#uhhhhhh those are the groups i remember off the top of my head

[081098]

we as a society got over this too fast

[springday-aus]

Bad Boy!AU with Seungcheol

—

moodboard link

Group: Seventeen 

Member: S.Coups / Choi Seungcheol 

Genre: fluff, romance 

Additionally: college!au 

Type: Bulletpoint AU 

Word Count: approx. 2.5k 

don’t worry, Seungcheol isn’t even really a bad boy

he’s really just… misunderstood?

actually that’s not a good word for it

it’s in the sense that his reputation makes him to be seen as a bad boy

it’s probably because of the leather jacket

and the motorcycle

and the piercings (mainly the ears)

and the tattoos

it also doesn’t help either that he’s keeps a small circle of friends

there’s nothing wrong with rolling with a smaller group

it just means a lot of people don’t actually know him and that causes more rumors about his personality

he hangs around Wonwoo and Minghao the most

Wonwoo is known to be handsome, but is also super cold to strangers

(more of a shy thing than a rude thing—a whole different story)

on the other hand, Minghao is one of those people who are brutally honest

(which makes him seem like an inconsiderate asshole)

and because people tend to lump people together

they just assume that Seungcheol is the same as those two are: cold and rude

in reality, he’s just a bit more reserved than others

makes people earn his trust, but some people found that unreasonable apparently

people are just so judgmental sometimes, especially in a small town where everyone wanted know everything about everyone

so, for college, Seungcheol picked out a city to study

because the larger populations lets him blend in with the others

tbh, let’s be real…. he def isn’t the only one who’s wearing all black on a college campus lmao

Wonwoo at some point: “look, we’re twinning”

Seungcheol: “it’s not twinning if you only wear black and keep wearing black”

Wonwoo: :(

anyways

he chose to study business

basic but it’s simple

it ensures that he’s going to have a stable job and by the of the day that’s all that matters to him

stability

also the business suit he has covers everything nicely, so it isn’t like he has visible face tattoos or piercings

not that it’s bad, but….. capitalism, you know? homeboy would like money

so, while his hometown called him a bad influence on other kids

the college sees him as another hottie in the leather jacket

he’s probably would’ve been the campus heartthrob—had it not been for the fact that he went to same school as Wonwoo, Mingyu or that new freshie who calls himself Vernon

there was one time in his theology class that he took off his leather jacket right?

the arm muscles flexing and the tattoo sleeve……….. it’s safe to say everyone took a double take during class that day

as for his academic marks……….

I mean, yeah, he doesn’t have the top grades to make it on a dean’s list or anything, but

he’s got academic scholarships and that’s enough tbh

he might not be a genius prodigy like Jihoon, but he isn’t stupid

Jeonghan: “wait, you’re not cheating off of him?”

Seungcheol: “no, Jeonghan…………. are you?”

Jeonghan: “yeah, no, I thought it was like a thing that we all agreed to”

Seungcheol: “Jeonghan, no”

Jeonghan: “Jeonghan, yes”

so he’s not like a major try-hard like all those A+ obsessive people from high school

but he does make the effort

he’s just trying to live a nice, quiet life on campus to graduate—just like everyone else here

although

there is this habit of his that he’s been trying to break: being late to class

his attendance record isn’t great……….

like he’ll be there….. but he’ll be there like five to ten minutes late so it doesn’t really matter but

it’s like a personal pet peeve about himself

granted, it doesn’t matter when most professors don’t even take attendance

but it’s also because he works really late hours at a nearby convenience shop on campus

so………. the end result is tardiness

and he’s trying to work on it

which is also how he meets you

you see, Seungcheol met you in a………… unique situation

so, Seungcheol has found it easier to go around in his motorcycle, especially in a city

and especially on a college campus

and it’s like 20x faster than walking

it’s also good for when he’s late for his morning classes because he can easily make it to the other side in campus in like 2 minutes vs the original 10 minutes

so on a bright Tuesday morning

after he overslept his alarm (once again)

he quickly got dressed and hopped on his motorcycle to get to the other side of campus for class

….. only for him to quickly stop after hearing your scream

he didn’t necessarily hit you per say but it didn’t mean you managed to pass by untouched

you were rushing off to class too

on all days to be late………. it just had to be the day you had a midterm that’s 30% of your final grade

so you were rushing through

unable to see the motorcycle that was heading your direction

which is your fault but that’s also his fault for not seeing you until you screamed when he nearly hit you, running over a toe or two

he immediately stopped, running over to you

Seungcheol: “oh my God, are you alright?”

You: hair messed up, in pain, and survived the heart attack he gave you

You: “sure”

Seungcheol: “are you sure? I can take you to the hospital or—”

You: no, no, I am already as late as is and, and, and…….”

you trail off, remembering the motorcycle that laid a couple of feet away

You: “instead of the hospital, how about a ride instead? I cannot miss this midterm”

Seungcheol was taken aback from your commitment and strange request, but complied nevertheless

Seungcheol: “are you sure?”

You: “absolutely, hustle man, hustle—we gotta go”

Seungcheol scrambles, starting up the motorcycle and handing you a helmet

which you gladly grab and attach yourself behind him with your arms on his waist

he’s a bit flustered from your proximity

what if he was a murderer and you just hopped onto his bike?

I mean, he obviously isn’t but still

You: “sir, chop-chop, pls move, my ass needs to get to McGregor”

Seungcheol: “yes, right”

it takes less than a minute to get there, especially since there weren’t many others on the pathways

you hastily get off his motorcycle, tossing his helmet back at him and running off

You: “thank you!!!!”

Seungcheol: “you’re welcome?”

he watches as you run into the building, with nothing more on your mind than your midterm

how odd

he shakes his head, clearing his head of you before going to park his motorcycle and locking it—he’s got his own problems to worry about right now

(he re-told the story to a couple of his friends, in which Jihoon said: “watch yourself, you could get a lawsuit coming one of these days” and Seungcheol just rolled his eyes)

it’s about two weeks before he sees you again

so fun fact, his college requires community involvement/field assignment

and he chose to be in the big brother program

so he’s a big brother to this adorable 6 year old girl named Rose

he filled his requirement long ago, but he highkey loved it so he remained as a big brother to Rose 

who he has to take out trick-or-treating for the Halloween event the program set up 

can you imagine Seungcheol in his leather jacket and tattoos and piercings with a little group of 6 year olds

the chaos

Rose: “what did you dress as?”

Seungcheol: “uhhhhhh….. Danny from Grease”

Rose: “who’s that?”

Seungcheol: oh my God I’m old

they get a door that’s got some fake cobwebs and bright purple string lights

Seungcheol: “go ahead little ones, knock on the door”

they yell out trick or treat and the door creaks open to…….. you

you and your friends happened to be gathering together for Halloween and decided to meet up at your friend’s old house which was in the neighborhood that Seungcheol was in

you all originally planned to watch a bunch of bad supernatural movies and give out candy to little kids

all of y’all took turns at the door and it was your turn

you give the kids a sweet smile in your doctor’s costume

(or, at least, he’s assuming it’s a costume—maybe it is and maybe it isn’t)

after you pass out the candy, Joshua, the other chaperone, rounds up the kids and Seungcheol’s eyes met your widened ones

You: “oh! it’s motorcycle dude!”

Seungcheol: “motorcycle dude?”

You: “........ you were the one who hit me with his motorcycle right?”

Seungcheol: “has anyone else hit you with a motorcycle?”

You: “so it is you!”

you two chat a bit, especially since they have to start moving to the next house

Joshua: “bro, we have to get moving, stop flirting in front of the children!”

Seungcheol: “I’m not flirting!”

he turns back to you

Seungcheol: “I’ll see you around, please don’t sue me”

You: “sue you?”

Seungcheol: “I’m a broke college kid”

You: “so am I dude”

Joshua gives him another look and another warning before they start to move to the other house

You: “you know, if you have spare time, you’re welcome to join my friends and I—we’re going to be making fun of Twilight later together”

Seungcheol: “I might take you up on that offer”

You: “well, we’ll be here, so”

you give him a smile that makes him stutter for a second, before he waves you goodbye to join the others

Rose: “Joshua says you like the doctor”

Seungcheol: “well, Joshua’s not that smart”

Joshua: “hey!”

he doesn’t know what compels him to go back to the house

but he does

(it might have taken a word or two from Rose and Joshua to encourage him)

and he has a really good time with you and your friends

hearing Seungkwan roasting Robert Pattinson was something Seungcheol didn’t know he needed

Soonyoung’s attempt of creating bgm on top of the soundtrack was also equally as hilarious

and then there were your side remarks with him throughout the movie

which he did enjoy

he left the house that night with a couple of new numbers in his phone

Jeonghan would be proud of him for making new friends on his own

after that night, you and Seungcheol hang out a bit more

you get to know each other

turns out the so called bad boy is actually just a major softie

surprise surprise, I know

he’s got a tattoo for his mom (a little heart on his heart)

he’s great at braiding (due to braiding Rose’s hair)

and he picked up sewing to patch up the holes that his friends created in their shirts

major heart eyes for Seungcheol

and he learns more about you and your little quirks

at some point, he even shares some things that happened back home

which was a bit hard for him to do but you were incredibly understanding

people just suck sometimes

one good thing about cities is that everyone minds their own business so

anyways

while he’s met your friends, you’ve also met his

you and Jeonghan are now the chaotic duo that Seungcheol wishes he can undo

Jeonghan: “are you fucking cheating? in front of my salad?”

You: steals another $50 bill from the monopoly pile

You: “no”

Jeonghan: “pay me off”

Wonwoo: “we are sitting right fucking here”

anyways

you two continue to hang out together as time goes and it’s great

sometimes you even hang out with him and Rose and it’s super cute

especially when you watch Seungcheol care for Rose like an actual sister

maybe that’s when the heart eyes started

he just……….. knows how to take care of people

he’s very attentive and understands that different people have different needs

it’s all……… very attractive

he’s very attractive

not in just the physical aspect

the inside *chef’s kiss*

Seungcheol doesn’t know when he started liking you either

maybe it was the way you really listened to what he said

you encouraged and supported him to do what he wanted

and told people off if they did say something about him

along with telling him to ignore them because it’s all stemming from jealousy and hate

and he knows that but it’s always nice to know he has someone on his side

so, what changes?

one movie night, there’s some generic rom com that you’ve already forgotten about

the blanket you’re both sharing isn’t the only heat you’re feeling

his knee knocks lightly against yours

your shoulders touching his

his fingers lingering on yours

then he’s moving closer

and closer

and then your lips meet

it’s soft, but firm

and that was the first day you started dating

dating bad boy!Seungcheol is basically the same as being friends with him only needier

he opened up to you as a friend

but as a boyfriend

you’re seeing EVERYTHING

he’s lowkey touch-starved so he’s very….. handsy

his hands got cold once and he straight up put his hands up in your hoodie

You: “thErE ArE pEOpLE aRouND sIR”

Seungcheol: “head empty, hands Cold”

lots of movie dates

(you asked if you should put on Twilight again and he said he could only take it one decade at a time)

lots of dinner and takeout dates

(the amount of menus you two have collected is insane)

lots of game night dates

which include Seungcheol’s friends

you and Jeonghan still team up to cheat, leaving the you two in the top to fight for the winning spot but Minghao always calls you two out

and then you start openly cheating

(Jeonghan literally flipped over an operations board one time)

you’ve also seen his tattoos

there are cute small ones and then there are bigger ones of flowers and patterns

You: “does it hurt more if you color them in?”

Seungcheol: “no, I was supposed to get them filled but Rose likes to color them with her markers”

You: “why are you two so fucking adorable”

You: “can I color it in?” c:

he let you

it was so much fun

on some days with Rose, you both color together on a shirtless Seungcheol

speaking of which

she loves you

Rose: “I told you you liked the doctor”

You: ?

Seungcheol: “shhhh, finish your cupcake”

oooh, also—lots of motorcycle rides

during the night is when it’s the most beautiful with all of the city lights

sometimes you stop by a park and just hang out to talk

not often bc like midnight murderers are a thing, but sometimes

it’s always a nice impromptu date

also, it’s been long overdue but he took you to the doctor’s once and brought up the whole running over your toes thing

and your toes are fine but

he still highkey feels kind of guilty but the kisses you give him compensate for the guilt

so bad boy!Seungcheol isn’t really bad just misunderstood

but like…. are we complaining? 

[aelaer]

For the ask game: 😏👀💊😂 and 🎀 thank you

😏 Most ‘risky’ line - Firstly, I am *pretty* sure the original writer of this meant ‘risqué’, and you can read about the differences between risky and risque here! Here to help grammar one day at a time. As for the answer.... uhhhhhh... as someone who mostly sticks to platonic and hasn’t written flirty!Tony yet, I had to go digging for this one. This was the only scene I could remember off the top of my head from my old writings because I reread this a couple years ago. This is all the way from 2008: Elrond watched as his daughter discreetly led Aragorn into of one of the many narrower halls that led to the feasting hall. Within her hand he spotted a bough of mistletoe. "Perhaps."

👀 Favorite response to one of my works - Ahhhhhhh all of them make my heart melt I love them. The anon I got the other day was super super lovely! Firstly, anyone who takes the time to type out something kind or supportive really just makes me smile. I think I really like it when people are really pleased with the details and characterization or let me know they have some sort of emotional response. And folks that take their time to write like, whole paragraphs about it? Y’all are just... so great. I can’t really choose any one response. Since I tend to concentrate on more platonic scenarios it’s really good to see that there’s still interest in those type of stories in the reading community, so that’s always appreciated.

💊 What is something that you wish you knew before you started writing? Ooh this is a hard one because I wrote my first story - a whole ten pages typed out - when I was 10 years old in fifth grade! My wonderful, wonderful first fifth grade teacher, Mrs Ellis, had a creative writing journal for us to fill during writing time. My first story was about a brother and sister who found a cave at the beach that led to something magical, then with something scary, and they had to escape. I have it saved somewhere. And when I was 12-13 I wrote this 100 page long story (double spaced haha) over the course of 7th grade for a competitive writing thing we had in our class (I think with that story I won our group that competition).

ANYWAY when you start that young, writing is really an experience of growing up with it. And it was a lot different before tumblr and social media; on fanfiction.net it was a little less of a popularity contest, perhaps. And I wrote for a popular fandom, so there was always feedback. What I think I would tell my younger self is that it’s okay if not everyone likes your writing and not to be personally offended by really critical critique that’s only negative. It’s not fun, but it shouldn’t discourage you. Not everyone has to like what you write, and you shouldn’t get personally offended by heavy critique (unless they personally insult you, but that’s not critique at that point).

😂 A line that made you laugh out loud - Ooh, my newest comedy/tooth-rotting-fluff story, A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies, has this bit that makes me smirk still. Note that Stephen is basically under magical laughing gas at this moment.

His eyes lit up. "You made me tea?" Strange bounded over (and there was another mental image stuck forever in her head) and engulfed Grem in a big hug. "I love you."

Wong choked on his tea.

🎀 Favorite story - Ahhhhhhh this is hard I love all my babies. Not even looking at what I wrote for the LOTR fandom a decade ago and just the MCU, there’s still 8 stories.... aaahhhhhhhhh okay, favorite one shot: The Calm Before the Storm. Favorite multi-chapter: Within the Shadows. But I tend to like all my stories for different reasons. I write what I like to read.

[semi-imaginary-place]

started playing the triangle strategy demo. politics right from the start, excellent. and of course there's royal half siblings am i going to need to draw a family tree? i should probably draw a family tree. let me look this up. why is aesfrost a grand duchy? its a kingdom it has a family line of rulers. being a duchy ruled by a duke means your under someone else but the aesfrosts are ruling independently. wait if both frederica and her siblings were headed to glenbrooke why didnt they go together. yeah they're here for alliance peacetalks, pretty sure frederica's marriage is a part of those dealings. ok im confused. theres 2 international meeting with the nations top delegates. one in that side scene and one in the main story. this is all for the same event right? part tournament part festival part business meeting for mining. but wait no the tournament is in the capital and the mining meeting is in wolffort castle. or maybe they need to meet the king first and then to wolffort? yeah yeah i think thats it

i wonder how old the characters are? im assumming roland, serenoa, and frederica are in the same age group. serenoa comes off as young adult maybe 20? i dont think he's older than 25 or younger than 16. but if erika is younger than frederica and already an international delegate ... wait different mothers so who knows what the age difference is.

i feel kinda bad looting people's houses like here's the lord of the realm taking your pocket change. maybe if i do nother playthrough i'll leave it alone but for now i want to see if i pick up anything interesting.

things worked out for fredrica huh left a place that didnt want her and entered a place that doesnt scorn her for her heritage.

why was the feast held in wolffort? dragan and.... the other one didnt have house wolffort specific business did they? or is the mining operation headed on the glenbrooke side by wolffort? i missing some simple link. why hold a feast for the joint mining venture when most of the players are in the capital. oh lyla and symon are friends that explains it

hmm i had assumed roland and serenoa were old friends given they are part of the two most important families in the kingdom but if serenoa doesnt know hugette, either she is new, serenoa didnt come to the capital much or his friendship with roland is a more recent thing but no even then as the heir to wolffort he should be familiar with the kingsguard.

uhhhhhh my one weakness.... remembering names... who are all you people? this is why i'd be a terrible politician irl.

i learned why aesfrost is a duchy.

where does the river go? these 3 nations are land locked but a river that big probably runs out to sea and that would solve the salt monopoly. or are they really like dead center of eurasia.

roland's my favorite character so far. the only orher character ith significant screentime is frederica and im neutral ln her. serenoa seems ok.

i like this voting system. ah yes the racist theocracy and the other dictatorship that hates us. i chose the unlocked option every time. im unsure if the unlocked one is always the right answer or if it just presents another option but i convinced everyone i tried. and because i wanted more dialogue i convinced people both ways for funsies so minus frendrica and .... the wolffort arms master guy... e-ed something who were like talking to a wall i switched everyone else. you want to go to hyzante? no you dont. you want to go to aesfrost? what you actually want is hyzante. its fun.

i do like how racism against the roselle is portrayed so far. its based on a superficial (racialized) characterisic. "everyone is equal in hyzante except for the roselle" yeh that tracks. good worldbuiling in the sense that theres not a good nation with pure and good traditions and an evil nation with twisted barbaric traditions.

in general i've liked how the choices have been done so far often times im like mmmmm all 3. ive been choosing so far based on a mix of personal opinions and what is most diplomatic for the specific person im talking to sooo what ever i feel is best as nebulous as that is. for example with the hierofant about the mining venture i think its a stopgap measure but i do hope it works and can help build fair and peaceful relations. i chose the fair profit option tho because we are in hyzante which prides itself on its measures to increase equality.

is frederica having second thoughts about coming? shes the one that wanted to come most strongly and not only that both her and greeta's arguments were "do it for ferderica". if she did this much to go she should have prepared herself.

ooooh i want the full game now. i wonder how i can get i on sale... eh gamestop has 5$ off wonder if black friday would get me a better deal

[lalainajanes]

uHHHHHH kc + dragon caroline in aspen au FOLLOW UP PLEASE

Under Night Sky (Part Two) Part One Here.

Carolinehas always been a very punctual person, even before watches were a thing. It’sa quarter to seven when she walks into the bar, shaking off a dusting of snowand stripping of her outer garments before they could get wet.

Damp coldwas the worst.

Showing up thisearly had nothing to do with a desire to be on time. It has little to do with politeness;she’s not worried about making a good impression on the peculiar werewolf she’dencountered on the mountain last night.

No, this isstrategy.

She’d pickedthe meeting’s location specifically, had known that she could arrange thevariables to her advantage. She doesn’t go out much during the high seasons butwhen the tourists leave and Aspen slows the waitresses and bartenders arealways grateful for Caroline’s generous tips. She weaves through the crowds,basking in the warmth of the room. It’s packed with bodies and lit by numerousfireplaces and Caroline might even be able to take off her chunky knitcardigan.

She makes a beeline to the bar. The ambienceis purposefully low-key – comfy seating and music that didn’t overwhelmconversations. Pairs and small groups of humans are clustered in cozy seatinggroups and around high tables. Squeezing in to the pack around the bar shelooks around for someone she knows.

Thebartender who meets her eyes grins in recognition and welcome and she returnsit. He’s one of Caroline’s favorites, fun to flirt with, easy on the eyes, anda generous pourer. He even manages to be gracious when he loses at darts. She’soften wondered what had brought him to Aspen but Enzo has never offered anexplanation and Caroline had never pressed. She didn’t need to give him areason to get curious about her background. “Long time, no see! What’ll youhave?”

“The hotchocolate. With a shot of bourbon and extra whipped cream. And I need a favor.”

He leanscloser, resting his forearms on the bar. “Color me intrigued, Gorgeous.”

“I have an…associate meeting me here at 8. I need a spot that’s public but where we won’tbe disturbing anyone, if you know what I mean.”

“Associate,”Enzo repeats slowly. “I thought you were a writer.”

“Can writersnot have associates?”

“Can’t sayI know a lot of writers. But, if I were to give it some thought, I’d wonder whythe sort of associates a writer had would need the set up you’re suggesting.”

“Proprietaryinfo,” Caroline lies. “Big plot twists, that sort of thing.”

Enzo’sexpression makes it obvious he doesn’t believe her but he pushes back from thebar. “If you say so. But you’ll shout if you need me, yeah?”

Carolinefights a smile that would surely be indulgent. It was cute that Enzo thoughtshe needed protection. “I can handle myself, but thanks.”

He taps thebar and turns away, flipping up the top at the far end and slipping into thecrowd. Caroline spins on her stool once she loses sight of him, and she scansthe room, re-familiarizing herself with the exits, making a mental list ofeverything that could be used as a weapon. She’s got a knife in her bag, somewolfsbane, but she’s learned that sometimes improvisation was a necessary evil.

She feelssomeone climb on to the stool next to her and lean into her space. A quickglance in his direction, long enough to take in the gelled hair, Packers jerseyand overly cocky smirk. “No,” Caroline clips out. “I’m meeting someone.”

He openshis mouth to reply, and Caroline’s sure it would have been annoying, but she narrowsher eyes and he falters.

Clearly ahuman with above average self-preservation instincts.

She hears aclink behind her, glances back to see that Enzo’s returned and has gotten herdrink prepped. She barely notices her hopeful suitor retreat. Enzo nods towardsthe back corner. “The chairs by the far fireplace. I think that’ll suit yourpurposes? They were occupied but, with a little persuasion, and an offer of acouple free rounds, their occupants were happy to vacate. I’ll put it on yourtab, shall I?”

Carolinefigured that was a fair trade. “You’ve totally earned your big fat tip, Enzo.Thanks.” She wriggles her fingers in farewell and picks up her drink, wrappingher hands around the mug with a grateful sigh. The seats Enzo had cleared forher are upholstered in buttery leather, warmed by the crackling fire, andCaroline sinks into the one with the best view of the door, curling her legsunderneath her. She checks her phone, settles in to wait.

The wolfhas forty-three minutes to show up. If he knows what’s good for him he won’t belate.

When hestrolls in the door five minutes early – every bit as confident in a flawlesslytailored black coat and jeans as he had been entirely bare – Caroline refusesto allow herself to consider that a point in his favor. She doesn’t move, makesno motion to gain his attention. She watches him curiously, wondering how longit will take him to pick her out in the crowd. According to Bonnie the onlything she’d told the werewolf (or rather been coerced into revealing) wasCaroline’s name and location. He’d apparently wanted Bon to facilitate anintroduction but she had refused.

Brave ofher, considering the leverage the wolf had. Bonnie’s cousin had a knack forfinding trouble and was hopelessly inept at untangling herself from stickysituations. Caroline was going to have to look into a way to ensure herimpulsivity would leave Bonnie untouched in the future.

Carolinehad gone heavy on her perfume – not offensively so but enough to obscure herscent. The thick crowd will make distinguishing different smells difficult too,no matter how sensitive the wolf’s senses.

She had noidea how he could change without the moon, how he’d managed to change back sofast. She’s spent a good portion of the day pacing and plotting, had beenforced to admit that if he could do that he might have other abilities beyondthat of a run of the mill werewolf. She’d fired questions at Bonnie and they’dall been hastily dodged. It was clear that Bonnie knew something but she’d clammed up when pressed, had only urgedCaroline to be careful.

Like shewasn’t always.

She’dexpected him to have to look, to wander around the room. She’d thought she’dhave more time to observe – to take his measure before he found her but she’dbeen mistaken. His gaze locks on to hers after his first sweep of the room andhis slow smile tells Caroline that her efforts at concealment had beenpointless.

He’s madeher. Worrisome, but she hadn’t survived this long by being quick to panic.

He doesn’tlook away from her as he approaches, brushing through the crowd with ease.Caroline lifts her chin, refusing to squirm under the weight of his gaze. Shedoesn’t stand when he reaches her and he helps himself to the chair adjacent tohers without being prompted. His eyes drop, running over her form without ahint of shame, frank appreciation written plainly across her face.

“My eyesare up here,” Caroline tells him blandly, taking a sip of the drink in herhand. She’s switched to bourbon on the rocks and though it’s her third butCaroline’s head is perfectly clear. Getting drunk takes a great deal of effort,a combination of her physiology and her age.

He doesn’tmention the fact that she’d done some shameless ogling of his own last night ashe makes himself comfortable. The leather creaks as he settles, crossing anankle over the opposite knee, still studying her far too intently. “You’ll haveto forgive me, love, but I rather expected you’d be… larger. Harsher, somehow.”

Carolineoffers him a cutting smile, “The most dangerous things come in prettypackages.”

His eyesglint with amusement, “Touché. I must say I’m a bit upset. I’ve heard whispersthroughout the centuries, of dragon shifters and their value, but I’d alwaysdismissed them as fantastical.”

Shebristles a bit when he says ‘value.’ It’s a harsh reminder of all those who’dtried to capture her, those that would still come, intent on using pieces ofher for their own personal gain. She doesn’t let her ire show, maintaining aneutral expression. The second part of his statement was more pressing.

Werewolveswere lucky to manage a long human life, the strain of changing every month washell on them physically and they often died young. They certainly didn’t live centuries.

She’dthought his scent off yesterday, Caroline remembers. She’d picked up on asweetness, a faint tinge of metal, but she hadn’t made the connection.

Vampiresand werewolves did not mix.

ExceptCaroline had heard rumors of her own over the years.

Her fingerstighten on her glass as the pieces fall into place and he snatches it out ofher hand before it shatters. “Easy,” he murmurs. “It seems you’re not just apretty face, hmm?”

She glanceslongingly at the drink, wishes for the burn that could distract her from howgreatly she’d miscalculated. “You’re Klaus Mikaelson,” she says, thankful shemanages the words without a tremble.

She couldhandle a werewolf and most vampires but the really old ones, the vampires who outstrippedher years? They could pose a threat. Klaus was an original, now a hybrid. Hecould hurt very likely hurt her, even if she shifted. If anyone had theresources to hold her it was him.  

Carolinewould need to tread carefully.

“I am,”Klaus says, smiling. Pure evil should nothave been given dimples like that. He takes her hand, and lifts it to his lips,“It’s a pleasure to officially make your acquaintance, Caroline.”

He lingersfor a long moment and Caroline holds her breath, sitting stiffly in her chair.His fingertips stroke her palm, “You can relax. I’m just here for aconversation.”

She’s surethat more than one person had heard similar reassurances shortly before theirdeath. “Yeah, sorry if I’m not super trusting. You’re kind of well-known andnothing I’ve heard about you suggests you’d balk at telling a couple of lies.”She tugs her hand back and he releases her instantly. She straightens her spineand folds her hands in her lap. “Now, what do you want? Scales, blood, teeth?”

“Blood. Fora spell.”

Of course.That’s how it usually went.

“Whatspell?” she expects him to demure since it’s really none of her business butKlaus surprises her by offering information freely. “My doppelganger is avampire and therefore useless. My younger brother has seen fit to inform methat there is another line. I need to find it.”

She sensesthere’s more to the tale – the harsh way he grinds out the word ‘brother’ tellsCaroline that there’s buckets of family drama there. Her innate nosiness makesher itch to press but she decides to stick the things that will affect herdirectly. “And my blood will help you do that?”

“Accordingto the witches I’ve consulted, yes. And since my propensity for violence whendispleased is well known I’m banking on them being correct.”

“Then whydidn’t you take it?” Caroline blurts out.

He wascapable, he’d had the opportunity last night. He could have taken her bysurprise easily – she wouldn’t have been expecting the speed and strength hewas capable of – and he could have left her bleeding in the snow last night. Orworse, dragged her away to some carefully constructed cage. Last night couldhave been, as he himself had noted, a neatly set trap.

“I’m sureyou know how finicky spells can be, being what you are. Witches are ever so fondof their terms and conditions. I need your blood and I need it willingly given.And I’ll need it more than once.”

Well, that changed things. Caroline’s tension meltedaway and she shifted to get more comfortable. It was good to be standing on aneven playing field again.

“I’vealways liked witches,” she tells him cheerfully.

“They seemrather fond of you. The Bennett girl was very reluctant to supply yourdirection despite the motivation I provided.”

Caroline’seyes narrow in warning. “That’ll be my first term. Bonnie, her cousin? They’remine. The Bennett’s always have been. You don’t use them or threaten them ifyou want anything from me.”

Klausinclines his head, “I can accommodate that demand.”

The easewith which he’d capitulated makes Caroline suspicious so she decides to keepsilent and see what his next move is. He seems to choose his words carefully, “Thespell is complicated. You’ll have to leave here for at least a month.”

Not a dealbreaker, “I like travelling.”

“There arethose who’ll try to stop me. Who’ll go to great lengths to prevent me frommaking more hybrids. You’ll be travelling with me to ensure your safety.”

That was abit concerning. Given how magnetic he was, how susceptible to him she wasturning out to be, spending prolonged periods of time with him could be adisaster.

“What wouldI be getting out of this deal?” Caroline asks. “You’re asking me to totallydisrupt my life here.”

“What doyou want? Money? Protection? Name it and it’s yours, sweetheart.”

Essentiallya blank check then. She was sure that there were plenty of people who wouldkill for one of those signed by Klaus Mikaelson. Caroline didn’t know if shewas one of them. “I’ve got money. I’ve done pretty well protecting myself. It’ssomething dragons have a knack for. I imagine I’m the best lead you have?”

His nod isgrudging, the barest incline of his head, confirming Caroline’s suspicions. Itcould take him years, decades even to track down another like her. She would have trouble doing it eventhough she had starting points and leads available. Dragon shifters weresecretive out of necessity. “And if I say no?”

His headtips to the side, lips curling slyly, “I suppose I’d have to develop anappreciation for your town. It’s a bit cold for my liking but I imagine I couldgrow to like it well enough while I attempt to convince you to help my cause.”

“Convincehow?” she presses.

Klaus wetshis lower lip and she detects a slight glow of gold around the blue of hisirises. “I’d be happy to try any number of methods.”

Her body reactsto the gravelly pitch he’d adopted, the muscles in her stomach twitching as afaint flush overtakes her cheeks.

If he couldcoax that kind of reaction with only a handful of words she was screwed if hereally tried to be persuasive.

Carolineclears her throat and reaches for her glass. She tosses back the rest of theliquor in one swallow, ignoring Klaus’ satisfied noise of amusement.

Of course he was amused. Caroline was the one thatwas thoroughly stuck with him no matter which option she chose.

It was aprobably a bad sign that she wasn’t that upset about it.

[the-madame21]

50 more interesting questions

Rules: fill this out and tag at least one person you’d like to know more about! Or just fill it out! Or don’t! Answer only some of them! Make up your own questions! “What kind of requirement is that”, you ask? A reasonable one! Who am I to tell you what to do? Anything goes!

Tagged by @acrispyapple. Thank you! <3

1. What kind of food can’t you stand? Pixie sticks. Or onions. 

2. If you could choose one minor inconvenience to never have to deal with again, what would you pick? My phone recognizing my thumbprint every time so I don’t have to deal with physically unlocking my phone lmao.

3. Have you got any useless talents? all talent is useful.

4. If you could be really really good at one thing, what would it be? Not stressing. It’d be so nice to not stress and get worked up over every little thing lmao.

5. Name a few people you think are extremely good-looking - Matt Damon (fight me) Hook from Once Upon a Time, the lead singer of Black Veil Brides 

6. What was your favorite way to pass the time as a kid? Playing pretend!! Ah me and my sister would make up the wildest stories haha. And we had an insane amount of stuffed animals and shit we used for props. I also loved swimming back then. 

7. What is something you’re proud of? I’m really proud of my writing even if almost no one I know personally reads it lol. 

8. What’s one character flaw in people that you just can’t tolerate? I hate when people are fake friendly. Like you can tell when it’s genuine vs not and it just bothers me like stop fucking trying so hard. 

9. Do you consider yourself to be more of a leader or a follower? Uhhhh both I guess. I rather just follow since it’s easier and back in elementary through high school everyone always pegged me to lead group projects and shit so I’m kinda sick of it lol. 

10. What kind of student are/were you? 6 AP classes all in one go woo let’s do this lol. 

11. Butterfly effect question! Has there ever been a seemingly minor decision you’ve made (at the time) that ended up having a profound influence on your life? Not that I can really recall off the top of my head. 

12. Name your most irrational fear/aversion  I can’t watch scary movies. Like at all. “But it’s fake” bitch that don’t mean it ain’t scary. 

13. Are there any fictional characters you find especially relatable? Anything is relatable if you try hard enough. 

14. If you drink, what kind of drunk are you? Alternatively, what sort of person are you at parties? I get really giggly. Like I laugh all the time anyway but it becomes especially true when I drink. 

15. Do you fall in love easily? Or does it usually take a long time for you to trust someone? I think I do. But I don’t know if that was just because I’m in love with the idea of love. 

16. Would you rather have one close friend or 100 casual friends? One close friend. Which is basically what I got now lmao.

17. Do you consider yourself to be more of a slob or a neat-freak? I’m kind of a slob since I’m lazy but never for very long because seeing everything dirty just like *screams* I can’t take it. Cleaning is like relaxing to a certain extent lol.

18. Describe a place (imaginary or real) that you would find incredibly cozy Oh I always think of like rain or snow and just having a desk pushed up against the window or something like that. Or somewhere with a bunch of pillows where you can see the rain falling. If there’s a christmas tree too then that’s awesome lol. 

19. Do you have kids? If not, do you want them someday? I don’t have any kids but I do want them someday. 

20. What was your favorite book as a child? The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: Wolf Brother

21. Name one thing you just don’t get what all the hype is about Is it bad if I say kpop?

22. Name one thing that you think is tragically underrated uhhhhhh

23. If you had to be glued to a person for a month, real or fictional (who you have never met), who would you choose? Abraham Lincoln.

24. What’s something you’d like the chance to do someday? Visit all of the Disneylands. I’m only missing Shanghai and Hong Kong.

25. Do you typically speak your mind when you have a controversial opinion? Or do generally prefer to not rock the boat? I usually stay quiet, judge you in my head, and then talk shit to my mom or bf. 

26. What’s the dumbest fad you’ve been caught up in? Does anyone remember those rubber bands that were like animal shaped and people wore them as bracelets? 

27. What’s something you thought was cool as a kid/adolescent, but now cringe at yourself for? My entire middle school self lmao.

28. What’s a trait you consider to be very admirable? I think honesty. It’s hard being honest. And it’s like everyone is so used to lying like sometimes these people come off as blunt but like it’s appreciated.

29. Is there a particular kind of item people always tend to give you as gifts? (For instance, people always get you things with ducks on them because you like ducks, etc.) people don’t give me things. So. I guess things that are disney related?

30. Do you speak multiple languages? Which ones? Spanish, English, Fake French and even faker Japanese. 

31. Would you rather live in the big city or the countryside? City please for the love of god I would not survive in the countryside. 

32. Has there ever been something you were certain you’d hate, but ended up loving? Anime. Woops. 

33. Do you mind being the center of attention, or do you prefer the spotlight to be on someone else? ALL EYES ON ME IN THE CENTER OF THE RING JUST LIKE A C I R C U S. I like attention. 

34. Favorite holiday? Christmas! :D

35. Are you a more go-with-the-flow type of person, or do you need to have things planned meticulously? Plans. Please. 

36. Is there something you loved so much you wish you could forget it and experience it all over again? (A tv show, book, series–anything.) Mmmmm no. Things get better the more I know about them. 

37. What hobbies do you have? writing...other than that I’m an incredibly boring person lmao. 

38. If you could have a superpower, but it was only mildly useful, what ability would you want to have? shaving in like three seconds. Gods that’d be so useful. 

39. Something people are always surprised to learn about you I’m not white.  

40. Something that took you way too long to figure out I religiously spelled “maybe” as “mabye” up until like the third grade because I was convinced my teachers were just wrong. 

41. Worst injury you’ve had? a busted lip I guess? 

42. Any morbid fascinations? not really?

43. Describe your sense of humor it’s fucked up. 

44. If you had to be born in another era/place, which would you choose? I love/hate this question because as a woman like shit sucked back then. But let’s go with ancient egypt cuz I like ancient egypt. 

45. Something you are irredeemably bad at video games. I literally cannot game. How does it work. 

46. Something that sucked but you’re glad you went through Walking the length of the golden gate bridge. That shit was awful. I’m scared of height AND bridges AND it was raining so and it’s a long ass fucking walk. But I guess I can say I did it so whatever. 

47. Would you rather have a really godawful ugly tattoo in a place that is only slightly inconvenient to conceal with clothing (upper arm, thigh, etc.), or the coolest, most beautiful tattoo ever in the middle of your face? (Neither tattoo can be removed or concealed with makeup, and the ugly tattoo will deeply offend anyone who sees it.) the ugly one. 

48. Are you more of an optimist or a pessimist? depends on my mood honestly. 

49. What would be the most flattering compliment someone could give you? Idk all compliments are pretty flattering so I’m not too picky. 

50. Something you feel people often misunderstand about you I don’t really know. I don’t interact with enough people lmfao. 

not forcing anyone to do it, this is long af. So whoever wants to, feel free!