#princess of dreamland au | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

daichiduskdrop · 8 months

Text

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚⋆·˚ ༘ *𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 ⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

Chapter 32

Pairing: BTS Ot7 X fem! reader

Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Strangers to lovers,

Warnings: very slight mentions of unhealthy eating habits

Words: 3477

A/N: So sorry for a little posting-break! I've been quite busy. Also, this chapter is mostly Jimin centered, I hope that's okay :) lots of love!

Taglist:@thelilbutifulthings @ilovemoneymorethenmen @singukieee @cherrysainttt @felicityroth @mageprincess7 @lucis-noctiana @danielle143 @osakis-gf @girl-nahh @vintageoldfashionstyle-blog @neverthefirstchoice @juju-227592 @silentreadersthings @i-have-no-life-charlie @everyonehatesshani @iamkookiesforyou @dragons-flare @fangirl125reader @roseidol @frieschan @popcatx0 @liz67900 @exfolitae @plexcaffeinate

(open)

⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚˚ ✩‧₊˚⋆·˚ ༘ *

The packmembers had a calm breakfast, with the packalpha carefully plating a dish for each of the still-sleeping ones.

You and Jimin gently cuddled into the lazy morning, the alpha pulling you closer to himself whenever any of the other packmates went to try and coax you to have breakfast.

Jimin had his sweet free day today, and he wanted to spend at least the majority of it with you, as he would have to go to a photoshoot later on. The morning would be kept with you, though.

The pack kept mostly quiet, seeing the soft whines coming from you whenever anyone went to turn on a sharp light, since it was still dark outside, even when it was soon to be 7.

The alpha that held you close, scenting you and pecking your cheek sleepily, didn't wait long to let out a deep rumble, coming from the very bottom of his chest as if to warn the alphas to put off the act of rustling you from your dreamland.

And so, when it was only a few minutes past 7 and the rest of the packmembers needed to go, each one went to you, gently scenting you, trying not to disturb you from your sleep too much.

„Alpha loves you, little cub... I'll see you later today, baby peaches." The eldest softly whispered the last, running his fingers through your hair one last time, before he too leaned back to go and get ready to leave.

Namjoon was quick to scent you over one last time, tucking you in closer to the alpha and folding the blanket around you tightly before he too went to the doors.

He already had his coat and boots on, but the packalpha felt the need to tell you one last goodbye and check on you before he would leave.

It wasn't like they would ever be truly unavailable for you to reach out to. Sure, they had some dance practices for their solos, and a few of them had to do some photoshoots and voice training today, but they would always make time for you.

By no means would they even put their phone on silent, probably too worried that you might need them sometime.

Still, the rest of the pack had to go, their work calling for them, and so they left you with the alpha that held you protectively while you both caught up on some well-deserved sleep.

You stayed cuddled up close for a good hour or two, Jimin waking up when he heard his phone ringing.

The still-drowsy Alpha sat up a little, his arms still pulling you close to his chest as he frowned, a soft scowl appearing on his face at the sudden disturbance.

You stayed asleep, only softly whimpering when the wild-haired alpha clumsily crawled from the bed, quickly shushing you.

„Sh-sh-sh princess, it's okay. Alpha is here." He mumbled softly, yawning as he carefully tucked you right back in, standing up fully and tiredly walking around to look for the phone.

It layed on the kitchen table still, along with a few well-served plates covered with plastic foil, making the young man smile at the thoughtfulness of his packmates.

It was Jungkook who was calling him. He didn't call often, and so Jimin was a little surprised but picked up nonetheless, surely only seconds away before the call would go into voice mail.

„Hey, Jimin, are you two awake now?” The younger man lightly laughed, his snicker easy to hear.

Jimin didn't doubt that he must have looked quite funny and silly this morning; maybe he even snored too. For sure, he or Taehyung have taken awkward-angle photos of him to tease him later.

„Kook, yes, gosh... What do you need?” He grumbled a little, hoping to stay to rest with you for a while longer. You looked so cuddly and soft...

„Do you remember Yuki? And Moonsik? From the mall, bunbun made friends with them earlier.”

„Yeah, of course I do. Do you think my memory is that bad?"

„I mean, considering how short you are, there can't be much space left for your head; it must be shrunken at least a bit too.”

„Jungkook! I'm your hyung! And Yoongi is the same height!” Jimin protested, an obvious annoyance going on as the youngest laughed loudly, happy to have done well with the teasing.

„Moonsik called me a few minutes ago; apparently Yuki really wants to go to the mall or something with Y/N, so...”

„Today?” the younger alpha asked, looking over his shoulder to the living room. He couldn't see you from here, but still, he could sense your presence thanks to your scent.

„Yeah, he asked if it would be okay, maybe later this afternoon... Yuki wouldn't stop asking him, so yeah." Jungkook said, easing Jimin into the situation.

The alpha wasn't so sure. He didn't mind Yuki or the beta; they were actually quite sweet and nice, but would you like to go?

„I'll ask Y/N, can you pass me the phone number? So I can get in touch with them?”

„You haven't saved it? Yeah, I'll send you the contact information.”

Jimin thanked the alpha, telling each other goodbyes with the promise to: take a nice photo of babybun when she is awake, or if you take her somewhere!

The young man sighed, opening up the texting app where Jungkook linked the phone number to Moonsik, the beta they had earlier met in the mall.

Jimin saved the contact to his phone and went back to the couch. Your small, now tightly curled-up form was cute for him to look at.

„Sweet princess, it's time to wake up now, precious." Jimin gently whispered, caressing your cheeks in a gentle gesture, his eyes soft and sweet.

Any of the annoyance from being roughly woken up from taking the sweet time to rest and sleep in with his omega was gone now, and his mood lifted once again.

Your eyes fluttered open, a soft whine like a whimper leaving you as you cuddled closer up to yourself.

The air around you was much colder than the well-warmed-up covers you were under, and it was far from tempting to leave.

Jimin leaned closer, carefully hooking his hands under your arms before he pulled you up, the heavy duvet flopping down, having you whine louder, your face scrunching up.

The alpha didn't take too long before he warmed you up again, this time placing you on his lap as he smoothed down your hair and softly caressed your cheeks and face.

„There, there, precious. How about some breakfast now?” He asked you gently, but seeing how your face chose to hide away in his neck instead, he could only softly chuckle.

Jimin stood up with you closely held to his chest, swaying you gently before he took you to the kitchen, carefully placing you on a chair.

You sat on a different seat this time, with the spot where the young alpha would usually sit next to you, gently pecking the top of your head before he stretched a little, taking the few plates and uncovering the foil.

There were a few neatly stacked up waffles that had a cute heart print on them; the eldest has recently purchased a new print for the waffle maker to do, in hopes you would have more appetite when seeing the cute fluffy food.

With other things like rice waiting in the rice cooker, being kept warm, and a few of the meals from the previous days, Jimin started heating everything up.

While the microwave was going, the alpha started boiling some eggs for you and him, seeing as there were no left-overs but raw ones in the fridge, waiting in a clean bowl.

„What would you like to drink, sweet precious?” He asked you softly, crouching on the ground, gently caressing your knee in soft motions.

You shrugged your shoulders, still too sleepy and tired to really react. Jimin could only smile softly, finding you too cute to truly resist. Cooing softly, the alpha was there to help you make a seemingly tough decision.

„How about some tea? Alpha can make a sweet cup for his sleepy 'mega; how does that sound?” He gently whispered, looking up at you with calm and caring eyes.

You nodded a little. A warm drink sounded nice. The pyjamas they bought for you did well in keeping you warm during the night, and since you got to sleep with the furnace-like alphas tonight, you were kept cuddly and soft.

Though the silk-like material felt a bit thin now that you were in the colder kitchen air where there weren't any heaters,

Most of the first floor of the modern house was left open, with the majority taken up by the living room space and kitchen, with the large windows bringing calm, natural light in.

You felt a slight shiver run down your spine, the alpha noticing immediately and jumping into action.

„Precious, you should have said, baby!” Jimin gasped, shrugging off his hoodie before he quickly pulled it over your form, tutting softly when you went to tell him you didn't need it.

He kissed your forehead repeatedly, his hands rubbing up and down your sides in an attempt to warm you up.

The microwave beeped soon enough, though, having the alpha quickly walk over and take out the first plate, the small, cute waffles right before you.

You thanked the man softly, having him only smile and tell you it's okay, handing you a few different topping options you might like to have.

There was a chocolate sauce, honey, cinnamon sugar, and vanilla sugar, but you chose the caramel sauce as the sweet topping, seemingly the tastiest.

And so, when Jimin helped you undo the stubborn plastic film, he then let you have the bottle and put on as much as you liked, while he went on to prepare you tea and himself a cup of coffee.

Even when he didn't have to sleep too much, he was quite wrecked and really wanted to stay in bed for another hour, but it was okay.

It was going to be nine soon, and that meant it was for sure time to rise and get up by now.

With you calmly munching on the still crispy but soft waffles, Jimin soon brought a simple white ceramic cup before you, taking a seat to your left as he himself warmed up a bit of the pork belly, and eggs with rice.

You both had a slow and sweet breakfast, with the alpha occasionally cutting you a small piece of the pork belly and the bacon he had also plated.

„Princess, have a bite, little baby. It's very tasty, hm? Alpha promises, you will like it a lot." and you didn't put up much of a fight, leaning in on instinct and letting the alpha feed you.

Jimin had a soft smile on his face, letting you have a bit of the still quite soft and liquid but warm yolk, the man claiming that „It's the best part precious, and my princess deserves only the very best.”

You thanked him whenever he fed you any more, the alpha in the end just pulling your plate to himself, cutting up the waffles, and feeding you fully himself, happy to fulfil his alpha instincts.

And so, after you both ate, Jimin carefully picked you up again, gently caressing you to his chest, the alpha carrying you back over to the couch.

The packmember went to get the still-hot cups of beverages, going to place them on the coffee table, when he noticed you on the couch.

You were carefully placing a blanket upon one another, cleaning up the rustled sheets, and throwing over pillows.

The nest you created quickly was much smaller than the one they got to so sweetly sleep in last night, but it looked cosy, and to Jimin, it seemed like a much-needed heaven.

When you looked back over to him, a soft whine left you as you patted the spot next to you, and he cooed loudly, carefully crawling over.

„Aigoo, of course, little princess. Alpha is right here." He said it softly, pulling you to his chest as he pecked your forehead sweetly.

You both settled between the soft, plushy blankets, and Jimin gently manoeuvred so you got to rest fully against him, carefully pulling you onto his lap.

You layed calmly, the man caressing and combing through your hair softly, occasionally rubbing his chin over the top of your head. You breathed in his scent calmly, happy to be held by him.

„Should we watch something precious?" He whispered softly, pecking the top of your head. You shrugged your shoulders, already very content with just being so closely held by him.

You learned over the few days you stayed with the alphas that you loved cuddling. You loved to be gently held and comforted, and you loved how little you had to worry about things.

It was everything, really. You didn't have to worry about your shoes finally breaking and the snow drenching your socks and you falling ill—no, now you had brand new boots, and you even got to choose which pair you wanted to wear everyday, as you had multiple pairs!

You felt special and very cared for, the warm feeling fluttering in your tummy. Now, you don't have to worry about the meals you'll have—or if you'll have any, for that matter.

The alphas took full care of your eating habits, always making sure whatever you got would be fully safe and wouldn't be a chance to disturb your soft body.

You didn't have to worry about getting lost in unfamiliar places like new shops, as they always took you with them, their warm hands always in yours.

All of the pack members took great care of you, always there to hold you and settle you whenever you were having a hard time. They didn't use you, not once even seemingly thinking about such a thing.

They kept you warm during the night and cared for you a lot, it seemed. It was very different from what you were used to, but the sudden change made you feel better than you ever felt.

You felt small tears spring up in your eyes, but you tried to blink them away as quickly as possible. Why have such thoughts made you emotional again?

Jimin noticed right away that something was wrong. He leaned over your shoulder, his hand tightening its grip on yours as he softly gasped.

„Princess no! What's wrong, little baby? Tell alpha... Oh, do you not want to watch a movie? It's okay, precious; we don't have to watch anything; Oppa doesn't mind."

He rambled on, turning you so your chest faced his. Before the alpha pulled you close to himself, your head caressed to stay nearest to his scent gland.

Jimin cradled you, worry clouding his mind. What has gone wrong? You looked so happy a few minutes ago; even when you were sleepy, what happened?

After a second or two, you didn't hold back for much longer, your arms going around the man's upper waist as you latched onto him, only small tears leaving you.

You didn't answer or tell him what had been on your mind; your gratitude was hard to explain in words. The alpha seemed to have understood to a certain level, pulling you close to himself.

„Oh princess... It's okay now; Alpha is right here... I got you, little baby; you don't have to worry about a thing now." He murmured calmly, his hand gently rubbing over the top of your head, his other palm keeping you close.

Your occasional sniffles scared him a little, and the man was slightly worried that maybe you missed the other alphas; the not really proper goodbyes you got this morning could for sure be the cause.

You were sleepy, though, when the packmembers left, and considering how Jimin shooed them off whenever they tried to wake you up, the alpha felt slightly at fault.

This wasn't fully the case, but you still missed the rest of the alphas, that was for sure. You didn't realise that you would have such a hard time when they were gone; their scents fading from you.

And so, after a few soft minutes of you being carefully held close and shushed sweetly, Jimin reached as discreetly as possible for one of the little lamb comfort plushies they got for you, the white one laying the closest.

You whined softly when the alpha pulled from you a little, but with the comfort companion in your arms, the packmembers scents clouded around you, your form fully settling.

„There you go, my princess. Alpha got you now." He gently whispered, keeping you nice and close.

Over the past few minutes, your grip has gotten looser, but whenever Jimin went to take a sip from his coffee or try and have you drink a bit of the herbal tea he made for you, you just hid further into his chest, the lamb held tightly under your arm.

In hopes of distracting you enough from your rain of thoughts, the man turned on the TV, choosing a simple channel that wouldn't do either of you any harm—a cooking show, a competition between chefs in baking.

„-really heating up in the kitchen! I'm here with our talented contestants, ready to witness their culinary magic." the host said, his voice happy and energetic. It was an American show, but Jimin didn't mind; the subtitles were easy to read.

„Now, let's reveal today's challenge! You'll have two hours to create your signature dessert, incorporating a surprise ingredient that I'm about to reveal. Get ready, folks, because today's twist will truly test your creativity!”

Gasps fill the room as the host holds up a silver cloche, building suspense.

„Today's secret ingredient is... (drumroll, please!)... lavender extract!”

The contestants exchange glances, some appearing thrilled while others wear expressions of uncertainty.

„O-Oppa? Can we-e also ba-bake something s-sometime?" Your soft voice broke the background noise, and the alpha turned to you immediately, his eyes as soft as ever.

„Of course we can, my precious! What would you like to make?” He asked you gently, not pressuring you into answering immediately, his eyes soft on your form.

„M-Maybe... Cup-cupcakes?” You were uncertain. You were used to cooking for yourself, but you were definitely not a great chef. You weren't terrible in the kitchen, but your clumsiness sometimes got the best of you.

But seeing how bright Jimin's smile got, the alpha for sure didn't mind. Oh, you were so cute!

„What a great choice, my princess! Do you want to make them right now my sweetest little 'mega?" He asked you gently, not resisting pecking your forehead.

You shrugged your shoulders. You really didn't know that much about baking, apart from knowing that the right measurements were very important. Would all of the ingredients be here?

The alpha smiled excitedly, happy. He was by no means an expert baker, but there was nothing a good recipe wouldn't solve. The man carefully picked you back up, holding you to his chest, as he slowly took you both over to the kitchen.

„Here, baby, you look up a recipe you like. Alpha will look around for what we have for the decorations.” He said gently, placing you so you sat on the counter, before he handed you his phone, the Google open.

You fumbled with yourself a little; the TV show, now forgotten, still playing. Eventually, as Jimin opened a few cupboards, pulling out different types of sprinkles, you carefully typed in 'Cupcake recipe'.

The number of choices you got freaked you out a little, but you clicked on one of the very first ones, seeing as it had very good reviews. Maybe it was going to be good. You hoped, at least...

„Look, princess, we have this tray too! That's perfect; we should use that for sure." The alpha said, showing you the silicone dark blue form.

You smiled softly, nodding happily. This was exciting! Jimin soon walked over to you again, looking over the website you looked up.

„Great job, princess! Let's get this started then, baby!” He said so happily, going over to where the few aprons were hung.

The alpha took one for himself and you, helping you down to the floor before he helped you tie a pretty bow in the back.

„C-Can we sur-surprise the o-others?” You asked timidly, your fingers squeezing one another in an uncomfortable pattern. Jimin couldn't help but coo loudly, kissing your temple, his cheek rubbing against it.

„Aigoo,.. my princess, well, of course! That's such a great idea, baby you are perfect! Alphas would love that, I'm very sure.” He laughed softly, hugging you gently.

⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚˚ ✩‧₊˚⋆·˚ ༘ *

203 notes · View notes

redfurrycat · 5 months

Text

🤠🤴👑🏰🐓Royalty Fic Recs🐓🏰👑🤴🤠

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

Ao3 Authors: 64PackofCrayola, Aishii420, Alltherecklesshours, Hangmanbradshaw, Lovelybattle, McDanno50, PleaseHellMe, Renai_chan, ToukoJalorda003, Trinipedia.

> Navy Prince, aka THE Nepo Baby

Heart on Your Sleeve by Renai_chan {T}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

Jake and Bradley are princes of neighboring kingdoms who grew up together. On Bradley's eighteenth birthday, everything changes.

Man of his own invention by trinipedia {T}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

Jake is an enticing young man with blonde hair 70 feet long, who has been kept in a tower his entire life by his seemingly overprotective mother. Everything changes the day that Rooster the thief, by chance, scales the tower and stumbles upon him; Jake strikes a deal with Rooster so that the charming thief takes him to the place where the floating lights he has seen every year on his birthday come from. Jake is about to discover the world for the first time, and in the process, he might even find out who he really is...and what he really wants.

Rival Princes AU by hangmanbradshaw

/Medieval Royalty AU/

I can't stop you putting roots in my dreamland {E}

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know where else to go.” He said as Bradley, confusingly, looked even more devastated. The pain washed over him again, and he started to stumble. The blood loss was definitely starting to make itself known. That spurred Bradley into motion. He seemed to snap out of whatever daze he’d been in, and he stepped forward, grabbing Jake and holding him up. “Shit. Get Halo, now!” Jake felt himself starting to lose consciousness. As he succumbed to the blackness, he heard a soft voice saying “stay with me, Jake” and then he was out.

and I feel like my castle's crumbling down {_}

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know where else to go.” All it took was nine words for Bradley's heart to rebuild and break again.

Innocent by lovelybattle {E}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

Bradley has no idea how he ended up here. It’s all a blur. One minute he’s standing in a field by himself, and the next he’s got the crown Prince spread out, beautifully and blissfully naked, beneath him.

loose lips sink ships all the damn time by hangmanbradshaw {E}

/Buccaneering Royalty AU/

“Wait, is this the Dagger?” That stopped Rooster in his tracks. He looked over curiously from where he was unwrapping a rope. “You’ve heard of it?” “You guys are…you’re…” Rooster dropped the rope and walked over, a challenge clear in his eyes. “We’re what? Go ahead, say it.” Jake breathed out, “Pirates.” Rooster took another step followed by another. Each step was calculated. He stopped a foot or two away. Jake hated the fact that he had to look up into his eyes, not by much, but still. “We prefer the term vigilantes.” Or The Princes & Pirates AU

it's 2am and I’m cursing your name by hangmanbradshaw {E}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

“Yeah, but you know him better than anyone, right? You could give me advice.” He raised an eyebrow. “I know I’m not an expert on romance or whatever, but if he’s your true love, shouldn’t you just, I don’t know, be yourself?” “You gotta help me. I don’t want to be stuck as a rooster forever. Please.” The final please broke him. He looked so sad, voice clearly miserable and desperate. Jake took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and mumbled. “I’m going to regret this.” He opened his eyes and said louder, “Fine. Alright.” Or Rooster's a rooster, and Jake definitely isn't his soulmate aka the Hangster Princess & the Frog AU (with a twist) After all, all it takes is faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust (or in this case, bickering, helping the guy you're in love with land another prince, and a meddling warlock)

Call Me Yours by Renai_chan {E}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

Jake is the perfect Crown Prince of Seresin--handsome beyond compare, educated by the world's most renowned scholars, draped in all the luxuries his wealthy kingdom can afford, magnificent in battle, with multitudes of adoring subjects throwing themselves at his feet--but all he really wants is to be put on his knees and called a filthy whore by his slave, Bradley.

The Prince and His Knight by McDanno50

/Medieval Royalty AU/

On A Dreary Night {E}

Jake felt his heart thump quicker, galloping in his chest, as the clicking of claws grew closer. Heavy breaths not his own let Jake know he was no longer alone. He remained still even as natural fear urged him to look over his shoulder to gauge the threat. But there was no real danger because Jake knew in his soul that he was safe with the monstrous wolf-like creature that lurked in the flickering shadows. The beast who terrified the men, women, and children not born of Miramar was hardly a monster to Jake. The bright light of day sees the Crown Prince of Miramar, Jacob Seresin, protected by his personal knight: a Lycan named Rooster. But at night, Jake loses himself to pleasure by Rooster's wolf form.

A Speckled Rooster Crowed {G}

Lycans had few offspring, litters born every ten years. The last Lycan pups included Julian’s own knight, Cyclone. And now it was Jake’s turn to choose a knight – his very own Lycan pup to raise and train as his personal bodyguard. He’d never known something so exciting yet terrifying. The time has come for Prince Jake to select his knight. Five pups vie for his attention, but one young Lycan seems a bit preoccupied with a fowl enemy.

Of Sex and Flowers {E}

If Heaven truly existed, Jake was sure his would be exactly like this. With Jake and his knight Rooster, alive and together in this peaceful place. Nothing outside of the meadow mattered when they were here: Jake was not royalty and Rooster was not a Lycan. They could play pretend and just be two men hopelessly in love with no duties and no secrets. Jake sneaks out of the castle to spend some private time with Rooster in a meadow. Their relationship will change once Jake becomes the Crown Prince so they say goodbye in the only way they know how.

Of Crowns and Medals (That Don’t Shine Like They Should) by ToukoJalorda003 {M}

/Modern Royalty AU/

It wasn’t as if Rooster hadn’t wanted to serve in the Guard his entire life - he had. Serving the king, his country…it was the only thing he’d ever wanted. …Until it wasn’t. And with the rules being as strict as they were, there wasn’t anything he could do about it. Bradley falling in love with Jake was going to get them both in trouble - and he wished more than anything that he could change that.

Swan Prince by 64PackofCrayola {_}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

(Based on Swan Princess 1994) A beautiful prince falls in love with a prince from another land, but an exiled sorcerer who wants him for himself conjures up a spell to transform him into a swan. Forced to embark on a dangerous quest to reverse the magic, the prince is helped along by some new-found human turned animal friends.

Break Free from the Chrysalis by aishii420 {M}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

In a Kingdom far away, The King and Queen of Corona decided to have a baby. Everyone was overjoyed, especially their brother, the Captain of the Royal Guard. All was well until the Queen fell ill, and the Captain set off to find a cure.

Crowns And Collars by PleaseHellMe {E}

/Modern Royalty AU/

King Peter "Maverick" Mitchell had been ruling the kingdom of Miramar for the past two decades after his father was killed. The pressure of mating with someone and producing an heir had been lifted from his shoulders as the crown would be passed to his godson. Maverick never felt the spark to mate with someone and opted to wait for the right person. Then one day, when Maverick had been walking in the market square, a tall blond-haired angel caught his attention, and suddenly all Maverick could think of was how he could make this man his. -- Thomas Kazansky lived outskirts of Miramar with his son Jacob. He was raised in nobility, but then things went south, and his family was stripped of their status. There have been multiple people who wanted to mate with him, but their offers were met with rejections every single time. Usually, it took only one time for the suitors to get the hint, but suddenly Tom finds himself in a situation where the same person keeps sending him courting gifts day after day, refusing to give up before Tom accepts the offer.

stolen kisses, pretty lies by hangmanbradshaw {E}

/Modern Royalty AU/

Bradley had never expected he'd be awaiting coronation in a country he'd never stepped foot in until his 30s. Then again, there were a lot of things he'd never expected- being told he had to find a suitable spouse, a security team being necessary just to drive down the road, and Jake Seresin...he'd never expected Jake Seresin. Jake's parents just needed him to settle down. He'd had other plans, and Bradley Bradshaw had not been on that list. Or, Jake's a prince with a reputation for breaking hearts, Bradley just wants to marry someone he at least likes, and neither of them ever saw the other coming. AKA the How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days/Princess Diaries 2 AU inspired by Blank Space. Yes, you read that right.

I'll see you by and by by alltherecklesshours {G}

/Medieval Royalty AU/

"He's been doing the bare minimum with his responsibilities. His coronation is in less than a year and he keeps evading important meetings, disappearing for days without a warning. How is that doing a good job?" Uncle Pete asked, crossing his arms over his chest, looking annoyed. "And how is finding him a partner going to change that, Pete?" No. Bradley wouldn't take them fighting because of him again. "If I promise to do better with my responsibilities, can we postpone the idea of marriage? "Fine. But this is your last chance. If you don't do a better job this time, I will call for a ball with every unmarried person in this kingdom and the ones around, and I won't let you leave until you find someone. Am I clear?"

#Royalty Recs List #hangster #sereshaw #hangaroo #bradley rooster bradshaw x jake hangman seresin #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #🐈red🐈furry🐈cat🐈tag🐈

58 notes · View notes

pentechnics · 4 months

Text

Part 4 of A Strange Duet

Summary: The journey through Sorgan continues, bringing with it new insights, wonders, and dangers. Navigating a conflict like this wasn't something Din expected, and the things about him you learn along the way leave you with more questions than ever before.

Pairing: Assassin!Din Djarin x Princess!reader (no y/n)

Series Content: medieval-ish AU, assassin!Din, princess!reader, fluff, slow burn, sexual tension, falling in love, angst, mentions of injuries/scars, depictions of violence, usage of weapons, Din’s POV and reader’s POV, side character death

Chapter Contents: fights, blood, stabbing, injuries

Part 3

~~~~~

Din couldn’t recall the last time he had gone this long without a single moment of solitude.

Having at least one constant someone at his side for three days straight was exhausting; it seemed that sleep was his only route to any sort of escape, which meant he had only felt relief two separate times since departing from the palace.

It was perplexing to see how energetic you all still were, the brazen eagerness everyone had to continue the journey. Did you all ever get tired of each other?

You especially confused him. Mandalorian royalty hardly traveled at all. In fact, Din couldn’t recall a time during his life when the Queen had even left the confines of the palace.

But you? You wanted this. You sought it out. And you were so active and invested in every visit you made. It was as though the conditions of the open road and consistently unfamiliar terrain gave you strength rather than drained it.

The six of you had departed yet another small village that afternoon, and the wagon was now steadily moving along while the sun dipped below the horizon. Din watched it dye the sky in hues of fiery orange and soothing blue as he floated between reality and dreamland, not quite letting himself succumb to the darkness.

The wagon’s abrupt stop jolted him back to the light.

“Must be time to switch,” you said from beside him while you opened the door, voice as chipper as ever. “You coming, Mr. Vaun?”

That’s right. The two of you were next in line to drive. Din sighed and followed you out, leaving sleep behind for when the next destination was reached.

~~~~

He seemed so tired.

And who could blame him? He tended to act like a bit of a lone wolf, which was something you didn’t consider when you invited him on this excursion.

A stream of guilt washed through you as you mounted the front of the wagon, the small space forcing your thigh to rest against his. You gulped and gripped the reins in your fists.

You listened and waited for the telltale creak of the wagon door to tell you that everyone else was secured inside before snapping your wrists and setting the horses back in motion.

The next rest stop was still a few hours away, creating a rare instance in which the group had no choice but to let you be outside during the night. You took a deep breath and let the crispness of the dimming dusk encapsulate your senses.

Mr. Vaun was silent beside you. As the wagon rocked along, his arm occasionally bumped into yours. His body heat seeped into your skin, and only then did you realize how cold you were. It was like he was breathing life back into your frozen frame. Ironically, the sensation made you shiver.

Muffled conversations bled out of the wagon windows; the galloping of the horses made it hard to pick out exact words, but the happy vocal tones and occasional laugh were enough to tell that they were having a good time.

Out of the corner of your eye, Mr. Vaun leaned his head back until it collided with the backrest. Intent on not bothering him you kept your eyes forward and bit back any instinctive conversation starters that threatened to spill from your lips.

When the sun had completely disappeared and made way for the stars to shine, when the voices in the wagon grew quieter and quieter, you let out a sigh and cast your eyes upward.

The black moon gave the stars full reign over the night; they twinkled and glistened before you like a sea of diamonds, weaving together until you could make out a slight outline of the galaxy.

You scanned over each pattern with a smile, mentally recalling the constellations and various planets that were resting above you, poking out of the wonders to say hello. When was the last time you’d gotten to gaze at them like this? You couldn’t recall.

A slight noise from beside you made you jump. Mr. Vaun had cleared his throat.

“Your Highness,” he started, voice soft, as if not to further spook you, “Are you cold?”

“I thought you were asleep,” you said with a breathy laugh, your heart still pumping. “But I’m okay, it’s not so bad tonight.”

“You sure? Your leg is freezing.”

You looked down at where your thigh met his. In lieu of an answer, you met his gaze again with a shrug and returned your attention to the road. A sigh and some rustling sounded from him just before a warmth overtook you.

When you turned to him, you discovered his cloak now missing from his frame.

“A-are you sure?” you asked, “I don’t want you getting too cold without this-”

“I won’t. Please use it.”

His tone was finite. You sighed and drew the cloak closer around you, nuzzling into the soothing heat it provided.

“Thank you.”

You brought it up to cover the lower half of your face, letting your nose thaw out. The cloak smelled so pleasant: earthy, with a hint of fire, steel, and something else you couldn’t quite place. You breathed it in and smiled as your shoulders relaxed.

What a delightful aroma.

When you finally resurfaced, nose no longer numb, you flinched upon finding Mr. Vaun staring down at you. His gaze was heavy, calculating, as if he’d caught you in the midst of something unsavory. His brows narrowed and made his expression all the more stern. Your eyes bugged out as you looked back, an abashed heat rushing all too quickly into your ears and cheeks.

What exactly was he looking for? Was he assuming something from your reaction? You tried to search through the words in his eyes, but couldn’t quite make out their questions in the dark.

He leaned towards you the slightest bit, making you instinctively crane your neck to maintain eye contact. You gulped under his dark, piercing aura. It was like he was able to see into the deepest recesses of your mind and pick out any information he wanted.

If looks could act, something told you this one would pin you to your place and leave you unable to escape.

Your muscles began to tighten. That same sensation of silent danger resurfaced, like something was about to snap and unleash its wrath on you. Something that lived deep, deep within.

Why did this always happen around him?

“There we go,” he said after what seemed like an eternity, leaning back up and facing forward.

In a flash, the trance was broken.

“W… what?”

“Your face has color again. You were looking a bit pale earlier. We can’t have you getting sick.”

You let out a shaky “oh,” the danger seeping away once more like the tide pulling back into the sea. You gulped down a lungful of air in an attempt to recenter yourself. What in hell was that?

“I… don’t think I’ve ever seen this many stars before.”

You snapped back into the moment and found Mr. Vaun gazing upward. The stars reflected against his irises, making them gleam in a way that took your breath away.

“Gorgeous,” you sighed, “...isn’t it?”

He glanced at you with a small nod.

“I saw you looking up earlier – what were you doing?”

“Oh, I was just mapping constellations and stuff in my head,” you said with a shrug.

“... mapping what?”

His brow furrowed, eyes squinting. You tilted your head in response.

“Constellations,” you started slowly, “Pictures in the sky.”

He blinked at you, looking even more confused. You smiled.

“They didn’t teach you much about astronomy in Coruscant, did they?”

He gulped and shook his head, gaze dropping into his lap. Regret and guilt immediately gripped you and you reached a hand towards him.

“Hey, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that."

He gently shook his head. You bit your lip; how easy it was to forget that access to knowledge was a privilege. Especially for you.

You glanced back up at the stars, as if they’d give you the perfect solution to resolve the now awkward air. When an idea suddenly came to you, it was hard to think that it didn’t really come straight from them.

“... Would it be okay if I showed you?”

Mr. Vaun glanced in your direction, yet not meeting your eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I could teach you,” you stretched your shaky hand into the air, “I could tell you about the stars and show you what pictures I’m seeing.”

He was silent, but sat straighter as his eyes followed your pointing finger. You took that as your cue and cleared your throat.

“S-so this one here, do you see those three bright stars in a row like that?”

He nodded.

“That’s the most recognizable part of Orion, a constellation about a mythological hunter.”

You continued to delve into the story of Orion and map out the remainder of the constellation as best you could, pausing to make sure he was still interested and engaged.

“And do you see that little fuzzy spot under the belt?”

“Yes.”

“That’s actually something called a nebula. In essence it’s a big cloud of space dust that stays collected together. They call that one the Orion Nebula because it’s within the constellation. Though because of its placement, I just like to call it Orion’s crotch.”

He let out something between a choke and a snicker, a hand coming up to cover his mouth. You laughed and patted his back, relishing in the brief warmth seeping through his tunic.

The more you spoke, the more wonderment seemed to bleed into his expression. He began to ask questions, point to specific stars and inquire about them. You walked him through the winter sky’s various tales and visitors from other areas of the galaxy, and even a few visible adjacent ones.

“And that star there, do you see how it looks like it’s twinkling?”

“Yeah. It almost looks multicolored.”

“That is a binary star system. That means two different stars are orbiting each other, and they’re spinning around so fast that to us, it just looks like one colorful blur.”

His eyes widened as he continued to stare up. You grinned. It was like his inner child was awakening.

“I had no idea,” he breathed. “There’s… so much out there.”

“It’s fascinating,” you started, “And honestly, there’s still so much more we just don’t know about yet.”

Mr. Vaun gave a small shake of his head and continued to stare at the shimmering sky. You couldn’t keep your smile from growing, your heart filling with a warmth you weren’t quite familiar with. It was reminiscent of a campfire: inviting, protective, and jovial. An iridescent beam that made the stars seem to dance before your eyes.

Conversation grew lighter as you drove on, the last leg of the trip going by quicker than you anticipated. You awoke your weary party and they slowly made their way inside the inn while Mr. Vaun got the horses situated.

You waited outside the entrance until he returned, brow rising in surprise upon seeing you. The dim light from the sconce cast a flickering yellow glow onto half his features, outlining the sharpness of his cheeks and jaw, the curve of his nose, the beautiful deep brown of his right eye.

“You didn’t need to wait.”

“No problem,” you shrugged. “Didn’t want you feeling left behind.”

Even through the night his eyes betrayed intrigue and confusion, but also a hint of something else. Relief? Joy? Pain? You couldn’t place it.

The silent air was cold, yet sweet. You were still wearing Mr. Vaun’s cloak, pulling it closer to your frame. He fiddled with his fingers and looked to the ground.

“... Thank you. For tonight.”

“Of course,” you smiled. “It was nothing! I’ll gladly ramble about the stars anytime.”

He huffed and grinned, his sight rising just a bit.

“And thank you. For this,” you began to unwrap the cloak to return it, but somehow his hands were quicker to anchor it down on your shoulders.

How he closed the distance between you so fast, you could not comprehend.

Your wide eyes looked up to meet his intense, narrowed ones.

“Keep it. You might get cold in the night.”

His hands were still impossibly warm, encasing your shoulders with room to spare. Their weight was grounding, alive, almost as though it were speaking something into your body.

In a snap, as if he didn’t realize what he’d done, Mr. Vaun withdrew them in a haste.

“Get some rest, Your Highness.”

“I-I will,” you breathed, still processing the sensation. “As should you. Good night, Mr. Vaun.”

~~~~

Din clenched his hands into fists at his sides while he watched you walk into the inn, your silhouette shrouded in his cloak.

He let out an irritated sigh. There must’ve been a dozen perfect opportunities within the last hour – including just now – where he could’ve gotten it over with.

Everyone else had been asleep for most of the ride. He could’ve been merciful, done it quickly while you talked about something you enjoyed. He could’ve simply thrown you off the wagon and claimed it to be an accident.

…He could’ve moved his hands just a bit higher off your shoulders and flicked his wrists. You wouldn’t have felt a thing.

But that look in your eyes… It stopped him every time.

There was something in them, something new and hypnotic that he needed to uncover.

Why was he so curious? So desperate to know? What was it about you that flipped his priorities so drastically?

… And so easily?

He pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed in the gentle night air, gazing up at the dazzling sky. Your words echoed through his head, the lines between the stars somehow now drawing themselves and bringing the constellations to life.

Nights in Mandalore didn’t look anything like this. The sky was hardly visible at all between the endless towering fortresses, and what could be seen were clouds of sad, polluted gray.

But here, the sky was so clear. So open.

Limitless.

It had color, texture, and soul. It left one breathless, stunned in place. Entirely at its mercy.

How was it that something so beautiful could be tied to something so bad?

~~~~

In the shallow light of dawn, you awoke and stretched your stiff arms. You sat up and took in your cozy surroundings, finding Fennec still asleep in the cot across from yours.

You rose and freshened up before heading down to the lobby, finding Cobb and Omera already feasting on plates of breakfast. Once you joined them the three of you engaged in light conversation, framed by other visitors in the small dining area.

Fennec, Koska, and Mr. Vaun were quick to arrive, giving the whole party a chance to relax together before the wagon was once again boarded and ready for departure.

Koska and Omera took the first driving shift while you sat beside Fennec, discussing the route for the remainder of your trip.

“It’s funny how time flies,” you said. “I can’t believe we’re already halfway through.”

“I’m surprised there haven’t been any problems,” Cobb said with a smirk. “I thought we’d surely run into some trouble by now.”

“Let’s hope it stays this way,” Fennec said with a pointed look.

Cobb raised his hands in defeat and gave a coy smile.

Just as you let out a small chuckle, the wagon suddenly rumbled. Fennec rushed to stick her head out the window, but Koska yelled out before she even spoke a word.

“Thugs!”

In a blur, horses suddenly surrounded each side of the wagon, forcing it to come to a halt.

You locked eyes with Fennec and nodded before drawing your sword. Everyone else followed suit, unsheathing their weapons and jumping out to face the offenders.

You sliced your way through them, blocking blows from soaring spears and hidden daggers, taking on multiple assaulters at once. Fennec was right by your side, combining her own stash of weapons with her fists to knock down a fair chunk of the assailants.

You had no visual of the others, and through the multiple voices crying out in your ears, it was hard to audibly discern their positions. They were tough ones, though. No need to worry. This was the exact reason you chose them to come along.

A strangled groan cut through the other voices. You turned to see that Mr. Vaun had just impaled a man on his spear.

You froze. Mr. Vaun was holding him by the back of the neck, ensuring his weapon wasn’t interrupted. The light left the man’s eyes, and Mr. Vaun pulled on his spear as if he had merely cut into a fruit, yanking it out with abandon before dropping him to the ground and moving on to his next opponent. He took him down quickly, putting on just as much of a show with his corpse.

This was far from your first encounter with death. But the nonchalant nature of Mr. Vaun’s actions… they left your blood running cold.

His facial expression… It was calm. Collected. Not a single sense of fear or even exertion. He almost looked bored. And the strange sense of intimacy that accompanied his gestures – pinning someone in place while stabbing them, holding them close while he choked the life out of them – it was like nothing you’d ever seen. How can someone take a life in a way that seems so comfortable?

You stared at the first limp figure, blood staining the dirt and grass underneath him a deep maroon, his dead eyes wide open in shock.

You had only taken a small few lives in your time. Each one haunted you, their blank faces sometimes appearing before your eyes without warning. Reminders that they were real people that would still walk the world if it wasn’t for you. How in the world did Mr. Vaun cause such havoc so easily, as if it were nothing?

… Was this why he felt so dangerous? Was this the reason your gut wanted to run away whenever he got too close to you?

A sudden severe jolt of pain in your side interrupted your thoughts. You wanted to scream, yet it was as though your voice was muted. You slumped onto your knees, your hand feeling around the area and coming away coated in dark blood.

You winced and shook your head, scolding yourself as the sharp pain emanated through your body. You’re never so careless. Why now? No one should be able to sneak up on you like that.

Your vision grew blurry, your head spinning and ears ringing as the sounds around you dulled down. Various voices shouted at you. You raised your fuzzy gaze just as Fennec leaned down beside you, her worried expression being the last thing you saw before the world vanished.

~~~~

Fennec’s shout for backup rang through the cacophony of clashing metal and battle cries. Din turned her way to see you slumped over in her arms, half drenched in a deep red sheen, your side freely bleeding out.

He didn’t register running to your side, or wrenching you up from Fennec and carrying you back to the wagon with every ounce of speed he could muster. He paid no mind to the masses surrounding him, or the dead bodies in his pathway. He just stared down at your increasingly paling face, your now dulled lips, your limp neck making your head dangle over his arm. The life was trickling out of you the way dew dripped off a heavy leaf: slow, deliberate, and undoubtedly more painful by the second.

Din’s nerves jolted about like a swarm of bees. He had to act fast.

The others kept the remaining bandits away while he hauled you into the wagon, tearing at the supplies until he found the first aid materials.

His bloody hands sifted through the kit and worked on their own accord, applying pressure to the wound with a cloth. He squeezed with all his might, hoping to stop the flow even as the cloth grew redder and redder. He took shallow breath after shallow breath, desperate to keep the panic at bay.

He trapped more cloths against your wound with a wrap. As he wound it tightly around your waist, he felt a silent sense of gratitude that you weren’t conscious to feel the pain of it.

Once that was through, he glanced out the window.

The crowd had died down, most of them dead or on the retreat. Fennec, Koska, and Cobb were taking care of the final stragglers while Omera made her way to the wagon, casually ripping an arrow from the chest of a prior victim as she approached.

“Is she okay?” she cried.

“I think she will be. I still need to work on the wound once it stops bleeding.”

Omera nodded and stepped in, kneeling at your side.

“It’s a good thing you got her out as fast as you did. We definitely would’ve lost her otherwise.”

She laid a gentle hand on your forehead, stroking your skin and wiping off the dirt that laid there.

Her words made the gears begin to shift. The scenes he just lived through replayed themselves in Din’s head so rapidly it made him dizzy. He grunted and plopped his head into his hand, taking a seat across from you.

Omera was right. You would’ve died if he’d done nothing. His job would be done. Mandalore would be happy.

What the hell, he thought.

Isn’t that exactly what I’m supposed to want?

~~~~

A gentle rocking stirred you awake. You winced as sunlight pierced your eyes and brought up a hand to shield them.

W… what day is it? Where am I?

“Your Highness?”

The whisper diverted your attention to its source. Mr. Vaun was looking towards you from the other side of the wagon, his brows intensely knitted together, expression tight.

“... What… happened?” you groaned, throat dry and scratchy.

“You were stabbed. Try not to move too much, you’re still healing.”

As if on cue, the pain resurfaced. You grunted as your side pulsed with it, a hand coming down to feel bandages under your now ripped and blood-stained tunic. You took deep breath after deep breath, slowly looking around to find an otherwise empty wagon – trails and trails of blood dying the light wood in marbled shades of umber – that was definitely in motion, and your head laying on something slightly softer than the wood of the bench.

“Where… where are we? Where’s everyone else?”

“They’re outside. Fennec and Cobb are driving, Koska and Omera are watching from behind. Can’t risk another sneak attack.”

You sighed and let your head plop back down, your hand coming up to your forehead. The dried blood on your palm was grainy and coarse; the sheer amount of it almost had you feeling faint again. Your head was heavy, your body impossibly stiff and weak. Memories of the fight began to slowly seep back into your brain, making you groan.

How could you let this happen?

“I can’t believe this,” you whispered. “If I hadn’t lost focus-”

You cut yourself off as you remembered why you lost it. You looked up at Mr. Vaun before turning your gaze away, the image of him massacring those lifeless bodies with the ease of a breath and the touch of a lover encasing your mind’s eye.

“... You’re alive. That’s what counts.”

His tone, while curt, was lined with a tenderness you could hardly make out. You weren’t sure if you should let it comfort you – not after seeing what he was capable of.

“Now rest,” he went on, “we’re almost there.”

“Almost where?”

“The capital.”

”... Wait- what?!”

Your attempt to sit up was immediately protested by your stab wound, a yell of pain escaping your lips as the pain tore through you. Mr. Vaun sprung from his seat and guided your shoulders back down.

“Why are we going back home?” You gritted. “We’re not done with the route yet!”

“Yes. We are. Have you seen yourself?”

“Oh come on,” you flopped back down. “It’s a small flesh wound-”

“You bled out, Your Highness.”

The increasing strength of his tone immediately silenced you. Mr. Vaun peered down at you again, his face growing more serious.

“You lost more blood in those few moments than anyone I’ve ever seen. You almost died in Fennec’s arms.”

That made a shiver run down your spine. Just how deep did that dagger go?

You sighed and pressed your hand onto your forehead again. You could only imagine what was going through Fennec’s mind. The pain, the guilt… she’ll never not blame herself for this.

That’s probably why she’s not in here right now, you thought. She can’t bear to face me. The notion made you choke up.

You were lucky to have someone as devoted to your safety as Fennec. As everyone on that wagon, for that matter. Masking the pain would get you nowhere, you decided.

“… Fine. I suppose I have no other choice. We’ll get to the rest of the villages next time.”

Even though that ‘next time’ would almost surely be never, knowing your mother, it was a small positive to think about. You mapped out the last leg of the trip in your mind: there were four villages left. You only hoped they wouldn’t be too terribly disappointed by your sudden absence.

Mr. Vaun let out a low hum and pointed his gaze out the window, still kneeling beside you.

You took in a slow breath and thought about the others. Omera was probably the first to help you. Koska must’ve taken her anger out on the remaining thugs, or maybe she didn’t realize what had happened until it was over. And Cobb, he likely feels as though he ‘jinxed it’ with his comment. That made you chuckle — then wince.

“I’m glad the rest of you are okay, at least,” you breathed. “This just proves I’m good at picking a defense team.”

Mr. Vaun glanced at you before a small grin pulled at his lips.

The image of him with that spear assaulted your mind again. There had to be something more to him, something that would explain that level of skill. He knew exactly where to stab to make the death quick. It wasn’t messy until they hit the ground – no, his part was crisp and clean. You couldn’t help wondering if his victims even felt pain when he killed them.

“If I may…” you began. He gave you a quizzical look.

“Yes?”

“Um… where did you learn to fight like that?”

His neck muscles flexed as he gulped, eyes growing a shade darker.

“… I was on my own a lot,” he said, looking at your face but not quite at your eyes. “Had to know how to defend myself.”

“It just— it looked very… easy for you.”

You bit your lip and waited. You hoped your words were delicate enough, but his stagnant expression was not helpful in determining your success.

“I take it you haven’t had to kill anyone?”

You couldn’t help being angry at the assumption.

“Of course I have,” you narrowed your gaze, the unpleasant memories resurfacing in your mind’s eye. “I never ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.”

His lips pulled into a straight line, a small sigh flowing out of his nostrils. You felt its brief cold brush on your skin. His eyes held that analytic sense again, like he was trying to pick apart your words and get to what laid beneath them. You held your ground.

“Then you know.” he lifted his gaze from you. “It’s never an easy thing to do. Not even if it’s your only choice.”

Something about his tone made it impossible not to trust him. But then what the hell had you seen out there?

Your eyes trickled down from his face and saw a very bloodied hand resting on your leg. Panic creeped through your bones, goosebumps littering your arms. Your remaining curiosity was forgotten.

“Uh…” your voice dropped to a whisper, your hand coming up to point a hesitant finger. “Whose is that?”

Mr. Vaun followed your gaze and held up his arm, turning it around and showing you just how much was on it: as if his skin had been dyed a dark, muddy brown, his hand looked even more menacing than it normally did. Streaks of discoloration trickled onto his forearm, stopping just after his elbow. He gave you a pointed look.

“That’s yours.”

Your eyes grew wide, flying between his hand and face. You propped yourself up on your elbows and tried to scoot away. Was he serious?

You took another look at him – there was blood on his tunic.

… All over his tunic.

And his other arm.

And his- everywhere.

… How the hell did that happen?

You couldn’t help the split second thought that he may have been the one to stab you. But before your blood-deprived brain could elaborate on such nonsense, the wagon came to a stop, and Cobb’s faraway voice sounded.

“We’re here!”

~~~~

You were certain you’d never been more fussed over.

Your mother sequestered you to your room, and for the next several days you received visits from worried, sometimes downright petrified members of the staff checking your status. Even after reassuring everyone that you were indeed following the doctor’s orders and not leaving your bed, they kept coming. Especially your wagon crew.

Fennec hadn’t left her post. You weren’t certain when the last time she slept was, given you weren’t sure how many days it took to venture back. You doubted she slept a wink until you rolled back into the palace gates. And maybe not even then.

Sitting there in your covers, slightly propped up, you called for her to come inside. She ducked her head in.

“Anything wrong?” she asked.

“Does the fact that you won’t take a nap count?”

Fennec sighed and came the rest of the way in, closing the door behind her before walking to your bedside.

“You know it wasn’t your fault,” you started, “I’m the one who got distracted.”

“I could’ve kept a closer eye on you,” she said with a shrug. “That’s kind of my whole job.”

“Fennec,” you chuckled, grabbing her hand to hold in yours. “Tell me, how many times have I been injured like this?”

“... Before this, none.”

“Exactly. You have an excellent track record! And you can’t blame yourself for this. That guy was in my fight circle, not yours.”

“Didn’t stop me from showing him what-for afterward.”

You grinned.

“See, there we go, it all evens out!”

A small smile tugged at the sides of her lips. She nodded toward the wound.

“How’s it feel?”

“Eh, it’s fine,” you gave an exasperated sigh. “The doctor says I basically can’t do anything for several weeks, maybe longer.”

“Oh, how tragic, you get to lounge and not lift a finger.”

“It is tragic!” you scoffed at her sarcasm. “You know I can’t stay still to save my life.”

“Literally so, yes.”

That got a good laugh, and subsequent wince, out of you.

“Honestly though,” you brought your attention back to Fennec. “Please rest. You can’t care for me without caring for yourself first.”

Fennec’s lip twisted into a pout before she gave a slow and reluctant nod.

“I’m hand-picking my proxy, though.”

“Deal.”

~~~~

Time was lost to Din while he worked.

Shoveling coal, pouring liquid ore, sculpting and hammering, rinsing and repeating. Anything to keep himself occupied.

He couldn’t afford to spare you a thought. If he did, he’d spiral again. He’d berate himself in his mind, hearing his Queen’s voice asking him why, why he let every single perfect opportunity to preserve the glory of Mandalore slip away.

And then the icing on the cake: why he’d done the exact opposite of his directive. Why he saved the life he was sent to eliminate.

No, no. It was all too much. Too painful to face. Mostly in part because he just didn’t know.

Night after night since returning to the palace, he’d toss and turn trying to find an answer, some form of explanation. He had no reason to go in and save you during that raid. Leaving you to die would not have brought a single thread of suspicion his way – he would instead be hailed with the rest of the crew as one of the unfortunate heroes who couldn’t save you. He could re-don his armor and go back home with good news and no questions.

But no.

He played that moment in his mind over and over again, but it never made any sense.

It was as if everything else faded away. Every natural instinct belonged to you; like he was being controlled by something outside of himself, he was beckoned to you. Nothing could’ve stopped him. It was all at once exhilarating and terrifying.

It had been almost two weeks since the incident, but no matter what Din did, you were seared into his thoughts.

Kuiil gave him endless opportunities to go visit you. To take a break and relax, to check on the rest of the crew even. He didn’t take a single one.

There was no telling what he would do if he saw you again. All he could predict was that it would simply make the hole he was falling through darker and deeper.

The worst part was the fact that he liked you. He liked what you gave him: security, dignity, knowledge, opportunity. Hell, you’d offered to teach him to read.

He couldn’t stay here. Not if he couldn’t go through with his mission.

He hammered away at what would soon be a sword. With each swing downward he channeled every bit of that confusion, every ounce of wonder and beauty that you had displayed so cruelly yet so intoxicatingly, and tried to expel it all into the metal laying below him.

Ridding himself of your influences had to rid him of this strange addiction. Right?

~~~~

Days and days of inactivity blended together and passed like months.

Though you floated in and out of consciousness during most of them, you’d never felt more bored. You could hardly sit up without needing assistance, which meant most of your time was spent in a singular position on your bed. Cobb would come by and tell you the happenings around the castle, Omera brought you books from the library – including your old favorite – and Sir Fett would make a point of keeping any of your other needs cared for.

Your mother poked her head through the doorway before coming in with him on her heels, a tray in his hands. Your head immediately lifted as you slowly shifted to sit up more.

“What’s all this?” You couldn’t keep down your grin if you tried.

“Now just because you’re bedridden doesn’t mean we’re missing our tea date!”

Your heart swelled with warmth. Wow, you loved your mother.

Sir Fett gently placed the tray down to suspend over your lap before taking his post outside your door.

“How are you feeling, my dear?” your mother asked as she poured both cups of tea.

“About the same,” you said with a smile. “It only really hurts if I move.”

She placed your teacup into your hands before caressing your forehead. You leaned into the contact, and she sighed.

“You gave me quite a fright, you know.”

“Yeah, I was there for that.”

“So you’ll understand when I say no more travel, right?”

You sighed but nodded nonetheless. Seeing that coming didn’t make it any easier to accept. You took a hesitant sip of your tea and decided to hold back any usual argument you’d make.

“How have things been? Have I missed anything major?”

“Oh, everything’s fine,” she stirred her tea with a little delicate spoon before tapping it on the side and setting it down. “The Queen of Naboo offered to send extra protections when she heard what happened to you.”

“How did she hear so fast? It’s only been a week.”

“Oh, honey,” Your mother set her teacup down. “It’s been about a month and a half since your incident.”

Your mind began to lightly spin. A month and a half?

You shook your head in an attempt to alleviate your disorientation. Suddenly the heaviness in your bones made more sense.

“The doctor did say your oversleeping may disrupt your sense of time. But all well and good, your body needs this time to rest and repair.”

Apparently so. You took a deep breath and brought your cup towards you for another sip.

“But anyway, our allies often ask for progress reports about you. They want you safe as much as everyone here.”

That had your mind racing in other directions. When was the last time you had even spoken to anyone from the Naboo royal family? You couldn’t recall. The last thing you remembered hearing was Leia’s promotion to head of the Senate. You nibbled at a biscuit and mentally planned to send something their way when you had a chance.

“So,” your mother placed her cup down on its saucer. “As I’m sure you recall, you are still forbidden to leave this bed until the doctor deems you well enough. Which means that while you regain your strength, myself or a council member will be bringing you highlights from each council meeting.”

You nodded along and sipped more of your tea.

“And I’ve put an indefinite pause on your training.”

You spat out your tea.

“What do you mean ‘indefinite?’”

“Dear, please!”

You ignored her distaste for the tea droplets that now dribbled down your chin, along with the way she dabbed at them with a handkerchief as if she were cleaning up after an infant. “Ma, you can’t do that, it’s all I’ll have when this is over!”

“Now what does that mean?”

“It means, if I can’t go anywhere, I will have no other stimulating physical activities to partake in. I will not just sit and wait around for the next council meeting, you know.”

She sighed.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. It’s done.”

Your head flopped back until it hit your pillow, a million thoughts swirling through your head. That wasn’t something you’d considered. You figured you’d be in the clear as long as you stayed on castle grounds. She knew people like Mr. Vaun didn’t just fall out of the sky.

… Mr. Vaun.

You hadn’t seen him since getting back to the palace. On one of her visits Omera had told you what he did during the raid, what lengths he went to to save you. How he’d dove in head first, the panic and urgency so evident on his face. And you’d spent all that time believing it was Fennec or Omera that got you out of there. Hell, you even considered him to be the culprit in your dazed state. You couldn’t believe how far off you’d been.

You hadn’t even had a chance to thank him yet.

An argument sprouted in your mind. You sat back up and looked towards your mother.

“... You do know my spear instructor is the only reason I’m alive, right?”

“I do.”

“Not only did he save me, but his battle skills took out so many of those bandits. Maybe half, all by himself. So many more chances they could’ve had at me if he weren’t there.”

“Where are you going with this, honey?”

“If I don’t keep learning, I won’t be able to do that for myself. Isn’t it only right that I use every tool at my disposal against an assailant?”

Flashes of what you saw suddenly crowded your mind. The blood, the corpses, the unaffected look on his face. His words in the carriage didn’t stand a chance against those visuals.

Were those skills you even wanted? They were horrifying, but considering what happened to you… maybe they were skills you need?

… Unless that was just going too far, down a slippery slope of violence that you may never be able to recover from. You gulped and tried to push the doubts away.

“I’m not one to deny the importance of learning new skills, not at all. But I do think at least a little time away from any sort of combat is necessary. Not forever, but just for now. Okay?”

Not okay. Not at all. Once on your feet, you wouldn’t last a week without those lessons. The others, sure, that wouldn’t be so bad. But already you were too eager to get back into that sweatroom to train with Mr. Vaun. To really try and pick him apart, figure out what it was about him that was so mysterious and scary.

But in lieu of a response you merely sat back and let your body go slack against your pillows.

~~~~

Fennec sat beside Omera in the mess hall and sighed.

“How is she today?” Omera asked.

“She was finally up for a whole day. Says it’s getting better. I should be grateful she’s bitching so much about being bored,” Fennec chuckled. “That’s the real sign.”

Omera smiled and placed a hand on Fennec’s shoulder. A beat passed before they both returned their attention to their food, light chatter from others cushioning their own silence.

Omera recalled the last conversation she had with your doctor. Another week or so and you’d be ready to start trying to walk again. She recalled the scene right after the incident: you lying motionless in the cabin, the interior covered in your blood. Your lips had been blue and dry, like something had sucked the life out of you. She swallowed the lump in her throat and gulped her water.

“Omera,” Fennec whispered.

Her concerned tone broke Omera’s trance.

“... Are you okay? You’re crying.”

Omera scrunched her brow, bringing up a hand to her face. Fennec was right.

“I know it was scary,” Fennec began, gently grabbing Omera’s raised hand with her own. “None of us have ever seen her like that. We thought she was going to die.”

Omera shut her eyes and took a slow, deep breath. Fennec squeezed her hand.

“But she didn’t,” Omera started with a nod. Fennec’s warmth was like a gentle weight, bringing her back down to the present. She gave her a smile.

“That’s right,” Fennec said with a grin.

Fennec’s grip slowly loosened, her hand still aloft. A tinge of conflict, of insecurity, was in her gaze. Something Omera had never known her for.

“I’m… I’m grateful you were there.”

Fennec’s words were firm despite the waver in her voice.

“Not just for her. But for me.”

Omera smiled.

“Fennec, I jus-”

Fennec’s hand caressed Omera’s cheek, wiping away the stray tears that laid there. The rest of Omera’s words were long gone, her heartbeat quickening.

Fennec’s eyes bore into hers. That fiery intensity was enough to burn Omera right there, but damn it if she wasn’t willing to run right into it.

Fennec brought her hand around to the back of Omera’s head, bringing her slightly closer-

“Hey, there he is!”

Their attention was drawn to the familiar voice. It was Cobb, chasing down Mr. Vaun, who was walking outside at a quickened pace.

Fennec and Omera looked at each other. A shyness overcame Omera and she backed away just as Fennec pulled her hand back.

“... We should see what that’s about.”

Fennec abandoned her food and took off after the men. Omera allowed herself a moment to breathe, pressing a hand to her chest in hopes of steadying her racing pulse, before following suit.

“She’s been asking for you ever since she woke up, now why haven’t you seen her?”

Cobb had caught up to Mr. Vaun, a hand on his shoulder to deter his escape.

“There’s… been a lot to prepare,” he started, refusing to look Cobb in the eye. “Her Majesty has increased security and patrols. That means more weapons.”

“Oh, come on now,” Cobb sighed. “You can’t refuse Her Highness, especially not after saving her life.”

Fennec and Omera jogged up to them.

“Been wondering where you’ve been, Vaun,” Fennec said.

“I’m trying to convince him to go see the Princess,” Cobb said with a pointed look. “She won’t stop asking for him.”

“Can’t blame her, can you?” Omera said, walking around to face Mr. Vaun.

She looked at his face: dark circles around his eyes, weighted and slumped shoulders, like something was haunting him. She took a breath and smiled at him.

“The community’s grateful, but none more so than her.”

Mr. Vaun’s dark, casted gaze did not sway her. He crinkled his brow. Omera tilted her head.

Fennec and Cobb looked at one another with confusion.

“... I feel like they’re speakin’ a silent language,” he whispered.

Fennec mumbled in agreement.

A beat passed before Omera smiled at Mr. Vaun.

“It’ll be great,” she nodded. “And it would mean so much to her.”

His eyes dropped down.

“... and to you, too, I think.”

A gulp slowly made its way down his throat, a sigh escaping him before his eyes found hers again.

Something about them was the slightest bit softer, like she’d unveiled something precious, unknown to a casual observer.

“What do you have to lose?”

His face tensed once more, as if he were in pain.

“You’d be surprised.”

There seemed to be something else to his words. Something Omera wasn’t sure how to interpret. But it also seemed… weak.

“But… it kind of seems like you want to, don’t you?”

He was silent again. What must’ve sounded like nonsense to Fennec and Cobb was the only thing Omera could think to say. Something in Mr. Vaun’s resolve was off, and she was determined to prove it. What he was fighting, she hadn’t a clue. But if the Princess wanted to see him, she’d make sure that happened.

“Fine. I’ll see her.”

A wide grin spread onto Omera’s face. Mr. Vaun lightly shook his head and let Cobb walk him away by the shoulder.

Fennec and Omera fell into step beside each other.

“How did you do that?” Fennec asked, “it’s like you reached inside and pulled out his soul.”

Omera laughed.

“I don’t know about that.”

She could feel Fennec’s gaze on her. But she didn’t dare look to see the pure admiration in those eyes.

~~~~

It was late when you awoke from your nap. The sun had set beyond your window, a slight breeze brushing your sheer curtains back and forth. You stretched your arms as much as your torso would allow before gently sitting up and taking a sip of water.

With each day that passed the pain grew more dull, though it was still very much present. It shouldn’t be too much longer before you’re back on your feet full time, the doctor had said.

Didn’t help in decreasing your boredom. Hardly anything did anymore. How could it after so long?

You sighed and looked at the scenery poking through the curtains. Bright stars were scattered throughout the black sky, like specks of paint on a dark canvas. Shadows of colorful space dust decorated the top of your window.

It took you back to your childhood: sneaking out of the castle to look at the stars, hiding by climbing up a tree and poking your head up to take in the cosmic wonders above you. You’d shiver, sometimes waking up with colds the next morning, until the night Sir Fett caught you.

You were still a little girl, sneaking back in through the back garden to the passageway you could’ve sworn was your secret alone. He was waiting at its entrance with a feigned seriousness, only to chuckle and wrap you in his cloak.

He helped you get back up to your room without being seen, trying to cover your ears as you passed your parents’ room so you wouldn’t hear your father yelling.

You sighed. While being a child came with the reward of innocence, it wasn’t without its complications. Its own difficulties. They were different than they are now, but they were not absent.

A knock at your door brought you back to the moment. Fennec poked her head in.

“Princess, you have a visitor.”

Fennec’s grin was somewhat devious, but before you could ask her why, she pulled the door farther open for Mr. Vaun to step inside.

It was like whiplash, seeing him again. He was reserved, eyes cast to the floor and stature drawn in. You couldn’t tell if he was just nervous or if he really didn’t want to be there.

Regardless, you couldn’t help the smile that pulled at your cheeks.

****

taglist: @booksarekindaneat @bluemacaron @c-a-v-a-l-r-y @whataenginerd @girlofchaos @christina-loves @librariantothejedi @literallydontlook @the-little-ewok @salome-c @dessinemoiunehistoire @dear-fifi @mswarriorbabe80 @littlemisspascal @keldabe-kriff @kurlyfrasier @booksaremyyoga @elegantduckturtle @artsymaddie

A Strange Duet taglist: @oscarseyebrow @buzzybhee @fangirlalexia @onebrownoneblue @fatima-marisa

#the mandalorian #din djarin x reader #assassin!din #slow burn #medieval au #i care so much about this fic idc if no one else does #the mandalorian fanfiction

24 notes · View notes

boom-fanfic-a-latta · 2 months

Note

I followed you originally because of the princess of dreamland AU and stay for all of the sonic content

That’s fun!

also SPEAKING OF I NEED TO ACTUALLY WRITE MORE OF THE TRIPLE DELUXE ADAPTATION FOR POD—

#princess of dreamland au

2 notes · View notes

mrs-lockley · 6 months

Text

WIP Game

Tagged by the lovely @soft-girl-musings!

Rules: Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Tagging: @v4mpires0ap @writefightandflightclub @wint3r-h3art @starryeyedstories @themarcusmoreno but only if you want to!

List of WIPs and their summaries are under the cut!

Current WIPs:

Reach for the Moon: Sabrina AU Pairing: Romantic Jake Lockley x Southeast Asian Fem!Reader, Platonic Steven Grant x Southeast Asian Fem!Reader, Unrequited/Platonic Marc Spector x Southeast Asian Fem!Reader To heal your broken heart and move on from your unrequited crush on Marc Spector, your family sends you to help establish your cousin's bakery in Singapore for two years. You return to New York as a more confident woman, but you find yourself picking up the pieces of your broken heart (again) after meeting Marc as he continues to heal from his divorce. Sensing the pain and heartbreak between you and Marc, Jake steps in to create some distance to help both of you heal, but things don't go according to plan. No Moon Knight AU.

We'll Always Have New York: Roman Holiday/Casablanca AU Pairing: Jake Lockley x Southeast Asian Fem!Reader Wanting to get out of California, you temporarily move to live with your aunt in New York to help take care of her after her fall. Not wanting you to spend your time looking after her, she suggests setting a blind date between you and one of her old coworkers, only for him to stand you up at the restaurant. Mortified and heartbroken, you seek refuge at a nearby coffee shop where you meet a taxicab driver, Jake Lockley. Takes place before the events of Moon Knight.

A Thousand Cuts Pairing: Marc Spector x WOC!Reader Heartbreak is something you and your friend, Marc Spector, are familiar with. After one night of drinking and tears, you and Marc make a promises to each other to never fall in love again, but you soon find yourself breaking that promise. But you'll be alright, it's just a thousand cuts

Your Roots in My Dreamland Pairing: Namor/K'uk'ulkan x Filipina (Kapampangan)Sirena!Fem!Reader Part 2 of Where the Spirit Meets the Bones. After reuniting with his Sirena, the King of Talokan returns to Asia's Pearl of the Orient to see her again, only to learn that his Sirena is not what she seems (aka her human backstory revealed).

As You Wish Pairing: Santiago "Pope" Garcia x WOC!Reader The three times Santiago almost tells you he loves you, and the one time you realize he was in love with you. Loosely based on the Princess Bride. Slight Triple Frontier AU where you are Yovanna's best friend and Santiago is her neighbor.

General ideas with no details (yet)

Once Upon a December, Hades & Persphone AU First Order!Poe Dameron Miguel O'Hara x Southeast Asian Fem!Reader

Untitled, Noir AU Jake Lockley x Femme Fatale!Reader

Where There is Love, There Will Be Light, Swan Lake AU Santiago "Pope" Garcia x WOC!Reader

Untitled, Hephaestus & Aphrodite AU Din Djarin x WOC!Reader

#moon knight x reader #jake lockley x reader #marc spector x reader #steven grant x reader #namor x reader #k'uk'ulkan x reader #santiago garcia x reader #santi garcia x reader #din djarin x reader

23 notes · View notes

artidoesthings · 2 years

Text

I keep thinking about my ocs in the context of other peoples au concepts/fics when bored and idk if i should stop that or not

#arti says things #so I have some Kirby OCs #and I really like boom-fanfic-a-latta/mint(?)’s Princess of dreamland au #and brain goes: hey what if-#And then I stop bc No That’s Dumb #Also me n gendy-endy’s cr x toh au

15 notes · View notes

makerofmadness · 2 years

Text

i love it when i start brainrotting over a friend’s crossover au where one half of the crossover is a series i don’t follow. i love brainrotting over the protagonists of both series becoming besties and having friendship moments.

#btw i'm talking about boom-fanfic-a-latta's princess of dreamland au

9 notes · View notes

hwanchaesong · 2 years

Text

“Heartworm”

Ex!Haechan X Reader X Bf!Renjun

Synopsis: Things that can't be done in the past have been done in the present.

genre & warnings: angst, fluff, suggestive, university au, mentions of alcohol, break-up, cursing, literally shows heartbreak

word count: 2.9k

“Wake up, sleepyhead.”

You groaned and stirred around the mattress when you felt a finger booping your nose continuously, swatting the hand away and resuming your beauty sleep.

"Back off." you warned the perpetrator.

Renjun deadpanned and grabbed your arm, forcefully pulling you away from dreamland.

"I'm not going away until you're fully awake." he insisted, eagerly dragging your body down the bed.

"Alright, alright!" you grumbled, sitting up and shooting the man a glare, to which he responded with his own.

"You've been sleeping for twelve hours now." he stated, putting his hands on his hips.

You raised an eyebrow, haphazardly throwing the blankets to show your annoyance and standing from up the bed, "And so?"

The corner of his lips lifted up a little, approaching you and cupping your cheeks, "And so you shall get ready because you only have an hour before my friend's birthday party."

Oh crap. You totally forgot about that.

Today is one of his bestfriend's birthday, more specifically, a guy named Zhong Chenle.

Renjun had always talked about his circle of friends that he met during his elementary years. He has been with them for a decade and is really closely knitted with each other.

They treat each other like family, he said.

That is why you wanted to meet them in person, involve yourself in your boyfriend's life like he does to you.

"That slipped off my mind." you admitted, smiling a bit in his hold, making you look like a dumpling. Renjun internally screamed with how adorable you are.

"You're getting old." he teased, releasing you and pushing in the bathroom.

"I'll give you thirty minutes to get ready, I'll wait for you downstairs." he exclaimed, finality in his voice that left you no choice but to oblige.

"Yes sir."

Few minutes later and your clacking heels grabbed Renjun's attention, his head craning just to see you walking down the stairs like a princess.

His princess.

Your gorgeous velvet black dress covered enough skin but still looked incredibly sexy on you. The hair and make-up are just chef's kiss in his eyes as well.

He clicked his tongue, gnashing his teeth and looking at the other way before his sight returned to you, "Looks like I'll be a bodyguard for tonight's party, huh?"

You giggled at his antics. Acting was never his forte but hey, his effort makes up for it.

"Oh please." you linked arms with him, tugging him outside to start your journey in the restaurant, "You look dashing as hell, I might have to punch some ladies if they tried flirting with you."

When you arrived at the restaurant, your jaw dropped.

You knew that Chenle is rich, based on Renjun's stories, but this is on another level.

The restaurant was huge, elegant and the aura of it all is expensive as fuck. You sure are thanking your lucky stars for making you prepare for this event, or else you would've looked like a beggar in this place.

Entering the building, you think that this is not from earth anymore.

Marbled floors, ivory statues, fresh flowers, red silky carpets that you'll likely see in award shows and the damned crystal chandelier in the middle of the wooden ceiling, right where a large staircase awaits you to ascend upon.

You took a big gulp, your nerves getting the best of you that you boyfriend noticed.

He held your hand and lightly squeezed it, giving you a reassuring smile, "Don't think too much, I'm pretty sure that they'll like you."

If you think that the surprise is over, it's not.

"Hey Renjun! Over here!"

The voice that called your boyfriend's name is eerily familiar.

Turning to look at the source, a big mistake on your part, your whole body froze.

Lee Donghyuck, or also known as Haechan.

You made eye contact with him and all the memories buried at the back of your mind came rushing back like a bunch of tidal waves.

Haechan was your greatest secret yet he was also the best oath that you took.

You both dated back in highschool but it was kept as strictly confidential, mainly because of your status back then.

He was an all-rounder. Intelligent, funny, great at sports, can sing and dance, handsome. Basically a popular boy that everyone adored.

And you were an average girl, nothing special and definitely unknown.

The main reason why you were baffled when he asked you out on a date. Telling you that he's serious about you and it's not a bet or anything.

"I see something in you, I don't know what it is but.. I really do see something in you."

That was his words when he admitted that he wanted you to be officially his.

"Let's not tell anyone about this."

Those were your words when you feared that people would judge you for dating him.

Haechan was perfectly imperfect.

Always joking around and throwing savage declarations but he makes up for it by showing you endless affection and words of affirmation.

If you're gonna guess where it all fell apart, it may be the fact that keeping the relationship private took a toll on the two of you.

The constant meet-ups without anyone seeing you, not being able to talk with each other in your school's hallways, and many more difficulties that ultimately led to a blooming future's demise.

There were some regrets, yes.

There were those times where you were tempted to contact him and rebuild what you've had, but in the end, nothing really worked out.

It took a while to move on from him, and now you're content with your current boyfriend.

"Are your brain cells still working?"

You were snapped out of your memory lane visit when a hand was wildly waved in front of your face.

"Uh, yes." you blinked, straightening your posture and bravely introducing yourself to all of them.

"Goodevening, I am Y/N, Renjun's girlfriend. Nice meeting all of you."

All men whistled and said their own greetings at you, except one.

"So you are the infamous lady that turned our punk into a cinnamon roll." if you're not mistaken, the one who said that statement was Jaemin.

You cleared your throat, doing your best to converse normally despite the burning stare that your ex is giving you, "I guess I'm well known here." you say, playfully side eyeing your boyfriend.

"Don't believe what they say." he sneered at his friends halfheartedly, putting an arm around your shoulders at the same time, an action that made ones eyes squint.

"They are professional liars."

A series of hollers and cackles resonated on the table, foods and drinks are being consumed, gossips and jokes thrown out. Everything was going well and you are able to block the presence of your ex out for at least an hour now.

That was until Mark pointed out that Haechan was being unusually quiet.

"Aren't you gonna kiss and hug Renjun?"

"Yeah, earlier you said that you'll reprimand his significant other for stealing him away from you." Jeno interjected.

The man only chuckled in response, raising his glass of whiskey, "She seems nice and besides," he glanced at you subtly, shivers running down your spine, "I think I'll pass since they look so happy and inlove."

You can clearly discern the insinuation in his sentence, but the others seem to not take note of it, passing it off as him approving of you as his friend's partner.

Renjun opened his mouth, about to speak, but was interrupted when his phone rang.

"Oops, wait a minute. I gotta take this." he excused himself, but not before giving you a quick peck on the cheek.

A public display of affection that either made the boys gag or coo yet Haechan's expression remained stoic. Something that is uncanny and you couldn't help the thought that maybe..

Maybe he still hasn't moved on from you.

Ten minutes later, Renjun returned with an apologetic look on his face, turning to Chenle and suddenly acting all cute.

"I'm sorry, me and Y/N are going to go home now. I will definitely make it up to you, I swear!" he held his pinky up as a sign of promise, an action that made the younger male guffaw. Dismissing him and saying that he doesn't mind at all.

Jisung inquired when you began to stand up, getting ready to leave, "What's the sudden rush though?"

Renjun smiled at you sweetly, placing a comforting hand on the small of your back, "Y/N's mother called me, asking if we'll go to her parents' house by tomorrow to celebrate their wedding anniversary."

"Her parents know you?" Haechan questioned out of nowhere, surprising everyone with the belligerent tone that he used.

"Yeah." Renjun nonchalantly answered, "Of course they do, I'm her boyfriend after all."

"Right." Haechan nodded his head, giving the both of you a somber smile, "Have a safe trip."

No one dared to address the weird atmosphere, choosing to just go with the flow and wave each other goodbye. Wishing Chenle a great birthday once more before leaving.

"Haechan is really out of it tonight." the man beside you mumbled while walking in the parking lot, brows knitted in concern.

You badly wanted to tell him why but you couldn't. You don't want to risk ruining their friendship.

You have been selfish in the past, and now you want to be a better person for your current loved one.

Sometimes, things have to be kept in the dark to protect the remaining light.

"Maybe he had a tough day?" you tried to gave an answer, albeit useless.

"I'll talk to him m- Oh fuck me." Renjun cursed, fishing for the car key in his pockets, "I think I left the car key in there."

You tapped his back, flashing him a reassuring smile, "Go back in there and retrieve it then, I'm fine here."

"You sure?"

You scrunched your nose and ran your hand on his hair, destroying the neat style yet the messy strands made him look like a model under the dim orange hues from the light posts, "I am, I won't go anywhere. When you come back, I'll still be here."

"Okay, if you say so." this time, he kissed you fully on the lips, basking in his softness and warmth, and when he pulled away, giddiness is now running on your veins.

"Be back, baby." he whispered before hurriedly running inside, a laugh erupting from your mouth at his cheesiness.

You opened your own phone, scrolling through social media to pass some time, and a minute later, you heard footsteps trudging towards you.

"That's fast." you remarked, grinning and looking up.

You felt the spinning of the world slow down, the beating of your own heart is drumming in your ears.

It wasn't Renjun who appeared, it was Haechan and you felt like hiding. Heck, you'll even thank the deities if they let you get swallowed down in the earth's core right now.

"Do you need something?" you cautiously asked. He did not say anything, only lifting his hand out to show the car key that Renjun had left.

"I'll take that. Thank you for bringing it back." you made the mistake of walking towards him.

Reaching out for the keys, he instantly brought his arm down that had you losing your balance, and voila!

You landed on him, he caught you with so much ease. Something that he had always done three years ago.

Registering the position you're in, you began to scramble around, "Haechan, this is wrong I-"

"I have missed you so much, and now you come back and I see you with my friend." he murmured, and you don't have it in you to look at him in the eye.

He helped you stand up on your feet again, your head facing downwards because you know that he is scrutinizing every detail of you.

"Glad that you finally found someone that you can proudly show to the world." he stated, and that made you widen your eyes.

No. It's not like that. You are proud of him as well, gosh, if only you could turn back time then you would've professed to the whole universe how much you loved him back then.

How important he was, how you wished that you could've built a family with him in the future.

"You.." your words trailed off, struggling to find the correct words to say to him, "You were my everything. I'm sorry, I wasn't strong enough to handle my insecurities before."

"And you could've just told me that, you know that I'll protect you." he replied, and you couldn't say anything anymore because it's true.

He was the one who pursued the relationship. The one who gave the assurance and commitment, and you did nothing but wallow in overthinking and self-pity thinking that you don't deserve someone so perfect like him.

He let out a loud sigh, gazing up at the dark skies filled with stars.

You peered at him, at his gorgeous side profile.

His caramel skin that you have always adored, his moles that you used to trace like a constellation, sharp jawline, tall nose, plump lips.. you did missed him as well.

Although you did, you had also missed the chance to stay with him.

"All people are considered the 'right one' for you, it's just a matter of deciding whether they will be right for you or not."

He directly met your eyes, chocolate orbs drowning you in sorrow that you literally felt your throat constrict and heart swell in agony, "It hurts, knowing that you can do the things to him that I had hoped you'd do to me...."

He watched you breakdown in front of him, and he badly wanted to hug you. To tell you that it's okay, but he won't.

Years on end, he suffered like this too.

He can't eat. Can't sleep. Can't do the hobbies that he used to do.

Happiness was a feeling that he had lost when you were gone in his life.

Did you cry yourself to sleep too?

Have you been in a deep hole of shit and pain too?

All the queries he had were answered when he saw you with Renjun tonight.

You had moved forward with your life with a man that you'll marry someday, a man that you're so sure of that you went your way to introduce him to your parents and relatives.

While he was there, stuck in one place and waiting for you.

It's like he was stabbed a million times, every aspect of him is bleeding and he somehow has to stop it with a poor excuse for a bandage or gauze, or whatever is in there left for him to use.

"But you never did."

He finished his sentence, shutting his eyes and taking a deep breath to keep himself from crying.

"I'm sorry, Donghyuck."

Silence.

Realization hits and he's ready to let you go.

"Let's fight for each other in another life." he finished, tossing you the car keys that you fumbled around to catch.

"Haechan? Why are you here?" it was Renjun's voice.

In an instant, the said man's demeanor changed, from broken into a cheerful and goofy one.

"Renjunieee~" he wailed, clinging onto your boyfriend, "I gave Y/N the keys because I saw it on the table."

"That's why I can't find it there. Thanks bud." Renjun smiled and tried to detach himself, ultimately failing especially when Haechan whined.

"Come on! Don't I deserve a reward?! One kiss is enough!"

"No! Go away!"

You snickered a bit at the adorable scene.

When Renjun has finally been set free from hell he called 'Lee Haechan's hug', he opened the passenger seat for you to enter, him sitting on the driver's seat afterwards.

As you drove away, you heard Haechan shout, "Careful on the road!" while his arms flutter like a maniac.

You did see it though, on the rear-view mirror, the way his smile fell, wiping away his face aggressively and turning on his heels with slumped shoulders.

Back at home, Renjun lay down on his side of the bed, coaxing you to come into his arms, which you did comply.

"Did that pudu say something to you?" he mumbles against your hair.

"Why do you ask?" you replied, snuggling closer to his chest.

He explained that you looked a bit gloomy after your encounter with his friend. You only giggled and kissed him, muttering that nothing happened and you're just tired.

"Tired?" he spoke indistinctly, a shriek elicited out of your mouth when he positioned you under him, situating himself in between your legs.

"Too bad we have plans for a workout, like.. maybe two hours?" he teased as your arms flew on his neck.

"You mean you wanted to play because you won't be able to once we're in my parents' house." you retorted, making him smirk at your feisty attitude.

A loud gasp, followed by a moan was ripped out of you when Renjun sucked on a sensitive spot on your neck.

"Is that a challenge? If so, I'll accept it."

A long night ahead of you awaits.

Forget him. No matter how many times your mind unconsciously drifts back to Haechan, you are always grounded into reality by Renjun and his pleasurable ministrations.

It wasn't the closure you needed although it's enough to melt some of your worries away.

For now, enjoy the moment.

Live in the present not in the past.

In this situation, what's important is that you have a loving boyfriend named Huang Renjun.

Forever you'll guarantee that you'll never make the same mistakes again.

You won't hurt him, you'll safeguard and love him to no end until your last breath.

367 notes · View notes