acphengene

[acphengene]

Finally getting my photocard templates done 💅🏼 it’s about time - think it’s been two comebacks since

[acphengene]

I have no idea what to write and I blame Vernon - he is on my mind constantly. Like he is literally impossible. Maybe I should write something with him just to get it out of my system

[acphengene]

Chapter 3 - Research

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying, threats, arguing, fluff

₊ ⁺ word count: 4.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺ Chapter three ₊ ⁺

Your father sat with Jake in his arms atop his bed, stroking his hair. You however paced back and forth in the room. Restless.  

“Please, come here my little princess” your father said as he stretched out his hands towards you. 

You shook your head. A single tear slipping from your eye down one of your blazing hot cheeks. 

“No, I’m gonna go get her back” 

Jake sobbed at that, a sound so broken it made your heart break even more. But it would be fixed if you got her back, he would be fixed, you would be fixed. 

You ran from you and your brothers shared room. Ignoring the pleading cries from your father that were begging for you to stay.

The night was dark, the stars and moon above were the only source of light as you ran through the gardens. As you ran to the borders. 

The mist was high and it looked thick. You laid a hand on it and felt it cool your palm. 

“I’m coming mother” You said, eyes determined to locate the realm that lay beyond. 

And then you pushed yourself through - not caring about the pain, not caring about that piece of soul inside of you that tried to escape from the fate you were putting it through. It tore your insides apart but you kept going. Kept pushing, screaming out for her. 

You could’ve sworn you heard her scream your name from the other side. But you kept pushing, step by step, until you passed out.

Jay stumbled back. Shock clearly written all over his face. 

He looked to his mother, who only sent him a smile, and then back to her, back to your mother. For a second he studied her face. He could see it, the resemblance to both you and Jake. But she was more than that. He had met her before. He had met her that night. 

Her hand rested on his shoulder. “Come, sit down and tell us everything” 

So he did. Not even the smallest detail was left out. The two women reminded him of young girls when they giggled and cheered him on. Their happiness was intoxicating. 

“My little princess! So strong!” She said as he finished. “I’m glad the two of you finally found each other, it was about time” 

“Yeah” he said with a small smile.

She smiled again, but this time it didn’t reach her eyes. 

“I’m sorry I put such a big burden on your shoulders that night. But I was too far from the castle and you were there… and it felt as though the fates themselves were pulling me in your direction. I had to trust that was for a reason” 

He pulled his knees close to his chest. “I’m glad you found me. I don’t even wanna know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t reached her when I did” 

His mother sat down in front of him. “Don’t think thoughts like that. It won’t do you any good” 

He let out a puff of air, and his mother pushed his shoulder playfully. “So you knew who she was this entire time?” Jay asked as he laid beck on the porch deck, allowing the sun to warm his body. 

His mother kicked his leg. “Of course I did. You would’ve known too if you’d only asked me the right questions” 

Jay sighed as he ran his hands down his face. What the hell was this day? 

“Did you only come to talk to me about her? You can’t be that bad at romance now, can you?” She looked to the late queen of Night. “I seriously doubt it with all the elaborate dates he always takes Sunghoon on,” the pair laughed. 

“No, I don't need help with the romance. I need help with Jake” he finally said it out loud. It felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. With that he sat up once more. 

“What has my son done now?” her tone was suddenly stern. Hard. But it wasn’t directed at him, no this was the voice of a mother being told of her childs ungodly behavior. 

“He’s my friend, he’s my… brother” he winced at the word, and the queens shared a look. “but he will be devastated when he finds out. He likes not being crown prince, he likes being normal. And your daughter being mated to me, means she will have to give up the crown” 

He looked down at his hands as he played with the rings that sat there. 

His mother pulled him close, and he rested his head on her shoulder. 

“He will understand,” she said in a soothing voice. 

“No, he won't. He will see it as a betrayal, and why shouldn’t he? I’ve kept the fact that I’m mated to his sister, his whole world, from him. I’ve lied to his face. And those two things are bad enough, but I’m also forcing him to take back a crown that he never wanted in the first place. I’m stealing his life from him, for what? To be happy?” 

The words tasted wrong in his mouth, you were more than just the tool for happiness. You were strong, powerful. A princess filled with joy, with kindness. He couldn’t wait to see what else was lying beneath that beautiful surface of yours. 

“If Jaeyun doesn’t want the throne, he can pass it up. No one would be the wiser because of his little disappearing act. It would be the way of the land, it would find a new family to protect it” Your mother said with a shrug. 

She was right. He had completely forgotten that the laws of the lands outside of the mist worked differently. If an heir was not accepted by the land and the magic that poured through it, or if the heir chose a different path in life, it could choose another. 

“In regards to this so-called betrayal you speak of…” she sighed. “well he will just have to get over it” 

Jay’s mother burst out laughing. “I’m so sorry dear but your son is a stubborn one, that might be easier said than done” 

Your mother sighed. “I’m sorry, that might be my doing” she leaned black in the seat. “But my son clearly loves the two of you, so I’m sure that he will get over it. He just needs to understand first. Understand the bond that the two of you will share is unlike anything else” 

But something told Jay that it would end up being a lot harder than the two queens made it seem to be.

“What about this one?” your father said as he pulled down a crown from its stand. 

You shot him a look. 

“What? What's wrong with it?” He asked as he examined it in the light. 

“It’s pink dad” you said as you shook your head, once again turning your attention to the crowns with darker stones. 

“So what? You used to love pink” he said with a smirk, earning him a laugh. 

“Used to being the key word of that sentence” 

He shrugged and threw himself on the ottoman that stood against the huge floor to ceiling windows. 

“You really don’t wanna tell me about you and a certain prince?” He asked as he raised his brows suggestively. 

The relationship between you and your father had always been one based on trust and kindness. There were only a few things that you had chosen to keep from him, but you still hadn’t decided if it would be wise to confide in him when it came to Jay. 

“I do know his father you know, could set you up” 

You threw one of the crowns at him and he caught it easily with a loud: “Ha!” 

“I don’t need you to set me up” You picked a crown and weighed it in your hands, admiring the stones and how they almost twinkled as stars in the lights. 

You had turned your back to your father, so you missed the almost sad smile that painted his lips and features. But his eyes were shining like little stars. He rose and pulled you into his side. 

“That one was your mothers, I’m sure she would love for you to wear it” He laid his cheek on top of your head as he squeezed your shoulder. 

“It was a gift from her best friend” 

Jay sent you a message as soon as he had left the mist. Both because he was a little desperate to see you as soon as possible, but also because the day had taken a toll on him, he needed sleep. 

“What’s that?” He asked as he pointed to the box that peaked out from the net you carried in. You lifted it a little. 

“Oh, it’s a crown,” You said with a shrug. “It was my mothers, a gift from her best friend according to my father, you know just something to remind me of her for the autumn ball” 

Jay smiled, it was small, almost secretive, but there was a genuine happiness in his eyes you hadn’t seen before. It almost looked like pride. 

You returned his smile. 

“Are you ready?” You asked and stretched out your hand for him to take, and he did without hesitation. 

It took every bit of willpower in him not to pull you close, to interlace your fingers and never let go. You let him towards the shadows hiding in the bushes, and used it as what almost seemed like a staircase. 

He followed you without hesitation. Just as he knew he always would. 

“That took long enough don’t you think?” Sunghoon said as you arrived in Jay’s room. The shadows had led you there instead of back to the lobby. 

The smell and the feel of the room was enough to drive you crazy, and you could feel how the shadows almost pulsated in the corners of the room, doing their best to learn as much as they could about Jay while you tried to keep them in tow. 

Sunghoon pulled his best friend close without even a tiny bit of hesitation. 

“Are you okay?” He asked as he rubbed Jays back with a flat hand. 

You saw how Jay gave Sunghoon a squeeze before he let him go. 

“Yeah, I’m good” 

Sunghoon then turned to you, his eyes serious, cincere. 

“Thank you, for helping him,” he said while a smile tugged on the corner of his mouth. 

“Anytime” 

The best friend once again turned to the heir. “What should I tell Jake? He has been sitting out there all day, staring at the door waiting for your return” 

“Just tell him he sneaked past while you either distracted him or when he went to the bathroom” you said with a shrug, suddenly realizing you hadn’t let go of Jay’s hand yet. 

You gave it a squeeze and he found your eyes within a second. 

“I’ll leave you guys to it. I’ll see you soon” 

He squeezed your hand three times, both to reassure you. But also convey everything he felt, that he couldn’t yet say. 

You stepped through a shadow and you were once again gone. 

Jay released a breath. 

“Are you ready to face the music?” Sunghoon asked as he gestured towards the door that led from his bedroom to the shared living room of the apartment. 

“Let’s get it over with,” Jay said. 

Jake’s eyes were stuck to the front door, all the while he was bouncing his legs up and down at an ungodly speed. 

“Jake” He said quietly, capturing the attention of the prince. 

He flew from his seat. “Gods Jay, when the fuck did you get here?” 

He shrugged. “I guess it’s been an hour or two. I snuck in while you were in the bathroom” 

Jake was over him in an instant, arms pulling him close. 

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it” 

For once these past few weeks, Jay allowed himself to be on the receiving end of Jake’s kindness, of his brotherly love. It had been a hard thing to accept with the secret he carried as a song in his heart. 

“It’s okay” He said as he gave his brother a squeeze. 

Jake pulled away from him, and with sincerity said: “It’s not!” Jake held his shoulders, squeezing them a little for emphasis. 

Jay smiled sheepishly. “It is. I know you didn’t mean it, it’s just… I have a lot going on” He sighed. “And at some point I’m properly gonna end up doing something to hurt you. And when that time comes, I hope you forgive me too” 

He was pulled in for another hug. “Of course man, you’re my brother. I’ll always forgive you” 

Jay’s heart broke at that, because he knew it was a lie.

You texted Jungwon as soon as you were back home in your apartment. You needed to get this secret out. Out in the open. As soon as you opened the door with tears in your eyes, he had you in his arms. Soon after, he made sure that Sunoo was on his way. 

This would take more than just him, and despite your protests, it made it easier. You ripped off two bandaids at once instead of just the one. 

The two males stared at you with open mouths as you finished your story. 

“I knew you were crazy, but damn girl” Sunoo said as he leaned back in the armchair that stood in your living room. 

“I still can’t believe neither you nor Niki have told me all these years” Jungwon pouted a little and your heart shattered at that. 

“I’m sorry, I know I should’ve told you I just… didn’t know how” 

Jungwon pulled you into his side and kissed the top of your head. “It’s okay. Sometimes people have secrets, I’m just glad you finally felt comfortable enough to tell us” 

You hid your face in his chest, a lump once again forming in your throat. 

And for a second you were almost certain that no one had ever been this loved. 

Sunoo sat back quietly. 

“What’s on your mind, Sun?” Jungwon asked. 

“I don’t know, I was just so convinced that the two of you were mates” he crossed his arms with a little pout. 

You laughed. “Yeah, if I’m being honest I hoped that too” 

Jungwon pulled away to look at you. “Well, you still could be” 

You let go of his shirt and sat up. “How would that even work?” You asked with a raised brow. 

He cleared his throat. “Well, think about it… To enter his kingdom you need the bond. At that point in time the two of you hadn’t met, therefore no bond and no access” 

Your heart sped up and you felt your hands clam up as well, there was no doubt in your mind that your eyes were as large as teacups. And that little ping of hope awoke once again. 

You swallowed once, trying to get a bit of moisture back in your mouth, your throat. “You think?” 

Sunoo sat up and rubbed his hands against one another. “I mean it’s not impossible. But then again it might just be me that’s desperate for my ship to finally sail” 

A laugh escaped you all. “Let’s hit the library” Jungwon said and gave your thigh a playful smack.

You had lent every book you could find about marks and the stories from previous kings and queens that had been lucky enough to find their other halves. 

The last two nights you had spent in the library crouched over them as you searched for the smallest detail. 

It was beautiful here, the windows were large, letting in the smallest speck of light from the outside. 

“Is this seat taken?” A voice said, and you knew who he was before you lifted your gaze. You could smell him a mile away. 

You looked up to find Jay smiling at you as his hand rested on the chair directly across from you. 

A small gesture from you later and he was plopped down in the squeaking chair. 

He grabbed one of the books and read the title. You watched as his cheeks colored a little. 

“I-“ you started, but you didn’t know what to say, how would you ever be able to explain this. 

“So, for academic purposes or just for your own curiosity?” He asked as he once again put down the book. 

You laughed silently. “This one is just for me” you said as you tried your best to avoid his gaze. 

Being caught right handed by the male that was the reason for your research was not something you had expected. 

“What do you want to know?” He asked as he leaned over the table, arms crossed as he rested his chin on his hands. 

You shrugged. “I don’t know…” You said with a small voice. 

“You sure? Because I might be able to help” 

“Oh yeah?” You said with one brow raised. He nodded in response. 

“Yeah, my mom has taught me most of it all. Kind of a must for me to know how it all works” 

It made sense that his family would know when it was the only way for kings and queens to not rule the land on their own. As far as you knew only one royal had chosen to do that, in the end adopting a few children that in the end would carry on her line. No one really knew how that had worked, but it had, the land accepted them. 

“The powers, how does that work with everything?” You asked. If you were being honest with yourself you hadn’t meant to. It just slipped out. Jay grinned as he grabbed a notebook on your table and started drawing his lineage on one side. 

“You see, every king and queen, every heir will only ever end up finding someone to make the kingdom stronger. In times of war it could be an heir from the enemy kingdom, the land's way of ensuring peace. In times of drought it could be one from the Water or the Earth Kingdom to make sure someone took care of the crops and the earth” 

Jay drew a circle on the paper, connecting it with a line to one he had drawn only a moment before. 

“The soul ties are said to be written in our very souls, only to awaken when you come into contact with someone who will better your kingdom, and for our people; someone who will better you or your family” 

He took a highlighter from the table and highlighted his mothers name on the family tree he had drawn. 

“My mother, for example, is a soul reader. She knows what a soul needs to blossom into its full potential, she knows what a soul needs to rehabilitate, to get back on track if the mind or the heart have led a person astray. A compliment for me and my fathers power” 

He saw a flicker of something in your eye, but you were quick to push it away. He smiled. 

“Do the mates find out at the same time?” You asked as you toyed with one of the many rings on your fingers. 

“No not always, sometimes one will feel the pull before the other. And you can either wait for the realization or tell ones mate” 

You nodded along. “What would that mean? Let’s say your mate knew she was yours, would she then have access to your kingdom?” 

Jay felt his heart speed up in his chest. Was this why you were researching? Did you have a theory? You had seen the castle through the mist, but had you put together the pieces? Or were you just starting to? 

He leaned over the table, and could almost not hear his own voice as he spoke. “No, the bond needs to be accepted for one to enter then. But I guess there could be flashes if my mate chose to stare into the mist” 

It almost looked like his words had lifted a burden from your shoulders and you smiled so genuinely at him, that he for a second almost leaned over completely and kissed you. Instead he settled for stretching a finger out towards you, searching for the touch of you. 

You looked towards his hand, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. Did he feel it too? This feeling of wanting to be near you, to touch you and breathe you in, in the same way you wanted to do with him? 

His eyes were so gentle as he looked at you, all the while you looked for any type of confirmation that he wanted this too. 

Jay gave you a slight nod as his throat bobbed, and before you could talk yourself out of it you stretched your hand out and let one of your fingers touch his. 

You had held each other's hand when traveling home through the shadows the other day, but this was different. The two of you did this because you wanted too, not because you had to. 

He slowly interlaced his fingers with yours, and he could’ve sworn he had stopped breathing. Your skin was so soft, and he felt like sparks were dancing where his own somewhat calloused hands met yours. 

You took a deep breath and tried to once again focus on the task at hand. But he made it absolutely impossible. 

This is it. He thought to himself. He would tell her, tell her everything. Right here. 

“Heeseung I swear to god if you don’t fuck off I’m gonna end up setting you on fire!” You heard a femme voice scream a few rows of books away. 

Your hand flew from his and he quickly swallowed the whine that threatened to slip from his throat. 

The two of you looked to where you had heard the voice. 

A beautiful fae walked towards you and Jay, rolling her eyes so far back in her head that you for a moment worried if they might get stuck back there. You hadn’t met her before, hadn’t really noticed her before now. But now you kind of wanted to befriend her. 

She carried herself with the same grace as most princesses did. Hips swayed as she walked and when her eyes once again looked forward, yes a princess indeed. Yeonjun’s sister, heir to the Fire Kingdom. There was no mistaking the eyes that looked like liquid, molten amber and the red hair was of course also a dead giveaway. 

Close behind her Heeseung followed, looking just as annoyed as she was. “Look it’s not my fault we’ve been paired up for this assignment. That being said you will have to catch me before you can light me on fire and I’m pretty sure your sparks aren’t that fast” 

The pair walked right past your table, but neither of them seemed to really register anyone around them. 

“If I burn down the world, I’m pretty sure I’ll at some point get to you” she said in a stern voice that once again got lower and lower as she moved through the library. 

“Well my brother literally commands ice, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be good,” Heeseung commented in a cocky tone. 

“Oh yeah? Let’s test it out shall we” 

You heard a yelp and looked to Jay, who quickly threw a hand over his mouth to kill a laugh, you did the same as Heeseung continued: “What is it with you and Yeonjun and trying to light peoples hair on fire?!” 

“Oh boo-hoo you avoided it, so don’t cry about not burned hair now!” The princess answered, and you heard as one of the doors flung open and closed quickly. 

“She’ll be the literal death of me” Heeseung whispered to himself before he followed after her. 

As the room once again quieted, you let out a chuckle. 

“What’s that about?” You asked with a mischievous look in your eyes. 

“Those two are the epitome of academic rivals, they’ve been partnered up for a project and they hate every second of it” 

Sunghoon was there in an instant, almost as if he was the one who could walk out of the shadows, none of you had really noticed him. Too occupied with the fight his brother had been a part of, and too aware of each other. 

The friend plopped down in the chair next to Jay. “Don’t lie to her now, my love. Those two have had it out for one another since birth” He picked up one of the books that laid in front of you and sent Jay a knowing smile. “If you ask me, I’d say they should just fuck the tension away so the rest of us wont have to listen to them bicker at every fucking event” 

He pulled out a few books of his own and started reading. Jay raised a brow, clearly not needing to even speak to communicate with his best friend. 

“What? I study sometimes you know” was all the prince said, earning him a grin from his best friend.                                         

As soon as Sunghoon had drawn his attention back to his book, Jay once again stretched out an arm. 

You looked from his hand to Sunghoon and made your eyes bigger for emphasis. 

Jay rolled his eyes, and spoke into his mind: He won't even notice darling.

He saw your eyes narrow a bit, he couldn’t really figure out if you had heard him or not. But you stacked a few books on top of eachother and once again took his hand in the makeshift privacy you had just made. 

“You do know I don't give a single fuck about whatever the two of you are up to right?” Sunghoon said without looking up from his book. He was only met with silence, one that he let linger for a few seconds, then he looked right up at you. “Unless you break his heart, in that case I will bury you in the core of one of the Snow-peak mountains” 

The room dropped in temperature, and there was no doubt that he had something to do with it. You saw Jay smirk and shake his head. 

You tried a few times to think up a response, one that wouldn’t sound as sickening sweet as the words that were currently on the very tip of your tongue. 

When none came, you took a deep breath, and decided you had nothing to lose. 

“I’m pretty sure breaking his heart would mean breaking my own, so I don’t see that happening anytime soon. He’ll always be safe with me, Sunghoon” You said with a small smile. Desperately trying to calm your heart. 

The ice prince’s facade melted like ice beneath a flame. And a kind smile, one revealing the hint of vampire teeth, was sent your way. You knew you had said the right thing. 

You felt how Jay squeezed your hand in his. It was somewhat impossible for you to look at him, but in the end you managed. And when your eyes met his he said. 

“And you will always be safe with me” he said. Once again squeezing your hand thrice. Oh you were so screwed.

Omg it's finally here! I'm so sorry it took this long, but I was packing and then I had the whole move and then unpacking. So I've been busy! Finally had the time to sit down and actually read through it.

As always please let me know if you have any theories, or questions or if you just need to vent

⁺ taglist: @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @flawlessapollo6 @ijustwannareadstuff20 @azzy02 @zaycie - @buggub @lveegsoi @hellaboredd @loudpeachdetective

[acphengene]

Chapter 3 - Research

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying, threats, arguing, fluff

₊ ⁺ word count: 4.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺ Chapter three ₊ ⁺

Your father sat with Jake in his arms atop his bed, stroking his hair. You however paced back and forth in the room. Restless.  

“Please, come here my little princess” your father said as he stretched out his hands towards you. 

You shook your head. A single tear slipping from your eye down one of your blazing hot cheeks. 

“No, I’m gonna go get her back” 

Jake sobbed at that, a sound so broken it made your heart break even more. But it would be fixed if you got her back, he would be fixed, you would be fixed. 

You ran from you and your brothers shared room. Ignoring the pleading cries from your father that were begging for you to stay.

The night was dark, the stars and moon above were the only source of light as you ran through the gardens. As you ran to the borders. 

The mist was high and it looked thick. You laid a hand on it and felt it cool your palm. 

“I’m coming mother” You said, eyes determined to locate the realm that lay beyond. 

And then you pushed yourself through - not caring about the pain, not caring about that piece of soul inside of you that tried to escape from the fate you were putting it through. It tore your insides apart but you kept going. Kept pushing, screaming out for her. 

You could’ve sworn you heard her scream your name from the other side. But you kept pushing, step by step, until you passed out.

Jay stumbled back. Shock clearly written all over his face. 

He looked to his mother, who only sent him a smile, and then back to her, back to your mother. For a second he studied her face. He could see it, the resemblance to both you and Jake. But she was more than that. He had met her before. He had met her that night. 

Her hand rested on his shoulder. “Come, sit down and tell us everything” 

So he did. Not even the smallest detail was left out. The two women reminded him of young girls when they giggled and cheered him on. Their happiness was intoxicating. 

“My little princess! So strong!” She said as he finished. “I’m glad the two of you finally found each other, it was about time” 

“Yeah” he said with a small smile.

She smiled again, but this time it didn’t reach her eyes. 

“I’m sorry I put such a big burden on your shoulders that night. But I was too far from the castle and you were there… and it felt as though the fates themselves were pulling me in your direction. I had to trust that was for a reason” 

He pulled his knees close to his chest. “I’m glad you found me. I don’t even wanna know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t reached her when I did” 

His mother sat down in front of him. “Don’t think thoughts like that. It won’t do you any good” 

He let out a puff of air, and his mother pushed his shoulder playfully. “So you knew who she was this entire time?” Jay asked as he laid beck on the porch deck, allowing the sun to warm his body. 

His mother kicked his leg. “Of course I did. You would’ve known too if you’d only asked me the right questions” 

Jay sighed as he ran his hands down his face. What the hell was this day? 

“Did you only come to talk to me about her? You can’t be that bad at romance now, can you?” She looked to the late queen of Night. “I seriously doubt it with all the elaborate dates he always takes Sunghoon on,” the pair laughed. 

“No, I don't need help with the romance. I need help with Jake” he finally said it out loud. It felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. With that he sat up once more. 

“What has my son done now?” her tone was suddenly stern. Hard. But it wasn’t directed at him, no this was the voice of a mother being told of her childs ungodly behavior. 

“He’s my friend, he’s my… brother” he winced at the word, and the queens shared a look. “but he will be devastated when he finds out. He likes not being crown prince, he likes being normal. And your daughter being mated to me, means she will have to give up the crown” 

He looked down at his hands as he played with the rings that sat there. 

His mother pulled him close, and he rested his head on her shoulder. 

“He will understand,” she said in a soothing voice. 

“No, he won't. He will see it as a betrayal, and why shouldn’t he? I’ve kept the fact that I’m mated to his sister, his whole world, from him. I’ve lied to his face. And those two things are bad enough, but I’m also forcing him to take back a crown that he never wanted in the first place. I’m stealing his life from him, for what? To be happy?” 

The words tasted wrong in his mouth, you were more than just the tool for happiness. You were strong, powerful. A princess filled with joy, with kindness. He couldn’t wait to see what else was lying beneath that beautiful surface of yours. 

“If Jaeyun doesn’t want the throne, he can pass it up. No one would be the wiser because of his little disappearing act. It would be the way of the land, it would find a new family to protect it” Your mother said with a shrug. 

She was right. He had completely forgotten that the laws of the lands outside of the mist worked differently. If an heir was not accepted by the land and the magic that poured through it, or if the heir chose a different path in life, it could choose another. 

“In regards to this so-called betrayal you speak of…” she sighed. “well he will just have to get over it” 

Jay’s mother burst out laughing. “I’m so sorry dear but your son is a stubborn one, that might be easier said than done” 

Your mother sighed. “I’m sorry, that might be my doing” she leaned black in the seat. “But my son clearly loves the two of you, so I’m sure that he will get over it. He just needs to understand first. Understand the bond that the two of you will share is unlike anything else” 

But something told Jay that it would end up being a lot harder than the two queens made it seem to be.

“What about this one?” your father said as he pulled down a crown from its stand. 

You shot him a look. 

“What? What's wrong with it?” He asked as he examined it in the light. 

“It’s pink dad” you said as you shook your head, once again turning your attention to the crowns with darker stones. 

“So what? You used to love pink” he said with a smirk, earning him a laugh. 

“Used to being the key word of that sentence” 

He shrugged and threw himself on the ottoman that stood against the huge floor to ceiling windows. 

“You really don’t wanna tell me about you and a certain prince?” He asked as he raised his brows suggestively. 

The relationship between you and your father had always been one based on trust and kindness. There were only a few things that you had chosen to keep from him, but you still hadn’t decided if it would be wise to confide in him when it came to Jay. 

“I do know his father you know, could set you up” 

You threw one of the crowns at him and he caught it easily with a loud: “Ha!” 

“I don’t need you to set me up” You picked a crown and weighed it in your hands, admiring the stones and how they almost twinkled as stars in the lights. 

You had turned your back to your father, so you missed the almost sad smile that painted his lips and features. But his eyes were shining like little stars. He rose and pulled you into his side. 

“That one was your mothers, I’m sure she would love for you to wear it” He laid his cheek on top of your head as he squeezed your shoulder. 

“It was a gift from her best friend” 

Jay sent you a message as soon as he had left the mist. Both because he was a little desperate to see you as soon as possible, but also because the day had taken a toll on him, he needed sleep. 

“What’s that?” He asked as he pointed to the box that peaked out from the net you carried in. You lifted it a little. 

“Oh, it’s a crown,” You said with a shrug. “It was my mothers, a gift from her best friend according to my father, you know just something to remind me of her for the autumn ball” 

Jay smiled, it was small, almost secretive, but there was a genuine happiness in his eyes you hadn’t seen before. It almost looked like pride. 

You returned his smile. 

“Are you ready?” You asked and stretched out your hand for him to take, and he did without hesitation. 

It took every bit of willpower in him not to pull you close, to interlace your fingers and never let go. You let him towards the shadows hiding in the bushes, and used it as what almost seemed like a staircase. 

He followed you without hesitation. Just as he knew he always would. 

“That took long enough don’t you think?” Sunghoon said as you arrived in Jay’s room. The shadows had led you there instead of back to the lobby. 

The smell and the feel of the room was enough to drive you crazy, and you could feel how the shadows almost pulsated in the corners of the room, doing their best to learn as much as they could about Jay while you tried to keep them in tow. 

Sunghoon pulled his best friend close without even a tiny bit of hesitation. 

“Are you okay?” He asked as he rubbed Jays back with a flat hand. 

You saw how Jay gave Sunghoon a squeeze before he let him go. 

“Yeah, I’m good” 

Sunghoon then turned to you, his eyes serious, cincere. 

“Thank you, for helping him,” he said while a smile tugged on the corner of his mouth. 

“Anytime” 

The best friend once again turned to the heir. “What should I tell Jake? He has been sitting out there all day, staring at the door waiting for your return” 

“Just tell him he sneaked past while you either distracted him or when he went to the bathroom” you said with a shrug, suddenly realizing you hadn’t let go of Jay’s hand yet. 

You gave it a squeeze and he found your eyes within a second. 

“I’ll leave you guys to it. I’ll see you soon” 

He squeezed your hand three times, both to reassure you. But also convey everything he felt, that he couldn’t yet say. 

You stepped through a shadow and you were once again gone. 

Jay released a breath. 

“Are you ready to face the music?” Sunghoon asked as he gestured towards the door that led from his bedroom to the shared living room of the apartment. 

“Let’s get it over with,” Jay said. 

Jake’s eyes were stuck to the front door, all the while he was bouncing his legs up and down at an ungodly speed. 

“Jake” He said quietly, capturing the attention of the prince. 

He flew from his seat. “Gods Jay, when the fuck did you get here?” 

He shrugged. “I guess it’s been an hour or two. I snuck in while you were in the bathroom” 

Jake was over him in an instant, arms pulling him close. 

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it” 

For once these past few weeks, Jay allowed himself to be on the receiving end of Jake’s kindness, of his brotherly love. It had been a hard thing to accept with the secret he carried as a song in his heart. 

“It’s okay” He said as he gave his brother a squeeze. 

Jake pulled away from him, and with sincerity said: “It’s not!” Jake held his shoulders, squeezing them a little for emphasis. 

Jay smiled sheepishly. “It is. I know you didn’t mean it, it’s just… I have a lot going on” He sighed. “And at some point I’m properly gonna end up doing something to hurt you. And when that time comes, I hope you forgive me too” 

He was pulled in for another hug. “Of course man, you’re my brother. I’ll always forgive you” 

Jay’s heart broke at that, because he knew it was a lie.

You texted Jungwon as soon as you were back home in your apartment. You needed to get this secret out. Out in the open. As soon as you opened the door with tears in your eyes, he had you in his arms. Soon after, he made sure that Sunoo was on his way. 

This would take more than just him, and despite your protests, it made it easier. You ripped off two bandaids at once instead of just the one. 

The two males stared at you with open mouths as you finished your story. 

“I knew you were crazy, but damn girl” Sunoo said as he leaned back in the armchair that stood in your living room. 

“I still can’t believe neither you nor Niki have told me all these years” Jungwon pouted a little and your heart shattered at that. 

“I’m sorry, I know I should’ve told you I just… didn’t know how” 

Jungwon pulled you into his side and kissed the top of your head. “It’s okay. Sometimes people have secrets, I’m just glad you finally felt comfortable enough to tell us” 

You hid your face in his chest, a lump once again forming in your throat. 

And for a second you were almost certain that no one had ever been this loved. 

Sunoo sat back quietly. 

“What’s on your mind, Sun?” Jungwon asked. 

“I don’t know, I was just so convinced that the two of you were mates” he crossed his arms with a little pout. 

You laughed. “Yeah, if I’m being honest I hoped that too” 

Jungwon pulled away to look at you. “Well, you still could be” 

You let go of his shirt and sat up. “How would that even work?” You asked with a raised brow. 

He cleared his throat. “Well, think about it… To enter his kingdom you need the bond. At that point in time the two of you hadn’t met, therefore no bond and no access” 

Your heart sped up and you felt your hands clam up as well, there was no doubt in your mind that your eyes were as large as teacups. And that little ping of hope awoke once again. 

You swallowed once, trying to get a bit of moisture back in your mouth, your throat. “You think?” 

Sunoo sat up and rubbed his hands against one another. “I mean it’s not impossible. But then again it might just be me that’s desperate for my ship to finally sail” 

A laugh escaped you all. “Let’s hit the library” Jungwon said and gave your thigh a playful smack.

You had lent every book you could find about marks and the stories from previous kings and queens that had been lucky enough to find their other halves. 

The last two nights you had spent in the library crouched over them as you searched for the smallest detail. 

It was beautiful here, the windows were large, letting in the smallest speck of light from the outside. 

“Is this seat taken?” A voice said, and you knew who he was before you lifted your gaze. You could smell him a mile away. 

You looked up to find Jay smiling at you as his hand rested on the chair directly across from you. 

A small gesture from you later and he was plopped down in the squeaking chair. 

He grabbed one of the books and read the title. You watched as his cheeks colored a little. 

“I-“ you started, but you didn’t know what to say, how would you ever be able to explain this. 

“So, for academic purposes or just for your own curiosity?” He asked as he once again put down the book. 

You laughed silently. “This one is just for me” you said as you tried your best to avoid his gaze. 

Being caught right handed by the male that was the reason for your research was not something you had expected. 

“What do you want to know?” He asked as he leaned over the table, arms crossed as he rested his chin on his hands. 

You shrugged. “I don’t know…” You said with a small voice. 

“You sure? Because I might be able to help” 

“Oh yeah?” You said with one brow raised. He nodded in response. 

“Yeah, my mom has taught me most of it all. Kind of a must for me to know how it all works” 

It made sense that his family would know when it was the only way for kings and queens to not rule the land on their own. As far as you knew only one royal had chosen to do that, in the end adopting a few children that in the end would carry on her line. No one really knew how that had worked, but it had, the land accepted them. 

“The powers, how does that work with everything?” You asked. If you were being honest with yourself you hadn’t meant to. It just slipped out. Jay grinned as he grabbed a notebook on your table and started drawing his lineage on one side. 

“You see, every king and queen, every heir will only ever end up finding someone to make the kingdom stronger. In times of war it could be an heir from the enemy kingdom, the land's way of ensuring peace. In times of drought it could be one from the Water or the Earth Kingdom to make sure someone took care of the crops and the earth” 

Jay drew a circle on the paper, connecting it with a line to one he had drawn only a moment before. 

“The soul ties are said to be written in our very souls, only to awaken when you come into contact with someone who will better your kingdom, and for our people; someone who will better you or your family” 

He took a highlighter from the table and highlighted his mothers name on the family tree he had drawn. 

“My mother, for example, is a soul reader. She knows what a soul needs to blossom into its full potential, she knows what a soul needs to rehabilitate, to get back on track if the mind or the heart have led a person astray. A compliment for me and my fathers power” 

He saw a flicker of something in your eye, but you were quick to push it away. He smiled. 

“Do the mates find out at the same time?” You asked as you toyed with one of the many rings on your fingers. 

“No not always, sometimes one will feel the pull before the other. And you can either wait for the realization or tell ones mate” 

You nodded along. “What would that mean? Let’s say your mate knew she was yours, would she then have access to your kingdom?” 

Jay felt his heart speed up in his chest. Was this why you were researching? Did you have a theory? You had seen the castle through the mist, but had you put together the pieces? Or were you just starting to? 

He leaned over the table, and could almost not hear his own voice as he spoke. “No, the bond needs to be accepted for one to enter then. But I guess there could be flashes if my mate chose to stare into the mist” 

It almost looked like his words had lifted a burden from your shoulders and you smiled so genuinely at him, that he for a second almost leaned over completely and kissed you. Instead he settled for stretching a finger out towards you, searching for the touch of you. 

You looked towards his hand, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. Did he feel it too? This feeling of wanting to be near you, to touch you and breathe you in, in the same way you wanted to do with him? 

His eyes were so gentle as he looked at you, all the while you looked for any type of confirmation that he wanted this too. 

Jay gave you a slight nod as his throat bobbed, and before you could talk yourself out of it you stretched your hand out and let one of your fingers touch his. 

You had held each other's hand when traveling home through the shadows the other day, but this was different. The two of you did this because you wanted too, not because you had to. 

He slowly interlaced his fingers with yours, and he could’ve sworn he had stopped breathing. Your skin was so soft, and he felt like sparks were dancing where his own somewhat calloused hands met yours. 

You took a deep breath and tried to once again focus on the task at hand. But he made it absolutely impossible. 

This is it. He thought to himself. He would tell her, tell her everything. Right here. 

“Heeseung I swear to god if you don’t fuck off I’m gonna end up setting you on fire!” You heard a femme voice scream a few rows of books away. 

Your hand flew from his and he quickly swallowed the whine that threatened to slip from his throat. 

The two of you looked to where you had heard the voice. 

A beautiful fae walked towards you and Jay, rolling her eyes so far back in her head that you for a moment worried if they might get stuck back there. You hadn’t met her before, hadn’t really noticed her before now. But now you kind of wanted to befriend her. 

She carried herself with the same grace as most princesses did. Hips swayed as she walked and when her eyes once again looked forward, yes a princess indeed. Yeonjun’s sister, heir to the Fire Kingdom. There was no mistaking the eyes that looked like liquid, molten amber and the red hair was of course also a dead giveaway. 

Close behind her Heeseung followed, looking just as annoyed as she was. “Look it’s not my fault we’ve been paired up for this assignment. That being said you will have to catch me before you can light me on fire and I’m pretty sure your sparks aren’t that fast” 

The pair walked right past your table, but neither of them seemed to really register anyone around them. 

“If I burn down the world, I’m pretty sure I’ll at some point get to you” she said in a stern voice that once again got lower and lower as she moved through the library. 

“Well my brother literally commands ice, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be good,” Heeseung commented in a cocky tone. 

“Oh yeah? Let’s test it out shall we” 

You heard a yelp and looked to Jay, who quickly threw a hand over his mouth to kill a laugh, you did the same as Heeseung continued: “What is it with you and Yeonjun and trying to light peoples hair on fire?!” 

“Oh boo-hoo you avoided it, so don’t cry about not burned hair now!” The princess answered, and you heard as one of the doors flung open and closed quickly. 

“She’ll be the literal death of me” Heeseung whispered to himself before he followed after her. 

As the room once again quieted, you let out a chuckle. 

“What’s that about?” You asked with a mischievous look in your eyes. 

“Those two are the epitome of academic rivals, they’ve been partnered up for a project and they hate every second of it” 

Sunghoon was there in an instant, almost as if he was the one who could walk out of the shadows, none of you had really noticed him. Too occupied with the fight his brother had been a part of, and too aware of each other. 

The friend plopped down in the chair next to Jay. “Don’t lie to her now, my love. Those two have had it out for one another since birth” He picked up one of the books that laid in front of you and sent Jay a knowing smile. “If you ask me, I’d say they should just fuck the tension away so the rest of us wont have to listen to them bicker at every fucking event” 

He pulled out a few books of his own and started reading. Jay raised a brow, clearly not needing to even speak to communicate with his best friend. 

“What? I study sometimes you know” was all the prince said, earning him a grin from his best friend.                                         

As soon as Sunghoon had drawn his attention back to his book, Jay once again stretched out an arm. 

You looked from his hand to Sunghoon and made your eyes bigger for emphasis. 

Jay rolled his eyes, and spoke into his mind: He won't even notice darling.

He saw your eyes narrow a bit, he couldn’t really figure out if you had heard him or not. But you stacked a few books on top of eachother and once again took his hand in the makeshift privacy you had just made. 

“You do know I don't give a single fuck about whatever the two of you are up to right?” Sunghoon said without looking up from his book. He was only met with silence, one that he let linger for a few seconds, then he looked right up at you. “Unless you break his heart, in that case I will bury you in the core of one of the Snow-peak mountains” 

The room dropped in temperature, and there was no doubt that he had something to do with it. You saw Jay smirk and shake his head. 

You tried a few times to think up a response, one that wouldn’t sound as sickening sweet as the words that were currently on the very tip of your tongue. 

When none came, you took a deep breath, and decided you had nothing to lose. 

“I’m pretty sure breaking his heart would mean breaking my own, so I don’t see that happening anytime soon. He’ll always be safe with me, Sunghoon” You said with a small smile. Desperately trying to calm your heart. 

The ice prince’s facade melted like ice beneath a flame. And a kind smile, one revealing the hint of vampire teeth, was sent your way. You knew you had said the right thing. 

You felt how Jay squeezed your hand in his. It was somewhat impossible for you to look at him, but in the end you managed. And when your eyes met his he said. 

“And you will always be safe with me” he said. Once again squeezing your hand thrice. Oh you were so screwed.

Omg it's finally here! I'm so sorry it took this long, but I was packing and then I had the whole move and then unpacking. So I've been busy! Finally had the time to sit down and actually read through it.

As always please let me know if you have any theories, or questions or if you just need to vent

⁺ taglist: @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @flawlessapollo6 @ijustwannareadstuff20 @azzy02 @zaycie - @buggub @lveegsoi @hellaboredd @loudpeachdetective

[acphengene]

Chapter 3 - Research

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying, threats, arguing, fluff

₊ ⁺ word count: 4.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺ Chapter three ₊ ⁺

Your father sat with Jake in his arms atop his bed, stroking his hair. You however paced back and forth in the room. Restless.  

“Please, come here my little princess” your father said as he stretched out his hands towards you. 

You shook your head. A single tear slipping from your eye down one of your blazing hot cheeks. 

“No, I’m gonna go get her back” 

Jake sobbed at that, a sound so broken it made your heart break even more. But it would be fixed if you got her back, he would be fixed, you would be fixed. 

You ran from you and your brothers shared room. Ignoring the pleading cries from your father that were begging for you to stay.

The night was dark, the stars and moon above were the only source of light as you ran through the gardens. As you ran to the borders. 

The mist was high and it looked thick. You laid a hand on it and felt it cool your palm. 

“I’m coming mother” You said, eyes determined to locate the realm that lay beyond. 

And then you pushed yourself through - not caring about the pain, not caring about that piece of soul inside of you that tried to escape from the fate you were putting it through. It tore your insides apart but you kept going. Kept pushing, screaming out for her. 

You could’ve sworn you heard her scream your name from the other side. But you kept pushing, step by step, until you passed out.

Jay stumbled back. Shock clearly written all over his face. 

He looked to his mother, who only sent him a smile, and then back to her, back to your mother. For a second he studied her face. He could see it, the resemblance to both you and Jake. But she was more than that. He had met her before. He had met her that night. 

Her hand rested on his shoulder. “Come, sit down and tell us everything” 

So he did. Not even the smallest detail was left out. The two women reminded him of young girls when they giggled and cheered him on. Their happiness was intoxicating. 

“My little princess! So strong!” She said as he finished. “I’m glad the two of you finally found each other, it was about time” 

“Yeah” he said with a small smile.

She smiled again, but this time it didn’t reach her eyes. 

“I’m sorry I put such a big burden on your shoulders that night. But I was too far from the castle and you were there… and it felt as though the fates themselves were pulling me in your direction. I had to trust that was for a reason” 

He pulled his knees close to his chest. “I’m glad you found me. I don’t even wanna know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t reached her when I did” 

His mother sat down in front of him. “Don’t think thoughts like that. It won’t do you any good” 

He let out a puff of air, and his mother pushed his shoulder playfully. “So you knew who she was this entire time?” Jay asked as he laid beck on the porch deck, allowing the sun to warm his body. 

His mother kicked his leg. “Of course I did. You would’ve known too if you’d only asked me the right questions” 

Jay sighed as he ran his hands down his face. What the hell was this day? 

“Did you only come to talk to me about her? You can’t be that bad at romance now, can you?” She looked to the late queen of Night. “I seriously doubt it with all the elaborate dates he always takes Sunghoon on,” the pair laughed. 

“No, I don't need help with the romance. I need help with Jake” he finally said it out loud. It felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. With that he sat up once more. 

“What has my son done now?” her tone was suddenly stern. Hard. But it wasn’t directed at him, no this was the voice of a mother being told of her childs ungodly behavior. 

“He’s my friend, he’s my… brother” he winced at the word, and the queens shared a look. “but he will be devastated when he finds out. He likes not being crown prince, he likes being normal. And your daughter being mated to me, means she will have to give up the crown” 

He looked down at his hands as he played with the rings that sat there. 

His mother pulled him close, and he rested his head on her shoulder. 

“He will understand,” she said in a soothing voice. 

“No, he won't. He will see it as a betrayal, and why shouldn’t he? I’ve kept the fact that I’m mated to his sister, his whole world, from him. I’ve lied to his face. And those two things are bad enough, but I’m also forcing him to take back a crown that he never wanted in the first place. I’m stealing his life from him, for what? To be happy?” 

The words tasted wrong in his mouth, you were more than just the tool for happiness. You were strong, powerful. A princess filled with joy, with kindness. He couldn’t wait to see what else was lying beneath that beautiful surface of yours. 

“If Jaeyun doesn’t want the throne, he can pass it up. No one would be the wiser because of his little disappearing act. It would be the way of the land, it would find a new family to protect it” Your mother said with a shrug. 

She was right. He had completely forgotten that the laws of the lands outside of the mist worked differently. If an heir was not accepted by the land and the magic that poured through it, or if the heir chose a different path in life, it could choose another. 

“In regards to this so-called betrayal you speak of…” she sighed. “well he will just have to get over it” 

Jay’s mother burst out laughing. “I’m so sorry dear but your son is a stubborn one, that might be easier said than done” 

Your mother sighed. “I’m sorry, that might be my doing” she leaned black in the seat. “But my son clearly loves the two of you, so I’m sure that he will get over it. He just needs to understand first. Understand the bond that the two of you will share is unlike anything else” 

But something told Jay that it would end up being a lot harder than the two queens made it seem to be.

“What about this one?” your father said as he pulled down a crown from its stand. 

You shot him a look. 

“What? What's wrong with it?” He asked as he examined it in the light. 

“It’s pink dad” you said as you shook your head, once again turning your attention to the crowns with darker stones. 

“So what? You used to love pink” he said with a smirk, earning him a laugh. 

“Used to being the key word of that sentence” 

He shrugged and threw himself on the ottoman that stood against the huge floor to ceiling windows. 

“You really don’t wanna tell me about you and a certain prince?” He asked as he raised his brows suggestively. 

The relationship between you and your father had always been one based on trust and kindness. There were only a few things that you had chosen to keep from him, but you still hadn’t decided if it would be wise to confide in him when it came to Jay. 

“I do know his father you know, could set you up” 

You threw one of the crowns at him and he caught it easily with a loud: “Ha!” 

“I don’t need you to set me up” You picked a crown and weighed it in your hands, admiring the stones and how they almost twinkled as stars in the lights. 

You had turned your back to your father, so you missed the almost sad smile that painted his lips and features. But his eyes were shining like little stars. He rose and pulled you into his side. 

“That one was your mothers, I’m sure she would love for you to wear it” He laid his cheek on top of your head as he squeezed your shoulder. 

“It was a gift from her best friend” 

Jay sent you a message as soon as he had left the mist. Both because he was a little desperate to see you as soon as possible, but also because the day had taken a toll on him, he needed sleep. 

“What’s that?” He asked as he pointed to the box that peaked out from the net you carried in. You lifted it a little. 

“Oh, it’s a crown,” You said with a shrug. “It was my mothers, a gift from her best friend according to my father, you know just something to remind me of her for the autumn ball” 

Jay smiled, it was small, almost secretive, but there was a genuine happiness in his eyes you hadn’t seen before. It almost looked like pride. 

You returned his smile. 

“Are you ready?” You asked and stretched out your hand for him to take, and he did without hesitation. 

It took every bit of willpower in him not to pull you close, to interlace your fingers and never let go. You let him towards the shadows hiding in the bushes, and used it as what almost seemed like a staircase. 

He followed you without hesitation. Just as he knew he always would. 

“That took long enough don’t you think?” Sunghoon said as you arrived in Jay’s room. The shadows had led you there instead of back to the lobby. 

The smell and the feel of the room was enough to drive you crazy, and you could feel how the shadows almost pulsated in the corners of the room, doing their best to learn as much as they could about Jay while you tried to keep them in tow. 

Sunghoon pulled his best friend close without even a tiny bit of hesitation. 

“Are you okay?” He asked as he rubbed Jays back with a flat hand. 

You saw how Jay gave Sunghoon a squeeze before he let him go. 

“Yeah, I’m good” 

Sunghoon then turned to you, his eyes serious, cincere. 

“Thank you, for helping him,” he said while a smile tugged on the corner of his mouth. 

“Anytime” 

The best friend once again turned to the heir. “What should I tell Jake? He has been sitting out there all day, staring at the door waiting for your return” 

“Just tell him he sneaked past while you either distracted him or when he went to the bathroom” you said with a shrug, suddenly realizing you hadn’t let go of Jay’s hand yet. 

You gave it a squeeze and he found your eyes within a second. 

“I’ll leave you guys to it. I’ll see you soon” 

He squeezed your hand three times, both to reassure you. But also convey everything he felt, that he couldn’t yet say. 

You stepped through a shadow and you were once again gone. 

Jay released a breath. 

“Are you ready to face the music?” Sunghoon asked as he gestured towards the door that led from his bedroom to the shared living room of the apartment. 

“Let’s get it over with,” Jay said. 

Jake’s eyes were stuck to the front door, all the while he was bouncing his legs up and down at an ungodly speed. 

“Jake” He said quietly, capturing the attention of the prince. 

He flew from his seat. “Gods Jay, when the fuck did you get here?” 

He shrugged. “I guess it’s been an hour or two. I snuck in while you were in the bathroom” 

Jake was over him in an instant, arms pulling him close. 

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it” 

For once these past few weeks, Jay allowed himself to be on the receiving end of Jake’s kindness, of his brotherly love. It had been a hard thing to accept with the secret he carried as a song in his heart. 

“It’s okay” He said as he gave his brother a squeeze. 

Jake pulled away from him, and with sincerity said: “It’s not!” Jake held his shoulders, squeezing them a little for emphasis. 

Jay smiled sheepishly. “It is. I know you didn’t mean it, it’s just… I have a lot going on” He sighed. “And at some point I’m properly gonna end up doing something to hurt you. And when that time comes, I hope you forgive me too” 

He was pulled in for another hug. “Of course man, you’re my brother. I’ll always forgive you” 

Jay’s heart broke at that, because he knew it was a lie.

You texted Jungwon as soon as you were back home in your apartment. You needed to get this secret out. Out in the open. As soon as you opened the door with tears in your eyes, he had you in his arms. Soon after, he made sure that Sunoo was on his way. 

This would take more than just him, and despite your protests, it made it easier. You ripped off two bandaids at once instead of just the one. 

The two males stared at you with open mouths as you finished your story. 

“I knew you were crazy, but damn girl” Sunoo said as he leaned back in the armchair that stood in your living room. 

“I still can’t believe neither you nor Niki have told me all these years” Jungwon pouted a little and your heart shattered at that. 

“I’m sorry, I know I should’ve told you I just… didn’t know how” 

Jungwon pulled you into his side and kissed the top of your head. “It’s okay. Sometimes people have secrets, I’m just glad you finally felt comfortable enough to tell us” 

You hid your face in his chest, a lump once again forming in your throat. 

And for a second you were almost certain that no one had ever been this loved. 

Sunoo sat back quietly. 

“What’s on your mind, Sun?” Jungwon asked. 

“I don’t know, I was just so convinced that the two of you were mates” he crossed his arms with a little pout. 

You laughed. “Yeah, if I’m being honest I hoped that too” 

Jungwon pulled away to look at you. “Well, you still could be” 

You let go of his shirt and sat up. “How would that even work?” You asked with a raised brow. 

He cleared his throat. “Well, think about it… To enter his kingdom you need the bond. At that point in time the two of you hadn’t met, therefore no bond and no access” 

Your heart sped up and you felt your hands clam up as well, there was no doubt in your mind that your eyes were as large as teacups. And that little ping of hope awoke once again. 

You swallowed once, trying to get a bit of moisture back in your mouth, your throat. “You think?” 

Sunoo sat up and rubbed his hands against one another. “I mean it’s not impossible. But then again it might just be me that’s desperate for my ship to finally sail” 

A laugh escaped you all. “Let’s hit the library” Jungwon said and gave your thigh a playful smack.

You had lent every book you could find about marks and the stories from previous kings and queens that had been lucky enough to find their other halves. 

The last two nights you had spent in the library crouched over them as you searched for the smallest detail. 

It was beautiful here, the windows were large, letting in the smallest speck of light from the outside. 

“Is this seat taken?” A voice said, and you knew who he was before you lifted your gaze. You could smell him a mile away. 

You looked up to find Jay smiling at you as his hand rested on the chair directly across from you. 

A small gesture from you later and he was plopped down in the squeaking chair. 

He grabbed one of the books and read the title. You watched as his cheeks colored a little. 

“I-“ you started, but you didn’t know what to say, how would you ever be able to explain this. 

“So, for academic purposes or just for your own curiosity?” He asked as he once again put down the book. 

You laughed silently. “This one is just for me” you said as you tried your best to avoid his gaze. 

Being caught right handed by the male that was the reason for your research was not something you had expected. 

“What do you want to know?” He asked as he leaned over the table, arms crossed as he rested his chin on his hands. 

You shrugged. “I don’t know…” You said with a small voice. 

“You sure? Because I might be able to help” 

“Oh yeah?” You said with one brow raised. He nodded in response. 

“Yeah, my mom has taught me most of it all. Kind of a must for me to know how it all works” 

It made sense that his family would know when it was the only way for kings and queens to not rule the land on their own. As far as you knew only one royal had chosen to do that, in the end adopting a few children that in the end would carry on her line. No one really knew how that had worked, but it had, the land accepted them. 

“The powers, how does that work with everything?” You asked. If you were being honest with yourself you hadn’t meant to. It just slipped out. Jay grinned as he grabbed a notebook on your table and started drawing his lineage on one side. 

“You see, every king and queen, every heir will only ever end up finding someone to make the kingdom stronger. In times of war it could be an heir from the enemy kingdom, the land's way of ensuring peace. In times of drought it could be one from the Water or the Earth Kingdom to make sure someone took care of the crops and the earth” 

Jay drew a circle on the paper, connecting it with a line to one he had drawn only a moment before. 

“The soul ties are said to be written in our very souls, only to awaken when you come into contact with someone who will better your kingdom, and for our people; someone who will better you or your family” 

He took a highlighter from the table and highlighted his mothers name on the family tree he had drawn. 

“My mother, for example, is a soul reader. She knows what a soul needs to blossom into its full potential, she knows what a soul needs to rehabilitate, to get back on track if the mind or the heart have led a person astray. A compliment for me and my fathers power” 

He saw a flicker of something in your eye, but you were quick to push it away. He smiled. 

“Do the mates find out at the same time?” You asked as you toyed with one of the many rings on your fingers. 

“No not always, sometimes one will feel the pull before the other. And you can either wait for the realization or tell ones mate” 

You nodded along. “What would that mean? Let’s say your mate knew she was yours, would she then have access to your kingdom?” 

Jay felt his heart speed up in his chest. Was this why you were researching? Did you have a theory? You had seen the castle through the mist, but had you put together the pieces? Or were you just starting to? 

He leaned over the table, and could almost not hear his own voice as he spoke. “No, the bond needs to be accepted for one to enter then. But I guess there could be flashes if my mate chose to stare into the mist” 

It almost looked like his words had lifted a burden from your shoulders and you smiled so genuinely at him, that he for a second almost leaned over completely and kissed you. Instead he settled for stretching a finger out towards you, searching for the touch of you. 

You looked towards his hand, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. Did he feel it too? This feeling of wanting to be near you, to touch you and breathe you in, in the same way you wanted to do with him? 

His eyes were so gentle as he looked at you, all the while you looked for any type of confirmation that he wanted this too. 

Jay gave you a slight nod as his throat bobbed, and before you could talk yourself out of it you stretched your hand out and let one of your fingers touch his. 

You had held each other's hand when traveling home through the shadows the other day, but this was different. The two of you did this because you wanted too, not because you had to. 

He slowly interlaced his fingers with yours, and he could’ve sworn he had stopped breathing. Your skin was so soft, and he felt like sparks were dancing where his own somewhat calloused hands met yours. 

You took a deep breath and tried to once again focus on the task at hand. But he made it absolutely impossible. 

This is it. He thought to himself. He would tell her, tell her everything. Right here. 

“Heeseung I swear to god if you don’t fuck off I’m gonna end up setting you on fire!” You heard a femme voice scream a few rows of books away. 

Your hand flew from his and he quickly swallowed the whine that threatened to slip from his throat. 

The two of you looked to where you had heard the voice. 

A beautiful fae walked towards you and Jay, rolling her eyes so far back in her head that you for a moment worried if they might get stuck back there. You hadn’t met her before, hadn’t really noticed her before now. But now you kind of wanted to befriend her. 

She carried herself with the same grace as most princesses did. Hips swayed as she walked and when her eyes once again looked forward, yes a princess indeed. Yeonjun’s sister, heir to the Fire Kingdom. There was no mistaking the eyes that looked like liquid, molten amber and the red hair was of course also a dead giveaway. 

Close behind her Heeseung followed, looking just as annoyed as she was. “Look it’s not my fault we’ve been paired up for this assignment. That being said you will have to catch me before you can light me on fire and I’m pretty sure your sparks aren’t that fast” 

The pair walked right past your table, but neither of them seemed to really register anyone around them. 

“If I burn down the world, I’m pretty sure I’ll at some point get to you” she said in a stern voice that once again got lower and lower as she moved through the library. 

“Well my brother literally commands ice, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be good,” Heeseung commented in a cocky tone. 

“Oh yeah? Let’s test it out shall we” 

You heard a yelp and looked to Jay, who quickly threw a hand over his mouth to kill a laugh, you did the same as Heeseung continued: “What is it with you and Yeonjun and trying to light peoples hair on fire?!” 

“Oh boo-hoo you avoided it, so don’t cry about not burned hair now!” The princess answered, and you heard as one of the doors flung open and closed quickly. 

“She’ll be the literal death of me” Heeseung whispered to himself before he followed after her. 

As the room once again quieted, you let out a chuckle. 

“What’s that about?” You asked with a mischievous look in your eyes. 

“Those two are the epitome of academic rivals, they’ve been partnered up for a project and they hate every second of it” 

Sunghoon was there in an instant, almost as if he was the one who could walk out of the shadows, none of you had really noticed him. Too occupied with the fight his brother had been a part of, and too aware of each other. 

The friend plopped down in the chair next to Jay. “Don’t lie to her now, my love. Those two have had it out for one another since birth” He picked up one of the books that laid in front of you and sent Jay a knowing smile. “If you ask me, I’d say they should just fuck the tension away so the rest of us wont have to listen to them bicker at every fucking event” 

He pulled out a few books of his own and started reading. Jay raised a brow, clearly not needing to even speak to communicate with his best friend. 

“What? I study sometimes you know” was all the prince said, earning him a grin from his best friend.                                         

As soon as Sunghoon had drawn his attention back to his book, Jay once again stretched out an arm. 

You looked from his hand to Sunghoon and made your eyes bigger for emphasis. 

Jay rolled his eyes, and spoke into his mind: He won't even notice darling.

He saw your eyes narrow a bit, he couldn’t really figure out if you had heard him or not. But you stacked a few books on top of eachother and once again took his hand in the makeshift privacy you had just made. 

“You do know I don't give a single fuck about whatever the two of you are up to right?” Sunghoon said without looking up from his book. He was only met with silence, one that he let linger for a few seconds, then he looked right up at you. “Unless you break his heart, in that case I will bury you in the core of one of the Snow-peak mountains” 

The room dropped in temperature, and there was no doubt that he had something to do with it. You saw Jay smirk and shake his head. 

You tried a few times to think up a response, one that wouldn’t sound as sickening sweet as the words that were currently on the very tip of your tongue. 

When none came, you took a deep breath, and decided you had nothing to lose. 

“I’m pretty sure breaking his heart would mean breaking my own, so I don’t see that happening anytime soon. He’ll always be safe with me, Sunghoon” You said with a small smile. Desperately trying to calm your heart. 

The ice prince’s facade melted like ice beneath a flame. And a kind smile, one revealing the hint of vampire teeth, was sent your way. You knew you had said the right thing. 

You felt how Jay squeezed your hand in his. It was somewhat impossible for you to look at him, but in the end you managed. And when your eyes met his he said. 

“And you will always be safe with me” he said. Once again squeezing your hand thrice. Oh you were so screwed.

Omg it's finally here! I'm so sorry it took this long, but I was packing and then I had the whole move and then unpacking. So I've been busy! Finally had the time to sit down and actually read through it.

As always please let me know if you have any theories, or questions or if you just need to vent

⁺ taglist: @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @flawlessapollo6 @ijustwannareadstuff20 @azzy02 @zaycie - @buggub @lveegsoi @hellaboredd @loudpeachdetective

[acphengene]

Chapter 3 - Research

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying, threats, arguing, fluff

₊ ⁺ word count: 4.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺ Chapter three ₊ ⁺

Your father sat with Jake in his arms atop his bed, stroking his hair. You however paced back and forth in the room. Restless.  

“Please, come here my little princess” your father said as he stretched out his hands towards you. 

You shook your head. A single tear slipping from your eye down one of your blazing hot cheeks. 

“No, I’m gonna go get her back” 

Jake sobbed at that, a sound so broken it made your heart break even more. But it would be fixed if you got her back, he would be fixed, you would be fixed. 

You ran from you and your brothers shared room. Ignoring the pleading cries from your father that were begging for you to stay.

The night was dark, the stars and moon above were the only source of light as you ran through the gardens. As you ran to the borders. 

The mist was high and it looked thick. You laid a hand on it and felt it cool your palm. 

“I’m coming mother” You said, eyes determined to locate the realm that lay beyond. 

And then you pushed yourself through - not caring about the pain, not caring about that piece of soul inside of you that tried to escape from the fate you were putting it through. It tore your insides apart but you kept going. Kept pushing, screaming out for her. 

You could’ve sworn you heard her scream your name from the other side. But you kept pushing, step by step, until you passed out.

Jay stumbled back. Shock clearly written all over his face. 

He looked to his mother, who only sent him a smile, and then back to her, back to your mother. For a second he studied her face. He could see it, the resemblance to both you and Jake. But she was more than that. He had met her before. He had met her that night. 

Her hand rested on his shoulder. “Come, sit down and tell us everything” 

So he did. Not even the smallest detail was left out. The two women reminded him of young girls when they giggled and cheered him on. Their happiness was intoxicating. 

“My little princess! So strong!” She said as he finished. “I’m glad the two of you finally found each other, it was about time” 

“Yeah” he said with a small smile.

She smiled again, but this time it didn’t reach her eyes. 

“I’m sorry I put such a big burden on your shoulders that night. But I was too far from the castle and you were there… and it felt as though the fates themselves were pulling me in your direction. I had to trust that was for a reason” 

He pulled his knees close to his chest. “I’m glad you found me. I don’t even wanna know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t reached her when I did” 

His mother sat down in front of him. “Don’t think thoughts like that. It won’t do you any good” 

He let out a puff of air, and his mother pushed his shoulder playfully. “So you knew who she was this entire time?” Jay asked as he laid beck on the porch deck, allowing the sun to warm his body. 

His mother kicked his leg. “Of course I did. You would’ve known too if you’d only asked me the right questions” 

Jay sighed as he ran his hands down his face. What the hell was this day? 

“Did you only come to talk to me about her? You can’t be that bad at romance now, can you?” She looked to the late queen of Night. “I seriously doubt it with all the elaborate dates he always takes Sunghoon on,” the pair laughed. 

“No, I don't need help with the romance. I need help with Jake” he finally said it out loud. It felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. With that he sat up once more. 

“What has my son done now?” her tone was suddenly stern. Hard. But it wasn’t directed at him, no this was the voice of a mother being told of her childs ungodly behavior. 

“He’s my friend, he’s my… brother” he winced at the word, and the queens shared a look. “but he will be devastated when he finds out. He likes not being crown prince, he likes being normal. And your daughter being mated to me, means she will have to give up the crown” 

He looked down at his hands as he played with the rings that sat there. 

His mother pulled him close, and he rested his head on her shoulder. 

“He will understand,” she said in a soothing voice. 

“No, he won't. He will see it as a betrayal, and why shouldn’t he? I’ve kept the fact that I’m mated to his sister, his whole world, from him. I’ve lied to his face. And those two things are bad enough, but I’m also forcing him to take back a crown that he never wanted in the first place. I’m stealing his life from him, for what? To be happy?” 

The words tasted wrong in his mouth, you were more than just the tool for happiness. You were strong, powerful. A princess filled with joy, with kindness. He couldn’t wait to see what else was lying beneath that beautiful surface of yours. 

“If Jaeyun doesn’t want the throne, he can pass it up. No one would be the wiser because of his little disappearing act. It would be the way of the land, it would find a new family to protect it” Your mother said with a shrug. 

She was right. He had completely forgotten that the laws of the lands outside of the mist worked differently. If an heir was not accepted by the land and the magic that poured through it, or if the heir chose a different path in life, it could choose another. 

“In regards to this so-called betrayal you speak of…” she sighed. “well he will just have to get over it” 

Jay’s mother burst out laughing. “I’m so sorry dear but your son is a stubborn one, that might be easier said than done” 

Your mother sighed. “I’m sorry, that might be my doing” she leaned black in the seat. “But my son clearly loves the two of you, so I’m sure that he will get over it. He just needs to understand first. Understand the bond that the two of you will share is unlike anything else” 

But something told Jay that it would end up being a lot harder than the two queens made it seem to be.

“What about this one?” your father said as he pulled down a crown from its stand. 

You shot him a look. 

“What? What's wrong with it?” He asked as he examined it in the light. 

“It’s pink dad” you said as you shook your head, once again turning your attention to the crowns with darker stones. 

“So what? You used to love pink” he said with a smirk, earning him a laugh. 

“Used to being the key word of that sentence” 

He shrugged and threw himself on the ottoman that stood against the huge floor to ceiling windows. 

“You really don’t wanna tell me about you and a certain prince?” He asked as he raised his brows suggestively. 

The relationship between you and your father had always been one based on trust and kindness. There were only a few things that you had chosen to keep from him, but you still hadn’t decided if it would be wise to confide in him when it came to Jay. 

“I do know his father you know, could set you up” 

You threw one of the crowns at him and he caught it easily with a loud: “Ha!” 

“I don’t need you to set me up” You picked a crown and weighed it in your hands, admiring the stones and how they almost twinkled as stars in the lights. 

You had turned your back to your father, so you missed the almost sad smile that painted his lips and features. But his eyes were shining like little stars. He rose and pulled you into his side. 

“That one was your mothers, I’m sure she would love for you to wear it” He laid his cheek on top of your head as he squeezed your shoulder. 

“It was a gift from her best friend” 

Jay sent you a message as soon as he had left the mist. Both because he was a little desperate to see you as soon as possible, but also because the day had taken a toll on him, he needed sleep. 

“What’s that?” He asked as he pointed to the box that peaked out from the net you carried in. You lifted it a little. 

“Oh, it’s a crown,” You said with a shrug. “It was my mothers, a gift from her best friend according to my father, you know just something to remind me of her for the autumn ball” 

Jay smiled, it was small, almost secretive, but there was a genuine happiness in his eyes you hadn’t seen before. It almost looked like pride. 

You returned his smile. 

“Are you ready?” You asked and stretched out your hand for him to take, and he did without hesitation. 

It took every bit of willpower in him not to pull you close, to interlace your fingers and never let go. You let him towards the shadows hiding in the bushes, and used it as what almost seemed like a staircase. 

He followed you without hesitation. Just as he knew he always would. 

“That took long enough don’t you think?” Sunghoon said as you arrived in Jay’s room. The shadows had led you there instead of back to the lobby. 

The smell and the feel of the room was enough to drive you crazy, and you could feel how the shadows almost pulsated in the corners of the room, doing their best to learn as much as they could about Jay while you tried to keep them in tow. 

Sunghoon pulled his best friend close without even a tiny bit of hesitation. 

“Are you okay?” He asked as he rubbed Jays back with a flat hand. 

You saw how Jay gave Sunghoon a squeeze before he let him go. 

“Yeah, I’m good” 

Sunghoon then turned to you, his eyes serious, cincere. 

“Thank you, for helping him,” he said while a smile tugged on the corner of his mouth. 

“Anytime” 

The best friend once again turned to the heir. “What should I tell Jake? He has been sitting out there all day, staring at the door waiting for your return” 

“Just tell him he sneaked past while you either distracted him or when he went to the bathroom” you said with a shrug, suddenly realizing you hadn’t let go of Jay’s hand yet. 

You gave it a squeeze and he found your eyes within a second. 

“I’ll leave you guys to it. I’ll see you soon” 

He squeezed your hand three times, both to reassure you. But also convey everything he felt, that he couldn’t yet say. 

You stepped through a shadow and you were once again gone. 

Jay released a breath. 

“Are you ready to face the music?” Sunghoon asked as he gestured towards the door that led from his bedroom to the shared living room of the apartment. 

“Let’s get it over with,” Jay said. 

Jake’s eyes were stuck to the front door, all the while he was bouncing his legs up and down at an ungodly speed. 

“Jake” He said quietly, capturing the attention of the prince. 

He flew from his seat. “Gods Jay, when the fuck did you get here?” 

He shrugged. “I guess it’s been an hour or two. I snuck in while you were in the bathroom” 

Jake was over him in an instant, arms pulling him close. 

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it” 

For once these past few weeks, Jay allowed himself to be on the receiving end of Jake’s kindness, of his brotherly love. It had been a hard thing to accept with the secret he carried as a song in his heart. 

“It’s okay” He said as he gave his brother a squeeze. 

Jake pulled away from him, and with sincerity said: “It’s not!” Jake held his shoulders, squeezing them a little for emphasis. 

Jay smiled sheepishly. “It is. I know you didn’t mean it, it’s just… I have a lot going on” He sighed. “And at some point I’m properly gonna end up doing something to hurt you. And when that time comes, I hope you forgive me too” 

He was pulled in for another hug. “Of course man, you’re my brother. I’ll always forgive you” 

Jay’s heart broke at that, because he knew it was a lie.

You texted Jungwon as soon as you were back home in your apartment. You needed to get this secret out. Out in the open. As soon as you opened the door with tears in your eyes, he had you in his arms. Soon after, he made sure that Sunoo was on his way. 

This would take more than just him, and despite your protests, it made it easier. You ripped off two bandaids at once instead of just the one. 

The two males stared at you with open mouths as you finished your story. 

“I knew you were crazy, but damn girl” Sunoo said as he leaned back in the armchair that stood in your living room. 

“I still can’t believe neither you nor Niki have told me all these years” Jungwon pouted a little and your heart shattered at that. 

“I’m sorry, I know I should’ve told you I just… didn’t know how” 

Jungwon pulled you into his side and kissed the top of your head. “It’s okay. Sometimes people have secrets, I’m just glad you finally felt comfortable enough to tell us” 

You hid your face in his chest, a lump once again forming in your throat. 

And for a second you were almost certain that no one had ever been this loved. 

Sunoo sat back quietly. 

“What’s on your mind, Sun?” Jungwon asked. 

“I don’t know, I was just so convinced that the two of you were mates” he crossed his arms with a little pout. 

You laughed. “Yeah, if I’m being honest I hoped that too” 

Jungwon pulled away to look at you. “Well, you still could be” 

You let go of his shirt and sat up. “How would that even work?” You asked with a raised brow. 

He cleared his throat. “Well, think about it… To enter his kingdom you need the bond. At that point in time the two of you hadn’t met, therefore no bond and no access” 

Your heart sped up and you felt your hands clam up as well, there was no doubt in your mind that your eyes were as large as teacups. And that little ping of hope awoke once again. 

You swallowed once, trying to get a bit of moisture back in your mouth, your throat. “You think?” 

Sunoo sat up and rubbed his hands against one another. “I mean it’s not impossible. But then again it might just be me that’s desperate for my ship to finally sail” 

A laugh escaped you all. “Let’s hit the library” Jungwon said and gave your thigh a playful smack.

You had lent every book you could find about marks and the stories from previous kings and queens that had been lucky enough to find their other halves. 

The last two nights you had spent in the library crouched over them as you searched for the smallest detail. 

It was beautiful here, the windows were large, letting in the smallest speck of light from the outside. 

“Is this seat taken?” A voice said, and you knew who he was before you lifted your gaze. You could smell him a mile away. 

You looked up to find Jay smiling at you as his hand rested on the chair directly across from you. 

A small gesture from you later and he was plopped down in the squeaking chair. 

He grabbed one of the books and read the title. You watched as his cheeks colored a little. 

“I-“ you started, but you didn’t know what to say, how would you ever be able to explain this. 

“So, for academic purposes or just for your own curiosity?” He asked as he once again put down the book. 

You laughed silently. “This one is just for me” you said as you tried your best to avoid his gaze. 

Being caught right handed by the male that was the reason for your research was not something you had expected. 

“What do you want to know?” He asked as he leaned over the table, arms crossed as he rested his chin on his hands. 

You shrugged. “I don’t know…” You said with a small voice. 

“You sure? Because I might be able to help” 

“Oh yeah?” You said with one brow raised. He nodded in response. 

“Yeah, my mom has taught me most of it all. Kind of a must for me to know how it all works” 

It made sense that his family would know when it was the only way for kings and queens to not rule the land on their own. As far as you knew only one royal had chosen to do that, in the end adopting a few children that in the end would carry on her line. No one really knew how that had worked, but it had, the land accepted them. 

“The powers, how does that work with everything?” You asked. If you were being honest with yourself you hadn’t meant to. It just slipped out. Jay grinned as he grabbed a notebook on your table and started drawing his lineage on one side. 

“You see, every king and queen, every heir will only ever end up finding someone to make the kingdom stronger. In times of war it could be an heir from the enemy kingdom, the land's way of ensuring peace. In times of drought it could be one from the Water or the Earth Kingdom to make sure someone took care of the crops and the earth” 

Jay drew a circle on the paper, connecting it with a line to one he had drawn only a moment before. 

“The soul ties are said to be written in our very souls, only to awaken when you come into contact with someone who will better your kingdom, and for our people; someone who will better you or your family” 

He took a highlighter from the table and highlighted his mothers name on the family tree he had drawn. 

“My mother, for example, is a soul reader. She knows what a soul needs to blossom into its full potential, she knows what a soul needs to rehabilitate, to get back on track if the mind or the heart have led a person astray. A compliment for me and my fathers power” 

He saw a flicker of something in your eye, but you were quick to push it away. He smiled. 

“Do the mates find out at the same time?” You asked as you toyed with one of the many rings on your fingers. 

“No not always, sometimes one will feel the pull before the other. And you can either wait for the realization or tell ones mate” 

You nodded along. “What would that mean? Let’s say your mate knew she was yours, would she then have access to your kingdom?” 

Jay felt his heart speed up in his chest. Was this why you were researching? Did you have a theory? You had seen the castle through the mist, but had you put together the pieces? Or were you just starting to? 

He leaned over the table, and could almost not hear his own voice as he spoke. “No, the bond needs to be accepted for one to enter then. But I guess there could be flashes if my mate chose to stare into the mist” 

It almost looked like his words had lifted a burden from your shoulders and you smiled so genuinely at him, that he for a second almost leaned over completely and kissed you. Instead he settled for stretching a finger out towards you, searching for the touch of you. 

You looked towards his hand, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. Did he feel it too? This feeling of wanting to be near you, to touch you and breathe you in, in the same way you wanted to do with him? 

His eyes were so gentle as he looked at you, all the while you looked for any type of confirmation that he wanted this too. 

Jay gave you a slight nod as his throat bobbed, and before you could talk yourself out of it you stretched your hand out and let one of your fingers touch his. 

You had held each other's hand when traveling home through the shadows the other day, but this was different. The two of you did this because you wanted too, not because you had to. 

He slowly interlaced his fingers with yours, and he could’ve sworn he had stopped breathing. Your skin was so soft, and he felt like sparks were dancing where his own somewhat calloused hands met yours. 

You took a deep breath and tried to once again focus on the task at hand. But he made it absolutely impossible. 

This is it. He thought to himself. He would tell her, tell her everything. Right here. 

“Heeseung I swear to god if you don’t fuck off I’m gonna end up setting you on fire!” You heard a femme voice scream a few rows of books away. 

Your hand flew from his and he quickly swallowed the whine that threatened to slip from his throat. 

The two of you looked to where you had heard the voice. 

A beautiful fae walked towards you and Jay, rolling her eyes so far back in her head that you for a moment worried if they might get stuck back there. You hadn’t met her before, hadn’t really noticed her before now. But now you kind of wanted to befriend her. 

She carried herself with the same grace as most princesses did. Hips swayed as she walked and when her eyes once again looked forward, yes a princess indeed. Yeonjun’s sister, heir to the Fire Kingdom. There was no mistaking the eyes that looked like liquid, molten amber and the red hair was of course also a dead giveaway. 

Close behind her Heeseung followed, looking just as annoyed as she was. “Look it’s not my fault we’ve been paired up for this assignment. That being said you will have to catch me before you can light me on fire and I’m pretty sure your sparks aren’t that fast” 

The pair walked right past your table, but neither of them seemed to really register anyone around them. 

“If I burn down the world, I’m pretty sure I’ll at some point get to you” she said in a stern voice that once again got lower and lower as she moved through the library. 

“Well my brother literally commands ice, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be good,” Heeseung commented in a cocky tone. 

“Oh yeah? Let’s test it out shall we” 

You heard a yelp and looked to Jay, who quickly threw a hand over his mouth to kill a laugh, you did the same as Heeseung continued: “What is it with you and Yeonjun and trying to light peoples hair on fire?!” 

“Oh boo-hoo you avoided it, so don’t cry about not burned hair now!” The princess answered, and you heard as one of the doors flung open and closed quickly. 

“She’ll be the literal death of me” Heeseung whispered to himself before he followed after her. 

As the room once again quieted, you let out a chuckle. 

“What’s that about?” You asked with a mischievous look in your eyes. 

“Those two are the epitome of academic rivals, they’ve been partnered up for a project and they hate every second of it” 

Sunghoon was there in an instant, almost as if he was the one who could walk out of the shadows, none of you had really noticed him. Too occupied with the fight his brother had been a part of, and too aware of each other. 

The friend plopped down in the chair next to Jay. “Don’t lie to her now, my love. Those two have had it out for one another since birth” He picked up one of the books that laid in front of you and sent Jay a knowing smile. “If you ask me, I’d say they should just fuck the tension away so the rest of us wont have to listen to them bicker at every fucking event” 

He pulled out a few books of his own and started reading. Jay raised a brow, clearly not needing to even speak to communicate with his best friend. 

“What? I study sometimes you know” was all the prince said, earning him a grin from his best friend.                                         

As soon as Sunghoon had drawn his attention back to his book, Jay once again stretched out an arm. 

You looked from his hand to Sunghoon and made your eyes bigger for emphasis. 

Jay rolled his eyes, and spoke into his mind: He won't even notice darling.

He saw your eyes narrow a bit, he couldn’t really figure out if you had heard him or not. But you stacked a few books on top of eachother and once again took his hand in the makeshift privacy you had just made. 

“You do know I don't give a single fuck about whatever the two of you are up to right?” Sunghoon said without looking up from his book. He was only met with silence, one that he let linger for a few seconds, then he looked right up at you. “Unless you break his heart, in that case I will bury you in the core of one of the Snow-peak mountains” 

The room dropped in temperature, and there was no doubt that he had something to do with it. You saw Jay smirk and shake his head. 

You tried a few times to think up a response, one that wouldn’t sound as sickening sweet as the words that were currently on the very tip of your tongue. 

When none came, you took a deep breath, and decided you had nothing to lose. 

“I’m pretty sure breaking his heart would mean breaking my own, so I don’t see that happening anytime soon. He’ll always be safe with me, Sunghoon” You said with a small smile. Desperately trying to calm your heart. 

The ice prince’s facade melted like ice beneath a flame. And a kind smile, one revealing the hint of vampire teeth, was sent your way. You knew you had said the right thing. 

You felt how Jay squeezed your hand in his. It was somewhat impossible for you to look at him, but in the end you managed. And when your eyes met his he said. 

“And you will always be safe with me” he said. Once again squeezing your hand thrice. Oh you were so screwed.

Omg it's finally here! I'm so sorry it took this long, but I was packing and then I had the whole move and then unpacking. So I've been busy! Finally had the time to sit down and actually read through it.

As always please let me know if you have any theories, or questions or if you just need to vent

⁺ taglist: @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @flawlessapollo6 @ijustwannareadstuff20 @azzy02 @zaycie - @buggub @lveegsoi @hellaboredd @loudpeachdetective

[acphengene]

I’m a little curious on what you guys think on todays comeback - personally I’m a huge fan of the songs. Don’t know how out guys do it, but they keep making albums without any skips

[acphengene]

So I’ve spent the last few weeks moving - and have set in to my new place! So excited for a new chapter! And I’ll def be better at updating what i have in the works ✨

[acphengene]

the hands, the blush, THE EYES?!?!?

[acphengene]

HeeHoon it is - I’ll get on writing this weekend

I got the filthiest idea for smut that I might start writing… 👀

[acphengene]

Oh my GOOOOOOOOD?!?!?!?!?!

[acphengene]

omg your soul tie series is so good. i read all of them and they’re so heart warming 🥹🥹 you’re an amazing writer 💕

thank you so much! you have no idea how much it means to me that you love it 🥺 I hope you’ll check out some of my other work 🫶🏼

[acphengene]

I got the filthiest idea for smut that I might start writing… 👀

[acphengene]

Hey ya’ll it’s your girl!

So ‘The Night’ is slowly starting to gain some traction and I love that for me! Which means I’m slowly starting to brainstorm for the tropes of the others. what would you personally love to see for our ice prince?

[acphengene]

Chapter 2 - Mate

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying

₊ ⁺ word count: 5.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺

“What do you mean it’s her?!”

The pair had taken the talk into the living room. Sunghoon was currently pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace, all the while Jay was chucking on a bottle of fire spirits.

“It’s her” Jay repeated for the thousand time.

“But are you sure?” He stopped and finally looked towards his friend.

All Jay mustered to do was to raise his brow, before his brother was once again pacing.

“Oh gods, Jake’s gonna kill you. You know that right? Like I’m almost certain he’s gonna challenge you”

Jay took another large sip of the brown and red liquid. “He’s gonna be king…” Jay said, for the first time out loud, although it had been the only thought he have had since you walked through the doors of their classroom earlier.

Sunghoon stopped. “Give me that damn bottle”. He took it from him and drowned three big gulps.

“Does she know who you are?” He finally asked as he looked at him.

Jay shook his head with an almost sad smile. “No” he fiddled with his hands nervously. “But I dont blame her, it was hard on her”

“So what are you gonna do? Or should I say, what are we gonna do?” His best friend sat down beside him and pulled him close

“Honestly I don’t know” he leaned back into the couch. “But we have to figure it out soon because in a few days it will literally be impossible for me to stay away from her”

Sunghoon smiled. “Well it was nice knowing you”

You were in the clouds again. Pushing against the invisible barrier, trying to get through as you screamed out for her. As you begged and pleaded for them to return her to you.

You couldn’t do this without her, so when you passed out you hoped your time had come, that this would mean you would be united.

Instead you awoke in the dark, surrounded by the moon light lilies of your own royal garden. But you could’ve sworn that a phantom hand touched your cheek.

You woke then. You always did.

This dream had haunted you since you were 8, since the day your mother had passed. And just because you’ve had it more than a thousand times, didn’t mean it wasn’t always as traumatizing as the first time you experienced it.

You tried shaking the dream off of you with a cold shower, but it still lingered in the back of your mind. It lingered when you got ready, when you packed up your things, even when you were in the queue at the coffee shop that laid on your way to school.

Despite you hurrying through your morning, you were still late. Not a good look for an heir who was just recently appointed.

And as you combed through your bag for that specific book you needed for your first class. You collided with what felt like a brick wall.

You thanked the gods for the hot weather, and that the coffee were chilled with ice. Because in that second it was all over your red shirt.

Jay was startled. Even more so when he saw who he had run into. He saw the adorable flush of your cheeks, heard your rambles of apologies. But all he could seem to focus on was your eyes and the over all smell of you, like a breath of fresh autumn air and a mix of lillies. Refreshing, but somehow still so sweet it lured him in. It was all intoxicating.

Cute. He thought to himself.

“What?” Your head shot up, and you looked at him, once again taking his breath away.

“What?!” He said a little too panicked. Had he really said that out loud? “Nothing! Nothing”

And then you smiled, gods and he swore he could’ve died right then and there.

“I’m sorry” and then you got a truly good look at yourself. “Fuck…” you swore at yourself. You had left your jacket back home so now you would have to walk around all day with a giant stain.

“I-…” Jay started, before clearing his throat. “I have an extra shirt in my car”

You raised an eyebrow.

“It’s clean! I promise, just if you’d like” he flashed you a smile and you quickly avoided eye contact.

“Yes, thank you Jay. You’re a lifesaver”

“Anytime” he said as he gestured to the door. With your back turned to him you didn’t see the little happy dance he made.

He would not lie, he was thankful of seeing you out of the Fire colors. The mere thought of Yeonjun having yet another so-called “claim” on you would be enough for him to make him blind for a decade or so. Just a little black veil over his eyes would be all that took.

But having you in his color. That dark blue so dark it almost looked black, made him lose his breath.

“How do I look?” You asked with a shy smile as you stepped out from the bathroom.

He had offered to wait with the rest of your things outside, since it would be a little cramp in there with it all.

“You look beautiful” he didn’t even think before he spoke, but the sparkle in your eyes when he complimented you was worth it.

Oh what he wouldn’t give to hold your hand, or have you on his arm. But this wasn’t the time nor the place. No this would have to be enough for now. Baby steps Jay. He thought.

He opened the door to the class and let you enter first. You apologized profusely to the teacher, whereas Jays eyes just instantly found Yeonjun’s. He gave him a cocky smile, one of defiance, one filled with challenge.

And then it hit them all. He could see it in Sunghoon’s eyes as he shot up from his chair, he could see it when Heeseung leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in disappointment.

But Jay didn’t care, not one bit. Because Yeonjun was as red as his hair, and Soobin as pale as the seafoam he raised from each morning.

You smelled like him. And it was a smell that lingered. One that claimed you to all the males in this room as his.

He found his seat next to Heeseung.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He asked with gritted teeth.

Jay rolled his eyes. “Relax, it’s not what you think. She spilled coffee all over herself and her shirt was as good as see through. So I borrowed her one of mine”

Lying to a friend wasn’t the best look. But what other choice did he have?

Heeseung sighed. “All things considered Jake will end up thanking you”

Jay looked at the Winter princes confused. “Why?”

Sunghoon sighed. “The two idiots” he said as he gestured to the Fire and Water prince. “Was fighting before class about which one of them should get to ask her out to ‘The autumn ball’”

Thank god for ice Sunghoon had sent over his feet to hold him his place. Otherwise he would’ve thrown himself at those two.

Did they really think either of them were good enough for his mate?

Mate. Mate. Mate. My mate.

The voice echoed in the back of your mind. You shadows clinged to you like children.

What the hell was happening today, everyone was just acting strange.

You hadn’t gotten far from campus when Sunoo and Jungwon quickly caught up to you. Sunoo smacked you on your forearm, and you let out a yelp.

“What the hell was that for?” You said with a confused look.

He returned one that insinuated you most definitely already knew.

You looked back, looking more confused than ever, so Jungwon gave you a clue and looked down at the shirt you still wore, one that still smelled like him. As a response you rolled your eyes.

“Do you know how humiliating it is that I’m getting piping, and I really do mean piping hot tea, about my best friend…”

“You mean my best friend” Jungwon coughed and sent a wink your way.

“… from fucking Taki?” Sunoo finished.

You took your friend's arms. “There is no piping hot tea. It’s more like cold spilled coffee. I ran into Jay this morning, and spilled my iced coffee all over myself. He was kind enough to lend me a shirt he had in his car”

Despite your somewhat casual words, you tried your best to calm your beating heart and you hoped your cheeks didn’t paint themselves red by the mere mention of the prince.

That of course didn’t happen.

“Oh my Gods!” Jungwon said as he laid his hands on your flaming hot cheeks. “You like him!”

Sunoo let out a screech, and jumped up and down without letting go of your arm.

You couldn’t help but smile, because they were right. You did really like him, despite having only spoken a few sentences to one another. But having his scent on you today had made you look for him in every room that you entered. It was as if your heart was singing.

“He’s good looking, okay!” You said, hoping that explanation would be enough.

It never was.

“Hell yeah he is, but so are a lot of people” Sunoo said as they both studied you.

“I’m calling Niki” Jungwon said as he pulled out his phone, you panther friend picked up at the first ring.

“Good timing Won, I just got a break” Niki said as he drowned half a bottle of water.

“So our little princess here, has a crush on none other than THE prince Jongseong”

Niki didn’t speak, he just stared at the three of you through the screen. “Sweetheart you can’t, you know you can’t” he gave you a look, and the two of you had a silent conversation through the phone. The remaining two of your group was left alone with their curiosity.

As you looked away he only sighed. “Look, how about I take you to ‘The Autumn Ball’? We can go shop for dresses and all of that tomorrow. We’ll talk there okay?” He smiled, but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes.

You nodded. “Okay, I’ll see you then” you hit the little red button, preparing yourself for the line of questioning the other two would have.

There was nothing worse than having to lie to the pair, but you still weren’t ready to tell them about that night, so for now you would have to distract the two.

The two of you were in your third boutique of the night. Everywhere you went you were treated as the royalty you both were. You as a crown princesse, and Niki as the singer and dancer who had everyone’s heart.

“What about this?” Niki said as he pulled out a black dress with black beated pearls on the top.

“No it’s too much in the top and way to little on the bottom”

He pushed it back in it’s place as he laughed. “I had forgotten how incredibly boring you are to shop with”

“That’s why you and Won typically let Sunoo do this stuff with me. He’s the only one that’s actually understands my vision”

Niki sat down next to you and took your hand in his. “It’s no vision, you’re just picky”

You pushed him playfully as you laughed together. He never let go of your hand however.

“You could just tell them about that night” he said so low it was almost a whisper.

The smile you gave him was sad. “No, I don’t want to. Not yet. It’s too soon”

He sighed and rubbed his face with his one free hand before he leaned back on light blue fabric on the couch looking thing, that stood in the middle of the room.

“It’s been almost two centuries” he said with a voice that sounded like he had given up completely.

“The only reason you even know is because you were the one who found me”

“And thank the gods above and below that I did. Without me there you would’ve run right back” he held your hand a little tighter, as if you would run away, run back to that time if he didn’t hold on to you.

You stood up as you looked through the new rack of black dresses the sales assistant had brought out. “Does this have a matching tuxedo?” You asked as you pointed to one of the dresses.

“Let me go look princess” she said as she bowed as deep as she could in her high heels.

“You can’t have a crush on him” Niki said as soon as she had disappeared.

You shrugged. “Why not�� your hand traveled down the golden stitched dragon in one of the dresses.

“Because he wont date anyone who isn’t his mate” the words came out harsher and louder than Niki had intended.

He sighed. “Look, you already know that no one except that person can enter his realm. It’s only because of that his family haven't given up on the whole mate thing as most have. Because without that little string, no one would ever get through that mist of grey clouds, no matter how much they wanted to”

Niki stood and walked over to you. Forcing you to look at him. “And you… you couldn’t get through. You’ve already had one heartbreak in this life. I don’t wanna see you have another, especially not if I could’ve prevented it”

“He just… he smells like home I can’t explain it” a single tear escaped your eye and he brushed it away with his thumb, before he pulled you into his chest and kissed the top of your head.

“You will find your person, I know you will. I also promise I’ll make sure it happens sooner rather than later. Okay?”

You nodded into his chest as you dried your tears on his shirt. He laughed silently, but you could feel it.

“What about this one?” The sales assistant said, and Niki turned you towards her without letting you go. “It comes with a matching tux” she said with an awkward smile as she tried to look away from how the two of you embraced one another.

“Oh gods!” You said as you pulled away from Niki to go inspect it. “It’s perfect!”

Your friend just smiled, thankful that good craftsmanship still was the best way of distracting you.

The four princes were currently standing around their kitchen island as they explained just why the word on campus was that Jay was currently courting Jake’s sister.

Jake of course hadn’t believed it until you walked past him smelling like his friend, by then he had taken off for their apartment, ready to tear his friend to pieces.

Jay had however avoided him for a whole day, talking everything over with Sunghoon as they drowned their sorrows on the bottom of a few bottles of wine. They had tried to figure out just how they were to handle their very mad best friend.

He didn’t like going behind his back. But he refused to tell Jake what was going on before he had a chance to tell you.

It might not be what was right by Jake, but no matter what he did, he would end up mad. And Jay needed to tell you his side of everything in his own way, in his own time.

After a somewhat heated discussion that had ended with Sunghoon freezing Jake to the floor to make sure he didn’t attack Jay. They had all managed to explain.

Turns out all it took was Heeseung supporting their story for him to calm down. They caught him up as quickly as they could.

Jay tried to calm his frantically beating heart as he said: “I could always ask her to the ball, you know it wouldn’t be weird after this whole ordeal, and you would know she would be safe with me”

He didn’t mention how he would hate to see you on anyone else’s arm. How it would all but break his heart to see you slow dance with someone that wasn’t him.

Sunghoon nodded along. “I mean I don’t have a sister, but I’d rather have you do it than anyone of those fucks” Jay gave him a grateful look.

Heeseung sighed. “It’s not the worst idea in the world. Under normal circumstances you could take her Jake, but her being your twin and having all eyes on her might just break your cover”

Jake only shook his head. “No, there’s no need for that. Niki called me yesterday, he’s taking her. She has already agreed to it”

Jay stumbled back in chok. He tried to cover it up as a tipsy stumble caused by the wine, luckily Jake was too caught up in his own world for him to notice, as he took another sip of his wineglass.

“Do you trust him more than me?” He asked in a joking tone, hoping that wasn’t the case.

“Of course not! But I’ve known him forever, and you, you’re you know…” Jake said as he gestured towards Jay.

“I’m what?” He asked with a raised brow.

“He’s just saying you’re not really in a position to choose her anyways. So if anyone were to see the two of you at this ball they would think you were mates. And she needs to keep her options open” Sunghoon said with a little nod.

The pair had discussed that exact possibility, but that didn’t let it sting any less. Keep her options open? Over Jay’s dead fucking body.

Jake continued: “Niki’s like a brother after all, he’ll keep her safe from the predators that are the princes and high lords”

Heeseung cleared his throat. “I mean, I don’t know him as well as you. But we all know how he’s been acting since he came of age. He’s fucking worse than Hoon was after…” he looked as his younger brother with aplogoetic eyes.

The three of them looked to Sunghoon that through gritted teeth and dead eyes said: “don’t push it”

Jay reached out for his twin flame to calm him like he always did whenever she was brought up.

Jake was quick to switch the subject. “He wouldn’t. Look in the end as long as I trust him and Y/N is happy then that is what matters”

“Sure” Jay said as he emptied his glass.

A sigh escaped the lost prince as he said with a somewhat stern voice: “you wouldn’t understand okay? You’re an only child, you don’t have brothers or sisters. You don’t understand what it means to wanna give your life for someone you love…”

Sunghoon crashed his wineglass down into the marble on top of the island and it shattered by the impact.

Jake looked up at Jay who now stood with his head bowed. Not meeting any of their eyes.

“I-… I forgot that I have something I need to go pick up” he turned on his heel and walked straight out the door.

“No, Jay! Wait I didn’t…” but the door only shut behind him.

And as he looked back to his two remaining friends, they both stood cross armed and they looked like they wanted to make an ice sculpture out of him. Maybe even bury him under a glacier.

“You better fucking fix this” Heeseung said as he left the room, slamming the door after him with such force that they for a second thought the floor might catch on fire.

Sunghoon only ran after Jay, hopefully he could get to him before he disappeared.

Jay stumbled out the lobby as he tried his best to dry his eyes quick enough for him to be able to see what was on his screen.

He knew what he was feeling wasn’t fair. Jake didn’t trust him enough with you, but again why would he? He was, after all, very much lying to the male he called brother. The person who meant not only the world to him, but to you too.

He needed a flight home, or as close to home as he could. He needed space, to think, to talk to his parents and figure out his next steps.

The last couple of days had been difficult. Having you close but needing to stay away because of his brother, no could he even call Jake that now?

Jake was right, he didn't have siblings. But they had always been, Sunghoon, Heeseung and Jake. He thought they felt the same, he knew that Sunghoon did. He had shown him that time and time again.

But after that comment, could he be sure that the other two felt the same?

He sat down and hid his face from the world, and just when he was about to veil himself from the world he heard your voice whisper his name.

He turned towards you, and there right next to him were you, reaching out as if you wanted to stroke his back.

In less than a second he stood up desperate to dry his eyes. You didn’t need to see this, he didn’t want you to. But your brother had just broken a piece of his heart, and the tears just wouldn’t stop coming.

“Are you okay?” You asked, and without even thinking you laid a hand on his cheek, forcing him to face you.

He leaned into your touch. He was so desperate for it, and he didn’t care that you only touched him because you felt sorry for him. His heart was aching for it.

You saw how he held himself back, how he hesitated instead of taking a step closer to you. Hug. Hug. Hug. The voice in your head repeated.

So you took the step and stood up on your toes and pulled him into you, his arms snaked around you waisted as he hid his eyes in the crook of your neck. You felt him lose it, as he sobbed into your shoulder and you just stoked his hair as you said nothing.

No one even glanced at you, and you knew he had hidden you from the world of prying eyes.

His scent enveloped you and god you didn’t want to admit it, but you had slept in his shirt last night. You knew you needed to return it, but you had wanted a piece of him with you.

It had however lost his scent of summer rain and lightning. He smelled like a summer storm, and somehow it was the most comforting smell ever. And now you were standing in it, breathing it in. If only you could bottle it up and make a perfume out of it.

Despite everything Niki had told you, what he had reminded you of, you chose to live in a fantasy for a second. A fantasy where you could be his, where he could be yours. A fantasy where grey clouds and mists were what brought you together and not what kept you apart.

“Shhh… I’m right here” you whispered, and it was as if your voice was what made him relax, as if that was all he needed to be brought back to the precense.

He pulled away a little, with his head still hanging low. Gods even his hair smelled amazing. “I’m so sorry, I should go” he said as he tried to take a step back. But his arms were still snaked around you.

You smiled. “No need to rush princeling” you said with a teasing tone. You really did have a death wish.

He chuckled, the sound hoarse and low.

“If I’m your princeling, are you then my darling?” He said with a smirk and a glimmer in his eyes as they finally met yours.

Your eyes widened and as if you had been lightning itself he released his grip on you and stepped back.

“Gods I’m so sorry! I don't know what came over me.” He said with an awkward smile.

Cute. You thought.

“What?” He said, he had paled.

“Oh gods! Did I say that out loud?!” Your hand flew up to cover your mouth.

No you hadn’t. He had heard you. He only smiled. A smile so big and pure he looked like the sun itself.

You returned it and he felt the worry in his brow loosening.

“Are you okay though?” You asked and despite it might being a little excessive you once again strokes his cheek.

“I will be” he said with sad eyes. “I just need to get on a flight home - justfor a day or two”

“That bad huh?” You asked and he only nodded in response.

You sighed.

“Well in that case how about I make sure you get there sooner rather than later?” You asked.

Jay felt something cold slither around his ankle. When he looked down a little shadow hugged him there.

He let out what could only be described as a huff of surprise.

“They like you” you said, and he saw how your eyes sparkled as the night sky the resembled.

“Yeah?” He asked as he once again looked at it. It reminded him of a pet almost, somehow it seemed domesticated.

You nodded, before holding out your hand. “Do you trust me?” You asked.

He stared at your hand. And for a second he couldn’t help but wonder if this was the start of the two of you.

“I do” he said before taking it. What he didn’t expect was the wicked smirk that blossomed on your face as you stearnly said good before you pushed him so hard he fell backwards.

Sunghoon had just reached the lobby when he saw the scene unfold before him. Jay was never veiled to him, he had always made sure of that.

“Hey!” He yelled out to get your attention as a shadow all but ate Jay. You looked to Sunghoon and smiled kindly.

“I’ll take care of him” you reassured his best friend.

“I know you will” he said as he crossed his arms over his chest and sent you a wink.

You laughed loudly. “I’ll see you soon sweets” you said, making Sunghoon smile. Gods you were perfect for his best friend.

Then you jumped down the shadow you had pushed Jay through and followed him.

You were catapulted onto the grass of your royal garden. The two of you rolled over each other for a meter or two before you finally came to a still.

His arms were around you, and you were on top of him. Your head on his chest while you laughed with your whole chest.

“Oh that was fun!” You said as your breath finally returned to you.

“It was, does it typically catapult you onto the ground like this?” He asked curiously as he tried not to breathe, afraid it might spook you and send you flying off of him.

Instead he was surpriced to almost feel you cuddle closer to him.

“it depends” you said and lifted your head to look at him. “They take care of me, so they usually make sure I get a safe landing”

He saw the hair that dangled over your face, blocking him for looking you directly in your eyes. He felt his hand twitch at the need he suddenly felt of tucking it behind your ear.

The two of you stared at each other for a few seconds. The silence wasn’t awkward but comfortable. It felt safe being there with him.

A shadow crept up and tucked that damn strand of hair out of your eyes. And it was as if it reminded you that the two of you could be spotted by anyone in your castle and surrounding gardens, which made you recoil from him faster than he could blink.

“Here let me help you” you said with flushed cheek as you held your hand out to him.

Jay took it with hesitation and as he finally stood he gave your hand a small squeeze.

“Thank you for bringing me home” he said with a somewhat shy smile.

“Give me your phone” you said and he instantly obliged.

“There” you said after putting your number in. “Call me or text me or something if you need me to pick you up”

He smiled. “I might need to pay you for this very effective taxi service”

It made you chuckle. “Yeah? Maybe you should pay me back by making me dinner. I hear you are quite the chef” you sent a wink his way and he laughed.

“It’s a date” he said as he took a few steps closer to the giant wall of grey mist and clouds that lay in the east of the Night castles royal gardens.

“Nonetheless, I’ll let you know when I’m coming back” to you. He wanted to add, but he didn’t.

“See you soon princeling”

And as Jay almost stepped through the border, he felt a tug on one of his heartstrings. This time stronger than he had ever felt, and as he looked back at you he heard you gasp.

“I-it’s made of glass?!” He saw you point to something behind him and his heart shot to his throat.

“I… what?” He stuttered, not able to say anything more than that. His mouth was drier than the red dessert of the Fire Kingdom, but his hands were however clammy and wet all of the sudden.

He saw how you shook your head, closing your eyes, as if they were deceiving you. And when you opened them he saw your smile drop, and with your smile so dropped his heart.

“I-I could’ve sworn…” You said with a small voice.

Gods he would give everything to stay with you, to pull you close and tell you that you in fact were right. His castle was made of glass, he was in fact yours just as you were his.

But for some reason he didn’t. As much as he yearned for you, he did also respect the man he had called brother, and he needed help to navigate this mess. He might be 222 but when your parents were a little over 1100 years old, well you would be an idiot to not seek their counsel when you felt like you were in over your head.

You sighed. “Never mind” the sadness and dissapointment that had just been so prominent on your features were quickly substituted by a mask of kind eyes and a polite smile. What a true born queen you were.

“See you soon” He said before walking into his kingdom.

Hurry back to me. he heard you speak into his mind.

Always.

And just like that he was gone.

You dropped the mask and buried your head in your hands.

“Well isn’t this interesting?” A deep voice echoed behind you.

——

You groaned.

“Hello father” You said as you spun around. He was leaning against a tree nearby, hidden in it’s shadow.

“Seems like the two of us have a lot of catching up to do”

You chuckled. “That’s not why I’m here” You said as you walked towards him.

He pushed himself off the trunk of the tree and fell into step beside you. “Then why are you here my sweet daughter?” He asked with a smirk. Gods he looked like Jake when he did that.

“I’m here to pick up a tiara from the vault” you said without even missing a beat. It wasn’t really a lie, you could use one for the Autumn ball next week.

Your father only lifted a brow. “Well let’s see what we have then. While we search for the right one you might as well tell me why you’re giving the heir of the Afterlife a ride home”

___

Jay was thankful for the long walk back to the castle. He enjoyed walking through the small villages that the spirits built around the castle. He enjoyed the flowers they grew in their gardens and the music that played from the open windows whenever the sun was out.

The magics all lowered their heads in respect, nobel as well as commoner.

He spotted his mother sitting on a porch swing with a friend of hers. Her hair hid her face.

“Hello mother” he said as he stood on the other side of the fence, sending a polite smile to the pair.

“Oh sweetheart!” She stood quickly and rushed towards him, he embraced her.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming home?” she grabbed his cheeks and squeezed them together.

He rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t exactly planned - I need some guidance” he looked to the woman behind his mother that had stayed seated. She sent him an awkward smile.

His mother sighed. “Well we’re definitely here to help”

Instead of walking with him back to the palace, his mother sat down next to her friend. “I don’t really know if this is the right place,” he said with furrowed brows.

“Anything you say to me, you can say to her. She’s wiser than she looks, plus I would most likely end up telling her anyways” the pair laughed together.

Jay could do nothing but sigh. “I found my mate”

The spirit rose to her feet faster than he could have anticipated. She was in front of him in a second, her somewhat translucent eyes scanning his features.

“You finally found each other” she whispered. He saw the tears well in her eyes, it was the second time he had ever seen a spirit cry.

He nodded carefully as he once again looked at his mother. She too was crying, happy tears it seemed.

“Yes we did. I’m so sorry miss but I would really prefer not to have you apart of this conversation”

She let out a laugh, it was loud, genuine. Happy.

“Oh I’m so sorry, but there’s no way in hell I’m missing this” she said with a smile.

“Why?” he asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Her smile widened.

“Because, I’m her mother and I would like to know every detail”

—-

⁺ taglist: @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @flawlessapollo6 @ijustwannareadstuff20 @azzy02 @zaycie @buggub

——

⁺ please let me know what you think! Support and feedback is literally the only thing that keeps me writing 😅

[acphengene]

Chapter 2 - Mate

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying

₊ ⁺ word count: 5.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺

“What do you mean it’s her?!”

The pair had taken the talk into the living room. Sunghoon was currently pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace, all the while Jay was chucking on a bottle of fire spirits.

“It’s her” Jay repeated for the thousand time.

“But are you sure?” He stopped and finally looked towards his friend.

All Jay mustered to do was to raise his brow, before his brother was once again pacing.

“Oh gods, Jake’s gonna kill you. You know that right? Like I’m almost certain he’s gonna challenge you”

Jay took another large sip of the brown and red liquid. “He’s gonna be king…” Jay said, for the first time out loud, although it had been the only thought he have had since you walked through the doors of their classroom earlier.

Sunghoon stopped. “Give me that damn bottle”. He took it from him and drowned three big gulps.

“Does she know who you are?” He finally asked as he looked at him.

Jay shook his head with an almost sad smile. “No” he fiddled with his hands nervously. “But I dont blame her, it was hard on her”

“So what are you gonna do? Or should I say, what are we gonna do?” His best friend sat down beside him and pulled him close

“Honestly I don’t know” he leaned back into the couch. “But we have to figure it out soon because in a few days it will literally be impossible for me to stay away from her”

Sunghoon smiled. “Well it was nice knowing you”

You were in the clouds again. Pushing against the invisible barrier, trying to get through as you screamed out for her. As you begged and pleaded for them to return her to you.

You couldn’t do this without her, so when you passed out you hoped your time had come, that this would mean you would be united.

Instead you awoke in the dark, surrounded by the moon light lilies of your own royal garden. But you could’ve sworn that a phantom hand touched your cheek.

You woke then. You always did.

This dream had haunted you since you were 8, since the day your mother had passed. And just because you’ve had it more than a thousand times, didn’t mean it wasn’t always as traumatizing as the first time you experienced it.

You tried shaking the dream off of you with a cold shower, but it still lingered in the back of your mind. It lingered when you got ready, when you packed up your things, even when you were in the queue at the coffee shop that laid on your way to school.

Despite you hurrying through your morning, you were still late. Not a good look for an heir who was just recently appointed.

And as you combed through your bag for that specific book you needed for your first class. You collided with what felt like a brick wall.

You thanked the gods for the hot weather, and that the coffee were chilled with ice. Because in that second it was all over your red shirt.

Jay was startled. Even more so when he saw who he had run into. He saw the adorable flush of your cheeks, heard your rambles of apologies. But all he could seem to focus on was your eyes and the over all smell of you, like a breath of fresh autumn air and a mix of lillies. Refreshing, but somehow still so sweet it lured him in. It was all intoxicating.

Cute. He thought to himself.

“What?” Your head shot up, and you looked at him, once again taking his breath away.

“What?!” He said a little too panicked. Had he really said that out loud? “Nothing! Nothing”

And then you smiled, gods and he swore he could’ve died right then and there.

“I’m sorry” and then you got a truly good look at yourself. “Fuck…” you swore at yourself. You had left your jacket back home so now you would have to walk around all day with a giant stain.

“I-…” Jay started, before clearing his throat. “I have an extra shirt in my car”

You raised an eyebrow.

“It’s clean! I promise, just if you’d like” he flashed you a smile and you quickly avoided eye contact.

“Yes, thank you Jay. You’re a lifesaver”

“Anytime” he said as he gestured to the door. With your back turned to him you didn’t see the little happy dance he made.

He would not lie, he was thankful of seeing you out of the Fire colors. The mere thought of Yeonjun having yet another so-called “claim” on you would be enough for him to make him blind for a decade or so. Just a little black veil over his eyes would be all that took.

But having you in his color. That dark blue so dark it almost looked black, made him lose his breath.

“How do I look?” You asked with a shy smile as you stepped out from the bathroom.

He had offered to wait with the rest of your things outside, since it would be a little cramp in there with it all.

“You look beautiful” he didn’t even think before he spoke, but the sparkle in your eyes when he complimented you was worth it.

Oh what he wouldn’t give to hold your hand, or have you on his arm. But this wasn’t the time nor the place. No this would have to be enough for now. Baby steps Jay. He thought.

He opened the door to the class and let you enter first. You apologized profusely to the teacher, whereas Jays eyes just instantly found Yeonjun’s. He gave him a cocky smile, one of defiance, one filled with challenge.

And then it hit them all. He could see it in Sunghoon’s eyes as he shot up from his chair, he could see it when Heeseung leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in disappointment.

But Jay didn’t care, not one bit. Because Yeonjun was as red as his hair, and Soobin as pale as the seafoam he raised from each morning.

You smelled like him. And it was a smell that lingered. One that claimed you to all the males in this room as his.

He found his seat next to Heeseung.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He asked with gritted teeth.

Jay rolled his eyes. “Relax, it’s not what you think. She spilled coffee all over herself and her shirt was as good as see through. So I borrowed her one of mine”

Lying to a friend wasn’t the best look. But what other choice did he have?

Heeseung sighed. “All things considered Jake will end up thanking you”

Jay looked at the Winter princes confused. “Why?”

Sunghoon sighed. “The two idiots” he said as he gestured to the Fire and Water prince. “Was fighting before class about which one of them should get to ask her out to ‘The autumn ball’”

Thank god for ice Sunghoon had sent over his feet to hold him his place. Otherwise he would’ve thrown himself at those two.

Did they really think either of them were good enough for his mate?

Mate. Mate. Mate. My mate.

The voice echoed in the back of your mind. You shadows clinged to you like children.

What the hell was happening today, everyone was just acting strange.

You hadn’t gotten far from campus when Sunoo and Jungwon quickly caught up to you. Sunoo smacked you on your forearm, and you let out a yelp.

“What the hell was that for?” You said with a confused look.

He returned one that insinuated you most definitely already knew.

You looked back, looking more confused than ever, so Jungwon gave you a clue and looked down at the shirt you still wore, one that still smelled like him. As a response you rolled your eyes.

“Do you know how humiliating it is that I’m getting piping, and I really do mean piping hot tea, about my best friend…”

“You mean my best friend” Jungwon coughed and sent a wink your way.

“… from fucking Taki?” Sunoo finished.

You took your friend's arms. “There is no piping hot tea. It’s more like cold spilled coffee. I ran into Jay this morning, and spilled my iced coffee all over myself. He was kind enough to lend me a shirt he had in his car”

Despite your somewhat casual words, you tried your best to calm your beating heart and you hoped your cheeks didn’t paint themselves red by the mere mention of the prince.

That of course didn’t happen.

“Oh my Gods!” Jungwon said as he laid his hands on your flaming hot cheeks. “You like him!”

Sunoo let out a screech, and jumped up and down without letting go of your arm.

You couldn’t help but smile, because they were right. You did really like him, despite having only spoken a few sentences to one another. But having his scent on you today had made you look for him in every room that you entered. It was as if your heart was singing.

“He’s good looking, okay!” You said, hoping that explanation would be enough.

It never was.

“Hell yeah he is, but so are a lot of people” Sunoo said as they both studied you.

“I’m calling Niki” Jungwon said as he pulled out his phone, you panther friend picked up at the first ring.

“Good timing Won, I just got a break” Niki said as he drowned half a bottle of water.

“So our little princess here, has a crush on none other than THE prince Jongseong”

Niki didn’t speak, he just stared at the three of you through the screen. “Sweetheart you can’t, you know you can’t” he gave you a look, and the two of you had a silent conversation through the phone. The remaining two of your group was left alone with their curiosity.

As you looked away he only sighed. “Look, how about I take you to ‘The Autumn Ball’? We can go shop for dresses and all of that tomorrow. We’ll talk there okay?” He smiled, but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes.

You nodded. “Okay, I’ll see you then” you hit the little red button, preparing yourself for the line of questioning the other two would have.

There was nothing worse than having to lie to the pair, but you still weren’t ready to tell them about that night, so for now you would have to distract the two.

The two of you were in your third boutique of the night. Everywhere you went you were treated as the royalty you both were. You as a crown princesse, and Niki as the singer and dancer who had everyone’s heart.

“What about this?” Niki said as he pulled out a black dress with black beated pearls on the top.

“No it’s too much in the top and way to little on the bottom”

He pushed it back in it’s place as he laughed. “I had forgotten how incredibly boring you are to shop with”

“That’s why you and Won typically let Sunoo do this stuff with me. He’s the only one that’s actually understands my vision”

Niki sat down next to you and took your hand in his. “It’s no vision, you’re just picky”

You pushed him playfully as you laughed together. He never let go of your hand however.

“You could just tell them about that night” he said so low it was almost a whisper.

The smile you gave him was sad. “No, I don’t want to. Not yet. It’s too soon”

He sighed and rubbed his face with his one free hand before he leaned back on light blue fabric on the couch looking thing, that stood in the middle of the room.

“It’s been almost two centuries” he said with a voice that sounded like he had given up completely.

“The only reason you even know is because you were the one who found me”

“And thank the gods above and below that I did. Without me there you would’ve run right back” he held your hand a little tighter, as if you would run away, run back to that time if he didn’t hold on to you.

You stood up as you looked through the new rack of black dresses the sales assistant had brought out. “Does this have a matching tuxedo?” You asked as you pointed to one of the dresses.

“Let me go look princess” she said as she bowed as deep as she could in her high heels.

“You can’t have a crush on him” Niki said as soon as she had disappeared.

You shrugged. “Why not” your hand traveled down the golden stitched dragon in one of the dresses.

“Because he wont date anyone who isn’t his mate” the words came out harsher and louder than Niki had intended.

He sighed. “Look, you already know that no one except that person can enter his realm. It’s only because of that his family haven't given up on the whole mate thing as most have. Because without that little string, no one would ever get through that mist of grey clouds, no matter how much they wanted to”

Niki stood and walked over to you. Forcing you to look at him. “And you… you couldn’t get through. You’ve already had one heartbreak in this life. I don’t wanna see you have another, especially not if I could’ve prevented it”

“He just… he smells like home I can’t explain it” a single tear escaped your eye and he brushed it away with his thumb, before he pulled you into his chest and kissed the top of your head.

“You will find your person, I know you will. I also promise I’ll make sure it happens sooner rather than later. Okay?”

You nodded into his chest as you dried your tears on his shirt. He laughed silently, but you could feel it.

“What about this one?” The sales assistant said, and Niki turned you towards her without letting you go. “It comes with a matching tux” she said with an awkward smile as she tried to look away from how the two of you embraced one another.

“Oh gods!” You said as you pulled away from Niki to go inspect it. “It’s perfect!”

Your friend just smiled, thankful that good craftsmanship still was the best way of distracting you.

The four princes were currently standing around their kitchen island as they explained just why the word on campus was that Jay was currently courting Jake’s sister.

Jake of course hadn’t believed it until you walked past him smelling like his friend, by then he had taken off for their apartment, ready to tear his friend to pieces.

Jay had however avoided him for a whole day, talking everything over with Sunghoon as they drowned their sorrows on the bottom of a few bottles of wine. They had tried to figure out just how they were to handle their very mad best friend.

He didn’t like going behind his back. But he refused to tell Jake what was going on before he had a chance to tell you.

It might not be what was right by Jake, but no matter what he did, he would end up mad. And Jay needed to tell you his side of everything in his own way, in his own time.

After a somewhat heated discussion that had ended with Sunghoon freezing Jake to the floor to make sure he didn’t attack Jay. They had all managed to explain.

Turns out all it took was Heeseung supporting their story for him to calm down. They caught him up as quickly as they could.

Jay tried to calm his frantically beating heart as he said: “I could always ask her to the ball, you know it wouldn’t be weird after this whole ordeal, and you would know she would be safe with me”

He didn’t mention how he would hate to see you on anyone else’s arm. How it would all but break his heart to see you slow dance with someone that wasn’t him.

Sunghoon nodded along. “I mean I don’t have a sister, but I’d rather have you do it than anyone of those fucks” Jay gave him a grateful look.

Heeseung sighed. “It’s not the worst idea in the world. Under normal circumstances you could take her Jake, but her being your twin and having all eyes on her might just break your cover”

Jake only shook his head. “No, there’s no need for that. Niki called me yesterday, he’s taking her. She has already agreed to it”

Jay stumbled back in chok. He tried to cover it up as a tipsy stumble caused by the wine, luckily Jake was too caught up in his own world for him to notice, as he took another sip of his wineglass.

“Do you trust him more than me?” He asked in a joking tone, hoping that wasn’t the case.

“Of course not! But I’ve known him forever, and you, you’re you know…” Jake said as he gestured towards Jay.

“I’m what?” He asked with a raised brow.

“He’s just saying you’re not really in a position to choose her anyways. So if anyone were to see the two of you at this ball they would think you were mates. And she needs to keep her options open” Sunghoon said with a little nod.

The pair had discussed that exact possibility, but that didn’t let it sting any less. Keep her options open? Over Jay’s dead fucking body.

Jake continued: “Niki’s like a brother after all, he’ll keep her safe from the predators that are the princes and high lords”

Heeseung cleared his throat. “I mean, I don’t know him as well as you. But we all know how he’s been acting since he came of age. He’s fucking worse than Hoon was after…” he looked as his younger brother with aplogoetic eyes.

The three of them looked to Sunghoon that through gritted teeth and dead eyes said: “don’t push it”

Jay reached out for his twin flame to calm him like he always did whenever she was brought up.

Jake was quick to switch the subject. “He wouldn’t. Look in the end as long as I trust him and Y/N is happy then that is what matters”

“Sure” Jay said as he emptied his glass.

A sigh escaped the lost prince as he said with a somewhat stern voice: “you wouldn’t understand okay? You’re an only child, you don’t have brothers or sisters. You don’t understand what it means to wanna give your life for someone you love…”

Sunghoon crashed his wineglass down into the marble on top of the island and it shattered by the impact.

Jake looked up at Jay who now stood with his head bowed. Not meeting any of their eyes.

“I-… I forgot that I have something I need to go pick up” he turned on his heel and walked straight out the door.

“No, Jay! Wait I didn’t…” but the door only shut behind him.

And as he looked back to his two remaining friends, they both stood cross armed and they looked like they wanted to make an ice sculpture out of him. Maybe even bury him under a glacier.

“You better fucking fix this” Heeseung said as he left the room, slamming the door after him with such force that they for a second thought the floor might catch on fire.

Sunghoon only ran after Jay, hopefully he could get to him before he disappeared.

Jay stumbled out the lobby as he tried his best to dry his eyes quick enough for him to be able to see what was on his screen.

He knew what he was feeling wasn’t fair. Jake didn’t trust him enough with you, but again why would he? He was, after all, very much lying to the male he called brother. The person who meant not only the world to him, but to you too.

He needed a flight home, or as close to home as he could. He needed space, to think, to talk to his parents and figure out his next steps.

The last couple of days had been difficult. Having you close but needing to stay away because of his brother, no could he even call Jake that now?

Jake was right, he didn't have siblings. But they had always been, Sunghoon, Heeseung and Jake. He thought they felt the same, he knew that Sunghoon did. He had shown him that time and time again.

But after that comment, could he be sure that the other two felt the same?

He sat down and hid his face from the world, and just when he was about to veil himself from the world he heard your voice whisper his name.

He turned towards you, and there right next to him were you, reaching out as if you wanted to stroke his back.

In less than a second he stood up desperate to dry his eyes. You didn’t need to see this, he didn’t want you to. But your brother had just broken a piece of his heart, and the tears just wouldn’t stop coming.

“Are you okay?” You asked, and without even thinking you laid a hand on his cheek, forcing him to face you.

He leaned into your touch. He was so desperate for it, and he didn’t care that you only touched him because you felt sorry for him. His heart was aching for it.

You saw how he held himself back, how he hesitated instead of taking a step closer to you. Hug. Hug. Hug. The voice in your head repeated.

So you took the step and stood up on your toes and pulled him into you, his arms snaked around you waisted as he hid his eyes in the crook of your neck. You felt him lose it, as he sobbed into your shoulder and you just stoked his hair as you said nothing.

No one even glanced at you, and you knew he had hidden you from the world of prying eyes.

His scent enveloped you and god you didn’t want to admit it, but you had slept in his shirt last night. You knew you needed to return it, but you had wanted a piece of him with you.

It had however lost his scent of summer rain and lightning. He smelled like a summer storm, and somehow it was the most comforting smell ever. And now you were standing in it, breathing it in. If only you could bottle it up and make a perfume out of it.

Despite everything Niki had told you, what he had reminded you of, you chose to live in a fantasy for a second. A fantasy where you could be his, where he could be yours. A fantasy where grey clouds and mists were what brought you together and not what kept you apart.

“Shhh… I’m right here” you whispered, and it was as if your voice was what made him relax, as if that was all he needed to be brought back to the precense.

He pulled away a little, with his head still hanging low. Gods even his hair smelled amazing. “I’m so sorry, I should go” he said as he tried to take a step back. But his arms were still snaked around you.

You smiled. “No need to rush princeling” you said with a teasing tone. You really did have a death wish.

He chuckled, the sound hoarse and low.

“If I’m your princeling, are you then my darling?” He said with a smirk and a glimmer in his eyes as they finally met yours.

Your eyes widened and as if you had been lightning itself he released his grip on you and stepped back.

“Gods I’m so sorry! I don't know what came over me.” He said with an awkward smile.

Cute. You thought.

“What?” He said, he had paled.

“Oh gods! Did I say that out loud?!” Your hand flew up to cover your mouth.

No you hadn’t. He had heard you. He only smiled. A smile so big and pure he looked like the sun itself.

You returned it and he felt the worry in his brow loosening.

“Are you okay though?” You asked and despite it might being a little excessive you once again strokes his cheek.

“I will be” he said with sad eyes. “I just need to get on a flight home - justfor a day or two”

“That bad huh?” You asked and he only nodded in response.

You sighed.

“Well in that case how about I make sure you get there sooner rather than later?” You asked.

Jay felt something cold slither around his ankle. When he looked down a little shadow hugged him there.

He let out what could only be described as a huff of surprise.

“They like you” you said, and he saw how your eyes sparkled as the night sky the resembled.

“Yeah?” He asked as he once again looked at it. It reminded him of a pet almost, somehow it seemed domesticated.

You nodded, before holding out your hand. “Do you trust me?” You asked.

He stared at your hand. And for a second he couldn’t help but wonder if this was the start of the two of you.

“I do” he said before taking it. What he didn’t expect was the wicked smirk that blossomed on your face as you stearnly said good before you pushed him so hard he fell backwards.

Sunghoon had just reached the lobby when he saw the scene unfold before him. Jay was never veiled to him, he had always made sure of that.

“Hey!” He yelled out to get your attention as a shadow all but ate Jay. You looked to Sunghoon and smiled kindly.

“I’ll take care of him” you reassured his best friend.

“I know you will” he said as he crossed his arms over his chest and sent you a wink.

You laughed loudly. “I’ll see you soon sweets” you said, making Sunghoon smile. Gods you were perfect for his best friend.

Then you jumped down the shadow you had pushed Jay through and followed him.

You were catapulted onto the grass of your royal garden. The two of you rolled over each other for a meter or two before you finally came to a still.

His arms were around you, and you were on top of him. Your head on his chest while you laughed with your whole chest.

“Oh that was fun!” You said as your breath finally returned to you.

“It was, does it typically catapult you onto the ground like this?” He asked curiously as he tried not to breathe, afraid it might spook you and send you flying off of him.

Instead he was surpriced to almost feel you cuddle closer to him.

“it depends” you said and lifted your head to look at him. “They take care of me, so they usually make sure I get a safe landing”

He saw the hair that dangled over your face, blocking him for looking you directly in your eyes. He felt his hand twitch at the need he suddenly felt of tucking it behind your ear.

The two of you stared at each other for a few seconds. The silence wasn’t awkward but comfortable. It felt safe being there with him.

A shadow crept up and tucked that damn strand of hair out of your eyes. And it was as if it reminded you that the two of you could be spotted by anyone in your castle and surrounding gardens, which made you recoil from him faster than he could blink.

“Here let me help you” you said with flushed cheek as you held your hand out to him.

Jay took it with hesitation and as he finally stood he gave your hand a small squeeze.

“Thank you for bringing me home” he said with a somewhat shy smile.

“Give me your phone” you said and he instantly obliged.

“There” you said after putting your number in. “Call me or text me or something if you need me to pick you up”

He smiled. “I might need to pay you for this very effective taxi service”

It made you chuckle. “Yeah? Maybe you should pay me back by making me dinner. I hear you are quite the chef” you sent a wink his way and he laughed.

“It’s a date” he said as he took a few steps closer to the giant wall of grey mist and clouds that lay in the east of the Night castles royal gardens.

“Nonetheless, I’ll let you know when I’m coming back” to you. He wanted to add, but he didn’t.

“See you soon princeling”

And as Jay almost stepped through the border, he felt a tug on one of his heartstrings. This time stronger than he had ever felt, and as he looked back at you he heard you gasp.

“I-it’s made of glass?!” He saw you point to something behind him and his heart shot to his throat.

“I… what?” He stuttered, not able to say anything more than that. His mouth was drier than the red dessert of the Fire Kingdom, but his hands were however clammy and wet all of the sudden.

He saw how you shook your head, closing your eyes, as if they were deceiving you. And when you opened them he saw your smile drop, and with your smile so dropped his heart.

“I-I could’ve sworn…” You said with a small voice.

Gods he would give everything to stay with you, to pull you close and tell you that you in fact were right. His castle was made of glass, he was in fact yours just as you were his.

But for some reason he didn’t. As much as he yearned for you, he did also respect the man he had called brother, and he needed help to navigate this mess. He might be 222 but when your parents were a little over 1100 years old, well you would be an idiot to not seek their counsel when you felt like you were in over your head.

You sighed. “Never mind” the sadness and dissapointment that had just been so prominent on your features were quickly substituted by a mask of kind eyes and a polite smile. What a true born queen you were.

“See you soon” He said before walking into his kingdom.

Hurry back to me. he heard you speak into his mind.

Always.

And just like that he was gone.

You dropped the mask and buried your head in your hands.

“Well isn’t this interesting?” A deep voice echoed behind you.

——

You groaned.

“Hello father” You said as you spun around. He was leaning against a tree nearby, hidden in it’s shadow.

“Seems like the two of us have a lot of catching up to do”

You chuckled. “That’s not why I’m here” You said as you walked towards him.

He pushed himself off the trunk of the tree and fell into step beside you. “Then why are you here my sweet daughter?” He asked with a smirk. Gods he looked like Jake when he did that.

“I’m here to pick up a tiara from the vault” you said without even missing a beat. It wasn’t really a lie, you could use one for the Autumn ball next week.

Your father only lifted a brow. “Well let’s see what we have then. While we search for the right one you might as well tell me why you’re giving the heir of the Afterlife a ride home”

___

Jay was thankful for the long walk back to the castle. He enjoyed walking through the small villages that the spirits built around the castle. He enjoyed the flowers they grew in their gardens and the music that played from the open windows whenever the sun was out.

The magics all lowered their heads in respect, nobel as well as commoner.

He spotted his mother sitting on a porch swing with a friend of hers. Her hair hid her face.

“Hello mother” he said as he stood on the other side of the fence, sending a polite smile to the pair.

“Oh sweetheart!” She stood quickly and rushed towards him, he embraced her.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming home?” she grabbed his cheeks and squeezed them together.

He rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t exactly planned - I need some guidance” he looked to the woman behind his mother that had stayed seated. She sent him an awkward smile.

His mother sighed. “Well we’re definitely here to help”

Instead of walking with him back to the palace, his mother sat down next to her friend. “I don’t really know if this is the right place,” he said with furrowed brows.

“Anything you say to me, you can say to her. She’s wiser than she looks, plus I would most likely end up telling her anyways” the pair laughed together.

Jay could do nothing but sigh. “I found my mate”

The spirit rose to her feet faster than he could have anticipated. She was in front of him in a second, her somewhat translucent eyes scanning his features.

“You finally found each other” she whispered. He saw the tears well in her eyes, it was the second time he had ever seen a spirit cry.

He nodded carefully as he once again looked at his mother. She too was crying, happy tears it seemed.

“Yes we did. I’m so sorry miss but I would really prefer not to have you apart of this conversation”

She let out a laugh, it was loud, genuine. Happy.

“Oh I’m so sorry, but there’s no way in hell I’m missing this” she said with a smile.

“Why?” he asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Her smile widened.

“Because, I’m her mother and I would like to know every detail”

—-

⁺ taglist: @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @flawlessapollo6 @ijustwannareadstuff20 @azzy02 @zaycie @buggub

——

⁺ please let me know what you think! Support and feedback is literally the only thing that keeps me writing 😅

[acphengene]

Chapter 2 - Mate

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying

₊ ⁺ word count: 5.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺

“What do you mean it’s her?!”

The pair had taken the talk into the living room. Sunghoon was currently pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace, all the while Jay was chucking on a bottle of fire spirits.

“It’s her” Jay repeated for the thousand time.

“But are you sure?” He stopped and finally looked towards his friend.

All Jay mustered to do was to raise his brow, before his brother was once again pacing.

“Oh gods, Jake’s gonna kill you. You know that right? Like I’m almost certain he’s gonna challenge you”

Jay took another large sip of the brown and red liquid. “He’s gonna be king…” Jay said, for the first time out loud, although it had been the only thought he have had since you walked through the doors of their classroom earlier.

Sunghoon stopped. “Give me that damn bottle”. He took it from him and drowned three big gulps.

“Does she know who you are?” He finally asked as he looked at him.

Jay shook his head with an almost sad smile. “No” he fiddled with his hands nervously. “But I dont blame her, it was hard on her”

“So what are you gonna do? Or should I say, what are we gonna do?” His best friend sat down beside him and pulled him close

“Honestly I don’t know” he leaned back into the couch. “But we have to figure it out soon because in a few days it will literally be impossible for me to stay away from her”

Sunghoon smiled. “Well it was nice knowing you”

You were in the clouds again. Pushing against the invisible barrier, trying to get through as you screamed out for her. As you begged and pleaded for them to return her to you.

You couldn’t do this without her, so when you passed out you hoped your time had come, that this would mean you would be united.

Instead you awoke in the dark, surrounded by the moon light lilies of your own royal garden. But you could’ve sworn that a phantom hand touched your cheek.

You woke then. You always did.

This dream had haunted you since you were 8, since the day your mother had passed. And just because you’ve had it more than a thousand times, didn’t mean it wasn’t always as traumatizing as the first time you experienced it.

You tried shaking the dream off of you with a cold shower, but it still lingered in the back of your mind. It lingered when you got ready, when you packed up your things, even when you were in the queue at the coffee shop that laid on your way to school.

Despite you hurrying through your morning, you were still late. Not a good look for an heir who was just recently appointed.

And as you combed through your bag for that specific book you needed for your first class. You collided with what felt like a brick wall.

You thanked the gods for the hot weather, and that the coffee were chilled with ice. Because in that second it was all over your red shirt.

Jay was startled. Even more so when he saw who he had run into. He saw the adorable flush of your cheeks, heard your rambles of apologies. But all he could seem to focus on was your eyes and the over all smell of you, like a breath of fresh autumn air and a mix of lillies. Refreshing, but somehow still so sweet it lured him in. It was all intoxicating.

Cute. He thought to himself.

“What?” Your head shot up, and you looked at him, once again taking his breath away.

“What?!” He said a little too panicked. Had he really said that out loud? “Nothing! Nothing”

And then you smiled, gods and he swore he could’ve died right then and there.

“I’m sorry” and then you got a truly good look at yourself. “Fuck…” you swore at yourself. You had left your jacket back home so now you would have to walk around all day with a giant stain.

“I-…” Jay started, before clearing his throat. “I have an extra shirt in my car”

You raised an eyebrow.

“It’s clean! I promise, just if you’d like” he flashed you a smile and you quickly avoided eye contact.

“Yes, thank you Jay. You’re a lifesaver”

“Anytime” he said as he gestured to the door. With your back turned to him you didn’t see the little happy dance he made.

He would not lie, he was thankful of seeing you out of the Fire colors. The mere thought of Yeonjun having yet another so-called “claim” on you would be enough for him to make him blind for a decade or so. Just a little black veil over his eyes would be all that took.

But having you in his color. That dark blue so dark it almost looked black, made him lose his breath.

“How do I look?” You asked with a shy smile as you stepped out from the bathroom.

He had offered to wait with the rest of your things outside, since it would be a little cramp in there with it all.

“You look beautiful” he didn’t even think before he spoke, but the sparkle in your eyes when he complimented you was worth it.

Oh what he wouldn’t give to hold your hand, or have you on his arm. But this wasn’t the time nor the place. No this would have to be enough for now. Baby steps Jay. He thought.

He opened the door to the class and let you enter first. You apologized profusely to the teacher, whereas Jays eyes just instantly found Yeonjun’s. He gave him a cocky smile, one of defiance, one filled with challenge.

And then it hit them all. He could see it in Sunghoon’s eyes as he shot up from his chair, he could see it when Heeseung leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in disappointment.

But Jay didn’t care, not one bit. Because Yeonjun was as red as his hair, and Soobin as pale as the seafoam he raised from each morning.

You smelled like him. And it was a smell that lingered. One that claimed you to all the males in this room as his.

He found his seat next to Heeseung.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He asked with gritted teeth.

Jay rolled his eyes. “Relax, it’s not what you think. She spilled coffee all over herself and her shirt was as good as see through. So I borrowed her one of mine”

Lying to a friend wasn’t the best look. But what other choice did he have?

Heeseung sighed. “All things considered Jake will end up thanking you”

Jay looked at the Winter princes confused. “Why?”

Sunghoon sighed. “The two idiots” he said as he gestured to the Fire and Water prince. “Was fighting before class about which one of them should get to ask her out to ‘The autumn ball’”

Thank god for ice Sunghoon had sent over his feet to hold him his place. Otherwise he would’ve thrown himself at those two.

Did they really think either of them were good enough for his mate?

Mate. Mate. Mate. My mate.

The voice echoed in the back of your mind. You shadows clinged to you like children.

What the hell was happening today, everyone was just acting strange.

You hadn’t gotten far from campus when Sunoo and Jungwon quickly caught up to you. Sunoo smacked you on your forearm, and you let out a yelp.

“What the hell was that for?” You said with a confused look.

He returned one that insinuated you most definitely already knew.

You looked back, looking more confused than ever, so Jungwon gave you a clue and looked down at the shirt you still wore, one that still smelled like him. As a response you rolled your eyes.

“Do you know how humiliating it is that I’m getting piping, and I really do mean piping hot tea, about my best friend…”

“You mean my best friend” Jungwon coughed and sent a wink your way.

“… from fucking Taki?” Sunoo finished.

You took your friend's arms. “There is no piping hot tea. It’s more like cold spilled coffee. I ran into Jay this morning, and spilled my iced coffee all over myself. He was kind enough to lend me a shirt he had in his car”

Despite your somewhat casual words, you tried your best to calm your beating heart and you hoped your cheeks didn’t paint themselves red by the mere mention of the prince.

That of course didn’t happen.

“Oh my Gods!” Jungwon said as he laid his hands on your flaming hot cheeks. “You like him!”

Sunoo let out a screech, and jumped up and down without letting go of your arm.

You couldn’t help but smile, because they were right. You did really like him, despite having only spoken a few sentences to one another. But having his scent on you today had made you look for him in every room that you entered. It was as if your heart was singing.

“He’s good looking, okay!” You said, hoping that explanation would be enough.

It never was.

“Hell yeah he is, but so are a lot of people” Sunoo said as they both studied you.

“I’m calling Niki” Jungwon said as he pulled out his phone, you panther friend picked up at the first ring.

“Good timing Won, I just got a break” Niki said as he drowned half a bottle of water.

“So our little princess here, has a crush on none other than THE prince Jongseong”

Niki didn’t speak, he just stared at the three of you through the screen. “Sweetheart you can’t, you know you can’t” he gave you a look, and the two of you had a silent conversation through the phone. The remaining two of your group was left alone with their curiosity.

As you looked away he only sighed. “Look, how about I take you to ‘The Autumn Ball’? We can go shop for dresses and all of that tomorrow. We’ll talk there okay?” He smiled, but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes.

You nodded. “Okay, I’ll see you then” you hit the little red button, preparing yourself for the line of questioning the other two would have.

There was nothing worse than having to lie to the pair, but you still weren’t ready to tell them about that night, so for now you would have to distract the two.

The two of you were in your third boutique of the night. Everywhere you went you were treated as the royalty you both were. You as a crown princesse, and Niki as the singer and dancer who had everyone’s heart.

“What about this?” Niki said as he pulled out a black dress with black beated pearls on the top.

“No it’s too much in the top and way to little on the bottom”

He pushed it back in it’s place as he laughed. “I had forgotten how incredibly boring you are to shop with”

“That’s why you and Won typically let Sunoo do this stuff with me. He’s the only one that’s actually understands my vision”

Niki sat down next to you and took your hand in his. “It’s no vision, you’re just picky”

You pushed him playfully as you laughed together. He never let go of your hand however.

“You could just tell them about that night” he said so low it was almost a whisper.

The smile you gave him was sad. “No, I don’t want to. Not yet. It’s too soon”

He sighed and rubbed his face with his one free hand before he leaned back on light blue fabric on the couch looking thing, that stood in the middle of the room.

“It’s been almost two centuries” he said with a voice that sounded like he had given up completely.

“The only reason you even know is because you were the one who found me”

“And thank the gods above and below that I did. Without me there you would’ve run right back” he held your hand a little tighter, as if you would run away, run back to that time if he didn’t hold on to you.

You stood up as you looked through the new rack of black dresses the sales assistant had brought out. “Does this have a matching tuxedo?” You asked as you pointed to one of the dresses.

“Let me go look princess” she said as she bowed as deep as she could in her high heels.

“You can’t have a crush on him” Niki said as soon as she had disappeared.

You shrugged. “Why not” your hand traveled down the golden stitched dragon in one of the dresses.

“Because he wont date anyone who isn’t his mate” the words came out harsher and louder than Niki had intended.

He sighed. “Look, you already know that no one except that person can enter his realm. It’s only because of that his family haven't given up on the whole mate thing as most have. Because without that little string, no one would ever get through that mist of grey clouds, no matter how much they wanted to”

Niki stood and walked over to you. Forcing you to look at him. “And you… you couldn’t get through. You’ve already had one heartbreak in this life. I don’t wanna see you have another, especially not if I could’ve prevented it”

“He just… he smells like home I can’t explain it” a single tear escaped your eye and he brushed it away with his thumb, before he pulled you into his chest and kissed the top of your head.

“You will find your person, I know you will. I also promise I’ll make sure it happens sooner rather than later. Okay?”

You nodded into his chest as you dried your tears on his shirt. He laughed silently, but you could feel it.

“What about this one?” The sales assistant said, and Niki turned you towards her without letting you go. “It comes with a matching tux” she said with an awkward smile as she tried to look away from how the two of you embraced one another.

“Oh gods!” You said as you pulled away from Niki to go inspect it. “It’s perfect!”

Your friend just smiled, thankful that good craftsmanship still was the best way of distracting you.

The four princes were currently standing around their kitchen island as they explained just why the word on campus was that Jay was currently courting Jake’s sister.

Jake of course hadn’t believed it until you walked past him smelling like his friend, by then he had taken off for their apartment, ready to tear his friend to pieces.

Jay had however avoided him for a whole day, talking everything over with Sunghoon as they drowned their sorrows on the bottom of a few bottles of wine. They had tried to figure out just how they were to handle their very mad best friend.

He didn’t like going behind his back. But he refused to tell Jake what was going on before he had a chance to tell you.

It might not be what was right by Jake, but no matter what he did, he would end up mad. And Jay needed to tell you his side of everything in his own way, in his own time.

After a somewhat heated discussion that had ended with Sunghoon freezing Jake to the floor to make sure he didn’t attack Jay. They had all managed to explain.

Turns out all it took was Heeseung supporting their story for him to calm down. They caught him up as quickly as they could.

Jay tried to calm his frantically beating heart as he said: “I could always ask her to the ball, you know it wouldn’t be weird after this whole ordeal, and you would know she would be safe with me”

He didn’t mention how he would hate to see you on anyone else’s arm. How it would all but break his heart to see you slow dance with someone that wasn’t him.

Sunghoon nodded along. “I mean I don’t have a sister, but I’d rather have you do it than anyone of those fucks” Jay gave him a grateful look.

Heeseung sighed. “It’s not the worst idea in the world. Under normal circumstances you could take her Jake, but her being your twin and having all eyes on her might just break your cover”

Jake only shook his head. “No, there’s no need for that. Niki called me yesterday, he’s taking her. She has already agreed to it”

Jay stumbled back in chok. He tried to cover it up as a tipsy stumble caused by the wine, luckily Jake was too caught up in his own world for him to notice, as he took another sip of his wineglass.

“Do you trust him more than me?” He asked in a joking tone, hoping that wasn’t the case.

“Of course not! But I’ve known him forever, and you, you’re you know…” Jake said as he gestured towards Jay.

“I’m what?” He asked with a raised brow.

“He’s just saying you’re not really in a position to choose her anyways. So if anyone were to see the two of you at this ball they would think you were mates. And she needs to keep her options open” Sunghoon said with a little nod.

The pair had discussed that exact possibility, but that didn’t let it sting any less. Keep her options open? Over Jay’s dead fucking body.

Jake continued: “Niki’s like a brother after all, he’ll keep her safe from the predators that are the princes and high lords”

Heeseung cleared his throat. “I mean, I don’t know him as well as you. But we all know how he’s been acting since he came of age. He’s fucking worse than Hoon was after…” he looked as his younger brother with aplogoetic eyes.

The three of them looked to Sunghoon that through gritted teeth and dead eyes said: “don’t push it”

Jay reached out for his twin flame to calm him like he always did whenever she was brought up.

Jake was quick to switch the subject. “He wouldn’t. Look in the end as long as I trust him and Y/N is happy then that is what matters”

“Sure” Jay said as he emptied his glass.

A sigh escaped the lost prince as he said with a somewhat stern voice: “you wouldn’t understand okay? You’re an only child, you don’t have brothers or sisters. You don’t understand what it means to wanna give your life for someone you love…”

Sunghoon crashed his wineglass down into the marble on top of the island and it shattered by the impact.

Jake looked up at Jay who now stood with his head bowed. Not meeting any of their eyes.

“I-… I forgot that I have something I need to go pick up” he turned on his heel and walked straight out the door.

“No, Jay! Wait I didn’t…” but the door only shut behind him.

And as he looked back to his two remaining friends, they both stood cross armed and they looked like they wanted to make an ice sculpture out of him. Maybe even bury him under a glacier.

“You better fucking fix this” Heeseung said as he left the room, slamming the door after him with such force that they for a second thought the floor might catch on fire.

Sunghoon only ran after Jay, hopefully he could get to him before he disappeared.

Jay stumbled out the lobby as he tried his best to dry his eyes quick enough for him to be able to see what was on his screen.

He knew what he was feeling wasn’t fair. Jake didn’t trust him enough with you, but again why would he? He was, after all, very much lying to the male he called brother. The person who meant not only the world to him, but to you too.

He needed a flight home, or as close to home as he could. He needed space, to think, to talk to his parents and figure out his next steps.

The last couple of days had been difficult. Having you close but needing to stay away because of his brother, no could he even call Jake that now?

Jake was right, he didn't have siblings. But they had always been, Sunghoon, Heeseung and Jake. He thought they felt the same, he knew that Sunghoon did. He had shown him that time and time again.

But after that comment, could he be sure that the other two felt the same?

He sat down and hid his face from the world, and just when he was about to veil himself from the world he heard your voice whisper his name.

He turned towards you, and there right next to him were you, reaching out as if you wanted to stroke his back.

In less than a second he stood up desperate to dry his eyes. You didn’t need to see this, he didn’t want you to. But your brother had just broken a piece of his heart, and the tears just wouldn’t stop coming.

“Are you okay?” You asked, and without even thinking you laid a hand on his cheek, forcing him to face you.

He leaned into your touch. He was so desperate for it, and he didn’t care that you only touched him because you felt sorry for him. His heart was aching for it.

You saw how he held himself back, how he hesitated instead of taking a step closer to you. Hug. Hug. Hug. The voice in your head repeated.

So you took the step and stood up on your toes and pulled him into you, his arms snaked around you waisted as he hid his eyes in the crook of your neck. You felt him lose it, as he sobbed into your shoulder and you just stoked his hair as you said nothing.

No one even glanced at you, and you knew he had hidden you from the world of prying eyes.

His scent enveloped you and god you didn’t want to admit it, but you had slept in his shirt last night. You knew you needed to return it, but you had wanted a piece of him with you.

It had however lost his scent of summer rain and lightning. He smelled like a summer storm, and somehow it was the most comforting smell ever. And now you were standing in it, breathing it in. If only you could bottle it up and make a perfume out of it.

Despite everything Niki had told you, what he had reminded you of, you chose to live in a fantasy for a second. A fantasy where you could be his, where he could be yours. A fantasy where grey clouds and mists were what brought you together and not what kept you apart.

“Shhh… I’m right here” you whispered, and it was as if your voice was what made him relax, as if that was all he needed to be brought back to the precense.

He pulled away a little, with his head still hanging low. Gods even his hair smelled amazing. “I’m so sorry, I should go” he said as he tried to take a step back. But his arms were still snaked around you.

You smiled. “No need to rush princeling” you said with a teasing tone. You really did have a death wish.

He chuckled, the sound hoarse and low.

“If I’m your princeling, are you then my darling?” He said with a smirk and a glimmer in his eyes as they finally met yours.

Your eyes widened and as if you had been lightning itself he released his grip on you and stepped back.

“Gods I’m so sorry! I don't know what came over me.” He said with an awkward smile.

Cute. You thought.

“What?” He said, he had paled.

“Oh gods! Did I say that out loud?!” Your hand flew up to cover your mouth.

No you hadn’t. He had heard you. He only smiled. A smile so big and pure he looked like the sun itself.

You returned it and he felt the worry in his brow loosening.

“Are you okay though?” You asked and despite it might being a little excessive you once again strokes his cheek.

“I will be” he said with sad eyes. “I just need to get on a flight home - justfor a day or two”

“That bad huh?” You asked and he only nodded in response.

You sighed.

“Well in that case how about I make sure you get there sooner rather than later?” You asked.

Jay felt something cold slither around his ankle. When he looked down a little shadow hugged him there.

He let out what could only be described as a huff of surprise.

“They like you” you said, and he saw how your eyes sparkled as the night sky the resembled.

“Yeah?” He asked as he once again looked at it. It reminded him of a pet almost, somehow it seemed domesticated.

You nodded, before holding out your hand. “Do you trust me?” You asked.

He stared at your hand. And for a second he couldn’t help but wonder if this was the start of the two of you.

“I do” he said before taking it. What he didn’t expect was the wicked smirk that blossomed on your face as you stearnly said good before you pushed him so hard he fell backwards.

Sunghoon had just reached the lobby when he saw the scene unfold before him. Jay was never veiled to him, he had always made sure of that.

“Hey!” He yelled out to get your attention as a shadow all but ate Jay. You looked to Sunghoon and smiled kindly.

“I’ll take care of him” you reassured his best friend.

“I know you will” he said as he crossed his arms over his chest and sent you a wink.

You laughed loudly. “I’ll see you soon sweets” you said, making Sunghoon smile. Gods you were perfect for his best friend.

Then you jumped down the shadow you had pushed Jay through and followed him.

You were catapulted onto the grass of your royal garden. The two of you rolled over each other for a meter or two before you finally came to a still.

His arms were around you, and you were on top of him. Your head on his chest while you laughed with your whole chest.

“Oh that was fun!” You said as your breath finally returned to you.

“It was, does it typically catapult you onto the ground like this?” He asked curiously as he tried not to breathe, afraid it might spook you and send you flying off of him.

Instead he was surpriced to almost feel you cuddle closer to him.

“it depends” you said and lifted your head to look at him. “They take care of me, so they usually make sure I get a safe landing”

He saw the hair that dangled over your face, blocking him for looking you directly in your eyes. He felt his hand twitch at the need he suddenly felt of tucking it behind your ear.

The two of you stared at each other for a few seconds. The silence wasn’t awkward but comfortable. It felt safe being there with him.

A shadow crept up and tucked that damn strand of hair out of your eyes. And it was as if it reminded you that the two of you could be spotted by anyone in your castle and surrounding gardens, which made you recoil from him faster than he could blink.

“Here let me help you” you said with flushed cheek as you held your hand out to him.

Jay took it with hesitation and as he finally stood he gave your hand a small squeeze.

“Thank you for bringing me home” he said with a somewhat shy smile.

“Give me your phone” you said and he instantly obliged.

“There” you said after putting your number in. “Call me or text me or something if you need me to pick you up”

He smiled. “I might need to pay you for this very effective taxi service”

It made you chuckle. “Yeah? Maybe you should pay me back by making me dinner. I hear you are quite the chef” you sent a wink his way and he laughed.

“It’s a date” he said as he took a few steps closer to the giant wall of grey mist and clouds that lay in the east of the Night castles royal gardens.

“Nonetheless, I’ll let you know when I’m coming back” to you. He wanted to add, but he didn’t.

“See you soon princeling”

And as Jay almost stepped through the border, he felt a tug on one of his heartstrings. This time stronger than he had ever felt, and as he looked back at you he heard you gasp.

“I-it’s made of glass?!” He saw you point to something behind him and his heart shot to his throat.

“I… what?” He stuttered, not able to say anything more than that. His mouth was drier than the red dessert of the Fire Kingdom, but his hands were however clammy and wet all of the sudden.

He saw how you shook your head, closing your eyes, as if they were deceiving you. And when you opened them he saw your smile drop, and with your smile so dropped his heart.

“I-I could’ve sworn…” You said with a small voice.

Gods he would give everything to stay with you, to pull you close and tell you that you in fact were right. His castle was made of glass, he was in fact yours just as you were his.

But for some reason he didn’t. As much as he yearned for you, he did also respect the man he had called brother, and he needed help to navigate this mess. He might be 222 but when your parents were a little over 1100 years old, well you would be an idiot to not seek their counsel when you felt like you were in over your head.

You sighed. “Never mind” the sadness and dissapointment that had just been so prominent on your features were quickly substituted by a mask of kind eyes and a polite smile. What a true born queen you were.

“See you soon” He said before walking into his kingdom.

Hurry back to me. he heard you speak into his mind.

Always.

And just like that he was gone.

You dropped the mask and buried your head in your hands.

“Well isn’t this interesting?” A deep voice echoed behind you.

——

You groaned.

“Hello father” You said as you spun around. He was leaning against a tree nearby, hidden in it’s shadow.

“Seems like the two of us have a lot of catching up to do”

You chuckled. “That’s not why I’m here” You said as you walked towards him.

He pushed himself off the trunk of the tree and fell into step beside you. “Then why are you here my sweet daughter?” He asked with a smirk. Gods he looked like Jake when he did that.

“I’m here to pick up a tiara from the vault” you said without even missing a beat. It wasn’t really a lie, you could use one for the Autumn ball next week.

Your father only lifted a brow. “Well let’s see what we have then. While we search for the right one you might as well tell me why you’re giving the heir of the Afterlife a ride home”

___

Jay was thankful for the long walk back to the castle. He enjoyed walking through the small villages that the spirits built around the castle. He enjoyed the flowers they grew in their gardens and the music that played from the open windows whenever the sun was out.

The magics all lowered their heads in respect, nobel as well as commoner.

He spotted his mother sitting on a porch swing with a friend of hers. Her hair hid her face.

“Hello mother” he said as he stood on the other side of the fence, sending a polite smile to the pair.

“Oh sweetheart!” She stood quickly and rushed towards him, he embraced her.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming home?” she grabbed his cheeks and squeezed them together.

He rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t exactly planned - I need some guidance” he looked to the woman behind his mother that had stayed seated. She sent him an awkward smile.

His mother sighed. “Well we’re definitely here to help”

Instead of walking with him back to the palace, his mother sat down next to her friend. “I don’t really know if this is the right place,” he said with furrowed brows.

“Anything you say to me, you can say to her. She’s wiser than she looks, plus I would most likely end up telling her anyways” the pair laughed together.

Jay could do nothing but sigh. “I found my mate”

The spirit rose to her feet faster than he could have anticipated. She was in front of him in a second, her somewhat translucent eyes scanning his features.

“You finally found each other” she whispered. He saw the tears well in her eyes, it was the second time he had ever seen a spirit cry.

He nodded carefully as he once again looked at his mother. She too was crying, happy tears it seemed.

“Yes we did. I’m so sorry miss but I would really prefer not to have you apart of this conversation”

She let out a laugh, it was loud, genuine. Happy.

“Oh I’m so sorry, but there’s no way in hell I’m missing this” she said with a smile.

“Why?” he asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Her smile widened.

“Because, I’m her mother and I would like to know every detail”

—-

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