#sorry i'm so stuck on arranged marriage today it will happen again

[suguwu]

gojo who falls in love with the nakōdo who is supposed to be setting up an arranged marriage for him

[gaslysainz]

Lost (PG10) pt4

Summary: The world is utterly unfair. He was her most prized possession, her life, her first ever commitment of love. But to him, she was just a mere person lost in his big world.

warnings: ; unrequited feelings; Pierre is a douche , arrange marriage, angst, explicit scenes and languages.

Author's Note~ Heya guys! I present to you the 4th part of my fanfic. I'm overwhelmed by the response ❤️ Really Thanks a lot to everyone who had liked the story so far. Something's have started to cook. Hope you look forward to it. Love You All 😘 Here's my first ever story for you guys. As soon as I finish this one, I'll start taking requests maybe! Till then please show your love and support for "LOST".

This one's a filler chapter, so please bear with me.

Something completely different happened today. A knock at my door woke me up from my 1 hour nap which has unfortunately turned into a 3 hour nap. I stood up from the bed and opened the door only to find my husband standing there and running a hand through his curls. Oh! What a sight! He looks like a Greek God.

"Hey! Did you need something? I'm sorry I fell asleep, also you can come inside"

He thanked me and entered my room, this is completely new. But nonetheless, I had to take a chance. He was looking around the room and the pictures hanging on the walls. His eyes stuck to one picture in particular. A picture captured by Pierre's mom of Isaac, Pierre and myself. It was Halloween and Isaac wanted to be a Vampire and on the other hand Pierre and Me were Romeo and Juliet. He was 6 and I was 4! We did not even know who Romeo and Juliet were! It was because of the elders who had insisted on these costumes! Oh! What I'd give to have those days back.

"You need something?"

"Ah! No, um actually yes, I have to attend an event with the rest of grid tomorrow. And you have to come with me. So be ready by 7pm tomorrow, will you? Wear something nice. I'll send someone with dresses for you to choose today in the evening. Just pick something from there."

There it is! Like I've mentioned before, he only remembers me when he needs something or needs to go somewhere to show off the world our so called amazing married life. *Scoff* But I'm not mad, at least I'll be able to meet HIM after so many days. The only person who happens to care even a little bit for me. Who always greets me with a beautiful smile on his face. A friend? Nope, he's like an angel for me.

I really hope everyone gets a friend like him!

" *Cough* *cough* You there?"

" Oh yea! I'm sorry, I was a bit distracted. Umm, Why don't you take Julia with you? I'm sure she would love to accompany you and also I'm sure she has several dresses in her wardrobe already. Won't even have to buy a dress last minute"

The look Pierre gave me after I mentioned Julia simply yelled 'ARE YOU CRAZY'. I mean I knew why he wouldn't take Julia, but I just find a different kind of satisfaction by reminding it to him.

"Um, I'll be ready tomorrow. Don't worry. By the way, where's Julia?"

"I sent her home, no need for her to stay here for these two days, either way we'd be busy. It'll only distract us."

Oh well! That was odd! Distract us from what exactly? Sometimes this man leaves no tables unturned to confuse me to no end. Anyways. I know better now than to crack my brain over these things. It's actually useless cause I won't get anymore clear answers from him than this.

"Any specific colour that I need to keep in mind while choosing the dress?"

"Not that I'm aware of, just keep it a bit formal. I'll get going. If Julia calls or comes asking for me, just tell her I've been out for a meeting since morning."

And then he rushed out the door, not before checking our childhood photo once again. Okay! That was highly confusing! I mean why was he avoiding Julia? Or am I reading too much between the lines? No one knows. I better go eat something until then.

But still, I'm a bit lost here.

LOST in confusion.

PS - Please lemme know what do you think about LOST and also let me know if you wanna be added to the tag list ❤️

@peachiicherries @crimeshowjunkie @oblomovissad @torossosebs @janeholt3

[stargazingfordreams]

The Star that missed The Sun

Nyx x Reader

Warning- arrange marriage, cute stuff.

A/N-Hello everyone, I have had this idea stuck in my head ever since I read something on here that gave me this idea, and it hasn't left me alone since then, so I finally just put it in writing, tell me if you guys want a part to cause after I wrote this I just started to get this whole story line going.

Word count- 2.3k

​​The pulling and tugging of my hair, my face, and my body as various different hand maidans helped me get ready for my wedding. Though it wasn't meant to be mine. After my sister passed, we had no way to bridge the day court and the night court.

Our fathers had long since been friends but wanted to secure our futures from the unknown threats that may be on the horizon. One maiden had pulled my curls just a little too hard.

"Okay, okay, that is enough. I think I need a moment," I said to them, but they looked at each other for a moment. "Please go, all of you," I said, my voice a little more firm this time. When everyone had left, I took deep breaths to slow my pounding heart. The door opened again.

"Please, I just need a moment," I said

"I just wanted to see you once more before You walk down the aisle" I turned to the voice from the door.

"Father," High lord Heilon stood proud in my dressing room. I ran into his arms.

"Are you okay, my little sunspot?" he chuckled into my curly hair. I sniffled

"Yes, of course, it's just my wedding day, you know," my voice wavered.

"And you're scared?" he asked me. I could never hide anything from him.

"Father, the night court, I have heard…rumors about their cruelty" I pulled myself from his arms.

"Do you think I would ever let you be put in harm's way" he held such a soft tone.

"No, of course not. However, I have never met him, and after today I will have to spend the rest of my life with him, and I was not his first choice" I moved from my father's arms. He sighed, and we both moved to sit on the ottoman in my bridal sweet.

"You know I didn't know much about your mother when we married."

"And look at what happened." I held my breath, not meaning for that to come out as it did.

"I have three beautiful daughters," he told me lightly.

"She left to go explore the world and be on her own and stuck you with the three of us," I said

"And raising you girls was the best thing I have done."

"Even me? Your most troubled" I let out a soft chuckle as a tear passed my face. He whipped it gently with a smile as bright as the sun.

"Essentially you, my little sunspot."

There was a knock at the door, and a handmaiden entered.

"My lady, everyone is ready" I looked up at my father like a fawn, but I nodded. My father offered me his arm, and I took it, giving him my best smile.

We walked down the hall to the big doors, and they opened themselves slowly, revealing white Wisteria hanging from the trees that were in the garden; white linen lined the seating, and white petals fell as I walked down the aisle, watching familiar and some not so familiar faces smiling and A priestess with red hair and teal eyes waiting at the end with my future husband.

I reached the end, and it was time for my father to let me go, but I wasn't ready yet. He Gave me a weak smile, a tear brimming in his eye. I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I love you, Papa," I whispered in his ear.

"I love you too, Sunspot," He said back. I was sure that those tears had escaped. When I pulled away. He gave me a smile and helped me up to the altar. There was a hand stretched out to me. I looked up and was caught in his blue eyes before I remembered to take his hand. The priestess began the ceremony, and I looked at his chin to look like I was looking at him. I could not afford to get lost in his eyes again, but I felt them on me, and with his smile, I dared to look at them. I saw nothing but admiration. The priestess had said my name.

"I'm sorry, what?" I said to her as I came back to my senses. I heard small chuckles come from the crowd. My cheeks heated with embarrassment. She repeated herself, and it was our turn to repeat her.

"By Sun, Moon, and stars in front of all of these witnesses and the mother herself, I take you to be my Husband" the priestess had wrapped a rope around my forearm around my hand.

"By Sun, Moon, and stars in front of all of these witnesses and the mother herself, I take you to be my wife," Nyx had said back to me.

"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

The kiss was our first one. He leaned in and placed the most tender of kisses on my lips. It wasn't a kiss you would exchange with someone you didn't know. He kissed me like he didn't want to overwhelm me but also like he had been waiting for this moment his whole life. He kissed me like I was a dream that had been answered. When He pulled away, I was still in a daze, so much so that I almost missed the sound of clapping and cheering. He only smiled and offered me his arms. I took it, and we walked back down the aisle. The flower petals that flowed down this time were. A combination of our colors that signify the unification of our courts.

The reception was lively from both courts, everyone dancing and drinking like they have been doing this for centuries, and they probably have. I was so much younger than everyone here. I felt so out of place. I know that Nyx wanted to be there and join his friends and family in the celebration, but he stayed next to me. I silently hoped that this wouldn't be the basis of our marriage. Me holding him back, or him feeling obligated to stay with me not because he wanted to but because it was his duty.

"You should join them if you would like," I told him. I believe this was the first thing I had said to him, at least outside my vows.

"Do you dance, My lady?" He asked, his voice soft.

"Not if you value the ability to use your feet" The remark slipped out. Though I thought he wouldn't like the sass, would we have our inside joke laugh about nothing, tease and poke fun at one another? Instead, Nyx laughed something so relaxedly.

"I think my feet can handle the bruising" he stood and held out his hand, and I took it. Then, as if he could read my anxious thoughts, he put his arm around my waist and led me to the middle of the dance floor. Held one hand and put the other on my back. The first step was just a little off.

"Ooof, I'm sorry; maybe this was a bad idea," I said, getting ready to pull away, but he grounded me in place.

"Don't worry, it's okay, just relax, let me lead, just follow," he said. This time I let go and let him lead me to the sound of the music. This was the first time I had the courage honestly look at him. His black leather wings were strong enough to carry him in the air, his broad shoulders the way he towered over me, and his devastatingly good looks. He was the most beautiful male I had ever seen.

My dancing could have been better, it wasn't perfect, not by any standard, but I was doing it. I was so focused on Nyx and dancing with him to the best of my ability that I hadn't seen the people who cleared the dance floor to honor this being the first time we danced together. I was so excited at the dance I stepped forward and stepped on his toes. No one noticed, though. Instead, he smiled down at me.

"I see what you mean," he whispered in my ear. Then, he pulled away to spin me slowly and carried me through the rest of the dance…

The night began to whine down, and people began to leave. Fear crept into the pit of my stomach. It was our wedding night, and things would be expected of us. This wouldn't be my first time, but something about being married to him makes this feel so much more important.

"Are we leaving right now, my lord?" I asked him.

"Yes, we are, and if you would like, you can address me by my name."

"Right, I'm sorry, Nyx" I paused for a moment before I continued. "You may also address me by mine unless you prefer to call me My lady."

"Cauldron, no, it would be the waist of a beautiful name."

We said our goodbyes. I hugged my father goodbye. He looked to the corner where my half-brother stood with a longing look of regret while he and his mate chatted. I watched the whole night as my father and brother avoided each other, but it's always been this way since I was born, the two of them never being able to be around each other before harsh words are exchanged. I hope that with my new position in the court, he frequents, we can finally have a relationship and maybe extend it to our father. After my father left, he made his way over.

"Hello dear, You look stunning. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Elaine Nyx's aunt" She embarrassed me with a hug. Stepping away to take a good look at me.

"Sister," Lucien gave me a nod.

"Brother, it's good to see you."

"I suppose congratulations are in order, sister; looks like I have to share the night court with you as well," he said sarcastically with a hint of disdain on his face before giving a quick smile and hurrying along with Elaine. I looked over to Nyx. His eyes are studying me with concern. But I waved it off and continued to say goodbye to our guests.

"Are you ready to go?" Nyx turned to me. I took his hand, and we winnowed into the foyer of his home. I looked around at the cozy setting around us. We landed in a sitting room with a black marble fireplace and worn comfortable chairs with bookshelves built into every wall. I felt the urge to explore it.

"This is my family's townhouse where we will be living, at least for now," he said. I felt calm anxiety wash over me. He led me up the broad oak stairs and approached an ivory door. When we entered the room, it faced a garden in the back of the house that, in the center, had a fountain. The room was white gold and ivory. It looked like Day court, from the gold fabric that lined the soft pillows on my bed and the lounge chair to the ivory comforts and blanket vines hung from the canopy above the bed. It looked like home.

"I had it designed after your court. If you don't like it, feel free to change it," he said

"This is my room?" I asked to take a step into the room.

"Yes, of course, my room is right across the hall in case you need anything." he stepped away. I followed him into his room. The ceiling was the night sky painted with black satin sheets and dark oak wood furniture. He turned to me, looking slightly confused.

"Would you like a drink?" he walked to the corner of his room where he had a small bar cart next to a desk full of papers.

"Yes, a double, please," I said to him as he poured the two glasses giving me the one with the most alcohol. I took the whole shot in one big gulp, scrunching my face, and the burning whisky went down my throat. He chuckled

"Well, I can say that I am impressed," he said as he chuckled. I smiled weakly as I set the glass down. Raising my trembling hands to undo my dress. He approached me, closing his hands around mine, stopping me from undoing my dress.

"I'm sorry. Did you want to do this part?" I asked him though my voice didn't sound as confident as I wanted it to.

"I wasn't expecting us to… we don't have to do this, you know, not if you don't want to" he looked at me more worried than anything.

"But we are husband and wife."

"And you are also trembling" I looked down at his hands still closed around mine.

"Am I not… Do I not appeal to you? I understand if I don't, my father he sometimes-"

"No, No, I enjoy females trust me" he chuckled at my confession, which made my cheek heat.

"Oh," I looked down ashamed, thinking it must be me.

"It's not you either. I would never share your bed against your will."

"But other people will think-"

"I won't take you to bed…not unless you ask for me" He paused before he said the last part smiling at me.

"Thank you" There are many good males, but there are just as many that aren't, and Nyx was a good one. Do you think I would ever let you be put in harm's way? I understood now that my father trusted High lord Rhysand and his family more than I thought. He knew that I would never be in harm's way here.

"I think maybe tomorrow we can get to know each other better. Would you like to join me for breakfast in the morning?" he asked.

"That would be lovely."

"I should get some sleep. I have a long day ahead of me" I gave a slight nod,

"Goodnight, Nyx"

"Goodnight, starshine" I headed to my room and looked around again at my new surroundings.

My room

My home

My Court.

[kpop-cakepops]

Hii, I hope you are doing great!

First I wanted to say that I love all of your works, I'm so in love with the damaged and snuggle donation series! You melted my heart with those😭

Well, I was wondering if I can ask for a similar concept but with johnny or junhui, pure fluff to melt my heart

Thank you and have a nice week ❤

Hi! Since I've never written about Jun before, I'm gonna go for it this time! Thank you for requesting and hope you enjoy ♡ (ALSO I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK FOREVER BUT IT WAS DELETED AND THEN I WAS ALL UPSET THAT I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE WILL TO RE-WRITE IT UNTIL TODAY)

Warnings: none

Genre: Fluff

Word count: 2,229

On The Dancefloor// Moon Junhui X Fem!Reader

"... and over there we keep the towels because, you know, we're some sweaty boys " Vernon, your younger best friend, told you as you stepped inside the dance practice room.

You had never been there before. Being a science major yourself, you didn't exactly have a reason to, but Vernon had been asking you to drop by since the start of the semester. Especially since you'd be graduating soon.

"Well... that is very nice, Vernon." You mentioned as you looked around the place trying to hold in a grimace at the mention of sweat.

Loud laughs interrupted from behind you two as two young guys entered the room. "Oh! You guys came!"

"Vernonie!" One of them, the one that had been loudly laughing pounced on the younger boy and ruffled his hair. "We had no idea you'd be here."

"Oh, I promised Y/N a tour of the performing arts facility" he grinned. You waved your hand out at them in shy greeting. "Y/N, this is Soonyoung, Soonyoung this is Y/N, and that's Junhui, Junhui this is Y/N, she's my best friend."

"Nice to meet you! Any friend of Vernon's is our friend, am I right, Jun?"

Junhui quietly nodded, his big catlike eyes avoiding Y/N's curious ones. "I'll have to agree with that... you guys also dancers?"

"They're my seniors. They graduated last year, Soonyoung was our club's president and Junhui was one of the officers..."

Your gaze dropped upon the taller man and suddenly the thought of sweaty dancers didn't seem to appear as disgusting as it had just moments before. "You guys still dance?"

The question was meant to be aimed at the two men but your eyes seemed to be trained on Junhui alone. His face flushed as he rubbed at the back of his neck. "Yeah, I volunteer as a dance instructor on the weekends at an arts center for kids of low income" the tall man replied making your heart nearly burst with admiration. A part of you was convinced he was an angel.

"I run a dance academy, but I don't think you care too much about that" added Soonyoung with a little smirk. His mischievous eyes bouncing between Jun and yourself.

"Oh, that's really cool. What do you do during the week?" you asked curiously.

"He helps run his-"

"I HAVE A REGULAR OFFICE JOB" Jun cut his friend off loudly your brows jumping in confusion. "I um, I just, have a regular office job, at a regular office place."

"That's cool. Have you two had dinner yet?" you asked.

"I did, but Jun hasn't. Weren't you saying you were really hungry Jun?" Soonyoung nudged his friend with his elbow and wiggled his brows.

"I- yeah, but you said you'd come with me-"

"I actually just remembered I have to drop something off with Dino, you know, since he's starting his run as the club's president next semester, now that Minghao is graduating... anyways, don't worry about me and Vernon. I drove here, so I can get the both of us back home safely." Soonyoung quickly grabbed the clueless Vernon and started to walk him out of the room, leaving both you and Jun alone and awkwardly standing in the silent studio.

"What... just happened?" You asked.

Jun was internally freaking out. Soonyoung, better than anyone, knew how socially awkward he could get around people he didn't know, BUT LEAVING HIM ALONE WITH A GIRL?! A PRETTY ONE AT THAT?!

"Welcome to Top 10 anime betrayals" he blurted in a daze.

"Huh?"

Junhui snapped out of it and looked over at you. "Huh?"

You wanted to laugh, but the anguish in Jun's face seemed pretty real. "So, do you feel comfortable having dinner with me or would you rather just go off by yourself? I'm absolutely fine either way" You assured not wanting him to feel pressured into doing something he wasn't comfortable with.

Jun stared at you as he weighed down his options. He could go to dinner with you, oh so pretty you, and fight through his awkwardness. Or he could go eat alone and look like a sad, friendless idiot... which he wasn't because he had friends... but everyone watching him wouldn't know that. "Uh, we can go have dinner together," he said softly.

"Are you sure?" You asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I just don't know what I want to eat" he admitted.

"I know a place if you're up for it."

The man nodded shyly and stuck his hands deep in his pockets. "Okay... my car's out front, come on"

The car wasn't exactly what you'd expected from a simple office worker that volunteered at a dance center for kids. Did you expect a Honda at best? Yes. But an expensive, brand new Audi? NO. "I'm scared of even stepping foot in this thing. Oh my god... is it yours?"

Jun's face was flushed as he became flustered. "Yeah" that's all he was willing to offer at the moment. The last thing he wanted to talk about was how rich his family was and how he was running the Korean branch of his father's Chinese company. That would only serve to either push you far far away or have you chasing him down for his money.

"Damn... well that's pretty cool." You told him as you fixed your seatbelt on. "I guess I'll show you the way to my friend's restaurant. I promise he's a really good cook."

He was also a very nosy cook because the moment you stepped into the small restaurant, Mingyu's eyes were wide and on the tall man that walked in with you. Jun was oblivious as he took in the small place, almost as if he had never seen such a place.

"Welcome!" The small part-timer he had hired greeted, but your friend was quick to snatch the menus from her hands and walked over to you and Jun.

"Hi there, table for two? I'll have you seated" he greeted politely making you snort as he really only had 3 tables in total and one was already being occupied by another couple.

"Oh, thank you. You have great service" Jun complimented making you want to squish his cheeks.

"We're often told that! Chaeyoung, bring in some dumplings for the couple, it's on the house!" Mingyu called out. The tiny girl huffing something under her breath as she disappeared into the kitchen.

"I thought this was your friend's restaurant," Jun said.

"It is, this is my friend Mingyu. He just likes to pretend he doesn't know me sometimes" you clarified.

"I have no idea what she's talking about. I'm not her friend, matter of fact, she has no guy friends, so if you want to shoot your shot as the cool kids like to say, you're totally free to do so" he said.

Jun cleared his throat and you swore if he wasn't there you would have kicked Mingyu's ass in a heartbeat. "Where is your restroom?" Asked Jun.

God bless his soul.

Mingyu showed him there before coming back over to the table with a loud smirk. "You, where the hell did you get THAT man? He's wearing Armani slacks, Y/N!"

"First of all shut up you're embarrassing me, and second of all, he's Vernon's friend so don't even try to mess this up between us. I just want to be his friend." You said as you stuffed a dumpling in your mouth.

"Yeah and I'm the queen of England. I am not blind, ma'am, I saw the sexual tension between you two-"

"Are you sure that wasn't the raging social anxiety between us?" You questioned with a little eye roll. Mingyu loved to think he was some sort of love expert when his love life was deader than the dead sea.

Mingyu grabbed the plate of dumplings and moved it out of your reach, "I said drop the act"

"Okay so he's cute and I wouldn't mind him breaking my back on the dancefloor... but I don't think he's interested in a boring biology major like me." You snatched the plate away from Mingyu again. "Plus. I'm pretty sure I've seen him on the news. He's like rich RICH, so he's probably got an arranged marriage going or something"

Jun was listening. He had been standing behind the wall listening into the conversation and couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed that you knew who he was.

"You watch too much TV. Plus, isn't it a good thing that he's rich? Secure that bag!" Mingyu patted you on the shoulder.

"Do I look like a gold digger to you?" You asked. "Do you actually want to get your ass kicked? Jun's a nice guy... Vernon wouldn't be friends with him if he wasn't, so I'm just looking to be his friend"

"For now?" He asked.

"Kim Mingyu..." your tone was direct and your eyes alone told him it was time to drop the conversation.

Unbeknownst to you, Junhui was still standing behind the wall of the hallway that led to the bathroom. He was torn on what to make of the conversation. He wasn't sure if he liked Mingyu, but there was probably a reason both you and Vernon kept him around, right? Then there was that whole other issue... you knew who he was but for some reason, you weren't running away but neither were you chasing after him for his money. It made his heart flutter a bit, and yes, he was aware that the bar was set very low. After a few deep breaths, he stepped back out, causing Mingyu to jump out of his seat and smile at Junhui with a knowing smile.

"I'll go ahead and bring you today's special. Excuse me"

You watched as your crazy friend walked back into the kitchen, you could see Chaeyoung snapping at him for leaving her to do the work alone. She sometimes made you wonder who was the boss among the two of them.

"So, what were you guys talking about?" Asked Junhui as he looked at the drinks the small part-timer had brought over.

"Just stuff" you smiled. "He's an idiot, but he's a good guy, I guess."

"Are you guys close?"

You nodded in response, "we met through Vernon. They used to be under the same modeling agency as kids."

"Ah, no wonder he's so handsome." He mumbled looking over at the man at the counter. Jun couldn't help but compare himself to him.

"Don't worry, you have a nicer nose than him" you joked and leaned back on your chair, your hair dropping back, leaving your new friend to admire you.

She still hasn't asked.

"I think it's funny" he finally built up the courage to say. "That you know who I am but haven't asked about it yet"

His words came to you as a surprise but you shrugged your shoulders, "It's only my business if you want it to be. You seemed to not want to talk about it earlier, so why should I put you in a tough spot?"

"Are you always this nice?" He asked with a little smile.

"Only around people that I like" you grinned in response. Your lips pursing around your straw.

It seemed that Jun was now hyper-aware of every movement you were making. From the way your eyes impatiently dropped on Mingyu, urging him to hurry with your food, to the way you tapped your fingernails on the tabletop.

"My parents aren't arranging a marriage for me" he broke the silence suddenly.

The news making you choke on your drink. "Sorry?"

Crap. He hadn't meant to say that out loud, it was a habit Jun had been working on ridding himself of. "I- I mean-"

Your ear burned in embarrassment and you dropped your gaze, "please tell me you didn't hear all that?!"

"I didn't mean to-"

"Oh my god, Junhui, I'm so sorry! I promise you we weren't gossiping about you-" you were cut off by Mingyu placing your food down on the table.

"Yeah, we were." He stated nonchalantly. "She also thinks you're good-looking and would really love for you to, and I quote, 'break her back on the dancefloor' just in case you missed it."

"Kim ming-"

The bell of the front door jingled giving your friend the perfect excuse to leave you both alone again. "Welcome!" And he was gone.

"Oh my god, I swear I just-" you didn't even know what to say. All you could do was wish that all of it were a nightmare and that you'd jostle awake any second.

"I mean, I won't break your back, but I could teach you some dancing if you want" Junhui, who was just as embarrassed as you were, was avoiding your eyes entirely as he spoke.

"What?" You squeaked.

"At the center with the kids, this Saturday. I can pick you up" he managed to speak the full sentence without choking.

You couldn't believe that was how you scored your very first date with the Wen Junhui. Over hotpot at your idiot friend's tiny restaurant. IN THE MOST EMBARRASSING WAY POSSIBLE.

"By the way... I think smart girls that like biology are cute" there he went again, blurting the first thing that came to his mind.

I really need to stop doing that.

[kozutenshi]

"neh, tooru." he tilted his head to the side, looking at your figure arranging the pillows in your small makeshift house.

"i'll definitely marry you when we're older."

he chuckled at your sudden outburst, not coping with what you said. "what do you even mean by that?"

"well, marriage.. isn't that what happens when two people want to stay together in each other's side forever?" your unsure and confused expression made him laugh harder. the pout on your lips made him stop, patting your cheek with a soft smile on his face.

"well then, i guess i'm gonna have to get a ring ready."

BALAY BALAY

— "bahay-bahayan" in Filipino!

— a game played my two or more wherein the kids would act like a real family doing what a family does normally. literally in simple terms, playing house.

— used to play this with my cousin, two other friends, and my childhood friend. yes, my childhood friend was the dad and i was the mom.

sometimes, you wonder which events made things turn out to be how they currently were.

seasons change, and your years of stay in this world had been growing. the amount of times you told a lie or two, the amount of times you cried, laughed, burst out of anger; collectively, this was what our life was.

oikawa thinks the same way too.

the young man sat on the park bench, looking out to the beach of brazil. he should be in argentina right now, practicing the sport he loves, but ever since he got the mail, it was as if a part of him felt too empty to function. his team gave him a week off, and he found himself going back to brazil reminiscing.

he thumbed the gold letterings, almost wishing the letter came with your scent instead of the roses that made the contents painfully obvious.

of course he had opened it, the seal already broken enough to know that he had opened it several times. taking a deep breath, he held his tears back.

how did it come to this?

on the other side of the world, you waited for his answer, the man you stuck with since children. it had been days since the mail was reportedly received. you were nervous, gulping down a lump on your throat to his lack of response. warm arms wrapped you from behind, kissing your temple. "hasn't he replied yet?"

his hand took yours, playing with the ring he gave you and drawing slow therapeutic circles on your skin. you smiled sadly at your fiancee, before shaking your head and melting into his arms. "nope. aren't you supposed to be at work?" he chuckled sheepishly before picking up his things and kissing you tenderly. "yeah. i'm off now. i'm sure he's just preoccupied so don't stress yourself over his response, yeah?" you nodded, sending him off with a loving smile which he returned.

as the door closed, your eyes went back to the laptop screen, begrudgingly thinking of your work before sitting down and continuing it. you didn't know what time it was when you finished, but it was probably an hour or two already when the doorbell rang.

lazily, you stood up and opened the door to find oikawa standing at your doorstep. "yo, n/n-chan." your eyes showed your shock and your body froze, before you relaxed and chuckled. "yikes, i'm hallucinating," you muttered under your breath before closing the door in his face.

"you know.. i'm flattered that you think of me that much that i can be a hallucination.. but for real, i'm 100% human, no alien stuff here."

the "I can't believe you're here" face you had made him chuckle, opening his arms for you to fall into. your scent was familiar, your warmth, your smile, until you dissolved into sobs. frantically, he moved away from you and wiped the tears off tenderly with shaky hands. "what? why are you crying?!"

"tooru! why weren't responding to me?" he chuckled nervously, knowing full well that telling the real reason will complicate things. "i wasn't sure what to answer just yet so i decided to discuss the matter with my coaches first. sorry, n/n-chan. now, can you stop crying, princess?"

it was painful to lie to you, but if it is for what's better, then he'd do it. "don't call me that." you urge yourself to move away and invite him into your apartment shared with your fiance. his eyes scanned the loft, noting the things that mirrored your personality on every shelf, every wall.

"how long have you been here in japan?"

"this is my third day. i'll go back tomorrow."

"ah, i see. then shall we spend the day together?"

"yeah. i did meet the three guys yesterday. it's your turn."

you placed the bowl of chips in front of him, urging to eat while he raised his eyebrows in question. "why didn't you invite me?"

"better question. why are you eating chips this early?" you shrugged, shoving a piece or two into your mouth. "it's not that early. it's like, almost noon."

he rolled his eyes and started eating. the silence stretched on but it was comforting. his eyes raked on your figure, how you were still the same, but different. as if a part of you stayed, the other changed.

"oh yeah. i have to go to that volleyball thing to help takeru with his plays. wanna come with?"

"takeru, as in my nephew?"

"yeah, who else?"

"there are tons of takeru's in this country, y'know."

you shrugged. "well you have no choice. you're coming with. say cheese to the camera. i'll tell my fiancee about you suddenly being here." raising your phone, you snapped a photo to your fiance, telling him you'll spend the day with tooru which he agreed with a "take care" message.

oikawa watched your lips curve to a smile, the same one he fell in love with, only to realize it wasn't for him. was he hurt? no.

numb. that's what he was.

the two of you passed by your previous school, onto the training grounds reminiscing stories after stories. with a pouting takeru, the three of you watched the smaller children train, a fond smile on your face. a small little girl stumbled to you with tears. "mama?"

oikawa saw how petrified you looked for a second before you sat down and tried to ease her. he then recalled how the two of you used to play, hand in hand, eyes to eyes. he sat beside you, patting the head of the child lightly which she seemed to like.

you watched how he calmed her with no words, and how she went from crying to laughing in minutes. a fond smile was on your face when the mother came over and took the child.

"you two look good together. thank you so much for taking care of her."

"thank you but we aren't-"

"thank you. it was no problem ma'am!"

he waved a hand to the child who smiled at him and waved back. his smile was a genuine warm one, his eyes holding adoration, before they shifted to you. "what are you staring at, n/n-chan?"

you shook your head. "i just wondered where you got your skills in calming down a child until i remember takeru."

"I didn't learn it from taking care of him, y'know." confused, you looked at him, his eyes looking somewhere far. "i learned it from you." he stood up, stretching and looked down on your sitting figure.

"c'mon n/n-chan. before they remember who i am-"

"excuse me. you're oikawa tooru, right?"

a highschool girl shyly stood with her group of friends, their phones clutched to their chests. somehow this reminded you of the days when he was innocently playing volleyball with iwaizumi, until a bunch of girls came from the vending machines, clutching boxes of milk in different flavors, some holding milk bread in their hands. you deadpanned when you realize they were holding out their phones for you to take their picture.

"tooru. you better treat me food after this, okay?" he knew your look. the one that made him gulp and feel threatened. "yes, of course, n/n-chan."

and so he did, and before you know it, it was getting dark. the two of you were in the apartment, the credits rolling just like every other times the two of you bonded.

"today was fun."

it's always fun with you. "sure was."

now, unlike before, the silence was deafening. "have you ever wondered.. how things would've worked out if you did something different in the past?"

your question caught him off guard and he tensed up before he suck into the couch. "not really." a lie.

"it might weigh down on me too much if i did."

your chuckle came sad, a hint of pain under it. "i see." now the atmosphere was too quiet. the movie has rolled its credits, the TV flashing a selection of movies again.

painful. it was painfully obvious that something is wrong and you couldn't help but want to cry.

"do you.. remember-"

"will you come?"

your voice was unsure, shaky, loud, when you looked at him with tears in your eyes. "you will, right?" his heart cracked. he knew this would happen already. he flashed a soft smile before taking you in his arms.

"of course i will. it's the wedding of my favorite n/n-chan after all. besides, you know i.."

he pressed a kiss to your forehead, his thumb wiping your tears gently. there was something lonely about his movements, the way he caressed you, as if saying 'this is the last time', or maybe a temporary goodbye. he held you closer, his warmth enveloping you.

"i will always be there."

TRAVELLERS: @doodleniella @kenmakodzu @lyzzklm @mfcassandra @oikaw-ugh @seijohlogy @thesecondapplepienation

[girlseeksbook]

Highlander: Where We Are (A Highlander/Harry Styles Fanfiction)

Summary: Immortals Harry and Elisabeth were set up lovers from the start by fate, but torn apart by another Immortal, Louis Tomlinson. The year is 2019 and a hundred and eighty three years later, they've reunited by a simple letter. But Louis, out for revenge is set on taking their heads. Will he succeed?

There can be only one...and don't lose your head.

Part I, 1 of 2

Holmes Chapel, Cheshire 2019

A woman waited by the lake, in Forest Park which has now turned into Somerford Park Farm apparently. She absentmindedly looked at her reflection in the water, then she'd heard a buzz. She turned around to face a man, with short brunette hair, who looked as if he had not aged a bit. But that is because he hasn't and neither has she as they were Immortals.

'Elisabeth,' he breathed. He ran his hand through his already tousled hair, as he couldn't believe his eyes. 'God, it's been so long.'

'Three hundred and three years, to be exact.' She softly smiled.

'But it's been a hundred and twenty years since I last saw you.' His forest green eyes quickly scanned her body before meeting her eyes again. 'And you're still beautiful.'

'Harry,' she sighed.

Church Hulme, Cheshire 1716

'I told you, Mum. I don't want to meet another one of your brides that you and Father keep setting me up with.' Harry checked the tied ribbon around his neck, looking in the mirror as his mother stood behind him with pleading eyes. In the face, they almost looked more like siblings than mother and son. But Harry had the sharpest jawline and lightest green eyes.

'Oh, Harry, you must meet her and woo her before she is betrothed to another. She is a Debutante and you're a Marquess, Harry. You must be married and have children of your own to carry on the family name and honour.' Anne, his mother, carried on.

'I know, Mum, but I'd also like to marry for love.' Harry turned around when a man in velvet clothing came in.

'Ma'am, I'm sorry to interrupt, but Lady Elisabeth is here.' Anne and Harry nodded. Harry walked into the commons and saw her. She turned around and smiled at Harry. Long auburn hair in single braid, running down her back with honey brown eyes. Her skin as fair as porcelain. She wore a proper blush coloured corset dress.

Harry stepped forward and took her hand in his. He brought it to his lips, placed a kiss to it and released it. He was so enamoured by her beauty that he wanted claim her...Woo her, kiss her lips, and even make love to her. He felt sparks when he'd touched her hand.

'Marquess Harry Styles, I'm honoured to meet you, Miss...'

'Elisabeth Milam,' she said so very elegantly. Harry had a feeling. A feeling he couldn't explain. A feeling other than lust. Unknownst to him, she felt it too.

Five months later...

Harry stood at the lake in Forest Park, where they'd always met. They'd became close out of the five months since they'd first met. But today was an emergency...at least that's what the telegram said.

'Harry!' He looked to see Elisabeth in a long ivory dress, which usually hand maidens wore, running towards him. 'Harry!' She crashed into his arms and her lips met his.

'What is the matter, Elisabeth,' Harry asked after he broke the kiss. He cupped her heart shaped face and his thumb caressed her cheek.

'I've come to give bad news,' A tear escaped as it ran down her cheek when she lowered her head.

'Whatever it is, we can get through it together.' She shook her head as she looked up and into his eyes.

'No, we can't. I'm betrothed to Louis Tomlinson now.' Harry's face fell as he'd planned to propose to her, even though they were already arranged to marry. But that's now down the drain. 'I told Father, I didn't want to marry him. I don't love him. I love you, Harry, but he said Louis had more money and that's the only thing he seems to care about.'

'I love you as well. I'd planned to propose to you. I'd even asked your father for his blessing, but I see he doesn't keep his word. We'll be together one way or another...I promise.' Elisabeth grinned as she covered his lips with her's. They'd felt that feeling that they'd felt the first time they'd met...sparks and the pull. But the feeling that somebody was watching them, made them break the kiss and look around.

'Well, well, well...' Louis sneered. Elisabeth looked to his hand to see his sword beside him. 'I see I've been engaged to a whore.'

Harry soon filled with rage.

'Don't you dare call her as such,' Harry spat.

'Why not? She is engaged to me and here she is kissing you,' Louis smirked. 'Have you taken her innocence too? I thought we were best friends, Harry.'

Harry drew his sword.

'Don't you dare challenge me, boy, unless you mean it!' Louis's booming voice made Elisabeth flinch.

'Then, don't you dare disrespect, Lady Elisabeth. I will not have you speak to her as if she is a common whore. Now, I challenge you.'

Elisabeth backed away to another tree to get to safety.

'Harry, please don't! He is a good swordsman.'

'Good? I'm the best,' Louis boasted.

'Louis, I'm sorry. I'll marry you, just let Harry live!'

'You're going to marry me whether he's dead or not sweetheart.'

Harry swung his sword first and clinked against Louis's. Harry didn't look surprised, but very concentrated on the task at hand. However, they kept fighting and never quitting. Swords continue to exchange swings swiftly with nothing stopping them.

Then, Harry slipped and all the sudden, he was impaled by Louis's sword in the chest. Harry looked down at the sword and looked back up at Louis, who smirked as he pulled out his sword, that was buried right in his heart. Harry stumbled back and fell into the lake.

Elisabeth screamed and sprinted into the lake to hold him. As she held him in her arms, in the cold water, he floundered; and she struggled to contain her sobbing and tears.

'No, Harry, don't leave me. Please don't, I love you. I want to marry you and have your children. Please, please don't leave me.'

'Elisabeth, we'll be together...one way or another...I promise...' But it was too late, he faded out leaving a dead body in her arms. She couldn't control herself anymore as she placed his body in the water gently. She ran up to Louis and slapped him. He grabbed his face and grinned.

'Humph, I thought you were the gentle kind,' he said, then he slapped her...hard.

--

'And after that, I stuck with him for my father's sake.'

'And were you happy?' Harry became annoyed and Elisabeth became confused.

'I—'

'Did he take care of you? Did he love you? Did he satisfy you underneath the cover—'

'Harry, he killed me!'

Harry felt the colour from his face drain away, as he let his anger and jealously take control of him.

'After five years of his abuse and cheating, I got tired of it. So, I tried to leave him, but he had other plans. We lived in Church Hulme--I mean Holmes Chapel, for the first year of our marriage. But after he found out about my trips to your parents, he had us move. We lived in Liverpool for the rest of the four years.

Liverpool 1721

'Sally, can you get the groceries? I have to talk to my husband.'

'Yes, Ma'am.' Sally dismissed herself. Elisabeth went to the stairs, but as soon as she had her foot on the first step, she heard a woman's laughter.

She made her way quickly up the steps and opened the bedroom to Louis, with two women, in their own bed. She felt numb. She knew she didn't feel any romantic feelings towards this man, but they were married. And she felt as a married couple, they should still stay faithful, despite having not had sex since their wedding night...when he took her innocence that she was saving for Harry, whom she knew to be dead at the hands of Louis himself.

Louis, I want more,' one of the whores whined, while he had his head in between her legs. Louis raised his head to respond, but saw Elisabeth in the doorway. His face soured and he climbed out from his current position. He then came after Elisabeth, grabbed her hair and dragged her out of the room, and down the stairs.

'I want to leave! I fucking hate you,' she cried. 'You can keep your whores! I want to leave.' He threw her to the ground in the middle of the foyer.

'You know a lady shouldn't talk like that. Especially, Duchess Elisabeth Tomlinson,' He mocked.

She hated hearing her married name as she wanted Harry's last name and she never stopped having dreams about a life she could've had with him. She didn't notice that he'd snagged his sword.

'But if you want to leave, I can make that happen. You can even see your lover.' She became confused and looked up at Louis. Her eyes widened as he thrust the sword through her heart. He pulled it out so coarsely. As she felt her life drain from her body, she could hear him say, 'I guess it was fun having a mortal wife...for awhile, but now it's run it's course.'

A few moments later, her eyes opened in panic as she got up. She was still in the foyer, in her bloody dress, but no blood.

'Ah, you're up.' She saw Louis fully dressed as she lay on the floor. 'Now that you're immortal, I wonder what the sex will be like.'

'No, that's never going to happen. I'm leaving you,' she said with determination, as she picked herself up.

'You know your lover is immortal and you can run away all you like...But I'm going to find both of you and have your heads.'

--

'And then he left me there. I walked far, far away from where I'd lived, because I somehow sensed that if I went back there, it wasn't going to be pretty.'

'I will not let him get your Quickening!' Harry affirmed. 'Even if it costs me my head.'

'Harry—'

'I love you and would do anything for you. Even die for you, forever.' Harry and her were only inches apart, yet so close. He wanted to kiss her so bad. To feel her lips on his like he did before he died. But he knew he had to control himself for he never knew what might happen next.

'After you left me in the lake, another immortal, an Irishman, by the name of Niall Horan, found me. I was shocked that I could've sworn I'd just died. But he explained everything to me. That I'm an Immortal and others are gonna be after my head for my power and knowledge, my Quickening. He trained me in sword fighting and self-defence. I even travelled with him and that's how I saw you at the ball.

Paris 1899

'Aye, I'm not sure Paris has the best ale or not,' Niall mused as he sat on the bar stool, looking at a pint of Bière Double, contemplating on whether it really tasted that great. He was a beer connoisseur after all. A lot of times, Harry and him would practise sword fighting and sometimes it would be finding a good place to eat and a proper beer to taste...A lot of times, wine as well.

'Yeah, I guess not,' Harry said, not paying very much attention to what Niall was even saying. He was distracted by the familiar woman with long Auburn hair, dancing with a man with long dark hair.

She was giggling, but she was alive and he couldn't believe his eyes. She was one, too.

'I sensed a couple of Immortals when we came in, did you,' the Irishman asked Harry, pulling him from his musings.

'I was way behind you and I didn't sense them until now.' Harry lied. 'And I'm glad too, I can get her back.' Niall became confused.

'What are you talking about?'

Harry pointed to who he believed was indeed to be Elisabeth.

'That is Elisabeth dancing with some bloke and I can't believe she's alive!' Harry said excitedly.

'The Elisabeth,' Niall asked to make sure. He knew about Harry's history, especially with Elisabeth. He remembered witnessing Harry's death after he'd sensed another Immortal and two others that were to be Immortal. Niall knew the rules, he could not interfere once an Immortal was challenged by another one.

Once Louis had slapped Elisabeth, resulting in her falling to the ground. He'd looked around as he, too, sensed another Immortal besides the ones before him. Niall made sure he was not seen at all, on his horse.

'I know you're there, Niall.' Louis bellowed out. Niall gulped as he came out from behind the tree. Louis smirked, ' I haven't seen you in years...especially since around the time I first turned.'

'Wow, what a nice way to comment on my age,' Niall remained serious. 'What happened to respecting your elders? Isn't that what I taught you? And yet you still turned out to be a prick.'

'Yeah? Well, you were a shite teacher...especially out of pity, and I don't need that bullshite. But hey don't we have more Quickening for the taking?'

Niall shook his head at Louis's pessimistic views. It was hard for Louis and it was hard to teach Louis. Every time Niall thought he could get through to him, Louis would just do his own thing to rebel.

'Maybe I'll take it after I'm done with her,' Louis smirked. 'But hey I'll give you the Marquess.'

Louis picked up Elisabeth, put her on his shoulder and left. When Niall knew he was gone for sure, he made his way to the man in the shallow end of the lake and got off his horse to wait for Harry to wake. He'd witnessed Harry's panicked state when he woke up screaming out for Elisabeth, but all Harry saw was the blonde-brunette man with a horse before him.

Harry stepped forward, but Niall held out his arm halting him. Harry's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

'What are you doing? She's right there, after all these years of believing she was dead; she's here and vibrant.'

'No, mate, You can't. If she's with that bloke, then you have a problem.' Niall was very serious. 'That man she's with, has a reputation. He's Duncan Macleod of the clan Macleod. He's Scottish and very powerful mate. He will take your head if you're not careful. Do not quarrel with him and if you love her then you will leave her in peace. She's happy and if she is happy than you should be too. Now we have to go before he spots me.' Harry snickered.

'Hey! Niall, is that you?'

'Oh, for fuck's sake!'

'What did you do?' Niall, all the sudden was uneasy and twitchy. He ushered out Harry as fast as he could whist Harry was laughing.

--

Elisabeth laughed with him and he only shyly laughed. As soon as she sighed, she started her story.

'Um...Duncan Macleod was my teacher. We were both in a dark place, I was in a dark place after you supposedly died and on top of that Louis abused me and cheated on me several times. Duncan taught me several things to keep me calm. I lived in a monastery for four years studying culture and the ways of monks and even transcendental meditation. I've wanted Louis' head for so long, for you and me. After I departed from Duncan in 1743, I traveled to many other places in search of people to train me.

'I've been with many lovers, but I've never stayed long, because there was no one in my heart other than you. That night at the ball, I just ran into Duncan when he asked me to dance. That was when I saw you briefly at the bar. When I finished my dance with Duncan, I went to look for you. But you were gone. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you there and when I couldn't find you, I'd convinced myself it was just my imagination. But now I've found you and I've never been so happy in my life.'

'Me too, Elisa.' Harry grinned and she smiled.

'But just so you know, Louis is mine. I want his head.' She affirmed and Harry sighed.

'Elisabeth,' He groaned.

'No, Harry, this is my fight. He took you away from me and the torture I had to go through just so my greedy father could get his hands on Louis's wealth. I have to do this.'

'But you will lose your head! Don't you get that?!' Harry took a deep breath to calm himself. 'I love you and I want to fight this fight. If you lose your head then I will never recover. I don't want to lose you again. I could've said hello to you that night, but Niall wouldn't let me. I love you so much and I spent most of my life believing you were dead.

'I thought maybe I saw a ghost of you, but I could sense and feel you were there. Please...you know, afterwards we could live on Holy Ground and adopt a child...Have our own little family. We'll get married and have a home of our own.' Elisabeth grinned, but saddened by the fact that as an Immortal, she nor he, couldn't have children.

'Are you trying to bribe me with marriage and a child, Mr Styles?' Harry grinned this time.

'Maybe...' Before she knew it, he was too close to her lips and he kissed her. It went from sweet at first, to hunger. He hadn't seen her or felt her lips on his in a long time. He often felt it was a dream. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist, just as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Ever since she saw him at the ball when he wasn't looking, she dreamed this day would happen when they would be together again, if she didn't lose her head first. 'I wish I could take you right here on this grass,' he groaned. 'But it's soggy and it's where I died. I wonder why the note said to meet at this place.'

'I know, this place brings back so many hurtful memories that I try to forget. After you died, Louis forcefully took my innocence and then he'd said, he couldn't stand being married to a whore.' She sobbed. 'I was saving it for you and I failed. I'm sorry.'

'No, Elisa, no,' he cooed. 'It's not your fault, it's mine. I wish I could've been there to protect you. I love you so much.' He cupped her face with her hand and swiped a tear with his thumb.

It then became tense and they both heard the buzz, which meant that another Immortal was here. They turned their heads to find their common enemy, Louis. Elisabeth and Harry backed away from each other. Harry stepped forward to fight.

'Well, if it isn't my two favourite heart-breakers,' Louis smirked. He wore a bluish-grey suit with a classic Burberry coat. 'You know it was pretty easy to find you two. You couldn't pick another spot? One that didn't bring horrible memories to us?' Louis chuckled. 'Well, I did put it in the letter so...'

Harry and Elisabeth were horrified that they were tricked by the one man that wanted their heads. 

'I wonder which one I'm going to behead first,' he turned his head to Elisabeth. 'The one I'd loved, before she stabbed me in the back by choosing this Marquess over a Duke. I would've brought her anything she desired, but she stepped on and crushed that along with my heart when she chose Harry over me.' Then he turned his head to Harry, 'Or should I choose my close friend who betrayed me by going after my lady...' He drew his sword out of his jacket and Harry did the same. 'Ah, so it's Harry.'

'No,' Elisabeth called out as she drew her sword, a beautiful katana with blush-pink owl handle. 'I told you, Harry, Louis is mine!'

'Elisabeth, I don't want him to take your head!'

'It's not your choice, Harry. I want to do this if you will let me. He took everything from me...'

'Except your teacher, Macleod.' Louis smirked. 'I think I might take his head after yours and Harry's.'

'He's over five hundred years old,' Elisabeth pointed out.

'And how old do you think I am?' Louis laughed. 'A measly two hundred years? No, sweetheart, I'm over eight hundred and forty two years old. So, do you still wanna challenge me, little princess or are you gonna let your boyfriend do it?'

Doncaster 1204

'Aye, Louis, I just put some wood in the warehouse for ya, lad,' John said, as he ran his hand through his shaggy brown hair. John was Louis's boss at the lumber mill at which he and Louis worked as a lumberjacks and built houses on the side. Louis was very proud of his job and was considered a hard worker, providing for his wife and child.

He came to the conclusion, after years of trying, that he couldn't have children. Then, a blessing came along while he was hunting, a baby abandoned in the middle of a forest with wolves in the distance ready to pounce any second.

He put away his bow and arrow, so he could rescue the child. He was so happy to see the joyous look on his wife, Caroline's face when she saw that he'd rescued the child. They raised the boy as their own and named him Fredrick 'Freddie' Tomlinson.

'Yea, good day, John.' Louis walked to the pile of wood and noticed the faint smell of something burning. He followed the scent to find a spark, followed by a sudden blaze of fire spreading from log to log and up the walls, to the ceiling.