suchabeautifulbrokensmile

[ia-nsfw]

Let Ricardo take charge

[because-of-a-friend]

Seventeen Reaction: You Suddenly Being Shy

MASTERLIST

Thanks for the request anon! Hope you like it!!!!

CHOI SEUNGCHEOL

He thinks is the cutest thing in the world and he also cannot believe he has that kind of sway over you. He's like????? They're shy around me?????? He'll do a lot of cute little things to try and get you to relax around him and be more comfortable being yourself around him. When you're not super close, he'll do random things to make himself look ridiculous so if he's intimidating to you at all, he seems less so. Then as you grow more comfortable with each other, anytime he notices you becoming quiet he'll do something like plucking your chin or some other cute gesture that he knows you'll have some sort of witty comeback for. He appreciates and adores both sides of you, but always wants to make sure you feel comfortable around him.

YOON JEONGHAN

Jeonghan will likely match your energy depending on how you're feeling. But he does have a habit of challenging your more sarcastic side because he tends to talk quite bluntly, so he thinks those conversations are more fun. He honestly has a lot of fun figuring out how to push your buttons until you two are ceaselessly teasing each other. He'll leave you be if it really seems like you're not up to it and respects when you're more quiet. He can always easily go with the flow depending on your mood.

JOSHUA HONG

Josh tends to also get shy around new people or one on one with people he doesn't know that well or in other moments he's not prepared for. So if you suddenly get shy, it'll probably trigger his shyness as well. He'll suddenly be unsure of what to say or where to look or how to act. Moments between you and Joshua tend to be very sweet and lighthearted since both of you are very careful towards each other. Any sort of friendship/relationship with each other with each other will progress slowly because it takes you two awhile to fully open up to each other. But it means that you two also eventually feel very comfortable around each other since you spent so much time building up trust.

WEN JUNHUI

He probably hates this lol. Not because of you but because he just can't stand awkward silence and puts all the pressure on himself to fix it. He also doesn't really get it????? Like you were fine around him when you were hanging out with other members or friends????? He watched you roast Wonwoo with no hesitation earlier???? But now that it's just you and him you're so shy?????? Get ready for chaotic Jun because he's going to be pulling all of the punches to get you to laugh again. Honestly when there's an awkward silence he can't really help but keep talking to fill it in, so you might learn a lot more about Jun in five minutes than you thought you would in years lol.

KWON SOONYOUNG

(Sorry for using such a big gif but he really is the prettiest man on earth omfg)

Might also be a little awkward when you suddenly get shy. He worries that he said something to offend you or that maybe you don't like him. So he tends to approach you carefully when he notices that you're shy around him to make sure that you two are on good terms. He'll actually make an effort to talk more quietly around you and try to sit really still and not make any sudden big movements so he doesn't catch you off guard or upset you. He tries to be as polite as possible and will make a real effort to start enjoyable conversations. Probably asks other people stuff like what movies you like or what songs you listen to so he has something to talk to you about when he sees you.

JEON WONWOO

Pls this is his worst nightmare. He's not confident in handling social situations so when you suddenly get quiet around him, he has no idea what to do. He'll awkwardly blurt out some random questions and cringe inwardly every time it doesn't lead to an actual conversation. He'll wonder what's up since you seemed so confident around other people. Like Soonyoung, he'll worry over you not liking him for some reason. He'll probably actually end up pulling back and letting you approach him in the future so any contact between you two can be on your terms so he knows you're comfortable.

LEE JIHOON

May not fully notice. Jihoon tends to be off in his own world anyways so your mood change around him may fly right over his head. He's not always conscious of people's behaviors and changes in them because of his tendency to zone out. Honestly it's sort of a relief. If you're feeling a little more nervous as you spend one on one time with him, it's almost nice that he seems to continue on with business as usual. It's nice that he won't really point it out or make a big deal of it. He's usually pretty gentle during conversation anyways so it's not like there's anything he's doing to be intimidating. If he notices you being shy, he might get a little shy as well, but he'll do anything he can to make you comfortable and get on your good side.

LEE SEOKMIN

Seokmin is such a people pleaser so you suddenly going quiet is going to be a problem for him. He needs you to like him so much. He's going to figure out what makes you feel the most comfortable around him. Do you want him to take the lead in conversations? Would you prefer he back off a little? Do you like it when he's joking? More serious? He'll test the waters and feel out what brings back your more confident side so he can tell what makes you more comfortable around him. He'll navigate every conversation with care so you'll enjoy talking with him.

KIM MINGYU

Also the type to kind of slip up when this happens. He doesn't know how to continue when you suddenly get shy around him. It highkey gives him butterflies, he thinks it's so cute. So then he's shy around you, leading to him doing awkward things, all while he's trying to help you feel less shy around him. He's a giggling/blushing mess around you 24/7, which definitely helps him seem less intimidating. But he very much genuinely wants you to feel comfortable around him so he'll always be as kind and friendly as possible.

[A/N: So Tumblr has suddenly decided I can only add ten imagines to each post even tho up until now, I was able to add gifs for all thirteen members. Soooo I was wondering if you guys preferred for me to either separate maknae line and hyung line for reactions, or if you want me to leave gifs out and have all members in one post for reactions, or if y'all want to do it by request??? Until I get a good read on what y'all want I'm just gonna cut the gifs are where I have to lol. Please let me know what y'all want me to do!!!!]

XU MYUNGHO

Myungho takes this in a silent stride. When he notices you suddenly get shy around him, he'll just sort of quietly take note of it. He'll try to encourage your usual sarcastic side to make sure you know he's comfortable with it. If it doesn't seem like it's working, he'll back off and try to take things slow and gentle with you until you feel more comfortable around him one on one. He'd never admit it but he is ecstatic when your sarcastic side starts to show. Any biting remark you have for him is met with a smirk and an equally biting remark. He's fine when you're more shy but he'll feel uneasy himself until you're comfortable around him.

BOO SEUNGKWAN

Seungkwan will have an "oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no" moment when he realizes you're suddenly shy around him. He also wants everyone to like him and be happy around him. He will also wonder if he did something to offend you and be incredibly nervous and unhappy until you're comfortable around him again. He's constantly hesitant when approaching you and then as conversation progresses, he'll pull out the big guns with his humor to get you laughing and hopefully back to your normal self.

VERNON CHWE

This may also go over his head. Vernon isn't always super in tune with the people around him just depending on what's going in his head. He also usually lets the people around him lead conversations anyways, so he'll just follow your vibes conversation to conversation. When you're shy he'll just speak to you casually and keep it light. When your more sarcastic side shows, he'll vamp it up and match your energy (although with him, he'll use sarcasm as a way to casually flirt for sure lol). But overall it's hardly even noticeable to him.

LEE CHAN

Dino probably also gets shy when you get shy. He may not notice your change at first but as soon as he does he just goes "oooooooooh" and then backs way off. He's the type to awkwardly laugh every other sentence when speaking to you, desperate to make sure the conversation feels light and happy. He's not really the best at navigating meeting new people and learning how to connect with them specifically. He's happy to try anything and everything to help you feel more at ease around him, though.

[jediken0bi]

Home

Summary:

After a rough case Spencer knows exactly what he needs to feel okay again. Or rather, who he needs

(no smut, pure fluff)

word count: 1747

-

On days like today, the only thing Spencer wants to do is be held by you. It took him some time to figure out that physical affection was something that could make him feel calm and content as opposed to the feeling of discomfort he used to experience every time someone invaded his personal space to go in for a hug or something of that sort. His best guess was that it's different with you because he loves you. Not like he loves Derek or JJ or any other member on his team, but in a way that feels all consuming sometimes.

He means that in the best way possible.

He fell in love with you almost as quickly as you fall asleep after a hard day in the shop. It overwhelmed him at first. He wasn't used to feeling with such intensity.

There was a time where Spencer believed he couldn't love and be loved in return. He didn't think he knew how. But you just walked into his life one day and before he realized it his heart had made the decision to love you.

He'd like to say that he doesn't remember what life used to be like without your constant reminders that you fell in love with him because of what he considers his quirks and not despite of them, or your cuddles that were usually followed by praise or words of encouragement, but the truth is he does remember.

He remembers how dull life felt before you. How lonely he was and how undeserving of love he felt all his life.

Sometimes he can't help but fear what would happen if you suddenly got tired of him.

But then he remembers the words you whisper to him ever so often when you feel him growing anxious:

"You're the brightest star in my galaxy, Spence"

It's cheesy and it's cliche but it soothes his soul like nothing else. Hearing you say those words makes him feel like he can finally let out that breath he's been holding all day long.

It's cheesy and it's cliche but it is perfect.

It's been a little over a week since you and Spencer have last seen each other. Sure, you've texted and called as often as your schedules let you and you even convinced him to facetime you once, but it just doesn't compare to actually being with each other.

The team had just wrapped up a horrible case involving young women. Without going into detail it's fair to say that Spencer couldn't wait to wrap his arms around you tight enough to ensure that you're here with him, that you're safe.

The Metro was late, delaying his arrival by approximately 20 minutes. While that's not enough time to raise concern for a lot of people Spencer knows better than to not let you know.

His job puts him at risk every day and you're not naive enough to believe that safety is a given for people in Spencers line of work.

He shoots you a quick text letting you know he'll be late and you reply with lots of exclamation points, emphasizing how excited you are to see him.

He can't help but smile to himself. He closes his eyes for a second and takes a deep breath. He's struggling with letting the events of that recent case go.

The victims looked too much like you and it sometimes took Spencers focus away from what was right in front of him. He can't help but feel like he should've been quicker.

There's no doubt in his mind that you'll start questioning him as soon as you spot the distressed look on his face and you're going to want him to tell you what happened. And he will. Just maybe not tonight. You two agreed to have no secrets and the key to that is total transparency when it comes to what's on your mind.

He doesn't worry though. You never make him talk about work when he tells you he doesn't want to yet.

You don't push because you know that he'll tell you the next day once he is rested and convinced that both of you are safe.

Completely lost in his thoughts, he almost missed his stop. He managed to get off in time and from there it was only a 5 minute walk to your place.

Your Place.

These words are starting to taste bitter on Spencers tongue. He's been wanting to ask you to move in with him for weeks now but every time the opportunity presents itself he chickens out.

Part of him is so scared you're going to reject him and he's going to lose you.

Realistically speaking he knows that you value your time together as much as he does and he can't imagine you'd ever laugh at him or leave him for something like that but it's those pesky insecurities he's been trying to overcome that tell him that he can't really be sure.

He's confident though. Tonight is the night. As much as he doesn't mind going to your place to see you after cases, he can't shake the thoughts of him being able to come home to you. Thoughts of you waiting for him with open arms and a overall presence of love that will fills your shared apartment.

Before he can get too lost in his thoughts he knocks on your door and starts nervously shifting around on his feet.

It's not that he's afraid you're not happy to see him. Quite the opposite actually you've made sure he knows you've missed him just as much as he missed you. It's just that Spencer never really got used to being on the receiving end of such strong affection.

He loves it. God, he loves it so much but it still feels like it's too good to be true. His job makes him paranoid and as much as he wants to, he can't quite shake his anxieties about losing you just yet.

You open the door and he looks up with wide eyes.

There you are in your worn out Star Wars shirt with those adorable matching shorts practically beaming at him. You look so happy to see him. Because of him. His eyes immediately soften and he opens his mouth to say something but you beat him to it.

"Spence!! You're back!"

Before he knows it you're already in his arms. Legs wrapped around his middle and arms around his neck squeezing him tightly before leaning back to press a firm kiss to his head.

He doesn't waste a single second. Wrapping his arms around you and pressing you closer to his chest. He lets out a breathy laugh.

"Hey there beautiful. I missed you so much"

You let out a small giggle before leaving the embrace to properly look at him. One of your hands goes to rest on his cheek while the other starts brushing through his messy hair.

You look at him with a wide smile.

"I can almost guarantee i missed you more, handsome. Now come in we haven't cuddled in over a week and i'm starting to feel very serious withdrawal symptoms!"

This time he lets out a proper laugh, nodding his head and taking your hands in his.

"Yeah i know a thing or two about that. We got a lot catching up to do then"

You only smile wider and drag him inside, promptly closing the door behind you.

"Indeed we do so go get changed. You must be uncomfortable in those clothes. You're in luck sir your pj's just got out of the dryer"

You push him towards the bedroom door and both of you laugh at the domestic scene at hand before Spencer stops, turns out and wraps one of his arms around your waist.

"Can i get a 'welcome home' first"

He looks at you with such love in his eyes you almost forget what you want to say.

"Hmm well technically you're not home yet"

You say teasingly knowing exactly what he is actually asking for. You're more than willing to give it to him considering it's all you could think about this past week and a half but you always did enjoy watching him squirm.

Spencer doesn't seem fazed by your comment. He looks a bit nervous but other than that he radiates a certain confidence you're finding incredibly attractive on him.

"You're here, aren't you? My home isn't a place. It's a person and that person is standing in front me right now"

You stare at him with shiny eyes. Despite what he may think, Spencer is actually quite the romantic. It's not unusual for him to compliment you out of nowhere. You're fairly confident you never experienced genuine love until you've met Spencer.

But this? This was so much more than a compliment. It's him wanting to make you understand just how committed he is to you. How much he loves you.

Not wanting to wait any longer you just grab him by the collar of his vest and press a firm kiss to his lips. You only hope that Spencer can feel the extent of your love through this kiss.

What starts out as a innocent way to proof that he is your home too quickly turns more heated when Spencer presses you closer to him.

His tongue asks for entrance and you grand it to him. You're completely lost in the feeling of Spencer and every second that passes you get more desperate to proof your love to him like he did by telling you you're his home.

Your hands start roaming through his hair before landing on the nape of his neck.

He lets out a soft sigh as you start playing with his curls. After some time the two of you are starting to slow down until it was only an exchange of little pecks and reassuring kisses to the forehead, nose or cheek.

Lips just millimeters apart you whisper: "You're my home, too, Spence"

He smiles and presses another soft kiss to your lips.

Not ready to break the embrace just yet, you hug him tight. He, obviously not wanting to let go of you either, starts rubbing small circles on the sides of your hips.

"Welcome home baby"

You whisper into his neck. Loud enough so he could hear it but not loud enough so it would break the quiet atmosphere around you two.

[athys-obelia]

hey hey hey.

so like i had a thought?

au where felix notices how down diana is about her pregnancy and approaches her. she confides in him - she's afraid for her child, any complications with their health, their future, everything. the chance she is betting on is a good life for her child with their father, but...she cannot foresee the future, after all. diana has worries as any new mother would.

(under cut for length)

and after pondering on it, felix proposes an idea: what if he could garuntee this child's safety? diana had already expressed her will to make him their godfather, shouldn't he rise to the occasion? you should run away, he tells her, and spend the rest of your pregnancy at one of my father's estates.

she agrees, albeit hesitantly. he's been distancing himself from her - claude - ever since the pregnancy, but she visits him on her last night at the palace. it is a horrible night - all goodbyes are - and claude seems to sense something. he asks of her to spend the night, and diana can't find it within herself to reject the request. she'll just have to slip during at night, she thinks.

she spends her final trimester on robane lands, under the care and knowledge of felix's father as the knight spearheads the quiet search for the emperor's favorite concubine. she feels strangely at peace.

the search intensifies as her due date nears, and the week of athanasia's birth, everything...stops. duke robane explains the emperor cannot make the loss of an heir public knowledge, and has ordered the destruction of ruby palace. the concubines have been dismissed.

diana receives a special visit a few hours before going into labour - before her is a beautiful brunette with determined eyes. diana's body grows weaker by the day, she has been bedridden for the past few days, but she feels content. her child will be fine. so will her lover. claude may think her selfish after this, though she supposes if it can garuntee her baby's smile, she will accept it. she can be selfish if needed.

the obelian skies mirror the chaotic silence within the imperial palace. the young emperor has not made an appearance in the audience hall for days. his tailor has not received any orders for the usual military attire lately - rather, the instructions detail a simplistic, pure white fabric, as if...almost as if he were in mourning. the eerie calm seems to foreshow a storm.

and amidst the rain and thunder roaring across the empire, under the gaze of an ever loyal knight and a young lady, a princess is born quiet. her declining breaths reflect her mother's. "she has your eyes, my lady," says lilian york, "her father's beautiful colouring, but the strength is from you. the strength you have given her. she will live with power."

"and love?" the new mother asks weakly.

"lots," the knight swears. "a child borne of love deserves nothing less."

she is safe, my daughter - my daughter is...

Xx

by the end of the week, the imperial directory is edited at the command of his majesty, the emperor. a new name is added.

athanasia de alger obelia.

lilian york sighs at the babe in her arms. "the undying...what a cruel joke. his majesty can't possibly know whether lady diana or the little princess are still alive."

"no - it is the name lady diana expressed her partiality for," felix says with a slight smile, "it is a dare."

little athanasia groans.

Xx

athanasia de alger obelia - or, more commonly, athanasia robane - has seen many families. lilian does not what to say when the princess wonders why she cannot call her 'mother'. why she cannot address the men she believes to be her father and grandfather as such, why her grandfather refers to her as 'my lady'.

at the age of four, athanasia has stopped asking such questions. lilian cannot help but marvel at the way she avoids the topic with an intelligence that should realistically be far beyond her years.

athanasia's grandfather has made habit of asking her the same question as he tucks her in every night. "are you happy, my lady?"

she nods every time - it is such an obvious answer, after all. "athy is so happy, grandpapa! thiiiiis much!! why do you always ask that?"

her grandfather smiles. athy loves that her grandfather smiles so much. "i come from a family of knights, my lady. we are taught to honour our promises first and foremost."

"did you promise someone you would keep me happy, grandpapa?"

duke robane raises an amused eyebrow. "aren't you chatty today? get some sleep, sweet one. i will be here in the morning."

he always is.

xx

duke robane tends to frequent the palace often. today, however, is a special day.

"were you on your way to the hall?" the emperor inquires, running into the red haired noble on his walk.

he bows in greeting. "i was not. i did not wish to bother you today, your majesty. i know you do not like to be disturbed during this time of year."

claude rather likes duke robane. he is relatively tolerable, like an older, wiser version of felix. "then what are doing outside the palace?"

"i was on my way to town, your majesty, with a... family member. her birthday is arriving soon, you see, but she was quite taken with your beautiful gardens, so i let her wander outside - i wouldn't dare allow her inside without your majesty's approval, of course."

claude raises an eyebrow. "a family member?"

"my granddaughter, sire."

claude glances at felix curiously. "i was not aware of this... development. how many children are you fathering when you're not bothering me?"

felix snorts.

"er...a foster granddaughter, your majesty."

"i do not see her here. i assume she is felix's current heir, is she not? i should be offended you have not introduced us."

"she is playing a game, sire," duke robane explains, "she has gone to hide and i am to find her. it is called hide and seek, as i am told."

he winces at the familiar voice calling out, "grandpapa!! look at this shiny flowe-"

little athanasia's face pales.

"my lady, meet his majesty, the emperor of the Obelian empire."

the blonde princess clutches her grandfather's sleeve. "from... from athy's books?"

felix cannot tear his gaze away from the emperor's face - or rather, the jewelled eyes that stare at his goddaughter.

claude could laugh. that face, even with her eyes matching the prominent robane silvery eyes...felix must really take him for an idiot, he thinks. really, he should be offended. he remembers putting felix in charge of the search years ago... lying to the emperor? disguising a member of the imperial family to pass off as their own? in what land would this not be a crime?

still, this...this 'athy' looks happy. or looked happy, before she saw him. only a fool would grow to be jovial in the palace, so claude wonders whether thank you may be in order for keeping his child so cheery.

then again, this said under the assumption that he would've kept the child alive in the first place.

claude glances at duke robane - the man is usually so poised, he thinks he'll have some fun while this little charade is up.

"what is your name?" he asks blankly.

the duke interjects, "we call her athy, sire. the name athena truly fits her - she is a very bright child."

ah, interesting...felix's father seems to both be smarter and care for the girl more than claude initially credited him.

"hide and seek," claude muses, barely making an effort to hide his smirk, "so, you've finally decided to come out of hiding."

Xx

"i was on my way to the lake. get ready to join me."

duke robane glances at five year old athanasia - she had been called to the palace for tea with the emperor once, after which their little tea parties became something of a common occurrence. he had faced hell and beyond trying to keep it under wraps - at least felix's position as the emperor's guard was a comfort.

"your majesty, forgive me, but the lady hasn't learnt to swim. i fear it may be dangerous."

athanasia shoots him a look - don't argue with the emperor, grandpapa!

"what's there to worry about when she's with me?" claude asks, eyebrow quirked, "besides. the three of you should be quite used to playing dangerous games by now."

felix sputters. "your, your majesty?"

yes, dealing with house robane is much more entertaining than roger alpheus could hope to be...

"what was it? hide and seek. your daughter could get lost, isn't that sort of thing very dangerous?"

athanasia raises an eyebrow at him, unimpressed, as felix flushes red. claude finds himself wondering - not for the first time - what goes inside her head? it's not uncommon for this child of five to react with the maturity of an adult, intriguingly.

"lets go, uncle!" she exclaims, offering him her hand as he's seen the duke and felix hold it often. she interwined her fingers with his once he accepts her hand. so small, it is. small and soft, as if he could crush her with the littlest force.

claude stares at her platinum blonde hair, a hint of a smile playing on his features. "robane has gotten quite daring lately. of course, a bold house will raise a bold child."

Xx

"grandpapa?"

duke robane glances at the blonde in his doorway - how out of place her bright hair had once looked, bouncing around in contrast to the rich, deep browns and reds of the robane mansion. the estate seems to lose life whenever his foster granddaughter visits the palace, now. as per their little custom, she visits him in his study at her return. "my lady. come."

"i have to greet lily soon or she'll get mad. she hates when i meet you without being dressed for it. but i really wanted to see grandpapa." she grins brightly, and he thinks her smile is the gods compensating for the moon's quiet glow. the princess takes her place on his lap. "what are you doing, grandpapa?"

"there's some trouble at the border. i'm only looking over our damages, i'll be done soon."

athanasia's grandpapa has never once dismissed her questions claiming she's too young. he's never withheld knowledge she's asked for. sure, he makes it so the terms are easier for her to understand, but she's never been out of the loop. "how has the emperor been to you, sweet one?"

"i almost called him daddy today," she admits, feeling her grandfather's hand on her shoulder tighten.

"oh?"

athanasia chuckles. "well, that's a lie. i did call him that. but...he seemed okay with it."

"truly?"

"yeah! he's so odd. he even told me i should stop wearing so much red and black."

"what did you say to that?" the duke asks.

"i told him they were my house colours, obviously. i can't just stop wearing my house colours! he said purple suits me better. i mean, if i was his daughter or something i could wear a lot of purple. it's the imperial family's colour, isn't it?"

he clears his throat. "...you were at the palace for the entire day, my dear, weren't you bored?"

"not really. oh! i met a magician today too."

"a magician?"

"mhm! everyone at the palace is so weird, honestly. apparently he's been sleeping there ever since emperor aeternitas? i don't know, he was really strange."

"emperor aeternitas? from nearly two hundred years ago? what else do you remember about this mage, my lady?"

she presses her finger to her chin. "to tell you the truth, grandpapa, he was very pretty. like...really pretty."

athanasia's grandfather gives her a smile she has learnt to be vary of. "are you interested in this magician, my child? i don't mind extending an invitation for the pair of you to become better acquainted."

"grandpapa! when will you stop trying to become a matchmaker?"

duke robane sighs playfully. "i'm only thinking of your future, my lady. your debutante is not too far - you will need an escort to dance the night away with."

she pouts. "i can dance with you, grandpapa."

he chuckles, and the silence stretches until athanasia breaks it once more, murmuring a soft, "no."

"no?" her grandfather echoes, confused.

"that's a 7," she says, pointing towards the document he's been working on. "not 3, that was last time. grandpapa told me the border towns have a larger population now, so that needs to be factored in, doesn't it?"

duke robane studies the calculation, the surprise evident in his sharp features. "hm?...you're right, thank you."

she grins. "i've been working on my sums lately! aren't you proud of me, grandpapa?"

"always, sweet one. you're very smart to be at this level so young."

athanasia beams. "i mean, you taught me everything so it's almost like you're praising yourself, you know?" her grandfather laughs at that, the sound deep and familiar. "anyway, are these real gold? they're very pretty." she gestures towards a box of earrings resting on her grandfather's desk.

"they were your mother's," the duke tells her, feeling the girl stiffen. "i planned to give them to you at your return."

"they're very...siodonnan," she remarks almost awkwardly. "very pretty."

"she wanted you to have them. apparently they were a gift."

"oh."

he confirms with a slight chuckle, "they are gold, authentic. that fascinates you, doesn't it? you've always been quite taken with shiny things, ever since you were a child. your grandfather was like that too, athanasia."

"you're like that?"

the duke of house robane blinks in surprise once. then twice.

Xx

felix stares at the eleven year old in the emperor's bed. blonde hair spilled all over the pillows, her frail body hidden under the covers. how...?

he hadn't registered the passage of time at all. the emperor's index and middle fingers rest on athanasia's forehead, his own creased in concentration and annoyance. felix can't even help the fury building within himself.

"your majesty," he begins cautiously - claude has been a wild card ever since watching his daughter cough up blood at the breakfast table. the massacre everyone was on edge about eleven years ago at ruby palace would've been inevitable yesterday had athanasia's childhood friend - the mage - not arrived as early as he had. "you should rest."

claude's gaze turns to him dangerously. "do not tell me to rest when-"

the girl stirs uncomfortably, her eyes opening. she glances at felix before tugging on her father's sleeve weakly. "papa...?" tears prick at the corner of the young princess's eyes.

oh, that's right - felix remembers his father having the talk with the princess a few months ago. she had accepted the new information quietly, and rather quickly, to the both robane mens' surprise. the princess had started bringing her father flowers on her visits from then, and as if in return, claude had an entire garden in built where ruby palace would've been.

the emperor's hand returns to his daughter's forehead and she blinks sleepily a few times before drifting right back to sleep. the magic has long worn off - neither father nor daughter had flinched at the sight of her shimmering blue eyes. if anything, felix had seen claude's shoulders relax.

the emperor lets out a small sigh. "i will not be here when she wakes." he traces the soft collar of her purple nightgown. "and should she consent, see to it that athanasia moves into emerald palace by the end of the month. she has been fostered long enough."

oh, his father would definitely not like that.

Xx

"are you mad, papa?" athanasia asks, the sequins of her debutante dress glittering bright u der the lights of the hall..

"why would i be? did someone dare say something to y-"

she latches onto his arm before her father has a chance to finish. "no! nobody could dare offend me on my debut. especially when i have you by my side."

"then you do you ask?"

she plays with the intricate patterns on the arm of his outfit. "because i refused to move in with you? trust me, papa, i didn't mean to hurt you at all...i was only..." scared. it was at the debutante, wasn't it? when you chose jennette over the real athy.

"it was simply your choice," the emperor tells her flatly. "and i seem to recall you delaying it. not refusing."

athanasia laughs sheepishly. "that's right. i don't want to force myself into your life. i really love our time together though, papa."

her breath hitches as claude halts in his step. his hand raises to her jawline, thumb brushing against against her earrings. "where...? where did you..."

"papa? do you need to sit down?"

it does the trick, snapping her father out of whatever trance he had been under.

"won't you dance again? i'll be here," he encourages, and athanasia nods. she's shared one with her godfather, one with ezekiel alpheus...

"what are you doing here, your highness?" duke robane inquires, separating himself from his conversation partners.

"won't you dance with me, grandpapa?"

the duke can't help but smile at the way she addresses him. "you were escorted by his majesty, sweet one. why do you wish to spend your precious time with this lowly servant?"

"grandpapa!"

he sighs with a fond smile. "alright, alright. but even dancing with fathers is out of fashion nowadays, princess. and you're here, asking me?"

she frowns, unimpressed. "i think you don't want to dance because you're so tall. are you calling me unskilled?"

he gives her a charming smile. "how could i dare?"

"don't you remember, grandpapa? in your study?" she extends her hand with a familiar smirk, "i come from a family of knights, my lord. we are taught to honour our promises first and foremost."

and really, when has duke robane ever been able to refuse his granddaughter?

a/n: literally what is this. why is this. when i say i only meant to write a drabble-

but!! duke robane never hesitates in standing up for his granddaughter, even against the emperor! athy and found family!! honestly i love the dukes' conflict here - alpheus with jennette and robane with athy :)

claude and his subtle shade 🙃

lily and the robanes honoring their promise to diana and teaching athy both love and strength <3

the magic explosion thing happened much later, and with slightly different claude/athy dynamics - he certainly can't take her presence for granted, she doesn't doesn't even live with him yet (she wants to!! the insecurities around jennette are just acting up rn)

athy will have support during amnesia arc + ana's antics!!!

[wonglix]

➺ sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ᴀs sᴜɢᴀʀ

⤷ baker!y/n x mingi

⤷ mingi was known for being somewhat of an outcast, not letting anyone get close to him. he also appears to have a particularly sweet tooth for your pastries (and you)

⤷ fluff

⤷ 3.5k words

mingi silently watches you pack up another customer's order, his eyes focusing on the warm smile on your face. the sweet smell that is prominent in the bakery is almost overshadowed by the sweetness in your voice and mingi has to blink a few times to snap out of his trance. once it was his turn, he quietly points to the strawberry-lime cupcakes. he skilfully avoids your eyes when you look up at him to ask how many; "six," his voice was calm, contrary to the excessive hammering of his heart in his chest. he doesn't know how it happened, how he became this infatuated with you. there is one thing he does know, though: he absolutely loves the sweets you make. the first time he got to eat one of your deliciously sweet treats was when you brought raspberry crumble bars to school after you made too many the previous day.

"mingi?" the sweet call of his name made him lift his head from his arms, surprise taking over his features when he realised that it was you standing in front of his desk. he stared up at you silently, making you awkwardly clear your throat, "i just wanted to ask you if you'd like some of the raspberry crumble bars i made?". he kept silent, staring at the small piece of dessert you were holding out to him. his silence began to make you nervous, anxiously pulling back, "i-it's fine if you don't want one, i'll just-"he stops your rambling by taking the crumble bar from you, making you look down at him in surprise, "thank you.". nodding enthusiastically you sent him a small, nervous smile.

you hurried back to your own desk, sitting down and eyeing mingi curiously. mingi had placed the crumble bar on his desk instead of eating immediately which, quite frankly, disappointed you a bit. you were excited to see his reaction, to see if he enjoyed it. you never got to witness it though, since mingi never ate it. that what you thought, at least. mingi had saved the treat for later and, unbeknownst to you, ate it on his bus ride home. mingi enjoyed it a lot, the sweet treat filling him with joy and excitement. he always had quite the sweet tooth, but he was convinced that he never had anything as sweet as that raspberry crumble bar from you.

mingi was just about to turn and leave the bakery when you suddenly called out to him, "uhm, mingi? could i talk to you for a second, please?" he's stunned and looks at you, merely nodding silently. a bright smile appears on your face, and you lean over the counter a bit, looking directly into his eyes. "my shift ends in 20 minutes, could you wait until then? just take a seat over there, and i'll come to you as soon as i can, yeah?". mingi didn't know what made him say yes, maybe it was the adorable smile on your face or the excited sparkle in your eyes. he went to sit down at the table you had pointed out previously. he was sitting there, occasionally letting his gazer avert from his phone to you, your eyes meeting more than once. every time your eyes met, you smiled at him, and mingi silently cursed himself for physically feeling his heart speed up every single time. he doesn't know what you want to talk to him about, but it reminds him of one of the few times you've spoken to him, a memory he holds dear to his heart.

he was sitting in the empty classroom, playing some games on his phone waiting for the lunch break to be over. he never really ate lunch, and even if he would, the atmosphere in the cafeteria was overwhelming and too much for him anyway. so he usually spent his lunch break in the classroom on his own, killing time by playing games, listening to music or sometimes even taking a little nap. mingi was so focused on his game that he didn't hear the classroom door opening and closing. neither did he notice the sound of the steps getting closer to him. it's no surprise that he let out a screech once he felt someone tap his shoulder, whipping his head around with a scared look on his face. he was met with your startled eyes, a guilty look on your face. "i'm sorry, i didn't mean to startle you.." you seemed to be legitimately sorry, a small pout forming on your face. mingi cleared his throat and adjusted his posture a bit, "it's... it's fine, don't worry about it." you smile and sit down at the desk next to him. he shifts his gaze from you back to his phone, only to return his eyes to you, growing shy when your eyes meet. "why are you sitting here all on your own?" you break the silence. he looks at you, trying to determine whether your question was serious or not. "i don't eat lunch. i also don't really have friends, so sitting in the cafeteria would be quite sad.". you let out a small giggle, mingi turning to look at you with raised eyebrows. "i'm sorry, it's just...i relate. it's weird sitting in the cafeteria on your own, so i get why you rather spend your time here.". mingi was quite surprised, he always thought that you got along quite well with your classmates.

"you said you don't eat lunch, right?" you sounded curious and genuinely interested in him. it was confusing for him. "um, yeah. i just don't really want to, that's all." you nodded quietly, brows furrowed a bit and thoughts obviously running wild. suddenly you got up and went to your own desk, rummaging through your bag. pulling out a lunchbox you walk back to mingi, sitting down again and looking at him with a smile, "i know you said you don't like to eat lunch, but could you try some of these chocolate brownies? it's a new recipe, and i don't really have anyone that could try them for me, so...". mingi stares at you in disbelief, letting out an airy chuckle, "are you serious?". the second those words left his lips he already knew the answer, your doe eyes looking at him with so much sincerity in them that it made him want to cry. or maybe kiss you, he wasn't sure at the time yet.

"sorry that i kept you waiting, here's chocolate milk for you," you panted out, obviously exhausted from hurrying to keep mingi from waiting any longer. he just shrugged it off, taking a small sip from the chocolate milk, watching you with expecting eyes. "the reason i asked you to stay is that i wanted you to try something for me.". mingi furrows his brows, "try something for you?" you nodded, placing a small box with the bakery's logo on it on the table. mingi reaches out to open it, but he stops in his tracks when you place your hand on top of his, his breath slightly hitching in his throat and he prays that you didn't notice. "there are a few new recipes i tried out and i want to show them to my boss, but i'm not confident enough. so i thought that i'd ask you to try them and if you like them, i'll introduce them to my boss," you muttered softly, your thumb unconsciously drawing circles onto mingi's hand. he can feel his palms getting sweaty again, his heart pounding in his ears and his throat getting dry. it's ridiculous how weak he got at every single small thing you did, but he just couldn't help himself; he was in love.

an hour and plenty of sweets later the two of you still sat at the table, small giggles and brave flirty comments being thrown around. mingi has no idea how this happens, how the two of you fell into such a comfortable conversation. still, he was more than happy that it happened. he knew that his cheeks were probably bright red and that you most likely caught onto his stuttering, but he honestly doesn't care anymore. he has been pining for you for so long, daydreaming about your pretty face and hoping that one day, he'll build up enough courage to finally ask you out. you smile, taking his hand in yours, "thank you for trying them, mingi. i'm glad you liked them, i was a bit worried, to be honest," you giggle a bit, a lovestruck smile creeping its way onto mingi's face at the sound. "they were all delicious. i wasn't expecting anything else though, your treats are always delicious," his voice was soft. because he felt confidence rush through him for a split second he softly intertwines your fingers, a blush dusting his cheeks. the way you smile at him, the blush that spreads from your cheeks to your neck makes him want to kiss you so bad it makes his head spin. "thank you.." your voice was quiet and soft, eyes sparkling and he doesn't know what to do with himself. now would be the perfect time to ask you out, you're so close, you're literally holding hands, and there's no way you'd say no right now, right?

his mind is racing and before he can even begin to think about all the possible ways to ask you out you speak up, "uhm, mingi? would you...would you like to come over to my place? we could make some sweets together since you like them so much..." your voice got quieter with every word, and it made his heart clench. if he wasn't so busy with trying to calm his pounding heart down mingi might've felt proud at the effect he had on you. he speaks up almost too quickly and too enthusiastically. he'll probably beat himself up over it later. still, right now there is nothing he wants more than for you to understand how desperately he wants to go on a date with you. "yeah, yeah, of course. i'd like that, a lot actually.." you smile, a breathy chuckle escaping you at the excitement in his voice, "i'm glad... i'll text you when okay? you remember where i live, right?" he wants the earth to open up and swallow him at the mention of the first and only time mingi has been at your house so far.

the very first time mingi ever set foot in your house was thanks to a project. when the teacher had mentioned that it would be a group project mingi had let out a sigh. it's no wonder that he was somewhat surprised when you called out to him, asking him if he'd like to work with you. how could he possibly say no to that? you smiled and went back to taking notes, leaving mingi to stare at you for a bit longer before he snapped back into reality. you slipped a small piece of paper on his desk, "here's my address and my number. just text me when you're free, alright?". you smiled and waved at him, leaving the classroom. he stared at the folded piece of paper for a while.

that evening he decided to text you, his palms sweaty and heart hammering against his chest. he had always envisioned it to be a nightmare even trying to get your number in the first place, and now that he had it, he didn't know what to do. what was he supposed to say? just a simple "hey"? should he be a little more serious, maybe a "hey. it's me, mingi."? he was overwhelmed, the fear of making a fool of himself nagging at him. gathering up all the courage he had left in that freakishly large body of his he grabs his phone and texts you a simple "hey". pacing around his room, anxiously waiting for an answer from you. and then you answered, making him almost jump out of his skin at the notification sound. it was only a mere "hey :)" from you, but he could've sworn that he felt his heart swell. he was definitely infatuated. you agreed that it would be best if he came over on the weekend and mingi couldn't be happier. perhaps it was wrong to feel like it could be a date, but he was just too excited and in love to think appropriately.

and then saturday came. mingi had changed his outfit several times, struggling with finding something that made him feel comfortable. at some point, he just gave up. he was anxiously playing with his fingers the whole way to your house while trying to come up with conversation starters and things to talk about. mingi stood in front of your home and took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. not even a minute later you opened the door, greeting mingi with an excited smile on your face.

you worked on your project relentlessly, not much talking going on between the two of you. mingi kept glancing at you from time to time, panic settling within him when you looked up only to find him staring at you. you didn't really seem to mind though, kindly smiling at him each time and quietly going back to work.

"how about i get us some snacks?" you asked while putting down your pen, facing mingi. mingi nods, getting up with you to help when you suddenly turn and smile up at him, gesturing for him to sit back down, "you're my guest, mingi. sit back down, i'll go get it." a few minutes later you came back with a tray full of baked goods and drinks, mingi staring at you in awe. "i know you like sweets, so i made some yesterday. i hope you like them," your voice was so gentle it made mingi blush a bit. the two of you snacked on your treats in silence when mingi accidentally brushed against his cup, sending the drink flying all across the table - ruining your work. "oh..oh my god, i'm so sorry, i-," you interrupted mingi when you rushed to the kitchen, coming back into the living room with paper towels in hand. "y/n, i'm so sorry, i'll rewrite everything i promise, don't-," mingi abruptly stopped his rambling when he felt your hand on his shoulder, a kind smile on your face. "mingi, don't worry about it. it's no big deal, so don't beat yourself up about it, yeah?" how could you be so lovely? mingi didn't know if he should cry or laugh, your kindness catching him off guard once again. he just ruined hours of work, and you're as calm and gentle as ever.

mingi promised himself that he wouldn't make a fool of himself in front of you again. the memories of last time kept swirling around his mind while he was on his way to your house, making him cringe inside. while he was walking down the street, he noticed a small flower shop and stopped dead in his tracks. should he get you flowers? you didn't say that it was a date, but it really feels like one. what if you don't think of it as a date, though? he would look like a total creep turning up with flowers. mingi was unsure and kept going back and forth, settling for a small bouquet of flowers. incase you got weirded out he was absolutely prepared to backtrack and play the bouquet off as a late apology for the last time he came around.

when you opened the door for him, mingi had to keep himself from letting out a small gasp - you looked so pretty, heart melting at your excited smile. he just stared at you, only snapping out of his admiring state when you cleared your throat, looking at him with raised eyebrows and a small, confused smile playing on your lips. "oh! uhm, i-i brought you flowers," he held out the bouquet to you, your eyes sparking when you took them from him. "thank you mingi, so much," you said with excitement in your voice, looking at him with the prettiest smile he's ever seen. leading him inside you beeline for the kitchen, mingi following close behind you.

"i prepared a few different recipes, so i’ll just let you choose. we could make some apple pie bites, strawberry cheesecake, a peach crumble-" your rambling was incredibly endearing to him,  a content smile playing on his face. he wasn't really listening anymore, he'd be happy with anything if it was made by you. and making it with you together? there's nothing more he could ask for. "mingi?" he blinked a few times, looking at you. you were looking up at him with an expectant look on your face. "i'm fine with anything, really," he tried his best to make his voice sound confident. you smiled and went to the refrigerator to get the ingredients. "let's make some dark chocolate cookies with some orange then, alright?". mingi just nods, watching you place multiple different components on the counter. "y/n, i have to be honest...i can't really bake? or even cook, for that matter," his voice dragged a bit at the end. you turned to him, shrugging a bit, "it's fine, don't worry about it. im here to teach you, aren't i?" there was a certain playfulness in your voice made a small grin creep its way onto his face. he was enjoying this laid back atmosphere a lot, his earlier panic and anxiety forgotten entirely.

mingi doesn't really know how it happened. approximately one hour later you were both covered with flour from head to toe, chocolate splatters all over the kitchen and breathless giggles sounding throughout the room. it all started out normal with you explaining the different steps of the recipe to mingi while he was listening intently. at some point he accidentally knocked over the bag of flour, thoroughly dusting you in the white powder. he expected you to go and clean yourself, maybe even make his heart flutter by being an absolute angel again. what he didn't expect was for you to grab a handful of the flour that was spread on the counter, throwing it in his face with small giggles pouring out of you. he was dumbfounded and stared at you, letting out an airy chuckle in disbelief. using his stiffness to your advantage you scoop up some more flour, ruffling his hair. "oh, it's on!" he exclaimed eagerly, dipping his finger into the melted chocolate and smearing it over your cheek. you yelped and jumped back, trying to dodge his chocolate-covered fingers; to no avail. your small food fight lasts for all of 20 minutes, both of you giggling out of breath.

"guess we won't be making cookies today, huh?" mingi's voice was teasing, making you burst out in laughter. "yeah, seems like it. this was more fun than actually baking anyways," you chuckled while wiping some of the flour-chocolate mixture off your cheek. mingi stared at you with a radiant smile on his face, making a small blush creep onto your cheeks. "what is it?" you giggled a bit, looking at him with curious eyes. mingi knew that this was his chance.

"can i kiss you?" his voice was soft, barely above a whisper and it took you a second to confirm that you heard him right. your heart was pounding, and you couldn't keep the shy smile from forming on your lips. too shy to answer him verbally you just nodded, stepping a bit closer to him. delicately taking your face into his hands, he looks into your eyes, and he feels his heart swell at the adoration swimming in your pupils. he was such an idiot for waiting this long, but now he finally has you. your eyes flutter shut as he gets closer and you can feel your heart jump when his lips touch yours. his lips taste a bit of chocolate, making the kiss even sweeter than it already was. he looks at you with so much affection when he pulls back and smiles down at you. growing shy under his gaze, you lower your face, eyes set on the floor. his gentle fingers lift up your chin, and before you can react, his lips are on yours again. breaking the kiss, he slings his arms around your waist, noses touching when he gently whispers to you, "i like you, y/n. so much." you blush again, a shy smile on your face as you look up at him. wrapping your arms around his neck, you pull him a bit closer, lips almost touching, "i like you too, mingi.". you press another soft kiss to his lips, and you can feel him smiling, his arms wrapping themselves tighter around you to pull you even closer.

mingi loves sweets, but there is nothing as sweet as your love.