#hearts made fool by radiant grace

[nagislemontea]

Shanks & his Empress of Amazon Lily. 

Summary: Just as every former Empress of the Maiden Island had succumbed to a love sickness, you were not the exception. 

Idea: Shanks / Empress of Amazon Lily 

2594 words. 

After Shakky departed from Amazon Lily due to her love sickness, her position of power had fallen onto you. As the new Empress of the Kuja Tribe and the Captain of the Kuja Pirates, you upheld the image as the island’s pinnacle of womanhood. You were a rose that stood apart from the rest of the garden, though every rose has its thorns as well. You were respected, admired, yet also feared across the seas all the same. Creating a reputation as a notorious Pirate Empress created instances where individuals or groups were seen as fools to challenge someone so formidable, this current event in particular being one of them. 

The Kuja Pirates were presently docked at an island in the East Blue rich with agriculture, stocking up on a multitude of food supplies for the venture back towards Amazon Lily. Unfortunately for you, a particular red-haired captain and his crew happened to dock at a harbour on the other end of the island. This placed you in your current predicament, the stallholder felt nervous as he watched the two captains in anticipation, wondering whether he should intervene or not. You glared at the man in front of you as he did the same, both so thoroughly invested in intimidating the other for a fresh batch of lobster… Besides that, you knew of the captain standing in front of you to be Red-Hair Shanks. He was a pirate recently gaining more attention because of his battles against Marine Hunter, Dracule Mihawk. His trademark besides his striking red hair was the straw hat, shading the rugged look he had. 

Meanwhile, Shanks– while glaring at you– had been attentively observing the details of your face. Like you have heard about him, he has heard twice as much about you. He’s heard about your strength and accomplishments that have made you the threat you are today. Though he’s also heard about your beauty and grace, like a rose covered in thorns, prickling anyone that dares to cross you. He thought of you as a dangerous beauty, with your eyes as the most striking feature. Shanks imagined you’d make an amazing addition to his crew even if you already had one of your own, it couldn’t hurt to ask, right? But it did hurt to ask, just a little. He watched as the tension in your shoulders fell as a look of shock and confusion harboured your face, before bursting out into a fit of laughter, a pleasant mix of disbelief and amusement. Shanks felt rather flushed but quickly sank the feeling down as he took in the joy that was in your laugh. He found it endearing. So once again, he asked– not for you to join his crew– but for you to join him in walking around the island while gathering supplies. 

He watched as a flash of hesitancy crossed your face, but chose to wait for a verbal answer. You, after gaining quite a good laugh from the man, felt a slight pull towards him. You were intrigued by the enigma presented before you. The newspapers formed a rather serious and unapproachable impression of the red-haired captain, though it seems to be quite the opposite now. You wanted to take a walk with Shanks, but as a resident of a Maiden Island, particularly being its Empress, you weren’t expected to casually frolic with that of a man. However, when you thought back to the stories you had heard from your former Empress and her experiences with the man named Rayleigh, you wanted to see if you could experience the same. Shakky had described it as elating, unforgettable, yet a fleeting experience for a Pirate Empress tied down to their duties. So, you accepted his invitation. In response, he gave you a bright smile. One that stunned you in place as you took note of how his lips curled up into something so radiant. If anything, it was like the sun allowing the roses of its garden to thrive in its light. You felt your heart begin to blaze, though buried it deep as you fell into place beside him to walk through the village. It was at this instance, that both captains had completely forgotten about their competition over some lobster, and the duties that their crews required of them to complete. 

You found his presence to be freeing, there was no need for formalities. Shanks made that clear when he tried to amuse you with chopsticks in his nose, to which you walked away in response. You thought of the man as a fool, but a kind one. You noticed how he interacted with the children he came across, they all gleamed up at him with admiration despite his rising infamy as a pirate. You even noticed his subtle acts of service when he stopped a cart of fruits from spilling over without the villagers noticing, or when he ‘accidentally’ dropped a few coins for the man wishing to buy his child a dessert. He continued to smile ever so brightly, setting the whole island alight even as the sun began to descend. Shanks was a fool, you continued to think, but a charming one at that. You wondered if this is what Shakky experienced in her own time alongside Rayleigh, and if every single moment from today would continue to be something alike now. Surely not, life was not perfect. Though your eyes displayed such exuberance that made you want to cherish this experience and the others that may follow after this one, even if it was fleeting as you were once told. 

Shanks almost couldn’t remember the last time he felt that he could rest. Typically, he’d be more elated at gaining more acknowledgment as a pirate, though the attention from the Marines and the World Government had begun to weigh more on his crew. He could see it in their expressions, even on his own when faced with a mirror. Hence his crew was currently sailing around the East Blue to rest up, leading up to his current situation. As he stuck the chopsticks up his nostrils, he turned to you for your reaction. He took in the way you covered your mouth to stifle a laugh, your fingers creating an opening to see how your lips went up into a beautiful curve. Shanks felt pride in being able to make you smile at his foolishness, even when you walked away to hide your own amusement. You were a rose with thorns, but still possible to grasp as long as you gently pulled out its spikes. He watched as you interacted with the environment with such grace in each of your steps and inquisitiveness in the enchanting eyes you possessed. He noticed how you usually came to the villagers with questions regarding things you held curiosity for. You were fascinating yourself, but still so intrigued by the world around you that it urged him to show you more if possible. Shanks was quite aware of who you were, an Empress of the Maiden Island and notorious Captain of the Kuja Pirates. He’d assumed you already knew a vast amount of knowledge about the seas and more, so he wanted to help with things you might’ve not known about. Shanks would beam when he explained something and the way your eyes would gleam at the discovery of new information. You were indeed a rose that flourished in the sun even as it set on the horizon. 

As you parted ways with Shanks, you continued to stare back at the island aboard your ship, even as it became a minuscule block in your sight until it disappeared. Shakky was correct, it was a euphoric and unforgettable experience, though fleeting. Fortunately for you, this first meeting would not be the last. One year later, on an island in the Grand Line, you found yourself sitting beside the same red-haired captain. Only this time, he was without donning his straw hat and missing an arm. You took note of how his eyes held a new hope and how his personality only became increasingly charming the last you’d seen him. Though most of all, you noticed how his foolishness stayed present, despite seemingly becoming more serious in his role as Captain of the Red-Hair Pirates. The two of you chatted over a few drinks, ending with you inviting him to take a stroll around the island, to which he accepted with the same brilliant grin he decided to grace you with months ago. This became a daily occurance should you dock on the same island as Shanks, each conversation turning into a walk-and-talk around the archipelagos. Your crew, including his, noticed how every few islands their captains would disappear for hours, only to come back with their duties having been forgotten. Benn Beckman in particular, saw how every once in a while, Shanks would return with a more elated expression than usual, his mind elsewhere until Beckman would scold him for discarding his duties. Unbeknownst to his first-mate, he was only that ecstatic because of the time spent with you. He thought of you as a rose that he could hold without its thorns making him bleed. 

Though you both continued to hold your own goals as you two sailed across the seas, there were times where one would linger in the other's thoughts more often than not. This became apparent after Gloriosa noticed how you’d stare off into the sea every time she would address you in your sleeping chambers, as if you had something else you’d rather be thinking of. Your mind drifting off continued until Gloriosa returned with news regarding a new Emperor of the Sea, the mention of Shanks’ name had your head turning in a speed that startled even Gloriosa herself. Your elder stepped in beside you as your eyes gazed upon the paper with an image of the Red-Hair Pirates claiming their glory, taking note of how your hand lingered over the captain’s face. It had been long since your last meeting with the red-haired captain, longer than usual, and it may have tore away at your thoughts at times as you had come to enjoy his company. You thought of him as a sun that you allowed yourself the privilege to bask in without burning. Gloriosa, staring at you with suspicion, began a subtle interrogation on your connection to the Emperor. You were able to answer her questions without faltering until she had asked a rather forward one, did you hold feelings for Red-Hair Shanks? 

Without warning, Gloriosa watched as your face burst into a shade of deep red, almost the same shade as the mentioned man’s hair. Your lips parted multiple times to speak, yet your mouth ran dry at every attempt. Your gaze went everywhere but the paper that held the image of the red-haired captain, never letting your eyes linger for more than a second if it did. You felt the thumps of your heart making an attempt to burst out of your chest, your back falling against the sheets and taking deep breaths in an attempt to quell it. You felt warm, like the sun had invited itself into your room. You felt like you were burning, though unaware of the reason why. Normally, you disliked burning, though this felt more passionate and embracing, rather than the burning of an emotion like hatred. Gloriosa gaped at you with shock as she watched the same sickness she’s seen for generations overcome the current Empress of Amazon Lily. The elder ordered the concerned guards out of the room, fanning you with a nearby folding fan as you gathered your thoughts. As soon as you were able to sit back up, Gloriosa ordered you to listen to her carefully– that the sickness you had caught was not a joke. You’d thought her to be serious until she told you that you were in love, your face becoming warm yet again. You then allowed your mind once more to focus on Shanks. You thought him to be captivating. His smile, his charms, his foolishness, his warmth. These were only a few of the traits that you’ve come to admit that you admired so deeply. Gloriosa watched as your mind drifted off once again and sighed, leaving you to sort out your love sickness on your own.  

However, as soon as the elder had opened the doors to your chambers, a warrior had stumbled in with a rather frantic expression. The young woman’s gaze switched between you and Gloriosa, apologizing profusely for her interruption before reporting that there was a situation along the island’s coast. Upon hearing the urgency in her voice, you stood firm on your feet, the symptoms of your love sickness having disappeared for the time being. Immediately, you took your cloak as you headed out into the halls of your tower, commanding the warrior to report on more details of the issue. Apparently, there had been a break-in on the island and multiple groups were currently out looking for the perpetrator. Gloriosa followed closely behind the two of you, only halting in her step when you did. The older woman behind you watched on in horror as your breaths became shallow and the thumps in your heart began once more. Though you had felt warm inside of the walls of your room, you were sweltering now, holding yourself against a windowsill for balance support. Despite the condition you were dealing with, you continued to walk forwards. Ignoring the pleas of the two to rest, you only turned back when Gloriosa said you would not be able to handle the situation accordingly in your condition, cutting her off with a single look. As it was clear that you would deal with the perpetrator, you commanded the warrior to retract their forces as you headed out into the sun. 

You stared at the fool standing across from you with utter disbelief, before glaring at him as his head hung back from laughter. The red-headed captain was drenched from his swim across the Calm Belt, his black coat hung up to dry allowing you to admire the way his white button up presently clung to his skin. You observed every detail of the elation that he displayed, from the way his eyes crinkled expressing genuine joy to the way he held his hand to his stomach when laughing too hard. You took notice of every crease around his eyes, the veins on his hand reaching up to his arms. Even his tousled red hair that you’d be able to discern in any crowd. Everything. Though you’ve always believed it, you thought him to be more radiant than ever as the sun graced his figure as he stood before you. Meanwhile Shanks, as his laughing ceased, took in your grace as the roses around you seemed to flourish more than they did when he arrived. He thought you were more beautiful than the last he had seen you, just as flowers bloom when the sun has risen. He wanted to hear your voice, to see your smile, to have the privilege to hold you even if he is pricked by thorns. Shanks would bleed for you. You made no attempt to stop him when he embraced your figure, feeling the burning sensation in your body despite the water seeping from his clothes to yours. His warmth was welcoming and passionate, he is the sun that you would allow yourself to burn in. The sun had invited himself into your garden.  A/N: i suck at dialogue so i avoided it woo

#one piece #one piece live action #one piece x reader #one piece x you #one piece imagine #one piece oneshots #opla x reader #shanks x reader #shanks x you #akagami no shanks #akagami no shanks x reader #red hair shanks #red hair shanks x reader #red hair pirates

[edenesth]

Blossoming Alliances

Pairing: prince!Yunho x princess!reader

AU: arranged marriage au

Word Count: 10.9k

Summary: As a means to bring peace between two kingdoms, Prince Yunho of Wonderland is forced into an arranged marriage with the Princess of Aurora. Firmly against the idea of being bound to a complete stranger, the prince makes things more difficult than it has to be. What happens when he finds himself falling for the princess that he so strongly refuses to marry?

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"I don't care what the king and queen have planned for me, I'm not-"

Yunho's protest abruptly halted as he skidded to a stop, the air seemingly knocked out of his lungs and his words stuck in his throat. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his gaze ensnared by an ethereal sight.

Following closely behind him, Yeosang, the prince's trusted advisor and personal assistant, muttered a quiet curse as he narrowly avoided colliding with the taller man's back.

The prince's eyes widened in awe as he beheld the graceful figure of the individual meant to be his future princess, strolling amidst a sea of blooming flowers.

The delicate hues of the petals seemed to pale in comparison to her radiant presence, she had the beauty parallel to that of a Greek goddess. With every step she took, her flowing gown mirrored the elegance of her movement and a gentle breeze played with the tendrils of her hair, adding to the aura of enchantment.

The instant Yunho laid eyes on the princess he was bound to marry, all previous arguments and objections he had harboured about the arranged marriage faded into oblivion, vanished entirely from his thoughts.

His jaw hung slack and he struggled to find words. His feet remained firmly rooted to the ground as he stared, momentarily transformed into a foolish, unprincely observer.

"You were saying, your highness?" Yeosang inquired, his tone tinged with sarcasm, his brow arched.

"Is that… her? The p-princess?" Yunho stammered, his ability to speak suddenly elusive. His advisor nodded, regarding the prince with an amused glint in his eye, "Yes, your highness, that is her. Beautiful, isn't she? It seems the rumours about her divine beauty were entirely accurate."

Indeed, she is.

The prince's breath caught in his throat as he watched her, his heart beating faster than usual.

Her every gesture seemed to be poetry in motion, as though the garden itself had come alive to pay homage to her beauty. He felt a sense of time slowing down, his world narrowing to encompass only her in that moment. And as the princess turned to catch a glimpse of him, their eyes finally met.

Flustered, Yunho blinks his eyes rapidly and clears his throat loudly.

Stunned by the charming smile she had sent his way, he gives the princess a curt nod out of courtesy before looking away quickly, embarrassed.

It probably wasn't anything new to the princess for people to gape at her the way he did. But he wasn't just anyone, he was the crown prince of Wonderland, goddammit.

Ah great, I've just made a complete fool of myself.

Gone were all the words of his carefully planned and well-rehearsed speech he had spent all night to come up with, fully prepared to have a whole debate with his parents today about why they should not go through with the plan.

Sensing Yeosang's judgemental gaze on him, he scoffs before waving the shorter male off.

"W-whatever, beauty isn't going to be enough to keep a marriage strong. She could be spoiled and haughty for all we know, and the last thing I need is a wife that's all looks and no brains."

The advisor scoffs, "Sounds to me like an excuse, my prince. You seem to be convincing yourself more than anyone else. The princess should be anything but spoiled and haughty if she is already here ready to meet you."

Yunho glares down at his oldest friend in irritation, he sometimes wished Yeosang could be less rational because the advisor was annoyingly correct with his statement.

A part of the prince wanted the princess to be on her worst behaviour, that would give him a good reason to not comply but if she continues on with her good girl act and wins everyone's favour, that would make him seem like the bad guy.

Or perhaps, he was.

Why was he so against this again?

Right, because she's a complete stranger. And not just any stranger, she had to be one all the way from Aurora too.

That was why he came to seek an audience with his parents. They'd be kidding themselves if they thought he'd be backing down so easily without a fight.

With his sights set on the grand doors to the throne room, the prince reminds himself of why he's come to this part of the palace. He proceeds to march forward, determined to talk his way out of the marriage no matter how breathtaking he finds the princess to be.

Yes, the princess was insanely gorgeous.

That was an undeniable fact and Yunho would have to be blind to think otherwise.

However, he genuinely believed that beauty alone amounted to very little, especially in marriage. This union was a lifelong commitment.

This was no fairytale.

Whoever it was that Yunho married, he had to spend the rest of his life with, so his future wife would have to possess a lot more qualities than simply being easy on the eyes.

Pull yourself together, Jung Yunho. She's just another beautiful face and you've seen plenty of those.

You see, Crown Prince Yunho, heir to the throne of Wonderland, has found himself entangled in the intricate web of politics when his parents arrange a marriage with the princess of the neighbouring kingdom, Aurora. Tensions have simmered between the two nations for years, and this alliance is seen as a way to bring peace to the region.

But there was just one major problem, Yunho was vehemently opposed to the arranged marriage.

He resents the idea of being bound to a stranger, especially from a rival nation. His preconceived notions about the princess lead him to believe she's merely a pawn in her own right, just as he feels he is in this political game.

Unfortunately for him, the meeting with his parents had pretty much gone the exact way he wished it hadn't. As Yeosang had predicted, each of his arguments was met with compelling responses from his parents, rendering him momentarily speechless.

Yunho accuses the princess of being spoiled but with his continuous stubbornness and adamance, he was beginning to look the part himself.

While he voiced concerns about potential issues arising from this union, such as constraints on personal freedom, emotional distress, compatibility problems, and the inevitable cultural and societal pressures, his parents remained unfazed.

They had anticipated their son's dissatisfaction when they initially revealed the arrangement and had been prepared for his complaints.

"Yunho-yah," The queen began, her voice gentle yet firm, "We understand your concerns about the arranged marriage. But you must also understand the broader implications of our decision."

The king leaned forward, his expression serious, "Our kingdom stands at a crossroads, my son. The tensions between our nation and Aurora have lingered for far too long. The alliance formed through this marriage could finally bring about a lasting peace."

The prince's brow furrowed as he folded his arms, a mix of frustration and reluctance in his eyes, "But father, how can I marry someone I've never met? Someone from a land with which we've had conflicts?"

His mother's gaze softened, "Yunho, we're not asking you to abandon your feelings or desires. We're asking you to consider the greater good. The princess is in the same situation, and she's willing to put aside her own reservations for the sake of her people. It's a sacrifice for both of you."

And there it was, he must look like an absolute asshole all thanks to her obedience. Yeosang would definitely agree, even his advisor was supportive of the marriage. The prince seems to be the only one against this.

"We've always taught you to put the needs of the kingdom before personal wishes. This is one of those times when our actions will shape the course of history. Your cooperation can be a bridge towards a more peaceful future."

His father added, eyes trained firmly on his son.

He needed Yunho to understand that this matter was not up for negotiation, the only reason they were still entertaining his tantrums was to hopefully talk some sense into him. After all, his compliance would make a huge difference and things could be so much easier.

Yunho sighed, his shoulders slumping, "I understand the reasons, mother, father. But how can I be expected to share my life with someone I know nothing about?"

The queen leaned forward, her expression filled with empathy, "Arranged marriages are not what they used to be, Yunho. You'll have the opportunity to get to know the princess, to find common ground, and perhaps even build a genuine connection."

She was right but for some reason, Yunho's brain refuses to see things that way.

There had to be alternative methods to form an alliance; why did he need to sacrifice his choice to love? As a royal, he was only permitted one marriage and now one of the most momentous decisions of his life was about to be dictated by the future of his kingdom.

He would have said those words out loud had it not been for the look in his father's eyes, the king was growing tired of this pointless talk.

As the prince's gaze shifted between his parents, a mixture of uncertainty played across his face. He knew their words held weight, that his compliance could influence the fate of their kingdom. With a sigh, he uncrossed his arms and met their eyes.

He sensed that further argument was futile. The arrangement would proceed whether he liked it or not, "I hear you, father, mother," He finally said, his tone resigned, "I'll meet the princess and try to see the bigger picture."

And by that, what he actually meant was that he would be keeping busy, looking for loopholes to escape this predicament.

It was an exhausting journey getting from Aurora to Wonderland by carriage but you didn't voice your discomfort because you knew it must have been so much harder for your guards and servants.

It hasn't been easy on you, learning of the sudden need for you to wed the prince of another nation. It had to be Wonderland too, of all kingdoms, the specific one that hadn't been on particularly good terms with Aurora for as long as you could remember.

The truth was that you had been prepared for this all your life.

Since childhood, your mother had instilled in you the belief that your primary duty, as a princess, was to marry for political reasons someday. As much as you had dreaded it, you had always known that this day would arrive sooner or later.

What truly caught you off guard, however, was the fact that you were arranged to marry the future king of Wonderland, not Utopia. This was partly because you had always assumed you'd marry Prince San of Utopia, a kingdom with strong ties to your parents.

You and San had practically grown up side by side, he was a good friend of yours and you wouldn't have minded spending your life with him. He was easily one of the most gentle and caring men you've met, he would have made a fine husband.

While you didn't harbour any personal grievances against Prince Yunho or Wonderland, you had heard of his discontent with the arrangement, which naturally left you feeling disheartened.

It wasn't like you were ecstatic about this either but you understood that it was an integral part of your role as a royal, no?

Due to the prince's resistance, his parents had requested your arrival a bit earlier than initially planned, hoping to give him time to warm up to you before both kingdoms made the official announcement regarding your alliance to the public.

Fortunately for you, the king and queen of Wonderland had warmly received you upon your arrival and offered a brief tour of the palace's central court. They made every effort to make you feel welcome before escorting you to your chambers.

Unfortunately for you, the prince was nowhere to be seen. You couldn't help but have mixed feelings about his nonattendance, especially since he was the primary reason for and the most significant aspect of your visit.

But you supposed that may have been too much to ask of him, given his well-known opposition to this marriage.

Here you were, finally settling into the grand bed chambers designated for you. You sat in contemplative silence by the ornate vanity while your handmaiden, Yeri, attentively touched up your appearance.

"What is the matter, my princess? Are you feeling okay?"

Once she was done brushing your hair, you moved to pat her hand appreciatively, "I'm fine, Yeri, really. Just... trying to adapt to the new environment. It's quite different here compared to home, isn't it?"

"If you're trying to say it's more depressing here, then yes, I agree with you," You laughed quietly, attempting to hush her with an alarmed expression, "Oh my god, keep it down, you fearless woman! If anyone hears you, we're dead," She snickers, nodding quickly, "Yes, yes, your highness. I was just playing with you, at least it finally got you to smile again."

Scrunching your face up at her playfully, your heart warmed at how sweet it was of her to ensure you were alright.

"You're the best, Yeri. I really can't do this without you, so please be on your best behaviour," You shook your head when she grinned cheekily, "Now where's the fun in that?" She lifted her hands to surrender when you glared at her, unamused, "Okay, okay, sheesh."

"Go and get some rest, Yeri. You must be tired, tell the rest to join you too. I'll send Mingi for you if I need anything," She stood with her hands on her hips and let out a huff, "I know you won't, you're too kind for your own good. If I catch you trying to do anything by yourself, I'm never leaving your side again."

Before you could offer any protest, she gestured across her lips, mimicking a zipper, "I won't say this again, my princess. Let the servants do their jobs. We're not in Aurora anymore, you can't let these foreigners think you're weak or easy, do you understand?"

She was right, you hadn't thought of that at all.

Back at home, you had treated all the royal staff like friends and often chose to handle tasks yourself to avoid inconveniencing them, even when it was their responsibility. But you were no longer in Aurora, and your actions in Wonderland could potentially be mistaken as weakness or gullibility.

Yeri did not leave you until she made you pinky promise her.

You softened, hugging her before she went to catch up on some much-needed rest. Thanks to your cheerful and friendly disposition, all members of your staff have developed a deep fondness for you. Yeri, in particular, always had your best interests at heart.

Deciding it was probably best to familiarise yourself with the layout of the palace, you began wandering around with your personal guard, Mingi, following closely behind. You would have sent him to his chambers too, had he not frowned warningly at you.

He didn't have to say the words out loud, all it took was one look for you to understand his 'don't you even dare' loud and clear.

Thankful for and comforted by Mingi's tall frame towering over yours protectively from behind, you took your time sauntering about. You noted the difference between the interior at home and here; while the colours back at home were brighter, most of the decor in Wonderland leaned towards the darker side.

Your lips curved upward when you happened upon the royal garden just outside. The garden held a special place in your heart; it was your sanctuary in Aurora. There, you'd lose yourself in books, indulge in painting or simply unwind on days when you have no princess etiquette lessons.

Bounding toward it with excitement, you instructed Mingi to wait for you by the garden gates while you took a stroll by yourself. Lost in your own world, your attention had been fully captured by the new flowers you hadn't seen back in Aurora.

Unbeknownst to you, a certain pair of eyes had remained trained on your frame for quite some time now.

It was only when you finally sensed this invisible gaze that you turned and found yourself locking eyes with a strikingly tall and handsome man. As was your instinctual reaction, you greeted him with a warm smile, even if you didn't know who he was.

You resisted the urge to giggle at his expression which was similar to that of a deer caught in headlights as he nodded once politely at you before turning away almost instantly.

But before you could watch on any longer, Mingi had come to escort you back to your chambers. Exploration time was over, you had to get ready for dinner with the king and queen soon.

And all the way back, you couldn't get your mind off the man you had seen earlier.

That tall and handsome man, you later learned, was your future husband, Crown Prince Yunho of Wonderland.

On your second day here, you had the pleasure of sharing a light meal with him. Perhaps it was your jitters or perhaps it was the knowledge of his displeasure with the arrangement, you half-expected him to be rude or mean.

To your complete surprise, he had been more civil and polite than you had imagined. However, it was quite apparent to you that he had made a constant effort to keep you at arm's length.

Even after a week of your presence in the palace, he remained equally reserved.

As suggested by his parents, you have been sharing meals together more often in order to get to know one another better. Weirdly though, the questions exchanged between you two during conversations remained surface level and he refused to dive any deeper beyond simple pleasantries.

It was almost impossible to get close to him.

In a way, it was frustrating. You couldn't quite put your finger on it but you almost wished he would express his displeasure or frustration openly. His aloof behaviour, on the other hand, made you feel unimportant and irrelevant.

Gazing miserably up at the stars littered across the night sky by your balcony, you don't notice Yeri coming up to you until you feel her wrap a shawl over your exposed shoulders.

"You alright, your highness? Mingi mentioned you looking particularly upset these days. I thought things were going well with the prince?"

You sighed, pursing your lips, "I don't know, Yeri. I suppose that's how it looks to others from the outside but..." Your heart clenched, and you wondered to yourself if this was how life was going to be like married to Yunho.

"Even when he's right in front of me, he still feels so far away," Laughing humourlessly to yourself, you rubbed your hands tiredly over your eyes, "Does that even make any sense?"

Yeri runs her hands comfortingly up and down your arms, "Wow, so he's going to be that kind of husband, huh. I'm so sorry, your highness. You, of all people, don't deserve this kind of treatment, especially from the man who is supposed to be your husband."

You shook your head to ease her worries, "I'll be fine. Maybe he'll warm up to me eventually, hm? Just the way you did," She smiled half-heartedly at you, "Gee, for your sake, I sure hope so."

While you were caught up in your own feelings of despair, Yunho dedicated the majority of his time to the library, fervently seeking an alternative method for forming the alliance, anything except marriage. He refused to believe that this was the only way to do so, even when Yeosang had told him countless times that his efforts would be fruitless.

As his advisor had reiterated over and over, even if he did find another way, nothing could be stronger than an alliance formed through marriage. But Yunho would like to argue that his adamance might be stronger, though he knows he would be shot down mercilessly by his friend with actual logic.

In frustration, he slammed yet another book shut, running his hand through his hair and groaning loudly without bothering to keep his voice down. Nobody in the library would dare ask him to quiet down anyway, he was the crown prince of the nation.

Come on, there has to be another way.

Without wasting another moment, he moved on to the next book. He couldn't afford to waste any more time. Every passing day brought him closer to the solidifying of this arrangement.

Despite his lack of success in finding a solution, he was rather pleased with how he had handled you. As he had expected, you appeared to be nothing more than a pawn, sent here to be manipulated by your parents.

In the few conversations he had with you, you seemed somewhat one-dimensional, repeatedly expressing your contentment with fulfilling your duties as a princess for the betterment of your kingdom. No doubt just reciting words handed to you in a carefully crafted script, you appeared to lack personality whatsoever.

Yunho knew he was right about you from the beginning, you were all looks and not much else.

Or so he thought.

The prince had been quick to judge without bothering to get to know you any better. He couldn't have possibly been able to get a feel of your character when he continuously kept you at a distance.

It wasn't until he was forced to spend time with you as you navigate several formal events and ceremonies meant to showcase your unity, that he began to see you in a new light. You were not the stoic and passive figure he had imagined.

You revealed yourself to be an incredibly articulate and knowledgeable speaker, both on and off the stage. From delivering formal speeches to engaging in discussions with important figures of Wonderland, he was thoroughly impressed by your depth of knowledge and your ability to hold conversations on topics that sometimes even challenged him as the crown prince.

Not only that, he later saw how intelligent and compassionate you truly were but most importantly, how you shared his concerns about the forced arrangement.

It was within the confines of the royal garden that you and Yunho engaged in a heartfelt conversation, away from any prying eyes.

Your sigh was soft, your gaze fixed on the distant horizon, "Thanks for agreeing to see me, Yunho. There's something I feel I must address, I cannot go on like this for much longer." Concern filled the prince's eyes when he detected the exhaustion in your tone.

"You know, I'm not an idiot. I know what you've been doing this whole time, trying to keep me at a distance. I'm well aware of your feelings about this arrangement."

Yunho hung his head in shame, realising that he had underestimated you, believing you wouldn't see through his actions.

"I just... I need you to understand that it hasn't exactly been easy for me either. I'm not a fan of all this, to be quite honest with you. You don't think I want to marry for love too? At this point, I've just accepted that it would be a dream never to come true. Life as royalty comes with sacrifices and this is only one of many, Yunho."

The prince turns to face you, his voice was sincere, "Gosh, I honestly didn't know. All this while, I've thought only about myself. I... I'm sorry for the way I've acted, princess. I have no excuses for that."

Well, that was a surprise.

You didn't think you'd hear him apologise to you. So sincerely too.

"Thank you for the apology, it means a lot," He nodded but seemed like there was more he wanted to say, "Yunho, is there something else you wish to say?"

The prince hesitates, "It's just... You sounded like you're being weighed down by a lot. I know our kingdoms haven't been on the best of terms but, is everything okay in Aurora?"

You took a moment before meeting his eyes, your gaze holding a blend of determination and vulnerability, "My kingdom, Aurora, it's... it's in a delicate state. The tensions between our kingdom and Wonderland have taken a toll on our people. There have been losses, conflicts that have stretched on for too long."

Yunho nodded slowly, empathy evident in his features, "I know that our kingdoms have had their differences. But you've chosen to embrace this alliance, despite the challenges it presents."

Tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, you continued, "I've seen the suffering, Yunho. I've seen families torn apart by the feuds between our lands. I've felt the weight of the responsibility that rests on my shoulders. This marriage, as much as I've also hated the concept, offers a chance for healing. It's a way to bring peace to our people, to ensure a better future."

Yunho studied you, his admiration growing with every word you spoke, "Princess, I think that your willingness to prioritise your people's well-being over personal desires is truly commendable."

A faint smile touched your lips, "Thank you, I've wrestled with it and struggled against the confines of tradition. But I've come to realise that sometimes, as leaders, we must put aside our own wishes for the greater good."

That's just great, the prince has never felt more ashamed of himself. He must seem like a brat compared to you, he now fully understands why you were so loved by the people around you.

If only he had opened his eyes to this side of you sooner. There was no one to blame for this but himself, he was filled with immense guilt and regrets for the way he had treated you before.

He reached out hesitantly before gently placing a hand on yours, "Your strength and dedication are inspiring, princess. To choose the path that challenges your heart for the sake of your people speaks volumes about your character. I'm sorry for misjudging you before."

Your eyes met his, and for a moment, the weight of your shared responsibilities seemed to lessen, "Let bygones be bygones, Yunho. I hope that even if we cannot feel love for one another, you'll still be able to find a friend in me."

Yunho squeezed your hand gently, "Likewise, I hope you'll be able to do the same with me."

As you spend more time together, Yunho witnesses your genuine commitment to bridging the gap between your nations.

He discovers your efforts to learn about Wonderland's culture and language, your sincere desire to foster understanding and your determination to defy your own family's pressure for the sake of your people.

One day in the library, he stumbled upon you buried under piles of history books, dictionaries and many more Wonderland-related materials. He was surprised to learn from the royal librarian that you had been visiting frequently for the past few days.

Seeing you so engrossed in your studies, he decided not to distract you and instead settled at the table across from yours. He occasionally stole glances at you while he went about his own tasks.

You didn't notice the prince's presence until hours later when you finished one book. Stretching your limbs, you let out an unintentional moan before finally looking up, only to find Yunho staring at you, clearly amused.

A loud yelp escaped your lips ungracefully upon seeing him, and the librarian shot you a warning glare while you repeatedly bowed your head apologetically.

You hid your face in your palms, overcome with embarrassment, as the prince snickered cheekily. Now that he had your attention, he moved to your table and sat down in front of you.

"That surprised to see me, princess? I can't believe you didn't notice me at all, I've been here for hours."

Your jaw dropped, "Really? Gosh, I didn't realise."

He didn't dare say it out loud but Yunho found you so incredibly adorable in that moment, his heart skipping a beat at your natural and genuine reactions. He felt so privileged to have been able to see this candid side of you, it was so fresh and unlike the whole princess facade that you were always forced to put on in front of others.

After he ordered a nearby servant to prepare you both some light snacks and tea, you engaged in a relaxed conversation.

"Now we all know why I'm here but what are you doing here, Yunho? Shouldn't you be kept busy fulfilling your princely duties?" He sighs, pulling out the books he's been frantically looking through to show you. You furrowed your brows at the sheer amount of materials related to strategic alliances, historical governing regulations and such, "I'm afraid I don't understand."

There was a brief pause when the servant returned with the snacks Yunho had requested. He waited until you were alone before he continued.

"To be completely honest, from the moment you arrived here, I've been searching for ways for Wonderland and Aurora to form an alliance without marriage. Initially, it was for my personal reasons, but after speaking with you and realising how much you disliked this arrangement, I knew I had to keep looking—for both our sakes."

You stared at him, astonished, "You're saying that you're doing this for me too?"

He nods, "Yes, especially after hearing you speak of the struggles of your people, I knew then that this alliance must be formed for the greater good. But you also spoke so bitterly about not being able to marry for love, it pained me to hear you say that it would only be a dream never to come true."

The sincerity in his tone was enough to touch your heart, you hadn't expected him to take your words this seriously.

"So, I figured we must find another way to go about this, in order to secure peace between our kingdoms as well as our right to marry someone of our own choice."

As grateful as you were for his efforts, you didn't want to cling to false hope, as the ideal outcome he aimed for seemed far-fetched. Seeing him conduct this research alone, you could tell that his advisor likely considered it impossible and had given up trying to reason with the prince.

You smiled appreciatively at him, patting a hand gently over his.

"That's very sweet of you, Yunho, to be so considerate, from worrying about the state of my nation to my happiness. You have no idea how much this all means to me. But you do understand that it's a scenario highly unlikely to come to fruition, yes?"

Guilt washed over you when you saw his face slightly fall due to your words.

"Yeah, I'm aware, but I won't give up. We'll never truly know if we don't try, am I right?" To lift the mood and avoid making you feel bad, he wiggled his eyebrows playfully, not missing the way his heart skipped a beat when you let out a small giggle.

This has been happening way too frequently lately.

But Yunho reassured himself that he was just happy to have made a new friend, nothing more and nothing less.

He continued to tell himself that, even when all he could think about was your beautiful smile and cute laugh, feeling determined to do whatever it took to keep that smile on your face.

Despite his initial resistance, Yunho and the princess slowly begin to discover common ground. You find yourselves sharing your hopes, fears and dreams, gradually forming a connection that transcends your initial animosity.

"You sure seem a lot happier these days, I assume things are going well with the princess?"

Yeosang wonders out loud, spotting that dreamy look on the prince's face again, he's been seeing it more often lately.

He hoped this change in demeanour indicated Yunho's willingness to comply, as he was growing weary of the prince's stubbornness. The advisor feels he was about to age another ten years if he had to deal with any more of that.

However, to Yeosang's dismay, Yunho's response was not what he wanted to hear, "If by things going well, you mean us finally becoming friends, then yes. But I'm telling you, I haven't given up trying to find that loophole."

The advisor could feel his blood pressure rising; he knew the king would not be pleased with this response. Unbeknownst to Yunho, his parents had instructed Yeosang to provide daily progress reports on his relationship with the princess.

Yeosang had hoped that the improved rapport between the prince and the princess would finally allow him to deliver some positive news to the king and queen. These reports were also shared with the princess' parents in Aurora, as both sets of parents eagerly awaited the day when Yunho would agree to the arranged marriage.

As much as they were rulers of their kingdoms, they were also parents to their children.

While your parents bore the weighty responsibility for the welfare of your kingdom and its people, they fervently hoped to spare you from an utterly loveless marriage that could subject you to potential mistreatment from an apathetic spouse.

Their genuine desire rested on the Prince of Wonderland's acceptance of you, with the hope that affection would develop over time, all while forging a harmonious bond between your respective realms. You were, after all, their only daughter and they weren't entirely heartless.

Beneath their regal exteriors was compassion for you.

If worse comes to worst, they were prepared to alter their strategies and seek a more suitable match for you.

The truth was that you were originally pledged to wed Prince San of Utopia, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the economy, consolidating authority and expanding your territorial holdings. If it weren't for the impending conflict between Wonderland and Aurora, your union with San might have already taken place.

Back then, your parents deemed it less advantageous for Aurora to merely grow stronger through an alliance with Utopia, knowing that it would eventually still culminate in a costly war with Wonderland. It was during this pivotal moment that their priorities shifted, with the king and queen of Aurora deciding that averting war held more importance.

Yet, if Prince Yunho of Wonderland remained obstinate in his refusal to cooperate, they were prepared to consider risking war if it meant securing a more promising marriage prospect for their daughter.

With Utopia's support, Aurora could potentially secure victory against Wonderland without undue hardship.

This, ultimately, constituted your parents' contingency plan.

Though they hoped it would never have to come down to that.

As time passes, Yunho and you can no longer deny the growing attraction between you.

You secretly spend more time together, leading to many heartfelt conversations and shared experiences that further strengthen the bond between you.

Neither of you had been entirely sure of your feelings for each other until one particular evening when you decided to sneak out to town.

Yunho was determined to show you how vibrant and exciting life could be in Wonderland, especially after you had been making endless jokes about his kingdom being gloomy and depressing.

Dressed in the simplest clothing he could find in his wardrobe, he patiently awaited your arrival by the secret passage leading to the town. Yunho had discovered this hidden path during his teenage years, with the assistance of a younger and more rebellious Yeosang.

Embarrassingly enough, he found himself momentarily frozen when he first saw you in casual attire.

You had to bring him back to reality by waving your hands in front of his face, grinning when you noticed the faint blush on his cheeks.

For Yunho, it was incredibly difficult to take his eyes off you that night. His natural protectiveness over you had been triggered by the absence of your guard, Mingi. To his dismay, he wasn't the only one who had his eyes on you. Your beauty was just a natural magnet to all beings around you, attracting looks from almost everyone passing by.

Even in a simple cream-coloured gown, likely borrowed from one of your maids, Yunho couldn't help but wonder how you managed to radiate such elegance and charm.

However, Yunho was oblivious to the fact that you were equally captivated by his appearance. It was your first time seeing him dressed so casually and you were awestruck by how attractive he looked. You couldn't help but wonder if he was aware of the effect he had.

As you strolled through the night market, side by side, there had been many heart-fluttering moments between you all throughout the night.

Upon your arrival, you stumbled upon a street performer whose humorous antics made you both burst into uncontrollable laughter. You later dared each other to try exotic street foods like spicy skewers and strange-looking desserts. Watching each other's reactions as you savoured these new flavours brought moments of playful intimacy.

A street musician catches your attention when he suddenly begins playing a sweet, melodic tune on his guitar. Yunho, with a smile, pulled you into a spontaneous dance under the moonlight, leaving your heart racing. It felt different from all the times you'd danced together during the many formal events and ceremonies.

With your arms circled around his neck and his hand firmly on your waist, he pulls you impossibly close. Your heart pounds twice as fast as your trembling eyes meet his in a deep gaze, you wonder if he felt what you felt too.

But it wasn't until his gaze fell upon your lips that your breath hitched. His eyes were unreadable, he seemed to have a million thoughts going through his mind before he looked back into your eyes, smiling assuringly at you.

Feeling flustered, you nestled your head against the space between his neck and shoulder, seeking refuge from his intense gaze. Yunho's heart melted and he gently rested his cheek against the side of your head.

Deep beneath your hearts, you'd both wished for time to remain frozen and for this moment to last forever.

Neither you nor Yunho bothered to correct the musician when he called you a lovely pair of newlyweds. Instead, you both exchanged shy smiles with each other before gracefully sauntering away.

As the night went on, you found yourselves at a candle-lit vendor stall, choosing handcrafted candles together. The vendor's stories about the meaning behind each candle's design further deepened your connection.

Next, you stumbled upon an antique shop tucked away in a corner. As you explored the treasures within, you exchanged stories of your past, revealing vulnerable moments and secrets, which drew you closer.

Nearing the end of your tour, you found a secluded bench to rest before returning to the palace. The night sky above was clear and you both paused to gaze at the stars. The moment felt magical, it was almost as if the universe itself was conspiring to bring you together.

"So, is Wonderland still as 'gloomy and depressing' as you'd previously described it to be?" The prince questioned cheekily, making dramatic air quotes as you laughed, "Fine, guess I was wrong about that. It's pretty amazing, I suppose."

It was getting late and Yunho knew he had to take you back soon, no matter how reluctant he was to do so.

In an attempt to prolong your little date by a bit more, he offered to buy you a pack of those candied fruits he recalled you saying you liked to enjoy together before leaving.

"Wait for me, I'll be back real quick."

You watched endearingly as the prince squeezed his way through the crowd to get to the dessert stall where you'd stopped by earlier. This Yunho was so different from the one you had first met, he was making it hard for you not to catch any feelings.

Lost in your own thoughts, you failed to notice a drunkard approaching you from a dimly lit nearby alley.

Startled, you emitted a gasp of surprise as he harshly gripped your arm and abruptly yanked you from your seat, "Wait a moment, I know you. Aren't you that darn princess from Aurora?" His words struck you like a thunderclap, and his narrowing eyes bore into you ominously.

How could he have possibly recognised me?

"S-sir, I think you've been mistaken. I'm no princess, just a commoner like you," You couldn't help but recoil at the sight of his discoloured teeth as he clenched them menacingly, "Don't you dare deceive me, girl! Your accent betrays you; I know you're not from around here!"

With wide, frightened eyes, you struggled desperately to free yourself from his rough grasp, which was sure to leave a bruise on your wrists, "N-no, please!"

There were no words to capture the terror coursing through you as he attempted to drag you into the alley from which he had emerged, "You'll pay for what your people have done to me! Thanks to you Aurora scum, I've lost my family!"

You looked around frantically in search of Yunho, tears threatening to spill from your eyes as you cried out his name desperately for help.

"Shut up, bitch. How dare you taint the name of my prince with that filthy mouth of yours." The man growls, your heart stopping as he bends down to pick up a shard of shattered beer glass from the ground.

Just as he swung the shard toward you, a tall figure leapt between you and the man, wrapping you tightly in his arms and instantly turning you away to shield you from the attack. He took the blow on your behalf, a sizable gash now marring his back.

The drunkard froze in place, realising the injury he had inflicted upon his own prince, "Oh, my prince! I had not intended to harm you; it was meant for her-"

Turning his head to direct a scathing glare at the man, Yunho sneered, "How audacious of you to attempt an assault on royalty. Do you realise that she is to become your future princess?" The man fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness, "Leave my sight at once. You will not escape so lightly should you ever attempt such a thing again."

Yunho shifted his focus back to you once the drunkard had hastily departed, looking you over for any signs of injury.

Once assured of your well-being, he pulled you tight into his embrace. He couldn't get over the way his heart lurched in his chest at the sight of you being manhandled by the drunk homeless man.

Tears flowed down your cheeks as the realisation dawned that the prince had indeed heard your desperate pleas for help. You found yourself sobbing, torn between profound relief and a gnawing sense of guilt.

You were relieved, beyond words, that he had come to your rescue. Yet, the guilt weighed heavily on your heart, knowing that you were the reason he had been hurt. Swiftly, you pulled away from him, turning him around to inspect his injury. To your astonishment, your eyes widened in shock.

"We must return immediately! You need medical attention, Yunho!" You exclaimed urgently.

Not wanting to further distress you, Yunho nodded in agreement. Together, you made your way back to the palace. Along the journey, he handed you the crumpled bag of candied fruits he had kept in his pocket this whole time.

"Here, please stop crying. I like it better when you smile." He said, his lips curving into a fond chuckle. Your response was to cry even harder at his touching gesture.

"I'm sorry for leaving you behind," Yunho admitted with a sigh, "I should have taken you with me," Your brow furrowed in confusion, "Why should you be sorry? You saved me, Yunho! And now, you're injured because of me."

With a tender sigh, he pressed a gentle kiss to your temple as the palace gates drew nearer.

This was indeed an unforgettable night.

Yeri and Mingi were utterly startled when they learned about your recent adventure with the prince, an escapade that had placed you perilously close to harm's way. In fact, the entire royal staff shared their incredulity. As a result, security measures around the palace grounds had been heightened significantly to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

Nevertheless, the prince and the princess seemed to have drawn closer in the wake of these events. You faithfully visited Yunho daily to monitor his recovery and ensure he received the necessary rest.

The recent days had been remarkably peaceful, and judging from the interactions between the two, there was a palpable sense of optimism among those who observed them. It seemed that perhaps, at long last, the prince might come to terms with the arranged marriage with the princess.

Unfortunately for you all, the peace only lasted so long.

One day, as you spent time with Yunho in his garden, Yeosang abruptly burst in, his breathless urgency disrupting the tranquil atmosphere. He conveyed the news that you had never imagined could transpire.

"We're under attack, and by 'we,' I mean both Wonderland and Aurora," He gasped out, causing you to leap from your seat in shock, "What- by who?" You demanded, your voice quaking.

The advisor swallowed hard before responding, "It's Utopia. We suspect they are displeased with Aurora for terminating their alliance to form a new one with us instead."

Utopia, long thought to be peaceful, had suddenly launched a surprise attack on both you and Yunho's kingdoms. For generations, the neighbouring kingdom of Utopia had been a beacon of peace and tranquillity on the horizon.

But on this fateful morning, a shockwave of dread rippled through both Wonderland and Aurora as the tranquil facade of Utopia shattered.

You sank back into your chair, a sense of hopelessness washing over you as you gazed up at Yeosang, "Is there any chance I could have a conversation with Prince San? We've shared a close bond since childhood. If I could just speak with him, perhaps we could find a resolution without resorting to further violence."

Detecting the despair in your voice, Yunho offered a comforting gesture by gently covering your hand with his own. It was a silent reassurance that you were not alone in this ordeal, that he would stand by your side throughout the entire journey.

The advisor nodded in response, his tone assuring, "I'll do my best to arrange it. It shouldn't be too difficult if he's willing to meet with you."

You marvelled at Yeosang's ability to work swiftly, and soon enough, you found yourself granted a brief audience with San. Despite your insistence on meeting him alone, Yunho vehemently protested, vowing never to allow you to do something so dangerous on your own.

And so, it was how you and Yunho came to be seated across from Prince San of Utopia, a figure from your childhood and the person who should have been your betrothed by now.

As expected, his expression brimmed with heartfelt apologies.

San retained the gentleness and caring nature you had known throughout your shared history. He candidly admitted that this was all orchestrated by his parents, emphasising his own reluctance and powerlessness to halt their plans.

"Believe me, I tried everything within my ability to dissuade them from this reckless course of action. However, my father felt deeply betrayed by your parents for abruptly breaking our long-standing alliance."

San rubs his neck sheepishly, "You understand how eagerly my parents had anticipated our union. Your sudden change of heart and the decision to arrange a marriage with the Prince of Wonderland, of all people, appeared to our people as if you were abandoning your friends to align with the enemy."

Your face fell as you comprehended the unfavourable perception that had taken hold among the people of Utopia. In hindsight, you realised it was difficult to blame them for their anger.

"But, of course, this doesn't excuse my father's decision to attack your kingdoms." San continued earnestly.

"I stand firmly against this aggression, just as you do. However, my position as the prince of Utopia places me in a precarious situation. I cannot betray my own nation to support you directly. What I can pledge is my commitment to not interfere in any way. I won't participate in this conflict, that much I can assure you."

With San's explanations, you gained a clearer understanding of the circumstances that led to the current crisis.

While Yunho watched on, harbouring a trace of jealousy, you bid farewell to the Utopian prince with a tight embrace. San whispered kind words in your ear before placing a gentle kiss on your forehead, offering his good wishes and luck for the challenging road ahead.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, you promptly corresponded with your parents in Aurora to notify them of the latest developments.

Despite your parents' earnest attempts to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic negotiations with the Utopian rulers, it became evident that quelling their anger was no simple task. It appeared that the only viable path forward was to prepare for the impending conflict, as the prospect of war loomed inevitably.

The unexpected and brutal surprise attack launched by Utopia's forces leaves the people of Wonderland and Aurora reeling in disbelief. The peace they had cherished for so long was now under siege and their very survival hung in the balance.

Your kingdoms, though distinct in culture and tradition, were suddenly united by a common enemy that threatened to engulf you in an unending nightmare. Forced into an alliance born out of dire necessity, the people of Wonderland and Aurora put aside their prior differences and prejudices.

In the midst of the chaos and devastation, you and Yunho found yourselves facing an unthinkable reality.

You and the prince were gathered in the meeting chamber where you were scheduled to meet not only with the king but also with some of Wonderland's most influential figures, including generals and other military leaders, to discuss war strategies.

As you waited for the meeting to commence, an overwhelming sense of guilt gnawed at you, and you felt the need to seize the moment and extend an apology to the prince.

"I'm truly sorry, Yunho. If it weren't for our decisions, this devastating war wouldn't have befallen Wonderland either. Now you're embroiled in this conflict as well." You confessed with remorse.

Yunho shook his head, a faint smile gracing his lips as he gently tilted your chin upward, causing you to meet his gaze.

"You do realise that war would have inevitably reached Wonderland regardless, yes?" He replied, his words carrying a weight of resignation, "The difference lies in whether it's a war with Aurora or Utopia. And you know what? I'd much prefer to stand beside you in this fight. So, thank you for coming to me."

Your heart leapt at his words which felt almost like a confession.

The prince's unwavering eyes remained fixed on yours and just as he leaned in closer, his nose brushed against yours, Mingi loudly cleared his throat, snapping you out of your reverie and interrupting the delicate moment.

Yunho directed a disapproving glare at your guard but soon grasped the reason behind his actions, as the arrival of other attendees signalled the commencement of the meeting.

Thankfully, everyone else had been too distracted by the gravity of the situation to notice your slightly flustered state.

As you and the prince work together to assess the scale of the threat and develop a strategic response, the bond between you grows even stronger than it already is. It was a connection forged not only by your shared responsibility to protect your people but also by the vulnerability and uncertainty of the situation you found yourselves in.

Through this, you discovered that your strengths complemented each other beautifully. Yunho's tactical brilliance and leadership skills blended seamlessly with your sharp intellect and diplomatic finesse.

Through long nights of planning and strategising, you began to trust and rely on each other implicitly.

In the dimly lit courtyard, the air was heavy with anticipation and worry. Prince Yunho of Wonderland stood resolute, clad in his regal armour, his sword gleaming at his side.

Beside him, your eyes brimmed with concern about the inevitable separation.

During your many discussions, you'd insisted on going to war by his side but he had protested and convinced everyone that it would be wiser to keep you in the palace as backup. Deep down, you know it was merely a tactic to keep you safe.

Yunho gazed into your eyes, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he brushed a strand of hair from your face.

"Remember," He began softly, "I promised to return safely," His voice was unwavering, filled with conviction, "I hope you understand it's crucial that you remain here in the palace, as a beacon of strength and hope for our people. You'll be our guiding light."

You nodded, your eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Yunho continued, his voice tender and persuasive, "Staying here is the right choice, my princess. You will provide the vital support we need from within these walls. Trust in my determination. I'll do everything in my power to ensure our victory."

As you reluctantly released each other's hands, Yunho planted a tender kiss on your forehead, a final gesture of reassurance.

With unwavering resolve, he turned to depart, leaving behind the woman he now knows he cherished, fully determined to fulfil his promise and return to your side.

And since the day he left to fight the war that your kingdom caused, your days had been marked by waiting, your heart a constant blend of hope and fear. You paced the palace corridors, restless but steadfast, watching the horizon for any sign of Yunho's return.

As time crawled by, whispers of the war's progress reached your ears. Each tidbit of news was a double-edged sword, carrying both relief and anxiety. You clung to the words of those who assured you of Yunho's valour and the strength of your armies.

Then, one fateful day, a messenger arrived, breathless and dishevelled. He bore news of victory, but it came at a price. Your heart raced as you learned that Yunho had been injured in the final battle.

Despite the fear that clenched your heart, there was a glimmer of hope. The prince was on his way back to the palace, victorious yet wounded. You could hardly contain your emotions—relief, worry and an overwhelming desire to see him safe and sound.

With bated breath and tears of both joy and anxiety in your eyes, you readied yourself to welcome the prince home, ready to tend to his wounds, grateful that he was coming back to you.

As Yunho stirred from his week-long coma, he couldn't have been more elated to find you as the first sight that greeted his awakening. You were perched on your elbows by his bedside, fast asleep with tear-stained cheeks.

The sight of you tugged at his heartstrings, a profound realisation washing over him. He knew then, without a shadow of a doubt, that waking up to you each day was what he yearned for.

Gently placing a hand on your cheek to tenderly wipe away your tears, he took care not to disturb your slumber. He breathed a contented sigh as you instinctively nestled into his touch in your sleep.

Gosh, I could watch her like this forever.

But of course, the peace was short-lived like always. Just as Yeosang entered and spotted him awake, the serene moment vanished with the advisor's enthusiastic shout, "He's awake!" echoing down the corridor to summon the attention of the healers.

Yunho silently cursed when the sound roused you from your sleep.

You sat up abruptly, realisation dawning as you discovered he was finally conscious, "Oh my god, Yunho!" You threw your arms around his neck and enveloped him in a tight embrace. Returning your embrace with equal fervour, he buried his face against your shoulder, hearing your whispered words, "It's over, it's finally over."

Although he understood that you were referring to the end of the war with Utopia, he seized the moment to confess his feelings for you.

"No, it's not over yet," You pulled away, a look of confusion crossing your face, "What do you mean it's not over? We won the war, didn't we?"

He smiled, his fingers caressing your face tenderly.

"It's not over until you tell me if you're willing to marry me. If you haven't already noticed, I love you, princess. I can't pinpoint when it all began, but after all the time we've spent together and all the trials we've faced, I only know that I can't bear to spend another day without you by my side. Throughout that war, the one thing that kept me going was the thought of returning to you and asking you myself; Will you marry me?"

At long last, Yunho admits to himself and you that he's fallen in love with you. Lucky for him, you felt exactly the same.

You smiled tearfully back at him, "I thought you'd never ask, Yunho. I love you too, my prince. And the answer is yes, I will marry you." Putting a hand up to stop the healers and Yeosang from entering, he wasted no time pressing his lips firmly against yours in a passionate and emotional kiss.

Finally.

Not wanting to cockblock the pair any further, the servants scurried to pull the doors to the prince's bed chambers closed to give the two some privacy for the time being.

Now, all that's left for the prince to do is man up and speak to his parents about this.

In the opulent royal chamber of the palace, Prince Yunho, his demeanour a mix of determination and vulnerability, stood before his parents. You had initially offered to go with him but he had refused, telling you that this was something he had to do on his own.

With a steady voice and unwavering eyes, he expressed his heartfelt desire.

"Mother, father," He began, "I wish to marry the Princess of Aurora now, without delay." His words carried a depth of conviction that resonated through the room.

His parents, the king and queen of Wonderland, exchanged knowing glances. A warm, teasing smile crept onto their faces as they responded to their son's heartfelt request.

"Well, well," The queen quipped with a playful glint in her eye, "It seems our prince has finally surrendered to the inevitability of an arranged marriage."

The king chuckled in agreement, his tone light yet affectionate, "Indeed, my son. It's about time you acknowledged the wisdom of our arrangements."

Yunho, while blushing slightly at their playful teasing, nodded with a genuine smile.

His parents' gentle ribbing was a testament to their shared understanding and affectionate bond. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life—one filled with the promise of love, unity and a bright future with the princess he had come to cherish.

Meanwhile, back in Aurora, your parents brimmed with joy upon receiving the news. They got to work immediately with the wedding arrangements.

Swiftly, an official announcement about the union of the Prince of Wonderland and the Princess of Aurora was made to the people of both nations.

In the wake of the collective struggle against Utopia, the people had found a way to set aside their differences and grievances.

Together, they rejoiced in their newfound unity, celebrating not only the alliance between the two kingdoms but also their triumphant victory over Utopia. The past was relegated to history and a promising future beckoned, marked by cooperation, harmony and shared aspirations.

"Congratulations, my dear princess," Yeri grinned as she took a step back, admiring her handiwork. Your hair and makeup were flawless, "Thank you, Yeri, for standing by my side through it all," You expressed your gratitude, "I hope you've grown accustomed to Wonderland because we'll be here for the long haul."

Yeri chuckled, "Oh, princess, I didn't come here with the expectation of returning to Aurora. I suppose deep down, I knew this is where you truly belong—right by Prince Yunho's side."

A delicate blush warmed your cheeks at the mention of your soon-to-be husband.

Yeri regarded you with affection, her gaze filled with sincerity, "You look so genuinely happy these days, princess. That's all I've ever wished for you—happiness. Promise me you'll keep this joy alive for a long time."

You nodded, tears shimmering in your eyes, "I will, Yeri, I promise."

"Don't you dare shed a tear; I spent ages on your eye makeup!" Yeri quipped and you both shared a laugh. Your heart swelled with warmth when you noticed Mingi, your closest guard, wearing a subtle smile in his corner, "I see you there, Song Mingi." You teased.

He scoffed lightly, "I wasn't trying to hide. But congratulations, your highness." Touched by his gesture, you approached Mingi and hugged him, careful not to disrupt your wedding gown.

At that moment, the bond between you and your loyal guard and handmaiden was a testament to the enduring friendships that had guided you through the journey to this joyous occasion.

In the resplendent palace courtyard, where the sun bathed the surroundings in a warm, golden glow, the Prince of Wonderland and the Princess of Aurora stood before their families, their subjects, and the benevolent eyes of the heavens.

With heartfelt sincerity, you exchanged vows, your voices carrying the weight of your love and commitment. Yunho's voice, steady and unwavering, vowed to cherish and protect you for all time, while your words promised to stand by his side through all the trials and joys that life would bring.

As you concluded your vows, the air seemed to hold its breath, witnessing this profound declaration of love.

The moment that followed was pure magic—a sweet, tender kiss that sealed your promises and marked the beginning of your journey together as husband and wife. The world around you faded, leaving only the prince and princess, lost in the warmth of your love and the promise of a beautiful future ahead.

The kingdoms of Wonderland and Aurora have come together not only through the arranged marriage but also through the genuine love and connection between Prince Yunho and his princess.

Your union becomes a symbol of lasting peace.

Gazing out from the balcony of your and Yunho's bed chambers, you released a contented sigh, entranced by the breathtaking view of Wonderland.

Never had you imagined such a reality for yourself.

Marriage had always appeared as a mere obligation, a duty that came with your role as the princess of your realm. Yet, here you stood, wedded to the love of your life.

It was beyond anything you could have hoped for.

Reflecting on your initial apprehension at the prospect of marrying Yunho, you chuckled at the insignificance of those fears now.

Your lips curled into a smile as the familiar embrace of strong arms enveloped you from behind, drawing your form close to his, the contrast in your sizes a comforting reminder of his protective presence.

"What are you doing out here all alone, hm? Come back to bed, my love," He murmured, pressing affectionate kisses along your exposed neck, "Just reminiscing about how silly we were at the start. Look at us now, so happy together."

Yunho's smile illuminated the night as he gently turned you to face him, "I'm glad that marrying for love is no longer only a dream never to come true for you," He whispered before capturing your lips in a loving kiss, "I love you so much, my princess."

A swell of joy filled your heart, a testament to the boundless depth of your love, "I love you too, my prince. Thank you for making my dream come true."

In the realm of Wonderland and Aurora, where love had once been the cornerstone of your alliance, Prince Yunho and you, the Princess of Aurora, embarked on your journey of happily ever after.

Your union, born from an arranged marriage but nurtured by genuine love, was a symbol of unity and hope for your kingdoms.

Together, you ruled with wisdom, compassion and unwavering devotion to your people. The lands of Wonderland and Aurora flourished under your reign and the scars of past conflicts began to heal as the two kingdoms truly became one.

Hand in hand, you ventured through the seasons of life, sharing laughter, dreams and challenges. Your love, built on a foundation of trust and companionship, only deepened with time. Together, you found solace in each other's arms and the comfort of knowing you were each other's greatest support.

As the sun set over your united kingdoms, you stood on the balcony of your palace together, watching the horizon with hearts full of contentment.

Your journey had been one of growth, resilience and love, and you knew that your happily ever after would continue to unfold, a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity.

Hope you enjoyed this and thank you for reading! I love reading your thoughts, reviews and feedback so feel free to leave a reply, an ask or even a message if you want! <3

Let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list for all my stories.

Tag list: @aurasblue

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

#ateez #ateez fanfic #ateez fanfiction #jung yunho #jeong yunho #ateez yunho #arranged marriage au #royalty au #yunho x reader #yunho x you #ateez fic #yunho oneshot #ateez oneshot

[jammingjaem]

iced love letters

3. the cute international business major

PAIRING | zhong chenle x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS | at ncit, figure skater y/n receives daily letters signed ‘zcl’ from a secret admirer. as she gears up for a crucial showcase, the mystery of ‘zcl’ fuels her determination throughout the semester, leading to an unfolding journey of curiosity and motivation.

GENRE | college student!chenle x ice skater!fem!reader, comedy, fluff

chenle's heart was a hummingbird trapped in a snow globe – frantic, fluttering, and a touch ethereal against the backdrop of winter festivities. he glanced down at the bouquet of roses in his hand, their velvety red petals as vibrant as the blush creeping up his neck. the seoul air, crisp and charged with the anticipation of christmas cheer, was doing him no favors, only fanning the flames of his nervous excitement.

"hey, look at mr. blushy over here," haechan teased, nudging chenle with a mischievous elbow. "butterflies got you dancing in your stomach?"

chenle forced a laugh, feeling his insides liquefy. "just the cold," chenle mumbled, using his rosy cheeks as a camouflage.

his friends knew – oh, how they knew. renjun and jaemin had practically made the whole plan for this entire charade, jeno called it the ‘grand winter showcase confession’. the plan was simple: witness y/n's performances, wait for the post-performance frenzy to calm down, and then, under the twinkling fairy lights, finally confess to ‘the girl of his dreams’ as mark put it.

"she's gonna be amazing, you know," jisung chimed in, his voice tinged with a rare touch of sentimentality. "i heard from jake that she and sunghoon has been practicing for weeks."

and obviously? chenle knew. he'd spent countless evenings with y/n during the whole finals week, and he is glad that it’s over with— finals, he means. he had been a supportive friend for her when her own friends were busy, but in reality, he had been a lovesick fool, thanks to sunghoon telling jisung to help y/n that one day.

anticipation thrummed as he clutched a gift bag – six months of admiration crafted into love letters.

across the rink, amidst a swirl of excited chatter, chenle spotted y/n's friends – ahn yujin, lee chaeryoung, and park sieun. chaeryoung, caught his gaze and winked. "so, mr. secret admirer," she quipped, a knowing glint in her eyes, "finally ready to tell y/n who you really are?"

yujin nudged her. "she totally likes you, chenle. if she finds out zcl is you, she’ll be glad it’s you and not some weirdo."

the performance unfolded like a dream on ice. y/n danced with fluidity, her movements were light and graceful. chenle watched, mesmerized, his fingers itched to reach out, to trace the path of her blade against the glistening surface, to see how she can move on ice like that so smoothly.

three hours later, the rink erupted in thunderous applause. families swarmed the ice, bouquets and congratulations blooming like winter roses. chenle's friends, true to their plan, orchestrated a strategic retreat, leaving him face-to-face with y/n and her friends.

"chenle!" y/n exclaimed, her face flushed with excitement and the exertion of performance. "i'm so glad you came! how did you like it?"

his tongue, usually quick with wit, felt like a lump of frozen honey. "it was… it was amazing," he managed, offering her the bouquet with trembling hands. "can i tell you something?"

the girls, sensing the moment's gravity, started to move and stand next to chenle’s friends. chenle felt the weight of their absence, the responsibility of his confession pressing down on him. y/n tilted her head, a curious smile playing on her lips. chenle poured out his heart, revealing six months of admiration. he confessed his vulnerability.

y/n, wide-eyed, accepted the gift bag. she gasped, discovering zcl was chenle. her touch on his face was feather-light. "it was you?" she whispered. chenle nodded. "it was me."

a beat of silence. y/n's smile bloomed, radiant. "chenle, i'm so happy my secret admirer was someone i already knew."

"really?" chenle's voice carried hope. y/n's eyes sparkled. "kind of made sense, you always looked at me," she teased, touching the velvet roses.

chenle grinned, anxiety replaced by laughter. "y/n, would you like to go out with me?"

"of course, chenle," she replied, sealing their newfound connection with shared laughter. "i didn’t think my secret admirer would be the cute international business major?" chenle just rolls his eyes playfully, pulling her into a hug as their friend groups cheer.

y/n now has a lot of love letters, and this time, she’s right next to her boyfriend.

previous | masterlist | bonus

TAGLIST (closed.) | @celestialsluvrs @suzayaaa @yeppietennie @jaeimjaemin @wonkivrse @haechansbbg @rksbae @defzcl @hugs2doie @alethea-moon @ihrtsevyn @222brainrot @onceuponateenagetrash @jakejaehyun @thisisnotjacinta @niinjo @catjunhui @mystverse @multifandomania06 @amoonlght @i6renj @xiumhao

#nct #nct texts #nct fake texts #nct smau #nct x reader #nct x y/n #nct x you #nct drabbles #nct fluff #nct social media au #nct dream #nct dream texts #nct dream fake texts #nct dream smau #nct dream x reader #nct dream x y/n #nct dream x you #nct dream drabbles #nct dream fluff #nct dream social media au #chenle #chenle texts #chenle fake texts #chenle x reader #chenle x y/n #chenle x you #nct chenle #nct dream chenle #kpop #kpop texts

[saphirered]

Good morning/afternoon Saph, may I request Harvest Dance with Lucien? Fluff please!

This one's been a while in the making. A little lovesick Lucien coming right up. Hope you enjoy!

He’d sneak away sometimes. Like a fox in the night crawling through the underbrush he would blend and weave between the trees, footsteps covered by the rustling leaves blown from their branches in a rain of vibrance, covering his tracks. Despite the graces Lucien found among the beauty of spring it is evergreen and he longs for the shades of fire, the chill when night settles, the warmth of mulled wine and honey-glazed treats, but most of all the people. Cauldron he didn’t know how much he missed the merriment. Maybe that’s not the only thing he missed. Maybe his desire and reasons for sneaking into the court he once called home were not entirely generic. Perhaps they were targeted to a particular individual. Who is he to say? Who is he to deny the firelight in the distance beckoning him closer? Who is he to deny the calling of the music? He lets it fill his senses. 

Bonfires lay scattered throughout the clearing. No paths converge nor lead to this chip of existence so out of place in this court yet so true to Autumn it makes the fire in his heart beat and burn a little brighter. The people sing as the assembled band plays their mismatched instruments. They dance around the fires, spinning and spinning between partners or simply on their own. There is laughter and unbridled joy but most of all there’s truth. No hiding behind masks. No armour forged from customs and etiquette. There’s only the life your heart feels, the music that makes your feet move and the infectious happiness that laces the air of the clearing keeping at bay the tragedies and savagery beyond. You’re here somewhere. You always are. May you grace him with your presence, your love, your radiance. You do indeed. 

Before he knows it arms wrap around him and pull him close. The initial shock fades when he hears those joyous giggles he’s etched into his mind to keep forever. He’s quick to wrap his arms around your waist, lift you and spin you around if only to see you smile so beautifully. Your lips meet his in a honey-laced kiss. You pull away all too soon and he sets you down, though Lucien is reluctant to let you out of his embrace. 

“You came.” You state excitedly, tracing your fingers over his cheekbone lovingly. 

“I made you a promise when we last met.” He leans into your touch, his lips softly grazing the inside of your wrist, pretending not to be satisfied by the goosebumps that spread across your skin, and the flush to your cheeks. Your brow furrows, a spark of concern taints your radiant energy.

“Is-is it safe for you to be here?” You tried not to ask, tried not to bring up the elephant in the room but you failed. When you lower your head thinking you might have ruined this moment it’s Lucien’s warm touch that lifts your chin and makes you meet assurance in his eyes. 

“As safe as it is for you to be here.” That somewhat puts you at ease though the faint flicker is still there. Lucien will make it his sole task to make you forget. 

He takes a step back, offers you his hand in a bow; a rather formal invitation to dance. You do not put your hand in his so daintily. You do not curtsey in return. No you take his hand and pull. Were he of less grace he might have fallen flat on his face and made a fool of himself, though he is sure you would have had a good laugh and it’d have been worth it especially if you’d fuss over him after he ate dirt. Still he keeps some of his dignity by but stumbling once and allowing himself to be pulled along. You lead him to the biggest bonfire, the radial heat too much to bear. The beads of sweat collecting at his brow do not go unnoticed when you turn to him, work your way through those fancy buttons and clasps with nimble ease and push his jacket and vest off of his shoulders, discarding it somewhere with some other clothes he assumes must be the garments you wore until you deemed them too constricting or simply useless. He bites back the comment forming on his tongue about how quick you are to undress him. 

“We’ll see where the night takes us.” You jest hooking a finger into the neckline of his shirt, an incentive to get closer. Lucien obliges. You lean in close, a hair’s breath away from him and look at him through your lashes. He holds his breath in anticipation of your next move. 

“Now let me show you how the commoners do it in the Autumn forests.” Quick as you are you step away and not even the heat of the fire can replace the spark you light within him. Never once do you break eye contact until you join the circle dancing around the bonfire. He’s quick to step in before someone can take your arm. 

These are not the waltzes of courts. This is ballfolk, commoner’s dance. The steps are beyond him despite your efforts to explain. He might have been paying more attention to the way you move than your actual teachings. Can you blame him? He falls in line pairing up with you. You raise your arm bent at the elbow. A quick look tells him to mimic and he does missing but half a beat but Lucien would not have survived by the graces of fate were he not cunning and quick. Your arms meet at the wrist and you use it to stir him in the right direction. Back and forth, twist and turn, figure eights, best you don’t pay attention to his footwork lest you looking for a good laugh. The music continues. Laughter fills the air. It might as well have been just the two of you in this clearing because everything else ceases to matter when you’re with him. 

You manage to pull Lucien into a dance that goes back and forth. It’s much slower than the others, much closer to a regular palace waltz when no one has reason to show off. To his disappointment half of the dance is spent barely within arm’s reach of you but you make up for it with every passing move by pressing your lips to his. You are gone far too soon. Tease. You know it given the gleam in your eye but finally the last note plays and you’re close. Finally you’re captured in his arms once more and you are not one to deny his affections. In fact you welcome him with open arms, or rather tangle your fingers into his hair and pull him close for a long-awaited passionate kiss. You lean your body against him to push him away from the dancing crowd as to not get in the way. He’s far too distracted to be aware of his surroundings and instead fully submerges in your comfort, your touch and your enchanting lips. 

But then you pull away all of the sudden. Lucien is about to protest but then he notices too. The music has stopped, the voices and laughter fall quiet. The crackling of fire takes over. The crackling of fire and horses in the distance, people in the distance. The celebration comes to an end. The fire grows dark in the flick of some wrists now not but smouldering embers. You reach to grab something and take Lucien’s hand in yours once more. Time to run. You don’t have to say it. Soon trees pass by, weaving through, jumping over fallen branches and springs. You know these lands well but after running for what seems like an eternity, trying to throw off the tracks of whoever came to disturb the celebration, you’re out of breath and so is he. You cast a look over your shoulder and miss a breath, run coming to a slow. Lucien follows suit. You look in the other direction to see some of your friends, your neighbours, your family running in the darkness. 

“You feel like taking a little risk?” You ask out of breath stepping back towards a tree leaning against the bark. You look so alluring, so tempting beckoning him to with a single finger. You drop the garments you’d grabbed but he cares little. Each step he takes is another heartbeat. 

“Quite the theatrics.” Again your fingers snake into his hair putting slight tension on his roots. In retort he grabs you by your thighs and lifts you until you’re perfectly pinned between him and the tree, legs wrapped around his waist. 

“Says you.” You breathe leaning close but now it’s his turn to always remain a hair’s breath from you. Tiny victories and petty payback but when you whine he almost gives in. 

“Says I.” He barely has the time to get the words out when horse hooves and whinnies close in and you close the distance. Your tongue dances along his lips until he meets you. Pulling his hair you angle his head to deepen the kiss even further. When the unwelcome guests are close enough you are sure to let out a lewd moan. They slow down. Lucien makes to pull apart but you urge him to stay. You can feel that smile against your lips, feel the speeding of his heartbeat. And then finally the clearing of a throat has you pull away. Gently you guide his head down to your neck and Lucien decides to even the score yet again, or maybe you’ll retort more severe when he trails kisses down your neck, letting his tongue smooth over where he sucks just a little too much. Never painfully of course but enough to leave a mark or several in the morning. Perhaps you’ll gift him some of his own in return. 

“State your business.” The guard awkwardly tries to impose. Lucien feels your repressed laughter and meets it with a soft warning bite. 

“I’m sorry sir- I-uh-we are a little preoccupied in case you couldn’t tell.” Whatever the guard is trying to say falls silent. Exactly as planned. You notice him shift from foot to foot unsure what to do or how to handle this situation. 

“Very well then.” He clears his throat again. “I recommend you get out of here now.” With that Lucien gently lowers you to the forest floor until he’s sure you’re on stable feet. You address the guard over his shoulder, Lucien refusing to raise his gaze or turn, for his safety and yours. 

“Of course, sir. That’s very generous of you. We’ll be on our way now. Good night.” With that you reach down to pick up the garments you dropped. The guard does not feel like sticking around and rides off. Once you’re sure no one is in earshot you laugh, truly laugh. You lean your head against his shoulder. 

“That went better than expected.” Lucien sighs in relief as you hand him his vest. He realises you grabbed his coat and vest when you could. Best not to have those laying around in Autumn when he’s technically still banished. He notices you didn’t manage to grab any of your own garments so when you hand him the jacket he instead drapes it over your shoulders. 

“We should probably get out of here. The guards are none too happy about our little celebrations.” You lace your fingers with his and begin walking. He follows along allowing himself once more to be guided by you. You take to humming a melody, dancing to the beat of your own song as you walk, spinning and twirling along the way until the torches of the village come into view. A wave of sadness washes over Lucien. He doesn’t know when he’ll next see you. He’ll be back in Spring and you’ll be stuck here. To be separated yet again… Why does it have to be so soon? But then you turn to him, back to the village. 

“Stay the night?” You ask. It catches him off guard. Your previous escapades have been until sunrise when the celebrations would end and the people would return to the village but here you are inviting him, truly inviting him into your life. Though he once thought he might have many doubts he finds clarity in his mind. 

“Yes. Of course.” Lucien blurts before his mind can reason why this is a bad idea. “Some might think twice before inviting me into their home.” He jokes.

“Oh yes. You and your promiscuous reputation. Whatever will this innocent fae do or think? I might be tainted by your wicked ways. A good and honest Autumn citizen no more-” You drag on but it’s Lucien’s turn to pull you in. By your clasped hands you are pulled flush against him, unprepared. He catches you and you manage to find comforts in his body catching your stumble. 

“Graceful as ever.” He jabs and your mouth falls agape at the insult. 

“I have held my tongue all night about your lacking dancing skills and this is how you repay me?” 

“My apologies, my honourable liege. I believe it was I who held your tongue.” You groan and let yourself fall against him once more. A muffled ‘you are the worst’ has him snicker and place a kiss atop your head as he wraps his arms around you to comfort you. He’s the reason for your pain right now after all. You’ll live. 

#acotar x reader #lucien vanserra x reader #lucien x reader #acotar lucien #lucien vanserra #lucien acotar #acotar #acotar fanfiction #a court of thorns and roses

[agentrouka-blog]

Hi! if jon really falls for sansa, what do you think his course of action is? I’m not a big fan of him trying to suppress those feelings, he may just want to ignore them or feign confusion. In sansa’s case, she probably thinks it’s something cersei did to her but yea idk

(Nah, they won't wallow in endless repression, and Sansa isn't the #1 Aemon and Naerys shipper for nothing. No need to blame Cersei there, she'll just suddenly feel genre-aware.)

Jon Snow dealing with his feelings, according to me, a 7-Step-Guide as illustrated by selected quotes:

Step 1: These hearteyes are Totally Normal!

They look as though they belong together. [...] Her breath was white as well … but her eyes were blue, her long braid the color of dark honey, her cheeks flushed red from the cold. It had been a long while since Jon Snow had seen a sight so lovely. (ADWD, Jon XI)

Sansa looked radiant as she walked beside him, but Jon did not like Joffrey's pouty lips or the bored, disdainful way he looked at Winterfell's Great Hall. (AGOT, Jon I)

Step 2: Oh no.

Jon walked away as confused as he was angry. Sam's heart was as big as the rest of him, but for all his reading he could be as thick as Grenn at times. It was impossible, and dishonorable besides. So why do I feel so ashamed? (ACOK, Jon III)

He sat on the bench and buried his head in his hands. Why am I so angry? he asked himself, but it was a stupid question.  (ASOS, Jon XII)

He wanted it, Jon knew then. He wanted it as much as he had ever wanted anything. I have always wanted it, he thought, guiltily. May the gods forgive me. It was a hunger inside him, sharp as a dragonglass blade.  (ASOS, Jon XII)

Step 3: I am fortune's fool.

A deserter and a wildling could expect no welcome anywhere in the Seven Kingdoms. (ASOS, Jon IV)

Bastard children were born from lust and lies, men said; their nature was wanton and treacherous. Once Jon had meant to prove them wrong, to show his lord father that he could be as good and true a son as Robb. I made a botch of that. (ASOS, Jon X)

Step 4: Aemon and Naerys - Northern Edition

Tyrion Lannister had claimed that most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it, but Jon was done with denials. (AGOT, Jon IX)

 If this is so wrong, he wondered, why did the gods make it feel so good? (ASOS, Jon III)

Old Nan used to tell stories about knights and their ladies who would sleep in a single bed with a blade between them for honor's sake, but he thought this must be the first time where a direwolf took the place of the sword. (ASOS, Jon II)

"More than any of the others." When Taena frowned, a tiny crease appeared between her dark eyes. "Every morn and every night he visits, unless duty interferes. Her brother is devoted to her, they share everything with . . . oh . . ." For a moment, the Myrish woman looked almost shocked. Then a smile spread across her face. "I have had a most wicked thought, Your Grace." (AFFC, Cersei VI)

Step 5: A Miracle of Technicalities

Is she still my sister? he wondered. Was she ever? He had never truly been a Stark, only Lord Eddard's motherless bastard, with no more place at Winterfell than Theon Greyjoy. And even that he'd lost.  (ASOS, Jon III)

She punched him. "That's vile. Would you bed your sister?" "Longspear's not your brother." (ASOS, Jon III)

They had spoken their vows in Winterfell’s own godswood before a heart tree, and only then had she given herself to him, wrapped in furs amidst the snows as the old gods looked on. (Fire and Blood - The Dying Of The Dragons - A Son For A Son)

If I could show her Winterfell . . . give her a flower from the glass gardens, feast her in the Great Hall, and show her the stone kings on their thrones. We could bathe in the hot pools, and love beneath the heart tree while the old gods watched over us. ( ASOS, Jon V)

Wed to Ser Loras, oh . . . Sansa's breath caught in her throat. She remembered Ser Loras in his sparkling sapphire armor, tossing her a rose. Ser Loras in white silk, so pure, innocent, beautiful. The dimples at the corner of his mouth when he smiled. The sweetness of his laugh, the warmth of his hand. She could only imagine what it would be like to pull up his tunic and caress the smooth skin underneath, to stand on her toes and kiss him, to run her fingers through those thick brown curls and drown in his deep brown eyes. A flush crept up her neck. (ASOS, Sansa I)

"And the Dragonknight?" She flung the bedclothes aside and swung her legs to the floor. "The noblest knight who ever lived, you said, and he took his queen to bed and got her with child." (AFFC, The Soiled Knight)

Step 6: Trials and Tribulations In Apocalypse Times

His words were like an icy draft through her heart. "No," she said, suddenly afraid. Was this to be her punishment? Never to see his face again, nor to feel his arms around her? (AGOT, Catelyn II)

When he woke, there was nothing to do but think, and his waking thoughts were worse than nightmares. The thought of Cat was as painful as a bed of nettles. He wondered where she was, what she was doing. He wondered whether he would ever see her again. (AGOT, Eddard X)

Step 7: Due to Reasons of Convenience, These Cousins Must Totally Wed Now

His lord father had once talked about raising new lords and settling them in the abandoned holdfasts as a shield against wildlings. The plan would have required the Watch to yield back a large part of the Gift, but his uncle Benjen believed the Lord Commander could be won around, so long as the new lordlings paid taxes to Castle Black rather than Winterfell. "It is a dream for spring, though," Lord Eddard had said. "Even the promise of land will not lure men north with a winter coming on." If winter had come and gone more quickly and spring had followed in its turn, I might have been chosen to hold one of these towers in my father's name. (ASOS, Jon V)

"To be sure. It would not have been fitting for a daughter of Riverrun to marry one so far below her." Littlefinger spread his hands. "Now, though . . . a match between the Lady of the Eyrie and the Lord of Harrenhal is not so unthinkable, is it?" [...] Tyrion studied the slender man with the pointed beard and irreverent grey-green eyes. Lord of Harrenhal an empty honor? Bugger that, Father. Even if he never sets foot in the castle, the title makes this match possible, as he's known all along. (ASOS, Tyrion III)

And there was one woman, sitting almost at the foot of the third table on the left . . . the wife of one of the Fossoways, he thought, and heavy with his child. Her delicate beauty was in no way diminished by her belly, nor was her pleasure in the food and frolics. Tyrion watched as her husband fed her morsels off his plate. They drank from the same cup, and would kiss often and unpredictably. Whenever they did, his hand would gently rest upon her stomach, a tender and protective gesture. (ASOS, Tyrion VIII)

Commence lots of laundry and taxes and baby Starklings.

#jonsa #silly

[monstrousvoice]

Perfect Construct

Original post that inspired this from @justlookingchillin​!

A/N: Alrighty y'all, being honest I'm not satisfied with how this one turned out. I had a lot of steam for it, but for the past 2-3 weeks I've had some baaaaddd writer's block (I can't even daydream properly! 😭) While it's not perfect or exactly as I wanted it to be, I figured it's better to post it as is than not post at all. Thanks for giving it read 💖

Tags: Angst, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Smut, Soft Smut, Cockwarming, Self-Loathing, Self-Hatred, Morgott being a sad old man, Love Confessions, Sharing Food, Happy Ending

Warnings: Slight Self Harm - Morgott doesn’t do it with intent, it’s more he just doesn’t care if he gets hurt, Slight Descriptions of Blood, Allusions to an Eating Disorder

Read on AO3!

It started so innocently. 

His intentions had been pure, his only desire being to protect you. A construct made from his golden magic would have numerous practical uses, ways to keep you safe if need be. He was so careful in its construction as well. Long hours of molding the golden light perfectly, till it smiled the way you did, the way your nose scrunched up just so…

The way your hair shined under the glow of the Erdtree, somehow more radiant and luminous…It could never reach your perfection, could never carry your flaws with the same grace and humility, but it was as close as his magic would ever get. As anyone's magic would ever get.

It was as he compared your image to his own construct that Morgott paused.

Your height was just right against his own image, in a way that made his chest ache. A vision of loveliness such as yourself…next to a disgusting creature such as him. It was horrible. The roiling feeling of shame and self-loathing had him staggering in place, suddenly dizzy with the need to look away from the unresponsive mimics. With a wave of his hand, both forms dissipated in a shower of golden sparkles.

It was hours later, under the safe cover of night, that the Omen dared to bring your construct back. Locked away in his study with scrolls and paperwork and soft candlelight, you appeared once more. Your false image smiled at him but did not move. He tried not to notice the empty sheen in your eyes, the lack of life that magical constructs are made with. This was only a puppet after all. 

A hollow shell of magic molded to look like you. It couldn't do anything he didn't order it to. 

A thought, unbidden, crossed his mind and within seconds your construct was following the order. He didn't mean to tell you in such a way but when the construct stepped closer and placed your-not-hand upon his cheek, still smiling, he found he did not have the strength to pull away. It was such a gentle touch, one that had his eye fluttering closed in heartaching bliss. How he had dreamed of feeling your touch…Would your real touch be so soft, so warm?

Would the real you smile at him with such tenderness? Something a creature like him didn't deserve?

"Of course I wouldn't Morgott, you fool of a creature." Your voice, so sweet even as your words stabbed at his heart. The construct of you still smiled, even as it continued to speak…to break his spirit.

"You vile filth. Tainting my image in such a way. It's disgusting." Your thumb rubbed along his cheekbone, fingers tingling in the fur of his sideburns. He nodded, unable to disagree with the truth spoken to him. "You should dispel me, and never do this again. Don't soil my image anymore than you already have." He knew he should, he knew it in his bones. Despite the want clawing in his heart, the king sent your image away once again.

He couldn't sleep that night, guilt all but destroying him from the inside out. In the morning light, you - the real you - came to see him, and he had to excuse himself to vomit. You were so worried for him, your kindness wasted on such a disgusting creature such as he. You had insisted he rest, your hand on his hunched shoulder as you spoke. Even through the material of his tattered robes, he knew that your touch was vastly superior to the construct of you. He had hastily assured you that he would do as you asked and rest for the day, if only to not have to see the worried crease in your brow as you looked at him.

The realization hit him then, while staring into your eyes, that he will never be able to offer you what you deserve…but he could make a version of himself that could.

He spent the day in his room, 'resting' as you had requested. Conjuring a golden human, a blank canvas for him to mold. The whole day he worked on it - perfecting the nose, the jaw, the hair, everything just so. He thought of his potential, what he could have been, and felt his heart ache with want and anger at the unfairness of it all. At times it grew so painful he thought he might be sick again.

All day you would visit him, insisting that if he wasn’t so married to his work you wouldn’t need to make sure he was properly resting. The teasing stung more than it had any right to. It did, however, keep him motivated to at least try and give you the love you deserved.

And so, after a full day of persistent work, he brought his newest creation to ‘life’. It was everything he wished he could be…handsome, poised, regal…worthy of your attention. Morgott could see through the creation’s eyes, could speak using its voice. He did one last check to make sure it was perfect, conjuring your image next to his own. 

‘You’ looped your arm around ‘his’, smiling and leaning up on your tiptoes to kiss his very human looking face. The real Morgott felt his insides churn and roil with familiar pain. This…this was the best he could do for you. It was worth the pain however, if it was for you…

With his new guise, he introduced ‘himself’ to you. You had been polite and kind as always, looking at the new him with a level of curiosity he found adorable. Very quickly you found the illusion to be a comforting presence, agreeing to have meals with ‘him’ and even take walks together. 

Morgott couldn’t feel your warm touch or smell your sweet scent through the illusion, but he could watch you laugh and smile at the things he said. You even continued to visit the real him, locked away in his study as always, despite how well things were going between you and his construct. It just proved your caring nature, still coming to check on an unworthy fool like him, not casting him aside like you could have…

He could deny his feelings no longer.

Donning the facade of a charming noble once more, he asked you to join him on a late night walk.

“A lovely night, wouldst thou agree, my dear?” He spoke through the illusion. A warm spark went off in his chest while using the pet name. He was allowed to do that in this body…

You were staring off into the distance when his words snapped you back to the present.

“Huh? Oh, yes! Quite lovely…” The two of you had already made it to the garden, and he came to a slow stop with you.

“This is Morgott’s favorite spot…” You murmured, voice soft. He blinked in surprise, realizing belatedly that you were right. The two of you stood in the middle of an Erdleaf Flower field, the golden light of the Erdtree gleaming above you. He hadn’t even realized he had brought you here…

He cleared his throat. “Uh, well, yes. Tis a beautiful spot.” You nodded absently, looking to the great tree looming above. “My dear Tarnished, I brought thee here to ask something important, with hope in my heart that thou will say ‘yes’...” His words caught your attention, his hands grabbing both of yours in his own and holding them between you. His thumbs stroked over your skin, as if by some chance he could feel how soft and warm they truly were.

“I…I find thee wonderful company,” He began, feeling his heart climb up his throat. He felt like he was going to choke, he was so nervous. Your own eyes widened at his words. “I would very much like to keep company with thee, if thou finds it agreeable.” 

He had the construct kneel down on one knee, bending to pluck a single flower from the grass below. As he offered it to you, a dawning look of realization came over your face. 

“Would thee allow myself…the pleasure to court thee?” There. He had gotten the words out with minor issue. He waited with baited breath for your response. A perfect version of him, ready to love and cherish you forever…

But then…you stepped away.

“I…I can’t.” You whispered.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I tried…I tried to learn how to love you but…You’re too much like him. Too much like the one I do love. I…” Your hands went to your face, fingers digging into your cheeks as your breathing quickened. 

“I need to find him.”

And you ran. The Erdleaf Flower fell from his hand.

Morgott watched with magic eyes as your form disappeared back inside the castle. He watched as his vision grew blurry, first from gold as the magic construct dissipated, and as watery tears spilled from his one good eye as he found himself staring at the wall of his study once more. 

Of course.

…Of course.

Why did he-...

Why did he think anything else would have…To think even a projection of one so reviled as he would ever win your heart…

“You moronic old fool.” He hissed.

His chest hurt.

He stood from his chair, stumbling sideways as the room swayed around him. He caught himself on his desk, stationary clattering to the floor and his hand coming up to cradle his aching head. It…It was too small in here. He couldn’t breathe. He needed…needed to get out. Out. 

He stumbled towards the window, smashing his fist through the delicate glass without flinching. The metal frame popped out and fell to the floor of his study with a shower of glass shards as he climbed through the stone frame. Glass embedded into the skin of his palms as he swung his feet over and onto the roof outside. He heard the voice of a guard, far below him on patrol speak. 

“What was that!?” The Omen didn’t care to listen as another guard called out, simply sliding and jumping across the roof tiles and away. Away from this place, away from you. 

From your warm smile, your comforting eyes, your lovely voice…

His left hand clawed at his chest as he jumped, nails digging into the gray muscles and skin layered over his heart. 

It hurt so much…

He missed his next jump, his foot sliding from where it was supposed to land, and his stomach flipped as he felt himself fall. With a choked gasp he reached out, his fingers digging into hard stone as he managed to grab a thick railing above him. He heaved his massive weight up, uncaring of the sting of glass still in the meat of his palms. With a watery eye he took in his surroundings and realized where he had run to.

Heaving and trying to hold in his sobs, the Omen landed on his feet with a stumble into the open courtyard of the Erdtree. Golden thrones sat in a line, golden leaves fluttering across the carved stone floor as the night wind blew past. His shaking legs took him across the space, his gaze stuck on the wall of thorns blocking the entrance to the great golden tree. He climbed the great stone steps, his hands raising high, palms open towards the barrier. 

His gnarled fingers grabbed at the thick vines, plant as hard as any metal, unyielding. He squeezed, watching as the thorns pierced his already cut skin, rivulets of blood flowing down his wrist and forearm to his elbow. Fat droplets fell and pooled together at his feet, soaking into the stone.

And for the first time in decades…the Omen sobbed.

Watching as his cursed blood flowed from his cuts, he cried and heaved, yanking flutiley at the thorns that never yielded to anyone. 

“P-please…” He sputtered. 

Silence.

“Please! Wh-why-? Why am I-? Why dost thou hate me so!?” His voice came out as a broken cry. “Why was I born with this curse? Why did thou not simply drown me-?” His tears fell, his nose dripping, blood soaking his hands and forearms. He fell to his knees, feeling more weak and broken than he has since he was a small child. His head fell forward, horns knocking against the thorns he cut himself upon. 

His shoulders shook as he heaved, gasping breaths that did little to fill his lungs before everything was forcefully pushed out once more by a rib cracking sob. Even as his body shook he could feel himself losing touch with his emotions. 

A cold numbness in his heart spreading and leaving him feeling hollow. 

Behind him, he heard the sound of soft footfalls.

A voice, the last one he wanted to hear - one that still made his heart jump - spoke into the quiet.

“Morgott? I thought I would find you here…What happened? Are you all right?” Your voice was soft, like a balm to his soul even as it cracked and broke into small pieces. Your steps grew closer, he could feel you behind him on the stairs.

“Morgott, you’re scaring me, what-” He heard you gasp. “You’re bleeding! By Grace, Morgott, stop doing that! Come here-!” You were suddenly next to him, soft hands grabbing his wrists, trying to get him to let go of the thorns. Feeling empty even as tears still leaked from his eye, he let you lead him away from the barrier.

You were holding his arm, one of your own hands on his chest to help steady him as he walked down the stairs. As if you had any chance of carrying his weight should he fall…

“Oh Morgott, what happened, my sweet? Why are you here so late-” You prattled on as you guided him to sit on the stairs. Rather than answer you, he cut you off. 

“Why art thou here?” His voice sounded broken, even to himself. You paused and met his golden gaze.

“I needed to talk to you, but it’s not important now.” With practiced movements you reached for the bottom of your robes and tore the cloth, revealing the supple curves of your legs. With a small strip you wiped up the blood staining his skin, checking for cuts along his forearms.

“...What?” It was less a question from him and more a statement of his confusion. You either ignored him or didn’t hear. Ignoring the sting in his hand he grabbed your wrist, stopping your movements and getting his cursed blood on you. You didn’t pull away.

“What is it, Tarnished.” He didn’t know why he needed to know. His mind was becoming aware of the situation and it was…odd that you were here. Why were you not with him, whoever he might be that stole your heart? You looked at him, lips pursed in frustration that he was stopping you from cleaning him up. 

Eventually, you sigh.

“Can I at least clean you up while talking?” He narrowed his eye to a glare, but nodded and released your wrist. You looked relieved, moving back to cleaning the shredded skin of his hands. He felt the small sting of glass shards being pulled, your gaze focused on the task and refusing to meet his own eye. 

“...I was on a walk earlier, and I-...realized something important.” His heart lurched. He was quite familiar with this realization you had and did not wish to hear it once more. He opened his mouth to stop you, but you continued on before he could make a sound. 

“You’re very important to me, Morgott. The most important person in my life.” You stopped cleaning again, your eyes finally meeting his. You looked so…determined. And terrified.

“I love you. And I want to be with you.”

He felt his heart stop.

The Omen stared at you, unable to react as his mind tried to rationalize the situation.

“Thou…” He huffed, his head pounding.

“I love you Morgott. I have for a very long time now, and I want you to know it.” Your cheeks darkened as you spoke. “You don’t have to say anything now, not after tonight, but I wanted you to know. I needed you to know…even if I wish it was in a better way than…this.” You gestured vaguely at the blood between you both. He let his head fall back, staring into the branches of the Erdtree.

“This is…this is an illusion. It must be.” He whispered. He felt the sting of more glass being pulled. 

“No. It’s real. If it makes you more comfortable however, we can pretend it’s not.” He squinted up at the sky. He didn’t like that you said that.

“I have spent weeks trying to earn thy affection, and now thou offer to pretend thee does not feel such a way towards mineself?” He looked down at you, his exhausted mind able to appreciate the cosmic humor of the situation even as it felt like he was about to vomit his own heart out.  You looked shocked at his words, mouth open and eyes wide. Still so beautiful…

“You…you were trying to get my attention? Bu-but you were always away! I could never find you! And when I did it was always ‘I am too busy for thee, Tarnished’,” You tried to deepen your voice to match his, failing miserably. Despite his exhaustion, the corner of his mouth quirked up in amusement. 

“The noble, Tarnished. The noble.” He watched as your brow furrowed in confusion, your lips mouthing his own words back at him. With grim amusement he watched as your expression cleared, eyes wide as you stared up at him. He looked away from you, staring at his lap. He waited for the rejection, the humiliation, to come. 

“Morgott…” Your fingers, so soft, cupped his jaw and angled his head back up. “You…you were the one who wanted to court me? And I…rejected you…” He squeezed his eye shut and bit his tongue, nodding slowly.

“...I wanted to be…worthy of you…” He whispered. He heard you take a sharp inhale.

“Well, even if I knew it was you…I still would have said ‘no’. Do you know why?” It hurt to hear you admit it. There were many reasons why you would do so, too many for him to count. His cursed nature, his abnormal appearance, his failure to be a proper prince and monarch - instead being a sad shallow imitation of one. He could have listed all of this to you, but he didn’t trust his voice to not break with tears once more. He simply shook his head ‘no’.

“I would still say ‘no’ because,” You brought your face closer to his, still cupped in your tender hands, voice so close he could feel the warmth of your breath on his cheeks. “I love you. Just as you are.” 

His eye peaked open, a sliver of gold that welled with tears once more at the honest love in your eyes. 

“The noble…he acted like you, he was you, but he wasn’t what I wanted. I want you, exactly as you are. Handsome and regal, such a refined face…So tall and strong, beautiful silver fur…Impossibly stubborn.” You broke into a smile at the end, eyes darting over his face like you wanted to memorize every detail. Morgott breathed in a shuddering gasp, unable to believe the words you spoke.

“Everytime he asked me to go somewhere I…I couldn’t help but think about how much I would rather be with you. You stubborn fool…” A choked noise left him, unable to hold back his tears any longer, the wetness streaming down his cheeks for the second time that night. The fur of his beard soaked through and clinged to his throat. You moved your thumb to try and wipe away the wetness, gently ‘shushing’ his noises. He leaned into the touch despite himself, relishing the warmth of your hands.

He wanted to return your declaration, to tell you he loved you as well. He could feel the words clawing inside him, but fear held them back. A barrier, one that made his throat seize up when he opened his mouth to say something, anything, in return. Your eyes darted down to his lips and back up again. He could see it in your face, understanding.

“Morgott, you don’t need to say anything back. It’s been a long night for us both…” On that he could agree. “Let’s get you back to the castle and properly bandage you up. Then we can head to bed, hmm?” 

He felt so weak and tired…The idea of letting his mind rest after tonight sounded wonderful…He nodded at your words, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Using his tail for balance he managed to lift himself back to his feet, needing minimal help from you. Distraught he may have been tonight, but he could still walk, and his pride would only let him seem weak for so long. 

The two of you walked back down the winding halls from the Erdtree back to the castle proper, silent as you went. He didn’t even have the strength to argue with you about using the King’s suite for rest. He simply walked inside and sat on the massive mattress he refused to use, letting you fuss over his injuries. 

He can’t recall when it happened, but when you were finally done he simply pulled himself further onto the bed, curling up with you for some much needed rest until the morning came.

                                                ~~~~~~~~~~

Come the light of the morning sun, Morgott woke up with a lingering headache and a general bad taste in his mouth. He could hear your voice nearby, muffled and gentle. Peeking his golden eye open and looking through the darkness of the room, he saw you leaning out of a tiny crack in the doorway. Light spilled in from the hallway, and he could hear another voice with yours.

“-had an unexpected issue last night, so yes, just bring his meals here today.” The other voice sounded again, too muffled for him to understand what was being said. You responded.

“Oh yes, I will be making sure he gets his rest. He isn’t working today, not under my watch!” Your words were light, but the Omen could hear the unyielding determination in them. “Thank you again, it is greatly appreciated.” You opened the door wider, more golden light of the day spilling inside and making Morgott flinch. The smell of cooked sausage and turkey, eggs, and warm bread flooded the room, and his stomach growled against his will. 

As he heard you close and lock the door his cheeks flushed with shame, preparing to be berated. How dare he even entertain the idea of eating such fine foods, a being like him. He shouldn’t be allowed to smell such fine foods, moreover he shouldn’t be in this room! In his exhausted state he had allowed you to lead him here, and now that he had his wits about him once more, he was painfully aware of how he didn’t belong here. 

And yet, when you heard his stomach growl, you said nothing. When your gaze came to him, sitting on a bed made for a proper king, your eyes were tender with an even softer smile on your lips. He watched with tense muscles as you loaded up a plate high with delectable food, and he resigned himself to suffering through his hunger as you ate. He would not ask for any. He learned long ago such niceties were not for his kind. Carefully balancing the plate (piled with bread and sausage most precariously) you climbed onto the bed. 

And settled right onto his lap, facing him. 

All the Omen could do was stare, speechless, as you made yourself comfortable on his thighs. You wobbled as you shifted, and on instinct his hands shot out to grip your hips, keeping you in place. 

“Oh, thank you beloved~” You purred. Morgott felt his ears burn, and could not meet your eyes. Now settled comfortably you grabbed a slice of bread, slathered with melting butter, and held it to his lips. He didn’t dare move. 

“Come now Morgott, I know you’re hungry. Take a bite~” You waved the piece temptingly under his nose, and his mouth opened without his permission. As quick as he could he snapped his jaw shut again, turning away from the tempting morsel. 

Through gritted teeth he managed to mumble, “That is not suitable for one such as I.” He expected you to huff and chastise him, as you always did when he didn’t ‘properly care for himself’, as you explained. He was too exhausted after last night to argue with you on what he did or didn’t deserve, and he hoped you would leave it be just this once…

The sigh you gave was less exasperated and more…sad? He looked to you out the corner of his eye. You were staring at the plate full of food, looking for all the world like a kicked puppy. 

“...What?” He mumbled. It’s a trap, he knows it, but he can’t stand seeing such a look on your face. You sigh again, shoulders drooping. 

“I told the staff to make your favorites…and they told me they didn’t know what they were…” You listlessly push the steaming sausage with your fork. “So I took a guess, hoping I would be right…but I guess I wasn’t.” He opens his mouth to retort that he’s never tried any of these foods, and so you aren’t wrong either, but you continue.

“Now I have all this food I can’t possibly eat. It’s all going to go to waste, and I hate throwing perfectly good food into the trash…Especially knowing that there are some out there starving, with nothing to eat…” 

Your words have an immediate effect on him, memories of a childhood he’d rather forget. His dear brother crying when the hunger pangs grew too great, stealing crayfish eggs and nearly dying for them only to find their bellies still growling for more…

As a child he would have cried tears of joy for someone as beautiful and kind as you to offer him even a fragment of the food currently laid out before him. He groans, at war with himself, covering his face with a hand. He can’t, he knows he can’t eat such food, it’s not right-!

Your fingers wrap around his palm, pulling his hand away, and your face is suddenly right next to his. He can see the individual flecks of color in your eyes…

“Morgott,” You whisper, as if about to share a secret with him. “I won’t tell if you won’t. This can be just between us, a secret morning, yes?” The Omen bites his lip, eyes darting between yours and the food still steaming between you. 

A secret…

He’s so tempted to agree, to trust your words, the one he fell in love with so long ago now…And you’re waiting for him to find his courage, sitting on his lap the way a lover would. His heart is racing and he can hear his blood pounding in his ears.

“...Just…just this one time, yes?” His voice sounded quiet even to his own ears. You smile in response, looking…proud…of him.

“Yes! Yes, just this one time…” You promise and hold the bread up to his lips once more. He squeezes his eyes shut and opens his mouth, fear making his hands tremble where they rest on your hips. His fingers dig into your soft flesh to ground himself. 

He bites into the morsel of food, gingerly chewing. Flavor explodes on his tongue, a taste he didn’t think possible to come from simple bread flooding his senses, and a heady groan leaves him. 

He freezes immediately, eye darting in a panic around the room as if some terrifying being would materialize and punish him for this indulgence. 

Nothing happens.

You still sit comfortably on his lap, smiling, with more food. 

“I’m so proud of you Morgott.” You whisper. 

And like a spell has been cast, all the tension leaves his body and he sags, practically boneless, against the headboard and pillows as he swallows. You lean in closer still.

“Please my love, can I kiss you?” He stares at you, eye darting down to your soft lips so close to his own already, at your pleading gaze. He slowly nods, and you close the distance. Your lips press against his own with the gentleness of a flower and it has his heart thumping in his chest so fast and loud he’s certain the whole castle can hear it. As quick as you had come you pull away, scraping more food onto the fork and holding it up for him. 

“Another bite? Then…another kiss?” You offer, and he can’t find the strength in himself to say ‘no’. 

He takes every bite you offer, melts into every kiss you bless him with, until the food cart is nearly empty. His stomach feels so full, a feeling he isn’t at all used to after years of the minimal diet he would grant himself. 

And you look so proud of him. 

You put the empty plate back onto the cart and nuzzle into his chest, your breath warm against him even through the material of his cloak. His arms are still wrapped tight around your waist as he feels his body go slack. He’s never felt so relaxed…

He’s not sure when the two of you begin kissing again, but you do. Lips press together over and over, your combined panting filling the silence of the room everytime you separate. Your lips are swollen and almost bruised from the force of your own kisses and he’s sure he doesn’t look much better. His fingers tangle in your hair as you kiss again, and he gasps at the feeling of your tongue against his lips. 

A long low moan leaves his chest, and he returns the action. He has no idea what he’s doing, but it feels good and you aren’t pulling away. His worries and fears of reality seem like a distant memory as he gets lost in your love, a syrupy warm feeling spreading through his insides at every touch from you. 

It’s so much, so much feeling in his body - in his heart - he can’t make sense of anything anymore. He has to break away from you, throwing his head back into the pillows and panting, his hot breath clouding before him in the darkness of the room. He peers down at you, a tiny sliver of gold watching your every move.

Not one to waste an opportunity, your mouth finds its way to the thick corded muscle of his neck, licking and sucking his touch-starved skin like it's covered in sweet sugar. His hips buck up into you at the feeling and he feels his steely control slip. 

His sheath is already pulling back, the hefty weight of his cock hardening, begging to be touched. He should feel ashamed, he knows. He should be apologizing, begging your forgiveness that such a disgusting part of himself is pressing against your warm thighs, but his voice won’t work. Choked moans and half-formed syllables of your name are all that he can manage. 

You coo in response, the sweetest sound his ears have ever heard, and kiss him again, grinding your hips down against his own. Your tongue is in his mouth, and all he can do in response is try to copy your movements. When you pull away, a thin line of drool connects your swollen lips together before snapping. 

“Morgott, beloved, please…” He doesn’t know what you’re asking for, but if it keeps you looking at him like this, he’ll move the Grace-damned moon for you. “P-please, can I…?”

“Wh-what-?” He feels a shock of self consciousness, his voice sounds ruined, but you bit your lip in response to his question.

“I just want…It’ll feel good, I promise-just... inside me, please…” He still doesn’t quite understand, but he thinks he likes it. He likes trusting you to not hurt him.

“Y-yes. Yes, whatever ye wish…” He whispers, and you reward him with another kiss. He can feel your hands, so small, on the ties of his robe, pulling the fabric loose so it falls from his shoulders to the bed below. He feels your nails glide along his sensitive skin, making his muscles jump and twitch. He moans into your kiss when your fingers grab him, your touch feeling sinful against the soft barbs lining his cock.

Your thumb presses against the weeping slit on his head, precum oozing out and covering your hand in a thick layer of slick. His hips buck again at the feeling and his tail thumps hard against the mattress, and your shared kiss is broken as you bounce on his lap from the force. 

“F-fuuuck, okay my love, okay…Patience…” You breathe against his jaw line, pressing more soft kisses to the marked up skin of his throat. The king watches as your hands go to your own robes, and he grunts in agony at the loss of sensation to his body. You pull your night robes off as well, and for the first time Morgott is granted a full view of your beautiful body. His hands move to stroke up and down your waist without thought, enjoying the scars and marks that cover you and make you his sweet Tarnished. 

You seem happy to let him do as he wishes, your focus elsewhere. He watches, fascinated, as your fingers move to the apex of your thighs and play with the slick gathering along your skin. With a wet ‘squelch’ your fingers sink into your cunt, and the sound has him moaning and biting his lip, his cock aching to be nestled deep inside your welcoming heat. You shudder at the sound of his voice, removing your fingers as quickly as you put them inside.

“It’s fine- I can’t wait any longer-” You pant, words rushed and breathless. Morgott feels weak and helpless as he watches you, desperate for any attention you decide to give him. 

You maneuver your hips and grip his cock once more, with the same hand that had just been inside your wet cunt. The viscous precum his own cock is leaking mixes with your own and leaves his member slick and shiny, ready to slip inside your opening. Pupils blown wide with the lust, the two of you watch together as his cock slowly spreads your dripping lips. Your mouth drops open wide with a cry as you move, and Morgott feels an uncontrollable shudder go down his spine, his back arching as he holds you close to his chest. 

Your hips sink further down onto his lap and suddenly your hands are gripping his horns and hair, pulling him into another soul shattering kiss. You keen against his lips when you’re finally flush against him, and he can’t hold back his own whimpers at the feeling. 

When you separate for much needed air, you both pause, simply experiencing the feeling of being together, being whole. The Omen relaxes and holds you close to him and you nuzzle your face into the soft fluffy fur of his chest, the muscles of your leaking cunt squeezing him in time with your heartbeat. You both lay together, panting and trembling at the closeness you now share. 

The Omen looks to you and pulls you in for another kiss, the searing heat he feels in his blood not at all unpleasant. He could do this forever it feels like, his hands roaming your skin as you kiss and kiss and kiss…

When you pull away for air he is surprised that his vision is blurry once more. You look at him with soft concern, your hand cupping his cheek and making him aware of the wetness now there. He sucks in a trembling breath, chest shuddering as he lets the emotions overwhelming him swell and bubble out. You are here. You will catch him as he falls. He trusts you.

“...I-...I love ye…my Tarnished…S-sweet Tarnished-” You kiss him again, hands roaming up to his head and grasping his hair and horns. Your fingers tangle against the silvery hair and hold him close, as if you can’t imagine being without him for a moment. Morgott’s own hand leaves your waist to carefully stroke your cheek, and he feels the tears on your own skin. He whimpers against your lips, feeling more loved and treasured here in this moment than he ever has in the long centuries he’s been alive. 

When you both separate, you adjust your hands on his shoulders and begin to gently rock against him, his cock bumping against the opening of your womb. It has him sucking in air sharply through his gritted teeth as he holds you.

“It’s okay Morgott, it’s okay my love…I’m here, I have you…” You whisper. He can only babble in return.

“I-I love ye, s-so much…so much…” 

“I love you too, I want to be with you, I want to marry you-” He cries out and bucks his hips, a feeling he’s never felt before washing over him. His knot swells where it’s nestled inside you, and cum leaks from the head of his cock in a slow, steady stream. You gasp at the feeling, the viscous liquid settling inside you with nowhere to go, tied to his knot as you are. Before your eyes your belly slowly swells and grows pudgy, and your hands move to cup the curve of it.

You moan and lay against his chest once more, panting and whimpering as the Omen rides out his high. His tail is thump-thumping against the bed as more cum trickles out of his cock, his chest heaving at the feeling. 

Like a puppet with its strings cut, Morgott suddenly goes slack against the bed, looking dazed and overwhelmed. You press soft kisses to his chest and let him be, giving him a much needed moment to gather himself. When his breathing slows again, he speaks.

“I-I apologize…ye didn’t-” He draws in on himself, shame filling him knowing that he took advantage of your kindness and didn’t even help you reach bliss with him. He can feel his ears burning as he looks away from you.

Your delicate hand hooks his chin, directing his golden gaze back to you.

“It’s okay love, I understand…It’s overwhelming, yes?” You smile. He is helpless to do anything but nod. “You can make it up to me, we have all day, after all~”

#Elden Ring #Morgott #Morgott The Omen King #Morgott X Tarnished #Morgott X Reader #My Writing

[seneitut]

“Love”

PT (1) PT (2) 

[Yoru/Reader] [Omen/Reader]

Words: 2.5K

Warnings: Mentions of murder, obsession of sorts, suggestive sexual encounters, yandere-ish(?)

How do they show their love? [Is it the epitome of extreme, or just dumb fools?]

Yoru: Act. 

For him, words mean nothing if the actions don't back them up immediately; whether be in friendships or his intimate life—to which he shouldn't worry at all since he has none—, he won't heed to promises nor apologies if those are not fulfilled accordingly.

This fact never changed, strengthening with time and polishing it through everything surrounding him despite clashing wildly with the rest. Deaf to complaints and blind to dirty stares, he continues to strive forward in life ignoring them; because if not even the first light made him change his mind, neither will the people who came after the disaster.

Even when he found himself falling in love, Yoru's morals and beliefs never warped nor misguided. 

Odd, in everyone's eyes. Meant to be yours, in his.

The loner wolf got someone to like him and tame his wild heart by simple actions, little by little, until Yoru stopped being the radiant with powerful abilities, to introduce himself to you as Ryo; a normal japanese man who enjoys the smells of coffee and reminisce the old times with a heavy heart.

You were completely fooled by his web of lies to keep you away from the mess his life is, to keep you on your toes whenever he desired to share bits of his past and made you feel like the only person special in his world; which is true, despite the many wrongs he's done, you are truly what he could consider his special someone and his treasure.

As the ways you managed to have him wrapped around your finger, Yoru didn't even know he was capable of trusting something so important and delicate as his heart to a stranger of sorts, blinding following what his emotions dictate and what your sweet words enchant him to do.

He was in love, completely and utterly head over heels for you it was almost ridiculous. Yoru would eat every word you’d have to say, watch your fingers work around your station, making his favorite beverage for the day while glancing his way every now and then. He would stay some days, where work was not important and you seemed thrilled to have him around, lounging in the coffee shop and watching you work with a gentle smile gracing his features.

For when the night falls, he would kiss every inch of your body that you allow him to reach and worship you as if you were a god, his god; preaching, marking and claiming you as his.

Every touch, every bite mark, everytime you gasp for air when he drowns himself into your body, taking and taking in tandem what you offer in a silver plate; he cannot get enough, going for it one at a time until he has you shattering with pleasure and he chases after you to join you, that’s how ridiculous this whole thing is.

Phoenix and Jett are the few who were witness to his affections towards another and made it out alive after being found out spying on the japanese man.

To say you saved them from the wrath of Yoru's anger despite the other having all the reasons to explode on them would be an understatement; they are more than thankful, if not curious about your history with the riftwalker and what it meant to have a partner outside his profession.

It was dangerous, in truth, to have his personal life disclosed this easily to everyone who was his comrade in battle; nothing good would come out of it and his lies would be found out if you were to interact further with them.

But at the end, he realized it could favor him immensely if the others knew, except for you.

Yoru is not someone who can trust others easily, as previously stated. Quite the opposite, through his tough persona, he evades people all the time to avoid being seen or cornered to socialize; insulting and pushing away whoever wants to approach him even from a friendly stance.

But when you entered his life, he knew he wouldn't be able to protect you alone, hence the lies, so he decided the best course of action would be roping up a few other members to ensure your safety, as dangerous as it might sound.

Cypher would be sure to erase every trace of your existence or interactions with the riftwalker after every meeting, all at the high cost of a price he won't disclose by contract with the Moroccan man. He is not proud of what he owes Cypher now, but to know you're well secured and protected, he would do it again and again.

He contacted Killjoy to hack into the system to find any correlation of your social circle to whoever worked or is currently working for Kingdom. Once the list was delivered into his hands, Yoru would make sure everyone on the list would be erased from existence, not a single soul would be able to escape him.

By what methods? That's for him to take to the grave, no witnesses.

You are his world, you are his everything, and he will make sure you are safe and sound or else hell will rise. 

Omen: Words.

The concentration poured into keeping himself together could be arguably the best quality he could offer. 

Not everyone can pride themselves about the determination of keeping oneself alive for longer than nature intended; since his due time was past the date and he’s now going against every little law of the universe, he wonders if this was some sort of punishment. 

He’s never asked to be revived into…a monster, despite having many people arguing that whatever he is now, is better than being dead.

A foolish thought.

Omen can definitely be naming the many reasons as to why it is not a miracle, but a penitence for his past mistakes when he was alive. Atoning for his sins in the form of smokes and dirty armor, from broken flesh and ignited bones, it pains him deeply being alive and despises whoever treats his hurt as if it were nothing.

Being reborn as a new being shifts something on his brain, unintentionally, whereas anyone who looks his way will treat him the way he looks: like a monster.

Is inevitable, really, a course of action not even he has the power to stop nor change. He goes along with whatever happens in his surroundings now, letting the flow of energies guide him to where he currently is at and accustomed to his comrades attitudes.

He is more than aware of their dirty looks and general avoidance whenever he is in the vicinity, oblivious of his capability of sensing emotions through wavelengths or the fact that he is witness to their change in demeanour— they know how to keep it professional enough so disturbances don't take place.

That is how his days go by, used to it, used to being an unsightly view and detriment to the morale of his comrades with his unsettling voice and mannerism. His turmoil means nothing if the rest is content with not having him around; so he absconds, hides himself most of the time and pretends he isn't alive for their sake.

There is nothing new in his everyday life.

Or so he thinks, before his curse tides the wave in his favor.

Imagine his surprise the first time someone didn't react negatively with his presence. 

It threw him off, confusion overtaking him and assuming he just read the cues wrong. It surprised him  more when you didn't react at all until he spoke out loud, scaring the living shit out of you.

When you looked at him, or more specifically, where you thought he was, Omen supposed this would go different.

Not being a sociable person, Omen finds it odd on him to have been convinced to come to Harajuku for materials he needed. Some of his knitting kits have gone missing, and trying to go by undetected and to not bother his comrades, he never spoke about the issue.

Yoru made some reassurance, in his own way, that no one would mind the way he looks since everyone there was already a freak. Omen didn't refute his saying, since his words had truth in there, despite feeling offended. 

“They won't even notice you at night,” he commented.

No fear, no screams, not even a glance nor terrified expression painting your features besides being startled; that's how your first meeting went: only a smile and the pleasure to assist him.

Kind and lovely, adjectives Omen would never think of being used in his vocabulary, but for this occasion, it was necessary, a must to describe you. Amusing, too, whenever he would ask you questions about certain things, voice deep and reverberating it sent shivers down your spine, it made you nervous.

One more worker, just like him, but missing a certain ability most had.

You were blind.

For better or worse, it doesn't change your way of treating him like a human being; despite him losing his humanity over and over again on the battlefield, taking life after another, you treat him with a kindness and warmness that he has forgotten long ago. 

You are quick to erase the awful thoughts running through his brain with little chats and adorable clumsiness, chasing after him at the shop to keep talking. It was flattering that someone was taking an interest in him this deeply, and inevitably, he finds himself chasing after you too.

Omen believes this is how liking someone feels, contrary to his initial thoughts on socializing, he finds it fulfilling and easy to navigate on with you with this newfound feeling.

His one time visit becomes a recurrent, always looking for you and ignoring everyone else in your surroundings to goad you into full attention and pretty smiles. Even when people visit the shop, even when people comment on his overall look with disgusted faces, one word from you eases his tension and doubts.

You are a sweetheart to a fault, letting everyone walk on you because of your calm demeanor and shy complex under stressful situations. He would watch people talk behind your back within your presence, ignoring completely the crestfallen expression on your face or the gathering tears in your eyes when you think he’s not there or no one notices.

They belittle you, doubt your work and decision making because of your lack of vision.

They doubt him too, for his appearance, he doesn’t know for sure. But their words begin to target him as well, stronger than before, with the full intention of seeing him fall and break under the pressure of the masses and therefore, you would fall too.

Omen decides he wants them gone.

Aim is another quality of his, you know?

A little secret whispered in your ear one night. With a promise to return and barrel of the gun cold, he goes off into the dark and blends in within the shadows surrounding the city to fulfill his wishes.

Whatever he does outside the sliding doors of the little shop should be none of your concern, but his alone. If you hear crying, muffled sounds at the end of the street, or just the minimum rustle at the entrance, he’s warned you to not chase after it.

Being covered in dry blood is not a pretty sight, and he wonders then, watching the life fading from another monster who dared disrespect you, if you would accept it for who he really is.

So when he reaches the threshold in the shop, startling you and freezing on the spot, he asks you if you would ever consider loving someone who doesn't belong in this world anymore.

When you kiss for the first time, Omen doesn't think, he can't, too overwhelmed to process what's going on.

Is odd, but somehow, warming. Your face is warm with how embarrassed and nervous you feel, lips reaching into thin air, but at the same time, colliding against a surface you believe could be his mouth.

Your hands hold his head in place through the fabric of his hood, and he can feel your thumbs rubbing softly against what could be considered his cheeks in a soothing motion when you press further and then back away, smiling softly at him.

There are no words to say, it's unnecessary at this moment when the question has been answered.

Omen caresses your face with his claws, and he feels you shiver and sigh, closing your eyes and leaning into his touch. 

Leaning in, he decides to take what he wants from you, and you gladly let him have his way with you, whispering his name the moment his hands disappear under your clothes and air embraces your whole body.

Inside the closed shop, no one is witness of the way Omen loves you that night, with his whole being and emotions only he dreamed of being real and is now a reality.

#valorant fanfiction #yoru x reader #omen x reader #yandere yoru #yandere omen #seneitut writes #im writing down for gekko and cypher next fjgndfjgdf #still trying to finish the reqs y_y

[i-did-not-mean-to]

April - Beleg x Mablung

Ah, my dear @lycheesodas has requested these goodest of good boys, and it was, as ever, a pleasure and a joy to write them.

Have some extra sassy Lúthien and some Thingol-love to go with it <3

Pairing: Beleg x Mablung

Prompts: Jazz Age, Furniture, Dancing

Words: 2k

Warnings: Crossdressing, period-appropriate reference to homophobia, alcohol

“Here again, huh?” Pushing back a loose strand of her silken, dark hair from her fair brow, Lúthien gave Beleg a broad, teasing grin. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were addicted to my singing!”

The patron rolled his eyes and gave an overdramatic sigh.

“And you do know better?” he asked then, waving down a waiter to order another round for them.

“Hmmm,” she hummed melodiously. “You could simply ask him out, you know?”

“Your daddy lets you sing because you’re his little girl,” Beleg grinned, “but he surely doesn’t want you to fix your customers’ love life for them!”

Lúthien threw her head back and laughed heartily.

“My daddy knows that my singing attracts more than half of his clientele,” she then purred into Beleg’s ear. “And I do this for free because we’re pals. Ask him out!”

“Ask who out?” Carrying their cocktails with perfect elegance and grace, Thingol—owner of the hottest jazz club in town—materialised like a ghost out of the smoky shadows of the backroom.

A smart businessman and talented manager, he’d somehow managed to capture and keep the heart of Melian—the most exceptional vocalist of her time—and they’d opened Menegroth together.

Within a few short years, the club had consequently become the hotspot for good cocktails and even better music, and—in time—their daughter had taken over the primetime entertainment.

Lúthien was made for the stage, and she kept her audience enthralled with the otherworldly beauty of both her face and her voice.

“He’s still pining for Mablung,” Lúthien, who was an incorrigible daddy’s girl whenever it suited her, tattled shamelessly.

“Ah,” Thingol laughed. “You might be even less fortunate than all those poor fools who’ve lost their hearts to my wicked girl here.” Nobody expected him to say any more on the subject, but—with a mocking wink—he added that Mablung, a quiet regular, seemed quite entranced with shiny, beaded flapper dresses and pearl ornaments in long hair.

“Just my observation,” he smirked and pinched Lúthien’s chin affectionately across the counter. “Now, leave the man alone and get ready for your next set. Who knows? We might get Mablung to dance tonight.”

“Fat chance of that,” Lúthien cackled. Turning back to Beleg, she stage-whispered, “I have just such a dress. I can lend it to you—what do you have to lose? Let’s maximise your chances! Tomorrow, the Belegost Band is on, and I’d love it if you got on the dancefloor with the old grump.”

Opening her luminous eyes wide and pouting adorably, she splayed her long, elegant fingers on Beleg’s muscular forearm. “And you’d want to make me happy, right?”

Sitting on the obscenely exquisite velvet settee in Lúthien’s private lounge the following day, Beleg wondered whether he’d gotten himself into deeper trouble than he’d be able to handle.

All day, he’d had the unshakeable feeling that this night was going to be special—he felt lucky, and, as he was not a gambling man, he’d have to try his hand at the only game of chance to which his heart was inescapably drawn.

“This should do the trick,” the infamous singer chirped, holding aloft a truly stunning dress as well as an elaborate headpiece to distract Beleg from his frantic musings.

“You cannot truly expect me to accept this,” Beleg mumbled, accurately guessing the exorbitant value of the pieces Lúthien was willing to let him borrow for a silly joke. “Those are absolutely gorgeous!”

With a charming giggle, she graced him with one of those radiant smiles that might have induced cardiac arrest in other men. “Thank you—I have good taste,” she grinned. “And so do you, if I may say so. Come on, try it on!”

Even as he rose, Beleg was fiercely aware of how his sense of adventure and fun would get him into hot water sooner or later, but he had to concede that the fashion of the moment might just allow him to not look utterly foolish.

Moreover, Lúthien, even though gracile and lethally elegant, was not a dainty woman.

Thus, Beleg cast off his clothes with shameless efficiency, which made his benefactress chuckle with delight, and slipped into the straight, silken dress without further ado.

“Fits like a glove,” Lúthien cheered, fussing lovingly with the hem of the garment and adjusting the headdress on Beleg’s gleaming hair. “Let me just…off you go!”

As if stung by a bee, Beleg shot out of the room before Lúthien could decide that he needed more jewellery or even a pair of heels; as a matter of fact, he was convinced that his perfectly polished shoes went rather well with his present accoutrement.

On his way to the main room, dim with smoke and mellow music, he passed by an antique mirror and spontaneously gave a little twirl. The pale fabric—somewhere between watery blue and soft green—complimented his strong silhouette astonishingly, and the rhinestones sparkled in the fractured light of the heavy chandeliers.

He made straight for the bar, lifting two fingers to order a stiff drink, and scanned the row of stools for the elusive stranger he sought to impress and amuse with this stunt.

“I can’t believe she got you to do it,” Thingol sniggered as he pushed Beleg’s drink across the polished counter.

“Do what?” a deep, calm voice resounded behind Beleg, and he whirled around, eyes wide and lips parted enticingly.

“A little birdie has told me that you are partial to a certain kind of outfit,” Beleg replied brazenly, letting one hand come to rest provocatively on his cocked hip. “So we thought I’d make an effort before I invite you to dance!”

The man facing him in stunned silence opened his mouth, then closed it again without having uttered so much as a single word.

His dark, sleek hair was combed back from a high, fair brow, and his soulful eyes radiated confusion and humour—Beleg was instantly smitten.

As a discreet blush crept into those high, chiselled cheeks, Mablung cleared his throat before introducing himself; unbeknownst to Beleg, he’d had always been painfully aware of the cheerful, undeniably popular fellow regular, and he’d been giving himself daily pep-talks to muster up the courage to approach him.

“An honour, I’m sure,” Beleg chirped, regretting not having used some of Lúthien’s utterly beguiling perfume and a dab of her rouge to maximise his chances at success even further. “Lúthien is about to go on—the Belegost Boys are here tonight—so, what say you? Care for a dance?”

Despite his cocky demeanour, Beleg felt his heart pounding in his throat, so he downed the comfortingly burning liquor in one big gulp to calm his nerves and parched mouth alike.

“Let me buy you another drink,” Mablung said, evidently stalling. “You seem thirsty, and the dance floor is empty yet.”

Already feeling the fuzzy, emboldening warmth of his drink spread down his chest and into his belly like a lagoon of longing, Beleg brazenly clutched the broad hand, splayed against the counter as if to hold on to it.

“Someone has to be the first,” he declared wisely. “And I think it should be us. Or is my dress not to your liking after all?”

With a heavy sigh, Mablung let himself be pulled under and away because he didn’t want Beleg to think that he objected in any way or fashion to his bold sartorial choice—he didn’t want Beleg to feel bad or unhappy about himself at all.

How could he think of his own stubborn pride when those gleaming eyes twinkled with mischief and glee?

“Ah,” a soft, smoky voice purred into the microphone somewhere ahead. “I see two of my favourite regular customers are kicking this night off. Let’s make it worth their while. And 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4.”

A crescendo of music arose, chasing the last remnant of obstinate discretion from Mablung’s heart and mind as Beleg started whirling with visible gusto and unbridled enthusiasm to the sensuous tune that enveloped them whole and transported them to another, blessedly private sphere of pure bliss.

Sighing sweet words of love and devotion, Lúthien sure did her best to cast an unbreakable spell onto her audience, and Mablung felt his feet move before his mind had even consciously decided to cast off the chains of social expectations and decorum to indulge in such a folly.

As soon as his arms closed around Beleg’s deceivingly lithe form, though, Mablung was overwhelmed by the understated, sweet beauty of that eerily familiar stranger. He drowned in the bewitching light of Beleg’s eyes as they swept to and fro on the scratched-up parquet flooring to the mournful clamour of a saxophone solo.

No longer did he think of the shocking reality of leading another man, wearing a woman’s dress, for all to see; instead, he found himself babbling breathlessly, spouting his every confused, reluctant thoughts of admiration and nascent affection he’d had over the weeks without any rhyme or reason.

“You should have slid over,” Beleg grinned with a charming wink. “I was just waiting for you, big boy! Anyway, thanks to the Nightingale’s rather rude intervention, we’ve made it there at long last. So, all is well that ends well, no?”

Mablung, who loved to overthink his every reasoning like a man flogging a dead horse, was aghast and awed by so much well-natured optimism, and so he felt compelled to justify his criminally shameful reluctance even further.

“Don’t blow a gasket over it,” Beleg laughed. “We got there when we were ready. You look extra scrumptious tonight, by the way. It’s as if you’d known somehow!”

Puckering his lips, Mablung was about to explain that he’d indeed chosen this fateful night to finally ask Beleg if he could buy him a drink when his impish dance partner took advantage of a long instrumental lull in the song to push himself up on his toes and press an indecently passionate kiss onto that pensive moue.

“Beleg! We could get in so much trouble,” Mablung exclaimed, his eyes darting through the hazy room in a blind panic.

“Don’t worry, I’m friends with the owners,” Beleg quipped, but he knew that he had gone too far and gave Mablung an understanding smile. “How about that drink then?”

They quickly retreated into the darkest, most secluded corner of the club, their hands brushing against one another in an instinctive attempt to give and seek reassurance.

The music had shifted into an upbeat tempo which drew more dancers to the floor now, which gave them the illusion of privacy.

“We should stop meeting here,” Mablung whispered over the rim of his cocktail glass.

“Are you inviting me to your place?” Beleg asked in a light, flirty tone that was marred by the tremulous quality of his strained voice. “I didn’t dare to be so forward on what is basically our first date! Also, Lúthien keeps my clothes hostage.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t need clothes,” Mablung replied with admirable calm—on account of his serious tone and straight face, it took Beleg a moment to fully comprehend the implications.

“Is…Is that so?” he sputtered, bringing his hand to his collarbones to quieten his wildly galloping heart. “In that case, lead, and I’ll follow.”

Amused by the candid eagerness with which his indecent proposal was met, Mablung tilted his glass in a quiet salute.

“Finish your drink,” he said suavely. “Let’s enjoy the music lest we forfeit Lúthien’s friendship. You’ve caused quite a stir, and we should wait for things to simmer down a little.” He leaned forward like a large predator sniffing out its petrified prey. “Then, we can leave through the backdoor. I live two blocks down from here. What say you?”

“Cheers to that,” Beleg squeaked and lifted Mablung’s long, sinuous fingers to his lips gallantly before they could be withdrawn in a facetious display of propriety. “I knew tonight would be my lucky evening!”

-> Masterlist

Lots of love to you! <3

Thank you for indulging me with your prompts and your readership!

@fellowshipofthefics here's the next one!

#og post #FOTFICS april challenge #fotfics challenge #tags & tropes #april challenge #IDNMT writes #fanfiction #writing #tolkien writing #jrrt #Beleg #Beleg x Mablung #Mablung #Jazz Age #Furniture #Dancing #crossdressing #jazz age #alcohol

[sparkle-twink]

SLBP Write-up Masterlist

Do you love Samurai Love Ballad Party but wish you could read more of the official content?

Did you miss a story event of your favourite character, or just want to reread their content without using your precious love passes so you can get their voice right for a fanfiction?

Well, do I have the masterlist for YOU!

Under the cut is a stupidly long post of about 2 years of my collecting story events, main stories and various special bits, all written up in Google Docs and now open to your wonderful eyeballs. Some notes are also there if you care, if not just click some links and enjoy, send this to someone who might find it useful and/or check out my fanfics (sparkletwink on AO3) if you want to support the ridiculous amount of effort I put into it. Thank you.

Mid-way through my SLBP play I’d started writing a load of fanfic for it and wanted references, so started this collection with the vague intention of eventually sharing it with anyone who might have missed old story events, or for having to enjoy when the servers eventually go down. I don’t write up everyone any more, because it takes a LONG time, so I’m sorry if any of your faves are missing.

If you have any epilogues that you’d like to donate free free to send me a link and I’ll tack them on when I have time. An asterisk in the title of the Doc means I have the epilogue but haven’t written it up yet. 

[Ep] refers to a story event including its epilogue, [POV Ep] includes an epilogue from the lord/ninja’s point of view. My MC is called Arekkusu Yuri. I adjust the spellings to British English for my own sanity (sorry ‘Murica) and fix any obvious errors in the writing, but leave any indecipherable nonsense from confusing translation. However, if you notice any mistakes other than that, just leave a comment in Docs to let me know.

(Note: I won’t be giving trigger warnings for questionable behaviour from the characters because I just don’t have the brainpower to check every single story for potential triggers. If you’re in the fandom you probably already know the writing can get dark, e.g. abusive/controlling relationships, death of loved ones, lack of informed consent, unchecked mental illness. Go into anything you read carefully and don’t hurt yourself for the sake of a dumb story.)

NOW. LET THE LIST BEGIN.

—

Nobunaga

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1]

Main Story [Act 1] (Divine Ending)

Event Stories

Anarchy of the Divine

Hearts Made Fools by Radiant Grace

Heat Wave

Love as Sweet as a Fevered Kiss

Lovers Vibrant as Storms Broken; Bound in Rain

Noble Hearts Exposed

The Promises of Stormbound Lovers

Tributes of the Divine Bride

Mitsuhide

Event Stories

Anarchy of the Divine

Lovers Vibrant as Storms Broken; Bound in Rain

My Love was the Summer

Noble Hearts Exposed

Tributes of the Divine Bride

Young Love for the Festival of Dolls

Yukimura

Permanent

Main Story [Act 2]

Main Story [Act 2] (Fates Ending)

Event Stories

Anarchy of the Divine

Heat Wave

Lovers Vibrant as Storms Broken; Bound in Rain

My Love was the Summer

Noble Hearts Exposed

The Promises of Stormbound Lovers

Tributes of the Divine Bride

Young Love for the Festival of Dolls

Saizo

Special

Birthday stories

Event Stories

Anarchy of the Divine [POV Ep]

Hearts Made Fools by Radiant Grace

Love as Sweet as a Fevered Kiss

Lovers Vibrant as Storms Broken; Bound in Rain

Noble Hearts Exposed [POV Ep]

The Promises of Stormbound Lovers

Tributes of the Divine Bride

Masamune

Event Stories

Anarchy of the Divine

Love as Sweet as a Fevered Kiss

Lovers Vibrant as Storms Broken; Bound in Rain

Noble Hearts Exposed

The Promises of Stormbound Lovers

Tributes of the Divine Bride [POV Ep]

Kojuro

Event Stories

Anarchy of the Divine

Hearts Made Fools by Radiant Grace

Love as Sweet as a Fevered Kiss

Lovers Vibrant as Storms Broken; Bound in Rain

Noble Hearts Exposed

Tributes of the Divine Bride

Hideyoshi

Event Stories

Blossoms Borne of Sorrow

Celebrations of the Divine Bride

Cherished in Love; Blossoms of Desire

Hearts Made Fools by Radiant Grace

Heat Wave

Love as Sweet as a Fevered Kiss

Secrets of Desire

The Lovers of Nagahama

Toshiie

Event Stories

Blossoms Borne of Sorrow

Celebrations of the Divine Bride

Cherished in Love; Blossoms of Desire

Love as Sweet as a Fevered Kiss

My Love was the Summer

Secrets of Desire [Ep]

Ieyasu

Permanent

Main Story [Act 2]

Main Story [Act 2] (Exalted Ending)

Event Stories

Blossoms Borne of Sorrow

Celebrations of the Divine Bride [POV Ep]

Cherished in Love; Blossoms of Desire

Hearts Made Fools by Radiant Grace

Secrets of Desire

The Misrule of the Broken

Young Love for the Festival of Dolls

Mitsunari

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1]

Main Story [Act 1] (Divine Ending)

Event Stories

Blossoms Borne of Sorrow

Celebrations of the Divine Bride

Cherished in Love; Blossoms of Desire

Heat Wave

Secrets of Desire [Ep]

The Lovers of Nagahama [Ep]

The Misrule of the Broken

The Vows of Stormbound Lovers

Young Love for the Festival of Dolls

Kenshin

Permanent

Main Story [Unification]

Main Story: [Unification] (Divine Lover Ending)

Main Story [Unification] (Noble Hero Ending)

Special

Kenshin Interview

Event Stories

Claim Me at Last

Cherished in Love; Blossoms of Desire [POV Ep]

Celebrations of the Divine Bride

Blossoms Borne of Sorrow

Secrets of Desire [Ep]

The Vows of Stormbound Lovers

Young Love for the Festival of Dolls

Shingen

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1]

Main Story [Act 1] (Destiny Ending)

Event Stories

Blossoms Borne of Sorrow

Celebrations of the Divine Bride

Cherished in Love; Blossoms of Desire [POV Ep]

Hearts Made Fools by Radiant Grace

Heat Wave

Secrets of Desire

The Misrule of the Broken

The Vows of Stormbound Lovers

Young Love for the Festival of Dolls

Nobuyuki

Special

Birthday stories

Shigezane

Event Stories

Heat Wave

Kageie

There’s nothing here. :(

Jinpachi

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1]

Main Story [Act 1] (Divine Ending)

Event Stories

Hearts as Tranquil as Sunlight Rain

Sakuya

Event Stories

Along Moonlit Paths; In Love’s Embrace

How to Love a Ninja

Longing for Moonlight

Of Snow and Moonbeams

Secrets of the Heart [Ep]

Sins of Eventide

Sasuke

Event Stories

Along Moonlit Paths; In Love’s Embrace

How to Love a Ninja

Of Snow and Moonbeams

Secrets of the Heart

The Moon’s Holy Kiss

Yearning for Moonlight

Hanzo

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1]

Main Story [Act 1] (Light Ending)

Main Story [Act 1] (Shadow Ending)

Special

Birthday stories

Event Stories

Along Moonlit Paths; Where Shadows Lie

Closely Guarded Secrets

Consummate Moonlight

How to Cherish a Ninja [Ep]

Moonbright Tales

Of Steam and Moonbeams

Tempted by the Moon

The Moon’s Holy Kiss

Upon a Moonlit Night [Ep]

Yearning for Moonlight

Genya

Event Stories

Closely Guarded Secrets

Consummate Moonlight

How to Cherish a Ninja

Moonbright Tales

Of Steam and Moonbeams

The Moon’s Holy Kiss

Yearning for Moonlight

Hotaru

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1]

Main Story [Act 1] (Light Ending)

Special

Birthday stories

Event Stories

Along Moonlit Paths; In Love’s Embrace [Ep] [POV Ep]

Consummate Moonlight

How to Love a Ninja [Ep]

Longing for Moonlight [Ep]

Of Snow and Moonbeams

Secrets of the Heart [Ep]

Sins of Eventide [Ep]

Tempted by the Moon

Kyoichiro

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1] (Light Ending)

Event Stories

Closely Guarded Secrets

How to Cherish a Ninja

Of Steam and Moonbeams

Sins of Eventide

Yearning for Moonlight

Kaede

Event Stories

Closely Guarded Secrets

How to Cherish a Ninja

Longing for Moonlight

Shima

Permanent

Main Story [Act 1]

Main Story [Act 1] (Light Ending)

Event Stories

Of Steam and Moonbeams

The Moon’s Holy Kiss

Yoshitsugu

Special

Innocent Hearts; Hidden Encounters

Event Stories

Hearts as Tranquil as Sunlight Rain [Ep]

The Lovers of Nagahama [Ep]

Kanetsugu

Special

Innocent Hearts; Hidden Encounters

Masanori

Event Stories

The Lovers of Nagahama

Kansuke

Event Stories

Hearts as Tranquil as Sunlight Rain

Split Routes

Event Stories

Finding Love on Paths Divided

Ieyasu/Kiyohiro [Ep]

Kenshin/Kanetsugu [Ep]

Nobuyuki/Jinpachi

Love’s First Kiss

Yukimura/Saizo

Masamune/Kojuro

Nobunaga/Mitsuhide

Oh Brother!

Kanetsugu/Yoshichi

Masamune/Kojirou

Toshiie/Toshihisa

Yukimura/Nobuyuki

#samurai love ballad party #slbp masterpost #slbp #slbp nobunaga #slbp mitsuhide #slbp yukimura #slbp saizo #slbp masamune #slbp kojuro #slbp hideyoshi #slbp toshiie #slbp ieyasu #slbp mitsunari #slbp kenshin #slbp shingen #slbp nobuyuki #slbp shigezane #slbp kageie #slbp jinpachi #slbp sakuya #slbp sasuke #slbp hanzo #slbp genya #slbp hotaru #slbp kyoichiro #slbp kaede #slbp shima #slbp yoshitsugu #slbp kanetsugu #slbp kansuke

[litgwritersroom]

The Final Recoupling (one-shot)

“I got a text!” “Grace, you will be choosing first. Please stand and make your decision.” Suresh felt his heart sink to the floor. This was it. The final recoupling, his final chance to win her back, and he had fucked it up. What was the point? Why did he come here? All he did was make things worse, he thought, and to have to stand here and watch her pick someone else was going to hurt more than anything. Knowing that some other lad would be able to enjoy her, to treat her how he should have. To experience what an amazing person she is, and to be loved by her just like he had. To be able to see how perfect she looked in the mornings, snuggled up in his arms. To witness her beautiful mouth curl into a radiant smile and her big brown eyes glisten whenever she looked at him. To be able to take her on amazing dates, ones that would probably top all of this. His heart belonged to Grace, and now, she was going to choose someone else. She was going to shatter his heart into a million pieces the same as he did to her. At least I deserve it, he thought. He watched as the beautiful, strong woman he once could call his own stood up and took a deep breath. Why does she look so nervous? “Right,” she started, voice shakier than he had ever heard it before. “I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and before this moment, my head was absolutely gone. I’ve been through so much shit in here, my head was telling me a million different things. But right now, my heart is telling me one thing.” He couldn’t take it. He couldn’t bare to see this happen. Was he supposed to clap and cheer along with the rest of his friends as she chose a future with someone else? She meant everything to him, and without her, he had nothing. His leg was bouncing up and down, hands shaking uncontrollably. This was too much for him to handle. She paused, glancing at the other islanders one by one, until her eyes fell right on him. What the fuck? Without taking her eyes off him, she started speaking again. “I thought I wanted a fresh start when I first came in here.” He felt his heart genuinely skip a beat in his chest, and his breath became caught in his throat. There’s no way… “I was really excited on the first day, to meet some new guys and start a new fairytale romance. But then I saw this boy, and I knew from the moment he first looked at me with those beautiful eyes and charming smile of his that our story was far from being over.” Suresh felt like he was dreaming. How is this happening? There was no way she was taking him back, after everything he put her through. He thought he blew it, he was certain she had moved on. Had she truly forgiven him? Had his plan really worked? “Our time in here has been anything but a fairytale, believe me.” Grace let out a laugh and gave him a hopeful smile that told him everything he needed to know. He saw tears starting to form in her eyes, and before he could help it, he felt one of his one fall from his eye and run down his cheek. “But in the end, regardless of all the shit we’ve put each other through, he will always have my heart. Every time he looks at me, my stomach becomes a flutter of butterflies. Every time he holds me, I feel safe, as if I’m home, where I belong. Every time he says my name, my heart pounds so much I think I might explode. And I would never trade any of those feelings for the world.” Suresh’s single tear had quickly turned into him quietly sobbing into his shirt sleeve. What has she done to me? He never cries, only on the rarest of occasions. But something about Grace had made him softer than ever before. Her, standing here, confessing her love for him, it was all he had ever wanted. All he had ever dreamed of. “I know a lot of you might call me a fool for this, but I don’t care. Although our story is anything but, he makes me feel like I’m in a fairytale. And I never want that feeling to end.” She blinked back a few tears of her own, and suddenly began to walk over to where Suresh was standing. Stopping right in front of him, she grabbed his hands and held them tight, as if she never wanted to let go. He squeezed them back a thousand times harder, feeling exactly the same. “Resh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for every thing I put you through. We were never perfect, and I made a lot of mistakes too. You spent your entire time here apologizing to me and trying to prove that you had changed, so now it’s my turn. Losing you was one of the worst things that has ever happened to me as well, and I never want to experience that again. You’re mine, and I’m yours, and we were both stupid enough to forget that the first time around. But I mean it this time Resh, so, if you’ll have me, I’d love to be yours again.” She raised her hand to his face and gently wiped away some of his tears, and in that moment, he was done for. He let go of her hands, pushing her hair behind her ear with one of his own and putting the other around her waist, pulling her in close. He had no words. He stood there, looking at the only person who mattered to him in that moment, trying to wrap his head around what she had just said. He closed his eyes, and felt his lips moving, mumbling out the only word he could form. “Grace,” He opened his eyes and was met with hers again, glistening with tears as she awaited his response. “I love you.” He closed the gap between them, allowing their lips to crash together with an endless amount of passion and desire. He briefly heard the cheers and claps of his fellow islanders, but the noise soon faded as he became enveloped in her. Her scent, her taste, the way she felt in his arms, it was enough to make him weak in the knees. Overwhelmed with every emotion, he became lost in her soft lips. She gently grabbed a fist full of his hair, just as she knew he liked, and he couldn’t help but let out a soft moan. She pulled away, trying to catch her breath. “Is that a yes then?” she asked, voice shakier than before. He let out a soft laugh, and pulled her in to a warm embrace. “Of course, angel. You’re mine. How could I ever say no?” She nestled her face into his neck and he felt her sobbing into him, same as he was before. In between sobs, her heard her mumble one last sentence. “I love you too.” He still couldn’t tell this was real, or if he was dreaming, but in that moment, he knew one thing for sure. He was never going to let go of her again.

#submission

[nouvomond]

“ tell  me  what  you  want. “ sanji 😇

He'd gone to great lengths to set everything up before the big night. After all, it wasn't often that Nami would actually agree to spending the evening alone with him. As far as he was concerned, there was no way this could possibly have been anything but a date between the two of them. And if that was the case, then she didn't just deserve him at his best. She deserved everything at it's best.

Another blessing just so happened to be that the Strawhats had made landfall on a rather captivating island. Which made for the perfect backdrop to a beautiful evening. He discovered a nice, quiet spot near the beachside where the two could waste the hours away, simply enjoying each other's company. As well as the obligatory, extravagant dinner he had decided to grace her with.

He tried his best to keep his more.. expressive behavioral traits in check. But it was just too hard to hold back the occasional swoon and far too descriptive compliment he was prone to throwing her way whenever he found himself in that 'lovestruck fool' type of mood. Sanji hadn't expected anything beyond the two having fun that night. Just knowing thats he enjoyed herself would have been enough for him.

But then, came that question. Almost entirely out of the blue. For a moment he couldn't help but think he'd had a little too much wine, which caused his imagination to start running away from him. But no. This was real. Those radiant, gem-like eyes were staring right at him in an almost expectant manner. And though his mind had whipped itself into a chaotic frenzy of nervousness and excitement, his voice had never been clearer. Nor had it carried any more conviction.

❝ .. There's only one thing I've ever wanted. ❞

'ˢᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃ⁻'

His hands slowly reaches out for her own, before his fingers curl gently into her own. If this was how it was going to be, then he'd hold nothing back. Today, finally, he'd tell her every single thing he'd felt. Beyond simple flattery and expressions of attraction. He would lay his heart bare for her. And express his love in the truest sense!

❝ Nami.. I want-- ❞

'ᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃaaaaaAAANNNNNJIIIIIIIIIIIII!'

At that very moment, Luffy pierced through the night like a comet and crashed directly into Sanji's chest, knocking the cook out cold from the blunt force trauma. Sanji may have tried to ensure he found somewhere where the others wouldn't find them, but there was no hiding the smell of food from Luffy's nose!

'Sanj, were you cooking stuff in secret for us?! You're such a great guy! Oh, hey, Nami's here too!'

Alas. So close,and yet so far.

#chatcambrioleur #nami; #m: Sanji; #sanji vc: I just want to smooch let me live--

[mysticinalandofdreamers]

The Sapiential Rosary

Prayers of the Sapiential Rosary:

O Virtus Sapientiae Prayer:

O Wisdom!

Whirling about, you encircle

and embrace all

in one lifegiving path,

Three wings you have:

one soars above into the heights,

one from the earth exudes,

and the third everywhere flies

Praise be to you, as befits you,

O Wisdom Most High!

The Antiphon:

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the

Most High, reaching from one end to the other mightily,

and sweetly ordering all things:

Come and teach us the way of peace. Amen!

The Order of The Sapiential Rosary:

Opening reading:

“I, Sophia, am returning to the earth.

Deity without Sophia is deficient; the earth without wisdom tends to destruction and great suffering.

Melt the mists that hide my presence; I demand that the name of Sophia be respected on all continents.

Wisdom must infuse the planet with preaching of sermons on Sophia, singing of hymns to Sophiae, uttering of prayers to Sophia, Institutionalizing of celebrations for Sophia.

Those who faint at conflict--turn away now. Those who desire easy victories-forget my name.

Those who thrive on acceptance-return my mantle. How do you respond?”

Opening Prayer:

Radiant and Unfading Wisdom, your deep love calls to me. I seek you with all my heart.

Hasten to make yourself known. Sit at the gate of my heart. Teach me your ways.

Meet me in my every thought. Attune my mind to your perceptions. Open all that is closed within me. I desire your instruction. I long to receive and to share your love Dance on the path of my life. Free me from all that hinders. Deepen all that attracts me to you. As the mystery of my life unfolds through the quickly passing years, draw my love ever nearer to you. I promise to be awake and vigilant, attentive to your voice, receptive to your guidance.

I will hide no secrets from you. Come, reveal yourself to me!

For peace in the world… 1 Our Father

For an increase in the grace of faith, hope and love… 3 O Virtus Sapientiaes, 1 Glory Be, 1 Antiphon

The First Reading: Proverbs 8: 1-11

Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. O you [b]simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

1 Our Father, 10 O Virtus Sapientiaes, 1 Glory Be, 1 Antiphon

The Second Reading: Proverbs 8: 12-31

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, l the judges of [c]the earth. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth... When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth; hile as yet He had not made the earth or the [e]fields, Or the [f]primal dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.

1 Our Father, 10 O Virtus Sapientiaes, 1 Glory Be, 1 Antiphon

The Third Reading: Proverbs 9: 1-6

Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also [a]furnished her table. She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, And walk in the way of understanding.

1 Our Father, 10 O Virtus Sapientiaes, 1 Glory Be, 1 Antiphon

The Fourth Reading: The Wisdom of Solomon 10: 1-21

Wisdom took care of the first-formed father of the world When he alone was created; And she delivered him from his transgression† And gave him strength to rule all things. But when an unrighteous man departed from her in his wrath, He perished in anger for murdering his brother. When the earth was flooded because of him, Again wisdom saved it And piloted the righteous man by a cheap piece of wood. Also when the nations in evil concord were confused Wisdom knew the righteous man And preserved him blameless before God, And kept him strong in the time of his affection for his child. Wisdom rescued a righteous man When the ungodly were perishing, For he escaped the fire that descended on the five cities, Concerning which a testimony still remains: A barren land continually blackened with smoke, Trees bearing fruit which does not ripen in season, And a pillar of salt standing as a monument To an unbelieving soul.† For since they passed by wisdom, They not only were injured by not knowing good things, But also left behind for the living a memorial of their folly, So they could not forget their fall. Wisdom rescued from troubles those who served her. She guided a righteous man on straight paths When he fled from his brother's wrath. She showed him the kingdom of God And gave him knowledge of holy things. She prospered him in hardships And increased the fruit of his labors.† When they dishonored him in their covetousness, She stood by him and made him rich. She protected him from his enemies, Kept him safe from those who plotted against him, And arbitrated a strong contest for him, So he might know that godliness is more powerful than anything. When a righteous man was sold, Wisdom did not abandon him, But delivered him from sin.† She went down with him into a pit, And she did not leave him in chains Until she brought him the scepter of a kingdom And authority over those who tyrannized him. She showed those who blamed him to be lying And gave him everlasting glory. She delivered a holy people and a blameless seed From a nation of oppressors. She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord And opposed fearful kings with signs and wonders. She gave to holy men the reward of their labors. She guided them in a marvelous way And became for them a shelter by day And a flame of stars by night.† She carried them across the Red Sea And led them through deep water; But she drowned their enemies And cast them up from the depth of the abyss. Therefore the righteous stripped the ungodly, And they sang, O Lord, to Your holy name And praised with one accord Your defending hand; Because wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb And made the tongues of infants speak clearly.†

1 Our Father, 10 O Virtus Sapientiaes, 1 Glory Be, 1 Antiphon

The Fifth Reading: The Wisdom of Sirach 24: 1-29

Wisdom will praise herself, And in the midst of her people she will boast.† In the assembly of the Most High, she will open her mouth And boast in the presence of His host. “I came forth from the mouth of the Most High And covered the earth like a mist.† I pitched my tent in the high places And my throne on the pillar of cloud. I alone encircle the ring of heaven, And I walk in the depth of the abyss. In the waves of the sea, in all the earth, And in every people and nation I have gained a possession. With all these, I have sought a place to rest; In what inheritance will I lodge? “Then the Creator of all things commanded me, And He who created me gave me a place to live. He said, ‘Pitch your tent in Jacob And receive an inheritance in Israel.’† Before the age, He created me from the beginning, And in the age to come I will not cease...

I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my children who are named by Him. “Come to me, you who desire me, And take your fill of my fruits. For the remembrance of me is sweeter than honey. And my inheritance is sweeter than the honeycomb. Those who eat me will hunger for more. And those who drink me will thirst for more.† He who obeys me will not be put to shame, And those who work with me will not sin.”...

As the first man did not know wisdom perfectly, So the last man has not searched out her depths. For her thoughts are deeper than the sea And her counsel than the great abyss.

1 Our Father, 10 O Virtus Sapientiaes, 1 Glory Be, 1 Antiphon

The Reading From The Holy Gospel: Luke 7: 31-35

And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like?They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying:

‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a [k]winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

Closing Prayer:

Let us sing to Wisdom, Who delivered our mothers and fathers out of a land of oppression.

She led them by a marvelous road, A path through the sea, Dry land, waves piled up on either side.

Lead us now as you did before.

The waters threaten to engulf us; The waves are breaking over our heads.

Make us a path through the water; Be our shelter by day, And our starlight by night.

Bring us safely to dry land, headed toward freedom.

Amen! Amen! Amen!

#wisdom #prayer #prayer beads #prayers #rote prayer #sophia wisdom #wisdom of solomon

[mythosmondays]

i. Pygmalion & Galatea

In Cyprus, where that Goddess of love herself stepped first ashore on mortal land, lived a most blessed and talented man, by the name of Pygmalion; handsome and full of wit, he was great beyond any other in that city at his craft, and all who loved the arts knew to call first on him, for all stone he touched came alive from lifeless cold.

While his craft was well loved, and though he was as pleasing to look on as each of his carvings, he was less than favored as his own man. He had little love for other men, hating them for their wretchedness - though he hated men with twice the grace he hated women with, seeing them as little more than men made softer, pliant in the hand of vice. Thusly, hating women beyond his own sex, he swore never to marry, and showed his face rarely in the company of his peers, who he hated only in a small amount less. Instead he locked himself away in his home, content with his art. Here he lived lavishly, his pockets thickly lined and his quarters finely furnished, for all the hate he had for mortal men, he had no qualm in crafting their detested whims and vices for large enough sums.

This was how he went about the world for some time, refusing affection and companionship of anyone or thing not made of stone, though by nature and Heavenly design, man needs both; and so, driven by some unknown force, either deep rooted desire or Desire himself, sent by that lovely Aphrodite, he began to carve his own longing out of a large block of fine white marble. When his time was not taken by commission, he spent every available hour carving out a most beautiful woman, and then, when her form was finished, he spent days and weeks carving away any imperfection he could see. It was in this way he continued, hating men and hating women and hating himself for being just as wretched as they were - for soon enough, when she was perfect, Pygmalion found himself falling in love with this woman of his own design, who as lifelike as she appeared, was nothing more than cold stone.

He lavished upon her gifts, jewels and fine robes and delightful trinkets, and with each presentation imagined her falling in love with him; he laid her down in his bed beside him each night and thought of them as husband and wife; kissed her goodbye before going to those markets to buy her more things suited to her loveliness, kissed her again in greeting returning from meetings with his benefactors. But soon he could imagine no more, though he might act like a child and pretend, he was a man, and knew that his creation would never truly be a woman.

Soon enough the yearly festival in honor of Aphrodite, that sweet and wicked bringer of love, came again to Cyprus, and lines of tenderhearted supplicants stretched all across the city to Her temple to make their offerings and prayers, among them Pygmalion. He brought fine cloth and jewelry and hand carved visages of all the things She loved the most, and when it was his turn, he bowed his head and made his offering and prayed for a woman like his statue at home. But Aphrodite is no fool, and as she listened to his prayer she knew what the man truly wanted in his heart; and so enthralled was she by this love, so captivated by its oddity, its newness among men, who wanted usually beautiful women with life and color already in their cheeks, that she blew gently on the candle of her altar, feeding its flame to great heights three times, to let Pygmalion know his prayer was heard and answered. 

Hope stirred in his chest, and he ran quickly through the crowded streets and home to his statue, and as he reached out with trembling hands to touch her, he felt smooth skin warm under his fingertips; she kissed him back with soft lips as he helped her down from that pedestal, and gazed up at him with gentle eyes full of love. He called her Galatea, and made her his wife, and every day with her he sent many prayers up to that radiant Aphrodite who had blessed him with her; and as he loved his wife, Pygmalion learned too to love other mortal men and their wretchedness, for his own had brought him great joy.

#mythos mondays #greek mythology #greek mythos #faith #pagan religion #religion #roman mythology #roman mythos #text post #episode #Aphrodite #galatea #pygmalion #pygmalion and galatea #Aphrodisia #here's the first day!! i hope you enjoy - this is one of my favorite stories

[imobel]

Trapped in the dark

She eyed the prisoner suspiciously. Her velvet soft brown eyes hid the corruption well, barely a hint of the red glow was perceptible. “Is he secured?”

“Don’t fear, child.” The Masters voice made her heart flutter with anticipation. “He is quite disarmed. You can see for yourself.” He made a soft gesture towards Mithlinu. The young man glared but made no attempt to reply. His hands were unbound but the oath held him as firmly in check as if he had ben chained from head to toe. He could not defy The Masters will, no matter how his heart longed for revenge. She bowed to The Master, ever the humble servant, always soft and pliable. A razors edge hidden in velvet and satin.

“What? No snide remark? Have the mighty warrior given up so soon?” The voice belonged to Barion Dageion, and his malice knew no bounds. He smiled, and his radiant face could have fooled anyone that didn’t know him that he was just a young man, bearing no evil intent in his heart when in fact that was all he ever had had. As he passed Mithlinu he allowed his hand to stroke the prisoner’s chin. The powerful magic he was using relied on touch. Mithlinu groaned, knees buckling beneath him.

“Barion, that’s enough.”

“Yes, my Master.” Barion let go of his grip over the magic and smiled at Mithlinu who was sweating profusely, holding his breath to bite back cries of pain. “But he suffers beautifully, don’t you think?”

The Master didn’t answer but Barion could see the cold glint in the beautiful eyes, the scorn in the perfect face. His Lord and Master displeased! It broke Barions heart instantly. Servants had died for less. He bowed, low but not too low. Humble, not grovelling he told himself.

“I apologise if I have offended, my master. I am yours to command.”

“Yes, you are, and never forget it.” The Master’s voice had an edge that cut deep into what was left of Barions soul. Then The Master’s face softened, his eyes gazed lovingly at Barion who, at that moment, could have died for that one gaze alone.

“You are right of course.” The Master smiled and reached for Barion. His hand, as everything else, was perfection. “Come, my poor, jealous boy. He suffers beautifully, but he can never replace my favourite.”

Barion kneeled trembling before The Master and bowed his head low. It didn’t matter to him that the jealousy wasn’t his, that he was a canvas for The Master to paint his feelings on, a mirror without an image of its own. In the corner of his eye, he could see Mithlinu regaining composure. The dark hair damp with sweat and body shivering, but the grey eyes blazed with defiance. No, they blazed with pure hate.

“My Master, if I may?” Barion pleaded, still kneeling, and bowing low.

“Go ahead, my little jealous boy.” The Masters voice sounded as if he was smiling. He was pleased. Barions heart jumped with joy.

“May I … may I watch when you break him?” Barion pressed his forehead against the cold stone floor. He might have overstepped his good fortune this time.

The Master laughed, a soft little laugh that Barion basked in. He had made The Master happy!

“You may, my little one.”

“Thank you, my Master.” His voice trembled with emotion. “Thank you.”

He dared lift his eyes, glanced at The Master who had turned his back to him and was watching Mithlinu again. Though millennia had passed, The Master still wore the same kind of long robes and jackets as he had a long time ago. Before he became a deity. Barion shunned the thought, that his Master had been a mortal, a human. Such beauty and grace couldn’t have been borne of woman but risen from the ocean or stepped down from the mountains. Maybe the volcano spewed him forth in the beginning of time, or a shooting star landed and from it he was born. Yes, that must have been it. A shooting star impregnated mother earth who gave birth to the one and only deity worth following. The others were impostors. Mere humans that had forgotten their task and their purpose. But The Master …  He was a deity, a true god.

Barion watched The Master as he dried sweat from the prisoner’s forehead and stroke his hair, very much as you caress a pet. An urge to crush that defiant glare made Barion tremble where he lay on his hands and knees, humble before his Master.

“I feel your pain, my poor jealous boy.” The Master’s voice was soft, and Barion knew The Master had been right all along. Yes. He was jealous. He hated the prisoner. That … boy, that man-child, would steal precious time, attention, and devotion. He didn’t want to share The Master with yet another distraction. His heart raged as he acknowledged the feeling, and he knew his eyes burned red as his spells to hide his corrupted features started to fail.

“Does it hurt you that I spend time with my latest conquest? You are, second only to Straul Amatar, my oldest servant.”

“Yes, my Master.” Barion didn’t even consider anything but honesty. His Master would sense the untrue behind the sincerity, even if he tried to coat the lie in truth. The he would suffer as he had suffered only once before. The Master had broken into his mind, brutally and voraciously, and rained acid and fire into his very thoughts. His mind was burning, pain was wrecking his entire being and there was no escape, no mercy, and no end to the pain until The Master willed it so. The punishment lasted forever and, in the end, Barion had been screaming, howling, and begging for death. The Master had cupped his hand beneath Barions chin, lifted his tear drenched face so close as if he wanted to kiss him and asked him if he wanted death. Anything, Barion had cried, anything to stop the pain. The Master had kissed his forehead, and in an instant the pain was gone. Once was enough. Barion had no desire to relive that.

#creative writing #writing

[tasteforrot]

The Mask

Let us inspect his masterwork at length … Notice the subtle muscularity, So Florentine in elegance and strength. This miracle of femininity, Divinely powerful, despite her size, Was made the emblem of virginity, To be a prince — even a pontiffs! — prize.

— And note the lips, resigned to ecstasy, The utter mindlessness of that faint smile, Her sly, derisive eyes and languid gaze, Coquettish underneath the hazy veil. The arrogance of every feature says: ‘When Lust compels me, Love is my reward!’ Look how provocative a pose she’s found — For one with so much majesty endowed! Come closer and observe her from behind …

Artistic blasphemy, sadistic shock! A goddess turned into a side-show freak! I see two heads on that exquisite neck! — But one is just a mask, some kind of trick, The graceful, radiant smile was a disguise, So this must be the woman’s real face, here, Under the shadow of the one that lies — Disfigured by an agonizing fear! Straight to my waiting heart in one flash flood Go all your tears; your ambiguities Inebriate my soul, confound my blood. Beauty! what depths of pain in those sad eyes …

— But what’s she crying for? Such loveliness Could master every man who ever loved. What malady could cause her such distress?

— The malady, you fool, of having lived! Of life itself! That’s why she feels such pain, Why living seems to ignominious … Tomorrow she will have to live again! Tomorrow, and from there on out. Like us!

#Charles Baudelaire #Complete Poems

[cyllux-the-imaginary]

lowkey wasn’t expecting that one

#voltage inc #slbp #slbp event story #samurai love ballad party #slbp saizo #kirigakure saizo #hearts made fool by radiant grace