#journey before destination indeed

[crazynerdandproud]

I got to watch the extended edition of The Fellowship of The Ring today in the theater and it was the single best experience of my life.

[tinietaehyun]

Wondrous Tales

[Wonderland!txt x lost!reader] [one-shot series]

Pairing(s): wonderland!txt! x lost!reader

Genre(s): fantasy, dark fantasy, romance, supernatural, thriller, one-shots.

Contains: (specific to each one-shot)

Links: Masterlist

Summary: Upon your stroll in the park, you stumble upon an envelope on the grass. With further inspection, it appears to be an invite of sorts. How peculiar indeed.

Wonderland? What was that? Did someone accidentally drop an invite for a birthday or costume party on their way?

Brimming with curiosity, you open up the flap to peek inside. Initially there seems to be no name, huh, it’s not addressed to anyone. Then why…

Before you could even finish your thought, you begin to see the world around you warp and twist as you soon come to realise the dire consequences of your insatiable curiosity.

Perhaps you should have left that damn invite alone because now, you were stuck in a whole other whimsical and whacky world with no idea how to get out!

Luckily (or unluckily) for you, you’ll meet some rather interesting people along your journey to leave. Though….dear reader, will you successfully escape or become ensnared by the five lovely figures of Wonderland?

1. The White Rabbit - Choi Soobin

➸ “The timekeeper of Wonderland, no matter how efficient he is, he is destined to run late. A timid soul who has always led guests to their doom, there’s not much he can do about it after all.”

Summary: With your abrupt arrival into this whimsical space, you wander around aimlessly. How odd, every turn you took, you ended up in the same spot.

Though as they say, third time’s the charm, when you encounter a blonde haired man, with a top hat and formal attire - goodness, were you going insane already?

The man gives you a gentle smile, walking towards you with his hand outstretched, “Goodness it’s been awhile since we’ve had any guests,” he observes you, “A pretty one no less.” That‘s it, you were definitely going insane.

He brings your hand to his lips with a soft gaze, “You must be so frazzled, guests always are. Well it’s my pleasure to be your guide. Now, come on, chop, chop, time’s ticking.” With a swift tug, you’re getting pulled along by this strangely tall man. What had you gotten yourself into?

Read here!

2. The King Of Hearts - Choi Yeonjun

➸ “A ruthless, flirtatious man with a dramatic flare who has quite the fondness for new guests. So much so, half don’t even make it out. He’s always looking for entertainment and wishes to be the centre of attention, so always make sure you give him what he wants.”

Summary: You peer around at this red, black and white lavish interior. A shudder vibrates through you - maybe you were better off with Soobin. You wonder what happened to him, everything happened so quickly. One moment he grasped your hand tightly and the next you saw him getting dragged away!

The guards shove you through a set of grand heart engraved doors and you stumble to your knees. Peering up, you see the man himself, one leg atop the other, a bored expression on his face, his eyes glimmering in intrigue.

“Ah, my darling guest, have you already fallen for me? Surely, you must have plans to keep me more entertained than that.” He smirks almost too sweetly with a flick of his wrist, “After all, you’ll find out very quickly, what happens to those I get bored with.”

Read here!

3. The March Hare- Huening Kai

➸ “Tea, tea, tea. It’s always tea time for him. Time for tea? Or is it tea’s time to be had? Don’t ever refuse his offer for tea, or you’ll find yourself perpetually mad.”

Summary: Gasping and panting raggedly for breath, you seemed to have done good by sliding down the fluorescent tunnel as a last resort! The King’s guards almost caught you!

What a maniac he was! How could someone be so obsessive? Your heart rate slows as you peer around, huh, this area seemed secluded. You deem it should be safe to take some rest here. Right? Goodness, you couldn’t trust this place at all! Little by little you feel your sanity tearing away.

“Oh? Who’s wandered into my little grove? Another guest for my tea party?” Your head snaps up seeing a tall man, with a coy grin as he clicks his tongue, walking towards you, “Oh you must be the pretty little guest I’ve heard so much about…oh then, join me, won’t you? For my little tea party?”

You had a feeling you couldn’t refuse even if you wanted to.

Read Here!

4. The Mad Hatter - Choi Beomgyu

➸ “His pretty face hides the most decrepit madness. A man who killed time, quite literally. Is being mad so bad? Is being bad so mad? Why be suppressed with all those boring rules and go insane with the Hatter instead?”

Summary: Having managed to elude the tea party and trick Kai into thinking you’ll stay, you scramble for your life by bargaining with a strange caterpillar hanging from the trees to escape.

Being barely lucid, you stumble into what seems to be another secluded grove, another tea party. Oh, you were definitely mad by this point. Not again! You see exuberant host with his feet up on the table with a grin, “Welcome, welcome, do come and join me, little love. I have lots of tea or are you sick of it from the March Hare?”

Panicked you rush off past him, he makes no move to chase after you. How strange. “Toodles, love!” Grimacing you rush off through the tangled foliage….only to arrive back to where you were facing the man again. A loop…?

“Time’s prisoner I am, and so you will be too. I’m awfully lonely and the hare’s fed up of my games. You’ll play with me and keep this Hatter company won’t you?”

Read here!

5. The Cheshire Cat - Kang Taehyun

➸ “A man with hypnotic eyes and a killer smile, almost uncanny in its slyness. A man who likes to toy with his prey and use his wit to outsmart any and who dare to trespass his woods. He isn’t mad like the others, no, under his grin, hides someone smarter than everyone in Wonderland.”

Summary: You break the loop and take the Hatter off guard by your boldness, managing to somehow bypass his riddles and games. With all your remaining strength, you run deliriously, where? You don’t know.

All you know is the thousands of signs reading and pointing to an “exit” were taunting you. You couldn’t believe them. Not anymore, you couldn’t believe anyone, or anything in this world. You were not stupid enough to follow those damn signs and so, you go the opposite path. Into the Dark Woods.

Finding yourself even more lost and the last of your sanity crumbling away, the pollen in the air making you feel hazy, you’re startled to hear a voice, “Well, well, well, what a pretty thing has stepped into my woods today. Has no one told you I don’t like trespassers, hm?” Your eyes snap up to a man lounging in the branches above with a wide grin, “Don’t look so scared, I don’t bite too hard.”

Read Here

Taglist: [CLOSED]

@naoristerling @staaaarykids @tremendousphantommiracle @lun4kazumii @lunathewritingcat @ur-mother-realnotclickbait @taehyhunnzly @20crowsinahoodie @baekberrie @syraphyina @fullbodyblankets @soohashits @f4iryfever @themochiverse @atiny-chocolate-chip @nothingwithoutgyu @ethystclove @hancafe @nap-of-a-starr @isa942572 @evn-09 @ninitorih @m3chigo @tenleeluvr-blog @matcha-binz @soobunnymoa @sleepyygyu @nicngyu @vicurious28 @kurokkkiko0 @zyoopioo @noraimp @bvqler @lailols @iiisusy @astridxxxx @kookiesbunny @scrumptiousloser

[mintwithchoco]

Epiphyllum

Kim Minju x Male Reader

Word Count: 2280 words

Categories: angst. there is no happiness here.

Inspired from:

Night falls, again.

Through the woods that seems endless, your feet drag your weakened self deeper into the unknown.

The moonlight is brighter today, yet despite the beauty of it shimmering down on the trees surrounding you, you didn’t mind it. Your thoughts are as blank as the clouds—no clear stop or destination appears in your mind.

Yet, you keep walking ahead, when there seems to be no end to your longing journey.

One might say you have reached your bitter ending.

Though the rain is imminent to fall down, bringing along what you once had lost.

All of the sudden, the sky finally becomes clear from the countless branches and leaves, with the cold air breezing through your body and the view being wider than you can ever imagine. Without you realizing it, you’ve arrived at a field full of flowers. 

Seems that fate has brought you here once again.

Regret settles in your soul.

You remember the pain. The longing pain. 

You began running through the field, searching for that flower.

The flower that you had failed to notice back then.

Memories surge through your head in an instant.

—

Never in your life have you expected to be winding down with a member of the royal family right in a casual manner. Yet, here you are, sitting beside the Princess herself. This all started when you randomly spotted her outside the palace during one of your night shifts. Eventually, it became a routine for the both of you to have a little talk whenever the moon showed itself in the sky. This night was no different, except that it sparked an interest inside of you, a newly found desire to connect with her more.

“Your Highness, may I ask you a question?” You looked to your side, and the Princess was still there, her eyes were glued upon the stars.

“Go on then, and just call me Minju.”

Immediately, you were taken aback. “Eh? B-But, Your Highn—”

She sternly repeats, “Minju.” 

You obliged, “M-Minju…” 

“There you go. What was your question again?” Her eyes were locked upon you.

“Why can I only see you around at night?”

A gentle smile was seen on her features. She takes a look at you for a few more seconds, before looking back towards the sky. “The pitch black night, the lone cry of the moon, it is as beautiful as it is sorrowful. That's why I’m here.”

At that moment, your heart trembled.

— 

The faster you run, the further down you go through the field, just like your reminisces that keep getting more potent.

There was no sign of that flower.

Have you lost it?

— 

Once she heard of the amazing scenery that you have witnessed, the Princess insisted you to bring her to the  garden at night. It was a risky move, given that she had her curfews. Thankfully, with the help of your other colleagues, she was able to go out undetected. This was a chance for you as well—the feelings deep inside your heart were growing immensely, but you know that subtlety was the better choice for the moment.

Slowly but steadily, you made yourself present to her. “Your Hi— Minju.”

She turned around to meet you. “Hm? What is it?”

“Here.” You handed her the most beautiful flowers that you have ever seen.

She received them with a wide smile. “Oh, why thank you! Did you just freshly pick this?”

“Of course, my lady.”

“This is a beautiful flower indeed.”

“People named it the ‘Queen of the Night’, because it only blooms at night. A perfect fit for someone like you, my lady.”

She chuckled. “You really know how to charm me.”

“Here, let me put it on you.” You then gently place one of the flowers in between her hair.

One thought stood out in your mind that night.

She looked so beautiful under the moonlight.

— 

Your legs grow weaker, but that doesn't diminish your spirit to push through, despite the agonizing pain and the endless despair that has been brought down upon you.

The black clouds grow closer to cover the beaming moonlight.

— 

A sudden summoning by the King strikes a hint of confusion to you. It was paired with the task that you were given—guide the Princess to his throne as he has an agenda to settle with her. Usually a task done by the maids, you wonder why the King has chosen you for it. Nonetheless, you uttered no complaints and quickly arrived at her room.

You knocked upon the wooden door. “My lady? Minju? Minju?”

Instead of being in the room, she was right behind you. She tapped you on the shoulder. “I’m here.” 

“Oh, there you are! The Lord has sent me to fetch you. It seems that he has something to say to you, but I’m slightly worried. He doesn't look very happy.”

Her face slightly frowned. “I see.”

“Don't worry, my lady. I will be here for you if you ever need me. Shall we get go—”

“Wait!”

“What is it, my lady?”

“...If I ever disappear, will you find me again, amidst all of these flowers?”

It was a good few seconds of silence, before you broke it by asking, “What do you mean by that?”

“N-Nothing! Let's… just go. Yeah.” Minju looked hesitant.

You instantly knew what to do. “Your Highness.”

She sighed. “I told you many times, just call me Minj—”

“Minju. You are like a lonely blossoming flower. If you ever get lost in between those flowers, I will find you. No matter what it takes. I swear with my own life.”

She was stunned. “I…”

“N-Not that I’m implying anything! Please don't get me wrong, my lady!”

She blinked a few times, and smiled softly. “I know. Thank you, I really needed to hear that.”

“Anything for you, my lady.”

— 

You're beginning to slow down. Your physical self is at its limit, and you curse yourself for being too fragile. You're getting closer to the light of truth, and you know it. But it withers away, as you fall to your knees, hitting the ground so hard that you scream out in agony.

Your heartbeat still raced intensely due to the extreme pressure you put on your body. Sweat dripping down profusely, chest heaving up and down, bare feet covered in bruises and cuts—you are in immense pain. 

Your tears began pooling in your eyelids. You wonder what you have done so wrongly that even fate despises your entire being at this moment.

After all, aren’t all humans free to wish what they desire the most?

— 

Somehow you’ve gotten busier than normal. Things escalated from covering other guard's shifts to handling tasks for the higher ups. It wasn't a big deal for you because to be fair, you were competent enough to manage it. Until the King himself has asked you to join the soldiers in the northeast—a request that you cannot deny in any way.

That night, Minju witnessed you preparing for the journey. It was obvious that she wasn't very pleased with the decision. “Do you really have to go?” 

“I’m afraid so. The situation there is getting out of hand, so I have no choice but to oblige.”

Suddenly, she hugged you from behind. “Please, I beg you, don't go! It's too dangerous!”

You gently removed yourself from her embrace and turned around to meet her eye to eye. Your hands found itself on her shoulders. “Minju, I will be fine. I promise I will come back to you, safe and sound. Besides, I’m your moonlight, remember?”

“It was merely a joke,” she said with her cheeks reddening, clearly pointing out the opposite. 

“Your face says otherwise, my lady.”

“Guess it can't be helped.” She gets herself closer to you, holding onto your waist. Your heart began beating fast. “Promise me that you'll be back safe, or else…”

You gulped, “O-Or else?”

Time has stopped. Your breath hitched. You felt the world around you changing as her face moved closer within your sight. 

She plants a kiss on your cheek.

“No more kisses.”

Your heart now belongs to her, and only her.

Kim Minju has marked herself for yours.

— 

No matter how much your mind is relaying back all of your moments with her, it fails to mend the deep scar that is left in your heart, bleeding out the true feelings that you lament not being confessed truly.

No matter how hard you punch the ground angrily, crying out loud in frustration, screaming at the top of your lungs, it’s all proven to be useless as nothing seems to falter at all. 

You look upon the night sky once again.

Darkness envelops the scene as the moon hides away underneath the shrouds.

Nothing is left in your soul, other than a glimpse of hope.

If only I could turn back time, I would've told you everything. 

How warm your hands felt around mine, whenever we used to stay out late in the cold.

How precious your smile was whenever you looked upon these flowers.

How much wonder was filled in your beautiful eyes.

And most of all, 

How much I loved you.

I really, really love you, Kim Minju.

If only I could go back, you wouldn't— 

You realize that the wind is growing rapidly. 

They say that the wind can carry one’s words, even to the deepest parts of the world.

Hope will find a way, even when all is forlorn.

On your hands and knees, you let yourself sink to the ground.

“Oh, dear winds. If you may listen to my cries,”

“Please tell my lover the words I failed to deliver.”

The wind blows further.

The clouds slowly roll away.

The moon reveals itself.

The epiphyllum blooms.

“Why are you crying, my dear?”

A mysterious warmth emanates itself on your shoulder. Your eyes widen as soon as you find the answer to the voice—a lady figure right in front of you.

The winds have heard your call.

Your voice vibrates in shock. “I-Is that you, m-my lady?!”

The lady smiles. “Who else would it be?”

Without any hesitation, you bring her into a hug. You didn't care if it's the reality or merely an illusion, the emptiness where she left is now filled with this presence, and you can't be more than grateful.

“I’m an idiot. I shouldn’t have gone that day. I shouldn’t have left you alone.” You tighten your embrace. “If I stayed behind, you would’ve—”

“Shhh, no need to blame yourself.” She calms you down by caressing your head. “It was bound to happen, as if fate had it written.”

Your true feelings are slowly spilling out. “Why…” You couldn’t hold back your tears flowing out, your throat closing up and your body trembling. “Why are we being punished like this?”

She frowns, “Unfortunately, the world doesn't seem to want us to be together.” She stops for a while, trying her best to keep her composure, before continuing, “My curse is a cruel one, but that won’t stop me from keeping you in my heart.”

“Minju…”

She couldn't help but notice the countless injuries that you have picked up on your body. “You're hurt.”

“S-Sorry. It can't be helped.”

“Give me your hand.”

As your hand intertwines with hers, you feel your body being revitalized, despite the wounds still being physically apparent. A calming sense washes over your body in an instant. 

Just like back then, Kim Minju never fails to heal your entire being.

“Do you feel better now?” 

You nod. “Y-You’re too kind, my lady.”

She suddenly looks up towards the moon, as if it’s calling out to her. “The dawn is coming. I have to go.”

“B-But my lady—” You frantically got back on your feet to catch up to her. “When will we meet again?”

She holds onto your arms. “Only time will tell. The moonlight is what guides me. But our paths will cross again. I promise.”

Amidst the tragedy that befalls you, this is the chance that you’ve wanted all along. She seems to have the similar thought as yours as her eyes are already drawing you in to get closer. The ethereal beauty that is Kim Minju—the one who you have missed so dearly, the one who you cared about so thoughtfully, the one who you worship so willingly—is now right in front of your eyes, your faces touching with only a thin ray of moonlight in between.

Your hands slide to the back of her neck and around her waist, gently bringing her soft lips towards yours. She submits to it by closing her eyes, fully weakening under your body when they finally land onto one another. You lean further into her, taking all of her in  as much as you can, knowing the fact that you may never feel this way ever again. It eventually breaks when your lungs give out, and as you desperately catch your breath, you make yourself lost in her dazzling orbs.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you more.”

You did it. You finally did it. 

At last, your journey reaches its true end.

Still in each other’s embrace, you both share a passionate kiss once again, in what would be the last for that night. Her body feels lighter in your arms, and as you pull away, you witness her slowly fading, while still shining so brightly.

“Thank you, for all the memories.”

As her last few words resonate in your ears, her body disintegrates, her petals flowing together with the wind, into the ever so wide sky, far far away from your whole self.

Night falls, again.

===========================================

note; wooooo yeah baby! three fics in this year alone! :D

this is from a little project that i did with a bunch of other writers, and it's been a rollercoaster ride, i had so much fun writing this. i've also been addicted to this song lately so it is only right that i make whole goddamn angst for it.

so next story will definitely be a longer one and smut focused. i'm actually halfway into it as of this post, and it involves another concept that i haven't tried, so i'm very excited and hyped for its release!

hope you guys enjoyed reading this one, have a beautiful day up ahead and thanks for all of your love! <3

[tomas-smoked-sasuage]

any destined one dating headcanons?

Destined One Dating HC

(SFW version)

Requests are open, Fandom List Here

In general

For the quiet type, he's pretty affectionate and not afraid to show it. Even in battles with yaoguais, he will defeat all the enemies to keep you safe.

Even when you already know how to defeat yourself professionally, he still gathers you up.

He tries hard not to be clingy, even Bajie noticed he's clingy. Camping out for the night near the fire while you patch up clothing and fix armor,

He rest his head on your lap like a pillow, long enough to fall asleep.

He likes to pinch your cheeks to see a reaction and often shares his food or steals it from you depending on his mood.

First meeting

When you two first met was in Yellow Wind Ridge, You found D.O. from afar with arrows in his chest while also seeing a headless monk playing a Sanxian (his instrument)

You didn't really think much of him until you kept seeing him in the area fighting with other yoga is while you were just searching for loot.

Until you get captured.

You then meet upon Ma Tianba, who was also imprisoned with you. Upon seeing D.O. fighting off a large rat beast, you used a dagger to try and free yourself.

Soon you heard creaking next to you and saw D.O. defeated the rat and freed Tianba, he then saw you and walked closer worried of what he'll do.

His hand reached you close to your neck, seeing your necklaces, resin with flowers in it. He found it beautiful.

While your face is already covered, he sees your eyes as true. Some comfort and safety in them. It brings him to the thought of protecting you.

So in conclusion, he takes you with him. Throws you on his shoulder and continues his journey.

The two of you grew closer together in the journey from time to time. The most part of the journey of what scares you the most was when you arrived at The Webbed Hallow.

Later in the journey

Even from being separated from both D.O. and Bajie, the insects were the worst experience. The large bugs nearly gave you migrants and anxiety.

But you were thankful to see D.O. once again and alive, but you question his feelings. The Fourth Sister Spider and him were oddly close but couldn't think much of it. Aside from that, you needed to help him get Bajie back.

And indeed you both did, but something still feels off.

Remember the part where I said he's clingy, a little after the Webbed Hallows was when he started to be clingy.

Being separated from you made him worried that he tried scouting the entire realm, let alone gaining help from the Fourth Sister, so in general, you were being worried over nothing.

He never stopped leaving your side and kept a close eye on him.

He loved brushing his fingers between your hair, even if you have loc, he'll twirl them between his fingers.

If you ever get tired, he has no problem carrying you.

Hunting for food? He'll bring a whole ass bear.

The End

Towards the end of the journey, you were worried about what he'll become then.

Even if he is the successor of Sun Wukong, will he ever still be the same?

In the Core Mind of Wukong, the reach towards the end of the Memory Lane of the Great Sage. Before D.O. went off to finish his journey, you stopped him for a second.

Y/N: Will you still be the lover I traveled with or will I just be a forgot memory?

His eyes softened upon your words, his hand reached out as you did the same. Resting your forehead together, you let out a tear to roll down in the water.

[dumbtruk]

The Blackened Court

It began with a letter.

You were summoned to the far northern territories, deep in Snezhnaya, to handle an urgent matter for a prestigious client. The task seemed simple: visit an estate and help a noblewoman finalize some documents before her imminent relocation to Mondstadt. Though the instructions were vague, the pay promised was enough to make the long, dangerous journey worth it.

The letter was signed only with the name Arlecchino. A noblewoman, or so you thought.

The journey to Snezhnaya was long and arduous, the cold biting at your bones as you ventured farther into a wilderness untouched by time. Every village you passed was eerily quiet, the locals avoiding your gaze, speaking in hushed whispers whenever you mentioned your destination. You couldn't help but feel the weight of their fear, though none dared to say it outright.

By the time you arrived at the manor, high on a hill overlooking an icy expanse, the sun had already set. The grand stone building loomed over you like a tomb. Its towering spires clawed at the sky, and the air around it was thick with a sense of foreboding. Every instinct in you screamed to turn back, but duty—and the promise of gold—pushed you forward.

The heavy iron gates creaked open of their own accord as you approached, and a figure stood waiting for you on the grand staircase. She was tall, her presence commanding, even from a distance. The noblewoman’s figure was shrouded in black, her posture impossibly still.

You stepped closer, the snow crunching beneath your boots, and there she was—Arlecchino.

Her beauty was striking, but not in a way that felt comforting. Her skin was pale, almost too pale, like the marble statues of long-forgotten deities. Her hair, black as midnight, was swept back, accentuating her sharp, almost predatory features. And her eyes—her eyes were a deep crimson, glowing faintly in the dying light.

“Welcome,” she greeted, her voice soft but with an undercurrent of something darker, something ancient. “I’ve been expecting you.”

You swallowed hard, trying to maintain your composure. “Lady Arlecchino, I presume?”

A faint smile tugged at her lips, though it never reached her eyes. “Indeed. Please, come inside. The night grows cold.”

There was something about the way she moved, her steps utterly silent as she led you through the grand entrance of her manor. The air inside was cold, and every shadow seemed to stretch farther than it should. The walls were lined with portraits of people you didn’t recognize—men, women, children—all staring down at you with vacant eyes. It was as though you had stepped into a place frozen in time.

The door slammed shut behind you with a resounding thud, making you jump.

Arlecchino noticed but said nothing. Instead, she led you to a lavish sitting room where a grand fire roared in the hearth. “Please, make yourself comfortable. I imagine the journey has been exhausting.”

You nodded, though you felt anything but comfortable under her unblinking gaze. You couldn’t shake the feeling that her eyes were always on you, even when you weren’t looking.

As you sat, she poured a glass of deep red wine, her movements graceful, fluid, like a shadow given form. She handed it to you, her fingers brushing yours ever so slightly. They were cold—too cold.

“To your health,” she said with that same unnerving smile.

You hesitated but took a sip, the wine thick and almost metallic on your tongue. The warmth you had hoped for never came. Instead, a strange heaviness settled in your limbs, a languid feeling of surrender washing over you. You set the glass down, your mind spinning.

“I’ve been in this manor for a very long time,” she began, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Too long, some might say. It has been… lonely.”

She moved closer, her presence suffocating as she stood before you. The firelight cast flickering shadows across her pale face, making her look almost ghostly. “I have had visitors before. Many, in fact. But none have stayed.” Her crimson eyes glinted with something dark, something hungry. “I wonder… will you?”

The question hung in the air, heavy and oppressive. You tried to answer, but your voice wouldn’t come. Every instinct told you to run, but your body refused to obey. It was as if the very air around her held you in place.

Arlecchino crouched before you, her cold hand cupping your cheek, forcing you to meet her gaze. “There is no need to be afraid,” she whispered, though her smile said otherwise. “You’ve come here for a reason, haven’t you? And now, you will be mine.”

Her breath was cold against your skin as she leaned closer, her lips brushing the side of your neck. The sensation sent a shiver through you, though not from the cold. It was fear—pure, primal fear. You felt her lips curve into a smile against your skin, and then, without warning, you felt the sharp sting of her fangs piercing your flesh.

The world around you seemed to spin, your vision blurring as she drank deeply, her grip on you unrelenting. Your heart pounded in your chest, but with each passing moment, the struggle became harder, your body growing weaker under her hold. And yet, there was something intoxicating about it, something that made the pain blur into pleasure.

When she finally pulled away, you collapsed back into the chair, gasping for breath, your vision swimming with darkness. She wiped a trickle of blood from her lips with the back of her hand, her eyes half-lidded in satisfaction.

“You’ll stay with me now,” she said, her voice low, intimate. “You’ll stay with me forever.”

You wanted to scream, to run, to escape this nightmare. But even as you tried to stand, your body betrayed you, sinking deeper into the chair. Arlecchino’s voice filled your mind, her presence wrapping around you like a shadow.

“There is no escape,” she whispered, her fingers brushing your hair back with a mockery of tenderness. “You belong to me now, little one.”

Your vision dimmed, and the last thing you saw was her smile, sharp and wicked, as darkness consumed you.

The days blurred into one another, time slipping through your fingers like water. The manor became your prison, its labyrinthine halls twisting and turning, always leading you back to her. You saw her in your dreams, in every shadow that danced along the walls. She was always there, watching, waiting.

Arlecchino was no mere vampire—she was a creature older than the ice that surrounded her home, an ancient being who had ruled these lands long before you were born. And now, she ruled over you.

Each night, she came to you, her cold hands brushing against your skin, her fangs sinking into your flesh, drawing life from you until you were nothing but a hollow shell of your former self. Yet, no matter how much she took, she always left just enough to keep you alive, to keep you bound to her.

You were hers. Forever.

And in the cold, eternal night of her manor, you knew you would never be free.

[adventuringblind]

Nothing Like The Picture

Daniel Ricciardo x Reader

Genre: Fluff, some spice towards the end

Summary: She's seen his pictures growing up, talked to him through letters, but the real thing is much better.

Warnings: ramblings about how good-looking Danny Ric is and an age gap of sizable amounts (I'm not sorry)

Notes: A request from @poster66 that I fell in love with.

Masterlist // Request Form // My Website // buy me a Ko-Fi

Growing up knowing you're going to be used as a pawn in a political game is certainly something that can drive even the sanest royals to madness. The thought of having your entire life planned out for you the moment you're born has to be exhausting.

It's not for her.

Maybe it's because it's all she's know from the second she was born. Or it's the stacks of letters that sit on her desk from before she could even read that make this whole thing feel endearing.

Daniel wrote to her before she was born. Mostly ramblings about what he'd been up to. It's like he's written her an autobiography, so they aren't strangers when it does come time for her to be married off to him.

The age-gap wasn't planned. Not when their parents entered into this agreement. Neither of them had been born when they'd been promised to each other.

So, Daniel wrote her letters and when she was old enough, she wrote back. He was elated to get her first letter. Enough to write back instantaneously despite not having done much since the last one.

They wrote about interests and activities. About how their studies were going and how much they disliked their tutors.

She'd sprint through the castle, almost falling down the steps in her rush to receive his letters. The growing feeling of butterflies in her stomach with each written word became all consuming.

Daniel's kind words of consolation, paragraphs of endearing affection and lines of encouragement when she fell into emotional turmoil. She'd go as far as to say he is her closest friend and confidant. She'd shared all her secrets with him. He'd shared some of his with her.

The canvas painting on the wall of Daniel and his family is her only clue as to what he looks like. Aside from his own personal description of himself. He has a 'charismatic smile and devilishly good looks.'

Daniel asks her often about what she wants in the future. He claims that she will be treated as his equal. It's only fair she gets to have her own interests and he'd like to make sure she has whatever she needs when she inevitably has to move.

He writes her often about horses and how much time he spends in the stables. Tucked up in his horse's pen writing her. He rides often, much to his parents' demise. Daniel promises to take her riding and show her all his favorite places to hide away.

She tells him about the hidden corner of the library where she hides herself to read and write. Nobody has yet to find the secret location. Sometimes she uses it to escape her mother's constant hovering and fathers' ridiculous wrath.

When the day comes for her to leave, she neatly tucks away every letter, so they remain safe during the journey. She sends one last message to Daniel expressing her enthusiasm for getting to see him in person.

It takes far too long to get there. She wonders in Daniel would've ridden his own horse. They'd certainly reach their destination faster that way.

After what feels like years of traveling, she's standing at the foot of the steps. Butterflies making it difficult to breathe. They rage around in her chest and stomach.

She gets sympathetic looks from her hand maiden. It's not that she's upset about being here. But the anxiety of finally seeing Daniel is messing up her thoughts.

She manages to coax herself into at least going up the stairs and inside out of the cold. Surely Daniel would not want an icicle for a wife.

She takes a moment to admire her new home, letting herself breathe and relax before she has to face the inevitable.

"Princess!" She whirls around on her feet and is indeed met with a large charismatic grin. He jogs up to her, the distance now standing between them oddly suffocating.

She gives up on restraining herself. It's only the two of them in the hall for the moment. Her arms wrap around his neck.

Just as she imagined, he smells utterly addictive. Strang arms hold her in place. He's too, which is an added bonus given how cold she is at the moment.

"You, are incredibly stunning." He smiles in her hair. It's a good thing he can't see her face because she can feel the heat of the blush. "I hope I meet your expectations and my descriptions did my physique justice."

"I've been staring at the same portrait for five years now. I can safely say that it didn't do you any justice."

"The painters always get my nose wrong!"

Daniel pulls away and cups her cheeks. For a moment, she thinks he might actually kiss her. Which - she won't lie - Is something she'd very much like to have happen. So much so, that she goes for it first.

Alas, Daniel foils her attempt. "Not here. I have plans for you later. We've been writing for years; you can be patient a little longer."

She whines at him, but when Daniel lays a kiss to her cheek and brushes his fingers against his skin, she knows she'll wait for him.

Thousands of years, if neccecary, if only to look at him in real life and not through a portrait.

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC’s Lucien - Strategy Game Date - English Translation (1/2)

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

"Wow, if you remember someone, they must be really impressive!"

"Not at all. In fact, on most of the days we've played, he couldn't even win a pack of biscuits."

"So, about the same level as me then~"

"But MC is special to me. Whether it's ‘biscuits', 'candy', or even 'unreasonable requests', you always manage to win them over in another way."

Translation under the cut!

[T/N: Before reading the date, I highly recommend you all to read this R&S: Regarding What Book Doesn't Say (and while at it read The Victim Who Disappeared too~). This date contains important references to that R&S, and I would like to analyze this date later in comparison with it at the end of this date🥺 There's also some reference to S1 chapter 23 but I'm gonna assume that y'all already read it u.u.]

If you want to follow along with the voice, you can follow it here.

-

[Call- On The Way Home from Work]

Lucien: I just saw your missed call, what's wrong?

MC: [worriedly] I was just wondering why Professor Lucien, who clearly got off work an hour ago, still hasn't come home yet.

Lucien: [chuckles softly]  Sorry, I was held up a bit by something.

Lucien: If you're not too busy, could you bring a trolley and come pick me up at the small park outside the complex?

MC: I certainly can, but what happened?

Lucien: I was stopped by that old gentleman who often plays chess in the park, and he invited me to play a game with him.

MC:  Hmm? Why did that grandpa suddenly "abandon" his friends and come to you?

Lucien: Today, his chess friend stood him up, so he was searching the whole park for a "destined" person who could play chess.

Lucien: And on my backpack, I happened to have a chess pendant that you gave me.

MC: Oh~ But the Xianqi (Chinese chess) Grandpa plays and international chess aren't the same type, right?

Lucien: There are indeed quite big differences between the two, but luckily, I'm not too unfamiliar with the rules of Xiangqi.

MC: Judging by Professor Lucien’s tone, it seems like he has won~

Lucien: It was a narrow victory.

Lucien: However... I'm having some regrets now.

MC: Why?

Lucien: Things seem to have gotten a little out of hand after I won the game. He enthusiastically invited me to solve an endgame puzzle—

[Trivia: In chess, endgame refers to a chess problem where only a few pieces remain on the board, and the challenge is to find the best moves to win or achieve a draw.]

Lucien: And after I solved it, I found out that this puzzle has apparently been around for a few years.

MC: Wow! That's amazing...! So, doesn't that mean the brilliant Professor Lucien is going to become a big celebrity in the park?

Lucien: [sighs] ...But they're a bit too enthusiastic.

Lucien: [he sounds so helpless and dumbfounded it's cute LOL] To celebrate, that grandpa and the elderly watching the game gave me all the eggs, rice, and cooking oil they got from the supermarket.

Lucien: I couldn't refuse at the moment, so now I'm stuck here, overwhelmed by this weighty goodwill.

MC:  Pfft, hahaha~ So that's why you asked me to bring a trolley and rescue you!

MC: I think I see you! Hmm? Are you buying something?

Lucien: [chuckles] Mm, I just found a flower vending machine here.

Lucien: After all, I did ask my girlfriend to come rescue me, so I figured I should at least buy a bouquet of flowers as a thank you.

[Prologue-Surprise Journey]

MC: You're going to compete against the world champion of 3D chess next week?!

When I arrive home from work and step into the entryway, the news hits me like a brick, leaving me frozen in place.

[Trivia: 3D Chess is a variant of traditional chess that adds a third dimension with multiple horizontal layers. It's different and more complex compared with classic 2D chess because besides being able to move horizontally, it can also move vertically between layers, and naturally, it has different rules compared to the classic (I tried to search the rules of one type of 3D chess and ended up being confused at it HAHA). Most ppl def can't easily learn it in one try unless you're Xu Mo]

Lucien calmly takes my bag and nods slightly.

Lucien: Mm, the tournament organizers invited Carl to play a simultaneous exhibition.

[Trivia: In chess simultaneous exhibition means one player plays against multiple opponents at the same time]

Lucien: Besides me, there will also be many 3D chess players and enthusiasts participating.

MC: ...Wait a minute, Lucien, you haven't been scammed, have you?

MC: There are a lot of scams going around these days that seem to trick people with things like registration fees.

[gurl why would you think that the great and mighty™️ Professor Lucien would get scammed🤣]

Lucien: That possibility certainly can't be ruled out, but I've already confirmed it.

Lucien can't help but chuckle a bit and opens the official website of the International Chess Federation.

Following the movement of his fingertips, I quickly found Lucien's name on the shortlist.

MC: So awesome…

MC: You've obviously only been playing 3D chess for a month, yet you're already able to participate in such a competition.

Lucien: This type of game is actually not that difficult once you grasp the rules.

MC: ...That's precisely something a genius would say.

He winks a little smugly, smiles, and pulls me into his arms.

Lucien: So, would MC like to go together?

Lucien: I recall you don't seem to be very busy next week.

MC: Of course, I would like to!

MC: This is your first time participating in a chess tournament, so I wouldn't want to miss it.

Lucien: That's good to hear. Otherwise, I might have to repack my suitcase.

Following his gaze, I notice he's already packed some of my clothes in the suitcase and I can't help but laugh.

MC: You already knew I'd say yes.

Lucien: Mm, after all, it seems like MC can never bring herself to turn down my requests.

[Date]

=[Part 1]=

MC: The guesthouse you chose is so beautiful!

I lean out from the villa window and look outside; the warm breeze passes through the tropical orange trees, stirring sweet orange-scented ripples on the clear pool water.

MC: This garden is exactly like a scene from an American movie, I feel like a pool party is about to start any second now.

Lucien: [chuckles] After I finish my competition, we might as well have a pool party here too.

MC: Sounds good! Then I…

I spin around excitedly, but then my gaze is suddenly caught by a vibrant blaze of crimson, making me fall silent.

Lucien is dressed in a cherry-red suit paired with an olive-green tie, giving off a bold retro vibe.

Complementing this look, a sleek leather belt with a ring buckle and a tilted round hat adds a touch of simplicity and style.

Lucien: [teasingly] If you keep looking at me like that, I might actually get a little shy.

Despite saying so, he doesn't shy away and instead approaches me with a smile.

MC: It's just so stunning... Did this Great Chess Player pick this outfit specifically for the competition?

Lucien: There will be a lot of people at the competition, so maybe this will help me better attract the attention of a certain little lady.

[T/N: Great Chess Player (大棋手 - dà qíshǒu) is how MC teasingly and admiringly refers to him while little lady (小姑娘 - xiǎo gūniang) is Lucien's special term of endearment to MC. So yes, he's the one picking the outfit to attract her attention, just like male peacocks displaying their feather🤣 Please don't be harsh on his color choice because he literally can't see them🥲]

MC: [pouts] Humph, I want to protest~

MC: Even without any help, I can still instantly spot you in a crowd!

Lucien: [chuckles] Of course, I believe that. But I also have a selfish motive.

He gently pinches my puffed-out cheeks and meets my gaze with a smile.

Lucien: [gently and sincerely] Just thinking about you watching me throughout the competition... it'll likely fill me with strength.

✂———————–

In the vast venue, a hundred chess players are seated at their tables, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Carl, the world champion.

The audience seats are already packed with hundreds of spectators, and the broadcasting equipment, along with the commentators, is set up and ready to go.

Feeling the solemn atmosphere, I shrink back a little and quickly walk over to the family seating area within the venue to sit down.

Host: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the International 3D Chess Championship!

Host: Here today, we have chess elites gathered from all around the globe.

Host: They have emerged from fierce preliminary rounds and will face Carl, the champion of the International 3D Chess Championship, in a head-to-head battle.

Just then, on the large screen suspended above the venue, a refined-looking man is waving and greeting the crowd below.

Host: Following the classic tournament rules, each player will have 120 minutes to make their first 40 moves, after which they will have another 60 minutes to complete the rest of the game.

Host: To ensure fairness and smooth progression, a team of referees will supervise the entire match.

Host: Please remain quiet during the match so that the players can concentrate.

Host: We hope you all enjoy this feast of intellect and strategy!

As the match bell rings, the first game appears on the big screen.

Carl opens with a knight's jump, using the black pieces. Time flows in silence for a long while before his opponent finally makes their move.

Just as the unfamiliar and complex cross-layer moves are starting to make my head spin, the game reaches Lucien's table.

Facing Carl's aggressive opening, Lucien doesn't panic. Calm and collected, he establishes his defensive formation.

I quietly note the position of his piece, trying to summon the knowledge I learned from playing classic chess with him in an effort to keep up with the game.

However, as the game progresses, I quickly become lost amidst the complexity of the situation.

Thankfully, that splash of cherry-red color always manages to blur out the world, allowing me to clearly see him every time I look up.

While waiting for his turn, Lucien leans back and intently watches the live screen, unlike the others who are engrossed in studying their own games.

[This passage implies that, unlike other players who are focused solely on their own games, Lucien is observing the matches on the live screen to study the world champion's strategies and gameplay. Also, this passage is an interesting parallel with how Lucien sees the world - to him, her color blurred the world around her, allowing him to see her clearly🥺]

Yet whenever it's his turn to make a move, he does it extremely quickly.

After a few rounds, players on the field are gradually eliminated and leave, but Lucien remains seated, his remaining time nearly equal to Carl's.

Most of the time, his expression remains calm, only occasionally does his brow and eyes curve slightly as if he's noticed some clever moves.

Even though he's far away, I feel like I can see that fascinating and captivating world through his eyes.

I gaze for a long time, so long that I only snap back to reality when Carl sits down opposite Lucien.

The stage is empty, and before I realize it, only that red figure remains.

The black and white sides are locked in a tense struggle, like a small battlefield. Pieces fell constantly, yet new attacks were relentlessly launched.

A hushed silence gradually spreads over the audience. Finally, the timer goes off, and the referee, who has been observing from the sidelines, rises to his feet.

He takes a step forward, waiting for Lucien to put down the piece in his hand, pick up a pen and write something, then seal the paper in an envelope.

As if on cue, the people around me rustle and leave. I instinctively get up as well, feeling puzzled, and head towards Lucien, who is also departing.

MC: Is the match over?

Lucien: Not yet, it's just that the official match time is up. Now the moves are sealed, and the match will resume in an hour.

MC: I see. So, what do you think?

Lucien: Although the situation is a bit tense right now, I've more or less deduced the strategy he'll likely use.

He narrows his eyes, looking like a smug little fox.

MC: Wow, I knew you were good, but I'm blown away that you've been able to hold your own against the world champion for so long…

Lucien: Would you mind holding onto that compliment until the 26th move and telling me again later, MC?

MC: Um?

I suddenly figured something out, and in that instant, I found the answer in those confident eyes.

Lucien: By then, I'll have won.

=[Part 2]=

Lucien wins.

At the 21st move in overtime, Carl topples his cornered king piece and concedes defeat.

It's not that I never thought he would win, but seeing Lucien standing on the podium, the clear reality of his victory washes over me along with the tide of applause.

I clap with extra force, wanting to convey all my heartfelt congratulations to him.

MC: Congratulations, grand champion!

As the award ceremony ends, after waiting by the side of the stage, I step forward and greet the person before me with a big hug.

An icy chill clings to him, yet the voice that falls upon my ear is incredibly gentle.

Lucien: [chuckles] I received all of MC's congratulations.

Lucien: Even though you were a bit far away, the way you clapped so enthusiastically was especially adorable, just like a little seal.

MC: Of course! As your girlfriend, I can't let myself be outdone by anyone else…

??: Mr. Lucien, congratulations.

A stranger's voice suddenly interrupts the conversation as Carl, dressed in a suit, walks over in surprise.

Carl: I'll always remember this match, I hope to see you again on the competition stage someday.

Lucien: Thank you, there will be a chance.

Lucien nods politely, and only after watching the other person disappear into the crowd does he speak, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Lucien: Was that Carl?

MC: Hmm? Even a superbrain like you can have face blindness?

Lucien: Perhaps I was too focused on the chessboard, so I didn't pay attention to his appearance.

Lucien: Besides, his clothes seem completely different from what he wore this afternoon.

Seeing him explain earnestly, I can't help but laugh.

MC: [laughs] If I were Carl, I think I would be more hurt that my opponent, whom I faced for half a day, doesn’t remember me than about losing the match.

MC: Speaking of which, you don't forget everyone you've played chess with, do you?

Lucien: [stunned as if hit by a memory of someone from his distant past] …

It’s as if something leaps into the depths of those dark eyes along with my words, and they suddenly blink quickly.

Lucien: Not quite everyone.

MC: Wow, if you remember someone, they must be really impressive!

Lucien: Not at all.

Lucien: In fact, on most of the days we've played, he couldn't even win a pack of biscuits.*

MC: So, about the same level as me then~

I can't help but curve my lips into a smile, and it seems as though my rising smile also slowly melts that touch of indifference.

Lucien: [chuckles] You're right, it's about the same level. But MC is special to me.

Lucien: Whether it's ‘biscuits', 'candy', or even 'unreasonable requests', you always manage to win them over in another way.

MC: [laughs happily] Hahaha, that friend of yours would probably think you're way too biased if he heard you say that!

Lucien smiles faintly as if my words allow him to vaguely picture that person before his eyes—

Fuzzy... distant... yet somehow a little vivid.

Lucien: Perhaps, but all of those are just assumptions.

MC: Even if they are assumptions, aren't they still based on deductions from the past?

I hook my finger around his, gently swaying our hands together.

MC: Even if the past may be gone, isn't there still “something” from it that continues to run through your life in different forms;

MC: Accompanying you as you pass by and meet many amazing, yet lovely and warm people?~

Lucien: Of course, I have never denied that.

It was as though an imperceptible wound within those profound eyes had been quietly mended, allowing a trace of a smile to escape.**

Wanting to keep that smile lingering for a while longer, I wrinkle my nose.

MC: But... I've clearly played chess with you too, and several different kinds! Yet the first person Professor Lucien thought of wasn't me!

Lucien: …

Seeing his eyes widen slightly, I smile with satisfaction.

MC: Hmph, looks like I need to work harder! In that case, I'll start by learning 3D chess!

I take the prize chessboard from Lucien's hands, giving it a gentle shake.

MC: Please teach me, Teacher Lucien.

✂———————–

[T/N]

*: the biscuits!!! I'm sobbing ;-;, turns out Lucien still remembers Fan Zihang/Zack so clearly... I hope we'll get another mention of Fan Zihang/Zack on his birthday too huhu.

**: I'm taking liberties in translating this one 😂. The original line is “那双幽深的眼瞳里似有道小小裂隙被悄悄填上,终于泄 出一点笑意。” which if literally translated it will be “In that pair of deep and dark eyes, it was as if a small crack had been quietly filled up, finally revealing a hint of a smile.”. The 'crack' can symbolize an unhealed wound from the past. As it gradually fills, this wound is slowly mending, allowing him to release some of his past burdens and letting a hint of joy show through his eyes. Or, you can also think of it as a frozen lake that slowly melts and reveals a small crack, allowing the sunlight to fill in and showing what's in the water all this time (there's happiness from those past memories too).

Next: Part 3 & 4-> [Here]

[lokisprettygirl]

Rain to his Fire (Modern! Daemon Targaryen x Female Reader) (Non Canon 80s Au) (18+)

Read Chapter 12 here// Series Masterlist

Chapter 13

Summary: Daemon finds out that he was destined for greatness but it's not the journey he is supposed to take with you.

Warning: 18+, kidnapping, assault, smut, crude language, kidn description of Statutory rape, discussion of mental health (it's a fic based in a mental health facility), mention of child molestation, mention of physical assault, the fic would contain several mentions of several disorders like mpd, did etc, if something triggers you don't read, smoking

It's been a week since Daemon had rescued you from King's landing, you have had plenty of time to collect your thoughts in that warm cozy cabin of his. The dramatic change in your life, which was once so ordinary, has taken some time to comprehend. At first, all of it felt like a dream, however, as the days went by, you had come to terms with the fact that everything that has transpired was indeed real and not a product of your imagination. In just a few months your boring, mundane life has changed so drastically that it seemed surreal.

Two days after he rescued you he went back to get Caroline on your insistence, you had called her at the center pretending to be a relative and had instructed her to be at the terrace anyhow late at night, the door was barricaded but the locks were no match for Daemon's strength.

He didn't bring her back to the cabin though, when asked he simply told you that it was his special place where he came to recuperate and relax, he expressed you in clear words that the only reason he brought you along was because he wanted to share his home with you, he had been thinking about it for a while.

When you asked him whether he had the chance to go look for the book he simply shook his head in response and changed the topic altogether.

You had also been suffering through bouts of nightmares every time you fell asleep but he was there by your side, holding you close, making you feel safe, making you feel as if you were invincible around him and nothing would ever harm you again.

It was also getting harder and harder to keep your hands off each other and it's not that you didn't want to take that step further with him but a part of you always hesitated.

Things weren't exactly normal, you could pretend that you were on a vacation but the reality couldn't have been any farther, you were deemed missing and police had been looking for him because they thought he was the one to kidnap you, of course you wanted to go to the London police department and file a complaint against Viserys and Cole but Daemon convinced you otherwise, and at first you felt offended by it but then you realized that going to cops would only put him in danger since he already had a hit on his head due to the man he had hurt in the past.

“You know it's rude to snoop on other people’s belongings,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around your waist and hugged you from behind. You were admiring his book collection in the living room when your eyes fell upon the dresser below the shelf, you were about to open one of the drawers when he interrupted you.

“Where were you ?” You asked him as you turned to face him so he gave you a smile and pecked your lips.

“Went to see Caroline” he answered truthfully, making your brows perk up with curiosity.

“Mmm okay”

“Wanted to check on her well being.. nothing else” he clarified even though you didn't need a justification, not really, she was a friend and he was allowed to see her whenever he wanted.

“That's not what I..never mind”

“What's bothering you?” he asked you as he caressed your head before he leaned into you to kiss you briefly.

“Nothing I just don't like being alone here ..in the middle of the woods with animals, predators and what not-” he couldn't help but chuckle as you said that.

“Mmmm you're living with one, you realize that right?” you rolled your eyes at the statement, he was anything but a predator.

“You're not an animal.. certainly not a predator, you are a.. very special man, kind and gorgeous and so rare” you mumbled softly as you caressed his cheek, making the corner of his mouth curve into a smile. He was always shy about receiving genuine compliments, the only ones he could digest were those that were sexual in nature.

“You look good in my clothes” he murmured tenderly.

“Mmmm they're comfy but i do need to get my stuff back, I left everything behind, everything that was important to me is there in that room or I'm afraid they must have thrown it all away” you sighed so he cupped your cheeks.

“I'll get them back for you i promise”

“You shouldn't go there again”

“Someday I'd have to confront him”

“I know..it's just not safe” he chuckled as you said that.

“I can take care of myself sweetheart”

“So I'm not supposed to worry because you can take care of yourself?”

“Don't mind me, I love that you worry and that you can't live a second apart from me when I'm gone” you wanted to roll your eyes but then he wasn't wrong now was he? “They have our posters everywhere” He said to you, making you sigh in response.

“I'm officially a missing person aren't i?”

He picked you up effortlessly by the waist and walked a few steps to the side to gently put you down on the table in the living area, the gesture brought an instant rush of adrenaline.

You did look tempting in his shirt and boxers and it was getting harder and harder for him to control himself around you when you looked as if you belonged to him, the animal in him wanted to be sated and pleasured, he wanted to love you and fuck you at the same time, have your body so close to him that nothing would ever seperate him from you but he sensed your resistance everytime he was around you, he sensed your hesitation, that feeling of something holding you back, he could smell your desire for him but he also knew you weren't ready to go all the way.

“I'm on my period” you said to him as you kissed down from his jawline to his neck, it wasn't easy keeping yourself away from him but there was this lingering feeling of foreboding keeping you on edge, you felt as if something bad was about to happen to you and you didn't know how to stop feeling that way.

A moan escaped your lips as he pressed his palms below your hips and pulled you closer to him. When you woke up this morning you were surprised to find a paper bag filled with sanitary napkins, painkillers and a bunch of snacks. He knew you were about to bleed soon even before you did, his senses were intertwined with your body in a way that excited you and terrified you at the same time.

He had the ability to make you feel so important and special that it terrified you, you knew you wouldn't be able to feel that way ever again.

No man would ever be able to compare or compete.

“You think I don't know that you daft girl?” he licked on his lower lip subconsciously as his hand slid up your back and he clutched your hair between his fist, his eyes glued on your plump lips, kissing you was nothing short of an addiction for him, the longer he did it the more addicted he got to you.

“You know I'm not young enough to be addressed as a girl anymore” you chuckled as you spoke and his lips did break into a small smile.

“You'd always be my girl, little darling”

“That's cute, you're cute”

“Not the word a man likes to hear when he's hard darling”

“Mmmhmmm you're so tensed” you murmured against his mouth and he let out a lowly deep growl as you fiddled with button of his jeans.

“You're the reason”

“Mmmmhm?” you couldn't help but smile, he took his shirt off as quickly as he could while you pulled his cock out of the restraints, he then placed your other hand on his chest right where his heart was, his skin was ever so hot to the touch “Then I shall release some of that tension” you whispered in his ear as you gave him a small stroke and all you heard in response was a slight groan.

You looked down as his cock became fully erect in your hold, a flush warmed your cheek, you were still getting used to seeing a man this way, you never knew that holding a man's cock and pleasuring him could make you feel so pleased in return. He was a god amongst the men, even without the powers he owned, he was different from any other man you have ever known and you just wanted to satisfy and please a man like him. The way his cock pulsated in your grip was enough to make you wet and dripping.

“Do all cocks look this good?” you whispered and his eyes opened all wife and perplexed.

“Look at you running that filthy mouth, you couldn't even bring yourself to say the word a month before”

“You're the one corrupting me” he snickered as you said that.

“I didn't ask you to give me a handjob sweetheart” His fingers dug into your thighs as he held onto you possessively, you couldn't help but grind your hips against the table, the friction from the pad stimulated your clit almost perfectly. “The answer to your question is inconsequential because mine is the only one you'd ever get to see, and taste, and get fucked with”

And how you wished for it to be your destiny but your peaceful life with him seemed too good to be true. Two days later while cleaning you found the book stashed under the couch in the living room and when asked he barely gave you a disinterested shrug as if he didn't care to learn more about his heritage. However you did care, knowing that Daemon had been restless all his life and this book held some answers was the only motivation you needed. So you grabbed the book and his arm to drag him to the bedroom, then you both sat down in front of the study table.

“We will talk about your lying ways once we are done reading this” you glared at him so he sighed but he definitely adored it when you went all strict on him. The book seemed old but it was preserved well somehow. As you began to read you noticed that Daemon was beginning to take interest in it as well.

There was an illustration in the book that depicted the history of the dracosapiens, starting in 110 AD. It showed that the Targaryen family used to own real dragons, those majestic creatures were bonded to their ancestors since birth. As the dragons were about to go extinct, a blood ritual was performed by one of the Targaryens, and the first dracosapien of its kind was born.

This first born child was tasked with protecting the world from an inevitable threat during his lifetime and then passing the responsibility on to its offspring. The book claimed that since that time, hundreds of these creatures had been born and their duty was to protect the earth from the imminent danger that carried the ability to wipe out the majority of the population.

“I don't understand, it says the first born child is the one to carry the genes forward but i wasn't the first..i was the second son” he said to you and it confused you for a moment as well but then you realized why it had to happen this way.

“Maybe that's why he resents you so much, he must think that he should have been the one to have that honor” he hummed as you said that.

“Yeah he should have been the one” he mumbled under his breath so you placed your hand on his and disagreed.

“Perhaps the universe knew that your brother didn't deserve to have such a divine power, he is not a good person Daemon, he'd have misused it, i mean he kept the book all his life and he made you feel crazy about it, there's so much more he's hiding, he told you that your father disappeared but why would he do that? If he was the same as you then according to the scripture it was his responsibility to teach you everything about this”

Daemon sighed deeply, you always made so much sense to him and he knew he had so much to learn about his parents and especially his father. He leaned closer to kiss your cheek so you gave him a smile.

“It's kind of sexist though, just men being born as the protector of the realm” you mumbled playfully so he nodded.

“It is.. perhaps we should change that”

Your face flushed as he said that and just to hide that embarrassment you chose to roll your eyes instead even though the thought of having a family with him made you giddy.

As you flipped through the pages there was a section that sparked your interest.

“The current bearer and his mate for life would spend their days restless in their own skin until they find the other. In order to pass down the blood magic to the next bearer, the current bearer must find his soulmate in the one whose womb would serve as the collector of his seed. The right time will always bring them together in the same place. She shall be the one born with a mark on herself, a sign of a dragon's wings, for they are two halves of the same body. Only upon the union will their lost souls be find peace with each other.” your heartbeat sped as you read about the mark.

“Blimey this is utter crap -” Daemon interrupted as he rolled his eyes so you looked at him before looking down again.

“Daemon-” your eyes teared up as you turned the page and saw the sketched illustration of the said mark that is supposed to be on his soulmate “I think I have seen this mark on Carol–” he shut the book before you could even finish your words.

“Shut up okay?” he turned to you and cupped your cheeks as he leaned into you to kiss you, pouring every ounce of emotion that he felt for you. He didn't want to read any further, he didn't want some book to tell him who he was supposed to be with.

“Daemon -”

“Shhhhh don't be silly alright-” he kept interrupting you because he was afraid that you'd lean into this idea and then you'd try to push him away.

“I have no mark like that anywhere on me” your voice broke as you spoke, the reality of the situation was beginning to kick in.

“So?”

“You have a soulmate” he snickered as you said that.

“You sound crazy, you know that?”

As if everything else was completely normal about this situation. You didn't want to hurt him but if everything written in this book was correct then it was clear that it wasn't you he was supposed to meet in King's landing.

It was Caroline.

She had the wings mark on her thighs, that's what you had seen that evening when she was standing half naked on her door frame.

“This is crazy for you? You know what else sounds crazy? Your existence..but it's not..it's as real as it could be” he groaned as you said that.

“Where are you even going with this thing huh?”

“The mark..i have seen it on Caroline, it's on her thigh, perhaps you have seen it too” he let out a disgruntled sign as you said that.

“I don't care, okay?”

“How could you not care? Aren't you the least bit curious about this?” you wiped your tears, there was this sinking feeling in your gut that made you feel doomed.

“So that is it huh? You speak of it as if it's no big deal? So what now? We break up and I fuck Caroline? And all my issues would resolve magically because we were supposedly born for each other?” he asked as he stood up and began to pace the room frantically.

“I don't know what you're supposed to do with her but in the book-”

Before you could even finish your sentence he stormed towards you and slammed his fist on the table which made you flinch in response. For a moment you saw the scales appear on his face and his eyes had turned red.

He was angry and rightly so but you didn't want to fuck up his life any further then it has been already, he had suffered so much, he deserved to find peace and happiness even if it was without you.

“God damn it y/n. Am I really this easy to discard for you? Hmm?” He asked as he hovered over you, his eyes pleading with you to let it go.

“Easy? You think this is easy for me?”

“It sure looks that way. You know what? I don't want to talk about this.. you want to get the fuck out of my life ..do it..”

He stormed out of the room and you knew you had to give him time to cool down, words said in anger were hardly ever true or honest.

You needed to calm yourself as well, you didn't want him to think that this relationship and the time you had spent with each other in the past few months meant nothing to you, when it was in fact the opposite.

As you came out of the shower he was already in the bed so you quietly climbed in, he had his back turned to you so you brought your fingers up and caressed his skin slowly before you snuggled into him.

“All my life I have waited to feel something for someone, just something that would make me feel alive, that burning fire, that romance that people often spoke of, that urgent need to kiss the man you're attracted to, to be consumed by someone you're so in love with, i never thought that it existed but then I met you and I felt it all and I felt it all so quickly that it didn't even feel real at times. You think this is easy for me? Knowing that I'm not the one you're supposed to be with? That I'm not made for the only man I would ever want?”

He turned around as your voice choked on your tears and cupped your cheeks. His own eyes were teary, his skin even warmer than usual.

“You’re going to let a fucking book decide who I am supposed to be with? You're being stupid” he asked, his voice tender but desperate,

“Is it stupid though? Our thing..this..it's new, i know we have all these intense feelings at the moment but what about our future?”

“What about it?”

He huffed as he sat up and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

“Ten years from now it won't be the same, and you'd resent me as I'd be the reason you're not able to fulfill your destiny ..i won't be able to give you your dragon babies-”

“I don't even like kids-”

“You don't..but that's how you feel now..in this moment-”

“So what now? Caroline is my ‘soulmate’-” he airquoted the term as he wasn't really taking it seriously and you didn't blame him “So I should be with her even though I have no such love for her?” you sat up as he said that. He wasn't really looking at the situation the same way as you.

“Don't you think it's weird that she went to that same exact center as you and was put in the room right next to you? And then she was the first person to see you in your natural form? I didn't get to see you in months but she saw you the first night she met you. And how quickly you were able to trust her, remember that? Perhaps something more would have happened if it wasn't for me..i–” there was a lump in your throat rendering you unable to speak but you knew you couldn't be this person that would held him back from being with his mate “I got between you both” he turned to you as you said that, his arms wrapped around your shoulders as he pulled you closer.

“You're breaking my heart”

“Not just yours -”

“Don't do this darling..”

Your arms wrapped around his neck as you hugged him as tightly as you could before you held onto his face and kissed him as if you were kissing him for the last time. You wanted to engrave this moment in your head, the feeling of his lips upon yours and how it left every inch of your existence ablaze because you knew you'd never be able to feel this way again. In order for Daemon to fulfill his destiny you'd have to step out of his life.

“I want to go to the cops and tell them everything, I'll tell them that you weren't the one to hurt me but that you saved me, I'll get us out of this problem” You said as you stepped off the bed as quickly as you could, you couldn't even bear to look at his face at the moment because you knew your resolve would crumble.

“What about me? What am I supposed to do without you?” he asked you, his voice no longer carried hope, it sounded broken and hopeless, reminding you of the day you had met him for the first time.

“Do what you were born to do, you wanted to learn the truth about yourself and you did but your truth is not the end of your purpose, you were born to do greater things with your gift and you have to carry your legacy forward, that's what your parents would have wanted for you…give her a chance Daemon, maybe she's all you need in your life, how would you know if you won't even try?”

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Taglist

@anukulee @ammo23 @littledark11 @stupidthoughtsinwriting @daenny-t @avalyaaa @shuichiakainx

[harrystylesfan2686]

Ferryman

Pairing: Azriel x Archeron!Reader.

Summary: (I have no idea how to summarize this.)

Warnings: slight mention of suicide and hating oneself.

A/N: This is an idea i got after watching TVD and Legacies. For those who dont know, Ferryman is a psychopomp, the ferryman of the Greek underworld, also known as Hades. He carries the souls of those who have been given funeral rites across the rivers Acheron and Styx, which separate the worlds of the living and the dead. This definition is taken from wikipedia. I changed the legand a little bit. I hope you like this. 🫶

Masterlist

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My life changed entirely after me and my sisters were forced in the world of fae.

Being thrown in a cauldron and turned into a powerful being can be dreadful after having heard all the stories about fae. Hearing how cruel they were to humankind sure was terrifying but after knowing what they looked like and how they acted, I have different thoughts.

The man male, my sister married is one of the most powerful lords of Prythian. One that is so sweet to two of my sisters and so rude to the other.

After we were all thrown into the cauldron, we all got different powers along with our immortal bodies. As we slowly discovered our powers, we got our names too. Elain got named a Seer, discovering her ability of supernatural insight. Nesta became The Death Lady, because of her silver flames.

And I?

I became the Ferryman.

The one who connects the living world and after life. The one who carries souls to their finale destination after death. The anchor guilding the lost souls.

Every fae that dies has to touch me in order to go to the after life. Now while they have a painless journey, I on the other hand, feel everything they did while dying. When they touch me, I feel thier pain, distress, sadness and everything that filled them in their last moments.

At first I was alright with it. But it got tiring very quickly. Then I started despised it. And now? I'm petrified.

I fear it so much, I'm starting to hate myself. I dread my every living moment, just fearing that I will see a soul lurking around and will have to send them to the other side. Feeling thier pain and going through it all over again.

Everyday exactly like the one before. See a soul, touch, feel, hurt, and do it again and again with no end in sight.

Can't you just handle it and get over yourself?

Nesta had hissed at me when I tried to share my feelings to her. Indeed, she was in pain too but she isn't the only person our father's death has effected. I wasn't there that day. At least they got to see father for one last time before he died. I didn't. I was held up in a tent, following Rhysands commands, saying it's too dangerous for me out there.

Her cruel words still roam my head everytime I try to feel sorry for myself. I can't communicate my feelings to anyone anymore.

Feyre forced me to reveal myself one day and couldn't do anything else as she, too, doesn't understand what I go through everyday. She told me that she'll see what she can do and try to help me but hasn't said or done anything else so I believe nothing can be done about this except to accept it just as what it is.

I just suffer in silence and not tell anyone.

-☆-

I take a sip from the wine bottle I stole from Rhysand's finest wine stock, and rest it between my spread legs, holding the bottle from it's neck. I look down at the mountains beyond me. My legs dangling off as I sit on the balcony edge.

It's starfall tonight.

And I'm sitting on a balcony of the only room I saw empty. It only views is mountains, lining up from The House Of Wind, of all sizes and shapes.

It's a beautiful site.

Stars in the dark sky, shining down on the mountains and forests that rest between them. I can see nothing but the hills and the beautiful start sky. It's so peaceful not being around strangers and just staying here, lost in the nature, drinking wine and just being with your own thoughts.

"What are you doing here alone?" A deep voice asks behind me. I don't turn to see who it is, already knowing it is the Spymaster.

"What does it seem like?" I take another sip of the wine. The sound of boats against the floor, walking towards me. His presence looms behind me, his shadows already wrapping around me. They seem to like me. Always surrounding me whenever we are near. I raise my free hand to play with one.

"You going to fall." He grunts.

"Nothing's going to happen. It's not like I can die." I chuckle at the irony, the sound doesn't seem real.

It's true. I truly cannot die. I'm the anchor, after all. If I die, nobody is going to get their haven after life. I tried a few months ago, when I finally decided I couldn't live in this much pain my entire life. It didn't work. I'm still standing. I did end up with a lot of injuries though.

I take another sip.

"I hope you know you can talk to me whenever you want. We can sit without talking too." He sits beside me. Dangling his feet off of the edge too.

I silently offer him the wine bottle. He silently accepts. We sit there for god knows how long, just quietly passing the wine around and looking out in the sky. Drinking and enjoying one another's company in silence. I feel good, comfortable around him.

Suddenly stars start to move. Skiping through the sky, shimmering glitter. Colors of all kinds fill the sky. I breath out. My lips tug up on thier own, curling into a small smile I can not contain.

"It's truly beautiful, isn't it." My eyes on the stars when I speak to Azriel.

"It truly is." He whispers.

I force my eyes to move to him, noticing he's not looking at the sky.

He's looking at me.

His eyes on my face, switching between my eyes and lips. I feel a rush to my cheeks. For a minute we don't move at all. Just looking at each other, drinking in how we look under the sparkling colourfull stars.

We smile at the same time and look away from one another.

For the first time in a while, my face holds a genuine smile.

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[saturnville]

yes, mr. snow.

pairing: young!coriolanus snow x black fem oc (illia furdoix). warning: book accurate snow, arranged marriage, toxic!coriolanus. trigger warning: choking. content: coriolanus and illia are in an arranged marriage. coriolanus seems like a decent man to the public, but behind closed doors, she sees a different side to him. an: I saw someone say that wanted to see a more accurate description of coriolanus based on the books. and in the books, the man is an unhinged, classless, selfish human being. here we go.

tags: @snowlandsontopp @babyzzlove @hlstead @rosewine-5 @unicornqueen05 @thegabbyh @neeville @fastlikealambo @urfavesimto keep your spot on the tag list, you are expected to interact!

She cursed the day she was born. She'd spit on the birth certificate and burn it in the coal-infused fireplace if it meant her existence was a mere wrinkle in time. If the conception of her very being had been unsuccessful, she would have been saved. Saved from the monster that bore the name Coriolanus Snow.

He was just that indeed. A man with the nature of Zeus--arrogant and proud. Expectant of his subjects to adhere to his every command. To fall at his feet like peasants and utter his praises with each breath he took. Like Medusa, his eyes were cold and struck fear in the souls of those who were brave enough to look into them. She never looked in his eyes. They were a beautiful shade of blue, yes, but they were deadly. Stone-cold and deadly.

From their childhood, they were destined to marry. A North magnent and a South magnent forced to attract though they were born to repel.

Her husband was a mean man. How had she been stuck with him, she wondered. Why did the stars have to align the way they did. She carried the name of a monster and laid next to a man she feared. Surely, that was never how marriage was intended to be. It was to be loving, honorable. She was supposed to be adored by her husband as she supported him in his endeavors. What did she get though?

A man who trudged home during the early hours of the morning, clothed in anger and misery, an aroma of scotch and lingering cologne following him with every step he took.

Even still, as time went on, she found ways to love him. He had his moments where she had hope. When he made her soup when she fell ill, how he had a tulip garden put on the roof because he knew they were her favorite flowers. They were rare moments, but she found ways to cherish them.

Illia was afraid to speak as his heavy footsteps echoed throughout the bedroom. His features were frozen in place; furrowed eyesbrows, a deep frown, and a clenched jaw. A walking manifestation of bitterness.

Her eyes were stuck on his swift movements as he floateda around the like a moth. His chest was exposed, as he unfastened the buttons on his short journey up the stairs and to their bedroom. Lean and strong. He tossed his crimson coat on the ottoman on the farthest side of the room. She winced. That was a gift she had made for him.

The sigh he released was heavy. He uttered words beneath his breath as he continued to pace around the room, searching. For what? She did not know.

"You're staring." His voice was low. Icy. Illia jumped and dropped her eyes. "What are you thinking about?"

How you don't come home. Why don't you touch me like you care for me? Will you ever learn to love me? "Where were you, Coriolanus?" Hardly a second passed before flames rose in his eyes. Who knew a simple question could turn a cub into a preying lion an instant.

However, her husband had a keen sense of self control. So rather than yelling like she assumed he would, he instructed her to stand in front of him. "Come here." Her legs carried her to him. They were close in height so her eyes were almost adjacent to his. Their lips, so close, that she could feel the ghost of them.

Slowly, Coriolanus dragged a hand from her bare thigh, up her stomach that was covered by a lace slip, to her breasts which he gave a tight squeeze. It finally landed around her neck. Coriolanus hummed and cocked his head to the side. Illia's breathing was heavy, her lips were parted, and her eyes fluttered closed.

Until he tightened his grip. She gasped in horror. Coriolanus ignored her fingers scratching as his hand as he brought his lips to her hear. "You don't question me, do you understand? I come home when I come home. All that matters is that you are here when I arrive. Do I make myself clear?"

The fear in her eyes would make any man retract and beg for her forgiveness. He was not any man. Illia let out a strained yes, tears welling in her eyes.

It was not enough. "Yes, what?"

She coughed. "Yes, Mr. Snow." He released her from his grip and watched as she fell toward the floor in agony. She crawled away from him in fear. He stared at her with those icy eyes, emotionless and bare. Her husband, he was indeed. The monstor who bore the name Coriolanus Snow.

[love-and-deepspace-fanfic]

IN THE NAME OF THE FORGOTTEN

Finally! I have finished this little story for our little fishie's newest card, "Floral Promise," and have decided to take part in the Contest in honor of his first kiss as well.

So I would very much appreciate it if you could give some support to help celebrate this precious kiss together!

Now is the time for some #delulus!

What's going on in Rafayel's mind during his "first" kiss?

IN THE NAME OF THE FORGOTTEN

"Every name holds an invisible thread, binding souls together. Just as I, the moment you called my name, was forever held within your grasp.”

**************************************

I had envisioned today to be a mere excursion into nature's embrace, yet from the moment of our departure to our return, I was enveloped in a symphony of joy alongside you, and even delved into the secrets I long concealed.

Hmmm, where to begin? Perhaps from our journey itself.

The instant my gaze met yours as you sparkled at a couple gifting each other flowers along the way, an irresistible urge to replicate their gesture seized me. But flowers are best admired upon arrival, so my resourceful mind concocted a plan – sketching a flower for you. Much did I long for you to recognize the hidden significance it would hold, for the flower I depicted was the very one I yearned for you to behold today (Fortunate indeed that I carry my pen wherever I roam!).

Yet, what did you say in response? You questioned my sincerity? Could you fathom the depths of my contemplation, seeking the perfect means to convey my heartfelt intentions? For to me, gifting mere flowers felt far too commonplace.

Before I could unveil my grand surprise, you surprised me even further. In a moment of tenderness, you clasped my hand, drawing it closer. Your warm fingers holding the pen you took from me traced the contours of mine, gently caressing my skin, sending shivers of delight down my spine. You lowered your head, your silken tresses cascading over your exquisite visage, leaving a few strands to dance playfully in the breeze. Little did you know, I yearned to embrace you then, but sensing your focused concentration, I restrained my impulse. To interrupt would not only earn me a reprimand, but also deprive me of witnessing the masterpiece you were crafting for me. Indeed, such a blunder would have resulted in a loss on both fronts!

When you finally completed your 'opus' and beamed at me, I eagerly awaited the opportunity to praise your creation. But allow me to inquire...

...what exactly did you sketch?

I am no adept at deception, and upon meeting your expectant gaze, I found myself at a loss for words. 

Could the object you had drawn be... a pot? Round with a handle, it bore some resemblance, I suppose. Yet, when I tentatively sought confirmation, you remained evasive, attributing it to your artistic shortcomings.

Who dares to label your artistry as flawed? Not even I!

But your mischievous habit of withholding information has caused me much distress. For the entire drive, I could think of nothing but the mysterious pot you had bestowed upon me.

Arghhhh! You truly know how to torment me, for even now, despite your explanation, its identity remains elusive!

The phrase 'is it a pot?' echoed incessantly within my mind until we reached our destination. I decided to set aside the enigma for the moment and focus on guiding you through the garden's splendor.

The scenery remained as picturesque as I recalled, perhaps even more vibrant, and with your presence, the surroundings exuded an intoxicating charm.

Dreamy lavender, radiant sunshine yellow, pristine white, lush green – all the colors converging within the garden could not rival the crimson glow adorning your radiant cheeks.

So, this is the essence of 'falling for someone in the midst of a scene.'

Witnessing your blissful smile rendered my every effort worthwhile...

As we savored the fragrance of countless blossoms swaying gently in the breeze, my attention was captured by the iridescent aura emanating from the delicate wings of a flitting butterfly. Upon observing the spectrum of colors shimmering amidst its transparent wings as it alighted upon the very flower I desired you to admire, I couldn't contain my fascination and leaned in for a closer look. The moment the magical hues blended seamlessly, I couldn't help but exclaim at the wonders of nature's artistry.

Sight reveals, but it is the heart that truly perceives. And thanks to you, this entire panorama transcended the mundane hues of the past.

Lost in my reverie, I was unaware of my prolonged distraction until I captured your inquisitive gaze.

As our eyes met, did you realize that yours are the convergence point of 300 million colors?

Behold, you claim to envy my ability to perceive a multitude of shades, yet fail to recognize your own power to illuminate those very hues. At least, in my eyes.

If your eyes cannot discern the 300 million colors, allow me to discern them on your behalf and assist you in expressing them. All you need do is gaze upon me.

Engrossed in admiring the flowers and you, I recalled a task I had pending. And while contemplating its execution, a revelation struck me – why not entrust it to you?

An ingenious idea indeed! For you have already christened my paintings, so naming a flower could hardly be a more daunting feat, could it?

Yet, you initially resisted, claiming the responsibility was too grand. Do you comprehend the sheer effort it takes to name every single existence? In that spectrum of 300 million colors, only the one that stirs my soul is bestowed with a name, much like you, a fiery crimson that embodies the nature of the heart within my chest.

Ah, this notion arrived at an opportune moment, for it would not only solidify my sincerity but also hold profound significance.

For a name is an intrinsic part of every being. Each name serves as a unique identifier for an individual. Even identical entities are distinguished by their names. Just as the flower I rescued is, without a name, merely a temporary replica of an extinct bloom. How utterly tragic to be a distinct entity condemned to the fate of a mere substitute.

Therefore, if it be within your power, I implore you to bestow upon it a name, liberating it from isolation, loneliness, and the ostracization it endures for being unable to embrace its true identity.

Much like myself and the bond I forged with you.

For years, I have not heard you utter my name, for it is the essence of who I am, and thus, the very bond we share seemed veiled in dust. Yet, during our game of color guessing, and as I reminded you of the importance of names, you began to truly acknowledge mine.

You gradually began to speak my name, for it represents me and only me. And in these past few days, you have even issued commands to me unconsciously.

Silly girl! You are becoming accustomed to giving me orders, aren't you? But how can I blame you, when I yearn for you to speak my name?

And in that very instant, the moment you questioned whether a name could be a prison, binding the one it identifies, I couldn't help but urge you to try. Speak my name, for you will witness the mark of our connection, a testament to the vow I eternally make to you.

And as you whispered my name, a revelation dawned upon me – the answer I seek has always resided within you, waiting to be discovered.

For countless times have I been plagued by remorse, burdened by a myriad of questions swirling within me about you, none yielding a satisfactory answer because it did not originate from you, the one from whom I longed to hear it.

Therefore, I have resolved that until my very last moment, I will seek you out to find all the answers I need, the most significant question being...does your heart hold a place for me?

And now, as the sigil etched upon my chest merges with the rhythm of your beating heart, I am undeniably certain of your answer. I have always belonged to you, and so, I beseech you, belong only to me.

Actions speak louder than words. A kiss conveys a multitude of emotions.

And this single mark, a symbol of my unwavering desire – that I, willingly, surrender to your hold.

*************************

I had presumed our happiness would culminate in that passionate kiss, but you truly are a master of surprises.

The very moment you inquired whether you might ever forget me, my heart skipped a beat.

Have you...recalled something?

But upon witnessing your wide-eyed innocence, I realized you had merely blurted out the question inadvertently.

How many times have you left me bewildered? Yet, this time...it feels different...

Much like the sigil that only appears when it detects sincerity in your words.

I shall not divulge the mechanics of the sigil's operation!

But...wait a minute...you...what do you mean by 'meow'?

Haizzz...

Truly...

You are my darling, whimsical enigma. Though oblivious to the specifics, you possess the key. I foresee a future filled with your playful torments.

But what recourse do I have? For whatever you command, I vow to fulfill it with every fiber of my being, my beloved bride.

Therefore, it is your turn to answer my lingering query...

What, precisely, is that strange fishie you claim is not a pot?

[the-switch-conspiracy]

SVSSS AU Post Canon Time Loop. Warning: people dying a lot and gore.

~(O-O)~

One, two. The first times came as a surprise. Between a breath and the next; dropped tea cups shattering. Their shocked eyes meeting, barely widening enough to expose blood shot whites, before the rippling wet sound of metal into viscera filled the stilling air. Like flowers, red bloomed on green, on white, soaked through black. They were but puppets falling from cut strings, their glass eyes staring accusingly at the coming dawn. Three, four. A little faster, a little more refined in our response. The first bodies to fall crushing the delicate stalks of grass beneath them, were not their own. Their attackers staining the visage with their rot. An ever growing expansion with no end in sight. A shining sword glare pierces through bone. Movement to his left, his companion falling lit my the gentle morning glow, before a blinding pain to his eye. Then black. Five, Six. Curls blowing in the wind as demonic Qi rose, several demons cut down. Zheng Yang singing as it dispatched three, four attackers in a row. The edge of the blade shining red in the harsh midday light, his robes twirling around his body with each nimble twist. He turns his back towards the sight, hope forming in his heart. An arrow shot towards his eye blocked, a sword glare cast, slicing head from body. In an instant comes a familiar sound, his husband's voice releasing a death knell of a gasp. Before him; a white lotus painted red, the delicate mist raining from a still beating heart. Twelve, Thirteen. It all started a few day’s earlier, at the reminder of a certain upcoming plot point. The mating migration of the Silk-Winged Butterfly-Hawk, a once in a century event wherein the said birds left the hidden realm the predominately resided in to dance above the great Eastern Lotus Lakes.

- He dodges a strike to his side, his back hitting his husband’s. One by one they slaughter those circling them. A hand seal summoning a thousand lotus petals to rip through flesh, peppering strangely corroding skin. The moons soft glow beamed down on them, their hands slickening with heat and silver reflecting blood-

A hint to his husband later and they were packed and ready for their trip. Sure they could have had Mobei-Jun teleport them there, but it was about the journey AND the Silver-Winged Butterfly-Hawk mating migration destination! It was to be a leisurely bit of travel, he and his husband, stopping just a few times along the way. So imagine his surprise when he came across his favourite Shidi just two days into their trip!

- The beats of thousands of wings taking off, hundreds of birds scattering to the sky. Brilliant white robes flaring against the waters' glare. Cheng Luan glowing silver, fuelled by it’s user’s potent spiritual energy struck out in a shining ripple. His strikes flow like a wave, his form strong and ceaseless under the barrage that assailed him. The War God and his Soaring Phoenix -

His dedicated Shidi had been travelling in the area as part of a mission for the sect. There had been sightings of strange phenomena, and stranger creatures appearing in the area surrounding the Lotus Lakes. While Liu Shidi hadn’t seen anything of the sort himself, he was concerned about their safety. Or well specifically his Shixiong’s, although Shen Qingqiu did have a plan to change that. Well, the outline of a plan, more of a partial kind of well… it was a work in progress! So, this information was perfect! If there was indeed issues in the area it would be remiss of Shen Qingqiu to not survey the area himself as an immortal cultivator, and he couldn’t just leave Binghe, plus his Shidi was already on it so joining them would be no problem! Perfect.

-Liu Qingge parry's a strike, his sword burying itself to the hilt. The wound festers red and black around the blade, the skin pulsating as it seemingly climbed up its’ surface. Trying to tug the blade free was fruitless, as if it was being consumed by the deforming mass beneath him. He swings both the blade and the body stuck to it to block the blow from his front. He can't block the blow that impales his side, nor could he stop the blow to his throat. Thrown from his feet he lands in the lake, sinking beneath the silver water. Bubbles form as his body thrashes in his death throes. White stained red, petals crushed beneath his submerging form. The stain spreads; the bubbles stop.-

It’s fun travelling with them both, yes his husband and Liu Qingge fight like cats and dogs, but on Binghe’s side he practically playing! It’s enrichment!

“Shen Qingqiu, control your husband!” The red flush spreading across his Shidi’s face was rather fetching, he could see why his husband liked causing it… and well, it’s not bullying if his Shidi likes it. The satisfaction points speak for themselves! Though admittedly they are much, much higher when he’s the one teasing his Shidi, a gain however is a gain!

“Liu Shishu just can’t handle losing to this one, maybe Shizun should kiss his wounds as a consolation prize~” A teasing sneer spreads across Binghe’s face as he gloats, a sneaky little glance towards this husband follows. Ah Binghe, you’re coming across too strong! We talked about this, be more gentle! Treat him like a skittish cat!

“Ah Shidi, Binghe’s only teasing.” He raises his fan to cover his face, coyly glancing at his Shidi from behind it, “After all, I’ll only kiss your wounds if you win.”

“Y-You- Shameless!” Yes, he did so love the time they spend together.

-Time after time, one after the other, the grief never fades. The deaths will haunt his mind forever, a permanent scar across his psyche. Will he ever be able to close his eyes without seeing Qingge cut down? His husband gasping for air? His own limbs severed? Yet the hoard encroaches. A never ending onslaught.

"Husband! Behi-" Pain tearing through his spine, an arc of gore glowing in the moonshine. Red blood, black blood. It doesn’t end.

3̵̨̲̰͉̤͓͓̜̯͉͈̕̕͜͜0̶̧̛̝̭͈̤͕͇͙̩̠%̷̞̦̈́̄͆̓̕ Thirty four, Thirty FiVe. His lungs were screaming. Every block, and lunge, and slash, and parry exhausting him to the bone. All he could taste was rust and ash, Qingge fell silently a breath, an incense stick, a shi chen, ago. His body a shield again this master's blunder. He can barely lift his sword, his meridians felt almost burnt from the power cloying the air. A sickeningly wet squelch, Binghe's roar faltering to a whimper as his body hits the rocks. Another demon down, or a cultivator? Bodies falling, falling. He can’t, he can’t. Two red moons fill the sky, water fills his lungs. [User seems to be struggling with this Mission! >_< Poor showing from host! Well User can always retry!! 500 B-points!] [Y/N] [Y]

6̶̠͠0̵͇̐%̶̆͜

FiFty SeveN. He's drowning in blood. Was it Binghe's arm he was holding? It must be, Shidi was dragging him. Somewhere. Hmmm, the shouting is getting closer, and Qingge's breaths sounded quite wet! Ah! He's coughing! Well better out than in, Shidi, ah it's... Dripping. Here, Shixiong will wipe it away... Why... Tears? Ah Shidi looks so!! So!!! If this master wasn't married! Ah Wait we...Well maybe Binghe will... Here Shidi hold on to Binghe for this one a moment. Why are you giving me that look? Ah you're crushing me! For someone so lithe looking you're really quite heavy! Ah, it's quite- Shidi... Liu shidi.. you... Please keep coughing please you're too quiet. Please I can’t... It's tOo quiEt it’s toO [User seems to be running low on B-points. User has 427 B-points remaining! Luckily User 0002 can use his VIP to reduce the cost to 400 B-points for the next attempt!!] [Y/N] [Y] FIFTY EIGHT. Not just demons, not just cultivators. No, of course not. It was him. His fault. Who else could it be? Only he had the power, only he had the will. Only he had the golden finger, the halo, the fucking audacity! But there was something wrong. Glowing red eyes, skin twitching, shifting, like textures not loading in. His voice crackling, modulated.

"Ah S̸͕̑ḫ̴̅ĭ̶̟z̶̡̏u̵͇͂n̵͓͝~ you thought that s̸͍͠e̴͋ͅà̸̗l̵̰͠i̷͓͝n̵͎͑g̵̜̉ this world from me would be so simple? There is nowhere you could run, no world you could jump to, that I would be u̵͚͊n̷̜͆ä̶̢́b̸̞̊ḻ̷͌ě̷̤ to follow. So please, just submit, this Junshang will treat you well."

“go… fuck… yourself..” Spitting words like spitting blood, the ringing of bells…. No… sirens blaring in the skies.

The monster’s ribs cracked and spasms, a twisted knot of glossy black bone and gently pulsating red wires. An artificial monstrosity. What had he done to himself, to gain access to this world? Qingge sprawled in a heap, a black puddle spreading beneath him, Xin Mo sheathed like a grave marker in his back. His husband split throat to navel, his body failing to knit itself back together, strangled gurgles bubbling in his throat. A hoard of demons, no… cultivators? They surround him in twitching, glitching, grinning masses. Their distorted faces all corrupted copies of his own. This time its his own blade that takes his life. The howling, glitching screams of rage following him into the dark.

“Y̷̯͛o̸͇͆ǔ̷ͅ'̴̗̐l̵̦̓l̷͍͠ ̵̜̂b̷͙́e̷̟̊ ̴̱͆m̵͚̈́í̵̲ǹ̷̻e̵̛͚ S̷̝͠h̴̭̔e̵̺͝n̶̆͜ ̵̳̏Ỳ̴̻ü̷͇a̷̤̔n̴͈̅!̴̼̐”

7̸̝̓3̷̬́%̵̧͊ [User 0002 is out of B-Points! It appears you have failed! (>U-U)> But! This generous system is willing to offer User 0002 a super! limited! one! time! offer if User is willing!] [Y/N] [Why]

7̵̙̑8̵̰͗%̸̯̈

[Because User 0002 transformed a stupid work into a magnificent, high quality, first-rate classic! It would be a shame for so much work to be unmade due to… external meddling!] [And the cost] [^-^ Will User 0002 not pay any price? This SYSTEM is offering User the chance to escape this fate! Protagonist Luo and Second Male Lead Liu will be alive! The best ending could be in your grasp!! After all “You can you up, no can no bb!” ] [Y/N]

8̷͙͊1̴͉̈%̴̘́

[Y]

8̸̘̊5̷̣̐%̷̟̆

[User 0002 has made the right choice! This SYSTEM can’t wait to work closely with User Shen! <(^3^)>] {Loading World State: 10….........33..............68.............99.........100%} {Creating Mind Space 100%. Building Temporal Archives 100%. Allocating User Permission. . . Complete}

{Clearing WORLD CORRUPTION FILE DATA: E̸̹̋Ṟ̵̅R̵͉͊O̵̳͘R̵̭̿} {Activating ARCHIVIST Protocol...}

F̷̥̀ï̸̮l̸̘̋ḙ̵́ ̶̘͊R̶̲͘e̵̯̋c̸͈̅a̸̡̍ĺ̶̤l̷̪͂ ̴̧̀C̷̤̑ȏ̵͇r̶͎͋ȑ̷͎u̵̳̔p̷̧͑t̵̤͝e̸̡͛d̸̨̽

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[xomakara]

Warrior of My Heart

SUMMARY |  You returned home after a successful journey with your knight Jaehyun. Your brother, the king, wants you to start marrying and you knew there was one person that you wanted. PAIRINGS | Jaehyun/Fem!Reader GENRE |  non-idol au, knight!jaehyun, fantasy au, smut, unprotected sex, fingering, oral sex, fluff towards the end RATING |  Mature LENGTH |  6,412 words AUTHOR’S NOTE |  I was originally writing this with a whole story in mind with like an assassination attempt or a battle or something. But apparently it didn't turn out that way lolol. I don't even know if this has a storyline haha. Anyhow, I hope it's still okay!

You sat atop your horse, holding your sword in hand and looked at the road ahead that led to the capital city and the place you called home. Neo City was a bustling city filled with wonder and hope. You looked at Jaehyun, your bodyguard and the knight-commander of the White Lotus Order, and gave him a happy smile.

"Home, sweet home." You exclaimed. "The journey has been a long one for us. I'm ready to sleep for the next month."

"Indeed, Princess." Jaehyun smiled at you. "I'm sure the knights are long over due for rest."

Jaehyun let out a chuckle and then started to lead your horse towards the city gates, taking off his helm and placing it on your horse's saddle.

"So what shall we do once we get there?" He asked you, making you blush lightly. You were so used to going to bed alone now, that being in a relationship seemed almost impossible for you to handle. Your eyes traveled up and down his body and all you could think about is how much you wanted to feel his body pressed against yours. It had been too long since you last felt his touch on your skin and seeing him here, made you wonder if he ever thought about you as well. If he had moved on. You quickly shook those thoughts away and stood up straight, your armor settling around your frame as you tighten your grip on your sword.

"There is something I have always wanted to do but never had the time for." You said quietly. "When we get to the palace I will need you to help me."

"Of course Princess." Jaehyun answered, bowing before giving you a respectful nod. "Anything you ask."

You walked through the gates of the city in awe. Neo City was a thriving place with a large economy and political influence within the nation. The streets were lined with people running from all directions and you got lost in their jumble. Once they finally cleared you found yourself standing outside the main gates of the palace where your brother, King Taeyong, resided. Your jaw dropped at the sight of the majestic building and stepped forward towards it.

Once you stepped through the gate, the city grew silent as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. You smiled at the people around you and headed straight towards the palace. The guards opened the doors to the main hall and allowed you to pass without question. All the servants and the cooks stopped what they were doing and bowed to you. You smiled politely and then proceeded to head towards the throne room, passing by all the chambers until you reached your destination. As you entered the room you immediately noticed Taeyong sitting upon the throne, drinking a cup of tea while reading some reports. When he saw you enter, he set down the documents and gave you a bright smile.

"My sister! You're back!" He greeted, rising from his seat. "Come give your brother a hug."

You rushed into his arms and he embraced you tightly, lifting you off the ground in his embrace. His strong arms wrapped around your waist as you hugged him tight, not wanting to let go of him. After several moments of just hugging each other, you let go of him, still keeping a firm grasp on his shirt as you looked into his face.

"How was your journey?" He asked you curiously, giving you a puzzled look. "Did you finally find a lover? Or broke some hearts along your travels?"

You laughed lightly at his question and ran your fingers through your hair.

"Maybe." You replied with a smirk. "But I am tired and want to get some sleep. How is mother?"

"She's fine." He answered. "You know her love is pure. She never leaves my side even when she's at work. But if you really must know, I heard she wasn't feeling well earlier today. That's why we didn't see you coming back."

He chuckled as you let out an annoyed sigh.

"Oh… Well I should probably check on her then." You told him with a small laugh.

"By all means my dear sister." Taeyong told you kindly, bowing to you before getting up from his chair and heading towards the door. "You go check on Mother and I'll call you when lunch is ready."

With a nod, you went to leave the room but stopped halfway to hear Taeyong tell you to come closer. You leaned in close to his ear, hearing the sound of the papers under his desk shifting as he leaned in as well.

"If you ever do end up having sex, don't forget to use protection." He whispered, chuckling at your look of confusion. "I know I'm only your older brother and that you probably think of me as an idiot most of the time, but I don't like to see my little sister get hurt."

You raised an eyebrow at him.

"Why would I be having sex?" You asked innocently, causing him to burst out laughing.

"Well…" He managed to say between laughs. "You are my little sister after all and… We are royalty. Who knows who might want to take advantage of your status?"

You gave him a light shove to stop his laughter and looked away. He's right, though. Being royalty, there was bound to be someone that would try and exploit your position and power for their own gain. In fact, one such person tried just that just two years ago. Thankfully you managed to stop them in time but it was also because of your efforts that the man ended up losing his life and eventually became the reason you decided to become the leader of the White Lotus order. But thinking about that story put a dark shadow on your mind and you turned your attention back to your brother.

"Taeyong." You whispered softly. "Do you think I'll ever get married and have children?"

He gave you a thoughtful look before answering. "I don't know, sis. It depends on the person you end up with and whether or not you both feel comfortable with the idea of marriage."

He sighed and then placed a gentle kiss on your forehead.

"I just hope you'll be happy." He told you gently. "And I wish you'd hurry up and find a lover so you can stop moping around."

You gave him a playful punch to the shoulder and stepped back.

"A lover huh? Who do you suggest I should choose?" You asked, looking him dead in the eye. "One of our knights?"

"Hey!" Taeyong laughed at your suggestion. "Don't tempt me! They might not seem very nice at first glance but deep down they are loyal and honorable men."

You rolled your eyes and shrugged.

"Whatever you say, my king brother." You told him with a smile. "Besides, I doubt any of them are single. I bet they are all happily dating someone right now."

Taeyong shrugged and smiled fondly at you.

"I guess that is true. But don't worry, there are plenty more handsome young men that would gladly accept you into their lives."

You giggled at his comment and then grabbed his arm, tugging him toward the exit of the room.

"C'mon. Let's go see Mother." You urged him, stepping past him and heading out of the main hall.

"Yes, yes." He agreed, following behind you with a small grin on his face. "Let's go see Mother."

It was 3 days later and the entire kingdom was celebrating your arrival back to the palace. There were decorations lining the halls and dozens of servants hurried about to prepare for the celebration. Your brother was busy trying to make plans to invite all the nobles and members of the government to attend the grand feast that was planned to be held tomorrow. Everyone in the castle seemed cheerful and eager to celebrate the reunion of the royal family and you couldn't help but smile brightly at the sound of their voices.

In the courtyard, hundreds of servants worked diligently preparing the meals and preparing them for delivery to different parts of the palace. Inside the gardens, knights were gathered near the edge of the lake cleaning and repairing their weapons. Looking around, you spotted young ladies wearing colorful dresses waiting in line to speak to Jaehyun, the Knight-Commander, hoping to catch his eye.

Your brother stopped talking to a couple of soldiers near the gate and looked around, spotting you nearby. He raised an eyebrow at you and pointed at you, motioning for you to join him.

Walking up to him, you tilted your head at him curiously and waited for him to continue.

"We're inviting the Knights to participate in the feast as well." He told you. "I figure we should show them our appreciation for helping save Neo City while you and the White Lotus Order were out on your journey."

You nodded in understanding.

"Yeah, that's a good idea." You replied with a slight nod. "I bet they would enjoy attending the feast as well."

"And maybeeeee, we'll find you a husband." Taeyong let out a laugh. "If that happens, I promise I won't tease you anymore."

He sighed as you let out a giggle and turned around to head back inside the palace.

As you passed by the garden, you noticed that many women were beginning to approach the knight commander and talk to him. Their smiles were wide and their eyes filled with excitement. Some women wore beautifully embroidered clothing and others were dressed in simple dresses, yet no matter what they wore, their beauty shone through their attire.

And just watching them talk excitedly with him made you feel a little jealous.

You've slept together multiple times during your journey. The times where you were lonely, the occasional drunk nights, or even that one time where you suffered a shoulder injury from an arrow and you had a fever.

You thought that there was something developing between you two. Or was it all one-sided on your end? And now that you were back in Neo City, Jaehyun didn't even bother showing any interest in you…

No, this isn't fair. You shook your head and frowned, feeling a bit depressed as you began walking again. Just then, you felt a hand grabbing your arm and stopping you in your tracks.

"So, the Princess General and the Knight-Commander, huh?" Taeyong muttered as he caught up with you. "Who would have thought?"

Looking at him, you could see he was clearly concerned about your current mood.

"What do you mean?" You asked with a frown.

"When you stopped I was going to ask you if everything was alright but now I wonder." He answered with a chuckle. "Are you alright, my dear sister?"

Your frown intensified and you shook your head slowly, trying to calm down your growing anger.

"He doesn't even care about me, does he?" You asked Taeyong angrily. "Not after we spent two whole years traveling around together, constantly risking our lives for each other, yet as soon as we arrived back home, it's as if nothing happened between us."

You paused and let out a frustrated sigh.

"It feels like he barely acknowledges me anymore and I'm starting to get really mad about it." You explained in a quiet voice. "It's not fair. He always used to make me laugh and joke around but now all he does is ignore me. It makes me even more mad since he's my bodyguard and the knight-commander."

"I see." Taeyong murmured, glancing over at the young women approaching Jaehyun. "I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to hit him in the face, just so you can prove to yourself that he does care about you."

Your eyes widened and you started laughing bitterly.

"Oh yeah, punching him will definitely solve all my problems." You said sarcastically. "Do you really believe that hitting him would somehow magically fix things between us?"

"Well, you said it yourself. He doesn't care about you. So maybe if you show him that you don't care either, he'll finally notice how much he missed you." Taeyong said quietly.

"How can you be so optimistic?" You asked, rolling your eyes. "Aren't you worried that I'll just break his nose or something instead?"

He chuckled and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder.

"My lovely sister, I assure you that there's nothing wrong with hitting him. If anything, it will only bring you closer together." He said with a soft smile. "Now, come. Let's get dinner ready."

At his words, you looked down at the ground and gave him a reluctant nod. He's right. You sighed and followed him into the palace, feeling your temper slowly dying down with every step. At least he seems to be right, after all.

The next day, everyone in the city celebrated your return and preparations were underway for the banquet being prepared in your honor. By early afternoon, the entire city was covered in clouds of dust as numerous carts were being pulled through the streets carrying food and drink items for the upcoming feast.

In front of the palace, a large tent had been set up and several caterers were already busy setting the tables and arranging the dishes. As you walked into the courtyard, several of the young girls you saw yesterday were standing near the entrance, waiting for a chance to speak to Jaehyun.

Most of them were dressed in pretty clothes adorned with sparkling jewels. They all seemed nervous and kept staring at the tent entrance nervously. You took a seat near the table and watched them wait for a few minutes before Taeyong joined you and stood beside you.

"All these beautiful ladies are competing to win the heart of our noble Knight Commander." He informed you with a proud smile. "And according to rumors, they are all vying for his attention."

"It seems so." You nodded, grinning as you watched the women walk by, one after another. "They're really trying hard."

A servant approached you with a tray full of drinks and handed you a glass of water. You thanked her and then watched as the girls continued to approach Jaehyun. They tried to talk to him politely and tried to make him laugh with silly jokes, but as soon as he didn't respond, most of them quickly retreated, disappointed.

"I swear, he has the best poker face in the world." You remarked with a laugh, sipping at your water. "All these girls came here believing that he'll instantly fall for them and he never breaks character. How he keeps doing it amazes me."

After watching them for a few more moments, you heard footsteps coming your way and turned to see the Knight Commander approaching.

Jaehyun's eyes scanned over the crowd and eventually rested on you. He gave his greetings to Taeyong before coming to face you.

"There you are, Princess." He greeted, smiling at you. "I was looking for you."

A warm smile lit up your face and you couldn't help but nod as he spoke.

"Oh really?" You asked. "I wasn't planning on spending the entire afternoon watching these girls trying to get your attention though."

Jaehyun chuckled softly as he glanced over the girls who still lingered around him, searching for his approval.

"Don't worry about them." He reassured you. "They will leave once they realize I'm not interested."

“Really now?” You chuckled as well and turned away, resting your chin in your palm. “Who wouldn’t want the attention of the Knight-Commander?”

“Don’t tell me you’re jealous?” Jaehyun teasingly asked.

“Why would I be jealous? It’s not like you have feelings for me.” You muttered.

"Oh? Didn't the princess forget that I like her?" Jaehyun sounded surprised when you glanced back at him and his eyes narrowed in confusion. "Did you forget those restless nights by the fire? Those nights where our limbs were tangled together?"

His gaze softened and you blushed lightly as his fingers reached up to gently stroke your cheek. His touch sent tingles across your skin and your stomach fluttered with excitement.

"I didn't forget." You whispered softly, unable to stop your lips from curving upward into a tiny smile.

You suddenly realized that Jaehyun's smile had changed as well and his eyes were shining as he stared down at you. It made your cheeks grow warm and your heart begin to beat faster.

"I was just wondering…" You hesitated slightly, biting your lower lip as you looked at him. "Do you remember that night by the fire when you helped me take care of my shoulder wound? When you wrapped your arms around me and stayed with me until morning?"

Jaehyun blinked and a wide grin spread across his face as he glanced down at you.

"Princess, I remember everything about that night." He breathed huskily, reaching out to caress your cheek with the tips of his fingers. "But I didn't think that you remembered it either."

You smiled at him shyly as he leaned forward, his mouth just inches from yours. Your breath caught in your throat as he brushed his lips against yours, sending shivers down your spine.

Then he pressed his forehead against yours and whispered in your ear.

"I've never forgotten about that night either, Princess."

You bit your bottom lip as his words slowly sank in. A dull ache was slowly building within you as your heart raced. With a shaky breath, you closed your eyes and nodded slightly.

"You know, this reminds me of that day we found ourselves trapped in the dungeons together." You admitted quietly, bringing your free hand up to cover his. "We were surrounded by darkness and death. There was only one light and that was you."

"That's when I knew that I'd spend the rest of my life protecting you." He whispered in your ear.

"I'd hate to ruin your love fest, sister," a voice called out next to you. You looked at Taeyong, a smirk on his face. "But did you and the knight-commander forget that we are in public?"

With a groan, Jaehyun stepped back and placed a hand on your shoulders. He glanced over your shoulder and you could see the rest of the girls still lingering around, talking quietly amongst themselves.

"Yeah, sorry." He mumbled sheepishly. "I guess I got carried away."

He bowed to Taeyong and the servant, leaving you alone with your older brother. Taeyong eyed you suspiciously, a mischievous grin on his face.

"So?" He asked slyly. "Do I hear wedding bells?"

"Taeyong!" You gasped, narrowing your eyes at him.

He laughed and reached out to ruffle your hair playfully.

"Sis, I know you love Jaehyun." He said seriously. "You two belong together. He's practically shown that he loves you in front of all the nobles and servants."

You opened your mouth to protest, but Taeyong raised a finger and silenced you with a look.

"Just think about it, okay?" He told you with a wink. "If he asked you to marry him tomorrow, would you say yes?"

You paused and thought about what Taeyong said. What would you do if Jaehyun asked you to marry him tomorrow? Would you accept his proposal? The answer was clear: Of course you would!

As you thought about your future husband, a soft sigh escaped your lips and your eyes slowly closed. You rested your head on your hand as Taeyong and Jaehyun started chatting casually while taking their seats.

After some time passed, you noticed that the young women you saw earlier were gone. You sighed softly and leaned back in your chair, relaxing slightly.

Despite all the festivities, your mind kept wandering back to your relationship with Jaehyun.

You loved him. More than anything else in the world, you loved him. And deep down inside, you were sure that he felt the same way about you. After all, they were soul mates. Two halves of the same whole. And you were confident that he was the only person you would ever want to share your life with.

Everything seemed perfect.

Why should you even bother to try and find someone else? It was almost as if fate was telling you that you were meant to be together forever.

As you watched the people dancing in the ballroom below, you smiled as you thought about the first time you met Jaehyun.

It was an exciting day, filled with uncertainty and joy. But no matter what happened, no matter how the day ended, you always believed that everything would turn out alright.

Yes, today is going to be a good day. And every day after that. Because your life is already complete.

Even if he won't admit it, Jaehyun loves you. And you love him.

You always knew that one day you'd have to choose between love and duty, but now… Now, it's too late to make such a choice. You can't separate your heart from your duty any longer. Not anymore.

With a small smile, you turned away from the window and faced the palace wall.

"Jaehyun." You whispered softly, letting your lips curl upwards into a small smile. "Tonight… Tonight, I'm finally going to tell you how I feel."

"Princess Y/N?"

Your name sounded out from behind you and you slowly turned around to see Jaehyun giving you a soft smile.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice laced with concern. "What happened? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine." You assured him, walking over to him and giving him a small hug.

"Good." He nodded with a smile. "That's good to hear."

After a few moments of silence you pulled away from him and smiled at him.

"I want to thank you for being here for me, Jaehyun." You told him, reaching up and brushing a strand of hair from his face. "It means a lot to me."

"No problem." He told you with a nod. "You've always been there for me whenever I needed someone. It's only fair that I return the favor."

You smiled softly at him.

"I'm glad you're here, Jaehyun." You said softly. "This is… Kind of lonely being alone again."

"You don't have to be alone." He said with a comforting smile. "You've got me here with you."

His words made you relax and your eyes trailed down to his lips. You remembered how amazing it felt when he kissed you and how perfect he tasted. You missed kissing him. Not only did you miss kissing him but you also missed cuddling up to him. Before you knew it, your lips were on his and your arms wound around his neck. A gasp left your mouth as you leaned in, letting your lips part slightly as you opened your mouth for him. With a moan you slid your tongue across his bottom lip and met his tongue with your own. Slowly you started to pull away from him, kissing his jawline and down his neck, enjoying the sweet scent of his sweat mixed with his natural smell.

"Princess…" He breathed heavily, pulling you into another long kiss.

"Come." You grabbed his hand and led him to your bed chamber. Once inside you shut the door behind you and pressed your back against it.

"Do you remember the night you saved me?" You asked, tracing the shape of his mouth with your finger. "The night of that bandit attack where I almost lost my life?"

Jaehyun's hands came up to cup your cheeks and he stared at you with a heated expression.

"I'll never forget it." He promised you with a growl. "I'll never forget the way you screamed my name and the way you fought off those bandits. You were such a brave girl and I was proud of you."

"Some Princess General I was, getting caught by bandits." You let out a small laugh. "But then here comes the Knight-Commander coming in to save me."

"Nothing you could've done, Princess." He retorted playfully. "Those guys wouldn't have stopped attacking you if it wasn't for me. Besides, I think they appreciated me showing them how a real man saves a damsel in distress."

You let out a quiet chuckle at his comment and traced the line of his collarbone with your fingertip.

"What if I told you I want to repay you?" You asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "That I want to repay you for saving my life."

Jaehyun's eyebrows furrowed as he listened to your words. His eyes searched yours as you held his gaze intently. For a moment, he couldn't move or speak. All he could do was stare at you in awe. He wanted nothing more than to keep kissing you but something seemed to be holding him back. Finally, he gathered himself together enough to reply.

"Princess…" He breathed out hoarsely. "I would be honored if you wanted to repay me for what I did that night."

Before you had a chance to react, Jaehyun lifted you up onto the bed and lowered himself down to lie next to you. Your body melted into his and he pulled you close to him, wrapping his arms around you tightly and drawing you into his embrace. His lips pressed against your forehead and your hands tangled in his hair as you nuzzled into his chest. His skin was smooth and warm to the touch and it reminded you of the way it felt against your body. The thought made you shiver and your stomach clenched tightly as you held yourself tighter against him. You wanted to stay this way forever . To never let go of him. To never stop being held by him.

Your hands moved down to his waist and unbuttoned his tunic. He sighed deeply and ran his hands up and down your arms as you continued to undo the buttons. As soon as all the buttons were undone, you slid your hands underneath his shirt, resting your palms against his warm bare skin. You wanted to make him feel as good as he made you feel and for a moment you wondered if this would actually happen. Would he actually let you repay him?

With a growl, Jaehyun sat up and pulled you into his lap, placing a firm kiss on your lips before pulling away and staring at you with intense passion filled eyes. His hands came up to cup your cheeks and then slowly slid down your neck until they reached your shoulders.

He began to caress your shoulders with featherlight touches and his lips returned to yours.

As his kisses grew deeper and his touch rougher, you closed your eyes and laid your head against his chest, enjoying the feeling of his strong heartbeat beneath your palm. This was your favorite place in the entire world. Your safe haven. Your refuge. Whenever you were troubled, whenever you felt pain or anger or sadness; whenever you just needed some time to think; this was where you went. It was always a sanctuary for you. Where you were free to express yourself without worrying about being judged or chastised. No matter what you were going through, no matter what you were trying to hide from everyone else, you knew that you could always come here and just relax and be at peace. Now, lying here in Jaehyun's arms, you finally understood why he was willing to go through whatever hell existed for you.

Why was he ready to risk his life to save yours? Because you were precious to him and he couldn't imagine a world without you in it.

When his lips touched your ear lobe, your heart began to race and you bit your lower lip, trembling as your hands traveled up and down his back, lightly kneading the muscles in his arms. When his hands dropped to your waist, you tightened your grip around his neck and moaned softly as his fingers brushed against the sides of your breasts.

Suddenly, you pulled away from him and looked into his eyes, noticing how much they had darkened with desire. You smiled softly and gently traced the line of his jaw with your fingertips. His eyes widened as you leaned forward and gently took his lips in a tender kiss.

Just like before, his lips parted for you and he eagerly accepted your tongue, opening his mouth wider as you swept your tongue across his teeth and against his lips. The electricity running between the two of you had increased tenfold since last time and it sent ripples of pleasure throughout your entire body. You didn't realize how much you missed him until he was in front of you again. How much you missed this. How much you missed his presence.

Slowly you broke apart from the kiss and ran your hands down his chest, feeling his heartbeat accelerate as your fingers stroked the ridges of his abs.

His arms wrapped around you once again and his fingers skimmed across your hips, causing you to moan loudly. The tension in the air became thick and heavy and neither of you could breathe properly as the feelings coursing through your bodies intensified and every touch felt even more erotic than the last. His lips touched the skin of your cheek and down your neck, sending waves of shivers down your spine and goosebumps popping up all over your body. Your breaths became shorter and quicker and your heart began to pound harder as you clutched at his shirt desperately, wanting more of his touch.

In one swift movement, Jaehyun pulled away from you and unbuckled his belt, tossing it aside. Then, with a seductive smirk he pushed his pants down, revealing his cock which had hardened considerably since the last time you saw it. You licked your lips as your eyes roamed over his naked body, memorizing every inch of him. In your mind, you already knew exactly how his body felt against yours. Just thinking about it caused your nipples to become erect and you squirmed under his gaze, unconsciously wanting him to continue exploring your body with his mouth. Suddenly, his lips found their way to your nipples and he took one in his mouth while the other lay nestled in his palm. The vibrations from his mouth and the warmth from his hand were too much and you arched your back as the sensations built within you. You held on to his head and whimpered quietly, begging for more.

"Oh God…" You moaned softly as he drew circles around your nipple with his tongue. "Please, please…"

"Say it." He whispered roughly, moving his hand to rub against your clit.

"Fuck me, Jaehyun." You begged him, gripping his shoulders tightly. "Please, fuck me!"

With a groan, he turned his attention to your clit and used his thumb to massage it. You closed your eyes and gasped, moaning louder and louder as your legs buckled and your nails dug into his shoulder blades.

He rubbed his thumb in slow circular motions and you thrashed your head back and forth in an attempt to find relief. He sucked one of your nipples into his mouth and flicked it with his tongue before switching to the other one and doing the same thing.

As he suckled your nipples and teased your clit with his thumb, he continued to stroke your pussy, making sure that every sensation you experienced was amplified and intense. Soon, your body began to shake and you started to scream incoherently as a violent orgasm tore through you. You squeezed your eyes shut and screamed out loud as the sensations rushed through you. It felt like your entire body was on fire and there was no escape. You screamed so loudly that your throat began to hurt and your body began to cramp up. Finally, after several minutes, you fell limp in Jaehyun's arms, unable to stand any longer.

As your breathing slowed down, Jaehyun kissed your temple and pressed a soft kiss against your neck. After catching his breath, he removed his thumb from your pussy and gave you a wicked grin.

"Not quite yet." He whispered, pushing you back onto the bed and crawling up next to you.

With one hand still rubbing your clit, he lowered his head and buried his face between your thighs. You closed your eyes and moaned softly as he began licking up and down your slit. You spread your legs as wide as possible, eager for his tongue to get closer to your most sensitive area. He opened his mouth wider and took your clit into his mouth and gently began sucking on it, making you shudder uncontrollably.

His hands massaged your inner thighs and as his tongue continued to explore your pussy, his fingers began to gently run along the length of your labia, spreading your juices all over your swollen clit. You jerked slightly as his fingers slid over your sensitive spot and his tongue kept up its relentless assault on your clit. Your head fell back as he increased the pressure on your clit and he continued to lick and suck on it as your hands fisted the sheets and your body trembled violently. You cried out loudly as another powerful orgasm rocked through you and you bit down hard on your bottom lip to stifle your cries of pleasure.

Finally, your breathing returned to normal and Jaehyun slowly rose up and glanced at you. His eyes were burning brightly and you could tell that he was absolutely overcome with lust. Without saying anything, he climbed on top of you and pressed his hard cock against your entrance. Before you could say anything, he thrust deep inside you and the shockwave of pleasure that ran through you made you gasp loudly.

The way he held you tightly as he pounded into you sent shivers through your entire body and you couldn't help but grab his ass and pull him closer to you. His hot breath washed over your face and his teeth nibbled at your neck as his fingers gripped your hips tightly.

It felt amazing to have him inside you again and you could already tell that he was giving it everything he had. There was nothing soft or gentle about the way he moved, grinding his hips against yours with each thrust, slamming into you with such force that it almost hurt.

Each thrust seemed to strengthen your feelings for him and it scared you slightly because they felt more passionate than ever. As his fingers rubbed against your g-spot, you felt your orgasm building up quickly and you bit your lip as your vision clouded and blurred and your heart raced wildly.

You let out a small scream as you lost control completely and threw your head back as a powerful orgasm ripped through you. The orgasm itself was short lived but the aftershocks were even stronger than before. The intensity of the emotions coursing through your body overwhelmed you and you collapsed into Jaehyun's arms, crying silently as he continued to move inside you. Every movement of his hips felt incredible and when he grabbed your hair and kissed your neck, your heart nearly stopped beating. Everything about this moment was perfect.

When your orgasms subsided, you managed to catch your breath and open your eyes, only to see Jaehyun smiling back at you with a look of pure satisfaction on his face. He stared deeply into your eyes and cupped your face with his hands, bringing his lips closer to yours. Slowly, he brought his lips towards yours and you felt your heart skip a beat as his soft lips touched yours and his tongue entered your mouth. As you wrapped your arms around his neck and ran your fingers through his silky hair, you realized that you never wanted this night to end. You never wanted this relationship to end.

"I love you." You whispered against his lips.

"I love you too." He replied simply, leaning in and pressing his lips against yours again.

Slowly, you laid your head on his chest and listened to his heart racing. It was incredibly calming and you breathed in his scent, relishing in the fact that you were here, with him, right now. All was right in your world and you were thankful for the moments like these. Moments like this when you get to feel loved by someone who actually meant something to you.

He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead and sighed.

"I need to ask you something." He asked, brushing your hair away from your face.

"Okay?" You replied, looking up at him.

"Will you marry me?"

Your eyes widened and your heart leaped into your throat. You nodded slightly and smiled softly as tears welled up in your eyes.

"Yes." You whispered, squeezing his hands.

He grinned widely and grabbed your face with both of his hands, kissing you passionately. When he finally pulled away, he was beaming at you with pride and happiness. You ran your hands down his chest and stomach and then moved them up his back, lightly tracing your fingernails against his smooth skin. He closed his eyes and savored in your touch.

"Do you know what I'm going to do when we're married?" You asked playfully, tilting your head to the side.

"What?" He asked curiously.

"I want to have a baby with you." You giggled.

He pulled you close and planted a soft kiss on your lips.

"Well, if you want kids… I think I can give you one." He chuckled, tightening his grip on your waist.

"How many?" You giggled.

"Five? Ten?"

"A hundred?!" You laughed, making him laugh as well.

"We'll see how many come after the first one." He smirked.

As your laughter died down, you tightened your embrace and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. He stroked your hair lovingly and rested his chin on top of your head.

"I love you." You whispered softly.

"I love you too." He whispered back.

Neither of you spoke anymore. The moment had been perfect and neither of you wanted it to end. Instead, you fell asleep in each other's arms, basking in the feeling of being loved and knowing that this was where you belonged.

[eri-pl]

A fic in need of a name (I'll be grateful for ides, not necessarily will use, but I'll be grateful) and maybe some proofreading

<2k words. No TWs, very fluffy. Lúthien and Finrod talk about art.

One warning: IDK how to explain, but: my friend dfw and everyone else who sees Lúthien as unfairly treated well by the narrative: I do kind of admire this unfairness in this fic. Also, she has an …intense personality here. Read at your own discretion.

Lúthien looked at Finrod with her strange, Light-filled-but-not eyes. “Why are my songs so boring to you?”

They stood under the stars and the new moon, in a small glade, now filled with nightingales that looked at the princess of Doriath and whistled, as if pleading her to continue.

“I would not call them boring.”

“You do not say it, but they seem dull to you. Dear cousin, you don't need to speak in courtly lies with us. Never. We are not— hypocrites.” She almost said “Noldor”, he could feel it from her. So who was the hypocrite there? The princess continued: “I simply seek to know how to sing better.”

Despite being born from an union of an elf and an Ainu, she was in many ways like a child. All the Sindar were so. Finrod smiled, but didn't try to conceal his thoughts about the conversation. There were some secrets he needed to keep from her keen mind, but if his feelings could be revealed without enraging anyone…  “They are beautiful, but there is never any conflict in then,” he said gently, observing Lúthien's reaction.

It wasn't anger, but surprise. “Why would a song need strife to be good?”

This gave Finrod pause. How could she have questioned something as obvious as one of the fundamental laws of art? But indeed, the ancient songs — from the Journey, and even the early ones from Aman — did not have any strife in them. Just like hers, they were about things and people simply …being. 

He pondered about it for a while, until the answer came to him. “Without conflict, there's no change. No progress. No clear point to end the song.”

“You end the song when you don't want to sing anymore. Or when you want to sing a different one,” said Lúthien in a tone that was half curious and half patronizing. “Besides, we didn't really have time until recently. At least we didn't have anything to measure its passing. Maybe except me and Daeron maturing. Hey! This is a change. Cherries blooming, bushes growing — that's progress. Walks in the woods—” she put the last idea into action, leaving the glade.

Finrod joined her and they went between the tall beeches, on the forest floor filled with violets and niphredili. “A song about nature never really reaches any destination. Flowers grow and die, and then new ones come to life. It's not a true change.”

“You can't simply replace a rose with another, or a yesteryears’ snowdrop with the next springs’ one. Hmmm, you're a Noldo, you do not know flowers well enough to notice them, so maybe you could. But even then: we do change. We grow. I was a child and now I'm a woman.”

Finrod didn't reply and for a while they just walked.

“You need songs that are about sorrow, don't you?” asked Lúthien softly. “Due to— your king and all that.”

“And all of that… Yes. I think we do. We do need art which promises a change mightier than just the turn of seasons, which tells us that the darkness may one day end and makes it almost— makes it possible to believe. And to achieve this, you do need to start with the darkness.”

“I was born in darkness, dear cousin. Under the stars,” she said, gesturing at the sky, but the moon’s narrow crest peeking between the branches spoiled her reference. 

“I mean a different kind of darkness, sweet child of the stars. Deeper. Not a darkness that never saw light, but darkness that saw light and—” Finrod shivered. “Darkness that comes after the light is gone, not before it's born. Darkness without a single star to break it.”

“I don't think I can imagine it. Still, I'm sure there is a way to sing interesting songs without making them all about violence.”

“Not all conflict is violence.”

“But it's all— you, Noldor, absolutely love to argue. We try to understand each other instead.” 

“So do I.” 

They awoke a sleeping deer at a distance, but it didn't run away like most beasts of Beleriand used to, it only watched them cautiously.

“Well, this is true, you don't argue that much. Anyway, maybe that's it. When people meet and get to know each other more, it also grows in time. And it means more than flowers.”

“Maybe. Is that how you see art here in Doriath?”

“No. As Daeron sees it, the supreme art is: you see a thing. Then you see another thing. Then you see them together in a way that awakens new meanings in both of them. And then you weave all that into words with enough alliteration. The same with music: you play a motive, then another motive, and then you marry them to each other. This makes the verse, the chorus and the ending.”

They entered a denser part of the forest and now walked a narrow path, surrounded by blackberries, bushes and ferns.

“What if the motives don't fit together?”

“He would say it means you're a mediocre musician. But… I think if they don't fit you need to find a way to force them. Or, rather, help them. Change one or the other into a different mode. Or change the tuning. Or keep playing the harp but add singing to it and tell everyone that it had been your plan since the beginning.”

“You can't change the rules of art.”

“What force is going to forbid me?”

Finrod laughed. “I don't think it's that easy, but maybe you are right. Maybe there is a way to reconcile both of our ideas. To create art that is not boring, but not violent either. But I do not know where to even start looking for inspiration.” Right now, the bushes clinging to his clothing and pulling on the delicate embroidery weren't particularly inspiring. 

“You always seek something, wandering here and there. I'm sure you will find a lot of wonderful inspiration.”

“Don't you want to travel?”

“Oh, I love to travel!” said Lúthien in a laughing voice. “But in Doriath you can discover wonders too! Maybe the same answers that you seek far away I'll find in here. Or maybe we'll both find sorrow.”

Finrod blinked. That had been a strange turn of the conversation, but not the first of them. “I don't think beauty can exist without sorrow.”

“Then should I wish sorrow beyond measure for both of us?”

“That would be a very Noldorin approach to art, wouldn't it?” he asked half-jesting, but curious.

“Sorrow and strife aren't the same.”

“How are they not? Sorrow is born from loss, and loss is born from violence.”

“When I was a child, I cried about clouds disappearing, because I knew I'd never see any of them again. And yet nobody took them away from me by force. And I wouldn't fight for the clouds, as that would make no sense. So I remembered them. But it's not really the same.”

As Lúthien spoke, they entered a small clearing and, as if responding to her, a small cloud hid the moon and hung above them, backlined with silver. A few others passed nearby: fuzzy dark shapes, but not as dark as— Finrod looked away from the sky, back at the princess.

“You could see clouds in the starlight?”

“Of course. Can't you?” She looked back at him with wide eyes.

“Not with enough detail to miss them. I never looked much into the sky anyway, not back then.”

They left the clearing. The forest was even darker now, but there was a peace to it.

“You Noldor are so strange. I wish I would know you better.”

“I wish I could understand you better too.”

“I have an idea.” Without saying more, Lúthien led him to a small grassy hill, not even as tall as the surrounding trees. A narrow path went upwards. “I'll show you another way in which we entertain ourselves here—well, I do— but first tell me, cousin, what would you want if you could wish for anything?”

“To meet my loved ones again,” said Finrod quietly. “I'm not sure how this would happen, unless— but even then… I'm sorry. You deserve better than hearing about any of that.”

“Only so little?” Lúthien laughed, though it felt forced. “I want everything! I want a love like my parents’, but let it be even more so. I want songs to be sung about me— not only by Daeron — songs that even to you would sound interesting. I want to behold the most beautiful treasure in the world. I want to be free and to fly. I want to sing a song mightier than my mother’s. I want to seek a star and wear it as a trinket. I want—” She paused as they reached the top. “No, now it's your turn. What would you want if you could ask for anything?”

“I want there to be a solution to all that.”

“All what?”

He looked away. “All the darkness I won't trouble you with.”

“If you won't, surely someone else will.”

“Even so, I shall not.”

“Then try not to trouble yourself with it either, at least for now. Only look.” Lúthien lied on the hillside and tumbled down, like a log, if logs could laugh loudly. 

She rose from the grass at the bottom and began walking back. “You are humble and I do ask for so much. But it's alright if I can't have any of that. I'm not stubborn. Well, I am not as stubborn as some believe. But if I can, I do want all of my wishes to come true. And I want to travel. To see strange lands beyond stormy seas, cities both old and young and alien, new countries my mother never knew, never dreamed of… To have my home there. I hope I will not miss her too much.”

“You know such places may not even exist. Except maybe one—” Finrod shivered at the very thought, even though they were miles South from there and under Melian’s Girdle. “—but nobody would ever go there of their own will, especially not someone like you, sweet princess. And about all other lands your mother could surely tell you. After all—” 

Lúthien waved her hand dismissively. “Yes, she saw the world before it was born and sang it into being. It's boring how everybody keeps reminding me about that. But she is also my mother. Of course I desire to reach beyond her, that's how it is with mother's and daughters. Also, how would you know there's no place unknown for her, Noldo? You've barely seen any of Beleriand, and yet you try to tell me how the world is?” Her words were a challenge, but her tone was friendly.

Finrod bowed his head. “That is true. Neither of us have seen much yet. But if you ever find such a place…”

The princess stood next to him again, picking leaves of grass from her hair. “I will surely show it to you. Though you could probably wish for a better guide.” 

Finrod smiled, remembering the chaotic string of excited tangents that the last few days have been. “Many things could be better, your guidance isn't by far the first of them. And anyway I am really glad to be here with you, Lúthien. You are very kind and fascinating. And I'm honored to learn the customs of your people.”

“Like tumbling from tops of hills? It's not a very Noldo—”

“That's the point.” Finrod lay on the grass and let the steepness of the terrain pull him down. 

It felt only half as bumpy as he'd expected, and in its strange, wild way liberating.

[mxtantrights]

Bounded by shadow and blood (9)

azriel x magic!fem!reader

You don’t know who is taking you back to the dawn court. Yesterday’s events kind of displaced everything. It was surprising but the inner circle let you and Amren leave after the match. Nesta didn’t ask questions.

And when you and Amren got to the town house, she insisted on drinking to your win. Which you had to clarify to her more than once last night that it wasn’t really a win.

He handed it to you. He actually won. You don’t like to admit defeat but you know when to call a spade a spade. He’s good. Without his powers he was more than your match, he was better than you. If you were friends you would ask him for fighting tips.

You weren’t friends though.

And since your brother did not come here, you have no reason to stay longer than needed. 

Which is why you’re packing you bags once again. Maybe he went to another court. It could be possible that he told the council that the night court was his indeed destination when he really meant to go to the opposite end of the continent. 

Your front door opens, you know it’s Amren.

“We need you.” She says.

Yo turn around to face her, “What are you talking about?”

“It’s the thief, he’s asking for you. Says he wants to confess.” another voice answers. Out from behind the wall Cassian appears, arms crossed and tense.

“Lars?” You ask.

She nods once.

“Okay. Lets’ go.” You say.

Cassian walks over to you and places a hand on your shoulder. The feeling of winnowing is uncomfortable. It feels like your insides are being spread in different ways. But it’s over before it’s begun and you are face to face with Lars. And Azriel and Rhysand.

The two Illyrians are keeping watch at the door. You notice that Rhysand is watching you like a hawk while Azriel can’t seem to look in your direction.

Lars is chained to the wall, gash marks over his body. The cells smells like—you don’t feel like saying the words. You can see the blood and the puddles of murky water. 

He lifts his head up and looks right at you.

“So you’ve come back to play, pet.” He smirks.

“This is the fate worse than death?” You ask him.

He lunges at you but the chains hold him back. You don’t even flinch at his actions. You actually get closer to him.

“You wanted to speak to me so speak.”

Lars smiles at you. It’s not even a smile, but a snarl. All teeth, all bite. As if he weren’t the one in chains. As if he held all the power in the room right now. It unnerves you that he feels that way, especially with this secret looming about your brother and your abilities.

“You’re looking for someone.” He starts off.

You school your face to remain neutral. If you gave him even an inch of a reaction he would run with it. He would tease you with information that he may or may not have, and keep you coming back for more. He’d probably try to work out a deal so that he could leave this cell and the night court all together.

“Someone very important, because you don’t fit in here and you still made the journey. You don’t like it, you can’t blend in as well as you think you do in the dawn court.” He continues. You watch his eyes. They look like they are on fire with urgency. Waiting for you to take a but out of his treat. Once you bite you’re done for, you have to keep him talking.

“Don’t you want to know why I was in the dawn court?” He asks.

“You were there to steal.” You answer for him.

He shakes his head, “I wasn’t there to steal. Not really. I mean that was a personal quest of sorts, I was hired to go there.”

“By who?” You ask.

He gives you a look. You know who. You’re supposed to know who he’s talking about. Really he could be talking about anyone, your brother, a council member, another blood bender. The fact that he won’t name anyone gives you pause.

“Why wait until you were here? Why not tell me when you were in my possession?” You question him.

He laughs to himself. You don’t get it. He’s laughing, baiting you, he knows something but not enough. He would have demanded something of you by now if he knew anything important.

“It is part of the plan.” He says simply. 

You still don’t get it. He’s speaking in present tense about a plan when he’s in chains. The high lord of the night court just a few feet away, ready to rip into his mind no doubt. You can’t really ask Rhysand to go into his mind to see what he knows for you. 

Maybe Thesan was right, you should play nice with others.

Too late for that change now. No one in this cell trusts you. 

“I’ll leave you here to rot and figure it out on my own.” You put nonchalantly.

“That struck a nerve.” He smirks again.

“It seems like someone struck a couple of yours. We will not see each other again.” You say finally.

With that you turn around.. You hadn’t realized Cassian moved to stand with his brothers. That’s what Amren called them. Different blood but they were family nonetheless. Now the three of them stood together, only two of them looking at you now.

“I’m good here.” You speak.

Cassian tosses a look over to Azriel. The shadow singer nods his head. Then Cassian is peeling himself off the wall. He walks out of the cell and you follow behind him. He takes you down the hallway, which you think is just to psych you out. You two go up the dark staircase and up to the top level.

As you are about to continue walking Cassian stops all of a sudden. You halt a bit late and almost end up crashing into him. He turns around and looks at you. You can tell based off the look he’s giving you alone that he is confused. You’re a question he wants answers to. You wonder if it was him and Nesta that prompted Azriel to come to dawn so early and poke around.

“Did you enjoy your visit?” He asks.

“To the cells or to your court?” You ask him back.

He chuckles, “Both I guess.” 

“Lars was enlightening, then again I knew to expect the unexpected with him. This court on the other hand…” you trail off.

“You didn’t like Velaris?” He asks.

“Seeing how I was treated like a prisoner on parole, I can’t say anything good.” You answer.

He rubs the back of his neck, “I’m sorry about that. It’s just everyone is curious. Even more so now.”

He says the last words and still for a moment. You see it happen in real time. He hadn’t meant to say those words, but they mean something to him. Something happened that made them want to know more about you. 

“Now what?” You ask.

“Forget it. I can take you back—“ he cuts himself off. 

You watch as he takes out a knife. You take a step back. You don’t think he’ll use it on you but you aren’t going to think everything is alright. 

“General?” You ask.

He looks at you and then back at his knife, “Sorry. Amren just sent me a message. Something is going on in town.” 

“Oh?” 

Cassian, “There’s no way for you to get back to the house from here. And I need to go. Rhysand will take you back.”

He leaves no room for discussion. Then he’s gone. You want to believe that there was something actually going on in town. But you’d like to bet that this is just some elaborate scheme to figure out more about you.

You sigh and head back down the steps. You track Rhysand’s blood back to the cell. It’s brutal. You can hear the sound of the beating he’s getting. The sound of blows landing on his body. He’s not even making any noises  either. 

You peer your head into the cell. Lars is bleeding heavily. Azriel is the one delivering the beating. Looking at him like this, you can see why people fear him and his shadows.

“Az.” Rhysand calls to him.

Azriel turns around, they both do. They look at you then silence. In-between the silence your eyes dart to all three of them. From Azriel to Rhysand and to Lars.

“Cassian had to handle something. He said you could do it.” You speak.

Rhysand nods his head. Then he looks over at Azriel. The two having a conversation without words. Rhysand walks out of the cell and meets you where you’re at.

He holds out his hand, “Ready?”

You put your hand in his, ready to leave this court once and for all. Darkness surrounds you and gone is the scenery of the prison. All at once and scenery engulfs you. This is not the town house.

“Where are we?” You ask.

“My personal residence.” He answers.

The high lords home. Huh. You look around. It surely looks like it too. Lavish paintings, marble columns. You can sees the presence of a few people here too. 

“Any particular reason why we’re here?” You question.

Rhysand smiles, “Oh I think we both know the answer to that.”

He would not give up. You sigh as you watch him throw open the doors. Inside appears to be an office. It’s empty inside. He walks in first and you follow hesitantly. 

The high lord takes a seat at the ridiculously overflowing deck of papers. You take the seat across from him. 

“Your abilities are an anomaly to say the least, and everyone here wants to know what you can do and where your loyalties lie.” He speaks.

“What I can do is none of your business and as for loyalty, the dawn court is my home.” You answer.

Rhysand cocks his head, “There’s a war brewing.”

“War isn’t my thing.” You lie.

War wasn’t something you enjoyed. But several times over a few centuries you have had the honor of gracing a battlefield. Never on the front lines, you don’t like the spotlight. But you’re sure there are humans that know of your story and pass it down like a tale to their children. 

You wouldn’t let Rhysand know any of this.

“Even if it isn’t, from what we saw during your match with Azriel it would be beneficial if you were on our side.” Rhysand explains.

You hum, “as long as you align yourself with the dawn court It’ll be like I’m on your side.”

Rhysand is silent for a few moments. You watch as the gears seem to turn in his mind. He out of everyone probably knows more about you than you’d like to admit. While there were very little books on your kind he could send someone to follow you home. They wouldn’t make it past the wards but they would know where to look for more information. 

Maybe you should stop running from the truth. Really, you don’t need your abilities to be news to everyone on the continent. But if a few people know what’s the harm? It’s better they know about you than your whole community.

“I was here looking for my brother.” You offer.

Rhysand sits up at the new information. You know he’s eating this up.

“So Lars mentioned, vaguely.” He says.

“I found out he was never here, though he should have been. He said he was.” You explain.

Rhys sits back, “If you have a name maybe I can find him. It’s possible he was laying low.”

“He wouldn’t have given his name, even if he was here.”you strike him down.

“A lot of people would love to know about Velaris, and do harm to it and it’s people.” Rhysand says suddenly.

That is why Azriel first winnowed you to the woods. He wanted to know that you would keep Velaris a secret. No one knows about it. Not even Thesan. There was the night court and then there was Velaris. 

“If you’re asking me to keep quiet you don’t have to, Azriel beat you to it before we came here.” You the him.

“I know he did, “he states and then he looks past you. A second later the door opens “Now I am personally asking you to keep this a secret for the next time you visit.”

You turn around to see who it was that walked in, even though you don’t have to. You feel it already. It’s Azriel. He doesn’t dare look at you. Whatever happened during the match has made you persona non grata apparently. You turn back.

“I think if I want to see Amren, I’ll just invite her to the dawn court.” You answer.

“Well our doors are always open.” Rhysand offers.

You nod you head at the gesture. You knew it was laced with more than one intention but it was an offer nonetheless. You get up from your seat, seeing as the conversation is over. Rhysand tells you that you bags are already waiting for you at the dawn court, which you thank him for.

Rhysand gets up and holds his hand out for you. Even though Azriel is here, he could winnow you home. But whatever is going on with him won’t let him. He can’t even look at you, why would he touch you?

You take Rhysand’s hand and let him take you back to dawn.

[bonbonchocolates]

Psycho

Yandere Jungkook x Reader

Summary: When your psychotic patient is obsessed with you...

Warnings: yandere jungkook, kidnapping, obsessive behaviour, mentions of killing

A/N: Again originally from my Wattpad account. I hope you like it and if you do please leave a like.

Masterlist

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Being a psychiatrist is difficult, you need to look after and treat the people who are mentally unstable. You currently work at the most renowned mental hospital of the country.

Truth to be said you actually enjoy your job. The only problem is that you have to overwork because of patient to look after. He was not as bad as you thought. He was just a big man with a mind of a little kid. His name is Jimin. You kinda liked him because he was very cute. You spent almost two years for his treatment and now he has completely recovered and was sent back to his home. You are definitely gonna miss him.

Today a new patient was supposed to be brought in the mental hospital. He was shifted here because he had a fight with the guards at the previous mental hospital where he was admitted to.

You were busy in your thoughts when you heard someone yelling from outside.

"LEAVE ME"

Someone yelled.

"I swear when I get out of here I'll kill each and everyone of you."

The voice was getting nearer to you. Just then you saw few guards dragging a man who was continuesly yelling at the guards to leave him and was swearing at them.

He was behaving like a total psycho.

Is he my new patient?

You wondered.

The next moment you turned towards him, you found him staring at you. You don't know why but he seemed familiar to you.

The moment he saw you he stopped yelling and gave you a smirk.That made you pretty uncomfortable.

Just then you saw Kim Seokjin who was the head of the doctors here in the mental hospital came to you with a file in his hands.

"Y/N this file contains all the new information about your new patient. You can go home and read it. We'll start his treatment from tomorrow."

Jin explained.

"Now you should probably head home, it will be a long day tomorrow."

'It will be a long day tomorrow' what did he mean by that?

You thought.

But anyway you  just nodded your head and stuffed the file in your bag. You got out of the mental hospital and went to where your car was parked.

Only thing that was on your mind right now was that the new patient looked quite familiar. You think that you saw him somewhere before but couldn't figure out where.

You then quickly got into your car and headed towards your way to your home.

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After a long journey you finally reached you destination that is you beautiful apartment.

As soon as you got inside you quickly freshened up, changed your clothes and then took out the file from inside your bag.

You sat on your couch and began to examine the file that was given to you by your senior. It contained all the information about your new patient.

Patient Info:

Name : Jeon Jungkook

Age: 25

Family: Unknown

Illness: Psycho

Crime: Murdered more than fifty people brutally.

Cause: Could not handle the rejection he got from the girl he liked when he was 18 years old.

Wait... What? What is this?

You don't know why but you couldn't control your laughter after looking at the patient info. It was weird.

How could someone kill people just because the girl whom he liked rejected him? He is indeed a dangerous man, you need to be careful of him.

Then you again read his name.

'JEON JUNGKOOK'

The name yet again sounded familiar to you. You heard it somewhere but you don't know exactly where.

You decided to worry about all this later and now you should probably head to bed because it was getting late and you were completely weared out.

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Next morning you got up quickly because today you had to meet with your new patient. After reading his file you don't want to treat him but still you have to because it's your duty.

You were currently getting dressed up while singing your favourite song. When your nose picked up an unfamiliar scent.

It smelled like a men's perfume but the last time when a man came to your house was nearly three months ago when you brother payed a visit to you. Since then you had no visitors in your house.

So you couldn't understand that from where exactly the unfamiliar scent was coming from. You then decided to ignore it because it doesn't matters to you where the smell is coming from. The only thing that you could think right now was that you were getting late.

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You were driving the car as fast as possible because you don't want to get late once again or Mr Kim Seokjin will give you a long as lecture.

Soon you reached the hospital and parked my car.

You got down from your car and then entered inside the hospital. Today it appeared to be a bit different from the other days. There was no yelling of patients, no doctors chatting and even no guards present at the gate.

It was very peaceful today. You felt like you were the only one there.

You headed to your assignated cabin and placed your bag on the locker there. You took out the file from your bag and went to the cabin which was right next to you, that was supposed to be the cabin of your colleague and your one and only friend here in the mental hospital.

But as you entered the cabin, you found nobody there.

Weird.

You thought.

This is why you decided to head towards the cell where your new patient was kept and start his treatment. You were not supposed to go alone to the patients quarter but there was no one there today so you decided to go alone.

As soon as you reached the patients quarter you were shocked to see it's condition.

All the cell doors were open and no one was there inside.

What is happening here today?

Just then you felt a sharp pain at the back of your head and everything turned black.

____________________________________________

When you woke up you found yourself in a dark room, you couldn't see anything clearly. You were bound to a chair and your hands were tied together behind your back.

You don't know how you ended in this situation.

You tried to scream in hope that someone will come and save you. You know that it will not work but your mind was not working at that time.

Just then you heard the sound of the door opening and someone switched on the lights.

"So you woke up my love?"

You heard a husky voice.

Then you looked up and saw the JEON JUNGKOOK staring at you and he gave you the same smirk which he gave yesterday when the guards were dragging him inside.

"Jeon Jungkook"

You said with your voice shaking in fear. You were completely terrified. Why would you not be terrified? When the person standing right in front of you was a serial killer who mudered more that fifty people as the file stated.

"So you remember me?"

"Wh-What do you want from me?"

He let out a evil laugh.

"What do I want from you?"

He mocked.

"Ten years.....ten years ago I proposed to you but you...you rejected me. I had so much hope and I even planned my whole future with you. But you....you destroyed my plan. If you would say yes that day we would be married right now with a kid and another on the way."

He smiled at his imagination. He is completely sick. Now you remember him he is the same boy who proposed you ten years ago. You were fourteen at that time and he was eighteen. One day he proposed to you and asked you to be his girlfriend but you politely rejected him. That time you were too young to be in a relationship.

You never knew that a mere rejection will turn him into a serial killer.

"And now it's time for revenge."

He started to laugh like a maniac.

You then scanned the room and you were disgusted by looking at it. The room had all the stuffs to torture people. There were even sex toys present there. Some of the knives even had blood on it. You were completely terrified and wanted to disappear from there.

"Now let the fun begin."

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