#it's been 10- NO! 11- ELEVEN YEARS!!

[jaywuji]

Le me: waiting for a fic Last updated in 2013 to update again.

Me again: realising it's not been 10 years, but 11 💀💀💀

Some of you would not survive waiting months to years for a WIP to update.

Look at me, listen to me: A couple of months is way too early to think a fic is abandoned or dead. A year is often too early. Internalize this.

[smile-files]

guys. i need your opinion of this. because i'm genuinely so confused now

what time period is the professor layton series in?? the prequel trilogy and the main trilogy. when are they supposed to be taking place

i could've sworn one of the games (though i forget which) mentions that someone's been to the moon already which would put them at least in the late 60s into the 70s going by our world's timeline... but i don't know maybe space travel was discovered earlier in this universe???

[subaru-meteorlight]

💫.

[kierancaz]

“HUMGASOURRRR” *tries to belly flop on bad guys*

[inthelibrarybtw]

you want me to pretend? | eleven

SERIES MASTERLIST

pairing: college!basketball!captain!rafe x college!student!reader content: fluff, college au, smau/irl, alcohol, cursing, angst, suggestive, mentions of anxiety

summary: You were trying to make one problem disappear. You were tired, so you lied. That small lie led you to contact the last person you wanted to ask for help. It wasn’t that you didn’t like Rafe; only that you didn’t want to deal with his constant teasing more than you already did. Also, you two weren't that close, but this one lie was going to bring you two closer and maybe help some truths come to light.

word count: 1.5k

authors note: I'm finally back! I want to thank the amazing girls who helped me figure things out more clearly on this chapter. This one goes to @memoirofasparklemuff1n ily 💕 she basically beta read it.

10 | 11 | 12

Sophomore year - February 2023

Getting to know Jordan had been something unexpected. You kept lying to yourself, saying you didn't like him and that you were only friends. But the way he talked to you was confusing; none of your friends ever spoke to you like that. The only one who did was JJ, but it was different; JJ didn't mean it, and you knew he was joking. But Jordan? Jordan was confusing. You didn't know how he usually interacted with other people, whether he treated everyone like he treated you, or if he said the same things to other friends. So, as much as part of you believed that he liked you back, you weren't one hundred percent sure. You had been overthinking his every little move and word, and none of your friends knew him enough to form an actual opinion. Kelce didn't like him much, but he had told you on different occasions that he never liked Topper's friends because of how different their personalities were, so again, his opinion was not a big turning point.

You tried not to think too much about Jordan, but it was impossible when you two talked every day, all day. You didn’t spend much time together; he was usually very busy, and your schedules clashed, so you had to settle for texts and calls.

Rafe was sure he would talk to you. At least he thought he would until the time came. You walked in with Kie and Cleo while he spoke to Kelce. You said hi to both of them from a distance and followed your friends. He was relieved to see you with them and not with him. You looked pretty, but to him, you always did.

As the party continued, his resolve crumbled, and he no longer felt the need to talk to you. The more he thought about it, the more he accepted he wasn’t planning on doing it to move on; he wanted to do it in hopes of maybe seeing if something was there. “I thought she liked you,” was what Kelce had told him. That comment had haunted him for months, and selfishly, he wanted to see if something was still lingering there. If he were upfront with you about how he felt, maybe you would respond or rethink whatever was happening with Jordan. Either way, it was a selfish reason, and he didn’t want to disturb your peace or the dynamic of the friend group. Telling you about his feelings might complicate everything, and he didn’t want that for either of you, so he decided to stay put and do nothing about it.

He went to look for another drink, nothing strong, because he still had to drive back home. He wasn’t staying with Topper like he usually did when there was a party because Sarah was staying with him, and that was something he certainly didn’t want to hear. When he got to the drink table, he was shocked to see Sofia.  

“What are you doing here?” he asked her.  

“Rafe, hey! Long time no see,” she said.

—

Sofia and Rafe had gotten their drinks and stayed there for a while talking, but eventually moved to another place to chat because they were blocking the table for others who wanted to get their drinks. The conversation was mostly small talk and catching up since they hadn’t seen each other in a long time. She noticed how Rafe’s eyes darted around the room as if he were looking for someone.  

“Looking for someone?” she asked, intrigued.  

“Uh… no,” he replied, taking another sip of his drink and glancing around one more time.  

“Liar,” Sofia chuckled softly. “Who is the girl?” He sighed deeply.  

“Someone from college,” he admitted.  

“Are you two a thing?”  

“No,” he said, a bit annoyed.  

“Touchy subject, huh?” She sipped her drink. “Ex?”  

“I wish,” he scoffed. “She is just a girl I like.”  

“Doesn’t look like she is just a girl.”  

“I don’t want to talk about it, I would drink my thoughts away, but I have to drive.” He joked, then looked at her. 

“Look at you making good decisions. You have matured.” 

“College does that, apparently,” he chuckled.

—

You and Kelce had been talking for the past ten minutes, and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t notice how long Rafe had been talking to a girl whose face was familiar, but you didn’t know from where. You were aware you shouldn’t care who he was with, but you did. You reminded yourself you liked Jordan, even if you were trying to deny it. But that was better than thinking about what was happening right in front of you. Your feelings were all over the place.  

It had been a while since you had thought about Rafe. Deep down, he was still in the back of your mind, but you were good at ignoring it… At least most days you were, but today was not one of those days. Today was one of the days when you wished he were talking to you, when he was sweet and not flirting with everything that moved. When you caught on to his flirtatiousness, everything that had happened before that became obsolete, just another one of his games. That was how it looked in your eyes, when the truth was far from that.  

You were dying to ask Kelce if he knew who the girl was, but you didn’t know how to ask without sounding jealous.  

“I think her face looks familiar, but I don’t know from where,” you said as you looked at Sofia and Rafe. Kelce followed your gaze before answering.  

“Probably because I went to high school with her; I have pictures on my Instagram with her, so that’s probably why you think you’ve seen her before.”  

“Makes sense,” Kelce looked at you, and you didn’t notice as you were still looking at them. He smirked.  

“Yeah…” he paused, “Topper, Sarah, Rafe, and I know her from high school; we were friends.”  

“Not anymore?” you turned to look back at Kelce.  

“High school friends who become acquaintances the moment you graduate.” Your eyes flickered back to Rafe and Sofia, but instead of seeing them talk, they were kissing—making out.  

“Oh… that doesn’t look like acquaintances,” you said to Kelce as casually as you could, even if you had just felt your stomach drop.  

“Oh shit…” Kelce whispered and then snickered, “The same thing happened at senior prom, but they both regretted it; it was so funny.”  

“So they dated?” Kelce noticed the hint of jealousy in your tone but pretended he didn’t hear it and answered your question.  

“No, they were just the type of friends who kissed sometimes.”  

That was all you needed to hear to make your decision. Rafe was just a silly crush that you had to move on from; you had other things to focus on, like your classes and, well, Jordan. Jordan, who was getting to know you, whom you talked to often, and whom you liked. It was time to stop trying to deny it and own it. You liked Jordan, and you were going to focus on him and forget about the little crush you had on Rafe.

A date. A date with Jordan. His saying that it was a date was all the confirmation you needed to know that he wasn’t only talking to you as a friend, and it brought peace to your mind. Choosing what to wear that day had required Ruthie and Sarah the day before, rummaging through your closet to find options. You tried everything until you found something you liked and felt comfortable in.

Paying attention in class that day was the hardest thing ever. You were extremely anxious about the date; your brain was racing ten times faster than usual, trying to think about the best and worst scenarios. Cleo and Pope noticed it, and they tried to calm you down. It worked for a while until it was time for the next class. Kelce just gave you a pack of gum and reassured you with words, knowing that’s what you needed at that moment.

When Jordan texted you that he was there, you felt your heart leap in your chest, and at the same time, you felt like you were about to faint. The class ended, you said your goodbyes, and walked to where he was waiting for you. When you saw him, you stopped and took a deep breath; you had forgotten how much taller he was than you.

“Hi,” you said as you walked closer.

“Hey, it’s so nice to finally see you again.”

He opened the door of his car and helped you in. After that, he walked around to get to the other side, got in the car, and drove to the restaurant while you two talked about everything. He brought up things you had told him a while back and asked you more questions. The conversation started, and it didn’t stop during the whole date.

taglist: @zyafics @maybankslover @niaunoffical @marleymarleymarleymarley @rafesbabygirlx @akobx @papercranesandinkstains @winterivory @my-name-is-baby @drunkinthemiddleoftheday @drewrry @ursogorgeous13 @pr3tty-pink @lmaowhatt @xoxosblogsblog @ayy1234567 @congratsloserr @moonywhisp3rs @iamheretoread1234 @rafesdrew @pogueprincesa @cokewithcameron @landososcar @drewstarkeyslover @wintersoldierslover @rafecqmeronslove @defnotayonna @wintercrows @letstryagaintomorrow @rafestoothbrush @angelicameron @dreamybabbyy @percysley @sideboobrry11 @diasnohibng @charchartumb-lr @mariamadison6-blog @drewstarkeyswife-7 @memoirofasparklemuff1n @wtfisastiles if you want to be added send an ask or comment! :) follow and turn on notifications on @inthelibrarybtw-notifs to get updates on everything I write

REBLOGS, COMMENTS AND LIKES ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED

INTHELIBRARYBTW ✧.

[desipotterhead18]

Hello Hinny Shippers

Here are my favorite hinny fic recs

[PART 2 ]

Post-DH

1)A new beginning by @startanewdream Summary: Harry and Ginny in the aftermath of the battle, getting back together and deciding to live. Nine pieces following them through May to September of 1998.

2)Private by @thedistantdusk Summary: But it’s part of the job, Ginny reminds herself. She must sit through six of these interviews per year. She must be generally pleasant and polite. She must represent her team well. And above all else, she must not lose her temper. Right.

3)Out of the Mouths of Babes by The_Clockwork_Monk Chapters: 7/7 Summary: Prompt: “Uncle Ron said something about Harry knocking Ginny up, but I don’t know what he means,” Teddy said.

4)chinwag by gryffindormischief, fightfortherightsofhouseelves Summary: Harry can't resist a challenge when he's presented with one.

5)gone was any trace of you by @annerbhpnnerb Summary: An accident at work left Harry with a mysterious case of amnesia and a wife he couldn’t remember.ever, neither can Ginny, you see.

6)you don't have to stay by Annerb Summary: They still refer to her as ‘Harry Potter’s girl’ sometimes. Eleven-year-old her would be ecstatic. Twenty-one-year-old her is far less enthused.

7)I'm not on drugs, I'm just in love by Annerb Summary: Wherein Ron is an irredeemable sap, Harry isn’t much better, and Bill is so Over It all (but secretly pleased). Or how Ron’s stag do goes the way most things do when Harry Potter is involved—a quick spiral into violence and heartwarming disaster.

8)One Perfect Day by @pottermum Summary: Harry has the most perfect day.

9)Lost in Japan by lostonplatform934 Chapters: 3/3 Summary: Two weeks, six days, three hours and 42 minutes. That was how long it had been since Harry Potter had seen Ginny Weasley. And the lack of Ginny was thoroughly driving Harry mad. But he's a couple hundred miles from Japan, and he's thinking he could fly to her hotel tonight, 'cause he can't get Ginny off his mind.

10)There's The Silver Lining I've Been Looking For (1991 words) by @justalittleconfusing Summary: Harry's 34th birthday carries more significance than another year around the sun. Ginny is on a mission to figure out why he is being so shifty at his birthday dinner at the Burrow.

11)Teething Problems by pottermum Summary: Sisters! Who Needs Them?

12)Drunk in Love by FloreatCastellum Summary: Harry should have known better than to let George Weasley get him drunk.

13)22 by FloreatCastellum Summary: 'I’m older than my parents now. They were 21 when they died.’

14)The Fairground by FloreatCastellum Summary: In which the Weasleys and Potters attend the local funfair and James Sirius Potter hustles for candy floss.

15)new name by @always_hinny Summary: ginny dealing with having a new name

ff.net

1)Won A Day In The Life  by pottermum

2)wonderfulness What-it's a word, Ginny said so! by pottermum

3) Miss Butter Elbows by JohnMcHacker

Drabbles , Snippets , series

1)Catch Her Snitch! by pottermum Chapters: 102/? 2)Several Sunlit Days: Ginniversary Bingo by @starlingflight Chapters: 19/19 3)Freshly pickled microfic by @ginnyw-potter Chapters: 28/?

One-shots with variable timeline

1)loml by StarlingFlight Summary: One accronym. Two lives. Nine different meanings. Written for corneliaavenue's TTPD Several Sunlit Daylights challenge.

2)A new beginning by Startanewdream Summary: Harry and Ginny in the aftermath of the battle, getting back together and deciding to live. Nine pieces following them through May to September of 1998.

ff.net

2) The Path to Harry by CharmHazel

3) The Path to Ginny  by CharmHazel

AUs

1)Gin Fizz by Startanewdream Chapters: 2/3 Summary: Ginny doesn't want any trouble. Harry is running away from his. So this is your classic one-night stand.

2)The Hook Up by pottermum Chapters: 5/5, Muggle AU Summary: It's been eight months since Ginny broke up with her cheating ex when she received an invitation to his sister's wedding. She accepts for two reasons, to show her ex just what he's missing out on by looking fabulous, and to hook up. And then she met Harry. Muggle AU

3)Do you know how it feels to wish for death every day? by balmiki Chapters: 2/2 Summary: Prompt - Do you know how it feels to wish for death every day? Ginny goes to pick up a drunk Harry ( AU - they didn't date in Hogwarts).

4)Imposter by @ginisbetterthanfirewhiskey Summary: “I’m Harry Potter, nice to meet you.” Ginny closed her eyes and took a deep breath, not believing her ears. If there was one thing Ginny would recognize everywhere, it would be Harry’s voice. That man wasn’t Harry. And he had the audacity to use Harry’s name to woo a girl in hope to bring her home tonight.

5)Señorita by @celtics534 Summary: Before he even knew her name, he felt the fire between them. One look at those brown eyes and he was hooked this red-haired señorita

6)confessions should be better planned by @takeariskao3 Summary: Harry accidentally submits the wrong photo for his digital photography elective… shenanigans ensue… (best read on a phone, but if reading on the computer, the formatting should translate easy enough)

7)Sorry, Wrong Number! by pottermum Chapters: 5/? Summary: Dialling one wrong digit changed Harry Potter's life forever because sometimes, making a mistake can lead to bigger and better things. This is one of them.

8)Light beam by Startanewdream Chapters: 2/2 Summary: ‘Dad, hypothetically… what would you have done if Mum was Sirius’ sister?’  

[whencartoonsruletheworld]

hey so i saw the despicable me 4 trailer and i have a very specific beef with it that's making me insane

so, like, disclaimer, i havent watched any of the minion cinematic universe movies since despicable me 2 came out... holy fuck eleven years ago, jesus christ. but anyway i'm probably gonna get minute details wrong but like hold with me a second

so idr when despicable me 2 takes place in regards to the first film. from what i remember, agnes was having issues with not having a conventional nuclear family for mother's day so this implies it's the first mother's day that the girls have had in gru's household. i'm pretty sure that the first movie took place during the summer-ish, and iirc the second movie is also summer (fitting with my "roughly may" estimate) so we'll say like eight-ish months have passed since the first film. no big deal, right?

so then at the end of the film gru and kristen wiig get married but the timecard states that it's "147 dates later." i doubt they went on a date every single day leading up to the wedding but if we're assuming the date list also covers the engagement and wedding prep period, that's at the VERY VERY least one-hundred and forty-seven days after the events of the film. so with the timeskip at the beginning, that puts us at well over a year since the first film, thirteen months minimum

okay so the third film from my research doesn't state how long it takes after the wedding. so again, let's be generous and say that it's not too long after. i'm pretty sure the film itself takes place over a couple of days so we'll ignore its place in the continuity for now. that brings us to movie number four, which just got a trailer and just revealed a new player in the game

so gru and kristen wiig have a new biological child. this kid is old enough to move and emote, which puts him at 7-12 months old if he's able to crawl. let's again be generous and say it's seven months. assuming that human reproduction works the same as it does in our universe, and again being generous as hell and assuming that lucy may have been pregnant through the third film or right after the wedding, we have to add nine months to all this. so from the first film, we have ~8 month timeskip, then a 147-day minimum timeskip, then let's say 16 months to get to the baby being able to crawl. again, this is absolute bare minimum, and we still get to a conclusion of it's been roughly 29 months since the first film, or 2.5 years.

so okay. two-and-a-half years since the first film.

so then why the everloving fuck are the girls the same. fucking. AGE??

how have these motherfuckers not aged a fucking day??? they haven't grown a goddamn inch. it should have been, again, 2.5 years minimum, more likely 3-4 years if we're being realistic.

and to double check my work, i went on the despicable me wiki and found that they also put movie 4 at a three-year timeskip from the first movie, specifically putting margo at 10 in the first movie and 13 in the fourth, edith at 8-11, and agnes at 5-8; their main source is margo being stated to be 12 in the third movie, and her sisters' relative ages being provided by tweet, so even then this is, again, bare minimum on timeskip. and not only have these motherfuckers not changed style one fucking time, but they haven't changed height, weight, anything. agnes has hit eight years old and is the same height as the tiny-ass fucking minions. edith's hat still fits. margo should be in high school and she looks the same as she did three goddamn years ago

what kind of motherfucking witchcraft is the gru family using to keep themselves young??? they said gru stopped being evil but are we sure there isn't some vampire blood rituals happening in the minion basement

make them a new character model. please god

[barbwritesstuff]

Play the demo for free!

So, my brain has been really scattered this last month. I’ve had a bunch of editing to do on my prose manuscript (Of Monsters and Mainframes, coming out next year) and I’ve also just had a ton of real life stuff pop up unexpectedly. So, the update this month is only 12k. Which, I’m not going to lie, is a little sucky. I thought I’d got more done than that. However, I’m still happy with the progress I made.

I’ve got Chapter 10 to a tentative first draft (I may do more work on it later, but for now it’s locked), I made some big strides with Chapter 11, AND I got really excited about Chapter 12 and started laying down some words for that. Please let me know what you think.

This game is a big muddle right now and a lot of the scenes I’m adding will only be visible on a few playthroughs which makes progress feel really slow. However, I’m really hoping that’ll make the final game really dynamic and fun.

I hope you get to pop out and see the full moon tonight. It’s the second largest of the year and is looking wonderful.

------------------------------------

Update Details

As of the 17th of October 2024

Finished Chapter Ten

Continued work on Chapter Eleven

Started work on Chapter Twelve

Additional Words: 12,538 (excluding commands)

Total Word Count: 408,768 (excluding commands)

------------------------------------

Reminder: If you like what I do and would like to support me (as well as see my progress weekly instead of monthly) I'd be grateful if you'd check out my KoFi.

Thanks so much for reading. 💙

[jeonstellate]

currently preoccupied with writing kimi räikkönen’s pov on the ghost of monza (+ curating the summary/preview for the next btpa fic), but i can’t get this idea out of my head (𖦹ᯅ𖦹)

it’s not even a new idea, iirc i put it in the back-burner last year/two years ago. it just fits really well with f1, so it has been plaguing me for the last week—

for a (hopefully) peace of mind, here’s the general premise of that idea:

Following the multiverse theory, this specific universe lives in numbers. Not countdowns of steps nor time until soulmates find each other, but rather of the instances they’ll unknowingly pass each other by.

Soulmates can be regulars at the same coffee shop — always there around the same time — without knowing their other half is literally just a few tables over the entire time. They can be office/school mates who are vaguely aware of each other, with no reason to know one another beforehand.

Hell, they can even know each other for years — as friends or acquaintances — and the countdowns on their wrists will stay the same until one passes the other by on the street without knowing. They can also be exes, with the same scenario but heavier disbelief in the realization.

Either way, it makes entertaining stories.

In this universe, the most common numbers range from one (1) to ten (10). A small subset has eleven (11) to twenty-five (25). An even smaller subset count for the remaining two-digit numbers. The smallest subset — the rarest — has starting numbers with three digits.

And, of course, YN belongs to the latter category with their staggering 153.

And if that wasn’t enough tough luck, that number is what they were born with. As in, their countdown has never moved. Not even once.

Until they went to watch a grand prix in person, that is. Because, all of a sudden, their seemingly permanent 153 has been lowered by 62 into a meek two-digit number. 91.

There had been 62 laps in the grand prix they just came from, including the formation lap. Which means logically, YN’s soulmate can only be out there in the circuit track — passing the grandstand they were on at every lap.

YN just doesn’t know which driver.

[dulcecherub]

Igual Que Un Angel

Chapter Eleven

Synopsis: Sofia is pregnant, and the last thing she needs is for Rafe to find out. It’s her dirty secret, it’s not like he’s barging down her door to speak to her. He looks as if he’s done with her for good. Will outside forces, force Sofia to confront the situation at hand. Or will she be able to keep this secret up? Not like, her belly isn’t growing everyday or anything.

Author’s note: please ignore my lame attempt at understanding how courts and judges work. Just bear with me. I’m so sorry for the long wait and this being a short chapter regardless. I was so stuck on that first scene I created. Just in case, it might rub someone the wrong way. Viewers discretion is advised.

MASTERLIST

Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12

“Wheezie deserves a stable home. Her father—my husband—would have preferred it this way.” Rose argues, “I’m sorry I don’t trust either one of them to raise a teenage girl.”

Rafe scoffs, his eyes narrowing as his eyes land on Rose. Rose eyes don’t even move away from the judges. A firm line slashed across her lips.

He knew that was far from true. His dad would never had wanted this. Rose was a manipulative and conniving person. Maybe it was hypocritical of him. No it was hypocritical of him. But he always hated her. Always hated how he treated him and his siblings. His eyes train on her before flicking back to Sofia. Who looks at Rose with neutrality. He never specified to her what Rose had done to make him hate her. But this was evidence enough of why. She seek to keep Wheezie away for whatever dumbass reason, she could come up with.

“Like you raised us so well.” Sarah bites back. Mr. Hastings gives Sarah a look, she presses her lips into a line. She sits back on her seat. She doesn’t turn to look at anyone. John B hand shoots out to hold hers.

“We promise our goal matches yours. We want Wheezie to live in a stable and healthy environment.” He says, Roses lawyer Mr. Smith just scoffs.

“With a runaway and a violent drug addict.”

“Objection, how is this relevant? Both are of age and have a stable home in Kildare. Plus Mr. Cameron has been clean for over three years.”

“That does not mean he won’t ever relapse.” Mr. Smith comments. Sarah mouth opens in shock but she immediately closes it when John B grabs her hand to stop her from speaking.

Rafe shakes his leg, his jaw moving around. Sofia placing a hand on his arm. She leans herself on his arm. His muscles relax but he’s still agitated. They were all right, his drug addiction and past was the angle they were trying to use to make Sarah and him seem unfit.

“Overruled, those are concerns we are looking into. Please Mr. Smith refrain from any side comments.” The judge says, Sofias hand clasps onto Rafe. Their fingers interlocking, but his leg is still shaking. His jaw tight, he loosens up a bit. But Sofia can see that comment got to him.

“We will be taking a short recess.”

“Just breathe Rafe. Rafe, you need to breathe.” Sofia says, “You knew that’s their angle. They want to make you and Sarah seem unfit.” She sat on one of the wooden benches as Rafe paced back and forth. The air felt almost stale in here, too serious for her liking.

Rafe was trying to control his breathing, he kept squeezing his eyes closed. Sofia approached him carefully. “Hey, hey it’s okay. I’m here, baby just breathe.”

“It’s all bullshit, Sofia. I promise, I promise you, I haven’t even touched it. I haven’t even looked at any of that stuff.” He grimaces, running a hand in his hair. “I-I”

“Just breathe, okay. Look at me Rafe.” Her hands cup his face, Rafe buries his head into one of them. His breath shaky.

“Please, tell me everything is going to be okay? Please tell me we’re going to get Wheezie back.” His voice breaks, Sofia heart clenches.

“I can’t promise you anything. But hopefully the judge can see that you’re attempting to have her in your life. Maybe they’ll grant you guys joint custody.”

Rafe let out a deep breath, closing his eyes. “I hope you’re right Sof.” She kisses his forehead tenderly.

“Come on, let’s go grab something to eat. Yeah?” He nods, his eyes staring into hers. She can still see the anger behind his eyes. The food now being a momentarily distraction. Anger festers and she knew it was still brewing inside of him.

“Yeah, you’re eating for two. You’re going to need a lot of fuel.” His arm circles around her shoulders, but not before, his eyes land on her stomach.

Lupita walked into Rafe’s house, hesitatingly. Her eyes looking around with awe. Sofia smiled as she saw her cousin approaching. She was cutting up some fruit, her hands moving a bit slower than usual.

“Wow.” Lupita mouths, Sofia smiles.

“I know.” She mouths back. Lupita strolls over to Sofia, wrapping an arm around her.

“Te extrañé.” (I missed you!)

“Lupe, you saw me three days ago.” Sofia laughs, her hand on her cousins arm. Lupita tsks.

“Three days feels like an eternity.”

Rafe is on the couch, his laptop propped on his lap. He’s too focused on whatever he’s working on to break eye contact to greet Lupita.

“Hey Rafe, working hard?” Lupita teases, he finally breaks his eyes free from his laptop.

“Oh hi Lupita. Sorry, I’m kind… of busy.” He looks back at the laptop screen, Sofia eyes stay on him for a while until it returns to Lupita.

“No te preocupes. I understand, you got stressful business stuff to attend to. That’s why I dropped out of busi—”

Sofia eyes widen, she immediately stops what she’s doing. “You did what?! Tu mama te va a matar.”

Lupita glares at Sofia, “Hey! Don’t use my own words against me.” —Sofia giggles, Rafe scrunches his nose as he stares at them both.He seems confused but turns back around to his laptop.—“I’m just not sure business is meant for me.”

“That’s totally okay, but I mean, do you really want to leave school?” Sofia asks, cutting up the last fruit.

“I’m not leaving school. I dropped out of all my business classes.” Lupita did not meet Sofias eye. Almost as if she was waiting to be shamed or scolded.

“So, what’re you majoring in now?” Sofia says, softly, almost egging her cousin on to tell her.

“Art.” She mumbles, Sofia eyebrows scrunch up. “What was that?”

“I think she said art.” Rafe says, his eyes not leaving his laptop screen.

“Yes, yes I did.”

“Then go for it.” Sofia says, dropping the last chopped fruit into her bowl. “I know it’s scary. But if it’s what you want to do. You shouldn’t stop yourself from it. Especially if you feel… drawn to it.” Her eyes land on Rafe before returning back to Lupita. Who’s wearing a smirk.

“Anyway, I just came to say that I’m leaving in a few days. So I wanted to see you a few times before I left.”

“How nice of you.” Sofia says, a laugh escaping her lips.

“I’ll be back in two months once the baby is born. Don’t you two worry.” Rafe looks back at Lupita.

Lupita goes to hug Sofia. “I hope she can hear me. I hope she knows she’s so loved.” As if on clue, the baby kicks. Sofia lets out a gasp.

“I think she heard you.” She places a hand on her belly. “My little baby.”

Rafe looks at Sofia, his eyes softening. She’s sung to the baby in front of him before. He’d walked into their room, to hear her either singing and or talking to the baby in both English and Spanish.

He couldn’t help the smile that etched onto his face. Sofia eyes land on him a smile on her face, as her cousin coos at their baby.

Rafe stood next to Sarah as they waited for the verdict. Rose eyes landed on them, her face neutral. Not the face she’s had for the last five days. And seven months. Wheezie looked between her brother and sister. Her eyes filled with a longing, Rafe understood.

Rafe’s phone began to ring, he grabbed for it. “Mr. Cameron please silence your phone. We are about to begin.” Mr. Hastings says, Sarah looks over to him. Her brows furrowed. Rafe turns off his phone. His eyes landing back on his phone briefly.

“Lupita! He’s not answering me!” Sofia groans, the phone going straight to voice mail once more. Her forehead sheened with sweat. Her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her eyes scrunched close with pain.

“Shit, shit, shit.” Lupita scrambled into the bathroom, her eyes on the water surrounding Sofias legs. “Aren’t you almost eight months. Why is your water breaking now!”

“Gee, I wonder why! Lupita stop asking me stupid questions!” Sofia let out another groan, she attempted to breath in and out. Doing the breath work she was told would work. But she felt so unprepared, this was not how she imagined this to go. The pain was immense.

Lupita doesn’t answer, just heads back to rummage more things into the light pink duffel bag. “Fuck you, Rafe Cameron.”

Sarah held her breath as she watched the judge, Rafe looked towards him as well. His heart pounding.

“For the custody case for Wheezie Cameron, we hereby declare that both parties have joint custody. Until the child is 18 years old. Then she can make her own decisions.” The judge says, his eyes scanned everyone in the room.

Rafe eyes pricked with tears, after so long. After so much time of never seeing his little sister. He and Sarah were finally getting the chance.

Wheezie eyes landed back onto to them. Her tearful eyes, her small smile.

Sofia let out a cry of pain, tears spilling from her eyes like a faucet. She gripped her seat, her eyes barely concentrating on anything around her.

“Don’t worry Sofia, we’re almost there.” Lupita voice shook, her eyes on the road, almost going above the speed limit. Her hands shook as she held onto the steering wheel.

“He hasn’t answered!” Contractions were rolling out from her in waves. Her hand held onto the seat as if it were the only thing that grounded her. “Lupita!”

“I’m almost there!” Lupita voice shook and Sofia couldn’t help but feel like an ass.

“Fuck!”

Wheezie sat across from Rafe and Sarah in the diner booth. Her eyes still shone like tearful stars.

“I missed you guys.” She says tearfully, Rose stood further away from them. Her eyes anywhere but at them. She was still speaking to her lawyer.

“We’ve missed you so much.” Sarah approaches her, pulling Wheezie into a hug. “We thought we weren’t ever going to see you again.” Wheezie and Sarah take a moment to stare at each other. Rafe had always seen them as a unit, the two always working together to irk him. But now… he’s just glad he has them both.

Wheezie eyes land on Rafe, her brows furrowing not going unnoticed to him. “Didn’t realize you’ve become such a softie now Rafe.”

Rafe just smirked, “My little sister needed rescuing.” Wheezie grins, letting Sarah go and running to hug him too. He’s surprised. His hands awkwardly to his sides until he begins to hug her back too.

Wheezie looks up at him, “I’m happy to see you.” Rafe feels his heart clenched, he’d always had a soft spot for her. That was his little sister. He would do anything to protect her.

“Thank you for vouching for me, on the stand. It uh meant—a lot—”

Wheezie chuckles this time. “Rafe says thank you now?” Wheezie turns to look at Sarah, her eyes still teary eyed.

“He does…” Sarah voice shakes. “I uh can’t wait to introduce you to little JJ. We call him little Jay.” Wheezie eyes shine with recognition. Then her features become somber.

“I’m sorry Sarah.” Wheezie says softly, everyone at this point knew what happened to JJ. Not the real details but they knew he was dead. Some gossiped he ran away before he could get charged for all the crimes he committed. That everyone was just covering for him. That theory became hard to believe once they knew Rafe Cameron had said he was really gone. Now it was believed JJ had died for reasons they would never understand. Some believed he truly lived to his Maybank ways and got murdered.

The Pogues, Rafe, and Shoupe were the only ones who knew the truth.

“Let’s just…”

“Wheezie!” Rose’s voice broke through their little bubble. They all turned to look at her, Wheezie lips turned into a straight line.

“I’m coming!” She says, a little bite in her voice. “I’ll see you guys on Tuesday.”

Lupita bite her thumb, her leg shaking as she continued to contact Rafe, to no avail. She looked back up, the waiting room filled with either sick people and people waiting to be seen for an injury. Another pregnant woman sat on the bench, her eyes downcast.

Lupita felt her anxiety reaching newer heights. She continued to bite the skin on her thumb. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Sofia wasn’t supposed to give birth so early.

“Please answer.” She says anxiously.

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 809: The selected team's wish!!

Pag 1

1: Someone is catching up

2: Who is it?

The selected team's jersey!?

4: It's someone.... I've never seen before

Pag 2

2: Sugimoto

Pag 3

1: Terufumi!!

2: Kuaaaaaa

3: Kakaka seriously?

Seriously, seriously!? Sugimoto!!

4: Oi oi....do you know, Sugimoto... that this is.... the Inter High's

Pag 4

1: that this is the Inter High's lead!!

3: Do you know him, Sohoku?

Pag 5

1: Judging from his looks, he looks like an ordinary guy. Just a guy from the selected team

The selected team is usually just here to participate, so their abilities should be nothing special

2: Yeah, he's nothing special too

4: But he's a man who

5: honestly, seriously, and without resting

6: accumulated that “nothing special” for three years

Pag 6

1: Kuaaaaa

Pag 7

1: Higashimura-san!! One person from the selected team joined the lead now!!

Eleven people... even more!!

3: He accumulated....? For three years...!?

4: Oh

6: Number 201 is Sohoku's reserve

We shouldn't need to be cautious of his power, but he's come this far so we don't let your guard down

Yes

Pag 8

1: He's so disheveled... he's out of breath... and even his hands are shaking

How did he even got this far....

2: like that!!

3: Thank you

4: Thank you everyone

6: I caught up.....!!

I caught up to the lead!!

Pag 9

1: Thanks to everyone!!

3: One minute distance!!

4: We're just one minute behind the leading group!!

Very soon!!

Hyeee..!!

5: But, do we still have time? There isn't much distance left, but can we catch up?

6: That's right

Pag 10

1: I was thinking the same thing now

3: If we raise our pace a little more now, and somehow manage to see the pack all scattered, that will mean that the race for the finish line has started and that we're already too late

5: It's a race against time now

So we'll chose one person who's confident in sprinting and send him

6: And we'll sacrifice the other five to stay ahead and pull him!!

7: Babagome!!

Yes!!

8: You said you won the local sprinting race a couple of times

Can we leave the finish line to you?

9: With all due respect!! But I refuse!!

Pag 11

1: …... huh?

2: You? Refuse?

Yeah!! We all discussed it together!!

Yeah

Hyee!!

That's right!!

3: We'll ask Sugimoto-san to be the final ace!!

Pag 12

1: Huh

A...ce!?

2: Me

Yes!!

3: That's what will get us the most pumped up!!

4: That's right!!

5: Yes!!

6: As long as it's Sugimoto-san

7: I refuse!!

8: Now, we'll raise our pace!!

9: You guys....!!

Pag 13

1: Got it!! Got it

I'll shoulder the responsibility!! I'll shoulder it!! I will!!

2: I'll be the ace!!

Please!!

4: Sugimoto-san

5: Sugimoto-san

6: Sugimoto-san

7: Get in the back and rest, Shingi. I'll pull next

Hyeee

After that, I'll be the one to pull!!

8: Let's switch!!

We'll deliver

Pag 14

1: Sugimoto-san to the lead!!

I can see the pack!!

The lead....!! But

2: Some people are leaving

3: The back is falling apart

If we don't chase them, they'll take the finish line

4: The race for the finish line is starting!!

5: Babagome!! Kobayashi!! I'll leave Sugimoto-san to you!!

Iwatani!?

6: Sugimoto-san, get in the windbreak!!

Pag 15

1: I'll accelerate at full throttle!!

2: Iwatani!? What are you....!?

Did you forget, Kobayashi? About the Kyofushi guy who's been clinging behind us

4: Keep going like this until the lead

5: …..!! Iwatani!!

6: We can't allow Kyofushi's number of assists to increase and become two people!! I'll stop this guy!!

What...? This guy....

7: is in my way

Pag 16

1: Let's accelerate in one go!!

2: What, the selected team!?

Where are they coming from!?

They caught up!?

3: Be in tiiiimee!!

5: Hyeee, I can't do it anymore

Shingi!!

6: Please go, Sugimoto-san

Uchikawa!!

7: Oooooooh

Be in timeee!!

Pag 17

1: I see the end of the pack!!

2: Ahead of here

3: there is

4: the lead!!

5: Please!!

6: Please!!

Sugimoto-san!!

Pag 18

1: Please catch up!!

Kuaaaaaa

2: Will I catch up?

Am I too late?

3: I want to reach it somehow, our goal

4: Our goal!!

Pag 19

1: Kuaaaaa

2: Those are Gunma's jerseys!! Did they leave the pack later?

3: The last thread!!

4: This is the last thread!! If I can ride here!!

Sorry, but I'll cling behind you

Sorry about it!!

5: So, what do you say? Sonomoto-chan

Well, it's alright

6: Alright, if you can keep up

Thank you!!

Pag 20

2: I.... cau.... ght.... up.... finally....

3: This is the Inter High's lead before the finish line.... everyone..... I'll do my best....!!

4: Even thought I don't have much experience for what's next!!

[justpan]

Title: Unwilling Bride (Finale!!!)

Summary: Will Peter win his last game with (Y/N)?

Pairing: Peter Pan x Reader

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33

Felix was always a very simple guy to understand, he had simple morals and simple needs; in conclusion to being simply understood he was also very intense.

Intense in all his actions and beliefs.

That was why he was Pan’s right hand man, he believed in Pan as if he were a God made of flesh. Pan had gotten Rufio, his very first and very best friend killed, but even if Felix never forgave Pan for not avenging his friend he would always be loyal. Because Pan had saved him, saved him from starving and rotting in the streets of Oz.

So even now, as the Lost Boys were beginning to complain of hunger pains just like the boys in the orphanage, Felix would follow Pan’s orders.

One last game.

Felix didn’t like the phrase his leader had used when he first began to lay out his plan, or at least the part of the plan he wanted to share. Pan almost never fully divulged his plans to anyone other than his own speechless shadow.

He had been given very specific directions to the cottage that (Y/N) called home and as he trudged his way through the forest his heart was heavy.

(Y/N) had been his friend, she had been Rufio’s love and now he was on a mission that made him work against his own personal wishes.

Just as Pan promised the cottage was there in a clearing and (Y/N) was right there in front of it, she had a bow and arrow and appeared to be training her aim by trying to hit leaves as they fell from dying trees.

‘Getting a bit slow there Mother.’ he said as he entered the clearing, being sure to keep his hands up and his palms exposed as he approached.

As expected she turned with frightening speed and aimed her arrow directly at him and her eyes were hard.

‘Felix, been a while.’ she said.

‘Ten or eleven years, not too long I think.’ he said casually, still keeping his hands up.

‘Why are you here, Felix? I know you didn’t find this place alone, what instructions did Pan give you?’ she said quickly, keeping her weapon raised.

‘No instruction, I’m not here to fight you, I just have a message. What you do with that message is up to you entirely.’

She looked untrusting but her curiosity had clearly been peaked by the prospects of a message from the one person on her hit list.

‘What message?’

‘He wants to see you, face to face on Skull Rock. I don’t know his plan past getting you there. I swear that to you.’

‘I believe you Felix, Pan doesn’t tell anyone anything.’ she sighed as she lowered the bow.

‘He does miss you though, he doesn’t need to tell anyone that. It shows in his every move, we all miss you at camp.’

‘Does he miss Rufio? Does he even speak about him?’ (Y/N) asked sharply.

Felix looked down and was surprised by the speed in which (Y/N) had reached his side.

‘I’m sorry, I was taking out my anger for Pan on you and it was wrong. I know you lost a friend in Rufio’s murder the same as I lost a love.’

‘I did, and we have lost so much since.’

At his words he saw her eyebrows come together in worry and confusion.

‘Come inside, we will talk more there. You can tell me how my boys are.’ she said as she led him towards her home.

‘I can tell you that now, they are all hungry and miserable.’ Felix said as he followed.

(Y/N) opened her door and let in her first ever guest.

Felix glanced around with at least mild interest in the modern setting he found himself in, but he was clearly searching for something.

‘Where is the kitchen? Is there food?’ Felix asked.

 (Y/N) pointed to the kitchen door and followed behind Felix.

‘I’ll start you off with a sandwich but I’ll make a full dinner for you too, enough for you to take back to camp.’

‘A sign of good faith?’ he asked as he sat at the table and watched you move around the kitchen.

‘Concerned friend, I told you I had no grudges with you all; I would never make any of you choose between me and Pan. I will help you all whenever you need me, but I will have nothing to do with him. I will not see him on peaceful terms, the second he is in my sight I’m going to kill him.’ 

‘Then don’t look at him, but he needs to speak with you. I will not return to camp until you agree. I complete my task every time without fail.’ Felix said seriously as he dug into the sandwich that was placed in front of him.

‘I know your commitment to following Pan’s orders but this time he gave you an impossible task, I will not meet him for any reason in this world or the next. If he has information that he thinks is vital to me then he can send you with that message, other than that I will have no communication with him.’ (Y/N) said firmly as she went about cooking a large pot of beef stew.

Felix watched her move her hands elegantly around as she summoned ingredients from thin air.

It had been so long since Peter had performed any magic for the camp that Felix almost looked amazed.

“Keep your mask up Felix, she must not see through you.” Pan’s voice rang in his mind and he kept his face indifferent.

She began to chop the vegetables and a mild uncomfortable silence settled in on the pair of reunited friends.

‘What has been happening at camp?’ (Y/N) asked, breaking the silence.

‘There are no animals for us to hunt, and we certainly aren’t getting our pirate supply anymore. The island is living on borrowed time, I’d say we have less than a year before it’s inhabitable.’

He watched tensely as she stilled her movements and processed the bad news he had delivered, it was obvious that things were going just as Pan was hoping.

She would battle her hate for him with her love for the Lost Boys and because she was good the love would win.

With a large and visibly fuming sigh she threw up her hands in defeat.

‘When?’

‘As soon as you can get there, he’s there now waiting for you. I urged him to bring provisions but he refused, he can go longer than most without food but not forever (Y/N).’

She scoffed and went back to her cooking and conjuring and began to gripe the same way she always had in Felix’s company.

‘If he thinks threatening to starve himself will push me to hurry then that’s his mistake. He can rot for all I care.’ she hissed as her movements became less graceful and more aggressive.

‘I will get there at my own pace.’ she said firmly.

And not surprising, to Felix at least, she stuck to her words and cooked for nearly four more hours. While she waited on the food to get ready she made more and more sandwiches.

Felix did his best to keep their conversations as pleasant as they always had been back when the boys spoke of the infamous “Happily Ever After” finally making its way to Neverland. 

He gave her all the gossip that he’d thought she’d have found entertaining and she told him how she stayed sane all by herself out here.

It was only after she had been reduced to showing him her crafting projects that she gave in to the fact that she had no other reason to procrastinate her meeting with Pan.

‘Take the whole pot I enchanted it to stay full no matter how much you take out. It should last a few days. Tell the boys not to fight over it.’ she directed.

Felix took the pot and held it with both hands.

‘Thank you; I don’t know what Pan is planning and I don’t have the mind to guess what the outcome could be, but thank you. You were more than a mother to me, you were a friend…the only one I have left now.’ Felix said before his common sense could shut his mouth.

‘You were my best friend too Felix.’ (Y/N) said back, but her face was already beginning to show suspicion.

Soon (Y/F/C) smoke engulfed his body, when it cleared he was back at the camp and just that fast the boys were swarming the pot he was holding.

Back at your little cottage you stared at the spot where Felix had been mere seconds ago, distrust still written all over your face.

Felix was your best friend, and he knew more than he claimed he did; and whatever he knew he didn’t like it.

Sure he kept his mask on the whole visit and that was how you knew something was up, because when he actually relaxes Felix is an open book.

Pan was planning something, but it didn’t matter; you promised to kill him and you meant to keep that promise.

Deciding it was better to get this done quickly, you quickly transported yourself to the cave on Skull Rock.

It had been decades…maybe even centuries, but it was just as it had been the first and only other time you’d ever seen it. The same skull shaped stones and the same giant hourglass.

The hourglass was the only thing that showed any sign of time passing at all here, it had been about half full when she first saw it but now it was getting very close to empty.

Almost entranced by it you stepped closer to it, looking at your reflection in the curved glass, you took in the details of the hourglass. Its golden carvings and the unnatural light it gave off in the complete darkness of the cave.

 This hourglass ruined your life.

This stupid fucking hourglass that was the hellish timer of Peter Pan’s life, the fucking hourglass he used your love to refill.

‘Of course it all ends up here.’ you scoffed to herself.

It all started here didn’t it? Pan wanted to live forever and to do that he needed strong undying magic, and love is the strongest magic in all the classic fairy tales. He snatched you, an unloved military brat with no friends and no real social skills away from your home to use your feelings.

Feelings he always knew would arise in you, no matter how you looked at it you had been used and manipulated by Peter since the very moment you had met him. It was Stockholm syndrome outright.

He’d kidnapped you and made you love him.

Movement in the reflection of the glass made you snap out of your own head long enough to see that Peter was on the other side of the hourglass, watching you through the glass.

‘I’m glad you came.’ he greeted.

‘I came to kill you.’ you said coldly as you conjured a sleek and sharp dagger into your hand.

‘I know, but you said you’d kill me if you saw me again. All I see is glass.’

‘The glass is see-through.’ you said as you began to walk around the hourglass.

‘And once I walk around I’m going to see you directly.’ you continued.

‘I was hoping we could have this chat without the old trying to kill me game.’ Peter said as he began walking as well, keeping a pace that kept him out of your direct view while keeping eye contact through the glass.

‘I thought Peter Pan loved games.’ you snarled.

‘He does…but I am not Peter Pan.’ 

At that you finally stopped circling the hourglass.

‘What?’

‘This is the last game I want to play with you. This last real game I can truly control, win or lose. It’s going to be a game where you make a decision after I tell you something.’

‘What will you tell me?’

‘Everything, and after if you don’t want to stay by my side I will grant you safe passage off the island…before it is too late.’

For a long moment it was quiet as you thought over what Pan had offered.

An explanation, and a choice. Two things that could do nothing to change or justify what had happened but you had craved those things so long you couldn’t imagine turning either of them down.

‘Who are you if you’re not Peter Pan?’ you finally asked.

You watch the boy on the other side of the glass visibly sigh in relief.

‘My name was Malcolm, when I was a boy I would dream of flying in Neverland. This island was the most beautiful and perfect place to be. I would cry all day in anger at being away from it, but I got older and suddenly I couldn’t come back.’ He started, his eyes leaving yours for the first time as he looked at the opening of the cave dreamily at the grim island.

‘If you had seen it then, when the pixies still tended the tree and everyone could fly for as long as they wanted…to lose it overnight. I couldn’t stay a boy forever and the island isn’t too fond of grown ups. I was miserable in adulthood.’

Adulthood? 

‘I drank, I stole, I gambled…I had a child.’ he continued.

‘You have a kid?!’ you gasped out right, unable to mask your surprise.

Peter, or should you call him Malcolm, nodded in shame.

‘A son, a little runt that always needed something that I had to do heinous things to provide. Following after me whenever I went to do anything for myself…like a vulture coming to feast on the corpse of my life.’ he snarled.

This time you flinched at the amount of hate and revulsion that came out in the way Peter said those words. It wasn’t him being dramatic or overly emotional, he genuinely had hate for his son.

‘But my son did do one good thing for me in the end…not by choice of course. He was my ticket back to this place.’ he said as his reflection blurred through the glass.

You watched in near horror as Peter aged before your very eyes. He was no longer the blonde boy you were once so attracted to or even the demon boy who had watched Rufio’s killer walk free.

You couldn’t stand it, you needed to see it clearly. Before you could stop yourself you were running around the hourglass to finally see him head on, but the second you met his eyes your feet were nailed to the cave floor.

He was a man now, a middle aged man with a hairline that was beginning to recede and a beard that was graying.

His clothes seemed to have aged as well, they were suddenly ragged and the color faded in random places as if they had been worn long past their best days.

‘This is the man who chose to trade his son for eternal life and youth, the man…’ the man stopped as if he was fighting against the words trying to come out of his mouth.

‘The man who is terrified of growing old and dying, above all else I don’t want to die (Y/N).’ the old man said, looking pleadingly into your eyes.

It was in that instant you saw him in those eyes, Peter’s eyes.

How many times had you gotten lost in those eyes while the two of you practiced your magic, or while you laid next to each other in bed.

‘I know that you hate me…I know I deserve your hate, but please understand that I never wanted any harm or hardship to come to you. You were everything to me from the second I met you, hell even before that.’

‘Why? Why me? Why was I the one you chose to love?’

The old man reached into his raggedy pants pocket and pulled out an ancient looking folded parchment and handed it to you.

‘I drew this when I was sixteen, truly just a sixteen year old boy in the Enchanted Forest, I used to draw in the daytime when I had no chores. No one modeled for me and I had no inspirational muse in my mind, but I drew this.’

You looked at him as you took the parchment, studying him now that he was this close; it felt so…wrong. This was wrong, this old man couldn’t possibly be Peter Pan, Peter couldn’t be this man. This man was old and heavyset, he even smelled older.

You turned from him, choosing to inspect the drawing he’d handed you instead, unfolding it carefully as to not rip the fragile old thing. Once it was fully spread out you found yourself looking down at your own face sketched almost perfectly in thick charcoal lines.

‘What the hell?’ you gasped.

‘Being a gambler, and a pretty bad one at that, I couldn’t hold on to many personal belongings. For some unknown reason I could never part from that drawing, I traveled with it, I kept it in my hidden pockets when I slept. Even when I jumped into the portal that brought me back to this island with my son this drawing was in my boot.’ Malcolm started to explain.

‘Imagine my surprise when I went to the shadow and asked if there was a way to keep the hourglass forever full, only for it to tell me that it had answered that question a long time ago.’ he finished.

‘You’re talking destiny and- and written in stars type of nonsense.’ you said in disbelief.

‘How did you find me? If all you had was this drawing, how did you find my house in Texas?’ you questioned.

The old man let out a breath of unamused laughter.

‘I wondered how I would find you too for a long while, but thankfully you made it easier.’

‘How?’

‘You felt unloved. That’s the easiest thing for the shadow to find, it had a large area to search; a lot of realms, but it found you. When I first saw you on the beach it felt surreal, like meeting an imaginary friend in the flesh. Of course the girl you turned out to be was not the meek little thing I had imagined, you were far better than I could have dreamed and I loved you more than I knew how to.’ He answered.

Your head was spinning, all of it was too much for you to process. The most inconvenient thing you’d had to deal with for the last few years was unsuccessful art projects, now you were looking at past memories and wondering how much of it was prophesied.

‘I need you, (Y/N). Beyond that I love you, and if you will have me then everything will be as it was. You and me, the camp, the Lost Boys, the mag-’

‘Rufio? Will he be as he was?’ you interrupted, your head suddenly clearing.

‘I could have forgiven the divorce, I could have forgiven a broken heart and tear soaked pillows; but I will never forgive that. I won’t forgive you letting them go, no matter who you are. Peter, Pan or Malcolm, Rufio put his life on the line for you and he lost it.’ you said looking up at him through watery eyes.

‘I couldn’t avenge him, and I regret that but I need Wendy alive, we could live without the extra food, but without her the plan would have fallen apart. I have to keep this island alive (Y/N), I have to. I can’t do that without either your love or the heart of the Truest Believer; I want to do it with you and with love. I don’t want to do it by ripping out my great grandson’s heart.’ Malcolm tried desperately to explain.

‘Your great grandson? He is the Truest Believer?’ you gasped in astonishment.

Peter had never told you the full details of his back up plan to keep the glass full after he’d ended things, and in all honesty you hadn’t wanted to know. You never imagined he had to spill blood; you never dreamed it would be his own blood he would have to spill.

Then again you never thought he had any blood to spill to begin. 

You had met him as a teenage boy on a make believe island where time stood still. Why would you think he had a child? That the child had a grandchild he has been willing to kill this whole time?

‘Yes, he is the product of light and dark magic and he believes twice as hard as anyone else because of it. He is the back up plan; with his heart in my chest the glass will never empty, the magic will be strong again.’

‘And your great grandson would be what exactly? Roaming around the island with no heart in his chest!’ you yelled in sudden frustration.

‘My God! Even now! Here and now, as you are pleading with me to come back you are willing to kill another innocent boy! I don’t want to be near you Peter or Malcolm or anyone who is willing to watch others die for their own gain!’

‘I never claimed to be a saint.’ Malcolm replied.

‘You claimed to be the leader of the Lost Boys!’ you screamed in a rage as literal decades of frustration boiled over.

‘A leader they followed and respected! They followed you into battle without hesitation because they were thankful for the home you provided! They followed you, Rufio followed you! You put your stupid plan before the lives of every boy at camp! A plan you never would have needed if you had just had the sense to speak openly with me!’ you shouted as hot tears streamed your cheeks and a lump formed in your throat.

‘If you had just been-I never would have loved him! I wouldn’t see him bloody and broken in my dreams every night.’ you said around sobs as you tried uselessly to wipe away your tears.

‘(Y/N).’ 

It was Peter’s voice.

You looked back up at him and took in his face, the same boy you met on that beach.

He reached out to touch you, but you backed away, remembering the old man he really was.

‘Don’t.’ you said firmly.

‘I loved you Peter, the hourglass was full, the magic was strong; you ruined it. You dragged me here like a mythical monster, made me fall in love with a lie and broke my heart. Now you are considering killing your own family to do what I had already done for you, what good man does that?’

‘I am not a man (Y/N), I was never meant to be. I am Peter Pan the boy who can never grow up, that is who I am. Malcolm, that disgusting old man was just what time wants to turn me into and I hate him. I hate him and his life and responsibilities, all I care for is-’

‘You. All you care about is you Peter Pan…and I didn’t know that until right now.’ you interrupted.

‘Please, all I care for is the home I have created with you at my side. Just allow me the opportunity to regain your trust and love.’

‘No; you lose this game Peter.’ you declared.

A look of stunned horror crossed Peter’s eyes as the words hit his ears.

‘I was unloved at home, I can admit that; but I know what love is and what it isn’t. It’s not lying, it’s talking to each other about the future, it’s trusting someone with all your secrets and dreams. You didn’t trust me then, and I don’t trust you now.’ you continued.

‘You promised safe passage off the island if I didn’t come back to you. I want to go home.’

In the magical light of the hourglass you saw a lone tear slide down Peter’s face, but then the watery eyes hardened.

‘You would leave?’

‘Even if your horrific plan plays out the way you want, why should I stay? I’m not coming back to camp and I’m not coming back to you. I had the best times here once, and with time standing still I thought the best times would never end, but they did. They ended when you ended us, new good times came with Rufio…and that time has ended too.’ you replied with finality.

‘There can be better times!’ Peter shouted, seeming to finally lose his composure.

‘You would leave this paradise?! Leave the magic you’ve mastered, the Lost Boys?! Me!?’ he raged.

‘Yes, and you shouldn’t have offered me a way out if you weren’t ready for me to take it. You’ve made a promise and I expect you to keep it…unless your word is meaningless.’

‘Don’t test me! I’ve broken promises a plenty (Y/N).’

‘If you don’t keep this one, I will make good on my promise to you.’ you said, holding up your dagger and pointing at him.

Peter took a deep breath and let out a sigh that sounded so tired only an old man could have let it out.

‘Fine.’ he said angrily as he reached into his pocket.

He pulled out something small and glowing green.

‘A magic bean, rare in every other realm; but I had sent my shadow to retrieve one as soon as I mastered my magic. He found one and I planted it; these beans are how I physically travel from realm to realm at ease.’

‘Magic beans? Like Jack and the Beanstalk?’ you asked with mild doubt.

‘Take it, think about where you want to be and how it makes you feel. Once you have it, throw it on the floor and jump in before the portal closes.’ Peter instructed, his tone rough and impersonal as he offered the bean to you.

With caution you took the bean and examined it, it was certainly not an edible bean. It felt like a smooth crystal between your fingers and appeared to be completely clear aside from  the swirling green smoke that was inside of it.

‘Just think happy thoughts.’ you said under your breath, remembering the old Disney movie.

‘Were you truly so unhappy? Even if you don’t come back to me or camp. Why not stay in that cottage, why do you have to leave? I can still fix this.’ Peter tried again, this time the desperation poured out of his voice.

‘How can you fix it? By fixing the island, by killing your family? The fact that that is even an option to you is why I have to leave. I can’t stay here if I know an innocent boy had to be butchered for it.’

‘Then come back, don’t make me kill him.’ Peter begged, taking hold of your face as tears again filled his eyes.

‘God, do you hear yourself? If you really don’t want to then don’t, but don’t pin that decision on me. It's your beloved island, it’s your family and your choice to make. As much as I’d wish you’d make the right one, I know that you won’t; but I’ve already made mine.’ you said as you stepped away from him.

‘(Y/N) please… I love you. You felt it in every kiss we shared. I don’t want you to leave the island, if you do I may never be able to find you again.’

‘Could you come with me then? If it is really my love that is important to you, and not just the hourglass.’ you offered bitterly.

You knew the answer, but when Peter couldn’t even meet your eyes you scoffed in disappointment and disgust.

You put a good amount of distance between yourself and Peter and looked him in the eyes as you threw down the bean.

As soon as you heard the soft thud of the bean hitting the stone floor a glowing green soft ball size hole appeared. It seemed to suck the very air into itself because suddenly it felt as though you were being pulled into a black hole.

As the wind seemed to grow stronger the hole was widening.

‘(Y/N)!’ Peter yelled over the rushing winds and the crackling noise of strong magic.

‘It doesn’t have to be this way!’

‘It didn’t!’ you agreed, speaking to him for the last time.

With your breath held and your eyes closed you bent your knees and jumped into the glowing green portal.

It felt like jumping into a freezing cold pool but you were sure there was no water, you looked up at the opening of the portal and saw Peter.

He stood there at the edge, looking at you disappear; even now he still chose his island and power over you. 

Soon the opening began to shrink, and before you knew it Peter was gone. 

The horrible cold went on for a few more seconds before she was suddenly slammed onto something soft, but the landing was so hard it left you winded.

You gasped and coughed as you tried to catch your breath.

As your breathing steadied you began taking in your surroundings.

You were in bed, in your old room back in Texas. Everything was just as it always was. Posters of your favorite  musicians on the walls, laundry hamper in the corner by the computer desk. Military school paraphernalia decorating the bookshelf.

‘I’m really home.’ you gasped as you sat up.

‘(Y/N)!’ 

You hadn’t heard the voice in what must have been a century at least, but you recognized it even before the door was nearly ripped off the hinges.

‘Sargent!’ you said, instinctively standing and saluting.

But to your absolute surprise he did not reply, at least not verbally.

For what felt like the first time your father wrapped his arms around you in an honest to God hug. Not just a hand on your shoulder or a pat on the back while delivering an award, a real bone crushing hug of a worried father.

‘We were so worried. It’s been months, we’ve been looking for you.’

‘I’m sorry…Dad I didn’t think you would worry.’ you apologized as you returned the hug.

‘Your mother is still putting out your missing flyers, dammit girl where have you been?’ your dad asked as he looked you over for injuries.

That was when it all sank in, you were home, your parents had cared; if they loved you here, Pan would never be able to find you again.

No more Neverland, no more magic, no campfire dancing; the realization of it making her cry that much harder. It was all over.

‘I was in the wrong place…I was with the wrong person.’

[theamazingmaddyas]

I dunno what sparked this in my mind, but I was thinking about TV shows like Little Big Shots or Ellen that interview child prodigies at something, and thought "demigods at interviews" and thus this was born. Part 1, including all the Apollo kids (including Octavian, Georgie, and Hal) and the Seven, plus Nico and Reyna. Will probably make a part 2 with just as many characters lol.

Lee

I feel like Lee would end up on a show like that at around five or six doing slam poetry. He feels like a slam poet to me, and an amazing one at that. They put him on stage with a mic and he whips up the most heartwrenching poem known to man that leaves the audience shocked....

Michael

Trick shots in archery. The people who can shoot with their feet while doing a hand stand? That's Michael. He'd be on the older side, probably around 10 to 12, definitely after he started camp, and it started as 100% a joke in the cabin that came to reality. You can see Chiron in the audience as his guardian.

Will

Something medical. He could probably name every bone in the body, all the systems in the body, and has extreme medical knowledge no little kid could have. The audience freaks out when his mother's mentioned though (back on my super famous Naomi kick). He'd probably be like 4 or 5.

Kayla

Canada doesn't have a LBS but according to my research some Canadian kids went on in the US, so she'd be on that version.

Archery obviously. She probably picked up a bow at like 2 with her father (saying this as someone who started at age 4 with a bow so big I needed my father to help me pull it back), and obviously was a prodigy. She'd've been like 5 or 6, and her aim and percision is impeccable.

Austin

This one is also obvious. Saxophone. He was probably like one or two years old (while LBS is 3+ from my research, Austin is an anomoly and should be treated as such. That or he goes on on his third birthday), with his customized saxophone Latricia's school helped fund for when the noticed him gravitating towards the saxes, and absolutely captured the heart of America with his tiny little cornrows and suit that Latricia dressed him up in that his video is still among the most popular, and a lot of his youtube followers come from a repost he did of that ten years later when he started youtube at like 11 or 12 (or 13).

Jerry

According to my research, UK had a season of Little Big Shots with a different host, because I had to make sure this worked before I made it.

He'd definitely be for something musically related. I hc one of his powers is the ability to recall any song he's heard before, so I think that's what he'd be on for. Like a version of Beat Shazam! but with just Jerry and the British LBS host. He'd probably be like seven or eight, I'd say.

Yan

Hong Kong doesn't have it's own version of LBS, but I know the US version had some international kids with child translators, so she'd probably go on with a translator but try to speak a little English at like the age of 5 or 6 on a trip to the US.

As for what? I think they'd go on for something instrumental as well; I was thinking piano or organ. I hc they're good at poetry, but I dunno if they'd take a kid who does poetry not in English for the show. It's not as universal as music.

Gracie

I hc her as competing in biathlon (skiing and shooting), so definitely that. Since, according to my biathlon research (the internet definitely thinks I wanna join biathlon now but I can't even ski) you have to be older to compete (you need to be 22 for the Olympics), she'd probably be around ten or eleven, which from what I gathered is around the youngest you can start learning. As for how she'd be able to show this off at a show? I dunno, maybe a video of her doing it on a ski slope as she explains the basics of biathlon? I dunno, I only watched like 3 episodes of season 1 when it came out before it bruised my really fragile ego too much.

Octavian

Octavian's only talent is sacrificing teddy bears. Imagine turning on LBS only to see a little six year old perfectly replicating ancient roman sacrificial rituals on his toy teddy bear? I'd be actually terrified.

I'm still going to say his talent has to do with roman culture, probably his extreme knowledge of it being raised by legacies in New Rome. Then he'd bring up sacrifices and Steve Harvey's genuinely terrified of this scrawny pale six year old.

Hal

Obviously Hal's like 60 during The Diary of Luke Castellan and there's nothing like LBS when he was a kid because then modern time wouldn't be modern, you know? But there was definitely a newspaper article when he was a kid that says "Young Boy saves girl from certain death!" or something to that degree. So, his prophesy powers.

Georgina

Her drawings. Everyone's slightly concerned about what she says, but her drawings are oddly good for an eight year old (actually I'd say she'd be like 4 or 5), so everyone lets it slide cause she's cute and pretty articulate when it comes to describing her artwork.

Leo

MATH! Leo canonically does college level calculus at the age of 8. He's one of those super computers where Steve Harvey'll give him an insane math problem and he'd answer in like ten seconds and Steve has a calculator and drops it when he realizes this like six or seven year old's right.

Annabeth

Architecture of course. LBS would show buildings or monuments and Annabeth would say what it was, it's location, the year it was built, and some fun facts about it. Steve Harvey definitely said, "I've never seen this building in my life!" and five or six year old Annabeth giggled so hard.

Percy

Swimming, duh. Like Gracie's they probably just have a video because they are not getting a pool, but little Percy is a speed demon in the water, and it's great. Honestly very impressive to see a four year old do butterfly stroke in an olympic sized pool. I'd probably change the channel.

Hazel

Again, no LBS in 1940s, and the US was ages 3-12, so it doesn't work when she comes back either, so Hazel just gets a news article about her ability to find jewels anywhere. "Louisiana girl has found more jewels than you have in your entire life!" Or something like that.

Frank

(See Kayla's on Canada, and anyway Vancouvers like so much closer to Hollywood than NY is)

Frank's a toss up. I wanted to say spelling because Frank Spelling Bee champ has a special place in my heart (I never made it past the first round in my classroom), but spelling is a pretty common thing and I dunno if he could spell like pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis or something like that (thank you copy and paste) at like 7 or 8.

So I'm going back to basics and he's doing archery like Kayla and Michael (though not trick shots). Little 8 yo Frank talks extremely eloquently and emphazes the importance of practice, and the show surprises him with his mother coming home from active duty in the military and the clip of Frank screaming, "Mommy" while running towards Emily and sobbing is among one of the most watched clips with Austin's.

Jason

Probably fencing (well technically sword fighting, but you can't really have that on TV with a like 3 of 4 year old, can you?). Imagine a baby Jason dueling Steve Harvey after he beats up some dummies. Peak.

Piper

Piper's not going on the show. Her father signed her up, probably for something fashion related, but I'm not sure (she can surf well, but I doubt Tristan would put her down for that) but when they tried to film her she scream and screamed and ended up biting a producer so she was cut from the show. It was on the news for weeks after someone in the audience leaked that Tristan McLean's daughter was supposed to preform on Little Big Shots but ended up being so rowdy they couldn't film. She was probably 5 or 6.

Nico

Mythology specialist, of course.

He actually could go on LBS because he joins modern day at age 10, so that's how old he was. They show him pictures of Greek/Roman gods and he rambles off their Greek and Roman names, as well as their domains.

He also brings up the goddess Bia at the beginning and says she's one of his favorites because his nickname for his big sister is Bia, and the camera pans to Bianca sitting in the audience next to Alecto, and the world eats that up.

Reyna

Reyna would go on at 3 or 4 (and a 10/11 yo Hylla's her translator because I just feel in my bones Hylla learned English really young and I dunno why) with some form of martial arts, I think, not sure which one exactly, but I can see a little 3 yo Reyna in Puerto Rico competing in kids taekwando. But Reyna ends up being more well known by how articulate and intelligent she is. Steve Harvey asks Hylla "Did she really say that?" at least four times because he thought Hylla was embellishing Reyna's words, but nope, that actually is the most accurate translation.

People who speak Spanish absolutely adore her.

Will I make a part 2? Probably. I had too much fun with this.

[tgmsunmontue]

Wild fields of forget-me-nots - 11/15

During the training for the mission Jake has an accident which results in him losing 10 years of memories.

A lot has happened in ten years. Bradley broke up with him. DADT was repealed. He got an air-to-air kill and a new callsign.

And he doesn't remember any of it.

ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN

PART ELEVEN

                “God I love you, you completely stupid fucking idiot…”

                “Hey baby…” Bradley drawls, not sure if Jake can understand him, tongue thick in his mouth, but that’s what he’s saying. Trying to say. Jake looks so good. He needs to tell him that, painkillers and concussion making him feel drunk. Except he’s in too much pain for that. “You look good…”

                Jake laughs, but there’s a hysterical edge to it and he’s swooping down to press a kiss to Bradley’s forehead.

                “Still trying to flirt when you’re horizontal.”

                “It’s… it’s how I do my best work,” Bradley jokes, and his ribs are fucking sore, breathing hurts. Laughing hurts. Everything fucking hurts. But he’s alive.

                “Not for a while you’re not. We’re walking wounded. You just lay there and look pretty…”

                “Thought that was your job.”

                “Guys. I’m right here,” Coyote states, and his expression is incredibly unimpressed. He’s looking at Bradley like he’s waiting for him to just blurt it out and he shifts, trying to sit up a little, because he knows he needs to do it.

                “Hey, what are you trying to do… stay there,” Jake says, hand on his shoulder, too soft to actual apply pressure but he gets what Jake is trying to do and he slumps back down, what little energy he had sapped away.

                “I… I need to tell you something.”

                Jake’s eyes rove over his face, or he’s more concussed than he thought, unable to focus properly and Jake’s concussion also means he’s unable to focus. God they make a pair.

                “Oh… oh darlin’. You don’t need to tell me anything. I already know.”

                “Know?” Bradley asks, stomach twisting and he thinks he might be sick again. Thinks about Jake turning around and walking out. He wouldn’t blame him. Wouldn’t stop him. “Know what?”

                “I know that we’re not actually married. Although I’m going to marry the hell out of you Bradley Bradshaw. Once we’re both fully recovered and can actually enjoy our wedding night and honeymoon…”

                “Um. Did you get your memories back?”

                “Nope. Not yet. Did read a few hundred letters with my name on them though…”

                “Oh. Oh shit…” Bradley says with dawning horror. He hadn't thought about them.

                “Letters?” Coyote asks and Bradley feels woozy again. Jake doesn’t look upset though, and Bradley scrambles for his hand, needs to check.

                “Yeah darlin’, I’m still wearing my ring. Wild horses couldn’t take it off me.”

                “I’m sorry…” Bradley whispers, and he can feel the pressure in his head, concussion headache becoming worse with the threatening tears so he just lets them fall. “I’m so sorry.”

                “We will be having a very very long conversation. A long overdue one. But it can wait until you’re feeling better,” Jake says quietly, pressing another kiss to his forehead and he still feels sick with guilt, but also a little relieved that his letters have already done the job he’d been dreading, despite it not being his intention.

                “You wrote him a letter?” Coyote asks, tone sharp, accusing and Bradley shakes his head and he groans, the action making him feel worse. Jake’s hand settles on his face, cupping his jaw.

                “He’s been writing me letters for years. Since he broke up with me.”

                “What? And you’re just going to forgive him?”

                “Well, seeing as I don’t remember him doing anything that needs forgiving, yes. We’ll cross other bridges when we come to them. Okay?” Jake asks him, and he blinks slowly, nods his head just as slowly.

                He knows there’s a chance Jake might leave when he gets his memories back, but there’s also a chance he’ll stay. He’ll take any chance over zero chance.

…            …            …

                He wakes up later with a gasp, nightmare of explosions fading behind his eyelids. Someone is sitting there quietly, and he shifts, expecting to see Jake. Instead, it’s Maverick and he’s disappointed, clearly does a poor job of hiding the fact if Mav’s amused huff is any indication.

                “He’s gone home. He’s still meant to be resting, and he only went because Coyote insisted he go home and sleep in a proper bed. They’ll be back early tomorrow. Today.”

                “Pretty sure you’re meant to be resting as well,” Bradley croaks, and Mav snorts, stands to get him a glass of water which he accepts gratefully. His ankle is throbbing and he vaguely remembers them saying he’d hurt it.

                “Couldn’t sleep. Needed to check on you. They’ve got me next door.”

                “Good. How are you feeling?”

                “Sore. Don’t think my body can handle any more…” Mav says and Bradley scoffs, but doesn’t shake his head, still doesn’t trust himself to not throw up. “I’m serious. Two ejections in a month are two too many.”

                “What? Two?”

                “Yeah. First one was before I came to North Island obviously, only by a couple of days. So. Yeah. That was my second ejection. Then a crash landing. My body is letting me know it’s had enough. Even if my mind is willing, my body is telling me it’s tired… Not as young as I used to be.”

                Bradley sucks in a quiet breath and lets it out silently, wonders if he should ask, if it matters, or whether it’ll give them something else to talk about. The idea that Mav could have died without them talking… Fuck. He doesn’t think he can handle it right now. Not with the one he’s already sort of had with Jake and the bigger one he knows he has coming.

                “I’m glad we’re both alive Mav.”

                “So am I kid, so am I.”

…            …            …

                Someone is running fingers through his hair. It feels nice. He hums, presses into it, blinks sleepily, feels fingertips brush over his eyebrows. The room is dark, but he suspects it’s actually daylight outside now.

                “Jake?”

                “Right here…”

                “Love you.”

                “Love you too. Go back to sleep if you want. I’m not going anywhere.”

…            …            …

                When he wakes again he feels more alert. As his eyes adjust to the darkness of the room he can see Jake, his arms and head resting on the hospital bed so he can also sleep. He can’t reach him, but he desperately needs to touch him, fumbles with the control of the hospital bed, gasps and breathes through the pain in his ribs as the bed moves him slowly more upright. Fuck. If this is just bruised he’s really glad they’re not broken.

                “What are you even trying to do?” Jake asks, and Bradley can see now that his eyes are open, mere slits watching him.

                “Couldn’t reach you…”

                “You only had to ask darlin’,” Jake says, and he’s pressing a kiss to his forehead again and he knows he’s feeling better because he wants to kiss him properly. Especially now that there’s not the lie of their fake marriage between them. “How are you feeling?”

                “Uh. Honestly? I really need to piss…”

                “There are crutches if you think you can handle them, or I can go and find a wheelchair.”

                “Crutches are fine…”

                Of course it’s not that easy, but Jake is there and helping, standing beside him with his hand on his waist and he gives in to the urge to draw him into a hug, holds him tight and feels his breath catch as he feels Jake hug him back, much gentler, clearly mindful of Bradley’s ribs.

                “So glad I got to come back home to you.”

                “Oh, trust me. I’m just as glad. But don’t think that I’m not also angry with you, but I’m also a little angry at myself for clearly missing how bad you must have been feeling. Loving you has always been easy.”

                “Even now?”

                “Especially now…but come on, get moving before you piss yourself.”

                Bradley grins and does as he's told.

TWELVE

[atxxzist]

the crown prince | c.s

summary: with the fall of the king, the kingdom of utopia rest on prince san's hand. but when bounties are put on his head as the consequence of his ancestors' actions, he realize there's a backlog of history to undo and a lot more to prove that he's deserving of being the rightful ruler

pairing: choi san x f!reader

genre: prince!san, commoner!y/n, medieval au, angst, fluff, suggestive

word count: 19k

(ao3) if you don't like lapslock

age 8:

you live in the fifth district, the poorest and most rundown of all districts, sitting at the bottom of the kingdom with a large body of water surrounding it.

the only remarkable thing about the place is the port that's often used for traveling in and out of the kingdom. other than that, rarely anyone from other districts would come down unless they want to be at risk of a flood--which always striked the district the hardest out of any others.

but even then, despite the limited portions of food your family has to survive on each day, or the hardrock wood mattress you guys have to sleep on that frequently gives your aging father back pain, life doesn't seem all that bad.

you still have your family and a roof over your head, and a mind too young and optimistic.

age 10:

just two years after, you soon find out how hard it really is for a kid living in the fifth district, and especially one without parents or someone to love and care for them.

the fishermen had said your parents fell overboard and their bodies couldn't be recovered.

you couldn't believe it at first that no one looked even the least concerned or urgent to search for your parents, but you soon learn that their lives are meaningless, and the people that threw you out after their death made sure you knew so is yours.

"ay, kid, we could leave you out here to die if we really want to," one of the tall, scary looking man says after your episode of protesting and crying starts to annoy him.

and easily like that, they both leave you in the orphanage that's already overcrowded with other children of similar circumstances.

you lose everything in one day: the house your father built from scratch, along with anything that's ever been handmade by your mother, it's all gone. they're both gone, and you feel yourself withering away with all the loss.

before the age of eleven, you become nothing more than a ward of the district and the responsibility to a bunch of strangers who probably doesn't care whether you live or die.

age 11:

it only takes a year for you to become almost nothing like the person you were once before who was cheerful and optimistic.

all of it beat out of you, watching every day as some of the children gets yelled at or punished for doing something so trivial, it desensitized you to the point you're no longer surprise to hear someone get told no one else would want them outside of the orphanage.

you don't talk to anyone or attempt to make any friends. you keep to yourself and would often read any books you could find or hunt for any sewing materials during the few time of the day they let you guys out.

age 12:

during dinner, you hear the group of kids sitting at the nearby table talk about the upcoming coronation of the prince.

"it's not even like we're gonna get to see it," one of the girls squeak, seemingly uninterested in the topic as she pokes her food because it's true.

events like that, especially any celebrations or gatherings are only reserved for those in the second and first districts, who are usually of noble and royal status. not nobodies like you guys down here living off of scraps and remnants.

"i want to see how the prince looks like," another boy adds with a mischievous tone.

you, too, want to see what the prince looks like, but you most likely never will. he won't come here and the chances of you going up there is damn near impossible, it might as well be good as a dream.

but all of the children agrees that he's the luckiest kid in the kingdom, and for that, they hate him for it.

age 13:

through the years, you've been watching as kids go and new ones would come in.

those that left were lucky to have gotten moved or adopted into a household that were willing to take them in, and you, like all the other kids in here, tired of the overcrowding and deteriorating state of the orphanage, hope that a kind family will one day swoop you away.

but it doesn't happen at age thirteen, and you continue to share a bunk with the same girl from three years ago who's been here longer than you.

age 14:

the states of the lower districts only seems to decline as you get older with the corrupted hierarchy and the rich taking all the resources for themselves.

for hundreds of years--you've learned, that it's always been bad, but everything's looking far worse than it has even four years ago.

but with the conditions in the lower three districts deteriorating, the citizens are growing more vocal, bitter, and resentful of those that resides in peace while everyone else is suffering.

the disparity not only made everyone despite the higher ups, but also each other as the stresses of the poor states get to them. and with you living in one of the three's, it made you harbor a hatred toward the top two districts as well, unable to see them past anything but greedy and power-hungry.

slanders of the royal family increased then. talks of overthrowing the king or starting a war for equal resources for all districts, and some even saying they'd rather swim across the ocean to reach kingdom aurora than to live in this "hellhole". but at the time, they were nothing but empty threats to make one feel better.

age 15:

you were so scared at first, hearing of all the horror stories told by the older, taunting kids who's gonna get moved into a family soon, that you're gonna be unlucky for the rest of your life and not get chosen like them.

that you're just gonna stay here until some lowly men decides to buy you off, or probably meet a worse fate.

but one sudden day when the director of the orphanage comes running into the dining hall and announces to all the kids to be on their best behaviors because someone from the second district is going to be coming down the next day, your life changes for the better at the age of fifteen.

you didn't think you had a chance at all, but you still wanted to try because no matter the intense dislike you hold for the two higher districts, if there's an opportunity for a better life, you're going to take it.

it's better than staying here and suffering. everyone else is becoming desperate and you're not any different.

the lady comes the following day as expected, her carriage alerting the entire place of her arrival as all the kids are on their knees with desperation in their eyes.

you guys have never had any visitors from a district so high up before, so this is very crucial.

when she walks in, everyone bows to welcome her, the sight as equally mesmerizing to others as it is to you. never in your life have you seen anyone with so many pearls and jewels, the gown she's wearing made of only the best materials.

it then hits you harder that however this lady decides to take you in, you're going to be living a comfortable life no matter what.

she takes one look around the room, all the children secretly crossing their fingers and it's when her eyes land on you and her lips turn up into a smile.

the director tells her you're a good kid. often guarded and doesn't really get along with the others, but well behaved nonetheless.

it feels weird to be the one everyone's envious of when you were usually on the opposite spectrum, but now passing all the kids as you make way to the front door, all their burning gazes planting a seed of guilt because you understand the feeling all too well.

but with the nation in this state, all anyone can do is look out for themselves. eventually, their time will come, and this just so happens to be yours.

the lady sits you down in the carriage next to her while the coachman leads the way back. she informs you will be working under the family as a servant but will be provided housing, food, and even freedom from time to time.

"i heard you like sewing."

you nod shyly at her words.

"i learned it from my mother."

"good. then you will have the opportunity to hone the skill."

the trip to the second district takes a total of three days, the only times you guys stopped was for food or toilet breaks. when the coachman announces the arrival, your first time seeing the scenery is that to of a fish fresh out of water.

you didn't even know trees or grass could be that green. or that it's not always supposed to feel like a sense of dread that takes the smiles off people's faces until they just look straight miserable.

it's as if you've entered a completely different nation, unable to comprehend the huge difference already, even in comparison to the third district.

the lady is quick to disappear into the house almost the size of the orphanage itself, calling for someone else to escort you around and show what the next couple of years (and possibly, the rest of your life) has in store for you.

you're to wake up at 5am everyday to prepare food for the noble family, and will be sharing a chamber with three other female servants: the main cook, the main cleaner, and another young girl about your age.

you're only allowed to wander during weekends with authorization and is only to go out for groceries or other necessities. other than that, any rule breaking will have consequences.

for the next couple of days, you practice the routine.

waking up in the early morning and prepping breakfast, then cleaning, and repeat for lunch and dinner. sometimes, you'd get to do different tasks like helping the noble daughter pick out a dress or shoes for the day, but that's only if you get called.

you pick up the cooking and cleaning quite fast because you used to help your parents a lot. and though the work hours can be tiring, the food you're eating and the place you sleep in is a lot better.

you also get the occasional freedom and access to improve your seamstress skills, and it's not the ideal life, but it is the best one for someone like you.

--

you hear a grunting sound close by one morning when you decide to wake up earlier than usual.

turning to the source, you see a figure far away near the tall gates, prancing around in his heavy armors with a sword in his hand. the sight definitely amazes you as you're only able to stare in awe before accidentally creating a ruckus that catches the attention of the stranger as he turns around.

it's still dark and you can't see his face very well, only until he starts walking toward you.

"can i help you?" he asks, voice a type of husky but innocent.

"oh, no." you shake your head, "i was just uhm... watching."

he chuckles and looks to the ground, your eyes trained on the way his dark hair ruffles along with his movements until he's staring at you again, finally out of the poor lighting.

he's cute and has childlike features. definitely not an appearance that gives away he could probably slice you dead right now if he wants to.

"you're the new worker," he vocalize, and it takes you a second to figure how he knew, following his gaze to the door of the chamber behind you.

"ah, yes i am." you nod.

"cool. well, i'm the gatekeeper. jongho."

"gatekeeper?" you crank an eyebrow, so far behind on rich people terminology, you have no idea what that means.

"i just protect and patrol the place in case of any intruders. it sounds fancy but it's really not. you don't have to keep it formal, though. we're all servants here."

"i see." you smile tight-lipped.

he also does look a little too young to be manhandling weapons or putting his life on the line, but you too, are also too young to be losing your parents and getting sold off as a servant.

for anyone in the lower three districts, it is all for survival.

you soon learn that jongho was born in the fourth district but he's been living and training here for so long, he can barely recall his time there.

and you're not sure what it is about him that makes you open up given the fact you've been closed off for so long ever since your parents death and the comprehension of the cruel world you're living in, but through the year and before you turn sixteen, you find your first true friend in choi jongho.

age 16:

you get acquainted with hongjoong, a friend of jongho and a messenger who travels in and out of the districts to deliver any important information.

you're not sure how he keeps his identity on the low in spite of the growing tension between all the districts, but jongho assures you he has his ways.

jongho spends his days training with many kinds of weapons; swords, spears, daggers, crossbows, and just about everything when he's not guarding the house--which he usually isn't because the second district is still relatively safe at this time.

but if there is any outside attackers, it would be jongho's and the other men's responsibilities to protect the noble family. it's what they've all been trained for.

you still cook and clean, and your sewing skills have gotten increasingly better that you also started picking up embroidery.

on the occasion, jongho would teach you how to use a dagger just so you'd have some knowledge of self defense and protection considering the alarming state of the nation.

and now that you're living under people of noble status, royal parties and balls were the standards. not that you'll ever get to attend them for yourself, always hearing about it for an alternative or watching the noble family dress up in pretty attires that cost hefty coins before they waddle off in their carriage into the first district.

hongjoong returns a week later, informing you and jongho that the conditions, especially in the fifth district, is really bad that some citizens have decided to risk their lives in hope of reaching the kingdom of aurora since ships and boats cannot be sailed without approval from the royal family.

"it's basically a death sentence to be living in any of the lower districts at this point. i fear if the king doesn't do anything about it, a civil war may be on the horizon."

age 17:

not much changes and hongjoong has said that the king, along with other royal and noble families, refused to take actions since the dividing of resources for all the other districts would cause the first and second to falter because they do not have enough for everyone.

it's better to keep some afloat than to put the entire nation at risk.

"but sir, that's only going to keep running the citizens out of the nation, and the ones that do stay are becoming angry. the first organization against the royal family already formed, calling themselves outlaws. and they're not just ordinary citizens. they could infiltrate the two higher districts if they want to. a solution is not to only keep them happy, but to also prevent a war."

"then strengthen the security. we also have equally skilled men, if not, more. send any able-bodied men to the gates of the first and second district and don't let anybody from the lower threes enter."

age 18:

things only get worse. nobody is allowed to travel freely between the districts anymore and anyone from the first two were strongly advised not to go down because the chances of getting robbed or assaulted are high.

the four working men in the house dwindled down to two because the other two, including jongho, would be sent to guard the entrance. but during rotation when he gets to come back to sleep and eat, he'd tell you that it's eerily quiet, but that all the lower districts know the higher ones are blocking off entrance and might retaliate soon.

"we should be prepared for the worst. hongjoong said the fact they're quiet might mean the organization is planning something."

age 19:

for a while, security at the entrance decreases when it looks like the lower districts weren't gonna try to do anything about it.

jongho and the other men in the house were able to stay around longer, sometimes even for a few days straight without going back, and the outrage did feel like it was just a false alarm.

no one in the higher districts, even hongjoong, were prepared for the storm that is after the calm.

"y/n! wake up!"

you groggily groan at the voice, sounding both hushed but eager as it jolts you from sleep.

it's jongho and he looks absolutely terrified, his figure hovering over your body still in bed.

"come on, y/n! we have to get going!"

you don't have the time to take in anything, jongho already pulling you up harshly to stand on your feet as you hurl out more groans and complaints.

"what's going on? i was sleeping, you know."

"the king is dead."

it's those words that makes you more awake than ever, unable to believe as you just stare dumbfoundedly while he ravages the drawers for more appropriate clothings.

"w-what? h-how?" you can barely form anything coherent at this point, your heart racing so fast.

"he was assasinated," jongho reveals, throwing a loose, oversized shirt at you. "we're not sure how they managed to get that far up the first district, but all this time, that must've been what they were preparing for--you need to get changed."

he throws you a pair of pants and continues speaking, at the same time going through almost the entire perimeter for anything that will prove useful.

you don't even care he's in the same room, your body going into shock and quickly pulling the night gown off before putting on what he gave you.

"hongjoong thinks they're planning a raid, starting from the second district and working their way up. if we stay here, we could get captured, held hostage, or whatever those outlaws want to do with us--here."

he finds the dagger he had given you sitting in the last drawer, pulling the extra sheath out of his pouch and running to tie it around your waist.

"keep this with you at all time, and remember what i taught you. just in case we ever get separated, you need to protect yourself," he demands, passing the dagger to you with an extremely serious look on his face along with the statement just now, making you queasy in the stomach.

you can't imagine having to part from jongho for whatever reason. you wouldn't know what to do.

he gestures to your shoes and you wear it quickly.

"now come on, let's go!" he grabs your wrist and your body flings forward, only managing to grab the pouch on top the dresser before your feet's following his steps out the door despite the lingering sleepiness and that you could be forgetting something else, but it's all happening so fast, your mind struggling to keep up.

you're about to ask him about the other servants, or the noble family, but as he whisk you into the nightly air, the breeze pushing past your skin, you realize that before jongho came, you were alone.

they all left you.

"where are we going?" you ask.

"down to the third district. hongjoong lended me a map and said to go through the forest, we'll catch less attention that way. he said we can stay at one of his hideouts for now."

for the next hours, you don't see anything but trees and branches in your way, and the moon high above the dark sky as it follows both you and jongho.

your feet tired and sore at this point, asking jongho to find a place to sit even for just a few minutes because you might just pass out.

"if we keep at this pace, we'll be able to make it to the third district by morning," he informs, handing over the costrel and telling you to drink.

you nod, passing it back after finishing, observing for a few seconds as jongho takes a couple sips.

"so where did everyone else go?" you finally bring up the question bothering you.

"to the lower districts. i heard some are hoping to reach the port so they'll get the chance to sail to aurora or dune, now that the royal family is in a crisis, people don't care anymore. but as you already know, we have limited ships and boats and it's going to be a bloodbath all around."

he goes on, "we only found out the king was dead when people from the first district started migrating, and then everyone in the second started panicking, and i honestly did too initially. i was about to start heading down until i remembered you."

you smile and nudge the boy with your elbow affectionately.

"if not for you, i probably would've turned into a corpse by tomorrow."

"pfft," he scoffs, "not a corpse but a captive maybe. their target is still the royal family, and now that the king is dead, they'll most likely go after the prince. the raid is just to scare people off so they can bask in the lavish that the first and second district has to offer. but still, it's better to be safe than sorry. they did killed the king, after all."

you take in the information, asking one last question.

"and where is hongjoong?"

"he was also in the second district at the time, but after lending me the map and instructions, he said he's gonna go up in order to get more details; hopefully talk to the prince and will report back in a few days."

"do you think he's going to be okay?"

jongho nods and stands up from the log, reaching his hand out to help you.

"he should be. he wouldn't be able to survive for this long if he isn't competent. but we should get going or else the trip will be delayed."

--

the hideout is a small shack in the corner of the wood, blending into the surroundings so perfectly, you and jongho almost missed it.

it's essentially a square with a single wooden bed, one chair, and a small table with an ewer sitting on top. jongho said the water in there should still be good to use, and that he brought enough breads to survive on for a few days.

"i can take the floor," he says, taking off the crossbow and sword that's been stuck to his body for an entire night and settling them down.

"we can take turns," you offer an alternative, pitying the boy because he's the one who's been doing most of the works.

"alright."

he nods it off. he wasn't gonna fight you on it.

you and jongho passes time by training for the majority of time. sometimes, you'd just watch, but when he isn't worn out by his own routine, he'd tell you the basics of a crossbow and a knightly sword and would proceed to watch you practice with the dagger.

"you're holding it like a coward who's never fought in their life," is his usual criticism.

"well maybe cause i am a coward who has never fought before," you will retort.

"when facing an enemy, you can't show that you're afraid. you have to believe in yourself."

"easy for you to say."

but regardless of his yapping that sometimes make you roll your eyes all the way to the back of your head, he's a good teacher and even complimented you. if saying that you're a lot less awful than when you started, counts.

three days later from when you both settled, the light, passive knock at the door alerts you and jongho, you almost wishing it was one of the outlaws, preferably a weaker member just so you can put what you've learned to use.

but it's hongjoong.

"so what did the prince say?" jongho asks, quick and eager.

"he's recruiting. said he'll take in anyone still willing to stand by his side while he figure things out. he needs time."

"what about the guards and men that were in the castle? isn't it their duty to protect the royal family?"

"more than half of them ran to the lower districts. the outlaws probably won't do much to a normal citizen, but they will be vile to anyone on the prince's side."

"and he didn't try to stop them?" you join, hongjoong turning his head to you and shaking.

"he said he wasn't gonna force anyone who didn't want to stay. but for those willing to fight by his side, he'll take them."

you don't mean to come off hypercritical, but you can't help but think that the prince is being careless.

"but the outlaws want him dead, no? he shouldn't be taking in just anybody. that's too dangerous."

hongjoong just shrugs.

"that was his order."

a silence hangs between the three of you after, and one glance at jongho, you see that conflicted look in his eyes and know that he's about to say something you won't like.

"i'll go."

you snap your neck to him so fast, there must've been a pop.

"what--jongho, no," you object, worry in your tone. hongjoong just standing by and watching the incoming dispute unfold.

"it's better than standing around and waiting for something to happen."

"but putting your life on the line? for all you know, there might not even be a solution at all. look at the state of the kingdom. people are running away, everyone fearing for their own safety. in the end, you could be dying for nothing. did you forget it's because of these people that us born in the lower districts have to live a shit life?"

by now, you're both facing each other and fuming through your noses.

"and did you forget that we haven't been to the lower districts in years? ever since we got the opportunity to move into one of the top two? even if we were just servants, we were living better than a normal family in the fifth district. i was guarding and blocking off an entrance because i was so much better than the people trying to get through. you think i enjoyed doing that shit? no. but it was my job. in some ways, we betrayed our roots, y/n. and you're right. the prince could be lying and stalling out of his ass, but you know... i'm hoping that he's not. because for once, i want to feel like i'm doing something worthy. i didn't train all my life just to guard gates where nothing ever fucking happens nine out of ten times."

you watch in disbelief as he turns to pick up his crossbow and sword.

"so whether you like it or not, i'm going."

he gives hongjoong a stern look, to which the older man returns one, but is soon carried away by your voice again.

"then i'm going with you."

and jongho knows he's going to sound like a hypocrite; the fact he cares for you as much as you care for him so he doesn't want you to put yourself in the face of danger.

he also understands that you share the same sentiment in regard to him, which is why you don't want him to go.

"no. it's safest for you to stay here. you don't have the same training and combat that i do. you can barely hold a dagger the right way and it's one of the most light and basic weapon. those outlaws will pummel you like a bug."

you roll your eyes and you can see hongjoong trying to hold in his laughter.

"well geez, thanks, master. but boohoo. all i know is that i need to stab," you snark, managing to pull a small smile from jongho before switching tone. "i'm serious, though. i know i'm not gonna be pounding anyone, but i'd still like to come with. it would put a lot of my worries to rest knowing you're alive and okay."

"i'll be fine, y/n," he assures, one hand on your shoulder, "and if it'll make you feel better, if hongjoong doesn't mind, he can come once in a while to inform you of what's going on."

you meet hongjoong's gaze at that and he nods with a thin smile.

but that's still not good enough for you because how can you possibly be okay with the only person you can call family, going off and risking his life?

you're not.

which is why when they both finally depart, you wait until they're a good distance away yet still visible to the eye, tying the sheath the way jongho did and sticking your dagger in before taking the costrel he left for you along with the remaining breads and following right behind them.

hongjoong used to travel on horseback but he has to be more discreet this time around, especially going up the higher districts.

you're somewhat thankful for that because you're not sure you can keep up if that was the case.

you stop when they stop, and rest when they rest. you would try listening in on their conversations but it's always inaudible from where you're at.

you put aside the pain of an aching feet or fear of the nightly forest, afraid you would give yourself out.

two days later, you're sure you guys are close. a part of you somewhat curiously pumped because you've never wander up the first district before.

with the sun setting and the stars soon to come out, you're hoping to arrive before it gets too dark because you really are dreading the idea of spending another night hidden behind itchy bushes.

dragging yourself up the steep hill, you can't help but to admire the scenery, the air of utopia still fresh and the birds still chirp like the nation is whole, resuming your steps only to see that you've lost sighting of jongho and hongjoong, and if you're any quicker, they will catch on.

you don't panic just yet, although you're getting nervous, but carrying on because the castle shouldn't be too far from here. as soon as you can spot it, it should be easy to trace it back to the two.

the only problem is how you're gonna get in once you reach it.

as you get closer to the top, you can spot the castle's head peaking, and once finally on flat land, you're able to see the entire thing, and the dazzling white architecture is hard to miss.

the heart and soul of utopia planted right in the center of the first district, and you've never seen anything more sophisticated in your entire life. but as you sneak closer, you're sure that you're not even gonna make it past the portcullis.

if you don't find jongho, you'd be coming all this way for nothing.

--

you've been watching the guards at the gate and their patterns of behavior for the last hour, every time inching closer to the entrance with the least amount of noise as possible.

but you should've known. you've overestimated your ability (by a large margin) thinking you can outsmart people who does this for a living, and of all places, it had to be royal family's. stupid.

you barely take a step when the pressure of a sharp object against your back make your eyes go wide in horror.

you're thinking this is it. you should've listened to jongho and should have not acted like such a know-it-all, because the next time he sees you, it will be in corspe form.

the beating of your heart is loud along with the stranger's breathing, their hand going retrieve your dagger from the sheath, and if they attack, you will have no other way to defend yourself.

"who the hell are you and why are you sneaking around my castle?" the deep, masculine tone drowns your ears.

my castle?

you foolishly turn around like an idiot, feeling the pressure of the object move to your neck instead, looking up at this mysterious stranger but unable to make anything out.

the running of footsteps and commotion can be heard from behind you, a series of voices and better lighting approaching with all the torches in the guards hands, and when you're finally able to make out the pair of eyes staring back, it feels as if you forgot how to breathe.

because if it isn't the most beautiful man you've ever seen, dark locks, sly and sharp eyes to that of a fox that looks disapproving of your choices before it turns slightly softer when he sees how harmless you actually look, the weapon in his hand lowering with a clear of his throat.

"what part of 'it's safest if you stay here' did you not understand?"

jongho's loud and frustrated voice echoes through the entire hall, pacing back and forth in place as he reprimands you in front of hongjoong, the prince, and his other royal companions.

the prince (who you have to make a point one more time that he's devastingly beautiful) was unexpectedly casual when you explained to him you were looking for your friends, even returning your dagger.

"i only came because i was worried about you. i know you would do the same for me."

"yes, but something could've happened to you. you could've gotten lost, or worse."

"as you can see, i'm fine. the most life threatening thing was the prince putting a knife to my back and neck."

"because you were limping around the castle like an idiot."

"well, what was he doing outside of it anyways?"

"why are you talking about the prince like that!" he yells, and the both of you having an awakening at the same time, registers how embarrassing and inappropriate it actually is to be having a screaming match in the royal family's hall, turns to the prince and bow in apology.

"sorry," you both mutter.

"it's fine," the prince dismisses.

when you were still living at the orphanage, some of the kids would often play guessing games about the prince just because the chances of ever meeting him were close to none, everyone might as well get creative.

some assumed he's a snob because kids being kids, they were all jealous of the fact he was living better, and so it's only natural he would think he's better than everyone else.

then some thought he looked like a troll, which was why the king and queen kept him inside most of the time.

none of you guys knew a lot about the prince, but there were words on the street that he almost never went out of the castle; some even using that as confirmation for why he's a stuck-up.

but after meeting him, he's nothing like the kids have predicted.

he definitely does not look like a troll or sound like a snob, at least so far. he's actually rather soft-spoken, though a bit aloof and stoic. but you suppose one isn't gonna be jolly after the death of their father.

--

jongho had insisted that you go back immediately, and you were considerate of the castle's deities enough to pull him outside just to object.

but you only got another line in the quarrel before the prince intervened and much to jongho's dismay, said you could stay for the night since it was getting late and traveling would be difficult.

"but you're leaving as soon as the sun comes up!" he proceeds to nag the entire time you tuck yourself to bed, the prince kindly offering a spare chamber for you to stay in.

"yes. i know," you reply, all snarky tone and turning to face the other way because he's getting on your nerves.

there's a quick silence before the edge of the bed creaks with his weight.

"look, i know you only came because you were worried about me, and you're right, i would do the same for you."

you toss slowly to look him up in the eyes from your position.

he goes on, now locking you in his gaze, "but it's way too dangerous for you to stay here, and we don't know when they're going to attack. and worse, if they see you're in alliance with the prince, who knows what they'll do? i'll be fine. this is what i've trained my whole life for. you just have to believe in me."

you sigh and frown, finally deciding to cave because you do know that jongho is capable. you've never doubted him. it's the opponents that you're unsure of, their next moves could be anything.

"i'll go back, but hongjoong still needs to follow the end of the deal."

jongho smiles warmly, relieved you're no longer trying to fight him on this.

"he'd be happy to."

you nod, figuring that since you're already here, you might as well ask.

"so how many men volunteered?"

"for now, three. me, someone named yunho from the third district, and another guy named minjun. but more might wind up later, who knows."

"i still don't think it's smart of the prince to be taking in just anyone. it's way too risky. you have good intentions, but what about the two other?" you voice concernedly, your forehead starting to crease from the distress.

you just met the prince, but you know that the idea is ridiculous and you don't want him meeting the same fate as his father.

"optimism maybe? i don't know. more than half of the royal family's protections are gone so he probably can't be too picky. but i'd like to think he knows what he's doing."

but he's also still young and is currently in a worse position than his father, the king, who couldn't even save utopia. you don't think anybody is ready to be in his place, let alone lead an entire kingdom that's falling apart.

"alright. then you should return to the others; help them look after the prince. he's going to need it."

"actually, he ordered us to stay with the queen and princess."

you shoot up from position, incredulity written all over your face.

"what--why? all of you guys? then who's going to look after him?"

jongho shrugs.

"i disagree as well, but after all, he's the prince. we can't disobey orders."

"you guys should be allowed to if it's foolish. what is going on in his head?" you shake your own, unable to believe it.

you just know that something bad is gonna happen, and it would be due to the prince's own incompetence.

jongho has no idea either given he only just met him as well, but he's crossing his fingers the prince will prove both of you wrong.

"i have to go. you should get some rest because you'll be leaving in the early morning. i'll see you then."

--

you're woken up by a heavy disturbance, the ruckus happening outside of the room but also sounding so close.

it might be best if you stay here; leave whatever the noises is to the guards in the castle, but you just feel it in your guts that your prediction have came true.

carefully opening the door, you peek your head out, immediately drawn to the bright light illuminating at the end of the hall, and soon, your quick and eager feet has taken you to the shocking sight.

the prince standing before jongho and another guard as they hold back someone you can't quite recall. one of his hand tending to the cut on his left arm, and you can see the red seeping through the thin white fabric.

the prince meets your eyes when he notices you standing outside.

"i knew it!" you screech, your turn to pace back and forth as jongho watches from the side. "he shouldn't have just taken in anyone!"

you found out it was minjun, one of threes who volunteered along with jongho, who attacked the prince. apparently, he had snuck away from the other guards and was in the prince's room within minutes, a sword aimed at the young royal that could've taken his life.

"luckily, he only got off with a cut. i can't even imagine what would've happened."

jongho groans anxiously, the first day on the job and the reality of it already showing its head.

"there's nothing luck-based about the prince's survival," hongjoong's voice has you both turning as he appears from the opened door.

"prince san isn't only highly skilled in all areas of fighting, but he's the best warrior utopia has to offer. he most likely knew about the attack beforehand, which was why he only got away with a cut considering minjun also isn't just an average member of the outlaws," hongjoong reveals, the new information makes you and jongho gawk at each other in surprise.

"y/n," he calls out, and you detach from jongho's eyes to look at him.

"yes?"

"i need you to do me a favor. i trust you enough, and you look rather... harmless."

you pinch in your brows. if he wants to go off about your terrible fighting and self defense skill, he might as well just spell it out.

"the prince said he has a plan, but we're going to need to buy time. and no matter how skilled he is, we can't keep dealing with people coming into the castle in attempts to severe the prince's head. it's best if he's away until we can figure things out, for his safety and the kingdom's."

you only hum and nod, wondering where exactly this is going.

"he'll be leaving with you in the morning."

your face falls in horror, unable to believe they're entrusting the prince to you. the thoughts of being alone with someone like him both terrifying but weirdly stimulating.

"oh my gosh, she's blushing..." jongho yelps, a smirk tugging at his lips. he's seen the way you'd ogle at the prince, definitely something you never did to any other men.

"i'm not!" you cry defensively, embarrassed. "i-i just don't think i'm the right person."

"we just need the prince away from the castle for a few days. for now, it look like the outlaws are not planning on moving up the first district entirely, so the rest of us should be safe as well for the time being. you still remember the way back to the shack, right?"

you nod hesitantly.

"good. then it's settled."

--

the following morning, everyone bids farewell to the prince, the queen and princess wishing him well as the guards and hongjoong stack him with equipments, while jongho makes you carry the food and water.

he takes off the royal attire, disguising himself in commoner clothings instead, as recommended by his companion, wooyoung.

hongjoong promises to report back once things get relatively better.

at first, it's nerve-racking because you just can't help it. the prince is so handsome and your touch-starved body just reacts naturally, but once you figure he isn't gonna talk to you, only gesturing or murmuring out short instructions, the spark wears off.

"we should stop and rest for the night," he speaks more than three words for the first time, laying down his stuff and nodding to the tall tree.

"alright."

you settle your things down as well, plopping against the tree and waiting for him to do the same but he instead pulls out the sword and starts slashing the air.

when he takes notice of your gawking from behind, he apologizes.

"sorry, i'm just... practicing, hope you don't mind. you can rest, i'll keep watch."

you nod it off, sleep soon taking over, but when you wake a few hours later, able to tell from the different color painting the sky, the prince is still practicing and seems just as eager as he was before.

"prince," you call out, his movements halting in place as he turns back at the sound of your voice.

"call me san."

you clear your throat, "uh... san, have you slept at all?"

he shakes his head.

"i was practicing."

you stand up, dusting off the dirts from your pants and growing concerned regarding the sleepless prince.

"you can sleep. i'll keep watch and if there's anything, i'll wake you up," you offer, but he's quick to reject the proposal.

"no need to. i'm not tired anyways. if you're feeling fully rested, we can keep going. the sun is almost up."

you watch in dejection as he goes to retrieve his things because you're not sure you can believe he's not even the tiniest bit tired from everything so far.

--

it takes almost an entire day to reach the destination, your body tired and aching for something to sit on, the minute you reach the shack, you're sprawled all over the chair.

the prince looks just fine, though.

"it's small, but comfortable," you assure the prince just in case he has any doubts in mind. because you initially did, too, but it was surprisingly homey when you last stayed with jongho.

he nods, eyes roaming the small interior.

"it'll do."

"you can take the bed. i don't mind taking the floor," you tell him, but he instead shakes his head.

"the bed's all yours. i'll be outside practicing."

you scowl and sit up from your seat.

"again? we've been traveling all day. you should really get some rest considering you didn't get any the night before."

but he's stubborn, grabbing for his sword again as you can only sigh in disapproval.

"i really don't feel tired."

"then you should eat, at least."

"i'm not hungry."

you end up going to bed alone, only listening to the prince's grunting and slashing outside as he practices like he's trying to reach out to something or someone.

the uneasiness consuming you, seeing him always looking so miserable as if something's bothering him, unable to rest or do anything else.

it's understandable because of the circumstances he's in, but you wish he would be kinder to himself.

you only give him another two hours before taking matters into your own hand, flinging the door open to his figure dancing around the area with his sword, calling his name softly that makes him stop in track to look at you.

"enough," you mumble, quiet but stern, prying the weapon out of his hold with so much power, you think jongho would be proud.

"no, i have to pr--" he reaches for the sword but you move back, the prince grabbing only the nightly air in place.

"no, you don't," you spit, your free hand going to grab his wrist and dragging him back inside. "you need to eat and rest."

the sword clinks the flooring when you drop it, sitting san down on the bed and grabbing some of the breads and dried meat before taking the seat next to him.

"i understand you're going through a lot right now and it's tough, but you need to take care of yourself. you can't wear your body out or punish it. you're not even fully healed from the cut. if something happens, if worst comes to worst, you need to be prepared to fight."

you push the food toward him but he doesn't budge the slightest. his eyes trained on it, but everything else completely frozen.

for a second, you think all the efforts is gonna go to waste because the prince won't listen, but much to your surprise, he starts talking.

"my father and everyone around me would always say i was the best fighter in the entire kingdom; that i was one of a kind, gifted from a young age, and the future of utopia. i used to believe that as well, but what kind of prick can't even save his own father?"

a small gasp fall, fussing under your breath, "san..."

"maybe i'm only as great because i had the access and materials to become great. but in actuality, i would be no more than average in any other scenarios."

"san, you are great. hongjoong said you are, and you even fought off minjun. it's not your fault what happened to your father," determination in your delivery, finding yourself oddly caring for someone you barely knew.

"father did always lived every day as if it was his last. he knew everyone was out to get him..." he fidgets with one of the breads before taking a small bite out of it. "i thought it would make me feel better if i caught his killer, but i really don't feel any different."

"so hongjoong was right. you knew about the attack?"

you watch as he ogles at the piece of bread like it's the most interesting thing in the world, noddling lightly and taking another bite.

"somewhat, yeah. i was the one who found my father's body, and you can imagine… it's not easy for any kid to see their own parent blue in the face, lying lifeless in front of them, and especially knowing their murderer got away. it made me vengeful, but i couldn't act recklessly. i had to set up a bait because i didn't know who it was, but i knew they were coming."

you listen to each of his words so attentively, and you make sure he knows.

"it could've been your friend, jongho, or the others that came along. it could be anyone. it could be all of them. but regardless, whoever it was wanted me dead just like my father and wouldn't have passed up the chance."

you exhale, looking at the prince with sympathy and sadness in your eyes, all this time you really gave him too little credits, one of your hand somehow finding itself on top his resting one and soothing it.

"i can't do much, but i'm here to listen. if we're going to be together for a while, we might as well have each other's back."

and when san finishes his food and actually goes to sleep for the rest of the night (although you did have to fight him about sleeping on the floor), you finally feel at ease, able to go to sleep knowing he's not pushing himself.

san is the first thing you see upon waking up, his figure bending down a couple feet away and drinking out of the costrel.

he knows you're up from the movements, turning to meet your tired eyes.

"good morning."

"good morning, san."

"you should eat first. i left some out for you."

"oh, okay."

you nod politely, throwing the blanket off and getting up from the makeshift bed, but first telling him that you're gonna go wash your face.

"i checked the ewer. there's no more water in there."

"hmm," you hum, attempting to come up with a solution. "i'm gonna go down to the river. i'll be back in a bit."

"wait." his call stops you in track, half your body out the door. "i'd like to come with."

"is that okay? i mean... will that be safe?" because now that the prince is with you, you feel it is your responsibility to keep him out of danger no matter how unskillful you are. you don't want a single sighting putting his life on the line (more than it already is).

"we'll make it quick. besides, i need to wash up as well. i don't feel too clean from all those practices."

the river is actually quite close by, having never been there during your stay in this district but following the sound of nature was relatively easy to do. and you suppose hongjoong chose the spot for this reason.

once there, you're splashing your face immediately and rejoicing in the cool sensation, only just registering san's been watching you the entire time when you turn and meet his piercing gaze.

his expression blank before dropping to a smile at your wide-eye. and the first time that he does, you realize you've never seen him smile, ever. your attention taken away by the deep indentations appearing from his cheeks, and for just a second, your heart feels like it might explode.

but it's his turn with the river, you observing as he mimics you until both your faces are wet and raining with droplets.

"here," you say, pulling out the spare handkerchief you had remember to bring before coming, offering it to him then using the other one for yourself.

he thanks you, about to wipe his face when the striking design catches his eye.

"this is beautiful," he comments, your head snapping his direction. "did you make it yourself?"

you nod shyly.

"i picked up embroidery somewhere after sewing for a while."

the conversation continues on the walk back, san asking the questions because he just grasped the revelation he doesn't know anything about you.

aside from trying to sneak into his castle and being the friend of one of his guards, that's as much as he can recall off the top of his head although you're quite literally in a life or death situation with him.

"you said you picked up embroidery, so are you from the second district?"

san knows almost everyone who lived in the first district, having spent his entire life and becoming familiar with the surrounding neighbors.

during the occasional balls and parties, he'd get acquainted with some from the second districts. but he's never seen you before. if he did, he would probably be able to recognize you.

but he knows that a hobby and skill like embroidery was something only those in the top two could afford. it was a luxury, as much as san hates putting it like that.

you giggle at the thought and shake your head.

"i was a servant for a family from the second, but i'm originally from the fifth. i picked up embroidery because the daughter of the family was pressured into learning and i was there to help sometimes."

"oh..." is all he says.

maybe he expected you to have some noble blood or be from greatness, but the only thing close to the two were the shoes you shined and the people you served.

your entire life, nothing about you was ever great or noble.

you may have ran from the lower district for a better life, but you were never ashamed of where you came from.

it made you who you are, and if anything, you're a survivor.

"yeah..." you mumble, stopping once reaching the shack again.

he picks it up from your tone, correcting himself to make sure you don't misunderstand, "no. i didn't mean it like that. i'm just, curious about you and your background."

"oh?" you squeak, "then what do you want to know, prince."

you take a seat where he was sitting before, reaching for the food he left for you and looking up at him from where you are, wondering what kind of prince would want to know about a commoner like you.

"an iris," he refers to the pattern embroidered on the handkerchief, "was there a reason why you chose it?"

you smile softly, the question taking you back to a lane of memories and nostalgia.

"it was both of my parents' favorite flower. they always did clung onto any sort of hope there was when it came to our living conditions, and father would always used to say the iris not only symbolized that, but also courage and bravery. i don't know how true that is, but i tend to associate the flower with my parents. it was all i managed to take when me and jongho ran from the second district."

"that's sweet," the prince says, making your eyelashes bat as he plops down at the end of the makeshift bed but he never once look away from you. "and where are your parents?"

the death of your parents was once something that was difficult to talk about; a reality that you used to deny because you couldn't accept that they're no longer by your side and sharing the same struggles. because you guys did suffered a lot, but you all had each other.

and suddenly, you only had yourself.

it wasn't until jongho that you started to open up again; learn to let someone into your heart; to share the same struggles and to suffer all over again, but at least with someone by your side once more.

and it's with that lesson that you allow the prince in as well, unveiling some parts of yourself, for some reason feeling like you can entrust it to him.

"they passed away. the fishermen said the sea took them. it's been a long time and i've come to terms with it."

you don't miss the way his chest fall and a sullen look takes over his expression.

"i'm sorry to hear."

his life experiences and pain could never compare to anyone from the lower districts, he understands that all too well; how good and privileged he's had it.

but grief doesn't discriminate, and the feeling is... debilitating.

it makes you go into denial, nothing but a directionless road laying ahead, unable to help but think if you ever will recover.

but he feels a little better after talking to you, a living proof that no matter the loss or grief one goes through, there's a chance he will make it out fine in the end.

--

you're about to go off to bed when you suddenly remember what hongjoong had told you.

"prince," you call from below, the title just naturally rolling off despite the plenty of time he's made clear you can call him by his name.

"we have to change the dressing on your wound."

you get up to go search through one of the heavy bags, digging for some clean linens and vinegar the others had made sure to pack for the prince.

"hongjoong said we should change it every couple of days," you tell him, sitting at the edge of the bed while he stands up from the sleeping position. "your arm, prince." you gesture and watch as he rolls up his sleeve.

your cheeks for some reason start heating up at the sight, the blinking and nervous twitch of your eyes give it away, causing a giggle to tumble out of the prince at your flustered reaction.

"y/n," he speaks, once you've stared for long enough and still have yet to remove the old cloth. "that's what jongho and hongjoong calls you by."

"y-yes." you nod.

"have you ever tend to a wound before?"

"well, no. but i've been instructed on how to."

"i see." he smiles, and you're about to crack at the man in front of you. beautiful smile, perfect features, and some muscular arms to go along with it.

once you've contained yourself (or at least look like it), you unwrap the worn cut-out cloth and replaces it with a new one, every steps of what hongjoong had laid out followed to the very best of your ability.

"thank you, y/n," the prince says one more time, and the last smile on him for the night makes you think he just might be teasing you.

the past few days that you've spent with the prince, he's proven your expectations and predictions wrong over and over again.

almost like everything you've assumed is untrue in the best way possible. his aloof and stoic ways melting into smiles and laughters when you'd tell him stories about the kids back at the orphanage and how they thought he was a troll.

spending days and nights confined to a small space with someone you just met, the idea sounding awful but the reality actually quite nice because it's comfortable with him.

he not only speaks well, his words always the most soft and unoffending as they can be, but he also listens well.

day by day, the doubts you had--whether he would be able to salvage utopia, changes to the hope and belief that he's more than competent to pull it off.

but there's still questions bothering you; the strangeness of the entire picture in how utopia managed to fall to a state this bad in the first place if the prince is as level-headed as he presents himself.

he at least should've been talking sense into the king.

so you finally ask, during a routine morning where you and san have gotten accustomed to waking up the crack of dawn, sitting facing each other and munching away on portions of food that becomes less the more days pass by.

"san," you start, his name now more comfortable on your lips. it makes him pick his up head from the food to you.

"hongjoong said you have a plan, right? the reason they sent you here was to buy time. i-i was just wondering where does it go from here?" you try your utmost best to not sound meddlesome.

you're just worried.

because as much as you enjoy the time together, the unknown makes you uneasy. you don't want to doubt him but you also don't want everything so far to be for nothing.

it's the prince's personal affairs and not yours, but you just wish for there to be assurances; some kind of proof that speaks he knows what he's doing, because the closer you get to him, the more you fear losing him.

"i have a plan, yes," he answers, the calm demeanor on him a complete contrast to the troubled one on you. "why? are you worried?"

you breathe out, eventually nodding timidly.

"it's just that the state of the kingdom right now is really bad and it's going to take a lot to please the citizens, especially the group of rebellions. the idea of peace just seems so... unreachable."

you already sound like you're about to break down, when the prince--the one actually having to deal with it, looks the most calm and collective.

he acknowledges the concern, thinking it's fairly reasonable. actually, he's surprise everyone's been able to restrain themselves from spiraling for this long.

if he was someone else, he don't think he'll be able to put his trust into an inexperienced prince in hope of him saving the entire nation as well.

"the people of utopia isn't aware, but about a decade ago, the king of aurora, the closest neighboring kingdom to us had offered to help the nation after witnessing the terrible conditions most of the lower districts were suffering from," san reveals, "but my father... he denied the help."

you squeeze your brows in disbelief.

"what--why?"

"the king of aurora only requested for utopia's protections and services in return. as you know, we may lack in every other aspects, but armed forces is our strength. almost every men in the nation has some kind of experience when it comes to fighting or self defense. aurora is a peaceful and harmonious nation, but their men do not have the same training, combats, or skills that we do, and the king of aurora acknowledged the fact. though aurora was very unlikely to get into an altercation with another nation, the king said he would feel a lot better with utopia behind them."

"my father didn't see a point in tying ourselves down, binding an 'unnecessary' responsibility to our back. he said our ancestors' done it for hundreds of years without help and it will continue to be that way. ever since then, aurora has shunned us. they're not gonna start a war over it, but in other words: they hate our guts."

there's a pause from the prince, something shifting in his eyes before he starts again.

"i love and cherish my father. he is my father after all, and most of everything i've been taught were from him. i also understand that some of the things he did were for my mother, me, and my sister. but i wouldn't ever tell him i also think he's selfish; that i disagree with his view of the world; with his way of running things."

the pain in the prince's voice and delivery is seeping, your heart curling at the amount of hurt he must keep to himself, but if you can be the one to lessen it just a little, you will listen to his every words.

"but still, he's my father and i miss him. no matter how selfish and unreasonable he was most of the times, i promise that after everything is over, i will hold a proper burial for him. i will also repay everyone that stood by my side... i promise that."

his volume tapers near the end, his gaze melting into yours at the last statement.

"i also promised i will correct the mistakes of those who came before me, and if it takes my life, at least i'll be content that i went down with my morals. that i fought for what i believed in, even if the ancestors come back to tear me to shreds for it."

you chuckle, attempting to hold back just the smallest tear pricking the corner of your eye because all you ever did was doubt and doubt, and every single time, he always proved you wrong in the best way possible.

"so you're going to attempt to make a truce with aurora?"

he nods.

"i have to try. if we want equality for everyone, we can't do it without the help of aurora. if we do it now, without aide, the nation will fall apart no different than it is now. no amount of transports based on utopia alone will be enough. but aurora's economy; the standing of their nation is stable enough that helping utopia back on its feet will barely feel like a lift of a finger to them."

"but how would the message reach them?"

"on the day that i got attacked, i sent out one of my men, seonghwa. he knows the way around the sea best. by now, considering it's almost been a week, he should have already reached aurora, but it will take another couple of days to return. that's why i need to buy enough time for seonghwa to come back. i know the citizens won't believe it until they see the king and prince yeosang of aurora for themselves."

"and just what if the king and prince rejects the offer?" you're just trying to touch upon all possibilities.

"you see... i've thought of that as well. in fact, there's probably a bigger chance of them dismissing it considering our history and all. but if that was the case, i had already told seonghwa to head for dune next. it will take him at least another week and a half because of the distance, but if worst come to worst, that's our last hope. dune would be a lot harder to get on our side because they're not lacking in anything, their only weakness is they don't have any kind of alliance. and i was hoping after we sign a treaty with aurora, we could try for dune because they'd be more willing then, knowing we also have aurora, but that's only wishful thinking."

"you really thought everything through, huh?" you have to admit, you're impressed.

"you have no idea. every night after my father's passing, i barely got any sleep... until you finally enforced it upon me."

you giggle, meeting a soft smile on the prince's lips.

"well you need it. and seeing as intricate the plan of action is, you're going to need it even more. don't overwork your body, get plenty of rest in preparation of the big day. i believe you'll be able to do it."

there's a quick silence in the air before the prince speaks again.

"thank you... for believing in me, and keeping me sane of all things."

"my pleasure."

"but if hongjoong doesn't show within a few days, or does with the bearer of the bad news, we'd have to be prepared for relocation. they will pick up that i'm not in the castle and will try looking for me. if dune is the alternative, we're going to have to buy even more time."

"here," san says, coming from behind to stand in front of you, pulling out his own.

after observing one of his practices, he had asked how familiar you are with daggers since he recalled ripping it out of your sheath that day.

you said all understanding you have of it were from jongho, though he liked to find fault in your execution, and after a couple demonstrations, the prince seems to agree that there's a few areas you could improve on.

"a dagger is a short distance combat. some of the most basic requirements in becoming somewhat skilled at is, is trying to master the three primary positions."

you watch him get into stance.

"the first one is a downward thrust, usually used for an opponent who's not experienced in knife combat."

he acts out the method, thrusting his weapon into the air and turning to you.

"you try."

you attempt to mimic what he just did, the weapon a lot light and easier on your grip because the training from jongho did pay off in some ways.

"not bad," he comments, "just more confidence, and don't be afraid. because trust, when the enemy is coming, they won't hold back."

he tightens your grip on the dagger before stepping away.

"this certain method can also be used when an opponent is equipped with another melee weapon, or a firearm."

you nod, his encouragement and gentle teaching style as he tries reframing from straight up saying you stink in some ways or forms, is definitely preferred.

"got it! you are a much better teacher than jongho by a mile. you're actually nice to me," you joke, and the most flattered smile acrossing san's lips doesn't go unseen.

--

you wouldn't ever say it out loud, not to the prince at least.

that though leaving the place and each other's presence will be for a good cause, in some parts of you, you're already starting to dread the separation.

the parts that already grew fond of him in such a short matter of time, you fear there will never be another chance like this. together.

after everything is over, things will go back to the way it was.

he is a prince after all, and you're just... you.

"so, prince, what is the best defense weapon. figure i should ask from only the most competent person in utopia," you talk from your seat, staring up at him as he preps for another hour of practice.

he promised it'll be only an hour today.

"pfft," he blows, "don't say it like that. you might end up unimpressed."

"i mean it."

"you haven't even seen me on the battlefield."

"but i believe in you."

you hop out of your seat to him, tilting your head, "so?"

"i would say a spear. distance is honestly the best defense there is, though i do enjoy practicing with a sword more."

and that's when it happens. all the long days and nights of peace and harmony comes crashing down, from the corner of your eye catching a cloaked figure from far away standing on top one of the hills with a crossbow in their possession.

"prince!" you cry out, pushing his body away from target the hardest ever as he falls to the ground, and then a short second after, the most painful sensation of your chest being struck takes your vision and breath away.

the last thing you see and hear before fading into utter blackness is the sheer horror on the prince's face as his hands are covered with blood, and the desperate call of your name.

"y/n!"

the sound of jongho's voice makes you think you're in a dream, only until your lids are fluttering open that you see the both, scared but relieved expression of your best friend.

"oh my gosh... thank goodness you're alive."

by how tight he's squeezing your hands, you're glad to know you're not dead just yet.

"where am i?" you ask, your voice barely a whisper.

"back at the castle. you were out for about four days."

"four days?" you repeat, when the memories come flooding back all at once and then some. "the prince."

you attempt to sit up but the dull pain from where you've been hit prevents you, your head falling back into the pillow.

"easy," jongho soothes your body back into position, "you lost a lot of blood, and not only that, the arrow had been poisoned. luckily, the castle has shelves of antidotes for it, but we were all worried that there was just the smallest chance you weren't gonna make it."

he pauses briefly, "the prince got you here in a day and a half... he felt really bad about what happened. he was by your side the entire time and only just left yesterday night when it was announced the king and prince of aurora have arrived."

"aurora have agreed to a truce?" your tone weak, but still filled with excitement, so happy for the prince.

"yes. and hopefully the prince can get them to sign a treaty. that's the plan. it's still going to take them another two or three days to reach the first district, but the prince wanted to go welcome them formally."

"will he be okay?"

"he's under disguise. but you should get some rest and stop worrying about someone else when you're in a worse condition than them," jongho snarks.

"just making sure..."

a smirk graces your friend, a coy look on him.

"what exactly happened back there that's now making you two act like an old married couple forced to be apart? i've known you for longer than the prince and he looked like he was in more distress than i was."

"nothing that is your business," you dismiss, hoping your cheeks doesn't tint a color that gives it away, a chuckle rolling out of jongho at that.

"you used to want to tell me everything. but fair enough. rest and wait until your body is fully healed. i'll visit you every day to update."

it's hard to wrap your head around the fact you didn't wake up for four days--which, more so, should've been the highlight, but you're more intrigued that the prince was by your side up until the last minute he had to go.

you don't want to get overly giddy about it; go beyond what's appropriate and assume that he did so because of another reason, and not just because he felt bad.

but you do wish to see him soon. even if just for a bit.

--

the next few days is a routine, usually consisting of jongho welcoming you with a wholesome breakfast that's more fulfilling than breads and dried meats, then another meal at dinner.

you're in bed for most of the time, your view usually the ceiling of the castle or the empty space around you, everyone busy and occupied now that the plan is becoming a reality.

jongho tries his best to visit you every day, and hongjoong on the occasion to check your condition, but if they're not patrolling outside, they're in halls discussing the next course of actions.

you've heard that the prince have returned just last night with the royals of aurora, not a single peace or quiet outside of your room since.

you can only hope that the loud and muffled voices outside is an indication that everything is going to work out for the prince; for the kingdom of utopia.

laying around in bed all day, only watching as the sun comes up and down as the wind sways the branches outside the window, wishing you could contribute more, if anything than just wait around all day feeling absolutely useless.

the first creak of the door ever since morning is heard, jongho having told you he won't be able to bring the next meal as he'd be out with the other guards but said someone else would.

and every time, no matter how hard you try burying the inappropriate sentiment, you wish it was the prince, even if just to see him for a minute.

you haven't seen him since that day.

but still, you're grateful to have any interactions at all. even if it's not the prince.

"hey," hongjoong greets, a thin smile on as he goes to take a seat on the stool facing the bed.

"hey hongjoong," you return, finally able to sit up without feeling like your gut's about to spill out.

"you doing better?"

you nod.

"a lot better compared to before."

"good. thought i should drop by to let you know about what's going to happen the next couple of days," his voice a deeper, stern tone, "the prince and royals of aurora will be going down the districts, one by one. the prince wants to let everyone know of the upcoming changes and fix that he has in plan. me and jongho will be away, but yunho and the rest of the guards will stay in the castle with the queen, the princess, and you."

"and how long are you guys going to be gone?"

hongjoong shrugs. "really depends. it could be a week, it could be more than that. traveling down to the fifth and coming back up here is gonna be a while. but as quick as possible, i hope."

"okay..." you frown. "just, stay safe."

you care for their safety and wellbeings more than anything. all three people of whom you're most familiar with, going off and risking their lives again. you're going to feel a certain type of way about it.

but they're doing it for a good cause. for the nation. for everyone. and so you allow to put your heart at rest just a little bit.

"don't worry. aurora brought some protections as well, and if we can convince the second district now overrun by outlaws, the rest of them should be easy."

hongjoong leaves after some last words of encouragment, and him wishing you a fast healing process.

later that night, they all left for the lower districts as stated.

--

the castle grows increasingly quiet, all ruckus from before now dwindled down to almost nothing.

the guards are usually busy patrolling outside, even more now that the prince is out, and the only people that seems to actually be around are the queen and princess.

the princess is the one to bring your meals, and you feel awful about the fact when it should be the other way around.

but she is wonderful. soft-spoken, elegant in her manners, and always with a smile on her face although you know it's not easy for anyone, especially what she's going through.

she bears almost no resemblance to san, but there's still some tell-tale features, like their eyes. the same foxy and slanted characteristic trademark on both siblings that looks so mellow on the princess, but entirely menacing on the prince.

"your tea."

the soft call of her voice would get you up from bed immediately, scooting over to thank her as you two meet eyes.

once you start feeling a lot better, able to stand on your feet and support yourself fully, you stroll the garden with the princess as she reminisce about everything crossing both of your path.

"i, too, wanted to be trained in weapons and self defense, but father said it wasn't suitable for someone like me. he would always take me out to the garden instead, in hope i'd develop a liking for it just so he didn't have to deal with the persistence. and i did... i did blossomed a love for gardening."

you scowl at the revelation.

"well, that's not right."

"it's not, but it was my father's order. he was a stubborn man and didn't like to listen to anyone. i wish i could say i saw anything else for father's ending."

both the prince and princess seems to share a mutual feeling regarding the father figure. though they understand the deeply flawed king, it's hard and conflicting when it's your own father.

"brother taught me what he could, which wasn't always possible because father was always around. but san is a good person... despite the amount of pressure father put on him, i believe he would be a great king. better than father himself."

a smile cross your lips at the mention of san.

"i believe he would be a great king, too," you add. you know he will be, and you wish for nothing more than all his dreams to come true.

"brother san seems to have taken a great liking to you," the princess brings up, recalling the signs and body language of her younger brother when he was with you despite your sleeping state and lack of awareness.

an act of affection and fondness she has never seen the prince give anyone before. not even the noble daughters that would show for events.

"oh, no," you deny, shaking your head, but the way your stomach swoops at the statement is real.

"why not?" she tilts her head, a brow raising. "do you not like him?"

"no--i mean, i do. i like the prince as a friend, but anything more than that would be innappropriate, i think." your volume tapers and your eyes shy away from hers, but the soft giggle makes you snap back.

"love is a beautiful thing. you shouldn't run from it, no matter the class difference or adversities. i know my brother wouldn't."

she smiles and pat your shoulder, abruptly taking your hand and leading the way out of the garden.

"so tell me, did you know that the kingdom didn't used to be divided into districts?"

you hum from behind, "actually, i do. i read it in an old history book i found back at the orphanage."

the kingdom used to just be utopia as a whole. no divisions of anything or labels to anyone. but when the capital found out they could cheat the system and hog all resources and supplies by dividing up the nation, the district system was implemented.

and those who lived furthest from the capital suffered the worst due to change, which was why the fifth district, a once fine ground for fishermen and access to the sea, declined overtime due to the lack of available care.

"yes," she mumbles, letting go of your hand and turning around, your feet screeching with the sudden stop. "brother wishes to abolish the system, after mostly everything gets taken care of, of course. by then, none of this 'social class' would matter as much."

you know she means it from the good of her heart; soul just as kind as her brother, but it is not only the struggle of being a fifth district kid, but also the reality of being a no one as compared to a prince.

--

you get accustomed to the newer routine, waking up the crack of dawn to go help the princess prepare breakfast the best your healing body can. just the smallest, throbbing pinch still there when you sit up, but you're fine nonetheless.

the morning when the sun hasn't even shown its head yet, your body still tired and mind hazy, the opening of the door gets a silent groan out of you as you turn to the source expecting the princess to have something for you so early.

but the sight jolts you from sleep, and you know that it's him, even in the faintest lighting.

"good morning," his voice like velvet has you sitting up, your gaze trained on him the entire time he goes to take a seat at the stool.

"good morning, prince," you return, the smallest amount of joy hiding in your delivery because you really are so happy to see him again.

he went back to the princely attire coloured in white, and his hair a slicked back kind that makes him so handsome, although some strands are loose and slightly messy from the many days gone by.

"san," he corrects you, the sound of his actual name so much better when you say it.

"san," you repeat, a short giggle after that he joins along. "so you're back already. how did it go?"

your expression changing to stern that instant, if you stare at him any longer, you might just burn a hole from how serious you are.

"a lot better than i expected," he answers, a thin smile on as he scoots closer. "i really owe it to the king and prince of aurora. if they hadn't took pity in me, i don't know what else i would've done. but for some reason, they chose to believe in me, and i really am so grateful for that."

he must've been so scared but unwilling to show it. unwilling to give away the fear that the kingdom in his hand is so close to crumbling down by a mere inch, everything could fall apart just like that.

but he had to persist through the hardships and doubts; masking any weaknesses because it would scare away the people if he did. if the ruler of the kingdom itself barely has any faith in the situation.

you reach for his hand, the stronge urge to comfort him as the soft look on you melt into his.

"san, they believe in you because they can see that you're capable. and i believe as well, that you from now on, you will make utopia a better place for the people."

he thinks that you always have such a way with words; how they always make him feel so warm and at ease every time. it's never felt so easy with anyone before.

"y/n," he calls almost in a whisper, taking his hands out of your grasp to now enclose yours. "i apologize for not visiting you. but as soon as i returned and had cleared everyhing with the royals of aurora, i came to you immediately."

"no. it's okay. you have a duty as the prince of the nation, i totally understand. there's no need to apologize."

you can feel his grip on you getting tighter, his eyes a type of desperate but also affectionate.

"but still, you saved my life. you traded yours for mine. to me, you're just as important."

you're surprise by the confession, an array of butterflies dancing in the pit of your stomach and you can see the prince growing more tense, but nonetheless, he persists.

"before i go any further, can i ask you one question first?"

you nod at that. "go ahead."

"you and jongho..." he starts, only to thin out before trying again, "are you guys... dating? or, well, do you like him?"

he's nervous and if he wasn't holding you, he would probably start fidgeting to hide the fact.

"me and jongho?" you quirk an eyebrow, failing to hold back the snicker from the thought while the prince just stares dumbfoundedly.

"i love jongho, but he's more like family than anything. we've been through a lot together but i can't see him in that light."

you've given similar answers out a couple times, especially to the other servants who thought you both had a crush on each other.

the prince's chest drop in relief and you can't hide the amusement you get from it.

"what? you thought me and jongho had something?" you can't stop giggling.

"well, i just had to make sure," he says, a hint of embarrassed and shy that is incredibly cute.

he wouldn't tell you that the one time he actually decided to come in the midst of everything, jongho was already by your side and if you didn't look so happy, he wouldn't have went back because he could tell jongho is someone special to you.

"so?" you await what he has to say, the eagerness only making him more nervous.

the grip on you loosening up to a more softer but more intimate one, one of his thumb running over your hand before he speaks.

"i know this might be too sudden and we haven't known each other for long, but, if your heart isn't taken by anyone, i'd like to ask for a vow."

you just stare ahead and wait for him to finish the sentence, your heart beating exceptionally loud.

"i understand it's a bit abrupt, but... i-i've never felt this way with anybody else. there's something special when i'm you, and i'd like to ask for a vow; a promise that we'll reserve our hearts for each other."

he's so scared, willing to take the chance at first because he will regret it if he doesn't. but now, he's afraid he might've ruined whatever he had with you in the first place, retracting immediately when there's only silence from you.

"but it's not an obligation. you don't have to. i'm just--"

"--i would love to," you cut, watching the panic on his face dissipate that instant.

"really?"

"yes. i would love to," you assure once again, the thinnest smile crossing your lips that soon turns bigger when he returns one.

he's absolutely over the moon to know the feeling is mutual; that what he felt and got from the time together wasn't just because you were compelled to treat him equal to his title.

that something more came out of it.

"but..." you mumble, the smile fading when reality sets in again. "is this going to be okay? you're a prince, and i'm just... me."

"of course it's going to be okay. i don't care who or what you are," he comforts, delivery incredibly passionate, you can't fight it. "but more importantly, before you give me your words once and for all, i need to know if you'll be okay with the conditions first. you can be honest. i won't be upset because i would never try to hold you back regarding anything."

"i'm listening," you acknowledge.

"the citizens of utopia have decided to give me a chance. that chance is not only to salvage the nation, but to also prove to them that i'm capable of leading and won't repeat the same mistakes those who came before we did. i don't know how long it's going to take; specifically how many years. but i will crack down on any remaining harmful outlaw members, i will be traveling in and out of the kingdom a lot, and i will be working on making this nation a better place for everyone. that is something i promised to do, and i will do just that."

he takes a deep breath and start again, eyes on yours. "so if you don't want to wait, i won't hold it against you. if there's things or someone better out there waiting for you, you don't have to accept my proposal. but just if you do... if you're willing to wait for me, once the nation is in a stable state and i don't have to stress too much about being all over the place, i promise then, that i will ask for your hand in marriage."

the bold declaration does take you by surprise, hard to grasp that the prince of all people would want to marry you.

"i know it's a lot to take in," he says, "but you don't have to give me an answer now. whenever you're ready."

you shake your head.

"no--i mean, i would love to. no matter how long i have to wait, i think it'll be worth it. after all, the nation is your priority and the people needs you."

he's taken aback by how fast you made up your mind, but overjoy that you want it just as much as he does. he can't be any happier.

"you're sure you want to do this?" he asks again just to be sure, but crossing his fingers you don't just so happen to change your mind.

you nod earnestly.

"i'm sure. besides, i doubt any guy would ever be interested in me let alone want to get married."

he chuckles, a sound you can to listen all day.

"even if they are, they can't get you now. so i don't want to see any of them trying to woo you or something. and you can't give in because you already gave me your words."

it's your turn to laugh, the jealousy endearing on him.

"well how would i know you'll keep your words, too? what if i wait and wait until i'm a grandma with grey hair only for you to take it back? marry someone else instead and say you don't want me anymore?" you tease.

"tskk," he sneer, "that won't happen, because i would never promise anything i knew i couldn't do. so you don't have to worry."

a reassuring smile spreads across his lips as so does yours, seconds passing by when the silence consumes the room and the both of you just stare at each other, completely smitten.

you notice the slightly fallen strands covering his eyes, going to move it with your finger but your hand stopping at his cheek after, a staring contest ensuing before something comes over you, leaning over to deliver a kiss to his other cheek.

when you pull back, the shy and flustered reaction of the prince brings another giggle out from you.

"i believe you, then. go and show everyone that they made the right choice in giving you a chance. go and make the nation a better place for the citizens. no matter how long, when you come back, i'll be right here... for you."

age 20:

you're twenty years old when the district system is abolished, and when you're nearing twenty-one, it will have been a year since you've spoken to the prince, and will be a few months that you've last seen jongho.

he had been given an opportunity to stay at the castle as one of the prince's permanent companions and took it.

as for you, you moved back to what used to be the fifth district, your heart and soul still full of regard for the place no matter how far you run because every last memory of your parents are rooted here.

you didn't want and couldn't ask for anything in return for the loyalty to the royal family during their toughest time, only taking the coins they had kindly insisted on giving and proceeded to find somewhere to settle. make a life for yourself.

the first few months after declaration of adjustments were as tough for anyone else as it was for you. no matter how positive of an effect, changes are always difficult.

the nobles having to reclaim their homes again after migrating from fear of the outlaws; the party finally retreating, and the former having to piece everything back together with the thought in mind that everything won't be the same, but it will be fair.

the lower districts benefitting the most from the changes but time is their biggest adversary, because though good things are coming, they're not going to come in an instant. having to wait days, months, years, for the full glory to show can be defeating.

but nevertheless, it's coming, and tomorrow will be better than yesterday and so forth. a year later and you can already notice the difference, especially the sea that once gave up on the nation ready to ripple once more.

where you're currently at, you couldn't have done it without the help of those around you. hongjoong who gave you full rights to his hideout in the fifth district because he won't have the use for it anymore, having also been promoted to work alongside the prince.

and with the coins the royal family gave you, you put it into materials to hone the skill you're best at, now finally making a living off sewing and embroidery.

over the year, you've renovated the small shack to your liking with the knowledge you carried from your father, building something for yourself you can call home.

you can still recall that feeling; the first sinking realization of being alone and the taste of freedom. you no longer belonged to somebody or owed anything to anyone. no longer the poor kid just waiting for a better life.

you were your own person, and it feels amazing to be free, though you think it would be even better if he was there.

the thought of him crossing your mind every couple of days, wishing for nothing but only the best for him, hopeful that one day, he will return to fulfill the promise.

"those are some fine handkerchiefs you have there," a young man's voice stops you, spinning around to greet him with a smile.

"you crafted them yourself?" he asks, his tone a type of mischievious that you don't even read into.

"yes," you simply reply, always putting on your best behavior when there's a possible customer. "would you like to take a look at them for yourself?"

"i'd love to."

you untangle the basket from your arm and start going through the many fabrics of your creation.

"wow. not only is the creator herself beautiful, but so are the creations. i've never seen these kind of patterns before," he comments, a smirk on that is both amused and flirty, you can't help the way your cheeks immediately reddens.

the man only seems to find the sight even more endearing as a snicker bubbles out of him while you're still just standing there because you've never met someone so shameless before.

you're about to say something when an arm is thrown around your shoulders instead, turning to the source and your body an immediate mix of relieved, joy, and a skipping heartbeat.

"san..." you say by natural instinct, his unreadable expression meeting yours before moving to the young man in front.

"i'm sorry, i told her to not go wandering by herself but she wouldn't listen. let's go back, honey."

he snatches the basket out of your hold with his other hand and hauls you back the other way.

"i've only been gone for a year and you're already flirting with another man?" he accuses once you're able to flee from his clutch, his steps following right behind you as a pout overtakes his face.

"i wasn't flirting. i was trying to make money," you weakly defend, focus on the path back to your place that you believe the word 'cottage' would be more fitting for.

"you're way too beautiful and talented to be out there spending your days talking to young men."

"pfft," you blow, "and you're way too handsome and princely to be traveling everywhere and going to other kingdoms in the presence of other noble and royal daughters."

"and i'd still choose you, baby."

your heels dig the dirt flooring, snapping around from the pet name, a laughter at the verge of coming out.

san can see the amusement on your face, only smirking in response.

"what? i know you like being called that."

this time, you really do laugh and he follows right after, absolutely in love with everything about you. whether that's snarking back or laughing at him.

"whatever you say, prince," you poke more fun at him before dragging him by the wrist into your place.

"cute what you've done," he pass a comment while you put the basket away.

"yes. and i have just about everything i need."

it's just a little bigger than the hideout back at what used to be the third district, but it has the same convenience in that it's close to the river, cutting out trips to the bathhouse which saves a lot of time.

he nods, the dimpled smile never leaving his face.

"so... what brings you here?" you eventually ask, sitting next to him on your bed, the atmosphere shifting because despite enjoying the banter and mischief of it all, you miss him and haven't seen him in over a year.

"we just returned and arrived at the port this morning, so i wanted to come visit and see how you're doing. you know, to make sure no one was trying to sweep you off by your feet."

you playfully land a slap to his shoulder, snickering.

"you're ridiculous. all year long and my love life is so dry, but the one day someone acknowledges me, you just have to come back," you reply with sarcasm.

"i'm sorry to ruin that for you, but you can't take it back. you promised to marry me, and i will make sure every guy in the kingdom knows that."

you remember the first time meeting san, his state of grief making him almost an entirely different person. quiet, stoic, and always in distress, it's the most wonderful surprise that he's actually a child at heart.

able to let loose once in a while and just have fun.

"no need to. you won't have any competitions at all."

he chuckles quietly at that and closes any remaining distance between you two.

"you speak too lowly of yourself when you're the most beautiful girl i've ever seen."

you bat your eyelashes, shying away from his gaze. you just blush way too easy.

he chuckles at the sight and moves the subject along, "but i also came because i have good news. the king and prince mingi of dune have agreed to a treaty."

"really? t-that's great!" you stumble your wording, beyond happy for him because this was everything he wanted and planned for.

"yeah. it wasn't easy but the fact we have aurora did most of the convincing. dune was... interesting to say the least," he says, briefly recalling the month he spent at the kingdom.

"you did it, though" you smile. "it's only going to get better from now on."

"i hope so. but it seems the real challenge just began. this place is going to need a lot of work."

"that, it is. but for now, you just need to relax. rest a little and eat if you already haven't. i can make you some soup, would you like that?"

he nods.

"i would love that."

he loves how comfortale and easy it is with you. when the weight on his shoulders gets too heavy, he can always rely on you to make it better, even if just for a bit.

--

"so where do i sleep?" he asks, walking back in after washing himself by the river with the towel you gave him.

the day had been nothing short of a dream, eating and cleaning together and just small exchanges that multiplies the butterflies in your stomach.

you wish everyday was like this.

"the floor," you joke, the response making him scowl.

"i'm carrying the nation on my back and you're gonna make me sleep on the floor?" he throws the towel over his shoulder, his wet strands of hair swaying along with his movements.

"that bed looks big enough for the two of us." he points with his chin. "besides, we're gonna get married anyways."

you roll your eyes, snatching the towel from him as you go to ruffle his wet hair with it, his shout of protests underneath coming out muffled.

"fine." you land the fabric back around his neck, crawling into bed and scooting to the wall to make space.

he lays down and faces you, your gaze burning into each other's when he cranks out a smile.

"i'll be leaving in the morning and you might not see me again for a while after. don't you think you should give me something to remember you by?"

your brows furrow, your mind jumping to conclusion considering the position you guys are in and the tone in which he said it.

"i'm not gonna have sex with you," you spit, prompting the loudest laughter ever from him, followed by confusion from you.

"no, of course not. i was talking about another of your handkerchiefs."

"oh..." you murmur, feeling embarrassed.

"not until we get married at least. then, we can do it," he states with confidence, the thought of taking you to bed and inserting control another way is tempting, and he can't wait for the day.

you smack his chest lightly, as flustered as you are, you can't help the giggle that slips out.

a few seconds of silence pass by before he starts moving closer, his breath ghosting your skin and finger going to caress your cheek.

"i really do want to kiss you right now, though," he confess, "if that's okay with you."

you nod as much as your pillowed head allows you to.

"that's okay with me."

you close your eyes shut, trying to keep from flinching as you await his kiss, moments later only for his lips to crash against yours, his hand moving to your jaw and his body pressing forward as the kiss deepens.

you kiss him like it's the last kiss between you and him; like your life depends on it, the bed creaking under as he takes it upon himself to connect your bodies.

he pulls back much to your disappointment, both of your chests heaving and trying to catch your breath, his forehead bumped with yours and tip of his nose brushing your own.

"good enough," he speaks, his breath still not yet returned, "any more than this and i might not be able to contain myself."

you giggle, placing a soft peck on his cheek, flashing one last smile.

"goodnight, prince."

--

"have a safe trip, and take care of yourself," you bless, blue in your heart as san makes his way back to you after speaking to the coachman.

all the laughters and butterflies of yesterday won't be experienced again until who knows how long. he will be away after this, and you will miss him dearly.

you wish he could stay but you know he can't. he has something bigger and better to worry about.

he stops before you, melancholy in his eyes as well. he doesn't want to leave you but he has to. and as much as he wants to take you along, he can't let you bear the same responsibilities and weight.

he wants for you to be there, when he already made everything better.

"you take care of yourself, too." his hands naturally finding itself cupping your cheeks. "don't overwork yourself."

"i won't."

you place your own hands over his, desperate to salvage his touch for one last time.

"when can i expect to see you again?" you ask.

"i don't have a definite answer, but i'll be back. i promise."

you two share one last kiss before you watch him go off, blue still in your heart, but you know that someday, he'll come back, and it will be to stay.

age 23:

you're twenty-three years old when there's a knock at the door one suspicious morning.

living in the middle of nowhere, and even over the years, you're only able to count on one hand the range of selection there is when it comes to who it could be.

"hongjoong?" you squint, the man you haven't seen in forever looking slightly more buffed; mature, his hair styled and attire new and shiny.

"great seeing you again," he greets, still on horseback and glancing down at you.

"would you like to come inside? for some tea or a drink?" you ask, figuring it's only proper etiquette you do.

"i'm good. i only came to deliver something."

you continue squinting, one hand shielding your eyes from the early sun, reaching out when hongjoong hands you a letter and unfolding it.

"an invitation from the prince?" you read, incredulity as you shoot up to look at him.

"yes. the prince is finally accepting his accession to king and the coronation will be held a week from now. that is all i have for today. i have to head back soon."

you have so many more questions but hongjoong already turns his back before you can ask them, settling for staring at the ink in awe when the sound of his voice picks your head up again.

"i hope to see you there. the prince will be expecting you."

--

you leave for the capital the following day, packing only essentials and enough coins, taking along pearl, the white horse you had purchased a year back for traveling purposes.

there's been a lot changes in the four years since san took the reign, all of them for the better, of course.

some of the homes have been revamped, some new ones added, and everywhere you passed, there are greens and beauty in each sceneries.

the citizens look happier, kids a lot less miserable and even those in the orphanages are coming around to the new implements along with those in progress to solve overcrowding.

members of the outlaws have dwindled over time and quieted.

for the first time in hundreds of years, utopia is able to live up to its name in some form; a place of ideal perfection.

so you couldn't fret too much; be upset that in the three years that have passed, san's only visited you once. because if it wasn't for him, the nation wouldn't have been able to achieve the current state.

you travel to the capital with hope, expectation, and excitement at the fact you will be seeing him again; a strong belief that everything will feel just the same as last time.

you stop at inns to rest when the nights fall and start again at dawn, reaching the destination in five days total, the day before san's coronation.

there isn't any difference to the castle, not even a bit. a touch of nostalgia hitting you when thinking back to the event four years ago.

entrance is easy to get through, showing both of the guards who seems to recognize you, the letter.

tying your horse to the nearest tree, you proceed to the door with a pounding heart, banging on it twice before the castle door creaks from the other side, absolutely no idea who the person could be.

"y/n!"

your eyes widen at the sight, that nervousness replaced by delight.

"jongho!"

before he can get another word out, you're already in his arms, the warmth of your best friend something you missed greatly in the full year you haven't seen him.

you can him hear giggling in your hair, pulling away to that goofy smile of his as one settles on your lips as well.

"you came," he simply says.

"of course i did."

jongho takes you inside, your nosy eyes wandering the interior that's also the same as before but still dazzling with all its history, cracks in some of the wall, and antiques.

you greet the queen and the princess who only gets more beautiful by the years, them welcoming you with warm smiles and you can tell immediately the new changes other than their appearances.

they sound happier; no other burdens or weight pulling them down, carrying it around like a haunting that won't go away.

you walk around the courtyard with jongho after, finally a time and place to catch up. all those time of being with each other, you didn't think you could survive if he wasn't by your side, but to have gone four long years only seeing him once in a blue moon, you'd say that's some character development.

"how are things here for you?" you ask him, walking alongside shoulder to shoulder.

"amazing," he answers almost instantly, "it's crazy. i never thought i'd get the chance to work in the capital, but the royal family's castle? with the prince? it's everything i've ever wanted."

you can't stop smiling, his tone telling of just how much he means what he just said.

"that's great. i'm happy for you. you did always say you wanted all those training to go into something."

he nods.

"and you? how are things down there?"

"much better. it's coming together. the people's the most tame i've ever seen them."

jongho hums in acknowledgement.

"i heard you're going to become queen," he suddenly brings up, and you almost choke in return.

"and who the hell said that?"

"--i did."

the familiar voice that isn't jongho makes the both of you turn around, your stomach dropping and heart palpitating because you know all too well who it belongs to.

you can only stare breathless as he takes a step closer, your throat dry.

he's just as mesmerizing as you remember but like hongjoong, time have passed and he has gotten more bulky, manly, and handsome if that's even possible.

"i'm glad to see you can come," he mumbles, a charming smile on that render your knees weak.

jongho clears his throat, attempting to hide a smirk as he goes to excuse himself politely and walks back inside, leaving you stranded in the presence of san.

everything still feels the same with him.

"yeah. i got the letter," you reply, glancing around the empty area, "though it seems i might have gotten a tad excited."

he snickers, and oh... how you have missed the sound.

"you're the only one i gave a personal invitation to," he unveils.

"oh." your eyes swell, only to break the tension after. "then i guess i'm special."

"you are," he assures, closing the distance and taking one of your hand. "i have promised you that once utopia is stable enough, i will ask for your hand in marriage."

you watch as he goes to pull something out of the pocket of his suit, one of his knees pointed to the ground, his entire body falling with it.

"and now that i've finally reached that goal... y/n, will you marry me?"

it takes a moment for you to process everything, overwhelmed with joy and happiness before you can properly nod.

"yes. of course."

and he will marry you, after the rise to king and acceptance of his title as the ruler of utopia, keeping the promise just as he did to every others.

permanent taglist: @moonchele

a/n: not me talking shit abt wanting broken era to be over only to go & write a 19k oneshot. but i loved writing this & had a lot of fun bc it was v different from what i'd usually write

[purrassicjet]

Juprifel headcanons:

- Jupiter was a massive flirt in his youth. He loved going out to bars and flirting with anybody who seemed interested. The only problem was that he was never interested in the follow through. Many of the people he met expected more than just an evening of empty words, though, and the guilt about leading people on eventually overwhelmed the fun of flirting. So, he stopped. Mostly. He's not immune to attractive people, after all.

- Some of the affairs lasted longer, but Jupiter always pulled away when they started to want something serious. The idea of a permanent relationship made his skin crawl. (Alloaro moment)

- He met Israfel in his early twenties, just as he was starting up the Hotel Deucalion. He was prowling through Bohemia, looking for starving artists who were willing to perform at his hotel's grand opening for very little money. Israfel was lucky enough to be coming out of the Old Delph just as Jupiter was breaking in.

- The moment it became clear that Israfel wasn't the type of performer Jupiter was looking for, Jupiter switched tracks and began flirting with him. Israfel was enamored by his bravery, and flirted back quite willingly.

- Israfel figured that was the end of it, but was pleasantly surprised when the amateur hotelier returned for another round only a couple days later. They went out for drinks, exchanged flirty conversation, and kissed in the bar's bathroom.

- Their relationship was extremely casual. They both had no interest in anything more than that. Jupiter dropped by the Old Delph whenever he was in Bohemia, and Israfel always made sure he had a way to get backstage. They entertained each other after performances, every now and then going out to bars and restaurants when they were feeling particularly fancy. In between the more steamy parts of their affair, they forged a strong friendship.

- They nearly caused a scandal when a journalist from The Looking Glass photographed them making out in the alleyway behind the Old Delph. When asked for comment, Jupiter politely informed them that his relationships were none of the press's concern, Israfel's "What are you, the Stink? Leave me alone." was significantly less polite.

- When Rosie went missing, their relationship fizzled out. Between his missions with the League, and being Jack's primary caregiver, Jupiter had no time to go down to Bohemia, even to have drinks with his friend. There was no breakup, there wasn't an official relationship to begin with, but Israfel found himself feeling bitter that Jupiter didn't visit anymore.

- They didn't talk for almost three years, but after the League shut down Jupiter's search party, Israfel finally left Bohemia to be there for his friend. They reconnected after that, never quite meeting as often as they once did, but things were easier once Jack went off to boarding school (I assume Jack was bid on by Greysmark at 10, so he went off at 11).

- Jupiter got busy again as Morrigan's 11th birthday (and, as it turned out, the end of the age) drew closer and he was forced to make plans to rescue Morrigan. Then came the Trials, and suddenly it was Winter of One and they hadn't spoken since Winter of Eleven. The bitterness returned to Israfel just as fast as Jupiter left. Their friendship was important to him, and Jupiter seems to abandon it whenever things get busy.

- The safeguard jumpstarted their relationship again. Jupiter's still extremely busy, but he makes sure to write to Israfel often. The first few times, Israfel didn't bother to respond, still bitter, but Jupiter's persistence eventually wore him down. They've been writing back and forth ever since