#*: ･ﾟ∙ * ⁕ desires ⦀ meet me at midnight / find me by moonlight

[thedarlingdearestdead]

Midnight confessions

Summary: Neither of you can sleep and you both have feelings, they are revealed!

Warnings: Full on smut, little plot. R18.

Word count: 1,690

“You should be asleep.”

You startle out of your thoughts. “So should you, General Skywalker.”

He smiled in the dim light of palace quarters which had been provided for you, as Jedi ambassadors on Bespin. “I couldn’t.”

“Me neither. Something feels unsettled here.” You were wearing just a light white shirt and a pair of sleeping shorts, hair undone in messy curls around your head. Your appearance was far from the neat Jedi presentation he was used to seeing. You were shining in the moonlight. “I feel unsettled.” You meet his eyes across the room.

“You feel it to?” He asks, curious and desperate for you to see his true meaning.

“I’ve felt it since I boarded your ship. Since seeing you after such a long period of time had past. It’s like…”

There was a long pause. “Like what?” He asks, moving across the room, closer to you.

“Like nothing I’ve felt before, like nothing I should feel.”

He nods, finally coming to a stop in front of you. “And if I told you I did know this feeling? That I felt it even then?”

You looked deep into his eyes, searching for the truth and finding the sincerity you had come to expect from Anakin Skywalker. His confession sent a shiver down your spine. It was a secret you both had kept buried for years, a feeling that had grown quietly in the shadows of your duties as Jedi.

"Anakin, you can't mean… We can’t” You choked out, his hand reaching out to your face.

“I can. We can.” His voice goes husky, desperate, his eyes searching yours in the darkness. 

The room seemed to shrink around you, and the air grew heavy with unspoken desires and longing. Anakin's fingers brushed against your cheek, and you leaned into his touch, your body, and mind both, weakening.

"We've dedicated our lives to the Jedi Order," you whispered, your voice barely audible, your breath uneven. "We have responsibilities, Anakin. We can't just throw it all away."

“But can you resist this feeling? Can you suffer, and make me suffer, all for a code?”

You let your eyes flutter to the ground, losing them briefly, trying to gather your thoughts and your resolve. The Jedi Code had always been clear: emotions, especially romantic ones, were to be avoided. Yet here you were, standing in the moonlight with the man you loved, torn between duty and desire.

Anakin takes your chin in his hand and lifts your gaze to meet his. You see the fire in his eyes, the same passion that’s burning within you. “I can’t resist it anymore, (Y/N). I’ve tried for too long. I've fought it, but it's stronger than me. And now, after seeing you again, it’s stronger than anything.”

He leans in, his lips hovering just above yours. You can feel his hot breath on your skin, feel the tension building between you. You know you should resist, that you should push him away and leave the room, but you can’t. You’re powerless to his touch, to the feelings that are surging within you.

Without another word, Anakin closes the gap between you, pressing his lips to yours in a fiery kiss. His hands move to your hips, holding you close to him, as he deepens the kiss. You’re lost in him, in the passion that had lain dormant inside of you for too long.

"I know it's not easy," he said softly, “But I think we can make it work.”

He started kissing at your neck and you melted into him, the last vestiges of your resistance dissolving under his lips. 

Anakin's arms wrapped around you, pulling you closer, deepening the kiss. You felt his hands move down your back, sending shivers down your spine, and you knew there was no going back.

Nothing could stop you now. You and Anakin were in a world of your own, a world where only the two of you existed. He lifted you up in his arms, and you wrapped your legs around his waist, never breaking the kiss.

Anakin carried you to the large sofa in the center of the room, and gently lay you down. He looked at you, searching for any sign of hesitation, but all he found was burning desire. You wanted him as much as he wanted you.

He kissed you again, his lips trailing down your neck, your collarbone, and finally pulled down your nightshirt, reaching your breasts. He took one of your nipples into his mouth, and you gasped in pleasure. You allowed yourself to be swept away by the passion you both felt, in this moment, all that mattered was Anakin. 

Your hands moved to his beautiful curly hair, digging into the strand at the back as he continued his attack on your chest, the moan he let out sent shivers down in between your legs.

He removes your top completely, leaving you almost completely bare to him. He grins when you try to take his too. He leans back on the couch, on his knees in between your legs to strip it off. 

You gaze hungrily at his body, shaped from an adolescence of heavy training. He is slim but hard and toned with muscles and a spattering of scars. You are stunned into silence which makes him grin with a dangerous look in his eyes. He must know how much you want him, how much you’ve always wanted him. 

You feel yourself growing impossibly wet and pull him to you hungrily, wiping the pride off of his face as he melts into you. He kisses you on the mouth and returns to sucking and biting at your breasts, removing your own top completely and causing you to arch your back into him. He groans at the sight.

Anakin moves lower on you, kissing a line down your stomach, pulling down your sleep shorts to reveal your core. He takes a moment to push your legs apart and stare at your entrance. You feel the heat rising in you and feel yourself growing aroused by the intensity of his gaze. You want to kick him, make him move, make him so something. You’re getting impatient as he takes his time, stoking your thighs and playing with you what you would call an impossible cruelty.

“Look at me” Anakin says and you respond to the dominant command in his voice. He gazes deep into your eyes as his fingers trail through into you, finally, eliciting a moan from you. “You’re so beautiful.” He says breathlessly, and you pull him back down to your lips. “I love you.” 

Anakin moves his fingers through your wetness, exploring your folds and teasing your clit just a bit, just enough to learn you, watch you, tease you. You feel the air grow thick with tension as the feeling of his hands invades you, his moves gets faster and your breathe becomes more short. Then he swoops forward, face first and his tongue joins his fingers, you almost scream, bringing your hand to your mouth to muffle your voice. 

“Don’t stop” You say, though he shows no sign of wanting to. On the contrary his moves only become more desperate, more intense as he laps you up, the fire in your stomach grows ever more, burning down all of your past defences, wondering why you ever had any in the first place. Why you and Anakin hadn’t been sneaking away to do this for years. 

Then suddenly you meet your crescendo, biting hard on hand as you thrust into his face, coming all over him. His groan vibrates through you, shaking your sensitive core. He doesn’t give you much time to recover before taking one last stroke at your juices then coming up to kiss you on the mouth.

The taste of yourself on him makes you see stars, and the way he thrusts himself into you a moment later gives you a vision of the entire galaxy. 

He is rough and desperate and claws at you ferociously. His mouth takes a constant place on yours, his hands tracing down your body, his fingers gripping at your own and digging you further into the cushions. All the while he thrusts at a furious pace. 

“Force, this is more than I could ever have imagined.” His voice was so gruff and gravelly and his eyes were shut as he breaks from kissing you to breathe hard above you. 

You take the opportunity to kiss at his neck and bring your leg up to change the angle slightly, you catch him off guard and hear his breath hitch followed by a hard groan. 

You are both reaching your limit, your movements are long and drawn out and your breath comes in short gasps as each of you gets ready for that final push. Then Anakin begins to thrust faster, his rhythm turning erratic and fierce as he growls out in pleasure. You can feel the heat rise in you again as he moves in you, rubbing against the right spot, and you feel your chest tighten again on the verge of your second orgasm.

“Ani-“ You manage to mouth out.

As he slams into you again, he calls out your name and you feel the last of his control break apart, pushing you both over the edge. Anakin's face tenses as he emits three hard grunts, his last for a while, into your neck, each one of them triggering your orgasm. You clench to his body, nails digging into the skin of his back as your insides shake and your insides fill up with him. 

It is minutes later that the two of you can see, and breathe normally. It takes minutes more for you to move, both exhausted from your activity, from the emotions which came with it. You had crossed a line that you could never come back from. With Anakin. And it was amazing. You find yourself grinning into his shoulder and he looks up at you with the exact same expression on his face. 

This was the start of something…

[sideblogofhell]

a body with two souls

summary: there are stories about who druig truly is, he lets you see a glimpse of the truth pairing: druig x male reader word count: 1.3k warnings: 18+ warning, mutual masturbation, mind control, dom!druig, kinda dark if u put your mind into it, if u dont like ignore a/n: part three im back!

main masterlist | the repentant's corner

Stars don’t fall for men, and gods don’t come down from the heavens for men. There were stories passed down in the commune, that the leader was a god that came down with other gods. That they were there when the first civilizations were forged, guiding man as they advanced.

The leader had always loomed in the community like a shadow, with his dark robes and his black hair against his pale skin, he was like some dark angel on Earth. He would walk around and deal with troubles in the community, settling disputes and administering justice. You’ve grown fond of him, he was always gentle to you, his soft voice always over your shoulder showering you with praises as you cooked for everyone. 

After everyone was served dinner he thanked you for the wonderful meal and asked if you would meet him before midnight outside his cabin. You stood outside his door under the moonlight, it grew quite dark in the commune at night when the torches were turned off. His voice creaked in the door like he instantly knew of your presence. Come in, his voice echoed in your head. 

You opened the door to his cabin, it was a small space. There was a fireplace at the back of the room with an antique throne chair near it, his bed at the side with animal furs as rugs. There were some old relics on a shelf along with some old leather-bound books. Some torches lit the room, the cold air leaving your skin in exchange for the heat of the fire. 

“How was your day?” he asked, approaching you with a swiftness that felt inhuman. His hand reached for yours, warm around your cold palms. His blue eyes were set on yours. “Dinner was splendid as always.”

“It was good,” you said, your voice hitched at the end of the sentence. “I’m glad you liked it.”

“Well, you’re always splendid,” he said smiling. Your eyes were set on your feet avoiding his gaze. His index finger touches your chin, lifting it so that your eyes meet his. “Let me see those pretty eyes.”

You swore for a second that his eyes glimmered a faint gold. 

“Do you know what people say about me?” he asked, leaving you to place more wood on the fire. There were indeed whispers about Druig. That he was a god with the power to influence people’s minds, or that he was one of the angels that rebelled against god. 

“They say you were a trickster, that you toyed with man’s deepest desires,” you said. He hovered around you, his cold presence made the hairs on your skin rise. “Or that you’re a fallen angel.”

“I’m no angel,” he laughs. “But I do know everyone’s deepest fantasies.”

“How so?”

“Not important—but it is interesting that you find the idea of me seducing you somewhat arousing,” he whispered to your ear. You fell back in shock, your back falling into his chest. He trails his nose on the skin on your nape, taking in your scent. 

You had thought about it, his dominating presence was arousing to you. You would sometimes think of it at night as you touched yourself, wanting him to take you for his. Maybe the whispers were right, he truly was a trickster god. 

“What a naughty boy you are,” he smirked, he traced his fingers on your arm, his light touches drove you insane. You wanted him to touch you so bad. “If I told you that the whispers are true would you run away from me?”

“No.”

“No, what?”

“No, sir.”

He walked around so that his body was in front of you, towering over you. “Do you trust me?” he said, his hands cupping your face. 

“Yes, sir.”

He takes you near the fireplace, taking a seat on the throne chair, legs sprawled. Kneel, his voice whispered inside your head, as if it were your thoughts. Tonight you give up yourself to me, that is what you want right? You nod, looking up at him as you knelt. 

Show me how you pleasure yourself to the thought of me. 

Your cock throbbed inside your pants, you palmed it to the sound of his voice inside your head. You took out your sex and started stroking, it was achingly hard. You let saliva drip out of your lips to your cock, the slippery sensation drawing out moans from you. You see him start to palm his erection, looking at you with a smirk on his lips, something about this amused him. 

He took out his thick cock and started to stroke it at the very same pace you were stroking. His free hand cupped his balls as his pink tip glistened against the fire. In your head, you would have crawled to him and taken him into your mouth. You felt drunk like any sense of inhibition was taken away from you as your fingers wrapped around your cock.

Would you give yourself up to me? 

You nodded like a hungry dog, eyes beady in front of him. Druig looked down onto the moaning mess at his feet, cock leaking, your face flushed as your hand pumped your sex. He wanted to take things further, control your mind to his pleasure. To place himself inside your body for him to control, he had never done it with anyone, but your pleading eyes made him almost lose it.

“Please use me, sir.”

That was it. You saw his eyes fully glow a bright gold, like shining stars in front of you. Your body felt light like your soul lifted from your body. You were fully aware of your body’s sensations but you couldn’t move your limbs. Druig was in control of your body, he could feel your hardness alongside his. With his own will, your hands started to stroke your cock, his hand stroking his own at the same pace. It felt like someone else’s hands were stroking you, it was a strange but satisfying feeling. 

Your body felt insane, like your body had two souls, your and his taking control of your body. Your hips started to thrust into your hand, you were fully fucking your hand like it were someone's body. Druig’s hand was already wet with precum, the slippery sounds of your cocks filled the room alongside the sounds of burning wood. The sight was intoxicating to Druig, a moaning mess, you were. Your body crawled nearer to him, his hand running through your hair as he pumped his cock. 

Your whole arm was moving like clockwork, stroking your member to the point that it was aching red, leaking precum on the carpeted floor. Druig was close, his hips bucking into his hand as his chest heaved. You were already panting, sweat dripping down your forehead. You looked up at him, mouth agape as you reached for air. Druig projected his pleasure to your mind, the feeling was so alien to your body that it drew your mind to a blur, the pleasure coursing through your body like a strange wave of electricity. 

The feeling of the two of you nearing climax in your feeble mundane mind was sending you into ecstasy, you were panting like crazy, Druig too. He was groaning under his breath, his thick cock blushing pink as he stood up holding your head. At the same stroke of your hands, you shot cum on his leather boots crying out in pleasure, as Druig let out a loud groan of pleasure as his cum released into your mouth, some smearing across your face. 

You dropped down to the carpet floor in fatigue, chasing your breath after what happened. Druig picked you up and carried you to his bed, cleaning you up with a damp cloth. He later joined you in bed, stroking your hair as he whispered praises into your ear. Myths were right, the trickster god did indeed toy with people’s pleasure. 

interactions are greatly appreciated btw if u liked this fic and want more send me a prompt and i'd gladly make something from it :>

[the-dork-urge]

Zevlor x Reader || A Good Man || Part 2

Read Part 1

SUMMARY: In which Tav and Zevlor take their first step into a much deeper connection, momentarily forgetting the worries of tommorow.

PAIRING: Zevlor x female Tav

WORD COUNT: 3198 Thanks to @cryppticcaveart & @rookieeyes for helping me out with this one!

NSFW and fluff

As they broke away from the kiss, he caught himself smiling, the warmth of her lips still lingering against his. And her smile mirrored his own, awkward, but mostly relieved. He had envisioned kissing her dozens of times, yet no moment seemed as ripe as this one. Perhaps missed opportunities, or perhaps just fuel for his desire. His cheeks flushed with heat, and he took a hesitant step back, needing some space to gather his thoughts.  "Excuse me," Zevlor stammered, his voice laced with uncertainty, "I am not quite used to this. To you, like this. Us. Right here." He felt like a youth again, all nerves, shakes, and rambles, despite his years of command and experience as a Hellrider. There was something about this that made him feel so bare, like stepping into battle without any armor.

"Let us get away," she whispered, sensing his unease. "Where to?" he asked, curiosity mingling with his nervousness. ''won't they miss you?'' ‘’They’ll be fine without me.'' She reached out her hand, waiting expectantly, "I know a spot in the forest.'' He took her hand; but within his grasp, they felt fragile, delicate even. For so long, he had held nothing more than a sword. Yet she knew her hands were lethal in their way. As they ventured into the forest, the air grew cooler, the din of the camp fading into the background until all that remained was the hushed whisper of leaves overhead. Beams of moonlight pierced through the dense canopy, casting scattered patterns on the forest floor. "Isn't it beautiful here?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the tranquil peace surrounding them.

Zevlor felt the tension that had gripped him begin to wane, replaced by a quiet sense of calm that settled over him like a comforting blanket.

"It's… peaceful," he admitted, his gaze wandering between the sight in front of him, and stealing glances as she looked around the spot with a content smile.

"I come here sometimes when the camp gets to be too much," she confessed, her voice soft and earnest. "It's like my own little refuge, a place to clear my mind and find some peace."

Zevlor listened intently, captivated by the sincerity in her words. "I can see why," he replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips now. "It's easy to forget about everything else when you're surrounded by such beauty." She glanced at him, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She settled onto the grassy forest floor, patting the ground beside her. "I'd been meaning to bring you here sooner," she confessed, meeting his gaze. "To get you out of that cold cave in the Grove. To find some peace of mind. Some clarity." He settled onto the forest floor beside her, their shoulders brushing lightly as they sat side by side, gazing out into the tranquil night. For a while, they simply enjoyed each other's company in comfortable silence. But as the moments stretched on, Zevlor found himself drawn to her, unable to let his gaze wander away from her, captivated by the undeniable chemistry that crackled between them. With all his bravery mustered, he reached out, his hand finding hers again, their fingers intertwining. She smiled at the gesture before allowing herself to fall back onto the grass fully, pulling him down with her. They lay there together, staring up at the canopy of leaves above.

"It wasn't bad at all," she began softly, "us stretching into midnight, planning and talking in the cave."

"It wasn’t?" he asked, turning his head to look at her. He recalled her shivering as they stood over the table, examining plans and battle maps, discussing tactics, and occasionally delving into matters beyond their duties. He had tried to warm her up by sharing the leftover bottles of booze, attempting to inch closer without it being awkward. His skin was warmer than hers, his devilish blood emitting a comfortable heat. For a while, he had believed he was subtle in his actions. However, upon reflection, he realized she must have noticed his attentiveness; nothing seemed to escape her keen observation. He knew she was perceptive to every gesture and nuance he displayed. "It's been good to work with you, to hear your story, and to get to know you."

He felt his heart skip a beat. These past weeks, how awful they had been, she had been a silver lining. And how honored he was to get to know her.. "You've been the most stimulating presence I've had in a long time," he admitted, turning away in embarrassment. "And you've been wonderful to my people when you could have easily decided not to be." "I'm glad to have helped," she said, and even though he wasn't looking at her anymore, he could envision her smiling at his words. And her lips. For the first time in a while, he longed for something beyond the burdens of leadership and the march towards Baldur's Gate. He longed for her. He craved the warmth of her touch, the comfort of her presence, and the hope for something more between them in the future. However, as they lay there together, enveloped by the tranquil embrace of the forest, the moment seemed almost surreal. And thoughts started to overwhelm his mind. Would she discover a cure for the parasite afflicting her brain? And what of the uncertain path stretching out before both of them? Would she stand by his side, a beacon of light to guide him through their journey? Or would he wander those lands alone with his people, clinging only to the memory of this fleeting night for solace?

He clung to this moment with a firmness matched only by the way he held her hand as if anchoring her to the present where their togetherness was an undeniable certainty. Turning to meet her gaze, he found her eyes already fixed on him, a flicker of sadness mingling with the hope that illuminated her smile. As she squeezed his hand in return, a sense of reassurance washed over him.

"I don’t know what tomorrow will bring," she confessed, as if able to read his mind, "And that frightens me more than I care to admit."

"I'm afraid too," he admitted softly.

Shifting onto her side, she nestled her face against his chest, her fingers tracing absentminded patterns while the rhythmic thumping of his heart filled the space around them. "But," she murmured, her voice a soothing melody against his skin, "we've both faced countless dangers and yet here we are, our hearts still beating." She pressed her hand against his chest, teasing him with a grin. "I feel like it’s going to jump out of your chest," her fingers curled against the fabric of his shirt. He cleared his throat, unable to suppress the eagerness pulsating within his chest. Then, she took his hand and pressed it against her chest, his palm meeting the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. Pounding just as loudly as his own. With one hand, she caressed his cheek, fingers sliding softly over his ridges and scars, and moved his face towards her. Eye to eye, lips almost touching.

‘’I want to be with you tonight, Zevlor,’’ she spoke, her lips grazing his, ‘’especially amidst all this uncertainty. But only if you’ll have me.’’

His chest tightened at the sudden invitation. The idea of exploring her fully, seeing every nuance of her physical being laid bare, stirred a longing in him. Without a doubt, he desired her. The idea of tracing her bare skin, fulfilling the visions he had harbored since their first evening in the grove, ignited a fiery sensation throughout his entire being.

Yet, the prospect of unveiling himself in the same way sent shivers down his spine. The memory of his last intimate encounter haunted him, a distant echo of a time when his body was stronger, his spirit unbroken.  Would she still desire him, he pondered, once she beheld the extent of his scars and weathered appearance? Could the stark contrast against the canvas of her youth prompt her to recoil at the sight of his devilish, battered form – a body worn by years of strife and conflict?

With a deep breath, he reached out to her, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. Aware that if he allowed fear to rule this moment, as it had ruled him for far too long, he risked missing out on something beautiful. So he took a leap of faith, placing his trust in the connection they shared, in her kindness, patience, and good soul. Suddenly, the walls he had built around his heart began to crumble, the armor he had carefully donned falling away piece by piece.

"I want you too," he whispered, his voice barely audible, "More than anything. But know that I am not without my flaws, my scars. And if you still want me, despite all of that… then I am yours." His heart hammered in his chest as he awaited her response, every beat echoing the uncertainty and vulnerability he felt at that moment.

She kissed him suddenly, this time with unwavering intensity, different from their first. Their lips intertwined as if sealing a promise. Her hands gracefully glided to his neck, drawing him closer into the kiss. Zevlor released a breath, feeling as if she had stolen the air from his lungs. He gasped into the sudden kiss, his hands instinctively finding their way down her body, tracing the curves of her figure until they settled firmly on her hips. "I desire you, Zevlor," she affirmed, pulling back slightly, her voice steady and sure, her hands still delicately resting on his neck. "Not despite your scars, but because of them."

These words, coupled with the rising heat in his body, momentarily banished all doubts that had previously plagued his mind. There was only her now, right in front of him.

His hands, still nestled on her hips, gently curled around the fabric of her shirt. With meticulous care, he lifted her shirt, his nails teasingly close to her skin. She cooperated by raising her arms, allowing him to strip the fabric from her. Taking her shirt from his hands, she casually flung it over her shoulder before shifting her focus to his shirt.

He tried to unwind, fixating on her beauty as she undressed him. Her hands caressed the muscles of his stomach before gliding up his bare chest.

"You're even more handsome than I imagined," she murmured, a faint blush tinting her cheeks, accompanied by goosebumps from the cool forest air. All he heard was sincerity, absent of lies or pity. Handsome, he mused. Typically a term reserved for younger men like Dammon or Rolan, not for someone of his age. Yet, he accepted it wholeheartedly because it came from her.

She gently pushed him back by his chest, settling on top of him as his back met the ground once more. The grass and branches pricked his skin, but the sensation was nothing compared to the weight of her on him.

Seated on his thighs, she began to work on the laces of his pants. The grace that she always exuded slowly faded, replaced by impatience and eagerness. He assisted by lifting his hips slightly as she slid his pants down.

His arousal pulsed beneath the delicate fabric of his undergarments. As she began to remove them, pausing to savor the anticipation, he swiftly stopped her progress. Redirecting her hands to her sides, he took the lead, reaching for the straps of her bra. With a practiced touch, he slid them off her shoulders while she dealt with the clasps at the back. The bra dropped between them, but his attention remained fixated on her exposed chest, where the firm buds reacted to the cool air.

"Gods," he murmured, extending his hands to touch her breasts. His hands cupped them tenderly, his thumbs exploring the firmness of her nipples. A soft exhale escaped her lips as she felt the warmth of his hands, the goosebumps on her skin gradually yielding under his caress.

He noticed her pressing her legs together over his thighs, a subtle attempt to suppress the shiver running down her spine. Her hands moved to his hair, fingers gently grazing his horns as she undid the tie that held his hair in place, letting the long strands cascade freely over his face.

"Wow," she spoke, her voice filled with awe. Gently, he shifted his weight, rolling them over so that she lay beneath him, her soft curves pressing against his body. Their lips met in a fervent kiss, igniting a fire that had been smoldering between them. His hands roamed over her skin, tracing every curve and dip with reverence and hunger. She responded eagerly, her body arching into his touch, her hands roaming over his back and shoulders, pulling him closer.  

Their heated embrace intensified as his covered arousal nestled between her legs, pulsating against her warmth. With a mischievous smile, she teased him through the fabric, her hands eliciting shivers of pleasure along his length. Fueled by desire, he hastily pulled down her underwear, eager to explore every inch of her exposed form. As his fingers ventured between her folds, he felt the slickness of her arousal coating his touch. Despite the sharpness of his nails against her delicate skin, she paid it no mind, her focus consumed by the overwhelming sensation of pleasure.

With bated breath, she guided his hand to where her desire burned the hottest. Yielding to her silent plea, he delicately slid a finger inside, drawing a sharp gasp of pleasure from her lips.

His movements inside her were deliberate, setting a slow and steady rhythm, relishing in the sensation of her increasing slickness. The sweet symphony of her gasps mingled with the sound of his finger moving in and out. Feeling his arousal throb almost painfully, he momentarily released it from its confines, stroking it agonizingly slowly. Before she could voice her protest at the loss of his touch, he returned to her most sensitive spot, this time with the warm, wet touch of his mouth.

 As he lavished his attention on her, she writhed beneath him, her hands clutching at the grass underneath. Her breath came in ragged gasps.With each flick of his tongue, each gentle suck, she felt herself spiraling higher and higher. Her hips rose to meet his mouth, a silent invitation for more. Sensing her mounting pleasure, he intensified his efforts, his desire mounting with each whimper and shudder that escaped her lips. With a newfound urgency, he pumped his cock harder in his hand, feeling the slickness of precum dripping from its tip, as he tasted her. Her hands were now entangled in the back of his head, slightly tugging at his hair. As he looked up at her, pausing his desires she spoke. "Now you," her bare chest rising and falling, "I'd want to taste you too." Zevlor did not protest, not for a second. To feel her mouth on him, it made his cock stand upright. She crawled over to him, nuzzling her face over his thighs, her hands trailing further along. She took his length in her hands, dragging her thumb over the bead of precum that had formed. She placed that same thumb in her mouth, dragging it over her tongue as she made eye contact with him. It made his whole body shudder, before he moved his hands to the back of her neck, gently guiding her further between his legs. As she lowered her head, her warm breath teasing his sensitive skin, anticipation pulsed through him. She teased him with delicate kisses along the length of his shaft, sending waves of pleasure rippling through his body. When her tongue finally met his throbbing length, a wave of pleasure washed over him, eliciting a low moan from his lips. His fingers tightened in her hair as she traced circles around the tip, exploring every inch with a deliberate and tantalizing pace As her lips closed around him, an exquisite rush of pleasure, unlike anything he had ever experienced, washed over him. The noises she drew from his lips, encouraged her to take him deeper: to envelop him completely in her embrace.

She eagerly bobbed her head up and down, unabashedly devouring him. His groans echoed beneath her touch, his legs shuddering beneath her skilled ministrations.

Sensing the telltale twitch beneath her, she raised her head, her lips plump and wet from taking him. It was enough to push him to the brink, but he exercised restraint.

"Are you alright?" she whispered, her face inching towards his, her wet lips grazing the skin near his ear.

"Better than ever," he replied instinctively, drawing her whole body closer. Her wet thighs settled over his, their heat mingling. His upright member was now mere inches away from her entrance.

"Good," she hummed in his ears as she slid her hands between their thighs. He watched as her hands traveled back to his cock. She teased his member at her entrance, brushing it against her fold as it twitched and throbbed, awaiting permission. "Make love to me," she breathed, pushing her thighs slightly upward, just hovering above. His hips involuntarily moved upward, his tip brushing against her heat. ‘ "Gods, I will," he breathed out as she slowly sank onto him. Despite their wetness, it took her a moment to adjust. The sensation of her tight walls around him as she slowly rolled her hips was overwhelming. She moaned against his ears as she took him deeper, every movement magnetized as he filled her out. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to her moans and the soft whimpers that escaped his lips. It was a symphony of desire, and he vowed to remember every note. Yet, he needed more, more sweet tones, to replay in his head after this was all over. Gripping her hips firmly, he dug his nails into her curves as he guided her hips to move up and down, slowly changing her rolling motion into a bounce. Her breasts bounced in rhythm as he held his cock in one hand, keeping it aligned with her dripping wetness.

Arching her neck backward, pleasure overwhelmed her, and her warmth pulsated around him. Both consumed by the yearning for release, they accelerated their pace, the intensity building with each passionate thrust.

His climax arrived suddenly and with intensity, his release loud as he groaned her name. He clung to her shuddering form as she came undone in his arms. And together, in that moment, everything felt right.

[the-rest-of-what-remains]

When we were young, you were afraid of your own smile. I never understood it. Your fur was the midnight and your features the constellations. You'll always be the most beautiful creature I've ever met. Your fur would shine like it had been draped in moonlight. My love… I miss you. I just don't understand. There was no way you could fade away that fast- that's just not how it works. Where did you go? Are you lost? I've asked everyone. The Wardens, The Harbingers, even the Seers but they don't know. It's like you've been hidden. It's a silly thought, everyone else tells me I have to move on. I won't. For as long as my spirit is here, I'll search. Oh! I almost forgot to tell you, I'm being sent down again for a new assignment for the first time in decades. You'll never guess where! Our mines! I think it's a sign. Where our paths first met, where our lives ended, where we meet again- hopefully. It's like we always said! Until we meet in the dark again... No matter where you are, I'll find you. Even if it has to be the rest of what remains of you. I'll bring you home. My long, delirious desire. My only muse. My love. I love you so much.

[openheartfanfics]

Ethan Ramsey x F!MC Smut & NSFW

One Shots M-O

Makai - @writer-ish  A follow-up fic to this text exchange. Ethan and Brooke meet for a little pre-planned Hawaiian rendezvous.

Making you... mine - @aarisa-frost 

Masquerade - @liaromancewriter 👻 When Cassie and Ethan dress up as superheroes for an Edenbrook Halloween, things start to heat up as the masks come off.

Master and Servant - @poudredevie  Kinktober: Dominance/Submission

Medicine - @kat-tia801  Kinktober: Fingering. Set in 2.14-15

Miami Nights - @heauxplesslydevoted While in Miami to celebrate their upcoming wedding, Ethan and Naomi sneak away from the festivities to have their own celebration.

Midnight Delight - @takemyopenheart Ethan and Luz enjoy a little midnight cyber fun.

Mile High Club - @perriewinklenerdie  Claire and Ethan continue after being interrupted by a flight attendant.

Missing You - @xxrainbow-princessxx  Kinktober: office sex

Mine - @cariantha  Ethan and Sawyer enjoy a romantic date at home.

Mine - @jerzwriter Everyone is crazy about the new addition to the team. There is someone she's warming up to a little too much, but it's not sitting well with Kaycee.

Mine - @openheartthot Ethan gets jealous and decides he wants Camille all to himself.

Moonlight - @jamespotterthefirst  After an argument, they finally let their desire win. Part 3 of Flowers and Because.

Moonlight - @liaromancewriter  Ethan and Cassie spend a weekend at Naveen’s lake house before starting their new jobs.

Morning Haze - @jamespotterthefirst   She convinces him to forget about his morning jog and stay in bed.

Mutual Pinings - @openheartthot Ethan follows Camille into the locker room after their workout and witnesses more than he bargained for. Set during 2.2.

New Beginnings - @coffeeheartaddict  Casey turns up at Ethan’s door. Sometime during 2.20.

Never Let Go - @liaromancewriter  After spending one last night together, Cassie and Ethan know that their relationship must revert to that of intern and attending. But they don’t know how to let go.

Nightcap - @rookie-ramsey  Ethan accepts MC’s invitation to come inside for a nightcap.

Night At The Museum - @coffeeheartaddict2   Ethan and Casey attend an opening evening for an Egyptian Exhibit.

No Barriers - @liaromancewriter  It’s finally time to expand their family, but will nerves take over?

No more teasing - @perriewinklenerdie Claire and Ethan at a Halloween party

No running from me - @perriewinklenerdie Jealous Ethan

No Stopping Now - @walkerismychoice

Noise of The Void - @the-pale-goddess 🛸 Drunk and desperate, Ethan calls for his old flame, hoping to discipline his disobedient mind. Feat. Ethan x Harper

Nothing holding us back - @perriewinklenerdie Set in 1.12. 

Observing Procedures by @lahelable Bryce x MC with Ethan watching

On-Call Room - @cxld-play 

One-Shot Prompt - @usuallyamazinglyaverage  Had to make sure none of their colleagues noticed. 

Our Faith Caught Up in Flames - @txemrn   After a brief disagreement at work, Ethan insists that date night continues; but Tatum has a secret she's not ready to divulge if things turn hot and heavy.

Our Last Chance - @jerzwriter  With only two months of her residency remaining, once again they find themselves on a business trip in a lush, tropical setting. Will history repeat?

Out of Jealousy- @bi-cookie basically jealous Ethan comes out to play.

[lemonluvgirl]

hey gurl! love your drabbles so much!! really love all your work actually 😭😭😭 i kinda have a drabble idea that would be kinda funny?

K and P start using sex as a coping mechanism which drives Haymitch insane since he hears everything 24/7? So he makes a bet with them that they can’t keep from doing anything sexual for 3 days or something and they agree but the next few days drives them mad becaus they haven’t gone that long without sex in a LONG TIME?

Hopefully you see this and find it as amusing as I do!

took me forever to get to this but here it is:

A Wager Between Friends (Part 1)

(Music I listened to while writing this)

She never could have predicted how much she would come to need Peeta.

From that first encounter in the rain to the moment they boarded the first train to the Capitol, she had no idea at all.

How essential he could become to her. How vital.

Oh, when he had been captured and she believed she had lost him forever her broken heart knew instinctually the shape of the emptiness he left behind. But before the war, she had never really let her mind posit what Peeta would become to her if she simply let him.

After the war, she found out. And it was more than she could have ever imagined.

In the following days, weeks, and months he made himself unconsciously invaluable, in that quiet way of his. Slowly he unlocked all of those buried things inside her that she feared had been lost or closed forever due to war, death, and tragedy.

Worlds full of hope, trust, and healing. Places inside her heart that she thought she had seen the last of. But then Peeta, of course, had reappeared after months in the Capitol and had planted flowers for her. And for Prim.

From one day to the next, doors barred for everyone else in the world opened at his gentle knock. She unfurled for him little by little.

They shared everything from morning breakfast to midnight terrors. They came together again in the quiet and in the rebirth of a new world looking for peace and second chances. She came alive again for the boy who had come back for her.

It was inevitable when one of the doors he opened was the one that led to her passion and sensuality.

His strong arms held her in a refuge on those long, daunting nights when the past assaulted her sleeping mind. She took comfort in his growing steadiness. He took comfort in her forthcoming answers about their shared history. They worked things out between themselves and aired their thoughts and grievances and long-held desires in the solemn stillness of the night.

Eventually, his lips comforted her as well.

And there in the deep, slumber-sweet whisper of night, away from the crowds and the cameras, and all the things that made her hold back before, she gave instead.

Poured out her wonder and her want into their kisses. Poured out her relief that he had lived, that she had lived too, and that he had come home. It overflowed from her heart, at turns eager and hesitant, but always only for him. Peeta was there to meet her at every turn, matching her step for step, and their innocence was divested in subtle shades.

The color of his hair in the moonlight streaming in from the open window matched was almost pearly in its brightness and the feeling of perfection and beauty when they lay side by side, in just their skin, touching and exploring by turns, was incomparable.

The hoot of an owl blended with their sweet and uncontainable cries as they learned and practiced how to make each other fall apart throughout the night.

And once she finally had him, all of him, she couldn't get enough.

It was an entirely new feeling when they connected and collided and completed each other. Her lips invented a plethora of shy smiles to express her happiness upon seeing him sleeping beside her each morning.

But words couldn't really describe it.

The effects of having him though, were easy enough to catalogue.

There were countless mental and physical benefits. Her long-existing mental fog born of the trauma from the Games and the war all but dissipated. The episodes and flashbacks lessened. She ate more, and her energy increased. She found herself able to look toward the future with hope instead of dread.

And the nightmares became rare things.

She told herself she would have tackled him into bed every night for that mighty benefit alone.

But apparently, they had been overdoing it.

"Glad to see you two still have the ability to resurface for short times from underneath the bedsheets." Haymitch had commented one afternoon when they all bumped into each other on their way to the train station to pick up their monthly supplies.

It was a hot late summer day, and she hadn't been looking to make small talk. She just wanted to pick up her parcels and take Peeta home for an early supper and hopefully share a bath with him in the waning heat of the evening.

She was looking forward to more pages for her memory book, Peeta was picking up painting and baking supplies, and Haymitch was, of course, picking up more liquor.

"What?" She cried in a stunned voice when her former mentor's words and his meaning sunk in after half a second.

Haymitch fit her with a look.

"I'm sure you and the boy lose your heads every time he gets his hands on you sweetheart, but please for the sake of my sanity take a little break for a few days. My house is right next to yours and the racket you make at night is disturbing my geese." Haymitch told her in a dry tone.

She was struck speechless.

"You could just close your windows." Peeta pointed out, nonplussed, when she could barely keep herself from choking on her own tongue trying in vain to think of a reply.

She looked at Peeta agog, bewildered by his nonchalance.

"It's been a boiling summer, kid. The house is too stuffy if I shut 'em. Actually, I have no idea how the two of you are keeping it up. I'd have thought you'd have killed yourselves from overexertion and dehydration by now." Haymitch replied with a raised brow.

She couldn't believe they were actually having this conversation. She contemplated forgoing the supplies all together and turning tail to head for home. She could live with Haymitch clucking at her for a few weeks if it saved her from this excruciating conversation.

Peeta shrugged, completely unperturbed. "There are ways around that." He said in the same calm and unaffected tone, as they neared the station.

Katniss flushed as she recalled the cold fruit juices and other little treats Peeta had stocked her icebox with in order to help them replenish their energy and fluids lost to their nightly love-making.

"Just keep it down, will ya? All of Panem knows you two probably can't stop now that you've gotten started, but do your old mentor a favor and shut the window if you can't refrain." Haymitch groused

Peeta opened his mouth to reply, probably with some humor or to tell Hyamitch to mind his own business, but Katniss cut him off.

All she could think about was her own mortification over Haymitch's words. About how she lost her head every time Peeta got his hands on her. And how couldn't stop now that they had started sleeping together. So she just blurted the first thing that she could think of to make the two of them stop talking.

"We can stop anytime we want." She declared, with more bravado than she really felt.

Haymitch scoffed. Peeta merely turned to look at her askance.

"I highly doubt it. Bet you two haven't taken more than a one-night break this entire summer." Haymitch said, voice full of amusement.

Katniss felt herself blush incriminatingly but she pushed on.

"We take breaks all the time." She out-right fibbed.

Peeta fully turned toward her then, fixing her with an incredulous look.

Haymitch didn't miss their subtle interaction and nearly cackled at the look Peeta threw her.

"Yeah, I wouldn't bet on it," Haymitch replied with a laugh that bordered on a guffaw.

Katniss narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice as they approached the station, and the late afternoon crowd gathered there.

"It wouldn't be the first time you've miscalculated." She countered, annoyed.

"Girl, if you two can survive a three-day stretch without any sort of hanky-panky I will eat a batch of those burned biscuits you always try to poison my geese with," Haymitch said, brimming with overconfidence.

Katniss narrowed her eyes at him.

"Promise you'll never bring up the subject of Peeta and me sleeping together, or anything we get up to in the bedroom and you've got yourself a deal." She countered.

Haymitch thought it over, but by the time the whistle blew signaling the arrival of the train he had stuck out his grubby hand for her to shake.

"You've got a deal sweetheart," Haymitch told her as they shook.

[aquagirl1978]

May I request Gilbert (Ikemen Prince) and Leather and Lace?

Thank you! Your works of him are like the butter to my bread. Flavorful. Easy on the eyes. And don’t forget: delicious.

— 🦴

Thanks for this request anon! I thank you for your words - I hope you find this fic to be delicious, so delicious. Enjoy this early Kinktober fic! ❤

Seduction - Gilbert von Obsidian x Reader (Ikemen Prince)

A/N: This is part of my Kinktober 2022 event (yes, I am posting a day early)

Pairing: Gilbert von Obsidian x Reader

Prompt: Leather and Lace

Tags: NSFW; Minors - DNI; vaginal sex; lingerie; fingering; sex against a wall

Dark was the night as you approached his manor; it didn’t matter the hour, you needed to see him. Raising a nervous hand, you knocked on the heavy wood door, hoping and praying he was home. 

The door opened in a flash; surprise written on his handsome face, shocked to see you standing at his door.

“Is everything ok?” he asked, his gloved hand outstretched, inviting you inside.

Taking his hand, the door quickly closed behind you; adrenaline rushed through your body as you followed him inside.

“Everything is fine,” you finally replied. “I just… missed you.”

Gilbert turned, his ruby-red eye meeting yours. “I missed you, too.”

Pushing you against the wall, his mouth crashed into yours; his lips firm yet soft as his tongue swept inside your parted lips. His hands cupped the nape of your slender neck, his fingertips trailing down your throat, his cool touch sending thrills up your spine. 

His hands caressed your bare shoulders, his mouth following, nibbling at your neck; the scent of rose perfume still fresh on your skin. 

Sliding the thin straps of your dress down your shoulders, Gilbert tugged at the fabric of your dress until it fell to the floor in a pool of red and black satin, revealing the delicate lace lingerie hidden under your clothes. 

His gaze lingered, slowly following the curves of your body, enjoying how the thin fabric clung to your skin, your soft breasts barely covered by the thin, black lace. Satin ribbons wrapped around your waist, mere strips of fabric covering your core. Your legs clad in thigh high stockings and lace-up leather boots.

His breath hitched as he stared at you hungrily, ready to devour his little rabbit whole. His ruby-red eye glittered like a gemstone in the pale moonlight before his mouth was on yours, his hands greedily pawing at your skin. 

“Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Yes,” you replied in between kisses, his gloved palm running down your ribcage. “Is it working?”

His hand firm on your waist, he pulled you tight against his body; his stiffness pressing against your thigh, answer enough. 

Emboldened by lust and desire, you wrapped your hands in his midnight hair; back arched, you guided his greedy mouth down the column of your neck, along the soft curve of your shoulders, and across your collarbone. Gilbert left a trail of biting kisses, pale pink blossoming under your skin in his wake, as his teeth and tongue explored your body.

Lifting you up into his arms, he wrapped your leather-clad legs around his narrow waist; his mouth hot on yours, your back soon hit the wall, your body pinned against his.

Soft moans slipped from your lips as his gloved fingertips ghosted your sensitive skin. Sliding your panties to the side, he inserted his long fingers, filling you, stretching you, teasing you. Your heart raced, his smile felt against yours as he removed his fingers and ripped the lace covering your skin with a quick flick of his wrist.

Heat flooded your core when you heard his belt unbuckling, your arms clinging to his broad shoulders. Your body trembling, his chill melted against your heat as he slowly pushed inside you. 

He held your gaze as he began to thrust, his hips roughly rolling against yours, rapture thrilling you with every hard stroke. His pace increased; ravenous for more, your thighs clenched on every stroke, pulling him closer to you, keeping him where you needed him most. 

When you were with him, the only place you wanted to be was closer. To him.

“I need you. I want you,” he whispered, his words intoxicating, his voice a drug you so desperately desired. Your body began to tremble, sensing him tense deep inside. “I love you,” he added, his words enough to send you crashing over the edge, the waves of euphoria leaving your body in a state of complete and utter bliss as he spilled inside you.

You rested your lifeless head on his shoulder, your body boneless and breathless; your bodies still connected, he carried you to the nearby bed. Placing you in the bed, he gently cradled you, never breaking the embrace.

Tagging: @gilbertvonobsidian @redheadkittys @alixennial @rhodolitesrose @atelieredux @kissmetwicekissmedeadly @chaosangel767 @queengiuliettafirstlady @queen-dahlia @devildomwritersposts @talfollowingstuff @kpop-and-otome @kisara-16 @altairring @lucyw260 @lordsisterxotome @violettduchess @scorchieart @jet-ivory @bellerose-arcana

[amberlynnmurdock]

New Love, New Haven

CHAPTER NINE: The Women’s Debate 

Pairing: Ben Tallmadge x Original Female Character 

Summary: Nathan and Ben present why women should be able to have an education.

A/N: I had fun writing this chapter! Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything on the web about what exactly Nathan and Ben said at this debate so I kind of copped out and summarized the experience -- hope it is still enjoyable nonetheless!

WARNING: This chapter contains mild sexual content. And by mild I mean the lowest hot sauce ever, lol. 

November 1772

Ben and Sadie had been sneaking around to see each other for weeks now, so it wasn’t trouble at all for Sadie to plan for his invitation on Sunday. She met him on his horse, Willow, just behind the tavern and Sadie fully trusted him in taking her wherever it was he planned. This time, it was the beach.

The ocean was still at this time of night. Sadie closed her eyes as she took in the sounds of the waves gently washing up on the shore. She and Ben were nowhere near the current, though. They had placed a blanket a bit away, closer to the entrance of the woods. She shivered as she felt a cool breeze pass by, goosebumps forming across her chest. Ben turned his head and watched Sadie with her eyes closed, his eyes trailing slowly to her partly exposed chest, slowly moving up and down. The corset of her dress was a bit loosely tied now, revealing more than what he’s ever seen of her chest. Ben dashed his eyes away and focused on the star-splattered sky instead.

It’s almost midnight. Sadie pushed herself off her back to reach for the bottle of red wine. Ben joined her and waited for her to pass the bottle to him. After taking a sip, she handed it to Ben who does the same.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the beach so peaceful before,” Sadie spoke quietly, watching the waves. “It’s also shockingly not too cold for a November night.” The only light they had was moonlight, which made the sand on the beach glow a luminous blue.

Ben dug the bottom of the bottle back into the sand. He nodded his head in agreement.

“’Tis quite nice being here alone. With you, of course,” Ben whispered. “I feel as though whenever I’m around other people with you, I have to restrain myself from wanting to be near you. At least now, I don’t have to have such constraints.”

Sadie turned to meet Ben’s eyes—they were as deep and blue as the ocean before them. She positioned herself so she was leaning on her elbow, with her head in her hand. Ben mirrored her.

“Constraints…” Sadie trailed off, looking at the space between them. “You mean, physically, or speaking to me?”

“I mean in every sense of the word,” Ben answered, taking her free hand and kissing her palm. Sadie caressed his jaw before bringing her hand back to her side.

She looked at him thoughtfully before she whispered, “Touch me.”

A confused expression formed on Ben’s face, as his mouth parted a bit. Perhaps it was the red wine, or maybe it was Sadie finally approaching the calm after a storm of a week, that she felt a bit daring tonight. All week, she had felt so tense and stressed and watched like prey to hawks, and now finally being on this beach with Ben, and alone, her worries and the pressure were nothing but a thing of yesterday.

Ben lifted his hand to approach Sadie but paused mid-air. He slowly moved his hand to her waist. Sadie placed her hand on top of his, slowly guiding him up the length of her side. When his hand reached where she couldn’t anymore, she pulled back, and Ben stopped again, right at her ribcage.

“Why did you stop?” Sadie whispered. She spread her right arm out over her head so she lay completely on her side. “Is this better?”

Ben wanted to laugh. It wasn’t her position that he was struggling with… or maybe it was… but it was the moment itself, and how close to exposed Sadie was becoming to be. It was the overwhelming sense of desire that overcame Ben in mere seconds, sending a pang to his heart. He wanted to, but he shouldn’t. It wasn’t right—not now, at least. Sadie is two years his junior, and he felt something like this was too soon. It already felt wrong he was going behind his friend’s back, being with his younger sister. To do things of that nature, too, now? When no one knew about them? Ben wasn’t sure he was ready to cross that threshold—even though he wanted to, badly.

“No… I—Sadie,” Ben stuttered, fully sitting up now. He cursed.

Sadie, feeling her cheeks turn hot, sat up next to him. “What’s wrong? Is it me?”

Ben whipped his attention to her. “Christ, Sadie, no. It’s… I want you desperately, but…”

“You don’t want me like that?” Sadie inquired softly, her eyes falling to the sand.

Ben scoffed, turning to face her, “Oh, Sadie, trust that I want you like that. I just don’t believe now is the time. I’ve never felt for someone like I do you and I want something like that to be special.”

“I’m not asking you to take your knockers off,” Sadie giggled, “I just wanted you to touch me.”

“Even so,” Ben spoke softly, “that should be special, too.”

Sadie pondered his words for a moment and sheepishly adjusted herself so she wasn’t so exposed. She laid back down on her back and nodded her head.

“Okay,” she answered after quite some time. Maybe she was naive, but she thought Ben would take the opportunity when he could. She overhears the older ladies at the tavern talking about things like this all the time, and how men get weak in the knees if a woman offers herself as such. But Ben didn’t. He stopped the moment from escalating. Perhaps, it took a man like Ben to not give in to a moment like that.

“Tell me about your family,” Sadie whispered, her hands resting on her chest. She met Ben’s eyes who seemed to light up at the request.

“My family?” Ben repeated.

“Yes,” Sadie nodded, “you know about mine. You know Nathan and Enny… you know my father, and you know I’ve got other older siblings but, I don’t think I know anything about yours. I want to. Are you originally from Connecticut?”

Ben sighed contently, grateful the moment from before has passed. He smiled.

“Setauket, New York, actually.”

Sadie turned to lay on her side again. Ben stayed laying on his back.

“New York?” Sadie gasped, “I would love to visit someday. And your family? What are their names?”

“Well,” he began, “I have a father named Nathaniel. He’s a reverend. He tutored me before I came to Yale. My mother's name is Susannah. She’s lovely. I think she’d really like you. And I have an older brother, named Samuel.”

“Nathaniel, like my brother,” Sadie smiled. “Susannah, Samuel, and Benjamin. What's Setauket like?”

“It’s on Long Island. There, it takes mere minutes to get to the beach. Not like here, where we have to travel through the forest.”

“Hmm,” Sadie hummed. “You can see the ocean from your home?”

“Yes,” Ben affirmed. “I miss it. My friends, too.”

“Who are they?”

“We had a close group,” Ben smiled, thinking of memories of them. “Abe, Caleb, and Anna.”

“Anna?” Sadie questioned. Ben laughed.

“Just a friend. You’d like her, I think. She’s sort of like Genny—set in her ways. The last I saw her, I believe she is with one of our other friends named Selah.”

“Perhaps we can all meet one day,” Sadie said thoughtfully.

“I’d like that,” Ben was looking at her again. He reached down and interlaced his fingers with hers, bringing her hand to his lips. He placed a kiss on her knuckles.

“How jealous I am, of my own hand,” Sadie smirked. Ben leaned on his elbow before lowering his head down to meet Sadie’s lips. Sadie inhaled at the contact, kissing Ben back, and running her fingers through his hair. Ben deepened the kiss, opening his mouth slightly. He waited for Sadie to do the same, and when she did, he slid his tongue on her bottom lip. Sadie slightly gasped at the contact but mirrored his movements. Ben pulled back, out of breath, and rested his forehead against hers.

“Perhaps, we should stop,” Ben huffed. Sadie laughed against his chest, and even that made matters worse for Ben. He pulled back completely and laid on his back out of breath.

“Perhaps it’s time to head home.”

☆☆☆☆

December 1772

A few weeks have passed, and things seem to fall back into place since the red coats left town. Ben and Sadie’s scheming was working in both of their favors and the secret notes didn’t stop, even as the semester was coming to a close. Debate night was tonight, and Ben and Nathan were rehearsing in their dorm.

“Whether the Education of Daughters Be Not, Without Any Just Reason, More Neglected Than That of Sons, by Nathaniel Hale and Benjamin Tallmadge,” Ben recited in front of Nathan, Enoch, and Asher in their dorm. As Ben spoke aloud, he hit the paper he was holding with his fingers in a dramatic way. Nathan sat quietly on the edge of Ben’s cot, holding his fingers to his mouth inquisitively. He closed his eyes as Ben spoke.

“Shall the education of our daughters be not without any just reason, more neglected than that of our sons?” Ben continued professing. He paused waiting for a reaction from his friends and sighed when he saw Asher staring out the window and Enoch picking something off his shoe. Nathan's eyes were still closed as he listened.

“Oh, Christ, you lot are stale,” Ben sighed in annoyance. Enoch looked up from his shoe and Asher shrugged his shoulders. “How can I lead the debate when I can’t even hold any of your attention?”

“It’s not that, Tallmadge,” Enoch began, “your arguments are good and well-rounded. It’s the delivery.”

Ben furrowed his brows while he looked at the paper he held. Trying to shrink his ego, Ben shook his head. “The delivery?”

“Perhaps, let me start the debate,” Nathan finally opened his eyes and stood from the cot. “We cannot start by asking questions like you did. We need to tell our audience why we are right. And then when we get to the nitty-gritty of the arguments, I’ll have you take over. Once I know everyone’s engaged.”

“Let’s give it a go, shall we?” Ben suggested, handing Nathan the paper with their arguments. Ben took his seat and watched as Nathan practiced.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Nathan announced loudly, “the topic of the debate tonight is: whether the education of daughters is not without any just reason more neglected than that of sons. Truthfully, the answer is there is no just reason for our daughters to not have the same education as our sons.”

Ben smiled, in spite of himself—damn Hale, for being so charming and good at public speaking. It’s not that Ben was bad, he was a good debater. It’s that Nathan was charismatic and knew how to command an audience with his loud voice and bright personality. Ben was a bit softer, although there was strength in that, too.

Even Enoch and Asher were captivated when Nathan began speaking. Asher looked at Ben and gave him an apologetic look.

“Sorry, mate,” Asher whispered, “Nathan’s quite good at this.”

Ben shook his head, taking no offense. He took pride in being able to call Nathan Hale his best friend.

☆☆☆☆

The Debate

Sadie was up in her room deciding what dress to put on for Nathan and Ben’s big night. It was the end of the semester and winter was truly upon New Haven. She would have to dress warmly. Looking inside her closet for her thicker dresses, Sadie pulled out a gray dress with maroon lining. The corset was white, which gave the dress a scholarly look.

When it came time to do her hair, Sadie put it up in its usual low bun. She opened her dresser drawer and found an old blush pot she hadn’t used in a while. Since Sadie would be able to be on Yale ground (and not snuck around this time) she wanted to look nice for the occasion. Dabbling her fingers across her cheeks, the blush gave Sadie a pinky-rosy glow, bringing out her chestnut eyes.

Sadie was to meet Genny right outside the tavern to walk together to the debate. Sadie said goodbye to Richard and saw Genny standing outside patiently. She smiled at Sadie when she saw her.

“Evening, Sadie,” Genny greeted. “You look rather lovely for a boring old debate.”

Sadie laughed and shrugged, pulling her wool cloak closer around her shoulders. It was freezing! “Yale is a beautiful campus and I want to look just as nice. You look lovely yourself.”

“Thank you,” Genny replied. “Shall we get going?”

“Of course.”

Sadie was practically shivering on the way to Yale. To distract herself from the cold, she decided to ask Genny about herself.

“Are you originally from New Haven?” Sadie asked, watching her breath make puffs in the air.

“Just a bit outside, actually. Bridgeport.”

“And you work at the herbal shop in town?”

“Yes,” Genny smiled, “my father is quite knowledgeable and I’m starting to learn a bit myself. Whatever he’ll let me, of course.”

“Hmm,” Sadie hummed. It reminded her of her own experience. “And you like it?”

“Very much,” Genny affirmed.

“How do you know my brother?” Sadie asked with a slight smile. Sadie wasn’t aloof—she knew Nathan felt something for Genny.

“Well, Nathan would come by sometimes after his classes and ask for herbs for your brother and his friends when they were unwell,” Genny explained, kicking a rock on the cobblestone. Sadie nodded her head for her to continue. “And then he started coming in just to say hello.”

“If it matters at all to you, I wish he had brought you around sooner. I barely see my older sisters anymore since they are all married and with children, but it would be nice to have someone like you around for things I can’t really ask my brother or my father,” Sadie confessed.

“Of course, it matters to me,” Genny replied, “If I am to be with your brother, I’d like his younger sister’s approval.”

“You’ve definitely got it.”

“What sorts of things you can’t ask your brother or father about?” Genny asked.

Sadie paused, thinking of the night at the beach with Ben. “Oh, well you know,” Sadie stammered, unsure of where to start. Was this even appropriate? Genny didn’t seem the type to be offended by such things, and since she just confessed she has a liking to Nathan, Sadie didn’t see the harm in bringing up more personal subjects.

“You don’t have to be afraid,” Genny interrupted, “I won’t judge.”

“I guess things of an intimate nature,” Sadie admitted, “I’ve never been intimate with someone, of course, but surely there are things to be aware of.”

“Ahh,” Genny realized, clicking her tongue, “I understand. Well, when the time comes, and we are alone, I wouldn’t mind talking more about those subjects. If you ever wanted.”

“I’d like that very much,” Sadie smiled, grateful for Genny.

Upon arrival at Yale, Sadie saw students and local residents alike gather outside the hall where the debate would be held.

Walking inside, Genny and Sadie found their place in the third row. Sadie undid her cloak and rested it in her lap, taking in the beautiful architecture of the room and the high ceiling. She watched as other people found their seats and waited patiently for the debate to begin. Looking at the stage, she could see the curtains at the side moving. Her heart beat faster, knowing Ben was somewhere behind there.

Suddenly, the room grew quiet as a professor took center stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to Yale’s annual debate night, where our students debate a topic of their choosing and defend their ideals. The first duo of the night: Nathaniel Hale and Benjamin Tallmadge!”

It was embarrassing how fast Sadie’s heart started beating upon hearing Ben’s full name… she took a deep breath in her seat as the curtains opened, revealing Ben and Nathan standing at two podiums. Ben’s hair was slicked back and tied with a ribbon—he looked very, very handsome, Sadie thought.

Nathan started the speech—his voice was assertive and captivating. Every single person was silent and there wasn’t a murmur that could be heard. Sadie took pride in being Nathan’s sister. He was smart, and charming, and knew how to win a crowd. She didn’t have any idea they would be speaking about women’s education tonight. When she heard Nathan read the title, she smiled really brightly at him. He caught her eye and smiled back, smoothly continuing his argument.

Sadie’s eyes moved slowly to Ben's. His hands were on both sides of the podium, patiently waiting for Nathan to hand the conversation over to him. Ben met Sadie’s eyes for a moment and gave a hint of a smile. Sadie quickly smiled back, and nervously looked at Genny, hoping she didn’t see the exchange they had. Genny’s attention was, of course, on Nathan.

When it was Ben’s turn to speak, it was clear why he and Nathan were paired together for this event. While Nathan was outspoken and had a strong force behind his voice, Ben was a little bit softer in his delivery but still very much informative. They balanced each other out and both presented well-thought-out arguments on why women should be able to have the same educational opportunities as men. Sadie couldn’t help but feel called out, in a pleasant way.

At the end of the debate, which lasted for about an hour, everyone in the hall stood up and gave Nathan and Ben a standing ovation, including Sadie and Genny. She clapped excitedly as Nathan and Ben exited the stage.

When the hall started to disperse, Sadie and Genny went outside to meet Nathan and Ben. Upon walking outside on the steps, the icy cold weather hit Sadie’s cheeks unexpectedly. She shivered under her cloak, regretting not putting on additional layers.

Nathan and Ben were at the bottom of the steps by a lantern, with their hands in their pockets, completely unbothered by the cold.

“You two were amazing!” Genny exclaimed upon meeting them. Sadie shyly stood behind Genny before standing at her side, holding her arms under her cloak. Shivering, she nodded her head in agreement.

“T-truly,” Sadie said, “I’ve n-never been to a debate. I’m glad that w-was my first one,” Sadie smiled. “Nathan, you were absolutely stellar. And you as well, Ben.”

Ben smiled appreciatively as Nathan shrugged his shoulders, “it was all Ben’s writing, truthfully. I just have a better delivery!” Nathan laughed as he elbowed Ben in the chest.

“I can at least swallow my pride and admit that you are the better speaker—writer? I’ll take that one, thank you very much,” Ben chided.

“Who’s idea was it to speak on women’s education?” Genny asked.

“Mine,” Ben answered. For a small moment, he held Sadie’s gaze before looking at Genny again. “I was inspired by the women in my life and thought it a good idea to honor them in some way.”

Sadie was full-on shivering at this point, but it didn’t stop the heat from rising in her cheeks when Ben looked at her. As much as she loved the secret interactions, it was sometimes hard for Sadie not to melt right there.

“Sadie, you’re freezing,” Nathan said, shrugging his coat off and putting it around Sadie’s shoulders. “Let’s walk you two back to the tavern and warm up with some ale.”

☆☆☆☆

Luckily, the tavern was just about to close when Sadie, Genny, Ben, and Nathan arrived. Richard was cleaning the last of their glasses and nodded his head when the four of them walked in. Sadie thanked her father for letting her off for the night to see Ben and Nathan’s presentation.

“Assumin’ it went well from the looks on your faces,” Richard muttered as he walked around the end of the bar. “If you have ale, please clean after yourselves. Otherwise, I am turnin’ in for the night.”

Richard slowly walked up the steps to his room leaving Ben, Nathan, Genny and Sadie downstairs. Sadie couldn’t help but notice the ratio between them all and tried to ignore feeling self-conscious about it. She busied herself to find glasses and poured ale for the four of them.

The four of them talked for a while sitting at a table in the dim lighting. It was mostly Nathan and Genny talking, while Sadie and Ben exchanged longing glances at each other between sips. Soft smiles and gazes behind their glasses, secret interactions like this quickly became another language only the two of them understood.

“It’s actually quite late,” Genny announced with a yawn, “I’m not sure I’m up to staying a while.” She looked at Nathan thoughtfully.

“I’ll walk you back home, then,” Nathan said a bit too quickly, causing Genny to laugh a bit. If there was one person capable of humbling Nathan, it was Genny. She nodded graciously.

“Ben, you don’t mind walking back to the dorm? I’ll meetcha at… some point,” Nathan stated with a shrug.

“No worries. I’ll be leavin’ right behind you,” Ben replied. “I’ll be warmin’ up a bit before heading back out into the cold.” Ben faked putting his tricorn hat on as if he was about to leave right after.

Nathan nodded, completely unsuspicious of anything. He helped Genny put her coat on before walking over to Sadie.

“Sadie, thank you for being my date tonight. I’m sure I’ll see you soon,” Genny hugged Sadie. Nathan squeezed Sadie’s arm in a brotherly way before walking out with Genny, leaving Ben by the door and Sadie at the table they were all just sitting at.

“Well, you should probably walk out in case Nathan notices you haven’t left,” Sadie spoke. Ben nodded, looking out the door, and then looked at Sadie.

“Meet me at the back.”

He saw Nathan and Genny already down the road, far enough so Nathan wouldn’t notice either way. After a few moments, he turned on his heel and walked to the back of the tavern.

☆☆☆☆

Being around Sadie in front of other people felt like holding a long breath. And when he finally saw Sadie, leaning against the wall of the tavern, alone, it was like finally letting out that breath.

Sadie had her arms crossed under her cloak, waiting for Ben. And when she saw him round the corner, she let her arms loose, still shivering from the cold. Perhaps, sneaking around was nicer when it was warmer outside.

“Sadie,” Ben breathed her name out approaching her. Without giving her a moment to respond, he placed his hands on her face and kissed her deeply. Pulling away, he rested his forehead on hers. “I’ve been wanting to do that all night.”

“M-me as well,” Sadie smiled, leaning up to kiss him again.

“You’re shaking,” Ben finally noticed her shivering.

“How perceptive o-of you,” she smirked.

“Let me warm you,” Ben coaxed, moving his hands to her shoulders to keep her from shivering. Sadie placed her hands on his elbows and moved them both backward so her back was against the wall of the tavern.

“You might h-have to g-go under my cloak,” Sadie whispered. Ben nodded, keeping his left hand on her right shoulder while his other hand gently pushed open the flaps of her cloak. He was careful to slide his hand over her collarbone to place it on her left shoulder.

Ben’s eyes widened as he realized Sadie was no longer in the dress she wore earlier. It was far too thin to be a dress. He realized it was her nightgown he felt. He slowly opened her cloak and gulped as he noticed her chest was covered by nothing but a thin white cloth, and was barely visible. The cold made it even more prominent that Sadie was bare under what she wore, which made it difficult for Ben to keep his eyes away.

“Sadie,” Ben trailed off, shutting his eyes as he took a deep breath. “Why on earth did you change?”

“It’s late,” she whispered, “and I-I plan to be in bed soon.”

Ben breathed deeply as placed his other hand on her other shoulder, rubbing his palms on her to warm her up. Sadie had a grin on her face she couldn’t wipe.

“Tis not funny,” Ben said lowly, running his hands up the length of her arms.

“Sort of is,” Sadie giggled, shivering against Ben’s touch.

“You are cruel, Ms. Hale,” Ben kept rubbing his hands over her shoulders and arms in an attempt to warm Sadie up—it was working, Sadie thought.

In a moment of courage, Sadie took hold of Ben’s hands as he was just moving them down her arms. She held his gaze as she watched both of their breaths make puffs in the cold air. She placed his hands over her collarbone and breathed deeply.

“Right here,” Sadie whispered.

Ben wanted to pull away but didn’t. He was dangerously close to her intimate parts but didn’t dare move a centimeter from her collar. His fingers grazed her neck. His hands were still under her cloak, so he couldn’t see—only feel. And Sadie felt so delicate under his hands. She held his hands on her collar before pulling away, wondering what he would do with free reign.

He could feel her breathing deeply, and so was he.

After a moment of holding his place on her collar, Ben slowly but surely dragged his hands across the length of her collarbone to her shoulders again. His heart was beating rapidly in his chest.

“I cannot have you like that yet,” Ben’s lips grazed Sadie’s as he gripped her shoulders once more and pulled his hands from under her cloak. He placed his hand on her chin and kissed her again. “As much as I want to.”

“Okay,” she whispered. “Did I really inspire you for the debate tonight?”

Ben nodded his head. “You were at the forefront of my mind when I was writing my arguments out.”

“Perhaps one day, women will be able to attend Yale,” she said, wistfully.

“Indeed,” Ben agreed.

After more kisses and one final embrace, Sadie said goodnight to Ben. He was off back to his dorm and realized Sadie was not only at the forefront of his mind when writing his arguments out, but she was truly at the forefront of his mind regarding all aspects of his life—he couldn’t wait until they weren’t a secret anymore. He couldn’t wait until he could have her any way he wanted.

Until then, his dreams were filled with a cloak and nightgown, worn by Sadie, whom he loved.

[ibrithir-was-here]

Ok! New Endless Heirs! Decided to actually post this one instead of just doing a link as I finished it before midnight so I have time to re edit it x) Another one where I went off the prompt vaugly but didnt actually use the word. But its an important one as its how Wish got their name!

Bespoke

Technically, no other Endless should have been allowed into another's realm without their ruler's permission. Daniel and his cousin had been lucky enough to find a small stretch of Beach hidden in a cove on the border of the Dreaming and Desire's realm that both monarchs seemed to have forgotten about. 

The Rules that governed the realms of the Endless didn't seem to mind them meeting up there, with neither of their guardians none the wiser. Daniel had discovered it soon after meeting the young Endless for the first time at the family dinner. 

Daniel knew he wasn't allowed on the border, but he'd wanted to see his new friend again, and he knew that given Dream's past with Desire he wasn't likely to be sending any invitations over to the Threshold for a play date. Dream was suspicious of Desire's newest whim, the child-self they'd created from parts of their own essence; unsure as to what deeper plots they could be part of besides being a physical manifestation of Desire's vanity.

But all Daniel knew is that he'd wanted to see his friend again, and they must have wanted to see him too. For one night upon entering the Dreaming, his feet had carried him not to the Castle as usual, but to this hidden cove, pulled by the tug of that something he'd felt before, something reaching out towards him from Desire's realm.

He'd rounded the corner leading into the cove at the same time his cousin had from the other side. They'd stood frozen for a moment, staring at each other under the bright moonlight, before both breaking into grins and running up to each other.

"I thought it might be you I was feeling before!" Daniel said joyfully, taking their hands in his. 

"You've been daydreaming about the Dreaming!" 

The smaller Desire blushed a little at this observation but smiled back.  "Yes, and then about seeing you again. I had so much fun talking to you at dinner!" 

"Me too! I wanted to see you again too"

"I know, I could feel you wanting to from all the way in the Threshold. So I snuck out and started following the feeling and…"

And they'd found each other.

That had been over a year ago  now, and they'd kept meeting up at their cove almost every week since then, or as often at least as the smaller Desire managed to sneak away from their parent's notice. They'd play in the sand and the surf and just talk for hours, it was some of the most fun Daniel had ever had, and he'd ridden a gryphon.

Today though, something had happened.

"I-I want to be called something else"

Daniel stopped in his tracks, turning to look at his cousin, who up until that point had been following behind him as they wandered along the Beach.  

Daniel had been chatting away about something, he didn't even recall what he'd said, except that he'd ended it by saying their name, "Desire".

And now they were standing stock still, looking down at their feet and trembling slightly, as though they were regretting having said anything at all but knowing it was too late to take it back.

Daniel walked so that he was standing in front of them, and they sank even more into themselves. Daniel reached out and took their hands in his and said softly and as encouragingly as he could "Ok, what do you want to be called?"

His cousin looked up quickly, surprise and relief and some worry still flickering across their golden eyes. "I--I don't know really. It's not even…I don't really…I just--just want my own name."

They squeezed Daniel's hands tight, looking down at them as they went on, seeming to find it easier to speak without eye contact.

"I don't feel like Desire anymore, or…I do but not, not in the way that They're Desire, you know?"

"Yeah" Daniel said softly, squeezing their hands back "Yeah I think I get it. You want something that means you, not just 'Desire but the smaller version'?"

"Yes! That's it exactly. I want to be me." They said looking up with the first smile Daniel had  seen cross their face all day.  The sheer relief in their exclamation, at being understood and seen, broke his heart a little, and he pulled them in for a tight hug.

They stood there for a moment, the waves of the dream sea coming up to play around their ankles before back out, before they finally broke the hug and Daniel said with a grin; "Right, let's find you a name then".

***

"Longing?"  

"Hmm, no it feels too sad" 

 "Passion?"  

"Definitely not."  

"You said you kinda liked Aspiration?" 

"Yeah that feels close but not quite?"

"Not Want though?"

"No, Want feels too desperate?"

Daniel frowned, he'd tried to copy down all the synonyms of Desire he could from the thesaurus at home, slipping the paper into his pocket before he'd fallen asleep that night.  But they hadn't found something satisfactory yet. 

"What sort of feeling do you want your name to have? Like, as closely as you can figure out? "

To his surprise, his cousin turned a deep shade of red, and looked away from him with something like a grimace and a grin in one, pulling on a loose curl as they said so softly he almost didn't catch it:

"Well, something like…Dream"

Daniel couldn't help but laugh out loud. But he quickly tackled his cousin with a hug when he saw their hands coming up to cover their face and how they looked ready to disappear on the spot.

"Hey hey no! I'm sorry I laughed, I was just surprised was all. Why Dream?"

"Cuz dreams are, are happy." His cousin finally mumbled from behind their hands. "I mean, good dreams make people happy. They get--they get excited and hopeful when they dream about things they want that go well and…and I want to make people feel that…That their dreams can come true if they try."

They looked up at Daniel finally, and his heart squeezed a bit as he saw there were tears forming in their eyes. "Desire always seems to make people feel anxious and desperate and-and miserable. Always wanting but never satisfied and it's always about people wanting…" 

Their face turned red again but in a different way, and Daniel felt his face flush a little too. 

"Anyway, I just know there's got to be more to it than that. Right? People desire so many things. And I just…I want to help them get their desires, not just tease and torment them about it…"

His cousin's face paled then, as though realizing just how much they'd said. And they quickly began to stammer, "I mean, I know They're just doing Their job, and They're my parent and I do love them I do I just--I didn't mean--"

Daniel quickly pulled tjm into another hug, and though they didn't have a pulse like a human child would, he could feel their metaphorical heart racing as he held them close.

"No no, you're totally right. And I think it's awesome you want to help people. It's a really good thing, ok? Don't ever think it's not."

He held them close until they felt a bit calmer, as Daniel thought over what they'd said. Something like Dream, something that made people feel better, feel happy and motivated…

And suddenly, a line from a song he'd heard in an old movie once played across his mind, so clearly it was as if he was hearing it echoing around the cove itself.

"A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartaches, whatever you wish for, you keep…" 

"Hey," Daniel said softly, giving his cousin a friendly shake to the shoulders so they'd look up at him. 

"How about, Wish?" 

[whore-for-murdock]

Can’t You See That You’re Lost Without Me? - Chapter IV

Nameless Ghouls(Ghost band) x Black!OC

Series Summary: Asteria is forced out of her home and old life, but maybe it’s for the better.

Chapter Summary: Asteria is scared for the first time since she arrived at the abby, having walls starting to get broken down always is.

Warnings: Lowkey boring meeting, Asteria probably being dramatic, probably bad writing, and idk what else

I would love and very much appreciate any constructive criticism, please interact (like or comment, reposts if you really want to) if you enjoy. Comment or dm me if you want me to start a taglist.

Mountain and I spend hours under the sycamore tree, talking about everything and nothing all at once. I learn that he plays the drums, his favorite plant is a blue wisteria, and other small things are shared. I tell him that I have a less-than-optimal relationship with my mother, to say the least, not going into full detail or explaining the healing wounds on my face when asked. I also share with him my love of drawing, baking, and rollerblading.

“No way!” I say before laughing loudly.

“I’m serious!” Mountain says through a laugh himself. I laugh to the point that I can barely breathe and begin leaning against Mountain, trying to catch my breath. Throughout our lengthy conversation, we made a lot of progress as he slowly stopped flinching when my hand neared to get where we are now.

“So, you’re telling me that,” I pause, a small giggle escaping my lips, “that you didn’t talk to any of them for three days because he said he doesn’t like the color green?” It wasn’t as funny as our laughter made it seem, but the way he told the story made it seem like the most interesting and, in this case, the funniest thing in the world.

“Well, yeah, it really offended me.” He said looking down at me, my head now calmly resting on his shoulder. I comfortable silence now rests over the garden, I glance up to find him still looking at me, a soft look in his eyes.

His head turns quickly towards the door I came through. I turn my head in that direction to find another ghoul standing stiffly, her hands resting behind her back. The hair on her mask is far more embellished and full compared to the display on Mountain’s.

“It’s time for practice,” she says simply before scurrying inside. Mountain shifts beside me and I quickly lift my head so he could stand. He holds out a hand to help me up and we walk inside together before parting ways.

-- -- 

I make my way to the dining area, to try and get a midnight snack. I hadn’t even bothered trying to go to sleep for the night. Any attempts would have been fruitless anyway. Before I could make it all the way to some much-desired food, I notice someone sitting by one of the very large windows along the hallway walls.

The slivers of moonlight peeking through the clouds gleam off the silver mask that rests on the person’s face. The ghoul’s head turns to me, and I quickly come to a halt. Vibrant light-blue irises shine from behind their mask. My eyes trail down at their outfit to find more casual, comfortable clothes, compared to the slightly restricting uniform I had seen the ghouls and ghoulettes wearing in the band room. I rack my brain to try and remember how I can identify this ghoul without finding the symbols on their uniforms.

Water Ghouls - Light-blue

The calmest of the ghouls. 

Quickest to form a bond with, even without gifts or trinkets.

Maintain a calm and slow approach, and allow them to accommodate to your general presence before attempting to speak to or even touch them.

I slowly walked to and sat across from the water ghoul in the wide ministry window. I stared out the window with them, watching as it begins to rain, small droplets gliding down the window panes. I stole many glances towards them to find their mask was identical to Mountain’s. We made eye contact a few times, however, he always broke it first, not seeming threatened by my presence or gaze.

Almost an hour had passed before I first spoke.

“Hi,” I whisper, not wanting to disrupt the quiet atmosphere that surrounded us too much. He quickly moves his gaze to me, his eyes analyzing me for a few moments before he responds.

“Hey,” he pauses for a moment or two seeming to gather his thoughts. “I’m Rain.”

“Nice to meet you, Rain,” I say smiling kindly at him. “It’s really pretty tonight, huh?”

“Yeah,” he responds, his focus on the clouds once more. “Why are you up so late? Don’t humans need a full night's sleep?” Curiosity fills his gaze as he turns to me again, however, I continue looking outside and avoid, what seems to be, concern in his eyes.

“Some. I can’t sleep anyways, so I thought I’d wander for a bit.” He hums a response, looking outside once more. Silence settles again as the sky slowly brightens, the time spent here becoming apparent.

“Thanks,” I pause, gathering my thoughts a bit. “For bringing me back here. I have no idea where I would have gone if you hadn’t.”

“It wasn’t a problem. Plus you had passed out, it would’ve been wrong to just leave you there. Speaking of which, how’d you end up out there? With all those injuries?”

I suck in a quick breath, my mind wandering back to my mother and her afflictions towards me. Tears build at my waterline without me realizing as I continue looking up at the sky.

“Sorry, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to,” he quickly back-tracks so as to not upset me. I blink away the tears once I look at him and smile sadly as the sun slowly peaks out from behind the tree line. I stand, ready to continue my way towards the kitchen. Before I leave, I glance at the ghoul again.

“Oh, uh thank you for yesterday,” I said quietly.

He tilts his head cutely, confusion clouding his gaze.

“For protecting me, when I accidentally set off one of the other ghouls. I appreciate it.” I say, waiting before walking off to gauge his reaction.

His gaze scans my face thoroughly, his eyes conveying an emotion I can't decipher about what he was feeling. He glances away as though to gather his thoughts.

“I didn’t want anything else to happen to you after how we found you. Out in the woods,” he turns his eyes back to me, the look in his eyes now registering as protective and care, something I have seen very rarely. 

My cheeks heat up at his word, his voice dripping with care, a truly foreign substance to me. I duck my head and hurry down the hall, continuing on to find the kitchen, not exactly knowing how to process, let alone respond to his words.

Once a fair distance away, I slow to a moderate pace, realizing that I might get close to people here, the ghouls especially, and that scares me.

[draught-of-desire]

Draught of Desire - Chapter three

Y/N prepares herself to find the herb in the Forbidden Forest. She and Cedric decided to go to the forest at about midnight. Y/N puts on her cloak, packs some items, including a few potions, that might be of use in her schoolbag, and silently leaves the bedroom, so nobody would wake up. She goes through the common room, and fortunately, there is nobody there either, so she quickly passes the fireplace, and leaves the common room. She knew it wasn’t allowed for students to be out in the corridors at this time, but she had a good reason, right? She meant to find an ingredient that she needed for a potion. Y/N wonders if she could get into some serious trouble for going into the forbidden forest at this time. It was dangerous, she knew that, but everything would be okay. Cedric would be there too. What could go wrong?

Y/N approaches the main entrance of the castle, where she decided to meet up with Cedric. Of course, he was already there. He greeted Y/N with a smile. “Hi, Y/N. Are you ready to go?”

“Hey, Cedric. Yeah, let’s go.”

Y/N and Cedric walk out of the castle. “Lumos,” Cedric said. His wand lit up to show them their surroundings.

Y/N and Cedric are surrounded by silence, and Y/N feels as if it is awkward.

“So,” Y/N starts. “What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you?” Y/N quickly regrets asking that boring question, he had probably already answered all of his friends but he surprisingly does answer her.

“On my first year of Hogwarts, when I wasn’t so popular yet,” Oh god. Y/N thought. “I was sitting in the library across from a girl who was practising spells when she accidentally cast one on me. That spell wasn’t harmless, but it did turn my face blue for a whole week.’ They both laugh.

“I had to go to the nurse’s office every day after class to get the colour away, I thought I was going to be blue forever!” He laughs.

“Oh my, did she get expelled?”

“No, but I did get to make her face blue as well.”

“Really?” Y/N asks in disbelief.

“No.” He answers.

“What about you?” He asked her. His eyes look even prettier in the moonlight. “Do you have a crazy story to tell me?”

“Uh,” Y/N sighs. She doesn’t really have any funny or cool stories to tell. Her miserable life is boring. All she ever does at home is drink coffee and take pictures of the animals that live in the park.

“Well, I did once steal a 50 £ potion from the Shimmering Cauldron.”

“You what?” Cedric gasps.

“It was an accident!”

“How do you accidentally steal a 50 £ potion?” He asks.

“I don’t know! I found it in my pocket after we left the store, I swear!”

“What kind of potion was it?”

“You mean potions.”

“You stole more than one?” He asks in disbelief.

“Yes, I stole two by accident,” Y/N says.

“One is a blabbering beverage and the other is a Confusion Concoction.

“Did you just drink the Blabbering one?” He snickers.

“Ha ha” Y/N sarcastically says.

“Wait, did you hear that?” Cedric asks. He has a really worried look on his face, and breaths a cloud.

Y/N looks back at the school, not realising how close to the forest they already were. She must’ve talked a lot then.

“Hear what-“ When suddenly she gets interrupted by the sound of howling wolves.

“Are you scared, Cedric?”

“What, no never.” He scoffs. Yeah right.

They then enter the forest and search high and low in all the narrow spaces between the trees.

“Where could that herb be?” Y/N asks.

“They are pretty rare” Cedric answers. His hair looked so cute all messy.

“But they should be around here, hiding in the tall grass.”

They keep on walking, but then something alarms Cedric. He quickly pulls out his wand and looks up at the tall trees.

“Did you hear that?” He asks her. This time he did look scared.

“Are the wolves back?” Y/N snickered.

“I’m serious Y/N.”

Y/N also looks but can’t see anything. Suddenly she hears a rustle from the bush behind her. They quickly turn around and find a big, dark dementor with a gaping mouth hovering above them. Y/N was in shock. They couldn’t move. Is this how Y/N would die? She never learnt the spell to kill a dementor.

All she could do now is scream.

The dementor floats above them, but then strikes down Y/N, and is about to attack until Cedric casts a spell.

“Expecto Patronum!” From the tip of his wand, a glimmering Badger charges towards the dementor.

The dementor lets out a horrifying scream, making Y/N and Cedric fall backwards. Y/N looks over to her side while the dementor was dying in pain, and sees Cedric unconscious. He must’ve hit his head against a tree, or a rock. Or maybe the dementor had already taken him, and it was too late. Maybe because of her stupid potions project that she so willingly wanted to perfect, she had killed a student from school. As the dementor finishes his last breath, and disappears into the night, Y/N crawls over to Cedric and holds on to him as she buries her face into the grass. She rolls her head over to the side and finds herself staring at the herb they were looking for the entire time: The Tacca Chantrieri. It seemed as if it was watching over her, looking down on her. Y/N carefully picks the herb, avoiding the thorns. She takes some time to look at it, observing its deadly beauty. Then, the thought hits her, Cedric! She scurries over to him, shaking him with the hope to wake him.

“Wake up!” Shouts Y/N, shaking him violently without realising. Y/N desperately tries to wake him, and she even punches his chest. After trying everything Y/N knows to wake someone, he finally wakes.

“Oh my god, I thought I lost you!” Y/N says tearfully. Cedric takes a moment to take everything in, and Y/N explains to him what happened. When Cedric finally gets to his feet, they slowly head for the castle.

[ofhelena-blog]

tag dump !!

[izurathespookyskeleton]

Sanji x reader (hungry and restless)💛

Sanji finds you hungry and restless and in need of a midnight snack?! This simply won’t do… I love Sanji so much and I have this imagine of him in my head all the time getting my midnight snacks haha

For my precious beloved Livi, the biggest Sanji simp I know <3333

Warnings: none

~~~~~~

A creak of the kitchen door echoed in the night's silence. Tonight you felt a bit restless and still a bit hungry even after Sanji's delicious meal a few hours ago.

With low expectations for a midnight snack you searched around looking for something to feed your hunger on this beautiful night.

With how fancy everything was put in the fridge you didn’t wanna mess with any of the chef’s ingredients, just deciding to settle on some plain toast.

Apparently your lucky star wasn’t looking upon you tonight because somehow you ended up with burnt bread. You sighed before taking a bite, you were too tired and hungry to care anyways.

You sat on the bench in the kitchen, the room felt lonely as it was usually filled with your fellow crewmates being loud and goofing off.

A loud creak pulled you out of your train of thoughts, looking towards the door curious as to who made the noise. Maybe a little luck was shining down onto you tonight as a familiar blonde stood at the frame.

“Y/n?” he spoke, meeting your gaze in the dim room, moonlight sneaking in from outside. You smiled at the cooks presence, suddenly not feeling so lonely anymore.

“Hi Sanji” you greeted, the tiredness in your voice being heard clearly from the man.

“What are you doing up dear?” He asked immediately making his way over to you making sure you were alright. You gave him a smile and he returned a concerned look.

“I was feeling a bit hungry” you explained, he eyed the burnt toast in your hand and gently let out a chuckle before leaning down to be at eye level with you.

“My darling you could have just come to me if you needed a snack~” he gently gripped your hands pulling them to his lips. “I’m a cook, it’s my duty to serve you whatever you desire”

Your heart skipped a beat feeling his soft lips place a sweet kiss onto your hands. Watching with slightly wide eyes as he slowly met your gaze with his charming eyes.

“I-... I didn't wanna bother you” you said quietly.

Now, he couldn't have that!

“It's my absolute pleasure to serve you my sweet, I would die before letting you be left unfed” he swooned his lovely charm. “Let me fix you a meal, whatever you want!”

“Any small snack would be fine” you giggled at the blonde man.

He instantly got up to his feet fully ready to fulfill your every needs and wishes. Before you could take another bite of your failed attempt of a snack he snatches it in his hands. You gave a confused hum as you watched the chef take a bite.

“I’ll make you something better, if you don’t mind I’ll eat this” he gave a smile.

“But it’s burnt..”

“I don’t want to waste food, and I’ll eat anything as long as it’s from you my love!” He beamed yet again having no other choice but to accept it.

You watched in admiration as the cook worked his magic, his delicate looking fingers holding his knives and tools with such grace.

Making perfectly cut sandwiches in a matter of minutes right before your eyes. Along with some tea being brewed on the side.

After a few moments he spun around with a gentle smile, he held the silver tray of the sandwiches and tea walking over to you.

Setting down the snack and drink on the table before you with a clink of the metal plate.

“Here you are!~ Mademoiselle~”

You gave him a warm smile. You truly did admire the cook in front of you, you appreciated everything he did. Loved every inch of him completely.

“Thank you Sanji” you said looking deeply into his eyes showing him how thankful you are.

He watched with a wide smile seeing you hum with delight at the snack he provided just for you. He held a longing gaze in his eyes, feeling more than happy to see you pleased.

After you finished the delicious snack and the hot tea you immediately felt a wave of tiredness fall over you, knowing this time for sure you were ready for bed.

“That was delicious Sanji” you complimented the charming chef. “Thank you for everything… I’ll be heading to bed now”

You raised to your feet taking the dishes with you before they were snatched from your grasp.

“I’ll take care of it dear.” He said gently. You give him another thankful smile feeling the call of sleep from your body.

“Goodnight Sanji~” you softly place a kiss to his cheek that was warming up by the second. Pulling away you were met by his shocked expression, you let out a chuckle before walking off to your room.

It was certainly a wonderful midnight snack~

~~💛~~

[vennilavee]

Gojo and 6? thanks <3

prompt: soft kisses that grow more passionate by each second with vamp gojo and witch oc (from a lover's brew)

warnings: spitting, blood (gojo drinks oc's blood)

a/n: this is a drabble to my fic a lover's brew!

Gojo Satoru had no business looking as good as he did at this particular moment in time. Moonlight shines on his silvery hair and spills onto the expanse of his chest that he’d decided to leave unbuttoned. His silky, black dress shirt is fitted to him, just as every other item of clothing in his closet is. His lips have a cherry red sheen to them, from the singular sip of cherry wine he’s been nursing for the entire evening.

Even as a vampire, he doesn’t have a particular propensity for wine. It’s funny how some human traits carry over even into the undead life as a vampire.

You’re not the only one looking at him, you know that. Gojo has always turned heads wherever you are (whether it’s because he’s so intimidatingly handsome or because he never knows when to shut up), and this time is no different.

It’s the annual party for the witches, warlocks, werewolves and vampires of Tokyo. It’s an attempt to foster friendships and continue to maintain this era of peace, but it’s hard for immortal beings to put centuries of pride aside.

But you’ve come a long way. Gojo has been instrumental in bringing the underworld together, unlike the elders of your individual species. They’d fought a long time to keep yourselves from uniting and it was only in the last hundred years or so that you’d all be out in public like this.

You suppose the modern era justifies why you’re sleeping with two vampires, sometimes at the same time. Mei Mei is off on the other side of the room, speaking with Utahime, one of the many werewolves present tonight. She catches your eye almost immediately, sending you a very knowing grin.

In a room full of vampires, you certainly stick out with your bright orange witch hat with glittering black crescents on it.

With a glass of expensive white wine imported from Italy (infused with magic), you continue to pretend to ignore Gojo for the remainder of the night.

It doesn’t go so well.

It’s not your fault that you can’t keep your eyes off of Gojo. Maybe the wine has been spiked (no, of course it hasn’t. This is all about you and your failing attempt to hide your shameless desire for him). He’s aware that you’re aware that he knows that you’re avoiding him.

He hasn’t responded to your texts for the last three weeks, after all. You won’t be the first one to fold. Never.

Your little game is backfiring because Gojo Satoru is a man of a millenia and has the self-control to back it up. It’s cute, the way you pretend like you weren’t staring (or glaring) him down despite being in a conversation. You’ve walked past him and Geto at least five times now from across the room, swinging your hips in that dress he bought for you. Geto rolls his eyes and says, “go take care of your little witch friend.”

But Gojo stays put and waves him off, waiting for you to come to him. He knows he’ll have his moment with you anyway.

“Oh,” you say in surprise, “It’s you.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” Gojo shrugs, motioning for you to close the door behind you.

“There are worse things that could happen, I suppose,” you reply, standing with your back against the door, “Like getting ghosted for almost a month.”

“I can explain-”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Gojo peers at you from over his black shades, eyes glinting as he scrutinizes you. You square your shoulders and straighten your back to meet his stare with a glare of your own.

“You missed me?” Gojo grins.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” you roll your eyes and yet find yourself stepping closer to him. His midnight blue bomber jacket is glossy in the light, still somehow the same shade as his ocean eyes despite clearly being a few shades darker.

Maybe you’re losing it. He makes you feel a little loopy.

“I don’t need to when you so obviously miss me,” Gojo smiles, but it looks more like a predator circling his prey with his teeth so blindingly bared. He meets you halfway, his hands hovering over your waist. He’s suddenly itching to touch you, dying to feel the way you divinely fill his hands as you press up against him-

Three weeks of unspoken words weigh heavily on your tongue and you don’t hesitate in pulling him closer to you to press your lips to his. You don’t deepen the kiss just yet and you don’t even close your eyes. You just allow yourself to feel the pulses of his magic against yours, the brush of his glossy lips against yours.

You think you can almost hear a heartbeat.

“You did miss me,” Gojo murmurs over your lips, his breath cold on your face. You hum in response, “Only as much as you missed me.”

He laughs and pulls you closer by your waist finally cradling your jaw and kissing you properly. His lips brush against your forehead, your cheeks, your nose, your chin (you think he might even have licked you), before he kisses you and sucks your tongue obscenely.

“Yeah, I missed you,” he mumbles into your mouth, “Fuck, I missed you. Can I taste you?”

You nod and Gojo doesn’t give you a chance to say more, instead gently biting your bottom lip to draw just the tiniest bit of blood. He moans when it drops onto his tongue and trickles down his throat. The sound shoots straight down your spine and he kisses you again, this time hardly allowing for you to take a single breath.

Time freezes just for a brief moment between you both, harsh gasps and soft calls of his name being exchanged in the tiny space of this supply closet. Gojo palms your ass and squeezes with both hands as he pushes you into a wall behind you.

“You have no idea…” he mumbles, trailing your cheek with one lithe finger. Gojo thinks you might be the death of him, with the way your dark eyes drip honey right into his undead soul. Has Mei Mei ever seen you like this? She’d never be able to let you go if she had. Then again, you play a funny game yourself.

Gojo squeezes your cheeks, ignoring your noise of protest in favor of chuckling at you. “Open your mouth,” he says and you stick your tongue out.

He coats his tongue in saliva and lets it fall onto your tongue, a slight metallic taste filling your mouth. You both openly moan when you swallow, the taste of your blood and his spit making you feel warm. He instantly covers his lips with yours before asking you only once to come home with him.

Gojo Satoru never begs, but for you, he just might.

tags: @kentobean @aeanya

[glenncoco4]

Offended

A/N: As promised…the filth has arrived. (Obviously M)

••••

She’s sitting up in bed, both exhausted and content after the emotional rollercoaster that was today. Their conversation from this morning though has been eating away at her. “I have to tell you something.”

His brow furrows as he pulls back the covers on his side and joins her. His hand immediately finding hers on top of the duvet. “Okay.”

“Well this morning you offended me.” There’s a sadness in her mismatched orbs as the words leave her lips.

His grow wide in surprise and he readjusts his position so now he’s sitting crisscrossed in front of her, both his hands now holding hers. “Wait, what? Baby, I’m sorry. What’d I do?”

Biting her bottom lip, she contemplates telling him how she really feels, but he’s her husband and best friend…the person that means the most to her in this world, and he should know how much his words affected her. “I don’t know how to say this but when you were eating your bagel sandwich you said it was the best thing you’d ever tasted in your life and well…I just thought I was.”

“Was what?”

“I thought I was the best thing you’d ever tasted.”

He feels his heart quicken as he licks his lips and sees her sad puppy eyes grow darker. “Kensi Marie Blye…” He throws back the covers, moving to straddle her calves as his fingers find the waistband of her sleep shorts, slowly pulling them down her olive toned legs, his eyes never leaving hers. “You are definitely the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my entire life.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“I’m really not.” He really likes where this is going. “But to put your mind at ease, let me prove it to you.”

She finally lets the “sadness” slip from her eyes and be replaced with a devilish grin appear as he begins to remove her shorts completely before grabbing both her legs and spreading them apart, his hungry gaze immediately zeroing in on her glistening folds.

“Mmmm, delicious.” He lays down on the mattress, coming face to face with her heat. Turning his head, he places a kiss to her inner thigh and then turns to the other, mimicking his previous ministrations.

“Wait.”

He groans so close, yet so far away. “Yes, my love?”

“Give me your hands.”

“Kinda need them.”

“So do I.”

His eyes darken even more when his eyes finds hers, his face between her legs still but instead of seeing the fabric that was covering the top half her body a few seconds ago he’s now met with bare skin. His eyes trace the contours of her olive toned skin illuminated by the moonlight streaming in through the window.

She’s on the brink of release just by seeing the look in his eyes but knows holding off for this will bring her that much more ecstasy. “Baby, hands.”

That’s when he suddenly realizes what his partner is “demanding.” Quickly sitting up and ridding himself of his shirt, he gets up off the bed before taking hold of her ankles, pulling her towards the edge…towards him as she lets out a shrieking giggle. “Come here.”

He doesn’t pounce immediately like she was expecting but instead traces her body up and down a few times before finally meeting her eyes. The intensity in his swirling cerulean blues just about sends her over the edge right then. “Well, are you gonna eat your midnight snack or what?”

A possessive growl that finds his way out of his mouth as he shakes his head in disagreement. “Baby girl, that’s not a snack…it’s a whole damn meal and I’m starving.”

She bites her lip as he gets down on his knees at the edge of the bed, throwing each of her legs over his shoulders once again. and brings his lips to her entrance. As his tongue laps up her juices his hands find her supple breast, massaging them and sending her into oblivion with the movements of his tongue.

Marty Deeks is a patient man but as his wife continues to call out his name in desire he can feel himself closer and closer to joining her in oblivion. He can feel the pre-cum seeping through his boxers unable to think of much else other than tasting her again…well, that’s not entirely true.

Before he realizes what’s happening, Kensi pulls him up to join her on the bed. Her hands immediately finding the waistband of his boxers and pulling them down before wrapping her fingers around his slick cock. “Are you sure that was the best thing you’ve ever tasted? I wasn’t really believing it.”

The devious grin that’s playing at her lips tells him exactly what she’s up to. “I’ll prove it to you again but not before I’m inside you and feeling your pussy pulsate around my cock.”

Her fingers delicately trace his sun-kissed skin as she feels her desire return at his words and the feeling of his stiff member pressed against her thigh. “Well…I’m waiting.”

[anamatics]

From your prompts list - 81. “I feel like I’m being stabbed.” / “How do you even know what it feels like to be stabbed?” - this is Winter finding out about the time Weiss got impaled lol

okay first of all, ow. Second of all, enjoy my vague handwaving in some Bees Schnees directions.

Curfew, 1.7k

October in Atlas means the sun doesn’t come up until nine o’clock in the morning and goes down just after three in the afternoon. Weiss, the last time she came home, found herself unused to the long nights after spending much of her year in Vale hating how each day and night was, roughly, the same length. This time, she’s used to it in a way that no one else is. Blake hates it, hates the darkness and the cold, snuggling up to Yang each night once she thinks Weiss and Ruby have gone to sleep.

The problem is that Weiss doesn’t sleep well in Atlas. She sleeps better here, safely locked away behind the academy walls, than she has in her nearly two decades of life living in this kingdom. Part of it, she knows, is that Winter is two floors up in the officer’s quarters. This is the closest they’ve been to each other at night since Weiss was nearly eleven and Winter left and never came back.

Weiss turns over onto her back and stares up at the ceiling for a long moment. There’s no helping it. She shoves the duvet aside, tugs on a discarded sweatshirt from the pile on the floor, and slips out the door.

The hallways of the academy are dimly lit at this hour of the night, and Weiss wanders up to the balcony that overlooks the parade grounds just off the mess. She sits there, staring out at the city that’s been her prison for so much of her life.

A dream amongst the clouds and the cold, Atlas glows blue and beautiful the scant moonlight that breaks through the cover. Weiss’s breath fogs the window. She presses her palm to the glass. The coolness is grounding, it lets her drift.

The pressure at her side, the near constant ache since they left Mistral, rears its ugly head. Weiss curls her arm around herself, fingers curling against the glass. Close your eyes, push it away. It’s just phantom pain. Yang has it too.

If she doesn’t think about it, it will go away.

Yang told her that. You gotta just power through, it’ll pass.

Weiss inhales. Exhales. Counts the breaths.

This, too, shall pass.

The sound of approaching footsteps fills the hallway. Weiss’s fingers twitch already halfway to twisting the threads of her aura together to form a glyph. She stares at the figure in the reflection on the glass, still foggy with her breath.

“Technically, there is a curfew for cadets.”

Weiss’s lips twist into a lopsided smile. “Good thing I’m not a soldier.”

She’s met with a hum of agreement. Winter approaches, stopping just outside of Weiss’s reach. “It’s nearly midnight. Why are you awake?”

“Couldn’t sleep.” Weiss tilts her head to look at her sister. Winter’s jacket is folded under her arm, her tie undone at her neck and three buttons on her shirt undone. She looks as wrecked as Weiss feels, dark circles under her eyes. Her hair is pulled back in messy bun, curling a bit as though she’s been out into the humid night air of Atlas this time of year.

Winter hesitates for a moment, before setting her jacket down on the bench Weiss is leaning against and settling down beside her. She smells a bit like smoke and a bit like booze and a bit like something Weiss cannot place. Perfume? No, that’s not quite right. Weiss’s eyebrows shoot up. Cologne?

A beat of comfortable silence fills the space between them. Winter’s thigh presses against Weiss’s. The traveler’s crease at the front of her trousers pulls flat as Winter stretches her leg out in front of them.

“So, why are you just getting in?”

Winter exhales. She definitely smells like cigarette smoke. “I had a social engagement.”

This is the sort of information that Weiss chews over, another piece of the secret life her sister’s lead since she left home. The one Weiss knows so little about, but the one she so clearly is still living. It is so alien, watching her sister interact with others – watching the easy way she speaks to Penny, the way General Ironwood trusts her implicitly and the Ace Ops clearly see her as a mentor. And yet Winter doesn’t seem to have friends outside of work. She seems to exist simply to work.

So it’s with some hesitation that Weiss nudges Winter’s shin with her foot, a teasing tone creeping into her voice. “You have a social life?”

“A… colleague asked me for a drink, catch up.” Winter shrugs, fiddles with her watch strap. Her eyes flick to Weiss, before they turn back to the shifting clouds over the city. “You haven’t been sleeping since you got here.”

And there’s no answer to that, other than the truth. Weiss pulls the sleeves of the sweatshirt – Yang’s sweatshirt that smells like Blake’s deodorant: earthy and crisp, like rosemary just pressed – and curls her hands around the fabric. “When I close my eyes in this place, it fells like all the air goes out of the room.”

“It was months before I slept soundly,” Winter confesses. Up close, Weiss thinks her eyes look like Mother’s at mid-day. Not quite all the way to drunk but not exactly sober. “I got caught out after curfew – one I had to mind – often because sleep wouldn’t come.”

“What did you do?” Weiss asks.

“Got a running habit.” Winter looks to Weiss. “And then some other, far less healthy ones.”

Nose wrinkling, Weiss hums. “You’d think you’d avoid it entirely, given how much it ruins things.”

Winter draws her knee up and wraps her arms around it. She rests her chin on her knee, eyes fixed straight ahead. She says nothing for long enough that Weiss wonders if she shouldn’t have said that at all. Her mind races, think for something she can say to fix it, when Winter says a non-sequitur, but one which recalls the original intent of her question. “There are restrictions as to who can access these premises, Weiss. With good reason.”

And as much as she wants it to matter, it doesn’t. He’s father, he can open any door, he can sniff out any lie. “It doesn’t matter.”

A warm weight settles over her shoulder and Winter’s fingers curl around her arm. Weiss leans against her, head tucked up under Winter’s chin like she did so often when they were children and hiding in some unused part of the house from Father’s rages.

“Sometimes,” the words are like sandpaper in Weiss’s mouth, “when I think about being back here, my heart beats so fast I feel like I’m being stabbed.”

“How do you even know what it feels like to be stabbed?”

Oh.

“Winter, something happened in Mistral.”

Weiss retreats from the warmth of her sister. She turns, sitting cross legged, and pulls her hand away from her side and tugs off the sweatshirt. The tank top she’s wearing underneath has already ridden up her stomach a bit and she tugs the hem up and looks away. Lets Winter see the scar. Lets Winter see her shame.

Eyes wide, Winter leans in, brushing her fingers against the raised skin at Weiss’s abdomen. With her hand there, Weiss is remined, yet again, that the scar is the size of Winter’s fist. “Weiss, this is…” Winter drags her eyes up to meet Weiss’s and her expression turns deathly serious. “What happened?”

“I looked away.” Weiss lets her tank top fall down back over the scar and pulls the sweatshirt over her head. “I was too slow and I looked away.”

“That wound would have – would have—”

“It didn’t.” Weiss knows her voice sounds harsh, but she refuses to admit what happened in that context. “But it was a close thing. If Jaune—"

Winter pulls her close again. “I should have stayed in Mistral. We could have delayed the withdrawal a few more weeks. I could have – I should have been there.”

There’s no reason for that, no reason for Winter to blame herself for this. “This isn’t your fault. I was the one who was too slow. I was the one who turned my back on Cinder Fall.”

“It’s my duty to protect you Weiss.”

“You said you wouldn’t always be around to save me,” Weiss points out.

“That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t get the chance to try.”

And Weiss has nothing to say to that, because there is nothing to say. Winter will always talk a big game, but still want to be there, still want to try to do the right thing. It’s lost time, it’s making up for a lifetime of silences like the one that stretches out between them. One that’s uncomfortable when they’re so used to trading comfortable silences as a currency for survival.

It’s nice, leaning against Winter like this. Where Winter can be a solid, tangible object of support. Weiss inhales, Blake’s deodorant and Yang’s shampoo mingling with the strong, crisp scent of her sister’s cologne. Cologne. It’s then the question bursts, unbidden, from Weiss. “Were you on a date?”

Winter freezes, body stock still.

“Why… would you ask that?”

“You smell nice.”

“Are you implying I usually do not?”

“No, I mean that it’s nice. Your um…” Is it wrong to say what Weiss thinks it actually is? “Your perfume is nice,” she hedges.

“Well,” Winter says at length. “It’s not mine – and I’m pretty sure if asked, you’d be told it was cologne.” Winter’s fingers tangle in Weiss’s hair and she rests her cheek against Weiss’s head. “Someday I’ll tell you about her.”

And though she’s burning with a desire to know, though the her throws Weiss to the point where she feels like the ground is shifting underneath her, Weiss lets it go. “Can I stay with you tonight?”

“If that’s what you want.” Winter gets to her feet and collects her jacket.

Weiss follows.

(Weiss is pretty sure she’d follow Winter to the end of the world.)