#soul flower union

[anamon-book]

ロッキング・オン・ジャパン 1993年10月号 VOL.77 ロッキング・オン 表紙＝SOUL FLOWER UNION

[oh-sunny-sun]

― SOUL FLOWER UNION | WINDS FAIRGROUND ―

今日の音楽の聴き始めはこのアルバム♪

2023年12月23日 土曜日

― Soul Flower Union - Winds Fairground –

I started listening to today's music on this album.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

[seymourmusicclub]

SOUL FLOWER UNION - 海行かば山行かば踊るかばね [1996 Official Video]

[goldensunset]

they’re talking about responsibilities

[yawnderu]

Simon lets out a deep chuckle as he sees your daughter pick flowers from the light, clean grass, her tiny hands barely even managing to gather enough strength to get the stems out of the ground.

“C'mon, that's enough.” His voice is patient, calloused hands picking his daughter up as he brings her up to his chest, a small smile when he sees her holding onto the flowers for dear life, giggles leaving her lips as he starts bouncing her while they walk.

It became a routine, in a way, for Simon to bring his daughter whenever he visits his family. She's too young to understand, so pure, so untainted from the dangers of the world, always kept safe by Simon and you, yet he can't fight off the urge to make his family see her.

He walks for a few minutes, enjoying the chilly air while his daughter cuddles up to him, one of her tiny hands gripping his jacket, while the other one is still holding onto the flowers. He stops in front of a set of four graves, the familiar pit of dread setting deep within him starts to come out, shaky hands managing to gently put the little girl down on the cold ceramic.

Mrs. Riley.

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

Simon was hiding his hurt quite well, managing to sit down next to his little girl, one hand on her back as she started crawling around, finally setting the flowers down.

“Mum?” His voice is quiet, almost cracking, as if he was the scared little boy his mother defended with her life. His daughter looks up at him with curious brown eyes, sitting down and entertaining herself with her own onesie.

“I remember telling you I'd never settle down because I could never get as lucky as Tommy and Beth...” He dragged out, gaze going down to the ring on his finger, the physical representation of your union.

“You've met my wife before, and now I want you to see my kid too.” He's barely managing to speak, words coming out rough and choked up as his hand caresses his daughter's thin hair, making him pause just to examine her features. She's a tiny carbon copy of him, a lovely nose and a set of brown eyes that will never see the horrors he lived.

“She's a proper daddy's girl, but you would've loved each other.” He's sure of it. His mum was always so lovely, so nurturing. A true angel on earth with way too much forgiveness and patience for her own good.

He picks his daughter up, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. Simon thought he cried all his tears when he was a little boy, yet his nose is starting to sting, vision getting blurry for a few seconds until a choked sob manages to escape his lips. He's quick to wipe any tears away, simply trying to focus on the peace and quiet the cemetery offers, his hand running up and down his daughter's back, patting it softly just to hear that little giggle that seems to always repair his broken soul.

“All of you would've loved her, shy little thing she is.” He sniffles again before a quiet laugh leaves his lips, smiling despite the way his eyes are still filled with tears threatening to spill at any moment.

“I'm quittin' the SAS soon, don't want her to grow up without a father. The wife's happy about it, too.” Simon lets out a small sigh, looking down at the graves of his family, all buried next to each other. He shakes his head softly, his free hand quickly wiping off his tears before he goes back to holding his daughter, rocking her with care.

“I'll come back with her next time, jus' wanted to talk to you today. Let you meet this lovely girl.” Big brown eyes meet his gaze, instantly cheering him up despite everything. He pinches his cheek softly only for the little girl to smack his hand away with a giggle, only making his smile grow wider at how hot-heated she is. Just like her mother.

[anantaru]

a/n. ✩ ˛˚ . i am currently sick and wanted to write something sweet, enjoy my loves while I'm drowning myself in hot lemon water, gn! reader

neuvillette likes to buy you flowers.

he doesn't necessarily have a favorite type of flower that he likes to purchase for you, because to him, it's the plant itself that reminded him of you.

for one, when he looks outside the window to catch the neat, sprouting garden outside your home, the sun rays shimmer gently along the various petals, rainbow roses stretching and slowly opening its eyes to the soft tickle of warmth.

to neuvillette, it felt the same as when he hears your voice whisper a honey-like "good morning" first thing during sunrise, and he wishes he could explain to you just how much the sound of your voice gave him butterflies and hope.

one part of him was on fire when you begin to smile as you realize he had bought you a bouquet full of blossoming lumidouce bells again.

to neuvillette, your grateful smile was resembling a warm gesture that was widely manifested in a garden scented with the fragrance of nectarous flowers, various plants going crazy when they receive the warm affection of the sun.

now, the man was calm and peaceful knowing that you liked them and that when he wasn't here with you, there was at least something that would always remind you of him.

you move towards him, slanting close, settling on his lap, and it makes his heart skip a beat when you leisurely wrap your arms around his neck to pull him into a quick kiss— because you see, every time he connects with you physically, neuvillette felt like you were a piece of him that had been missing perpetually.

neuvillette moves his tongue gently until you forget yourself into his trace, savoring the moment as he runs a finger along your thigh. you shift your hips a little to move closer, a wave of felicity shielding your bodies before the man decides to break the kiss as to catch his breath.

restraining his bliss for a moment, the iudex reminds himself that work had been awaiting him.

he takes your hand and squeezes it gently, "i assume you like the flowers?" as he questions lightly, even though he fully knew the answer to his own questioning— yet his mellow voice was so full of passion like it was attempting to burst his lungs, unable to exclaim the deep gratitude he felt.

you snicker back, quite absorbed in watching him blush vividly after one kiss, "you ask if i like them? i love each and every one of them," you continue, sounding sweet to his ears, "thank you, i will take care of them while you're gone,"

your gentle lips pass a smile, and you admire his eyes, see and notice how they had been cosseting your own.

this love, it wasn't like one you had encountered in the past— because the one you shared with neuvillette was an union of souls and hearts and minds, not something you could put under a microscope and understand immediately, because simply put, it was too complex for that, strong and unbreakable.

pure love, like a liquid which descends from the clouds in rain with your body feeling different— bouncier, more energetic.

feeling happy.

©2024 anantaru do not repost, copy, translate, modify, claim as your own

[marsprincess889]

Basic themes of nakshatras

May edit this later, this is as far as I understand and have observed them, and I think it's pretty nice to see them simply.

Ashwini:

Newness, freshness, the unmanifest, speed, energy, vitality, instinct, healing, fast healing, unlimited energy, self-expression, selfishness, blocking outside noise, trusting yourself, self-empowerment, unfiltered actions.

Things that remind me of Ashwini: bees, the sun, horses, two white horses, golden deserts, horses gallopping, honey, long hair flying in the wind, apples.

Bharani:

Love, death, sex, the female, the feminine, limitations, the material, fate, destiny, coming into the body, struggling against limitations, struggling against fate, mind trapped in its own hell because of the inevitable, dealing with the harshness of life, harshness of mothers and mother nature, the hierarchy, privileges and deprivations, desire, going after your true desire, the immortality of the soul, adapting to changes, passion, tragic love, bravery, facing the truth, choicelessness, nessecity, revenge, violence, gatekeeping, reduction, denial of access, conquering your fate, everlasting beauty.

Things that remind me of Bharani: hot pink and black, darkness, roses, the yoni, gateways, keyholes, caverns, boats, rivers, the damsel in distress, fantasy, high fantasy.

Krittika:

Adam, the main character, naming things, language, rationality, precision, sharpness, criticism, the poet, the "it" person, simplicity, cleanliness, expressing oneself, selectivity, the heat, the knowledge, the light, masculine ideals, stoicism, selectivity.

Things that remind me of Krittika: knives, razors, lighers, sparks, fire, hearth, cooking.

Rohini:

Eve, sugar babies, growth, receptivity, enjoyment, pleasure, unrefined, doted on, subconcious, absorbtion, sharing, union, creation, the youngest daughter, naivete, feeling no shame.

Things that remind me of Rohini: sugar, stickiness, sweetness, heaviness, red, pink, flowers, the A.I(lol).

Mrigashira:

Distraction, realization, fickleness, adventure, running away, chasing, the hunt, excitement, softness, pleasure, altering conciousness, magic substances(iykwim), curiosity, fulfillment, insatiability, teasing.

Things that remind me of Mrigashira: silver threads, deer, green forests, green and blue, running in the woods, alcohol, the moon.

Ardra:

Disillusion, crying, lamenting, awareness of others, awarness of other's expectations, hyper-awarness of everything, intellect, the rational mind, pressures from society, rebelling against society, anxiety.

Things that remind me of Ardra: tears, water, storms, technology, teenage angst, emo culture, the rain, sad songs, dogs.

Punarvasu:

Mercy, forgiveness, permission, freedom, flying, expansion, gentleness, regrowing, realigning, returning, home, unconditional love and nurture, celebration, peace, peacefulness, centering oneself, sunlight, warmth, fostering, taking care, being taken care of, luck, unlimited fertile space, shelter, genuine kindness, believing in humanity again, cycles, patterns, seeing the cycles and the patterns, predicting future, openness, second (and third, fouth...) chances, a comeback.

Things that remind me of Punarvasu: staying at home, pets, plants, cats, gentle rain, a bow and arrows, a target.

Pushya:

Asceticism, routines, self-restraint, servitude, control, self-control, working, working on yourself, patience, simplicity, striving for perfection, nurturing, nourishment, quiet ambition.

Things that remind me of Pushya: milk, milkmaids, country life, milking, symmetry, goats, sheep.

Ashlesha:

Manipulation, abuse, poison, emotional abuse, blackmail, resorting to everything for safety, protection, pent up energy, the nervous system, purity, water, sensitivity, cleanliness, energetic build-up, tension, restraint, preservation, self-preservation, virginity, feminine tactics, being "mean" for protection, lying for safety, sensuality, mother issues, agitation.

Things that remind me of Ashlesha: the color white, transparent things, cats, poisoning, snow white, Sofia Coppola films, teenage girlhood, ties, strings, knots, snakes.

Magha:

Royalty, power, ancestry, family trees, history, the past, regality, honoring the past, honoring the elders, honoring the authority, religion, traditions, customs, confidence, ego.

Things that remind me of Magha: crowns, thrones, churches, goth culture, the smoke.

Purva Phalguni:

Pleasure, enjoyment, being spoiled as the feminine, loving to spoil as the masculine, procreation, sex, leisure, art, holidays, parties, exclusivity, pride, charisma, sexual dispersion, love as a method of self-expression, admiration, directness, active pursuit of your passions.

Things that remind me of Purva Phalguni: fruits, eating fruits topless, rose gold color, the "rizz"(lol), the phallus, dramaticism.

Uttara Phalguni:

Favors from friends, family and partners, contracts, beneficial agreements, the perfect wife, likeability, popularity, friendliness, appearing cool, stoicism, beneficial arrangements, gaining power through partnerships, self-expression through relationships.

Things that remind me of Uttara Phalguni: the "chads", simplicity, genuine friends, loyal companions, the perfect male stereotype.

Hasta:

The earth, the veiled feminine, manipulation, denial of access, materialism, cheating, everyday matters, empowerment of women, deception, skill, seeking knowledge, wanting to be in control, activism, street-smarts, manipulation of masses.

Things that remind me of Hasta: the hand, Goddess Persephone, skilled hands, thieves, easy money, fairies, witches.

Chitra:

Crafting, building, perspective, truth, law, gems, sacrifice for your craft, vanity, stereotypes, aesthetics, the truth in stereotypes, building based on the law and the truth, the surface of things, the appearance of things, the substance reflected in the vessel, gossip, cliques.

Things that remind me of Chitra: the god Hephestos, martian gods in general, jewelry, fashion, make-up, drama, pettiness, the coquette aesthetic, pranksters, Olivia Rodrigo(ig).

Swati:

Space, the cosmos, shifting realities, love, rebellion, alternate realities, possibilities, seeing beauty in everything, inspiration, art, the cosmic egg, creation of the world, creation of worlds, microcosm and macrocosm, freedom through love.

Things that remind me of Swati: video games, the wind, plants beggining to sprout, the sword, technology.

Vishakha:

The lightning, snapping, splitting, joining opposites, compromise, marriage, repressed anger, repressed aggression, alter egos, passion, enthusiasm, standing up for yourself and others, repression and then expression, energy, love and hate.

Things that remind me of Vishakha: lighning bolts, Zeus, Thor and other lighning gods, superhero "Shazam", celebrations.

Anuradha:

Friendship, devotion, depth, loyalty, unconditional loyalty, bonds, the occult, sex with love, numbers, gatherings, friend groups, groups, gentleness, humbleness, discipline, seriousness, organizing society, social groups.

Things that remind me of Anuradha: the color burgundy, dim lights, bunnies, "Sex Education" (tv show), sci-fi (for some reason), "The Vampire Diaries" (and very similar teen shows), frat boys, cheerleaders.

Jyeshta:

The battlefield, war, hunger, thirst, insatiability, conquering, the underdog, street-smarts, competition, strategy, extreme independence, mind games, the art of war, survival, ruling, rising above, self-reliance, wisdom, becoming the authority, the eldest, dryness, trust issues, enemies, destroying enemies, outsmarting all enemies.

Things that remind me of Jyeshta: grandmothers, owls, eagles, dry places, flags, marching, chess.

Mula:

Horror, the abnormal, the truth, the core, the center, the absorbing darkness, the black hole, the roots, violence against falsehoods, seeking the truth, seeking the cause, seeking roots, uprooting, chaos, from chaos to order, the unchanging truth, taming beasts, holding to your truth.

Things that remind me of Mula: "Phanton of the Opera", "Twilight", final girls, horror movies, dark murky green, the wilderness.

Purva Ashadha:

Art, beauty, alliances, artistry, ideals, fighting for the ideal, discrimination, exclusivity, philosophies about beauty and art, passion for love and art, attachments, secrecy, luxury, vitality, vigor, going for victory.

Things that remind me of Purva Ashadha: the sea, seafoam, goddess Aphrodite, seashells, mermaids, sirens, fans (the ones you hold in your hand lol), Arwen from LotR.

Uttara Ashadha:

Victory, loneliness, individuality, government, empowerment, independence, being looked up to, composed self-expression, ease, simplicity but regality, confidence, self-assuredness, melancholy and hardships of aloneness but contentment, stoicism, invincibility, unapologetic behavior.

Things that remind me of Uttara Ashadha: earnest people, goddess Nike.

Shravana:

Connecting everything, secret knowledge, interest in everything, reading between the lines, subconcious access, extreme sensitivity, holding the humanity together, secret agencies, percieving what others can't percieve, saving humanity, navigating, receptivity, mysticism.

Things that remind me of Shravana: Superman, Geralt of Rivia, Aragorn, King arthur, pathways, footprints, ear, color blue, spies, astrology, outcasts, fringe societies.

Dhanishta:

Celebration, celebrities, fame, visibility, aggression, agitation, action, bringing people together, idols, propaganda, wealth from fame, that which attracts attention, public image, benefits and downsides of fame, openness and flashiness, branding.

Things that remind me of Dhanishta: supermodels, Princess Diana, dancing, rhythmic drums.

Shatabhisha:

Complexities, seeing everything, lurking in shadows, holding the knowledge, secrets, secrecy, hiding, technology, innovation, being ahead of your time, advising but manipulating, society, the collective, trends, the conciousness of masses.

Things that remind me of Shatabhisha: midnight sky, stars, the seas, water reservoirs, the circle, the all-seeing eye of Sauron(lol), Lord of the Rings, rings, the movie "Stardust" (the book too).

Purva Bhadrapada:

Notoriety, expansion, uncontrolled expansion, persmissiveness, growth to ruin unless restrained, fighting for your soul, the scapegoat, going against society, getting tested, the point of no return.

Things that remind me of Purva Bhadrapada: gangs, famous criminals, laziness, femme fatales, the grotesque, deserts, werewolves, the black sheep.

Uttara Bhadrapada:

Finding grace, hardships, working, inner strength, steeliness, resilience, patience, restraint, contol, self-restraint and self-control, bravery, honesty, stubbornness, fighting for your truth, perfect control, freedom through limitations, seeking a permanent foundation built on truth, working for the foundation, long-term goals, innocence, purity of soul, stillness, refinement.

Things that remind me of Uttara Bhadrapada: butterflies, clouds, baby blue color, Cinderella, warriors, knights, ice, coldness, queens, ice-queen, dragons, water dragons, deep waters.

Revati:

Ultimate freedom, creativity, wisdom, gentleness, compassion, guiding, herding, fun, laughter, mischief, lightnness, ease, finding peace, reaching the end, enjoying what you have, contentment, nurturing, open-mindedness, conclusions, gratefulness, freedom and free will, having choices, diversity, finding the truth, true wealth.

Things that remind me of Revati: shepherds, everything easy and light, the tricksters, the fool, jokes, Loki, The Joker, fish, comedy, the movie "A Fish Called Wanda", caring for everyone and everything.

[dailypenpen]

Getting "married" to your Genshin / Honkai Star Rail crush!

or when Aether and Lumine have a terrible plan to matchmake you both...

characters: various Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail characters! + any characters you want!

notes: school!au, fluff (and a bit of crack), gender neutral reader!! ALSO THIS IS 22K CHARACTERS AND 4K WORDS THIS IS A LONG ONE!!

a/n: I fully intended this to be ambiguous enough so that you can think of any character, though there will be some characters mentioned. Sorry for the long wait LOL. This is inspired by a silly tradition in my old school!!

Today is your annual school fair! There are plenty of booths and stands being held inside the school, and you, Stelle, and Caelus are excited to roam around. From food to party games to haunted houses, all you can think of! This only happens once a year, so you think you should make the best of it.

 

You stuff your face with the different foods offered and try treasure hunting in one of the other classrooms. Caelus had to vomit out his food after he tried to stuff as much as he could in his mouth. You had to stop Stelle from beating up a classmate in one of the haunted classrooms. You feel like a distressed parent with their messy son and chaotic daughter.

 

What a tiring day already...

 

You remember when Lumine mentioned she was going to man a "very special booth," but she didn't disclose any details. You make it your mission to find her booth, walking through the school hallways. Stelle and Caelus left you midway through your journey, distracted by the trash cans near a classroom. You think it better not to call them out; the both of them hissing at anyone trying to take them away from the trash.

 

You sigh. You have weird friends. Might as well continue searching for Lumine's booth.

 

But before you know it, you feel something grab your arm. You turn to see Aether with a huge grin on his face. "Aether, what are you—?" You don't get the chance to finish your sentence because he starts running through the hallways and out of the school building. You're dragged along with him, confusion and panic on your face. Where the heck is he leading you to?

 

You both arrive inside the gym, and now you're more confused. The gym is decorated with balloons and flowers, with an aisle in the middle leading to... an altar? With Lumine in front of it? You stand there even more confused as you watch Lumine give Aether a thumbs up. He runs elsewhere and leaves you with Lumine.

 

You glance down to see that Lumine is wearing a suit and has a book in her hands. "Lumine? What's with the suit? The book?" You take another look around the gym. "The decorations?"

 

She grins. "For your marriage, of course, I'm the officiant."

 

Your jaw almost drops to the floor. "WHAT?! MARRIAGE?!"

"Yep yep, basically how it works is that someone pays for the two of you to get "married". Aren't you excited?"

You sigh. "Who... who am I getting married to?"

 

"Oh, don't worry, Aether is bringing them here right now. You won't have to wait for long."

 

"Who are THEY—?!"

 

You and Lumine turn to the gym doors when Aether slams them wide open, his face now covered in sweat from running around. Beside him, your crush looks around the place, equally as confused as you were when you entered. When they look at you and the decorations and register what's happening, they say...

"I'm sorry I can't do this! I'm not ready for marriage!!"

Instantly panic when they see you. They try to run away, but Aether grabs them by the collar and drags them to the altar. "Oi, oi, where you going?" He brings them to stand before you and sits down on a nearby chair with his arms crossed and a smug smile on his face. Your crush is blushing red, fiddling with their fingers, and refusing to make eye contact with you. Lumine grins deviously.

 

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union between two lovely souls. As per tradition, you must give each other a kiss on the cheek to seal the deal."

 

They stare at Lumine, dread in their face. Then look back at you, eyes closed and face scrunched up. The blush has spread to their ears, you note. Was it that bad to kiss you? You try to rub your cheek, feeling self-conscious. Honestly, you'd be lying to yourself if you weren't nervous as well. This is your crush! The person that you have the utmost adoration for!

 

They open their eyes, looking anywhere but your face. "I'm— I'm sorry..." they whisper before hesitantly stepping forward, giving you a soft kiss on the cheek. You feel your cheeks heat up as well. Their lips are much softer than you imagined. They quickly break the kiss, staring at you with wide yet... expectant eyes. You give them a kiss on the cheek, and they instantly explode. Stuttering and stammering over their words as they try to process that you gave each other a kiss, even if it was only on the cheek. You give them a shy smile in hopes that it'll ease their nerves.

 

"Congratulations to the lovely couple!" Lumine closes her book, her eyes sparkling. She leans down to whisper in your ear. "You guys will finally stop uselessly pining over each other now, right? You should give me an award. I had to pay for this union with my own money."

 

You're both grateful and flabbergasted by her methods of bringing the two of you together.

 

"You sound pleased with yourself..." you mumble, and you only get a giggle in return. "Well, obviously, it worked. Modern problems require modern solutions."

 

You huff, "Couldn't you matchmake us in a less obscure way? Did you make this marriage booth just for this reason?" 

 

"To be fair, I also wanted to see some more couples get "married" here. Not just you, you dumbass."

 

You open your mouth to retort before you feel a tug on your sleeve, and when you turn to look, it's your crush. Huh, they must have stayed quiet when you and Lumine were arguing. They're blushing so hard, and their face incredibly red. It's even reached their ears, you muse. It's incredibly adorable how you've made them such a mess. You're such a good kisser; you should pat yourself on the back.

 

"Uh..." Once you look at them, they look away again. Their hold on your sleeve tightens as they take a deep breath. They finally look at you in the eye, their eyebrows furrowed and their lips trembling. 

 

"I... that silly ceremony made me realize my feelings for you, as weird as it sounds. So, uh... instead of spouses, can we... date first? Please? That is... if you also like me back."

 

— Chongyun, Gorou, Freminet, Ganyu, Xiao(?), Gepard, + ur shy favs!

"Oho, you'll be my spouse from now on? It'll be a pleasure." 

 

Smug look on their face, leaving Aether's side as they walk towards the altar where you and Lumine are. He blinks in surprise. "That makes my job easier then." Aether goes to sit down on his chair, drinking some water as he wipes his sweat. Lumine scoffs. "You guys aren't married yet, you idiot. Wait a bit more." You can't even say anything back, stammering over your words as you try to process how they're so calm about this. Surely this doesn't mean they also...?

 

They roll their eyes at Lumine. "Must you ruin the fun? You are the officiant, aren't you?" They cock their head to look at you, a smirk on their face. "So when am I going to marry this beaut in front of me?" You feel your cheeks flush at their compliment. Why must they flirt with you in every opportunity they get...?

 

Lumine groans, closing her book with a loud thud. "We are gathered here today; yadda yadda, just do a kiss on the cheek and we'll be done." 

 

They raise an eyebrow at that. "Just a kiss on the cheek? Aren't you supposed to kiss on the lips in an actual ceremony?" Before either you or Lumine can protest, they pull you flush against their chest. Leaning towards your face, your lips barely inches apart. "Why not honor tradition?" One hand goes to stroke your hair, and you can feel yourself explode into an embarrassed mess when they do. You feel even more flustered now, the words unable to escape from your lips. "I..."

 

"Oh..." You turn your head to see Lumine grinning, her eyes dancing with glee. "I'll leave you two alone then. C'mon, Aether," she calls out to him. "Let's find the next couple after them." Aether nods before looking at the two of you with a grin similar to Lumine's. "Good luck." 

 

"You traitors—" You scowl at them as they both walk away.

 

You feel a hand on your chin as it pulls you to face them. They're staring deep into your eyes, the corners of their lips twitching when they see your cheeks flush again. You can feel their breath on your skin, and you think you might just melt in their hold. They tilt your head, leaning even more closely. "... say something if you don't want this," they say with surprising softness. You didn't expect that kind of gentleness from them; you can feel your heart fluttering in your chest.

 

You open your mouth, then close it again. A part of you screams not to say anything. You nervously close your eyes, your lips twitching with anxiety. You can hear them chuckling lowly. You feel their hand around your waist tighten. The next thing you feel is their lips on yours. It's soft and gentle as they ease you into it.

 

A hand goes behind your head to pull you closer, and now you feel the desperation within their kiss. They're a bit too eager now that they know you're comfortable with all this. You feel yourself melting to the ground as your knees start to buckle, but they hold you tighter in their hold and kiss you even further. You try your best to reciprocate by placing a hand against their chest as you lean towards them. They emit a pleased noise, squeezing you tighter.

 

The two of you eventually separate, gasping for air. "Hope you enjoyed it, my dear spouse," they say with a sickening smirk on their face.

 

They lean toward you once more, and you think they're going to kiss you again. But instead, they softly speak to your ears. Their voice tickling your ears.

 

"Darling, how about we rendezvous out of here? Kissing in the middle of the school gym is hardly romantic. I'd like to kiss my spouse in a place more befitting us two. Maybe we can even discuss some... other things about us."

 

- Ayato, Childe, Kaeya, Lyney, Heizou, Venti, Wriothesley, Sampo, + ur flirty favs!

 "We are to be married today, are we not? Let's not make everyone wait."

 

Do they think this is actually real? You ask yourself as they wordlessly approach the altar. Aether tries to hold back a laugh, sitting down on his chair. Your crush looks at you with a thoughtful expression, making you feel very small in their gaze. Jeez, why are they so formal about this?

 

Lumine breaks the silence with an awkward cough, opening her book. "...we are gathered here today to celebrate the union between two lovely souls..." Is she flustered that they're taking this seriously? You stifle a laugh.

 

"As per tradition, you must give each other a kiss on the cheek to seal the deal." Your crush hums in thought, looking at you with an even curiouser look. Lumine is looking at the two of you in anticipation, not bothering to hide her giddiness. Aether lazily looks from the sidelines.

 

"Isn't it supposed to traditionally be a kiss on the lips?" You might die on the spot. They want to kiss you ON THE LIPS? You pinch your hand, trying to ground yourself. No no, they're probably just thinking this is a real marriage. They probably have the wrong idea or something, surely!

 

"You want it on the lips?" Lumine grins, wide and almost cat-like. "I'd be ok with that, too." You almost screech, resisting the urge to shake her by the shoulders. What the hell is she thinking of? You can't just casually kiss your crush on the lips just because of this stupid fake ass marriage ceremony—

 

"That would be ideal, yes." They look at you with a small smile on their face. At that moment, you can see their eyes shining with joy. Your heart skips a beat. God, how can they easily say such smooth things without thinking? Your weak heart can't take it.

 

You laugh, nervously trying to back away, but Lumine pushes you forward instead. "Aww, don't be shy~ Do you want me and Aether to leave so that you can have your privacy?" What a terrible shit-eating grin she's wearing on her face. You wish you could smack it out of her.

 

"You—" Glaring at her only makes her grin wider than before. You go to shake her by the shoulders, but you feel someone grab your hands. You look, and your crush is looking at you with intense eyes. Immediately, your cheeks flush, not expecting such an intense stare. "U— uh... How can I help you today?" That earned you a laugh from them. They lean forward, their eyes focused on your lips. Their hair tickles your cheeks.

 

"We have to kiss to complete our marriage." You almost choke on your saliva. They grip your hands tighter. "Do you not want this?"

 

You hear Lumine whistle lowly, and from the corner of your eyes, you can see Aether and her exit the gym. You can envision both of their smirks, and you feel your face turn red from the thought. You murmur, looking at your crush with shy eyes. "Do... do you really want to kiss me? You do know this is a... fake marriage."

 

They stare at you in confusion before chuckling lowly. God, their laughter feels like smooth honey. You think you can listen to that laugh a million times and never get tired of it. It's basically heaven to your ears. They move their hands to intertwine with yours, stepping ever so closely towards you. "Of course I know this isn't a real marriage, but I'd like to treat it as one. Won't you indulge me for a little while longer?"

 

"When you put it like that... it's hard to say no."

 

They chuckle again at your words. They lean forward, their lips meeting yours. It's soft, gently kissing you as if you were the most fragile being. You feel them rub circles on your hands, tilting their head to deepen the kiss. Your head feels dizzy, and your mind is consumed entirely by their presence. They've placed themselves further into your soul, seamlessly fitting into a space you've created just for them.

 

They leave your lips first, a look of awe in their eyes. A hand goes up to caress your cheek. They aren't speaking yet, as if the words are lost. You do not say anything either, afraid that you will break this perfect moment with them. Afraid that this might not be real. That the kiss may have meant nothing, only for them to lean their forehead on yours. Whispering ever so softly to you.

 

"One day, I hope that we'll actually be married in the future. Only if you would like it, of course. Before then, would you like us to date? I know I wish it more than anything else."

 

- Albedo, Dainsleif, Diluc, Kazuha, Neuvilette, Zhongli, Argenti, Dan Heng, Jing Yuan + ur formal favs!

"I'm getting married to them?! That's so awesome!!"

 

They enthusiastically leave Aether's side, skips in their steps. Aether coughs into his hand, and you could have sworn you heard a wheeze from him. "Why are you so excited? Most people usually try to run away." He shrugs. "Not that I'm complaining. Means I don't have to run after you."

 

They look at him with an odd look on their face. "Why would I run away from them?" They point at you. "They're like, the best person in the world." You blush instantly. Jeez, can't they spare you the embarrassment? That's something you'd love to hear from your crush in any other circumstances. But not here! Not with Aether and Lumine watching you!

 

"Hey! Come over here!" Lumine waves. "Don't keep your future spouse waiting!"

 

"Wouldn't want to for the world!" They hurriedly go to the altar, stars in their eyes as they look you up and down. They're very smiley, you note. And it's like the excitement is waiting to burst out of their body cause their entire being is trembling. Desperately trying to hold back. That gives you great hope that they might like you back! Not just as a friend!

 

Lumine sighs with relief, starting her speech, "We are gathered here today—" They don't even give her a chance to continue, as they wrap you in a big hug. You squeak in surprise. What the—you didn't expect this to happen?!

 

"Oh man! We're married now, aren't we?" They look at you, expectant and eager for an answer. Lumine coughs, "I... I haven't finished my little speech." You hear Aether snort somewhere you can't see, not with your crush blocking your field of vision. "You're too excited to marry them. Calm down, will you?"

 

They loosen their grip on you, still caging you in their arms. "Who wouldn't be excited to marry them?" Any words you would have said fall out of your mouth like a violent waterfall. You unwillingly stammer your next words, unable to process all this. "W—why... are you so excited to marry me?" 

 

They look at you with unblinking eyes. Utter confusion on their face. "Because I like you silly!" They engulf you in a hug again, nuzzling their head on your shoulder. "You're my favorite person ever!" You feel your cheeks flush again as you shyly hug them back. They acknowledge this by squeezing you a bit, a happy hum coming from their mouth.

 

"Well... whatever." Lumine sighs, and you wriggle out of the hug to see her expression. She doesn't look very smug with this arrangement. More of... relieved? "Congrats on the happy marriage, haha."

 

Your crush beams, looking at you with a lovestruck face. "You're my spouse now... I guess dreams do come true. This is the best day, ever." 

 

You giggle, your hand going up to stroke their hair. "Can we be partners first? I think spouse is still too far into the future." They pout at your words, huffing lightly. "What if I can't wait? I want us both to be married." You think they're adorable with that expression as you ruffle their hair. They don't seem to mind what you're doing.

 

"Can't you wait just a bit for me?" You grin at them. "I want us to take it slow and steady. I want to date you first." Your crush contemplates your words, seriously considering them. Then they speak with determined eyes.

 

"For you... I'll wait however long it will take. Even if it takes decades, I'll always love you, no matter what! So get ready for my love! I'll love you so much your heart will burst!!"

 

- Bennett, Itto, Hu Tao, Yoimiya, March 7th, Guinaifen, Luka, + ur energetic favs!

"What is this nonsense? I'm not having any of it."

 

There's a scowl on their face, irritation evident in every part of the expression. They turn to leave, but Aether grabs the back of their collar. "Nuh uh, you shouldn't abandon your spouse to be. Haven't you heard all those horror wedding stories?"

 

"What?" They look at him like he's grown a second head. "Are you sick in the head or something?" Aether sighs, dragging them to the altar. Your crush tries to fight at first, but eventually relents. Huh, you note that Aether's grip on them is probably strong.

 

Before long, your crush stands before you. They observe you, squinting their eyes as they take in your appearance. You feel so small, with sweat forming on your forehead. Do they dislike you or something? You hope not; your heart wouldn't recover from that. But you tell yourself this is how they're always like to hopefully ease your mind.

 

"We are gathered here today!" Lumine says with great earnestness. "To celebrate the union between two lovely souls..."

 

"Lovely?" They glance at Lumine, then back at you. "I'm not sure that's how you're supposed to describe them." Oh, the audacity! You grit your teeth. They're lucky they're attractive (especially in your eyes), or else you would have gone violent.

 

"Oh, shut up. Don't say that to your spouse." Lumine berates them. They roll their eyes at her. "And as per tradition, you must give each other a kiss on the cheek to seal the deal."

 

You swivel your head toward Lumine, shock on your face. A kiss? From them?! And you give them your own as well?! You point at them, mouthing your thoughts to Lumine. She only gives you a closed-eyed smile with a thumbs up to match. You feel your face heat up with embarrassment.

 

Your crush clears their throat, redirecting your attention to them. "Are you two quite done? Let's just get this over with; this isn't even a real marriage." They walk towards you, narrowing their eyes as they see you panic when they draw closer. "Wait, wait! I'm not ready!"

 

"Don't care," they say. Even when they say that, they gently yet firmly hold you by the shoulders. They give you a kiss on the cheek, and you feel like you're short-circuiting. You can't even fathom that they just did that! Out of their own accord! Without Lumine directly forcing them!

 

When they release you, they take a look at your flustered expression. The corner of their mouth twitches as they flick your forehead. "Where's my kiss? Isn't it supposed to be mutual?"

 

You try to speak, but you only manage to sputter out, "I—you—me? Why?" From your side, Lumine wheezes at your pathetic attempt at being coherent. And right in front of you, your crush sighs heavily. They look so disappointed. Wait—why do they look disappointed? It doesn't make any sort of sense.

 

"...because that's the rule of this stupid marriage booth, idiot." You hear them murmur, "And also because I can. Now why don't you reciprocate?"

 

Hesitantly, you give them a short peck on the cheek. You think you see them frown when you break away, but your mind must be imagining things. Surely they didn't want you back, right? You must be hallucinating a lot today...

 

"Congrats on your marriage!" Lumine says with enthusiasm, patting both of your backs. "Now, go forth, my friends! No longer shall you two aimlessly assume that one of you doesn't have feelings for the other!" Aether grins from his chair. "Please, spare us. It's tiring to see you two like that."

 

Your crush glares at the both of them, only earning a sheepish grin from the two. But they turn to look at you, and the glare instantly dissipates. Their eyes are softer than what you're used to, and the corners of their lips twitching again. This time, you understand why it's been twitching so much. They're trying to hold back a smile.

 

They move closer to you, whispering now. In hopes that only you will hear their words.

 

"I think you're more than lovely. You're divine. Don't tell Lumine I said that. But from her words, it's clear you share feelings with me. So how about we end this useless pining? Be my partner, will you?"

 

- Alhaitham, Wanderer, Dr. Ratio, Blade, + ur tsundere favs!

When all is said and done, you owe it to Aether and Lumine for matchmaking you and your—oh God, you finally get to say it! You and your partner! You're giddy from head to toe as you walk through the halls to look for Caelus and Stelle. You have to share the news! They're probably still in that classroom with the trash cans—

 

...and you find them being reprimanded by the principal. They're both covered in trash. You liken their appearance to a sad racoon video you once saw. Pitiful and wet.

 

They notice you from the corner and immediately cry out in joy. Wait why are they both rushing towards you? Oh God, no! Don't come closer you two are—

 

Ah. What a lovely time of the year. School fairs are memorable for all the good reasons.

 

You need to scrub yourself really hard tonight. You hope it won't be a permanent memory.

Likes and reblogs are appreciated!! Also please do NOT steal or plagiarize this. Or else I will replace your loved ones Mandela Catalogue style 👹

[angelstate]

Husband!Konig x Wife!Reader.

Husband!Konig is a good lover, one who treats every situation with gentleness, he approaches you with a kind and understanding nature even if you are in the wrong because he would rather take the fault that let you be upset, he knows you don’t mean any harm, just sometimes it takes a bit to realize when you did something wrong or jumped into a conclusion that wasn’t true.

He is a kind and patient soul who wants only the best for you even if it means going against what everyone else deems acceptable, his heart knows no boundaries when it comes to making you happy and enjoy life the way you should.

Husband!Konig doubts himself a lot, he doesn’t think he’s good enough for you at times because of his job, and thinks that somehow his enemies will cause you harm in the long run even if you’re not associated with his work at all, it is something that makes him anxious but he manages his emotions to dedicate his energy to you.

Husband!Konig likes to buy you flowers every time he can, returning home from grocery shopping with a bouquet on his hands that he is already taking care of to put on a vase on the dining table, buying your favorite flower on his way home after a mission, he knows better than to show empty-handed, even if you only care about him and half the time crush the flowers with your eager hugs.

He likes the little details of love, the act of showing he has you in mind even in the smallest of ways because that means he isn’t just being superficial like most husbands who like their wives but do nothing to make them feel loved.

He thinks that should be a crime against the holiness of marriage, such a sacred union should be reserved for those who value their partner enough to go out of their way to make their life easier with simple things like doing house chores, buying their favorite snacks, and such.

Husband!Konig knows that his height brings certain problems most people didn’t know existed like the size of the bed you two sleep in, because no matter how much you searched on the internet, it seemed that every bed you buy is too small for the huge husband you have, or the amount of food that you have to regularly buy so the pantry isn’t empty because he raided every edible thing in the kitchen.

That said, it also has its perks, if you can’t reach something he is already grabbing it for you, cleaning the ceiling lamps or changing a light bulb has never been easier and his clothes are oversized just the way you like them.

you take advantage of his physic more than you should, telling him to carry you around in his arms, refusing to get up in the morning knowing he would throw you over his shoulder and force you to shower with him even if you showered the night before, you don’t even mind waking up early and showering with him but it’s fun to play hard to get with a man who has the ability to manhandle you as he wishes.

Husband!Konig is a soft-hearted person, he might seem intimidating on the outside but he is a man connected with his emotional side, not afraid to cry in front of you or vocalize when he’s upset or the reason behind his feelings, he knows that is unhealthy to keep emotions bottled up because they can cause resentment and he doesn’t want that for the two of you.

Husband!Konig loves animals, especially cats because of their soft fur and independent nature, so when this fat orange male cat approached him in the streets and rubbed against his legs when he had gone out to take the trash was definitely a moment that filled him with joy, as he took it inside your home and showed it to you, stating now you had a pet.

Husband!Konig is a very energetic person, always doing something with his hands, an anxiousness that only goes away when he’s focusing on something that requires him to sit still, like braiding your hair, he doesn’t want to get distracted and accidentally hurt you by pulling your hair or braiding too tightly that causes you a headache, he's careful to the point it seems like his defusing a bomb.

Husband!Konig loves the mundanity of everyday life, he feels at ease when his days blur together because there’s a routine that doesn’t involve violence, and it's easy for him to fall deep into the cycle of living day by day with peace on his mind and the lack of panic attacks that once consumed his days.

Husband!Konig is an amazing person overall, he dedicates every bit of himself to being infatuated with you, feeling you in every way possible, and connecting with you with every aspect of life the two of you share, he knows his love sometimes is overwhelming but taking care of you brings a calmness on his life, knowing his doing something inherently good.

He takes care of you for his and your pleasure, he takes pride in knowing you’re happy and satisfied at a physical and emotional level because he doesn’t like to see you anxious, and doesn’t like when life begins to burden you.

seasonal depression seems to be his worst enemy during the winter, more so than the low temperatures that make his hands numb and cheeks hurt from the cold, he knows the lack of sunlight and the inability to go out makes you depressed, that as much as you value staying home you also like nature but the snow stops you from going out for too long, your immune system being a bit weak doesn’t help either.

But he manages, he buys you a lightbox to help with your depression, and yeah, he knows artificial sunlight isn’t the remedy to your sadness but it keeps you at more peace and he likes to at least try and bring comfort to your home the way he can even if it doesn’t replace the real thing.

Husband!Konig is the perfect partner, truly. and he wishes that he gets to love you and take care of you in every lifetime, wants to be by your side in every universe that exists out there because he knows he would never be truly happy if he isn’t with you.

(little reminder: i'm taking requests if you would like me to write about something specific xx)

[gallusrostromegalus]

Well, I've had a High fever for a few days with Shingles that's preventing me from writing effectively, but has apparently given me new Clothing-Drawing Abilities, so here are Komamura and Tousen on their wedding day in AEIWAM.

Notes:

AEIWAM!Tousen is a Trans Man who has mathematically worked out that God Is Dead, you want to complain about what he's wearing to his wedding?

There are Mild Spoilers hidden in both outfits.

They filled out the paperwork the night Tousen finally woke up after defeating Aizen, at Tousen's insistence before something else had the opportunity to get in the way.

They still want to have a ceremony, but it's going to be a bit awkward as both are orphans, both sets of godparents are deceased or otherwise unalive (a different thing than dead in Soul Society), and there is not *technically* a bride.

But the best place to hid something mildly ridiculous is in a sea of something extremely ridiculous.

The Wedding is an act of Aggravated Chicanery upon all their friends and loved ones: They tell everyone they're hosting a Halloween Party, please come in the most outrageous costumes Possible.

Then when everyone has arrived, they lock the doors, unfurl the decorations and thrust stage directions into the hands of the Unsuspecting Wedding Party.

Yachiru is having a GREAT time being a Flower Velociraptor (She'd seen Jurassic Park so the contingent from the 11th is all present as Dinosaurs).

Rankigu and Nanao are recruited to help organize.

And so they won't seek revenge.

Hitsugaya *KNEW* something was up when Matsumoto suggested they do LotR costumes together, but thought this was her way of doing Big Naturals Gandalf*, but it was actually a trick to make him Frodo. The Ringbearer.

*It was also very much a justification for her to do Big Naturals Gandalf.

Shuuhei got talked into doing a group costume with Renji and Izuru, where the redhead is dressed as a bottle of Ketchup and the blond is Mustard, and now Shuuhei is standing up there as his Mentor's Best Man while dressed as a Hot Dog.

Tetsuzaemon Iba Doesn't have the excuse of friends. He Dressed up like Vegas Elvis all on his own.

After what happened with Byakuya, Yamamoto refuses to officiate any more weddings, just in case he's bad luck. He will walk Kaname up the Aisle though. As Santa.

Retsu Unohana, officiating in her capacity as a Highly Venomous Sea Slug: Dearly Beloved and Barely Tolerated- We are gathered here today to witness the union of two of the most unhinged assholes I know-

The Reception only gets wilder as Rangiku has arranged for there to be both an Open Bar and a Karaoke Machine.

[jordanianroyals]

Close-up of Rajwa Al Saif's henna party outfit on 22 May 2023. The dress, by Saudi designer Honayda Serafi, took more than 2,000 hours to create, and includes several hidden messages of love, Vogue Arabia reports.

“Crafted by Saudi designer Honayda Serafi, Al-Saif’s henna dress is a vision in white and gold. The future queen of Jordan celebrated with family and friends in a look that takes inspiration from the traditional Najdi dress, known as Sahabi thoub, which originates from the Najd region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Keeping in mind the occasion and the family, Serafi made sure to combine the cultural beauty of the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to celebrate the union of Rajwa and Prince Hussein beautifully.

Featuring a handcrafted veil and dress, Rajwa Al-Saif’s pristine white henna outfit comes doused in 3D ornaments, made using a mix of silk, metallic threads and traditional reed strings (a signature element of Najdi embroidery). To create this masterpiece, Honayda Serafi took cues from the bride’s personality, attempting to reflect her innate grace, the rich traditions of her land, and her contemporary spirit.

Look closely, and you’ll notice that Al-Saif’s gown is replete with lovingly made details. Featuring a high round neck and full sleeves, the crepe gown features an inverted triangle-shaped bodice that is inspired by the traditional Najdi bodice design, normally worn as a separate piece. As the body-skimming gown continues, it flares out towards the ankles to create a mermaid-esque shape. The bodice of the gown is elevated using embroidery: soft organza flowers share space with geometric shapes and Arabic motifs, all of which are typical to Saudi Arabia and reflect the beauty and traditions of the bride’s homeland.

Rajwa Al-Saif’s veil has also been embroidered with meaningful designs, making this piece so personal to her journey. Seven Jordanian stars adorn her veil to signify the seven-pointed star that sits proudly on the Jordanian flag. What makes this symbol even more special is its religious meaning: The star on the Jordan flag signifies the seven verses in the opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an, and the seven mountains of Amman.

Along with the stars, the veil also features intricate palm trees as a reference to Saudi Arabia, and even some poetry. The words “I see you, and life becomes more beautiful” have been embroidered into Al-Saif’s veil, from Tunisian poet Abu al-Qasim al-Shabi, known for his Andalusian notes. If you’re a fan of Rajwa Al-Saif’s elegant wardrobe, you may already know that the bride-to-be has a soft spot for special symbols when it comes to her clothing. Back in August 2022, when Rajwa was officially engaged to Prince Hussein, she also commemorated the occasion with her clothing—an abaya that was embroidered with two gold birds, symbolizing two souls in love.”

The veil took 760 hours to complete

An exquisite piece of couture requires hours of effort, and Rajwa Al-Saif’s henna outfit is no different. According to the designer, Al-Saif’s veil took 760 hours to complete, and was worked on by a team of experts, craftsman and women. Extending to 10 meters, the piece was made using handcrafted tulle, a process that normally takes close to 2,000 hours of work. As for her billowing gown, the creation is the result of 340 hours of work.

Honayda Serafi: “I am very proud and honored to be part of this historic union”

Speaking on the occasion, Serafi shared, “I am very proud and honored to be part of this historic union between His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of the honorable Hashemite family, and Miss Rajwa Khalid Alseif. May they be blessed with happiness and their union be crowned with success.” (x)

[sapphire-writes]

hii! Could you write something with Aemond x reader? Reader goes to Kings Landing with her family because her sister is betrothed to him but he ends up falling for the reader instead? Her sister fight with her and he defends her.

The Other Sister ~ Aemond x Reader

note: I love this request it really reminded me of Bridgerton season 2 and I'm such a sucker for Kate and Anthony (as I bet you can guess 😂). Hope you enjoy this! 💚 word count: 1.4k warnings: none really, some angst, language masterlist

“Introducing my daughter, Lady (Y/S/N), and her sister, Lady (Y/N),” your mother said, announcing your arrival at court. You stood before the Iron throne with your sister. You gave her an encouraging smile as curtseyed first, shaking like a leaf.

You curtseyed next, eyes drifting towards the floor. Your sister was betrothed to the second son of King Viserys, Prince Aemond Targaryen. The prince stood now next to his mother and siblings, while his father sat atop the throne. 

The prince has a harsh face, handsome but seems as though cut from marble. He wears a patch over his left eye, and the deep scar that slashes through the left side of his face is hidden mostly. He catches your eye as you watch him.

Your sister is so gentle, she is so kind. Here she presents herself, a flower blooming towards the heat of the sun. Towards the promise of safety and nurture. Can this prince provide all your sister's needs?

You look towards her again, and though she is your elder, you cannot help but feel a protectiveness come over you. She smiles softly at her betrothed, a shy maiden presenting herself before a Valyrian god. 

He walks over to her, passing you. You can smell the scent of smoke, the tang fills your senses making your mouth water. Prince Aemond holds his hand out to your sister; his palm engulfs her small hand as he places a kiss on the back of it. Your sister lets out a nervous breath, looking towards you for approval. You give her a small smile and look towards the prince. His violet eye gazes back, neither of you looking away. 

A feast is held to celebrate the union. As Aemond and your sister sit at the head table, you still feel unsure about the match. When the dancing begins your sister approaches you. 

“You must talk with him,” she commands in a hushed whisper. You scrunch your nose.

“Why?”

“You have been glaring at him since we arrived,” she hisses, “he shall think you hate him. And you cannot hate my husband. It simply will not do.”

You sigh, but decide to appease her. Besides, you want to make sure his intentions are good. 

Aemond stands by himself next to a pillar, holding a goblet of wine in his long fingers. He watches you approach from across the room, bringing the cup to his lips, never letting his eye leave yours. 

“Prince Aemond,” you greet, and he nods, acknowledging you.

“Lady (Y/N), such a pleasure to converse with my future kin,” he murmurs. A beat goes by.

“May I speak plainly, my prince?” you ask. 

“I would hope so,” Aemond tells you, nodding his permission. 

“I only wish to ensure my sister will have a happy marriage to you.”

“She shall be marrying a prince, what more happiness should she acquire?’

“My sister desires a love match.”

“Hm”

“I understand you have only just met her,” you continue, “but I encourage you to get to know her, she is a kind and gentle soul. She shall be easy to love.”

“What about you?”

You freeze, bringing your eyes to his face. Aemond’s violet eye is watching you carefully, the other obscured by his eyepatch. 

“What about me?” you ask, confused at his question. 

“Are you easy to love?”

You feel your heart skip a beat, as you wet your lips. 

“I am not betrothed, my prince,” you tell him, earning a low hum from the Targaryen prince.

“That is not what I asked.”

You hold his gaze, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. 

“I think this conversation is rather inappropriate. I only wish to see my sister cared for.”

“I have told you she shall be. A princess wants for little,” he says, waving off your concerns.

“She shall want affections of your heart.”

“And if I cannot give her that kindness?” he challenges. 

You swallow the lump in your throat. 

“Then do not marry her.”

“You speak so freely, Lady (Y/N). You would wish I break my word, rather than marry your sister whom I do not love, nor do I know if I am capable of such a thing.”

This causes your brow to furrow. 

“Not capable of love?” you question and he nods, “That seems unlikely.”

A curious expression appears on Aemond’s face. 

“Why do you say that?”

“I have seen you with your sister, with your mother. I think you love very truly, my prince.”

“But not her,” he says, referring to your sister. Your gaze lands on her across the room, as she is engaged in a dance with some lord. She smiles blissfully, unaware of the conversation you have with her betrothed. 

“No, not her,” you agree, though it saddens you. 

“There is little I can do.”

“Then do what you can.”

You leave it at that. Aemond is flustered by your boldness, and the ease you had whilst calling him out. His eye rakes over you, taking in your confident stance, the crease between your brows as you look upon him without fear.

You hope the prince cannot hear your heartbeat quickening in your chest at the intensity of his gaze. You can feel a flush creeping up your chest, your neck, and onto your face. 

Aemond’s mouth curls into a smirk.

“I shall try, m’lady,” he tells you, nodding before leaving you.

The rest of your visit does not go as planned. Aemond seems to seek out your company more so than that of your sister’s. Not that she notices at first, she is simply thrilled you seem to be getting along. 

It isn’t until one night, Aemond corners you during a dance. You have no choice but to engage with him as the music begins once more. 

“You must stop this,” you hissed as he moved around you in the dance, arms barely touching yours. 

“I do not know what you mean,” he tells you.

“This flirtation, it has gone far enough. You are to marry my sister.”

“I wish to marry you.”

Your head whips around to look at him. 

“I want you,” he repeats, his voice a dark whisper. His hand strokes a path up your arm. 

“I want to marry you, I want to fill you with my seed and watch you bear my children,” his voice is raw with emotion as your lips part. 

Aemond pulls you closer by your waist, eye falling to your lip. 

“What do you wish?” he asks, face close to yours. You look down at the perfect shape of his lips, and feel your body relax into his touch. 

“You.”

Aemond’s hand grabs the side of your face, causing a gasp to slip through your lips. Remembering where you are you pull away, eyes searching desperately for your sister. You spot her across the room, eyes wide watching you. 

“Sister,” you whisper as she leaves the room, her skirts a whirl behind her. You desperately chase after her. 

“Sister please!” you call and she turns on her heel, slapping you hard across the face. 

“How could you?” she yells, as you bring a hand to your stinging cheek. Your sister’s eyes are full of angry tears that threaten to spill over. 

“I am so sorry.”

“Sorry?” she laughs, an angry, unnatural sound, “do you love him?”

You feel a tear fall down your cheek, a cool path. She scoffs at you.

“Does he love you?” she asks.

“Yes,” Aemond’s voice calls from behind you. Your sister’s gaze falls on him. Her expression is bitter, angry, and above all, hurt. 

“I am sorry, Lady Y/S/N,” he says earnestly, taking your hand from your cheek to inspect the mark. Aemond’s lip curls at the sight of you injured. 

“How could you?” your sister hisses, “both of you?”

“The gods fashion us for love,” Aemond quips back at her, “who are we to question what they desire of us?”

Your sister stares him down, and to your surprise, Aemond looks away first. Gone is the shy maiden who met him the day the betrothal was announced. In her place stands fury incarnate. 

“Well,” your sister says, “I hope you are happy together.” She continues to leave. 

“Sister, please,” you cry.

“Do not follow me,” she says, looking back at you both one final time. You turn to Aemond, burying your face in his chest as he soothes you. 

“This is wrong,” you said, “we are terrible people.”

“Love is not wrong,” he murmurs, placing a kiss on your head. 

“Then why does it cause so much pain?” you ask, squeezing your eyes shut.

“The gods are mysterious, indeed,” Aemond answers as he holds you through your sobs.

[musicforastylesrestaurant]

Wedding Day Blues.

my masterlist || ask me anything <3

my blurb masterlist is here!

authors note - i was watching ‘Sam and Billie the mummy diaries’ and it was the wedding episode so i decided to write something wedding inspired. 🤷‍♀️

word count - 2.4k

in which, it’s your and your fiancés wedding day, getting married in the garden of your shared italian villa, surrounded by your close friends and loved ones, but you can’t help but let the nerves get to you.

Today was meant to be a day that you will never forget.

You and your fiancé had been engaged for a total of two years and today was the day the two of you would be tying the knot.

As you stand in the guest bedroom of your enchanting Italian villa, the soft morning sunlight streams through the window, casting a warm glow on the elegantly adorned room. The walls, painted in serene pastel hues, echo the timeless romance that fills the air on this momentous day. The delicate lace curtains sway gently, as if whispering secrets of love and anticipation.

Gazing outside, your heart swells with emotion as you witness the scene unfolding before you. The garden, a verdant paradise, is transformed into a sanctuary of love and celebration. Rows of pristine white chairs are meticulously arranged, each one a seat for a cherished guest, their faces alive with joy and excitement.

Your eyes are drawn to the majestic archway adorned with intertwined blooms and foliage, an emblem of unity and devotion. Beneath it, you and your beloved will stand, surrounded by the fragrant embrace of nature, ready to exchange vows that will bind your hearts eternally.

In the midst of this exquisite scene, workers bustle with quiet dedication, ensuring that every detail is perfect. The flowers, vibrant and fragrant, are arranged flawlessly. The soft, melodic hum of their preparations blends harmoniously with the rustling leaves and distant chirping of birds, creating a symphony of anticipation.

As you stand there, dressed in a gown that embodies your dreams and adorned with the promise of forever.

The dress was flowy, white and the bodice was designed with flowers, your hair was curled and in a bun.

A sense of profound gratitude washes over you. The villa, the garden, the archway—all bear witness to the love that has blossomed and grown, leading you to this magical moment. And as the day unfolds, you know that this chapter of your journey will be etched in your hearts and memories, a testament to the beauty of love and the artistry of life.

As you watch from the window, a rush of emotions courses through you as you see your fiancé, Harry, take his place at the altar. His presence is commanding, yet his eyes hold a vulnerability that speaks to the depth of your connection. The weight of the moment presses against your chest, and your hands tremble uncontrollably.

Nerves begin to tighten their grip, a tide of anxiety that threatens to overwhelm you. You realise you need to step away from the window, away from prying eyes, to find solace in the privacy of your own thoughts. Slowly, you retreat from the view, your heart racing as you navigate the room.

Sinking onto the edge of the bed, you try to steady your breathing, but the panic has taken hold. Your breath comes in shallow gasps, and your vision blurs as the world around you becomes a blur of colours and shapes. It's as if the weight of the moment, the culmination of so many dreams and hopes, has become too much to bear all at once.

In the midst of this overwhelming rush of sensations, you clutch at the sheets beneath your fingers, seeking an anchor amidst the storm. Your mind races, thoughts colliding, and tears prick at the corners of your eyes. You close your eyes, trying to regain control, to remind yourself that this moment is a celebration of love, a union of two souls meant to be together.

As you sit on the edge of the bed, lost in the grip of your panic attack, you're startled by a gentle knock on the door. Your father's voice, warm and familiar, floats through the air, breaking through the fog of your distress.

"Hey darling, are you almost ready? It's almost time."

However, in the midst of your overwhelming emotions, the sound of his knock doesn't register. You remain caught in the clutches of your anxiety, your breathing erratic, your hands trembling. Your father, sensing that something might be amiss, quietly enters the room.

As he approaches you, concern etches his face. He takes in the sight of you, shaken and struggling to catch your breath.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asks softly, his voice a soothing balm against the storm that rages within you. He places a gentle hand on your shoulder, attempting to offer comfort.

You try to respond, to explain the torrent of feelings that has engulfed you, but your words are caught in your throat. Tears gather in your eyes, and you find it difficult to meet his gaze. His presence, though, is a lifeline, a reminder of the love and support that surrounds you.

Your father's touch is steady and unwavering as he continues to reassure you.

"It's okay, my love. Just take a deep breath with me." His voice is a lifeline, guiding you through the storm with every word.

He encourages you to focus on your breath, guiding you in inhaling and exhaling, the rhythm slowly helping to ground you. His calming presence, his unwavering love, begins to chip away at the edges of your panic, offering a glimmer of relief.

As the waves of panic slowly recede, you manage to find your voice, your trembling words breaking through the lingering unease.

"I want Harry," you mutter, the simple desire a beacon of clarity amidst the emotional tumult.

Your father's eyes soften with understanding, and he nods in response, a silent affirmation of your wishes. With a reassuring squeeze of your shoulder, he offers a comforting smile. "Of course, my dear. I'll be right back."

He steps away from you, leaving a sense of warmth and reassurance in his wake. The space around you is filled with a mixture of anticipation and a newfound sense of serenity. You watch as he leaves the room, his footsteps fading down the corridor, a promise that he'll bring the one who can anchor you most in this moment of vulnerability.

Harry stands at the altar, a black tuxedo, with a frilly colour and a long, thin black tie, matching trousers and some heeled chelsea boots on his feet, the embodiment of nerves and excitement, his heart racing as he waits for the moment you'll appear. His gaze sweeps over the rows of seated guests, their faces illuminated by the soft golden light of the sun. The garden around him is alive with anticipation, each petal and leaf whispering of the love that's about to unfold.

But as he scans the garden, his eyes seeking the vision of you he's held in his heart, a flicker of concern crosses his features. You're nowhere to be seen, and his brow furrows with worry. His gaze narrows, hoping for a glimpse of your familiar figure emerging from the villa, but the seconds stretch on, and you remain absent.

Confusion deepens into concern as he tilts his head, trying to discern any sign of what might be amiss. His heart beats faster, the rhythm of the moment disrupted by the absence of the one he's been waiting for. Just as worry begins to tighten its grip, he notices your father approaching him, a determined expression on his face.

"Harry," your father says, his voice steady, though laced with urgency. "I need to talk to you for a moment."

He offers a reassuring smile, his eyes holding a mix of empathy and understanding.

Harry's heart skips a beat, his apprehension growing as he steps forward to meet your father.

"Is everything alright?" he asks, his voice carrying the weight of concern.

Your father takes a deep breath before speaking, his tone measured and calm. "There's been a little hiccup with (Y/N). She's inside the villa, and she needs a moment."

A rush of emotions sweeps over Harry as reality sinks in. He nods in understanding, his thoughts racing. "Is she okay?"

Your father's eyes soften, and he places a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "She's with us. Just needed a moment to gather herself. I wanted to let you know."

Without another word, Harry turns on his heels and rushes back down the aisle toward the villa. He moves with an urgency fueled by love and concern, his heart pounding in his chest.

Time seems to stretch as you wait, the air pregnant with anticipation. In the distance, the sounds of laughter and murmured conversations from the garden drift through the window, a reminder of the celebration that awaits. And then, as if a gentle whisper of destiny, the door opens once again.

And there he is—Harry, your anchor, your rock, your source of solace. His presence fills the room, a magnetic force that draws you closer to him. As his eyes meet yours, you see an understanding there, a connection that transcends words.

In that instant, all the swirling worries and fears seem to melt away, replaced by a sense of security that only his presence can provide. He barely spares a glance at your dress, as if deliberately averting his gaze to maintain the element of surprise.

Without hesitation, Harry crosses the room, his movements fueled by a sense of urgency to be by your side. He crouches down in front of you, his fingers gently finding yours, his touch a lifeline as he holds your trembling hands. His eyes search your face, his concern etched in his expression.

"Hey," he says softly, his voice a tender murmur that seems to fill the room. "What's wrong? Talk t’me."

You draw in a shaky breath, feeling the safety of his presence as you begin to voice the jumbled thoughts that have been plaguing your mind.

"I'm really nervous, H," you admit, your words a vulnerable confession of your inner turmoil.

Harry's grip on your hands tightens, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on your skin.

"It's okay t’be nervous, m’honey," he reassures you, his gaze unwavering. "But we're in this together. Y’and me, right?"

A tear escapes your eye, and you nod, your voice barely a whisper. "I know, but... I want to make sure you're making the right decision by marrying me. I don't want you to regret it."

Harry's brow furrows slightly, his eyes searching yours with a mixture of understanding and determination.

"Listen t’me," he says firmly, his voice carrying a depth of emotion that leaves no room for doubt. "There's no one else, (Y/N), baby You're the only one I want, the only one I've ever wanted."

The weight of his words settles over you like a warm embrace, filling the space around you with a sense of profound clarity. In his gaze, you see a reflection of the love that has brought you to this moment, a love that is steadfast and unwavering.

With a tender smile, Harry reaches up to wipe away the tear that has fallen from your eye. "I'm here because I want t’be, because I choose y’every single day. We're a team, and we're on this journey together."

As you hold Harry's gaze, your heart swells with emotion, the words you're about to speak carrying the weight of vulnerability.

"Harry, I'm not like everyone else you've dated," you begin, your voice soft yet resolute. "I'm not a model, I'm not famous, I'm just... average."

The sincerity in your words hangs in the air, a testament to your own insecurities, a fear that you might not measure up to the glamorous lives he's been a part of. But before you can say more, Harry interrupts you, his voice gentle yet firm. "Hey, don't say that."

His fingers find yours, his touch grounding you in the moment. The look in his eyes is earnest, a reflection of his genuine emotions. "You're not just 'average',your (Y/N). Y’unique, y’beautiful, and y’perfect just the way y’are. Y’don't have t’be like anyone else. That's not why I love you."

The weight of his words washes over you, a tide of reassurance that erases the doubts you've been carrying. His sincerity wraps around you like a warm embrace, pushing away the shadows of comparison and self-doubt. In this moment, you understand that Harry's love transcends the surface and superficial, and that his feelings for you run deep.

He lifts your chin gently, his thumb brushing against your cheek as he gazes into your eyes. "Y’are not defined by anyone else's standards. Y’not just a sum of y’parts. Y’you, and that's all I ever wanted."

As Harry continues to hold your hands, his fingers gently intertwined with yours, his observant gaze catches the subtle tremble that still lingers in your fingers.

A hint of concern flickers in his eyes, and he offers a tender smile, his voice a soothing balm. "Y’know, there's an idea that just crossed m’mind."

You meet his gaze, curious and attentive, eager to hear what he's thinking.

"What is it?" you ask, your voice a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

His smile widens, and his words are spoken with a warmth that radiates through the room. "What if... what if we walked down the aisle together?"

The suggestion hangs in the air, its simplicity carrying a depth of understanding that resonates with you. The idea of facing the nervousness together, as a team, is both comforting and intriguing. You take a moment to consider it, letting the concept settle within your heart.

"Walk down the aisle together?" you repeat, your thoughts taking shape. "You mean, like, side by side?"

Harry nods, his gaze unwavering, his expression filled with unwavering support. "Yeah, that way y’won't have t’feel nervous. We'll face whatever comes together."

His words echo the sentiment you've come to cherish—the idea of partnership, of sharing the journey, of supporting one another through challenges. You let his suggestion sink in, and a sense of relief begins to replace the lingering apprehension.

After a beat, you smile, your heart lighter than it's been in moments. "Yeah, that would make me feel a lot better."

Harry's eyes light up, his smile mirroring your own as he uses one hand to your hand gently and uses his free hand to wipe under your eyes, making sure your mascara didn’t smudge. "Good. It's settled then. We'll walk down that aisle together, facing whatever comes hand in hand."

His words are a promise, a reassurance that even in the face of nervousness and uncertainty, you'll find strength in each other's presence. As you lock eyes with Harry, you're reminded once again of the power of love, the connection that can ease even the most anxious of hearts.

[iblameashley]

Rekindle: Soulstring Symphony

Military | Male | Gay

2,400~words Content: AU, time skips, soulmates, depression, longing, angst, bullet wound, mention of blood, bit of fluff, gay stuff, happy ending.

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley | John 'Soap' MacTavish

!!!SFW!!!

Everyone has a special someone out there in the world. Everyone is connected in their own way, and for John 'Soap' MacTavish, that's through song. Every time they sing, they can hear each other... until one day the songs stop and Soap is left alone and heartbroken. Thrusting himself into a military career, he eventually pushes the idea of finding his one-and-only out of his mind; until a mission goes wrong and he hears his soulmate once more. (Based on Tweet below GIF)

THE LONGING

It was difficult sometimes, to wander the world alone. To see all the soulmates around you find their perfect person. Johnny wondered if he would find his soulmate one day too.

The memory of the songs haunted him now, but he remembered the first time he had heard them, been blessed by them. He had been asleep in his bed at his family home when the melody slowly crept into his dreams. The voice was rich and smooth, with a deepness that pieced his heart.

But when he woke, he could only remember the outro of the song.

...As the night surrenders to the dawn, and the stars begin to fade, The echoes of our connection linger in the serenade. A promise in each note, a vow in every line, To find you in this lifetime, and forever call you mine...

Then one day, the songs stopped. He had wondered if maybe his soulmate had died suddenly; it had happened to other people, and it was a soul-crushing experience to know you'd spend the rest of your life alone. Disconnected. Halved.

Johnny had searched the library for old folks songs, and then eventually online, plugging the lyrics he remembered into search engines to come up empty. This was an original song, it seemed.

Johnny's journey began at home in Scotland. Guided by the knowledge that more than two thirds of all soulmates were born within a one thousand kilometre radius of each other.

That didn't stop people from moving away by any means, but it narrowed the search down to the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countries of the European Union. And he was pretty certain his soulmate wasn't in the ocean.

He travelled the misty highlands, the expansive coasts, and ancient castles seeking any clue that might lead him to his love. Town after town, and small villages were turned upside down in hopes of anything. But finding nothing that lead him closer to his soulmate, he moved on Ireland, then England; finding only a growing despair and loneliness in his heart.

Everywhere he travelled he found nothing but dead ends. There was nothing in Norway, except the picturesque scenery of the fjords. Denmark, while also another beautiful country to visit was just as barren of his soulmate as all the preceding locales. By the time he had reached the Netherlands, all he had was a dimming hope in his heart. In a quite place among the bulbs of the Keukenhof garden, Johnny took a seat under a tree and closed his eyes.

He took a deep breath and recalled the last bit of the song; not that it took much to remember, having been burned deep into his soul for so long.

In his deep voice, low as a whisper, he began to sing. To reach out to his soulmate in hopes of kindling a response.

...As the night surrenders to the dawn, and the stars begin to fade, The echoes of our connection linger in the serenade. A promise in each note, a vow in every line, To find you in this lifetime, and forever call you mine...

Choking out the lyrics through the welling tears in his eyes, Johnny waited for a reply, anything to tell him that his soulmate was still out there somewhere. The maddening silence was the only answer he got in return.

“Please answer me, mo chridhe.” He whimpered.

Finding no peace or happiness among the trees and flowers of the garden, Johnny decided it was time to move on once more.

Without a reply to the song to guide him, Johnny felt lost. His heart was beginning to fracture on his way back home. Having used all of his savings, and not wanting go home to his family still alone, he was ready to enlist in the military and see where his life would take him. If he was destined to be alone now, the least he could do was feel like his life meant something. That he was doing something worthwhile. At least, that's how he sold it to himself.

But then something happened.

It was faint, almost like white noise in his head. It wasn't the song, not exactly... more like a longing that resonated deep from his soulmates heart. They were out there, close, but still far and beyond his reach. It was just an echo. A ghost.

“Mo chridhe...” He murmured into the window of the train car. “I'm here... you're not alone.”

And then, just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

It crushed him.

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ENLISTMENT & THE SAS

Prodigy is not a word tossed around so easily in the British military; but that's what Johnny was. Young, smart, motivated and able to out think and out manoeuvre his fellow soldiers.

This path left no room for distractions, let alone the notion of his soulmate still being out there and longing for him in return. Or so he lied to himself.

He was able to think outside the box and on the fly to complete tasks that most men thought were impossible. He couldn't deny that it went to his head. Johnny's mental health bore the weight of his relentless pursuit of perfection, to meet his astronomical and unreachable standards, and thrived on the positive feedback and praise from his superiors.

But added to the stress of his standards was the constant scrutiny from his fellow soldiers. While most of the enlisted men in the service became close comrades, it was something that was kept at an arms length for Johnny. No one wanted to be around the young, up-and-coming showoff – and smart ass – Scot.

Off-duty time was the only time where Johnny's focus wavered. With nothing to occupy his time, mind or hands, he was left to his thoughts; and those usually drifted to his loneliness. To dull the ache in his heart every night, Johnny would find a quiet and secluded spot on the base and would sing to himself and to his soulmate; who he prayed could still hear him.

...When I'm lonely, well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you And when I'm dreaming, well, I know I'm gonna dream I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you When I go out (when I go out), well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you And when I come home (when I come home), yes, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you I'm gonna be the man who's coming home with you...

“Mo chridhe... I wanna be the man who grows old with you.”

Another night of singing, another night of silence in return.

The turning point in Johnny's career was when he aimed at the SAS, the best of the best, the elite. What Johnny wasn't aware of at the time was that the SAS had their sights set on him as well. They recognized the potential in him and valued his abilities to think beyond the military norms.

The process to be selected for the SAS was, in a word, gruelling. Johnny pushed himself to the limits of his physical and mental endurance. Yet in the forge of the SAS training program, he was able hone his skills and discover a deeper understanding of his own resilience.

Though it nearly broke him – in a different way than his loneliness had – Johnny managed to pass the selection process and found his new sense of purpose. The long climb through the ranks of the military quickly shifted, and his career felt like something he could celebrate. Along with the accomplishment of being among the elites, Johnny finally began to find brothers in arms, friends.

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MEETING THE GHOST

The hum of the engines drown nearly all other sounds out, even the rumbling engine of the approaching truck. Ghost was waiting on his SAS forces to arrive, and was not disappointed when one particular Sergeant hopped off the truck and jogged over to him.

“Save ya' a seat, LT.” He playfully quipped, giving Ghost a punch to the shoulder before darting towards the ramp to the plane.

“Fuckin' Hell...” muttered in his gruff voice. He slowly moved forward, following Soap.

Outwardly, Ghost appeared annoyed by the Scotsman, but he couldn't help but be a little amused by the man.

He was also grateful for the mask, and his ability to hide the beginnings of a smirk that tugged at the corners of his lips.

Ghost joined the rest of the men on the plane and strapped himself in for takeoff. He was unaccustomed to working with such a large team, and it made him uneasy. There was a knot in his stomach as his eyes scanned the cargo area, falling on every soldier down the line.

And then there was Soap, sitting directly across from him with a shit-eating grin on his face.

“So, LT, ye ever been tae Mexico?” He asked, attempting to break the ice.

Ghost locked his gaze onto Soap and sat there quietly. He considered replying, but somehow he knew that Soap wasn't the man to just inquire about the mission. It was the smile on his face and the glint in his eyes. So Ghost sat there quietly.

“It's an awfully long flight, LT. Gotta pass the time somehow, aye?” Soap continued. “Ye ever been tae Las Almas?”

Ghost conceded and gave a shake of his head. “No.”

Soap nodded in response.

“Guessin' ye never worked with the Mexican Forces, then?”

Ghost let out an inaudible sigh. “Nothing more than intelligence sharing. But I know they are an effective group.”

He didn't understand why he was still indulging this conversation, but there was something about the Sergeant that disarmed him; threw him off balance. Ghost would rather be waterboarded than admit that out loud, though.

“Aye, I've heard they're no strangers tae dealing with the like o' the cartels. Hope Alejandro dinnae think we're here tae step on any toes.”

Ghost shakes his head firmly. “Alejandro has a solid reputation.”

Soap shifted slightly in his seat, stretching a leg out towards Ghost.

“Ye ever wonder what ye'd do if ye found yerself on the other side of an ambush?” Soap asked, knowing it was still work-related but not mission-related.

Ghost actually pondered the question for a moment, oblivious to Soaps intention to get him to open up, he finally replied. “Stay low, prioritize targets, maintain communication and adapt as necessary.”

Soap grinned and gave another nod. “Tactical tae the bone, eh, LT?”

Ghost let out an agreeable grunt.

“Favourite childhood memory. Go.” Soap said, abruptly switching the topic.

Ghosts eyes were rather indifferent to the question, but there was a part of him that wanted to chuckle at the ridiculous question. Suppressing that urge, he cleared his throat before engaging Soap once more.

“This isn't a game, Soap.”

“Aye, It's not, but no harm en' askin' ye?” Soap retorted. He couldn't help himself, he felt a deep urge to lay on some charm with the big man that sat across from him.

He wasn't going to relent. Ghost knew it, and he could see the smirks and chuckles from those in earshot of this conversation.

“Training sessions in the rain.” Ghost deadpanned.

Soaps head jutted back and he raised a brow. “That's yer idea of fun?” he questioned.

Something stirred in Soap with that reply. A warmth. Ghost was definitely a closed off man, and one of few words, but it seems he still had a sense of humour about him. It intrigued Soap to no end. Ghost had no idea what he was getting himself into now that Soap had managed to worm his way under Ghost's armour.

“It's efficient.” Ghost added in his flat tone. In his own way, Ghost was enjoying this playful banter, it was something he hadn't allowed himself in years. Though he was concerned at how easily Soap managed to disarm him, even if he didn't outwardly show it.

“Might have tae get ye to show mae sometime.” Soap declared.

Ghost could only look away, focusing his gaze on a rather unremarkable sign bolted to a bulkhead of the plane. He hated and loved the feeling swelling inside him. A feeling he saw reflected in Soaps eyes.

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IN STITCHES

“The fuck ye trying tae do tae me, kill mae?” Soap whined as Ghosts hands worked to asses the wound on Soaps abdomen.

Ghost let out one of his usual, gruff grunts of amusement.

“Looks like you tried to do that all on your own, Johnny.” He replied, a sardonic smile playing on his lips under his mask.

“Ach... ye've not got the hands for this, Simon.” Soap continued to complain, his voice strained with discomfort.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Sergeant. I've had worse patients." Ghost retorted, his hands working with a practiced efficiency. "Maybe if you stopped trying to catch bullets with your abdomen, we wouldn't be in this mess."

Despite the blood over his hands and the rickety table under Soap, the wound really wasn't as severe as it seemed. The bullet had passed through the right side of Soaps abdomen, and no major blood vessels or organs were hit.

Soap winced, a low grumble escaping him. "Fuckin' bullets never were good for mae complexion, Ghost. Maybe if ye stopped picking missions with so much lead flying around, I wouldn't have tae be yer practice dummy."

“Stop whining and moving around.” Ghost fired back as he worked to clean the wound. He scanned his medical supplies, and sighed in relief that there was enough there to patch Soap up and get him back on his feet. “You're lucky the bullet went through you the way it did, otherwise I'd be carrying your dead ass back to exfil.”

“Aw, ye wouldn't leave mae behind? Even if I was a gonner?” Soap teased, though his usual grin was weak and unconvincing.

“Wouldn't do that.” Ghost divulged with an unusual amount of honesty, his eyes momentarily betraying a hint of genuine concern beneath the mask. "Besides, who else would I have to annoy with my impeccable charm?"

It took Soap by surprise and left him momentarily speechless. “Jus' patch mae up and get us tae Exfil.” He grumbled, resting his head on the table. “An' for the record, I'm the charmin' one on this team.” He smirked.

As he stared up at the ceiling, he couldn't help but reflect on how this mission had gone tits up. The room, dimly lit with flickering candlelight and a few flashlights, emphasized the gravity of their situation.

The mission was pretty straight forward; infiltrate a terrorist stronghold on a dense tropical forest on an island in the South China Sea. Ghost and Soap had approached the island via stealth insertion and had to navigate the vegetation and hills until they reached the compound perimeter undetected. The objective: confirm the presence of a high-ranking extremist leader.

The mission had actually started out well, the overcast skies and foggy waters provided more cover than initially predicted, and both men were able to navigate through the shadows to the compound.

The compound itself was old and run down, with barely any power. There were very few camera's, the electric fences didn't function and the guards were spread far and wide. It was almost too easy to breach the defences and slither their way inside.

But a few wrong steps - quite literally - and a slip of the tongue alerted one guard to their presence. One guard turned in ten, then thirty and suddenly they were overrun. Apparently the compound housed more terrorist forces than intel had lead them to believe. With a few quick and desperate shots and a lot of running, Ghost and Soap made their retreat, but not before Soap got shot.

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SONGS AND SOULMATES

With Soap begrudgingly resting on the creaky table, Ghost moved with his usual purpose through the small, dilapidated home. He meticulously secured all doors and windows as best he could, putting up wooden planks and chairs where he could, and using torn and foul-smelling blankets to cover the windows. There had been sounds in the distance, too indistinct to tell if it was wild animals or their pursuers, but he wasn't willing to take any chances.

Outside, Ghost stood guard under the small porch of the entryway. He scanned the darkness of the forest around them before taking a step off the crooked step and into the soft soil beneath his feet. The silence was eerie, even for him; though looking at him you'd never know it.

Ghost began to do perimeter walks, though never straying far from the small abode that Johnny lay in. It was a stroke of luck that either other them had found this abandoned hovel. If Ghost had to guess, this used to be some sort of drug smuggling port. The few buildings and dock were clearly hastily assembled, which also explained their current state of disrepair, though the one home they occupied was the only fully standing structure left.

Ghost couldn't help but also wonder; how was this place was missed during the intel gathering? Though it had been a miracle to exist and be abandoned when they needed it most, maybe it was best to not look too deeply into the matter.

Knowing they needed to get back on the road – so to speak – Ghost finished up his last lap of the area and headed back towards the home. He stepped up onto the old porch and slowly creaked the door open.

Ghost's gloved hand barely released the door handle when it hit him. A melody, soft and somehow distant, crept into his consciousness. A song, not from the dense jungle outside, but resonating within the confines of the small home and within his own head. The disparity between the reality of their situation and the euphoric notes dancing in his mind brought Ghost to a halt.

...When I'm lonely, well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you And when I'm dreaming, well, I know I'm gonna dream I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you When I go out (when I go out), well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you And when I come home (when I come home), yes, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you I'm gonna be the man who's coming home with you..

His heart, accustomed to its steady rhythm, even during combat, skipped a beat. The song washed over him like the waves of an incoming tide; soft, soothing and dangerous.

For the first time in a long time, Ghost was frozen, and there was a lump caught in his throat. He hadn't expected this, and certainly not now. He hadn't sung since he had become The Ghost, and his soulmate has stopped singing to him years ago. He had convinced himself they were beyond each others reach now, resigned to a fate of loneliness. But here it was now, in his head, threatening to drown him in emotions he has long since suppressed.

Managing to muster up the courage and strength to step inside and close the door behind him. He took a shallow breath with every step as he crept closer to the kitchen where Soap lay.

He peered through the crack in the door, still a fair distance away, and focused on Soaps lips as they softly mouthed the words to 'I'm gonna be'. His head spun with every passing line as it dawn on him that he had been serving alongside his soulmate for years now, completely unaware.

But it couldn't be true. It was impossible! They would have figured it out, certainly, right? They were soulmates, there should have been other signs!

And there were. There had been plenty, but both of them had been too lost to grief and despair and their careers to notice.

Despite the proof in front of him, Ghost needed to be certain. Maybe he was somehow hallucinating Soaps voice in his head. He had to know. He had to test.

Swallowing hard, Ghost parted his lips under his mask, and began to sing some of the song he had written when he was a teen, when he first became aware he had a soulmate out there in the world. It was low, nearly a whisper, to ensure Soap couldn't hear from from the other room.

...Through the trials and the battles, where our destinies entwine, May this song guide you to me, a soulmate undefined...

A symphony of yearning, sung from the depths within, An anthem for the restless hearts, a journey to begin. In the tapestry of fate, where threads of time align, This melody of hope declares a love that's divine...

As Ghost reached out with his song, Soaps eyes widened with surprise and recognition. It was the song from his youth. “Mo chridhe.” He choked to the ceiling above him.

And Ghost continued.

...Oh, whispers in the shadows, reach across the starlit sea, A serenade for the one who shares this tune with me. Through the trials and the battles, where our destinies entwine, May this song guide you to me, a soulmate undefined.

As the night surrenders to the dawn, and the stars begin to fade, The echoes of our connection linger in the serenade. A promise in each note, a vow in every line, To find you in this lifetime, and forever call you mine...

Ghost paced the small space as his song came to an end, his masked features betraying the turmoil within. The weight of years spent in solitude, conditioned himself to guard his heart against the vulnerabilities of love, collided with the realization that Soap, his annoying Scotsman Sergeant, was closer than ever.

Their shared history, and the undeniable proof of their soulmate bond, felt like both a lifeline and a precipice. Ghost's stoicism, a shield against the harsh realities of their world, buckled in the face of this revelation. The desire to retreat into the well-known comfort of silence was strong, fueled by the fear of exposing the fragile state of his own heart.

As Ghost contemplated the situation, his eyes fell once more to Soap, laying on the table. He had almost convinced himself to keep it a secret, until Soap began to sing again, this time he echoed the song Simon had written all those years ago. His heart swelled with affection for this idiot. His Sergeant. His soulmate.

For all his quirks and banter, Soap... Johnny had become an indelible part of Ghost's life. The possibility of losing him now, with their shared history and the bond rekindled, was a risk Ghost found himself unwilling to take.

The decision solidified in his mind, compelled not just by duty but by a deeper, unspoken respect... love that had weathered the test of time. Ghost couldn't deny that Soap deserved to know, deserved to understand the reason he stopped reaching out and searching.

Steeling himself, Ghost slowly walked across the room and pushed the door open to the kitchen, approaching Soap like a he would a mission objective. And then he stood before Soap who lay there and looked at him with teary eyes, and all of Ghosts resolve melted away. There wasn't going to be any “I'm your soulmate, Johnny.” or “I heard your singing in my head, I never knew it was you!” or any such directness.

Instead, Ghost cleared his throat and give Soaps wound one last glance.

“Time to go.” He commanded, already assisting Soap into a sitting position. “Gotta get to exfil before we're found, Johnny.”

As Soap stepped down to the floor, Ghost helped to steady him. “Easy there, Johnny.” He muttered, his voice low but filled with a touch of warmth.

Soap let out a grunt and a nod, and gave Ghost a few firm pats on the shoulder. “I'm fine, LT.”

As Soap found his footing, Ghost ensured all the candles they used were put out and their equipment packed up and ready to go. He could see the longing and pain creeping back into Soaps expression, and it broke his heart; something he assumed would have been impossible until this moment.

He gripped the nape of Soaps neck firmly and aimed him towards the front door. “We'll take it slow...” he began as they started to walk, “but we should reach exfil before the night surrenders to the dawn... Mo chridhe ”

Soap was caught off guard – to say the least – by the words that fell from Ghosts mouth, and felt his heart flutter. The tone in Ghosts voice carried the admission of their connection, and the immediate danger they were in felt far away.

“C'mon you muppet... gotta get you to safety, we've got a little to talk about, yeah?” Ghost understated. His fingers massaged gently at the back of Soaps neck as they continued to walk out of the house and into the forest. Soap was still grappling with the revelation that there was more to their bond, his footsteps heavy and his breath short as his mind worked to unravel what had just happened.

“Simon...” was all he was able to mutter.

“I know Johnny...” Ghosts vocie went low and was filled with remorse. “I'm sorry, chridhe. I'll make it up to you.”

Soap wanted to cry, to burst into tears and turn and hug Ghost, but Ghost was right; they had to get to safety first, and then they could talk about it. “Yer pronunciation was shite, Mo luaidh.” Soap chuckled; grabbing at his sore abdomen as he shuffled through the foliage. “We'll work on that tae, aye?”

Ghost let out an approving grunt, giving Soap a playful push forward.

[a66-1]

HI OMG i just read all your stuff and theyre so GOOD AGHH!;!3)2):&;&??? and for any requests how about another docile!simon because hes SOO CUTE IM IN LOOVEE or a childhood!best friend 😮‍💨😮‍💨

crying and throwing up bc AHH

tysm omg..

it's giving I should do both of these

Childhood bestfriend!Simon (who's a docile soul) x Reader.

a/n: major fluff ❤️

what was a661 listening to? (Homesick by Noah Kahan, Sugar Sweet by Benson Boone, Young Blood by Noah Kahan, Like Real People Do by Hoizer)

Unedited and not proofread

Simon and you go way back, and I mean way back. You knew this boy since he learned how to tie his shoe. (Unsurprisingly you had to teach him because what the heck are you doing to the laces?)

You lived slightly south of Manchester, and only really saw Simon when your parents met up every month or so, but you and Simon were essentially locked at the hip when you two were around each other. Pinkies bound together as you walked around the pond, watching the swans swim in the water. His smile was always so.. Soft. Never a big, excited smile. One where you knew he was comfortable.

His older brother always scoffed at the two of you, opting to stick by his parents and yours as they sat on a bench, as they talked amongst themself. Simon Unhooked his pinkie from yours as he bent by a few rocks, looking through them.

"Hey, come 'ere." He gestured you over. You crouched next to him. He picked a few weed flowers, and plopped on the ground to tie the bottoms together. When he was done, he handed them to you.

"There! For you. They're really pretty." He smiled softly, as you took them. You laughed quietly, and hugged him.

"Thank you, Si." You said quietly, before pecking his cheek. You heard your mom yell at you to get your hands off eachother, as you two are only 8 and 10.

You two separate, and walk back over to your parents. Simon had a pink hue to his cheeks, but nothing he couldn't not excuse as sunburn.

Once you got in your rickety car back to your house, it's not like you knew you'd never see him again. You were packed and already on the plane 3 weeks later.

The absolute meltdown you had in the airport had your mom threatening to ductape your mouth shut, and you're pretty sure you cried all the way to America.

-

You lift your head, noticing your spot in line has moved up, again. You shift forward, a basket of food in your arms. You got your own places little over a year ago. Freedom feels.. Great, actually, nobody is on your ass and you can freely drive anywhere without a 'where tf are you??' text.

You get to the register, and give a polite nod and 'I'm good, and you?' Your accent still catches a few people off guard. Fucking hell, this state is absolute shit sometimes. Just because some people aren't the same as you, you don't gotta be weird about it-

It's not even like it's heavy, it's just slightly there. Growing up with the most British parents in a very not British town has got your accent all odd, but if anyone from Manchester heard you, they might be able to decipher you.

You take your bags and walk to your car, loading it. Just one more thing in the list... Ah, the pet shop. The place isn't far, so you lock your car and start your walk on the way there.

A few Military officers stand a block away, across the street. They don't look quite American, in all actuality, isn't that the flag from-

You abruptly run into someone. Fuck. God, why don't you keep your eyes open every once in a while? You take a step back, rubbing your nose. Crap, they had a hard fucking chest, because your nose feels half broken.

"My bad, I'm so sorry-" You glance up to notice an military officer. You stand straighter, noticing the Union Jack flag. The guy has gear on, and a.. Ghost mask? A bavaclava, I'm pretty sure, and some eye black.

"It's.." He squints, pausing, before continuing, "Fine. It's fine."

That's an accent if you've heard one. God, it's familiar as crap, you know you've heard it before. Which parents had that accent again? Sounds like.. Jack's parents were more west...

"You uh.. You from here?" He gruffly asks, "Can tell you got an accent."

You shake your head, "I was born in Manchester, moved when I was 8, give or take."

His eyes widen this time, before cursing. He turns to the group of men further down, and throws a hand signal. They nod, and continued a conversation they were having.

"Oh? I had a friand who uh.. Who.." He hesitated, but he slipped off his mask.

"Who did that too."

You stared doe eyed at him. "Simon?"

That blonde hair is impossible to forget. You choke on a laugh, before grabbing his face. His nose is definitely different, but it looks like shits been broken.

"Holy shit, it's you." He smiled. Fucking hell, his smile.

"Jesus! What're you doing here, I mean- I-I never thought we'd-" You cut yourself off with a laugh, before hugging him tightly, your hands curling into his hair. He swiftly hugged back, rocking you softly. Goddammit, he looks good.

Good, good.

"Oh lovie, you can't understand how happy I am, I remember how you left and.." He stares at you quietly, and frowned. "Never really made another friend like you again."

That made you frown, "Si, you should've made friends! I was just the example!" You throw in a smile, to show him your joking.

You both find yourself laughing together, your hands back on his cheek, his hands on your hips. And.. Some reason naturally, you drifted closer and.. Kissed. Neither of you hesitated, it was swift and you kept his head against yours, and you made sure the kiss was good.

He was good.

You both pulled away, a soft look shared among you too.

"Are we gonna brush past that, or.." He laughed, and hugged you again, swinging you around once. You yelped, and hit his shoulder.

"Put me down!!" You squealed, laughing.

Price glanced over to the two of you, Soap turning as well.

"Tha' there mus' be tha' Bonnie he mentions," Soap nods slightly, smiling for his friend.

"Sure is. I knew he'd take this mission cuz' o' her." Price chuckled softly.

You carded through his hair softly, looking in his eyes.

"I missed you, Si."

AHH THE IINSPO FOR THIS HAD ME SENT WRITING THIS.

Never seen something like this so I feel accomplished not having a clue how to keep going.

TYSM FOR THE SUPPORT!!

Request to get more fun stories like this!

Bye babes!

-a661

[edenesth]

Speak Now

Pairing: childhood friend!Yeosang x fem!reader

AU: hanahaki au

Word Count: 11.6k

Summary: In love with Yeosang since young, you kept your feelings to yourself in fear of ruining your friendship. Like a fool, you suffered alone as the Hanahaki disease slowly consumed you while you watched him propose to his long-time girlfriend. What happens when Yeosang struggles to take his eyes off you on his wedding day and realises that this union might be a mistake?

ATEEZ Masterlist

〚 Hanahaki Disease 〛

— An illness born from unrequited love, where the patient’s throat will fill with flowers. They will then throw and cough up the petals, sometimes even a whole flower.

— One of the only ways for the disease to ‘disappear’ is if the object of the patient's affection returns the feelings. It cannot be resolved with friendship, it has to be genuine feelings of romantic love.

— The infection can also be removed through surgery, though the feelings will disappear along with the petals.

If the patient refuses surgery or the feelings are not returned in time, their lungs will fill up with flowers and eventually suffocate.

Time sure as hell flies even when you're suffering.

Because the next thing you know, it's been years since you were diagnosed with the Hanahaki disease.

Gazing down at the bloody petals staining your palm, you swallowed painfully, determined to wash away the evidence of your illness in the bathroom and not let anyone find out.

Especially not when Yeosang and his girlfriend, Arin, were waiting patiently outside at the cafe for you. With your eyes squeezed shut, you pressed your hands against your temples, once again reminded of the cruel reality that the love of your life did not feel the same way for you.

It all began about a decade ago.

Initially, you and Yeosang were just new neighbours, brought together when your family relocated to Seoul due to your father's job. Later, you discovered that you attended the same school, and Yeosang, ever the kind soul, became your first friend.

You have been inseparable since childhood, sharing secrets, dreams, and countless adventures together.

But as the years passed, your affection for him slowly blossomed into something deeper, something you kept hidden, fearing it would taint your beautiful friendship.

Upon the realisation of your feelings for him, you had been hopeful at first. All the while, you'd think to yourself that he would one day return your feelings and you would eventually end up together. But you couldn't deny the bitter truth any longer when you began coughing up those crimson-tinged petals.

The doctor's grim confirmation, coupled with Yeosang's excited announcement about mustering the courage to ask Arin out, served as clear answers to all the questions that had plagued your mind.

Witnessing his overwhelming happiness when Arin agreed to be his girlfriend, you couldn't bear to shatter that joy for him. Above all else, you'd rather face death than jeopardise your cherished friendship by revealing your feelings or the devastating truth of your disease.

For as long as you can remember, the pain of coughing up these petals has become your painful secret, something you've grown used to enduring in silence by now.

Come on, you can do this.

You made a determined effort to steady your trembling hands as you reapplied your makeup, doing your absolute best to conceal any trace of paleness or sickness on your face.

The last thing you wanted was for Yeosang, or perhaps even Arin, to detect any hint of your sickness. Over all these years, you had successfully fooled everyone, including your own parents, and you were set in your commitment to maintain that facade.

You were fully prepared to carry your secret to the grave, if it ever came to that.

"Is it just me, or do you seem to be taking longer in the bathroom these days?" Yeosang wondered aloud, deep in thought. You froze, carefully controlling your expression to avoid raising further suspicion.

Arin nodded in agreement before the two of them playfully exchanged grins in your direction, "You know, you can always tell us if you've been busy chatting with Jongho. There's no need to hide in the bathroom for that—we'd understand."

Your shoulders slumped in relief and you rolled your eyes when you realised they were simply teasing you about your colleague once again, "Honestly, how many times do I have to tell you idiots that there's absolutely nothing going on between me and the guy?"

Yeosang couldn't help but snort rather ungracefully as he took a sip of his drink, "Sure, you might think that, but Jongho's not exactly subtle. I'm telling you, the dude's totally whipped for you."

Good god, I sure as hell hope not.

If that truly were the case, you knew you'd have to put a swift end to it before it spiralled out of control. The last thing you wanted was for Jongho to suffer the same fate as you, he was too kind a soul to deserve such torture.

However, deep down, you were convinced that Jongho was simply an exceptionally friendly person. You didn't think he acted any differently towards you compared to other people at work. At this point, it just seemed more like Yeosang and Arin's attempt to get you out of your neverending cycle of singlehood.

The couple had been pestering you for years to find a boyfriend. This wasn't the first time they'd jumped to such hasty conclusions. It seemed that every time they noticed a guy being a tad more attentive or friendly, they instantly started shipping you with him.

In fact, if your memory served you correctly, Jongho was already taken and entirely off the market.

"Don't be ridiculous, Yeo. He's got a girlfriend."

Yeosang nearly choked on his drink upon hearing this revelation, "Wait- what?! Okay, that's a major red flag then. Why on earth is he being so attentive to you, huh?"

You rolled your eyes, slapping your palm against your forehead, "I've told you, he's just naturally nice to everyone. You two are the ones always reading too much into things."

Arin pouted at you, "Oh man, I was really hoping we had some sort of magical persuasion power to turn nothing into something!" You glared at the both of them, watching as they sheepishly rubbed their necks.

Their attempts at humour fell flat.

"I knew it. I always thought it was strange how you two were so insistent about there being something between me and Jongho."

The lighthearted banter continued for a while longer, with your friends enthusiastically brainstorming potential matches and suggesting other guys they could introduce you to.

Casting a swift glance at her phone, Arin perked up with excitement, "Oh, I've got to run, my friends just arrived! It's girls' night, so don't wait up for me, Yeo. I'll catch you two later!" You smiled warmly at your friend's girlfriend, giving a slight wave before discreetly looking away as the couple shared a quick kiss, "Sure thing, babe. Call me if you need anything, yeah?"

"Bye, Arin. Have fun, and I'll see you soon!" You concealed the ache in your heart behind a radiant smile.

The truth was, Yeosang's girlfriend was an absolute sweetheart, and you could completely understand why he had fallen for her.

As much as it pained you to admit, they were a perfect couple. This was precisely what made the situation so bittersweet—witnessing their happiness together was painful, yet you couldn't muster any ill feelings towards Arin.

It was an agonisingly cruel paradox.

She had, in some ways, become like a sister to you, and you genuinely wanted to be happy for the two of them. But the clash between your feelings for Yeosang and the incessant pain in your chest, caused by the growing flowers, made it exceptionally difficult.

You could only watch with a heavy heart as Yeosang escorted his girlfriend out of the cafe and witnessed their affectionate farewell, complete with another parting kiss.

Upon returning to his seat across from you, he did a rather poor job of concealing his bubbling excitement. An internal sigh escaped you as you yearned for him to exhibit such enthusiasm when thinking about you.

"So, what is it?" You asked, watching as Yeosang arched an eyebrow, a curious expression on his face, "What do you mean?"

You crossed your arms, your tone laced with a hint of impatience, "You obviously brought me out today to discuss something, and given that you didn't bring it up in front of Arin, I'm assuming it's related to her. Now that she's gone, spill the beans."

He nodded slowly, somewhat impressed.

"You really are my oldest friend; you know me so well," He said theatrically, wiping away a fake tear. You smacked his arm, annoyed, "Can you please just get to the point already?"

It wasn't your intention to become so exasperated with him, but the ache in your chest was intensifying, and you worried that it wouldn't be long before you'd have to excuse yourself to cough up more petals. You were just determined not to raise suspicion.

You also couldn't quite pinpoint the reason, but a sense of dread was slowly creeping over you as you waited for him to reveal whatever it was he wanted to say.

He chuckled, raising his hands in surrender, "Alright, alright." He conceded. With a mischievous smile, he bit down on his lip.

"I'm planning to propose to Arin, and I need your help."

Fighting back the urge to clutch your chest in agony, you forced a smile, determined not to let the pain show on your face. Your hands rested on your thigh, and your fingers dug into your jeans with such intensity that you worried about tearing the fabric.

"Oh my god, I... God, I'm so happy for you, Yeo!"

Tears welled up in your eyes, and your friend cooed at your emotional reaction, believing it was a sign of your genuine happiness. Little did he know, your tears were for entirely different reasons than he might think.

"Will you marry me?"

Those were words that had only existed in the realm of your dreams, words you knew you'd never hear spoken to you by this man.

It was with a heavy heart that you stood on the sidelines, an invisible spectator, as Yeosang took the plunge and proposed to Arin. A shuddering exhale escaped your lips, your breath trembling as you watched her joyful and resolute nod.

"Yes, yes! A thousand times, yes!"

Your chest ached, and you struggled to suppress the tears that threatened to spill from your eyes. The pain was excruciating, akin to a thousand needles piercing your heart, yet you forced yourself to smile, to be genuinely happy for the two people who meant the world to you.

As Yeosang slipped the ring onto Arin's finger, sealing their love with a promise of forever, you wrestled with your own emotions.

Your heartbreak was palpable, like a storm raging within you, but you couldn't let it mar the joyous occasion. You had to be the friend they deserved, the one who would celebrate their love with an open heart.

So, you smiled through the tears, tears that were not just a testament to your pain but also a tribute to their happiness. It was a complex dance of emotions—your own heartbreak twirling with the happiness you felt for them, a delicate balance that you had learned to navigate over the years.

And at that moment, as you watched them embrace, you couldn't help but wonder if love, even unrequited, had a purpose beyond our comprehension—a purpose that allowed you to witness the beauty of their union, even if it came at the cost of your own silent suffering.

Why am I so bothered? It's not like I ever stood a chance.

You stepped away from the scene, needing a moment to collect yourself. As you wiped away the tears that had welled up, you noticed Wooyoung approaching. He had been Yeosang's closest friend throughout your school years, and over time, he had become a good friend of yours as well.

"Hey, you good? Not gonna lie, you looked a little sick back there." He said, concern etched in his expression.

Panicking, you forced a wide smile, "Oh, I'm fine! I was just really touched. I mean, can you believe they're finally getting married? They've been together for so long. It's about damn time, am I right?"

But Wooyoung didn't seem convinced by the act.

He could see right through your facade, noticing your paleness and the handkerchief you clutched so tightly, not for tears, but for a certain type of bloodied flower petals.

"You know, I had my suspicions back in high school, but I didn't want to say anything for Arin's sake. But I'm worried about you," He said hesitantly, "You... you're in love with him, aren't you?"

You struggled to maintain your composure, choosing to act as if you didn't understand what he was getting at. The last thing you wanted was to have this conversation at such a momentous event. But you also understood that Wooyoung was genuinely concerned for your well-being.

"That's absurd, Woo! Are you even listening to yourself?" You let out a forced laugh, playfully slapping his shoulder repeatedly, "Me? In love with Kang Yeosang? How could you even think to suggest such a thing? Ew!" You pretended to gag.

"Seriously though, I'm fine. It's probably just that time of the month for me, okay? Ugh, I can't believe you made me admit that. If I looked sick, it's probably because I'm losing blood down there, ya know?"

Wooyoung cleared his throat, clearly flustered by the unexpected turn in your conversation, "Sheesh, too much information, woman! Fine, I'll choose to believe you... for now. You know you can always talk to me, right? You're one of my closest friends, aside from Yeo. If you ever need anything, I'm here."

You nodded and forced a smile, struggling to blink back your tears and swallow the lump in your throat.

No one had been aware of your condition all this while, and Wooyoung's concern meant more to you than he could ever know. However, you couldn't bring yourself to admit it to him. That would make everything too real, and you weren't ready to face that truth just yet.

Truth be told, Wooyoung didn't buy your reasoning.

He had accepted it more out of reluctance to press further and make you feel uncomfortable. He understood that there was no use in forcing the truth out of you; he could only wait for the moment when you'd choose to confide in him about your predicament.

For the time being, all he wanted was for you to know that he would always be there for you.

Having personally witnessed the devastating effects of the Hanahaki disease on someone he cared about in the past, Wooyoung was determined to do whatever it took to prevent another loved one from falling victim to this illness.

And so, for the rest of the day, you made an extra effort to conceal any urges to cough or throw up, especially now that Wooyoung was keeping a watchful eye on you, searching for any signs or hoping to catch you slipping up.

You jumped slightly in surprise when Yeosang wrapped his arms around your shoulders, pulling you into a warm hug, "Thank you so much for your help, bestie! This wouldn't have been possible without you."

The word 'bestie' pierced your heart like a dagger because that was all you would ever be to Kang Yeosang.

Sensing Wooyoung's scrutiny from behind as he conversed with some of your other friends, you swallowed hard and nodded, patting Yeosang on the back.

"Of course, Yeo. Anything for you and Arin. I genuinely wish you both all the happiness in the world!"

He laughed with uncontainable excitement, squeezing you in his embrace.

Your heart fluttered at the gesture, but you forced yourself to keep it in check. You had to come to terms with the fact that Yeosang and Arin were now officially endgame, their love story reaching its long-awaited conclusion. You reminded yourself that you had never really stood a chance in the first place.

Giving him one final reassuring pat on the back, you sniffled lightly and pulled away, replacing any trace of emotion with a wide smile as you spotted Arin approaching.

She enveloped you in a tight embrace, squeezing with genuine warmth, "You're the absolute best! I heard you played a huge part in all of this. You'll be right there with us every step of the way until the big day, won't you?"

You nodded without hesitation, "Of course! Every detail will be flawless, I promise you. Nothing will slip through the cracks on my watch!"

A frown and a warning glare were swiftly aimed in Wooyoung's direction when you caught him pretending to gag behind Arin's back at your feigned enthusiasm.

Turning your attention back to Arin, you allowed her to take your hands in hers. Her eyes held a sincerity that touched your heart.

"I've been wanting to ask you this ever since Yeo mentioned our wedding plans. Will you be my maid of honour? Woo's already agreed to be his best man, and it would mean the world to me if you said yes. You're like a sister to me, you know that, right?"

What kind of heartless monster would I have to be to even consider turning down such a heartfelt request?

You squeezed her hands with genuine sincerity, your voice filled with warmth, "Are you kidding? I'd be more than honoured to be your maid of honour! Thank you for asking me; it means the world," Arin cooed, pulling you into another tight embrace, "Aww, I love you, you're the best!"

You smiled, brushing aside the growing pain in your chest, "I love you too, Arin. I want you to know that you're like a sister to me, too."

That night, when you returned home, it marked one of the most agonising nights you would have to endure since your diagnosis.

Your hands trembled uncontrollably as you stared at the sight of an entire flower in your sink. Until then, it had always been just petals, but seeing a whole flower emerging was an ominous sign.

You knew that time was running out, and the thought sent a shiver down your spine.

As promised, you dedicated most of your time to assisting the couple with every aspect of their wedding preparations.

A tiny voice within you questioned why you had willingly subjected yourself to this emotional turmoil, but the sincerity of Arin choosing you, of all people, as her maid of honour touched your heart deeply.

The soft glow of the bridal boutique enveloped the room, casting a warm and inviting ambience. Mirrors lined the walls, reflecting the ethereal beauty of the gowns that hung delicately from their racks. The air was infused with a faint scent of fresh fabric and the promise of new beginnings.

As you stood amidst this sanctuary of matrimonial dreams, your heart ached with the weight of hidden thorns, a cruel reminder of your unrequited love. The Hanahaki disease had woven its cruel tendrils deep within, its blossoms a vivid contrast to the joyous occasion at hand.

Arin, radiant as ever, was surrounded by a small entourage of close friends and family.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, her smile infectious as she perused the array of wedding gowns. Her laughter filled the air, a musical backdrop to the scene, and her infectious excitement seemed to dance on the very air you breathed.

You watched her, your heart pounding with each beat, every throb echoing the ache of concealed emotions. The delicate petals seemed to flutter within you, a silent reminder of the love that could never be.

Arin's fingers delicately traced the lace of one gown, her eyes wide with wonder, "This is beautiful." She breathed, her voice a tender whisper of admiration.

The boutique assistant, an expert in the language of bridal dreams, nodded in agreement, "It complements your grace perfectly, Ms. Choi. Would you like to try it on?"

Her gaze met yours in silent invitation.

You couldn't refuse, not when this was her moment of unparalleled happiness, "Yes, go ahead, Arin." You encouraged, your voice steady despite the storm raging within.

As she disappeared behind the curtain, you took a moment to gather your composure. The mirrors seemed to multiply your reflection, each one a reminder of the fractured reality you faced.

When the curtain swayed open once more, Arin emerged in a vision of pure elegance. The gown cascaded around her like a waterfall of silk and lace, framing her like a masterpiece. Her eyes met yours in the mirror's reflection, and the brilliance in her gaze was enough to momentarily eclipse your own pain.

A chorus of gasps and exclamations filled the room as the entourage marvelled at the sight. Tears glistened in Arin's eyes, the reflection of her joy painting a poignant picture.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Perfect for Yeosang.

Unlike you.

"This is it," She declared, her voice filled with unwavering certainty, "This is the one."

The boutique assistant smiled warmly, sharing in Arin's moment of triumph, "A perfect choice, Ms. Choi. This gown is destined to be a part of your beautiful love story."

As they celebrated and made arrangements for the dress, you found solace in the shadows, your smile never wavering.

In this moment, your love was a silent symphony, an echo of happiness and pain intertwined. You would stand by Arin's side, supporting her dreams, even if it meant bearing your own thorny secret in silence.

With no time to take a break or tend to your aching heart, you immediately found yourself in the men's boutique the following day.

The upscale boutique was a realm of sophistication, with racks of tuxedos adorned in various shades of black and grey, each exuding an aura of timeless elegance. Soft jazz music played in the background, creating an atmosphere of refinement.

Yeosang stood beside his best man, Wooyoung, both of them inspecting the selection of tuxedos before them.

The bright lights cast a soft glow on their faces, accentuating the excitement in their eyes. You watched them from a respectful distance, a smile etched on your face despite the turmoil raging within.

Yeosang had asked for your help in choosing his attire for the wedding, and you couldn't refuse, even though it meant masking your own pain.

The illness had not relented, its grip on your heart growing tighter with every passing day.

"So, what do you think?" Yeosang turned to you, his eyes shining with anticipation, "Which one do you think will make me look the most dashing for Arin?"

You swallowed hard, your heart aching as you looked at your childhood friend, "I think the black one would be perfect." You replied, your voice unwavering, though the weight of the petals in your chest was almost suffocating.

He nodded, his smile warm and appreciative, "You've always had great taste. Thanks for helping me out with this."

Wooyoung chimed in, patting your back playfully, "Yeah, she's got a knack for this stuff. You're lucky to have her, man."

You returned their gratitude with a genuine smile, your own turmoil concealed behind the façade of happiness, "It's my pleasure, you two. I want everything to be perfect for your special day."

As you continued to browse the tuxedos, Yeosang's conversation inevitably turned to Arin and her wedding gown, "Speaking of perfection," He began, his eyes shining with love, "Arin is absolutely ecstatic about her dress. She can't stop talking about how gorgeous it is."

Your heart clenched at the mention of Arin and her joy, "I'm sure she's going to look breathtaking." You replied, your voice carrying a hint of genuine happiness.

Yeosang's gratitude was evident as he turned to you, his eyes filled with warmth, "Thank you. You've been such an amazing help to her. I don't know what we would do without you."

The words were like a dagger to your heart, but you managed to smile through the pain, "I'm just happy to be a part of your special day, Yeo. You and Arin deserve all the happiness in the world."

As the day wore on, you continued to play your role, assisting Yeosang with the selection of his tuxedo and maintaining the façade of happiness.

Your love for him remained buried deep within, hidden beneath layers of petals. For now, you would do whatever it took to ensure that Yeosang and Arin's wedding day was a day filled with joy and love, even if it meant enduring your own silent suffering.

Unfortunately for you, you could feel the weight of your sickness pressing down on you, its tendrils of pain and discomfort growing increasingly unbearable.

You had excused yourself to the bathroom multiple times to cough up petals, each time feeling weaker and more drained.

On one of your trips back from the bathroom, you couldn't conceal the paleness that had washed over your face, your steps faltering slightly as you clutched a handkerchief tightly against your chest. It was clear that your condition was deteriorating rapidly, and you were growing weaker with each passing moment.

Wooyoung, sharp-eyed and observant, noticed your distress immediately. Concern etched his features as he approached you, his voice gentle but filled with worry.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked, his hand reaching out to touch your arm gently. You forced a weak smile, though it was clear that you were far from okay, "I'm fine, Woo. Just a little tired, that's all."

His eyes bore into yours, not buying your facade for a moment.

"You don't have to hide it from me. I can see that you're not well. You've been in and out of the bathroom so many times today."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you struggled to maintain your composure. Wooyoung had always been perceptive, and you knew it was impossible to hide the truth from him any longer.

I can't do this by myself for much longer.

"You... you were right, Woo," You admitted, your voice shaking, "I am in love with Yeo, and I do have Hanahaki."

He looked at you with genuine concern, his eyes filled with empathy, "God, I knew it. You should have told me sooner. How... how long have you had it for?" You sighed, "Years, Woo. It's been years," He shook his head in disbelief, "I can't believe you suffered like this all alone for years."

You wiped away a tear that had escaped, your voice barely above a whisper, "I didn't want to burden you, Woo. I didn't want to take away from your happiness with Yeosang and Arin."

His expression softened even more, and he shook his head, "You're not a burden. You're our friend, and we care about you deeply. We want you to be happy too."

Wooyoung reached out and gently squeezed your hand, his words a soothing balm to your wounded heart, "Promise me that you'll come to me whenever you're feeling like this. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Tears streamed down your cheeks, but this time, they were tears of relief. You nodded, your voice filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Woo. I promise."

As he pulled you into a comforting embrace, you knew that you had a true friend in him, someone who would stand by your side through the darkest of times. With Wooyoung's support, perhaps you could find a way to navigate the painful journey ahead, one step at a time.

Yeosang watched from a distance, hidden in the shadows, as Wooyoung and you hugged.

He hadn't arrived early enough to understand the circumstances that had led to the embrace between you and his best friend. However, one thing was clear: the sight of it left an uncomfortable feeling gnawing at him.

Unbeknownst to you, his gaze had lingered on you two longer than he had intended, and a peculiar feeling had begun to churn within his chest—a strange mixture of discomfort and unease.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it, and that was what perplexed him the most. After all, he was on the brink of marrying Arin, the love of his life, the woman who had captured his heart completely. There was no reason for him to feel this way, and he was well aware of it.

As he stood there, he attempted to imagine a future where you and Wooyoung found happiness together.

It was an image he knew he should be able to conjure with ease, but an inexplicable ache twisted in his chest. It wasn't that he wanted to hold either of you back; he simply couldn't shake the discomfort that settled in his heart.

Yeosang took a deep breath, attempting to clear his mind of these bewildering thoughts. He knew he shouldn't be feeling this way, especially with his wedding to Arin just around the corner.

Guilt washed over him, and he silently chastised himself for entertaining such emotions.

He reminded himself that his love for Arin was unwavering, that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. This inexplicable feeling was just a momentary blip, a passing cloud in the sky of his emotions.

But no matter how hard he tried to push those feelings aside, they lingered, stubborn and insistent. The image of you and Wooyoung together tugged at his heartstrings in a way he couldn't understand, leaving him with a profound sense of unease.

With a final, determined exhale, Yeosang stepped out of the shadows, ready to rejoin you.

He needed to focus on the joyous occasion at hand, on the celebration of love that was meant to bind him to Arin forever. As he approached, he pushed aside the nagging feeling and vowed to be the best friend and partner he could be, even if it meant grappling with the complexity of his own emotions.

In the midst of your unending battle with the Hanahaki disease, Wooyoung became your unwavering support system, a beacon of hope in the sea of pain and uncertainty.

Your journey together was marked by moments of both agony and resilience, as you faced the relentless onslaught of petals and thorns.

Wooyoung had always been there, whether it was a late-night call to soothe your coughing fits or accompanying you to doctor's appointments.

His comforting presence was a constant reminder that you weren't alone in this struggle.

You juggled the demands of your job with the relentless symptoms of the disease, often finding solace in your work even as the petals clung to your throat.

Wooyoung would send you encouraging messages, reminding you to take breaks and prioritise your health.

Amidst the chaos of Yeosang's wedding preparations, Wooyoung took on the role of your guardian angel. He'd stay by your side during fittings and meetings, ensuring you didn't push yourself too hard.

It wasn't until one fateful day, as the illness reached its most excruciating stage, that you couldn't hold back the bloodied flowers any longer.

You rushed to the bathroom, your body wracked with painful coughs. Wooyoung, alarmed, followed you and witnessed the entire flower falling from your lips in a gruesome display.

As you gasped for breath, tears streaming down your face, Wooyoung gently touched your shoulder.

"This can't go on like this," He said with conviction, "You need to consider the surgery to remove those flowers for good."

His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the difficult choice you had been avoiding. You knew he was right, but the fear of losing your feelings for Yeosang made you hesitate.

Despite the pain, Wooyoung's unwavering support and guidance gave you the strength to face the decision that had been looming over you for far too long.

Perhaps it really was time to take the step that could free you from the relentless grip of the sickness, even if it meant sacrificing the love you had harboured in silence. After all, Yeosang would never return your feelings.

What's the point of even suffering like this?

Meanwhile, Yeosang couldn't help but notice the deepening bond between Wooyoung and you. It wasn't that he had been intentionally spying on you, but the presence of Wooyoung in your life had become increasingly apparent.

Yeosang did his best to distract himself with thoughts of Arin, the love of his life, and the excitement of their upcoming marriage.

He immersed himself in wedding preparations, from selecting the perfect venue to deciding on the menu and guest list. He yearned for every detail to be flawless, a testament to the love he and Arin shared.

But no matter how hard he tried to focus on Arin and their future together, his thoughts had an irritating tendency to drift back to you and Wooyoung. It was as if an invisible force tugged at his mind, pulling him away from the happiness he should have been feeling.

Frustration gnawed at him, and he berated himself for allowing such thoughts to intrude upon his joyous moments with Arin.

He felt torn between the life he had envisioned with Arin and the confusing emotions that seemed to be bubbling up around you and Wooyoung.

Yeosang knew he shouldn't be feeling this way.

He was about to marry the woman he loved, and he had no right to entertain thoughts that might jeopardise their happiness. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to push those thoughts aside, they lingered, a constant source of discomfort and confusion.

As the wedding day drew closer, Yeosang grappled with a storm of emotions, struggling to understand why he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

His heart was divided, torn between his love for Arin and the unsettling thoughts that kept returning to you and his best friend.

And indeed, time sure as hell flies when you're suffering.

Next thing you all knew, the morning of the wedding arrived, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement. Yeosang and Wooyoung were in a shared room, getting ready together, a tradition that had been upheld since their childhood.

Yeosang couldn't shake the nagging thoughts that had plagued him in the days leading up to the wedding.

He had watched Wooyoung and you grow closer, and the curiosity had finally become too much for him to bear. As he adjusted his tie and pretended to be in high spirits, he decided to broach the subject, masking his true intentions behind playful banter.

"You know, Woo," He began, a playful glint in his eye, "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Wooyoung, who was busy straightening his own tie, looked up with a raised eyebrow, "Ask away, Yeo. I'm an open book."

Yeosang chuckled, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance, "So, what's the deal with you and my bestie lately? You guys seem pretty close. Anything you want to share with your best man?"

Wooyoung glanced at Yeosang, his expression carefully neutral, "We've just been hanging out more, you know, like friends do."

Yeosang continued to feign playfulness, though the urgency behind his question was growing stronger, "Come on, Woo. You can't hide anything from me. Spill the beans. Is there something I should know?"

Wooyoung sighed, realising that Yeosang wasn't going to drop the subject easily. He decided to be honest but kept the details vague, "She has been going through a tough time, Yeo. I've been there to support her as a friend, that's all."

Yeosang's heart sank at the mention of you going through a tough time. He had no idea about the disease or the depth of your suffering, and the guilt began to creep in, "Is she okay?" He asked, his tone shifting from playful to genuinely concerned.

Wooyoung nodded, "She's getting better, but it's been a challenging journey for her. She's a strong person, though."

Yeosang nodded, his mind racing with unanswered questions. He wanted to ask more, to understand the nature of your struggles, but he feared delving too deep into a conversation that might reveal his own complex emotions.

With a forced smile, Yeosang changed the subject, steering the conversation away from you and back to the wedding preparations.

But deep down, he knew that the questions would continue to linger, and the unsettling feelings that had plagued him wouldn't be easily dismissed.

As the hours passed, the wedding day unfolded like a beautifully scripted scene.

Arin, radiant and resplendent in her bridal gown, had been whisked away to the makeup room, where you had the privilege of helping her prepare for her momentous day.

As you carefully applied Arin's makeup, ensuring every brushstroke was just right, Wooyoung entered the room with a soft knock. His presence was a soothing balm amidst the whirlwind of emotions that had been swirling within you.

Wooyoung cast a gentle smile in your direction, silently checking on you. His eyes held a hint of concern, a reflection of the care he had shown you during the painful days of your illness.

Arin, who was perched in her makeup chair, noticed your exchange and couldn't resist teasing you, "You two seem awfully close lately," She said with a playful twinkle in her eye, "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Wooyoung and you exchanged knowing glances, your camaraderie evident. You chuckled and replied, "Just good friends, Arin. No need to start any rumours."

He nodded in agreement, "Exactly, Arin. Nothing more, nothing less."

Arin feigned disappointment, though her smile was infectious, "Well, I suppose I won't have any juicy gossip to share at the wedding then."

The three of you shared a lighthearted laugh, the tension in the room dissipating. Arin, completely at ease in her friends' presence, couldn't have been more delighted with the support she had from both of you.

Stepping out of Arin's makeup room, you couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Arin was glowing, her happiness contagious, and you were truly delighted for her.

But as you made your way down the hallway to prepare yourself for the wedding, you encountered Yeosang, dressed impeccably in his suit.

Your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, his striking appearance making it hard to suppress the surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm you. You reminded yourself, painfully, that he would never be your groom. You had to bury your feelings deep down and put on a brave face.

Yeosang, however, didn't let the moment pass without addressing the unspoken turmoil that had been brewing between you.

His voice was gentle as he began, "I heard from Wooyoung that you've been going through a tough time."

You froze, surprised by his directness.

You had never expected Yeosang to bring up such a personal topic, especially on his wedding day, "Yeosang, I didn't want to burden you," You replied softly, your gaze avoiding his, "You have so much on your plate with the wedding preparations, and I didn't want to add to your stress."

Yeosang's expression softened, and he reached out to gently tilt your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"You've always been my closest friend," He said earnestly, "I wish you had confided in me. I hate to think that you're going through something difficult alone."

His words tugged at your heart, and you fought to keep your emotions in check, "I didn't want to trouble you, Yeo," You whispered, your voice quivering, "I didn't want to distract you from your happiness with Arin."

Yeosang's eyes held a depth of sincerity that caught you off guard.

Without a word, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, a simple but heart-fluttering gesture that spoke volumes.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you realised the depth of his care and concern. The weight of unspoken emotions lingered in the air, and for a brief moment, you allowed yourself to savour the bittersweetness of the moment.

Yeosang wanted to be there for me, even on his wedding day.

As you pulled away from each other, he whispered, "You're never a burden. I want to be there for you, no matter what." His words hung in the air, a promise that warmed your heart and offered a glimmer of solace in the midst of your pain.

With a grateful smile, you nodded, unable to find the words to express the depth of your feelings.

The truth was, even though Yeosang would never be yours, his friendship and support meant the world to you, and in that moment, you felt less alone in your struggle against the sickness.

As the moment of truth approached, you, as the maid of honour, gracefully walked down the aisle, the soft music filling the air.

Your heart was filled with bittersweet emotions, knowing that you were witnessing the culmination of Yeosang and Arin's love story. The sight of the gathered guests, the exquisite decorations, and the serenity of the venue created an almost ethereal ambience.

Yeosang, waiting at the altar, was taken aback by how beautiful you looked in your dress.

He couldn't help but marvel at your beauty, a realisation that struck him like a bolt of lightning. He wondered how he had never truly noticed it before, how your presence had always been an unassuming constant in his life.

Even when Arin began her walk down the aisle towards him, gorgeous in her bridal gown, Yeosang struggled to tear his eyes away from you. The air grew tense, and his unease mounted as he noticed Wooyoung remaining attentively by your side, a silent pillar of support.

When the officiant reached the part where he asked if there were any objections, a hush fell over the guests, and the words hung heavily in the air.

"Speak now, or forever hold your peace."

You felt a lump form your throat, your heart racing as you struggled to hold back the words that threatened to escape.

Your gaze darted away from Yeosang, unable to meet his eyes, and you clenched Wooyoung's hand tightly, drawing strength from his reassuring touch.

The seconds felt like hours, and the weight of unspoken truths hung heavy in the room. But in that moment, you made a choice. You chose to hold your peace, to let Yeosang and Arin's love flourish without your own pain becoming a stumbling block in their journey.

The ceremony continued, and as you took a deep breath, you knew that you had made the right decision.

It was a moment of silent sacrifice, a testament to the depth of your love for Yeosang and your desire to see him happy, even if it meant holding back your own feelings.

As the officiant's voice filled the air, Yeosang was asked the pivotal question: "Do you, Kang Yeosang, take Choi Arin to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

But the words 'I do' stuck in his throat, and his eyes remained inexplicably glued to you, standing there as the maid of honour. The atmosphere grew increasingly charged, and the guests began to murmur with confusion.

Arin's expression shifted from anticipation to confusion, then to shock and finally to hurt as she observed Yeosang's unexpected hesitation.

The once-happy occasion was marred by the tension that had settled over the ceremony.

Yeosang's internal struggle and his prolonged silence sent ripples of concern through the gathering. The guests exchanged worried glances, and the atmosphere grew increasingly uncomfortable.

At that moment, all eyes were on Yeosang, who had unwittingly become the centre of attention.

The wedding, which was meant to be a celebration of love, had taken an unexpected turn, and the unfolding drama left everyone horrified, especially Arin, who stood there, her heart breaking in front of all her loved ones.

You were completely taken aback when you realised that his eyes had been on you all this while, his hesitation to say 'I do' leaving you bewildered and conflicted.

Confusion and surprise etched across your face, you couldn't comprehend what was happening.

The sudden rush of emotions left you disoriented, and your chest tightened painfully. It was at that very moment that the disease chose to strike with an unprecedented intensity.

As you coughed violently, a hand to your mouth, the pain was excruciating. Your eyes widened in fear, and you couldn't help but look at the bloodied flower petals that had spilt into your palm.

You were acutely aware that everyone, especially Yeosang, had witnessed the horrifying spectacle, and the secret of your condition was no longer hidden.

Amidst the chaos, Wooyoung, worry etched across his face, acted swiftly. He immediately ushered you out of the venue and guided you to the nearest bathroom, concern evident in every step he took.

You clung to him, your heart and mind racing with fear and embarrassment.

Unbeknownst to you, Yeosang had been overwhelmed with worry as well. He had momentarily forgotten about his own wedding, his concern for you taking precedence.

He followed you out of the venue, his heart heavy with anxiety and confusion.

Meanwhile, Arin stood there at the altar, her heart shattered by the turn of events. She felt a profound sense of embarrassment and devastation, her once-happy wedding day transformed into a bewildering and painful spectacle.

She had no choice but to watch as the love of her life rushed after you, leaving her alone and heartbroken at the altar.

Yeosang's heart pounded in his chest as he rushed to the bathroom, fear and dread coursing through him. He was met with a harrowing sight when he arrived— you, heaving painfully in Wooyoung's arms, the sink scattered with bloodied flowers.

The sight sent a wave of horror and helplessness through him.

He gasped and called out your name, his voice filled with anguish and concern. He knelt beside you, desperate to offer any form of comfort.

You turned your head weakly, your eyes locking onto his with a mixture of surprise and worry, "Yeosang, what are you doing here?" You rasped, your voice strained and weak, "You can't be here. Arin is waiting for you."

Yeosang's expression was a mix of determination and distress. He shook his head, his eyes never leaving yours, "Don't be foolish," He implored, his voice unwavering, "You're more important right now. Please, tell me the truth about your condition."

You tried to protest, to divert his attention back to Arin, but the concern in Yeosang's eyes held you captive. It was clear that he wasn't going to back down, that he needed to know the full extent of what you were going through.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you met his gaze, a mixture of relief and vulnerability washing over you.

You knew that keeping this secret from him had only led to further pain for both of you. With a trembling breath, you began to share the painful truth about the Hanahaki disease that had been plaguing you for so long.

As you spoke, Yeosang listened intently, his heart heavy with the weight of your suffering. He couldn't bear the thought of you enduring this pain alone.

At that moment, the world outside the bathroom seemed to fade away, leaving just the three of you—Yeosang, Wooyoung, and you—bound together by a revelation that would forever alter the course of your lives.

As the painful truth about the Hanahaki disease spilt from your lips, Yeosang's distress deepened.

He listened intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of empathy and anguish. When you had finished explaining the devastating condition, a heavy silence hung in the air.

Yeosang finally gathered the courage to ask the question that had been haunting him, his voice trembling with uncertainty, "Is it me? Am I the reason you're suffering like this?"

You hesitated, your heart aching at the thought of admitting the truth, the truth that had remained hidden for so long. Before you could respond, Wooyoung, who had been standing by your side, stepped in with compassion in his eyes.

"Yes, Yeo. It's you." Wooyoung said softly.

"Now you know why she couldn't confide in you about this. She's been carrying this burden for a long time."

As Wooyoung gently confirmed the truth about your unrequited love for Yeosang, the weight of the revelation settled heavily in the small bathroom. You remained in Wooyoung's arms, tears glistening in your eyes, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Wooyoung continued, his voice gentle but firm, "But she's going to get the surgery soon to remove the flowers. It's the best way to ensure her health and happiness. So please, don't forget about Arin. She loves you deeply, she deserves your love and commitment too."

Wooyoung emphasised the importance of not hurting Arin further, reminding Yeosang that you had made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to remove the flowers soon.

He urged Yeosang to respect Arin's love and commitment, as she deserved nothing less.

Yeosang listened intently, his face etched with a complex mix of emotions. It was a lot to process, and the realisation that you had been harbouring these feelings for him for years was undoubtedly overwhelming.

He understood Wooyoung's plea not to cause further pain to Arin, a woman who loved him deeply.

However, something unexpected happened in that moment.

As the idea of you undergoing surgery to remove the flowers, and consequently, your feelings for Yeosang, settled in his mind, he felt a surge of discomfort. A strange sense of unease washed over him.

The thought of you no longer loving him, of your feelings for him vanishing forever, was strangely unsettling. It was a sensation he couldn't quite explain. Yeosang found himself torn, grappling with his own unexpected emotions. He didn't want you to stop loving him, even though he couldn't be with you.

As he stood there, caught in the tumultuous storm of emotions, the bathroom felt like a confessional, each revelation and response pushing you further into the uncharted territory of your relationships and desires.

The path ahead remained uncertain, and the choices you make would carry profound consequences for all involved.

The aftermath of the cancelled wedding was a sombre and bewildering affair.

Guests were left stunned by the dramatic turn of events, and sympathy flowed overwhelmingly toward Arin, who had been publicly humiliated on what was supposed to be her special day.

Yeosang, grappling with the consequences of his actions, sought to apologise to Arin later on, knowing that he had caused her immense pain. But when he approached her with remorse in his eyes, she remained cold and distant.

Arin's voice was filled with hurt and anger as she confronted him, her words cut deep, "You disrespected me, Yeosang, in front of everyone we love. If you had second thoughts, you should have spoken to me before we went through with this wedding."

Her disappointment and sense of betrayal were palpable, and as they exchanged harsh words, it became clear that their relationship had been irreparably damaged.

She made a painful decision, one that she believed was necessary for her own well-being.

She broke up with Yeosang, unable to be with a person who could bring such heartache and humiliation on what should have been a day of joy and celebration.

Yeosang watched helplessly as Arin walked away, the weight of his actions crashing down on him.

He had lost not only the love of his life but also a cherished friendship, all because of his own conflicting emotions and the tangled web of unrequited love that had ensnared everyone involved.

The aftermath of that fateful day would leave lasting scars on their hearts, a stark reminder of the consequences of decisions made and secrets kept. It was a painful lesson in love, sacrifice, and the unpredictable ways in which the heart can lead us down unexpected paths.

Meanwhile, your days in the hospital leading up to the scheduled surgery were filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

The Hanahaki disease had taken a toll on your health, and you could feel your condition worsening with each passing day. The support of friends like Wooyoung had been a lifeline, but as the surgery date neared, you couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the weight of your own guilt and sorrow.

One day, as you lay in your hospital bed, Wooyoung excused himself to give you some privacy when Arin arrived to visit you.

You were surprised by her presence and felt a pang of guilt knowing that her relationship with Yeosang had ended due to the events at the cancelled wedding.

Tears welled up in your eyes as Arin spoke, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and understanding.

She told you that she and Yeosang had parted ways, and you couldn't help but apologise profusely, your voice trembling as you accepted responsibility for the pain you had inadvertently caused.

"It's all my fault." You cried, feeling the weight of your unrequited love and the havoc it had wreaked on the lives of those around you.

Arin, ever empathetic and kind, reached out to comfort you, her touch gentle and reassuring. She surprised you by apologising as well, her voice filled with regret, "No, I'm sorry. I should have realised what you were going through all these years. I should have been there for you instead of being the cause of your pain."

Her words were a testament to her character, her ability to see beyond her own suffering and extend empathy to others.

It was a bittersweet moment of understanding and forgiveness between two people who had both borne the burden of unrequited love and the pain it brought.

As you shared your regrets and sorrows, you couldn't help but be grateful for the compassion and understanding Arin had shown you.

It was a glimmer of hope in the midst of your own struggles, a reminder that even in the darkest times, human connection and empathy could offer solace and healing.

It's been a week since the disaster of a wedding.

Yeosang found himself grappling with a growing sense of fear and unease, knowing you would be going through the surgery soon. It was a period of deep reflection for him, and he couldn't help but look back on the moments you had shared throughout your school years.

He recalled the countless memories you had created together, the adventures, secrets, and dreams you had once shared as friends.

It finally struck him now, how blind he had been to the hidden depths of his own feelings for you. He thought back to the times when you had been there for him, the unwavering support and companionship you had offered, and he couldn't believe he had missed the signs of your affection for him.

Yeosang's thoughts delved into the pain you must have endured, watching him and Arin together, celebrating their love while suppressing your own.

The image of you coughing up bloody petals haunted him, a cruel reminder of the silent suffering you had endured for so long.

In those quiet moments of introspection, Yeosang experienced a profound realisation—one that left him both startled and shaken. He began to question whether his feelings for you had been more complicated than he had ever allowed himself to admit.

The possibility that he might return your feelings, that his heart might have been yearning for you all along, crept into his mind like a whisper.

It was a revelation that left him feeling conflicted, as he grappled with the consequences of his newfound understanding.

As the surgery date approached, Yeosang found himself facing a crossroads in his own heart, torn between the past he had shared with Arin and the uncharted territory of his emotions for you.

The future remained uncertain, and he couldn't deny the weight of the choices he would have to make in the days to come.

Just a day before your surgery, Yeosang stood outside the door of your hospital ward, his heart heavy with the newfound realisation of his feelings for you. He felt a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and guilt, unable to face you after everything that had transpired.

It was in this vulnerable moment that Wooyoung caught up with him, recognising the turmoil in his friend's eyes.

He guided Yeosang to a nearby bench, understanding that they needed to have a candid conversation about the complex emotions that had surfaced.

Sitting down with a sigh, Yeosang finally admitted his feelings to Wooyoung, his voice laced with sincerity and vulnerability, "Woo, I think... I might have feelings for her. I've been blind to it for so long, but now it's clear to me."

Wooyoung listened attentively, his expression serious as he absorbed Yeosang's confession.

He couldn't deny the depth of their friendship, nor the gravity of the situation. Wooyoung knew that he needed to address this with utmost care to ensure that Yeosang's feelings were genuine and not a result of guilt or confusion.

With a stern gaze, Wooyoung cautioned his friend, "Yeo, you need to be absolutely certain about this. She has been through so much pain, and the last thing I want is for you to play with her fragile feelings."

Yeosang nodded, his eyes filled with determination.

"I am certain, Woo. My feelings for her are real, and I don't want to hurt her anymore."

Wooyoung relented, his concern slowly giving way to a sense of understanding and support. He placed a hand on Yeosang's shoulder, his voice softened with genuine care.

"If you're sure about this, then please, Yeosang, make her happy. After everything she's suffered, she deserves nothing less."

With that silent understanding between them, the weight of Yeosang's newfound feelings hung heavily in the air.

It was a pivotal moment, one that would shape the course of their relationships and the choices they would make as they navigated the intricate threads of love and friendship.

As Wooyoung returned to your side, a small smile played on his lips.

He observed you carefully, noting a subtle change in your demeanour. You looked better, your complexion less strained, and there was a lightness in your eyes that hadn't been there before.

He couldn't help but tease you gently, "Hey, have you noticed any difference in how you feel?"

You paused, taking a moment to assess yourself.

To your surprise, you realised that you did feel remarkably better. The persistent ache in your chest had begun to fade, replaced by a newfound sense of ease and comfort.

Your eyes widened in realisation, a mixture of disbelief and joy washing over you.

Could it be? Could it really be that Yeo had returned my feelings?

Unable to contain your excitement, you nodded fervently, "Yes, Woo! I feel... I feel like I can breathe again."

At that moment, hope blossomed in your heart, and you couldn't help but believe that something extraordinary had occurred. Wooyoung wasted no time in calling the doctor to confirm your condition.

After a thorough examination, the doctor confirmed what you had dared to hope for – the Hanahaki disease had disappeared. The petals, the pain, the suffocating weight in your chest – all of it was gone.

Tears welled up in your eyes as the weight of the revelation settled in. It could only mean one thing: Yeosang loved you too. The realisation was overwhelming, a flood of emotions surging through you.

In that hospital room, surrounded by the echoes of a journey marked by pain and heartache, a new chapter began to unfold. The tangled threads of unrequited love were finally unravelling, giving way to the possibility of a love that had been years in the making.

As you stepped out of the hospital, Wooyoung by your side, your heart raced with anticipation.

There, by the entrance, stood Yeosang next to his car. His presence alone sent a flurry of emotions coursing through you, and you couldn't help but wonder if he had come to finally confess his feelings.

Wooyoung, always the protective friend, gave Yeosang one last warning, his voice filled with a firm seriousness, "Yeo, you better not hurt her. If you do, you'll have to deal with me."

Yeosang nodded, his own determination shining in his eyes, "I won't, Woo. I promise I'll be good to her."

Once Wooyoung had left, it was just the two of you, standing there in a moment heavy with unspoken emotions.

Yeosang took a deep breath, his gaze locked with yours, and he began to speak with a sincerity that left you breathless. His voice quivered with a mixture of emotions, a blend of regret and newfound clarity that gave weight to every word he uttered.

He began by saying your name, his voice soft but resolute, "I need you to know something. I've been blind for far too long, and I can't hide from the truth any longer."

He paused, his eyes searching yours for understanding and forgiveness. His admission hung in the air, a palpable tension that begged for resolution.

"I realised," He continued, his voice unwavering, "That I might have been more oblivious than I ever thought possible. For years, I couldn't see what was right in front of me—the depth of your feelings, the pain you were silently enduring."

His words carried the weight of years of unspoken emotions, and he reached out to gently cup your face with his hand. His touch was tender, a silent apology for the blindness that had kept you apart.

"God, I'm so sorry," He whispered, his voice filled with remorse, "I'm sorry for not noticing your suffering, for not realising the depth of your love. But now, I see it, and I can't deny how I feel any longer."

His confession hung in the air, a pivotal moment in your shared history. It was a moment of vulnerability, of acknowledging the love that had silently existed between you for years.

Yeosang's gaze never wavered, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and determination, "From this moment forward, I promise to love you the way you deserve to be loved. I won't let my blindness or mistakes hold us back anymore."

You felt tears pricking at the corners of your eyes as his words washed over you, a wave of warmth and hope. It was a promise that held the weight of your shared history and the possibility of a future filled with love and happiness.

Unable to contain your emotions any longer, you closed the gap between you and pressed your lips against his, sealing your newfound understanding with a sweet and tender kiss.

It was a kiss that spoke of forgiveness, redemption, and the beginning of a love story that had been a long time in the making.

Time flies when you're suffering, but it sure as hell goes by even faster when you're happy.

In the years that followed Yeosang's heartfelt confession, your lives took on a new and beautiful rhythm, one filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

With the pain of the past behind you, Yeosang surprised you with a proposal on a picturesque beach at sunset one evening.

As the waves lapped gently at your feet, he got down on one knee, a radiant smile on his face. The words "Will you marry me?" were finally spoken to the right person. Tears of joy streamed down your face as you said yes, sealing your love in the most perfect way.

Your wedding day was a celebration of love and friendship.

Wooyoung stood proudly by your side as the best man, his unwavering support a testament to the strength of your bond.

As you and Yeosang exchanged vows, the happiness in your hearts reflected the years of longing and the promise of a future filled with shared love and adventures.

The joy of your union was extended to your growing family.

The two of you became parents to a beautiful baby boy, your love was now reflected in the eyes of your son. Wooyoung, always the protective friend, stood by you both during the journey to parenthood, offering guidance and support.

Your family gatherings were filled with laughter and warmth. Wooyoung, of course, remained a cherished presence in your lives, sharing in your joy and becoming an honorary uncle to your child.

Every year, you celebrate your love and commitment to each other with anniversaries marked by heartfelt surprises and romantic getaways. And you bet Wooyoung was there to raise a toast every time, reminding you of friendship's enduring power.

As the years passed and your love grew stronger, mundane yet cherished moments filled your days.

One sunny afternoon, Yeosang and you decided to embark on a cute little supermarket date, a routine outing to restock your home and ensure your little one had everything he needed.

Walking hand in hand through the aisles, you exchanged smiles and shared whispers, the simple act of being together filling your hearts with contentment. Your cart was filled with baby supplies, fresh groceries, and a few indulgences that always seemed to find their way into your basket.

As you turned a corner in one of the aisles, your carefree laughter echoed through the store. That's when it happened—your encounter with the past you had left behind.

In the midst of your laughter, you suddenly pulled away from your husband, a dramatic gasp escaping your lips as if caught doing something scandalous.

Yeosang blinked in confusion, his brows furrowing as he tried to comprehend your sudden change in behaviour.

But then, your eyes widened as you realised the reason for your flustered reaction. There, just a few feet away from the two of you, stood Arin. It was a chance encounter neither of you had expected.

In a panic, you whispered to Yeosang, "Arin's here." as if the mere mention of her name would explain your sudden reaction.

He turned to look in her direction, his expression one of surprise mixed with curiosity. Arin noticed your presence and made her way over to you both, her laughter filling the air.

"Hey, you two," She greeted you warmly, her smile genuine, "What a surprise to see you both here," Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment as you stammered out a greeting, "Arin, hi. It's been a while."

Arin laughed, clearly amused by your earlier dramatic reaction, "You don't have to be so flustered, silly. I promise I won't bite," Yeosang, ever the composed one, extended a hand with a friendly smile, "It's good to see you, Arin. How have you been?"

Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she shared her news, "I've been great. I'm getting married soon."

Your heart swelled with genuine happiness for her as you offered your congratulations, "That's wonderful, Arin. We're really happy for you," Your husband nodded in agreement, his smile warm and sincere, "Congratulations. We wish you all the happiness in the world."

Arin's laughter echoed through the supermarket once again as she thanked you both for your well wishes.

It was a chance encounter that reminded you of the twists and turns life had taken you through, and the enduring bonds of friendship that remained, even in the face of new beginnings.

As you returned home, your hearts still light from the unexpected encounter with Arin, you were greeted by the familiar warmth of your shared space.

Opening the door, you found Wooyoung, who had been helping you babysit your energetic son, engaged in playful antics with the child, their laughter filling the room.

"Hey lovebirds, how was the supermarket adventure?" Wooyoung greeted you two with a smile, gently setting down your son.

Yeosang and you shared a knowing look, still revelling in the shared moment you had just experienced, "It was... eventful," You replied with a chuckle. Your husband chimed in, "We bumped into someone unexpected."

Wooyoung raised an intrigued eyebrow, "Oh? Do tell."

And so, you recounted the encounter with Arin, reliving the moments with laughter and shared glances. Wooyoung listened with genuine happiness, his eyes sparkling with the memories of your journey together.

"I can't believe how far we've come," Wooyoung mused, a nostalgic smile on his face, "From those crazy days with the Hanahaki, to this. I'm so glad it's all over."

His words echoed your sentiments exactly.

The pain and secrecy of those days felt like a distant memory, replaced by the warmth and love that now filled your lives.

As the evening settled in, you found yourselves in the living room, watching your son playfully interact with Wooyoung. The room was filled with the sounds of their laughter, a symphony of joy that warmed your hearts.

Unable to contain your happiness, Yeosang and you shared a glance, your smiles reflecting the contentment that filled your hearts.

Slowly, he reached for your hand, your fingers intertwining in a silent promise of the love you shared. As your son's giggles filled the air, Yeosang leaned in, meeting your lips in a tender kiss.

In that quiet moment, as your son played happily with your best friend, you knew that your journey had come full circle.

The pain of the past had given way to a future filled with love, laughter, and the unwavering support of the people who had walked this path with you.

And so, you sat together, cherishing the simple yet profound beauty of your shared life, grateful for every step that had led you to this moment of pure happiness.

It was my birthday (9/9), and I'm in a really good mood, so I decided to drop this earlier than initially planned. Hope y'all liked this one! Thank you for reading and as always, I'd love to hear all your thoughts so feel free to leave a reply, an ask or even a message if you want! &lt;3

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