#i just want to be able to say “yes the queen is dead

[xoxochb]

pls more fics with riordanverse characters x persephone!reader !!!!

— cinnamon girl

warnings: none? pairings: riordanverse boys x daughter of persephone a/n: I didn’t want to chose so I just did all of them at once including percy again, I hope you don’t mind angel

percy jackson loves leaving flowers at your doorsteps every morning. sometimes if he’s lucky he’ll catch you on your way out of your cabin and he’s able to hand them to you personally. he prefers this over anonymously gifting them (even if you know it’s him every time) mainly because he loves the way your face lights up instantly and you reward him with a sweet kiss to his pink cheeks. he also finds himself taking in your scent whenever you hug, you always smell like your favorite flowers and fruits, something he’s grown to love dearly. when percy finds himself with free time he likes to pick flowers and weave them into a flower crown for you; you’d taught him prior how to do so, he recalls the soft gestures with your hands and your sweet like honey voice instructing him on how to do so, with this knowledge he uses it to create a crown exactly your size, giving it to you after you’ve had a long day, instantly washing away your previous worries when you settle in the arms of your most beloved

jason grace likes to help you tend to your garden. whether it’s late at night, early morning, mid day, or even if it means skipping meals to do so. sometimes he often finds himself reading books on various types of plants and flowers so when you’re speaking to him about them he’s able to understand what you’re talking about. he’ll also use this knowledge to his ability to impress you (he did this a lot before you began dating— even know he won’t admit to it but you know the truth). since jason is a frequent visiter to your garden he bought his own tools so you wouldn’t have to share with him. although he won’t admit this, jason is a sucker for your kisses, specifically after you’ve picked a fresh fruit and taken a bite from it, he makes sure write after to claim your lips with his, often he takes a bite of it himself to try your masterpiece, at the same time eating it so his lips taste as sweet as yours. jason also enjoys picking your fruits and vegetables with you and helping you prepare a dish with those crops. most frequently you’ll bake pies or cakes with the fruits, and even if jason isn’t fond of that certain fruit he’ll eat it regardless because you made it and he loves you (he additionally gets to see your bright smile when he says he enjoys it. he’d never miss an opportunity to make you smile)

leo valdez was intimidated by you at first sight. he believed you were gorgeous, yes, there was no doubt in his mind that you were anything less than ethereal. but you were also horrifying. with your abilities to control shadows— courtesy of your mother being the queen of the underworld— you could pop out from the darkness at will. once leo got to know you he realized you were as sweet as the fruits you grew, an angel. his cheeks as red as your favorite pomegranates when you call him out for stuttering after you gained the knowledge that he was afraid of you before. nonetheless he’s enamored with you, completely and utterly. he loves how everytime you walk, flowers grow and return from the dead if wilting, shades of blue, green, red, pink, purple, and ant imaginable color you’d like. you often find yourselves in the fields, you pick a few flowers from the ground and stick them into leo’s curls, making his face flush a pink hue at your affectionate action.

luke castellan likes when you tell him about your underworld-ly related powers. he’s well aware your mother is known for her spring, gardening persona but he’s also interested in the aspects of her personality that include being the wife of the god of the dead. you often find yourself in your free time taking luke to your fields with your necromancy books and teaching him the ways of contacting the dead. he listens attentively (which includes 99% staring at your lips and 1% listening. he can’t help it when they’re still red from the fruits you ate earlier, he even sneaks a few kisses in when your in thought— ultimately stopping you from thinking). not only can you contact the dead but you’re also able to travel through plants similar to the hades children, though it works just about the same and drains you just as much. luke lovingly scolds you every time you use this ability when it’s not necessary, he hates seeing you in agony regardless of what happened. and speaking of agony, persephone children can heal themselves with their plants easily, but luke also can’t help but worrying every time you hurt yourself or prick your hand on a thorn or whatever caused you harm, it’s just in his nature as your dear boyfriend

[on-the-clear-blue]

Dead Man's Diner pt 6

Bruce's eye twitched as he forced the well-worn grin on his face.

It was a subtle thing, one that Tim would have thought he had imagined if he didnt know better, but he did.

Across from the both of them was Vlad Masters, he was a tall man, taller than Tim but still shorter than Bruce, all of him screamed rich villian, that is other than the way the second Bruce made a comment off hand about the Gotham Knights football team.

It was then the cruel looking man melted away, and Vlad Masters devolved into a chattering 40 something that knows far too much about the Green Bay Packers.

"Oh if I could go back in time and see that touch down again I could die a happy man" Vlad said with a wistful looking smile on his face, eyes glazed over in memories before he seemed to snap out of it and shake his head, a light dusting of pink came across his cheeks, lighting up his papery skin.

"Ah...do please forgive me...I seem to have gotten a tad bit carried away..." Tim bit back a scoff as he leaned back into his chair, they had been talking for almost a full hour and nearly all of it was Vlad ranting.

Bruce let out a small chuckle that sounded fake even to Tim, "No worry Mister Masters! Perhaps next time the Knights go against the Packers we can share a box!"

Tim knew this was to help sell the whole 'Brucie' act, but he still couldn't keep the cringe on his face, "B? Um...the Knights are a minor leauge team they...ugh forget it." Rubbing at his eyes, Tim cut off the words that Masters looked ready to say, "What was it again that you asked for a meeting Mister Masters? Something about..."

Looking down to his tablet, Tim sent a check in timer, if Vlad was to strike it would be soon "some sort of collaboration? With your subsidiary Axion Labs?"

Masters seemed a little taken back from Tim's thinly vailed bluntness but pushed onward, "Of course, my dear employees at the labs have been working on an interesting new energy source! You see it's fully green and has a positive net energy production." He paused for a moment and a sneer like condescending grin got plastered on his face, "That is Mister Wayne, meaning it produces more energy then we put in it."

Bruce's eyes crinkled as his cheesy grin could only grew more, "Thank you! I was just about to ask, my dear boy Tim here is far better at understanding all that...wiggley wobbly science things!"

(Liar) Tim thought before sending Masters a bashful smile, "I know enough that what your saying is astounding to hear...why come to Wanye Enterprises with this?"

Masters grin was predatory as he spoke smoothly "Well~ Lex and I have a...bit of a history so I couldn't possibly be able to work this with him, Queen Industries are more biotechincal in nature, while WE is far more wide spread! Not only do you have a tech division, but also medical, defense and mechanical divisions!"

Things were clicking in Tims mind, Masters wanted to use WE to distribute, make them stake their own reputation for what Masters was peddling.

Bruce's persona was slipping slightly, his blue eyes steely as he looked Masters down, "We will need a working concept before we can press onward for anything else."

Masters kept the grin on for a second longer before it slipped, "Of course, I will go above that and even send my two top scientists here to demonstrate-"

He was cut off by a shrill ringing coming from Tim's tablet, making him wince as he rushed to imput the code for the check in timer, sending the man a small smile Tim spoke, "So sorry about that, I thought I put that on silent...but do look at the time Bruce, We have a meeting with Lucius in twenty minutes, did you get those slides done?"

Sending Bruce a sideways glance, Tim watched as the man stiffened but shook his head, "I did not. I am sorry Vladdie, but we will have to cut this short, I am sure you know how many meetings it takes to run a company...but please, do meet with Maddie my receptionist to schedule those scientists of yours to come over yes?"

Tim could have sworn he saw a blood vessel pop as Masters hissed a little before he gave a terse nod, "Of course...Maddie you said? Yes...I do think I will speak to her." The man seemed to calm rapidly at the name, and seemed to almost float out of the meeting room.

---

Bruce let his persona fall the same time his head fell into his hands, the heels of his palms rubbing at his eyes.

There was silence in the meeting room, he could hear Tim's fingers pattering against the tempered glass of his tablet, and the soft chatter of the office from the outside and the ever faint sound of wind whipping around the high rise tower.

Picking his head up, he looked to Tim, doing a few hand motions, "DO. BUG. SWEEP" Getting a nod in response, Bruce went over the meeting.

Something was definitely strange about Masters, he was only 48 and yet fully gray, his skin was waxy and looked translucent, deathly pale, he had a cain but didn't have a limp.

Not to mention a seemingly tense history with Lex Luthor, to the point he would seek out WE instead of Lex for his seemingly miracle energy source and-

"Clear B, not a bug in place. "

"Hn" Bruce grunted in response, trying to get his brain back on track.

The energy source was another thing that was sticking out to Bruce, it sounded far too good to be true, it broke the laws of physics to-

"Bruce? What do you think of him? Suspect or...?" Tim spoke again, and Bruce let out a small sigh, his deductions would have to wait till later.

"I think we will need to monitor him closely, I have Drs Fentons are his lead researchers..."

---

Scrunching up his face, Danny stuffed his face into his elbow before sneezing thrice, groaning for a moment before he straightened up, rubbing at his nose, the Halfa came over to the sink in the kitchen of the Diner.

It was his second day as an over night chef and he was honestly having fun? Like cooking is so much cooler when the food wasn't actively reanimated and trying to kill him.

The diner was at a new place, now it was on the old rail ways that ran through Park Row, or how the people that lived there called it Crime Alley.

He had been nervous at first, because he had felt the familiar shiver of entering another beings haunt, but thankfully the diner was stationed just out of the haunts bounds.

Biting back a little yawn, Danny flipped a page in Lunch Ladys, only to see the recipe shift and change, going from a tuna casserole to one for a classic chili.

Blinking a few times at the book, he sighed, "Well alright then." Taking note of the ingredients, Danny drummed his fingers in the book, it was obviously more than just a simple cook book, with it, you know, actually shifting and changing each page.

Shaking his head, Danny straightened up and stopped leaning over the counter, "So...Spooktastical Chili? No that sounds dumb...Cursed Cauldron Chili? Closer..." thinking out loud, Danny set a massive pot over the stove, flipping the flame on as he work shopped cheesy names for his new dish.

---

Jason had an itch.

The kind that just wouldn't go away no matter how hard you scratched at it.

The problem he couldn't get even a second of relief since the itch was in his chest, right dab in the middle.

Rubbing at it as he groaned, Jason rolled off his bed and stood, it was late, he had finished patrol an hour ago and he just...

Felt the itch to do something, to go see something that was just right out of reach.

Sighing as he stumbled around his room, grabbing discarded jeans and an old hoodie with the arms cut off, slipping them on as he left the small bedroom of the safe house.

Stopping in the tiny kitchen, Jason did his best Bat glare (tm) at the empty refrigerator, letting out a grumble as he slammed the door closed.

"Fuckin...shit." flipping the cabinet doors open he glared at the small tub of mostly empty peanut butter and sleeve of crackers that were clearly ripped into by a rat.

"Fuckity fuck fuck..." sure there were spices, so many spices, but he wanted to eat, not cook, Alfred had spoiled that feeling into him through many years.

Slamming them closed as well, Jason growled as he stomped over to his boots, toeing them on before he stormed out of his safe house, fumbling with his keys to lock it behind him.

And with that he set out on the Alley, letting his feet carry him through the streets, he waved at some of the friendlier working girls and boys, but kept walking.

It took a moment for him to realize where he was going, to that little mom and pop diner that closed years ago, they used to give him left overs when he was still one of the dirty street rats trying to live...

"Since fucking when did the lights in that place turn on?" Stopping outside of what he had thought was a clossed down diner, Jason squinted at the banner stretched above the doorway.

"Big C's diner? No...old guys name was like Tony, so ain't their kids that wanted to take over..."

Before Jason could stop himself, his hand was already around the door handle, and he was pulling it open.

[sparring-spirals]

Still emotional about Fy'ra Rai and Opal, actually. Thought dump time bc i. dont have the energy to cut this down effectively.

Because at that point in the episode, Opal is doomed. Not in the fun little "oh things are getting worse ;)" kind of way we'd been experiencing leading up to the fight, or even IN the fight. At that point in the fight, Cyrus is dead. Dorian and Dariax have their minds twisted, bodies clambering away from the fight. Morrighan has felt, firsthand, just how far gone Opal is, holes in her mind, her friend broken. The heartbreaking sentence of. "You can always come back." understands that she is gone already. She's lost already. Opal has forgotten Ted. Opal has forgotten herself.

So at that point in the fight, we know Opal is doomed. Us as the audience, the cast, the characters. Aabria is running through each of the other crownkeepers and it is more of a goodbye than a round of combat. Defying the Spider Queen invites death, with zero hesitation- Cyrus's body as physical evidence of that. The terms were very clearly set: You leave Opal, you let her be lost. Or you die. (Leaving Opal anyway).

and Fy'ra Rai then. Grasps the crown, understands intimately that she can break it off and it will kill Opal. (I will free you, if you want me to. We would lose you but you would not be taken). And asks, what do you want me to do. What do you want.

and Opal says, I want you to leave. (I want you to live.) and Fy'ra Rai functionally says. No. Sorry. That's not one of the options.

If you wanted to go. I will do that (your blood on my hands). If you want me to stay, I will. But I'm not going to leave you.

There was the point where Fy'ra Rai broke into the communication and I felt my insides sink because. Look. Lets be real, Aabria had already demonstrated the stakes here. The gesture would not be rewarded for the gesture alone. The Spider Queen's terms were: You leave Opal. Or you die.

And Fy'ra Rai said: no.

I don't think I'm overstepping to assume that if Fy'ra Rai had failed the intimidation check, she would have died. This entire thing hits me so hard because I think Anjali knew that too. I think Fy'ra Rai knew that too. Yes, Fy'ra Rai convinced a Betrayer God to negotiate. She carved a third option out of a non-negotiable situation. She knew what would happen if she failed and did it anyway, with no fear, no regret, no waver in her resolve. She had lost enough sisters. She wasn't going to lose anymore, no matter the personal cost. That's part of why it succeeded, I'm sure, but.

Just. Fuck me. The amount of resolve. The amount of love. The amount of conviction. "I am. A protector." You know your friend- your sister- is doomed. So no more negotiating away from that. You step to her side and you grasp her hand and say- doom me with her.

And in some, sideways way, this saves you both, at least for a little while.

Because this story is a tragedy. This ending is a sad one. We know this already. But think about- Opal, under Lolth's bidding, alone in the dark. Think about Fy'ra Rai, alive, intimately aware that she had failed to protect yet another sister.

And think about what we got, instead: the two of them, in deep darkness, danger encroaching- holding hands. Someone they love at their side. A champion. And her champion.

This is still a sad story. But it's not the same one. Fy'ra Rai stared down a Betrayer God and made her change her mind. She stared down a Betrayer God, and her love and conviction changed the nature of the story. It shouldn't have been able to. But she did.

Fy'ra Rai chose to doom 2 people instead of one, and the sheer strength of her love and will managed to save them both, at least for a little while. Isn't it funny how that works? Isn't it devastating? Isn't it. fucking incredible?

[ijumpbridges]

Cafeteria incident 🐝

Ft. Scp 035, Scp 049, Scp 073, Scp 076, Scp 682, (Dr Bright Removed), Dr Clef, Dr Kondraki.

Plot: Reader causes an incident in the cafeteria. The reader brings a backpack at the cafeteria, everyone notice this, a strange thing that happens is your backpack seem to be vibrating. It was really suspicious to the point your boss came and demanded you to open your bag. Even if you protested you open it anyway, and that's when everyone around knew this was a huge mistake, a bunch of bees came out of your backpack you look at your boss with a dead stared while everyone scream and run out.

035:

He is afraid of bees

It took her time to realized what just happened you bringing a bag full of bees

He yeets his ass out probably screaming causing a contaiment breach

He is a drama queen so you can imagine what he will say when see you

He will lecture you in the most dramatic way

From the inside he is glad that you are okey but angry for the fuckery you had done

He will say he is hurt even if he is completely fine

Since he is now out of the cafeteria he tried to escape the facility again

Obviously failling

He is now more afraid of you with a backpad than anything beside of bees

He could take advantage of this and also breach with 049

049:

Oh boy he will take advantage of this to 'cure' people.

He seems calm but he is screaming in the inside

He also will be on the loose maybe with 035

Seeing people with bee bruises will make him want to 'cure' them

When he finds out you where the one who was behind them will also lecture you really bad

If he see you with a backpack again he will definitely take it from you

He will ask you if you are okey amd you need to say yes unless if you want to be a 049-2

Thanking god everyday that 049-j was not in the cafeteria in the moment that happen

He will still lecture you for a whole week

He is also glad that you are okey

But will not forget this and out an eye on you

073:

Another bitch who will run for his life just trying not to be afraid

Bess could be really confuse when they try to sting him because of his anomalous effect

He still feel the pain

He has more than 7000000000000000000 questions to asks you for doing that

He might had scream or maybe internally scream

He will search for you and lecture you

He will ask you where did you found those bees

I will take you to the nurse if you get hurt

On the way the two of you going to the nurse he will hold your hand

He will secretly find a possibly excuse for you to use which fails to do

He knows damn well that you are going to be in trouble

076:

He is confused at first

He starts moving around a lot trying to get away from them triggering them

One of the first person who got sting by a bee

He had killed several bees and flee the scene

He will wait for you but not tell you that

Seceretly he is worry since you will be yell at for bringing a bag full of bees

Also wonders where did you find them

He would be sad if he finds out that he won't be able to bath kitten with you, though will never said it.

682:

He is not affraid of bees

But those wonder how the hell did you bring those

He gets also stings by the bees, but doesn't might

He wonder how did you find those bees, but never asks.

He will try to help you to not get stings from the bees but if he fails he is not going to try

He thinks you did something really stupid

He will breach contaiment with you

If he sees 053 or the young girl she might join

079 will also join this adventure

Though would ask several questions about you

You were recontain with the others

There is a high change that they are going to separate you from him

Dr. Clef:

If you see him smiling that's a scan in real life

If is not afraid of bees but he dislikes them

He yeets his ass with you while looking at you with a smile

He really wants to laugh amd cry at the same thing

Since he is your boss you at least your punishment won't be so bad

Kondraki will ask him

If a horse wasn't enough imagine maybe 682 is

682 crush his arm and his neck

H̶o̶w̶ i̶s̶ h̶e̶ s̶t̶i̶l̶l̶ a̶l̶i̶v̶e̶?

He will on purpose get you involve "If i fall im taking you with me"

You two got hospitalized beacuse ypu got horrible stings and clef got injuries

Dr. Kondraki:

He looks at you with a face of 'What is wrong with you'

He grabs you and yeets his ass with you

He tries to use his camera to make his way out which it makes it worse

He will lecture you like a mama hen

"yOu ThInK tHiS iS fUnNy!?"

He will aslo get stings because of triggering the bees with the camera

He might use the helo of Clef abd brigt to stop the bees making it worse

We got a horse now we can cosplay texas but kondraki will ride 682

He felt, like horrible felt from 682

He felt above you and broke your elbow and you broke his leg

Now you two help each other to get back to work

Dr. Glass:

He is probably screaming.

He will help the others to get them out including you.

He will get stings, poor babyboy.

If he finds out that three asshole group (coof coof bright, clef, kondraki) are together will go crazy.

When he realizes that theres is a massive breach he will take you to a safe zone or send an MTF to take you out even if you refuse.

He was attack by others scp thank god you were there to save him wo you two team up.

After the team up you two got weapons and aim for the scp and bees.

You both end it up in the nurse's offices.

He will still lecture you.

[misguidedasgardian]

Hour of the Wolf (7)

VII. Pestilence

MASTERLIST

Summary: Unbeatable, dangerous enemies make their way through the Red Keep

Pairing: Cregan Stark x Targaryen!Reader

Warnings: Cursing, war, death, mentions of killings, genocide and war, threats, arranged marriage, SPOILERS for ASOIAF, and Fire & Blood, also, might spoil House of the Dragon, SPOILERS IN WARNINGS, sickness, epidemic, people dying, angst

+18, MINORS DNI

Wordcount: 5 k

Notes: Alright, so there had been a few times skips through the chapters, since they got married it’s been like 2 months, and in here trough outs like another two. Sorry for any mistakes I wrote this in notes and barely choked it

“Anything else?”, you asked your council, “maybe something that you had been keeping from me?”, you were still punishing them with your tough words, even though it's been two weeks since the Iron Fleet situation

Tyland decided to chuckle, as to relieve the tension

“No your grace”

“There is something that had been brought to my attention, your grace”, muttered the Grand Maester, “concerning reports from the White Harbour”, Cregan raised his eyes, “just got the raven this morning… A strange disease has been spreading… people are getting shivers, fever, and then… perishing”

“How bad is it?”, you asked, then you looked at your husband

“The disease appeared first on the three sisters”, he said, “many are dead, half the population…”

“How come we haven’t heard of this before?”, you asked

“I do not know your grace, it appears the Vale wanted to keep it guarded, as they blame it on people from Ibbe, slaughtering the bunch, they did not want to raise alarms”

“For the gods”, you cursed, truly concerned, “I want you to keep communications open with theirs maesters, send them everything we might have on how to deal with this diseases, on the library, I will bet there is information”, you commanded, “also keep the line open with The Citadel, they must have even much information”

“Yes your grace”, said the maester, knowing that you did not said that lightly

“We will help as we can, but we cannot send help physically”, you observed

“Agreed, we need to discourage the spreading of the disease”, muttered Lord Celtigar, “In my travels, I witnesses many diseases, I shall help the maester on the gathering of information”

“That will be much appreciated”, you said, nodding your head at your maester of laws

“We must be careful of the ships and envoys that come from the Vale and from White Harbour, but at the same time, we must aid one of the most important trading points in the North”, determined Cregan

“I agree, with winter fast approaching, we cannot impair the North of their most important harbor”, you said, looking at the naked table in front of you, “how I wish we had the painted table in front of us”, you whispered

“I’ll arrange a well drawn map to be able to us here in the small council chamber”, muttered the Maester

“Thank you”, you said, relieved

“Lord Celtigar, I wish to know about Harrenhal”, you said, looking at your master of Laws

“I’m not gonna lie, events happened in that cursed place from which I have no explanation”, he muttered, “a man died in front of me, because the so-called Queen Witch of Harrenhal command it”, you frowned, thinking he was joking, but he was dead serious

“Some say it was a well time bolt that made that man’s head explode your grace, but, I did not see any arrows”

“What of her?”, you asked

“She presented me with a boy, with blonde hair, she claimed it is Aemond Targaryen’s son, and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne”

You chuckled darkly, the audacity of your uncle, of openly calling your brothers and you bastards, developing a hate that led him to kill your baby brother, only to bed none other than a Strong bastard, and siring a bastard himself, if he had lived, you would have killed him again.

Specially after what he did to you

“We surrounded the castle, took it by storm, killing all the traitors, but, when we storm what would be the royal apartments… she was gone, her and the child, we do not know were she is, or how she could have escaped”, he said, looking at your face for any indications of what you were thinking

“Be honest, should I be concerned?”, you asked then

“I do not think so, your grace, nobody would believe her, and even if they did… I don’t think so, you are well settled in your throne, and… even so… other than the Hightowers, nobody has real reason to raise against you”, you barely nodded, “nobody has the strength, the kingdoms are still healing, and will be so for at least the next five years”

“Raise alarms, in case she is spotted”, you said only, you wanted to eliminate all traces of your uncles, treachery, and war, “what else?”

“The Blackwoods request audience”, muttered Cregan, “Lord Blackwood’s eldest daughter Alyssane is seeking for a husband, let it be reminded the Blackwoods were great supporters of your mother during the war, thanks to them we defeated the Baratheon Army, eliminating Lord Borros, and… The Riverlands turned black because of them”

“And they are welcomed in my court, I shall receive them with open arms, and a banquet in their honor”, you commanded

“I’ll make the arrangements”, muttered Lord Redwyne

“The Iron Fleet, or what remains, the flagship has been spotted sailing here, to King’s landing”

“Have they made their intentions clear?”, you asked

“They wave white flags, request an audience”, you only scoffed, “they claim that, they want to gaze upon the Dragon Queen”

“Of course”, you muttered, “let’s welcome them then, we are home, they are but a few, we shouldn’t be concerned”

Nobody opposed the idea, so they barely nodded

“Of course prepare escorts, I would not let them be for a second while they are here, eyes on them at all times”

Gazing upon the face of the Red Kraken himself gave you a sensation of… disappointment

You were disappointed of him, from the tales, stories of men that had faced him in open sea and also in lands, were the tales of a man that didn’t belong to the land of the living, rather, he had come from the darkest parts of the ocean ready to reclaim land back to the depths

A ruthless men, bloodthirsty, with no remorse or fear of death

“Your grace”, he greeted, bowing theatrically 

“Lord Dalton”, you greeted seriously

“The songs do not do justice to your beauty”

“Is that so?”, you did not like his tone, not the mock in his voice and features of his face 

“You are more than they say”, he continued

“And what else do they say about me, Lord?”, you asked mockingly, Cregan, by your side, glanced at you, clearly asking you to not engage

“They say men rule in your stead”, he said, you only smiled

“As I have proven, that is not entering true”, you smirked, he chuckled darkly

“That is true”

“So you raided one of my seven kingdoms… to prove me, test me”, you said, now more serious

“I wanted to see who sat the Iron Throne”, he said, “a dragon, or wolves and lions”

You grew bored of this character quickly looking for help in your small council and other lords gathered there

“now it’s clear to me, so I’ve come to offer… other services”, your eyes went back to him

“Services?”, you asked, you did not like the smirk of his face, “such as?”

“Well I’d offer my hand in marriage but… I see I’m too late for that…”, Cregan took a step forwards, anger taking a hold on him, “but I don’t mind being the second”

“You are overstepping”, your husband grunted.

He was not going to allow some guy just coming here and shamelessly think he could just… have you

“All Kings and Queens have lovers”, he said dismissively, “you don’t have to be the exception”

“right…”, you mumbled looking for the eyes of your Queensguard, to ask him to remove him, “I thought you seek audience to reintegrate yourself and your people to the rest of the realms, for the common fool, but you had just come here to make a mockery out of diplomacy”

“your grace you misunderstood, it is costumers for us ironborns to have salt wives… and rock wives”, he said, entertained, by you, you were getting angry, “together, we could have children not only with fire in their veins, but in their head as well”, people laughed, but Cregan was not amused, “worthy of the throne”

“That is enough”, you demanded, “I only need but one husband”, you said, and the court chuckled, “if you are here to mend bonds with the realm you might stay, Lord Dalton, otherwise and although I thank yo Igor your offering, I kindly reject it”, people laughed again and that did not pleased the Kraken, soon, he left and if he had his armada on its entirety, you would be weary, but he didn’t, so you weren’t.

The mood swiftly changed when another introduction was made

“The Lady Alyssane of house Blackwood” presented a guard, you’d think she would have come with the rest of her family, but she presented herself alone in front of you

She was one of the most beautiful women you had ever seen, also, her reputation precedes her. She fought in the war, she led armies, she killed hundreds with bow and arrow.

She was someone to admire

She was the head of her house until her little brother came of age

“Your grace, it’s an honor, thank you for receiving me”, of course she ceased the first word

“Lady Alyssane you are most welcome, I hope you find what you are looking for, you are welcome to stay at court as much as you need to”, she only smiled, bowing perfectly, she also looked at your husband and hand, but… you didn’t like I one bit.

Having the Ironborns at court was one thing, having the Blackwoods was another, it changed the dynamic in the entire court

The former were constantly and daily have dinner with you, and lady Alyssane would sit beside Cregan, and they would chat all night…

You didn’t like it, not at all

But it would be childish of you to chide Cregan for something he didn’t have power over, right?

“But I find that hunting with a spear… is it too slow” the woman giggled, and you could see the conversation had sparked something in Cregan, he was entertained, he was speaking of something he enjoys, a rare thing to find with him

Is not like you did not trusted Cregan, but it was still painful to watch, so you retired early, as many of the other women at court, and left Cregan, the men, and the lady Alyssane, drinking and laughing like old mates.

You were not worried or concerned, only tired by the events of the day.

Cregan though, as soon as you left, was left himself with a sense of emptiness, he found the situation uncomfortable, and soon, followed you

Cregan was on his way to your now shared chambers when he encountered little Jahaera walking in the same direction, a small red blanket in her arm, rubbing her tired face with the other 

“Little one, where are you going?”, as soon as she saw him she whined, hugging onto the hand of the nanny that was taking her

“I’m very sorry my lord, she woke up, and wanted to see the Queen”

“Leave us, I’ll take her”, he said, and she, with reluctance, let go of her tiny hand and walked away

He kneeled on the floor just in front of her, with a soft expression on his face

“Why can’t you sleep, little dragonling?”

“I don’t want anyone else to go away”, she whined, her teary eyes make him sad, “If I sleep, she’ll go away”, she explained

“What do you mean?”, he asked softly

“At night… my brother went away… then I went to sleep, and my mommy went away, and then my papa, he went away, when he went to sleep…”, she whined, bitter tears falling from her beautiful eyes

Cregan’s heart broke

“I don’t want my aunty mommy to go away too”, she said

“She won’t, I promise you”, he said

“How do you know?”, she asked, rubbing her eyes

“Because I will protect her with my life, us Starks, we always keep our word, did you know?”, he asked softly

“You will take care of my new mama?”

“I promise you little one”, he said, “and you know, I’m married to your mama, so..”, she only smiled, and hugged him. He hugged her back, stading up and carrying her to the chambers. “one more night you can sleep with your new mommy alright?”, he asked

Jahaera barely nodded again his neck.

She was already sleeping by the time he entered the chambers to find you looking at him with the softest eyes, and the most beautiful smile he had seen.

That little girl and your brother where your family, and he had married you so, they became his family, he needed to step up, and help you with those children

He was determined, he thought the very next day, as he finished his short prayers in the Godswood, he wanted to go back to the Keep, to speak to Ser Arryk about prince Aegon’s training, or the start of.

That boy was too very sad… he needed to look forwards, you needed to fill his mind with something more… history, philosophy, training, to keep him mind fed and occupied with something else.

He walked trough the beautiful garden, thinking about inviting you to eat something outside, that would make you happy

“I must say I’m dissapointed”, Cregan raised his gaze to meet the beautiful Alyssane Blackwood

“The Capital is not to your liking?”, he asked

“Well, no if the betrothal I was hoping to get is… already married”, now that surprised him, looking at her

“My Lady”

“You are a price I was hoping to catch”, she continued, smirking

“Well, you are too late”, he said, trying to make it lighter, with a smile on his face, but she was not releasing her predatory stance 

“A pity”, she muttered, looking mindesly at the flowers of the garden, “we could have been great you know”

“Probably”, he muttered

“Are you really happy here in the capital?”, she asked, “wouldn’t you have prefered a wife? A lady of Winterfell?”

“I would prefer no one but the one I gave my word to”, he said, now all serious, he was not going to be polite anymore, “and you are out of line, my lady”

“Just playing with what could have been”, she said, not altered at all by his serious words

“I thought the idea was to look for a match”, they both turned to see you approaching them, “not get into one”, you said bitterly

“Your grace”, she said, now alarmed, as she saw you approaching

“I think you overstayed your welcome, Lady Blackwood, since you found no prospects on this week, you best try somewhere else”, you said simply, standing by Cregan’s side.

She barely nodded, and bowed lightly

“Thank you for your hospitality your grace, but you are right I must take my leave, and hunt in other woods”, she muttered and then she left quite quickly.

You watched her lean and tall figure leave, she was beautiful, her eyes as green as forests, and her hair long, black and lustrous

“It is a pity, if she had been here sooner… maybe she would have managed to hunt you”, you whispered, and then walked on the other direction.

Cregan called your name, but you didn’t turn back, you just kept walking

Cregan haden’t entertained her, but her words still lingered in your ears. You had make him marry you, perhaps he would have preferred a real wife, a lady, a partner for him to take North and be a mother to his child and give him more, that supports him in leading his people, not all the way around

But it was too late now. 

What was done was done, is not like you threatened with your dragon for him to marry you, but still, the inavility of managing a match for yourself is what chained him to a life he didn’t even want.

You had commissioned a pathway from the gardens to exit the castle by a stone hallway, that led to the cliffs sorrounding King’s Landing, were your dragon rested, you wanted to see her, maybe even take a little flight. 

This stone hallway was tall, windy, and open, much like the one leading to the castle in Dragonstone, Cregan followed you closely

“I didn’t entertain her…”, he explained

“I’m aware”, you answered, but not stopping your movements 

“Please”

“Cregan”, you stopped turning to look back at him, “I’m aware you didn’t entertain her, but she is right, I can’t help but think in the “what if”, you explained, “what if I didn’t make you marry me? you could have been back in Winterfell, with your child and your people”

“Yes maybe”, he growled, “but I married you”

“Because of a pact you made when my borthers were still alive”, you said simply, turning to keep walking, but he grabbed you

“Not only because of that”, he growled, looking into your eyes, “I wanted to marry you”, he said

“Why?”

“Why!?”

“Why? because of power?”, you asked

“Not only that”, he said, looking intently into your eyes

“Because I’m broken?”, you asked then, “because I’m a danger to the country?”

“No…”, he said, you both into eachtoher’s eyes, he moved slowly, like you were some wild animal, and he palced his hand on the side of your face. “Because to me you are the most beautiful woman in the seven Kingdoms, because I desired you, you are what I have been promised”, you didn’t know what to say, “I will have half a life with you, and half a life away, but… at least I have something of you”, he said

You kept quiet, the world seemed to stop for a second, and all around you, only the two of you existed.

“I have never been much of a poet”, he said, chuckling darkly, “and I only must say, nobody would have make me marry you if I didn’t want you”, he said this time more darkly, you leaned in kissing him, he kissed you back, trapping your lips on his greedily

“I wanted you too”, you said, “because you and I… were ment to be together”, you said certainly 

“Fire and Ice”, he said, “nobody make us marry, we chose it, because we knew, together we could have everything”, he said with a husky voice, “power, love, a family”

“Together”, you confirmed, sealing your words with another longing kiss, “We need to settle in our roles as husband and wife”, you whispered with an entertained voice

“I’ll settle you in our bed as of right now”, he growled, “But I will settle for having you here…”

“No!”, you giggled as he grabbed you pulling you towards the grass on the other side of the passage.

He layed you down in the open, where anybody could see

“The nerve of that woman”, he growled over you, “of ever thinking I could have chosen her, instead of you”

“the audacity”, you chuckled 

“Perhaps we should have her watch as I ravage you”, he said opening the top of your riding gear, his mouth on the skin of your neck and collarbones

“Cregan Stark!”, you shrieked, “I didn’t know this side of you”, you moaned, as you spread your legs to fit his form between them. 

“We have the power, and our love… let’s make our family”, he whispered against your neck, “dark haired children worthy of the throne…” he mocked the words of Dalton

Cregan and you shared looks over the table, little smirks, you two were like two giggly lovers from the stories

“Concerns about the desease are increasing, despise out best efforts, it’s coming trough the port…”, muttered the Grand Maester, bringing the attention back to the situation at hand, “there is no control…”, he was interrupted when Tyland coughed, trying to hide it in a hankerchief, now you noticed that… he looked sickly

“Are you well, Tyland?”, you asked with concern, as the man looked possibly ghostly, pale, heavy sweat on his forehead

“Forgive me your grace”, he coughed, “I do not feel well”

Cregan stood from the table like a spring, and grabbed you, pushing you gently backwards towards the window

“Get away, hold your breath”, he commanded, all the men stood from the table, taking steps back from Tyland

“I’m well”, he tried to argue, but Arryk grabbed your other side, using his cape to cover your face, making you blind, but both men led you out of the room.

“Is this necessary?”, you asked, concerned

“Very”, growled Cregan, “the Winter fever has reached the Red Keep, take the necessary measures, nobody meets anyone, people should stay in their apartments”

“Yes M’Lord”, muttered Arryk

They finally released you in your rooms

“Wait!”, you called as they left you alone and were about to close the door, “what about Aegon and Jahaera?”

“We need to keep you separated”, he said firmly, “in case…”, your eyes filled with tears

“Yes I understand”, you murmured 

“We will keep them together”, he assured you, “nobody will see them…”

“Wait!”, you called as he was about to close the door, “stay here with me”

“Someone needs to organize this”, he said seriously

“Not you!”, you called

“I have to”, he said seriously, and he closed the doors, trapping you inside 

You were loosing your mind….

You had books, they brought you food and Cregan would come at the door and give you updates twice a day…

You had done all you could, you had commanded medicine to be send, as well as the knowledge to help the cities fight this, but they wouldn’t let you out, you hadn’t seen anyone in weeks. At least half the Kingdoms had fallen into madness and sickness

“Tyland… didn’t make it” Cregan whispered against the door, “10 servants didn’t either”, you shed bitter tears at the other side of the door

“Gods… Tyland”, you whined

“Alicent has fallen to the sickness as well”, he murmured, but you heard him alright

“What about Aegon and Jahaera?”

“They ask about you constantly, yet… they are in good spirits, with their Nannies who had also scaped this”

“Good”, you whispered, “please send word to Casterly Rock”

“Already did, those lucky bastards weren’t hit by the desease, neither has the Reach nor Dorne, it seemed it is stuck in the Crownlands, the Vale and the North"

"at least some of us are spared"

"its been a moon since Tyland was sick, we will get trough this", he said, "the worst is…", he got quiet, and you whined when you heard a cough

"Cregan?", you asked

"I'm fine, some dust sneaked his way to my throat", he said lightly

“Are you sure?”, you asked, grabbing the knob of the door

“Yes” he said, “A message has arrived from the Citadel from the maesters, I should tend to it” he said

“Please come back”, you begged

“Always”, he said, and left you

The next day… he didn’t came back

“His grace has taken abed your grace”, said Ser Arryk, “the maester is tending to him”. You opened the door, to his surprise

“Your grace”

“If the maester falls sick we are all dead, I’ll tend to him”

“No!” He said trying to grab you, but only one look and he desisted

You ran down the hallways and entered his rooms…

Cregan laid in his bed, pale, you could see the sweat on his forehead, and the shivers running up and down his arms and his whole body. You were by his side in a minute, grabbing his hand

“Cregan”, you called, but to no answer, his eyelids fluttered, he seemed like he was going to open his eyes, but he didn’t, instead he just mumbled something, sounded more like a grunt.

The Grand Maester didn’t lie to you…

Most… almost all of those who catched the fever perished…

You needed to prepare for the worst… and yet, your eyes filled with tears and a desperation consumed you, as you started crying silently

“Please don’t leave me”, you cried, “please”, you begged, grabbing onto his hand tightly, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you”, you admitted, he squeezed your hand a little

“Rickon”, he whispered, in his feverish dreams, “my son”, you frowned, concerned, at the worry on his features even in his sleep

He was calling for his son, the son you had kept him from, the only son he had.

You placed your hand on your lower belly, then you placed his hand there

“You need to get better”, you begged, “your son needs you, the North needs you… our baby needs you… I need you”, you prayed, his naked chest was pearled with sweat he was burning up. You stood up removed your clothes and laid by his side grabbing into him, making sure your body stuck to his as much as you could, so you’ll lower his body temperature with yours, after giving him the medicine indicated by the doctor.

It all depends on him, and the gods.

Taglist.

@lyannesworld @tremendouswolfsaladranch @unlesshouse @mimsie95 @ostricx @amelia262006 @marihoneywk @ahristata @happinessinthebeing @dd122004dd

@lyannesworld @aestmilky @lightdragonrayne @delaynew @mxtokko @stargaryenx @lightdragonrayne @delaynew @mxtokko @good-night-starlight @yentroucnagol @beebeechaos @brakingboundaries @duds31

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Eleanor Parker (Scaramouche, The Sound of Music)— Eulogized as a ravishing beauty whose looks were merely ornamental to her craft, feast your eyes on Eleanor Parker. Listen! I know you're thinking of the Baroness in Sound of Music and saying NO I won't protect the woman who tried to steal him from Maria but forget about that (like you personally wouldn't shoot your shot with Plummer)! The trailer for Scaramouche describes her character Lenore as "The glamourous queen of the nightlife of Paris. A flame-haired wildcat" and this is a woman who was able to pull off that role, and you get the vibe she was like that irl too. There's a story about her changing hair colors that never fails to make me laugh. Take note of her stunning eyes! Her amazing legs! And to see her in motion is to make note of the aura about her, she has an amazing presence. Fall in love with Eleanor Parker today, and make your vote count!

Audrey Hepburn (My Fair Lady, Sabrina, Roman Holiday)—Growing up, Audrey Hepburn desperately wanting to be a professional ballerina, but she was starved during WWII and couldn't pursue her dream due to the effects of malnourishment. After she was cast in Roman Holiday, she skyrocketed to fame, and appeared in classics like My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's. She's gorgeous, and mixes humor and class in all of her performances. After the majority of her acting career came to close, she became a UNICEF ambassador.

This is round 3 of the tournament. (yes I know it says round 2 in the poll. sometimes I post these when I’m sleepy.) All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Eleanor Parker:

“When I’m spotted somewhere, it means that my characterizations haven’t covered up Eleanor Parker the person. I prefer it the other way around.” So shy she was actively nervous about winning awards in person, her personal life remains mostly behind the scenes. But on screen? she was a force majeure. It's a shame the role most people remember her in is the Baroness in The Sound of Music, but then again, it did make Christopher Plummer reminisce upon her passing “I was sure she was enchanted and would live forever.”

Listen we all know Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews had insane chemistry but the Baroness deserves some love too! She has such a glamorous presence but not in a hard way

She will be known as the fabulous baroness in TSOM, but she was so much more than that. Just as comfortable in westerns or melodrama, the scheming other woman, and the beauty that wins the heart of every man in town.

Audrey Hepburn propaganda:

"She may be a wispy, thin little thing, but when you see that girl, you know you're really in the presence of something. In that league there's only ever been Garbo, and the other Hepburn, and maybe Bergman. It's a rare quality, but boy, do you know when you've found it." - Billy Wilder

Raised money for the resistance in nazi occupied Hungary. Became a humanitarian after retiring. Two very sexy things to do!

where to begin......... i wont her so bad. i literally dont know what to say.

My dude. The big doe eyes, the cheekbones, the voice. The flawless way she carried herself. She was never in a movie where she wasn't drop dead gorgeous. Oh, also the fact she raised funds against the Nazis doing BALLET and she won the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her humanitarian work.

"It’s as if she dropped out of the sky into the ’50s, half wood-nymph, half princess, and then disappeared in her golden coach, wearing her glass slippers and leaving no footprints." - Molly Haskell

"All I want for Christmas is to make another movie with Audrey Hepburn." - Cary Grant

64.media.tumblr.com

I know people nowadays are probably sick of seeing her with all the beauty and fashion merch around that depicts her and/or Marilyn Monroe but she is considered a classic Hollywood beauty for a reason. Ironically in her day she was more of the alternative beauty when compared to many of her contemporaries. She always came off with such elegance and grace, and she was so charming. Apparently she was a delight to work with considering how many of her co-stars had wonderful things to say about her. Outside of her beauty and acting ability she was immensely kind. She helped raise funds for the Dutch resistance during WWII by putting on underground dance performances as well as volunteering at hospitals and other small things to help the resistance. During her Hollywood career and later years she worked with UNICEF a lot. Just an all around beautiful person both inside and out.

No one could wear clothes in this era like she could. She was every major designer's favorite star and as such her films are time capsules of high fashion at the time. But beyond that, she had such an elegance in her screen presence that belied a broad range of ability. From a naive princess, to a confused widow, to a loving and mischievous daughter, she could play it all.

Look at that woman's neck. Don't you want to bite it?

[jelzorz]

188.

Ezran has a go at them both when they get back. Rayla doesn't blame him—most of it is motivated by grief and a kingdom is a lot to lose indeed, but it's also because they were there, they were so close to home, and what were they doing? Runaan is essentially her father, yes, but he'd still killed Ez's dad, and they'd released him while Sol Regem was burning Katolis to the ground.

Rayla would be mad too, if it were her. If the Silvergrove was destroyed and the people closest enough to help were freeing criminals instead, she'd be furious. She makes no excuses, not for them nor for Runaan, who should have known better, who did and killed Harrow anyway, but it's still heartbreaking to see Ez in so much pain and to see the castle that was very quickly becoming home in ruins.

They're camped by the temples now. They still have supplies from their trip and there are civilians who need the space and the bedrolls more. Callum doesn't want to be around Ez right now anyway, not after the screaming match they'd had at the ruins, and as much as Callum had tried to defend them, he knows, deep down, that Ez is right. He sulks the evening away, poking aggressively, guiltily at their fire while the clerics dish out what little dinner there is available.

Rayla leaves him to it in search of something to do distract her from her own guilt and winds up helping Soren and some of the other soldiers pitch tents in the fields as an alternative for something more long term. She's tightening a guy wire when Ez finds her.

"Can we talk?"

Rayla twitches her lips. "Sure."

There's a pause. Ez can't quite look at her and Rayla swings her arms awkwardly, her throat tight. In a rare show of reading the room—or lack thereof, Rayla supposes—Soren makes himself scarce, claiming he needs Opeli to check the stitches on his forehead, and then it's just her and Ez and the distant sound of chatter in the night.

"Are you angry at me too?" asks Ez at last.

Rayla stares at him. It's not what she expected at all. "Why on earth would I be angry at you?" she says stupidly. "You were right. We were closer and we should have come back sooner. We shouldn't have—" She cuts herself off and glance away, not quite able to regret it completely. "I'm sorry we weren't here," she says instead. "You have every right to be angry at us."

Ez shakes his head. "Katolis is my responsibility," he mumbles. "It doesn't matter what you were doing. I should have been here. I never should have left."

"Ez, you couldn't have known—"

"It doesn't matter," he snaps. "I'm supposed to be king. I'm supposed to protect these people, and instead—" He hiccoughs and shuts his eyes. "I should have known something was wrong when Sol Regem didn't show up for Queen Janai's brother. We should have gone looking for him, we should have—"

"Ezran, stop it," says Rayla sharply. "This isn't your fault."

"It might as well be!" snarls Ez. "Why wasn't I here, Rayla? Why couldn't I have done something to stop this? All those people dead, friends, family, brothers and sisters and moms and dads and kids lined up in the square, why—" He cuts himself short, knees buckling, shoulders shaking with every shuddering sob. Rayla's heart shatters for him, and she crosses the distance between them and pulls him into her arms, all of the anger between them be damned. "Why couldn't I protect them?" he sniffs. "Why couldn't I have been a better king?"

Rayla shushes him, her arms tight and steady around his shoulders. "It wasn't your fault," she says firmly. "You didn't cause this. You couldn't have stopped it. You're a good king, Ez, and we need to focus on protecting whatever's left, okay? The survivors. The people who are still here. They need you."

"They need someone better than me."

"No," snaps Rayla, "they need you. A king who ends wars, not one who keeps fighting them. A king who wants his legacy to be a narrative of love. You're going to pull through this. You and the rest of Katolis. It's going to be okay."

"It's not now."

Rayla grimaces. "No. It's not now. But it will be, and you have to believe that. For them. Okay?"

There's another pause. Ez sobs into her shoulder, a child more than a king, and Rayla holds him tight, swallowing her own tears and heartbreak because it's not fair that he should have to deal with that too. She lets him cry for ages because he needs it, because the grief is too big and too heavy to bottle up, before, finally, he raises his arms and hugs her back.

"I heard you and Callum are okay now," he mumbles against her shirt at last.

Rayla almost laughs. "We were always going to be," she chuckles in spite of herself.

"Good," says Ez quietly. "I'm glad there's one thing in amongst all of this that's still intact."

[year2000electronics]

how does your reverse falls weirdmageddon go down?

GREAT QUESTION. full explanation under the cut! (this info can also be found in my reverse falls doc) tldr ford and will start weirdmageddon, the gleeful family goes through the ultimate challenge of realizing theyre a selfish and broken family, and they all work together with the rest of the zodiac to destroy will through erasing fords memories!

the dimensional rift exists, but instead of ford finding it, stan does. ford knows there should be a rift around somewhere now that his portal's been totaled, but he can't find where it is. this is frustrating.

ford wants to start weirdmageddon with will to become the most powerful man in the world. that's his goal after he came back.

mason wants to grow up too fast, mabel is afraid of growing up. (we know this from canon already) this is also coming off the coattails of last mabelcorn, where mabel gets called 'ugly' by the unicorn (it hits her twice as hard because mason and mabel's entire thing is being cute kids performing!)

in mason & mabel vs the future, ford takes dipper to crash site omega to try and build an anomaly detector. he treats it as mason's first sort of "real expedition" but in reality he's still trying to find where stan hid the rift.

ford offers mason an apprenticeship, but instead of the problem being "dipper would stay in gravity falls", it's "ford says that he would have to stop his 'telepathy twins' act with mabel because it's holding back his potential and is actually quite childish". (of course he insists mabel would do great as a solo act)

mabel hears through walkie-talkies (they use it to fake 'twin telepathy' sometimes), gets upset that mason is abandoning her, and runs off, but instead of blendin, it's will that finds her! will insists that since she's technically his boss, if she wants a little more summer, he has no choice but to do as she wishes. he explains he'll need the rift that stan keeps in his study. mabel sneaks back inside and is able to get to stan's keys thanks to stan being hypervigilant of mason and less so of mabel (due to his brother and all)

once she gets the rift to will, will SMASHES it, revealing that ACTUALLY, he works on FORD'S orders, and she's forgotten where she lies in the pecking order. weirdmageddon begins, she gets trapped in a bubble, and ford and will's deal gets broken because of will's newfound physical form (and now that time is dead, it's technically "the end of time!" so there you go). they agree to rule the world as partners

somewhat replacing the canon intro all the way to the part where ford gets turned to gold is ford and will running into mason, who ford invites to join him because "he sees great potential in him". mason looks up at his uncle being all buddy-buddy with a demon and literally ending the world and he realizes "this isn't the man i want to be." but hes too terrified to say no, but he doesnt WANT to say yes, so hes just kinda frozen there.

wendy bails him out, pulling him into a car she jacked and driving off. they take shelter in the mall which is where they find paz, gideon, reggie and robbie. they form a ragtag group of Apocalypse Heroes and mason explains he needs to free mabel from her bubble. they drive all the way out to the bubble but get ambushed by STAN

stan kinda takes gideons place in the role of weirdmageddon where he has a mad max troupe of road warriors, but once he sees mason in the group, he calls them off, revealing he only "joined" ford to save his own hide and is absolutely ready to ditch that idiot.

the gleeful family enters mabel's bubble as the rest of the gang stand guard outside

weirdmageddon 2 is very similar to canon, but mabel gleeful elects herself queen of mabeland and has a lot more of a "tyrant ruler" vibe. she throws mason and stan in the dungeon and stuff its great. mason and stan convince her that theyve all messed up and they need to Be Better... starting with mason not taking the apprenticeship. mason and mabel reunite and theyre ready to take on will and ford now

weirdmageddon 3 has the gang finding bud and hope (gideon's parents) trying to ditch town by driving away in an RV, but paz and gideon want to help their NEW FRIENDS THE GLEEFULS rescue all the other townspeople, and maybe try to talk some sense into ford? (stan is doubtful.) so they start gathering resources to head to the fearamid

meanwhile, the reverse falls equivalent to the penthouse scene is happening, which is basically just will and ford chilling out as ford slowly tries to hammer away at the barrier equation (he studied magic, not this! give him some time!) until will drops the ball that like. ford has charmed him into still loving him. that much is true. but he's like "i think we're a little beyond you being in charge of me, right? and im more than happy to keep you around... but i never said anything about stanley or those kids."

hes like, to fords face, "i am going to kill mason and mabel." and obviously fords like UHHH NO DONT DO THAT because theyre family? and he doesnt want them DEAD even if theyre below him! but of course, will is just reflecting ford's terrible attitude back at him that only the Special and the Worthy should be able to claim that success. and since ford was always only looking out for himself, this is the ultimate culimation of that: he'll be the one surviving gleeful.

ford protests against this but will starts sobbing that ford is getting cold feet and turns him into gold and thats where we're at by the time the gang gets to the fearamid with the GIANT BUD'S AUTO ROBOT.

they rescue ford cos hes part of the zodiac and he definitely seems a little shaken up as he agrees to hold hands and save the world. but stan is pissed OFF because ford has done nothing but threaten and belittle stan for the entire time hes been back so as theyre holding hands he lets a remark slip about it and then ford just cant help himself and goes "its not my fault im the better twin". cue fighting cue everyone getting turned into tapestries etc.

stan and ford, instead of pulling the switcheroo, agree that ford should goad will into entering his mind by saying he's solved the equation (since yknow reverse ford doesnt need a metal plate). ford does that and then they erase his memories like they do with stan in the original show. kinda the ultimate penance going on there, ford doing something that isnt selfish for once and actively harms himself.

world saved, ford gets his memories back, blah blah blah, the gleeful twins celebrate their 13th birthday and mason, mabel and ford all smash their magic amulets so that theyll never use them again

stan and ford become the new "telepathy twins" as now neither of them have any magic to their name and can bond by tricking tourists Together. meanwhile mason and mabel retire and do part time work at greasys

paz leaves town for the summer but promises she'll come back next year

will whines at the axolotl to give him a second chance and he gets chucked in the theraprism

[ma1dmer]

Elden Ring - Rennala Queen of the Full Moon NSFW

mother

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex): she loves to cuddle, doesn't matter how messy you two have gotten she'll deal with that after, for now she needs you pressed up close to her, listening to her softly hum, your head placed gently on her chest as she comes down from her high, her fingers playing with your hair

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s): she loves your hands, she carefully traces each digit first with her own then with her lips placing soft kisses on your knuckles and fingertips or bringing her mouth around them

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically): she cries when she cums, soft tears spilling down her cheeks as she closes her eyes tightly and let's out a lot of soft yes yes yes'

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs): definitely has some sort of mommy kink, she isn't sure she'd be able to go the entire way with it ,but she would at least enjoy you calling her that as she coos over you softly, telling you how good you are and how well you are doing for her

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?): she has her experience but she treats every encounter like something entirely new something she can study almost, she takes joy in learning everything about what pleases her partners

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying): on your sides her arms firmly around your body her face buried in your neck, behind you or in front of you holding you tightly

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.): much much more serious, she would not understand if you started laughing in the middle of it, being either flustered or concerned

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.): she doesn't do anything to it, but she already has very fine hair, it's soft and much lighter than her hair colour

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect): she calls you the most beautiful of nicknames, she is very sensual with her attention, she lavishes you in compliments

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon): she doesn't have to, she is often busy or just doesn't feel the need for it, especially when she has you

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks): mommy kink, nipple play, praise kink etc, she'd love "disciplining you" not so much the impact play itself, always going too softly when spanking you, because it isn't about the pain of the punishment

L = Location (favorite places to do the do): somewhere private away from prying eyes, and always after she's done with all her duties

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going): knowing you want her, nothing is better than her coming to you and seeing you already so desperate, she'll blush and smile pleased before beginning to undress, urging you to undress if you aren't already naked

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs): she does not like to share and she does not like degradation, especially targeted at her

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.): her favourite, she loves being laid back letting you explore her with your tongue, she'll let herself get lost to the feeling and your attention, she gets selfish during those moments but who can blame her

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.): torturously slow, her hands go everywhere besides the place you want them the most at first, she isn't doing it to tease you but she sees no reason to rush things

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.): it will always be a no, strict about the things she does not enjoy

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.): she is willing to experiment, nothing too wild, but here and there, she is willing to indulge you.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?): no stamina, this woman drops dead the second she cums, she can hold herself off just enough to make sure you are satisfied but after that she needs to doze off

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?): i think she'd love having a few toys for you, she doesn't forbid you from owning and using any, but she'd like if you gave them to her and especially like you having to ask her if you want to use them, would also probably gift you a few, maybe a glass/crystal dildo or plug

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease): not at all its not something she enjoys, and she isn't one to tease you either, at least not purposefully

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.): she doesn't vocalise at all, she lets out a few stuttered breaths but she stays quiet mostly, wanting to hear you

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character): she is definitely a switch, and she'd enjoy taking charge as much as having the control taken from her

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes):

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?): not very high, but when she wants you she is not shy about telling you, her soft voice beckoning you to her

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards): she always waits for you to fall asleep first before she can comfortably relax as well, she enjoys watching you for a bit, so calm like that

[stars-on-my-bedroom-ceiling]

INTRO/NAVIGATION POST

hisshiss-bitch -> anas-moving-castle -> stars-on-my-bedroom-ceiling

╭━━━━━━━━━━∙⋆⋅⋆∙━━━━━━━━━━╮

currently listening to:

what the world needs - ride the cyclone

0:52 ━━━━●───── 2:14

↻     ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ ♡

╰━━━━━━━━━━∙⋆⋅⋆∙━━━━━━━━━━╯

EVENTS

i'm doing a binge watch of all studio ghibli movies! if you want the details, go here!

INTRO

hi, my name is ana (short for anastasia, bestowed upon me by james. or, as runar says, short for anaesthesia 😒🎀 /lh)

i'm a minor (14-16 bracket)

i go by all pronouns (they/she preferred <3) my gender is currently up for debate, i'm pansexual and demiromantic 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

canadian 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

i don't believe in astrology but i'm a taurus ♉

i use way too many emoticons and usually type in lowercase letters (for the ✨aesthetic✨)

and i am always so veryvery excited to meet new people on here :D

here is my pinterest ☆

☆ fandoms: good omens | the vivzieverse | all of em studio ghibli movies (mainly howls moving castle though) | the osemanverse | pirates of the caribbean | all of those delicious tim burton films, beetlejuice especially (and the musical!) | sorta in the heathers fandom but i haven't actually watched the musical (or the movie lmao), just the soundtrack ;-; | night at the museum but only for the tiny gay people lol | DEAD BOY DETECTIVES :D | the marauders sort of ☆

☆ favourite books: anything by alice oseman | coraline | good omens* | the book thief | percy jackson | harry potter** | a good girls guide to murder | the graveyard book | carry on/the simon snow series ☆

*yes i know about the neil gaiman sa allegations, yes i am ✨seperating the art from the artist✨ because it wasn't just neil who made good omens

**not supporting she-who-must-not-be-named by any means (ew fuck her)

☆ favourite movies/tv shows: howls moving castle | inside out | helluva boss | hazbin hotel | good omens | coraline | night at the museum | monty python and the holy grail | matilda | my neighbor totoro | ponyo | the harry potter series ☆

☆ also i really love musicals: beetlejuice | heathers | ride the cyclone | mean girls | legally blonde | etc. ☆

☆ favourite artists (in no particular order): girl in red | tv girl | queen | abba | bon jovi | taylor swift | CONAN GRAY MY BELOVED <3333 | musical soundtracks lol | beyonce | cavetown | lemon demon | chappell roan ☆

☆ things that make me happy: meeting new people online | doing puzzles | doomscrolling | the sound of keyboards | reading | my cat <3 | the color of bubbles | cool rocks | rain | silence | stars | big comfy hoodies | the colour of blood | red pandas <3 look at their little fuzzy faces!! | watching "slime tutorials" winkwink nudgenudge ☆

☆ dni if you are homophobic, transphobic/terf, racist, xenophobic, a pedophile, republican, pro-israel, or in any way hateful and/or bigoted <3 ☆

tagging system masterlist: here

MORE STUFF

first of all, if you know me irl somehow, i'm actually a pretty different person on here and i will not be changing my online personality for you <3 also, please don't call me by my real name, use ana/anastasia :) (also obviously don't give info about who i am duh)

please don't send me asks with a fundraiser or a donation page because i am in fact a minor and therefore poor as fuck. i am not able to donate to whatever campaign you have, however much i want to. anything asking me to donate money will be deleted without so much as a second glance

look! userboxes! :D

i think i'm gonna ramble on at you for a bit more

anyone else hate the sound of styrofoam? makes me want to shed my skin and shiver until mushrooms erupt from my pores

that was weird. sorry.

y'know i think i'm gonna ramble on about one of my special interests to you now.

listen up pals because i'm gonna tell you some stuff about pompeii.

ALRIGHTY so getting right into it, pompeiis eruption was mainly just ash and dust falling down on the city, along with some pumice etc. it covered the city so thickly that even people who stayed inside died.

but that's not all. the dust rushing down the mountain, called the pyroclastic surge, got superheated. i can't remember the exact number but it was big. think burning upon impact.

speaking of the heat of the pyroclastic surge, it was so hot that the people standing in the streets immediately evaporated all the water in their bodies, and that's why they were all curled up on the ground, the heat caused their muscles to contract. cool, huh?

yeah. i think so too.

...

why are you still here?

...

i've recently been getting into the sort of fourth-wall breaking dreamcore stuff.

PANPLOSAURUS, BAM!!

bet you weren't expecting that, hm?

...

i'm gonna go now

psyche (or is it sike?)! as if. i've put too much work into this post now, i can't stop.

i love space, don't you? not the sort of purple and blue and red galaxy thats on every piece of edgy wolf art, but the way that you look up at the sky and think you see a star, the first star of the night, but no its just an airplane.

but then you realize it was a star, your vision is just swimming

and you suddenly see all the stars

and look, there's a constellation

and you stand there under the flickering streetlight for a bit, just looking up

up

up is a funny word.

what was i talking about?

oh right, the stars.

i like the stars. i like astrology, i think it's cool, but i don't believe in it really. most likely just behavioural patterns based on times of year. i'm a taurus, if you want to know.

this is a long post.

d'you think i can make a text post longer than "do you love the color of the sky?"

"which one?"

i love the color of the sky.

unfortunately, i live in the city

too much light pollution to see the stars or the color of the sky.

my friend wrote me this poem and the last line was "like a spider trapped under a cup, you wish you could just float up."

that word again. up. up. up.

i'd like to float up, i think.

i'd take my phone with me, so we can stay together.

remember the panplosaurus? good times.

how long has it been?

...

...

sometimes i want to

thats sad. what do i want to do? i looked through my autocorrect suggestions to find something i might want to do

i don't know what to do

well, this is getting depressing. i'm getting rather tired. sorry.

whenever i think of the word sorry i think of heartstopper in the one panel with nick telling charlie to stop apologizing.

"you know, you say sorry a lot."

...

"don't you dare say it!"

"i kinda want to say it"

"don't!"

i like that part.

anyways, i'm gonna edit most of my spelling mistakes in here and go to bed.

i love you

<3

[azurlily]

Our obsession with this game is natural... PROMISE(lies)

To anyone who played the game, yes, all romancable characters + Elena and Mia are requestable.

New writers on the block yall! I'm Lune, this is a collaborative writing effort from the original owner(Azurli) and I. This somehow just turned into shit about Bella being crazy and and in love with you, so enjoy.

Bella's Obsessive(Toxic) Tendencies

Bella loves you, she does, but sometimes she loves you too much. The idea was in her head long before she had gotten her heart back.

Bella had dreams of you, of you in her arms - without a shirt or pants. You looked beautiful, and every night she'd wake up in a sweat, her face red, and her thighs wet.

After Bellas heart was unnumbed(is this a word?) she was feeling so much, too much.

One moment, she was happy and content with being around you; the next, she was mad because someone looked at you.

Toxic isn't how one would describe the beginning of your relationship. It isn't how Bella would describe it either, but to outside forces...that's exactly what it looked like.

To others, it seemed like the horrible Ice Queen on campus had decided you would be hers, against your will.

Which, in reality, we all know is far from the truth. With how deeply you love her, you two will be able to overcome anything, even her overly possessive nature.

Right?

Of course, if Bella is anything, it's a fighter. It's not like she's become so used to being trapped under Miranda's thumb that she has begun to develop a complex.

That's preposterous. Bella doesn't worry about what would happen if you found someone different. She doesn't dream about you finding the girl that got a bit too close to you, dead. And when you run to her in fear, you hug her knowing she's never done anything unless it was to protect you.

Bella doesn't imagine Mia's blood on her hands as you cry into her shoulder, thankful to be protected.

Bella is perfectly sane in her love for you.

Now let's be serious.

Bella would give you anything and everything. Well, maybe not anything... not yet, at least. She wouldn't hurt her family for you, but damn, the anger she holds for her mother at times. She worries for herself.

Bella gives you her all in the relationship. That means she gives all of herself: no more secrets, no lies. She bares herself to you wholeheartedly and completely. She expects you to do the same, so if you don't, you will lose her. You love her too much not to, right?

Right.

"I love you, you know that right? You make me so happy, I love you so much."

Bella's words are a sweet poison; don't drink it. After a fight, she'll storm off not only to cool herself down but also to let you cool off.

You've both learned that this is for the best, especially if you want to keep this relationship going long-term, which you will. Bella wouldn't allow you to leave her.

On some occasions, Bella will wait for you to apologize first, and then she'll act like she was just getting ready to apologize to you.

Her words are as sweet as honey, but her voice is as sharp as a razor. You can't tell if she's happy, angry, sad, or horny.

Bella does this on purpose, and you're starting to figure it out.

When she speaks to you, she doesn't lie, so everything she says is true. However, the way she says it and the little words she sprinkles in change the meaning entirely.

That's enough of that though, Bella wants you to think of the good times with her. The fun times, the safe times.

The times when you're lying in her warm bed, her hands snaking up your thighs, a more content look on her face. She enjoys this, enjoys you, and she'll continue to do so.

Bella has a lot of pent-up sexual aggression, so what better time to let it out than the minute you two get back from a nice dinner?

Well, that sounds just perfect, and from the way you're crying out her name, it must sound good to you too!

"Shh, Kitten. We're going to play the quiet game, and you're already losing by a lot."

This wasn't absolutely horrible was it? I'm ashamed to have wrote this, and I'm sure my co-writer is ashamed to have read through it before posting.

Anyway this character is from the game Resident Lover, it's an amazing game made by @resident-lover .

I'm marking this as spoilers in the tags, and I hope anyone who hasn't played the game after reading this plays it!

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

(Hades and Persephone AU)

⚠️warning this story will have incest in it because it is based on Greek mythology since all the gods married each other⚠️

*the world was ruled by powerful gods, the three most important ones were the three brothers, Michael who ruled over the skies and was King of the Gods, Gabriel who ruled over the oceans, and finally there was Lucifer who ruled over the underground kingdom of the dead, today the gods were called to celebrate the ascension of yet another one of Michael’s bastard children, this time the mother was Sera the Goddess of the Crops and Fertility, unlike Michael’s other bastard children, this one couldn’t be tormented by his wife because Sera was a very important goddess*

Michael: I guess it is a good thing my wife decided to not be hear today for I have heard this son of mine is the most beautiful and she would be driven mad with envy.

Gabriel: They say that each time you have a child.

Michael: I heard this time it is true.

*Lucifer rolled his eyes as they laughed, he watched as Sera walked into the room with a young man who wore a veil over his face as if he was a maiden*

Michael: Greetings Sera.

Sera: I would like to present our son Adam.

*Sera pulled the veil off of Adam’s face and Lucifer saw that the rumors didn’t lie, Adam was indeed Michael’s most beautiful child, he had eyes of molten gold, soft brown hair, and lightly tanned skin, this young man represented life in the way that Lucifer represented death*

Michael: You are indeed very pretty, you shall be the God of Spring.

*a look of anger and disappointment briefly crossed Adam’s face, but only Lucifer saw it, this young man deserved to be more than just some god of spring*

Adam: Thank you father.

*Adam hid in the corner feeling anger towards both Michael and Sera even though he loved both, angry tears filled his eyes, he had never been so embarrassed in his life to just be the God of Spring, but he was surprised when he felt a hand hold his hand, he looked and saw it was Lucifer, Adam was amazed by how handsome the ruler of the Underworld was dressed in black and silver*

Lucifer: You deserved better than what they gave you.

Adam: Mother pressured father into giving me a lesser title even though I am strong, stronger than most of his children. She even pressuring me to take a vow of eternal chastity. I don’t want to be a virgin forever.

*Lucifer gently guided Adam to another room in Mount Olympus so they could be alone, it wasn’t surprising that Adam broke down crying, but you to Lucifer’s shock, Adam kissed him on the lips*

Adam: Please Lucifer, take my virginity. My mother can’t force me to take a vow of eternal chastity if I am no longer a virgin.

Lucifer: Is that what you truly wish?

Adam: It is.

Lucifer kissed him again and guided him down onto the bed. He pushed up Adams robes and pulled down the silken underwear he wore and saw that Adam had both reproductive parts.

Lucifer: I know this is sudden, but if you bare at least one of my children you can stay in the Underworld with me. Sera can never make you anything you don't want to ever.

Adam spread his legs wide: Please.

Luicfer removed his own robes and sunk his dick into Adams inviting wet heat.

Adam moaned with pleasure, to think that he would have been forced to never experience pleasure like this ever.

Adam: Oh yes!~

Lucifer: You are absolutely perfect, my darling.~

Lucifer was going to make Adam his Queen of the Underworld, he decided that in that moment. They would have many babies and rule together.

No one, not even Sera would be able to take Adam away for he would be bound to Lucifer forever.

They kissed each other as they finished, Lucifer came inside of Adam with the highest of hopes that he was now pregnant with their first child.

Adam: I.... I think I love you.

Lucifer smiled: Good, because I know I love you. Join me in the Underworld?

Adam: I would love to Luci.

With Adams virginity gone and him possibly pregnant, Adam didn't want to leave Lucifer. They got dressed and Lucifer opened a portal.

They walked hand in hand into the Underworld.

[meanderingstar]

the way Daenerys treats Irri in the books is incredibly disturbing and I hate how it's overlooked by both the narrative and the majority of the fandom.

Daenerys uses Irri for sex at least twice over the course of the story, once in Storm and once in Dance. I really, truly cannot overstate how horrific the power imbalance between them is: Daenerys is her khaleesi, her queen and her employer; Irri was formerly a slave in her service and is now her maid with absolutely nowhere else to go. She has evidently been conditioned to believe that displaying absolute obedience to her higher-ups, including sexual services, is her "duty", which Daenerys recognizes and still actively exploits for her own pleasure. This is also why consent between them is utterly impossible – contrary to some asoiaf blogs who claim that consent was not a major issue in this situation (lol) or that Irri freely consented, Irri’s conditioning means that she will never be able to freely consent to someone like Daenerys, who is her employer and holds absolute power over her. Daenerys herself acknowledges this and feels guilty (damning in itself), but ends up using her in such a manner anyway, despite explicitly recognizing that Irri's kisses "tasted of duty" and nothing more.

What makes this even worse is that despite using her in this way in Storm, Daenerys has no issue saying that Irri and Jhiqui (who are her age and have had the same, if not worse, experiences than she has) are "only girls" in comparison to her. She also dismisses their (pretty sensible, imo?) concern about her touching sick and dead people by calling them "utter fools" and saying the Dothraki were only wise when it came to horses. She says all this AFTER sleeping with Irri, which makes it twice as bad - Daenerys considers her a little girl and a fool when it comes to advising her, but still finds it perfectly fine to use her for sex? This condescension extends to their sexual relationship as well, where Daenerys refers to Irri as "the maid", "her handmaid" and "the Dothraki girl" as she has sex with her. It's patronizing, disrespectful and exploitative at best, outright dehumanizing at worst.

While I highly doubt this was Grrm's intention, Daenerys's dynamic with Irri is clearly reminiscent of the horrific way Cersei uses Taena Merryweather. Dany is obviously not as vicious with Irri as Cersei was with Taena but that really doesn't change the fact that she was still a queen exploiting her employee's obedience and conditioned sense of "duty" for her own pleasure, made even worse by the fact that Irri, as a servant and former slave with no family, no connections and nowhere else to go, was 10x more vulnerable than Taena was and certainly more dependent on Dany. It's bizarre how Cersei's treatment of Taena is recognized as fucked up by most of the fandom but Daenerys's treatment of Irri is not, even though the power imbalance between them is infinitely worse. (also: Grrm writing about TWO white queens using their brown maids/ladies-in-waiting for sex is flat-out racist. I'm also extremely uncomfortable with how both wlw interactions are dubiously consensual at best and arguably revolve around Cersei/Dany's relationships with men to some extent: Cersei uses Taena to reenact her trauma by Robert, and Dany not only "pretended it was Drogo holding her...only somehow his face kept turning into Daario's" when she was having sex with Irri, but also explicitly states that "it was Daario she wanted, or perhaps Drogo, not Irri").

Certainly, Daenerys and Irri's dynamic is part and parcel of Grrm's fucked notion of consent and piss-poor writing of wlw relationships (both of which he should be called out for far more than he is, btw), but it doesn't change the fact that in-universe, these are Daenerys's textual actions. Grrm seems to believe that Drogo didn't rape Daenerys (a 13 year old who was forced into marriage) on their wedding night because she said "yes", just like he seems to believe that Jaime didn't coerce Cersei to have sex with him over their own son's dead body because she eventually responded to Jaime's advances, but I clearly recognize them as rape and coercion. The same logic and same standards apply to Daenerys and the way she uses and exploits Irri and she should be judged accordingly.

[mymoodwriting]

13.2k, vampires, witches, magic, threats of death, blood, cocky behavior, teasing, workholic, abuse, workplace abuse, verbal abuse, lack of sleep, stress, work related stress, fluff, near-death experience, character death & resurrection, blood drinking, biting (@starillusion13 @peanutpinet)

“We should get a Queen?”

“What?” Johnny questioned. “Why all of a sudden?”

“I mean, there are a lot of benefits to having a Queen.”

“We’re doing just fine.”

“I’m just saying… it would be kinda cool.”

“Then go tell Taeyong.”

“I don’t know if he’d like the idea. It’s a whole thing, and we’d have to find a witch willing to do the spell. I doubt it’d be cheap too.”

“What wouldn’t be cheap?”

Doyoung walked into the living room, taking a seat on one of the couches and letting out a relaxing sigh. Blood still stained his lips, but he was quick to lick away the remains.

“Haechan was saying we should get a Queen.” Johnny stated. “And it definitely wouldn’t be cheap.”

“Why would we get a Queen? We don’t need one.”

“But it would make our lives easier.” Haechan remarked. “And we’d be more powerful.”

“It’s dangerous.” Doyoung reminded. “Although it’s not entirely a bad idea.”

A moment later the door opened and the others piled in. They just had dinner and now needed to let the blood settle down.

“Taeyong…”

“Hm? What is it, Haechan, still hungry?”

“I… kinda… but I was wondering… wouldn’t it be a good idea to get a Queen?”

“Wait, why would we need a Queen?” Yuta asked. “What’s that all about?”

“A Queen can be very beneficial for a nest. A source of power and blood.” Doyoung explained. “With one we wouldn’t need to hunt as much, and our hunger would be better satiated. We’d be able to blend in with humans a lot better too.”

“That sounds great, so why don’t we have a Queen?”

“Well as you can see a nest doesn’t just have one. We’d need a witch to perform a ritual, and that itself is dangerous.”

“Well, I like the idea.” Jungwoo admitted. “I’m down to give it a shot.”

“I second that.” Mark added.

“Did you all not hear about how this is dangerous?” Jaehyun reminded. 

“How dangerous can it really be?”

“We can wind up dead if this doesn’t work.” Johnny said. “Why do you think it’s not a common thing among vampires? Whole nests end up dead in pursuit of a Queen.”

“Shouldn’t we at least take a vote on this?” Doyoung questioned. “It doesn’t seem like everyone is opposed to this deadly idea.”

“Sure.” Taeyong agreed. “We can do this anonymously.”

The boys wrote down their choice on a piece of paper and added it into an empty glass. Taeyong was the one to count the votes afterwards. Lucky for them their numbers were odd so there would be no tie.

“Before I check the votes, are we all going to be okay with whatever the outcome is?” Taeyong questioned. “We could potentially end up dead.”

“Considering we’re immortal beings.” Mark said. “The threat of death seems more like a challenge than something to fear.”

“I swear, how did I end up with you guys?”

Taeyong pulled out the pieces of paper one by one and showed the others, placing it in one of two piles. In the end, the majority voted yes to embarking on this dangerous endeavor. The first step would be finding a powerful witch. Fortunately Taeyong knew of one, so they could at least deal with that hard part. The next night they made their way to a witches coven. It wasn’t common for both their kinds to meet, or to be friends, but Taeyong was an outlier.

“Irene, it’s so good to see you.” Taeyong embraced the witch in a hug. “How are the girls?”

“We’re doing well. I was quite surprised by your message though. What could you possibly need from me?”

“My nest and I want a Queen.”

“Ah, you’re serious?”

“Yes. Is that something you could help me with? I understand if-”

“It’s your nest on the line. If you’re serious about this then I won’t stop you. Besides, what other witch can you trust with such a spell.”

“Thanks.”

“Come on now. You’re all invited in.”

The boys entered the house, being mindful of their surroundings. Irene led them down to the basement where she had all her ingredients and the space for performing spells. While Irene gathered her ingredients, and had her girls help, she spoke of what came next.

“Do you know what this spell entails?”

“No idea.” Haechan answered.

“But you are aware of its dangers, right? You could end up dead.”

“Since this isn’t common, we don’t know much about it.” Jaehyun said. “I wouldn’t mind you enlightening us on the situation.”

“Of course. You see what makes this spell so dangerous, and the whole Queen thing in general, is that you are bonding your very being to another. The spell basically fractures your soul and in order to complete it you must find a Queen. If you don’t, well, you end up dead.”

“How long do we have?” Johnny asked. “Once the spell is done?”

“About a week.”

“Seriously? That’s not so bad.” Mark commented. “How is it that a nest winds up dead because of this?”

“Oh, you think it’s easy? You better get that idea out of your head or you will end up dead.”

Irene had one of her girls draw symbols on the floor while she began to mix ingredients. She had the boys sit down in a semi circle.

“And you’re all sure you want to do this? Cause once I cast this spell there is no undoing it. Even once you find your Queen, you can never remove her.”

“We understand.” Taeyong confirmed. “There is no going back once we do this. So you can proceed.”

“Alright. First, I need you all to spill your blood into this bowl.”

One of the girls handed over the bowl with a knife, and the boys passed it down the line. It wasn’t exactly sanitary, but with their healing capabilities it wasn’t an issue.

“As I mentioned before, this spell will weaken you. The first day or so you won’t feel it, but afterwards you will. Your hunger will disappear, and sunlight will be more of an issue for you. What you need to do within that week, before you lose all your strength, is to find your Queen and feed her the potion that is created as a result of this spell.”

“Why do you make it sound like it’s so difficult to find a Queen?” Jungwoo questioned.

“Because it is. You can’t just pick any random person to fulfill the role. They must be compatible with you, all of you.”

“Oh.”

“Which is honestly the most difficult part of all of this. Once the spell is complete I can point you in the right direction of your Queen, but unfortunately I cannot give you a name or address. Time is of the essence, and you must be swift.”

“If you can’t give us a name, then how exactly are we supposed to find our Queen?” Yuta wondered. “This sounds like a wild goose chase.”

“I’m afraid I don’t really have an answer for that. I’m not a vampire with a Queen, but from what I’ve heard you’ll know when you find the one.”

“Pretty vague, don’t you think?”

“If you don’t wish to attempt this, I can stop here.”

“No. We continue.” Taeyong stated. “Now that we have more details of the dangers, we’ll make sure to act accordingly.”

“Very well.”

The bowl was returned to Irene and she mixed up the contents once more. When she finished she had it placed between her and the vampires. The girls sat beside her, and Irene began the spell.

“Last chance to back out.” Irene commented. 

“We got this.”

“Okay. This will hurt you as we begin, so bear with me.”

The candles that had been set up were suddenly lit and all other light sources were turned off. The girls began chanting, and when they opened their eyes there was nothing but a white glow. As far as they knew nothing was really happening, that is until they began to feel a pain in their chest. It felt like someone was ripping out their heart, but there was no way to stop the feeling. The fire from the candles grew in size, beginning to combine with the other flames. For a moment they were all blinded by the light of the fire, and then it all seemed to travel to the bowl, burning the contents into ash. Or at least that’s what they thought. 

Once the fire was gone the candle light went out, and all the other lights turned on. The boys could take a normal breath as the pain in their chest began to subside. Irene paid them no mind as she took the bowl and poured its contents into a small vial. She swirled it around for a bit before placing it in a small box and grabbing the bowl, returning to the others. Her girls pulled out a map and set it down on the floor. Irene lifted up the bowl and cast another spell before pouring out the remaining contents onto the map. The strange crimson liquid stained the map for a moment before it began moving. It created a small circle on the map and spelled out the name of the marked location.

“That is where you can find your Queen.” Irene held out the box to Taeyong. “When you do find them, they need to drink the contents of this vial, and then you need to stop their heart.”

“What?”

“What? Did you think your Queen was going to be human? No, no, they need to become a vampire like you, and you know how that process works. Once they turn, you must all drink from them in order to complete the ritual. All this must be done within a week. Understood?”

“Yeah, we got it.” Taeyong took the box. “I guess we should get going.”

“Indeed. And one last thing, Taeyong.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t die.”

“I don’t plan on it.”

🖤

For the time being they felt no different than their usual selves, although the clock was ticking. The trip to their destination wasn’t a long one, but they lost half a day. Vampires wouldn’t burn in the sunlight, unless they were exposed to it for too long. Thankfully they arrived during the night, not having to worry about anything but the task at hand. They found themselves in a small little city, a few skyscrapers painting the skyline. It was a beautiful place, but the size was a bit concerning. Their Queen was here, but they had no idea where to start.

“So, what should we do first?”

Haechan was the first to step out of the car, stretching his limbs and getting some fresh air. The hyungs had already picked out a hotel to stay at, getting the penthouse suite, now they just needed to check in. Haechan took in the sights, enjoying the view around him, and thus not aware of his surroundings. As he took a few steps back he wound up crashing into someone. Papers scattered to the floor, and both parties fell to the ground.

“Fuck, watch where you’re going.” Haechan hissed.

“Sorry, so sorry, you’re not hurt are you?”

“I’m fine.”

“I’m so sorry.”

Haechan noticed a young girl frantically picking up the papers. She didn’t even look at Haechan as she apologized. This pissed him off, but before he could make a comment the girl winced, grabbing her hand and revealing a small paper cut. He saw a dot of blood bloom on her finger, and then he caught a whiff of her scent. 

“Oh…”

“I’m so sorry, but I really have to go.” The girl sucked on her finger for a moment before scrambling to get all her papers and stand up. “Sorry again.”

Haechan watched as the girl rushed into the hotel, disappearing from view. He was still on the ground, staring down the path she had gone. Mark soon came over and helped him get back on his feet.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s her.”

“What?”

“That girl… she’s the one…”

“What girl?”

“The one that just went into the hotel… she’s our Queen.”

“What nonsense is he spewing now?” Johnny said. “We just got here.”

“Listen to me, it’s her.”

“How do you know?” Doyoung questioned. “Or are you just jumping to conclusions?”

“I’m telling you, it’s her. Whoever she is, her blood, her scent, it’s calling to me… I have to go after her.”

“Easy there.” Jaehyun came over to grab Haechan. “You were just a rude prick to her, so I doubt she wants to see your face. And I’m pretty sure you’re just hungry.”

“Our hunger is practically nonexistent now. I’m not entirely hungry for her blood, but for her… although I wouldn’t mind a taste either.”

“Well, you’re not going after her.” Taeyong stated. “Some of the others can follow this lead of yours and the rest of us will check in.”

“But-”

“I’m not going to repeat myself.”

The boys all got their things and made their way into the hotel. Although Haechan was more focused on following the sweet scent. He wandered off just a bit before Johnny grabbed him, but it did provide answers. A sign in front of the hotel ballroom stated that there would be a fashion show there in three days. People were coming in and out of the room, meaning things were getting set up, and Haechan was certain the girl he had run into was in there.

“She’s there. I know it.”

“If you say so, but you don’t get to go.”

“Please, please, I’ll behave.”

“Taeyong already told you no. Now come on.”

Johnny informed the others about Haechan’s discovery, and his theory. With all that said Taeyong decided he’d investigate this, taking Yuta and Jaehyun with him while the rest checked in and took their bags upstairs. The trio made their way over to the ballroom entrance, sneaking inside when no one was looking. Once inside they could see that the stage was being set up, along with the tables and chairs. No one paid them attention, at least not at first. Since they were just standing around it was assumed they hadn’t been given a task yet.

“You three, what are you doing?”

“Oh, don’t mind us dear.” Taeyong compelled. “We’re just looking around.”

“If you’re not here to help with the show, then leave.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“I’m sorry, who are you?”

“The person in charge of this show. Everything has to be perfect, so if you’re not going to help, leave.”

“I-”

“Now!”

The girl snapped, startling all of them, and pointing at the door. That’s when they noticed the bandaid on her finger, confirming she was the one Haechan had spoken of. Although what had Taeyong and the others perplexed was her immunity to their powers. It could just be a side effect of the spell, but they couldn’t be sure that was the case. She started ushering them out when another voice spoke up.

“Y/n, what are you doing!?”

You quickly turned around to face your boss, Vevee, with a big smile on your face. She walked over to where you were and you began to explain.

“I was just kicking out these intruders. Everything is still going according to schedule, so you don’t have to worry.”

“Is that so?”

“You must be in charge.” Taeyong spoke, stepping up to introduce himself. “I’m Taeyong, I was hoping to meet you.”

“And you are?”

“Here to help. I see you’re having a fashion show, and I have some wonderful models for you.”

“Do you now?”

“Yes. Let me introduce Jaehyun and Yuta.” Taeyong gestured to the other two. “Of course I have a few other models, but they’re up in the penthouse.”

“Ah, so you’re the one who stole the penthouse suite from me.”

“Apologies, but I need the best for my models.”

“Vevee, we already have models for the show.” You interrupted. “We don’t need anymore.”

“A few more won’t hurt.” Taeyong compelled. “Right?”

“… you are right, why don’t you bring down your boys tomorrow morning. It will be easier to see if they’re any good once the stage is set and they can walk the runway.”

“Of course. I’ll return in the morning.”

“Vevee.” You said. “We-”

“That’s enough. This is my show, now get back to work.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Vevee offered Taeyong a smile before returning her attention to the stage being set, giving out some directions. You were glaring daggers at this Taeyong guy with his dumb models. He only gave you a smirk in return. Things may have worked out for him, but you knew you were gonna get an earful about this later.

“I’ll see you later, y/n.” Taeyong smiled.

“Fuck off.”

Taeyong left with the other two in tow. It wasn’t until they were in the elevator going up that they questioned what Taeyong had done. He said he’d explain once they gathered with the others. It seemed the rest were settling in well, and Taeyong gathered them all in the living room, gazing out at the skyline while he waited.

“So, how did it go?” Haechan questioned. “Did you find her? Was I right?”

“Maybe…”

“Yes!”

“Wait, what?” Johnny stated. “Are you kidding me?”

“No, but there was something about this girl. My compulsion didn’t work on her. I thought maybe it was because of the spell, but my power did work on her boss.”

“Don’t forget to tell them about the other thing.” Yuta mentioned.

“What other thing?” Doyoung asked. “What did you do?”

“Tomorrow morning you’re going to walk the runway, see if this lady likes you for her show.”

“What! Why!?”

“This y/n girl is working the show. So if we’re a part of it too, it will give us a reason to be around her. I’m not sure if she is the one, but we need to get more information. Even if it’s not her, participating in this fashion show will allow us to mingle with many other individuals in the city, making it easier to find our Queen.”

“I always wanted to walk a runway.” Jungwoo commented. “I’m down.”

“Then we’re in agreement. You all better be on your best behavior.”

“We will.”

🖤

Come morning the boys made their way down to the ballroom. The boss was nowhere to be seen, but they quickly found you as you were glaring at them from the stage area. Taeyong merely smiled and waved, deciding to help himself to the snack table with the others. He knew it would be best to socialize with all the other staff members, but before he could say anything he began to overhear some gossip.

“Did you hear what y/n did last night?”

“No, what happened?”

“She was trying to kick out these guys, and said this was her show.”

“No way.”

“Right? I mean, she’s not technically wrong. She does everything for Vevee, this practically is her show.”

“Sh! If the boss hears you-”

“Vevee won’t be here until, like, noon. Besides, she won’t take it out on us. You know Vevee blames y/n for everything. She got scolded over not getting the penthouse suite, and then for trying to get rid of those potential models. I swear, I don’t know how that girl puts up with such a boss.”

“I guess the pay is good.”

“I don’t think any amount of money is enough for being Vevee’s personal assistant.” 

“That’s true. Let’s get back to the green room, those models should be here soon, and I heard they’re hot.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to meet them.”

After overhearing that Taeyong glanced back over to the stage, seeing you give direction on light placement, speaking into a headset as well, and then answering the questions of the other employees that came up to you. If he didn’t know otherwise he would think you were in charge, especially since the real boss was nowhere to be found.

“Ya! Mr. Intruder.”

Taeyong didn’t realize you were talking to him until you walked down the runway to get closer to him, yelling and waving your arms around. He put on a cocky smile and walked over.

“Yes?”

“Get your boytoys to the green room for hair and makeup. There are some test outfits they can wear, so I want them ready to go in twenty minutes.”

“And where is your boss?”

“Upstairs sleeping. Any other stupid questions?”

“You don’t like me much, do you?”

“What made you think otherwise? Now go. You’re down to nineteen minutes.”

You gave Taeyong a fake smile and got back to the others, continuing where you left off. Knowing Vevee her alarm was probably going off, so she would be down soon. You still remembered how she fought you about staying at the hotel, especially since it wouldn’t be the penthouse suite. You had to put your foot down though, knowing she’d be hella late if she was at her own place, and at least like this you knew where to find her in case of emergencies. Or you could easily get her out of bed yourself. For now, you’d give her the benefit of doubt and hope she came down on her own.

🖤

Taeyong gathered his boys and went to the green room. There were plenty of others around, but he paid them no mind. A few of the stylists around took the boys, starting to get their measurements and figuring out what outfit to put them in. One almost got him, but he wasn’t a model for the runway. He wandered around a bit, taking in the other models, and looking at the official outfits for the show. Last night he had done a bit of research, getting more information about this Vevee. The lady had quite the reputation. Her work was widely praised, although it wasn’t easy to get kindness from her, even if it was fake. Taeyong might not have gotten the chance to be here if not for his powers. Which reminded him.

“You, pretty girl, get me an iced americano, okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

He needed to test his powers a bit more, just to make sure if last night was a fluke or something. A while later he returned to the others, finding them seated as they were getting the last few touches of makeup. 

“Alright, models, please make your way to the stage for the test run.” You came to the green room, barking out orders. “Let’s move. This isn’t the big show but you all better act like it.”

“I was wondering where you were.” Taeyong commented. “I wanted you to do my hair and makeup.”

“I’m not a stylist.”

“Are you sure? It seems like you can do every job here.”

“Just get your guys to the stage.”

“Of course.”

You didn’t hang around the green room for too long, returning to the main stage and feeling relief upon seeing Vevee present. You quickly went to get her a coffee before approaching.

“Where are the models?”

“They’re backstage right now. Shall we start a test run?”

“Yes. I need to see who actually knows how to do their job.”

“Of course.” 

You spoke into your headset to give backstage the green light on starting the test run. The lights went down and the first model walked down the runway. You stood by Vevee’s side, examining the models as well to make sure everything went smoothly. For the most part you knew who was on stage as you had worked with these models before, but when you saw Taeyong’s boys you were a bit taken aback. You didn’t care much for them, but now that you were really seeing them, you were quite stunned by their beauty. This wasn’t even rehearsal, but they were good, and you hated it.

“So, what do you think Vevee?”

“Get them all on the stage, now.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Through your headset you told backstage to have the models come onto the stage. Vevee looked them over, pointing at the ones she wanted gone. All the new boys remained on stage to your disappointment. 

“Alright. I want outfits fitted for them.”

“Yes, Vevee. I’ll grab a handful for the promotional shoots as well.”

“Might I volunteer my boys.” Taeyong suggested. “Some new faces should draw attention.”

“I’m against the idea.” You stated. “It’s better to stick with models we’ve used before as people recognize them and trust them.”

“On the contrary. Something new will entice others to come. Besides, you have to admit all my boys are quite the face card.”

“Vevee-”

“That is an excellent idea. Y/n, have the boys prepped for the shoot.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. I’m off then, I have a lunch engagement. You can handle everything here, right y/n?”

“Yes, Vevee.”

“I’ll stop by tonight for a proper rehearsal.”

“We’ll see you then.”

You only threw a glare at Taeyong before ordering the models back and following them. A few things needed to be changed, and you needed the stylist to prepare the new boys. Taeyong stayed with the boys, but then he got curious as to where you were, so he went off to find you. He asked around, being told you were in one of the green rooms. He knocked before entering, going to a few rooms before finding the one. He found you leaning against the wall, the smell of coffee in the air.

“I see you finally got a break.”

Taeyong didn’t get a response, figuring you were ignoring him, which wasn’t a first. He approached you, placing a hand on your shoulder when the cup of coffee suddenly fell from your hand. It spilled to the floor and you started to slide down the wall. He quickly caught you, seeing that you were passed out.

“Y/n?”

“Hm… what the fuck!”

You opened your eyes and came face to face with Taeyong. You screamed and shoved him away from you. For a moment you lost balance but were able to catch yourself.

“What are you doing here!?”

“I was looking for you.” Taeyong explained. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? You-”

“What do you want?”

“I… are you okay? Looking at you now, you seem exhausted.”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“You were sleeping standing up.”

“A quick power nap.”

“Did you even sleep last night?”

“No, I pulled an all-nighter to get things properly set up for today. Then I had to be back here for the final touches and to make sure Vevee woke up on time. I swear, she drives me insane sometimes. She kept fighting me about staying at the hotel, but I needed her to be here since she couldn’t possibly be late if she was so close to the event space. And- why am I even telling you all this. Are your boys done with hair and makeup?”

“How are you even functioning right now?”

“I’ll take that as you don’t know, so now I gotta go look into it myself. Move.”

“Y/n.” Taeyong grabbed your arm. “Go to sleep.”

“Fuck off!”

“How… you’re only hurting yourself if you keep doing this! Vevee-”

“Took me in after I graduated, when I had nothing! She gave me a job and helped me build myself up from scratch! So don’t you dare question me! You’re working for her too now, so we’re in the same boat.”

“But-”

“Don’t act like you care about me or something, you’re just here for a paycheck. Now leave me alone. Gosh, I’m gonna need to get someone to clean this room now.”

You pulled yourself out of Taeyong’s grasp and left the room as you called for maintenance to clean up the spilled coffee. You checked the time, needing to check on the models. Taeyong stayed put, once again left in shock over how his powers didn’t work on you, but also worried about the state he had found you in. He didn’t even notice until now how much you actually did, and how you weren’t really credited for any of it. He was just having fun by teasing you, but maybe he needed a different approach.

“Is everyone almost done?”

You went to the green room where the models were, glancing at each one to make sure they were ready. The photography crew would be here soon and you would have to focus on them while they set up so the models had to be ready. Everything was still on schedule, so you were at least grateful for that. You told the stylists to bring the models out to the stage once done. You then ducked out to make sure the photoshoot area was set up and met up with the crew once they showed up. You made sure everything was set up well, and then took note when the models arrived. They were quite intrigued by the new faces, but of course whatever Vevee wanted, she got. Although the photographer didn’t seem to mind the new boys.

“How do I look?”

Haechan couldn’t help but approach you, feeling exceptionally handsome today. You only rolled your eyes at the question.

“Presentable, now pay attention.”

“To what?”

“The shoot. You’re new models, I doubt you’ve done this stuff before.”

“I’ve never been a model either, but I’m a natural at it.”

“What?”

“Don’t you agree.”

“I swear you’re all just trouble.”

“Only to you.”

“Honestly. So if you’re not models then- Ya!” You ran over to Yuta, taking the drink out of his hand. “What are you doing!?”

“Huh?”

“You just got your makeup done, why are you drinking?”

“It’s just water.”

“Yeah, and now I need to touch up your fucken lips. None of you are professionals.”

You went over to one of the stylists lingering around, dragging Yuta with you. The stylist handed over the kit they had and you found the match for Yuta’s color. You immediately began to touch up his color.

“Is there something you can’t do?”

“Keep you all in line apparently. Don’t fuck up your makeup again, got it?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“So, can I buy you a drink later?”

“No.”

“Please. When do you get off work?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Huh?”

“Go on now, you’re next.”

You dragged Yuta over to the shoot area, watching from the sidelines. Now you could take a breath cause being so close to that boy was making your face burn. Usually you kept yourself composed around the models, you had worked with them before, but all this new talent, it was taking you back to when you first started. It had been so fun to work alongside Vevee, setting up shows, taking part in every aspect so you could handle any emergency. Now everything was just a job, and it was exhausting. Still, seeing the final product was worth it.

“You know, I don’t think you actually had that coffee earlier.”

“So?”

“Here.” Taeyong held out a cup of coffee. “Maybe you can have some now.”

“Thanks.”

You didn’t want to accept anything from him, but the caffeine wouldn’t hurt. To your surprise it was your order, but you weren’t gonna ask how he knew that. Instead, you might as well get some information.

“May I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Who are you?”

“Excuse me?”

“None of your boys here have any experience as models, so you’re definitely not some sort of agency. I know Vevee only let you participate cause they’re good looking and-”

“You think my boys are good looking?”

“Why are you here? Cause as far as I’m concerned you somehow talked your way into this show, but it was never your intention to be a part of it.”

“Perceptive, aren’t you?”

“So I’m right.”

“Not exactly.”

“Then why are you here? What do you get out of this?”

“My boys and I came here looking for something.”

“Well I hope you find it, and fast, so you can get out of my life.”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Very much.”

“When I find what I came for, I’ll let you know.”

“Don’t bother.”

“Y/n.” Jungwoo came over. “Can you touch up my makeup?”

“Go ask one of the stylists.”

“But I saw you fix up Yuta.”

“So?”

“Please, I want it to be you.”

“So you can do makeup.” Taeyong commented. “You’re a true ace, aren’t you?”

“Shut it. Jungwoo, go ask someone else.”

“But-”

“Let her drink her coffee, go on now.”

“Fine.”

You rolled your eyes when you saw Taeyong’s smirk. You wished you could walk away but you had to keep watch of everything. Once the shoot was over you were relieved, finally able to get away from the boys. Everything was done for the day, but you still had work to do. All the other employees checked in with you before leaving for the night. You were back in one of the green rooms, working on your laptop and going over the pictures from the shoot. You needed to pick the best ones to send over to marketing. The goal was to have the promotional period out by tomorrow morning, so it was going to be a long night.

🖤

“She doesn’t like us very much.” Jaehyun commented. “Are we sure it’s her?”

“We’re not.” Doyoung reminded. “But it seems likely.”

“Your powers still work on others, right?” Taeyong questioned. “I’ve had no problem compelling people today, but it never seems to work on y/n.”

“Oh, that’s a first.” Johnny mentioned. “Unless she has anti vampire measures.”

“I doubt it’s that.”

“We should take her out to dinner.” 

“Didn’t you already get rejected, Yuta?”

“Shut it.”

“You gonna try again?” Mark teased. “I doubt she’ll say yes.”

“Maybe not one-on-one, but all of us, like some company dinner.”

“She’s already suspicious.” Taeyong mentioned. “So I doubt she’ll wanna be near us.”

“Suspicious?” Johnny questioned. “Of what?”

“Us. She knows you’re not models, and is questioning our reason for being here.”

“Well, we don’t plan to stick around for long.” Jungwoo said. “So it’s fine.”

“It’s not considering she’s most likely our Queen. We need to get along with her, it’s in our best interest.”

“We need her to survive.” Haechan remarked. “We’re gonna turn her anyway.”

“And don’t you think it’d be better if we were on good terms before then. Or perhaps we can get her to agree to all this.”

“Oh, that would be good.”

“Exactly. So be nicer to her tomorrow, understand?”

“Yes, sir!”

Only a few actually slept that night. Vampires were mostly nocturnal creatures but things had been different the last few days. Taeyong stayed up, staring at the city and the night sky. Every day that passed was dangerous, but he was certain of his choice, he just wanted things to go well. Before sunrise Johnny and Jungwoo decided to head down to the ballroom to look around the show area before everyone else showed up. They messed around on stage for a bit before heading to the back. The outfits they had worn the other day were just for practice, so they were curious if the ones for the show were around somewhere. As they searched they came across an interesting and concerning sight.

“Y/n?”

The boys wound up finding you passed out at one of the tables in a green room, sleeping on your laptop. They carefully went to your side and shook you awake, accidentally startling you and making you jump out of your seat.

“What time is it! How did you get in here?”

“Easy, easy, we were just looking around.” Jungwoo explained. “It’s barely like five in the morning.”

“Five… good.”

You exhaled and sat back down, turning on your laptop to make sure you had finished everything last night. You had, which meant everything was still on schedule.

“What are you doing here so early?” Johnny asked. “Didn’t you go home last night?”

“No, I was busy.”

“Are you serious?”

“You didn’t answer my other question though, what are you two doing here? Rehearsals don’t start til eight.”

“Just curious, but since we found you, how about breakfast?”

“No thanks, I’m good.”

“Okay. I wasn’t really asking. So either you come with us to have breakfast, or we’re gonna mess around rehearsal.”

You glared. “I’d call your bluff, but you guys don’t know Vevee, or care. So fine, but we can get the hotel breakfast, that way I’m not far from here.”

“That works for me.”

You really were reluctant to share a meal with these guys, but you couldn’t trust they’d behave today unless you did this for them. The three of you went to get breakfast, although when you tried to get coffee they didn’t let you, saying you had been drinking enough caffeine as of late. You complied and got some food. Even if you sat and ate with them you had no intention of making conversation, but it was hard to keep quiet.

“How many hours did you sleep?” Jungwoo wondered.

“Enough.”

“You should have at least slept on the couch. Probably more comfortable.”

“I’ll sleep after the show.”

“That’s not exactly better.” Johnny said. “You’re compromising your health.”

“And you care because?”

“It’s concerning.”

“I’m fine, so no need to worry.”

“Vevee runs you into the ground everyday, how can you-”

“I’m not talking about work with you.”

“Fine. In all honesty though, you do an amazing job.”

“What?”

“Seriously. You’re pretty talented all on your own. I’m sure today will go smoothly. I promise we won’t be trouble.”

“I’ll keep you to that.”

You were caught a bit off guard by the compliment, but you just wanted to finish eating and get back to the ballroom. You finished up first and excused yourself, ditching them and heading back to work. Once other staff members began to arrive you had them begin setting up and get ready for the models. Eventually Taeyong and his boys came down and you directed them all to the green room.

“Another busy day?”

“It’s always busy.”

“Did you have breakfast?”

“Yes, your boys blackmailed me.”

“What?”

“Forget it. Do you need something?”

“No, but if there’s anything I can do to help. I know rehearsals are important.”

“Oh… uh…”

“If you need anything from me just let me know. I’ll be with my boys in the green room.”

“Alright.”

You really weren’t expecting a one eighty on these boys, but maybe they weren’t entirely unprofessional. Still, you weren’t gonna dwell on that and just continue with the task at hand. You hoped everything would go well, but when you got notice that one of your stylists called in sick you knew things were gonna get complicated. You didn’t have any other choice, so you went to the green room and got a list of who still needed work done. Of course it had to be some of Taeyong’s boy. You could see all the smiles on their stupid faces when you grabbed the makeup but you didn’t say anything, they would.

“Ya, y/n gets to do my makeup.” Haechan cheered. “Best day ever.”

“Quiet down.”

“Yes ma’am.”

You focused on the makeup, occasionally stepping away when others asked for direction, but for the most part you were keeping on schedule. The boys complimented your work, glowing over the fact you had gotten them ready.

“Y/n.”

“What?”

“Is everything alright?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“Well, you said you’re not a stylist.” Taeyong pointed out. “Yet you’ve been here.”

“One of my stylists called off today, and I don’t have anyone else.”

“Ah, sorry. Can I help in any way?”

“No, you just…”

You didn’t want to ask him for help, but you also knew it wouldn’t be the best idea to just take on extra tasks. You really hoped he just didn’t make a fuss with you later.

“Actually, the catering service should be arriving soon. Do you think you can have them set up in the same area as yesterday? You know where that is, right?”

“I do.”

“Cool. I’m on channel four if you have any questions. Just borrow a walkie from someone else.”

“Thank you.”

You could mentally check off that task and just continue with what you were doing. When another staff member brought up the catering team being here you just told them Taeyong had it handled but to check on him and let you know if you were needed. You didn’t hear back so that was a good sign, and you could rest assured knowing your staff could get some food.

“When did you learn to do makeup?” Doyoung asked. “You’re good.”

“Just something I needed to know to help Vevee.”

“Have you ever thought of being a stylist?”

“My job is more than that.”

“Yeah, but having a solid career choice isn’t bad.”

“I guess, but right now I need you to be perfect.”

“It’s just rehearsal.” Jaehyun remarked in the next chair over. “You don’t need to be perfect.”

“If you have that kind of mentality about rehearsals you’re not gonna make it as a model. Every show is important, and you need to treat it as such every time. That way when it really does matter, you’re not stressed but doing something you’re confident in. So please, treat today as if it was the actual show.”

“Wow, never thought of it that way. Is that how you see it?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll do my best today, promise.”

“You better.”

By the time you finished with makeup the runway was ready for rehearsal. You checked in with tech to make sure they knew their marks and then told everyone to be ready in ten. As you stepped out to the show area you saw Vevee sitting by the stage with a coffee in hand. She was chatting away and seemed to be in a good mood. You took a breath and made your way over.

“Hi, Vevee, glad you made it.”

“Ah, there you are. Is everything ready?”

“Yes. We’re gonna-”

“Then let’s start.”

“The team is-”

“Now.”

“Yes ma’am.”

You called to those backstage to start everything in the next handful of seconds. You knew they were all probably gonna scrambled for a moment but then the lights went down and the models began to walk the runway. You paid attention to them, making note of where to improve while also making sure Vevee was content. If she had any notes she’d let you know afterwards. You went through the whole show in silence, thankfully the music playing made things less awkward. While you seemed focused on the models, Taeyong kept his gaze on you. Despite everything you were still working, you didn’t even take a seat for this. Once the show was over Vevee got up to speak with you.

“The models need to exude more confidence and pride. They’re wearing Vevee originals, this is the opportunity of a lifetime for them.”

“I will let them know.”

“Tell the marketing team to send out more promos in the morning, and don’t use the same pictures twice.”

“Got it.”

“Very well, on another note, what were you thinking!?”

“I’m sorry, what-”

“You had Taeyong working! He’s just a representative of his company and you thought-”

“It was no trouble at all.” Taeyong cut in. “I offered and-”

“I’m so sorry about that. Y/n should have no problem managing on her own. There was no need for you to step in.”

“I-”

Taeyong noticed you desperately shaking your head and trying to tell him to stop talking. He wanted to defend you, but seeing the worry in your eyes made him step back.

“Apologies. I don’t mean to worry you.”

“Let the girl do her job, no need for you to break a sweat.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Now y/n.”

“Yes Vevee.”

“I want another rehearsal tomorrow before the show.”

“What? If we do another the staff would need to come in before sunrise, and it would have to happen along side-”

“I don’t care for the details, just do it.”

“Of course ma’am.”

“Alright. My work here is done. I have to get ready for tomorrow.”

“We’ll see you then ma’am.”

You gave Vevee a bow and didn’t move until you knew she was gone. Taeyong took a step towards you and then saw your legs give out on you. He quickly caught you and held you up. For a moment you allowed it before getting yourself together and pulling away from him.

“I’m fine.”

“Sorry about earlier, I thought-”

“It’s fine. We need to run the show again.”

“Again? But we-”

“I need to incorporate Vevee’s notes. It won’t take long.”

“Fine. But you need to eat first.”

“What?”

“You nearly fainted just now, and it’s lunch time for your staff too anyway.”

“Right, right…”

“Come on, you need to take a break too.”

“I said-”

“I’m not asking. Please, if you’re not gonna take care of yourself then let me do it.”

“I-”

“Let’s go.”

Without asking Taeyong took your hand and led you over to the food table. He got in line with you, still holding your hand. He made you hold your tray while he placed food on top of it, asking what you wanted and getting his own food in the process. Afterwards he sat down with you, getting you some water and telling you to ease off the caffeine. He even took your phone from you so you could actually eat. You didn’t say anything to him, and he didn’t pry you to talk. The rest of his boys eventually came to the table too, but you didn’t make conversation with them either. You just wanted to finish your food and get back to work. Although you knew Taeyong had a point. It was lunch time, no one besides you would be working.

After you finished eating you excused yourself, and thankfully Taeyong let you go. Once everyone was back you had the models get touched up and had staff prepare for another run. When Taeyong came over to you he asked where he could help but you just threw a glare his way. You weren’t gonna ask him for help again. Still, he stayed by your side as you ran the second rehearsal, talking to the models and the backstage crew. Taeyong had to admit you were quite good at being in charge. Everything went smoothly and everyone seemed to be having a good time. You were a bit ahead of your own schedule which was great, but next came the hard part. You gathered everyone and informed them that they needed to come in early for another rehearsal before the actual show.

The complaints came rolling in, but it was what Vevee wanted and there was no going against it. Since everyone had finished up early, you let them know that once they packed up their things they were free to go. They all seemed a bit upset, and you really felt guilty for it. You checked over everyone’s stations and then dismissed them. In the end it was just you, or so you thought. Taeyong and his crew were still hanging around, some up on the runway messing around. You were glad to see them smiling and having fun, but the day was over.

“You guys can go home, you know.”

“We know.” Jungwoo said. “We were waiting for you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. Dinner and then we can take you home.”

“I’m good, thanks. There are still somethings I-”

“Nope.” Johnny cut in. “Tomorrow is the big day, you should eat well and then get some rest.”

“It’d be a waste to go home considering how early I need to be here in the morning.”

“Are you gonna sleep here then?”

“…”

“You’re kidding.”

“You guys can go.”

“You’re coming with us.” Mark stated. “You can’t stay here.”

“You’re not the boss of me.”

“Easy now.” Taeyong spoke up. “It’s really not a good idea for you to stay here, especially without eating.”

“I’ll order something in a bit.”

“How about I propose something else.”

“Like what?”

“Well, my boys and I are staying in the penthouse suite. So why don’t you come up with us, we can get room service, and you can crash on one of our beds. That way you can get some good sleep and not worry about being so far from the ballroom. How does that sound?”

“I don’t know.”

“You need to be well rested. Tomorrow is the big day. I’m just trying to help.”

“Fine, but if any of your guys try anything I swear.”

“We’ll all behave. Promise.”

“Alright. Let me just grab my laptop.”

The prospect of sleeping in an actual bed was really too tempting to pass, so you went up with the guys to the penthouse suite. You were stunned by the view, heading over to the window and looking out at the city. It seemed to be alive in its own way at night, and you had never seen it like this before. Taeyong brought you over a menu and you ordered yourself something, getting to work in the meantime. You ate as you worked, glad you were left alone as well. When you finished up you decided to take a shower, staying in a dress robe afterwards.

“Ready for bed!?”

You yelled as you stepped out of the bathroom, seeing that Yuta had been waiting outside for you. He quickly apologized for startling you.

“Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.”

“Cool. We have a room set aside for you. It’s all clean, so if you need anything else just let us know.”

“Thanks.”

“Sleep well.”

“I’ll try.”

🖤

To your own surprise you had no trouble falling asleep with a bunch of strangers just outside the door. Although to be fair you had locked the door just for your peace of mind. You woke to the sound of a knock at your door, getting up still half asleep. So when you opened the door you were a bit surprised to see Johnny. That startled you awake, and the boy apologized.

“I didn’t want to wake you, but I’m sure you’d give me an earful if you were late.”

“Yeah, I would. Thanks.”

“No problem. Breakfast is on the table. Come by and eat before you head down, okay?”

“I’ll be at the table soon.”

“Good.”

You dressed in your clothes from last night, planning to change when you went down. You left your show outfit there since you didn’t think you’d be going home at all, and you were right. Once dressed you joined the others at the table, greeting them. You were still a bit sleepy, but you ate nonetheless and then excused yourself. You reminded them what time you expected them down and then left. Today was the big day and everything had to be perfect. Of course you were the first one down there, starting to go over your checklist and preparing what you could. The staff knew what they had to do, so all they did was check in with you before going to work.

By seven the models began showing up, getting prepped. You had no time to chat with Taeyong or the others, and they knew not to bother you too much. Then came the decoration staff and you had to direct them. While you did that you also made sure to check with the tech crew as they set up the lights and everything. You needed them to be ready to run another rehearsal before Ta. No one was really happy to be here early, but that was the job. Soon enough you ran through the whole show. Any notes you had for the models you mentioned then and there. Honestly you wish there wasn’t one last rehearsal causing all this made you anxious.

Once that was done you made sure the final bits of decoration were done and then greeted the wait staff. The drinks and food needed to be set out and staff had to be given directions as well. You knew what kind of people came to these events, so one had to be mentally prepared for the type of things they might overhear. Somehow you were managing all this without a break. You didn’t know that but someone had been keeping an eye on you all day. When lunch time rolled around Taeyong came up to you, taking your hand and dragging you over to the food table. You knew arguing with him was pointless, and you would have most likely skipped lunch if not for him.

You ate a bit, not wanting to get too full and feel sleepy later on. After this the final preparations needed to be done, and it would soon be time to start welcoming guests. Vevee wouldn’t be here until show time, but until then you were in charge. Meaning that as the host you would need to greet everyone that came through to make sure they were on the guest list and tell them about the night’s event. You got dressed before then, doing your own hair and makeup. You made sure you could hide a walkie on you and anything else you might need while still looking presentable.You’d be representing Vevee and her company, so you needed to be at your best.

“Wow… you look amazing.”

“Huh?” 

You were in the back, stepping out of one of the empty green rooms when you heard a voice. You looked over to see Jaehyun a few steps down the hall.

“Oh, yeah, thanks. You look good too, Vevee dressed us both.”

“Vevee picked your outfit?”

“Yeah. Not my first choice, but it’s nice. I gotta go, so behave and break a leg.”

“Thanks.”

Jaehyun watched you go for a moment before going off to find Taeyong. He found his hyung in the green room with the others. The event of the night has already begun and he probably should have mentioned this sooner but he has to be sure. Now he was.

“Taeyong.”

“Hm?”

“I can’t hear anyone’s heartbeat, except y/n’s.”

“What? When did you notice this?”

“When we got down here. Although I wasn’t sure what was going on since I was focused on getting ready and the rehearsal. Just now though I followed the only heartbeat I could hear and it led me to y/n.”

“Now that you mention it.” Jungwoo added. “I’m not picking up anyone’s scent. Although I am getting a faint whiff of y/n off Jaehyun.”

“What’s happening?”

“It’s the spell.” Taeyong reminded. “We’d lose our power as time went on. We’re close to death and it seems the last of our abilities are leading us to her.”

“Then it’s for sure her.” Haechan said. “Y/n is our queen.”

“Yeah.”

“Are we gonna do it tonight?”

“We don’t have much time left. Tonight would be good. Although we need to make sure the show goes well, understood?”

“Got it.”

As much as Taeyong might want to stay with his boys, he couldn’t. With their powers dwindling he was worried for them, but then again they didn’t have much of a blood lust either. With guests beginning to arrive he had to be out with them, he was the representing face of his boys. While he made some light conversation he’d always glance your way, seeing you up front greeting all the guests and offering assistance to anyone who needed it. Now that he was really able to see you, even from afar, he was quite mesmerized by your beauty. For the first time in a long time he could look upon someone and see them as they are, and not food. You were his regardless, but this was an added level of amazement.

Once the lights got low you were on stage making the announcement that the show would begin soon and for everyone to take their seat. All the important guests had their assigned seats and so did the photographers. Taeyong was in the front row noticing he’d be sitting next to Vevee, although he didn’t see a seat for you. As the people began to settle down he couldn’t see a place for you. It was upsetting but at the same time he understood you were running the show, so you probably wouldn’t actually be able to enjoy it like everyone else. The show started and Taeyong believed it went beautifully. All those present seemed to be enjoying themselves, and he made slight conversation with Vevee about the models, including his own. 

Not once did he see you, but he could hear your heartbeat, knowing you were backstage. The end of the show was met with roaring applause, all the praise going to Vevee for her amazing designs and all her work. It left Taeyong with a faux smile and a butter taste knowing there was someone else who deserved more credit if not all of it. He wanted to go find you afterwards but he was dragged into conversations as other people wanted to work with him and his models. He has no interest but he couldn’t just disappear now. He had to wait until the very end, when everything was getting cleaned up. He found you then up on the runway, watching over the clean up.

“Great show.” Taeyong said as he walked the runway to you. “It was wonderful. You did a great job.”

“Thanks.” You smiled. “I’m just glad it’s over.”

“Are you finally gonna sleep?”

“For like a day at least before I have to get back to work.”

“What? You don’t get some time off after this?”

“Not really. There’s always something else going on.”

“That’s not really fair.”

“It’s the job.”

“Then how about dinner? No, wait, it’s really late and I’m sure you won’t be leaving soon, so how about breakfast, the day after tomorrow that is. Before you return to work.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Cool. I should probably give you my number so that way we can keep in touch.”

“Sure. Here you go.”

Taeyong took your phone and added his number in, sending himself a message to make sure he had your number. He handed it back to you, giving you a smile.

“You know, there is something I need to talk with you about.”

“What is it?”

“Not here, but in private. I’ll save it for breakfast.”

“I never said I would go.”

“But I hope you will.”

“I-”

“What’s this?” Vevee walked down the runway. “Having a private conversation I see.”

“Nothing like that Vevee.” You assured. “Congratulations on another successful show.”

“Of course it was a success, you know I’m the best.”

“Precisely.”

“Y/n did a lot to help prepare the show tonight.” Taeyong mentioned. “She deserves some time off.”

“Taeyong.”

“Ah, so is that it?” Vevee questioned. “This whole time you’ve offered to do her job for her, and now you’re even trying to give her credit for my show and get her some time off? Are you trying to take y/n away from me?”

“Vevee, I would never-”

“You can have her.”

“… what… Vevee-”

“If she needs help to do her job, and has to have someone else fight battles for her, then she’s no longer as good as she used to be. So if you want something old and worn go ahead, I won’t stop you.”

“Vevee…”

“Go on now, do as you please.”

You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. After everything you had done, your boss was so quick to discard you. This didn’t make any sense, but for Vevee the conversation was over. You followed her as she turned back, fumbling with your words and trying to figure out what to say. Taeyong intended to do the same, realizing what he had done only to have you throw a death glare his way and make him stop. That would be his mistake. 

You kept trying to talk to Vevee about this but she wasn’t listening. Without really meaning to you grabbed her arm, pleading with her, but your actions upset her. Instead she wound up shoving you away, which in turn had you stumble back towards the edge of the runway. Taeyong could see what was about to happen, intending to use his power to get to you, regardless of him exposing himself, but when he took a step he realized he couldn’t move fast enough. Instead he could only watch as you fell off the runway, crashing into the chairs below. Soon enough the smell of blood, your blood, hit him.

“Y/n!”

“Oh dear, she must be drunk.” Vevee remarked. “Useless girl.”

Taeyong ran over, jumping down and noticing the blood pooling around your head. He was panicking, and soon enough the rest of his members came over, the smell of blood calling them. You felt dizzy, and you could barely make out your surroundings. The voices around you sounded far away, but you could feel someone holding you.

“What happened!?” Doyoung questioned. “What did you do?”

“It wasn’t me, it was that bitch.” Taeyong explained. “She pushed y/n off the runway.”

“Her heartbeat is slow.” Yuta mentioned. “We need to get her to a hospital.”

“Right… right…”

Taeyong picked you up in his arms, Mark using his jacket to cradle your head. They all made it to the elevator, intending to go down, but Johnny merely shut the elevator doors and kept them that way.

“Johnny, what are you doing!?” Haechan said. “She’s losing blood.”

“We can’t take her to the hospital.”

“What?”

“If we take her to the hospital the doctors will take her from us, and we’ll have no way of reaching her. What if she dies? Her life isn’t the only one on the line right now.”

“We don’t know that she’ll die.”

“Even if she lives, we don’t have that much time left.”

“You-”

“He’s right.” Taeyong interrupted. “I… I watched her fall… I couldn’t reach her… none of us have much time… Johnny, take her.”

Johnny did as he was told, hitting the button for the penthouse suite before taking you in his arms. Taeyong pulled out a small box from his coat pocket, getting out the vial that contained all their blood. He couldn’t be gentle with you in this state, forcing your mouth open and carefully pouring the contents of the vial down your throat. You choked on it a bit, but it was important you drank it all. When the elevator chimed they were in their suite, completely alone.

“What do we do now?” Mark questioned.

“We make her comfortable.” Taeyong stated. “This could drag on or be over in a few minutes.”

“… it’s cold…” You mumbled. “… it hurts… my head…”

“Sh, sh, it’s going to be okay.” Jaehyun cooed. “Everything’s going to be just fine.”

“… hm…”

Despite knowing you’d survive, it still hurt them not being able to do anything to help. Johnny took you to the bedroom, laying you down. A moment later Haechan and Yuta came in, doing their best to clean you up and keep you comfortable. You didn’t seem to be in much pain, which was a relief, but they all kind of felt guilty. Truth was you had to die in order for them all to live, but this wasn’t how they imagined things to go. It was the last step, but so much had gotten in the way. They had to be better once you were back. They took turns tending to you all night, but by sunrise the penthouse was quiet. No one could hear the sound of your heartbeat.

“How long… until she wakes?” Yuta wondered. “What do we do until then?”

“We wait.” Taeyong stated. “This will be like any usual transition. It’s different for everyone. I do need some of you to get her some clothes, and others to run a warm bath to clean her up properly. She’s gonna be disoriented when she wakes up, and we all need to be on our best behavior.”

“Got it.”

They were all a bit awkward, never having cared for someone in such a manner. Jaehyun got a warm bath going, making sure they had the necessities to properly prepare you. Three of the others examined your clothes for sizes and went off to get you some new things. Two others went off to get the food you would need. By now they had about a day left before they’d meet their own end, but they were all more concerned with you above all else. They had cleaned up the room you were in, and carefully dressed you in some comfortable clothes. The hours really dragged on, but they just had to be patient.

🖤

You inhaled softly, your eyes fluttering open. There was a dryness in your throat, and a low ringing in your ear that was starting to get louder. You groaned as you sat up, wanting to get out of bed. At the moment your memories were hazy, but you needed to get something to drink. You managed to get your legs under you, although you were unsteady with every step. You leaned against the hall when you got out of the room, although the noises around you were getting louder and louder. You fell to your knees, placing your hands over your ears but it did little to help.

“Y/n! You’re awake.”

Doyoung found you curled up on the floor, glad to see you were up, but also worried upon seeing the state you were in.

“What’s wrong?”

“Loud… everything’s so loud…”

“Yeah, that tends to overwhelm you the most. Just focus on one thing for now, like your heartbeat. Try to drown everything else out except for that.”

You did your best to follow Doyoung’s directions as he kept chatting with you. It was difficult at first to really hone in on your own heartbeat, but slowly you managed, all the other sounds fading away. Although, once you really began to listen you realized how slow it was beating, and that was scaring you.

“Y/n, what’s wrong?”

“My heart… am I dying…”

“Uh, well… it’s complicated… do you remember the other night? After the show?”

“The show… I… I was…”

You didn’t know when the tears started falling, but they were present as a bunch of memories came rushing in. You screamed and grabbed your head, looking for the injury, the blood, but there was nothing. You seemed to be fine, but that was far from the truth. Doyoung wasn’t sure what to do at the moment, but he pulled you into his arms, holding you close and trying to sooth you, not wanting you to hurt yourself. By now you had attracted attention, and the others came by to see what was going on. Everyone was glad to see you up, but not in this state.

“Y/n, it’s okay, everything is okay.” Taeyong got down to your level. “You’re just fine.”

“She… she…”

“Sh, sh, you’re not hurt. Everything is alright now.”

“No… no… what happened? What’s going on? Everything… everything’s wrong, it’s wrong!”

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s so loud… and my throat hurts and… and… I’m supposed to be dead… aren’t I?”

“Y/n…”

“Please, just tell me what’s happening…”

Taeyong sighed. “You are dead, y/n.”

“… what…”

“You died the other night, you bled out. You wouldn’t make it to the hospital… so we brought you here instead… and we saved you…”

“Saved me…? Ha… how? You… you said…”

“I know it’s a lot but I can explain.”

“Why… why would you… why me…”

It was hard to accept the words you were being told, and it was getting difficult to breathe. You had lost focus, starting to get overwhelmed by all the sounds around you. It wasn’t long before you wound up passing out, making them all worry.

“Y/n!” Taeyong yelled. “Y/n!”

He gently grabbed your face, placing a finger under your nose to make sure you were breathing. Everything he had said probably got to you.

“Get her back to her room, and someone get her some food. She’ll wake up again soon.”

Haechan and Yuta went off to find you some food, and the others all got you back to bed. No one left the room, everyone waiting around for you to regain consciousness. The silence was driving them all mad, but upon hearing your whimper they grew still. You opened your eyes, seeing that you were in the same room as before. Nothing had changed, so this most likely wasn’t a dream. You slowly sat up, a bit startled when you saw all the other boys in the room.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Johnny asked. “Better?”

“It’s still loud…” You took a deep breath to focus your hearing, but your own heartbeat was still making you uneasy. “I’m… I’m really dead…”

“You died.” Jaehyun corrected. “But you’re not actually dead.”

“Then what am I…”

“Do you believe in vampires?”

“They’re not… real…”

“We very much are.”

“So… are you all…” You looked around the room. “… vampires… am I…?”

“Yes.” Mark confirmed. “You’re just like us.”

“… why…”

“What do you mean?”

“Why me… why did you save me? I… I don’t understand…”

“Because-”

“Let me be honest.” Taeyong cut in. “It’s always been you.”

“What?”

Despite everything being so new to you Taeyong wanted to be honest from the beginning. You had eternity together, and if not, you’d all go to the grave as one. He sat down at the edge of the bed, gently reaching over to take your hand in his.

“Remember how I told you we came here looking for something.”

“Yeah…”

“Well, that something was you.”

“… why…”

“You can call it destiny. We came to this place in search of a better life, and our journey led us to you. I honestly should have known from the start. A girl with fire like you, I don’t think I’d want anyone else.” Taeyong chuckled. “Truth is, we’re all connected through you now. We needed someone so we’d be reborn as something better, just like you.”

“Me…?”

“You are my queen now.” Taeyong kissed your hand. “Of course things are more complicated than they seem, but we’re here for you, and we will take care of you.”

“… a queen…”

“Just like a bee hive. We’re here for you. I really wanted to explain all this to you before but… we couldn’t just let you die, especially since we’d die with you.”

“What?”

“I know it’s a lot to take in, but there is still something else. In order for everything to be alright, we do need to drink your blood.”

“My… my blood?”

“Yes. I understand this is all still new to you, and the idea probably seems crazy, but as you get used to all this you’ll see that you’re far stronger than you can imagine. Stronger than us even.”

“… and if you don’t?”

“We’ll definitely die, and I’m pretty sure you will too…”

“Oh…”

“You don’t need to decide right now, but I do need-”

“Here.” You held out your wrist. “Let’s get it over with.”

“If you’re not-”

“I don’t want you guys to die.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, but this is gonna feel… weird.”

Taeyong grabbed your wrist, placing a gentle kiss on it before exposing his fangs and biting you. A loud gasp escaped your lips followed by a rush of euphoria. Your eyes were wide and you had your head thrown back a bit. You didn’t even realize when Taeyong had pulled away, not until he was reaching up to caress your cheek.

“How do you feel?”

“Definitely… weird…”

“I thought so, but you’re okay, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. You think you can do it again?”

“Sure.”

You were still a bit out of it, but you certainly felt another pair of fangs dig into your wrist. That same pleasurable feeling coarse through you again, and you wound up laying back on the bed. You felt a hand on your head, seeing Yuta smiling down at you.

“You still okay?”

“Hm…”

“You do need to eat too.”

“I’m not hungry…”

“You said your throat was dry earlier.”

“Oh yeah…”

“Come on. Let’s get you back up.”

Yuta helped you sit back up, making sure you were leaning against the headboard. You saw him bring a thermos to your lips. A strange scent hit your nose. It was something unfamiliar, but it smelled amazing. Yuta carefully tilted up the thermos, letting you get a taste of strange liquid. As soon as you had a drop on your tongue you grabbed the thermos and drank it all. It felt refreshing and invigorating. You wanted more, but the thermos was empty.

“Easy, easy. We have plenty more.”

“What is it?”

“What do you think, you’re a vampire.”

“Ah… blood… tastes better than I thought…”

All the boys seemed to laugh, and their easy going vibes were certainly putting you at ease. Everything was so new to you, but having them there made you feel better. You still didn’t quite understand this connection they mentioned, and what was in store for you down the line, but at least you weren’t scared. You had some more blood, and the others took turns biting you. Each one still felt just as amazing as the last. Afterwards they let you rest and you certainly slept the day away. You were a bit surprised to wake up later to find yourself alone, but you could hear noises just outside the door. The others were around, so you weren’t truly alone.

You carefully got out of bed, feeling a lot stronger than before. You managed to walk out of the room and made your way down the hall. As you stepped into the living room you noticed the sun shining in. It caught you a bit by surprise, but before you could really take it in you heard someone scream and then you were on the floor. Mark had tackled you to the ground, keeping you close while the two of you laid behind the couch. You had no idea what was going on and you were a bit too scared to ask. After the initial attack Mark was doting on you, making sure you were alright.

“You okay? You’re not hurt, are you?”

“I’m fine… why did you…”

“You’re still a baby, the sun can hurt you.”

“The sun? It didn’t hurt though…”

“It didn’t?”

“No…”

You carefully pulled away from Mark, getting on your knees. You slowly lifted up your hand above the couch, feeling the sunlight against your skin. There was a bit of a tingle, but it definitely didn’t hurt. Mark was a bit stunned, getting up and helping you to your feet as well.

“I guess you’re a lot more powerful than I thought.”

“Sorry.”

“For what?”

“I didn’t mean to scare you like that.”

“You were just worried and looking out for me. I appreciate it.”

“No problem. You hungry?”

“Kinda…”

“Then let’s get you some food.”

You sat at the dining table as Mark got you some food. A few of the others joined you later on, Mark getting scolded once they learned about what he did. You assured everyone you were fine and there was no need to yell at the boy. Although, since they had your attention, there was something to discuss.

“Y/n.”

“Hm?”

“I know you’re still adjusting to everything, but it would be best if we took you home.”

“Home?”

“We only came here to find you.” Doyoung said. “And now that we did, it’s best we get you somewhere better suited for you as you start this new chapter with us.”

“I see…”

“It won’t be easy to just let everything go.” Jaehyun added. “But you have time.”

“I might, but not everything else.”

“We can stay a while longer, but it’s best we leave.” Taeyong mentioned. “We need to pack your things and-”

“I need to see her again.”

“No.”

“You don’t even-”

“Who else would you want to see at this point? I know who you’re talking about, and the answer is no.”

“You said I’m your queen, so you listen to me.”

“It’s our job to do what’s best for you, and seeing that bitch isn’t it.”

“I’m not gonna do anything. I just… I just want to see her one last time… please.”

“Fine, but not alone.”

“I understand.”

It kinda felt surreal, going back to your own place and packing your things. Your life had drastically changed in a matter of hours, and there was no going back. Even though it had been a couple of days since the whole incident, you knew exactly where Vevee would be. She wasn’t one to change her schedule, especially for someone like you. So Johnny, Haechan, and Taeyong accompanied you into a restaurant. Vevee always enjoyed her brunch meetings, if you could actually call them that. You didn’t worry about reservation or staff, you just walked in knowing the boys would deal with the other things.

“Vevee.”

It wasn’t hard to find your former boss, and you just walked up to the table. There was a lot you wanted to say, but in the moment you kinda locked up, and of course she spoke her mind.

“Ah, finally put yourself back together I see. Have you come to apologize? You left a mess at-”

“Are you fucken serious right now?”

“Language. You-”

“Shut up! You fucken killed me and you don’t even care? I guess your pathetic brain can’t even comprehend your actions.”

“Excuse me?” Vevee got up. “Watch your fucken tone with me.”

“Fuck you! You’re a terrible person, and you can’t do anything on your own. After that last show, I’m done. I quit.”

“You quit? Just like that?”

“Goodbye.”

Vevee scoffed. “You are never going to work in this industry. I-”

“I don’t care. I’m not even sure I want to, but if I ever do, I’ll do so over your dead body. Have a nice life.”

You walked away without another word, not caring to hear anything more. You may not have said everything you wanted to, but at least you made your peace. The boys were waiting for you, offering you comforting smiles. You followed them out to the car waiting. As you drove off you couldn’t help but look out the window and watch the city pass you by. This place was once your home, you gave it a lot of you, and now you were leaving. You didn’t think things would go down this way, but it wasn’t really a goodbye. You could come back here someday, but you’ll be very different, and the city itself might be different too.

“Are you alright?” Taeyong asked. “Is there something else you need to do?”

“No, no, I’m just… I’ll be okay… right?”

“Of course. We’re here for you.”

“Thanks.”

[the0retically]

Riptide 115 Thoughts

Out of order since I’ve had a couple of days to think about stuff and yet still going insane over it all, includes thoughts and just moments I thought were cool, spoilers below!

- The mole has to be Caspian, the connection he has with Edyn, how long he’s been with Lizzie, his sister being one of the Elders? It has to be him and that makes me sick, I love him so much, if he betrays them I’m gonna cry

- “I love you Jay” “I love you Chip” broke me, I absolutely adore them and the fact that the party has split scares me so much

- Queen hugging Chip goodbye broke me a bit too, I’m glad they’ll be safer but just everyone having to say goodbye to each other was So Upsetting

- Pretzel going with Jay too :(((((, she’ll be safer that way but :(((

- After hearing Lizzie’s in danger Chip wanting to immediately abandon the Black Sea and finding Arlin just to save her killed me a little, that’s his sister, he just cares for her so much, Lizzie please stay safe

- Chip and Gill’s conversation and Gill urging Chip not to throw himself away and to do this as a crew was so well done

- “I thought you hated Lizzie?” “I don’t want her dead?!” Jay Ferin you’re so cool

- Chip and Gill immediately falling into chaos as soon as Jay left was on brand though, made complete sense

- Chapter 69, I cannot believe it took Grizz 40 minutes to write that

- Drey staying with the boys to find Arlin, just Perfect

- Going into the hole and Chip hearing “welcome home”

- Drey not being there when they started to search in the hole

- Jay possibly reaching out to Kira for help against the navy

- Jay taking most of the crew to Canella for safety

- Chip not being able to read the celestial on the tablets but Jay could

- Arm wrestling with Jug!!!!

- Jug not being a hollowed?????

- Fish n Chips was crazy this episode

- Chip disguising himself as Captain Rose and just running around and getting in Jug’s face yelling “PIRATE” “GET TO THE HELM BOY” was so chaotic but on brand, loved it

- “I would remember being tied to the ship when it went down right?” “If that’s what you remember then yes” GRIZZ WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT

[thetomorrowshow]

we stand alone

trust au

fwhip and gem story??? fwhip and gem story from trust au anyone?????

takes place after scott has fallen off the cliff :)

~

Katherine dismisses the meeting with a flourish, which is followed by a great scraping of chairs as the rulers all stand, making small talk with one another.

One ruler makes a beeline for her, not quite able to hide the nervous wringing of his hands. He’d done well, Katherine thinks idly, for his first House Blossom meeting as such a new emperor.

“Hi, Lady Katherine,” says Count fWhip as he approaches. “Sorry to bother you—what was, uh, his name?”

He subtly nods toward the stern-looking elf a couple of seats down, dressed in rich white-and-blue robes adorned with golden jewelry, a crown of white jewels set atop his cyan hair and between his pointed ears.

“King Scott,” she tells fWhip, “of the elves of Rivendell.”

“Oh,” fWhip says. “Are we allies?”

Katherine can’t help but giggle a little. “Yes. You two are allies.”

“Good,” fWhip nods. “Good. I want to be allies with him.”

“See something you like?” Katherine asks, just barely restraining a smirk. Scott has never failed to be extremely conventionally attractive, from his casually bored expression to his perfectly manicured fingernails. Everyone who sees Scott has to do an impressed double take—whether they’re attracted to men or not.

fWhip startles, looking between Scott and Katherine. “No, no, no. Not like that. I’m not interested in—in that kind of alliance. He’s just . . . he’s really cool.”

She can agree on that. Scott gives off an aura of royalty, unlike many of the fresh-faced rulers around the table. He’s more experienced than most, probably the oldest in the room. He beats out Katherine in age by at least ten years, which is obnoxious of him.

“Go talk to him, then,” she prods, still certain, partly, that fWhip is harboring some sort of small crush on the elf.

“I can’t just go up there without a reason to talk to him!”

“Why do you need a reason? Make small talk.”

“No, then he’ll know that I’m not actually important to talk to,” fWhip argues. “I want to make a good first impression, you know?”

Oh, humans and their little crushes. “All right,” Katherine says, smiling. “Ask him how you can make the transition any easier, but not in a weird, spineless way. Act confident in your empire’s power.”

“What transition?”

Katherine shrugs. “Pick a transition and go talk about it.”

Then she turns away, seeking out the Ocean Queen to ask her for something or other that she hasn’t decided yet—she really just wants to push fWhip into talking to Scott.

And sure enough, after he flounders silently for a moment, he nods to himself and boldly approaches Scott.

And Katherine finds herself right in front of Lizzie, who raises a brow.

“So, how can the Overgrown support the Ocean Kingdom in this transition?” she asks.

-

fWhip’s at his sister’s side the moment he sees her fall, and whatever he yells at Scott doesn’t matter because Gem is limp on the ground, her hair is entirely white and she isn’t moving—

fWhip shakes her, once, twice, three times, each more desperate than the last.

Her head lolls from side to side, frost creeping down her jaw.

“No,” he mutters. “No, no, no no no no—Gem, please, please wake up—”

But she doesn’t stir.

That’s it.

fWhip leaps up, barrels into Scott, yells at him and threatens him and he’s gonna kill him because it’s his sister—

Scott throws him off and to the side—fWhip’s jacket goes stiff with ice as he rolls—and returns to fighting Xornoth.

fWhip watches, out of breath, the fight not chased from him but tied down within him.

He watches his sister, across the impromptu battlefield, willing her to sit up, to move, anything.

She can’t be dead. She can’t be.

Xornoth throws Scott off the cliff—good riddance, honestly—and in the hustle and bustle of armies from all sides rushing forward to look for the elf’s body, fWhip crawls back to Gem’s side, pulls her into his lap.

Her eyes are stubbornly closed.

fWhip doesn’t give up. He tries everything he can think of—he pulls on her white hair, he snaps his fingers in her ears, he pokes at a bruise on her arm.

Nothing happens.

His hands cup her cheeks—so cold, far too cold—and he tries and tries to rub warmth into them with his trembling thumbs.

Gem doesn’t so much as twitch.

No. No, no, no—

fWhip looks up, around at the armies beginning to disperse around him.

“Sausage!” he shouts, eyes scanning the crowd. “Sausage!”

The call starts passing along his soldiers—his joyful soldiers, clapping each other on the backs and celebrating their victory—until Sausage is there, hands on his hips.

“What’s up?” he asks disinterestedly.

“It’s Gem,” fWhip spits, his panic presenting, as it so often does, as anger. “That—that piece of scum did something to her; she won’t wake up. She needs help, right now.”

Sausage raises an eyebrow. “What do you want me to do about it?”

That isn’t right.

That isn’t how Sausage acts.

(Well, it’s how Sausage acts lately.)

“Go get him,” fWhip says, voice rising. “Your god, or whatever the demon is.”

“Show our lord the proper respect,” Sausage tells him. “You serve him as well, dog.”

fWhip’s blood pounds in his ears. He can’t take the bait. He can’t assert himself here—Sausage has been getting too full of himself lately, he needs to remember that fWhip is in charge here—but Gem’s life is at stake.

“Please,” he grits out. “Please get Lord Xornoth to heal Gem.”

Sausage only smirks. “He’s already here.”

And suddenly, fWhip can feel him. That choking darkness that always seems to follow the demon, the mists that cloud his senses so entirely, the dread that seeps into his very teeth,

fWhip inhales deeply, then turns to his lord.

“Milord,” he murmurs, inclining his head.

“Ah,” comes the resounding voice, bouncing around fWhip’s head. “One of my servants requires me.”

fWhip looks up in increments—first the demon’s heavy, dripping boots, then his torn black robes, and finally, his grotesque, blackened lips (he doesn’t focus on any feature, his stomach turning, he already summoned the demon once today and he’s fairly certain he lost ten years off his life from that ordeal and he really doesn’t want to strain his mind any more than he already has).

“Milord,” he says again, voice trembling (from exhaustion, or fear, or rage, or grief, or perhaps all at once). “Please. Please, my sister. . . .”

“Speak your request, dog,” Xornoth says lazily. fWhip stiffens as he hears Sausage snicker at his side.

“You vanquished the foe with ease,” he implores, pushing aside his anger. He doesn’t move his eyes from the demon’s mouth. “Please, use that same power to wake my sister.”

And those lips turn up.

Lightly, tugging a glove off his thin, rotting hand, Xornoth bends down and lightly places his disgusting fingers on Gem’s forehead.

fWhip resists the urge to pull Gem away from him, from his tainted touch. He’s going to heal her. She’s going to wake up and be okay.

Sure enough, the frost on her face recedes, color bleeding back into the roots of her hair. It spreads out, down to the end of her long braid, and fWhip could cry for the pink in her cheeks and lips and the sudden intake of breath as her eyelids flutter open.

Her eyes have a strange, almost feverish shine to them.

But she’s awake, and that’s all that matters.

“fWhip,” she mumbles, voice small. “What happened?”

Xornoth withdraws, still smiling that terrible smile, and Sausage goes with him, falling into the moving soldiers all around.

fWhip hugs his sister, as tightly as he dares. “It’s okay,” he says. “You took a bit of a fall, but you’re okay. You’re better now.”

She smiles a little, leans into the hug. She hasn’t been this close, this kind, in months.

He’s missed his sister.

And right now, he doesn’t care that his army is waiting for his command. He doesn’t care that Xornoth probably expects something of him right now.

He only cares that Gem is safe.

“Let’s get you home.”

-

Gem is different.

fWhip properly notices it the next day, when she still hasn't kicked him out of her home at Crystal Cliffs (and he should have left by now, but he can’t, irrationally afraid that if he lets her out of his sight she’ll go cold and limp again).

She's acting weird. She laughs at the wrong times, impulsively chucks a rock at a bird, her eyes seeming to be constantly wet. She scratches her arms with sharp fingernails, and scribbles so hard on a piece of paper that her pen tears through it, and when fWhip picks up the torn pieces he finds sketchy drawings of grinning faces and dead animals.

Perhaps the strangest thing—and fWhip doesn't know how he didn't notice this sooner—is her hair. It isn't the same shade it used to be—what once was a carrot-colored braid, matching fWhip's own hair, is now a deep red, almost maroon, flowing loose around her shoulders.

That one he tries to write off. Of course her hair is a different color. It was completely white before, and Xornoth probably didn't know what color he needed to return it to.

He can't ignore it for very long, though.

Because within a couple of hours, he has to face that this isn't the sister he knows.

She breaks down sobbing in the middle of breakfast, sobs that turn into laughs, until she suddenly falls silent, staring at fWhip with something predatory in her gaze.

"I was wondering," she says slowly, "how far can a body fall without dying?"

Normal thing to say. Maybe she's hoping Scott's alive.

"Can we test it?" she asks, sounding almost innocent in her curiosity. "There are plenty of souls to spare."

Not a normal thing to say. Okay.

fWhip would say that kind of thing just to get a rise out of her. Get her to yell at him. Run away, laughing, Sausage at his side.

She isn't right.

None of them are right.

This isn't Gem. This isn't his sister, this is Xornoth puppeteering her body, pulling her lips into an uncanny smile, one eye slightly more open than the other.

fWhip has never hated the demon more.

But he can't show it. He can’t show it, or else he’ll lose his sister forever.

"Sure," he says instead. "But I don't think we should do it alone."

He needs back-up. Who can be back-up? Sausage can't, he's acting strange as well—and Joey was never trustworthy to begin with—

Her head tilts (more of a fall to the side than an intentional nod) and she pouts, crossing her arms. "We won't be alone," she argues. "There will be plenty of people. We need to do this properly, which means dropping a lot of bodies."

"Isn't there anything else you want to do?" fWhip asks, biting back the desperation that threatens to enter his voice.

Gem huffs. "Lots of things. That one is just the most sensitized for your delicate mind, brother."

She's never called him that before. fWhip would have laughed her out of town. The closest she's come is when she squealed "twinsies!!" when he got crowned ruler of the Grimlands, and he'd tackled her to the ground over it.

She always uses his name.

Xornoth never has, though.

"Makes sense," he nods, every gear in his head turning at top speed. What can he do? "Me and my sensitivities. Because it's definitely me that hates hurting people."

Not that he loves hurting people. fWhip isn't a fan of senseless violence, not like Joey is. He certainly wouldn't sacrifice even one of his citizens for this twisted experiment.

This isn't Gem. This isn't her, this isn't his sister, this isn't the girl who would nurse squirrels back to health and practice spells of bubbles and friendship or whatever.

fWhip wants to throw up. He's supposed to be the screwed-up one, not her. She was always supposed to be good.

"Brother," she says sullenly. "You're ignoring me."

"I'm not," fWhip whispers. He doesn't know how he could.

"Yes, you are. Can't we go right now? I'm not hungry. I'm more . . . thirsty. For blood."

His sister is dead.

He's sure of it.

Scott killed his sister, and Xornoth just made everything ten times worse.

At least Scott did it accidentally.

"Let's go," he decides, pushing back his chair and standing up. "Let's go do it at the Overgrown."

"We have plenty of cliffs here, though. Why do we have to go so far away?"

"Because I said so. And Katherine would love to join in, don't you think?"

Gem doesn't seem to agree, but she gets up anyway, leaving to find her elytra.

fWhip isn't really sure why he wants to head to the Overgrown. Some part of his brain is formulating a plan involving Katherine locking up this horribly wrong Gem, the magic of the fae strong enough to keep her imprisoned.

Hopefully Katherine is willing to see them.

-

"I don't want to be here," Gem whines, even as fWhip practically drags her through the forest. "Take me back."

"Nope, Katherine really wants a part in your evil plans."

"She's too nice. She never wants to do anything interesting."

"Right, but—"

"Stop right there, intruders!"

fWhip freezes at the command, grip tightening on Gem's arm.

Three fairies step out of the brush, skin mottled to match the trees in a way that fWhip can't tell if it's facepaint or their actual skin. They’re varying heights, one quite tall, one about fWhip’s height, and the third smaller than a dog, fluttering around on tiny wings. Even with the odd sizes, they make quite the intimidating force, and fWhip doesn’t dare move.

They circle the two of them, one with a knife bared, the other two with little sparks flying from their open palms. fWhip bites his lip, squeezes Gem's wrist as a warning to stay quiet.

The brush moves again, and out steps Katherine, face solemn, her dress a sky blue.

"fWhip," she says, frowning, as if his name leaves a bad taste in her mouth. "What are you doing here? Unhand the Wizard Gem, and return to the Grimlands at once."

"Yes, unhand me," Gem sniffs.

"Lady Katherine," fWhip says with all the politeness he can muster (he’s getting quite practiced at it, what with keeping his tongue in check around the demon). "I invoke the peace of House Blossom. I have important matters to discuss with you."

She raises an eyebrow.

"Alone," he stresses.

Which is how he finds himself without his leather jacket (confiscated) and his boots (also confiscated), alone in a room with Katherine, who stares him down, arms folded.

"I thought I was your ally," fWhip grumbles, pulling at the short sleeves of his white shirt, feeling naked without his jacket. "You didn't have to take my things."

"We're only allies in the way that wasps and bees don't sting one another," Katherine says icily. "Don't you dare expect aid, or anything of the sort. In fact, I'm surprised that you would even show your—"

"It's not for me," fWhip interrupts loudly. "I don't need aid."

"Then why, in Hycea's name, are you here?"

fWhip resists the urge to roll his eyes. "Gem," he says. "It isn't for me, it's for her. She—something's wrong with her."

That gives Katherine pause. "She . . . was definitely off, when I led her to her usual suite. What happened?"

"What happened," fWhip growls, "is Scott hit her with whatever that was, and then—to bring her back, the demon changed her."

There’s a pause, ugly and jagged, that sits in the air between them like a dropped vase, shattered on the floor, the dead flowers scattered.

"Did you ask him to heal her?" Katherine asks, appalled, and fWhip reluctantly nods.

Katherine's mouth hangs ajar. "What did you expect?" she demands. "You asked the literal demon to bring someone back to life, and you didn't expect him to have changed her?"

"Well, it didn't look like there were very many other options at the time!"

Katherine shakes her head in disgust. "Right. Sure. I'll help, but it isn't for you. It's for—"

"It's for Gem, I know, I get it," fWhip cuts her off. "It was never supposed to be for me. I just . . . she's your friend, so I thought you might be willing to try. Just . . . lock her up, or something? Keep her safe, but others safe from her."

Katherine stares at him for far too long. Long enough that fWhip shifts uncomfortably, looks down at his socks. His left sock has a hole in the toe. He should get a new sock.

"Follow me."

She's out of the room before fWhip can quite register what she's said, but he spins on his heel and walks after her, socked feet making a soft thud sound against the floor of her palace instead of the normal click of his heels.

"Many of my plants have been corrupted," Katherine says, leading him down a long corridor. "Disgusting red vines growing up out of nowhere, killing the flowers. I've been working on a concoction to neutralize the corruption. It’s been moderately successful in the trials—we can give it to her.”

"Wait, wait, wait, wait—you want to feed it to Gem? What if it hurts her?"

"I can feel the corrupting magic in her, fWhip. It's entwined around her soul, crushing it. We don't have time to experiment."

Of course, when she offers the concoction to Gem, she doesn't want to take it.

They meet her in the set of rooms that Katherine had led her to (and there she is, too-red hair, tearing the pages out of a book with the remains of another book at her feet), in the sitting room. The carpet is plush, the sofa off to the side is roomy, but fWhip doesn’t pay any real attention to the furnishings because Gem is there and she isn’t right.

"What is this?" Gem asks when Katherine hands her the potion (and she drops the book), sloshing it around in the glass bottle suspiciously. "An assassination attempt?"

"Now why would I try to kill you?" Katherine says reasonably. "You're one of my best friends. This is a mind-enhancing potion."

Gem laughs shrilly. "You think I need one of those?"

Katherine freezes. She gives fWhip a look, one that he doesn't care to read. His eyes are fixed on Gem.

Then Gem shrugs. "What harm could it do?" she says. "Make me even smarter than I already am?"

And then, in practically a single gulp, she downs the potion.

fWhip holds his breath, eyes scanning his sister for any change. She smacks her lips, looks around.

"So," she says. "How about on to—"

Her jaw goes slack. Her eyes roll up into her head.

Limp, boneless, Gem crumples to the floor.

It’s just like last time, fWhip can practically feel the chill in the air, can practically see Smajor’s stupid face—

He curses, dives toward her. He's too late to catch her, but he pulls her up into his lap and presses his ear to her chest.

After a moment, he feels the movement of her chest and barely can restrain a sigh of relief. She's alive. Everything's okay.

"Is she gonna wake up?" he asks, eyes darting around her face. She's looking pale again—her cheeks have been almost flushed since she woke up again—but not so pale that frost is spreading down her jaw. That’s got to be good, right?

"Hopefully. But why do you care?"

fWhip looks back up at Katherine. She’s watching him, arms folded and face stony. "Why—why do I care?" he asks incredulously. "She's my sister."

"And you're a murderer," Katherine counters. "How can you pick and choose—"

"Name one person I've murdered!"

"Your actions led directly to the deaths of Jimmy and Scott—may their souls bring new growth—and your armies are taking possession of Rivendell and killing hundreds of elves as we speak!"

Touché.

Also, fWhip totally has killed people. He just hasn't told anyone about those.

Probably best not to bring it up.

The truth is . . . fWhip never wanted a war. He never wanted to invade Rivendell. He was happy in the Grimlands.

He's not sure exactly how everything spiraled the way it has.

"I don't expect you to understand," he says, instead of any of that. "Not whe—"

"You tortured Jimmy!" Katherine accuses. "For years! Why?"

"What, is rightful bullying against the law, now?"

"You kidnapped and tortured Scott in a prison cell!"

"Okay, I have no idea how you found out about that."

Katherine's eyes slide away shiftily. "Maybe I snuck into Scott's room and read his diary last time I was in Rivendell," she admits. "But still! They were both rulers, and what you did to them was definitely in violation of many international laws!"

fWhip sighs, rubs his eyes. "Look, I can't—I can't explain Jimmy. I just have—I hate him! He was so annoying! And I'm not sorry for what we did! It was funny, and it made him shut up."

And it's true. He hates Jimmy. He doesn't regret the good ol' years, the beating appointments, the power. It was fun.

"And Scott?"

fWhip shrugs. "I don't know," he says. Katherine huffs, so he continues. "No, really! I . . . geez, he just got in the way. I didn't have fun hurting him, I swear. If that makes it any better."

"Then why did you do it?"

fWhip doesn't answer.

He really never expected to get here.

He could tell, early on, that something was different about Sausage. He was more ruthless, more bloodthirsty. Quicker to hate and make drastic decisions.

He hadn't thought that his and Joey's plan to release the demon would actually work. It was just a little fun, messing with the dark secrets of the world. Back then, before Xornoth actually had power, everything meant so much less. It was a game, just like beating Jimmy had been a game!

He’d gotten too deep before he even thought that they might be going too far. In fact, he'd first realized he was in too deep when he was at the definition of too far—back in that dungeon in Mythland, after beating Scott with a guard's weapon until he finally gave up that tiny piece of information.

He had dropped the halberd, disgust rising within himself as he stared at Scott's pitiful, sniveling, bleeding form.

Then he'd pushed it away and left.

It wasn't like he enjoyed the sleep-torture. Well, he didn't have any real problems with it, which might be a problem in and of itself. But he hadn't gotten excited about it, like Sausage and Joey. Scott had once been an ally, even someone that fWhip had admired. He didn’t want to hurt him. He didn’t want to hurt anyone.

Really, fWhip's main issue was Jimmy.

None of this would have ever happened if Jimmy hadn't shown his stupid face at a House Blossom meeting however many years ago.

"It's Jimmy's fault," he mutters. Katherine laughs, almost as shrilly as Gem had.

"Jimmy's dead," she says derisively. "Come up with a new excuse for your actions."

fWhip doesn't really have anything to say to that.

"Well, we're already here," he says eventually, one hand idly brushing Gem’s bangs back from her face. "What's happened has happened. And I might as well try to come out on top."

The look Katherine gives him is disgusted, angry, and maybe a bit mournful. "You used to have so much promise. You used to be good. What happened?"

And fWhip doesn't have an answer to that, either.

-

Over the course of the next several hours, Gem's hair returns to its original color, her face gains more natural color, and eventually, her eyes flicker open, and they don't glint with any fever or evil intent.

She looks almost normal.

She isn't dead.

Just like the morning prior, she wakes and instinctively leans into fWhip's hold (because he hasn’t moved, hasn’t left her in any of the intervening time, even when his legs fell asleep and his back started to ache. He stayed, and held her, and waited).

"fWhip," she mumbles, squinting her eyes shut again. "What happened?"

She's okay.

She's his sister again.

"You had a bit of a rough time," he says softly, helping her to sit up against the sofa that they had laid her upon. "You're okay now, though."

"Gem, how are you feeling?" Katherine asks, hurrying over. She sits on the sofa beside them, and fWhip leans Gem more against Katherine than himself as she opens her eyes again, offering a weak smile toward Katherine.

"Warm," Gem says slowly. "But . . . a good warm. Not like the . . . the fire."

"That's good to hear," Katherine smiles. "Anything feel strange? Unlike you?"

fWhip slips off the sofa, heads to the door. He turns, hand on the doorknob.

Katherine meets his gaze, eyes hard and unforgiving. She nods, once.

He nods back.

Then he leaves, ignoring Gem's weak call of his name.

His army is currently taking over Rivendell, after all. He needs to be there.