♚ private lounge

@❈♚ Jeongguk Tepes They had drilled it into his head since he had been a young boy. Composure, ice-cold stares in moments in which a king could not reveal his emotions. Strategy was it all. Nonetheless, Taehyung had never expected that this training would have actually been needed for a conversation with his own brother had he always been soft and full of emotions around him. However, it was useful in this moment. While thousands of emotions bubbled in his body nothing seeped out of it to be shown to his brother.

It was as if his prayers had been heard even though to his surprise Jeongguk’s reaction was more intense than he had thought. Of course he knew of his brother’s irrational behaviour---had it even been what got them into this situation---nonetheless, he had expected his brother to continue playing his game seeking the ultimate power. Seemed as if Taehyung was indeed still the master at strategy himself. Still, calling it a game was exaggerated when all he used was a strategy to save what was most precious to him in the world.

“I am serious.” His voice resonated against despair. Not that he would ever tell the real story, not yet---only if they would ever get back to what they used to be. It pained him to see his brother like this and all he wanted to do was jump up and pull him into his arms getting back to how it was supposed to be. Though he couldn’t. If he gave in now his brother would never learn from the he did and nothing would ever change. Taehyung loved him, he truly did, but he couldn’t put up with his heart being smashed like that once more.

“Driving me to this---again you act like I am some sort of puppet for you, a lifeless toy, ain’t I? You can’t act out like a ing brat all the time, you can’t toss people around and manipulate them to have an advantage.” Maybe it was exaggerated but that was just how Taehyung had felt like those past two months and even before when his brother had ed around. He was just a puppet to him which could be used whenever it was needed.

“You hurt me. I’ve told you about my deepest pain that night. I told you how much it breaks me to see you ing around. And what did you do? Finding some human as a replacement to do just that right in front of my eyes!” His voice rose a little with his last words. He could have jumped up right there and let his anger out in some kind of way---most probably by abusing the human. Though Taehyung took a deep breath fading back into his cold self.

“You played your game but guess what it rarely ever goes like one wants it to go. That’s life.” Now Jeongguk was closer than they had ever been in the last two months. Reaching out his arms he could have touched him but he didn’t. His body was tense and his face was frozen in the exact same expression. They should have never gone this far but it wasn’t Taehyung’s fault to begin with. His brother had to feel just as much pain as he had felt to maybe for once understand it.

Heat inflamed in his body as he felt his brother’s hands on his cheeks. It was intoxicating, his scent, his body so close, them being connected again. If only he could have reached out too, could have given up his strategy. No, he couldn’t. Nothing would ever change if he did. They finally had to break free out of this vicious cycle. Jeongguk’s eyes seemed red from the tears that he had cried before, of course Taehyung had seen them, had felt the aching in his own heart.

The question was tricky. The answer was clear of course but any wrong formulation could leave his brother with suspicion. His hand wrapped around his brother’s wrist only to free himself. A sigh escaped his lips as he got up before voicing his answer. The human to his feet seriously annoyed him, he didn’t even look that similar. How could anyone actually ever replace him?

“I don’t hate you, dear brother. But I have put up with this long enough to notice that I need someone by my side who doesn’t cause trouble. A soon to be king needs a steady relationship to rule. You have gone too far, messed up multiple times by now and I can no longer risk my sanity and my future position.” His eyes scanned his brother who seemed more than distraught. If this would go wrong their relationship would truly be ed up and while he didn’t want to risk that he still had to.

“I won’t ever love somebody as much as I love you, Jeongguk.” The last time he had called his brother by his real name had been ages ago and he couldn’t even remember anymore when that had been. It was too formal, too impersonal as he had always called his brother by whatever kind of pet name. And now it seemed as if his name was an abysmal line that terminated their love affair, a line that would almost be impossible to pass. And still it left that last bit of hope because his brother now knew that he would always take up the biggest spot in his heart.

“Nonetheless, it is over. You have had enough chances and I need to finally move towards the future.”

@❈♚ Taehyung Tepes [] i couldn’t put this in the reply without sounding awkward so here it is lol: lets just assume by role-play magic that the ty taehyung human clone is/was not aware of the fact he was being used for y times because he looked similar to taehyung, he thought the stuff was because he’d somehow managed to impress a vampire prince.

He had nothing.

After nearly two months of parading around with a lowly human and Jeongguk had made no progress.

Taehyung just simply didn’t care enough to say something or do anything. When Jeongguk had been caught with the human on his knees in the garden, he’d smelt his brothers temper before he’d walked away or whenever he strolled through the palace, looking thoroughly wrecked, and he hadn’t been spared a second glance. It was horrible.

It was only made worse when the rumours started.

Jeongguk didn’t believe them, not for a single second. Taehyung was not getting married without telling him first nor without his permission. His brother deserved only the best spouse that vampire royalty had to offer; anything less than perfection was not acceptable for Taehyungs standards. After all, what would the people say if the Tepes king, in all his handsome beauty, were to marry some common ? They’d riot and Jeongguk would be right there to lead the charge. Taehyung deserved to marry somebody young and vivacious, who worshipped him like the king he was, somebody stunning and who looked perfect standing next to him.. Somebody like Jeongguk.

But that could never happen, even he was aware of it and it broke his heart.

So no, Taehyung was not getting married because there was nobody worthy of him. Simple as that.

And, if by some curse, it was true.. Jeongguk didn’t know what he’d do.

*****

Regarding his tastes in men, Jeongguk was not the most dominant. He wasn’t opposed to it, oh no, but he liked being made to feel small and taken care off; so despite it being a human, Jeongguk was surprised to see that his little Taehyung doppelgänger was even more submissive than he. It’d been a nice change of pace, actually, being able to live out his fantasies of being the one to ravish Taehyung.

But even now, where he crowded the near- human in his arms, it was a pale imitation of the real man.

“So naughty, aren’t you?” Jeongguk breathed, his tongue flicking out tickle and taunt the human on his neck. The Taehyung clone giggled, whispering something about Jeongguk being a tease that he didn’t particularly care for.

He felt the presence of another just as he was about to part the humans legs, the painful scent of spiced chocolate filling the room. Tension crackled in the air though it didn’t come from him. When a cough sounded, Jeongguk sighed and sat up, pulling his toy onto his lap with him, waiting to hear what it was his brother was so eager to say.

Taehyung looked so handsome sitting there, even though he looked like he’d been carved from marble.

Jeongguk hid his face in his humans neck, his fangs slowly extending to graze over the humans pulse point when a single word stopped him in his tracks.

“Marriage!?”

With how sudden Jeongguk stood up, his human(who had been attached to him like a monkey) fell onto the floor with a pained hiss, reaching out to slap Jeongguks leg in complaint. Fire burned in him as he hissed at the human, kicking the maggot in the stomach as he growled “Shut the up, this isn’t about you!”

He turned to look at Taehyung, his heart dropping into his stomach at how.. cold his brother looked. Taehyung never looked at him like that. Taehyung was supposed to be warm and full of stars when he looked at Jeongguk. “You can’t be serious,Tae! Marriage?”

Jeongguk took a few steps to his brother, reaching out to touch but stopped himself, bringing his hand to his chest. His breathing was coming out quicker and quicker as his heart raced and he knew he was having a panic attack.

“I, oh Satan, I didn’t think I’d drive you to, to this! Marriage!?” He cried, more to himself than anything as he brought both hands to cover his face. He couldn’t let Taehyung see him cry.

“I was drunk! I, I let myself dwell on all those negative feelings until it just bubbled over! And I made a horrible mistake and this, this with the maggot” Jeongguk spat, throwing his arm out towards the human who flinched on the floor, his scent pungent with all the confused emotions he felt. It didn't help, to have his judgement clouded by the emotions of a disgusting creature but perhaps what he felt wasn’t all too dissimilar. “It wasn’t supposed to go on like this!”

Pride be damned, Jeongguk refused to let his love get away from him.

He flitted over to the couch to sit beside his brother, leaving enough space between them for fear that Taehyung would storm off.

“Please, please don’t do this. I’ve been the worst kind of person, I know but I—“ How could he live with himself if he let Taehyung marry somebody else? Somebody that wasn’t him? His fists clenched on his lap as he searched his brothers face for any hint of emotion but he couldn’t see anything. Of course he wouldn’t, Taehyung was the best in keeping his emotions in check besides their father.

With all the care and tenderness he could muster, Jeongguk brought his hands up to cup his brothers cheeks, wincing at how tense his entire face was. He wanted to cry but he had to be strong. Despite this, he had one question burning in his mind; he just needed to get an honest answer and he’d leave Taehyung alone, depending on what he said. Swallowing down his pride, Jeongguk was embarrassed at the little whimper that came from him when he parted his lips.

“Please, even if you hate me, just please answer me this truthfully. Just— Just this one kindess, even though I’ve been so horrible to you” Jeongguk pleaded, the anguish that he felt as plain as day on his face.

“Is she who you really want to marry? Do you love her as much as..” you do me? he finished in his head, gnawing on his lip to the point where it bled.

@❈♚ Jeongguk Tepes This was more than ed up. Had he just lost his lover, his brother? Hadn’t he sworn to himself that he would always keep his possessiveness on a low level, never tell Jeongguk how he actually freaked out about him being with others? He had just broken it, broken everything, shattered into thousand pieces just like the cracks in the glass. But Taehyung, just like everyone else had a limit and the younger had pushed it further and further until he hadn’t had any other chance but to break, freak out.

Tears still ran down his face but it got less and less. He crouched on the floor having his arms wrapped around his legs which he had pulled up to his chest. He had to comfort himself because no one in the whole ing world would ever understand how he felt.

He considered just going to Jeongguk’s room to sneak into his bed and to destroy the sorrow by giving in. Taehyung even went as far as leaving his room as his tears had stopped falling but before reaching his brother’s room he had turned around again. The younger had acted up often enough and for once it felt too much to actually give in. Taehyung had feelings too, pride, and he didn’t want his brother to always keep stomping on those.

****

“Are you sure about this?” Sweet whispers were blown against his ear, slender arms wrapped around his chest from behind.

“Yes.” (No.)

He turned around in her embrace, eyes locked with hers. Her ebony hair graced her pale shoulders but all that his mind reflected was an illusion of Jeongguk. Gosh. Even after weeks the brat still hadn’t disappeared out of his mind, never would, even though Taehyung tried to push him as far as he could back into there. After all, he was supposed to focus on her now. A distraction that had taken surprising turns. Still, he had seen his brother with the human, had discovered them weeks ago in the palace going all crazy and ual in public.

(You thought you can just replace me, huh? You thought that this would make me freak out and come running back to you, right?)

Taehyung had freaked out, of course he had. The pain had hit him deep but the more often he had seen his brother with the human the more his pain had turned into anger. Jeongguk wanted to play games but it seemed as if he had forgotten that Taehyung himself had had way more practice. All his rationality had been blown away and he knew that this wouldn’t end pretty.

“Charlotte---” It was a sweet whisper against her lips taking in her scent as he pressed his against hers just as tenderly. Though his mind was caught up in another reality again, his last night with his brother running through his a head like a movie that was put on repeat. Even as he deepened his kiss with her his lips pretty much ravishing hers, his mind was still drawn to Jeongguk. For Christ’s sake he missed the younger so much that it slowly started destroying him from the inside but he couldn’t give up now. He had passed the point where going back had been an option.

“It’s the most beautiful ring I have ever seen, you choose quite a special blood ruby.” Her voice was still as tender but Taehyung’s mind was still caught up in another reality. The thought of not going back began to scare him. What if even this didn’t help? What if even after this Jeongguk would keep playing his games?

Then he had at least build up a special bond with another vampire, Charlotte in particular. No one would ever be able to replace his brother, to make Taehyung love him less than he did. And still in the game of jealousy he was still sure that he could switch it around.

He was going to marry Charlotte, or more so tempt Jeongguk with his engagement.

****

The news of his engagement had spread around the palace surprisingly quickly. People loved to talk, he knew that much, but since when had his life been such a matter of interest? Maybe nothing else of interest had happened around the palace recently so everyone rushed to talk about his life. It was good this way. Hopefully the news had reached his brother too.

After returning to the Tepes wing from a day of history researches, his hobby still the same, he decided to treat himself to a drink in the private lounge. Lying to her was rather hard, it preyed on his conscious that he was just using her without her knowledge. Though, she should have been surprised that her ex-lover from decades ago suddenly wanted to share that special bond with her.

These days he couldn’t stop his mind from going crazy. All this turned him into an utter mess and he wasn’t even sure anymore if all this had been worth it. Maybe he should have just taken a breather for a while, holidays somewhere far away until his broken heart would have healed, not that it ever could. But now that he had gone this far he had to stick to his plans. Backing out would only make him weaker and a king to be couldn’t be weak over some love affair.

Once reaching the lounge he already heard what was going on in there. It took him several deep breaths before he went inside to see just what he had prayed not to see. A human with ripped apart clothes beneath Jeongguk who luckily still had his pants on. Not that he would have minded seeing his brother’s body after weeks of not having seen it but the clenching of his heart would have been even worth than it already was. Taehyung tried his best to stay calm even though he could have killed the human right there, various scenarios of how he would do it flashed in his head.

He poured himself a scotch almost spilling the drink all over his hand as it was trembling so crazily out of anger. It took him even more deep breaths, a drink and the voice in his head screaming at him to get moving. Without saying a word yet he walked towards the couch sitting down on the furthest part from where the action was going on. He only eyed them with angry glares before coughing to finally get Jeongguk’s attention even though it must have been obvious to the younger that he was present.

“I would like to officially inform you that I am getting married, dear brother. The blood oaths will be exchanged next Sunday. Make sure to come to the ceremony. And---” His glares turned towards the human who seemed more than intimidated before looking back at Jeongguk. “---I would also like to let you know that this will officially end our unofficial business. But it seems as if you are content with a sloppy replacement when the original gets pushed aside.”

Deep in his heart he hoped that this ultimatum and the prospect of their relationship, their intimacy being destroyed would make Jeongguk stop his stupid games and finally return to him.

[So uhh this reply got kinda crazy cause the idea hit me that Taehyung wouldn't just go all crazy and wild about Jeongguk's human lover on the outside but more so try to have Jeongguk give in when he threatens with the marriage IDK DONT JUDGE THIS GOT STUPID You could just go with Guk still being the bratty brat and Tae would still freak out and most probably kill the human but if you like the Tae's marriage / blood oath idea we can also put in more of that or just have them have their happy reunion cause this is so sad mygod AND I AM SO SORRY IF YOU DONT LIKE THE REPLY MY BRAIN DOESNT WORK THIS LATE]

@❈♞ Woo Dohwan Yeeun had bit back tears when he pulled away. "I'm going Dohwan, unless you give me one good reason as to why I should stay. Although he was a Tepes he was the only man her father trusted by her side so why was it so wrong for them to be together? The girl watched as the boy who she was certain she was falling in love with walk away from her for the first time. A tear escaped the corner of her eye as she turned. "I'm going." She walked off.

@ξ♛ Yeeun Lamia He let out a soft exhale as he held her hands in his. “What if we don’t go at all, hm?” He suggested out of nowhere. “And I understand where he’s coming from. I would’ve reacted the same way. I don’t like men looking at you like you’re easily up for grabs.” He worried for her, truly. Was it jealousy...? He couldn’t say for sure. But what was certain was that he didn’t like to imagine men flocking her and vying for her attention just because she’s beautiful. Yes, she was. But his bestfriend was more than just a beauty on the outside and for that, he...

, what was he thinking. Was he stupid to think they’d end up together? That they had a chance? He was a Tepes, and she’s a Lamia princess. A royalty. He more than anyone knew that her parents would disapprove. With that, he pulled away and went to stand near the windows. “Just don’t go, Yeeun. That’s all.”

@❈♞ Woo Dohwan Yeeun wasn't surprised on his answer, he'd always accept her requests. It was just how it was between the two and she sighed softly at his touch but at his words too."You don't have to come, I just thought you were." Yeeun couldn't understand why his words affected her. "No, I'm struggling on an outfit honestly." She answered his question and shrugged turning around to run her fingers over the binds of the books walking down the aisle as she stopped at one book and took it reading the back text as she placed it back just as gently turning to look at the boy once more. "I was hoping you would help me since it seems you and jimin always get jealous whenever I wear something too revealing." She back as she appeared in front of him in once swift move running her fingers gently along his cheek.

@ξ♛ Yeeun Lamia Dohwan had always been a man of indifference, much like his close older cousin, Chanyeol. Nothing fazed them too much, and not many could break them out of their calm facade. Most thought them as brothers, but Dohwan had never viewed the life of an assassin as the ideal way to live. He never wanted to be the Guild’s lapdog anyway. Their similar personalities were said to be the Tepes’s symbolic nature, much like wolves. Hence, he wasn’t fazed when she said she’s attending the ball, and hinted her expectation of wanting him to be her companion for the night. Dohwan felt himself surrenduring to those soft gaze, as he always did. “I wasn’t planning on going.” He stated softly. His thumb drawing idle circles on her nape. “But if you insist on me tagging along, then I guess I’ll have to be forced to socialise.” A slight hint of teasing laced his voice. “Have you decided on what to wear?”

@❈♞ Woo Dohwan A difference in his tone was heard as Yeeun mentioned she would go to the ball. She nodded when he asked and then was confused as she thought that she heard jealousy in his voice. "Yeah.. I have to make an appearance along with Mother and Father and Jimin." She looked up at him, to his soft red eyes as she shrugged. "I didn't think of a date seeing as we always attend these things together." She answered matter of factly as she held his hand placing it to her cheek. Yeeun had always shown affection to Dohwan even as kids. They would bicker here and there, but they'd always cuddle and hug up to each other 2.5 seconds later as if nothing had happened. "Were you not planning on going to this dance?" she asked as she ran her thumb against the back of his hand.

@ξ♛ Yeeun Lamia Before he could respond to her statement, the book he was holding was taken away, making the male gape at her slightly. But he simply let out a defeated sigh. She was always so clingy and affectionate with him; it made him feel.... the kind of pleasantness that a mere friend shouldn’t feel. But he’d always wondered if she’s simply treating him like a big brother or something more. Dohwan gazed down at her and knew his gaze had softened. “So you’re going.” He stated in a rather monotonous voice. “With whom?” He wasn’t sure if the tone of jealousy managed to slip out and that she noticed it or not.

@❈♞ Woo Dohwan Yeeun had smiled at his soft yet deep hum as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "Mm, I need help picking out a dress for the ball." She took the book from his hand and stepped in front of him as she peered up at him, pushing his hair out of his face gently. Yeeun could never get over the fact of how handsome her friend was. Ever since they were kids Yeeun always saw how all the females and males gazed at him, not to long ago it started bothering her though. Her blood boiled with jealousy when she caught stares to her best friend. Even if they stared, they also looked upon her to as she was given her mothers beauty so the two of them were always mistaken as a couple, this rumor even made some jealous. She had to admit, they did suit each other, but her mind contemplated whether her feelings were real or whether it was he was the only other male she had come to be close with.

@ξ♛ Yeeun Lamia He was well aware of the big event that was to be held soon, and he knew just how busy everyone was. But honestly, the ancient vampire Count couldn’t even be bothered. He’s not even sure he wanted to go. Briefly, he wondered if Yeeun was attending. And if so, with whom. With that, a flash of jealousy came into his mind. But the male simply shook it off. When you’re friends with someone for so long you tend to have a sort of possessiveness when their attention diverts elsewhere. He found himself constantly wondering if his feelings were genuine or a masked pretense.

He was in the private lounge flipping through a book and lost in his own thoughts as he felt a pair of arms around his torso. He knew immediately who it was. No one aside from her was close to him. Well other than his cousin chanyeol. Dohwan replied to her with a soft hum. “Hm?” His eyes never leaving the book.

@❈♞ Woo Dohwan Yeeun had a bright smiled as she walked into the Tepes wing going to see her best friend of basically her whole life as her heels clicked against the floor. She headed to the lounge where she found him. Woo Dohwan, her heart fluttered as it has been now for the past couple of years as she mentally slapped herself. 'Yah get a hold of yourself Yeeun, he's only your best friend.' she thought to herself as she snuck up behind him and hugged his waist. "Dohwan-shi..." she pouted wanting his help to find her a dress for the ball that was being held soon.