ˋ❖ Enchanting Everglades

@❀ seungcheol c。 "You're never alone in the forest."
Hwiyoung had a knack for that deep voice when he was facing an audience of beings whondis not trust him. Ot felt like he was trying to charm them, woo them even and it happened nudge his potential next meal to not trusting him at all.
"I thought vampires made it clear blood bags are just a poor replacement." He mirrored, his voice softer as Hwiyoung wasn't used to being scolded. At work he was not the owner of the restaurant but he was the Chef, his words were taken wisely. And the rest of the beings he knew could feel his patience had limits surely.
There's some agitation around, which Hwiyoung can't identify but he isn't scared, because he trusts his skill. And thats about when he see the young man trip and fall. The scent of his blood feels so intensely Hwiyoung let's go of the dog he was holding very delicately. He can feel the man getting scared, his pulse accelerating to the point all Hwiyoung sees is blood pumping in and out of the other's heart. All he sees is a good, fresh meal in panic.
"You're about to call out to all vampires in town if you don't calm down that heart of yours."
The warning doesn't prevent him from stepping closer to kneel next to the saver of thr dog.
"Your blood smells divinely good... but you're not human. So what are you? And more importantly, will you make up for what you did?"
Hwiyoung shows the dog bite on his arm that fails to heal, because he's too thirsty to heal so fast anymore.
"I don't kill. You knew that when you hit me with that stick... so you really should let me feed for the meal you me."
Without even realizing it, he's just staring at the the blood trinkling down the arm on its way to be wasted. His palms support the hand and elbow to expose his eye to the small cut that does not pour shyly. This is what Hwiyoung hates to do with beings who can speak: asking for permission but he accepted himself as a vampire by remaining human to some point.
"You owe me."
He says to justify the luscious , from the drop of blood about to fall in the dirt, to the open wound. He moans in pleasure and pulls back, irises crimson.
"Please."
That word is his ultimate way of keeping it polite. But after tasting, Hwiyoung knows he could not resist anymore for very long.

@☾ hwiyoung k。 'Why is he still not letting the dog go?' He thought to himself after swinging the branch, holding it close to him next when he saw the vampire slowly turning to look at him. If brownies are known for bringing bad omen, he guessed that today was one of those few and rare days that Seungcheol had brought a bad omen onto himself. He slowly backs away as he is being approached, the branch moving to point at the other creature with thoughts running through his mind in a frantic pace, and as soon as he hears those words, everything suddenly doesn't make sense. "What do you mean? He is just a dog. He wouldn't become bloodthirsty like a crazy animal. He is supposed to come home!" Seungcheol glances around when he hears very faintly the sound of footsteps, and he glares at the vampire in confusion as he hissed at him, "You're not alone here, aren't you? Is this a thing, now? Vampires killing other animals? I thought vampires are having blood bags as a replacement." The sound of an angry yelling from a distance pulls him to a fright, stumbling backwards and ending up tripping over a large root, and he must have done something to anger the gods because he scraped his palms and elbows right in front of a vampire. He inspects the trickle of blood running down his wrist with a quiet hiss but then, he slowly glances up at the creature in front of him with anxiety thrumming in his veins as he remembers that the vampire must have been hungry and Seungcheol could be his meal.

@❀ seungcheol c。 Hwiyoung scented another being approaching, no human, no animal but something almost in-between. But he didn't mind and proceeded. Maybe that was a mistake as he didn't get to bite the dog, the strike of a wooden branch to his back having destabilized him momentarily. Against all odds, he held on to the dog protectively, like it was his, close to his chest and the pet bit him in self defense.
The vampire frowned at the dog in disappointment and emitted a low growl that had the animal yelp. Still he kept holding it. And turned to see the attacker. There were more beings in the forest and he knew from their heavy footsteps in the branches and the beams of the distant flashlights. Maybe he had some time to sort this ine on ome with the intruder.
"Great. He bit me. Was it what you were going for? If he dies in the next 24hours, you know you'll be responsible."
Hwiyoung walks closer to the fellow man, getting a better sight of his pale face, his red lips, almost vampire like.
"Who taught you to hit first and ask later?" He said, and hesitated to rest the dog down, knoeing the risk of it escaping could cause issue so he approaches the stranger further, holdijg out the pet to the other.
"He's your responsibility. If he turns bloodthirsty, I hope you have the strength of mind to stab it in the heart."

@☾ hwiyoung k。 He loves animals and his job. Being a veterinarian allows him to help those animals in need and nurse them back to health. It is in his nature to help the sick but usually, brownies help other creatures or humans; very rarely you could hear about a brownie taking care of animals in need but that is Seungcheol you see. He has a greater love for animals with a belief that their loyalty is stronger than any other creature out there. Being one of the few veterinarians in town, Seungcheol was called over to a pet shelter for a simple checkup on the pets over there, and while everyone was busy and hustling abiut in the shelter, one of the dogs managed to escape and ran into the forest. He honestly hates going into the forest. He is a brownie for god sakes. Brownies doesnt have magic or powers whatsoever to protect themseleves. However, being Seungcheol, he volunteered to go search for the dog and enter the forest himself since the dog probably wouldn't go too far so he won't get lost on their way out. As he was searching for it while whistling from time to time, he paused when he saw something zipping across the forest and the bells in his head are ringing loudly that it could be a predator trying to catch its prey, and the prey could have been the dog. Seungcheol wasted no time to run towords the direction the creature was heading to and to his horror, it was holding the dog he was searching for and are those fangs? Great! It's a vampire. He blindly grabs a branch nearby and swings it with his strength, hitting the back of the vampire, strong enough for the creature to let go of the dog, "Leave the dog alone!"

@❀ seungcheol c。 It's the new secret deal for fresh blood Hwiyoung found and after a couple weeks, he sits on his usual branch, an impeccable view over the forest and his chin, feeling the wind, feeling /alive/. Vampires usually share the same suppliers, be it for blood bags or for humans with questionable tendencies. But Hwiyoung likes it when his meals don't come easy; he likes to earn his bread and buying blood bags don't quench his thirst. He prefers the hunt for small animals nearing the city. Those aren't so hard to track, heck they are so used to seeing human looking beings, they could surely come to eat in his hand in winter. But tracking the rabbits and deers for a liter of blood here and there satisfy the vampire in many ways, one being that no one would know; the other being that he doesn't have to share, or hide. At the scent of a new animal he identifies as a stray dog, Hwiyoung climbs down, barely trying to mask his presence when he approaches the animal. He knows there is a pet shelter closeby; surely this one escaped or was abandoned to be found. He supposes no one would mind the bite mark and starts running after the dog, his speed unbeatable. Within a minute, he holds the dog and bears his fangs, carrying the weeping pet in his arms, because he can and because he doesn't want to crouch down like a beast himself. His eyes catch with the Moonlight, lips curling in apprehension of the few hours upcoming of pure hunt.

@❀ sana m。 There was still no sign of a corpse even as Jaebum wandered further through the forest. He frowned. It looked like the corpse was much further than he had thought. As he passed by some apple trees en route, a movement there caught his attention.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice echoing through the forest as he walked carefully towards where the movement was.

@✞ yunho j。 But I'm grown-- I can deal with it.
/there's a hint of petulance to my tone, and I feel childish for it, though I hate the idea of being the reason that we leave when you've bought me a nice suit and we wouldn't leave if not for my emotions running so wild and out of control/
I-I'm sorry... I wasn't thinking. I don't usually drink at all.
/nibbling at my bottom lip, I'm beginning to realize just how important it is to you and I can't help but feel that you've put your foot down in regards to us staying any longer so whatever plea I might make to stay in favor of my guilty conscience is not one that will be heeded/
Y-Yunho...
/peering up at you as you hold me, I know that it can't be comfortable for you, though the cool of your skin helps ease some of that infernal itching while I end up swaying within your embrace/
Okay... okay, of course.
/nodding a little to you, I look to your outstretched hand, the familiarly rough palm, knowing that your skin must burn when I touch you like this, and with what little presence of mind I have I reach for the knot of my tie, loosening it a little and opening the top button of my shirt collar, then the sleeve, drawing what little fabric I can across my palm like a buffer before I slip my hand into yours/
Take me home, please.

@✞ eunki h。 shh. you didn't know, you couldn't have known and its over now
/murmurs as i look at you quietly, your skin burning my own but i endure it, the pain nothing in comparison to the foreboding feeling i'm left with tonight
your emotions are important and causing you discomfort
/bowing my head a little, my nose comes close to your lips as i inhale for a moment and then lean back up as i look at you, smelling the alcohol there no matter how faint
i'm sure the champagne isn't helping either
/when you try and argue for us to stay i give a firm shake of my head, disallowing you to do such a thing especially on my behalf
no. not at the expense of your health and certainly not just because i wish to admire you a little longer. i do as much regardless of what you wear
as for the event i've spent time with your brother and gotten more than enough money for the orphanage
/running my hands up and down your arms i hope that even through the suit you take some comfort from my cooler body temperature now more than ever
come home with me...
/whispers with my head bowed, letting you lean against me as you plead for me never to leave you, my arms wound around you and i sway us a little so less people think our embrace is odd
please?
/murmurs against the crown of your head, kissing at it sweetly before i pull back, my hand outstretched for you to make the choice to take it now or not

@✞ yunho j。 I-I'm glad. If I had known he was here... if I had known...
/there's a breathless quality to my voice as I look up at you, very near the edge of tears though I can't contain the heat inside of me, fear and jealousy having become an uncomfortable cocktail of negative emotions and the fact you're here and safe with me is little comfort/
I'll be okay, Yunho, I promise. It's just my emotions--
/there's an apologetic cast to my smile as your fingers lace between mine and I can only wonder how much it must hurt your to hold my hand like this now when I'm untempered, the warmth within me even beginning to become unbearable for me; tipping my head up a little, my eyes are wide and my face is surprisingly sallow compared to my usual complexion when your words leave me feeling guilty for having reacted as strongly as I did; it's only then that the itching returns, as if brought back by my guilty conscience/
We should stay a little longer. You bought me such a nice suit...
It would be a shame to leave so early, wouldn't it? And it's a charity event at that.
/your arm about my waist is enough to make me flush in spite of the warmth already overflowing within my veins and I lean against your broad, strong chest, my eyes falling shut as I speak quietly, whispering in return/
I don't care where we are, just... j-just don't leave me Yunho.

@✞ eunki h。 /with your brother's words echoing in my mind i look down at you quietly, a frown causing my brows to crease together whilst i look at you quietly
yes. yes i'm alright
/reaching my other hand up i gently brush my palm against your cheek, cupping it there as i look into your eyes, feeling your skin is warmer than usual
nothing. he did nothing to me
/though its not a complete lie, it is a small one, for your brother has unnerved me and given me more questions to mull over than he did answers
i'm sorry. i'm so sorry- i had no idea that the auction taking place was involving me
i wouldn't have agreed if i knew that's what was happening
/lowering my hand i grip your shoulder instead, my other hand still holding your own before bringing it to my lips, kissing the back of it lovingly
you don't look too well and you feel... you feel feverish
let me take you back
/hoping to make you feel a bit better i smile softly to you before lacing my fingers between your own, giving your hand a small squeeze
as beautiful as you are and how much i'd love to spend time with you... i want to make sure you're alright
/leaning my head against your own i briefly embrace you with my arm around your waist, holding you securely against me before i whisper by your ear
lets go home

@✞ yunho j。 "If you value free will that much, then you should realize it's not a matter of whether you'll allow him to settle or not. After all, have you asked him how he feels? My baby brother may not like what he is, but he's no stranger to the hearts of men."
/whatever Junki's intent is as he rises from his seat, smoothing out the front of his suit jacket, it's not one that registers in his eyes as anything more than a cold, flinty glare/
"A blind man could see that he cares for you, Jung Yunho. I doubt he would think of himself as settling. Perhaps the fear that he might lose you would do him some good, or perhaps it's already driving him mad."
/tucking a hand into his pocket, his other hand rises in a passive gesture, fingers splayed as if reaching for something that would just as easily slip through his fingers, though he allows you to leave ahead of him all the same/
I shouldn't have come. I shouldn't have--
/sighing softly to myself, the second champagne flute relinquished to some place unknown by the time the itching grows almost unbearable, and I'm left brushing my thumb over the offending skin circling my wrist; my eyes fall shut and a familiar chill reaches my skin a second later, your voice causing my lids to snap open quickly and my gaze to meet yours/
Oh Yunho-- are you okay?
/the itchiness becomes the last thing on my mind as I look you over, worried I might see some sign of a cruelty paid to you, then my gaze slides past in search of my brother, though I don't see him lingering anywhere nearby/
D-did he do anything to you?

@✞ eunki h。 free will doesn't mean much to you then, does it? of course it doesn't
/mutters softly to myself before i shake my head, waiting for your brother to speak about what he wants from me, leaning back in my chair as i wait still
/the request surprises me to the point i can't keep it off my face eyes widening a little bit before i begin to frown deeply hearing this news about your father
/after a moment i lean back again and stare at the glass in front of me, hardly touched compared to junki's before i get up with a start as he mentions returning
wait-
i...
/trailing off, i'm uneasy about talking to your brother of anything intimate or personal and for good reason, but part of me has to believe he's telling the truth right now and i want to help you
i don't want him to just feed from me. i don't care if you believe me or not, but i also care about him too. i'm not saying i don't like what he does when he feeds its just-
eunki is young. a lot younger than me and he has so much more to have. i can't let him settle for someone like me. especially considering what you've just said
/glancing down at my hands i look at the scars there and remember my others, wondering if the origin of any of them would be helpful in me protecting you now
/shaking my head i look back at your brother quietly, my hands curling up into fists at my side before i loosen them, a look of sadness crossing my features briefly before i speak up again
you have my word, i'll do everything i can for your brother
now if you'll excuse me
/wanting to find you without junki i bow to the man, thanking him once more for the donation made before i head inside, leaving him with my drink as i do so
/moving around people and excusing myself i manage to spot you after a moment, finding you looking a little out of sorts as i reach a hand out, gripping your hand gently in my own as i murmur
eunki-
eunki i'm here. what's wrong?

@✞ yunho j。 "Unlike my brother, I'm not the type to look for an invitation."
/there's just a hint of malice in his tone, not an attempt to regain control, after all Junki would hardly think he had lost control of the situation, but perhaps the root was really in his choice of words; with champagne in hand, the bubbling contents swirl within the glass as he moves his wrist, so insufferably casual/
"If you find my proposition distasteful, then you should be thankful that I've only bought your company for the evening."
/he draws a hand through his hair, pushing back his fringe and flashing an almost jovial smile your direction, the soft lighting seeming to reflect in the whites of his eyes and even off his sharp, precisely set teeth/
"Speaking of Eunki, I would hardly keep you from him much longer than I need to. I can already feel he's near his breaking point. He always had the least useful ways of using his energy."
/my brother brushes his thumb over the rim of his champagne flute, a soft note following suit, quiet but discordant/
"I'll speak plain before he loses it-- I want you to watch over him. He trusts you, to some extent. I might even say it's deeper than that for him. And you haven't shunned what he is. If he continues the way that he has, there will be only one of two outcomes for him after this long."
/Junki pauses, setting the glass upon the table before he looks from you, clearly unimpressed by the strength that you possess to the point that he would nearly turn his back/
"Either he'll wind up starving himself to the point that he loses what little power he still has, or even my influence won't be able to obscure him, our father will find him, and his pretty little gold chains will get traded for iron links-- and I'm not speaking in flowery metaphors. You should ask him to show you sometime what his autonomy cost him. Now, shall we return?"
/one flute of champagne becomes two while I wait for you, or both you and Junki, and the fuzzy feeling fills my limbs as I look forlornly among the crowd; unaware of just what my brother had planned from the moment he realized my feelings, my skin begins to itch at my pulse points, my wrists, throat, and even my ankles feeling as though they're open wounds just beginning to heal but unbeknownst to me why/

@✞ eunki h。 /i actually think both of you look remarkably similar though perhaps you remind me of spring and summer whilst your brother brings the colder seasons with the looks he sports and the way he moves about
/unsurprising to the way he carries himself, i figure if he too is an incubus then i should expect him to act as he does, playing into a stereotype i've never seen you become like, even in our most intimate moments
so you're younger than me...
/for some reason it surprises me, perhaps because of the financial differences between the two of us and the positions in which we're in, but i don't comment on that, instead clearing my throat
i'd appreciate you staying out of my mind, thank you
/murmurs as its made clear in such a short sentence that only you are allowed there, your brother holding no sway there no matter how handsome and attractive he may objectively be
though i think you might misplace eunki's jealousy, please ask me of this proposition you have for me
i have a slight inclination that i'm expected to dislike it though
/sitting up a little straighter in my chair i lean my own arms onto the table, finding a source of strength in me i don't often let come to the surface as there's usually no need
/but its a kind of strength that exudes confidence, the type that often rebuffs people like your brother and lets them know that perhaps i'm not as simple as i might have seemed right away
considering keeping me here out of his view might be making him anxious-
/pauses, the light of entertainment in junki's eyes making me reconsidering my previous wording, editing it a little as i speak up again
/is/ making eunki anxious, i'd rather hear it now and quick so one of us might go and reassure him you haven't done anything you might come to regret

@✞ yunho j。 "You're a smart man. You've guessed all that already I assume, though I suppose there's still some family semblance even with the way little brother cherry picked his pretty face."
/there's an ease to the way Junki speaks as he takes his seat, less as a matter of poise and more of that casual nonchalance in entertaining the moment with you, though the revelation that it's been months since we had met strikes him/
"I suppose it's only fair. You have my name, and I presume you know my kind thanks to your acquaintance with my brother. And I wouldn't presume that even a large donation would earn me a meal. Let alone the fact that I think dear Eunki's jealousy might burn the entire glade to the ground if I tried to get into that head of yours. So let's keep it brief. I'm south of thirty, a model, and I have a proposition for you."
/unaware of just how far my brother's games have gone by this point, I move about the crowd, listening to scattered conversation, stealing glances about to see if I might see him with you returning at some point with him; when it seems that I'm not about to, having to content myself with a kind of awkward, skirting about form of people-watching, I find my temperature rising in spite of the cool night, feeling feverish and like I might be ill/
Please be okay...
/murmuring to myself, I venture toward the edge of the crowd, a nearly empty champagne flute in hand and my own head a little fuzzy thanks to the small amount of alcohol entering my veins/
I swear I'll make him pay if he hurts him.

@✞ eunki h。 /studying junki's face as he stands there in front of me i think i can realise now why you really see yourself as such a black sheep in comparison to the rest of your family
/though he doesn't frighten me or intimidate me he makes me curious about why he would do such a thing, voicing how i don't think his aims and goals align with what one might expect at the event
something tells me you didn't do it for the charity though, did you?
/muses more to myself before i shake the man's hand firmly, nodding when he tells me his name and i figure he's definitely your brother, older if i'm guessing right
/to hear that you apparently find me fascinating is news to me and i wonder if its just your brother's choice i wording, taking a seat all the same and thanking him politely when he tucks me in
/at the question on whether or not we're well acquainted i think over the question, though i don't think we're strangers i can't say i know everything about you but we're definitely familiar
yes. i'd say we are very well acquainted
i've known him for some time now, maybe a few months?
/thinking back on how long we've known one another i realise i can't put an exact date on it considering how much of our relationship at first was one way without me being able to recall you come morning
i have to admit, i feel more like i'm here for an interview than entertaining you for the evening with me you've bought
why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself, junki? so it feels a little fairer
/murmurs with a small smile, glancing up as champagne is brought to us too and i sip a little amount from it, placing the item down on the table in front of me, wondering what you're doing and if you're alright

@✞ yunho j。 /my brother's win doesn't sit well with me, and I feel my expression fall the moment it's clear that he's won; the money is a trivial piece for Junki, he's had plenty of rich, old elites lavish him in wealth for just what he can give them, so I'm hardly surprised that he would use it for the sake of a game; but as my brother is told he can claim his prize he turns to face me, cupping my chin in his hand and using his thumb to push up the corner of my mouth into a mockery of a smile/
"You have a pretty face, little brother, I won't be the one to ruin it."
Junki, hyung, please--
/he releases my chin, crooking his finger, almost as if luring me to follow the moment he's released me, though I stand rooted in place a moment as I watch him mount the stage with a gentleman's airs to take your hand, placing that kiss upon it which makes my stomach turn, and I get the displeasure of watching him you from the stage; he, on the other hand, is plenty pleased with himself/
"I get this pleasure and perform a good deed? Quite a boon, if I do say so myself."
/out on the patio, Junki smiles, a charming but predatory expression on his lips once he has you alone/
"A name is such an easy thing to forget."
/there's an air of casual nonchalance about him as he returns the bow, taking your hand, his own skin tepid as he gives you a shake/
"A pleasure, Jung Yunho. Junki, Hong Junki. I think part of that name should be familiar to you."
/he sweeps his hand, gesturing toward one of the tables and the open chairs seated about it before offering to pull one out for you to sit in/
"Perhaps we should talk if you're nearly as fascinating as my little brother seems to find you."
/waiting for you to sit, he pushes the chair in for you before taking his own seat at the table, giving himself only the benefit of an elbow casually and none too politely rested against it while he stretches his own long legs out, his own build much more similar to yours if still a bit more lithe by comparison/
"Are you well acquainted with Eunki?"
/unaware of the conversation between the two of you, I realize that I won't be able to get any closer without making a scene the second I stray toward the potted, flowering bushes outlining the edges of the fenced in section of the glade; so I sulk, reaching out for an offered flute of champagne the second another of the cummerbund wearing waiters comes by/

@✞ eunki h。 /i notice it seems as if you're almost having a one sided argument with your brother, wondering what about and what exactly is going on between you that i don't know of
/when no one else is willing to pay as much the deal is done, your brother pointed out as if everyone wasn't already looking as he's invited to come up and take his "prize"
/watching as your brother comes up onto the stage i bow my head politely to him, thanking him for the money he's given as i now its going to help so much, more than he knows
/to my surprise i find the man lifting my hand and with a bow, kissing it, still so stunned by just how much you look alike, so much so i'm slow on the uptake as he has an arm around me taking me off stage to the sound of applause
/my eyes are on you as i'm directed towards one of the patios leading out the back of the marquee, a decked area with lights and a couple chairs, your brother only letting go when i step out of his hold
i-
/not knowing what else to do i bow deeply to him, further than i perhaps should but i want to be polite all the same, still not even sure if he's your brother or something else
thank you. really- you have no idea what a difference its going to make to the orphanage
/as i speak i straighten up, clearing my throat and remembering i'm not at this man's beck and call for a whole evening now he's essentially bought me for the time
/my eyes manage to drift to the marquee entrance and the warm glow of the lights within though, wishing i could see you, talk to you and explain i had no idea about the auction happening
... i haven't even told you my name
/mutters under my breath as i realise my error in front of your brother, bowing once more before i hold out my hand this time for him to shake
yunho. jung yunho

@✞ yunho j。 /as the barker speaks to the audience, there's a sort of beguiling sense about him, luring a woman from the front of the crowd as I watch them all clamor to be volunteers, and even with my brother beside me, I catch myself watching the scene with brows furrowed; Junki releases my elbow, his arm catching my waist as he bends his head to whisper to me while you so elegantly show off your dancing to the crowd/
"You wish that was you, don't you? You've always been very transparent, little brother."
Hyung, please, whatever this game is I don't want to play.
/turning my head, I look to him, my lashes wet and my eyes gleaming, though he can see just as well as I can feel the fire that burns bright in my eyes/
"He seems cold and stiff for that fire of yours."
I care for him. Please, please just let him be.
/but in spite of my protests, as I look back to the stage, the bidding war reaching a new high and the volume of all the onlookers reaching a crescendo it's clear that my brother isn't swayed by my pleas; that realization isn't a surprise, after all, as close as we've been in spite of my outcast status among our family, he always had an appetite for the elite, and a function like this I should have known would be a natural magnet for him; when your eyes are on him, I'm left with my mouth slightly gaped, waves of disappointment rolling over me above all else before I turn my attention back to Junki with a fervent whisper/
He isn't your type, hyung. He isn't rich. He doesn't care for the material.
/my brother's voice, however, is a mute, almost bored and drawling whisper when he smirks, a single corner of his mouth tucked into his cheek and revealing the deep pit of one of his dimples/
"I have my reasons, little brother. Besides, you act as if I can't see you plain as day."
Hyung...
/my voice trails off as I pull at his sleeve, ever the petulant child when next to him, the few years that separate us quite clear; when it seems he's so likely to win the auction, no one else daring to bid higher than that when it was such a jump, regardless of how eager the others were, I let my shoulders slump and I offer an apologetic smile up to you on the stage while the evening's barker makes his last request for a challenging bid/

@✞ eunki h。 /the auction pausing when the host asks me something has me losing sight of you in the crowd, now asked to show off a charm of some sorts to try and get even more people bidding
ah, a charm?
/tilts my head a little as i wouldn't use the word in a single sentence with me involved, let alone being asked to show off something i fear i don't have now
"it says here one of your old hobbies was ballroom dancing. why don't you show us a little something, yunho? can we get a volunteer up here?"
/a woman near the front is brought up and i bow my head to her politely, extending my hand towards her in a gentlemanly fashion, i slide my hand over her waist, gliding it down to her lower back
trust me for just a moment, please
/whispers to the woman before i press her closer against me, my face tilted up as i guide her around in a few simply steps, her dress swaying and looking like a flower in bloom, the colour in start contrast to my crisp black suit
/stopping with her in my arms, back to chest, i catch my breath before clapping for her and bowing my head in thanks, the flushed woman thanking me too and heading back down off stage
"shall we start the bets back up?"
/i take a step back when there's a cry from the crowd, people lifting their hands and shouting ridiculously high numbers, my main comfort being that the money is going towards the children
/its then that i have the time to search you out in the crowd again, having moved, i think and for a moment i'm confused for your suit looks so different, but then i realise i'm not looking at you but an almost carbon copy, what i'd imagine you'd look like in several years
/with no other explanation other than thinking this must be a relative, perhaps a brother considering the similarities i find my eyes drifting to you by his side, a smile of relief appearing on my lips
eunki...
/whispers your name before the sudden motion from your brother a moment after distracts me, my own eyes widening when he lifts his hand and i wonder what's going on between you, but its the amount he calls that has me almost choking
"seven million won"
/each word is spoken so purposefully that the crowd falls quiet and i just stand there in awe, glancing around at the crowd who is murmuring, seeing if someone else will try challenge such a ridiculously high amount of money

@✞ yunho j。 /the invitation to come as your plus one to a fancy event, just as the suit you had bought for me because we both knew I would have nothing to wear otherwise, was not something I had expected-- not by a long shot; the suit wasn't even something I would choose for myself, not one for formal wear settings, but it spoke to who you were as a person and your attentions to me in the way that it fit; though even still that didn't mean that I wasn't busy fiddling with the sleeves of the shirt which seemed so much more restrictive to my movements; overall, it was a fancy event, and one you wanted to bring me to, but I was only just beginning to get an inkling of what the main attraction of the event was as I tried to find a place among the crowd where I didn't feel closed in while turning down the hors d'oeuvre platter being carried around by a waiter in shirtsleeves and cummerbund that I could swear was one of my own kind if only by the warmth of his aura and in a moment of distraction I quite nearly bumped into another attendee/
Excuse me, I'm so sorry--
/apologizing, I bow once, perhaps a little deeper than necessary before the sound of voices from the focal point of the evening catches my attention and I turn around, clasping my hands in front of my waist and peering upward when you come into view to the announcement of your name/
He looks so handsome...
/murmuring quietly to myself, another resident turns her attention toward me, a brow raised, a scoff perhaps however quiet, coming from her lips; I know that I'm out of place, and being here now only serves to remind me just how out of place I've always been; there's a familiar voice itching at the back of my mind while I peer up at you, smiling, just happy to be able to see you and admire you in that suit in spite of the reason for it; the auction, however, is something I wish I didn't come to witness, especially when I feel a hand grip at my elbow, tugging me a short step back and an all-too familiar voice whispering in my ear/
"Long time no see, little brother."
/turning my head, my own older brother's face stares back at me, a smirk highlighting his own features and twisting them into something unrecognizable from my own for a brief second/
Hyung-- what are you--
/before I can phrase the question, another bid in the succession is made, far too expensive for me to have even made an attempt with my own pittance saved away, and I can feel my blood begin to boil/
"Interesting. Be careful you don't burn us both to the ground, Eunki-yah."
/it's not a malicious tone, a whisper would be hard-pressed to convey such a distinction, but as I pull my arm away I look at him with the fire well present in my eyes and a whispered plea as I'm left hapless, once again in a world I never belonged in/
Please don't do this. Please--

@✞ eunki h。 /finding myself fidgeting as i wait outside the venue, i catch sight of myself in one of the reflective panels on the marquee, the even taking place in the forest with a the white marquee littered with late blooming flowers and fairy lights
/seeing a man standing there i don't quite recognise, all spruced up in a fine suit, hair styled back and looking confident, strong, i swallow and adjust my tie a little bit
/stepping closer i try see if i can spot you in the marquee, wishing i could see you more than the brief glance i saw earlier when people were being allowed in for the event
/i hope the suit i sent you was to your liking, wishing i could have seen your face but the old-fashioned me sent a nice hand written letter with the wrapped present, having been saving up for it for some time
"yunho, we're ready for you now"
ah yes, coming
/snapping to attention, the woman waits for me to join her and i do so quickly, smiling a little sheepishly before i hear the hum within the marquee quiet down
/the host announces me, claps coming from the audience as i step inside and up the small stage they have, shaking the man's hand before i bow to the guests politely
/the man proceeds to explain why i'm here and what for in terms of the charity, speaking of the orphanage i run and how we could always use the help but my eyes and attention are elsewhere
/i see you there in the crowd, shining so bright like a beacon that it makes me smile naturally, my smile spoken about as the host mentions it and brings me back to reality
/surprise crosses my features when he mentions an auction to have me as a companion for an evening though, people betting on me, like an auction and i stand there in embarrassment
/my surprise increases as i hear the numbers raising with the bets, my hands at my sides as i stand there, glancing over to you and trying not to be obvious about wanting nothing more than to be with you by your side here and now

@✞ jaebum i。 Making way to the apple tree, lips curved as she was on a one track path and once arriving to the apple tree seeing all the ripe apples. Her eyes gleamed in delight, as she went on her tippy toes to reach one of the apples. Her tongue stuck out as she reached up and stretched up more, as she grabbed the first one and soon she put it into the small bag she had. "Let's just get five then leave." She mumbles, as she looked around, biting her bottom hugging the bag close to her side as her ears picked up the foot steps from the ground. Making her a bit nervous as she grabbed one more apple, but since she was nervous, she dropped it.

@❀ sana m。 Jaebum dragged his fatigued body as he trudged through the forest. It had been a long day at work and all he wanted to do was to go home and curl up with a good book. He stopped in his tracks when he caught whiff of a familiar scent.
"A corpse?" he thought. His instinct as a ghoul and a forensic pathologist immediately kicked in, driving him to follow the scent of the corpse. And so he ventured deeper into the forest, his figure obscured by the darkness.

@✞ minhyung l。 it soothed him; the tender warmth offered by the gentle squeeze, and even more so tender was the owner of the said warmth bearing the pair of brilliant eyes glinting underneath the moonlight flashing through the canopy of oak trees flanking two sides of the road. Mark was a demon, however his eyes— he'd swore to the heaven's and on his ancestor and bet all of his flower collection scrap
book treasured in his closet since he was a child— were more livelier and more expressive than anyone and especially when Mark's trying to get his thoughts across. they have their own language, something that Lucas wanted to master though not in a hurry. he wanted to take his time with learning Mark Lee. if it weren't for his practised hearing while fixated on Mark's honest eyes, Lucas would have missed pretty much everything of the talk but he'd know what's said nonetheless. eyes never lie. Lucas believed this more than his God's. he felt his heart lurch at confession. by that moment he wanted nothing but let go of the steering and wrap mark tightly in his arms and tell him 'they missed their chances with an amazing being'.... or a demon, if that was required.

he did nothing of that.

"it's a blessing," he began whilst he returned the token of affection with a soft squeeze of his own, his thumb moving over to gently brush upon the back of Mark's palm as far as he could manage. he slowed over, breezing through the seemingly endless path of woods as if the darkness would swallow them the next moment. and in a sense what he was about to say might throw him hell or heaven, no in between. "it's a blessing that none of them saw what... how... wonderful of a being you're, Mark." By then at the speed they were moving, even a bicycler would peddal past them faster. Lucas's eyes were technically on the road but also on Mark's through peripheral vision. "not to be that guy but I'm being...I don't know what I'm saying. however I'm sure that I'm glad no one had the eyes to see your gentle heart, call it cliche, silly smile, and when you laugh...kinda weird but hella adorable and caring," his gaze ephemerally met Mark's, his upturned lips at corners revealed a sheepish but fond smile. "so I think you did more than I could have asked for. imagine how heart broken I'd be if you're taken and .... " he let the words fell silent. the foreshadowing of a feeling he buried deep prodding at him. not tonight, Lucas. "anyways, thanks for making time for tonight's date, Mark. we're almost there. The moon's going to be beautiful today, I heard. and stars too."

the path was clearing up with less and less trees by the sides and shrubs appeared more and more and so was the night sky. "can you see the stars, Mark, from the window?"

@☆ yukhei w。 Mark doesn’t quite understand the vaguely discomforting lurching in the pits of his stomach as his eyes dart back and forth, one level below frantic. He blinks rapidly, as if trying to comprehend the situation he finds himself in, yet it doesn’t seem to register until he sinks into the seat of Lucas’ car, hands clasped together with his fingertips digging into the backs of his hands. It’s not like this is their first date, their initial meeting, an awkward introduction. Or at least, it shouldn’t feel like one. Mark is just perpetually awkward, quite the unfortunate characteristic for a demon, really.

There’s an ongoing debate in his mind. Should he reach for Lucas’ hand? Should he not? Should he turn toward him? Should he not? Pensive in his thoughts, Mark presses his palms against his cheeks to check for clamminess. Upon coming to the conclusion that they are indeed perfectly dry and normal, save for the little nervous trembles that strike through them, he decides that the benefits of holding Lucas’ hand outweighs the cost. Or at least, in the spur of the moment with adrenaline rushing through his veins, that’s what he believes. And so he reaches, grasping at the man’s larger hand to intertwine their fingers, offering it a gentle squeeze, more for his own reassurance.

“I do enjoy sweet things, don’t worry. I’m flattered that you went through all the trouble to make all of those for me. I’m excited to try them all.” Mark’s roseate lips turn upward in a contented smile, the fluttering in his stomach immediately beginning to subside at the initiation of conversation. “It’s ideal, don’t worry! No one’s ever gone through so much just to.. spend time with me.” As a demon, Mark spends most of his time trying to perfect his skills, so anything that ventures outside the realm of his duties is unexplored territory. To be frank, this is the first time Mark’s ever experienced such a feeling, such a circumstance. “I wish I had done more for you, I feel bad.”

@✞ jaebum i。 Slowly she had hugged her small frame, glad she wore her sweater since it felt a bit chilly, as she walked into the forest. It was growing a bit dark but she was still able to see with a little light from the sun going down, "Let's make this quick." She mumbles, making her way not too deep she was scared of getting lost and being eaten as well. Biting her bottom lip she went to look for one of the apple trees, wandering a bit deeper in the forest until she found the apple tree. "There it is!"

@❀ shiah y。 [inHALE S I'M SO SORRY FOR BEING LATE MY MUSE DIED AND SCHOOL AND WORK AND BEING SICK AND TBH I HAVEN'T REPLIED TO ANYBODY IN LIKE A WEEK BUT FOR SOME REASON I HAVE MUSE AFTER GETTING A NEW LAPTOP SO ????? LMAO AND ALSO I'M A TERRIBLE WRITER SO UH : D]

ever since moving to the city, jiwoo's life had been school and work and school and work with almost nothing in between. it was hard for jiwoo as a country girl, as she was used to being out in the open, fresh air everyday, doing her chores and caring for the animals. today was a rare day off and she knew just exactly how she wanted to spend it. the forest was open and fun for her cattle dog form to jump and play around in, so that's exactly what she did. she expected the forest to be empty, but was taken by surprise as she came upon a petite woman curled against a tree. initially, jiwoo was confused. not so much transform out of this form confused, but just - curious as to why this girl was here or how she got here. she nudged her nose against the woman's nose, cautiously boofing to check if she was okay.

[cryin g i can't write pretty slaps myself]

@✞ minhyung l。 Lucas still felt the chill down his spine as he glanced at the person in the passenger seat next to him— Mark. his palms cold and sweaty on the steering wheel and he fooled himself into thinking it was another dream but it wasn't. gone was the Lucas who was loud and chatty, and not to brag, capable of charming with his words. at that precise moment he felt dread. but not the kind that makes one scream and, worst, run away. the kind of dread that had butterflies in the stomach, drowned in exhilaration, and prayed for no worst events to ruin the night— the date to be exact.

He caught another glance at Mark. it couldn't be helped. though dressed nothing fancy, the other had, in his own words, bewitched him; the wizard itself. and the interesting part would be he preferred it that way. Mark, if not the most bratiful being, was nothing. for a demon, Mark evoked nothing but the gentlest emotions out of him. some being quite ridiculous— for instance, last night was a disaster. he worried too much planning out. he wasn't the type to fear failures but for this evening, he wanted everything perfect. as perfect as it could go which bought him to another matter at hand.

he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel in a futile attempt to rid off his nervousness and in a lighter but high pitched voice he inquired. "I'm sorry if I've wrongly assumed but I hope you do like sweet things. I've some slices of moon cake I made earlier this day. oh.. and a tub cups of home made mocha ice cream in the cooler at the back. though if you don't like the home made one, just in case, I bought one from the shop too." he turned briefly, offered his assuring smile made of all teeth and crinkled eyes. "And for other things, I hope you'd love the spring rolls and ham burgers. not the ideal, I know." he could only but pray he chose the right things.

@☾ amber l。 Curiously she peeked around having asked the other female to join her, she hums softly with her dark locks tied back in a pony tail. Sana stepped forward, motioning the female to follow her more into the spooky forest- and even if Sana was a scaredy cat at times.

Her hunger won more.

"They have the best apples and berries here." She voiced in a soft tone, pointing to the large tree just a few feet away from them. "Let's eat lots, Amber." She gave a cute chuckle, rubbing her palms and humming softly.