Dio’s voice cuts through the comfortable silence they had fallen into.
“Hmm?”
Kars turns from the book he was reading, meeting Dio’s eye.
“You’ve lived for millennia, while I, only 200 years. I find myself getting rather bored these days.”
Dio laments.
“And?”
Kars closes the book.
“How do you do it? Keep yourself from being driven mad?”
“Well, I find there’s lots to appreciate. And you don’t have to rush your discoveries when you know you have forever.”
Kars smiles warmly.
“Forever? Sometimes I don’t know if that’s a blessing or a curse”
Dio muses.
“I’ve already made great discoveries, I doubt anything could keep my mind enriched anymore.”
Kars studies Dio’s face, reading his expression easily.
“Are you growing bored of life, Dio?”
Kars affirms.
Dio nods.
“I’m lacking in the entertainment department.”
He huffs.
“There are only so many books I can read before they all become the same old stuff.”
Dio states.
Kars nods, listening.
“And there are only so many experiences I can have before they all become dull”
Dio sighs.
Kars hums thoughtfully.
“Perhaps you’re trying to force yourself to gain entertainment, rather than letting it come naturally to you.”
As if on cue, Kars stands from the chair he was sitting in and moves to sit on Dio’s bed. Dio scoots over, making space for the other on the bed.
Dio’s eyes roam over the other. Kars was beautiful.
“Perhaps the reason you are having trouble finding entertainment is because you’re focusing on all the wrong places.” Kars continues.
Dio tilts his head slightly, intrigued.
“I’ll bite.”
He says, a small smirk playing on his lips.
“What are you getting at?”
Kars chuckles lightly, leaning back on the bed.
“You’ve only been focusing on things that bring mental pleasure.”
Dio raises an eyebrow, slightly confused.
“As opposed to…?”
“You’re an intelligent man, don’t you have any goals?”
“Well, I like to-”
Kars cuts him off.
“Beyond defeating the Joestars.”
Dio pauses.
“Well, I’m not sure. I had planned to attain heaven but found that the plan fit someone else better. So I handed it off to a friend. He's… not with us anymore.”
“And now?”
“And now I find myself feeling a bit empty.”
Kars nods.
“I too have suffered the loss of people close to me.”
Kars scoots closer.
“That does get easier
Kars stretches out on the bed, Dio follows suit. The pillar man’s purple hair spreads across the pillows like a waterfall. Dio can’t help but become a bit fixated on it. He absentmindedly runs his long nails through the curls.
Kars smiles.
“Kars, do you have another one of those stone masks?”
Dio asks.
Kars sighs.
“Not now, Dio. You’re focused on the wrong things. Just try to focus on something in the moment. Something less grandiose.”
“Like?”
Dio questions, his fingers still idly moving through Kars’ hair.
Kars hums thoughtfully.
“You’ve been focused on world domination, glory, and power. But those are all big, showy goals.”
He closes his eyes.
“I mean like, try focusing on small things first. Try focusing on your immediate senses. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel?”
Dio’s mouth purses into a smirk, amused.
“You mean like, try meditating?” he asks a bit skeptically.
Kars shakes his head.
“Not exactly.”
“Then what?”
Dio questions, his fingers pausing in their movement.
He raises an eyebrow, studying Kars. He takes in the beauty of the man lying next to him, the curve of his nose, the sharp features of his face, his soft lips, and the glow of his skin. Dio becomes increasingly aware of Kars’ presence, his body heat, the sound of his breathing. Dio’s heart thuds in his chest all of a sudden and Dio blinks, confused by the sudden sensation.
Kars opens one eye, watching Dio curiously.
“You seem to have forgotten how to experience real emotion, you know?”
Dio quickly looks away, a slight blush spreading across his cheeks.
“That’s ridiculous. You make me sound like a machine or something.”
Kars smiles.
“Here.”
He takes Dio’s hand.
What do you feel? Describe the sensations.
Dio’s heart thuds in his chest as Kars holds his hand. He feels the warmth of Kars’ skin against his own, the gentle pressure of his grip, he hears their heartbeats. His breath catches in his throat when Kars gently squeezes his hand. Dio swallows slowly, trying to compose himself, but his face feels hot and he can’t bring himself to look at Kars anymore. He wants to pull away, but a part of him desires to be closer, even though he doesn’t understand this sensation. Dio’s grip tightens ever so slightly. Dio’s heart rate is through the roof. The pit of his stomach warmed up at the touch.
“I feel nothing.”
Dio fibbed.
Kars smiles knowingly but says nothing.
“Get some rest Dio, I’m sure we’ll find something to occupy your mind tomorrow.”
Here's a request for you, my dear! Reader writes for the school paper and is assigned an article highlighting different school clubs. She tries to interview Eddie about Hellfire, but he just assumes she's going to mock/tease him about being a "freak who likes to play fantasy games" and is really short with her. It hurts her feelings, and when someone (Dustin? Lucas? Mike?) points out what an asshole he was, he tries to make it right.
I can't wait to read it!
xoxoxo @munson-blurbs 💚
Thank you bug! @munson-blurbs
Warnings ⚠️: Angst, language, and fluff by the end
Minors D.N.I 18+
Wc: 2.9k
°♡°
"Gotta go, I'm hungry, see you later!" Dustin departs but not before hugging you which you returned.
Trekking in the bustling hallway of your school, your peers making their way to their next classes. Upon entering the paper editing room you're met with Nancy, who had just turned to face whomever walked in, "Good morning!" she greeted you sporting a familiar grin.
"Another article set up for me? Geez, have you ever taken a break?" you joked with her, you had worked with Nancy for some time, and known her even longer, you used to help babysit her brother and his friends when they were younger. Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will who had moved to California liked you and thought you were kind and warm.
Walking toward Nancy she answers, "A writer's job is never done, and yes, I have one in mind."
"What club is this? Between you and I, we've already interviewed all of them," you were confused, was there a new club you weren't familiar with?
"Hellfire," she shrugs, "I know I haven't interviewed the head honcho, Eddie Munson. Have you?"
"No, I haven't.." you shook your head and your voice got quiet, you'd forgotten about Hellfire. You don't know how you did, Eddie is infamous in Hawkins High. His wild antics in class, the cafeteria, and even the library were well known. You weren't going to lie to yourself, his personality had intimidated you.
He wasn't unkind to you, you both had exchanged polite smiles several times passing each other in the hallway on another monotonous day of school, "W-what time do I head over?" you ask Nancy, your voice apprehensive.
Giving you a sympathetic smile she responds, "Relax, it'll be fine, you got this!" Nancy encourages you, the energy radiating off her physique, "Find Mike, Dustin, or Lucas, and they'll tell you. According to rumors, take this with a grain of salt, they're a Satanic Cult." she rolled her eyes, "The shit people come up with is ridiculous, Mike is in Hellfire, it's just a Dungeons and Dragons club."
You agreed wholeheartedly, "Leave it to a bored small town to come up with something like that when it's just a game," familiar with D&D during your time babysitting Mike the game fascinated you, "so do you have some sort of plan? What do you want me to ask?" Attempting to divert your rising anxiety you focus your brain on the task at hand.
"Ask how he formed Hellfire, what gave him the idea, what makes it different from the other clubs. Come on, you've done this before, what's got you so anxious?"
Sighing in defeat, your gaze falls to the floor beneath your feet, "That obvious, huh?"
"It's not like you hide it well," she remarks with a smirk, your shoulders slump.
"I'm hopeless," you lament with a hint of playfulness.
"You're fine the way you are," she reassures you kindly.
Gathering your notebook and pencil you give Nancy a reluctant grin, "I got this,"
Nancy lights up at your words, "Great!" she pats your forearm, "Everyone's headed to lunch, you might catch Mike or someone from Hellfire on the way. Good luck!"
"Thanks, Nance," just like that she takes off, Fred Benson following suit.
Soon after you're out the door. Scanning carefully among the crowds of students you spot a familiar figure wearing a "Thinking cap" ball cap on his head. Zig-zagging your way through the crowd, your hand makes contact with the figure's shoulder, "Dustin!" you beam.
"Hey!" he turns to face you and gives you a big hug, "How have you been?"
"Oh, you know, getting through school," you shrug, "writing for the Hawkins paper," both of you move out of the way of the other students.
"How's that going?" Dustin asks, his grin not leaving his face.
"I need to interview Eddie for Hellfire, frankly I'm a little nervous,"
"That's great! We're gonna be famous!" he exclaims joyfully.
"I wouldn't go that far." you can't help but laugh at his vitality, scratching the back of your neck sheepishly, "What time do you start Hellfire?"
"After school. We usually try to wrap things up by 8:30 depending on what we're doing,"
"I-is Eddie nice?" your insecurities are rising and it's evident in your voice.
"Eddie is the best!" Dustin's grin gets wider, "He took Mike and me in when we were trying to find our place in Hawkins High! He's a great storyteller and world-builder! He even creates voices for the characters!" Dustin's admiration for Eddie seems to increase with every word that leaves his mouth, his eyes shining with respect, "The interview will go great!" Dustin's voice is the epitome of confidence.
Leaning against the wall a breath you didn't know you were holding in deflates out of your lungs like a balloon, taking your anxiety and insecurities out with it, "Thanks, Dusty, I needed that," you say with a smile, gratitude sparkling in your eyes.
"Anything for my favorite babysitter!" he playfully boops your nose.
You giggle, "You think it would be best if I wait until after Hellfire is over before I talk to him?"
"He'll be in a good mood. Post-campaign euphoria, y'know?"
Thinking back to the times the boys had finished a campaign, the victorious cries were heard from Nancys' basement, their energy infectious and journeying throughout the home, "I remember," you grin.
°♡°
The drama class door swung open, and congratulatory cheers can be heard from the confines. Mike is the first to emerge, sporting a grin that seemed to split his countenance. His dark eyes meet yours, "We won!" he addresses you with exuberance walking over to you.
"Congratulations!" The post-campaign euphoria affects you similarly; goosebumps erupt up your arms.
"I heard from Dustin, you gonna interview Eddie? Also how long were you waiting out here?" he asks, concern etched in his voice.
"Yes, and about ten minutes, not long at all, gave me time to calm my nerves,"
Mike seemed to relax slightly at your admission, "You're nervous?"
"Just a little, I'll deal," you shrug.
Dustin, Jeff, Gareth, Erica, and Gary exit the drama room. Dustin strolls over to Mike and you, "Did Mike tell you we gained a victory?"
"Eddies ready for you, head on in,"
"He informed me of your success, congratulations!" both of you high-fived, and you gave Mike one as well, not wanting to leave him out.
Dustin said.
Inhaling and exhaling a breath you say, "I'm ready,"
"We'll wait for you out here, right Mike?" Dustin faces his friend.
"Thanks, kids, you're awesome!" giving them a wink you head inside the drama classroom where the leader of Hellfire awaited you.
"Huh? Oh! Right, sure," Mike agrees.
°♡°
Peering inside you see the infamous Eddie Munson, seated on his throne with an intense glare set on you.
Clearing your throat and wiping your hands on your high-waisted pencil skirt, "H-hello, how do you do," you introduce yourself in a voice that resembles a mouse.
"Eddie Munson." he snaps, his voice low and guarded.
"I'm here to interview you for the Hawkins High paper," informing him of your intentions you try your best to make your voice even and professional. Sitting down in the chair closest to him, you open your notepad and remove your pencil from your ear. Getting right down to business you ask him your first question, "What made you start Hellfire?"
"Wanted more people to play D&D with. Next question."
His short and malicious tone hit you right in the heart, the pain feeling like ice. Your breathing becomes unsteady as you write down Eddie's answer, "I-I see."
Feeling a lump form in your throat, you ask your next question, "How has," swallowing the lump in your throat, "Forming this club improved your academic performance?"
He let out a laugh that resembled a feral beast, "School sucks, it always has. Next question." More icy pain shoots up your body, stabbing your heart, and now your voice trembles writing down his answer once again,
"R-right?" letting out a weak chuckle, you agree with him.
You have one question left! You can do this!
Mentally cheering yourself on, you press forward.
"Among–"
"Cut the bullshit already." Once more he interrupts you, he seems to be in a rush to get to the bottom of the matter, the only issue is you have no idea what his problem is.
"W-what?" you stutter, blinking back tears forming, his harsh tone is like a viper biting into your flesh; the sting unrelenting.
"You're only here to make fun of the 'freak' the 'satan worshiper' AND the 'cult leader'!" he stood abruptly slamming his hand on the table, you flinch.
"I would never–"
You could only stand there frozen, stunned as his verbal assault resumed, "Well it's not going to work this time!
"I don't believe you! You're just like everyone else; judging without bothering to get to know them!" The snake's venom is seeping into your bloodstream along with the icy chill of his words. Frankly, you were taken aback, you'd no idea he thought this way about you, and you had no idea why this was hurting you so vastly.
His next words were the nail in the proverbial coffin, "You're nothing." he seethed, speaking through clenched teeth.
The venom swallowed you whole as the ice caught in your throat. Tears cascade down past your waterline like a faucet. Dropping your notepad and pencil absentmindedly you cast one last gaze into his face. His eyes were cold with malice and contempt. Making a quick turn you sprint toward the door, each step on the linoleum floor causes more ice to stab your heart.
He had called you "nothing", and you felt like it. Bringing your knees to your chest in an attempt to comfort yourself you bury your head in between your knees but it brings no solace to the void that was starting to consume you.
The door opened with a bang startling Dustin and Mike, "That was fa– Hey what happened?" Dustin noticed your tear-stained face but couldn't say anything further, you were already running down the hall with sobs escaping unbidden from your lips. With your vision fuzzy from the tears you can barely make out the sign for the girl's bathroom. Bursting inside you lean against the door sinking to the floor you weep.
°♡°
Eddie remained in the drama room, cleaning up the rest of the D&D pieces, a proud grin formed on his face, "Showed her," he murmurs.
"Eddie, what the hell happened?" Dustin makes an appearance, followed closely by Mike.
Eddie scoffs, facing the boys, "I protected us is what I did."
"How?" Mike asks, incredulously, not being able to comprehend what their Dungeon Master was saying.
"She is going to use that article to spread the rumors that Hellfire is a Satan-worshiping cult!" he asserts, picking up your notepad from the floor and tossing it onto the table, "Henderson, dispose of that."
Dustin picks up your notepad and peers at your notes or lack thereof he sees your teardrops on the paper, "No," he says firmly.
Eddie looks at Dustin, surprised that he refused his request, "And why not?"
"Because she's NOT like that!" Mike pipes up, the first to defend your honor.
Dustin nods at his best friend, "Mike's right, she'd never do something like that."
"What are you two, her knights in shining armor?" Eddie spat, he couldn't believe both of his friends weren't backing him up on this. He was one hundred percent certain you'd come to bully him, he wasn't going to take any chances, it was his job to protect his flock.
"Eddie," Dustin pinched the bridge of his nose, "what did you say to her?"
Eddie shrugged, "I told her she was nothing,"
"You mother–"
"Mike!" Dustin stopped Mike from saying something he'll most likely regret, "Eddie," he let out an exasperated sigh "She's one of the kindest people we've ever met. She babysat us when we were younger," Dustin explains, his tone serious. He's determined to let Eddie know he screwed up, "She genuinely cares about us and Dungeons and Dragons,"
Eddie slumped down on his throne, "So what you're saying is," he paused, there had to have been some merit to what they were saying if both Mike and Dustin were coming to your aid, "I screwed up?" he finishes, the realization sinking into him like a large stone into a lake.
"YES!" Dustin and Mike say in unison, the former slamming your notepad in front of Eddie's side of the table.
Your tearful expression flashed unbidden in Eddie's mind's eye; the sinking realization had finally hit him in full force. Placing his face in his hands he says, "Dammit!" his voice muffled, how could he have gotten something so wrong? Guilty bubbled in his gut, along with the fear that you won't forgive him, "I have to apologize! Right now!" he stands up in a panic grabbing your notepad, and frantically paces the room, "Where is she?" he demands the boys.
Eddie sprinted out the door in a desperate search for you.
"We don't know!" Will speaks up, "I can only guess she ran to the girl's bathroom."
°♡°
Sitting on the cold, semi-dirty floor your wailing had subsided to short sobs and hiccups. How could he think so lowly of someone he had barely spoken to? You'd never imagined he'd be so cruel, callous, and so certain that you'd have malicious intent with your interview. You had a genuine interest in Dungeons & Dragons, and while you most likely wouldn't be good at it the game itself fascinated you.
Standing up on wobbly feet you stroll to one of the sinks and peer at your face. Your eyes are puffy and swollen with tear tracks down your cheeks, "Dammit," muttering to yourself, you half-heartedly wash your face the best you can. Sighing as droplets of water fall from your complexion, "What am I going to tell Nancy?"
Drying your face on the sandpaper-like paper towels you're startled by the bathroom door opening, instinctually your eyes fly to the door, surprised by the mop of frenzied curls that enter your field of vision. His remorseful, ashamed, and guilt-ridden face froze you on the spot.
"What are you–?"
"I'm so sorry!" he says between pants, as though he ran a marathon to find you, "I was wrong!"
Your face morphed into one of confusion, "Wrong about what?"
"I was wrong for assuming you'd bully me. I was wrong for not giving you a fair chance. I was wrong for being so cold to you. I was wrong about everything," he took several steps toward you until he was in front of you, "I'm sorry for making you cry…that is what I'm most ashamed of," his voice breaks, that's how you know his apology is sincere.
His words are like a panacea on your body; the frozen venom disperses. Peering into his eyes you say words he hoped to hear, "I accept your apology, Eddie Munson."
"Thank. You. Christ!" his shoulders slump in relaxation, "Oh!" he hands you your notepad, "Here, I'm sorry again,"
Gazing at the item in Eddie's hands you smile, "Thank you! And I'll accept that second apology on one condition."
"Name it and it's done."
"Can we leave? This is the girl's bathroom."
"Oh, shit!" he'd forgotten where he was, peering around he comments, "So much cleaner than the boys,"
"Okay, out!" you laugh, pushing him gently toward the door. Once you both were outside you say playfully, "You're forgiven, again,"
Eddie chuckles, "Thanks,"
"So," you hesitate, "are we friends now?" unsure of where you stand, you ask for clarification.
"Hell yeah, we're friends!" he says with conviction and no uncertainty.
"Good! That's good!" you grin.
"I want you to interview me properly this time. But before that, what was your last question?"
"My last question?"
"The one you were going to ask me before I blew up at you."
Your eyes widened in realization, "Oh that one!"
You clear your throat, "Among the people in Hellfire, who do you admire and why?"
Eddie looked taken aback; his mind drew a blank. Did he admire someone in Hellfire? He was admired, yes but did he ever feel that way for someone else? "Uh," he pauses, not knowing what to say.
"It's okay, we can answer the previous questions. The next paper doesn't come out until next week, I just like getting my work done early," Sensing his difficulty answering your question, you decide to ease his mind and give him time to think it over.
"Thank you, I'll answer your other questions at Benny's, I owe you a milkshake, my treat. I hope you don't mind a small detour I need to drive Henderson and Wheeler home," he starts to head back in the direction of the drama club, a spring in his step and humming a tune you didn't recognize.
"They are pretty cool." he agrees.
"Of course, I don't mind. Those kiddos are the best!" walking next to him, you praise the boys.
°♡°
Once again you stroll the busy school hallways the next day, and you hear your name called.
"Hey!" Eddie approached with his hands behind his back.
"Hi, morning!" you greet him with a grin.
"I have the answer to your question."
"Oh? That's great! Do I need my notepad for this?" you ask, slinging your backpack off your shoulder.
"No, no this will be quick. It's you," he declares with a smile, his eyes shining with sincerity.
Your jaw drops, and your mind reels. You hadn't expected this, "What? Me?" you point to yourself.
"Yes, you, my new friend," he gazes at you fondly.
"I'm not a part of Hellfire,"
"Welcome to Hellfire."
"Not yet you're not," his arms move from behind his back, and he unveils the infamous shirt he and the rest of the club sport.
Squeeze is such an important episode for Scully. (And it's just a great episode in general! a truly classic motw) We've been talking a lot lately about Scully's autonomy and her decisions that led her down the path that she follows and I feel like Squeeze is a showcase of exactly that. Of how her decisions affect the narrative.
We start the episode with her listening to a colleague insult Mulder, completely unprovoked. They weren't even talking about Mulder. Colton asks her "How are you doing? Have you had any close encounters of the third kind?" He doesn't care how she's doing. He just wanted an excuse to bring up Mulder so that he could talk shit about him and then turn around to indirectly ask Scully to bring Mulder in to help on the case.
Scully wastes no time defending Mulder. I think it is very telling of someone's character when they stand up for people who aren't around to defend themselves. Scully certainly knows how it feels to be looked down on, especially as a woman in a male dominated field. Even though Colton asks for her help, it's obvious that he doesn't respect her the way that Mulder does. He even goes as far as to ask Scully to choose sides, to which she responds that she's on the victims side.
Ooooooh. That moment right there. It is a perfect example of why Scully chose to follow Mulder. They want the same thing. They want to catch bad guys. They want to help people. They want to find out the truth. She isn't throwing her life away, even though that's what her colleagues may see. She's choosing the path that she believes is right. This is the Dana Scully who chooses the side of the victim and stands up for her partner.
Another great moment is when Mulder says "you may not always agree with me but at least you respect the journey" This!!!! This boils down their relationship so perfectly. In the beginning, Scully disagrees with Mulder. A lot. But she's here for the exact same reason that he is. To find the truth. It reminds me of in season 6(?) when Mulder is defending Scully to Diana by saying the she makes him work for it. Yes yes yes. There's a great song by Tacocat called Dana Katherine Scully with the line "she wants to know what's out there, but she needs to know why". Scully doesn't take things at face value, but she doesn't belittle Mulder for what he believes. It's her scientific brain needing proof, and honestly, I think that's admirable. She wants to find proof not only for herself, but for the rest of the world. And for Mulder.
Mulder then tells Scully that if she wants to keep working with Colton, he won't hold it against her. He's not used to people sticking around. Scully was sent to spy on him. Of course he doesn't expect her to be in for the long haul. Her response is to follow him and say that she knows he has more evidence to back up his theory. She wants to find the truth! She's open to these possibilities even if they are kind of out there! She's following her orders to investigate(debunk) Mulder's claims of the paranormal with scientific evidence, and you bet your ass she's going to do it right! Scully and Mulder are on this journey for the same reason and by god she's gonna follow it to the end. She chooses to. It's her decision and no one else's. Maybe being Mrs. Spooky isn't such a bad thing.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Jake Riles had expected to wake up in his soulmate's bedroom on his eighteenth birthday, of course he had, it's just that he'd also expected to wake back up in his own bedroom the next day. But based on the black curtains he was facing, it wasn't gonna be as easy as he wanted it to be.
my grandparents remind me of reddie but just imagine richie driving (like a bi disaster) and he forgets to turn on his blinker once and makes a left turn and eddie immediately goes "you just broke the law richie, i cant believe we have to get a divorce" and every time richie makes a left turn eddie starts gasping and being like "are you gonna break the law again???? do i need to be on look out???" and richie cracks up the whole time and is like "yeah eds now dont be alarmed... i'm gonna make a left turn"
eddie then hold onto his seat and screams when they turn, and they break into fits of laughter
Meeting Monsta X by Chance :
fan edition !! // Jooheon — ( part 3/3 ).
once a fangirl, always a fangirl, even if he’s already your boyfriend. you really need to thank your best friend, because losing her phone at a concert led to you not only meeting your bias, but finding the love of your life. that being said, when your honey picks on you, you hold your own, even if it means using his band members against him. listen, all is fair in love and monsta x.
( part one // part two )
More : wonho ( 1, 2, 3 ) // tbd.
I’m not sure if i’m going to make more so how about you tell
me if ya’ll like them and maybe i’ll make the rest of the boys !!
- Admin Chris
You had been living in a small settlement of the west side of Centopia for as long as you could remember. You had never gone to the central kingdom. So it came as a surprise when you received an invitation to the butterfly festival that was being hosted at the royal palace. All of Centopia had been invited, and you were giddy with excitement. You had woven flowers into your hair and pulled on your most expensive top and started making your way to the Palace of King Raynor and Queen Mayla. You loved flying. It made you feel so free. Moments like these were why you loved living in Centopia. You landed in front of the castle, taking in all of its beauty. You were so distracted by your thoughts, that you didn’t realize there was someone in front of you, and you ran right into him.
“Oh!”
Came the voice from the other.
“Oh my! I'm so sorry!”
You apolgized.
“Hey, it's totally okay. I'm used to getting run into. My friend cannot fly for the life of her.”
He replied.
Cutting himself off from his own tangent, he looked up and finally got a proper view of your face. You noticed him stare for just a moment longer than usual.
“Oh sorry,”he said, rubbing their back of his neck, before stretching his hand out to shake yours.
“Mo.”
He introduced.
“Oh, Y/N”
You said.
Mo sighed. You could practically feel the stress emanating off of him.
“You okay?”
You asked.
“Yeah, i'm good. It’s just, i'm so tired of these parties, but i'm required to attend.”
He said shrugging.
“Tired of them? They seem so exciting! This is my first one!”
You replied, in disbelief.
Mo cracked a smile at your excitement, before a look of adventure spread across his face. He took your hand and nodded towards the palace.
“I have an idea, come with me.”
You followed him through the crowds of people, stopping when you arrived at an extravagant dessert table. Mo reached for a miniature cake shaped like a butterfly and placed it in your palm.
“Here, if this is your first party, you have to try some of the royal desserts. Trust me, the royal chef knows what she’s doing.”
You smiled, there was something about Mo that felt familiar, but you couldn’t place it. He was so sweet and his excitement after he began showing you around was so endearing.
You had finished three mini cakes when he lit up with another idea. He pulled you through the back door and into the palace garden. In the yard, there were rows and rows of every type of flower you could imagine. Some were glittery, some were reflecting a rainbow color and some held magical abilities. He bent down and picked up one of the rainbow colored lilies and handed it to you.
“Milady,”
He joked with a smile.
You gently took the flower, turning to hide a rosy blush that had spread across your face.
You took a deep breath in, taking in the beauty of the palace garden.
“PRINCE MO!”
Came a voice from beyond the door.
Mo turned to you.
“Come on, it’s time for the ceremony to start.”
You dashed back into the palace and were met with Mo’s royal hand maid, who looked a bit frazzled.
“Mo! Where have you been? Your parents were looking for you.”
“Sorry,”
He replied sheepishly. A deep blush crept over his face and he glanced at you.
“I got distracted.”
He stepped closer to you, instantly relaxing once your shoulders touched.
“The maid pulled the prince away.
“No time for that now. Come along.”
She pulled him up to the throne display where his parents were waiting.
“Ah Mo, dear. We were afraid you had gotten lost or something.”
Queen Mayla half joked to her son.
“Come and sit down, it’s time for the butterfly ceremony.”
King Raynor said, gesturing to the petite throne designated for the elf prince.
Mo sat down next to his father. His energy seeming to diminish, now that you weren’t with him.
The king and queen began addressing the guests and rambling on about the balance of nature, and welcoming spring. Mo rested his head in his palm and yawned. Just as he was about to doze off from boredom, the queen tapped on his shoulder.
“You ready, Mo?”
She asked, holding out a rope that was secured to a net.
Mo glanced at the net and realized there were hundreds of butterflies restrained beneath.
“Yeah one second, mother.”
Mo dashed off into the people-dense room to find you again.
“Y/N! Y/N! Where’d you run off too? Come here I want to show you something!”
He spotted you talking to a group of serpents. Likely the same race as Polytheus.
“Y/N!”
He shouted once more, stepping closer.
“Oh, excuse me guys.”
You said, politely excusing yourself from the conversation.
“Oh no bother, go ahead.”
The female serpent snickered when she saw the scarlet blush on Mo’s cheeks when you acknowledged him.
Mo took your hand and nodded politely to the serpents before pulling you up to the throne stand where the king and queen were still waiting impatiently.
Mo picked the rope back up and handed part of it to you.
“What are we-?”
You asked before he winked, cutting you off.
“You’ll see.”
On the count of three, you all lifted the rope up, raising the net and releasing the butterflies around the room. It was a truly magical sight.
“Wow!”
You exclaimed, twirling with delight, while the butterflies weaved between your outstretched arms.
“This is beautiful!”
“Yes they are. They remind me of you.”
The prince replied, with an uncharacteristic level of charisma.
Now it was your turn to blush.
The butterflies still danced around the room, golden dust shimmering off of their wings.
“Come on Y/N, the party isn’t over yet.”
And with that, the prince takes your hand again , interlacing fingers this time and pulls you back into the festivities.
