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Yours | Rhysand

Rhysand X Plus size reader

Y/N meets Rhys in a bar- one month after the worst night of her life. One month after he saved her. But Rhys has no interest in being a hero, and Y/N doesn't want to be a victim. They only want each other.

Warning: Mature themes (18+), swearing, allusions to SA/ r*pe, fluff, angst and smut.

MASTERLIST - 1 and 2

"For Cauldron's sake, Rhys," Cassian laughed, a husky, low sound. It interrupted my hazed thought, dragging me back to this room, with its incandescent lights and booming music. "You've been staring at her like a creep for hours, why don't you just go talk to her?"

I clear my throat, forcing boredom into my face as I roll back the sleeves of my navy shirt. My eyes move to stare at my brothers before me, both of them smirking, a knowing gleam in their dark eyes.

"No idea what you mean, Cass," I drawl, leaning back against the leather seat, my long legs spreading out before me. I curl my fingers around the cold glass on the table, a nonchalant smile tilting my lips as I bring the cup to my mouth and sip.

"No? So, you haven't been staring at the female sitting at the bar all night?" Azriel mused, his brow raised mockingly and the shadows around his shoulders dance with every word, as if amused. "The pretty one with all those lovely curves and the smile that could melt ice?"

My hand clenches around the glass at his words, just for a second, barely even long enough for anyone to notice- but Azriel does, he always does. I shake my head as his eyes twinkle, knowing he was goading me, talking about her to force a reaction from me and like an idiot, I fell for it.

"There are plenty of pretty females here tonight, Az," I counter, lying through my teeth with an easy smile. It takes every ounce of control in me, five hundred years' worth of control, to not look in her direction, to not be drawn back to her lovely form. "Why don't the two of you go bother them and leave me alone?"

Cassian snorts and my eyes narrow at him as he runs a hand over his stubbly jaw, his hazel eyes darkening as he glances at her- sitting at the bar, nursing a glass of wine in one hand while the other moved animatedly as she talked and laughed with her friend.

I felt a smile tug at my lips at the sight, at the bright grin and glowing eyes, that could indeed melt ice.

I can't help but look over her again, taking in her bouncing hair and plump, soft face. I ran my eyes down her body, over the dress that clung and moulded perfectly to every curve and dip and roll of flesh she had been blessed with.

"You're right Rhysand, we should go speak to one of the lovely females here tonight," Cassian nodded and as he began to rise from his seat, his eyes unwavering upon her, Azriel chuckled.

Under any other circumstance, I would have been laughing too, would have been utterly amused by Cassian's teasing, by the banter we always found ourselves in, even five hundred years later. But as he watched her, as that familiar desire lit in his gaze, something in me burned.

"Since you're not going to make a move on her brother, you won't mind if I-"

"Sit down," I breathe, low and sinister, and more than a few eyes turn to me at the vibration of dark power that begins to emanate from me as I glare up at Cassian. He smiles, victorious, and even despite the violence promised in my gaze, he doesn't relent. "Now, Cassian."

I could feel the Fae instinct in me scorching to life, that terrible, violent urge to hurt Cassian- he was my brother, my family, and yet the mere thought of him even looking at her, thinking about her in any way, made me want to tear his throat out.

"Now that we've established, you're a territorial prick and you are interested in her," Cassian beamed, unfazed by the intense and unfathomable power radiating off me, merely sitting back down and cocking his head at me. "Why don't you go talk to her? I've never known you to be shy, Rhys."

"I'm not shy," I bare my teeth at him, tendrils of jealousy and aggression still clawing at my chest. Cass and Az share an amused glance and I grit my teeth, choosing to chug back the remaining alcohol in my glass, before slamming it back onto the table. "I just don't want to make her uncomfortable, she might not want to see me."

"Why would she-" Azriel stops, and as usual, unsurprisingly, he connects the dots faster than anyone else would. Cassian furrows his brow at the contemplative look Azriel gives me. "The female you walked home last month- that's her?"

"The one with the boyfriend Rhys nearly killed?" Cassian scoffed, clearly remembering how furious I had been that night, how it had taken so much restraint and the both of them on guard to stop me from flying out to rip that bastard's head off. "Cauldron, I haven't seen you lose control like that in years."

"He was lucky- if the two of you hadn't stopped me and she hadn't begged me to leave it alone-" I grit my teeth, trying to extinguish the raw, scorching wrath still burning in my chest. My dark eyes turn to look at her, and as I take in her breathtaking smile, my chest tightens with the memory of that night.

The sound of her broken sobs, the way those bright eyes had shattered, filling with endless tears, how she had curled into herself, wilting like a dying flower- all because of him.

"Easy, Rhys, he isn't even here," Cassian cautions and I swallow thickly at the familiar feeling of the beast inside me rearing its head, the kind of violence and danger in me that only arose during the biggest threats, during the worst battles and now, in defence of her. "I've never seen you like this before."

"I know," I sigh, my eyes shut as I pinch the bridge of my nose, the tension in my body almost suffocating as I'm bombarded with the thoughts of that night, with the thoughts of her. "Fuck, I know."

"Go talk to her, Rhys, for your own sake at the very least," Azriel muses softly, and I can hear the unspoken words in his hazel eyes, the kind that told me to be happy, to stop putting everyone first and think of myself. "You never know what could happen, brother."

I inhale deeply, the strength of my brother's stares weighing heavy on me and yet again, my violet gaze drifts over to her and this time I don't ignore the magnetic force that pulls me in.

***

"Another drink, Y/N?" Lin smiles, her slim waist curving as she turns her long legs towards the bar, a sparkle in her eyes as she glances from the bartender back to me. "I know I need another one."

"You don't need to ply me with alcohol, Lin," I muse, cocking my head at her and she shrugs nonchalantly at my knowing smile, an innocent pout gracing her red lips. "I'm having fun, I promise."

"Are you though? It's been a long month and I just-" Lin sighs, her manicured nails coming forward and curling around my hand, settling our hold against one of my plush thighs. I smile at the worry creasing her brow, dimming the radiance in her eyes as she stares at me, "I just want you to be happy, Y/N."

"I am happy, Lin," I scoff, ignoring the ache in my chest, duller than it had been a week ago and yet still an ever-suffocating presence that loomed over me like a dark cloud. "But you know what you could do to make me even happier?"

"Tell me," She leans forward, her lovely face melting into an even lovelier smile, and her hand tightens around mine, an anchor that I'm glad for. "I'll do anything."

"Well, you can go and talk to that ridiculously tall and attractive male who's been ogling you for the last two hours," I drawl sarcastically, taking a pointed sip of my drink as she glances over her shoulder, her blonde hair bouncing as she locks eyes with him. "Don't think I didn't notice the two of you eye fucking from across the room."

She giggles, a purely feminine sound and I smirk at the way the male watches her, his blue eyes darkening into storm clouds, raking down her toned and slender figure like he could see through her clothes and Lin grinned like she knew it.

"But this is meant to be a girl's day, me and you and endless drinking until we're vomiting and regretting it desperately tomorrow," Lin groans and my shoulders sag at the conflict in her eyes- the pity. She didn't want to abandon me, and I hated it.

"I think I've had my fair share of drinks tonight; I'll probably head home soon-" I gnaw on my lip, already seeing the protest in her eyes, but when I raise a brow, glancing at that male again, she sighs, "Go, have wild sex with a hot stranger and then tell me all about it tomorrow."

I can see the anticipation in her body, and I force down the teasing remarks dying to come out as I take a sip of my drink, the burn as it slides down my throat distracting me from my own infinite loneliness.

"Or you could go find a hot male and have some wild sex of your own?" Lin giggles, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively at me but I roll my eyes, slapping her hand and trying to usher her from her seat. "Fine, fine, but are you sure-"

Lin pauses, the words dying out on her lips and under the fluorescent lights her tan skin goes pale, her eyes widening in surprise as she glances, not at me, but past me.

"Hey, are you okay?" I laugh, my brows furrowing as Lin's eyes turn back to me and the smile that tugs at her lips is odd- knowing, giddy almost. "Lin, what-"

"I'm fine, incredible even, and you're about to be too, I think," She bites her lip, giggling as she lifts from her stool and onto her platform heels, her eyes shining like stars as she slowly backs away. "Have fun, Y/N."

"Okay, you too," I say slowly, half-laughing, half-confused as Lin saunters away, her hips swaying as she moves toward that expecting male. His eyes meet hers and the tension goes taut between them. "Don't drink anything he gives you!"

I laugh quietly to myself as I turn away from her, tucking my legs under the bar and shaking my head at her bizarre behaviour- it seemed Lin was more of a lightweight than I thought.

"Hello darling," A smooth, deep voice, like melted chocolate, greets me from behind and my body shivers at the easy sound, "Is this seat taken?"

"No, it's available, this one too I'm just about to leave-" The placated smile on my lips turns to a surprised 'o' as I toss my hair over a shoulder, my bright eyes lifting- and meeting with a constellation of violet.

Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court- and the male who had been there when I was at my lowest.

"High- High Lord," I stutter, my eyes widening and it's as if his presence spurs something deep in my chest and it has me shifting to sit straighter, my head angling up to meet his captivating gaze. "These seats are available-"

"Please, it's Rhys," He smiled, and I smelt the sweet aroma of night-blooming Jasmine and ocean breeze as he pulled out the chair beside me, his long, toned body elegantly taking a seat inches from me.

"Right, Rhys," I breathe softly, remembering how he had said the same thing that night. Though his eyes held more softness now, unlike that night no violence or death was gleaming in them.

"Can I get a bourbon on the rocks," I watch his handsome face glance at the bartender, and I can't help but run my gaze over him- the silken raven locks effortlessly tousled, the strong bridge of his nose, the tilt of his lazy smile, how he leaned back against the chair, his powerful form at ease.

"And another of what the lovely lady beside me is having."

My eyes snap back up to his at the words, and my cheeks burn at the sparkle in his eyes. The kind that told me he knew I was looking over every inch of him, and that I, like most females, liked what I saw.

"You'll stick around for one drink, I hope?" He questions, and my heart pounded in my chest as he leaned closer, his legs brushing mine and I felt the electricity of his touch lance through my entire body. "I could do with the company, darling."

Darling. The nickname made my stomach flip, the way it rolled off his tongue made it sound so erotic, sensual like he knew he could pleasure a female with just his words.

"One drink," I nod, swallowing thickly as the bartender places Rhysand's glass of Bourbon and my wine before us with a soft clink. "I suppose it's the least I owe you."

"You don't owe me anything, I hope you know that" His voice softens, his eyes do too, and I know he's picturing me as I was that night. Crying. Shaking. A mess. His throat bobs, ringed finger tracing the rim of his untouched glass.

"I know, but I want to," I manage a small smile and the heat of his eyes on me, I feel it over every inch of my skin. Not purely sexual but seeing, like he couldn't take his eyes off me. "I didn't get a chance to thank you for what you did that night, I really am grateful for you helping me-"

"Please don't," Rhysand frowns, and his body is stiff now. All the warmth, all the teasing, has vanished from his eyes. Replaced by one thing- sadness. "Don't make me out to be some kind of hero for that night, Y/N. Anyone would have done the same-"

"And yet you were the only one who intervened," I scoffed, and his face tightened. The violet turned dark like midnight. "So many people passed us, so many people saw him grabbing me, heard how he was speaking to me. They saw me crying, heard me say no-"

My back hit the wall. Arms caged me in.

'You're nothing but a worthless fucking slut.'

'No, no, please, don't,' I felt the side of my dress tear open, the cold wind prickling my skin.

'A fat bitch who never listens,' I could taste metal in my mouth, his hand clamped down on my jaw, pinning me down. 'A fucking tease, wearing this dress and then telling me no when I want to touch what's mine.'

'Please, you're hurting me,' He laughed as I sobbed, groping along my body, the smell of alcohol on his breath making bile rise up my throat.

I heard the sound of a belt unbuckling.

'Someone please help me.'

"Y/N," His voice was hoarse as he spoke my name, pained. And when he laid one of his large, ringed hands against my knee, fingers curling around my flesh, I released a tight, desperate breath.

"You saved me that night, you and no one else," I blinked away the burning tears and locked my gaze with his. Power thrummed from him in waves, and the shadows in his eyes told me he remembered that night as well as I did, that it haunted him too.

"Perhaps you're too humble to think so," I cleared the lump in my throat, throwing Rhysand a teasing smile, or as much of one as I could manage. "But as far as I am concerned you were my hero that night, Rhys."

"I don't think humble is the word my family would use to describe me, darling," Rhys's lip quirked, and I knew he slipped into a mask of charm and playfulness for my sake. It made the ache in my chest ease. "I think the words they would use are more along the lines of arrogant, cocky, smug-"

"Charming, charismatic, flirtatious," I continued with a sly grin, and as I brought my glass to my mouth, Rhysand watched every movement keenly, shadows eclipsing his eyes as my lips parted and I sipped. "Clever, witty, swaggering."

"Careful, darling," His eyes flashed when my tongue flicked out to collect the droplets of wine off my bottom lip and I nearly purred when his fingers curled around my knee tighter. "You're inflating my already massive ego."

"I'm not done," I mutter softly, setting the glass before me again. Rhysand raises a brow, and his chest is rising and falling so harshly now. "Alluring. Gorgeous. Seductive."

His eyes twinkled like a thousand stars bursting to life and I knew he could hear how my heart was thundering in my chest.

"I fear you've got us confused," He breathed, and my entire body felt alight as he swooped his thumb back and forth against my thigh, his touch so consuming it was as if he were touching my bare skin. His lip quirked as if he knew it. "Those are words that describe you, not me."

I scoffed out a laugh, rolling my eyes but I couldn't deny the way his words made me feel. The way he made me feel. Tracing over my bright eyes and beaming smile, down my neck and chest, across my stomach and hips and thighs, his power thrummed as he took me in.

"Did you come here alone tonight?" I angled my head at him, feeling hot under his stare. Again, his thumb didn't stop soothing against me, so soft I was starting to get dizzy.

"I came with Cassian and Azriel," Rhysand nodded over his shoulder, "It was actually them who encouraged me to come speak to you."

"Encouraged you?" I raised a brow, surprised and the chuckle that escaped him ran over my skin. "What happened to arrogant, cocky, smug Rhysand?"

"Apparently as Cassian put it, I became the creep who was staring relentlessly at a beautiful female for hours," Rhys drawled, and a surprised laugh burst from me at his words. He rolled his violet eyes, but I swear under these lights, I could see a tint of red staining his cheeks.

The High Lord of the Night Court.

The most powerful High Lord in existence.

Blushing.

"You're laughing at me?" Rhysand cocked a brow, hand coming to his chest in faux offence, " I've been mocked by my brothers and now by the female, I like. I'm wounded darling, truly."

The female I like.

Cauldron.

"Poor High Lord," I pouted, my delicate hand coming down and resting over his at my knee. I shivered at the feeling of his skin against mine, and his eyes flashed down to where we touched. "It seems you can't catch a break tonight."

"Oh, I wouldn't say it's been a total loss," He mused lowly, his eyes lingered on our hands, on how much smaller mine was compared to his before they lifted to meet my gaze. Shadows and stars. Utterly consuming. "I'm here with you, aren't I?"

"And I'm here with you," I smiled, and it was the most genuine smile I've had in a while. Rhysand's eyes softened as if he knew it too. As if he could feel my content right now as strongly as I could.

But it wasn't just content. As I stared at him, at this beautiful, powerful, captivating male before me, I couldn't deny the ache that spread through my core. Couldn't ignore how just his hand at my knee made my thighs clench.

His eyes fell to where my legs clamped shut and something wholly dark filled his gaze, something that made it impossible to hide my arousal. His throat worked, and I knew he could smell exactly what my body wanted.

"Would Cassian and Azriel mind if I stole you for the night?" I asked, soft, breathless, I couldn't get the words louder than a whisper. Because I was afraid- of rejection, of embarrassment, of saying it aloud.

But he heard me. I knew he did.

I saw the muscles in his thighs tense, his whole body turning hard as stone. Even that hand at my thigh seemed to turn stiff. His eyes met mine, his mouth parting- and then closing. Like he didn't know what to say.

"Oh," I forced out a strained laugh, humiliation burning through me as I sat up, pulling my thigh from Rhysand's hold and frantically looking anywhere but at him. "It seems I've read this whole situation wrong."

He didn't want me.

He was just being kind.

He was just trying to make sure I was okay.

Of course, he didn't want me.

"No, no, don't-" His voice was sure, strong. As I reached to grab my purse, his hand curled around my wrist, gentle but firm, keeping me sat where I was. I clamped my eyes shut, twisting my face so that I did not have to face him. "You did not read this wrong at all, not at all Y/N."

"Rhysand, it's alright," I mumbled, trying to pull my hand free from his hold, but he wouldn't relent. I heard his body shift until his thighs were pressed to mine and I knew he was inched from me. "You don't have to say anything, I understand-"

"No, you don't darling," He snarled softly, and my body shook when his hand came to my chin and turned my face to his. I blinked, barely breathing as I met his burning violet eyes so close to mine. "I can hear those thoughts running through your mind right now. Stop, stop and don't even dare think that for a second again."

His thumb brushed my cheek, and I couldn't breathe with how close he was to me. So close I could smell the bourbon and mint with every breath against my mouth, so close I could count the stars in his eyes.

"I would like nothing more than for you to steal me away tonight, to steal me away every night," He admitted, his voice stern and commanding. "Some very selfish, greedy, dark part of me has been staring at you all night picturing exactly that. Picturing just how we would spend those hours."

Low, sultry words that made my heart race.

"But?" I whispered, my voice shaking. My whole body was shaking now.

"But I do not want you to see me as a hero, to see me as some kind of saviour," His words were unsteady, pained and I hated the frown that tilted his lips. wanted to soothe out the furrow in his brow. "I don't want you to think you owe me this. I want you to want to."

I swallowed and melted into the touch, the callouses of his fingers at my face making me sigh. My hand curled around his wrist, strong and sure, and I met his eyes with certainty.

"I do want to," I said, louder this time, "You do not want to be a hero, fine. But I do not want to be a victim, Rhys. Don't try and make me one."

Surprise flashed in his eyes. And something else. Something akin to fire, like my words lit a blaze in him.

"Cassian and Azriel definitely will not mind you stealing me away tonight," He rasped, voice like gravel and my body shivered at the smirk he gave me. "Let me grab your purse for you, darling."

***

Walking back to my apartment with Rhys, it was hard not to remember that night.

How different it had been.

How I had been shaking and crying, wrapped in a blanket to cover the exposed skin revealed under the tatters of my dress. How Rhysand had been violently still, his eyes so black it was as if a void had sucked away all the stars in them.

And how that awful, pulsing black magic had coiled around his hands. The same black magic that had wrapped around that male's throat, that had ripped him off of me, dropped him to his knees and squeezed the air from his lungs until he turned purple.

I remember seeing Rhysand appear in a cloud of black smoke, looking like death itself.

My head spun with how he had looked at me as he guided me home, walking trembling step after step, and something so pained, so agonised had filled his gaze. I knew it was me and me alone that kept him from killing that male, it was his need to take care of me first that had quelled the unparalleled desire he had to destroy him.

And now, a whole month later, as we walked under the sheet of stars and moonlight above, I couldn't help how my stomach coiled, a mixture of nerves and excitement dancing through me.

"I'm sure it's not the kind of luxury you're used to," I smiled, turning the handle of my front door, and pushing it open to reveal the dark expanse beyond. "But this is it. Home."

The Fae lights in my living room flickered on, dousing the small space. I stepped inside, Rhysand's tall form ducking under my doorway as he entered. I couldn't help but glance to and from his face as I locked the door behind us, watching him take in my home.

It felt intimate somehow. Him being here.

"It's lovely," Rhys smiled, violet eyes bright as he took in the simple leather couch and oak table, the shelves full of books and ornaments. He glanced forward, to the kitchen attacked to the side, drink bottles littering the island.

"I don't really bring people back here, males I mean," I laughed awkwardly, my stilettos clicking against the floor as I led Rhys further into my house. "My roommate, Lin, usually has people, males and females alike over all the time."

"I'm honoured to be here, then," I stopped at the kitchen island, dropping my purse on the table. My eyes met his, saw them darken as a smirk lined his lips "And selfishly, I'm glad that you don't bring males back here."

"Why?" I breathed, my chest rising and falling in waves as he inched closer to me. Stopping close enough that my taut nipples brushed his hard chest. "Feeling possessive? I didn't think High Lord Rhysand was the jealous type."

"Oh darling, I am the jealous type. The possessive type too," He murmured, and my eyes fluttered when his hands fell to my hips, pulling me flush to his chest and kneading the flesh there. "Because when you're mine, you're only mine."

"And am I?" I tilted my head to meet his eyes and the look in my gaze made his fingers tighten at my hips. "Yours?"

"Yes, if you would like to be," His voice turned quiet, sincere. I smiled at it, at the softness in his eyes. "I would like you to be."

"I would like to be too," My hand came up and cupped his strong jaw, loving how he melted into the touch. "Especially tonight. Kiss me Rhys."

He groans like I'm going to be the death of him. And then his head is dipping, and those sweet, pink lips collide with mine.

Cauldron, I knew he could kiss. But this was better than I could have hoped for.

My back hits the island as Rhys claims me, lips moving slow and steady against mine, strong hands keeping me in place. My mind spins as he kisses me, working me through every lap of his tongue teasing mine, one hand moving to tilt my chin, before resting at my throat.

The marble at my back digs painfully, but I don't care, not as Rhys slips his tongue past my lips, wet and hot and exploring. He groans at the taste of wine in my mouth, and my pussy clenches around nothing at the heady sound.

"Rhys," I whimper at the feeling of his long, hard cock straining in his pants, and pulsing against my stomach. He kisses and nips at my jaw, and I can't help but rub against him, loving how he shudders.

"Darling, I suggest you stop doing that," He snarls softly, canines scraping my neck and his hands clamp down, halting my movement. "Unless you want me to bend you over this island and fuck you raw right now."

I moan at his filthy words, back arching when his hands shift down to cup and fondle my ass. He laughs, sinister and low, violet eyes flashing to mine and brightening.

"Dirty girl, you'd like that wouldn't you?" He muses, smirking as he kneads my ass, rings digging into me. "Perhaps another night. Tonight though, I'd prefer to be a gentleman and take you for the first time on a bed."

"I happen to have a great bed," I whisper, my hands on his chest, pushing at the corded muscle. He chuckles again, mocking me, but he does relent, pulling me along with him. "First door on the right."

"First you let me into your home, now your bedroom," Rhysand smirks at me over his shoulder, his large hand interlaced with my small one. My stomach tilts and whirls as he pushes open my door. "It must be my lucky night."

"Arrogant, cocky, and smug indeed," I roll my eyes, seeing his smile brighten when the lights in my room flicker to life. Before I knew it, we were inside, the door closed and locked behind us. Alone.

He must sense my unease because he turns on his heel, his face serene as he glances over my small room. The double-sized bed, the pink cotton sheets, the small dresser and cabinet and more shelves stuffed full of books.

"You like to read?" He muses, walking over to the bookshelves and running a long, slender finger across their spines. My breasts ached at the thought of him touching me with those hands. His eyes peered over a shoulder at me- dark like he had heard that thought.

"Yes," I managed to say, throat dry as I fiddled with my thumbs. "I was big on fairy tales as I kid. Now I like more... adult stuff."

"Adult?" Rhysand's brow rose and every inch of me was molten as he turned around to face me, leaning against my draw with his arms tucked into his slacks and his powerful body at ease. "Adult-like romance or adult-like females being pleasured six ways to Sunday?"

I burst out laughing at that and Rhysand's smile grew, broad and lovely at the sound. He made it so easy to be around him, made it so easy that the anxiety in my chest faded into nothing.

"The second," I said quietly, and the air turned still as I moved toward him, taking step after slow step. "Though I'm yet to experience it myself. Being pleasured six ways to Sunday as you so eloquently put it."

I stop before him. I place one hand on his hard chest, feeling his heart racing under my palms. And then I glance up, fluttering my dark lashes and praying this looks sexy and not creepy.

Again, he laughs.

"Allow me to remedy that for you, darling," He grins and when his hand cups my jaw, I let myself go slack against him. His lips against mine are heaven, I could kiss this male for the rest of my fucking life. He kissed me back like he shared that sentiment.

I stumble back with him, our teeth clashing and lips bruising as we kiss and my hands touch him everywhere- through his dark, silken hair tugging at the roots, scratching down his neck and broad shoulders, feeling his muscles ripple under my fingers as I claw at him.

My legs bump against the bed but instead of pushing me down, his hands move to my dress. To the ties at the back. He pauses, panting as he pulls his lips from mine. I groan at the loss of contact, nibbling on his teeth as he draws away. But he peers at me, and I can see all the questions in his eyes.

For a second, I feel different hands touch me. Vile and degrading and horrible, all over my body. I smell bitter alcohol, invading my senses, and it's almost as if I can feel the wind piercing through the rips in my dress just like it did that night.

But then I blink. And It's Rhys again. With that lovely smile and those kind eyes. With those exploring, gentle hands and those lips that taste like sin. It's Rhys. And he wants me.

"May I?" He mutters, brushing his lips across mine in the barest kiss. I sigh when his fingers rest on the knots at the back. If I gave him the word to stop, he would, no questions asked. That was exactly why I didn't want him to stop.

"Yes," I said, and my voice did not so much as shake. I met his eyes and showed him how I felt, how badly I wanted him and nodded again. "Yes, please."

Rhys smiled and his eyes never left mine as he tugged the strings at the back of my dress, something akin to adoration blazing in his eyes as it all came loose. I braced myself as his gentle hands tugged down the material, letting it fall down my body and to the floor.

I was in nothing but my underwear now.

Rhys didn't look down. His eyes stayed on me. My throat bobbed, but I nodded to him again.

It was palpable, the shift in his eyes the second they lowered from my face. Down, down, down. Over my bare aching breasts, over my perked nipples, across my stomach and hips, over all the fat there, and down my thighs, dipping between them as I clenched them shut.

Desire. I felt it vibrating off him in waves. Like he truly thought I was beautiful.

"I hate the doubt in your eyes right now, in your mind," He said softly, and my body shivered when he trailed one finger across my collarbone, and down my chest. "I hate that you can't see how perfect you are, how fucking perfect your body is."

I shivered as he traced his fingers over my taut nipple, a moan slipping past my lips at the feel of his callouses against me.

“It’s not easy for me to feel like that,” I whispered, my voice shaking as he cupped my breasts, pinching the nipple and letting the weight and feel of them fill his hands. “But it’s easier right now. With you, it’s easier to believe.”

Something shifted in Rhysand’s eyes at my words. It was almost emotional, like what I said meant more to him than I could ever know. I lifted onto my tiptoes and pressed a slow, exploring kiss against his lips. It was the kind that I had read about books, that I had dreamed about, his lips moved against mine and felt right.

His hands are sure as he guides me down to sit on the bed and not for a moment does he break his lips free from mine. Rhysand’s hands explore my body, kneading my flesh as he kisses and suckles down my neck, my moans mixing with the wet sound of his mouth against my skin.

I’m not sure I’m breathing as he runs his hands along my hips and thighs, mouth smearing spit and scraping teeth against my breasts. His fingers hook under my underwear and within seconds it’s tugged down my legs and tossed to the floor.

I flutter open my eyes and something molten spreads through me.

Because Rhysand was on his knees before me. And it’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.

“Do you like me this, darling?” He muses, purely male satisfaction on his face as he drags my supple thighs apart. His eyes drop between my legs, to the swollen wetness there and he moans. “High Lord of the Night Court, bowed before the prettiest cunt he’s ever seen.”

I feel like I might climax just from his words. Just from how fucking feral he looks as he takes in my wetness, his hands at my thighs bruising as he keeps my legs apart.

I rest back on my hands, my arms shaking as Rhysand’s smug face inches closer and closer to the apex of my thighs, the violet in his gaze almost as dark as midnight as my arousal fills the air. I’m burning hot, everywhere and the anticipation is killing me.

But mercifully Rhys is no tease. He doesn’t have the patience for it tonight.

“Rhys,” I moan, my toes curling when his head dips between my thighs and he licked a broad stroke up the length of my cunt. Taking all the wetness from my entrance and smearing it up to my swollen clit. He does it again, growling, and I can hear how wet I am.

“Relax, darling,” Rhys murmurs and I gasp in surprise when his hands hook under my thighs, tugging me to the edge of the bed- and then he goes feral.

“Cauldron, oh my- Rhys,” My body is shaking as Rhys tastes me, his tongue flicking over my bundle of nerves again and again, so hard and fast I can feel the pleasure down to my toes. He groans as he does so, the sound vibrating through my core and making my head spin.

My eyes close, my arms give out and I’m lying on my back, arching against my sheets, Rhys holding my thighs and hips like a boulder. He doesn’t relent even as my cries grow erratic, his tongue slipping down to fuck into my hole, hot and warm and knowing exactly what he’s doing.

One finger slips in. and then another. And another.

Three fingers and I’m clamped around him like a vice, his fingers fucking into me, his tongue suckling at my clit, my moans, his moans- it was dancing through the room like a symphony. It feels like minutes before that pit in me starts to grow and I know I won’t last long; I don’t want to last long.

“Rhys, please-“ I don’t know what I’m begging for. But he does, he knows what I need. Because his lips close around my clit and those long, graceful fingers curl up into a deep, spongey spot inside me, hitting a button that makes me scream.

Searing hot light burns through me and I can feel Rhys grinning against my cunt as my orgasm hits me, unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I cry his name again and again, my body on fire as he buries his fingers inside me, still sucking and nibbling on my clit. Dragging out every last inch of my climax.

“Rhys, Rhys-“

He chuckles, like a smug bastard, lips plucking back from my swollen clit and those three fingers slipping out of my pulsing hole. I shudder, sweat coating my skin and when he finally unhooks his arms from my legs, I sag to the bed, panting.

My eyes are closed and all I can do is catch my breath as tendrils of my orgasm coil through me, disappearing inch by inch.

The bed dips around me and I feel the familiar power and warmth as Rhysand ascends over me, two hands braced on either side of my head, my thighs wrapping around his waist. I blink my eyes open, seeing a constellation above, and the sweetest smile.

“Hello, darling,” Rhys smirks and I chuckle as I take in the pleased expression he wore, loving me so strung. He lifts one hand, brushing the damp hair from my face and I croon when he runs the pad of his thumb over my mouth. “Do you want to stop?”

“No,” I say immediately. Something almost terrifying drapes across his face as I take his thumb past my lips and into my mouth, twirling my tongue around the digit and staring into his eyes. He plucks it free, looking like he could devour me. “I don’t want to stop.”

“Alluring. Gorgeous. Seductive.” Rhys muttered, voice like gravel and my entire body purred when he knelt back on my bed and began to undo his shirt. “Definitely the words to describe you, Y/N darling.”

I stay silent as I watch him easily undo one button at a time, the graceful movements of his fingers almost sensual as more and more skin, covered with dark whorls is revealed to me. I’m breathless as he tugs off the material throwing it off the bed, captivated by the lean, hard muscle, and the slender dip of a v-line at his waist.

He grins down at me as my hands come up to his chest, muscles flexing as I claw down his pecs, teasing his nipples, scratching his abs, tracing the faint dusting of hair all the way down to his slacks. His eyes burn into me as I fiddle with the ties, tugging the front of his slacks loose to free his length straining inside.

I undo the last button and my pussy clenches as his cock springs free, slapping back against his stomach. It’s the prettiest cock I’ve ever seen. Long and thick, veined and tan, small beads of pre-cum slipping down the head and dropping onto my thigh.

Not sure I’ve ever had a female tell me my cock is pretty before, darling.

The sound echoes through my mind and I jolt at it, surprised. My eyes meet his, see them twinkling and every atom in me throbs when his hands wrap around his length, and he pumps himself. I whimper, his eyes on mine watching me fall apart at the sight of touching himself.

Fuck me, Rhys.

I send the thought out to him through my mind, not knowing how it works but hoping he would get the message anyway. He did- I could tell just by how hard he fisted himself now, his pre-cum spilling down his hand as he stroked up and down.

You need it, darling? Need me? He teased through my mind, so arrogant it made me scowl at him.

Yes, asshole. I hissed, and he laughed aloud, eyes bright with amusement. I need you, fuck me, please.

He groans and I’m grinning as he leans forward, bracing his palms on either side of me, his powerful body atop of me now. I felt small under him, felt like I was completely at his mercy and that feeling seemed to make me even more wet.

“Wrap your leg around my hip, darling,” Rhys said softly, and I was more than eager when he guided my thigh up, wrapping it around him, fingers splaying over my flesh. “Wanna get as deep as I can into this sweet pussy.”

“Rhys,” I whined, my eyes fluttering as he dragged his tip through my folds, the pressure against my swollen lips and sore clit making me feel like I might explode. “Rhys- please-“

He slips his tip into me. And my eyes roll as he sinks and sinks and sinks into me. Inch after perfect inch. Stretching me so fucking wide that my head starts to spin. He stops when his hips meet mine, maxing out and I swear I feel the shape of him imprinted against my stomach.

“Fuck, you’re wrapped around me so tight,” Rhys curses and his fingers tighten around my flesh. I tilt my neck up when his lips meet mine, desperate and needy for the feel of him, the taste of him, as the pain between my legs slowly eases to mild discomfort.

“Move Rhys,” I claw up his chest and shoulders, burying my fingers in his hair.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” He mutters, groaning as he slowly pulls his length out, my wetness making it so easy for him to move. I moan at the tendrils of pleasure that spark through me as he drags himself out and then in, again and again, barely moving.

“I can handle it, Rhys,” I force his eyes to meet mine and I know he’s holding himself back. For my sake. I roll my hips, and the moan that escapes him as he slips in deeper makes my toes curl. “Move, Rhys.”

Rhys snarls low in his throat. And then he pulls out to the tip before shoving his cock inside me in one full stroke until his hips slam against mine. I cry out and it’s almost euphoric how good it feels.

“That’s it,” He praises, jaw clenched and muscles hard as stone as he rolls his hips into me, hard and fast, tip brushing against my walls in a way that makes me endlessly moan. “Feel how good you fit around me, darling.”

I whine at the filthy words he snarls into my ear, canines nibbling at my earlobe as he fucks in and out of me. He lifts my leg higher up his waist and our moans sync when he sinks into me, so far, I can feel him hitting the back of me.

“Oh Rhys,” I cry his name again and again, his cock inside me feeling so full, every stroke stealing the breath from my lungs.

He ruts his hips up to meet me, the sound of him fucking in and out of me, so wild and demanding, is like music in the room, mixing with our moans, our low curses, and the way our hands wander over each other, unable to get enough.

“Look at me, Y/N,” Rhys commands, and I gasp, eyes fluttering open when his hand clamps around my jaw, tilting my neck to meet him. I see the darkness and depravity and need burning like fire through his eyes. Watching my face twist, my eyes roll as he fucks me, skin slapping skin.

“I’m so close, Rhys-“ I babble, back arching and my hand curls around his wrist still holding my jaw. My insides feel like mush as he hits that button inside me again and again. “I’m so fucking close.”

“Yeah? You gonna come, darling?” He taunts, and I nearly start sobbing when his hand moves from my thigh, between our bodies and starts rubbing erratically at my clit. He laughs, like he fucking loves it, loves seeing me fall apart, “That’s it, come for your High Lord. Wanna feel you milk me dry.”

There’s something so commanding, so burning and domineering in his words, in those star-flecked eyes that when he dives his hips into me again, when his thumb flicks at my clit, my entire body erupts with my orgasm.

“Rhys, Rhys, Rhys-“

I cry out, black dots blurring my vision and my body bucking and writhing against his hard muscles as release ripples over me like a tidal wave. Rhysand grunts as I clench around him, suffocating his cock inside me, the orgasm hitting me and lasting longer than I’ve ever had.

“Just like that,” He pants, and I feel his movements become sloppier, more erratic, more careless, driven to the edge by me coming around him.

My body trembles with the aftermath of my orgasm, edged on by the way Rhys still moved in and out of me, chasing his own high. And when his forehead rests against mine and he groans, guttural and heady and low, I know he’s found it.

My eyes blink open, desperate to watch him fall apart. And it doesn’t disappoint.

I watch, breathless, as Rhysand tips his head back, exposing the strong column of his throat and the sound that escapes him, the guttural moan, as he stills inside me has the walls of my room shaking. Pure, unfiltered power radiates from him and my pussy throbs as he spills inside me, hot and wet and endless.

I can’t tear my eyes off him as his orgasm fades and I’m smiling as he sags against my body, the both of us sweating and panting, melting into the other’s embrace.

He stays seated inside me and wraps his arms around my body, sinking into my warmth and softness and looking more than content. He sighs, pressing a kiss to my lips, once, twice, a smile curling his lips when I giggle.

“Darling,” Rhys whispers, his eyes tender as he lifts onto his elbow to meet my stare, “I meant what I said before. I want you to be mine. And not just tonight.”

There’s an ache behind my eyes as he stares at me, looking at me with so much adoration, so much love that I feel like he’s wrapped a hand around my heart and squeezed.

“I want that too,” I whisper back, cupping his jaw. He presses a kiss to the inside of my palm, grinning.

“As a gentleman, I should ask then,” He teases, inching his face closer to mine and resting his forehead against me. “Will you go out with me?”

I snort, eyes creasing as I laugh and Rhys beams at me, peppering kisses at my jaw and lips as I giggle.

“Yes, Rhys,” I say softly, drowning in those wonderful, tender, violet eyes. “I would love to go out with you.”

__________________________________________________

@mis-lil-red @hyemishii @assaultsofthought @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @loveareum @infintyfandoms @sarawritestories @eerievixen @nyotamalfoy @lewsnumerounofan @dreaming-about-fanfictions @sarawritestories @nottyourlover @bbycowboi @morganwdarius @marvelsmylife @justasillylittlegoofyguy @allyjoe755 @just-a-social-casualty-1 @eleventhboi @sfhsgrad-blog @glam-targaryen @firebreathingbishqueen @sindulgent666

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ensnapemysenses · 6 months

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Imagine Sirius's have a younger sister who finds sister HOT! Like practically drooling over him during every meeting and Severus being unaware because let's face it he can be oblivious to affection. Everyone finds it hilarious but Sirius is one word away from flipping out. -L

L, I know you sent this so long ago but I've been working on it and I FINALLY finished it! Not my best work but at least it's something! And yes I just had to make a little reference to Snupin

Warning: cursing, mentions of sex but nothing too explicit, some brotherly angst from Sirius, glimpse of dom Snape, not proofread

“Close your mouth, you’ll catch flies,” Sirius snarled, teeth bared. “I don’t understand what you see in that treacherous fiend.” His dark eyes flickered yellow as they trailed after the greasy-haired man until he was out of sight.

The Order meeting hadn’t even started yet but hostility was on the rise. It was in the air, present in the guests' little huffs and puffs, and even in the bare bones of the house itself. Interwoven with its rich and equally dark history the Black family manor wasn’t a welcoming place to be. The dimly lit and depressing atmosphere seemed to have a grip on everyone who had the privilege to cautiously open its doors.

“Meetings about to start. You finish up in here and I’ll go on ahead,” you huffed, slamming down the bowl of snacks you’d been preparing and pushing past him in pursuit of the man who had left the room before you, Severus Snape.

Sirius absolutely despised Severus and no amount of sibling love between the two of you could dissipate the anger that only blossomed when they were close. It was odd really, whenever they seemed to catch wind of the other, the two men were immediately at each other's throats. Feral, raw anger pulsed through their veins with a mere glance. In fact, his hatred of the reclusive potions professor with the sharp tongue was so severe that you were convinced he would one day lose it and Avada Kedavra him on the spot. He’d gotten the first part of the spell out of his mouth with the second on the tip of his tongue far too many times than you’d like only to stop short by your pleading. No matter how much the two of you fought, you couldn’t lose your brother to Azkaban again. Not after finding out he was innocent.

Sirius’s feelings about Severus did nothing to dissuade your own. This was one fight among siblings that you were willing to put up with. With his deep voice and mysterious existence you couldn’t help but be drawn to Severus no matter how much your big brother pleaded with you to leave him alone. Severus was terrible news. And as a confirmed death eater, you couldn’t argue with his warnings but you didn’t care. Dumbledore, Molly, and even Remus were convinced of his true motives in taking down the one whom he had once called master and that was enough for you.

Though he sat silently apart from the brief moment when he had to report on what the death eaters were up to, your eyes rarely left his dark-clothed and lithe frame. He didn’t seem to notice though, his eyes stayed trained on whoever was speaking at the moment and his toes never left contact with the floor as if he were bracing himself to sprint out the door at a moment's notice. He always did that, bolted out the door the second the meeting ended, and you’d barely been able to say a word to him much less get him alone.

“Eyes on the prize, eh? You’ve rarely looked elsewhere,” Remus chuckled, nudging your arm. Since he was one of Sirius’s best friends, Remus was kind of like an older brother to you and you knew all too well that he thought you having a liking for Severus was hilarious. “You know Severus and I hooked up while in school a few times. I can give you a few pointers.”

“Remus! Stop it! I know you’re lying!”

“Ask him yourself,” he replied smugly. Remus shrugged and with a smirk diverted his attention back to the meeting.

“Quiet down with the chatter,” Sirius commanded, jumping to his feet and pacing around the room. “Now, unless anyone has anything of value left to add, I say this meeting is over. You will all receive details about the next one as soon as it is decided.”

“Catch that mouse before he scrambles away,” Remus chuckled. “Go on now! He will be out that door in no time.”

Sure enough, Severus had his hand on the doorknob by the time you caught up with him. He jolted in place at your sudden appearance next to him.

“May I have a word with you?”

“I must be going the Dark Lord…”

“He is surely aware of your current status at an Order meeting, Severus. A few extra moments will go unnoticed and could help you live up to your reputation.”

“Ah Severus, off so soon?” Sirius asked, sauntering between the both of you and throwing his arm over you. “Not bugging my sister are you?”

“He will be off as soon as I have a word with him… in private.”

“That’s not necessary,” he said moving to the side as Tonks let out a curse when she tripped over the rug on the way out the door. “Let’s move away from this crowded area, shall we?”

“Black, your presence is not required,” Severus warned. “Your sister asked to speak to me and me alone.”

“I think that whatever my sister has to say to you she can also say in my presence. Right, sis?” he hissed.

“Fuck off, Sirius,” you scoffed. “Severus, would you mind stepping upstairs to my room where it’s a bit quieter?”

“Lead the way,” he said, his cheeks turning a profuse shade of red. You thought it was quite cute to see him flustered as you escorted him to your room.

“So,” you started sitting down on the edge of your bed. Severus took the chair, sitting on the edge waiting for the torture of forced socialization to end. “Remus told me…”

“Don’t,” he snapped. “I don’t care what that lunatic said —”

“So you did fuck him, huh?” you giggled, coming to rest on your knees before him. You couldn’t help but smile when he shifted unconsciously closer to you. “How do you fuck Severus? Are you a needy little bitch? Do you whine and beg?”

“I’ll show you just how I fuck,” he hissed, his eyes darkening.

You couldn’t walk for a week after he was done with you and Sirius, having enchanted your room, heard every single thing. He hasn’t spoken to you since but you don’t care all you can think about is Severus fucking you again.

And Severus? He thought the whole thing was splendid and has every intention of fucking you after the next Order meeting. You're his little toy now.

#ensnapemysenses #severus snape #snape x reader #severus snape x reader #severus snape smut #snape x reader smut #L anon

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cecilysass · 2 months

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Milagro Fic Recommendations

These are good for any time of year, of course, not just February 14. But here are my favorite fics related to the season 6 episode Milagro, a long time favorite. (And @sisterspooky1013's favorite episode of all time: happy VD, girl!) I’ve been reading and sifting through these for some time, and I have tried to include some from all eras: newer AO3 fics, some written right after the ep aired, etc. But I'm sure I've missed some, so hit me with your own faves, please.

Because of Milagro's ending, this entire genre of fic tends to be heavy on the hurt/comfort and angst (which is fiiiiine by me), but that’s not all that’s here. Many of these are smutty, but not all.

Adagio - Terma99 A meditative, peaceful take on the aftermath of Milagro by a veteran author that includes both agents realizing something they had learned. Lovely.

Alma - 6hoursgirl (@sixhours) A lovely hurt/comfort Milagro piece. This one is Mulder POV, which is a little less common for post-Milagro, I think, and I like this characterization of Mulder as desperately wanting to help Scully, desperately wanting to protect her, but also a tiny bit scared of the intimacy and relationship he feels they’re on the cusp of. He’s so good-hearted and also a little dysfunctional here, and I love it.

Bated Breath - dreamingofscully (@dreamingofscully) This one has an original take on Scully's experience; it leaves Scully with clarity and new direction in her relationship with Mulder. DreamingofScully tends to write a more confident, in-charge Scully in the MSR than some do, and I appreciate it.

Beyond the Strokes of a Typewriter - storybycorey (@storybycorey) When Scully is stricken and ashamed that it’s been so long since anyone has seen her as a woman as Padgett did, Mulder is pushed to revelations. Mulder 3rd person POV. Very good smut build up. And nobody does a gorgeous feelings reveal from Mulder like storeybycorey, man.

I Believe - Diana Battis There are a lot of lovely, heartfelt hurt/comfort fics about the aftermath of Milagro (for obvious reasons), but this one is especially well done. Viewed from Scully’s third person point of view, it focuses on Mulder’s capacity for tenderness and guilt. Plus some smut.

Don’t Look Up - ArtemisX5 After Padgett's hallway revelation, Scully is horrified that she has no secrets left. But you know, Mulder is much slower on the draw than she gives him credit for. There is also such moving hurt/comfort in this.

Intimacies with Strangers -mldrgrl (@mldrgrl) This mid- and post- Milagro piece has Mulder and Scully simmering in tension and then boiling over. Their relationship is complex and painfully entangled, and I love how it plays out. There is also excellent Scully characterization. This one helps me to get more fully why she might have been drawn to Padgett initially, something I struggle with in the episode.

La Madrugada - h0ldthiscat A carefully told tale of RST that takes both characters seriously and is sincerely moving. Excellent.

Lacuna - Aloysia_Virgata (@aloysiavirgata) This is a longer work, not really a classic post ep per se. But I love this moody, angsty casefile set right after Milagro. This Scully has not come to terms with her emotions, is thoroughly freaked by how she reacted to Padgett, and hasn't even entirely worked out how she feels about Mulder. There is Scully/other here, but the ship is steering home. The end of this is so moving, but cw: dark themes in the casefile, extreme violence against children, traumatized agents.

Still Life - Seek_Its_Opposite (@seek-its-opposite) Ah, this is such a thoughtful and exquisitely written Scully character piece — and it contains some truly beautiful insights about Mulder, too. It suggests the heartbreaking idea that Mulder’s way of showing Scully respect (giving her distance) is continually hurting her. So tragic (and consistent with canon, e.g. Never Again.) One memorable line: “Every one of their fights is about how to care for one another, every last one.”

Alma Gemela - matchingfabric (@matchingfabric) After the events of Milagro, Scully (and Mulder) get accustomed to platonically sharing a bed for comfort. This is a slightly different take on post-Milagro. Exceptionally, irresistibly sweet. Oh, and smutty.

What did I miss? Tell me. And yes, I'm working on my own short Milagro fic that will be coming soon-ish.

#x files fanfic #xfiles fanfic #xf fanfic #fox mulder #dana scully #msr #milagro #fic recs #fic rec list #love fic recs #season 6 #xf valentines day #valentines day

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cryptidghostgirl · 1 month

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The Line (Port Mafia!Dazai x Port Mafia!Reader)

Pairing: Dazai Osamu x Reader

Description: Something is there, but if they both pretend it isn't, then everything is okay.

Warnings: Angsty but also more fluff than angst I think, mafia stuff, bomb talk, its Dazai so double suicide mentioned once. Sex also mentioned in passing like once. I think that is it, please correct me if I am wrong.

Word Count: 1,262

Master Lists:

All Master Lists

Bungou Stray Dogs Master List

Hazbin Hotel Master List

A/N so i found a screenshot of this tumblr post of this quote on pinterest and besties,, I am running with it. I will add the quote in at the end.

Was it his hand on the small of her back? Was it the feeling of his whispered breaths against the shell of her ear? When had the line been crossed, if it had been crossed at all? Neither really seemed to know where it had even been drawn in the first place. Perhaps that was the trouble with it all.

Danger was a part of life for those unlucky enough to call themselves members of Yokohama's notorious Port Mafia. It was the only constant, in Y/n's eyes. Well, danger and Dazai, but they were kind of one in the same, weren't they?

"Belladonna."

The same low, constant hum. She looked up from her desk.

Dazai stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with an aloof air. He'd grown quite a bit in the two years since she had met him. She supposed she must have grown as well but, somehow, he still seemed to be exactly the same. It was the calculating quality of his gaze. It was the smirk, the way the light glinted off his hair.

"That's new."

Y/n gestured towards the man with the end of the pen she grasped in her hand. Almost without thought, he raised a hand of his own to the bandage on his left cheek.

"I suppose it is."

They were never supposed to have even met one another in the first place. Their jobs were ones that should have pulled them far apart from each other's graces. He was an executive, after all, and she was just a lowly clerk. She dealt with numbers, paying off people who needed paying off, covering up the footprints of great men like him. He was supposed to send his subordinates to deal with her. That was what everyone else always did. Dazai wasn't like everyone else though, was he.

"I've got something for you." he stated, straightening up and taking a few steps into the room, his hands firmly in the pockets of his coat.

Y/n raised her eyebrows.

"What is it, another job?"

"A present."

Dazai pulled a box from his pocket, snapping it down on top of the work Y/n had splayed out over the desk's surface before her. It was large and flat. She eyed it suspiciously.

"It wont bite."

"You do."

"I said it, didn't I?"

"What is it, a bomb? Think it would be funny to watch me struggle to deal with something like that?"

"Don't give me any ideas." Dazai playfully replied.

"Is it full of anthrax? I have already told you, I have no interest in committing a double suicide."

"Just open it."

The Mafia was a dangerous place, those who worked there lead dangerous lives. There was no denying the living, breathing thing between Y/n and Dazai but... there was no place for such a creature here. Besides, neither of them would know what to do about it if there was. They had both forgotten how to be gentle long ago, were unsure if it had ever been in their nature in the first place. All that was left was the sharpness.

Hesitantly, Y/n picked the dark red box up and opened the lid. Nestled in the black velvet of the interior was a necklace. It was old, an antique locket of sorts with a few flowers engraved on its oval front.

"Nightshade." she commented.

"Made me think of you, Belladonna."

That was one of the things that helped tow the line, the invisible and complex line. Y/n never called Dazai anything other than his last name and Dazai only referred to her as 'Belladonna.' At first, the name had irritated her. It had felt like a denial of her personhood, her individuality. That was before she had known there had been a line to cross at all. She was older now, wiser. She looked back up at him.

"How sweet." she bitterly replied.

Dazai smiled his lazy smile in response. A girl could give up everything for a smile like that, even her life. Y/n wouldn't though. If she was willing to, that was mean it was all lost. They would have crossed the line long ago, if that were true. They couldn't have that. The line was what kept them safe, kept hem sheltered, kept them. He closed the distance, stepping up beside her in the space behind her desk.

"Here."

Long, slender fingers snaked around the locket's delicate chain, pulling it from its bed. Y/n's breath caught in her throat as his fingers brushed against the back of her neck, securing the necklace. It felt heavy against her chest, a foriegn weight that seemed to cut right through her skin to her bones below. Gently, he slipped a hand under her chin, tilting her face up to him.

"Perfect." he hummed.

Had they already crossed it? Was it too late? If so, what had been the deciding factor? Was it the late nights up on the roof, talking till the sun rose? Was it the knocks at her door at odd hours? Had it been their legs tangled together beneath the covers night after night, no sex required?

"Thank you."

What needed to happen, what change had to occur for them to be able to say the words that echoed in the backs of their minds?

Dazai's hand lingered on her face for a moment longer. Y/n mourned the warmth of his touch as he dragged his fingers from her.

"I have to go."

Y/n sighed, turning back to her messy desk.

"The work of a Mafioso is never complete, is it."

A statement, not a question. Dazai let out a light laugh in agreement. Y/n picked her pen back up, listening intently to his footsteps as he crossed back over to the door. At the sound of a pause, a hesitation in the pattern, she looked back up.

"Same time same place?"

She smiled. Tonight, the kitchens. Stolen food, stolen time. Stolen kisses too most likley.

"Yeah."

Belladonna. Something poisonous, something detrimental. Something completely and entirely his, if he was brave enough to take her. Dazai wasn't so sure he was, not right now at any rate. Dazai was a man who didn't like uncertainties. In fact, he avoided them at all nearly costs. He didn't know if the day would ever come when the bravery or the assurance would arrive. With things as they were now, it felt inevitable. A ticking bomb, a precariously placed glass. One wrong move, and everything would shatter.

With a curt nod, he disappeared back out into the hallway. Y/n listened to his footsteps against the carpet of the hall as he retreated, picturing the way he must look in the moment, wondering where he was off to.

The line was there, the brick wall between them. They both knew it. How far was too far? Was it holding hands as they walked down the street, checking to make sure no one could see? They already did that. They already did a lot of things. Maybe... maybe the line would dissolve when the fear left or, maybe, when it felt more manageable, they would be able to cross it, if they hadn't already.

How far was too far?

Y/n reached her hand up to her chest, fingering the cool silver of the locket where it hung at her collar. Maybe, just maybe, they had gone to far already. Maybe the world was already falling down around them, they just hadn't noticed it yet.

----

Here is the quote that inspired this:

#dazai bsd #dazai x reader #bsd dazai #bungou stray dogs dazai #dazai x reader angst #dazai osamu #dazai osamu x reader #dazai osamu x you #dazai osamu x y/n #mafia!dazai x mafia!reader #mafia dazai #mafia reader #port mafia #bungo stray dogs x you #bungo stray dogs x reader #bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs #x reader #mild angst

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factual-fantasy · 2 months

Text

28 ASKS! THANKS AGAIN YALL!! 🥰💥

I've thought about this a bit actually :00

Way back when the crew was only four people, (Seafoam, Octo, Ellie and Louis) they got caught in a great storm while out at sea. Becuase there was only four of them, they didn't have enough hands on deck to control the ship.

Blue Beauty saw this ship clearly struggling and in danger so she helped guide the ship back to calmer waters. It was her help alone that prevented the ship from sinking. Seafoam thanked her profusely. She hadn't been treated so kindly before.. So she secretly followed them around for a while before making herself more known and officially joining the crew. :}

XD I imagine that wouldn't fare well for Blue Beauty-

XD Foxy would be like "..Am I malfunctioning or are those cookie talking--"

Hmm.. I assume the textures all relate to the food/animal they're based on. Or maybe their personality..? <:0 I don't know!

OOO these are so good!! Thank you! :DD

XDD Its really tough for me ngl. I've never been the best with names-

@luna-purple454 (Post in question)

The Undyne one is a bit vague.. I pictured the group has a run in with an Undyne. She is able to maybe separate Papyrus from the group and even capture him. Maybe her Papyrus is dead or he's on the other side of the underground. For one reason or another she knows this is "not Papyrus". So she questions this imposter to his face.

..But Papyrus is silent. Its been so long since he's heard Undyne's voice.. he suddenly cant speak..

Now the Alphys is actually an older character in the AU. I mentioned that at some point early on the gang found an AU with an old Alphys. This Alphys had made a bunch of robotic arms for Monster Kid in all different sizes.

Well since MK is all grown up, some of the smaller arm models don't fit him anymore. So she gave some to Goner Kid! I didn't really have intentions for her to come back into the AU in any major way. I just felt like drawing her :)

Oooo that sounds cool!! :DD

ASKJANJ SALTY TENTACLES XDDD THATS AMAZING!

Also thank you so much!! :DD

XDD Well "actively", I don't tend to dip my toes in that fandom too much anymore. I've dealt with a surprising amount of uncomfy stuff there so I'd rather mostly stay away from it-

But I have drawn a decent amount for it none the less! And I'm glad you like what you see so far! <XDD

Oh boy, the Jevil gang wouldn't stay there then! <XDD

@astaherussy

I unfortunately still to this day have not watched the Mario movie. So I cannot answer the first part of that question :( I think I have a problem upstairs-

As for Peach or Daisy breaking down, I believe they would approach them the same way Luigi did Rosalina :00 Very gently and try to figure out what's wrong 🥺

@neo-metalscottic

Thank you!! :DD I'm glad you liked what you saw! And I'll keep Jevil and the gang in mind! :))

AND YESSSS THE CALICO JACK IDEA WAS SO GOOD!! Thank you so much!! :D

And once again- thank you for the compliments to my Toadsworth drawing! I was rather proud of that one! XD When it comes to his relationship with Peach,, that is a good question.. I was thinking it was an Alfred Pennyworth situation. Kind'a a royal advisor turned father figure situation.? :0 He was running the Kingdom while Peach was gone, and he was overjoyed to see her returned safe and sound!

(Post in question)

XD Just wait till you find my Super mario bros tag and all the comics and angst under it

(Also thank you!! :}}} )

@rotting-glitter-corpse (Link in ask)

I NEED!! TO LIVE THERE!!! RIGHT NOW!! 💥💥

Oh man, he'd do everything he could. I'm not sure what kind of demands he would make to the rest of the group. But if there was something they could do to help he would absolutely demand they to it :0

@fawncr33k

<XD I don't know if Seafoam would want to have kids at his age- but its a good question. I'm not sure what a child between them would look like, considering that Blue is a mermaid- :0

@pinkbomb08 (Post in question)

My Welcome Home AU is kind'a all over the place becuase of some changes I'm making to Sally and Poppy.. <XD But I can talk a bit about Julie! She hasn't changed much--

The idea I have for Julie is that her and her sisters are actually these huge grotesque monsters.. much more horrific looking than they are in canon. Anytime anyone saw them they'd run away screaming.. Julie grew up knowing that she was scary and people are afraid of her becuase of her appearance..

Now at some point when she was little, she discovered the Neighborhood. She would see Wally, Barnaby, Poppy and Eddie walking around every now and again. She wasn't sure why.. but she was so fascinated by them and their lives. Something about the way they walked, the way the talked, how they dressed, how they sounded, how they looked. She loved all of it.

She was so fascinated by the Neighborhood and she dreamed of becoming apart of it one day. But she knew that she couldn't show up looking like.. this.. so she used the Neighbors as a reference and began to drastically alter her appearance.

No one has horns, so she was able to greatly shorten hers and make them look more.. cute! All the residents have 2 eyes so she shall as well! Poppy has pretty eyelashes.. so shall she! She cant get rid of her tail but she can make it shorter and cuter! Wally, Eddie and Barnaby all have 4 fingers. So she shall as well!

Now the feet.. She never saw Wally or Eddie without shoes on.. but Barnaby is always bare foot. So feet paws she shall have! A lot of her form was transfered to her mane-hair! To her hair- :DD

Now she was trying to get her legs to be shaped more like Wally's. So she altered them a bit and began to practice walking. But she tripped and fell, letting out a yelp!

Someone heard her, and came looking.. Since she couldn't use her new legs yet- she couldn't escape-

..Poppy found her. .

Julie hadn't completed her transformation from "monster" to "person" yet! So when Poppy saw her she thought she blew it. Surly Poppy would run away screaming upon seeing this horrible monster.. Julie started to cry.. but Poppy didn't run. She saw this poor little child covered in mud and with a scraped knee. She quickly jumped into action, "Oh dear! You poor thing, here sweetie let me help you up," Poppy guided Julie out of the woods. After she was cleaned and patched, they talked a bit about Julies situation.

"Where are your parents, dear?"

"..I don't have parents.."

Suddenly Poppy had adoption papers in her hand XD Huh, wonder how those got there-

(Post in question)

I mean... I got my skin back at least.. 🥺

thh... thank yoiuuuu!!! :33 ✨💖✨

I don't know.. is it offensive in the games for a character to be called a cracker? Are there cracker characters?? <:00

Oooo I'll keep this in mind! :00 Thank you!

@djadecutie

AKJJSD CRIMINAL XDDD

@storylover2

<XD Oh man, I looked through some doodle dumps and found I drew that creature at least 20 times. None of which looked the way I saw it in my head.💀I gave up on drawing Chain Chomp a looong time ago.. 💔💔

(Thank you for the suggestion though! :000 )

I'm not sure <XD Google doesn't want to tell me what real seafoam tastes like. Its only showing me what the candy seafoam tastes like!

I cant really remember much of that movie,, so I'm not sure how they would interact with the residents there. But a world made of candy? I'm sure they'd feel right at home! XD

@beryl-shade

Oh yeah for sure :0 that could be what happened to Tuna! 😱

(Also sorry for not including the gifs! There wasn't a way I could paste them into this ask post :((( )

@yourstrulylightstar283

Aww! That's adorable! :D

#my response #cookie run #cookie run kingdom #cookie run ocs #my ocs #super mario bros #welcome home #undertale #deltarune

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dyslexicmammon · 7 months

Text

Unwanted

Chapter two

Characters: Lucifer (Obey me!), Solomon (Obey me!) [not together]

CW// SFW, Angst, Yelling, Implied Lucifer x Mc, Implied Solomon x Mc, Nightbringer MC/attendant MC, Unhealthy coping mechanisms (drinking), You/Your & they/them pronouns used, Mammon & reader

Word count: 2,030

A/N: Hello again! Finally wrote chapter 2!~ I've had this sitting in my docs for ages i just couldn't bring myself to post it. I'm not confident in my writing but I'm getting there! I have an idea for chapter 3 but I don't know how long it will take me. I write all of my idea in one siting and painfully re-read it and edit to a point where i think its okay to post aha. I wanted to thank everyone for the notes & hits the first chapter got, it has been a big boost in my writing confidence. Thank you all!! Take care reader

Chapter 1 / Ao3 / Divider credits

“What the FUCK did you do Lucifer!” Mammon stopped the chase as soon as the shield went up. Spinning around and walking back into the foyer of the HOL. He slammed the door behind him before yelling again, so full of anger his wings twitched. “WHAT. THE FUCK. DID YOU DO?!”. Not taking into account how his own actions that day could have done the similar damage.

His anger only grew as the Avatar of Pride responded with the same tone. “SILENCE MAMMON.” Tears prick slowly in the prideful demon's eyes as he quickly makes his way back to his study. Ignoring the screams of his younger brother calling his name.

As he walked down the hallway, the smell of a meal not yet enjoyed slowly started up on him. For the first time since the fall, Lucifer, the Pride of Celestial Realm, became overwhelmed with an emotion he deemed pitiful.

Sadness…

At first his cries were silent. Only the sounds of his breaths hitching as tears welled up in his eyes escaped him. He walked into his study and slammed the door hard behind him. Causing the walls of the House to shake. Locking it swiftly after. Not just with the physical lock but with a spell that not even Lord Diavolo could break.

Mammon yelled after his brother. Demanding he get an answer for why their attendant had just stormed out in tears. He stomped his way up the stairs and made his way to Lucifer's study, ready to give him an earful till his lungs gave out. Mammon followed behind Lucifer as the door slammed followed by a bright light flashed, blinding him temporarily. A faint outline of gold began to surround the door. The surface of the door now shines and shifts like mica powder in oil. A loud, heavenly bell began to ring. The long, drawn out hum rang in Mammons ears.

Quickly screwing his eyes shut and spinning around, Mammon rubbed his eyes hard. Trying to recover from the flash-bang.

After regaining his vision Mammon covered his ears with the palm of his hands and made a run for Levi's room. Stealing a pair of the avatars human standard noise cancelling headphones. They barely cut through the yells of the spell, but stopped it enough where he could drown it out with some music.

Mammon then sat outside Lucifer's room, leaning back and hitting his against the wall softly. He let out an exhausted, angry tinted sigh. His red face slowly dissipates as he calms himself down. Then the waiting game began. He sat outside his older brother's study till the old man had calmed down enough to ask him what the hell happened.

Once the spell fell from Lucifer's lips, he cursed himself out and began to sob. Clasping his gloved hand to his mouth, trying to calm down and keep his composure. He rubbed his upper arm and shoulders in a self soothing way. Fighting back his emotions.

Surely the attendant didn't have that much control over him? Not even his brothers could make him cry. No matter how hard the bastards try. He was stronger than this…

Then why did it hurt so much? The panic in your eyes as you met his gaze in the foyer. The strain in your voice as you yelled the lie that no one cared about you. What did he do wrong that you doubted it… doubted him? Knowing you were being comforted by someone of the likes of Solomon because of his own choices didn’t help the stinging feeling in his chest.

He threw off his gloves and coat. Painfully making his way to his desk, his chest heaving, the smell of the food you made became overwhelming to his senses again.

He looked down at the meal you made.. The tray was decorated with a little note and stickers of the two of you. By looking at the drawings he realised you had made them yourself.. All to try and cheer him up.

You had cooked his favourite stew and poured a glass of demonus for.. both of you? The more he studied the platter you brought the more he realised how bad he fucked up. Two bowls, two wine glasses full of demonus (he can tell you poured it as the glasses were almost full like a champagne flute), two sets of cutlery… Even two tiny bowls of dark chocolate ice cream that were now slowly melting from the heat of the stews surrounding them.

One of the ice creams was absolutely covered in sprinkles. It was so painfully obvious it was your serving. Plain, boring, dark chocolate was his favourite flavour of ice cream at the moment. You didn’t seem to sing the same praises but always ate it anyways. Always trying to find a way to sweeten it up and make it more palatable for your taste buds…

You always ate it with him anyway… Even when your little experiments fell through and didn’t make it sweet enough for you. Lucifer always said that you were sweet enough for him which is why he ate the dark chocolate dessert.

He couldn’t bring himself to look at the dishes any longer. Hanging his head in shame. He pushed the platter away from himself as he sat down. Just enough that he could rest his head on the table. Feeling his stomach start to churn and a lump form in his throat, he began to sob again quietly. Squeezing his hands together and pushing his nails into his skin, causing it to bruise. Trying to divert the aching pain of his heart.

Had he really been so caught up in his work he didn’t notice or care that you made dinner specifically for the both of you so he didn’t have to leave his office? Had he really not noticed the two bowls before opening his fucking mouth? Did he even look up?.. Did he really snap at you like that?..

His thoughts swallowed him whole.

He didn’t touch the food. He had lost his appetite long ago when he had returned to his study. Lucifer couldn’t bring himself to indulge in the meal you had meticulously prepared without you being here, enjoying it with him.

He did however help himself to the demonus. He drank the glass you had poured for him. Then your own glass. Then he opened a new bottle he had stashed away in his room. He poured multiple glasses, losing himself to the pain. He had gotten halfway through the bottle when his D.D.D pinged. He launched himself at his phone that laid screen down on the desk. Picking it up desperately and fumbling it in his hands. Desperately hoping it was you. Only to be disappointed when he realised it was Solomon.

The text read “They are at home and are staying with me tonight. They do not wish to talk to you at the moment and I trust that you can respect that boundary for now. I will ask them to make contact with you in the morning. Whether they do that or not is their choice.” His phone buzzed again. A follow up text coming soon after. “Goodnight Lucifer.” The words repeated and echoed in his mind till the screen went black. Reflecting the absolute mess Lucifer was back at him.

His teary eyes met his reflection. Quickly darting from place to place on his face. His cheeks were darker than the rest of his face. His hair was all out of place and disheveled. Eyelids already puffy and sore… He looked just as pathetic as he felt.

As he stared at his reflection his eyes began to lose focus and his heart became heavy. Were you scared of him? Did you not want to talk to him ever again? Had he fucked up so bad he had scared off the first person to show his ‘new self’ love?

He grabbed the neck of the half empty bottle of demonus and smashed it against his lips. The sudden feeling of cold glass on his lips made him jolt up slightly. Tipping his head back, he let the now lukewarm liquid rush down his throat. Chugging the rest of the bottle. Why was he drinking? This isn’t healthy. Surely he, the Avatar of pride, wasn't drinking his feelings away.

He wallowed in his own pity for a couple more hours. Each brother coming passed to ask him how to do something. To ask him if he's okay or to ask Mammon for his headphones back.

Beel brought up some leftovers for his brothers. He couldn't rest knowing his older brothers were in such a state. As he walked down the hall, Beel heard a loud snoring sound. His gaze met Mammon's sleeping body. He placed the plate down next to his older brother and snuck away quietly. The disgustingly loud ringing sound of the spell he cast on the door pushed them all away before they started to linger. Making sure no one could hear Lucifer's pathetic sobs of your name.

Lucifer placed his head on his desk once more with some force. Knowing he’s going to have to take the day off tomorrow.. Maybe even the next. Already feeling the headache roll in. How was he going to mend this mistake? He couldn’t just show up to Cocytus Hall and beg for your forgiveness. He didn’t deserve it.. Feeling exhausted from hours of crying and drinking. His puffy eyes fluttered shut as he passed out at his desk.

As soon as he lost consciousness, the spell on the door fell. Mammon had managed to unpick the physical lock hours ago. Now sleeping lightly outside his brother's office with a plate of food, some water and the headphones still on.

When the half silent ringing in Mammon's ears stopped. He shot up, yawning and stumbling over the weird pile of things he had managed to accumulate while sleeping. Where did this food come from? That didn’t matter. It was time he got answers out of the eldest brother.

He opened the door as quietly as he could and looked to see where Lucifer was. His eyes darted around the room frantically. The faint snoring led his gaze to the large desk where the Avatar of Pride was hunched over, out like a light & snoring softly.

Mammon just shook his head and walked over to his sleeping brother. All his previous anger dissipated as he studied the absolute disarray Lucifer's desk was in.

Gently and subconsciously he began petting his brothers back softly with one hand as he messaged Beel with his other. Asking the strong Avatar to come help him move Lucifer to his bed. While waiting for Beel, Mammon tidied Lucifer's desk. Sorting his documents out and shaving Lucifer's to-do pile down as much as he could. Prepared to take what documents he could complete himself.

He wiped the demonus Lucifer had dribbled and spilled off the large wooden desk. Once Mammon had finished, almost comically, the Avatar of gluttony walked in as silently as he could into the room. Meeting Mammon’s gaze and nodding softly. Standing on the other side of Lucifer's exhausted body. Beel picked up his eldest brother with ease, placing him on his back like a back pack. They began to walk out. Mammon walked in front of Beel, holding onto the documents and throwing the paper towel away that he had used.

After about 10 minutes they had finally made it to Lucifer's bedroom. Placing him in his bed and tucking him in. Before leaving they gently put one of his records on and placed some water and a large bucket next to the head of the bed. Just in case Lucifer couldn’t make it elsewhere once he woke up.

They both left his room as quiet as possible.

They high fived the second the door to Lucifer's bedroom closed. After saying their goodnights and goodbyes they parted ways to go to their separate rooms.

Mammon made his way to his room and stayed up for the rest of the night, doing the rest of Lucifer's office work.

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moraxine · 9 months

Text

Shattered Illusions

pairing: getou suguru x fem! reader

genre: angst

words: 2.4k

summary: you had stood by Suguru's side for longer than you could remember, without any problems. however, when you decided to share your deepest secret with him, your worst fear arose from the depths of your complicated relationship.

The night hung heavy, the mix of uncertainty and longing making it almost impossible to breathe. In the heart of Tokyo, where shadows danced to the rhythm of secrets, you found yourself standing in a dimly lit alleyway. Your heart raced, a rhythm set by your apprehension as you looked up at the man before you, Suguru Geto.

Geto's silver hair gleamed faintly in the meager light, his crimson eyes carrying an enigmatic allure that had drawn you in from the moment you'd met. His aura exuded power and danger, but there was something more beneath the surface that had captivated your heart. It was against all odds, but your feelings had grown stronger with every encounter, and tonight, you couldn't contain them any longer.

Maybe you were driving yourself straight to destruction, deciding to follow this path of uncertainty. Having to choose between suppressing your feelings and being honest had been nothing but draining. And in addition to the self-sabotaging nature of your abilities, you caught yourself being unable to think rationally anymore. It was all just too much to handle; too much pain, too much solitude, your own mere existence feeling like the heaviest of weights.

In the midst of anticipation and anxiety, a small yet familiar ritual unfolded—an attempt to steady the nerves that threatened to betray your resolve. As you stood on the precipice of confessing your feelings to Suguru Geto, a slender cigarette found its way between your fingers. The soft glow of the ember mirrored the turmoil within, a fragile comfort sought in the face of uncertainty.

"Deep breaths," you told yourself, igniting the tip of the cigarette and inhaling the fragrant smoke.

Suguru's presence, as enigmatic as ever, lingered nearby, his eyes studying you intently as they showed the slightest sign of worry. As you exhaled a plume of smoke, the tension in the air was palpable—a tangible reminder of the confession that hung on the edge of your lips.

"y/n," Suguru's voice carried a mix of concern and mild exasperation, "you really should quit that habit."

The cigarette trembled slightly in your grip, your gaze meeting his as you fought to contain the butterflies in your stomach. "It calms my nerves, Suguru-san."

He sighed softly, his gaze unwavering. "Using that as a crutch won't help you face your fears. Besides, I'd rather you not damage your health."

His words held an unexpected tenderness, and you took a final drag before extinguishing the cigarette. The faint wisps of smoke dissipated in the air, a symbol of your determination to confront the truth that lay before you.

As you prepared to speak the words you'd held close for so long, the memory of Suguru's plea to cut the habit echoed in your mind. It was a reflection of his concern, a sentiment that you hoped could bridge the gap between the secrets you'd held and the confession you were about to make.

"Suguru-san," you began, your voice wavering slightly, "All my life I've tried to tame those fears and demons, make them my allies instead. And to a certain extent I've succeeded. But there's just that one thing that I can never get rid of, no matter how hard I try."

His gaze, initially distracted by his thoughts, shifted to you with mild curiosity. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Summoning your courage, you took a deep breath. "I... I have feelings for you, Suguru."

A fleeting flicker of surprise passed over his eyes, but it was swiftly replaced by an unreadable expression. You started to panic, in an attempt to stop the tsunami of thoughts drowning you, slow and steady.

"Ever since we were little, I...I've always cared about you. Back then...I chose to follow you even though our morals don't align because I saw something in you, something bright, warm and-"

As the words spilled forth, revealing the depth of your feelings, his crimson eyes held a distant, almost detached expression. It was as if your heartfelt admission was a puzzle he struggled to piece together. Suddenly, all patience he'd always been loaded with seemed to vaporize, as his voice came out cold and demanding.

"Stop."

And so you did, your gaze fixating on the ground. You had no courage to look up at your friend, or whatever remained of that title. Things would cease to be the same, you were now aware.

After what felt an eternity of torturous silence, Geto chuckled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down your spine. "I have to admit, you're quite entertaining. But you must understand, my pursuits lie elsewhere."

Confusion and hurt welled up within you, his dismissive words cutting deeper than you'd anticipated. "What do you mean, Suguru-san?" You knew exactly what he meant, it was what you'd been avoiding for years now.

Geto's smile turned sinister, his eyes glinting with a cold light. "You possess a rare energy that could greatly benefit my endeavors. That's the only reason why I allowed you to follow me and kept you around for so long."

The world around you seemed to shatter in that instant. The warmth you'd felt, the connection you'd believed was genuine—it all turned to dust before your eyes. Tears welled up, a mix of heartbreak and betrayal threatening to consume you. Despite the darkness that clung to his ambitions, you saw a glimmer of the person he had once been—a close friend, a confidant, and a source of inspiration, and you hoped that one day he'd wake up from the empty promises of darkness and return to you.

Yet all hope turned to crumbles.

You'd spent your life in others' heads, using your powers to manipulate, creating illusions that caused pain and suffering to your targets. And yet, aware of the intensity of your energy, you never once thought of using it to change the way Suguru Geto viewed you. Deep down, you knew that he only sought dominance through your mastery, but hearing that you served as nothing but a tool made you realize how his lust for power had scarred his entire being forever. You hoped that somewhere in him, he had held a little space in his heart warm for you, for the things you'd done for him, for the endless devotion you'd shown him.

No, it wasn't Suguru's ideals that held your own heart captive—it was the person he had been, the memories you shared, and the bond that had weathered countless storms, all until now.

In the hushed corridors of memory, a scene from the past emerged—a conversation that bore the weight of fractured friendships and the uncertainty of the future. The memory painted a quiet moment between you and Satoru Gojo, where his azure eyes held a mixture of concern and empathy.

"y/n," his voice carried a gentle yet somber tone, "I understand your desire to help Suguru, but you can't change who he's become."

You met Gojo's gaze, the remnants of shattered bonds still fresh in your heart. "Satoru, can't I make him see reason? Can't I make him remember the person he used to be?"

A sigh escaped him, a gesture of understanding for the turmoil you grappled with. "I wish it were that simple. But Suguru's path is set, and he'll end up causing you pain. I'm not going to stop you, but consider this a reminder from someone who has a clearer understanding of the situation."

His words held a mixture of warning and care, a plea for you to safeguard your own heart from the storm that was Suguru's transformation. As time rewound, that conversation remained etched in your memory—a beacon of guidance in the tumultuous sea of emotions.

You suddenly felt yourself losing vision and you leaned back against the wall, in an attempt to support yourself. Suguru noticed this and took a step forward, instinctively trying to reach you, but he stopped himself before taking any further action. Instead, his next words came out like knives, stabbing you repeatedly.

"Sentimentality has no place in the pursuit of power, y/n. You chose this path yourself, and I see you for what you are—a tool, nothing more. I appreciate the devotion you've shown me, but I hope you realize that nothing else can come out of this little show of yours."

"It's not a show." You mumbled under your breath, rubbing your forehead as you closed your eyes momentarily.

Why was he contradicting himself? If he didn't care about you, then why? Why would he confuse you to the point of exhaustion? Why would his body try to protect you when his words didn't?

A wave of bravery suddenly washed through you, as you eagerly walked towards Suguru. He didn't take any steps back, and instead allowed you to move close to him, so close that he could almost feel your shaky breath on his neck. You looked up at him with angry eyes, salted by the vicious waters of the storm that had crushed your soul just a few minutes ago.

"Say it then." You almost whisper. "Say you don't feel anything. Say you don't care about me. Say that when you look at me, all you see is another person to take advantage of. Say it."

Suguru's hesitation was nothing but evident, his eyes flickering with an inner struggle. As you closed the distance between you, your fingers dared to brush against his cheek in a tender caress. The touch seemed to break down a barrier within him, the facade of detachment faltering.

His thoughts raced in turmoil, a war waged between his emotions and the ruthless ambition that had consumed him.

His internal battle mirrored in his gaze, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with a note of reluctance. "No, y/n, I don't feel anything."

But as the words left his lips, the atmosphere between you seemed to thicken, a palpable current of longing and unspoken tension. The allure of your closeness was undeniable, a magnetic force that drew you both nearer. His resolve crumbled under the weight of desire, the truth of his feelings twisted and warped by the complexity of the situation.

In the dimly lit alleyway, with the world a distant echo, you found yourselves yielding to the raw magnetism between you. The unspoken emotions that had plagued you both found solace in the intensity of the moment—a moment that blurred the lines between your connection, your desires, and the shadows that surrounded you.

As your lips met in a heated, passionate kiss, the echoes of your confessions and the ambitions that had driven you apart faded into insignificance.

Amidst the backdrop of shadows and secrets, the alleyway became a haven for desires left unspoken. As Suguru Geto's arms encircled your waist and your fingers tangled in his silver hair, the intensity of your emotions ignited a fire that blazed between you. The taste of him was a heady mixture of forbidden allure and unquenchable yearning, each kiss a testament to the complexity of your connection.

His lips, a fusion of softness and urgency, melded with yours in a fervent dance that mirrored the turmoil within both your hearts. The friction of his touch against your skin sent shockwaves of electricity coursing through your veins, erasing any lingering doubts and replacing them with the intoxicating sensation of being wanted.

Your breaths melded into one, shared between desperate kisses and fevered gasps, a rhythm that ebbed and flowed with the growing hunger that fueled your connection. The rough texture of the alley's brick wall pressed against your back, grounding you in the raw reality of the moment—the sense of urgency that time was both fleeting and irrelevant.

As your lips continued their exploration, the boundaries that had once held you both at bay crumbled like the walls of the world around you. The air was thick with tension and need, each touch a declaration of the emotions that had been suppressed for far too long. In the dim light, his hands explored the curves of your body, igniting sparks of heat that raced through every fiber of your being.

In the fervor of your embrace, it was as if the past and the future merged into one, a union forged by shared experiences and unspoken desires. With every press of your lips, every touch that left your skin ablaze, the walls that had divided you crumbled, and all that remained was the intensity of your connection—the culmination of a journey that had been defined by love, loss, and the enigmatic power of destiny.

As the intensity between Suguru Geto and you escalated, a fervent fire blazed, fueled by desire and the unspoken emotions that had bound you. Yet, in the midst of the passion, a sobering realization seemed to dawn upon him. The heat of the moment gave way to a sudden and abrupt break, his arms unwinding from around you as he stepped back, his breaths ragged.

"Stop," he whispered, his voice laced with a mix of desperation and restraint. "This can't continue. y/n, you need to leave."

Confusion and hurt flickered within your eyes as his words reached your ears. The abrupt shift from intense connection to detachment left a void in your chest. His gaze, once filled with an insatiable hunger, now held a pain that mirrored your own.

"For your own good," he continued, his voice a mere thread of what it had been moments ago, "you need to stay away. Don't come back, y/n. It's the only way."

"No, Suguru, don't do this please. I would never-"

"We're done for good, y/n, so you better get that through your head."

You didn't hear anything after that, nor did you notice him run away.

As the first raindrops began to fall, a poignant silence settled. The world seemed to mirror the tumult of your emotions, the skies weeping in symphony with your heartbreak. You sank to your knees, the weight of his rejection crashing down upon you.

In that dark alleyway, drenched by both the rain and your own tears, you found yourself alone—abandoned by the one you'd loved and betrayed by the intensity of your desires.

You felt happy.

For a single moment, nothing mattered.

For a single moment, you got a taste of what it would be like if things had been different.

And you would keep this single moment away from any harm, deep into your heart.

Because,

For a single moment,

You felt happy.

moraxine, august 2023.

#Spotify #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen fanfic #gojo satoru x reader #gojo satoru #geto suguru #jjk x reader #jjk #getou suguru x reader #geto x reader #getou x reader #suguru x reader #jjk fanfic #geto angst #getou suguru x y/n #getou suguru x reader angst

45 notes · View notes

sallyastral · 8 months

Note

I swear that this is the last one, and i hope that this isn't annoying you.

But i have a lot of angsty chaiflower ideas:

Pav (who hasn't seen the more cruler side of being spiderman) seeing Miles scars for the first time. (I imagine that Miles has a few Lichtenberg scars due to his powers.) Him being unable to sleep, because he keeps on thinking about them, how it must have felt to get them anf gently tracing them.

I've wanted to write one like this one for so long and I'm so happy I finally have the chance aaaa!!

Since this idea inspired me so much I decided to write a small fanfic instead, modifying one I had in my drafts, I hope it's alright!

"Lichtenberg Scars" - ChaiFlower angst

Tw: descriptions of scars

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In the quiet hours of the night, Pavitr's room was illuminated by a soft, dim light. Pavitr and his boyfriend Miles were sitting on the edge of the bed, engaged in a hushed conversation. The night had a calming effect, offering a temporary respite from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.

"It's getting late," Miles yawned and stretched, his movements slow and relaxed "we should get some rest."

As he began to undress in preparation for sleep, Pavitr watched with a mixture of curiosity and tenderness. However, as Miles peeled off his shirt, revealing a canvas of scars that adorned his torso and arms, a heavy silence descended upon the room.

Pavitr's breath caught in his throat as his eyes were drawn to the slightly lighter marks. Each scar had its own narrative, each wound a reminder of the sacrifices Miles had made as a hero. The room felt suffocating, the weight of the realization pressing down on Pavitr's chest.

Miles turned towards Pavitr, his expression softening as he noticed the sudden shift in the atmosphere "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle and concerned.

Pavitr struggled to find the right words, his mind racing as he grappled with the sight before him. The image of Miles, scarred and battle-worn, was a stark contrast to the bright and carefree person he had grown to know and love. The cruel reality of their roles as superheroes had never hit Pavitr so intensely.

Miles' brow furrowed as he reached out, placing a hand on Pavitr's arm "Pav? Is everything okay?" he urged, his eyes searching Pavitr's face for answers.

Pavitr finally found his voice, though it trembled "I- I never really understood how dangerous this could be," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper "I mean, I knew, but seeing these scars, Miles, it's like a harsh wake-up call."

Miles nodded solemnly, his gaze never leaving Pavitr's. He understood the weight of Pavitr's words, the realization that their roles as heroes came with a steep price. He's been there.

"Yeah," he sighed, "it's not all web-swinging and bantering with villains. There's a darker side to it, a much darker side."

And then, silence followed as the two prepared to sleep.

---

The room was cloaked in darkness, the only sounds the soft rustling of sheets and the steady rhythm of their breaths. Miles lay on top of Pavitr, their bodies molded together in a comforting embrace. The heaviness of the conversation seemed to have lifted, leaving an unspoken understanding between them.

But for Pavitr, sleep remained elusive. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts circling back to the scars that adorned Miles' body. He traced the faint patterns on Miles' back with his fingers, his touch gentle and contemplative.

Sensing Pavitr's restlessness, Miles lifted his head slightly, his brow furrowing in concern. He could feel the tension in Pavitr's body, the weight of his thoughts pressing against him.

"Hey," Miles whispered "you okay?"

Pavitr hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, his voice barely more than a whisper "Miles, can I ask you something?"

Miles nodded, his gaze fixed on Pavitr's face "Of course, you can ask me anything."

Pavitr took a deep breath, his fingers continuing to trace the patterns of scars on Miles' skin.

"How- How did you get all these scars?" he finally managed to ask.

Miles looked down at their intertwined bodies, his fingers absently playing with the hair at the nape of Pavitr's neck.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking "Well, some of these scars are from battles with villains," he began, his voice steady as he recounted the stories "Like this one on my shoulder—it's from a fight with someone who had these sharp, metal claws. And this scar on my chest, it's from a villain who could manipulate fire."

Pavitr listened intently, his heart aching as he imagined the danger and pain Miles had faced. He waited for Miles to continue, his fingers tracing the scars with a newfound reverence.

Miles hesitated, his fingers pausing in their absentminded movement. He looked deeply into Pavitr's eyes before gently lifting his hand to show the Lichtenberg scars that adorned his fingers.

"And these," he said softly, "these are from my electric powers. The energy sometimes leaves these marks on my skin, I'm still working on that."

Pavitr's eyes widened as he looked at the intricate patterns on Miles' fingers. He felt a mixture of awe and sadness, the realization sinking in that Miles had faced dangers far beyond what he could have imagined.

"I've been through a lot," Miles continued, "But I want you to know that I wouldn't change any of it. Being Spider-Man, having these powers—it's a part of who I am. And I wouldn't be the person I am today without these experiences."

Pavitr nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving Miles' scarred fingers. He reached out and gently took one of Miles' hands in his own, his touch soft and tender.

Miles leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to Pavitr's lips, his voice a mere whisper against his skin "I'm here, Pav. And I'm not going anywhere. We're in this together."

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21 notes · View notes

baekberrie · 1 month

Text

our pages | c.beomgyu

summary: In a university literature class, you and Choi Beomgyu, once estranged best friends, are assigned to rewrite the tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet. During your research in the library, you stumble upon an ancient book. Intrigued by its enigmatic aura, you find yourselves mysteriously drawn to it, and as you delve deeper, you inexplicably fall into a shared slumber. In your reverie, you are forced to embark on a journey of reconciliation and reflection. Guided by the ethereal world within the book's pages, you confront long-buried emotions and rediscover the true depth of your connection.

✧ ex bestfriend! beomgyu x ex bestfriend! reader

✧ romance, estranged best friends to ?? lovers kind of? Romeo and Juliet au, slight angst, forced proximity, hurt, and comfort, a hint of drama and fantasy

✧warnings: kissing, Beomgyu cusses here and there, some tonal switches, many dialogues

a/n: I've read through this one shot at least a hundred times so I skipped the proofreading because I was really eager to post it, i hope there aren't any atrocious mistakes (there shouldn't be). Anyway, happy reading!

✧ w/c: 13.7k (oops??)

“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”

Mr. Kim’s voice flowed in the silent literature hall, every person letting the tragedy sink in like ink on paper. The professor looked up from his script. “And that concludes the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet-” He spoke in short sentences, however, suspense hung in the air as he halted in his steps across the room.

“But it can’t end like this, don’t you agree?” The class let out a collective hum as they reflected on his enthusiastic question. Mr.Kim took the slightly undersized glasses off the bridge of his nose and placed them on the desk behind him.

It really can’t end like this,” Your best friend, Mia, sniffed into the paw of her sleeve, agreeing silently. Mentally, you shook your head at her dramatic antics. You knew that deep down, she didn’t really give a flying fuck about Romeo and Juliet, but since her toxic boyfriend was pushing and pulling again, it all hit close to home.

“I want you all to find a remedy to their story. I’ll pair you into groups of two, and together you’ll write the better ending for Romeo and Juliet.” It wasn’t a question, it wasn’t a suggestion, he was dead serious about this project. In all honesty, you found the ancient love story absolutely beautiful, however, couldn’t help but wonder who broke Mr.Kim’s heart enough for him to be so hung up over this fictitious separation.

Mia sneaked her hand into yours, shaking you out of your thoughtful state.

“Don’t you agree?” Her sad deer-like eyes came into your view, begging for your empathy. “It’s so sad, it’s like the worst way to part from someone,” She mumbled through her pouty lips. “ever,” a sniff came from her nose, shoulders slumping as she hit the backrest again.

“The worst way to part with someone?” You thought out loud. If someone were to ask you that question, you would undoubtedly answer with something other than Romeo and Juliet.

Fallouts. You thought. Yeah, those were definitely more painful.

More specifically, the fallout with Choi Beomgyu.

Sure, Romeo and Juliet’s separation hurt, you admitted while watching your best friend sulk about her toxic boyfriend leaving her for the fifth time that month; but have you ever been estranged from the dearest friend you’ve ever had? The question insensitively introduced itself in your head, but you quickly shooed it away. Romeo and Juliet, their love for each other, and the violence that broke them apart ended up becoming one altogether.

But cherishing someone so deeply, only to be cruelly pulled apart from each other, your relationship reduced to nothing but hostility. Leaving you to experience that pain every single time you cross paths with him. Wasn’t that just as painful, if not more? Knowing you’ll never be the way you once were.

Choi Beomgyu was by now a name that shouldn’t be pronounced in your presence, it was a name loaded with so many different feelings that you were better off burying down the deepest holes ever known to man.

You wanted to forget.

But like a cruel joke, the more you pushed it away the more everything would come crashing upon you with double force; The memories your heart cherished despite your efforts to suppress them, every little thing that he had given you, why did it still mean so much to you while all you harbored in your chest was a seething rage at the mere thought of him?

The young man was always smiling whenever you’d walk past each other in the busy hallways of the university. A part of you resented him for that. Whilst you were still stuck in time, he seemed to be completely fine. Like you never were a part of his life.

Has it been that easy for him to forget you?

You didn’t know why you were still hung up over it, even after all the time that had passed. Hence, you could barely recall the last time the two of you had spoken to each other more than two obligatory words. The only reason that you still knew what his voice sounded like was because you shared this literature class. Much to your dismay.

That explained the utter horror, disappointment, and betrayal contorting the features of your face as Mr. Kim’s lips enunciated your and Beomgyu’s name in the same sentence. Silent pleas were sent Mr. Kim’s way as you met his gaze with big eyes, shaking your head slowly and mouthing several desperate no’s. The old man mercilessly slid the information paper on your desk. He knew damn well the two of you weren’t on speaking terms, and yet there you were being paired up for a project where you had to find a better ending for the youthful lovers. The two of you hadn’t been able to find one for yourselves, how in the world were you going to fix Romeo and Juliet’s!?

Picking up your jaw, you whipped around in your seat to send the young man a fiery glare that could hopefully get the message across. But he was looking out the window, painfully obviously avoiding your confrontation. Shoulders dropping, you turned back around, feeling stupid. Don’t act like you care, you reprimanded yourself.

He doesn’t care, so why should you?

To your surprise, he cared enough to wait for you outside of class, and a silly part of your brain thought that maybe this was something you could get done without further problems. But that small hope soon wilted to nothing when Beomgyu opened his foul little mouth.

“I am not doing this with you.” He gritted through his teeth, the hostile tone immediately had your heartbeat quickening in your chest. Squinting your eyes, you pushed the paper Mr. Kim had given you into his chest. Beomgyu’s hands awkwardly fumbled to catch it.

“And I am not doing this on my own.” You hissed, bumping your shoulder into his. “I’ll see you in the library after class.” It was a warning, and Beomgyu should know better than to not show up. Though, deep down you knew that he owed you no such thing.

***

A few people were roaming around the library when you pushed through the glass doors, the wooden pavement creaking underneath the pressure of your feet. The scent of books and pages instantly embraced your senses, and you welcomed it by breathing it in. You found it somehow comforting, how the light of the setting sun laid itself on the walls like the most delicate of paints, and how the dust particles flickered in the sunrays, glistening like tiny stars.

Fingers tracing the long forgotten books on the oldest shelf of the library, dust tickled your nose but your eyes relentlessly kept searching for that title. The kind lady behind the desk had directed you here when you had asked for the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. She had been doubtful about the university library owning such an old piece of literature, but you tested your luck anyway. There was no better way to start this project than by finding different adaptations to compare and review.

A little frown puckered your brows when your fingertips suddenly sunk into the carved title on the back of a book at the end of the line. The color was faded gold painted into the brown leather cover protecting the ancient-looking book.

“Lovestory.” Your lips mouthed the title curiously. Finding the closest table, you threw your things on the next chair and sat down. Hands eagerly opening it, you noted how the yellowing pages were sewn beautifully into the leather.

Before your eyes could find any text, they fell on the odd illustrations. A fading picture of a princess-like woman adorned by a shimmering tiara around her soft hair. Her position was pensive as she stood by the railing of a balcony, staring into the night. However, what seemed to strike you about the picture was how her face was nonexistent. It wasn’t as if her face had faded with the age of the book, hence more like it had never been painted on purpose.

You felt your eyes droop tiredly as your gaze found the first sentences written in cursive ink. Your lips mumbled the sentences absentmindedly as you read.

We were both young when I first saw you

I close my eyes, and the flashback starts

I'm standing there

On a balcony in summer air…

***

Many internal battles had taken place in the head of the young man. He hated to admit that he lost every single one of them, as he found himself standing in front of the glass doors of the library.

With a heavy sigh, he pushed his way in, nose taking in the woody smell etched onto the walls. His eyes scanned for the familiar face, but to his dismay, you were nowhere to be found. A frown creased his forehead as he started taking hesitant steps inside, figuring he would have to search for you deeper within the library.

The book archive felt like a maze as Beomgyu walked through every aisle and still did not find the slightest sign of you. For a moment he thought that you’d already headed home, successfully fooling him. Eyebrows twitching, he could feel his blood starting to boil.

Was that it? Had he really just lost this battle against you? Beomgyu wasn’t sure what he had expected once he’d convinced himself that he owed you this one since it was for a project, but it certainly hadn’t crossed his mind that you would pull such a petty little trick to get back at him. And he had fallen for it-

Beomgyu’s angry stomping suddenly halted when he found himself in an unrecognizable part of the library. He had been so deep within his inner turmoil that he hadn’t paid any attention to where he had unconsciously brought himself.

It surprised him, though, that out of all the spots he could’ve wandered into, he managed to blindly find you.

For there you were, hunched over the round table by the window, cheek squished against an open book with your parted lips threatening to salivate on its pages. Once Beomgyu had willed himself to step closer, the louder your snores resonated. He couldn’t help the small chuckle that escaped his throat at the familiar sight. Sitting himself on the opposite seat, he took a short moment to soak in the situation. It felt odd. He couldn’t remember the last time the two of you had been in each other’s presence like this, basking in the peaceful warmth of the sunset. Well, this was only possible because you were far into dreamland. He knew that if the both of you were to be awake, this would not have been a friendly meeting.

His gaze traveled along your features, following the path that your hair made while scattered over the table, covering the book you had approved as a very comfortable pillow, for you to snore like that, he thought.

But that was when it hit him.

The book. What book were you even reading? Beomgyu felt an unknown sense of curiosity and urge flow within him, sending an itch into his fingers. Ever so gently, he caressed your hair and tucked an amount behind your ear, revealing the old novel you had been reading. A confused frown puckered his brows as he saw the antiquity of it. Carefully, he removed it from the captivity of your head, but not without making sure that your cheek landed back down softly, with his palm gently guiding your face safely to the surface again.

Beomgyu closed the book to admire its build, with the old leather running underneath his fingertips, he pronounced the carved-out title of the book.

Lovestory.

He flipped it open, the first page revealing the suave illustration of a beautiful young woman from a long time ago. It didn’t take him much to know that whatever this book was about, the heroine of this story was her. For some reason, Beomgyu felt a sense of familiarity wash over him by looking at the illustration. Then it dawned on him and a shiver ran down his spine, fingers tightening around the page.

“This girl looks an awful lot like-“ he gasped, looking away from the yellowing pages down to your sleeping figure in front of him, making sure that his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him. Only to realize that the lady in the book was identical to you.

No, actually,

It was you.

"What the fuck.” The young man shuddered, nothing less than creeped out. For a split second, he considered closing the book. But his curiosity was stronger than him, and before he knew what he was doing, his hand had already flipped over to the following page. The new illustration was only going to perplex the boy further. His lips fell open, completely entranced as his orbs drank in the sight of you in a beautiful dress and a shimmering tiara coronating your head. You were standing on a balcony, hand reaching out to a man climbing his way up to you. Roses and flowers surrounded the two. Nothing short of a fairytale.

In this scene, he had seen it somewhere, but he couldn’t pinpoint it just yet, although the answer was tickling his tongue.

The man climbing your balcony was the most confusing feature to him, for he had no face. Beomgyu couldn’t tell whether the paper was just old enough to be faded, or if it had never been painted. But even then, it made no sense. Because your face, your rosy cheeks, and your sparkling eyes were ever so vivid. Almost as if you’d jumped right into the book. Beomgyu eventually spotted the worn-out text underneath the picture, and read it out.

See the lights, the party, the ball gowns

See you make your way through the crowd

Little did I know…

That you were Ro-

A yawn broke through his lips, his eyelids felt like they weighed tons as he slowly let them fall shut, head coming to rest upon the open book. Beomgyu tried to fight the sudden tiredness in his mind, but the slumber taking over him was like the song of a mermaid luring him in.

Just like that, he had fallen into dreamland as well, missing the way the faceless man climbing the balcony came to life.

Beomgyu felt his body jolt awake, his eyes shot open after what felt like just a few seconds- but the view in front of him was nothing like the one he had fallen asleep to. There was no library, no old books, but most importantly, you weren’t there. However, before he could even start to worry, a strong arm came around his shoulders, an unknown figure pulling him close.

“Romeo! Why did you leave us like that?”

What?

Beomgyu turned his head to find a young man just about his age, his Cheshire-like eyes stared at him with a mischievous smile through a mask that covered just half of his face. The ornament was beautiful, with sparkling gold patterns scattered onto it. His gaze traveled to the man’s clothes, noticing the Renaissance details. Beomgyu winced when he recognized the man.

”Yeonjun?” He asked, baffled. ”What are you doing here?”

The man in question narrowed his eyes helplessly, hesitancy vibrating in his voice as he spoke. ”Yeon…Pardon me?” His confusion was slowly becoming Beomgyu’s very own as well.

”What do you mean pardon?” Beomgyu scratched the back of his head, he was sure that this man was his best friend Yeonjun and not someone he had mistaken.

”Yeonjun, can you be serious for one second, what are we doing here?” He snapped, noticing the way Yeonjun was looking him up and down with uncertainty.

Beomgyu checked his clothing quickly, confirming his suspicion. He was also wearing elegant pieces that resembled the ones of his friend. Only then did he realize the weight of the mask resting upon his nose. His hand reached upwards, fingertips running along its curves.

”And why are you wearing these clothes? Let’s take it off!” He started pulling the first buttons of his shirt open, causing the friend to panic as he grabbed Beomgyu’s hands at the speed of light. Confusion swirled in his dark eyes.

”You must have lost your wits, my friend, I am Mercutio! Don’t tell me you have forgotten. Did someone poison you?” Yeonjun, or should he say Mercutio? Brought him closer to inspect if he had any injuries. Beomgyu had a hard time keeping his jaw up as he watched his friend act like he wouldn’t usually laugh with joy whenever he was in misery. Yeonjun’s brows were scrunched in worry as his hands gently tapped his cheeks.

”You appear unaffected, though…” The older man continued to murmur through his pouting lips to himself, and that itself confirmed Beomgyu’s conclusion that all of this was a dream.

It was the first time that the boy woke up in a dream. There was an odd feeling in his body that he couldn’t quite pinpoint, and the more he pondered on it, the harder it became to put his finger on it. But for some reason, he accepted the circumstances pretty quickly. It wasn’t so out of pocket for a dream to be ridiculous, hence, he’d had crazier dreams than this, so why not go with the flow?

“I apologize?” Beomgyu tried his luck with the words. Although they were studying about the Renaissance at university, he had no clue about how they used to speak at that time.

“I could not fight my eagerness, friend.” Cheeks meeting his eyes, Beomgyu reassured him. Relief replaced immediately Mercutio's previous worry like it had never been there, laughing knowingly and pulling him along to wherever they had been destined.

Music and cheerful chatter from afar danced in the nightly air, the boy could spot a grand castle-like building in the distance. The place emitted a warm light and an inviting aura that called for him.

As they went on, the only thing Beomgyu had discovered was how they were not supposed to enter this masquerade behind the walls facing them. It wasn't a simple, you're not invited. But a pretty serious risk for trouble. And yet, his friend charmed the guards with his convincing acting, successfully fooling them into allowing them to enter. Well, it seemed like Yeonjun still had some of his actual traits despite acting like a madman just a few moments ago.

The main event started just as the two young men had made their way in. Beomgyu’s lips parted in shock at the amount of people roaming the hall. This wasn’t just any party, he realized, it was a whole ball. The women were dressed ever so beautifully, each gently targeting their man of interest with a mere gaze through their masks, hoping that they would come to sweep them off their feet.

“Welcome Gentlemen!” A man whom Beomgyu understood couldn’t be anyone but the lord of the house, warmly saluted his guests, shaking their hands heartily. “Come in! Come in!” He waved Beomgyu and his friends in, not having the tiniest suspicion upon seeing these masked youths enter his party. His mood seemed to have touched the stars as he gladly spoke to everyone.

“Who is that?” Beomgyu carefully whispered to Yeonjun, not knowing what answer he was expecting. His gaze was too busy scanning the hectic crowd to even see the deflated shoulders and exasperated gaze of Mercutio.

“What query is this?” He reprimanded, “Do not feign ignorance of the visage of a Capulet, Romeo."

Capulet.

Wait, Romeo?

His head whipped to look at his friend. Eyes wide, struggling to keep himself up.

“Is my name Romeo?” Beomgyu spoke a little too loud, earning a few looks from around. He couldn’t explain the sudden sense of fear in the revelation. It was just a dream after all. A really stupid one at that. Why the hell would he dream about being Romeo? Had Mr. Kim shoveled this Romeo and Juliet agenda so far down his throat that he ended up dreaming about it?

Mercutio sent daggers through his eyes, warning him to keep quiet.

“Have you taken leave of your senses, my friend?!” He yelled in hushed tones. “Do not reveal yourself like that! Be vigilant for Tybalt and hush.” With a shake of his head, Mercutio averted his gaze back to the Capulet patriarch who was currently inviting every lady to dance without a worry in the world.

“My ladies, it would be a delight to see you dancing! Only those girls with corns at their feet will say no! Do not shy away, may all of you please yourselves with this dance!” Capulet exclaimed, animatedly speaking with his hands, throwing them up in the air. His delighted laughter echoed against the stone walls as he with glistening eyes signaled the musicians to start playing.

Let the party begin.

Beomgyu watched his “friends” adjust their masks, nodding at each other knowingly, not forgetting to acknowledge him as well before they all dispersed themselves into the crowd with the plan of enjoying themselves.

And that was how he found himself leaning against the wall by himself, slightly shivering at its low temperature. His gaze wandered along the surroundings. The warm fairy lights, the extravagant ball gowns. Women wearing shy expressions whilst putting their hands in another man’s palm. While others smiled like they had been waiting their whole life for this occasion and dragged their men to the dance floor. Despite his confusion as to why he was dreaming of such specific happenings, it still was an amusing sight to see how people in the old ages seemed to act just like today’s young people did.

Rather than dreaming so vividly, Beomgyu felt like he was watching a story unfold right in front of him.

Beomgyu’s long train of thought was cut by the jump that his heart made to his throat as a certain someone entered his field of view. There she was, dancing in the arms of a man unknown to him, but at that moment, it didn’t matter who was accompanying her. Beomgyu’s lips fell apart as he drank in her movements that were light as though a floating feather. The white dress hugging her chest fell like the most breathtaking waterfall down to her feet, fluttering behind her as she danced across the floor. The tiara on her head glittered like stars scattered over her hair and at that moment, the young man couldn’t be more sure of this being a dream.

There she was.

He didn’t even have to ask to know who the ethereal woman was.

Juliet.

Little did he know, that wasn’t Juliet.

The same way that he wasn’t Romeo.

That was you.

An unknown force surged within him, a newfound resolution. And before he was even aware of what he was doing, his body was already pushing through the dancing crowd to get to you. His mind was in a haze as he chased you who moved like a fairytale. There was an urge in his movements, almost like you’d disappear if he’d be even a second too late. Beomgyu could barely recognize himself, it was as if a part of Romeo had rooted itself within him. It seemed like he’d be sharing every emotion, every thought of the youth in love tonight.

His heart was drumming relentlessly against his chest, asking to be set free as he extended his arm out, successfully grabbing your soft hand. A gasp came from your lips as Beomgyu spun you into his arms. Chest rising and deflating in heavy breaths, the young man looked almost desperate as he searched for your gaze.

Was I in love before? My eyes convinced me not, since I never realized what true beauty is before tonight. Romeo’s words echoed in Beomgyu’s head as if they were his very own thoughts, but he shook them away whilst taking you to a less crowded space.

“Beomgyu?” He heard your voice for the first time since he saw you, and its sound grounded him in the chaos of this ridiculous dream.

“Why are you in my dream?” The question had the young man halt in his steps, spinning on the balls of his feet to see your genuinely confused frown.

“What do you mean by your dream?” Beomgyu cocked a brow, feeling how Romeo’s overwhelming emotions were finally being suppressed by his usual self.

“This is my dream, I can be here all I want.”

You shook your head, for a short moment drawing his gaze to the sparkling tiara on your head. “I was here first.” You deadpanned, only to see Beomgyu’s face fall in disbelief.

“There is no such thing in a dream, what the hell are you talking about?” The boy felt his frustration rise, but so did you upon hearing his tone.

“Woah,” you breathed out, crossing your arms. “You’re still an asshole despite this being a dream.”

Beomgyu’s lips pressed into a thin line at your statement, he couldn’t find any words to defend himself.

“Look,” you sighed, ending the short silence before it could become heavier.

“I don’t know why I’m having you in my dream but please leave, go your own way, I don’t care.” Your fingers slowly went to hug your body as you averted your gaze away. “I just want to continue this dream for as long as I can, let me be Juliet in peace and we won’t have any more problems.” Although you hadn’t let anything on, Beomgyu could still spot the hurt in your voice as you begged him to leave and it put an unexplainable weight on his chest.

The pain in your voice was an ancient one.

He should have wanted to leave, but inexplicably, he found himself unable to take even a single step away from you. Beomgyu was unsure if it was Romeo once again plaguing him with his emotions or if he was starting to lose his mind. Because what he said next caught him off guard, just as much as the previous thoughts had.

“But I am Romeo.”

You looked at him from underneath your lashes, arms falling limply to your sides.

“No, you’re not.” You said weakly, dejected. The insistence on rejecting him felt all too familiar, flashbacks of the past clouded his head for a second and he felt dread shroud his being.

The young man insisted, "Yes, I am. And you're Juliet," as he nodded at you. What was he trying to prove? He didn't know. Was he attempting to prolong the conversation with you? Perhaps, but the reason behind it eluded him. Despite his confusion, something about this entire experience felt authentic. It couldn't have been a mere coincidence that the two of you met in this dream as the two youths in love.

“It doesn’t matter-“ You were ready to turn around, and seeing your back about to face him made a sense of panic tighten his chest.

“Isn’t it odd though?” He interjected before you could completely face away from him.

You halted your movements with a frown, silently telling him to go on.

“Why are we, out of all people, meeting here, in these specific circumstances?”

“Where are you getting with this, Beomgyu, what is it to you? I don’t get it.” You tried to dismiss his words, although they had already found their way under your skin quicker than you’d liked.

Lips pressed together, his eyes chasing your gaze. It was almost as if he was thinking out loud. "I'm sorry," he murmured with a shaky voice. "I didn't mean to start on the wrong foot. I..." He ran his fingers through his hair, a familiar gesture you've seen him do for years. You could see his frustration growing. Beomgyu seemed to be struggling with something, and it was starting to show. The resolve he had held onto for so long was starting to crumble, and he realized just how exhausted he was to pretend.

To pretend like he hated you.

The longer he took you in, the more he felt himself slip like sand through the cracks of his hands.

He did miss you. And this was just a dream, anyway.

So it wouldn't hurt to act however he- Romeo felt like, right?

He drew in a deep breath before pronouncing the words that were dancing just on the top of his tongue, words that he had been holding back since the very second he'd seen you in the dancing crowd.

"Can we just forget everything between us, and let whatever this is…continue?" His head hung low like the hope in his heart, expecting a harsh rejection. He wouldn't blame you, he was making no sense. One second he was raging against you and the next he was begging you to let him stay with you. Maybe he was out of his mind, but for some reason as he looked at you, nothing mattered. You were the most beautiful creature God created and the reason for his life-

"Okay," your gentle voice cut through, and the boy jolted with joy at the positive response. Your shimmering eyes showed surrender, the twinkle of someone who did not want to fight.

Your gazes locked for a few moments, the silence thick and uncertain. Beomgyu's cheeks dusted an embarrassed shade of pink as he left your eyes to look elsewhere.

"So what now?" A nervous laugh spilled from his lips.

You murmured to him, "You have to say your lines." making him almost bashful underneath your unwavering stare. You knew it was rude to stare, but there was no way you couldn't be savoring this moment.

"Huh?"

"You have to let the Romeo within you speak, only that way, the story can continue." Having been within this dream longer, you had already figured its system out. You had expected the boy to look at you with confusion, but he surprised you when he nodded with determination.

Letting his eyelids fall shut, he took a deep breath and opened the doors of his heart to the youth whose love was like a burning rose- beautiful and passionate.

A gasp left his lips at the sudden wildfire spreading in his chest. Eyes fluttering open, he hastily walked up to you. Romeo's urgency ran through his veins as he desperately took your hands in his. The light in Beomgyu's eyes had changed, his eyebrows bent in pain as he searched for your gaze but only found uncertainty and worry. He quickly withdrew his hands from yours, causing you to miss the comforting warmth of his touch.

“I fear I’ve defiled your hands, which are like a holy shrine to me, by touching them with my own unworthy hands.” From his eyes dropped honey as he took you in, lips tenderly speaking to your heart. Your heart pounded furiously in your chest, its rhythmic thumping echoing in your ears. You couldn't tell if it was your heart or Juliet's that was racing at breakneck speed. The emotions that surged within you were like nothing you had ever felt before, a mixture of fear, excitement, and uncertainty that left your throat feeling tight. You were lost in Beomgyu's captivating gaze, his deep brown eyes like vast oceans that threatened to swallow you whole. For a moment, you forgot where you were and who you were with, lost in a universe of your own. Breaking your long eye contact, you hastily spun around, allowing the young man to only face your back.

As you stared into the starry night, you were slowly understanding the depth of this love, a love you’ve always deemed so unreal. But as you donned the young woman’s clothes, you couldn’t help but hope that this could end in a different way than it was destined to.

Despite you turning your back, the enamored young Romeo was not easily discouraged. You heard him move closer, the sweet scent of his skin caressing your senses as he leaned over your shoulder, lips brushing against your ear as he murmured;

“But I have an agreeable way to make it up to you. My lips are ready to smooth over that rough touch with a tender kiss, like two devoted pilgrims before a holy place.”

It felt as if you’d grown a second heart swelling with excitement behind your ribcage, yearning to let its wings soar. At that point, it was hard to tell if the eager butterflies fluttering their wings and dancing in your belly were your own or Juliet's. But it didn’t matter, you realized. You wanted to savor every moment, you wanted every instant to etch itself into your memory so that you could rewatch it in eternity. With hasty movements, you faced him again, not missing the way his face lit up.

”Good worshiper, you’re too harsh on your own hand,” Beomgyu watched with devotion as you picked his wrist up, and with your other hand ran the tips of your fingers along his own, aligning them until his palm was softly kissing yours.

”as it shows a perfectly polite devotion by holding mine.” You let your gaze meet his.

”After all, pilgrims touch the hands of saints, and the hands kiss when their palms are brought together.” You breathed, in your mind tracing the silver lines of the moon illuminating Beomgyu’s features, adoring the sweet shadow that his long lashes cast down his blushing cheeks.

The male stepped closer, your kissing palms now between your chests pressing against one another, a soft breeze brushed through the long, brown locks caressing his neck.

”Yes, but don’t the saints and the worshipers have lips, too?” He curled a brow, searching for your gaze, but your eyes shied away as you settled for your intertwined hands.

”Yes, pilgrim,” you swallowed, still looking down, ”lips that they should use for prayer.”

Beomgyu’s hand left yours, and for a moment you felt your heart drop. Until his fingers soon eagerly returned to caress your rosy cheek.

”Well then, dear saint, let our lips do what our hands are doing.” His palm finally embraced your face, the pad of his thumb softly rubbing back and forth the surface of your skin. ”They’re praying for something after all, a kiss, so their faith doesn’t turn into despair.” Daringly, he lifted your chin so you could meet his gaze. Your heart raced as you whispered your response.” Saints don’t act first,” Your eyes drifted from his gaze, down the tall bridge of his nose, and onto his plush lips, despite the words that threatened to escape your throat.

"Although they may respond to prayers." It was as if the both of you had been cast under a spell. The most beautiful spell known to man, completely immersed in the addictive sweetness of this love, neither of you wanted to pull away.

Eyes hooding, threatening to fall shut at any moment. It was the effect of the powdery scent deriving from the whole of you. A wish to be wrapped up in it ignited within him. Beomgyu had barely noticed how minimal the distance between you had become. His lips were hovering over yours, breaths mingling into one single source of air.

”Then don’t move while I get my prayers answered.” Beomgyu breathed before his pillows landed between yours, a sweetness spreading on your palate reminding the inner Juliet of the delight of honey and milk. He sighed with relief when your lips responded to his as if this kiss had truly saved your faith from turning into despair. As if your lips had saved him from a lifelong agony.

Your lips detached slowly and hesitantly, only letting go for the sake of your lungs.

”Now all the sin has been purged from my lips thanks to yours.” A sweet smile that he couldn’t hold back spread on his lips as his orbs traced the beauty of your face. What kind of blessed dream was this, to have Beomgyu looking at you like that?

You couldn’t resist the contagiousness of his joy. ”Then that sin has passed from your lips to mine.” You beamed.

”A sin from my lips?” He repeated with feigned shock, a sweet laugh hearable in his timbre. ”Oh what a sweetly suggested trespass! Give it back to me.” His lips crashed once again upon yours, hands cradling your cheeks as his mouth gently parted yours.

”You kiss by the book.” You said through your slightly swollen lips, eyes smiling behind your cheeks. He chuckled breathily. Both of you had forgotten who you truly were.

”Juliet! Juliet!!” A woman’s voice called for you, and it took you a while before you realized that you had to react. Realization seemed to dawn on Beomgyu as well as the smile dissipated from his lips, the honey in his eyes replaced by confusion and you felt your heart break a little.

”What did we just-”

”I have to go,” You didn’t let him finish his sentence, telling yourself that it was because you had to flee the scene for the story to proceed. Deep down knowing that you were protecting your heart from a pain you had sworn you wouldn’t ever feel again because you and Beomgyu were over. But that was in real life, so why was that expression of Beomgyu’s following you even in this seemingly sweet dream?

A bitter laugh rang into the summer night as you started running away from the stunned man. So was this a joke? How could you have thought that being Juliet would have brought you anything less than pain?

What a fool you were.

“Juliet!” You heard once again when rounding the corner of the castle. Your best friend Mia appeared, dressed in clothes less refined than yours, still reflecting the fashion of the ancient century. You could imagine that her rank was significantly lower than yours. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you, Lady Juliet.” She gasped, clearly winded from the marathon she must have run whilst looking for you. You were insecure about how to reply, not quite sure of which character she was supposed to fulfill. If you and Beomgyu were the star crossed-lovers, then perhaps she was…?

“Come with me! Your curfew has long passed, we must hasten!” Mia urged her voice a loud whisper that still managed to echo slightly against the stony walls surrounding you. Gently grabbing your wrist, she propelled you forward with a force unexpected for a tiny girl like her. With brisk steps, the two of you walked down a stone path leading to a hidden passage.

“Who might you be, pardon my question?”

The young woman halted her stride abruptly, long hair flowing down her back as she turned to cast you with an incredulous gaze. “Have you lost your wits entirely to that Romeo?” she exclaimed. “I warned you he was unsuitable for you, my lady!” She surely knew her stuff, you noted, and was pretty opinionated as well. But that was nothing short of Mia. You couldn’t help the tiny smile that was etched onto your face. Her presence brought you an infinite amount of comfort.

“I can sense our dear friendship, but forgive that I cannot quite recall…” You inquired once more, sporting a playful pout on your rosy lips. The young woman’s shoulders visibly sagged with surrender as she took a small step to face you fully.

“I am your faithful Nurse, my lady,” she replied with a slight curtsey, her expression softening with affection. "M'lady, your forgetfulness after meeting with that gentleman truly wounds me." She sniffed and adverted her gaze elsewhere, something she’d usually do when she feigned anger in your regards. The soft moonlight danced on her pretty cheeks and you couldn’t help but note how this era flattered her ancient beauty.

“Please, let us retreat to my chamber, there I’ll tell you all about my encounter with Romeo.” If you knew your best friend, then you were sure that there was no better bait than her favorite topic; love. She was judgemental of Romeo but deep down, you knew that she would devour any details of your faithful encounter with the lad. Not that you were enthusiastic about recalling it, for reasons all too clear.

You watched as Mia’s eyes widened with joy and excitement, her hands coming together into a thankful hold. Cheeks meeting her sparkling irises into the biggest smile you’d ever witnessed. You knew you had won her over.

***

A few hours had gone since your Nurse had left your room. She’d squealed like a tiny hamster and kicked her feet like a high-school girl upon hearing what had happened between you and Beom…Romeo, as if she hadn’t completely regarded him as unsuitable just a few minutes prior. But you weren’t a bit surprised, she was a known sucker for romance. But perhaps, you were a little too.

Now that she was gone though, you found yourself completely unable to unwind.

You had spent the entire night, wide-eyed, watching the moonlight caress the walls of your room, until it slowly gave way to the warm hues of daylight. You had lost track of the countless sunsets and sunrises that had passed since you made your escape from the scene a few days ago. As you sat on the balcony, feeling the sweet breeze on your skin, you couldn't help but ponder over the situation. It occurred to you that nothing significant had happened since you left, leaving you wondering if the story had come to a pause until you and Beomgyu met again. You kicked up the hem of your long dress to let the wind cool your warm skin.

You felt the blood rush to your cheeks as you recalled the insane kiss with Beomgyu. The pressure of the kiss still lingered on top of your lips along with that sweet scent of his that had etched itself onto your memory. His warm fingertips that had caressed your cheeks, his lashes tickling your skin. Were dreams truly so vivid?

"That's a big problem," you muttered to yourself as you walked back into the beautiful room you were slowly growing accustomed to. You’d never even dared to dream of owning such a priceless chamber, filled with even more valuable furniture.

Throwing yourself back onto the soft bed, you rolled onto your stomach, feeling the weight of your worries pressing down on your chest. You hugged the nearest pillow to yourself, hoping it would somehow alleviate the ache in your heart. You couldn't help but let the worst thoughts cloud your mind as time passed, yet seemed so sickeningly still. A muffled scream vibrated against the lavish fabric of the pillow now pressed against your face, a desperate attempt to release the pent-up anxiousness and frustration you felt. Your feet kicked against the mattress. Would Beomgyu think less of you now? Would he even want to see you again after such a…kiss? The questions swirled around in your head, taunting you with their uncertainty.“Romeo…” You sighed slowly, “Beomgyu out of all, why did you have to be Romeo…” You complained only to be met by silence.

“Ngh-” A sudden grunt deriving from the balcony had you scramble up from your past position with haste. Hair disheveled, Beomgyu had one leg over the railing of your balcony. The dagger hanging around his waist crinkled as he landed with a thump. His shirt was slightly scrunched up and you thought you saw a leaf tangled in his soft locks before you got distracted by his voice when he puffed out his next words.

“Why the hell are there so many guards around here?!” He huffed, dusting his pants. He was standing by the big opening of your room, the long curtains by your windows fluttering him welcome along the dancing breeze.

As if your legs had given out, you couldn't find any strength to step off the bed as you incredulously took in the very man who had been keeping you up for consecutive nights.

“Beomgyu?” Your voice faltered. It felt unreal to see Beomgyu standing there. Did his visit mean he wasn't mad or bothered by the kiss? The young man seemed unbothered as he coyly welcomed himself into your chamber, sitting himself down on your bed with a deep sigh and sprawling his tired legs before him. “hmm,” He hummed hoarsely, his arms extended behind him as he leaned his head back. Staring up at the endless details of your painted ceiling made him feel dizzy.

He was avoiding your gaze, you noted. The silence was thick and the slight tensing of his jaw told you that he was also battling an inner turmoil. Perhaps that matter was better off unsolved, you told yourself. It wasn’t your true self acting that night anyway.

Yes, you concluded. It was better this way. The weight lifted itself off your chest.

Just as your lips were about to part with a sigh, breaking the heavy silence, the young man beat you to it. “We’ve been stuck here for days,” Beomgyu remarked, his gaze still fixed on the celestial ceiling. You pressed your lips together, silently concurring as you nodded. Fidgeting with the delicate lace of your dress, you missed the glance Beomgyu stole at you.

“If we don’t do something soon, I fear the story will remain frozen in time,” your voice whispered gently, tip-toeing through the air to reach his ears, “forever.” Finally, your eyes met his, locking in a silent pact of understanding. Something suddenly flickered in his gaze, a dreadful kind of realization that you couldn’t quite put your finger on.

“What if the fastest way to get out of here is to…” Beomgyu’s voice came out delicate and uneasy, fading into the sentence as he feared his own words. Swallowing thickly, he parted his lips again. “Die, the way Romeo and Juliet did.”

Your breath caught as the implication sank in.

Mouth agape and trembling, unable to say anything for a while.

“We have to die…” You repeated with disbelief, albeit agreeingly as you recalled the tragic ending of the star-crossed lovers.

Beomgyu nodded, his expression solemn. "It's the only way I can think of. Maybe... maybe that's what the dream wants. Closure. An ending."

Your heart plummeted into the pit of your stomach at the thought, but there was a deviant sense of inevitability settling over you. "But... what happens after? What if we can't wake up?"

The boy could only find it in himself to lift his shoulders in a sincere shrug.

“I can’t say,” He confessed thoughtfully. “It’s a scary thought, I understand if you don’t want to try this solution-”

“No,” In opposition to the doubt that had started seeping into his voice, you felt the determination swarm your chest as you suddenly rose to your feet.

“We’ll do it.” You interjected firmly. Beomgyu watched you wide-eyed, skin tingling as you gently took his hand in yours, pulling him up towards you. Having lost Beomgyu that faithful day, you were pretty sure that you’d already lost everything. You had nothing else at risk. It was all just a bittersweet dream after all. None of this was real.

He seemed to have lost his tongue, or perhaps he had lost himself in your gaze, his ears ringing with his very own heartbeat.

“Are you sure?” In his warm irises danced small flickers of concern and admiration. The underlying fear in his deep timbre comforted you. This was the most the two of you had ever talked in years. The lack of hostility felt unfamiliar, but a rare gift. You wished to never forget the soft expression on his features and the concern he was mustering towards you.

Perhaps, somewhere in his heart, he did still care for you.

“I’m sure,” your unwavering determination had the corner of his lips lift, a small, barely noticeable smile. A glimmer of hope twinkled in his eyes. In reality, your head was spinning and the fear was consuming you from the inside. But you wouldn’t back away. "If this is what it takes to break free from this endless cycle, then we have to try," you affirmed.

"Alright," he whispered, his fingers tightening around yours in a silent promise. "Together, then." You nodded, egging him to go on.

The air was thick with anticipation, the echoes of your impending fate whispering through the stillness.

Beomgyu's voice was steady as he spoke. "My dearest Juliet, if this be our destiny, then let us meet it with courage and love."

Your breath caught in your throat as you met his gaze, the depth of his brown eyes reflecting the same fear and determination swimming in yours. "My sweet Romeo, together in life and death, our love shall transcend even the boundaries of this dream." You breathed out.

The youth nodded with a sense of grief etching onto the strings of his heart. Bringing your trembling fingers to his wavering lips, he pressed them against your cool skin and closed his eyes. "Farewell, my love," he murmured against your hand.

A shudder left your mouth as you echoed his broken words, and Juliet’s tears welled up in your eyes.

“Farewell, my dearest,” You spoke barely above a whisper, a gentle hand reached for the apple of his cheek where the dampness of the summer heat lingered. Your thumb left tender strokes on the surface of his skin. Your feet slowly rose onto your toes, noses grazing and eyelashes tickling each other's cheeks. Brushing your lips against his for the last time.

A feather-light pressure on his pillows transcended into something deeper, more beautiful when he parted his lips slowly against yours. Agony and comfort were all you could taste. Your heart ached when you parted. Beomgyu’s eyes remained closed as a pained expression contorted his brows. "Together, my love," he reminded, perhaps to give himself more courage as he reached for the side of your hair, taking out the sharp jewelry that had been holding your locks up. Hair cascading softly onto your shoulders, you reached out for the dagger that had been hanging by his waist. Taking a deep, shaky breath, you nodded once more. Directing it towards your stomach.

Your breath got lost in your lungs as you pushed the dagger further, edges puncturing through your body. With your eyes squeezed shut, you dreaded for the pain to settle. The thick silence only offered the rhythm of your staggering breaths, until the noise of something cracking pierced through the air. Looking down hastily, you witnessed the surreal view of the dagger in your hands shattering into millions of glistening fragments. They faded into thin air. Your eyes hurried to meet Beomgyu’s, only to find him as shaken as you, with his hands void of any sharp object.

At that moment, the inexplicable occurrence bound you both in a shared bewilderment as you both realized something;

It wasn’t over yet.

Not like that.

You parted your lips to say something, but the words got stuck in your throat. What had just occurred? It was almost as if the story was stopping you from undergoing the painful death.

“Did…Did we do it the wrong way?” You wondered out loud, perplexed. “Is it because we didn’t drink poison like in the original script-” Beomgyu cut you off with a shake of his head, arms falling limply by his sides.

“No, I frankly don’t think that’s it. The premise was dying together and that’s what we tried,” The unreadable expression in his eyes told you that he too, was short of solutions and explanations. “But we can’t give up yet,” He declared softly, an ancient determination that you knew all too well flickered in his irises. “there has to be another way.” His stubborn nature reminded you of the past you shared, sending your heart into a frenzy. You recalled blaming him for years, for changing and leaving you behind, but as you stood before each other, you were met by a Beomgyu who continuously nurtured the nostalgia that had been swimming in your chest since the very moment he’d caught your hand in the dancing crowd.

Your gaze softened upon him.

Your heart echoed his sentiments, the flicker of hope igniting within you. "You're right," you replied, your voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside. "We need to find a better ending, one where we both survive."

A better ending, one where you both would survive…

With a sudden gasp, you grasped his hands, catching him off guard. Beomgyu stumbled slightly, his eyes widening with surprise and curiosity at your sudden fervor.

"Of course!" you exclaimed with a new sense of excitement pulsing through your veins. "Why didn't I think of this before?" Your fingers tightened around his, the connection sparking a newfound determination within you. Disregarding his perplexity, you continued with a rush of energy taking the both of you by storm.

"Maybe the solution isn't to reenact the tragic ending," you presented, your voice gaining strength with each word. "Perhaps it's about forging a new path, creating a different outcome."

You allowed your words to linger shortly, seeking for his gaze, which still seemed hesitant. "Don’t you see, Beomgyu?" you persisted. "The story is telling us to rewrite Romeo and Juliet's fate, just like Mr. Kim's dumb assignment!" There was a hint of laughter in your tone, a flicker of amusement amidst the seriousness of the moment, as the realization slowly dawned on both of you. Beomgyu’s lips gradually fell apart at the revelation, every doubt suddenly falling back into place.

“Let’s split up for now, I’ll talk to Mercutio,” Beomgyu suggested to which you nodded fervently, already knowing what to do. “I’ll see you here at dawn.” You completed his sentence. And just like that, he was out of your field of view, the last image of him being his silhouette skillfully jumping over the balcony.

It was a silent agreement to find out more about the conflict between the two families, each to their own. Only then, could you find a true solution?

Sure, you knew that the Capulet and Montague families had an ancient feud that pulled the youths apart from each other. But…what exactly had happened?

Without wasting another second, you spun on the balls of your feet and hurried out of your room, for the first time in days, facing the hustle of the busy castle. “Mia,” You mumbled to yourself, “I need to find Mia…” The heels of your sandals clicked against the marble steps as you rushed your way through the endless corridors. Rounding a corner, you almost collided with a servant carrying a tray of food.

“I apologize, M’lady.” The servant quickly bowed their head low before scurrying away. You stood still for a moment, taken aback but quickly blinked away the slight shock and resumed your search. Your mind raced with thoughts of finding your best friend.

Weaving through the maze-like castle, you almost feared losing your way. You felt like you’d rounded the same corner at least ten times. But perhaps your determination did not deem itself unfruitful when you caught a glimpse of her bustling about in the servant’s quarters. Relief washed over you and you picked up your pace further, calling for her. “Mia- Nurse!”

The young lady whipped around with startle in her movements. Her eyes were wide with shock but upon seeing you, a familiar warmth shaped itself into her soft smile.

“Lady Juliet!” She exclaimed, “What brings you here?”

Coming to a halt in front of her, you breathlessly said; “I need to talk to you,” ignoring the confusion that swarmed her eyes at your unusual language, the rush in your veins was making you forget all about how Juliet was supposed to act. Nonetheless, the girl nodded understandingly and gave you her attention.

“Do speak your worries, m’lady. I am at your service.” You sighed with relief and took her hand, walking further inside her quarter, and closing the door behind you.

“Nurse…Why can’t I and Romeo be together?” You initiated, struggling to find the right words. The young woman watched you with perplexed eyes. “You know full well the reasons, m’lady.” Mia’s knowing gaze weighed upon you, you noted how her voice was soft and solemn as she spoke, as though not to hurt your fragile feelings.

You shook your head stubbornly. “No! I really do not!” As your voice raised ever so slightly, you noticed the slight panic contorting her features and you immediately calmed down.

“I just…I love him so much,” You felt breathless, as the words slipped past your lips, a strange rush of vulnerability crashed upon you. Mia’s eyes locked with yours but you found yourself relentlessly avoiding her gaze. The feelings falling from your lips were Juliet’s and hers alone. But then why did it feel like your heart had been laid bare for the whole world to see?

You gulped, “I understand the feud of our families, but I need to know what happened!” You urged, hoping that you would be able to find answers. “What could possibly have been the cause of such a lifelong resentment? Why do I have to pay the price of my love because of an ancient conflict that…” the words spilled past your quivering lips, it was almost like you had no control over what left your mouth. These overwhelming emotions were too big for your heart to bear. “That doesn’t involve me!?” You implored.

Mia’s gaze softened, shoulders sinking slightly as she gently took your cold hands into her warm ones. Her touch was so tangible that you almost forgot that all of this wasn’t anything other than a dream.

“Oh sweet Y/n, but it does involve you.” Your throat suddenly felt extremely, a shiver running down your spine. “W-what?” Your voice trembled when you met her unfazed eyes. Had she just called you by your name?

“The day that you have mourned for so long, it was you who left him,” Mia explained calmly, though the words became nothing but a swirling mess in your head. “What are you talking about?” You inquired, pulling your hands out of her grasp. Uneasiness settled within you at the direction that the conversation was taking.

“You and Beomgyu are now strangers because you turned your back on him, that day.” Her sentence pierced through your throbbing heart, a sense of injustice had you shaking your head furiously.

“How…How can you say that I left him when he was the one who denied knowing me in front of others?!” You cried out, throwing your hands in the air. “He was the one who ended our friendship at that very moment.”

You recalled the scene vividly. The pain of that day was ingrained so deeply within your memory, that sometimes the cuts it left still felt fresh. It had been just another exhausting day of classes but nonetheless, you had been eager to meet up with your best friend at your usual spot. But as you had rounded the corner your anticipation had quickly morphed into shock. With your breath caught in your throat, you witnessed Beomgyu surrounded by people unknown to you. Their expressions taunting and relentless as they held up a photograph in front of Beomgyu’s face. His patience was wearing thin and a scowl was etched permanently onto his face. Something about the scene unsettled you deeply but you had been rooted onto your spot, unable to move.

“Shut up,” Beomgyu had hissed, attempting to rip the photo from their grasp, only igniting laughter from the others when they easily pulled it higher up.

“Why so serious? Don’t you love her anyway? But her mommy hates you, how sad!” The taller male waved the photograph teasingly and laughed in his face.

“I don’t fucking love her!” His voice echoed bitterly in the lonely corridor. You still remembered the way his voice reverberated in your ears, each word a cruel stab to your heart. “We’re merely acquaintances so cut this crap and leave me alone.” Beomgyu’s voice was cold and merciless. You had felt a strong sense of betrayal wash over you, wondering why he was denying your friendship so vehemently. You were hurt and confused, the emotions ever so overwhelming and you struggled to comprehend what had happened.

You recalled his hands curled into tight fists, his chest heaving visibly up and down after he’d gotten them to leave. And then, the moment that would haunt you for years to come happened. He had turned to you, eyes filled with a raw emotion you couldn't decipher. Something had flickered in his gaze, perhaps regret, almost as if he’d woken up from a trance. But the wall that his words had put between you was insurmountable.

Although your name had come tumbling from his lips, begging you to let him explain, your back had already been turned, heart had already been broken into irreparable pieces.

You looked at Mia, your desperate eyes silently begging her to understand the turmoil inside of you. “I know it wasn’t easy being my friend, especially with my mother making it clear that she didn’t like him. I don’t know why she was so against him, but I never stopped defending him!” You paused to take a breath. “Not for one moment. I put him over my parents' rules and valued his friendship over my parents’ trust. I always sneaked out to see him although I was grounded for that very same reason…” Your words stumbled upon each other in your haste to defend yourself, “So how could you say that I was the one who left him?”

“Y/n,” Mia coaxed gently, eyes fluttering shut was a deep breath. “It mustn’t have been easy on your heart.” She affirmed, bowing her head slightly. “But believe my words, there is more to this tale than you are aware of.” She paused, letting you feel the gravity of her words although you struggled to make sense of it all.

“What do you mean?” Confusion clouded your thoughts, “What do I not know of? Did Beomgyu hide something from me?” Your mind spiraled, but your friend’s sudden grip on your shoulders brought your focus back on her. “Do not fret!” She scolded, her usually sweet eyes now stern as they pierced through yours. “This story goes beyond the two of thy…Your mother and Beomgyu’s father share a history.” Mia carefully unfolded the truth to you. Your arms fell limp to your sides, eyes wide open as the new information sank in.

“It is so. They used to court each other in their youthful days.” She confirmed your suspicions. “However, they belonged to different realities. Their love was forbidden much like the tale of Romeo and Juliet. Your mother had always been true to her traditions. Attempts to sort the disagreement between her and her family hadn’t given any fruits, they wouldn’t approve of a relationship with the young Mr. Choi.”

Your head was spinning.

Mia’s words painted a picture of a past you never knew, shedding light on the hidden truths that had shaped your relationship with Beomgyu since the very beginning. The two of you had only been children when you’d first met. Your cries resounded in the rain storm, a knee scraped open because of your clumsy feet. Beomgyu, one of the many by-passers had heard your wailing from far.

Not the sweet little bandaid he’d clumsily applied to your injury, not even the umbrella he’d handed you so that you would stop crying could have thawed your mother’s icy resolve. He had walked you home, only to be sent away coldly by your mother. Even so, your friendship continued flowering on the familiar grounds of your school. A part of you had always seen Beomgyu like the knight that helped the princess escape her tower of isolation. He was the sweet breeze under your shirt on a hot summer day. He was the sense of liberation and affection that shrouded you like a warm blanket when in his presence. You’d discovered parts of yourself whilst by his side, that would have forever remained uncovered if you’d listened to your parents' warnings.

“But-” Your voice faltered with disbelief, “Why would my mother put me through her same pain?” A part of you wanted to sympathize with your mother, but the longer you dwelled on it the more you felt yourself lose your mind. The endless fights, the uncountable times they’d punished you for refusing to cut ties with the friend that meant so much to you.

“You see,” Mia hummed, “That is where your mother’s resentment brews, although she points to Beomgyu’s bad influence on you, the truth is another. Beomgyu is a painful reminder of her past. His familiar face reminds her of the one man she truly loved and lost.” Her voice tinged with empathy, “She struggles to cope with her broken heart.” Every utterance was a tiny piece of the vast puzzle that was your life. Each little fragment finding its place but revealing only a frustratingly small detail. Mia's insight kept sinking in but you felt dizzy from the unstoppable rush of thoughts and questions. Your chest brimming with mixed emotions of anger, sadness, and empathy. Running a hand through your hair, you let out the heavy breath that you had been holding in this whole time.

Your mother’s unwavering disapproval, Beomgyu’s struggle to defend himself, and the rift that had formed between you and your childhood friend. Everything was still a mess in your head, but there was only one thing clear that you just couldn’t shake off.

Tears blurred your view as the strong sense of clarity washed over you, sending you over the edge.

Shaking eyes searching for Mia’s, nails digging into your palms. “What have I done?” You whispered brokenly, a hand coming to rest on your face as if to stop the intense swirling of your surroundings.

“I- he surely hates me for it, doesn’t he?” You told yourself, “There is no way I can restore our friendship.” no matter how much you tried to find a way, the damage you had done seemed unfathomable.

Mia’s eyes were solemn when she regarded you, her next phrase with a weight that you couldn’t quite comprehend. “I fear not,” She proved. An ancient sorrow tip toeing in her murmur. Although you had been the one to make the statement, having her confirm it left an unbearable pain tightening your chest.

“For the bonds of your hearts have transcended the mere boundaries of a friendship,” Mia whispered, your forehead creased into a frown.

"What do you mean?" you pleaded, searching her eyes for clarity, but the young woman merely shook her head. “You haven’t realized it yet, have you?”

“Realized what?”

“The words you spoke upon finding me, were no one’s but your own, dear, reflect on that.” Not Juliet’s, but yours. The additions lingered on Mia’s tongue, although she chose not to pronounce them. Your shaken expression weighted her heart.

“I don’t understand.” You let your head fall, the curtain of your hair covering the tears that were now blurring your view.

Your friend placed a tender caress on your cheek, crouching slightly so that you would meet her gaze. “Hey,” She soothed, “Do not despair, dear, there is still time.” her eyebrows raised encouragingly as her hold on your cheeks turned into a light pinch. your cheek, making you wince. “Now go forth, do not waste any more of thy precious time!” Mia exclaimed and stepped behind you, her hands on your back, guiding you onward with a gentle push, sending you off.

Stumbling forward, you couldn’t help but cast one last look back for guidance, only to have her fretting you away with not-so-subtle gestures.

The walk back to your chamber was like stepping into the unknown blindfolded. Your gaze was distant while allowing your feet to guide you back to familiar surroundings. Time was nothing but a blur, you wondered how much time you had spent in Mia’s quarter. The burning sun had bid its farewell to the sky a long time ago. Leaving you solely the moonlight to illuminate your solitary path through the now tranquil castle. The echoes from the daytime’s hustling activity were now replaced by a peaceful quietude. Even the servants had retired for the night.

A gentle timber called your name, and you feared your heart had stopped when you hastily looked up. Your pupils dilated at the view of Beomgyu’s figure walking towards you. A worried expression rested upon his features.

“What took you so long?” He spoke in hushed tones not to wake anyone up, “I was waiting for you but you never came. I thought something happened to you.”

His concern ignited a tender warmth within you, a flood of emotions brimming in your heart as it picked up its pace in your chest. Racing far ahead of you, drumming against your ribs begging to be set free from its hostage.

"I... I lost track of time," you managed to say through your trembling lips. "I'm sorry for worrying you."

His expression of worry melted away with the step he took, gently dismissing your apology with a shake of his head. "I'm just relieved you're okay," he confessed, watching you from underneath his lashes. The silver glow of the moon cast a delicate shade down his cheek, while you marveled at the shimmering specks of amber swirling in his eyes.

A moment of silence followed, unspoken words weighing down on your chest.

Beomgyu’s words lingered in the air like a whispered promise, perhaps one made a long time ago. A glimmer of two youths intertwining their pinkies in a silent vow, sealing the bond with a kiss of their thumbs flickered before your eyes. But just like a sweet dream slipping away at the crack of dawn- it vanished before you could fully grasp it.

With your gaze falling to the ground, you struggled to move your voice past your lips. There was so much you wanted to say.

“Beomgyu I…” You began hesitantly, forcing yourself to meet his gentle ocean eyes despite the dry lump forming in your throat. He kept quiet, silently letting you take your time to express yourself. The knowing look painted on his features told you that he’d understand no matter how much you struggled to explain yourself.

“I am so sorry-” Your voice wavered as a tear traced its way down your cheek. “It’s all my fault.” remorse, a sad melody that had etched itself into your words as tears continued spilling from your eyes, salty and melting into your lips as you continued.

“I don’t understand why– how I could have walked away like I did, without letting you explain yourself, that day.” Your voice a mere whisper, knuckles whitening under the pressure of your trembling fist. “I should have let you tell me the truth but I let my hurt and anger cloud me…” A trembling shiver left your mouth. “Why did I do that?”

“I threw away our friendship, I threw away the most important thing I had, I messed up so bad, I-” Before you could continue, Beomgyu’s hand had reached out. Soft fingertips caressing your skin, catching your precious tears.

“I’m sorry too,” he said softly, his fingers absentmindedly curling around a few strands of your hair. "I should have tried to reach out to you again after that. But I too, let my pride and stubbornness get in the way." his touch was gentle as he slowly guided the stray hairs in his hold behind your ear.

“Do you…” Your hesitation lingered in the air as the question you were afraid to ask danced on your tongue. The fear in your chest fogged your mind. Although this whole journey could have served as an answer, your heart couldn’t find its peace unless he pronounced the words himself.

“Do you hate me for what I did?”

Beomgyu found himself melting before you, fingers slowly coming to cradle your jaw. His eyes searched yours for a moment before speaking, but your gaze shied away from his. He couldn’t help but admire the way your tears were like small crystals twinkling upon your lashes.

"Hate you?" His voice brimmed with disbelief. "No, Y/n, never." he tilted your head ever so slightly so that you could meet his gaze, so that you wouldn’t need to doubt him again. He extended a thumb, brushing away another tear that threatened to fall. "Despite what I've told myself over and over again, for years,” A solemn smile curled his lips.

“I don’t think I ever convinced myself when I tried to believe I hated you.” Beomgyu took a small step closer, lacing one arm around your shoulders. It was like you forgot how to breathe when he guided you into his chest, tucking your head into the crook of his neck. Your hands rested upon his chest out of surprise, feeling his thumping heart against your palms and almost confusing his quick heartbeat with your own.

There was something different about the way his arms tightened around you, you sensed fear in his embrace, as if you were to disappear at any moment. As if he was afraid to wake up in the middle of this moment. The sensation of his long hair tickling your skin when he nuzzled his head into your shoulder, the familiar scent of his cologne, and the warmth of his body engulfing you. His regretful murmur when he uttered the sole words that you needed to heal your heart.

“No one could make me hate you.”

You wished for nothing else than for this to be real.

A sob escaped your lips and you threw your arms around his neck. Beomgyu’s gentle fingertips traced a sweet path down your back, hands finding your waist. Eyes fluttering close and all you could think about was how it felt like his arms were made to embrace you.

You had finally placed the last puzzle piece into its spot, you had found the missing pages of your book.

You had fallen back into place.

“I missed you so much,” you whispered, ignoring the way your words muffled against his chest. Despite feeling as close as ever, Beomgyu’s embrace tightened even more, “I missed you too,” his eyes fell shut to the comfort of your hold.

Nuzzling your face deeper into his chest, the cold air of the castle slowly dissipated, replaced by a warmth that felt oddly familiar against your eyelids– a sensation akin to the gentle embrace of sunlight. Inhaling deeply, you noted the woody and papery scent that danced its way into your senses, wrinkling your nose in response.

You jerked away from Beomgyu with a sharp gasp, startling both him and yourself. The moonlight that had been adorning his soft features was long gone. Hence the beautiful corridor you’d been standing in was by now only a mirage of your dream as you noticed the book-filled shelves surrounding you in the remote corner of the library, illuminated by the soft glow of late sunlight filtering through dusty windows.

Beomgyu’s expression brimmed with confusion as his eyes darted around, searching for you after realizing that you were back in the university’s library. Shocked, the boy felt his arms go limp, and a loud noise reverberated against the ground. Your attention immediately bolted to the book that had slipped out of Beomgyu’s grasp, landing open on the pavement. The illustration of two ancient lovers dancing in the crowd glittered in the sun.

You wasted no time picking the book up, the adrenaline rush had your fingers trembling as you flipped over a few pages, mouth falling agape at the sight of the star-crossed lovers. Their once blank faces were now vivid with your very own features adorning them.

“Oh my God-” You breathed incredulously, flipping page after page. Beomgyu could only stand there, watching you as he tried to reason with what he had just experienced. His trance was short-lived, interrupted by you suddenly slamming the book shut. The beetroot color that had crept upon your cheeks piqued his interest.

“What did you see?” Beomgyu inquired with his brow raised inquisitively. But your response came too quickly for his liking.

“NOTHING!” You pressed a bit too defensively, earning a few distant hushes from other visitors. His suspicions were raised upon your secretive behavior “Let me see-” he tried to grab the book but you swung your arm out of his reach. He huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, a displeased pout sporting his lips. You were to be damned for letting your guard down at that moment because the next thing you knew Beomgyu had snatched the book from you. You yelped helplessly and tried to get it back but the long-haired boy was far taller than you.

The sensation of cold sweat coated your body at the thought of Beomgyu finding the pages revealing a portrayal of you and he locked in a tender kiss. A new-found heat rose to your cheeks as your heart went berserk. But the view of him delicately opening the ancient novel to inspect what had made you react in such a way awoke a sense of panic that had you blurting out a sentence you had no idea how to stand for.

“No need to search, I can just show you myself.” The casual tone in your voice baffled you to no end, because your heart was in your throat, threatening to jump out.

Thankfully, the boy looked away from the book, not yet having found the pages you had been trying to conceal. You could spot the astonishment in his expression caused by the illustrations in the book, and you didn’t blame him, why were your faces painted on those of the lovers’?

Despite all, his eyes still showed you his interest. “And what exactly are you going to show me?” he raised a brow. Beomgyu’s casual cockiness only fueled a sudden boldness within you. "Let me see," his persistence rang in your ears and before you even knew what you were doing, you had grabbed the collar of his shirt. Pulling him close with a determination you hadn't known you possessed– shutting your eyes tightly, you crashed your lips on top of his. The boy stumbled forward, eyes wide at your sudden action, though his lips had acted on their own as they had responded to yours right away. His soft pillows eagerly nipped on yours for a mere moment before you parted from him, releasing his now wrinkled shirt from your hold.

“That’s what I saw in the book.” You averted your gaze down to your feet, pressing your lips into a thin line.

A shy pink dusted his cheeks, gaze fastened on you, he could not bring himself to look away. His chest rose with the ragged breaths puffing out of his swollen lips.

“You kiss by the book,” he gasped incredulously, a cheerful laugh bubbling in his throat. Your head whipped in his direction, tummy fluttering at the familiar words he’d used. You watched him throw his head back in delight as his body shook with laughter, finding yourself getting completely absorbed into the joy that sprouted from him, you couldn’t stop the chuckles that escaped your lips.

You couldn't help but admire his smile, the way it lit up his entire face, the way his pretty eyes crinkled into twinkling half-moons. It had been so long since you had seen that smile directed towards you, and it made you feel complete.

You had no idea what kind of magic had danced on Mr. Kim’s fingertips when he slid that assignment paper on your desk, with yours and Beomgyu’s names written next to each other in red ink. But it was almost like he’d taken the red threads of your fates and tied them back together after that the two of you had let it come undone.

Now Beomgyu knew, you knew– that dreams were like magic. They appeared, tickled, and sparked a twinkle in your hearts, only to disappear just as quickly as it had appeared.

You had lost each other for so long, but you had finally found each other again under the same dream, under the same stars that had brought the two youths together through a love that transcended every boundary.

Perhaps your fates had been written by the very same hands.

Perhaps you were them.

You took his hand in yours, feeling its warmth like the sunset glow, painting you in its vivid colors.

"I dreamt a dream today," Beomgyu murmured as he threaded his fingers through yours.

"And so did I." You met his gaze knowingly.

“Well, what was yours?” A sweet smile started to curl his lips.

“That dreamers speak their heart’s truth.”

a/n: ooh my god I finally did it! here it is and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as possible!! I had so much fun writing this and I hope it was just as fun reading! this is probably one of my most dramatic pieces and I had to stop myself while writing and question where all the drama was coming from but duh!! It's literally Romeo and Juliet hello??.

anyway!! I would appreciate your thoughts on it a lot <33 I'm really curious to know how this idea I've had brewing in my head for years came out and is perceived by all of you! do not be shy and pls share your thoughts with me <333

Important disclaimer!

I do not own the story or characters of Romeo and Juliet, full credit to Shakespeare who invented them.

I also used some of the dialogue from the actual script in modern English which I will be linking in this text!

so! if you made it all the way down here, I just want to thank you for sticking with me and for taking the time to read this piece! It means a lot to me. You're amazing<33

much love, p.

taglist: @wave2tyun @binluvsu @shutupheathersorryheatherr @20crowsinahoodie @woncheecks @ur-mother-realnotclickbait @20-cms @endeav0rsb1tch @todosmash @scatterbraincutie @zzhyuu @sweetstraberrybear @deabird @iluvkyo @lunathewritingcat @vivienne2000 @sunny4cast @lun4kazumii @be0mgyusbestie @yjdni @roseyposeylemonsquozey @beomgyuspeach @glossykai

#Beomgyu #beomgyu fluff #beomgyu x reader #beomgyu oneshot #tomorrow x together #beomgyu imagines #txt x reader #txt oneshots #txt imagines #yeonjun #soobin #hueningkai #taehyun #romeo & juliet

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ryuzatodraws-archive · 1 year

Text

There is a glint in Copia’s eyes. Curiosity, temptation.

“What is it?” The demonic Terzo asked, he seems to detect something…a certain look in his partner’s eyes.

We need to talk about this

babygirl its all Corruption Au but with a twist.

time for some Redemption

tags : mention of pregnancy , two corrupted popes chatting and being soft , pregnancy ( sex?) or is it called breeding? . trans copia , and ghouls!

tw : angst, miscarriage implication, blood. (will be added more)

It was late at night when they returned home from the peculiar party.

the ram's horned Terzo settles on the bed after placing his coat on the hanger. The door sealed shut, curtains drawn as if to cover up what they do not intend to show the world

their intimacies and softness.

''Amore, what it is?'' Terzo shuffled on the bed where Copia loosens the drawstrings on his shirt.

Terzo knows that look in his eyes, the soft tender glimmer that Copia have given him back at the party. He has something in his mind .

''I dont know Terzo... seeing him like that, seeing me like that invokes back a certain feeling that I have buried a long time ago...''

Terzo holds his hand slowly, his nail slightly grazing onto the other's glove before he slowly takes it off, exposing Copia's pale hand with the stigmata scar on his palm.

''You like the idea of... having a child?''

Copia looks away a bit, blushing beneath his paint. He had spent some time with his former self, hears his stories. His fantasies that became a reality for his other self.

But he doesn't know how would Terzo feel about this, will he disregard his odd wish ?

''Si...not just having a child but...carrying it too''. He let it slipped anyway, if he is going to be ridiculed then let it be now.

Terzo's eyes dilated a bit, rather surprised. He slither beside Copia, still keeping his eyes and hand on him.

''Would you like to..tell me more? since when you've been...feeling this?'' Terzo gulps a bit, merely curious.

Copia takes a breath, patting Terzo's hand slowly, his old self seem to shine through just a bit. His Cardinal self through his papal paint.

'' I- for the longest time really. Just the thought of having one myself...and I know! that it's not possible, I know its very silly of me but...I've spent some time with me, with Cardinal me you know yes? and well... I supposed the feeling is back , no?''

Terzo listened to his rambling, which he often does when he's nervous. He nods a bit before planting a kiss on his forehead.

''You do know that a child here would change everything , would you?''

Copia nods. His eyes ever so serious just like when he said yes to Terzo's proposal to him.

''si''

Terzo holds both of Copia's hands before slowly kissing it, keeping his sharp pupils on his beloved.

''Then let us try''.

Copia nods before Terzo slowly leans in to kiss him. He keeps his hands tenderly on the other while slowly slithering low . copia took off his shirt while Terzo slips his forked tongue into his, tasting him .

He tasted differently that night than any other night. No more anger nor frustration only calm and tenderness in Copia’s every touch. The horned papa’s hand makes his way into the other’s pants, slipping in and caressing the other’s clit, ever so hard and wet already.

“You’re so wet already, caro” Terzo purred into him, slowly kissing his neck. He tried to not use his claws on his tender parts this time, but to slowly massages between his folds, feeling the other’s slick and wet passion.

Copia moans, holding onto him while Terzo shifted his position , placing himself between the others legs as his free hand unzips himself , letting his member free. It twitches eagerly between Copia, ever so ready.

“Are you ready to be filled? to be stuffed full with my seed caro?”

Copia nods eagerly, murmuring please.

Easily, Terzo slips himself right in, right and deep inside the other as he purrs beside his ear.

“I’ll make sure you we have that child , mi Amore “

Copia’s grip tightens as he wraps his legs around Terzo’s waist. The horned Papa continues to pump vigorously, gyrating his hips to get as deep as he can. Moaning and panting filled the chamber, even the hallway as Copia calls out his lover’s name over and over.

It was music to Terzo’s ears, his claw a digs into the sheets this time, trying not to hurt Copia. No more blood, scars or bites this time . Just our love and adoration coming from the new Papa’s eyes, from Copia’s eyes.

“Terzo, I-!” Copia jerks for a moment before his high came first, his thighs shuddering as Terzo continues to pump more and more until his throbbing length fills the other up. He stays , mostly for Copia. He waits to catch his own breath as well before slowly caressing Copia’s cheek, his high still lingering in the air.

Copia didn’t let go of him, he could feel Terzo’s warmth inside of him as he slowly leans up to kiss him, The former Papa slumps beside him, holding him close and not letting go of the kiss until a moment after.

“No matter how many times it takes…this is the least I could do after what you did to me…”

His claw slowly grazing Copia’s cheek, lifting some face paint away.

“Terzo I-I love you, I wouldn’t be here without you Amore” slowly , still panting . The new Papa finally lets his legs go , pressing his thighs closer in an attempt to avoid any spillage from him.

“You brought me back to life, now I shall give you a life “ he smiles tenderly, like how he used to. Like how before the carnage that befalls the land, like how he used to when Copia told him ‘I love you’.

Like how it all makes sense, finally.

—————

It was the next day , Dewdrop stoic as ever is listening intently to Copia.

But as Copia is briefing him over the next plan he couldn’t help but notice how different Papa is…

There’s something about Copia, he looks perky, the corner of his lips etching more into a smile and his eyes glimmering like a child.

He looks…radiant.

His focus abrupted as Copia slowly pats his shoulder , which made his tail twitches for a moment.

“Come join the dinner tonight si? “

Dewdrop nods, he’s always present during dinner, guarding the door.

“And I mean a seat on the table, caro”

Oh? Oh that made the ghoul tilts his head but he nods with a soft yes anyway. As Copia throws him a soft smile leaving , his tail slowly wags .

————-

Dew’s footsteps has brought him to the dining hall, a familiar spot for him but this time instead of standing guard the ghoul slowly turns the door knob.

He peeks his head in and it is surprisingly bright. The chandelier is on this time instead of just the heat from the fire place, the whole dining hall lit up as if it was Christmas.

Dew steps in carefully, he’s not used to this, his radar tingling as if he is supposed to be wary of something but instead what greets him are his peers, his pack members taking their own spot on the table, chatting idly. Copia and Terzo in their spot at the end of the table, he can see them holding hands tenderly.

“Ah Dew! Please, take your seat. Dinner is about to start.” Copia gestures to him happily.

And it’s the genuine smile that seems to surprise Dewdrop. He slowly takes his spot beside Rain, who had taken off his helmet and let his blue locks drape free on his shoulder.

Odd…is that allowed? Usually, it’s quite the opposite.

He throws Rain a confused look to which the water ghoul replied with a small smile, gesturing to the rest of the table.

Dew turns his head , looking around. They have all taken off their helmets and are chatting. Swiss with his loud laughter and Aether's gold teeth shining through when he chats, he forgot how long has it been since he seen his sideburns even. The ghoulettes with their giggles and teasing one another beside Mountain, who's nodding to them. Dew peeks underneath the table and! Mountain has even took off his shoes!

how odd... He sits straight on the chair, still wary before he looks at Copia.

The fourth Papa smiles at him.

''Go on Dew, you can take it off. It's alright.''

Terzo nods beside him , seemingly content.

Everyone on the table turns their attention to the fire ghoul. He hesitates for a moment before slowly, carefully taking off his helmet. his broken horn grazes the side of the metal clink for a moment before he sets it on the dinner table. His fluffy short red hair ruffles for a moment before he made eye contact with everyone. The light still stings his eyes, it's never been so bright in here, from the chandeliers and...everyone.

''There's that handsome face'' Rain smiles a bit, holding his hand tenderly.

''It's alright Dew, its ok'' The Water ghoul tells him slowly, an ability that Dew still hasn't forget despite now being the opposite element.

''Now, who's hungry?'' Terzo gestures to the butler , nodding at him.

''It's a feast tonight my ghouls, fill yourself up. Make yourself comfortable si?

Tonight, we are family.''

Dewdrop's tail slowly wags again hearing that. Its a word he never thought he would hear it again.

Family.

——————

——-

The short meeting with the other cardinals was done and Copia bids his goodbye to them in the hallway. He’s sporting his usual satin shirt but with a much looser jacket on top, recently Aether notices that Copia has been slightly more casual since the dinner.

Everything feels calmer somehow.

“Well, that went well” Copia turns and was about to make his way back into the hallway but he skids for a moment , his balance falters and he almost let gravity takes his course before the bigger ghoul besides him manage to hold him , right at the abdomen.

“Oh! Thank you that was a close call” Copia holds onto Aether’s arm, patting him.

“You gotta be careful Papa y- …” Aether paused for a moment, hand still on the Fourth Papa’s tummy. He looks at Copia for a moment, his mouth slightly agape that you can see a slither of his fangs.

“Yes?” Copia waits for the ghoul to collect himself.

“Papa you’re…you’re pregnant”.

“I-!! What?” Copia seems shocked but he didn’t retract from Aether’s hold.

After a few more caress just to be sure , Aether let’s go of his hand “yes…you’re pregnant”.

Copia’s eyes widen as a hue of pink forms on his ears. He covers his mouth a bit but Aether can see a crook, a smile forming on his face amidst the papal paint.

“Papa?”

Copia snaps for a moment, shaking his head as if to return to reality.

“Aether I…I must ask you to keep this as a secret…between us si?”

Copia clasps his hands together, his eyes serious as he looks onto the bigger ghoul.

Aether nods “of course, yea”

Hearing this Copia hugs him tightly, to which Aether was surprised. It has been so long since he was hugged by the smaller man.

His tail wags behind him.

———-

It wasn’t a good one, a rainy day on the battlefield as Copia and Terzo hurried back on their horse. They were victorious but with Copia panting, covered in blood that could either be his enemies or his, a hand on his stomach as he makes his way as fast as his horse could gallop back at the clergy. His eyebrows furrowed in while a look of anxiety on his face.

Terzo follows suit behind him, stained with blood as well, the rain didn’t wash away their filth but instead only muddied their paths home. He can practically smell the worry, for he too is anxious.

Once inside the chamber, both Terzo and Aether follow suit, closing the door behind them. The curtains were drawn close.

——-

Aether slowly retracts his hand back from Copia’s stomach.

“The baby is ok , it was quite a blow but he’s alright.”

Copia breath a sigh of relief as he puts down his shirt . Terzo shakes his head for a moment, pressing the bridge of his nose

“I told you to stay home, Copia”

“But I wanted to lead, I have to!” Copia recoils back, wiping his face for a moment.

“Si and look what happened? I can’t risk you being injured Copia. You and the baby” he kneels beside him , looking up into the eyes of the other. “I don’t want to lose any of you…”

Copia smiles a bit before caressing Terzo’s face. “ it’s alright, it’s over and we won si?”

Terzo nods and gives out a sigh of relief before turning his attention to the ghoul.

“Thank you Aether, I would have been worried sick”.

The Quintessence ghoul could only smile and nod. “Just doing my job Papa”.

“How is Lucilla doing ?” Terzo switches the topic. He hasn’t seen his ward for a long time since his Resurrection.

It was Aether’s turn to sigh a bit before slumping down onto the chair, even his tail flips onto the floor.

“We have been trying for a child but Lucilla hasn’t been…well.”

Terzo jolts before turning to him, even Copia is shocked to hear the news.

“What’s wrong?”

Aether takes off his helmet, a look of worry dawned onto him.

“She couldn’t breathe, there’s…something in her lungs”.

He remembered back the night when they return home from another patrol around the abbey, he remembered watching her struggling to breathe to the point where he had to set her down and heal her with his magic , but even a ghoul’s magic could only do so much when used almost to the extent.

He remembered her pale face and the gasping of her voice as if something is clotting inside her . The tears and panic in her eyes as he holds onto her .

It was only 5 minutes but it feels like hours.

“She told me it’s been for months…and she didn’t tell anyone about it.”

It was Terzo’s face that turned pale first amidst the papal paint he looks ghostly as ever before Copia chimed in.

“Have Omega looked into this, how could I let her be on the frontline all this time… I shouldn't have… and please Aether, stay with her. We have won, there won’t be another ride within a few more months. I’ll have another ghoul do the patrolling.” Copia’s voice stern this time, exacting his orders as he used to on the battlefield.

“Please… Aether “ Terzo gulps as he looks at Aether with worried look. His ward, his Lucilla that he had been taking care of , his loyal Sister that even brought him back to life , and now he didn’t even spare her a visit? Does tea time just like how it used to be? What kind of Papa is he?

“Don’t worry Papa, I’ll make sure she’s rested. I’ll update Omega as well.” Aether leans in , patting the former Papa on his shoulder.

At least that is settled , for now he just needs to tell his stubborn wife about this and hopefully she will listen.

—————

Aether slowly opens the door, it’s 10 am and he was just finishing his cup of coffee. He bids the taller ghoul at his door.

“Who is it? “ Chimed Lucilla on their small dining table, she’s facing the window , the sun isn’t shining it’s ray fully yet, hidden amongst the foliage of the trees.

“It’s Omega “ Aether gives way to the bigger ghoul, who’s sheepishly scurrying in with a smile.

“Morning Luci , hopefully I haven’t been disturbing you two” his tail wags lowly.

Lucilla got up from the chair , giving him a hug. “Oh no not at all! What brings you here?” She turns to Aether who had a small smile going on but an air of worry starts to float around him.

“Omega is here for the … thing I’ve told you about”. He sighs a bit, wary.

Lucilla turns from Aether and then back to Omega, with a nervous laugh.

“Oh but I’m fine! I’m fine it’s just a one-time thing…”

Omega at this point has already taken a seat at the edge of the bed, he’s calm and collected with his crescent eyes and smile. “Oh! Then it shouldn’t be a problem, right? It’ll be a quick one I promise.”

Lucilla turns to Aether, her fingers fumbling with herself as Aether nods ‘it’ll be ok’.

With a sigh, Lucilla takes a spot in front of Omega.

“Now uh tell me if it hurts or anything ok?” Omega slowly starts to cup around Lucilla’s left rib, his whole palm enveloping the smaller woman. Lucilla’s tail slowly twitches as she breathes deeply.

The two male ghouls listen, Omega focusing mostly, his left ear twitching ever so slightly before he switches to the right side, the same ear twitching. After a few minutes, he let go, smiling again. “All done!”

“See, it wasn’t anything right?” Lucilla breathes a sigh of relief, turning back to Aether who had relaxed.

“I would recommend you to not use your magic for a while. Just sit back, relax with your hubby for a while yea?” Omega gets up and slowly pats Aether’s shoulder,

A small sign asking him for a moment alone.

Lucilla nods and smiles “will do! Now that we finally have some time.”

“I’m gonna head out for more coffee, anything Luci. Cookies?” Aether peeks out of the doorframe for a moment while Omega follows suit.

“The brownies!” Lucilla chirps in. With an ok sign, Aether slowly closes the door and turns to Omega.

“How bad is it?” The aura of restlessness returns.

“There were a few clots in her lungs. It’s best if she doesn’t use her magic for the time being. Seems like it’s affecting her physically as well.”

Aether sighs his tail twitching nervously. “Can I at least try to heal her? “

Omega nods “ you could, every night try for as long as you can but I worry it might affect you as well. Just…take it easy too ok? I’ll check back again at the end of the month or if things don’t look so good”

“I’m just …let’s try not to call the Big Guy”

It was Omega’s turn to nod “I know…last resort I guess. Anyway, brownies?”

“Ah! Right. Brownies.” He bid the taller ghoul goodbye before making his way to the kitchen.

Omega continues to watch, a small sigh escaped him.

______________

Papa Terzo woke up with his head feeling slightly strained. This is new... a sort of hangover like headache that he rarely went through again after all those years. He turns to his side slowly, greeted by Copia's soft snores buried cosily onto the soft sheet. He smiled a a bit to himself. What a treat...a blessing really. He forgot the time where things were slower, calmer when Copia was still a cardinal and now that moment was brought back to him

He slowly gets off the bed, the curtain still drawn but it was clear from the sound of the birds that it must be at least half past 7 in the morning. He makes his way to the bathroom , clicking on the lights and taking a good look at himself in the mirror. He doesn't look ...as tired as he was anymore, they were some excess paint on his lips possibly from last night and his 5 o'clock shadow slowly creeping in. that ought a needs a shave...but what he noticed is that his horns are slightly smaller somehow as if it had shrunk through the night. Or perhaps throughout the week that he hadn't even realize it. He inspects the scar on his neck, less apparent now, more closely shaded to his skin that the stark white of a thread.

Papa Terzo is looking more alive than ever.

Later that day , after kissing Copia and going about their day Terzo makes his way towards Lucilla's chamber. He's determined this time to at least spent the rest of the day with her. It's been far too long that he had neglected his ward, he wonders if Lucilla doesn't feel dispirited about it. A light knock on the door as he fixes his collar, how far long has it been really? He doesn't need to wait long before a familiar face greets him at the door.

''Sorella'' he smiles sweetly at her before bowing a little. A normal courtesy he kept as a habit.

Lucilla, with a giddy smile hugs him back, her tail wagging excitedly as Terzo wraps his arms around her.

''Oh my cara, did you miss me that bad?'' he chuckles, clearly joking.

Lucilla retreats a bit, wiping her glossy eyes. ''Oh I'm sorry! I- yes i missed you very very much Papa'' she muttered a giggle before making room for him. ''Please come in! what's the occasion?"

The third Papa steps in carefully, he scans around the lively room decorated with flowers and paintings. ''I love what you two did with the place''

Lucilla was about to grab the kettle, to heat it up maybe for a fresh batch of coffee. '' oh it's just stuff i did when im bored''. she chuckles a bit, before coughing. light enough but enough to raise an alarm for Terzo .

''uhm tea?'' she tried smilling through, avoiding the impending question but seeing Terzo's face changes sets her to a small sigh.

He approaches her instead, holding the kettle as he goes to their pantry, filling it up with water before heating it up on the electric stove. Then he moves back to his ward, holding her arms tenderly and settle on the edge of the bed. ''Lucilla, is everything alright?'' .

Lucilla looks down a bit, her stray hair covering her face for a moment before Terzo slowly sweeps it away, feeling her warm skin against his own hand. She takes a few minutes before answering. ''Well, it's been happening for months but I didn't know it was that bad''.

He cups her chin slowly, that old touch that he used to have when he was alive. ''How bad is it cara?''

She looks up at him with tired but scared eyes. ''Blood clots in my lungs, probably why I couldnt breathe properly. Omega said I shouldnt be using magic for the time being. Aether and Omega tried to remain cool about it but I can ...see it in Aether's eyes, he's so scared Papa... so scared that something might...'' She didnt dare to finish up the remaining words, only leaving it to hang in the air.

Terzo wraps his arms around her, pulling her into a hug, it didn't take long for her to melt into him , wrapping her arms around and holding onto his shirt almost for dear life, inhaling in his musk that she so clearly missed all these months. She whimpers slowly, only for Terzo continue to rock her like a child.

''We'll find a way for this si? just like how you did with me. Just like how both Copia and you brought me back, nothing is impossible ok?'' He reassures her, planting a kiss in the middle of her head. He can feel her nodding slowly, afraid to let go.

The kettle whistles in the pantry, prepping his head up. ''I'll tell you what Sorella, let's spend some time here si? I can make you my favorite brew again.''

Lucilla looks up to him with starry eyes. ''just like old times?''

Terzo smiles, his snake eyes pupils gone, only to be replaced with his smokey grey eye. ''Si, just like old times.''

______________________________________________

tw for blood, miscarriage implication

The catacomb is dark and cold, Copia can definitely feel the breeze hitting his bones, causing him to shiver slightly. He approaches slowly only wearing his house slipper this time. He couldn't remember what he was doing before, only dinner with Terzo and perhaps Aether and Lucilla as well? or was it with Dewdrop? He couldn't recall, only that he asked to retreat to his chamber early, feeling usual nausea since he is with child. Slowly he places a hand on his abdomen, now slightly more apparent from the satin shirt he's wearing as if to calm down the baby inside him.

He reaches the center of the catacomb where a statue of Baphomet lies, its eyes ruby red as if watching his move. He waits and waits. Until a familiar voice reaches out to him.

''Copia, you have not been doing your duties.''

It was Primo, the previous Papa. His figure came into view but he is luminescent, transparent, and slightly glowing in red. He doesn't appear angry, but Primo's eyebrows furrowed in.

''But Papa I have! I had conquered the neighboring states and countries. I have spread the words of our Lord for years!''. Copia replied, almost in a yelp.

''But is it enough? Ratto?'' Another Papa came into place glowing in dark green. It was Secondo with his ever-piercing gaze. He always scares Copia somehow, sending more than just a cold breeze to him.

''I- even then - we have lured even the others out and converted many! we build so many of our churches into their land…Please Papa I just…'' Copia pauses, clenching the fabric of his shirt trying to hold back his nerves.

''What if he is not happy with you then hm? what then? You revived my brother and dragged him out of Hell and we expected more of you. We expected that with you and his power that by now you would have taken over the globe!'' Secondo bellows, his voice sending tremors into the old place.

''I'm… working on it'' Copia timidly replies, he looks down to where his belly is, caressing slowly.

''There is something to you…is it not?'' Primo chimed in, getting closer to Copia to which he flinches.

Another familiar voice strikes through his nervousness. A familiar old man in a white glow, the heaving of his breath can still be heard even though he is dead.

''Perhaps you are not the antichrist just like what Seestor told us about'' He snickers, mocking Copia. ''Seestor had drilled the idea into each and every one of us but you, Copia.'' he points with his sharp nails, crooked and stained with dirt.

Copia whimpered, biting his lips. ''Perhaps I never wanted to be! Maybe I just wanted to be myself! I wanted to sing on stage again!'' Copia screams back, which is something he dare not do when the old man was alive.

His answers gained a row of disapproving grunts from the rest of the ghostly men, Nihil especially.

''Your days of singing are over Cardinal! you will do what you are told and -?'' Nihil pauses before he hovers closer to Copia, taking a good look at him before looking down at his stomach, to where his hand is, and then turning back up to Copia.

With a disapproving look.

''Cardinal, you are with child?"

Copia gulps, nodding slowly before Secondo squawks in.

''You?!! How is that possible?'' He hovers closer to Copia as well, looking straight into his eyes only for Copia to look away.

He is panicking, cold sweat starts to form on his papal paint.

''It means that all this time, Copia here has been lying to us ever since he set foot into this church.'' A slow murmur from Primo, he can hear the disappointing sigh from the eldest one.

''Papa please, please do I not deserve my own happiness as well?'' Copia turns to Primo, possibly the only one he can withstand now.

but only for Primo to place a hand on his shoulder, tapping slowly.

''No, we gave you our brother back not to play house with him, Copia. We gave him back to take over the world.''

''How pitiful, all this time you use the power that Satanas gave you for something else. If it was me I would have finished the job!'' The Second Emeritus crosses his arms.

''Maybe you can still learn your lesson, Cardinal'' Nihil chimes, before he slowly retreats.

All of the brothers, slowly retreat floating away from him.

''Wait no- please I can do more! I'll do more I promise just this once let me-!'' He couldn't finish his pleading as he looks down at where the floor is, His pants and shirt soaking wet, wet with blood as he shivered from the coldness and from what is actually going on. Trickles of the dark blood hitting the cold floor.

''No!''

Copia jolts up from the bed, cold sweat and tears drenching his body and the bed. He panics, heavy breathing and holding his face, chest, and tummy.

his yelping and panicking whines woke Terzo up, to which he can slowly see what was wrong. The Third Papa quickly holds Copia's arm as if to stop him from panicking.

''Amore, what's the matter?'' his hoarse voice breaks through only for Copia to turn to him, eyes red as his tears streams down his face.

''The baby- get Omega, please! please I beg you, Terzo!''.

3 am, 10 minutes have passed only for the quiet chamber to be filled with Copia's pleads and cries.

___________________

Terzo slowly lets out a sigh of relief after he closes the door. Omega had left, the two of them in the chamber letting out the worries that they have felt. Copia mostly, he’s slowly caressing his bulging stomach murmuring “you’re alright, thank hell you’re alright”.

“You had us worried Copia…” Terzo paces around the room , slicking back his hair. He admit he was panicking when he ran for the telephone ringing Omega up and trying to console Copia who was hysterically crying.

The baby was fine, just a few jostles and light stirring but Omega reassures them with a smile that he’s still alive, safe and sound inside Copia.

“I was worried that something happened…” Copia murmuring , watching his husband pace, if he had a tail it would be flicking by now.

“Over a dream? Copia you should know better than to trust a dream where my father is in it” He scoffed lightly shaking his head, the word 'father' thrown with spite out of his mouth.

“I woke up thinking that I lost the child and you think I’m over reacting? “

The aura in that room has changed , the familiar suffocating feeling that they always felt every night before the tea party.

“ I didn’t say that you were over reacting, you said it yourself!” He shrugs before slipping back on the bed. “Let’s just get back to sleep”.

“No! No I won’t let you just dismiss me like this Terzo” Copia’s words a little too loud this time, he holds onto the pillow tightly.

“Dis- what else do you want?! What else do you want to talk about then ? That my Father and Brothers aren’t happy with you? That you dreamt that what we were doing wasn’t enough? What is enough to you then Copia? Are you trying to make them happy or yourself happy?”. It is too early for him as he’s not thinking through the words he said. Only the pent-up feelings months ago. “I know what you did to Lucilla , Copia…on that morning” there is no anger this time, only sadness that looms over him.

But that sparked an outrage from Copia as he growls. “You ran off with her! You ran off with your ward!” He stood up , throwing the pillow to the side. “That was your seed! I did what I have to do - I did what’s right for us! For your stupid Emeritus family just because I couldn’t bear one! And now I do…” he pauses , holding onto himself as tears streaming down his face again, he lamented back on the night where he dragged Terzo back to his chamber, another fight broke up, lamps were broken, venom was spewed , he wanted to die that night. He wanted Terzo to snap his neck when he was on the bed , when their supposed mindless sex was supposed to at least become some kind of outlet for all their anger.

He remembered how he woke up in the early morning that day when not even the birds are singing , how he goes into Lucilla's chamber when Aether wasn't around, grabbing her harshly by the arms and pushing his hand on her stomach.

He remembers the warm feeling of his stigmata scarred hand as his papal power works its way through her small body. How she screamed, begged and cried for mercy.

But all he could replied back to poor Lucilla was

''Next time you tried something like this again, your child won't be the only thing gone''.

Oh how he regretted it.

He was waiting for Terzo to stood up and grab him, perhaps pushed him against the wall for saying such things.

But he didn’t, he just remained on the bed, eyes wet and the saddest he has ever been , looking back at him not with the yellow demon eyes anymore but with his mix-matched grey.

There is only sadness and it’s suffocating for the two of them, so Copia went out with the pang of the door vibrating the walls of the hallway.

—————

Sniffling, Copia tried to hold back his tears as he continues walking barefoot in the grass. He lets his legs carry him as his eyebrows furrowed. Through the midst of the night at 3:15 am, not a sound is heard saved from his own feet rustling which brings him to Primo’s tomb. Covered in ivy and dense vegetation, in the morning the flowers bloomed as if decorating the place but now it was as if in slumber, slowly swaying with the night breeze.

Copia falters and sits at the edge of the tomb, his panting seems to wake the cold air around the place as he looks up at the wall where a painting of Papa Primo adorned the space.

Pleading, wet eyes and perhaps begging for some kind of relief from his anxiety he calls out for Primo.

“Please, Papa…I don’t know what to do anymore…”

He sobs slowly, letting the tears drop onto the floor when a warm sensation hits him, almost enveloping him like a blanket. He looks up and was greeted by Primo’s phantom slowly hugging him back. He can feel the other’s weight a little even though he is rather see-through in the dark.

“What’s wrong Toppolino? What aches you so?” Primo’s ghostly hand caress Copia’s cheek, wiping his tears away.

“Papa I- I had a bad dream…you were there and so is Secondo and Nihil and - you said you were disappointed…disappointed that I didn’t do much more than expected…” Copia slowly lets it all out together with his tears.

“How could we toppolino? You did so much more than even the two of us could in our lifetime. We could only watch you proudly” he smiles softly tilting the other��s chin.

Copia sniffles a bit, he finally calms down for a moment feeling Primo's touch. His mind keeps reminding him of the terrible nightmare he had. His hand slowly caressing his tummy.

''I feel like I've lied to you two ever since… I didn't tell you about-''

''About how different you are?'' Another familiar voice chimed in with a green glow. Secondo slowly sits beside him with a grunt as if his knees still hurt like when he was alive.

''We knew how different you are. I could practically smell it on you even''. He snickers a bit. ''Eh, I've had my fair share of different flavors of people. It doesn't make you any less than who you are, Copia.''

Secondo sure doesn't look as angry as he was in his dream. Perhaps it really was just a silly dream after all. He remembers back what happened in the chamber and covers his face with his quivering hands.

''Oh, Terzo! oh, I've been so terrible to him…'' He regrets yelling at him, not just him perhaps...

He regrets letting his anger out of control. Even though that spite and anger is what made him able to conquer half of the world and drag Terzo out of Hell.

but at the cost of blood of course. Not just his.

Primo continues to soothe him slowly while Secondo lays his arms back, propping himself to look up at the ceiling.

''He'll be alright Copia. You're just upset. He gets it. We know our little brother.''

Copia lays his head slowly onto Secondo's shoulder, something he thought he will never do that even Secondo is surprised over it. He wraps his arms around Copia, gently rubbing his shoulder.

''Take care of that little one of yours for us si? we want to see him as well.''

The smaller man nods slowly, finally he smiles a little.

''I really can't wait.''

———-

''Dewdrop? is everything alright?'' Sunshine leans their head, hovering over the smaller ghoul who's sitting down on the floor. He's staring out towards the courtyard watching the flowers.

''Have the flowers...ever bloomed before?'' He keeps his eyes fixated on the colourful bushes, untrimmed yet somehow there is a pathway on the grassy dirt, like some kind of hidden map slowly unearthing itself.

''Hm not that I know of. I haven't been here long.'' Sunshine takes a spot beside him, crossing their legs and watching the courtyard as well.

''I've only been here since the early year? I think.'' They lamented on that, wagging their tail slowly. ''How long have you been here Dew?''.

The fire ghoul sighs slowly, brushing a hand through his short hair.

''A long time? I was here during Terzo's era.''

''Terzo? that long? But I thought the main guitarist was Ifrit right?'' They tilt their head again, watching Dew with curiosity.

The smaller ghoul leans back against the wall, exhaling with a puff.

Right...Sunshine doesn't know about that...well now that they're part of the pack, supposedly it would be alright to tell.

''See uhm, I'm not always a fire ghoul.'' He looks away a bit but the air ghoul managed to catch a glint in Dew's eyes.

a shift in tone, a slight tail tingling from the 'fire' ghoul.

''Were you a water elemental?''

Startled, Dew flinched back at looks at Sunshine straight on before nodding slowly. ''How did you know that?!"

''Well I can kinda guess? it’s s from your aura too, your tail colouring looks different , as if it's hue changes midway. And your horns, they're short as if it stopped midway as well as the -'' Sunshine makes a vague gesture at the broken part of Dew's horn.

''I guess...you've been through a lot''.

Dew nods, the ghoul didn't intend on dropping his whole trauma towards them.

How he was snatched from his chamber by bigger ghouls, and hauled into a ritual room with Sister Imperator and the other older ones. Fed and stuffed charcoal till his whole throat burns and skin crackles with glowing fire, as if flushing out all his previous element. His veins and bones felt like it has been cracked and rearranged into a new form. The pain was unbearable, his screaming deafening.

The worse part is both Terzo and Copia were unaware of it, only till Omega confessed what happened that is, which resulted in Terzo's rampage in Sister Imperator's room, almost burning half of the chamber himself with his own power.

He's always surprised by Terzo, how protective he is towards him.

My Little Droplet, he always calls him.

So it hurts him the most when Sister Imperator tasked him and a few other nameless ghouls in getting rid of the Papas, with him mostly having to handle Terzo.

The look in his Papa's eyes as he administers the poison into his neck. His murmuring of 'I’m sorry' towards him. It ached him so much that he cried so hard that evening to the point of exhausting his own fire, maybe hoping he'll turn back into a water ghoul, or perhaps he should have just drowned himself after what he did to his own Papa.

His own Papa, how cruel has fate been towards him? The only person who looked out for him aside from Copia.

Copia.

His tail flickered a bit remembering the other half of that incident.

Copia had somehow known. Somebody must have told him what happened since he had risen to papalcy. He remembered being confronted by Copia in his full face paint, leather vest and military jacket as dark as the burning charcoal in the fire place, it was uncanny seeing Copia so angry, so seething with rage. He doesn't scream, he doesn't need to. He simply grabbed Dew by his long hair, tugging the luscious locks till he felt like his own scalp would pull apart.

And then came the fire from Copia's own hand, burning and scorching Dew's ivory silver hair till it burned bright.

Bright red and orange like he has now.

He was so scared, so fearful of Copia from that on.

''You didn't even bother to tell me what you have done, for fear of what's going to happen to you?''

Copia's words rang in his head when he nodded, unable to even reply before Copia lets go, grabbing Dew's throat instead and placing enough pressure just to make the ghoul dizzy but awake enough to hear him.

''Then keep it to yourself, unless you want me to help you with it. Not like you need this anyway, no?''

There was madness in Copia's eyes, His white eye glowing bright into his skull. Dew's hands grabbed onto Copia's arms, he was flailing hard as he begged with his own body.

Copia the simply lets him go with a thud against the hard concrete floor. He ran fast, nails scratching the pavement hallway all the way back to his chamber.

Come to think of it, this is the same hallway that he had run through that night. Slowly he looks around at the floor and there it is, his scratch marks that he had left that night.

He did not come out that week until Swiss knocked on the door. Of course he tried to play it cool after Swiss's comment at his hair. But a pack member, no matter how long or soon they are together would always pick up on the small gestures. The ticks and flick of a tail.

Swiss didn't ask about it anymore after that, only casually letting it slide and giving Dewdrop his own time to tell the others over what happened.

He simply didn't tell another soul about it.

''Dew?'' Sunshine had once again snapped him out of his head.

Dewdrop shakes his head and chuckles toward them.

''Meh, it's a boring story. I simply got so bored of being a Water, so bam I'm a fire now.'' He said it with a grin.

''You're always so carefree Dew, I'm so jealous of you.'' They turn back towards the courtyard.

It seems like a storm is slowly approaching. Dew gestures with his tail towards Sunshine, getting up while straightening out his shirt.

''Come on, let's make some hot cocoa inside.''

They left but the scratch marks stayed, covered with the leaves from the wind blowing in the hallway.

______________________

7am

Terzo is walking aimlessly, looking disheveled as he finally reaches the crypt. He's panting hard, legs heaving, and not wanting to move a muscle. His bloodshot eyes now refuse to close as he tries to catch his breath.

He had been searching for Copia for what felt like days since he left their chamber hours ago. Terzo knows he snapped, he let the worse of him through again in what felt like progress for them these days . So he ran out and start to look for Copia.

But to no avail. He sits down on the grass and dirt, murmuring curses only to himself. ''Fucking hell Terzo, how could you lose him?!'' he grunts and grips his knees tight.

''How could you lose them?'' Slowly he looks back up again and in the distant, he sees a silhouette of a familiar man.

Copia looks tired but he's slowly jogs back towards Terzo, who's slowly getting up again the moment he saw him coming. Without a word or two they hugged, tightly.

Terzo planting small kisses on Copia's head while Copia murmuring thousands of apologies towards him. The third papa slowly cups Copia's cheeks, a warm smile appears on his face.

''Im glad you're alright caro, I'm so sorry - I wasn't thinking…those words just flew out'' a sad smile but he is glad , finally finding the other alright.

Copia shakes his head and hugs him tight. ''no no! I'm sorry, I shouldnt have yell at you like that…''

They stayed for a while on the grassy cobblestone in each other's arms, Terzo slowly rocking and cooing him. Copia's hand grazing Terzo's back in a rubbing motion. He thought hard, looking into the ground and feeling Terzo's warmth.

''I have to make amends to Lucilla…I have to fix what I did.'' He murmurs softly but loud enough for Terzo to hear. Terzo nods slowly, content.

''I want to make sure she's ok too…it wouldn't be fair… and Dew! oh Dew… I think it's time for a family dinner again no?''

''The little Droplet? si, he would love it. Remember the last time ? it was good to see his fire back.''

Copia chuckles, remembering the first dinner they had together at the dining hall. How all the ghouls chattered up , Dew grabbing the biggest turkey leg on the table, Sunshine even throwing salad over towards Mountain. As if theyre kids again.

''Lucilla...oh poor cara... I did her so dirty...and she still stood by me.'' Copia's hands clutches onto the fabric of Terzo's shirt tightly.

Terzo could only plant soft kisses onto the other's neck.

''Perhaps later you can go see her no? She won't be mad at you. I can promise you that.''

''Happily caro, happily.''

The sun is shining through the foliage of the trees, beaming soft lights toward the people at the tea party.

Terzo, well the ones without horns that is , is attending towards the guests with a hearty laugh. His brothers, who are alive and spared from Sister's wrath from another universe was also there, Dewdrop shuffling through the small crowd, grabbing a glass of wine with his tail, his hands are full with snacks that he managed to snatch earlier.He's catching up with Rain and the rest, presenting the snacks in front of them like some kind of treasure.

Cardinal copia stands around a few sisters and ghoulettes, most of them cooing and congratulating him , he smiles warmly and giggles before cracking a joke or two. He's wearing a knitted sweater ,in shade of red just like his once favorite red cassock. A small blanket in his arms, cocooned into what looks like a newborn baby, nuzzling and sleeping soundly in the Cardinal's arm.

Papa Copia's familiar voice greets him, to which he turns.

''oh! oh may I see?'' Papa Copia scoots in closer to the Cardinal, to which happily the doppelganger shows him.

''Her name is Camilla''. He smiles warmly, watching the small baby sleeping soundly. Her hair, jet black just like Terzo's but she bears Copia's pointy nose. Her cheeks rosy , almost looking like a porcelain doll. ''Yours?''

The Cardinal then turns to Copia's cocooned bundled of blanket as well, black this time. He's wearing his favourite satin shirt with an adorning smile on his face, slowly he unravels the small soft burrito. A sleeping baby, smaller than the Cardinal's. The baby, with dark brown locks decorating his head, mismatched green and white eyes looking back at the Cardinal with the cutest button nose. The Cardinal smiles in delight, cooing at the small thing.

''This is Raphael.''

#my writing #i think i got possessed again writing this #corrupted arc #but soft copiiia #crockpot au #also yes trans copia #yes ghouls! gouls!#redemption au #with Lucilla!#updated and complete 21/2/2023

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