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day well spent

college!zayne x fem reader

⤿CW: pure fluff

⤿word count: 3.6k

⤿a/n: hello lovelies! this is supposed to be a valentines treat but i got busy with college stuffs so it was kinda delayed. enjoy reading :))

⤿fifth part of code love series | previous part. > next.

ao3.

It’s been four weeks since Zayne officially began courting you. The day after that, he insisted on meeting your sister to ask for her approval as well. Although you assured him that it wasn’t necessary and that your sister would have no objections, he remained firm in his decision. He explained that his parents raised him to seek the permission of those closest to the person he’s courting, and he wanted to honor that tradition.

You also asked him if his parents knew that he was courting you. He smiled and admitted that he always mentioned you whenever he spoke with them. He explained that both of his parents are doctors, and their work often takes them out of the city—or even out of the country—for medical missions. Despite their busy schedules, they always make time to catch up, and you’ve become a frequent topic of conversation.

“Really? You talk about me often?” You asked him, you’re currently sitting at the lounge area of his department’s building as you decided to visit him before you go home.

Zayne’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he didn’t look away. “Yeah, I do,” he admitted, his eyes softening as he looked at you. “I tell them how smart and funny you are… and how being around you makes my day better.”

Your heart skipped a beat at his sincerity.“What do they say about that?” you asked, trying to sound casual despite the warmth rising to your cheeks.

He chuckled, leaning back against the couch. “They’re curious about you now. They want to meet the person who keeps making their son smile like an idiot during phone calls.”

You laughed, the image of Zayne grinning goofily while talking to his parents popping into your head. “Well, I hope I make a good impression when that day comes.

Zayne’s expression softened even more. “You already have,” he said quietly. “Even without meeting you, they’re glad I found someone who makes me happy.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the unspoken feelings hanging in the air. But the comfortable silence was enough. You realized that Zayne wasn’t just courting you; he was already including you in his world, and that meant more than words could express.

You glanced at the time and sighed. “I should get going,” you said, standing up reluctantly.

He stood up with you, his gaze lingering a bit longer before he spoke. “Let me walk you to the bus stop.”

“But what about your next class?” You asked him as he slung your bag on his shoulder.

“It’ll be fine, and I want to make sure you’ll be safe.” He smiled, his eyes warm with reassurance. “Shall we?” He offered his hand, palm open and inviting.

You couldn’t help but smile back, a flutter of comfort settling in your chest. Without a word, you placed your hand above his, feeling the gentle strength in his grip. As you walked side by side, his hand naturally found its place on your lower back, guiding you with a subtle protectiveness that made you feel cherished.

The evening air was cool, a soft breeze rustling through the trees as the sky faded into shades of gold and pink. You could hear the distant hum of the city, but here, in this moment, everything felt quieter—almost like the world had slowed down just for the two of you.

His thumb drew small, absentminded circles against your back, a gesture so subtle yet so grounding. You glanced up at him, catching the way his lips curved into a gentle smile, his gaze fixed forward but clearly aware of every step you took together.

It was as if his presence built a safe haven around you, a place where nothing could reach you but the warmth radiating from his touch. You leaned a little closer, your shoulders brushing, and for a second, you wondered if he could hear the rhythm of your heartbeat matching the steady pace of your footsteps.

Neither of you spoke, but in the comfortable silence, so much was said.

***

A few weeks later, today is Valentine’s day which is also your University’s Foundation Week. Classes were canceled for two weeks to celebrate and there were booths and stalls all over your campus grounds.

You and Zayne agreed to meet at campus, just by the old oak tree near the main entrance. The area was bustling with students, laughter, and music blending into the festive air. As you approached, you spotted him leaning against the tree, his hands tucked in his pockets, a relaxed smile spreading across his face as his eyes found yours.

“Hey,” he called out, pushing off the tree to meet you halfway. “You look… really nice.” His gaze lingered, a subtle warmth coloring his cheeks.

“Thanks,” you replied, feeling a shy smile creep onto your lips. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

He laughed, the sound easy and genuine. “Shall we?” You nodded at him as you intertwined your fingers with his as he led the way inside your campus, guiding you through the crowd. His grip on your hand tightened as you entered, making sure that you won’t get lost.

As you passed by booths filled with games, merch, and food stalls, you noticed how his eyes sparkled upon seeing variety of sweets in the stalls. Zayne glanced at you and his smile is evident and it made your heart flutter.

“I heard their churros are the best, do you want to try?” He asked.

“Of course!” You replied, he smiled at you once again before leading the way. Luckily, the line isn’t as long as you anticipated when you reached the food stall which sells churros and a few other sweets.

You stood beside Zayne, he ordered churros which is good for two persons, two pieces of potato tornados and a milkshake. It hasn’t been long when your orders were now served, you and Zayne decided to sit at the bench underneath a tree to eat your foods.

With a potato tornado in your hand and churros in his, your drinks sat on the bench beside you. Zayne held out a wooden fork, eyeing the cinnamon-sugar-coated churros carefully. Using his hand as a fan, he made sure they were cooled off before taking a piece.

Once he was certain it was safe to eat, he held the churro out to you, his eyes warm with a playful smile. “Here, try it. It’s better when shared.”

You smiled at him before eating the churro, your eyes went wide as you chewed on it. “It tastes amazing,” you said and he chuckled in response before he took a bite of the churros.

“Here, try this as well,” you said, offering him the potato tornado. You used your other hand as a shield to catch any stray cheese powder, making sure it wouldn’t fall directly on his clothes.

Zayne leaned in, taking a bite with a delighted grin, “Mhm, that’s really good.” He said before he took another bite which made you chuckle because there were a few remnants of cheese powder on his cheeks.

“You look silly,” you giggled as you reached for your handkerchief to wipe the powder off his face. He just shook his head as he grabbed another churro and as if you acted on instinct, you leaned in to take the bite from him.

As you were busy munching, you suddenly heard a click. Confused, you glanced over at Zayne, only to find him grinning mischievously, his phone held up in front of him.

“Did you just… take a picture of me?” you asked, your eyes narrowing playfully.

He shrugged, completely unapologetic. “You just looked too cute not to.” He turned the screen to show you the candid shot—your cheeks puffed out as you chewed, eyes wide with surprise.

Your face heated up instantly. “Zayne! Delete that!”

He laughed, tucking his phone away before you could snatch it. “Nope. This one’s a keeper.”

You crossed your arms, pretending to be annoyed. “You’re impossible.”

He leaned in, his voice low and teasing. “If it makes you feel better, it’s now my favorite photo.”

Your heart skipped a beat, the playful annoyance melting into a shy smile. “You’re such an idiot,” you mumbled, but your tone was light, your chest fluttering at the way he looked at you.

“Maybe,” he agreed, his eyes twinkling. “But at least I made you smile.”

And just like that, you realized he was right. You were smiling—unable to stop, even if you tried.

***

After a few giggles and pictures snapped together, you and Zayne strolled once more. What caught your attention was the photobooth tucked in the corner, its vintage design adorned with flashing lights that seemed to beckon you both closer.

Zayne noticed your gaze and grinned, his playful energy impossible to resist. “Zayne.” You called, but as you looked at him, his gaze was already fixed on you. With a smile, you tugged him toward the photobooth, its neon lights reflecting in his eyes.

He let himself be pulled, laughing as you both stumbled inside the tiny space. It was a tight fit, your shoulders pressed together, knees bumping as you tried to get comfortable. The screen lit up, giving you barely any time before the first countdown began.

For your first shot, you and Zayne’s faces were near to each other. You held out two of your fingers poking your cheek as you pouted at the camera. Zayne on the other hand poked leaned closer as he poked his finger on his right cheek.

As soon as the second countdown began, Zayne wrapped his left arm around your shoulder as he pulled you closer to him. Both of you make a peace sign with visible smiles on your faces.

“Okay, quick! What should our next pose be?” you giggled as the last countdown began. You tilted your head to face him, only to find him looking down at you with a wide smile that made his dimples pop. You couldn’t help but lean in closer, your noses gently touching. Lost in the moment, neither of you noticed when the camera clicked, capturing the third shot.

The photo strip printed two copies with a mechanical whir, sliding out as you both tumbled out of the booth, laughing and breathless. Zayne grabbed the strip, his eyes widening as he saw the progression—silly faces, pure laughter, and finally, that close, almost-kiss that left your heart pounding.

“Let me take a look.” You said as you unconsciously intertwined your fingers with his as he gave you the other copy. “Oh, I love how these turned out.”

As you were busy admiring the photo, Zayne’s gaze remained on you. There was a softness in his eyes, his smile lingering as he watched the way your face lit up. The way you laughed at the silly faces, how your fingers gently traced over the last photo—the one where you were so close, your faces barely an inch apart.

He swallowed, his heart thudding as he replayed that moment in his head. It had felt so natural, so right, even if he hadn’t expected it. He opened his mouth, the words forming before he could stop them. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

Your head snapped up, eyes wide in surprise. “What?”

His cheeks flushed, but he didn’t look away. “I mean… the way you’re smiling. It’s… nice.” He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly shy. “Makes the photos look even better.”

You noticed his flushed reaction— how his cheeks and ears turned red, the way he nervously ran his hand through his hair and how he couldn’t even dare to look straight into your eyes.

“Zayne… are you blushing?” you teased, leaning in to get a better look. His eyes widened, and his cheeks grew even redder as he quickly averted his gaze.

“N-No, I’m not!” he protested, his voice higher than usual. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding your eyes. “It’s just… warm out here.”

You let out a small giggle, watching him squirm. “Right. Must be that blazing eighty-degree weather,” you teased, glancing up at the clear, breezy sky. You were about to tease him more, but then you heard two familiar voices calling out for the both of you.

As you turned your head, you saw Tara and Simone running towards your direction, their faces lit up with excitement. You smiled, waving as they skidded to a stop in front of you, slightly out of breath.

“There you two are!” Tara exclaimed, hands on her hips as she caught her breath. “We’ve been looking all over for you!”

Simone’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked between you and Zayne, her gaze dropping to your intertwined fingers. A sly grin spread across her face. “Well, well, what did we miss?”

You felt your face heat up, and instinctively, you tried to pull your hand away, but Zayne held on firmly, his own cheeks tinged pink. “Nothing much,” he said, his tone casual despite the way his thumb was gently stroking the back of your hand. “Just taking some photos.”

Tara’s eyes widened, immediately zeroing in on the photo booth behind you. “Oh! Did you guys take one of those cute photo strips?”

You and Zayne both looked at each other before nodding gently. Tara groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on! Show us!”

Zayne smirked, patting his pocket. “Sorry, but these are classified. For our eyes only.”

Simone looked at you, her expression pleading. “You’re really not going to share?”

You shook your head, laughing. “Nope. But trust me, they turned out great.”

Tara crossed her arms, pretending to pout. “Fine. But you owe us details later.” She paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “And I expect all the details.”

You rolled your eyes, trying to act nonchalant even as your heart raced. “We’ll see about that.”

Simone linked her arm through yours, already steering you away. “Come on, then! We were just about to grab some snacks. You two lovebirds joining us or what?”

You glanced at Zayne, who still hadn’t let go of your hand. His smile was soft, his eyes warm as he gave your fingers a gentle squeeze. “Yeah,” he answered, his voice steady. “We’re coming.”

Together, the four of you walked off, laughter echoing as the teasing continued. And though the photo strip remained tucked away, the memory of that almost-kiss—and everything it meant—was impossible to hide.

***

As the sun had already set, the sky painted in shades of deep purple and navy, Zayne offered you a ride home. Of course, you didn’t refuse, the idea of spending a little more time with him too tempting to pass up.

The car ride was comfortable, the faint hum of the engine blending with the soft music playing from the radio. Streetlights cast a warm glow through the windows, illuminating his face in fleeting intervals. You couldn’t help but steal a glance now and then, admiring the way his jaw tightened as he focused on the road, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel.

“You know,” he began, breaking the silence, “today was… pretty great.” His voice was casual, but there was a tenderness there, a vulnerability you weren’t used to hearing from him.

You smiled, leaning back against the seat. “Yeah, it really was.“

The rest of the drive was filled with light conversation and laughter, the kind that felt easy and effortless. Before long, he was pulling up in front of your house, the porch light casting a warm glow across the yard.

Zayne put the car in park but didn’t make any move to leave. Instead, he turned to you, his expression softer now. “Hey… thanks for today. Really.”

You looked at him, your chest tightening at the sincerity in his voice. “No… thank you. I had an amazing time.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the air between you charged with anticipation. Zayne’s eyes flicked down to your lips, his jaw tightening slightly as if he was debating something.

“Oh, before I forgot—“ He muttered as he unclasped his seatbelt to grab something from the backseat. To your surprise he’s already holding a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers wrapped in white paper and tied with a light blue ribbon. The bouquet features a delicate mix of white and pale blue blooms, including roses and small, airy flowers resembling baby’s breath.

“Zayne-“ your breath hitched as he gave the bouquet to you.

“I inserted something in there.” He said, then you noticed a piece of paper tucked underneath the flowers. You placed the bouquet in your lap as you began to unfold the paper.

Your heart began to race as you saw a beautiful sketch of yourself. The lines were delicate, capturing every detail with surprising accuracy—the curve of your smile, the sparkle in your eyes, even the way your hair fell around your face. It was breathtaking, almost surreal, to see yourself through someone else’s eyes.

You looked up, your gaze locking with Zayne’s. He was watching you intently, his expression soft, almost vulnerable. “Do you… like it?” he asked, his voice hesitant, as if he was unsure of himself for once.

A lump formed in your throat, emotions swirling as you looked back at the sketch. “Zayne… this is incredible. I… I didn’t even know you could draw.”

He let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, well… it’s just a hobby. I don’t show my drawings to many people.” His eyes softened as he continued, “But… I wanted you to see this one.”

Your heart skipped a beat, warmth flooding your chest as you realized the effort and thought he’d put into this. “You drew this… for me?”

He looked away, his cheeks tinged pink. “Yeah. I… couldn’t get you out of my head, so… this happened.” He glanced back at you, his gaze intense. “I wanted to capture the way you looked that day at the park…when you were laughing.”

Your breath caught, the memory flashing in your mind—the two of you strolling at the park, your face lit up with laughter, Zayne watching you with that same look in his eyes. “You… remembered that?”

“Of course I did,” he said softly. “I remember everything about you.”

Emotion tightened your throat, and you blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. You reached out, your fingers brushing over the paper delicately, as if afraid you’d smudge the beautiful lines. “I love it. I really do.”

His shoulders relaxed, relief washing over his face. “I’m glad.”

You looked at him, your heart full. “Thank you, Zayne. This… this means more to me than you know.”

His eyes softened, his voice a gentle whisper. “You mean more to me than you know.”

Your breath hitched, your heart racing once more. But this time, it wasn’t because of the sketch—it was because of him. The both of you stared at each other for a few moments before you broke the silence.

“It’s already getting late, I’ll head inside so you can go home.” You said as you folded the paper and tucked it back underneath the flowers. “Thank you for today Zayne, for keeping me company during the University fair, and for these gifts. I had so much fun.”

“It is my pleasure and I could say that as well.” He smiled at you, “Thank you [Name].”

The both of you settled in a comfortable silence. You stared at his hazel-green eyes as you thought of something cheeky. So, you leaned your face closer and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Be safe, goodnight.”

You giggled at his expression when he was suddenly caught off guard by your sudden kiss. You immediately gathered your things before opening the car door and ran inside your house, not even bothering to steal another glance at Zayne because you could already feel your cheeks heating up.

As soon as you got inside, you immediately got a text notification from Zayne.

Zayne: That was sneaky

You giggled as you hovered your fingers to type a reply.

You: You should’ve seen your reaction lol. Drive safe okay? Message me once you got home :))

Then, it hasn’t been a minute passed when you received another reply.

Zayne: Yes I will. Thank you again for today <3

Your heart fluttered once more as you saw his reply. You placed your phone back in your bag as you went upstairs to take a shower.

Once finished, you slipped into comfortable pajamas and made your way to your room. Without another thought, you plopped onto your bed, sinking into the softness as you hugged your pillow close. A giddy laugh escaped your lips, muffled by the fabric, as the memories of the day played like a movie behind your closed eyes.

You turned your head, your gaze falling on the bouquet resting on your nightstand, its delicate petals catching the soft glow of your bedside lamp. Beneath them, the folded sketch was safely tucked away, a beautiful reminder of the man who had given it to you.

Your phone buzzed once more, and you grabbed it eagerly, heart skipping as his name appeared on the screen.

Zayne: Just got home. Sweet dreams :)

You couldn’t help the warmth that spread through you, your fingers dancing over the screen as you typed back:

You: Sweet dreams, Zayne. Today was the best.

You set your phone aside, still clutching the pillow as a contented sigh left your lips. Today really was perfect—better than you ever could’ve imagined. You hadn’t just spent the day at the University fair; you’d made memories, and shared laughter.

As your eyes grew heavy and sleep began to claim you, one thought lingered, wrapping itself around you like a comforting embrace:

Being with him just felt right.

dividers by: @saradika-graphics

[lvrgurlblobbu]

can i ask you a question?

college!zayne x fem!reader

⤿ CW: pure fluff!

⤿ word count: 1.2k

⤿ fourth part of code love series | previous part > next.

ao3

Today marks your fourth month of hanging out—or rather, “dating”—with Zayne. You didn’t even notice how much time had passed because every time you’re with Zayne, everything seems to slow down, and it feels like the two of you are the only ones who exist.

It’s currently Sunday which is why you’re currently lounging in your room, wearing your usual comfortable clothes while lying on your stomach as you pet Jas, the stray cat which you and Zayne found at the park a few months ago. She’s now healthy and much more comfortable around you. Her once thin and scruffy fur is now soft and well-groomed, and she purrs contentedly under your touch. You smile as she nudges her head against your hand, a clear sign of trust and affection.

The quiet atmosphere of your room, combined with the gentle rise and fall of Jas’s breathing, makes the moment feel peaceful. You can hear the faint hum of life outside—cars passing by, birds chirping—but inside, it’s just you, Jas, and the lingering warmth of the memories you’ve made with Zayne.

As you absentmindedly stroke Jas’s fur, your phone buzzes beside you. You glance at the screen and see Zayne’s name pop up with a message:

Zayne: Morning (name). I had some urgent matters to attend to at the hospital where I’m volunteering, as well as a few documents to submit at the university.

Zayne: Sorry if I can’t make it to our lunch and museum stroll later. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

Upon reading his message, you can’t help but let out a soft giggle. Jas purred as she heard your giggle, you pressed a soft kiss on her head before typing on your phone.

You: Hi Zayne! It’s totally alright, we can reschedule whenever you’re free. Good luck with that : ))

Then you took a selfie with Jas which you attached to a message.

You: Jas and I are rooting for you! Make sure to rest once you’re finished and don’t forget to eat on time!

You smiled to yourself before hitting the send button. Then it hasn’t been long when you received another notification.

Zayne reacted “🩷” to your message.

Zayne: How adorable : )

After seeing his reply, you buried your face on your pillow as you screamed. You heard Jas meowing as if a protest about your loudness. You reached out to gently stroke Jas’ fur while murmuring an apology as you tried to calm your racing heart.

In the span of a few hours, you busied yourself by helping your sister with the household chores as well as tidying your room. You did a full general cleaning —dusting every surface, rearranging your bookshelf, and even scrubbing the corners you usually ignored. Anything to keep your mind occupied from the fact that you kinda miss Zayne.

Despite your efforts, your thoughts kept drifting back to your phone, sitting untouched on your desk.

After finishing the last of your chores, you collapsed onto your freshly made bed, staring at the ceiling. Jas hopped up beside you, curling into a ball near your feet.

Then your eyes felt heavy as you felt the tiredness slowly creeping in. Your body ached from the hours of cleaning, and it seems to be screaming protest for you to rest.

Jas purred softly beside you, her warmth comforting against your skin. The steady rhythm of her breathing, combined with your fatigue, made it impossible to fight off sleep any longer. And before you knew it, you drifted into slumber.

Then, you were suddenly awakened by your sister’s calls. Your eyes fluttered open, you stared at the wall clock and you were surprised that it’s already 6:30 in the evening.

“(Name)! Someone’s here looking for you!” your sister called, you immediately ran downstairs and you saw her smiling wide at you, “You didn’t tell me the man you’re dating is hot as hell! Now go on-“ you were about to protest when she suddenly pushed you towards the door.

As you stepped outside, you saw Zayne, hair disheveled, his shirt is wrinkled and beads of sweat drips down his forehead. He seems to be out of breath, as if he had been running. His eyes locked onto yours, filled with urgency and something else—something unspoken.

“Hey,” he panted, placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. “I—I’ve been looking for you.”

Your heart skipped a beat. Seeing him like this, so unkempt and desperate, sent a wave of emotions crashing over you. You swallowed, unsure of what to say.

“What’s wrong?” you finally asked, stepping closer.

Zayne straightened up, running a shaky hand through his messy hair. “I just… I needed to see you. There’s something I have to say.”

The weight of his words hung between you, thick with anticipation. The world around you seemed to fade, leaving just the two of you standing there, waiting—waiting for whatever would come next.

“So, it’s been four months right? Since we first had our date.” He started and you nodded at him, “Well, I’ve been thinking about it a lot,” Zayne continued, his voice slightly unsteady. He took a deep breath, his fingers clenching at his sides. “And I realized… these past four months have been some of the best I’ve ever had.”

Your heart pounded against your ribs as you waited for him to continue. The way he was looking at you—raw, uncertain, but full of something deep—made it impossible to look away.

“I don’t want this to be just another few months that pass by,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I want more. I want us to be more.”

The words hung in the air, settling heavily between you. You opened your mouth, but nothing came out. Your mind raced, replaying every moment you’d spent together—every late-night conversation, every laugh, every stolen glance.

Zayne took a hesitant step closer. “I don’t know if you feel the same way, but… I had to tell you. Because if I didn’t, I’d regret it.”

His eyes searched yours, waiting, hoping. And in that moment, you knew that whatever you said next would change everything.

“I want to court you, properly.”

Your breath hitched at his words. Court you? The sincerity in his voice, the nervous way he shifted on his feet—it made your heart swell with emotions you weren’t sure how to name.

Zayne cleared his throat, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “I don’t want to rush you, and I don’t expect an answer right away. But I want to do this right.” He exhaled sharply, as if finally releasing a weight he had been carrying.

“I want to show you how much you mean to me.”

For a moment, you could only stare at him, trying to process everything. The past four months had been filled with uncertainty, stolen moments, and quiet feelings neither of you had spoken aloud—until now.

Jas meowed softly at your feet, as if prompting you to respond. You let out a small, shaky laugh before finally meeting Zayne’s gaze.

“I…” You hesitated, feeling the warmth spread through your chest. “I’d like that.”

Relief washed over his face, his lips parting in a breathless smile. “Really?”

You nodded, unable to stop the small smile tugging at your own lips. “Yes. Let’s do this properly.”

Zayne let out a soft chuckle, running a hand through his already-messy hair. “Okay,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Okay.”

And just like that, everything between you shifted—this time, into something new, something real.

dividers by: @saradika-graphics

[lvrgurlblobbu]

a date it is!

college!zayne x fem!reader

⤿ CW: pure fluff!

⤿ word count: 3.3k

⤿ third part of code love series | previous part > next

ao3.

You barely had any sleep last night, it’s not that you spent the whole night talking to Zayne. He made sure that the both of you gets plenty amount of rest. So when the clock struck at 10:00 pm, he bid his goodnight to you. You also bid yours as well but you’re awake until 1:00 in the morning.

You’re not sure why sleep wouldn’t come. Maybe it was the lingering warmth of the conversation, the way Zayne’s voice still echoed in your mind, or maybe it was just one of those nights where rest felt impossible. You tossed and turned, staring at the ceiling, listening to the faint sounds of the night outside your window.

Even after saying goodnight, your thoughts refused to quiet down. It was comforting, but at the same time, it made you feel a little restless.

When sleep finally pulled you under, it was shallow and fleeting. By the time morning arrived, you felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on you. Your body ached for more rest, but your mind was already wide awake.

Your phone buzzes beside you. Squinting against the brightness of the screen, you see a message from Zayne.

Zayne: Morning. Did you sleep well?

You immediately sat up which made your head throb a bit. You bit your lip as you hovered you thumb at your phone to type a reply.

You: Good Morning! Yes I did : )

Even though you know damn well you didn’t, then after a few seconds your phone received another message from him.

Zayne: That’s good. I shall get going now, I’ll see you later around campus, take care.

You couldn’t stop yourself from smiling as you typed your reply. As you hit the “send” button, you threw your phone at your bed and screamed at your pillow as you kicked your feet.

Then as you began to calm down, your heart races so fast as you stared at the ceiling. Well, today is going to be a good one because of two main reasons: one is that Zayne greeted you good morning and he wished you well, second is that you’re looking forward to meet him again.

“How’s it going?” Simone nudged your shoulder as the three of you make your way towards your classroom.

“Well, we talked last night.” You replied, biting your lip to suppress your smile and clutched tighter on the books you’re holding. Tara seemed to notice and she began to tease you.

“Oh?” Tara smirked, leaning in closer. “And by talked, do you mean actual words, or was it just you giggling at your phone like a lovesick fool?”

You rolled your eyes, but the warmth creeping up your cheeks betrayed you. “It was just a normal conversation,” you said, though your voice lacked conviction.

Simone chuckled, bumping her shoulder against yours. “Sure, sure. And let me guess—after he told you to sleep, you stayed up thinking about him, didn’t you?”

Your lips parted in protest, but the way both of them were staring at you—knowing, amused—made it clear there was no point in denying it. Instead, you let out a dramatic sigh. “You guys are impossible.”

Tara giggled. “We’re impossible? Please. You’re the one walking around like a main character in a romance novel.”

You groaned, shaking your head as you pushed open the door to your classroom. “Can we talk about something else?”

Simone and Tara shared a glance before grinning. “No promises,” they said in unison.

You huffed, but despite your complaints, you couldn’t stop the small smile from forming on your lips. Because, if you were being honest, you didn’t really mind.

It’s 4 o’clock, and your classes are now finished. Now, you’ve already tidied your desks and placed your things inside your bag. You sat on your desk as you fished your phone from your pocket, checking if there are notifications — specifically from a certain someone.

You also unwrapped a lollipop and popped it in your mouth as you scrolled through your phone. Then, someone called you.

“(Name)! Someone’s looking for you?” Your classmate called, then you met Tara and Simone’s gaze, both of them looking teasingly at you. You rolled your eyes as you slung your bag on your shoulder before walking towards them.

“I gotta go.” You told them, but they both got up from their seats and grabbed your arm on each side.

“We’re walking with you until you reach the classroom door.” Tara giggled, then Simone added “You should formally introduce us.”

You shook your head as you giggled at the two of them, so you made your way outside. There you saw Zayne, leaning at the wall typing something on his phone. When he seemed to notice your presence, he immediately looked up from his phone, placed it inside his pocket before offering you a light smile.

“Hey,” he said as he approached you, Tara and Simone were trying their best to contain their giggles as Zayne approached.

“Hello.” You replied as you looked at him, “Oh by the way, these are my friends and I guess you already met them yesterday.” You formally introduced Tara and Simone to Zayne.

“Oh yes I did, I actually saw them at the lounge yesterday and they introduced themselves as your friends. Though I wondered where you are and they told me you got home early.” He said as you nodded slightly, his gaze began to flicker at Tara and Simone who’s currently tightening their grip on your arms.

“Shall we go?” you offered, Tara and Simone immediately let go of your arms and pushed you slightly at Zayne. He immediately caught you, his hands steadying you as you stumbled slightly against him. His grip was firm yet gentle, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of your sleeves.

“You alright?” Zayne asked, his voice softer this time as you looked up at him. His hazel-green eyes searched yours, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.

“Yes, I’m alright,” you replied, offering a small smile before turning to shoot a sharp glare at Tara and Simone. They only grinned, clearly enjoying themselves.

Zayne chuckled under his breath, shaking his head slightly. “Let’s go?” he asked, tilting his head toward the path ahead.

You let out a small sigh before smiling at him. “Yeah, let’s go.”

As the two of you began walking, Tara and Simone’s voices rang out behind you.

“Take care of her!” Tara called.

“Make sure she gets home safe!” Simone added with a teasing lilt in her voice.

You groaned, spinning around to glare at them one last time, but they only giggled, waving you off.

Zayne glanced back at them before turning to you, his smirk softening just a little. “I will,” he assured them before leaning in slightly, his voice dropping just enough for only you to hear. “Not that I needed the reminder.”

A sudden warmth spread through your chest at his words, but you rolled your eyes, trying to ignore the way your heart skipped a beat.

“Good,” you muttered, quickening your pace to hide the small smile tugging at your lips.

Zayne easily caught up, his smirk still lingering. “I think your friends really like me,” he teased.

You scoffed. “More like they enjoy embarrassing me.”

He chuckled, hands in his pockets as he walked beside you. “Well, I don’t mind. Gives me an excuse to stick around.”

You glanced at him, meeting his gaze once more. This time, there was no teasing—just something softer, something almost genuine.

And for some reason, you didn’t mind that either.

You went to the same cafeteria, the barista immediately greeted the both of you as you entered. Zayne led you towards your spot, pulled out a chair for you before sitting infront of you.

Then, a waitress approached the both of you. “Good afternoon! What can I get for you today?” She smiled at the both of you.

“I’ll have the chocolate lava cake, a slice of cheesecake and a couple of macarons as well.” He ordered as he gave the menu back at the waitress, “Oh and a cup of cappuccino.”

“That is noted sir, and what about you miss?”

“Well uh, I think I’ll have the pesto alfredo, a side of fries and an iced mocha.” nd an iced mocha,” you said, glancing at the menu one last time before looking back at the waitress with a smile. “That should be all for now, thank you.”

The waitress nodded, writing everything down with a friendly smile. “Got it! I’ll bring your orders right out!” She turned and walked away, leaving the two of you to settle into the comfortable silence.

“So, an informant told me that you were looking for me yesterday.” Zayne mentioned which made your face warmer as you felt yourself blushing.

“Who told you?” You asked, trying your best not to stutter. A small chuckle left his lips as he answered you.

“It’s from Greyson, told me that someone came looking for me yesterday but he didn’t mention any names. Then when I saw your friends at the lounge and approached me, that’s when I had a hunch that it was you.” He took a sip of his water, before looking back at you.

“I don’t know a single thing about you, so we thought that the best course of action was to look for you yesterday.”

“Well, if that’s the case,” he extended his hand towards you, his expression soft yet confident. “Zayne Li, sophomore. BS Biology, Major in Medical Biology.” A small smile played on his lips, one that sent an unexpected flutter through your chest.

You took his hand, the coolness of his touch sending a shiver down your spine. “(Name), freshman. Journalism major.”

His grip was firm but gentle, lingering just long enough to make your pulse quicken. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Ms. (Name),” he said, his voice smooth and undeniably warm.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” you replied, holding his gaze a second longer than necessary.

Soon enough, your orders arrived, and as you both settled in to eat, the conversation between you and Zayne naturally deepened. Between bites of food and sips of your drinks, you took the opportunity to learn more about each other—your interests, your goals, and the little things that made you both who you were.

Laughter slipped easily into the conversation, and with every shared story, the initial awkwardness faded, replaced by a growing sense of familiarity. It was as if, for this moment, the world outside didn’t matter—just the two of you, the warmth of good food, and the quiet excitement of newfound connection.

"A what?!" you tried to hold back your laughter as you questioned him once more. You finished your date at the cafe almost an hour ago. Now, Zayne offered to stroll around the park nearby, but the mention of his monkey adoption had completely thrown you off.

He gave you an exaggerated look, clearly enjoying the reaction. “I said my parents adopted a monkey, okay?” He chuckled for a bit.

You couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Zayne… you’re serious?”

He let out a small giggle upon hearing your amused reaction, clearly loving how hard you were trying to process what he was saying. “Yeah, I’m serious. His name’s Sweet Potato.”

You blinked. “Wait, hold on. Sweet Potato?” You burst into laughter before you could stop yourself. “You’re telling me your family adopted a monkey named Sweet Potato? And that’s his name?”

He nodded, a playful glint in his eyes. “Yep. Sweet Potato. And before you ask, yes, it's a he.” He rubbed his neck awkwardly. “My mom picked the name. Don’t ask me why.”

You were struggling to contain your giggles. “This has got to be the most random thing I’ve ever heard. How does one go about adopting a monkey, especially one with a name like that?”

Zayne shrugged casually, still grinning. “Well, they were looking to adopt through a rescue group, and Sweet Potato was just the one who clicked.”

You were practically doubled over now, laughing so hard it was starting to hurt, and sooner later he began to join your laughter as well. The two of you stood there in the park, barely able to catch your breath, as you tried to picture a tiny monkey running around with a name like Sweet Potato.

“Okay, okay,” you gasped between laughs, wiping a tear from your eye. “We need to breathe and calm down.”

Zayne, still grinning, leaned back against a tree, his hand brushing through his hair as he tried to catch his breath. His eyes were warm, the kind of warm that made you feel like the world had just slowed down around the two of you.

You both stood there for a moment, the sound of your laughter slowly fading into the peaceful quiet of the park. The sky was a soft shade of purple, the air cool but not too chilly. There was something simple, easy, and perfect about this moment, and you couldn't help but feel a little lighter, as if the world outside of this park didn’t matter for a while.

Zayne shifted slightly and looked over at you, his expression softening as his smile turned just a little shy. “You know, I really like this. Just… hanging out with you like this.”

Your heart fluttered at the way his words lingered, his eyes meeting yours with an openness that made everything else seem distant. You smiled back, not sure what to say for a second, but then the words just slipped out, quiet and sincere. “I like it too. This… feels nice.”

Then, Zayne’s gaze shifted at the bench nearby, “Let’s have a seat?” he suggested as he offered his hand. You nodded gently before placing your hand above his as you let him lead your way towards the bench.

When you reached it, Zayne let go of your hand just briefly, but his smile lingered. You both settled down, the air around you still and calm. The faint rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds were the only sounds, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly still. You could feel the space between you, but it wasn’t awkward—just peaceful.

Then, after a while a soft meowing broke the silence between the both of you. You both looked at each other with eyes wide open, then you began searching.

“Found it.” Zayne said as he picked up the tiny kitten. You gently grabbed the kitten from his grasp and gently placed the kitten on your lap.

“Hey there little one…” you cooed as you gently petted the kitten, “It’s okay, you’re safe..” you whispered as your hand made contact with its shivering form.

The kitten let out a tiny, pitiful meow, curling into the warmth of your lap. Its fur was damp and matted, its small body trembling from either fear or the cold. You exchanged a glance with Zayne, concern evident in his eyes.

“I’ll take her home..” you mumbled as you wrapped a handkerchief around the kitten.

“Do you wish to go right now?” Zayne asked and you nodded at him, “Alright, give me your bag and I’ll walk you home.”

You carefully adjusted the kitten in your arms, making sure it was snug in the makeshift blanket. Its tiny body still trembled, but as you held it close, its shivers began to ease ever so slightly.

“Thank you, Zayne,” you murmured, handing him your bag.

He slung it over his shoulder without hesitation. “No problem,” he said, offering you a small smile before turning serious again. “Let’s get going before it gets colder.”

The two of you walked side by side through the quiet streets, the distant hum of the city blending with the soft rustling of the trees. The kitten let out another faint meow, pressing further into your warmth. You gently stroked its head, whispering soothing words.

Zayne glanced at you. “Think you’ll keep her?”

You hesitated, looking down at the tiny life cradled in your arms. “I don’t know… But I’ll make sure she’s safe, no matter what.”

Zayne nodded in approval. “Just let me know if you need help with anything, I know a few vet because of my parents being doctors.”

A warm feeling settled in your chest. No matter what, you’d make sure this kitten never had to feel alone again.

Your walk with Zayne was quiet but it’s calming and peaceful. He made sure to assist you as he placed his hand on your lower back, with your consent of course.

The warmth of his hand was gentle yet reassuring, a silent promise that he was there if you needed him. You glanced up at him briefly, catching the soft expression on his face as he focused on the path ahead.

“Thank you, Zayne,” you murmured, feeling a little shy but grateful nonetheless.

He gave you a small, lopsided smile. “Of course. Just want to make sure you and the little one get home safe.”

You looked down at the kitten, its tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. It seemed more at ease now, its earlier trembling having lessened with the warmth of your embrace.

The night air was crisp but not too cold, and the soft glow of the streetlights cast a golden hue over the quiet neighborhood. There was something comforting about walking like this—side by side, in peaceful silence, with the occasional glance exchanged between you and Zayne.

Before you knew it, you were standing in front of your house. Zayne shifted your bag on his shoulder before turning to you. “You got everything?”

You nodded, adjusting the kitten carefully. “Yeah, I think so.”

“If you need anything, just text me,” he said, his voice gentle yet firm.

You met his gaze and smiled. “I will. Thank you, Zayne.”

Zayne shifted slightly as he met your gaze, “I really enjoyed hanging out with you today, more than I expected, honestly.”

You felt your cheeks heat up as he spoke, “I did too, it was honestly nice getting to know you more.”

Zayne smiled at you, his eyes filled with a warmth that sent a gentle flutter through your chest. “Well,” he started, shifting slightly as if gathering his thoughts, “I guess we should do this again sometime?” His tone was light, almost teasing, but there was a hint of sincerity beneath it.

You felt your heart skip a beat at his words. The thought of spending more time with him, of sharing more moments like this, made warmth bloom inside you. A soft smile formed on your lips as you met his gaze.

“Of course,” you said, your voice gentle but certain. “I’d love that.”

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, the night air cool but comfortable, the soft glow of the streetlights casting a golden hue over his features. He seemed to take in your response, his smile growing a little wider, a little more genuine.

“Good,” he said, almost as if he’d been hoping for that answer. “I’ll hold you to that.”

You chuckled softly, hugging the tiny kitten closer to your chest as it let out a sleepy sigh. “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”

Zayne’s expression softened, and for a brief second, it felt like neither of you wanted to end the moment. But finally, he exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck as he took a small step back.

“Alright,” he murmured, his voice quieter now. “Get some rest. And let me know if you need anything.”

“I will,” you promised.

He gave you one last lingering smile before turning to leave, his footsteps quiet against the pavement. You watched him disappear down the street, a warm feeling settling in your chest.

That’s when you knew deep down that maybe bumping into him at the cafeteria might not have been random at all. It felt like the start of something… something that you were starting to look forward to.

dividers by: @enchanthings

[lvrgurlblobbu]

maybe next time?

college!zayne x fem!reader

⤿ CW: pure fluff!

⤿ word count: 2.3k

⤿ second part of code love series | previous part > next

ao3.

It’s been a week since you last saw Zayne, you’ve been going to the cafe where you saw him for the first time hoping that you’ll come across him again. But in the span of one week, you never saw him again.

What makes it worse is that you didn’t even know his major. You have no way of knowing where to look. The university’s campus is large, and without a clue as to where he spends his time, you feel like you’re grasping at straws. If only you had asked him just one more question, something, anything that could’ve given you a direction.

Today, though, was different. Your professor dismissed the class early due to an urgent meeting, leaving you with an unexpected chunk of free time. The lecture hall empties quickly, with students chatting amongst themselves and heading off to their next commitments. You sit there for a moment, gathering your things, the familiar hum of idle conversation swirling around you, but your thoughts remain focused elsewhere. You sling your bag over your shoulder, letting out a soft sigh. Another day of fruitless searching. It’s starting to feel hopeless, like you’re just waiting for a chance that might never come.

Just as you’re about to leave, a voice calls out from behind you.

“Still thinking about that guy?”

You turn to see your friend Tara and Simone leaning against one of the desks, smirking knowingly. They were the only one you had confided in about Zayne—the stranger who had somehow left an imprint on your mind.

You hesitate before answering, but Simone doesn’t need a response. She roll her eyes playfully. “You’re down bad.”

You huff, shaking your head. “I just… I want to see him again.”

Tara crosses her arms. “Then maybe it’s time to change your strategy. You’ve been going to the same café all week. What if he only went there one time?”

The thought hadn’t occurred to you before. Had you been limiting yourself? You rack your brain for any other places Zayne could frequent. But with so little information about him, it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

“Okay, then what do you suggest?” you ask, raising a brow.

Your friends grin. “We ask around.”

Your heart skips a beat at the idea. It’s bold—maybe even a little embarrassing—but if it means finding Zayne, it just might be worth a shot.

“Oh Zayne! Yes, he's currently a sophomore majoring in Medical Biology.” A student said, which name is Greyson. As you looked at Greyson’s features, you remembered that he’s the colleague that Zayne was talking to in the cafeteria. He also happens to be Zayne’s close friend and a classmate of his.

“Is he around? Can we talk to him?” Tara asked, looking very much hopeful. But when Greyson scratched the back of his head as he looked at the three of you, you instantly knew his answer.

“About that, he’s currently busy with his lab work and volunteer hours at the hospital,” Greyson said apologetically. “He’s been swamped lately, so he doesn’t have much free time.”

Your heart sinks a little at the news. So that’s why you haven’t seen him. Still, at least now you know his major and have a better idea of where he spends his time.

Tara, ever the determined one, steps forward. “Do you know when he might be free?”

Greyson hesitates for a moment before sighing. “Honestly, he barely has time to breathe these days. But…” He glances at you, his expression thoughtful. “If you’re really looking for him, he usually hangs around the Medical Biology study lounge when he has a break.”

Your heart leaps at that. A lead.

“Where is it?” you ask immediately.

Greyson chuckles. “It’s in the West Science Building, second floor. But like I said, he’s really busy, so don’t get your hopes up too much.”

You nod, gripping the strap of your bag. Even if there’s only a small chance, you’re not giving up now.

Tara nudges you with a smirk. “Well? What are we waiting for?”

With renewed determination, you and your friends head toward the West Science Building, hoping that this time, luck is on your side.

“Luck is not on our side.” Simone mumbled as you sat at the couch, you looked everywhere in the lounge hoping for Zayne but it seems like he’s not here.

You sigh, slumping slightly into the couch. So close, yet still no sign of him.

Tara crosses her arms. “Maybe he’s just not here right now,” she suggests. “We could wait a little longer.”

Simone groans, stretching her legs out. “We’ve been here for almost an hour. What if we just missed him?”

The thought makes your stomach sink. You glance around the study lounge again—students are scattered at different tables, some buried in textbooks, others quietly discussing notes. But none of them are him.

Then, your phone suddenly received a notification from your sister telling you to come home immediately.

“Sorry girls, I gotta go.” You said as you stood up, Tara and Simone looking at you confused.

“Go where?” Tara asked.

“My sister just texted me. She says I need to come home right away,” you explain, shoving your phone into your pocket and grabbing your bag.

“But what about Zayne? We haven’t found him, and maybe he’ll come around here in the lounge after a minute or two.”

You hesitate, glancing toward the entrance of the lounge. Tara has a point—Zayne could show up any minute, and if you leave now, you might miss your chance to talk to him.

“I know,” you say, running a hand through your hair. “But my sister’s message sounded urgent. I can’t just ignore it.”

Simone shifts in her seat, thoughtful. “Do you want us to stay here and wait for Zayne? We can let you know if he shows up.”

“It’s totally up to you two, but I suggest for the both of you to head home.” You chuckled, “Bye girls, see you tomorrow!”

You stepped out of the lounge and made your way to the elevator, only to find a long line of students waiting. With a heavy sigh, you decided to take the stairs instead, knowing it would be faster. As you arrived at the building’s lobby, you roamed your eyes around for the last time hoping to see Zayne but then again, you failed.

It’s been fifteen minutes since you left the University, you’re sitting at the window seat of the bus as you rode your way home, earphones attached to your ears, but your mind is miles away. The hum of the bus and the steady rhythm of the wheels on the pavement should be comforting, but instead, it feels like the world outside is just another blur—like you're disconnected from everything around you.

Then, you suddenly received a notification from your friends.

Tara: (Name)! Guess who we saw!**see attached photo**

Your heart leaps into your throat as soon as the image loads. There, in the photo, is Zayne—just as you remember him, but somehow, this feels different. He’s walking into the lounge, a stack of books in his arms, looking completely absorbed in whatever conversation he's having with his colleagues. The familiar serious look is on his face, not the relaxed version from the café, but something more focused, more… composed. It’s strange to see him like this, like he’s someone else entirely, yet still undeniably him.

Simone: Omg, he’s at the lounge right now!!! Are you seeing this??? Tara: You better come quickly!

You chuckled at their message, as much as you wanted to get off the next stop to sprint to your University, your sister needs you at home.

You: Sorry girls, need to go home TT Tara: That’s alright! We got you ;)

You smile a little, the lighthearted tone of her message easing some of the tension. They know how much this means to you, and even though you can’t act on it right now, at least they’ve got your back. You’re grateful for their encouragement.

Simone: Okay, I just did the job.

You frown slightly, your fingers still hovering over your phone as you try to figure out how to respond to Simone’s message. There’s something in her tone that makes you pause, like she knows something you don’t. Maybe it’s just her way of teasing you, or maybe she’s genuinely onto something. Either way, the thought lingers in your mind as you stare at the screen for just a moment longer, but then you hear the bus driver announce your stop.

With a soft sigh, you slide your phone into your pocket, knowing you’ll have to pick this up later. You grab your things and step off the bus, the cool air immediately hitting your face as you make your way down the familiar streets toward home. Your mind is still buzzing with thoughts of Zayne, and despite the fact that you’re heading in the opposite direction now, you can’t shake the feeling that something’s about to change. The moment might not be today, but the universe has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.

The walk home is quiet, your footsteps the only sound filling the space between your thoughts. You pull your jacket a little tighter around you, your pace slow but steady, as you process everything that happened today.

You’ve finally arrived home, the familiar scent wraps around you, but before you can even settle into the moment, you hear the familiar voice of your sister coming from her room.

“Ugh, I just don’t know what to wear!” she calls out, frustration lacing her tone.

You smile to yourself. It’s always something with her, but at least it’s a distraction from your earlier thoughts. You drop your bag by the door and head toward her room. As you approach, you see her standing in front of her full-length mirror, holding up two completely different outfits—one casual, one more dressed-up—looking at herself with a furrowed brow.

After a few changes, your sister finally settled with the outfit she’s going to wear and immediately apologized for rushing you to come home. You just smiled at her and with a few finishing touches, she kissed your cheek for goodbye and she left.

You sit back on the couch, letting out a soft sigh. There’s a part of you that still feels a little restless, like you’re waiting for something to happen, something to change. It’s hard to shake off the idea of Zayne from earlier, the thought of seeing him again so close yet so far. But for now, there’s nothing to do but let things unfold.

You pull out your phone, checking the group chat once more. Simone’s last message is still there, waiting for you to dive into whatever she might have been teasing about. You smile to yourself, letting the tiny spark of curiosity push you to reply.

You were about to reply when a sudden text message from an unknown number caught your attention. Your heart skips a beat when you see the message from an unknown number. For a moment, you're frozen, unsure of what to expect. The familiar rush of excitement bubbles up, but you're also trying to stay grounded, telling yourself it could be anything.

You tap the message open, and the first thing you see is a simple text:

“Hey, it's Zayne. I know this might be a bit random, but Simone gave me your number. I hope that’s alright.”

Zayne. Zayne.

And then, Simone sent another message on your groupchat.

Simone: You’re welcome ;))

You giggled at her answer, you sent a reply to their message before opening your conversation with Zayne.

You: Hey, Zayne! Of course, that’s totally fine. It’s nice to hear from you!

You bite your nail absentmindedly, the seconds feeling like they stretch longer than usual as you wait for Zayne's response. Your thumb hovers over your phone, checking the time, then glancing back at the screen, expecting the little bubbles to pop up any second. The anticipation feels almost unbearable—like this could be the moment where something shifts, or maybe it’ll fizzle out. You have no idea, but you really hope it’s the former.

You’re starting to second-guess everything, wondering if your reply sounded too casual, too eager, or even too boring. Then your phone buzzes, breaking the silence, and you almost jump in surprise.

Zayne’s reply lights up the screen:

Zayne: Glad to hear that! I’ve been a bit busy with school stuff, but I was hoping we could meet up soon. Maybe we can actually schedule our next meet up or date?

Date. Date.

Your heart skips a beat at the mention of date. You stare at the message, feeling a rush of excitement and nerves wash over you. It’s like he’s finally saying what you’ve both been dancing around, but now that it's out in the open, the weight of it is both thrilling and a little intimidating.

Date. The word keeps echoing in your head as you read the message over again, your thumb hovering over the reply button. He wants to meet up soon. He wants to actually schedule something. This isn’t just a passing interest anymore. He’s serious about wanting to see you.

You take a deep breath, forcing yourself to focus and not overthink. You quickly type your reply, making sure to keep it light but still show that you’re just as excited as he seems.

You: That sounds awesome! I’d love to. Just let me know when you're free, and we’ll make it happen!

You smile as you send it, feeling a little giddy but also relieved. There’s no turning back now—you’re both on the same page, and it feels like the start of something exciting. You can’t help but feel a little thrill at the thought of seeing him again, but for now, all you can do is wait for his reply and hope that this “date” really does come together.

dividers by: @dollywons

[lvrgurlblobbu]

first encounter

college!zayne x fem!reader

⤿ CW: pure fluff!

⤿ word count: 1.4k

⤿ first part of code love series :) | > next.

The campus café was buzzing with students, the scent of coffee and pastries filling the air. You, still adjusting to the rhythm of college life, scanned the dessert counter and locked eyes on the last slice of tiramisu. Just as you reached for it, another hand brushed against yours.

Startled, you turned to see a tall, confident-looking guy eyeing the same dessert. He raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his sharp gaze.

“Well, this is awkward,” he mused, withdrawing his hand slightly but not stepping back.

“I saw it first,” you said, standing your ground. You looked at him and his hazel eyes met yours which made you slightly shiver, eye contact was never your thing as you find it hard to focus.

“So did I,” he countered smoothly, still not letting go of the dessert. You were about to counter when someone called him, causing for his attention to divert towards the person who called him.

So with his attention being focused on his colleague, you took this opportunity to grab the dessert, “Sorry, in a hurry!” you mumbled as you hurriedly went to the counter to pay for the dessert.

As you’re paying for the dessert, you noticed that he’s now seated beside the window, typing something in his laptop while his colleague is sitting infront of him as they continued to discuss something which seems to be serious.

“You’re a freshman aren’t you?” Your thoughts were suddenly interrupted with the voice of the cashier, who gave you a knowing smile as they rang up your dessert.

You blinked, momentarily distracted from watching the mysterious sophomore. “Uh… yeah. Is it that obvious?”

The cashier chuckled. “A little. First-years always have that wide-eyed look when they step into the café for the first time.” They handed your change. “That guy you were talking to—Zayne, right? He’s pretty well-known around here.”

You glanced back toward the window, where Zayne was still typing, his expression now more serious as his colleague spoke. “Well-known how?”

The cashier smirked. “Let’s just say he’s got a bit of a reputation. Smart, sharp-tongued, and impossible to read. Some people avoid him, some are drawn to him. Either way, you don’t forget him easily.”

You hummed in response, gripping the plate a little tighter. Your first interaction with him had already left an impression, and now you were even more curious. You couldn’t explain it but something is just pulling you closer to him.

“Good luck, freshman,” the cashier added playfully as you turned away.

With your dessert in hand, you hesitated for a moment before deciding on a seat—not too far, but not too close— but then, you saw that Zayne’s colleague already left which leaves him alone in his table, still typing in his laptop.

You bit your lip, contemplating whether you would seat because all tables were now occupied and it seems like no one wants to sit with Zayne. So, with a heavy breath, you stride towards his table.

When you placed your plate of tiramisu on his table, he suddenly stopped typing and he looked up at you.

“Yes? Is there anything you need?” He asked, you gulped and prayed not to stutter.

“Well, the place is a bit crowded so is it okay if I could sit with you? If not, I can just find another place to sit.” You replied, it seems like he’s contemplating for his answer. His eyes wandered throughout the whole cafe, scanning for any available seats before finally settling back on you. He hesitates for a moment, then exhales softly.

“Yeah, sure. Go ahead,” he says, gesturing toward the empty seat across from him.

You nod in appreciation and set your dessert down before pulling out the chair. As you sit, you take a moment to glance at him. He seems deep in thought, his fingers idly tapping against the rim of his coffee cup.

“Thanks,” you say, offering a small smile. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

He shakes his head. “It’s fine. This place does get packed around this time.”

A brief silence lingers between the two of you, not necessarily awkward, but noticeable. You wonder if you should strike up a conversation or simply enjoy the shared space in quiet.

You slid the spare fork which you grabbed earlier to his side, “I was thinking that their serving of tiramisu is big enough for two people.” you said as you smiled at him, he suddenly stares at the fork, then at you, his brows raising slightly in surprise. His fingers hover over the utensil as if debating whether to accept the silent invitation.

“Please have some, I felt bad taking the last slice when you were eyeing it too,” you said with a sheepish smile.

Zayne paused, his gaze flicking from the fork to you, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re an interesting one.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

He took a small bite of the tiramisu, his expression thoughtful. “Depends on how you interpret it.”

You shrugged, rolling your eyes lightly, then took a bite yourself. The rich flavor of the dessert settled between you, and the earlier tension seemed to ease.

“So, you’re kind of a big deal around here,” you remarked, remembering the cashier’s words. Zayne’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Let me guess, the cashier filled you in?”

You nodded. “Yeah, they said you’re sharp, smart, and a bit… hard to read. Sounds pretty accurate.”

He leaned back, a small chuckle escaping him. “They always make it sound more dramatic than it is.”

You smiled, teasing, “Maybe. But I’m getting the vibe you don’t usually share your dessert.”

He chuckled again, shaking his head. “Maybe not. But I’ll make an exception this time.”

His mini remark caused for you to smile, as you both shared your dessert. You both fell into a comfortable silence wherein only the chattering of students, clicking of keyboards and the buzzing of the coffee machine blended into the background.

As you were wandering your eyes throughout the cafe, your gaze immediately landed upon Zayne’s eyes who’s intensely focused on his laptop monitor, and from time to time he uses his fingers to push his glasses upward.

As you stared at him, that’s when you noticed his features. His jawline was sharp, giving him a slightly rugged yet refined look, and his dark hair fell messily over his forehead, as if he didn’t care to keep it in place. His glasses, though simple, added an air of intelligence to his appearance. His eyes, a deep shade of hazel, were fixed on the screen with such intensity that it almost felt like he was in a world of his own.

You couldn’t help but notice the subtle confidence in his demeanor, the way he exuded a calm yet focused energy. It was the kind of presence that made it hard to look away. As he pushed his glasses up again with a quick flick of his finger, the small action felt almost deliberate, like a little routine he did without thinking.

For a moment, you forgot to look away, your thoughts drifting as you observed him. There was something captivating about how he carried himself—like he didn’t need anyone’s attention, but somehow, everyone around him seemed to want it.

But then, it was suddenly interrupted when your phone alarmed and as you saw the time, you’re already running late for your next class.

“Shit!” you muttered which caught Zayne’s attention as you hurriedly fixed your things.

“What’s the matter?” He said as he noticed how panicked you looked, he immediately closed his laptop as he focused on you.

“I’m running late.” you said as you stood up, about to leave “Thank you for letting me sit with you, it was really nice chatting with you. Goodby-“ you were about to leave when he immediately grabbed your wrist.

“Wait, how am I going to treat you for dessert next time?” he asked which immediately caught you off guard.

“When we see each other on campus,” you responded, and when he finally let go of your grip, you hurriedly rushed toward the exit. You hadn’t gotten far from the café when you heard him call out to you.

“How am I supposed to find you when I don’t even know your name?”

You turned your head at the sound of his voice, his tone playful but with an edge of curiosity.

“(Name)! That’s my name! I’ll see you around, Zayne!” you shouted back. As you turned away, you couldn’t help but bite your lip, trying to suppress the smile that was creeping up on you, especially when you noticed the smile that formed on his face upon hearing your name.

[lvrgurlblobbu]

After reading @lvrgurlblobbu dawnbreaker’s fic/story.

I would like to think my MC found him and gave him all the love that he deserves ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[lvrgurlblobbu]

a glimpse of bliss

dawnbreaker!zayne x fem!reader

⤿ part of snow angel series :)

⤿ CW: ANGST & hurt

⤿ word count: 3.7k

⤿ synopsis: in which, dawnbreaker took over dr zayne’s body for a whole day and to his surprise, he is greeted by a loving family— a light at the end of a dark tunnel.

⤿ a/n: this is based on theories abt dawnbreaker being able to be in dr. zayne’s body.

ao3.

Smoke fills the air, and agonizing screams echoed through the shattered streets, a haunting melody of despair and chaos. Shadows danced on crumbling walls as fire consumed what little remained of the once-thriving city. Among the ruin, survivors stumbled blindly, their faces streaked with ash and tears, searching for loved ones or a safe corner to cling to.

Above it all, a figure emerged—cloaked in soot and blood but unyielding, Dawnbreaker Zayne stood at the edge of the carnage, their gaze fixed on the encroaching darkness. The ground trembled beneath approaching monstrosities, but Zayne did not flinch.

This was not just a battlefield; it was a reckoning. For every scream, every tear shed, Zayne vowed to fight until the dawn broke anew.

As the monstrous creature lunged toward him, its roar shook the very ground, but Zayne’s stoic and calm demeanor remained unshaken. His breath hung in the air like smoke as the temperature around him plummeted. Ice began to swirl and crystallize in his hand, condensing into jagged shards that shimmered with an ethereal glow.

In the blink of an eye, the icy shards shot forward with a piercing whine, faster than the creature could react. They tore through its hide with brutal precision, freezing its grotesque flesh mid-motion. The beast’s roar choked into a guttural growl as frost crept across its massive body, encasing it in a crystalline prison.

Zayne’s piercing gaze never wavered as he stepped forward, his boots crunching against the frost-covered ground. With a flick of his hand, the frozen creature shattered into a thousand glittering fragments, scattering like fragile stars across the battlefield.

The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the soft crackle of residual ice dissipating into mist. “You should’ve stayed in the shadows,” Zayne muttered, his voice low and unyielding, before turning his focus to the darkness beyond—where even greater threats awaited.

Once he made sure that there are no more threats around the streets, he decided to walk back home — he doesn’t even know if he’d call the four cornered shelter home, because being home is accompanied by the feeling of warmth, content, and comfort. But why is it that he feels the complete opposite? It’s silent, eerily so, with only the faint creak of the old wooden floorboards to remind him that the house is still standing. The cool chill of the atmosphere of his home is enough to give you a frostbite, shadows linger in every corner, their shapes twisting in ways that feel unnatural, as if the house itself is alive and watching him.

The air feels heavy as he stepped inside, his breathing erratic and he closed his eyes to calm himself down. Every time he does, a familiar female figure comes in his vision. She’s the same woman who’s been haunting— no, visiting his dreams. Seeing that woman alone brings him peace, his comfort and solace in this never ending chaos he’s forced to endure. As he opened his eyes once again, he is met my the cool and lifeless atmosphere of his apartment.

Nothing new about it.

The cold breeze of the night creeps in his apartment, it’s almost midnight and he knew for himself that he needs to rest. For he knows that another day will soon come, another chapter of his journey that demands his strength, resilience, and unwavering focus. Yet, as he sits by the dim glow of a single lamp, staring at the half-empty glass on the table, his mind refuses to quiet.

He pulls the thin blanket over himself, staring at the ceiling. His eyes grow heavy, but his thoughts remain loud. Tomorrow will come, he reminds himself, whether he’s ready or not. And with that, he surrenders to the night, letting the cold breeze lull him into restless sleep.

It hasn’t been long when his mind became awake. He didn’t have to flutter his eyes open to sense the change, but everything feels different. The once cold and empty atmosphere is now sheltered in a familiar warmth, wrapping around him like an old, forgotten embrace.

His breathing steadies as he takes in the sensation, his body no longer tense but oddly at ease. The faint scent of something nostalgic lingers in the air—soft and delicate, like a memory he can’t quite place.

Slowly, he opens his eyes, expecting to find the same dimly lit room. Instead, a soft golden glow spills across the walls, flickering gently as if from an unseen fire. The air hums faintly, carrying with it a sense of familiarity, yet he knows for certain that this is not a dream.

Especially when he took notice of a familiar female figure resting soundly on his chest. Their bare skin is hot to the touch, a stark contrast to the cold that had lingered in the room just hours ago. Her steady breathing tickles his collarbone, her body pressed against his in a way that feels both intimate and grounding.

For a moment, he is frozen, unsure if this is reality or a cruel trick of his imagination. His hand hovers over her back, hesitant, but the softness of her presence is undeniable. The faint scent of her hair—a mixture of something floral and uniquely her—fills his senses, anchoring him further in the moment.

His chest tightens, a mix of longing and unease washing over him. It’s as though the warmth carries a presence—one he cannot see but can feel as surely as the steady beat of his own heart. For a moment, he stays still, unsure whether to reach for it or let it linger, afraid that any movement might shatter the fragile peace surrounding him.

Then his thoughts were suddenly put to a stop when she began to stir in her sleep. Her hand resting on his chest, then suddenly her eyes fluttered open. When she met his gaze, it’s as if he was hit by a thousand emotions all at once—memories, long-buried feelings, and an ache he couldn’t quite define. Her gaze held a depth that threatened to unravel him, a silent connection that spoke louder than words ever could.

“Zayne?” she whispered, her voice a soft, tender pull that seemed to anchor him in the surreal moment. She stared at him with half-lidded eyes, still heavy with sleep, but there was a quiet intensity in her gaze that made his heart skip.

He couldn’t bring himself to speak. His throat felt tight, as if the world had stopped moving and all that remained was her—the way her chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, the way her hair framed her face in soft waves that shimmered in the dim light.

It’s like a dream, he thought, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing. The beauty before him was beyond anything he could have imagined in his waking moments, a perfect blend of tenderness and strength. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, mesmerized by the curve of her lips, the softness in her expression, and the warmth of her touch.

Her hand gently brushed against his cheek, bringing him back to the present, her touch grounding him as if sensing the conflict in his mind. “What’s wrong? Tell me, love.”

“I—“ He couldn’t form his words clearly as if something is lodged in his throat. She looked at him with such worry and she sat up, revealing her bare body with a few red marks on her neck down her chest — a clear indication of a previous lovemaking.

“Did the nightmares came again?” She leaned closer, he just gave her a silent nod. “Okay, I’ll just get you a glass of water alright?” She leaned closer to give him a soft kiss on his cheek.

He watched her as she got out of bed, her naked form completely in display. She went to the mini couch in their bedroom to grab the robe that was placed on the armrest, and she headed towards the door then straight to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

Zayne is still trying to process the strange surrealism of the moment-the warmth of her, the way she seemed so at ease while he remained frozen in disbelief. He could hear her soft footsteps as she made her way to the kitchen, the faint sound of glass being retrieved. The calmness of the moment contrasted sharply with the storm of thoughts raging in his mind.

How was she here? How was this possible?

She returned shortly, her robe loosely tied around her waist, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a dark waterfall. She paused by the doorway, holding the glass of water in her hand, her eyes meeting his with a quiet understanding.

She sat beside him and handed him the glads of water. When Zayne met her gaze, she gave him a soft smile. The kind of smile that eases his worries away, and that moment he knew who she was. It was you.

His trembling hand slowly touched your cheek, he’a a bit hesitant to let himself believe it’s real. His eyes, wide and filled with unspoken emotions, searched yours as if afraid you might disappear like a dream. “It’s really you,” he whispered, his voice shaky, barely audible.

You leaned onto his touch and placed your hand above his, “It’s me Zayne, your wife.”

Wife. Word so foreign to his ears now, yet it stirred something deep within him—a distant longing. His breath hitched as he tried to process your words, his gaze locked onto yours as though searching for proof.

“Wife,” he repeated, the word tumbling from his lips like a question and a prayer all at once. It felt strange, almost unreal, but the way you looked at him, the way your touch grounded him—it was undeniable.

“Yes,” you said softly, your voice steady despite the emotions swirling in your chest. “Your wife. I’m here, Zayne. I’ve always been here.” You tilted your head slightly to kiss his hand and locked your gaze with his. At that moment, a thought kept bugging in his mind that maybe none of it was real. That maybe all of these were just part of his dream, continuing to haunt him as it depicts the life he never and will never have due to endless reasons.

But now, seeing you in front of him and feeling the warmth radiating from you, he wants to believe that everything around him is real. And if there’s even a possibility that all of this is temporary—that the moment he opens his eyes, you’ll no longer be by his side—he decides to cherish this moment with you, holding onto it as if it were his last.

The small sounds of knocking waked him up, he felt a bit of panic when he realized that you’re no longer beside him. He took a good look of his surroundings, the rays of the sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. For a moment, he wondered if it had all been a dream—the touch of your hand, the sound of your voice, the warmth of your presence. His chest tightened at the thought.

The knocking continued, gentle but persistent, pulling him from his thoughts. Then, the door opened slightly and a tiny head peeked through the opening.

“Daddy?” The little girl called out, her big green eyes peeking around the door. When she caught sight of Zayne sitting on the bed, her face lit up with pure joy. She threw the door open and ran toward him, her laughter filling the room like sunshine breaking through clouds.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed, her voice high with excitement as she launched herself into his arms.

Zayne caught her with ease, his heart swelling as he held her close. Confusion flooded his mind but as the little girl threw herself in his arms, his heart became full.

She giggled, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around his neck. “Mama said you were still asleep! I wanted to wake you up!”

“Daddy, mama said we’re going to have our picnic today!” Hyacinth exclaimed as she looked up at Zayne. Her bright emerald eyes matching his stared at him.

Zayne blinked down at the little girl, Hyacinth, her radiant smile and cheerful demeanor making his heart ache in ways he couldn’t quite understand. He wasn’t used to this—this warmth, this simplicity. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and endless battles of his own world.

“That’s… great, sweetheart,” he said, his voice softer than he intended. He crouched to her level, gently brushing a strand of her dark hair away from her face. “What kind of snacks did you prepare?”

Hyacinth’s grin widened, her excitement bubbling over. “Mama and I made sandwiches! And cookies! Oh, and juice! We even packed a blanket!”

Zayne chuckled, the sound foreign to his own ears. He wasn’t sure how to navigate this version of life, but something about Hyacinth’s joy made him want to try. “Sounds like you’ve got everything covered.”

Hyacinth nodded vigorously, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the kitchen. “Come on, Daddy! Mama’s waiting!”

When they reached the kitchen, his gaze landed on you, standing by the counter, carefully arranging the food into a basket. The sunlight streaming through the window bathed you in a golden glow, and for a moment, he just stared, his heart tightening with an unfamiliar but comforting sense of belonging.

You looked up and smiled when you noticed him. “There you two are,” you said warmly, brushing your hands on your apron. “Everything’s almost ready. Did Hyacinth tell you about the surprise we planned?”

Zayne raised an eyebrow, glancing down at Hyacinth, who was trying (and failing) to stifle her giggles. “Surprise?”

You walked over, placing a hand on his arm. “We thought it’d be nice to spend the day together as a family. No work, no distractions. Just us.”

For a moment, Zayne felt a pang of guilt. This wasn’t truly his life. This wasn’t his family. He was merely borrowing it for a day. But as Hyacinth beamed up at him and you squeezed his arm reassuringly, he pushed those thoughts aside.

“That sounds… perfect,” he said, his voice almost cracking with sincerity.

The three of you spent the day in a nearby meadow, the picnic blanket spread under the shade of a large oak tree. Hyacinth darted around, chasing butterflies and picking flowers, while you and Zayne sat side by side, sharing stories and laughter.

At one point, Hyacinth stumbled into his lap, holding up a crown of daisies. “For you, Daddy!” she declared, placing it clumsily on his head.

Zayne froze, staring at the small crown before breaking into an unexpected laugh. “Do I look like a king now?”

“No, silly!” Hyacinth giggled, her arms wrapping around his neck. “You’re my daddy!”

Something in her words pierced through him, and for the first time, Zayne felt the weight of what he’d been missing—a life of love, simplicity, and connection.

“Daddy, watch me!” Hyacinth called, spinning in circles with her arms outstretched. Her flower-patterned dress flared as she twirled, giggling with delight.

Zayne, sitting on the picnic blanket beside you, couldn’t help but smile. “I’m watching, sweetheart,” he said, his voice softer than usual, a rare warmth sneaking into his tone.

You nudged him playfully. “You should join her,” you suggested, your eyes glinting with mischief. He raised an eyebrow at you, skeptical. “I’m not sure spinning in circles is my forte.”

“Come on, Daddy!” Hyacinth ran up to him, grabbing his hand with surprising strength for her size. “You have to dance with me!”

With a reluctant chuckle, Zayne allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. You watched with a grin as Hyacinth led him in an uncoordinated but heartfelt attempt at dancing. Zayne twirled her clumsily, and her laughter rang out like music.

“Am I doing this right?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder at you with mock helplessness. “You’re perfect,” you said, laughing.

When Hyacinth stumbled into his arms, panting from all the twirling, Zayne scooped her up effortlessly, holding her close. “Alright, little one. I think that’s enough spinning for today,” he said, his voice low but filled with affection.

Later in the afternoon, the three of you wandered down to a small lake nearby. Hyacinth insisted on feeding the ducks, and you handed her a bag of breadcrumbs.

“Just a little at a time,” you reminded her as she crouched near the water’s edge.

Zayne stood back, watching as Hyacinth giggled and tossed crumbs to the eager ducks. You stepped closer to him, slipping your arm through his.

“She adores you,” you said quietly, leaning your head against his shoulder.

“She’s… something else,” Zayne replied, his eyes fixed on Hyacinth. His voice softened as he continued, “I didn’t know something so small could have such a big heart.”

“She gets it from you,” you said, smiling up at him. He glanced at you, his expression faltering for a moment. He wanted to tell you that this wasn’t his life, that he didn’t deserve this love and admiration. But instead, he let himself believe in your words, just for today.

As the sun set, the three of you returned home. After dinner, it was Hyacinth’s favorite part of the evening: storytime. She tugged Zayne by the hand to the couch, a stack of her favorite books in her arms.

“You read, Daddy,” she insisted, plopping down beside him and snuggling under his arm. He glanced at the books, then at you. “I don’t know if I’ll do it right.”

“You’ll be great,” you said, sitting down across from them with a contented smile.

Zayne opened the first book, his voice tentative at first but growing steadier with each page. Hyacinth hung on every word, her wide emerald eyes sparkling with wonder as he brought the characters to life in a way he hadn’t expected he could.

“Again!” she demanded when he finished the first story.

“Again?” he asked, feigning exhaustion.

You laughed. “She’s relentless, isn’t she?”

“Alright,” he said with a dramatic sigh, opening another book. “But only because you’re so convincing, sweetheart.”

After several stories and countless giggles, Hyacinth finally began to doze off. Zayne carried her to bed, her tiny arms wrapped around his neck. He laid her down gently, tucking the blankets around her small frame.

“Goodnight, Daddy,” she murmured sleepily, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” he said, his voice low and tender. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

As he stepped out of the room, he found you waiting in the hallway. You wrapped your arms around him, resting your head against his chest.

“She’s lucky to have you,” you said softly.

For a moment, Zayne couldn’t speak. He held you close, closing his eyes as he let himself savor the moment. “No,” he finally said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m the lucky one.”

Zayne pressed a small kiss on your forehead before you led him towards your bedroom. The both of you changed into your night clothes, settling into the quiet comfort of the evening. The weight of the day, filled with laughter and warmth, lingered in the air as you climbed into bed together.

Zayne hesitated for a moment, standing by the edge of the bed. His fingers brushed the fabric of his shirt, his gaze softening as he looked at you nestled under the covers. This life—this peaceful domesticity—felt so foreign to him, yet it was everything he had never known he wanted.

“Come on,” you said gently, patting the space beside you. “You’ve had a long day, too.”

He smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth curving upward as he slid into bed beside you. The mattress dipped under his weight, and he let out a quiet exhale, feeling the warmth of your presence next to him.

You turned to face him, your hand finding his. “Today was wonderful,” you said softly, your voice filled with sincerity. “We should do this often, the three of us as a family.”

Instead of answering, he brought your hand to his lips and he kissed it. Next, he placed a soft kiss to your forehead. You smiled contentedly as you wrapped your arms around him.

You tilted your head as you leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek before settling against his chest. “Goodnight, Zayne,” you murmured.

He wrapped his arms around you, holding you close as his heart ached with both gratitude and sorrow. “Goodnight,” he whispered, his voice carrying a silent promise—to cherish this fleeting moment, no matter how temporary it might be.

And though he knew this day would end, that he’d soon return to his own world, Zayne vowed to carry these memories with him forever. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he had experienced what it meant to truly live—and to be loved.

***

His eyes fluttered open once more, he would be lying if he admitted that his chest didn’t ache when he’s greeted by this painful reality — the warmth he felt before is now replaced by the familiar sheer of coldness he grew accustomed to.

He sat up slowly, the coldness of the room biting at his skin. It was like the echoes of the day—of laughter, of shared moments—were slipping through his fingers, fading into nothingness. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to recall the softness of your touch, the sound of Hyacinth’s laughter, the way the world had seemed so full when they were near.

But all he was left with was this cold, silent emptiness. The kind of emptiness he knew all too well, the kind that haunted him when he was alone, when he didn’t have anyone to hold onto.

Zayne’s hand drifted to his chest, fingers pressing over the space where his heart seemed to be breaking. It didn’t matter that the world he had been part of wasn’t his own—that reality had never belonged to him. For the briefest moment, he had felt whole. He had felt like a father. A husband.

A man who could simply exist in the warmth of those he loved.

[lvrgurlblobbu]

snow angel series

⤿ list of oneshot fics based on zayne x fem!reader

⤿ could be read separately!

» code love !

➸ college!zayne x fem!reader

➸ timeline: years before marriage

one, two, three, four, five, six, …

❄️

home is where the heart is

➸ mentions of pregnancy, tooth rotting fluff

➸ zayne, you, and your daughter hyacinth share a warm and loving morning, enjoying a peaceful breakfast together. when hyacinth innocently asks about how babies are made, you and zayne gently guide her through the complexities of her questions, savoring the quiet moments as a family.

glimpse of bliss

➸ dawnbreaker!zayne x reader

➸ angst,hurt

➸ in which, dawnbreaker took over dr zayne’s body for a whole day and to his surprise, he is greeted by a loving family— a light at the end of a dark tunnel.

beneath the moonlight

➸ MDNI, pre-marriage timeline, fluff, smut, p in v, fingering, fem receiving, cunnilingus, reader is on birth control, reader & zayne’s first time having sex

➸ you and zayne were dating for a while now, as you spent daytime at the amusement park, you sure will be spending the rest of the night tangled in the sheets.

more works soon...

divider by: @omi-resources

[lvrgurlblobbu]

beneath the moonlight

"are you cold? come here."

zayne x fem!reader

⤿ part of snow angel series : )

⤿ cw: MDNI, pre-marriage timeline, fluff, smut, p in v, fingering, cunnilingus, reader in on birth control, reader & zayne's first time having sex

⤿ word count: 4.6k

⤿ synopsis: you and zayne have been dating for a while now, as you spent most of your day at the amusement park, you sure will be spending the rest of the night tangled in his sheets.

ao3.

The sound of your footsteps echoed as you made your way inside Zayne’s house. His house was warm and inviting, a contrast to the cool evening air outside. The faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air, likely from the candles he always kept around. You glanced back at him as he set the bag of plushies down on the couch, his smile soft yet triumphant as if reliving every mini-game he dominated to win them for you.

“Go ahead and take a seat,” Zayne said, his voice low but filled with affection. “I’ll grab us something to drink.”

You nodded and made your way to the couch, your fingers grazing over the bag of plushies. Each one brought back a specific memory from earlier: the laughing fits on the bumper cars, the way you insisted him on riding the carousel with you because you’d never be too old for it, and his focused determination when trying to win the biggest plush at the ring toss.

As he returned, his sleeves are already rolled up and he’s holding two glasses of your favorite drink, he handed one to you before sitting down beside you. The space between you felt insignificant as his shoulder brushed against yours.

“Think they’ll fit on your shelf?” he teased, nodding toward the bag. You chuckled, taking a sip. “I might need to start a second shelf at this rate. You’re spoiling me.”

“And I’ll keep spoiling you,” he replied, leaning back, his gaze locking onto yours. “Seeing you happy makes it all worth it.”

“See? You’re the reason why my whole apartment is going to turn into a plushie stockroom.” You joked and he chuckled, you placed the glass on the coffee table before leaning your head on his shoulder.

“Can I cook?” You asked him and you felt him press a soft kiss on your head, “Of course love, why not?” He responded, “What do you want to cook? I will help you prepare the ingredients and of course with the cooking.” 

“Hmm, I’ve been craving for pasta.” You said before lifting your head to face him, “Do you have any ingredients?” 

“I have some marinara sauce at the pantry, as well as the pastas, you can choose whether you would like spaghetti ones or penne.” He said as he gently brushed your hair before tucking the strand of hair behind your ear.

“If that’s so, I’ll get started then?” You said as you smiled at him, “Alright love, let’s go?” He said as he stood up and offered his hand, you smiled at him before placing your hand above his. Your fingers interlocked as you both made your way to the kitchen to prepare your dinner.

***

The penne pasta is already cooked and you set them aside, you’re currently stirring the pot of marinara sauce you made. Zayne left for a while a few minutes ago, since there was a sudden call from work. 

As you stirred the sauce, you gracefully hum a song to yourself and didn’t even notice Zayne leaning at the door frame as he watched you cooking while wearing an apron, hair tied up, and the sleeves of your shirt rolled up. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling upon seeing you, then he couldn’t take it anymore and he decided to close the distance between you two.

You froze momentarily, the spoon in your hand pausing mid-stir as Zayne’s familiar warmth pressed against your back. His arms wrapped securely around your waist, pulling you closer to him.

“Did I scare you?” he murmured, his deep voice laced with amusement, his breath tickling your ear. You let out a small laugh, your heartbeat slowly settling. “A little. You could’ve warned me, you know.”

“But where’s the fun in that?” he teased, resting his chin lightly on your shoulder. His eyes drifted to the pot of sauce you’d been stirring. “Smells amazing. What’s the secret ingredient?”

“You mean besides my amazing culinary skills?” you quipped, turning your head slightly to glance at him. He chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest. “Of course. That’s a given.”

You rolled your eyes playfully before responding, “It’s a touch of honey. Balances the acidity.” Zayne hummed in approval, his hold on you not loosening in the slightest. “How’d I get so lucky? My girlfriend who cooks, hums, and looks this cute doing it?”

You felt your cheeks heat up as you tried to focus on the task at hand, but with him so close, his warmth and words made it almost impossible.

“You’re distracting me,” you muttered, though there was no real annoyance in your tone. 

“And you’re making it really hard not to kiss you right now,” he whispered, his lips brushing lightly against your temple.

For a moment, time seemed to pause, the sauce forgotten as you melted into the quiet intimacy of the moment, the steady rhythm of his breathing grounding you in his presence. You tried to ignore how his lips are pressed on your neck, the rise and fall of his chest, his heavy breathing and how his grip on your waist tightened. 

You swallowed hard, trying to steady yourself as the atmosphere shifted. His closeness was intoxicating, his every movement sending a shiver down your spine. The soft press of his lips against your neck wasn’t helping, and you could feel your resolve slipping.

“Zayne,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. “Hmm?” he hummed, his warm breath fanning against your skin. His hold on your waist tightened ever so slightly, and you felt him smile against your neck.“The sauce,” you managed, though your voice wavered. “It’s going to burn.”

He chuckled lowly, the sound rumbling in his chest. “The sauce can wait,” he murmured, his tone teasing yet laced with something deeper. “You’re far more important.” Then the next thing you heard is the sound of the stove being turned off and when you faced him, his lips immediately crashed to yours. 

His lips were warm, urgent, and impossibly soft as they claimed yours, and for a moment, the world around you disappeared, leaving only the heat of his kiss and the way his hands slid up to cradle your face, holding you as though you were the most fragile and precious thing in the world.

Your fingers instinctively clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer, his familiar scent wrapping around you like a comforting blanket. His kiss was filled with passion yet somehow gentle, as if he’d been holding back for far too long and couldn’t stand it any longer.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, and both of you were breathing heavily. His dark eyes searched yours, his gaze intense yet tender. You smiled at him before encircling your arms around his neck and you kissed him once more. 

Then suddenly he lifted you up as if you weigh nothing and placed you on top of the kitchen counter, his arm propped onto the kitchen counter for support while the other hooked at your waist. You rested your palms on both sides of his cheeks as you responded to his kisses.

His kisses suddenly went to your jaw and down to your neck. You tilted your head to give him further access, the feeling of his lips feels hot against your skin which is why you couldn’t help yourself. “Z-Zayne..” You whimpered as you felt him nipped at your neck and your hand found his hair and gave it a gentle tug.

However, that tug somehow signaled Zayne. He immediately stopped and he felt like he was doused with cold water as he stared at your half-lidded eyes. “Zayne? What’s wrong?” You asked as he gently shook his head before resting it on your shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I got caught up with the moment and I–“ He inhaled deeply as he wrapped his arms around you. Zayne’s voice was soft, almost pained, as he whispered against your shoulder, “I didn’t mean to rush things. I just..”

You felt his arms tighten around you, his embrace grounding yet filled with a vulnerability he rarely showed. His heart beat against yours, its steady rhythm betraying the storm of emotions he was trying to rein in.

“Zayne,” you said gently, reaching up to rest your hand on his arm. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m not upset.”

He pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his dark eyes searching yours for reassurance. “I don’t ever want to make you uncomfortable,” he said, his voice firm but laced with tenderness. “You’re too important to me for that.”

You smiled softly, your fingers brushing against his cheek in a soothing gesture. “You didn’t. I promise. I trust you, Zayne.” You said as you leaned your forehead against his, before leaning down to kiss him once again. It was slow and passionate, as if you’re letting him know about what you want to happen. 

When you pulled away, he looked straight into your eyes. “Are you sure about this?” He asked softly, “Yes, I am.” you responded as you nodded at him. He hesitated for a moment but when he looked into your eyes, it’s as if gravity is pulling him back to you.

His lips met yours once again, this time it was intense and full of lust. You felt his tongue at your lips, clearly asking for permission in which you quickly allowed. His tongue entered your mouth and you couldn’t help but moan and you felt his lips curled up into a smile. 

“Lets kiss move kiss to kiss my kiss room kiss” You hummed in between his kisses as you encircled your arms around his neck as he lifted you up the counter, and then you instantly wrapped your legs around his waist as he made his way to his bedroom.

When the two of you stepped inside, his strides toward the bed were long and purposeful. He gently placed you down, breaking the kiss as both of your chests heaved from the breathless passion of the moment. His eyes roamed over your face, illuminated by the faint glow of the dim lights—your hair splayed across his bed, your half-lidded eyes, and your swollen lips.

Your cheeks flush under his intense gaze, his eyes roaming over you as if trying to memorize every detail. The air between you feels thick with unspoken words and palpable tension. He brushes a strand of hair from your face, his fingers lingering against your skin.

“God, you’re so beautiful,” he whispers, his voice low and sincere. His admission sends a shiver down your spine as his hand trails down to rest against your cheek. His thumb gently grazes your lips, his touch soft yet electrifying. Your breath hitches, and your heart pounds in your chest as his eyes lock onto yours, filled with something deeper than desire.

“Are you sure you want to do this? We can stop anytime if you ever feel uncomfortable.” He asked you once again with such gentleness at his voice as he caressed your cheek. “Yes, I want to do this with you, Zayne.” 

He nodded and smiled softly, “Okay, just let me know if you ever feel uncomfortable okay?” You nodded at him before his lips met yours once again, this time it was slow and tender. As if he’s savoring this intimate moment with you. Then his hands began to trace at your curves, and is now resting at your waist. 

“Z-Zayne..” His lips traveled down your neck and he sucked on it, and you’re definitely sure that it will leave a mark but you’d probably worry about that tomorrow. Right now, all of you want is to cherish this moment with your boyfriend. 

He placed hot wet kisses onto your collarbone before he gently unbuttoned your shirt. You suddenly felt a wave of nervousness and tension wash over you as he finished unbuttoning, leaving you on your bra. Your breathing hitched, and your hands instinctively gripped the fabric beneath you, unsure of what to do next. 

Zayne immediately noticed and he looked at you, “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked as he noticed how you breathing got erratic and how you clutched on his sheets. “I-I’m just nervous.” 

He gently took your hands in his, bringing them to rest on his chest. “Feel that?” he murmured, his heartbeat steady beneath your palms. “I’m right here with you. You don’t have to be scared.”

His reassurance was tender, and the warmth of his touch began to melt away some of your anxiety. You nodded at him and he gave you a soft smile, “Undress me as well.” he said as he pressed a soft kiss on your forehead. 

With shaky hands, you began to unbutton his shirt. He noticed your trembling fingers and he immediately place his hands above yours as he mumbled I’m right here. You continued to unbutton his shirt while his gaze remained on your face. Once you’re finished, it revealed his toned chest and there were a few scars on his stomach.

He brought your hand on his bare chest where you can feel his heartbeat. The rhythmic thump beneath your palm grounded you, his warmth and presence slowly easing out your nerves. You couldn’t help but smile at the warm and comforting feeling of his heartbeat against your palm.

“There, that’s my girl.” He whispered as he brought your hands to his lips and he gave it a gentle kiss. “Just relax and allow me to make love to you.” 

Then he quickly discarded his shirt and tossed it somewhere in the room. You also did the same, then you took his hand and guided it at the hook of your bra. He unclasped it and he pulled down the straps and tossed it as well.

His breath hitched at the sight of you, “You’re so perfect.” He lowered his head before he took one nipple to his mouth while his other hand is fondling with your left breast. You arched your back at the sensation. 

“Z-Zayne..Mhm..” You moaned as you felt him lightly bit your nipple, you tugged on his hair which elicited a groan from him which sent vibrations to your breast. He let go of your right nipple with a pop sound and he latched onto the other. 

As he busied his mouth on your breast, his hand wandered down your body, he reached your skirt and with his skillful hands, he unbuttoned it and pulled the zipper. Then, he grabbed it and pulled it down your legs, the sudden action caused you to yelp. 

He met your gaze as he let go of your nipple, he placed a gentle kiss on your lips before he looked at your breast wherein both nipples are swollen, thanks to him. You giggled at him, “What?” he chuckled. “Nothing.” you answered before kissing him in the lips once again. 

He trailed kisses from your neck down your stomach, his fingers are now hooked at the waistband of your panties. He looked at you once again, asking for your consent and you nodded at him. He used his thumb to lightly press it against your clothed pussy. The sudden pressure caused you to moan.

“Damn you’re soaked.” He cursed as he slid your underwear aside to reveal your glistening pussy due to your arousal. “Fuck.” he mumbled before placing a gentle kiss on it. Then a ripping sound was heard and you immediately used your elbow to prop yourself up, “Zayne!” 

“I’ll buy you a new one.” He chuckled before pressing a kiss onto your clit. The sudden sensation made you fall back to the bed once again. 

“Mhmm..Zayne…” you moaned as you felt his tongue licked up your slit. He continued to lap on your pussy, followed by his fingers who’s gently rubbing your clit. “Z-Zayne..” 

You gasped as you felt his fingers at your entrance. You arched your back as you felt him insert two of his fingers and pumped it in and out of your pussy as he continued to eat you out. “Gonna prep you so it wouldn’t hurt that much.” he mumbled and you really couldn’t take much of what he’s saying since you’re already lost in the pleasure that’s building up your core. 

He curled his fingers inside which made you moan a bit louder. “Do you feel good?” he asked you, “Y-yes.. Gods, yes.” you panted as you felt him fasten his pace. “Good, because that’s my plan for tonight. To make you feel good.” 

As he continued the relentless pace of his fingers inside you and the continuous lapping of his mouth against your pussy. You felt your orgasm approaching and you began to tremble.

“Z-Zayne…’m gonna come..” you mumbled as you continued to shake. “Let go for me my love..” he answered and after a few more pumps, you released your orgasm. 

You’re breathing heavily as he removed his fingers inside, you looked down at him and saw how he placed his fingers soaked with your juices inside his mouth. 

Then, he began to unbuckle his pants. You gulped when his hard length sprung free, you’re kinda nervous whether it will fit or not. He then positioned himself between your legs and he leaned down to rest your forehead against his, “Ready?” he asked and you gave him a nod a silent yes. 

With your answer, he slowly inserted himself inside. Due to his size, you couldn’t help but to wince at the pain and stinging sensation. “Love, hey, look at me.” He cupped both sides of your cheeks so that you could meet his gaze, “It’s alright, I’ll let you adjust for a bit okay. We’ll stay like this for a while, hm?” he whispered as he caressed your cheeks.

After a few moments, he felt the tension of your body disappeared and it’s now fully relaxed. “I’m okay now.” you said as you looked at him, “Okay, I love you.” he whispered as he placed a kiss onto your forehead before fully inserting himself inside of you.

“Mhmm…Zayne.” You moaned when you felt his cock fully inserted in your pussy. “Oh fuck.” He cursed as he nuzzled his face at the crook of your neck, you wrapped your arms around him when he began to move, slowly at first. 

“Zayne...” You moaned when you felt his cock fully inserted in your pussy. “Oh fuck.” He cursed as he nuzzled his face at the crook of your neck, you wrapped your arms around him when he began to move, slowly at first.

Zayne groaned softly as he felt your tight, wet heat enveloping his hard cock. He nuzzled into the crook of your neck, inhaling your scent deeply as his hands gripped your hips, fingers digging into your soft flesh. "Love... you feel incredible," he rasped, voice low and husky with desire.

He began to move, slowly at first, savoring the exquisite sensation of your walls clenching around him. His hips rocked in a steady rhythm, each thrust pushing him deeper, stretching you wider. One hand slid up your side, cupping the soft swell of your breast, thumb and forefinger pinching and rolling your nipple between them.

“Ohh..Zayne mhmm..” you moaned, "Tell me how it feels, Love," Zayne murmured against your ear, hot breath sending shivers down your spine. "Describe it to me. I want to hear you say it." His hips picked up pace, thrusts becoming more urgent, more demanding. The room filled with the obscene sound of skin slapping against skin, your moans and his grunts intertwining in a erotic symphony.

“Zayne.. ohhh mhmm..” you moaned as you clawed at his back due to the building pleasure. He hooked your left leg at his waist which made his cock go deeper inside your pussy. “That’s right love, I want to hear you say my name.” He whispered against your ear as you felt him licked your earlobe and he sucked the sensitive spot on your neck. 

Zayne could feel the heat building between your bodies, sweat beginning to bead on his brow. But he didn't let up, driven by a primal need to bring you both to the peak of ecstasy. “Z-Zayne..” You called out to him breathlessly, he immediately lifted his head to meet your gaze.

“What is it my love? Hmm, tell me what you need.” He whispered to you as he continued his thrusts inside your pussy. “K-Kiss me..” 

His lips curled into a smile as he stared at your lips, “Your wish is my command..” His lips found yours in a searing kiss, tongue delving deep, claiming your mouth as thoroughly as his cock was claiming your pussy. He swallowed your cries of pleasure, feeding off them, spurring him on. 

Zayne drank in every moan and whimper that spilled from your lips, each sound spurring him to take you with greater fervor. His hand tangled in your hair, gripping it gently as his tongue dominated your mouth, claiming you, consuming you, leaving no part of you untouched.

He could feel your body tensing, your walls fluttering around his hard length as he drove into you again and again. You were close, so close to the edge. He wanted to feel you fall, to have you shatter in his arms.

Zayne broke the kiss, his lips trailing down to your neck where he bit and sucked at the sensitive skin, determined to leave his mark on you. "That's it, my love," he panted against your throat, hips never ceasing their relentless motion. "Let it go. Give yourself to me. I want to feel you."

His hand, still intertwined with yours, squeezed your fingers tightly as he felt your body begin to quake beneath him. He knew you were teetering on the brink, ready to tumble into oblivion. And he wanted to be right there with you, to catch you as you fell.

"Come on, my love," Zayne urged, voice low and intense.  You were a moaning mess as you felt your orgasm nearing, you arched your back causing your breasts to make contact with his chest. The sudden friction intensified your pleasure, you scraped your fingers on his hair and slid down to hold on his arms. 

After a few more thrusts, you came but he didn’t stop. His thrusts are now becoming sloppy and faster than his previous ones. Due to the overstimulation you could feel another orgasm building on your core. 

“I’m near my love..” He whispered against your neck, “Where do you want me?” he asked softly, his breath is hot against your skin. 

“Inside..I want to feel you, Zayne.” You whimpered. 

Zayne's heart raced at your needy whimper, desire coursing through his veins like wildfire. He rolled his hips, grinding against you, feeling your walls clench desperately around his throbbing length. "Inside, are you sure?" he asked again huskily, voice dripping with lust. "Yes, I’m on birth control." 

He captured your lips in a searing kiss, pouring all his passion, all his longing into the heated meeting of mouths. At the same time, his hands gripped your thighs, lifting your leg to place in on his shoulder while the other remained hooked on his waist, his hard length nestled between your slick folds.

He began to move, hips rocking in a steady, deep rhythm. Each thrust pushed him impossibly deeper, stretching you exquisitely around his thick girth. The new angle allowed him to hit that secret spot inside you with every drive of his hips, sending sparks of ecstasy shooting up your spine.

"Fuck," Zayne groaned, forehead pressed against yours, breaths mingling in the scant space between your lips. "You feel incredible. So tight, so perfect. You were made for me." He whispered, then his breath became heavy as he feels his orgasm approaching him.

After a few more thrusts you felt his hot seed filling you up, alongside with your third orgasm. Your chests heaving as you chased your breaths, “You okay?” he asked as he cupped your face and rested his forehead against yours.

“Yeah, I’m okay..” you chuckled at him, Zayne smiled softly at your chuckle, forehead still resting gently against yours. He brushed a few damp tendrils of hair away from your face, tucking them behind your ear. "I'm glad," he murmured, hazel eyes warm and tender as they gazed into yours. "I would never forgive myself if I hurt you."

He rolled onto his side, taking you with him, his arms wrapping around you and pulling you close. The movement caused his softening length to slip out of you, but he made no move to leave. Instead, he simply held you, one hand stroking up and down your back in a soothing, comforting gesture.

Zayne pressed a tender kiss to your temple before nuzzling into your hair, inhaling your scent. "That was... incredible," he whispered, voice low and sated. “God, I love you.” 

“I love you too..” you whispered softly. He could feel the sticky evidence of your joining cooling between your thighs, but he knew from experience that it would soon dry. For now, he just wanted to hold you, to bask in the afterglow of your lovemaking.

“Zayne?” you called out to him because you were suddenly reminded of something, “What about our pasta?” 

Zayne chuckled softly at your question, amused by your sudden concern for the abandoned dinner. "Don't worry about that," he reassured you, hand stroking your arm soothingly. "After we get cleaned up, just relax here alright? I’ll heat up the sauce and grab some servings for the two of us."

“Mhm, okay..” you smiled at him, he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to your cheek before resting his chin on your shoulder.

“But for now, let me just hold you for a while.” You leaned into him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest against your back. The warmth of his embrace wrapped around you like a blanket, soothing and grounding. For a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you in this quiet bubble of comfort.

His fingers traced slow, lazy circles along your arm, lulling you further into a state of contentment.

“I could stay like this forever,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. Zayne chuckled again, his breath warm against your neck. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

Minutes passed in comfortable silence, neither of you in any hurry to move. Eventually, he shifted slightly, pressing another kiss to your temple before murmuring, “Alright, let’s get cleaned up.”

You giggled when he gently scooped you up in his arms as he made his way to the bathroom for the both of you to have a nice warm bath. Afterwards, he helped you get dressed in his shirt and he changed the sheets of his bed.

Then, when you’re nice and settled on his bed, he pressed a kiss on your lips, soft and lingering, as if he didn’t want to pull away. “I won’t be long,” he promised, his voice low and gentle, his thumb brushing lightly over your cheek before he stood.

You watched as he walked to the door, his figure outlined by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. Just before stepping out, he glanced back at you, his lips curling into that familiar, comforting smile that made your heart flutter.

“Stay cozy, alright?” he said, his voice carrying the warmth of someone who cared deeply.

You nodded, the comfort of the blankets and the faint scent of him enveloping you. As he disappeared down the hall toward the kitchen, the sound of his footsteps faded, leaving you in the quiet, peaceful haven of his room.

You smiled softly to yourself, feeling grateful for the little moments like this—the ones that made everything else fade away.

dividers by: @cafekitsune

[lvrgurlblobbu]

gonna make a mini series : )

Home Is Where The Heart Is

zayne x fem!reader

⤷ cw: domestic!zayne, girl dad zayne x fem!reader, mentions of pregnancy, use of "you", teeth rotting fluff ^^

⤷ word count: 3.7k

⤷a/n: hello, this is my first time uploading a fic here on tumblr and i'm still in the process of figuring things out, this is also my first zayne fic & i'm looking forward for writing more! hope you enjoy reading : )

ao3

The rays of the morning sun made its way through the bedroom window, Zayne slowly stirred from his sleep. As his eyes fluttered open, he blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light. His gaze drifted across the room, landing on the peaceful scene before him. There, nestled between him and his daughter, was the sight he had grown accustomed to: you, resting comfortably between them. 

You lay on your side, back gently pressed against his chest, his arm draped lovingly across your waist. Your five-year-old daughter, Hyacinth, with her small, messy curls, was nestled beside you, her tiny body curled up against yours in the most perfect display of familial love. Her soft breathing was steady, matching the rhythm of yours, and a serene smile rested on her face.

Zayne’s heart swelled with affection at the sight, a quiet, tender moment that filled him with a warmth deeper than words could express. He gently moved, careful not to disturb you and Hyacinth, and leaned in closer, his lips grazing your ear. He whispered, his voice hushed with awe and adoration, "This... this is everything."

You stirred slightly, feeling the faintest brush of his breath against my skin. You didn't need to open your eyes, since you know exactly who it was. His presence, so familiar, brought an overwhelming sense of comfort. Instead, you smiled, feeling his lips pressed against your cheek. Your daughter shifted a little, instinctively wrapping her tiny arm around you, as though trying to hold on to the peace of the moment.

Zayne smiled softly, his fingers brushing against the soft skin of your waist, as he placed a gentle kiss on your shoulder. “Good morning my love.” He whispered as he leaned closer to kiss your cheek. “Good morning.” You mumbled as you smiled at him, then after a while Hyacinth lifted her head, her eyes still half-closed and slowly blinking to adjust to the morning light. Zayne chuckled softly, his heart melting at the sight of your little girl slowly waking up. Hyacinth yawned, her tiny hand rubbing her eyes as she shifted beside you. Her sleepy gaze wandered between you and Zayne, still not fully awake, her lips curling into a drowsy smile when she saw you both.

"Morning, Daddy," she murmured, her voice hushed but full of warmth. She reached her small hand toward him, her fingers lightly brushing against his chest as she nestled closer to you. Zayne grinned, his heart swelling even more as he lifted Hyacinth and placed her on his chest. "Good morning, sweet girl," he whispered, his voice soft and affectionate.

You couldn’t help but smile at the pure, tender moment unfolding before you. It felt like time had slowed, and in that moment, nothing else mattered but the three of you—together, in your little cocoon of love. You shifted to face the both of them, head resting on Zayne as you gently brushed Hyacinth’s hair, her face buried in the crook of Zayne’s neck as she snuggled closer to him. You enjoyed a few minutes of silence, contented as you nestled against Zayne, then that silence was interrupted by a grumble of stomach. You and Zayne glanced at each other, holding back laughter then Hyacinth lifted her head, “I’m hungry…” she said shyly as she buried her head on Zayne’s chest and she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck.

Zayne chuckled, “Alright sweetheart, what do you want for breakfast?” he asked softly as he brushed Hyacinth’s hair. She looked up to him and whispered “pancakes” followed by a small giggle, Zayne smiled, his heart swelling at the sight of his little girl’s happiness. “Pancakes, huh?” he teased, brushing a strand of hair from Hyacinth’s face. "Alright, you’ve got it. Pancakes it is." He leaned down to kiss the top of her head before shifting his gaze back to you, his eyes filled with love. I sat up and I carried Hyacinth, “Let’s change our clothes first okay? Then you can help daddy make your pancakes. Is that alright with you sweetheart?” You asked, Hyacinth nodded eagerly. It made you smile before getting out of bed, Zayne folded your blanket and fixed the pillows, making sure that the bed is tidy and fixed before making his way towards you. 

His hand found your waist and he placed a gentle kiss on your cheek, “I’ll wait for the two of you at the kitchen okay?” you hummed as a response and Zayne slightly pinched Hyacinth’s cheeks before leaving your bedroom. The door closed behind him, leaving you and Hyacinth alone in the soft, quiet morning light. 

“Mama,” she murmured softly, “will Daddy make the pancakes super fluffy today?” You smiled, your heart swelling at her innocent question. “I’m sure he will, sweetheart,” you whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. “He always does and you can help him make pancakes.” you kissed her cheek which made her giggle, then you headed towards the cabinet to grab a new set of clothes before leaving the bedroom. 

***

Hyacinth’s little footsteps echoed throughout the house as she ran towards the kitchen where she saw Zayne mixing the pancake mix. You approached behind her, when Zayne saw the both of you, he immediately grabbed two cups of hot cocoa and placed it on the kitchen counter, then he lifted Hyacinth to place her at the stool. “Here’s a hot cocoa for you, my love.” He said as he gave you your mug. “Thank you.” you said as he kissed your cheek, then Hyacinth spoke “Daddy, can I help you make them? And can you make them extra fluffy?” She pleaded and it made you and Zayne chuckle, “Of course sweetheart, you just need to hold this and I’ll help you mix the pancake batter okay?” Zayne said as he gave the whisk to Hyacinth, he guided her as she mixed the batter slowly. 

You sat on the stool beside Hyacinth as you watched the both of them, giggles and laughter echoed throughout the kitchen as Hyacinth helped Zayne prepare the pancakes. You quickly grabbed your phone and took a quick snapshot of the moment, capturing the pure joy radiating from their faces. Zayne, with his apron tied around his waist, was smiling down at Hyacinth, who was standing on her little stool, carefully pouring batter onto the griddle with a look of intense focus. Her small hands were a little messy, but the joy in her expression was unmistakable. 

You couldn’t help but smile at the scene, your heart full as you watched the two of them. It was moments like this that made everything feel perfect—seeing your family so happy, so full of love and life. The sound of their laughter filled the room, and you felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for these simple, beautiful mornings together.  

As you set the phone down, Hyacinth caught your eye, waving her tiny hand at you. “Mama, come see! I made the pancake shape like a heart!” she exclaimed proudly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. You stood up and moved to her side, bending down to get a better look. The pancake, though a little lopsided, was indeed shaped like a heart, and your heart melted at the sight of her effort. “It’s perfect, sweetheart,” you said, your voice full of love.

Zayne wrapped an arm around your waist, kissing the top of your head, you smiled up at him, resting your head against his shoulder. “It’s perfect,” you whispered, watching as the warmth of love and laughter filled the kitchen, making it feel like home.

***

After a few minutes of preparation, the pancakes are now cooked and are placed at the dining table. Hyacinth sat in her chair as you placed a few pieces of pancakes on her plate. “Daddy, can I have more syrup please?” she asked and without missing a beat, Zayne smiled and immediately got up from his seat, reaching for the syrup bottle. “Of course, sweetheart,” he said, pouring the syrup generously over her pancakes, making sure she got just the right amount.

Hyacinth’s face lit up, her grin widening as she watched the syrup drizzle down onto her pancakes. “Yay! Thank you Daddy!” She lifted her fork and began eating, “Slow down sweetheart, you don’t want to choke on your food.” You reminded, she looked up to you with her mouth full of pancakes “Sorry mama..” she mumbled in between bites, her face flushing slightly with embarrassment.  “It’s okay, just remember to chew and take your time,” you said gently, reaching over to adjust her napkin as a piece of pancake fell onto her lap. 

Then you noticed the generous amount of syrup drizzled on her pancakes and immediately glanced at Zayne, raising an eyebrow in surprise. Zayne looked at you innocently, his lips curling into a playful grin. "What?" he said with mock innocence. "She asked for extra syrup, and I aim to please." You shook your head, trying not to laugh. "That’s way more than extra syrup, Zayne," you replied, eyeing the puddle of syrup on Hyacinth’s plate.

Hyacinth, looking up at both of you with wide, innocent eyes, chimed in, “I like it sweet, mama!” you chuckled as you shook my head, “I know sweetheart but that syrup is excessive. I know you like sweets like your daddy but we don’t want you to have a toothache, remember?” You said as you sat on your chair, Zayne, overhearing, rose from his seat with a smile and moved to the kitchen counter. “We can always make sure to have some extra brushing time later, huh?” he said with a wink as he carefully placed a couple of pancakes onto your plate. You gave him a playful look as he set the plate down in front of you. “I think I might need more than just extra brushing for this,” you teased, eyeing the stack of pancakes.

Once finished with breakfast, Zayne helped you clean up the dishes, his movements easy and familiar. You rinsed off the plates while he stacked them in the sink, both of you working together in a comfortable rhythm. Hyacinth, still full from her generous serving of pancakes, sat at the table, drawing on a piece of paper with her crayons, humming softly to herself. 

“Mama, Daddy? Can I ask a question?” she said, you and Zayne glanced at one another before drying up your hands and approached Hyacinth. “What is it sweetheart?” you asked as you sat at the chair beside her while Zayne sat in front of you. 

Hyacinth placed her crayons down as she looked at the both of you, “How are babies made?” she asked with such innocence  her voice full of genuine wonder. You and Zayne froze for a moment, exchanging a quick, surprised glance. The question was unexpected, but you could see that she was truly just curious, her head tilted to the side in that way she did when she was trying to make sense of the world around her.

Zayne cleared his throat softly, giving you a small, amused yet slightly nervous smile. “Well, sweetheart,” he began slowly, glancing over at you for guidance, “that’s a big question. Babies come from a mommy and a daddy, and they grow in the mommy’s tummy.” 

Hyacinth, clearly still processing, paused for a moment, placing both of her elbows on the table and resting her head in her hands. She looked up at the both of you with wide, curious eyes. “But... how?” she asked, her voice filled with innocent confusion, her little brow furrowed as she waited for an answer. You exchanged a glance with Zayne, both of you trying to figure out how to explain something so complicated in a way that would make sense to her.

Zayne looked at you, clearly asking for help. You mouthed “answer her question, doctor.” Then, Hyacinth asked again. “You say babies grow from mama’s tummy. Why? And how did they grow in mama’s tummy?” Her voice filled with much curiosity, Zayne chuckled nervously, but then turned back to Hyacinth, realizing he had no choice but to keep going. Hyacinth’s brows furrowed harder, her small hands now gripping the edge of the table as she leaned forward.

“Well,” Zayne started slowly, glancing at you for reassurance, “when a mommy and daddy decide they want to have a baby, something very special happens. A tiny little seed from the daddy meets a tiny little egg from the mommy, and that’s how a baby starts.” 

“Huh?” she said confusingly, followed by another question “What seed and what egg?” You tried not to laugh at her confusion, knowing that this was turning into a more complicated conversation than you expected. Zayne looked at you, clearly trying to figure out how to explain in the simplest way possible.

“Well, sweetheart,” Zayne began carefully, “the seed is something very tiny that a daddy has, and the egg is something very tiny that a mommy has. When they come together, they create the baby.” She thought about this for a second before looking up at both of you again, her curiosity growing. 

Hyacinth looked at both of you, her brow furrowing even deeper. “But where do the seed and egg come from?” she asked, her voice full of genuine curiosity, as if she wasn't satisfied yet.

You and Zayne exchanged a quick look. This wasn’t going to be a simple explanation, but you could see that she was really interested, and you didn’t want to leave her with more questions than answers.

“Well,” you said gently, “the seed comes from inside the daddy’s body, and the egg comes from inside the mommy’s body.” Hyacinth’s eyes grew wide, her face full of confusion but also a spark of intense curiosity. “But… how? How do they get there?” she pressed, not letting go of the question.

Zayne shifted in his seat, leaning toward her with a soft chuckle. “Well, sweetheart, it's a little complicated, but basically, the daddy’s seed goes inside the mommy’s tummy where it finds the egg, and that’s when the baby can start to grow.”

“But how does daddy’s seed get inside?” she asked, her tone serious and expectant, as though she was prepared for an even deeper explanation. You blinked, realizing that she wasn’t going to drop it anytime soon. She was really trying to understand. You took a breath, trying to keep things simple but honest. “Well, when a mommy and daddy are ready for a baby, they come together in a special way, and that’s how the seed and egg meet.”

Hyacinth’s brow furrowed even more, as if this explanation still didn’t quite make sense. “But... where did the seed and egg come from before? How do they get in there?” she asked again, her voice filled with earnest curiosity, clearly wanting to know more.

You and Zayne exchanged another glance, knowing this was the moment when her questions were diving deeper than you’d expected. You couldn’t help but admire her persistence, though. She wasn’t going to let go of this mystery until she understood it completely.

Zayne took a deep breath, leaning forward slightly as he tried to simplify it even more. “Okay, sweetie, so… the seed and the egg are part of our bodies from the very beginning. The daddy has seeds inside his body, and the mommy has eggs inside hers. But they’re too tiny to see, like little bits of dust.”

You nodded, adding, “When a mommy and daddy decide they want a baby, the daddy gives the mommy one of his seeds, and it goes inside her body to meet the egg. The seed and egg are so small, you can’t see them with your eyes. They meet in the mommy’s tummy, and that’s when the baby starts to grow.”

Hyacinth’s face remained thoughtful, still trying to wrap her mind around it all. “But how do the seeds and eggs know where to go? Do they walk?” she asked, her voice full of wonder.

You chuckled softly at her creative thinking. “Not exactly,” you said, smiling. “They don’t walk, but the seed knows where to go because it has to find the egg. The mommy’s body helps guide the seed to the egg, so they can meet and start the baby’s growth.”

Zayne smiled, seeing how hard she was concentrating. “It’s like a tiny race, and the seed has to get to the egg before anything else can happen.” Hyacinth giggled at the idea of a race but seemed satisfied for a moment. Then, her expression shifted again, and she asked, “So, does the egg just wait for the seed to come? Does it know the seed is coming?”

You and Zayne both stopped, realizing she was thinking deeply about how all of this worked. “Well, the egg doesn’t exactly wait on its own. It’s part of the mommy’s body, so it’s always there, ready when the time comes for the seed to meet it,” you explained gently. “It’s like when you’re getting ready for a playdate—you’re waiting, but you don’t know exactly when the other person will arrive. But when they do, you’re ready to start playing.”

Her eyes brightened as if that made more sense. “So, the egg and seed wait for each other, and when they meet, that’s when the baby starts?”

“Yes, that’s right, sweetheart,” Zayne confirmed, relieved that she was getting it. “The baby starts growing right after the seed and egg meet, and then it keeps growing bigger and bigger until it's ready to be born.” She thought about it for a moment before nodding seriously. “Okay, I think I get it now. The seed and egg make the baby, and they don’t walk, but they find each other.”

“Exactly,” you said, feeling a bit of relief. “You’re really good at understanding all this, sweetie.”

Hyacinth smiled, pleased with herself for figuring it out, then went back to her crayons. “Can I have one?” she asked, you and Zayne glanced at one another. “What do you want to have?” Zayne asked, Hyacinth looked at Zayne with a huge smile on her face, “A baby!” 

You chuckled at her, “If you decided to have one then you may honey, but having a baby comes with great responsibilities. You may have one, once you grow older. Just like your daddy and I.” You said as you brushed her hair, but Hyacinth frowned, frustrated that you didn’t get what she was saying.

“No mama, what I want is that you and daddy to have another baby.” Zayne blinked, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement. You paused for a moment, realizing what she meant. Hyacinth wasn’t asking for a baby of her own, but rather wishing for a sibling, one more to join the family.

You and Zayne exchanged a soft, knowing glance. You smiled warmly at her, understanding her innocent wish. “Oh, sweetheart, that’s very sweet of you,” you said softly, running a hand through her hair. “But right now, we’re very happy with our little family just the way it is. Daddy and I are taking care of you, and we’re very lucky to have you as our daughter.”

“But I want a baby brother or sister! So I can share my crayons and toys with them.” She said as she continued to draw on her paper, “and oh! The four of us could also cuddle all the time.” She giggled.

You smiled at Hyacinth, your heart warming at her innocent wish. As you glanced at her drawing, you saw that it was a family picture, with you, Zayne, her, and the little baby sibling she hoped for. The drawing was filled with love and joy, with each of you drawn in bright, colorful shapes and her little sibling represented by a tiny figure in the corner.

For a moment, you just stared at her, your gaze softening as you took in the picture she created—her version of the perfect family. You couldn’t help but smile at how pure and full of love her little heart was. But as you were lost in thought, you felt Zayne's gaze on you.

When you looked over at him, you found his eyes fixed on you, a gentle smile on his lips. There was something in his gaze, a mixture of affection and gratitude, that made your heart skip a beat. He wasn’t just looking at you with love for the mother of his child, but also with the same warmth and tenderness he always had.

“Maybe someday, sweetheart…” Zayne whispered to you, his voice gentle and filled with warmth. You smiled at him, the corners of your lips curving upward as you met his gaze.

"Yeah, maybe someday," you echoed, the words soft but filled with the unspoken understanding between you.

For a moment, the world around you seemed to slow down. You both watched Hyacinth, so absorbed in her drawing, her innocent wish for a sibling hanging in the air. There was a quiet peace between you and Zayne, a shared feeling that, no matter what the future held, you were content with the love you had right here, right now.

Zayne leaned in just slightly, his hand finding yours and giving it a soft squeeze. "Whatever happens," he said quietly, "I'm glad it's with you." You looked into his eyes, finding that familiar warmth and affection that had always been there. "Me too," you whispered, your heart full. "I wouldn’t want it any other way."

The two of you shared a quiet, understanding smile before turning your attention back to Hyacinth, who was now proudly showing off her drawing—her family picture, complete with the little sibling she hoped for. Her voice bubbled up with excitement as she pointed to the baby in the drawing, her face glowing with joy. "Look, mama! Look, daddy! This is us!"

You both smiled at her, your hearts full, knowing that whatever the future brought, your little family was already perfect just as it was. And maybe, just maybe, someday, her dream of a baby brother or sister would come true. But for now, you were content, surrounded by love and happiness in this moment.

And little did you know that Hyacinth’s wish was already being quietly fulfilled, though none of you knew it yet. The seed of a new beginning had already been planted—hidden, just beneath the surface—waiting to reveal itself when the time was right. Life was unfolding in ways you couldn’t yet see, but soon enough, the love you shared as a family would grow even more.

divider by : @enchanthings

[lvrgurlblobbu]

home is where the heart is

zayne x fem!reader

⤷ cw: domestic!zayne, girl dad zayne x fem!reader, mentions of pregnancy, use of "you", teeth rotting fluff ^^

⤷ word count: 3.7k

⤷a/n: hello, this is my first time uploading a fic here on tumblr and i'm still in the process of figuring things out, this is also my first zayne fic & i'm looking forward for writing more! hope you enjoy reading : )

ao3

The rays of the morning sun made its way through the bedroom window, Zayne slowly stirred from his sleep. As his eyes fluttered open, he blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light. His gaze drifted across the room, landing on the peaceful scene before him. There, nestled between him and his daughter, was the sight he had grown accustomed to: you, resting comfortably between them. 

You lay on your side, back gently pressed against his chest, his arm draped lovingly across your waist. Your five-year-old daughter, Hyacinth, with her small, messy curls, was nestled beside you, her tiny body curled up against yours in the most perfect display of familial love. Her soft breathing was steady, matching the rhythm of yours, and a serene smile rested on her face.

Zayne’s heart swelled with affection at the sight, a quiet, tender moment that filled him with a warmth deeper than words could express. He gently moved, careful not to disturb you and Hyacinth, and leaned in closer, his lips grazing your ear. He whispered, his voice hushed with awe and adoration, "This... this is everything."

You stirred slightly, feeling the faintest brush of his breath against my skin. You didn't need to open your eyes, since you know exactly who it was. His presence, so familiar, brought an overwhelming sense of comfort. Instead, you smiled, feeling his lips pressed against your cheek. Your daughter shifted a little, instinctively wrapping her tiny arm around you, as though trying to hold on to the peace of the moment.

Zayne smiled softly, his fingers brushing against the soft skin of your waist, as he placed a gentle kiss on your shoulder. “Good morning my love.” He whispered as he leaned closer to kiss your cheek. “Good morning.” You mumbled as you smiled at him, then after a while Hyacinth lifted her head, her eyes still half-closed and slowly blinking to adjust to the morning light. Zayne chuckled softly, his heart melting at the sight of your little girl slowly waking up. Hyacinth yawned, her tiny hand rubbing her eyes as she shifted beside you. Her sleepy gaze wandered between you and Zayne, still not fully awake, her lips curling into a drowsy smile when she saw you both.

"Morning, Daddy," she murmured, her voice hushed but full of warmth. She reached her small hand toward him, her fingers lightly brushing against his chest as she nestled closer to you. Zayne grinned, his heart swelling even more as he lifted Hyacinth and placed her on his chest. "Good morning, sweet girl," he whispered, his voice soft and affectionate.

You couldn’t help but smile at the pure, tender moment unfolding before you. It felt like time had slowed, and in that moment, nothing else mattered but the three of you—together, in your little cocoon of love. You shifted to face the both of them, head resting on Zayne as you gently brushed Hyacinth’s hair, her face buried in the crook of Zayne’s neck as she snuggled closer to him. You enjoyed a few minutes of silence, contented as you nestled against Zayne, then that silence was interrupted by a grumble of stomach. You and Zayne glanced at each other, holding back laughter then Hyacinth lifted her head, “I’m hungry…” she said shyly as she buried her head on Zayne’s chest and she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck.

Zayne chuckled, “Alright sweetheart, what do you want for breakfast?” he asked softly as he brushed Hyacinth’s hair. She looked up to him and whispered “pancakes” followed by a small giggle, Zayne smiled, his heart swelling at the sight of his little girl’s happiness. “Pancakes, huh?” he teased, brushing a strand of hair from Hyacinth’s face. "Alright, you’ve got it. Pancakes it is." He leaned down to kiss the top of her head before shifting his gaze back to you, his eyes filled with love. I sat up and I carried Hyacinth, “Let’s change our clothes first okay? Then you can help daddy make your pancakes. Is that alright with you sweetheart?” You asked, Hyacinth nodded eagerly. It made you smile before getting out of bed, Zayne folded your blanket and fixed the pillows, making sure that the bed is tidy and fixed before making his way towards you. 

His hand found your waist and he placed a gentle kiss on your cheek, “I’ll wait for the two of you at the kitchen okay?” you hummed as a response and Zayne slightly pinched Hyacinth’s cheeks before leaving your bedroom. The door closed behind him, leaving you and Hyacinth alone in the soft, quiet morning light. 

“Mama,” she murmured softly, “will Daddy make the pancakes super fluffy today?” You smiled, your heart swelling at her innocent question. “I’m sure he will, sweetheart,” you whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. “He always does and you can help him make pancakes.” you kissed her cheek which made her giggle, then you headed towards the cabinet to grab a new set of clothes before leaving the bedroom. 

***

Hyacinth’s little footsteps echoed throughout the house as she ran towards the kitchen where she saw Zayne mixing the pancake mix. You approached behind her, when Zayne saw the both of you, he immediately grabbed two cups of hot cocoa and placed it on the kitchen counter, then he lifted Hyacinth to place her at the stool. “Here’s a hot cocoa for you, my love.” He said as he gave you your mug. “Thank you.” you said as he kissed your cheek, then Hyacinth spoke “Daddy, can I help you make them? And can you make them extra fluffy?” She pleaded and it made you and Zayne chuckle, “Of course sweetheart, you just need to hold this and I’ll help you mix the pancake batter okay?” Zayne said as he gave the whisk to Hyacinth, he guided her as she mixed the batter slowly. 

You sat on the stool beside Hyacinth as you watched the both of them, giggles and laughter echoed throughout the kitchen as Hyacinth helped Zayne prepare the pancakes. You quickly grabbed your phone and took a quick snapshot of the moment, capturing the pure joy radiating from their faces. Zayne, with his apron tied around his waist, was smiling down at Hyacinth, who was standing on her little stool, carefully pouring batter onto the griddle with a look of intense focus. Her small hands were a little messy, but the joy in her expression was unmistakable. 

You couldn’t help but smile at the scene, your heart full as you watched the two of them. It was moments like this that made everything feel perfect—seeing your family so happy, so full of love and life. The sound of their laughter filled the room, and you felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for these simple, beautiful mornings together.  

As you set the phone down, Hyacinth caught your eye, waving her tiny hand at you. “Mama, come see! I made the pancake shape like a heart!” she exclaimed proudly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. You stood up and moved to her side, bending down to get a better look. The pancake, though a little lopsided, was indeed shaped like a heart, and your heart melted at the sight of her effort. “It’s perfect, sweetheart,” you said, your voice full of love.

Zayne wrapped an arm around your waist, kissing the top of your head, you smiled up at him, resting your head against his shoulder. “It’s perfect,” you whispered, watching as the warmth of love and laughter filled the kitchen, making it feel like home.

***

After a few minutes of preparation, the pancakes are now cooked and are placed at the dining table. Hyacinth sat in her chair as you placed a few pieces of pancakes on her plate. “Daddy, can I have more syrup please?” she asked and without missing a beat, Zayne smiled and immediately got up from his seat, reaching for the syrup bottle. “Of course, sweetheart,” he said, pouring the syrup generously over her pancakes, making sure she got just the right amount.

Hyacinth’s face lit up, her grin widening as she watched the syrup drizzle down onto her pancakes. “Yay! Thank you Daddy!” She lifted her fork and began eating, “Slow down sweetheart, you don’t want to choke on your food.” You reminded, she looked up to you with her mouth full of pancakes “Sorry mama..” she mumbled in between bites, her face flushing slightly with embarrassment.  “It’s okay, just remember to chew and take your time,” you said gently, reaching over to adjust her napkin as a piece of pancake fell onto her lap. 

Then you noticed the generous amount of syrup drizzled on her pancakes and immediately glanced at Zayne, raising an eyebrow in surprise. Zayne looked at you innocently, his lips curling into a playful grin. "What?" he said with mock innocence. "She asked for extra syrup, and I aim to please." You shook your head, trying not to laugh. "That’s way more than extra syrup, Zayne," you replied, eyeing the puddle of syrup on Hyacinth’s plate.

Hyacinth, looking up at both of you with wide, innocent eyes, chimed in, “I like it sweet, mama!” you chuckled as you shook my head, “I know sweetheart but that syrup is excessive. I know you like sweets like your daddy but we don’t want you to have a toothache, remember?” You said as you sat on your chair, Zayne, overhearing, rose from his seat with a smile and moved to the kitchen counter. “We can always make sure to have some extra brushing time later, huh?” he said with a wink as he carefully placed a couple of pancakes onto your plate. You gave him a playful look as he set the plate down in front of you. “I think I might need more than just extra brushing for this,” you teased, eyeing the stack of pancakes.

Once finished with breakfast, Zayne helped you clean up the dishes, his movements easy and familiar. You rinsed off the plates while he stacked them in the sink, both of you working together in a comfortable rhythm. Hyacinth, still full from her generous serving of pancakes, sat at the table, drawing on a piece of paper with her crayons, humming softly to herself. 

“Mama, Daddy? Can I ask a question?” she said, you and Zayne glanced at one another before drying up your hands and approached Hyacinth. “What is it sweetheart?” you asked as you sat at the chair beside her while Zayne sat in front of you. 

Hyacinth placed her crayons down as she looked at the both of you, “How are babies made?” she asked with such innocence  her voice full of genuine wonder. You and Zayne froze for a moment, exchanging a quick, surprised glance. The question was unexpected, but you could see that she was truly just curious, her head tilted to the side in that way she did when she was trying to make sense of the world around her.

Zayne cleared his throat softly, giving you a small, amused yet slightly nervous smile. “Well, sweetheart,” he began slowly, glancing over at you for guidance, “that’s a big question. Babies come from a mommy and a daddy, and they grow in the mommy’s tummy.” 

Hyacinth, clearly still processing, paused for a moment, placing both of her elbows on the table and resting her head in her hands. She looked up at the both of you with wide, curious eyes. “But... how?” she asked, her voice filled with innocent confusion, her little brow furrowed as she waited for an answer. You exchanged a glance with Zayne, both of you trying to figure out how to explain something so complicated in a way that would make sense to her.

Zayne looked at you, clearly asking for help. You mouthed “answer her question, doctor.” Then, Hyacinth asked again. “You say babies grow from mama’s tummy. Why? And how did they grow in mama’s tummy?” Her voice filled with much curiosity, Zayne chuckled nervously, but then turned back to Hyacinth, realizing he had no choice but to keep going. Hyacinth’s brows furrowed harder, her small hands now gripping the edge of the table as she leaned forward.

“Well,” Zayne started slowly, glancing at you for reassurance, “when a mommy and daddy decide they want to have a baby, something very special happens. A tiny little seed from the daddy meets a tiny little egg from the mommy, and that’s how a baby starts.” 

“Huh?” she said confusingly, followed by another question “What seed and what egg?” You tried not to laugh at her confusion, knowing that this was turning into a more complicated conversation than you expected. Zayne looked at you, clearly trying to figure out how to explain in the simplest way possible.

“Well, sweetheart,” Zayne began carefully, “the seed is something very tiny that a daddy has, and the egg is something very tiny that a mommy has. When they come together, they create the baby.” She thought about this for a second before looking up at both of you again, her curiosity growing. 

Hyacinth looked at both of you, her brow furrowing even deeper. “But where do the seed and egg come from?” she asked, her voice full of genuine curiosity, as if she wasn't satisfied yet.

You and Zayne exchanged a quick look. This wasn’t going to be a simple explanation, but you could see that she was really interested, and you didn’t want to leave her with more questions than answers.

“Well,” you said gently, “the seed comes from inside the daddy’s body, and the egg comes from inside the mommy’s body.” Hyacinth’s eyes grew wide, her face full of confusion but also a spark of intense curiosity. “But… how? How do they get there?” she pressed, not letting go of the question.

Zayne shifted in his seat, leaning toward her with a soft chuckle. “Well, sweetheart, it's a little complicated, but basically, the daddy’s seed goes inside the mommy’s tummy where it finds the egg, and that’s when the baby can start to grow.”

“But how does daddy’s seed get inside?” she asked, her tone serious and expectant, as though she was prepared for an even deeper explanation. You blinked, realizing that she wasn’t going to drop it anytime soon. She was really trying to understand. You took a breath, trying to keep things simple but honest. “Well, when a mommy and daddy are ready for a baby, they come together in a special way, and that’s how the seed and egg meet.”

Hyacinth’s brow furrowed even more, as if this explanation still didn’t quite make sense. “But... where did the seed and egg come from before? How do they get in there?” she asked again, her voice filled with earnest curiosity, clearly wanting to know more.

You and Zayne exchanged another glance, knowing this was the moment when her questions were diving deeper than you’d expected. You couldn’t help but admire her persistence, though. She wasn’t going to let go of this mystery until she understood it completely.

Zayne took a deep breath, leaning forward slightly as he tried to simplify it even more. “Okay, sweetie, so… the seed and the egg are part of our bodies from the very beginning. The daddy has seeds inside his body, and the mommy has eggs inside hers. But they’re too tiny to see, like little bits of dust.”

You nodded, adding, “When a mommy and daddy decide they want a baby, the daddy gives the mommy one of his seeds, and it goes inside her body to meet the egg. The seed and egg are so small, you can’t see them with your eyes. They meet in the mommy’s tummy, and that’s when the baby starts to grow.”

Hyacinth’s face remained thoughtful, still trying to wrap her mind around it all. “But how do the seeds and eggs know where to go? Do they walk?” she asked, her voice full of wonder.

You chuckled softly at her creative thinking. “Not exactly,” you said, smiling. “They don’t walk, but the seed knows where to go because it has to find the egg. The mommy’s body helps guide the seed to the egg, so they can meet and start the baby’s growth.”

Zayne smiled, seeing how hard she was concentrating. “It’s like a tiny race, and the seed has to get to the egg before anything else can happen.” Hyacinth giggled at the idea of a race but seemed satisfied for a moment. Then, her expression shifted again, and she asked, “So, does the egg just wait for the seed to come? Does it know the seed is coming?”

You and Zayne both stopped, realizing she was thinking deeply about how all of this worked. “Well, the egg doesn’t exactly wait on its own. It’s part of the mommy’s body, so it’s always there, ready when the time comes for the seed to meet it,” you explained gently. “It’s like when you’re getting ready for a playdate—you’re waiting, but you don’t know exactly when the other person will arrive. But when they do, you’re ready to start playing.”

Her eyes brightened as if that made more sense. “So, the egg and seed wait for each other, and when they meet, that’s when the baby starts?”

“Yes, that’s right, sweetheart,” Zayne confirmed, relieved that she was getting it. “The baby starts growing right after the seed and egg meet, and then it keeps growing bigger and bigger until it's ready to be born.” She thought about it for a moment before nodding seriously. “Okay, I think I get it now. The seed and egg make the baby, and they don’t walk, but they find each other.”

“Exactly,” you said, feeling a bit of relief. “You’re really good at understanding all this, sweetie.”

Hyacinth smiled, pleased with herself for figuring it out, then went back to her crayons. “Can I have one?” she asked, you and Zayne glanced at one another. “What do you want to have?” Zayne asked, Hyacinth looked at Zayne with a huge smile on her face, “A baby!” 

You chuckled at her, “If you decided to have one then you may honey, but having a baby comes with great responsibilities. You may have one, once you grow older. Just like your daddy and I.” You said as you brushed her hair, but Hyacinth frowned, frustrated that you didn’t get what she was saying.

“No mama, what I want is that you and daddy to have another baby.” Zayne blinked, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement. You paused for a moment, realizing what she meant. Hyacinth wasn’t asking for a baby of her own, but rather wishing for a sibling, one more to join the family.

You and Zayne exchanged a soft, knowing glance. You smiled warmly at her, understanding her innocent wish. “Oh, sweetheart, that’s very sweet of you,” you said softly, running a hand through her hair. “But right now, we’re very happy with our little family just the way it is. Daddy and I are taking care of you, and we’re very lucky to have you as our daughter.”

“But I want a baby brother or sister! So I can share my crayons and toys with them.” She said as she continued to draw on her paper, “and oh! The four of us could also cuddle all the time.” She giggled.

You smiled at Hyacinth, your heart warming at her innocent wish. As you glanced at her drawing, you saw that it was a family picture, with you, Zayne, her, and the little baby sibling she hoped for. The drawing was filled with love and joy, with each of you drawn in bright, colorful shapes and her little sibling represented by a tiny figure in the corner.

For a moment, you just stared at her, your gaze softening as you took in the picture she created—her version of the perfect family. You couldn’t help but smile at how pure and full of love her little heart was. But as you were lost in thought, you felt Zayne's gaze on you.

When you looked over at him, you found his eyes fixed on you, a gentle smile on his lips. There was something in his gaze, a mixture of affection and gratitude, that made your heart skip a beat. He wasn’t just looking at you with love for the mother of his child, but also with the same warmth and tenderness he always had.

“Maybe someday, sweetheart…” Zayne whispered to you, his voice gentle and filled with warmth. You smiled at him, the corners of your lips curving upward as you met his gaze.

"Yeah, maybe someday," you echoed, the words soft but filled with the unspoken understanding between you.

For a moment, the world around you seemed to slow down. You both watched Hyacinth, so absorbed in her drawing, her innocent wish for a sibling hanging in the air. There was a quiet peace between you and Zayne, a shared feeling that, no matter what the future held, you were content with the love you had right here, right now.

Zayne leaned in just slightly, his hand finding yours and giving it a soft squeeze. "Whatever happens," he said quietly, "I'm glad it's with you." You looked into his eyes, finding that familiar warmth and affection that had always been there. "Me too," you whispered, your heart full. "I wouldn’t want it any other way."

The two of you shared a quiet, understanding smile before turning your attention back to Hyacinth, who was now proudly showing off her drawing—her family picture, complete with the little sibling she hoped for. Her voice bubbled up with excitement as she pointed to the baby in the drawing, her face glowing with joy. "Look, mama! Look, daddy! This is us!"

You both smiled at her, your hearts full, knowing that whatever the future brought, your little family was already perfect just as it was. And maybe, just maybe, someday, her dream of a baby brother or sister would come true. But for now, you were content, surrounded by love and happiness in this moment.

And little did you know that Hyacinth’s wish was already being quietly fulfilled, though none of you knew it yet. The seed of a new beginning had already been planted—hidden, just beneath the surface—waiting to reveal itself when the time was right. Life was unfolding in ways you couldn’t yet see, but soon enough, the love you shared as a family would grow even more.

divider by : @enchanthings

[lvrgurlblobbu]

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stardust (series)

resonance | part one - smut, fluff (4.5k) ↳ with the aether core's auction quickly approaching, you're growing desperate to resonate with sylus. fortunately for you, he has a suggestion... even if it is less conventional.

a lust for love | part two - smut, fluff (5.7k) ↳ ever since you've left the N109 zone, you find yourself missing a certain white-haired man.

you'll warm the night (series - ongoing)

i only bleed for him | chapter one - smut, angst, beyond cloudfall myth (4.5k) ↳ admist the blooming flowers in tarus city, the dragon claims his beloved.

headcanons/drabbles

ex-husband!sylus

cockwarming with sylus

mma!sylus

ꪆৎ LI SHEN | ZAYNE

blush wine - smut, fluff (5.5k) ↳ a pressing personal issue has you turning to zayne in desperation. he is a doctor, after all.

in every life - mild smut, fluff (1.3k) ↳ zayne wants to spend the morning of his birthday with you.

take a chance with me - smut, fluff (4.4k) ↳ zayne gets called into work, so you bring him dinner.

the emperor's affection (series) - historical au

the first fall of snow | part one - smut (7.7k) ↳ the emperor isn't interested in his concubines, but an encounter with you is enough to change his mind.

keep my hand in yours | part two - smut, fluff (6.9k) ↳ the emperor is intent on convincing you that you are worthy enough to be his empress.

headcanons/drabbles

giving zayne head under the desk

[lvrgurlblobbu]

The First Fall of Snow

emperor!zayne x concubine!reader - read part 2!

summary: the emperor isn't interested in his concubines, but an encounter with you is enough to change his mind.

cw: nsfw (18+) - mdni!!, smut, p in v, oral sex, praise kink, breast play, masturbation, thigh riding, mentions of exhibitionism, virginity loss

wc: 7.7k

a/n: i did imagine long-haired zayne for this (like his master of fate card!) and he just gives off emperor vibes soooo

also on ao3!

The Emperor was a peculiar man. 

He was not a man who fancied company. When the years for marriage had passed, his royal advisors had grown increasingly anxious. All potential candidates were refused, princesses from far lands given profuse apologies and lavish gifts in hopes of quelling their anger after they had traveled such vast distances, only for the Emperor to turn them away. 

In an effort to try and draw out the Emperor’s romantic and sexual nature, several concubines were gathered. The Emperor had never overseen this, the affair carried out in veiled whispers as his advisors had sought to dispel their desperation by pooling their efforts into securing an heir for the dynasty. 

That was what you were told when you arrived in the palace anyways. It had been a year since you were hand-picked as a concubine, along with a few other girls who had been eager to accept when the opportunity had been provided to them.

You had only met the Emperor a handful of times, when you first been brought to the palace and during private meetings that had been scheduled. He had never touched you or any of the other girls, had never sought after pleasure or secured an heir, much to the chagrin of Imperial staff. Like any other person, you thought it was odd. 

Part of you felt as though you were wasting away in this palace, days spent outside by the pretty gardens and overlooking the fish in the ponds, entertaining stray cats or inside, like you were now.

You stare down at the steaming water in the teapot, watching as the tea leaves stain the water. The blurry reflection of your face looks back up at you and there’s a soft sigh escaping you, wondering what might’ve been if you hadn’t been chosen.

Such thoughts are lost when a short, stout man comes hobbling in. He grabs at your arm, teacup filled with hot tea tipping to the side. You wince when the hot liquid lands against your skin, burning you.

“The Emperor needs tea,” the eunuch hisses, pulling another set of teaware from the shelves as he tugs you closer.

“Why does that involve me?,” you ask, trying to free yourself so you can soothe your irritated skin under cool water.

“You will deliver it to him,” he says, fiddling with your robes and straightening out the fabric to make you look more presentable.

“Have another one of the girls-” you begin to complain, shrinking away when he sends you a glare.

You huff out a breath, making sure the pin in your hair is in place. There’s no time to tend to the burn on your forearm, the reddened skin hidden by the sleeves of your robes as the eunuch passes you the tray. 

Sending him a glare of your own, you don’t stay behind to be chastised. Feet padding against the floor, you pass through the courtyard and hallway. Imperial guards stand outside the Emperor’s quarters and you bow your head, stating your business. 

One of the guards opens the doors and you suck in a sharp breath, gathering your confidence as you step inside the Emperor’s quarters. 

It’s a familiar place. The room is large, scrolls stacked upon shelves tucked against the walls, decorative screens partitioning the entrance to where his bed was placed. You swallow nervously, eyes blinking about. You can’t seem to find the Emperor. Deciding to step forward, you’re pushing your luck, sticking your head outside the open doors at the other end of his quarters. It opens into a private courtyard, greenery pruned to perfection.

There’s a frown pulling at your lips when you can’t see him. Perhaps he had left? Just as you’re about to give up, a man clears his throat. You jolt in place, tea sloshing as you struggle to keep a hold on the tray. Whirling around, you find the Emperor standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. There’s a curse entering your mind, placing the tea tray down on a table nearby before your knees are bending, meeting the floor as you bow in a seated position.

“Please forgive me, your majesty” you breathe out, eyes squeezing shut. 

You would rather not feel the wrath of the Emperor.

“I did not ask for tea,” he says bluntly.

“The- the eunuch insisted,” you supply lamely.

The Emperor only sighs and your eyes are peeking open, head tilting slightly as you try to get a glimpse of his expression. 

“You may stand,” he murmurs, waving his hand. You do as he says, stumbling to your feet, teeth gritting together when the cloth of your robes rubs against the still fresh burn on your forearm.

He takes a seat on a cushioned mat and you’re standing awkwardly, trying to taper down your fidgeting as the pain flares up again.

“Is something the matter?” the Emperor asks when he sees your inability to stand still. 

You shake your head, biting the inside of your cheek. The Emperor only stares at you, unimpressed. His gaze drags over you and your cheeks are flushing in embarrassment. 

“Sit,” he says suddenly, pointing to the space across from him.

“I-” you begin to refuse, restless to get out of this stifling place and tend to the burn that was currently beginning to sting.

“Sit, or will you refuse an Imperial command?”

To refuse an Imperial command is to forfeit one’s life. It’s why you’re sitting down in a flurry and looking everywhere at everything except him. 

“Arm,” he murmurs, holding his hand out.

You extend your arm towards his hand without question. He hums when he brushes the sleeves away, moving your arm closer to his eyes so he can examine the burn. The Emperor’s lithe fingers prod at the edges of your reddened skin, and a whimper slips out of you, the tender skin sensitive.

He pulls away from you and your eyes are darting towards the doors, wondering whether it would be worth it to make a break for it. The Emperor returns soon after, a small pot in his hand, containing some sort of salve.

“Your majesty, it is beneath you to tend to such a matter,” you remind him, feeling his cool fingers wrap around your arm again.

“Perhaps so, but I happen to take interest in the ailments of the body,” he replies, spreading the salve against your skin.

So the rumors were true then. Many spoke of the Emperor’s affinity for the study of medicine. You had assumed he would’ve taken more interest in other pursuits such as hunting, but it appeared the Emperor valued intellect above all else. 

As the salve soothes your skin, you find your gaze slipping over him. Pale skin, intelligent eyes framed by dark eyelashes, a strong nose and long hair tied back neatly, there was no doubt that the Emperor was a handsome man. 

His eyes flick up to meet yours, his own gaze dipping over you once again. You feel as though you’re being scrutinized, so you’re sitting up straighter, trying to not present yourself as a mess.

“He sent you here to entice me,” the Emperor explains, beginning to wrap your wound using a thin, silken cloth.

“Oh. Is- is it working?” you ask tentatively.

“If you consider making a fool of yourself enticing, then maybe so,” he says, the side of his mouth curling up as amusement flashes through his eyes.

There’s a sharp scoff leaving you, arm tugging free from his grasp. The bandages are tight around your arm and you send him a frown, placing your hands in your lap.

“You take liberties that others do not,” he sighs, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I apologize, your majesty,” you whisper, head hanging low. He was right, you were taking liberties. 

“Zayne,” he says, opening a scroll.

“Your- your majesty?” you reply, confusion flitting across your face.

“Zayne,” he repeats, not bothering to even spare you a glance “you may address me by my name.”

You hold your tongue in return, eyes narrowing as you stare at the Emperor. It must be a trick of some sort, you think, a ploy to make you slip up, and just like the traitors of the Empire, your head would be severed from your neck. 

“You would distrust my own command?” he asks, sensing your hesitation. “I never said such a thing!” you protest, exasperation spreading across your face.

Sitting in place, you pout to yourself, tracing random shapes onto the cushioned mat. Zayne ignores your presence and it has you fidgeting even more, a huff of air leaving you. 

The Emperor only continues to read the scroll in his hands. Pouring out some tea, you decide to indulge yourself. Your face contorts when you taste the now lukewarm liquid. It’s hardly enjoyable. Letting out another deep sigh, your body sags. There’s nothing for you to do here, the Emperor won’t carry a conversation and you only find that you’re making a fool of yourself even more.

“Shall I leave?” you ask him, feeling hopeful that you might be able to escape.

Zayne shakes his head. 

“Stay a little while. It would do good for my advisors to think they have succeeded.”

“Succeeded?” you echo, brows furrowing.

“They expect an heir,” he sighs, setting down the scroll to give you his full attention, “surely you are aware of my… aversion to the entire matter.”

“I cannot say I understand,” you murmur, “you need an heir, and an illegitimate heir is an heir nonetheless.”

“The duty will be fulfilled when I am ready,” he says firmly.

Your head tilts at that, eyes narrowing. When he was ready? There would be no reason for the Emperor to not be ready.

“Other noblemen take pleasure in using women’s bodies,” you mutter, peering over at him, “it is strange that you have not yet touched any one of us.”

“You wish for me to use you?” Zayne asks, raising his brows. 

“N- no! I just meant, it is odd that an Emperor whose rule has granted him anything he may possibly desire chooses not to engage in anything,” the words come out of you in a rush, your cheeks flushing. 

“And have you engaged in anything?” he shoots back, his eyes sharp.

Admitting your own virginity wasn’t on your plan of things to do today. Your cheeks are hot with embarrassment, eyes averted to the side. Your silence is answer enough, and Zayne sighs, his fingers rubbing at his temples.

“I did not ask for concubines,” he says quietly, “and so, I do not expect you to serve me in such a fashion.”

“You may leave,” he says after a few moments, standing up with you.

Your head tilts, teeth worrying into your lower lip as he stares down at you.

“It appears you care for me,” he murmurs, his hand lifting to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear.

Your heart flutters at the unexpected action, eyes widening when he touches you.

“Only for the dynasty,” you breathe out.

Zayne lets out a low laugh at that. He gives you a faint smile and your heart stutters in your chest. You don’t think you’ve ever seen a man look so ethereal, but such is the favor of the gods.

It’s probably why you’re leaning forward, hands reaching to fix the crumpled collar of his silk robes. He stiffens under your touch and you pretend as though you don’t notice. Your fingers graze his skin and his hand curls around your wrist, stopping your movements.

“I shall expect you here in a week’s time,” he says.

“A week’s time,” you nod, feeling his fingers touch the cloth wrapped around your burn.

The Emperor lowers his head, his fingers gripping your chin gently so he can stare into your eyes more intently. He seems lost in thought as he swipes his thumb over your chin, his head nearing until you can feel the warmth of his breath on your skin. 

It’s almost too much for your racing heart. Your already half-lidded eyes are slipping shut, lips parting as you lean in closer, waiting for him to kiss you. But it never comes and your eyes flutter open to see Zayne staring down at you with a hint of mirth in his eyes. He was making a fool of you yet again. 

To preserve whatever dignity you have left, you’re pulling away, freeing yourself from his suffocating grasp. Bowing in deference, you don’t look back to see his expression, pushing past the doors as you leave his quarters.

Almost immediately, you’re met with the eunuch from earlier.

“Well?” he asks, his cheeks puffed with exertion as he tries to keep up with the pace you’ve set in an attempt to escape questioning.

“Nothing happened,” you reply curtly, looking back to see the short man totter after you.

“Nothing?” he repeats, voice laced with irritation, “not even-“ his voice lowers, mindful of the other staff working in the palace, “he did not even touch you?” 

You shake your head. He doesn’t need to know that the Emperor had indeed touched you; tended to your burn even, that you were hoping the Emperor would hold you close and kiss you, and he most certainly didn’t need to know about your little displays of insolence. 

The eunuch soon loses interest in you, grumbling curses under his breath as you retire to your own chambers shared with the other girls. It’s no secret that many of them have become bored with the Emperor’s apathetic outlook, some turning their charms to try and garner the affections of noblemen at court.

-

It’s raining the day you’re meant to meet the Emperor. 

You step inside his chambers when the guards permit you, your hands clasped in front of you.

“Your majesty” you bend at the waist, bowing.

Zayne hums in response, striding closer to you. His fingers lift your arm, undoing the gauze to uncover your injury. The salve he had applied to your skin had soothed the burn, and it had begun to heal nicely. 

“I told you to address me by my name,” he reminds you, his brows furrowed in concentration as he examines your skin, “must I remind you again, or will phrasing it as an Imperial command suffice?”

Your mouth opens automatically to retort sharply. He looks at you, brows raised. Spending more time in his presence has only vexed you, irritation making you almost forget who you were with. Mouth clamping shut, you send him a tight-lipped smile. 

“Forgive me,” you say begrudgingly, “Zayne.”

“Better,” he murmurs.

You don’t know whether he’s referring to your obedience or the state of your wound. 

“It will scar,” Zayne continues, turning your arm so that he can see your skin in better light.

“Badly?” you ask, a frown tugging at your lips.

“More salve will lessen the effect,” he says, finally letting go of your arm.

You release a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. The Emperor stares at you, his gaze unwavering. It has you wishing that you hadn’t listened to his request at all. The palace physician would have more than likely provided you with the necessary treatment, and yet here you were, being tended to by the Emperor of all people.

“Do you wish for me to repay you?” the words are out of your mouth before you can stop yourself.

“Did we not already have this conversation?” he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I had assumed-”

“Do not assume anything.”

Zayne’s voice has hardened, the slight softness in his eyes no longer present. You’ve overstepped. He pulls away from you, turning his back to you as he walks towards the open doors of his quarters. Rain wets the inside, the mats on the floor darkening but the Emperor doesn’t seem to care.

Feeling like a scolded child, you trail after him.

“Forgive me,” you whisper, keeping your gaze trained on the floor.

It seems to be all that you’re doing now. Apology after apology after apology. It’s a miracle you haven’t yet been executed for your impertinence. 

He turns to face you, his hand lifting. For a moment you think he’s about to slap you, a grimace settling on your face as you await the stinging punishment. Instead, all you feel is his hand on your head, petting you like you were some sort of unruly cat.

Zayne’s fingers begin to slip and you can feel the soft tips of his fingers graze the side of your face, traveling lower as he traces your jawline. You hold still, eyes wide with anticipation. He doesn’t stop, his fingers dragging down the length of your neck, parting your robes until you feel his fingers swipe across your collarbone. 

“You are stubborn,” he says softly, “steadfast and oddly endearing. Perhaps I should keep you by my side.”

You stare up at him, jaw slackening, baffled. 

“I thought you would appreciate it,” he murmurs, the sharpness in his eyes returning, “just moments ago you were offering yourself to me.”

It’s a struggle to bite back the whimper that so eagerly wants to escape when his fingers drag lower, skimming across the soft skin of the tops of your breasts. His other hand plays with the knot tied at the side, nimble fingers untying the only thing keeping your robes together. The soft fabric slips from your shoulders and you find yourself in front of the Emperor, breasts bared.

He lets out a low hum, both of his hands coming to cup your breasts. Your teeth have been biting into your lip so hard that you can taste the tang of blood on your tongue. Zayne swipes his thumbs over your nipples and you find yourself unable to rip free from his wandering touch. 

“Should you not tell me to stop?” the Emperor asks, his face nearing yours.

There’s no will left in you to answer, a sharp gasp escaping you when he pinches your nipples to punctuate his question. The sensation only adds to the wetness pooling between your thighs.

“Please,” you whimper, the desperation clear in your eyes, “please, Zayne.”

“I may have the favor of the gods, but I cannot foresee your desires,” he whispers, the tip of his nose brushing yours, “tell me. What is it you want?”

“Kiss,” you manage out, “kiss me, please.”

The Emperor’s hands haven’t stopped their exploration, squeezing and groping at your breasts. Zayne lowers his head, forehead pressing against yours as you mewl and whimper under the onslaught of his caressing touches. The ache between your thighs has become unbearable with the way he plays with your nipples. He tugs and pinches, thumbs swiping over your areolas to grant you reprieve before rolling your nipples between his fingers again. 

“Wantonness has made you far more polite,” he whispers, lips brushing against yours.

It’s not a kiss, and you’re squirming in frustration with the way the Emperor is stringing you along, driving you to the edge of pleasure and yet refusing to grant you what you desire the most. 

“I- I can be even more polite,” you mumble pathetically, hands curling into his robes.

You chase after his lips, brows furrowing when he draws up to his full height, smiling down at you. Lips jutting out into a pout, you stand on the tips of your toes, trying to tug him back down so you can kiss him. It’s a futile endeavor, the Emperor only manages to evade all of your attempts to draw him into a kiss. 

“I shall look forward to it,” Zayne murmurs, his lips pressing against your forehead gently.

There’s no way to discern what exactly is going through the Emperor’s mind. He no longer continues with his lustful touches, pulling away with a final caress of your breasts as he pulls your loosened robes over your shoulders again. You can only watch with dazed eyes, frozen in place as he helps redo the knot holding your robes together, covering you up properly so that unnecessary slivers of skin aren’t showing anymore. 

“Do you do this with the others?” you ask, eyes finding his.

“Does the thought make you jealous?”

You frown at his retort, sending him a glare, “the Emperor may do as he wishes,” you grumble.

It’s hard to hide the jealousy that underlies your words. You want to be the only person he touches, to be the object of his affections. It’s a selfish desire to want the Emperor to need you only, but you can’t help yourself, envy flaring up inside of you at the thought of him touching another woman the way he touches you. 

“You are the first to elicit such a reaction from me,” Zayne says, his fingers tilting your head so he can stare into your eyes more directly.

Letting out an irritated huff, you feel irked by his subtle way of trying to please you. He doesn’t reply to your display of irritation, nudging his forehead against yours as though trying to convey his affection. 

“Go now,” he whispers, petting your hair again before he’s moving away, turning his back to you as he returns to peer out at the rain that falls outside.

You have half the mind to call him out on his behavior, but the reminder of your position is the stifling reality in which you live in. Despite his gaze elsewhere, you bow to him, turning on your heel to leave.

Thankfully, there are no lurking eunuchs to question your brief stay in the Emperor’s quarters. The palace staff don’t pay you any mind as you return to your chambers, and you explain to the other girls that you feel sick. 

The whimpers that spill from your mouth are muffled by the pillow that you’ve pressed your face into, the fingers of one hand rubbing at your clit and the other hand pinching at your nipples as you try to mimic the way the Emperor had touched you. With the image of Zayne’s face ingrained into your mind, it doesn’t take long, a soft moan escaping into the quiet of your chambers as you come apart on your fingers. 

-

You’re spying on the Emperor. 

The past year had been plenty of time to explore the palace and figure out the little passageways that weren’t well known. Perhaps you were just as bad as his advisors that were intent on prying into Zayne’s private life, but you just couldn’t help yourself. 

It’s why you’re here now, hovering outside his quarters, pretending to take great interest in the portraits that line the halls. Every now and then, your eyes flick over to where the guards stand, trying to discern whether anyone was entering or leaving his chambers. 

You almost feel pathetic for acting in such a way, but he was the only thing you could think about. Visiting the gardens had grown dull, despite the leaves turning into pretty shades of orange and red in the autumn air, thoughts of the Emperor taking root in the crevices of your mind instead. 

“My grandfather,” a deep voice breaks through your thoughts. You don’t have to look to know who it is.

“Handsome,” you mutter, taking a step closer to examine the portrait genuinely this time.

“My guards have complained about a woman hiding in the hallways,” Zayne says, his hand falling onto your shoulder. “I did not realize it was an offense to admire fine art,” you shoot back.

“There are far finer things in this palace,” he murmurs, stepping forward until you’ve been backed up against the wall.

It’s becoming more and more apparent to you that the Emperor must be suffering some sort of illness to the mind. You struggle to come up with a reason as to why his arm curls around your waist, whilst he presses himself closer. 

You try and push at his firm chest, but he doesn’t budge.

“People will see,” you whisper heatedly, eyes darting to the sides despite Zayne being so close that you can hardly see anything but him.

“So let them.”

Zayne reaches out, his hand cupping your cheek. You stiffen under the sudden touch, eyes widening when his thumb brushes over your skin.

“Why are you doing this?” you whisper, frowning.

“Is my mind not allowed to change?” he asks in return, head lowering until his forehead is pressed against yours.

“I am far more concerned that you have lost your mind.”

The Emperor lets out a deep chuckle and you think the air around you both has somehow grown thicker with how lightheaded you’re feeling.

“I assure you, I am still of sound mind.”

His nose brushes against yours, and you rise to meet the challenge, nose nudging against his gently. The heat of his body is intoxicating, his arm tightening around your waist as he exhales. Your eyes flutter shut, anticipating the feeling of his lips against yours.

It’s not to be, not when an Imperial guard insists on interrupting your moment with the Emperor.

“Is this woman bothering you?” the guard asks, his gaze dragging over you with obvious disregard. 

The utter nerve. Eye twitching, you ready yourself to snap back but Zayne’s squeeze to your waist has you staying silent.

“She was feeling ill,” Zayne lies steadily. 

The Emperor’s mask of cool indifference slips over him easily, his lips pulled thin as he speaks to the guard. 

“I shall escort her to the physician,” the guard offers, his hand reaching for you.

Zayne pulls you out of reach before the guard can touch you, tucking you against his side.

“No need,” Zayne says, “I shall take her myself.”

You can almost hear the nervous gulp that the guard takes, his face paling at the Emperor’s stony disposition. Unfortunately, you don’t get long to revel in the satisfaction that spreads through your body when Zayne reprimands the guard. Zayne tugs you along, his hand wrapped around your wrist. It appears the Emperor knows of the passages as well, and a few twists and turns later you find yourself back in the Emperor’s quarters, having bypassed the Imperial guards.

“Did you see his face?” you snicker, looking over at Zayne.

Your smile fades when he doesn’t reply, the grip on your wrist almost painful without how firmly his hand is still holding onto you.

“Zayne? Are you-”

You nearly trip over your own feet when he suddenly pulls you closer. Zayne’s lips are slotting over yours, his large hands cupping your cheeks as he kisses you. There’s a small noise of surprise coming from you, eyes widening before they flutter shut, your body lulled into submission with the feverish kisses Zayne gives you.

He groans into your mouth and you cling to his robes, rising up on the tips of your toes to meet his kisses better. The Emperor might’ve been starved with the way he’s kissing you, his lips firm and insistent against yours whilst he holds you in place. 

Zayne pulls away after a while, and you’re completely and utterly dazed, chest heaving as soft pants fill the space between you both.

“Will you have me?” he whispers, his fingers tracing the curve of your cheek.

No man has ever spoken such words to you. Your breath catches in your throat, heart clenching uncomfortably in your chest. As the Emperor, he shouldn’t say such a thing. 

“It is beneath you to ask,” you murmur, averting your gaze.

“And yet, I am asking,” Zayne replies, his hands maneuvering your head until you have no choice but to look into his eyes.

Letting out an irritated huff, as though he had somehow inconvenienced you, you lean forward and press a chaste kiss against his lips. You can’t bring yourself to say the words out loud, feeling uncharacteristically shy as you shift on the spot.

“I see.”

Zayne’s surging towards you again, lips crashing onto yours. You whimper, hands scrabbling at his shoulders as you press yourself closer. His arms are wrapping around your waist, keeping you flush against him as he ravages your mouth. His tongue is teasing your lower lip, coaxing it open. You have no choice but to obey, letting out a muffled moan when his tongue slides deeper into your mouth, his hand pulling at the pin holding your hair together. 

You squeak when he picks you up, his lips trailing burning kisses down your neck as he nudges the partition blocking his way to his bed. Zayne undoes the knot holding your robes together before long, your thighs straddling his hips as you sit perched on his lap once he sits down on his bed.

“Have you really never given yourself to anyone?” Zayne asks quietly, his fingers tracing across the soft skin of your shoulders.

You nod, body leaning forward to chase after his touch as his fingers find their way back down to your nipples, rolling the pebbled buds between the pads of his fingers.

“H- have you?” you ask, biting your lip as he presses heated kisses against your collarbone.

He shakes his head, lips drifting lower and lower, until your body twitches as his lips enclose around your nipple. A whimper leaves you, and Zayne grows bolder with his movements, sucking harshly as his tongue swirls around your nipple, flicking the little bud in his mouth.

Your hands have drifted into his hair, pulling free the band that holds his long locks together. His dark hair runs past his shoulders, the strands soft under your touch as you pull at his hair, moaning as he continues his exploration across your chest.

Zayne looks up at you with half-lidded eyes, spit-slick lips dragging across your chest to pepper kisses against your other breast, his mouth enveloping your nipple yet again. He lets out a low groan and you whine, pulling at his robes desperately to pull them off.

“Oh,” you breathe out when he lets you, biting your lip at the sight of his bare chest and abdomen. Your fingers spread across his chest eagerly, mapping out the expanse of his skin. There’s a sly smile spreading across your face when you see his cheeks flush pink as your fingers drag lower, past his navel.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asks hoarsely, his head tipping back.

“Should I not?” you whisper, fingers delving lower until you can feel his hardness through his robes.

You rub your hand against the bulge experimentally, eyes lighting up when he lets out a grunt. Face tucking into the crook of his neck, your breasts squished against his chest, you place hungry kisses against his neck, palming at his bulge.

The Emperor tugs at your hair, pulling your head back. You stare up at him, meeting him in the middle when he leans forward, sharing a sloppy kiss. His hands squeeze at your waist and you shift in his lap, letting him undress you completely.

Nervousness flits across your face as he stares at your bare body, hands leaving him to cover yourself up. He grabs your hands before you can, placing a soft kiss to your jaw.

“You are beautiful,” he whispers, lips drifting to kiss the shell of your ear.

A shy smile pulls at your lips and he squeezes your waist again. Your brows furrow when he jostles you, making you straddle his thigh instead.

“I want to watch,” Zayne says, his fingers dimpling into the fat of your thighs.

“Watch?” you echo, head tilting in question.

“I want to watch you come undone,” he clarifies, gripping your hips as he guides you into grinding against his thigh.

A strangled noise leaves you and he pats your hip, satisfied. You’re so aroused that your slick has begun to wet his silken robes, the fabric darkening as you roll your hips, dragging your pussy against his thigh.

“I- I want to watch you too,” you gasp out.

Zayne obliges and you watch as he pulls his cock free. The sight is almost enough to have you coming on his covered thigh. His fingers wrap around his cock and you whine, hips rolling faster. “Is it to your satisfaction?” he murmurs.

You nod rapidly. It is. You’ve never seen one before, but you just know Zayne’s is pretty compared to the others. His cock is thick, flushed prettily at the tip to match the blush on his cheeks and you lick your lips, wondering what it might feel like in your mouth. 

“Another time,” Zayne says, smiling when he sees the expression on your face.

It’s entrancing to watch the way his hand drags up and down his cock, his long fingers wrapped around himself. Globs of pre-cum bead at the tip, wetting his hands and his cock, creating a sinful sound. Unable to help yourself, you tilt your head, tongue lolling out as you let your own spit drip down onto his cock. You hum in delight when his thighs twitch, your eyes peering into his as you drag your cunt against his thigh, clit catching on the fabric of his robes just right. 

“I did not know my concubine was so depraved,” he murmurs, his hand kneading the flesh at your hip roughly.

You give him a dopey smile, eyes slipping back down to watch his hand move around his cock whilst you rock your hips. Head falling against his shoulder, your lips drag across his chest, landing soft kisses against his skin before nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck, nipping his skin lightly.

Airy sounds fill the air, his quiet moans and your soft whimpers emanating in his quarters. 

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you press yourself closer, guiding his head into another kiss. It’s messy, his tongue licking into your mouth with no hesitation. Zayne’s pulling apart suddenly, his previous desire of watching you come undone on your thigh forgotten as he manhandles your body, making you lay down against his bed.

The Emperor kisses you over and over, and your head is swirling, trying to keep up whilst his fingers have found their way down to your pussy, rubbing your wetness across the sensitive flesh before he finds your clit. All it takes is one firm press of his thumb, your thighs twitching violently as you grasp at the sheets, moaning loudly as you come. He smiles against your lips, granting you one last kiss before he directs his attention elsewhere, his face disappearing between your thighs.

“Z-Zayne!” you squeal, pushing at his head, trying to get him to stop as the overstimulation becomes too much.

The Emperor ignores you in favor of thumbing apart your folds, his eyes trained on your clit.

“Pretty” he whispers, the pads of his fingers stroking over your clit gently, “and so, so swollen.”

It has your eyes rolling to the back of your head, and he kisses the inside of your thighs, edging closer to your pussy, letting out a low breath, the air hitting your exposed pussy.

He groans when you tug at his hair, and you writhe, trying to somehow free yourself from the onslaught of his tongue as he laves over your pussy, pressing sloppy kisses against your skin, his lips latching onto your swollen clit. Zayne’s tongue flicks against the sensitive bud, teasing you.

Something between a moan and a scream climbs its way out your throat, the sound ringing in through his chambers as you come again, thighs firmly squeezing his head. Your eyes widen when you realize the guards are still outside the doors, panic flaring through your body as you scramble to sit up.

Zayne’s hand slides over your mouth before you can get anything out, the stern look in his eyes making you go still. The rapping of the guard’s knuckles against the door has you rigid, eyes widening in alarm as he begins to move his tongue yet again. 

You glare at Zayne, tugging at his hair roughly to make it hurt as you attempt to get his mouth off of you. Zayne only gives you a hazy look, looking utterly gone as he presses his face deeper into your cunt. It’s a struggle to keep the noises in, your body shaking as his nose rubs into your clit and his tongue fucks in and out of your aching hole. 

“Your majesty?” An urgent voice calls out from behind the door, and you can hear the faint scuffling noises of the guards’ boots. 

“Someone get this door open!” another voice hisses, the sliding doors rattling soon after.

The Emperor grunts into your cunt, raising up finally. The sight of him is nearly enough to make you come for a third time. Zayne is utterly disheveled, his cheeks pink and the lower half of his face glistening with your slick. 

You watch as he runs his hand through his hair, biting your lip as you let your gaze wander, catching on his cock once again. He looks painfully hard, cum smeared across his skin and drool is pooling in your mouth. Getting onto your knees, you crawl forward eager to envelop it in your mouth.

The tip makes its way into your mouth for a brief moment and you can barely suck when Zayne is yanking you off of his cock, his hand curled into your hair. 

“Everything is fine,” the Emperor snaps, narrowing his eyes when you pout.

“We heard-”

“I said,” Zayne’s voice grows louder, “everything is fine.”

You think he might take out his wrath on you with the way he grips your cheeks roughly, planting another kiss to your lips. He’s manhandling you yet again, pushing at your shoulders to make you lie down as he settles his hips between your thighs.

Zayne’s cum smears against your skin and you whimper when the fat tip of his cock nudges against your clit. He lands a gentler kiss to your cheek, his hand cupping your cheek as you squirm under him, whimpering as he grinds his cock against your cunt.

“Good girl,” he murmurs, his face pressing into the crook of your neck as he lets his cock slide up and down against your folds, “my good girl.”

“Yours,” you agree, cheek squishing against the pillow, “all yours.”

“I want to see you like this all the time,” Zayne confesses, his hand grasping his cock to press it firmly against your cunt, coating it with your arousal, “all flustered and needy… perhaps I am losing my sanity.”

You need him inside of you. The emptiness in your pussy has made you all too aware, hips bucking with every drag of his heavy cock.

“More,” you whisper, voice slurring, “Zayne, I want more.”

Zayne draws back slightly and you watch as he squeezes his cock, pre-cum dripping steadily onto your thigh. He reaches for your hand, fingers lacing with yours.

“Ready?” he murmurs.

You nod, swallowing down your nervousness. He presses his cock into your hole and the stretch is uncomfortable, a pained whimper leaving you as Zayne guides his cock into you. 

“A little more,” he coaxes, kissing your forehead to try and distract you from the initial stretch.

He finally pushes his entire cock in, and you feel as though the air has been punched out of your lungs. Zayne fills you up so perfectly, his cock snug inside your cunt, the emptiness from earlier disappearing almost immediately.

It appears you have affected him just as much, his eyes squeezed shut as he pants into the crook of your neck, trying to get used to the wet heat of your cunt. 

“Perfect,” he mutters mindlessly, and you can feel the twitch of his cock from inside of you, “so- so perfect and warm and tight.”

A hazy smile drifts across your face, legs locking tighter around his hips as your pussy clenches around him.

Zayne lets out a ragged gasp, and you know he can feel it. His eyes bore into yours, brows pulled together in annoyance at your little tease.

“Little minx,” he hisses.

It’s you that gasping this time when he draws his hips back, nails clawing at his back as he thrusts into you. His cock is stretching you out, over and over, as he tries to press it in deeper, trying to carve a path from your pussy to your heart.

“Too- too much!” you wail, arms wrapping around his neck to cling onto him.

“Do you want the guards to hear?” Zayne murmurs against your ear, his hips slowing slightly.

Through the haze of it all, your head turns, eyes finding his. The truth is, you wouldn’t exactly be opposed to the idea. Zayne can see the flash of interest in your eyes and he lets out a hoarse laugh, shaking his head.

“I should have taken you sooner,” he mutters, his fingers squeezing at your hips, “kept you close to me from the beginning.”

You preen at the thought, pressing sloppy kisses against his jaw, feeling his cock drag in and out of you.

“Next time, I shall take you on my throne.”

Your movements pause, eyes widening as he whispers those words, his lips brushing across yours.

“Not like that-” you begin to say, cheeks flushing deeper as you imagine him taking you on his throne, his hips rutting into yours like they were now.

“Why not?” he asks, “Shall I command it? Have-” Zayne lets out a shuddering breath “have my entire court watch as my pretty, little concubine loses her mind, drunk on my cock as I claim her atop my throne?”

You moan unabashedly, cunt clenching around him tightly. Zayne grunts, his hips stuttering when at the feeling of your walls tightening before he’s gripping your thigh, his chest flush against yours as he picks up the pace. It’s no secret that the guards must have heard what was happening inside, your loud moans most likely drifting through the wood of the doors. Both you and the Emperor don’t seem to care, lost in the blur of lust that swirls between you both.

“Deeper,” you mumble, pouting up at him, “need- need you closer, Zayne.”

“You are going to be the death of me,” Zayne mutters, dropping his weight on top of you.

You mewl in delight, the feeling of his body against yours deliciously warm. He hikes your thighs up a little higher, hips pressing deeper until you gasp. You can feel his balls pressed snugly against your ass, his cock as deep inside of you as it could go.

“Take it,” he whispers, his hand beginning to stroke your hair as he moves his hips. Short, sharp thrusts that serve to bury his cock into your cunt the way you want, “take it, my love.”

My love. Skin against skin. His hand stroking your hair gently. Girthy cock filling you up perfectly.

The sensations mixed with his affection are too much, pulling at your heart uncomfortably until you let out a sniffle, staring up at him with glassy eyes.

Concern passes through his eyes when he hears you sniffle, his hand cupping your cheek as his thumb swipes away a stray tear that beads at the corner of your eye.

“Am I hurting you?” Zayne asks softly.

You shake your head, lips trembling even more at his display of concern. 

“I just like you a lot is all,” you whisper, sniffling quietly.

“I like you too,” Zayne replies in kind, his lips pressing soft kisses against your cheek, “and I take care of what’s mine.”

He leans down, lips pressing against yours in a tender kiss. Your tears wet his cheeks as he keeps you there, kissing you gently whilst his hips roll into you.

“Let go for me, my love” he murmurs, and you’re clenching around him again, feeling his hand sneak its way between your bodies as his thumb rubs against your clit.

You whimper, head pressing back as you arch your back, the sensation of his cock and his fingers driving you further and further to the edge until he latches his mouth onto your breast, catching your nipple between his teeth. He bites down and a broken moan fills the air, body shuddering as you come on his cock.

“Oh fuck,” Zayne grits out when he feels the harsh clench of your cunt around his cock.

You can feel him bury his face into your chest and you reach up weakly, running your fingers through his hair. It’s enough to have him letting out a guttural noise against your chest, his fat cock twitching as his thick cum floods your pussy.

The Emperor lays on top of you, both of your bodies loosened completely. You whimper when he pulls out of you, his cum beginning to leak out from your cunt. Zayne stares at the sight for a moment, entranced, before pulling you closer, letting you press your face into his chest as he kisses your forehead. 

“Everyone will know by now,” you whisper.

“They will,” he agrees, his fingers prying your face away from where it hides.

Zayne peers down into your eyes, a faint smile playing across his lips as he swipes his thumbs against your skin.

“Stay here with me,” he says quietly, “by my side.”

You laugh softly at his proposition.

“I am your concubine,” you murmur, reaching up to curl your hand around his wrist, “nothing more.”

“You will be more,” Zayne insists, his voice hardening,  “I will have you.”

“Your advisors would not allow it!” you protest, eyes turning glassy again.

“Desperation will make them vulnerable to acceptance,” he retorts, his body pressing closer as though to keep you tethered to him, hands tightening around your cheeks.

“I am the Emperor,” he continues, forehead pressing against yours as his eyes bore into yours, “you said it yourself. I may do as I wish, and what I wish for is for you to be by my side.”

You swallow harshly, blinking up at him when you hear the sternness of his voice. He doesn’t give you a chance to reply, kissing you desperately.

“Stay with me, my love” he whispers again, stealing kiss after kiss from you.

“Okay,” you relent, sinking into his embrace and returning his kisses just as desperately, “okay.”

The Emperor holds you close to his chest, his arms wrapped around you tightly. The heat of his body has your eyes drooping shut, his lips brushing over your forehead as he whispers sweet promises of his love.

Outside, far away from the warmth of love’s embrace, the first fall of snow has begun to drift from the sky.

[lvrgurlblobbu]

𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Untouchable - Azriel x Reader

➻❥ Part I ➻❥ Part II ➻❥ Part III ➻❥ Part IV ➻❥ Part V

➻❥ Part VI ➻❥ Part VII ➻❥ Part VIII ➻❥ Part IX ➻❥ Part X

Summary: For as long as you can remember, you have always had feelings for Azriel, your court's spymaster. But after centuries of watching him pine after your own cousin, hoping he'd eventually move on, your wish came true. He moved on-with Elain, your brother's mate's middle sister. Unable to watch him fall in love with someone else again, you flee from Velaris, from him. But things are a lot more complicated than that - more complicated than you ever imagined.

Wicked Games - Batboys x Reader

➻❥ Part I ➻❥ Part II ➻❥Part III

➻❥ Halloween Special

Summary: Desperate to pay off a debt, you decide to break into the penthouse of one of Prythian’s richest males, one rumored to make his money in a less than legal way. But after witnessing something you weren’t supposed to, you find yourself caught in a wicked game of cat and mouse with three of the most dangerous males in Prythian. (Modern AU!)

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny - Eris x Archeron!Reader

➻❥ Part I ➻❥ Part II ➻❥ Part III ➻❥ Part IV ➻❥ Part V

➻❥ Part VI

Summary: You find yourself ensnared by a sly, cunning fox. A very handsome, irritating one.

Lost in a Labyrinth - Azriel x Reader

➻❥ Part I ➻❥ Part II ➻❥ Part III Summary: Lonely and heartbroken after his near kiss with Elain, Azriel finds himself at the door to the most exclusive pleasure house in Hewn City, The Labyrinth, taking Rhysand’s cruel advice. What he expected to find was a pretty girl to warm a bed with him for a single night. But instead he finds something he never thought existed—his mate. A mate that is tangled up in something far more sinister than he could ever imagine.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

𝓞𝓷𝓮-𝓢𝓱𝓸𝓽𝓼 & 𝓡𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓼

fluff ☀︎ angst ☾ smut ♡

Request guidelines

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

𝓐𝔃𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓵

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Scared to be Happier - Azriel x Reader ☾ ♡

No Going Back - Azriel x Reader (Part I) ☾

↠ Now That We Don’t Talk (Part II) ☾

Mystique - Azriel x Reader ☀︎

Arcane - Azriel x Reader ☀︎

The Crow's Poet - Azriel x Reader ☀︎

The Shadowsinger's Secret - Azriel x Reader ☾☀︎

Birds of a Feather - Azriel x Reader (Part I) ☾

↠ We Should Stick Together (Part II) ☾

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

𝓡𝓱𝔂𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓭

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Falling Apart for You - Rhysand x Reader ☾ ☀︎

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

𝓔𝓻𝓲𝓼

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny - Eris x Reader ☾ ☀︎

Last Solstice - Eris x Reader ☾ ☀︎

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓬

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Butterfly Fly Away - Batboys x Platonic!Reader ☾ ☀︎

[lvrgurlblobbu]

His Blue-Eyed Angel

pairing: Azriel x Reader

content warnings: scars, smut - glorious smut!!

word count: 5.1k

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Story tags: @bravo-delta-eccho @tele86 @tiredsleepyhead @celestialgilb @theflowerswillbloom @fuckingsimp4azriel @quiet-because-it-is-a-secret @salvatoresister1 @imperfect0angel @stvrdustalexx @anneas11

Image owned by Velocity Visual Media.

********************

Chapter 21

Y/n POV

As I closed the door to my room, Azriel stood with his lower back leaning against my dressing table, his muscular arms crossed. 

He was here. 

He was really here. 

My heart pounded at the sight of him, and I swallowed hard, praying he would not see my hands shaking. 

Gods, he was still so sexy. 

Even after six months of being away from him, he still took my breath away. 

Why had nothing changed? 

Since I had been gone for what seemed like an eternity, I had thought my reaction to him might have been milder.  I had spent the last six months convincing myself that he may never want to see me again, that he might simply be a part of my past, never to be a part of my present or future. 

And yet, here he was…back in my life in an instant with that same sense of untamed spirit just seething below the surface.  He had the same hazel eyes that could melt me with just one look and those chiseled cheekbones resembling a God. 

My heart screamed at me to run to him as my fingers itched to touch him…to make sure he was real and not some figment of my imagination. My head, however, told me to stay put and maintain a safe distance.

I slowly crossed the room and stood several feet in front of him, my pulse beating erratically.  He fixed his magnetic eyes on me with a dark stare, sweeping me out of reality and into a wave of emotions I had not felt since the last time I saw him.  His eyes lingered on my curves before he let out a long sigh and finally spoke. “You look amazing, Y/n...”

“Thanks.” I mumbled as I stared down at my feet.  I couldn’t bring myself to look him in the eyes.  I knew if I did, I would get lost in him and to do so again would damn near destroy me. 

I sighed heavily, letting my shoulders drop., before bringing my eyes back to his.  “What did you want to talk about, Az?”

Azriel stood up straight and shoved his hands in his pockets. His eyes, filled with a mixture of guilt and raw emotion, never left mine.

“Us,“ Azriel whispered, his wings tucked tightly behind him, his hands clenched at his sides as if he were bracing himself for what he was about to say. The soft sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing him in a golden glow, but even that light couldn’t soften the tension in his face. I lifted my eyes back to his and he swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on mine.

“I owe you an explanation,” he said, his voice low but steady. “About everything. About Elain. About the way I’ve acted… the way I pushed you away.”

My expression didn’t waver as I tried to hide hurt lingering in my eyes, a wound he had inflicted and hated himself for. He drew in a breath, as if the words he was about to say required all the strength he had.

“Angel,” he began, his voice quiet but steady, “before you walked into my life a year ago, I never… I never believed I was worthy of something like this. Of you. I didn’t think someone like me deserved love, or even a chance at it.” His gaze flickered down for a moment, as if ashamed. “I didn’t do relationships. It wasn’t who I was. I thought it was easier to keep my distance, to let myself be… detached. To keep things simple. Physical. No strings.”

He took a step closer, his shadows stirring faintly around him, mirroring the turmoil he felt. “I had lovers. Many of them, over the years. But that’s all they ever were. I didn’t let them in. I didn’t… feel anything deeper. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, but I thought falling in love, letting myself be vulnerable—” His voice cracked slightly, and he looked away, his jaw tightening. “I thought it wasn’t meant for someone like me.”

“Elain,” he continued carefully, softly, like it might shatter in the air between us. “She’s… nothing more to me than a friend. She never has been. I thought—at one point—that maybe there was something there, something I could convince myself to feel because it was safe. Easy.” He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “But that wasn’t real. None of it was. It was an illusion I clung to because it kept me from looking at the truth.”

I swallowed, suddenly feeling a huge lump in my throat.  

“What changed?”

Azriel stepped closer to me and smiled softly.  “You.  You changed everything.”  

His eyes looked down as though was grounding himself for what he said next. “The truth is… I was terrified. Of you. Of how much I wanted you, how deeply you affected me. You came into my life and turned everything I thought I knew upside down. You made me feel things I didn’t think I deserved to feel. And that scared me more than anything.”

His hands clenched at his sides, as if he were holding himself back from reaching for me. “So I pushed you away. I kept my distance. And I used Elain—without realizing it at first—as a shield. But the truth is, Angel, it was never her. It’s you. It’s always been you.”

“I never saw this coming, but now that I’ve had it – I never want to let it go.  I want you and only you, Angel.  You’re all I can think about.” 

Azriel’s eyes found mine again, and this time they held a vulnerability that made my chest tighten. “You shattered every wall I built, without even trying,” he said softly. “You made me want something I never thought I could have. You made me believe that I could be more than the shadows I carry. That I could be… enough.”

 He stepped closer still, his voice dropping to a whisper, raw and full of emotion. “I love you, Angel. Not as a friend. Not as anything safe or convenient. I love you in a way that terrifies me, in a way that’s overwhelming and all-consuming and so much bigger than I ever thought love could be. I love you. And I only ever want you.”

His eyes searched my face as if afraid of what he might find there. “I need you to know the truth, because you deserve that. But you also need to know that those pieces of my past—they mean nothing to me now. They’ve never meant anything, not like this. Not like you.” He stepped closer, his voice trembling with sincerity. “You’re my mate, Angel. My only. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that to you, if you’ll let me.”

Azriel closed his eyes for a moment, as if he were gathering strength to ask his next question.  He took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. 

“Is there someone else?” His eyes searched mine, his voice barely a whisper.

Azriel let out a shaky breath, his wings trembling slightly behind him as he waited for my response, every ounce of his heart laid bare before me.

I almost choked as the tears began to pool in my eyes before streaming down my cheeks. 

“What?”  

My breath caught in my throat as he closed the distance quickly between us, but he was suddenly so close to me, I couldn’t think straight.  It felt like all the oxygen had been sucked out of the room and all I wanted was to be in his arms again, his body pressed against mine, kissing me until I couldn’t breathe.  

“I have to know,” He asked hoarsely as his hands cupped both of my cheeks, his thumbs wiping away my tears before his hands dropped back to his sides.

“Is there someone else?” 

At that point, my resolve completely obliterated.

“No, Azriel. There is no one else. I can’t love anyone else…because I’m in love with you.” I whispered as my arms fell to my sides, tears falling down my cheeks. 

Azriel wiped my tears. “Baby…please don’t cry.” he whispered  before closing his eyes, touching his forehead against mine, taking in what I had just confessed. We stood there for a few moments just breathing each other in before I got the courage to speak again.

I didn’t want to be afraid anymore. I didn’t want to believe that Azriel, of all people, would reject me. But the fear, raw and real, continued to claw at my heart, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that, one day, he might look at me—and see nothing more than the ugly scars left behind.

“Did you mean everything you just said?”

Azriel opened his eyes and gazed back at me, his face raw with emotion.

“Every. Fucking. Word.”  

He grabbed my hips and pulled me forcefully to him, slamming his mouth against mine in a bruising kiss.  Our kiss accelerated quickly, our lips slamming into each other for fear of this moment ending. My mouth responded hungrily to his and his kisses became deeper, his tongue seeking entry into my mouth…which I eagerly gave him.  As he wrapped his arms around my waist, I plunged my hands up under his shirt, feeling the muscles in his chest ripple under my hands.  He made a growling noise low in his throat as he pulled his mouth away from mine and began to kiss a trail down my neck.  

“Angel…baby” he murmured as he planted thousands of kisses on my tender skin.  “Fuck, I have missed you so much.”

His lips found mine again, his kisses becoming desperate, as if we needed each other more than air. I wrapped my hands around his neck to pull him tighter, trying to remove any space left between us.  His strong hands slid up under my shirt and caressed my back.  The heat of his palms burned my cool skin, and I arched my back into him, feeling his cock harden against me.  I inhaled sharply and felt Azriel smile against my lips, knowing full well the effect he had on me.  It was all I could do to cling to him to stop myself from completely drowning in him as tiny sparks danced across my skin.  

Desire pooled between my legs, and I moaned into his mouth as he claimed mine again and again, running his tongue along my bottom lip before gently sucking on it.  

“Azriel…” I moaned as his mouth continued to devour mine.  His familiar, masculine scent, cedar, shadows and mist, filled my senses and I began to tremble in his arms.  Not from fear or worry, but anticipation and longing. 

As he continued to kiss me, and the world seemed to fade away. His hands moved to cup my face again with a reverence that made my knees weak, as though I were something precious, something unbreakable. I let myself continue to sink into his kisses, into the warmth of his touch, the overwhelming sense of belonging he gave me.

But then, as his hands gently brushed down my sides, I froze. The memory of my scars flashed in my mind like a cruel reminder. The one on my abdomen, a trauma that I would carry for the rest of my life, I couldn’t bear to show him. I pulled away suddenly, my breath shaky, my arms wrapping protectively around myself as if to shield the parts of me I didn’t want him to see.

Azriel’s brow furrowed, his hazel eyes scanning my face with concern. “Angel? What’s wrong?” His voice was soft, as if afraid to startle me

I shook my head, my chest tightening as I struggled to find the words, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I just… I need you to see all of me,” I said, my voice trembling. “Not just the parts that are easy to love. The parts I’ve tried to hide, even from myself. I’ve spent so long feeling… ashamed of this. Of what it represents. But if I want to be with you—really be with you—I can’t hide anymore.”

Azriel exhaled slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. He cupped my face, his thumbs wiping away from my tears.

“Show me,” he whispered softly.

I stepped back, my hands shaking as they moved to the ties of my dress.

Slowly, I pulled the ties of my dress, my fingers fumbling with the fabric as my heart pounded in my chest. I slid my arms out of the sleeves and let the dress to the floor, revealing the jagged scar that stretched across the lower part of my stomach—a mark left by a battle I had barely survived.

******

Azriel POV

Azriel held his breath as her dress fell to the floor, completely naked and bare to him.

Rage rocketed through him as he took in the scar below her navel, just above her pubic bone. A cruel mark that she would never escape.

A scar made using faebane, ensuring she would never heal and would be marked forever.

A word carved into her skin.

Whore.

The fury inside made him tremble.

A wave of protectiveness, so powerful it nearly took his breath away, consumed him. No one, no one, should have ever done this to her. She was the woman he loved more than anything—more than his own life.

“Fuck, baby…” he choked as he gathered her into his embrace, holding her tight against him as she shook in his arms. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, kissing the top of her shoulder.

He pulled back, lifting her chin with his fingers, his thumb brushing over her cheek to steady himself. His hands, usually so controlled, shook as he held her face. His eyes softened for a moment, the love he felt for her shining through, but when his gaze fell again on the scar, his jaw clenched with a force that nearly cracked his teeth. He couldn’t look at it without feeling a surge of anger, a primal need to protect what was his.

Slowly, with a tenderness that contrasted the fury inside him, he sank to his knees before her and lowered his lips to the scar, pressing a kiss there. His lips lingered for a moment longer than necessary, as if he could somehow erase the pain from her body, but the truth was, he knew he couldn’t.

Azriel looked up at her, his gaze holding hers, his hands on her hips and whispered.

“You’re beautiful. Every single part of you.”

He kissed the length of the scar reverently. As he stood back up, his eyes held hers, his breath was ragged, his eyes dark with an intensity.

“The man who did this to you, whoever thought they could break you, you are strong and fierce, my beautiful mate.  I swear, I will never let anyone hurt you again. No one—no one—touches what is mine.”

His words were fierce, raw with emotion, and as he spoke, he kneeled again to kiss the scar, a slow, deliberate press of his lips, as if to mark it as his own, as if to take back the ownership that had been stolen from her.

Azriel pulled away just enough to look up at her face, his voice now softer, but no less intense. “And I will kill anyone who touches you.”

His gaze filled with a tenderness that seemed to be at odds with the intensity of violence in his promise, but she could see the truth in his eyes. The depth of his love, his protection, and his unwavering devotion. He stood and pulled her close. 

“I love you more than anything. And I’ll burn the world down before I let anyone hurt you again.  You are mine.”

She smiled softly, her eyes darting to the floor.

Gods, if she only knew how being away from her for the past six months was slowly killing him every day.  He lifted her chin back up to look him straight in the eyes.  

“Azriel - “ she started but there was nothing left to say except show her.  He silenced her, pulling her into another kiss.  Her lips were so soft and sweet that he began to feel a rush zip throughout his body.  

She slid her arms back around his neck, pulling him closer until he could feel every curve of her petite body up against him and he began to lose himself in her.  She was like a drug to him, and the more he had of her – the more he craved her.  The pull she had over him was overwhelming and in the past, it had scared him.  But after losing her for months, he was no longer scared. He wanted all of her…body, mind and soul. Her sighs and moans spurred his kisses on as her nails dug into his neck as his lips continued to caress hers.  

And the little sounds she made…fuck.  

He had not even touched her pussy yet and the smell of her arousal mixed with his own, and the taste of her lips were driving him crazy.  As her soft hands moved across his chest, her touch set fire to his skin, leaving him with a desire for her to touch every inch of him.  

He stopped long enough to pull his shirt over his head before his lips landed back on hers. He placed little kisses down her jaw to her neck and then licked the little patch of skin underneath her ear.  It was one of her most sensitive spots and as he licked it, she moaned his name.

Gods, how he loved her moans. 

He worked his way back up to her lips, eliciting a whimper from her that sent him right over the edge.  Desire flooded through him, and he slid one hand up her side cupped her breast.  He ran his thumb across her nipple and felt it harden quickly beneath his touch.  She began to tremble as he continued to kiss her and he felt her body press more into his, completely succumbing to him. 

No longer able to control himself, he slid his hand down to the front of her stomach to the apex of her thighs.  Her body’s response to his was intoxicating and his cock began to throb.  

He wanted to be inside of her.  

Now.

“Az-“

“I know, baby…” I whispered back to her, between kisses.  “I’ve got you.”  

An audible exhale escaped her lips as his fingers slid across her clit. He felt her hold on his neck tighten as he continued his caresses, increasing in pressure with each swipe.  He moved his mouth back to her neck and slowly nibbled and sucked on it. As her moans grew louder, his cock strained against his pants, and he ground it against her. 

He moved away from her clit, slid two fingers inside her and her breath caught.

“Gods baby...you’re dripping wet for me.” 

Fuck, her pussy was soaking wet.

He began to slide his fingers in and out of her.

Silky and tight

He moved his mouth back up to her lips and thrust his tongue into her mouth.  

Mine.  

He was never letting her go again and he would fucking kill anyone who ever tried to take her away from him. 

******

Y/n POV

As I rocked my hips in sync with his hand, it was almost more than I could take. 

“Angel…you are so fucking beautiful.”

Azriel began to kiss a trail down my neck to my breasts. He swirled his tongue around one of my nipples before taking it into his mouth and sucking on it with soft, little tugs. He then swirled his tongue around my nipple again, lightly bit it and pressed his soft lips to it, kissing it to soothe the slight sting of his bite. He was slowly driving me crazy, and I felt wetness trickle down the inside of my thighs as he moved from one breast to the other. 

As he kissed a trail back up to my neck, I tightened my arms around his neck and pressed my hips into his as his fingers continued to slide in and out of me. I felt his hard cock against me, and I could no longer stand his pants between us. 

I had to have Azriel now. 

I was tired of waiting. 

“I need you, Az.”

He pulled back slightly and looked at me, his breathing heavy.

“Say it again…”

I stared back into his hazel eyes, his pupils blown. I pulled him closer and whispered against his lips. 

“Make love to me, Azriel.”

He moaned and kissed me again, sliding his hands under me to grip my ass, wrapping my legs around his waist. He picked me up and carried me over to my bed, laying me down carefully. He stood up and unzipped his pants and slid them down his legs, never taking his eyes off me. His cock sprang free, and my eyes drank in every detail of his gorgeous body. The tip of his thick cock was seeping from the head and just knowing I had this effect on him and his body made me even wetter. 

He climbed over me and laid down with his arms on either side of my head. As he kissed me again, one of his hands caressed down my stomach and I arched my back into him to let him know I wanted his hand to continue roaming down my body. As he reached my pussy, he slid his fingers up and down my clit several times before sliding a finger inside of me. He groaned as he continued to kiss me while inserting another finger inside me, eliciting a whimper from me. 

He pumped his fingers in and out of me several times before moving his fingers back up to my clit, circling it with just enough pressure to make me writhe underneath him. He slid his fingers inside me again, arching them up to hit the spot he knew would soon send me over the edge. I arched my hips against his hand, seeking to satisfy the building release inside of me. Azriel groaned and then stilled his fingers inside of me, pulling back to look me in the eyes. 

“I need to taste you, baby.” His said, his voice deep and dark with desire. “Not only am I going to taste your pretty pussy, I’m going to taste every inch of you.”

Mother above, Azriel had a filthy mouth. 

He slowed the pump of his fingers as he kissed his way down my neck, breasts, and stomach. It felt like he was everywhere at once and my senses were overloaded with his scent, his tongue licking my body and his fingers curved up inside of me as they slid in and out so easily. 

I felt my orgasm begin to build as he made his way down my body. When he reached the apex of my thighs, he settled in between them and latched onto my clit, sucking it into his mouth, alternating with licks up and down. 

“Mmmm.  You taste so fucking good, Angel.”

He lapped, licked and sucked on my clit until my legs began to shake. My breathing grew heavy as I was right on the edge of my release. I closed my eyes and arched my back when he suddenly stopped and pulled his mouth away. I gasped from the sudden removal of his mouth, and I pulled up to lean back on my elbows, clearly annoyed. 

“Az!”

Azriel chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“Eyes on me, baby. No closing them. I want to watch you fall apart while I am eating this sweet pussy.”

Looking at Azriel as he feasted on me was one of the most raw, intimate things I had ever experienced in my life.  Watching him as he made me come was like baring a part of my soul that would only belong to him and no one else.  

I nodded my head as he began to suck on my clit again, alternating between lapping it with the flat part of his tongue before latching onto it. He pumped his fingers in and out of me faster and his other hand found mine, slowly intertwining our fingers together. It was almost as if he was afraid I’d disappear into thin air. I never knew just how intimate holding someone’s hand could be until now. 

With my free hand, I reached down and ran my hand through his dark wavy hair as he continued, his eyes locked on mine. When he began to moan as if he couldn’t get enough of me, the vibrations sent pulses straight to my clit and I began to shake, my orgasm building at a speeding frenzy. 

He pumped his fingers even faster and whispered.

“Let go, baby.”

Azriel latched onto my clit and sucked hard, ripping my orgasm right from me and sending me over the edge, screaming his name. I kept my eyes on his as long as I could before I became a writhing mess with my head falling back on the bed. He continued to lick me slowly, letting me ride out the pleasure as long as possible before he stopped and slowly kissed his way back up my body. 

******

Azriel POV

The sunlight illuminated the soft curves of her body, and he had never seen anything more fucking sexy than watching her come with his face between her legs. He missed her so much that he wanted to kiss and lick every inch of her body, staking his claim to her and coming inside her sweet pussy, permanently marking her as his.  

As he kissed his way back up her body, his eyes drifted over the cruel scar left behind. He pressed gentle kisses against the scar, against her skin. He let his gaze continue over taut curve of her stomach, the soft swell of her breasts, and her swollen lips from his kisses. He settled between her hips and pulled her hand, still intertwined with his, over her head.  With his free hand, he ran his thumb softly back and forth over her swollen bottom lip. 

“Angel, these past six months have been hell. I can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t fucking breathe without you. Everything is going to shit because I’m without you.”

She smiled softly, her eyes filling with tears. One slowly slid out of the corner of her eye, and he wiped it away with his thumb. 

“The way you make me feel safe, loved, and seen – even with all of these scars…I don’t even know what to say.” She whispered as she raised up to kiss him softly, tasting herself on his lips. “I love you, Azriel.”

He brushed the hair back out of her face as his beautiful eyes lovingly gaze back at her. “You just said everything I needed to hear.”

Azriel leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, his tongue swiping across her lower lip as she opened for him. Wrapping her legs around his waist, he ground his cock against her core, eliciting a mewl from her. Azriel smiled against her mouth, fully aware of what he was doing as she rocked against him, again desperately seeking that needed friction.

“Az – please,” she panted, her breathing shallow as she writhed underneath him.

He chuckled deeply, as his eyes danced with mischief. “My Angel is so greedy.”

She looked down at his cock, glistening and dripping from the tip and wrapped her hand around him, pumping his shaft with several long strokes. As her hand slid back up to the tip, she rubbed her thumb in a circle over it and slid it back down again.

And that was Azriel’s undoing.

Growling, his restraint snapped as he grabbed her hand away from his cock, intertwined his fingers with hers and pushed both of her hands above her head. He lined up the head of his cock with her entrance and pushed into her in one thrust. Her breath caught, and they both moaned as he seated himself inside her.

Fuck, she was so tight around him.

He stilled as she adjusted to the size of him, kissing and licking her neck.

“Azriel-I need –“

He brought his mouth back to hers and kissed her long and slow. “I know, baby. I know.”

He started thrusting inside her, slowly, almost pulling completely out before he slid back in again. He wanted her to feel every inch of him moving inside her. He moved his hands to her waist and wrapped them around each side, watching the outline of his cock sliding up inside her abdomen.

“Fuck, Angel – look at you.  Taking my cock so well.” He murmured, his hazel eyes darkening as he gazed down at his cock sliding in and out of her.

Her breathing became heavier as her blue eyes darkened, full of love and desire for him.

He could get lost in those eyes for the rest of his life.

He picked up his pace as thrust into her, the head of his cock dragging against the walls of her pussy, as he bent one of her knees so he could thrust deeper inside of her.

He felt her pussy tighten against him and he knew she was close. Her gasps of pleasure were music to his ears, and her body’s responsiveness to him was addicting.

As if she were made just for him.

And at that moment, he decided he could spend the rest of his life between her legs and die a happy man.

The room was filled with the soft sounds of their lovemaking, the creaking of her bed, the rustle of the sheets, and the sounds of wet flesh as his cock thrust into her.

He had dreamt of this moment for so long and it was all he could do to hold on.

“Come for me, Angel. I want to see you come all over my cock.”  He commanded as he stared down into this blue eyes.

That was all it took for her to go over the edge, screaming his name as her head tilted back, writhing underneath him. Her walls fluttered around his length as she rode wave after wave of ecstasy.

Watching her fall apart for him, he followed her over the edge, her name a whisper on his lips as he emptied himself inside of her.

As he pulled out from her and laid on his back, tucking her into his side and grazed his fingers across her lower back, he felt the weight of his devotion, the depth of his passion and the breadth of his love for her. He whispered his love to her, his voice hoarse with emotion, and her response was a soft, sweet whisper that sealed their love.

And in that moment, he knew, that she was his forever.

He was finally home.

[lvrgurlblobbu]

His Blue-Eyed Angel

pairing: Azriel x Reader

content warnings: torture, beating, captivity, depression, hopelessness, serious angst

word count: 3.4k

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Story tags: @bravo-delta-eccho @tele86 @tiredsleepyhead @celestialgilb @theflowerswillbloom @fuckingsimp4azriel @quiet-because-it-is-a-secret @salvatoresister1 @imperfect0angel @stvrdustalexx

Image owned by Velocity Visual Media

********************

Chapter 17

Y/n POV

My world was a blur of confusion and terror as I was pulled into the dark, cold space. Panic surged within me, my heart hammering as I struggled against the binds that restricted me. Every breath felt shallow, choked by the overwhelming fear gnawing at my chest.

The first blow hit, sharp and sudden, a burning sting that tore through my skin, a violent reminder that I was no longer in control. I gasped, my body instinctively flinching, but there was nowhere to run. Pain pulsed through me, each strike and each cruel movement adding to the weight of helplessness pressing down on me. It wasn’t just the physical pain that tormented me—it was the sense of being completely powerless, of being at the mercy of someone who relished in my suffering.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I couldn’t bring myself to cry out. There was a strange numbness creeping into my mind, a survival mechanism that dulled the worst of the agony. The pain still seared, but my thoughts became disjointed, my mind retreating in an attempt to shield itself from the constant assault. Yet, the darkness of my reality was undeniable. I had no idea where I was, or what my captors wanted from me—each unanswered question making my fear grow deeper.

In the moments between the torture, my mind drifted, desperate for any escape, any distraction from the overwhelming pain. But instead of finding solace, my thoughts inevitably turned to him—Azriel. His name was now a ghost in my mind, lingering in the back of my thoughts like a phantom I couldn’t escape.

Azriel.

I remembered him—not the brutal warrior I saw on the battlefield, but the way he had been before the war and before he started pushing me away. The quiet strength in his eyes, the kindness hidden beneath his sharp exterior. He had always been different from the others, a presence that was at once distant and somehow familiar. I had admired him from afar, the way he carried the weight of his past with such silent dignity. There had been a time when I thought, in some impossible way, that he could save me—that he could be the one to rescue me from the nightmare that had now become my reality.

But now, all of that felt so distant, so hopeless.

I will come for you.

But he never did.

Why?

My chest tightened with the weight of the unanswered questions, the impossible hope that had died with each passing day of my captivity. I had waited, silently, for the moment when Azriel would burst through the door, his shadows swirling around him, his voice the calm in the chaos, telling me it was over, that I was safe.

But it hadn’t come.

And now, with the cruel reminder of Elain’s rescue, that hope felt foolish, childish. The reality set in like a vise around my heart.

I was his mate.

I love you.

He had whispered.

But perhaps I was now just a shadow in his past that would never be worth saving.

My stomach twisted in despair, the thoughts spiraling downward into a dark pit.

Did he even think about me?

My body trembled as fresh tears slipped down my cheeks, the hopelessness of it all crushing my spirit. The memory of Azriel’s hazel eyes, his quiet strength, felt like a distant, unreachable fantasy.

At first, I tried not to count the days. In that dim, stinking cell—walls of rough stone and iron bars—time had become slippery. The only constants were darkness, the taste of old blood on my tongue, and the murmurs of distant voices, each more merciless than the last. Hybern’s men had kept me trapped, their cruel methods refined over decades of brutality. And no rescue had come before they left their mark upon my flesh and mind.

The scars were more than the thin white lines traced over her shoulders and wrists. Those could heal with salves, with magic, and eventually fade to faint memories on her skin. However, the cruelest marks were made, given with doses of faebane, to ensure those scars would remain forever.

The one on my abdomen, an eternal reminder of their cruelty.

Inside was another story. I no longer dreamt in colors. Sleep now brought shadows shaped like leering grins, the sound of steel dragging over stone. I woke gasping, heart pounding, disoriented and panicked. But in the quiet hours before dawn, every moan of the wind brought a hiss of a guard’s voice in my ear, every shifting shadow the approach of another torment.

They hadn’t been kind.

I hadn’t expected them to be.

They’d yanked at my wings, twisted joints until I screamed, and laughed when I begged them to stop. They starved me for days, providing only enough water to ensure I remained alive to feel the next blow, the next invasive question. They’d demanded secrets I didn’t have, forced me to repeat answers until my voice cracked and the words meant nothing. When I didn’t speak—when silence was my only defense—they pressed hot iron to my skin, delighted by the way I bit my lips bloody to hold in cries of pain. Eventually, they’d learned to savor my struggles, not for information, but for entertainment, as they each took turns in subjecting me to their own personal style of torment.

That was the worst of it: understanding I was no longer a person in their eyes, only an object whose suffering could amuse them. Over those endless nights, my sense of self had frayed. I’d once been proud, fierce in my own gentle way, but how did pride survive when reduced to sobbing and shaking at the sound of approaching footsteps?

My dignity had slipped through my fingers along with my tears, leaving only raw survival instinct and the desperate hope that someone would come.

Azriel would come.

Tarquin or Rhysand would come.

Anyone would come.

But no one had arrived in time before I was drug off the battlefield.

My body ached, but the worst of it was the crushing weight of vulnerability—how small and insignificant I felt in that moment. I tried to hold on to memories of my life before, of moments where I felt safe, where I had the control I now craved desperately. But even those memories seemed to fade, like distant, unreachable stars.

******

Azriel POV

The war was over. Hybern had been defeated, their forces scattered, and Prythian stood victorious.

Yet, for Azriel, there was no relief, no celebration.

Azriel stood at the edge of the House of Wind, staring out over Velaris as the night wind howled against his wings.

Three months.

Three long, torturous months since she had been taken.

Three months of searching, scouring every possible lead, sending his spies far and wide. And they’d found nothing.

Not a trace.

Not a whisper.

His shadows curled tightly around him, restless and agitated as they whispered in his ear—whispered nothing of use, nothing about her. He had hoped, desperately, that one of his spies would come back with something, anything, but every report brought silence.

An empty trail.

Azriel’s hand clenched around the railing so tightly the wood splintered beneath his grip. He barely noticed. His mind was lost—lost to her. Y/n. The name was a ghost in his chest, echoing through the hollow space she’d left behind.

Three months since he’d seen her on the battlefield, fighting with every ounce of strength she had, her wings flaring defiantly as she told him to go, to save Elain. Three months since he’d felt the bond snap for her and seen the confusion and love in her tear-filled eyes as she whispered, You’re my mate. And the last words he’d told her…

“I love you. I’ll come back for you.”

A promise that now mocked him.

Azriel exhaled a shuddering breath, his head falling forward, his wings drooping under the weight of it all. He had fought wars, spilled blood, ended countless lives, faced horrors that would break lesser males—but nothing had prepared him for this.

For losing her.

For three months, he’d led the search personally. Every waking moment was spent hunting for her. He combed through every camp, every hideout Hybern’s soldiers had fled to after the war. His spies followed every lead, but they all ended in nothing but cold trails and dead silence. As though she had vanished from the earth entirely.

The bond in his chest still pulsed faintly, like a flicker of a candle nearly snuffed out. It was there, a cruel reminder that she was alive—somewhere. But it was so faint now, so fragile, he feared it would disappear at any moment. And then he would know. He would know she was gone.

He sank down onto the edge of the balcony, his hands running through his hair as he tried to breathe, to steady himself against the tide of grief that threatened to pull him under.

“I didn’t get to kiss her again,” he whispered brokenly to the shadows that curled at his feet. “I didn’t get to—” His voice caught, and he dropped his head into his hands, his shoulders trembling. “I never got to hold her. To touch her the way I wanted to. To… love her the way she deserved.”

He had tried to connect with her every day since the war had ended, had poured everything he had into that fragile thread that tied them together. But there was no response.

He could still see her in his mind’s eye—the way her black feathered wings spread wide with such beauty and strength, the way her eyes, deep as the ocean, had looked at him with love even as she was surrounded.

Why did I leave?

He had told himself he didn’t have a choice. That she had made the call. But it wasn’t enough to ease the torment in his mind—the gnawing despair that he had left his mate to be taken, to be broken, to be tortured.

“She’s gone,” he whispered hoarsely to no one, to the night, to the stars that offered no solace. “She’s gone, and I’ll never—” His throat closed, a single tear slipping down his face as he gripped his knees tightly.

Never hold her. Never feel her warmth against him. Never run his fingers through her midnight hair or kiss the sadness from her lips. He would never get to take her flying over the Sidra, never get to tell her just how deeply, how irrevocably he loved her.

Three months of silence, of failure, of waiting for a truth he couldn’t face.

“Please,” he murmured aloud, his voice raw, his hazel eyes staring into the night as though he could find her there. He closed his eyes, focusing all his energy on the bond, tugging at it gently, trying to send her something—anything.

Y/n, he called through their connection, his shadows curling around him in frustration and despair.

Talk to me.

Please.

The shadows whispered restlessly around him, unsettled and agitated, as though they, too, could feel the truth of what was happening.

The bond.

The fragile thread in his chest pulsed faintly—so faint it might’ve been a ghost. A cruel trick of his own mind. For three months, he had felt it weakening, fraying at the edges. She was still alive. He clung to that truth, that faint hum. She is alive. But it wasn’t enough.

Because there were moments—terrible, shattering moments—when the bond screamed.

Azriel’s head snapped up suddenly, his breath halting in his throat as the sensation hit him like a physical blow.

Pain.

Agony.

It tore through him, scorching every nerve, leaving him doubled over as though he’d been struck with a blade.

He clutched his chest, his heart hammering as the feelings bled through the bond, unrelenting.

Fear—so potent it made his own blood run cold.

Desperation—like hands clawing at a prison that wouldn’t break.

Pain—sharp, bright flashes, as though steel had been dragged across skin.

And through it all, the silent scream.

Her silent scream.

“Y/n,” he whispered, his voice hoarse, desperate, as though she could hear him. “Angel…”

She wasn’t doing it on purpose. He knew that. She didn’t even realize what she was sending down the bond.

It had started shortly after she’d been taken—those flashes of raw agony that would break through the silence of the bond like lightning through a storm. At first, they had been faint, just the barest flicker of something—of her. But as the months wore on, as Hybern’s remnants worked to break her, the bond had become a lifeline of its own, even as it sent him to his knees.

The bond pulsed again, sending another sharp wave of fear and unbearable pain, and Azriel gasped, his wings snapping out behind him as he fought to breathe through it.

“Baby,” he whispered, closing his eyes tightly, trying to steady himself. “Hold on. Just hold on.”

There were no words in response—no whispers from her side of the bond. She had never sent anything willingly. This… this was her body, her mind betraying her, the terror bleeding through to him against her will.

Azriel pressed a hand to his chest, where the bond still flickered faintly, like a dying candle in the dark. It wasn’t fair.

The Mother, the Cauldron—it wasn’t fair to give him a mate, to bind them together so deeply, only to tear her away before he ever had the chance to love her the way he was meant to.

But he could feel her, even now. The way her fear trembled against the bond, as though she was trapped in a nightmare she couldn’t wake from.

His teeth clenched, his shadows spiraling wildly around him in response to his fury. He could do nothing. For months, he had searched, sent his spies, combed through every whisper of Hybern’s remnants. And yet she was still there. Still in their hands.

And every time he felt her pain, felt her terror, it killed him all over again.

“Hold on, angel,” he whispered, the words raw, his voice breaking as he stared down at his trembling hands. “I will find you.”

He didn’t know if she could hear him. He doubted it. But still, he sent those words down the bond like a prayer—like a promise.

The bond trembled, faint and fragile once more, the storm of agony fading into a haunting silence. Azriel slumped back against the wall, his chest heaving, his body shaking from the force of it all.

She was slowly dying.

He buried his face in his hands, his entire body trembling with the weight of his emotions. He could feel the agony that was breaking her piece by piece. The thought of her being tortured, of her suffering alone, was a torment he couldn’t escape.

“Angel,” he whispered again, his voice breaking as he pressed his hand to his chest, where the bond pulsed faintly beneath his ribs. He could feel the distance between them, the fragile thread connecting them stretched so thin it felt as though it might snap at any moment.

His shadows swirled restlessly around him, reflecting the chaos in his heart.

He didn’t deserve her—he had told himself that over and over.

But Gods, he couldn’t lose her.

Not like this.

The thought of her dying alone, her last moments filled with pain and suffering, was more than he could bear.

He had thought the war was the hardest thing he would face, but this—this slow, agonizing loss—was worse. The silence through the bond, the absence of her presence, the knowledge that she was still alive but beyond his reach, was a torment that consumed him.

Azriel leaned forward, his wings curling around him as he let out a shaky breath. The stars above blurred as tears filled his eyes, the weight of his failure pressing down on him like a crushing tide.

He had left her behind.

He had made the choice that haunted him every moment since, and now she was paying the price for it.

Azriel leaned back against the cold stone wall, staring up at the star-flecked sky with hollow, haunted eyes. The world around him was silent, still—so at odds with the war raging in his heart.

And Azriel let himself cry—quiet, broken sobs that echoed through the night.

Because he knew, deep down, that he was losing her. That the bond would soon flicker out. And when it did, he would feel it—feel the moment she was gone forever.

That was the thought that shattered him completely.

And as he sat there in the dark, sobbing, clutching at the bond he feared would slip away entirely, he made a silent vow.

He would find her.

No matter how long it took, no matter how much blood he spilled to do it. He would find her and destroy every single soul who had dared to harm her.

Because every ounce of pain he had felt through the bond—the fear, the torture—he would repay a thousandfold.

And when he held her again, when he pulled her into his arms, he would tell her—tell her that she had never been alone, not for a single heartbeat.

Because even across the vast, empty silence, Azriel had been there.

And he always would be.

******

Y/n POV

The days bled into one another in a haze of exhaustion and despair.

Three months.

Three long months of silence, of waiting, of aching for something I couldn’t have.

It felt as though time had stopped, as though I had entered a place where nothing, but torment existed. Desperation set in, my mind cycling between thoughts of escape, of somehow fighting back, and the sickening realization that I was alone.

The scent of damp stone filled my nose, and the flickering light from the small torch in the corner did little to soothe the cold in my bones. But the deepest chill came from within, from the gnawing emptiness in my chest.

I was his mate.

The bond between us should have been enough, but it hadn’t been. It was like I no longer existed in his world. In the three months since I had been taken, I hadn’t hadn’t felt his presence the way I once had when the bond snapped for me…so strong, so real, so undeniable.

Perhaps it was the faebane.

Or worse, he had moved on.

But even in the silence, a part of me still longed for him. The bond tugged at me, subtle but undeniable, pulling my thoughts to him in the dead of night when I couldn’t sleep. I could still remember the way his touch felt, how his eyes would soften when he looked at me, how his lips felt when he kissed me that night in the alley at Rita's.

I could still feel the warmth of his presence, as though he were just beyond the reach of my fingertips, and the ache to have him near me again gnawed at me relentlessly.

The fear grew, not just for the pain, but for the terror of what might come next, of the uncertainty stretching out before me in a never-ending void. Would it ever end? Or was this my life now? I couldn’t tell. All I knew was that I couldn’t escape, and the torment felt like it would never cease.

The bond, that maddening pull, kept me tethered to him even as my mind screamed at me to let go. Every day, every hour in this dark prison was a reminder of my helplessness, of how little control I had over the one thing that mattered most.

I’d thought I could fight it. With hopelessness growing more and more each day, I thought I could erase the memories of him. But with every passing day, it only grew stronger, as if my soul itself was tethered to his. It didn’t matter that he had saved her and not come back for me. It didn’t matter that Elain was now the one he would protect, the one who had his care and his attention.

I would never stop longing for him.

[lvrgurlblobbu]

His Blue-Eyed Angel

pairing: Azriel x Reader

content warnings: none yet, but they are coming in subsequent chapters!

word count: 1.4k

story tags: if you want to be tagged, leave me a comment!

This is a slow-burn, angst filled story! So buckle up and hang on for the ride! Thank you for reading my dive back into writing fanfiction!

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For all the girls who have been told you are too different and too weak, always remember you have everything you need inside of YOU and you are stronger than you know!

You are enough!

Chapter 1

Azriel POV

The missive arrived at dawn, delivered by a pair of Summer Court guards who greeted the House of Wind’s wards with nervous smiles and relieved sighs when it was received without incident. The guards from the Summer Court handed over a slender roll of parchment sealed with wax that bore the familiar crest of a seashell twined with vines of coral. Rhysand stood at one of the balconies as he cracked open the seal, his violet eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he read the elegant script. The morning light caught the silver accents in his tunic, and the wind ruffled his dark hair, but he paid neither any mind.

Azriel lingered just behind him, half in shadow. He noted every flicker of emotion that danced across Rhysand’s face—slight tension in the jaw, a thoughtful crease between the brows, a subtle shift in posture. Not displeasure, Azriel decided. More like careful consideration. Whatever was in that letter, it had piqued the High Lord’s curiosity.

Azriel moved to stand at his shoulder, reading over his friend’s arm. He noticed immediately how few details had been included. There was no mention of why Tarquin had requested their presence, no explicit reason for this sudden summons. Instead, the High Lord of Summer had written in polite, measured phrases—couched in formality and courtesy—but the essence was elusive. Tarquin asked for Rhysand’s “counsel” and his “company,” hinting vaguely at a matter of some sensitivity, a topic “pertaining to connections long misunderstood.”

The letter itself felt more like an invitation to a private conversation than a formal diplomatic gathering. No agenda was outlined, no negotiation topics listed, not even a hint of trade routes or mutual enemies. In fact, very little addressed the broader alliance between their courts at all. Instead, Tarquin’s words circled around the mystery he wished Rhysand to solve. It was an artfully arranged puzzle, each line carrying a quiet promise: come, learn what has been hidden, what might redefine all that you think you know.

Yet Tarquin never said what that secret was. He didn’t explain why now, after all this time, he was willing to peel back this layer of secrecy. It was only in the final line that Tarquin’s meaning became something Rhysand could almost grasp: “In your presence and hers, truths may finally step into the light.”

Azriel studied his friend’s face, searching for any sign of distress. Instead, he found curiosity, guarded hope, and wariness. “How do you feel about going?” Azriel asked gently.

Rhysand turned back to the view of Velaris below: the spires and terraces, shops opening their doors to the morning’s first customers, the Sidra glinting in the rising sun. “I don’t know yet,” he said quietly. “I must be careful.”

Azriel’s wings rustled, a subtle shift that conveyed understanding. Caution was wise. Still, Azriel could sense Rhysand’s intrigue. He, too, felt a stirring of curiosity. 

“Do you trust Tarquin?” Azriel asked.

Rhysand sighed, not taking his eyes off the shimmering city. “He’s a proud High Lord, one who wants to do right by his people. We’ve had our differences, but I believe he respects me—respects what we’ve built here. I trust his intentions enough to find out what he wants.”

“And if it’s a trap?” Azriel’s voice was mild, but his hazel eyes were cool and sharp.

Rhysand inclined his head, a dark smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I doubt it,” he said. “But if it is, we’ll be prepared. That’s why I want you there, Az. Your shadows have a way of seeing what others miss.”

Azriel nodded once, accepting that charge. “When do we leave?”

Rhysand folded the parchment with careful fingers. “I’ll send a reply that we will come in three days’ time. That gives me a moment to inform Feyre, let her decide if she wishes to join us or remain here. But for this initial meeting, it might be best if it’s just me and you.”

Azriel dipped his head in agreement. “I’ll be ready.”

Azriel felt Rhysand’s tension increase as he read that last line. They exchanged a glance, and Rhysand’s brow furrowed. There was no denying the note’s courtesy, but its omissions were glaring. The High Lord of Night flicked his fingers in silent frustration, and Azriel understood his meaning at once: they were being invited into something unknown—perhaps delicate, perhaps dangerous. And the vagueness was intentional, forcing them to come to Summer if they wished to learn anything at all.

In the early morning hush of Velaris, with the dawn just breaking across the Sidra, they stood there a moment longer in companionable silence, the rolled parchment in Rhysand’s hand, knowing that the answers they sought would not be found in these few polite lines. They would have to go to Summer to discover what Tarquin truly wanted—and what secrets lay behind his carefully chosen words.

3 days later…

They chose a quiet, windswept terrace high atop the House of Wind as the place to winnow from. The morning sky blushed faintly with pink and gold, the hush of the early hour wrapping Velaris in soft silence. Rhysand and Azriel stood side by side, the brisk mountain air tugging at their hair and the edges of their cloaks.

Azriel could feel the taut energy humming through Rhysand—keen anticipation tempered by wariness. This would not be a show of strength or pageantry. It was a journey into unknown territory, a meeting built on secrets and hints rather than clear truths. Still, Rhysand’s posture remained confident and poised, his violet eyes steady as they fixed on a point in the distance only he could see.

Azriel took a breath, readying himself. Winnowing was second nature by now—a single blink, a gathering of night and shadow, and then the world would shift. No matter how many times he did it, there was always that brief, disorienting pull, as if reality blurred and stretched like ink swirling in water. But he trusted Rhysand’s ability to guide them both, to weave their powers together and reemerge exactly where they intended.

Rhysand offered him a faint, reassuring smile. “Ready?”

Azriel merely inclined his head. Words were unnecessary between them at a moment like this.

With a subtle shift of magic, Rhysand reached out, as though cupping the very night sky in his palm. Azriel’s shadows flattened and stretched, wrapping them both in a whisper of darkness. The terrace, the fresh mountain air, the distant murmur of Velaris below—they all fell away in an instant, like slipping out of a familiar dream.

Time folded. Space bent. A heartbeat passed, maybe less, and then the world settled again.

They stood on a patterned marble courtyard bathed in golden sunlight. Salt-tinged air drifted around them, warm and humid, carrying the distant cries of gulls and the gentle hush of waves rolling onto shore. The stone beneath their boots gleamed with the Summer Court’s signature warmth, and lush greenery framed the path ahead, leaves shimmering with tiny prisms of light.

Azriel adjusted to the sudden brightness and warmth. Only a moment ago they had been amid Velaris’s cool dawn. Now the day was brighter, the atmosphere heavier with the scents of citrus and brine. This was Tarquin’s domain—familiar in its own way, yet each visit offered something slightly different, as though the Summer Court’s beauty changed with the shifting tides.

Rhysand drew himself to his full height, his demeanor that of a High Lord who had come by invitation but would take nothing for granted. Azriel let his wings relax, but he remained vigilant, his senses attuned to every soft footstep or change in the breeze. They had left one home behind to step into another’s territory. There would be courtesies, discussions, revelations. And beneath it all, the unspoken question of what waited for them in these sunlit halls.

A pair of Summer Court sentinels approached, cautious but polite, their spears angled low in a gesture of greeting rather than threat. Rhysand inclined his head in acknowledgment, and Azriel noted how the guards seemed relieved to have their arrival proceed without incident. After all, High Lords did not always travel so peacefully into one another’s realms.

As they followed the sentinels toward the palace’s open corridors and glittering chambers, the hush of the morning terrace in Velaris already felt like a memory, a point on a distant shore. The path ahead was bright, uncertain, and filled with the secrets that had drawn them here.

Chapter 2