#❥┊ ❝ I feel at peace with you. Your presence is gentle and makes me feel safe ♡ ❞ ⁃ Theo x Eirika

[moonxknightx]

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ : IN THE COMFORT OF HIS EMBRACE : :;

╰┈➤ ❝ [PAIRING] ❞ Logan Howlett x F!Reader

・❥・GENRE: Fluff

 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆FANDOM: X-Men

ੈ✩‧₊˚ WARNINGS: None!

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥SUMMARY: Unable to sleep, you seek comfort in Logan's bed. He welcomes you warmly, and his steady presence and gentle conversation help you relax, allowing you to finally drift off to sleep.

THE MOONLIGHT FILTERED THROUGH THE CURTAINS, CASTING A GENTLE GLOW ACROSS THE ROOM. The clock on the nightstand ticked softly, each second stretching into eternity as you lay in bed, restless and wide awake. No matter how many times you shifted or how many deep breaths you took, sleep eluded you. Frustration mingled with the quiet night, making the shadows on the walls seem even darker.

Finally, you couldn’t stand it any longer. You slipped out of bed with deliberate care, not wanting to disturb the quiet of the house. The hallway was dimly lit, and you moved quietly towards Logan’s room. As you reached his door, you hesitated, your hand hovering over the knob. The idea of waking him up felt like an intrusion, but your need for comfort was stronger.

Taking a deep breath, you knocked gently before pushing the door open just enough to peek inside. Logan’s room was sparsely decorated, but it exuded a comforting, lived-in warmth. His silhouette was barely visible under the covers, his breathing slow and even.

“Logan,” you whispered, trying to sound calm despite the knot of anxiety in your chest. You took a tentative step closer and gently shook his shoulder. He stirred, groaning softly, before his eyes opened and found yours. He blinked sleepily, his gaze softening with recognition.

“You okay?” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

“I... I can’t sleep,” you admitted, your voice trembling slightly. “I’ve been tossing and turning for hours. I just... I didn’t know where else to go.”

Logan’s expression shifted from groggy concern to understanding. Without a word, he shifted to one side, making space in the bed beside him. “Come here,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. You didn’t need any further invitation. You slipped into the bed, the cool sheets giving way to the reassuring warmth of his body.

As you settled next to him, Logan’s arm instinctively wrapped around you, pulling you closer. You buried your face into his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat had a calming effect, slowly erasing the restless tension that had kept you awake.

“Sorry for bothering you,” you murmured, your voice barely audible.

“Don’t be,” Logan said, his tone gentle but firm. “If you need me, I’m here. No apologies necessary.”

You let out a soft sigh, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders. “I just... I couldn’t shake this feeling of restlessness. I didn’t want to be alone.”

Logan’s fingers gently stroked your back, his touch soothing and steady. “It’s alright. You’re not alone now,” he said, his voice a low murmur. “What’s on your mind?”

You took a moment to gather your thoughts, finding comfort in the steady presence beside you. “It’s nothing specific, really. Just one of those nights where everything seems to spiral out of control. And then I start thinking about everything I have to do, and it just... snowballs.”

Logan nodded, his hand continuing its gentle rhythm on your back. “I get it. Sometimes the quiet of the night makes everything seem bigger than it is. But you’re here with me now. Let’s just focus on that.

You nodded against his chest, feeling the tension slowly drain from your body. The room was filled with a peaceful silence, punctuated only by the soft sounds of your breathing and the occasional creak of the bed. Logan’s presence was a steady anchor, his warmth enveloping you like a cocoon.

As minutes passed, you found your thoughts slowing down, your mind growing quieter with each passing second. Logan’s gentle touch and the rhythmic beating of his heart created a sense of calm that you had been craving all night.

“Logan?” you whispered, your voice barely a murmur.

“Yeah?” he replied, his tone soft and attentive.

“Thank you. For being here. I really needed this.”

He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of your head, his embrace tightening slightly. “Anytime. You don’t have to thank me. I’m glad I could help.”

The comfort of his words, coupled with the soothing rhythm of his breathing, lulled you towards sleep. You felt your eyes growing heavy, the exhaustion of the sleepless night finally catching up with you. Logan’s steady presence was a constant reassurance, a promise of safety and companionship.

As sleep began to claim you, you could hear Logan’s voice, soft and soothing. “Get some rest. I’ve got you.”

And with those comforting words echoing in your mind, you finally surrendered to the embrace of sleep, finding peace in the warmth and safety of Logan’s arms.

🏷️: @twinky-wink @fidgetingbee @astarions-girl-dinner @layladestiny8

If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know🫶

[handlemehyuck]

oh, we’re falling in love . lee jeno

・❥・ a best friend and breezy drives bring realizations | 831 words ・❥・

there’s something so sweet about his presence, but the peace feels fragile. to hold it in your hand would be a moment spent without breathing, without moving, consumed by admiration alone.

it’s taking up space, and you’re making more for him. you notice when he’s not around. you think of excuses to have him close—reasons why you could show up at his doorstep again. but the fear of being obvious ringsringsrings in your head, pulling you back to the ground and away from the high—the delightful serenity he’s flooded your life with.

your roommate believes it’s marvelous. she’s always sworn to be a bit clairvoyant—from a bloodline of women with gifts. her words. apparently, your hue has changed color. apparently, your hue is warmer than it used to be, and her proclamation over spaghetti and glasses of red wine keeps you up until the early hours of the morning.

the idea of another having so much control over your emotions has always terrified you. you want to create that peace and love on your own and for yourself; the empowerment is delicious, but you’ve never done what this man has done in a couple of months alone.

“it’s ok to like it. you can relax in it if it feels good.”

your roommate’s voice cuts through the humming coffee machine, pulling your gaze away from the device taking up far too much counter space for an already tiny kitchen.

she smiles and dips her spoon into a bowl of cereal. “what i said last night freaked you out.”

your mouth opens to only close again, a furrow setting in between your brows.

you’re not denying it, so she continues. “if anything, people are uncomfortable crying in front of someone, but you were afraid to laugh in front of me. it took so long. you hid your happiness, and i had the hardest time trying to understand why that made you feel the most vulnerable.”

the back of your neck feels hot, preparing yourself for the rest of this conversation.

“i came up with a few ideas. the first being you simply don’t like your laugh, nothing deeper than that. secondly, you don’t think you deserve to be happy, and it has nothing to do with letting someone hear you laugh. it’s all internal. the third is laughing leaves you too exposed. crying makes everything so heightened. your emotional awareness is crystal clear. it’s like all your senses are on high alert. laughter is the total opposite. it reduces your stress and relaxes your muscles. it brings the happy hormones. it leaves you naked.”

it leaves me naked.

the answer is obvious. you rub the back of your neck and finish making the coffee that gets you out of bed.

for now, the conversation is left alone. you don’t have anything to say, but you reflect on her monologue all day, wondering when this all began and why. your mind sifts through memories, taking you back to childhood sleepovers filled with laughter that didn’t leave you running for privacy.

so, when was it? what the hell happened?

jeno wants to see you again, but it’s friday night, and he can’t decide if exposing his lack of plans will stir negative feelings in you. rationally, he knows better, but he likes you, so he’s thinking too much.

spring is falling into summer. the days are warm, and the evenings welcome blissful breezes, perfect for night drives. they’re enjoyable on his own, but jeno continues craving your presence in his car.

it’s easy to imagine the first waft of your perfume when you sit down and the smile on your mouth after the hello passes soft lips. he wants to hear you humming melodies and folding your legs to create a place of comfortable rest for your chin as you peer up at the sky. he wants to catch your closed eyes at stoplights, the radiating red on your skin, as the best part of a song consumes your entire body.

he’s enamored by your quiet passion. he’s fascinated by the gentle rhythm to your love. he craves to hear your voice grow louder when you finally give in and let the emotions within you burst, spilling from your lips in a beautiful palaver.

he noticed you at parties years before you connected, but he never saw you dance. he never saw the veins in your neck from singing with your entire being. he never saw your eyes as wide as saucers or any evidence of drunkenness on your features.

even at a party, you were soft smiles and crossed legs and slight sways.

jeno would never push you beyond your comfort zone, but he can’t help but want you to let go. he can only imagine how beautiful utter bliss will look on you and radiate off your skin.

fuck me, he thinks, stalling at a stop sign while a blue honda crosses in front of him. i’m falling in love with her.

[papiliotao]

・❥・DICTIONARY OF LOVE

♡ — Reader: GN

♡ — Characters: Albedo, Ayaka, Kazuha, Tartaglia, Wanderer (Scaramouche), Xiao

♡ — Synopsis: love through their eyes.

♡ — Content: fluff, very very light angst(?)

♡ — Warnings: spoilers for some characters' backstories

♡ — A/N: honestly, I'm kind of proud of the fact that I was able to keep each part relatively concise. Also, one of these parts is just me being down bad for one of the characters (I'll leave who it is to your imagination hehe). Anyway, as always, I hope you enjoy the fic!!

To ALBEDO, love means patience. He's well aware that he's not the most energetic or expressive person. There are moments where his social battery is low, and he needs to immerse himself in his own world more than anything. Whenever this happens, you sit in the snowy landscape of Dragonspine, watching Albedo as he drags a brush across a canvas, causing inky strokes to bleed across the intricate composition. You wait in silence, intently peering at him, observing every movement of his arm and flick of his wrist. The frigid air stings your cheeks, but Albedo's presence is enough to cease the chills that threaten to wrack your body. Once he finishes, he turns to you and smiles softly. Albedo thanks you for waiting for him. Your understanding means the world to him, and despite the fact that you insist you need nothing in return, he still feels the need to reimburse you by taking you back to his camp in Dragonspine where he cuddles you until you feel warm again.

To AYAKA, love means acceptance. After long days of being surrounded by people who idolize her instead of seeing her as a friend, your presence makes her feel like a human being instead of some faultless goddess. Although she appreciates the individuals who think highly of her, she loves how spending time with you feels so easy in comparison. With you, she has no image to maintain. Formalities and etiquette are thrown out the window when she is with the one she adores. Despite the fact that you know she's not a perfect person, you're still hers, and that makes her feel secure. You're special to her because you accept all her flaws instead of ignoring them, yet you love her nonetheless.

To KAZUHA, love means tranquility. After all the storms he has encountered in his lifetime, he needs someone who can help him calm the raging tempests in his heart, and that someone is you. Peace — it's a feeling reminiscent of the serenity that courses through his veins when he basks in the last ephemeral rays of sunlight with you by his side. It’s a sentiment that is evoked by the gentle lapping of waves on sand as the two of you walk along a pristine shoreline, hand-in-hand as the sun sinks below the horizon. And most importantly of all, it's found in the sense of stillness that settles over him each night as he falls asleep with you in his arms. The moon acts as a witness to your love, curiously glancing down at the two of you as Kazuha holds you close and whispers sweet nothings into your ear until you drift off into slumber. When he is finally left alone with his thoughts, Kazuha wistfully gazes overhead and thanks every star in his sight for leading him to you.

To TARTAGLIA, love means war. He is a fighter by nature, so needless to say, he will fight as many battles as it takes to protect you. He knows it's not easy nor safe being romantically involved with one of the Fatui Harbingers. Numerous foes have tried to take you hostage and use you as leverage against him. However, Tartaglia is always there to protect you whenever his enemies try to strike from the shadows. His love for you and his contempt for those who attempt to hurt you fuel a fiery rage that urges him to show no mercy. By the time he is finished with them, he is certain that they will never try to harm you again. In Tartaglia's eyes, loving you is like fighting a war, and although the prospect is unappealing to many, Tartaglia is different. The thrill of battle fills him with adrenaline, and at the end of the day, he finds that it is all worth it because you're still by his side.

To the WANDERER, love means eternity. It is a concept he is all too familiar with — after all, the deity who embodies the principle is the one who created him just to cast him aside, initiating the first of several betrayals to come. All the fleeting moments of warmth he has experienced in his lifetime have left him raring for more, but no one ever quite quenches his thirst for intimacy before they abandon him. He wants something lasting, but he's too afraid to voice his desires due to the dubious thoughts that riddle his mind. If the God of Eternity’s affection for him was as transient as the vibrant maple leaves that adorned his birthplace, then who would ever be willing to love him indefinitely? His burning questions are all answered when he meets you. You are able to look past his harsh exterior and see him for who he truly is: someone afraid of the impermanence of tenderness, so when you finally confess your true feelings to him, you make it clear that you plan on staying by his side forevermore. When you make your vow to the Wanderer, he feels a gentle heartbeat thrumming to life in his once-empty chest. Perhaps this time, eternity will last forever.

To XIAO, love means subtlety. It is difficult for Xiao to verbally convey his admiration for you, so instead of expressing his infatuation in a straightforward manner, it is instead a sentiment he administers through lingering touches and shy acts of service. His love is quiet. Subdued, yet passionate all the same, and he will forever be grateful that you never fail to pick up on what he is discreetly trying to say to you. A heartfelt "I love you" is hidden in every small moment, no matter how insignificant it seems. And the way you reciprocate his gestures by preparing his favourite dish, shyly taking his hand while you're sitting together on Wangshu Inn's roof, and inspecting his body for any injuries in what you think is an inconspicuous manner makes his heart race time and time again. To Xiao, love is not something that needs to be in-your-face; it is found when you read between the lines.

Au revoir, mes amis. Also, all of these were supposed to be wholesome, and then Childe came along, and I just said VIOLENCE. I wonder if anyone can tell which one of these characters is my favourite. (Any guesses? /hj)

[trueebeauty]

Hello, dear! I love your writing and was wondering if you could do a Jisuk Yoo (Eleceed) x Reader that’s awakened ability has to do with dreams and in turn is always sleepy? Whether it’s a headcanon, short drabble, or something else entirely can be 100% up to you!

Your content is so amazing and I hope you continue your amazing work❤️❤️

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ notes ; tysm, your support means a lot to me!! and I hope you enjoy this <333

╰﹕General Headcanons

You often fall asleep in unusual places, and Jisuk always makes sure you are comfortable and safe.

Jisuk enjoys listening to you talk about what you saw in your dream and helps you interpret their meanings.

Your ability proves useful in gathering information within the Awakened world and Jisuk is very proud of that.

You two often train together, with Jisuk helping you harness your ability more effectively.

Your sleepiness sometimes leads to humorous situations, which Jisuk always handles with a smile and a gentle touch.

Jisuk has become an expert at reading your body language and can tell when you're about to fall asleep, often guiding you to a comfortable spot or offering a shoulder to lean on.

╰﹕Soft Headcanons

Jisuk often carries you to bed when you fall asleep in common areas.

You find comfort in Jisuk's presence; your sleep is more peaceful when he's around.

You love wearing Jisuk's oversized hoodies, as they feel like a warm, comforting hug.

Jisuk often plans quiet, intimate dates that allow you to relax and enjoy your time together without feeling overwhelmed.

You find peace in Jisuk's embrace, often falling asleep in his arms while listening to his heartbeat.

Jisuk gently wakes you up with soft kisses and whispered words of affection.

Jisuk often surprises you with thoughtful gestures, like preparing your favorite comfort food when you've had a tough day.

You and Jisuk have special spots EVERYWHERE where you enjoy afternoon naps together.

Jisuk has a collection of playlists he's created specifically for you.

When you're feeling particularly tired, Jisuk takes on more of the chores to allow you extra rest.

Whenever you're falling asleep, Jisuk gently runs his fingers through your hair.

╰﹕Intimate Headcanons

His expertness in reading your body language really comes in clutch.

PRAISE KINK!!!

Your sleepy, half-lidded gaze drives Jisuk wild.

Jisuk loves to leave gentle love bites on your neck and collarbone, marking you as his own.

Jisuk takes great pleasure in slowly undressing you, savoring each second of your whining for him to hurry up.

You often fall asleep in Jisuk's arms after their passionate lovemaking, feeling safe, loved, and satisfied.

Jisuk enjoys lazy morning cuddles and gentle, sleepy kisses that often lead to more intimate moments.

Jisuk loves to trace his fingers along your skin, connecting any freckles or birthmarks he finds.

You often wake up to Jisuk pressing soft, sensual kisses along your spine.

Jisuk takes his time worshipping every inch of your body, making you feel cherished and adored in the most intimate ways.

[archiveikemen]

Harrison Gray Main Story: Chapter 1

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

❥･• Warnings and FAQ

[Harrison’s POV]

— Your memories will always be more peaceful than reality.

Cicadas were buzzing, and the paddy fields resembling a huge golden carpet swayed in the end-summer breeze.

The shadows of a father piggybacking a little boy and the mother chasing after them stretched long on the ground.

Mother With Gentle Smile: Come on, stop running, the two of you. You’ll trip and fall.

Father and Son With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Okay, sorry.

Mother With Gentle Smile: Seriously, you boys have so much energy.

Mother With Gentle Smile: You should help me out more around the house with that energy.

The little boy, laughing while on his father’s back, suddenly thought of something and spoke,

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Hey, Father. It’s bad to tell lies, right?

Father With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Hm? Why the sudden question?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: When you and Mother are at work, I spend my time reading picture books.

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: I’ve read lots of them and in every story, the fox is always telling lies.

Father With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Lies…?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Mm, they lie and hurt people. That’s a bad thing to do, right?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: That’s why I hope a hero like Father will catch all those bad foxes that lie to people!

Mother With Gentle Smile: Oh, are you leaving everything up to your father, Harry?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Nope! When I grow up, I’ll become a policeman like Father. Then I’ll arrest all the bad guys!

Father With Mint-Coloured Eyes: That sounds very interesting. However, Harry…

Hey, Father. I have a feeling you said something “important” to me after I innocently told you about my dreams.

I can no longer recall what you said. Recently, it also feels as if your face is fading from my memories.

Right now, I’m somewhere pitch-dark where the sun doesn't shine, and the smell of blood lingers in the air around me.

There’s no turning back for me.

In this darkness… I continue to lie.

… Even the things I just said might've been lies.

…

[Kate’s POV]

Kate: … Haa.

I sat up in my bed, woken up from my shallow sleep.

(... It's still night time. I feel like I just had a terrifying nightmare.)

Even though I was awake, my surroundings were unfamiliar to me.

(Right. I…)

– Flashback Start –

William: There is an imperial organisation under direct command of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, all of its members are “cursed ones”.

William: — And that’s us, “Crown”.

William: We take on shady tasks ranging from spying to assassinations. In other words, the dirty work that the police or military can’t do.

– Flashback End –

Kate: … “Fighting evil with evil” for the sake of England’s prosperity— that’s the duty of “Crown”.

(While delivering mail, I accidentally came across a forbidden secret.)

(It was as if I had fallen into a pitch dark hole that appeared out of nowhere.)

If only I could cover my ears and close my eyes, and ignore everything.

However, that wasn't possible. There was no way for me to turn back time to when I knew nothing about all this. Therefore…

(I’ll earn their trust by fulfilling my duties as a “fairytale writer”, and make them believe that I won’t reveal their secret.)

(After that, I can safely return to where I came from… and have my ordinary life back.)

Just as I was mentally preparing myself to stay strong and not let my anxiety overwhelm me, I heard some noise coming from outside my room.

(...?)

…

When I went downstairs to find out the cause of the noise, William noticed my presence and turned around.

William: My, it’s already so late at night and the little robin is still awake.

Liam: Oh, it’s Kate. Did the noise wake you up?

Liam: Sorry for the disturbance, we’re about to leave for a mission under Her Majesty’s orders.

Harrison: …

Kate: A mission… this late at night?

Liam: Yeah, villains prefer to work in the dark. Besides, it’d be nonsensical to commit evil deeds in broad daylight, right?

(Is that so?)

William: It’s good you’re awake.

William: If you want, we can escort you to the criminals’ stronghold. Miss fairytale writer?

I was told that my job as a fairytale writer was to write about the activities of Crown. Those documents would then be used as reference material for research being conducted on “curses”, and as reports to Her Majesty.

At the same time, Crown would keep their eyes on me for a month to make sure I don’t leak their secret.

… That’s the situation I was in.

William: — But considering that you’ve only just arrived, we could save this for another day…

Kate: If it won’t be too much of a bother to all of you, please allow me to accompany you on the mission.

William: Oh, gladly.

Liam: It’s going to be so exciting to have Kate come with us.

Liam: Now that it’s been decided, let’s go. We should get a carriage so that Kate won’t have to walk too much.

With that, Liam dashed out of the castle.

William went after him with graceful steps, like an owner chasing his pet cat.

Harrison and I were the only ones left.

Harrison: …

(Why is he being silent? This is kind of awkward.)

Harrison: … Hey.

Kate: Y-Yes?

Harrison stood in front of me.

Harrison: Did you ask to come along, thinking that would help you earn our trust?

Harrison: Or was it because you feel that you’re obligated to do so as a fairytale writer?

His mint-coloured eyes were as clear as a puddle after rain, they seemed to be staring straight into the depths of my heart. It felt impossible to lie to him.

I nervously met his gaze.

Kate: I think it's both of those reasons, and also self-interest.

Harrison: Self-interest?

Kate: If I don’t earn your trust, I can’t return to where I was before this happened.

Kate: Therefore, I will do my job well and prove that I’m worthy of your trust.

Kate: That is what I have to do right now.

Harrison: Hm.

Harrison: You’re surprisingly honest.

Whenever someone says that I’m honest, it doesn't quite click for me.

Kate: Is that so…?

Harrison: No idea. At least, that’s my impression of you.

Harrison: Anyway, it’s up to you whether you want to have some kind of sense of responsibility or be naive. However…

Kate: …?

He leaned in closer and stared into my face, so close that our breaths nearly touched.

Harrison: Such noble intentions make you easy to kill.

Paying no attention to how shocked I was, Harrison gave me an aloof smile and walked out into the darkness.

(What on earth was that? Was he warning me? Or…)

Still puzzled by his words, I rushed outside as well.

…

The carriage brought us to what appeared to be an abandoned circus tent.

Liam: Kate, shh… quiet. See those guys over there? They’re our targets for tonight.

We peeked at them from the shadows. Two men were counting large sums of cash with sinister smiles on their faces.

Man 1: One bill, two bills, three bills… haha! We made so much money selling those orphaned brats from the East End to other countries.

Man 1: A truly profitable business. There are people who want those starving brats, and even their corpses.

Man 2: As long as people like them continue to exist, our pockets will never be empty. Haha, this is great!

(T-They’re taking children from the slums and selling them…? How… How could they…)

I was fuming as I heard them talking about their heinous acts, so much that my body temperature dropped.

(But this is a cruel reality that “I didn't know about”.)

England often boasted about being the most prosperous country in the world, and yet the dark world of poverty caused by inequality was hidden within.

(But that doesn't justify treating the lives of innocent children like disposable objects.)

William: They look like they’re having a good time. Let’s join them, shall we?

With graceful steps, William approached the man.

Kate: W-William…?

Liam: Kate, I’ll use my curse’s ability to become your invisible human shield and protect you if anything dangerous happens.

Liam: Look, I’m invisible now.

(!?)

Liam’s physical body vanished like he had put on an invisibility cloak, and only his voice could be heard.

Harrison: Don’t get too carried away, Liam. We’re not here to play.

Liam: I know. Come on, Kate. You should get front-row seats for your very first mission.

Kate: Wahh…!

William: Hello, gentlemen.

Man 1: … Who the heck are you?

William: You don’t need to know my name. I'm just someone very interested in the kind of fun you’re having.

Man 2: I have no idea who you are. But now that you've seen something you shouldn't have, you won’t be leaving this place alive. … Get him.

Before the men could charge at him with their knives, William spoke with his shapely lips.

William: “— All of you drop your knives, get on your knees, and behave yourselves.”

Men: !?

*clang* Their knives fell to the ground, and the two men kneeled in a strangely obedient manner.

(“Making people do as he says”... that’s William’s “King of Self-Righteousness” curse.)

It would’ve sounded outrageous if he were an ordinary man, but I knew it was true because I had experienced firsthand this ability of his.

Men: I… I can’t move! W-What the heck is this guy…!?

William: Now that you’re more well-behaved, let us commence with the trial. The judge for tonight is you— Kate.

Kate: What?

William: You’re our special guest tonight. You should state your opinion. Now, Kate.

William: The accused are these two men in front of us. They desecrated the lives of innocent young children, ruining them to fill their own pockets.

William: Should we get rid of them right here and now, or give them an alternative form of punishment to taking their lives?

William: What's your decision, Miss Judge?

Looking into William’s eyes, I could see that he had already decided since the start what the verdict would be.

Kate: … William, you used your curse’s ability in front of them.

Kate: They know your secret now. That means it has already been decided, hasn’t it?

Kate: Although there’s the option to make them fairytale writers like me… that’s highly unlikely.

William’s beautiful smile sent a chill down my spine — it was like he was telling me that I was right.

William: I admire your ability to stay calm and assess the situation, Kate. Now…

(... The atmosphere has changed.)

He was still smiling elegantly, but there was an air of tension rising around me.

William: It’s up to you whether you want to close your eyes or leave them open from this point forward. You have the freedom to decide.

Liam: Hey, Will. I really want to satisfy my curiosity tonight, can you let me handle it?

Liam: You stay right here, Kate. … Fufu, ahaha. I’ll do my best…

Kate: … Liam?

As I was feeling puzzled by the unsettling tone in Liam’s voice, the atmosphere grew even more tense.

William: — Time for the final judgement.

Men: AAAAH…

Patches of red bloomed before my eyes like licorice flowers.

The sound of the men’s ear-piercing screams, their bodies falling to the ground lifelessly, and Liam’s unhinged laughter filled my ears.

Even though Liam was invisible, I could visualise him swinging a knife around as he killed them.

(... I mustn't look away. Why… why did I come here?)

(... For… what…?)

My heart beat louder in my chest.

Staring at the blood spilling out everywhere, my legs felt weak and eventually gave way.

30 seconds later— it was all over.

A low sound of footsteps echoed, and someone sat down in front of me.

Harrison: … Hey, are you alright?

(... Harrison.)

I sighed, almost relieved to hear a familiar voice of concern.

Kate: … I am.

Harrison: I see. Because if anything happened to you, I—

Right at that moment, I heard a metallic clicking sound next to my ear.

(What?)

In the corner of my eye, I saw something unexpected—

Harrison: Bang. You’ve been deceived.

(...)

(A gun…?)

A gun was pointed to my head.

Harrison: I could kill you right this instant if I wanted to.

Kate: Why…

Harrison: “Why”? We’ve only just met a few hours ago. What made you think you could trust me?

Harrison: You could've been used as a decoy, or a human shield. And at this very moment—

Harrison: A bullet might get shot right through your skull. Did any of that ever cross your mind even once?

My life was in Harrison’s hands.

That overwhelming fact had me rendered speechless.

The pair of mint-coloured eyes staring at me caught my racing heart.

I caught a waft of a refreshing minty smell that didn't suit the current situation.

Harrison: Kate.

Harrison: This is the kind of evil world you walked into.

[atzaurora]

[˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗] 𝒜𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒛 ℛ𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒯𝒐 𝒴𝒐𝒖 𝒲𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒯𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 ℋ𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒆.﹙에이티즈﹚(2.1k)

𖥔 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚. Ateez reacting to seeing you wear their clothes... ➤ 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. fem!reader x member; dating ➤ 𝒕𝒚𝒑𝒆. reaction (fluff) .ᐟ.ᐟ𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔.ᐟ.ᐟ. >none<

❥ 𝒂/𝒏: I've been loving this song so much again recently cuz of all the cute edits I see with it, so i came up with these reaction oneshots ^.^ enjoyyy

if you have any ideas or wishes let me know, requests are open

here's my [𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕]! ; [𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕] here! ; [about me] + [guidelines]!

reblogs appreciated

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] kim hongjoong

He came home late from work once again. You had intended to wait up for him, but exhaustion overtook you. As the clock struck 1 a.m., you faintly heard the door creak open. Hongjoong stumbled inside, his fatigue evident in his dragging steps. His bag and jacket fell to the floor with a soft thud, and he kicked off his shoes, barely making a sound. He made his way to the bedroom, his movements heavy and tired. You were half-awake, having stirred at the sound of his arrival. When Hongjoong flopped onto the bed next to you, his body radiated a warm, familiar comfort. "Hi, Jjoongie," you murmured, barely above a whisper. "Ya, I thought you were asleep, my love," he replied softly, careful not to disturb you further. His hand gently stroked your hair, his touch soothing and tender. "I was sleeping, but I woke up when I heard you come through the door," you said, offering him a sleepy, yet affectionate smile. The fatigue in your eyes was unmistakable. "I'm sorry I woke you up," Hongjoong said, his voice full of remorse as he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead. "I should've been quieter." "It's okay," you assured him, your voice a soft murmur in the quiet of the night. "Actually, I was kind of waiting for you." He looked at you curiously, noticing the oversized hoodie you were wearing. "Wait, is that...my sweater?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise. You nodded, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Oh yeah, I found it lying around and thought it looked so comfy. It really is, so I just... wore it. I can give it back to you, promise." Hongjoong chuckled warmly, shaking his head. "I don't want it back," he said, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Keep it. I like how it looks on you. It suits you." You smiled at his comment, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. "Thank you," you said, your voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I really like this hoodie, too. It's nice and cozy." You snuggled closer to him, feeling the comforting embrace of his body. Hongjoong's hands naturally found their way to your waist, his touch tender and reassuring. As you drifted back to sleep, you felt a deep sense of contentment. His presence was a soothing balm to your tired soul, and the gentle rise and fall of his breathing lulled you into a peaceful slumber. Hongjoong held you close, his fingers caressing your back with a loving touch. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the quiet comfort of his arms and the soft warmth of his hoodie enveloping you. ── ࣪˖ OTHER MEMBERS UNDER THE CUT

─ · ─ · ─ · ─ · ─ ◠ . ◠ . ◠ . ◠

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] park seonghwa

Seonghwa always had the most stunning collection of clothes. His wardrobe wasn’t restricted by traditional labels, and his style was fluid, mixing and matching pieces that others might consider too bold or unconventional. Because of this, it wasn’t difficult for you to find something from his collection that fit you perfectly, whether it was a casual hoodie or a chic jacket. Today was one of those days when you needed to focus. You had some paperwork to get through, deadlines looming over you like a dark cloud. Seonghwa was in the living room, comfortably nestled on the couch with a book he had recently picked up, completely engrossed in its pages. Meanwhile, you sat at your desk, scanning through the sheets of paper that had been taunting you all morning. The window next to your desk was open, allowing fresh air to flow in, but as the afternoon wore on, the breeze had grown much cooler. You contemplated closing the window, but the air inside was too stuffy, and you were desperate to keep it circulating. Shivering slightly, you pushed your chair back and stood up, deciding it was time to find something warmer to wear. You crossed the room, heading toward your closet, when something caught your eye—one of Seonghwa’s hoodies, casually draped over the edge of the bed. It was perfectly within reach, and you couldn’t help but smile as you picked it up. Instinctively, you held the hoodie to your face, breathing in his familiar scent that still lingered on the fabric. It was comforting, the subtle mix of his cologne and his natural warmth making you feel instantly at ease. You glanced at the hoodie for a moment, debating whether to wear it, and then you chuckled softly to yourself. Of course, you were going to wear it. Pulling the hoodie over your head, you felt the oversized fabric envelop you, its warmth instantly chasing away the cold from the open window. The sleeves were long, hanging past your wrists, but you loved the way it fit—loose and cozy, like being wrapped in a piece of him. His scent filled your nostrils as you settled into the hoodie, and you couldn’t help but feel a small sense of comfort knowing it had been his just hours earlier. Needing a break from your work, you wandered into the kitchen to get a glass of water. As you poured yourself a drink, you noticed Seonghwa sitting comfortably on the couch, completely absorbed in his book. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed in concentration, and you couldn’t help but admire him, even in such a simple, quiet moment. "Hey, darling," you greeted him softly, your voice breaking the silence as you approached the living room with your glass in hand. Seonghwa’s attention shifted from his book to you, his gaze lifting to meet yours as a warm smile spread across his face. "Hello, princess," he responded, his voice gentle as always. "What are you up to?" He closed his book halfway, resting his hand on it as his eyes lingered on you. "Oh, nothing much," you replied with a small smile. "Just taking a quick break from the paperwork. Thought I’d stretch my legs for a bit." You moved closer to the couch, your eyes locking with his as you sat down beside him. The moment you settled next to him, Seonghwa’s gaze shifted slightly, a playful glint appearing in his eyes. His lips curled into a smile as he took in your appearance. "Is that my sweater, kitten?" he asked with a light chuckle, raising an eyebrow in amusement as his eyes flickered down to the oversized hoodie you were now wearing. Your cheeks warmed at the playful accusation. "Yeah… I found it on the bed, and it smelled like you, so I couldn’t resist," you admitted, your tone innocent as you tugged at the hem of the hoodie, flashing him a cheeky grin. "Hm~ it does look pretty good on you," Seonghwa mused, his eyes scanning over your figure with an appreciative gaze. He leaned in slightly, his hand resting on your knee as his fingers began to trace gentle patterns up and down your leg. The small, affectionate touch sent shivers down your spine, though this time it had nothing to do with the cold.

You giggled softly at his words, nudging him playfully with your elbow. "Really? Don’t say that, or I might just keep it for good."

Seonghwa’s gaze softened as he leaned back slightly, his smile widening. "And I might just let you," he teased, winking at you with a playful grin. His hand rested gently on your leg, his thumb brushing softly over your knee as if to reinforce his words.

─ · ─ · ─ · ─ · ─ ◠ . ◠ . ◠ . ◠

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] jeong yunho

Yunho was in the kitchen, looking for some snacks for a movie night the two of you were having today. Meanwhile, you were looking for your comfy hoodie but as it seemed, it was in the laundry right now. Sighing, you looked around in the closet and found a comfortable looking hoodie. Thinking it was one of your oversized ones, you put it on and walked back to Yunho. "Hi lazy," he said teasingly and brought over two bowls of snacks to the coffee table in the living room. He sat down on the couch, opening his arms for you to lay in. You smiled and laid next to him, snuggling your face into his chest. "You're too cute." He smiled at you, running his hand over your back, then, suddenly stopping his movements. He looked at you. "What's wrong?" You looked into his eyes, tilting your head in confusion. "Is that my hoodie?" He giggled. "What? No. Isn't this one of mine?," you said, not so sure anymore if this was actually yours. "No, sweetie, that's definitely mine." He smiled, letting out a soft laugh. You looked down at the hoodie "Oh, sorry, I thought this was one of mine. Wait, I'll go change it." You got up halfway but quickly got pulled back by his hand sneaking around your wrist, pulling you onto him again. "Nope, you are not going anywhere. Besides you look cute in it, even tho it is way too big for you, hun." He laughs softly, yet again snuggling his arms around your waist, pulling out the remote and turning on the TV.

─ · ─ · ─ · ─ · ─ ◠ . ◠ . ◠ . ◠

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] kang yeosang

You were packing up some things in the kitchen. You and Yeosang decided to go take a walk and settle down somewhere for a cute picnic. It was his idea and you were more than happy to go. So here you were, in the kitchen, wrapping up the small muffins in a napkin and storing them in a box before placing them in the wooden basket. "Yeoyeo?," you shouted for him. "Yes, sunshine, I'll be a minute. Go put on your jacket and wait for me at the door," he shouted back but you could hear his smile through his words. "Okay, angel," you answer, taking the basket to the door and putting on your shoes and jacket. It didn't take long for him to join you at the door, getting dressed for outside as well. "Ready?" You looked at him. "Yes, I'm done. We can go, love," he answered with a cute smile painted on his face. "Oh wait, your jacket isn't sitting right. Here, let me fix it." he offered, spinning you around so your back was facing him as he fixed your rid up jacket. "Wait, is that my hoodie that you're wearing underneath the jacket?" He giggled, noticing the green fabric of his own hoodie. "Shit, yeah sorry, I forgot to change it," you apologised quickly. "No, no, no, don't apologise and don't change it. You look way too cute like this." He pressed a sweet kiss on your cheek. "Maybe I should give you this hoodie. You look good in my clothes."

─ · ─ · ─ · ─ · ─ ◠ . ◠ . ◠ . ◠

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] choi san

San was working out at the gym. He texted you a while ago, saying he'd come home soon, so you went to grab some comfy clothes that were laying around and sat on the couch, turning the TV on. You grabbed yourself some snacks and began watching the series you were currently on. You didn't hear the door open as you were so involved in the scene playing on the TV. "Hello, beautiful," San whispered behind you, sneaking his arms around your body and laying his head in the crook of your neck. "Oh my God, Sannie, you scared me," you said, still a bit shocked but with a huge smile plastered on your face. "Do you want to cuddle a bit? I'm exhausted from the workout." He pressed a kiss against your jaw. "Yes, please. I missed you, baby," you mumble. "I missed you too...and I think this hoodie also misses his owner." He laughed. "Wha- how'd you even know?" you stared at him, amazed how he noticed so quickly, you were wearing his hoodie again. "You've stolen this for ages now, love." He smiled. "But it looks good on you anyway." He winked.

─ · ─ · ─ · ─ · ─ ◠ . ◠ . ◠ . ◠

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] song mingi

Mingi was in the kitchen, making some food. Originally you were going to help him but then you got too caught up in your really good nap and slept for ages. When you woke up you already heard the rumbling in the kitchen and immediately knew he had already started. Either way, you quickly jumped out of bed, grabbing the nearest hoodie and put it over. While walking to the kitchen, you noticed it was one of Mingi's hoodies but you didn't mind a lot, plus it was too comfy to put it off now. "Hello, princess," you said, smiling once you walked towards the kitchen island. "Ya! Only Yunho has the privilege to call me that." He fake pouted at you. "Yeah, yeah, whatever, love" you chuckled, ruffling his hair "So...what are you making?" you asked, scanning the ingredients. "Well, I'm trying to make some pancakes. Let's just hope I don't completely mess up." He smiled at you. "Ooh, I love pancakes!" You clapped your hands in excitement. "You love me more tho." He chuckled. "Yes, of course, dumbass." You rolled your eyes and stand next to him to read through the recipe "And apparently...," he began, scanning you up and down, "you love my hoodies too." You look up at him and shrug. "Yeah, well, not my fault if they are so damn comfy." You giggled "Don't worry, you can wear them. You look really cute in them and really small." He laughed teasingly, putting a dot of flour on your nose.

─ · ─ · ─ · ─ · ─ ◠ . ◠ . ◠ . ◠

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] jung wooyoung

You were in the kitchen making you and Wooyoung some dinner. You had called him earlier to agree on something to eat and you decided you both wanted some ramen. So here you stood in the kitchen, with an apron wrapped around your waist to keep my clothes from getting too messed up. You were almost done with everything when you heard the door open. A smiley Wooyoung walked inside, stripping off his jacket and shoes and running over to your figure behind the kitchen island. "Hello, baby." You chuckled as he hugged you tight from behind, his face buried in your neck. "I missed you," he mumbled against your skin. "Mhm~ I missed you too, love," you whispered back, stroking over his hair for a second. "Look, I'm almost done with the ramen. Doesn't it look good?" "Yes, it looks delicious but you look better." He giggled, flashing you a wink, before letting go of your waist to get out some cutlery. "Wait—" He looked at you, eyeing you up and down. You looked up at him, now with a confused look on your face. "What is it? What's wrong?," you asked "Is that my hoodie?" He laughed, walking towards you to get a better look at the fabric. "Well, maybe it is." You shrugged, smiling wide. "Oh, only maybe, huh?" He shook his head while laughing again. "But don't worry, it looks really good on you." He pressed a kiss onto your cheek before going to set the table.

─ · ─ · ─ · ─ · ─ ◠ . ◠ . ◠ . ◠

[˗ˏˋ ✧ ´ˎ˗] choi jongho

It was early in the morning, maybe even too early to be awake but you just couldn't fall asleep anymore. Jongho had come home late yesterday, so you were already asleep when he joined you. That also meant you didn't get your late night cuddles, no soft kisses before falling asleep and no holding you as you slept on his chest. In your opinion one of the worst things ever. So you laid awake at 5 am now, looking at his peaceful face. You could see him twitch a bit in his sleep, which probably meant he wasn't in such a deep sleep right now. You saw his hand laying there, open. You took it in yours, running your thumb over it, before pressing a soft kiss on top of his knuckles. You could hear him groan with a soft chuckle. "Sweetheart, what are you doing up so early?," he whispered. "I can't fall back asleep." You shrugged, moving closer to him and you could feel his breath on your forehead now. "I'm sorry I came home so late yesterday. Do you want me to hold you now?," he asked, knowing exactly what you wanted. "Yes, please," you said, letting him embrace you. "Feeling better now?," he asked after a few minutes of him stroking over your back, while holding you tight. "Yes, a lot." You chuckled. "Good, now fall back asleep for a bit more," he answered softly. "And then you can give me my hoodie back." He giggled and you could see his gummy smile plastered on his face now. "What? It smelt like you and you weren't there," you explained, pouting. "No need for explanations, honey," he whispered.

[madamxrose]

Hello! Can I request douma with the 'there it is, there's that smile!' prompt? Feel free to ignore this and congrats on 100+ followers! 🎉🎊🥳

♡ Word Count: 547

♡ Warnings: none. just douma being an annoyingly (but cutely) needy lover

❥ A/N: thank you for feeding me more douma content (´͈ ᵕ `͈ ) hope you enjoy <3

Douma’s love was excessive. Mountains upon mountains of gifts; lips constantly kissing your skin; affectionately speaking your name with each breath he took…the simplest of gestures were never quite simple with him. In exchange, he wanted your unwarranted attention.

Douma was always needy, and he had no shame in expressing it.

He sat cross legged on his throne, thigh sturdying his arm, face supported by a palm. Staring at nothing in particular, his eyes flittered between you and different corners of the room. Per request by Douma, you sat in the corner—the sight of you put him at peace during the mundane hours of conversing with his followers.

But today was awfully barren. It had been almost an hour since someone came, leaving him with nothing but a lonesome silence, despite your presence. You'd usually make some small talk with him to fill the space, but you were busy tending to other things—things that didn’t involve him.

He didn’t like it one bit. The distance between you felt more than a few feet. It was a nuisance, really. All he desired was for you to look his way—to focus on him instead.

The constant shower of love and attention by his followers must've gotten to his head, because he'd hoped you'd drop what you were doing. Sure, call him possessive—he had no shame in admitting it. He detested the way jealousy crawled under his skin, like it was an itch that refused to leave. Emotions were supposed to be dream-like; his love for you was proof of it. So why did his fastened heartbeat feel nightmarish?

“(Y/N) dear…” he sweetly cooed. Those two words always hinted at one thing: he desired your attention. Not to mention, his gaze was heavily fixated on your back, neediness oozing from each hole his eyes bore into you. You're already on your feet before he can finish, watching as he pats his outstretched leg, motioning you to sit on his lap.

So you do. Grasping his shoulders, you take in his expression. It's almost pathetic the way his eyebrows raise, pouting his lips to emphasize his desperation. He looked like a lost puppy. You roll eyes, refusing to admit you're slowly caving into his charms.

"Yes dear?"

A hand gingerly holds your face, warmth proliferating throughout the cheek he's holding. His touch is gentle, reminding you that you’re his most prized possession—so beautiful that he didn't dare taint your beauty.

"I missed you~"

Laughter almost escapes your lips, but you refrain. Although it was entertaining to see how far he went for your attention, it would further encourage his needy tendenices. So you keep a composed expression, mentioning how you've been in the same room for him for the past hour, but he insists that even the smallest of distance causes rifts in relationships.

Douma's hand retreats, the cool air hitting your once warm skin. His iridescent eyes watch as his thumb caresses your bottom lip, slightly tugging at it to form a pout. You presume he's leading up to a kiss, but instead, his index fingers replace his thumb, tugging at the corners of your lips—eager to see you smile.

So you do. And he can't help but revel in your beaming expression.

"There it is, there's that smile!"

comments and reblogs are always appreciated! ♡

masterlist

[galacticgraffiti]

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Veman'alor (23) ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

!!! NSFW ⋆ 18+ ⋆ Minors DNI !!!

Rating: Mature (Allusions to heavy themes, some explicit language) Wordcount: 5.3k CW: very vague verbal allusions to non-con, heartache and heartbreak all over, the good kind and the bad, explicitly revoking consent, so much softness you are all going to melt into puddles of tears (and I will have done my job right)

A/N: Deepest thanks from the bottom of my heart to my wonderful friends and betas @book-of-baba-fett and @rowansparrow. Although your comments broke my heart all over again, you were incredibly helpful and I am so so grateful to you! ❥ And to my most wonderful readers: you make my heart full. I am so grateful that you all waited so patiently and put no pressure on me. I love this story but I was just not in the right space to function and connect the pieces. Thank you for sticking with me!

Series Masterlist ⋆✦⋆ Main Masterlist ⋆✦⋆ Taglist Signup

🙤 · ┈┈┈┈┈┈ · ꕥ · ┈┈┈┈┈┈ · 🙦

Chapter 23 - Reunions, Goodbyes

Din wakes you only minutes before you have to start the landing cycle – he says he wanted to let you rest for as long as he could. He is not wearing his helmet when he wakes you, and he kisses your forehead and tells you he already commed Boba so that he will be waiting for you when you land. Din’s gentle words break your heart, because he always seems to know exactly what you need, and he gives it to you no matter the cost. The thought of Boba being right there after you land is the only thing that gets you to focus enough to carefully land the ship in the open atrium of the palace. As soon as the thrusters start to power down, you run to open the ramp – luggage is not important, not right now, you can get it later – and then, there he stands. 

He is here. Finally, Boba is here. He wraps himself around you until all you can breathe is him, and it is everything you have ever needed. You inhale him, pressing your face into his sturdy chest while his hands stroke your back. His lips are in your hair, murmuring words you can’t hear in a wild mix of Mando’a and Basic. It doesn’t matter what he says, all that matters is that he is here and that you can hear him, feel him, touch him. Boba. Strong and just as powerful as ever, but an odd sheen to his brown eyes when he spread his arms.

“Alor’ika.”

And you fly. Nothing in the galaxy has ever felt as good as being held by Boba in this moment. You whisper his name, over and over again until it feels like you can’t breathe. The world spins, but Boba is there to catch you, to hold you and take deep breaths with you as silent tears run down your cheeks. Only now do you let yourself realise that you almost did not get to have this again. It was close, way too close, and all would have been lost had it not been for Din. The thought of Kuat pushes its way into your brain, dripping with acid-coloured hatred. You can see him in your mind even now, still sealed in carbonite on the ship behind you, looking way too peaceful for the atrocities he planned to commit, and you shudder in Boba’s arms.

“Shh, I’m right here,” Boba mumbles. You nod, but the tears just won’t stop, and so he just holds you until everything else fades away. Forever is not long enough to make up for lost time. You let yourself sink into this feeling of warmth and security, a love so deep it could bury you if you let it – and for now, you will happily let it. You can feel Boba relax into you too, his strong hands rubbing soothing circles across your back until you have calmed down long enough to make out some of what he is saying, his sweet, raspy voice mumbling words of affirmation and love, your name, over and over again. I love you, alor’ika.

So easily you fall into him, gently enveloped by his presence. All you have worried about in the last few days melts away for a moment as Boba’s strong arms wrap around you. He holds you as tight as humanly possible – maybe even tighter, and you let him. You hug him back, though your arms do not quite reach around his broad body. You bury your fingers in the soft material of his shirt. He is real.

His mouth moves in your hair as you bury your face against his chest.

“Ni tayli gar, ad’ika,” he whispers. “I’ve got you, little one. I’m right here.”

You don’t have the words to answer as you cling to Boba’s broad frame like he will vanish if you cease touching him. He gently takes your hand in his, and like so often, it feels like he is reading your mind; his words are exactly what you need.

“I’m not going anywhere, princess, I’m staying right here with you, for as long as you need me, for as long as you’ll let me. I’m yours as long as you will have me. My brave girl. I’m so glad you’re back with me, you’re safe. You’re safe now, cyar’ika. I’ve got you.”

Boba hugs you even tighter for a second, clinging to you as desperately as you cling to him. His movements have the same urgency and care that yours do, that same need to make sure it’s all real, that you are here, and together, and that you are both alright. You loop your arms around his neck without looking up, the motion so familiar when he lifts you up without hesitation. He calls something over his shoulder, something in Mando’a your tired brain cannot quite make sense of. You vaguely catch Kuat’s name and try your best to tune out the rest of the conversation as best as you can. You do not want to know or think about what they will do with him… what Boba will do with him. Aside from all you are trying to forget though, the words in Boba’s mother tongue remind you that Din is still here. That he must be watching your reunion quietly, keeping the pain in his heart all to himself. And while you can not offer him a place in your bed, not tonight, the least he deserves is a proper goodbye. You nudge your head against Boba’s jaw as he is turning around.

“Let me say goodnight to Din?” It sounds like a question coming out of your mouth though it is not. Boba nods immediately, but makes no move to release you. Finally, you lift your head to look at him. Your eyes are swollen and your face is puffy from the tears of relief you have cried. You can’t find it in you to care, and neither, it seems, can Boba.

“You have to set me down, my love.”

Boba’s fingers dig harder into your skin.

“I can’t.” His voice breaks a little, and tears fill your eyes all over at the pain that shimmers in every syllable he utters. “I can’t- I can’t stop touching you. Don’t make me lose you again.”

“You never lost me, Bob’ika.” The nickname slips out before you can stop yourself. For a moment, Boba stares at you, his mouth hanging open in surprise. Just as you are about to apologise, he shakes his head as if to wake himself from a dream.

“It was too close, though,” he mumbles. “Way too fucking close.”

“I know.” Your voice shakes. “I know. But I’m here. I’m here, with you. Just let me say goodnight to Din, let me thank him- let me hold him before we go to bed, my love. He deserves that, at least. It’s only because of him that I’m safely back here with you.”

“Djarin deserves so much better than us,” Boba mutters. Reluctantly, he sets you down on the sandy ground of the atrium. You make a little noise of agreement – you know that. Din deserves much better than what you can give him, so much better than the heartbreak and heartache you have caused.

And still, despite everything, when you turn around, he is right there, waiting for you with open arms. You do not run to him, exactly – it is no more than a few measured steps until you find yourself wrapped in a shell of beskar when Din embraces you tightly. A cold helmet presses to your forehead. Din does not speak, but you feel like you must.

“Thank you,” you whisper. Inadequate words for all that he has done. Then again, you are not sure there would be words to describe what he means to you, but right now, words are the only thing you have, the only thing you can give him.

“Any time.” Din’s voice is rough and sad, as it seems to be way too often. You wonder absently what it must have felt like, to bring you back to the man you are going to marry after having saved your life. You wonder if he is bitter about it – but you quickly reject the thought. Din does not seem capable of quiet hatred. Not against his friends, at least.

His hands leave your body all too soon, and you are about to protest when the hiss of his helmet being unsealed stops you in your tracks.

Your heart beats in your throat when you look up at him, taking in his face that has so long been hidden from you but seems so familiar already. Messy curls, flattened from the helmet falling into dark eyes. Crinkles line his face, but only the good kind – laughter, joy. All these years, all these expressions of love and affection hidden behind a wall of beskar. And you get to see him, touch him… It seems more like a dream. Long lashes blink down at you when you raise your face, then soft lips press to your forehead.

“I mean it,” Din repeats gently. His voice sounds so different, so strangely unfamiliar without the tinny vocoder separating you. “Any time. Even when I’m not here – call me if you need me, alor’ika. I’ll always be here for you.”

His eyes leave you for a second when he looks at Boba who is standing a few feet behind you.

“That goes for both of you, Boba Jango’ad. Vode o’r besbe’trayce, vode par amy’kyrbej.”

Boba’s voice sounds strange when he speaks. You have never heard him like this, so vulnerable and genuine, not to anyone else but you.

“Vor entye, Din Mand’alor. Vode darasuum.“

An odd sound escapes you, something halfway between a laugh and a sob.

“You are too good for this world, Din.” Your voice breaks when you say his name, but Din shrugs it off.

“Maybe. And maybe I’m making up for unspeakable sin. It’s all worth it just to look at you with my own eyes.”

Your knees nearly give out at his words. After all you have put him through, how can he still say that? After all that violence and death, all those betrayals, after the life he has led, how can he still be a good man? You don’t understand it, and it only makes you more grateful.

Boba clears his throat behind you, and you automatically pull away from Din only for him to grab you tighter. To your surprise, Boba does not sound the least bit jealous or angry or even impatient when he speaks.

“Murcyu kaysh, di’kut.”

His words make you laugh through your tears. Only Boba could manage to wrap the kindest act in rough words and an insult. You love him so much it hurts.

Din bends down, his face hovering only inches away from you. His thumb ghosts over your lower lip as you stare up at him, wide-eyed.

“May I?”

“Of course.” Even before the words have fully left your lips, his mouth is on yours. It does not last long, this desperate, impossible kiss. Just long enough to make the part of your heart that loves Din shatter into a million beskar-coloured shards.

Din lets you go. The sharp pieces inside your chest want to cut you open. Boba’s hands sneaking around your waist don’t let them. You are wrapped in warm care and soft affection, the pain dulled by Boba’s presence right beside you as Din turns back to you.

“Say goodbye to me.” Din’s plea is rough, full of a desperation you do not understand.

“Good night, Din.”

There is a beat where no one moves, Boba’s fingers soothing across your skin, then Din shakes his head.

“Not goodnight, sweet girl. Goodbye.”

It takes you way too long, the world slows to nothing as you stare at Din and the tears that shine in his eyes. Brown eyes. Always so sad, always so lonely. In this moment more than ever, you understand what it means to lose someone and be helpless.

“I- what? No! No, you can’t leave, you’re not leaving. You can’t leave, Din. I won’t- you can’t mean it, not now, not so soon, don’t- You have to stay. You can’t leave m- us.”

“And if not now, when would I go?” He blinks at you, way too calm in the face of the devastation his words bring.

“We can talk-”

“And what would that change?” Din shakes his head. Boba’s hands hold you tighter. “You are getting married. I am Mand’alor, and I have left my people alone for far too long already. I have shied away from the responsibility to stay here, with you. I can’t do that any longer. You knew that, you knew I had to go. Don’t you see, sarad’ika? If I don’t go now, I never will.”

“You don’t have a ship,” you protest weakly. “You can’t leave, you don’t have a ship.”

“Boba is lending me one. Fennec is coming with me, helping me settle things. She’ll bring the ship back.”

You turn around in Boba’s arms to stare at him accusingly.

“You planned this!”

“Alor’ika, this has been in the works… this has been coming from the moment Djarin stepped foot into the palace. You knew that. Of course we made plans for when he would be leaving, who could go with him, what we would do if he could not find a ship he liked. Din never meant to stay this long in the first place. Don’t be mad, not at him, not at me. You knew this. You just… didn’t want to think about it.” Boba bends down to whisper into your ear. “Don’t make this harder for him than it already is.”

And there they are, the only words that could make you stop pleading. A reminder of Din’s pain, of how much he must be struggling to go already without you so selfishly rambling at him. Boba knows you so well – too well.

Your exhaustion creeps up on you, rising from where you had banished it deep within your bones as you stare at both of them with tired eyes.

“Well then,” you finally say, and you sound so defeated that it nearly breaks you. “If there is no more to say… goodbye, Din. Please- please call us. Holo us. Comm us, whatever, I don’t care. Just don’t fall out of touch. We- I need to know you are alright.”

Din smiles sadly.

“I will, sweet girl. I promise.”

You want to ask if he will come to the wedding, you want to ask when you will see him again, but you cannot. It seems so unbearably cruel.

“Can you stand on your own for a moment, princess?” Boba’s voice is soft in your ear. You nod, though you stagger a bit when he lets you go. You are so tired.

You stumble over to the archway to sit down, just where Din used to sit. The shards in your chest rattle when you remember the first time you caught him sleeping there. Hey there, Mando. You knew so little of him then.

You lean your head back against the stone column behind you as you watch Boba step closer to Din. He places his hand on Din’s pauldron, the one with the signet on it. The gesture is oddly intimate. It feels like you are witnessing something you can’t understand. Your breath stutters when Boba leans forward to press his forehead against Din’s, just as Din’s hand comes to rest on Boba’s shoulder where his pauldron would be. Boba’s lips barely move, but the words are carried over to you nonetheless.

“Ni reta’vore gar lo cuun aliit, Din Naas’ad. Gar tom be’mhi.”

The soft words sear themselves into your memory though you can not make sense of them. It is the way Boba says them – so gentle and nearly apologetic. Like he missed a chance and is trying to make up for it now.

Your eyelids feel so heavy. But you don’t want to miss a moment of this, even if you can barely keep your eyes open, so you blink awake again to watch Din close his eyes and softly shake his head against Boba’s. Their faces are so close their noses touch with the movement. You don’t know why that tugs on your heart the way it does. Maybe it is seeing them together, united, so affectionate in the face of goodbye. Din’s sharp profile is such a contrast to Boba’s round jaw. Two men like day and night, and yet so alike. You think you will never forget this moment for as long as you live.

“She loves you,” Boba mumbles. You tremble when his quiet words reach you and recoil into the shadows. Din pulls back from the kov’nyn to look at you, though his hand remains on Boba’s shoulder.

“I know,” Din mutters. “Just- not enough.”

You bury your face in your arms. He is right, of course, and that is what hurts the most. No matter how much you want it to be enough, it just isn’t.

“Hmh.” Boba pauses for a second, considering his words. “I- you are dear to me, Djarin. I hope you find the happiness you deserve. I’m sorry for-”

Din steps back, his hand slipping from Boba’s shoulder just as Boba’s does from his.

“No apologies. This is the way.” He settles his helmet back where it belongs, his face once again hidden by silver beskar and an unreadable visor, his voice once again tinny and familiar.

“Ret’urcye mhi, Boba. Dar’tome nu’darasuum.”

“Nu kyr’adyc, shi taab’echaj’la,” Boba says quietly, staring into empty space.

Din chuckles in response, the sudden sound breaking through the gloomy mood for a second. You stare at him and wish you could see his face when he laughs. He is the sun.

“Ni nu’kyrayc su, Fett.”

“Su.” Boba’s voice is dry, his smile small but you can hear it when he speaks. He never waivers, but you can feel the dull pain that emanates from underneath his indifferent façade. You desperately want to run to him and hold him just as tight as he did you when you arrived back here, but it feels wrong to disturb their moment. Boba is standing straight and tall as always, a broad-backed figure cast in shadows from the setting suns, but he seems less… grand. Tonight, he is just a man. Whatever you are losing, Boba is losing as well. A friend- inexplicably more than that. You are certain he loves Din in his own way.

Din’s helmet turns towards you and you hastily wipe your tears.

“I loved you, alor’ika. I don’t regret it.”

Your heart stumbles, and your mouth opens to respond though you do not know how. Before you can scrape together the courage to tell Din that, Oh Din, I love you too, I’m sorry it is not enough, I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry you have to go, and I’m sorry I so selfishly want you to stay, Din turns around, away from you.

An arm sneaks around your shoulder, slender and familiar fingers squeezing your shoulder. Fennec. You stumble to your feet to hug her, and she lets you, pressing a hasty kiss to your cheek.

“I gotta go, tinker girl. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to him, I promise.” She pauses for a second, her eyes flicking between you and Boba. “You take good care of him, you hear? He was insufferable while you were gone. You take him and you hold him, Stars know he needs it just as much as you.”

She gently nudges you in Boba’s direction and you let her go. Boba scoops you up into his arms as she climbs the ramp, throwing you a kiss and a wink. You feel like a sleepy child being carried home after a long journey when you wrap your legs around Boba’s waist and your arms around his neck. He hugs you back so tightly that you gasp for air and turns so you can both watch as Din climbs up the ramp. You stare at his broad back, the gleaming beskar covered by his ratty cape. Din does not turn back, and you find yourself shifting between wishing desperately that he would and being afraid that he might. You don’t know if you could bear it.

Boba holds you tighter when the doors seal after Din vanishes inside the ship. The thrusters fire up, and you quietly watch together as the ship ascends into orbit. And just like that, Din is gone.

****

Boba does not press you. He does not ask, does not talk, he just quietly holds you. And you are glad, so glad that he seems to understand exactly what you need. You know you will have to talk to him, you will have to tell him exactly what happened. But you don’t know if you could summon the strength right now.

You are exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Maybe if Din had stayed at least another day or two… Saying goodbye to him after all that has happened in the past few days… A small part of you wonders if it would have changed everything had he decided to stay. Would you still have married Boba?

As soon as the thought crosses your mind, you know the answer – of course you would have. You love Din, there is no denying that, not without atrociously lying to yourself. But that love… you know, deep inside, that it will pass. Oh, you will always love Din, but the romance will fade with time, and you will be glad you let him go. You think it might pass for him too, this infatuation. He chose his duty over staying with you. You think maybe he would have even if you were not about to get married to another. Din is a good man, an honourable one. Denying his duty, even if it had been for love… eventually, it would have made him bitter. Unsettled. At least that is what you tell yourself.

You shake your head, trying to clear your mind while you wait for the elevator, wrapped safely in Boba’s arms. You cannot allow yourself to get lost in the would haves and could haves and should haves. What happened, happened. Kuat happened. Din left. But, most importantly of all, you are back home safe.

The hole in your heart aches with every step you and Boba take, with every mile that starfighter puts between you and Din. The pain is terrible, but Boba’s presence makes it bearable at least. He is here, finally right here. All those days spent travelling just to end up right back where you started, having achieved nothing except pain and hurt and loss. But at least you are back with Boba.

The elevator doors slide open to reveal your apartment, bathed in the soft glow of the setting suns.

“Thought you might like familiar surroundings tonight, princess.” Boba’s voice is rough and husky, and yet so gentle. Has it always been like this? So soothing, so grounding. It ghosts over your skin and lingers in the air; it settles deep in your chest until you finally feel at home.

“I don’t care where we sleep as long as you are there,” you mumble. Then, you amend, because it sounded much harsher than you intended. “But thank you, my love. That’s very thoughtful of you.”

Boba grumbles softly in response and sets you down next to your bed. You look at him. He blinks, his head tilting as if he is waiting for you to say something.

“What?” You sound tired. You are tired.

“Do you..” he pauses, then takes a deep breath. “Do you want to talk about what happened? At the yards?”

Unpleasant images flash through your mind – Tovris’s rifle, hard and cold between your shoulder blades, Kuat’s poison-sweet voice. Unwelcome hands touching you without your permission, the threat of worse hanging heavy in the air. A deep rage burns inside you at the memory, all-encompassing; a fury so hot it can barely be contained.

But you just calmly shake your head. If you tell Boba now, he will kill Kuat. Simple as that. If you tell Boba what Kuat did, what he had planned, what he threatened to do to you… if Boba hears it from your lips, assuming Din has not already told him everything, Kuat won’t live to see the morning. You ponder for a second whether Din could possibly even know all that transpired. When did he step in? You can’t remember, your memory hazy and clouded by exhaustion.

So no, you cannot tell Boba. In spite of everything Kuat has done, of all he has put you through, the only thing that soothes the burning rage inside you wins: Reason. If Kuat is dead, that will only make it that much harder to find out who knows what, if there was anyone else behind all of this, who is after you… who planned to betray Boba. You will wait. You will go to sleep and rest, and wait until you have gathered yourself. Looking at Boba, who is still staring at you intently, waiting for an answer, you shake your head.

“Not tonight.” You step closer to him to wrap your arms around his waist. Your belly presses against his, and you bury your face against his chest. “Tonight, I just want to hold you and be held by you. To be glad I am back here with you. To be thankful that I am safe, and I get to touch you and talk to you and be with you. I missed you more than I could bear.”

Boba hums, pressing a kiss into your hair.

“I missed you more.”

You look up at him, with only the smallest smile on your lips. You don’t have the strength for more.

“I missed you most.”

Boba’s fingers stroke across your cheek, tracing your nose, your lips, your jaw, travelling down towards your neck- you shudder, closing your eyes. Not there, you want to scream. Every touch there hurts, dark bruises in the shapes of long fingers wrapping around your throat. You are glad your neckline is high enough that Boba won’t see.

“Are you sure you are alright?” The worry in Boba’s voice is audible.

“I… I will be,” you say honestly.

“Do you want me to go?”

“No.” Your answer is too quick. You take a breath – in… and out. “No. Being with you- I dreamed of it every second I was away.”

“That doesn’t mean it is what you need now.” Boba detaches himself from you. “Don’t-”

“I said I don’t want you to go.” Your voice is sharp, cutting through the room like ice. You hate it, hate that Kuat has destroyed this for you, hate that you cannot let Boba touch you whichever way he wants, hate your body’s response to it. Getting home and being with Boba is the only thing you thought about while you were away. And now Kuat’s ugly actions have tainted even that. Boba looks at you, his doubt clearly written on his features. You try to soften your voice.

“Don’t go. Please. Being alone… I don’t think I could stand it. The thought of being apart from you is- it’s unbearable. Stay. Please. Just… don’t move too fast, alright? Just hold me for now. No more.”

When Boba touches you again, it is with infinite care and tenderness.

“Of course, alor’ika. Whatever you need.”

You will yourself to relax into his touch. The overwhelming relief of reunion pushed everything else to the back of your mind, but now that you are alone, everything comes rushing back. You focus on the feeling of Boba’s fingers against your skin. They are rough, just as they always were. They are not soft like Kuat’s. Boba’s touches worship you, they carry a reverence, a love inside them. They don’t try to own you. You focus on that feeling, and tension starts to seep out of you. A thought crosses your mind, something from long ago, a permission you gave that you have to retract now. Even just for a while.

“Don’t- don’t touch me tonight while I sleep, okay?” Your voice is hesitant. “I couldn’t- I can’t wake up to that, I can’t-”

“I don’t… do you want me to sleep in your bed tonight or not, princess? Either way is fine, I just- can’t promise what I’ll do what I’m asleep, even if I don’t mean to touch you-”

“No, no. Not like that. I want you to hold me- I want to hold you. I need the comfort of you, my love. I meant… don’t touch me. Don’t wake me up with your fingers inside me, or your mouth on me.” You take a deep breath. “Just… don’t touch me like that. Not tonight.”

“Okay. I won’t, I promise. I wasn’t planning to- I want you to be awake, want you to look at me and kiss me… I’m glad you told me. Whatever makes you feel safe, little love.” Boba looks as if he wants to say more, to ask about this decision. He doesn’t, and you are relieved. You could not explain it now without getting into the details of everything you are allowing yourself to put off until tomorrow.

“You are sure everything else is okay?” Boba asks again. You try not to be annoyed – he cares so much. Everything he does is only to make sure you are comfortable, every question he asks to reassure you of his love.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

You strip off your clothes quickly, with your back turned to Boba, picking out a high-necked pyjama set from your closet that has never been touched before. Boba watches you with raised eyebrows, but he does not say anything. Your necklace catches on your top when you tug it down, and you are reminded of all the things you have to talk to Boba about. Everything that was left unsaid in the chaos of the last few days. Tomorrow, you promise yourself. Tomorrow. For now, you just need sleep. And Boba wrapped around you.

“Come to bed, my love,” you say quietly and stretch out your hand. “Come to bed and hold me. Make me feel at home.”

Boba’s movements are slow and deliberate as he undresses and crawls into bed to settle behind you. One arm wraps around your waist to pull you close, and his nose nudges the back of your neck. Your shiver this time is the good kind. You have missed him so, and to be held by him again… Gods. It feels like you can finally really relax.

“Ni kar’tayli gar darasuum, alor’ika,“ Boba whispers. “I know you, even if you don’t tell me everything. I’m here for you whatever you need. I am not going anywhere.”

Your heart aches. You know how much these words cost him, these verbal affirmations of love. Boba is a man of action, and you know he only says these things because he knows that you need to hear them. You love him more than your heart can hold.

“I love you too, Boba.” You twist around in his arms to kiss him. “I’ll tell you everything, I promise. Just not tonight.”

Boba hums in agreement. You push one of your legs between his and rest your cheek on his warm chest. Big hands settle on your back, and Boba presses soft kisses into your hair. You are asleep before his lips ever leave you.

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Mando'a translations Ni tayli gar - I’ve got you. Boba Jango’ad. Vode o’r besbe’trayce, vode par amy’kyrbej. – Boba, Son of Jango. Brothers in arms, brothers for life (lit. “through changing battlefields”) Vor entye, Din Mand’alor. Vode darasuum. - Thank you, Din, Ruler of Mandalore. Brothers forever. Murcyu kaysh, di’kut. - Kiss her, you idiot. Ni reta’vore gar lo cuun aliit, Din Naas’ad. Gar tom be’mhi. - I could accept you into our clan, Din, Son of Nobody. You are a part of us. Ret’urcye mhi, Boba. Dar’tome nu’darasuum. - Goodbye (“We’ll see each other”.) Apart, but not forever. Nu kyr’adyc, shi taab’echaj’la. - Not gone, merely marching far away (The Mando’a dictionary lists ‘Tribute to a fallen comrade’ as the use of the phrase, so that is the cultural context I am imagining for this – just to make sense of Din’s response) Ni nu’kyrayc su, Fett. - I’m not dead yet, Fett. Su – Yet Ni kar’tayli gar darasuum - I love you (“I know you forever”)

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