#mummy in the mirror spoilers

[anonymouscheeses]

Season 2 came out and i didnt know, hello are yall even still alive??? IM SO HAPPY JWDEJR ILL PROBSBLY MAKE MORE ARY BECUZ I LOVE THEM SMM

[queers-gambit]

And Let Me Love You Anyway [ part two of two ]

part one: Tell Me Every Terrible Thing

prompt: you embark on a secret but passionate affair with the Rogue Prince, and when his wife, Rhea Royce, passes away, he chooses you to wed next - a decision that angers his niece and changes history.

pairing: Daemon Targaryen x female!reader -> hair color specified reader

fandom masterlist: House of the Dragon

word count: 6.3k+

note: what the fuck is this, Cherry? also two parts 'cause author gets carried away!

warnings: show spoilers, cursing, author has small bouts of feministic ideas, author also really likes the "little birds" storyline (let her live!), wonky brain is wonky, i think hurt and comfort, angst, very mild NSFW (female receiving oral), technically alternative timeline 'cause this goofy-ass author has an overactive imagination, #icanmakehimworse, another reader insert (this warning is for the fucking losers in my inbox).

"Alicent, we're late," you sighed with a frown, wiping your sweaty palms nervously as your necklace was latched in place and perfume spritzed on your pulse points. YES - that included your ankles.

"That's the point, sister, we're supposed to be late. It sends a message."

Your eyes rolled, snipping, "The King will not be pleased. I am not his wife, he can get angry at me, you know!"

"He'll manage," she snapped, glancing at Talya. She continued, "He dismissed Father for telling him a truth he would rather ignore. So much so, after years of service, he'd - "

"Yes, yes, the King removed Father as Hand, sent him back home," you nodded with understanding. "But we both know how he feels about his daughter, The Princess! The rumors circulating would cost him his life in the end, we are lucky he was only sent home!"

"Rumors! Rumors, sister, truly!? Tell me, do you think Father lied?"

"I know he didn't."

"Exactly why we're late to tonight's affair," she huffed, fixing her hair in the mirror again. "It's a statement, it's deliberate. We will stand out, prove we are not happy with the turn of events. Why offer Rhaenyra blind respect when she continues to do as she pleases - regardless of consequences."

You paused, sensing her anger brewing and trying to distract, "You know, Ser Lyonel Strong is not a bad replacement for Father."

"This is not about Ser Strong."

"Isn't it? Father's served long and faithfully, but perhaps it is time for a new guidance. Lyonel Strong is a smart man - qualified, even!"

"Yes," she agreed, turning to face you in a shimmering emerald gown. "But this is still an injustice to our family that I fear I cannot overlook any longer. It's been weeks..."

"Yes," you allotted, nodding with a sigh. "All right, yes, you are right, sweet sister. This is all just - it's a lot to take in, to try and digest. And we talk of playing a game with the Throne - I do not think we've the strength to endure alone."

"This is not about Lyonel Strong, sister! It's about Father and the disrespect the Crown continues to offer. Remember that," she advised softly.

You nodded, "I know, sister."

She frowned, "And remember... They aren't our kin. Despite previous displays of kindness, the Targaryens have made it clear that we are not family to them. They are not blood to us, sister; they will protect their own, not us. If we wish to survive, we will need to ally ourselves."

"I understand," you told your younger sister. "I am not arguing, I know what our reality is now - I merely implore to explore the routes that won't label us as traitors."

"I know, we have much to discuss going forward. But none of that for now," she took a long breath, smiling as she looked you up and down, complimenting, "you look stunning. Truly, you might outshine the bride tonight."

"Let's hope it doesn't come down to that, and that The Princess has a mature bone in her body - though I do not hold out hope." You smiled at her, "But enough about me, you look - you look like a Queen, sister-dearest. Gods, you're gorgeous, you look just like Mummy." The two of you shared an emotional, watery smile; embracing tightly as reality settled in your guts: it was you two Hightower Ladies against the whole of the Targaryen clan. "Come," you decided, taking a deep breath, "are we ready to go? Any later and I fear we might not get any cake."

"Oh, you and cake," she smirked, looking you over in a matching emerald, lighter-weight gown that had layers of thin fabrics clinging and dripping from your form. Golden jewelry was clasped around both your necks, wrists, tight around your fingers, and plugged into your ear piercings.

The Queen took your arm and left the dressing chambers you took refuge in, coming to a gasping halt when you were greeted by a well-groomed man in green velvet. "Father," Alicent exclaimed in shock.

"My daughters," he smiled, offering both arms, "I do believe we are now fashionably late. Hmm?"

"Exactly as we intended," you mused, taking his arm. "How is this possible? How are you here?"

"I was invited, if you believe that," Otto answered, the three of you walking slowly. "Though, I suspect your sister had something to do with that?"

"I only told Viserys I'd be deeply offended if you were ignored for this event," Alicent quipped.

"None the less, I am happy to escort my daughters to such a historic event," he spoke diplomatically, aware of the guards and servants milling around. Otto lead the way to the Throne Room - where you could hear King Viserys' echoing speech from the foyer.

None of you spoke, approaching the open doors and pausing to let everyone see the united Hightowers. Alicent wore her dark auburn locks pulled back from her face to cascade in thick ringlets down her back, your own Hightower-red hair left down around your face with the longer locks pinned off your neck. The entire room - the entire court - all wedding attendees and royal procession stared at you three in shock for entering during the King's speech. Your statement was clearly made.

Even from this distance, you could see how startled Rhaenyra was by your arrival, needing to fight off a smirk of amusement in order to keep your neutral façade.

You and Alicent walked arm-in-arm with your father, the once-Hand, down the stairs and up the aisle of banquet tables full of people, staring forward and giving no emotion away. The people buzzed in quiet gossip. The attending Hightowers of Oldtown, sitting closest to the royal banquet table because of their relation to the current Queen, stood first; everyone else following in a show of respect.

You and Alicent paused to let Otto sit with his relatives at the lower banquet table before joining arm-and-arm together. Over the muttering of the entire room, you whispered almost mutely, "Be kind, remain composed, we'll kill 'em with kindness."

Alicent gave a subtle flex to give indication she understood.

When you looked up at the table you approached under the King's heavy glare, you noticed there was an empty chair between Ser Strong and... Prince Daemon? Was that really him? When did he get here? Why was he back? It's only been a few weeks!

Your shock did not slow you, and as you approached the table reserved for the Royal Family, you saw Daemon smirking at your theatrics. Alicent did not let you part from her side as she greeted Princess Rhaenyra with a sickly-sweet voice, "Congratulations, stepdaughter. What a blessing this is for you."

She ignored any other reaction to let go of your arm, kiss her husband's cheek in greeting, stand beside him, in front of her chair, and stare forward with zero other emotion.

"Congratulations, Princess," you whispered, bowing your head. "Your Grace," you acknowledged, doing the same and taking the empty chair between Lord Hand and Rogue Prince only to stoically stare forward in silence. You did as Alicent did, not looking at any other, and just waiting for a pregnant moment that seemingly never ended.

"Please be seated," Viserys finally permitted, everyone sitting at his behest. He cleared his throat, whispering to Lyonel Strong, "Where was I?"

"The joining of the two Houses, Your Grace."

You swallowed when a warm hand laid on your right thigh, Viserys continuing his speech. You glanced at Daemon, seeing his smirk, and instead of throwing his hand off you, you laid your own over his to give a long squeeze. You had wrestled with the idea of his favorite whore, Mysaria, and the idea of whatever he did with Princess Rhaenyra for weeks. Then when you heard word that his wife, Lady Rhea Royce, had met her untimely end, you knew he was involved, yet said nothing. You could only think deeply about what it all meant - and how you fit into the equation that was Prince Daemon Targaryen.

Tell me every terrible thing you ever did...

All you could understand was the overwhelming affection you held for him. His shocked-wide-eyes found yours for a long moment, seeming communicating telepathically - you telling him you wanted him. His hand tightened to keep hold of yours, hidden from the public for the time being.

And let me love you anyway...

You tuned back into the King's speech in time to clap with the others, showing your support of the union you technically helped influence between Targaryen and Velaryon.

However, you caught the way Alicent glared at Rhaenyra, sighing to yourself; having heard through long private dinners what Alicent came to know and why this upset her so much. How strange to learn Ser Criston Cole admitted to Ali that he was coerced into soiling the Princess' purity - not her Uncle Daemon, like rumored. Yet none the less, the girl had sworn on her beloved, dearly departed mother to Alicent that she was still a maiden... A huge, glaring lie - that both you and Ali took personally.

You found all of this terribly interesting, yet did not let the distain show so boldly. After Daemon came to you in confession, you had yet to speak a word outside of public politeness to the Princess; feeling betrayed by what your lover had told you. He had been right: you were Rhaenyra's friend, she wasn't yours. So, you demoted yourself to create distance.

When the drums rumbled and the Princess took to the dance floor with her intended, you spared Daemon a look and muttered, "You do not have to look so annoyed."

"I'm not, sweet one."

"Nor so amused," you tacked on.

Daemon smirked at you, leaning in and pondering, "I am only wondering if you would care for a dance later, my Lady?"

You lied, speaking in a teasing tone, "I'm not one for dancing, my Prince."

"A single dance with me, then. Just one, pretty lady."

"You're pushy," you whispered, nudging him to keep quiet; but the grin on your lips assured him you were completely enraptured by his antics.

He sat back with a smirk, watching his niece and her fiancé dance. The entire courtroom clapped at the end, others flooding to the spaces around them. You glanced over as your sister stood from her seat, meeting your eyes and offering only a soft smile before descending from the table to approach your aunt and uncle from Oldtown - standing with your father on the side of the room. You sighed under your breath, your lover tightening his grip on your thigh.

Daemon made for a great distraction. "Did you hear the news?" He asked softly, reaching for his goblet of wine with his free hand.

"Which news would that be, my Prince?" You asked casually, pretending your heart wasn't hammering in your chest.

"Of my dear wife's passing."

"I did, actually," you fought off your smirk. "I am truly sorry to hear of it, I understand Lady Rhea was truly one of a kind. You shouldn't speak ill of the dead, love," you reminded in a whisper.

"Hmm. Don't be sorry, I'm not," he eased.

"You're not? Your wife died, Daemon..."

"I know," he met your gaze, "I'm not sorry because now it gives me vocation to follow my own desires."

You smirked, "Which desire will you follow first?"

His hand tightened to a bruising grip. He was not able to answer yet because your gaze was caught by movement, Rhea Royce's cousin approaching slowly, evidently a cup or two deep in the wine; making you remove Daemon's hand so you both could sit casually - without touching.

The man gruffly leered at Daemon, "In the Vale, men are made to answer for their crimes." Your lover spared you an exasperated look as he tacked on, "Even Targaryens."

"Who are you?" Daemon asked dully.

"This is Ser Gerold Royce, my Prince," you told him softly, "of Runestone."

Daemon perked his brow, asking sarcastically, "An excellent show of your knowledge, my sweet lady, but what does that matter to me?"

You didn't answer, Ser Lyoel Strong (who was listening in) didn't answer, because Ser Gerold was approaching the table by climbing the stairs. He growled at Daemon, "I am cousin to your late Lady wife."

"Ah, yes... Terrible thing," Daemon offered. "I'm positively bereft. Such a tragic accident."

"You know better than anyone, it was no accident."

Through a smirk, Daemon quipped, "Are you confessing some guilt, Ger Gerold?"

"I am making an accusation."

You shared a look with Lyonel to your left, catching sight of the King's turned head - showing he was listening, too. Daemon easily deflected, "Here, in King's Landing, men are made to answer for their slanders. Even old bronze cunts like you." This angered Ser Gerold visibly, the man stepping closer, but obviously restrained himself. Your lover continued, "The truth is I'm glad you've come. I wish to speak to you about my inheritance."

"What inheritance?" Ser Gerold demanded.

"Lady Rhea and I had no heirs. As her husband, whatever she was due now passes to me. She stood to inherit all of Runestone. Did she not?" Daemon had Ser Gerold pinned by legality, the man looking disturbed by his own realization. So, naturally, Daemon taunted, "After my niece's wedding, I plan to fly to the Eyrie and petition Lady Jeyne myself. Perhaps I'll see you there, Ser Gerold."

The man sheepishly walked away, his inebriated mind whirling with possibilities. You glared, pinching Daemon's arm so you could scold him when he turned to face you, "That wasn't very kind."

"And?"

"You don't truly care for Runestone," you snapped. "Now that man will fear for his home, fret over the laws, and that's not very nice."

He sighed, "What would you have me do, sweet one?"

"Leave House Royce to grieve and rearrange their succession without your pettiness."

Daemon smirked, "Whatever my Lady wants."

"You're dreadfully annoying tonight, do you know that?" You whined. "I'm going for a dance, and no, this is not an invitation to follow," you warned him - albeit playfully - before standing to excuse yourself.

"Sister," Alicent paused you before you could pass her by. "Are you well?"

"Yes, yes, just felt like dancing, too much energy to just sit. Come join - "

"No, no, I should sit. Eat," she smiled. "Perhaps tonight will be when you meet your match and we can plan another wedding."

"Perhaps," you mused, squeezing her hand. "You all right? What did Father and Uncle say?"

"Later," she whispered. "Go on, go."

You joined the stream of people dancing, instantly grinning when you were welcomed joyfully by different suitors. The band played a lively beat, the crowd cheering in rhythm; you being twirled around men and women with matching grins.

You heard your name being cheered through a small giggle.

"Hi, Princess," you greeted Rhaenyra as you both marched along to the beat. You reminded yourself this was all a game and if you wanted to survive, you'd have to play your part strategically. So, you quipped as you danced with Ser Arryn Blackwell, "Nice party you've got, huh?"

"Oh, you know how we Targaryens do," she teased. "Where've you been lately? I feel as if I've hardly seen you."

"Just busy with chores since Father was replaced as Hand," you answered, spinning under someone's arm.

Nyra didn't comment on that, instead, waiting a few moments before complimenting, "That's a beautiful dress, really goes with your hair!"

"That's what I hoped for," you gasped girlishly, deciding to play nice when she reached for your hands. You felt weak for a moment, but the truth was, you missed your friend... So, you might've giggled a bit when you joined hands, dancing together instead of with anyone else. With kindness, you offered, "You look gorgeous, as well, Princess, I love this dress - "

"Yes, yes, we all look fantastic," Daemon interrupted abruptly, crowding over you, asking quickly, "can I speak to you a moment, my Lady? The Princess won't mind, right, Rhaenyra?"

"Uh, no, I guess..." She eyed the two of you with suspicion as she stayed in-beat with the music.

"Daemon, not now - "

"We need to talk," he pulled you from where you danced, glancing back at the head banquet table as he took your hand, and lead you deeper into the crowd. He turned you to face him, pacing a small circle around you, demanding, "Do you still want to marry me?"

"What? Why are you asking now?"

"Because I just asked your father for permission," he seethed, pausing in front of you, "and he outright refused, saying he's negotiating with the fucking Lannisters. I need to know what you want."

"I was not aware what I wanted mattered to you, the man who views marriage as a political arrangement," you eyed him with a curled lip of annoyance.

"What arrangement could I want? Your sister is Queen, my family is bound to the Hightowers already. My political marriage is recently dissolved, I am free to do as I please, regardless of what others want or say - "

"Then tell me what you want. Tell me plainly what you want from me, Daemon, no more pretty words and veiled truths. Be plain."

"You said I had a year, and look - it's been weeks. Weeks, my love, how much more plain can I be? I'm here, now, free to marry, and I need to know if you still want to marry me. I'll marry you tomorrow - "

"Oh, please! Would you steal me away?" You mocked with a chuckle. "Take me to Dragonstone? Make me your little wife that you'll come to resent, too? Just as you did Rhea?"

He reached out to aggressively hold your cheek and jaw. "I had no choice in my first marriage, I could never come to resent you - you're all I've ever wanted. I'd do anything for you," Daemon snarled over your lips, "including risking your father's wrath. I'd do anything to make sure we end up together, you are my heart - do not forget that."

"Then pull out your sword, cut them all down," you purred, feeling his hand tighten, "and claim me as your own - do not let anyone stop us."

His lips hovered over yours, breathing the same air, and before he could respond or kiss you, a woman screamed shrilly from behind you. Daemon instantly latched onto your body as a crowd formed to your left and right, and when you both looked, you were shocked to see the commotion happening at your feet.

"Love - "

"Daemon," you paused him, shocked as Ser Criston Cole was engaged in a fist fight with some Velaryon knight before Ser Laenor Velaryon, the groom, was tackling him to the side. What an interesting display of protectiveness from Ser Laenor over his knight.

Daemon rushed in your ear, "Do not look - come away with me."

"Wait," you held his hands to your waist, letting him crowd into your back as Cole had punched Laenor to the side and straddled the blonde on the floor once more.

He landed one blow before the knight was brandishing a dagger; but the White Cloak caught his arm and easily snapped it broken, startling the crowd. Beyond your ring of spectators, other men were trading blows and engaged in their own fights; total chaos taking over the whole of the Throne Room. You flinched back into Daemon's embrace when Cole screamed like a wild man in the mountains, repeatedly pounding his fist into the knight's face; literally caving it in, creating a human minced meat pie.

Someone better contact Mrs. Lovett!

"No more," Daemon decided, Cole rearing himself back as Daemon stooped to heave you over his shoulder. He was able to find safe (enough) passage through the people, approaching the royal banquet table. "Hey, hey," he whispered, setting you down and taking your face in his hands, the wailing of Laenor Velaryon seeing his murdered knight echoing in the Throne Room. "You all right? You hurt? Look at me, love, are you hurt?"

"No, no, I'm okay," you whispered, swallowing unsurely; reaching up to hold his wrists. "I'm okay."

"Sure? You shouldn't have seen that - "

"It's all right," you assured, stroking his wrists. "I'm okay, Daemon, truly. Just... A little startled, maybe?"

"What's this then?" Harwin Strong smirked, panting lightly from his rescue mission as the Princess was attending her father, the King. "You two hit it off then, yeah? Is it me or are sparks flying?"

"Something like that," you whispered, trying to regulate your breathing after the adrenaline-inducing scrimmage.

"Easy does it, love," Daemon whispered, keeping you close as you didn't let go of his hands; wanting to stay connected. He told Harwin, giving a half-shrug, "They aren't sparks. She's everything to me."

"Perhaps your second wedding will go better than this one," Harwin sighed, hands on his hips.

"In some cultures, deaths at a wedding are considered good luck," you muttered, Daemon snorting lightly in amusement before running his thumbs over your cheekbones in soothing gestures.

"Didn't your wife just pass, Prince Daemon?" Your father demanded publicly with a heavy glare. "You'd offer insult to her memory by remarrying so quickly?"

"I've grieved Lady Rhea plenty, Ser Hightower, it's time to look to the future," Daemon declared, eyes daring your father to challenge him. "The Lady Hightower and I will wed. The sooner, the better, in truth."

And history would never be the same.

"What?" Rhaenyra demanded, whirling around at the news, making all others pause in confusion. "What did you say?"

"That I intend to marry the Lady Hightower."

"Her? Her? Fucking her - who is more prude than woman?!"

Well, that was mildly offensive...

"Rhaenyra - "

"What makes you think you're worthy?" She demanded of you, turning from her father to stalk across the platform. "Worthy of a man like Daemon, of a husband like Daemon? You've done nothing to - to deserve such a title! The title of Princess, of wife!"

You were honestly confused to your core.

"I deserve a man like he - not someone like you!" She continued, shocking the group as the Kingsguard cleared the Room of any lingering stragglers to keep this as private as possible. "You think I didn't see you on my tour? You were fawned over, all wanted to talk with you, but were forced to line up for me! You rejected them all on your own, and now I see why! You wanted to wait until the Lady Rhea passed, which makes me wonder - what part did you play in that?"

"Rhaenyra!" You gasped.

"What? Honestly, it would make sense - the day Daemon's banished, you weren't seen! I wouldn't be shocked if you were seen somewhere lurking in the Vale! You cannot have it all - you've always wanted my life, and now look! You have to have what I have, and now you've taken a liking to my uncle after our scandal! What? He wasn't interesting before? You heard rumors about us and decided you wanted him for yourself? Just because he was mine first? You just want to be me, you always have - you've always reeked of jealousy! This is all you wanted, to steal my family, and - "

"That's enough," Daemon tried. "You are out of turn here, Rhaenyra, do not make this worse."

"Why? Because little Lady Hightower's façade of being a respectable, pure woman is now tarnished?"

"We share one dance, albeit intimate, sit next to each other at a single dinner, shared some conversation, and you now think it's appropriate to call my virtue into question? What of your own, Princess? You just admitted to scandal with Daemon - but I wonder why the service of Moon Tea if your virtue was unimpeachable?" You demanded, feeling defensive on a new level. Even Alicent straightened up at your words.

However, Daemon rushed to add, "With all due respect, Princess, I don't want you, and you can't claim me as your own when you never had me. You might be angry, but it is no use to take it out on my intended, she is of rare stock and breed - she will not be questioned. Nor will my intentions with her."

Rhaenyra snarled, "Yeah? You don't want me? Well, you wanted me enough to try and fuck me at that whorehouse!"

There were gasps and murmurs all around, but Rhaenyra was glaring at you and Daemon, still standing together. His arms actually dropped to hold your waist, keeping you close as he snarled at his niece, "But I didn't. If memory serves right, I walked away!"

"You wanted me!" Rhaenyra raged. "You always were and always will be mine - regardless of the whores you bed in the meantime! And I want you, I am not yet married - "

"Yet I will not be who marries you, I am betrothed to another," Daemon reminded with a venomous tone. "There's nothing you offer that I want, Rhaenyra."

"I am not some inexperienced little girl anymore, I'm a woman grown, and I could do more for you than she ever could!"

"Rhaenyra!" Viserys roared.

Everyone knew she had gone too far and there was no coming back from any this. After a beat, Alicent stepped in as if questioning for the first time, "And yet, sister, you said the Princess was served Moon Tea? If Prince Daemon did not touch the Princess, does this mean she still," she scoffed as if the idea were absurd, "sullied her maidenhood? Before marriage?"

It should be noted that Ser Criston Cole was already gone from the hall at this time. In fact, he lingered just outside a side door, listening, in case his name came up. When Alicent spoke, he straightened up and started the slow trek to the Godswood.

"Ser Lyonel? Do I misunderstand?" Alicent pulled the Hand into the fray.

"Well, that's what that would sound like, Your Grace," he agreed begrudgingly. "Moon Tea is beneficial to prevent unwanted consequences outside of marriage."

"From what I understand, she was served by Grand Maester Mellos himself," you told Ali, minds strung together by a common thread. "The castle likes to gossip, you can learn a lot if you just listen."

"This is..." Viserys seethed, "Unacceptable."

"I'm sorry, Your Grace," you instantly apologized.

"No, no," he deflected, hand held up, "you have a duty to the Realm to flesh out any deception. And this," he directed his glare at his daughter, "is a grand deception that cannot be undone, unknown, covered-up, anymore, Rhaenyra!"

There was a meltdown. Everyone began yelling.

Viserys was enraged. Rhaenyra was desperately trying to plead with her father. Lord Corlys was demanding to know what the hell was about to happen with the impending marriage to "the future Queen". Ser Strong was trying to keep the people from each other's throats.

His sons stood to the side and just let them all fight.

Daemon kept you out of the line of fire, away from the action; sighing as you deflated into his chest. Over it all, Viserys' voice was angriest, and you heard, "You are no daughter of mine! The position you have put me in tonight - I cannot undo this, Rhaenyra! I should have never disinherited Daemon for you, breaking centuries of tradition because I wanted to see your mother in you! You have spat in my face around every bend, but this? This is unforgivable, we will not recover from this and I will no longer endure your insolence!"

"Father, please, let me - "

"No," he snarled, "I have had it with your disresepct the past several years, this is beyond any scale." You blinked up at Daemon, his lips curving down as his hands tightened around your form. And then, Viserys said the words, "I made a mistake naming you my heir. You may marry Ser Laenor, if you so choose to, but after that, you will reside on Driftmark with your husband - you will no longer inherit the Iron Throne after me."

"Father!"

"No," he snapped, "you've exhausted my patience, Rhaenyra!" Viserys roared. "And while Daemon might be unpredictable, the woman he wants to marry is not - and from where I am standing, she will make a far better Queen than you!"

It was quiet as everyone forgot their own selfish woes as father disinherited daughter.

"Your Grace," your father tried to step in, "with respect, why not place your son, Aegon, in line after you?"

"Oh, for the love of the Gods, Otto," Rhaenyra raged, rounding on your father, "give up this campaign, you get all you want and more! Your daughter is Queen now and your other daughter will be Queen after that, aren't you listening? Your grandchildren will still inherit the Throne!"

"That's it," Viserys breathed, needing to hold onto the banquet table for balance as all eyes turned to him again. "It's time to do what I should've done all along. Rhaenyra," he shook his head, "I can no longer have you as my heir, this type of behavior cannot stand. I will give you permission to marry Ser Laenor, and if he chooses not to, I will allow you to reside on Dragonstone until a match is made. Until then," his eyes shifted to where you and Daemon stood, "I name my brother, Prince Daemon Targaryen, as my Heir to the Iron Throne."

"You would not name your son?" Alicent asked in mild disbelief.

"No," Viserys told her, "no, I would see my brother as my heir. Should Aegon prove to live up to his namesake, we can talk about succession again, but I know my brother is capable... And though he might be overly wanting, he will learn patience, because I know the love of a good woman can change a man for the better."

You smiled, feeling emotional for a moment, but Daemon asked for you both, "Brother, do you mean to give your blessing?"

"Of course," he nodded once, "why waste a good wedding tourney? We shall announce on the morrow our new intentions - to crown Daemon as heir and marry him to the Lady Hightower. This matter," he panted, glaring at everyone, "is resolved, I will not hear more. Make the preparations!"

It happened in slow motion. Rhaenyra's rage flared to a temperamental height previously unknown; lunging to seize her father's Valyrian Steel, prophesy-engraved dagger, turn, and charge straight for you as the remaining audience shouted in panic. You felt Daemon try to push you behind him, but instead, your own temper flared and you stepped up to meet Rhaenyra; catching both her arms to hold her at bay.

Daemon was at your flank if you needed him, otherwise, he kept the Kingsguard away from you two - knowing this needed to happen now. Or else something worse would happen later...

"For fuck's sake, Princess! What is this? Jealousy? Huh?" You asked through your tears, struggling to hold your old friend's weight away from you. "What is this jealousy, Nyrie, hmm?"

"Don't call me that," she grit. You just sighed, pushing her back a little but not enough to overpower her; the girl's anger making her stronger than you would've previously guessed. "You've gone too far," she seethed through tears.

“I? What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the Kingdom, the family, the law. While you flout all to do as you please! Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot again!"

"You think you finally get my life, huh?" She snarled. "You won't ever be accepted - not as Queen - not as part of this family! You've wanted this all along! Haven't you!?" She struggled against you, hands sweating. "You've always wanted my life, that's why you stuck around! Your mother died - so you tried to take a place in my family, make them yours - and now, look! You're nearly there! Pouncing on my uncle the moment he's widowed!" She snarled, bearing her teeth.

“Exhausting, wasn’t it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are, Nyrie," you whispered with a broad smirk.

"You aren't fit to play this part! To have my life! You'll never be accepted as their Princess!"

"I wager I'll do a better job than you ever could," you hissed. "There's not much to live up to, you don't leave a lot of room to fill."

She screamed when Ser Harwin's arms seized around her waist, but the momentum of him pulling her back and Rhaenyra's thrashing cause the Valyrian Steel dagger to slice your forearm. You yelped and reared back amongst the startled gasps and panicked murmurs from the crowd, Daemon catching you. The dagger clattered to the floor as Harwin backed up several paces to keep the belligerent girl at bay. You whimpered quietly at the sting, a pool of blood forming to the side you held your arm at.

"Fuck's sake," Daemon growled, "lemme see, lemme see, my love, c'mere," he winced, looking around before using his own belt to yank free and tourniquet around your lower elbow. "You're bleeding a good bit," he whispered, "you'll need stitches, sweet one."

You pouted at him, wincing again in pain when he tightened the belt.

Around you, the Kingsguard was ordered to escort Rhaenyra to her chambers, and the moment she was marched out of sight, Daemon was warning his brother that she knew about her secret passage door and parts of the tunnels.

Go stand watch," a personal guard was ordered by the King. "Someone go - go find Ser Cole - I want him posted in the Princess' passage, he's trusted to us."

Alicent slunk off to do exactly that, and she'd tell you later that Cole was found only moments from taking his own life. He was overjoyed to hear the King had requested him personally to stand guard for such a sensitive situation.

In the meantime, Lord Corlys Velaryon and his wife, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, thought it best their son not marry Rhaenyra; now that she had been disowned, she was less appealing. Viserys was free to offer her again later if Laenor was not married in that time and if she showed true change, but after tonight, nobody thought that possible.

Daemon tried helping your wound, your father approaching as he laid a clean cloth over the cut. Your lover tisked, "It's deeper than I thought. We should get this looked at."

"A moment," Otto prevented.

"If it would please you, this is not an injury I'd like to wait to attend to," Daemon sighed, nodding at your bloodied forearm that he held.

"I only meant to say, you have my blessing to marry, my Prince," Otto nodded at him. "Seeing the kindness you show my daughter, I feel... Content knowing she will be loved and cared for."

"Thank you," Daemon nodded.

"Yes, thank you, Father, but we really must be going, this doesn't feel very nice," you rushed to explain, watching him nod and eye your injury with worry.

"This way," He even instructed, a few handmaids rushing forward to help herd you away.

"Doing all right, love?" Daemon muttered as you walked.

"Bit shocked," you admitted.

"I'd say," he mused.

"It burns," you pouted at him.

"We'll get everything tended to, you'll feel better soon," he soothed.

You peaked up at his worried brow, pouted lips, darting eyes; whispering, "You're heir, again, Daemon."

"So it would seem," he deadpanned. "Can we not talk about it now?" He requested quietly, "I only wish to see to this wound of yours."

You nodded, and once in Mellos' chamber, you were left alone with your father - since Daemon was not yet your husband. Otto was silent as your forearm was stitched carefully; the bleeding staunched, herbs stuffed in the wound to prevent pain and promote healing. As you let Mellos wrap you in gauze, you glanced at your father.

"So... Your blessing, is it?"

"He's different with you already," he nodded stiffly. "And after his nieces' display tonight, I can think of no better future Queen."

"I do not wish to talk about future station, Father, but instead, that... That Daemon makes me happy and I am relieved you have given us your blessing. It would've felt very wrong to marry without my father in attendance."

Otto wasn't affectionate in the least bit, but he showed his love by doing his best to understand situations before passing judgement. It created a sense of trust and security between father and daughter. So, he asked earnestly, "And you will overlook what he did with Princess Rhaenyra?"

"He told me of it all the morning after it happened, I've had time to think, and I've had time away from him. I know what I want, Father, and while Viserys has changed history - again - tonight by naming Daemon heir, I know he is the man I want for the rest of my life."

"I see," he nodded. "Then... By all means, I will see this union happen."

"Thank you," you whispered, the Maester tying the gauze. "Thank you, Grand Maester," you spoke calmly.

"Of course, uh, um, Princess."

"I don't think I'll get used to hearing that," you whined, standing off his table. "Will you talk to Daemon for me, Father? I think you need to clear the air... I will not say the King will instill you as Hand again, but if I am to marry the Prince, I will need there to be peace between our families."

He nodded, opening the door for you, "It will be arranged, my daughter..."

As Otto took his leave, Daemon, pacing the hall, approached you. He took hold of your waist, asking, "Are you all right?" You let him hold your injured wrist in a soft grip, viewing the wrappings.

"Yes, Your Grace," you teased, watching his pale face flush.

"Don't start with that."

"Mellos just called me Princess."

"You are," he grinned. "And we will be married in less than a week's time."

"I can hardly wait," you whispered, letting his lips find yours in a searing show of rare public affection.

requesting rules and masterlist

HOTD masterlist

[ask-sister-solaris]

Credit to @hippotooth666 for the art and inspo.

Spoilers for RHRN. Do not read if you have not seen the GHOVIE.

Again. Do NOT read if you have not seen the GHOVIE.

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“Mama…life had just begun…”

Everything was blurry as Copia came around, as he moved his head to the side his eyes widened filling with fear. His mother..his mother was on the floor, collapsed. He slowly pushed himself up, people crowded him and he assured them he was okay the ringing in his ears got louder as he panicked more about his mother, Imperator…he knew she was ill but why now! Was it his fault? Did he cause her so much stress her condition got worse. Emotions swam in his eyes, confusion, anger, upset, regret. He blamed himself. It was he who brought his mother’s demise, if he’d just stopped going on about continuing his papacy. Tears pricked his eyes as he stood up slowly and made his way over to her. The paramedics looked at him sadly, the each other. The younger female stood and looked at him with teary eyes.

“I’m sorry Papa, we have done all we can but your mother has unfortunately passed on..”

Copias stomach lurched as he knelt beside Imperators body, tears dripped down onto her face and smudged his papal paint. No..how was he supposed to continue being papa without his mother’s guide. She’d helped him so much! He would have never been papa if it wasn’t for her. He bit his lip as he covered his own mother with a white sheet, the stadium empty, mummy dust and confetti from the ritual that night still strewn everywhere. He sobbed as he hugged her body over the sheet, sobs wracked his body. How had every thing gone so horribly wrong. He’d been onstage performing his heart out, scared to accept his time was up but wanting to make his mother proud. That’s all he’d ever wanted. For her to be proud. He wiped his tears away with a handkerchief as Salterian entered. He was passed an envelope and he rose a brow. As he read it, he realised it was from his mother. His eyes widened even more as he read.

“Father Imperator? Me..”

He looked back at his mother’s body and teared up again, his papal paint almost all washed off around his eyes and cheeks from how much he’d been crying and wiping his face. As his mother said, when one day ends another beings. After a cold dark night that is. He smiled gently he swore to himself he’d step up to the role of Father Imperator for his mother, to make her proud. He sniffled and wiped his nose, turning away and marching to his dressing room. He cleaned himself up and looked in the mirror, memories flashed before him. His mother showing baby pictures of him to his current prime mover, having his hair brushed or played with when he was a toddlers to calm him, being taught about the emeritus bloodline by Imperator to prepare her..they all swam in his mind as he replayed that same horror he’d witnessed as he came around.

Sprawled on the ground, lifeless..not breathing…gone..just like that.

He gripped the dresser and felt a soft hand on his shoulder, looking up Imperators ghost smiled gently and held his face. He went to speak, to apologise, but instead he was met with a ghostly hug and those six little words

“You’ll always be my little Cardi…”

Fin

[patheticdarling]

Mad With Grief

Summary: Queen Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon swore to avenge their son, Prince Lucerys. An eye for an eye. A son for a son. And now Prince Aemond and his sister-wife had to make the preparations for their eldest son's funeral.

Warnings: death/blood & cheese/mourning/death of a child/funeral/crying/depression/incest (Targaryen)/oc children of aemond & reader/suicidal undertones/possible hotd season 2 spoilers!

Word Count: 1861

*NOT MY GIF*

You could not begin to describe the feelings that lingered throughout your body. It seemed as if your soul was detached from your physical being and now you were just a shell of a woman.

"There we are, Princess," your handmaiden finished applying your makeup. You struggled to move your eyes to the mirror in front of you. She had applied a generous amount to brighten up your colorless face, "As beautiful as ever."

You swallowed the lump in your throat, "Thank you," it was barely audible. "That'll be all for now."

She gave you a quick curtsy before gathering the mess and leaving the room. As soon as the door shut, you could no longer hold back the tears as they came pouring down. The sobs followed soon after and you had no care to conceal them.

It was said the night your son was slain that your cries of anguish shook the very walls of the Red Keep.

"Who are you?" you demanded. You didn't recognize the two men before you, instinctively shielding your children with your own body.

"Debt collectors," the smaller of the two men spoke up. "An eye for an eye, a son for a son. We only want the one, t’ square things. Won’t hurt the rest o’ you fine folks, not one lil’ hair. Which one you want t’ lose, Princess?"

All of the hairs on your body stood on end when you realized just what the men meant. Your husband had killed Lucerys and now, a debt was owed.

"No," you shook your head profusely as you pushed your eldest son behind you, your two younger children bundled in your arms, "Kill me instead. Please. I beg you. Don't hurt my children."

"A wife's not a son," the bigger man grunted, "It has to be a boy."

"Please," you continued to plead, your older son weeping as he clutched the skirts of your dress, "Not my boys. Rhaenyra would not want this. She has always been merciful, please."

"Your sister, the Queen, has lost far too much. Her father, her baby, and now her son. By your husband's hand, might I add. I don't think mercy is an option any longer." the smaller man explained.

"It was an accident," you muttered, "A horrible, regrettable accident. My husband may be guilty, yes. But my children are innocent. Please."

"We don't want to hurt you, Princess. But a debt is owed. Besides, you'll still have two more when it's done," the man used his blade to elude to your children, "So, I suggest you make your choice before we kill all three of them."

You fell to your knees, there was no way out of this. One of your boys had to die or you'd lose all three of your children. You looked at each of your sons, caressing their silver locks. You would never forgive yourself for this. "Mummy loves you."

You kissed the head of your youngest son before shakily handing him over to the men, sobbing as you watched him mockingly rock the year old babe.

"You hear that, little boy? the small man whispered to your son, "Your momma wants you dead."

And before you could register the evil grin he exchanged with the larger man, his blade had already murdered your elder son. You felt your heart stop beating before the most Earth-shattering sob left your lips.

Everything after that shifted into a gut-wrenching blur. You could not manage to feel anything other than pure and utter grief, like a dagger was constantly being driven through your heart with every breath you took. You could not bring yourself to eat, drink, or even bathe. Your mother, the Dowager Queen, urged you to stay strong for your remaining son and only daughter. But how could you even bear to look at him? You had named your year old son to die.

You had not seen your husband since. Part of you wanted what every woman wanted from their husband in times of grieving, a shoulder to cry on and a place to feel safe. And part of you couldn't even stomach the idea of seeing him, of knowing that he was partially to blame for the loss of your son.

A soft knock came to the door, "Y/N?" your mother's soft voice called into the room, she let out a heavy sigh at your sobbing figure, rushing over and wrapping her arms around you.

You fell into her touch. You never had the best relationship with your mother growing up but she loved your children nearly as much as you and Aemond did. It was her who looked in on your babies everyday since.

"My dearest girl," she sniffled as she stroked your hair, "Shhh, it's alright. I'm here."

"I cannot do this, Mother," you cried, "I-I cannot say goodbye to him so soon."

"He's in a better place, Y/N," she tried to soothe me, "Somewhere safe, where no one can ever harm him."

"They already harmed him. And I could not protect him. My husband was not here! I was alone-"

It was as if your words held magical intent within them. Your breath hitched in your throat as your husband walked into the room. Your mother helping you both to your feet.

She took in a deep breath, "I'll go see if the carriage is ready. Ring the bell if you need me," she tucked a strand of hair behind your ear before moving to greet Aemond with a quick kiss on the cheek.

Your eyes remained locked with his until the minute the door clicked shut and suddenly you lacked the strength to stand once again. Your knees hit the floor as you broke back into sobs.

Aemond dropped everything and rushed over to hold you, "I am so sorry, I am so sorry," he muttered over and over again.

You couldn't help but cling to him, the contempt you held falling as you grieved your child together, "My sweet boy. My first baby boy."

"I will avenge him, I swear this to you, my love-"

"Avenge him?!" you nearly pushed him back and onto his ass as the blame you placed on your husband returned, "Your vengeance is the reason why Rhaenyra wanted one of our sons dead in the first place!"

Both of you now rose to your feet, "I told you it was an accident. I lost control of Vhagar and-"

"And now our son is dead," you concluded. Aemond's jaw clenched at your words. "Did they tell you what they made me do?"

"Y/N, we don't have to discuss this."

"Did they tell you, Aemond?" you reiterated, Aemond softly shook his head at your question, "They made me choose. Choose which of our sons to die. They said there was a debt to be paid. I begged them to kill me instead. But Rhaenyra wanted a son. Said they would kill all three of them if I didn't choose." Tears fell from Aemond's remaining eye as you continued to speak shakily, "And I named Jaehaerys. Our sweet baby. I thought perhaps he was too young to understand. And Viserys-" your voice caught in your throat at the mention of your late son, "He is our first son and the only heir until Helaena gives Aegon a son. And they butchered him like a sheep for slaughter."

"I never meant for any of this to happen, Y/N. And I will never forgive myself for letting them hurt you or our children."

"I have not been to the nursery since," you ignored his apologies, "How can I mother a child that I was willing to sacrifice? I shouldn't even be allowed to call myself a mother after what I've done."

"Y/N, you are the best mother and our children, they need you. Nobody else could raise them as admirably as you have."

You just shook your head as the bells of King's Landing rang in the background, "We must go. The funeral is starting."

Aemond tried to reach for your hand, "My love, we do not-"

You simply pulled away, not saying another word as you gathered yourself, ringing the bell for your mother and maids to return.

"Are we ready?" your mother asked, you simply nodded before taking her arm.

"Y/N, please," Aemond tried yet again to pull you back to him.

"Aemond," your mother cut him off, "That is enough. We must all be going now."

You could not recall the events of your son's funeral. Not the precession, the burial, the speeches, or even how you returned to the castle after. It felt as if it all took too much effort. Your children were your only reasons for living and yet you couldn't even bear to mother them as you wished. Because wanting was too much. You felt you didn't deserve to want any longer. Living was too much effort.

"Y/N!" your husband's horrified tone rang in your ears. Your mind finally registering what your body had done.

As you looked down at the perilous fall to the spikes that decorated the fall from the Red Keep. Your toes basically hanging off as you stood on the ledge.

"Please, darling," Aemond quietly begged, "We need you. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, they need you. I need you."

Matching streams of tears ran down both you and Aemond's cheeks. This is what it was to be mad with grief. To be so heartbroken that you cared so little about living.

You were sure the rest of your family was grieving your son as well. But not like this. None of them could even begin to fathom the thoughts or feelings you had, or did not have any longer.

"Y/N, please come down from the ledge," Aemond sobbed and begged. You had never seen him so broken, so fearful. And it might've been at that moment that you realized that Aemond might have been the only person in the whole of the Seven Kingdoms who shared in your despair. Strangely, that relieved you. To know you were not alone in your mourning.

Slowly and with Aemond's muttered encouragement, you stepped down and back onto the floor of your bedchamber. Aemond did not rush to put his arms around you or even rush over to you at all. He took quiet and calculated strides, the anguish that had built in his body at the thought of losing you, seemed to melt away with each step.

Though the tears still poured from both of you as he gently cupped your face in his hands, "I'm sorry, Aemond. Truly, I-"

"Shhh," his voice shook under the softness of his tone. Aemond softly pulled you into his embrace. His sobs muffled in your silver locks and yours muffled in his dark-green clad chest. The two of you gradually sinking to the floor, never loosening your grip on the other. The two of you quietly afraid of what might happen if you let the other go.

That maddening grief settled for a moment.

"We will avenge him."

Before taking over once again.

[m3-kk]

TCF NOVEL SPOILERS- My TCF notes

Hmmm it’s been a minute since I posted any of my TCF notes about the chapters.. so here ya go! THIS US PART 2 SHAWTYS!!

Ch. 1- YESSS CHAPTER 1!! Not the Kings Palace going kaboom 😶 Cale needs to rest!!! Slacker chan!!!

Ch. 5- AHHHHHHHHHH LEE SOO HYUKKKKKKKK LETSS GOOOOO! BLACK HAWKK OOO

Ch. 6- His name is now Sui Khan 😮

Ch. 7- 🍪 Cookiess! So we have to travel different dimensions now? Cale needs a break 😭😭

Ch. 8- World with the white mages = Xiaolen Planet

Ch.9- YAY DIVINE ITEM MIRROR LAPTOP THINGY! We are definitely going to like the other worlds people evil smirk 😏

Ch. 10- HAH CALE HUNG UP ON DUKE FREDO LOL! Sooo Cale is a god. 😀

Ch. 12- Dead mana is purer AND Cale’s power is more efficient here? Interesting..

Ch. 13- Hey we have a spare world tree!

Ch. 15- Mary is registering as a candidate to be a necromancer empress GO MARY!

Ch. 16- AW HER FAKE NAME IS “Heni Wishrop” HENI STANDS FOR HENITUSE!

Everyone thinks our Mary is powerful hehe!

Ch. 21- Working with Zero & the 4th Prince for the Harmony test :D

Ch. 22- OOooo Black Rain 🌧️

Ch. 24- Now we actually need to kill those hunters. How dare they lay a finger on our family. Let’s flip them over immediately.

Ch. 25- Yay! Hong & On <3 Let’s go to the infected area! 2nd Princess?

Ch. 26- the 2nd imperial princess has been converted to Caleism hah m! Tree-bush monster ye fire, destruction, protection!

Ch. 27- Are you human? HAHAH CALEE

Ch. 28- That Marquis guy is smart. Cale really is acting like a purifier so funny!

Ch. 31- Blood Message! How scary!

Ch. 34- Attacking the bad guys >:]

Ch. 36- BURNNNNNNN 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Ch. 37- 50% power to get 2,500% as a result! SO EFFICIENTTTT WEEEEEE

Ch. 38- THE HUNTER WHO HUNTS HUNTERS! GO CALE SO POWERFUL HA!

Ch. 39- Cale.. not everyone is a super powerful ultimate other worldly being like you! I feel bad for Goldie Gramps 😭

Ch. 40- In Prison with the fam 😜

Ch. 41- We are going to loot!! Goldie Gramps is angry and that dragon is timid but crazy. I love our family! CHAOS LOVE

Ch. 42- DESTROY THE ESTATE MWAHAH

Ch. 43- So sad that we couldn’t loot 😭🥲

Ch. 44- Ooo Opening the safe 💰

Ch. 54- ooo revealing us to the empire?

Ch. 58- Choking? Reminds me of Adin

Ch. 63- HAH I KNEW IT THE FAKE WT IS STAYING YOOO

Ch. 64- INFOOO! Not the Patriarch blowing up that’s crazy! We could’ve gotten so much more info! But oh well! Five Colors ooo!

Ch. 65- HAHAH THE GOD OF DEATH IN THE GROUP CHAT HAHAH I LOVE HIMM HEHHEHE (I love this chapter)

Ch. 66- AWWW Chatting with fire of Purification in puppy form!

Ch. 67- This is so cute I’m glad we get a lil’ rest just chatting with the nice puppy ❤️ I love!!!

Ch. 69- Almost the end of this arc!

Ch. 71- HOME WITH THE MONEYYYYY

Ch. 73- Ron, Beacrox! I missed uuuu!

Ch. 75- Aw the Henituse Fam! Billos!

Ch. 76- You get a mine, you get a mine. EVERYONE GETSA MINE!!

Ch. 78- YOU HAVE BEEN PROMOTED YOU ARE NOW ONE OF MY ELITE EMPLOYEES!

Ch. 79- @CP we have a mommy on our side? Mummy’s boy emperor as well???

Ch. 81- CENTRAL PLAINS?! The sworn brother goodbye was cute.

Ch. 83- We meet CP’s clone?? Cutie??

Ch. 85- The disrespect! They can’t pronounce our Cale Henituse’s name!

Ch. 86- NEW NAMES LETSGOOO

Ch. 90- YOO we got a golden plaque!

Ch. 91- Cale ignores Toonka but not Roan!

Ch. 93- We found the living jiangshi!

Ch. 94- enlightenment is crazy****

Ch. 97- Talking with the Sword Sainttt

Ch. 100- Purification! Chapter 100!

Ch. 101- One word, blood. SHITTTTT NOO

Ch. 102- AWKWARD! Yay Choi Jung SOO

Ch. 106- LET HIM EATTTT

Ch. 108- So many ally’s yay !!!!

Ch. 112- We. Are. Going. To. EATT! (a elixir)

Ch. 113- 70% shield 53% water

Ch. 116- The Alliance leader is being bitchy SHOW EM’ WHOSE BOSS! (Roan misses Alberu)

Ch. 118- Don’t hurt our Cale! Please!

Ch. 119- Aw I love when Choi Han & Beacrox talk together about family

Ch. 121- Ah the god ole trash bastard days

Ch. 123- Green Forest Bastards try and mess with us?! Angry Cale! >:(

Ch. 124- OO Cale is the BOSS MAN

Ch. 127- 68% then 72% of fire!!

Ch. 128- Pfft Caleism has a poem now lol.

Ch. 129- HUHH Big complicated lore??

Ch. 131- WOAHH The Heavenly Demon is a smart cookie fr fr wow intelligent!

Ch. 135- The Left Guard is so cute awe

Ch. 136- Oh no the Heavenly Demon ain’t doing so good :[

Ch. 137- Helping out the HD again. Spy?

Ch. 139- Aw Choi Family spars. I love it

Ch. 141- HD is being healed yay

Ch. 142- I was so concerned about Cale the whole time! Bloody Battle

Ch. 146- (I hope everyone at home is ok)

Ch. 151- TALKING WITH ALBERU YAYAYAY

Ch. 152- Pinnacle Demon is poison crazy

Ch. 153- We going to destroy things now?

Ch. 154- YAY DESTRUCTION DESTROY

Ch. 155- FINALLY FLIP THINGS OVER KYA

Ch. 157- OO WATER AP FOUND SOMETHIN

Ch. 158- OMG DRAGON LORE?? YAHOO

Ch. 159- “Raon’s lackey” I got the chills!

Ch. 160- OOOooo I’m hooked! Dragons<3

Ch. 162- Oh DAMN! We got a mf jackpot! Water is 300 percent stronger than the OG. No blood shed! Dragons are great!

Ch. 163- HAHA LOOTING ANCIENT STUFF

Ch. 165- Scale+Crown+Crown=Red Crown

Ch. 169- Shit is going down! TSUNAMI!

Ch. 171- How dare she think to threaten us, she shall die by Choi Hans sword.

Ch. 176- Old man Baek describes Cale’s world and “reads” him

Ch. 183- I love that we can run wild!! 😜

Ch. 185- THE PRIESTESS the youngest daughter of Orsena!

Ch. 186- The Dominantung Aura

Ch. 187- Our little Han got stronger (I’m so fucking proud of him 🥲)

Ch. 188- We killed her.. Last words?

Ch. 189- The Formation Collapsed!

Ch. 190- Raon’s MC moment. (Cute bond)

Ch. 191- Using water AP to Max! Or not?

Ch. 192- the Punto Banhui and Tears💧

Ch. 195- You got games on your phone?

Ch. 196- Everyone wants Cale to be a god

Ch. 199- WE LEFT!!! NOW WE ARE HOMEE

Ch. 200- Awww so cute at Alberu’s casa

Ch. 201- That actually so funny 🤣

Ch. 202- Zoom Call with Ahn Roh Man talking about gamess. Similarities?

Ch. 206- Aw it been a bit since we chilled

Ch. 209- Speech ruined! (So every time Cale has to do a speech it’s interrupted)

[bluebelleisabelle]

❗️Monster high mummy in the mirror spoilers❗️

*Cleo cursing her mirror doppelgänger*

*Frankie falling in love*

LIKE LOOK AT THEIR FACE

YOU CAN JUST SEE THE HEARTS

[twistedroseytoesy]

Dumb ways to die twst edition

Exactly as the title says. A parody based off of the many many shenanigans the twst gang goes through. Not exactly deaths for many of them but it’s still fun.

Wrote this for myself to take a small break from asks hopefully that's ok with y'all. also needed to hop on the inspiration while it lasted. you all know the song.

Warning: there is some book 6 spoilers!! no book 7 stuff though. Also mentions of death and some body horror.

Grim flinging fire at the ceremony: set fire to the place mc in ramshackle: avoid death from a ghostly embrace Ace moments before disaster: eat a tart and you got seen Riddle's overblot incident: Get collared and fight an overbloted queen!

Grim on fire: Dumb ways to die Ghost mc: So many dumb ways to die Ace holding his decapitated head: Dumb ways to die-ie-ie Deuce with blot spears through his front: So many dumb ways to die

The group chasing after Ruggie: Get involved in a hyenas work Leona sending his goons to fight the group: mess with a prideful jerk Leona’s overblot incident : almost get turned into sand Mc facepalming at the trio with anemones on their heads: don't shake that shady octo mers hand!

Riddle in a full body cast: Dumb ways to die Jack covered in cuts and bruises: So many dumb ways to die Ruggie as a pile of sand: Dumb ways to die-ie-ie Ace covered in bite marks: So many dumb ways to die

Azuls overblot incident: fight an octomer and drown Mc behind a barred window: get locked up in a desert town The octatrio+mc and kalim flying to the edge of the desert: Get flung away to another place Jamils overblot incident: fight a snake guy with a crazy face

Deuce looking anemone creature: Dumb ways to die Skeleton mc: So many dumb ways to die Kalim frozen and blue: Dumb ways to die-ie-ie Azul with hypnotized eyes: So many dumb ways to die

Ace and deuce on the ground paralyzed: get poisoned in the night Dancing practice for the SDC: dance with all of your might Vil’s overblot incident: fight some blot ful of jealous rage Ortho causing chaos on the island: be careful with the phantoms in that cage!

Zombie looking epel: Dumb ways to die Jamil exhausted: So many dumb ways to die Rook half dissolved: Dumb ways to die-ie-ie Old withered vil: So many dumb ways to die

Bean blaster pointed right at the camera: fight eachother for a harp during bean fest. Ghosts going after the students collecting mirror shards: get chased down and captured by a ghostly guest Magicam monsters causing chaos: deal with people messing up your horror Vargas chasing down the students: get chased by a beast when you're out camping The guys getting slapped by Eliza: flirt with a ghost and try to woo her

Mc shaking their head as they stand next to a mirror with Mickey in it: They may not make sense but they're quite possibly Azul covered in gullet holes: Dumbest ways to die Possessed students: the dumbest ways to die magic cam monster wrapped up in mummy stuff: Dumbest ways to die-ie-ie-ie~ The first years: So many dumb Mc and grim pointing at Crowley: So many dumb ways to die

[animehouse-moe]

Chainsaw Man Chapter 118: Saying Goodbye

So let me just say, that not once, definitely not even for a second, did I think that Yoru was going to be able to turn Denji into a spinal cord sword. Definitely not.

⚠️Warning: Spoilers Ahead⚠️

It's absolutely like Fujimoto though to turn something that caused readers to panic and freak out into something incredibly casual and even borderline comedic. Put us on edge just for a funny and cute scene between Yoru/Asa and Denji.

The interaction does beg the question of what's going on with Denji, and it's really such an incredible piece at that. Sure, part two is Asa's part, but at the same time Denji is still an important character that's been through a lot. Because of that, not having access to his inner monologue makes things a thousand times more interesting. Is Denji actually in love with Asa? Is Asa the one that felt too guilty to turn him into a weapon? It's just such a great and unique piece to the story that wouldn't be possible without a shift in the main character. Also, without it we wouldn't get a new Asa reaction meme.

Anyways, I'm really loving the opposition that we have to Part 1 so far. Everything is going entirely differently, almost like a mirror image of it. The Eternity Devil appeared, but it didn't try to make a contract so that people could escape, and Denji didn't launch into combat with it for several days. Instead, Asa/Yoru beat it within just a small time frame. And now there's the whole thing with the date, Denji made it through the first date.

Also, Asa being just plain entitled and thinking she's the greatest thing the Earth has been graced with is so much fun. She has all of a second where she's sad that Denji doesn't like her, but then she immediately turns around to feel indignant that he doesn't like her. Just such a fun piece to her character.

Moving forward though, it's really fun getting to see Fujimoto's interests in movies arise once more. Just feels like it's continuing to retrace the steps of Part 1, purposefully out of order and in completely different ways. The whole Mummy Movie Marathon was a fun bit, but Asa wanting to go over to Denji's place was a real surprise. We'll get to see Nayuta in the next chapter! Though it seems it'll be a high risk visit given the house rules.

Overall, definitely a fun and highly enjoyable chapter, though one that doesn't contribute a massive deal to the story. It was largely just a setup, but Fujimoto still manages to make it really engaging and interesting, while even sneaking in a few pieces about the Famine Devil. Certainly looking forward to Asa and Denji's next date, and finally getting to see Nayuta in part 2!

[mk-wizard]

Top 10 Media that would benefit from spinoffs

After doing my last article, it got me thinking about specific lore I didn't put on the list because most of it is good the way it is, BUT that doesn't mean the lore should not be expanded. Note that there is a difference between a spinoff and a prequel or sequel. A spinoff is a story that takes place in the same universe as the main story of a media, but it is independent from the main story. It is it's own thing with its own unique set of characters with their own arc kind of like Star Wars Rebels, The Bad Batch, Family Matters, Picard and the video game Alien Isolation. Sometimes, they can happen before, during or after the main story, but they are still independent from it. The great thing about them also is that they keep lore alive without breaking it (most of the time) and even if they fail, it's no big deal because the main story still remains intact.

Note that there are spoilers ahead and I will not count media that already has spinoffs like Resident Evil, Jurassic Park, Robocop, Terminator, The Walking Dead, Star Wars, most Marvel media and anything else that has side stories. Anyway, onto the list.

1- The Brendan Fraser Mummy featuring anyone BUT the O'Connell's - I think the third film should be retconned and reinvented as a spinoff. In fact, I could think of so many spinoff ideas for this series because there are so many mummies to unearth out there and they don't even have to come from Egypt which is pretty cool. While I think the O'Connell family's finished after the second film, you can still do things with Jonathan Carnahan (Evelyn O'Connell's brother), the Medjai or just use new characters entirely. Plus, you can still do it now. I say we go for it! By the way, I know people think the Scorpion King is a spinoff series, but actually, it is a prequel at best and it failed because it had no mummies. And yes, that matters. The franchise is literally called "The Mummy", so it needs to have a mummy.

2- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air featuring Hilary and Ashley Banks - I think this series could have benefitted from a spinoff featuring the secondary characters. Specifically, Hilary and Ashley who went on to become roommates in the last episode. The Banks sisters are very underrated as characters as is their dynamic because those few times we did see the two of them together, they played well off each other. Plus, in times where Ashley really needed her, Hilary was a good big sister. I think a spinoff sitcom featuring Hilary and Ashley's new life together while also building up their lives as grown women would have been great to see and maybe, we can still see how it all worked out.

3- Sailor Moon spinoff featuring Sailor Chibi Moon - I love Sailor Moon, but while I am one of those fans who believe it should have ended with season 3, that doesn't mean the lore should have ended altogether there. I think they had the right idea about making stories where Chibiusa was the focus, but they should have taken the plunge even deeper. I think Sailor Chibi Moon should get her own spinoff series where she is saving the Earth while standing on her own two feet without being in her mother's shadow. I would even age her up a little. Now, hear me out. This is NOT a sequel series, but a spinoff still because it is not featuring the main original cast. This is a secondary character with her own team. It is a new Sailor Moon and a new story which I think still has potential.

4- Lord of the Rings spinoff exploring the stories of the secondary and tertiary characters and more - Ok, Rings of Power was a dud, but the idea of exploring the stories in this lore is not a bad idea. Did you know that there are entire areas in Middle Earth that mirror Asia, Africa and more? I would love to see a spinoff that explores what was going on in those parts of the world or seeing the tragic story of what happened to the dwarves in the Mines of Moria kind of like how Star Wars did Rogue One. Or a spinoff series telling the story of Gollum and his descent into villainy. With the right team and creators, you can make the LotR lore into a much bigger world.

5- Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs spinoff featuring only the Dwarfs - Disney was onto something when it gave Aladdin and the Little Mermaid their own spinoff TV series that explored the lore and worlds afterwards. To be honest, I think they should do the same thing with the dwarves of Snow White. After all, the dwarves themselves are heroic, entertaining and beloved by fans. Plus, considering that the story is German, it would be very interesting to make use of German lore. It could be fun and great for kids while also appealing to adults. I mean, look at how great the spinoff media featuring Tinkerbell and the fairies was.

6- Dead Island spinoff featuring side stories - Like Resident Evil, Silent Hill and many other horror genre games, this franchise would have benefitted from having spinoff media because it did have the good bones to make some. In a zombie outbreak, you can make so many stories featuring random people trying to survive. The only condition here is that it has to happen on an island which within itself is doable because there are many tropical islands. Or perhaps an artificial island like a rig or a secret one with labs. This is one of the greatest franchises and the most it has is one DLC and a franchise we waited too long for. It deserves more.

7- Dying Light spinoff featuring original side pieces - Like Dead Island, this game had many stories happening in the background, but we didn't get to see them. Also, it only has a DLC and a single sequel. I would love to see more side stories that fill in missing gaps and feature fan favourite secondary characters. Or even new characters we can relate to.

8- King of the Hill spinoff featuring Luanne's family - King of the Hill is one of the best animated sitcoms that was adult without being dark or mean spirited yet at the same time, funny without being silly or over the top. It also had an amazing cast of characters that grew into their own namely Luanne who eventually married and had a child. Her story is compelling enough as it is as she went from coming from a broken home with abuse, alcoholism and worse, to creating a loving family of her own. She's a survivor who came out on the other side without being broken thanks to extended family. Speaking of which, I admit it would not be the same without the original voice actress (rest her soul), but the character herself is relevant especially because in many ways, Luanne mirrors Hank. I think she and her family would be awesome to see in their own warm hearted and funny sitcom.

9- Team Fortress 2 spinoff media featuring the Medic - It is no secret that the Medic is quite possibly the very best part of the game. Yet he is also the most sidelined for some reason. I think the Medic deserves his day not just as a member of the team, but in the spotlight in any media frankly. It can be his own comic, his own show, his own movie or even his own game. The Medic has shown time and time again that he is not to be underestimated. I can think of 101 stories to write about him alone though the one that most often comes to mind is a sitcom/action/comedy show about his life after the war as a married man and father.

10- Disney's Tangled the series spinoff featuring Cassandra- While Rapunzel's story is done and over, Cassandra's is not. She went from being a friend, a villain, a secondary heroine to a travelling adventurer. She was not only a good foil to Rapunzel as a sisterly figure, but also a great character in her own right. She is a woman of action with a tomboyish streak, but is open to meeting the right guy (though she won't say it). She is also a strong female character who isn't a Mary Sue or tries to upstage or replace Rapunzel. Not even when she went bad for a while. Cassandra fit neatly into the lore of Disney's Rapunzel and I would love to see where her own independent story goes and maybe, we should. She is a truly unique female character in the lore of Disney as it is as she is not a princess, she was born out of wedlock and it was her own mother who abused and abandoned her.

Anyway, that is my list. What is yours?

[gummybear1031]

So I watched "Annabelle Comes Home" on Oct. 2 but didn't livetweet it 'cause my dad called. He got y'all's livetweet in real time.

Yesterday, I watched "Mr. Boogedy" and didnt livetweet it because it sucked.

Today! The randomizer picked the new "Haunted Mansion" movie.

It was meh. The Muppets did it better

Spoilers and recap of the livetweet below the cut.

Angriest not-a-ghost tour I’ve ever seen.

Okay, I would actually enjoy this angry ghost tour probably. We do a bunch of ghost and historical walking tours. Also, this hummingbird story is legit the kind of thing people tell me when they say they saw a ghost once. 

I like Rosario Dawson’s car and U-haul showing up during Ben’s angry not-a-ghost tour. Nice connection, Mouse. 

Thank you, Rosario, for being sensible! Yes, you leave the obviously haunted house before everybody dies. 

Fun fact: I was the “You’ll be back!” ghost (well, zombie) at a haunted hayride for several years. 

Priest Owen Wilson’s cat is amazing. I want to pet them. They’re so fluffy!

Fr. Owen didn’t read the book. Victor never finished med school! 

Action Guy absolutely reminded me of Abuelita with a chancla. So samesies!

Of course, the ghosts refuse to do anything when there’s a person around. 

Why does everybody keep missing the ghost in the rearview mirror? 

My dad also loves that show, dead sea captain! Like our father-daughter dance was to “Wanted Dead or Alive” because of it. 

I know Ben’s pain. Don’t want to be in the house because it’s full of ghosts; don’t want to be outside because it’s too peopley. 

He just wants to chill in your house and watch Deadliest Catch. Let him! *Ben opens door* Nevermind. Not cool, ghost. 

Danny Devito! YES!

Harriet the Psychic matches every psychic I’ve ever met. This is exactly how my sister does her stuff. 

They’ve already screwed up this seance. Don’t break the circle! That’s how y’all get possessed. 

“Here’s a pen and pad I purchased at CVS.” This is almost as bad as the Hocus Pocus 2 scene in the Walgreens. 

Ben, that is obviously some sort of ghost trick. That is not your wife. 

Constance’s husbands’ heads disappearing from the photos is great. But I still prefer Taraji P. Henson’s version of her. 

Fun fact: never leave your crystal ball uncovered when not in use. The sun may strike it and set your house on fire. 

Sorry, Jamie Lee Curtis, but Miss Piggy did it better. 

Is this ghost in middle school? Unscrewing the top of the Zataran’s like that? Also, I have the same seasoning in my house; it’s good, and that ghost should feel bad for messing with Rosario’s cooking like that. 

The candle that’s blowing itself out looks really … phallic. 

The product placement in this movie is wild. It’s so hard to take them seriously when Ben is sobbing the phrase “Baskin Robbins.” 

Hasan Minaj! Why were you listed so early in the credits if this is your only scene? 

Crump’s backstory is just wild. Of course he turned into Jared Leto with a backstory like that. 

I like what they’ve done with the stretching room. 

Winona Ryder? Are you doing a Linda Cardellini impression? Also, this is the worst tour I’ve ever seen. And I was once on a tour where the guy claimed the Civil War was still happening in the 1840s. Twenty years before it started. 

Did that spider just scream?

More product placement. I actually like Burger King; their veggie burgers are really good.

Fr. Owen Wilson is going to federal prison. Like, that’s a felony. A pretty serious one if you perform a sacrament. 

Prof. Danny Devito is obviously possessed. Ghost, you are really bad at your job. (Is scare people a job?)

OMG. It was almost the professor in the drawing room with the candlestick. Fortunately, Rosario saved the day. 

More movies need evil Danny Devitos. 

I know Travis is 9, but he’s the dumbest mofo ever. 

Okay. I actually feel really bad now. I got depression too, buddy. That said, you don’t think it’s weird your dad sounds just like the Hatbox Ghost?

How did Crump kill a mummy? Did he kill a bunch of people at a costume party? 

Is Fr. Owen riding Constance into battle? With her army of beheaded husbands? 

Dead sea captain got his boat! Yay!

[your-lovely-rose]

❧ Basic information in short:

➻ Everything (status/words count/tags/warnings) will change over time.

➻ If the fanfic is less than 1.5K words I will publish two (does not apply to requests).

❥ Day of publishing fanfics/requests: Friday

← [Navigation] | [Why does it take so long?] →

❥ Number of requests to do: 21

Mr. Compress: 1

“Blossoms” (+6.1k)

You've known Sako for a long time - for so long, you can't even remember how it started. It's like you've known each other forever. Atsuhiro was attentive, kind and always ready to help for you. You didn't know if it was because of his gentlemanly manners, his self-confidence or his playful attitude and treating the world like a big stage, but at some point... You fell in love with a villain... AU: Hanahaki Disease

Rating: T | Genre: Romance | ⚠ Warnings: Near death of Reader, Mutual Pining, Age gap,

Shin Nemoto: 1

Relationship Alphabet

Gang Orca: 2

SFW Alphabet

“–––” (---)

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Rating: — | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Request 01: Geten, Denki Kaminari, Momo Yaoyorozu, Katsuki Bakugo

Request 02: Neito Monoma, Tamaki Amajiki

Aki Hayakawa: 2

“Halloween Night” (---)

Halloween - a time when, hidden behind masks, we can indulge our deepest desires, and the cover of mystery and anonymity adds to our confidence.

Rating: E/M | Genre: Smut | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

“Comfort of being in your arms” (+4.8)

Summary: Life as a Devil Hunter was not easy, pleasant or long. Taking this job, you all knew the risks, but still.... You want him to live as long as possible.

Rating: T | Genre: Hurt/Comfort | ⚠ Warnings: Suggested character death and minor death (mentioned), Spoilers for Season 1: episode 5 (chapters 12-15), episode 11 (chapters 31-35).

Denji: 1

“Bittersweet feeling” (---)

Rating: T | Genre: Hurt/No Comfort | ⚠ Warnings: Minor death, Blood, Forbidden/Unrequited love,

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

All For One: 4

“Compensation” (+2.8k)

All For One was fighting with All Might when another group of pro heroes came to you. Somehow you managed to convince them that you're not an enemy, but a hostage and they decided to help you, but something went wrong at some point. And now you're here again, condemned to his mercy and disfavor. All and only his.

Rating: E | Genre: Smut (Lemon), Angst | ⚠ Warnings: Yandere!AFO (obsessive/possessive behaviour), Minor death (suggested), Kidnapping, Dub-con, Blowjob, Chocking,

“Our little dirty secret” (±2.1k)

Yoichi asks his brother to talk to their younger sister about her infatuation with him, but the latter seems to have other plans.

Rating: M | Genre: Smut (Lemon) | ⚠ Warnings: Incest

“Behind the mirror” (+3.7k)

Yoichi wanted to protect [Your Name] from their older brother, but he was too weak...

Rating: E | Genre: Smut (Lemon) | ⚠ Warnings: Incest, Dirty talk, Praising, Masturbation, Creampie, Voyeurism, Gags, Bondage, Blood,

“–––” (---)

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Rating: E | Genre: Smut (Lemon) | ⚠ Warnings: Incest,

Request 03: Angel Devil, Galgali, Beam

Himeno: 1

“Our shared moments and sunrises” (+3.5k)

There are many things that people would do for a better life, but those shared moments with you Himeno will never give up for anything.

Rating: G | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Kobeni Higashiyama: 1

“One very stressful day and a moment of relief” (---)

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Rating: E/M | Genre: Smut (Lemon) | ⚠ Warnings: —

Request 04: Galgali, Beam

Mummy: 1

“–––” (---)

Rating: G | Genre: Fluff | ⚠ Warnings: None

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Hikage Shinomori: 1

“Your silent guardian, your hero, your...” (+10.5k)

For a long time you feel watched - nothing new in a world where All For One is at the height of his power, but it takes too long to look like a simple robbery...

Rating: T | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: Stalking, Kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome,

Emnu: 1

“–––” (---)

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Rating: — | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Request: Daki (+9k), Mukago (+7.6k), Nakime (+7.4k)

- “They’re cute”

What else can I say? They are cute.

Rating: T | Genre: Fluff // H/C // | ⚠ General Warnings: Minor death (suggested & mentioned), Eating people (mentioned)/dead bodies, Threats, Blood, Severe injuries on the body (not Reader), Misogyny, Muzan's goal (Spoiler for: Episode 34/Chapter 67), Presented the character's past (from "Kimetsu no Yaiba Official Fanbook: Kisatsutai Kenbunroku 2"), Forbidden Love/Mutual Pining || NOT EDITED

❥ Number of fanfics to write: 15

Dabi: 2

“Prisoner in a lonely tower”  (---)

Rating: — | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

“What goes around, comes around” (chapter 2)

You were neither a great hero nor a known villain. All you ever wanted was a quiet life, but it’s seldom the plans go our way, right? One day after work, you pick on the wrong person and now you have to deal wit it.

Rating: T | Genre: Angst | ⚠ Warnings: Yandere!Dabi (obsessive/possessive behaviour behaviour in future), Blackmail,

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Tomura Shigaraki (LoV): 4

“Curse”  (---)

You were just a servant at the castle. A slave from the lands conquered by All For One many years ago. You don’t remember what it was like before - when you were free or even your parents’ faces. You were no one special, yet you attracted the attention of the heir to the throne. AU: Royal

Rating: — | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

“It comes at night”  (---)

It comes at night. It’s ugly and weird. You don’t know what he wants, but he comes back every night. AU: Fantasy

Rating: — | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

“Train” (---)

You've always come home from work by train, but because of some creep you had to find another means of transportation home.

Rating: E | Genre: Smut | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

“Copycat” (---)

Aoi worked as a prostitute, and thanks to her quirk she was more popular and sought after than her other female colleagues. Everything was going great until Dabi introduced her to his acquaintance - a thin man looking at her menacingly with red, bloodshot eyes from behind a curtain of greasy gray hair. At first it was supposed to be just sex, but the man began to demand more and more strange requests. And who was the [Hair Color] girl after all?

Rating: E | Genre: Smut | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Kurogiri: 1

“Who are you? Do I know you?” (---)

You work at U.A. High School and you were present during the League of Villains’ first assault on freshmen. Although you resisted them (and defeated some of the intruders), things weren’t going well… or at least until All Might shows up. The Symbol of Peace defeated the muscular Nomu, the bandit leader, Shigaraki Tomura, was shot and retreated, but his right hand didn’t seem willing to leave empty-handed.

Rating: T | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: Kidnapping,

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Himiko Toga: 1

“Blood like chocolate”  (---)

She is dangerous - she is sick and obsessed. Obsessed with you and she is sick with love, however, there is one thing she loves even more… blood.

Rating: T/M | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: Yandere!Toga (obsessive/possessive), Injured Reader, Gore

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Mr. Compress: 1

“Thief of the Night”  (---)

Rating: T | Genre: Romance | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Hawks: 1

“Nanny” (chapter 1)

In nature, when the female hawks dies, the male is unable to take care of the young and they die - that’s why you come here, but you didn’t expect to discover the dark side of the winged hero and his corpses in the closet.

Rating: — |  Genre: Dark fic | ⚠ Warnings: Yandere!Hawks (obsessive/possessive behaviour in future), Kidnapping,

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

All For One: 1

“The worst thing about wishes is that sometimes they come true” (chapter 1)

The detective must solve the murders and disappearance of two teenagers - all the clues lead to one person, but [Last Name] [Frist Name] is missing. Will he be able to solve this seemingly simple case?

Rating: M | Genre: Dark fic, Heavy Angst, Case fic | ⚠ Warnings: Yandere!AFO (obsessive/possessive behaviour), Injuries Reader, Characters Death (mentioned),

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Power: 1

“Roommates From Hell” (chapter 1)

Aki is in the hospital and the two recalcitrant devils (majin and hybrid being accurate) cannot be left unattended. Therefore, Ms. Makima decides to choose you as their new caretaker. Good luck, you will need it…

Rating: T | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: None

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Control Devil: 1

“What happened in Hamelin…”  (chapter 1)

Rating: — | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Akaza: 1

“You’re weak” (chapter 1)

You used to be a hunter, but a certain accident during a fight with a demon made you have to abandon your profession for the rest of your life. The worst part, however, is that for some reason one of the stronger demons in the world has attached itself to you.

Rating: — | Genre: — | ⚠ Warnings: —

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

Muzan Kibutsuji: 1

“His property”   (---)

You couldn't stand living with him anymore, so you left. You didn't have a really bad relationship, but his eternal absence and insensitivity drove you crazy - you had your needs too, but you felt like it only worked one way, so you decided to break up with him. When he came back from one of his business trips, you were already waiting for him in the living room to talk to him about it. You didn't expect that the demon king is very possessive and jealous of his toys.

Rating: T | Genre: Dark fic | ⚠ Warnings: Yandere!Muzan (obsessive/possessive behaviour),

Working on it (any information will be added/changed when I finished)

← [Navigation] | [Why does it take so long?] →

[spewagepipe]

Dungeon23: The Room List

Well folks, this has been one hell of a journey. I am not entirely happy with all 365 of the rooms that ended up here, and I was forced to completely abandon the proper goals of mapping and keying that, in theory, were the entire point of the challenge. So in the formal sense, I failed #Dungeon23 several months ago. But! I made it out of the year with a complete list of unique room/encounter concepts (staggeringly few of which are simply "empty"), and that's nothing to sneeze at.

I'm going to throw up another post (hopefully) soon to talk about the next steps with the project. As for now, keep in mind that I've had to do tons of reorganizing to complete the list, so a lot of chambers have been renamed and/or renumbered and won't match up with when they were originally published on the blog. Also, fair warning that a lot of them have "placeholder" names that will seem either absurd or meaningless (but they work for me as far as finding the relevant info in my own notes). Oh and, uh, yeah, major spoilers, of course.

SPOILERS BELOW

I) SACRED SHRINES

Shrine of Incarnation

Riddle Antechamber

Mirror Antechamber

Shrine of Sustenance

Shrine of Radiance

Shrine of Remediation

Shrine of Recall

Shrine of Meditation

Giant Fire Beetle Nest

The Ratcatcher

Sunken Arena

Yellow Mold Room

Rotating Bridge

Seesaw Bridge

Chasm Intersection

Secret Tunnel

False Snake Shrine

Green Slime Room

Lonely Goblin Lair

Lonely Ogre Lair

Fireball Statue

Pit Trap

Greased Ramp

Archer Statue

Skeleton Tomb

Clay Golem Room

Crushing Walls Trap

Brown Mold Room

Museum Display

Imprisoned Genie

Carbuncle Nest

II) THE LABYRINTH

The Labyrinth

'Theseus and the Minotaur' #1

Portcullis Maze

Mirror Maze

Tilting Maze

3D Maze

Skeleton Keys Maze

Knights & Knaves

Musical Maze

Fractal Maze

Relative Gravity Maze

The 'Minus Cube'

Klotski Room

Spinner Maze

Sliding Tile Maze

Trapdoor Tunnels

Rotating Statue Maze

Pit Zone/Piston Doors

Flipping Wall Traps

Hamiltonian Maze

Knight's Tour Puzzle

Switch Corridors

Teleportation Maze

Runic Maze

Fungal Razor Maze

Tangled Thread Puzzle

'Theseus and the Minotaur' #2

Treasure Chamber

III) FOUNDER RUINS

False Tomb

Mummification Chamber

Obvious Rot Grubs

Mummy Tomb

Green Slime Chamber

The Whispering Throne

Catacombs of Reanimation

Yellow Mold Chamber

Hieroglyph Wall

Dry Mold Mummy

Emerald Tablet Chamber

Sator Square Puzzle

Golden Scarabs

Congelation Cube

Reverse Trap Gauntlet

Giant Hourglass (Upper Chamber)

Giant Hourglass (Lower Chamber)

Sokoban Chamber

Groundhog Day Puzzle

Inverse Groundhog Day Puzzle

Haste Time Puzzle

Slow Time Puzzle

Erect/Collapsed Wall

Spore/Growth Gap

Ancient Broken Machine

Ancient Gem Puzzle

Carrion Crawler Nest

Combination Time Puzzle #1

Combination Time Puzzle #2

Breached Wall

Glix's Hiding Place

IV) SHINING DESERT

Sun-Capped Pyramid

Hot Sands

Mirages

Hidden Light Shaft

Lightning Sandstorm

Snake Pit

Gigantic Skeleton

Torn Envelope

Abandoned Ballista

Abandoned Wheel

Abandoned Engine

Dry Mold Patch

Antlion Larva Pit

Phoenix Nest

Manticore Lair

Sphinx Lair

Oasis

Assassin's Bazaar

Spice Patch

Assassin's Treasure Cave

Grand Gallery

Force Shield Puzzle

Efreeti Bottle Chamber

Magic Carpet Chamber

Tunnel of Howling Winds

Tunnel of Blinding Lights

Tunnel of Terrible Fear

Solar Staff Puzzle

Invisible Bridges

Laser Maze

V) FAERIE FOREST

Glowing Garden

Enchanted Tunnel

Fairy Ring

Giant Vine Gulch

Lonely Troll Hole

Giant Berry Bush

Sap Trap

Giant Spiderweb

Platypus on a Stump

Giant Trapdoor Spider Burrow

Mantrap Plant

Frog Bog

Giant Mold Cluster

Faerie Court

Dining Hall

Tinker's Workshop

Rumplestiltskin Puzzle

Chained Owlbear

Ruined Hookah Den

Changeling Nursary

Chrysalis Grove

Hag's Hut

Imprisoned Myconid

Shrunken Lock Puzzle

Gold Nugget

Rope Bridge

Red-Light-Green-Light

Hive Entrance

Storecombs

Broodcombs

Queen's Chamber

VI) VOLCANIC CAVERN

Magma Basin

Lava Flows

Dragon's Den

Dragon's Hatchery

Hot Springs

Dragonkin Camp

Dragonkin Mine

Shrieker Alarms

Claustrophobic Tunnels

Labyrinthine Tunnels

Big Chasm

Violet Fungus & Shriekers

Ropers & Piercers

Moldy Troll

Cave-in Trap

Black Pudding Pit

Displacer Beast Den

Basilisk Burrow

Eyeball Lair

Stirge-bat Colony

Myconid Defenses

Myconid Colony

Cave Paintings

Boulder-Sealed Vault

Blue Mold Farm

Shadow Door Puzzle

Founder Camp

River-Flooded Crevice

Submerged Air Pocket

Planar Boundary Tunnel

VII) EMBATTLED FORTRESS

The Mead Hall

Dragonkin Guard Post

Dragonkin Barracks

Dragonkin Armoury

Dragonkin Headquarters

Dragonkin Infirmary

Dragonkin Prison

Teleportation Chamber

Undead Guard Post

Undead Barracks

Undead Planning Room

Undead Headquarters

Undead Armoury

Undead Repair Room

Undead Prison

Goblin Guard Post

Goblin Barracks

Goblin Armoury

Goblin Infirmary

Goblin Chief Camp

"Trophy" Room

Food Cellar

Founder Guard Post

Founder Barracks

Founder Armoury

Founder Headquarters

Founder Infirmary

Founder Prison

Founder Forge

Amphitheatre

Door Golem

VIII) FLOODED GROTTO

Flooded Shaft

Upper Sluice Gate

False Beach

Cursed Lagoon

Docks

Hydra & Crab

Shark-Infested Lagoon

Vortex

Siren Island

Middle Sluice Gate

Grey Ooze Trap

Jenny Greenteeth's Lair

Twin Gate Room #1

Electric Eel Tank

Pouring Puzzle

Alchemy Lab

Pipe Puzzle

Ghost Leg Rapids

Flooding Room Trap

Lower Sluice Gate

Twin Gate Room #2

Echinoderm Menagerie

Deep Ones Guard Post

Deep Ones Living Quarters

Temple to the Kraken

Boiler Furnace

Sunken Galleon

Water Wheel Puzzle

Floating Bridge

Flagon Golem

Watertight Vault Puzzle

IX) CLOCKWORK HALLS

Main Cog Control Room

Main Cogs

Tower of Hanoi Control Room

Small Disk Chamber

Medium Disk Chamber

Large Disk Chamber

NOR Gate Cube #1

NOR Gate Cube #2

Splitter Cube

Transducer Cube #1

Transducer Cube #2

Array Cube

Generator Cube

Empty Cube

Baguenaudier Chamber

Automaton Foundry

Rust Monster Nest

Cog Sliders

Cog Bridge

Pulley Bridge

"Hedgehog" Cage

Elevator Controls

"River Crossing" Puzzle

Thinking Dots Puzzle

Inverted Train Math Puzzle

Puck Puzzle

Train Shunting Puzzle

Triangular Compass Puzzle

Geomagic Square

"Zebra" Puzzle

X) VAMPIRE'S ESTATE

Stygian River

Hedge Maze

Desecrated Chapel

Mausoleum

Gallows

Drawbridge & Gatehouse

Haunted Armoury

Main Hall & Staircase

Parlour

Menagerie

Cabinet of Curiosities

Library

Dining Hall

Ballroom

Pipe Organ Balcony

Guest Rooms

Seance Chamber

Throne Room

Haunted Dollroom

Solar

Phase Spider Lair

Belfry

Kitchen

Larder

Servants' Quarters

Flesh Golem Lab

Torture Chamber

Dungeon Cells

Bewmarue Cauldron

Otyugh Pit

Undercroft Vault

XI) PLANAR HUB

Glyph

Twin Demon Guardroom #1

Twin Demon Guardroom #2

Founder Camp

Mortuary

Astral Projection Room

Instant Fortress

Orrery

The Snowglobe

Sojourn Gate

Room of Doors

Seven-Sorrows' Plane

Belial's Inferno

Astral Spire

R'lyeh

Gib Bagûl's Plane

Heavenly Plane

Nightmare Plane

Mephistopheles' Plane

Isle of the Dead

Demonic Web Plane

Mezzernimb's Plane

Pride Puzzle Plane

Invidicus' Plane

Ashen Heath Plane

Pestilence Plane

Durin'ehtar's Plane

Body Snatcher's Plane

Hecatonchiries' Plane

Starry Void Plane

XII) DEATHTRAP DUNGEON

The Harbinger

Three Fake Doors

Crushing Room Trap

Acid Pool Trap

False Keyholes Door

Multi-Bluff False Doors

False Door Trap

Electrified Chamber

Soul Jar Trap

Black Pudding Trap

Lantern Golems

Hands & Sockets Room

Winch Trap

Demonic Idol

Monster Arena

Antimagic Generator

Frictionless Room

Cloudkill Passage

Reverse Gravity Trap

Scorching Chamber

Sphere of Annihilation

False Lich Throne

Mimic Treasure Chamber

Alchemy Lab

Cloning Lab

Hall of Pools

Planar Apparatus

Magical Forge

Game Room

Tiny Passages

Lich's Study

[countlessimagines]

Met Halfway [ Steven Grant/Moon Knight/Marc Spector x Reader ]

Summary: When Marc asks you to make sure Steven does not figure out about his mercenary life, you wind up making things more difficult.

A/N: Hello! Just want to clarify that this is ONLY based on the first episode, not the following ones as they have not been released! So if the storyline is a bit off or seems inconsistent, that is why! I wanted to write something already and have no patience lol

Other than that, I hope you enjoy and know that there is SPOILERS AHEAD!

Marvel MASTERLIST

-

It was a normal night, really, in your defense. There was not a thought in your mind that would have guessed you would be comforting your nice and mannered neighbor, Steven Grant.

Well, it was your promise to Marc to make sure he did not pursue the phone further or the reflection shaking his head in the mirror.

You had been relaxing peacefully in your apartment one Sunday night when you heard Steven screaming and yelling different things and doors slamming around. You were quick to react and exit your apartment only for the elevator doors to close with him in it.

It was difficult to keep up with this newfound life. Marc, who spoke normally and often had a confident manner, had approached you when you were trying to open your door with handfuls of grocery bags. He had offered you help and gotten to know you well.

However, sooner or later he knew that he had to tell someone the truth… and he quickly made the decision that you would be the exception. His neighbor who would likely hear his mercenary side kick in and experience it first hand. So, he revealed his alter and how he needed your help to make sure Steven did not wander too far off the deep end.

You surprisingly took it well as you were a retired SHIELD agent who took to London for a breath of fresh air after SHIELD had fallen to Hydra. It was a mess but London had screamed your name for an escape.

And now, once again you were wrapped up in a world of chaos and a little crush on both Marc and Steven. While Marc took control and was very adamant with you, Steven was often polite and kept simple conversations with you. Marc had convinced you to go out on a date with Steven to get more involved with that side of him. While you were often confused about your feelings, you fell for Steven who was always so confused and tired but was a love sick puppy.

However, when he agreed to your date, you found yourself wondering why you agreed to do this. You knew eventually this would fall apart, like Steven had told you… don’t get too attached because he does not know how it will all end.

But as you watched Steven run back from the elevator, you knew you were in for the long run.

“Steven! Everything alright?” You said hurriedly and ran to him. You met halfway and he immediately grabbed your shoulders.

“I don’t… I don’t know what I saw and everything is flickering and there was this mummy…” he was blabbering on and you knew that this would lead to nowhere good. You could almost hear Marc saying to defuse the situation.

“Hey, why don’t we go back inside your place and make some tea, okay? We can go and relax and get your mind off of this.” You smiled at him to hopefully help him calm, which helped him in the slightest. He would later admit that your smile was the one thing that always made his heart thump wildly and his thoughts seem to slip away.

You both entered his apartment where you began to set the kettle and Steven sat down on a nearby chair.

“I’m going insane,” he whispered and looked down at his shaking hands. He was on edge and you knew that you had to get his mind off of everything.

You knelt down to his level and grabbed his cold hands. He glanced into your eyes and there was a moment of complete, comfortable silence that he appreciated.

Steven knew you were not judging him but simply letting him calm down. He could trust that you would not run away, scared he was a mad man.

And for what he was too afraid to do the night of your first date, he leaned forward and you met him halfway, lips meeting and eyes closing in content.

He was gentle with you as he cupped his hands on your cheeks, while you placed your hands on his knees.

It wasn’t long before he pulled away and placed a delicate kiss on your forehead instead.

“Thank you,” he said quietly to you.

“For what?” You also spoke low as to not disrupt the special moment.

“For not being scared of me but rather offering to help me out. Others probably would have thought I was crazy and called the cops.” He chuckled, but you could tell it was not a genuine laugh. The brokenness and tired expression spoke for itself.

“Anything for my favorite neighbor,” you joked.

While the future was uncertain for you and Marc, you knew that at least you had Steven to worry about for the time being. And Steven wanted to worry about you too in a sense of protection and wanting to be by your side every day.

[mh-midnight-wanderer]

I'm compel to tell things that I like, dislike and mixed about Monster High live action movie *also spoilers ahead*

Things that I like:

Frankie being non-binary and played by actor Ceci Balagot

Monster High setting looks kinda nice

Friendship between Frankie and Clawdeen. Its makes sense both being new students. Clawdeen never been in monster world before and Frankie being literally 15 days old. Everything is new for them.

Draculaura practices witchcraft (odd decision but its kinda cool)

Its small insignificant detail but I like that Dracula's painted nails. We need more boys with painted nails

Oh They did great job in the music and songs.

Things that I dislike:

Aside Clawdeen new look. I didn't like the whole half-human half-werewolf plot. I get it that in previous MH generations were creatures doesn't have fully human or beast mode (except MH G2). Even Garret thinks they took Cerise (from EAH) and Jackson (MH) backstory and put it on Clawdeen

They never properly explain what exactly Clawdeen's mother deal is. Is fearleader captain?, top A student? Prom Queen? What?

I don't like Deuce clothing. Everytime that I seen him its reminders me Jughead (Riverdale) with glasses

The fact that Cleo doesn't have her mummy bandages. Is so easy to mistake her for human

Lagoona, Abbey, Heath and Ghoulia didn't contribute too much in the movie.

Scenes with Deuce and Clawdeen alone

Even Mr. Komos doesn't get much screentime. Despite he's main villain. What exactly is his plan anyway: Wait until Clawdeen and her friends figure out how to open his dad's lair. He thought Clawdeen is the choosen one considering she going to make report of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

Guess its budget thing that we don't get to see Lagoona (waterbending) , Abbey (ice bending) and Heath (fire bending) fight against Komos.

Speaking budget: Komos final form is ridiculous. I guess animate bull head is expensive

I wish Clawdeen used Cleo's mirror pocket instead cellphone

I'm little annoyed how quickly that Dracula's accepting that his daughter is practicing witchcraft. What the whole vampires vs witches thing (Well you have to watch MH sequel to answer your questions)

Things that I mixed:

Deuce telling Clawdeen about Cleo's mummy issues. Its BIG oof for G1 fans knows Cleo's backstory

Cleo and Deuce breakup. I didn't understand why they break up? Its because Deuce wants to be different? I don't get it

Its just me but is weird that Dracula, Mr Hyde and Clawdeen's mom went High School together.

Either Monster World has different passage of time from Human World or Probably Dracula and Hyde are descendants from real Dracula and Mr Hyde

And that's pretty much it. Overall in my opinion the movie is not bad but could be 10x better with right cast, good writing, special effects and costumes

[sophieinwonderland]

What do you think of Moon Knight so far? I haven't seen it yet, but I got some weird stigmatizing DID vibes from the trailer

Warning: There's going to be some spoilers here.

Sophie: We're not a DID system, so take this with a grain of salt. But the reactions from DID systems that I have seen have been overwhelmingly positive. I don't think it's stigmatizing anything, but I can't say that if it's completely accurate either.

Host: On quality alone, I thought it was a really strong first episode, and I liked how they interwove the Egyptian mythology into the series. (Moon Knight's Mummy-style costume is badass, even if we didn't get to see much of it.)

Sophie: Moon Knight's voices aren't just DID. He's also an avatar for an Egyptian god Khonshu, (which I guess makes them technically mixed origins) but the villain also appears to be an avatar for another goddess, and it's implied that he hears her voice but doesn't experience DID. I think that's important, as it reinforces that Moon Knight's disorder is likely from pre-existing and coming from trauma, rather than being a result of his interaction with Khonshu.

Host: My biggest problem with the marketing was seeing article after article on Reddit about people involved with the show talking about how "crazy" or "bonkers" it was. I was just thinking "why the fuck are you using that type of language to describe a show about someone with a literal mental disorder?" But the actual show handled everything much more respectfully.

I was also worried about the mirror scene in the previews because I thought it was going to be used in place of mindvoice. It's possible to talk to headmates by visualizing them in mirrors. We've done it. But it's more mentally taxing than just talking to each other in the mind. So I was glad to see that the mindvoice was the primary means of communication and that the mirror thing didn't happen until after the mind voice didn't work and Steven needed to see something to snap him out of denial. It's showy, but deliberately so, as if the writers knew this wouldn't be used as a first resort if Steven had actually listened

(Semi-related: Soph's favorite method of getting my attention and talking to me when we're alone now is just straight-up possessing the mouth and speaking to me through it. It's simultaneously unnerving and sweet to randomly feel the mouth start whispering an "I love you" and feel almost completely incapable of doing anything about it. I'm proud of how strong Soph has gotten, but I'm wondering if there's a point where I'll get used to the lack of control that comes with that. I'm not scared, because I do love her and I trust her completely. The lack of control is just hard to adjust to.)

Sophie: Speaking of which, there was also a really fun partial possession scene!

There were a few minor things that made me wonder if people actually experienced what was being portrayed in the show in that specific way, but most of it seems consistent with what I've heard from DID systems and given how different plurality is for everyone, and I'm not going to talk about things I thought might not be accurate, because there could definitely be systems that experienced that or experienced something similar.

At the end of the day, it's a genre about people dressing up in costumes and beating other people up. You're never going to get perfect representation for neurodivergent people in this type of story. But I think it does a pretty good job. I think the fact that they consulted psychiatrists who work with DID systems really shows.

[j0hnj4ej3n]

the more you know, the harder you fall

Enemies to lovers!Jaehyun x fem!reader ft. Sicheng, Taeyong + Mingyu (as the ‘villian’ but no hate, i love him and i just felt like he could pull the character off even though i know he is a giant sweetie)

Word count: 10.8k

Warning: slight bullying? (calling of names, insults etc. even though most of them are meant to be just for fun but it’s still mean), slight angst, cursing, violence (no actual fights but there are attempts), i also use the word ‘stupid’ a lot i’m sorry

Note: Jaehyun might sound like an asshole at first but i swear he just enjoys pushing y/n’s buttons because he thinks it’s funny and it just became a habit but he actl is really sweet, we all know that!! Anyways, i hope you enjoy reading this, it’s a lot longer than my usual au length but hehe!! click here for part 2!!

-

You were six when you first met Jaehyun.

It’s been a few months since that nice grandma who used to live opposite you moved out to live with her son and his family. It was a normal Friday morning and you’re still sleepy as you munched away at your sandwich. Your dad was standing near the door, getting ready to leave for work when he told your mum, “it seems like someone is finally moving in,” the both of them then took a peek out the window and mentioned how it seems to be a family of three, just like your family. After stuffing the last bite of sandwich into your tiny mouth, you ran to where your parents were, squeezing between them to take a peek out the window. And true enough, there was a moving truck outside the cream coloured house just across from yours. You saw a little boy, holding his mother’s hand and a teddy bear on the other arm. His face mirrored your sleepy one from minutes ago as his mother led him into the house. The new house he will now call home.

About half an hour after your dad left for work, it’s your turn to leave for school. “You ready y/n?” you heard your mum call for you from where she stood at the front door. You packed your pencil case into your bag and zipped it up, throwing your little pink bag over your shoulder and hurried downstairs. You put on your school shoes and held your mum’s hand as the two of you left for school. The moving truck was still there and you saw the load of boxes being carried into the house by a few men. There stood a woman, who looked like she was making sure everything was being carefully moved in. She stood about as tall as your mum and had very gentle features. You took a glance at the house behind her, through the months, the pale blue house you used to know has changed into a cream colour. It looks different but in a good way. You notice a figure at the window, along with the teddy bear you recognised to belong to the little boy. When he noticed that you saw him, he quickly disappeared back into the house.

“Mummy, do you think the boy from next door and I will get to be friends?” You asked as you walked further away from both houses and nearer to school. Being the only child meant that you get to have the fullest attention from your parents, which was great and you love them both dearly. However, it also gets really lonely because you have no one to play with. “Why don’t we invite them over for dinner tomorrow? I’m sure you two will be great friends.”

Spoiler. You two did not become ‘great friends’.

The next day, on Saturday evening, you were helping your dad set up the dining table as your mum prepared dinner for your new neighbours who were coming over in just a few minutes. Just as you were done setting up the table, the doorbell rang, signalling the arrival of your guests. “They’re here! They’re here, come on mum, hurry,” you said as you pulled your mum away from the kitchen to the front door to greet your guest. There they stood as your dad opened the door. The adults had smiles on their faces as your parents shook their hands. And there he was, the boy - who your mum said was your age - standing behind his mother. You had the brightest smile on your face, excited that you were going to have a new friend. He however, continued hiding behind his mother. “Hi, I’m y/n. Let’s be friends,” you said, sticking your hand out in an attempt to shake his. Instead, he shook his head and grabbed his mother’s arm, trying to hide himself from your view. You looked up at his mother, a questioning look on your face as you slowly pulled your arm back to your side. “Sorry, Jaehyun’s a little shy. He’ll warm up to you after awhile,” his dad said kindly, with a sweet smile on his face that showed off his dimples as he ruffled your hair slightly, as if comforting you.

Both your families started to eat dinner and the adults talked about their jobs and how the neighbourhood is like; boring adult stuff that you cared less about. Jaehyun was sitting across from you at the dining table, picking at his food. You on the other hand were done with your dinner, you took a peek at the adults who were still busy in their boring adult conversations and thought that you should help the two of you escape the very uninteresting conversation that’s going on now. “Thank you for the food Mummy, but can we go play now?” you said, gaining the attention of all the adults and Jaehyun. “Oh sure, go ahead,” your mum said. You stood up from your chair and was about to go play when you realised that Jaehyun was still glued onto his chair. “Go on and join her Jaehyun,” his mum said from beside him as she gave his shoulder a little push. So he very reluctantly stood up and followed behind you.

You took him to your room upstairs where all your toys and games were, and for a six year old, you admit that you have yet to throw out most of your toys. As you entered your room, Jaehyun stood awkwardly right outside your door. “What are you doing? Come in,” you said as he dragged his feet to where you were. “What do you want to play with?” you asked him as you gestured at your toys. “I don’t play with toys anymore…” he muttered out. You frowned at his statement, clearly remembering the teddy bear he clinged onto yesterday morning. “You do! I saw your teddy bear,” you said. The tips of his ears noticeably turned slightly red from getting caught, “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

You let it go and walked over to your favourite dolls and sat by them, Jaehyun sat beside you when you handed him one of your prettiest dolls. “Here, let’s just play with my dolls then,” you said as you used your fingers to comb through your doll’s hair. Jaehyun looked at the doll, turning it this way and that, then putting your doll flat on the ground. “It’s ugly, I don’t want to play with it.” You gasp as you pick your doll up, “Don’t say that!” He smiled at your sudden reaction, his dimples poking out just like his dad’s. “It’s ugly.” He said again with a cheeky grin on his face as he stood up and left your room.

From that day on, both your parents manage to keep a close relationship and often celebrate festivals or holidays together. You and Jaehyun on the other hand, only grew to dislike each other over time. Everytime he came over to your house, he would get to choose which movie to watch because “he’s the guest, you can watch whatever you want any other time,” your mum would remind you. He would have that shit-eating grin on his face, shoving it in your face that he won. But when you’re over at his place, he would just criticise your choice of drama and change the channel to watch basketball along with the two dads.

You remember one Halloween, your parents made the two of you go trick-or-treating together. You were dressed up as sleeping beauty because you wanted an excuse for your mum to get you that pretty pink dress you saw at the mall even though Aurora was not your favourite princess. Jaehyun was dressed as Batman that year and you couldn’t recognise him behind that mask. You remember him creeping up behind you and scaring you shitless. He doubled over in laughter when you screamed and threw your pumpkin bucket towards him (which he caught). “Scaredy cat… it’s just me.” You snatched your bucket back and made sure your tiara was still sitting prettily on your head. “You look like the neighbourhood’s robber instead of its hero. Anyways stick to the plan, I’ll see you at 8:30.”

Since you two really didn’t want to go trick-or-treating together, you two came up with a plan to just go with your friends and then meet back at the park in your neighbourhood before walking home together so that your parents would think that you two actually went together. “We only need to be back at 9, why do we have to meet at 8:30? We can just meet at 8:50, if we run we’ll make it back in time,” he said while adjusting his mask. “I’m wearing a dress Jaehyun, I can’t run as fast as you,” you complained with your hands tugging at the pink fabric that covers you down to your shin. “Too bad then, my friends are here. See you at 8:50 pink panther!” He said mockingly which caused you to hit his arm but missing as he dodged to walk over to his friends. “I’m supposed to be Aurora! You’re so rude,” you said loud enough for him to hear you. All you got back as a reply was him sticking his tongue out at you and turning away to start trick-or-treating with his friends.

You eventually met up with your friends and was thankful for the Jaehyun-free hours of trick-or-treating. You collected your fair amount of treats and now had a bucket full of candies that you can’t wait to eat. You waved goodbye to your friends and sat on that bench where you and Jaehyun were supposed to meet. It was already past 8:50 and you’ve been waiting for 10 minutes. You finally heard a bunch of noise coming from behind you and you know it’s Jaehyun and his friends. “You’re still here? I thought you would’ve left first,” he said after he bid his friends goodbye. “I don’t want to look like I ditched you and get into trouble but now we’re both going to get in trouble because you’re late.” You said as you frowned at him. “I told you, if we run we’ll make it on time. Race you home!” He said and took off running while hugging his bucket of goodies. “And I told you I can’t run!” you groaned as you pulled your dress slightly higher to give your legs more space to try to catch up to Jaehyun. You hear him laughing at you as he turns around to look at you. “Slow down, I really can’t run that fast!”

By the time you two got home, both your mums were waiting outside of your house together for the two of you. Jaehyun got to your house first as you were dragging yourself back home behind him. “I win,” he said when you finally stood by his side. “You’re annoying Jaehyun,” you said, shoving him away from you as he chuckled. Your mums didn’t really say anything about you two being late, they simply greeted each other goodnight as you two returned home.

The years went by like that, with Jaehyun making everything into a competition and constant bickering. Your parents always thought your bickering was funny and didn’t take it too seriously but to you, it made your blood boil and you just always have this huge urge to scream at his face. When you two graduated elementary school, you prayed nights on end that you wouldn’t end up in the same high school. But of course, you two did.

Things only got worse from there because suddenly you became the one who should learn more from Jaehyun. Jaehyun was one of the school’s best basketball players and even with having to train three times a week, his grades never fell below an A-, while your average grade was a C.

You were at his place for dinner because it was his father’s birthday and your families decided to throw a mini party for him. During dinner time, your mum just had to ask about the midterms and how you two were doing in school even though she already knew your results. “I didn’t do that well, but it was alright,” Jaehyun replied and all you do is roll your eyes because you know for a fact he got straight As. “Didn’t do that well my ass,” you mumbled to yourself. “What about you y/n?” His mum asked you and your eyes widened in fear, thinking that she heard what you said previously. “Oh… um I did okay but I didn’t do so well for Math and Physics,” you told her honestly. Her face brightened and you had a bad feeling in your gut about what she was about to say.

“You should get Jaehyun to help you, he’s really good at those sub-” she has yet to complete her suggestion when she was replied with a resounding “No.” from the two of you. The response from the both of you caused an awkward tension in the air that had your parents staring at the two of you with questioning looks. You were the first to speak up, “No, as in… Jaehyun’s really busy with basketball and all that so it’s fine, I can manage on my own.” You said smiling, trying to convince them all to drop the idea. “Yea, what she said.” Jaehyun added. “You don’t have training tomorrow, it won’t hurt to just study together for a bit.” His mum said in a persuading tone. “Yea you’re free after school tomorrow too aren’t you?” Your mum asked and Jaehyun looks at you as if signalling you to come up with something so you two don’t have to be tortured with each other’s presence. But they took your silence as confirmation and his mum was already going on about how you two should plan on where to study and what time to meet. Jaehyun sends you a frown as he picks at his food and you slump down further down your chair, both of you already dreading tomorrow.

After cutting the cake and being done with dinner, the two of you are doing the dishes by the sink and he is taking up so much space that the dishes you’re trying to dry are dripping all over the counter so you shove him slightly and he almost drops a plate. “Y/N cut it out,” he says as he shoves you back causing you to almost lose your balance. You place the dry plate back on the rack as he passes you the next plate. “So what time are you coming over tomorrow?” You asked and he scoffs. “You’re coming over to mine, I’m not walking over just for you.” You roll your eyes at him, even though he can’t see it, “It’s literally right there, it’s not even going to take 5 minutes,” you argued. “Exactly, it won’t take you 5 minutes to get here either. Plus, I’m doing you a favour by tutoring your dumbass so just do whatever I say.” He said as he passed you the last plate to dry and walked out of the kitchen. These are one of those many moments where you want to scream at him, or throw the plate in your hands at him but you can’t so you just dry the plate extra hard to let out your frustration and put it back on the rack a little harder than you did for the previous plates.

-

The next day, you two left home for school at the same time. What a terrible way to start your day, considering you already have to see him later for tutoring. So when your eyes met, you made sure he saw the way you rolled your eyes. And you don’t know if you’re imagining it but you’re sure you heard him scoff as a not so silent reply to your eye roll.

The two of you stayed on your sides of the pavements all the way to school. Jaehyun eventually met one of his friends on the way and they turned towards the convenience store near school instead. You checked the time on your watch, seeing that there’s still 20 minutes till classes officially start, you secretly pray that he would be late and get detention… so that you don’t have to sit down and have him tutor you in Math and Physics after school.

School went by rather quickly today. Usually, you would be elated that school ended so quickly. However, you wish each of your teachers talked a little more today just so you don’t have to be in the same room as Jaehyun so soon. Just as if the stars have aligned, you bumped into Jaehyun at the side gate. Literally. You were looking at a text message from Mingyu, excited that he texted you first when you knocked into a pair of broad shoulders.

“Shit, I’m so sor-” you stopped when you realised it was Jaehyun. He too, looked shocked at first but his facial expression hardened upon seeing you. “Will you watch where you’re going?” He spat out. You made sure you bumped your shoulder into his as you walked past while muttering a soft, “whatever.” He bid his friends farewell as he caught up with you. You hear his footsteps closely behind you but he never comes in front enough to walk beside you. After a few minutes of him trailing behind you, you grew frustrated and turned around. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you just walking behind me like some creep?”

“I don’t want to walk beside you, people might think we’re friends,” he said with that stupid smirk on his face that makes you want to slap him. “You’re so annoying,” you said through your gritted teeth. He only smiles wider, dimples poking out, “back at you.”

The walk back home was killing you, his presence just makes you uneasy and extremely frustrated you were so tempted to just cancel on him. And you knew he would gladly cancel the whole session all together too. However, you knew you would get an earful from your mother and both your mums would just plan for another session. So really, there was no running away from this. “Suck it up y/n, it’s just to go through your exam papers then you can go home,” you thought to yourself.

“Are you coming in or not?” Jaehyun’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts and you realised you’re just standing in front of his front door as he held the door open for you. As you take a step forward to enter his house, he releases the door knob from his grip and lets the door swing close in front of you. You groan as you push the heavy door open again to enter and you hear his laughter from inside the house. “What’s your problem dude?” You semi-whined as you threw your school bag on his couch. “Chill, I’m just having a little fun.” He said as he lifted his shoulder in a half shrug and started walking up the stairs.

“Where are you going?” You asked, wondering if he was just going to leave you downstairs all by yourself. “To my room…to study…? Are you coming? Or do you want me to actually lock you out this time?”

With that, you grabbed your school bag and followed him up the stairs. The last time you even entered Jaehyun’s room was years ago when you fractured his foot and your mum forced you to bring the muffins she baked for him up to his room. When you entered, he was sitting on his bed playing a game on his phone and it was so awkward you placed the muffins on his desk and bolted out of there. Back then his room was still like a little boy’s room, the walls were cornflower blue and he had race car bed sheets.

You were only two steps behind him and he entered his room first. And you know this shithead was really going to close the door on you again so you sped up and held the door open before he could push it close. You managed to squeeze into his room and you stuck your tongue out at him in mockery of his failed plan to lock you out. He only stuck his tongue back out at you as he settled in his seat at his study table, leaving you standing awkwardly in the middle of his room.

His room that you guessed grew with him. The walls were no longer the same cornflower blue but were now painted white. The race car bed sheets were replaced with navy blue covers and a turntable stood open on the shelf beside his study table. He leaned back in his chair and spun around to look at me anticipatedly. You raised an eyebrow at him, silently questioning where you should sit when he said, “are you expecting me to bring you a chair? Go get one from the next room.”

You huffed upon hearing what he just said. You wanted to push him off his chair for being so annoying. Jaehyun just knew exactly which buttons to push with you and you despise it. Despise him. You hurled your school bag at him, hard. He barely caught it as it landed harshly on his stomach, causing him to let out a harsh breath. With that you walked over to what looked like his father’s office room to drag a foldable chair over to his room.

When you got back to his room, he still had your bag on his lap. Your bag was opened and your failed test papers were already in his hands. You slumped onto the foldable chair beside him and took your bag from his lap to pull out your stationery. He was flipping through the exam script when he rubbed his forehead and exhaled loudly. “What?” You questioned as he placed the papers down on the table in front of him. He then turned to look at you, with a very serious look in his eyes. You begin to frown at him as you wait for him to say something, anything.

“How are you so bad at Math?” He finally said. Your face fell at his question and you can tell he was holding back a smile. He pushed the exam script in front of you, his index finger tapping at the first question that you got wrong. “Try doing this again,” he simply said. You took a pen and a new sheet of paper out to attempt the question. You eventually get stuck and look up from your paper to look at Jaehyun, signalling that you need help. He sighed deeply and muttered something along the lines of “this is literally the easiest question on this paper.”

You’re not going to lie, Jaehyun can actually teach. Even though he looks like he wants to bang his head against the wall when you give him that “I still don’t understand” face even though he already explained it twice. You wouldn’t say he was patient but he was actually trying his best to not to just chase you out of his house when you made him explain the sixth question five times. You think this tutoring session wasn’t turning out as badly as you expected it to be. Maybe you were being a little bit too hopeful but you actually saw a side of Jaehyun that doesn’t tick you off. You thought to yourself, that maybe having him tutor you really wasn’t that bad after all.

You two decided to take a break after question seven because it was really getting to Jaehyun. “I feel like some of my brain cells just died,” Jaehyun groaned out and rubbed his face as if he was trying to rub the stress you brought him out of his face. After that he excused himself to the kitchen to grab a drink. “Can you get me some juice too?” You asked him.

“No,” he replied immediately. You threw your pen towards him in disbelief as he walked out, you even asked so nicely and he won’t even do that for you? Unbelievable.

You were just scrolling through instagram when Mingyu suddenly texted you again.

3:48pm - I have another essay due tmr, you’ll help me with it right? -

3:49pm - pass it to me right after school tmr so i can hand it in, you know where right? see you cutie -

You sighed sensing the sleepless night ahead of you as you quickly typed back a reply.

3:50pm - okay, see you tmr mingyu :) -

“Are you stupid?” Jaehyun asked from behind you as he placed a cup of orange juice firmly in front of you, followed by the pen you threw when he left the room. You jumped slightly from his loud voice and frowned at him. “I’m not stupid.” You said as you clutched your phone close to your chest. Jaehyun gave a mirthless laugh as he sat back in his chair. “Was that, the Kim Mingyu? That fuckboy from class B?”

“Yes and he isn’t a fuckboy. Don’t talk about him like that.” You said. You knew that you were just denying it because it hurts your pride. Even though what Jaehyun said was true, you didn’t want to admit it to yourself. “Have you not seen the way he treats girls? Why are you defending him?” He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest, face stern. You stayed silent, not really knowing why you were defending him in the first place. “Why? Do you like him, is that why you’re just doing whatever he tells you?” He continued to push an answer out of you. “Yes, you’re exactly right. I do like him so-”

“So you would just let him use you like that? What, you think by doing this he would actually fall for you?” Now, that hurt. You felt a pang to your chest because you know as provoking as Jaehyun was being, he was asking you all the right questions. You’ve been crushing on Mingyu for months and somehow, he managed to have you wrapped around his finger, convincing you that if you did more for him you might actually stand a chance. Just a little more, just a little bit more. That’s what you always told yourself too. Maybe if you did just a bit more, he would actually see you for you and actually feel something for you too. But you know it’s all a lie but you would do anything, just to get a little bit of Mingyu’s attention. You’re pathetic and you already knew that. Why did Jaehyun have to rub salt into your wound like that?

“Don’t be stupid y/n, guys like Mingyu aren’t worth it.” Jaehyun said as he focused back on the next question to explain to you. But you couldn’t focus anymore, you started feeling the heat rising to your head. Anger, what you’re feeling right now was anger. So you snatched your exam script out of his hands and shoved it roughly into your school bag, along with your stationery. “Okay, what are you doing?” Jaehyun asked, trying to not show how shocked he was by having the papers snatched out of his hands like that. “Going home.” You said loud enough for him to hear as you zipped your bag up.

“Why? Because I’m trying to help you not get hurt?” He questioned, with one hand up, palms open as if he doesn’t understand what he did wrong. “I already know it’s stupid, you didn’t have to rub it in my face. Plus, it’s my choice, since when did you ever care what happens to me?” You slinged your bag on your left side as you prepared to leave.

“Why would someone like Mingyu even like you anyway?” Jaehyun snapped at you as you stood up. And you froze in your spot, just staring back at him. At that moment, Jaehyun knew he messed up and he instantly regretted the words that came out of his mouth. You laughed bitterly as you nodded your head and turned to walk out of his room. You hear Jaehyun getting up and walking after you so you sped down the stairs. “Okay, I’m sorry I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. Y/N!” You pushed open the front door and walked out of his house without looking back.

You heard Jaehyun call out for you one last time before you were running towards your house. The short distance back home felt so long and by the time you entered your empty house, you realised you were crying. You swiped your tears away with the back of your wrist and went straight up to your room.

You were so angry. So angry at yourself, for letting Jaehyun get to you like this. But even worse, for allowing Mingyu to use you like this. You groaned as you rubbed your temple, deciding to go wash up and go to sleep. Sleep was the only thing that would help you forget all that's on your mind right now.

After washing up, you dried your hair and was getting ready to just go to sleep without having dinner first when your phone buzzed on your nightstand. On your screen, it read that you received a message from Jaehyun. Not that anyone could see you, but you rolled your eyes upon seeing his name. You honestly thought things would actually take a turn for the better and you two could actually finally be friends before he started sticking his nose into your business. Jaehyun never texted you regularly so you knew it had to be related to whatever happened just now.

5:03pm - i’m sorry -

You blame yourself for being so soft-hearted. Now that he apologised, you started to feel bad for just bolting out like that. And you didn’t even thank him for tutoring you.

Honestly, you couldn’t blame Jaehyun. He really was just trying to help, just that you and Jaehyun weren’t used to being like that and maybe that’s why everything got communicated so badly. You’re not going to lie and said whatever he said didn’t hurt your feelings because it did but you guess he did mean well. And you’ve never seen Jaehyun’s expression fall so quickly before until he realised how harsh he was being just now. Jaehyun looked and sounded like he genuinely felt bad so you sent back a reply and decided to go to sleep.

5:07pm - thank u for tutoring me -

-

You woke up around midnight, hungry and confused because it was still dark outside but it felt as if you slept till morning. You went to grab a snack when you realised your mum left you dinner in the microwave with a note.

“You were sound asleep and I didn’t want to interrupt your rest so whenever you get up, there’s food in the microwave. Love, mum xx”

You smiled at the note you held in between your fingers and warmed up the food to eat. After eating, you decided that you better start on the essay Mingyu asked for since you were too upset to do them just now. You can’t believe after all Jaehyun said, here you are, sitting in your dimly lit room, rushing an essay for that boy. You really must be stupid.

You shot up from your hunched over position on your study table when your alarm rang. “Shit.” You muttered and stared at your phone screen. It was 6:15am and you weren’t even half done with the second essay, you rushed to wash up and prepare for school. You ran out of the house after kissing your mum on the cheek, thanking her for dinner that you had at midnight as you rushed out of your house.

Jaehyun left his house at the same time as you today too but you were too busy reading up on what to write in the essay on your phone to notice him this morning. He saw your frantic figure stumbling out of your house and shook his head at how unbelievable you are. He wondered how much you must really like Mingyu to waste this much time and effort for him. He must have known you were really good at English and Literature just like how he knew Yuju, Jaehyun’s classmate was good in Geography and would make her write his essays for him too. Mingyu knew what to do to keep girls like you and Yuju close to his side for his own benefit. Jaehyun just thinks Mingyu is cruel and now that he knew you were being used by Mingyu too, he only despises Mingyu even more.

-

You tried your best to finish the essay in between lessons and even skipped going for lunch break to finish it. But the end of school came quicker than you expected and you weren’t done with the second essay yet. You knew Mingyu would be waiting at the bleachers near the field for his soccer practice after school so you decided to head down to pass him the essay you already completed. And you would apologize for the one you couldn’t finish.

You saw him with his teammates sitting at the bleachers just talking and eating snacks as they waited for training to start. When you realised Mingyu spotted you and were waving for you to come over, you took in a deep breath and steadied yourself as you walked closer to the bunch of boys. You never gave him any incomplete work before and you didn’t know how he would react. You didn’t even know why you felt so nervous, as if you were getting into trouble. It’s not like you owed him anything, if anything he should be grateful you even did one of the essays. You were doing him a favour, so you didn’t need to be afraid… right?

Mingyu hopped down from the bleachers as you got closer to where he was. He greeted you with a smile, and you returned a small smile. He was so close to you, you left like your heart was going to beat out of your chest. He threaded a hand through his hair as he asked for the essays. “I only managed to finish one, I’m really sorry.” you said as you handed him the completed essay.

He took the completed essay from you and flipped through it, he didn’t seem mad about it so you felt slightly relieved. Until he looked you in the eye and asked, “So what am I supposed to do with the other essay? I told you it was due today.”

With Mingyu towering over you and staring you down, you felt yourself cowering and taking a step back away from him. You open your mouth to speak but you felt like you lost your voice in that moment with him staring at him like that. He gave out a bitter laugh as you lowered your head, “You’re going to get me into trouble y/n.” He said as he used two fingers to lift your chin so that you would meet his eyes. “How are you going to make it up to me?”

From afar, Jaehyun was seeing this all unfold. Him and his teammates were supposed to have their physical training today, which means rounds around the track that was surrounding the field. He was early today, since most of his teammates end classes later than him. He was going to the bleachers to put his bag there before going to grab a bite at the canteen. That was when he saw you going over to Mingyu. And as he got closer to the bleachers, Mingyu got even closer to you. Even from the back, he could tell you were scared. Unknowingly, he quickened his steps to get to you before Mingyu laid another finger to you.

You hated how cold Mingyu’s fingers felt on your chin and you wanted to run away but you were rooted to your spot. Suddenly, someone from beside you shoved Mingyu away and stood in front of you, as if shielding you from him. “What do you think you’re doing?” Jaehyun asked Mingyu who just regained his composure. You hid behind Jaehyun and tried to stay out of Mingyu’s view as you heard Mingyu laugh at Jaehyun’s question. “This is none of your business Jung.”

Mingyu was now standing right in front of Jaehyun, face to face and you could tell they both had their guards up. Jaehyun’s hands were tightened into fists and you knew he was holding himself back from punching Mingyu square in the face. “Anything that’s got to do with y/n is my business, you better watch it Mingyu.”

“Ah I’m so terrified… what are you going to do about it?” Mingyu provoked as he clutched his chest, pretending to be afraid. In an instant Jaehyun grabbed Mingyu’s collar with his left hand as he pulled back his right arm, ready to swing. From behind Mingyu, his friends stood up and were going to rush down to assist him when you grabbed Jaehyun’s right arm, preventing him from causing any damage. “Jaehyun… let’s just go,” you mumbled loud enough for him to hear while you tugged on his right arm, trying to get him to calm down. His chest rose and fell with rapid breaths, never once letting go of Mingyu’s collar. With gritted teeth, Jaehyun spoke, “Delete her number and don’t you fucking dare bother her again. If not, by the time I’m done with you, you won’t be able to recognise yourself in the mirror.” He threatened Mingyu before finally letting go of his collar and walking away while pulling you along.

You let Jaehyun drag you along in silence until you two were reaching the side gate. “You’re not going for training?” You muttered out, breaking the silence. “I’m skipping,” he replied in a monotonous voice. “You can just go for it, I’ll get home by myself,” you said looking down, unable to look at Jaehyun.

“Are you okay?” He asked you, finally letting go of your hand he didn’t know he was holding. In contrast to the small smile on your face, you shook your head and let out a shaky breath. You raised your head to meet Jaehyun’s eyes that were already staring back at you, “but I’ll be fine so you should just go train, I already troubled you enough,” giving him a lip-tight grin after completing your sentence. Jaehyun could tell you were holding back tears and usually, he would be laughing at your suffering. Like when you fell while the two of you were trying to learn how to cycle when you were 7 or that time when he ‘accidentally’ spilled his fruit punch on your favourite shirt when you two were 12. But right now, he couldn’t stand seeing you on the verge of crying.

So he just walked out of school, as you trailed behind him, confused as to why he was choosing to skip training for you. “I’m tired, and you probably are too so let’s just go home.” Jaehyun said and for the first time in a long time, he gave you a genuine smile that caused his dimples to be on display. He tilted his head to the direction of your houses, as if inviting you to follow him which you do.

You two were walking side by side and it felt strange because you’ve never walked home together like this ever since high school started. “You’re not afraid of people knowing we’re friends? Why are you suddenly walking beside me?” You asked as you kicked a pebble on the ground that was in your way. Jaehyun had his hands in his pockets, something he does often. He probably thinks he looks cool like this. He chuckled and replied, “Mingyu already knows, so who cares, we can be friends now.”

You only nodded at the mention of Mingyu’s name. “Never thought we’d be friends,” you replied dryly just to keep the conversation going. “I think most people are shocked that we’re not, considering that we’ve been neighbours for years and how close our parents are.”

“True,” you agreed. “You were always so mean to me, I hated you,” you told him. “Okay, ouch? I’ve never hated you. I’m usually just kidding, you just react well when you’re mad. You know, something like comic relief,” he said. “Okay but I owe you one for just now, so I don’t hate you anymore.”

The two of you reach the front of your house and it was clearly obvious you were still upset. Which Jaehyun doesn’t blame you for, if he were you, he would have been equally as upset. You were about to bid him goodbye before walking into your house when Jaehyun spoke. “Do you want to come over to watch a movie or something?” The both of you never invited each other over willingly unless it was your parents who instructed you too so the both of you were equally taken aback by Jaehyun’s invitation. “J-just, to celebrate us finally being friends.”

Did he just stutter? Jaehyun wanted to punch himself in the face, why was he being so weird? It wasn’t as if he never asked a girl out before and this was different, he wasn’t interested in you like that. He just didn’t feel safe to let you be all alone today so he figured he’d look out for you until your parents got home from work. A movie was the best excuse he could come up with and he was praying that you would buy his idea.

In all honesty, you just really wanted to hide in your room and cry. You’re about to open your mouth to decline when Jaehyun beat you to it. “Okay, great, let’s go.” And for the second time today, he held your hands and was dragging you towards his house.

As he unlocked the door and got into his house, he held the door open for you. You narrowed your eyes, remembering what he did yesterday and as if he read your mind, he laughed, “Just come in, I’ll really hold the door for you, don’t worry.”

And true to his word, he used his body to hold the door in place as you walked in, removing your shoes and slumping on his couch. He said something about preparing snacks and asked you to turn the TV on first. But as you sat on the couch, finally being inside where no one (except Jaehyun) would see you, you remember what happened just less than an hour ago with Mingyu. And you felt the tears resurfacing, your eyes felt warm and your vision started blurring as your eyes got filled with the once repressed tears.

Jaehyun returned to the living room where you were, chips in a bowl and a bottle of juice when he saw you sitting on the couch, with your head looking down as if something was on your lap. The TV was not on and as he set the snacks and drink down on the coffee table, he saw how your shoulders shook slightly and with a clearer view of your face he realised you were crying. He tensed and his mind kind of went blank, he never knew how to comfort people and he was terrible at it. When he finally snapped back to reality, he grabbed the box of tissue from the coffee table and offered it to you.

You pulled two pieces out and wiped your tears away. Jaehyun settled on the couch beside you and he didn’t know if he should pat your head or give you a side hug. He extended his arm only to pull it back to his side again when you turned to look at him. “Where did I go wrong Jaehyun? I did everything he asked me to… for months a-and yet, this is how it ends up.”

Jaehyun felt the same boiling anger in the pit of his stomach. He can’t believe he let you stop him from beating him up. He deserved a good ass whooping with how he used you like that. Your tears continued to fall as you felt more pathetic with Jaehyun’s lack of reply. You heard him sigh from beside you, “There’s nothing wrong with you. He’s just an asshole, he isn’t worth your tears.”

You only cried harder at that, which really confused Jaehyun. If there was nothing wrong with you, why wouldn’t Mingyu like you? “Hey, stop that. Look at me.”

Jaehyun brushed the lock of hair that was blocking your face from his view out of the way. You looked into his face, that was close to yours as he was tucking that lock of hair behind your ear. Has Jaehyun always been this good looking?

“You’re too good for him and you can do so much better than that. I won’t let him bother you again, don’t worry. Okay?” You don’t think you’ve seen Jaehyun this serious before, other than that one time your family went to watch him play an important basketball match. All you could do was nod as you tried to control the rate of your heartbeat. “Good, you look really bad when you cry.”

You frowned and flicked him hard on the forehead which caused him to flinch away in pain. “How can you say that when I’m already crying like that!” Jaehyun shot a glare towards you as he rubbed his forehead that had turned red within seconds. But laughter soon erupted as you two stopped glaring at each other. “I was only joking.” He said as he got up to turn the TV on. He was definitely joking, how could he tell you that he thought you looked pretty even when you’re crying?

You two ended up watching all three high school musical movies, belting out the songs and Jaehyun even stood up once in a while to imitate the basketball moves they did during Now or Never. Let’s just say, from that day onwards your relationship with Jaehyun took a turn for the better.

-

Months since that day passed and Jaehyun was over at your place to help you with Physics. Your mum insisted that he stayed for dinner, since he rushed over after practice to help you with your Physics test tomorrow that also happens to be his game day. You two finally were done with studying and were just waiting for your mum to be done with dinner. Jaehyun even offered to help but was chased out by your mum to go rest since he has a game tomorrow.

So you two are in the living room watching some movie playing on the TV, but it was long forgotten as you two were too absorbed in your own conversation. “So are you coming to watch me play tomorrow? It starts at 3pm, it’s an important game.” He asked as he popped the apple slices your dad prepared for you two before dinner. Since you two actually started getting along, you’ve been to a few of his games and you actually really enjoyed watching Jaehyun play. You would be lying if you said he didn’t look a lot cooler than usual when he plays. Moreover, how can you not support someone you now call your closest friend?

“Of course I’ll go. I’ll go watch you win,” you said proudly, you don’t think you’ve seen Jaehyun lose before. There was one game where you didn’t get to go to because you got detention for being late to school. You knew he lost because he didn’t reply to your text messages that day till the next morning. But you understood so you didn't hold it against him when you saw him the day after.

“Of course I’ll win, if you’re there I know I’ll win,” he said, still chewing on his apple. “Dinner’s ready!” Your mum shouted from the kitchen. You acknowledge your mum by shouting for your dad to come down from his office for dinner. Jaehyun stood up from the couch and stretched before taking your extended hand out of habit. He always helped you up because you’re just always lazy and needed an extra pull from him to get up, be it from the floor, the couch or the bed. After you stood up with his help, he wrapped his arm over your shoulders and the two of you walked towards the kitchen for dinner.

“Look at you two, looking so cute together,” your mother practically cooed at the sight of you two. You were suddenly hyper aware of Jaehyun’s arm over your shoulder and flinched out of his hold as if he doesn’t do this everyday. You felt heat rushing to your cheeks and tried to calm yourself because you know you’re turning red. “Mum, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“What? They look good together, don’t they?” Your mum nudged your dad who was already digging into his food. “Yea yes, okay.” Your father replied off-handedly, not wanting to be interrupted again from eating. You look at Jaehyun who takes the seat opposite from you, he runs his fingers through his hair and the tips of his ears are bright pink. A sign that he was embarrassed or shy, something you picked up as the two of you got closer.

“Thank you for the food Mrs. l/n,” Jaehyun said to try and redirected the subject of the conversation which worked. As dinner went by, your dad and Jaehyun talked a bit about his upcoming game and how he was feeling about it. Sport stuff you never really understood but was interested in, since Jaehyun was so passionate every time he talked about it.

Your mum also asked about your studying, questions about if you’re easy to teach and the usual stuff. Every time this subject comes up, Jaehyun would teasingly sigh and pretend to be stressed about it. You would kick his shin under the table, signalling for him to cut it out which makes him laugh. “She’s actually improving a lot, y/n’s a fast learner.” And you would smile proudly at your mum when Jaehyun praises you and Jaehyun would mutter out comments along the lines of “it’s all because of me.” which causes you to roll your eyes.

-

You rushed over to the indoor stadium where Jaehyun would be playing at right after school, not wanting to miss a second of the game. You usually sit with some of Jaehyun’s friends who were always really nice and would save you a spot. You entered the indoor stadium and as expected it was already almost full since it was an important game. The players were already warming up and you were trying your best to look for Sicheng and Taeyong who you knew were somewhere in the audience.

You saw someone standing up in the sea of your schoolmates and waving enthusiastically at you, you instantly recognised him to be Taeyong and waved back as you made your way over. When you got to them, you sat in between the two of them and greeted them. Sicheng handed you the clappers provided and you thanked him. “Jaehyun was looking for you in the audience, he looked so nervous when he couldn’t find you.”

You looked at the players running on court and easily spotted Jaehyun, the well-built boy with the name, Jung and the number 2 on his back. They were finishing up their warm up drills and Jaehyun was very obviously trying to spot for you whenever he was waiting for his turn. When he finally spotted you, the frown on his face disappeared and was replaced with a smile. He waved at you and you waved back. Jaehyun would be lying if he said seeing you didn’t help him calm down. Usually, people felt more pressure when people came to watch them play but for Jaehyun it was different. He always wanted to show you the best sides of him, after years of him being an annoying brat, he only wants you to see his good sides. Of course, he always does his best on court because he loves basketball. But he pushes beyond his best when he knows you’re here to see him. Even his teammates know by now that you drive him to do even better. Jaehyun is a different person when you’re around, a better person in every way even though he was already good.

Eventually the referee calls for the teams to line up to get ready for the game. When they called Jaehyun’s name and introduced him as captain, you cheered along with everyone else. Jaehyun was pretty popular even though he denies it. He was good looking, skilled and smart. But he was humble about it, many people came down to watch the games just because of him.  

Needless to say, both teams were really good and it was a really tight game. By half time, your school team was behind by 9 points. Taeyong was talking about how they needed a break through if they wanted to win the game. From where you were, Jaehyun was resting on the bench as he listened to his coach. He looked tired, he has been driving to and scoring to the best that he could whenever he got the chance. The coach eventually stopped talking and gestured for the main players to continue stretching and to regulate their breathing as they moved to the opposite side.

They had about 5 more minutes before the second half begins and you could just tell from his face that he was really stressed and tense. Jaehyun was leaning against the wall, rolling the ankle of his weaker leg, the one he fractured before and was more prone to injuries. Now that they switched sides, he was closer to where you were sitting and you decided to take the chance before the 5 minutes run out to go and try to calm him down. You excused yourself to the toilet which logically meant you needed to walk past Jaehyun to get there.

He was still frowning at the wooden floor while rolling his ankle as you got closer to him. “You alright?” You asked in a soft voice when you were next to him, not wanting to scare him with your sudden presence. He looked up from glaring at the floor and looked at you with wide eyes. “Does your ankle hurt?” You asked as you passed him the bottle of water you brought with you. He shook his head as he muttered a soft “thank you” before drinking the water.

“You’re doing great, I know you guys can do this. I believe in you.” You then used your thumb to press in between his brows, something you’ve been doing recently to smooth out his frown. “You can do this,” you whispered loud enough for him to hear. He chuckled as he nodded his head. “You came all the way down here just to cheer me up?” He asked teasingly, trying his best to hide his smile but failing miserably. You didn’t expect this reaction from him and you knew you were starting to turn red and before you could say anything else, he pat your head lightly as he muttered a “cute… thank you.”

The referee announced that it was a minute before the second half started and you waved at Jaehyun before hurrying back to your seat. You didn’t want to think that it was because of you but Jaehyun started to play as if it was his last match. As if he had nothing else to lose.

Needless to say, they won by a mere 5 points. Jaehyun and his team huddled when they won and jumped up and down in celebration. You were so happy for him and couldn’t wipe the smile off your face. With this win, they were going into the semi-finals and you knew how important this was to Jaehyun. Taeyong and Sicheng waited with you for Jaehyun to finish his debrief and for him to change out of his jersey. When he came out the two boys cheered and attacked him with hugs and friendly pushes, a way of congratulating him.

The four of you took the bus back to the bus stop near school since it was easier for all of you instead of walking home. There were barely any seats left, you knew Jaehyun was tired after his game and tried persuading him to take the seat instead, but he insisted that you sit since it was only a short three stop ride. So as you sat down, the three boys stood.

When you four alighted the bus, Sicheng and Taeyong walked towards their homes in the opposite direction from you and Jaehyun. You bid them goodbye and Jaehyun thanked them for supporting him as you all separated ways.

On the way home, it was pretty quiet which was fine because you were sure he was tired. He hugged his shoe bag close to his chest and he walked beside you. “Thank you for earlier,” he said. You told him not to worry about it, that you always enjoyed watching him play anyways. “No, for coming down to cheer me on. I was starting to feel helpless but you made me feel like I could do it, so thank you.”

“It’s nothing, you were frowning so hard I thought your face was going to cramp up,” you joked, causing him to laugh. You felt like your heart was going to explode, remembering how he pat your head earlier and how he teased you. It was nothing out of the ordinary but it definitely felt different. Could it be that he was starting to feel the same way as you did?

Jaehyun’s hands started getting clammy, he felt like today was that day. As time went by, ever since the day you two started being friends, he’s been feeling more and more comfortable around you. He always wondered why he never tried being your friend when you two clicked so well. Slowly, as comfortable as it was being around you, he got nervous more constantly too. Every time you would praise him after his game, or when you would look at him with those eyes, silently pleading him to explain the question just… one more time. Those eyes, how could he get frustrated when you look at him with those eyes? And that time when you improved in your Math grade and ran up to him at school, engulfing him in a hug before shoving the test paper in his face. He gets nervous because he thinks you look beautiful when you laugh till there’s tears in your eyes when you two watch “FRIENDS” and even when you cry at the end of “The Notebook.” Every night, his feelings for you only became more clear to him and he wondered if you will ever feel the same. But the look in your eyes when you said you believed in him, he knew in that moment that you felt the same way.

So today was the day, today he’s going to tell you how he felt.

Even though you two walked slowly, you two were unfortunately, already in front of your house. Despite living right opposite, Jaehyun always makes sure you’re in your house and safe before he walks across the road to get to his house. So now, you two are standing outside your house, getting ready to part ways. You were smiling at him even though deep down inside you wished you two walked slower, just so you could stay by his side a little longer. Even if it’s in the silence. You congratulate him one more time as you pat the side of his left arm. He thanked you again, unable to hide his smile this time. You truly love the way Jaehyun smiles at you, it makes you happy just seeing him happy.

You’re about to turn around to walk towards your house when Jaehyun pulls the strap on your bag to prevent you from doing so. You looked at him with a slight frown on your face, “what’s wrong?”

He’s biting onto his lower lip, that causes his dimples to be on display. He looks nervous and the tip of his ears are pink. “I have to tell you something,” he says after a few seconds of silence. “I don’t know when it happened or how it happened, but I think…” he paused and it only confused you more. You nod, encouraging him to speak his mind. “What I meant to say is… uh… I think… no… I-I know that the way I feel about you now, is not how a friend should feel about another friend.”

You didn’t know how to react to his sudden confession. It was not like he was exactly clear about how he felt. You opened your mouth to say something, only to close it again. Jaehyun rubbed the back of his neck, a slight smile on his face. “Sorry, I know that was really sudden. I just… had to tell you.”

“Are you saying that… you want to be more than friends?” You asked hesitantly, daring yourself to look him in the eyes. He chuckled while nodding, “so what do you mean by that?” you asked again.

“What I mean is, I think we should d-date. What do you think?”

Jaehyun’s ears were the reddest they’ve ever been and you think he looks extremely cute right now with how he’s looking at you expectantly. You let out a giggle you’ve been keeping in and he laughs too. “What are you laughing at?”

You shake your head as you replied, “I think dating sounds really good.” He chuckled as he took a step closer to you. “And I’m laughing because your ears are really red, they look like they’re burning.” He touches one of his ears as he tells you that they actually are really warm. “I must look so stupid right now,” he mumbles looking down at his feet. “You do~” you teased him.

“Yea, I’m stupidly in love with you.” And thinking about it, it really wasn’t that funny at all but maybe it’s the joy in both of you from knowing that the other person feels the same way about you that drew the laughter out from you two. “Finally, I don’t have to hold myself back from doing this.”

Before you could ask him what he means, he drops his shoebag and leans in to give you a peck on your forehead. This beautifully warm feeling blooms in your chest and you can’t help yourself from blushing. The butterflies in your stomach are going crazy and you don’t try to stop them this time. You feel Jaehyun’s arms wrap around your waist as he clasped you in his arms. You place your hands on his shoulders and just admire his features, he’s looking down and smiling at you and you’ve never felt happier. You returned his peck with a peck on his cheek before you slipped out of his embrace while he was busy being shocked and jogged towards your front door. You waved at him as you opened the door to finally get home and he waves back at you with that pretty smile on his face, the smile you grew to love so much.

Before you went to bed that night, you received a text from Jaehyun.

11:57pm - before the day ends, goodnight. thank you for everything <3 -

11:57pm - btw look out the window plssss -

You hurried to your bedroom window and pulled the curtains back to look over to Jaehyun’s window. He just waved and smiled at you, then your phone buzzed in your hands again.

11:59pm - that’s all, just wanted to see your face again before the day ends -

You looked over to his window again and saw that his lights were now out. You sent a quick reply before turning your own lights off.

12:00am - ok weirdo, gn <3 -

That night you went to sleep after reflecting on the past few months. Life had a weird way of falling into place. You never saw eye to eye with Jaehyun since you two were kids because you never tried to. Ironically, when bad things happened, he was the one who protected you and looked out for you. Maybe things didn’t work out with anyone else for a reason. Because the person you were looking for has been there the whole time.

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click here for part 2!!