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#i am so sorry the silliness in my veins is overtaking
lombredanslaeu · 4 years
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𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑 𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒔 | jung jaehyun.
plot: the story of jung jaehyun and the implications of his relationship with the ceo’s daughter - all the saccharine, the bitter, and the sour. word count 7405
genre: angst, fluff
warnings: curse words 
playlist: the louvre lorde | hard feelings lorde | the girl city & colour | i dont wanna be okay without you charlie bug
this isn’t proofread, so i apologize for any mistakes. feedback is highly appreciated, it motivates me to write more. <3
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“Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are: “It might have been.” - Kurt Vonnegut
I.
Contrary to the public belief, the daughter of one of the biggest entertainment companies in the country isn’t as snippy and snobby as the world pictures her to be. Growing up, you never failed to respect everyone, regardless of their social status. That’s why the world seemed to be in shock when a photo of you, Doyoung, and Johnny spread like wildfire all over social networking sites.
“Why are people so in shock about me being friends with you guys?” You inquired, shoving a spoon of cheesecake to your mouth.
“They’re probably wondering why the hell you’re friends with losers like us.” Johnny replied.
“Oh yeah, that’s probably it.” You agreed. Johnny faked a hurting face, causing everyone in the room to burst into small laughters and smiles.
A swing of the dorm’s door revealed three more of the boys. Mark Lee, Kim Jungwoo, and Jung Jaehyun. How do you begin with Jung Jaehyun?
Everyone fawned over the boy. Who wouldn’t? With a cherub face and charming smile, anyone would fall head over heels over Jaehyun. You blamed his looks, you blamed his voice, and you blamed Doyoung for pointing everything Jaehyun did excellently. You blamed everything else but yourself for having a stupid crush on the boy.
“Oh, I bought you guys cheesecake.” You smiled at the newcomers.
“You’re heaven-sent, Y/N!” Jungwoo exclaimed.
“Thanks, Y/N.” Jaehyun said, with that godly smile that he always wore. You smiled off the racing beats of your heart, concious that Doyoung or Johnny might notice your sudden tension.
Unbeknowsnt to you, one of them already knows. And he has a plan to accomplish.
The warm sun was normally a pleasant thing for you. However, your lack of sleep and rest the previous night was overtaking your personality today. The busy chatters of the students that walk through the premises of Seoul National University fileld your ears. It was a normal day - lectures, presentations, and countless pages to read. You’re already on your third year of college, you should have been used to this by now. Another misconception about you is that you don’t have a personal driver to drive you to and from places; heck, you don’t even own your own car yet. You don’t do it very often but you bratty side is cursing your parents for trying to make you live independently. You made a mental note to complain to them later that night.
A resounding beep from your phone made you halt your walk.
Jung Jaehyun (SM): Hey! Are you around SNU right now?
That’s weird. You thought. It was actually more new than weird. Sure, you and Jaehyun are friends but you don’t think you’ve already reached the level of texting each other all of a sudden.
You: Yeah! Do you need anything?
Jung Jaehyun: I’m actually quite lost.
Jung Jaehyun: Doyoung told me to buy something from this home depot around SNU.
Jung Jaehyun: Do you know where Rosé Palace is?
You chuckled at his sentiment. Your palms sweat by the fact that you just might see him today. You didn’t look your best at this very moment, you didn’t feel the need to fix yourself since your main plan for today was just go to school.
You: I know where that is. Where are you right now?
Jung Jaehyun: I’m here near the musuem.
After a few walks and turns, you found the poor man. He wore all black clothing, with a mask and a bucket hat probably to hide his identity.
“Hey, I’m sorry for being a bother.” He apologized.
“Oh, no! It’s okay! I was done with school anyway.” You quickly respond. “Rosé Palace is actually very near here.”
“Oh, is it?” Jaehyun spoke. “I’m sorry, I really should have just tried finding it instead of bothering you.”
“Stop, it’s really not a problem.” You assured him.
You expected the walk to the location to be awkward. After all, you and Jaehyun doesn’t talk much. He would only ever talk to you whenever someone is also in the conversation.
“Do you live around SNU?” Jaehyun asked.
“Nope,” You answered. “I live at my parent’s home. I don’t dorm here.”
“Really? Do you commute?”
“I actually do.”
“You’re not scared?”
“Not a lot of people know who I am, Jaehyun. They just see me as another tired, college girl.”
“Must be nice not having people know who you are.” His tone seemed down and almost envious.
“Hey, you should be happy people know your name.” You said. “I could probably die right now and no one would bat an eye until they find out I’m a daughter of a CEO.”
“That’s not true!” He spoke. “I’d bat an eye!”
You laughed at him. “Of course, you would.”
Jaehyun emitted a soft chuckle. You were definitely not someone he would casually walk around with. He didn’t think he was worthy of your time, anyway. But then again, you’re friends with every single of the members so you’re probably very nice. And right now, he proved that hypothesis correct. He silently thanked Doyoung for asking him to buy those set of plates for his mother’s birthday.
The next time you and Jaehyun hung out was during one of the company gatherings. According to Taeyong, “you spent so much time with Jaehyun that Doyoung and Johnny got jealous.” You never realized that yourself. One topic in a conversation led to another and before you know it, the gathering is about to end and you still haven’t spared any of the members a glance.
“Is your dad okay with you being so close with Jaehyun?” Doyoung asked.
“Why would he not be okay with that?” You answered his question with another question. “He seems to be okay with me being close friends with all of you.”
“Hmm, yeah,” Johnny trailed. “Sure, that’s the situation here.”
You only looked at him with confusion drawn all over your face.
“Do I sense some sarcasm on your tone?”
“What? Sarcasm? Fuck no!”
 II.
It was during their live online concert that Jaehyun realized. In front of them are hundred of pixelated screens, some more distorted than the others. And yet, he still saw you, he still recognized you with a blink of an eye. You’re in a small screen almost at the edge. The other members didn’t notice you, they probably didn’t even know you were attending. He saw you, amongst the landscape of faces, he saw you. That’s when he realized. Jaehyun swallowed a small smile, fearing that Yuta, who’s arm is draped over Jaehyun’s shoulder, would sense something.
This isn’t the first time he realized that he was in love you. It was probably when he kissed you for the first time and the next time, and the next time.
“You love kissing me, don’t you?” You whispered against his lips.
The two of you did not even make it to bed when you decided to lock your lips together for the nth time that night.
“I do.” He replied. “How about you?”
“I love everything that you do to me.”
The night grew feverish. The two of you still hasn’t talked about the current status of whatever relationship you both have. You act like lovers but never brought it upon yourselves to admit that you’re smitten. Maybe Jaehyun felt embarrassed that he was the first to fall in love you. He probably will never admit that soon. The fear of nothing having his feelings reciprocated was bubbling inside him. However, the answers are right in front of his eyes. You have an exam tomorrow but instead of buring your eyebrows to study, you’re here between his arms, making out with him.
He didn’t know if it was love. He doesn’t like anything else about you except for your smile, your eyes, your angelic laughter, and the way he feels whenever you’re around. He feels at peace, he feels as if his feet are in the clouds. They could disperse any moment, causing him plummet to the ground. But he has no intention of going elsewhere. If falling to rock bottom would be caused by you, he would be more than willing to experience that.
Oh yeah, I’m in love. The only thought that lingered on his mind until he saw you in person again.
“Nice job tonight, Jae.” Your honey voice immersed from the speakers of Jaehyun’s phone.
“You actually watched.”
“Of course, I would. How could I miss that?” You chuckled, awakening the annoying butterflies inside Jaehyun’s veins.
A muffled clinking of glass could be heard through Jaehyun’s end. “Are you guys drinking?”
“Perhaps?” Jaehyun smiled through his response. Johnny and Taeyong’s loud bickering confirmed your suspicion.
“Celebrating the concert?”
“We’re not drinking.”
“Okay, I believe you.” It was your turn to smile at his silliness.
There was a brief moment of silence between you two. You could hear the faint breathing of Jaehyun and for a minute, you might have believed he fell asleep on you. A soft giggle proved you wrong. Just the mere fact of having you on the other side of the line was enough to make Jaehyun turn soft.
There was a loud argument inside his head. His job is unforgiving especially in terms of forming a romantic relationship with someone. If making friendships with others idols would be a walk on broken glass, what more could a romantic relationship be? The fact that you’re also the daughter of his boss didn’t help with his dilemma at all. It could either break his career or your relationship with your father. Jaehyun isn’t afraid of taking risk, yet somehow, he was scared of making another step towards you. When he realized that he was helplessly in love with you, he became scared of ever seeing you again. But despite it all, he still managed to say the worst thing he could have told you that night: “I’m in love with you.”
 III.
You had every chance to realize. Each time he would stretch his schedule to make a spot for you, even every time he would spam your messages just to ask if you’ve made it home safely. You were not new to dating bans being imposed of idols. Although your father never directly imposed such thing to his recent employees, you knew full well not to meddle with the busy and demanding life of an idol. So, Jaehyun was a problem.
Another one of your problems was when Jaehyun kissed you for the first time the other night. You didn’t know what lead him to do such thing and to be frank, Jaehyun didn’t know what came to him either.
Normally, the secluded and narrow walkway you and Jaehyun are currently walking on would send chills through your spine. The comforting feeling of having someone beside you, and thankfully it’s Jung Jaehyun, made you feel safe despite the thrilling nature of the walkway. The tiring activities of moving in your stuff to your new apartment lingered through your bones.
“Do you always come walk here after school?” He asked, his breath forming smoke in the cold air.
“I do,” You answered. Jaehyun spun his head towards with a face full of worry. “I never leave school very late anyway. In daylight, this place is filled with people so it’s not that scary.”
Your information made Jaehyun release a sigh of relief. Good to know that he won’t need to worry as much about you walking this scary place at this time of the night.
“Thanks for helping me move my stuff to my apartment.” You spoke.
“It’s my pleasure to help you in all kinds of things.”
Heat formed in your cheeks. If you’re not wearing a thick scarf around your neck, you’re sure Jaehyun would notice the small smile you have.
“Hey,” His gloved hand touched your forearm briefly to call your attention. “It still wonders me how we never hung out before.”
“We just never had the chance I guess?” You shrugged.
Before you was a beautiful piece of art. You wondered how someone so charming and handsome could even exist. Not a single flaw was present in Jaehyun’s appearance, meanwhile you could list ten things you wish you could change about the way you look in an instant. You didn’t feel worthy of his attention. You spent a good 30 seconds just staring at him and he did the same.
“Can I do something?” Jaehyun asked, swallowing a lump in his throat.
“Sure.”
Jaehyun leaned down to meet your face. Placing a hand behind your neck, his lips joined yours. Oh my god, Jung Jaehyun is kissing me!
It took a second or two for you to reciprocate the kiss. His lips felt cold but what made you shiver was the booming feeling in your chest. The kiss wasn’t lustful, it was a steady and endearing kiss. He pulled away after a moment. In his face was the cute smile and a set of dimples.
“I want to hang out with you for the rest of my life.” He said.
“I want to hang out with you too, for as long as you want me to be.”
It also didn’t help that you’ve only came to terms with your feelings just recently. Behind your laptop was a pile of readings waiting to be read. University was your top priority yet, here you are. Looking immensely through your laptop screen with the whole universe in your eyes. That was when you realized. You were willing to put Jaehyun above anything else in your life.
You and Jaehyun was undeniably spending a lot of time with each other. It surprised you that no fans or news outlet has caught you and Jaehyun strolling around the city. You enjoyed being outside, you loved the city and everything that came with it. Jaehyun knew full well not to spend so much time outside with his manager. But, he could never say no to your requests. He don’t why either. Whenever he risked getting caught just to spend time with you, the universe has given multiple chances to realize how you felt about him. Unfortunately, oblivion has spread all over your system like a poison. It was only until tonight that you finally got the taste of the antidote.
You knew the consequences, you knew the implications. He was drunk and you knew full well that there’s a chance he might not meant what he said.
“I’m in love with you as well, Jae.”
 IV.
The gloomy atmosphere of the skies mimicked how you felt that day. Your eyes lingered on your phone screen, it has been that way for about 30 minutes now.
Dad: No one can know about you and Jaehyun. Not even the members.
You were doubting the relationship yourself. Was this a good decision? Jaehyun never made your relationship feel like a mistake. Yet, here you are, thinking that what if being with Jaehyun was nothing but a mistake. You never meant for your parents to find out. However, it would dumb of you to think that you could keep this from them forever, or at least until Jaehyun retires.
“I expected you to know how complicated dating is in the industry.” Your father’s voice wasn’t loud but it was chilling and stern.
“Of course, I know that-” You started.
“Then, why did I wake up this morning bombarded with the news that you and Jaehyun are dating?”
You couldn’t answer him. You knew from the start the complications of your relationship with Jaehyun. There was fear and anxiety bubbling in your heart; and beneath it all, there was a small tinge of regret. That growing seed of regret was something you decided to shrug off. You would never admit to anyone that you felt that way.
“Jaehyun is one of my most popular idol.” Your father spoke again. “If the fans repulse him, my stocks could be damaged.”
You kept your head low. “I understand.”
“I’m not asking you to break up with him.” He announced, causing to look up at him. “But if I receive a news article about the two of you, you know what to expect.”
The leaves grew heavy as the raindrops drenched them. Suddenly, a warm pair of arms snuggled you close to their person.
“I don’t want to leave you while you’re this upset.” Jaehyun whispered.
“Don’t worry about me, babe.” You said. “I’ll be fine soon.”
You heard him drop a heavy sigh. Jaehyun was struggling as well. The last thing you want to do was to bring more stress on him.
“I want to go to Paris too.” You suddenly spoke.
“It baffles me how someone from a rich family as you has never been to Paris.” He said, rubbing comforting circles on your exposed arms.
“My family doesn’t like going out of the country.”
“I wish I could take you to Paris with me.”
“No.” You sat up a little. “This is your time to have fun with your fans and the guys. I know my parents has been really stressful for the both of us.”
“I don’t care about the world as long as you’re with me, Y/N.”
You stared at him for a moment. Before you know it, your lips were entangled with his. The sweet taste of Jaehyun and the bitter reality of your family made you press into him a little harder. Jaehyun wrapped his arms tightly around you as he savored every flavor of you that he could taste right now.
Under his heavy breathing, he spoke, “Promise me something?”
“What?”
“Be with me always, Y/N.” He said, with every bit of love and pleading that he could ever give. Tears were starting to burn in your eyes. You weren’t planning to spend this day with him crying.
“I promise, Jaehyun.” You responded, offering every ounce of sincerity you have in you. “Can you promise me that as well?”
“I could only show you once we get there, Y/N.” He replied. “Even if we won’t be together tomorrow, go to Paris ten years from now and see for yourself if I uphold my side of the promise.”
 V.
Many people have told you that love isn’t always pink skies and candy hearts. But, it sure as hell not sitting behind a computer screen, watching your boyfriend flirt with other idols. You sighed and close your eyes.
It’s okay, Y/N. He’s just putting up the facade that he’s single and ready to mingle. You’ve been dating him for almost two years now, get used to it.
“Did it ever occur to you that maybe he’s just dating you to secure a place in the group?” Areum said. Areum is one of your closest college friends, the only person you shared your secret with. She was trustworthy, you’re willing to testify with that. However, came with her loyal and reliable aspect was the fact that she’s so fucking straightforward. She just have the ability to sense bullshit from anyone and she’s not afraid on waking people up.
You scoff. Half you wants her to be wrong and the other believed her.
“No, he’s not.” You said. “Why would you even think that?”
“I just got the vibe.” She shrugged her shoulders. “You don’t have to fully believe what I say, Y/N.”
“Damn, if you don’t like him for me, you could have just told me directly.”
“It’s not that I don’t like him for you, Y/N.” Areum’s tone was more serious now. “I care for you. I know that people can manipulate you in every way that they can to get on your good side.”
“Stop accusing Jaehyun of such things.”
It was safe to say that you’ve gone cold to Areum after that conversation. You hated that she might be right but you’re too full of pride to even admit that. But you know Jaehyun better than Areum knows him.
You tried. You tried to forget what Areum said. But the thought still lingers inside your head and now everything that Jaehyun did made you wonder if he’s doing it to stay secured in the company. You don’t have the power that your father has but he’s dating his boss’ daughter and you have a great influence on your dad’s decisions.
“You should have called me to let me know you were working late.” You said, frustration clear in your voice. It’s already an hour before midnight and you have not heard from Jaehyun until the moment he knocked on your apartment door. Ever since you moved in two years ago, Jaehyun has been spending a lot of nights there; he unofficialy lives there. His managers would have been pissed off by now but then, again, you are their boss’ daughter.
“The comeback is almost near.” He said, replicating your frustration. “You should have known that work will be tight now.”
“You could have sent me a simple text so I don’t have to worry where you are.”
“You don’t have to worry where I am, Y/N.” His tone was grim. “Do you really expect me to send you a text while I’m busy? I could have finish so much during the time I’m texting you.”
You took a sharp and deep breath. The anger and hurt were like tornados revolving deep inside you. It was normal for couples to fight but the frustration seems to build up one fight after another. Some days, you just wanted to fight with him. You don’t know what’s the reason or excuse for your sudden urge to form an argument with Jaehyun.
“I asked you to start the kettle for me.” He said. Now, his eyebrows were furrowed in clear frustration and his lips rid of their usual sweetness. His hand holding up the cold kettle.
“I’m sorry, I must have forgotten.” You said, your voice was low but it didn’t sound weak.
“I asked you to do one little thing for me, Y/N.” The loud bang of the kettle hitting the stove made you jump. Your heart raced at the sudden noise but it didn’t diminish your anger.
“And I asked you to do one little thing for me as well.” You fight back.
“Asking me to update you all the time is not a little thing.”
“All I’m asking is for you to take maybe a minute to text me where you are!” You roared. “I’ve been worried sick about where you are!”
“You know I’m just in the building, right?” He retorted. “Why? Do you expect me to be elsewhere?”
“Are you implying that I think you’re cheating?” You said, with a small laugh.
“Why else would you be so worried about where I am when you fully know I’m working?” He kept answering you with a question and it was getting tiring.
“I never said anything about you being unfaithful.” You stated. “Why are you getting so defensive all of a sudden? Is there a reason for me to be thinking that?”
“You’re unbelievable, Y/N. Out of all the things I’ve risked for you.” Jaehyun shook his head. “You’re unbelievable and ungrateful.”
The words stung. It was like Cupid shot a salty arrow towards the wound in your chest. He think you’re ungrateful. For a moment, you blamed yourself. Maybe, I am ungrateful and unreasonable. And before you could think about what to say, you said the words you were going to regret for the rest of your life.
“You know, I think you’re only dating me to keep a place in the company.”
You had to reason to say that. It was a sudden burst of the moment and you immediately regret it. Jaehyun gave you no reason to even think that. Your insecurity and fear got in you and you were on the brink of ruining everything. How did it come to this? You were about to retract your statement when Jaehyun turned his back against you for the first time in his life.
 VI.
A penthouse was definitely too much for you. You never called it a penthouse though, you’ve always called it your apartment. It was great, finally moving out of your parents’ house even if it’s literally just ten minutes away. Everywhere you look, it reminds you of Jaehyun. He helped you move in everything and helped you settle in. The first few nights when you couldn’t sleep because everything was new and overwhelming, he was there to sing you your favorite The Smiths song. He didn’t know the lyrics at first so he just hummed the tune. He was sure he was doing it out of tune but he tried for you. The penthouse was big yet it was suffocating; but Jaehyun was there. It felt safe, it felt like home. You could sleep on the streets and you would still feel at peace as long as he’s there beside you.
Jaehyun couldn’t sleep either. You hurt him but he wasn’t going to deny that he hurt you too. And that’s the last thing he wants to do to you. Why did he turn his back when he knows that you’re just tired and worried? But why did you doubt him when you know he’s only doing his job as an idol? Jaehyun’s eyes immediately landed on the peach plush toy that you gave him for no reason, and then to the Franklin Wilson vinyl record that you spent so much money on. Most of the gifts you gave him, you gave him for no reason - not on an anniversary or on his birthday. You would just randomly give him something sometimes. Above all, you gave him immense love. You could date anyone you want, someone who is of great power and wealth. Yet, you decided to love him. When he’s with you, he’s devoid of all the consequences of the world. He forgot what aching felt like to the point that he forgot that the word exists. 
But right now, it all aches.
“I said I’m sorry, Jaehyun.” Your voice was paired with the painful tears that streamed your voice.
“Come on, Y/N, stop crying.” He pleaded, his own tears falling from his eyes. You crying pained Jaehyun so much, the fact that he was the reason behind it didn’t help either. All he wanted to do right now was to hug you, console you that he’s sorry and he didn’t meant it when he said he wanted to break up.
“I want someone who would never doubt my intentions of loving them.” He said through his tears. “I thought you were that someone.”
“Is there anything I could do to change your mind?”
Jaehyun shook his head, each turn tearing your heart apart. You blamed no one but yourself. If only you didn’t say those words. You wanted to beg but your sobs were choking your words, as if it knows better than to say something in fear that you’ll fuck everything up again.
Jaehyun didn’t care about what vengeance you would do. He knows you so well and he knew you wouldn’t do that to him. But, in a way, he wanted you to do to that to him. He wanted you to tell your father to fire him, kick him out of the company. He wanted that so that he can know you can feel better after having your heart broken by him. He wanted that so that he can be assured that you can finally be at peace. Yet, he knew you very well. What bothered him the most was what you’ll do to yourself. Will you drown yourself in tears and neglect your health & well-being? Will you start flunking in university? It worried him and he hated the fact that he needed to end the greatest thing in his life to avoid hurting you in the future.
Areum was quick on her feet to rush to your apartment after hearing the news.
“I’m sorry, Y/N.” She quickly said.
You only hugged her. Letting your tears and sobs fall all over again.
“I’m sorry I even said those things about him.” She said. A part of you wanted to blame her but you saw the bigger picture. You chose to let those words stick to you and ended up hurting Jaehyun. And Jaehyun has better things to do than to be kept down by a relationship. You knew he was begging to be freed without him realizing that.
 VII.
The first time you saw Jaehyun was five months after your break up. Their recent comeback was a success and due to that, the company held a mini party to celebrate the boys’ hardwork. You shouldn’t have come but the pleading eyes of Doyoung and Johnny gave you no choice. They promised to keep you away from Jaehyun throughout the whole night. You doubted the plan first hand since you know Johnny and Jaehyun are drinking buddies. When there is alchohol, you best believe the two would be inseperable through the night.
Due to Mark Lee’s request, a karaoke console was present in the party. Taeil and Haechan were quick to have a duet before anyone else. They wanted to “bless the night with their voice.” You chuckled at their crazy antics. You definitely missed everyone. Ever since the break up, you focused more on your studies and in a few weeks, you’re off to graduate. The boys never failed to communicate with you through messages and video calls, but you never saw them as often as you used to do.
“Okay, everyone!” Mark screamed through the mic of the karaoke machine. “It’s my time to shine!”
You settled in a spot beside Jungwoo who offered you another cup of beer. The soft, mellow tune of the song began along with the title on the screen: “Leaves” by Ben & Ben. You heard Mark play this song in one of the lives he bugged you to watch in support. You never heard the first song and you didn’t really hear the song clearly in his live. But judging by the instrumentals, you conluded that it might be sad.
“And in the end, can you tell me if it was worth the try so I can decide,” Mark sang. His voice was heavenly but his tipsy nature made it funny.
You knew you weren’t supposed to be in this party. You already regret so many things in your life and now you’re adding this party to that list.
“Oh, you never really love someone until, you learn to forgive.”
Has Jaehyun forgiven you? The question suddenly came up as Mark sang that line. You felt like you don’t have the right to say that you’ve forgiven him. What did he do to you that would require forgiveness? Nothing. He needed to break away and that’s not a sin to anyone. You wondered if he has forgiven you - for doubting him and for making him feel like his love wasn’t enough. You wanted to punch yourself as you swallow the beer in hopes that it will kill the heartache.
Has she forgiven me? That question floats in Jaehyun’s mind even before the party. A love like yours was not something that is easy to forget. Jaehyun doesn’t think he could ever forget you or what your love felt like. It made his heels touch the sky and his fingertips reach the stars. He doesn’t know if you have forgiven him, for breaking your heart and for not giving it another try. Perhaps, he will never know the answer until the day he die.
The song has reached it’s climax. A series of “All will be alright in time” sung by Mark filled the ears of the listeners as the crowd grew silent, savoring the song. A voice inside of you asked you look at Jaehyun for the first time tonight. It’s been five months and being without him is enough punishment for you. You were going to give yourself the pleasure of looking at his face once again. He was five people away but, thankfully, you can still see him clearly. His head swayed lightly to the song before turning his head towards yours - not because your gaze burns but because he wanted to see your face again.
“Oh, you never really love someone until, you learn to forgive.”
The ending instrumentals played right after. As if living through the song, you offered him a small smile. Without thinking twice, he did the same.
That’s the answer to both of your questions.
The balcony of their dorms gave you a full view of the sleeping city. The faint sound of “Psycho” by Red Velvet crept it’s way from the dorm to the balcony. The sound became clear for a moment, an indication that someone opened the balcony door and closed it.
Jaehyun stood beside you, savoring the cold, night wind. You were both quiet.
“Can I hold you?” He suddenly asked.
You turned to him with confusion. You didn’t know why he would ask you that all of a sudden.
“Please?” He begged. “Before we admit that it’s done?”
Before you know it, your arms are wrapped around his torso for the last time.
 VIII.
The busy streets of the city became a lullaby to you. After graduating from college, you interned in one of the top architectural firms in the country. You gained your architecture license after two years but you never left the firm. Unlike your father, you’re not really the leader or boss type. You enjoyed working for and with others. The company felt like a small family. It was very exclusive so they don’t really have a lot of core members; to be amongst them was a privilege in itself. The senior architect, Nayeon, was busy today so she sent you to present the design you both proposed for one of your clients. You never met the client personally or even knew their names as this was your first initial meeting.
The sweet smell of croissants filled your nostrils as you entered the meeting place. The client requested to hold the meeting in a luxurious cafe just a few minutes away from your office. This client must be really rich to waste time on a meeting in a cafe like this. The wide array of the pastries brought back your childhood memories as your mother would bring you home croissants from this place before.
Along with your childhood memories, a familiar yet dear face looked up from their seat. It was no one else but Jung Jaehyun, still beautiful even after all these years.
Oh, isn’t life just really tender on me?
“Hey,” You greeted.
“Hey,” he replied.
There was awkwardness, of course. But you needed to be professional, after all it’s been eight years.
“Im Nayeon couldn’t make it today so I’m here on her behalf.” You stated. “Hope that’s okay for you?”
“Of course,” Jaehyun replied. Standing up to offer you a seat. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
You cleared your throat. You wanted to get out of there quickly so you immediately brought out the papers.
“Do you want something to drink?” He asked.
“No, thank you.” You declined with a smile.
Jaehyun felt foreign. It seems like he doesn’t know who you are anymore. Well, after all, it has been eight years. You’ve grown into someone he’s unfamiliar with.
As you present your plans, Jaehyun couldn’t help but drift in his own thoughts. He wondered about what might have been. If things didn’t end up the way that they did, where would the both of you be right now? He wanted to marry you. He would look at you every night and think to himself that this is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Feelings change and so does what people think about others but he still wondered what would have been if he didn’t give up so easily.
But maybe, if the both of you held on that night, it could lead to even more damaging things. Jaehyun assured himself that he made the right decision instead of waiting for things to get worse. At least, right now, he has the ability to see you without resentment from either sides. That’s good enough for him.
“Thank you, my wife will definitely love that.” He commented.
Your heart sank at his statement. Of course, he’s married now. A beautiful creature like him would have no problems finding a partner. You didn’t know you hold hope in your heart right before it crashed down because of the sudden news. You were foolish in thinking that there could still be a chance.
“Your design is amazing, Y/N.” He said.
“Thank you,” You replied. “I’m glad that you like it.”
“I expected nothing but excellence from you. Of course, I would love it.”
You smiled at his words. Jaehyun never failed to make you feel appreciated. You’re bittersweet at the fact that another woman would feel appreciated everything, and that woman is not you. You remembered the late nights where you conclude that you would have this man for the rest of your life. All of that are a distant memory now, along with his touch and kisses.
The both of you are two different people now but you know, and Jaehyun knew, the love is still there. Maybe the romance already left, but the love and genuine care was still evergreen. And you both know that it will never die for as long as the two of you live.
 IX.
There are a lot of things that you regret in your life. Most of the time, you don’t want to change the past. Even if a lot of things made you want to crash and burn, it still formed you into someone you never knew you could become. This was your first time in Paris, France. The wealth and fame you accumulated over the past years of your life as an architect gave you all the opportunities to get to this very place. However, you made no efforts in landing here. Not until it reached the ten year mark.
You still remembered the promise. But the other party is still not present and it’s almost nearing midnight. You didn’t want to regret every coming here so you decided to relax and make this all about you.
“You remembered.” A voice spoke behind you. The chattering of people that laid in picnics under the Eiffel Tower were still loud despite the time.
Jaehyun is here. He remembered.
“You remembered.” You said back. Your eyes still covered with bewilder, almost not believing that Jaehyun is in front of you, keeping his side of the promise.
“How could I forget?” Jaehyun said, almost in a whisper. “How could I forget you?”
You did nothing but smile at him, with all the love remaining in your heart - all the love that will never go away no matter how much you try.
“Do you ever wondered what could have been if things didn’t go the way that they did?” You asked, looking up at the tall, iron tower.
“All the time.” He replied.
“How’s Chaeyoung and the kids?”
“They’re very well.” He replied with a nod. “How about Eunwoo?”
“He’s doing fine too. He’s currently in Germany with his family.” You answered.
“Ah, I’m glad my wish came true.” He said.
“Wish?”
“Yeah,” He turned his head in your direction. “My wish that you find someone who will love you better than I did.”
“You wished that?” You asked in disbelief.
“I actually didn’t wish it,” He said. “I knew that the universe made someone out there to love someone as beautiful as you.”
“Oh, stop it.” You blushed. You felt guilty that another man, specifically your ex, was making you blush.
“So, this is my proof when I promised you that I will always be here.” Jaehyun whispered.
“And me being here is my proof that I meant when I said that I want to hang out with you for as long as you want me to be.” You replied.
The night was young and alive, so is the love you have for each other. A love that, unfortunately, neither of you could ever express ever again.
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Yours | Vampire!Todoroki x F!Reader
um... can you do an AU story of Yandere!Vampire!Todoroki x Villager!Reader? Like he stalks her every night till he get enough and take her? Rape is fine xD.
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Once again, NSFW! Happy Birthday, Best Boy!
Warnings: Hypnotism, Rape/Noncon
Notes: I am still going to write the second part for Aizawa “Unrequited” story. I’m still just a little backed up on my current to-do list, but I have the request saved! I know it’s been awhile though since it was asked for. Sorry :(
“Je t'adore. M'apprécies-tu?” - I adore you. Do you care for me?
“Est-ce que tu m'aimes?” - Do you love me?
“Je t'aime.” - I love you.
To Todoroki, you were so different from the other humans in your small French village. You were an enigma who walked calmly after dark to deliver goods, who confidently worked your own land without needing to be married, and who rejected the mostly wrong superstitious jargon of your fellow humans. It was so beautiful to see such a human unafraid of the things that go bump in the night — things like him that follows the innocent in the dark.
You finish your last delivery early, but the sun is already set with the coming of winter where the days get shorter and the nights get longer for the devil’s children to cause trouble. “Be careful on your way home” and “you shouldn’t be out when it’s so late” were common phrases you heard along with “strange child” and “silly girl”. You had never believed them until the night you saw a strange man standing at the edge of the village during the dusk of the day where the sun had gone down enough for shadows to finally take over the land. A chill goes down your spine when you lock eyes with that sharp gaze.
He was handsome. Much more than many of the men in the village. Finely dressed in all black with pure skin and neatly split hair. He probably hasn’t seen a day of work in his life. Though, you weren’t the only one who held these thoughts.
To him, you worked too much and toiled too often especially for such an attractive woman. You’d look much better in the castle as his precious item. Someone for him to hold and feel the heat he’s never had radiate from their skin, to listen to the beat of your heart ever steady grow wild with his attention, to see the delicate crimson pouring from your neck, free and for the taking. You didn’t belong with the humans any more than he did. They didn’t understand you like he did.
“Excuse me, are you lost?” your voice calls out to him, so strong and bold. That’s a foolish action for you to take. Though, you still keep your distance, a smarter decision. You wouldn’t need to keep your distance from him for long. You’d love him. He knew you would. You just didn’t know it yet but you were his soulmate, as you humans say. He, however, already loved you after the months you’ve spent together. It was bordering on two years now that he’s followed, watched, and protected you from any other animals roaming the village at night along with any man that dared to get close to his belonging. To humans, that was a long time to be in love but barely a blink of an eye to the immortal, and he had many more years to give. This time, he needed you to be aware of it too.
“Yes,” he answers softly, “I am lost. Would you help me find a place to stay?”
You nod and point to the direction of the square. “The mayor has spare rooms in the town hall. I’m sure he’d allow you to stay there if you need shelter for the night.”
“Would it be too much trouble to ask for your guidance there?” he questions, and the better part of you tells you to be wary as you point towards the center again with a more stern voice.
“I’m sorry, but I’m very busy. Just follow the road straight down. It’s the biggest building with a large sign. You won’t miss it,” you say, and he nods. Satisfied, you assume he got the idea and turn to continue down the road only to turn into the body of the person you were talking to less than five seconds ago.
“What—“ you barely have a chance to register your shock before he pinches your chin to bring your gaze align with his own. Then, you see just how demonic he looks with cold skin like death, different color hair you can finally see in this slim light, and two different color eyes that you can't help but peer into to.
“Don’t be afraid, ma chérie. I merely want to express my gratitude,” he whispers, and then there’s a red glow to his eyes that has your mind swirling and your own irises turning a vibrant shade of red in turn.
It’s only blank after that.
When you next awake, you’re laying on top of a red antique recamier. You cough with the dust that fills your lungs upon your first gasp. The walls around you are grey stone with cobwebs hanging around the edges, the building dilapidates despite the small efforts that appear to try to keep a structure way past its prime clean, and the hall leading to the room echoes forebodingly with the steps of another person. Your heart jumps with each step, and you quickly stand from your couch to move towards the only door in the room for any chance of escape before he closed—you gulp—in.
“You’re awake.” The small smile he gives strikes fear rather than comfort as you back away from the man. “Why are you so tense, (Name)?” Todoroki questions as if he hadn’t just whisked you off the streets earlier that night and brought you to this creepy castle of shallow light and floating dust. It’s almost beautiful when he gets closer, letting the open window catch him with the soft lighting of moonlight that reflects off from white hair. It’s then that you can see the fangs prickling at his bottom lip, and your entire body goes cold with the knowledge of everything you thought once was a lie being true. “You look pale. You should sit.”
“I—how do you know my name?” you question and try to find as much of light you can from the windows, but it doesn’t do much when it’s so faint and not from the sun. You walk around the room as he attempts to get closer, stumbling over furniture and cautiously rearranging small tables in front of yourself for the comfort of any type of obstacle between you and him.
“I’ve known your name for months now,” he explains, “Oh, I should introduce myself, shouldn’t I? I’m Todoroki Shouto. The owner of this castle.”
“Owner? You mean the creepy castle in the woods?” you reply.
“Well, my mother owned it before the villagers killed her long ago,” he explains, getting ever closer. “...Humans are so afraid of what they don’t understand, but you don’t have fear.”
How very wrong he was, because you had only fear right now.
“Then, what do you want from me? I didn’t kill her, I didn’t even know vampires existed,” you attempt to reason.
“It gets lonely here for years. Hundreds go by without a word, without acceptance,” he explains, a soft hint of sadness to his voice that would’ve made you pity him if not for the situation.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” you sympathize, trying to get a little on his good side in hopes he’d let you keep your life. "Some people can be overly cruel."
“So kind,” he mutters thoughtfully. “You’re wasted on the human world. I brought you here to stay and be my belonging.”
“Your belonging?” You repeat, sweating with the realization that he backed you into a corner of the room.
Cold is all you recognize when he touches you. It was almost human with the longing he holds you with, but dead and cold. You’re held to his chest, his breathing audible from this distance, and his gaze soft. “Yes. You’d be my property,” he tells you as he slides the back of his hand along your neck. He admires the stretch and curve of the area, the perfectly pulled vein against your skin. “I’d care for you, and you’d care for me. You’d be able to enjoy an extended life with me as well. We wouldn't have to feel lonely or judged together.”
“I would be a vampire?”
“No, but I could change you if you’d like all you need is a drink of my blood,” he offers, and you shiver when his thumb traces your plump lips and slowly presses between them to poke over your own canines as if he could let you slice his skin just that moment. “Personally, I prefer you being human, it suits you somehow to overcome the disadvantage of being such a fragile creature,” he smirks amused, and you shiver when he brings his mouth to your neck and sharp fangs graze over your pulse while cold hands glide around your back.
You push away. “I’m not your belonging or some toy for you, devil!”
The sting from your rejection is clear on his face. Suddenly, you realize what you said, and your fear returns when Todoroki grimaces slightly before sighing. “I was afraid of this. I wanted you to agree for yourself but I can no longer wait for that,” he argues and the same swirling of crimson returns to his eyes that has your mind blanking and your resistance slowly dropping as you attempt to muster the strength to look away. “You will listen to me, pet.”
Then, he stops when that clouded look overtakes your features and you’re standing like nothing more than a blank puppet needing him to pull your strings.
“(Name),” he calls to make sure you’re completely hypnotized.
“Master,” you whisper softly.
Todoroki smirks triumphantly. “Come be a good girl and sit with me,” he commands and leads you to sit back down on the recamier. You obey and sit next to him. Your body is immediately his again to hold as he lets the feeling of you resonate with his whole being. As he thought, you did radiate life and color.
“(Name), are you mine?” he questions and decides to take the taste of your lips for the first time. You kiss him back with an equal force to match his own. Your arms embrace him as he pushes you down, and it’s the first touch in centuries that makes him feel high. “Mon trésor, answer me.”
“Yes, I am yours,” you dreamily state while delicate sighs escape your kissable lips. You were so beautiful this way, he decides, and pets your head like you’re a precious doll that could break at any wrong touch. The last thing he wanted to do was cause pain and knock you out your trance.
“You will be my belonging and be with me forever,” he asks, and he is melting in pure delight at your next word.
“Forever,” you repeat as he goes to kiss your neck. He nips you bit by bit, pressing his fangs down into your skin, but never enough to truly leave a mark until he’s ready to puncture into your sweet flesh. Todoroki traces every inch of your body, unable to get enough of what he dreamed of for so long — the softness of your breasts yielding in his touch, your pliable lips hot and slick against his own, the length of your curved legs leading up to your center.
“Beautiful,” is all he can repeat with the stripping of your clothes. Each article he pulls off slow like unwrapping a gift. Each inch of feminine curves presented to him making him sigh with want and relief that he finally had you. “Je t'adore. M'apprécies-tu?”
“I care for you, yes, with all my heart,” you answer and are rewarded with another hungry kiss at your lips. You whimper weakly with the attention he offers you. You're numb but can tell that something is building with the possessive caresses he places on your body, along your curves which he needfully squeezes and massages. Your lips are red from his brash kisses, and he finds himself drawn back to nip and kiss you again. Your leg slides along the back of his own and you lightly massage his head. Your cozy strokes makes something light in him. Something almost alive, or as close as he could get. Todoroki always knew you would be the only one to grant him that feeling. He loved you so much. His fragile human.
“Est-ce que tu m'aimes?”
Another kiss.
“Je t'aime," you gasp when he touches and strokes your soak folds. You open up to him desperately with the patient strokes, cool against your heat. He's never felt heat like this when he pumps his slender fingers into your yearning core. "Master, please, je veux être avec toi. Je ne peux pas vivre sans toi."
“If you really want to be with me, then beg for me, my pet,” he orders, letting his eyes glow red again to seal you into a deeper hypnosis. “Tell me you want me to make you mines.”
“I’m yours for the taking,” you airily comply, “my soul, my body, and my heart belongs to only you.”
Todoroki smiles before taking you, fully and whole. He marvels at the twitch of your face and strain of your slick walls tight around him. “You’re so perfect,” he praises. He knew he made the right choice choosing you.
“Master,” you purr and hold onto to him. He inhales your scent, the musk and the sweet smell of your sex fueling him.
Todoroki can barely wait for your discomfort to subside before pulling out and thrusting back into you. You moan and wrap around him so needfully. Todoroki knew all along that you needed him. Now, you’re showing it as you arch into his powerful thrusts. He cups your bouncing breasts and kisses your neck again, and you crane readily for him, without any fight just how he wants.
Your body is so truthful where your mind is not. You keep tightening around him. More cum leaks down his cock with each buck until you accept him easily and hugs his cock like you didn’t want him to pull away. “Will you become my belonging?”
“Yes.”
That’s all he needed before sinking his teeth into your neck and reveling in the rich taste of your blood. In his mind, your essence is the sweetest he's ever tasted, addicting. It flowed fast and strong due to the erratic beating of your heart and overflowed in his mouth as if you wanted him to have all of it. He wouldn't take too much, nothing that would kill his new lover. But, you don't accept this new role. You cry and spasm around him, his hold on you finally breaking and the world comes back with a searing pain in your neck. You pant, dizzy at what’s going on with undeniable pleasure shaking through your body. You realize quickly that he’s inside you, that your body is convulsing and your own cum is flowing in droves. You half-scream and half-groan but Todoroki focuses on drinking down every succulent drop you offer, letting the flood of iron wash over his taste buds.
The lingering effects of pleasure keeps overtaking you. You had came in feeling amazing, and you have to fight not to moan while Todoroki can feel the beat of your heart quickening with excitement and panic. He holds you down harder as you thrash but every so often your legs would squeeze around him when he hit that sensitive spot deep in you, making you groan in shame and makes him absolutely ecstatic. It’s several seconds of rhythmic pumping and sucking of your blood that you cry with his release inside you.
Todoroki unlatches from your neck, the sticky red of blood dripping from his teeth and onto the perfect puncture wound he left. Satisfied, he licks red lips and carefully rests back on top of your still shivering body.
“You are a perfect belonging,” he smiles down at you as you roughly bite your bottom lip. You don’t know just what you’re doing to him with that simple action. It draws him to thinking just how soft your lips were against his mere seconds ago.
You hiss through your frustration, refusing to believe that any of this was your own choice in the moments of blackness. “I refuse to ever be yours, monster. I’d rather die first.”
Todoroki smiles, loving your enthusiasm or feisty-ness rather. It may have been a disappointment that you still hadn’t accept it, but he knows he’ll get to hear you accept his offer one day soon. All of your own free will.
“It’s okay, amour. We have all the time in the world before I let that happen.”
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Unwanted desire (Stefan x Reader)
Plot: Stefan stumbles upon (Y/N) while he drinks to control his guilt about the horrible things that he has done and while he is with Elena,he can’t contain the attraction that he always felt about her. But with him being borderline his past self and his relationship with Elena,is he going to act up on  that attraction?
Warnings: None, I believe
P.S: I have changed the request a bit so that it will be more fitting,but I hope that you will enjoy it. Also it is my first update on tumblr and it is so freaking exciting for me!
The smooth whiskey slid down his throat. He barely winced at the burning sensation, as he tried to drown the remorse that he felt for the things that he had done while he was in the company of the hybrid and the things he would do in the future.
The bar was almost empty, if he excluded the barwoman and himself, yet even if she was seated feets away from him the sound of her blood rushing through her veins caused his throat to feel constricted.
So while his human part remained intact, he decided to leave before he had the chance to give into his desires. But his resolution seemed to crumble like walls made of sand by the bar’s bell and the sight of the person that had entered the room.
‘(Y/N)’ his realisation was combined with the sound of her laughter as she neared and tackled the barwoman into a hug. And that music like sound brought memories into Stefan’s mind.
Shy glances and smiles exchanged when they saw each other in the corridor, usually accompanied by awkward waves of greeting, the loud laughter when she heard a silly joke, the sound of her heartbeat rising and the slight blush on her cheek when he caught her staring at him while they were in class.  
When their eyes met, (Y/N), finally aware of Stefan’s existence, felt her eyes widen and her heart race, a thing that would previously make him smile with a weird sense of satisfaction but now only caused the constriction that he felt in his throat tighten.
A silent groan left the barwoman’s mouth when she playfully smirked at (Y/N), quick to catch on her reaction. But it was his turn for his eyes to widen when with a shake of her head at the woman,she started to approach him.
As happy as he would feel if he could control his bloodlust, now that he was barely containing himself in the presense, he wouldn’t be able to control himself. Not with a person that had an effect on him.
“Stefan” she greeted, this being the first time he had heard her speaking to him. “What are you doing here?” her eyes widened once again,before she shot him an apologetic glance.
“I...I am sorry, sometimes I have no manners” she paused before smiling at him  with a tad more confidence.” I meant:’ Hey Stefan! I didn’t expect you to be here. What brought you in this amazing bar that is in a completely different state?”
“I am having some personal problems so I am travellling with a friend of mine in different cities” he lied with a convincing straight face, before he smiled.”Would it be rude to ask what are you doing here?”
“Just visiting my aunt” she was eager to respond.”My aunt over there owns this place” she explained as she pointed at the woman that observed the exchange.
But when her eyes finally fell on the glass that was previously filled with alchohol,she couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows in investigative manner. And whan he noticed her gaze he was quick to explain.
“Fake ID” the lie easily left his mouth as he looked at her with a guilty expression.
“Don’t worry” she assured him “ I won’t tell my aunt as long as you promise me that you won’t drive later”
“Of course” he agreed with a grateful smile.
Their conversation had an easy flow, both of them having similar taste in humour and interests. And his mind was conflicting the more he learned about (Y/N). The more he spent time with her, he could feel his hidden infatuation rising, a feeling that he had burried for the sake of Elena and a combination of guilt, infatuation and the overwhelming bloodlust that threatened to overtake any logical thought brought him a headache.
But he couldn’t leave,because even if his desires, both for blood and for (Y/N), were making him feel unable to breathe, the sense of normality that she provided him with at this moment waw easing his loneliness and the pain he felt.
Yet this serene moment was interrupted by a breaking sound of glass, when (Y/N) accidentaly nudged the glass that was seated on the table.
“I got it” she exclaimed, ducking under the table so quickly that she slightly bumped into it. A sweet smell waffed into the air accompanied with an exclamation of pain and it wasn’t difficult for Stefan to figure out what it was. Blood. His veins and fangs forcefully made their way on to his face,leaving him with barely enough time to conceal his face before her aunt had a chance to see them.
And his mind tempted him. He could drain them both of their blood. There were no witnesses and they had no knowledge of supernatural creatures, so there was surely no vervain that tainted their blood, making it both totally fine for him to drink and to compel them with no difficulty.
But a part, just a small corner of his mind still remembering how this girl lit up the room with just being present and smiling at people who needed it the most,made him halt and control himself so that he could just say something.
“My friend texted me that I have to go to the motel” he excused hiself, rising with such speed that suprised (Y/N), that hadn’t even started picking the shattered pieces.”It was nice seeing you”
“Stefan?” she questioned,as she got out from underneath the table but he was already gone. She looked at her aunt with a puzzled look,only for her to receive a shake of her aunt’s head, as she shot her the same puzzled look.
Still, Stefan was already away and as much as he didn’t want that, he wished that he wouldn’t see her in the near future,because he wasn’t sure that he would be able to control himself next time.
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hornkerling · 7 years
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Blood and salt (4/5)
The Eyes of Nocen – 9:37 Dragon
They might be too late. There’s no need to say it, not with repairs and storms (bile-fear and creaking screams and Merrill will not throw up) and time crawling up her back. Merrill knows what it is like to be too late when you are only a day’s walk away.
(Keeper. What did you do?)
Sailing is shiftier than walking. Isabela takes the wheel most days. It distracts her, Merrill thinks. Keeps her from looking too closely at Griffon and seeing the world of things she could change, if the ship was hers.
(“I don’t think I’m anyone’s first mate for long,” she’s said, smile rueful, the two of them tucked in against the wall, legs tangled together, Merrill’s arm going to sleep between their bodies.
“You didn’t have to stay,” Merrill whispers. “That wasn’t—I didn’t expect—“
“—you need to expect more, sometimes,” Isabela says.
“But not from you?” )
Merrill spends her days talking. Rigger Sam and Sam in the galley and hedgewitches from Antiva through to the edges of Rivain who swear they can capture weather in glass, so that all she need to is break it for a swifter wind, or a hard drag back into calm.  Her own magic starts to feel more like rope than veins. She looks at her own hands and sees the callouses that made Isabela proud approval through her want, the first time Merrill lets them drag over her skin.
(“I can feel where those hands have been, sweet thing.”)
She finds rumours of magisters the way she traced faults in glass. Concentrated fury that makes time slip and tea go cold, which is poor of her, because Sam does work very hard to heat it. But they might be too late, and Merrill dreams about drowning.
Splinters in her flesh and the deck splitting like the end of the world, water thick with churned sand and blood as rope snarls her ankles and her ribs cave in, her hand still holding tight to a body she cannot recognise, skin swollen and numb as her body presses—strains—breathes—
--she wakes up silent and covered in sweat. When she walks out on deck, feeling water-beneath-wood-beneath-blood-beneath-skin, Isabela is the port railing with a crooked smile and moonlight catching on all her edges.
She moves before Merrill can touch her, reaching up into the rigging for the central mast and hauling herself up so that ropes groan and mutter like old men. Merrill follows, hands quick, the swaying movement like and unlike the trees she’s climbed as a child, reverberations from Isabela’s steps fizzing through her up to the elbows.
“No such thing as fear sweat up here,” Isabela says.
“That’s a bit silly, isn’t it?” Merrill moves higher, overtaking Isabela and laughing a little as the other woman reaches out to tug reproachfully on her belt. “What if you look down and think ‘oh dear, I am going to fall to my death?’ I know I did. All the time. For months.”
“And look at you now.”
“I don’t—I get so much wrong, Isabela.”
Isabela scowls. “You’re not the one who handed Fenris over to slavers or said: ‘sure! Take the bitch, she’s caused me no end of trouble.’” A pause. “You also didn’t steal a big shiny religious text from big angry religious people to sell to Tevinter.”
“I—“
Isabela places a warm hand on her ankle. “—shut up, kitten.”
“No.”
Isabela blinks at her, but Merrill is tight-wound and shaking, forcing herself up a few more feet until there is more sky than rope in front of her. “No,” she says again. “I won’t shut up, and I am sick of people—trying—to—”
Merrill’s nose is dripping. There is salt in her mouth. “Don’t ever tell me to shut up, Isabela,” she manages, “But please put an arm around me so I don’t fall off? I haven’t—sleep is hard. This is all terribly…”
Isabela fits am arm around her, lips pressed to Merrill’s shoulder, hair snarled and falling down over both of them, tickling Merrill’s skin. They both, she thinks, need a wash. But her pulse is steady, and Merrill lets her eyes close, her body slump forward even as she keeps her grip in the rigging.
“I’m sorry, Isabela says.
“People always tell me to shut up,” Merrill says. “I’m tired of it. I’m tired.”
“Hawke didn’t deserve you,” Isabela mutters.
“Do you think she deserves any of us?”
“Your clan didn’t deserve you.”
Merrill winces through a laugh. “If they thought they did, I’m sure they’d be very frightened.”
Isabela’s groan vibrates through her body.
“Fenris might be dead,” Merrill whispers. “Everything takes so long. That was the one good thing about Hawke, don’t you think? She sped things up.”
“We’re plenty fast, kitten,” Isabela says. “I’ll fight with you. I don’t—“
“—don’t what?” Merrill asks, straightening under Isabela’s hold, one curled-in part of her at a time.
“…want to leave you,” Isabela mumbles. And Merrill doesn’t even hear a yet.
Danarius’s people sail through the Eyes of Nocen in winter storms, and Merrill is ready for them. It’s the easiest way into Qarinus, and she does not need Isabela’s lazy, people will always choose the easy way when they can, sweet thing, to know that it’s true.
“If they come, I need you to cut people,” she tells Isabela. “As many as you can. It doesn’t have to be deep.”
Isabela’s expression is unreadable when Merrill tells her this, rain dripping off her scarf and hair and into her boots, but she touches two fingers to her temple. Half a salute.
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