#v scenarios

[more-than-fluff]

Half of My Heart

Taehyung x Y/N

Genre - Singlefather Fluff/Smut

Summary - A little runaway has you encountering single father Taehyung a man who left you wanting more. You just hope you see him again.

Notes - This is something I haven't really written before, the smut is at the end. I wanted to try and focus on the romance a little more so I hope it's still good!

Working another shift in your cafe is making the day go quickly. It's busy as always with customers ordering their usual coffee and sweet treats.

Suddenly you hear a child speak, "Mommy?" You look down and see a little girl standing at the counter looking at you. Very confused you approached the girl, "I'm sorry little one, but I'm not your Mom."

A man's voice then comes through, "Lana, come back!" You look up and see what you assume to be her Dad approaches her.

The girl's little eyebrows dropped down as she looked sadly at you "I…want my mommy.." She said softly again while her father was still following her.

You look up and see him come closer, "Look, your dad has come!"

The girl finally looked away from you towards her dad who was standing a few metres away from you. She looked back at you as if she wanted to say something but quickly walked to her father and hid her face into her daddy's arms.

You look at the man and give him a smile, relieved that she wasn't alone anymore.

The man looked at you while holding his little girl. The girl had her arms wrapped around her father and her head on his chest. She didn't want to even look at you probably because she was shy. She was probably 3 or 4 years old. The man finally broke the awkward silence "Sorry..My daughter ran out of nowhere. We live nearby and I just had to come here find her."

"That's okay, I'm glad she's safe now." You reply.

He smiled at you and said with a little chuckle "Yeah I'm glad too but this little girl is very curious..I always say to her not to talk or walk away with strangers but..I guess she wanted to explore today because she ran away from me. She's such a stubborn one" He laughed and scratched the back of his little girl while she was still hugging him.

You laugh with him, "Well she seems to have a really good father, keeping an eye on her."

He looked at you with a little smile "I'm doing my best alone as a single father but it gets hard sometimes to raise her by myself. You would understand that right? He asks you curiously then looks at his little girl "Right Lana?" He was talking to her while she was still hiding her beautiful little face in his chest.

"Of course." You look at the man and he looks pretty tired so you decide to pull a cake out of the counter and present it to him, "On the house, please enjoy."

He was a little surprised by your act as you pulled the cake from the counter and presented it to him. He wasn't expecting that at all but he looked at you with gratitude "Are you sure you don't want anything in exchange?"

You shake your head, "I know how hard it can be."

He finally managed to get a clearer look at your face now and his smile faded a bit with a little surprise "Can I ask your name?"

"It's Y/N."

"Y/N. That's a beautiful name. I'm Taehyung and this is my sweetheart Lana" He says as he grabs the cake from your hand. His eyes never left your face as he thanks you for the cake. He was now curious about you and wanted to know more about you. His little girl however looked at the cake and started to lick her lips but was still hiding her face in her father's chest.

"Please have a seat." You gesture to one of the empty tables in the shop.

Still surprised by your gesture he decided to accept it anyway with a little smile. He took his daughter by the hand and gently sat her on the chair. Once he also sat down he grabbed a piece of the cake and fed it to his little girl. She didn't protest to his act and allowed him to feed her.

He would occasionally look at you while talking to his little girl. He noticed you were busy working as he heard you serving other customers. He decided not to disturb you as he continued to talk to his little girl, giving her more pieces of the cake. Soon though his little girl asked him "Daddy, who's that girl?" He then smiled at her as he looked at you.

You kept smiling as you looked busy with customers. The little girl looked at her father as she waited for his response and the father pointed to your direction "That girl is Miss Y/N, my sweetheart. She's the one who gave you the cake" He looked at you again and smiled. He wasn't lying either to his little girl as he was attracted to you the moment he looked at you. He found you beautiful.

His little daughter eventually finishes her slice of the cake. She looked back at him and pointed at her plate again as she wanted more "Daddy, can I have more?" She looked cute while asking her father for more cake.

You chuckle to yourself, trying not to make it obvious that you're listening.

He gave her another piece of cake to satisfy her but she wanted even more "Mooooorreeeee" She said and pointed at her plate again as she wanted another piece. Her father didn't mind giving her another piece. She was just too adorable. He finally gave up and said to her "No, that's enough sweetpie. Otherwise you would get a stomach ache"

As you prepared to clean up your cafe, the little girl's father was packing his stuff, ready to leave the cafe with his daughter. The father looked at you again as he was getting up, still keeping an eye on his little girl. Little girl kept insisting him to have more cake but her father was firm with her. She finally got it and decided to go with her father. "Thank you again for the cake" He said to you with a little smile as he was carrying his little girl.

You smile to him, "It was the least I could do, please visit again."

He smiled back at you again as he walked out of your bakery with his little girl. The little girl turned her head back for a second to look at you before she left with her father, you give a little wave before you close up the cafe.

It was summer time, so everything was green. The air was light and it was a breeze. You felt the wind through your hair as you were walking back home. Your shift ended on time today. You would probably sit back and relax as soon as you get inside your home.

You were tired and exhausted so you just sat down, feeling every bit of tiredness in your body. You were just staring at the walls while sitting. All you could think was how adorable his little girl was and how handsome he was the moment he looked at you. You felt a bit of butterflies in your stomach, imagining if those two ever visited your bakery shop again.

_____________________________________

The next day came by. The air was still fresh and it was quite hot. You were already in the bakery, preparing things for your day ahead. You couldn't stop thinking about that cute little girl from yesterday and her father. You were hoping that they would come in again, probably buy a cake for his daughter, which would give you a chance to have a real conversation with him.

You finished preparing everything and got everything ready. The oven was on, cakes were baked and coffee was ready for your customers. You walked to the counter and sat behind it, ready to welcome any customers that would go inside your shop.

The first few hours of your shift went by fast as usual because of your regular customers. You were serving them cakes and coffee. They were just chatting with you as usual about how their morning was so far and how their day would go ahead. You found it so nice of them to drop by your bakery before work everyday as they're helping you get through your shift faster.

You kept hoping that the little girl and her father would come by again during your shift. The time kept ticking and you were losing some hope that they would actually come by the bakery today. Your eyes were always watching the door as if you were waiting for something. But as the day went by, there was still no sight of the two. It was just your regular customers coming by today. Soon your shift was ending and it was closing time.

Just like yesterday, you started to clean the cafe and close for the night. No customers were coming inside anymore so you finally had a some few quiet moments to yourself. You kept thinking about how today could have been so much better if only the little girl and her father had stopped by again. You continued cleaning up the cafe with that thought in mind. The place was empty now and it was finally silent. It was finally time to close the bakery shop for today.

You locked the doors, turned off all the lights and took a look at your bakery, making sure there was nobody inside. Once you were sure of that you were leaving. You were now locking the front door behind you as you stepped out. It was quiet outside with almost nobody roaming around. You decided that it was a good idea to go home and just rest. After all, the day was pretty long. You started walking back to your home while thinking about how your day could have gone if Taehyung and his little girl had visited.

You kept walking back home slowly.. you didn't stop or anything, you just kept walking and thinking about it. You felt disappointed that the two didn't even stop by your bakery today. But maybe that's just how it was meant to be like you said. You kept walking, still upset about the whole thing and thinking about whether or not they would stop by tomorrow. Eventually you arrived at your home and stepped inside.

___________________________________

You woke up the next day, probably with some hopes that the little girl and her father would come by again but you tried not to get your hopes too high up. The air was a bit hot as usual, but the day seemed to be a bit windy compared to yesterday. You prepared yourself before heading to work at the bakery. You walked all the way there and once you arrived, you immediately started your shift again.

The day was going through the same routine like before. Customers coming by, you serving them cakes and coffee. After each customer you just kept thinking that maybe the next one would be the father with his daughter. You started to lose some hope but you refused to give up on that dream that the two would stop by your bakery today. The time kept going by slow with every one of your customers that passed by. Eventually your shift was ending again.

You're all ready to leave when you hear the door open, you turn and see Taehyung walk in. Your heart started beating fast when you recognized that it was the man. What were the chances? What did he want to buy anyway? Was he actually alone? What happened to his little girl. You couldn't help but think of these questions in your mind as you saw him walking towards you.

"Just in time, I was about to close." You say, trying to hide your happiness in seeing him.

"I'm sorry I came here at this time when you were about to close." He says to you as he approached the counter. His voice sounded smooth but it had a soft and sweet tone to it. You realized that he was actually alone this time and probably came here without his daughter. He was probably just wanting to buy another cake for her or something.

"That's okay, what can I get you?"

He looked at the cakes that you had prepared for the day and pointed out the one he wanted "I'll take one of those chocolate cakes please." He said it with a polite smile, looking straight at you. His voice was also soft but it had a little huskiness to it that would make almost any girls blush. The way he looked at you made you feel a bit of butterflies in your stomach. The way he spoke was so smooth that you had a hard time not melting when talking to him. The man continued to look at you as he waited for your reply.

"Of course." You smile at him, trying not to fall for his smooth voice. It feels different as he's alone this time.

He noticed how you were trying not to fall for his smooth voice. He knew he had that effect on you, knowing that that his voice was like a weapon for him. He never got bored of having that power over a girl that made her fall for him without even trying. But for today, he stayed calm with that weapon of his and kept his voice soft, sweet with a little huskiness to it. He smiled back to you politely and said in his soft and sweet tone "Thanks. Can I ask something?"

You reach for the cake and return back to place it in a bag for him, "Of course."

"Good.." He said with that soft and sweet tone which almost made you melt again. You could literally hear your heart beating fast because of the way he was speaking. The way he was looking at you was like pure sugar. He didn't realize how much his eyes affected you. He decided to ask you another question "Do you have any plans tonight?"

You shake your head in reply, wondering what his true reason for coming here at closing was.

"Well do you want to have something to eat with me tonight?" He asked this question in that same sweet tone while looking at you. He had no problem in asking you out just like that after seeing your response to his other questions. His flirtatious tone and look were definitely showing that he's asking you out and hopefully you would say yes to it. His eyes were full of confidence as if he already knew that you would say yes.

"I'd love to." You say, figuring out that's why he came.

He got his answer from you. All he needed was a "yes" from you and he managed to get one from you. So he smiled to you in an appreciative of your answer while letting out a soft laugh "Good." He says to you in that same, husky tone. You could swear you felt your knees turn into jelly because of this man.. but he kept calm still while waiting for something. You don't even know if you can call this flirting or not but all you knew is that he's asking you out for dinner tonight and you agreed to it

You finished closing up the cafe and decided to walk with him. He decided to take the lead as he was the one who asked you out so he should get things going. You were walking with him outside, feeling the heat from the summer sun. You also started to pay attention to what he looked like up close as if you never really noticed how handsome he was before. You were paying attention to things like the way he dressed, his eyes and his hairstyle. It all just made you more attracted to him as you kept walking by his side.

"So where are we going?" You ask, looking up at him.

"It's going to be a surprise. It's better if I just lead you somewhere without telling you first." He says to you with a little smile. He's been quite secretive about the place he's bringing you to. If he tells you beforehand, it might not be much of a surprise to you. So he decides to keep his lips sealed for the time being. It was a bit tempting to know about the location but he doesn't sound like he'll break that promise just yet.

You smile and love how he is at the moment, he looks excited, a little nervous but you can see he's trying to hide it with a wave of confidence. "Okay."

"Just trust me. You'll love the place." He says to you as he continues to walk. His confident look made you believe that the place he's planning to bring you to is really nice and fun. So you decided to trust him as you kept walking. It felt a bit weird not knowing about the location but the intrigue of finding out where he's actually bringing you to was enough to keep you interested in him. He just gave you a small smile as he just kept walking while you both were enjoying the evening weather of the summer sun.

You were just walking with him through various different paths and roads. The more you were walking with him, the more intrigued and curious you became to know where he was actually taking you. The suspense of not knowing where the location is was building up as you two were walking and now you could see the location which was quite a distance away. He started to slow down his pace as you two approached the destination

"Okay, we're finally here. Here's where I'm taking you to."

You've finally arrived at the destination where his surprised for you was brought to. You looked at him when you guys came to stopped and he looked back in return. The place looked like a fancy restaurant that was situated in a somewhat quite and peaceful area outside the city. The facade was lit up and had a pretty view with the lights and the decor. It reminded you a lot about romantic date night.

"Really?" You take in the environment, it's beautiful but you weren't prepared. You look to your clothes. "I'm not exactly dressed for this place." You smile at him, a little shy.

He looked at you and noticed how you were feeling a little shy because of how your clothes didn't really match the attire of this place. He looked at you from head to toe first and then he nodded and gave you a small smile. There was a hint of amusement mixed with his smile "Don't worry. This place is pretty chill. They don't have much of a dress code and I think you'll do fine." He says to you as he tries to ease your shyness away before walking towards the entrance.

"Just follow me. I'll take care of the rest." He says to you as walks towards the entrance with a confident stride. The place was pretty quiet despite how fancy it looked from the outside. The exterior was pretty grand and the interior had a nice atmosphere when you entered. And yes, you were probably a bit underdressed for the place compared to everyone else who was wearing something nice like suits and dresses.. but it was fine. After all, he promised that the place was pretty chill and it was true. The atmosphere just felt relaxed overall.

You reach your table and he holds the chair out for you, you sit and look at him. "Thank you." He's such a gentleman

"No problem." He says to you as he pulls out the chair for you and then he goes around the table and sits opposite of you. He was indeed a gentleman as he is very kind and thoughtful towards you. After you sat down, you both looked around you. The place definitely looked more classy now that you were inside. It was pretty cozy and the decor looked elegant. The way he chose this restaurant is what made you more appreciative of this man. Suddenly a waiter comes up to you guys with menus, smiling.

"Thanks." He says to the waiter politely with a smile as the waiter nods and walks away. You noticed how much manners he had on top of being kind and smooth. He could be like a total gentleman with this attitude of his. Once the waiter was gone, he started to look through the menu. He was thinking of his order that he was going to order. He didn't say anything though he just kept silent while he was checking the menu. He's probably planning out everything on what's going to happen in the evening that's for sure.

You read over the menu, it's a little pricey but you don't let him know that you can only get the cheaper things on the menu, "The salads look delicious."

He noticed how you were trying to look through the menu. The salads did look delicious as there were some interesting flavors on there. He looked over at the salads as well and he noticed your interest in the salads "You planning on ordering salad?" He asked you in a soft tone, looking at you expression he can tell that something is off.

"If the other stuff's too pricey for you, I could pay for you." He said to you with a smirk. The way he said it sounds like it's no big deal for him to do that for you. In fact, he's actually offering to cover the whole thing for tonight and just pay for it himself. He wasn't even shy to offer it to you and he sounded sure of himself that's for sure.

You look up at him. "Oh I wouldn't ask that of you."

"Ah come on, it's fine. I don't mind covering it for you. I just want you to enjoy your own meal too as well without worrying about the price if that's what's keeping you from getting anything else from the menu. Besides I'm the one who asked you out on the date and I owe you for that cake, so I'm paying." He said to you with a small grin on his face showing how kind and thoughtful he was. He seemed determined to pay for your meal too. You thought he was sweet yet he seemed pretty confident as well.

You smile. "Okay, thank you." Okay this man can't be real. He's a gentleman from a storybook or something.

"No problem." He says to you in that soft and smooth tone again. The way he was so determined to pay for you really showed how much of a gentleman he really is. He seems like he wouldn't change his mind on this despite you trying to change it back. Either way you were really going to accept his offer as he wanted you to get anything you want. He just seemed so nice and kind that you probably didn't deserve him. Once the waiter came back, you both started to place your orders with the waiter.

You order your meal and look at Taehyung as he orders his. "Alright, I'll have the ribeye steak with a side of mash potatoes." He said to the waiter who wrote the order down for him. The waiter nodded and walked away to send the orders to the kitchen. Once the waiter left, all that was left was just the two of you once again sitting there. He just smiled to you as the table became silent again. The vibe was getting more intense and romantic due to his choice of restaurant. The whole setting just had the mood for romance.

"This place is beautiful." You say looking around and taking everything in but your eyes always landing on him in the end.

"I knew you'd like it. The whole atmosphere and vibe of this place is really great." He says back to you with that sweet, soft tone as he was smiling at you right now. The way he chose this place showed how much he thought about you or at least that's the way you saw it. The way this place looked was a bit pricey but he probably thought that you'd like it anyway.. so that's why he decided to take you here for dinner.

You can't stop smiling at him, you can't believe he came back to you.

"So.. since we're done with the orders.. Can I ask you another thing?"

You nod in response, "Of course."

"Well.." He hesitates for a bit of time but then he decided to just go for it. He had some other plans for this evening after all and he wanted to know your answer to his question first. He takes a deep breath first before speaking again "What do you like to do during your free time?" He finally asks you the question he's been asking himself about you these past days.

You think over the question, "I normally go for walks, draw or read really. I've never been much of a people person." You look down, realising your answer exposes you as quite the introvert.

"That's fine though. Nothing wrong with being an introvert." He says to you as he noticed how you looked down and probably feeling a bit anxious from how your answer made you seem like an introvert. He didn't mind if someone was an introvert. Besides, he was pretty introverted himself so he can relate to you on some level. He decided to ask you another question after that "Do you like being alone.. or do you find it quite lonely most of the times?"

You look back at him, "I guess it can be lonely, but that's what the cafe is for. I see many people everyday."

"Yeah that's true. But there's still some difference on being alone with other people and being really lonely when you're actually alone with yourself. I was kind of wondering which one you were and I'm guessing that it's the latter?" He asks you in his husky voice with a slightly concerned tone. He was probably curious on knowing what kind of person you are.

"You're probably right there." You reply.

"I see… Do you sometimes feel like it would be nice to have someone you could talk to and spend time with sometimes?" He says to you with a soft, sympathetic look in his eyes. He was probably curious if you ever felt that way sometimes. He was feeling quite interested to know about your emotions, what's really going on in your head and what you actually feel on the inside.

He noticed how you're looking at him with a gentle smile. Your gentle smile was enough to make him feel that butterflies in his stomach again. He was starting to feel a bit of an attraction to you in those moments "..and having someone who can be there to hug you when you're feeling sad or comfort you when you're feeling scared about something.

"I wouldn't know if I deserve it." You say honestly in your reply. You're so used to being alone that you honestly don't know what it would be like.

"Well." He suddenly says something that caught your attention and he probably thought of this the moment he got to know you and the way you acted "The way you act, your kindness, the way you carry yourself, you definitely deserve someone like this and you'd do so well in a relationship. If you ask me, you deserve someone a lot better than what you think you deserve."

He looked at you and noticed how your cheeks were beginning to have a slight pinkish hue. He's able to tell how you're really starting to blush right now and he found it quite adorable. The way your blush looked on you was a nice way of showcasing your beauty. He smirked back at you a moment later and then he continued on "Honestly, I'd be grateful to have someone like you."

Your eyes widen at him, "I don't know about that."

"Well, I mean it. I'm sure there's plenty of guys out there who would say the same thing as me." He says to you as he was confident when he said those words. He actually didn't doubt it a bit that several guys would gladly take the chance on you. You were a catch after all. You were pretty, kind, a good communicator and you also have a good personality. He couldn't see any downsides on dating someone like you because you were pretty much the whole package in his eyes.

"Well, they've been keeping themselves quiet." You joke a little but your voice is shaky.

He chuckles when he heard that joke, but he noticed how your voice was a bit shaky. He didn't know if you were still feeling nervous or was it something else at this point. He thought maybe the compliment might've made you a little shy. So he decides to ease the mood by saying something a bit playful "Oh don't get too cocky now. I'm pretty sure they want to tell you the same thing.. but they're just too nervous to do it yet."

You chuckle at him, he makes you feel calm in the moment, "Anyway, what about your daughter, tell me about her."

He noticed how his calm attitude made you feel at ease with how you were acting right now. You did feel calm and you seemed to feel really comfortable talking to him. But that reminded him of where he was going with the conversation next. So he answers what you asked him "Oh my daughter? She's currently being taken cared of by her grandparents from my wife's side who passed away many years ago. I don't really get the chance to see her as often anymore but she's doing well.. she's pretty bright and really friendly too."

"I'm sorry about your wife, I hope you didn't mind me asking." You take a moment before adding. "She's a beautiful little girl."

"Don't worry, it's fine that you asked me about my wife. I know it's been a while but it's still hard sometimes to think about her now. Thank you though for the sympathy." He says to you as he smiles. The memories of his deceased wife still linger in his mind from time to time but he knew that they were in a better place right now.. That's the only thing that mattered. He then goes on to continue the conversation "Yes she indeed is pretty, just like her mother."

You love seeing his face when he talks about his daughter, "You seem like a really good father."

"Yeah, well I try my best really. I don't want her to grow up without knowing that her father loves her so much. I want her to know I'm always here for her whenever she needs me. Although sometimes it's hard to make time for her but I always try my best to do so." He says to you in a soft, sweet tone. He really loves his daughter and it shows. You can see the love in his eyes when he talks about her. It looks genuine.

"From what I've seen of her she's great, and loves cake." You smile at him.

He chuckles at the mention of her loving cakes. That was one thing he couldn't disagree with you on because his daughter liked cakes a lot "You got that right. My daughter is really sweet on cakes and she loves to try out different flavors. It's one of the things she looks forward to most. Even though she could sometimes make a huge mess with the icing, I still love how cute she looks when she does it."

You laugh, "Those are the things you'll miss most when she grows up."

He smiled at your laugh. Honestly these were the moments when she was younger where he would miss most once she grew up as time passes by "That's true though. I'll miss times like this a lot with her.. and even things like her messy tendencies with cakes. She definitely is a messy eater but I don't know.. there's just something cute about it."

You chuckle. Finishing your food, it was delicious and Taehyung asks the waiter for the bill. The waiter comes back with the bill and he hands it to him. He gives him a small nod and then he looks at the total bill. After looking over it he hands the waiter his card to pay for the whole thing and then he gives you a small smile.

"Are you sure? I can pay for myself, it's not a big deal honestly."

"Yeah. Don't worry, I got it." He said with a reassuring tone as he wanted to cover the whole bill as he said before. It was something he said he'd do before and he's staying true to his word. He wanted you to feel more comfortable that he's paying for you. He didn't want you to feel like you had to pay for yourself after everything. He just wanted it to be a nice and wholesome evening for you. He gave you a sweet smile to assure you on his decision on this.

You smile at him. "Thank you."

"No problem." He says calmly as he gives you another sweet smile. He didn't feel bad at all for paying the whole bill for you. He just wanted to go through with paying for it as he said before

The waiter comes back with his card and the receipt with the total amount. He takes both from the waiter and puts his card back into his wallet and then he looks at you smiling "Should we go now?"

This was the moment. The moment where you two were going to head out of the restaurant and continue the evening from there. You stood up and he also follows suit as he got up. The waiter noticed this and went to clear the table as you guys started to walk towards the exit. The dinner was now over but you both looked very happy.

You leave the restaurant and start to walk. You link your arm in his and simply enjoy his company, "Tonight was just perfect, thank you."

He looked down as you link your arms with him as you both started to walk. A gentle sigh leaves him as he smiles and his cheeks start to blush again. That was one more moment of you being with him that made him feel that butterflies in his stomach. He felt like these moments are becoming a recurring thing where in every moment you're with him, you always make him feel all those butterflies. He was truly comfortable with you like he had never been with someone before.

"You're welcome." He says back in a gentle tone

You continue walking, you lean onto him. He smells amazing and feels even better. You don't want the night to end.

The way you leaned in closer to him, your body was pretty much very close to his now. He was glad you were comfortable with how close the two of you were now. He smiled softly at you as he smelled the fragrance on your hair. It smelled very nice and he even noticed how your body feels next to him. It felt warm and welcoming.. like something he could really get used to. Neither of you want this night to end. It almost felt like a dream with how perfect the night has been so far while walking side by side together.

You sigh, "I don't want this to end."

"Neither do I. It feels very nice to have you all to myself right now." He says to you in an almost hushed voice as he stares at you with a gentle look. The way he's looking at you makes you feel like he's completely smitten with you. It feels like he's willing to spend more time with you just to enjoy this moment even longer.

You look up at him and lock eyes for a moment. He notices how you were looking up to him and you both locked eyes for a small bit of time. He felt a strong desire to move into a bit of a physical move. He felt like that he wants to kiss you right now because he was starting to feel a bit more attracted to you now. Maybe it's the setting and atmosphere but he's liking you much more now and he wants to share this affection with you.

He finally goes in for the move and he slowly leans in towards your lips until your lips actually touch. He doesn't try to be too fast about it as he just wants to do this in a slow and gentle manner. He wants to be very careful with this because he doesn't want to go too strong with you. As your lips touch, he just wanted to hold this moment as long as possible before he pulls away. Maybe he'll do this again later but right now he just wants this long, slow and gentle moment with you.

He continues to lean in and he actually deepens the kiss as you both continue to kiss. His lips began to move along with yours slowly and it felt almost as if his tongue wants to meet yours. He's really starting to get into this kiss with you and he's really feeling it now. The emotions he was feeling, the passion that's rising now as he's doing this and the fact that you're kissing him back makes him feel very amazing and happy inside.

He continues to lean in and he actually deepens the kiss as you both continue to kiss. His lips began to move along with yours slowly and it felt almost as if his tongue wants to meet yours. He's really starting to get into this kiss with you and he's really feeling it now. The emotions he was feeling, the passion that's rising now as he's doing this and the fact that you're kissing him back makes him feel very amazing and happy inside.

He pulls back and cups your cheek, "How can I make you mine?" He asks you.

His words made you blush and your cheeks started to turn red. You were just not expecting this question to come out of him. You've never been put in a situation like this before where a guy wants to make you his all. You found it cute that he asked this to you. It made you feel special

You stayed quiet for a bit as you looked into his eyes and he looked into yours as well. You couldn't help but smile as you felt the intensity coming from him

"Make me yours?" You asked him back in a questioning tone. "I think I already am."

He looks down to you, taking in all of your features.

"Come home with me?"

You look up at him and nod. Unable to process anything else than just him. He leads you to his home, it wasn't far from the restaurant. Did he plan that, maybe? But you don't care.

You enter the door and you can't keep your hands off of each other. Lips constantly crashing into each other, hand exploring your body and yours running through his thick hair.

Within moments, clothes are gone. The gentle father you met the other day has disappeared for a moment and you left with a man stripped down to nothing.

He stand back for a moment.

"Wait, are you sure want to do this?"

You smile as he asks, there he is. The man you met.

You bring your hand to his face, cupping his cheek. He moves his head into your hand.

"I'm yours, I want nothing but you right now." You say looking into his eyes. He needs that reassurance from you right now.

"Oh baby." He says before kissing you once more. He lifts you and takes you to his bed. Dropping you softly, he trails kisses over your whole body.

"You're so beautiful, from the moment I saw you. I couldn't stop thinking about you. I want you so much, I can't hold back anymore."

He stops his kisses and looks to you once more, that reassurance is a constant but you give it.

"Then don't, show me everything."

He leaves a final kiss before reaching and grabbing a condom and wrapping it before dropping on top of you, his lips so close.

You look at him, cupping his face. "I want this just as much as you do, please. Show me." You say once more, pulling his face to yours kissing him.

He leans down and slowly pushes himself into you, your eyes don't leave each others as you both gasp in unison. His eyes drop as he picks up speed. Your moans getting louder as the pleasure builds.

"So good baby." He says as he thrusts into you.

"More, please." You whisper into his ear.

He takes your word and pushes into you fully. Your back arches, the pleasure is overwhelming. It builds more and more, you can't hold it back anymore. You need it, you need him.

"Give it to me baby, I need you to give in to me." He's practically whimpering into your ear as he picks up speed one more time.

You can't hold it in anymore, the stars come and you break apart under him. You feel his body shake as he succumbs to the pleasure. You have become one in this, you both needed each other and it has bound you together.

He falls beside you, his chest rising and falling harshly with each breath. You take a moment to compose yourself.

You turn and watch him for a moment, his features standing out even more after discovering every part of him. This beautiful being that you can call yours, as you are his.

He closes his eyes and says. "That was..." He can't finish.

You chuckle to yourself. "Amazing, everything you needed and more?"

He laughs to himself, he covers his face with his arm and takes a deep breath. He then peaks from his cover, and pulls you close to him. He holds you close and kisses your forehead.

"You're my everything." He pauses. "Well, half of my everything."

You look up to him.

"My daughter has half of my heart."

You smile at him, nuzzling back into his chest.

"You have the other half."

#kpop scenarios #bts scenarios #bts v #taehyung scenarios #taehyung smut #bts taehyung #taehyung #bts v scenarios #v smut #v scenarios #kpop #v #bts #bts smut #kpop smut

[taichoushadow]

Wouldn't change a thing | Kim Taehyung

A/N: fluff for @taeandpuppies happy birthday 💜

summary: Thinking back to his confession, surely you could have reacted differently.

Genre: fluff, just pure fluff. (maybe a tiny bit of angst. Blink and you missed it. )

Wordcount: 2.2 K

You've always wondered how love would nestle into you, how love would find a home within you. Sure, you imagined about it, imagined how it would be ur love someone like you've always read in books, you've read in poems.

Was it really possible to have that kind of love find you? Well, yes, yes it was.

To be laying here on these baby blue sheets, the comforting yellow walls with the added white and green accesoires displayed all over the room, some may say they would end up running with the splash off colour surrounding you but to you, to you it felt like laying in a meadow on an early spring day. The dandelions swaying in the slight breeze, the clouds just drifiting by being in their own element.

''What are you thinking of?'' The sweet sound of his voice would be the singing of the birds, bringing a sense of serenity to you. Turning towards Taehyung, you propped yourself up and looked at him with this beaming smile that he just couldn't resist and pinched your cheek lovingly.

The bed truly felt like laying on a cloud, being in your own world with the one that houses your heart and not having to think of the world below you.

''Just about you and me.'' You shrugged happily, not minding at all he has the flesh of your cheek pinched between two of his fingers, your smile growing just bigger at the action.

Putting the mark between the pages, he laid the book down on the nightstand and instead cupped your face between his hands as his eyes flickered over your face before he just shrugged aswell and left a sweet peck on your lips and patted his chest when he pulled away.

Getting yourself comfortable on his chest, you began to trace little circles on the skin of his shoulder and thought about how moments like these really were everything you have been thinking about before love actually did find you.

Naturally, when you first met Taehyung, you didn't think much of it. Ofcourse, he was kind, he seemed to be understanding and way more patient than you innitially thought he would be. You were careful about feeling affection for him, thinking nothing more than just being friends. You didn't even dare to imagine if he could fall for you but naturally even with the protected armor you couldn't help to fall for him fully and surprsisingly you were proven wrong on one summer night that love actually was infront of you all along.

''Remember the day when I laughed it off when you told me you loved me?'' You looked up at him, now picking at the hairs that were growing on his chin, Taehyung sighing loudly at the memory of that torturous evening for him.

''How can I ever forget..''

Giggling at his reaction, you thought back to that moment. How you looked at him suspiciously once you entered the car and he looked way too nervous based on the way he kept on picking his nails and almost running red lights. ''I do not have a drivers license but I think we would be more safe if I drove..'' You told him after telling him to park the car right at the parking 50 meters ahead. (You were thankful you spotted that one. )

''What is going on, Tae?'' It didn't seem like he was listening, his eyes looking around frantically and you were getting concerned at his behavior. Was someone following him?

Reaching out, you grabbed a hold of his hand and places a reassuring hand on his cheek, letting him know you were there and that it was okay. ''If you want me to get out, I-''

''No!'' the sudden loudness of his voice made you jump in your seat, your hand falling at your side, shocked at this strong reaction.

Shaking his head, Taehyung gulped and held onto your hands this time. ''No-'' He began, ''No thats not.. thats not it.'' He has never felt this nervous to be honest. This moment of baring his heart out to him was not something that he thought would be this scary. What could happen? A rejection would hurt for a little while but after that he could move on. There would be a 50 percent chance of a yes too.

Laying your hands on your lap, he dropped his head into his own and let out a little scream and took in some deep breaths. You watched this all with amazement, many, many questions visible to read of off your face.

''Taehyung, you can tell me, you know I will not jud-''

''-I love you.'' Again he interrupted you, but this time you were left flabbergasted and fully speechless as you openly gawked at him. The silence in the car that followed after was killing for the poor man that was sweating buckets right now, chest heaving up and down as if he ran a marathon at full speed.

You however wasn't even noticing the silence as your mind was jerked awake at that confession, going through every script you once imagined but this particular one did seem to be written now and you were unable to come up with an answer and just stared at the poor man waiting what felt to him like centuries.

So you did what you did best when it came to these moments -A habit that you somehow picked up from your best friend, and you were gonna strangle her later for that- you laughed. You laughed.

Maybe it wasn't even laughing anymore, it sounded like cackling to you and being the idiot you were, slapped his leg and told him he shouldn't joke like that but the way his face fell and his eyes seemed to be shimmering in the dim streetlights had you stopping abruptly and you swallowed the lump in your throat as you opened and closed your mouth but you were unable to come up with any word, let alone sentences and just watched how he fully seemed to be turning away from you.

''Wait.'' Ah. You finally seemed to have found your voice and you were startled by it, to be honest and tried it again, this time a bit softer.

''You- you were serious? Love as in love?'' You found the words one by one and hesitatingly asked wether he truly meant it but afraid of his rejection (ironically), you were approaching him carefully.

''Ofcourse!'' The sudden harshness of his voice made you wince but you suppose you deserved that. ''Why would you think I was joking, y/n, I-'' Closing his eyes, Taehyung rubbed his eyes in exhaustion and turned himself towards you again, open to a conversation, a discussion or whatever it would be. ''This is not laughable, I basically layed my heart in your hands y/n''

''Laugh.. Oh.. Oh! Fuck me, really.'' Now it just fully dawned upon you, that you actually laughed, you actually laughed right when the man you love too, basically confessed his own feelings to you all because you were unable to comprehend his words.

''Its not- I didn't mean- I love you..'' Now it was your turn to hide your face in your hands, slapping your own cheeks multiple times and muttering how stupid you were and how you didn't mean it and that you definitely were gonna strangle your friend

This however, made Taehyung chuckle, watching how you were having a breakdown over yourself was kind of amusing to him, only because you did break his heart but he was slowly becoming hopeful based on your reaction and you words, catching some of the sentences you mumbled out.

Once you came back to your senses, you peeked at Taehyung through the gaps of your fingers and the hint of a small smile gave you some courage to face him.

''Taehyung. I apologize for reacting like this. I promise this is not what you think it is..'' You started off, nodding at your own spurt of thoughts, choosing your words carefully now.

''It is not?'' Taehyung questioned, leaning back into the seat and just simply watched you look for words. He might wanted to make you sweat just a little now, but his hammering heart into his chest was telling him, he did need an answer and quite quickly otherwise he was definitely gonna faint.

Shaking your head quite aggressively, you reached for his hand and squeezed them with all your might as if he was gonna walk out any moment. "I actually cant believe it. That's why I laughed. I- I didn't know how to react." you bow your head in shame, stuttering and trying to apologize in every way you could think of. There was no way, you were going to let go of this man just because your mind was shortcutting thanks to his confession.

''Okay.'' That one word did put fear into you and somehow your mind once again decided that there was one thing left to do and that was-

Gripping his biceps, you looked up at him with determination dripping from your face, your expression stern as you nodded and Taehyung's eyes widened at the sudden moodchange. ''Uh, y/n..'' The hint of amusent was clear in his tone of voice but all you could focus on were his lips, going through every scenario you might have daydreamed about once and how this would end, yet when you didn't come up with anything this time around aswell, your mind was set and you pulled him towards you, placing your lips on his.

Okay, Taehyung was now 99 percent sure he was gonna faint. The softness of his lips he only could have imagined up until now, had his heart doing cartwheels and he was unable to move for a few seconds what to you this time around did feel like forever. Guess the tables were turned.

It didn't take long for Taehyung though to back to his senses, especially when he felt your grip loosening around his arms and did what any sane person would do, he cupped your chin and moved his lips against yours, tilting your head slightly to deepen the kiss needing to let you know this really was what he wanted.

If you could actually think in that moment (let's face it, you havent been doing that for atleast 15 minutes now) you would have asked him if it was okay to kiss him, but alas here you were just doing without any thinking.

Your own heart was now the one running a marathon when you felt him stiffen against your grip and when he didn't kiss you back, you were ready to apologize a million times more but the moment you were about to pull away the gentle hand of the man across from you, blacked out the many thoughts you were having now and calmed down your racing heart to a calmer pace when you felt his lips move against yours.

-

''I still cant grap the fact that you laughed.'' Taehyung laughs in disbelief still, playing with a strand of hair as he thinks back at the memory of pure shock.

''But somehow I still managed to get you.'' You prop up your chin on his chest, poking his lips and wiggle your eyebrows at him. ''It somehow did not scare you away, didn't it? '' He scoffed at that, dropping the strand of hair and flicked your forehead instead.

''Or-'' Taehyung begins, a smirk forms itself on his lips and pulls you even closer with his hand pressed against your back, tracing your lips with his thumb while licking his lips as he thinks back at the way he had you pressed against the passenger seat right after that kiss.

''- Or your kissing game was just too good, your lips clouded my thinking and you just reeled me in like this.'' Taehyung taps your lips before he bends down to kiss you just like how you kissed eachother the first time. Minus the not thinking part this time.

''I also remember you wacking the back of your friend's head when I brought you home.'' Taehyung chuckles, laying back down against the pillows, moving his hand over your back . ''It was really funny how she looked at you all confused while rubbing the back of her head.''

You let out a shriek of laughter, the way she just stood there dumbfounded when you kissed her cheek afterwards was something you always teased her with until this day still. ''Yeah, somehow it left an impression on you so I should thank her too.''

Taehyung hums, and feels how you lay yourself back down on his chest, together listening to the quiet of the evening and enjoying the last sunlight of the day that shines through the window.

Did he imagine something entirely else when he made up his mind to confess to you? Yeah, no one would think the other would laugh and not at all being a reaction of disbelief. He supposes that he wouldn't change of thing if he could go back in time and confess in a different way. Not like that was possible anyways, you were you and he loved you just because of that.

Besides he absolutely adores your laugh. It's truly like the blooming of cherry blossoms. A sight to behold.

#kim taehyung #taehyung imagines #taehyung fluff #kim taehyung scenarios #kim taehyung imagines #taehyung imagine #taehyung scenario #kim taehyung fluff #bts imagines #bts fluff #bts scenarios #v imagines #v fluff #v scenarios #bangtan sonyeondan

[yourdreamscenarios]

When you get into a fight

∙ Word count: 3,2K 

This day had been a tough one, and it had seemed to stretch out forever. You were so happy you could finally head home and relax. After having classes from nine to six, missing your train so you were forced to finish your homework in the library, you really just wanted to do absolutely nothing for the rest of the night. Your mind was tired of concentrating and thinking and for the first time during this semester you felt as if you were tired of literally everything. You no longer wanted to go to college, you no longer wanted to finish your assignments, you no longer wanted to do things because you had to do them but because you wanted to do so. 

At least Your boyfriend would be there when you got home. What you needed right now was a good cuddle session, or a good cry. You were still having a tough time choosing between the two. Spending time together wasn’t always easy for the two of you. He had his tight schedules and was away often, you were almost always due to stay at home because of college, and had a lot of deadlines to catch up on. But for the past six months you’d been together, the two of you had been able to work past your hardships. You made it work, because that was what you did when you love someone.

And you loved Taehyung, with whole your heart and you couldn’t think of being without him anymore. He had become to be such a huge part of your life in such a short amount of time. He was the one who was always there for you when things got hard. The person who always made you smile when you were said, who took better care of you than you took care of yourself. He always knew the right things to say and he always made you smile if you were feeling bad, which was exactly what you needed today. You made your way back to your apartment which you shared since a month ago. It had been a big move from his side him, asking you to move in with him and get a place together. 

He had been so nervous, afraid you’d turn him down, afraid he was moving too fast. But the only thing you wanted to do was be close to him and since you didn’t saw him that often, living together seemed like the perfect solution to you. It had been a real adjustment though, being with each other during those crucial parts of the day, taking care of each other. But after you’d both gotten used to it, you both knew that you were perfetc for each other. You knew Taehyung inside and out, he was no longer a mystery to you.

As you finally got home you quickly made your way up the stairs. You noticed the light at the front door was off, and you frowned. Usually when he knew you were getting home late, he left the light on for you. You shook your head, telling yourself to get over it and act normal. He probably just forgot. Seemed like that history project had made you lose your mind. You sniffed at the thought. Looking for your key in your bag, you muttered softly underneath your breath. Feeling around for the metal before you found it and fumbled slightly to get the key in the keyhole in the dark. But when you threw the door open, you didn’t feel anything but relief, so happy to finally be home. 

You kicked off your shoes, too tired to loosen up the shoelaces and walked in. When you saw Taehyung lying on the couch with one of his arms covering his eyes your heard fluttered in your chest. He was the cutest thing you had ever seen, you couldn’t get enough of him. “Taetae…” You called out, waiting for any kind of reaction. Normally when you’d see each other after such a long day he’d sit up and look at you a little dazed, waking up by the sound of your voice calling out for him. Or he would smile with his eyes closed, trying to pretend he was asleep but not being able to hide his happiness because you were finally home.

But today he didn’t seem to show any kind of response to your return at all. He just laid there on the sofa, neither looking at you nor greeting you back. You frowned and immediately felt slightly worried by his behavior. Was he unwell? If so, then why hadn’t he called you? You dropped your bag on the table and made your way over to the sofa, slightly hovering over him to check on him. His face didn’t look pale, though the skin underneath his eyes seemed to have a slightly darker color than usual. He looked exhausted and for a minute you thought it best not to disturb him. He needed to rest, he and his members had gone through a rough time lately and you wanted him to think about his health. 

How he could function the way he did while taking naps in dressing rooms and while constantly being in the move remained a mystery to you. The last thing you wanted was for him to sacrifice any of his rest for you. As quietly as you could, you pulled a blanket from the back of the couch to tug him in. You let out a little squeal when suddenly someone grabbed a hold of your wrist and locked eyes with the guy in front of you. Taehyung blinked rapidly at you, as if he had no idea where he was at the moment and seemed seriously confused. You had no idea how long he’d been asleep, but he’d seemed to be pretty far off.

Then his eyes landed on you and he smiled softly, stretching his arms out in front of him and making a cute peeping sound while doing so. It made your heart melt. He let go of your wrist just as fast as he’d grabbed onto it and tried to sit up, but you shook your head, placed your hands on his chest and pushed him back down. “What are you doing?” He asked and shot you a questioning look while grabbing your hand and squeezing it inside of his own. That frown on his forehead, those dark circles under his eyes, that worn look one his face, it only made you even more. 

“Don’t get up TaeTae. You should sleep some more, you look exhausted.” You mumbled while giving his hand a little squeeze in return. He scoffed at you as he sat up, immediately letting go of your hand as he buried his hands of his hair, his elbows leaning on his knees. You had no idea where this sudden reaction came from, you just wanted to take care of him. “I’ll be fine __________.” He said but there was a slight sound of annoyance in of his voice which made you feel a little bit suspicious. Once again you shook your head and you tried to convince him to take his rest, telling him you’d be fine. But he blocked all your wills to help.

“I said I’m fine!” His voice raised slightly and stood up from the couch, shaking the blanket off himself which you had laid on him with so much care. His behavior bothered you. Normally Taehyung wasn’t someone who was this jumpy and frustrated all of a sudden. It was another reason which indirectly let you know that he was running out of energy. You didn’t want him to get a burn out or to cross the line with his body, he had to take better care of himself. “You’re not fine Taehyung.�� You threw back and he looked at you with squeezed eyes, it was almost a slightly threatening gesture and you felt goosebumps appear all over your skin. 

“How can you expect to know that better than I know it myself?! I know myself better than you think __________, and I’m telling you that I’m feeling fine. Why are you being like this?” He asked it as if it was weird for you to react like this, as if you shouldn’t be asking him to take it easy. As if you didn’t see all of the things he went through. As if you weren’t there with him when he worked himself so hard he could barely stand. “I’m being like this because I’m worried about you, that’s why! Am I not aloud to get worried about you when I see you laying on the couch all exhausted? Is that so weird?”

For the first time in this conversation you raised your voice at him and he didn’t seem to react to that very well. Even though your shouting was the result of his own stubbornness, it seemed to make him even more thwarting than he had been at first. “I can take great care of myself you know!” His face was showing you the anger he felt by and you had no idea what you had done to deserve him treating you like this. Had you actually done something wrong? Had something happened which you didn’t know about? Why was he trying to push you away and shut you out? 

“Tae, I’m your girlfriend! What do you expect me to do?!” You asked, sounding completely desperate. You simply wanted to know why he was behaving like this. This was how he was. Where was your bright and bubbly boyfriend? He shook his head at you and wanted to walk away from you, but you grabbed the sleeve of his sweater and held him back. The action didn’t seem to make him much happier and he harshly pulled it out of your grip, making you pull your hand back in surprise. You cuddled your hand against your chest while eying him, waiting for him to say something.

Just when you thought he was about to apologize for his silly behavior he fired back at you. “As my girlfriend I expect you to understand __________, why can’t you do that?!” He was still raising his voice at you and you were scared the neighbors might be able to hear. The walls weren’t that think around here. “Then tell me what I should understand! Tell me what’s wrong Taehyung! What the hell is going on?” By this time you were trying to match the volume of his voice and the fact that you were both raising your voices against one other made that you were both getting carried away in this whole thing. 

You couldn’t believe you were having a fight over something like this. You didn’t even know what ‘this’ was. “Never mind, you wouldn’t get it anyway.” His voice was so cold that for a second you felt as if you were being iced over. Right, you wouldn’t get it, because after all you didn’t live in his world, you weren’t an idol. Even though his comment felt like knives cutting you, you still went on, you wanted him to tell you what was bothering him.“Taehyung, I’m your girlfriend! If I’m not able to understand you than who is?!” 

Did that title mean nothing to him? It wasn’t just showing up and looking pretty for him. It wasn’t just cooking for him or cuddling with him. It wasn’t just the kisses or the hugs or everything else. Being a girlfriend also meant trying to get your boyfriend through a hard time, trying to talk to him about difficult things, but it seemed like he wasn’t up for any of that right now. “I don’t know! Fuck, why are you being like this?!” He asked again as he pulled his hair in frustration and shot you a furious look. 

“Because I love you… That’s why.” The volume of your voice had dropped to a whisper and all of a sudden you felt really fragile, as if one more word would be enough to break you into a thousand pieces. A silence fell over the apartment and Taehyung just stared at you for a long time in silence. He stared into your eyes which were filled with tears by now. Then he let out a big and long sigh before dropping his arms next to his sides and closing his eyes. “I’m sorry __________.” he then said and you shook your head, as if you didn’t want to hear it.

“What does it matter? I wouldn’t get it anyway.” With that you got up from your spot on the couch and walked briskly past him towards your room, wanting to be away from this for a moment. Wanted to get him out of your bubble. If he was just going to burst it, then what was the point? But you felt a long and strong arm capture your waist. You looked up to the ceiling, trying to keep your tears from falling as you realized he wasn’t going to let you go. He pulled you back into him until your back met with his warm chest and you pressed your lips together when a sob threatened to escape from your throat. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’m so sorry princess, I’m just… I’m just so…” You knew he was struggling with his words so you waited for him to try and find the right ones. After a while he sighed and you felt his breath his against your ear. 

“I’m just so stressed and tired and I feel as if everything I’m doing is wrong and I just… I feel as like I’m useless. Have you ever felt like that before?” With a surprised look you slowly turned around to face him. When you did he had a sad look inside of his eyes. His face pulled together in a painful expression when he saw the tears on your cheeks and he pulled the sleeves of his sweater over his hands to wipe them away. “You’re not useless Tae, don’t you ever think that. You work so hard, you give your all and you would give everything to make everyone happy. I know that and I’m sure everyone around you knows it too. You shouldn’t pressure yourself that much.”

He closed his eyes and he looked so tired, so weak, so drained. You felt sorry for him, sorry that he always had to work so hard, that he had to push his body to the limits, that he had to give everything up to do what he loved. “I just feel as if I can’t do it anymore.” His voice cracked at the end of his sentence and you were overwhelmed when you saw tears in his eyes as soon as he opened them. “Taehyung…” You whispered barely audible and you placed both your hands on his cheeks. 

He stared into your eyes and you felt like crying along with him, seeing him like this, it killed you. “I’m sorry.” He said again, making you frown at him. “You don’t have to feel sorry. Everyone reaches this point at a sudden moment, this is your moment. It’s not your fault.” When the first tears fell from his eyes you pecked them away and when you pulled back you noticed he was smiling softly. You were glad you were able to make him feel better, even though there wasn’t much more you could do than talk to him.

“Why don’t you rest a little now? We’ve got the time.” He looked at you for a while before nodding. You were glad he was finally giving into your pleads. Once again you tugged him towards the couch and this time he willingly sat down. He looked as if he’d fall asleep as soon as his head would touch a pillow. You sat down beside him and without saying anything he placed his head on your lap and made himself comfortable. You giggled and pulled the blanket over him once again, knowing that this time he wouldn’t stop you. For a moment he played with your hand which was on his chest while your other hand combed through his bangs. 

Then his dark eyes looked up at yours, you sent him a soft look, one that told him everything was going to be okay, that you weren’t angry… That you understood. It seemed as if he had been looking for that because he smiled peacefully at you before closing his eyes. In no time his breath became regular, his chest rose and fell in a steady pace. While looking down on your boyfriend you brushed his hair out of his face and placed a kiss on his forehead. “I love you…” You whispered and thought you could see his eyes flicker for a moment before he quietly said. “I love you too…”

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[taebearlover07]

Bad Girl Punishment

The following slides might contain 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄, do not interact if uncomfortable  

Pairing: Step-daddy!Kim Taehyung x Step-daughter!Fem!Reader

Genre: Rough Smut

Summary: You bunked your school in the morning and went to club with your friends. Everything was alright until your step-daddy, Taehyung found out your doing. Him as your guardian, he made sure you never do such thing again  

Warnings: Rough sex, Dom!Taehyung, Sub!reader, spanking(very must), clit slapping, pussy spanking, pinching, degradation, name-calling(Slut, whore, Yn calls Tae daddy), using of toy(vibrator), punishing, sobbing, crying, blowjob, face-fucking, etc.

________________________________________________________

Imagine you getting spanked by your stepdaddy after he found out that you bunked your school and went out with your friends to a club. You lay half-naked, nude from the bottom as he spanks your ass raw. Each powerful slap makes you cry out. Tears spill down your face as a whiney apology escapes your lips at every spank he laid “I’m sorry daddy!” You cried out but all your wails went in vain as he continued to lay harsh spanks on your ass “I don’t think you are sorry baby. Apologise properly then maybe I will think to forgive you” He said in a cocky tone, continuing his painful assault on your ass. “I am r-really sorry d-daddy! I-I promise I’ll n-never break any s-school rule! I’ll study like a g-good girl!” You screamed, completely exhausted from his painful torture but he just continued his assault on your ass. “Hmm?” “Yes-ah!” Before you could complete your sentence he laid another harsh smack on your ass “Daddy asked you a question baby, answer him, you don't want to make daddy mad now, do you?” He said as his finger moved down to your leaking pussy, despite his harsh treatment on your ass, you couldn't help but feel wet down there. He fakes a gasp as he felt your wetness on his finger  “Oh! You are enjoying your punishment too, such a slut of a baby I have! Aren’t you a slutty whore baby?” He rubbed your wetness before laying a harsh smack on your pussy lips “N-no, I am not-” you tried to say but couldn't as he spanked you again on clit “Oh baby, you are lying to your daddy now, such a bad bad girl, don't worry daddy is gonna put some manners in your” He pushed you down on the couch. Pushing your face down on the couch and raising your ass high up in the air. He pulled off his belt and tied your hands behind your back, you whimpered in disapproval “P-please, n-no tying up d-daddy” He just ignored your whimpering. He pulled you up to his chest by your hair making you scream from pain “You are in no position in asking favours babygirl, just take what I fucking give you!” He laid a harsh smack on your pussy, you wanted to wiggle away from the torture but couldn't. He pushed your face down on the couch and said “Don’t dare to move from this position, got that?” He applied a bit more pressure on your neck making you choke out a yes. He hummed before walking away somewhere. You sat in the same position for a while, not daring to move until he returned. 

You felt him pull you up as he tied a blindfold onto your eyes. Making sure that the blindfold is tight enough he again pushed your face back on the couch. You lay quietly on the couch until to felt him rub something on your entrance making you wiggle away, already knowing what that thing was “N-no! No d-daddy!” You tried to get away from that devilish vibrator but he forcefully held you in one place and pushed the vibrator into you. “I said you to stay fucking still! Can’t you understand one fucking command properly?!” He said before pinching your nub hard, tears collecting in your eyes as he continued to pinch your nub “I want you to keep that vibrator in your slutty hole and don’t cum until I allow you, got that?” “Yes, daddy!” You screamed due to the pain in your sensitive part. “Good” He said as he finally left your sensitive nub and moved somewhere in the room. You wanted to ask him where he is going but before you could question him you felt the vibrator come to life, its harsh vibration making you see stars. You were too much in pleasure that you didn’t hear him removing his clothes and kneeling in front of you. You didn’t understand anything until you felt him kneeling in front of you with his cock tip rubbing on your lips “Open” He commanded and you obeyed like a good girl, opening your mouth for his huge cock. You begin to take him slowly, taking him from your mouth but he grips your hair and shoves his dick inside your mouth making him groan loudly. He pulled himself out before showering himself again in your mouth. He repeats this action for a while before slowly starting to thrust in your mouth in a rhyme, you unconsciously move your tongue around his cock making him moan loudly. 

“Fuck yes! That’s like a good girl” He moans out and starts to thrust faster “Such a good little slut for me” His grip on your hair tightness as he continues to thrust harder into your mouth “My pretty little cum dump”. Pulling his cock out of your mouth only to slap it on your face a few times before harshly showering it back in your mouth. “Oh, fuck!” He curses as his tip met with the back of your throat making you gag and push his cock  “Fucking take my cock in that mouth, slut!”. Tears streamed down your face as he thrust hard in your mouth, you clenched your walls tightly around the vibrator as you felt yourself near. “Don’t you dare to cum, whore, not until you make me cum” He said, he stopped his thrusts for a while and kept his cock in your mouth.  He moved his hand behind to rub your clit making you whimper in disapproval only to get muffled around his cock. He moaned feeling your whimpers around his cock. He moved his sinful fingers from your clit before thrusting his cock again in your mouth “I am gonna cum babygirl, be a good girl and swallow” He says before cumming in your mouth, pulling out of your mouth before making sure you swallow his cum. He removed your blindfold to reveal your tear-streamed doe eyes “P-Please can I c-cum, daddy?” You sobbed making him smirk. He hummed before saying “No, you won’t cum today, that’s your punishment” He pulled out the vibrator from your hole making you sob loudly “N-no, I am sorry, daddy!” He didn’t reply and just removed his belt from your now red wrists. You continued to sob as he pulled you up in his arms towards the bathroom to clean you up. After this incident, you made sure to never disobey your daddy or make him mad.

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THE END

THANK YOU FOR READING

#taehyung smut #taehyung scenarios #idol taehyung #taehyung x y/n #taehyung x reader #taehyung fanfic #kim taehyung smut #taehyung #taehyung fic #bangtan smuth #bangtan x you #bangtan fic #bts #v #v scenarios #idol v #v x reader #v fanfic #v x you

[suvidrache]

Caught In The Rain

age in bio when interacting. minors do not interact.

Word Count: 735 / Read it on AO3 | Wattpad

V had asked Dante about the weather before heading out, paying little attention to V - reading his porn magazines. He said it would be like any other day, no rain, nothing.

Trusting Dante with anything is like asking a child if they had any candy and them, with their mouth colored from the candy, saying no.

V shook his head. He shouldn't have listened, but he took his words with a grain of salt and headed out with a cane in hand and a long-sleeved jacket wrapped around his waist.

He walked slowly, making his way through the torn-up town.

The road was bumpy from the fights that have destroyed it. The buildings, surprisingly still standing, were only slightly damaged, and possibly abandoned.

He kept watch and listened closely for any sounds of demons, creatures, or anything that may attack him. Fortunately, it was only the two of you in Red Grave City.

The town was dark and gloomy, as it always was before a rainstorm. The only sound in the city was his footsteps as he walked and the occasional creature in the distance.

He stopped right at the corner of the bookstore waiting for you to meet him as you both had agreed to meet there.

He didn't have to wait long, as you showed up not long after. He sat down on the ledge of a building, wanting to gain his strength back up.

"Hi." You said once you had seen V.

"Hey, how are you?"

"I'm good, it's kind of gloomy here… How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you. I think it might rain soon."

"Oh, I didn't bring an umbrella."

"It's ok, Dante said it wouldn't rain so we might be ok."

Thankfully, you didn't know Dante well enough to not trust his word.

"Which restaurant did you want to go to?"

"I'm not sure. Surprise me." You said as V waited a bit longer before standing up and walking towards the nearest restaurant.

"Alright, it might take a while, but it's this way."

"It's ok, I understand."

Unfortunately, due to V's fragile state, he walked a lot slower than most people.

The uneven ground didn't help V with his difficulties.

V reached a hand out to you. He wouldn't be able to walk much longer without any help.

You took his hand and helped him to navigate the uneven streets.

Eventually, you both made it to the restaurant. After eating, you walked out together.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" V asked as he looked at you.

"No, I'm going to go to the bookstore." You said with a smile. "Do you want me to help you?"

V had only made it two small steps when you finished your question. He stopped and turned around to think. He did need help just getting to the restaurant.

He reached his hand out to you.

"Yes, please."

You took his hand, and he thanked you.

Together, the two of you began the slow, harsh journey.

Soon it began to rain. Unfortunately, there was nothing nearby to shield the two of you from the rain. V pulled you into the alleyway as the rain began beating down harder and harder. He wrapped his cold arms around you in an attempt to provide some sort of warmth to your wet body.

He let go of you to grab his jacket and slip it around your shoulders before holding you close once more.

"I thought you said it wouldn't rain?" You teased. Unfortunately, your words couldn't be heard as the rain continued to pour down, and within seconds, the both of you were soaked.

The two of you stood in the alleyway, V's arms around you, waiting for the rain to stop.

If the markings on V's body weren't permanently stuck to him, they would have been long gone in the rain. After a few minutes, the rain began to ease up, becoming a light sprinkle.

"I didn't think the rain would be that bad," V said as he let go of you.

Due to the severity of the storm, you were both wet, but V was soaked and dripping.

"Well, I guess I might go home now, but not before you." You said with a small laugh.

V reached his hand out to you. You took it and the two of you began your long journey back to Devil May Cry.

© SUVIDRACHE — do not copy, translate, modify, or plagiarize my work. reblogs are appreciated!

#devil may cry v #v dmcv #v scenarios #v x y/n #dmc v x reader #v x you #v x reader #dmc v imagines #v headcanon #v imagine #dmc headcanons #dmc imagines #dmc x reader

[bonobonoyaatheart]

Ice cream- Kim Taehyung

Word count: 648

Summary: The load of work was getting heavier each day. But icecream with Tae is the perfect escape, isn't it?

Pairing: Non idol Taehyung x gn Reader

Genre: Fluff

You had been enduring an overwhelming workload that seemed to multiply each passing day. Your boss, a formidable lady, had an uncanny ability to yell and push you beyond your limits. Today was no exception as she unleashed her frustration, publicly berating you in front of your colleagues.

Dejected and emotionally drained, you trudged your way home, carrying the weight of the day on your shoulders. The walls of your apartment felt suffocating, the air heavy with the echoes of your boss's tirade. Seeking solace, you reached for your phone, and a glimmer of hope appeared as a message from Taehyung, your goofy and sweet boyfriend, popped up on the screen.

"Hey, love. Tough day?" his message read.

You spilled your frustrations onto the digital canvas, your fingers typing with a mix of exhaustion and despair. Taehyung, always the compassionate listener, absorbed your words and responded with the love he always had for you.

"I'm here for you, sweetheart. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. You're strong and capable. How about we escape this madness? Meet me at our favorite ice cream parlor. I'll have a tub of your favorite flavor ready," he suggested.

The idea of indulging in a sweet treat and finding comfort in Taehyung's arms ignited a flicker of excitement within you. It was the perfect remedy to alleviate the pressures of work and the relentless demands of your boss.

A smile blossomed on your face as you agreed, your spirits lifting at the prospect of a sweet escape. You hurriedly made your way to the cozy ice cream parlor, anticipation dancing in your steps. Upon entering, the familiar scent of freshly made waffle cones enveloped you, stirring memories of happier times.

Taehyung stood there, his eyes gleaming mischievously as he held a giant sundae brimming with all your favorite flavors and toppings. "Behold, the stress-busting sundae!" he exclaimed with a flourish, his excitement infectious.

You couldn't help but laugh, the sound spilling out like a release of pent-up tension. Taking a seat, you scooped up a spoonful of the creamy delight, the taste exploding on your tongue. As you savored the ice cream, Taehyung leaned closer, his arms encircling you in a warm embrace.

"You deserve this moment of joy, my love," he whispered, his voice gentle and soothing. "Remember, you are resilient and capable. This boss's negativity doesn't define you. You shine brighter than any obstacle."

His words touched your heart, resonating deep within your soul. With each bite of ice cream and every reassuring word, the weight of the day lifted, leaving behind a renewed sense of strength and determination.

As you shared laughter, stories, and whispered affections, the ice cream parlor transformed into a sanctuary. Worries melted away, replaced by a profound connection between you and Taehyung. Time lost its grip as the outside world faded into insignificance.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Tae," you admitted, your voice filled with gratitude. "You always find a way to turn the darkest days into moments of brightness and love."

Taehyung smiled, his eyes softening with tenderness. "And I don't know what I'd do without you, my love. You inspire me every day with your determination and unwavering spirit. Together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way."

With the evening drawing to a close, the weight of the day no longer seemed insurmountable. Holding hands, you left the ice cream parlor, stepping out into the cool night air. The stars above twinkled, mirroring the sparkle in your eyes as you gazed at Taehyung.

As you walked side by side, a renewed sense of purpose guided your steps. The troubles at work seemed less daunting, knowing you had a partner who believed in you unconditionally. With Taehyung by your side, you were ready to face the challenges that awaited, armed with love, support, and a memory of a sweet escape.

A/N: Reblog and share if you like, and let me know what you think about this!

#kpop fanfic #kpop imagines #kim taehyung #bts fanfic #v scenarios #taehyung scenarios #taehyung fluff #taehyung #bangtan #tae #taehyung ff #bts fic #bts v #bts fluff #BTS fluff

[arrianna21]

~To Hell and Back~ Chapter X (M)

Never make a deal with the devil.  Easier said than done. Enter the world of demons where things are not what they seem.  Friend or foe, nobody knows. When mysterious and strange incidents come out of the darkness, will you be able to escape the depths of Hell alive and at what price?  

Rated M for Mature: This series will contain gore, mutilation, strong language, depictions of death, intense violence, sexual content, themes of horror, mention of miscarriage, medical procedures, minor character death

Please ensure you’re in a good headspace or avoid reading if the tags above make you uncomfortable. Specific tags that are italicized occur within the chapter. Viewer discretion is advised.  

demon!v x fem!reader

Word Count: 10,424

I | | II | | III | | IV | | V | | VI | | VII | | VIII | | IX | | X | |

As you sit in the lone chair, you watch Lhaine continue mopping the floor of the vacant ballroom while you can only quietly look around. It’s been about a week or so since Hallow’s Evening where you were ultimately shot. You find yourself glancing up at the balcony, at each pillar lined up near the walls, even at the dark plum curtains covering the windows. Anyplace where someone can possibly hide or stay out of sight. Despite all the people there, the assassin had a clean shot to the prince had you not interfered.

A loud clang echoes in the wide room, startling you from your pensive thoughts, and you see Lhaine setting her mop against the wall so she can pick up the set of fallen music stands. You get to your feet and don’t even take a step before she points a finger at you without bothering to look. “Don’t even think about it, I got it,” she says.

“I can at least help some with the mopping,” you insist. “This room is huge.”

She finishes resetting the row of music stands and resumes mopping. “It won’t take me much longer. Besides, you already helped me clean the restroom despite being given strict orders not to overexert yourself.”

“Yeah, but our bathrooms are small. And no one would even know, it’ll be just between the two of us.”

“Then you seriously underestimate our boss who’s probably tuning in on us now,” Lhaine scoffs.

“I’ll just use my good arm again.”

She continues dragging the mop across the floor, the marble glistening from the water. “As much as I appreciate your assistance, I don’t need to get reprimanded for when you inadvertently pull a muscle from straining your good arm.”

“Come on, you even side-eyed me when I was folding laundry. Can’t you give me one of your simpler tasks?” You pout from your spot in the chair.

“But I’m looking forward to dusting the paintings,” she mockingly pouts back.

“Please, Lhaine?” You plead in return. “Something, anything at this point.”

“Well I guess you could go feed your friend Zelda. Make sure the horses have their meal, and seriously, I was joking,” she shouts, but you’re already heading to the door. “If she bites you, I’m screwed!”

“I’ll be careful,” you reassure before rushing out the door in case she tries chasing you down. 

Outside, you make your way to the stables and gather the rotten fruit and vegetables into a bucket where you carry it towards the horses. They eat them quickly, teeth chomping the dead, mushy carrots and apples.  

Zelda is the last one at the end and you cautiously approach her, the zombie horse already standing and waiting for her food. You grab the soft carrot, tentatively holding it out to her. She moves slow in return, easing her head forward before biting into it. The bones of her jaw creaks as she chews. This continues while you feed her a few more. When she finishes, she takes a step back and bends her head in a downward motion.

You stare at her in return before dipping your head in a bow as well. “You’re welcome,” you murmur, surprised by the shift in her demeanor compared to the other times when she seemed more hostile.

She snorts and turns, retreating towards the pile of stiff red hay in the corner of her stall. “It seems she’s taken a liking to you,” you hear from the entrance.

You jump and turn towards the voice, ready to chunk the bucket in a poor attempt of self-defense only to find the prince standing by the wooden stable doors. He wears a silver cloak with the hood down and you catch a glimpse of his sword at his hip. “V,” you loudly say his name. “Here to visit the horses?”

He smiles as he approaches. “Actually I’m here to take Zelda out for some fresh air.”

“Oh. Is it safe for you to go out after what happened?” You quietly ask, not wanting to actually speak the words “attempted assassination”. From behind Zelda has snuck closer to you before giving you a strong nudge, her head pushing against your back and you’re flung forward as you stumble while V rushes to catch you. You latch onto his biceps to balance yourself while his hands steady you by holding onto your waist.

Your eyes meet as you stare at one another, lost in a myriad of thoughts without saying a word.  He breaks the spell first as he merely shrugs, breaking out into a mischievous smirk. “Technically no, but this cloak prevents me from being recognized or identified. And no one knows I’m going out except for you. Also, did I not give strict orders for you to not do any difficult tasks?” He asks, raising a brow at you.

“Feeding the horses doesn’t require a lot of exertion. Besides, Lhaine has made sure I barely do anything at all even though I’m feeling much better,” you reassure. With Kala’s exercises and plenty of forced rest, your shoulder doesn’t constantly ache or throb as much anymore.

“Good, now let’s not push yourself too hard, yes?”

Knowing both him and Lhaine only mean well for you, you can’t quite keep from rolling your eyes in return. “Of course, Your Highness,” you answer. There’s a brief pause and you suddenly remember that you’re still in his embrace. “I hope you enjoy your outing.”

“Thank you, little dove.” His smile widens, genuine happiness seeping into the playful expression. When you go to step back, his arms slowly slide away until they fall to his sides, his smile faltering briefly but doesn’t disappear. He eyes you for another moment, hidden emotions you can’t quite identify flickering from within before he turns his attention to Zelda as he gets her saddle ready. “Behave,” V tells you from atop her back as they pass by while she walks towards the stable entrance.

“Yes, sir,” you joke, bending to do a small curtsy for him in return which causes him to let out a chuckle.

He pulls the hood up until it covers his head before urging Zelda into a trot as they disappear from sight.

                                                               ~*~

The next morning as you head towards the kitchen for breakfast, you’re surprised to find energy buzzing throughout the castle. The other servants move quickly through the halls, rushing to their tasks as they whisper to each other. Even as you pass the guards stationed at their posts, you hear them mutter to one another and you catch a few words here and there about some politician.

Inside the kitchen, you don’t see Chef anywhere but there’s pots and pans cooking on the stove. Instead you find the Faegel huddled together eating their breakfast while they speak quietly amongst themselves. “And he was here for lunch not too long ago. My friend who lives in that realm wonders if it’s a possible coup,” Rae tells them, her eyes wide.

Mel rolls her eyes in annoyance. “Imbecile. If it were a coup, said leaders would’ve clearly taken credit for his death. No one has claimed any whatsoever. This is something else.”

“Whatever it is, it’s put the rest of the Senate on edge,” Bren responds.

“Do you think it’s another assassination like the one—ow!” As Rae speaks she’s cut off by Mel harshly pinching her arm as she jerks her head toward you.

All three immediately grow quiet, cleaning up their food before going to leave the room. “Too bad you weren’t there human,” Mel says as they pass by, “maybe you could’ve rescued him as well,” she notes with an acidic smirk. Neither Bren nor Rae say a word, instead quietly exiting as they walk beside Mel.

With a shake of your head, you fetch your own breakfast and begin eating as Lhaine comes in to join you. “So is it true a senator is dead?” You ask while she rifles for a few slices of bread.

Taking a bite, she sits down on the stool beside you. “Damn, you already heard too?” She asks around the food in her mouth as she chews. “Then it must true. I thought it was just a rumor or people exaggerating.”

“Apparently not. And nobody seems to know who could’ve done it.”

“Yeah, because it shouldn’t be possible,” she snorts.

Her statement confuses you as your brows draw together. “What do you mean? Wait,” you pause, “he had already ascended, hadn’t he?”

She nods. “Mmhmm. Which means someone has done the impossible,” she confirms.

Her words click in your head as you understand the true severity of the situation. “So, surely they’ll look into who did this and find them before they kill someone else.” Surely it can’t be a coincidence that someone tried to murder the prince right before a senator who was essentially immortal is now dead. Unless this is merely the common joys of demonic politics in Hell, rules be damned.

Lhaine shrugs as she drinks her water. “Hopefully. We don’t exactly have law enforcement down here. Murder is pretty much fair game, but if an ascended truly is dead then the playing field’s gotten a bit more leveled. No doubt the rest of the senators are losing their shit right now.” She snorts into her cup. “Wouldn’t mind seeing that,” you hear her mutter.

A thought occurs to you. “Isn’t RM also a part of the senate?”

“Yeah,” she nods, “but he’s exceptionally intelligent and more than capable of holding his own. Even if he wasn’t, he’s got Jeon who can easily annihilate enemies no problem.”

Chef returns at that moment and points to you. “Take the tea to Mr. Min and the other guests. They’re up in the library,” she orders, removing a kettle from the stove while she opens a cabinet which has a tea set inside. “Use this.”

You gently take out the porcelain tea set, pouring the crimson tea from the kettle and into the tea pot. The pretty set is white and decorated with little purple flowers that are painted on the outside. “I got it,” you quickly reassure Lhaine who eyes you dubiously. “Most of the weight is on my good arm.” While it’s both awkward and terrifying having to balance such delicate items using mostly one arm, you use the other to hold it in place, ensuring it won’t abruptly tip over.

“See you,” Lhaine calls after you, obvious skepticism and disapproval evident in her face as she watches you leave.

Carrying the tea set, you’re careful to keep the tray steady with your one arm while you open the door to the library. As you enter you find most of V’s friends inside. While Jay and Suga occupy one of the couches, Jin sits in one of the chairs by the table, an ornate mirror held in his hand. He admires his reflection, fixing a strand of black hair while the duo murmur softly to each other. Off to the side at another chair sits Min, seemingly staring off into space, either concentrating on his visions or listening into their conversation.

Min turns his head, facing your direction as you approach. “Thank you, Ms. Y/N,” he says as you set the porcelain tray down.

“You’re welcome,” you reply, setting each cup onto a saucer before reaching for the teapot as you slowly pour the steaming liquid. Jay, Suga, and Min each take their own while Jin leaves his, attention still focused on inspecting his face.

Arranging the remaining cups, you hesitate, wondering if you should prepare the tea for the others but Min addresses your unspoken question. “You can leave the rest and we’ll pour it once they arrive. That way it’ll be fresh,” he answers with a smile.

“Of course. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No, we’re fine at the moment. How’s your shoulder?” He inquires.

“Better, thank you,” you tell him. There’s still soreness in your muscles when you move a certain way but otherwise it’s slowly improving.

“This is a tragedy,” Jin suddenly moans, everyone’s attention turning towards his abrupt exclamation.

“I wouldn’t call it a tragedy. Unfortunate, sure, but Cellhád was always trying to pass distasteful rules that would upset the balance,” Suga says.

Jin rolls his eyes. “I wasn’t talking about him,” he scoffs with a shake of his head. “I’m talking about the fact that I have a scar.” He points to his upper cheekbone where you can just barely see a crack in his skin, as though it’s about to break off.

Min’s forehead creases at that. “Strange. You’ve just recently shattered so you shouldn’t be losing pieces so soon.”

“Were you playing a little too rough on Hallow’s Evening, old man?” Suga chuckles, earning a glare from Jin in return.

“Tch, ridiculous,” is all he mutters.

“Maybe it’s because you’re still missing a piece of yourself,” Jay wonders, indicating to the fourth finger still absent from his hand. “It’s not like you to lose yourself, literally.”

“No, it’s not that. I’ve went a couple of weeks without a finger before I eventually found it. I just hope it’s nothing to do with my curse progressing or growing stronger,” Jin sighs, fingertips grazing along his skin just below the crack.

“Could there be a medicine or potion that can fix it?” You find yourself asking, drawing their attention to you and you flinch in return. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Min is the one that answers you. “No need to apologize, it’s an honest question. I’m sure you’re thinking of the healing salve that can fix minor cuts and scratches, yes?”

“Yeah, I think so. Miss had given me some the day I came here,” you say, remembering when you hit your head on Loom’s cart all those weeks ago in the Crooked Forest. It feels like a lifetime ago.

“Unfortunately, it wouldn’t do Jin any good because he’s not technically injured. It’s just a part of his curse so he can’t be healed,” Min explains.

“That’s an interesting thought though if we could just glue him back together,” Jay muses, thumb rubbing along his chin. He’s met with a scowl from Jin who seethes in his seat. “Sorry, sorry,” he’s quick to apologize, raising his hands in surrender. “I was just joking, honest.”

“You know this might be a sign that you’ll have to be proactive again in trying to break your curse, right?” Suga pipes in from beside Jay, his gaze fixated on the white butterfly with orange tipped wings that’s perched on the back of his hand.

The anger dissipates from Jin leaving only resignation in its wake as he sighs. “Yes, I was afraid of that.” He shakes his head as though ridding himself of his internal thoughts. “I’ll manage in the meantime. Besides we have more pressing matters at the moment.”

You take that as your queue to leave, realizing all too late that you’ve just been standing there listening in on their conversation. Bowing, you silently excuse yourself and make your way to the library entrance, hearing the discussion shift to the dead senator.

Only the topic switches briefly as Jay asks, “Is that why V’s been studying portals and whatnot?” His voice low, but enough for you to still hear even as you approach the door.

“Will you hush?” Min responds with a quiet snort.

It’s not hard to assume that they’re referring to you. Is that why V has been visiting the library more often?

“Hello, Ms. Y/N,” you hear and turn to find RM standing behind you at the entrance. Jeon stands just behind him, holding the door open for him. “It’s good to see you.”

“Nice to see you both too, sir,” you answer in return.

“How’s recovery been?”

“Going well, thank you. Kala has recommended some great exercises that are really helpful,” you say.

He nods with a smile, revealing two dimples on either cheek and a pair of fangs that peek out. “Yes, she’s a wonderful lady,” he agrees. “Very adept in her studies and work. Please give my regards next time you see her.” Stepping around you, he makes his way to the others with Jeon right at his heels and you softly call the younger boy’s name.

The vampire immediately freezes, gaze fixated straight ahead before he turns his head, crimson eyes meeting your own. He doesn’t say a word, merely staring at you in return.

“I just wanted to say thank you for the drawings. They’ve been really helpful,” you tell him.

Jeon gives a tentative nod, his throat bobbing as he swallows. “You’re welcome,” he quietly murmurs, voice low but also soft, much to your surprise. “Glad you’re feeling better.” And then he quickly walks away, following after RM who’s already seated in one of the lounge chairs, taking his position standing at the bookshelf just behind the group.

                                                               ~*~

Rough stone grazes against your skin as you slowly wake. Taking in your surroundings, you stare out into the pitch black space, and left to feel along the ground until you can stand upright. You hold your palm against the nearest wall of what feels like a cave, using it as a guide to lead you toward what you’re hoping is an exit. As you peer out into the darkness, you catch a glimpse of a faint blue light. It glows in the distance, so you focus on that while continuing to feel along the coarse granite with your hand.

Once you’re close enough, you find the light to be the glow of a lantern hanging from the ceiling. The cobalt flame flickers within the glass that houses it and when peering further ahead, there’s another one down the corridor. You continue towards the next one, losing your sight in the darkness of the cave in between each lantern. As you approach, there’s movement from the shadows and the sound of scrabbling echoes, causing you to flinch.

Moving slowly, you make out the outline of a figure that’s huddled just beyond the reach of the fire’s light. You swallow, voice unable to emerge from your throat besides a thin, whispery, “Hello?” Your muscles tense in preparation, body ready for flight or fight depending on how the person reacts.

But they don’t suddenly attack or scream, or even flinch in response either. Instead, they lift their head before turning to face in your direction. Familiar eyes, glazed with exhaustion, peek out from beneath their hair.

“Faith?”

The quiet call of her name causes your sister to squint as she stares up at you. Recognition is slow to seep in before she answers with your name, the word slow and unsure.

“Yeah, it’s me,” you confirm, resisting the urge to drop down on your knees beside her and hug her tightly. You haven’t seen or spoke to her since the night you nearly died, and while she seemed more coherent then, you’re not sure about the current state she’s in now. It could all be a ploy for her to get you close so she can attack you like all the other times.

Her facial expression lingers between confusion and realization. “You’re alive?”

“I am.”

“You’re alive,” she repeats, before understanding finally dawns. “You’re alive!” She pushes herself to her feet, standing upright so she can look at you directly. “Are you okay?” Her hands grasp your face, bony fingers pressing against your skin and you involuntarily flinch, expecting sharp nails to suddenly pierce through flesh.

“I’m fine,” you tell her while she inspects your face.

“Strange, I didn’t even recognize you. You look different,” she notes, gently pushing you backwards until you’re both standing beneath the glow of the lantern. With the light shining down, it illuminates your figures, including the prominent black in your veins that matches her own. “That’s right, they poisoned you too.”

Now you’re confused as you give her a quizzical look. “Wait, what are you talking about?”

She stares deep into your eyes, seeming to be searching for something. “The darkness inside you. It’s slowly draining you, feasting on your soul, and you won’t be able to fight it off for long.”

Darkness is feasting on your soul? Since when? How coherent is your sister actually? Rather than outright question her and risk possibly angering her, you opt to simply go along with it. “Yeah, you said that once right before trying to kill me,” you note.

A wave of concern sweeps across her features and she pauses, biting at her lip. “I did? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. Things have been fuzzy lately.” She lets out an unsteady breath, her hands shaking against you.

Carefully, you reach up and grab onto her shoulders, internally shuddering at the feel of bone jutting through her skin. “It’s okay, you’re not yourself right now. But everything’ll be fine soon. I’m going to find you a cure so you won’t be sick anymore,” you’re quick to reassure her while she anxiously glances around the space before refocusing on you.

“Wait, how are you going to do that? You can’t help both me and yourself.”

“Why not?”

Your sister winces before shaking her head. “Because they won’t let you. Once they’ve latched on, they won’t let go, not that easily. If you can get rid of the poison from yourself first, then you’ll be able to help me. But I’m glad my memory was useful,” she notes, a relieved smile forming on her lips.

“What memory?”

She blinks. “The one where we played hide and seek outside, silly,” she chuckles.

It takes you a minute as you wrack your brain before remembering the dream of you both playing in the forest as kids until the nightmare transformed it into a terrifying, haunted place. “That was you showing me that? But why? We were just playing around to pass the time.”

“Because that’s where it all began. Don’t you remember what happened in the woods?” She stares at you, worry filling her eyes. “Wait, where are you going?”

You blink and suddenly find yourself further away from her, all the way at another lantern. Glancing around you see you’re at a crossroads with multiple pathways. Each one has a blue lantern except for the one to your left. Instead it’s actually a soft purple.

“I don’t know how but I think I found a way out,” you tell her just as she catches up. You point to the light which causes her brows to furrow together. “Have you seen this before?”

“No, I haven’t. Weird.”

Taking her hand you begin heading down the tunnel, straight towards the odd flame. As you approach, you look further down the dark tunnel for the next lantern. There’s yet another one where the fire is glowing even brighter. You make your way towards it and see it’s now become a burning red.

“Ever seen a red lantern before?” You ask, staring up at it.

“What are you talking about?” She asks, looking at the lantern as well. “That’s blue.”

“Pretty sure I know my colors, sis,” you jokingly remark, voice light as you try to quell the uneasiness. “Okay, what about that one?” You point to the next one further down which is red as well.

“That’s blue too.”

“Why am I seeing red then?” You wonder, continuing towards the flame.

“I don’t know, but maybe we should head back—seriously?” You hear her sigh from behind as you continue heading for the strange lantern. “We don’t even know where we are.”

As you stand below the hanging light, you feel the texture of the floor change and you glance down to feel smooth purple carpet beneath your feet. Looking back up, you stare off into the distance, searching for the next light. Except it’s not a lantern nor is it attached to the ceiling but rather to the sides of the wall. And there’s multiple lamps all in a row emitting a familiar soft red glow.

Since when did the castle have a passageway leading to a dark cave, specifically in the northeast wing?

“We’re back in the castle,” you breathe, glancing around the space behind the thrones.

“What are you talking about? This isn’t a castle,” your sister says. You turn and see her giving you a concerned look.

“I know this place, it’s where I’ve been staying. Come on, I can take you back to my room,” you insist, but she stops you with a shake of her head.

“Y/N, seriously, a castle with red lights? It may be an improvement from this gloomy cave but there’s nothing here,” she answers.

She means it too, her eyes gazing at you with sympathy and it makes your stomach twist into knots. “You can’t see any of it? Not the trio of thrones or winding staircases on either side of us. Not even the red lights. Nothing?” The last word is a helpless plea, urging her the ability to see what you mean. Instead, she tells you something but no sound comes out. “What?”

“Y/N,” you hear the word slowly register within the quiet space as she gingerly grasps onto your wrist. “Are you alright, Ms. Y/N?”

The formal address of your name has you suddenly drawing a sharp breath, dizziness causing your head to spin as you rapidly blink in the dimly lit area. When you look towards your sister, she’s gone. Instead you find Hiss floating in the place where she once stood. Looking down, you see the black tendrils of her hair looped around your arm.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what happened,” you mumble, mind still hazy as you shake off the remnants of sleep.

Hiss hovers before you, red eyes staring with an intensity that sends a shiver up your neck. “Where were you headed?” She asks, voice bright and airy, yet there’s a hint of an accusatory tone underneath the cheerfulness.

“I don’t actually know.” You keep searching the area for a glimpse of your sister or even a glowing blue lantern. But there’s none of that, just the stairwell and the rest of the rooms.

“Do you always go wandering the castle this late at night?”

“No, not really. I have trouble sleeping sometimes,” you say, shifting uncomfortably when you feel the tendrils of her hair just barely tighten their hold on your wrist.

Hiss nods in understanding, the dark strands tethered to you moving along with her. “Hmm. I haven’t seen you up until now. Where do usually go?”

“Normally I just go to the kitchen for a drink and then back to bed,” you helplessly shrug, body stiffening as the seconds pass.

“And you don’t go anywhere else?”

You wordlessly shake your head in response.

She keeps staring back at you and the fact that she has no pupils, just full red eyes, builds tension that seems to fill the space. “You know things were normal around here, boring almost, until you suddenly showed up. Why is that?” Though she’s expecting an honest answer, there’s that accusatory undertone, one that’s laced with bitterness.

“You’re not the first to say something along those lines,” you answer humorlessly, remembering how Kala had mentioned something similar after you had been shot. Except she wasn’t distrustful of you nor had she blamed you for these series of strange and unfortunate events.

“Maybe your presence disrupted the balance. Certainly the natural order of things,” she notes harshly.

Her brewing anger has you wincing, shrinking beneath her searing gaze. “I’m sorry about Thia.” It’s the only thing you can think to say.

“Yeah, me too.” Even if she’s resentful, her words are filled with a resigned defeat as though she’s aged greatly and is left permanently exhausted.

“Hiss? What’re you doing?” Another voice asks as Cara floats forward as she comes around from the front of the thrones. “Oh, Y/N, I didn’t see you there,” she says upon taking notice of you. “Couldn’t sleep again?”

“Again? She does this often?” Hiss questions, her eyes boring incredulously at her sister who nods in confirmation.

“Yes, sometimes we sit and talk in the kitchen.”

“And you didn’t think this was crucial information to share with the King during that damned interrogation?” Hiss’s voice rising as her grip tightens even more around your wrist, causing you to grimace when your bones squeeze from the pressure.

“No, because she’s not the assassin and her nightly walks have nothing to do with what happened. Now let her go, Hiss. You’re hurting her,” she calmly suggests though Cara’s ruby eyes harden in contrast.

“So what? A little discomfort is nothing compared to what Thia felt that day,” Hiss spits.

Even if it’s not intended, her words do the expected damage as Cara visibly flinches, her face tormented by the painful reminder of the fresh wounds that have only just begun healing. “Hiss, that was cruel and completely uncalled for!” Cara shouts in return, aghast at her strong words and attitude.

“What is the meaning of this commotion?” Bell harshly whispers, her head appearing from the second floor as she descends down to where you all are. “Everyone is asleep and you’re having a spat in the middle of the main hall?”

Hiss is the first to respond. “I found her wandering the halls,” she states, tilting her head in your direction.

Bell hardly glances your way. “Yes, she works and lives here. Unless she was going somewhere off limits what does it matter? Otherwise, what of it?”

“Is this just common knowledge I just wasn’t aware of? Thia literally described a strange person the night of Hallow’s Evening and neither of you thought to mention it during the interrogation that she constantly wanders the halls quite often?”

“Because it had nothing to do with what happened during the ball,” Bell similarly repeats Cara’s earlier words. “And did you fail to recall that she was shot by the said assassin?”

“Which could’ve been part of the plan for all we know. She could be in league with them.”

“Oh, that’s ridiculous,” Cara suddenly interjects. “She wouldn’t do that. Besides she’s my friend so quit accusing her such things.”

“As if that matters! Just because she’s nice and all friendly to you doesn’t automatically make her trustworthy,” her sister retorts. “Did you know she also apparently sleepwalks?”

Cara pauses for a moment before she responds with, “She has recurring nightmares, you disembodied dimwit, so no, I’m not surprised.”

“Enough.” While not overly loud, Bell’s assertion is domineering enough to halt the strew of arguments being unleashed. “This bickering is nothing but childish and pointless.” She addresses Hiss first. “Nothing could’ve been done to save Thia that day. You know this even if you won’t accept it. Her fate was sealed the moment the King reached his decision.” She regards her sister’s hair which is still coiled tightly around your wrist to the point you’ve lost feeling in your fingers before she uses her own hair to free you from the strands.

“Cara, take Y/N back to her room,” Bell says to her though her gaze remains on Hiss until she turns to you. “And if you could please remain in your room for the rest of the night until morning call it would be much appreciated.”

“Of course. I’m sorry for the trouble I caused,” you answer, feeling guilty of being the cause of the tension between the sisters.

“No need to apologize, Y/N. Have a good rest of the night.”

When you stop at your door, you rest your hand on the handle but don’t open it. “Are you really not surprised by my sleepwalking?” You ask Cara who floats beside you. “I don’t remember doing it ever in my life until now.”

She gently smiles at you, warmth burning within the crimson of her eyes. “Your nightmares have slowly but surely become worse, so I assume that that’s the reason. Even if it somehow isn’t, I don’t believe you’re deceitful or involved in any malicious things.” A weight of sadness causes her smile to slightly wane. “Hiss is just taking Thia’s death especially hard. We’re all close, but those two were inseparable just like Bell and I are. She’ll be okay, so don’t worry,” she reassures you.

All you can do is nod, hoping that she’s right. “Thank you, Cara. You’re a good friend.”

Her smile lifts, revealing teeth as she beams. “I’m glad to hear it, that really means a lot.”

You both wave before you head inside, immediately heading to sit down on your bed. For a few minutes you simply stare down at the carpet beneath your feet, trying to remember the dream you were having while sleepwalking. Something pertaining to your sister but the details are foggy and incoherent.

Huffing in frustration, you’re about to lay down only to stop short upon noticing the pile of dust beside your nightstand. Bending down, you pick up the small navy pouch that’s next to it, recognizing it as the sleeping powder the Queen gave to you. You must’ve somehow knocked it over while you were sleepwalking you think as you dump the thin granules into the bin. As you lie down and burrow beneath the covers, you internally sigh in relief when sleep returns without issue.

When you wake up later on, you feel a twinge in your lower abdomen as you get out of bed. You soon find out the cause of discomfort once you use the restroom and see blood on the toilet paper. Oh joy. You feel a bit miffed that Mother Nature can visit you even down in Hell. Apparently your body has become acclimated enough to the environment, despite the constant stress.

Maybe this is why you suddenly sleepwalked and thought you were with your sister. The shift inside you could be causing strange dreams. One could only hope the answer is as simple as that. After putting some folded toilet paper into your underwear, you finish getting ready before heading downstairs.

                                                               ~*~

In the kitchen, you’re peacefully finishing the rest of your lunch with only Chef for company since Lhaine left to go finish her tasks. That is, until Bren enters the room along with Mel, the latter giving you a disgusted look while the former doesn’t even acknowledge your presence. Not that you’re complaining. As they pass by, you notice Bren has a black ribbon wrapped around her neck, entwined into a little bow at the back, just below her tied up hair. You’re not sure about the color but perhaps because it’s worn higher up it represents a greater status compared to the purple one given to you by the prince for your wrist. Unless this is more of a fashion choice instead.

Both girls head to the counter to eat lunch with Bren gathering food onto a plate while Mel preps the drinks. The latter catches you staring at them and sneers in return. “Can we help you?” She snaps.

You shrug, returning to your own food. “Nothing. Just noticed the new fashion accessory,” you softly compliment. “It’s pretty.”

Mel snorts under her breath, immediately pursing her lips as she focuses on pouring the water. Bren, on the other hand, delivers you with a scalding expression that would probably melt you faster than lava if she possessed that capability. “Oh, you mean this ribbon that signals my disgraced status? Why, how sweet of you to say. You’re probably so satisfied beneath that disgusting saccharine façade,” she spits, cheeks burning red as her eyes tear over.  

Shit, definitely screwed that up. As if she doesn’t already hate your guts. “No, that’s not what I meant. I thought it was by choice, I’m sorry,” you apologize, stumbling over the words, honestly not meaning to offend her or stir the pot. Should’ve just kept your mouth shut.

“Whatever,” Bren sighs, setting their plates on the table before taking her glass from Mel. She takes a sip, immediately frowning at the taste. “How can plain water be so bland and yet so gross?” She mumbles mostly to herself.

Mel shrugs in response. “I know. The wine back home was so much nicer. Ah, maybe one day we’ll get to have a bottle just for ourselves like we used to,” she sighs, reminiscing on past memories.

Her comment elicits another grimace from Bren who doesn’t say anything, instead pointedly keeping her gaze on her unsalted meat and bread. You take the opportunity to gather your plate, finishing off your own glass of water before quickly rinsing them in the sink. Once you’re done, you leave the kitchen so you can get back to your own tasks.

                                                               ~*~

After retrieving, the sheets from the laundry room, you drag the fraying wicker basket behind you, using the hook of the clothes hanger to tug it along. While washing and changing the prince’s bedsheets isn’t too strenuous, you’re not allowed to pick up heavy things as it’ll strain your shoulder and the basket isn’t exactly designed for resting against your hips so you’ve had to improvise in that regard.

Only when you get to the main hall and approach the stairs, you have to crouch down and pull the basket handle up step by step using your own hand so as to prevent the clean sheets from accidentally spilling out. You’re about halfway there when another hand appears and grabs a hold of the other handle. As you glance up, you’re taken by surprise that you can only blankly stare.

“Hurry up, will you? Before you throw out my back,” Rae complains, scowling at your dumbfounded state.

You move then, lifting up the handle with your good arm while she does the same and follows you up the rest of the steps. Instead of leaving you at the top of the staircase she continues walking behind you all the way into the prince’s bedroom which is vacant.  

The two of you set the basket on the ottoman and she already begins unloading the sheets, splaying them against the bare bed. “Thanks,” you say, unsure of how to process this situation.

“Don’t mention it,” she responds, and you take her words at face value.

While you walk to the other side of the bed, your eyes wander to V’s desk and all the books splayed across it. Though you deliberately avoid reading the open pages lest your eyes begin bleeding you happen to catch a glimpse of one book with the title Portaling. So he really has been researching possible ways to escape. The fact that he’s taking this extra time to help you, even though he clearly said he would, still warms your heart. It gives you a sense of relief that there’s someone who has more knowledge and resources, not to mention better luck than you in finding out how to escape from Hell.

Fabric hits the back of your head and you grab the pillowcase before it falls. “Quit snooping through the prince’s room and tuck the sheets in properly,” Rae snaps, her face pinched as she roughly begins working on her side.

Moving quicker, you do the same as you both work in silence, finishing the bed and then sliding the silken pillowcases onto the pillows. “While I appreciate you helping me carry the basket, why bother in the first place? I don’t get the impression I’m liked by you.”

She scoffs. “I don’t hate you if that’s what you’re implying.” Her hands deftly fold the excess pillowcases and blankets, stacking them into small piles.

“You and your friends aren’t exactly fond of me either,” you note, also folding the rest of the laundry.

“They’re not my friends,” she snaps before realizing what she said. “I mean, we’re cousins,” she amends.

You’re taken by surprised though you then remember that they’re all the same type of creature. “Either way, you’ve all hated me from the moment I got here. So I’m sorry if I’m a little apprehensive.”

Rae pauses her folding, blowing out a breath of exasperation as she looks away, avoiding eye contact. “I’m not doing this in an attempt to fulfill Bren’s debt to you, just as a favor for you since you saved her life.”

“Oh, well, thanks,” you awkwardly say. “I was just trying to help.”

“Right. And I meant it when I said don’t mention it. I doubt the prince would want me in here at all even if it’s for a task.”

“Why? I mean, isn’t this a part of our job?” You reason with her.

She hesitates, before answering, “Well, yes, but you have seniority over me. So you should be the one to take care of it first. Besides I’m sure he’d prefer asking you anyway,” she mutters that last part to herself.

“What do you mean? I haven’t been here that long at all.”

“Yeah, but remember what His Highness said after our little ‘tussle’? He demoted Bren and gave you her position as personal servant. So unless he wants something from me specifically, he’ll most likely ask you instead.”

“Is that why she hates me? Because she sees me as a threat?” Bren’s mentioned before how he’ll be hers soon. But with you getting closer to him recently, she probably assumes you’re taking over her territory.

Rae is about to answer yes, but stops short. “They’re close. Well, they had been until you came along,” she mumbles yet again.

All this animosity because they think you’re trying to sabotage a supposed romantic relationship? This is so stupid. You sigh before answering. “I don’t care about whatever connection they have or who’s interested in who, okay? I got kidnapped by demons and now just want out. That’s it. So can all of you just leave me out of this?”

She stares at you for a moment, a look of shock stuck in place until she shakes her head. “Well, Bren doesn’t exactly have a choice. She owes you for saving her from being executed.” As soon as she says it, she scrunches her nose and lets out a noise of frustration as she curses beneath her breath. “I mean, that’s traditionally how it goes, but that’s between you and her. I don’t care for you one way or another, so you stay out of my way and I’ll do the same.”

“Fine by me,” you agree, picking up the now empty basket as you get ready to leave.

“But I will say that you helping Bren be spared is, appreciated.” Rae is keeping her gaze fixated onto the ground and then she turns before quickly leaving the room.

You’re left awkwardly standing and staring at the spot she was just occupying. “You’re welcome,” you softly respond in the quiet space.

                                                               ~*~

Later on, you make a stop at the bathroom near the servants’ quarters, intent on relieving yourself and changing out your “pad.” Seriously, someone needs to start stealing from above ground or inventing proper hygiene products because this is just ridiculously primeval. As you go inside, you head for an open stall only to nearly crash into the restroom door when there’s a loud bang from inside one of the closed stalls.

“Are you kidding me?” A voice shouts, the sound followed by rustling from behind just before a toilet flushes. The stall door flies open, slamming against the wall as Bren emerges, her face red and clearly upset by something. She stops short when she sees you awkwardly standing at the entrance, ready to turn around and bolt. Her lips pinch together before she eventually mutters, “Period problems.” She walks towards the sink so she can wash her hands.

Nodding quietly, you walk behind her as you head towards one of the stalls. “I get it. Sorry, that might be my hormones setting your body’s off. I don’t know if the synchronization is a good or a bad thing,” you snort.

In the mirror, you catch a glimpse of her reflection as the muscles in her face tighten, nose beginning to protrude. Her hands, which were just about to turn on the water, are gripping onto the handles as she lets out a sharp exhale. “Whatever. It is what it is,” she whispers the last part, and you barely catch it though you don’t respond, going into the stall before locking the door as you do.

                                                               ~*~

Something tickles against your cheek causing your face to twitch. The irritating sensation returns and you reach a hand up to rub at your skin, finding it oddly wet. Opening your eyes, you’re greeted by surrounding darkness, a halo of dim blue light shining down on you. Another droplet hits your forehead and you realize it’s water.

Looking around the space, you hear the pool of water before you see it, the pinging droplets splashing every so often. You crawl towards it, nightgown scraping across the rough dirt and stone until you reach the end before peering down into it. There’s nothing to see except your own reflection. Until, through the depths emerges a face that floats closer. One you can immediately recognize despite the haggard look.

Her eyes meet yours and she parts her lips to which you lean closer.

“Boo,” you hear the word whispered right in your ear. Arms wrap around you as you jump, immediately turning to find your sister beside you.

“Faith,” you gasp, flinching at how cold her body is.

“Sis,” she greets in return with a grin. “Maybe this time don’t go running off, yeah?” While she may be smiling, the grip she has on you is tight and unrelenting.

“Right,” you breathe, an icy chill freezing in the pit of your stomach. “Sorry, I don’t know what happened.”

She pulls you up away from the water and starts guiding you down another path. “Come on, let’s stick together and not chase after strange lights,” she suggests. “Where’d you disappear off to last time? It’s like you completely vanished.”

How do you even begin to explain your current situation in Hell to her? “I woke up. For some reason we’ve been able to see each other but only in our dreams,” you tell her.

It’s silent except for the echoing droplets of water dripping into the miniscule puddles at your feet. Beneath the blue light that hangs above your heads as you pass by, you see confusion cloud your sister’s hazy eyes. She seems lost in distant thoughts before she finally speaks. “Our dreams? That can’t be.”

“But it’s true. That’s the only time I’ve been able to see and talk to you. You’re in the hospital in a coma.”

“Hospital.” She speaks the word slowly as though it’s foreign to her. “I barely remember but I think mom and dad took me. I haven’t been there in a while.”

“What?” Her words cause you to go painstakingly still as if your bones are stiffening in place. “That can’t be. It must be because you’re asleep. How else would we be able to see, I mean, I’d know if. . .” You trail off, the air being squeezed from your lungs, unable to draw it back in.

Faith grimaces, her arm ever so slightly tightening around your shoulders. “I haven’t seen mom or dad, or anyone remotely alive, besides you. Feels like I’ve been lost in these tunnels for ages. I don’t even know if I can leave, let alone get back.”

No, it can’t be. You shake your head. “We just haven’t found the right path. I saw the lights change color last time so surely that’s the key to getting out of here,” you tell her, turning your attention towards the next blue light in the distance.

“Sis,” she calls softly, “there’s nothing besides the blue orbs. Maybe you can somehow see something different but I can’t.”

“Then I’ll guide us by following the different colored lights. They must mean something important,” you insist, already heading off in one direction. Your sister follows close behind though she’s hesitant. As you approach the next blue orb, you see a red one hovering off in the distance. “See? There’s a red one down there. Come on,” you urge her, grabbing her arm as you tug her along.

And then you find yourself sprinting, dashing towards the red lights that float farther away. The grip you have on your sister’s arm loosens and you look back, seeing her all the way behind you. “Aren’t you coming?”

“There’s nothing down that way! It’s just a large precipice,” she yells.

You’re confused until you feel jagged stone touch your palms and you find yourself on your hands and knees, holding onto the protruding edge. Staring down below into the darkness, you barely make out the faint red glow all the way down at the bottom.

“Wait, stop!” You hear her shout from behind.

But it’s like your body has a mind of its own, and you’re just a spectator, as you suddenly lean forward before falling into the dark pit.

You hear your name called from behind but there’s nothing to stop your descent, that is, until something wraps around your waist and yanks you back.

The dark abyss falls back as it’s chased away by a soft glowing light of a chandelier you realize as you hit the ground with a grunt, suddenly finding yourself staring up at the high ceiling. Without looking, you know that you’re on the purple carpet that lines the second floor of the castle.

Not in bed like you’re supposed to be.

“Y/N?”

At the sound of your name, you turn your head and see V lying beside you, worry etched along his features. “Are you alright?” His ebony wings are out, curled up around him, bare chest heaving.

It takes you a second too late to realize you’re openly staring while he waits for your answer. You scramble to push yourself up into a sitting position and he follows suit. “I’m sorry,” you blurt out the apology before the uncomfortable silence can smother you. “I think I was caught in a dream and must’ve been sleepwalking again.”

He stares at you incredulously, seemingly at a loss for words while he rakes a hand through his hair, ruffling the blond locks. “I didn’t know your sleepwalking also meant climbing over the balcony railing and nearly falling to your death.”

“My death?”

“Yes,” he lets out a laugh of disbelief, void of any humor. “I was doing some work in the library when I thought I heard voices and movement so I came out to look then saw you balancing precariously on the railing before pulling you away. Thank goodness I happened upon you when I did.”

Why would you be climbing the railing you wonder as you glance over towards it. You vaguely remember trying to climb something in your dream but nothing’s distinct. Just a shroud of darkness that clouds the small pieces still at the forefront. Something about your sister and shadows. How are you forgetting your dreams all of a sudden?

“I’m glad you found me when you did. Thank you,” you say. “I’ve never sleepwalked before until now.”

He cocks his head slightly, chewing the inside of cheek. “Odd. I hope it’s not due to stress especially since Miss is supposed to be giving you a lighter workload. It’s not because of what happened at the celebration, is it?”

The memory of the bullet piercing your shoulder causes it to faintly twinge and you shudder slightly at the painful reminder. “No, it’s not that. I think my dreams have just been weird lately. Probably just worrying about my sister.” You trail off, thinking about what you could’ve been talking to her about until you suddenly remember her mention being lost in the tunnels. And then you recall the blue lights inside that empty cave with the never ending passageways. How can she possibly be trapped there? What state is she in back home if she thinks she’s stuck in the tunnels?

You know of one way to find out. Risking a glance at V, you see him still studying you, expression unreadable. “I know it’s late and I don’t mean to inconvenience you, but can you take me to your mother’s garden?”

“To see your sister I presume?”

You nod in return. “I’m sorry, I just want to see if she’s okay.”

His eyes soften then, a glimmer of sympathy flickering from within. “Alright.” V gets to his feet and carefully helps you up as well.

Neither of you speak a word as you cut through your room and fly down to the greenhouse rooftop with you held securely in his arms. Crouching down before the crystal clear waters, it unveils another part of your dream as you half expect your sister’s face to appear beside your own. But she doesn’t. Instead, your reflection is accompanied by V’s own, the prince resting against the rock by the pond.

As you hold your anklet above the undisturbed water, your hand trembles and you mentally steel yourself for what you might see. Will she just be an empty shell with hardly any remnants of the sister you once knew? Could she actually be that far gone? If so, then it’ll all be for nothing. You try forcing your hand to shove down and just get it over with, but your arm is locked in place.

“You don’t have to if you’re not comfortable, little dove,” V speaks from beside you. “Sometimes it’s easier to not know.” There’s a truth to his sentiment one that’s probably all too familiar for him.

“I know, but if she’s, gone,” you nearly choke on the word, “then is there any point in all this searching?”

“Yes, yourself,” he answers simply. “Even if she’s moved on, we’ll still keep searching for a way to get you home. I’m sure your parents are also missing you dearly.”

“Well, they assume I’m still a part of that internship with Sir. But you’re right.” They’d be devasted at losing not one, but both of their daughters. Staying with your head buried in the sand isn’t an option, at least one that isn’t sustainable in the slightest.

Swallowing, you lower your hand and let the anklet be submerged in the pond. Just like before the water ripples until cracks form along the surface and then shatters, revealing the shimmering glow of crystals. And just like last time, you see the dark hospital room with your dad asleep in the chair nearby. Your sister remains in her bed but nothing has really changed. She still looks the same, except her bones don’t seem to be as noticeable.

“Is it possible she’s getting better on her own?” You wonder aloud, refusing to allow hope to flourish.

“Perhaps. She could be healing on her own or they might’ve found a cure for her,” V says, sitting up slightly to peer into the water. “Do you feel a little better at least?”

“A little. I just wish I knew how much time I had. How much time she has,” you sigh, pulling your anklet out which causes the water to stop glittering before returning to its original state. “Thank you for bringing me here.” You slip the accessory back around your ankle, fingers pinching the strings while you remain staring at it.

“Of course, Y/N. It’s the least I can do,” he tells you. His hand reaches out and touches the fabric lightly as you feel him lean closer beside you. “You know, this would actually be a popular accessory here.”

Perplexed, you turn to face him and are startled by how close he actually is to you, your shoulders nearly brushing each other. “Really?”

He nods, a ghost of a smile forming on his lips. “Honest. These are the most favored colors to wear here.”

“That sounds about right,” you snort. As if Hell hasn’t always been associated with red and black since probably the beginning of time.

“Aesthetics aside, from a symbolic perspective, I think your sister chose well.”

“Red for danger and black for death? Yeah, that sounds about right in my case.”

He chuckles with a shake of his head, his fingers tracing along the skin of your ankle. “Colors can have a variety of meanings as I’m sure you’re already aware. I prefer to think of them as representing courage and power which better suits you,” he says, drawing your gaze to him with an undeniable pull.

Eyes interlocked, it takes full control for you to break the connection, focusing instead on the flowers sat on a table behind him. The literal bloodred roses are in full bloom with blood droplets dripping into the soil they’re planted in. Swallowing, you finally answer. “And you study the meaning of colors too? Fascinating.”

One shoulder lifts in a half-shrug. “I know a small bit. Otherwise how else would I be able to dress fashionably?” He jokes. “Actually, mother is the one who’s well-versed in the symbolic meaning of colors. I just know the most about red and black because of how much they pertain to our world.” His hand drops away from your ankle, the warmth escaping with him. “Are you ready to go back?” When you nod, he gathers you into his arms and stands before flying up through the opening in the ceiling.

The sudden change in gravity has you quickly wrapping your arms around his neck so you can hang on even if he has a secure grip on you. While there’s not much of a breeze, the night is still rather cool, enough to slowly sap the heat from your body especially with the thin nightgown you’re currently wearing. Thankfully the heat from V’s bare skin is more than enough to at least help you retain some warmth. And yet, despite being shirtless, he’s not fazed in the slightest by the night air.

It only takes a few seconds for you to reach the balcony of your room, but rather than setting you on your feet, he instead carries you to your bed and gently sets you down on the soft mattress. His arms don’t slide out from underneath you and you don’t release the hold you from around his neck. “Hopefully now that you’ve seen her, you can rest easier tonight. And I’ll let the heads know to keep an eye out in case you begin sleepwalking again. You’ve already survived one close call and I don’t want you getting hurt,” he says.

“Thanks, I hope that’ll be the last of it too.” With the close proximity, your noses almost brush and if you only lift your head a tad then your lips would touch. The notion has you wanting to draw closer, an innate urge to feel how soft they might be.

V also peers down at you with an intensity of his own before he moves first. He leans closer, lips drawing near and your mouth tingles in anticipation of making contact only for you to feel a gentle touch against your cheek. As he presses a kiss on your skin, your face feels hot, cheeks rapidly heating as a result and you know he must be able to feel the warmth radiating on his lips.

And then he pulls away much too soon, removing his arms from around you while your own limply fall into your lap. “Rest well, little dove,” he murmurs, his umber eyes now a molten onyx, with a longing that hides just below the surface.

“Good night, V.” You somehow manage to gain control of your voice, entire body now warm with no traces of the frigid night air left remaining.

Leaving you with one more smile, you watch him walk to the door, his wings the last that you see before the door closes shut. He just kissed you on the cheek. While the two of you have been nothing but amicable, once he dropped the initial flirtatious façade and arrogance, is he implying something different now? Or was that simply a friendly gesture? You can’t tell, having no idea what the demonic customs are and you’re not sure exactly how much of the human ones apply in this instance either.

Needless to say, sleep doesn’t come for the rest of the night. Even as you try tossing and turning, you only manage dozing off every so often. The hours drag by as you fidget beneath your covers before you finally just get up and dressed for the day. You’re walking down the hall towards the kitchen as you decide to go ahead and eat breakfast since morning call will be soon enough anyway. Besides, you want to talk to Lhaine and ask her about the prince’s display of affection. Or maybe you should hold off on telling her, not sure if you’re prepared for her onslaught of questions and comments.

Before you step onto the stairs, you hear voices and see a pair of figures standing just behind the thrones. Ducking down, you press against the wall, straining to hear what they’re saying.

“Any new information?” The first person asks and you recognize him as the King, only now able to catch a glimpse of his glowing red eye.

“No, I’m afraid information has been scarce and no one seems to know the exact coordinates,” the other person says. Though you crane your neck, their back faces you and they’re obscured in the shadows yet they seem to be male.

“Even at the last location?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“You’ve already failed me once,” the King growls. “Keep searching and only report back once you’ve discovered something useful to our quest. The gemstone mustn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

“Of course, Your Majesty, the family’s stability is of utmost importance and I will not rest until we succeed.” The other person gives a bow before walking off, disappearing into the dark shadows below the stairwell while the King heads off in the opposite direction. It’s only when they’re gone do you suddenly remember the strange shadowy figure you saw in the garden when you first began staying in your old room, realizing that that’s the same person.

You continuing waiting at the top of the stairs until the slightest sliver of twilight begins creeping through the windows before you finally stand up straight, knees stiff from being in that position. What in the world could the King possibly want with some gemstone?

— — — 

<— Previous | | Next —>

A/N: Meant to post this yesterday, but editing took longer and I was reworking some scenes. Hope y’all enjoy! Thoughts and comments are always welcome. I’m hoping to be back on tumblr more often soon, just been busy with life but I’m doing my best to keep the momentum going on my writing. This turtle is still chugging along, slowly but surely. Thank you again for your patience! <3

#v scenarios #taehyung scenarios #bts scenarios #bts imagines #v #bts #demon!v #My writing #To Hell and Back

[insfiringyou]

BTS - Pottery Class (Max x Cassandra) & (V x Da-eun)

Contains: smut, fluff, first meetings.

Set a month following Christmas Morning, Cassandra and Max go on a date. 

You can find out more about our headcanon universe and ongoing storyline here and more about our headcanon girlfriends here.

To read each member & their girlfriend’s headcanon universe fics in order, follow the links here: RM   /   Jin /   Suga /   J-Hope   /   Jimin   /   V   /   Jungkook & our full masterlist of fanart and fanfictions can be found here

If you wish to follow all member’s storylines in chronological order from the beginning, you can find them listed here.

Rated content below the cut

Max smiled as he tucked in the edges of the small, blue shirt; its miniature size almost comical on the child’s small frame. Gabriel was surprisingly still for him, though his hips wriggled when he got to the back, rocking from side to side in his likewise scaled-down boots which Cassandra had tied carefully for him earlier, making sure to double-knot. Looking up, he could only see the back of her head; her long, dark waves cascading down the back of her dress where the ends skimmed the edge of her waistband; the navy garment cinched in with a tie belt. She was waiting at the window, fingering the edges of the plain, dark curtains expectantly and it wasn’t until Max drew up to his full height and touched her shoulder gently she turned around with a little, startled jolt. Her eyes moved from him to her child, almost apprehensively. 

“Is he ready?” She asked. 

Max nodded. “Looking smart. Is his bag packed?”

She nodded, gesturing towards the hallway. “All ready.” Looking back, she drew away from the sill quickly. “I think that’s his car.” 

Automatically, Max bent down to address the child, knowing full-well the shirt would likely be covered in food by the end of the day, but appreciating the amusingly formal attire Cassandra had picked out for him. Despite his age, it already suited him and he undeniably looked stylish, or as stylish as it was possible for a three year old to look. “Are you ready to go?” He asked with a smile, an exaggerated excitement evident in his tone. 

The child grinned, clutching his hands together at his chest. “Yes!”

His expression was contagious and Max smoothed his dark hair lightly, teasing a curl. “Good boy. You’ll be good for your dad won’t you?”

His arms outstretched, holding them out to the taller gentleman. “Daddy!”

Max’s expression softened as Cassandra moved between them, reaching for his hand and steering her son towards the hallway. 

“Daddy’s waiting outside for you.” She corrected, giving Max a knowing look as he held back, allowing her to answer the door. He busied himself in the living room as he heard the twist and click of the lock, wanting to give them some privacy. There was a clutter of toys on the floor and he scooped them up one by one as Cassandra’s voice drifted through the gap in the door.��

“He’s got everything he needs.”

“How’s he been?” A familiar voice said, stifled a little by the sound of the street outside as a car drove past. 

 “...up all night. You’ll probably get some quiet time.” She sounded tired and Max wondered whether that had been the primary cause for her anxious demeanour this morning. After making them breakfast she had been pacing a little, running her hands through her long locks as she watched the clock. Then again, they hadn’t been on a date in god knows how long, if ever. He wasn’t sure whether those brief coffee breaks had counted as dates, while Cassandra watched Gabriel in the play area of the cafe with one eye. Nor those classes he ran after hours, where they both had time to talk, while the baby, only a year old at the time, had sat asleep in his car seat in the corner; tucked in tightly the way he liked which seemed to prevent him from waking up and crying. Being alone together was a luxury they had only been granted recently, while his father took him out for the day, and often it involved them cleaning the house before crashing on the sofa together until it was time to pick him up. Overnight stays had been a lifesaver, allowing Cassandra the time to sleep off her exhaustion from the day before and giving them a chance to be intimate. She had been cautious at first, worrying the child would ask for her and not wanting to leave him for so long, but she had been getting better at that. Taehyung was reassuring and Gabriel always returned with a smile on his face. Perhaps she was fretting needlessly. 

“Has he eaten?” Max heard the man say, but her reply was cut off by another passing car.

“...some snacks.” She paused. “Just wait until he’s hungry.”

He could almost picture the man’s sombre nod, he always seemed so serious. “I got a new car seat.”

“Good, he was outgrowing the old one.” 

Max detected the small smile in her voice before she hesitated, growing quiet. 

“Is that her?”

He didn’t hear the response but his ears pricked up interestedly, suspecting he knew who she was talking about. He was a little surprised; the other man only spoke of her briefly during conversations and she had never, to his knowledge, accompanied him on his visits. 

“Is she shy?” Cassandra asked, not unkindly. 

“...better if she waited.” Taehyung said, the first half of the sentence obscured and lost as the pair moved away from the doorway and into the street. 

“I don’t bite.” Cassandra said softly, her voice clearer; the lilting rises and falls of her accent more familiar to him. “She can come and say hello.”

The door was left open but he could no longer hear the exchange as they seemingly walked away, towards the car. Max considered moving to the window to catch a glimpse of the young woman in question; suddenly curious as to what she looked like, but decided against it, distracted instead by the throw on the sofa which had come loose from its tucked-in confines and the scatter of pillows which had fallen to the floor. When he straightened up, satisfied the room looked presentable, Cassandra’s voice returned as she handed the other man the small rucksack she had packed earlier. 

“Have fun…” She said gently, the tone of her voice unreadable among the background noise, followed by the sound of the door closing. He turned to the hallway door as she walked into the room, his eyes drawn to the fabric of her dress which wrapped around her body elegantly. The belt, tightly drawn in accentuated her hips and bust; the small glimmer of cleavage attractive and a little sexy. It was different to what she usually wore around the house; though her plain blue jeans always seemed sexy to him too, in an understated way. He sometimes wondered how she managed to pull them off so effortlessly. She smiled appreciatively, noticing he had tidied up, and he felt a shift in her mood. Perhaps having Gabriel dressed and out of the house had put her more at ease. 

“Do you want to get changed?” He asked cheerfully, feeling his own emotions lifting along with hers. 

She looked down, brushing the edge of the fabric with her long, spindly fingers. “Should I dress up?” Her eyebrows knitted together and he shook his head softly. 

“I was thinking you might want to wear something you don’t mind getting messy.” He clarified.

Her smile widened. “I don’t tend to get messy.”

Max laughed, walking over and talking her hand in his. “But I’m not so good.” He admitted. “You can wear something of mine.”

She hesitated, fingers loosely wrapped around his, but eventually she nodded. “If you insist.”

***

She had taken him up on the offer and paired one of his plain, band tees with her dark skinny jeans; hair tied back in a long ponytail to keep it out of the way. Max had been grateful, when his first attempt on the wheel had caused somewhat of a mess to the point he drew away from the spinning device and turned his attention instead to creating something a little more modest. Cassandra peered at the table in front of them with an amused smile.“What’s that supposed to be?”

He looked up, moving his palms away from the clay so she could see. “A turtle.” He blinked seriously. “Can’t you tell?”

She laughed at his expression as it changed, dropping the act. “Maybe if I squint.”

His smile widened and he leaned over to peck her cool cheek, lips tingling at the contact. “You’re too cruel…”

She turned her attention back to the wheel which she started again with a press on the pedal, smoothing the edges of the pot artfully and with an ease he admired. “It’s head looks kind of phallic.” She added mischievously, casting a playful glance in his direction.

He sighed dramatically, eyeing the misshapen lump between his hands with mock disappointment. “Maybe you’re right.”

Her eyebrow crooked. “An ex lover perhaps?”

He grinned easily. “Never this crooked.” He admitted, turning his attention to her as he watched her hands move, almost sensually, along the vase she was creating. It was beautiful to see, how it formed so easily beneath her palms, like she had been doing it all her life. “Have you seen one like this?” He cheerfully asked, a little mockingly. 

She shook her head, turning to face him dead on. “Not for a while.”

His head snapped back in laughter, causing a few glances from the opposite side of the room where a few students worked at their own wheels, thankfully at a distance where he doubted they could overhear their conversation. He vaguely wondered if they could speak English. He noticed that despite their formal overgarments, their skill paled in comparison to hers and he voiced his approval happily. “Yours is coming out beautifully.” The corners of her lips upturned in a thankful smile and he pressed on. “I’ll get you some flowers.”

“Thank you.” She murmured gently. “It’ll be spring soon. Tulips would be nice.”

The sound of her voice made his stomach warm pleasantly and he edged his seat a little closer to her. “You’re good with the wheel.”

She paused her movement, bringing the wheel to a stop as she offered him a place. “Why don’t you have a go?”

He paused, a timid smile on his lips. “You saw my attempt earlier...”

Reaching down, she moved the stool aside, giving him room. “I’ll show you…” She protested lightly. “Sit here.”

Hesitantly, he moved the small stool in front of her and sat down, realising he was blocking her view and moving aside a little to give her space beside him. Her hands moved to his, touching them gently as she moved them towards the tall vase, its sloping curves almost echoing her own, and encouraged him to press down with a little more force than he expected. Feeling more secure, he activated the pedal which allowed the smooth clay to spin between his palms, allowing her to guide his hands where needed. They fell silent for a moment; the low chatter from across the room fading into the background, though he noticed a few quick glances in their direction. Perhaps his appearance was novel to them; an unusually tall, pale-haired man with the first, stubbly shadow of a beard being led by a woman who managed to make a pair of jeans look like the epitome of fashion. 

“Isn’t this romantic?” She commented, a little dreamily, breaking his trail of thought.

He looked up, a shy smile on his lips. “Maybe if we were alone.”

“They aren’t paying attention.” She dismissed, moving his hands down smoothly; the clay running slipperily between their connected fingers.

“I’ve got it.” He reassured, encouraging her to move away as he took hold of the vase and continued to shape it on his own. She moved back, and he thought he sensed a twinge of disappointment in her expression. Either way, it quickly disappeared as she adjusted the stool next to the table and picked up the diformed turtle distractedly. 

“I used to have my own wheel…” She said quietly, thinking. “I don’t know what happened to it.”

He slowed down his movement, bringing the machinery to a stop before looking at her. “Maybe you could get another.”

She shrugged, looking disinterestedly at the object in her hand. “I was attached to my old one…they are quite expensive.”

“Did you make many things?” He asked. 

She was quiet for a moment, before shaking her head to herself. “I must have misplaced them.” 

The sound of footsteps made them both turn towards the female instructor who walked past their table, signalling she was ready to collect the vase. 

“When will they be ready?” Cassandra asked politely in Korean. 

“You can collect next week.” The older woman replied, allowing Max to give her space as she worked on the wheel. 

“Why does it take so long?” Max asked Cassandra, sticking with English.

“They have to allow it to dry.” She explained in Korean, almost automatically. 

“If you want to glaze it you can attend our class next week.” The lady offered. 

Cassandra turned to Max hopefully. “That would be nice.” She gestured towards the table, picking up a small ball of the dough-like substance and kneading it against the table with her fingers. “We still have a little left. I might make something quickly.” 

Sensing the removal of the vase would take more time than anticipated, Max got up from the chair, allowing the instructor to sit down as she worked on trimming the edges around the bottom with a little wooden tool while he went to wash his hands in the large basin at the other side of the room. Looking down, he observed he had been right to dress down that day; his old jeans were covered in clay and he hoped he had remembered to pack some black garbage bags in the trunk of his car to line the seats when they returned home. Cassandra was chatting away to the instructor as she shaped the ball of clay with her hands, crafting it into a round dish and using a flat-edged tool to create a pattern around the rim. He took his time at the sink, making sure he cleaned his fingernails with the brush at the back before finally heading back towards Cassandra who looked at him with a pleased smile.

“What is it?” He asked. 

She shrugged. “Just for trinkets. I like the edges.”

He peered at the pot amusedly. “An ashtray.” He commented, making her laugh. 

“I haven’t seen those for a while.” 

He shrugged. “Maybe you could start a business.”

She raised an eyebrow to herself, quickly finishing the last of the waved grooves in the brim “How very 90s…”

He took a spare seat beside her. “Are you having fun?”

“Yes.” She looked at him happily. “Are you?”

He smirked. “I think you are better than me.”

“That doesn’t matter.” She dismissed gently and he could see she meant it. His chest once again seemed warm beneath the surface of his skin as he realised how happy she seemed to be in the studio. He remembered seeing that look when they first met; how he had noticed it among his other students; her standing out like a bright star as she painted with the baby on her lap. “It’s nice being out together.” She continued. “Maybe you could start pottery classes at your art centre. That way we could come more often.” Cassandra asked hopefully. 

“Mmm.” He murmured, appreciating her suggestion but already thinking of the mess he would have to clean up once the clay ended up in the more unskilled hands of his usual patrons. Looking back, he could see she had already turned her attention back to the sleek trinket tray which she was studying with interest. 

“I think I’ll take this one home.” She murmured, getting slowly to her feet. 

He picked up his own design, which seemed lumpy and juvenile in comparison. “Do you think Gabriel will like this?”

“The penis turtle?” She quipped dryly. 

He smiled good naturedly. “Maybe he could paint it.”

Cassandra nodded. “That’s very sweet of you.”

***

Max had been waiting for her to finish her shower while he got changed into the clothes he had neatly folded in the bottom of her wardrobe. While he had not yet leased his apartment on the other side of town, he found himself staying with her more often than not, and the tall, flatpack piece of furniture was large enough to store both of their clothes along with some of Gabriel’s which no longer fit. Leaning back against the headboard, he checked his watch and was surprised to find it was only four in the afternoon. He had been up early to run the breakfast club at his centre, before returning home once the schools kicked in, and he felt drowsy from the long day. He closed his eyes against the bright light drifting through the window, napping lightly while he waited for Cassandra who he thought was taking longer than usual to clean herself up. Then again, she had been a little more enthusiastic with the clay than he was. 

The sound of the bedroom door opening caught his attention and he looked up from the pillow, first noticing her shapely silhouette before his eyes focussed and he realised she was clothed in lingerie; an ivory bralette and suspender belt hugged her curves, while her legs were stockinged in sheer material; the garter a jewel-toned green which complimented the silk robe she wore loosely around her shoulders. The attire was old fashioned, but undeniably sexy; he had seen nothing like it, but she pulled it off as she had done the pottery; with an ease and comfort only she could. He was unable to help his grin as she walked towards the bed, her long, wavy hair framing her face and body as she came to a halt. 

“Wow!” He exclaimed, resting his weight on his elbows as he sat up. 

Her fingers touched the edge of the robe, easing it away from her breasts. “Do you like it?”

“I can’t wait to take it off.” He let out a long breath, already feeling himself stir as she paused at the foot of the bed, a smile tugging on her lips. 

“I thought you might like to see me in it longer.” She shrugged.

 Max laughed softly, adjusting his position to sit comfortably against the headboard. “Your body is too beautiful.” He explained, holding out his arms when she finally crawled on the duvet, welcoming her body in an embrace. She straddled his hips and he kissed her, opening his lips against hers as she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. 

“I’ve had a nice day.” She mused, pulling away to look at him. He captured her cheek in his palm, nodding.

“Me too.” He whispered, one hand moving to cup her covered breast tenderly. “I think it could get better…” 

She smiled, leaning into his touch as he squeezed down; her nipple hard beneath the silky material as they kissed once more. He felt her tongue touch his lip and he opened his mouth invitingly, brushing it with his own as she rocked gently in his lap, encouraging him to swell in the tight confines of his jeans. He let out a groan and moved his other hand to her bra, massaging both breasts with his long fingers as he pushed them together before reaching around, beneath the robe, to unfasten the clasp. The material dropped between her arms and he felt beneath to touch her skin, brushing her nipples with the pads of his thumbs as she gasped into his mouth. Almost desperately, he eased the thin material from her shoulders and removed it along with her bra, dropping them both to the floor. The coolness of the room hit her skin and she pulled away; light goose pimples visible on her bare arms as she stopped her movement against him.

“I don’t think…” She started, speaking almost in a whisper. “I can’t remember taking my pill.” 

There was a sense of urgency to her voice that encouraged him to move away from her breasts, instead placing his hands firmly against her waist. He thought for a moment, a frown burrowing across his features, before he nodded. “You did.”

She hesitated, biting her lip anxiously and shook her head. “I don’t remember…” She admitted, almost defeatedly. “I was packing.” She explained. 

He thought back to this morning, trying to replay the scene as he got home from work and watched her get dressed. “I’m sure you did.” His forehead wrinkled, though he felt certain he had seen her take it. 

She fell silent for a moment, before murmuring apprehensively: “Do you have a condom?”

He looked around automatically, eyes moving to the bedside table. “Somewhere.”

She nodded in relief. “I just want to be safe.”

“Of course.”

She pulled away, moving her weight from him as she got off the bed and searched through the chest of draws, raking through bobby pins and half-filled pots of moisturiser before she found what she was looking for. She pulled out a single packet, holding it delicately as she returned to the bed, dropping it on the covers where she could reach it again. “Do you mind?” She asked, looking straight at him. He sensed the worry in her voice and shook his head easily, confused as to why she would ask. 

“Why would I mind?” He shrugged. 

Satisfied, she smiled; changing her expression as she gestured to him with a single index finger. “Come here…” He sat up, moving forwards to grasp her hips and kiss her passionately as her palm brushed the centre of his crotch. “You’re so hard.” She whispered breathily against his lips, her voice sensual as she squeezed the shape a little roughly. 

Max groaned, allowing her to unfasten the button which tied the material together. “You make me hard.” He admitted, lying back when she started work on the second button and eased the fabric away from his waist, pulling his jeans down enough to free his underwear which bulged heavily beneath her touch. Looking up, she met his gaze; tilting her face at an angle which made him twitch. 

“Do you want my lips?” She asked, tugging eagerly at the waistband. He nodded, mouth parted as she freed him and wasted no time in wrapping her lips tightly around his reddened tip; her tongue getting to work on licking the precum which was seeping from him. His groans changed pitch at the contact, becoming almost a whine as she massaged the head with the flat side of her tongue; grasping him firmly in her hand which she twisted against her mouth. His groans turned to a series of pants as he watched her take him in more deeply, moving down his shaft which disappeared an inch at a time into her warmth. Almost guiltily, he uttered a cry, signalling he was about to overboil and she quickly withdrew, lightening her grasp and pulling away to remove her suspenders. The clasp on her garter belt was fiddly and Max took the time to calm down, grounding himself by looking away as she slid the sheer stockings down her legs and folded them neatly at the foot of the bed. 

When he turned back, his breaths finally slowing, she was unwrapping the condom, tearing the packet carefully and unravelling it from its confines. He eyed her carefully, not wanting to get too worked up again, but couldn’t help casting a glance over her long legs, now bare, and the space between her thighs, where her dark pubic hair stood out against her otherwise pale skin. He sighed as she reached for him, pinching the tip of the condom and rolling it down with a firm hand. 

“You should let me kiss you…” He protested, eyes still fixed on her cunt. She smiled, moving closer as she edged her body over his lower half. 

“I want your cock.” She whispered, taking him in one hand while the other gently parted her lips. He watched, almost in fascination, as she lowered herself against him; his tip and shaft slowly disappearing into her warmth as she moved down, eyes tightly closed and mouth parted at the sensation. He threw his head back, partially in response to the sight of her biting her lip which sent a shiver down his spine and a moment later, she moved against him; raising her hips as she fucked him. “Do I feel good?” She asked, watching him lay back against the pillows; the sensation overwhelming.

“Yes.” He groaned, brow furrowing as she switched movements and began rocking against him, grinding her clitoris as her own breath grew heavy. He couldn’t pull his eyes from her as she worked herself to orgasm, letting out a few cries as her eyes bolted shut. A blush spread across her cheeks and bare chest; the contractions of her walls pulsating against him, squeezing him through the condom until he couldn’t take it anymore. With a cry of his own, much louder than hers, he felt himself let go; a sharp, shooting sensation milking him of his energy as he came inside the condom. Cassandra helped him ride it out, not moving against him until he sucked in his breath, a little sensitive as he felt himself soften inside her. 

“You’re so beautiful.” He whispered breathily as she carefully moved up, pinching the base of his cock lightly between two fingers as he slipped out of her, almost regretfully. 

“Was it good?” She murmured, allowing him to remove the condom while she sat back on her knees. 

“It always is.” He nodded, knotting the slippery latex and discarding it with some energy in the trash can across the room. He looked back as she stepped off the bed, fully nude and glowing with her blush. Max joined her side, kissing her lips lovingly. “I’m so lucky.”

Cassandra watched as he pulled away and sleepily perched on the edge of the bed. “I should go pee.” She mumbled, leaving him alone in the room while he rubbed his tired eyes, trying to focus on the room but failing massively. He heard the sound of the chain flushing, followed by the running of the bathroom tap and he leaned back against the covers, tucking his legs onto the bed. His cock, now deflated, lay slightly curved against his thigh as he settled against the covers, closing his eyes for just a moment. 

The sound of the draws opening beneath the wardrobe made him open them again as Cassandra slipped into a fresh pair of underwear; plain black and unfussy. 

“Are you napping?” She smirked, looking up. 

He nodded lazily, holding out his arms. “Join me.” He gently urged. “It’s been a long day.” Before he had time to see her response, his eyes had already shut, though he felt her weight against him some minutes later; her body warm and soft as she turned away to face the magnolia wall. He thought about spooning her, though couldn’t be sure whether his arm had actually moved before sleep enveloped him, drawing him down into the darkness. 

Unlike Max, her orgasm; a little forced but pleasurable nonetheless, had caused her body to waken even more and she watched the shadows on the wall move with interest as the sun slowly changed positions in the sky; moving down as twilight drew near. His gentle snores eventually started behind her and she tucked herself closer to him, feeling his chest against her back; urging herself to join Max and to make the most of being able to sleep without the bedroom door creaking open every few hours as Gabriel tried to crawl into bed with her. It was sweet really, but meant she was only getting a few hours of shut eye at a time, and eventually he would have to learn how to sleep quietly on his own. Her mind turned to Taehyung and she wondered if he ever let Gabriel sleep in bed with him, or if it was only her who got the unique pleasure of interrupted nap time. Her mind pondered the thought for some time as Max shifted against her, adjusting his position before falling back asleep. She could feel his cock against her; stiffening in the place where it met her lower back, though her acknowledgement of it was vague. The wispy hairs on her arms and legs were raised in the cool temperature of the bedroom as the sun started to set, and she automatically hugged herself tighter, placing her hands between the warmth of her thighs, against the curls of her hair, as her mind drifted. 

The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed to her that Taehyung let Gabriel sleep with him. After all, he satisfied his every other whim. The thought should have made her angry; after all, he often went against her wishes when it came to treating him to things she herself had forbidden. Chocolate, it seemed, was never off the menu in the Kim household, nor were expensive gifts or trips to the zoo. But instead, there was something comforting about it. At the very least it meant he wasn’t immune to his tantrums and demands. Sometimes having a small child felt like she was being held captive by some miniature monster who wanted to cause her as much stress as was humanly possible. But also, she loved him, and wouldn’t have changed that, she realised, even if she had done certain things differently.

Wide awake, her mind continued to turn and she realised, somewhat reluctantly, that wherever Max had gone, she wouldn’t be able to follow any time soon. With some effort, she got to her feet and padded, light-footedly, across the floor towards the wardrobe, opening it as quietly as possible where she found the dress she had worn earlier, before she had been talked into changing, folded haphazardly on the bottom shelf. She slipped on a bra, followed by the dress and, realising how cold she was, reached for the silk robe lying on the wooden floor. 

Behind her, Max stirred once more, rolling over on his side and giving a disgruntled snort. Her stomach churned guilty as she thought of him waking up alone, wondering where she was, and she padded back over to him lightly, giving his bare shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Max?” She whispered, having to repeat herself and tighten her grip a little before he grunted in response. “I’m going out for a bit.” She murmured, keeping her voice low. 

He opened one eye groggily, offering a small moan. “Do you want me to go with you?” He eventually asked, voice thick and gruff. 

“No…” She let go of his shoulder, wrapping the robe around her body. “You sleep.” 

***

The traffic seemed to match her mood; absent and distant. She drove carefully, though got to her destination quicker than anticipated, looking around as she locked the car and walked around the corner. The porch had been painted since her last visit, some time ago, and she looked at the wooden reliefs with curiosity; the floral shapes tipped with subtle goldleaf in places where it had no right to be. Only someone eccentric or incredibly rich would choose such decoration in Seoul; it looked as though it belonged in some Georgian country house in the heart of Derbyshire. Still, the woodwork was undoubtedly oriental in design, and true to its origin. Perhaps the architect would have approved of the change. Her knock was light, and she wondered if he would hear it in such a lofty place. The walls were thick and ceilings tall in his house; just as he liked them. Music was bound to echo tirelessly. Still, she waited before trying again, a little apprehensive at showing up unannounced and wondering if he might still be out at the park with Da-eun; the small, politely timid girl she had met earlier. For the first time that evening, the thought became solid in her mind and suddenly her chest sank. She hadn’t considered she might be interrupting them and she almost turned to go, tucking her little handbag beneath her armpit, when the door opened softly behind her. 

“Cass?” His voice was low and cast in doubt and she turned back, seeing him through the small crack in the door which he widened at once, revealing himself fully to her. He had changed since earlier. His black t-shirt was remarkably casual and at once familiar; the Joy Division print on the front one he had worn countless times before, when they first met. She wondered how he had somehow managed to keep hold of it, while all her belongings seemed to grow lost as easily as odd socks in the washing machine. He stepped aside. “What are you doing here?” Looking around, he gestured to her. “Quick, come in.” 

She hesitated, almost frozen by the panic in his voice, before following him inside where he shut the door heavily. At once, she looked around - finding the hallway decor likewise unfamiliar. “Am I interrupting?” She asked. The gentle sound of music drifted from a distant room, signalling a moment disrupted, but he seemed confused by her comment. 

“What?”

“Is Da-eun still here?” She clarified. 

Realising what she meant, he shook his head. “She went home.” He confirmed, voice softening a little to match hers, though still laced with paranoia. “Are you alone?”

“Max is asleep.” She nodded, watching as his eyes moved across her robe where her hands were folded against her, still a little cold from the chilly evening air. 

He frowned. “You know that’s not what I mean.”

“I didn’t see anyone.” She confirmed, a little stubbornly. Her stomach seemed to churn at the tone of his voice, knowing he was protective but finding it all too much. 

“I have neighbours Cass.” He hissed loudly. 

She turned to him, eyes fixed against his as she raised her own voice. “And don’t you trust them?” 

He sighed, realising what was happening and letting it go. Arguing with her now was the last thing he wanted to do and he lowered his voice, hovering awkwardly in the long hallway. “That’s not the point…” His folded arms mirrored her movement. “If there was a problem you could have called me. I’d have come.” 

They fell silent, facing each other before she turned to the floor, realising she would have to explain her unexpected visit. He was waiting patiently, looking down at her until she spoke. “I just miss him.” She untucked her arms, looking up to read his expression. 

Taehyung blinked, eyelashes long. “He’s asleep.” He murmured, almost apologetically. 

“Oh…” She uttered, suddenly feeling at a loss. 

Taehyung was silent for a while, before he turned towards the hall. “You’re here now.” He accepted, walking down the corridor without looking to see if she would follow. It wasn’t until they reached the door at the end she realised she had even moved. He pushed lightly on the wood and the music grew louder as he led her into the sitting room, where the space was cast in shadows by the two dimly lit lamps in each corner. 

“Da-eun went home?” She asked again.

He nodded. “It’s her dad’s birthday.”

She saw the source of the tinny jazz; a record player, old and surprisingly battered, perched upon a table too small for it, beside the recognisable sofa where Taehyung had clearly been sitting. He moved aside the paperback on the chair to give her room, but she waited, looking around the space as she set her bag softly down on the floor.

“Did she get on with Gabriel?” Cassandra asked with some curiosity, eyes drawn to the busy wallpaper which seemed to cascade rather than hang across the room. 

His lips twitched in a smirk. “Like a house on fire.”

She nodded with a smile, not really hearing him. “That’s good…you finished your decorating.”

He looked up, blinking. “Do you like it?”

She nodded. “It’s William Morris isn’t it?”

“I thought it would go with the curtains.” He confirmed, drawing her eye to the heavy, thickly lined drapes. She walked over to them, touching the fabric in appreciation. They were coloured a deep, almost tarnished gold; tied back with thick ropes which added to the look.

“They’re beautiful.” She nodded, slowly walking back across the room. 

He watched her closely, eyebrows furrowed. “I could get you some.”

A doubtful sort of smile tugged at her lips as she joined his side, pausing a moment, before sitting on the colourful fabric. “I think they’re a little old fashioned for Max’s taste.” Cassandra admitted sheepishly. “He likes a more…” She tried to think of the word in Korean. “Contemporary look.”

“Sterile?” He offered seriously, and reluctantly she gave a smile, biting the inside of her cheek. 

“You could say that…”

They fell silent for a moment, keeping a distance between them, though the stray thread in the middle of the tapestry pattern kept her distracted. She tried hard not to tug at it. 

“How was your date?” He asked softly. 

“Fine…” She turned to him. “How was yours?”

He gave a small laugh, thinking for a moment. “Our son did most of the entertaining.”

She nodded, looking up automatically, to where he was sleeping above their heads. “I was looking forward to getting to know her a little better.” Cassandra admitted. 

“I think she was nervous to meet you.” He said gently, making her turn back towards him.  

“Me?” She frowned. “Why?”

He grew silent, casting his eyes to the wooden floor before shrugging. “Maybe I left it too long.” 

She sensed a touch of regret in his voice, and she touched his hand briefly, encouraging his gaze back to her. “I hope she knows I mean no harm.” Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper and his eyes met hers as they both stopped talking. The sound of jazz played in the background, turned down and not distracting from the otherwise silent room. She tucked a strand of hair neatly behind her ear, a question seeming to tingle on her tongue until she allowed it to escape. “Have you?” She asked cryptically, not needing to finish. 

He nodded, his dark eyes cast in shadow by his long lashes in the softly lit room. “Yeah.” He admitted. 

She didn’t know what answer she had expected, or whether she should have been surprised. Without thinking, her fingers moved to the stray strand on the sofa, running it absently between her fingers. His eyes followed her movement, knowing she probably hadn’t noticed, and he got slowly to his feet. 

“Did you want a drink?” He asked. 

Cassandra looked up and nodded. “Tea.”

She waited patiently for him to finish in the kitchen, watching the record spinning softly on the deck and wondering where he had picked up such a battered looking thing, before she remembered her bag. When he came back in the room, holding the small china mug carefully between his fingers, she was reaching into the tote and pulled out the small dish. “I made you something.” She said, holding it out to him once he set down the mug on the floor, finding there was no room on the table. “You’ll have to cure it yourself, do you still know that man with the kiln?”

He took it from her with both hands, turning it over but holding it with an appreciative delicacy.  “What is it?”

“Max and I took a pottery class.” She offered in explanation. “I thought you could keep it on your vanity.”

He ran his fingers carefully along the edged rim, before setting it aside on the floor, careful to keep it away from where it might be trodden on. “Thank you.” He said, watching as she reached for her cup and blew on the liquid gently. “Did you want to take him back with you?” He asked, suspecting that this might be the purpose for her visit. He tried to hide the disappointment in his voice, but she shook her head, surprising him. 

“No…I don’t want to disturb him.” She said. “It’s your time with him.”

He nodded thankfully. “I wish you could come around more…see his nursery.” Taehyung admitted, realising she had not seen it finished. 

She looked at him beneath, a little blankly. “It’s you that’s paranoid.” Cassandra took a sip of the fragrant liquid, thankful for its warmth. 

“For good reason.” He reiterated. 

She shook her head. “You shouldn’t punish yourself.” She sighed. “We both made the baby.”

Her words made him fall silent and he sat back as she drank from the cup, his own fingers finding the stray strand as easily as hers had, and plucking it absently. “There’s a spare bedroom, if you ever wanted to stay.” He eventually said, wondering why he had never thought of it before. 

“Max too?” She peered at him. 

He nodded calmly. “Yes.”

Not knowing how to respond, she set the finished mug back on the floor, sitting back. “Maybe I could have you and Da-eun around too.” She suggested. “For dinner.”

“If you’d like.” He nodded. 

Cassandra watched him get to his feet as he picked up the ceramic pot and walked over to the table in the corner, setting it down next to an oval-shaped mirror. She suspected she might have overstayed her welcome, but found herself finally starting to tire. The sofa was comfortable, despite its age, and the song on the player was one she vaguely recognised though couldn’t quite place. “What’s this one?” She asked, gesturing towards the device when Taehyung looked her way. 

“Do you not like it?” He asked, moving to turn it off. Despite being upbeat, the song seemed a little melancholy and reminded her of the past. She wondered if she might have heard it back in Belgium. Her parents liked to play jazz and there had been one bar they enjoyed frequenting with her which played it incessantly, allowing her a solitary sip of wine despite her young age. 

“Leave it.” She requested, waving her hand dismissively. There was something nostalgic about it, and she felt her heart begin to race, almost in excitement. She could imagine people dancing to it during the war; carefully-patched dresses and painted-on stockings filling a simple looking dancefloor as the women waited for the men to return home. 

The music swayed in a quickening beat, and Taehyung smiled in acknowledgement. “It’s one of my favourites.” He admitted, hesitating, before moving his arms in time to the music. She laughed softly, realising he was dancing to it, a little bashfully at first, before becoming less self conscious. He moved across the room, feet tapping against the hardwood floor as he gestured for her to join him. She smiled, shaking her head. 

“It’s been a while since I danced.” She admitted, though took his hand when he offered it and got to her feet. He moved his shoulders, letting go of her as he moved back across the floor. “I’m not joining in!” She warned, unable to help the smile in her voice at her second hand embarrassment. Had they been in public, she’d have chastised him for such shamelessly cringey moves, though being alone made it all the more awkward. 

“You always join in.” He teased, and she sighed heavily, realising that if history was anything to go by, he was right. There was never a time where she had passed up the opportunity to dance when the occasion or track called for it. 

“Am I that predictable?” She asked, making him cock an eyebrow knowingly. The music grew faster as the trumpets pumped along with the honky-tonk piano and she found herself moving along with him, bending her knees a little as she moved her arms in time with his, removing the robe and dropping it to the sofa to allow more movement. Like him, she felt embarrassed at first, but his own lack of awareness inspired her, and soon she was spinning on the spot, swaying her head and moving her hips. 

He kept his distance for a while, but the crashing conclusion almost begged for a spin and she offered her hand to him, allowing him to twirl her around until she felt dizzy. Her laughter filled the room as the song switched over, the upbeat sound replaced with something a little more slow and dreamy. He hushed her, pressing his finger to his own lips, though he was laughing too. “You’ll wake the baby.” 

She calmed down, fixing a strand of hair that had fallen from behind her ear, tucking it back in neatly. “He’s not a baby anymore.” She admitted, a little soberly. 

Taehyung’s smile dropped along with hers, though his expression was soft. “He’ll always be my baby.”

She nodded. “Mine too.”

Her breathing a little heavy, she turned towards the sofa, sitting down heavily and smoothing down the front of her dress, tucking it between her knees. He watched her, their faces equally flushed with warmth. “Do you want another?” He eventually asked, not knowing why. 

Cassandra looked at him, knowing at once what he meant and thinking for a long time. “I don’t know.” She eventually said. 

The room suddenly seemed more dim and he looked to the window, where an overgrown tree mostly blocked the view to the outside world. The sky had grown dark and it looked cold outside, a direct contrast to the glowing warmth and cosiness within the room. “Won’t Max be wondering where you are?” He asked quietly, making her follow his gaze. 

She slowly nodded, giving an involuntary shiver. “I should probably go.” She slipped the garment over her shoulders, hugging it closely to her as she got to her feet and collected her bag, suddenly realising she had no idea why she had come in the first place. Looking at Taehyung, she recognised he too was asking the same question, and she found herself awkwardly feeling a little stupid.

“I’ll kiss Gabriel for you.” He reassured her, waiting for her to lead the way. 

She nodded gratefully. “Let me know when you’re ready to bring him back.”

Realising he was waiting for her to make the first move, she stepped out of the room and walked down the hall, trailing her small bag absently behind her until she reached the door and turned back. 

“Be careful driving.” He warned and she knew he was talking about more than just the traffic. 

“I will.”

He smiled, opening the door for her. “I love the ashtray.”

Looking down at her feet, her cheeks reddened but she laughed in response. “It wasn’t supposed to be an ashtray.” She admitted. 

“I’m sure I can find a use for it.” He touched her shoulder lightly before pulling away.

“Thanks for the company.” She nodded. 

“You’re welcome.”

***

Thank you for reading. To read each member & their girlfriend’s headcanon universe fics in order, follow the links here: RM   /   Jin /   Suga  /   J-Hope   /   Jimin   /   V   /   Jungkook

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[liacontilde]

Kim Taehyung in my dreams P.1

(First of all, I want to clarify that I live in a country where to say hello, we give a kiss on each cheek).

I was putting on a play in my school auditorium with some classmates. When I was done, I walk down the stage and there were BTS (all of them). Naturally I start to greet them, but when I got to Taehyung, he gave me two kisses on the lips. Me and the rest of the group members looked at him in confusion and I could even hear Namjoon saying "Man, that's not how it is." He had definitely been the victim of cultural shock. I was a little petrified, but I decided to take it with humor. I grabbed Taehyung's face and kissed him on each cheek to show him what it is like. Fun fact: I remember that his face, despite being shaved, pricked to the touch.

#kpop #kpop scenarios #kpopidol #idol #kpopdream #bts #bts scenarios #bts imagines #bts v #v #taehyung #kim taehyung #taehyung scenarios #taehyung imagines #kim taehyung scenarios #kim taehyung imagines #v scenarios #v imagines #dreamkpop #fanfic #kpop fanfic #fanfic kpop #dream fanfic #dream

[mingi-bubu]

12. Kiss on the Nose

Prompt #12 from my 76 Kisses to Valentine’s Day writing challenge!  The two songs mentioned in this are Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” and The Drifters’ “Save the Last Dance For Me”, though you are probably more familiar with Michael Bublé‘s cover of it.  Happy belated Taehyung Day <3  And Happy New Year!!! taehyung x gn!reader, implied that he’s an idol but reader isn’t, longterm relationship fluff, ~2k words 76 Kisses Masterlist

Rain patters on the big windows in the living room that lead to your small balcony.  The balcony was barely able to keep a small table and matching chair without feeling overcrowded and like something was going to fall 30 stories to the bustling road below.  Despite that, you loved the apartment you lived in.  Partially because it was a *really* nice apartment and it was the first time you've lived in such a nice place.  But mostly because it was the first apartment you and Taehyung shared together.  It was a mutual decision to go for this place, something about the wide windows and dark wood floors made the two of you feel at home.  And it is home.  Anywhere with him is, really.

There were a lot of changes that the both of you had to make, going from living alone to living with each other.  One change you haven't really minded was the increase in jazz that you listened to together.  Over the past few months, you've discovered that there are different sub-genres within the overarching jazz genre itself.  Of course, you knew that in a tangential way.  The way that you know wolves are big, but until you actually see a size comparison, you don't realize just how massive they are.  From hard bop to big band and everything in-between, you and Taehyung would listen to it all.

Your standing Thursday Date Night was followed by Friday Jazz Night.  The two of you would either stay in and listen to some old favorites, or you would go out to jazz clubs and get to enjoy the live improvisation.  Something you found that you liked about jazz is that it was like a sunset; no live songs ever really sounded the same as before, just like no sunset is really ever like the one before, nor would it be like the one after.

(When you told Taehyung that, he gave you his signature boxy smile and couldn't help himself from kissing you.  You found it wasn't an issue.)

Today was Friday, but it was raining.  Even though you've gone out to jazz clubs in the rain before, something about tonight just craved to be a stay-at-home-and-drink-tea kind.  Not that that was an issue either.  The two of you were often busy throughout the rest of the week, even despite the standing date night, and going out just… It seemed like a hassle.  And you might selfishly want his (mostly) undivided attention, so it's a win for you either way.

The rain against the window provided a lovely background to Glenn Miller, the artist of tonight, and his “Moonlight Serenade”.  You were curled up in the corner of the couch with a blanket your best friend had made for you last Christmas, snug next to the arm of the chair.  Your tea was sitting on the side table, the smell of Earl Grey lingering in the air around you.  In your hands was a well-worn copy of your favorite book, being read for what was probably the millionth time if you were being honest.

Taehyung was on the opposite end, leaning back against the arm of the couch.  One of his legs was bent at the knee, the other was under the blanket, resting against yours.  Every so often he would nudge you gently, a reminder that the two of you were there together.  He was working on something on his tablet, bouncing the end of the tablet pen off his lips mindlessly.  His hair was still slightly damp from the shower he took when he got home from work, and the parts that were dry were curling, making him look like he just got out of bed.  The messy curls were one of your favorite hairstyles of his; he just looks so comfortable and casual.  It was also very soft and fluffy, something really soothing to run your fingers through while you work on something and he just basks in the attention.

(You joke that you don't need to get a cat to keep Yeontan company when the two of you are out of the house; Taehyung is enough of a cat already.  You still kind of want a cat, though, but maybe eventually you'll get one.  Definitely when you move into a bigger place, when you'll have space for everything that a cat needs.)

You start to hum absentmindedly along to “Moonlight Serenade”.  It may be cheesy, but that song is one of your favorites.  The way it gives such a sad but romantic aura, like the widow’s walk on old costal houses.  You miss how Taehyung’s eyes flick to you, all thoughts of whatever he was doing leaving his mind.  You’re so engrossed in the plot you know forwards, backwards, and upside down that you miss him pulling his leg out of the blanket and standing up.

“YN,” he calls, setting his tablet down on the other side table.  Taehyung walks over to you, a small smile on his face.  It does nothing to hide the slight mischievous glint in his eye.

“Yeah, Tae?”  You ask, not really paying attention to him.  You flip the page, eyes traveling over the words you know so well.

“Come dance with me.”

You finally look at him, the lamp in the corner of the living room (the only one that was on in the apartment) shines on him, making him almost glow in a way.  You force your eyes to meet his instead of checking him out.  “Ehh,” you say, planning on messing with him just a bit, “I’m very cozy here with my blanket and book, babe.”

He narrows his eyes slightly.  Challenge accepted, it seems.  He takes a few steps closer to where you were sitting and plucks the book from your hands.  He closes it, but not before folding down the top corner of the page to mark your spot.  Just like you do.  One day he’ll stop surprising you with how well he knows you.  Today is not that day.

“Taehyung!”  You whine, frowning at him.  “I was reading that.”

“And you have before,” he retorts, setting the book down next to your tea.  “C’mon,” he says again, “dance with me.”

You let out an exaggerated sigh, holding up your arms.  A metaphorical white flag of surrender.  He lets out a small laugh and grabs your hands, pulling you out of your little blanket cocoon.

“No,” you complain, “my warm blanket!”

You get to your feet regardless and he pulls you to his chest.  He looks down at you, smirking.  “What?  Am I not warm enough for you?”  One hand lets go of yours and slides to the small of your back.  The other brings your joined hands into the air around his shoulder height.  Your now free hand comes up naturally to his shoulder.  You can feel the heat of his body through the cotton T-shirt.

“Hmm…” you pretend to think for a moment.  “Nope!”

Taehyung ducks down, kissing the tip of your nose before capturing your lips with his.  It was a chaste kiss, but you still feel your breath catch. A few seconds later, you part.  “How about now?”  He asks with a smug look.

You bury your face in his shirt, suddenly shy from his actions.  You can feel the vibrations of his laughter against your forehead.  The two of you fall silent, just swaying to the music.  You end up turning in a slow circle.  You adjust your head so, instead of hiding in his shirt, you rest your head against his shoulder.

“Moonlight Serenade” starts again and you murmur, “Did you put this song on repeat, Tae?”

“No,” he replies, “I just queued it up a few times.”

“Why?”  You breathe out a laugh at his silliness.

“Because I know you love that song.”

The humor drains away from you.  You can feel your heart warm at his words.  He queued a song several times just because it was one of your favorites.  God, this man…

“Oh,” you say.  You squeeze his hand, “Thank you.”

He doesn’t say anything, but he squeezes your hand back.

Silence joins your dance once again, and somehow your swaying circles has started to lead you across the room.  You aren’t sure who starts humming first (though you’re pretty sure it’s you.  You could never turn down “Moonlight Serenade”), but soon enough both of you are humming along with the band.  The clarinets matching with your voices in a beautiful way.  You’re not sure how the night could get better than this.

Eventually the song ends, as all are ought.  The piano at the end trills up and fades out, leaving you and Taehyung alone.  The only sounds now come from the rain hitting the window, the fabric of your clothes as you move, your breathing synced with his. And, most comfortingly, the sound of his steady heartbeat under your ear.  At this point, without you fully realizing it, the two of you have shifted positions.  Your hands have come up around his neck and his are together by the small of your back.  His head is resting on yours.  You feel like you’re in a ballroom dance scene from some European period piece.  It’s not a bad feeling in the slightest.

After a little while, you start to hear what might be words.  You aren’t positive until it actually does turn into words.  It still takes you a bit to figure out what song he is singing quietly.  Part of it is because of how neither of you were too inclined on breaking the silence.  The other part is because once you figure what song he’s singing, you realize he’s singing in half the speed it is originally.

Once you realize the song, his voice finally goes just slightly above a whisper.  You can hear the warm notes of his voice so clearly from where your head rested on his chest.  “But don’t forget who’s taking you home, and in whose arms you’re gonna be.”  He leans away from you, just enough to be able to look you in the eye.  One hand comes up to cup your cheek, his thumb stroking softly over your cheekbone.  One of your hands follows naturally, holding his hand to your face.

He tilts your head up and all you can see is Taehyung, Taehyung, Taehyung.  You’re not sure if you’re ever going to be able to look away from his eyes.  “So darling,” he continues, almost dropping the tune and simply speaking, “save the last dance for me.”

He doesn’t finish the song.  You don’t give him a chance.  You rise up slightly on your tiptoes and kiss him.  You hope that he understands the emotions you’re feeling, all of the love and happiness and admiration that’s roiling in your veins.  Despite the emotion you put into the kiss, it’s soft… gentle.  It leaves you both breathless.

You pull away, and your eyes flutter open slowly.  His open slowly as well.  You both smile, involuntary giggles leaving your mouths.  Once you get yourself under control, you continue the next few lines of the song, following the same speed he sang at earlier.

“Baby, don’t you know I love you so?  Can’t you feel it when we touch?”  You pull his hand from your face and intertwine your fingers with his.  Your hands swing and you give him a playful grin.  “I will never, never let you go,” you squeeze his hand, “I-”  You pause, realizing the words for the next line.  You didn’t think about the first line you sang, really.  You were still riding the sparkling high of the kiss.  But now… now it hits you.  Can you finish the line?  Do you feel that way about him?

You take a breath and can see the light concern starting to cloud his eyes.  Yes, you decide, you can.  You do.

“I love you, oh, so much,” you sing and watch his expression turn slightly dumbstruck.  “So don’t forget who’s taking you home…”

He picks the song up again, his voice mixing with yours the second time that night, “And in whose arms you’re gonna be.  So, darling, save the last dance for me.”

#76 Kisses to Valentine's Day #taehyung scenarios #kim taehyung scenarios #v scenarios #anna and fabi please look away #JaeV #me to myself: jaev isn't real. it can't hurt you #also me: *writes this* #jae.works

[more-than-fluff]

If anyone would like to request something I'm open to ideas! I'd like to get this page up and running again! Anything BTS!

#kpop scenarios #bts scenarios #kpop #bts smut #bts #bts jungkook #jungkook #jin #jungkook scenarios #jin scenarios #jungkook smut #kpop smut #rm #bts rm #bts v scenarios #bts v #v smut #v scenarios #taehyung scenarios #bts taehyung #taehyung smut #jimin smut #jimin scenario #bts jimin #bts jhope #hoseok scenarios #yoongi scenarios #suga scenarios

[heartfullofleeches]

V and Femboy Roommate Darling who pretends to be his girlfriend to impress his friends and parents. Tired of V whining about his online "friends" making fun of him for not having a girlfriend by now or his parents asking him when he'll find someone and looking to skip out on rent for a couple months Darling agrees to be V's pretend girlfriend in exchange for him covering their expenses. Bonus if Darling doesn't normally dress up normally/are low maintenance and wears nothing put worn out tees and sweatpants at home, and the first time V sees them when they're all dolled up is after they make the deal-

-

V: Okay, wait until I join the call then walk in and flirt with me a bit before I take over. Got it?

Femboy Darling: Got it~

[Later]

"So, V - where's this girlfriend we've been hearing you talk about?"

V: she's-

Femboy Darling: Right here~

[Darling strolls into V's room - hair and makeup done wearing a skirt and one of V's shirts. They walk over to his desk and take a seat in his lap, throwing their arms around his neck and helping him pick his jaw off the floor]

Femboy Darling, kissing V's cheek: Hey, baby~

V: h.....hi......

"So your V's girlfriend?"

Femboy Darling: [giggles] one of them at least. V is such an amazing boyfriend. He's so sweet and always listens to everything I say. How about you tell them how we meet, babe? It was so romantic, like love at first site!

V: I.... uh....I....We.......

Femboy Darling: I think V's had enough games for one day. Maybe we can play something together sometime when he's feeling better, okay?

V: ....We don't have too...

#yandere #yandere imagines #yandere x reader #yandere x you #yandere insert #yandere blurb #male yandere #yandere scenarios #yandere oc #V my oc #femboy reader #yandere headcanons

[taebearlover07]

Mafia’s Wife

The following slides might contain 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄, do not interact if uncomfortable

Pairing: Mafia!Hubby!Kim Taehyung x Fem!Reader

Genre: Smuth

Summary: You are at a party with your scary mafia husband, Kim Taehyung and things didn’t go right

Warnings: Dom!Tae, Sub!reader, breast slapping, pussy spanking, name calling(whore), orgasm control, orgasm denial, pussy eating, fingering, blowjob, toy(vibrator) 

______________________________________________________________

Giving a final look in the mirror you let out a satisfied sigh. White, a colour you didn't wear often but loved wholeheartedly now being the ugliest colour for you but he wanted to see you in white cause he thought you Looked like a doll. Doll, another thing which had a space of hatred in your heart but for him, you were his adorable doll, cute and innocent. Cute is another thing you never like but he thought you were cute, so cute when you cried in the pleasure he gave you, so cute when he heard you beg him not to kill anyone. 

You loved him and you hated the fact that you loved him. Despite knowing the fact that he has your parents wrapped around his fingers, despite knowing he is a murderer your stupid heart couldn't help but beat so fast. Your chain of thoughts was interrupted by a knock on the door followed by "babydoll? Are you ready? We have to go" No. You wanted to say no but you knew you were not in any place of saying no, if he wanted you to go to a party with him as his date he would take you anyhow. "Yes, give me a minute" you said to him. You looked in the mirror for the last time before grabbing your purse and phone and opening the door to walk out of your room.

________

You walked into the elegant hotel with his hands around your waist. Entering the hotel you could feel everyone’s eyes linger on you and his figure, the feeling of hatred, jealousy and lust. You moved forward with him, eyes still on you both. He walked to the table assigned to you both. You both sat down at the table enjoying your own company with the slow music going in the background, not intending to talk with him. 

After a while you were bored, just sitting and wanting to use your phone but he had forbidden you to use it, for him it seemed rude to use your phone in a huge gathering so, you just sat there wanting the party to end soon or him to leave the party so you could too. You wanted to talk with him but you were too shy to do so. “Why am I not good at socializing?! It’s not like he is gonna eat me!...... Or will he?? Shut up Yn!!” You scolded your inner self for being perverted but you couldn't help it, he just looked so good in his black suit.

After what seemed an eternity you got the courage to finally talk to him but…. “Taehyung!!” Your courage was cracked up in pieces by a high shrill voice which belonged to his one and only female friend “Mia” He said, voice clearly showing unbotherness. “I missed you” ”Hmm” ”Didn’t you miss me?!?!” ”I was busy with work” his voice was cold but it did not bother Mia, she was stuck to him throughout the whole party while you just sat there and watched them, mostly Mia talking to him. Jealousy was flowing in your veins faster than blood. If looks could kill, Mia would have been dead by now while Taehyung would be begging for his life. Finally getting enough of this shit you cleared your throat and said ”I am going to the bar, if you want to come you can” and walked away from there without waiting for any reply.

You sat at the bar area far away from them but made sure they are near your sight so you could stalk them. You sat there wondering why the hell you fell in love with him. Just because he is rich, just because he is handsome, just because he is hot and sexy or just because he has a big di- “Shut up you pervert girl!!” you whispered to yourself. 

You were busy scolding yourself and cursing Mia but your thoughts were disturbed by a sweet voice calling you “Miss, would you like to have something?” you looked at the source of the voice to see a small, cute man in the place of the bartender. For a second you were mesmerized by his visuals but were brought back by his voice “Miss?” “A-ah! Yes?” “I asked if you would like to have something to drink?” “Ah sure, please give me a glass of red wine” Well you didn’t want to drink something but his sweet voice did magic to you that you couldn't but order something. “Here’s your drink ma’am” “A-Ah! Don’t call me ma’am, call me Yn. Ma’am seems awkward” “Sure, Yn” he said with the most beautiful yet flirty smile making you blush hard. Time flew by as you talked with him, completely forgetting about why you were here and with ‘whom’ are you here. 

You kept talking while blushing at his flirty talks, completely ignoring a pair of eyes on you and his figure. Your talk was cut in between when you felt a hot breath fanning on your neck and a large veiny hand around your waist, pulling you towards him “Aren’t you enjoying yourself too much babygirl?” Your eyes winded as you froze in your spot, his voice was calm but deep, you knew he was angry but not showing it but why is he angry- you thought in your mind but were disturbed by the voice of the bartender you were talking to “Mr Kim, would you have something to drink?” his voice was trembling as he saw Taehyung looking at him directly in his eyes making Taehyung just smirk at his scared figure “Nothing, I’ll love to take my WIFE with me” he taunted making sure to put stress on ‘wife’ leaving the bartender in shock “W-wife?” the bartender said in shock as Taehyung smiled sarcastically “Yes, wife. Now let’s go, home baby, I wanna have you” He stated shamelessly making you look at him in shock. Without any further talk, he pulled you with him, his hands gripped tightly around your waist as he pulled you with him to his car. Without a word he threw you in the car and sat and started driving, you too didn’t say anything as you were scared as hell.  

__________

He walked up to the bedroom with you following him behind like a lost puppy. He stood in front of you and commanded “Strip” His voice sends shivers down your whole body. Slowly you started to strip out of your dress, you stood in front of him in the lingerie he chose for you which did not do its job of covering you up. You felt his stare up and down your body, he walked up to you and hooked his finger in your bra strap before pulling it and smacking it back to your skin making you hiss “Take these off too”. You slowly moved your hands behind your back and slowly started to unhook your bra and then moved down and then removed your panties. 

You stood in front of him completely naked as he checked you out from top to bottom. “On the bed, legs spread wide”. He commanded as his aura spoke dominance making you whimper “I am sorry Tae-” “Shus, its daddy for you baby” he said with his fingers on your lips as he played with them “Be a good girl for daddy and lay on the bed with legs spread wide, or else it won't be good for you”. You quietly laid down on the bed with your legs spread wide as he wanted. He took a rope from the nightstand drawer and tied your both hands to the bedpost. “Since you like to talk too much, you’ll not moan and whimper until I allow you”. A puddle starts to form in the middle of your thighs as your body betrays you and submits to his dominance. 

His thumb started to work on your clit, slowly in circles as his other hand fondled your boobs, rolling and pinching the nipple making you whimper “Quite” he commanded as his one hand came down to your right breast, slapping it. You bite your lips to conceal your moans and whimpers as he continues to rub your clit and fondle your breast. Your hips moved up slightly, wanting more. He slipped his finger in you while his thumb still moved circles around your clit. Increasing his speed on rubbing your clit made you moan a bit loudly. He pulled his fingers out making you whine only to lay a spank on your pussy making you moan in pain “I said quite!” He roared. He suddenly slammed his four fingers into you making you moan but you controlled it.            

You felt your core tighten around his fingers “Don’t dare to cum, you’ll cum only when I’ll allow you” You whimpered at his demand but nodded your head. You could feel your release getting stronger and stronger and your core clenched tighter around his fingers “Don’t you dare cum”. He commanded before showing his head in between your legs as he let his tongue do its magic between your legs. “Please” you begged him to permit you to release “What is it baby?” “Please let me cum!” you begged him but he only hummed in between your legs before saying “Do you deserve it? Hmm baby?” His voice sends vibrations to your clit making you more nearer to your release. “Please I want to cum daddy, please!!” you cried for your release, your legs started to shake around his head and you reached your climax but before you could cum he removed his head from your thighs and got up. You whined in frustration only to be choked by him, his long fingers holding your neck tightly. “Stop acting like a whore baby, I’ll give you everything you want………but after I am satisfied enough” 

He stood up from the bed and took off his shirt, then panda and finally boxers as he stood in front of you naked. He stood in front of you, gripping his cock and rubbing it at your lips “Open” He commanded and you obeyed like a good girl, opening your mouth for his huge cock. You begin to take him slowly, taking him from your mouth but he grips your hair and shoves his dick inside your mouth making him groan loudly. He pulled himself out before showering himself again in your mouth. He repeats this action for a while before slowly starting to thrust in your mouth in a rhyme, you unconsciously move your tongue around his cock making him moan loudly. “You look so pretty like that baby” he moans out and starts to thrust faster “My pretty little slut” His grip on your hair tightness as he continues to thrust harder in your mouth “My pretty little cum dump”. Pulling his cock out of your mouth only to slap it on your face a few times before harshly showering it back in your mouth. “Oh, fuck” He curses as his tip met with the back of your throat making you gag “Swallow my dick, slut!!”. Tears streamed down your face as he thrust hard in your mouth, his moans making liquids gush out of your cunt making you clench your legs. “I am gonna cum baby” he says before cumming in your mouth, pulling out of your mouth before making sure you swallow his cum and walk to clean himself. You just stare at him as he dresses up. 

He looks at you before chuckling “Oh! I forgot you didn’t cum” he taunts before walking up to you, pulling you up from your kneeling position and throwing you on the bed. He digs his hand in his pocket before pulling out a small vibrator and showering it in your cunt. Turning it on as he rubs his fingers on your clit he said “I am going out, you can enjoy as much as you want with your little friend, cum as much as you want until I come, then we gonna do the main stuff”. Smirking as he walks out of your shared bedroom as he hears you moan because of the vibrator. Taking his phone out of his pockets he dialed a number, his trusty man's number, after one or two rings the man picks up the call “Jungkook make sure to torcher that bartender until I come, he needs to know his mistake of flirting with the mafia’s wife” “Yes sir”

______________________________________________________________

THE END

Thank You For Reading

______________________________________________________________

#taehyung smut #taehyung scenarios #idol taehyung #taehyung x y/n #taehyung x reader #taehyung fanfic #kim taehyung smut #taehyung #taehyung fic #bangtan smuth #bangtan x reader #bangtan x you #bangtan fic #bts #v #v scenarios #idol v #v x reader #v fanfic #v x you

[suvidrache]

NSFW Alphabet - V

age in bio when interacting. minors do not interact.

Word Count: 521 / Read it on AO3 | Wattpad

A: Aftercare - What they're like after sex?

- Will lay and cuddle you, he won't get up and get you anything unless you need it.

B: Body Part - Their favorite part of themselves/you?

- His arms, your chest, and ass

C: Cum - Taste, texture, etc?

- Slightly salty and clear color.

D: Dirty Secret

- Loves seeing your lingerie and thinking of you in it. He wouldn't get himself off in them as he doesn't want to dirty them before he can see you in them, but would get himself off to the thought of you wearing them.

E: Experience - How much experience do they have?

- Maybe 1 or 2 partners before you.

F: Favorite Position

- Any position that allows you to be on top/in charge and doesn't require him much work (cowgirl, reverse cowgirl).

G: Goofy - How are they: serious, funny, etc?

- He may smile and tell a few jokes now and then to make you laugh or smile and to break the tension.

H: Hair - shaved, not shaved, color?

- Not shaved, unless you want him to trim it. Black.

I: Intimacy - How are they romantically?

- Will be very romantic in any way that he can, will leave marks in spots where no one will see the things you two have done.

J: Jack Off - How often do they masturbate?

- At least 3 times when you're away.

K: Kink - Their kinks?

- Marking and breeding.

L: Location - Favorite place(s) to do it?

- The bedroom, it's easier on him.

M: Motivation - What gets them into it?

- Lingerie and being suggestive

N: No - Will not do/turns them off?

- Pain, threesomes, and public areas where you will be seen.

O: Oral - Giving, receiving, skill?

- Loves giving. He feels he can't do much and is kind of upset about it, but feels he can make it up by giving.

Loves to receive but would prefer giving.

P: Pace - Fast, rough, slow, etc?

- Slow and kind of hard if he's on top. If you want anything else, you'll have to be on top.

Q: Quickie - How often?

- Not very often, he prefers longer versions.

R: Risk - Willing to take risks/experiment?

- It depends, but probably not.

S: Stamina - How long/many rounds can they go?

- 1 or 2 - for about 30 minutes or fewer, he's fragile. Now, if you're on top, you can go as many rounds as you want. Just give him some breaks now and then.

T: Toys - Do they have any/will they use them?

- No, not unless you want to use them.

U: Unfair - How much do they tease?

- A lot as he enjoys seeing your reactions. 

V: Volume - How loud are they?

- Deep moans and grunts, but not loud.

W: Wild Card - Something random?

- Would love to do it in a private spot in a library, however, he would never suggest it.

X: X-Ray - Size, appearance, etc?

- 7, pale with a slightly darker tip. Noticeable veins and a slight curve to the left. Cut.

Y: Yearning - How high is their sex drive?

- Slightly above average.

Z: ZZZ - How quickly do they fall asleep?

- About an hour or two after you do.

© SUVIDRACHE — do not copy, translate, modify, or plagiarize my work. reblogs are appreciated!

Tag List: @phantomheiko, @sunmoongoddess / To Join My Tag List Apply Here!

#devil may cry v #v dmcv #v x y/n #v x you #v x reader #dmc v x reader #dmc v imagines #v imagine #v headcanon #v smut #v scenarios #dmc smut #dmc headcanons #dmc imagines #dmc x reader #dmc x you #devil may cry headcanons #devil may cry imagine #devil may cry smut #devil may cry x reader #devil may cry #devil may cry x you

[c0llisiion]

ATTENTION — K.TH

★Pairing: kim Taehyung + f!reader

★Genre: smut

★: exes , kinda toxic ig , bigdickdom!tae , choking, slight exhibitionism , reader is lowkey bipolar , angry sex/make up sex (they just went through a breakup) , mirror sex , oral, slapping, creampie , unprotected sex (please practice safe sex!) name calling, degradation, kth is kinda mean — lmk if i missed any! ^^

★W/C: 2,435

A/N: HIIIIIIII!!!!!! so yes another kth fic :’) its been a while so that’s justified! This is actually one of my first fics i ever wrote nd i found it rotting in my notes so i decided to tweak it up and post :3 (the og was shit.) will finally be able to post more often <3 anyways enjoy! Hope you like itttt

☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ MDNI. Please refrain from reading if the topics make you uncomfortable. ☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★

Loud music was blasting throughout the crowded club. It was a huge party, hosted by one of your closest friend. There were people dancing, drinking, and giving men lap dances. It was a wild one!

You were dancing hard with your girlfriends. Those few shots you took finally hit you. 

You were approached by your friend, while having the time of your life "Hey, bae, there is someone you might like to see.." You stopped and focused on what she was saying "Who?" You inquired. She pointed out a man sitting in one of the booths. He was talking to another familiar man and didn't seem to notice you. You stood there, staring at the man in a suit with a few of his buttons undone. You were, honestly, in disbelief. This day is truly one for the history books.

"Taehyung..." You stood there wide-eyed. "Hell yeah, girly, I invited him for you and you only," she said with a smug smirk. "Go on, bae, get your tiger!" She nudged. "I-i-" you stammered. "come onnn ,, stop being a fucking pussy and go talk to him!!" She started shoving you in his direction. You stayed put, not letting her push you more. "Dude, for god's sake! It's going to be so awkward!" You turned around to face your clearly drunk friend. "Bitch, you were the one that was venting to me about how you wanted to see him almost every day since you broke up!" She countered. What she said was right. You were venting to her every day, nonstop, from the day you broke it off with him. "I-I had confidence that time..! But I don't think i will be able to show that same confidence .." Your friend narrowed her eyes at you. "PUSSY!" She shouted in your face. You both giggled it off before she spoke up. "Well if you are not comfortable yet, then it's fine. I heard that he already has a new girlfrien-" "what?" Your ears perked up. "Wdym what? Did you not hear? Apparently he is fucking that hot chick , aeri from back then; she had approached him two days after you broke up, and they have been dating ever since." You look back at the man clad in a blue suit with a white button up underneath before letting out an angry scoff, "What a bastard..." 

"Its time to get that bastard back into your life," your friend winked at you. 

"Heeeyyyy, Taehyung! How is the party going for you?" Your friend approached him, stumbling slightly. "It's going well! I'm having so much fun!" Taehyung said it with excitement. "Ouu, I'm glad to hear! Ykw, do you want to join us on the dance floor?" Your friend batted her eyelashes at him, baiting him into joining her. "haha imma pass!"  " Cooommeee oooonnnn, it’s going to be fun, Taehyung" she begged for him to join her, and he eventually did after much persuasion. He joined the dance floor and was quickly hoarded by hot girls who definitely wanted to get laid by him. After a moment, his eyes landed on someone he knew. It was you. You were with another man, kissing, hands around his neck, and swaying your hips in a very sultry way. You broke off the kiss and glanced to your side. He was standing there. A woman was holding his face in her hands, trying to get him out of his trance. You could feel the rage that was radiating off of him. You smirked and dragged your mister to the bar. You let him buy you a few drinks before eventually letting him go.

You were drinking your third shot of tequila when he approached you. "It's funny to see you here." You turned around to see the tall figure of Taehyung looking down at you. You almost choked on the alcohol. "It's my best friend's birthday; of course I will be here, dumbass!" You tapped the glass on the counter, signaling for the bartender to pour you another. Taehyung walked over to the empty seat next to you. "So what's up?" You inquired while waiting. "Oh, nothing much; Daddy has been pressuring me to start staying stable." You snorted. " 'daddy' PFFFTTT" . Taehyung looked at you blankly. The bartender poured you a glass, and before you could down it all, Taehyung snatched the shot glass, drinking every last bit, and placed it on the counter. "Yeah 'daddy'” "Omg, you are literally so insufferable." You said it dramatically. "Idek how that aeri bitch is even with you," Taehyung shot up. "What aeri?" He said plainly like he had no idea what you were talking about. You looked at him in shock. "You are dating aeri right?" You asked for reassurance. He scoffed it off. " pff- you really think i would date a hoe like aeri? Never in a million years." He rolled his eyes and chuckled. " B-but .. f/n said you guys are fucking around..??" "That is true, though," your face drowned. "Like, we only hooked up once, and you know what? She is not the person she says she is. One of the worst fuckings I have ever done," you giggled. "Who was your best?" You asked him randomly. "You." Your cheeks turned pink almost immediately. You could feel him looking at you. Eyeing your entire body. "You look good today," he complimented you. "Don't I always look good?" You joked. He chuckled, looking down. You both were staring at each other with love and lust. "I miss you" had accidentally slipped your mouth. Curse you for drinking too much! You quickly covered your mouth in disbelief at what just came out. "What?" He looked at you. "Ah ah nothing, nevermind!!" You brushed it off as quickly as you could. He looked at you with his eyebrow quirked up. "Aha i think i gotta go... f/n is calling me haha". There was a slight stutter in your speech. You got up, and before you could leave the bar, he grabbed you by your wrist, turned you around, and kissed you. You were shocked. Your hands were on his chest while he kissed you with passion. "I missed you too, baby.." The bomb dropped. Your mind went blank. "But tae.." "Please, baby, take me back. I promise to change this time. I just really need you. I don't want anyone else." You looked at him with guilt. But this was the same statement he would always give. 'i will change’ 'I will do better' 'take me back'. You were unsure of what to feel. All these months, you missed him, and now? 

"Tae you know we can't. You always say this but you never change. Just cut the act off." He let go of your waist. "I miss you, baby. I really do. And im sorry for all-" "shush. I don't want to hear another apology. You are never sorry." As much as you love and miss Taehyung. His personality is the biggest turn off. He had broken your trust multiple times, and whenever you would break up, he would come up with the same shit, and you were there to accept his lame apologies. But not this time. You took some time to think about it, and you came to the conclusion that it was best for you not to take him back. 

"Have a goodnight." You said it sternly before turning away. "You are really going to leave me, huh?" Taehyung started following you. "I left you months ago, Taehyung." His gaze went from soft to the familiar, mean one. "You said you missed me!" He pulled you by your arm, turning you back around to face him. "It's for the better! For both of us! You know we are never going to work out!" You countered. "Oh yeah, for the 'better' , I know you will come right back to me. Quit acting, y/n. As soon as my dick enters your desperate cunt, you will be with me once again like the slut you are." His hands went around your waist once again. Mere inches separate you both. Whatever he said was true. You break up. Meet up a few weeks or days later. Fuck, and then back together. The same cycle over and over again. You couldn't get enough of him. “Let’s not play fool again.” He said in a manipulative tone. You were resisting his manipulation, but you gave in. Your lips smashed into his aggressively. He chuckled at your instinct. "Yeah, that's what I fucking thought." He said it in between the kiss.

He rushed you into the club washroom and locked the door. There was absolute rage radiating off of you guys. Kissing harshly and not letting each other go. He made you sit on the counter and grabbed you by your jaw, breaking the intense kiss. Your lips were already swollen. "How many dicks have been in this cunt?" He said,tauntingly. You looked at him with your drunken eyes. "I will make sure no one gets this. It's mine. Got it?" You nodded. He let go of your jaw and dropped to his knees. He spread your legs open and started touching your wet pussy. His fingers circled your clothed entrance. A sticky mixture of your arousal coated his fingertips. "Always wet for me. Goodgirl." he grabbed you by your waist before smashing his face into your heat and started eating you out with your lace panties on. The pleasure was too much. You threw your head back and let out a pornographic moan. He was so good at eating you out to the point that it's enough to come undone.

You tugged on his black locks. Eyes swelling up with tears and drool already dripping down from the sides of your mouth. He was lapping at your cunt like a starved man. “So good.. so fucking good…” he nudged his face closer into your sex. Breathing in your arousal. Your thighs clamped around his head, and let out a choked-out moan as he bit down on your poor clit. “T-tae..! ‘S too much!!” Taehyung found pleasure in your pleas and cries. He pulled away and stared up at you. His chin glistened with his spit and your juices, running down his neck. 

He got up and was quick to capture your lips in his mouth. His tongue swirled around the inside of your mouth, and you could taste yourself. Large hands pushed your dress further up your body; a loud snap was heard as he ripped your thin panties. You grab onto his shoulders as you feel his long, cold fingers rubbing your throbbing clit. You gasped for air as he flicked your nub. Your hands roamed all over his body, helping him take off his Celine suit jacket. Your hands went lower before you stopped at his belt buckle. “Put it in already… please … “ you mumbled into the kiss. Taehyung let out a dark chuckle; his lips traveled down your neck. You felt something prod into your sopping hole. His large tip slipped through your folds easily. You gasp as he pushes himself further into you. His hands tightly held onto your hips as he eased his way into your gummy walls. He hunched over after he fully pushed himself into you. Your cunny clenched around his big length as he started thrusting. Heavy breaths getting louder with each increase in pace. “Gon’ fuck you so good..the entire club will hear us.”

 

-fwap! Fwap! fwap!- loud sounds of your ass slapping against his hips echoed through the restroom. Taehyung had you facing the mirror. A hand wrapped tightly around your hair, pulling your head back. “See how well you take my cock..! Haah- so fucking good. Pussy sucking me in so good.” He whispered in your ear before biting it.  “Ngh- fuck Taehyung feels so g-good…!” You held onto the edge of the counter for dear life as Taehyung pounded into you from behind. Your makeup ran down your face as his thrusts had you tearing up and seeing stars. “Mmm.. haa-“ slap. “Keep your eyes on the mirror while I fuck you. Understand?” You nodded at his words. Your eyes were struggling to stay open, and your head felt heavy. “Words, doll.” He grabbed your jaws and brought his face closer to yours, making you look at him as he continued giving you harsh thrusts. Your body jerking forward at each. The hand on your clit pinching the sensitive nub “ngh- fuck! I u-understand…” a devilish smirk formed on his perfect face. He was fucking you into tomorrow. His long, thick dick abused your soft plush walls over and over again. Red angry tip bruising your cervix. Your cream coated his entire length, and your arousal ran down his balls and your thighs. “Gonna c-cum.. tae- gon’-“ His fingers worked on your clit quickly. Tugging, pinching, and drawing rough circles all to help you reach your high. “Cum all over me.. doll.” And with that, you gushed around his length. “Fuck!!” Spurts of your cum spilled from the sides of your abused hole. Taehyung continued fucking you through your orgasm. “Do you want my cum inside you- haaah… fuck doll squeezing me so good..!” He got cut off as you spasmed around him. You nod weakly at his words. Picking your head up to look at him through the mirror, He brought his face closer to your ears. “Say it. Say you want my cum in you.” He growled in your ears. Your eyes filled up with tears. “I wan’ it…” “Want what? I want to hear you say it.” You bite down on your lip as you feel his fingers draw rough circles on your overstimulated clit again.  “ i wan’ -ngh- i want your cum.. Taehyung. i wan’ your cum in me… please.” Your voice was feeble. Taehyung groaned in satisfaction. “Goodgirl. I like it when you beg.” His hips quickly gained their pace and had you once again feeling full. You let out a choked out scream as you felt Taehyung fill you up. Taehyung moaned loudly as his balls drained all the cum into your plush walls. He dropped his head in between your neck and shoulders as he slowly came down from his high. Leaving soft, wet kisses on the spot. 

He lifted his head up and looked at you before smiling. His hands caressed your red ass. He pulled out, and a stream of yours and his mixed arousal dripped down your thighs. “You're gonna stay with me forever.”

A/N: thank you for reading! I will be writing inboxes so make sure to send in :3 🎀

#౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ yun’s silly fics #bts #bts smut #taehyung smut #bts reactions #bts x reader #bts army #bts fanfic #bts headcanons #bts scenarios #taehyung headcanons #taehyung x reader #taehyung x you #taehyung x oc #taehyung scenarios #bts taehyung #taehyung #bts v #v smut

[arrianna21]

~To Hell and Back~ Chapter IX (M)

Never make a deal with the devil.  Easier said than done. Enter the world of demons where things are not what they seem.  Friend or foe, nobody knows. When mysterious and strange incidents come out of the darkness, will you be able to escape the depths of Hell alive and at what price?  

Rated M for Mature: This series will contain gore, mutilation, strong language, depictions of death, intense violence, sexual content, themes of horror, mention of miscarriage, medical procedures, minor character death

Please ensure you’re in a good headspace or avoid reading if the tags above make you uncomfortable. Specific tags that are italicized occur within this chapter. Viewer discretion is advised.  

demon!v x fem!reader

Word Count: 22,814

I | | II | | III | | IV | | V | | VI | | VII | | VIII | | IX | | X | |

Noises surround you from everywhere. Voices are shouting, but nothing sounds coherent. Shrieks collide with growls, which should be concerning, except you feel weightless and unbothered as you find yourself drifting. The colors above you are incredibly bright until they thankfully dim, vivid lights becoming more muted and blurred. V’s face comes into view, frantic eyes regarding you anxiously, his jaw set in hard determination. Black wings surround you and then you’re flying up, fading into the darkness.

If only the relieving abyss could last, but you’re instead ripped away and thrown into a glaring light. White clouds drift around you, the vapor curling near your ankles. Except for the billowing mists, there’s nothing at all, until a figure forms in front of you. An outline appears first, slowly becoming clearer and then you recognize her.

Your sister looks beyond fatigued, eyes blank and glazing over, bones poking through her taut skin. When she takes notice of you, there’s the briefest spark of life that flickers from her, a hint of remembrance. Although, it’s not happiness she greets you with as she quivers in realization, her body sagging lowly.

“You aren’t supposed to be here yet,” she sighs. Her shoulders sink tiredly and her knees tremble beneath her heavy weight. “Go back,” she moans.

“I can’t, I don’t know how,” you tell her. You don’t want to leave this peaceful place. The two of you are free and finally together now. How could she want you to go back to suffering? Why can’t it just be over?

Faith drags her body forward, feet shuffling the first few steps before her gait is corrected. She glares at you, forcing herself to walk determinedly until she reaches you. Grabbing your shoulders, you’re shaken roughly, nails digging painfully into your skin. “You have to go back,” she hisses in your face. “And you can’t return, not like this,” she pleads, her piercing bloodshot eyes pinning you within their hold. Tears drip down her cheeks and you go to lift your hand to wipe them away, but your arm is immobile.  You will the limb to move, to do something, yet it merely hangs there.

Looking to your sister, you see her observe your arm, her thumb lightly caressing your shoulder before she sinks it into your flesh. She digs deep, her nail cutting your skin and it feels as though a metal rod is being jammed into your shoulder joint, the fire burning against muscles and tendons. Before you can so much as cry out, she shoves you away though it’s more like you’re thrown back. As you fall, you watch the clouds envelope your sister before the shadows return.

Yet consciousness still lingers as you’re left blind and disoriented, the fire being a persistent guide that tugs you along within the dark mist. When you resist the pull, willing yourself to remain in the blissful silence, it jerks you further, leaving no time to fight back until the darkness is ripped away and light encapsulates you. The aching in your arms is increasing tenfold, specifically in your left shoulder and you can’t escape the burning sensation that continues to only get worse. And with that pain comes loud voices that echo in your head.

“She’s losing a lot of blood so it’s making it hard to see exactly where the bullet is,” someone explains. “Move your hand for a moment,” they say.

The weight on your shoulder is removed, but then fingers prod at your shoulder and you flinch away. Nails put pressure around the center of your pain and you struggle, but someone holds your legs along with your right arm down.

“You’re okay, little dove,” V reassures, gently rubbing your uninjured arm.

Thankfully, the poking stops, though you can’t stop fidgeting as the throbbing continues in your arm. The slab of concrete you’re lying on digs harshly against your bones. Drops of sweat accumulate across your skin, the room smothering you in heat as you shift uncomfortably, the fabric of your dress becoming more stifling and you wish you could rip it off.

“What do you need?” You hear V ask, his voice gruff and tense.

“Keep pressure on her wound,” the voice commands. “It didn’t hit her major artery, but we need to move quickly. Can you get her dress off?”

“I got it,” Lhaine says, letting go of your legs and walking around to your torso.

V slips his arms under you, one going behind your head and the other beneath your shoulder to keep it secure. He slowly rolls you to your right side, your cheek resting against his forearm while Lhaine rushes to undo the ribbons at your back. You whimper, the throbbing in your arm being all you can focus on, though your head grows hazy while something warm trails across your chest and pools onto the slab.

“Shh, it’s alright,” V whispers to you, his hand brushing your hair back.

When she finishes, your bare back meets the concrete and the dress is yanked off with ease. Cold air encapsulates your body, a shudder running along you at the sudden change in temperature though relief is short-lived as the fire quickly consumes you with sweat continuing to form.

“How’re we doing this?” Lhaine asks, her voice more high-pitched than usual. It’s the first time you’ve heard her speak without her normal confidence.

How bad is it? Curiosity helps turn your head to the side, only to be rolled back, but not before catching a glimpse at the raw, gaping wound. V’s dark chocolate eyes meet yours while keeping his hand against the left side of your neck. “Admire your battle wounds after they’ve been dressed.” Though he feigns reassurance with his joke, the bloody sight representing your shoulder has you blanketed in fear.

“I’m going to get the bullet out, but I need to find the proper equipment,” the other voice explains. Multiple objects rustle and clang near your head and you moan, wanting to get away, but it’s impossible with the hands holding you down. “When I insert the tube, we’re going to roll her, and it should drain out. Lhaine, bring that bucket over here.”

She releases your legs, then metal scraps against stone as she drags it over before returning to hold your lower limbs. A plastic bag is ripped open and your breathing accelerates into panting, wishing you could just pass out again so you’re not conscious for what’s about to happen next.

“Be ready,” the voice warns, and the arms keeping you still tense in preparation.

When they uncover your wound it’s immediately replaced by something thick that prods at the hole in your arm. You groan, jerking away as you kick out.

“Shit,” you hear Lhaine grunt when your knee clocks the side of her head. She repositions her grasp, firmly holding your legs down yet her heated palms slide against your sweaty skin so she climbs onto the table with you.

“Keep her still,” they order, pressing hard on your shoulder and continuing to push the tube into your wound.

You scream, writhing as it slides further into your arm. A burst of adrenaline laced with fear has you yanking your legs back and Lhaine briefly loses her grip before a kick from your foot knocks her off balance. V uses his arm to keep you still while she curses and tries getting back up, using his other hand to press against your torso, his warm palm heating your bare skin. Turning your head to the side, you will your eyes to open despite the perspiration that stings them. Through your blurry vision, you see the plastic tube sticking out from your shoulder and you roughly reach out to grab it, but then you’re stopped by V’s hand latching onto your wrist with a firm grasp.

At that point, Lhaine hoists herself up and sits directly on top of your pelvis, earning a glare from the person fiddling with the tube. “I’ll get off when we roll her,” she answers before muttering to herself, wiping sweat off her forehead. “Might as well be sitting in Daemon’s armpit it’s so fucking hot in here.”

“Yes, blame the heat for why an injured human got a good hit in,” the person hums in return.

V pays neither of them any attention, keeping his focus only on you. He reassures you that you’re going to be fine, but you can’t concentrate on his words, seeing only the thing in your arm that you want out. Letting go of your wrist, he cups your jaw and urges you to look at him. “Focus on breathing,” he tells you. Trying to do as he says, it’s hard to control, your lungs desperate for oxygen and you feel on the verge of hyperventilation. “Think only about that. We’re taking care of everything else.”

The tube is pushed in some more and you wonder if they’re going to end up impaling you with it. When you grimace, V winces, watching you forlornly and glances at the one working on you. “How much longer, Kala?”

“Nearly there. . .” It slides further inside, the plastic scraping torn muscle and causing your shoulder to burn in agony. “It’s in. Roll her, but keep her weight off her arm.”

Lhaine scrambles off, moving to the side so they can turn you with V holding your neck and torso while she lifts your hips. The change in position causes your blood to drain from the tube, thick liquid pouring into the metal bucket. You gasp, your breaths becoming more panicked at how much comes out.

“You’re doing well, just keep concentrating on your breathing,” V encourages, his fingers stroking the side of your neck while his thumb caresses your cheek.

“It’s almost done,” Lhaine reassures, rubbing your legs soothingly.

Their soft assurances are enough for you to stay still, forcing your brain to remain in control of your body. A few seconds later there’s a soft splash as something falls into the bucket. “We got it,” Kala says, pressing her thumb over the end of the tube to stop the bleeding. “Roll her back, so I can finish disinfecting.”

You moan, head lolling to the side as you lie back and Kala examines your shoulder. Lhaine coughs once and then another time, rubbing her nose into her arm. Inhaling deeply, she coughs a third time and it’s followed by a low hiss. “Do you smell that?”

The others sniff the air, Kala pausing from her work. As you pull in ragged breaths, you can’t smell anything besides the acrid sting of your blood.

“Is that what I think it is?” V asks, his teeth gritting harshly.

Kala crouches to look inside the bucket before picking it up and nodding. “Yes, it is,” she sighs. A sudden gust of wind sweeps across the room, knocking a few bottles on their side at the counter.  “Easy, Your Highness.”

V’s wings are swept wide like black curtains covering the macabre scene of your operation. “What if there’s still some more in her?”

“She’s fine. The bullet didn’t shatter and there’s no shrapnel inside,” Kala reassures him. “We’ll deal with it after her wound is cleaned and dressed. I don’t want it to get infected.” Having settled them, she grabs a bottle and uncaps it.

A stinging liquid douses your open wound and you cry out, struggling to no avail as they keep you still. V keeps whispering soothing words into your ear, but the scalding fire in your arm keeps you from noticing anything else. And then it stops, relief washing over you as your body goes limp.

“It’s okay, you’re going to be okay,” he croons though there’s an edge to his voice, his grip tightening around you.

“Let me dress it and we’ll be finished,” Kala says. “I’ll deal with it right after.”

Exhaustion seeps through you as your body weakens. The next thing you know, V is sliding his arms beneath you and lifting you up. Your head slumps against his chest, void of any strength as you’re carried away, leaving behind the blood and horror from tonight while consciousness fades into oblivion.

                                                                ~*~

Trickling water draws you from unconsciousness and you hear gentle humming nearby. Someone rubs a warm rag against the skin of your arms, being mindful of your injury before draping it across your forehead. Quiet footsteps pad closer and fingers press into the side of your neck for a moment.

“Pulse is steady now that the fever seems to have gone,” Kala murmurs. “I’m cleaning the wound again, so watch her for me.” She walks away, sifting through some drawers before returning to sit down beside you.

Hands slip under your torso while she removes the pillow from beneath your arm before it’s replaced by a towel as you’re lowered back down. She unwraps the gauze from your shoulder, briefly examining your wound and then pouring a splash of liquid onto it. It’s initially cold yet quickly consumed by a heat that turns boiling for a split second, causing you to twitch. You sense Kala momentarily jerk back before putting the liquid away so she can dry you.

She pats your arm while another person rubs your hand. “Afraid of getting hit too?” V snickers from beside you.

You hear Kala snort. “I’ve treated children far more feistier, Your Highness. According to Lhaine, she just got lucky,” she laughs softly. Her fingers prod around your shoulder and then she wraps new gauze around you. Removing her supplies, V lifts you again so she can slide the pillow back underneath.  “Has your father said anything on the matter?”

“Not yet. He’s asking the guards now about the incident.” You hear him struggle for words before he eventually sighs in resignation. “Someone actually brought a blessed weapon here.”

“Yes,” Kala answers. “That bullet had holy water residue. Since she’s human it has no other effects on her. I’m taking the proper measures to dispose of it.”

V inhales deeply and rubs the side of his face. “Is there a way to study it without any issue?”

“Absolutely not, Your Highness,” she admonishes. “Even those with strong experience are at risk of poisoning themselves at any given moment.”

“We need to know where it came from otherwise everyone here is at risk. As I’m one of the likely targets, it should be my responsibility to examine it.”

“Regardless, it will just put you and your family in more danger. With all due respect Your Highness, I will go ahead and examine it to aid in the investigation, especially since only the four of us know.” A sink is turned on briefly as she washes her hands. “In the meantime, will you be lying low until this is resolved?”

V lets out a quiet laugh. “I think you know me well enough to know the answer to that,” he states.

“You’re right. Even if it would be in your best interest, though perhaps not just for you.”

“She has nothing to do with this.”

“That might’ve been true at one point, but maybe not anymore. Not after she saved you from an assassination. Isn’t she the one you happened upon in the forest out of nowhere?” She wonders.

“Yes, caught in the crossfire of two rival soul feeders.” His words are clipped and there’s a spark of annoyance within.

She sighs and there’s a rustle of movement. “Come now, I don’t see her as a traitor. Let’s step outside, so we don’t disturb her.” V stands and you hear their footsteps fade. “Even if the attack wasn’t for you, something could be after her instead.”

It’s the last thing you hear her say as the door quietly opens and shuts before silence envelopes the room. You lie there for a few minutes, letting your thoughts swarm with questions until sleep overcomes you once more.

                                                                ~*~

The next time you emerge from unconsciousness it’s due to the same sound of trickling water. Only now there’s a wet rag being taken across your body. The room is warm enough that you just barely feel the cool air. You hear the cloth dipped another time into the bowl before you’re given one more brief scrub and then the person tosses it into the sink where it makes a dull thud. They dry your body with a towel, lifting your head to carefully slip a gown over it, another pair of hands helping your arms through the sleeves until they can slowly work it down to cover you. Only when you’re situated do they stand to remove the bowl of water and towels.

“I believe the caregiving tasks suit you,” Kala murmurs.

“Shut up,” Lhaine scoffs below her breath. “Another day and she’d stink of rotting food,” she whispers.

“It’s only been a few days. Your nose is too sensitive. Speaking of delightful food, do you want me to bring you something for lunch?” Kala asks, passing by Lhaine to head to the door.

Lhaine grunts before sharply hissing, “don’t pull my hair,” earning a shh from the other woman. “And yes, some meat would be nice,” she adds.

Kala opens the door only to stop short. “Oh, it seems someone beat me to it. Good day, sir.”

“Good day, Ms. Kala. Pleasure to see you,” a man greets in return.

Beside you, Lhaine groans to herself. “Damn it, not you.” When the door shuts she lets out a huff. “What do you want, asshole?” She asks.

Through squinted eyes you peek and catch a glimpse of black hair coming around the partition at the door.

“Come now, surely you can be nicer than that, Ungoldil,” Jin scolds.

“Since when have you cared about formalities? Besides, I thought you liked my sharp tongue,” she mocks.

“And I thought you liked your hair pulled, but maybe just in our case.”

“Fuck off!”

Her sudden increase in volume causes you to involuntarily flinch and Jin’s eyes catch your own. He tsks. “Now, now, you’ve woken your friend with your shouting.”

Lhaine turns to you, cheeks flushed as she clamps her mouth shut for a second. “You’re awake,” she says once she finds her voice. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

You shake your head, feeling awkward at having been caught inadvertently eavesdropping. “It’s okay,” you reassure her, your words rough from your throat being dry. “I can just go back to sleep.”

“No, no, you’re fine,” Lhaine hurriedly answers while getting to her feet. “He was just leaving anyway.” She strides around your cot to Jin and grabs the tray of food from him, only for him to keep a tight hold on it.

“Actually I was coming to collect something, but a trade works too,” he says. Raising his right hand up to her, he wiggles his fingers at her though the fourth one is missing.

She stares at it, mouth partially open until she closes it and shrugs. “Well it’s certainly not here.”

“I think you might have taken it, whether by accident or on purpose, I’m not sure.”

“Why would I want your stupid finger?” She wonders, nose crinkling as her upper lip curls. “Besides if you think I have it, then just go get it.”

He pauses and looks as though he’s contemplating something while he stares for a moment. “Wherever it is, it’s not warm anymore,” he pointedly notes.

Her hands clasp hard around the sides of the tray, lips pinched together. “Leave,” she finally insists.  

“I want my finger back.”

“Here’s a finger for you,” she replies, flipping her middle finger at him. “Now go, Y/N needs to rest.”  

Jin glances over at you before sighing. “We’ll talk later,” he tells her, letting go of the tray and opening the door to let himself out.

“No, we won’t,” she retorts in a lighthearted tone as she slams the door in his face with a sweet smile. Lhaine comes over to sit back down with you and sets the platter on the table. Helping you sit up, she props another thick pillow behind you, fluffing the one under your arm. “How are you feeling?”

“Okay, I think.” Your voice is still scratchy and you clear your throat. “How’ve you been?”

“Fine, now that you’re okay,” she admits, fetching a glass of water which she helps you drink. After you finish about half the glass she sets it on the nightstand. “You sure had a night to remember I’m sure.”

You nod. “Yeah. . .don’t think I’ll be forgetting that anytime soon.” Observing your shoulder, you see the white gauze peeking through the fabric of the plum colored nightgown. “How long have I been out?”

“A good three, maybe four days or so. You had a small fever that kept you out of it, but your injury seems to be healing well I think, though I’m not the physician here,” she laughs to herself, pushing her hair back with her hand.

Sitting up further, you lean in close. “What happened to your face?” You ask upon noticing the purplish bruise above her cheekbone.

Lhaine quickly pulls her hair back down, hiding her face except for one of her red eyes that peers sheepishly at you. “It’s from that night,” she explains, “you managed to get a quick hit in when we were helping you. Not that I blame you. It’s nothing really.”

“Wow,” you exhale, “I’m sorry,” you say though she shakes her head. You can barely recall brief images, but mostly just remember the burning sensation that encapsulated you.

To the left, past the small row of cots you see the concrete slab where you were laid out not too long ago. Now that you’re awake and coherent, you can actually take in the space of the infirmary. Above the operating table hangs a round fluorescent surgical light that’s fixated to the ceiling. Medical carts are scattered about the space, packed to the brim with bottles, syringes and other equipment. On the opposite side of the room, is a glass door that leads out onto a small balcony. Next to it, sits a heavy stone bookshelf that’s built into the wall beside the countertop and cabinets. The shelf is lined with books of various sizes with some being held in place by vibrantly colored geodes as well as the occasional potted plant that range in green, purple, or red.

“It doesn’t even feel real,” you admit, lifting your hand to rub your eyes of leftover sleep.

She sniffs. “Yeah, you’re telling me. No one ever scores a free hit with me.”

You slap the air in front of her with your good arm and she leans away. “I was talking about the night in general.”

“Yeah,” she huffs, “I know. I’m just trying to distract you, and me,” she lightly adds at the end. She looks toward the medicinal cabinets and chews on her lip.

With your same good arm, you reach out and rest your palm on the back of her hand. She tenses beneath you before putting her other hand on top, rubbing yours in return. Heaving a sigh, she turns back to you, mouth quirking up on one side in a partial smile. “You actually had us a bit worried there for a minute. I mean, not that we don’t trust in Kala’s skills, she’s the absolute best, we just weren’t expecting anything like that to happen.”

“You weren’t expecting anything crazy on Hallow’s Evening?” You ask with mild disbelief.

“Well no,” she starts, “I mean there’s always that thought in the back of everyone’s mind at some point because it’s a big event and something’s bound to go wrong, but that was pretty entertaining. When we were getting dressed, I was actually looking forward to it.” There’s a pause as she hesitates, momentarily thinking over her words. “Since you’ve been here, things have been a lot more entertaining.”

Lhaine abruptly looks up, misty eyes meeting yours through strands of hair. “Sometimes I forget that we’re supposed to be rotting away in this nightmare of a plane.” She inhales and starts talking fast. “And then when you got shot you were cold, ice cold for what felt like a good minute and I know we were all sweating, but at one point the thought of you dying crossed my mind and it hurt. Not that I’d blame you for leaving in any way, shape or form because there’s so many better places besides being stuck here yet I didn’t want you to leave like that,” her words trail off, the film in her eyes tremble and you scoot closer to her, being mindful of your injury and she backs away. “Hey, no I’m fine, stop moving, you idiot,” she protests until you successfully throw an arm around her shoulders.

Beneath your hold, you feel her frame quiver slightly before she wraps her arms around you. In the silence, you feel her rapid breathing continue for another minute then eventually settle into a steady pace. “You’re a good friend, Lhaine,” you whisper. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

Her warm breath fans your back as she sighs, “You’re welcome.” Giving you a tight squeeze she releases you, leaning back in her chair and reaches for the silver tray. “You hungry? Stupid question because I know I am so I’m sure you are too,” she says, lifting the dome to reveal a thick, circular cutlet of meat with green vegetables and a bread roll. The scent wafts around you both and is instantly met by each of your growling stomachs. “Oh fuck yes,” she crows. “This is the good shit.” She grabs the utensils and begins cutting the meat, stealing a small piece for herself as she pops it in her mouth. Chewing slowly, her head falls back slightly while she savors it. “Haven’t had this in a long time,” she hums. Wiping her mouth, she pushes the platter to you, gesturing for you to dig in. “Sorry, I just really wanted a taste. Eat as much as you want.”

“We can share, it’s your meal too,” you insist. “Also when did you used to eat this?” You wonder.

She hesitates just as the door opens and a woman steps inside carrying her own plate of food. The azure chiffon dress she wears stops just below her knees, thin sleeves wrapped around her biceps leave the dark brown skin of her shoulders and arms exposed. Her pressed raven black hair sits low at her shoulders, locks twisting into ringlets at the end.  Kala slows her walk as she sees the two of you huddled together. “Ah, it’s good to see you awake, Ms. Y/N. Unfortunate that our first meeting had to be under such awful circumstances. How are you feeling?” She asks, going to set her food down before walking up to the side of your cot. “May I?” She motions to your shoulder and you nod, gently lifting it up for her to examine.

“I’m okay, just sore and a little tired,” you tell her, catching Lhaine in your peripherals tossing another small piece of meat into her mouth and quietly chewing.

“That’s expected. You’ll be feeling like this for about a month though with rest you’ll be able to move better in a few days,” she informs you, leaning down to carefully touch your shoulder. “As for eating, you should be fine, but take it easy. Too much at first will make you sick,” she warns, standing upright. Glancing at the food she cocks her head to the side. “Spiced amlug? I’m surprised he remembered your favorite, Lhaine.” Kala goes to her desk and sits down, opening a large book to read while ignoring the seething glower Lhaine sends in her direction.

“Your favorite?”

Lhaine rolls her eyes. “He probably just has a good memory, that's all,” she merely answers.

“That’s all?” You repeat.

She regards you with a dead stare before reaching for a chunk of meat and shoving it in your mouth. “We were a thing for a while. Hooked up and fucked one Hallow’s Evening, then just kept seeing each other.” She takes a piece of meat for herself, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. “We stayed like that for some time until he moved on and I got too comfortable,” she spits, tearing the roll of bread in half and taking a bite.

“Do you still like him?” You ask, picking up a fork to stab some of the vegetables and eating them. “Also didn’t his hair used to be pink?”

Muttering under her breath, Lhaine responds with, “He shattered later on that night after the party and his hair color changes each time he does. And no,” she says curtly. “I used to like him, but now I’m done.”

Kala clears her throat, mumbling something under her breath and you barely make out the words, “but is he done?”

Lhaine clenches the roll between her fingers, nails crushing the soft food.

“Throw that bread at me and I’ll cut your hair off,” Kala warns, her body tensing as she grabs a scalpel off the medical cart.

“Seriously, who throws bread?” Lhaine yells incredulously. “Obviously, the best choice of weapons are the knife and fork at the very least. Shit, even the tray is better than a piece of dough.”

“We’re not throwing anything,” you tell her, patting her shoulder. “Let’s just eat. We won’t talk about men.”

“Yeah, you just don’t want to be interrogated either,” Lhaine mutters and you flick some vegetables at her before you both quietly eat your meal.

                                                                ~*~

Later in the evening after Lhaine leaves to finish the remainder of her chores as well as yours, with your insistence to help being met by strict orders to not even leave the infirmary, Kala examines your wound beneath the candlelight. The gaping hole is still raw, but it’s slowly beginning to scar over with tissue. You try not to stare for too long, not needing an inside look at your body and everything else inside. As she gently washes the wound out with a wet rag, you inadvertently wince each time the fabric tugs at the torn skin. “Looks like it’s healing well,” she notes, prodding at the bullet hole and tenderly feeling around the mark.

“That’s good,” you say, keeping your focus on the sketch of some constellation that hangs on the wall. “When do you think I’ll be able to get back to work?”

Cold gel is rubbed against the wound and you’re met with a burning pain that flashes for a second before becoming cool once more. “Full recovery takes about a month, but even then I wouldn’t recommend any heavy lifting for quite some time. You’re going to be feeling it for a while.”

When she lets go of your arm, you carefully shrug it and moan at the twinge of pain. “I believe it.”

“I can recommend some exercises to help loosen the muscles that’ll help get functionality back.” She rewraps the gauze around your shoulder, clamping the pieces together. “You’re not bleeding anymore so that’s promising,” she tells you, standing to go rinse her hands.

You nod, readjusting your propped position amongst the pillows. “I imagine I looked much worse in the beginning.”

Kala shuts the water off and dries her hands, setting the towel over the rim of the sink. “When they brought you in you were practically in death’s clutches.” She glances at the door suddenly, looking back at you as she starts walking towards it. “I guess they decided to let you go,” she adds, pulling the door open though the partition blocks your view even as you try and peek around it.

“How is she?” You hear someone ask.

“Ask her yourself,” Kala replies, shutting the door behind them.

V comes inside and pauses when he sees you sitting upright. “You’re awake,” he says, eyes wide for a moment until he relaxes and walks toward you.

“Before you ask Your Highness, yes I did let you know as ordered, but you weren’t awake and simply mumbled incoherent nonsense before falling back asleep,” Kala explains as she steps by him to go sit at her desk.

“I was?” The prince asks, rubbing the dark spots below his eyes and you notice his hair is slightly unkempt as though he were just waking from said nap. “I don’t even remember. Regardless, thank you, Ms. Kala.”

“Of course, Your Highness. Her wound is also healing well, she just needs rest,” is her quick reassurance as she opens her book and begins reading, taking a sip from her drink while also scribbling something into her notebook.

He sighs, tension visibly leaving his body. “I’m glad to hear that.” Using the chair Kala was in earlier, he repositions it before sitting down on the cushioned seat. “And you’re doing okay?” He asks, regarding you carefully.

You nod. “Yeah, just a little tired.”

“I imagine so,” he agrees, his eyes slipping shut before reopening as he meets your own. “Y/N, I’m so sorry you had to experience something like that,” he apologizes, his face contorting with grief and you’re quick to reassure him.

Shrugging with your good arm, you say, “It’s fine really. It’s not your fault someone brought a gun and decided to use it.”

Your words are met with an awkward silence as V pauses while Kala shifts in her seat, her gaze fixated on the pages. He rubs his hands together, pursing his lips. “Actually they were more than likely aiming for me.”

“No. . .” you start, but cut yourself off, remembering exactly how the events unfolded in sequence.

He catches the hesitation in your voice. “That’s why you pushed me out of the way.”

“I saw the reflection of the light and didn’t even stop to think, I just ran,” you admit.

V reaches out to hold your hand and rests your palm in his, his thumb caressing the back. “You could’ve been killed,” he murmurs softly.

“Technically you could say that about most of my encounters,” you point out with a small laugh.

It only causes him to sigh in return. “You’re not wrong. And while I’m eternally grateful, you shouldn’t have to risk your life for mine.”

“And you shouldn’t have to worry about being murdered by someone,” you refute.

“It comes with my particular circumstances.”

“Well it shouldn’t,” you insist with a huff. You go to cross your arms yet stop short at the annoying ache in your shoulder so you opt to simply fold your good arm over your torso, gripping onto the opposite bicep. “And you can’t just ascend now?” You ask, vaguely remembering him mentioning it during one of your previous conversations.

He barks a laugh at that, smiling to himself with a shake of his head before his expression sobers. “Little dove, I’m afraid it’s not so easy. I have to be of a certain age, which I’m close to, but still not quite there yet. There’s also specific accomplishments and training that I have to complete as well. It goes for any demon that can ascend. All this to ensure we’re truly prepared for immortality. And in my case, the joys of royalty.”

“It’s very archaic,” Kala pipes in and V tilts his head, pursing his lips but doesn’t deny it.

Your fingers press against the sides of your forehead before you tiredly rest against the palm of your hand. “So if you didn’t survive being shot, then what, it’s just your fault?” You scoff. “That’s stupid.”

That earns you another quirk of his lips while Kala lets out a giggle to which she quickly muffles with her hand though she doesn’t stop. “Can you be the one to convince my mother of that? Maybe she’ll finally let me ascend and then convince the Queen to do the same for you,” she tells the prince.

He looks over his shoulder at her where she scribbles something down on her paper. “I would be incredibly surprised if we managed to do that. Even so, my father wouldn’t approve in the slightest. He’s much too intent on keeping with tradition.”

“Even if it meant protecting you from harm?”

As soon as you utter the question, there’s an immediate shift in the room as uncomfortable silence  heavily swells inside, growing with each passing second. V pauses as though contemplating your words while you worriedly glance at Kala who hesitates, tapping her nails together. She grabs her pencil and notebook before getting to her feet. “I’m going to head outside and record more of my notes,” she says, gesturing towards the balcony and slides the door open to walk out into the night air. The cool breeze seeps into the room before being cut off by the closing door.

“I’m sorry,” you hurriedly apologize, “I didn’t mean to sound so disrespectful.”

V shakes his head, his hand still holding yours as he uses his thumb to caress along your skin. “It’s alright, I understand what you meant. My father does care for me even if he doesn’t show it often. In his mind, if I can succeed with my own trials while surviving these attacks, then others will see it as futile to even try. Even after ascending, I’ll have shown that I won’t easily be undermined. Meaning my parents can finally rest peacefully without constantly fearing for my safety. I know that’s all they want in the end.”

“As any loving parent would. I know I’m still not familiar with how things are here but I think I can see how it makes sense.”

“There’s a reason why we uphold these customs. My family just has it more difficult, unfortunately,” he answers with a somber shrug of his shoulders.

“Not for too much longer because you’ll be victorious,” you assure.

Your insistence has him rolling his eyes at your choice of words. “I appreciate the confidence, little dove,” he chuckles before it’s cut off by a sudden yawn, causing you to inadvertently follow suit as exhaustion pries open your mouth. “Of course, I think my savior deserves some sleep after saving my life, don’t you think?” He wonders, readjusting in his seat.

Your lips quirk up at his humor. “I would’ve done it again.”

“And for that I truly thank you for that selfless act of bravery,” he answers sincerely, the lighthearted humor vanishing as he meets your eyes intently. Despite the exhaustion that’s currently weighing him down, there’s clarity in his words. The hand still atop yours flexes but the grip doesn’t tighten against you, instead almost forming a barrier around your limb.

“You’re welcome,” you softly murmur, struck by his honesty. “But if there’s anything else I can do to help, I’ll do whatever I can. I want to catch this person too.”

He shakes his head. “Take some time to rest then and gather your strength first.”

“Okay,” you sigh, “I will. But I’ll have to return to work soon. I don’t like that Lhaine has to manage both of our chores and besides I’m sure Miss doesn’t want me gone for too long.” She could be logging an entire list of tasks to keep you busy for an eternity for all you know.

“Miss will get over it,” he dismisses, noticing your skeptic look before insisting, “she will. Other humans have had to stop working in the past before, so she knows it’s a possibility.”

“Yeah, because they all got turned into mannequins or something worse.”

V grimaces. “Those were special instances.”

“At least my near-death experience was a little more normal,” you shrug, wincing at the pain flaring in your shoulder.

He smooths his thumb across your hand. “I wouldn’t exactly say normal.”

That has you tilting your head slightly. “Are assassination attempts not the norm around here?”

“Not in the comforts of our home, no,” he admits. “It’s usually when we’re out in public, or so I’ve heard.”

“Maybe this’ll be the last time for a while,” you say in an attempt to sound hopeful though it comes across as more desperate than anything.

Regardless, he still smiles wanly at you. “Your optimism is remarkable.”

“You gotta start somewhere,” you say before being cut off by another incessant yawn.

He gently releases your hand and sets it down on the mattress. “I should let you sleep. Though you’re probably missing your new bed I assume.”

“Actually, I think this one is just about as comfortable if not more than the one in my room.” While the basic cot’s mattress isn’t exactly as supportive, it’s at least fluffy enough that you don’t feel as though you’re sleeping on harsh springs somewhat hidden beneath a solid pallet. It’s a step up compared to the ones in the servant’s quarters for sure.

V raises his brows skeptically. “You lie,” he mocks.

His response has you cocking your head to the side. “Oh, yeah? Have you slept in this bed?”

“It’s been some time since I’ve had to spend the night recovering in the infirmary and while I know these cots are meant to be comfortable, nothing can compare to the other beds we so kindly provide.”

“Well they’ve been upgraded since then,” you say, slamming your fist into the mattress.

Immediately, you wince upon feeling the sharp pinch in your poor shoulder, earning a hiss from V. “Easy, you silly human,” he demands, holding a hand against your back near your shoulder blade. “Is this honestly a result of your sleep deprivation?”

“Could ask the same about you,” you retort, motioning to his tired eyes which causes them to fill with amusement.

He briefly stands before silently urging you to scooch over while he sits down beside you. Leaning back against the headboard, he lets his head rest on the stone wall. “Your persistence knows no bounds. Yes, this is relaxing, but my bed is much better without a doubt.”

“Now who’s lying?” You mutter, laying your own head back as well. “If this one was a bit bigger, then your fancy bed wouldn’t stand a chance.”

V laughs silently, his frame shaking next to you while he crosses both his arms and legs. “You’re ridiculous,” he mumbles beneath his breath.

A calming hush fills the room as the two of you quietly relish in the serene space. While your body slowly unwinds, there’s a sudden weight on top of your head that has you jumping slightly. “Your Highness?”

He responds with a gentle hum.

“You might want to get to your own bed before you fall for this one,” you suggest, though your own eyelids are also becoming heavy.

“That’s just the result of my exhaustion. I’ll leave in five minutes or you can just shove me off now.”

You nudge him softly in return. “Whatever,” is the best you can come up with at the moment. The tug of sleep draws you further close to it as you ease your own head onto his shoulder. Five minutes is tempting to your body as you let yourself rest your eyes as well only to fall into a heavenly slumber.

                                                                ~*~

The next few days you remain in the infirmary along with Kala though Lhaine and V are typical visitors.  At one point Lhaine even brought you a note from someone unexpected. The small paper had only four words reading, Get some rest -Miss. In between these brief visits, Kala oversees your improvements by cleaning and checking your wound while also giving you simple exercises to do in the meantime.

Tonight though, you’re visited by someone else. “Good evening, sir,” Kala greets from her position at her desk with her usual reading material. While holding your arm at a ninety degree angle for your stretching sessions, you look to find Min standing by the partition near the entrance.

“Hello,” he answers. “I hope I’m not interrupting.” His signature black fabric covers his eyes yet he walks with a surety, seeming to know exactly where all the furniture is as he easily steps around it.

“Not at all, please come in and have a seat.”

He turns his head and walks forward, deftly maneuvering his way around while using his fingers to graze against the simple wooden chairs. As he sits down in the seat beside you, you slide your legs over the edge so you can face him better.

“How are you, sir?” You ask.

Tilting his head, he stares directly where you are, giving you a sweet smile.  “I’m alright, and you?”

“Better,” you admit.

“I’m glad to hear that. You’ve had quite the ordeal I imagine.”

“It was. . .eventful.”

Min chuckles at that though there’s no humor behind it. “That’s an understatement. Haven’t had such a thing like that in over a decade I believe.” There’s a bout of silence and then Min clears his throat. “Actually, besides seeing how you were obviously, the reason I’m here is because Jeon wanted me to give you something.” He retrieves a folded paper from his pocket and hands it to you. “He thought of delivering it himself, but didn’t want to take any risks.”

You take the paper and unfold it, revealing another strange drawing. This one consists of a 3-D rectangular box with a smaller one at the front and a square off to the side though no lines meet at the bottom. The sheet is colored with black scratches that cover the entire area though most of it is darkened in the center.

“I understand. Tell him thank you for the drawing,” you say, staring at the various lines and shapes on the page.

He lets out a faint laugh before asking, “Is it just as confusing as the previous one?”

You smile in return. “I think there’s more lines than before, but I’ll have to compare them. What have your visions been like if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Dark,” is all he says. Through the fabric of the blindfold, you see him clench his eyes shut, faint creases appearing along his forehead. “And I don’t mean figuratively. Anything I try to focus on is covered in a fog and it’s hard to see. It’s all just blurry shadows and incredibly frustrating,” he sighs, running a hand through his blond hair.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper.

“Don’t be. It’s not an issue, but hopefully it passes quickly. I don’t like feeling lost any more than my visions already make me,” he admits with a short jerk of his head.

“I can only imagine. And there’s nothing you can do except wait?”

His fingers tap the sides of the chair as he slightly nods. “Pretty much. It’s most likely showing me something that’s currently happening, which if it is, then I just have to wait until it’s resolved.”

Hesitating, you examine the paper again, eying the simple lines of the drawing dubiously. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“I know you and Jeon can’t interfere with each other’s abilities, but from past experiences, what does he usually draw in his pictures? What do they end up representing?” Even if he can’t say much, any idea would be helpful when you’re dealing with such vague symbolisms. Unless the answer is obvious, then you really should brush up on your sleuthing skills.

His lips pinch together as he contemplates your question. “It’s hard to say because there’s such a variety at times. I’ve seen images of people, creatures, places, and things. It’s rare that there’s any details or distinguishing features, but I think it’s mostly specific objects from what I can tell.”

“Well his clues are interesting for sure,” you admit, looking down at the sketch once more.

“Yes, they are, though if you ever get the chance, I recommend viewing his personal art, the ones he draws for enjoyment. They’re extraordinary and very detailed.” He grins wholeheartedly at that, a fondness on his face you haven’t seen as strongly before.

“He’s an artist?”

Min hums in response. “He likes doing it in his spare time, that is, when RM has time to spare and isn’t meeting with people. It gives him an outlet from all the abstract images the future bestows upon him.”

The sheet crinkles in your hands as you continue fiddling with the edges. “It must be hard on him too,” you softly note.

He gives a forlorn smile. “All of our powers are considered gifts, rewards granted to us for being lucky or something along those lines.”

“So we’re told,” Kala pipes in, snorting lightly under her breath which causes him to laugh at that.

Running a hand through his hair, he notes, “You’re not wrong there.”

Your eyes shift between the two of them. “Why do you say that?”

Min rubs the back of his neck while Kala ducks her head, using her fist to cover her grin before eventually answering. “It’s just everyone’s pretty old fashioned and needs to get over themselves. Like we talked about the other day, everything’s archaic.” She acknowledges your blank expression by simply shaking her head. “It’s nothing, we’re just venting.”

“Shh, they might consider that complaining,” Min chuckles before cocking his head to the side. “I should probably go since it’s getting late,” he says, standing up.

You glance over at the clock and see it’s just past 10:00. It’s been easy for you to lose track of time since staying here.

“It was good to see you, sir,” Kala says from her seat.

“Same to the both of you. Have a good night.”

You respond with a farewell of your own before it’s just you and Kala. She gets to her feet and heads over to the bookshelf, retrieving another book then returns to her desk that already has plenty more sprawled across. Figuring you might as well do the same, you grab your book about demons that Lhaine had thankfully brought you. Entertainment is important, she had insisted. You also stare at Jeon’s drawings from time to time until your eyes eventually glaze over and cause the shapes to morph into unidentifiable masses. If there’s a connection between the demon haunting your sister and his drawings, finding it feels damn near impossible.

“You’re not going to bed?” Kala asks, not bothering to look up from her own reading. “Or is it just too lonely over there?”

“What? No!” You yelp before letting out a groan. After falling asleep with V, you had woken up by yourself on your side with the covers pulled up high. Kala had merely asked if you slept well yet the obvious undertone couldn’t be missed. Rubbing the circles beneath your eyes, you shake your head at her with a sleepy grin. “I was just doing some light reading,” you answer. “Will you be going to bed soon?”

She shrugs. “Eventually. Maybe after the next chapter or two.”

“What are you reading, some medical textbook?” You wonder, catching a glimpse of some diagrams as she turns the page.

“What, no!” She scoffs. “I’m not reading any of that boring stuff.”

Your brows furrow at that, eyeing the various multicolored tonics and remedies lining the medicine cabinet, a couple you had actually seen her craft in her spare time. “Aren’t you the physician here?”

This causes her to actually look up at you. “What do you mean, oh,” she says, realization dawning on her face, “I get it. I know that’s what they call me around here since that’s technically my position, but it’s temporary.”

“Temporary?”

“Mmhm. Seriously, if you want the family’s physician that would be my mother,” she laughs, propping her head on her hand as she taps the side of her face with her nails. “We came to an agreement that if I practiced here for some time as her replacement, then I’d be free to do as I pleased afterwards.”

“You don’t want to be a physician?”

Kala shrugs. “It’s not for me. Don’t get me wrong,” she reassures, “I like helping others and it’s a great skill to have but there are so many other things out there I’d rather be doing, you know?”

Standing up from your bed, you walk towards her and climb onto the stool next to hers. Now that you’re closer, you can see the book she’s reading seems to be about space, judging from the various diagrams of constellations. “So you like astronomy?”

“Yeah, consider it a passion of mine. And you?” She asks, gesturing to your book over by the bed.

“Oh, that’s. . .research,” you answer.

“Research?” She wonders. “Are you a scientist?”

You shake your head with a laugh, waving your hand in disregard. “No way! That’s not my strong suit at all. I mean space is cool, but I just like to look at the stars mostly.”

She leans close, tapping the pages of her book. “So you can truly see the stars in your world.” Kala bites the inside of her cheek as you nod. “Can’t deny that I’m envious. You live in a place with beautiful sights and yet you’re down here because,” she trails off, her brows quirking together.

You lean your elbows on the desk. “Something attached itself to my sister back home and I’m trying to figure out what it is.”

She blinks, her face reflecting her confusion. “Don’t you have specialists that know how to fix that? Or can at least help?”

“It’s not that simple,” you sigh, “especially if they don’t know anything about it.”

“So your bright idea was to come all the way to Hell and fix it yourself?”

You roll your eyes. “That wasn’t the plan. I didn’t know the person offering help was a literal demon and I was almost tricked into signing a contract with him. I know I’m desperate but I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.”

“And yet your main goal is to still find a cure for her, which might as well if you’re stuck here regardless. That’s quite the determination,” she notes.

“Of course, I’d do anything for her,” is your immediate response.  

She breaths a hiss of air in through her teeth. “I’d be careful who you say that to,” she warns, “people won’t be so trusting of you.”

“What, why? She’s my sister.”

Flicking her hair over her shoulder, she readjusts in her seat. “Family ties aren’t always that deep. Besides, showing such dedication will draw the wrong attention. How far are you willing to go for one person and who would you take out in the process?”

Scoffing under your breath, you look around the quiet space. Your reflection in the medicine cabinets attached to the stone wall reflects back your confused expression. “But I wouldn’t do that.”

“Are you sure? When people get desperate, nothing’s too far for them.”

You turn and meet her brown eyes, specks of amber giving a faint glow beneath the light in the room while she calmly regards you. “Wait,” you start, “you don’t think I had anything to do with what happened that night, do you?” You breathe the last syllables out in a quiet exhale.

Her fingers play with the ends of her hair, twirling the strands at the end as she lightly shoves your stool with her foot. “No. I haven’t known you long enough but I don’t think you’d do something like this. Yet some will see it as suspicious that you were there at the right place, right time.”

People aren’t seriously going to suspect you of being an assassin’s accomplice, right? Yet you could think of a certain trio that would probably relish in your downfall. As if you need any more headaches. “I literally got shot. Isn’t me taking a bullet for someone, the Prince no less, counterintuitive if I was plotting something?”

She grimaces, continuing to tug the strands of her raven hair. “No, because you’re not the first, not even close.”

Her response has you shifting in your seat. “What do you mean? How many times has this happened to him?”

“Oh, not just him. I think this might’ve been the first one where they got close to almost killing him but with the others, it was more frequent and usually when they were young.”

Your body tenses in realization. “The others, his siblings,” you murmur softly.

She gives a slight nod, shutting her book and pushing it aside. “While my mother was a physician here she helped the Queen a lot. Apparently, she had trouble conceiving at first. My mother tried everything, elixirs, remedies, spells, even ancient rituals, anything she could think of,” she sighs. “Once the Queen carried to term, they thought it was over. But even though the baby was born healthy, they suddenly became ill and passed in a matter of days. And it never stopped.”

Kala crosses her arms over each other, resting her elbows on the concrete table. “They hardly ever made it past infancy. It frustrated my mother so much that she couldn’t help no matter what she did. She scoured every tome that seemed promising and eventually she created a strengthening potion that worked. They became stronger, some even growing into adulthood only to die before they could ascend. It was only then that the family realized they were being targeted, not cursed like most believed. The King massacred all the servants except for a very small handful,” she takes a deep breath, her hands flexing into fists before continuing, “they spared mother because of her progress. They brought in new servants; it didn’t work. Nothing has.” She looks away, focusing on the blank wall beside her.

“And there’s nothing anyone can do?”

She shrugs. “They’ve tried. At first, I heard the family tried keeping them from the public eye, but no one’s going to take well being cooped up in their own home like a cage. My mother said the son was found just inside the Crooked Forest with missing limbs and organs,” she answers softly.

You inhale sharply, grimacing at her description and rub your own arms. “And they still continued to die,” you whisper.

She gives a curt nod. “Every single one. It’s been over a decade since I’ve worked here and V is the only Prince I’ve met. He’s apparently one of the few to make it to adulthood. Not just that but like he mentioned earlier, he’s relatively close to ascending.”

Again, there’s that term you keep hearing, even though you hardly know much about it. “What does it mean to ascend exactly? It’s obviously important.”

“Besides the fact that demons can become truly immortal? It means a demon will have obtained their abilities to the fullest extent. Lesser demons can’t ascend, but to those with immense strength or gifts, especially if they have royal blood, it’s a great achievement.”

“Do you also have incredible strength or a gift too?”

She nods, her body slightly relaxing as she lets go of her arms. “Yes, I have the ability to see all the veins in the body.” You watch as her eyes begin glowing, the flecks of amber sparkling a bright gold that spreads across her irises. “That’s how I could find the bullet and see how much damage was done. My mother can do the same, but she can also see fractures in bone and tears in muscles,” she explains, her irises dulling before returning to their usual color.

You blink a few times, staring in surprise before asking, “But you’re not able to ascend yet?”

She rolls her eyes with a shake of her head and an irritated huff blows past her lips. “Nope, not quite. Mother says I need more time and practice first. And the thing with ascensions is no one ascends at the same age or time, it varies for multiple reasons. When your guardians or mentors think you’ve made great progress, then you have your fancy ceremony and congratulations, you’re immortal,” she sarcastically rejoices with a wave of her arms before dropping them back down on the hard stone.

“Which means nothing can harm you at that point, right? You’ve essentially won if you’re impossible to kill,” you assume.

“For the most part,” she says. “But take my mother for instance, if she were to ‘die,’” she flexes her fingers into quotations, “she could be reborn back into how she was before her death and still be herself. If someone hasn’t ascended, then once they’re dead they can’t return. Their essence or soul, spirit, take your pick, is gone. It would be like they never existed at all.”

“Wouldn’t their soul have to go somewhere?”

“No. Our essence basically dissipates, our existence forever ceased, leaving nothing but a husk of a body. If that’s not destroyed either.”

Scratching your nails along the tabletop, you bite into the inside of your cheek. “Why would someone want to ensure the family never carries on? Why them specifically?”

Again, she shrugs. “To destroy the lineage and prevent them from ever passing the crown on or to kill the entire bloodline eventually. As for your second question, maybe someone has a personal vendetta against them, I don’t know. Or there could be no reason at all, torment and suffering makes enjoyable entertainment for some.”

“And the prince has to wait just like you,” you state.

Kala nods, her lips lifting up into a faint smile yet there’s no humor in her eyes, only annoyance. “Apparently so, which is probably why he’s constantly reading and studying about politics. Since there’s been no talk of any coronation or ceremony, the family believed he’d be protected until then perhaps. The King and Queen want to ensure his safety until the time is right. But since Hallow’s Evening, that’s changed.” She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, hunching her shoulders forward. “They don’t deserve this madness.”

“No, they don’t,” you agree. The scratching of your fingernails increases in speed as you process this information. “And no one has noticed a pattern or any link associated with the other children?”

“That’s the issue,” she sighs, “their deaths vary significantly every time. Different age, different time, different method. There’s no pattern, no evidence left behind, nothing. And they never tell any of the children how their siblings have died for fear of the unknown. Not that it mattered because my mother said it was a new way every time, like some sick curse.”

When a tiny chunk of cobble is chipped away by your nails, you quickly dust it off though you catch her smirk, to which you grimace with a small apology. “But you said I’m not the first. What happened before?”

“Again I hear all this from my mother because she was here when this happened. But there was one daughter, who became close friends with a Lesser demon that worked in the stables. They became close after he saved her from a Cindersnitch. A creature that essentially poisons you only that poison feels like lava and can burn through you until you’re nothing but a charred crisp in less than an hour,” she quickly explains before you can ask. “But not long after, she was killed.”

“He killed her?”

“No, but his involvement led to her death. He was working with someone, but I guess he actually developed a bond with her. Granted they weren’t quite adults, so he may have been heavily intimidated or influenced by that person.”

“What happened to him?” You ask, though you’re pretty sure you can guess the answer.

“He was executed. They never found the assassin.”

You release a soft breath, fingers still scratching against the desk before meeting her eyes. “I’m honestly not working with anyone, I’m just trying to get back home,” you insist.

She warmly smiles. “I believe you, but things are starting to happen again now that you’re here. It’s been relatively quiet until your sudden arrival. Even if you’re not directly involved there’s something going on. And his infatuation with you might get you both in trouble. Just know that you could be the prime suspect in the next incident. And I don’t say that by me,” she reassures with a hand on your arm, effectively pausing your fingernail scraping. “The rest of the castle will be watching, especially those that have seen it happen before.”

You look at her incredulously. “I’m sorry but did you say infatuation?”

Kala blankly stares at you. “That’s what catches your attention?” She asks, laughing slightly. “Look I’ve seen him more times in this infirmary these past few days than I have since I’ve been here for the last decade. We can argue about romantic feelings or not, but you can’t deny that he does care for you.”

Definitely not wrong there. “He’s been very nice to me, so yeah, you could say we’re friends,” you admit though you’re not sure why you’re hesitating. V has been nothing but kind to you and has even helped with some of your research. Why should it matter what others think of your relationship? It’s not their business. Except it does when status is seen in such high regards. Everyone has their place here and humans are meant to be at the bottom. Certainly not supposed to be friends with a royal family of demons.

She shrugs. “Well at least you can see that much. Anyway, I’m probably going to head off to sleep. And you should too, you already look like you’re about to pass out,” Kala notes, indicating to your tired frame that’s slowly becoming heavy.

“You’re right, we probably should,” you say, getting to your feet and walking towards your bed before climbing in while she puts her things away. “Good night, Kala.”

She bids you good night as well and you’re already drifting off to sleep as soon as your head meets the pillow.

                                                                ~*~

Though the prince refuses to send you back to work, you still accompany Lhaine under the guise of keeping her company, but still there are some tasks you help with, so long as it doesn’t require heavy lifting. Except for sneaking cans of food down to the dungeon though you use your uninjured arm instead to carry the bucket down the steps.

Upon entering, you notice no one is as eager for food compared to other times you’ve delivered it. Then again, there’s not as many people present once you count only half a dozen bodies, less than half from before, remaining. Most are hidden in the shadows and you barely see their hunched or curled forms, some close together while others stay far apart. Hakyeon is among the few left, not even bothering to spare you a glance, keeping his head trained low. Only when you whisper his name does he look up from his propped position, revealing thin scratches and dark bruises lined across his face.

“I’m afraid we’ve already had our fill for the day, darling,” he says, eyes void of emotion.

Setting the bucket down, you lift a can and hold it out in offering. “No one told me. Consider it a light snack,” you suggest.

One of the figures in the corner leaps forward with a hiss, jagged claws nearly slicing your skin as you jump back. The short horned creature swipes again until it’s grabbed by the tail and kicked to the side, knocking back into the huddled group. There’s a scuffle as they all shove each other away, growls ensuing from the rest as they take up offensive stances.

“Quiet,” Hakyeon snarls, “before you get us all in trouble.” He reaches for the can of gruel from you and throws it to the opposite side as everyone dives for it. Stretching for another, you slide the bucket closer to him, both of you tossing the cans inside until they’re satisfied for the time being. As they settle down, the sound of cracking metal echoes around the area while they slurp up their meals.

With one can remaining, you offer it to Hakyeon, who observes it for a moment before eventually taking the metallic cylinder. He breaks it open and takes a long swig. “So what brings you here today, darling? I’m afraid I won’t be able to read to you if that’s your reason,” he says, leaning against the cell door.

“No actually, I just wanted to see how you were doing,” you explain, sitting on the ground and he does the same. “What happened to everyone?”

“Does the paint not suit my face?” He wonders, using his pinkie to flick his hair to the side. When he’s met with your dead look, he chuckles under his breath. “We’ve had some lengthy interviews with the royal family. How’s your shoulder?”

“Fine, thanks for asking,” you say, rolling the joint a couple of times with hardly any soreness. “You mean they’ve been interrogating you? For what?”

He blinks, amusement flaring in his eyes. “Isn’t it obvious? Surely, working must have been hard these last few days.”

“Why are they interrogating you when you’ve done nothing wrong? Also I haven’t been working.”

Hakyeon grips one of the metal bars to lean closer to you as he gives you a sly smirk. “Who’s to say I haven’t done anything wrong?” He croons with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “And I know. You’ve been cooped up in the infirmary for over a week.”

You also bring yourself forward only to narrow your eyes at him. “Stop trying to change the subject, your means of distraction are clearly not working. You’re the one who warned me something was going to happen.”

His humorous expression doesn’t change in the slightest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Things always happen during Siragar. Besides, I’m merely checking to see how you’ve been doing.”

You huff and scoot even more closer, leaning until your head is just up against the cold metal bars. “What’s going on, Hakyeon? What can’t you say?” You murmur softly.

“I can say whatever I want,” is his aloof answer.

“Then what aren’t you telling me? Do you know who the shooter is?” You basically plead, wishing he could tell you something, anything, that could be useful in figuring all this out.

His red irises, blending in with his bloodshot eyes, calmly meet yours as he stares back at you in silence, any sense of humor now gone. “I didn’t know there was a shooter.”

“Okay, so what have they been interrogating you about?”

“Everything,” he hisses, sparing a glance over to the stairwell entrance. “Look, you really shouldn’t be here. It’s not going to matter soon anyway.”

You look into the near empty cell, watching the others curl up and sleep after having finished their meal. “Have they been killing the others?” You ask, voice increasing in pitch.

“Let’s just say they won’t be coming back,” he answers darkly.

“Who ordered this to happen?”

“You’ll see for yourself soon enough. Just limit your visits in the meantime. Oh, and good luck,” he says before slinking back into his corner.

Before you can call for him, you hear the door clang open and quickly get to your feet. Lhaine peeks her head inside and finds you. “There you are. What are you doing all the way down here?”

“Food delivery,” you explain, showing her the empty bucket.

“You’re not supposed to be working, remember?” She reminds, beckoning you over. “Come on, we’re being summoned.”

“By who?”

“The family wants to talk to all the servants.”

She brings you upstairs where the kitchen is now empty. Going down the hall, she leads you to the throne room where everyone is gathered. The King, Queen, and prince are seated in their respective seats while Miss stands front and center before them. From up the stairs comes Bren with Kala and Ink, they descend quickly before getting into place along with the rest just as Rae appears with Thorn, Steel, and the floating heads.

“Everyone is accounted for, Your Majesties,” Miss informs, her back stiff as she bows low.

The King nods and stands. “Let us begin. On Hallow’s Evening, there was an assassination attempt. You will tell us everything you did and everything you know. Speak the truth only.” He jerks his head and Rae steps forward, standing just to the right of the thrones and waits. “Raelin, do you swear as Truthsayer to convey no falsehoods in all manners of speech for both yourself and those being questioned at hand?”

Rae swallows thickly, her skin pale white and face splotchy red.  “By the written accords of Sailapeth, I swear on my life to relay only the truth from both myself and the questioned parties. If no falsehoods are corrected or brought to light, then my life may be subject to forfeit.”

“Miss, you will start first. Explain what you did on Hallow’s Evening.”

Your boss recounts every place she had been and for each specific purpose in a collected manner as though she’s merely telling a story. Every question she’s asked is confirmed by Rae until they move on to the next person. It continues like this, each person speaking about what they did, who they spoke to, and what they remember before and after the gunshot.

When Dust is next she steps forward, padding slowly onto the carpet before them. Her figure trembles as she twiddles her fingers together, risking a quick glance up at the King before fixating her gaze to the ground.

“Where were you that night?”

“I was in the kitchen,” the girl starts, her voice soft to where you can just barely pick up her words from the back. “Chef needed my help with the food.” While she fiddles with her hands, she puts her right foot on top of her left.

“Truth,” says Rae.

“Did you step foot in the ballroom at all?”

“Yes,” Dust murmurs.

“What did you do?”

She moves her left foot over the other now. “I danced—”

“Speak up!” The King barks. “And quit fidgeting.”

Her shaking increases tenfold and she grips the sides of her dress, taking a few breaths. “I danced with the Queen for a little, but returned to the kitchen afterwards,” she answers with a raised voice.

“Is that where you were when you heard the shot?”

She shakes her head. “I was here, in the throne room.”

“Why?”

“I was delivering another batch of sweets, but dropped them after I heard the gunshot.” Her high-pitched voice quivers as though she’s about to burst into tears at any moment and you wish you could hold her hand or do anything to provide her some form of comfort.

The King looks to Rae and she nods. “Truth.”

“What did you see?”

“Everyone running for the exits.”

“Anything suspicious?” He’s glaring at her now, shifting his position until he’s partially leaning forward.

Dust swallows but keeps her attention fixated on the ground despite feeling the glower being directed her way. “Some fought with each other, but the Sisters directed them to the proper exits,” she says, indicating to the floating heads grouped together.

There’s a pause as he considers her words before looking at Rae and she verifies her statement. “Dismissed,” he says.

From behind him, the Queen snaps her fingers and motions to Dust, beckoning her forward. The girl bows and steps around the King, giving a wide berth until she walks quickly to the thrones to crouch beside her seat. The Queen pats her cheek before stroking the top of her head.

The King shuts his eyes briefly, sighing in annoyance once, then opens his mismatched eyes to stare at the floating heads. “Bell, you will start.”

He begins asking various questions to the floating heads, each answering accordingly until Thia is the last to go.

“Thia, you kept watch in the off-limit zones to ensure guests didn’t go wandering, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Truth.”

“And all the guests cooperated? No one was seen sneaking around?”

“Yes, everyone cooperated. One guest was found wandering lost upstairs. They thought the restrooms were near the library,” she explains.

“Truth.”

He blinks his glowing eyes at her incredulously. “And you didn’t find that suspicious? An unknown person wandering around supposedly lost?”

“They had the proper markings needed to gain entry to the party,” she stutters.

“Which were?”

“A triangle with a curved arch in the center of it.”

There’s a collective gasp from her sisters as everyone else stares at her in shock. Even the Queen and V have gone still. The King is the first to move, his brows raising at her answer.

“Lie,” Rae says.

Thia blinks, floating uncertainly in the air. “I don’t understand.”

Bell hovers unsurely before drifting slightly closer to her. “It was a crescent moon with an arrow cutting across it.”

“Yes, I remember. . .but it was changed. You told me yourself, Cara,” Thia cries, turning to look at her sister who stares back in return.

Cara slowly shakes her head, face falling in despair. “I never told you it was changed. All the other guests had the correct markings.”

“I heard you, you were there upstairs before the ball began when the rest of the guests were set to arrive.”

“No, Thia,” she whispers, “I wasn’t.”

The King growls, gaze flickering between the two of them. “What incompetence brews here? Cara, did you tell Thia about any changes in markings?”

“No,” she replies, her voice growing thick.

“Truth,” Rae says.

“I swear that’s what I was told!” Thia yells. “I know my sister’s voice, we spoke near the alcove!”

“Lie.”

At Rae’s response, the King clenches his teeth, upper lip curling into a snarl. “Disgraceful,” he growls. “Tell us all you know about this supposed guest. Distinguishing features, markings, everything.”

Thia floats unsurely, her strands of hair meeting before twisting at the ends while she anxiously thinks. “They spoke quietly and it was hard to make out their form, they could shapeshift I think. I don’t know what type of creature they were. I’m so sorry I—I don’t remember much, it was dark upstairs and we barely spoke,” she says, her voice high-pitched.

A haunting silence fills the space as no one utters a word while the King remains harshly staring. “My son was almost murdered and you can’t recall anything useful. Very well,” he states and begins walking towards her. While his tone remains calm, it doesn’t stop the hairs at the back of your neck from rising with dread. “I have all the answers I need. In an attempt to hide your role in this, you tried to frame your sister and allowed a threat into our midst.”

“I’m not lying, please!” She begs, her head bobbing frantically until her hair is snatched by the King’s fist, holding her in place.

“You’ve outlived your usefulness. Your services will not be missed.” And then he throws her to the floor before lifting a booted foot. It smashes into her head, her skull crushing as chunks of brain and flesh spray across the ground. The grey stone darkens as blood paints the area.

Cara and her sisters scream out as everyone backs away. You lean into Lhaine, who grasps onto your arm tightly. Each of the three Faegel grimace, having been closest to the scene, stepping away while Mel flicks some gore off her clothes with a sneer. Kala winces, avoiding looking directly at what’s left of Thia as she tries keeping her gaze straight ahead. Behind Chef, you see that Ink is a puddle on the floor. Across the room, Dust is huddling close into the Queen’s embrace and you see V shut his eyes, wincing when Bell lets out an anguished wail.

“Was that necessary to do now and not after questioning the rest?” The Queen loudly asks above the noise, still caressing the side of Dust’s face.

“Silence!” The King bellows, the sound echoing around the room and the sisters’ cries instantly quiet though they don’t stop. Not bothering to turn and look at the Queen he continues, “An example needed to be made and a punishment to be fulfilled on a conspirator. Or do you not care that our son’s life was threatened?”

You watch her eyes change to black, void of any color as she glowers in return. A chill engulfs the room and you shiver at the sudden temperature drop. “You of all people should know the answer to that,” she spits. The temperature drops again to the point where your shuddering breaths appear in the air only to suddenly vanish as the cold dissipates, letting the heat return. “Miss, I want that damned carpet cleaned afterwards,” she demands.

A brief tremor runs through Miss, but she collects herself and bows. “It will be done right away.”

The King ignores them, merely wiping his bloody boot on the carpet before returning to glare at the group of servants. “Where’s the boy?” Ink disappears from behind Chef and reappears with a light pop at the front. He takes a small step back from the mess and bows. “We’re now under the impression that this unknown suspect possibly came from the library,” the King starts. “Were you there the entire night?”

“Yes, but I saw no one enter or leave. I’ve also talked with the figures and examined the painting multiple times, it wasn’t broken or forced,” Ink explains in a flurry of words.

“Truth,” Rae says, her face pinched in discomfort as she does her best to remain calm despite the carnage left front and center.

“Any other evidence?”

“Just this,” Ink responds and from his body pulls a strand of blonde hair before giving it to the King. “It was found near the passageway.”

The King smells it briefly and looks up. “Care to explain yourself, Bren?” Upon hearing her name, she visibly pales, her face going a slight shade of green as she’s called forward. “You’ve been with us for many years. Did you know the secrets of that painting and use it for some hidden motive?”

Bren shakes her head.

“Say it,” he orders.

Clearing her throat, she briefly glances at Thia’s remains before answering. “I do know the secrets, I’ve heard it before unintentionally, but there’s no hidden motive.”

“Lie,” Rae answers softly.

“Did you let someone in that night? Or are you the one we’re looking for? If we search your room will we find the weapon?” The King fires in rapid succession.

At his accusations, her trembling becomes more pronounced. “No, I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Truth.”

He approaches until he’s towering over her and grips her throat, lifting her into the air. “Do you know who the assassin is?”

“No!” She gasps.

Rae grunts then, clutching the sides of her head as she leans over. She’s stuck on her words, tongue unable to make any syllables. “L—l,” she begins, but seems incapable of finishing. Blood starts dripping from her nose, dropping to the ground and further coloring it. “Just tell the truth!” She groans.

“I am,” Bren strains, fingers clawing at the hand cutting off her air supply.

“I grow tired of your games,” he says. Putting her back down, he unsheathes a dagger from his hilt and positions it against her jugular while she struggles within his hold.

“No, I beg you, please!” She squawks, frantically writhing against him. Her nose grows sharper as she begins transforming, birdlike features appearing across her body.

Not again. Please, not another. You don’t stop to think twice when blood starts seeping from the cut that emerges on her skin. “She didn’t do it!” You yell.

Your sudden outburst draws the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Lhaine’s fingernails are etching deep into your skin, squeezing down to the bone of your forearm. V’s standing now, his eyes trained to his father who doesn’t move closer, only adjusting the aim of his dagger towards you. With a solid grip on Bren, he redirects his spewing rage to you. “What evidence do you have?” It’s a simple question, but his blade shines with promises of instant suffering should you answer incorrectly.

“I couldn’t see the shooter, but they were male. It happened too fast to notice anything else.”

“And you’re certain this information is factual?”

“Yes, the information is true.” You can’t feel your arm anymore, Lhaine’s grasp having cut off circulation to where the tips of your fingers are completely numb.

All eyes flit to Rae, who’s upright again and she visibly cowers from the sudden attention. Though she’s covered in sweat with blood trailing from her nose down to her lips, she wipes her face with her palms and clears her throat. “Truth,” she murmurs, shoulders heavy and without strength.

The King releases his vise-like grip on Bren and she collapses to the ground, talon fingers clutching her head as she faintly whimpers, gasping for air. “Anything else?” He asks.

You shake your head. “No, it was too dark and all I saw were shadows.”

“Truth.”

He hums, glaring at you with those menacing eyes. His upper curls as he regards you, gaze piercing directly through you before eventually returning his dagger to its hilt. “I see. In the meantime, any suspicious behavior will be reported to your superior. As for you,” he looks down at Bren still at his feet, “you will be under constant supervision by Miss or Chef. You will not leave the servants’ quarters unless you’re accompanied by either of the two. Punishment will result in you being held in the dungeon with your wings shredded. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she stutters, putting her forehead low to the ground before stumbling to her feet and stepping back into the group.

“Wretched creature,” he mutters before turning away. “Dismissed. And you three, clean up this mess at once,” he orders Cara and her sisters.

Hovering low to the ground, they use their hair to collect the remnants of Thia, picking up the scattered pieces of flesh and bone. You automatically start towards them, but are suddenly pulled away by Lhaine as everyone disperses. V’s eyes catch your own as you’re taken up the stairs, but you lose contact after turning the corner while Lhaine practically drags you to your room.

She shoves you inside, letting go and immediately slamming the door behind her. While she rests her head against the doorframe, you massage your arm as blood flow returns to your veins, the feeling of prickly pins and needles cascading across your skin. Inhaling deeply, she whips around to face you. “What was that?”

“What? I told the truth,” you scoff, shaking your arm to get rid of the tingling.

“Do you know how close you were to being executed? We were this close to wiping up both yours and the harpie’s blood off the stones,” she hisses, pinching her fingers together.

“I was careful with my words.”

Your insistence only exasperates her further as she furiously shakes her head, long hair whipping back and forth. “If he had decided to keep pressing, you would’ve lost in the end. He’s done interrogations for many centuries, you haven’t.”

“I had to say something,” you say incredulously.

“Why?”

“She was going to die! Doesn’t that bother you?” You ask, folding your arms across your waist, memories of blood and bone remaining persistent at the forefront of your mind.

Lhaine throws her hands in the air, facial expressions going through a myriad of emotions. “To be honest, not really. And no, it’s not because I dislike her.  She needs to be taken down a peg, sure, but I don’t wish her dead. I don’t think she would’ve deserved it, but she’s hiding something,” she insists, pacing across your room.

You watch her for a moment as you sit at the edge of your bed. “No one else was going to do anything.”

She huffs a laugh. “Yes, because whatever happened back there was pretty damning. Even if someone else knew something they wouldn’t say anything because no one’s willing to risk their life.”

“Bren could still be innocent.”

“So? That’s not good enough to risk your own life for.” Her feet roughly stomp against the stone and she spins around once she reaches the wall.

You watch her go from one end to the other across your room while you clutch at your sheets. “Maybe for you and everyone else, but I had to at least try.”

“Again why? For the debt she owes you now? You don’t seem like the type to collect them.”

The pacing of her feet steadily increases until she’s speed walking around your room and you snatch her arm to hold her in place, insisting that she look at you. She does so reluctantly, midnight hair nearly hiding away her red irises. “Lhaine, one innocent person was already killed and another possibly innocent one too. It would’ve been cruel and...inhumane,” you helplessly finish.

She comes forward, leaning down to gently rest her hands on your shoulders. “That’s the thing. We’re not human. You care about others, but down here; it’s considered weak and naive. We don’t just willingly sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others.”

“Would you have stood by if I were in her position?” You fire back.

She glowers at you, biting the inside of her cheek. “I would have said something, anything, to try and help you. But I care about you. I’ve talked to Thia a few times, she’s quiet and polite. You already know my stance with Bren. I don’t feel anything for them. Not enough to risk my own head. It’s selfish, Y/N, but we’re also persevering. We do what we can to survive and do things that benefit ourselves with rare exceptions of bonds or close relationships.”

“Well I’m sorry that my human qualities aren’t acceptable here, I get it,” you say, desperately flailing your hands. “We’re in fucking Hell, it’s expected. I’m not a saint by any means, but when something’s not right and someone’s life depends on it, I have to try to say or do something.”

She looks away, dropping her head briefly before groaning quietly. “First of all, don’t apologize for being human. You basically come equipped with a moral compass unlike the rest of us down here. I’m not apologizing for being a demon even though my integrity is dubious at best and humans would probably exorcise me or whatever the fuck the moment they saw me. Who knows though,” she shrugs, “maybe your goodness will rub off on this place.”

“I’m not here to fix Hell and cure all evildoing.”

“It’d be stupid if you were,” she mutters. “No, but maybe you’ll end up passing on some of those good vibes or whatever to some of us.”

You pull your leg up to prop your foot against the side of the bed. She eases into the space next to you, keeping an arm around your shoulder while you silently rest your head on her own. “Maybe so. I just don’t want to see people getting murdered. That was an interrogation, execution, and torture session all in one,” you whimper. The crunching sound of bone still ricochets in your mind even though you’re trying to force yourself to focus on the present.

Lhaine holds you closer. “I know. The royal family is protective, paranoid, and furious about what happened, so they don’t care who gets hurt as long as they’re secure in the end.”

“The assassin needs to be found before more people die,” you mutter.

She barks a laugh. “Yeah, they do. But good luck chasing after them. They’re hidden well unless they’re long gone. Just be happy we’re alive.”

At least there’s that to consider, despite how morbid it is.

                                                                 ~*~

It’s only been a couple of days or so since that horrifying interrogation. Supposedly the family has started focusing on who all was at the ball and also could fit the description Thia gave before her…execution. What she described vaguely reminds you of the shadowy figure you saw from your old room all those nights ago. But they had been taller and for all you know could have also been another servant or guard whose job is keeping watch outside and just happened to be practicing their magic. Or maybe it’s just wishful thinking on your part. Either way, you haven’t seen them since.

Sitting at your desk, you return to reading your book and looking at the drawings Jeon had given you. Opening the demon textbook, you unfold the artwork and examine them once more. The second one is still hard to distinguish what kind of setting it is because of the scrawling black lines, but when you tilt it beneath the light, you notice one of the rectangular shapes has something on top. The open book strikes a chord in your memory as you recognize your old bedroom in the servants’ quarters. Most of the colored areas cover the furniture, but it’s especially dark in one corner where an oddly shaped blob stands. It’s short, but the curve near the top of it resembles a person of some kind. Looking at where the head is, the light reveals three lines, two vertical and the one underneath horizontal, depicting eyes and a mouth.

Rubbing the back of your neck to get rid of the itchy sensation, you return to study the open book in the picture again and see a line drawn on the page. It’s not a decorative choice, considering it’s vertical and not horizontal. So is it the letter “i” or the number one? Could Jeon even be able to tell you? You can at least try.

You switch to his first drawing and examine it as well. No hidden figures seem to be there when putting it beneath the light, but when you trace your fingers across the back you feel indentations near the red dot. Quickly retrieving a blank sheet of paper, you use a pencil to scratch across it and reveal four sets of numbers. 9, 5, 18, 19. Again you stare at the picture, particularly focusing on the top part that’s colored in. Of course. Getting up from your seat, you snatch the papers and head out into the hallway only to be greeted by darkness. You didn’t even realize how late it had gotten, the clock in your room reading a quarter until midnight. He’s probably asleep and you don’t want to disturb him.

Just as you’re about to close your door, muffled cries sound from further down the hall. Peeking your head out, you see shadowy movement and your heart rate increases at the undulating person approaching. Before you’re about to slam the door shut, the dim light of the lamps reveal Bell’s head as she comes closer.

Her eyes are shut as she uses her long strands of hair to wipe away bloody tears. Sniffling once more, she opens her eyes and notices you in the doorframe, coming to a halt at the sight of you. “Excuse me, Ms. Y/N, I didn’t even detect your presence. I hope I didn’t disturb you,” she apologizes, quickly using more of her hair to effectively clean her face.

“No, you didn’t. I was going to go read anyway.”

“Oh. Well, I shall let you get back to your business,” she says, passing by your door to continue her rounds.

“Wait,” you tell her, reaching a hand out to somehow stop her and nearly grab a handful of her hair, awkwardly pausing as she turns to look back at you expectantly. “Do you need to talk about anything or is there any way I can help you?”

Bell does her best to replicate a calming smile, but the corners of her lips are trembling. “I’m fine, Y/N, you don’t need to worry about me,” she reassures, though there’s a quiver in her voice.

You hesitate, but don’t push further. “Okay, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I don’t mind listening.” Biting your lip, you continue, “I really am sorry for your loss,” you eventually say.

Fresh tears pool within her crimson orbs. “Your condolences are appreciated. Cara has been taking it especially hard.”

You nod, tossing your papers onto your desk before closing the door behind you. Bell cocks her head and you point behind you to the staircase. “I’m just going to get a glass of water from downstairs.”

“Please don’t assume I’m asking you for any obligations because I mentioned my sister. We’ll be alright in due time.”

“I know, but I need to go to the servants’ quarters anyway. Besides, I don’t usually get much sleep most nights.”

She nods. “I see. Then have a good rest of the night.”

“You too,” you tell her as she floats away from you and continues down the hall.

Going down the stairs, you walk to the kitchen and get a glass of water. Heading to the sink, you let out a small shriek upon finding Cara in the basin. Water splashes as she’s startled by your sudden appearance, only to relax again when she recognizes you.

“Hello, Y/N,” she greets as she settles down in place. She has a pot filled with water and is currently submerging her neck inside while her hair drapes across the counter.

“Hey, Cara,” you respond, pulling a stool up next to her. “What’re you doing?”

“I’m soaking,” she says.

“Looks comfortable,” you comment to which she nods in return. “Is that ice?”

“Yes. Figured I’d give myself a break.” A part of her hair reaches for the bowl of ice cubes and takes one, carrying it to her mouth where she eats it. The frozen cube slides around, puffing her cheeks every now and then as she sucks on it. “Were you here for some water?”

You nod and her hair reaches for your glass. You hand it to her and she turns the faucet head away from her spa setup to fill it before asking, “Would you like some?” She motions to the bowl.

“Um, sure, if that’s okay.” She uses more of her hair and they drop three cubes into your cup. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

After taking a gulp, you set your drink on the little section of the counter that doesn’t have her hair on it. “How long have you been here?”

Her hair lifts up before limply falling down in a makeshift shrug. “For the past half hour or so.”

“I’m guessing Bell doesn’t know.”

“No, not that it matters. Even if she did, what would she do? Tell on me so the King can step on my brains too?” She scoffs.

You wince at her heated words. “I’m so sorry you had to see that.”

She huffs and bites hard at the ice cube where it crunches loudly. “It’s not the first execution I’ve been a witness to.”

“No, but Thia,” you cringe as you prepare yourself to continue, “was your sister.”

“Not anymore,” she mutters. “And don’t feed me your hopeful condolences, I don’t want to hear it. She’s a memory, nothing more now.”

Her words strike a chord as you take in what she means. “She didn’t ascend yet, did she?”

Cara inhales, breath catching on a slight whimper as she sinks down, the water up to her chin. “No. She wasn’t even close.”

“I’m so sorry,” you whisper, hand reaching out to touch the top of her head, hesitating as you pause there unsurely before caressing it softly. “Is there anything I can do to help, anything you need?”

She shakes her head. “No, I’m fine. Your company is more than enough.” Reaching to grasp a large handful of ice, she dumps the cubes into the pot and settles once more. You both fall into a quiet state, letting silence fill the space while you stand beside her as she continues floating in the water. Time passes as you take a sip from your glass every so often. “Tell me about your sister,” she abruptly says, causing you to jump from her sudden words while she shifts within the ice. “Please,” she quietly adds.

“Are you sure?” You hesitate. “I don’t want to accidentally upset you.”

Cara lets herself slide down until she’s lying flat and floating on the cool water. “It’s okay, I just need a distraction. I’ve accepted what happened, I’m just getting lost in my head and I don’t want to be.”

“I get it, it’s really easy to be overwhelmed by everything. And that’s okay. Just don’t keep those emotions locked in the back of your mind forever. When you’re comfortable or ready, try to make time so you can let those out before they become too much. Only when you’re ready though,” you insist and she nods, her head bobbing in her makeshift pool.

“But as for my sister, she’s funny. It’s not just her optimism that helps her cope with her illness, it’s also her sense of humor. Whenever she’d have to stay in the hospital, she’d rate the medicine they’d give her from pretty tasty I want more to awful, never again get rid of my taste buds. And she’d take it seriously too on deciding where she thought each medicine went. We even made a game of it. She’d rate the medicine and then compare it to something that tasted similar.”

“So what would the awful medicine be like?” Cara wonders.

You bite your lip as you think back to all the different ones. Each medicine she tried would somehow be worse and worse one right after the other. “Oh, there was one kind she said was way too sickly sweet, almost like artificially sweetened medicine and it apparently reminded her of fruit whiskey. So I actually went, after making her promise to stay because she insisted on sneaking out with me, and bought a small bottle of some peach whiskey, had a shot, and it wasn’t good. Maybe it was that specific type but I got an idea of what she meant,” you laugh, tongue recoiling upon remembering the overpowering alcohol that coated it.

“Would she do that a lot, sneak out?” Cara looks up at you, red eyes peering from in the water.

Clearing your throat, you scratch the side of your neck in chagrin. “Yeah, kind of. Our parents usually knew, she’d act like she had all her energy that day but we’d have to take a lot of breaks whenever we ventured out. One time she suddenly got really tired and the walk was pretty far so I rented an electric scooter, a little vehicle and rode it back home. People gave us odd looks when they saw younger me with my big sister practically slumped on top while I’m trying to drive normally. They probably thought she was drunk or hungover, which that’s how she felt in a way. Lightheaded and dizzy, but she was giggling about it the whole time.” You can’t help the smile that creeps up on your lips as you remember her trying to help steer but nearly sent you both careening into a stop sign.

“We did that too sometimes,” Cara says, breaking you free from your reminiscence, “my sisters and I. Bell didn’t always come because she insisted on keeping watch but there was one time we all went to Whimsy Waters, a pretty lake not too far from here, and we went looking for jaws. It’s a common place for jawbones to be discarded and if you find one with a severed tongue still inside, it can sing for you like a music box.” She grins while recalling the nostalgia of her memory yet you’re doing your best not to recoil, the glass in your hands shaking as you try keeping it steady. “Thia had managed to find one with a tongue and it sang so prettily. No words, just a lovely tune. She liked sneaking off to the rooftops and sing along with it, saying she’d pursue something in music after finishing her work here.”

Cara’s lip trembles as her eyes grow misty, bloody tears slipping from the corners. “She had a beautiful voice, we knew she could accomplish it. She would’ve.” A quiet sob escapes her and she cuts it off, using strands of hair to cover her mouth.

Your fingers run across the top of her head as she silently cries while you whisper soothing words to her. The two of you stay there with the melting ice bobbing in the pot as silence eventually returns to the somber atmosphere.

Eventually, she wipes away her tears and sits upright. “What time is it even?” She wonders.

A glance around the space soon has you locating the clock and checking the hands. “It’s just past one,” you inform her, and she shuts her eyes, tendrils of her hair rising to cover them. “Don’t worry, I don’t think anybody knows we’re down here anyway,” you try to reassure her. “I might head out soon though, there’s something I need to check on.”

She nods, strands of hair falling back into the water as she heaves a sigh. “I should probably go too. I’m sorry,  I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time,” she apologizes and you’re quick to assure her.

“You’re completely fine, please, I don’t mind at all. I want to be here and help if you need me.”

“Still, what’s stopping me from staying here the rest of the night?” She muses, floating within her ice bath.

“Nothing actually,” you reply, “you’re free to grieve however you need to and for however long. But maybe you can continue your patrol before morning comes just so you don’t get in trouble. I know you're in pain, it’s understandable, just please be careful,” you plead. “Even if you think it doesn’t matter, your sisters still care about you. And so do I.”

She looks up at you, briefly dwelling in her thoughts for a moment. “Thank you. You also make a fair point, we can’t support each other if we’re dead,” she sighs. “At least we don’t have to exactly be presentable when on patrol, just alert.” Lifting herself out of the water, she dumps everything from the pot, the ice cubes clattering into the sink as she puts it back in the storage closet. “Don’t worry, they don’t use that pot for food. Plus, it’s not like I pee in it or anything,” she snorts and you chuckle softly. After wringing her hair out over the sink as well, you watch how she weaves the strands with ease until they’re tied into a simple bun that sits above her head.

Leaving the kitchen, the two of you go down the hall in silence, each lost in your own thoughts that you don’t even pay attention to where you’re heading until you pause in front of the wooden door. “I don’t know why I went this way, this isn’t my room anymore.”

“Ah, that’s why I haven’t seen you in some time. Where are you staying now?”

“Upstairs in one of the guest rooms.”

She smiles. “That’s great. I’m sure it’s much nicer compared to these rooms.”

“It is,” you agree.

“Shall we head that way?” She asks, tilting her chin to point in that direction.

You shake your head. “It’s okay, I kind of want to check and see if I accidentally left anything behind anyway.”

“I’ll leave you to it then.” She pauses, floating unsurely in the air. “I’m also grateful for the time you’ve spent with me tonight.”

“Me too, Cara. I enjoy talking with you,” you smile at her. She leaves and you watch her until she disappears around the corner before turning back to the door.

Taking a breath, you carefully open it and peek inside. The room is pitch black, curtains blocking all light from outside. You keep a close eye on the corner where you once thought you saw a shadowy figure as you go sit on the bed. Nothing happens while you listen and observe your surroundings, not a noise of any kind either inside or out. As if this room is truly empty. With each passing minute, you feel yourself relax and you try standing, but your legs refuse to move. A chill rushes through your body as you’re suddenly filled with exhaustion and as if by instinct you curl up into your former bed to lie down. The silence only eases your mind further while you become encapsulated by sleep.

When you wake, you find yourself in a much comfier position and you roll over, touching the silk sheets that cover your body. You rub your eyes and sit up, recognizing the purple décor of your room. The last thing you remember is lying down in the old one, but you must’ve gotten up to come back at some point. Getting to your feet, you stumble against the nightstand as you struggle to maintain balance. Stretching your body, you shake away the static sensation that layers above your skin and wait for your blood to circulate more before starting your morning.

After having showered and dressed, you fetch some breakfast for yourself and gather your things from last night, taking them to the library. Opening the door, you step inside and find yourself a table to set your things on. You scan the room for the blobbed figure, but he’s not on the ground floor and when you look up you see him hanging from one of the upper shelves, green mist wafting around him and the high rafters above.

Ink disappears and, despite hearing the distinct pop, you still jump when he suddenly stands in front of you. “You’re staring, what do you want?”

“Could you do me a favor?”

“Depends on the favor,” he scoffs.

“I need help finding a book.” He glances around the room and grabs a random book from the shelf beside him, holding it up to you. “Funny, but that’s not what I mean,” you say. It takes you a second to rifle through the sheets of paper until you hand him the note with the numbers. “Can you go to the ninth row and fifth column up there?” You ask, pointing to the bookshelf across from where he was earlier.

His white eyes blink up at you. “You do know you actually can’t read those, right? Maybe try some spooky bedtime stories from the children’s section instead,” he suggests, jerking his chin to the opposite end of the library.

“I think I have enough nightmares to last me a lifetime, but thanks for the recommendation,” you dryly answer.

Giving you another look, he shrugs and pops away. “Suit yourself,” you hear from above as he lands on the second floor and climbs up the shelves. “Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you start scratching at your eyes and make them bleed.” Scaling sideways, he counts each book until finding the one you need and then he jumps down, dissolving before he hits the ground abruptly reappearing in front of you. He tosses the book and you catch it, wincing when the weight causes your shoulder to twinge in protest. “Oops, sorry. Forgot about your injury. Are you still recovering?”

Hoisting the large tome on top of the table, you lean down to check the drawings again. “I’m fine and yes, us humans aren’t that durable. Actually, I was hoping you could help me with reading it.”

“Look I’m not that sorry,” he says, turning around and walking to a cart with books haphazardly scattered across.

“I only need two pages.” Or so you hope, you think to yourself as you follow after him.

Waving you off with a flick of his hand, he mutters, “I’m busy.”

“Please?” You beg, standing beside the cart as his eyes scan across a paper full of notes, a catalog of some sort. “Maybe I can give you something in return.”

“Your hand?” He wonders.

Even though you know he’s being sarcastic, you instinctively pull your hand closer to yourself. “Preferably none of my body parts.”

Ink sighs loudly as he grabs a book and shoves it into an empty slot on the bookcase. “I didn’t mean permanently. Help me put these books on the shelf while I clear space and I’ll tell you what’s there.”

“Deal.”

At least you can tell Kala you got some decent exercise in today. Thankfully, the books aren’t that big and you use your uninjured arm to do most of the work. When you’re done, you both go sit down and he thumbs through the pages until stopping at the one you need.

Ink tilts the book away so you can’t see anything, but you think you catch a picture from your peripherals, resisting the urge to look. “So this book that you need for some reason is about elixirs and potions. The strong stuff that not anyone can just get.”

“What’s the name of that one?” You ask, pencil poised above your notes and ready to begin writing.

“Belegur, a potion used for curing possessions.”

Your pencil freezes in the middle of writing the name as you look up at him. “Curing possessions?” You breathe.

His face scrunches in confusion at your surprise. “Yeah, what are you possessed or something?”

Swallowing thickly, you shake your head. “No, it’s for someone else. What else does it say?”

He looks down to scan the page and then looks up. “There’s a description followed by a recipe and instructions.”

Your pencil taps the paper, tiny dots of granite decorating the sheet. “Can you start from the top?”

He shuts the book, marking the page with his finger in between. “Uh, that wasn’t part of our deal. You want more, then I want something in return.”

“Fine, what do you want?” You ask impatiently.

“I want something sweet from the kitchen,” he says.

“Sure thing, but I want this first.” You point your pencil at the book.

He eyes you dubiously before eventually sighing dramatically. “Fine. Just know that I’ll make you read this book from beginning to end until your eyes turn to pulp if you don’t keep your end of the bargain,” he threatens.

“I’ll take your word for it,” you laugh whilst rolling your eyes, knowing he’s probably at least half serious. You snatch the pencil and begin scribbling down his words in a flurry.

Combine all ingredients at once. Need to be mixed thoroughly in a boiling vessel. Once complete, the possessed subject must consume the entire potion and the creature will be purged.

-500mL of Blood from Enactor

-Tears of Remorse

-Dew Petals from Corpse Blossom (Calamity Caverns)

-Holy Water

-Purging Fluid (Numbing Fields)

-Sickly Sweet Apple (Scorching Dunes)

Keep Belegur in black crystalline vial until ready to drink

“Do you know where I could find the rest?”

“You have to find someone that’s actually sorry for their sins, which might not be too hard. Good luck with the holy water though. Unless you plan on visiting Heaven too,” Ink snickers.

Perhaps you’ll be lucky and find a secret passage or portal that leads up there, yet you doubt it would be that easy. “I’m not planning on it anytime soon. Of course, the change in scenery would be nice,” you say, scribbling down a few more notes before standing. “Let me get you that snack you were asking for. What’s it look like?”

“Oh yeah, it’s a chocopuff. It’s just a little ball of chocolate and cream that’s at the top of the pantry. Don’t let Chef catch you though because she’ll be pissed.”

No surprise there either. “And probably cut my hands off with her cleaver, which would really suck,” you laugh.

“Yeah, cause then I’d lose the extra help from you when you’d want random favors,” he snorts to himself yet his smile is wide, white eyes gleaming.

Getting to the pantry isn’t an issue thankfully as Chef focuses only on her cooking, but sneaking the rather large ball of sugar took some precise timing whenever she’d abruptly turn for an ingredient. So you wrap the treat in a napkin and do your best not to run back to the library, desperately hoping Miss doesn’t happen to be lurking around the corridors. Once you’re shoving yourself through the mahogany doors, you quickly shut them and scurry to where Ink is standing in the alcove.

“Here’s your treat as requested,” you tell him, but he merely glances at you before returning his focus to the books he’s searching through.

“What are you talking about? I didn’t ask for anything,” he mutters.

Your brows furrow while he nonchalantly continues working. His change in demeanor has you carefully peeking around only to find that you two aren’t alone, noticing a seated figure hidden within the shadows of the alcove. You bow hastily, crossing your arms behind your back in a poor attempt to hide the snack. “Good morning, V, I mean, Your Highness,” you practically shout, voice raising at the end of your sentence.

“Could you make it any more obvious?” Ink grumbles under his breath. “This is the last in the series, Your Highness,” he explains, setting the heavy tomes on the table before him.

“Thank you,” V says before greeting you with a faint smirk. “Good morning, Ms. Y/N.”

Ink steps by you and snatches the treat from behind your back, seemingly eating it in one bite. “Don’t be formal on my account,” you hear him mutter though half the words are garbled as he chews.

You stiffen at his words, wondering if he knows that the prince can both hear and visibly see him chewing as he walks away.

“I’ll have to remember that next time,” V tells him and the boy ducks his head, using his hand to cover his mouth. He shakes his head. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. She’s training to become a master thief anyway,” he chuckles while retrieving the brown book on top and starts sifting through the pages.

“Desperate times, desperate measures,” you say.

“You’ve proven to have good reason before,” he notes, giving you a knowing look and he doesn’t hide the humor evident in his irises.

He won’t be letting you live your attempted escapade down anytime soon. Leaning against the bookshelf, you cross your arms as you regard him. “I’m glad you see it like that. So what brings you here this morning?”

“I’m waiting on the others to get here actually,” he explains, still combing through the text. “We’re discussing how to search for this assassin while throwing in some politics as well.”

You glance back at the doors, half expecting them to suddenly show up at the mere mention. “Your friends are still here?”

“They want to help considering I was almost killed and no one’s been caught.”

His words draw your attention back to him again, reawakening the bloody nightmare from that night. As you do, you take note of the faint lines of exhaustion still remaining just below his eyes that have a slight tinge of red to them. “How’ve you been doing with all this? Trying to manage a kingdom while an attempted murderer is after you seems overwhelming.”

V shakes his head, apparently unfazed by the issue. “It’s nothing new. We’ve had one other attempt a decade or two ago, but they were disposed of not too long after. A sword cut through my father’s chest as he slept one night and it somehow missed his organs. He recovered fairly quickly in a few days,” he says, nonchalantly marking the page in the book he’s currently holding before setting it aside to grab another one as he begins doing the same as before.

Confusion sweeps across your face because that surely seems counterintuitive. “But isn’t he immortal and unable to die?” You question.

He nods, his lips barely quirking upwards. “Yes, but if one can do enough damage to an immortal, recovery is tedious and can be quite a process.”

“I’d still be afraid to sleep after that,” you shudder.

He shrugs with a slight tilt of his head. “After a while it gets easier, though it’s been hard these last couple of nights,” he admits.

Propping  your arm against the sturdy wood, you rest your head on your fist, studying him carefully. “How come?”

V sighs, going silent for a moment as he parses for whatever information he needs until eventually answering in a low tone. “Thia was the one to patrol our section of the castle at night. I never talked to her, only in passing actually, but even though I never heard her, I knew she was there. Since her. . .death, Bell has been the one to patrol both her and her sister’s sectors from now on. She does it, but it’s been difficult for her.” His fingers catch on the pages a few times before he relents to using his nails to pry the thin paper apart as he finally turns it.

You wince, recalling your own encounter with Cara earlier. How do people manage to stay sane in this place? “I can only imagine. Especially after witnessing it herself.”

His shoulders hunch ever so slightly as he sets the book aside, eyes focused on the stone flooring. He doesn’t say anything for a moment before eventually breathing a quiet sigh, one that sounds prolonged with age. “Yes, my father reacted too quickly. He doesn’t accept mistakes as proper excuses.”

“I’ve noticed.” There’s an edge in your voice that doesn’t go unseen, the prince grimacing as his eyes zero in on your arms as you both remember your clumsy mistake that led to those circumstances. Your fingers gently tap against one of the shelves as you glance down. “Bell is doing her best to manage, and so is Cara. I haven’t talked to Hiss though. I just hope they’re okay.”

Nodding somberly, he slumps against the sofa with his back heavily hitting the velvet cushion. “Yes, I hope the same.”

There’s a bout of silence as you withdraw into your thoughts before clearing your throat. “Can I ask you something?”  

“Hmm?” He wonders, breaking free from his own thoughts.

You go to your table and retrieve the book, keeping your line of sight away as you open it to the correct page. “Have you heard of this before?” You show him the picture of the potion you need.

“Belegur? How did you come across this?” He takes the book from you, skimming the text before turning the page.

“I figured it out through one of Jeon’s drawings. He had coordinates leading to this specific potion.”

His head jerks up, brows rising as well as he regards you incredulously. “Congratulations on solving one of his riddles. Those aren’t easy by any means. You think this potion will cure your sister?” He inquires, tapping on the sheet.

You nod. “If what Ink read is true, I think this is what she needs.”

“How do you plan on getting it to her?”

The question briefly halts the rising seed of hope that grows within you but you toss the doubts aside. “Well, after I get the ingredients for it I’m hoping there’ll be a portal or something that can take me home.”

V cocks his head to the side, propping his chin on his knuckles. “And how are you getting said ingredients?”

You hesitate, shifting uncomfortably on your feet as you smooth your sweaty palms on your clothes. “Well, if it’s not too much to ask, I was hoping you could take me or at least give me permission to go,” you mutter.

He stares at you, facial expression not shifting in the slightest as he says, “you don’t know what you’re asking.”

“I do actually,” you fire back.

“Oh really?” He scoffs, brown eyes alight with incredulity. “Because I can assure you the journey isn’t as simple as it sounds. It would take at least a day or two just to get to every realm.”

“I’d find a way.”

“Yes, I know you would,” he affirms, raking a hand through his blond strands of hair and effectively leaving them ruffled awry. “And while I respect your determination, it would only lead to your death.” He leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he regards you before sighing roughly. “You won’t take no for an answer,” he concludes. “I made a promise to help you, so I can fetch these ingredients instead.”

Your back stiffens ramrod straight in response. “I need to go with you,” you firmly answer.

“Why?”

“Because this is my problem so I should be trying to fix it.”

He shakes his head, mouth twitching in an attempt to keep from smiling. “These aren’t just places with tortured souls wandering about. All sorts of monsters roam in these areas, each with their own disturbed capabilities to kill.”

Rolling your shoulders, you try keeping your irritation at bay as you feel your fists tighten. “Look, I know I don’t know how to fight and even if I trained nonstop before leaving, my combat skills would be subpar at best. I can’t fight, but I’d do whatever I could to help. Use me as bait if you have to, but I’m going with you one way or another,” you seethe, your jaw clenching as you grit your teeth together and drop your hands on the table separating the two of you.

His eyes flash up to meet yours as though carefully searching for something. V eases to a stand and replicates your position, knuckles pressing firmly against the aged wood as his face hovers just before you. For a moment, you’re temporarily distracted by his close proximity and how close you can admire his features. The slight curl of his long lashes all the way to the cute mole at the tip of his nose. Ridding those thoughts away with a quick blink, you notice he’s still staring though there’s a slight smirk now playing on his lips.

“I’ll consider it,” he murmurs.

Your muscles relax as you sigh and relax your posture. “Thank you,” you breathe, willing to be appeased with that for now because at least it’s something.

“You’re welcome, Y/N. I’m not disregarding your demands, I just want to err on the side of caution,” he explains, still quietly observing you.

“I know.” When the double doors open with a groan you start collecting your things. “I should go. Also I don’t know if you’re aware or not,” you say, tossing a green notebook from one of the side tables on top of your stack, “but the prisoners need a break. I don’t think they should be punished if they haven’t done anything wrong.”

V blinks before realization dawns as his facial expression drops disappointedly. “I don’t know the whole situation about that, but I can attempt reasoning with my father who surely had a hand in it,” he sighs, massaging the side of his neck.

“Thanks.” You bow to him and head towards the doors, seeing his friends at the entrance. A majority of them simply nod in acknowledgement at you, though Min lightly pats your arm in passing.

RM who’s picking up the rear, lingers as you approach. “Ms. Y/N, I hope you’ve been well.”

“Yes sir, thank you.” You bow to him and Jeon. “And thank you, Jeon, for the drawing. It was very useful.”

He gives a short nod. “Glad I could help,” he quietly answers, his eyes focused on the floor.

Bowing once more, you walk passed and go to set your things down in your room before heading downstairs. Now that Ink has told you the ingredients, it won’t hurt to start searching for clues on how to find some of them since there’s no telling when V will be able to take you on your journey through Hell. And you might as well start with the person who seems to know everything. The metal door grinds as it opens, signaling your arrival and you head to the cells, where familiar black hair is sticking through the bars. You set the full bucket down, slipping the cans in between and rolling them across the dusty floor.

Hakyeon’s bare back rests against the gate and you put the gruel beside him. “I brought you some food,” you whisper to him.

Snorting in response, he lifts his shoulders for a mere second before sagging back down. “Oh joy. More scrumptious things to eat.”

“There’s more actually.”

“What? A slice of bread?” He sarcastically rejoices.

“Not exactly,” you say, holding up the green book next to him. That gets his attention as he reaches for it, but you hold it back, afraid of losing your upper hand and a wave of guilt washes over you until you tamp it down. “Can I ask you some questions first?”

“It’s not like I have a choice,” he mumbles, grabbing the can and turning around to fully face you where you let out a gasp.

Since you saw him last, he’s acquired more bruises and scratches, most of his face mottled with an array of discoloration. His left eye is marked purple from a recent welt and cuts are scattered about his jaw as well as his lips.

“I’m so sorry,” you whisper. “But I think I might’ve been able to put a stop to the interrogations.”

He rolls his eyes before silently wincing from the movement. “That’s nice. The entertainment was growing a bit repetitive towards the end.” He cracks open his can and drinks. “So what do you want?”

Crouching down, you get comfortable as you sit on the scathed floor. “You said before that you didn’t know there was a shooter. Does that mean you knew there was a possible assassin?”

Hakyeon takes another gulp, then rests the cool can against the side of his face. “Something like that.”

“But how? And why didn’t you say anything?”

“Don’t be so judgemental. There were plenty of people in attendance that night, I thought the rumors pertained to a certain. . .acquaintance of mine. Shame, really.” He rests his face on the bars. “The others have been talking, getting restless,” he mutters, jerking his head towards the group huddled in the back corner. “It’s mostly nonsense, but something’s been riling them up.”

“Because of something here in the castle?”

He shakes his head. “No, from outside. From the forest, I presume.”

Again with that damned forest. You sigh before shaking your head. “One more question, where can I find holy water?”

The demon blinks once and blankly stares. “Do I look like an angel to you?”

You roll your own eyes in return with a huff. “No, but you don’t need to be an angel to get holy water.”

“True, but you need to know one to get it down here. And we’re not exactly on friendly terms with them,” he loudly whispers.  

Rolling your eyes once more is tempting but you resist, otherwise they’d surely get stuck from doing it so often. “So how would one get it here?”

“By someone being able to provide strong evidence of wrongdoing that could disrupt the balance. It’s rare but not impossible. Or just impede on their chorus rehearsal and praying sessions.”

“Isn’t chaos and wrongdoing kind of what goes on down here all the time?”

He half-heartedly shrugs. “More so like setting monsters loose from hell or breaking down the gates of Heaven. Planning an uprising, taking over earth, etcetera, etcetera. And don’t give me that look. Yes, it’s quite calm down here, but it usually just stays here. Nothing too extreme that would worry angels.”

That catches your attention as you lean closer towards the cell, watching his omniscient crimson eyes which normally glimmer with unconcealed entertainment yet now reflect far more caution than usual. “So something big is happening?”

“Apparently, if you have something with access to holy water that’s trying to assassinate your prince.”

“He’s not my prince,” is your immediate retort.

The demon stares you down, brow arching in return. “Isn’t he? You serve him, do you not?” He affirms, lips poking out in a faux pout.

Gripping the iron bars in agitation, you give him a firm glare. “You know what I mean.”

“Do I?” He fires back.

You sigh, resisting the urge to bang your head against the cell bars. “Whatever. Are you actually implying someone is trying to assassinate him to prevent him from planning an uprising?”

Another casual shrug.

That doesn’t sound right. So far V hasn’t hinted at engaging in any violence let alone a war. “Why would he do that?”

He turns his palms upwards. “Power. Notoriety. Take your pick.”

You’re quick to shake your head. “That’s not him,” you deny.

“Well someone seems to think so. Besides, he's a prince. Both royals and politicians get killed off all the time. And it’s not always done inconspicuously either.”

“I guess that shouldn’t be surprising. Morality isn’t exactly taken into consideration here,” is your dry retort.

“Not even a bit, my darling,” he confirms with a grin.

You chew the inside of your cheek, mulling over this new information. “Thanks for the help,” you say, slipping the book through the bars.

“Of course. This interrogation is much more pleasant, especially with the added incentive,” he says, indicating towards his gift. “Are you taking your leave now?”

“I am,” you say, climbing to your knees and pulling yourself up. “I’ll come visit again soon hopefully.”

“Excellent. I wish you good luck on your endeavors.” Hakyeon manages a true smile, the first you’ve seen in a while.

You faintly manage one in return before leaving, heading up the steps and into the hallway. As you turn down one of the corridors, you hear quiet sobs coming from nearby. Peeking around the corner, you find Bren heavily leaning against a table. Though her back is to you, her tremors aren’t hard to miss. With her elbows bearing most of her weight on the tabletop, her legs barely keep her upright while her face remains hidden in the palms of her hands.

Stepping forward, you slightly clear your throat before quietly calling her name. She abruptly stills, not even breathing for several seconds until only her neck twists in your direction. Her eyes narrow, though the glare she inflicts towards you doesn’t hold its usual hatred, her blue eyes drained of any emotion.

“What?” She demands. “Do you want me on my knees thanking you for sparing my life? Or are you here to collect the favor I now inevitably owe you?”

You shake your head. “No, I was just passing through. I didn’t want to scare you.”

“Heh,” she breathes. “As if.” She puts her hands on the table as she leans forward. Walking by her carefully, her head lifts and both your eyes meet in the mirror fixed onto the wall. “Is it true that the assassin is a male?”

“I don’t know,” you quietly admit, afraid to even say it out loud.

There’s a flash of surprise before she sneers in fury. “Then why did you say it?”

You’re not expecting any form of gratitude but her hostility has you bristling in return. “Because I’m tired of all this death! And even though you may hate me for whatever reason, I don’t think you should die when there’s no proof.”

Standing up straight, she turns around and props her hip against the side of the table. “Stupid human, pretending to be some godsend heroine will get you nowhere,” she hisses.

With your fists tensing in response, your jaw clenches as you resist angrily snapping at her, refusing to give her a reason to do something conniving. “I’m not trying to be anything,” you grind through your teeth.

“No, you’re just trying to impress the prince since he’s infatuated with you for some reason.” Her fingers fiddle with the black ribbon tied around her neck, tugging the fabric lightly.  

“You’re wrong,” you snap.

Bren scoffs in disbelief. “Oh, please everyone can pretty much see it. It’s so pathetic,” she mutters with a disgusted grimace before it’s replaced with indifference. “Let me just remind you that he will be mine soon.” Her tone is hard yet beneath the determination within her words, there’s a faint quiver.

“That’s fine.” Your words remain neutral though the same can’t be said for your heart as it twinges slightly upon hearing your answer. It doesn’t matter. If ignoring any form of romance or companionship keeps you alive longer and helps you save your sister in the end, then the price means nothing.

She eyes you for another moment, disdain evident on her features before she wipes away her tears and storms off leaving you alone in the corridor.

— — — 

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A/N: Finally, it’s here! Though it took much longer than intended or anticipated, I’d rather have waited and ensured that my headspace was better as well as worked on my writing until it was to a point where I’m happy with posting rather than trying to force it out. Thank you for patiently waiting, I really appreciate it. Much love!  

#v scenarios #taehyung scenarios #bts scenarios #bts imagines #v #bts #demon!v #my writing #To Hell and Back #*throws it into the void and scurries away*