#like when i feel so lonely i could die.. yes i do have kidnapping fantasies. bc i dont.: whatever i dont owe anyone a psychoanalys of mysel

[bunnihearted]

i cant fully control my emotions during a breakdown and then i come out of it and im like oh fuck........ ._.

[sakiaii]

Armored x Magic girls 'title forever work in progress' series 1

ok just imagine dust falling in the middle of the night like snow in a neighborhood. people who watched Den-O can just remember the first episode and the sand falling from the sky. now this is a weird kinda dust that can enter closed windows. next day a girl wakes up not feeling well but her mom is like yeah nice try go to school. she goes to school but while everyone is still waiting outside her friends tell her to go home instead. at home in the hallway she's attacked and grabed upon entering by PR like monsters.

now what i didn't mention is that a flying drone saw all this(og there was no drone but it makes for a good explanation how this character knew all this) from the dust to stalking her and her friends and this scene now i never gave this scene much thought until nowadays but i don't remember there ever being extracurricular activities before school... anyways as the other girls are outside and telling their friend to go home in the school gym we see karate lessons. now one girl the lone wolf of our story is just doing basic stuff when her sparring partner hits the ground and she accuses her of doing this intentionally but the girl claims she didn't use any strength at all with no one believing her she just calmly leaves saying she quits karate.

now the person who knew all this some scientist garthers other girls telling them they've all been infected by some matter released by aliens and how their goal now is kidnaping people showing signs and exposing them to the bigger dose of that matter (think KR Build). he doesn't have a cure but can stop the infection from progressing. their goal is to create a super soldier but the actual boss of this aliens that we're not going to see until the end of the 1st era put a minion in charge but she lacks patience, she was instructed to wait and see but by kidnaping people with signs of being affected and giving them a bigger dose to speed up the process she's creating mindless monsters and effin up the project. now this scientist actually has a secret but at the start he wasn't yet fleshed out and his story was revealed to me as my fantasies went along.

needless to say the first battles were kinda bad as no one was ready for this. the lone wolf girl would avoid fighting unless everyone else was on the ground then acting like a tank she would put herself in danger until everyone else gets up then going back to being reserved. this professor guy realised that and asked one of the outgoing girls to befriend her. he also told them there was another girl that could help them that was trained for this but can't arrive just yet (remember this guy actually has secrets). instead using what i call Dragon armor another new member soon joined but.. this armor used a weird cristal that this professor stole from this aliens a long time ago it's a crystal that they never found a way to use as it so powerful meaning that our Dragon armor girl almost killed herself when she showed up for the first time. She had a special attack like a dragon shaped bolt of lightning yes it's the same as this attack (me and hoyo devs thinking the same way)

the professor had to teleport her immediately away before anyone else noticed and save her as she she was frantically twitching in pain. he knew that was going to happen but that's who he really is a morally dubious person and the girl he gave the armor also had a death wish. She has a different disease that he promised to try to find a cure for but the crystal just refuses to be tamed so professor will lock the crystals power but leave her with a way to unlock it if the situation calls for it telling her that she will surely die then. And that will happen very soon, when she dies he will leave her near a hospital for people to find her and then he will bury that crystal together with her. Later the announced girl arrives and she's an orphan who sees professor as father figure unaware that he is actually an alien, wolf in disguise, someone who betrayed those other aliens when he stole the crystal and has been preparing her the day they come looking for him so she could protect him. Her naive trust in him ends up having an influence on this professor that he really despises as he's starting to actually care.

ehem remember the lone wolf and the girl asked to befriend her well they're going to develop a cool team work. attacking together at the same time forcing the enemy to put a block while one of them slows or pauses her movements before block to switch and attack now exposed area but something will start happening with the lone wolf girl. she will start having weird episodes where she will start getting really angry at her friend like she's addicted to that friendship and when she's not getting enough she's having drawbacks always blaming herself saying "no its not her i'm the problem". She will start losing herself in fights and fight with more aggression until she realises and goes back to being reserved. then one day the aliens... oh wait! before that the big boss sent one more person to oversee the project and the other overseer as she was effing it up. now the aliens are going to abduct a group of girls with our lone wolf among them, they only want one but our lone wolf is not having it and as that girl is willing to go with them in exchange that they don't hurt others our lone wolf snaps and attacks this girl first and then aliens at that time someone unlocks all the doors releasing all the monsters with the 2 overseers arguing who did it as the code had high clearance.. almost like... it was the big boss himself.

finding out from girls that escaped what happened our girls come to conclusion that the infection in our lone wolf did progress and that she's beyond help now with her friend going alone to put her down.

umm my other characters in series don't have names but this 2 actually have xD so friend is Rebecca while lone wolf is Sarah

well there's going to be a verbal confrontation after which Sarah will join the bad guys.. spoiler there was also someone in Sarah's head at this point but not the confrontation pushing her on the path of destruction using her depression saying we are the same these aliens don't know i actually want to destroy everything as living in this world is bad, at the time i believed it was the big boss (should i say it now? this is 11th story revelation. it was actually rival who wanted the project to create super soldier to fail)

anyway wanna know what the inspiration for confrontation was and for names xD just look at facial expressions here I want Sarah to have to same during confrontation

with Sarah now being that super soldier the project was trying to create she's a problem for our girls who believe the infection messed up her mind but they find out why she was such a lone wolf. Her younger brother had an accident where he died when she was a child herself the mother however blamed her and treated her as if she was the one that killed him. one girl now starts suspecting that Sarah was evil this whole time and with her being such a problem she wants to kill her in the past.

which brings me to how do they know about time travel well long before all this i had a fantasy where Rebecca was alone in professors lab and touched something which sent her to the future. now i had no idea what future was this, alien minions had different outfits i had no idea what this was, was it earth did it get invaded. Sarah showed up and defeated them without armor and stared until she said you're from the past and we need to take you back. After she send her back aliens get hit by a strong fire attack and we don't see who's walking to Sarah but then we hear Rebecca's voice saying "you could have killed me just now" and with a evil smirk she replies "oh! i was tempted"

well the professor forbade the use of time travel said it's to dangerous back then but this girl will use it and find out Sarah was not an evil child and that really was an accident she will then remember how Sarah tanked and risked her life in the beginning to protect them and they will come to conclusion that they need to find a way to help her.

the voice in Sarah's head will tell her he has a bomb for her which can destroy all life on earth our girls will show up and Rebecca will have a one on one with Sarah who is too strong so Rebecca will trick her pretending she can't get back up and attack Sarah from the back as she turns to the activation mechanism for the bomb. But Sarah doesn't want to listen and she's still trying to crawl her way to activate the bomb.. it's because she doesn't want to live anymore. She will ask Rebecca to kill her, it's the only way to stop her but Rebecca will say i can't so we will die together as she puts a difrent explosive device on the ground and gives her a hug.

well that's it and i really wasn't expecting it to be such a wall of text wtf lol OMG i can't even proof read this what the.. hopefully i didn't forget anything.. also profesor had a AI just think Zordon and Alpha

i got few surprises for you in story 2 *wink*

for now professor revealed that the bomb was fake and would have killed only Sarah if she activated it which raised the question why would the big boss want to kill the super soldier it wanted to create. the professor who now started to care about this girls leaves on his spaceship so that they never find out about his wolf in disguise side.

[chalkrevelations]

SO, Episode 28 of Word of Honor was a roller-coaster ride.

(Spoilers, as ever, so scroll away and come back later if you want to see it unspoiled.)

They managed two entirely separate scenes in this one that had me going “Did … did that just happen? Is this really happening?” Let’s get this one out of the way first: The scene of Zhao Jing in his serial killer lair with the altar and memorial tablets and his serial killer trophies. Y’all. I swear, scene opens with a shot from behind of drunk Awful Yifu in his Fantasy Ancient China underwear staggering through a set of doors into a room with candles and draperies, and before I was able to register the rest of the set design, my brain gave a terrified squeak and started rabbiting around like, “Oh my god, please do not let this be Xie’er’s bedroom. Oh my god, they wouldn’t actually go there, not even hinted, surely that would be too far!” Then my eyeballs caught up and registered the set, so I thought I was safe, but that didn’t even turn out to be the moment in the scene that had me going “Is this really happening?” (Although I do think the fact my brain immediately jumped to that scenario speaks to the creepy vibe the show has managed to build between Awful Yifu and Xie Wang). So, Zhao Jing is a sloppy drunk and absolutely shitfaced, stumbling around and yelling at his dead brothers, and I’m sitting here watching him, feeling like I need a shower, with my skin a little bit trying to crawl off my body, and then he picks up Rong Xuan’s memorial tablet and pours an entire stream of alcohol out of the pitcher all over it, and I say, out loud, to the screen, “Oh my god, they just had him figuratively piss on that tablet.” Only, no, they didn’t, because there was no need to have him do it figuratively because then, he literally whips it out of his pants and takes a piss on the tablet, complete with sound effects, and I’m open-mouthed, thinking “Is this really happening?” As some background, I grew up in mainstream U.S. culture where ancestor veneration isn’t formally practiced - although it isn’t an entirely absent part of our cultural mythos, it’s just that now when I when I offer cultus to the Patres Patriae, it’s deliberate and intentional – but I’ve been doing ancestor work in my particular flavor of polytheism for long enough, and intensely enough, that I had a visceral reaction of disgust and horror to this. Hand literally clapped over my mouth in shock, even after watching all of his ranting at his dead brothers and spitting at his dead shifu and just generally being a disrespectful asshole with delusions of grandeur building up to it. So, yes, show, you have indeed convinced me that Awful Yifu is the worst, even in an episode that also devoted that much screentime to Prince Jin.

Fortunately, the other “Is this really happening?” moment was at the other end of the spectrum, somewhere in the face of how married Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing are, which I cannot believe passed censorship. I know I keep saying that, but every time I think I’ve adjusted to how far they’re going to go, the show laughs gay-ly as it pushes the envelope another mile down the road. Truly, this show is the gift that keeps on giving where these two are concerned, and not just because of Zhang Zhehan’s face. I realize I had to spend 50 episodes deciphering Lan Wangji’s smallest microexpression (not that I’m complaining), but I can’t believe how expressive both Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun are in these roles, with Gong Jun’s little sadness eyebrows when WKX wants ZZS to humor him, and how soft Zhang Zhehan’s face gets when ZZS looks at WKX, and how great they both are at making all this look like a pair of adults who are in an established relationship and confident of each other. I’d be as weak as Wen Kexing if Zhou Zishu pouted at me the way he does when he tells Chengling that he can’t do anything to help decorate the Manor except observe and direct because he’s oh, so injured and frail, poor him. Wen Kexing can laugh at Zhou Zishu when ZZS pokes at him by saying the papercrafter was such a beauty! (Compare this to his reaction back in the day, when ZZS deftly manipulated him out of bringing A-Xiang along on their honeymoon adventures by calling her a beauty and implying she might draw attention away from WKX!) Wen Kexing waves kitchen knives at Zhou Zishu in (somewhat fond) exasperation! Zhou Zishu now accepts Wen Kexing piling his plate with food at the table as perfectly normal! There’s no crying in Spring Festival! They send their kid outside to watch the fireworks so they can have sex some alone time! (Merciless killers. How the fuck so adorable?) Someone must have backed up an entire truckful of money to the house of someone very important to get this aired, because what is the heterosexual explanation for … any of this?

Other thoughts:

We continue to get small things that maintain the parallels between Wen Kexing/Zhou Zishou and Gu Xiang/Cao Weining, including the mirrored theme of finding a home with a welcoming family, shown through family dinner, and expressed through WKX’s description of his former self as a “lonely ghost,” echoing A-Xiang’s self-description (to Shen Shen in an earlier ep) the same way.

HAN YING! Listen, I am stupidly attached to this bit player, and not just because he’s a familiar face (because half of Wen Xu’s screentime in The Untamed was just a disembodied head hanging at the entrance to the Unclean Realm, so it’s not like there was time to get … attached). And I say stupidly attached because ever since we first saw the way he looked at ZZS with big puppy heart-eyes, I knew he was going to be a goner. I just know they’re gonna fridge him for the next step in ZZS’s journey, because something has to pry ZZS out of Four Seasons Manor, as much as I, personally, would like nothing better than to see 8 more episodes of wedded bliss for two gay dads and their son. (OK, one thing I would like better would be if their daughter and son-in-law came to live with them, too.) At least it looks like Han Ying will get to die taking a figurative bullet for ZZS, which will make him happy and might prevent him from finding out the Glazed Armor he’s so proud of bringing is actually pointless, because don’t think that didn’t hurt to know while I watched him being so proud of managing to get his hands on it. But I’d prefer he didn’t die at all, show. Also, why on earth are there only two (completed) stories under the ZZS/Han Ying label on AO3? Because yes, I have looked. I have the search open in another tab right now. Why haven’t more people taken advantage of this guy’s utter devotion for ZZS? How are people looking at the way Han Ying reverently brushes his fingers over the single white blossom on the wall mural in ZZS’s rooms back in Prince Jin’s palace and not falling all over that?

Xie’er, oh, Xie’er. You’re killing me, here. I need someone to rescue you, you desperate affection-starved little sociopath. So, to recap, last time we met, your Awful Yifu finally let it slip that he was never ever going to acknowledge your existence in public. So now, you’re being a very clever boy, setting up a scheme to manipulate him into having to publicly acknowledge you if he’s going to claim credit for your successes (because I’m sure you can’t even contemplate failure) in service to Prince Jin. So clever, but I hate to tell you, you’re clever at everything except learning from your mistakes when it comes to your Awful Yifu. You really learned nothing from Beauty Ghost, did you? Ugh, your sad little face as you watch your hot mess of an Awful Yifu while you wait for the maids to make tea – it hurts me. Please tell me you’re playing some kind of long game, and you’re just a really great actor. Because he’s sloppy drunk, and right now, watching your face journey, I think maybe you think that makes what he’s saying true – that he’s not guarding his words, and he means it when he tells you that of course he loves you and would never leave you. “Are you still angry with me?” Awful Yifu literally asks. “Alright, I’ll apologize. I was just mad. It didn’t mean anything. We’re together in this. I’ll always stand by you.” Xie’er, you have got to stop believing gaslighting abusive men who shovel that BS. This is what they call the honeymoon period in the cycle of abuse. Seriously. This is textbook. Please stop making the same mistakes over and over again. Maybe think about the fact that your Awful Yifu is, single-handedly, the reason the Department of the Unfaithful actually exists in the first place. He is THAT AWFUL. I would like to think actually seeing his serial killer trophy room will make a difference, now that you have some confirmation of what Tragicomic Ghost told you and not the ability to wave it off as part of some he-said, she-said situation where how could we ever possibly know the truth, despite the fact that Zhao Jing has shown he’ll stab anyone in the back in his quest for power? But, then, I also thought maybe learning last ep that he never planned to publicly acknowledge you would make some kind of difference. Are you going to roll the dice again, gambler? Because I’ll tell you right now, the house always wins. (Not that you’d listen to me anymore than you listened to Beauty Ghost.)

(Also, wait wait waitwaitwait. Waitaminit. This is pure speculation and probably way too out there to be true (oh, but, someone’s going to write this AU for me, right?) Hot-mess drunk yifu tells Xie’er that they’ve been depending on each other “ever since I picked you up and brought you back home.” I can’t remember if we know anything about Xie Wang’s background at this point, but it does sound like Zhao Jing might have literally yoinked him off the street to raise him. He … he doesn’t think Xie’er is actually Yan’er, does he? Only he kidnapped the wrong orphaned urchin by mistake? I’m just sayin’, thinking back to Shen Shen’s reaction to finding out Zhen Yan was still alive, it would be exactly the kind of thing Zhao Jing would do, to keep this kid that his brother(s) wanted to find hidden right under their noses.)

Chengling and the chicken. I can’t, y’all. And Zhou Zishu’s face as soon as he realizes what Wen Kexing is telling Chengling to do – he knows this is going to be a show.

Prince Jin, you are almost as bad as Xie’r and his awful Yifu combined:

Prince Jin: Zhou Zishu, you mastermind, your super-secret spy network continues to spread everywhere, including into my very own palace. Oh, the things you must be plotting against me!

Zhou Zishu, chillin’ at Plum Blossom Manor, day-drinking, dressing up in pretty festive robes, taking advantage of his disciple’s unpaid labor so he doesn’t have to raise a finger for himself, and providing his husband with sex so incredible he is never required to actually cook: “OK, my gay husband and our son-with-two-dads, how about we just stay here together forever and be happy?”

Also Prince Jin: *Creeps on Zhou Zishu like a gaslighting m’fker*

Anyway, if Prince Jin always knew what Han Ying was up to all along, is the letter about ZZS’s father a plant, with false info? It was just kind of suspiciously hanging out in the open on Prince Jin’s desk.

[inorganicone2230]

The Caged Bird (Part 1) Yandere!Erasermic x Fem!Reader

Part 2

Summery: For the Gods of Life and Death, loneliness seemed a heavy thing to bare when confronted with the prospect of facing it for an eternity, even with each other. That is until a chance encounter with a certain someone prompts them to think that just maybe, that lonely eternity can be abated, as long as they have the right person to share it with.

Side Note: This is a prequel to my other Yandere!Erasermic story called Divine Intervention. If you have not read that one yet, I highly recommend you go and do that before reading this one.

Warnings: Not many for this chapter, just some light stalking, mentions of future kidnapping and some mentions of breeding.

Eternity matters very little when one has existed since the beginning of time, and will continue to exist well into the future.

The same can be said for time, Hizashi thought as he stared into the waters of the koi pond. It was quite hard to understand the concept of time when it holds no meaning to beings like himself and Shouta, creatures who had come into existence already knowing who and what they were. From the moment they first breathed life they knew what their purpose in the world was, they knew everything, even what they meant to each other.

It had been so long since those early years, when they first began to watch the creatures that inhabited the world they now looked after, when they first began to watch the humans grow and live and die under Shouta's care, and Hizashi himself began to help them create new life and souls to take the place of the fallen who waited to be reborn.

Soon though, like with many things, habit took over and after a few centuries, the day to day flow of life and death took to the pattern and went on without much needed assistance from either of their respective deities. They were needed very little anymore, seeing as the humans seemed content to handle their affairs without any intervention from the ones they called gods.

Yes they were still worshiped, but anything the humans took as a sign from them was merely all in their heads, they saw gifts and blessings and answers to their prayers only in what they wanted to see, never realizing that it was all perceived.

Perhaps this lack of stimulation is when he and Shouta began to feel a need to spend more time together. It was inevitable really, even if they hadn't felt an immediate connection to one another the moment they were ‘born’, it was only natural that they would eventually be pushed together. Even beings of higher power were not immune to the effects of loneliness and being the only ones in this immortal realm, they soon found solace and love in each other, both emotionally and physically.

This day however found Hizashi alone and without his love to keep him company. Shouta having had to travel to the underworld, a place Hizashi adamantly refused to ever set foot in, for some reason he couldn't be bothered to remember. Standing up, he made the decision to try and find something to occupy his time until his counterpart returned.

Walking back into his and Shouta's room though, he noted that something was off. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something was out of place. It took him a moment to notice that the change wasn't visual, but auditory, there was an ever present sound missing from the room.

The song of a little red cardinal that Shouta had gifted him with a few months ago. He had smiled sweetly, saying it was meant to keep him company on the rare days he would wake up in bed alone. Hizashi had dotted on the creature from the very moment he had seen it, and he felt very saddened as he stared at the now empty golden cage. He must have made the mistake of not latching the door properly when he had fed it this morning.

As luck would have it though, Shouta chose that very moment to walk in and upon seeing the forlorn look on his golden lovers face, immediately began to question him. “Zashi? What's wrong?” He asked gently, coming up behind him and placing a hand on his shoulder.

Hizashi turned to face him, worrying Shouta even more when he saw the small tears in the corner of his eye. “Oh Shouta, I’m so sorry.” He whispered, a slight tremble to his voice.

Perplexed, Shouta took the blonds face in his hands. “Now what could you be apologizing for my love? Tell me.”

“The cardinal you gave me,” Hizashi started, looking once more at the empty cage. “I must not have locked it's cage properly this morning, and it got out.”

Now he understood the reason for his somber mood. “Ah, that is a shame. But we may be able to find it still.” He said teasingly, loving the way Hizashi instantly perked up.

“Really?! You think so?”

Shouta chuckled, Hizashi's eagerness practically contagious. “Of course, it was here in our realm long enough that some of our essence must have rubbed off on it. I bet it flew to the human realm and we can follow the trail. It couldn't have gotten very far after all.”

“Then let us go right away! We can just cloak ourselves to keep any of the mortals from bothering us!” He began to turn away, heading straight for the gateway they used when crossing realms, but stopped and turned to give Shouta a brilliant smile. “What would I ever have done without you Shou?”

Now it was Shouta's turn to blush a bit. “Probably about as well as I would have done without you Zashi.”

----------

Of course even for Gods, trying to find the little bird in the mortal realm was no easy feat, even if they did have an idea where it was. Namely, in one of the eastern countries forests.

“Perhaps we should come back tomorrow Shou? We will still be able to find it in the morning, our essence should still linger on the little creature even after a night away from us.” Hizashi suggested as he looked around. The sun was already beginning to set, twilight colors of orange and yellow filling up the tucked away little glen they found themselves in.

Hizashi’s good mood seemed to stick with him, even if they hadn't yet found his beloved little pet. Something that Shouta was extremely grateful for, he hated to see his golden partner without his trademark smile. But, his loves chipper mood does give him an idea, one he is all to willing to share with him as he reaches out to pull the blonde closer.

“You know, we don't have to return right away.” Shouta whispered into his ear. “It's so peaceful and quiet here, and the sunset is so lovely, it would be such a shame to waste it. Wouldn't you agree my love?” He pressed himself against his hip, laving Hizashi's neck with feather light kisses.

It didn't take Hizashi long to catch on, not that Shouta was being subtle about his desires, and he reached up to tangle his hands in black as night hair. “I think you are right.” He sighed, leaning back against a tree for support as Shouta grinned wickedly and dived in for a deep kiss that he was all too eager to return.

“You poor thing…”

Their passionate kiss abruptly ended the moment they heard the voice from somewhere behind them.

Tuning to look at a break in the trees, they spotted the figure of a young, pretty, mortal woman. Dressed in simple robes and kneeling in the grass to gently cradle something in her hands, Hizashi instantly recognizing the bright red feathers of his cardinal, along with the faintest hint of the heavenly aura that clung to it.

“Your wing is broken, but it appears to be a clean break.” She mumbled thoughtfully, bringing the lovely bird closer to her face for a closer inspection, her brow scrunching in a rather adorable way. “I should be able to fix you up, and in a few weeks you will be flying high in the sky again.”

The bird let out a weak little chirp and continued to lay still in the girls hands, as if it sensed that she posed no danger and was only looking to help. Both Gods silently admitting to themselves that it was a rather precious sight to behold.

Shouta noted that Hizashi was making no move to stop her as she got up and began to move away, walking slowly so as not to jostle or further harm the animal. “Are you not going to stop her? You were so adamant about finding it.”

The God of Life seemed to come out of a daze, shaking himself a bit and blinking his eyes. “I… don't know. It seems as if she is just trying to help.” He mumbled, as the two of them began to follow the oblivious girl through the darkening forest. “Quite the odd gesture for a human, they normally wouldn't stop to help one of their own kind unless it benefited them in some way, let alone a wounded animal.”

Shouta couldn't deny his agreement with the observation. It seemed they were both intrigued by this turn of events. He was curious to see where this fascination would lead them if they continued to watch this play out. “Perhaps we should allow her to care for it. We can retrieve it once it has been healed.” Shouta said, knowing that Hizashi’s interest would cause him to take to the suggestion right away. The blonde grinned and nodded, just as he expected him to. At the very least, this will prove to be a way to kill some time, he thought.

They continued to follow her, listening as she cooed and spoke to the feathered creature in her hands. Hizashi found himself thinking that it was a voice best suited for a mother, a voice meant for singing lullabies and chasing away nightmares.

Wait… what…? Hizashi gave himself pause. Where had that come from?

It was so random, a prospect that had never crossed him before. But now that it was there, it was running rampant in his mind. Like a wildfire, it exploded and he was consumed with thoughts of little bodies nestled in strong arms, the pitter-patter of feet on marble floors, and the sounds of mirth and laughter echoing through the empty halls of the palace.

He was so consumed with these fantasies that he failed to notice they had followed the girl all the way to her destination, jumping when The God of Death took his hand in his own and bringing him back to reality.

“Are you alright Zashi?” He asked, genuine concern lacing his tone.

“Of course!” He replied, just a tad bit too exuberantly. His smile dropping a bit when Shouta raised a knowing brow indicating that he was not taken in by it. “Truly, I'm fine Shou. I was just caught up in some rather unexpected thoughts. I can tell you all about them when we get home. How does that sound?”

“I have a feeling I know what those thoughts might entail, but I would love to hear them nonetheless.” Shouta said, satisfied for now with the knowledge that they could speak about it later.

They watched as the girl entered a modest looking home that was secluded away from other people, close to the edge of the forest. And upon closer inspection, it appeared that she lived alone as well.

They watched her for a bit longer as she lit candles and a fire in the hearth and began tending to the birds broken wing with expert hands, her touches light and quick as if she had done this plenty of times before.

All to soon she was done, preparing a small meal for herself and crushing a few berries for the bird before retiring for the evening, leaving the two men to reluctantly return to their home in the heavens.

----------

Later that night, as Shouta and Hizashi held each other close in bed, they spoke quietly of many things, including what had transpired that day and how it could affect their future.

They spoke of the need they felt to be together more often than in the past, of the guilt Shouta felt whenever he had to leave Hizashi to go to the underworld, of Hizashi's lonely days spent in this large empty palace tending to the Water’s of Eternity, and of what Hizashi realized out in the forest. Unbeknownst to him at that time, Shouta was having the same thoughts concerning the pretty human girl.

They whispered to each other how wonderful it would be to have another with them to fill the void whenever the other was gone, how nice it would be to have a feminine presence around their home, and how soon they would be filling the rooms of it with little ones.

“She has such a sweet voice Shouta.” Came Hizashi's dreamy sigh as he nuzzled his face into  his lovers broad chest. “I can't stop imagining what it will be like to listen to her sing a lullaby, it will be so perfect!”

Shouta chuckled at his antics, his own thoughts consumed with many of the same ideas. “Yes. And she seems to have a very nurturing personality, perfect for a mother.” He added, feeling himself being swept along by Hizashi's enthusiasm.

“I know it's a bit early to make a final decision, but I can't help feeling like this was meant to be Shouta. Like this is what we have been waiting for and we were supposed to find her.” Hizashi felt a wellspring of happiness at just the thought of what the future was looking to hold for them.

Shouta nodded along, content to listen to all of the blonds gushing fantasies and plans, taking note of ones he came back to repeatedly so that they could better plan for them later on.

“We can go back tomorrow and watch some more.” Hizashi finally seemed to have calmed down a bit, though the big smile he wore for the last few hours stayed in place. “I want to know everything about her. She is going to be so happy once we bring her home, once she sees all the work we will have put in. I just know it.”

“I agree, we’ll have to plan accordingly and approach her only when the time is right. We don't want to give her cause to think she has reason to fear us, that just wouldn't do.” Shouta said, plans already forming in his head as he ran his hands through Hizashi's hair.

The two stayed up well into the night discussing all their hopes and dreams this new plan was bringing out, neither one ever realizing that they had never even learned what the girls name was.

I’m not too sure how I feel about this chapter honestly, but as long as you all like it I’ll be happy!

Let me know what you thought and please enjoy!

[mediaeval-muse]

Book Review

Mirage. By Somaiya Daud. New York: Flatiron Books, 2018.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Genre: YA sci fi/fantasy

Part of a Series? Yes, Mirage #1

Summary: In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, eighteen-year-old Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of what life was like before the occupation; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventure, and travel beyond her isolated moon. But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place. As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty—and her time with the princess’ fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection...because one wrong move could lead to her death.

***Full review under the cut.***

Content Warnings: violence, blood, political oppression, torture

Overview: As far as debuts go, this is one of the stronger ones I’ve read in some time. While the blurb promises a thrilling saga about survival, Mirage is focused less on characters dodging assassination attempts and more on holding on to one’s identity in the face of cultural suppression. I very much enjoyed Daud’s prose and her way of communicating emotion, which forged meaningful connections between characters and overcame what qualms I had about plot. While I talk about those qualms below, I do think that Mirage is a thoughtful book, and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.

Writing: Daud’s prose is very descriptive and flows nicely without straying into purple territory. I wouldn’t call it “poetic,” because Daud doesn’t burden the reader with metaphor or lush descriptions of her world, but she does provide enough vivid detail to give the reader a clear picture of what’s going on, and then lets the rhythm and mood sweep the reader away. For example, Daud might leave a description of a palace as having “geometric designs” or a qaftan as “grey with red detailing” but focus more attention on how characters are feeling or interacting with each other.

Daud also has a talent for setting a good pace. While reading, I was worried that we were going to be subject to a lengthy “training session” in which Amani learns the ins and outs of court life, and while we do get some of that, it doesn’t go on for pages and pages. The training isn’t important, and Daud knows that. She describes just enough for the reader to get the idea of what kinds of things Amani has to learn and moves on. She also doesn’t linger in scenes that don’t need it, so we aren’t reading pages and pages of, say, Amani at a party - we get just enough to see Amani accomplish her goal before we’re on to the next thing. It was refreshing and kept the plot moving.

Plot: The premise of this novel is that Amani, an 18-year-old woman living under an oppressive regime, is taken from her home and forced to serve as a body double to Maram, the princess and heir to her oppressor’s empire. Amani’s people inhabit a planet called Andala and its moons - Amani herself lives on a moon called Cadiz - and are ruled over by the Vath, who have partially occupied, partially colonized the area. Though the Vath have a firm grip on power and have suppressed much of Kushaila culture (the Kushaila being one of the cultural/ethnic groups on Andala), rebellion still lingers in various pockets around the star system, threatening the life of Maram, who has made herself despised by the Andalaans through her cruelty.

The plot isn’t so much about Amani encountering life-threatening situations (by posing as Maram) as it is Amani struggling to hang on to her cultural identity. She becomes every bit the Vath princess, but finds comfort in her native language, her religion (or spirituality, or folklore - I’m not sure how to describe it), poetry, culturally-significant tattoos, and so on. As a result, this book is a wonderful exploration of how survival and preservation can be act of rebellion, which Amani herself thinks about this often. The sense is enhanced when we consider that Maram, the princess she is tasked to protect, is half Vath, half Kushaila, and struggles with accepting her Kushaila heritage, while Idris, Maram’s fiance and one of the few living members of a major Kushaila house, longs to connect to his native culture after living under Vath rule for so long.

Despite loving the message about cultural identity and survival, I do with Amani’s body doubling duties had been presented as a bit more risky than they were. The first few times Amani poses as Maram, there seems to be little threat to either Maram’s or Amani’s lives. Amani (as Maram) goes to a couple parties or visits Maram’s relatives or sits in on a political meeting - nothing where an assassination attempt seems to be a real possibility. The only time I got the sense that body doubling was necessary was towards the end, when more public appearances carried more potential for disruption. While I don’t think this book needed more threats of violence or “action adventure” to be considered “good,” I do think more risk could have enhanced the message about survival and sisterhood (which comes to fruition later).

Eventually, Amani does involve herself in riskier scenarios when she agrees to act as a spy, feeding information to the resistance while becoming increasingly more sympathetic towards Maram. While I liked that Amani got more to do, Amani’s efforts at playing politics seemed sloppy. While posing as Maram, she advises her father’s war council on which cities to bomb, which could have been a good subversion (to direct attention away from certain areas), but she advises them to bomb a culturally significant region of the planet and then acts like she had no choice. Moreover, Amani didn’t seem to be enthusiastic about the rebellion; she does her part, but it’s not necessarily a driving force in the decisions she makes. I put this down to her evolving feelings towards Maram, but still, I would have liked to see her be more passionate about the cause so that the conflict between supporting the rebels and supporting a friend is more pronounced.

Characters: Amani, our narrator and protagonist, is easy to connect with because she voices her emotions so much. The reader is always aware of how Amani is feeling, when she’s sad or lonely, when she’s finding comfort, when she’s connecting to others or to her poetry. Being privy to these emotions helped overcome moments when Amani is relatively passive. Throughout much of the book, Amani is obligated to do as she’s told, act as she’s expected, etc. which makes her seem like a mere pawn and just trying to survive the day. Of course, preserving her cultural identity is active, but I think even these moments could have been put into Amani’s hands a bit more. I also think 

Maram, the princess for whom Amani serves a body double, has a very satisfying arc. She starts out cruel and arrogant, mistrusting everyone around her and doing her best to assert that she’s Vath, but over time, the facade begins to break down, and she becomes more sympathetic. I very much enjoyed how her relationship with Amani evolved, and her crisis of cultural identity complimented Amani’s story nicely.

Idris, Maram’s fiance and Amani’s love interest, is compelling in that he embodies a different facet of cultural suppression and identity crisis than Maram or Amani. He was only 10 when his family was wiped out for first rebelling, then surrendering to the Vath, and has primarily grown up in Vath courts ever since. He is engaged to Maram in the attempt to appease the Andalaans, making Vath rule more palatable if the heir to the empire is half-Kushaila and is married to a Kushaila. Idris remembers almost none of his native language, nor does he recognize the cultural significance of certain Kushaila things (like tattoos, etc.). His connection to Amani, then, is partially a connection with his native culture, and he learns more and more about where he came from by talking to her. While I enjoyed the drama inherent in his romance with Amani (how does one overcome the obstacle of being engaged to the princess but falling for her body double?), I did wish more was done to show a connection between them on a personal level. Idris seems to be in love with Amani primarily because of what she can teach him about Kushaila culture; most of the intimacy between them springs from discussions about Idris’ past or his lack of knowledge, with Amani filling in the blanks. Granted, there is a moment when Idris expresses admiration for Amani’s bravery, but I thought it was overshadowed by his draw to her as a representation of what he lost.

Other: The worldbuilding in this story was fairly compelling, combining the realities of cultural suppression with a unique science fiction setting that drew on Middle Eastern/Arabic/Islamic (I’m not sure which, specifically) aesthetics. I liked how the richness of Kushaila culture contrasted with the minimalism and austerity of the Vath because it reminded me of discussions about aesthetics and class or aesthetics and power - the “clean,” conservative tastes of the ruling class are in part an exercise in suppression and conformity, so I thought that worked well in the political environment Daud had created. I do think, however, that there were times when Daud would introduce something and not make full use of it. Maram, for example, has a large bird of prey called a roc, which does Maram’s bidding - but it only shows up once. There are droids roaming around, mostly in combat or violent situations, but I frequently forgot that they existed because they are almost never integral to the scene. I hope that the worldbuilding will continue to grow in subsequent installments in this series, as I really liked what I read in Mirage, but just wanted a bit more.

Recommendations: I would recommend this book if you’re interested in science fiction and fantasy, space operas, questions of cultural identity, poetry, and growing rebellions.

[randomnessunicorn-imagine]

Hi there! I was hoping I could request a little writing/drabble from you where the female reader and Dukat are in a bit of a sudden argument over something and in the heat of everything, the reader accidentaly confesses that they have romantic feelings for him and...he's actually kind of surprised because he feels the same way about them. If you're not interested or you can't think of anything good, that's quite alright! Thank you~~

{ Uhm, interesting.

I took the liberty of using oneof the bad things happen prompts, because I really want to use them.

Then I have something specific inmind and, honestly, with Dukat I don’t imagine anything good, romantic orhappy, so this story doesn’t have an happy ending.

Here the reader is a Bajoranwoman named Laha Herjea, you can also see her as an OC. It takes place during the occupation of Bajor. Herethe station is still called Terok Nor.

I’m satisfied of this fanfictionand I took several hours to end it so I hope you guys will read and like it. Ihad fun writing it and I needed some angst. Yes, there is a lot of angst here! }

ASK FOR OTHER PROMPTS

Don’t forget to tell me your opinion about and leave a like or share if you liked it, it would make the writer very happy.

Prompt: Grief / Mourning

Challenge by @badthingshappenbingo

Words Count: 4171

Fandom: Star Trek DS9

Pairing: Dukat x Female! Bajoran Reader / Bajoran OC!

Triggers: Cardassian Oppressors, occupation of Bajor, angst, death, suicidal gesture, prisoner. But Dukat acts strangely nice.

– The beauty and the Reptile

~ PART 1 ;

A terrible fate fell on Bajor; afate of terror, destruction and desolation because Bajor wasn’t the planet of atime anymore but something else. It was infected by a virus, it was justdestroyed and usurped like the population who lived here. They had been treatedas slaves, strangers of their own land by the invaders of another planet, theirunexpected oppressors.

Cold-hearted aliens had stolentheir home, plundered their fields, killed their children and abducted theirwomen for their own pleasure, because they just felt superior. The Cardassian,their slavers, felt like real gods, they had even desecrated their temples anddishonoured their Prophets, but the Prophets were still there for Bajor,because nobody would have been able to stole their faith, it was immortal,immense and warm. This was the only thing the Bajoran people possessed, theirfaith in the Prophets.

The end of Bajor seemed near butthere were still people who fought for its liberation, who fought for what theybelieved, for their freedom and faith. Faith for prophets, for life and hope.Things the Bajoran cared a lot, things that had been stolen from them. Someday,they would have taken them back, no matter how hard and painful it could be,they would have won. Someday.

Laha Herjea was one of thosewomen who had been brought to Terok Nor, the space station of the Cardassians,to become the lady-in-waiting of one of them.

Actually, entire groups ofBajoran women had been stolen from their family and conducted there for thesame reason.

She didn’t even want to thinkabout her fate because it didn’t appear bright or worthy to be lived, it seemedterrifying and all the women around her were crying, were lost and scared andsome of them would have wanted to die rather than face this terrible destiny.

Laha didn’t live a long life, shewas only 19 years old when she was taken and brought to Terok Nor.

She lived with her father and herbrothers in a little town in the South of Bajor. Her mother Zaha died when shewas 15 years old because of an illness, while her father Janal was a farmer,just like her big brother Nika. Her other brother Paarya was a professor ofBajoran history and this was the subject she would have desired to study, thepath she would have liked to follow, because she estimated a lot her brotherand she wanted to spread her culture all over the universe. This was her dreambut it had been broken before it could even start.

“What do they want to do withus?” a woman said, looking around.

Laha didn’t know either of thesewomen but she could perceive their fear and preoccupation because she felt thesame feelings but she didn’t say a thing because the question of the woman wasabout to be answered.

A group of Cardassian soldierscame in, their looks were curious, they started scrutinizing the Bajoran womenas predators who were chasing after their prey.

Laha tried not to be scared bythese reptile men and she just looked at the void in front of her, but she wasable to hear the deep breaths of her companions, the way they trembled andsighed.

Some of the Cardassians laughedseeing the young women so terrified and vulnerable until a voice scolded them.

“Sirs, get a hold of yourself!”and then all the Cardassian soldiers became serious, standing at attention,“Can’t you see? These poor ladies are completely uncomfortable. They shouldfeel like home here.”

Another Cardassian man walkedinto the room, he was the possessor of the voice, that rough and severe voicewho was able to stop their laughing.

The man grinned, tall and fierce,admiring the line of women and studying them as if they were kinds of pieces ofart.

Laha supposed he was their bossbecause all the other Cardassians looked at this man with respect and fear,even she felt intimidated from this sinister character.

There was something in his eyesshe could not define, maybe it was lust, a malicious curiosity, or maybe it waspride, the kind of hubris of someone who felt better than anyone else, maybe hetruly felt superior, perhaps even more superior than the other Cardassians,this was the first impression she had of this man.

Soon, she even learnt his name,“I’m Gul Dukat, nice to meet you, my gentle ladies. I’m the one who controls this Station, you can consider me as your mentor, your new family because thisstation will be your new home.” He smiled, “Terok Nor is very big andlonely, and your job is to keep it warm and lively. Don’t see yourself as mereslaves, you’re more than that. You’re guests.”

Yes, guests that had beenkidnapped from their land and given to these malicious and merciless reptiles,she thought, it could not be defined as a gentle act of courtesy.

Dukat appeared veryself-confident, austere but kind in his strange ways but she didn’t trusthim.

Nobody trusted him.

Then he placed his glance on her,Laha didn’t look in the other direction, she just stared, serious and cold. Herlast desire was to lose her integrity and honour because of some Cardassian.

Dukat smiled, and then spoke,still looking in her eyes, “Let’s get to know each other better.”

He still didn’t take his eyes offof Laha, it seemed he was speaking with her and maybe he had already taken hisdecision and in that moment, when Dukat spoke to her, she understood she was inserious trouble.

“What’s your name?” he asked witha soft tone of voice.

“Laha Herjea.” She answered, coldbut polite.

“Oh, such an adorable name.You’re very young.” Then he got closer and raised her chin with his thinfingers, “And very beautiful.”

Dukat caressed her cheek, histouch was cold but soft, and then he moved a lock of her light brown hairbehind her ear.

His grin made her shivering as ifsuddenly the temperature got lower, it was not a pleasant feeling but shenodded, trying to stay calm and do not lose her mind.

Dukat still smiled, something ofhis smile frightened her but also made her wondering what was hidden behindthat mask of charm and self-confidence.

The meeting with the Cardassianslasted ten minutes and everyone left after they all chose their lady-in-waitingand ordered to their Bajoran counsellor –a traitor, she would say- to dress thewomen up in a more decent and delightful way, as if they were real dolls, just little toys that had to satisfyevery kind of fantasy of their oppressors.  

Then Laha’s fate was clearer thanbefore, her preoccupation became reality and she just could not escape from thissituation. The only thing she could do was hoping, hoping the Prophets wouldhave given to her the strength not to fall apart.

 ~ PART 2 ;

Laha had been chosen as Dukat’smaid, he said it was the greatest honour and she was lucky. She had privilegesall the other Bajoran maids didn’t have. She wondered which privileges theywere.

It was her first day of work as maid, she was in his office, he was reading some documents without paying herany attention, and maybe he didn’t even know she was there and that she wouldlike to be somewhere else.

“Oh, sorry, my dear. I was sodistracted by these bureaucracy documents, it’s so boring but job must bedone.” He said, placing his papers on his table, hands joined and his usualconfident smile on his face. Laha found all of this disgusting but she didn’treply.

“I’m such a bad host, I haven’teven offered you a proper meal, you must be hungry.” Then he stood up, reachingthe replicators, “What would you like to eat? Some typical Bajoran plate?Unluckily, I’m not an expert but I could ask to our chef to prepare something specialand real. I don’t really appreciate these food simulacrums. It doesn’t do anyjustice to the original flavours of our dishes.”

Dukat kept speaking, he was agreat talker, and his tone was always so courteous and soft, Laha asked herselfif he was really the person he appeared to be. She didn’t know enough about himyet.

“So, dear Laha, what’s youranswer?” he asked again and then he looked at her, getting closer.

“Honestly, I’m not hungry, atall.” It was a lie but it wasn’t, too. Because her hunger went away the moment shecrossed the door, it vanished and she only was confused and mad. Even if on herface any emotion could be read.

“Are you sure?” he asked,suspicious.

Laha just nodded.

He didn’t appear angry and heseemed understanding, then he asked to his Bajoran Counsellor to accompany Lahato his quarters where she should have prepared herself and waited for him tohave dinner together since it was still morning and he had a lot of work to do.

Laha didn’t like this idea but,at least, he didn’t insist and left her alone.

Dukat’s quarters were very big,comfortable and elegant, they had the typical Cardassian décor but she didn’tcare a lot about it. She still found her out of place.

Then she admired the space out ofthe window and she observed Bajor, her home planet, how beautiful it was fromup there, she thought, and she could not reach it. She could not break thisglass and jump there. Warm tears crossed her cheeks as she contemplated herhome, she sighed, sad and alone. Then she fell on her knees and prayed theProphets to look after her family, to help her people and herself to believe.Help her to be strong and do not give up.

Then she put herself on the couchand she fell asleep.

Laha stood alone there, asleepand annihilated, for the rest of the day.

 ***

Dukat found Laha still sleeping,traces of tears still wet her face.

His expression was mortified, buthe didn’t wake her up but he just relaxed himself, reading a book and observinghis sleeping guest.

Laha was not tall but not evenshort, she was about 1.7 metres tall, but she looked so delicate, thin andinnocent there.

After some minutes, she moved andshe woke up.

“Oh, welcome back in reality,dear Laha.” He said, his tone seemed ironical, because this was not the realityshe wanted to live.

She had had a very beautifuldream, she dreamt of her family, she was gardening with her father, it was asunny day and Bajor was luxuriant, free from every oppressor but it was only adream.

Then Dukat stood up and seatednext to her, caressing her cheeks and realized, she had cried.

“You haven’t cried because youmissed me, haven’t you?” he asked, whispering and she blushed, she hatedherself for it.

Laha didn’t answer because it wasa stupid question, she had thousands of reasons to cry.

“You’re not so talkative, I’msorry, I’m just impatient to know you better.” He said, smiling, “But you don’thave to worry about your family.” And she opened her eyes wide.

“Oh, I’ve caught your attention.”He grinned, “By the way, they’re fine, I don’t want you to be sad, they’ve notbeen hurt.” His voice was gentle but Laha didn’t smile back.

How could she trust the man whohad abducted her and forced her to live in this station?

“Should I believe you?” sheasked, serious and wary.

“Oh, finally, you’re speaking.”He seemed satisfied, “I’m telling the truth and, since I don’t want you tomistrust me, I’ll permit you to speak to them and ask them in person how dothey feel.”

Dukat’s words surprised her, shewould have never expected such a proposal.

“Really? Can I see my father?”she asked.

“Yes, you can… But then you haveto stay and enjoy your permanence.”

It sounded more like a threatthan a gift, even if Laha didn’t have any choice, she had to stay here, she waslike a prisoner, so she just nodded because if she would have the chance to seeher father, how could she refuse.

“Now that you feel morereassured, can we have dinner?” he asked, smirking.

Laha forgot about her hunger, andshe felt a little better after his promise.

She guessed, he could havechanged his mind if she would have refused his invitation and it was only a dinner.

In fact, it was just a dinner andLaha was surprised how good he behaved. Dukat didn’t make her uncomfortable ortouch her, he just spoke a lot, he spoke so much but she didn’t care and shejust nodded, faking smiles and filled her stomach.

This man was kinder than shethought for being a Cardassian and maybe she had judged him too fast.

 ***

Several days passed and Laha wasable to speak with her father. He was fine and her brothers as well.

The Cardassians didn’t hurt themand this was a miracle because she heard so many bad stories about otherfamilies she knew. Maybe she was truly lucky. These were the privileges Dukat hadtalked about.

“Are you ok, dear?” her fatherasked.

“Yes, I’m fine, they didn’t hurtme, they give me food, a bed to sleep…” She smiled at her father.

“It would be better if you wouldbe here.” he said and then the signal started freaking out until the video communicatorblacked out.

“Dad! Dad, what happened?” shespoke to the black monitor and she sighed.

At least, she had the chance tosee him, for some minutes but she was glad he was fine. Now she had to keep herpromise too and just appreciate her forced permanence on Terok Nor.

 ***

 “Have you seen your father?”Dukat asked.

“Yes, but not for a long time, thevideo blocked at a certain point.” She explicated.

“Oh, I’m sorry, you’ll try againanother time.” he smiled and then he took her hands, delicately.

His skin was so cold, it wasstrange, she could not define this feeling.

Somehow, she found it pleasant,different from the first time she met him. She wasn’t afraid anymore.

Since now, he had only treatedher as a special friend, a real guest, with respect, kindness and a sort ofdevotion as if he was afraid of offending her.

Dukat always had that sinistersmile on his face, the one that hid something, but she learnt to ignore it andjust appreciate his company. Laha would lie to herself if she said she feltuncomfortable with him.

Then Dukat got closer and hetouched her cheek and kissed her lips gently, so delicate, chaste, she barelyperceived it, Laha didn’t move and the Bajoran let him to get further. His kissbecame more passionate until she was unable to resist and Laha just kissed himback, her senses were completely lost, and her mind possessed by her lustingemotions.

He embraced her in a strong hug,even if his skin was cold, she could perceive warmth and her entire body washeating up.

Everything happened so naturally,with no pressure, no excuse and she felt good, loved and satisfied.

She had to trust him, she had noreason to misbelieving and she was glad, if any prisoner could feel fine in itsprison but she didn’t feel as a prisoner anymore.  

Laha had found her new home hereon Terok Nor, here in Dukat’s arms.

 ~ PART 3 ;

A month passed and Laha evenforgot about her previous issues.

She still missed her home and so Dukatpromised her they would have visited Bajor but this promise had not been kept yetbut she knew he had a lot of work to do.

Despite her beautiful days, thesituation on Bajor was still hard because people still died of hunger, childrenwere still killed, cities were destroyed and nothing really changed. Bajorbecame a hell and the Cardassians were the demons who ruled it.

Laha was used to spend her daysin Dukat’s quarters reading, writing or sewing clothes but some other times shewas even able to take walks through the promenade or talk with the Constable Odo.Laha didn’t go so far because she didn’t want to meet other Cardassians, shecould trust Odo but walking with all those Cardassians around made her veryuncomfortable.

During one of these walks, sherealized an awful truth, the truth she had ignored until now. The reality sheleft behind, the agony every Bajoran was living. She forgot everything and afeeling of doom and guilt took possession of his mind and heart. Because shefelt like a traitor, like an enemy.

She was living carefree, safe andsound in Dukat’s quarters, while her people were fighting and dying for theirplanet.

A peculiar fact had opened her eyes,because that day took place a riot in the middle of the promenade. Some Bajoranworkers revolted against the Cardassians, it seemed, it was an organizedassault. They were three members of the resistance of Bajor but they had beencaught and executed.

Laha was there, on the top of thepromenade and she observed the scene from above as the men screamed, fought andthen fell on the cold ground as dead weights but they were not dead yet. Thiswas not the end they deserved, it would have been too gentle for theCardassians.

Those men had been hanged infront of everyone, their last words had been prayers dedicated to the Prophets.

Laha saw, she saw all of it andshe was left speechless as the men died, but they didn’t cry, they were proudand even glad to die for their people. They didn’t lose this battle becausethey became martyrs.

Then she understood. Lahaunderstood it was unfair, she lost her mind, her dignity. She was just anobject, a little toy, she lived in a golden cage and those people, the peoplewho had killed her compatriots, had put her in that cage. She could not be gladof it anymore. Could not be blind anymore.

Laha started crying and then sherun away to her quarters, she could not stand it anymore.

She wanted to forget the terriblescene she had already seen and just disappear and sleep forever.

 ***

 Dukat tried to comfort her but hefailed

“I didn’t want you to see that,it was awful…” he said, “I’m sorry, dear.” He spoke, kissing her wet cheeks, sogentle, so mortified.

“What did they do?” she asked,sighing.

“They have injured a Cardassian guard andtry to escape.” He said, his tone was neutral and it seemed, it was a logicalreason to execute someone.

“Why kill them?” she asked andher tone was harsher, because she could not still accept it. She could notunderstand it.

Dukat seemed confused and thatquestion was strange because it was the normal procedure. Killing Bajorans wasnormal for any Cardassian. Especially for him.

“Who gave the order? Who hasdecided the execution?” she asked and Dukat’s face freeze.

Laha understood, it was soobvious and she felt stupid, naïve and scared because she was facing the personwho had condemned those men. The person who had killed so many Bajorans and shehad even loved that person. She felt dirty, outraged and she stood up, shaking.

“No, it’s not me, they haveassaulted a group of Cardassians, they were dangerous. They were members of theresistance.” Dukat explained as if it was not a real problem.

“No, they were not dangerous.They were slaves, all we Bajorans are slaves for you. I’m just a slave foryou.” Laha burst into tears.

“No, dear, you’re not a slave.Believe me, you have nothing to do with that. You should have not stayed thereand seen that scene.” Dukat seemed anxious but he didn’t lose his temperament.

“No, you have lied to me untilnow. How could I be so blind? So stupid?” Laha didn’t want to listen to hislies any longer.

“No, Laha, it’s not truth, I’venever lied to you. I truly love you.” Dukat said and she could not understandif those words were lies or maybe he truly felt something for her.

Only echoes were crossing hermind, the voices of those Bajoran men who hung on the promenade, their prayersand the cries of all the Bajoran who were dying.

Then she just hid inside her roomand there she stayed for several days, before she took a decision.

If Terok Nor was her new home, itwould have been her grave, too.

 ***

Laha spent three days locked inher room and Dukat was very worried about her

He didn’t pressure her or forcedher to invite him to enter, he also called his Bajoran counsellor but it was useless.Laha didn’t want to talk with anybody.

The execution of those men hadshocked her so much that she became even unable to fall asleep without hearingtheir screams, the words of hatred the Cardassians told to them as they hang tothe rope. She could not save them, she could not do anything, she just watched themdying.

The next day, Laha decided to goout of her room, she took a sonic shower and then she kneeled and she prayedthe Prophets for her people, for Bajor and for herself. She asked to theProphets to forgive her because she had betrayed her compatriots and she feltas if she deluded the Prophets, too. She didn’t feel as a true Bajoran no more.

“Oh, dear, finally you came outof there. How are you?” Dukat asked, he seemed truly worried.

For once, his voice appearedsincere and even his grin was not sinister or lascivious. He didn’t even smile.

“I’m fine.” She said, withoutlooking at him, she just observed the space in front of the window.

“What are you doing?” he asked,he was not used to see her like that.

“I’m talking with the Prophets.”Laha said.

Since she knew Dukat, she hadstopped praying so often and she hadn’t realized it at first. Staying in thisplace made her forget about her true values. What she was before had stopped existingthe moment she fell in love with him. It was true, an awful truth.

Dukat didn’t answer and he lether pray, totally unaware of the world she had inside, of the thoughts she washaving that moment.

Laha understood. The moment hadcome.

  ***

 Laha stood up, leaving herquarters and then she kept walking through the promanade.

She stood there, in the sameplace where those men died, where their bodies were hanging and she still feltsad for them but nothing else. She just felt anything at all.

The young Bajoran placed herhands on the handrail and she climbed it, it was a sort of ledge, she couldobserve the Cardassian guards who walked under her.

She stood up on the handrail andshe closed her eyes.

No sounds could be heard, no morevoices of desperation or cries, but only the warm embrace of the Prophets, ifthey would have ever forgiven her, was waiting for her on the other side.

Then she jumped, her body aslight as a feather but her mind so heavy, full of thoughts and worries.

Everything just disappeared.

May the Prophets forgive hersins.

 ***

 Everything happened so fast,nobody realized it at first.

Some Cardassian guards hadpointed to her and other Bajorans that were there started screaming.

Surprisingly, the most shocked onewas Dukat, he was not there when it happened and he just saw the corpse of thewoman he loved in the sickbay, lifeless, cold and broken.

He should have known, maybe he hadsuspected it but he just ignored the signals because he was still too selfishto care about somebody else.

That same day, Dukat made Lahacorpse transported to her home on Bajor, giving Laha’s body to her father.

That was the place where sheshould have been, where she should have returned.

Dukat hoped he would haveaccompanied her there, and maybe even the occupation would have stopped and anew era would have come but reality was different from his dreams.

He was not welcome in in thathouse, nowhere on Bajor, but he felt glad he had been able to love someone likeher. Maybe she saw something good in him, not everyone was able of this, butnow everything was over and he could only mourn the death of a person he trulyloved. Because it was not a lie, not an illusion or a Cardassian trick. It waslove and it was dead, it was resting with her, in her grave.

It was more than that.

It was the love of a marthyr.

[dabble-writes]

Death’s Bride--(3)

| Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Pairing:

Namjoon/Reader

Summary:

You are a Seer. What is a Seer? A Seer is someone whose sixth sense is stronger than most people’s and can see Death. You did not want to be one, you just want to be normal—yet what happens when Death comes for you? No, not for you to die—for you to be his bride.

*Based on a novel I wrote before in Wattpad by the same title*

Tags:

Romance, Fantasy, Comedy

Warnings:

Alcohol usage, suggestive sexual content, questionable consent, violence

CHAPTER 3: DEATH ON EARTH

“Oh my goodness!” Your mother pulled you into a tight hug, tears in her eyes, “You’re safe!”

Her hold tightened and you could feel her sobbing, “you’re safe.” She murmured again, as if hoping that this was not a dream.

“I’m fine mom, really.” You murmured, though it was muffled because she was pressed so tight against you.

“I thought you were kidnapped, raped, or even dead!” She cried as she pulled away to study your face, “You haven’t been eating well.”

You bit your lip, feeling insanely guilty that you couldn’t tell your mother the truth and that you left her all alone. You wondered if she would understand, or if she would send you to a psychologist.

“…and right after mama died…it was too much pain.” Your mom burst into tears again and it pained you so much to see her like that.

Fuck it, so what if she thinks I’m crazy.

Before you could say a word though, she grabbed your arms and gave you a stern look, “Who took you, where did they took you, and when can I kick their ass?”

“Mom!”

“Y/N, dear, tell me.” For a woman of her size, she looked quite intimating at the moment.

You sighed as you lead her to the couch and sat down, “I don’t know where to begin—”

“From the beginning of course, silly.”

“—Or if you would believe me. Trust me, it’s some crazy stuff.”

Your mom squeezed your hand, “Try me.”

You took a deep breath, searching for the right words to say, “Well…to start off, grandma and I have been hiding something from you. Not on purpose,” you said quickly, “but because we didn’t know how to explain it or if we could tell other people.”

“You make it sound like you guys were in a cult. Wait, were you and mother in a cult and mother angered someone and they kidnapped you?”

“Wow, that actually sounds more believable than the truth.”, you admitted and she looked at you curiously.

“Just tell me, honey, I swear I’ll be as open-minded as possible.”

“Okay…”, you said, “…you know how grandma can sometimes tell the future and it’ll be weirdly accurate? Like the weather or a specific event in your day or something you just thought about? Or when she can pinpoint a person’s character by just looking at them?”

“Yeah, your grandma always had those eccentricities about her and she seemed to have taught them to you.”

“The reason she can do those things, among others, is because we are Seers. It’s not an official name or anything, just a name grandma came up with. Basically, our sixth sense is stronger than most people’s and we can see…usual things.”

“…I see.”

“You don’t believe me.” you accused.

“Hold on, I’m getting used to the idea! But it does make sense…still, it doesn’t explain why you were missing for weeks!”

“I’m getting there,” you answered, “well one of the things we can see is Death.”

“Death?”

“Actually his name is Namjoon, but don’t tell him I told you that. He’s a being that collects your soul when you die.”

“….and you lost me. So this Namjoon guy,”

“Death,” you corrected, regretting telling your mother his real name. He’s going to be so pissed.

“He collects souls when you die?”

“Correct. And takes you to his kingdom. Which is technically purgatory. And sentences you to work off your sins so you can enter Paradise.”

Your mother gave you a strange look, “Honey, you sure this isn’t a cult—”

“Please, mom, trust me,” you begged, “this is all real. I wish I could show you prove but the only way to do that is if you die—which I don’t want.”

“But you must understand that this is a bit hard to take in…”

“I get it, but that’s not even half of it.”

“There’s more?”

You nod, “So there’s this prophecy involving Namjoon and…me.”

“Now there’s a prophecy? Can’t you make it any more believable? Even the cult story is more believable than this!”

“I’m just telling you the truth.” You said defensively and your mom gave a sigh of resignation.

“What’s the prophecy?”

“What?”

“The prophecy. I’m assuming that’s why you were gone.”

You took a deep breath, “I’m not sure. I’ve only heard bits and pieces and what people have told me. It involves me marrying him—”

“What?” Your mother screeched, “You have to marry Namjoon?”

“…it’s complicated.”

“Do you even like each other?”

You made a face, do you? You know for sure he doesn’t, “Not really…but supposedly that’s the other part of the prophecy—that we’ll love each other or something like that.”

Then again, you couldn’t relay so much on the source since it was the traitor who said it after all. Thinking about it makes your blood boil.

“Still, for you to agree to that is ridiculous. Why would you do such a thing?”

You bit your lip, “I wanted to see grandma.”

“What?”

“I…just wanted to see her one last time. I figured that if I go with Namjoon I’ll have the opportunity to talk to grandma.”

“And did you?” Your mom perked up.

“No, I didn’t have the chance to yet. Everything is just so hectic and going on so fast.”

“I see. Did he manipulate you with your grandma to marry him?”

“Mani—no, it wasn’t like that. I mean, he did mention it—”

“That sounds like manipulation.”

“Okay, maybe he did a little bit, but he’s a victim of the prophecy as well. He’s tried to not follow it, but it never works out. Plus, in the end it was my decision. I do want to see grandma.”

You honestly didn’t know why you were defending Namjoon to your mother.

Her eyes softened, “I get that you wanted to see mother, but is it worth giving up your life here?”

You bit your lip, “Can I be honest, mom? It’s actually not so bad over there. Definitely boring, but not bad. I have a purpose. Here, I don’t really have a purpose. I’m not really good at anything and I don’t even like what I’m studying in school. I’m not particularly close to anyone here except for you and grandma so I wasn’t leaving much behind.”

“Oh honey,” She brought you to a hug, “How can you say that? Of course you have a purpose.”

“But maybe this is my purpose.” You answered, pulling away from her to look to her eyes. 

“If that’s what you think.” Your mom said with a sad smile, “I’ll support any decision you have.”

“Thanks mom.”

“So if you were happy there, how did you end up back here? Why aren’t you still wherever-the-hell-that-place-was?”

“Funny story….I, um, got kidnapped there.”

“You got kidnapped from your kidnapper?”

“I said I wasn’t kidnapped! I went there willingly. This time though…yeah it was kidnapped. Turned out it was Namjoon’s best friend and adviser, Jin, who wants revenge on Namjoon. I managed to escape, but got sent here so that I can be safe until Namjoon picks me up.”

Your mom stared at you, “That’s literally a soap opera.”

“Yes, well apparently I am now a main character in some soap opera.”

“This guy, Jin…is he dangerous?”

You frowned, “I’m not sure. But it didn’t seem like he was going to be making daisy chains with me though.”

“Did you got hurt?”

“Not really. I guess they were just waiting for Namjoon to arrive.”

“You know this sounds crazy.”

“I know.”

“And I’ll probably be a fool if I believe you.”

“Probably.”

She sighed, “But I trust you. You were never one for fantasies, always very logical. Maybe if I heard this from my mom I’ll be skeptical because she was always in the clouds and has a very vivid imagination, but you hold not one artistic bone in your body.”

“Hey!”

“It’s true, honey, don’t bother denying it. Remember when your grandmother tried to teach you to paint but it turned out to be a disaster?”

You winced, “She said it was fine, but it was a mess, huh?”

“The ugliest thing I ever saw.”

“Thanks, mom.”

“I’m only saying the truth. Don’t worry, your grandmother was disappointed when I didn’t inherit her passion for paint. I’m way too much like my father in that sense, I guess you got that too.”

You smiled, “So you believe me?”

“…tentatively. I will need evidence to support the truth, but I’ll let it be for now.”

“Thank you, mom.” You gave her a hug, “I really appreciate it.

“Oh!” Your mom suddenly let go and went to grab her phone, “I gotta call the police and tell them to call off the missing person case.”

“You went to the police?”

“Of course! You were missing, where else I’m to turn? Give me a minute.”

She started dialing a phone number as she walked out of the room.

“Officer Diaz? Yes this is Mrs. Y/L/N. Good news, my daughter is back home…”

Honestly that went better than I thought. I don’t think she believes me, but at least she’s humoring me and not sending me to an insane asylum or something.

You were innocently walking down the halls of your school when you heard a familiar voice.

“You have some explaining to do Y/N  Y/L/N !”

Lisa stalked the hall, narrowing her eyes at you.

You put on a cheerful smile, hoping to deter her, “Hey Lisa!”

“Don’t ‘hey Lisa’ me. What the hell happened to you?”

You sighed; your mom and you decided on a cover story for the police and anyone who asked.

“I don’t remember anything, Monica,” you said innocently, “the last thing I remember was going to the funeral.”

“They drugged you? What low-lives!” She exclaimed and pulled you into a hug, “I’m so glad you’re back though. It was really lonely without you here.”

Well that was easy, you thought.

You smiled and pulled away, “So what did I miss?”

“Besides that Spring Break is in a week? Jungkook and that long-term girlfriend of his broke up.”

“No way.”

“Yup, it just happened last week. It’s been the gossip of the school. Jungkook doesn’t seem so bothered by it.”

“Oh.”

It’s strange, if you heard this news before you left with Namjoon you would have been ecstatic. But you didn’t seem to feel much joy right now. Strange.

“Oh? Just oh? Hello, this can finally be your chance with him.”

“Me?” you asked, confused, “what about you?  I seemed to recall I wasn’t the only one to like Jungkook.”

“I’m willing to make the sacrifice for you. Also, I’m kind of seeing his friend Taehyung now so…”

You rolled your eyes as Lisa started to speak of how they met and how he asked her out.

“Anyway, never mind that right now, we need you to get ready for this party. I will not let you go in your usual getup.”

“What party?”

“What party? What party? Weren’t you listening to me just now? Jungkook is hosting a huge party at his house with his frat brothers and he invited me and you to come.”

“He asked me to come?” You asked, somehow not believing those words.

“Okay, he told me I could invite a friend but---:

You groaned, “Do I really have to do this?”

Parties really weren’t your thing. Especially frat parties. Even if Jungkook was there.

“Yes! And we are going to make you gorgeous. Come over my place tonight—”

“Wait, I thought the party was in a week?”

“And you think you are going to get Jungkook to notice you looking like that?”

“But I don’t—”

“We are so going to make Jungkook fall for you.”

You sighed, resigned to your fate. Maybe if you let her do this stupid ‘makeover’ on you she will leave you alone.

You checked yourself in the compact mirror Lisa gave you earlier and frowned. The “makeover” you had last night involved skin care, makeup, straightening your hair, and clothes for you to borrow. You honestly didn’t see the big deal, although you had to admit your face is pretty fucking smooth now.

“For the last time, you look amazing. Relax.” Lisa said as she snatched the mirror from you.

“I can’t relax when people are looking at me,” you answered back, “I keep thinking there’s something wrong with my face.”

Lisa just rolled her eyes and smiled brightly at a group of girls and walked over to them. You followed her and recognized them as part of her sorority.

“Hiya Lisa!”

“How’s it going, boo?”

“It’s been forever.”

“Lisa, you have to hear the latest news on Hyuna.”

The girls all greeted Lisa enthusiastically and Lisa was happily chatting with them. As for you, you just sort of lingered in the back since you didn’t really know these girls and weren’t quite comfortable. Yet it wasn’t long before one of the girls noticed your presence.

“Who’s this, Lisa?”

“Is she a new friend of yours?”

Everyone turned to you and Lisa was by your side.

“Girls, this is my friend, Y/N. She’s new to the scene so be nice.”

They smiled at you and began to ask you questions. They were nice enough but were a bit like Lisa in that they were boy-crazy.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” One of the girls, Rose, asked.

You thought of Namjoon but instantly pushed away that thought. We are not going out. It’s more like a…like an arranged marriage.

“No, not at the moment.” You answered and forced yourself to give a bright smile.

“Oh but you’re so cute.”

“We have to set you up with someone.”

“She’ll look cute with Yoongi.”

Inside you were panicking and looked at Lisa for help.

“Girls, I already have someone in mind for her.”

You nearly groaned, this was not the help I asked for.

“Really? Who?”

“Yeah, who?”

“Jungkook.”

They squealed.

“Good one.”

“Yeah, he’s pretty hot.”

“I heard he was a pretty good kisser and has a big dick.”

And I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that last remark, you thought. You looked at your phone and saw the time.

“Um, it was nice meeting you guys, but we have class in a few minutes.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right,” Lisa said as if she just remembered that she goes to school, “Well, see you girls later.”

“Bye Lisa, and good luck hooking them up.”

“Yeah, good luck. I heard a lot of girls are waiting to get their claws on Jungkook.”

You waited until you were a safe distance away before you spoke to Lisa.

“What was that?”

“What was what?”, Lisa asked innocently.

“You want to hook me up with Jungkook! Why?”

“Look, you’ve had a crush on him since forever and I want to help you out like the good friend that I am. Plus you two would look so good together.”

“This has nothing to do with the fact that you’re going out with his best friend, Taehyung?” You asked.

“I mean, we could have some pretty fun double dates. But Tae has been mentioning to me that Jungkook is lonely so this is the perfect opportunity for you.”

“Oh so it’s Tae now?” You teased and she blushed.

“Stop changing the subject. Shouldn’t you be happy? You like Jungkook.”

You didn’t know how to explain to her that whenever you tried to think of Jungkook in any sexual situation, Namjoon’s face would pop up instead. That maybe you don’t like Jungkook so much anymore…because you like someone else.

No! You tried to shake your thoughts, you don’t like Namjoon. You are merely…attracted to him. Yes, he is very hot. Also it doesn’t help that since Jin told you about the prophecy, you wondered what it’ll be like to be with Namjoon…

“Yeah, I’m happy. I just don’t know if I’m ready…”

“Jeesh girl, I’m not telling you to marry him or anything. Just go to the party with him and enjoy yourself, that’s it.”

You sighed, “Lisa, I hate to burst your bubble, but why would you think he’ll ask me to the party?”

She grinned, “You’ll see. We have biology now.”

You gave her a puzzled look, “And?”

“And Jungkook has that class with us.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Lisa just gave you a confident smile, “Just sit in your seat and look pretty, I’ll fix everything up.”

You both walked into the class and took your seats. The professor came in and smiled at the class.

“Today is going to be another lab, so pair up with your lab partner and complete the lab sheet. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”

You turned to Lisa, who is normally your partner, but found she was no longer next to you. So you started to look around the room and noticed Jungkook coming towards you. You had to admit, as you watched him approach you, he really was easy on the eyes. Easily one of the handsomest man you’ve seen in your life.

“Hey.”, Jungkook smiled at you, looking all adorable. He didn’t have dimples though, like Namjoon.

Stop thinking about Namjoon!

“Hi.” You answered, not sure what to say. It’s not every day a very hot guy comes up and talks to you.

“What’s your name?”

“Y/N.”

“That’s a beautiful name, it suits you.”

You blushed, not used to being complimented, “Thanks, I was born with it.”

He laughed and you felt your face grow hotter from embarrassment. Oh my god, I really am an idiot.

“I mean, what’s your name?” You said and wanted to smack yourself in the head.

You already know his name you dumb-ass!

“Name’s Jungkook.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Jungkook.”

Why oh why am I so fucking awkward?, you lamented. If Jungkook wanted to go out with me before, he definitely doesn’t want to now.

“So do you want to be my lab partner? Yours seemed to have stolen mine today.”

You looked at the direction he was looking at and sure enough Lisa was flirting with Taehyung. You internally sighed, so this was her plan.

“Yeah, she seems really into your friend.”

“Tell me about, I can’t get him to shut up about her.”

“Me either.”

“So, partners?”

“Sure, partners. Sorry about Lisa, she sometimes does things without thinking.”

“Nah, don’t sweat it. It’s good to switch things up once in a while. Plus, I wouldn’t have such a cute girl as my partner.”

He complimented me again.

You blushed and looked down at you paper, at the assignment you were supposed to do, “Um, you want to start?”

“Sure.” Jungkook said as he looked at his paper and you guys started to do the assignment.

Jungkook was actually not a bad partner and was very easy to talk to. When you finished the assignment and handed in your lab sheets, you walked out of the class together.

“Do you have somewhere to be right now?” Jungkook asked.

You thought of going home to an empty house, without your grandma, and said, “Not particularly. Why?”

“You want to maybe grab a coffee together?”

You shrugged, “Why not? I need some caffeine in my life.”

And a distraction. Jungkook seems like a good distraction, you thought.

You went to the coffee shop in the campus and ordered your coffees. It was nice and relaxing and Jungkook was very easy to talk to. You talked about school and what classes you were taking. Jungkook studies politics, which you thought was very boring but did not say to him. You then briefly discussed politics and then there was a lull in the conversation.

Jungkook then broke the ice again, “So I’m holding a party in my house next week, you heard about it?”

You nodded, “Yeah, Lisa won’t shut up about it.”

“Oh right,” He laughed, “Are you coming?”

You took a sip of your coffee, “Yup, wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

You couldn’t stop the sarcasm from seeping into your voice, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Do you want to come with me?”

“You mean like a date?”

My IQ must have lowered since Namjoon took me because that was pitiful.

“Sure, if you want to call it that.”

Lisa would be ecstatic to hear about this development.

You suddenly felt a strange sense of guilt; wouldn’t this be betraying Namjoon? No, wait, you’re not even dating Namjoon. You don’t even like him. Of course it’s not cheating.

“Sure, I’ll go with you.”

Your first impression when you walked into the house was that there were too many people and that it was way too loud; you can already feel the headache that’ll plague you tomorrow morning.

You scanned the room for Lisa or Jungkook but couldn’t find them in the sea of faces. You began to feel more and more anxious; you didn’t know what to do.

Slowly, you made your way to the table filled with food. You can’t go wrong with food.

You pulled up your dress that Lisa insisted you wore. She said you looked hot in it, and you had to admit it did show your figure nicely. Still, who were you trying to impress? Jungkook? Sure, maybe. But deep down, you were a tiny bit disappointed Namjoon can’t see you like this.

And there you go thinking about Namjoon again, get a grip girl.

You picked up a Dorito chip awkwardly and started to nibble on it.

“And why is a fine lady like yourself doing by yourself in a place like this?”

You felt a blush make its way to your face and quickly turned around.

“Jungkook!” You said in relief, mostly because you couldn’t stand being here alone anymore.

You then were able to see him properly. It was undeniable, he looked pretty hot. His button-down shirt was tight fitting and the top buttons were not buttoned. His sleeves were also rolled up to show his nice, toned arms. His hair was perfectly styled, his hair pushed back with a few strands dipping unto his forehead. He gave you a sexy smirk.

“Yes, that’s my name.” Jungkook teased as he stepped close to you. You could smell his cologne, which was a nice change from the weed and sweat you could smell in the room.

“You look very gorgeous tonight.”, he murmured in your ear.  

You felt yourself grow hotter by the minute and willed yourself to not stutter like a middle schooler, “T-thank you.”

You then heard your name being called. You scanned the room, wondering who could possibility call your name. You saw Lisa making her way towards you with seven-inch heels on.

“All I’m saying, Lisa, is how that takes real skill.” You commented dryly as you pointed to her shoes.

Lisa laughed, “This is a skill that took many years to perfect. Do you want a drink?’

She held two plastic cups and offered one to you. You smiled and accepted the drink, even though you weren’t that thirsty. Maybe some liquid courage can help. Lisa noticed Jungkook next to you.

“Nice party, Jungkook.” Lisa greeted him.

He smiled and took a drink from his beer, “Yeah, it is a nice party.”

“Do you know where Tae is?” Lisa asked and Jungkook shrugged.

“He might be out in the back playing beer pong with some of the other brothers. You might want to try there.”

“Alright, thanks.” Lisa said and turned to me, “You good?”

You force a smile; you hated it here but didn’t want to disappoint Lisa. Maybe being with Jungkook will make things better.

She took your smile as a ‘yes’ and said, “Okay, enjoy yourselves. I’ll see you later.”

Lisa gave a little wave and walked to the direction of the backyard.

You took a cautious sip of your drink. It took everything in your power to not cough; vodka was not really your style. It tastes like rubbing alcohol. You took another sip, not wanting to seem like a wimp in front of Jungkook, but you ended up coughing.

“You don’t have to drink that if you don’t want to.” Jungkook said and you blushed.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Kind of, but that’s okay; I’ll let you off the hook because you’re so cute. Do you want a beer instead?”

This caused your face to heat up further and you knew you couldn’t blame it at the alcohol. He offered you a beer and you took it.

“Thanks.” You said gratefully as you deposited the vodka cup on a nearby table, “So what does one do in these kind of parties?”

“Drink, flirt, dance, the usual.” Jungkook said casually, “Do you want to dance?”

You saw him finish his drink and grab another beer. You took a sip. Still tastes terrible, but at least it didn’t burn your throat like the vodka.

“Well I’m not such a big fan of dancing…”

“It’s really easy,” He said, “You just have to move your body to the music, it’s not like we are ballroom dancing or any of that shit.”

You bit your lip, debating on whether you want to be in a sweaty crowd of people with horrible music pounding in your ears. On the other hand, you don’t want Jungkook to get bored and leave you all by yourself.

He sensed your dilemma, “Look I can teach you, it won’t be that bad.”

“Alright.” You found yourself saying.

You frowned, I must not be thinking clearly, but followed him to the dance floor and drowned the rest of the beer.

It was hot; there were so many bodies in the dance floor you could barely move. Jungkook was pressed close to you and you weren’t sure if you liked it or hated it. He brought your hands around his neck.

“Place your arms here.” He said and you can feel his silky hair on the back of his neck. He then placed his hands on your hips and brought them against his. Oh my.

“Now just move your body to the beat of the music.” He murmured against your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

You tried to get into the mood of the music and move your body, but you just felt awkward. Jungkook gave you a few more pointers, but they didn’t seem to help. You were too self-conscious. 

“Just let loose, forget what anyone has to say.” Jungkook murmured, his hips grinding into yours and you dropped your hands from his neck to grip his shoulders. 

“I’m sorry, Jungkook,” you confessed, “I’m just comfortable bumping and grinding.”

“It’s okay, babe, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

Your smile was a bit forced as he tightened his hold on you and made you feel a bit uncomfortable. Jungkook was nice and all, but sometimes he would get carried away and you have to remind him to not get carried away. Like now.

“Jungkook?”

“Yeah?”

“Please remove your hands from my ass now.”

He quickly took them off, looking embarrassed.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize—”

“It’s okay, just don’t let it happen again.” You said.

Namjoon wouldn’t have pressured you to dance, that annoying little voice in your head said. He wouldn’t need to be reminded to keep his hands off of you.

Yeah, I highly doubt he dances or does any fun things at all, you argue back, Plus, he wouldn’t touch me because he doesn’t feel that way to me at all. At least I know Jungkook is attracted to me.

Dancing isn’t fun for you, so isn’t that a win-win?, the little voice continued, plus, according to the prophecy—

The prophecy is bullshit.

You ignored the voice, you didn’t want to think about Namjoon when you were with Jungkook. You danced for a bit more, but between the music and the alcohol you developed quite a headache.

“Jungkook, I have a headache. Can we stop dancing?”

“Sure, are you okay? Do you want me to take you home?” Jungkook asked, sounding very concerned as he led you away from the dance floor.

“Nah, I’m fine. I just need to sit down a bit.”

You looked around but all the chairs were taken and the couch was being used for…other stuff; you made a face.

“I can take you upstairs since all the seats down here are taken?”

You bit your lip and nodded, the alcohol not helping with this headache of yours, “Okay then.”

You rubbed your temples, reminder: don’t drink alcohol, it seems to not agree with me.

As you start up the stairs, you thought you saw Namjoon’s concerned face in the crowd but when you looked again you didn’t see him.

I must be imagining him since I’ve been thinking about him, you thought, what’s wrong with you? You have a perfectly hot boy in your reach and you’re thinking about some magical being who doesn’t even like you? Grow up.

You were on the second floor and there were several people around—mainly couples making out—and you started to grow a little wary.

“Maybe we should go back downstairs.” You tried to get out of his grasp but he held on.

“Are you sure?”

A little voice in your head said that this was a very bad idea, but it was very faint. The pounding in your head was making it hard to hear that faint voice.

“…I don’t know.” You said truthfully as you looked at a couple making out next to you. You didn’t really want to go back down there with all those people.

He noticed that you were uncomfortable by this atmosphere and said, “We can go to my room, if you want to. There shouldn’t be anyone there and you can rest.”

Some peace and quiet sounded pretty good right now, so you nodded. He led you to a more secluded part of the house and opened the door to what you assume was his room. He fumbled for the light switch and turned it on.

The light wasn’t good for your headache and you winced. Jungkook noticed.

“Would you rather I turned off the lights?”

“Maybe.” You admitted and he turned off the lights. The was a little light coming from the window, so you weren’t in complete darkness. Your head felt like it was splitting in half and you walked to the bed so you can sit down. Jungkook followed and sat next to you.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He brought his hand to your forehead and your face started to heat up at the contact, “Do you want an aspirin or something?”

“I’m not sure if I should have an aspirin if I had alcohol..” You admit, “But maybe if I just drank water it’ll be fine.”

“Oh, I think I have a bottle here.”

He got up and search around his desk to find an unopened bottle of water.

“Here you go.”

You gave him a grateful smile, “Thanks. You should probably head back to the party though, they probably miss you out there.”

“Nah, they’ll be fine.” He smiled and you opened the bottle and drank it.

Water did help, but your mind was still fuzzy from the alcohol.

“Did that help?”

“A little, thanks.”

“That’s good”, Jungkook leaned closer and you just realized how close he was to you.

You nodded, “Yeah.”

He pushed a strand of your hair behind your ear and he let his hand linger on your chin. His hands were soft and you didn’t necessarily hate the touch. He then leaned forward and brushed his lips against yours. You didn’t respond, frozen and not sure what to do. Should I kiss him? Should I slap him away? You were confused and you couldn’t keep your thoughts straight. He figured your frozen state must have been some sort of consent because he added pressure unto your lips, which your mouth automatically responded to. He let out a hum of approval and his hand traveled from your chin to the back of your head, bringing you closer.

Jungkook broke the kiss, his eyes filled with lust as he licked his lips.

“You taste so good.”

You couldn’t think straight between the alcohol and the lust, your breath heavy and your heart racing.

He kissed along your clavicle and found a sensitive spot. You made a noise as started to lick and suck that spot.

“Namjoon.” You moaned and Jungkook stopped.

“Who’s Namjoon?”

Oh shit. That sobered you up a little.

You blushed, embarrassed at your slip up, “He’s no one.”

“Doesn’t sound like no one.” He murmured against your neck and you bit your lip.

“It’s…complicated.”

“Well I don’t like it when I’m with a woman and she says some other man’s name. But don’t worry, soon I’ll have it that the only name you can even think of is mine.”

He brought his hand to your bare knee and started to stroke your skin, reaching higher and higher—

“Jungkook, stop it.” You said, grabbing his hand to push it away, but he used his other hand to hold you hand down.

“C’mon, just a moment ago you really liked it.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t in my right mind.” Finally, your head was clearing up and you realized you got yourself in a tricky situation.

He pulled away and frowned at you, “What do you mean?”

“I…I’m not sure I want to do this.”

Jungkook brought his hand to stroke your face, “Is it because of that Namjoon? Do you like him?”

“No, I just—”

“Then don’t worry, I’m going to make you feel so good.”

His free hand grabbed your breast and started to knead them harshly from on top of your thin dress. You gasped.

“Please—”

“You’re not even wearing a bra. It’s like you were expecting something to happen tonight.”

More like Lisa told you that none of your bras fit this dress, you thought bitterly and were about to say so when he kissed you again.

He pinched your nipple and you yelped, trying to shove him away from you but he was really strong. Guess those muscles are legit.

“Jungkook, I—”

“Shh,” He murmured, pressing his fingers against your lips, “Don’t talk too much.”

You started to get angry, if he doesn’t get his hands off you—

You heard the door slam open and you both jumped.

“Get off her.”

You blinked.

You didn’t imagine that voice.

You slowly turned to the door and saw Namjoon standing at the doorway, looking furious.

“Dude, chill.” Jungkook said, a bit annoyed, “You’re sort of interrupting something.”

“I said let her go.” Namjoon repeated, walking towards us.

“Fuck off man, this is none of your business—”

Namjoon grabbed Jungkook by the collar, “It is my business what you do to my bride.”

“Your bride?”

“Namjoon, stop.” You said.

“Oh so this is Namjoon?”, Jungkook laughed.

You blushed, remembering your slip up. You were also a bit scared; this was the angriest you’ve ever seen Namjoon; he looked so scary. And hot. Wow, the alcohol must still be in my system because what the fuck.  

“I’m warning you.” Namjoon said.

“What? Obviously you can’t satisfy her if she’s coming to me for some—"

Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, Namjoon peeled Jungkook off you and punched him in the face. Jungkook tries to fight back, but this seemed to agitate Namjoon further and he doesn’t stop hitting him. 

“This should teach you the meaning of consent.”, Namjoon growled as he landed another punch on Jungkook and you winced. You realize that if Namjoon doesn’t stop now, he’ll legit kill Jungkook.

“Namjoon! Stop!” You grab his arm, trying to calm him down.

Namjoon turned to you, about to yell at you for stopping him, when he sees the tears in your eyes. You didn’t even realize you were crying. His gaze immediately softens and brings you to arms, trying to comfort you.

“Let’s go home.”

You nod, realizing that you have started considering his palace as your home.

“Let’s go.” You said softly and he teleports you back, holding you firmly in his arms.

When you arrive, he let’s you go, much to your disappointment. He studied you.

“Are you alright? Did he hurt you?”, he asked softly and you were struck at this different side to him. Since when was he so...gentle?

“I’m fine.” You said simply and his eyes narrowed to a spot on your neck.

“What’s that?”

You brought your hand up to hide it, but he took your hand and moved it away. He studied the mark, which probably started to bruise already, and lightly touched it with his fingertips. You couldn’t help but shiver at the light touch.

“I could kill him for that.”, his tone was hard.

“Don’t.” You said, “It’s not worth it.”

He looked at you, nodded, then looked away.            

“Well, I should be g—"

You then remembered something.

“Wait, why am I here? What happened to me being ‘safer on earth’?”

“I didn’t count the dangers of humans.”, Namjoon muttered, “If you’re here with me I can protect you better anyway.”

You couldn’t help it, your heart warmed at those words.

“Thank you for saving me,” You murmured, “I don’t know what would have happened if you didn’t come.”

He gave you a small smile and you could see those adorable dimples, “Of course I came for you, you’re my bride.”

A/N

Wow, that dance scene was kind of inspiring. May have to write a drabble with Jungkook now with a proper dance scene. Also, sorry that this was so late, I’m literal trash  

[mysticmilks]

An arranged marriage -au

Chapter 2

Kylo rushes to Hux. No, no, he hopes the man doesn't strangle himself to death or had a heart attack or what else could happen to the spoiled viscount, who left his home without his entourage for the first time? Could he believe in his acting so much to die from a shock? Whatever happened, it can't mean anything good for Kylo.

When he’s reached Hux on the backseat he touches his neck and searches for the pulse. Yes, it’s there. He is alive, that's a reliever. Kylo realizes with an annoyance he was holding his breath. No need of burying the body. He feels stupid, probably overreacted and the man is just sleeping tired after a sleepless night.

The man apparently finally decided to rest and he will wake him for more of his genuine performance. -Your Lordship, are you asleep? - the dumbest question one can ask, and the man doesn’t respond. He should leave him there and continue to drive without his constant wriggling and wailing through the gag.

Instead of that, he lightly slaps Hux's cheeks. No reaction, his head is his head is hanging in an uncomfortable position, if not for the safety belt he would have already fallen forward. Kylo carefully removes the gag and shakes him a little. -Armitage?

He slightly opens his eyes, then coughs and rapidly blinks “Air... breath ... hard to breathe.” - his words mixed with horrible wheezes. Kylo cut off the ropes across his chest and remove them.

-Better? “My head is spinning, could you ... sir” - his voice is so small, and he is visibly trembling - “I need to ... I'm going to be sick …” - more coughing and gagging noises - “...please, sir.”

“Okay, wait a sec, hold it” - he takes shaking and gasping for air Armitage. The man can’t stand with his hands and legs tied so he just puts him on the ground near their vehicle. Kylo’s used an extra rope simply for the show. And now his client lies there and looks miserable when he tries to brace himself on the ground while he is trying to puke. Kylo does regret his client-oriented tieing right now.

“I’ll help you, my lord.” -he gingerly comes in front of the man so he won’t be scared by him “Can you give me your hands?”

Man doesn't look at him, his face covered with a mess of a hair, but he holds out bonded hands in front of himself. Kylo cuts the ropes with his knife, and repeat that with his legs.

The man still looks miserable, but at least his position is more comfortable now. Hux probably never been alone while feeling unwell, he was raised in a castle, in one of the wealthiest families in the country, he was always surrounded by an army of doctors and servant.

With this in mind, Kylo decides to try to comfort young viscount, to show him he is not alone and it’s nothing to fear. He comes closer to him and puts a hand on his shoulders in intend to gently rub it but the man flinches from his touch. He removes the hand and looks closely at it. It’s big, with rough skin from his training. Why he even decided to do it? It’s okay, Kylo doesn't care about it. He shouldn’t touch his clients.

-It going to be fine - He shouldn't say if he doesn’t even understand what’s going on with the man. While Hux is standing on all fours trembling and making gurgling and coughing noises, it occurs to Kylo maybe he has some illness his loving father inconveniently forgot to mention. Kylo's heard about the man who needs to eat every couple hours or he'd faint. Maybe Armitage has something similar.

But he doesn't know what else he could do now, hence he is staying there like a guard, who apparently he is in this mission.

He’s trying not to look at his shaling back, to give the man some semblance of privacy. his eyes go down and he notices his still bare feet. They are pale and smooth like rest of his skin. It’s chilly outside, viscount must be cold in his thin nightgown and without shoes. Maybe Kylo should bring some spare clothes from the car or cover him with a jacket. He will ask him when the men stop.

"Water, sir" - he is still kneeling, his voice barely audible and face hidden "I need some water!" -Yes, your Lordship, wait here. - He is going to his bag on the front seat to fetch some water when he hears a running noise.

Fuck! He can’t believe it all was some more of the weak show. And now his client decides it's time to play "a runaway bride" part. Kylo ponders for a few seconds to wait near their vehicle until Armitage come to his senses or get tired and get back, but little lordling can be enough stubborn to decide to go back to his father home, and Kylo would be dishonored, lost his money and reputation. Or that brat can lose his royal ass in the forest, Kylo’d need to find him. Anyhow more trouble for him if he'd decide to wait.

Thus he is chasing him through the forest. Moreover, now he feels fooled and angry so he wants to punish young Hux for this cheap trick. Kylo bets he was never disciplined in his life, no one ever raised a voice to him, and he decideв he can act as he wants. He is the client but that it!

How could Kylo be so obtuse to believe him? It’s all that ridiculous fantasy about Armitage. He’s seen a pretty face and forgot he is on the job. To Kylo’s credit, it never happens to him before, he never lost control on a mission, but he never participated in ceremonies for the amusement of rich folks before too. So it has nothing to do with a pretty face, and the face is not that pretty anyways. He just felt lonely lately, no time to find a good laid.

“Stop! I swear I'll spank you when I catch you!" if he is going to be a child, Kylo is going to punish him like one. "Your father only demanded not to touch your face, but other parts weren’t of limit!" Kylo is screaming while running through the thick woods, glimpses of white fabric and red are visible ahead of him amind green and brown. "Your ass will be so sore when I finish with you, not only you can't seat on during your wedding feast but even consummate your marriage. Believe me, I've foreseen your so beloved husband won't like it!”

Hux runs pretty fast with his long legs and he had a head start but Kylo is much faster so he eventually catches him up and knocks him down to the ground.

“Are you crazy?” he straddles him from behind and holds his wrists behind his back with one hand and push his head to the ground with another. They both are panting. “I'm tired of your games”

-Release me, stupid goon! Immediately! It's an order!

There are so much hatred and anger in his voice all pretense weakness from illness is abandoned. Kylo starts to suspect the man got lost in his own act.

There were furious fighting, an appearance of being ill, running away and now they are back to fighting and screaming! Will he fake illness once again in a couple of hours? Kylo is part of an ancient order, he was trained from the birth, but he is stuck here with this shallow nobleman who, for some petty reason, fancies himself as a great actor. He shouldn’t be here, in this forest, with this man, he was bound to do great deeds not to be an extra in other person wedding play! So he starts laughing, all of this is simply absurd!

"What was your brilliant plan?" - his voice is full of taunting. He wants to hurt him with the truth, to show him how foolish he is. He releases Armitage’s hands and stands up above him- "To broke your legs somewhere in this woods, to meet a wild animal, and be bitten, to get lost?"

Hux turns around and lifts himself up so he is sitting now and facing him. The front of his nightgown is dirty, brown and green from dirt and grass as well as his face. The man is looking at him with disdain, but Kylo can't stop laughing, this day has gone totally wrong.

“All of this to go extra miles for the old ritual! Were you that bored in your castle? Poor little Armitage, tired to play with of his daddie's wealth” all his anger is drained away, all he can feel now is disgust with these people. “Can't you wait for a day to play all the roles you want in the bedroom with your husband, your lordship? Or you are so used to people to do whatever you want, you can’t even imagine that you aren’t the most important person in the world.“

Hux is still looking quietly at him, his face cringed. Good, he deserved this.

“You are just a pathetic spoiled boy!” Kylo, with his most “eat shit” smile on the face, gives him his hand so he can manage to pull himself. ”Get up, your Lordship. We need to continue our sacred journey to your wedding destination.”

Armitage pushes his hand off, not making a move to get up. “You are even obtuser than I've initially thought. You still don't get it, merc” his voice still uneven from running and screaming but unexpectedly there is a lot of contempt and mockery in it too. “Brendol fooled you.”

“It's getting old! - he moves his hand once again to him to pull young viscount up. “Let's move!”

"He fooled you" - he says slowly with a scoff "And you believed his plain lie"

-Quit your play

“There is no play” he sighted “Just an old man who doesn't take no for an answer and a father who would sell his son for money and power.”

-What are you talking about? -Brendol didn't hire you for a pretense kidnapping but for real one. -Cut the crap, he told me about your traditions, you need to fight to show ...

“Yes” - he interrupted Kylo - “there are still pairs who fake kidnapping so they can marry if their parent opposes it”. he sounds like he is giving a lesson to an especially stupid kid “For others, it’s merely a part of a wedding feast when the bride or groom are kidnapped and guests need to participate in games to find them. During a feast. For fun.”

“It doesn’t make any sense. Why would your father lie to me, he could just order a kidnapping?” - Kylo doesn't understand that his order is famous for doing many things much worse than kidnapping for the force-wedding.

-He is a proud man, he is a ruler! He knows I’d never participate willingly in the ceremony, and it would be a disgrace for him if I made a scene in front of all the guest and the press. If people found out his son doesn't obey him he'd lose his reputation. How can he control troops if he can’t control his own son? But this way he can play it as my decision to elope for a secret wedding. If it's a romantic decision of a stupid boy who will mind? You may not believe me but it's true.

They are silent for a while, there’re only soft sounds of the forest around them. Somehow Kylo knows the man doesn't lie, nobody is that good at acting. This hapless Armitage is going to be force married and Kylo is now a part of it. This new knowledge must change everything, it must, except in the real world, it doesn't. He still has a job to finish, he still has his honor, status, his order and he must obey its rules. He can't break a contract even if his client is an asshole who sold his own son.

“Let's go back to the car.” - Kylo is deliberately not looking into his face but to the surface of the stream next to the place he’s lying, on the light that’s playing on the water. He doesn't want to know what Hux is thinking of him right now, presumably nothing good.

It's been a couple of minutes and the man didn't move.

-Let's go back to the car. -I have money, I can pay you! -Let's! go! Back! To the car!

Even if the question was only about the money, Kylo seriously doubts this man has something that doesn’t belong to his father. But money can fix it, they both know it. Armitage stands up but doesn't move to him. Kylo comes closer and stops mere inches away from him.

“I don't enjoy it and that isn't fair!”- Kylo says quietly, he tries to maintain calm voice, even though he wants to scream, and punch somebody, preferably some reach old bastard - “Your father is a piece of shit but he also one of the most influential people in this country. You should have obeyed him, it’d be better for everybody” - it’d be better for you. Whoever he is bound to marry, probably isn’t happy his sweet prize don’t want to marry him and humiliated him in Brendol's eyes.

-You can just let me go, tell them I've run away, tell them I've slit my own throat, tell them I've fallen from the cliff. -Go to the car, if it needed I'll drag your ass there! - he finally looks him in the eyes to show how serious he is about it, and Armitage doesn’t look away.

“We can run together! They won't seek us until the next day, you told that yourself, and we can be far away until that. You are brave, aren’t you, merc?” - Hux leans closer- “A mighty warrior as you are can easily outrun my father’s guard. You can find work in another country! I can work for you!” -What will you do? - he is smirking, he did not fall for cheap flattery, but he can listen where young viscount is going with this “Whoever you want” - Hux closes the gap between them, their bodies are touching now. “I can be you accounter, I’m good with numbers." Hux’s nightgown is so thin he can feel the warms of his body, "I can help you with negotiations." he is whispering in Kylo’s ear " I can wait for you in your home to greet you after hard working day”, his hand brushes along Kylo's side. “I can be yours” - his breath is warm on Kylo’s neck, hair on his nape is standing. Kylo feels one of Hux’s hand on his ass, and the other stroking his shoulder. Kylo, please pops up in his mind.

-What are you doing? - he catches Hux’s hands. His voice is hoarse, he doesn’t want to stop, but they can't continue. -You don't want me? Kylo should say no, he really should, but he doesn't answer. The thought is so tempting and he remembers his fantasy, which feels more like a vision now, so vividly. They could run away together, he is smart and skilled, they could get in the car, change direction, start a new life together, but it’d mean to abandon everything, to run for the rest of their lives.

-Tell me what you want and I'll give it to you! - Hux probably meant it as a seductive, but it sounds strange, desperate, like a rehearsed line from some vid. Has he ever said something like this before?

-Whatever I want? -Yes! -So you would rather go to a shady deal with merc who you don’t know, who can use you then betray you than marry that guy? -I'd drop to my knees and suck your cock right now for the mere possibility to avoid that marriage! - he says with frantic determination. He is definitely isn’t concerned about his purity and chastity right now. -Why?- Kylo must know the answer, he must understand what drives strange actions of young viscount before he makes any rash decision. - Why do you think I'll be any better than him? You don’t know anything about me, you don’t even know my name.

Hux is uncertain. There is a long pause between them. He looks somewhere in the woods and sighs before he starts quietly speaking again. -There are rumors he had multiple young wives and husbands who died or disappeared under strange circumstances.

Hux still isn't looking at him. Kylo has to ask but he fears he already knows the answer. -Who is your betrothed?

Hux is silent, Kylo knows he asked the right question. -Just tell me.

An old and powerful man, who is richer than Hux family, who isn’t much concerned if a story with force marriage became public knowledge, the man who like to play with new toys, but these toys tend to break. -Are you promised to Snoke?

[mementosrp-blog]

( LI JUN )

ALIAS › 

FACTION › citizen

( PERSONA )

BACKGROUND : Traditionally, Lilith means “the night”. She is connected to spiritual aspects of sensuality, freedom, but also terror. It is also said that she represented chaos, sexuality and has even been referred to as the mother of vampires and succubi (depending on which tradition). She is also known to be killing or kidnapping infants (males during the first week, females during the first three weeks). Just like his persona, Jun prefers nighttime to daylight. He likes to sleep around and has been sexually active for years. He doesn’t like children at all. They get on his nerves. He also practices witchcraft.

ABILITY/ABILITIES :

– The main ability is shapeshifting. Jun is able to physically morph into a female child. This allows him to go mostly undetected and to not raise suspicion. He could also use the ability to kill a lot of people, but so far he has only used it to escape from bad situations.

– Spellcasting:  His interest in witchcrafts helps with this. Combined with the persona’s powers, it increases the power of the spell he casts. He can summon minor demons and ‘witnesses’. Witnesses are like ghosts, but with a symbol branded on them. They act similar to vengeful spirits, but target only one person. They can kill the person.

WEAKNESSES :

–  For shapeshifting, it only lasts for an hour and he has to wait twelve hours before being able to shift again as it requires a lot of energy.

– Spellcasting: Another spellcaster who knows the spell to make the witnesses disappear would clearly hinder Jun during a battle. He can only use summoning five times per day as it consumes a lot of energy. If he was to use more spells, he would end up with physical consequences, mostly a reduced lifespan. Casting a spell also takes time and concentration. This can often leave him exposed and at higher risk of being hurt.

( STATS )

Knowledge : [ 15 / 25 ] Guts : [ 15 / 25 ] Proficiency : [ 5 / 25 ] Kindness : [ 5 / 25 ] Charm : [ 10 / 25 ]

— BACKGROUND

[3 years ago]

He doesn’t want to be here, but after the incident at the school, his parents have forced him to go. We don’t know what to do with you anymore, is what they had said. He brushes his bangs away from his forehead as he blows a bubble with his bubble gum. It pops and he swipes the candy back into his mouth with his tongue.

“Mr. Li?” a man calls from the doorway of the waiting room. He is relatively young, maybe late thirties and wearing a crisp navy suit with a white button shirt, no tie or bowtie in sight. His shoes are brown leather and polished. The light coming through the window reflects on them.

Jun straightens up from the slouched position he had been in and stands up, making his way over to the man who tells him to follow him. They go down a hallway and then another before the man indicates a door to his left and tells him to grab a seat. He does exactly that as the man closes the door and takes a seat in front of him.

“So Mr. Li,..”

“Jun.”

“Jun,” the man amends with a smile, “I have been informed that your parents sent you to see me after an incident at your school. Would you like to tell me what happened?” The man crosses his fingers over his notepad and waits for him to say something.

Jun scoffs and briefly looks to the side. “Why does it matter what happened at school?”

The man doesn’t say anything, just keeps looking at him and it annoys Jun so much that he eventually caves.

“I got into a fight with this guy from one of my classes. He had been pissing me off for a while now and I just lost it. I hit him a couple of times, but then his friends came forward and started hitting me back. I would have won if it had been just between this guy and I, but no, he had to play dirty.”

“Why not simply ignore him?”

“Okay, this whole thing about ignoring people and them eventually leaving you alone is complete bullshit. I’ve been trying to ignore my parents for years and have they left me alone? No.”

“Hmm,” the man notes something on his notepad before looking back up. “Why do you want your parents to leave you alone?”

Jun instantly clams up and the man notices it so he asks a different question. “Jun, your parents have told me that according to witnesses at your school, you were left in such bad shape that they all thought you were going to die. Yet here you are, sitting in front of me with just a few bruises and scratches remaining on your face.” The man uncrosses his legs and leans forward, looking straight at him. “What happened?”

“As if I’m going to tell you. You’re just going to think that I’m insane.” Adults were all the same.

“It’s not my job to judge you Jun. I am here to listen to you and offer help if you need it.”

Jun bites his lips and seems to consider whether he can trust this man or not before eventually softening up, losing the tough demeanor to reveal a vulnerable side. He picks at the edge of his shirt and lets out a deep sigh before meeting the man’s gaze.

“I think I was dying. Everything was hurting and it was difficult to breathe. I was coughing blood and they kept kicking…and kicking. For a moment, everything went dark and then there was a flash of bright white light. When I reopened my eyes, there was a young woman holding me in her arms.”

“Was it a classmate?”

He shakes his head. “No. I had never seen her before. She’s the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. Her eyes were entirely white and looked a bit foggy, but then they went back to normal and she brushed my cheek and told me I would be alright…and I am.”

“I am not sure I understand what this woman did to help you…”

“She used her powers.”

“Powers?”

“Yes. Let me give you a good piece of advice,” he begins as he goes back to his tough demeanor. “You don’t want to piss off Lilith.”

/—-/

Forty-five minutes later, Jun makes sure to slam the door of the man’s office shut on his way out. He makes his way to the receptionist desk and finds his mother waiting for him there. She stands up and walks up to him. “How did it go with Dr. Kim?” she asks him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and guiding him toward the exit. He wants to shrug her off, but it is better not to upset her. “Fine. We talked. He wants to see me again next week.” He feels his mother exhale in relief next to him. “Oh honey, this is good. It will be good for you. You know that your father and I are only doing this to help you right?” He hums and tunes her out as she starts talking about her day.

[3 years ago – end of high school]

He doesn’t have much time before his parents return from work. He shoves as many clothes he can into the duffel bag he retrieved from the back of his closet. His crystals and herbs are carefully wrapped and put in his backpack. He packs some blankets before looking around his room one last time. It pains him to leave his drawings and vinyl collection behind, but unfortunately, he can’t take those with him. He leaves his room in disarray, bed unmade, some clothes he decided not to take with him strewn across the floor and lonely socks hanging from opened drawers. He doesn’t look back when the front door slams shut behind him. His life begins now.

[2 years ago]

He glances around to make sure that no one is there to report him and then he moves the wooden panel and slips through the small opening, carefully replacing the panel behind him. He shivers as he was caught by the rain earlier. He makes his way through the darkened halls until he reaches the staircase. He makes his way up and turns right, heading down the hall until he reaches the room at the end. “Hey,” a dark figure says to his left. “How did it go?”

“No luck. They keep saying they can’t pay me cash. That I need to give them an address and everything. I could give them my old address, but that would leave a trace back to my whereabouts. I want to avoid that.”

There is a humming sound of acknowledgement and he starts peeling his wet clothes off. He puts them to dry on the back of an old chair and pulls a sweater from his duffel bag, putting it on before crawling onto his mattress and burying himself under the covers.

“I may know a guy who can help you out.”

“I told you I don’t want to sell drugs. Some plan to end up working for the mafia…”

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing like that. It’s an easy job and it’s nothing illegal. The guy I’m telling you about, he won’t mind paying you cash. Although I’m telling you that a young face like yours would bring in a lot of cash if you went the illegal path.”

“I’m not selling my body to dirty old men either.”

“A true shame.”

Jun laughs and throws rolled up socks at the figure who starts laughing as well.

[Current year]

Three years on the streets have roughened him up even more than when he used to fight with other boys at school. He doesn’t remember when was the last time he had a real homecooked meal. Sometimes he misses it, but most of the time, he is glad that he no longer need to answer to his parents. Here, no one thinks that there is something wrong with him. He likes to spend his days in public libraries, nose buried in books about witches, sorcery and mythology. He learns about history, astronomy and so much more. He worked at a gas station for a year and it allowed him to earn a bit of money, just enough to buy food and more material for spells. After a year of working at the gas station and being at the receiving end of inappropriate comments and occasional groping from customers, he decided that he needed a change. If his body was in such high demand, might as well put it to good use. It’s something he had refused to do two years ago, but he didn’t care anymore. Through contacts, he found someone willing to hire him and he’s been working for them for the past year. He becomes alive during the night, turning into the fantasy these lonely souls have been looking for. He’s making a lot more money now and he is putting some aside whenever he can so he can have his own apartment one day. He doesn’t plan to live in the streets for the rest of his life, but right now, it is home.