#whenever i end up in a secluded corner w/ someone i like to just put away my weapons and see what theyll do

[abimee]

chased a flames dps off this cliff while this astro tailed them and after they jumped off i put away my sword and we both just stood there for a few seconds before i /bowed to them and walked away. and they didnt try to hit me. literally my favorite bit

[is-nini]

Heyhey! If you aren’t comfy writting this feel free to ignore this request. I completely understand. May I request a dom childe with a reader who has been badly abused. Like before she always seemed to hate her family, and then when he’s fucking her the last piece of the puzzle falls into place and he finds out she’s been abused? Thank you ^^ if you aren’t comfy writting this I completely understand :>

A/n: Angst angst angst(っ˘̩╭╮˘̩)っ listen I'm bad.. but i will try my best.. HNNGGGG GOSH I'M SCARED!!!! For you guys out there who are sensitive to Abusive stuff in general, please please PLEASE look away

Angst -> fluff

Childe and you has been in relationship for quite a while now. He has confessed to you around 2 weeks ago. Despite being happy taht you accept his confession, Childe always felt something off from you.

Whenever he brings the topic about families. Childe likes to tell you how he loved his brother and sisters and you just let out a akward laugh or saying some things about he his lucky with a very heavy tone.

Childe does seem like a airhead but when it comes down to you he is a very observant man. Sure, he could've asked you about why you seems so sad but he didn't wanted to hurt your feelings so now he is just trying to get some information about your family.

At times you would have a new fresh bruise on your body, some of them are small like the ones on your arms but some of them are just HUGE like a FINGER PRINT like bruise on your neck.

Childe never ment to pry into your private life but this is getting too far. He needs to know what's going on when he left you with your family.

"goodnight princess".

Childe said, kissing your cheek and then your lips. You and him has just reached the end of your date. You smile softly at him and kiss him back, just a little longer to find that warmth and love that you know you will never get from your home.

Childe looks at as you walked into your seemingly normal home as you wave back to him. Childe walks to the side of your house, hiding in the shadow to looks at you. This might seems too much but he cannot ignore the occasion whimper that you let out whenever he touch the parts of your body. you're hurt and he speculate that it is from something or someone inside your home because on the outside, you are always with him.

He watched closely as you opened the door to your home, but before you could even touched the handle a hand slam open the door and roughly takes your hand. You fall down, half of your body is inside the house and half of your body is outside. You was never get the chance to stand up when suddenly you are being pulled inside, making your leg graze along the floor and forgetting to close the door.

Childe immediately runs to your home with his sword in his hand. Your sad excuse for "father" is raising his fist in the air while your mom is holding the both of your arm so that you can't fight back. They turn to look at Childe with confusion in their eye. Childe doesn't care though he immediately pull away your mom harshly away from you and grab you by your waist gently.

The familiar warmth makes your body relax, sensing Childe around you makes you break down. This is what you need, attention, love, care things that your abusive parents will never gave you.

You cling to Childe, letting all your emotions out, Childe pulled your head to his chest, kissing your head and shushing you all while glaring at your parents.

"w-who are you".

Your sad excuse for a father asked while trying to look tough. Childe just scoff at him and picking you up princess style and was about to walk out the door when he sense a hand reaching out to him from behind.

Childe move away from the hand that was about to reach him, making him stop in his track.

"what are you doing".

He grunts out, glaring at you mom.

"give her back-! She's our Daughter".

Childe can't believe his eye. Mother? Really? She dare to call you her daughter.

"no. She will stay with me i WILL take CARE of her".

Childe said, not wanting to listen more to their stupid reasons he left the house with you still sobbing furiously on his hand.

"baby girl.. shh look at me".

You shake your head no as you sniffle and sobbing your heads off. You can't face Childe like this. You are embarrassed. Embarrassed that he need to see you in such state.

Childe brings you to a secluded area around the neighborhood to keep you away from the prying eyes. He stroke your head gently, kissing you from time to time, letting you calm down and think.

"it's okay.. you're okay.. you're safe with me, mind telling me what happen bunny?".

He muttered in your ear, your sniffling starts to lessen as you began your story. How they beat you up, when it started, why did they do that. Everything. No more secret hidden from Childe.

Listening to your story attentively he feels his blood boiled. He will punish your parents but for now he won't leave you alone. You need him and so he will deliver to you just that.

"bunny, baby, girlie, Y/n the love of my life, you are safe. With me. You don't need to worry about them okay? I will protect you i promise".

Childe kiss your face as tears started to runs down from your face again but this time a slight smile appears on your face. You nod and let you body relax to the sound of Childe's breathing and the wind passing by the both of you while you are getting comfy, being cradled by Childe. Your safe zone.

Childe feels you slowly sleeping. His home is still pretty far away with feet and he would want to wake you up so he called the driver. While waiting for the car he whisper a bunch of sweet nothings on your ear.

Once he saw the vehicle he slowly carried you, still holding you close to his arms inside the car, all the way back to his home where you will be his princess and he will keep you safe.

Being with childe is the best thing that ever happened to you, Childe has been a amazing boyfriend.

He let you have your own bedroom despite wanting to sleep with you, he bought you need clothes, shoes, accessories, plushies. Everything. Childe doesn't want to take any of your old clothes, the reason? Well he wanted you to have a new life with him. A life where you will forget all about your past.

Your mother is still your mother. You came from her blood and he cannot take that away from you but he is trying his best to gave you a new life. New family that you deserve. The luxury that a Princess deserve all to make you happy.

"babee I'm homee".

Childe said, he smells a waft of a delicious smell and so he instantly went to the kitchen.

It has been a couple of weeks since the whole ordeal has ended, your bruise and scars is healing slowly but surely, you're smile has been so bring ever since he pulled you away from that... Stupid house of yours.

"ah! Welcome home Childee".

You greets him back. Childe skipped towards you and hugs your waist from behind, resting his chin on your head. Hearing you giggle he smiled and teasing you by kissing your neck.

"Childe~ I'm cooking".

You whine out acting like you are disturb when in reality you are more than happy to be teased by him.

"hmm? No need to cook pretty girl, we can order something"

"b-but-! I almost finished!!!".

You and Childe exchange a bunch of friendly and lovable banter. Childe hums on your neck and stroking your hips as you finishing your food.

You remember the time where Childe puts you out of your misery. time where he saved you, time where he confesses to you.

"childe.. thankyou".

You whisper, Childe looks at you, confused so you started to explain.

"without you.. i wouldn't be here.. so thankyou. For everything".

Childe's eyes widen, and shaking his head as fast as he could.

"baby, thankyou for being with me. Thankyou for accepting me, thankyou for surviving that.. stupid house. Thankyou for loving me".

Tears are pooling in the corner of your eyes again. Childe reached out to turn off the stove and spins you around to face him.

"i-i'm sorry to pulled you into my mess".

You wail out as tears started to pour down your face. Childe smile's at you, erasing your tears away with his thumb.

"baby girl.. don't say that.. never say that".

He said with a little push on his word, he pulled out his pinkie and hd it in front of you.

"promise?".

You smile at him, sniffling and intertwine your pinkie with his.

"promise".

With that Childe giggle and kisses your hand.

"i love you y/n".

You smile up at him with the tear stained face.

"i love you too".

With those words. You both proceed to live a happy life as you slowly forgetting all about your parents as Childe spoiled you to the bone.

A/n: I'M SORRY IF THIS IS BAD i tried my best to make it as fluff as possible... I am so scared to mess up.. i hope this will bring some warmth to your heart even if it's just a little bit! Stay strong okay don't forget to take care :) i hope you enjoy it

[bbelphie]

AGGHHH! That Barbatos he was great!!! Since we’re on the topic of side characters we obviously want to date, would you be willing to do more hc of Barbatos, Diavolo, and Solomon? NSFW or SFW?

both? both.

it looks like i went a little too much on about diavolo’s hcs, didn’t i? jehdjdj that’s because i wanted to talk more about him, he has so much i want to discuss (solomon too, he has suspicious™️ vibes)....... but let’s keep it short while my creativity still lasts for my others precious boys.

barbatos

like i said before, barbatos will remember the little things you tell about yourself like no other. every time he does something for you in base of the small information that you don’t even recall saying to him, it warms your heart and you can’t help but smile, making him proud of himself for a trait he didn’t really minded before. so it’s like a self esteem boost for him he didn’t even know he needed.

he’s very dedicated to to your relationship. he knows he can’t be around all the time but that makes your time together even more special. that’s why he doesn’t deny displays of affection in public, although likes it better when you’re in a secluded place, when the touches linger on his skin for more time.

he’s all in for cuddles with you. it may take a while to get him comfortable with it but he warms up soon, nevertheless.

[NSFW] good job kisses are a thing with you two. they’re soft and quick, leaving a trail of longing after you’re apart. when barbatos spends his rare days off with you, these kisses take an unexpected turn, becoming breathtaking and making you unable to open your eyes for a few moment afterwards.

it leads to a makeout session that releases all the stress of not being intimate with each other for so long.

make note that barbatos misses you greatly, so he can’t help but imagine about it and when the times comes, he takes his duty of pleasuring you very seriously. however, being a teasing bastard it’s a part of his personality, only brought to the world to the people he’s close with. that being said, keep in mind that you’re in for a long night.

precise touches and observant glances. he will be storing in his memory every corner of your body for better exploration. soon enough, he becomes an expert in making you see stars as a punishment for making him feel like he does about you.

he prepares you for him so you don’t get hurt. yeah, his teasing may be endless but it’s for a reason, the only thing he’s not is careless. your well being is a priority and he handles it well.

diavolo

you all know he’s the next in line for the throne of the devildom, and that’s for a reason. not only because of his father, but the power diavolo can radiates that makes people kneel for him.

a less metaphorical way of saying this is that he’s a powerful and influential demon. almost an idealist, he has his ways on how to make things work to acquire peace between the realms. the student exchange program was one of them, and he’ll destroy everything that comes his way as a obstacle to that. (sobs about the last chapter,,,)

however, diavolo has a heart with good intentions. he loves and expects the best of everyone in the devildom, including you. he just didn’t expect to feel so strongly about you in a short period of time.

he doesn’t consider it as romantic love at first, but knows you’ve gotten a special place in his heart. it’s when his thoughts always lead to your smiling face that makes him seriously think about it. why is he thinking about you so much? it couldn’t be really love. is it?

before he decides to confess to you, he analyzes his situation: the next demon king, busy trying to mend the bond between the realms, there’s still the ones against him, considering diavolo an enemy, and many others issues. he starts hesitating, but every doubt goes away the moment you say his name. diavolo quickly tells you about his feelings, before having second thoughts about how you’ll be reacting to it.

a competent and reliable lover, diavolo listens to your troubles and tries to be always there for you. doesn’t shy away from being affectionate, he loves feeling you close to him. your happiness is one of his main concerns, it’s safe to say he’ll treat you like a king/queen. (well, you kinda are....)

respects your wishes, and is always putting you first, even in the bedroom. knows he’s strong and enormous, so is very careful about how to touch you. kisses also are meaningful to him, and his heart beats happily everytime he gives you one, being it soft or rough.

[NSFW] has a LOT of self restraint, and treats you like you’re a fragile porcelain doll. that mostly is because he’s aware of your human mortality and doesn’t want to hurt you in any way. so a better term for sex with him is lovemaking for it’s slow and sensual. if he ever increases his pace is because the pleasure is too much and he needs to achieve his release fast.

moments like those will leave you sore next morning. it’s not his purpose for doing so — in fact he feels guilty and will definitely pamper you for the rest of the day — diavolo just can’t help but gradually lets himself lose some control he has, pounding deep into you while he’s overtaken by his instincts. nevertheless, he express his love for you in any way he can as long as you’re comfortable with him.

solomon

now this one is another tease. ever since you met solomon he never faltered on making you flustered. even if you don’t get along at first, you end up hanging out together since you are the only humans in the devildom.

are prank dates a thing? because you had that even before developing feelings for each other. friendship with solomon is so chaotic, he has a way of bringing you with him to mess with someone, normally luke.

also damn have you seen solomon’s cape? it’s fucking beautiful. and he lends it to you whenever you’re cold. things like this makes it looks like you’re a couple in everyone else’s eyes. which you disagree firmly, while solomon’s enjoying watching you stumble upon your words denying it.

when you get mad at him for not helping you clear the misunderstanding, he just says he doesn’t cares. but maybe he does. maybe, he actually likes this idea. so, after some thinking, he invites you on a date. (but you wouldn’t know it’s a date.)

the moment someone calls out on how cute you two are together, solomon instantly agrees with them before letting you speak anything. then, he proceeds to tell this person about every little thing he adores about you, while his arm goes resting on your waist.

when you ask about how he acted afterwards, he will smile softly and just say that he was telling them the truth. he loves everything about you, even the things you don’t like about yourself. this begins to look like he’s admitting his love for you, and solomon doesn’t mind a bit.

after that, your relationship isn’t much different from the time you were friends, but know there’s more touching and teasing. you do so much more things together, you name it — going out on dates, teaching you magic spells, tickle fights, eating together and the list continues going.

he likes giving you forehead kisses. he shamelessly implied it’s a good luck charm. truth be told, he just likes kissing you. your forehead, top of your head, your cheek, the tip of your nose, your neck, and his favorite: your lips.

[NSFW] as i said before, he’s a tease, but also adores when you tease him back. it becomes kind of a competition of making each other horny and the one who gives up resisting loses. and it’s really hard to make him lose. even if you or him loses, the competition stops mattering after you kiss. so much raw emotion is built up during the day and released at night, or even on the late afternoon if one of you gets impatient. nevertheless, nights likes these are the cause of sore legs and bruised lips in the next morning.

if you don’t think he wouldn’t elaborate your private times with magic, you’re extremely w r o n g. motion binding spells, aphrodisiac spells, spells that restore your stamina and many others. it’s always a surprise when solomon makes sex with you. of course he only tries them with your consent but it doesn’t get less thrilling.

enjoys overstimulation on you. maybe is asmo’s influence, but knows sensitiveness makes the pleasure 100% stronger. so there’ll be eating you out and fingering you for some time before he finally enters his length inside you. that’s you don’t need to worry too much about the wait, he makes sure to be all worth it.

[aquilaofarkham]

title: the golden sleep rating: teen and up word count: 6,325 summary: Sleeping Beauty/fairy tale AU where Dracula casts a dark spell over every kingdom in the land while a disgraced prince and a travelling magician race to stop him and rescue his son, who he’s trapped in an eternal, death-like sleep.

read on ao3 at aquilaofarkham

The lonely prince lived in a castle of night and thorns. A place consumed by shadows where nothing green ever grew. Which was why he took every possible opportunity to leave. As the sun rose over the mountains surrounding his kingdom, the prince would quietly slink out through the gates then promptly return just before the moon and stars blanketed the night sky. For he was the only one in his father’s court whom the sun adored. He could stand outside in the middle of the day and remain unharmed.

One day, the prince waited as light shone through every crack and crevice of his home. The king, along with other occupants, fled towards their darkened corners. Skittering into empty coffins as creatures of the night always do in the face of daylight. Until at long last, the castle grew silent.

A perfect chance for the prince to make his temporary escape. He tied up his high boots while strapping a crossbow against his back and a thin sword by his hip. One was for hunting, the other for his own defence despite him never needing to use it. No mortal human ever dared to step foot in the woods. It was where the prince always fled to, his sanctuary. Though its trees were dense and its foliage lush, full of bountiful nature, everyone knew better. One step too far, and a distracted hunter would find themselves stumbling upon a domain few returned from.

“Do not go where eyes shine red from every shadow,” they all said. “That’s where Dracula, the King of Vampires resides.”

The prince climbed over large roots protruding from the mossy ground, skipping over crystal blue streams with grace and ease. He never called himself a vampire. All his life, he knew he was different from his father and members of his court. He bore the same fangs, the same strength, and could transfigure himself into a hoard of bats or a swift wolf whenever he willed it. But there was his ability to endure the sun without pain or discomfort and his aversion to blood. The prince knew how his father acquired such a liquid and thus never drank it, instead filling his cup with the strongest and reddest of wines.

There were many titles gifted to him—the golden prince due to his hair and eyes, the one who walks among sunlight, then Adrian, the name his long-gone mother chose for him. He loved that name, as he loved his mother despite only knowing her for a short time. Yet as he grew into an adult, he came to give himself a new name, one that stood against the king. A representation of how he was the very antithesis of his father.

Further into the forest, the prince stopped to rest on a fallen tree. He sat in deep thought, still as the hardest stone. The animals saw his calm demeanour and felt drawn to him. Too small, quick, and clever to be considered real game, so he let them join him for now. A lonely prince grateful for some company.

He longed to leave the castle, forever. It was his wish, his dream, and his hope. Where would I go? Time and time again he asked himself that question. In the forest with his animals and towering trees? Or towards other kingdoms with their human subjects? Would there ever be a place for a prince like him?

His melancholy thoughts were cut short by the sound of sticks breaking and leaves rustling off in the distance. The animals’ hairs stood on edge as they ran off, scattering in all different directions. They knew it was neither the wind nor a creature like themselves causing that commotion. The prince stood erect; one hand steady at his sword while the other prepared to reach for his crossbow. He listened as the noise drew closer.

Feelings of suspicion escalated when a dark horse trotting through the shrubbery emerged, a cloaked figure close by its side. The distance between them shortened until the stranger’s wandering gaze found the prince. 

Dark auburn hair (in need of a good combing), the early signs of stubble upon his chin, and garb similar to that of a hunter’s. Though draped around his shoulders was a coat with fur whiter and larger than a cloud. An article of clothing common amongst royalty. They stood apart, both looking just as bewildered as the other.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to put you on edge,” the man dressed in furs spoke. His voice was deep with a ruggedness to it. “I thought I was alone.”

“As did I. It’s rare to see a human in these woods. No one ever comes here.”

“Well, I was on my way home, but... I think I might have gotten lost.”

The prince noticed small remnants of leaves stuck in his hair and cloak. “I can see that. Where were you going?”

“To the north, that’s where my kingdom is.”

“Kingdom?” So, he is of royalty. “What is your title?”

“Prince Trevor of the Belmont Lineage. My mother and father are King and Queen of the Hunters.” He said it with pride, holding his head high. “And yours?”

The golden prince said nothing at first. His mind was too focused on the name Belmont. Dracula always spoke of them with a burning hatred, for the two kingdoms had been at war long before either prince was born. When they weren’t fighting, there was a never-ending sense of dread concerning the next battle. When it would happen, where it would happen, and who would strike first.

The prince never hated the Belmonts as much as his father did and he never wanted to fight. He simply longed for peace. But if he revealed the name he chose to defy Dracula, would Trevor realise the truth and attack without thinking? He quickly decided on the safest response, despite it feeling somewhat untrue to himself.

“Adrian. Just Adrian.” He said, making sure his fangs remained obscured.

“Are these your woods, Adrian?”

“They don’t belong to anyone but the animals, but I do live on the other side. And I visit quite often.” The prince turned around and gestured for Trevor to follow him. “Come. I will show you a path that will lead you out of here and due north.”

“That’s very generous of you, but it’s not necessary. I can find my own w-”

“I wouldn’t take my offer lightly. You’ll get even more lost in this particular forest if you don’t have someone to guide you.”

Though surprised by his bluntness and persistence, Trevor and the horse followed Adrian diligently until they came to a much more substantial path. “This will take you to the northern most road. Remember not to stray and you will find your way back home.”

“Thank you. You really do know your way around this forest.” Trevor paused, noticing that some animals decided to tag along after realising there was no danger. “Can I see you again? It must get lonely here with no one else around.”

“... it does get lonely. In more ways than one.”

“Then I’ll come back. In three days, I’ll meet you right here where we’re standing.”

“Oh... alright. Three days, then.” It was all happening so fast, what else could he say? But he did not regret it. Adrian watched as Trevor mounted his horse and turned to him.

“You’re strange, but interesting. I’ll see you in three days. I promise.” He then rode off, leaving the other prince a little dumbfounded. He had to remind himself that everything-their encounter and the words they exchanged-was real. Of course, it would be a risk seeing the son of his sworn enemy a second time, but Adrian took risks every day. Would one more really make the difference? And part of him wanted to be friends with this Prince Trevor.

The lonely prince wouldn’t be so lonely anymore.

--

Trevor kept his promise. Three days following their first meeting, he went back into the woods and down the same path. He waited at the very end, keeping both an eye and ear out for the strange yet interesting prince. His patience was soon rewarded as a familiar head of long hair the colour of amber honey emerged from the trees. Trevor greeted Adrian with a smile, who gave him a small but genuine one in return.

The hours they spent together passed like minutes. More and more they found themselves enjoying each other’s company. Trevor felt soothed by Adrian’s presence and Adrian liked the way Trevor made him laugh. When it came time to part ways, the two princes made a pact to meet the next day. And they did so; again, and again, and again. Adrian snuck out of Dracula’s castle as he always did. Trevor made his own excuses to leave home for a few hours.

For them, the forest’s gifts were plentiful. Together they swam in ponds, tested their swordsmanship during playful sparring matches, and finally took their rest in meadows. Comfortably nestled amongst the soft grass and flowers, using Trevor’s fur cloak as a blanket. Underneath a green canopy, they were protected; secluded from the outside world and safe from their families’ war.

Adrian still couldn’t bring himself to expose the truth. He wanted to maintain that aura of safety for as long as possible. But he needed to know something.

“Trevor...” He asked, looking over at the Belmont’s calm expression as they lay side by side. “What do you know of Dracula?”

“What do I know?” Trevor pondered over his answer. “Not much, I suppose. Nobody does. He’s been a mystery for centuries.”

“But do you think he’s truly evil?” A question Adrian asked himself even as a child. He never wanted to believe that his father was a monster, but there were doubtful moments.

“My family certainly thinks that. What do you think?”

“Well... I’ve heard that Dracula fell in love.”

Trevor sat up. “With who?”

“With a human.”

“That’s impossible. Where did you hear this story?”

“Just listen. It was a long time ago when he met a woman named Lisa. She was a healer and Dracula adored her because he thought she was the sun incarnate.”

“Like you.”

Adrian’s cheeks flushed pink, both out a embarrassment and the fear that Trevor was catching onto the truth behind his story. “Some villagers discovered that Lisa had married the King of Vampires and accused her of dark magic. She fled to her clinic and they burned it down with her trapped inside.”

“That’s terrible. But it’s just a story, right?”

“Perhaps. But if Dracula was once capable of love, do you think it’s possible that your family could end their war with him?”

“It’s a nice thought to have. I certainly hope the war ends one way or another. Then everyone will be safe, not just us.” Trevor lay back onto his cloak while Adrian sighed. He lowered himself until his cheek was pressed against the Belmont prince’s chest.

“I hope it ends too.” One day, he thought. The feeling of Trevor gently stroking his long hair lulled him into a light sleep. One day I will reveal everything. And the war between our families will be over.

--

As the hot summer faded into a cool autumn, Trevor rushed out of the Belmont palace and straight towards their meeting place with the same excitability as every other day. When he arrived, he found himself waiting though he didn’t mind. As long as his friend eventually joined him.

Time passed and still Trevor waited, alone. Longer and longer until the sun began to wane. He had no choice but to leave before the roads got too dark. Riding back home, Trevor looked over his shoulder at the edge of the forest as it grew smaller with each second. That night, he lost sleep wondering about the many theories as to why Adrian wasn’t there—some more disheartening than others.

Maybe he had forgotten or was busy with other affairs. Maybe he grew tired of Trevor’s company and didn’t want to tell him outright, fearing he might break the other prince’s heart. Maybe something worse had happened.

The Belmont let a few more days pass before trying again. His second attempt was followed by a third, fourth, then an agonizing fifth. Don’t be disappointed. People in your life will come and go all the time. There will be others. Not even those thoughts, rational as they might have been, were able to convince Trevor. For there were no letters, no words whatsoever from Adrian. It was as though the man and all those days they spent together—the laughter they shared, the banter, and moments when their hands touched, fingers interlacing with each other’s—never really existed.

The very notion sent him into a state of boredom and dejection. He went about his duties as all princes did, but he walked with a heavy weight on his shoulders. Yet the worst was still to come and no one, not Trevor nor anyone else in the kingdom, could fathom it.

When grey clouds blocked out the sun and the wind howled like a terrible omen, King Gabriel and Queen Sonia Belmont led a small army into Dracula’s domain. They had waited too long and now was the time to strike again. Riders held their banners high, waving in the breeze while shields and armour plates proudly displayed the Belmont sigil. Moral amongst the hunters and their two leaders was steadfast; they needed another victory. As the seemingly untouchable castle drew closer, the skies began to darken until the whole world was engulfed in shadows. The Belmonts stood their ground.

Only one poor hunter with a broken bow, an empty quiver, and a bloodied rag tied around his face returned carrying a message for the prince. He couldn’t recall the entire battle for both his eyes had been scratched out by one of Dracula’s creatures. But he did remember the clashing of blades, the inhuman snarls, and the desperate shouts calling for retreat before they were hastily silenced.

“What of my mother and father?” Trevor asked.

The hunter forced himself to speak. “Before I lost my sight, I saw them at Dracula’s feet. He towered over us, like he was part of the very blackened sky he created... neither of them were moving.”

Trevor’s heart sank into his stomach. He stumbled up the tower steps and into his bedchamber as the survivor cried out “Dracula has become more powerful than ever”. Those terrible words echoed throughout the palace. 

On that day while the orphaned prince shed his quiet tears, the sun disappeared.

--

People found ways to live in the everlasting darkness. Lanterns adorned the streets and the Belmont palace was aglow with thousands of candles. Trevor couldn’t accept his father’s title of King Belmont; he wasn’t ready to be king. Not only that, he believed he didn’t deserve it. He extended his mourning period by drowning himself in bottles of wine and pints of ale. Ending the days sadder than he began them. Sympathy for him turned into impatience, then finally into sad, pitying looks.

Then the thorns began to grow. It started in the southern most cities; vines with spikes like iron crawled along the roads, scaled the stone walls, and invaded every home. The citizens felt as though they had to stay frozen in place, too afraid to move in fear of impaling themselves upon the unusually large thorns. Despite all best efforts, they kept cutting their arms, legs, and faces. Blood fell like drops of rain, which the creeping plants drank up hungrily, becoming stronger and faster. They spread across the land, devouring all in their path.

After the thorns came the creatures, some with eyes red as the darkest rubies, others bluer than the coldest ice. They skittered into the cities, villages, and castles on their bat-like limbs, bearing their sharp fangs, more ravenous than the vines.

The last son of the Belmont Lineage watched from the window of his bedchamber at the very same iron thorns consuming his kingdom. Just as they had done with all the others. He listened to the ugly shrieks of night creatures reviling in their carnage. Trevor knew the source of this dark, inescapable magic that held the world in its grasp. Yet he hesitated; he was only one man, a disgraced prince who let himself wallow in misery for too long. If the king and queen could not defeat Dracula, then pray tell, how could he?

Trevor’s duty to his people outweighed his doubts. He saw their fear and decided to act. I might be victorious, he thought. Or I might join my mother and father. But I have never been afraid of a noble death.

Portraits of Belmont rulers long since gone stared down as Trevor retrieved all he needed from the arsenal room. A set of armour worn by Gabriel, a chain whip known as the Morningstar used by Sonia, and a longsword with ruby embellishments forged by his oldest ancestor. Lastly, with a sober hand Trevor slipped a familiar cloak around his shoulders. There was an odd sort of comfort in wearing it. As though his old rag with dirtied white fur was his true armour, not the silver plates gracing his body and limbs.

Riding out of the palace, Trevor made short work of the thorns that entrapped his home. Slicing them with his sword as they briefly cried out in pain, spilling blood that did not belong to them. The Morningstar sang its own song, choking night creatures while they burst into blood and flames. His kingdom had been freed and, for now, was safe.

Trevor made it to the fields where he came across a humble caravan of blue-clad folk trying to defend themselves from a hoard of monsters whose eyes and fangs glowed unnaturally. The prince acted fast until the threat was no more. “Is anyone hurt?” He called out above the chorus of relieved murmurs.

“We are alright.” An older man stepped forward and took Trevor’s hand. “Thank you for saving us.”

“You shouldn’t be out in the open like this.”

“We are Speakers. It is our way of life to travel from city to city, kingdom to kingdom, in search of those who need our aid.”

“Speakers...” Trevor knew these people; or at the very least, his family did. The Speakers were old friends of the Belmonts. He recalled seeing the same blue robes walking down the halls of his palace when he was a child.

“What about you?” A much younger Speaker interrupted. “Why are you out here?”

“I am Prince Trevor of the Belmont Lineage. Dracula has cursed the land, but I intend to stop him. Take refuge in my kingdom. You’ll be safe there for now.”

The Speakers were visibly reluctant. Most wanted Trevor to stay while others expressed a desire to join him, though he was adamant in carrying on alone. This was his duty, quest, and burden, no one else’s. The eldest Speaker spoke for the rest of his people.

“We do not agree with your choice, but we will respect it. They say the shortest way to Dracula’s castle is through the woods. But be cautious young prince. My grandchild ran in there and has not returned. If you find them... at least bring their body back so that we may give them a proper burial.”

“I shall.”

Trevor watched as the Speakers ambled down the road, turning away only when certain they would have a safe arrival at his kingdom’s gates. He looked towards his and Adrian’s forest, made wholly unfamiliar by Dracula’s curse.

--

My grandchild ran in there and has not returned. The elder Speaker’s weary words hung heavy in the prince’s conscience. All that time and the stories warning foolish travelers never crossed his mind. Never thought for a second that the King of Vampires ruled so close. Or perhaps there was a different reason. Perhaps he had always been aware of the stories, but never cared. The prince still came to cherish his forest.

Trevor thoughts turned to Adrian. Was he safe? Did he manage to escape the encroaching nightmare? The lack of answers filled Trevor with uncertainty, yet it drove him further towards his mission. He listened for any sound other than that of his own footsteps upon the dead foliage. There were no birds singing their cheerful hymns of welcome, no curious chirps from smaller creatures. In their place, burrowed among the browning grass and leaves, were bones.

The prince pushed himself and his horse as far as he could before the thorns surrounded them. They were birds trapped within a cage that bore a mind of its own, but Trevor’s sword hand was prepared. With the Morningstar also at the ready, the vines fell into pieces at his feet. The air was thick with ashes and the stench of burning blood.

Trevor let out a huff. This fight might have gone on for far longer without any loss of strength from him. So much of Dracula’s army was already dead because of him, and he was determined to be the death of many more. Even if he insisted on fighting alone. To rid his home of such a curse, to save countless lives, and to bring back the sun, the Belmont prince was willing.

Yet the fight ended just as quick as it began. The thorns retreated only for Trevor to soon realise that they were not acting like cowards. They were simply making way for another one of their comrades-a much, much larger one. Trevor’s expression changed into one of stunned disbelief as he came face to face with the cyclops. A creature tall as the oldest tree with hands and feet like boulders. With every step, the ground shook under its massive stature. Taking one, emotionless look at the tiny prince, its singular eye began to shift.

Trevor ran for cover, urging his horse to do the same. A bright beam of light suddenly cut through the forest. Had the prince been caught in that fire; he would have turned to stone. A fate worse than death, as many claimed, for everyone that fell victim to the cyclops’ stare remained alive despite their stony prisons. Cursed to live an eternity, immovable and in agony. Trevor was torn between attacking the brute outright or taking the time to better formulate a plan less likely to kill him.

Either way, he wasn’t given the chance to make a decision. The cyclops grabbed the prince by the end of his cloak and threw him into the trees. A weightless rag doll tossed around by a child. No broken bones, but Trevor’s head spun mercilessly and felt his poor, spent limbs ache with every subtle movement. He could barely continue dodging the cyclops’ attacks. The sound of its thunderous body making its way closer coupled with broken branches tumbling to the ground deafened him. Trevor held the whip in a death grip and prepared to throw his sword at his opponent.

There was no need for reckless action. Before the prince could carry out his plan (poorly thought out as it was), a hooded figure appeared just by the cyclops’ feet-a figure cloaked in blue. Raising their hands, a small light glowed from their fingertips, followed by a violent burst of fire. Flames surrounded the monster, obscuring its vision.

At first it seemed to be only a minor annoyance until the figure swayed their arms in a different pattern. Fire transformed into ice pikes, flying through the air, assaulting every inch of the cyclops. Finally, one drove itself into the giant’s eye. Trevor watched in amazement as its lifeless body collapsed. The magician, his saviour, then turned around and marched straight up to the prince. They lowered their hood, revealing a head of messy strawberry blonde hair and a soft yet intensely determined face.

“Are you a fool? What were you thinking, fighting against a fully-grown cyclops with no magic?”

“I... thank you for saving me?”

“You’re welcome. But I shouldn’t have had to. You should know better than to be so reckless.”

Trevor recognised her strong accent, the same one he heard from the old man. “You’re a Speaker magician, aren’t you?” Along with their nomadic, altruistic lifestyle, the Speakers were well known for their powerful spell casters, bending magic to their will.

“That I am. I’m Sypha Belnades. And who might you be?”

“Prince Trevor of the Belmont Lineage.”

“A Belmont?” Sypha exclaimed. “What are you doing here? Doesn’t your kingdom need you?”

“I am out here because my kingdom needs me. Dracula must be stopped and it is my quest to destroy him as it was my family’s. You on the other hand shouldn’t be here. Your grandfather is worried about you.”

Sypha refused to budge. “I cannot go back. We share the same quest, Trevor. The Speakers talk of a treasure that will undo Dracula’s curse. He keeps it locked away deep within his castle.”

“How do you know if this treasure really exists?”

“I don’t, but my people’s prophecies have never been wrong. We should go together.”

“No. I promised your family that I would find you and return you to them.”

“You can return me when we are successful. Besides, you won’t defeat Dracula with only a sword and a whip.”

The prince had no energy to argue. With a defeated mumble, he agreed and signalled for his horse to come out of hiding. Sypha shot him a self-congratulatory smirk before climbing onto the animal’s back. They left the scene of chaos behind, their eyes fixated on the long journey ahead.

--

Trevor didn’t regret bringing along Sypha. She had proven to be an irreplaceable companion in more ways than one. Using her abilities, she burned Dracula’s thorns and cleared a path through the woods. During quieter moments, she spoke excitedly about magic, the Speakers’ history regarding the subject, and how she longed to improve upon her own powers.

“You should write a book on spell casting,” Trevor suggested. Sypha let an amused chuckle escape her lips.

“No. It isn’t the Speaker way to write down our histories and traditions, even when it comes to magic. We prefer to pass things down orally and keep stories within ourselves. That way our words have more strength and cannot be physically destroyed.”

“Of course.” Admittedly, Trevor didn’t fully understand but he still respected the way of the Speakers. Different as it might have been from that of the hunters. “Did your people say what this... treasure of Dracula’s is exactly?”

“They did not. They said it would bring back the sun and dispel all of Dracula’s creatures from the land—that’s all. That’s why he guards it so closely. So that his evil can continue uninterrupted. Without the sun, no one can stop his rule.”

“No one except us.”

Sypha gave Trevor a silent agreement. Following their fight with the cyclops, her opinion of the prince had steadily improved. No longer did she see him as a lucky fool who happened to have a sword on his belt and a crown upon his head. Whenever a hoard of night creatures blocked their path, Trevor cut them down with a deft hand. His skill with the Morningstar impressed her the most.

Under the light of a full blood moon, the two looked ahead and were greeted by a relieving yet eerie sight. A fortress with towers rising high like daggers protected by an impenetrable cage of thorns. The closer they tried riding, the more Trevor’s horse whinnied and stomped its hooves in protest. It nearly threw him and Sypha off its back when a pair of new monsters stopped them. One being a Minotaur and the other a massive crow with a skull for a face and a wingspan that dwarfed its own body. Trevor had read about the creature named Malphas in his family’s bestiary, more akin to a demon than purely a man or bird.

The minotaur crashed both of its fists against the ground and let out a guttural bellow that made the trees tremble. Trevor used the whip to catch around its horns and swing onto its back, slicing his blade across the beast’s neck. Malphas was quick and cunning, but not as much as Sypha with her spells. She scorched its wings, binding it to the ground, before using her ice pikes to break its skull and impale its head. Another fight, another small triumph. The end was in sight, they could both feel it in their hearts and stomachs.

They arrived at a long bridge where at the other end, waiting patiently for the prince and magician, lay the real battle. Towering over them as though part of the blackened sky, just as that wounded messenger once described.

“You must be the Belmont runt.” Dracula spoke in a low, deliberate, and calm voice—for the moment. He slowly turned to Sypha. “And you... reeking of Speaker magic.” He hoped to revel in their terrified expressions, but there were none. They had torn through countless inhuman followers to stand against him. Their defiant looks infuriated the King of Vampires.

“I will show you what true magic is!” He roared, summoning more of his iron thorns. Trevor and Sypha fought side by side, inching their way further down the bridge. Whip and sword, fire and ice, working together. When the thorns let out their dying shrieks and crumbled into ashes, Dracula resorted to his own flames. Sypha raised her hands and held them back, shielding Trevor, before throwing them back towards their maker.

The king’s eyes grew redder, wilder, filled with anger at his enemy’s constant retaliation. “Enough! I will not be defeated by two lowly mortals. All of humanity deserves to perish at my hand. No one takes my rule or my castle away from me!”

He bared his fangs and seemed to disappear into a blur of wispy shadows. The prince and magician watched, bracing themselves for more of the same attacks. What barrelled towards them instead was Dracula himself, transfigured into a night creature larger than Trevor had ever seen before. It crawled over the bridge, its claws tearing at the stone, breaking it into pieces.

Sypha kept the monstrous being at bay with her fire while Trevor swung the Morningstar about, hitting its most vulnerable spots. The thing that used to be Dracula, enraged beyond comprehension, suddenly grabbed hold of the chain. As the prince was thrown into the air, Sypha called out his name. Her voice cracked, heavy with fear for her companion’s life.

Trevor grit his teeth and let go in midair. Wielding his ancestor’s sword, he brought it down upon Dracula’s neck. Gravity finished the job for him. Trevor fell onto the bridge alongside the King of Vampire’s severed head. Blood seeped through the cracks between each stone. There was a moment of deathly silence before Dracula’s corpse erupted into smoke. A gust of wind carried it off into the night, disappearing entirely.

“Was that it?” Trevor said, his chest heaving. “Is it over?”

Sypha spun around; the thorns were growing, and she could hear the distant growls of night creatures making their way home. Then she remembered. “The treasure... come on!” Dracula might have been defeated, but his curse still covered the land. There was only one last thing the prince and magician had to do, then their quest would be complete.

Carefully climbing over the vines, they broke through into the castle, just as haunting and oppressive as the outside. With Sypha lighting the way, they scoured down every corridor, searching the darkness for anything that might bring the sun back. Trevor kept his eyes open for a spell book or reliquary; a physical object. He was unprepared for what they found deep in the castle’s catacombs.

At the farthest end was a grand, lavish bed and canopy encased by smaller thorns. The two humans looked closer and saw that someone was lying underneath the covers. Someone Trevor recognized; he knew those locks of hair splayed out across the pillows, long and the colour of bright golden honey.

“Adrian!” Trevor rushed to his side, pushing aside the thorns. He said his name again while gently shaking his shoulders to no avail. Adrian’s eyes remained shut, face composed, and hands resting on his abdomen as though he were peacefully asleep.

“Did you know him?” Sypha asked quietly. Trevor couldn’t bring himself to face her.

“He... he was my friend. We met in the forest.” The question of what Adrian was doing in Dracula’s castle stirred in the prince’s mind until the answer made itself clear. His aloof nature, his story of the human doctor Lisa, and how he never opened his mouth too widely. Everything fit into place, a puzzle that Trevor should have solved a long time ago.

“You should have told me the truth...” He whispered. “I would have helped you.” It was too late for what ifs and apologies. All Trevor could do was give Adrian something he had been saving for the right moment. If only he didn’t have to give it in death. Leaning forward, he softly placed his lips upon Adrian’s.

There were no tears; the prince felt too exhausted for that. Sypha offered him some comfort by rubbing his back. “Trevor... Trevor! Look!” Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he was witnessing a miracle. Adrian stirred in his bed, rubbing his eyes and letting out a tired groan. Just as though he were sleeping.

“Trevor... is it really you? Did you wake me?”

“Yes! Yes, it’s really me.” He cupped Adrian’s face in both hands. “This is Sypha. We defeated Dracula together.”

Sypha smiled joyfully and said her own introductions. “How did this happen, Adrian?”

“I tried convincing my father to stop the war with the Belmonts and turn away from evil. Being with Trevor gave me that hope. But the hatred he felt for humanity, a hatred that had been festering for so long, was too strong. When I confronted him, he slashed at my chest and cast an enchantment over me.” Adrian sat up and revealed a long scar across his breast.

“My mother and I were the only ones whom the sun adored. With me in a sleep-like death, Dracula could block out the sun forever.”

“But what broke the enchantment?”

“Trevor, you fool.” Alucard laughed as his arms wrapped around the prince of hunters’ neck. “You did! You broke the curse.” He planted kiss after kiss on Trevor’s mouth, cheeks, and chin. “True love’s first kiss was the only thing that could wake me. After my mother died, Dracula believed that it no longer existed, so he made sure I would sleep forever. But you woke me.”

Trevor was overflowing with emotion—surprise, relief. Love. Their intimate reunion was interrupted by Sypha calling for them. “Come quick! Look at this!” Trevor helped Adrian out of bed and all three ran up the staircase to the nearest window. Over the horizon, the sun was beginning tor rise as every vine and thorn faded into dust. Dracula’s castle didn’t feel so dark anymore. They had won.

The two princes and the magician rode back through the now reborn forest. Trevor and Adrian shared his horse while Sypha had her own, a wild one that had survived the nightmare. “Are you not sad about your father?” She asked Adrian, whose back was resting comfortably against Trevor’s chest.

“I am, but... it needed to be done. I would have done it myself had I not been under his spell. He was no longer my father and hadn’t been for a very long time.” After a somber moment, he turned to Trevor. “There’s one other thing I need to tell you. I have another name, which I gave to myself as an act against Dracula: Alucard. I know you’re more used to calling me Adrian.”

“Alucard or Adrian, I will call you whatever you please.”

“Actually... I like it when you say Alucard.”

--

The day that Trevor and Alucard’s kingdoms united was a joyous one. They greeted their people both as kings and Dracula’s castle was no longer a beacon of terror. Trevor’s lips occasionally touched the opening of a wine bottle, but his desire for the liquid was not as great as it had been in the past. Sypha and the other Speakers would forever be welcome in his growing kingdom and he saved a special gift for her in particular.

“The Belmonts have a library filled with grimoires, spell books, and other artifacts with magical properties. But it needs an official scholar, someone deserving of all that power. I can’t think of anyone else but you.”

Sypha wanted to jump into Trevor’s arms and embrace him until he coughed, but she remained courteous towards the king and thanked him profusely. “Trevor... there’s been something on my mind.”

“What is it?”

“The enchantment that Dracula cast over Alucard... he could have just done away with him for good with no way of reviving him. But instead he put him to sleep along with a cure. Perhaps part of Dracula couldn’t bear the thought of killing his own son.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Trevor lowered his gaze as a new feeling crept up on him. Not sadness, far from that, but more uncertainty.

“What’s wrong? Are you not happy?”

“I am. Alucard and I have never felt this happy before in our lives. But... do you think happily ever afters really exist?”

She shrugged and smiled all the same. “I don’t know. No one does. But no matter what, they’ll tell stories about how the King of Hunters fell in love with the sun for a long, long time to come.”

[reignsrkive]

‣ Exes Prompt List

4 ⌜You get drunk on our ‘would be one year anniversary if we didn’t break up’ and show up at my brother’s birthday party. You start spilling everything whilst balling your eyes out⌟

‣ Genre; Angst

‣ Word Count; 1,9k

Today could have been way easier for you. Easier, more fun, enjoyable, actually happy. It really could have been if it wasn’t for that one minor detail that to you, seemed way more important than it could be for others. Even if you told yourself it’s over, that it’s not that important, all you could think of was it. Despite wanting to have fun on your own brother’s birthday party, you sat at the corner of the couch with some whiskey in hand, swirling it around in its red solo cup, thinking of him.

It would have- or better, could have- been your one-year anniversary with Hoseok. Someone that you had planned this party with a long time ago, someone you wished to spend this day with, you had to call him your ex. You still remember planning this party two months ago, each detail perfect, because the two of you had the best teamwork, you couldn’t even deny that. And then, you had to work on your own. You only planned it through stupid cold emails you sent to each other.

You shouldn’t be feeling like this anyway, this was mostly your fault. No- in your head you had made it seem as if it was his fault for letting you decide. But truly? If it wasn’t for you being too overprotective and scared, you would have still been together. You just had to act as if you’re not good for him and his career as a dancer, you just had to push him away because you were scared. He kept pushing and pushing for you to change your mind, kept telling you how you’re actually the one keeping him grounded and sane through all of this process of working hard to get a job, to do gigs and train.

Yet he at one point broke, only because he felt as if you didn’t want him anymore. As if this was your way of saying, ‘I’m tired of you, this constant back and forth of giving more attention to your work and being too exhausted every day is making me feel sick of you and I don’t think I love you anymore’. You couldn’t be wrong, either of you with your silly assumptions. Breakups can occur from big things, things that actually need to be solved with a breakup and true, actual separation and space. Nevertheless, this was a prime example of how breakups can be big mistakes and a result of not expressing your feelings and worrying too much.

You knew your brother was going to be out for a little while before actually attending his own party, and it was already 2am until he arrived. The people had started coming around 11pm and you had to host it on your own. He claimed that he wanted to get a little “tipsy” with his best friends before coming home to have the actual fun, whatever that meant.

The door was mostly forced open as your brother opened it with force and yelled like the drunk animal he was. Yeah, just a little tipsy, as he said. You rolled your eyes at the sight, taking a sip of your whiskey, only to choke slightly on it when you witnessed a tipsy Hoseok walking in, a funny smile ghosting over his lips, patting your brother on the back. “Holy sh-”

You chugged the rest of your whiskey and stood up from the couch, getting into the crowd as you saw Hoseok scanning it, trying to avoid his gaze. “Sorry,” You told someone you accidentally bumped into. “Sorry,” You said to another person. “Ugh fuck, sorry!” You said but realized you bumped into your brother.

“Heyy, sis!” He yelled at you over the music. “Good job, this shit is fucking awesome,” He said. You widened your eyes and nodded at him, cautious of how loud he was. ‘Hoseok could hear, and he could find me, shut the fuck up you idiot’, you thought.

“Yeah, yeah” I nodded. “Right. Uh, what the fuck is Hoseok doing here?” You asked him, completely forward.

“I went out with my best friends. Why do you keep forgetting he’s my best friend, dumbass?” He laughed at you. “He’s kind of out of it today though, I don’t know why. Asshole should have been pumped for his bro’s birthday!” He yelled, his loud words followed by another drunk laugh. “Anyway, I know he’s your ex boy toy, but like, he’s here for me, not you. Don’t get dramatic,”

You rolled your eyes at how much of a dick your brother was when he was drunk and left, seeing Hoseok moved towards your direction. “Yeah, yeah bye have fun!” You yelled back at him and moved around the house, getting yourself another drink. You chugged down a full cup of beer before pouring more whiskey and going to sit on the secluded stairs of your brother’s apartment. Once again, you sat swirling your drink in your cup, but this time anxiety slowly made you deteriorate inside.

If he finds you, what would you do? You weren’t sure if he remembered anyway. It’s been around a month ever since you last saw him, that day being the day of your breakup, and you ached to see him drunk. You didn’t think he had gotten drunk because of the day- if he remembered. How could he be, it’s not like you were a significant loss, right? That’s what you kept thinking.

But of course, fate couldn’t hate you more than you already thought it did. He just had to get more and more shit drunk and go over the stairs and trip on you and fall on his butt right next to you. “Oh fuck, shit, so-” He looked down with a small giggle, before his lips turned into a straight line, his wide eyes showing shock. “Fuck, y/n,” He said. “I can’t see well”

“I can tell,” You took in a sharp breath as he just kept on sitting there, staring at you.

“Happy anniversary” He mouthed, basically rambling without wanting to, the alcohol working its wonders.

“W-what?” You asked, gulping down.

“It would have been our own year today. You know, the big 01��� He said. “But it’s not” He laughed coldly.

You nodded, biting your lip. “I didn’t expect you to actually come”

“He’s my best friend,”

“Right” You nodded. “Right”

“This is shit. Yeah, it couldn’t be worse than how you’re making me feel at this moment” He said, shaking his head. “Like, you’re so frustrating I could bang my head on the wall, and not because of the booze in my system. Because of you and how fucking good you look and how my chest actually fucking hurts. Because of who? You of course. Like, who do you think you are?” He trailed off.

“Hoseok, how much did you have to drink?” You asked him. He only got so aggressive with his emotions whenever he had a little kick of alcohol in him.

“Does it matter? What matters is that I should be celebrating today with my fucking girlfriend!” He groaned in frustration. “But no, I’m not good enough, so I most likely don’t deserve that happen, do I?”

“Maybe you should go home, Hoseok. Should I call you a taxi? Or crush at the spare bedroom” I sighed loudly, listening to him ramble on his drunken state.

He laughed coldly and as he looked at you with frustration, a small tear trickled down his cheek from his tear duct. “I know I wasn’t the best, y/n. I know I probably didn’t deserve you, I wasn’t enough, I know it. But I never wanted to say yes to you breaking up. I never ever wanted to let you go. But there you were, pushing me to do it and I fell for it” He said, fully in tears. “I had it planned out, the anniversary. I’d take you with me to the studio and surprise you, dance for you, I had a whole thing planned out. And then we’d have take out like we always loved to do and talk, laugh, play games. Just be us. You’d look so fucking gorgeous and I’d end up making you feel so good”

“Hoseok...” You trailed off hesitantly as you stood up and stuck your hand out. “Come on. Stand up”

In his state, he just listened and took your hand, the touch making you both feel electricity. You dragged him to the spare room and put him on the bed, looking at him with your arms crossed. Sure, you had him in here now, safe and sound before he did anything stupid. But what were you supposed to do now? “Just close your eyes. Sleep and sober up”

He frowned, his dimples popping out on both of his cheeks, something that always made your stomach flip. It still did, maybe even a little more. “Only if you lay with me. And don’t say that bullshit about exes having rules and shit. Just sit your ass down and cuddle me, I don’t care if you hate me. I need you. Right now” He said, his last few tears falling, his eyes red.

You nodded with a small soft chuckle at how drunk he was, laying down next to him in your dress, taking your heels off. “Sleep”

“If you let me cuddle,” He said. He was drunk, but he sure as hell knew how to act smart when he was.

“You’re not being fair” You rolled your eyes. “And I don’t hate you”

“Sure,” He said, grabbing your waist and pulling you towards him, his chin resting on your head. He breathed in, taking in your scent, reminiscing moments like these. Where he would just hold you, the both of you sitting in your comfortable silence and feeling how much love there was between the two of you. It wasn’t a surprise that it felt just the same. To both him and you. Just a little bitter, knowing you aren’t his and he isn’t yours.

“Sleep”

“Kiss me first,” He answered almost immediately.

You raised an eyebrow at him. “No?”

“Kiss me,”

“Hos-”

Before you could speak, he leaned in, his touch so soft but taking you in entirely. It wasn’t harsh at all, it was like a could touching your lips and moving on them, making you feel all sorts of emotions. And you just accepted it. You missed it too much to say no. Your hand moved to his cheek to ghost over it slowly, your thumb caressing his jaw as he pulled away and looked at you in the eyes. “I miss you so goddamn much. You were so wrong when you kept saying you’re going to be a distraction. It feels like hell. I miss waking up next to you, y/n”

You nodded with a sigh, feeling just the same. “Here’s this. Close your eyes, and I’m going to stay here, just like this. I’m going to sleep next to you and we’re going to wake up tomorrow and maybe... maybe talk about it”

“You want to?”

“If you remember this, that is” 

He nodded and kissed your lips one more time. “Trust me. I never forget”

⁝ Masterlist

[unbefuckinglieveable]

Holific#1 - therealhmmlingle

// Hey guys holiday gift, for a loyal follower and friend. I had a lot to fit in into a five page limit. I hope it is okay! @therealhmmlingle

Pairing: prinxiety

Word count:3,274

Trope: Finding your partner on the brink of death.

Warnings: hypothermia, panic attacks, deprecating thoughts.

    “Uh… Hey Roman?  I am gonna have to show up late tonight. Something happened at work and they need me to come in.” Virgil sighed sadly, fidgeting in discomfort with the box in his pocket. Where it had been for a few months. He had only just paid it off enough to take it with him.   

   It had cost him the heat in his apartment, if it had not been for Philip, his and Roman's dog, he would have froze. It cost most the food he had in his apartment. He didn't care. After all, it was December, Christmas eve.  In a few days, It would all be worth it. The late nights, early mornings,and busy weekends. It would finally all work out.

   “Virgil!” Came his partner's sharp voice, snapping him out of his little trance.

   “I'm here! Sorry princey.” The anxious adult said with a sigh. He hadn't realized he had spaced out.

   “Virgil I can't do this anymore. Your never around! When you are you just sleep in my bed! We don't talk like we used to and now you can't even keep your promise to spend the holiday with me? Because of work? Don't bother coming tonight. I'll be by to pick up Philip tomorrow. What is the point in being in a relationship with someone who isn't there?”  

   “Roman wait!”

   “Goodbye Virgil.”

   “Ro, sto-” The phone went dead in Virgil's ear leaving the man in stunned silence.  All this time, four years. Gone. Virgil felt numbed. This couldn't be happening. He got up and dressed. He did not work his ass off to let this entire thing fall apart. He gathered up Philip and the flowers he had purchased for Roman the night before.

     He rushed to his car his mind flooding with fear. Fears that he tried to push at bay with the stereo of the car.  Turning it up so loud he couldn't hear his thoughts. The anxious man tossed his phone on the seat so it wouldn't be uncomfortable in his pocket. Virgil peeled out of the parking lot from his apartment complex and  onto the back roads of the area.

     Roman's home was a bit far,but for a man as extravagant  and popular as him, Virgil could understand him wanting his home to be a bit secluded, so he didn't have to have a public face on when he opened the door every day. That was enough to start spiraling, things as simple as how fast Roman could move on, how Virgil could be too little too late, and he could easily be fired from his job for calling off last minute.  Virgil had sucked as a worker lately, he understood that.

     Virgil sucked at everything, he couldn't even function as an adult. There was no food,no warmth(besides a small space heater), soon he wouldn't have a phone again and  fuck if he knew when he would get it back if he got fired. He is a loser, and one that Roman Prince had already gotten rid of.

   There was a skid on ice as he pulled to the side of the road threw the car in park. He climbed out of the car and shoved the door shut sinking to sit on the snow below his car window.  Thoughts blurred together in a whirlwind, the rapid rise and fall of his chest fast. The beat of his heart against his ribs like a prisoner trying to escape. He realized how alone he was without Roman. It sent him reeling.

‘alonealonealone-notsafe-failure-fuckup-notsafenotsafe-broken-alone-I can't-Ican't- lose-losermistake-not-can’t-airairair-fuck-fault-can’t-my-alone-fail-nononono- Ro-’

    Virgil's panic continued for a solid fifteen minutes even after he was through the worst of it he leaned against his car, counting out his breaths. It was another ten minutes after that he realized he should get back on the road.However Virgil was exhausted, and he didn't want to move even though his jeans  were wet from the snow. Slowly he felt the exhaustion catching up to him. It wouldn't be safe for him to drive. He stood up and pulled at the handle of his car. Nothing. Again.

    “ No! Fuck!” Virgil hissed, as he heard Prince Philip bark from inside   He hit the side of his window in frustration looking at the pup safe inside. He went to each door rapidly tugging at he handles as his dog followed him to each and every spot, like he always does.Therefore breaking a window was not going to work. At least not without hurting Philip.

    Virgil glanced around the road, and grimaced when he realized he had no clue where he was. In his panic he hadn't paid attention to the world about him. The anxious man swore in frustration and kicked his tires. He sat on his hood trying to think. There had to be some stupidly simple...who was he kidding? His phone was in the car he was locked out of nobody will look for him, he has no idea where he is and his love gave up on him.

--

    Roman Prince was the master of being extra, the prince of drama. Sometimes it just happens it rolls over into his personal life. Such a rollover could lead to terrible decisions, like breaking up with a partner of four years because he got way too busy around the holiday season and slept whenever he came over. An impulse mistake.  However he was an asshole and he committed.

   Something Roman was well acquainted with.

    Currently the actor paced around his lavish home hoping that Virgil would call him back. Even though he understood he didn't deserve it in the slightest. A tricky thing with pride, it wouldn't allow him to cave and admit such stupid mistakes. Even if they were irrational, and immature. In honesty, the actor had no idea why his partner had needed to take so many hours. Not when Roman had offered to pay his bills.

   ‘Just to get away from me, then.’ Roman thought  to himself for the hundredth time that week. If Roman was being honest with himself, he knew Virgil was better off, Roman just wasn't enough for him. The actor was way to loud and affectionate and chaotic and well hyper. Virgil was just…beautiful. Roman loved all the things that made him so different.   

     However it seemed everything that the actor tried to do made the other anxious or bored him, or frustrated him. It wasn't fair to make Virgil that uncomfortable. Besides, Virgil was putting distance between them anyway. A mere coincidence that it came to a head at two p.m on Christmas eve.

     Roman took a seat in his chair in the living room glancing at the tree in the far corner.  He had looked forward another family holiday, before Virgil and Logan came along, it was just himself and Patton. Which was nice, but it wasn't the big family event he wanted.  There were no debates, no Variety, just cards from fair weather friends, and Patton watching movies and baking in his kitchen.

--

   Virgil shivered slightly still sitting on his hood an hour later in the deserted back roads of wherever the hell he was.  His head dropped into his hands. Philip still staring at him paws up in the dash warm air still blowing his golden fur. Virgil just started crying feeling the volume of his music vibrating the windshield.  He didn't have much energy. The broken man was cold and exhausted from the week. And it was back to just being him and- No he didn't even have that. Logan was with Patton and would follow him. And Philip was gonna be...locked in this car tomorrow.

    Why couldn't he just get it right this one time?

   Virgil felt the bitter wind bite his ears again. His car stuttering beneath him. A painful reminder he was supposed to get gas.  “ Fu-fuck you too universe.” He said bitterly and he laid there as the car's engine wound down to a halt beneath him. And he curled up on his side waiting, hoping that some asshole would drive by.

Anyone.

--

    Roman jolted upright when his phone started  to chime he practically dove across the room only to feel moderate dread when he saw Logan's name. He answered hesitantly, “ Hello specs! How are you this afternoon?”

    “ I am satisfactory Roman, I was gonna bring over the stuff  Patton made for you and Virgil tonight is that okay?” Roman sighed softly, he was not ready to have this conversation.  

    “ Virgil isn't coming over tonight, or for a while.  We split up this morning.”

    “ Oh, well that is unfortunate, I wonder why Virgil didn't call me. then?”

    “ He went to work instead of coming here pocket protector.  Look you guys can come over later. “

    “ Are you honestly that mad about my brother taking care of priorities?”

    “ I am tired of never being a priority.”

    “ Falsehood. You are one of the most important people in the world to him. He doesn't trust that many people and if you're going to brush him by for taking tender care of his independence  I don't know what to say.” Roman ended the call slamming it on the counter and sauntering to his room after grabbing the champagne from the bucket on the table.

     He didn't need to be yelled at by someone outside of the situation, how was that right?  

--

    Logan pulled his phone from his ear dialing Virgil's number,  walking upstairs to grab his keys. How dare Roman treat his brother that way?  He said nothing to Patton as he passed, prompting a concerned look. He let his partner trail behind, Logan would explain momentarily.

    “ Virgil please pick up…” He muttered to himself as he looked for the car keys, since they weren't on the key hook. He turned to Patton, “ Patton, where did you leave the keys?”

    “Hey,  Happy Holiday's, Logan, if this is you, text. I'll get back to you. Roman, I love you I will call in a moment. If it is you popstar?  Text me I got some puppy pics on standby. Anyone else? Wrong number.”   

    “ Virgil, that is not professional voicemail, we talked about this. Let me know you're alright.”

--

    Virgil could see the light of his phone screen light up with his brother's face  and grimaced as he watched as Philip barked and clawed at the phone for being loud.  Virgil smacked a tired fist on the window as he continued to shiver. He had a little hope maybe they would realize he was gone.  

   His mind was trying to tell him something… something important but he was a bit confused. The hood was growing cold quickly, and he didn't know what to do. He could follow the road, but if he did that, the broken man might get even more lost, there could be nothing. He only saw trees and road to the horizon basically. What if he couldn't find his car again? What if he couldn't find Philip again?  

   Maybe they would care..

   Virgil was deliriously deliberating with himself, and it was crippling him. His mind was mildly foggy and he didn't feel vigilant and that was causing him to panic again.

--

   Logan didn't like the fact his brother didn't answer his call, he wanted to drive down to the younger's apartment. Virgil wasn't one to let the voice mail get it. Even at work. Logan only called when it was important after all. So to hear the voicemail, it left a bad taste in his mouth.  

     Patton had stopped him, after all he was an adult. Logan waited for hours even though the concern on his partner's face was ever growing. The sun had begun to dip behind the horizon when Logan stood up and walked to the door. “ I'm leaving, I would like your company, and an explanation why your expression is growing ever more somber. “

     The younger partners grabs his coat from the coat hook, his hand, wavering as he heard Logan asked about his expression. “ Roman dumped him for not being around, Ro was complaining about it the last couple weeks… but Virgil was working to pay off an engagement ring. So I understood Virgil needing space during work. But he is off and should have called you.”

      “ I uh I can't believe my brother is uh is in a twisted version of  'The Gift of the Magi’. The irony, truly painful. Come along, it seems we are going to have to pull off a Christmas miracle.”   Logan muttered as his partner let out a little squeal.

   Logan pulled out his phone on the way to his car Patton climbing into the passenger seat.   Logan waited for someone to answer the phone at Virgil's work. A small breath of relief came when someone answered.

 “ Hot topic Dan speaking can I help you?”

    “ Dan, this is Virgil's brother Logan, is he there still?”

    “ Nah man he didn't show up today, the manager is furious.”

     “ Right, if he comes in tell him to call me. We haven't seen him all day.” With that he hung up glancing at Patton, “ Virgil didn't GO to work. Call your friend. Tell him to start calling Virgil or get up and look for him like us. “

--

   Roman was  staring up at the fairy light's that wrapped around his ceiling. The unopened bottle of champagne by his side. He couldn't do it, no he wouldn't drink his problems away. He was not that person,never was. The actor heard his phone ring from the kitchen. The campfire song song, Patton's favorite, he stood slowly and followed the damning noise down the stairs. It drew him in like an ominous siren song, drawing him to a swift execution.

   His hand picked it up from the dining table, his eyes glanced at the burning candles almost burnt out before him.  There was no hesitation as he answered his phone, assuming the same role he always did with Patton. The role of the happy best friend who didn't have a care in the world. Except for the fact it crumpled around him “ Hola mi amigo, como estás?”

    ” Roman, Virgil never went to work today.   He hasn't answered Logan's call and we are worried. Can you help us find him? He is probably devastated and we need to make sure he is okay. ”

    This broke the character instantly for Roman, as mad as he was, he did love Virgil.  “ Wh- wait-uh why would he be upset? He was the one putting distance between us?”

    “ You absolute moron, if he is working a minimum wage job-”

    “ Logan!”

    “ No Patton. My brother has been missing for hours because this theater clown decided to be self righteous! A minimum wage job on a hallmark holiday that puts to shame hundreds of his class. He has a man he loves, and would want to give him a great gift. Roman I know you don't understand, I am well aware of that-”

    “I am leaving now, Logan, not arguing.”  Roman piped up ending the call with no hesitation. He gathered his coat and keys.  He didn't know where Virgil was but he had to find him.

    He called his ex in a panic as he sprinted down  the driveway to his car.

--

    Virgil was curled up in a ball on the cold hood of his car  the gas had run out a small while ago. Which meant the thrum of the music was gone. He was in silence at least until the smooth bass of Roman's voice singing to him tickled his ears. Philip  immediately pawing at the screen. The tired man listened to the sweet sound as it hit his ears. If it was the last time, he was okay with that now. He bumped his fist against the windshield in a rhythmic manner

     The broken man thought when the music cut off his love had been sent to voicemail but the tapping of his fist continued, as did the barking.  Virgil normally looked, bit he was tired his body shaking apathy gripping him.

--

  “Hey,  Happy Holiday's, Logan, if this is you, text. I'll get back to you. Roman, I love you-. Click”.  There was a moment of relief, though it was tainted with dread.  Virgil answered his call, at least that was what Roman thought, until Philip barking was the majority of what he could hear.

  “ Philip? What the hell? Where's Virgil?” Roman said shocked at the absurdity of his dog answering. That was when he heard it, a very gentle thumping. Like Virgil was trying to get attention from him.   

   ‘ If this works… I will stop teasing My Chemical Romance. I swear.' The actor thought    to himself before howling to get the dog to paw at the screen maybe he could get him to hit speaker.   What happened next might have been a Christmas miracle, or simply just luck but he knew. He could never tease the band again. The thumping was clearer now.

   “ Virgil? Are you there? “ There was a moment of silence but it was followed by a heavy thump thump. Heavier than it had been at least. Virgil was able to hear him but couldn't vocally respond. Okay.   “. Virgil. I need to know where you on the way to my house or work. One tap for me two taps for work.”.

Thump

   “ Alright I am coming I am gonna drive and find you.  Okay I am going to get off-” Roman was cut off from a thump of protest. Okay. The actor started singing as he drove around, very gentle song met with the rhythmic beating against the window.  Ro was breaking speed limits trying to find his partner. It sounded like he had taken back roads. Too quiet to be the main roads.

--

    Virgil was hopeful, he wanted to be awake for Roman when he came, but he was starting to think it may not happen.   He was so cold everything was numb and he felt that even the tapping on the windshield was taking the strength of ten men.  The rhythm slowed and he heard Roman say something to him. There wasn't much he could do. The broken man was able to hear the actors tone grow frantic.  But in the minutes passing he couldn't understand what was being said.

   At least not enough to make a difference. He understood an occasional shout that broke though, ‘Vir-’.   Other than that, it was lost on him. By fifteen minutes later the tapping had almost ceased. The shaking was constant and he couldn't control it,  nor did he care to.

   He could hardly hear a word, yet he felt familiar strong arms around him and pick up his body with minimal effort.  He felt himself get set in the back seat of a car feeling a familiar clutter of costumes and soft props. It felt hot in the car, felt painful like  running a cold hand under too warm of water. Then the door opened on the passenger side and Philip bounded in. The other back door opened again and he felt Roman climb in and remove his coat and shirt.  

   Roman removed his own shirt pressing it against the cut in his elbow and wrapped himself around Virgil trying to warm him up while the ambulace located them.  The actor went to move the sweatshirt to the passenger seat when he saw a small box fall from his pocket. It brought tears to his eyes. “ I am sorry Virgil, so so sorry.”

   “I...love you…” Virgil sighed,his voice weak and thick from exhaustion as Roman felt his body quivering, it was slowly warming up.

   “ I love you too..” Roman whispered  carding his fingers through chilled hair. “ I'll pay for your window later.” They may not be okay right now, but it will get better.

[ajuimaginary]

Anon requested “Jeonghan proposing to you w the help of the members.” My first question was what makes a Jeonghan proposal special? The answer, of course, is that he can never resist and good chance to trick someone. And the rest came easily after that. In fact, I think it got pretty long. Enjoy~

Jeonghan has been an absolute wreck all week and you can’t work out why for the life of you. It’s not the first time he’s dug himself into a pit with worrying, but it’s certainly the first time he hasn’t even explained why.

He usually tells you everything: when he was worried that Wonwoo was getting sick again, when he made Seungcheol cry and thought his would never talk to him again, when he was sure he was going to completely mess up on stage and let everyone down. But now, when you ask if anything is wrong, he puts on a fake smile only you can see through and tells you he’s fine.

So when seven days have officially passed and you’ve reached your limit, you corner Seungcheol and Joshua in the Pledis building.

Mingyu’s in the room too, when you arrive. But at the sight of the dark look on your face, he barely hesitates before he bolts out of there. He glances helplessly at his leader before he goes, and Seungcheol nods his head as if answering an unspoken question. It’s kind of infuriating.

“What’s wrong with Jeonghan?” you ask them the second the door closes behind Mingyu.

“Um,” Joshua doesn’t look you in the eye. Seungcheol is laughing nervously.

“You should talk to Jeonghan about it,” Joshua says. “Not us.”

“I can’t talk to him if he refuses to talk to me.”

“Ah, well,” Seungcheol looks at Josh. “It’s not like we can make him do anything he doesn’t want to do.”

“But surely you know what’s up with him? Surely you know what happened?”

Seungcheol’s phone buzzes on the table, and they both look down at it. Almost immediately, Seungcheol answers. When he hears the voice on the other side, he quickly schools his expression into total calm. He glances at you before he says anything though.

“Yes, I know it’s early,” he answers the caller. “But it’s all set up, right? You said it might happen anytime today. It’s not like we could plan when- Shut up, of course it’s fine in this end. I told you I know what to do. You made us go through it enough times. Now it’s just up to Mingyu to-”

“Who is it?” you ask Joshua, because you know he saw the caller ID, and the whole conversation is bizarre and making you curious.

“Um,” he says again. Not very helpful today.

He looks dead nervous, eyeing Seungcheol like he’s at risk of exposing something secret to the world- like he’s ready to clap a hand over his mouth if he has to.

“Mingyu’s there already?” Seungcheol continues. “Really? Oh- I didn’t know you were starting so close to here. He was fast. I though we’d have to delay- Yes, she is here. Right in front of me. No, I’m not scared of her. My voice is not shaking. Why do you sound so proud?”

Now you know he’s talking about you. You gasp, and point an accusing finger at Joshua.

“It’s Jeonghan, isn’t it?” you ask him. “He’s talking to Jeonghan.”

He gulps.You’re confused. They aren’t usually scared of you. Maybe you looked angrier than you thought you did. You force your face to soften.

“Can I talk to him?” you ask, holding out your hand.

Seungcheol looks panicked again.

“Uh huh. Okay, sorry,” he says quickly into the phone, wrapping up the conversation. “We’ll see you later, bye bye!”

And he hangs up.

“What?” you ask. “What’s going on, guys?”

There’s a brief pause. Joshua jerks his head at Seungcheol, and then in sync they turn to face you, faces solemn. 

“Jeonghan’s been having some trouble,” Seungcheol announces suddenly. At his side, Joshua is nodding his head. “And he said he doesn’t want to see you for a while.”

“What?” you ask, a dull thud of dread hitting you hard. “What do you mean?”

“Um, he said-” Seungcheol looks at Joshua, eyes wide.

“He said if you really want to find him, you know where to look.” Joshua finishes the sentence for him. Then takes a breath. “But if you don’t, then he’s doesn’t want to talk…”

The answer comes to you easily. Of course you damn well know where he is.

“I’m going after him then.” you say, grabbing your bag and shrugging your jacket back on. “If he calls again tell him I love him and whatever trouble he’s in, I’m there, by his side, no matter what!”

You catch the ghost of a smile on Seungcheol’s face out the corner of your eye, but Joshua hits him, and it’s gone.

“Y/N, wait!” Joshua calls.

You turn.

“Um, can we came with you?” he asks. You’re a little puzzled, but you shrug.

“I guess so,” you say. “Just don’t fall behind!”

-

You reach the staircase that leads up to Jeonghan’s favorite cafe- the little rooftop garden place where you had your first date and many dates since- the place where he comes whenever he wants a secluded little escape from the world where even the fans he loves so much never seem to find him.

You take the stairs two at a time, leaving Joshua and Seungcheol to power up after you.

But when you get out onto the rooftop, your steps falter in confusion. Instead of Jeonghan sitting at his usual corner table, there’s Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, and DK, all chatting over hot drinks.

“Oh, hi, Y/N!” DK calls cheerfully, perhaps overly so, waving you over.

You go to their table, eyes scanning the roof again in case you missed him. You see Jun and Wonwoo exchange an amused glance.

“Is Jeonghan here?” you ask. “What are you guys doing here?”

“One question at a time, Y/N,” Hoshi says. He’s grinning incredibly wide, and DK is his mirror image at his side, his arm around his best friend, looking up at you as if nothing is wrong and Jeonghan isn’t upset and out there waiting for you.

“Seriously.” you say. “Where is he?”

They all pause, then turn to Woozi.

“When you-” Woozi starts to say.

“Nope, not the right tone of voice!” DK interprets. Woozi raises an eyebrow at him, sighs, fidgets in his seat, and then starts over, making every word meaningful.

“When you love someone, sometimes you just need a little anchor to have hope in your future together. Like, maybe,” he gestures toward Wonwoo and Jun, who finish his sentence in total sync.

“A KISS!” they say. Jun wiggles his eyebrows. Wonwoo imitates the way Jeonghan flips his hair.

You’re very confused.

“What the hell?” you ask.

A hand hits your shoulder, and you jump in shock, only to realise it’s just Joshua. He and Seungcheol have been standing behind you since you arrived, of course.

“Go find him,” Joshua says.

And then the cogs in your head start turning. Whatever’s going on with Jeonghan- whatever weird plan this is- you’re going to kill him when you find him.

You glare at them.

“Fine. If my clue is a kiss….”

You turn on your heel and take out. Behind you, you hear the scraping of chairs as the mad rush of boys starts to follow after.

-

You’re really glad none of these places are far from each other. You make it to the riverside quickly, moving through a small collection of people at the road crossing and coming out onto the gorgeous waterside, where you know you’ll find the bench where you had your first kiss….

On the bench up ahead, you can see four people with their hoods up, sitting completely still. You recognize the hoodies right away. They all belong to Jeonghan. For a moment, you falter, but you think you know the shapes of those shoulders, and none belong to him.

“Mingyu? Minghao? Seungkwan? Vernon?” you guess. They each turn toward you, smiling.

Mingyu raises a very forced casual hand when he sees you and the other half of Seventeen behind you.

“Oh, hello everyone, what a surprise-” he says, but he can’t stop smiling, points of his teeth on display.

Seungkwan snorts at his attempt at acting.

“Where’s Jeonghan?” you ask. “Seriously, guys?”

Seungkwan’s face is suddenly very serious.

“You’re looking for Jeonghan?” he asks earnestly, acting on point. “Oh, sorry, I have no idea where he could be.”

You narrow your eyes at him. Minghao smiles and catches your attention next.

“I don’t know, I get the feeling that if I was Jeonghan right now, I would want to go back to where it all began.”

They’re all silent. Then Mingyu and Minghao turn to Vernon, and Seungkwan elbows him so hard he yelps.

“I was pausing for dramatic effect,” Vernon hisses.

Suengkwan rolls his eyes. Vernon turns back to you.

“If I were you, Y/N,” he says, trying to be as serious as his best friend managed to be when said best friend is sitting beside him with a judgy expression on his face. “I would want to return to the place where the angel fell from the sky into your life.”

You can’t help but laugh then. It bursts out of you without any control. If anyone wrote that line and forced Vernon to learn it so he could say it to you, it’s Jeonghan. And right after you kill him for putting your through this weird wild goose chase, you might just kiss him senseless for being so god damn cheesy.

The boys are all smiling now, seeing your face.

“Yeah, okay, but this place is a little further away, and I’ve been running too much already. Do you think we can take a car?”

“Right on cue!” Mingyu says, jumping up from his seat.

At the side of the road nearby, a limousine rolls up and comes to a stop. You gape open mouthed at the sight of it. Jun steps up to the door and holds it open for you. You climb inside, and the rest pile in after.

“Where to?” the driver asks.

You take a deep breath, decide to keep just rolling with it and put up with your boyfriend’s antics a little longer, and tell him the address. He nods like you passed a test, and starts the car.

-

You arrive at the park, thank the driver, and step out of the car. The boys all follow after, bowing as they go, and your eyes are already straining across the greenery to try to spot Jeonghan.

You know he’s probably beneath a particular tree- the place you first met him-when he was lying on the grass in the sunshine while the rest of Seventeen messed around with a ball on the lawn nearby, and you happened to stumble into him.

You walk quickly through the park to find the spot, turn the corner around the nearest clump of trees, and race toward the figure standing there.

And realize it’s Dino.

You halt. He turns when your footsteps stop moving, face smug at the sight of your confused expression. In your muddled thought you hadn’t even realized that he was missing from the rest of the group so far. He grins his brightest smile, and holds something out for you. Your favorite coat.

“Where did you get this?” you ask, already sliding off you jacket to take it instead. Jeonghan knows this coat is your favorite outfit, so you know he had something to do with it.

“We thought it would fit the occasion,” Dino says with a shrug.

As you button it up and feel it’s familiar elegant weight sit against you, making you feel beautiful, Dino folds the jacket neatly and places it on the ground. Then he walks past you and as you turn to watch him go, and chorus of beautiful voices rise up.

The rest of the members of Seventeen have fallen into formation behind you, and as Dino steps into place, they begin to dance. Seungkwan and DK’s voices rise loudest above them. Joshua and Woozi are playing guitar. You realize it’s a slowed down version of your favorite love song. Then, one by one, the boys step forward, and sing a few lines each to you, making goofy hand gestures and winking, or just smiling sincerely. You laugh, and grin fondly, and you can feel your eyes fill with tears.

And at last you’re getting an idea of what’s happening. Of course Jeonghan would do it in this dramatic way, starting it as a prank. Of course he would...

And then you notice him. A figure standing still at the rear of his dancing friends, back to you, so all you can see is his soft hair and the lovely shape of him in the sleek outfit he’s wearing, complimentary to your coat. You make sure you appreciate the full dance, not letting yourself get too distracted by the urge to shove your way through and grab your dumb boyfriend.

For the very last past of the song, the voices all fade to background harmonies, and then, voice a little shaky at first, Jeonghan begins to sing. He spins on his heel and walks slowly to you, charming smile on his face, getting stronger as he gets closer.

You shake your head at him fondly, letting him know without words how ridiculous this all is, and his smile becomes cheeky and delighted and you feel the tears still lingering in your eyes, and you can’t stop smiling.

And then he gets down on bent knee and pulls out a box with a ring inside.

“Y/N,” he says. “I know this is crazy- but that’s me. That’s us. We are crazy. And I know if anyone can put up with my endless surprises, it’s you. When I decided to do this, and I started getting anxious, I knew you would notice. And I decided to make it a part of this whole act and send you on a romantic hunt to find me. Because you’re the only one who would put up with this. And I know everyone says I’m the angel, but you’re my angel. A real one. And you complete me. And, I know even though you were mad at me a few minutes ago, you’ll forgive me and tell me I’m clever later. And I hope, despite my ridiculous drama, you still want to spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me?”

You nod, breathless, and then fall to your knees beside him and pull him into your arms, a little roughly, tucking your face into his neck as he laughs against you, elated.

“Yes, you jerk,” you whisper fiercely. “I’ll marry you.”

The rest of the boys begin cheering in the background, and as Jeonghan pushes the ring onto your finger, he begins to cry tears of pure joy.