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mintymiknow · 5 years

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Scintilla - prologue | Bang Chan

Summary & More Info | Masterlist

* I’m sorry, but this is the last repost. I decided to go with a reader insert instead of an OC as I felt much more comfortable writing that way. Writing with an OC isn’t something I personally like to do, so there. Once again, I am so so sorry!

Characters: Stray Kids, Reader

Pairing: Bang Chan x Reader

Summary: this is a prologue and therefore establishes what will be going on in the future chapters

Genre: Royal fantasy [Red Queen AU]

Word count: Approx. 3.5k

Warnings: None

A/N: The prologue is finally here! Writing multiple-chaptered stories is not something I’m good at, but I love Red Queen so much and wanted to do something based off it for Stray Kids. Please don’t expect too highly of this series (I’m sure it’s going to be lacking and the plot/flow of the story won’t be the best), but I hope you’ll still support and enjoy reading it! ♥

↠ 12 years ago

“Why are you crying again, Changbin?” nine-year-old Minho complained, eyes narrowing at his younger friend.

Changbin stomped his foot, “I want to play outside! Go out in the fields!”

“And why would you want to do that?” Minho asked, uninterested.

You rubbed your younger brother’s back with a smile, “I want to go out too. It’s boring staying indoors all day.”

“I’m fine here, thank you.” Minho shrugged.

“But Minmin,” you giggled, hugging your friend’s arm, “don’t you want to play with the Red kids too? They always look like they’re having fun!”

Minho shivered, sticking his tongue out in disgust, “If by ‘fun’ you mean getting dirty with soil and mud as they run around, then no. That’s not fun. You guys are the princess and prince of Norta. You shouldn’t be doing things like that.”

“You’re no fun!” you stuck your tongue out.

Before you and Changbin could go on teasing Minho, the king, King Seo, walked into the room with a jolly grin. “Minho, your parents are looking for you.”

Minho bowed to the king before excusing himself and leaving the grand room. The king then opened his arms to which you both happily ran into. “My dear children, shall we watch the sunset again?”

“Yes, Father!” you and Changbin beamed.

King Seo held your hands and led you to the castle’s balcony. Once the view of the entire kingdom came into view, Changbin happily bounced up and down. “Father, Father, look!” he laughed, “Those Red kids are playing catch!”

“Yes, Bin. Your mother tells me you want to play so badly with them.” King Seo grinned, “So go ahead.”

“And look!” you added, “How is that Red kid making the others float?”

King Seo chuckled, patting your heads, “They are called Newbloods. You’ll know more when you’re older, but they’re like a mix of Silvers and Reds.”

“Amazing.” you awed, eyes twinkling with curiosity.

King Seo kept his eyes glued to the whole of Miroh, a smile forming on his lips once again. After years of bloodshed, all people – Silvers, Reds, and Newbloods alike – were somehow co-existing. It wasn’t the perfect life, but the king was more than happy with how he had managed to unite the people to a certain extent.

His gaze went to a couple – one Red and one Silver – happily purchasing flowers from the marketplace. Then, his eyes shifted to a group of Newblood children playing tag with a few common Silvers. With a gentle smile, King Seo knelt down to yours and Changbin’s level and proudly whispered, “I have spent the past few years ensuring that we could all live as one. I know that someday, one of you will take the throne and unite two worlds…completely. When you do, it’s going to be the most beautiful thing you’ll ever witness.”

You and Changbin looked at each other at the same time, excited grins stretching across your faces, “We will, Father.”

↠ 3 years ago

“How are you holding up?”

The sound of metal chains clinking along with a familiar voice snapped you out of your trance. You let out a deep sigh before turning around. “I’d like to think I’m doing just fine.” you chuckled rather emptily.

Minho carefully approached you, eyes warm and gentle as opposed to his usual cold gaze. “Those mascara smudges tell me otherwise.” the male quietly chuckled.

Your gaze fell to the marbled floor. Light filtered into the dark room through the large windows, but you felt as if no amount of light would brighten your world. King Seo – your father – passed away. The father whom you loved. The father whom you looked up to. The king who united two worlds. The king who had done so much. He was gone.

You squeezed your hands tightly, small flames wrapping around your fists. It didn’t take Minho long to reach out and pull you into a tight embrace. The fires on your fist disappeared as you wrapped your arms around the male’s torso. “He’s really gone, Min. My father’s gone. I don’t know what to do. I can’t – ”

Minho gently rocked you back and forth. “Y/n, I know a lot is going on in your mind, but don’t think for now. We’ll figure it out later on. Just breathe.”

The male pulled away just enough to offer you a small smile; it was his own way of trying to make you feel better about your father’s death. Minho removed one earring from his ear, and you watched as he morphed it into a rose-shaped hairclip. The male tucked your hair behind your ear and attached the clip to the side, “Your father wouldn’t want you crying like this.”

Suddenly, you felt another pair of arms circling around your trembling figure – Changbin. “We’ll be ok, sis.” he whispered, somehow to convince himself as well.

You squeezed your eyes shut, hoping that your brother’s words held some truth.

↠ One year ago

You were seated at the dining hall with Changbin and Kim Seungmin when Hwang Hyunjin walked in unnoticed, his voice startling everyone, “I kind of knew that y/n would inherit the throne.”

You sighed, “I don’t really have a choice, do I? As soon as Father died, the Council decreed that I would be crowned queen once I was ready. It’s too bad. Changbin would make a fine king,” you shrugged, “if only he didn’t reject the throne and hate it so much.”

Changbin raised an eyebrow, “You expect me to sit on the throne to rule a broken kingdom?”

“It wasn’t always a broken kingdom.” you pointed out, “It’s just…”

“It’s just like this because of the Council.” Seungmin finished for you, unconsciously reading your mind with his abilities. He noted, “King Seo united them, but we all know that not everyone welcomed that notion. With his death, pardon me, either y/n or Changbin inherits the throne. Thing is, neither of you are fully equipped to rule just yet, so y/n is simply a soon-to-be-queen while the Council of High Houses does the actual ruling.”

“And said High Houses brought back the whole division between Silvers, Reds, and Newbloods.” Changbin muttered, a sour expression on his face. “All of Father’s hard work is just…gone. Now, you’ll see Silvers scorning the Reds and Newbloods like before. Hardly any of the Silvers are treating them fairly. I don’t like it one – ”

Before Changbin could finish, the cutlery on the table started to levitate before turning into sharpened objects.

“You may not like it, Binnie Boy, but maybe it’s better that way.”

Minho appeared at the doorway, clad in his black royal uniform. Hyunjin carefully slapped Minho’s chest, making sure not to hit the metal chains that could be morphed into spikes at any given time. “You could have killed us with those blades!” Hyunjin complained.

“But I didn’t.” Minho rolled his eyes before turning to the Seo siblings, “You both are aware that you are all that’s left of the Royal Family, right?”

“And what about it?” Changbin asked.

Minho coyly smirked, waving his hand in the air for the cutlery to return to their original forms and places. “You both, especially y/n, represent the Silvers. Don’t forget your places or your people.”

Changbin opened his mouth to argue, but you dismissed him. You nodded at the male and let out a small smile, “I know my place well, Minho, don’t worry.”

“Good, because you and I are being summoned to the Council.” Minho said, his eyes focused on the numerous rings on his fingers.

“Oh come on.” you whined, “Again? That’s the third time today. Can’t a princess just eat in peace?”

“Get used to it, sweetheart. You’re going to be queen.” Minho winked, eyes holding mischief in them.

You rolled her eyes at the male before rising from your seat and clearing your throat, “Excuse me, guys.”

You followed Minho out the room, and as soon as you were gone, Seungmin whispered to Hyunjin and Changbin, “Don’t worry, Changbin. Your sister agrees with you and not Minho.”

A small smirk formed on Changbin’s lips, “Obviously. Minho’s an idiot. Y/n accepted the queen’s position for a reason.”

“Excuse me if this sounds stupid, but what exactly is that reason?” Hyunjin asked.

“When we were younger, we promised Father that we’d fulfill his wish and unite the whole kingdom.”

Seungmin laughed, “Minho’s not going to like that.”

“So? He’s not going to be ruler; Y/n is.”

Changbin’s smirk widened, “And she’s going to continue what Father started.”

↠ One Month Ago

You walk out of the Council’s meeting room with Minho, and as soon as you’re outside, you dash down the halls. “For goodness sake, y/n.” Minho groans, “Can’t you just stay put for a second?”

You laugh, tossing your floral headpiece towards the male, “I’ve been sitting still for hours in that stupid Council meeting. I can finally breathe.”

The male stretches his hand out and the string of thin chains adorning his suit follows his movements. They wrap around your waist as he tugs you back. “Queens don’t run in the halls.” Minho coyly smirks.

You grip the chains with heated hands, flames melting them off, “I’m not the queen yet.”

“But you will be.”

“Gosh, I can’t believe the Council wants me to marry someone that sounds like an old man.” you smirk.

Minho mirrors your expression, walking side-by-side down the hall, “I can’t believe they want to marry me off to a brat.”

“I don’t even want to marry you.” you sigh, “Arranged marriages are stupid. Why you of all people?”

“What makes you think I want to marry you?” Minho laughs, a sound you don’t hear from him often.

“Same thoughts, Lee.”

Once you and Minho arrive at the castle’s gardens to meet your friends, Hyunjin happily beams at you two, “How was the meeting? Did they mention anything good about me?”

“Besides the fact that Lady Yeeun is still head-over-heels for you?” you snort, “Nothing new.”

“Sis, once you become queen, can you please hold a competition to see which noble lady will be eligible to marry Hyunjin?” Changbin laughs.

“She can’t do that.” Seungmin glares, “She may be queen, but Hyunjin is from the Hwang Household. They decide who Hyunjin marries.”

“I don’t even want to get married yet.” Hyunjin butts in, raising his hand.

You plop down beside your brother on the grass, “Yeah? Doesn’t matter who you marry, Jinnie. No one can be as bad as Minho here.”

Changbin exclaims, eyes wide in disbelief, “They already have someone to betroth you to? You’re not even queen yet?”

Minho sighs for the umpteenth time that day, obviously tired from nothing but keeping up with his jolly friends. As he lies on the marbled bench nearby, he explains, “They’re considering it, you idiot. Engagements can’t be made unless she’s officially the ruler.”

“But why you? Why not me?” Hyunjin jokes, earning a high-five from you.

“I was asking the same thing, my friend.” you raise your eyebrow at Minho who simply rolls his eyes.

“Because,” Minho starts with an undefeated grin, “After the Royal Family, the Lee Household is second in power. Obviously, who is the most eligible in that house? I am.”

You squint, “All you do is sit pretty and walk around like you own the place. How are you eligible?”

Minho does not respond and instead moves his fingers gracefully in the air as if conducting a choir. The rings on his fingers slide off and turn into little blades, zooming towards the group at a ferocious speed. You and Changbin knock them off with your own little fireballs just as Hyunjin jumps away, shrieking in shock. Seungmin sighs, “You all have to admit. Minho is the most suitable candidate to be married off as king once y/n rules.”

Minho mumbles a very disinterested “mhmm”, eyes closed as if the action could shut his friends out. Seungmin turns to the male, a knowing smile on his lips, “But…you don’t want it either, do you?”

“I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of my mind, Seungmin.” Minho warns calmly, though no one misses the threatening tone to his words.

“No one really wants this.” Changbin snickers, causing the three friends to chortle at the now sleeping Minho.

Later that evening, Changbin watches the night sky with you at the castle’s balcony. As the wind dances around, Changbin’s voice is quiet in the night, “This is all going to be yours, sis.”

A small smile graces your lips as you reply, “It could be yours, you know?”

“I think you’d be a better ruler than me.” Changbin chuckles, “Besides, I think I’ve made it clear; I hate the throne.”

“Of course. The Council was infuriated when you said that.” you giggle at the memory of a young Changbin rebelling against the Council of High Houses, “Their faces were priceless.”

The prince laughs, eyes twinkling like the stars, “I looked up to the throne when Father ruled. I even wanted to beat you in inheriting it. Now, I don’t want anything to do with it. Hierarchies are horrible.”

“Would you still hate it once I’m crowned?” you inquire, smiling at your younger brother.

“That depends.” Changbin smiles back, playfulness swimming in his eyes, “If you rule like Father, I might stop hating it.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to rule as queen,” you start, “but one thing’s for sure; I’m not going to be like the High Houses.”

“When will you be crowned, y/n?” Changbin breathes out, “Why are the High House councilors ruling for you? It’s not right. You are the rightful queen.”

You look up, and Changbin sees the little embers swirling in your brown eyes. “Majority of the Council doesn’t think I’m ready. Even if I demand to be crowned, the Council made the decision in favor of waiting until I was ‘ready’ for it. Almost all of them voted to postpone my crowning.”

“And you can’t do anything about it?”

“Afraid so, Binnie. Kingdom’s rules. The crowned ruler has extreme sovereignty and can make any decision without having to be backed up by the council, but Father didn’t indicate that you or I should be crowned upon his death. He never said anything in his will, so the Council decided that it would be me, but only when I proved to be ready. Until such time, the kingdom would be ruled by an assembly that included me, Minho, and a few officials from the Council.”

“We have a complicated kingdom.” Changbin dejectedly smiles.

You place a hand on his shoulder, “Father always told us it wouldn’t be easy.”

“Well,” Changbin hugs you, “I’ll be by your side always, so don’t worry.”

You laugh as Changbin squeezes you tighter, “I love you too, baby bro.”

“You’re just two years older, sis.”

“Still older.”

“Whatever, I’m going to get some sleep.” Changbin hugs you one last time before going back inside the castle.

You lean against the snow-white balustrade, eyeing the entire kingdom. You gaze at Miroh, your very own city. The white walls are a bright contrast to the dark sky, and the silver lights that line the streets have a twinkle that could rival the stars. A few Silvers continue to stroll at night, their elegant gowns and suits completing the painting. Some common Silvers have simple attires, but they still blend well with the luxurious image.

Your eyes turn to the city of Elysium. Even from afar, the orange-tinted lights of the paradise-like city radiates warmth. Despite Reds inhabiting it, a few Silvers who yearn for simpler things have decided to live there as well. From your castle balcony, you can see the large cherry trees that Elysium was known for. The trees never stopped blooming, and it somehow gave you the idea that maybe the hope you held close to your heart would also never cease.

Your gaze then shifted to District 9, and though it was dark, you could make out faint hints of light, perhaps from candles or oil lamps. District 9 was a mysterious city where Reds and Newbloods lived, and despite the negative connotations the Silvers gave in regards to it, you found yourself wanting to see it with your own eyes. You did, after all, find magic in everything around you.

After your eyes scanned the entirety of your soon-to-be kingdom, your gaze fell to your hands. On your finger rested a ruby-encrusted ring given to you by your parents. It was the very ring that enabled you to ignite flames, much like Changbin had his necklace. As you stared at your ring, a growing flame burned inside. You looked around once again, eyes glazing across every inch of the kingdom. Your father’s greatest wish was to bring it all together.

“I know that someday, one of you will take the throne and unite two worlds…completely. When you do, it’s going to be the most beautiful thing you’ll ever witness.”

Your father once told you and Changbin, and somehow, you could understand what he meant. Right now, as you looked upon the different, separated cities, you imagined what it would be like as one, whole kingdom. A small, hopeful smile graces your face at the thought of Reds and Newbloods living amongst the Silvers like that during your father’s reign. You clench your hand, a swirl of fire enveloping your fist. It dances with the wind, but it doesn’t die down.

It disappears, however, when a spark of green catches your eye – electricity? You dissolve the fire and look towards the side. You look below, somewhere in the darker alleyways of Miroh, to see an individual clad in all-black. When you ignite a smaller flame, the individual – apparently a male who seemed to be your age – looks up to see you standing at the castle’s balcony, eyes watching him.

He doesn’t say anything, and neither do you. You simply stare at each other as if both were caught red-handed. The male stands on the ground several feet below you, but you manage to peer into his eyes. You’re not sure if it’s your own flame’s reflection or if the male has flames of his own – though perhaps not, as House Seo were the only Burners around – but there’s a blazing fire to his gaze. You diffuse your flame once again, the orange tint lighting your face now replaced by the glow of the moon. The male continues to look up, unfazed with lips pressed tightly together in a straight line. You’re convinced that the fire in his eyes was his own and not the reflection of yours, and somehow, you find it amusing.

The male mouths something, and despite the distance and his hushed voice, you hear what he says, loud and clear.

“Look the other way.”

He wanted you to forget you even saw him. You looked around to see if anyone heard him, but the people nearby continued on with their lives, paying no heed to the man who just spoke to you. You tilt your head to the side inquisitively before putting a finger to your lips, a nonverbal action telling the male to be quiet.

The male knew otherwise – no one heard him but the princess yourself, that he made sure of. He sees the warm, amused spark in your eyes – a rather odd thing, considering most Silvers he��d encountered had indifferent eyes. In response, his expression finally changes. The smile on his lips is barely visible, but it’s there nonetheless. Before you can react, however, the male hears another voice coming from the castle.

“Seo Y/n, come back inside right now, you child.”

“Yes, Mother Minho.”

When you make one last glance below at the male, he is already gone. Naturally curious, you find yourself searching the dark alleyways, but the male is nowhere to be seen. With a deep huff, you turn on your heel and enter the castle.

Somewhere in the corners of a particular alleyway, the male speaks with another person. “Chan, you were seen by royalty! That was dangerous!” the person hisses quietly.

“That was ‘cause you suddenly sparked your lightning, Jisung.” another voice says. “Either way, that was really close for both of you.”

“Felix is right. You both should have been more careful. What if the princess called the Royal Guard? We don’t need House Lee members on our tails, ok?”

Chan calmly nods, putting a hand on his comrade’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, Woojin. I have a feeling the princess won’t be mentioning anything about this.”

“How would you know?” Felix asks innocently.

“I told her.” Chan says directly.

Woojin and Jisung gasp in shock, “You spoke to her?”

“I whispered, technically.” Chan shrugs, referring to his ability to manipulate sound, “I made sure she was the only one who heard me.”

Woojin sighs, “Let’s just hope you’re right about that, Chan.”

Chan made one quick glance at the perfectly white castle walls before smiling, “I am.”

He couldn’t explain why, but Chan somehow knew that you wouldn’t tell a soul about your “encounter”.

After all, something about the look in your eyes told him that the princess wasn’t like the other Silvers.

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sclcmcn · 4 years

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1.. PICK ONE OF YOUR MUSES. 2. FILL IN THE QUESTIONS/STATEMENTS AS IF YOU ARE BEING INTERVIEWED FOR AN ARTICLE AND YOU WERE YOUR MUSE. 3. TAG TEN PEOPLE TO DO THIS MEME. (Repost not reblog)

Tagged: @cybernetichearts // uwu ❤

Tagging: the dash, feel free to steal and tag me

1. WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Niko Solomon

2. WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME?

He tilts his head a bit, “As far as I know, that is my real name.”

3. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU WERE CALLED THAT?

“No. I don’t remember. i don’t really remember anything from my early life.”

4. ARE YOU SINGLE OR TAKEN?

Theres a pause, then a sad smile, “Widowed, actually. But, I’m not opposed to finding love again.”

5. HAVE ANY ABILITIES OR POWERS?

“Yeah!” he grinned and gave a chuckle, “I’m really strong and really fast. Plus, I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be and have a knack for reading people.” He’s not fully sure if its all attributed to being a vampire or if he was always that way.

6. STOP BEING A MARY SUE/GARY STU.

He seems confused, “But... I’m Niko? I’m me, not anyone else. What does that mean, exactly...?”

7. WHAT’S YOUR EYE COLOR?

“I can’t confirm this, but I’ve been told there’s not any color in my eyes at all. Just... white.”

8. HOW ABOUT YOUR HAIR COLOR?

“Resources, being my late wife, friends, and children, have told me dark brown,” he laughs a bit, “Not quite black, but very dark.”

9. HAVE YOU ANY FAMILY MEMBERS?

“Two surviving sons,” he said a bit solemnly, “My late wife lived out her life peacefully, and my daughter... Well, there was an accident. Thats all I’ll say.”

10. OH? WHAT ABOUT PETS?

He smiles, thinking back to when the kids were growing up, “Small ones, a long time ago. But... They always seemed to just disappear. I’d like to maybe have a dog, I guess I’m just hesitant because of how short their lives are compared to mine.”

11. THAT’S COOL I GUESS, NOW TELL ME ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DON’T LIKE

“Something I don’t like?” He had to pause, to really think about it. He’d spent his life just thankful for the things he had and the experiences he got to go through. He loved his family, friends he had made, people around him, even his job. Was there something he could say he didn’t like? He hums thoughtfully after a moment, “Well... I don’t like that the world can be so judgmental. Even if I wasn’t a vampire, they would still look down on me because of my injury. I can see well enough, but I can’t actually do most things. And... People treat me differently because of it. Is it so hard to just be treated like a normal person?”

12. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES/ACTIVITIES YOU LIKE DOING?

“Oh absolutely! i love to exercise and garden,” he gave a smile. When he was awake, he knew the two places he was most likely found were on the treadmill or back in the orchard. Two things that brought him joy when he needs it most.

13. EVER HURT ANYONE BEFORE?

“Well, yeah, I’m a vampire. Thats what i do best, isn’t it?” Theres a smile, but also a distance to his gaze as he averts his eyes a bit. Questions like this only led to one more thing...

14. EVER KILLED ANYONE BEFORE?

He just keeps his gaze turned away, “...I don’t want to talk about it.”

15. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU?

He thinks for a moment, “Animal... I guess I’m probably like a snake or something, right?” he laughs, “The whole...fangs thing and all?”

16. NAME YOUR WORST HABITS.

“Sometimes I think I care too much,” he frowns a bit, “I know I can be... Overly sensitive at times. Maybe I worry too much, especially about my own kids.” He had always felt that that was always what drove his daughter away. With a sigh, he adds, “Or... Maybe it was never enough to begin with. Maybe I focus too heavily on one thing that it takes my focus away from others. I don’t know..”

17. DO YOU LOOK UP TO ANYONE AT ALL?

“Not particularly, no,” he mused, “I just admire the people around me, really, for who they are.”

18. GAY, STRAIGHT, OR BISEXUAL?

He smiles a bit, shrugging, “I’ve always just figured I was straight. I’ve never felt anything strongly towards other men.”

19. DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL?

“No. I can’t even remember ever having gone to school. But, I must have at some point, right?”

20. DO YOU EVER WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE KIDS ONE DAY?

“Yes!” There was a sort of excitement to his features as he grinned, “Having a family, raising my kids... It was the most wonderful part of my life. I would love to do it all again one day. If I ever have the opportunity.”

21. DO YOU HAVE ANY FANBOYS/FANGIRLS?

“There are some people at the gym who could be described like that,” he laughs. They always seemed so excited when he comes in to work, or even just comes in to work out. Maybe they like to just watch him, but they always seem afraid to approach him.

22. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF?

“Losing everything... Losing myself,” his eyebrows knit together, “It happened to me once... What if it happens again? What if I wake up and can’t remember who I was all this time? Its terrifying...”

23. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR?

“Something light, easy to move around in.”

24. DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE?

“Yes... I don’t think I will ever stop loving her. Even as she has passed on to a place I can’t follow.”

25. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WET YOURSELF?

He just laughs, “What a weird question.”

26. WHAT CLASS ARE YOU? (HIGH CLASS, MIDDLE CLASS, LOW CLASS)

“I’d say middle class, working class,” he shrugs his shoulders, “I’m just a normal, average person. Just one that happens to be a vampire and has a decent amount of money.”

27. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?

“These days, not very many. The last funeral I went to was about 20 years ago. Sad, but, thats the reality of immortality.”

28. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PIE?

“Makes me sick, honestly,” he was serious for a moment, then just laughs, “But, most solid foods do, I can’t really eat anything heavy on my stomach. Comes right back up.”

29. FAVORITE DRINK?

“Apple cider,” he grins, “My late wife had a special recipe that was absolutely to die for. Its a favorite around town.”

30. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE?

“The gym,” he smiles brightly, “They don’t ask questions, and they let me work out as long as I want. I was overjoyed when they offered me a job there. Seems so long ago now.” He considered buying the gym on more than one occasion, but if he did that, it wouldn’t be the same anymore.

31. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SOMEONE~?

“Hmm... I wonder?”

32. WHAT’S YOUR BRA CUP SIZE AND/OR HOW BIG IS YOUR WILLY?

He smiles a bit, shaking his head, “A bit invasive of a question, don’t you think?”

33. WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN THE LAKE OR THE OCEAN?

“There’s more to see in the ocean, but I’m sure the lake is nice too.”

34. WHAT’S YOUR TYPE?

“Huh, I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it before,” he tilts his head a bit, “I guess... Just someone who is kind and accepts me. Someone I’m free to be myself around.”

35. ANY FETISHES?

“You really like your personal questions, don’t you?” he grinned, “Sorry, that’s not really something I’d tell you ourtright.”

36. SEME OR UKE? TOP OR BOTTOM? DOMINANT OR SUBMISSIVE?

He shrugs a shoulder, “I like to have fun. Why put any label on it?”

37. CAMPING OR INDOORS?

“Camping can be dangerous for me but... I love the outdoors,” he sighs, shaking his head.

38. ARE YOU WANTING THE QUIZ TO END?

“Aww, over so soon? Well, it was fun anyway!”

#Sweeter than saccharine • V.Main #tagged #It all started so simply • Ch. Study

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pintofteaforthesoul · 5 years

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Bodyguard AU Part 4

Jude stuck to her promise and was never away from Cardan’s side, despite everyone in her team encouraging her that they would be enough. The Roach showed up in the morning, nudging a passed-out Jude on the couch.

He tsked at her as Jude startled awake, a yawn splitting her face. “You won’t be much good to him if you’re tired off your rocker.”

Jude rubbed the back of her hand over her eye, straightening. “I’m fine. Just resting my eyes for a moment.” A blanket dropped into her lap as she moved to get up and she clutched it, confused. It hadn’t been there before.

Roach just shook his head. “Go home. Shower. I can hold down the fort for an hour.”

Jude shook her head, but Cardan entered the room, holding a coffee cup to his chest. He was shirtless, as per usual, but the gleam of his skin in the morning sunlight made Jude’s breath catch. She coughed, tearing her eyes away as he spoke, “I promise not to leave the apartment until you come back. We have that appointment with your sister today, after all.” Cardan winks at her.

“Fine.” Jude stood and Cardan passed, brushing past her side with a small smile on his face. He takes her place on the couch. Jude pulls the Roach further away despite his frame being much larger than hers, dropping her voice. “Keep a close eye on him.”

The Roach had her arm in a grasp, his hard eyes slightly softened with worry. His skin was dark, bald head gleaming in the sunlight that streamed through the windows. “Is something wrong? You’re more on edge than I’ve seen you.”

From her back pocket, Jude pulled out the summarized toxicology report. She’d been carrying it on her as a reminder. Without a word, she pressed it into the Roach’s hands. She may not trust anyone, but she couldn’t protect Cardan alone. She was only human, after all. She met the Roach’s eyes with an intense expression before passing him.

Jude showered in record time, keeping an anxious eye on the time. When she pulled up to Cardan’s building, she was dressed more casually in light jeans and a burgundy tank top. Taryn would not accept any black in her vicinity- not with her wedding so close and paranoia already having taken root.

When Cardan, escorted by the Roach, hopped in the passenger seat beside her, his eyes lit up. “I was starting to believe you didn’t own another color.”

Jude rolled her eyes. “You forget that I was hired to protect you. What I wear is a uniform.”

Cardan props his feet on the dash, a grin on his face that lights up his eyes. “I prefer this.”

Heat spread over Jude’s cheeks, regretting choosing such a revealing top with a tall man around. What had she been thinking? They ride the rest of the way to the bridal store in silence.

The inside of the store is bright and airy, floral scents pervading the entire space. Jude leads Cardan through the store until they find Taryn, Jude’s twin sister, standing on a pedestal in a large, flowing white dress. Taryn squeals when they appear, coming to rush at Jude, throwing her arms around her twin. “You made!”

Jude glances over to see Vivi collapsed in a chair looking positively exhausted but utterly relieved. Pulling out of the hug, Jude asks Taryn, “Anything catching your eye so far?”

Taryn pouts, a mirror of Jude’s own face. “No.”

Jude glances over to see Cardan’s eyes impossibly wide, mouth slightly open as he regards Taryn. When their attention turns to him, he recovers himself, bowing. “A pleasure to meet you.”

Taryn’s cheeks pink, glancing at Jude with a cocked eyebrow. “You must be the client.”

Cardan tilts his head to her, maybe surprised that he wasn’t recognized. “Cardan Greenbriar. And you are T, I assume?”

“Taryn.” Jude’s twin smiled, a brightness in her eyes that Jude hadn’t seen before.

Cardan took Taryn’s hand, planting a soft kiss on her knuckles. “A pleasure,” He drawls, making Jude roll her eyes. “and my congratulations on her engagement.”

“Thank you.” Taryn murmurs before returning the pedestal. Jude drags Cardan over to a small settee across from Vivi, who asks no questions but her gaze is inquisitive enough. Cardan relaxes back, putting one long leg over the other as he rests his arm on the back of the settee. Jude glares at him when his arm circles just above her shoulder.

“What? I’m just getting comfortable.” His eyes are alight with humor. Jude scoots away from him, but the settee is small and there’s no other place to sit.

Taryn tuts over the dress, ultimately finding it unworthy and disappearing back into the dressing room with the attendant. About ten dresses later, Jude is just as lounged back as Cardan, almost falling asleep from exhaustion.

Cardan nudged her. “She’s coming back out.”

Jude let her head collapse on Cardan’s shoulder. “Let her. She won’t like it anyway. Nothing is good enough for Locke.”

At the name, Cardan tensed. “Your sister is marrying Locke?”

Jude glanced up at him. “You know him?”

Cardan kept his face neutral. “I’ve heard of him. Locke works closely with my brother.”

“The king or is this another one of your brothers?” Jude whispered back drily, plastering a smile on her face as Taryn twirled around in front of them.

Cardan shrugged. “I only have one other brother- named Balekin. He’s a lawyer on wall street. Locke is his assistant.”

Jude straightened a fraction, voice bitter. “I didn’t know Balekin was a prince.” She forced down the memories that threatened to plague her at the mention of that name- of a late night and dark office and ripped fabric.

Cardan smiles but it’s more of a grimace. “You’ve met him then. I’d say he’s the worst of my siblings, but there’s always Dain.” The name dripped with venom that surprised Jude.

Memories forgotten, Jude leaned closer so that Taryn doesn’t overhear, “King Dain?” She says if there could be another Dain that Cardan spoke of.

Cardan jerks a nod. “He’s not as wonderful as everyone thinks. Dain hates me, and trust me- the feeling is mutual.”

Small gears began to click in Jude’s brain, but she didn’t understand why the King would want to poison Cardan simply over a childhood grudge. “Did you do something?” She asked purely out of curiosity.

Cardan shrugged, opening his mouth to speak when Taryn’s high soprano interrupted, “What are you two chattering about? Do you not like this one either?”

Jude’s head snapped up. Taryn’s dress was lovely, as they all had been. “You look wonderful, Taryn, I’m sure Locke will love it.” They’d been sitting in the same spot for hours and Jude’s butt was starting to go numb. She prayed to any god that would listen that Taryn could finally make up her mind.

Taryn did a small twirl before her face lit up. “I think you’re right. This is the one.”

The attendant, who somehow still looked perky after all the time, jumped in. “Wonderful!” She started into the specifics of buying the dress, but Jude caught the price as being well over ten grand. Taryn didn’t bat an eyelash, however, and mirrored the attendant’s perkiness.

After Taryn was back in her normal clothes, Jude pulled her aside. “Taryn, who’s supposed to be paying for that dress?”

The euphoric smile didn’t leave her face. “Locke said to pick out whatever I wanted and that he’d cover it.” Jude narrowed her eyes in suspicion but let it go.

From behind, Cardan looped his arm through hers. Jude glanced up with surprise, but Cardan’s attention was directed at her sister. “Sorry for the interruption, but we need to get going.”

Taryn didn’t argue, but she surprisingly hugged Cardan, whispering in a voice that Jude couldn’t hear. “You’re invited to the wedding. I’m glad I got to meet someone who could make Jude relax.”

Jude narrows her eyes at the pair and the curl of a smile on Cardan’s lips. Cardan whispers something back that she can’t hear, but Jude can’t take it anymore and drags him away. Over her shoulder to Taryn, Jude remarks, “He’s just a client!” But there’s a flutter in her chest that betrays her.

~~~

Hey y’all sorry this is a repost, I accidentally messed up the first one. I’ll post part 5 soon!

Tagging: @arwenundomiiels, @daddycardan, @andromeddea, @landofpetrichor, @ladyof-starlight, @nish247, @cute898, @fangirlinghard-spoilerson, @cardans-tail, @nitrot150, @outofstyles13, @an-teo520 & @gamer670

#bodyguard au #part 4 #repost #jurdan #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jude x cardan #the folk of the air #the cruel prince #the wicked king #queen of nothing #tfota #tcp #twk #qon

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eclissy · 5 years

Text

In the Space Between his Eyes and Nose

Written a million years ago, this thing about Ash meeting his “Son” from the future. Not gonna put this into the tag cause I have more thinking power than i did as a baby.

Also reposted for the df “Writing” meme title post.

In all his starry eyed wonder at the world that had gotten so much larger since the day the Falconreach bridge split, Ash could argue that his smile was always the widest when his best friend came running with his name on her breath.

The Hero, Ty, was heading his way, waving her arm in greeting and excitement. Ash couldn’t help but jump up from his seat by the fountain to go meet her.

“Ty! You’re back,” Ash approached, hoping his cheeks weren’t flushed again. He couldn’t keep using the ‘it was windy today’ excuse over and over. “What were you up to all da—“

And coming up right behind Ty were two things that could wipe the smile off of Ash’s lips without a trace. Number one being the tiny bouncing red ponytail of a very angry Aria and number two being the grinning face of a handsome young stranger.

It was like walking up to a double decker nightmare.

“Ash, you won’t believe it!” Ty, her blue eyes alight with giddiness, hugged Ash tightly. The boy was still staring at her two other companions in a cross between confusion and lurking disappointment.

It was not an expression fit for a warm Spring day.

“I can’t believe it either so it’s not true!” Aria near shouted, close to stamping her feet. The man standing beside her stifled a giggle while the passing townsfolk quickly skittered away from the impending mess.

“Uh, what?” There wasn’t any real reason for Ash to ask what was happening. It was obvious wasn’t it? The Hero had found a dashing fellow that was probably a knight who had saved fifty princesses and a King’s pet gopher and now the two were going to get married.

Ty and the pretty boy getting married. Not Ty and the gopher. Ash could get away with cooking the gopher.

Give Ash five years and he could have been that dashing fellow. Oh, that was a sad thought. It literally sucked the color out of his skin.

The young man snickered harder behind his palms which then prompted Aria’s sour frown to become sharp enough to pierce through ribs. Namely Ash’s.

The boy adventurer gulped and that was the time Ty chose to pull back from the hug and say “This is my son! He fell into our time from the future!”

Standing there openmouthed, Ash froze while Ty waited or an answer. Time travel wasn’t such a strange thing in a place like Lore. In fact, Ash’s reaction was arguably stranger. She wondered if her friend was having a stroke but suddenly, the life burst back into Ash’s face and he cheered.

“Oh thank Lore! I-I mean, wow that’s great Ty! I mean, uh, sorry about you getting stuck here,” Ash turns to the stranger with renewed hope. Aria was already next to Ash, her heel coming to dig into the poor knight-in-training’s foot. “A-ah it’s uh ow nice to ahg meet you!”

Despite the sharp pain and dizzying mood flips, Ash was ready to do backflips.

All at once, the young man went from being a looming threat to a figure of awe and possibility.

“I’m Doran, it’s nice to meet you. People always tell me ‘Doran, as in the explorer?’ and I die a little inside but that’s fine. We all die eventually anyways.” Doran grinned, regarding Ash as he inspected the visitor from the future like he was a mirror.

Doran was taller than Ty and Ash for now but he had the same jet black hair as his soon-to-be mother. The same sheen was there too but Ash could say that the way Doran’s smooth locks moved when he laughed would have been something he saw everyday…if his hair was longer. But Ash wasn’t grasping at straws; it was true! Doran’s eyes might have been fern green but the space between them and his nose matched Ash’s exactly!

It may have been early but Ash was proud. All he could see on Doran’s face were smile lines. He must be enjoying his life.

“Shouldn’t we shake hands?” Doran asked, gently pushing Ash out of his daze. Startled but only a tiny bit flustered, Ash nodded eagerly and extends his hand. Aria immediately slaps it down. She was fast for a kid but she did train some scary pets after all.

By the fire in the tiny redhead’s eyes, most of those pets were likely to attack him in his sleep tonight. Bye bye, toes.

“Shouldn’t you be giving me some hints about your dad?” Ty teased, saving Ash for the time being.

Ash could have sworn he saw a glint in Doran’s eye right before he scratched the back of his head, feigning discomfort.

“Aw, mom. You know I can’t do that and besides—“Doran winked at Ash. “I’m sure you found him already.”

And Ash’s chest swelled so fast, Aria would have popped it if she had a pin with her.

“You tease,” Ty reached up to tug on her future son’s ears. “When you’re born, I’m going to feed you nothing but mashed peas.”

“I’d rather murder children!” Doran protested and Ash’s chest deflated as fast as the heat left Aria’s cheeks.

There was a stretch of silence before Ty tugged on Doran’s ears harder.

“Yowch! It was a joke, I swear!” The young man half whined half laughed. Neither Ash nor Aria could tell if he meant that or was just saying it to get his mom off his case. “But in all seriousness, I can’t stick around long but I’m glad that I got to see you all.” He pulls his mother’s fingers off of his puffy red ears and leans down to kiss her forehead.

All of the knight-in-training’s worries disappeared. Why was he even worried in the first place?

“Especially you, Ash Dragonblade,” Doran continues, taking Ash’s hand to shake and this time, Aria didn’t stop him. “I’m glad I got to find out that your eyes were chestnut brown.”

“What?” Ash wheezed but Doran kept his hand trapped. That was a miracle in of itself that it stayed stuck in Doran’s fingers since Ash’s hand had become clammy and soaked in sweat seconds after those sincere words.

“I don’t think it’ll be dangerous to this time to mention it but—“Doran lowered his chin, temporarily lost in happy memories. “My brothers and sisters, and I were always happy when you were around. The moment we heard your BBQ Prong hands click together, we would rush out to greet you.”

Ty and Aria would have said something but both of their throats felt like someone had stuck termite ridden driftwood into them. Ash was too busy imagining himself as a blind metal crab.

“Uh…any reason why I have those uh those prong hands?” Ash laughed nervously, hoping he wasn’t sweating waterfalls.

“I didn’t like your old hands.” Doran answered without missing a beat. “Not sure what happened to your eyes.”

“Doran!” Ty exclaimed while Aria was making up an excuse about needing to go see if the fish needed a bath.

“Kidding again!” Doran snickered, tugging hard enough on Ash’s arm to mess up his footing. The boy stumbled and found Doran’s arm around his shoulders all buddy buddy like. “Did I scare you too much? Sorry about that, Dragonblade.”

“I wasn’t scared. It was only a joke.” Ash managed not to stutter those words but the moment Doran looked back at him, he was thankful he missed lunch.

Doran was still smiling but the side of his smirk was like the curled tip of a hunting knife and with his eyes narrowed in such a condescending way, it reminded Ash of the same look on a certain wanted poster hung up on the inn’s wall.

“Dra…Drak…Dra—“ Ash began to stammer, earning confuse looks from both of his friends.

“Dragon?” Doran’s voice twisted to sound like it was worried. “You see a dragon coming our way?”

“Dragon?” Aria’s brow furrowed.

“I don’t see any dragon.” Ty frowned, scanning the horizon and the space directly above Falconreach for any sign of a shadow.

“There—“ Ash stopped mid-warning, feeling a cold sharp point poking him.

“Well, always be sure than be Dragon Chow, right?” Doran said and though it was a bit stiff, Ash’s nod got the two girls to make a head-start for the Guardian Tower.

“Figures, my son from the future swings by and we have to go slay a dragon.” Ty sighed.

“It’ll be a family—“The point of the hidden blade digs hard enough into Ash’s skin to make him wince. “—activity for all of us.”

Once Ty and Aria were too far away to hear, Doran let what looked like the largest hunting knife in existence fall out of his sleeve. He catches the handle and presses the freezing metal against the underside of Ash’s chin.

“The skin under the chin is the softest,” Ash and Doran said at the same time, repeating the advice Ty had once given them. No doubt, the man who gave Doran the knife had heard the same. “Keep it safe or you’ll end up bleeding out like a pig.” Doran finished by himself, that pleasant smile still plastered on like a flashing warning.

It was scary how intense the waves of loathing could come off someone with something so nice on their handsome face. It was like looking at a bundle of daisies while a snake hissed, hidden under the petals.

“Mom likes you, Dragonblade. She really does. I do too!” Doran chimes, letting the side of his head nestle against Ash’s in a mockery of affection. “I just like you as far away from mom as possible but I think you got the message already, right? Riiiiight?”

Ash felt awful all over and Doran’s kind and soothing voice only made his head hurt.

Before the knight in training could actually say anything, the point of the knife slipped from his chin, over his shoulder, and back as Doran leisurely stepped back.

“How was that?” Doran asked, placing his hand on his hip. “Was that scary?”

“H-huh?” Ash gurgled, heart beating like it was trying to escape his rib cage. “That was another joke?”

“Well, yeah,” Doran taps his head with the flat side of his knife. “And it was a bit of practice with lying. You gotta have fun if you want to get anywhere with your skills you know. Or maybe that’s just the easy way with some things.” The boy mused but Ash was so far from tickled purple by Doran’s antics, he was surprised he was still on Lore.

“Wow, Uncle Ash. You get all splotchy like dad does when he gets mad,” Doran said the last thing Ash wanted to hear. “Sorry about that too but hey, you’re still our uncle so there’s that. Oh!” His shoulders rose as he suddenly remembered something. “And there’s this too.”

Doran slaps something wet and slimy into Ash’s hand and the boy grasps the thing instinctively. Mind already muddled from the barrage of overly heinous jokes, Ash squinted at what looked like an oversized wet bean.

“What is this?” Ash asked.

“It’s your kidney.”

Remembering how the knife had slipped behind him, Ash felt stabbing pains in his lower back and yelped. Falling to the ground, the kidney slipped out of his hand and bounced with a wet sound on the grass.

It was a good five minutes of mindless panicking before Ash realized that there was no bleeding flap of skin slowly killing him. By then Doran had sat down cross-legged to watch the show.

“Why are you doing this to me?” Ash demanded, somewhere dangerously close to tears.

“Because I love you Uncle Ash. We never got to play much back in my present,” Doran grinned again, making Ash see stars. He could understand why his future self didn’t want to play that much with this boy.

“Mom and Aunt Aria are probably wondering where that dragon is so I’ll be going now. And before I forget—“ Doran pointed at the drying kidney. “That’s not your kidney.”

“I know.” Ash groaned.

“It’s your mom’s.”

“What on Lore? Are you serious?”

“Probably. Probably not.” Doran shrugged as he got up, dusting the grass off of his pants. “You should probably go visit her every now and then. That’s what a good son does. Anyways, I’ll be going to see my mom so I’ll catch you later, you chicken cow penis with eyes. Have fun kissing sunbeams and ten year olds.”

Struck dumb, Ash gaped at the back of the boy from the future walking away and regretted how he seen a reflection of himself between those eyes and that nose.

#ohhhhhhhh uhhhhhghhgghghgh #why did I do this #oh this is so mean spirited #doran #ty #ash #as long as it doesn't show up #in thetags for #drakath #dragonfable #ok we're ok #i swear to god #don't

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