#on the occasion of remembering the turning gate

[bigdealsgoddog]

Dozing Duty

Observation duty au

Anomoly!Gun park x Security!reader

word count- 3k

content warnings- stalking, threats, choking, cnc, overstimulation, scratching, biting, degradation, monster(?) fucking, bondage(Kind of?)

   You cursed lowly as you could have sworn you saw something flicker against the security screens and lean back in your seat, a loud creak following as you shifted in the chair. It was an annoying reminder for how long you’d been sitting in the same position considering you couldn't remember the last time you heard the sound. It was all just the same thing hours on end, staring at the unmoving and unchanging screens.

    Sure, on occasion there was the flicker of the lights, video distorting and objects moving-the usual reports.

  But you hadn't gotten the usual reports.

    At least not the last few nights. The last few nights you could’ve sworn you kept seeing some figure-some shadow moving across the screens and even hiding in the darkest corners, making it feel like someone was there, that someone was watching you yet anytime you looked-there was nothing. No one there and no anomaly to report. So you’d move on, put your focus on other things like if that chair was always turned to the left or did it really move thirty degrees? You let out a frustrated groan as you rubbed your tired eyes and looked at the clock. ‘Three in the morning, great.’ was all you could think as your eyes slowly traveled back to the screen, locking with the eyes staring right into yours. Your breath hitched and your eyes widened as you realized there was now a figure standing in the middle of the room, staring at you. For some reason it seemed like he didn’t even have a physical form, his body moving and swaying on the video screen almost as if he was fading in and out of the video.

     You didn’t know what to do in that moment, you were frozen in fear as you felt the figures eyes piercing your soul-two little white dots that looked brighter than any flashlight ever could. It wasn’t until the figure was now stepping closer to you-to the camera that your hand flew to the report button, speedily typing in a human like anomaly and before you knew it the video screen went down as the anomaly was being ‘taken care of’.

   The screen came back to life, showing the same boring room as before and the breath you didn’t realize you were holding slowly let itself out. Maybe you should believe your boss more, what could these anomalies even do? You were in the comfort of a security office in a completely different location from the one you were surveying so there was no way any harm could come to you.

..

….

Right?

It wasn’t until you had finally put your guard down and relaxed that you felt a cold hand place itself on your shoulder. Your stomach dropped and your body tensed up, your mind racing a mile a minute wondering who the hell it could be, the door was locked nobody should have gotten in in fact there shouldn't have been anyone in the building for that matter you were told the only people around you especially at this time was the guards at the front gates to make sure no one would enter the building so you should have gotten a call that someone came in right? Maybe they forgot to call or you missed the call but you haven't left your desk and-

    “I don’t like being ignored. It was a cute stunt you tried pulling-thinking pressing that little button would do anything to me but now you’re ignoring me?” Your other shoulder became cold as you felt the persons other hand grab it. Their voice, their hands-it was so unnatural their voice came out confident and low but it almost sounded layered, like not just one person was speaking but multiple, coming in hushed tones, faster yet also slower than the original speaker and their hands-they felt like a corpse- you could almost feel bile rising up from your stomach as you refused to look at them 

    “What do you want?” You tried to sound confident and level headed but even you could hear the shakiness and fear in your voice all the while the person was chuckling at you.

  “What a stupid little thing you are-i’ll let you take one guess what I want-it’s simple really” You had to fight the chill going down your spine when the person started running his fingers through your hair, seeming to be enjoying your discomfort “although…how about this, get it right for a reward-get it wrong and i’ll tell you but you’ll have to suffer the consequences after.”

 Consequences? You didn’t even know what this thing was let alone what it would or could do to you if you happen to guess wrong. 

   “I don’t-how am I supposed to guess when I don’t even know who or what you are” You tried to bargain, your voice sounding hesitant as you tried to buy yourself a little time or at least a little more guessing room. You didn’t want to find out what those consequences might mean. You heard another chuckle-this one not sounding as layered-maybe a little…a little more genuine? They’re-his voice came out clear now-less layered and more..human more…much more gruff

   “Alright then.” As your chair spun around, you could see the shadows fall of what was the previous figure revealing a handsome young man, his eyes still carrying that pitch black darkness that pierced into your soul but his forearms were covered in tattoos, revealed by the slick black button rolled up to his elbows. He had matching inky black pants and shoes that almost seemed to blend into the floor and yeah maybe you are tired but you’re certain that even if the lights were on you’d assume he was melting into the floor. He grabbed your armrest to stop the chair, both of his arms are on either side of you and effectively caging you in. “Gun. Now guess.”

   Wait, gun? What the fuck did he mean by gun? Was that a part of a threat? “I-uh-i-i-” You stuttered, your thoughts were going a mile a minute and even though you were noting that this man was incredibly attractive it was almost being drowned out by the millions of other thoughts racing through your head. 

  “I-i-i-is not an answer” He grabbed you by your chin, forcing you to look up at him when you looked away, trying to think of something-anything really “Answer it.”

  “Um-money?” You hesitated, the only possible reason could be he was trying to rob the place? But why the hell would some shadowy figure of darkness want money? In fact what the hell would a shadowy figure of darkness even want? You were regretting your choice-especially when he started to chuckle again, shaking his head as you could see a grin starting to form on his face, scrunching up the x scar on his nose just a bit as his smile grew wider.

   “Wrong.” He cooed as you began to shake, his hand coming up in an almost comforting manner on your cheek “I wanted a new toy. So now you’ll be my new toy-as punishment of course.”

   “What do you mean by toy?” You weren’t comforted in the slightest by the action, much more concerned by what he meant. 

  “Exactly what I mean, a new toy. A new toy to play with” His hand trailed to your neck and shoulder-almost like he was petting you “To tease” His nails lightly dragged from your shoulder to the base of your neck, sending shivers down your spine as his nails lightly scratched the your scalp at the base of your neck and carding through your hair “And to break” He suddenly tugged on your hair, making you gasp and let out noise that sounded close to a moan. He smirked as your face went bright red and your eyes widened but before you could say anything, he captured your mouth in a bruising kiss, nipping and biting at your lips as his other hand snuck into your shirt. You gasped, opening your mouth and letting him immediately start to explore, completely overwhelming you with him and only him. You tried to get a grip on the situation, reaching out and grabbing the man’s shirt while he completely overpowered you, only pulling away to let you get a breath of fresh air before immediately going back in. 

   It was hard to keep track, somehow you could feel his hands on the back of your head, under your shirt, creeping into your pants and even grabbing at your wrists, it was all so dizzying even when he pulled away to start biting and sucking at your neck and not sparing any mercy like he had with your lips. 

    “Wait-wait stop-” You tried to say breathlessly, just barely grabbing the mans attention as he acknowledged you with a grunt “I still don't know you-you’re name-what do you mean by-” You let out a whine as he bit down on the sweet spot on your neck, squirming in the chair and making even more hands grab at your waist, holding you in place. 

   “I already told you you stupid toy. '' He pulled away, licking at the dark mark he left behind to look up at you “My name is Gun. Now enough of the twenty questions.” He pulled off your shirt before pulling you up out of the chair, hands grabbing your wrists to hold them high above your head as he made quick work of your pants. You looked up to try to see what was holding your wrists only to see that familiar inky blackness around your wrists. It must’ve been him-that eerie feeling of being watched constantly on your back, it had to have been him. How long has he been watching you?

   Before you knew it you were completely bare in front of Gun as he stepped back to admire the frazzled and confused mess you had become already. His spit still coated your lips, swollen and a little bruised and didn’t look any better than how your neck was practically sporting a new polka dot pattern. “You’ve just looked so bored sitting in that chair, staring back at me all day. Did you even know I've been watching you all this time?” He started walking around you, getting a full view of your body. “I’ve heard you groaning and moaning for something to entertain you. Is this entertaining enough for you?” He finished his question with a sharp smack to your ass, making you yelp “You thought you’ve been all alone this whole time-poor little thing.” He grinned and smacked your ass again but harder, as you let out a cry you felt a cold pressure cover your mouth, wisps of shadow poking in your line of sight and you realized he had completely silenced you. “It really is a good thing were mostly alone here-im sure if those stupid guards were any closer they would’ve heard your pathetic whining” He moved up closer to you, his whole body enveloping you as his arm reached around you to start playing with your chest, his other hand resting on your stomach before it slowly started trailing lower and lower, making you whimper and squirm. 

    “When im done with you you wont even have a voice to scream with” His voice came out much more sinister than it had and before you knew it he had you bet over, the shadows still holding your wrists up but behind your back. He made quick work to spit on his fingers before tracing your hole, smirking as you continued to squirm more, trying to get him to push his fingers in “What a little slut you are, first you were terrified of me and now you’re whining for more? That’s pathetic really” He snickered, teasing his finger into the first knuckle before pulling right out, tracing around and around once more. “Are all humans as needy and horny as you?” He teased, leaning over you and making you feel even more trapped-not like you could do anything before this anyway. You were screwed the moment gun set his sights on you. You could feel the frustration building in your stomach as he continued to tease you, your legs shifting and moving as you tried to give yourself relief or finally convince him to give you more when suddenly he pushed three fingers down to the last knuckle inside of you, making you tense and arch your back with a whine from the stretch. “Don’t take it back now, I saw how you were practically begging me to fuck you the way you’re moving around. I felt you twitching on my finger” He said snarkily as he started to pump his fingers into you. You couldn’t remember when he took the shadows away from your mouth, all you could think about was how loud you must be with all your moaning and you were praying the guards would stay by the door and not try to check on you. 

    His hand came around to wrap around your throat, giving a firm squeeze and cutting off your sounds and air. Your stomach started to tighten up as he found your g spot, slamming into it over and over and it all became overwhelming and dizzying again. There wasn’t any point to try to keep any thoughts in your head because he was effectively cutting them all off and filling everything in with him-just him. You tried to warn, to say something but you're certain the way your walls convulsed around his fingers was enough warning you were about to cum. He let go of your throat, allowing you to suck in a big gulp of air right before you cried out, a loud moan as your orgasm slammed over you. His now free hand was cracking another hard smack on your ass before gripping it tight enough his nails were leaving marks in the skin. You tightened up around him as he did it, your hips jerking into his hand as your body was chasing the pleasure. 

   Thankfully, he pulled his hand away only to start tracing the head of his dick at your entrance and making you let out a whimper “No-no please wait I can’t handle it yet-i need-i need a minute-” 

  “No you don’t” His words came out more layered and distorted like they had before, like he was on the very edge of controlling himself before starting to push his entire length into you. Your mouth fell open in a silent moan as he continued to stretch you seemingly beyond your limits. It was the most full you’d felt until he kept pushing and pushing and pushing “Too much! Too much you’re too big-can’t take anymore-” You could feel the harsh slaps on your ass once more, a choked cry escaping you as he just kept smacking until a nice red hand print was left behind “You’re gonna take all of it. It’s part of your punishment, remember? I told you you would face the consequences.” He finally pushed himself all the way in with a groan, wrapping his arms around you to hold you in place once the shadows had finally let go of your wrists. Your arms fell to your sides like limp noodles, little to no circulation left in them but it was the least of your worries when gun had pulled out and quickly slammed back in, setting a pace that was hard for you to keep up. You weakly tried lifting your arms, putting your hands against the wall in an attempt to brace yourself but it didn't matter, guns thrusts were hard enough to push your cheek into the wall, pressing you harder and harder against the wall as you tried to lift yourself up, pushing against the wall really anything. 

   You could feel his nails claw against your thighs and you spread your legs more for him despite your overstimulated body trying to tell you otherwise. You could hear him curse under his breath before reaching around to start teasing and playing with you again, bringing you closer to your next orgasm “Cum-you better fucking cum on my dick before I cum-hurry it up you’re so fucking tight” He let out a low moan that sounded like music to your ears and you tightened around him, trying to pull yourself together but instead unraveling around him like he commanded. He let out another groan before he pulled out of you, spinning you around before pressing you up against your desk, lifting you up and spreading your legs before he was already pushing back into you, his hand quickly moving to wrap around your throat once more. 

    Your body shook as he continued, proving to not have been nearly as close as you had already been. He looked up at you, making eye contact for the first time since he reappeared in front of you outside of the screen like he had. He leaned in to capture your lips in a breathless kiss as he worked himself up to his own orgasm, thrusting into you deep enough for you to practically feel him in your lungs. Tears started to well up in your eyes before they fell from your cheeks-everything being just too overwhelming and before it could get any more intense-

   Suddenly you were sitting in your chair again, fully dressed and untouched. You blinked the dazed and confused expression away, brought back to reality by the security guard that had opened the door to your ‘office’

   “You should know better than to be sleeping on the job. If you can’t handle this, go home-we need eyes on that screen at all times.”   “Right-right im sorry-sorry-” You mumbled, rubbing your face as the guard gave you an odd look before shaking his head and walking away. Shaking your head and hands out you decided it was probably just a wild dream due to your sex life not being so active as of late. Until you looked at the screen and felt your chest tighten, the heat rising to your cheeks as you read the ten words that weren’t immediately noticeable had appeared by one of the corners you had been observing earlier.

  “We’re not done, I didn’t finish playing with my toy”

#lookism #lookism hc #lookism smut #lookism gun #gun smut #gun x reader #gun park #lookism gun park

[shihlun]

In Haruhiko Arai's new film “A Spoiling Rain” (2023), the sign on the door of a small Korean bar in Shin Okubo (?) is written as "생활의발견", a clear nod to Hong Sang-soo's 2002 film of the same name, “On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate”.

As with Hong's film, “A Spoiling Rain“ is marked by downpour of rain, which is not helped by the use of umbrellas.

#Haruhiko Arai #荒井晴彦 #A Spoiling Rain #花腐し #hong sang soo #hong sangsoo #On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate #생활의발견 #rain #raining #umbrella #nod

[dyingenigma]

On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate 생활의 발견(2002) dir. Hong Sang Soo

#on the occasion of remembering the turning gate #hong sang soo #world cinema #film stills #film #cinema #dailyasiandramas #kdrama #south korea #korean film #my upload

[chrisengel]

#On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate

[gloomwitchwrites]

Winter Gem

Thranduil x Female Elf Reader

Content & Warnings: soft!Thranduil, widowed!Thranduil, fluff, peril & rescue, mild hurt/comfort

Word Count: 1.8k

Seeking something precious for Thranduil, you're caught in a storm. When you don't return, he goes searching for you.

A/N: For @firelightinferno

ao3 // taglist // main masterlist // winter 2023 masterlist

“The first snows have arrived.”

“It has come early.”

Thranduil inclines his head in acknowledgement. “Indeed.”

You stand beside Thranduil outside the main gates. Five guards stand nearby but there is no danger. A steady snowfall drifts down from the sky. The snowflakes are slightly gray in appearance, almost like ash on the wind. You frown down at a few of the flakes that land on your leather vambrace.

“You look ready for your hunt,” observes Thranduil, gesturing toward your attire with the tip of his head.

“Yes,” reply softly. “I plan on heading out for a bit.”

His eyebrows rise toward his hairline. “In this weather?”

You glance up from the vambrace and meet his blue eyes. Thranduil’s gaze is startling and sharp. Piercing. Intense. It cuts right down to your heart. His gaze always holds you hostage, wrapping you up in his essence. Most might find Thranduil intimidating, but you know better.

“Is my king telling me I cannot?” You’re teasing him, and Thranduil knows this. His smile is one of soft amusement.

“As long as you return to me. You are free to do as you wish.” Even though Thranduil’s tone is gentle, you understand the deeper meaning.

Thranduil lost his wife many years ago. Other than his son, Legolas, you are his comfort. He wants you to be free, to enjoy the pleasures of life, but he also wants you to be safe, to return to him at the end of every leaving.

Thranduil glances over his shoulder. The guards on duty discreetly glance away, staring off into the distance as if they’ve suddenly found something of great interest. Thranduil leans in and shifts his body to block their view of you. He is close enough that it might appear that the two of you are kissing, but he does not meet your lips.

In the end, Thranduil is private about affection. He does not like to share your tender moments together in front of others.

“Enjoy your hunt. I eagerly await your return.”

You give him a half-hearted, sarcastic bow that immediately puts a wide smile on his face. Thranduil watches you until you disappear into the trees. Perhaps he lingers longer than that, wondering if you will turn around and come back to him.

It is true. You are on a hunt, but not for what he or anyone else is likely expecting.

Over a week ago, Thranduil went out in the woods with some of the guards on patrol. It’s the first time he’s been out beyond the walls in some time. Many patrols that ventured into the northern regions reported back on a strangeness in the air, and the scent of evil. Thranduil decided to investigate.

While tracking, he lost something precious.

Around his neck on a chain, Thranduil kept a silver ring. Within the ring is a precious gem, a blue stone so pale it almost appears white like a burning star. The chain that held it snapped while he and the guards chased a group of spiders that had made their way south.

He remembered it snagging, and while he did not show any distress upon telling you of its disappearance, you also know how much that ring and jewel means to him. It was a gift from his wife when they were newly married. She had a matching one, but upon her death, Thranduil moved it from his finger to around his neck.

This hunt—your hunt—is about that ring. You have a fairly good idea about where it might have fallen, and there is no reason for it to have moved since then. Few enter these woods unless they follow the road, and that is on rare occasions.

Tracking is your specialty, and your time is not limited due to the falling snow. But you’ve tracked in worse weather. The snow is unfortunate, but you can still search as long as it remains at its current pace. The tree cover will keep much of the snow in the higher canopy. There will be time yet before the snow completely covers the ground and you lose the trail.

Heading north, you retrace the path the patrol took. Yes, a week has passed, and nature reclaims much, but not everything is hidden so quickly. There are small disturbances that indicate the path ahead.

As you begin to draw nearer to the area Thranduil mentioned, the snow starts to pick up. It becomes thicker, not staying above in the canopy but instead making its way to the ground. It’s not ideal, but you can manage.

Thranduil mentioned two tree trunks growing together and then breaking apart. When you happen upon it, the snow comes down in thicker sheets. On the ground, it’s sticking. Collecting. Time is running out. Elves have good eyes, and you focus in on the ground, gnarled roots, and underbrush.

Near the base of the tangled tree, you notice a slight sparkle. Approaching it, you go down on one knee, brushing away some of the snow.

“Found you.”

The ring is there, resting in the roots. It appears undamaged, and that is a relief. Picking it up, you tuck it into an inside pocket, protecting it from the elements.

The snow crunches under your boots, and the wind howls. For the first time, you shiver. Cold is not and has never been an issue. Elves can withstand a great many things, including winter weather.

Frowning, you turn into the chilly wind. There is a disturbance. Something dark and foul. It sets the edges of your nerves tingling. A simmering suspicion bubbles up from somewhere within you, question whether this snow is natural or not.

Turning on your heel, you head back the way you came. But the snow is heavy, and your fresh tracks are starting to slip away, returning to the snow. As you walk, the snowfall becomes a storm. The wind whips up, swirling the snow around until you cannot see more than a few feet in front of your face.

Your instincts were right. This storm is not natural. It is too early for it, and storms like these are rare in the Woodland Realm.

The toe of your boot catches in a downed tree branch and you slam face first into the snow. It’s freezing. Temperature isn’t usually a deterrent for the elves, but this is beyond cold. It’s as if you’ve been swallowed whole by a massive glacier.

You walk and walk, and you have no idea if you’ve gained any ground. There are no visible signs, and you’re not sure how far you’ve gone, or if you’re simply walking in circles. The snow is deepening or perhaps you’re imagining it. Everything seems darker, like the world is closing in.

You’re not dressed for this sort of weather.

And you’re tired. So tired. Your knees and thighs burn, and sitting down for some rest doesn’t seem so bad. It’s fine. You can take refugee within the deep roots of a tree. You can stay warm there until the snow dissipates. Then, you can return. Thranduil will understand.

As if opening for you, the roots of a nearby tree expand, showing safety from the storm. You slink into it, curling up into a ball.

You drift in the howling wind. There is a haze that sits on your eyelashes. Whether you dream or not is irrelevant. Numbness oozes into your limbs, and that only forces you to curl up tighter, wanting to pull away from the cold.

A hand touches the side of your head. It is warm. Gentle. The fingers slide up to brush your hair out of your face. You hear your name but it is a whisper. Distant. So far away it doesn’t seem real.

There are arms around you. Lifting. Steady. And when you inhale, the scent is familiar. You know who it is instantly.

“Thranduil,” you murmur, and the answer is a gentle squeeze of your hand.

“I found you, my star.”

There are only short moments of consciousness. There is snow. Cold. The antlers of an elk. The gates of home, and then warmth. So much warmth that the numbness begins to recede.

You are brought back to the living world near a roaring fire. Beneath you is a makeshift bed comprised of pillows and soft blankets. You shift, and feel bare skin against bare skin. Slowly, you push yourself to sitting.

Your leather gear is gone, replaced with a soft robe that traps in the heat.

“You’re awake.” Thranduil’s voice is a gentle, comforting hug.

Turning toward his voice, you watch as he glides across the floor. Thranduil wears silver robes of starlight. In his hands in a small tray. On it is a steaming cup of tea and an assortment of food. Bending at the knees, Thranduil settles in beside you, placing the tray down on the blankets.

“You came looking for me,” you say, and your voice nearly cracks with emotion.

“Did you think I would not?” he asks, arranging the food around on the tray.

You know, deep in your heart, that Thranduil would come, but you also believed in your abilities as a tracker. “When did you start to worry?”

Thranduil lifts the cup off the tray and presents it to you. “When the storm picked up. Something about it felt unnatural.” You take it, and bring the warm beverage to your lips. “I gathered some guards and we set out. It is good that we found you in time.” He pauses. “I’m not sure my heart could take any more loss.”

The heat of the tea spreads throughout your body, the chill slipping away quickly. “I do believe you are correct. That storm was not natural.”

Thranduil nods. “There is a growing darkness to the north. The scouts on patrol have spoken of it often but have been unable to get close enough for more details.”

“Perhaps I strayed too close,” you murmur.

“Perhaps,” replies Thranduil, reaching out to take your hand. He lifts it, and brings it into his lap. Using both hands, he rotates your wrist until your palm faces the ceiling. Then, he guides your open palm to his lips, placing a soft kiss in the middle of it.

Instant warmth shoots out from that spot, running down your arm and piercing your heart like an arrow. Slowly, he curls your fingers in, creating a loose fist, and then brushes his lips against your knuckles before pulling away.

He does not release your hand. “I know why you left.”

“Thranduil—”

“You did not need to explain. I understand why.” Thranduil reaches out and cups your cheek, turning your face toward him. “I am thankful that you found it, but you are also precious to me, and losing you is a far greater loss.”

You turn into his touch. “That ring is important to you.”

“Many things are important to me. But the ring is just that. A thing. You are breathing. You are here. I would like to keep it that way.”

Your eyes drift close and you revel in the warmth of his touch. “Are you mad?”

“Never.”

“Will you hold me?”

“For as long as you like.”

taglist:

@foxxy-126 @glassgulls @km-ffluv @sweetbutpsychobutsweet @singleteapot @firelightinferno @glitterypirateduck @tiredmetalenthusiast @protosslady @childofyuggoth @coffeecaketornado @ninman82 @therealbloom

#thranduil #thranduil x reader #thranduil fanfiction #thranduil x you #thranduil imagine #thranduil fluff #thranduil fanfic #thranduil fic #thranduil x female reader #thranduil x f!reader #thranduil x fem!reader #the hobbit fanfic #the hobbit fanfiction #the hobbit fic #the hobbit imagine #the hobbit thranduil #lotr fluff #lotr fic #lotr fanfic #lotr fanfiction #lord of the rings fic #lord of the rings fanfic #lord of the rings fanfiction #the hobbit movies

[littlejuicebox]

Astarion talks in his sleep.

Pairing: Astarion x GN!Reader/Tav (Shadowheart is our lovely supporting role though.) Summary/Setting: 6 months post BG3, "good/spawn" Astarion ending, all fluff Rating/Warnings: PG / Very mild if any game spoilers but nothing related to major content or scenes Word Count: 900+ Notes: Inspired by this post here!

-----

Astarion talks in his sleep. It’s something you’ve never mentioned to him, because it’s mostly when he’s having a nightmare about Cazador or some other horrid trauma from his past. You'd quickly determined it not worth bringing up, for fear of embarrassing him. Plus, if you were being honest, part of you found it rather endearing... especially the lighter drabble that would escape his lips. Delighted giggles, little purrs... it could be overwhelmingly adorable, on occasion.

In fact, the first time you ever heard him say he loved you was in his sleep. Then you'd waited weeks… anxiously, impatiently, unbearably for the revelation to come out while he was awake, under his own terms.

But tonight, the talking and tossing isn't cute. The vampire writhing in bed disturbs you, and your eyes flutter open, catching the smallest glimpse of daylight between the thick, tightly drawn curtains and shuttered windows of your bedchamber. You'd just fallen asleep, and you'd be lying if you said you weren't the slightest bit annoyed.

You idly try to figure out the date. Adjusting your schedule to the night life was… difficult; you often lost track of dates nowadays. But somehow you manage to remember that it's been nearly six months since you all saved Baldur's Gate; six months since Astarion had been returned to a creature of the shadows. Six months you've been in the house provided by the city as you two adjust to whatever normalcy you are able to conjure up and figure out your next steps. You were a strong proponent for the Underdark; Astarion was not quite sold.

At first you think the silver-haired elf's tossing and turning is a night terror… it’s been nearly two weeks since the last one. He’s overdue. You ready yourself to pop out of bed and grab your calming herbs to steep a quick sleeping draught. But then you hear him, soft and garbled, laced with thick strings of sleep.

“Will you marry me?”

You turn to stare stupidly at the elf, eyes piercing through the blackness of your room; his face is obscured, you cannot tell if he’s awake. “…what did you say?”

Silence. A long, unbearable stretch of silence where your heart is pounding into your throat, practically rattling around your chest cavity at the sudden shock. And then he’s snoring again, and you’re left with your brow furrowed and robe half pulled onto your shoulder. Well, so much for your sleep.

You meander down the hall to the kitchen, where Shadowheart has several jars and plants strewn across the table. She’s practically taken over the kitchen since Gale left, not that you particularly mind, since she’s also taken over the cooking.

“Aren’t you supposed to be asleep right now?” She asks, spotting you out of the corner of her eye, not lifting her focus from the mortar and pestle in her hand.

“You won’t believe what Astarion just said in his sleep.” You murmur in dazed response, walking over to the cabinets and rummaging through the contents. You grab an old kettle and fill it with water, turning to look at the cleric.

“Gods, what was it? I’m quite thankful to be out of the camp... his night terrors woke all of us up at one point or another. It's no wonder you’re struggling with the schedule adjustment.”

“He said, ‘Will you marry me?’” You respond, almost giggling at how silly that sounds in retrospect, as you place the kettle on the stove.

Shadowheart pauses. One, two, three beats of silence. “Shit… well, I guess the cat is out of the bag now.” She murmurs with a shrug, before returning to grinding her herbs.

“Wh-what?!”

“Oh, come off, don’t be daft! You had to expect it would be coming sooner or later. Gods, your love is almost sickening… it was sickening, having to hear it all the time... once again, so thankful for the separation of these walls.”

You are frozen, your hand still holding onto the kettle as you appraise your friend. Shadowheart is right. You knew a proposal would come sooner or later… you just figured it would be much later. Astarion was still struggling; more often than not you woke to him in tears or in the throes of a sleeping fit. Countless calming elixirs and teas had been drawn up by you and Shadowheart in the last six months. Truly, you hadn’t thought he was thinking that deeply about it... you hadn't been, if at all. Gods, you two still didn't even know where you were headed after leaving this city-supplied house... the lease was up in a few weeks' time.

“I guess… well, I suppose I didn’t think he was ready.” You sigh, lighting the stove and sitting across the table, watching the cleric as she works.

“Oh, trust me, he’s ready. And he's certain. Perhaps not about anything else... but definitely about this. He's been writing to Gale for weeks trying to source a particular ring." Shadowheart responds, now pouring the contents of her grinder into pouches. "Just promise you'll act like it's a surprise when the time comes... he's been talking about it for a while. He's put a lot of thought into things."

"When will it be?"

Shadowheart laughs, the edges of her eyes crinkling as she flicks her gaze toward the ceiling. She’s now cinching the sachets and sorting them all into a nearby basket. "Now that I'm not telling you. I've already given away too much."

You try for a few more minutes to pry the information from your friend, but she remains tight-lipped. You even threaten her with detect thoughts, though you both know you'd never go through with it. Finally, a whistle from the kettle beckons you back to the stovetop, and the conversation is halted as you ready your tea and aim to go back to bed. You might not know when your love is going to pop the question, but you do know that when the time comes, your answer will be a resounding yes.

Click here for Part 2

#astarion fanfic #astarion fic #astarion x tav #baulders gate 3 #baulders gate astarion #baulders gate tav #bg3 fanfic idea #bg3 fanfiction #bg3 fluff #astarion fluff #astarion x gender neutral reader #astarion x reader #astarion x you #bg3 fic #baldurs gate 3 fanfiction #bg3 imagines #astarion imagines #i feel like shadowheart would be my best friend IRL

[frantic-fiction]

Reunions

(Pic: lovelybluebirdie) I cropped it a bit

Astarion x gn!reader, Astarion x reincarnated!Tav

Summary: A few months after reconnecting to your past life as Tav, a party is set to meet the rest of the group. You're nervous, worried about not living up to who you once were. Will you be enough?

This is a little part 2 of I'll Find My Way Back to You

Notes/ Warning: Pretty much just fluff. Reader is insecure. Astarion is a supportive partner. I kept all 6 origin characters alive because it's my story and I don't want to imagine any of them dead. Also, Halsin's here cause druids live to be like a thousand or whatever.

Word Count: 2.1k

Masterlist

You're not panicking. Why would you be? It's not like you're meeting a group of people you've only met in dreams—a group of strangers you've painted for the better part of your existence- a family forged through hardship from a past life you're still trying to remember fully.

No, you're not panicking. You're not scared that the people who are so excited to see you will not like what they see. You're not terrified the family Astarion has helped you remember will look at you disappointed once they realize you are no longer the Tav they once knew. You're not worried at all. Not. One. Bit.

You spent the afternoon cleaning the house from top to bottom. It was sparkling, and your fingers ached from the hours of scrubbing you filled in the restless day with. No surface was left untouched. Bookshelves were dusted, baseboards were spotless, and even the top of the cupboards, where no one would ever see, were wiped down. The floors were swept and mopped three times now, but you keep finding spots you missed. Astarion even physically stopped you from scaling the roof to clean the chimney when you ran out of things to occupy yourself with.

There's a roast in the oven, potatoes, and veggies cooking alongside it, and a pie cooling on the counter. You wanted to cook more, but you were worried that not everyone would like blueberries or that someone had turned to a plant-based diet. Astarion quickly reminded you that they used to eat food out of dusty barrels and mildewed chests.

Currently, you stand in front of your floor-length mirror. Astarion is out on a quick hunt before the party arrives, leaving you to obsess over your thoughts of inadequacy. The majority of your closet littered the floor. You're scrutinizing a simple tunic and legging combo. Was it too simple? Should you wear something more eye-catching?

You're trying to remember what Tav would have worn. All you can recall is blood-stained armor and simple camp clothes. But this occasion garners something more. Fuck. Stripping off the current outfit, you replace it with an almost identical one and look at yourself in the mirror again. You weren't sure what you expected, maybe to magically love this pair of pants and old tunic. But in reality, you were just as frustrated and worried.

The clothes weren't the problem, you knew that, but it was easier to be pissed at a blouse than to accept that you were scared. You were frightened to face Astarion and Tav's friends. You have Tav's memories and feel an odd kinship with these people. But you weren't Tav, and you would never be them, at least not entirely.

You felt like an imposter to try and convince anyone otherwise. Tears of frustration and disappointment in yourself began to trail down your cheeks. How could a silly artist hold a candle to the kind and heroic savior of Baldur's Gate? You glared at yourself, wishing things could have been different.

You jump when you feel cold arms wrap around your torso and a warm kiss at the nape of your neck. Astarion loved to use his lack of reflection to sneak up on you. You, on the other hand, hated it. Still, you found yourself leaning back into his firm chest.

"Hello, my love,"

You try to stop the pathetic sniffle, but it's useless. Astarion turns you in his arms and cups your jaw. "Darling," is all he says because he knows. Of course, he knows.

That simple pet name causes the floodgates to open, and you crumple into Astarion's chest, nuzzling his neck. He tightens his arms around you, pulling you closer to his body. Astarion lets you cry, knowing how nervous you've been for this meetup.

He rubs soft circles on the small of your back and peppers kisses to the crown of your head. "You can talk to me,"

"W-what if they don't li-like me?"

Astarion moves you both to the bed, skirting around the mess you made. He sits down and pulls you onto his lap to look you in the eyes better. "Why wouldn't they love you?" He prompts, not wanting to push you.

"Star, you know why. I'm not Tav," you hiccup, and you're positive the words you're speaking are incoherent. "I have their memories and some of their mannerisms and…and I'm also allergic to bees, but I'm not them. What if they hate me because I'm not Tav."

Astarion pecks your lips to halt your panicked words. He wipes the tears from your damp face. "No, you are not Tav, but they are part of you. They live in your art, laugh, and kind heart."

"But wha-"

"Let me finish, my love," Astarion smiles, brushing some hair behind your ear. "No one expects you to be Tav. We all love them deeply, but Tav's gone." He swallows hard, the words still hard to voice for him.

Astarion kisses your forehead, then your cheek, and continues to pepper kisses over your face, catching stray tears. "They just want to get to know the beautiful artist I fell in love with. Gale's big mouth might have let them know more about our history than I would have liked, but that doesn't change anything."

"And if they don't like the person you fell in love with?" You ask softly.

"Then fuck all of them. I love you, and if they don't love you as well, then they have no place in my life." His eyes pierce deep into yours, and there's no denying the truth of his words. You are overcome with a wave of love for your vampire and kiss him softly once more. "Now come, my love, by the smell, your roast is done."

"Shit!" You jump off his lap and rush out of the room, self-doubt pushed to the side.

*

The roast is fine if slightly burnt on the top. It looked juicy and smelled amazing. The vegetables are mush, but the potatoes are tender and seasoned well. It's not your best meal, but there's nothing you can do to fix it now. You left it on the counter to rest and found Astarion in the living room.

He was rehanging one of your paintings- the one you drew late last year after waking up in a cold sweat. It was a complete picture of the party standing on a dock overlooking the Grey Harbor just as the sun rose above the horizon. Astarion helps you fill in the gaps, telling you that this followed the fall of the Absolute.

"What are you doing?" You asked, crossing your arms over your chest and leaning against the wall. You had hidden away most of your art, too embarrassed by the sheer number of canvases depicting the guest due here any minute.

Astarion finishes hanging the painting above the fireplace and turns to you. "I liked this one and thought I'd put it back."

Before you could say anything, there was a knock at the door. Your stomach instantly dropped, and your heart beat hard in your chest. As if sensing your rising anxiety, Astarion moved to your side, his large palm finding the small of your back.

He swiftly kisses your cheek. "One word and I'll throw them all out."

Astarion leaves you and walks to answer the door. Your palms are sweating, and you rub them down your thighs. You take a few deep breaths and pace the room. Not knowing what else to do, you idly fluff up the decorative pillows of the couch and stall.

"Pull yourself together." You mumbled under your breath. You hear the sounds of multiple footsteps, and you know they're all here.

Why did Astarion request for them to arrive all at once? You're still not sure. But you're suddenly very pissed at him for his decision. Having all of them looking upon you like an art exhibit terrifies you.

"My dear," Astarion pokes his head into the room, a warm smile adorning his sharp features. "Would you like to meet our guest?"

You swallowed hard and nodded. Putting on a brave smile, you rounded the couch and reached for Astarion's hand. Threading his fingers with yours, you curled around his arm like a lifeline.

Moving out into the foyer, you shyly look at the group before you. Gale, given the circumstances of your and Astarion's meeting, you had already met. He had relentlessly bothered Astarion until an introduction was made between you and the wizard. But you've only seen the others in the paintings you've made and the dreams you've seen.

Karlach bounced on her feet, Wyll smiling brightly behind her left shoulder. Haslin stood by the door, a beautifully sculpted wooden bear in his arms. Shadowheart stood beside him, her face passive but relaxed and almost pleased. Lae'zel was the farthest from the group, brooding in the corner, looking at you suspiciously. Still, she even loosened her tense shoulders and stepped forward upon your entry.

"Um, hi." You waved meekly, giving them your name, cringing when your voice cracked.

It's quiet for a moment too long, and you're a step away from fleeing when Karlach skips over to you.

"Can I hug you?!" She almost yells, shaking her fists excitedly.

"Karlach!" Astarion scolds. The Tiefling had, by the looks of it, broken a rule he had set for your comfort.

"Sorry, sorry." Karlach's smile fades, and she moves to retreat. Your heart clenches, and it's like your body moves on instinct. You detach from Astarion before you can think, and then your arms are around her waist. Her scalding heat seeps into your bones and listen to the cranks of her engine.

"Hi Karlach," you whispered into her torso. The wind squeezed from your body, and your feet were off the ground.

"It's nice to finally meet you! The letters fangs write didn't do you justice."

Quickly, the group connects like magnets. Wyll crowds in and hugs you from behind, pressing you closer to Karlach. Gale piles on after, then Halsin. Shadowheart nudges her way between the men and apologizes on behalf of everyone but gives you an equally tight squeeze. The group even wrangles Astarion and Lae'zel into this group hug.

These people are supposed to be strangers, but having them close, seeing this family you've watched through someone else's memories for most of your life right before you. It fills you with familiar warmth and affection and has tears of joy in your eyes. You might not be Tav, not entirely, but you still have a place in this little family.

"Um…excuse me, I can't breathe." You squeak out after a moment of suffocation, and the group is quick to disperse.

Wiping away the lingering dampness from your cheek, you take a moment to compose yourself, clearing your throat with a subtle grace. Your hand instinctively finds its way back, and Astarion swiftly recovers it, his touch reassuring. Soft circles dance on the back of your hand, a silent question lingering in his gaze, seeking affirmation that you're all right. You respond with a nod and a comforting squeeze of his hand.

"Ah, well…" you chuckle with a hint of self-awareness. "I have a roast with everyone's names on it. And a blueberry pie; Astarion found a wild patch on one of his hunts."

"Thank the gods, I'm famished," Wyll sighs, his appetite evident as he sniffs the air dreamily. A nudged Karlach sets the communal movement toward the dining room in motion.

Astarion emerges with the wine, gracefully pouring glasses of red for everyone. Gale, the sole visitor to your home beforehand, takes charge of the table settings. With a flick of his fingers and a whispered incantation, plates and silverware align harmoniously. The stage set, the food emerges, and the night takes flight.

It feels like a cinematic scene picking up where it had once paused, a seamless continuation. Laughter weaves through the air, stories unfold, and even the occasional argument dissolves into a chorus of joyous laughter. Though new and fresh, the conversation flows as naturally as breathing. Strangers evolve into friends, and amidst the clinking of glasses, a familial bond begins to sprout. Tav was indeed fortunate to have these beautiful souls around.

As the night bids farewell and everyone departs, you find solace curled up against Astarion. His voice, a gentle undercurrent, softly reads from his newest book, and you gaze up, fixated on the beautiful man before you. A silent expression of gratitude graces your lips, an unspoken acknowledgment directed at Tav. Thanks for giving you a family and the love of your life.

Astarion's fingers scratch your scalp, tenderly coaxing your eyes closed. "What are you thinking about, little love?"

"Just how lucky I am."

"I would argue I'm the lucky one, but I suppose we can share," he smiles; he continues to read to you and massage your scalp until you're puddy against his body, sleep having all but consumed you. The night settles into a tranquil symphony, the warmth of shared love lingering in the serenity.

Okay I know it was a bit cheesy, but I needed so fluffy shit today. Anyway, tell me what you thought I love talking with y'all.

Taglist: heartfully10, ayselluna, marina-and-the-memes

#astarion x reader #astarion x tav #astarion #bg3 #astarion ancunin #astarion imagine #bg3 astarion #reader insert #fanfic #writing #frantic fiction #bg3 fic #bg3 tav #bg3 x tav

[whynoshadowheartyandere]

Deny Me Not Your Heart [Selunite!Shadowheart x F!Tav]

Intended Audience: Mature and up [Like that stops anyone]

Who be smoochin? : Shadowheart x F!Tav [can't write M!Tav even if you threatened my bloodline and I don't trust myself to maintain Gn!Tav] Really it's Durge but it's like, one singular reference.

Warnings: Remember the drabble idea where I said let them cook in the suffer-sauce for longer than a day and half a minute?, sad angst with a happy ending [I don't read fics to feel sad after either], lots of blood, description of injuries, lots of literal praying...

Word Count: 2,729 baebeee

Up, up and awayyyy

-ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Just one more day. One more evening and they wouldn't need these tents anymore. No more roughing it in the wilderness. There would be warmth and beds. Tonight was the last night they would need to scavenge or hunt for food.

So why did Shadowheart feel so uneasy?

Tav had become an excellent hunter for the small rogue she was. It had become a point of pride for her, so much so she had denied all offers of help. Again. Gale had offered to prepare a filling meal with the abundant supplies they had left over (their leader was somewhat of a food hoarder), but Tav had refused the offer as well. Insistent that they have a fresh meal to celebrate the occasion. They had survived the long journey to Baldur's Gate after all, and Shadowheart herself had turned her sights to a brighter future. Of course, there was plenty of reason to be excited.

She just wished she could have spent it with some wine and the woman she... cared for. Deeply.

Gods, she was foolish. They had quite the rapport, had been through so much and still she struggled to admit to herself the depth of her feelings. She had devoted so much of her heart to Shar. To the exclusion of all else, and nearly lost Tav because of it. It was a miracle that she accepted her feelings outside the mausoleum that night after the way she had brushed the rogue off for so long... Perhaps when they arrive in the Gate. Or maybe it would be best told after they defeat the brain?

"I don't like this" Wyll abruptly broke the silence, rising from the log they dragged in front of the fire. "It's been too long, she should have returned by now." He said, turning back toward his tent to gather his equipment.

Karlach rose to meet him. "I'll come with. Three eyes are better than one, eh?" Flashing that toothy grin that Wyll couldn't help but smile at.

Shadowheart was about to join them before he held up his hand. "It may be best you wait here in case she comes back, lest she see you missing and charge out after you." With a small smile.

Karlach gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze and went for her equipment as well. Then the two disappeared into the darkness. She wrung her fingers and watched the flames lick at the wood before she thought better of herself and left for her tent. Anxiously sitting around did no one any favors, did it?

Time passed painfully slow from that moment on. There was no way something could have happened to Tav. From the way she could playfully sneak up on her in the evenings, her precise aim with her shortbow, that silver tongue, it was hard to fathom a situation their formidable leader couldn't handle. So long as it didn't involve cheese.

For reasons no one was privy to.

However much time has actually passed, she couldn't say. But that wasn't her concern.

The frantic shouting of two familiar voices was.

Karlach came barreling forward from the brush as Shadowheart stepped from her tent, followed by Wyll not long after. Both their eyes darting around camp. As soon as they met her eyes, Karlach set down a blood drenched, barely recognizable Tav on a bedroll Wyll had just laid out. "We found her like this! A wolf was sniffing around, but that was it!" The tiefling panted, stepping away to allow the cleric room to work.

Shadowheart urgently dove to her side and took in the situation. It was difficult to tell with all the blood, there were wounds all long her torso that left her leather armor in tattered ruins, a deep wound that nearly hid itself in her hairline if not for the blood pouring from it. But the most concerning was the dark, almost black looking blood from her waist that was staining the bedroll. "Hells below, what happened to you?" She breathed, hating the shudder in her voice as she easily tore open the now-worthless armor and channeled her magic and eased her hands on the body.

So much colder than she's ever felt it before.

Tav's chest was barely rising, the only indication she was clinging to life, if only by a thread. Somehow. "We tried potions, they just... stalled it." Wyll explained somberly.

"I'm healing what I can, but not fast enough. " Shadowheart hurried the words before shouting over her shoulder "Gale!" She bit her lip and turned back to Tav, finding some semblance of relief when some wounds on her chest finally stopped bleeding.

A figure knelt down beside Tav, opposite Shadowheart. Laying radiant hands on the bloody body as well. "Two healers are better than one, no?"

Her eyes shot up to meet the warm ones of Isobel. Who flashed her a small, reassuring smile and turned her attention to Tav. "Lady Selûne, in your silver light, I beseech your grace. Heal the wounds that afflict Tav, restore strength, and bring solace to their spirit. By your celestial touch, may pain fade, and well-being be renewed. Selûne, guide my hands in this sacred act..." The prayer would normally have made Shadowhearts' blood boil, but gods, she would pray to Shar again if it meant keeping Tav beside her.

She took a deep breath, guiding her own healing along Tav's body, and heaved it from her chest. "Moonw—Selûne, please... Bring her back to me."

Between hers and Isobel's hands, and the somber audience surrounding them, their healing could only go so far before both clerics' hands burned and stung from the magic they funneled well beyond their own limits.

But it had paid off. Tav's heart was beating a steady, though faint, rhythm. They would need bandages to protect some wounds they couldn't quite heal... but Tav was alive.

And unconscious.

With careful arms, Shadowheart lifted the rogue into her arms and gingerly carried her into her own tent. What she said to the others, she can't recall. It wasn't important, anyway. She sat beside her all night, sleepless. Her thumb occasionally tracing around the wound on her head.

Morning came, and Tav showed no signs of waking. She had hardly stirred at all, only her breathing kept Shadowheart's own heart calm. The group decided to wait another day before discussing anything further. It was only when evening came along, when Isobel offered to keep watch over her, that Shadowheart at last departed her lover's tent in search of a meal. As odd as the notion was, to trust a Selûnite...

To keep herself occupied, and to express her... gratitude to Selûne for her grace. Shadowheart took a knife to her hair, coloring it white with some dye she had asked Isobel for.

Compliments the next morning did little to soothe her anxious heart as she set eyes on Tav. Isobel had just changed her bandages when she noticed the former Sharran.

She only had to shake her head.

It took some planning and plenty of coordination, but they had procured a small wooden wagon from a grave tender's shed nearby. And as much as it made Shadowheart grimace seeing her very much alive lover laid on a device that had carried corpses, it was better than leaving her behind.

After the first ten or so odd stares they had gotten from passerby when they wheeled Tav through Baldur's Gate, Shadowheart gave up glaring at them. They had to fend off some shapeshifter from threatening some "blood-kin" she was going off about, narrowly avoided clowns from a nearby circus and she shoo'd off some overly insistent cheese merchant peddling his goods. Shadowheart only spent the last of her energy charming and playing the guard at the drawbridge. Shedding a few tears as she spun the sad tale of her heroic lover. Whether or not they were real, no one could tell. Not even herself.

She had to resist kicking the sodding thing aside once they reached the Elfsong. Wyll and Astarion had taken their turn to persuade the innkeeper to give them a large enough room for them all. The only complaint came from Astarion, unused to the need to beguile people after Tav had been doing it for so long.

Shadowheart ignored it as she lightly brushed Karlach aside and lifted Tav into her own arms... and an ever faint twitch to her features froze the cleric stiff. "You good?" Karlach questioned, tone edged with concern.

For a moment, she just stared down at the small rogue before shaking her head clear. Her weary eyes must be playing tricks on her. "Yes, of course." And she turned away before she could press further her.

Once she had established a room for themselves, she eased Tav onto the bed before stepping outside to gather their things and put them away. She didn't even take her dyed Dark Justiciar armor off before collapsing at her bedside.

Three days. Three godsdamned days without her. And it felt like a whole bloody year. Without her smile. Her laugh. The sound of her voice whispering sweet nothings into her pointed ears at night.

The tears that flowed now were very much real, there was no doubt. Her face leaned against the edge of the bed, careful to avoid wetting her bandages. "Please come back," she pleaded, voice barely above a whisper. "I can't do this without you." Her parents, the Absolute... They had only come so far because of Tav. She had only come so far because of Tav.

She hadn't realized how incredibly daunting all their goals seemed without her. Every goal they had set, every aspiration they had shared, now appeared larger than life without Tav. The enormity of it all struck her like a tidal wave, threatening to consume her in its overwhelming force. The once clear path they had envisioned together now looked like an insurmountable mountain, its peak obscured by clouds of fear and self-doubt. With each passing moment, a sense of helplessness washed over her. She had always been their anchor, their unwavering support, and now, without her, their ambitions seemed to drift aimlessly in a sea of uncertainty.

A hand touched her shoulder, jolting her upright. Isobel's tender eyes met hers. "Your friends are leaving to explore the city. I'm happy to watch over her until you return."

Shadowheart glanced behind her. Of course, she forgot to close the door. A rejection was on the tip of her tongue, but something stopped her. Something she never thought she'd ever ask for. "Could you... pray over her... like before?"

Isobel's features flickered with surprise, but not with judgement or even smugness. "Would it offend you if I said I already have been? While you've been away?" She joked with a wry smile. "I would love to, Shadowheart. May I?" Gesturing to the spot beside her on the floor.

She nodded, scooting toward the head of the bed to give the fellow cleric room beside Tav. Isobel knelt down, carefully taking Shadowheart's hand, and lifting their joined palms gently on Tav's belly before bowing her head, cueing Shadowheart to do the same. "My Lady of Silver, guide this slumbering soul. Illuminate the path through the shadows that bind Tav. In your gentle light, awaken her spirit, bringing clarity and renewed vitality..." Isobel prayed, for a while, in fact.

When at last she departed and left them alone, Shadowheart made a point to close the door behind her, the click of the latch faintly resounding in the room. After removing her armor, she climbed into bed and snuggled up beside Tav, reveling in the warmth of her body. Her fingertips feathered over her arm, just the way she remembers soothed the rogue. She closes her eyes and inhales, savoring the faint scent of vanilla that still lingers on her skin. Her voice quivering she softly whispers, "I love you dearly, you foolish, fragile thing," her eyes stinging anew with tears. "And if you don't wake up soon..." She hesitated, her voice catching in her throat, "...you might just find yourself becoming a reluctant connoisseur of rare, aged cheese..."

"Don't..." rasped a voice she doubted she'd hear again "you dare..."

In a flash, Shadowheart sat up and stared down with wide eyes... into the open, heavy but incredibly beautiful eyes... Open... and locking with hers. "Thank Selûne..." Shadowheart breathed, barely aware of her quivering lip. "Thank you, Selûne..." As she threw her arms around Tav as best she could in this position. Nestling her nose into her neck, placing one soft kiss after another against her skin.

"Who are you, and what did you do with the real Shadowheart?" Tav coughed, but even with how dry her throat was, it was clearly a playful jab.

Shadowheart pulled back, narrowing her eyes for a moment in her own teasing glare, before it broke into a soft laugh. Leaving the bed only to pour Tav a cup of water. "Funny you mention that..." she started as she turned back to the bed and sat on the edge beside her. Helping guide Tav into a semi-upright position and despite handing the cup to her, Shadowheart maintained a hand on it to ensure it didn't slip.

The longer Tav stared at her, the more her brows creased. "How long have I been out? The bed... your hair..."

"Do you like it?" She queried, quickly touching a hand to her dyed white hair.

Tav's touch was tender as she took her hand, placing delicate kisses on each knuckle. "I love it." Lips brushing the back of her hand, holding it as she smiles into her eyes. Shadowheart's breath escaped her lips in an unexpected sigh, releasing the tension she didn't realize she was holding. The only compliment that truly soothed her nerves.

"And I love you too... Deeply." She added, biting her lip and shyly looking away.

Shadowheart paused, blinking. She... heard her?

She loves her back??

She...

She leans down slowly, their noses grazing, then their lips before they slowly press together. It's a sweet kiss at first. Tender, lazy, speaking things to each other that words could never capture. The taste so uniquely her and incredibly intoxicating. More than any wine she'd ever indulged in. She could kiss her forever and want for nothing, if her body would allow it. She's missed her lips so much that the tiniest of noises escapes her as her fingers tangle in the hairs on the nape of Tav's neck. "I've loved you for so long, but dared not allow you into my heart" She whispered against Tav's lips between kisses, "but now I can't imagine a day I'd hesitate to welcome you in it."

Shadowheart smiled a little at the way Tav's breath hitched at the words, their lips only briefly reconnecting before a knock came to the door.

It flung open before she had time to answer. "Shadsy, look what I found! Tav will love it when—!" Karlach gushes as she strides into the room, carrying a stuffed Owlbear toy. Cutting herself off when she realizes what she's walked in on, Shadowheart slowly straightening upright. "TAV, YOU'RE AWAKE." She shouts loud enough the whole tavern probably hears her.

And like that, the moment is shattered as their companions flood into the room. Karlach shoving the gift into Tav's arms, everyone smiling and even occasionally giving the gentlest of hugs to their awakened leader. Even Astarion seems genuinely relieved.

However, Shadowheart feels a pair of eyes directed at her. Casting a glance in its direction, she examines until she finds the source. Connecting with a certain Selûnite standing just outside the door. She responds to Shadowhearts silent confusion with a nod and smile, then turns away.

Shadowheart's lips curved into a gentle smile, illuminating her face with warmth, and returned her attention to Tav. Who she loved. Not so long ago, she believed her heart had only room for shadows, for darkness and loss. It only took nearly losing the love of her life twice to realize how foolish that belief was. Now, her heart warmed, and fluttered like a flame flickering to life. And it craved for so much more than she ever knew it could feel, nevermind hold. It yearned for her.

And Shadowheart would never deny her heart of her again.

#baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate #bg3 #shadowheart #baldurs gate shadowheart #bg3 shadowheart #shadowheartxf!reader #female reader #fluff #angst #hurt/comfort #baldurs gate fanfiction #drabble #baldurs gate drabble #shadowheart x tav

[kitmoas]

purgatórium versenye

WandaNat x Reader

Warnings: **18+ ONLY** **MINORS DNI*** ***SMUT*** dark and demonic themes, cult vibes, gun and syringe, blood, gaslighting and stolkhome vibes, gives almost...Saw vibes in a way?, clicker training

As per usual if i forgot anything let me know

Author's Note: oh look I actually hit a deadline with this one! Okay second part of the double feature is here!! Again I am still getting back in the grove of writing so I'm sorry if this sucks, also I did not edit this at all sooooo yea

Kitmoas | Necrosis Kitmoas | Navigation

Exhaustion filled your body but thankfully you knew that the wait was almost over. For the past three and a half years your world was four walls, dozens of gadgets, millions of sounds, and two women. It wasn’t torture by any means, the work was nice and the company of two of the most beautiful people to ever grace the Earth was even more nice, but you were more than ready to pack up the project and move on with the next item for your resume. You knew the frustration you had with this job was at no fault of your mentors, a failed experiment is never in the cards for anyone but you couldn’t help but feel some anger towards them and their actions throughout the years. 

There is no doubt that they are gorgeous, charming, and extremely brilliant but you had to ponder their focus on some occasions. Yes, the job was granted funding for four years which allowed a bit of wiggle room when it came to how strict the workplace was on a day to day basis. It meant that the stress was off of the three of you to produce results quickly, but you never thought the efficiency would suffer. In your mind, if anything, it should have been even better since every single detail could be worked. It meant that you could have trial run after trial run, fixing any small little error that you could find but instead the deadline is rapidly approaching with not a single trail run completed. 

“Hey, how do you feel about dinner tonight? Maybe go over the last stage of progress so that we can really get into “trials”?” Blinking, you turn slowly to the raspy voice. She’s a few inches taller than you and a soft smile graces her face as she looks down at you. Her hand is already reaching out towards you, fingers twitching as the tips get closer and closer to strands of your hair. 

It’s easier to talk to her alone, she feels soft and safe. Her presence is calming and she rarely teases you in uncalled for moments, but when fun comes she’s the life of the party. Sarcastic and witty, she truly had it all and you know that she’s way out of your league but you just had to remember that she is your coworker; nothing more. 

You don’t even realize you’ve nodded, agreeing to the plans before your brain can catch up but she’s smiling widely. “Great! I’ll cook, just go ahead and bring yourself and that pretty little smile.” Her hand cups your cheek, thumb graze along your lip before she quickly pulls away. Fleeting touches keep your brain in a spiral, a light haze causes it to be hard to think but your entire body buzzes at the compliment. 

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

It was the moment your Uber pulled up to the large house, gates opening slowly that you realized you had never asked about your crush’s background. There was no way that the research that you were doing paid for this property. You could barely pay your rent and still have enough money to eat anything besides instant ramen. No one ever got into this world for the money, it was all for the experience. 

The attire you adorned was casual, no dress code given and no formal wear in your closet, you felt completely out of place as you climbed the front steps. The urge to flag down your Uber and run was strong, but you knew that if you finished this dinner you would be done and the end of the job would be near. 

The door swung open quickly, a young man answering it almost the moment the first chime of the doorbell sounded. Your finger was still against the cool metal and the you knew that your face gave away just how surprised you were but you tried to shake it away when you were able to take in what he was wearing. Casual clothes, almost gym attire with what looked like nicer joggers and a colorful tight long sleeve shirt. “You my sister’s guest?” 

His tone was crude, a brash contrast to how the sweet girl you knew spoke and you dumbly nod. It wasn’t that you weren’t used to people speaking to you rudely, you lived in the slums of New York City, but you weren’t prepared for someone who should know your status in the company to treat you as harshly as this. 

“I would have thought the girls could have found a better option, but I suppose this will work.” He’s mumbling mostly, eyes trailing your body up and down before he starts to walk away. The door left open as you watch him retreat into the depths of the house. 

It took you a moment, body frozen as you tried to figure out what to do. The toe of your shoe had barely touched the dark marble floor when a soft hand wraps around the edge of the door, smirking face popping out in front of you. Despite the racing of your heart, and the temporary fear in your throat, you begin to relax as the sight of your coworker. “Well hello édes szerelem, you’re late.” 

The accent settles you even more and you can’t help but chuckle, finally taking your spot inside the doorway fully. “It wasn’t my fault.” You snicker slightly under your breath, a mischievous smirk pulling at your lips as you watch the woman’s eyes roll. While you may not appreciate being so behind, you can dabble in the fun that she brings to the lab. 

“You have literally been standing here like a frozen little gremlin for at least five minutes, I do believe it is your fault.” She grips your forearm, dragging you father into the foyer. She barely waits for you to take your shoes off, a look of confusion on her face as she watches you but thankfully a taunt doesn’t fall from her lips. 

Your jaw drops slightly as she guides you farther into the house, twisting hallways and grand archways blur as she practically jogs. “Well I wasn’t expecting to be greeted by—“

“Pietro.” The sentence gets cut off by the woman you were most excited for as the two of you turn into a wide doorway. You were unsure exactly how she heard you that entire time, but you were glad she did because you felt like she could easily answer any questions that you may have. “I must apologize about him, he’s not too fond of guests; even Natasha here.” 

The redhead chuckles, her grip on you finally relaxing as she separates from you and heads to the bar in the corner. “What can I say, not everyone likes me.” Finally feeling the ability to relax, you allow your eyes to roam and your body to settle on a comfy looking chair. You weren’t expecting such a cozy room, it almost looks like something a middle class family would have. Adorned with cheesy family pictures, a few worn in couches, a huge television and the recliner that you happen to be sitting in you could almost close your eyes and believe that you were at your uncle’s house to watch the lastest football game. 

“Sure and it has nothing to do with the fact that you are a bika egy kínai szekrényben. “Your neck almost snaps as the foreign language catches your ears. Wanda had never once spoken the what you believed to be the native tongue of the mysterious woman drinking a martini in the corner, but here she was. It sounded fluent, a casual switch between English almost like she was with her grandmother who had immigrated to the United States.” 

Scoffing, you can see the ginger purse her lips before she downs the rest of her drink. “Oh yes, let’s just hate Natasha, the new girl. It’s not like I haven’t been trying to fit in because you know I have! I’ve been working hard towards my goals and everything that the family wants time to finish to become one of you.” Her voice comes out in a hiss, anger fueling her speech and you realize that the two had to have forgotten that you were here. 

Clearing your throat, you try to catch one of their attention. You didn’t want to intrude too much, but you also didn’t know where to go to excuse yourself. Jumping slightly you weren’t expecting Wanda to practically jump at you, her body rushing towards you but stopping just a few steps away. She smiles, but it’s a little bit to fake for her normal comforting grin. The look on your face must have indicated her mistake because Natasha immediately crosses the room, slapping the younger girl on the back softly. 

“Now Wanda, don’t scare our guest.” The ginger smirks at you, reaching up to cup your face. Her eyes roll when you flinch, her fingers smooshing against your jaw to keep you still. “We aren’t going to hurt you darling.” She straightens her back, her head tilting to stare you down. “You don’t think we would hurt you do you?” 

The other woman is hunched over, almost struggling to stand up, when you finally take notice of her, Your eyes straining to find hers as you search for some kind of signal what is happening. She adverts your gaze though and instead falls to her knees, settling comfortably and reaching out to lay a hand along your calf. The soft touch slows your heart rate and allows you to focus enough on the questions you were being asked. Slowly you shake your head, unsure of where the intensity has come from. 

Biting her tongue as it slips between her teeth, her smile morphing her mouth some. “Good, now, it’s a custom to play a game. Won’t you play with us?” Her voice is sultry, grip on your cheek forces you to nod your head. She cuts you off before you can verbally answer, raising her eyebrows as she waits for you to actually fight her but she is met with nothing but silence. “Exactly, good. Wanda, would you tell them we are ready to begin?” 

Time practically stands still as you watch your object of affection scurry out the door, and you have to gulp down your nervousness once more while you are alone with the older woman. You have many questions but the uncertain stretches across your skin. Anticipation was rising in your body, as well the blush that tinted your skin. 

It was only a few minutes when Wanda returned, the small device that the three of you had been working on in hand, along with two women carrying covered platters. She makes eye contact with Natasha before beelining it directly towards you, her hand cupping your cheek immediately. “Trust me, everything will fall into the place that it’s meant to be.” Her voice is soft, eyes searching yours as she lets her thumb boop your nose gently. She smiles when she sees you mindlessly nod. 

Your heart races the closer she gets and it practically stops when you realize what is about to happen, though your brain doesn’t get much time to catch up when her lips finally touch yours. The kiss is slow, tender, and it makes your confidence in her statement strong as you realize that she’s going to be the foundation that she falls on during this game. A small electronic click sounds in the room, echoing in the background, and though it sounds familiar you don’t pay it any attention. 

A hand in your hair interrupts the moment you two are sharing, and while your body is tugged away from the older woman your mind stays stuck on it as Natasha’s grip tightens. She’s speaking but you can’t help the hazed look in your eyes as your focus stays on Wanda, unknowingly agreeing to whatever the ginger is saying. “Glad, I’m glad you agree.” Her voice, final and firm, shakes you and you try to turn to look at her but a cool piece of metal lands on your temple. “Nuh uh pretty girl, you agreed to the terms of my game. Now you play.” 

A chill freezes your blood, your muscles locking up as your predicament settles in. Nodding, a small frantic motion, your eyes searching for Wanda’s to try and signal for help but she stands in the center of the floor. She’s calm but her eyes are sharp, watching you almost like a predator watches prey. You weren’t sure why she had your project, but you no longer cared about that. You just wanted to leave this house alive. “Don’t you want to play with us, sweetheart?” It’s her voice that makes you melt, even with the sharp digging of the muzzle into your skull. At your smile, and slight relaxation, another small electronic click.  

Missing the evil smirk that spreads across the ginger’s face, unnaturally sharp teeth showing, you allow your body to press against hers. Believing that Wanda would get you out safely, you decide that you’re just going to allow this game to play out as it was meant to. “Eszter, step forward. Our players are ready for round one.” One of the girls approaches you, standing slightly off center from in between you and Wanda. “I, Natalia Romanoff, the GameMaster officially call a beginning to this trial. Lift the dome, Eszter.” 

The gun is still lazily pressed against your head to keep you inline, and you flinch as a ringing sound radiates into the room when the metal lid scraps. There sits two levers, one red and one blue. “It’s simple, you each pick a lever and you better be fast after you choose. We wouldn’t want the game to end so early now would we?” She steps back, snickering as your body sways unstably. 

A soft hand wraps around your wrist, Wanda reaching out to keep you upright and tugging you forward. She pulls you into another kiss, electronic click sounding. This one was rough, quick, as she forces her tongue into your mouth. It ends abruptly, she rips away from it and smirks at your breathless form. “Come darling, we have to play the game. You pick your lever first.” She sets your hand on the platter, releasing your wrist as she stands back. 

You weren’t really sure what it meant but you knew that you wanted the blue one from the beginning, something drew you to it and you instantly lifted your hand there. Wanda barely reacts, eyebrow twitching slightly as she settles her hand on the red one. A soft countdown comes from behind you, punctuated by a tapping of metal against something. At the count of one you both pull your chosen colors, but only Wanda moves. She’s swift, and if you would have blinked you would have missed the dagger that flies out of the wall and just barely misses her. Thumping into the wall behind where she once stood, you can’t help the gasp that tumbles from your lips. 

Natasha hums behind you, stepping up to press the gun to your lower torso and her hand roughly grabs your hip. Dragging you back so your ass is rubbing against her, and your back is digging into the gun. “You didn’t even move, as if you have a death wish idiot.” Her voice is mocking, teeth biting at your ear lobe. “If you want to live you’re going to have to play the game better than that.” Tutting she shoves you forward, before pulling you back to spin you around. She uses the barrel of the gun along your jaw to move your head around the way she wants, leaning in slightly to hover her lips over yours. 

Chuckling, she watches as your eyes slip shut, and you take a shaky breath in. Lips parted pathetically as you wait for hers to touch. “Do you want me to kiss you, slut?” Her eyes shine, a glimmer that is found when you begin to nod. It’s a quick motion before you immediately try to take it away. Shaking your head to deny it, you didn’t like Natasha–only Wanda. “Nuh uh little one, you can’t take back your first answer.” Allowing her gun to run down your body she smirks at the shivers she causes, before she shoves the metal between your thighs. Tapping it randomly against your covered clit, it shocks you how quickly she finds it but your body reacts subconsciously. 

Hips jumping at the contact, you try to lean into her. Electric click sounding loudly in your ears, echoing in the quiet of the room. You’re confused as you start to crave her touch, being denied it this entire time. You aren’t even sure how long she stands there, playing with your body, but you know that she never lays a finger on you but by the time she pulls away you are soaked. It causes you to fill with shame because you weren’t sure what kind of game you were playing, and you just wanted to live but you no longer wanted to escape. You should but you didn’t. 

“Time for the next round, Dorottya. Bring forth the rest of the equipment, she’s ready.” Wanda jumps forward at Natasha’s words, wiggling up next to you as the last girl steps towards you; pulling the dome off as she comes closer. “This is even easier, no movement needed for the dumb little thing. Pick a needle, and one of our girls here will administer it to you.” She smiles at the two of you, it’s almost too soft and it makes you whine. It’s sinister the way she cackles at the sound, drawing you into her to just shove you back. 

A click. Wanda giggles and kisses your shoulder. Another click. Her mouth stays there though, a low whisper coming out to calm down. “We find out the winner of this round at the end of the game, my love.” You melt and another click, the hint she gives you goes over your head at the possessive pet name. 

Blindly you reach out, rolling the two syringes along the metal. Neither seem flawed nor do they seem to have any true differences, so you just grab one at random. You weren’t sure which girl grabs the shots because the brunette is dragging you into another kiss, her hand mapping out your body. Hands trailing up your shirt, forcing herself under your bra to thumb at your nipples. A click. You whimper softly, for some reason you’re extremely sensitive and you can feel yourself clench slightly around nothing at her touch. It had to be because of how long you pined over her, the gorgeous girl finally giving you the attention that you dreamt about for years. A click. 

Natasha lets her body mold against your back, gun tapping methodically against the outside of your thigh as she grinds in your ass. “Look at you, finally willingly playing the game.” You can feel a bulge against you, and you can’t help yourself as you allow your hips to roll back into it. A click. Something was happening to your body and you just needed more, you wanted to be filled and you wanted Natasha to be the one to do so. 

You move your body as much as you can, trying to find a way for your clit to rub against something. A click. You wanted some kind of relief from the rapidly approaching heat. It wasn’t something that you were expecting, but you were okay with this wild game if it meant that you would be taken care of by these ladies. Maybe it was all fake and they just wanted to be weird, you never know what kind of freaky shit rich people got into. 

Clearing her throat, the ginger shoves you off of her. It causes you to tumble into Wanda, helplessly you flop onto her. You were surprised she could hold your weight but you were content to rub your face against your breasts, though you weren’t allowed to stay long. When the older woman behind you dragged you back down. She effortlessly moved you as if your body was made of a fluff, shoving you around until you were laid out on the ground. A click. 

A growl comes out of her mouth as she lets her body fall on your aggressively, hips humping into you where she had forced your legs apart. It was rough and quick, a moment of chaos in the tight fisted control that the ginger usually had. A click. It was almost like she was losing herself in the pleasure, her hands all over you as she tugged your clothes down and ripped them. “Play the next round.” Her voice was deeper, rough and rumbly, as she moved on top of you. 

You were confused but just as you opened your mouth to ask how, Natasha had pulled away only to be replaced with Wanda. Her mouth was on the exposed skin that was left behind from the ginger ravishing you, and her fingers were already swiping through the wetness that she found in between your thighs. A click. She slips two fingers into you, the tips at first just to test out how tight you were but she thrusts both in fully when a metal collar is slapped around your neck. It all happens at once and your vision blurs as you're filled by the brunette, your pussy stretching around her fingers. A click. 

She uses her hips to shove her fingers deeper into you, while you were unsure of when your arousal got so high, you knew that you wouldn’t last long. A click. It had been so long since you were even touched slightly, and you had been dreaming of Wanda touching you for years. It was everything you dreamed of and you could feel the cool of her rings slightly. They were rubbing against your leaking hole, and your hips jut upwards when her metal wrapped thumb rubs tight little circles on your swollen clit. A click. 

“I pick a card, you win if you get a face card. If you both get one, we continue to play until the first number card is chosen. Who is going to go first?” You can barely see where Natasha is sitting above you. Her voice is nonchalant as she shuffles the cards in her hand. 

At the same time Wanda shoves a third finger into you, chuckling against your stomach where she’s leaving hickeys as her name falls from your lips. A click. You weren’t sure what was happening but you hear Natasha reading out the card she choses. It’s slow, and you let your head flop to the side. Forcing your eyes open you watch as the ginger slowly strokes her strap, it’s large and you crave it. A click. 

The brunette on top of you moans, her hips have found home on your thigh and you can feel her wetness as she grinds down onto you. A click. It’s the feeling that almost pushes you over the edge unexpectedly. You didn’t think you were close, but apparently Wanda knew otherwise. “Natty she’s so fucking tight, her little cunt will be perfect even after she loses.” Her voice is shaky as she chases her own high, fingers inside you almost painful as her control fumbles. A click. 

It’s in that moment that Natasha gasps, a taunting sound as she turns the next card over. It shows a golden five surrounded by butterflies, a soft sweet image for the torture you unknowingly subjected yourself to. “Well well look at this, it looks like the little whore lost.” A filthy moan falls from your lips when you hear the ginger’s words, and humiliation fuels your orgasm even more when you realize that losing has caused you to dangle even more dangerously over the edge. A click. 

The collar around your neck suddenly drops, cold metal instantly tightening around you. Your eyes are wide open, though you are struggling to keep them that way, it allows you to watch as the oldest woman stumbles over to jerk off over you. It’s quick as she grunts, ropes of cum landing on your lower belly from the strap. It almost feels medical as she immediately pulls the harness off, the leaking tube leaves a trail of her cum along the floor as she sets it to the side. 

Though sterile and professional, you can’t help the way the coil in your tummy begins to shatter when Wanda shoves a glob of the cum into your cunt. A click. Another click. Another click. Intense pain starts to radiate through your body, and a searing sting burns your neck. Through your foggy hazed brain, you can hear Wanda excitedly telling the other women that it’s working. 

You can feel metal start to pierce your neck, the pressure breaking as does your skin and the pain throughout the rest of your body overtaking everything. A click. Another one. Your body starts to flail causing Wanda to struggle to keep herself inside you, but she continues to force three fingers into you as you react to the way she touches you. 

“I see the brainless slut lost the second round too?” Natasha laughs, a full body harsh sound, before she comes over to you. Dangling over your face, she smiles at the blood starting to leak around your head. A click.  “I guess we’ll see if the poison or the spikes kill you first, but don’t worry. Your body will be put to good use. It’s already conditioned to the sound, if we did this correctly it should react even when your heart stops.” It’s almost too soft as she speaks to you, but she gives you a soft kiss on your forehead. 

It doesn’t take long for you to stop feeling things, and the disappointment of a ruined orgasm runs through your closing veins. You can’t move or speak, and your vision is extremely blurry but you do see Wanda stand. The brunette leans down, a fake pout on her face as she looks down on you. “I’m sorry but I guess you won’t get to have a little fun before the end, Drágám. I tried but our formula must work too well.” A click. 

The two stand shakily, a sigh falling from their lips as they watch the puddle of blood get larger underneath you. “That’s going to be a pain to clean, they won’t be happy about that.” Pietro’s voice cuts through the room like a knife, suddenly showing up. “Did you have to be naked for this one? I don’t need to see my sister like this.” He pretends to puke, and for a moment things could be seen as normal. The three of them laughing and acting as if they were family, off to go find their elders to show them what they made. The sacrifice they have for them, almost like a present that Natasha has brought them to be accepted into the family. 

Your eyes are wide when the beating stops, when the world goes quiet and the pain ends. Even so, as a click echoes through the room your body convulses and your empty cunt pulses.  

Translations are loose: English to Hungarian

Drágám -- darling

bika egy kínai szekrényben-- bull in a china closet

#kitmoas | Necrosis #natasha romanoff x reader #wanda maximoff x reader #natasha romanoff #wanda maximoff #dark natasha x reader #dark natasha romanoff #dark natasha romanoff x reader #dark wanda maximoff x reader #dark wanda x reader #dark wanda maximoff #wanda x reader #marvel fanfiction #marvel wlw #wandanat #wandanat x reader #wandanat x y/n

[pfhwrittes]

stupid fluffy crackfic thoughts entirely inspired by the replies on this ask from @greatstormcat

okay, bin day with domestic!141 under the cut

price is the unofficial "binfluencer" of the street. you absolutely rely on him to make sure you're putting out the general waste and glass recycling on the correct week. his bins are out at 8pm the night before collection, no earlier and no later. they're lined up with military precision outside his house, carefully placed so they don't block the pavement too much nor do they block his driveway. he never gets caught out by a bank holiday collection change.

gaz isn't quite on price's level but he puts out the correct bin 9 out of 10 times. he puts his bins out the night before too but it's not uncommon to hear him dragging the wheelie bin out at 10pm. less methodical about where he places his bins but it's not terrible. has definitely accidentally blocked his garden gate before. occasionally gets caught out by bank holidays but makes the effort to move his bins out of the way so people can still use the pavement in the meantime.

soap is my ADHD darling and i refuse to believe differently. he tries bless him, but there are just too many steps to remembering which bins go out each week so he chucks everything out and hopes for the best. has on multiple occasions dragged the bins out at 6am just as the bin lorry is turning onto the street because he forgot to put them out the night before. he's definitely been caught out standing in his boxers watching the bin lorry turn out of the street because he's missed them by mere minutes. oh well. only 6 days until the next bin collection.

ghost is sneaky. you never EVER see or hear him put his bins out. you'd think he was living in an unoccupied house if it wasn't for the brief glimpse you caught of him lifting (lifting?!) the wheelie bin over the low wall of his front garden with a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth moments after it was emptied. ghost definitely has the best relationship with the bin men. they're happy to chuck out his bulky items that you'd definitely need to ask the council to collect separately.

#pfh headcannons #what's fantastic is i *just* finished this up as greatstormcat left the 'price is a binfluencer' reply! #i'm sorry this is so silly but i needed to get it out #kg #jp #jm #sr #it is the british condition to fret over bin collections and the weather

[actual-bill-potts]

"We are nearly there," said Finarfin. He pulled Findaráto - Finrod, he reminded himself, I must remember, Finrod - into a one-armed hug. He could not stop sneaking glances at his son. His son, his grown son! His returned son!

Finrod was quieter within himself than of old, and his smile was a little lopsided; but he was bright and tall, and gentle, and he raised one eyebrow whenever he had a question in the quizzical manner that was Eärwen’s, and sometimes as they walked he tapped one finger upon his cheekbone absent-mindedly in just the way he had done as a child, and Finarfin’s heart ached with loss and joy both.

He opened the little gate and led the way down the familiar winding path. He and Eärwen had decided, long ago, that it was necessary to have a little space from the palace on occasion - both palaces - and so they kept a small house a little outside Tirion. It was to the door of this house that he led Finrod. He and Eärwen had not wanted to have the duties of rule interfering with this first reunion with their son; nor had they thought that the bustle of palace life would be good for one so newly returned. So it was just them, and Hueleni, who were there awaiting Finrod.

They had found, for the Returned, that too many crowds too early could be painful, even alarming. Finarfin had thought with a pang of his gregarious, kind firstborn, and hoped he would not be lonely. Now, feeling his son lean on him, hesitating before the door, he was glad of the decision.

He fumbled for the keys. Behind the door, Hueleni barked.

"Ah!" Finarfin said, smiling. He remembered Finrod’s tiny sticky hands entangled in the ears of their little dog Aranel, an Age and a half past; then Findaráto, tall and princely, abandoning dignity to chase Aranel down the beach of Alqualondë. "Our new dog, Hueleni. You will like her, I am sure -"

He paused. The warm weight of Finrod upon his shoulder had frozen; and when he turned about his son’s face was bone-white.

"Are you alright?" asked Finarfin in alarm. "Is it too hot? We can go inside -"

"No," said Finrod breathlessly. He was backing away, shaking his head. "No, not - inside -"

"What is wrong -" Finarfin began to ask. Then he knew. He remembered the whispers that had spread throughout the refugee camps, the ragged recruits who had come to join the armies of the Valar: the Lord Felagund’s father; what kind of Elda must he be, to have raised such a king; and no wonder he has gone to war, for his son died so terribly - the wolves -

He had been so stupid. So terribly, irredeemably - foolish -

He reached out. Uselessly, stupidly; his son had not taken his hand on that terrible dark day so many years ago, and he would not take it now -

In the next breath his hand was left hanging uselessly; Finrod’s arms were flung about his neck, his son’s head buried in his shoulder, and Finarfin returned the embrace as fiercely as if by doing so he could tear Finrod from chains that had been broken long ago.

#silm fic #minific #finarfin #finrod #my writing #queuenta silmarillion

[shihlun]

Hong Sang-soo

- On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate

2002

#hong sang soo #hong sangsoo #on the occasion of remembering the turning gate #turning gate #korean film #2002 #생활의 발견 #홍상수

[dyingenigma]

#on the occasion of remembering the turning gate

[jkabbi]

bewitched | chapter 03

╰┈➤summary: Former neighbors turned lovers, your enchanting romance with Jungkook takes a magical turn. A spell to protect him shapes your past, and now, as a flower shop owner, an unexpected reunion brings buried secrets to light. Past and present collide in a captivating tale of love and mystery.

╰┈➤pairing: jungkook x reader (f)

╰┈➤genre: cf2l, fluff, angst, magic au

╰┈➤warnings: cursing, mention of porn, mention of role play, injuries, blood

word count. 13.5k

╰┈➤note; chapter three is out! thanks to all the people who have read my humble fic <3 hope you like!

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You, never one for large gatherings, typically stuck to intimate meetings with Jimin and Yoongi – essentially your family. Venturing into a gathering with more than two people was a rarity, and this particular meetup with Jimin and Jungkook's friends added an air of mystery. Unlike the previous occasion at Yoongi's house, where you were at least forewarned about the guest list, this time, it was a sea of unfamiliar faces.

In preparation, you deviated from your usual casual attire, opting for a relatively new and dark dress purchased for a more formal setting. The colors were a departure from your norm, but tonight called for a different vibe. Accompanying the dress were heeled sandals, adding a touch of sophistication to your ensemble.

Your usually understated makeup routine underwent a transformation. A light foundation and concealer camouflaged any signs of stress or fatigue. You experimented with a more vibrant eyeshadow, a departure from your usual natural tones, and applied a slightly brighter lipstick. It wasn't that you eschewed makeup, but your daily routine leaned towards a more natural look. Satisfied with the result, you flashed a confident smile in the mirror before leaving the bathroom.

As you headed toward the hallway to retrieve your sandals, you encountered Salem, the singing cat, belting out Selena's Amor Prohibido on the couch.

“Hey, Salem,” you called, catching his attention mid-song, “lower the volume, or Mrs. Hwang will be asking if I've acquired a singing boyfriend again.”

Salem ceased his performance with an indignant huff. “You're a buzzkill! It's not my fault your love life is practically nonexistent.”

"Okay, but always remember who's the one covering the costs of your streaming applications," you slyly hinted, adding a subtle threat. "Someday that card might just stop accepting charges, and poof! Goodbye, Jersey Shore."

Salem's expression turned horrified. "You can't!"

With a victorious smile, you replied, "Then consider toning it down a bit," playfully winking. Gathering your belongings and keys, you left your home, grateful that being late from work allowed you to decline Jiwoo and Jungkook's invitation to Yoongi's house.

The fact that they were your new neighbors still felt strange to you. After a leisurely 15-minute walk, you arrived in your friends' neighborhood. The cool summer afternoon made the journey pleasant, sparing you from getting hot or sweaty.

Before Yoongi got upset with you, he had shared the address of Jungkook's friend, conveniently located in the same neighborhood. Glancing at the message with the address, you began your search for the house. After a few minutes, you reached the supposed location based on the address—543.

Continuing a few more steps, you realized the house you sought was none other than the stunning one that had always caught your eye on your way to Yoongi's, leaving you in awe.

As you stood outside the house, a surge of surprise hit you briefly, but the appearance of Jimin's head through the home fence quickly dissolved the feeling.

“Daisy?” he called out, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and warmth. “Did you get here long ago? Sorry, we were in the backyard. Come in.”

Softly shaking your head, you replied, “No. Don't worry. I just got here.”

Jimin opened the gate, embracing you tightly. “I haven't seen you in so long!” he expressed emotionally.

Rubbing his back affectionately, a fleeting sense of guilt washed over you, but you pushed it aside. “I know. I'm glad to see you too,” you responded, releasing yourself from the warm embrace.

Jimin, sporting a wide smile, looped his arm through yours, guiding you through the enchanting garden towards a large wooden dividing gate adorned with vines.

“Almost everyone is here; only Nam is missing, but he told me he would arrive at fifteen,” Jimin informed you as you walked through the door, greeted by the enticing aroma of smoke and roast meat.

Observing your puzzled expression, Jimin apologized with a smile. “Namjoon is an older friend of ours; we met him at university. He's very intellectual.”

You smiled shyly, internally noting another friend to get acquainted with.

The blend of music from speakers and the rising murmur of conversations welcomed you as you approached the gathering area. A sprawling pool caught your eye, surrounded by plastic chairs for drying off.

Behind the pool, a substantial grill sizzled with roasting meat. Jungkook and Yoongi, each holding beers, engaged in conversation behind the grill.

Jungkook noticed you first. “Daisy! You made it!” he exclaimed, his joy evident.

Your smile was tinged with awkwardness, especially when you caught the expressionless gaze of your best friend, Yoongi. Reluctantly, you knew you couldn't avoid him forever.

Summoning your courage, you let Jimin guide you towards them. Jungkook was quick to step out from behind the grill, offering a warm hug. You reciprocated shyly, sensing Yoongi's watchful eyes on both of you.

Jungkook released you, and you took a hesitant step toward Yoongi. He casually ruffled your hair. “You're late.”

Sensing a subtle tension in the air, Jimin decided to break the silence. “Daisy, what are you serving? We have alcohol, but I know you don't like to drink, so I brought a natural fruit juice, your favorite,” he said with confidence, winking at you.

Grateful for the intervention, you smiled and accepted the juice. Jimin went inside the house, leaving you alone with Jungkook and Yoongi. The latter avoided meeting your gaze, scanning the surroundings instead.

Jungkook, oblivious to the unspoken tension, turned to you with curiosity. “Don't you like alcohol?” he asked, widening his eyes playfully.

You shook your head, a slight grimace appearing as memories resurfaced. The last time you got drunk at 19 was etched vividly in your mind. It was Jungkook's birthday, and you saw a photo of him celebrating with friends on social media. What hurt wasn't the celebration, but the pretty girl holding onto his arm, leaving lipstick marks on his neck.

A few bottles of wine and whiskey later, you found yourself crying in a public bathroom. Even the other girls in line, focused on their makeup, couldn't offer solace. Yet, the worst part came when your drunken self spent all your coins on a public phone, attempting to dial Jungkook's number. Fortunately or unfortunately, the number no longer existed.

You woke up the next morning with Salem's tail in your face, a terrible hangover, and a resolution never to drink again. For that reason, Jungkook didn't need to know the rest, so you simply replied, “No. I don't have good experiences with alcohol, and I have terrible resistance.”

Jungkook nodded thoughtfully, his understanding gaze reflecting a shared sentiment. “I get it. You should've seen Jimin the first few times he tried to get drunk in college. It was a total disaster.”

You smiled at that. Over these five years of friendship, you've had the pleasure of seeing Jimin drunk more than once, and it was always a spectacle to remember.

Wanting to delve into conversation with Jungkook, you considered asking about his evolving relationship with alcohol, his vibrant college experiences, the story of meeting Jimin, or even if he missed the simplicity of your small town after embracing the challenges of the big city for his dreams. Yet, you restrained yourself, acutely aware that Jungkook wasn't just a friend anymore. The choice to sever that bond was yours, made in consideration of both your well-being, especially with Yoongi's scrutinizing gaze in the mix right now.

Above all, there was the undeniable truth that you were still emotionally vulnerable when it came to Jeon Jungkook.

Safeguarding your heart and emotions, you let out a soft laugh. Fate, it seemed, decided to intervene, breaking the awkward silence as a figure appeared through a sliding window that overlooked the backyard.

“Jungkookie, you're a lucky bastard!” a robust, masculine voice exclaimed, approaching the trio.

As the newcomer closed the gap, his features became clearer. Thick lips, adorned with a mischievous smile, dark and attractive eyes—none other than Kim Taehyung, your childhood friend and a long-time best friend of Jungkook.

Grateful for Taehyung's attention being on Jungkook, you concealed your surprise, though Yoongi's keen eyes caught your reaction.

Upon reaching your side, Taehyung directed his penetrating gaze toward you. “But what do we have here?” he inquired with an oddly seductive tone. “Is this the sweet friend that you and Jimin kept hidden from me for so long?” he asked Yoongi, who simply shrugged.

Before you could offer a greeting, Taehyung closed the distance, almost breaching your comfort zone. His proximity, the dark intensity of his gaze, and the alluring scent that surrounded you made you nervous—something you chided yourself for since this was Kim Taehyung, your childhood friend who would do silly things to make you laugh.

“Daisy, dear Daisy,” he said huskily. “I've heard a lot about you, and let me tell you, the expectations were high. Seeing you here in front of me, I can say they've been more than met.”

Taehyung flashed a mischievous smile, noticing your stillness. You couldn't help but wonder when Kim Taehyung became so strikingly handsome.

Your interaction with Taehyung was interrupted as a female voice, unnoticed until now, spoke from behind him. “It’s you!” The moment Jiwoo's voice registered, you recognized it. In a matter of seconds, she enveloped you in a warm hug, her sweet and feminine perfume lingering in the air.

Expressing her joy, Jiwoo continued to embrace you. Taller than you, she had your face pressed against her chest, making any attempt to respond futile. Jungkook's melodic voice intervened, “Mmm Babe? I think Daisy can't breathe.” Jiwoo, surprised, released you with a yelp, wearing an apologetic expression.

“I'm sorry. It's just that you're so cute, and it makes me want to hug you,” she confessed, casting an apologetic look your way. You smiled awkwardly, aware of the curious gazes from the four present.

“It's nice to see you again,” you managed to say a bit nervously. Jiwoo, still beaming, took your arm, turning to the three men who were still recovering from the surprise. “I'm sorry, guys, but I'm taking this pretty girl.”

As Jiwoo guided you to seats away from the men, their voices lingered in the background. Taehyung commented, "I think she's happy to have a girl in the group," and Jungkook added, "I know, although I feel sorry for poor Daisy."

Unaware of their discussion, Jiwoo led you happily until you both settled into comfortable seats. “I'm so happy. I've never had a female partner in these meetings before,” Jiwoo shared, intertwining her fingers with yours. It became apparent that she had a penchant for physical contact, always eager to embrace or touch those around her.

You settled into a more comfortable smile, relieved to escape the intense gazes of Yoongi, Jungkook, and Taehyung. Free from the scrutiny, you asked curiously, “Aren't there any other girls in your group?” Admittedly, you were unfamiliar with Jimin's friends until this moment.

Jiwoo smiled sadly, “No. At least not since I started dating Kookie.” She elaborated, “There's Nam's girlfriend, but she's on exchange overseas, so it was just me.” The revelation surprised you a bit, considering Jimin and Jungkook's apparent ease in befriending women.

“But hey, you're here, and that's the important thing. I can't believe Jimin kept you hidden from us for so long,” she pouted. You nodded, realizing you were oblivious to their existence and their relationships with your friends.

Oddly enough, you found Jiwoo to be surprisingly good company. While her initial intensity might have come across as intrusive, spending time with her revealed her genuine desire for friendship. Surprisingly, you noticed that an hour had passed since you joined the friends' gathering, and the idea of escaping hadn't crossed your mind – a positive surprise.

During this time, you had the chance to meet Namjoon, who arrived half an hour after you. To your amazement, Jimin's description of him was accurate – a deep, erudite tone accompanied by kind and cordial demeanor. Engaging in conversation with Namjoon was surprisingly harmonious.

After a satisfying meal, the group settled into wooden chairs arranged in a circle on the grass, courtesy of Taehyung. With a mischievous smile, he positioned himself next to Jimin, proudly displaying a bottle of alcohol. “Okay, guys. This is my favorite moment. I have never ever…” he trailed off, and you silently cursed in your mind as you found yourself seated between Namjoon and Jiwoo.

Aware of the impending game, one you had heard of but never played, you hesitated. Yet, the infectious enthusiasm and happy looks of the others led you to resign. Taehyung passed the bottle of alcohol to Jimin, who then proceeded to pour drinks into glasses. Once ready, Taehyung looked around and posed the question, “Okay, who starts?” Despite your reluctance, the lively atmosphere compelled you to join in the game, albeit with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

All eyes shifted toward you, a predictable focus given your status as the ‘Stranger’ in the group. Resigned to your fate, you offered with a sigh, “I guess it's me?”

Taehyung and Jimin exchanged evil smiles that sent a shiver down your spine. It was peculiar how these two seemed to be in perfect sync with each other.

“Okay, our rookie will start,” Taehyung teased, raising an eyebrow at you. “Go ahead, Dear Daisy!”

Facing the challenge, you mentally searched for a suitable revelation. Admittedly, your adolescence and youth weren't exactly wild, at least not by the standards of those around you. Drawing inspiration from reality shows you'd seen, you cautiously uttered, “I've never, ever been to a nude beach.”

A collective surprise swept across the faces of your friends, as they anticipated a more ‘appropriate’ admission. However, Jimin and Taehyung burst into happy laughter, promptly taking sips from their glasses. To your amazement, Jungkook and Yoongi also raised their glasses in response.

Intrigued, you momentarily forgot about your recent disagreement with Yoongi. Locking eyes with him, you raised an eyebrow, silently asking why he never mentioned such an adventurous experience. Unfazed, your friend just shrugged, a gesture that reminding you that you are not the only one with secrets.

Irritated, you waited for the others to continue, and now it was Namjoon's turn on your right. The boy with long dark hair let out a tired sigh, as if finding this whole ordeal quite dull. He remained still for a moment, appearing deep in thought.

Then, with a hoarse and exhausted voice, he declared, “Never have I ever watched porn.” You couldn't help but smile at the predictability of such a question in this game.

“Oh, come on, Nam!” Taehyung exclaimed, “As if that's not something everyone has done. Ask something spicier!”

To silence Taehyung, Namjoon sighed again and stated, “I have never ever seen gay porn. Taehyung laughed and took a sip, joined by Jimin and Yoongi. Unfortunately, you also took a sip, your accidental encounter with explicit content having occurred when you borrowed Jimin's computer for a seemingly innocent task.

Jimin playfully looked at Taehyung. “I understand Yoongi and me. But what were you doing watching gay porn, Tae?”

Taehyung defended himself, “Why are you questioning me? Sweet, innocent Daisy had a drink too!” The surprise in the room was palpable; even Nam raised his eyebrows.

Frustrated and embarrassed, you quickly explained, “It was a mistake, and it was Jimin's fault.”

Taehyung then gave Jimin a strange look. “How did you corrupt her mind?”

Jimin grinned mischievously at you, and you raised an eyebrow. “Poor Daisy took my computer at a bad time,” he simply explained, leading Taehyung to burst into laughter.

“Jimin!” Jiwoo exclaimed next to you. “How can you leave porn open on your computer? That's disgusting.”

Jimin chuckled. “Oh, come on, Jiji. You should ask your fiancé those questions. God knows how many times I caught things on his computer in college.”

Now, it was Jungkook's turn to chime in. “Why are you bringing me into your conflict?!” he said with a red face. “It was only twice, and it was when we were freshmen!” The room erupted in laughter, the tension diffusing into playful banter among friends.

After enduring a few rounds of somewhat absurd and repetitive questions, it was Taehyung's turn again. His mischievous look sent a shiver down your spine, giving you a bad feeling.

“Never have I ever engaged in role-playing in the bedroom,” he declared with that characteristic mischief. Taehyung, not surprisingly, took a drink and then looked at everyone with a challenging grin. “Oh, come on! What are you waiting for? I know that half of us here are into kinky shit!”

Yoongi chuckled and took a sip, and so did Jimin. Accidentally locking eyes with Jungkook, you both found yourselves taking a sip simultaneously. Jungkook gave you a sly wink. Oddly, Jiwoo hadn't taken a sip.

The truth dawned on you that you and Jungkook, during your past relationship, did attempt an embarrassing and awkward venture into role-playing. However, Jungkook taking a sip now indicated it wasn't with you, and apparently not with Jiwoo by his side either.

It was moments like these that made you acutely aware of the passage of time. You couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy in your stomach—an emotion you knew you had no right to harbor. Despite understanding this, the fact that Jungkook had moved on with his life and embraced experiences normal for his age, just not with you, stung deeply.

You mentally berated yourself, urging to shake off the feeling. ‘Enough of this,’you thought, refocusing on the group. Jungkook took the lead, suggesting a change in the topic. “Time for something more fitting,” he declared, glancing at Taehyung. “Never have I ever had a paranormal experience.”

You tensed slightly, but seeing others casually drink, you followed suit, reminding yourself it's a common occurrence. ‘It's a common thing,’ you told yourself reassuringly, "it's not like they were harassed by dead people all the time like you. Surely they saw a shadow or door open by itself, and that would be… right?

Jimin eagerly exclaimed, “I need those stories,” while Jiwoo, clearly scared, covered her ears, protesting, “Don't even think about it!”

Taehyung grinned mischievously, teasing Jiwoo. “Oh Jiji, don't be like that. Ghost stories are the best, especially for a night with friends.” Yoongi chimed in confidently, “I'm sure my story beats all of yours!” Jiwoo, annoyed, retorted, “Not you too!” crossing her arms.

You offered her a comforting smile, feeling a bit out of place. while Taehyung looked like he was saying something to Jungkook, who opened his eyes in surprise.

Jimin, visibly impatient, reached out and touched Taehyung's arm. “Oh, come on! I want to know too!” he urged eagerly.

Namjoon intervened, sensing Jiwoo's discomfort. “Jimin, Jiwoo is clearly feeling uneasy. Let's not push her,” he admonished gently.

Jiwoo, though clearly stressed, attempted to brush off her discomfort as she observed the excitement of the others. “It's okay,” she reassured them. “I know how much you all love discussing these things. I'll just go inside and make some tea.”

Jungkook seemed inclined to stop her, but Jiwoo waved him off with a small smile. “Really, it's fine,” she whispered softly before heading indoors.

You couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Jiwoo. In the time you had spent with her and her boyfriend's group of friends, you had noticed a stark contrast in their dynamics. While they were boisterous and enjoyed teasing each other, they often unintentionally excluded Jiwoo from their conversations. They delved into topics she either didn't understand or didn't care for, leaving her on the sidelines.

You were about to step in, but Namjoon grabbed your hand, halting you. “Let me handle this. Jiwoo hates it when people pity her, and honestly, I'm not into this conversation either,” he said quietly.

You recalled that Namjoon and Jiwoo were childhood friends; their families were close, and they grew up attending the same schools and universities, both coming from affluent backgrounds. That's why Namjoon had a soft spot for her. And from what you'd heard, thanks to Namjoon, Jiwoo met Jungkook.

The two of them walked away, leaving behind a tense atmosphere. Jimin let out a sigh of apology. “I'm sorry, I was an idiot,” and everyone nodded.

Jimin punched Taehyung (who also nodded). “You're part of the problem too!”

A few minutes passed after Namjoon and Jiwoo left, with Taehyung returning from inside with a bottle of whisky and ice. Despite trying to stay glued to your seat, nerves still gripped you, causing subtle tremors. Jungkook, who was nearby, mistook your trembling for cold and began to remove his jacket to offer it to you. However, before he could act, Taehyung beat him to it, draping his expensive-looking dark jacket over your shoulders and adjusting it with a smile that made his eyes disappear. "You looked like you were cold," he remarked, his expression warm.

Grateful for the gesture, you nodded, while beside you, Jungkook settled back into his chair. You couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as you noticed his pouting expression and slumped shoulders, realizing he had wanted to offer his jacket first and now felt embarrassed by the mix-up.

The good thing was that neither Yoongi nor Jimin seemed to notice the scene, as they were engrossed in their own conversation.

"Well!" Taehyung called for attention, tapping a button on his phone to dim the lights in the backyard where you were gathered. "Damn, like you have to scrub your money," Yoongi playfully cursed.

Taehyung shrugged off the comment and straightened up in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the group as if building suspense. "Well, as you know, aside from being a talented and successful businessman, I'm also a fan of the paranormal!" he announced. "A hobby that I've cultivated since childhood, but which became more formal during my university years."

You remembered that Taehyung had been the president of a paranormal club during your childhood and teenage years, a fact you had forgotten to mention earlier. It seemed that his interest in the supernatural had persisted, as he now spoke about his more formal group dedicated to investigating paranormal phenomena across the country.

"Well, a while ago—when you were traveling," Taehyung said, glancing at Jungkook before continuing, "we heard about an abandoned hospital on the outskirts of the city that used to attract students and mischievous children looking for scary thrills."

"When we went—naturally, it was nighttime—we discovered that the place had been recently closed off by the police after a couple of teenagers were injured trying to get in," Taehyung recounted, his tone solemn.

"We did some research," he continued, lowering his head slightly to address the group, "and apparently, you can hear the cries of a woman at night emanating from those walls, particularly in the maternity area, according to some accounts we found online."

Yoongi snorted derisively. "Are you seriously telling me you believe what people say on the internet?"

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Sometimes they speak the truth. Now, let me finish," he insisted, eager to continue his story.

"Well, as I mentioned, we arrived at the hospital at night, and thanks to the skills of my friends, we managed to enter," Taehyung continued, his tone growing more intense. "At first, I thought it might be a hoax because we had set up cameras and nothing had happened. But it was when we were about to leave, around 3 in the morning, that we heard it."

"I initially thought it was Woo playing a prank on us," Taehyung recounted, his expression tense with the memory. "But to our surprise, Woo was just as startled as the rest of us. As we approached the source of the sound, the cries of the woman became clearer. However, our luck took a turn for the worse as we ended up getting lost."

"While we were attempting to capture something on camera, it failed us," Taehyung explained, frustration evident in his voice. "The images came out distorted, leaving us with nothing but blurry footage."

Turning to Jungkook, Taehyung remarked, "It was reminiscent of the incident we experienced the summer after we graduated from school."

Your head shot up at the mention of summer after high school graduation, your senses instantly on high alert. It was a time when you were no longer present, nearly a year later.

Jungkook nodded knowingly. "Yeah, the time we got lost in the enchanted forest."

Your heart sank as you sat there, feeling a wave of horror wash over you. You knew exactly which forest they were referring to. The "enchanted forest" had a name, though it was seldom spoken aloud.

From a young age, your aunts had strictly forbidden you from venturing into that forest without supervision, warning of an ominous presence lurking within—an evil door, they called it. You had heeded their warnings and never dared to explore it alone. The one time you did, at the age of eight, had been enough to instill a lasting fear, ensuring you never returned.

Nineteen years ago

It was Taehyung's fault, who had discovered a fascination with the paranormal.

Devising the cover of a sleepover at Jungkook's, you and him executed a quiet exit through his window. United, you seamlessly blended into Taehyung's group at a prearranged street corner, setting the scene for a discreet nocturnal adventure.

Initially fueled by the thrill of defying your aunts' restrictions, your childlike excitement overshadowed the potential danger ahead.

Hand in hand with Jungkook, you followed Taehyung into the forest, the first hour passing without incident. A lurking fear of ghosts lingered in your mind, but Jungkook's reassuring presence provided a sense of security. However, as the group ventured deeper, the atmosphere shifted.

After realizing you were walking in circles, a wave of unease swept over you. Panic set in as you urged Jungkook to turn back, sensing an impending danger. The forest's depths became an ominous maze, and your instincts screamed that something sinister awaited.

Your face etched with fear, Jungkook, sensing your distress, swiftly halted the group. However, Taehyung, driven by a mixture of disappointment at the lack of action and a refusal to succumb to fear, dismissed your concerns, leading his friends deeper into the unknown.

Despite your desperate attempts to convey the potential danger, their determination to prove their bravery drowned out your warnings. The group pressed on until you reached the ominous site of the old mine, sealed off for years after a tragic accident claimed multiple lives.

Your instincts, now in full alert mode, screamed at you as the atmosphere grew heavier. Panicking, you implored the others to leave, but Taehyung's friends scoffed at your fear, brushing it off with laughter. Jungkook, unable to tolerate their mockery, launched himself at them, fueled by a strength that belied his eight-year-old frame. Your attempts to restrain him proved futile in the face of his resolute protectiveness.

Desperation compelled you to break the forbidden rule, tapping into your magical abilities as a last resort. With a snap of your fingers, Taehyung's friends crumpled to the ground, unconscious, leaving only Tae conscious and bewildered.

Before you could offer an explanation, an unnatural sound reverberated through the mine entrance, injecting urgency into the air. Panic seized you, and all you could do was urgently yell at them to run. Swiftly, the two boys scooped up the unconscious friends, and together, you sprinted away.

Yet, an unseen force, faster and more sinister, latched onto Tae's legs, causing him to stumble. Ignoring Jungkook's pleas to keep running, you halted, driven by an instinct to help your friend. Drawing upon Aunt Yoon's defense lessons, you harnessed the earth's moisture to ensnare the dark specter attempting to seize Taehyung.

With a surge of power, you separated the creature from your friend, creating a protective barrier that enveloped both you and Jungkook. The ethereal shield shielded you from the pursuing threat, allowing a moment to catch your breath amidst the chaos.

Taehyung's face cycled through stages of fear and surprise as the creature charged at the magical barrier, violently shaking it. Before he could articulate his thoughts, the forceful impact of the entity disrupted the tense moment.

Jungkook, torn between rage and terror, approached you after leaving the unconscious boys on the ground. The creature struck the barrier once more before he could speak, intensifying the urgency of the situation.

Realizing the need to act swiftly, you turned to the two boys. "We have to go. I can't maintain the barrier for long." Contemplating an escape plan, you devised a quick strategy.

Crouching down, you coated yourself in mud, prompting bewildered gazes from Jungkook and Taehyung. "Mud. Cover yourselves. It'll make it harder for the creature to track us." Following your lead, Jungkook and Taehyung hastily covered themselves in mud, then proceeded to cloak the other unconscious boys. The improvised camouflage became a shield against the relentless pursuit, offering a slim chance to evade the looming threat.

"I'll drop the barrier and try to cover that thing with it," you announced, the urgency evident in your voice. "But you guys have to be quick and run toward the forest exit. I'll try to hold it off as much as I can."

Taehyung vehemently protested, but it was Jungkook who seized your arm, his eyes filled with anger. "You're crazy if you think I'll leave you behind."

Frustration etched across your face as you retorted, "Well, yes, I am! But if we don't do something, we will all die!" The creature relentlessly climbed the barrier, striking it with increasing force, creating small cracks.

Desperation mounted, and you cast a pleading gaze at Jungkook, who maintained a dark and resolute stare. "Okay," he conceded, "then you and I will stay, and Tae escapes with the others."

Indignation flashed in your widened eyes. "What?! No! You have to go with them." The barrier, showing signs of imminent collapse, intensified the urgency.

You desperately gripped both boys' arms and shook them. "You have to leave now! I can't hold it back for long! Please," you pleaded, tears welling up in your eyes. Jungkook continued to resist, and you turned to Taehyung, desperation evident. "Taehyung, please! Take him."

Taehyung found himself torn between refusing and staying with you, all while witnessing Jungkook's insistence and your distressed state. The dilemma hung in the air, leaving the trio caught in the midst of an impending danger.

With determination in his eyes, Taehyung looked at you.Taehyung met your gaze. "Can you stop that thing for a little while? At least to leave these," he pointed to his friends, "in a safe area." You nodded in agreement, prompting Jungkook to unleash a string of curses directed at Taehyung. He seized Tae's shirt collar, vehemently refusing to abandon you.

Taehyung, leveraging his age advantage, freed himself and tightly gripped Jungkook's arm. "Yes, I know! We won't leave her! But we won't escape with a load. We have to leave them and then come back for Daisy!" Tae declared, hoisting one of his friends onto his back while dragging the other toward the edge of the barrier.

Witnessing Jungkook's hesitancy, Taehyung pleaded, "Please! If you help me, the faster we can get back for Daisy!" Despite Taehyung's impassioned plea, Jungkook remained rooted in indecision. Sensing the urgency, you called out from behind, "Kook, please! I'll be fine! I can protect myself!"

In a fierce display of frustration and concern, Jungkook pointed a commanding finger at you. "You better be alive when I come back for you. I swear I won't forgive you if something happens to you and I'll do everything to bring you back to life. You hear me?"

Frantically nodding, you reassured, "I promise." Jungkook insisted further, "Promise. Make a pact, promise me you'll stay alive!" Determined, he bit his finger, drawing a drop of blood, and pressed his thumb firmly toward you.

Matching his determination, you mirrored the action, declaring, "I promise!" Both thumbs pressed together with a symbolic pact sealed in blood. Jungkook then shifted his attention, setting down the unconscious boy and approaching Taehyung.

"Good. I'll do it in 3, then you must run as far as you can!" you screamed. As the countdown reached its end, you removed the barrier and swiftly replaced it, enclosing the creature within.

Jungkook cast one last intense look at you before bolting after Taehyung, who had already begun his escape. The strain on your extremities grew palpable, a testament to the tension and force required to control the unfolding situation. Alone with the encroaching danger, you prepared for the inevitable confrontation with the creature.

The specter relentlessly fought against the barrier, striking every available space to break free, but its efforts proved futile. You meticulously counted the seconds in your head, taking a deep breath to compose yourself. With your free hand, you played with the wet dirt and mud, attempting to ensnare the elusive specter within the confines of the barrier. The creature's erratic movements posed a considerable challenge.

Around half a minute into the struggle, you sensed something warm trickling down your nose. As it reached your mouth, the realization hit – it was blood. A wave of concern washed over you, recalling how, in your lessons, bleeding often led to a gradual loss of energy, eventually culminating in unconsciousness. This time, you fought against the encroaching weakness, acutely aware that not just your life but others' depended on your resilience.

The creature, realizing its futile attempts to escape, unleashed a horrific howl, a sound so piercing that it reverberated through your head. Tears of pain escaped your eyes, but you maintained your stance. The strain, however, began to take its toll. Your legs wavered, feeling as though they were on the brink of collapse.

Undaunted, you summoned the last remnants of your energy to ensnare the creature in the mud. Driven by sheer determination, you successfully immobilized it—a fleeting triumph amid the relentless physical and mental strain.

With the creature temporarily subdued, you hastily released the barrier and raced in the direction your friends had fled. Inhuman screams pursued you, each step a desperate bid for escape as branches and leaves collided with your frantic sprint.

Despite the burning sensation in your lungs, you pressed forward until a concealed root of an ancient tree sent you sprawling into the mud. A sharp cry of pain escaped as your arm, the unfortunate cushion of your fall, bent unnaturally.

Struggling to rise on the slippery ground, your desperation intensified as the unearthly screams drew nearer. You attempted to crawl, but exhaustion overwhelmed you, and you crumbled to the ground, drained by the expenditure of your magical energy.

In the obscurity, a chorus of desperate footsteps approached, and then the cry of "Daisy!" rang out. The shadows revealed the terror in Jungkook's eyes as, without hesitation, he sprinted towards you. The night cloaked you both in uncertainty, but his unwavering determination to reach you cut through the darkness.

Jungkook swiftly took hold of your good arm, lifting you from the muddy ground. His eyes scanned your face with concern as he asked with a fearful tone, "Can you run?" Tearfully, you shook your head, signaling your incapacity.

Without hesitation, Jungkook turned around, gesturing to his back. "Come on, Daisy! Come up!" Struggling, you climbed onto his back, clinging tightly to his neck. Jungkook, relying on his athleticism, dashed forward, providing a sense of relief in the midst of the dire situation.

With a voice trembling from weakness, you inquired, "Tae and the others?" Jungkook, not verbally responding, simply nodded, conveying both understanding and concern.

Behind you, the forceful movement of branches and the chilling screams grew closer. Though drained of strength, you made an effort to move tree roots and clear some branches, buying precious seconds against the pursuing creatures. "We're almost there, Daisy!" Jungkook breathed out a tired sigh.

However, just as you approached the river, marking the boundary between the forest and the city, a claw snatched your dangling, broken arm. It yanked you off balance, sending you crashing to the ground, shattering the fleeting hope of escape.

You screamed in pain as you felt your broken arm being pulled and your skin covered in claw wounds.

Jungkook stopped and shouted, coming for you.

The creature that had knocked you to the ground lunged at you, but you kicked it off and threw yourself backwards.

Jungkook picked you up but the creature quickly jumped back to you, knocking you to the ground.

Now that you had it so close to your face, you could see in detail what seemed to be its face, a kind of dark void but with a mouth with large fangs that were centimeters from your face.

With desperate force, you grapple with the creature, utilizing your legs and your one functional arm as a barrier, but your efforts are fleeting as you sense the creature being forcefully flung aside. In the chaos, Jungkook charges forward, his voice piercing the air, urging you to flee. However, despite the searing pain coursing through your body, the thought of leaving Jungkook behind is unbearable.

Then, as if a distant echo, a piece of advice from your Aunt Binna surfaces in your mind—a whispered secret shared during moments of fear and peril. She had spoken of your father's necklace, imbued with protective intentions. Though you had often disregarded its significance, the mere touch of the pendant had provided solace during restless nights plagued by nightmares.

Frantically, you grasp at your neck, feeling the familiar weight of the necklace. With a sudden burst of determination, you seize the pendant, memories flooding back as you hastily remove it from your neck. Clutching it tightly in your hand, you recall the faint whispers of a protective spell, a safeguard against encroaching darkness.

With trembling fingers, you invoke the incantation, willing the pendant to emit a radiant light. In a blinding flash, the ruby at its center ignites, casting a brilliant fiery glow. The intensity of the light sears your palm, causing you to involuntarily recoil, and in your panic, the necklace slips from your grasp, clattering to the ground.

But even as the pendant falls, its luminous aura persists, illuminating the darkness and momentarily halting the advance of the menacing creature.

As the creature savagely attacked Jungkook, tearing into his belly, your scream of horror echoed alongside his agonizing cry. Fueled by a potent mix of confidence, adrenaline, and fury, you seized the blazing necklace, feeling its fiery power pulsate beneath your fingertips.

With a newfound determination, you channeled the light, harnessing the necklace's amplifying abilities to magnify the radiance within you. The once-dim glow now surged forth from your palms, expanding into a brilliant wave of luminance that engulfed the creature in searing agony. Your own screams mingled with those of the beast, fueled by pain, fear, and a righteous anger that intensified the onslaught of light.

As the radiant beams pierced through the creature, it writhed in a futile attempt to escape the relentless assault, but the brilliance consumed it, melting away its form until it detonated in a final, blinding explosion of light. With the creature vanquished, you released your hold on the power, allowing the forest to once again succumb to darkness and chill.

Summoning your strength, you struggled to rise, your body trembling from the exertion. With each step towards Jungkook, the weight of your injuries bore down upon you, until finally, your legs gave way, sending you crashing to the unforgiving ground. Despite your own pain, your instinct to reach out to your friend persisted, driving you onward despite the overwhelming exhaustion that threatened to consume you.

With a guttural howl of agony, you dragged yourself across the frigid, grimy floor, caked in mud and tangled grass, until you reached Jungkook's side. He writhed in torment, one hand pressed tightly against his abdomen as screams escaped his lips. Collapsing beside him, your own body throbbing with pain, you gazed at him through blurred vision. His eyelids fluttered, struggling to remain open, as he reached out to touch your face with trembling fingers. With a grunt of agony, you inched closer, allowing Jungkook's icy touch to graze your skin.

"Daisy," he whispered hoarsely, the sound barely audible over the din of suffering.

You watched him intently, battling against the encroaching darkness threatening to pull you under. Jungkook's eyes remained fixed on you, despite their heavy lids, as if he harbored a desperate message he couldn't convey through the haze of pain and exhaustion. Tears welled in your eyes as you reached out with your uninjured hand, gently guiding his trembling hand from his abdomen to rest atop yours.

The fog of blood loss and anguish clouded your thoughts, but one desire burned fiercely within you: to be close to him, even in this final moment. As darkness encroached and consciousness slipped away, your last coherent memory was of Jungkook's face, his touch upon your skin, and your intertwined hands resting upon his wounded abdomen.

Chills coursed through your body as the haunting memory flooded back into your mind. "It was absolutely terrifying, do you remember?" Taehyung remarked, his voice laden with a hint of unease. "I never thought we'd find our way out of that forest. It's so eerie." But it became evident that their recollection of the event differed vastly from yours. The spell had erased the memory of that night from Taehyung and Jungkook's minds, leaving only the narrative they were discussing at present.

Jungkook nodded solemnly. "Going there while completely intoxicated was a terrible decision. We weren't the only ones who got lost there." Taehyung leaned back in his seat, his expression troubled. "I remember. Neighbor Park's daughter disappeared there and was never found." The mention of Neighbor Park, a kind and welcoming woman, hit you hard. You hadn't known about her daughter's disappearance. A lump formed in your throat as the grim reality settled in – she would never see her daughter again.

Taehyung clapped his hands together, breaking the heavy silence. "Anyway, what I wanted to say is, when we lost the camera and the lights, we heard her. The woman."

Yoongi snorted but remained silent. Taehyung persisted, "I swear on the most precious thing in my life, Yeontan, that I saw her. She was leaning against a wall, her clothes drenched."

Jimin chuckled, "Cut it out, Tae. No need to make up stories."

Jungkook joined in, laughing, while the dark-haired boy grew visibly irritated. "I'm not making this up, Jimin! I saw her!"

Jimin rolled his eyes playfully. "Sure, Tae. Whatever you say."

Taehyung was seething now. "Jungkook, you fixed the camera. There was a blurry figure in one of the photos. Don't make me out to be a liar!"

Jungkook shrugged. "Tae, I warned you it could've been a lens glitch. I never confirmed anyone was there."

Frustrated, Taehyung exclaimed, "Come on! You have to believe me!"

Yoongi, taking a sip from his glass, chimed in sarcastically, "Oh, come on, Tae! Admit it, your paranormal club is just a sham."

Taehyung stood up abruptly. "You guys just don't get it. I'm done talking about this with you ignorant lot!"

You couldn't help but laugh, covering your mouth. Taehyung looked at you as if betrayed, "Even you, Daisy?"

You shrugged your shoulders, unlike everyone present, you knew the paranormal very well. Yoongi let out a dry laugh. "Don't worry Tae, she believes in that nonsense too!" You opened your eyes surprised. You had mentioned some supernatural experiences to Yoongi before, usually under the influence of alcohol. Before you could defend yourself, Taehyung jumped in. "No way! Seriously?!" But seeing his handsome face so excited, you couldn't refuse. You still remembered how Taehyung would get enthusiastic about these things. He sat next to you, on Jiwoo's chair, and took your hands, eager to hear more. You noticed how his hands were still much bigger than yours, slightly tanned too.

"Tell me!" Taehyung exclaimed. "What paranormal experience do you have?!" You clung to your seat, contemplating your options. Should you fabricate a lie to satisfy his curiosity, or should you be honest and share a true story? Tired of deception, you chose the latter.

Casually, you began to recount a story that, while not explicitly supernatural, still held an eerie quality. It was about the time you encountered the ghostly apparition of an old man on a train platform. You described how you initially saw him waiting on the platform, only for him to inexplicably appear on the tracks as the train passed by. Yet, to your astonishment, he vanished without a trace.

Though mundane compared to your other experiences, it still captivated Taehyung's attention, evident in the starry-eyed gaze he fixed upon you. "That's incredible! Did anyone else notice?!" he inquired eagerly.

"I think so," you replied. "A girl who was standing next to me screamed when she witnessed him leap onto the tracks. But like me, she realized there was no one there afterward." You resolved his inquiry, leaving the details of your otherworldly encounters unspoken.

Taehyung settled into his chair, his mind clearly racing with thoughts. "It reminds me of the story of the schoolboy on the roads! Damn, I wonder if there are cameras that capture those moments," he mused, absentmindedly stroking his chin. As Taehyung continued to delve into the topic, the others exchanged knowing looks, indicating that this wasn't the first time such discussions had occurred.

You caught Jungkook's gaze, and he offered you a comforting smile, which you gratefully returned.

You inwardly welcomed the change of subject once Jiwoo and Namjoon returned, but unfortunately, the conversation now shifted to a trip among friends to go camping.

You tried to shrink in your seat and avoid drawing attention to yourself, but that was impossible once Taehyung looked at you with a smile.

"I hope that you, lovely Daisy, will go with us," Taehyung blurted out, and Jimin quickly perked up at this. "That's right! Daisy loves camping. We've been to the lake outside of town several times, haven't we?" Your friend smiled at you expectantly.

You forced a smile. It was true that you liked camping, but only for the reason that you felt closer to nature, plus you went with your best friends. But at this moment, not only the three of you were going, but the others, especially the person you wanted to avoid the most.

"It'll be fun, won't it?" For the first time that night, Yoongi referred to you. You stared into his dark eyes, which held ulterior motives. He raised his eyebrows, and you swallowed nervously.

You knew Yoongi was still upset and was waiting for explanations. What better way to test yourself than spending a weekend with the person who is the cause of your secrecy?

You decided to put on your big girl pants and smile widely. "Of course. We love camping with friends, don't we, Yoongs?"

Yoongi, annoyed at not eliciting the reaction he wanted from you, simply nodded and continued drinking from his glass. You couldn't blame him. If you were in his place, you'd also be upset that your best friend of five years kept secrets from you.

As the others happily began to plan, discussing where they would stay and what activities they would engage in during their time together, you quietly excused yourself and slipped into the house, under the pretense of needing to use the bathroom. In truth, you sought a moment alone to recharge your energy.

Upon entering the home, you were immediately dazzled. The polished marble floors reflected light from the crystal chandeliers above, casting a shimmering glow throughout the space. Hardwood-paneled walls exuded a sense of warmth and elegance, while the carefully selected furniture resembled masterpieces from bygone eras, adorned with velvet upholstery and intricate hand-carved details. It felt as though you had stepped into a museum rather than a house, but you found yourself drawn to the antique charm, as you had always loved old things.

Mesmerized by the environment, you drifted through the room, taking in every detail with a sense of wonder. Your eyes fell upon an ancient sundial, its refined appearance indicating that it had been well cared for over the years. The Roman numerals etched into its surface hinted at its age, yet it seemed strangely familiar to you.

Carefully, you reached out and took hold of the sundial, examining it with a mixture of curiosity and fascination. Lost in your thoughts, you failed to notice the presence that had approached from behind until a hoarse voice shattered the silence.

"Don't tell me that another of your secrets involves being a thief of ancient objects?" the voice spoke, causing you to startle and clutch your chest in surprise.

"You scared me," you blurted out, turning to face Yoongi, who stood with his arms crossed and a neutral expression on his pale face.

"You didn't answer my question," he blurted out, his voice tinged with frustration.

You sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of his mistrust bearing down on you. You knew you had lost a bit of his trust, but you held onto the belief that it was for his own good not to know the truth just yet.

"I'm not a thief, Yoongi," you declared firmly, meeting his gaze. "I was just admiring Taehyung's belongings. They're quite charming."

Yoongi made a noncommittal sound, his eyes still fixed on you, assessing.

"I'm surprised you agreed to come. You usually avoid spending time with strangers," he remarked, leaning casually against an old white piano in the room.

You shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "They're not strangers anymore. They're yours and Jimin's friends."

"Mmm, and apparently yours too," he replied, a hint of skepticism in his tone. "That photo with Jungkook seems to suggest otherwise."

Your muscles tensed at the mention of Jungkook, and you glanced nervously around the room, confirming there was no one else nearby.

"We're not friends," you blurted out, your voice tinged with urgency. "It's complicated, and you know it."

Yoongi's fingers idly tapped on the piano keys, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

"If it's so complicated, why do you have a photo with him from almost twelve years ago?" he pressed, his voice softer but still probing.

You clenched your fists, feeling a surge of anxiety rising within you. "Yoongi, please, not here."

A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Yoongi's lips. "Come on, Daisy. What are you so afraid of? We could take this conversation to the garden and clear up any doubts by asking Jungkook about his relationship with you," he suggested, his tone laced with a hint of malice as he moved toward the exit of the room.

You watched in fear as Yoongi headed towards the window, your mind racing for a solution. In a moment of desperation, you tapped into the magic you possessed and willed the sliding window to close. A golden breeze swept past Yoongi, slamming the window shut with a force that startled him.

"___," he exclaimed your name in surprise, quickly turning to look at you. As he approached, you found yourself equally surprised, frozen in place by the unexpected turn of events.

You cursed inwardly, realizing the gravity of the situation. Blaming it on the wind or the alcohol wasn't an option—there was no wind current in the room, and Yoongi had a higher alcohol tolerance than you.

Your heart pounded in your chest as Yoongi's expression flickered through various states of confusion.

“I…” you began, but your words were cut off by the sound of the sliding window. To your dismay, Jungkook appeared from outside, his cheeks flushed with surprise at the scene unfolding before him.

"Oh," Jungkook said, his eyes filled with concern as he took in your pale complexion. "Are you two okay, Daisy? You look pale," he added, moving closer to you with genuine worry.

Not now, you thought desperately, knowing that having Jungkook so close after the tense moment with Yoongi wasn't ideal. Before you could reassure him and prevent him from coming any closer, someone else entered the room. It was Taehyung, who followed Jungkook inside and looked around at the scene with equal surprise.

"Wow, you've stumbled upon my most cherished heirloom, Daisy!" Taehyung remarked, holding a bottle of champagne in one hand as he gestured towards the sundial behind you.

Grateful for the diversion, you managed to suppress the sigh of relief that threatened to escape you. "Oh! Yes! It's absolutely adorable!" you exclaimed, your voice a touch higher than usual, surprising even yourself.

Beside you, Yoongi kept his gaze fixed on you, while Jungkook looked like a bewildered puppy.

Taehyung appeared delighted by your enthusiasm. "I know, right? It's pretty cool," he said, setting the champagne aside and moving closer to you.

As Taehyung began to explain the origins and intricacies of his cherished relic, you couldn't help but feel like you were a magnet for trouble. It seemed like every situation you found yourself in turned into a delicate balancing act. For someone who believed in and possessed magic, it was disheartening to constantly encounter such misfortune. You made a mental note to consult Salem when you got home, wondering if he knew any charms or spells to ward off ill intentions or protect against malevolent forces.

Beside you, Yoongi appeared lost in a haze of confusion, his sharp mind undoubtedly searching for a rational explanation for your inexplicable action. Yet, deep down, you knew that no logical reasoning could justify what had just transpired. He had witnessed it firsthand, plain and simple.

"Okay," you thought, a plan forming in your mind. "I'll bring Yoongi home with me and lay out the whole truth for him."

The idea of having your best friend angry at you was unbearable to your heart and mind, especially when you were the sole culprit. Your carefully crafted plan to calmly and rationally explain everything to him was swiftly thrown into disarray. Now, you would have to confront the truth head-on, blurting out the entirety of it and hoping against hope that Yoongi would still choose to stand by your side as a friend.

As Taehyung continued to ramble on about the sundial, you seized the opportunity to discreetly touch Yoongi's arm. He snapped out of his trance and locked eyes with you, to which you simply murmured, "I'll explain everything to you at home."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow at your cryptic message but nodded in acknowledgment, diverting his attention back to the conversation unfolding around him.

"Oh, Yoongi! You know him, right?" Taehyung interjected, his voice filled with excitement. Yoongi furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Kang? The guy from work?" Yoongi attempted to recall, scratching his head. Taehyung persisted, trying to jog Yoongi's memory. "Yeah, the wealthy guy who travels the world?"

A moment of realization dawned on Yoongi as he snapped his fingers. "Oh! You mean your college classmate?" he exclaimed, the pieces coming together.

Taehyung nodded eagerly. "Exactly! He was always our favorite back in college, wasn't he, Jungkook?"

Jungkook nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I haven't seen him in ages. Wasn't he on vacation in Egypt?" Jungkook inquired, his curiosity piqued. "I remember him mentioning something about wanting to explore the ancient magic of the Egyptians."

You stood by, feeling slightly lost amidst their conversation, but grateful for the distraction as your mind buzzed with thoughts of how to broach the topic with Yoongi. After all, you were harboring the secret of being a runaway witch from your homeland, with the boy in front of you being your childhood best friend and ex-boyfriend. Not to mention, Taehyung was also a childhood friend.

"Well, for someone as ostentatious as him, a vacation to a place like Egypt with that excuse seems fitting," Yoongi remarked casually, shrugging his shoulders.

"Well, this watch has a special meaning," Taehyung remarked, drawing everyone's attention back to the sundial. "At least, that's what Kang told me when he gave it to me. He mentioned that it gave him a sense of connection and calm, like he could keep track of how I was, although he never explained exactly how that connection worked."

Jungkook chuckled at this, giving Taehyung a friendly pat on the back. "Dude, you know how he is. It's probably just a luxurious piece of junk he had lying around, and he gave it to you, adding a bit of mystery like he always does," he tried to explain. Your ears perked up at their conversation.

Taehyung furrowed his brow. "Come on! You have to admit, it does give off a strange vibe. Like it's... magical," he added the last word with a special tone, causing a flicker of realization to ignite in your mind.

Magical.

That was what had seemed odd about the sundial from the beginning.

Trying to contain your excitement, you smoothly inserted yourself into the conversation. "Can I see it again? I haven't come across one like this in a while," you excused yourself, and Taehyung gladly handed the sundial over to you without hesitation.

You discreetly inspected the sundial, mindful of the three pairs of eyes fixed on you. Unlike the first time, your focus wasn't on the intricate carvings or craftsmanship, but rather on detecting any traces of the elusive magic that seemed to beckon to you. However, despite your experience with enchanted objects, this one proved to be exceptionally well-hidden. You sensed the presence of magic, but its source remained frustratingly elusive.

Then, as if by magic itself, the window abruptly swung open once more, startling everyone and causing you to accidentally drop the watch.

"No!" you exclaimed in dismay, but it was too late—the delicate timepiece lay broken on the ground.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Jiwoo's voice echoed through the room.

You and Jungkook instantly crouched down to inspect the damage, unable to see Yoongi's annoyed expression or Taehyung's frustrated glance at the girl.

"It's okay, Jiwoo. Just remember to be careful when opening that window," Taehyung responded calmly, masking any irritation he felt.

But your attention drifted away, away from the shattered clock on the cold floor, away from the chaos stirred by Jiwoo's unintended disruption. Instead, it gravitated towards the point where your hand had met Jungkook's, the fleeting touch still resonating between you like an echo of something profound.

Yet, it wasn't the physical collision that captivated you; it was the silent exchange conveyed through Jungkook's deep, enigmatic eyes. They held a universe of emotions—affection, surprise, and perhaps a whisper of trepidation—a reflection of your own soul laid bare. In that fleeting moment of contact, it was as if a burst of celestial light had illuminated the space between you, casting ephemeral shadows of longing and uncertainty.

Jungkook's gaze seemed to speak volumes, a silent poetry that danced between you, weaving intricate verses of longing and desire, yet clouded by the veil of confusion.

You knew it was forbidden, this enchantment that pulled you towards him. Another held claim to his heart, yet you couldn't help but linger in the ethereal realm of possibility, where the boundaries of reality blurred and the allure of the unknown beckoned. But reality intruded, like a harsh whisper amidst a symphony of dreams, as Taehyung's voice shattered the delicate illusion that had enveloped you both.

"Kook? Daisy?" Tae's voice rang out, laced with concern. "Are you both alright? Are you hurt?"

You snapped out of your daze first, as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over you. Reality crashed back in, along with a wave of shame and dread. You scrambled to your feet, nearly colliding with Yoongi in your haste.

"I'm fine!" you exclaimed, adrenaline coursing through your veins. "I'm so sorry, Taehyung! I didn't mean to let it slip."

Jungkook rose from the ground more slowly, but you couldn't bring yourself to meet his gaze. Instead, you focused on Taehyung, who stood with his eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Don't worry, Daisy! The most important thing is that nobody got hurt," he reassured you.

Jiwoo, feeling slightly embarrassed for her sudden entrance, approached her fiancé with a worried expression. "My Kookie, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" she inquired sharply, inspecting his hands as he stood there, lost in thought.

Jungkook shook his head mechanically, his dark eyes fixed on the ground. Jiwoo gently clasped her delicate hands around his larger ones, planting a kiss on his cheek.

You couldn't bear to witness their tender interaction any longer. It felt like acid coursing through your veins, burning with a mixture of jealousy and regret.

Yoongi, ever quiet but perceptive, placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up, Daisy. It can be fixed," he consoled, nodding towards the broken sundial.

A pang of guilt washed over you, though not for the reason Yoongi assumed. You felt dirty for harboring affectionate thoughts towards someone who was engaged. You fought back the urge to cry, knowing that it was a self-inflicted wound you had to bear.

Taehyung attempted to lighten the mood. "Yoongi's right. It's not the end of the world. It was just an accident," he chimed in, offering a supportive smile.

You managed a weak smile in return, casting your gaze downwards. Then, something caught your eye, and you widened them in surprise. Amidst the broken pieces of the sundial, a small, seemingly insignificant purple dust emanated from the carved dial. But you recognized it for what it truly was—an enchantment.

To prevent any further misunderstandings, you quickly crouched down, gathering the broken pieces and hiding the dial from view. Turning to Taehyung, you spoke up. "I'll take care of this. I know a skilled gnomonist who can fix it."

Taehyung nodded appreciatively, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. It was your cue to make your escape. You shot a meaningful glance at Yoongi, who understood your silent plea.

"I think it's time for us to head out, don't you think, Daisy?" Yoongi interjected, coming to your rescue.

You nodded eagerly, casting a glance at Taehyung. "What?!" Jiwoo exclaimed, still holding onto Jungkook's hands, who avoided meeting your gaze.

For the sake of your own sanity, you chose not to dwell on his reaction. "I'm sorry, but I have some important matters to attend to tomorrow, and I need to get an early start," you explained, noticing Taehyung's desire to intervene. "Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure meeting you," you expressed your gratitude to Taehyung. "And don't worry about the watch. It will be good as new."

"But!" Jiwoo's interruption cut through the conversation, her tone insistent. "Our last guest has arrived! You can't leave yet!"

You were taken aback by this unexpected revelation. You hadn't known that another guest was expected. Taehyung's face lit up at the news.

"He's here already? Perfect, let's go!" Tae exclaimed, signaling for everyone to follow him outside.

As you exited the room, your eyes caught sight of a third figure engaged in conversation with Namjoon and Jimin near the pool. Though you couldn't see his face, his tall stature and broad back were unmistakable.

Jimin spotted your group and waved enthusiastically, signaling for you to join them. "Look who's back!"

Resigned to delaying your escape a little longer, you followed Taehyung's lead. As he approached the man, Taehyung greeted him with a warm hug.

"Long time no see, buddy!" Taehyung exclaimed joyfully. "I thought you wouldn't make it today!"

The other man responded with a hint of arrogance in his tone. "You know how I am. With a snap of my fingers, I get what I want."

His words triggered a sense of familiarity in you, but before you could dwell on it, Jungkook released Jiwoo's hand and joined Taehyung in greeting the newcomer, mirroring his friend's enthusiasm.

"The golden boy!" the unfamiliar man exclaimed, his voice dripping with familiarity. "I haven't laid eyes on you in ages!"

Connecting the dots, you realized that this man must be Kang, the friend of Tae and Kook.

As you approached, you could see that he was dressed in dark, expensive-looking attire, giving off the air of a corporate professional. His short, neatly combed hair and polished appearance only added to his aura of sophistication. But the horror that washed over you upon seeing his face left you breathless.

For ten long years, you had been plagued by nightmares featuring that very face. Some nights, you would dream of him causing harm to your loved ones or relentlessly pursuing you. But you always found solace in the fact that, upon waking, it was nothing more than a fleeting nightmare.

Yet now, confronted with the visage of your deepest fears, the same mocking and haughty expression etched upon his features, you felt an overwhelming urge to retch.

As if by some twisted magic, Kang Hyung's arrogant facade crumbled upon catching sight of you. His smile stretched so wide that it seemed his mouth might split open at any moment.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced, my dear," Kang's silky voice sent shivers down your spine, making you wish you could block out the sound.

Unaware of your internal turmoil, the others continued chatting, oblivious to your frozen state. You stood as still as a statue, your mind screaming for you to flee, to escape.

Jimin, radiating happiness, took it upon himself to introduce you. "This is Daisy, our friend. I've mentioned her to you several times."

Kang's smile turned sly as he responded, "Ah, yes! I've heard quite a bit about you, dear Daisy." His intense gaze bore into you, his eyes so dark that you couldn't discern his pupils.

His words felt like a thinly veiled threat, and you knew it. He knew things about you—things he shouldn't know. The fear that gripped you intensified. You needed to leave, to warn everyone about the danger lurking behind Kang's facade.

You wanted to scream, to alert them all that the man they were smiling at was dangerous and self-serving. That he would not hesitate to harm them for his own gain. You needed to ensure their safety, to get them out of harm's way. And above all, you needed to protect Jungkook. He was your priority.But Kang shot you a knowing glance, as if he could read your thoughts, and you froze in place.

You reminded yourself that you couldn't confront Kang. You were weak, having not practiced magic, let alone protective spells, in over a decade. You felt utterly powerless to shield your friends from the danger that lurked beneath Kang's charming facade.

A comforting hand landed on your back, and you turned to find Yoongi's worried expression. In that moment, you felt exposed, as if he could see the terror that filled your eyes, threatening to consume you.

Keeping his hand on your back, Yoongi spoke up. "I'll take Daisy home. It was great seeing you all. Thanks for everything," he said, bidding farewell to the group.

You wanted to protest, to tell him that you couldn't leave your friends in the clutches of that monster, but you knew you needed to think rationally. Kang was acting friendly for a reason; he wouldn't drop his facade for you.

It dawned on you that Kang had befriended Jungkook and Taehyung for a purpose, and that purpose was you. He had approached your friends deliberately, with a hidden agenda.

He wanted you to play his game, just as you always had. If you wanted to keep your friends safe, you knew what you had to do.

"Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure spending time with you," you stated firmly, surprised at the strength in your voice.

Quickly bidding farewell to everyone, you stole one last glance, catching Kang's gaze fixed on you. His expression held a warning, silently conveying only one message: "Be careful."

The atmosphere inside the car was heavy with an unbearable silence, yet amidst everything that had transpired, you found yourself strangely indifferent. Yoongi, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, kept his pale hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel.

Rather than requesting Yoongi to drive you home, you made an unexpected decision, asking him to take you both to the place where your paths first crossed - the old museum. You, a young woman navigating the complexities of independence, seeking employment, and Yoongi, grappling with familial troubles, in need of a distraction, found solace in each other's company.

Five years ago, your lives collided by chance, or perhaps fate, as you accidentally collided with Yoongi while rushing to a job interview. However, what began as a mere accident blossomed into a profound friendship that endured the test of time.

As you parked the car and stepped out, the two of you found yourselves seated on the weathered benches outside the museum, each lost in your own thoughts, yet somehow finding comfort in the familiarity of each other's presence.

Summoning all your courage, you straightened your posture and began to speak, addressing the weighty silence between you and Yoongi. "I understand you're upset with me, and I can see why," you started, your voice carrying the weight of remorse and honesty. "If I discovered that my closest confidant of five years, someone I trust implicitly and have shared so much with, was keeping secrets from me, particularly ones as bewildering as mine, I'd be hurt too."

Yoongi's silence persisted, prompting you to press on. "I realize you're hurt, and for that, I'm truly sorry. You've entrusted me with deeply personal matters, ones you haven't even shared with Jimin. It's only fair that I reciprocate."

Taking a deep breath, you directed your gaze ahead to the tranquil scene of ducks gliding across a small pond. "I've shared some truths about my past with you—about fleeing my home and severing ties with my family, about my identity as a florist, my struggles with forging friendships, and even the trivial details like my lazy cat and the rundown apartment I call home."

You clenched your fists, willing them to stop trembling as you prepared to reveal the omitted truths weighing heavily on your conscience. "But there are aspects of myself I've kept hidden. I'm not 'normal,' at least not in the conventional sense. I know you've picked up on my sensitivities and social struggles, which society deems as deviations from the norm, but that's not what I'm referring to."

Sensing Yoongi's urge to interject, you raised a hand to silence him. "It's the truth, and I know you're aware of it. I am different, in ways that go beyond mere social awkwardness or sensitivity. And what I mean by that is..." With resolve hardening in your heart, you knew it was now or never. Honesty was your only chance of salvaging the trust between you and Yoongi, a bond you couldn't bear to lose.

"I'm not entirely human," you whispered, the admission hanging heavy in the air. "I'm a witch, descended from an ancient lineage."

A pregnant pause followed, Yoongi's silence pressing down on you like a weight, stirring a growing sense of panic within. Then, unexpectedly, his laughter pierced the tense atmosphere.

"Daisy, come on! Do you really have so little respect for me that you'd fabricate such absurdities?" Yoongi's tone dripped with annoyance. "I came here because you promised me the truth, not some ridiculous fantasy."

His abrupt dismissal fueled your desperation, propelling you to your feet in a bid to salvage the crumbling trust between you. "No, I'm not lying! I swear it's the truth!"

But Yoongi, unmoved by your plea, rose from his seat with palpable irritation, making his way towards the parking lot. "I thought our friendship was built on genuine trust, but it's clear you don't have faith in me," he retorted mockingly, his words a dagger to your heart.

Frustration and helplessness surged within you, pushing you to the brink. "Of course I trust you! That's why you're my friend!" you cried out, the desperation evident in your voice.

As Yoongi continued his departure, your patience snapped, and with a swift motion, you recited an immobilization spell in your mind, snapping your fingers to enact its power. Yoongi froze, his expression contorting in bewilderment and anger.

"What the hell?" he exclaimed, glaring at you incredulously as you strode purposefully towards him, determined to make him understand the truth, even if it cost you your sanity.

"You know, I had hoped we could discuss this like mature adults, but you've left me no choice!" Your frustration boiled over as you confronted Yoongi, the power of your words matched by the intensity of your emotions. "With a simple snap of my fingers, I can bend reality to my will!"

Yoongi's attempts to move proved futile as he remained frozen, his disbelief evident in the furrow of his brow and the widening of his eyes.

"Since you refuse to believe me and insist on leaving, I'll lay it all out for you! I'm a bona fide witch, okay?!" Your voice rang out with conviction, unapologetic for the seemingly outlandish revelation. "It's not some silly tale or figment of imagination; it's the truth, and I'm living proof of it!"

Your frustration morphed into defiance as you continued, heedless of how irrational you might seem. "I possess powers beyond your wildest imagination—I can move objects with my mind, attract things to me, summon them into existence, alter reality as I see fit! Ever wonder why our flower shop thrives, even in the dead of winter? It's because of me! I enchant the flowers, keep them vibrant and alive, ensuring they flourish and fetch top prices!"

But your abilities extended far beyond floristry, a fact you were determined to impress upon Yoongi. "And that's not all! I can charm individuals, manipulate their actions, brew potions, induce love, or even erase memories! There's a spell for every conceivable situation!"

As Yoongi stared at you in stunned silence, his disbelief palpable, you forged ahead, undeterred by his reaction. "I understand this is a lot to take in, but it's the truth, whether you choose to believe it or not!"

"Do you want to know who Jungkook is to me? Well, then listen closely," you exclaimed, your voice raw with emotion. "He's more than just a childhood friend—he's my lifeline, the only beacon of acceptance in a sea of rejection. He was the only one who saw past the rumors and stigma, the only one who saw me for who I truly am."

As tears streamed down your cheeks, you bared your soul, each word a painful admission. "Do you know why he doesn't remember me? Because I made him forget! I erased myself from his memories to protect him, to shield him from the dangers that lurked because of me."

The weight of your confession crushed you, forcing you to your knees as sobs wracked your body. "I didn't want to do it," you choked out between sobs. "But it was necessary. I had to let him go, for his own safety, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness."

The anguish in your voice echoed through the empty space, your vulnerability laid bare for Yoongi to witness. "I didn't want to leave my home, my family, but I had to. And despite the pain and loneliness, you... you made me feel safe."

You turned to Yoongi, your gaze pleading for understanding, but he remained silent, his attempts to interject drowned out by the torrent of emotions pouring from your soul. "You have no idea what you mean to me," you whispered, the words a desperate plea for him to comprehend the depth of your gratitude and affection.

As you continued to spill your truths, years of pent-up emotions cascading forth, Yoongi's presence served as a silent witness to the turmoil within your heart.

"I love you, Yoongi," you whispered, your voice choked with emotion. "You've been like a brother to me, a constant source of support and companionship throughout the years. I never wanted to keep this from you, but when I left home, I was forced to make a promise—a promise to never reveal the truth, for fear of endangering those I care about."

Your hands trembled as you spoke, the weight of your secrets heavy upon your shoulders. "I couldn't bear the thought of putting you or Jimin in harm's way. You both mean too much to me."

Unintentionally, you released the immobilization spell, and within moments, you felt the comforting embrace of Yoongi's arms encircling you. He held you close, his own tears mingling with yours as you both found solace in each other's presence.

"I had no idea," Yoongi murmured against your hair, his voice thick with remorse. "I'm so sorry."

You continued to cry into his chest, the release of pent-up emotions overwhelming yet cathartic. Yoongi's gentle caresses soothed your frayed nerves, his warmth a balm to your troubled soul.

"Take deep breaths, and try to relax," he urged softly, his words a gentle reminder to ground yourself in the present moment.

Gradually, the storm of emotions subsided, leaving behind a sense of peace and understanding. Yoongi's eyes were red and teary, mirroring your own.

"I'm sorry," you said softly, wiping away the tears from your eyes. "It's okay if you don't want to be a part of my life anymore. I'll understand. The last thing I want is to hurt you or anyone else."

"Why wouldn't I want to be a part of your life anymore?" Yoongi's confusion was evident in his tone as he reached out to gently caress your cheek.

You lifted your gaze to the star-filled sky, a heaviness weighing on your heart. "Because I've lied to you all these years. I never told you the truth about who I really am."

Yoongi's touch remained gentle as he reassured you, "I don't think that's reason enough for me to walk away from you."

Hope flickered in your eyes as you gazed at him, his smile serving as a beacon of reassurance. "Really?" you questioned, a hint of disbelief lingering in your voice.

Yoongi nodded, tenderly wiping away the last traces of tears from your cheeks. "Let's go home," he suggested, extending his hand towards you. "You can explain everything to me there. I promise to listen to absolutely everything."

A smile tugged at your lips as you reached out and accepted his hand. "Alright," you agreed, the weight on your shoulders feeling lighter in the presence of his unwavering support.

Kang Hyung was a man proud of himself.

He loved attention and he loved being right.

Kang Hyung exuded an air of self-assurance as he made his way past the half-naked girls dancing on the bar and the leering office workers. He relished the attention, reveling in the approving gazes of the respectable women in the establishment.

Despite his conservative upbringing, which he found ironic given his current surroundings, Kang remained steadfast in his beliefs. He had been molded by generations of tradition within the esteemed Kang family, where mistakes were simply not tolerated.

Satisfied with the day's events, Kang ordered a drink and settled himself at the VIP table, where his loyal subordinates awaited him. Minjun, Yejun, and Seojun knew their boss well, considering him not only a superior but also a friend—or at least they endeavored to maintain that illusion. Kang's mercurial nature kept them on their toes, always striving to present themselves in the best possible light and to prove their usefulness.

But their apprehensions eased as they observed Kang's jubilant demeanor. "That stupid bitch never saw it coming!" Kang chuckled, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "You should have witnessed the shock on her face when she realized it was me!"

The trio of brothers mirrored their boss's smile, eager to bask in his approval. "She couldn't even conceal her astonishment," Kang continued, his satisfaction evident. "Even her worthless friends couldn't ignore her reaction."

In that moment, Kang felt invincible. His meticulously laid plans were finally coming to fruition, and he was on the brink of achieving everything he desired.

"Have you spoken to the priest?" Seojun dared to ask, earning a swift reprimand from his older brother, Minjun.

If the brothers were to rank intimidating individuals, the priest of the church of the night would undoubtedly claim the top spot, followed closely by his progeny, Kang, and then their cantankerous yet sinister grandfather.

"By Satan!" Kang exclaimed, his previously buoyant mood dampened. "Do not utter his name. I have no desire for his unwelcome presence here."

Seizing the opportunity to contribute, Yejun interjected, "But Hyung, shouldn't you inform him of your success in apprehending the Moon brat?"

Though Kang knew it was one of his father's directives, he couldn't muster an ounce of concern. "He does not require such information. I am in control here, and that is all that matters," he snapped, his irritation palpable. He despised being questioned, especially by his own subordinates.

In an attempt to alleviate the tension, Minjun, the eldest of the brothers, interjected, "What are your plans now, boss?" he inquired, idly toying with his drink.

Kang's smile returned, though it held a hint of mischief. "Oh, you have no idea,”

#bts fanfic #bts jungkook #bts fic #jeon jungkook #jungkook #jungkook fanfic #jungkook x oc #jungkook fic #jungkook x reader #magic au #jungkook fiction #jungkook fluff #jungkook angst #jungkook and reader

[of-many-fandomss]

Daryl taking care of sick reader for a valentines request if u would like to write it? 💗🤭

I love Daryl so much, and that’s a fact

—————

“Come on,” Daryl urged softly, “Lift yer head up… jus’ like that, there ya go.”

You groaned, flopping back against the extra pillow your boyfriend propped up behind you and pouted up at him, “This sucks,” Your voice came out sounding weird due to your congested nose.

His lips quirked up for the briefest of seconds before he cleared his throat, taking a step back from your bed, “Nah, it doesn’, jus’ focus on gettin’ better.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, not failing to notice the amusement in both his tone and expression that he was trying to hide, “What’s so funny?” You challenged, forcing down a cough that tried to rise up in your throat as you spoke.

“Nothin’, nothin’,” Though, Daryl couldn’t hold back a slight snicker any longer, “Your voice is just adorable.”

Under any other circumstance, you would be forced to ignore the butterflies in your stomach at his words, instead you would smirk up at him and tease him mercilessly for thinking so. But now, laying on your bed in your shared cell in the prison, drowning in all the blankets that the others could find you, you could barely even shoot back a retort.

“It’s not adorable,” You whined, even as your words came out slightly slurred together, “And it’s not fair that this is happening on Valentine’s Day!”

That did manage to pull a frown out of your boyfriends face.

You have been raving for weeks about how you had managed to convince Rick to give the two of you the day off from any sort of responsibility so you could enjoy the day together. On more than one occasion, you excitedly talked your boyfriends ear off about the picnic you were planning for out in the yard, with the special food you had been able to scavenge while out on a run and the wine you had found.

Now though, you were holed up inside of the prison with a common cold, nonetheless, even in the midst of the apocalypse.

“‘M sure Rick’ll let us have yer picnic another time.” He reassured you, guilt rising inside his stomach a bit as he remembered how much this day meant to you.

“It won’t be the same,” You whispered, sliding backwards onto your pillows and sniffling for reasons that didn’t involve your sickness.

A moment later, you cleared your throat and sat up, “You should get out of here,” You told him, “I don’t need you getting sick on account of staying in here with me.”

He didn’t say anything, simply exiting the room, leaving you to let your head fall backwards against the cool, stone wall. But your eyes snapped up in curiosity when Daryl returned only a moment later, a basket and neatly folded blanket in his grip.

It was all the supplies you had carefully set aside for today.

“What are you-“

“Since we can’t go out, we’re gonna have the picnic in here.” He interrupted you, carefully unfolding and draping the blanket across the small ground space.

Your heart melted as he gently helped you down the bed, having you sit with your back against its frame and draped one of your blankets over your lap before plopping down on the other side of the blanket.

He began rummaging through the basket and pulled out its contents. It wasn’t much, but there was an unopened bottle of wine, a box of crackers, and some berries you had found growing near the gates.

“Daryl, maybe we should just do this another time, I really don’t want you catching this-“

“Hush, now.” He playfully scolded, munching down on a cracker, “It’s Valentines Day and ain’t no way we’re gonna spend it apart. This day means too much to ya.”

Despite yourself, tears began to fill your eyes and you looked over at your boyfriend with such love and adoration, that it made him falter slightly, “Thank you.” You whispered, “Thank you so much.”

He shrugged stiffly, swiping at his nose to try and draw attention away from the way the tips of his ears began to turn red, “‘S nothin’.” He mumbled.

“I love you.” You told him.

A smile crawled onto his lips, “There ya voice goes again, soundin’ all cute.” He said those words mostly to himself before looking at you and reaching over, pushing away a stray strand of hair from your eyes, “I love ya too.”

#valentines day event #daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon blurb #the walking dead blurb

[riksie94]

Embers of the Night

It’s been so long since I’ve actually published any sort of FanFiction, so I’m not expecting this to be perfect by any means. I actually have plenty more ideas but this is a start. This was also be on AO3 once I figure out the nuances of it all…

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51871330

Summary: A loving, tender moment as Tav/Iris puts Rolan’s fears of parenthood to rest.

Notes: Rolan/Named Tav, Soft!Rolan, Pregnancy.

Another day of teaching, another night of grading papers.

In the dimly lit room, Rolan sat hunched over a cluttered desk, immersed in the quiet solitude of night. The pale glow of the flickering candlelight cast shadows as he diligently scored the assignments, yet his distant gaze suggested a mind preoccupied with thoughts beyond the task at hand. The only sounds in the room were the scratching quill on parchment, occasionally punctuated by the shuffle of papers. As the archmage glanced out the window, unspoken thoughts lingered, creating an atmosphere tinged with diligence and distraction. It was difficult for him to remain still as he twitched in his seat, one leg anxiously bouncing in place. Eyelids drooped as a subtle yawn escaped him, highlighting the lines on his face from the weariness of sleepless nights.

Focused on the battle of fighting sleep and finishing his work, the wizard remained oblivious to the subtle rustle of covers and soft footsteps on the wooden floor. The gentle tap on his shoulder startled him and as he turned, his suddenly alert, amber-colored eyes met a pair of drowsy yet concerned azure ones. The familiarity in her gaze eased him, allowing him to relax once more.

Many knew her as the Heroine of Baldur’s Gate: a woman who defeated the Absolute, took down the Chosen Trio, and ended the threat of the Netherbrain. In public, her warm smile and graceful demeanor portrayed a compassionate soul, always ready to lend a hand and radiating benevolence. Yet, her boundless kindness found its boundary when they reunited at Sorcerer’s Sundries and the truth behind the bruises on his face unfolded. A shiver ran down his spine as he remembered: her smile widened, eyes shut, nostrils flared with a deep breath, and fists clenched tightly at her sides. Soon after, with the aid of her party and himself, they swiftly took down Lorroaken, and Rolan became the new master of Ramazith’s Tower.

However, there was more to her than meets the eye. Underneath the friendly exterior was a woman willing to learn and show her worth. Someone who expected too much out of herself, much like himself. No matter how he was toward her, she always exercised patience and kindness in their interactions.

Iris.

In his eyes, she was the love of his life – a radiant ray of sunshine, his favorite heroine. She not only saved him but also his siblings on multiple occasions. Without her, he wouldn't hold the esteemed title of the current Archmage of Ramazith’s Tower, a fact that filled him with eternal gratitude. Their relationship blossomed shortly after the Elder Brain was destroyed.

Cautiously, the tiefling eased the elf onto his lap, tail encircling her thigh. "You should be asleep," Rolan softly scolded, securing his arm around her waist to the best of his ability. Simultaneously, his other hand tenderly sifted through her loose, wavy black hair – a soothing motion intended to coax her into slumber, for she shouldn't stay awake on his account. With an exhausted sigh, he inquired, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," the druid murmured, nestling against his chest and finding solace beneath his chin. Tired eyes blinked, tempted by the allure of returning to sleep, the calming hand on her scalp enticing her. Yet, beneath the surface calm, worry lingered in her heart. "I sleep more than enough these days, Rolan. You, on the other hand, have been at this for days," Iris replied as she frowned, absentmindedly toying with the material of his sleep shirt. It was her anxious habit, a silent signal of her concern, and the fact that it was about him swelled his heart – the altruism he loved but that sometimes caused him grief when she would endanger herself in the hopes of helping others. "What's on your mind?"

The hand in her hair transitioned to gently grasp her fingers, offering a firm yet reassuring squeeze. Simultaneously, the arm around her waist descended to her abdomen, now rounded with their child. His child. Their child. She freed one of her hands, placing it atop his, her thumb tracing gentle circles—an invitation for him to share and a plea for openness.

Amid Iris' challenging pregnancy marked by severe morning sickness, leaving her perpetually dehydrated and fatigued, Rolan was mindful not to burden her further. He shifted his focus from his concerns to ensuring her well-being. "It's nothing, my dear. You needn't concern yourself over me," he assured, accompanied by a soft kiss to the crown of her head intended to ease her worries. A flutter where their hands connected served as a reminder of the life they had brought into existence.

Discovering she was expecting eight months ago was nothing short of a shock. While the idea of having children had casually surfaced in discussions throughout their relationship, they hadn't actively pursued it—though there were occasional instances he’d bent her over his desk or taken her against a bookcase in a bout of jealously, carelessly forgoing a protection spell. He knew she wanted a family someday, as did he.

When he reflected on it, he acknowledged that his initial reaction to her revelation wasn't one of his finest moments.

“Honey, I’m pregnant.”

“That’s nice, dear.”

Rolan immersed himself in the study of one of the magical artifacts from Lorroaken's labors, one among the numerous in the collection. Despite taking charge of Sorcerer's Sundries a few years ago, he had only explored half of Lorroaken’s extensive collection, carefully concealed from public view.

Iris’ blank stare lingered for a few moments before the weight of the news finally settled in. As realization dawned, he turned to her, eyes widening in surprise. The world seemed to pause as he gazed at her, a mixture of bewilderment and joy playing on his face. After a moment, the wizard couldn't contain his excitement and asked, "Are you certain?"

With eagerness, the high elf nodded, a bright grin on her face. Beneath the cheerful exterior, tears streamed down, and her body trembled with emotion. "A healer confirmed it this morning," she shared, her voice quavering. Soon after, her arms enveloped him, and she buried her face in his chest.

His arms suspended in midair, he was momentarily surprised by the sudden affection, though her displays of love were typically routine. "Is everything alright, my dear?" he inquired, arms eventually encircled her back, one hand rhythmically rubbing in a soothing pattern. 

A subtle sniffle escaped her as she gazed up at him, her smile watery and her eyes filled with tears. "I'm fine," she replied, chuckling. "It's just... a lot for me to take in now. I feel like this hasn’t sunken in yet.” 

"I understand," he affirmed with a nod, "but in any circumstance, I'll stand beside you every step of the way." Cupping her chin, he gently tilted her head for a soft, minty kiss—a taste of the herbs she had consumed that morning—before delivering small pecks all over her face, causing them both to break down in fits of giggles. His tail eagerly swished behind him. “I did say through sickness and in health, did I not?” He teased, genuinely smiling at her giggle. 

"Surprised I stuck around after all we've been through?"

Feigning exaggeration, he sighed. "Dealing with your antics is a challenge. You've given me near-heart attacks." His arms tenderly caressed her hips.

She laughed wholeheartedly, relishing his theatrics. "You love me for it," she teased, wrapping her arms around his neck, legs around his waist. Playfully, she added, "What would you do without me?" Rolan responded with a love nip to her neck, causing her to squeal.

Chuckling, he supported her on the kitchen counter, hands caging her in. "I meant it—I'll be with you through all of this," his gaze dropping to her flat stomach, one hand cautiously lifting to gingerly rest on it.

With a light smile, she nudged his chin to meet her eyes and put her other hand on his. "I know. There's no one else I'd want to start this journey with."

"Rolan?" As he immersed himself in the echoes of the past, her touch on the right side of his face a gentle anchor. He leaned into the caress, reminiscent of the time she healed him after battling the shadow creatures. The memory of her skin against his still made his face flush with a vivid hue.

He recognized the discerning gaze she cast upon him, piercing through his facade. A deep sigh escaped his lips. "Fine, fine... I'm concerned about our child."

“Is this about that comment the healer made? Because she said everything else is normal-“

“No, no, it’s not that.” He shook his head,  loosening more strands of hair from his disheveled ponytail. It was a small concern in his mind, one that was overshadowed by another. “There’s still so much to do, so much to plan for.”

She shifted in his lap, leveraging the advantage of her smaller than average baby bump. Straddling him, her hands grasped his shoulders for stability. His hands moved to her hips, tail subtly wagging. “One day at a time," she interrupted, emphasizing each word with a series of kisses across his face, concluding with a lingering one on his lips, prompting his tail to wrap around her waist as best it could. 

Despite being together for two years, the gesture still made his face flush. “What if I’m a bad father?” He asked, eyes shamefully looking to the side, “What if I can’t protect them? Gods, I couldn’t even save Cal and Lia from Moonrise, let alone defeat some shadow creatures—“

Her hands gently cradled his face. "What if you're not? Rolan, I believe you'll be a great father to this little one." She placed his hand on her belly, smiling. "Our past led us here, and we face this journey together. Mistakes may happen, but we'll love them, provide them a home. We're a team; you’re not alone. We'll succeed where our parents failed, ensure them a life of happiness and health." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she envisioned a brighter future.

He carefully wiped the tears from her face with his thumb, looking at her with a softened gaze. Much like himself, Iris was also abandoned by her parents at a young age. Her difficult past was a sensitive topic for her still, years later. In the quiet embrace of the night, Rolan absorbed the warmth of her presence, tightening his hold around her. "You're right," he admitted, a mixture of vulnerability and determination in his eyes. "One day at a time."

With a gentle smile, Iris continued, "We'll face whatever comes our way together. You won't be alone, and I have no doubt you'll be an amazing father." Her fingers intertwined with his on her belly.

Feeling the weight of her trust, Rolan's doubts began to ebb away. He tenderly kissed her forehead. "Thank you, Iris. I needed that." 

She grinned. "Glad I could be of assistance.” With some assistance from Rolan and the desk, she stood up. “Now, how about returning to bed? I miss my strong, charming wizard."

A smirk graced his face. "I suppose I've done enough work for the night."

She guided him to his feet with a gentle pull. "And could you read to me? Pretty please?"

He furrowed his brow as she requested another reading. "Another bad dream?" Iris haunted by recurring nightmares since defeating the Elder Brain, found them more persistent during her pregnancy.

Shamefully, she averted her gaze and nervously rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah," she admitted, meekly.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Her silent shake of the head was the answer. He sighed, knowing she usually preferred to keep things to herself. Concerning as it was, now wasn’t the time to bring it up. "Yes, of course I can."

She pulled back the covers and settled underneath. "Thank you, truly." 

Slipping under the covers, he joined her, and she nestled into his chest again. Retrieving the book from the side table, he opened it to the bookmarked page.

As they lingered in each other’s soothing presence, Rolan felt a newfound sense of calm settled over him. The night continued, now with a shared resolve to face the future hand in hand.

Peace reigned until the following morning, when they discovered Iris had been in active labor for half the night, nearly causing Rolan to lose his mind.

#bg3 rolan #rolan #rolan bg3 #rolan x reader #rolan x tav #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #tav x rolan