#/ stefan ivanov / threads

[noblehcart]

❛ i do not want to belong to someone else. ❜ - also the non-arranged-marriage au 

@myhiraeth

"Then we'll have to change that. Maybe I can find a way to convince your father somehow into letting you have your choice. I'm sure I could reason with him."

He would not be doing such a thing.

Perhaps it was manipulative or selfish or maybe even brilliant. She loved him and he loved her. At least that is what it felt like. What he wanted to believe when she said 'belong' and he thought he heard in between that she wanted to belong to him. With him. And he couldn't imagine his future life without her in it. Without that sparkle in her eyes, the soft touch of her fingertips on his skin and warmth of her words that made him feel things he hadn't felt.

No.

She needed to be his and he'd make sure that bastard Carter London gave her to him. She would forgive him later or at least he hoped as much. But for now he had to continue laying the groundwork to winning her hand from her father. It was better to set the board, raise the stakes, perhaps infuriate him a little bit as the strange man who was giving his daughter dreams of grandeur so that the deranged man would in desperation give her to the highest bidder with enough power to keep him in place.

And once he was in place then he could freely leave with his future wife, arm in arm, to live out the rest of their lives in peace and comfort.

"He's your father- he has to have some compassion for his daughter. He couldn't possibly follow through what you think he's doing. No man is that cruel."

And yet he knew that Mr. London was that and more. He had enough eyes and ears to know what it was that the London women endured now. He would be stealing Cerci London from her father's roof one way or another and he'd make damn well sure that Carter handed her over in the perfect state that she was in just so he could make her father grovel on his knees in return.

After all, it only seemed fair and Stefan Ivanov could sometimes be a fair man.

[myhiraeth]

@noblehcart con't from [ this ] Stefan & Cerci under the cut not because it's smutty but because it's emo and to Cerci thats basically nsfw xD

Her entire body felt electrified, on fire, the tingling feeling when your limbs fall asleep- right before it turns to pain when it's just a strange, delightful tingle that overtook all other feeling in your nerve endings. No room for anything other than the sensation of every piece of skin and how alive it felt.

Sex had always been something to be thought of with apprehension, alarm, and unease. Something to be taken. Not by her, but from her. Something to appease. To please. To placate.

Even once she'd freed herself from the iron chains of her father's control, it had never occurred to her that sex could be anything but those things, and thus she'd avoided it. It hadn't been difficult; she avoided all thoughts or inclinations toward affection, believing in her heart, her very soul, that love was nothing more than a fallacy, created as a band-aid to abuse.

Then Stefan happened.

Now she couldn't imagine life without him. Without this love, this feeling, this absolute consuming need for him. Need not just for his skin, his lips, but the simplicity of his touch, the understanding in his gaze, the pleasure in his smile.

He pulled her against him, a reward for her question ( or at least in her own mind ), and she audibly purred as his lips trailed through her hair down to her lips. " Yes. Now, and an hour from now, and an hour from then, and every other moment I can steal from you. " She laughed softly against his lips.

later. whatever you want. all the time. how are you. She loves him so much in this she thinks she may die from it. She's not made for this level of emotion. Her body surely can't handle it. She presses against him, smiling up at him as she tips her face toward his hand. " I'm feeling... too much. But in the best way. Ways I hope to one day be able to convey to you. "

[noblehcart]

"I cannot imagine that you're familiar with it." Penn- that tiny almost hamlet of nobodies and nothing. There was barely a boy's rugby team in the area. He couldn't imagine a woman like Katherine Pierce- all fire, wit and seduction would ever find herself aware of it. He had loved its soft remoteness. The peace and small cottage village sense that evocated safety; a time in his life where all was good and safe till it wasn't.

"Are you close with your parents?" He asked as memories of Penn and his mother lingered and he was curious about hers. Family was a complex topic for him and something about her seemed to make him think that she was just the same about hers.

"Mmmm it's a blessing and a curse." She purred, fixing him with the most adorable look she could muster, and she can muster a LOT of adorable...

"Penn. It sounds familiar." Katherine stated with a shrug and thoughtful look. Shes been all over Europe, all over the world even, its kind of a side effect of being on the run. Oddly? Little towns were her favourite. They remind her of home.

"Your question, isn't it?" She hummed, leaving her assessment of his home town at that.

[noblehcart]

"So which one of you ivanoff brothers is the smart one and which one is the good looking one?"

She wants to start an argument i see.

@malka-lisitsa

" I think that much is obvious, Miss Katherine. I'm the one who managed to snag all of our father's looks and charm. Stefan got a bit shorted in that department."

Stefan's jaw sawing slightly before a scoff follows with a tense remark. "-tch- Which is fine by me because I have 'my' mother's brains. I'd rather have intelligence than looks. Dominic is free to have all of that shallow aspect."

[noblehcart]

open

" i need a drink- so i'm not what's considered good company at the moment. "

[noblehcart]

@malka-lisitsa cont.

"Mistle-?" The tall figure glanced up to where the greenery dangled above them unknowing of what it exactly had entitled him to do. Or rather consider doing. Blue eyes stared at it momentarily, shock and surprise freezing him before turning to her. His mouth tugging upward a fraction before smoothing into a proper, polite and contained smile.

Clearing his throat he spoke up at her teasing. "I wouldn't be so forward to ask yet, Katherine. I try not to be too forward with beautiful women gracing me with their company as it were. Even if the 'tradition' is...tempting."

[noblehcart]

and the ANGEL smiles at him in a way he hadn't expected. he hated how the heart in his chest rebelled against the logician that was his mind.

"distractions can be merciful sometimes." he didn't know where the words came from or who spoke them as it seemed his mind also rebelled. there was some truth however in his words so he supposed it wasn't entirely a lie. in the army there were times he was grateful for the distractions that were his brothers-in-arms or the rare book he'd have time to read and escape the difficult times.

he wondered what struggles she must have had to throw herself so heartily into dancing. the question sat far back on his tongue so he swallowed it down- it wasn't his place. they didn't know one another.

-but he had seen her on stage many a time now. and he saw her hurry down the hall before with another girl who called out to her.

"a girl in your company called your name-" he answered gently as the edge of concern that less than honorable intentions settled. shaking his head he offered a pensive almost smile, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "i believe you two were leaving after a performance last month."

a part of him wanted to reach for his pocket watch and claim an excuse of time to simply leave the necklace with her. he didn't know why he was wasting her time and his. but he was and he couldn't drag his feet away- not when she agreed so kindly. not when she expressed how grateful she was for a simple action.

"i completely understand. i have something quite irreplicable myself." was the quiet remark and he stepped closer then hesitated. blue eyes remained fixed on her then dared to dip to her neck briefly then up again to her eyes as he asked permission to step closer. "may i?"

the longer she looks at the general, the more her anxieties ebb away. he wasn't quite so intimidating as the other girls had said he was; in fact, in many regards she finds his stern features handsome. it's a girlish notion, one she keeps locked away for now, but something she will surely tell meg upon the morrow.

she smiles faintly when he speaks again, christine shyly glancing away. they had gotten so close in a matter of mere moments, and like this, she sees much more than the initial blur originally presented to her.

❝ yes...❞ she agrees softly, her stomach twisting strangely. she swallows. ❝ and even then i am thankful for dancing — as... distracting as it is. ❞ and were she not distracted right now? christine almost thinks to pinch herself. what on earth was she doing?

he is far too kind, far too wonderful compared to the other patrons. they gawk at the ballet girls instead of speaking to them; their eyes carve a crude path, lingering far too long during performances and rehearsals. the memory of the sensation alone is enough to temporarily draw her out of this moment: was she safe? but she sees him as her gaze draws back up, and at once the unpleasantries vanish from her mind's eye. he wanted to help her. she cannot hide the look of surprise and utter delight that takes over her features.

she can feel the heat creeping up her neck.

❝ how do you know my name? ❞ christine blurts out at once, rather than answering to his generous offer. then she immediately knows the answer to her own question, and she gives a rueful sigh. ❝ oh, i do suppose madame uses it quite a bit these days... forgive me, it is not often i am spoken to instead of reprimanded. ❞

she tries not to recall it, though the ballet mistress' voice rings out all the same in her head: christine daaé! concentrate, girl!

christine's hands wring together at her front. she does not fully meet the general's eyes at first, far too worried to, but something within compels her to look. her heart quickens in her chest just so at what she finds. she gives another nervous smile.

❝ i... would very much appreciate your assistance, monsieur. ❞ the words leave her before she has time to reconsider them. propriety dictates that she retrieve her necklace and leave, but that wasn't what she wanted. it's a whim she feels she will otherwise never see fulfilled. not unless it was in a dream, in any case. at last, her cheeks color pink.

❝ i wouldn't know what to do if i lost that. it is something i could never replace... truly, you have all my thanks. ❞

[noblehcart]

@swede

"a trade might buy its forgiveness." the words spoken evenly breaking through the whistling and whipping of the angry tree as its branches shook and raged. raged at the injustice. raged at the petite girl who looked horrified with herself as apology after apology fell from pink lips bitten in anxiety. she was absolutely lovely.

flush with life.

with that glow of humanity that named her distinct from her surroundings. how ever did a human manage her way this deep into unseelie territory? especially one so pretty. really it was more of a miracle that one so pretty was still so intact after a journey of this depth.

"give it something of yours since you stole something of theirs." the crackle of leaves and the snap of a branch echoed under his feet. the tree's flustering now shifted deathly still. "fair is fair, my lady. what do you have to offer for your sin?"

[noblehcart]

@firstsorrow (stefan & christine)

"Mademoiselle Daae?" The fine chain of silver felt cool against his skin as curious eyes settled on the retreating form of the dancer. Paris had been lovely thus far for a new settlement to start a life and enjoy the pension he received on behalf of his service to Russia under Tsar Alexander II. He didn't have vices and stayed far from the red district and their tenements much to the chagrin of his comrades who would visit and ask after the area. Libraries, cafes and the opera was where he spent his time though the latter had been a more recent development. He found himself forgetting much of the world watching the performances though he never cared much for the music in particular.

But there was a girl...

A brief moment in passing during the daylight hours as he sought to secure a box. She had floated through the foyer like a feather; light, airy and soft. It didn't take much questioning to discover her name and recall the twist of her features and form in pirouettes. For a moment he had scoffed at himself. He was an accomplished general in the Imperial Army- he shouldn't be turned by a ballet girl and yet... polished boots quickly strode across the marble flooring before his stiff frame swept into a slight bend to snatch up the necklace. Simple, silver and bearing a cross. Fingers briefly rubbed the chain over tips before he righted himself and called out to her taking a step closer, but stopping at the base of the stairs.

His throat cleared as stoic tone settled in. " "Mademoiselle Daae? I believe this belongs to you? If I'm not mistaken?"

[noblehcart]

she gonna "ah fuck it" to grumpy stefan for fun

Send “ah, fuck it” to shove my muse up against a wall for a surprise kiss 👀 @malka-lisitsa

"Miss Pier- " Was all he had managed out in the moment he caught the glimmer in her eye after walking together. He wasn't sure what to make of that look exactly though he had his suspicions; what he wasn't expecting was the rough shove nor the force behind it for such a petite woman. The kiss however had instinctively brought his hand to hip and curve of hers as he returned what was given.

She was undoubtedly....intoxicating.

It happened unthinkingly as pressed back against her, fingers grasping as he hooked his leg between hers and shifted weight so positions reversed. Leaning in one hand released hold to lean against the wall and the shift in position finally cleared his mind for a brief moment. The window dizzyingly small, but he managed to pull out of the searing kiss with which his other hand had managed to curl into her hair and released. Staggering a step back he tried to catch his breath and remember himself. "You...are full of surprises, Miss Pierce."

[noblehcart]

"i'm an independent contractor- private security of a specialized nature." private security was a lucrative business. especially with his skillset from british special forces for the 'discerning' client or target as it were right now. jaw sawed slightly however at the fact that he'd have a partner. especially considering that it was his company and as far as he knew that his company didn't partner with other 'agencies'. it left too many open variables and chances. with that- who was she?

"my company doesn't partner with others." he said simply looking again through his binoculars, reassured by the gun at his hip. "so unless one of my company partners hired others without my consent, you're not supposed to be here. where are you from, miss-?"

" Доброе утро тебе тоже. " good morning to you too. the widow responds as she leans against a concrete pillar of the roof. she couldn't deny that she is impressed with his senses, not many could see her or other widows creeping up. " you must be the person that assigned to this mission with me. found the target yet? " she questions with a slight tilt of her head. " let's just say i'm from...another agency. one you probably haven't heard of. "

natasha isn't so sure of the fact, considering the male knew her native tongue...but now adays, a lot of people knew the language. she wouldn't assume or suspect him any less. she wouldn't put down her guard. " where are you from? or are you what they call...an independent consultant? "

[noblehcart]

@myhiraeth

"buongiorno, amore." a baggie was set on the breakfast table where she sat, a kiss pressed to her cheek, jaw then neck as he drank in the sight of his wife. finally the title had been set in writing officially, the rings exchanged and they were enjoying the balcony of their suite in italy for the time being.

"i brought a little breakfast to hold you over. thought you might need something for energy after last night."

[noblehcart]

@lordofthestrix SC

"remind me- why did i agree to this?" because he didn't know why on earth he agreed to get into a vehicle with tristan de martel. his only reasoning was to give the man a chance as his sister had begged of him, but his sister had begged of him for less and for more and he hadn't acquiesced. so why now?

[noblehcart]

"I've never met your sister. You are welcome to adopt another child all you want I'm not mother material, ask mine. Doesn't mean I'll stop you from parenting your own. I am a brat, so while your meticulousness isn't a deal breaker, I will sometimes whine about it. ESPECIALLY if its inconveniencing me at the time. I can do that cute thing where I sit on your back while you do push ups if you count that. I CAN cook for you but I'm not sure if your kitchen would survive it. And last but not least- you're not the only one with issues revolving around PTSD, my patience depends on the day and the trigger, Grumpy Stefan."

@malka-lisitsa

"-and do you know why it is you haven't met my sister? I heard from sources about your vocal distain for a girl named 'Elena'. Said resources of mine thanks to my work internationally told me a bit about this girl and well...What is it the youth are saying? 'Coded'? My sister shares a lot in common with Miss Gilbert so you can imagine my concern."

He shakes his head at her then goes on. "I've mentioned before that I am a 'gentleman' i don't generally 'fling' with people. Stunningly beautiful, clever and charming as you are it would seem that our interests aren't the same. I'd drive you mad as would you to me. Is that really what you want?"

Fingers reach to gently brush back a strand of her hair. "I don't like distracting fireworks, Katherine, I prefer the warmth of a fireplace."

[noblehcart]

"More like a sister who used every guilt card within her deck to force a shallow attempt at something resembling civility. I see why its always failed before." Stefan remarked coolly at the remark of a boulder's dexterity. There was a fleeting moment where he considered leaping out of the car and rolling into the street. It wasn't the first time he had done it and he doubted that this would even be the last, but he was rather fond of the leather jacket he wore. The pavement wouldn't be very forgiving to it. So he remained sitting beside the other figure listening vaguely and wishing he had been a better brother earlier on so he wouldn't be put into this position.

"You're far too magnanimous." Was the scoffed remark on the venue selection. "You should be glad I am her brother and not any one of my other friends, otherwise you'd find yourself knee deep in a pub with lager stains on those italian shoes. Florence, I'm assuming? The leather work speaks for itself."

His hand brushed through golden-brown strands as he scowled at the reflection of the window. "Knowing my sister, this isn't a punishment due to offense, its just her being sadistic if I had any guess."

"I could only venture an educated guess. But your sister appears to know you quite well. I dare to deduce it had to do with her savvy managing to sneak its way into subduing the stark defenses of a sibling gifted with all the emotional dexterity of a boulder." Tristan's gaze leisurely abandoned the gales of passing silhouettes that formed the city through the window. "Lighten your mood, Stefan. I was perfectly accommodating in inviting you to choose the venue for the occasion. That should placate some of your discomfort concerning what I suspect is a desperate demand for organized structure. And if nothing else, we can at least theorize which of us offended Liesel so greatly as to inspire her to arrange this outing."

[noblehcart]

For, Stefan Ivanov With love, Cerci London

@myhiraeth

"my starlight, my zolotse." he chuckled almost breathless with the undeniable proof that he already knew in his heart. a foreign saying he never thought would be true and yet here they were and here he was ready to fall to his knees for the love of his life. however, did such a small woman turn his head this way?

"habibi, you know that was entirely unnecessary. i don't need a bingo card to tell me this much about about you. about us." fingers gently brush through her hair. "and i'd never make you take a hike you don't want to attend though the wit i'm afraid you cannot see in yourself. your mind is one of my favorite aspects about you."