake or a spell that caused something like that to change 

Berenice she finds simply adorable, such a predator, such a beauty, Berenice has a lot of physical power but she’s just such a lap cat, its where she should be is what Tsavorite thinks of her. A powerful girl by her side, dressed looking cute how she likes. She thinks the meekness she can have is cute but finds her unique magic the most interesting aspect of her. Such contradictions in Berenice. It’s fun. She doesn’t fully trust Berenice though. Not yet. Not on Viridians level.

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Berenice Kelly Lemongrass Species: Lion beast folk Inspired by: The cowardly lion Height: 5′10″ Favorite Food: Seared Ahi Tuna Hated Food: granola bars Year: 2nd Age: 19 Class: 2-B  Best Subject: Flying skills Club: Basketball Fun Fact: doesn’t originally hail from The Emerald Plains, her family moved there when she was 12  Unique Magic: Trapped Her magic inflicts psychological damage trapping people in their minds for a short period of time with fears and horrible memories coming back to eat at them. Rarely used longer than a few minutes, if used longer the victim will pass out, if used too long...they might not be the same person they were at the start. But she hasn’t used it that long and doesn’t know what might happen. 

The supposed Bodyguard of Lady Tsavorite and while she is strong she’s just...not cut out for being that intimidating or strong willed. Often more easily curling in on herself and doing whats told of her. Lady Tsavorite personally decided she’d be her ‘bodyguard’ even if her magic is more impressive than Berenice’s and can go on much longer using it than Berenice as well. Berenice does have genuine power and strength and does her best to keep it up. 

Lady Tsavorite typically calls Berenice pet names, but immediately shuts down others who try saying any pet name to Berenice. Her favorite to use is usually “Little Kitten”. It was Lady Tsavorite who chose how she gets her hair down and expressed to her to wear those cute bows and make up as well and what Lady Tsavorite says, goes. 

Berenice thinks Viridian is the favorite, Lady Tsavorite doesn’t snap at him for his outfits or make up but then again...he’s never out of proper attire or looking ‘sloppy’ or ‘messy’ but also she wonders just how close two people can be. She’d consider them the closest people two can be platonically really that it’s almost admirable but she can’t feel at ease with Lady Tsavorites behaviors sometimes. While its nice having her head pat and ears scratched always needing to be dressed to her standards is kind of tiresome and does get her worried to being a rough around the edges as she can be sometimes as she likes to run and honestly she has a little bit of dramatic flair and has tried out for theatre. She’s quite good at getting into dramatic proses. 

[pastelsandpining]

Girl Talk

 I TOTALLY FORGOT WHO POSTED THE ORIGINAL POST ABOUT THIS IF YOU KNOW THE POST PLEASE LET ME KNOW THIS IS SO OVERDUE OH MY GOD I’M SO SORRY

Words: 1248 - This was supposed to be longer but I just.. lost inspiration and it’s cut short. If there’s a demand for a part two then heyyy maybe I’ll write more

Summary: After Link’s heroic hand grab, Zelda and Impa can’t help but spend a while talking about it. You know, the way teenage girls do.

Totally Age of Calamity Zelink 

Masterlist

With the day they’d had, she knew this was the last thing she should be worried about. With the amount of monster attacks growing nearly every week and how close they’d gotten to the castle today, on top of the guardian nearly shooting her head clean off, she should not have been concerned with something so trivial. Yet as soon as they were away from her father and in the safety of her bedroom with the door shut firmly behind them, Zelda dissolved into the giggling mess she’d kept hidden for hours. Impa too was laughing, giving her shoulders a gentle shake.

“Goddesses,” said the princess, burying her face in her hands. 

“I’ve never seen him before!” Impa cried. “Is he new? He’s so young!”

“I don’t know! I don’t know every soldier in the army! That’s my father’s job,” Zelda argued, dropping her hands with a groan.

“Well, you should! He totally likes you.”

Zelda’s cheeks flushed quite furiously, and she was vaguely aware she looked like a fish with how she sputtered and scrambled for a reply.

“What? That’s utterly ridiculous!” she finally spat, gripping the blankets tighter. “He was simply doing his job-“

“Last I checked, the soldiers of Hyrule aren’t required to grab the hand of the princess!”

“He was guiding me to safety-“

“No one else did it! Come on, Princess, why’s it such a bad thing? He’s not bad on the eyes, and he reflected that guardian’s laser like it was nothing!”

Zelda grabbed the nearest pillow and buried her face in it, biting back the urge to scream. 

“This is hardly appropriate,” she said, though it was swallowed by the feather stuffed silk. “It’s so improper.”

“No, what’s ‘hardly appropriate’ is not taking a blessing that the goddess is handing you on a silver platter.”

“He does not like me,” Zelda firmly stated, lifting her head at last. 

“How could he not? You’re beautiful, you’re smart, you’re the freaking princess! And he didn’t have to grab you by the hand but he did and in anyone else’s world, that’s a pretty good sign-“

“This is the last thing we should be focusing on!” 

“You are ridiculous, Princess,” Impa said, ripping the pillow from her hands and tossing it aside. “We’ve got the Slate activated, we’ve got the runes working again, and you’ve got your pilot contenders all lined up. You’ve earned a minute to think about something other than the Calamity.”

As proper and perfect she was supposed to be, Zelda was still sixteen and the thought of a boy liking her, or a romantic partner in general, made her feel giddy and excited. And with one of her closest friends by her side, encouraging her like a little devil on her shoulder, how could she not indulge? 

“His name is Link,” she said at last, giggling into her hands like she was sharing some sort of secret. “There’s much talk of him around the castle. Even father’s taken a liking to him. He’s the youngest to ever be a part of the military, and all of the chambermaids think he’s, ah, how did you put it? ‘Not bad on the eyes’?”

“So you do know him!”

“Hardly! I know of him, though I suppose it’ll be very hard to not know him after he’s saved my life.” Zelda rubbed her reddened cheeks to try and push the blood flow elsewhere. It was a little embarrassing to say that aloud—to admit that she had to be saved.

“Well, if you don’t take him then I will.” Impa crossed her arms, but Zelda barked out a laugh at the idea of the challenge. 

“He’s all yours,” she replied simply. “I’m lucky my father's allowing me to contribute to your research. If he found out I had some Hylian soldier on my mind on top of that, I’d sooner rot to death than get out of his lecture.”

“Your father can back off for a few minutes,” Impa muttered, and Zelda couldn’t help but agree. 

“And besides,” the princess continued with a wave of her hand. “As soon as the Calamity’s dealt with, he’ll probably marry me off so I can prepare to be queen.”

“Then why not have a little fun now while you can?” 

“You are a horrible influence on me. There should be a law preventing that.” Zelda fell back onto her bed, glancing towards her friend when she joined.

“A law preventing friendship? Now you really sound like your dad. Excuse me for wanting to make sure the princess gets to be a normal girl every now and then.”

“Fine, but you go first. I know you’ve met plenty of people outside the castle. Anyone special~?” Zelda asked, nudging Impa with her elbow.

“Well, not anyone in Kakariko,” replied Impa with a sigh. “There’s Robbie, but Purah’s called dibs from day one. And there’s this boy from Deya, but he’s got the brains of a Bokoblin. The best contender is this girl from Lurelin Village. I saw her spear a fish and that was it.”

“Not a bad choice,” Zelda said with a nod. “Girls who know their way around weapons are.. well, I love Gerudo Town for more reasons than just my godmother being chief.”

“A Gerudo, nice. Has anyone caught your eye there?”

“No,” she answered with a shrug. “I haven’t focused on anything of the sort in months. But if I had to, I’d say the court poet isn’t so bad.”

Impa made a noise that was somewhere between a laugh and a cough. Zelda fought to keep a straight face.

“There’s no way you’re telling me you’d consider court poet Pikh, who can’t hold a simple conversation without bringing up his talents, over Link.”

“At least he can hold a conversation,” Zelda replied with a huff. “I’ve yet to hear Link utter a word!”

“Oh no, a man who doesn’t give his unwarranted opinion, how absolutely disgusting.” 

Zelda picked up another pillow and tossed it into Impa’s face, fighting the urge to giggle. She was right, really. For the moment, the princess did feel like a regular girl and it was nice. How she wished she could do it more often.

“Perhaps I can convince father to let me stay with you in Kakariko for a weekend. He won’t be thrilled of course, but he trusts you all the same. It could do me some good to get away,” Zelda spoke, working to twist her hair out of her braids. 

“If you can convince him, I’ll escort you myself,” said Impa in response.

Though it wouldn’t be necessary because when the well-needed trip finally came around, who was assigned to help them reach Kakariko safely but dearest, talk of the kingdom Link.

As soon as the words escaped from the mouth of her father, Zelda shared a look with Impa. And once they were out of earshot, her dear friend nudged the princess and she had to grab her arm to hide it, fighting back a laugh. Poor Link was left to follow them confused as the girls whispered amongst themselves. 

It carried on like that for a while. He was appointed as her knight attendant, which meant he was always on her tail—something Impa found hysterical. But it was an inside joke for them, a little entertainment in between the heavy preparations. And she couldn’t tell if she appreciated or hated having Impa accompany them too, because her dear friend used every opportunity she could to tease her mercilessly.

Goddesses, what was a girl to do?

[eternally6pm]

To Distraction

Rating: T

Characters: Jakob, FCorrin, vague mention of various occupants of the Northern Fortress, Corrin’s Nohrian siblings.

- almost to a state of madness -

A/N: These are two old reposts mashed together. In a stroke of serendipity on my old blog, I had received two four-word prompts that happened to inspire two scenes with some sort of continuity. This takes place pre-Fates, with a number of assumptions: that Corrin and Jakob arrived in their adolescence having already developed strong feelings for one another; that Jakob, being the older of the two and a pessimistic sort of young man, wanted to do the practical thing and attempted to distract himself from the horrifying realisation that he was falling in love with his master - and that this failed miserably.

One of my favourite things about master-servant relationships is that even when there are hard lines and clear expectations, on closer inspection, you can never be sure who really holds power over the other.

---

Felicia could not find any clean hose. Knowing that the maid had not only a tendency to misplace but to also overlook things, Corrin joined her in her search and was very soon just as perplexed – not a single pair could be found.

As Felicia excused herself and ran off to find her sister, Corrin sat uncomfortably before her mirror, still laced in the leathers that she had worn to combat training that afternoon. She judged herself to look somewhat foolish, her tightly braided hair in disarray, her jerkin having ridden up so that the edge sat too high, the thick, stiff leather digging into the flesh of her stomach as she tried to sit on her chair.

She was going to have to ask for a new one. Her current jerkin just didn’t fit over her hips anymore, and the space in the chest was too small. There was pain in her back when she tried to stretch upwards, and if pushed a little too hard, she found it difficult to draw breath.

Gunter had been dissatisfied with her progress today, having knocked her onto her back several times without much exertion. Her left wrist smarted when she tried to flex it and she realised that she must have landed too heavily upon it while trying to soften her fall in a clumsy attempt to spare her sore backside from additional bruises to the ones that had already darkened there.

Corrin sighed, shifting slightly in her seat as she saved all these thoughts for later, when she saw Jakob. He was a soothing thought, a welcome presence who always came after Flora and Felica left, bearing a tray with her dinner and a gentle smile. At her request, he would stay to lend a patient ear to her complaints, and she always felt slightly guilty, keeping him from his duties, but never guilty enough to deny herself the part of the evening she looked forward to most.

Come to think of it…

Jakob would know. He knew where everything was.

With a wince, Corrin planted her hands on the seat and heaved herself from the chair, her already stiff muscles protesting the movement. Reaching for the bell, she rang for assistance.

It was not uncommon for her summons to go unanswered. There were few servants at the Northern Fortress, and often, they were distracted by either Felicia setting fire to something, or were simply occupied with something else.

Corrin waited only long enough to work her gauntlets and wrist guards loose and shed them where she stood before dipping her hands into a basin of (cold, goodness, Felicia,) water to wash the grime from her fingers. Drying her hands on a soft cloth, she left her room.

The Northern Fortress sat on the border of what was historically, heavily contested land. As a result, the fortress was structured as simply that – austere, heavily fortified barracks for housing soldiers in preparation for war. Now that the borders of Nohr stretched far beyond this point, it had been repurposed as Corrin’s home – though it often felt more like a prison than a home.

Fortunately, the nature of the Northern Fortress meant that servants were given the unusual benefit of being granted individual rooms, and the privacy was a privilege so great, not a soul cared to complain of the size of their quarters.

Corrin knew where Jakob slept. It was a piece of knowledge that she guarded jealously because she knew that Gunter would take a riding crop to Jakob’s wrists and shoulders if he ever found out that the princess was visiting his chambers in the dead of the night to trade books and whispered conversations when she couldn’t sleep.

Lately, Jakob had been more reluctant to open his door to her – he spoke constantly of propriety and what was appropriate, and Corrin, well-read and suitably informed by her sister, had more than just a vague notion of what it all meant. However, she also knew for certain that she didn’t like being told that she wasn’t allowed to spend time with him, especially now, when she realised suddenly that she would rather be around no one else.

She found that she liked to watch him whenever she could, studying his profile when he focused on work or catching a glimpse of him when he sparred with the other boys. Not that she could really call Jakob a boy anymore… she couldn’t remember when things had started to change, but now when he spoke, his voice was deeper, a low, wonderful sound that sank like hot liquid into the depths of her chest, and he had put on a lot of height, towering head and shoulders over her in a way that made her want to crawl into his lap and steal the warmth from his skin.

Thinking about him made her feel sick with delight.

Even now, as she approached his room, her stomach flipped like she was falling, and she had to inhale deeply to slow the rapid pulse of her heart. She was irrationally nervous. All she had to do was ask if –

“Oh!”

Corrin’s shoulder was knocked backward, unprepared for the sudden contact, and an arm reached out to steady her, a maid who immediately gasped in recognition and released her hold, dropping into a deep curtsy.

“Princess! A thousand apologies, Your Highness!”

Corrin waved a hand in dismissal. “It’s quite all right. My attention was elsewhere.”

“As was mine, milady. Forgive me for being inexcusably clumsy.”

“Think nothing of it. There is nothing to forgive.”

The maid lifted her gaze, smiling and Corrin could not help but notice that she was remarkably pretty, with blonde hair and eyes the colour of the sky on a fine day. She folded her hands neatly upon the front of her apron and politely inclined her head. “Can I be of assistance, my lady? Do you seek Flora?”

“Jakob, actually.”

“Oh.” At this, the maid directed her eyes downward again, and seemed to hesitate, the tips of her fingers worrying the edge of her skirt. “He is in his room, Your Highness. Though I believe him to be presently occupied.”

The sensation of falling returned, but this time, Corrin felt dread clench about her gut.

“Th-thank you…”

“Clara, Your Highness,” she curtsied again, colour rising into her cheeks and Corrin felt suddenly ill, nauseous as the maid’s words seeped into her skin, crawled into her pores with little thin legs to wriggle and bite.

“Thank you, Clara.”

She curtsied once more, but Corrin had already turned to continue her path, her steps quickened by fear or anger – she could not tell which.

She found his door ajar, and in her urgency, forgot to knock, pushing it open and letting herself in as his name left her mouth in a bark.

“Jakob!”

Dismay struck her square in the chest like a blow from Gunter’s shield, and she was winded, her heart still and all sound stifled as she watched him turn in shock to face her, his hands grasping at his half-open shirt for decency as he stammered unfinished words and excuses.

“Lady Corrin! I am not – I didn’t hear –“

She couldn’t breathe.

She couldn’t speak.

“Apologies, milady, if you could spare me a moment, I could – “

The air smelt stale, acrid with the scent of something unseen, warm like the heat of two bodies.

I believe him to be presently occupied.

Her chest heaved against her inanely ill-fitting leathers and swallowing the bile that sat at the back of her tongue, she willed her lips to smile through the pain of her heart cleaving in two.

“Do not concern yourself, Jakob, it is only me.”

A burden, a chore.

“I came to ask you something.”

It was a tone Camilla had made her practice, repeat so often that it came with only slight effort.

Still his fingers fumbled at the buttons and Corrin stared jealously at the smooth skin and taut muscle that he hid away – a sight for someone else.

But never for her.

“Felica cannot find any clean stockings. Are you able to assist?”

The question sounded foolish and trivial. In that moment, Corrin could not have cared any less if she caught her death walking barefoot through the halls of this damned fortress.

“She sent you to fetch me?” Irritation caused his brow to furrow. “Is she insane?”

“Felicia is not at fault, I came of my own accord.” And oh, how she regretted that decision.

“Nonsense,” he muttered, and Corrin hated the way she enjoyed watching him knot his cravat, neat and pleasantly high upon his neck.

Did he remove it himself, or did she help him?

Where did she touch him?

Do you love her?

The questions prickled on the tip of her tongue and frustration wrenched an empty substitute from her lips. “Who were you with?”

“J-just a friend, milady,” it was the same blush, the same downward glance.

Why did she have to be so beautiful?

All of a sudden it felt like her lungs were bloated with water, her throat tight. Corrin was drowning and she had to leave, lest she retched and spite was expelled from her mouth.

“I’m sorry I was a bother, Jakob. I’ll see if Flora can help.”

She did not care to hear what else he had to say, turning to leave, and wandered blindly, until she returned to her own rooms where she gave no replies to Felica and Flora’s concerned questioning.

She nodded numbly as Flora explained that her stockings had simply been moved, and there were plenty, so there was no need to fret.

Silently, she let the sisters undress her and climbed into the bath they had prepared, sinking beneath the surface where it was warm and she could not tell the scented water apart from the tears that she shed.

“Felicia. Please inform Jakob that I do not want dinner. He is not to disturb me tonight.”

She curtsied, but hesitated. “Milady, you must eat.”

Corrin pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms about her legs as if she could hold herself together through sheer force of will alone. “Please, Felicia.”

At length, she curtsied again. “Yes, Lady Corrin.”

In the silence, Corrin sat still, shut her eyes as Flora’s cool, slender fingers threaded through her hair and pressed firm strokes against her neck and scalp.

“My lady, do not punish yourself for the sorrow that others might inflict,” she advised quietly. “They are not deserving of your suffering.”

Corrin sighed. “Thank you, Flora.”

“If I can aid you in any way, milady, you have but to ask.”

For a long moment, Corrin considered being benevolent, gentle and forgiving, but she had not the strength, and it was too easy to speak the words without conscience, draw a line in the air across her throat and call for blood.

“The maid, Clara. Do you know her?”

“Yes, she works in the kitchen.”

“Her efforts are to be commended. I wish to recommend her for promotion.”

There was silence as Flora ceased her ministrations and reached for a pitcher. “An excellent suggestion, Lady Corrin. I shall put a good word through to Gunter.”

---

The motion was a small one, almost casual. Camilla laughed softly as the young Duke spoke of studding horses, her long fingers neatly grasping the edge of Corrin's glass and whisking it away from the server before he could attempt to pour more wine.

“Wait, sister –“

There was not a single word spoken in direct response, but Camilla smiled brightly, her eyes narrowing as she laid a hand firmly on the satin of Corrin’s skirts.

“I think I’ve heard quite enough about the size of a stallion’s member, don’t you?”

Corrin stared vacantly at the man beside her, almost surrendering to the urge to frown. “Yes. One might presume to expect too much.”

Laughter cut through the low chatter and Duke coloured indignantly.

He asked her afterward, his voice low as he bent to speak softly, unpleasantly close to her ear, if she would be so kind as to honour him with her company as he had never been to Castle Krakenburg before, and would very much like a tour of the grounds.

Corrin would have been more interested had she been shown the underside of a slug.

But she could hardly say as much, and simply gave him another empty smile, evading a touch to her shoulder like she would the glance of a blade and excusing herself to retire with the other ladies from the dining hall.

With absolutely no intention to stay, she bid Camilla and Elise a good night and left without a word to anyone else, not caring that they would whisper of her cold and graceless behaviour, unbefitting of a princess of Nohr.

Her fingers closed upon the neck of a tall, unattended pitcher of mulled wine, and with the same motion she had just learnt from her sister, took it gently away, her only companion as she thought miserably of Jakob and how he was probably somewhere else, seeking comfort in the arms of a friend he had made years ago at the Northern Fortress.

---

The first sign that something had gone awry was the sound of shattering glass.

Jakob jerked in shock in his seat, the needle slipping between his fingers and he quickly dropped the hem of the cotton blouse, mere moments before a bead of crimson formed and began to run.

He released his breath in a long, hissing exhale, pulled the thread taut with his teeth and slowly, silently, counted to ten. He got as far as six before the clomp of heeled shoes reached earshot.

She was getting better at anticipating disaster, even if she hadn’t a clue on how to avert it.

It was certainly dire, he realised, as the door swung open without so much as an attempt to knock, and she stumbled into his temporary quarters with the momentum of the movement.

“Where’s the fire, Felicia?” He asked dryly.

She shook her head. “No, Jakob – it’s Corrin – Lady Corrin. She’s had far too much to drink.”

He stood at once, sewing forgotten. “Where is she?”

Felicia was nothing if at the very least, quick when it came to requesting aid. She hurried back out the door with Jakob on her heels, passing through a short corridor that connected their much smaller rooms to the solar of the guest suite.

The princess was found standing in the centre of the darkened room, still and staring as though lost. In one hand she held a metal pitcher, which she mindlessly released, letting it clatter hollowly and roll over the remains of what appeared to be a broken crystal statue of a swan at her feet. There had been a function at the palace that evening and she was laced up in a gown of pale blue satin with a neckline that dipped in such a way that made Jakob forget for a moment how to breathe.

“I dropped it,” she explained, smiling, and Jakob barely managed to completely close the distance to catch her by the shoulders before she could reach down to pick up the shards with her bare hands.

He gestured to Felicia. “Take her to her room and put her to bed,” he instructed, already planning how he would clean the jagged glass they trod upon.

Felicia nodded and tried to reach for Corrin, but with a sharp, petulant whine of irritation, the princess swatted her away.

“Horrible! Unhand me. I won’t allow it.”

Felicia turned to look at Jakob, shaking her head helplessly. “I’ve tried already. She won’t listen to me.”

Honestly, if you wanted something done right…

“Come now, Lady Corrin,” he soothed, pressing a hand between the blades of her shoulders to gently propel her towards her room. Suddenly obedient, she took to his encouragement without any resistance and Jakob flicked a hand at the mess they left behind so that Felicia might take the cue to clean it before he returned.

However, Corrin had other ideas.

No sooner had Jakob eased the door shut, he felt her hand upon his back and alarmed, spun immediately to face her, stepping away.

“Ah,” she frowned, reaching for him again, and he barely managed to catch her by the wrists, forcing her back, trying to get her to stand straight, to not… tempt him with her bare shoulders and neck exposed by her dress. By the moonlight, he could see that her cheeks were flushed red, and there was the scent of fruit and spice on her lips as she spoke.

“You weren’t so shy before. Let me hold you.”

It was a cruel joke, he realised, much too late, standing alone with his mistress in her bedchamber as she swayed, intoxicated on her feet and mistook him for someone else.

“Lady Corrin, stop. It’s me. Jakob.”

“Good,” she giggled softly, and the sound wove like a net over his heart. “Come here, Jakob.”

“No,” he replied firmly. It was a reminder to them both that she was senselessly drunk and knew not what she spoke; an order to maintain his distance. He gripped her wrists tightly and tried to ignore the writhing anxiety that came with the guilt of knowing. Of wanting.

Gently, he attempted to guide her towards the bed, to have her seated in a bid to escape from this nightmarish trap of his own devising so that Felicia (the gods themselves never could have imagined the day he required her help!) might rescue him.

With a motion trained and too swift, Corrin turned and threw her arms about his shoulders, throwing her entire weight upon him. Unprepared, he stumbled and could only reach for her out of reflex as they both toppled upon the bed.

“Lady Corrin -!”

There was a flurry of motion, a delectable confusion of bare skin and satin as she giggled again, pressing herself close to him and in that moment, Jakob was powerless to fight, because being touched by Corrin felt like being burned by a fire he couldn’t contain, like being drawn by the weight of the moon and drowning, euphoric in the tides.

“Just a taste,” she sang softly, so warm and pliant in his arms.

He couldn’t.

How many times had he fantasised of such a scene? Of having her witless and willing, because nothing else would ever allow the suggestion of impropriety. However, now confronted with it, the reality was horrifying, both in the possibility of having his wicked desires realised and in the fact that he found it utterly reprehensible. He could never forgive himself for such a dire lapse in judgement, for dragging the reputation of the one person he held dearest down into the filth of rumours whispered behind the flicker of a fan, about princesses with no honour who deemed to take their own servants to bed.

What would have been the point in resisting, in dressing his affection in decorum and drowning his desire in another girl?

What would be the point of his duty if he couldn’t even protect her from himself?

“My lady, you must stop.” He gently took her arms and pushed her back, rising from the bed and shaking his head when she tried to reach for him again.

“Why?” She asked, her voice plaintive, and her expression crumpled with dismay. She sat up, gathering her long skirts in both her fists and folding her knees to her chest. “What did I do wrong? You don’t mind kissing other girls, but you… You don’t want me.”

Jakob felt his heart wrench as she pressed her hands to her face and started to weep.

Who had done this to her? What deplorable scum had abused her kindness and corrupted her joy?

Slowly, he knelt before her, waiting until she lowered her hands and looked at him, her breath ragged with sorrow, her face wet with tears.

“You are mistaken,” he told her.

Do I dare?

“You cannot possibly know -”

How much of this will she remember?

“- how much I want you -”

This… is a mistake.

“- to only be mine.”

Smile for me, Princess.

Her lips were soft, her face warm. He felt her hand grip the fabric of his waistcoat and she leaned against him, a small, sweet whimpering note hummed in her throat, pushed onto his tongue. He tasted wine in the heat between her parted lips, and it was enough to intoxicate him too.

He parted the kiss with a sigh, stood and stepped back, his heart a storm of fear and elation, pierced deep with guilt.

Jakob couldn’t explain why he had decided to do this, only moments after convincing himself that it was a doomed choice, treacherous and lonely. He didn’t know why he felt the compulsion to flee, as though the longer he stood there, the greater the risk of being caught out, called traitor, exposed as a fraud.

“Felicia!” He growled as he strode out of the room, hiding behind a veil of irritation. “Lady Corrin is now calm. Kindly assist her.”

The maid scampered past him, barely acknowledging his words.

All he knew was that he was miserably weak, and for all the pain and suffering he had ever seen in his life, he couldn’t stand for a second to watch his princess cry.

[alicanta77]

Chapter 1: Royal Blooded

Pairing: princess!y/n x prince!Chenle

Themes: royalty au, fluff, angst

Warnings: arranged marriage, violence

Words: 7.1k

Inspiration: BTS - Blood, Sweat and Tears - orchestral cover 

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Finale

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Royalty doesn't equal happily ever after

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You held your head high as you walked towards the throne room. You had your main servant walking behind you and two guards escorting you on either side. Your shoes made small tapping noises on the stone floor with every step you took and your clothes and hair gently flowed in time to the movement. You approached the grand door, nodding at the two knights guarding the entrance, who bowed back before moving their spears and opening the grand door for you.

The throne room appeared before you in all its glory. The metal chandelier hung from the ceiling, dangling above the engraved stone floors that were currently stood on by the entire court. The court and knights of your kingdom were all in neat rows on the left of the building, framed by the sculpted columns that ran up the walls. On the right side was another court entirely, clearly very rich and clearly not close to your kingdom. Their cloaks and shield bared an emblem which you had never seen before.

You had under a second to take in the sight in front of you before you had to move forwards. As you moved forwards you kept your eyes on your father’s, never breaking contact so that you didn't show weakness. You knew what this meeting was about, and you weren't particularly pleased. You had always known that this day would come, you had just hoped that you would have at least a few more years of freedom.

You reached the front of the room and paused in front of your father and mother’s golden thrones. Your servant and guards moved to join the lines of your court whilst you bowed your head in respect and stood, patiently waiting for your father to speak first.

He stood, your mother following, and spoke, addressing you by name but speaking clearly so that everyone who was present could hear his words.

‘Y/n, our only child and sole heir to the throne, the day has finally come where you will take the first monumental step for your kingdom.’

‘Father, I give you my solemn word I will uphold the oath I took when I was crowned heir and do whatever I can for my kingdom and my people.’ You replied, keeping your voice steady and clear so that it could be heard by the whole court.

‘Today will mark the start of our journey into a new age. Today we will create an unbreakable alliance with a kingdom whose wealth and power rivals our own and, this alliance, will start a new time, a time of peace and prosperity for the both of us.’ Your father continued, straightening up in order to face the court. He gestured for a man and woman from the new court to stand with him. The crowns on their heads and extremely elaborate clothing gave away to you that they must be the king and queen.

‘We have with us, the royal family and court from the Zhong kingdom of Shanghai, China. Over the past few months we have been in negotiations, trying to find a common ground between us to use as the foundation for this new peaceful age. Eventually we settled on the most solid of alliances, one that will bind our nations for all generations to come.’

Your father turned around and raised his arms to the members of both courts in the throne room.

‘A marriage!’

The room erupted into cheers as you were led up the few stone stairs and stood in-between and slightly in front of your parents. You turned your head to your left and saw a young boy, around your age, standing in the same position as you.

This must be who you were marrying. He looked out at his people with a calm look on his face, you couldn't tell if it was just a facade or if he really didn't care that he would be marrying you. You honestly couldn't tell which one you wanted it to be.

You turned your head back towards the two courts, missing the way he turned to you in order to look at, and study, your features. 

King Zhong then stood forward to continue informing the court of how the marriage would play out.

‘Since the Zhong kingdom has four sons, of which Prince Chenle is the youngest, it has been agreed that he will stay here, protect and, when the time comes, govern this kingdom with the royal family already ruling. Due to the young ages of both our heirs, we have also decided that there is no rush for this wedding to take place. The agreement of it is enough for us to guarantee peace and, when it does happen, it will be a celebration that will echo through both kingdoms.’ 

He turned to face you before looking back towards his son.

‘Your wedding will create an age of peace that will allow both our kingdoms to live without fear for generations to come. It will all trace back to the two of you.’

He and your father moved together before your mother moved to your other side. You managed to sneak a very quick look to your left and noticed Chenle’s mother doing the same. You realised that you were standing in a line: your mother, you, your father, King Zhong, Prince Chenle, Queen Zhong. You felt your parents both grab your hand and hold them up in the air as the court burst into another round of applause.

It was a symbol of unity.

---

Soon you were back in your chambers, thankfully, alone. If you had to stay and make conversation with your future husband and his family, you were sure that your brain would explode. You knew you were going to have to converse with them at the celebratory feast that the castle was preparing for tonight, but, until then, you were going to savour your rare moments alone. You had even sent away your servant and asked them to ensure that you weren't distracted for the next few hours.

However, that hopeful plan was short lived when your mother drifted into your room, your servant sending you an apologetic look from where they were standing behind her, powerless to protect your privacy.

‘Mother, what a lovely surprise!’ You politely said, standing up from where you were previously lying on your bed.

‘Y/n! You cannot lock yourself away in your bedroom every time you wish to avoid talking to people. I shouldn't have to remind you that you are a royal and that this is not how we conduct ourselves. You should have stayed and made polite conversation with either the King or Queen, or the Prince, Chenle. You will marry him, you know?’ Your mother scolded you gently.

Your parents had always been incredibly gentle and loving with you, only strict when it came to representing the kingdom and upholding the royal conduct. This made you incredibly grateful for them as they always made an effort to understand how you were feeling as a teenager, not just as a royal.

You sighed and looked down at the stone floor.

‘I know Mother, and I apologise for hiding away, I’m just a bit taken aback at this situation. If I may speak honestly, I have always known that I would marry someone for the sake of the kingdom, and that they would likely be someone I didn't know well. So that is not the part that has unsettled me a bit, I just- I thought I would have more time, Mother. I feel as though I am still young, yet I have the responsibility of a marriage, and not just any marriage but such an important one. The fate of our kingdoms is relying on the success of this union and it is difficult to process the magnitude of that importance. It is not an easy burden to carry.’

Your mother approached you, a sympathetic look on her face. She placed a delicate hand on your shoulder and gently guided you so that you were both sat down on your bed.

‘I know that this kind of marriage, an arranged marriage, is scary. And it is not a sign of any type of cowardice to be nervous about it. I was so terrified the first time I met your father, my knees were shaking underneath my dress and I could barely stand up, let alone walk. We got married very young too. As did the Zhongs. All of us have had arranged marriages, to someone we didn't know, while we were still very young, just like you and Chenle. So we do understand what that is like, and that is why we all refused to have the wedding while you are still so young. We wanted our children to get the chance to know each other before getting married. The chance that we never had. I gather that the pressure of this marriage is heavier than anything I will understand, due to what is riding on it, but you must trust yourself to do what is right. You are a smart child, y/n, and I have every faith that you and Chenle will build a beautiful kingdom.’

You turned your head towards her and smiled, as she continued talking, a small twinkle appearing in her eyes.

‘I have spent the last few moments speaking to Chenle, and I think you'll find that he is more than what you are letting yourself believe. Don’t forget that he is in the same position as you, only he has to go through it all in a strange kingdom, surrounded by people he doesn’t know. His family leaves tomorrow morning, and he will be left here, alone. He is probably more nervous than you are.’

Her words silenced you. You hadn't really thought about the fact that Chenle was leaving everything behind to be here. He really was making a much bigger sacrifice than you had given him credit for. Your mother stood to leave, briefly saying one last thing over her shoulder.

‘The Zhongs have gone back to their chambers now. The King and Queen are in the Royal chambers in the West Wing, and Chenle is accompanying the guest chambers there too. The feast will begin tonight in the great hall, I will see you there.’

And with that, she left, the large wooden doors closing quietly behind her. You stood up from your bed and walked towards the closed door. You thought for a second before you opened it and walked out, fully intent on finding Chenle and starting to get to know him.

You could see your mother walking down the corridor in the direction of her room, and you turned away from her and began your own journey to the West Wing of the castle.

---

After a few quiet minutes of walking, you finally reached the West Wing. You intended to head straight up to Chenle’s room but as you reached the doors, you hesitated, your hand poised to knock.

What if he didn't want to see you?

What if you had offended him by not staying to speak to him and his family earlier?

What if he wanted to spend the day with his family before they left?

With these thoughts and others swirling around your head, you couldn't bring yourself to knock. You would be too embarrassed if you walked in on his final night with his family.

You lowered your hand and turned to leave, instead deciding to talk to him at the feast. You had only walked a few steps away from the door when you heard a piano being played.

You didn't know of anyone in the castle who could play the piano that beautifully or had the time to play at their own leisure, so you followed the sound.

You soon found yourself standing in front of the room you knew to be the hall of the west wing. This was often used as the spare great hall, it wasn't quite the size of the one you would be feasting in tonight, but wasn't, by any means, small.

You pushed open the door slightly, wincing to yourself as it creaked obnoxiously loudly. The playing stopped abruptly and, after a second of silence, a voice called out:

‘Hello?’

You didn't recognise the voice so you opened the door further and moved into the room. There you stood, face to face with Chenle, the boy you would marry.

Although you had hoped to find and speak to him, now that you were stood in front of him, your mouth couldn't seem to form any words. Eventually you forced yourself to just say something, rather than stand there awkwardly while he looked at you politely. 

‘I’m sorry, I didn't mean to bother you. I didn't even know it was you, I had just wondered who had been playing so beautifully.’ You muttered out, embarrassed at the nervous mess you had become. With all your years of learning how to present yourself in the public eye, it shouldn't be this hard for you to hold a conversation.

Chenle smiled slightly at your compliment.

‘Oh... thank you, your highness. Do you know how to play?’ He asked, looking you directly in the eyes.

‘Ummm, no. I wish I did though.’ You answered, moving slightly closer to the piano he was sitting at.

‘How come you never learnt?’ He asked, turning around in his seat so that he could face you.

You smiled sadly and shrugged slightly. ‘My father thought that learning an instrument would be a waste of my time. He thought my efforts were better focused on other things.’

‘What other kinds of skills?’ Chenle asked, tilting his head slightly, his eyes wide open and fixed on you. The innocent look on his face made a small smile break out across your features.

‘Skills such as languages and public speaking. He wanted to make me the best royal I could be, and I enjoyed those lessons. I love speaking many languages, but I do wish I could play like you could.’ You replied honestly.

Chenle opened his mouth to speak again but the loud creaking of the door opening drew both your eyes to the growing gap in the doorway. Soon your servant’s head popped around, their entire body entering the room once they saw you there.

‘I apologise for interrupting, your highness, but the feast is fast approaching and it is time for you to get ready.’ Your servant said, their eyes flickering between you and Chenle, clearly nervous that they had interrupted something important.

You turned to Chenle and gave an apologetic smile.

‘It seems I must go prepare, but I will see you at the feast?’

Chenle stood up, a gentle smile on his face as he approached you. He took your right hand in his and brought it to his lips.

‘I look forward to it.’ He placed a gentle kiss on the back of your hand before you turned around and exited the room.

Maybe this marriage wouldn't be so bad.

---

You raised your silver goblet to your lips, a laugh escaping you as you conversed with a knight from Chenle’s kingdom. The feast was in full swing and the great hall was filled with laughing royals and knights alike. The festivities continued all throughout the lower town and outlying villages as well, with processions and food being sent there for their own feasts.

The knights and royals were sat in an open circle around the walls of the great hall. Both your family and the Zhong's were sat at the head of the table, your fathers in the middle, then your mothers then, finally, on the end were you and Chenle. He was close enough that you could exchange the odd smile, but not close enough for you to make any kind of conversation with him.

The servants bustled all around you, filling up glasses and offering pieces of food in between courses. The court jesters often appeared in the middle of the tables and dazzled the crowd with their magic tricks and acrobatics. The final acrobat had just finished their performance with a double flip, making you all gasp in amazement. The entire room burst into applause, laughter and exclamations of praise for the talent showcased.

Your father then stood up, raising his left hand up as a way of asking for silence. He held his goblet of wine in his right and began to speak.

‘As all of you are aware, we are here today to celebrate the arrival of our new friends, King and Queen Zhong and their son Prince Chenle, and the hopeful future that they bring with them. We hope that your stay, however short-’ He gestured to Chenle with his raised glass as he continued to say ‘or long, is as pleasant as it can be. To a new era!’

Everyone in the room, including you grabbed and raised their goblets.

‘To a new era!’ You all exclaimed in unison.

As your father sat down, King Zhong rose from his seat.

‘If I may say something as well?’ He asked your father, who simply nodded in response with a large smile on his face.

‘I would like to thank you for hosting us for our short stay and for offering a new home for our son. We understand that it is against the normal customs for the Prince to move to a new land, but your open mindedness about this situation has made this process a lot easier than we anticipated it would be. I have every faith that Chenle and Y/n will one day rule a beautiful kingdom, and I cannot wait to see that happen. To the future!’

‘To the future!’ You all chanted again, raising your glasses to the sky once more.

King Zhong’s words reminded you slightly of the conversation that you had had with your mother only a few hours ago and you found yourself growing to like the Zhong’s and their people with every passing minute. The knights that surrounded you were filled with interesting and hilarious stories and the other nobles that you had chatted with before sitting down were just as likeable.

You supposed that if Chenle was anything like his people, it would be relatively easy to get along with him. 

Time and courses passed and, before you knew it, the servants were clearing away for the final time. Your father placed a hand on your shoulder and sent you a reassuring smile, one which you returned, as the servants led you into another hall, one that had been specifically set up for dancing.

The orchestra began a gentle tune and soon men and women began to pair off and dance together. Ladies and Knights dancing together filled the room as you watched with your parents. You smiled as you watched the laughing couples spin around the floor.

‘A beautiful party tonight, I must congratulate you!’ Queen Zhong’s voice pulled your attention away from the dance floor. You looked over as she placed an affectionate kiss on your mother's cheek and your father shook hands with King Zhong.

Your mother thanked her as they all laughed together. You smiled at the sight, watching silently from the sides. It wasn't long before you were approached and asked to dance, however, it was not by who you had expected.

‘Y/n, would you care to join me for a dance?’ King Zhong offered out his hand to you, a friendly smile on his face.

‘I would be honoured.’ You replied, a similar smile stretching across yours.

King Zhong led you into the dance floor and guided you as the music continued to play. You danced through the steps that you had been learning since you could walk, making them almost second nature to you now. 

‘I know that this marriage may not be what you wanted.’ King Zhong suddenly said, surprising you with his bluntness. ‘I know my arranged marriage wasn't what I wanted.’ You looked up at him with raised eyebrows. He nodded, reiterating his point. ‘I was only a year older than you and Chenle are now, my wife only a year older than me. We were married within a week of meeting and it took us over a year after the wedding until we could even call ourselves friends. The pressure of an arranged marriage, especially one as important as yours, can place a huge amount of strain on any relationship. I wanted you to know that I understand that and I hoped that I would be able to give you a small piece of advice, y/n.’

‘What is that, your majesty?’ You asked, recognising the song coming to an end.

‘Don’t force this. Don’t rush it. You have all the time in the world to get to know each other, just enjoy meeting someone new and focus on being friends. Remember that this is about the two of you as well, not just our kingdoms, make sure that you are happy.’ He finished, looking down on you with a smile that reminded you so much of your father's.

‘Thank you.’ You replied honestly, feeling as though he had somehow sorted out many of the worries that were clouding your mind. 

You both stepped away from each other and walked back to where the other royals were waiting. You watched as he took his wife by the hand and dragged her out to dance, encouraging your father to do the same.

While watching the two couples, who had had the same marriage you would too, you couldn't help but wonder if yours would ever have the same kind of happy ending. 

You took a few steps backwards and accidentally bumped into someone causing you to quickly apologise and turn around, only to find yourself face to face with Chenle.

‘Your highness!’ You both said in sync, trying to apologise to the other at the same time.

You both stood there in silence for a few seconds, you were wracking your brain trying to think of something to say, when Chenle suddenly held out his hand.

‘Would you care to dance?’ His face held a hopeful smile that you already found impossible to say no to.

‘I would love to.’ You replied, slipping your hand into his.

You let Chenle take you into the middle of the dance floor before beginning to move together in sync. For a while you just let the music do the talking, filling the silence between the two of you with its instrumental words.

‘I could teach you if you want?’ Chenle suddenly said, making you look up at him in confusion.

‘Teach me what?’ You asked, furrowing your brows.

‘Piano, I meant piano. I- I could teach you how to play the piano if you wanted.’ A small blush dusted his cheeks, one which you couldn't help but think was rather cute.

‘I- I would love that. That would be so kind of you.’ You replied, smiling at his kind-hearted offer.

‘I wouldn't mind, I love playing so I’m happy to do it.’ He smiled back at you before continuing. ‘Although I do have one favour to ask of you, however.’

‘Oh?’ You said looking up at him.

‘Could you possibly show me around the castle? It’s kind of large and I don’t know my way around any of it yet. I nearly got lost on my way here...’ He mumbled the last bit to himself yet you still managed to catch it, making you laugh out loud slightly. 

Chenle noticed you laughing and smiled at the sight. ‘Don’t laugh! I seriously was terrified I was going to be late. Imagine how awful that would be, our parents in the middle of a toast for the two of us and I’m not even there! I would not be able to live in this kingdom after that.’ By this point you couldn’t stop yourself from laughing. You leaned your head down slightly to try to stifle your giggles and accidentally placed your forehead on Chenle’s shoulder. You lifted it off quickly and saw Chenle’s face, him still holding the same nervous look as when he was talking previously. This caused you to break out into a second fit of giggles, only this time Chenle couldn't hold himself back from laughing with you.

There you stood, dancing together and laughing over the same joke for ten minutes. If either of you had turned your head to the side, you would have seen your parents watching the both of you with fond smiles on all of their faces.

---

The next morning you found yourself sitting at your desk, flitting through some documents your mother had asked you to look at. None of them were anything to do with you, she had only recommended them so that you would have an idea of the kinds of things you would need to look at once you were crowned.

The documents were actually rather interesting, but since you had no power over anything to do with them, they seemed to be getting more boring with every word. 

As soon as you heard the knock on the door, relief rushed through your system. Anything to take you away from this reading.

‘Oh thank god.’ You said to yourself before calling out ‘Come in.’ You lowered the page away from your face so that you could see who had entered your room.

‘Your highness! What can I do for you?’ You asked, moving the paper away from your face entirely and placing it down on your desk.

‘I’m not interrupting anything am I?’ Chenle asked, his eyes scanning over the documents on your desk.

‘No, no, not at all. Just some recommended reading from my mother.’ You explained. Chenle’s eyes widened slightly at that. 

‘Your parents do that too! Give you documents to read so that you know what you’ll be dealing with once you’re crowned? Even though there's nothing you can do with them so you're not really learning much.’ He said, stepping closer to you.

‘Exactly that. Oh god, it’s nice to talk to someone who understands what it’s like. I mean, I get why she gives them to me, but, at the moment they kind of do nothing for me.’ You laughed, watching as Chenle laughed too.

‘Don’t they just get more boring the more you read?’ 

‘Honestly, I’ve never been so happy to hear someone knock on my door. Anyway, what can I do for you?’ You asked, offering Chenle a seat in front of you which he gladly took.

‘I was hoping I may be able to get that tour? It took me an embarrassingly long amount of time to find your room and the thought of being late to anything scares the hell out of me.’ Chenle said, looking at you hopefully.

‘Of course, I’d be happy to show you around. Just so you know, once your man servant is assigned, they will be able to escort you everywhere until you get your bearings.’ You stood up, Chenle following you and you began to walk towards the door. ‘Also, anything to get me away from that reading.’

Chenle burst into laughter, a surprisingly infectious high pitched laugh that easily made you laugh too.

---

You showed Chenle most of the palace. You began with the library and headed from there into the great hall, the throne room, the court physician and showed him around countless bedrooms and servant quarters.

You had finished the entire inside of the castle and knights’ training area and were calmly walking through the grounds when Chenle asked you what your favourite spot in the castle was. You sent him a grin.

‘I’ll show you, follow me.’ You led him quickly into the stables.

‘The stables?’ He asked, raising an eyebrow in question.

‘No, not the stables.’ You laughed before continuing to explain why you had stopped here. ‘It’s just easier and faster to get to my favourite place on horseback.’

Chenle nodded in confirmation, before following you fully inside. You greeted the stablehand with a smile before asking about any available horses. You already had yours which you had ridden for the past few years, but were hoping to get Chenle one which he may keep as his.

You brought Chenle to your horse, allowing him to greet the pure black stallion, called Obsidian, which you rode. The stablehand brought him out and began to saddle him up while you showed Chenle a few available horses. He immediately began to walk towards the grey spotted stallion, standing in front of it for a few seconds before stroking it.

‘I’ve always wished for a horse like this.’ He said over his shoulder. ‘Ever since I was young I wanted one this colour which I would call Aspen.’ 

You stepped forwards with a smile. 

‘Then he’s yours.’ You said.

Chenle whirled around and stared at you in disbelief.

‘He’s what now?’ He asked, all formality that was usually present in your conversation disappearing due to his shock.

You laughed and gestured to the stable hand that this was the horse he wanted before speaking again.

‘Well, since you are now living here, I thought you may want your own horse. You can ride him whenever you like, will take him with you if you journey anywhere and, most knights take theirs into battle with them too.’

For the first time since you met him, Chenle seemed genuinely speechless. He just stared at you, eyes wide and mouth open before stuttering out a:

‘Th- thank you.’

You just smiled and nodded before heading out of the stables to where your horses were saddled up and waiting. 

You both quickly mounted before calling out to Chenle, to follow you. You dug your heels into Obsidian’s sides and began to move off. You started off at a gentle canter before speeding up into a full gallop.

Chenle kept close behind you, impressing you with his riding skills. You galloped out of the castle and into the woodland before continuing up a path that you knew well. The trees rushed in a blur of green and brown beside you and you looked to your left and saw Chenle riding exactly next to you. You both smiled at each other before you nodded your head to the right and shouted,

‘This way!’

The wind flew through your hair as you took Chenle uphill towards a cliff edge before, finally, beginning to slow down.

Your horses were panting heavily by the time you arrived, having been riding at a fast pace for a short while. You tied them to a tree next to a river nearby and left them to drink and recover whilst you brought Chenle to the cliff edge.

‘This is my favourite spot.’ You said, looking out on the marvellous view in front of you that never failed to take your breath away.

From this cliff edge you could see the entire citadel. The castle stood proud in all its glory and the town travelled all the way down to the walls by the lower gates. The view stretched past the lower town and outside of the city walls, where you could see a few farming fields and the closer outlying villages. 

You sat down on the comfortable grass, Chenle sitting beside you.

‘Enlighten me, your highness, why is it that your favourite spot in the castle isn't actually in the castle?’ He asked, tearing his eyes away from the scenery to look at you.

‘Because, there's more to a kingdom than just it’s castle’ You explained. ‘I like to look at it from here because I can see the people. My people. Who I love and will do any I can to protect, with or without an oath. Here I can see everything and, I feel fulfilled, like everything makes sense.’

Chenle watched you, nodding with more sincerity and seriousness than you had seen on him yet. Then the small mischievous grin you had come to recognise spread across his face.

‘So... you can speak multiple languages, dance beautifully, ride better than half of the knights I’ve ever seen... I don’t suppose there are any other talents of yours I should know about?’ He asked, looking at you out of the corner of one eye.

You smiled at the question, keeping your eyes trained on the view in front of you.

‘Stay tuned.’ You stated, enjoying the conversation between the two of you without formalities. It was much easier to talk to Chenle when you weren't so aware of keeping up the royal facade. After sitting there for a few more minutes, admiring the view and making idle conversation, you finally made a move to stand. ‘Let’s go. I’ll show you one of the outer villages then we can head back.’

As soon as he saw you moving to get up, Chenle shot to his feet quickly and offered out a hand for you to take. You smiled and accepted it, allowing him to pull you up from the ground. You headed back towards your horses and mounted once again. You set off at a quick pace, enjoying the wind in your hair and the shouts of conversation from Chenle behind you. You travelled all the way to the outer village laughing and joking, only to be greeted with a sight that was anything but happy.

The village was under attack.

---

You and Chenle rode into the small village, the utter chaos surrounding you distracting anyone from noticing who the two of you were. 

You quickly jumped down from your horse and looked over at Chenle who was staring at you with almost unnoticeable fear in his eyes.

‘Get the horses and yourself out of here. Keep them safe and I’ll find you in a bit.’ You instructed. You watched as Chenle’s expression clearly changed to worry.

‘What about you? What are you going to do?’ He asked.

‘I’m going to help my people.’ You stated. And with that you turned around and ran into the battle. You stopped briefly to grab a sword from a fallen bandit before moving to protect your citizens.

You swung the sword upwards to block an attack on a kneeling villager and deftly redirected the blow. You stepped in front of the injured man and faced the bandit head on. He stepped forward to swing at you and you brought your sword up to protect yourself, but he suddenly stopped, grunted slightly and fell to the ground.

Behind him stood Chenle, sword raised and eyes on the fallen bandit. 

‘Are you okay?’ He asked, his face filled with concern.

‘What are you doing?’ You replied. You knew you should probably thank him but at this moment you were so shocked that that was all you could get out.

‘Helping the people. If they're your people, that means they're now my people and I’m not planning on waiting on the sidelines while you fight for them.’ He said firmly, grabbing your hand and pulling the fallen villager up and helping him into a house for shelter.

You felt pure admiration filling your chest. The boy had been here for under 48 hours and was already risking his life for a kingdom and people he didn't know. You quickly grabbed hold of his hand, forcing him to look at you.

‘Thank you, your highness.’ You said, looking him straight in the eye. He nodded and you turned back towards the battle.

The next minutes were a blur of whirring swords, shouts of pain and worry and the sound of metal clashing on metal. It didn't take long for the news of your arrival to spread throughout the village, scaring half of the bandits away. The last thing they wanted to do was be known by name to the future rulers and current heirs of the kingdom.

As you watched the last few bandits disappear into the woods, you turned to the village leader and asked for their name.

‘If you are ever troubled by these bandits again, you are to send word to the castle immediately. Knights will be here within the hour.’ You announced to the villagers.

‘How can we ever thank you, your highness?’ The village elder asked, bowing his head in respect. You smiled at him.

‘Work hard and help your children grow up well. I don’t ask for anything more than knowing that my people are living well.’ You replied honestly. You never felt the need to take anything from the villagers, you would much rather know that they were happy and healthy.

You walked towards Chenle, who had reappeared with both of your horses. You had no idea where he had hidden them, but you were just glad that they hadn't been stolen. You mounted before reassuring the village with one final statement.

‘Prince Chenle and I will inform the king and queen of the bandits. I will personally ensure that food and medicine are taken down here to replenish what you have lost. If you know of any other villages with similar problems, please alert us and we will send knights down as reinforcements.’ 

You heard the villagers whisper Chenle’s name in awe. The outer villages hadn't seen him yet so it wasn't surprising that they had no idea who he was. You turned on your horse, Chenle doing the same and began to canter away, listening to the cheers and thanks echoing up from the relieved village behind you.

---

The ride back to the castle was a quiet one. You hadn't tried to speak yet, knowing that your main priority was to report the recent events to your father. But, just before you reached the walls, you slowed Obsidian to a stop, causing a confused Chenle to halt Aspen too. You dismounted and watched as Chenle did the same.

‘Is everything ok? Why aren't we going in?’ He asked, clearly having no clue what you were about to do.

You walked up to him and wrapped your arms tightly around his neck.

‘Thank you, for helping me and my people.’ You whispered, arms tightening slightly.

To begin with, Chenle didn't seem to know what to do, his arms raised slightly but frozen there. He quickly recovered from the initial shock, however, securing his arms around your waist and pulling you even closer to him. You were taken aback by how easy it was to hug him and how comforting he was. You both stayed in this position, neither of you wanting to be the first to let go.

‘We need to tell my father what happened.’ You eventually said. ‘He’s probably wondering where we are since we did kind of just disappear.’ 

You felt Chenle nod into your shoulder and you both slowly drew your arms out from around each other. You took a step back, too self conscious to be able to look him in the eyes and quickly remounted Obsidian. You kicked him gently, spurring him into a gentle canter and made your way back through the castle gates.

---

You and Chenle stood in the throne room, in front of your parents explaining the events of that day.

‘- supplies that they have lost over the past few attacks.’ You finished, laying out your hopes for helping the village repair.

You parents nodded, taking the situation very seriously and both agreeing with your plan to help rebuild and protect the targeted villages.

‘We will send a group of knights to them to deliver the supplies and get the names of the other villages that may be struggling as well. Thank you for bringing this to my attention Y/n. Chenle, thank you for stepping in. While I trust my y/n with a sword, I dread to think about what may have happened to the rest of the village, had you not decided to protect them as well. We are indebted to you.’

 Your father’s words made Chenle smile slightly, even though he tried to hide it. Chenle bowed his head once before speaking himself.

‘It was an honour, your majesty. As your highness, y/n, pointed out to me today, the kingdom is more than just a castle, its spirit is in its people. And if I am to rule these people one day, I would like to know that I have protected them at any moment I could.’

You parents both smiled at Chenle’s words, their obvious approval making you smile too. Your mother then raised her concerned voice to speak her final thoughts.

‘Thank you, both of you for your duty today. It may be wise to see the court physician to ensure that neither of you have any serious injuries.’

You both nodded before bowing and exiting the room, making your way towards the castle’s doctor.

---

After both being cleared of any serious injuries, you and Chenle both being prescribed an ointment for various bruises and one small cut on Chenle’s arm, you offered to walk Chenle back to his room.

‘I doubt you’ve managed to memorise the entire castle yet.’ You joked.

‘Not quite.’ He replied, a similar smile on his face. ‘I did get rather caught up in other business today though.’

You smiled down at the ground and you walked along the grey stone floors. Chenle cleared his throat.

‘So, you can fight well with a sword too. You continue to surprise me, your highness.’

Your face broke out into another smile.

‘I told you to stay tuned. Besides I can't have you getting bored this early can I?’ You joked, a laugh breaking out of Chenle at that.

‘I guess not...’ Chenle paused his sentence as you reached his door. 

‘Also...’ You began, drawing Chenle’s attention as he placed his hand on the door handle. ‘Please, call me Y/n. I’d like for us to drop some of the formalities if you're okay with that?’

Chenle smiled at your question.

‘I’d love that. And, please call me Chenle, all formalities forgotten.’ 

You breathed a small sigh of relief, feeling as though you were standing next to a new friend rather than a stranger you would soon marry.

‘Goodnight, Chenle.’ You said, unable to take the smile off your face.

‘Goodnight, Y/n.’ He replied, before stepping inside his room and closing his door behind him.

And there you both stood, on either side of the same door, both smiling at the simple thought of the other.

[extremelyblackandwhite]

where does it end?

Pairing: Queen!Reader x Knight!Bucky Barnes 

Warning(s): angst, sexual themes, triggering content, dark!steve

A/N: by @lookiamtrying​ request, i am posting the last part to an year old mini fanfic i wrote. last chapter inspired by love me or leave me. enjoy xx

The world had barely seen the Queen ever since her loss. She was locked in her room and never left for any reason. Steve had been assigned her duties and her meals were taken into her chambers by her handmaidens. She had even moved her King and husband from her room. No one heard from her and some handmaidens were quick to start coming up with the wildest of theories while some believed she could be expecting, but James knew it wasn’t the truth. 

     - The King’s calling for you, Sir Barnes. - Natalia walked into the training chambers where he was supervising some new blood into the royal army. James sighed, turning to his second and telling him to take his place before following the redhead into the King’s headquarters.

He wasn’t very keen on talking to him much less look at him. James despised him with every drop of his being but yet he couldn’t figure out if it was because he had gotten the ultimate prize or if he had threatened to have her head cut off due to infidelity which had never happen. 

They finally stopped in front of the King’s Quarters which had been the young Queen’s library and now rudely turned into somewhere where Lord Rogers rudely tried to take her place. He was royalty but he didn’t have the grace or the beautiful ruling ability the Queen had. 

    - Your Royal Highness ... - the redheaded female knocked on the huge mahogany doors whose initials had been removed. She slowly opened the door to see the blonde reading some papers. - Sir Barnes is here, as you requested. 

    - Thank you, Lady Romanova. - he said, not even looking up from his papers. Natalia took James inside, leaving him there only hearing his heartbeat and the wood crackling on the fireplace. He heard the doors closing behind and his last conversation with the king came to mind. 

    - Your Majesty, what do you wish from me? - no matter how hard he disliked the man, he was still his King and while Y/N was unavailable, he’d have to answer to him and only him.

    - You are a smart man, Sir Barnes. My advisors say you take it after your father, ever so calculating. You’re a man who, like me, knows that despite our dear Queen being ever so thoughtful, ever so loved, she has one job that she needs to do as a Royal of her gender. Can you tell me what is it?

    - Provide heirs to ensure the house keeps on. - James refused to look Steve in the eyes. He didn’t understand where he was going, he didn’t understand why he asked that. - What does that have to do with me, your majesty?

    - She refuses to see me and since she’s the rightful heir, her advisors have suggested another husband for the Queen considering we won’t produce any heirs. - Steve got up from his seat walking up to one of the countless shelves filled with books owned by the crown family. - I’ve spent years in my brother’s shade, heir in spare and I will not have my marriage annulled and lose my crown because my wife refuses to lay with me. 

    - I don’t understand what that has to do with me, Your Majesty. 

    - My wife clearly doesn’t want to lay with me but she doesn’t seem to have minded laying with you before we were married. At this point I don’t care who the child is as long as she’s pregnant. 

Bucky’s heart sank into his stomach as his brain started to process what he was asking of him. It couldn’t be, he wouldn’t want that, Bucky couldn’t do that. His eyes seemed void of life as he looked up at his King whose position was so so fickle.

    - I don’t think I understand, your Majesty. - Bucky hoped he didn’t understand, he really hoped he was wrong. 

   - What part of fuck my wife do you not understand, Sir Barnes? - he growled at the man standing in front of him. - I will not be thrown off my rightful throne because my wife refuses to get knocked up. 

   - With all due respect, your Majesty, it is her rightful throne. She’s the heir.

   - You see, Sir Barnes I really don’t wanna accuse my wife of adultery. It will end up in her beheading and I really don’t think the people would enjoy that. Besides, of course I will pay you a good amount for your service and it’s not like I will deprive you of seeing the child. - Bucky could feel himself churn at the thought of the man so many called loyal and rightful treat Y/N as if she were a breeding dog, as if she were a business, as if she wasn’t the human with the heart of gold he knew she had.

No, no, Bucky couldn’t do that to her. He knew his Queen like the palm of his heart, she was sweet, fair and anyone who’s by her company normally basks in her light which seems to reflect of her own words. He couldn’t agree to treat her as if she was merely a breeding object but he also couldn’t allow for her to be beheaded. It terrified him to see the face he used to love to wake up next to, her little smirky whenever she stole swords from knights as her princess, her sunny smile whenever she performed an operetta correctly gone. He couldn’t see her gone. No. He had promised to protect his sovereign and she would always be her Queen.

     - I cannot do that. 

     - Your father fought to protect this kingdom. I am fighting to protect it too, you cannot let a woman rule by herself, who’ll inherit the throne? Besides, you surely didn’t mind fucking her like a cheap whore when she wasn’t married.

     - Your wife has always been loyal to you since her marriage. I’ve told you that before. 

     - Then I think you have a choice to make. 

Bucky felt the world collapse on top of his. Through his mind rushed the moments he had shared with her, from the very first moment he met her sitting at one of her mother’s teas, pink frilly dress, the smile she gave him to her wedding when he refused to stop the ceremony. He wondered if he should’ve had stopped but he also wondered what life he could’ve given her. It didn’t matter anymore, he should’ve stopped it, he should’ve done something. He thought of the life she could’ve had if he had stopped her, she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant, she wouldn’t have lost the baby, he wouldn’t have disappointed her once again and she wouldn’t be traded around like a harlot.

As he exited the study, he knew what he had to do. He had to take her away from the kingdom as sure as possible, send her to one of their allies, maybe to one of her younger sister’s kingdoms gained by marriage, anywhere that could aid her in stopping what was happening behind her back.

    - Don’t. - he turned around to see his wife, Natalia. She held a cold look in her face, too cold contrasted to her fiery red hair but he still could point out the crack in the ice of her eyes. It was still there, begging. - I know what you’re thinking about, James. Don’t do it. 

    - Get off my way, Natalia. - she stood in front of him like an unmovable rock, stronger than the tide itself, never stopping. - I won’t say it again.

    - Just sleep with her, James. He’ll pay you well and we could leave this, we could maybe buy a piece of land, start over. - jealousy is a damned thing, he realised. He realised jealousy had shaped the wife once friend who he had known all his life as someone who knew right from wrong, it had shaped her into a cunning woman, one which knew how to ride the problem of her marriage away. But she couldn’t erase the problem, she could never get what was already someone else’s, no matter how hard she tried. - You’ll only end up getting yourself killed.

    - Move.

    - No, James. 

    - Do not make me hurt you. - he stepped closer to the red head, close enough he could feel her breathing on his face, fists clenched. 

    - Would you hurt your wife for her? 

Yes. The answer was yes but he wouldn’t say it to her. Instead he shoved her away from him, watching as his lack of answer broke through her cold facade allowing him to overpower her. Natalia watched as he strode through the halls, not even looking back. He had been gone a long, long time away, but now, now he was walking away and she stood in the corridor, on her knees, stubborn soul refusing for the tears gathered on her eyes to stream down her face, hate growing where love once blossomed. 

Bucky strode through the corridors, the phantom of Y/N still haunting him as if the memory of younger, better days were pulling at his brain like bottled regrets. She would always let her hand close to his, hoping for him to grab it and he never did, he never did. He wondered why he never did. As he stepped closer to her chambers, he could see her handmaids surrounding the door, still locked out and not allowed in. 

   - You’re needed elsewhere. - he spoke in a tone which left no room for interpretation. The girls immediately rush away, fears of the man which seemed to had turned bitter with time too present in their minds. Bucky didn’t care or feel any pity for them. They had comfortable lives, they didn’t need pity, they needed to be away from the Queen.

His hand went straight to the door handle, pushing it open but the door didn’t budge. Y/N was still locked in. He tried in, hoping the door would cave in but once again it didn’t. They weren’t supposed to cave in. His fists started banging against the gold encrusted door and had he not lost his flesh arm long years ago, it would’ve started bleeding from the force alone. 

    - Open the door, Y/N! - desperation dripped from his voice but she herself, like the door didn’t cave in.

   - Stop banging on the door and go away, James. - he could hear her from the other door. So close and yet so far away.

   - Open this door or so help me I will break it down myself. - Y/N didn’t doubt him. She knew what his arm could do but she was also much too smart not to get hurt again. Nevertheless, she unlocked the door, turning the small golden key held by the lock and he immediately pushed the door open. Her eyes scanned him, he was deranged, like an animal in the wild.

   - Get out, James. I swear I will call the guards on you. 

   - We need to go. - he walked into her bedroom, straight to the hanger where her cape hanged from. Grabbing it, he threw it at her but Y/N remained in her spot, no affection for him in his face. Had he not been so concerned for her head remaining on her shoulders, it would’ve hurt him. - I said we need to go, Y/N. 

    - You don’t get to order me around. 

    - Do you still love me? - the question took Y/N by surprise. Almost as if something had hit her, she took a few steps back, looking behind her to see that not so far away there were some guards. She could just call for them.

    - James, I will call the gu ...

    - Do you still love me? - he interrupted the young queen, punctuating every single word like a stab on an already aching heart. There was no saint, there was no devil, just two aching hearts filled with scars that were starting to harden the youthful hope it used to harbour.

Did she still love him? Yes. She can’t find the words to tell him, head and heart bleeding in negative thoughts. She could never say to him she didn’t and whenever she told him she did, he would turn his face and walk away leaving her broken, shattered on the floor by a love surely classic love tales warned her about. In her memory everything still burned from when he said he didn’t love her from when he called himself a mere companion. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him she loved him so instead she nodded.

    - I have to get you out right now. I’ll explain later. - he stepped towards her but there was no ice cold nature to him, no violence. Instead, he slide the cape behind her, tying it around her neck before placing the hood over her head. It was a bleak brown cape she would use whenever going into the town’s market. 

His hand wrapped around hers as he turned the opposite way from the guards, walking towards the training grounds from which he could sneak her out and into the carriage which led into the town where she could get a train ticket into one of her sisters’ kingdoms. He kept rushing through the halls until a very familiar voice made him stop, rushing her to the opposite corridor. Both of them were up against the wall. 

   - Thank you for letting me know, Natalia. - the voice boomed through the corridor before he turned to address the guard with him. - Make sure Sir Barnes and the Queen leave. Sadly, our Queen seems to have chosen an illicit affair over her wedding and therefore she is a traitor to our country. 

Y/N looked up to Bucky, not understanding exactly what had happened but knowing she clearly couldn’t remain in the castle. Bucky mouthed kitchen to her, before helping her rush down the corridor onto the kitchen. Both of them ran through the oven heated grounds until the wooden door. Luckily for them, it was open.

   - Here. - Bucky handed her a small pouch. - There’s enough for a train ticket and more if anything happens. 

   - Are you coming?

   - Bucky, you’re gonna be killed. If affair isn’t believed, he’ll surely blame you for rape or kidnapping and he’ll kill you.

   - Y/N.

   - Do you love me? - she had one hand on the open door’s handle and one extended to him.

Yes. His hand touched hers and they exited, door behind them closed as everything was left behind.

[cno-inbminor]

adsentio

a/n: for some reason, i got the idea of prince!akaashi stuck in my head. mildly inspired by the swan princess. 

wc: ~2.1k 

genre: arranged marriage!au, royalty!au, emerging feelings. fluff mainly? idek, it’s word vomit

royalty!au: adsentio (pt. 1) | bonus letters (pt. 1.5) | the masque (pt. 2)

-

Prince Akaashi likes to believe he’s a smart cookie, even if he’s only seven. Then again, his parents aren’t exactly the most subtle people on the planet, and he believes it’s quite obvious as to what they’re planning. In fact, not only is he aware, but the whole castle is as well. Hell, even 90% of the citizens in the kingdom are fully aware of what’s to be expected. He strongly dislikes it, and he wishes it didn’t loom over him every summer.

Ever since the summer of the year he turned five, Princess (y/n) of the West Kingdom would show up for two months to make his life miserable. To be fair, it wasn’t exactly your fault, as you were very much forced into this arrangement as he was, but it was easier to blame you. He’d rather just play fight with Bokuto all summer rather than try to include a girl. It’s not because you’re capable of kicking his butt.

That is absolutely not the case here.

His mother, the queen, is scrambling to get all the preparations done in time for (y/n)’s arrival. Akaashi almost rolls his eyes when he spots her rearranging a bouquet of roses in the dining hall. Unfortunately, she spots him from the corner of her eye and beckons him over with a frantic hand. Never one to deny a parent, he quickly jogs over to her.

“Oh darling, would you be a doll and check in on your father? He needs to be dressed properly for the West Kingdom’s arrival. Tell him to wear that cyan blue shirt of his, it’s much more flattering.”

“Do we need to be so overboard like this again? They’ve already been here twice, it’s not like they don’t know us.”

“For reasons you don’t know, they’re extra special to us. Aren’t you excited to see (y/n) again? You two got along so well last summer!”

Akaashi wrinkles his nose in distaste. “It feels like I just saw her yesterday. Bokuto and I just wanna play by ourselves.”

“Nonsense, dear. Now go check on your father, please,” His mother implores before scurrying off to another bouquet of flowers.

It’s so obvious, he thinks to himself as he jogs towards his parents’ chambers. Did they really need this alliance with the West Kingdom? Would they be that much more powerful together? “In due time, you’ll understand,” his parents always said. Akaashi was starting to become tired of hearing those words.

Why is it so hard to just tell him now as to why they want him to marry Princess (y/n)?

-

“You know why I’m here, right?” (Y/n) asks him one evening. They’re sixteen now – Akaashi counts that this is your twelfth time at the castle. You call the castle your second home, as he once heard you tell your assigned handmaiden, the same lady who attends to you every summer. Somehow, the statement strikes a chord within him – his initial childish annoyance at your presence had long disappeared and been replaced with something akin to defeat. There was very little chance that they could run from this, but in the late nights, Akaashi found himself believing that if there were someone to be betrothed to, (y/n) wasn’t so bad.

“What do you mean?” He replies, slowly turning a page in his book. You both found that one way to quickly pass the time was to raid the royal library. At first, it was custom to read your respective books at opposite ends of the castle. Yet as time passed, you found yourselves meeting closer and closer towards the middle. If desired, the servants could find you two either together in the library, in an empty ballroom by the massive windows, or on the balcony in the summer sun. Most times, Bokuto, Akaashi’s most loyal friend, was with you as well. Reading wasn’t necessarily one of his top hobbies, but he’d rather be with friends than alone wondering around the castle.

This time, the two of you have taken refuge by a fireplace, a terrible thunderstorm casting a chill over the building. Bokuto is conveniently off doing his own thing.

“The reason why I’m here every summer.”

Akaashi casts his best exasperated look towards you, but it goes unnoticed as you refuse to look away from your book. “I’ve known since I was six.”

You sigh and gently shut your novel closed, one finger stuck between the pages to keep your place. With the grace of an angel (Akaashi thinks), you pick yourself up from the lounge chair and drift over to the couch he’s sitting on. Because he’s sitting upright towards the end closest to the fire, there’s more than enough space for you to sit and stretch your legs across the cushions. In fact, you do just that, settling for leaning your back against Akaashi’s strong side profile, his arm supporting most of your weight. Without meaning to, Akaashi finds himself adjusting his sitting position for your comfort. He feels your body tremble slightly and a small wave of concern washes over him.

“Should I ask one of the servants to bring a blanket for you?”

“That won’t be necessary. But thank you for your concern, your highness.”

“You don’t have to address me as so.”

“My apologies, it’s a force of habit.”

“Hmm.”

Akaashi has long given up on reading the words before him. Your question repeats in his head like a broken record.

“Doesn’t it frustrate you?” You whisper, interrupting his thoughts. “Doesn’t it anger you that since my birth, you’ve been forced into a game that you have no choice but to play?”

Akaashi hesitates. This topic has never been broached before, and he’s not sure how to address it.

“I’ll admit it was more frustrating in the beginning. Nobody enjoys being told what to do, especially when you’re little. But I learned to just accept it. In fact, to call it a game would assume that there is a losing side. From what I’ve studied, both of our kingdoms would benefit from this merger. What’s the loss?”

“Our freedom and choice,” you bite out, yet refusing to look at him. You’ve also given up on reading, yet you don’t want to arouse suspicion that this conversation is happening. If a servant were to hear, rumors would fly around the castle like a plague. “I think it’s only human that I want to experience love the way ordinary people do. We don’t even get a say.”

“What about both of our parents? They were arranged yet they love each other.”

“Simple, they got lucky.”

“Then would you rather run away and find another man to fall in love with?”

“More than that, I just want to experience life beyond the castle walls. My position is different from yours.”

“How so?”

You purse your lips, pausing. “Your Highness, what do you think would happen to you if I were to disappear, or god forbid, die?”

Akaashi’s eyes widen in bewilderment. “Why would you ask that?”

“You just need to answer my question.”

“Well,” he ponders. “I…believe I’d be somewhat sad. We would mourn the loss, surely.”

For the first time this summer, he hears a genuine chuckle from you. “I’m honored by your sentiment, your highness. I’m asking more of what you think would politically happen to you.”

Akaashi’s cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I guess…politically I’d be okay. Mother would be devastated, but I guess they’d find me another match. The merger with your kingdom would’ve been our strongest move, but it could still happen since we’re already on such good speaking terms. Supposedly there are other princesses waiting for a chance, and a merger could result from that as well.”

“What a humble braggart you are, your highness,” you tease.

“That’s not what I meant—”

“I know. But in all seriousness,” you switch to a more solemn tone. “The point is, you’d be okay. As you so nicely put it, you have women lining up to be with you.”

“Aren’t men lining up to be with you as well?”

“It’s not the same, Your Highness. As a princess, I’m brought up to constantly prove my worth to others. More importantly, I’m raised to prove my worth as a wife and a queen. We’re left to care for the children we must bear, we must keep our noses a reasonable distance away from kingdom business. If this engagement were to break, many outsiders would automatically assume that I was deemed unworthy of you, that I must’ve wrapped myself in some horrible scandal.”

Akaashi hums and stares into the fire. “I suppose that it’s rather unfortunate. I wish I had realized that sooner.”

“Your self-awareness speaks volumes. I usually wouldn’t admit this to you, but I know you’ll be a great king when it’s your time. Your people already love you, and they will only continue to love you more.”

“That’s very kind of you, Princess.”

“I only speak honestly. There’s no need to sugarcoat my words around you.”

Somehow, Akaashi finds that very comforting. Perhaps as someone in his position, he would consider honesty and wisdom to be valuable. Just because he’s destined to be king someday, doesn’t mean he would always make the right decisions. He would appreciate having you by his side in his decision-making.

“If this happens,” Akaashi finds himself speaking, also not one for beating around the bush. “I can promise now that I’ll try to change that. Even if we end up never loving each other, I’ll do my best to ensure that you never feel confined to such a role. As my w-wife,” he stumbles over the word. “I would want your input. You have a good head on you, and I’m sure you have valuable wisdom that I will need in due time.”

“Somehow, that’s the most romantic thing a man has ever said to me,” you say. He can hear the smile in your voice, his own small one forming on his face. When you move off the couch, his body immediately misses the warmth of your body pressed against his. After you’re done dusting yourself off, you begin to curtsy. He knows that this means you’re retiring for the night, but he’d rather you not leave right now.

“Wait,” he calls out, reaching for the hand not holding your book. You stay silent as Akaashi delicately holds your hand, then breaking out into a slight blush when he lays a soft kiss on the back of your hand, eyes never breaking contact with yours. He’s never been more princely to you than this moment – though his mother had made him do this on every first day you arrive at the castle, it never held so much meaning. This was of his own doing, his own volition, and that spoke volumes to you. He was trying to make this work in his own special way.

You don’t miss the way his thumb ghosts over your knuckles before releasing your hand, although the movement seems hesitant and troubled. “Good night, Princess,” he bids quietly, eyes looking back at the ignored book in his lap. Your heart beats with adrenaline, the chemical fueling you to step closer to him and bend down to place a kiss on his cheek. Akaashi does his best to not look surprised, but he knows that he has failed when he hears the sound of your gentle laugh.

“Good night, Keiji.”

The prince concludes right then and there that he has never heard anything more beautiful.

-

When you return to your chambers the next night, it’s hard to miss the most beautiful glass vase you’ve seen that’s sitting on your dresser. Inside stands a half-bloomed peony, a flower you recognize from the castle gardens. The petals have a tender shade of a light blush pink – if the flower-arranging lessons taught you anything, they stood for romance, compassion, and bashfulness. A neatly folded cardstock with your name stands demurely by the vase. The handwriting is strikingly familiar, and you can’t help but smile at the words neatly written inside.

To my future queen.

As you bring the flower to your nose and inhale the sweet scent, you begin to think that perhaps, you and Akaashi might just be lucky enough for love.

 -

feel free to send requests for this au! 

[tteokggukk]

let’s fall in love for the night → kth

✳ pairing: taehyung x reader

✳ genre: college au, fluff, slow burn

✳ warnings: none! just pure fluff

✳ words: 9.4k

✳ a/n: hello! this was inspired by finneas’ song let’s fall in love for the night, which just really made me think of taehyung while listening. this is my first oneshot and also the first time i’ll be posting my writing so i’d really appreciate some feedback so i know how i can improve! thank you and i hope you enjoy!

S T O R Y  P L A Y L I S T:

1. Let’s Fall in Love for the Night // FINNEAS

2. I Fall in Love Too Easily // Chet Baker

3. Realize //  Colbie Caillat

4. Ain’t Together // King Princess

5. Lay Me Down // Sam Smith

6. Dreams // Fleetwood Mac

"It'll be fun, you know."

Kate says in an imploring tone at her hundredth attempt at trying to get you to join a party your other friends had planned. "It'll just be with people we know, and maybe a couple others but— you know how Justin is. Come on, please?" She looks at you with begging eyes while clutching onto different pieces of clothing she planned on trying out.

You were lying in your bed contemplating whether or not you should click on one more episode of (your favorite show) or give in and get out of your comfortable pajamas. Your best friend knew you didn't want to choose the latter, but you knew better that she never took no for an answer.

"I don't see what's more fun than being in bed right now," you groaned as you shut your laptop and stood up, walking over in front of the mirror as if staring at it would help you decide what to do. It’s been a while since you’ve last been to a party. Crowds and loud music were only fun to a certain extent, one that doesn't last very long, and you were pretty sure Kate was going to end up leaving you later in the night until she needed someone to hold her hair up while she puked in a bathroom stall. 

But then again, winter break was only days from now and you'd be going off to travel with your cousins to places in Europe. It was a break you needed—a break from college and stress. All you could look forward to was the comfort of being around people you were free to be yourself around. Though this meant you wouldn't have any time to hang out with Kate and you certainly didn't want to leave without spending time with her, especially since you never come with her to parties anymore.

"Yet there you are getting ready anyway," You could hear her smile in victory as she spoke, making you roll your eyes. 

"Just this once," you glance back at her before entering the bathroom to shower, silently regretting your decision.

Forty-five minutes later, you were done getting ready and Kate was waiting for you by the door frame of your shared dorm room. The only good thing about going out to party was that you always rocked the clothes you wore, and tonight you couldn't help but feel yourself in your tight black dress and combat boots. You took your keys from your drawer and you both headed out. You got in the driver's seat while Kate rode shotgun.

It was six in the evening, the sky faded into a deep blue mixed with purple and the stars were close to lighting up. The view nearly tempted you to drop the whole party and just go on a drive, until you remembered you were with Kate who was more than happy that you finally went with her after her endless invitations.

"I'm glad you listened to me for once," she says, head nodding to the sound of her music.

"I don't know if I should be happy or scared that I did," you chuckled, though you already knew your answer.

"Y/n, parties aren't so bad. You gotta learn to loosen up," Kate shakes your shoulder, "Plus, you need this. You haven't gone out much and had fun since Lance."

"I think I'm already a loosened up person, thank you very much," You glanced at her with a sarcastic smile, "And Lance? Lance who?"

Kate laughs at this, and from the corner of your eye you could see her shaking her head before looking out the window.

"You're over him, then?" She asks.

"It's been like, six months, Kate. At this point I'm just a loser if I haven't gotten over him," you laughed to yourself knowing full well how convincing you sound, you almost believed it.

Lance, that idiot cheater, you thought. You were over him, but that didn't mean there wasn't a slight pang in your chest at the mention of his name and at the thought of what he did. It wasn't him you were bothered with; it was the experience of being cheated on. It made you question your own worth, and sometimes even your existence.

But that was months ago, and right now there was really no time to get hung up over a guy. You've practically given up on whatever chances of love you thought you'd ever find when you broke up with him, you decided it was time to give some more time for yourself.

"I'm proud of you. Who knows, maybe tonight you'll meet your next prince!" Kate giggled a little menacingly, it almost scared you.

"Maybe."

You doubted it.

When you got to the house, it was exactly how you imagined it. Loud and trashed. You could already feel the bass from the blaring music being played and you weren't even out of your car yet. It made you feel slightly anxious, already sensing something stirring up in your stomach, your heart racing and your palms sweating. 

Kate looks at you as if waiting for some kind of confirmation, probably sensing you didn't really feel okay. "You good?" 

You didn't want Kate to feel guilty, nor did you want to kill the mood, so you decided to do what was best which meant having to go inside and get the night over with.

"Yeah, let's go."

When you both got out of the car, the noise only got louder and you could hear the sound of teenagers laughing. Before you could enter the place, you recognized a guy walking towards the two of you with a smile, first giving Kate a side hug before moving to you to give you one as well. It was Nick from your chemistry class and one of your friends. He gave you a surprised look and a smile before turning back to Kate. 

"This is the first time in a while you brought y/n with you!" He says enthusiastically, "It's great you finally came!" 

"It took me a lot of convincing," Kate says.

"I'm not gonna be here over the break, so I figured why not," You nod as you spoke. Nick was a good guy, he was smart and friendly, he pretty much knew everyone around the whole campus. 

"It's good you could make it, Min-Jun's been wailing thinking you'd never come," Nick laughed. You gave Kate a look at the mention of Min-Jun's name, her eyes turning slightly wide. You could tell she knew something, but this wasn't the time and place to confront her. Nick places his arm around and you before telling you both to come inside and try the drinks.

It stuck in your head, though, the fact that you felt like Kate and the others had this all planned.

The house was huge and close to being crowded, but there was just enough space to walk in. You recognized most of the people from your batch and some of them looked as shocked as Nick to see you, though just as happy as they offered a wave while some even called your name.

"Where are the others?" Kate asked, referring to both your group of friends.

"They're over at the back, follow me." Nick leads you both to the backyard, revealing a huge pool surrounded by your friends along with some guys who also went to the same class as you but never had the chance to talk to. You made eye contact with one of them, specifically the tall, familiar guy who had black—maybe even dark brown hair, sharp eyes, wearing a black, rose printed dress shirt and black pants. He had the same classes as you but you couldn't recall a time you've ever had a proper conversation with him, the most you could remember was when he needed to borrow a pen or whenever he’d give it back. The eye contact might have been a little too long, so you quickly averted your attention to the others.

I didn’t know the Kim Taehyung went to parties with my friends.

Taehyung and his friends had a reputation for being popular with everyone. Unlike his friends who were more sociable and outgoing, Taehyung was much more reserved. He didn’t go out much either, nor did he date often, but his serious exterior gave off a mysterious aura that most girls (and even some guys) couldn’t resist.

Everyone else was visibly surprised to see you, and it’s safe to say it was a pleasant surprise as they all greeted you warmly, easing the anxiety you had previously felt. All that was gone by now and is replaced by the feeling of comfort around the people you knew.

Min-Jun caught your eye and even with the dim lighting you could tell he turned into a deep shade of red. 

"Y/n! I can't believe you actually made it," Jen, one of your close friends, gave you a side hug.

"This is the first time I've seen you come to a party in years," Justin, the owner of the house and another one of your close friends, gives you a high five.

"Yeah, well, thank Kate," you grinned.

"Min-Jun, why are you suddenly so quiet?" Lucas teases, who also happens to be the guy Kate has a crush on.

"Shut up," Min-Jun bumps Lucas on the shoulder making Lucas laugh before he made his way to you, "Hey, y/n."

"Hey," you greeted awkwardly, forcing a smile. Honestly Min-Jun was a close friend of yours until he started creeping you out. He'd get jealous over Lance when you were still together and always indirectly told you how much you "deserved better" while you dated someone else. He was right, but you found that it felt too invasive and caused you to see him in a different light ever since, and not in a good way. It still didn't stop him from trying to make a move on you. 

"Y/n, by the way, these guys are our friends," Justin points towards Taehyung and his friends as the three of them came forward to introduce themselves. "This is Jimin, Jungkook, and Taehyung, though you might already know them," Justin motions at them, each of them waving and saying "hi", "We have the same classes."

"Hey." You waved back.

"You look great," Jimin grins at you. He was cute, and you couldn't help but smile back.

"He's a massive flirt, so don't fall for that," Jungkook teases, and everyone laughs. Jimin shakes his head but laughs along while their friend, Taehyung, was just sipping on some coke.

"How come we never really see you around Justin's parties?" Jimin asks.

"I haven't really gone out to party in months," You told Jimin.

"What happened to your boyfriend? Was it Landon? Lee?" Taehyung asks, holding the can of coke in his hand. 

Just as you were about to open your mouth, Min-Jun decided to race with you and answered, "Lance. They broke up like half a year ago, right?" He quickly spoke. Annoyed, you glared at him subtly, hoping he'd get the message.

"Right," was all you could say.

Taehyung just raised a brow and sipped on his coke again while he nodded his head. You were slightly disappointed at what impression you gave off to Jimin, Taehyung, and Jungkook— the girl who stopped partying solely because she broke up with her boyfriend, but right now what bothered you most was the way Min-Jun stood right next to you, beer in his hand, looking at you as if he had the right to speak for you. You didn't want to cause a scene, but man did this irk you.

"We should head back inside before we run out of drinks," Justin announces and everyone follows. 

Before you got in the house, you could swear you saw Taehyung glancing your way. Or it might've been your imagination, so you decide not to think much of it.

In the kitchen, you waited for Kate as you stood next to the punch bowl while you watched as she flirted with Lucas. You took a glass of punch, leaning on the counter while looking around the place. Min-Jun wasn't in sight, what a relief, you thought, but you also saw Taehyung, Jungkook, and Jimin surrounded by quite the number of girls. Jimin seemed to be quite flirty, Jungkook only nodding his head while someone spoke to him, and Taehyung sat on the couch’s arm rest, just scrolling away on his phone.

Kate finally noticed you and walked over. 

"Why didn't you tell me Min-Jun was gonna be here?" You asked, arms folded.

"Cause I knew you weren't gonna come if I did," She whined, "I'm sorry. The others wanted you to come too, you know."

"You know how uncomfortable I am around him, Kate."

"Look, I'm really sorry, okay?" Kate held both your arms, "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

From behind Kate, you could see Taehyung making his way over your area. He looked at you, causing your brows to raise so you looked back at Kate.

"Fine," you sighed.

"Yay! Thank you, y/n," Kate pulled you in for a hug. Taehyung was looking at you both before proceeding to fill his red cup with punch. Kate must've noticed him as well because she began to pull away from your short hug.

"Justin says we should all go to his room to play a game. The others are already there. You should come," she takes your hand and then looks at Taehyung, "Taehyung, you should come too!" Taehyung nods at this while gulping down the drink.

The three of you headed upstairs to the second floor. There were people playing games on different consoles while taking shots, people making out— it was like a whole 'nother party. Kate walked ahead into Justin's room while you lagged behind with Taehyung in front of you.

Taehyung looked at you as you scanned the area, "Weird how people get used to these things," he comments, making you look.

"My sentiments, exactly."

"Y/n, what are you doing?" The sound of the familiar, irritating voice pierces through your ears. Even through the loud music, his voice manages to be the most annoying sound.

Min-Jun's head pokes out from Justin's door frame. He looks at you then at Taehyung before stepping out to walk in front of you. Taehyung watches Min-Jun with eyes slightly squinted as if he's onto him.

"You're hanging out with him?" He asks.

You couldn't make a scene. This guy's never seen you angry, and you weren't going to risk for people to see that either.

"I was just heading inside," you smiled politely and walked past Min-Jun to head in Justin's room, Taehyung following behind you.

Everyone was sat in a circle and there was a bottle placed in the middle. You knew where this was a going and you weren't sure if this was a good idea. From what you could tell, everyone in the room was way more buzzed than you. Could you really handle this game without being drunk?

You sat on the empty space next to Jen, but Min-Jun found his way next to you. Taehyung sat opposite from you where he started talking to Jimin and Jungkook.

"Great, everyone's here. You know how the game works, spin the bottle and whoever it lands on has to go in the closet with the next person," Lucas explains.

"Seven minutes might not be enough though," Min-Jun whispered in your ear and smirked, making you very uneasy. You wished you could switch spots with someone else, but at least sitting next to Min-Jun could lower your chances of being paired with him.

Yet you weren't the only one who felt like strangling the boy next to you. Taehyung felt it too.

Several spins and unnerving whispers from Min-Jun later, the bottle finally landed on you. Your eyes went wide as everyone began chanting your name. Your luck has gone so well for the whole of the game, you thought for sure it would end without the bottle landing on you— but it did, and Min-Jun took this opportunity to quickly spin the bottle, thinking it would land on him and that he'd be the guy to enter the closet with you.

But it didn't land on him.

It landed on Taehyung.

You could feel the anger radiating off of Min-Jun as he tried to keep his cool. Taehyung gave you a look that seemed as if he was asking for your consent. All you wanted was to get as far away from Min-Jun as possible, so you stood up.

"Y/n's down for it!" They shouted. Even Taehyung's own friends started applauding.

Taehyung stared at you as you walked into the closet, him following behind but not missing the chance to send a mocking smirk at Min-Jun. The door closed behind the two of you and there was nothing inside except the closet lights, a bunch of coats, and just enough room for two.

"Seven minutes, you guys!" Justin slurred behind the door.

Silence.

"I really wanna get out of here," you sighed to yourself and ran your hand through your hair as you leaned on the walls of the closet.

"You wanna call it quits? I could talk to Justin," Taehyung asks, his hand already on the knob.

"No! No," You chuckled, slightly feeling bad, "Sorry, I meant this whole party."

Taehyung smiles shyly, "Oh, sorry."

He had a different aura now than he did earlier.

"Same though," He spoke quietly, "I was dragged here by my friends, as always."

You let out a breathy laugh, "I was forced to come here as well." You looked around the closet, realizing the whole purpose of getting in here was to have a seven-minute make-out session. Taehyung probably heard you gulp nervously, so he looked at you with a fond smile, "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, don't worry."

What a relief.

Taehyung leans on the wall opposite you so he's facing you. "Maybe it's not my place to say, but your friend, Min-Jun, was it?" He starts, making your left brow raise, "Seems like he's been trying to impress you all night."

You snicker, "He makes me uncomfortable."

"You're good at hiding it, but I could tell," He gives you a sympathetic smile, "Sorry you have to put up with that."

You had to admit he was already extremely attractive from afar, but he's deadly up close. His skin looked so smooth and his eyes were so captivating. You noticed he had both a monolid and a double eyelid, then you shifted to his nose and noticed a little mole. His eye had it too, and so did his mouth. 

It was like God put a whole constellation in him. It fascinated you.

You must've been staring at him for a long time, because he suddenly snapped his fingers in front of you. It took you by surprise and maybe it was cause of your facial expression, but this made Taehyung laugh. 

And his laugh made you laugh.

"You're so annoying," you chuckled.

"Am I? Can I compete for most annoying with Min-Jun?"

"You know, something tells me you'd win," you say sarcastically, earning you a smile from Taehyung.

You were both silent for a moment until he started talking again.

"I know this seems too sudden, but do you wanna get out of this place?" He asks.

"Like, the closet?" You look at him, confused.

"No, out of this party. I know we don't know each other well but I really wanna go out and have more fun," He scratches the back of his head, "And something tells me it'll be exciting with you."

You felt the heat building up on your cheeks at his words. Maybe it was the punch talking, but for some reason you suddenly felt a little more confident. Whatever it was, you just had to blame the punch for the words that were about to slip from your mouth within the next few seconds.

"Do you wanna go on a date with me?" You blurted, "Just for tonight, though, then we forget it all in the morning."

You couldn't believe what you just did right now.

Taehyung only smiled, his eyes turning into crescents before saying the words, "I'd love to."

Seven minutes were almost up, but you and Taehyung rushed out of there as fast as you could. For a brief moment you could hear the others shouting 'Hey! It isn't over yet!'. Then you saw Min-Jun standing up in shock while Taehyung ran to the door, his friends Jungkook and Jimin shouting 'What's going on?' as you tossed your car keys to your best friend Kate, screaming 'I'm sorry!' before finally running to Taehyung, who was waiting by the door frame.

You took one last glance at everyone knowing full well you had a lot of explaining to do tomorrow, but you had to start running because Min-Jun, Kate, and Justin were suddenly following the two of you. 

Taehyung took your hand as you both ran down the stairs, trying to squeeze your way out of the crowd. When you were near the door, you heard Min-Jun scream your name though you never bothered to look back. Taehyung held your hand tightly until you were both in front of his car. You quickly got in and rode shotgun and he immediately stepped on the gas, leaving no time for the others to catch up.

The feeling of your heart pounding in your chest and the rush of adrenaline caused by the chase was the most fun you've had in months, and it was all thanks to the guy who you barely even talk to in all your classes. You looked over at Taehyung who had on a wide, toothy smile, panting as he drove.

"That was crazy!" He shouted.

"That was actually fun!" You breathed out, "I can't believe we really did that."

"I know! The way you threw your keys at Kate! That was funny," he laughed and so did you.

You never expected the guy who looked so intimidating to be so spontaneous.

"So wait, where are we heading now?" You asked.

"Anywhere, we'll make the most out of this night," Taehyung grins, "I'm taking you on an adventure before this offer expires in the morning."

"I can't wait," You grin back.

You looked out the window. The sky had already turned black with stars scattered all around it, it was beautiful. You had been so occupied with the party you hadn't noticed it was already 10:45 in the evening, so there weren't much cars on the road. Taehyung drove fast but it didn't scare you, in fact it only excited you more.

"You wanna roll the windows down?" He asked.

"Can I?" You looked at him.

"By all means." He gave you a quick smile before turning his attention back on the road. You smiled and rolled the window down, feeling the wind run through your hair. The way the streetlights illuminated his face made you see him clearly, and though you'd never admit this to yourself you knew he made you flustered.

Taehyung drove for another ten minutes before pulling over at a nearby park. No one was around but it was an open park so you were both free to wander. You both got off the car and Taehyung ran to the slide, a big smile plastered on your face as you watched him. You sat on the swing adjacent to the slide and watched as he went for a second round before walking and sitting on the swing next to you.

"I'm sorry for asking about your ex," he spoke.

You hadn't even thought of it and it didn't bother you, but you found it heartwarming for him to apologize over such a small thing. "Oh don't worry, it didn't bother me. I don’t mind when people ask me questions about him. Thanks, though."

"What are your plans over the break?" You asked, changing the topic.

"Not much. I might go to my family, help them out with the farm," he looked up at the sky.

"You have a farm?" 

"Yeah, a strawberry farm," he grinned at you.

"That's so cool, you should bring me some."

"Yeah, I should," He chuckled, "What about you? Any plans?" 

"I'm not sure yet," You started kicking the sand on the ground. You lied only because you didn't really want people knowing you were going out of town for a few weeks, and it wasn’t important anyway you thought. You looked over at Taehyung, who was already looking at you.

“Well, I know we only promised this one night but if you ever get bored just know that you can call me.”

You smiled at him, which you found you’ve done quite often tonight, “Maybe I will.”

He started scrolling through his phone and you wondered if he was getting bored. Just as you were about to ask him what else he wanted to do, he stands up and puts his phone down while a song begins to play.

You recognize the song as one of your favorites, Chet Baker’s I Fall in Love Too Easily.

Taehyung was now standing in front of you, offering his hand. You stare at it first before asking, “What?”

“You asked me out on a date, so we’re dating.”

Before you could open your mouth to your defense, he beats you to it.

“For a night, yes, I know. Come on,” he says, his hands inviting yours to hold his. You tried to keep a serious look but you fail as a smile cracks on your face. You take his hand as you stood, then he takes both your hands and places them on his shoulders so he could place his on your waist and he begins to sway you both to the music.

“Didn’t know you had nice taste in music,” You muttered.

“Thank you. If you like it then yours must be wonderful too,” he grins.

It was just the two of you swaying in the night with nothing but the sound of your feet on the sand, the music playing, and the cars that would occasionally pass by. The moon and the stars along with the warm streetlights around the park gave just enough light for you to see him standing inches away from you. You realized the kind of person you’ve been missing out on after all these months. Why haven’t you had the chance to talk to him?

“If you don’t mind me asking, why’d you break up with Lance?” Taehyung asks after a minute of silence.

You look at him, not expecting him to be interested. Or maybe he just wanted to make conversation. You decide not to read into it too much.

“He cheated on me, to make things short,” You nod and his eyes go wide, “But I mean, we only dated for like—five months?”

“However long or short your relationship is doesn’t give him an excuse to cheat,” Taehyung stopped dancing now, his arms were crossed but you kept your hands on his shoulders. Cute, you thought, chuckling.

“What?” he asks.

“Nothing, you’re right. I wish he thought the same as you,” You smiled, “Come on, the song’s not over,” you place his arms back on your waist, earning a small smile from him.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that though,” he apologized.

“You sure do apologize a lot for things that aren’t your fault,” You told him, “But it’s fine. I got over him pretty fast, it’s just the experience of being cheated on that really stayed and bothered me.”

“Like a trauma?” He asked.

“Kind of, I guess.”

“Lance is dumber than I thought. I can’t believe he’d let go of someone like you,” He scoffed while you smiled to yourself. The song ends after a few seconds and Taehyung lets go, bowing in front of you. You copy him, making you both laugh, but the sound of your stomach growling makes him laugh even harder. Taehyung takes your hand again and leads you to the car.

“Let’s go get something to eat.”

Taehyung drove you to this small restaurant that he claims sells the best jajangmyeon which you had to try. You couldn’t object, you were hungry and you didn’t have time to play the guessing game when it came to restaurants. Plus, he just looked so happy talking about it, you didn’t want to burst his bubble.

“Wait here,” Taehyung told you before he got off the car. Maybe he was going to check the place first, or talk to the owner and ask if they were still open. You were surprised when you saw him walk to your side of the car and realized he wanted to open the door for you. His hand was extended out to you, waiting for yours to hold his.

“Thanks,” You told him, taking his hand.

“Don’t mention it.”

When you both walked into the restaurant, you almost felt bad because the staff was already packing up and cleaning, the smell of food already faint. But when the staff members saw Taehyung, they all lit up and so did he, greeting each one of them with a wave.

“Auntie, Taehyung’s here!” One of the staff members shouted.

Just then, a short, plump woman who looked like she was in her forties walked out of the kitchen and walked up to Taehyung. She had short, curly hair, and the crinkles in her eyes were evident with the way she smiled.

“Taehyung, it’s so nice to see you. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you here with your friends,” She spoke.

“Ah, yeah. We’ve all been busy with college, but I really missed your food,” Taehyung grinned.

“Well come on, sit down!” she motions for us to sit and offers us a table, “I’ll make you your usual.”

“Ah! For two please,” Taehyung puts two fingers up as he sits down before looking back at you.

One of the staff members began talking to Taehyung in a foreign language while placing down tissues and chopsticks on the table. Taehyung, whose face turned into a deep shade of red, nervously began talking in the same foreign language while picking up his chopsticks to rub them together. The staff member said something back to him, sending Taehyung what you could only assume was a teasing smile. This caused Taehyung to laugh anxiously before replying to the staff.

You looked at him in confusion, but also amazement. You found it so cool the way he was so friendly with the staff and how they were nice to him as well, it was even cooler when you heard him speak in Korean for the first time. You were mesmerized.

“That was so cool,” You spoke, sounding as if you’d been holding your breath the entire time.

“What is?” He asks, dumbfounded.

“Just now. The staff here knows you and you speak Korean? That’s amazing, your voice sounds so nice in Korean.”

His eyes widened, “Wait—you knew it was in Korean… did you understand what we were talking about just now?” Taehyung felt as if his heart was beginning to palpitate. It was an innocent conversation about how the staff member found you pretty and thought you were his girlfriend, and how Taehyung agreed that you were gorgeous indeed, however you two weren’t together.

“No, I just recognized the language. Plus, there’s a small Korean flag outside this restaurant. One would notice,” You spoke blankly, “Why? What was it about?”

“Oh,” was all he could say before coming up with an excuse, “He just told me that it’s late and we shouldn’t overeat or we’ll get nightmares.” That was a fast excuse, I deserve an award for that, he thought.

You may not have known him enough, but it was easy to tell he was lying by the way he wasn’t looking at you properly. Maybe it was a personal thing, so you decided not to push his buttons and pry. Soon enough, your food came and both your mouths were watering. It smelled delicious, and you couldn’t wait to dig in. Taehyung let you taste it first to see if you’d like it, and you did.

“Do you come here often?” You asked him.

Taehyung took a sip of water, “Yeah, I used to. I think the last time I went here was two months ago, with Jungkook and Jin, our older friend.”

“You’ve seen Jungkook and Jimin, right?” He asked to which you nodded. “We’d come here with four of our other friends, they’re all seniors in college now.”

“It’s nice that you have lots of friends.”

“Yeah, they’re great. You should meet them sometime, I have a feeling they’ll like you,” he says, giving you a grin you were starting to feel accustomed to. You smiled at the thought of him wanting you to meet his friends.

When you were both done eating, you took your wallet out and asked Taehyung how much the food was so you could split. No matter how hard you insisted to pay for your food, he was more persistent in paying for everything, so he did. Taehyung thanked the lady who owned the restaurant and so did you before you both walked back into the car.

“Are you up for some karaoke?” Taehyung asks.

“Yeah, of course! Let’s go,” You beamed.

The twenty-minute car ride was spent with you and Taehyung not-so-seriously singing to a bunch of songs from the 2000s as well as original soundtracks from cartoons you both watched as children. You’d laugh every now and then whenever Taehyung would try to copy the female voices and Taehyung would poke fun at you for trying to imitate voices with lower ranges.

Taehyung was enraptured with how you were able to hang out with him like he was an old friend of yours. You were fun to be around, and he wanted to take every opportunity he could to make this feeling of elation you caused to last because he knew things would probably change in the morning. Prior to your party-turned-date-night, he already had a hunch he’d have a great time with you. What he didn’t expect that as the hours passed, you were turning out to be so much more.

“We’re here!” Taehyung exclaimed after he finished parking, “Wait inside.” He got off the car and you laughed to yourself knowing he was going to open the door again for you. This time you took his hand before he could give you his. He looked surprised at first but not even half a second later that was replaced by a wide, boxy smile you found endearing.

As you walked in, you noticed how well-lit and alive the whole place was at night. You barely come to Karaoke Bars, the last time you went was in high school when you and a couple of your friends tried sneaking drinks but failed because you were minors. It wasn’t the most exciting experience, at least this time around you didn’t need to sneak around anything.

“For two, please.” You heard Taehyung tell the person behind the counter.

“Would you like any food and drinks?” The lady asks.

“Want anything?” Taehyung asks, looking back at you.

“Any is fine,” You told him, but really you’ve been eyeing the spicy wings on their menu. Taehyung looks at what you were staring at and quietly laughs to himself.

“We’ll take the spicy chicken platter and 2 bottles of fruity soju, please.”

This was the absolute bare minimum, yet your heart couldn’t resist leaping after hearing Taehyung order the wings you had your eyes on. Had he noticed? If he did, he was only making you fall deep without you even realizing.

You both entered the room. It was square, and it looked slightly smaller than a studio apartment. Two songbooks were placed on a table in the middle of the room and there was a long couch that faced the television. For some reason, the magenta lighting made it feel like it was an intimate space.

Taehyung plopped himself onto the couch and took one songbook. You followed him and sat down, careful to leave a distance of at least one foot between the two of you. 

"Here, you should sing," he hands you the songbook.

"I think I'm gonna wait for the soju first before I can sing, thanks," you placed the songbook on his lap, and as if on cue, a lady knocks in and walks into the room holding a tray of spicy chicken on a plate and two bottles of soju with two shot glasses.

Taehyung thanked the lady while you stared at nothingness, silently cursing this unlucky timing. He laughs while reaching over for the bottle of soju, opening one and pouring you both a shot.

"You said you needed one before you could sing, so here you go," he hands you a shot glass and you glare at him, taking the glass from his hand and downing it in one go. He raises his brow in amazement, letting out a breathy laugh before downing his shot.

"Give me that," you held your hand out for the songbook. You scanned the pages, looking for a specific song. You were the kind of person who wanted to relate to what you were saying, the kind who wished people could read between the lines and realize there was a meaning to whatever song you chose.

So you picked Realize by Colbie Caillat.

You looked at Taehyung hesitantly before standing up. Would he notice? Maybe he'll think it was just one of your favorites. Maybe he won't even think about it. Either way, there was no turning back now as you've already entered the numbers.

"I just want you to know, I am by no means a singer," you warned.

"In our date, there's no room for judgement," he grinned, visibly awaiting your performance as he watched you while he rests his head on his hand.

The lyrics popped up on screen and you began to sing.

Take time to realize

That your warmth is

Crashing down on me

Taehyung leaned forward from his seat the moment he heard your voice. You lied, he thought, you were most definitely a singer. His heart began to race for the nth time tonight, but this was different. You've got him wrapped around your finger, and he knew. Your voice was the final thing that trapped him into the pit of feelings he's been falling deeper and deeper into throughout the night. It didn't help that he was the type of person to really analyze every line from a song, wondering if there was some hidden message behind your song of choice.

He couldn’t help but wish that song was meant for him.

If you just realize what I just realized

Then we'd be perfect for each other and we'd never find another

He was captivated by you. When Taehyung realized he'd been thinking of you and just you, he had to snap out of it by downing a shot.

By the time the song ended, you felt your knees go weak and your hands were trembling. You took a shot of soju hoping it would calm your nerves and placed the microphone on the table. "I can't believe I just sang." I can't believe I just sang a song like that.

"I can't believe you lied to me," Taehyung tried to play it cool, "You have a beautiful voice."

Singing wasn't something you could easily do in front of people. As much as possible, you wanted to keep that hobby to yourself. You never really had the confidence to let people listen to you, but hearing those words from Taehyung felt like an affirmation. You were touched.

"Thanks," you gave him a soft smile, "That actually means a lot."

"You have to sing one more," he begged.

You raised a brow, "Are you serious?" Taehyung nods at this. You wanted to protest but his eyes made it impossible. How could you say no to him?

"Fine, but you're singing after me." 

Before you sang for the second time, you made sure to drink another shot to get rid of your nerves. The next song you chose was Ain't Together by King Princess and you were hoping Taehyung would read the lyrics on screen and realize they were for him and not for the sake of singing.

When you were done, you found Taehyung staring at you. His eyes followed you even when you were already sitting down, you had to snap your fingers in front of him to get him back on earth. When you did, he suddenly dropped his head down the way participants would wake up after being hypnotized. 

"Are you okay?" You asked.

He looked back up, only to reveal a smiling face before he reached for the bottle of soju and poured himself a shot, running his hand through his hair. Thoughts of you were devouring him. The alcohol was supposed to help, but it was only stopping him from suppressing his emotions.

"Never better," he told you.

I must be going crazy, he thought to himself.

"I've done two songs, Taehyung. It's your turn now," you handed him the songbook, your fingers accidentally touching. Taehyung took the songbook from you, his heart nervously pounding when he felt your index finger.

You watched his hands as he flipped through the pages, looking at every ring wrapped around on his fingers. Your eyed then trailed to look at his ears and noticed he was wearing several earrings as well. He always did, you figured, but they were way more noticeable now. 

"What's your favorite song?" Taehyung asked, leaning on you a bit. Your faces were suddenly inches apart; you didn't notice how close you were getting as you were inspecting his accessories. Taehyung's eyes grew wide, so you quickly leaned back.

"Uhm, Dreams by Fleetwood Mac," you tried saying nonchalantly trying to ignore the warmth on your cheeks because of that brief moment.

"Oh, sorry, I don't know that. Any faves from Sam Smith?"

You laughed, "Lay Me Down, definitely."

"Perfect," he began typing the numbers and the song appeared on screen, "I actually know this song."

"Are you gonna serenade me?" You teased.

He stood up from his seat and held the mic in his hand. Funny how the microphone seemed to belong in his grasp. If he weren't majoring in (your major), he would probably do well as a performer.

"I intend to," He smirks, "I'm gonna make you fall in love with me with my voice, darling."

Those words sent your heart jumping and you had to restrain yourself from touching your cheeks to cool them. Thank goodness Taehyung's eyes were now fixated on the screen waiting for the lyrics to come out, or else he would've seen you fanning yourself with your hand trying to cool down.

 Yes, I do, I believe

That one day I will be, where I was

Right there, right next to you

 Your mouth dropped at Taehyung’s deep and velvety voice. You always knew his voice was deep—it was evident in the way he talked, you just didn’t expect he’d turn out to be an impressive singer.

And it's hard, the days just seem so dark

The moon, and the stars, are nothing without you

 Your touch, your skin, where do I begin? Taehyung turned to face you as he sang, making you flustered. He might’ve been joking about making you fall in love with his voice, but right now you were certain that you no longer took it as a joke—you could easily fall for him right then and there. Maybe you already have. It was even harder to resist with the way he had his eyes set on you, only emphasizing how it was just the two of you in the room. His soulful voice made you feel something—an inexplicable leaping feeling in your chest.

Soon the song ended and Taehyung placed the microphone back on the table before sitting back down, the distance between you two measuring at only half a ruler. Maybe it was the alcohol kicking in, but you could swear you were within an ace of losing the filter from your mouth. All you needed was one more shot.

So you took one.

"You didn't tell me you were such a great singer," You spoke while you rested your elbow on the couch.

Taehyung laughed at this, though his laugh sounded deeper than it did earlier, "I told you I'd make you fall for me with my voice,” he says as he reaches for his shot glass.

"Is this how you get girls, then?" You teased, placing your glass back on the table. Cause it’s working on me.

He laughed again, shaking his head, "No."

"Then how?" The question comes out in a more serious manner than you had originally intended.

“Why?” He places his glass back on the table before looking straight at you, his warm eyes turning to an even darker, more alluring shade of brown. "Do you want me to show you?" He asks looking straight at you, head tilting coyly and his voice treacherously deeper than it normally sounds.

A small bead of sweat began to form on your forehead. Show you what, exactly? Though you were curious about his ways of picking up women, you weren't exactly sure if you were ready to find even more reasons to like him. For a split second you caught his eyes traveling down to your lips before making eye contact with you again. Perhaps your mind was playing tricks on you, or maybe it was the soju, but you almost felt him leaning into you.

Time was moving painstakingly slow, but before you could decide whether or not you wanted to find out what was going to happen next, you anxiously clear your throat and decide to shift the topic to the spicy chicken platter that you both have barely touched.

"I-is the spicy chicken here good? We haven’t even touched it and it’s probably getting cold."

Taehyung was only teasing and though he’d never admit it out loud, he noticed the way a blush formed at your cheeks and how flustered you were at his question. It has to mean something, he thought. He never imagined he’d ever relish in the fact that he had the capacity to affect you in that way.

He uncontrollably grinned to himself as he watched you take a bite from a chicken wing.

A few more songs and chicken wings later, you and Taehyung decided to get out of the Karaoke Bar and drive to a nearby beach to stroll around. You appreciated how consistent he was with opening the car door for you, even when you tried to argue that you could open it for yourself.

"It's a date, y/n. Even if it was storming, I wouldn't let my date open the car door for herself."

The way he reminded you each time that you were both on a date made you regret telling him it was something you could both forget in the morning.

It was cold and the breeze made it even colder. Thankfully, Taehyung had an extra jacket in his car to lend knowing your black dress wouldn’t be enough to keep you warm. As you walked you would breathe into your hands and rub them together to keep them warm. Taehyung noticed this, worrying your enjoyment would be compromised because of the temperature.

"Do you wanna go someplace warmer?" He asked.

"No, I like it here," you smiled.

He looked at you with much concern on his face, you had to convince him you were fine, really. Because you insisted so much that you were alright, he took your hand instead, placing it in his coat pocket. At this point your heart was leaping out of your chest, you found yourself questioning how he could make the absolute bare minimum feel like such a grand gesture.

"Your hands feel like ice,” He told you

“Say it,” You joked, referencing a film.

“You’re a—a vampire,” Taehyung played along, making the two of you laugh.

The whole night with Taehyung really got you thinking. It’s not like you were the type to easily fall for guys, but for some reason Taehyung was different. Nothing felt forced, and you could tell he was just being his genuine self around you. Though he’d call you his date, there was a certain comfort you felt around him, as if he’d been your friend for years—a sense of familiarity you’ve never felt towards anyone else.

“I see people doing this a lot in movies whenever the girl gets cold, but it never really occurred to me until now that it only helps one of your hands,” he comments, making you giggle.

“It’s a sweet gesture, s’all that matters,” you reassured him, making him smile to himself.

The two of you walked along the shore while Taehyung would tell you stories about his childhood and his friends, then he’d tell you jokes that made you laugh really hard, your stomach would ache. In turn you’d also talk about your childhood and how you wanted to be a singer when you were younger but eventually realized you wanted other things. Later on when you both got tired of walking, you decided to lie down on the sand. Talks of childhood memories transitioned to opening up to each other about your own individual worries about the future and random thoughts.

It was so easy to talk to him. It was true when he said there was no room for judgement on your date, and you absolutely loved how you could just be yourself, because now you were really wishing you two had been closer sooner.

“You know, you’ve always seemed a bit intimidating to me,” You spoke.

“I get that a lot,” He sighs, “But so are you.”

“I get that a lot too,” You smile followed by a small laugh, "I just never imagined I'd have this much fun with someone who I can only remember borrows pens from me."

Taehyung laughs, slightly embarrassed, "You have the best pens in class, you know that?"

"You're the only one who actually gives them back, thank you for that."

There was silence for a moment while you two stared up at the sky, the stars were almost fading.

“I wish we got closer sooner," you said quietly.

“Yeah, me too. I guess we just never knew how to properly approach each other,” He takes your hand and begins playing with your fingers, “But better late than never, right?”

“Right,” You smiled.

You wished this night would never end, but you could already feel your eyes drooping as a yawn involuntarily escaped your mouth. You hoped that Taehyung wouldn’t hear, afraid that he’d think it was time to bring you home, but he did and no matter how hard you tried to protest that you weren’t tired yet, he wouldn’t buy it. He laughed as you tried to hold back another yawn before finally helping you up.

“I’ll carry you, get on my back,” He offers, not taking no for an answer.

For the duration of the drive, you struggled to keep your eyes open. Taehyung found it adorable whenever you’d tell him to turn back and find some other place to hang out in, but it was already 4:30 in the morning and most shops and restaurants were closed. “You can sleep, y/n. I’ll still be here when you wake up,” He chuckles. He tried singing you to sleep, but his voice just served another reason why shouldn’t doze off so you could hear it.

The sky was already turning into a lighter shade of blue and the stars were long gone, why couldn’t time move slower?

The car ride was tranquil, just you and Taehyung sharing what a fun experience you both had and how you’ve both never had this much fun with anyone else. Something in you wished he would do something more, though you weren’t exactly sure what. The scenario from the Karaoke room floods back, making you feel slightly embarrassed from what you pictured would have happened. Forty-five minutes later, you finally reached your dorm building. Taehyung, staying as consistent as ever, opens the door for you one last time and walks with you ‘til you reach the outside of your dorm. You were slightly less sleepy now but couldn’t help but feel downhearted that your date had come to an end.

You stared at your room’s door, mentally groaning at all the packing you had to do for your trip along with Kate, who apparently had 86 missed calls and over 200 unread messages in your phone, would probably nag you while you were at it. You didn't really want to go in.

“So,” Taehyung starts, “Date’s over.”

You forced a small laugh to try and disguise the small disappointment you felt because it was over, “Yeah, guess it is.”

Taehyung digs his hands into his pockets, “I had a great time with you.”

“Yeah,” You nodded followed by a sigh, “Taehyung, thank you, really. I haven’t been my best self lately and this date with you was the most fun I’ve had in months. I hope you know this means a lot to me.”

Taehyung had no idea what to say. There were too many thoughts going on in his head and they were all about you and how much he appreciated this spontaneous date you just had, but he didn’t know how to piece them together to tell you how much it all meant to him as well.

A wave of confidence unexpectedly washes over you, "Don't take this the wrong way, but this is just a thank you for being the best date I've had in years." Taehyung watched as you moved closer to him. Your faces only centimeters apart now, you'd think you were the only one whose heart was beating faster than a person racing in a marathon. You stared at each other for only a second before you pulled him in for a hug. He was shocked, but he couldn't help but smile from ear to ear as he wrapped his arms around you. You wished that was enough for a goodbye, but deep down you knew it wasn't.

When you were about to turn your back and open your door, Taehyung took your hand and pulled you back so you were both facing each other.

"This has been overdue since we left that karaoke room," he spoke as he pulled you closer. He stared at your lips before glancing at your eyes to search for any sign of discomfort, but you wanted this just as much as he did you almost asked him to just kiss you already.

And so he finally did. And oh my god, he was a phenomenal kisser. You could both feel each other smiling through the soft kiss, but it wasn't long before you two had to pull away.

"I'll call you. You can keep the jacket," he smiles before letting go of your hand, "See you soon."

"Drive safe."

After he left, you quietly entered your room. You couldn't believe that actually happened. Of course everything just prodded more questions in your head, did he like you? Were you two going to keep this up or will you both really just forget the whole thing when the sun comes up? Immediately you began to regret telling him to forget it all in the morning.

You carefully got in your bed, trying not to wake Kate who was sleeping soundly on the other side of the room. The light from the sun slowly made its way into your dorm, your eyes closing while your thoughts drifted off to the image of your kiss with Taehyung, repeatedly playing in your head before falling asleep.

The date felt like a dream. Maybe Kate was right about finding your prince tonight, only he was much better than that.

It was Kim Taehyung, and you couldn't wait to see him again.

a/n: hello!! if you finished the story, feel free to leave comments so i know how what stuff to improve on!! i’ll be posting stories for fun (just as a “creative outlet”) but i’d also love to receive some feedback. if you liked it, please look forward to my next uploads! 

also follow me on twitter for updates: tteokgukk ! thank you!

[pl-panda]

Damienette arranged marriage: part 11

I literary wrote it right after publishing the previous part. Surprise. But you will kill me again because this time this is serious cliffhanger :)

Credits: Miraculous Ladybug team for the elements I take from MLB show. DC for their characters, @ozmav for the AU, @maribat-archive for giving me access to so many different stories to have take inspirations from, @thyladyanput for idea for Chat Damian and me for the plot.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

Part 9 

Part 10

Damienette arranged marriage: part 11

NEXT

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Instead of taking the ring he closed boy's hand around it, cupping it in his own. "No son. I told you I can't do this alone. I want... I need your help. We can bring your mother back together."

"Thank you father. Your trust means the world for me."

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

Now

Chat Noir crashed through the window right into the room where Marinette, Damian and Chloe were having a friendly conversation. He looked different. His ears and tail were real instead of accesories and instead of bell on his neck he had only a choker with word 'Marinette' written on it.

"My Purrincess! I come to save you!" He said in almost seductive tone.

"Chat Noir? What is the meaning of this?!" Chloe jumped in front of Marinette. "Do you know how expensive this windows are?! And look at you! Ridiculous. Utterly Ridiculous! What have you done to yourself?!"

"There is no Chat Noir here. I am Chat d'amour. And I came to save my Purrincess!"

Damian growled and went to grab his sword, but before he could do anything a staff hit him in the chest and pushed him into the wall. While normally the young vigilante would shrug this kind of damage off, this cat was actually strong like a lion.

"You! You stole my purrincess!" The akumatized hero purred aggressively. He walked to the Wayne heir who was trying to get from the ground but his body was still hurting. "You corrupted her. She never skipped classes before you came. Because of you she became friends with... with... With Chloe!" He finally shouted. "She is the walking Akuma factory!"

Damian spat into cat's face. Using the momentary distraction he dashed forward, ignoring the pain he felt in all his body parts and tackled him. "Run!" He shouted to the girls. Marinette was in too much shock and confusion to react, but Chloe grabbed the bluenette and dragged her out. They were already at the doors, but they couldn't open them. Chloe locked them to ensure nobody would eavesdrop on their talk. Before she managed to open them Cat's staff locked them.

"My Purrincess! I will not let them take you away!" Chat d'amour dashed forward and grabbed Marinette, only to then jump through the window and out into the city. Neither Chloe nor Damian could react in time.

Wayne wanted to leave, to call his brother, to do anything. He switched between trying to open the anti-breakin doors, calling his family, calling police and just striding around. At the same time Chloe managed to call her father and get him to send police after chat noir and already got her social media profile and all her followers to hunt for the cat. Damian just ended another unsuccessful call to his brother.

"I swear if the reason Drake's not picking up is because he is making out with Brown I will castrate him!" He got angry and kicked in the doors. Then second time. By the third time he cursed in arabic as excruciating pain filled his leg. Chloe grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him to the bed. She then looked at him expectantly. "You can't think I will touch anywhere near your bottom leg! Ridiculous! Utterly Ridiculous!"

"I don't have time for this! She is out there! With this idiot!" Another colorful string of curses left his mouth, this time a mix between French, Arabic, English, Mandarin and surprisingly Spanish.

"You are in no condition to help her lover boy and it would be best if you didn't kill yourself just doing that. The ambulance is already coming. Now since you can't move, care to explain what was that part about you and Dupain-Cheng being married?"

Damian paled. He read files of everyone in the class. Only two people who knew Mandarin were Adrien Agreste and Marinette herself. They considered it safe language as long as the blonde boy trouble was not present.

"Yes, I know Mandarin. I kept Adrikins company when he studied and he made me learn it to practice. Now spill. I'm not letting it go."

For a moment, Damian was considering letting Chloe go from the top of the hotel. It could look like an accident. He could tell them she slipped and fell through the open window. Nobody would doubt him. And everything would perfect. But he couldn't take away Marinette's last friend. As much as he disliked her, she had cathartic effect on his wife.Funny how in twenty-four hours of knowing her more closely he already accepted this fact... FOCUS WAYNE!

"I assume it would be prudent to try and dissuade you from pursuing this?"

"Spill." was her answer.

"Fine." It took him a short moment to form a plausible lie that would keep the girl off the track. "A month ago my mother kidnapped me. I recently turned fifteen which is marriage age where I grew up. I awoke tied in front of the altar with Marinette next to me."

"What! Ridiculous! That's utterly ridiculous. What mother does that to their ..." Then Chloe suddenly shut up. Her mother didn't even know her name. Maybe it was not as surprising as it should be, but she was shocked nonetheless.

"My mother is not a good person. She threatened that either we go forth with the ceremony or she will kill her."

"The two days..." Chloe put three and seven together to make a solid ten.

"tt. Yes."

"But forced marriage is illegal. And stupid. Utterly stupid. And you are both underage."

"Mother doesn't care about this things. Right now if either of us backs from the deal there will be many deaths."

"Just who the fuck is your mother?" Chloe shouted. ------------- Marinette was trying to escape the better part of the way, but Chat held her tight and if she actually succeeded, she would fall and risked serious injury. And here there would be no miracle cure to save her since there would be no next ladybug for quite some time.

Finally, they arrived at a rooftop with a picnic blanket and basket awaiting. Chat put Marinette on the ground near the wall, very carefully. "Voila!"

"Chat Noir. What in ladybug's name is this?!" She screamed at him.

"My purrincess! This is all for you! I made it. You are safe here. They will no longer corrupt you with their toxic purrsonalities. You can be all mine now!"

"What?!" the bluenette wanted to say... something, but her mind had hard time getting the idea that Chat got himself akumatized.

"They were giving you all the wrong ideas. You are not some bully. You are beautiful, smart and kind. The two of them just want to have you all for themselves.

"And you think that by doing this you saved me?!"

"Yes! And I think I earned a reward..." Chat leaned and tried to Kiss Marinette on the lips. The only thing he didn't account for was that her hands were free.

Marinette didn't hold back. She delivered a haymaker straight into Chat's nose. There was a crunching sound and the Akumatized hero stumbled back. Stream of red was going down to his lips, making them even more red. This punch would be enough to knock any normal person or probably even hero out cold, but the mixture of akuma and black cat miraculous caused the boy to just bleed profoundly.

"They turned you against me!" He screamed and pinned her hands on both sides of her head. There was madness in his eyes, amplified by akuma. "But a true love's kiss will heal you!" He slammed his bloody red lips onto her.

Marinette felt an excruciating pain in her chest. It was like her heart burned alive. She kicked Chat Noir right below the belt. He let go of her and stumbled back, this time falling onto the blanked an holding his manhood. Marinette also fell. A green light covered the general area of her heart.

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