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marshmallow-phd · 26 days

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A Manor of Shadow and Blood

Genre: Regency Gothic AU

Pairing: EXO x Reader

Summary: A stormy night brought you to the manor in the middle of the woods. Nine strange men occupied its halls. They won’t let you leave. A dangerous secret haunts this estate. Learning it might either be your saving grace or it could lead to the last breath you ever take.

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4

Leaning against the faded brick of the manor inspecting his cuticles was the one you remembered as Baekhyun.

"You've hardly cared in the past," Jongdae said drily. He shifted so subtly and minutely that you would have missed it if you hadn't been looking at him, silently pleading for protection. And, for some reason, he'd given it to you. That small shift was enough for him to come between you and Baekhyuon.

"We haven't had this kind of excitement for a while." Baekhyun leaned to his left so he could see you. "Enjoying the moonlight?"

"That seems to be a normal activity in this place,” you murmured. Jongdae sent a rather pointed look in your direction. The message was clear. Speaking was not wise.

The left corner of Baekhyun's mouth curled upwards. "Mind if I join you?"

"You don't have an errand to run?" Jongdae raised an expectant brow.

A deep, rumbling chuckle slowly escaped from Baekhyun's lips. He leaned forward menacingly. "Already done."

Jongdae released a sigh full of resignation. His gaze moved to you. If protest was to be given, then it had to come from you. But fear kept the two-letter word from passing your lips.

Gathering your skirt in your hands, you said nothing as you passed both of the men and continued on your walk. They quickly fell into step on either side of you. No one spoke, letting the silence become the norm as you took in the manor from a new angle. But it was difficult to focus.

On your right, you could feel Baekhyun's closeness. One inch separated an accidental brush of fingers. The flutter of his loose sleeve continuously caught your attention. A wind had picked up, moving the distracting fabric even more. Giving in to your peripheral, you watched Baekhyun as he stretched his neck from side to side, his grin now gone. The long lithe fingers of his right hand gently massaged the soft skin.

"Are you injured?"

The idiotic question was out before you could think it through. Jongdae, apparently done with the protector role, shook his head with a huff and roll of his eyes. Baekhyun's earlier demeanor returned in force. No longer walking, Baekhyun shifted his body and gradually leaned in.

"Why? Do you want to... take care of me?"

"No," you said sharply, trying to make your voice a cracking whip. It was the wrong approach. His grin grew and something flashed behind his lips. Your eyes refused to leave his own. He came closer. No matter how hard you willed it, your feet refused to move.

"Baekhyun."

At the soft, confident call of his name, Baekhyun backed away, a rather... grumpy expression on his face.

Junmyeon approached the group with his usual authoritative air, hands clasped behind his back and hair somewhat tousled. "Will I have to keep an eye on all of you at all times?" he asked in a very exasperated voice. His gaze narrowed in on Baekhyun. "Don't you have an errand to run?"

Baekhyun straightened, gleefully replying, "Already done."

Junmyeon didn’t waver. "Go find another."

Slackjawed, Baekhyun glanced at Jongdae for a possible retort. When he gave no protest, Baekhyun turned to you, as if you would protest his dismissal. Quite the contrary, you were thankful for it.

Knowing he'd lost, Baekhyun whirled quickly on his boots before stomping away.

"Jongdae," Junmyeon moved in closer. "I'd like to speak to her alone."

Not caring for this sudden dismal towards him, Jongdae shrugged and held the bag of buns out for you.

"No, thank you,” you said bitterly. He was abandoning you to the most terrifying wolf. The food already in your stomach churned and threatened to come up again at the thought of being alone with Junmyeon. What would he do with no witnesses to intervene?

Your acidic response slid right off of Jongdae. Swinging the bag by his side, he walked away without a second thought for you.

"There's still some path around the house,” Junmyeon said, suddenly appearing by your side, his elbow offered out for you. When you didn't accept his elbow, he took possession of your hand and held it hostage in the crook of his arm.

You would be going with him whether you found it agreeable or not.

"I want to apologize for keeping you here," he said rather cooly, as if he were apologetic about missing dinner.

You scoffed at the heartless comment. "The only true apology would be to let me go."

"That was my original intention."

You stopped just before the turn around the corner. With the hold he had on your hand, Junmyeon's steps also came to a halt."You– You were going to let me go?" Your throat constricted. What had happened to snatch your freedom away so quickly? "Then why keep me?"

Junmyeon sighed and forced you to continue the walk. "We took care of you for the days you were sick with fever and realized we've been missing a feminine touch around here. It brings out the better sides of us."

You didn’t believe him for a second. "The better side of you? I hate to see the lesser side."

He leveled his eyes with you, his features hardened like stone. "No one is to touch you."

"Really?" You scoffed. "Should I list the few incidents just in the past twenty-four hours?"

Junmyeon’s eyes flashed. "Sehun has been reprimanded. That won't happen again."

"And Mr. Yixing?"

"Mr. Yixing? What about him?" He blinked, confused.

"He was in my room last night."

"What!" His voice cracked like the lightning before the storm rolled in. You flinched at his severe reaction. Realizing your face was full of fear, he composed himself. His voice came out more gentle. "He will be reprimanded. No one is to go into your room without permission." A frown knitted his brow. "Is that why you fortified the door?"

You swallowed, forgetting that he had tried to enter earlier this evening. "Yes. Yes, it is."

The way he nodded gave you reason to believe that…. Well, that he might actually be listening.

"No one will ever enter your room without permission again," he promised. His leveled gaze made you believe him.

"Even you?" you asked.

His throat visibly constricted, but he didn't argue. "Even me."

As relieved as you were for that promise, you couldn't be entirely ecstatic. "Why keep me here?

The earlier coolness and arrogance of his demeanor had washed away. "I told you. We need a companion."

"We?" You pulled away from him, disgusted. For reasons unknown, he let you slip from his grasp this time. "I'm not something to be passed around for you all to play with."

"Of course not." A ghost of a smile began to cut in the corners of his lips. "You'll choose. In time. Whoever you wish, we are at your disposal. Until then, you’re all our guest."

"That doesn't make any sense,” you pushed. "You're all fine gentlemen." In looks anyway. Manners was an entirely different discussion. "Surely by the end of the season in town, you can all find a suitable wife."

"We... have our reasons," he said slowly. "Your traditional ways aren't suited for us."

"My traditional ways?" What could that possibly mean?

Junmyeon didn’t explain. He merely took your hand and pressed cool lips to your knuckles.

"In time, you will come to see the truth. Until then, no harm will come to you." He turned your hand over and gave another kiss to your wrist. Letting you go, he walked away, his promise still lingering behind.

On the edge of the gardens, a small swing made of a simple plank of wood and two long ropes hung from a mighty tree. It whispered a minute comfort. Not having been on one since your childhood, you were wary of sitting on the sun faded seat, unsure if the fringed ropes would hold your grown woman weight.

There was no governess or wealthy aunt around to warn you of snagging your dress with such unladylike behavior. With cautious movements, you slowly turned and sat on the swing. The ropes didn't snap.

Not wanting to test your luck, you didn't push yourself into full motion. No, you simply kept your toes on the ground, shifting only slightly from side to side.

It was peaceful here, in this tucked away corner between the manor and maze-like hedges of the garden. No one else seemed to be around and that allowed you space to think. This was to be your home for... a longtime, it would appear. The negatives were more than obvious. So much that dwelling on them was pointless. That meant you needed to try and find a good thing in this situation.

Your aunt.

Well, that was easy.

While she wasn't really a terrible human being, having to serve as her companion wasn't pleasant. Every whim of hers had to be met, the truth of your dowry hung over your head. And she could be as demanded as the Queen. Her holiday was not to be your holiday.

And then there was the matter of your future.

It wasn't that you didn't want to get married–you did. But you wanted love, passion. You wanted fire in your blood and yearning that could never be quenched. You wanted to know what it was like to be desperate for another person’s touch. Someone who looked at you with a gaze that sent your heart racing. Perfectly adequate was not what you wanted.

Perfectly adequate was what your aunt was planning for you. Perhaps even less than adequate.

The rustling of nestled branches pulled you from your depressive, lonely thoughts. Kyungsoo had emerged from the garden hedges, his boots crunching to a halt on the rocky path. He stared at you with a horrified expression. The first bit of emotion you'd seen from him and it was accompanied by widened eyes and tightened lips. Was there something wrong with you merely sitting here?

The one called Chanyeol appeared behind him. His gaze was more on the friendly side, something resembling a smile sent over to you. He took a step to start your way, but Kyungsoo grabbed a hold of his sleeve and dragged him away.

"Don't mind Kyungsoo, he avoids us all at one time or another."

Jongdae suddenly chopped from the branches, landing on his feet beside you. Standing from the seat, you glowered at him. "You've come back, have you?"

"If Junmyeon wishes to speak with you alone, then I'll give him that wish." His tone suggested that Junmyeon's wishes were met more like commands.

"Well," you huffed, "then please obey my wish to be alone right now."

Jongdae bowed deeply yet mockingly. He stayed behind, watching as you retreated back into the house.

Shoving the door closed, you leaned back against the wooden barrier that separated the main hall from the outside world. Only a few days ago, you had stumbled through those very doors, desperate for sanctuary. As insane as it sounded, perhaps you were given a bit more of a sanctuary than you had asked for.

With a new resignation, you continued forward until you reached the main parlor on your left.

The room was empty. Signs of recent usage were scattered amongst the furniture. Red stained goblets, chairs pushed away from the card table, a blanket half falling from an armchair. Thin slivers of moonlight broke through the heavy curtains, cutting across the floor like knives shattering the darkness.

You stepped in further, drawn in by the grand piano off in the far left corner. It was so large it took up nearly a fourth of the room. Its black coat shimmered, even with your dull eyes. Someone loved this instrument, that was certain. They kept it polished and tuned. The ivory keys beckoned to create music.

But you didn’t know how. Of all of the lessons to educate you that you latched onto, the piano had not been one. Still….

You jumped at the piercing sound of the plucked cord, a quiet gasp passing your lips. Your finger had pressed down on its own accord. Eyes frantically searched behind you, but none of the men appeared. You brushed your fingers along the keys, astonished by their softness. If only you could play the songs you knew in your heart.

A hand suddenly covered yours. Several keys screeched at your second jump.

Chanyeol didn’t apologize for scaring you or say anything gentle at all. Your mouth went dry in worry as he removed his cool hand from yours. You watched as he rolled the sleeves of his black silk shirt up to his elbows. He didn’t look up at you. He sat down on the bench and began to play.

For a moment, you simply stood and listened. But you needed to be closer. Closer to the music, to the beauty that was being created before you. The remainder of the bench was under you before he could second guess. Your eyes fluttered close as the notes drifted up from the piano and wrapped around you, protective, whispering sweet nothings in your ear like nothing you had heard before. They were a lover, a comfort. You could lose yourself in that melody forever.

The song too soon faded to an end. Your eyes remained closed, desperate to hold on.

“Did you like it?” Chanyeol whispered. His deep voice was so low you almost missed it. All you could do to answer was nod. Coldness touched your cheek. Your eyes snapped open.

Chanyeol was only an inch or so away, his dark eyes staring not at your own gaze, but lower. He ran his tongue over his lips. All you could do was breathe.

You'll choose. In time. Whoever you wish, we are at your disposal.

The fingers against your cheek drifted down and brushed against your collar bone.

In a blink, he was gone, only the ghost of his touch and the echo of the melody left behind.

Your breath quickened in panic. Jumping from the bench, you ran out into the hallway. The barely visible back of Chanyeol was on the edge of darkness.

“Wait!” you called out to him. “Mr. Chanyeol, wait!”

He paused. Then slowly turned around so his face, half covered in shadow, was to you.

“Play it again,” you begged. You wanted to hear more. Needed to hear more. And, he didn’t scare you. Not in this moment. You had been wanting to discover a story for yourself that you had read a thousand times. Perhaps, this could be the beginning.

A shining smile growing on his face, Chanyeol nodded and came back to you for another song.

*****

Chanyeol played for hours, never tiring or stumbling over the keys. Every note came from within himself. He never pulled out a single piece of sheet music. Each time one song ended, he paused only long enough to seek approval from you for another before beginning the next.

For most of the concert, you sat in silent appreciation, but occasionally, you risked speaking to ask about the piece he was currently playing. Nearly all were his own compositions.

"How have you had time to write all of these?" you asked as the newest song came to a close.

His fingers paused on the last keys, elongating the notes in a way that felt out of place. Throughout his playing, he had looked at you to gauge your reactions. But now he kept his eyes on the instrument, his brow furrowed.

"I've had a lot of time," he said quietly. "All the time I could have asked for." He lifted his hand from the keys and stretched his fingers, curling them inward and then back out again.

You laughed light-heartedly." You look hardly eight and twenty,"

"Have you been composing your whole life?" A forced smile pulled tightly at his lips.

"For a very long time."

You frowned at the cryptic answer. But your stomach prevented you from pushing another question onto him. The gurgling sound was soft, but enough to bring your hand to your stomach.

"Oh, that's right," Chanyeol chuckled softly. "I forgot you have to eat."

"Yes, I do that on occasion." The memory of his lack of dinner the other night brewed in your mind. And he said “you have to eat”. Not “we”. Was it merely a slip of the tongue? "Will you show me the kitchen?"

"The kitchen?" he echoed.

You nodded. "Yes. I don't need a full meal. Some bread, cheese, and salted meat would suffice."

"Oh, erm." He stood from the bench somewhat clumsily. "Actually, you stay here and I’ll fetch you some food."

"But-”

He was gone before your tongue could click on the “T”.

"Well, humph." That was abrupt. It wasn’t as if you had asked to see the coffers. You merely asked to go to the kitchen.

Many times at home you had prepared your own midday meal. There were obviously no servants around here. What could be wrong with you entering a measly kitchen? You had half a mind to go try and find it yourself, but... you were hungry. And if you got lost, it could be a decent amount of time before you were able to eat. You could always search another time.

Standing up from the bench, you wandered over to one of the tables still holding a dirty goblet. Remnants of deep red wine stained the inside of the glass.

At first glance, the drying liquid looked like any dry red wine you'd seen a hundred times. But there was something odd about the way it coated the glass. The thick red stain it left behind....

You wiped a finger around the inside and brought the coating closer to your vision. There was a stickiness to it that was different from your previous experiences with spilling the nightly drink. And the color... it was richer, more striking red than a deep purple. A color you had seen time and time again. You pressed the finger to your tongue. And immediately spat the taste out.

Blood.

It was undeniably blood mixed in the wine. What the hell were these men?

"Do you insist on being everywhere?"

You stumbled back from the deep voice, your hand colliding with the goblet. The delicate cup flew off the table towards the hardwood floor. Before it could shatter As a million pieces, a hand snatched hold off the goblet.

Kyungsoo didn't replace the goblet onto the table. He stared at you with a hardened expression. His dark eyes like hickory seemed filled with shadow.

"What are you?" you whispered, your heart beating so fast it was traveling up your throat.

Blood, reflexes, cold breath.

Things that weren't human yet familiar to you anyway. Somewhere in the back crevices of your childhood.

Kyungsoo leaned in, forcing you back until you stumbled into one of the chairs.

"What are we?" he scoffed mockingly. His top lip curled upward, revealing unnaturally long canines. "Figure the monster out for yourself."

Fear charged through you like a prized stallion. You scrambled past him to get away, tripping over the hem of your dress as you fled. Chanyeol reappeared in the entrance, two others by his side and a tray of the exact morsels you had asked for laid out in an intricate picture in his hands. But you didn't pause long enough to appreciate it. You ran from the room, their confusion in your wake.

You ran until you reached the sanctuary of your room. You shoved all you could in front of your door to keep them out, keep them all out.

Reflexes, grace fullness, nighttime.

Blood, cold breath... fangs.

Not human.

Monster.

That was what Kyungsoo had said. Had called himself. You were in a house of monsters. But what kind of monsters?

Gathering the blanket from the floor, you crawled onto the bed and buried yourself under the fabric shield. Immediately, the air grew hot, but still you folded in on yourself, your arms tight around your shoulders. Eyes squeezed shut, you wondered how you ended up here, what you had done to deserve it.

You prayed silent prayers that you make it simply through the night.

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haveanotherkpopblog · 4 years

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The 12 Days of EXO-mas

Pairings: OT11!EXO x You, Surprise! X You

Genre: AU, Angst, Fluff

Rating: PG

Summary: One day. One boy. All leading to a special Christmas.

Day 1- 12/13

--> Santa’s Christmas Cookies

Day 2- 12/14

--> Deck the Cubicles

Day 3- 12/16

--> Angel with Curly Hair

Day 4- 12/17

--> Strangers in the Night

Day 5- 12/18

--> Gardenia’s Secret

Day 6- 12/19

--> Sweet Lullaby

Day 7- 12/20

--> Promise Me

Day 8- 12/21

--> Love of Devotion

Day 9- 12/22

--> My Dearest Love

Day 10- 12/23

--> The Price of Perfection

Day 11- 12/24

--> All I Want for Christmas

Day 12- 12/25

--> Santa Baby

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prettywordsyouleft · 3 years

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A Mere Moment

Prompt: “One day, I shall covet you.” -- @challengingwords prompt #33

Pairing: Do Kyungsoo x female reader

Genre: regency au / drama/ fluff

Warnings: insinuation of murder

Word count: 892

Your cheeks were beginning to hurt. The smile that you were forcing upon your lips was growing tired, your head thumping along with the beat of your heart. He had held your hand now for too long, leaned in too close for your liking and primed you as if he was about to gobble you up.

You disliked the mere concept that as a lady you could do nothing but stand here and listen to the complete drivel coming out of the Lord Barlow’s mouth. You had no interest in marrying just for status.

And yet, that was such of the society you lived within. Your parents, modest as they be, had every intention of marrying you off this summer. You wondered if someone could fall in love in a matter of seconds with how the scent of autumn lingered around the corner.

It wasn’t without a lack of trying. You had gone to every social event on the calendar, and you had danced with many eligible men too. You were just a little too plain. You were capable, kind and gentle enough to become someone’s wife, and yet nothing further enticed anyone to marry you, let alone fall in love.

Perhaps you simply didn’t open up your heart enough, knowing full well you wished for a marriage that didn’t come from convenience.

Much as it would be if you married the man before you.

“You would make a fine third wife,” Lord Barlow breathed, the alcohol on his breath itching your nose up in disgust. You smoothed it down once he pulled back enough to look at you again. “One day, I shall covet you, Y/N. One day very soon.”

“Ownership, my Lord?” you questioned suddenly, surprising the man since you had been rather quiet all this time, aside from timely hums giving no answer in either direction. “Is that how you view marriage?”

“Well, you will become mine once we wed, yes.”

“And that of my freedom?”

He scratched at his head, confused by your question. “You are free to run the house as you see fit. My affairs will remain my own.”

“I see.”

“It’s a fine life, being married to me.”

“And would the first two agree to that?”

You heard a snigger come from a man nearby, his back turned to you. Giving him hardly a second look, you turned back to the other proclaiming you would become his without as so much your father’s permission.

Lord Barlow had become perplexed of your talkative state. “Well, they became ill, you see.”

“Illness. Goodness, that does not bode well, does it?”

“I beg your pardon?!”

“I doubt you’d wish to succumb to such fate also,” a new voice concluded, stepping into your conversation. His voice, rich yet smooth, caused you to blink several times, the man a complete stranger to you when you focused on him.

You were instantly fascinated by his round eyes, now cast upon you entirely. He smirked before pointing his attention at the frazzled Lord before you. “Illness is such a hard thing to endure. Much is that of the back of your hand, or have you let that slip your mind, much as you let it slip onto your last wife when in a drunken fury? Will you perhaps be looking for a fourth wife next summer too?”

You gasped, and with an incoherent grumble from the Lord, he suddenly disappeared, ridding you of the suffocation you had felt all this time.

“How did you… was that even factual?” you questioned in awe, looking at your saviour.

He merely smiled, not answering your question at all. You noticed the burning of his gaze from the altercation and decided that if a mere stranger were to get that worked up, then there must be some truths behind it all.

You curtsied, and he nodded at your gesture. “Thank you. I owe you a grave debt.”

“As long as you won’t end up in a grave, that is all I need, Miss…”

“Y/N,” you told him, smiling brightly. “I’m Y/N. And you are?”

“An Inspector from the city, Do Kyungsoo.”

“That explains why I haven’t seen you around.”

“You’ll be seeing more of me, I’m sure of it,” Kyungsoo mentioned, and before you could ask why, he shifted closer to you. “I’m here to work.”

“Are you working tonight as well?”

Kyungsoo shrugged, his plump lips curling up again. “Why, are you asking me for a dance?”

“No, I was simply asking you-”

“Then what if I ask you for a dance? In payment for saving you from that crooked old man.”

You smiled, slipping your hand into his. “I do owe you, after all.”

“Have you ever wondered how life can change after a mere moment spent with one person?” he asked as he led you out onto the middle of the floor and you glanced up at Kyungsoo, clearly showing you had not. He smiled as he drew your body in close. “They say a heart can grow enough affection for another in a matter of minutes.”

“Do they just? I’m well-read, and I’ve never heard of such a statement.”

“No, but have you felt it before?”

“I can’t say I have.”

Kyungsoo grinned, sweeping you around expertly. “Let’s see if our lives are any different by the end of this dance, Y/N.”

_________________

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sansaurora9904 · 4 years

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Masterlist

Started: 1.10.2020.

Last updated: 14.03.2024.

ATEEZ:

Redamancy In The Querencia ; Woosan Immortality AU

Headcanons:

ATEEZ AS...

Mafia boyfriends

9th member AU:

Heyoon - Wattpad (not being updated anymore)

- Tumblr Masterlist

EXO:

13th Member AU: Choi Iseul MASTERLIST

BTS:

8th Member AU: Jeon Boreum MASTERLIST

STRAY KIDS:

9th Member AU: Kim Jiwoo MASTERLIST

SEVENTEEN:

14th Member AU: Choi Minyoung MASTERLIST

GUIDES:

Kpop OC Guide

Other things: (not mine, credit to the owners)

AU List

240 Words to Describe Someone’s Tone/Voice

How to write pain

100 Words To Describe Someone’s Body

Heaven (Ateez hybrid AU)

Instagram Template

Superpowers

AU Ideas

AUs in A-Z order

Royalty Addressing

Vampire Slang

Werewolf Slang

Turning Shy Guide

Useful Online Writing Resources

Name Meanings: Royalty

Bird Symbolism

Flower Symbolism

Names Meaning Water (Or Related Things)

Juliet Masterlist (9th Member AU)

How to write a kiss scene

Switching up your verbs (part one)

Show, don't tell (II)

Websites for writers

Soft prompts to make you yearn

Showing when writing: Emotions [part 1]

aesthetic words to fill up your vocabulary

hesitant love prompts

my favorite free tools for writers

enemies to lovers midpoint prompts

Trying to make them stay dialogue prompts

Oblivious pining

Physical gestures get me flushed

List of “we just happen to love hate fucking each other” prompts (pt. 2)

affectionate things that makes me fall in love

gestures that gets me on my knees

A List of Prompts

softest love prompts

List of responses after they kiss

gestures that makes me feel love

first kiss prompts

~ THEY'RE DATING ~ RELATIONSHIP PROMPTS

List of “unrequited love but turns out!! it’s actually requited” prompts

gestures between friends to strangers turning into lovers :)

establishing a relationship prompts

~GENTLE PROMPTS~

Sleepy Prompts

List of fluff prompts

soft gestures between friends turning lovers

falling in love prompts

Sparring prompts

🌙 * ― 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐒 ( prompts for the five senses. add [reversed] to reverse the action. feel free to change wording as needed & add details )

List of “idiots in love but are in denial” prompts

pillow thoughts - more sleepy scenarios

enemies to lovers ‘later in their life’ prompts

gentleness action prompts edit/interpret sender/receiver roles as you see fit

@etrnsanshine's ATEEZ Fic Recommends

random sites that are extremely helpful

Smut Headcanon Game

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: High Middle Ages & Renaissance

The Sims 4 Stuff

FAVORITES:

White Love ¦ HJxReader

SVT Hogwarts AU

balance the scales ; aemond targaryen. (m)

SVT Regency AU

SVT Werewolf AU

SVT Fic Recomends - Werewolf AU (hyung line, maknae line)

SVT Fic Recs - Vampire AU (hyung line, maknae line)

DC Fic Recs

DC Fic Recs 2

Ateez Outlaw Mini Series

RE8 Masterlist

The Pentoshi Healer (Daemon Targaryen x F!OC)

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neonun-au · 3 years

Note

hiya mads hehe 1, 3, 15, 18, 23! hope that isn’t too many :) <3

NEVER too many, I love talking lol ❤ thanks Hannah~

1: favorite fic you wrote this year

This is so, so hard. I love a lot of them for a lot of reasons. If I want to go with a FULL fic, I think maybe...’in laudem maleficus’? I really like how that turned out and it was the first like “big” fic I wrote. Apart from that I think I will always have a soft spot for ‘from what i once was’

3: favorite line/scene you wrote this year

Maybe because it’s still quite recent, but I was really cheesed with the back and forth dialogue leading up to the first real kiss in Home is a Feeling lol I thought it was a lot of fun and it still makes me quite happy

15: something you learned this year

Motivation is a falsehood. You cannot rely on it, you really have to build up a habit and that takes a lot of initiative and effort, but it is worth it.

18: current number of wips

10 that I have started and are currently in progress, a lot more that I am still just planning out and working on that need to be written

23: fics you wanted to write but didn’t

So many. I wanted to finish my Into the Woods series, but that doesn’t look as though it will be happening for a while. I wanted to write a cute Halloween fic for Chanyeol from EXO for a while too lol but that never happened. I was working on a mad scientist au with Taeil for a while that I liked, but the collab fell through and since I had so many other things going on, I just scrapped the idea. Same with the Jane Austen-theme Taeil fic--I am heavily updating that idea and changing it a lot so that Regency era romance will remain just a thought and a prayer

There were so many others that were just a fleeting thought, but I can’t even think of what they were anymore haha

#moonbeamsung #hannah #replies #ask game

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yehet-me-up · 4 years

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Writing Tag 📝

Tagged by @yeoldontknow @kyungseokie @ninibears-erigom @xiubaek-13 thank you!! 😄💕🌟I loved reading everyone’s and getting a peek into your writing process/faves!

1. what is your ideal setting for focusing on your writing?

Definitely Panera Bread (a cozy restaurant chain that has the BEST cinnamon bagels and mac & cheese, for anyone not familiar). I’m praying that by next year COVID is to a point where I can write there again. Other than that usually at home at my desk is best for focus.

2. what is your favorite genre to write?

I’m down for anything as long as it has at least a little bit of romance 😂I think on here I’ve written rom coms, sci fi, fantasy, angst, horror, thriller, etc. and I definitely plan to continue being a wide and varied writer but with that constant romance bent, as I am a diehard romance hoe 💕I was thinking about this recently and I think the universal vibe for my work is /longing/ since that’s a reflection on who I am as a person lmaooooo

3. do you prefer to write on paper, or digitally?

Oh my god digitally. I used to have atrocious handwriting as a kid, but it’s gotten better. I have a persistent ache in my wrist/thumb on my dominant hand (i think because of carpal tunnel due to spending five years growing up working at a theater and constantly using my wrist to sweep up popcorn lmao) so I could never be a longhand/paper writer.

4. it’s the middle of the night and you suddenly wake up with an idea. what do you do?

I used to just type it into an email to myself or into the search bar on my phone or on random pieces of paper but now I just have a ‘misc’ google doc that I can pull up on my phone and jot things down. The virgo energy that thrives in my chart is SO happy to have this organized 😂

5. who is your favorite person to write about?

hmmmm I actually had to think about this. I think I’m in the minority here in the fandom since I have only written one (?) story about my ult bias Kim Junmyeon. I’m not sure why that is necessarily but I think it’s since I keep my thoughts about him so close to myself I usually spend my time and creative energy writing for other people??? My favorite person is probably Kyungsoo or Baekhyun. Baek because he’s so !!! I feel like his stories are very fun to write and Soo because he’s a bit quieter/more introverted so the fics I seem to write for him are very internal and full of longing which I vibe with on the daily, so it feels like writing myself almost lmaoooo

6. do you like making your own characters, or do you usually write about real people?

I’d say both? I really enjoy writing my own characters but I also enjoy writing fanfic, since there’s already a universal knowledge of the ‘characters.’ I always write AUs vs. RPF (real person fiction) about the IRL people I’m writing about, so it’s easier to just jump into the idea vs. spending a whole lot of time establishing the appearance/general personality of characters. While writing my book I’ve been dipping back into writing fics since it’s a nice break from having to create every aspect of the world/characters myself, so I’d say I like both equally!

7. have you ever written a book, or a story with more than 15 chapters (or 100k words)?

PLS PRAY FOR ME LMAOOOO god I’m like uhhh at about 85k on my book and just shy of 100k is the target word count for a book in the age group/genre i’m writing for so I’m aaaallllmmooossttt done. Other than that I think EXO mall is over 100k??? it’s not all one series but I sometimes consider it one. Other than that I think if I do end up writing Regency Husbands aka A Truth Universally Acknowledged here on tumblr itself I think that will probably be in the ballpark of 100k since I plotted it out as an entire book lololoollol.

8. how often do you get ideas?

fuckin hell, just - all the time. I have a few fics/books plotted out and I’m dying to get around to them and then I have a ‘misc’ google doc that holds lines, images, snippets of things that I’d love to throw together into a story at some point. I talk about this below, but now that I’m taking on trying to write books/be traditionally published (and since I’m a virgo... rising/mercury/mars/etc. I get VERY stressed by loose ends/unfinished things ughhhgghgh) I’ve had to be really clear/strict with myself when something comes up.

Like is this new thing 1. a fic/book i want to write and 2. do I want to prioritize that over things I’ve planned already. So for now my plan on tumblr is to finish EXO mall and then re-evaluate the overflowing folder of ideas to see what’s next lmaooooo. One thing at a time seems to work best for me so that’s what I try to do, OR possibly see if it’s something I can work into an already in-process fic to try to kill two birds with one stone :)

9. do you ever get an idea that you really like, but just can’t seem to finish?

GOD YES. So many. The EXO x Italian Job series that almost was. The Jongin fae story that was supposed to be a drabble and almost became a friggin book. A lot of the things I did for drabble parties came from snippets of things I planned to write as full on fics and just didn’t feel like I could do it justice.

It’s so hard because I work full time and life is busy and I can only write SO much, so as I’ve gotten more uhh experienced? Idk if that’s the right word, but as I’ve come to know myself better as a writer I get more adept at figuring out which ideas will actually sustain me through an entire series or a 20k+ oneshot and which ones will just be drabbles/brief flashes of an idea but ones that I can’t fully ‘finish’ and explore, if that makes sense?

I’ve come to just enjoy the idea and write a short little thing for it and be done and happy with it vs. spending ages feeling guilty/beating myself up that I just don’t feel like writing that idea. And who knows? Maybe it’s something I’ll come back to later and ‘finish’ but it’s just not the right time!

10. what is your least favorite plot?

Hmmmm I’d say anything with romantic on-the-page abuse (that’s supposed to be romantic??)/dubious consent/verbal humiliation/etc etc. I’ve found a ton of books feature this lately under the guise of an ‘alpha’ male character and I just 🙃it’s not my thing, personally. I am usually still down for like age difference fics (as long as both parties are legal adults ofc), sub/dom vibes in smut, some teasing/jokes etc. but anything with the specific intent to demean/degrade/etc. another person I’m like that gif of the mouse walking in a door and then walking right back out.

11. tag 5 or more people

Tagging @jeonocho @kpopchangedme @jinterlude @yixingminseokjongdae @kpopimagi @strawberrybobohu @simplesanitys @julietsoddeye 🥳

#writing tag!#yisssss I love hearing how people write it's so fascinating

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suhosguardian · 5 years

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Fic Recommendations...🙃

So I don’t know but this may be a little different to normal fic recs? I’m not really sure but I’m just gonna list my favourite writers and my favourite stories from them soooo this might be a really long post but you know what? WHO CARES THESE PEOPLE DESERVE OUR LOVE!!!

@marshmallow-phd aka. my favourite writer on Tumblr - AN ABSOLUTE WRITING GOD, will take you on an emotional rollarcoaster - brilliant, just brilliant. Has so many more brilliant stories but I’m just gonna link my absolute favouritessss.

The Experiments - EXO OT12 - LuckyOne!AU - The best fan fiction I have ever read. Hands down. Nothing will ever compare to this story. I can’t really say much about this story without spoiling it but just WOW. - It was because of this story that Junmyeon became my bias. 🤭 The sequel The Wanderers is just as good, but the Experiments just takes the cake for me.

The Untamed Universe - EXO OT12 - Werewolf!AU - There is a personalised series for 8 out of 12 of the members, and each story is so beautifully constructed and so different from the last which is what makes it so goooodddd. You don’t have to read them in order, but I recommend that you do in order to get the full story. However, my two favourite stories within this Universe are undoubtedly

Fighting Instinct - Jongdae (Part One).

Charming Instruction - Junmyeon (Part Five). This one resonated particularly well with me because the protagonists life goals are almost exactly the same as my own which just made the read so much more enjoyable for me.

The Sins of the Father - EXO - Junmyeon - Mafia!AU My favourite genre to read is MafiaAu’s so this was pretty much my ideal story. Again, the world crafting is brilliant, the use of language amazing. And has a Luhan spinoff that is currently being written. 🙃

Now I’m just gonna list some other favourites.

My Soul to Keep - Demon!AU - Kris - EXO

My Soul to Burn - Demon!AU - Minseok - EXO

Prey in the Knight - Vampire!AU - Kris - EXO

Crimes of the Heart - Vampire!AU - Luhan - EXO

His Heart at Stake - Vampire!AU - Minseok - EXO

His Brightest Star - Mafia!AU - Jaebum - GOT7

@krreader - she has like 1000 masterlists because she has written so much it’s amazing, it also means that I literally can’t pick my favourites.

Diamond Maknae - BTS - The diamond maknae series is brilliant, 8th member of BTS and it also incorporates other groups as well. I highly recommend thissssss!!!!

Like a Butterfly - BTS - Yoongi - NonIdol!AU/ SingleDad!AU - Again I can’t say too much without spoiling it but it is so soft but angsty and it has a really really good ending.

Competition - BTS & GOT7 - Jungkook, Taehyung, Jackson and BamBam. Fluff and angst. 4 boys fighting over a girl. I really love this story.

Now we come to a group of writers I refer to as ‘the New Rat Pack’ (George Clooney Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac and Carl Reiner - literally anyone in Ocean’s Eleven) of Tumblr Writers because they are so freaking amazing you can literally identify their group by the EXO Customs Series because they are all each writing a section of that but just wow. Okay, I’m just gonna list the writers and my all time favourite piece because if I don’t limit myself we will be here forever.

@ninibears-erigom-fics - an actual Queen

Pretty Little Vixen - Jongin - I feel so predictable having that one as my favourite but IT’S JUST WRITTEN SO FREAKING WELL - carshop!au, gang!au, racer!au - smut, angst, violence. (ongoing)

@suhoerections

Sinful Pleasure - demon!Kyungsoo, demon!Chanyeol, demon!Jongdae - SMUT

@kimjongdaely - (her part of EXO Customs; The Art of Sin is fantastic!)

Alluring - EXO OT9 - Mafia!AU & Motorcycle!AU - I dare you to find a happy ending. 😉

@kyungseokie

Dichotomy - Junmyeon and Baekhyun - arrangedmarriage!au -angst, fluff, smut (ongoing)

@kpop---scenarios

Collateral - EXO - Mafia!AU - Violence, Smut (ongoing)

@fairyyeols

The Taste of Gold - Baekhyun - CEO!AU - Fluff - this is one of my all time favourites!!!

Diamond Freckles - the smutty kinda angsty bonus chapter! 😉

@yeoldontknow

Replay - Junmyeon - Superhero!AU, angst, fluff, smut

@mint-yooxgi - AKA THE YANDERE QUEEN

Monster Series - Yandere!AU’s - this series is so creepy but so freaking goooooddddd - my personal favourites within this however are

I Own You - CEO!Baekhyun - Horror, Angst, Smut

You’re Next - SerialKiller!Jongin (this one is actually terrifying tho like I had to sleep with my light on) - Horror, Angst, Semi-Smut

Seal The Deal - Demon!Chanyeol - Angst, Horror, Smut (this one is probably my favourite one)

@baekwell--tart

Angelic - Baekhyun - Fluff

-------

@noona-clock

Untitled - EXO - Junmyeon - he’s a YouTube Travel Vlogger, its just so soft and beautiful. It’s just really happy and I think that is what I like most about it.

Rumors - EXO - Junmyeon - Office!AU

Look After You - SHINEE - Minho - Regency!AU/SingleParent!AU

Which One? - Ji Soo or Joo Hyuk - CoffeeShop!AU

@vampwrrr - you could read through the entire masterlist and not find a dud story.

Haunted House - Junmyeon - hands down one of the fluffiest things I have read and I love it so much - just read it, it’s so beautiful.

End of the World as We Know It - Junmyeon - I guess you could call this an Apocalypse!AU? Maybe? But again sooooo fluffy and is full of Myeon’s bad puns it’s such a great storyyyyy!!!!

@dovechim

the dark side of the moon & all it’s side stories!!! - BTS - Jimin - Werewolf!AU - Smut

catch your death - BTS - Hoseok - Hybrid!AU - Royalty!AU - Smut

@optimizche - another of my all time favourite authors!!! The whole masterlist is brilliant!

The Brat Trilogy - EXO - Sehun and Junmyeon - SMUT - I LOVE THIS TRILOGY SO MUCH

My Answer - EXO - Junmyeon and Kris - Smut, Fluff, Angst (ongoing)

@soobadnoonecanstopher

I Give Up - Baekhyun - Fluff, Smut, ANGST OH LORD THE ANGST -I love this story so much like I have made all my friends read it! 😂(I stand by Chapter 22 being the best chapter, I love it so much.)

2am - Minseok - Romance, Smut, Angst - its kinda happening at the same time as I Give Up I think?

@readyplayerhobi

Run Little Rabbit Trilogy - WolfShifter!Hoseok - Smut, Angst, Fluff

A Court of Curses - VampirePrince!Hoseok - Smut, Fluff, Angst

20 Things (and Counting) I Hades About You - Hades!Jimin - Crack, Angst

I worked on this for 24hrs fkn help. When I said that this would be long I didn’t expect it to be 1000+ words I’m so sorry.... If I’ve missed anyone I’ll add them in when I remember! 🙃 ❤️❤️❤️

#exo #bts #got7 #shinee #suhosguardian #fic rec #fanfic recommendation #fic recs

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biasedwriting · 7 years

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Opera [EXO’s Xiumin, Suho, Kris, and Kyungsoo]

Characters : EXO’s Xiumin || Suho || Kris || Kyungsoo || OC

Regency Au

Rating : PG

Warnings : idk

Aff link

She had arrived in style as most critics do and was led to the box reserved for her. Young Lady Cho was one of the most renouned critics in the field of Opera with her cutting yet accurate criticism and rare praise. Her little box sat at the corner of the theatre facing the magnificent stage. Curtained off from the public in thick red velvet, Lady Cho became Cho Ahra, a young lady with a passion for the Opera.

Her box held a secret though. A little bit of magic she thought as she drew the curtains and settled down on the cushioned wrought iron chair, carefully trying not to tread on the gown that billowed over the floor. The wrought iron table held a kettle of hot water and a box of exotic teas to tickle the lady's fancy. A pretty porcelain tea cup sat on its saucer by the little bowl of sugar cubes.

Nobility had its perks. But what brought her back every single time was...

"You're here." His low voice caressed her ears as his pale skin glowed under the chandelier light. Ahra felt a little uncomfortable under his intense gaze as he took the seat in front of hers. There was not even a little formality in his movements as his eyes only focused on her. They were wide, a wild fire seemed to sprint through them engulfing her in the flames. He had made no movement towards her but she could feel the heat creeping up the back of her neck.

His passionate gaze devoured her every single time. Ahra steeled herself, before clearing her throat.

"Of course I'm here. This is my work sir." They both knew she was lying as the man's plush, heart-shaped lips quirked upwards to form a smirk. His smooth hands reached for the porcelain, running his thumb over its rim.

"Which would you prefer, my lady?" His voice drawled lazily as his other hand fiddled with the tea box almost like he was playing with Ahra herself. There was a strong purposeful sense to each of his moves. Ahra let out a breathe she didn't know she was holding.

"Anything will do." She replied to the stranger who plagued her dreams with his devilish eyes and sinful voice.

He made quite a display of pouring her a tea into the cup, the spoon tinkled against its edges as he stirred, his eyes not leaving her. Ahra was so wrapped up in each of his actions that she completely missed the lights going out and the soft lilting music begining to stream out of the pit.

"It has begun." He mused, snapping Ahra out of her trance as she turned towards the stage set up and ready for the performance.

The lead actress made her way onto the stage as per the many practices, her trained voice resonated through the theatre as the stranger circled around and positioned himself behind Ahra.

"Such passion." He whispered, making Ahra jolt and the tea cup rattle on the saucer as he ran his fingers through the locks of her hair, twirling one and holding it against his cheek.

"What on earth are you doing sir?" Ahra asked as he eyed the skin of her neck exposed by the gown with growing interest. Ahra held back a gasp as his lips caressed the skin. His voice replied, lower than usual.

"Ahra," he whispered hoarsely, " I'm giving into the passion."

***

Miya wiped off the remnants of the make up that had been plastered on her face. The perfomance had gone off well and she had finally spotted her patron and lover sitting in the audience. He had sent a note saying that he would await her after the show and she was rushing through her routine before hearing knocks on the window.

"Joonmyun!" She gasped, opening the door to see her lover smiling brightly at her with a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

"Beautiful, simply beautiful!" He congratulated, pulling her into his arms and twirling her around. She gripped onto his coat as he lead her out, only to have the sky pour down on the two of them. Her umbrella blew out of her hands and rolled into another street. She picked up her soppy skirts to run behind it, but Joonmyun held her back and promised to buy her another one.

Like little children they splish splashed in the rain, their clothes clinging to their skins as Joonmyun finally caught hokd of Miya by the waist and pulled her closer. The two grinned at each other panting.

"How on earth do you have the energy to run after perfoming like that?!" Joonmyun exclaimed with wide eyes. His hair stuck to his forehead and his smile remained bright as ever. His pink lips were slightly parted as breathes came out unevenly, matching Miya's. His eager eyes drank in her beautiful face and half lidded eyes still smiling as he cupped her cheeks. The sound of the rain provided the two enough encouragement to seal their lips together in a heated kiss, grabbing onto each other as tongues tangled and bodies drew closer. It was as spontaneous as the rain.

When the two finally pulled apart, Miya gasped almost like she realized too late.

"We should change out of these clothes and get warm! Or well get sick!"

Joonmyun groaned as the loss of touch but brightened up as soon as an idea struck him.

"I know the perfect way to warm up." He smirked slyly, grabbing hold of her wrist and leading her back home where he closed the door with such finality, everyone knew not to disturb the two.

*** She looked rather entertained by the crowd leaving the theatre, not knowing that her star actress was dancing around in the rain. Qiuyue was the unquestioned head of everything at the theatre although Yifan was supposed to be the actual head.

But as they say, behind every successful man, is a real smart woman covering up his stupidity.

"Not a bad crowd tonight don't you think?" Yifan chuckled behind her, making her jump and shoot him a glare as he caught hold of her hands and grinned.

"You're welcome." She nodded as he pulled her into his sturdy chest.

"For my amazing ability in managing the theatre?" He smirked , earning a whack on the chest as he pressed a kiss on the top of her head. Yifan lead her back into the theatre where they resided in one of its many rooms. His eyes grew dark as he snuggled closer to her pressing another kiss on her temple.

"Yifan!" She laughed, as he hugged her from behind, waddling along with her as she walked down the stone floor, the sound of their feet echoed through the now empty theatre as she finally unlocked the door.

"We should be celebrating~" he nuzzled her ear, wrapping one arm around her waist while trailing kisses down the side of her neck, nibbling on the flesh. Qiuyue's head rolled back slightly as a quick breath left her lips in the form of a gasp. She quickly spun around in Yifan's arms only to have him tower over her and press her against the door frame. His eyes darkened with desire as Qiuyue balked ever so slightly.

Yifan may be a silly man, but whenever he gave Qiuyue this look, she knew he was serious. So when he caressed her face and captured her lips in a messy kiss, she simply melted into it.

Because celebrating is a serious business.

***

Dambi didn't expect it to start raining when she boarded the carriage with Minseok. The two sat in silence as she gulped internally. The horses hoofs were louder than she wished, but she was glad for it as it covered up her heartbreat. She was leaving for Paris by ship and wouldn't return for months. Minseok was rather upset with the news, knowing this was the last night he got to spend with her before she got shipped off to her auntie's.

"Do you have to go?" He whispered wondering if taking her to the opera as one final "special" day was a good idea. Dambi looked down and away as Minseok's fingers travelled over the seat to grab hold of her's.

The rain beat down on the carriage as it rolled its way down the street. The inhabitants remained silent even though their hands held each other's tightly.

"I have to."

"I don't want you to."

"I know you don't want me to go Minseok, but there is no choice in this matter." Dambi looked at his sadded eyes.

"I'll miss you." He mumbled.

"Tell me something I don't know." Dambi grumbled as he chuckled.

"I'll miss your smart mouth," He said, running his thumb over her knuckles "I'll miss touching you like this," he continued, running his fingers up her arms. "And I'll definitely miss doing this..."

"What?" Dambi blinked as Minseok's soft lips descended on hers, his hands trailing up to cup her cheeks as he tilted his head in an attempt to deepen it. He pressed further when he felt her grip at his overcoat, responding fervently as he pressed her up against the stained window, his hands trailing down her body, trying to commit everything to his memory as their tongues danced in fierce battle.

The windows fogged up and the rain seemed incessant. The carriage crunched over the gravelled roads closer towards its destination. It's inhabitants completely consumed in their desirous passion, knowing they will not feel each other for a long time.

The Opera House watched over everything and everybody as it always did.

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chenshine · 7 years

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forsaking propriety

Pairing: girl!Kyungsoo/Jongin Rating: NC-17 Word Count: 29,775

Author: unknown in do-itall

“Regardless of that matter,” he said as if it was nothing, “I wish to take you as a most willing wife although if it comes to it then I shall have to remind you that you have been compromised.”

my thoughts: regency!au, which is basically England in the early 1800s. i really, really enjoyed this fic set in that time. i really think the author did a great job at capturing the time period. the delivery of the language made the fic an enjoyable read. i want more regency!au fics now, i hope this author will consider writing more. i especially loved the characterization of kyungsoo. and to have genderbent!exo, ayyy it was the cherry on top!

do-itall is another fic fest dedicated to kyungsoo pairings! (like sooheaven, also one of my favs) check them out!! (like i've been for sesoo, baeksoo, and kaisoo duh)

(x)

#kaisoo #genderbend exo #genderbend #kadi #kyungsoo #do itall #doitall #forsakingpropriety #exo fic rec #chenshinereads #regency au

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marshmallow-phd · 2 months

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A Manor of Shadow and Blood

Genre: Regency Gothic AU

Pairing: EXO x Reader

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4

The wind whistled against the windows like a hallowing scream. You tossed and turned, desperate to fall asleep. The first few nights had been somewhat peaceful, due to the fever having a complete hold over you. To fight it off, your body had kept you in a deep sleep, only broken by bouts of blurry consciousness.

But now… every noise made your eyelids snap open and your heart jump in pace. This unfamiliar place was full of shadows and secrets. Secrets that revolved around the men keeping you here.

Releasing a long sigh, you stared up at the canopy, the newly formed indentions in the knife floating in your mind. They weren’t there before, you were sure of that. You had used that knife to cut the chicken and it was in perfect condition. No human could bend the metal like that.

And then there was the speed at which Yixing caught your wrist.

You sat up with haste. Sleep was not going to come to you tonight. You groaned and rubbed your face with your fingers. The room slowly came into view as your eyes adjusted to the dim moonlight. You had opened the curtain before slipping into bed so you could watch the moon rise into the sky. Looking around the room, you searched for an answer on how to get yourself to sleep. There wasn’t much in this grand room. Simply a bed, a wardrobe, a dresser, the chair–

Wait.

Pushing the blanket off of your legs, you crawled across the mattress towards the chair. The shape didn’t seem right. Six legs instead of four. An extra shape in the outline.

“You should go to sleep.”

A high pitched scream ripped at your throat until a cold hand covered your mouth, cutting off the sound. Now fully bathed in the blue moonlight, you could make out the sharp features of Yixing’s face.

You shoved his arm away to free your lips. “What do you think you are doing in my room?” No gentleman would dare enter a lady’s room like this. Unless– gumption gone, you swallowed thickly. Was the reason you were trapped here finally coming to fruition?

The corner of Yixing’s mouth twitched upwards. He slinked forward like a cat cornering a mouse until his arms trapped you against the mattress, a hand on either side of your hip. Only your elbows kept you from being flat on your back, even more vulnerable.

“You’re a noisy sleeper,” he purred, his eyes flashing. “It's… distracting.”

You scoffed. None of their rooms were near yours. You were sure that all the ones around you were empty. He shouldn’t have been able to hear your tossing and turning. “Distracting?”

He hummed. His right hand lifted from the bed and reached out towards your face. You flinched at the motion, making him freeze.

But only for a moment.

The hovering fingers soon resumed their path. He didn’t make contact with your cheek, however. Instead, his fingers traced the outline of your collarbone. Down one slope and up the other. You trembled at the contact. His smirked only deepend. His fingers moved on to your shoulder, the too loose neckline of the nightgown nearly falling off.

You should slap him away, scream at him to leave, but you were too petrified to do so.

At least, you thought that was what stopped you. The coldness of his fingers moved up the curve of your neck, the tips pausing on the pulsing vein. His thumb caressed the edge of your jaw.

“Go to sleep.”

And like that, he disappeared into the night like smoke from a dying ember.

You didn’t hear or see the door open or close, but you knew you were alone now.

And you were furious.

How dare he come here! How dare he–

Your feet hit the floor, heavy and without a care of being heard. Sleep, in protest of that madman’s orders, would now be impossible. Anger and frustration at your situation fueled something new within you.

You weren’t sure what it was or what it would lead to, but you followed it without question. Donning soft slippers and a thicker slip dress, you found a candle in the top drawer, along with a few matches and a holder. You lit the candle and left your room.

Out. You needed to find a way out. Perhaps if you could get ahold of a piece of paper and a pen then you could write–

But how would you get it to someone who could take it to your family?

This place–somewhere in its halls or dusty room–had to hold the key. Something here had to be your savior, something to make this hope not without merit.

You pinched the candleholder tightly in your hand. The tiny flame danced before your eyes, occasionally catching your attention away from where you were going. All of your senses were heightened, on the lookout for the next corner’s surprise. If one of them was awake at this hour, then more could be as well. Running into one of them could be detrimental–or a possibility for answers. Perhaps if you could get one of the others, one of the less… frightful ones, you might be able to plead for help. One surely would take pity on you.

Or they would simply take advantage of the isolation.

Though that fear lingered in the back of your mind, you kept on your quiet steps.

There wasn’t much you could see with the light of the candle. The floors, like your room, were of wood boards somewhat taken care of. Portraits and landscapes hung on the walls, but their colors had faded, no longer holding the joy of life they once had captured.

Taking a left at a fork in the hall, you came to a large door that didn’t open like the others. It slid sideways on wheels like a ladder against tall bookshelves. As carefully as you could, you pushed the door open and glanced inside.

The room was just a simple parlor, with an unlit fireplace and several stuffed chairs accompanied by small side tables. Most likely an unused smoke room for the gentlemen to disappear to after dinner.

Across the room was another door, though this one seemed to be the normal kind that swung on hinges. On the other side was probably another hallway. A connecting room like this could be useful as a quick getaway, should the need arise. You mentally noted its existence and stepped inside, slowly sliding the door closed behind you. With a deep breath, you started for the other door.

“I don’t recall you being given free reign of the manor.”

You nearly dropped the candle from the unexpected voice. Careless! You should have inspected the room closer and then you would have seen Sehun clearly leaning back in one of the chairs, fully facing you. His expression was a friendly one, but rather one of deep irritation. It would seem you interrupted… something. Or maybe your mere existence was enough to annoy him.

“I wasn’t explicitly told to stay in my room,” you argued, though not in a particularly strong voice. “Is there something wrong with me walking about?”

Sehun stood from the chair with inhuman grace. You had never seen someone move so smoothly, without fault or twitch. He had complete control of his lithe limbs and tall stature. Gangly would never apply to him. His steps were noiseless as he sauntered closer, stopping a foot or two away.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he snarled. “It’s stupid to roam where you shouldn’t be.”

“Stupid?” It was one thing for you to scold yourself in your private thoughts, but you would not be insulted this way. “If I am so unwelcomed in this room then you can simply ask for me to leave.” You raised an eyebrow in challenge, hoping that would cover the pounding of your fearful heart.

He didn’t appear to notice. His jaw shifted left to right, but no words left his lips.

“Well, then.” You took your eyes away from him and started for the other door, holding on to that tiny bit of triumph.

An arm as strong as an iron bar flashed before you, blocking your way and refusing to move. Sehun’s palm was spread along the faded green pain of the wall. You shoved and pushed at the barrier, but nothing even made him flinch. He encroached, leaving behind any sense of personal space, much like Yixing just an hour before. He loomed over you, his upper lip curling into a mixture of a snarl and smirk.

“That bravery is a mistake,” he hissed. You pressed your back against the wall and brought the candle close to you as if that tiny flame was enough to keep him at bay.

Which was exactly the reaction he wanted. A sly, wicked smirk fully took over.

Pursing his lips, he blew once, snuffing out the flame. For a few seconds, you were absolutely blind in the sudden darkness. Sehun was invisible to you, despite his closeness. However, you could feel his breath against your chin. It was cold, like a winter’s breeze. It should have been warm. Human breathes were warm.

That chilling breath grew closer. It traveled from your nose to your cheek and then to your hair, ruffling the strands against your ear. Something nudged against your temple. He took a long, deep breath. His nose. Was he… smelling you?

Your eyes began to adjust to the darkness, absorbing any bits of moonlight that broke through the heavy curtains hanging from the short windows above your head. All you could see of Sehun was the slope of his shoulder and the outline of his hair.

His head snapped up, making you squeak. But he didn’t acknowledge the jump, his eyes turned towards the hallway you had entered from. A low hiss vibrated in his chest. You could nearly feel it in your own. He glanced at you once, his eyes shining unnaturally in the dark. Then, he ran from the room at a speed no man should possess.

You ran back to your room, the candle still gripped tightly by your side. Panic gripped you so completely that you passed the door to your sanctuary the first time. Once inside, you desperately searched for a way to lock the door. There was none. Alright. Fine. You would barricade the door then.

Huffing shallow breaths, you pulled and pushed the armchair so it acted like a weight against the door. It might not be heavy enough to keep it shut forever, but at least entering would be a struggle. You had tried the more fortifying dresser first, but it had refused to shift even a centimeter. The chair was the best you could do.

Ripping the blanket off of the bed, you draped the heavy fabric over your shoulders and sat down on the floor under the window. Your gaze stayed trained on the door, ears straining for the slightest sound to alert you for whoever came for you next. Sehun's cold breath still lingered against your skin. You rubbed at your cheek to try and make it go away. So close. He'd been so close.

And Yixing. That was why you couldn't be on the bed. Not tonight. Maybe not tomorrow. Or even the night after that. It was tainted. You shivered at the memory of his closeness and pulled the blanket in closer. That one long cloth was now your shield, your protection. The object that kept you safe. In your mind, at least. In truth, it would be ripped away from you as easily as water slipping through your fingers. But the thought was enough.

You tucked your chin in between the folds and kept watching the door. Soon, the night would get lighter. Already, the darkness didn't seem as strong.

How long until one of them came? Until someone tried to push their way inside? You hoped it would be a long time. Even hoped that they would forget about you and you could find a way to make it out, survive the forest, and see your family again. The odds weren't in your favor, but that hope was a life line.

As the moonlight shifted, your eyes grew heavy. It was a battle to keep them open. Each time they fluttered closed, you lost ground. Sleep that had eluded you so easily before now came back to reclaim its time. The door blurred before you and then sleep claimed its victory.

Tap, tap, tap.

Your eyes blinked open. It was still night. Or, perhaps, it was night again. This darkness felt new. The beginning of a fresh night.

Tap, tap.

You looked up at the window above your head.

Tap, tap, tap.

Little black dots hit the window before disappearing out of view. You frowned and pushed up off the floor, the protective blanket falling to the floor. Still emerging from sleep, your eyes took a moment to bring the scene into focus. At first, you merely saw a blur amongst the grass.

Then, it took shape.

You groaned. Jongdae was waving at you to come down.

You shook your head furiously. Safety was in here. And... though he didn’t feel quite as dangerous as the others, he still made you weary. The memories of Sehun and Yixing were still burnt freshly into your mind.

At your refusal, he visibly sighed. In his other hand hung a small cloth bag. He pulled a small bun from the bag and held it up to you. Your stomach grumbled and gurgled in response. It looked… nice. You could almost smell the bread's delectable scent. Were you really going to give in to food?

You needed an ally, you told yourself. He was different from the others. How much you weren't sure, but perhaps you could use that. If you could make him sympathetic to you–

Mind made up, you turned from the wind and changed into more appropriate clothing. This time, you heeded Jongdae's advice and kept your hair down to cover your neck. It felt highly improper, like a hundred governesses would appear from nowhere to scold you for being so scandalous. But you shoved the invisible tsking women away and moved the chair just enough to exit into the hallway.

It took some time to find your way outside. Jongdae now waited for you with his back against a lone tree that looked to be one more winter away from death.

"I'll note that food is a way to entice you out."

You glared at him. "Did you have a reason for standing under my window instead of knocking on the door like a normal person?"

"Junmyeon had tried to bring you breakfast around sunrise," he said as he inspected the perfectly browned bun still in his hand. "He couldn't get in, though."

"I blocked the door," you explained casually.

Jongdae raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by some measure. “Quick learner."

"After some… events last night, precaution was necessary."

"Yixing has restraint." He pushed off the tree and held the bun out to you. "You were lucky that Sehun was called off of you, though. His self-control is... lacking."

You gaped at him, heat rising fiercely in your cheeks. "How did you–”

“Know?" he smirked. "Secrets don't exist here. Best you learn that quickly."

You narrowed your gaze at him. "No secrets?"

Seeing right through you, he laughed, leaning forward and close to your face. "From us. Not for you."

The pure arrogance in that reply. "That hardly seems fair."

"That's life,” He shrugged. Looking around for nothing in particular, he said, “Let's take a walk."

The roll broke easily against your teeth. You chewed on the bite, resisting the urge to moan at its delicious flavor. The inside was still soft and fresh. Finally swallowing, you refused him a single step. "Why?"

"You've been sleeping on a hard floor all day,” he said pointedly. You didn’t want to think about how he possibly knew that. "You need to move." For an extra enticement, he held up the linen bag. More where that came from, he said without speaking.

The bun in your hand, though all of its warmth was gone, was like heaven in your stomach. But it certainly wouldn't be enough. "Fine."

You followed him alongside the house, not bothering to speak so you could continue eating. The last of the orange glow of day disappeared into the horizon far ahead of you. Yes, you had really slept for all those sunlit hours. Once again, night, it would seem, was to be your day. Chewing on the last bit of bun, you held your hand for the next morsel.

"We’re greedy this evening," Jongdae chuckled.

"Did you think I came for your company?" You couldn’t help but give a spiteful response.

Not offended in the slightest, he threw you a rather despicable smile. "Better my company then one of the others."

Though you agreed, you refused to do so aloud. "Are you that different from them?"

He didn't answer. Staring ahead, he reached into the bag and pulled out another bun, holding it out for you.

"Is this to keep me from asking more questions?"

You managed to make him chuckle. "No. Just to keep you occupied while I answer the last one."

Too curious, you accepted the bun and took a bite. Jongdae sighed and clasped his hands behind his back, the now nearly empty bag dangling from his fingertips. "We're all different from each other. I'm not more different from them. Though I am better than the others at controlling myself."

Your steps faltered. "Controlling yourself?"

He nodded. As you passed under another tree, he reached out and swing up into the branches without exerting effort, sitting on a branch well out of your own reach.

"What are you? All of you,” you asked in a breathy gasp. All they were capable of doing was adding up, but logic told you repeatedly it was impossible. You wanted to try and rationalize it, even try to convince yourself that you were still sick with fever. But this was all too real to be a mere hallucination. What it all meant, however, you couldn’t understand.

Hands grasped around two of the branches, he leaned forward and closed the gap between you. "You seem moderately intelligent. I'm sure you can discover the answer on your own."

"As flattering as that is," you huffed through clenched teeth, "if the answer means danger then you should be the man to tell me."

"If?" Jongdae laughed, as if he had read your mind. He jumped from the tree, flattening the bits of hair that had fallen out of place with his fingers. Despite playing in the tree like a child, he looked ever so the gentleman.

"’If' is a fantasy.” He glanced behind you. Scared, you followed his gaze, but there was no one there. When you turned back around, you gasped. His nose was mere centimeters from yours. "It does mean danger. You need to keep your eyes and ears open. Happy or not, you are here for a long while and no one is coming for you.''

You swallowed back tears as his words planted firmly in your heart. Now, you truly accepted it. No running, no escape. You were at their mercy. Whatever they were. And though Jongdae gave the impression that he was on your side, his help was firmly limited. Food and company, that was all he was good for.

Walking once again, you solemnly finished the last bit of bun as Jongdae kept pace. When the second helping of bread ran out, you chewed on your next few words. If you were here for the foreseeable future, you might as well know this land’s history.

"Who’s house is this?"

"Hm?" Jongdae had been lost in thoughts of his own, it appeared. He blinked himself back to the present conversation. "Oh. The manor is Kyungsoo's."

"Kyungsoo's?" you repeated. Odd. The answer you had been expecting was the obvious: Junmyeon. He seemed to be the one everyone looked to for answers or leadership. His word was law, yet this land did not fall to him. Kyungsoo, on the other hand, felt too... isolated, cut away to be the rightful owner of this grand place. The few lords you had met before all possessed the same self-awareness and high opinion of themselves. Kyungsoo didn’t give the appearance that he cared about either.

"Yes,” Jongdae nodded, his previous teasing gone now. “He inherited it from his father. The family used to own as much land as the eye could see. But his father was a gambler. Terrible at cards, wonderful at losing. They had to sell the land to keep the debtors at bay. Now, all that is left is this manor and a bit of the surrounding land, but no tenants. The glory of the family is now reduced to this.”

You listened to the story with careful respect. It was one sadly more common among the nobility then they wished to admit. Land was constantly switching family names, sometimes it was difficult to keep track. A small fear you had was accidentally reminding a high nobility of their careless ancestor. "What's his family name?"

"Jongdae! Here's where you disappeared off to."

Your stroll in the moonlight stuttered to a halt.

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marshmallow-phd · 2 months

Text

A Manor of Shadow and Blood

Genre: Regency Gothic AU

Pairing: EXO x Reader

Summary: A stormy night brought you to the manor in the middle of the woods. Nine strange men occupied its halls. They won't let you leave. A dangerous secret haunts this estate. Learning it might either be your saving grace or it could lead to the last breath you ever take.

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4

The fever took over almost as soon as you left the bathroom. Your feet had become heavier, like lead refusing to be moved. Your vision went black before you made it to the bed. Consciousness came and went, images you weren't sure were real or not blurred your vision. A man wiped your forehead with a cloth. Another fed you salty broth. Two more held you upright as someone changed the sweat-soaked pillowcase. The last image you remember was the lingering presence of someone near the doorway. All you could register was his short black hair and white tunic. He turned from the bed and walked out of the room as you fell back asleep.

*****

A long groan rumbled your throat as your eyes blinked open. The fever that had consumed your body was gone. Your rough tongue scraped the roof of a mouth desperate for moisture. Every limb was sore from not being used. A small pain still pushed at your head, but it was bearable. Only a small measure of light broke the edges of the curtain. It was either barely dawn or the very end of twilight.

"It would seem you're past the worst of it."

You gasped at the unexpected voice. Junmyeon emerged from the shadows and stood at the edge of the bed. He tilted his head, the upper half of his face still cloaked in the darkness.

"I was sick," you stated to no one in particular. Perhaps in mere confirmation for yourself.

Junmyeon nodded. "You had a fever for two days".

"Two days!" you gasped. You were supposed to arrive to your aunt today. If you didn't show–

An echoing thud interrupted your thoughts. You sat up slowly, groaning at the protest of your arms and torso. Junmyeon kicked the familiar chest on the floor again. Excitement pushed away all remaining consequences of the fever. It was your trunk with all your things. Soon, you could be on your way again, with a harrowing tale for your worried relative.

"We found it this morning," he explained. "Along with the driver."

Your heart leapt. "He's–"

"Dead. Probably broke his neck from the fall." His voice was void of empathy. Death–at least the kind not directly in contact with himself–did not affect him. "The carriage isn't salvageable. and the roads are still practically swamps.”

Each breath you took in came faster and faster, more shallow than the last. How could the roads still be unfit for travel? The room began to tilt. "So, what does that mean for me?" Perhaps you would have to wait for a replacement carriage or for your aunt to come get you herself.

He looked to the door with a resigned expression. "You will stay here until we deem fit."

"What!" You scrambled out of the bed. Your knees buckled as soon you feet touched the rug. Going so long without proper nutrition and being sick with fever left you weak. Junmyan caught before you could be injured, sweeping you up into his arms. A mild shiver chattered your teeth. Through your thin nightgown you could feel the icy chill of his fingers. How one's skin could be the temperature of snow, you didn't know.

He laid you back down on the bed with a rather smug expression. "Traveling isn't in your best interest. You need to regain your strength."

You swallowed thickly. "And after that?"

The only answer you received was a smile.

"You can't keep me here!"

"Eat," he ordered, gesturing to the small table in the corner. A silver tray with fresh morsels sat and waited to be consumed. "You're free to roam the manor as you choose, but remember: there is nothing for miles, not even an inn. You'll meet a hungry wolf before coming across another human." He bowed as if he were a gentleman and left you alone to accept your circumstances.

*****

A small amount of strength returned to you after eating. Although fasting in protest could have been effective, you pathetically couldn't resist. Food had always been a favorite weakness of yours.

The next form of protest you tried was keeping to your room. But after a few hours of not a footstep outside, you concluded self-confinement was only useful if someone noticed.

From your trunk you pulled one of the more plain dresses that had been packed for you. It wasn't too difficult to dress yourself. The true trouble came for your hair. Despite being in bed for several days, no knots caused you pain. That, however, was the extent of your talent. Charlotte, your maid, had been the one to curl and pin your hair in the latest fashions. The best you could do was tie it back with a plain blue ribbon. Squaring your shoulders, you yanked the door open with force and shelled out of the room.

Up and down the different halls, you tried to make sense of the layout. This manor expanded in nearly every direction. You went upstairs and down again, unsure of where you were. The bit of light that managed to fight past the thick curtains that hung in front of every window grew in strength. But though the day grew older, you saw none of the residents. No sound alerted you to any being close. It gave you an eerie feeling. It was as if you were alone but an ever lingering presence haunted every corner.

You took another random left turn. And stopped.

The front door was just on the other side of this hall. You scanned the area around you. Your ears strained to hear anyone that could possibly be near. Not even a bird sang outside. You took a step. Then another. And another. One at a time, you paused between each step, waiting for one of the lords to suddenly appear and drag you back to your room.

Huh. Your room. As if your stay here would be forever permanent. You prayed that they would soon grow bored of you and send you on your way. All this could be was a terrible joke because they had no other way to occupy their time.

You'd reached the door. Possible freedom lied on the other side. Yet, your fingers hovered above the handle. Junmyeon's warning waded through your mind like a morning fog. Nothing for miles. Surely if that was true, the driver would have stopped rather than continue on in the storm.

And then there were the wolves. You knew of their existence. And how a human could be just as satisfactory as elk if they thought they could overpower whoever they came across. To them, you would certainly make easy prey.

"Doors only move when one opens them."

With a shrill gasp, you whirled around and pressed your back against the door. The one who drew your bath last night–Jongdae–was leaning against the entrance to the side parlor. He stared at you with a bored expression, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Where did you come from?" you demanded. You had looked in the parlor as you passed. No one was in there.

He waved an uncaring hand in the air. "Around. I heard you walking and when it stopped, I came to see why.”

"You heard me walking?" You'd put slippers on before leaving the room since your boots were still caked with mud. You could hardly hear your own steps against the wood boards.

Jongdae merely raised an eyebrow, refusing to explain. You huffed. The previous fright in you disappeared. Pushing off of the door, you shuffle past him and into the parlor. Your feet were beginning to pulse after walking around for hours. You sat in one of the cushioned chairs to give them some relief.

Before you could blink, Jongdae was seated in the chair across from you.

"How did you do that?”

Smug, he leaned back in his seat, crossing one leg over the other. "Would you like a tour?"

"Not if you refuse to answer my questions," you scoffed.

The corners of his lips curled upward. "I think it might be better if you figure it out for yourself. Over time."

That earned another huff. You especially disliked the insinuation that you would be here for a long while. Hope still flickered in you like a warm ember, desperate for fuel.

Jongdae stared at you quizzically. "Why didn’t you run?”

"Because, there isn't anywhere to run to," you answered quietly. You were lucky to make it here in the first place. Regardless if you were imprisoned or not, you were thankful to be alive.

Still eyeing you with that studious share, he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his thighs. "Is there another reason you don't want to leave?"

You swallowed thickly. It was impossible for him to read your thoughts. He couldn't possibly know that something else held you back. "It's safe here–”

"We both know this place isn't safe for you," he snapped. "Your instinct should be to run as far as you can.”

"B-but the wolves..." your voice trailed off, overshadowed by the thumping of your heart.

"The wolves are nothing compared to here." He stood and all seriousness melted away as he stretched his limbs. "Or maybe they aren't. Perhaps that simply depends on you." You flinched as he reached for you. He didn't pause and his fingers passed your face, instead pulling at the ribbon in your hair until it came loose and dropped the fabric in your lap. "I wouldn't wear your hair like that.

You frowned at him. The men here weren't exactly the epitome of current style. "Why?"

“Keep pulling it back like that and you'll have your answer." He dared to wink at you before strolling from the parlor.

It took a little while to find your room again. Part of you wondered if you should have accepted Jongdae's offer of a tour. Another part stubbornly insisted you would find your own way eventually.

Sitting down at the small table, you pulled the curtain back. Your room was on the second floor, which gave you a decent view of the grounds.

Unlike most of the forest you remember seeing, this area was void of life. The trees were bare, their branches rigid and spindly. No birds or other woodland creatures scurried about. There was plenty of grass and garden hedges, but somehow all of the beauty was sapped from their blades and leaves. A few stone benches and structures were scattered about the estate, but whatever stunning carvings they used to present had been worn away. A sadness had overtaken this land, infected its very core. Not even the sunlight–now making its way to the other horizon–felt warm. How could anyone live amongst this?

All your strength gained through breakfast waned. You didn’t need sleep, per se, but rest wasn’t a terrible idea. Leaning back, you tucked your feet under you and shuffled into the corner of the chair. Your eyes slowly closed–

And snapped open at the soft knock from the door. You scowled at the door. It replied with another knock. With a huff, you stood and crossed the room, pulling the door open with force. "Yes?"

Junmyeon smirked at your hostility. "It's time for dinner."

You looked down, but his hands were empty. No new silver tray in sight.

"Dinner is with us."

Your throat tightened as his words sunk in. With them.

He motioned with his head. "Come."

"I have to change."

His eyes raked you up and down, then he raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Why? Because you always charged for dinner when you weren't dining with only your family. It simply wasn't proper to wear what you were tramping around in all day.

When you neither spoke nor moved, he reached behind you and pulled the door closed, pushing you out of the room and into his chest. He chuckled at the contact. You shoved him away. His amusement didn't waver. "The dining hall is this way."

Understanding that the only way you would eat was by following him, you complied. He led you to one of the familiar staircases, but then down a hallway you didn't recognize. The dining hall sat on the other end. Past the grand entrance was a long, dark red table that ran the length of the room with the ability to seat at least twenty. An old chandelier hung from the ceiling, a few of the precious crystals missing. A roaring fire clicked and cracked on the opposite wall.

"You'll sit here." Junmyeon startled you as he pulled a chair just to the left of the head of the table. All the other available seats were occupied. With your chin held high, you accepted, letting him push the chair in. Then he sat at the head.

There were four chairs on each side of the banquet table, haphazardly spaced, and a lone chair at the other end. To your immediate right was the one named Yixing. He stared at you with narrowed, interested eyes that somehow made his already sharp features lethal. You dropped your gaze instantly, finally noticing the food in front of you. Your eyes lifted... no one else had a meal, only a goblet full of wine.

"Has everyone else eaten?"

"Mm," Junmyeon hummed over the rim of his glass. When the goblet left his mouth, a faint red smear remained behind. He licked his lips slowly to wipe it away. "We don't typically... eat dinner, but thought of it as an opportunity to introduce you.”

A few chuckles echoed around the room, but the joke was lost on you.

"Eat," Junmyeon motioned to your plate. All eyes were trained on you. The silverware clinked and clattered as you picked up the fork and knife. Would the food be poisoned? Did they get some sick enjoyment from this? You cut off a small bite of chicken. Each bite was slow, testing the flavor. It wasn't beautifully seasoned, but you couldn't taste any bitter poison underneath. You swallowed and cut another bite.

Satisfied, Junmyeon motioned to the man on his right. "This is Jongin.”

"You have a pretty name," the man purred. You merely stared at him and continued to eat. He laughed from his chest. "Then Chanyeol." This one bowed in his chair with a flourish of his arm. "Jongdae." He winked. You scowled at him. "Sehun." This one didn't look at you, looking bored as he leaned back lazily in his chair, sipping from his glass. "Kyungsee at the end."

Kyungsoo, who had been staring at the table, his chin resting on folded fingers. He glanced at you but immediately looked away when he met your gaze.

"That one is Minseok," Junmyen went on. The one named Minseok smiled at you with an eerily feline grin. "Baekhyun." He, too, grinned at you in a way that sent a chill down your spine. "And next to you, I'm sure you remember, is Yixing."

You didn't look at him again. Putting down the silverware, you gave your attention back to Junmyeon. "When can I leave?"

He scoffed before he could take another sip of wine. "I already told you. Until we deem fit."

"You can't keep me here!"

"Maybe you should have considered that before you came here.”

"You might enjoy it here," Baekhyun hummed.

"I doubt it," you snapped back.

Chanyeol leaned forward onto the table. “Do you have family?"

You swallowed nervously. "Yes."

"You should ask her if she has a lover," Jongdae crooned. When all eyes jerked to him, you carefully slid the knife over to your right hand under the rim of the plate. By luck, you had decided to wear a dress with sleeves. You just needed to conceal the knife until you were back in your room.

"Do you?" Jongin asked of you, a little too interested for your comfort.

You glared daggers at Jongdae. "No, I don't."

His lips curled gleefully. "I don't believe you." He shrugged. "Then again, maybe it's not a lover that you’re trying to avoid."

"My aunt is expecting me."

"And she'll keep expecting you," Junmyeon growled.

A hand flashed out of nowhere, snatching up your wrist and catching the knife before it fell to the floor. "I wouldn't do that," Yixing warned. You tried to yank your wrist back, but he took the opportunity to bring you closer to him.

Junmyeon sighed. "Yixing.”

Revealing who was in charge Yixing released your wrist, but he put the knife in front of him. Small indentations appeared along the blade that weren’t there before. A perfect fit for a hand.

You stood with such force that your chair overturned behind you.

"Finished already?" Jongin teased.

You gave a single hard nod and stormed out of the dining hall. None of them stopped you.

"This is going to be fun," one of them chuckled. A chair scraped hastily against the floor and you hurried faster to your room.

41 notes · View notes

marshmallow-phd · 2 months

Text

AMoSaB Mini Masterlist

Genre: Regency Gothic AU

Pairing: EXO x Reader

Part: 1 I 2

22 notes · View notes

marshmallow-phd · 2 months

Text

Genre: Regency Gothic AU

Pairing: EXO x Reader

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4

Lightning lit up the thin curtains covering the two small windows on either side of the carriage. Thunder rumbled and you felt it deep within your chest. Tugging your silk cloak closer, you closed your eyes and prayed that the driver would get you through the storm. There was no one to comfort you, to reassure you that a little rain and noisy sky wouldn't delay your journey.

Your father had insisted you take your sister or even a friend, but the two day’s journey didn’t seem consequential enough to need a companion. Besides, what would they have done once you arrived? Your elderly aunt had only asked for you. From what you could decipher from her letter, she needed you to be a companion as she traveled to the southernmost coastal town. Apparently, it was now the ultimate fashion to travel to for the summer. Just the idea of rolling waves made your stomach churn. But what was worse was who else would be there–

The carriage jolted to the right. You spread out your arms, only barely catching yourself from falling to the floor. No sane person would have endured such dangerous weather. This storm had come from nowhere. Skies blue and cloudless as you had ever seen bid you farewell in the late morning. Most of the day's journey had been uneventful. Then the joyful light faded. Thunder shook the walls of the carriage. Rain pounded on the roof. When would you reach the inn? Bile rose up in your throat, burning the sensitive tissue as the carriage continued to rock violently. The horses neighed over the sounds of the storm.

The carriage shifted hard to the left. And kept falling. You slammed into the door, nearly opening it with the force. You didn't know what was happening. The floor was now the wall and the wall the floor. A downward momentum made it impossible to stand. Screams ripped at your throat.

Then it stopped.

The rain continued to pour and the thunder roared on but the carriage was still. Your legs wobbled as you slowly stood. With your palms, you pushed open the door. The thin wooden panel clapped against the outside of the carriage. Immediately you were pounded by the storm. Large drops pelted your face, obscuring your vision. It was dark. You could tell that much. And there were trees. In every direction.

You climbed out of the carriage, calling for the driver. Your feet slipped in the mud, but you managed to keep your balance–for now. The mud was thick and sticky as you trudged to the front of the carriage.

No. No, no, no. Both of the horses were gone. And so was the driver. Somehow, the carriage had fallen down a hill or ravine. With a storm this terrible, you needed to get to higher ground or risk possibly being carried away–or drowning. Clawing and digging your hands and feet into the soaked dirt, you climbed the hard incline back to the road.

Once you could make out the road, you called for the driver again. No answer. He was nowhere to be found. You needed to find shelter. The storm gave no promise of letting up. You wouldn't survive the night in this forest, even if you went back into the carriage. The only choice was to find sanctuary. You stared in the direction you believed you came from. Nothing but trees and darkness. You turned to the other choice. All the same–wait.

There was something... when lightning brightened up the sky. Your heart began banging in your ears. Spires, towers. Not trees. It was some distance away, but it was shelter nonetheless.

With near tears in your eyes, you picked up your skirts–your fingers numb from the cold–and hurried towards the castle that could be your saving grace.

*****

The manor was calm tonight. Odd, considering the amount of bodies roaming around these haunted halls. Only the beautiful storm outside and Chanyeol's sorrowful melody from the piano broke the silence. Jongin had draped himself over one of the arm chairs as he inspected the wine mixture within his goblet. The taste was… adequate. The cellar would need replenishing soon.

In the corner, a rather lax game of cards covered the small, round table. Minseok smirked at his winning hand. The faded wooden chips with bits of white painted around the edges were piling up in front of Yixing, who leaned back carelessly, sure of his next win. Little did either of them know that the youngest among them had a little... trick his sleeve. As the quickest, Sehun had perfected sleight of hand long ago. None had caught him yet.

A fire roared, coaling the usually gray and brown room in flickering orange. With how close he stood near the fireplace, Kyungsoo's silhouette was visible through his loose shirt. He leaned his palms on the mantel and let the warmth of the flames engulf him. Warmth was all they could feel after all these years. It could be an addiction so strong it was tempting to throw himself into the fire.

Junmyeon joined him at the fireplace, leaning his shoulders against the brick. The bite of the edge hardly registered in his mind. Pain of that measure... it was only a ghost that had nearly crossed over.

“Such strong thoughts for a night like this.”

Kyungsoo didn’t look from the fire, but raised a questioning eyebrow in response.

Junmyeon shrugged a single shoulder. “I can’t read minds, but it's obvious you're turning something over more times than a praying rock.”

“It's the same thoughts,” Kyungsoo murmured in his strange, monotone voice. “Always the same thoughts.”

“One day you will have to let it go,” Junmyeon sighed. “This is our existence now. And forever will be.”

“Acceptance of the present doesn’t erase the past.”

“But it does make the present more enjoyable.” The red liquid sloshed against the rim of the goblet as Jongin draped an arm over Kyungsoo’s shoulders. He wore a mischievous smile. A clear indicator of his true intention.

Junmyeon shook his head. “We’re not going out tonight. There’s nothing out and about in this storm.” Hunting in these conditions would wield no trophies. Tomorrow would be a better night.

“Jun’s no fun tonight,” Jongdae teased as he and Baekhyun emerged from the hallway.

“If you want to go out in this mess,” Junmyeon waved towards the front door. “Be my guest. Just don’t you dare get mud on the rug–”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

“Help! Please! Help!”

Nine pairs of eyes snapped to the echoing sound. None moved.

Bang! Bang!

BANG!

One of the double doors burst open and a figure fell to the floor, landing on its knees and palms. It looked up. A flash of lightning illuminated the face.

The face of a beautiful young girl.

*****

Your knees vibrated when they hit the wooden floor. Water fell from your loose hair that clung to your cheeks. The chances of the door opening when you pushed on the handle had been low–yet the barrier that kept you victim to the storm fell open and you crashed downward with it.

Greeting you in this strange hall were several men, their jaws hanging open in a mirror of your own surprise. More men appeared from a side parlor, curious as to who dared intrude on their evening. One, two, three–you counted nine total. Nine men. This was not ideal–a bit terrifying, really–but you didn't have a choice. The storm raged outside.

"P-please," you stammered past chattering teeth "The st-storm overturn-overturned the carriage.”

The men stayed silent as they exchanged unreadable glances. One raised a questionable brow.

"Jongdae, go run a bath," ordered the man closest to you. One of the shorter residents nodded and disappeared into the darkness that led into the rest of the manor.

That's what this place was. A grand old manor, not a castle. Isolated. When you'd first run through the rusted iron gate, you'd feared it abandoned. A long dormant instinct whispered that you might have been better off if it had been.

The first man approached, each motion slow, deliberate, and hauntingly graceful. He crouched down in front of you and captured your frightened stare. The fear in you began to melt away. He was… beautiful. Obsidian fell over his forehead in gentle waves. His tunic was of a fashion your grandfather would have worn. There was something strange about this man–all of these men. Something... different.

"Let's get you warmed up." He held his hand out and you were up on your feet before you even realized your fingers were resting on his. "Don't worry," he murmured. "You're safe here. My name is Junmyeon."

You nodded, somehow believing him, but unsure if you should. Through your violent chattering, you managed to stammer out your name in response.

Bang!

You jumped at the sudden noise. One of the other men had somehow appeared behind you to shut the door you'd fallen through.

"Thank you, Yixing," the man beside you said. The one named Yixing nodded and then shifted his eyes to you. “Come.” A hand pressed into the space between your shoulder blades and guided you down the hall, leaving a trail of mud in your wake.

The man led you down several halls until you reached an unoccupied bedroom. Red blankets draped the oversized bed. Matching curtains hung limply from the canopy. All of the wood was a dark sort, rich in color but not quite welcoming like other, brighter woods.

Jongdae emerged from another door on the other side of the bedroom. Steam rolled out after him as if it were following him for its next set of orders. “Anything else?” he asked drily.

“No, thank you.”

Jongdae strolled the from the room without a glance either of you and closed the door behind him. Your breath hitched in your throat. The two of you were… alone. It wasn’t appropriate. It was…

You looked to the man still with you, fear causing your heart to pound painful against your chest. You tugged your cloak closer to you, but it was soaked from the rain. Shivers violently raced down your arms and spine. The man didn’t seem to notice as he walked over to the dresser and opened the top drawer. He pulled out a long white cloth.

“These should suffice for tonight.” He held up the cloth for you to see. A nightgown. An old one by the cut of it, though thankfully it hadn’t been devoured by moths or mice. “If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”

You nodded. “Thank you.”

He visibly suppressed a laugh at your small voice and waved you into the adjoining bathroom. Taking the nightgown, you tried your best to avoid his gaze. You scurried inside and shut the door.

*****

Junmyeon smirked at your mousy state. It was understandable why you were so frightened. The women of this period were warned of being alone with a man. And now you were alone with nine.

Nine very dangerous men.

The proper action for him to take was to leave your room now that you were safe inside the bathroom, but his feet didn’t move. Somehow, the storm had stranded you in their forest. What had happened to the driver, he wondered. Surely a gentlewoman such as yourself was not controlling the carriage. And yet, you were all alone. Circumstances were… ideal.

A small hiss echoed in the bathroom. It stretched out, along with the sound of sloshing water. Junmyeon frowned.

Hm.

He stood there for a few minutes more, listening to you sigh as your skin grew used to the scalding water. The sound of soap scraping against skin reached his ears, followed by more sloshing water. Soon, you would be getting out of the tub. Time to leave.

He emerged from the bedroom, careful to close the door as quietly as possible. Everyone had gathered out in the hallway since they were too curious about their visitor to go about their night. Junmyeon found Jongdae blending in with the cluster. He glared at him as he hissed, "The water was too hot."

Jongdae merely shrugged. Why would he care about water possibly being too hot? It would never hurt him.

On the opposite end of the group, Yixing cleared his throat. "What are we going to do with her?"

Junmyeon glanced at the door behind him. There was only one best option, for all their sakes. "Tomorrow morning, we will send her on her way."

The eruption was instant.

“Enough!”

In an instant, the hissing ceased.

Baekhyun huffed and folded his arms against his chest, collapsing against the wall. Jongin scoffed. "Such a waste."

“A waste that will keep this household from tearing itself apart,” Junmyeoun countered. It was an outcome none of them wanted. No one wanted to cause a fight, but resisting was difficult. The temptation was great. The quicker you left, the better off they would all be.

"Do you really think it’ll end so well?" Minseok’s mocking comment hung in the air. Silent agreements rippled through the air.

Junmyeon looked to Kyungsoo, whose answer was to look away. "No one touches her," he ordered. They all would try, he knew. But their strength would only get them so far. He stared down a few of them especially, so they knew he meant it.

Sehun pushed off the wall with a roll of his eyes. "Just get her out of here so I can get some peace."

Junmyeon started to call after him but was interrupted by a soft thud from the room behind him. Confused, he opened the door to find you lying on the floor.

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prettywordsyouleft · 4 years

Text

D.O Masterlist

Here are all my fictions, drabbles, scenarios and requested pieces I’ve written so far for D.O / Do Kyungsoo.

[Exo Masterlist] | [Main Masterlist] | [Request Guidelines]

Key: [M] mature content - [D] Drabble - [Sc] Scenarios - ☆ Author’s Favourite

Tell Me, If This is Love - smut/suggestive series ☆

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

In His Arms - fluff

Christen [M] - fluff / suggestive

Grim Decisions - reaper au / fluff ☆

Our Christmas: Newlyweds - fluff / christmas au ☆

The Elf Who Saved Christmas - christmas au / fluff ft. other EXO members ☆

Be Okay - fluff

Perception - angst / mature / fluff

Plan B - friends to lovers / roommates au

Bonding Session - roommate au / flirty fluff

Recharge - fluff

A Mere Moment - regency au / fluff

Valiant - sad fluff / comfort

Different Kisses with Kyungsoo [Sc]

#do kyungsoo #kyungsoo masterlist #exo masterlist #prettywordsyouleft masterlist

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prettywordsyouleft · 3 years

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PWYL’s Year In Review

2020 has been quite the year, huh. Let’s look at what you’ve enjoyed, I’ve enjoyed and all that’s in between.

Top Ten Popular Posts (i used THIS generator)

What A Tease: Seated Position - Mark Tuan suggestive scenario

What A Tease: Symphony - Jaebum smut scenario

Inferior - Jinyoung scenario

Friends to Lovers - Young K scenario

A Good Excuse - Jackson Wang suggestive scenario

Maybe - Jinyoung scenario

Heaven - Jinyoung scenario

Reconciliation - Jaebum series

What A Tease: Unprofessional - Jinyoung suggestive scenario

Band Sessions: Jae - Jae scenario

My thoughts: It doesn’t surprise me to see this list as much as I thought it would. I’m grateful to see some of my favourite scenarios, like Inferior, Friends to Lovers and Maybe on this list. I would have thought there would be some Monsta X in amongst this though, since I wrote for them a lot this year. However, I expected Got7 stories to dominate this list.

My Top Five Series

10 Dates - Suho (EXO)

To Be Continued - Young K (DAY6)

Forsaken - Jinyoung (GOT7)

Reconciliation - Jaebum (GOT7) linked above

Down By The Lake - Daehyun / Yongguk (B.A.P)

My Top Ten Scenarios

Inferior - Jinyoung (GOT7) linked above

Friends to Lovers - Young K (DAY6) linked above

Maybe - Jinyoung (GOT7) linked above

Maker - Y/N x writer

Bonding Session - Kyungsoo (EXO)

Peach and Pear - Jinyoung (GOT7)

The Writers Guild: BamBam (GOT7)

MonX Hospital: Minhyuk (MONSTA X)

After School Hours - Joshua (SVT)

Christmas Foresight - Changmin (THE BOYZ)

My Top Five Challenging Words stories

Thirteen Moons - Sungjin (DAY6)

Great Lengths - Bang Chan (STRAY KIDS)

Forbidden Apple - Yoongi (BTS)

Enamoured - Minho (SHINee)

Quickfire - Donghun (A.C.E)

Highlights of 2020

Finally finishing my You x Idol drabble game.

Writing some series ideas that I really thought were going to be hard (Forsaken, To Be Continued, 10 Dates) and being satisfied with how they turned out

Doing some groups series, like Band Sessions and MonX Hospital, and creating an entire world.

Collaborations with my writer friends. I honestly love writing with my friends!

Writing Sungjin as a cop in To Be Continued. He wasn’t even in the original draft notes for the series but became someone so deeply important to the storyline! I feel like each year, Sungjin’s characters keep coming out on top (last year, it was his story Existence in the Spiritual Connection world that came for my soul)

Destined hitting 2k notes and still being the most popular story and series on my blog.

Things I wish had gone differently / things I wasn’t happy about

The gaps in my writing schedule - whilst I needed to take those moments, looking back now, I wish I could have remained more consistent.

The lack of variety - in some areas, I did improve but looking back on everything, it was pretty obvious I stuck to like three groups for most of the year. Of course, this isn’t entirely bad as I discovered deeper connections with some of these characters, but it did mean I didn’t get as much variety as I hoped to.

The endless hate for Forsaken and Bloodstone - two stories that I was really excited to share. I know I need to let it go, but I really don’t get the big fuss around it all.

Personal pressure - I was so busy trying to improve as a writer over and over that at times I forgot to enjoy the journey as I travelled along it.

Frightful October - that whole thing was so unfortunate and it still breaks me to think of all the discarded plans @this-song-thats-only-for-you and I had, only to not give the segment it’s final hurrah as we hoped to. This was the last year we wanted to do it as we were going to try something new for 2021, so it’s really bittersweet knowing how much of a fail October was.

2021 Goals

To complete at least ten series

To either write the ideas that have been sitting in my ideas file for sometime, or to let them go... holding onto them for a rainy day so to speak isn’t going to work

Always aiming for variety but also accepting that there are some groups I just naturally have an affinity towards and that’s okay

To try and write more details into my worlds. This way, I’ll be adding more depth and word count - which isn’t a bad thing to be practicing if I wish to attempt writing longer pieces for eventual novel preparation

To collab with some other people than I usually do. I’m not very brave at approaching others but I want to give it a try! (please if you want to collab with me, feel free to message me haha)

I dunno why but it makes most sense to me to put Mayday6 in May, so it’s kind of a goal to make that happen then lol

Figure if I’m going to open another prompt list up for requests or offer sporadic requests - either way, bring in some fresh ideas from my followers at some point

To be uncaring about genres I choose. If I want to write four royal au stories in a row, then so be it (I have a lot of royal and regency au ideas, someone please make me stop dreaming about being a princess or wearing pretty dresses lmfao)

Whilst scheduling to me is important, not pressuring myself to stick to the same format of writing each week/month. I’m not burned out, but I am bored of the same thing time and time again.

Admittedly, this one is one I can’t not ask of myself - make a pile of writing so I’m ahead again. I like the feeling of having stories to fall back on.. but also allowing newer stories to jump the queue if I’m most excited for them.

Phew! What a year I’ve had! There’s been some amazing moments not captured in this list, and amazing people who I’m forever grateful for. Thank you for supporting me!

May 2021 bring some really awesome personal writer growth and fun for this writing blog!!

2020 Masterlist

#pwyl; year in review

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