#+ the suitor in his eyeline

[brainrotcharacters]

If we're going for the headcanon that Odysseus killed the suitors in the same room that Penelope presented the challenge, Odysseus totally shot someone through those aforementioned twelve axes

[secret-smut-sideblog]

Heavy Metal Lover

Karlach x F! Tav

18+ physical combat (consensual), so much teasing, public sex (kind of), manhandling, roughness, restraint, dom karlach/sub tav, strength kink, hand kink, size difference, fingering (f!), grinding, light choking, overstimulation, porn w/o plot

With her touch newly returned, Karlach is hungry for contact. Seeking out Tav for a little hand to hand combat that quickly turns heated...

Masterlist

-

Tav resisted rolling her eyes at Astarion's wide grin. That face meant only one thing, he was about to be insufferable about something.

"What?" She sighed, resigned to the incoming teasing.

"You haven't noticed, have you?" He purred, an indulgent edge of pre-emptive preening in his voice.

"Obviously not, if you're being this unbearable." She sniped flatly, turning back to hanging laundry on tip toes.

He slid his foot under the arch of her heel, biting at her teasingly when she turned to give him a glare. Baring her own absent fangs.

"Look real close now..." He pointed across camp to Karlach. She was trying to talk Wyll into sparring with her, him trying to wave her away good naturedly.

Tav roved her eyes over the tall muscular body, pushing the slow creep of lust aside to focus on any changes.

She was starting to get frustrated, suddenly sure that Astarion was just fucking with her again, trying to get her to ogle their companion.

That's when she caught it. Two newly rounded talons on her right hand, pointer and middle finger.

Tav sucked in an involuntarily breath, lips falling open. All higher thinking pulled from her mind.

"Eager, isn't she?" Astarion crooned, jolting Tav back. His voice far too knowing for her taste as he hovered behind her.

"It's only been one night since she's gotten touch back, I admire her ambition."

Knowing his hands were clasped behind his back in that leaning way he always does.

Karlach's eyes caught Tav's, waving excitedly. Like they hadn't been together all day, rocking on the balls of her feet happily.

Tav groaned, heart jelly.

"Oh," Astarion lilted out a laugh. "She's got it bad for you."

"Wait, really?" Tav turned to him, clothespin in hand. Her snarky play falling back for a moment in genuine confusion.

Astarion tilted his head at her, his demeanor falling back in kind. "Seriously? Gods, Tav, you really are unobservant."

"Hey, it's not that I don't pay attention. I'm just blind to when it's aimed at me." She huffed, crossing arms.

"Oh, I know. I'm still amazed that you were blindsided to Gale's pining."

He relented when Tav threw her arms up in frustration.

"Ah, ah, okay. You're just blind to your own suitors, we'll agree. So trust me as an objective pair of eyes. That tower of muscle wants you. Badly."

"Oh, and here she comes now!" Astarion giggled, trapezing away on delighted feet. "Good luck with your new knowledge, darling!"

"Someone wants to go hungry tonight!" She threatened after him. Him giving her a little twirl.

"Uh-oh, you two are always at each other's throats." Karlach laughed, watching him go with fond eyes. "Literally."

"Oh, we were just playing." Tav assured, returning to hanging sheets.

"What's up, Karlach?" She asked, back on tip toes. Smoothing hands over the pleats, stretching up to pin the fabric down.

Karlach grabbed the clothespin from her hands easily, pinning it above her natural reach.

"Oh! Thank you!" Tav squeaked. Trying not to give the height difference between them any thought at all.

"Well, no one will spar with me." Karlach pouted. Her eyes starting to swim with tears that she brushed away with angry fingers. Huffing out a steadying breath, smiling down at Tav.

"But I think you might be under my weight class, might be an unfair fight to ask you."

Tav's heart thrilled.

"I mean... I am stronger than I look."

This was true. She was eyeline with mostly chests, but she could pull some weight. Hells she's carried unconscious Gale over her shoulders several times now in the heat of battle.

Huh. Okay, his crush on her makes sense.

"I would love to spar with you, Karlach." She smiled, handing her up another sheet to hang.

"Really?!" Karlach bunched the fabric in her hands in excitement.

"Oh, whoops." She shook out the fabric, giving it one hard flick of her wrist. The fabric snapping in the air.

Tav let out a little involuntarily moan, then clapped her hand over her mouth. Gods below, what was that...

"You okay, soldier? Felling up to it?"

"Yeah, just.. uh, a little woozy." She tapped the side of her neck where the given pinpricks lay.

"You know, now that I'm touchable again, I wouldn't mind giving you a break some nights. Mama K's got a lot of blood to give."

Tav saw a silver head pop up in her peripheral.

"Ah, I'm alright." Tav flapped her hands in an affable way. "Though something tells me our favorite leech might start circling now."

"He's a hungry boy, we gotta keep him big and strong!" Karlach laughed.

"Okay, big and strong, I'll see you tonight." Tav teased.

Karlach's tail curled up, arching at the base. Her cheekbones heating.

"Okay... Well. Bye..." She sighed, turning and walking in a forced casualty that even Tav could clock.

Astarion's mouth had fallen open, hand hovering over his jaw. When he caught Tav's gaze, he pointed to where a tail would be on his body. Raising his eyebrows in salacious glee.

Tav didn't know much about tiefling tail etiquette but could glean enough from his pantomiming. Her own cheeks warming as she stomped at him to quit it, only fueling the bouncing suppressed laughter in his shoulders.

-

Initially, several of their companions had agreed to sit ringside. But as the day wore endlessly on with sun bearing down, most of them either decided to retire early or wade into the cool river with a few bottles of wine.

"Don't take too long..." Astarion sing-songed over his shoulder, a wine bottle hanging loose from his fingertips.

"Oh! Wait!" Tav called, standing and meeting him in the middle. Unbuckling the strap on the dagger at his hip, taking the bottle from his fingers and uncorking it with her teeth.

"Ugh, don't do that. You'll ruin your teeth." He chided, angling his hip for her to pull the dagger free.

"Shush." She cut into the back of her hand, dripping it into the rim of the thick glass. Swirling slowly.

He took his dagger back with a spin of fingers, seating it back with an unconscious flourish.

"Say when." She flexed her hand, encouraging more flow.

"Is never an option?"

"No, unless you want to get punched again."

"Gods, you do have a mean hook." He rubbed his jaw in memory.

"Alright fine. That's plenty." Leaning forward, he licked the stem of blood until it slowed to a stop.

"You know that only closes your wounds, right? Or I'd put you to use as a cleric on the battlefield."

He sighed dreamily. "Oh, it would be delicious. But very uncharitable motivation, I assure you."

"Well, best be off." He eyed the approaching tiefling with a mischievous twinkle. "Thank you, my darling."

She kissed his cheek. "No problem, have fun."

He waved over his shoulder as he departed, Karlach coming to Tav's side.

"Aw, you two are so cute together."

"Oh, we're not together." Tav laughed, the thought strange. "He reminds me of so many of my siblings."

"So many?" Karlach laughed. "Wait, how many do you have?"

"Entirely too many." Tav huffed, unconsciously settling into that authoritative posture she used with them.

"Aw, man. I want too many!" Karlach clicked her tongue. "Ah, well. Can't win 'em all."

"Speaking of, prepared to lose?" Tav teased, rolling her shoulders back.

"Oh, ho," Karlach laughed, settling back into a crouch. "Bring it on, babe."

Tav widened her stance, rolling her arm back in a curved elbow. Loosening her neck.

"Ready?" Tav hummed, balanced on the heels of her feet.

"Very." Karlach urged, fingers flexing.

"Then come get me." Tav smiled.

Karlach lunged forward, trying to sweep her leg.

Tav picked up her feet, ducking around her. Dodging another hand reaching for her wrist.

She laughed as she planted a foot to stand on Karlach's crouched hip. Using her shoulder as a hold to step up, swinging around her back to put her in a headlock. Hand pushing into her throat.

"Choking, huh?" She chided.

Karlach kneeled down abruptly, slamming her back into the ground.

Tav released, the air taken out of her. Still trying to lock her legs around Karlach's thighs.

"Oh, come on," Karlach laughed, prying her legs open with her hands. Her shoulder muscles rippling with exertion.

Tav's mouth fell open at the sight and sensation. Even with the full strength of her thighs, Karlach split her like cleaved wood.

Karlach turned and pinned her thighs open between her own, sitting on her pelvis.

"Hah!... Hey, why'd you stop?"

Tav's eyes darted down to the position they were pushed into.

Karlach paused, looking down as well.

"Oh..."

Neither moved, both huffing with exertion.

A stand still, the air charged with tension. Thighs straddled criss cross, their centers pressed together.

Tav tried not to moan, just the heat coming from her core pulling slick from her.

All it would take is one of them moving their hips.

Karlach looked down at her with blown out eyes, a desperate hunger, near anger, pulling her face slack. One hand gripping into Tav's propped thigh, starting to rock her hips.

"Gods, this heat!" Gale exclaimed, emerging from his tent. Fanning himself with a thin tome, heading towards the water.

Karlach flipped Tav up by the hips, pulling her up into a more appropriate position kneeling next to her. Tav squeaked, being manhandled so easily sending another wave of arousal to her lust dumb mind.

Gale turned towards them, unaware. "Oh! Are you guys coming too? I wouldn't mind the company on the walk."

"Absolutely!" Karlach called, giving Tav a questioning raise of her eyebrows.

"Oh! Uh, yeah! I'd love to hear about that." She pointed to the tome he was holding.

Rising to feet, led by Karlach's hand. Another shock of arousal as she stared at the mesmerizing sight, curled around hers with its diabolically implicit fingernails.

Gods above and below help her.

Gale chattered excitedly ahead as they walked, and Tav was really trying to listen. Truly, she was. But Karlach was walking just behind her, a hand flat against her lower back. The spread of fingers absurd, so wide it made her knees weak. Thumb rubbing mind numbing arcs into the sensitive skin.

Through the haze of her lust she managed a few well timed sounds of affirmation, trying to focus on silly things like words.

Oh, what fresh hells had she unleashed. Feeling Karlach's wide smile behind her. Enjoying tormenting her so innocently. Wanting to swat her away and lean in as hard as possible at the same time.

After an eternity, they reached the water. The gentle swell and lapping mockingly peaceful, moon ribboned and dark. Their companions gathered, floating conversation and passing wine.

Gale sat on the dock, rolling his sleep pants up to the calf. Dipping legs in with a deep sigh.

"Not getting in, Gale?" Karlach remarked in gentle disappointment. Fingers slipping inside of Tav's waistband behind her.

Tav breathed out a fast breath through nose, stomping her foot just slightly. Sliding the movement into shifting her weight casually.

"Ah, too much skin for present company." He smiled, a slight blush rising to his cheeks. Eyes darting to Tav, then quickly away.

"But don't let me discourage you. Go on, enjoy the water in all it's glory."

"Well, what do you think, Tav?" Karlach asked in a deceptively neutral voice.

As she was about to respond, Karlach pulled her fingers taut into her waistband, snapping it against her lower back. Covering the sound with a cough.

A rush of wetness pooling in her underclothes, she hissed out a quiet threat. Karlach's fingers grazing her skin, a quivering of contained laughter in the chest she stepped back into.

"I think that's a great idea. If you'll pardon us Gale?"

She didn't wait to get his response, pulling Karlach in her wake. Her low laugh slipping out as she was led, Tav in a fast stomp, Karlach in an easy wide stride. Long legs not having to rush at all to keep up.

Tav was about to turn to lay into her when a wide hand caught around the front of her throat. Another pushing flat against her lower belly. Both burning hot.

Her breath caught, leaning head back as those fingers splayed up her neck. Sharp talons pressing into the underside of her jaw.

"I wasn't done back there." Her voice all gravel. Pressing the words into the side of her head, heat pressing into her back. The expanse of muscle a heavy presence behind her.

Tav whimpered, twisting to look behind them to gauge how close they were to the group.

"Nothing important back there, baby." She laughed, pulling Tav's chin forward with a force belieing her easy words.

"Gods, Tav," She sighed, voice all heat again. Fingers sliding down the front of her waistband, long fingers traveling a short distance quickly. "I've been so hungry to fuck you."

Tav moaned a little whine at the vulgarity, knees buckling in earnest. Karlach's own knee pushed into hers, forcing her down into an open kneel. Her large body enveloping behind, thighs encircling around hers.

Her fingers strained against the fabric for a few seconds before she huffed out a frustrated breath. Hands gripping up onto Tav's hips, pulling her up onto her belly, wrenching her leggings down onto her knees, then seating her back onto knees with barely an effort.

"There, that's better." She said decidedly. Tav delirious with lust from being handled like a five pound weight.

Karlach's fingers found her center again with a happy hum. Rounded fingertips pushing inside her with no further pretense. Tav bucking at the sudden introduction.

Karlach's other hand came back up to spread along her throat, pressing down just hard enough to make her moan. Long fingers thrusting slow thigh shaking pleasure into her. Her hips rocking into the hilt of her palm.

"Fuck, you're so tight around my fingers." Karlach hissed, rising on one knee to grind into her lower back.

Tav arched her ass into her in time, her hand and hips pulsing a rhythm into her. Gasping out staggered breaths.

"Take your top off for me." Karlach murmured, unwilling to give up her hold. Fingers tightening a wide cage into her neck.

Tav pulled her blouse open with fast fingers, pooling onto her elbows. Unclapsing the front of her bra, breasts falling free. Her hard nipples pebbling even more rigid. The combination of the sweltering night air and the fire at her back making her feel untethered.

Karlach's grinding sped up at the sight, sucking in a breath through teeth. Fingers picking up the pace a few moments later, taking a second to catch up to her hips.

Fingers now slamming into her, Tav's legs gave out, head falling back. Squeaking out fast indignant whines.

"Shhh..." Karlach urged, hand coming up from her throat to muffle over her mouth. Pulling her head back into her. "We're far, but not that far."

Tav's nails dug into her thighs, Karlach groaning quietly against her back. Tav's eyes rising into her skull, lids fluttering. Her cunt clenching in irregular pulses as her orgasm circled, drawing ever closer.

She murmured against Karlach's hand and she released slightly, fingers still plunging into her in lewd squelching.

"What was that?" She whispered, voice as sweet as her hands were rough.

"Choke me again, please."

Karlach's cunt ground into her so hard it pushed her forward. Her hand snapping back down around her throat, pulling her back flush in a sharp grip.

"Fuck yes." Karlach breathed, feeling the tremor coming from her core, pelvis bucking uncontrolled. "Give it to me, baby. Cum all over me."

Tav whimpered, cunt chasing her fingers with abandon. Her moans silenced in her throat. Head falling back, orgasm about to crest.

Karlach looked down into her eyes, pulling her jaw open further with her thumb. Licking up the inside of her lower lip with a groan.

That wrenched the orgasm from her far faster than she was ready for, her cry cut off abruptly into a hiss by Karlach's tightening fingers. Loosening as she enveloped her mouth in a muffling kiss. Tav gripped the back of her head and the curve of her horn desperately as it ripped through her. Cunt tightening down in visible pulls of her fingers, cum pushing out onto her palm with every thrust.

Karlach moaned against her mouth, the heat of her lips reigniting the hunger in her belly. Her body overstimulated all the same she whimpered against her, fast fingers still plunging.

"Just one more for me, baby. You're so pretty when you cum." Karlach urged, thumb rubbing hard circles into her cum slick clit.

Tav whined, buckling forward.

"Back." Karlach growled, fisting her hair into a ponytail. Pulling her flush once again.

"Yes, saer." Tav moaned.

"Fuck, call me that again." Karlach groaned, hips bucking hard into her back. Hand winding in a taut circle, pulling her hair back to her knuckles.

Tav moaned, a ragdoll to her demanding, in both body and words. Crying out as her second orgasm hit.

"Cum on my back- please, saer!"

Karlach shuddered against her, biting down hard into her shoulder to muffle herself. Her sharp teeth sending a shock of pain through her already unbearably high pleasure. Tav's nails curving with bruising intensity into her thigh, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from crying out. The second wave of slick pushing into the first, dripping down Karlachs wrist. A spreading wet against her lower back as Karlach's hips slowed into choppy pulses.

"Fuck..." She slid her fingers free, veiled in a thick layer of pulling arousal. Spreading it between her two fingers indulgently, making Tav blush despite the absolutely lewd behavior she just displayed.

"Karlach..." She whined, uncomfortable.

"Okay, okay." She chuckled. Popping the fingers into her mouth, sucking them clean with a thorough tongue. As if that was any better.

When her mouth opened again, Tav caught sight of something that made her cunt ache again.

"Karlach, why do you have a tongue piercing?" She whined, finding the whole situation extremely unfair.

"Huh? Oh, I hadn't realized you hadn't seen it! Though maybe you're usually not at an angle where you can, you tiny thing."

Karlach stuck it out flat, the small rounded stud displayed in the middle of her long pointed tongue.

Tav moaned, cupping her face and licking a line up the middle. The little smooth bump sending a renewed shock through her exhausted pelvis.

Karlach groaned, eyes fluttering up then returning to hers dark again.

"Careful soldier," She warned. "You're going to burn us both up."

~

[lorelune]

lobotomy commission

|| jing yuan x gn!reader || T || love sick hopefully lovers || wc: 3.9k  || ao3 ||

The Xianzhou Alliance has... never allowed lobotomies? Why are you so insistent on receiving one?

(The General, the Divine Foresight.)

minors, antis, and ageless blogs dni

a/n: oh mister general jing yuan you have me so damn heart eyes. here's a lil sweet treat!!!!

CW: fluff, friends to lovers, jing yuan being a bit silly, alcohol consumption, FLUFF, a bit of crack being taken seriously

"Lady Fu, I need to be put down." Your cheek hits the low table. You feel pathetic. It's a Thursday and you're teary-eyed after far too little wine to be in such a state. You sniffle.

"No one is 'putting you down'!" Fu Xuan huffs from the other side, patting your arm. "It's rare that you’re this mopey. What’s troubling you?"

"I am not 'mopey'. I need a lobotomy. Which of the commissions would handle this procedure?"

Lady Fu frowns, clicks her tongue, and sighs your name, “A lobotomy, really?

"Yes, exactly. As soon as possible, preferably.” You down the rest of your cup and restlessly flip your phone screen up. 

"This is particularly pathetic. Stop drinking and wallowing and just tell me what's wrong."

"Fu Xuan, you will scold me." You push yourself up on the table and shake your head. "No, actually, you will fire me. You will send me to my office this very instant, force me to pack up my things, and turn in my permissions. I'll be out of a job. Then, I'll be homeless. then—"

"No, nuh-uh, no more dramatics!" Fu Xuan slaps a hand over your mouth. You're glad you’re seated in a private corner of the bar, as this is a rather pathetic display on both of your parts. "Please just tell me, what’s the matter?”

Your dilemma. 

"I like the General."

Fu Xuan frowns, expression pinched, and her hand falls heavily onto the table. "That... isn’t exactly new information? Even if it’s a... questionable call of taste, the general is handsome. Occasionally charming when he isn’t being an oaf on purpose. I don’t think having a bit of a crush on the Divine Foresight is anything unusual. Half of the population of the Luofu holds the same opinion.

“Okay, but,” you unlock your phone, a ceramic, cat-shaped charm swinging from the vase as you wobble. “What if the General were to return my feelings? And he invited me for a walk and a meal tomorrow evening?”

Fu Xuan's jaw drops. "You're joking."

"I'm not,” you whine and slide your phone across the table.

...

Divine Foresight 🦁:

Are you free tomorrow evening? I know a terrace that has a splendid view of the overlook near the Cinnabar Eyeline. I would be delighted to take you to it and share a meal after, 

Divine Foresight 🦁:

If you'll have me :3c

...

“Oh... wow.”  Fu Xuan looks shocked. It’s hard to shock her, but she does tend to avoid divining the destiny of those she is close to (unless entirely necessary.) Her intuition regardless of mathematics and astral geometry is, however, keen. Yet her eyes are wide and she struggles to gather her words. “What a menace.”

“I know.”

“The General is rarely so forward. I’ve never heard of him being so forward.”

“I know.”

“Except, perhaps—”

“With me?” You rub your cheeks. They’re warm from the wine. 

“Only you. Though this is particularly... telling. I’m sure it’s sincere.”

“I would agree.” Your stomach flutters, and you swallow the feeling down. 

Fu Xuan narrows her eyes and says your name, mouth in a thin line, "You haven't replied."

“And that’s why I need the lobotomy.” You swallow. “I’m going to turn him down.”

“WHAT?!”

You need another drink.

Fu Xuan clearly does not. Her cheeks flush rosy pink as she slaps her hands on the low table. “Why would you reject him? Even if he’s a scoundrel— he is genuine.”

“I know, that’s why I can’t accept his... proposition.”

Despite knowing that Jing Yuan serially denies any potential suitors or daring admirers. You know that it has always been like this— from the time long ago when he first gained rank, to his ‘withered age’ as he self-deprecating refers to himself now. He is always kind about his rejections, you’ve witnessed one or two of them, but he never even entertains the idea of romantic partnership. You’ve never heard him mention it or any desires. 

So, for him to so bluntly ask you on a date—

He couldn’t be more clear with his feelings. 

“You’re a fool.”

“Now, you’re getting it.” You pour yourself another glass of plum wine. Your shared bottle is nearly empty. “This is why I need the lobotomy.”

Fu Xuan watches you drink your glass in a single go. Her brows are pinched and her arms are crossed. Her shoulders sag a moment later.

“I do believe I understand your reasoning, and I don’t think it’s lobotomy-worthy.”

“... High praise.” 

“[Name].”

“Alright, alright. I’m sorry.” You laugh behind your palm. The world feels sticky and bouncy, all at once. You crave the respite of your own bed. “I can’t accept his proposition in the form of a text. I mean, Lady Fu, he's the most powerful man on the Luofu. He is renowned in all fields of battle, strategic, and social graces. He’s kind. He probably like, kisses babies on Sundays at the markets."

"He does not."

"You never know!" You groan. "That's all to say that I won't accept an invitation to a date with this little effort put into it."

"... Because it's a text?"

"Because it's a text." You nod.

Fu Xuan pauses, then sighs. 

“I can’t decide if that makes you a fool or not.” Her hair is frizzing up with the humidity. "Perhaps you have a point, the General is old enough to know and have some decorum when going about these things."

"Maybe he's a virgin? But like, for dating." 

"I'd have to check... certain records. Archives. To confirm or deny that."

You wilt, “He probably isn’t. I’m being foolish.” 

“No, you’re not.” Fu Xuan smooths a hand over your cheek with a frown. 

"Lady Fu," you cry and wish you were at home. In bed. Maybe you should block his number. "You're supposed to say, 'You absolutely are, my most beloved junior, I will schedule your lobotomy and—’"

"No more talk of lobotomies, please."

"Fine, fine." you sigh and finish off your final cup as Lady Fu does as well. "Do you think I'm nuts for turning him down?"

"... No, I don't." Fu Xuan looks shy for a moment. A lot more human than her lofty station implies. "I don't doubt that... Jing Yuan has feelings for you. I see how he looks at you. But he ought to romance you a bit. A text is low effort. You should reply regardless though."

"I'm going to, I just needed some courage. And moral support." You give her a soft smile and tap back into your messages. Fu Xuan practically crawls around the table to your side. She leans her head on your shoulders and her eyes droop. You take a heavy inhale, then exhale, attempt to focus your blurry vision and craft.

...

You:

General, though I'm flatered by your offer, I will need to decline. Though I will ackknowledge what I would imagine (and hope)) to be your genun

You:

geuine

You:

gennuie

You:

genuine

You:

feelings, I cannot accept an invitation in the form of a text message. I must be wooed.

You:

lady Fuu says "if you are capable of such things"

You:

pls don't fire her she's a good boss and so nice

You:

[picture from XX/XX/XXXX @ 2:14 AM]

...

The next morning is hell. Hell. You wished you had undergone your requested lobotomy. It certainly feels like someone has stuck metal rods into your brain, with the migraine pounding the back of your eyes. Maybe a hangover this bad is somewhat equivalent to a lobotomy. Your memory of your night prior is... cloudy, to say the least. Your tongue feels heavy in your mouth as you manage to down a glass of water and a handful of peachy-colored pills. You speed walk to the Divination Commission, shooting Fu Xuan an apologetic “sorry, running late, forgive me 🙏" text. 

You mentally pat your drunk self on the back. After you sent your... rejection (ouch) to the General, you muted his messages and deleted the thread. No evidence, no way to feel awkward about it sober. And no way to dwell on it either. Besides, you hardly remember what you said to him after your last glass of wine. It’s hazy in your memory.

It was... perhaps a foolish way to go about things. You certainly could have approached the General and talked about it, but he sometimes spoke in circles about matters of the heart. Maybe... maybe you felt too fragile to dance that dance, if it came to that. Maybe, you were a bit overwhelmed by his invitation. You know all too well that he does not let himself be pursued. He does not pursue others. 

You feel blind-sided by the whole thing.

But that doesn’t matter— because you cleanly rejected him and your only repercussion is a hangover that you’re sure Fu Xuan is twinning. 

And besides, it’s better that you rejected him. He’s of such a high— highest station. He wouldn’t have time for you, surely. You... have gotten used to your entirely and completely platonic, twice-a-month lunch dates and the occasional star chess lesson (where he never lets you win but you swear you'll give him a run for his money.) But it's fine. You can let go of those things, along with your feelings for the General.

It's better this way.

You think these thoughts somewhat confidently until you arrive at the Divination Commission and find a crowd swarming the central platform under the Matrix of Prescience Ultima. Frowning, you try to weave through the edge of it to your office, where you conveniently have a few nutrition shakes stashed away that you most certainly need. You’re already late and this hangover needs to go. You have a full docket for the day that you need to make fuller so you don’t think about—

You nearly stumble when you hear a rich, familiar, roll of laughter. You freeze, slowly turning to the sound. A crown of fluffy hair peaks above the small crowd, a red ribbon waving in the breeze.

Absolutely fucking not.

You duck, just in case, and try to creep below the crowd. You probably look ridiculous, but you absolutely cannot see Jing Yuan. You can’t. Your poorly-thought out, hungover plan of not caring about the General does somewhat heavily rely on not seeing the man. You trip over over your own feet and barely catch yourself so as to not tumble to the ground.

Jing Yuan calls your name and 

You freeze before jolting to your full height a moment later. The gaggle of your coworkers part enough so that you’re able to see him— lit so well and handsomely in the morning sun, smiling so easily with... perhaps a hint of mischief in the curve of his lips. 

He waves with his free hand, while a massive bouquet is pillowed in the crook of his arm.

The flowers are beautiful— off-ship exotics, clearly. The colors are all bright oranges and vibrant blues. Thinner stems are topped with bundles of white, delicate flowers that break the barrage of colors. They look fresh, like they’d been cut this morning. Fu Xuan stands next to him, clearly hungover herself and close to popping a blood vessel. It’s incredibly rare that the General do anything in the mornings, especially causing a commotion in the Divination Commission. 

Jing Yuan, who is more than likely aware of this, looks entirely unbothered. Actually, he glows as he calls your name, gentle and rich, and the sound of it hits you in the chest, “There you are.”

"Here I am." You're not. You need that lobotomy. You nod to him curtly, "General. Is there something I can help you with today?"

Fu Xuan looks like she’s going to expire right there on the platform. 

Jing Yuan cocks his head knowingly, “There is, yes. I have a rather personal matter to discuss in private with you. Are you available?”

You have things on your schedule. You can make yourself appear busy, if it means not dealing with the General you can’t really hide from and the beautiful bouquet in his arms. “Well—”

“They’re free.” Fu Xuan all but pushes you toward him. You regret covering her tab the night before. “Especially free, since I’ll be rescheduling our weekly meeting to tomorrow.”

“Is that really necessary—?” You laugh and wring your hands. You feel caught in the worst way. “General, will this personal discussion take much time? I am quite busy today—”

Jing Yuan, who has been watching your exchange with Fu Xuan wordlessly, looks a bit... crestfallen. It’s hard to tell on a man who holds himself like the General, but it’s there. A crease between his brows that’s slight, but visible and abnormal. Maybe he’s holding the bouquet a little tighter than he probably thought. There’s a sheen of sweat on his temple that, if asked, he would probably blame on the heat index for the day.

Your words die in your throat as you take him in and force yourself to meet his gaze. Honeyed and sad, a bit like a kicked dog.

“... I suppose, I could arrange a proper appointment with you. Perhaps it was uncouth of me to expect such accommodations to be made for me last minute. I apologize.” You can hear his tone change. It may be imperceptible to someone else, but you notice the shift in him. Gone is the playful lilt and air of mischief, on his a veneer of niceties that you... had forgotten he loses around you. 

Something in your chest aches.

You open your mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Floundering. Jing Yuan adjusts his hold on the bouquet—

“Enough of this.” Lady Fu shakes her head. She shoos a hand toward the lingering onlookers. “Back to work, now. Don’t eavesdrop either. I’ll know if you do.”

(Debatable, but it’s Fu Xuan’s favorite threat.)

Once the crowd has dispersed, she turns toward you too. You needed that lobotomy, like, yesterday. 

“I will make the necessary changes to your schedule so you can speak privately for as long as you need." She points at you, then Jing Yuan. “Sort this.”

The General raises an eyebrow at her. She’s bold to speak in such a way to someone above her own station, but Lady Fu doesn't dare back down. She glares at him, then you, partially covering her mouth to block Jing Yuan’s view before mouthing, “FIX THIS!!!!” 

...

On the way to your office, you walk side by side, in silence. You’re trying to think of the right words to say.

“... Are you sure you have time for this, General?” You ask him, softly. “I don’t mean to ask as a slight— just— I don’t want to inconvenience you is all.”

“Of course.” He replies easily. You turn down the long, quiet corridor that leads to your office. It’s tucked away in a corner of the divination Commission, facing outward toward the Arbor’s stump with tall windows providing a sunlit view. You’re glad you don’t have to look at him as you unlock the door with a thick-looking key. “This is a rather pertinent, time-sensitive matter we’re discussing. My own schedule is not consequential in this case. Haste, moreso.”

You laugh under your breath.

“Great Lan, Qingzu is going to kill me.” You sigh before pushing the door open with a shake of your head. Perhaps a smile curls on your lips. Who’s to say. “Did you at least not leave a pile of paperwork for her to delegate in your stead?”

“And what, diminish the time I have for my afternoon nap with busy work?” Jing Yuan laughs. The sound fills you from the bottom up and you want to choke on it. You tear your gaze away from him. “Such a thing would be unhealthy, you know. I’m an old man.”

“An old man who needs an ample amount of beauty sleep.” You tease him, it’s easy to. You speak before you even have a chance to think about the warm nature of your words. The meaning behind the bouquet in his arms that he still hasn’t given to you. 

Why Jing Yuan is in your office at all. 

“... If this is about my texts my last night—”

“It is, partially.” Jing Yuan hums. “I’m afraid I’ve slighted you, and it’s of the utmost importance I correct my transgression.”

 “That’s— That’s not necessary, General.” Your cheeks burn. 

“It is. Entirely, in fact. Stating my intentions with you over text messages was... a poor choice on my part. I must apologize appropriately, don’t you think? 

“I mean— that’s—” Your words flounder in your mouth. “Kind of you.” 

It is kind of him. He certainly doesn’t need to be here, in your cramped office, with a bouquet that costs close to what you make in a day of work. He doesn’t need to be showing a sincere, lovesick smile as he speaks. He’s showing you a card he’s kept close to his chest. One you, perhaps, guessed he had, but hadn’t intended to ever see.

He presents you with the bouquet, “You said you must be wooed, and I am here to begin that process explicitly.”

"... I said what?" You’re going to burst into flames. 

“I thought you may not recall your exact words. Did you and Lady Fu have a fun night together?” Jing Yuan chuckles, and you flush so hot you feel almost faint. “You said that I must, and I quote, ‘woo you’.” 

He smiles at you, the glint in his eye a bit more mischievous. More knowing. He’s toying with you. 

“I— no— I’m so sorry, General.” You cover your face with your hands and back into your desk. “Forget I said that. Please forget I said anything.”

“Please, use my name.” He corrects, gently. “I’d prefer not to forget. You have a point, I should have stated my intentions clearly and to you in person.”

You peek at him between your fingers. He still holds the bouquet out to you, like he’s trying to lure a cagey cat in for a pet rather than make a confession. You feel out of sorts. Off kilter. That said— it is nice to hear him in person. Your heart has been oscillating between fluttering and pounding. 

Jing Yuan tilts his head sweetly at you. You take the bouquet from him and examine it closer. There’s yellow and lilac pollen dusted on the filaments, fresh and fragrant. 

“Jing Yuan, then.” You reply to him, softly. It’s hardly the first time you’ve called him by his name, rather than a title, but he preens when you speak regardless. “... So, you intend to woo me then?”

“Entirely.” Jing Yuan hums to himself, looking quite proud. “I do fully recant my offer I sent previously. Though I would be happy to lounge with you in the terraces and see some lovely views, I’ve secured a reservation for this evening at a lovely restaurant in the Exalting Sanctum, if you would accompany me.” 

Your stomach flips pleasantly.  You can’t help the little smile that’s twitching over your lips. You take care to not crush the bouquet in your arms, despite the urge to squeeze it to your chest, just to tamp down the thumping of your heart. Stroking your thumb over the silken petal of lush, round-petaled bloom, you let yourself smile. 

You can practically hear Jing Yuan holding his breath. His eyes look hopeful and young. 

“I accept,” you reply. “Consider me wooed.”

“It was that easy?” Jing Yuan’s voice takes that air of smugness that you know is a farce but you still can’t help but to approach him and bat your hands at his chest.

“I already like you, you know,” You laugh. “I was more offended that you wouldn’t face me and tell me your intentions. I hardly know the General to be a coward. I was a bit slighted.”

Jing Yuan catches your wrists in one of his hands and gently holds them against your sternum. His fingers lay over the thump of your heart; you wonder if he can feel it. You feel pleasantly woozy when you meet his eyes and all their intensity. Intention. 

“I apologize.” He speaks smoothly, easily. Perhaps ducking his head down to be closer to your own. “It’s quite difficult to proposition someone so beautiful and kind.”

“Ah, so the General was hiding behind a screen, then?” You laugh over the heat rising in your cheeks. “I’ve never known you to be a coward.”

Jing Yuan hums, and you pop up on the corner of your desk. He’s close enough to feel the heat of him, and see the threading of his uniform and the glitter woven into the rich fabrics.

“Hm, I wouldn’t say it has anything to do with cowardice.” Jing Yuan shakes his head. His breath is warm over your cheeks. “I planned to tell you my intentions of courting you at the Terraces, once you accepted. I, perhaps, was too presumptuous in expecting you to assume beyond my initial ask. I should have been more clear.”

You stifle a laugh and flex your hands, still held in his firm, but kind grip. 

“Jing Yuan, if you continue to speak to me so directly, I’ll demand you take me out now and not this evening.”

“Is that so?”

“Entirely.” You struggle to maintain eye contact and not let your gaze drift down to his lips. “I’m not used to you speaking so clearly, only your riddles.”

“What riddles?” He tilts his head, curly, a sweet smile on his face that is far too mischievous for who he is expected to be.

“Oh, you know—”

“Do I?” Jing Yuan asks. He steps between your thighs, the width of him forcing your legs wider. As if your flush could be any more intense. “You must tell me more over lunch. I’ll send a message to Lady Fu and clear your schedule?”

“... She did say to take as long as we need to sort this,” You soften, a bit intimated, if only for a moment. “Is this sorted?”

Jing Yuan hums, “You did say you were wooed. I’d consider that fairly sorted.”

“And you’ll have me?” You ask him, daring to slide your arms over his shoulders. The contact bubbles up months of tension over Star Chess boards (during games that, perhaps, were not entirely platonic). 

“I’d be honored.” Jing Yuan’s voice sounds sweet, more quiet than you’ve heard before, like it’s just for you to hear. 

There’s an edge to it all still— something raw and new that will need to be tempered. That is the nature of immortality and the relationships and partnerships that come with it. Complexes develop, heal, and grow differently within the self. You’ve already gamed out a few of Jing Yuan’s (a cursed Master who he will only reference in melancholy, unrequited love he was too young for, so many tragedies that he somehow manages to give himself for not preventing). He is perceptive. You’re sure he has put together some of yours as well. 

For now, there’s a promise of good things. There’s the feel of him pressing his lips to yours, gentle but unyielding, strung with a mutual yearning that, in retrospect, would’ve been a shame to crush and hide away. There’s the warmth of him so close, and closer still when you drag him closer by the nape of his neck.

You can feel his grin against your lips, and you mirror it easily.

No riddles, only a fragrant bouquet and intention. 

[povlnfour]

ੈ✩‧₊˚ END UP HERE (LN4)

pairing: lando norris x f!reader

summary: a night out, a long walk home, and a pretty stranger happy to accompany you.

word count:

content warnings: mentions of alcohol/being tipsy, not proof read bc authors dyslexia won

“how did we end up talking in the first place?” — end up here, 5 seconds of summer

“do you even know who that is?” was the first thing your friend had said when she dragged you away from the group gathered around you by the bar.

of course you didn’t know the names and faces of the all people who scattered the club. all you knew was that this was one of the hottest places in monaco, and it’s guest list bolstered some giants of the motorsports world, a fact you were well aware of before agreeing to join your friends for the night. the group were ecstatic to have received a private invite to such an exclusive place from one of your more grander friends, the prospect of mingling with celebrities certainly playing on their minds — but you were more bothered about trying as many cocktails on the long menu that the place offered.

what you hadn’t expected was to be a point of attraction the moment you walked in. you knew you stood out in here, dressing nothing like the celebrities and trust fund babies you mixed with, but you certainly didn’t anticipate this drawing people towards you.

a man had approached you as you ordered a round for the small collection of friends you had come with, asking for your name. wanting to pay no mind to potential suitors, you told him trouble, before a sharp tug on your arm to drag you back towards the dance floor (drink now in hand) had you being reprimanded by your friend.

“am i meant to?” you hissed close to your best friend’s ear, straining to be heard over the baseline.

“you’re hopeless.” she had groaned, swiftly merging back in with the other girls in attendance. the group was growing with every hour, the alcohol running through people’s veins allowing for more socialising with strangers.

the music blared on, and you suddenly realised you weren’t half as drunk as you had intended to be. there was a nice buzz below your skin, one that danced through your fingertips and let you lower your guard on the dancefloor, but it was clear you’d remember everything in the morning (which wasn’t your initial intention).

with a swift glance around the room, you caught the eye of a handsome stranger. his face was recognisable, but not enough to put one of the aforementioned names to the sight. he was most likely another driver, as you recognised a few of his friends that milled to one side from the television.

the pretty stranger sent you a wink from where he lazed against a wall, your eyes grazing down his arms to the small glass of presumably whiskey he was nursing. you may have done something stupid, approached him on a whim, if it weren’t for your friend grabbing your arm once again and dragging you back into the action.

your bold decision had been interrupted, but it didn’t stop you from putting on a show. you were suddenly aware of the eyes following every move, ensuring that each roll of your hips was perfectly in his eyeline.

a few drinks more, and a lot of dancing later, people began to file out with each passing minute. one of the friends you had originally attended with left with a man she had met that night, another leaving to get food with a group you had met on the dancefloor, until it was just you and two others from the initial gang left. there were quite a few people fluttering around still, clearly determined to stay until doors closed.

you were tired by now, more than ready to call it a night despite the adrenaline still flowing through you. it was more that stage of just drunk enough that you could keep going if you wanted to, but sober enough to be somewhat responsible.

well, somewhat responsible.

when your remaining friends had expressed their interest in moving to a different club, you had politely declined the invite to join. it took some convincing that you’d be okay walking home to your apartment on your own, but once they were thoroughly convinced, they bid you adieu and left you alone.

alone, bar the presence of a certain handsome stranger still hovering in the guest area.

he was flanked by some of the same people from before, the crowd having dwindled enough that it no longer looked impenetrable. you recognised two of the men from the group who had approached you at the bar, confirming your suspicions the brunette from before was involved in racing one way or another. if you had half a sense, that information would have made you turn back and rethink your decision.

you were too far into your master plan now (also known as: not sober enough to make fully calculated decisions), and you knew what you wanted.

so with shoes noticeable tighter on your feet than they were at the beginning of the night, you took a heavy stride towards the collection of people chatting amongst themselves.

before you had even breached the small collection of chairs that held the strangers friends, they all seemed to notice your arrival and disperse as though commanded, leaving only you and your target. you barely had to look up to know his attention was all on you at the moment, and the alcohol in your system brought out an involuntary giggle at the thought of keeping him hanging all night.

“hello, trouble.” he spoke breezily, accent a lot more british than you were expecting.

“glad to know that got around.” you grinned, stopping just a foot ahead of him, distance close enough that he could touch if he really wanted to “wan’a keep calling me that, or should i put you out of your misery?”

the stranger was even more tanned up close, skin smooth and glowing under the club nights. his cheeks stretched with a smile under your attention, and you couldn’t help but mimic the action. “i could think of a few other things to call you, but your name would be nice”

“y/n.” you offered, taking the drink out of his hand and downing the remaining drop as a form of payment.

he laughed lowly, accepting the now empty glass back without batting an eyelid. “lando.”

“well, lando. it would appear all my friends are gone, and i have no one to walk me home,” you put on your best pout, jutting one hip out to the side to really emphasis just how distraught you were over the turn of events “care to do the honours?”

lando didn’t bother pretending to dwell it over, instead pushing himself off of the wall in one smooth action, and offering you an arm to lead. you took it gladly, expecting him to at least offer a goodbye to his friends. to your surprise, he did no such thing, leading you to an exit you certainly didn’t recognise.

when the fresh air hit you, your body relaxed in relief, entirely unaware just how stuffy the large yet crowded club had been for most of the night. the silence in the roads around your exit told you that lando had most likely guided you towards the back door of the club, a much easier escape into the main streets of monaco without the fear of the crowds. yet another sign he must be someone important. if you thought about it enough, you recognised his name from the world of motorsports, but you couldn’t entirely place him.

you didn’t care to ask for now, way too focused on tearing the heels off of your feet to feel the cold ground below. dangerous, yes, but well worth the relief you gained from the relief of release from such terrible choice in footwear.

glancing back at lando, you found him watching in amusement, leant against the doorframe with an eyebrow raised.

“i didn’t plan to be out this late.” you defended before he had even said anything.

lando raised his hands in a defence of his own “no judgement here. you were certainly putting in a shift on the dancefloor.”

humming, you began to step along the curb side that started your route home, passing lando a glance over your shoulder. “i knew you were watching.”

“yeah? putting on a show?” lando caught up with you despite your head start, probably made a lot easier by the fact you were practically pigeon stepping along the pavement, playing around with your own balancing skills. he was able to make up ground rather quickly.

the bars and casinos that littered the streets around you were still open and bustling, the bright lights of monaco all blurring together by now. you noticed a few cars go by, ones you didn’t recognise but could certainly admire, and it seemed your new friend was doing the same.

“yup!” you exclaimed, pointing down a street that held some of the now closed cafes “this way.”

lando turned easily, his hand coming up to rest on your waist as the stones dug into your heels and you stumbled as a result. you steadied yourself with a determined got it, but weren’t deterred at all — if you wanted to walk like this, you were going to walk like this!

… a thought that only lasted a few more seconds as you got fed up of such a slow pace. you took to skipping instead, hopping slightly in front of lando and turning to face him. you could see the amusement on his face mix with a certain fear, most likely over the fact you weren’t looking where you were going. you swung the hand up with your heels in it as you spoke again, narrowly missing hitting yourself in the face. “i like your shirt!”

lando laughed, quickening his pace to close the gap, and gently engulfing your hand in both of his. you were just about to ask him what he was doing when he cleverly dislodged your heels from your grip and took them himself. you would have pouted, poked fun at him not wanting to hold your hand, had he not slipped his spare one into yours, pulling both of your arms back to your side and leading you down the roadside facing the right way this time.

“boo,” you shoved at his shoulder ever so slightly “i thought you’d be more fun than this mr. lando.”

like anyone would with a petulant child, lando grinned and pushed you away, pulling you back suddenly via your fingers that were intertwined. the action made you squeal, gripping on to his shoulder when you returned to his side. you frowned at him, no real weight in the action, but it was worth it for the reaction when he poked the tip of your nose with a wide smile.

“you’re certainly living up to your nickname, trouble.” he added, and you began to swing your conjoined hands between your bodies, a pep in your step that he happily mimicked.

you giggled, pulling yourself back to briefly bury your face in the crook of his neck, cheeks heating up at the memory of what you had done tonight. “i’m so sorry to your friend who i entirely pied at the bar.”

lando laughed again, this time full bellied and hearty. you could feel him shaking his head in amusement, glancing up from where you hid your face to find him already smiling at you. “don’t be. george needs humbling.”

you stopped walking suddenly, face gone pale as you realised who that man had been, and why your friend was so shocked. lando got the memo, stopping in concern and prepared to help you out of any hypothetical crisis. “please do not tell me i told george russell my name was trouble, and ditched him at the bar.”

there was a beat of silence for just a second, lando keeping his composure, before he suddenly doubled over in violent shakes of laughter. you whined in instinct, pleading with him that it wasn’t that funny, but eventually humour won and you joined him in his joy.

“oh my god my friends are never going to let me live this down!” you shouted, leaning on his hunched over body for support.

you were getting a few looks from passersby, probably confused at to why two young people were practically keeled over in the middle of the busy streets in the early hours of the morning. it was funny, really, you hadn’t even noticed just how busy the streets around you actually were as others made their way home. you had been so transfixed on the man beside you for most of it.

“that’s— oh my god i’m not letting him live this down.” lando chuckled, slowly gaining his composure once more as he straightened up. you didn’t miss the way he had to wipe tears from his eyes, and you thought briefly you wouldn’t mind making him laugh like that again.

“well, now i’ve embarrassed myself thoroughly…” you began, lando grinning as he smoothly linked your hands back together and continued the route down the road, counting on you for guidance as to the direction of where you were staying.

you hummed to yourself as you kept walking, a tune that you had heard in passing at the club that night. lando recognised it almost instantly, head turning to look at you with a raised eyebrow “bon jovi?”

you smacked your lips together “is that who is by? i only know like three lyrics. something about living on a prayer.”

“that’s the one.” he smiled again, and you couldn’t help but notice the slight tooth gap that made his grin so adorable.

whilst this wasn’t the way you had initially seen your night going, you wouldn’t complain about being looked at like that. it was surprisingly easy to talk to the man, despite his obvious status and the fact that he was most likely famous. he hasn’t made you feel out of place, and it made you want the night to keep going.

so when you stopped in front of your hotel, building towering over you, there was a surprising ache in your chest that this could be it.

“well, this is me.”

lando looked just as disappointed as you, clearly hoping the jaunt would be longer. he didn’t fret, simply offering to walk you inside so that he could be sure you got in safe. you both knew he could simply watch you walk through the doors and be fine — what with the establishments security and all — but it was clear neither wanted the journey to end just yet.

you accepted, not one to turn down more time spent with a pretty person, and it was only when you called the elevator that you began to say your goodbyes.

“well, thank you for, uh, walking me home.” you shuffled, watching as the numbers decreased on the led screen to indicate the lift was getting closer.

“thank you for making my boring night a lot more interesting.” lando retaliated, hands slipped in the pockets of his jeans to feign nonchalance.

the telltale ding of the elevator doors opening made your heart drop. perhaps it was the remaining alcohol in your system despite how much you had sobered up by now, but a certain bravery was lingering.

“i’m gonna wonder where this boldness came from in the morning.” you started, barely registering the confused expression on lando’s face before you pulled him down and crashed your lips together.

lando reacted instantly, hands wrapping around your waist as your own tangled in the curls at the bottom of your neck. the heels he held in one hand collided with your body at the impact but you paid them no mind as he confidently walked you back into the elevator until your back was pressed against the large mirror. he wasted no time in pushing your bodies together, using his strength to tug your waist against his as he reluctantly broke the kiss, still remaining close enough to whisper against your skin, “what floor?”

“seven.” you responded, kissing him again within milliseconds of finishing. you could feel his hands fumbling around on the buttons, helplessly searching for your floor without turning his head before the doors closed and you were finally away from the prying eyes in reception. you had certainly given security a show.

that would be an embarrassment for the morning, for now you were significantly more focused on the way lando’s hands traced the curve of your ass. he gave a firm squeeze that had you gasping into his mouth, an action he took perfect advantage of.

any vertigo the elevator moving upwards may have brought you was grounded by the firm hold on your body and the tongue slipping into your mouth. he tasted vaguely of whiskey, dulled throughout the night, and you found yourself getting addicted to the feeling of his mouth of yours. you may have done something more scandalous right then and there had the lift not drawn to a stop and the doors beeped open.

the two of you turned, being met with a giant FLOOR 8 ahead of you — and that was when you lost in once more.

leaning on lando, you couldn’t help the uncontrollable giggles that slipped from your mouth as he selected the correct floor this time.

“in my defence, i was preoccupied.”

a/n: hello pals

i realise only now how similar this is to overdrive but,,, forgive me i wrote it in a meeting

me vs characters meeting lando on a night out and being obsessed immediately >>>

i also: heavily dislike this it just felt rushed so any comments appreciated as author is suffering. battling with my dyslexia every two seconds writing this

- gigi xx

taglist (found here): @idkiwantchocolatee @vellicora @alessioayla @bborra @crimeshowjunkie @paolexsstuff @champagnelovers101 @loxbbg @hobiismyhopeu @moonypixel @celestialpato @champagneproblems17 @ironmaiden1313

[hunterscabin]

First Date

Summary: The reader reveals to Dean that she is nervous about a night out with a Lebanon local after being assaulted by the last man she dated. Dean offers to accompany her undercover, and the feelings they’ve been hiding from each other are revealed.

Pairings: Dean x Reader 

Warnings: Brief mention of previous sexual assault; mild pining; fluff.

Word Count: 1.4k

Dean reached your room just in time to watch a tweed skirt cross his eyeline in midair. He followed its path and found you buried in your closet. Dean leaned against the doorframe and smiled. You tossed another piece of clothing, and it fell to the floor among, what appeared to be, your entire wardrobe. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene.

“She’s adorable when she’s flustered,” he thought.  

At the sound of Dean’s laughter, you leaned out of the closet.

“I was going to ask if you wanted to watch a movie, but you’re clearly busy,” he joked.

You let out a sigh that landed somewhere between frustration and exhaustion.  

“I have a date.”

“A date?” Dean questioned, sounding more surprised than intended.

“Yes, Dean. A date. I’m not that undesirable.” you teased, stepping toward your mirror. You held a dress against your frame, cocking your head to the side.

“Of course you’re desirable, Y/N.” Dean awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. “Hunters just don’t usually date. One night stands? Sure. But an actual dress up, get dinner, talk about your life date? Not so much.”

“He’s not a hunter.” you corrected. “It’s Matthew.”

“Ah, yes. Matthew.” A huge grin spread across Dean’s face.

Matthew managed the local general store, and he’d been infatuated with you since the moment you arrived in Lebanon. Sam and Dean loved going on supply runs with you, if only to watch Matthew fawn and fumble in your presence. It was fodder for many of their jokes and a constant source of teasing.

“He finally wore you down, huh?”

Dean crossed the room and settled on the edge of your bed. He picked up a rejected blouse lying next to him, and it took all of his willpower not to lift the shirt to his face so that he could catch his favorite scent in the world: you. Much like Matthew, Dean only had eyes for the woman before him. You met the Winchesters during a witch hunt in Louisiana. Impressed with your skills and knowledge, the boys knew you’d be a valuable asset, and they invited you to call the bunker home. After some reluctance, you surrendered your independent nature and joined the brothers in Lebanon. Dean had been attracted to you from the start, but his fondness only grew, once you moved in. He loved your confidence and loyalty and the way you looked holding a gun. Dean knew he had feelings for you, but he hadn’t realized just how far he’d fallen until tonight. In no other circumstance would he be this jealous of an underdog like Matthew.

“Where’s he taking you?” Dean asked, trying to sound apathetic.

“The Italian place in town.”

“He’s really pulling out all the stops!”

“Don’t make fun.” you chastised, holding up another dress. “You know I only said yes to appease him.”

“You seem pretty nervous for someone going on a pity date.” Dean noted.

“Excuse me?” you eyed him.

“Your hands are shaking.”

You looked down and noticed that Dean was right. Pre-date jitters were the norm for you, but after a particularly grabby suitor, you were a little more than skittish around new men. It’s why you agreed to go out with Matthew in the first place; you knew he was harmless. Still, your body betrayed your confidence.

“Yeah, well, the last time I went on a date, the guy turned out to be…” you paused, carefully choosing the right phrasing, knowing how Dean might react.

“A monster?” Dean interrupted. “We’ve all been there. Just ask Jody.”

“If only you knew.” you thought.

“No he…”

Silence filled the room as you struggled to find words. Dean looked up to see you fidgeting with the collar of the dress in your hands and immediately became aware of what you were trying to say. You could practically hear his fists and jaw clenching.

“He tried to force himself on me.” you confirmed.

Unable to look at Dean, you busied yourself with putting the dress back on its hanger.

To your surprise, Dean’s body relaxed. He stood up, closing the space between you, and pulled you into a comforting hug. He placed one hand on your lower back and the other gently held your head to his chest. After a moment, he leaned down, placing a kiss on the crown of your head.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”

You smiled as you slowly pulled away. You didn’t want to dwell on bad memories, so you put on a brave face.

“You know I kicked his ass.”

Dean smirked, holding you at arm’s length. “That’s my girl.”

Your heart skipped a beat. “My girl.” Ever since joining the boys, you were head over heels for Dean. He enchanted you with his strength and resourcefulness. You loved the way he selflessly looked after you and Sam, and you couldn’t help but swoon every time he licked those perfect  lips. So many times you wanted to exclaim your feelings, but you always decided against it, never knowing if he felt the same. You turned toward your closet, hiding your now rosy cheeks from Dean.

“I’m just being silly.” you shook your head. “Not all men are monsters.”

“You’re not being silly, Y/N/N. What you went through…” Dean trailed off, not wanting to upset you.

“You know what?” he asked, changing the subject. “I’ve got a taste for a plate of spaghetti and a full bodied Cabernet.”

Dean’s comment caused you to whip around.

“What?” you questioned.

“Why don’t I go in as back up?” he offered.

“Dean.” you reasoned. “We both know he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“I’ll keep quiet at a corner table,” he promised. “And if anything happens, you just say the word, and I’ll destroy the guy.”

You looked to the older Winchester, who had clearly made up his mind, and conceded.

“It might be nice to have a familiar face nearby.”

Dean leaned down and kissed your cheek, clearly excited about his scheme. Maybe he did care for you after all.

“Give me three minutes to get dressed!”

He was almost to the hallway when you called his name.

“Dean?” He turned, placing a hand on the doorknob. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, sweetheart.” Dean winked before closing the door behind him.

The date went as well as one could expect. There were many questions about family and work, and you skillfully avoided them all. Every so often you’d lock eyes with Dean, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his voyeuristic adventure, of which your date was blissfully unaware. Matthew was cute, attentive, and chivalrous; if you were any other woman, he’d be a catch. But when all was said and done, there was absolutely no chemistry. Standing outside of the restaurant at the end of the date, you were thankful that the cold winter temperature didn’t allow for loitering. You said a quick goodbye to Matthew, thanking him for dinner with a kiss on the cheek, and sent him on his way. As you watched him drive off, Dean joined you on the sidewalk.

“How was it?” he asked.

“I don’t think we’re a match.” you said plainly.

“I’ll say.” Dean scoffed. “He drives a Prius.”

You laughed, playfully whacking him with your purse.

Dean unlocked and opened the passenger door for you before getting in himself. He turned on the car and cranked the heat. You were surprised when, instead of putting Baby in gear, he shifted toward you.

“You okay?” Dean questioned. “He didn’t try anything, did he?”

“No.” you confirmed, your heart fluttering at Dean’s protectiveness. “He was a perfect gentleman. We just didn’t have that spark.”

Dean nodded before reaching over to place his hand on top of yours.

“Thank you for telling me, Y/N/N.” Dean’s voice was quiet.  

“Thank you for listening. And for coming with me.”

There was a comfortable stillness in the car. You felt safe with Dean.

“Why did you come?” you questioned timidly.

“I don’t like when my girl is scared.”

There it was again. “My girl.”  

Dean leaned in and pressed a kiss to your temple. His lips lingered longer than usual. When he pulled away, you saw in his eyes what you felt in your heart.

“You deserve so much, Y/N.” His face lingered close to yours.

Dean didn’t want to take advantage, so he held his stance, putting you in control. You leaned forward, pausing to make sure that this was what he wanted, before ghosting your lips over his. At your invitation, he pulled you closer, deepening the kiss. The feeling of his body against yours was pure ecstasy. After a few minutes, you pulled a way to catch your breath. You smiled as Dean rested his forehead against yours.

“That was…” you breathed, at a loss for words.

“That was a great first date.”

Masterlist

[sunflowersandsapphires]

Live a Little

Wake Up-- Chapter 2

Series Masterlist          Next Chapter

pairing: Matt Murdock x fem!reader

summary: In an attempt to stop the advances of an unwanted suitor, Matt Murdock accidentally condemns you to being his fake girlfriend.

warnings: swearing, no use of y/n, misogynistic language, brief conversation about sexual harassment, description of anxiety and a panic attack 

a/n: This chapter ends with a touch of angst so prepare yourselves! Please feel free to comment, like, share and/or request things from me and let me know if you want to be tagged in the next chapter :)

w/c: 2.6k

“Ok. Ok, you can do this. Just take a deep breath.” You muttered nervously to yourself, fanning your hands towards your body gently. As your nerves climbed steadily, your hands had begun to shake which made it incredibly difficult to finish your eyeliner. 

Breathing deeply, you picked up the eyeliner brush once more and started again. After you had closed the applicator, your phone alarm startled you.

“Shit!” You cried, running for the dress you had laid out. Matt would be here any minute and you didn’t have your clothes on yet. 

Throwing the dress over your head you slipped it on and ran back to the mirror to pull your hair back. 

Outside of your apartment, Matt smiled, hearing you anxiously murmur to yourself. He felt a little guilty for adding unnecessary pressure, knowing that you were already nervous going to a large event like this. He had faith that the two of you could make it through this together—relatively unscathed, he hoped. 

Standing in front of your door, he gave you another moment alone before knocking. “Shit!” You whispered. “Coming!” 

As you opened the door for him, Matt was enveloped in a variety of sensations that were so vividly you he couldn’t help but smile. Your apartment was welcoming, warm and, as far as he could tell, cozy. It smelled sweet and slightly floral. There was music playing softly from somewhere inside. “Hi.” He said simply, not wanting to overwhelm you with words at the moment. 

“Hi,” your words were quiet, like you suddenly were shy around him. “You look…good. Really good.”

Letting out a chuckle, he thanked you. “Can I come in?” He gestured vaguely towards your doorway. 

“Oh yah, I’m so sorry, of course you can! I wasn’t thinking about—“ Your heart was racing.

“Hey,” Matt gently grabbed your wrist, feeling you focus on him intently. “It’s just me, sweetness.” Your pulse fluttered at the pet name, filling him with pride and a surge of protectiveness. Intertwining your hands slowly, he let you take a breath. “Are you sure you’re ok with this? If it’s too much we can call it off right now.” 

“No, no.” You took a shaky breath. “I’m fine. It’s just…I’m fine. Let’s go inside, I’m almost ready.” Still grasping his hand, you gingerly tugged him into the apartment. “Are you alright sitting on the couch while I finish up?”

“That sounds great.” He gave a reassuring smile, brushing his thumb over the back of your hand. 

The two of you walked over to your couch, Matt sitting down while you ran off to put on jewelry. 

“Did you do anything fun before this?” Matt asked, fingers running over the soft blanket folded over the couch. 

“Not really,” You called back to him, struggling to get your necklace to clasp. “I pretty much just sat around waiting for this gala. You?”

“Foggy and I had to run over some things for our cases this week. We’ve got a full docket so we’re going to be busy.” 

“Working on a Saturday? Gosh Murdock, your boss is ruthless.” You teased, sitting down beside him as you put on your earrings. 

“He’s the worst. Works all of us to the bone, always making blind jokes. I don’t know why I haven’t quit.” Matt grinned at you and you giggled. 

“Because he’s also the most compassionate, thoughtful person in the city. His girlfriend is a lucky woman.” You bit your bottom lip, turning your body towards him and clasping your hands in your lap. 

“Trust me, he’s the lucky one. I can’t believe she agreed to date him. For all we know, the relationship is fake!” Matt declared with feigned indignation making you laugh. 

You stood from the couch, tracing your hand over his arm so he could find it to pull himself up. “You lie, Murdock. We are as real as can be. And we are about to blow them out of the water with our charm.” 

“I like your attitude, sweetness.” Matt but back a smirk as your pulse jumped again at the name. “Before we go, keep in mind that you’re pulling the strings, ok? You can call this off at any time. If you need to leave, just say the word.” 

“I appreciate it. But I promise that I’m not nervous because of you, or this,” You gestured between the two of you before continuing. “I just…at events like these, I’m noticeably different than everyone else in the room. I don’t have the same degrees or experience and they write me off as young and naïve. Which, maybe I am, but—“ 

“You deserve to be there. Just as much as anyone else.” Matt assured you, taking your elbow as you guided him to the elevator in your building. “You’re smart, and kind, and good at your job. Don’t let them make you feel small.” 

Breathing deeply, you leaned into him. “Thank you.”

“It’s just the truth. Besides, if anyone makes you uncomfortable, I’ll trip them with my cane.” You both laughed at the idea. 

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” 

————————————————————————

As you and Matt approached the venue, your heart pounded. You tried to reason with yourself. The most important people in the field would be there tonight. No one would be looking at you, or judging you. And if they did, they’d see someone dressed appropriately in a gown that accented her figure with a handsome lawyer on her arm. A very very handsome lawyer. With really toned arms. Seriously, did he workout constantly? You knew Matt was fit before tonight, but looking at him in his tailored suit beside you��well. You couldn’t help but ogle a little. 

“You ready?” Matt asked, turning his attention on you. You closed your eyes and refocused. Thankfully, Matt’s presence tonight was already making you feel a bit more grounded. 

“As I’ll ever be.” 

“You’re in charge, angel.” He murmured. Angel? That was a new one. “Like we talked about before. You initiate all PDA. If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, let me know. Pet names still ok?” 

“Uh—I uh…yes. Yes they’re ok.” You stuttered, embarrassed by how much you liked this. 

Matt chuckled, no doubt already knowing how much you liked the terms of endearment. You weren’t sure how, but he always seemed to know what you were feeling. 

You delicately took his hand into your own. “Let’s do this.”

The two of you stepped through the doors and into the gala. Lawyers, board members, and other high profile attendees milled about holding small plates with hors d'oeuvres and glasses of wine. Across the room, Foggy and Karen were talking to a partner from HC&B. Karen waved at you, smiling. 

“Um…” Your voice cracked slightly. “Karen and Foggy are here. Across the room, on the right side.” 

“Thanks, sweetness. Promise we will be ok.” Matt murmurs, leaning into you gently. 

“Yah. I know,” you gave a small smile and squeezed his hand. “C’mon, let’s go join your partners.”  

As you began to lead Matt towards your friends, you were intercepted by a fiercely beautiful woman. She looked to be in her 50s, all sharp angles and pointed stares. Her smile filled you with a sense of dread. 

“Matthew! How lovely to see you tonight.” Her grin was that of a predator. 

“Beatrice, it’s always nice to speak with you.” Matt forced a smile, but there was a tension behind it. Your eyes widened with realization. Brushing his thumb over your knuckles, Matt turned to you. “This is Beatrice Snyder of HC&B, love. I’m not sure if you’ve met before.”

“I haven’t had the pleasure.” You forced a smile, but your gut filled with a vile emotion. You stuck your hand out, introducing yourself. 

“I’ve been anticipating our meeting for days, dear. You’re quite lucky to have been able to tie this one down.” Snyder stroked her hand over Matt’s bicep which made your blood boil. 

A wave of something animalistic splashed over you. You slid an arm around Matt’s waist and looked at him with the most love sick gaze you could muster. With a smile, you responded. “Most days, I can’t believe it.” 

“It’s so charming to see such an important legal figure with someone so…new…to the scene.” Snyder remarked, looking you up and down in analysis. “Remind me what you do again?”

“I’m the Volunteer Coordinator for the NYC Pro Bono Association.” 

“Oh that’s right, dear” Snyder spit the word at you. “I remember now. You caused quite a stir when you were promoted. Everyone assumed it would be a candidate with, well, more experience.” 

Your heart pounded. The hand around Matt’s waist flexed and he carefully pulled you closer,

“I assure you, she is overly qualified for the position.” 

“We’ll see.” Snyder flashed her teeth in another cruel smile. “Unfortunately, I have to go mingle, but I’d love to chat more this evening. I’ll find you.” With that horrifying threat, she was gone. 

Your feet felt like they were cemented to the floor. Matt’s knuckles stroked your thigh softly and you realized you were still holding his waist in a vice grip. 

“Shit sorry.” Trying to remove your hand from his waist, he caught you and intertwined your fingers. “You were right, she’s the worst.”

Matt tilted his head a notch, a genuine grin spreading across his face. “She’s still watching us. You can say no if you want, but would you like to give her a show?”

“More than anything.” You growled. 

“Can I kiss you?”

“Oh, yes— um…yah you can.” You couldn’t tear your eyes off of his smile. He leaned down slightly, using one finger to tilt your chin up. 

Matt’s hand slid around to grasp your neck and you let your body be guided to his. You leaned up to meet his lips, but they never met. His face pulled away from yours suddenly, pressing kisses firmly to your forehead, then both cheeks.

Stepping back from you a bit, Matt’s brow pinched. “Too much?” 

“No. Not too much.” You said, but you couldn’t help but feel—conflicted? On the one hand, the lingering feeling of his lips burned on your skin, a sensation you would gladly take to your grave. His kisses were featherlight and tender and made you feel so loved. So how on earth did you feel disappointed at the same time? Had you subconsciously been expecting him to fully make out with you, his fake girlfriend, in front of a room of his peers? God, you were so fucking naïve–

Matt’s chuckle broke you out of your spiral. “So, is she jealous?” 

Stealing a glance over your shoulder, you felt your spirits lift, marginally. Beatrice Snyder was clenching her fist around the stem of her wine glass so tightly, it was a miracle it didn’t snap in half. “She’s fuming. Shall we join our friends?” 

The two of you made your way over to Foggy and Karen who looked like they, too, we’re holding back fits of giggles. 

“You guys,” Karen cried, under her breath. “That was amazing.” 

“Magnificent. Truly the performance of a century.” Foggy gave a round of silent applause, which made you grin, then he drew in a huge gasp. “Matt, you’re not going to believe this—that bumbling prosecutor from Wednesday is here! Apparently, he’s the nephew of a partner at LZ”

“Ugh, it had to be nepotism, there’s no way he’d keep the job otherwise!” Matt snorted. “Did we already tell you this story?” He turned to you with a gleeful expression. 

“I don’t think so?” You replied, happy for any distraction from your confusing personal monologue. 

“Oh, you’re going to LOVE this!” Foggy snatches your hand away from Matt and leads you to a table. Matt shakes his head with fond exasperation, following after. 

Truthfully, Matt wasn’t sure if he would have done the story justice at the moment. His mind was far too preoccupied with his intense shame and self-doubt following his failure to kiss you properly. He’d wanted to pull you close and give Beatrice and her posse something to gawk at, but he couldn’t follow through. What was the matter with him? Thinking back, he hadn’t been this nervous with a woman since… Nope, not the time to think about that.

Matt felt Karen press a glass of liquor into his hand and he downed it. ‘This isn’t real’, he reminded himself. ‘Don’t do this to yourself, don’t do this to her.” He forced himself to tune back into the conversation, pushing his emotional friction as far back in his mind as he could. 

Foggy’s frown was evident in his voice. “You alright, buddy?”

“Fine!” Matt answered, too quickly for anyone to believe him. “Just, a lot going on is all. Finish the story!” Foggy’s attention remained on him for a moment, before he dove back into the anecdote expressively.

Under the table, you took Matt’s hand once more, giving it a tiny squeeze as Foggy described the floundering of the latest unimpressive prosecutor there firm had gone up against.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite your doubts, the night was going rather smoothly. With Matt’s arm around you, your nerves practically vanished. His charm and extroverted nature rubbed off on you as the two of you chatted with various attendees. 

After a couple of hours of small talk, your brain needed a breather. Excusing yourself from the ongoing conversation between Matt and a circuit judge about courthouse accessibility, you made your way to the bathroom. As you sat down in a stall to clear your head, the door opened and two sets of heels stumbled in. 

One woman gave a heavy sigh. “I wish these events weren’t so goddamn boring. If I have to hear Chao tell his fly fishing story one more time, I’ll shred all of the notes from the Jones deposition.”

The other person laughed shrilly, and you froze in disbelief at your own misfortune. It was Beatrice Snyder. 

“He really does think he’s some hotshot outdoorsman. Though, surrounded by these pasty idiots, he might as well be Paul Bunyan.” Snyder remarked. 

As you debated whether to make a run for it, the first woman spoke again. 

“Matthew Murdock and his new toy sure made quite an entrance,” the younger woman snickered. Dear god, this was so not happening right now.

Snyder tsked with disgust, “They did, didn’t they. I swear, I have seen the girl before but I don’t remember her being so…plain.”

Your heart sank as your anxiety rose. Snyder’s colleague gave a sharp laugh, “She is rather unimpressive. A man as handsome as Murdock could have any woman he wanted, this pairing is…almost sad.” 

A lump formed in your throat. 

“It is truly pathetic,” Snyder jumped in. “Not to mention, the little leech was only given her position after defaming James Lannister. He was a shoe-in for the role and then, poof– let go for ‘sexual harassment allegations’ a whole 5 days before her promotion. Quite a damning timeline, if you ask me.”

Tears were pouring down your cheeks now, your lungs constricted as you held back a sob. Lannister’s termination was supposed to be low-profile, your bosses had promised to be discreet after you confided in them. You felt so fucking betrayed. 

“Well, there’s no doubt she’ll get what’s coming to her, the shrew.” Snyder sighed, dreamily. “Murdock will come to his senses and realize she’ll never be enough for him.”

The other woman chuckled. “Karma is truly a bitch.” 

And with that, they were gone, the door swinging shut behind them. 

The sob you’d been holding back burst past your lips. Pathetic. You took a moment, hoping the two crones had made their way back to the party, before making your escape. As discreetly as possible, you fled the bathroom and bolted out of the side exit, ignoring the sympathetic looks of the venue’s staff. 

Taglist:  @maladaptivedaydreamingbum

[eruden-writes]

ooooh, for the smoochin' roulette- how about a gargoyle platter with a side of #41 (kiss out of spite)

For anyone interested in sending a monster + prompt, the list is here.

So, uh, gargoyle platter x human.

tw for mentions of cheating and sexually charged commentary

----

Gargoyle's Gambit

Unlocking her front door, Brisa pushed her way into her darkened and quiet home. For a second, she stood, thinking of how the effort of getting ready had been wasted and how the delight for the evening had withered. The black dress that was classy, but sexy. The makeup she had agonized over. The jewelry carefully chosen. The excitement and delight when Lars’s parents had looked her over approvingly.

She didn’t understand why her supposed-to-be in-laws wanted to host so many soirees, but tonight just made such events taste even bitterer in her mouth.

Unceremoniously, she dropped her purse to the floor and kicked off her heels, rubbing her cheeks woefully. The dried tears, mixed with eyeliner and mascara, scraped against her fingers.

In the dark, she trudged toward her bedroom. After a wave of her hand, the lights bled on and all semblance of quiet and isolation shattered.

“Oi, oi, oi, what’re you cryin’ about now.” From the far wall, Emerick shouted. Brisa winced but ignored the gargoyle platter that hung on her bedroom wall as she went into her ensuite bathroom to scrub her face. If she’d had her choice, he’d be hanging in the living room at all times.

However, the last time he was permanently in the living room, she was woken up at all hours by midnight singing or him bemoaning his inability to use a television. Very loudly.

Not to mention, he often insulted or offended her guests. Again, very loudly.

Undeterred by Brisa’s cold shoulder, Emerick continued, “What’d that sod you call a fiancée do? Run screamin’ when he saw you without makeup ‘cause he didn’t recognize you?”

“I don’t feel up for this tonight, Emerick,” Brisa sighed as she made her way back into the bedroom. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she peeled off her stockings and considered changing for bed. Rubbing at her cheek again, she sighed. A shower was probably in order.

“What’d I do? What’d I do?” As always, Emerick continued on, a motorboat for someone made of stone. Every so often, the platter would vibrate against the wall as he waved his clawed hands. Brisa shot a glare his way, watching as his large round eyes widen in faux innocence. “Just makin’ conversation, all polite-like.”

Not for the first time, Brisa wondered what the point of a gargoyle platter had been. She’d asked Emerick and he always came up with a different answer.

Scaring off rats – or ants, or pill bugs, or any number of pests – from the kitchen.

Scaring off thieves from the pantry or the silverware.

Scaring off unworthy suitors for a family.

Though Brisa understood the whole “scary ugly gargoyles frighten off bad vibes” belief, it never seemed like the whole story. Emerick was certainly… unconventional to her human standards.

A wide face that reminded her of a bulldog, with a snub nose and two rows of sharp teeth. Large ears, like that of a bat, almost hid the little nubs of horns right behind them. The more Emerick moved, the more of a body was shown, though Brisa never saw too far below his torso. Carved muscles rounded the slow of his shoulders and his chest was bare. Behind him, wings flicked, though – if he had been an actual creature – she doubted their size could carry him.

In truth, he wasn’t terrible to look at. It was just what came out of his mouth that made him a pain to be around.

Flopping back against her bed, Brisa snorted, “The last thing you are is polite, you dinner tray.”

“Oi! That’s slander! Never once has dinner been served on my face.” Emerick’s chest puffed with indignation, but a sly grin slid over his craggy lips. “But if you want to set some cake on my face, I ain’t gonna complain.”

“Ugh, you’re so gross.” Brisa rolled onto her side, facing the wall with the platter as she wrinkled her nose in distaste.

“I didn’t say it had to be your cake. Your friend, wasshername, the one with the short red hair that’s spiky in the back—” Emerick made a motion with his large hand, swiping it over his own spiky bits that Brisa thought was supposed to be short, cropped hair.

“Sanguine,” she supplied with an unimpressed tone.

“Yeah, yeah, Sanguine’s cake’ll do. Wonder if it’s red velvet, if you know what I mean.” Emerick’s tongue came out in a cheeky grin, his teeth seemingly biting down on the appendage to add to the rascality of his expression.

Brisa groaned and pushed herself off the mattress, heading toward her vanity. Caddy corner to Emerick’s wall, she could still talk to him with ease while sitting before her mirror.

Her home was filled with magical items, ranging from thingamajigs to artefacts. It was part of her own witch path: history, mysteries, studying, cultures. Unveiling unknowns about the past, learning how to use these items whose manuals were lost to time.

It made her very essence vibrate happily.

But she never could understand why her grandmother kept the gargoyle platter around. Granny Nickels kept it out of sight until Brisa turned twenty-two, for stars sakes! That had to be evidence of Emerick’s unwieldly nature. He was better off in a vault or with a university, given a gargoyle platter wasn’t common.

Donating him to another home especially made sense for Brisa, considering he was one reason why her relationship of eight years was now on the rocks.

Well, Lars had a hand in the end of their relationship. Or more correctly had a dick in it.

At that thought, the make-up brush she’d been fiddling with snapped in her hand.

As if summoning a devil themselves, a message inked its way across her mirror: Please, Brisa, let’s just talk this out.

It didn’t need any signature for Brisa to know it was Lars. She could feel his magic in the message, in her own mirror. She frowned at the surface, considering what to do.

“What’d the fucker do,” Emerick needled, but Brisa ignored him.

She was thirty-two and had to be an adult about this. Adults communicated. Well, good adults communicated.

Waving her hand, Brisa accepted the message. Lars’s face soon filled her mirror. She peered closely, trying to find any hint that he weas as torn up, as bone-deep upset as herself. His face looked no different from most other calls, though.

Slim, aggravatingly handsome, tawny features. Purple-tinted eyes, large and bright with no hint of puffy redness from crying. Chestnut brown hair neatly slicked back, so different from how she saw it earlier when he was in bed with Ophelia. His pointed ears didn’t even droop in shame or worry.

“Oh, thank the gods, sweetheart, you picked up,” Lars gasped, a relieved smile tilting at the corners of his lips.

Lowering herself onto the chair in front of her vanity, Brisa crossed her legs under her dress and crossed her arms. “You wanted to talk this out?”

To his credit, Lars looked briefly abashed. Then he began speaking, ruining the effect. “I-It was a moment of weakness. Ophelia makes time for me and actually cares about my work! It’s natural that… that feelings would grow unmanageable.“

Out of the corner of her eye, Brisa caught Emerick’s platter shudder against the wall as he moved. “He did wot now? A fortnight before your matrimonials?”

When her attention shifted back to Lars, all semblance of remorse had washed away. He glared at the gargoyle, lips thin. Brisa braced herself when his gaze turned back to her, knowing what that look in his eyes meant.

“This is part of what I’m talking about, Brisa. Your family foists these magical artefacts on you and you keep them all, studying them at all hours giving us no time together!” Lars motioned toward Emerick with a sharp movement. His lips curled, nose wrinkling as his voice lowered darkly, “Even if they’re not worth keeping.”

“That’s not fair. Emerick is a very intriguing part of magical history we have yet to fully understand.” She should know. She’d been trying to study him for a long time. The markings that decorated the edges of his platter were in a language long gone. Or completely made up by whoever created him.

The point of his existence, his job, what he was meant to do hadn’t yet been determined fully.

Lars’s features darkened, his face turning a ruddy red as his words became louder, “There’s no reason to have an ugly gargoyle tray that constantly harasses you and everyone who enters your apartment!”

“Oi! I ain’t ugly. I’m distinguished.”

“You’re going to end up alone in that apartment, surrounded by dusty relics and with only that damned thing to talk to, y’know.”

“Better me than a tit like you, boy,” Emerick spat back. “I don’t go wetting my dick in egocentric muff.”

“You don’t even have a dick, you plate,” Lars growled, finally addressing the gargoyle directly.

The platter thumped heavily on the wall behind Brisa, as if Emerick had made a sharp and violent movement. “I got one, I just don’t go flashing it around. Take notes, mate!”

Pinching at her nose, Brisa tried to fend off the ache settling deeper into her brain. “Enough, both of you!”

Her words didn’t have the intended desire of quieting the two. Instead, they merely re-centered Lars’s targeting.

“Like I said, you’re going to end up alone with that thing, Brisa.” Though his voice had soften, almost pleadingly, it took on an edge again with his next words. “If you even cared about me, you would have seen how unhappy I— “

His following words turned into a staticky rush in Brisa’s ears. Pain throbbed through her temples and agitation heated her blood. It was her fault. Always her fault. She never paid him enough attention, never cared enough, never read his bloody mind.

She just wanted Lars to leave her alone. Give herself time to process her feelings and recalibrate her life without him. But he wasn’t giving her that.

Faintly, she could hear Emerick retorting to whatever Lars had said. Her eyes flicked to the gargoyle platter, rattling in its stand as the resident inside spat words. Her now-ex-fiancée always had problems with Emerick. Well, honestly, everyone had issues with the gargoyle platter. The creature was not polite, so she couldn’t blame others. The only reason she knew Emerick was tolerable was thanks to being constantly around him. At some point, the gross and aggravating commentary would pause.

Lars, however, seemed to be an endless fount of unwanted comments. “I thought the prospect of an adult life, married and kids, would finally make you choose something important and worthwhile but— “

Something snapped in Brisa. Her body moved before she could even consider where she was going. Getting to her feet and snatching up Emerick – ignoring the gargoyle’s startled yip – Brisa found her own lips pressed to the cool stone tablet.

Unsurprisingly, the platter was cold and hard against her lips.

At first.

What was cold became warm and the platter suddenly felt much larger, much heavier, in her hands. She must have accidentally lifted it from the nail in the wall, she thought.

It wasn’t until a ginger touch traced up both sides of her jaw that Brisa’s eyes snapped open. Emerick stood before her, much larger than the stone tray he had been before. He leaned over her, hands raised – the touch she had felt – blocking out the rest of the room.

Her heart stuttered in her chest, eyes unable to drink in all the details at once.

Besides being much larger and humanoid-ish in shape, there were other differences Brisa realized. His wings, for one, had grown. Now they appeared large enough to heft him in flight. The odd spiky hair atop his skull was obviously hair, now. Shaggy and less likely to draw blood from a simple touch.

He was also much more colorful. The stone platter had been a monotonous grey, much like Emerick’s skin tone. Though his hair was a darker shade of grey and he had lichen green coloring flecked over his face, shoulders, arms, and chest. As Brisa’s gaze dropped, she realized he also wore a loincloth, thanking the universe for the blessing.

The similarity and foreignness of the person before sent a throb of surrealness through Brisa, alighting the migraine at her temples again.

Vaguely, she heard Lars screeching from the mirror. With an owlish blink, she turned her head toward him, listening to him rage. “Have you been cheating on me with that thing! You ungrateful fucking who—”

With a wave of her hand, Brisa dispelled connection. She could only take one exhausting person at a time and Emerick was, currently, right in front of her.

“Well, this is awkward,” she muttered, turning her eyes back toward the gargoyle.

It was only Emerick’s mumbled grunt that made Brisa’s gaze flick back to his face. He seemed unable to look directly at her, shifting back and forth on his feet.

“Stars preserve me,” she gasped, earning a startled look from Emerick. Despite herself, an almost delirious smile spread over her lips. “You have nothing to say. Never thought I’d hear the day.”

Emerick narrowed his eyes – irises black, Brisa noted – and frowned. “You’re taking this disturbingly well.”

Cocking her head, Brisa narrowed her own eyes. There was something different to the gargoyle’s speech, she thought. But another throb of exhaustion made her sigh and drop the thought. “Today has been long and heartrending and I just want to take a shower and go to bed.”

Turning away from him, she gathered her pajamas from the closet and headed toward the bathroom.

“So…” Brisa turned as Emerick spoke, taking a step closer toward her. A suggestive grin tilted at his lips as he nodded toward the bathroom. “Should I join yeh?”

“Absolutely not.” Pursing her lips, she rolled her eyes, noticing a tail whipping behind the gargoyle. A million scholarly questions flooded her brain, but tiredness had a mighty hold on her. Holding her clothes to her chest with one hand, she motioned toward the door with the other. “Go watch the TV in the living room, as you’ve always complained about wanting to do.”

“Aw, but I could help you get into all those little nooks and crannies.” Emerick raised his hands, making squeezy motions.

“I’m sure you could,” Brisa said slowly, trying to level an apathetic expression at him. It was a bit ruined, she thought, as she couldn’t help glancing curiously at his hands. “But I’m more interested in a shower. Now skedaddle.”

Motioning for Emerick to leave, Brisa didn’t wait for the gargoyle to fully exit before ducking into her ensuite bathroom. Though her curiosity was great, her sense of propriety and safety was greater, so she pointedly locked the door behind her.

[just2bubbly]

If they really did have feelings for each other but they disconnected, Cinder had her priority in Luna and years later they meet at a meeting of Politicians in Paris, and they connect again, (obviously for reasons Cinder here has a suitor, named Tristan, and too yes Kai has jealousy) whatever happens in all that way, cinder ends up choosing Kai

I need a little angst and too many reasons kisses and hope for both

Masterlist

I didn't align the fic with the reason as mentioned, but as expected there's too much angst (it's me, it shouldn't be surprising anymore heheh) and too many kisses, I hope you like it, (other Tristan fics would take time, anon <3) just as much as I loved writing it <33

we have grown (but still haven't changed)

Word: 7.1k

Genre: Angst with an Happy Ending, Alternate Universe (Senator AU)

Kai's Perspective:

"Ayumi," he groaned, leaning against the door. Her girlfriend laughed at his antics from the large bed. "Who are you even trying to impress?! Ema is already so in love with you!"

"Oh, shush Kai- a girl has to feel pretty, I don't want to see my pictures in the papers tomorrow and think I could have done better," she explained, still sitting before the mirror, trying to correct her eyeliner.

Making no effort to move from her position, Kai looked at Ema now, begging her to get Ayumi off, thankfully, she was more affected by Kai than her girlfriend was.

"Baby, Kai is right- if you keep on doing that winged eyeliner to perfection, we might never make it to the party," she pointed, walking up to her so that she could help her with the problem.

With Ema looking into it, they are all out of the room in minutes. And as they enter the Chamber, full of influential people, bureaucrats, and royalty, the alcohol reeks in the atmosphere, a combination of pungent and luxury put together only for the ones in drowning in cash.

He wonders why he accepts such invitations. These noble festivities never appealed to him but the prospect of socialising with people who could help him have better connections always prevailed over his comfort.

When he noticed Ayumi picking up a cocktail glass from the nearby table, Ema rolled her eyes, muttering, 'Not so early' under her breath. Her concerns were valid. Ayumi was a lightweight, and starting so early would lead to a very sorrowful tomorrow morning.

"Well, I will leave you two to it, while I make some new friends," he said, and before leaving, he decided to advise, "Don't drink too much- we have a flight in the morning."

Ironical, he picked up a cocktail himself, to keep his hand busy, Kai had no intention of getting drunk. There was too much press, and having a public disgrace wouldn't do good to his job well.

"Kai," someone shouted, a voice Kai knew too well, "-Fancy seeing you here," Victoire said, coming to his side as she kissed his cheek.

"There are only too many invitations I can decline, Your Royal Highness," he explained, a low curtsy accompanying his words.

"Kai," she whined, a weak eye roll, "How many times do I have to tell you to call me Victoire."

Kai knew how Victoire had taken a liking to him, something he wasn't very fond about. However, he always saw a friend in her, someone sane in the Royal Family. She was a wonderful woman, dedicated and kind towards her role as the future Queen, something that he admired about her but it didn't matter a lot for his heart had been fixated on someone else.

"Victoire, I'm just a senator, you a future Queen," he said politely, not wanting to disappoint her.

She chuckles at his remark, and sips wine, "That shouldn't stop you- a man has to dream," she says and the implication isn't lost on Kai.

He smirks, "Well, if one can dream, why limit oneself to-" his voice dies as his gaze lands on a metal hand. Kai doesn't know many people who attend these parties who have metal prosthetics, and when the person turns, it's all the confirmation Kai needs. It was Cinder, Selene Blackburn, he painfully reminds himself.

In a pale blue dress, that reaches her mid-calf paired with high heels, her long legs on display- she felt so different from how Kai remembered her. He wondered what she was doing here in Paris, she was supposed to be on the fucking moon!

Had Kai known, he would be a few feet away from his once-lover, Kai would have declined to attend.

Seeing his shocked face, Victoire glances in the direction he is looking. Seeing what has made him tongue-tied, she remarks, "Don't tell me you didn't know she would be here!"

"You knew she would be here?" he asked, exasperatedly, watching some stranger wrapped their hands around her waist, resulting in a pang of jealousy coursing through his veins.

He reminded himself, that Selene Blackburn was just a ghost from his past. A phantom, if he recalled the way she left. She wasn't his anymore, especially not to feel jealous over.

"The invite said 'welcome event for the new Lunar Ambassador' Kai, I assumed you would read it," she explains, and Kai in all of his good sense hadn't read the invite, it was his assistant who had replied on his behalf, but he wasn't about to look ignorant before Victoire.

"How was I supposed to know that the new Lunar Ambassador would be my ex-fiancee," he exclaimed, Cinder seemed not to have noticed Kai staring at her, which was a good sign. He needed to get out, away from the woman standing before him and lock himself in his room till it was time to board his flight tomorrow. It had taken a long time for Kai to get over his breakup with Cinder, and a small insignificant event wouldn't ruin the peace he had created.

However, as he tried to get away, Victoire was deemed to have read his thoughts and poised herself as the only obstruction to his plan, "Kai," she hissed, loudly enough to have got a few people staring at them, including her, so much for an easy escape he thought, "-you can't flee!"

Well now he couldn't, he would have to thank Victoire later for being such an understanding friend.

"Ka-" Cinder voiced, hesitantly, "-Mr. Crown, I, uh, well I didn't think you would be joining us," standing an arm's length from him, and wondered how they had managed to find themselves here.

"Miss Blackburn, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, the formal words he reserved for everyone rolling off his tongue, "My best wishes on your new role," he wished, fighting off the questions he wanted to shoot at her, of what she was doing here after all these years.

He didn't seem to notice Cinder replying as Victoire filled in the conversation, however, he did feel the way his heart kept thrumming inside the confinement of his bony cage- so loud that he wondered whether it was audible to Cinder.

Staring at her, Kai realized how much she had changed in the last 3 years. Her lips which had always been chapped from frequent biting, were now full and painted in deep mauve, it seemed to portray Cinder as more daring than he remembered. Hair in an intricate braid, further away from the high ponytail she used to prefer. Kai wondered if Iko had convinced her- if she needed the convincing anymore.

He couldn't smell the peppermint odour of her perfume that she had been so fond of, instead in its place was a sweet fragrance, which was everything Selene but nothing like his Cinder.

He felt mad trying to piece over all the insignificant changes in her, from the woman he had once loved. Still does.

"Oh, darling, you seemed to have made friends," someone said, shaking Kai from his reverie, it was the man who had pulled Cinder closer before, his hand on her waist, giving Kai a wave of longing so powerful that it nearly left him reeling.

"Hello, you must be-" Victoire, enquired from beside him, "Tristan Padilla," the man provided, "-it's nice to meet you, Mr.Padilla. I'm -"

"Everyone knows you, Your Royal Highness, please excuse my not curtsying. I'm not very good at it," he joked, turning to him, as he said, "And you must be Mr. Crown- the youngest senator to make it in the Global Parliament, I have heard a lot about you."

Victoire rushed a glance at him, matching his reaction, it was one thing to have come across Cinder tonight, another to think that her date would be a fan of his, "I assume all things good, besides you flatter me too much. Forgive me, but do mention what brings you here. Vic and I are unaware of your position."

In his hazy mind state, Kai misses slightly raised eyebrows of Selene at the mention of his friend's nickname.

"All good, our Queen. Bless her, and she brings you up as an example. I'm a member of the Imperial Tribunal, acting as a date for this beautiful lady tonight," he explained, pointing towards Cinder.

His words landed rather painfully on Kai's heart, his mind trying to smother the surge of jealousy spreading through him. Yet again a painful reminder to himself that Cinder wasn't his anymore, not his to love, not to take on dates, or to be proudly shown as a plus one in public events.

"Kai?"

He blinked and tore his gaze away, to stare at Victoire.

"Selene asked whether you are selected for the Council of Equality."

"Uh, yeah- no, I mean, the members haven't been designated yet but Torin believes I will be a member," he provided, unable to look her in the eye.

"Torin is always right when it comes to you," she said, spoken with such indifference that it angered Kai. He hated her for trying to pretend like they were two old friends catching up and not someone who he failed to forget every day- like a haunting memory of the past.

"Who is Torin?" Tristan asked as he shuffled a little closer to Cinder.

Kai swallowed, Victoire coming to his rescue, "He adopted Kai when he started working for his office. Torin is like a father to all of Kai's friends."

"That's sweet," Tristan grinned, sipping from his glass.

His port rang, a sharp tune ringing in the silence left behind. It was Ayumi, an alarming concern took over him, she was at the same party but the girl had no regard for personal safety.

Sliding on the accept option, he excused himself, "What happened?"

"Kaaai," she whined, voice slurred probably with all the alcohol she had consumed, " I'm getting married."

"What?"

"Did you not hear me, Kai?" she groaned and spoke louder, "I'M GETTING MARRIED."

"I heard that, Ayu. I mean why," he asked.

"Because I love her. Will you officiate our wedding, Kai?"

"I do find it touching that you want me to officiate your wedding but what will Ema think?"

"Why would Ema oppose the idea?" she asked confused.

"She would be disappointed- " explanation cut as he heard the familiar voice of Ema in the background as she yelled 'Ayumi'.

"Who are you talking- Kai, oh, don't worry. She got drunk earlier than usual and some fellow told her they recently got married and Ayumi being Ayumi got rather driven," Ema provided some clarity for Ayumi's behaviour.

"Did she propose?" he laughed, keeping his nerve in check. He and Ayumi were trying to find a ring that Ema might like, their venture had not been fruitful yet. Kai hoped that Ayumi had not uttered gibberish nonsense in her intoxication state.

"She tried smooching my face as she yelled 'You may kiss the bride' so nah, my baby didn't propose," Ema explained as Kai breathed a sigh of relief.

"Is she okay?"

"Oh definitely, she fell asleep on the couch, she might need help getting her up later but before that," she said and didn't continue anything further, making Kai question if he had lost Ema.

"There?"

"Yes, yes. I just- well, I saw Selene. Please don't alarm yourself, breathe deeper for me. I don't know if you came across-"

"I talked with her," he said, stopping her from speaking.

"Are you okay?" she asked, voice full of concern, Kai could imagine her brows furrowing in worry, fingers running through her hair.

"Fine, didn't talk as such, Vic did most of the talking. She is with someone," Kai explained, somehow talking to Ema about this felt relieving. She had known Kai for years now, Ema and Ayumi were his family- they were always there for him and he would always be there for them, like old buddies or platonic soulmates.

"I'm sorry, Kai," she whispered and he nodded in return. The two held on to the comm, not knowing what to say. The silence was finally broken when Ema groaned, "I think she is drooling on my arm- I'm so disgusted right now," eliciting a chuckle from his lips.

"Never fall in love- it fucks up hygiene!"

"Oh shut it, Ema- you are too lovesick to care," he said, moving further away from the crowd.

"Hardly, now I have to get this one up."

"Do you want help?" he asked, hoping Ema would accept it.

"We will manage, but thank you," she said, her words hanging between the two, before she said, "Kai, you do realize that you can get going before something happens."

He nods, something not very visible to her before admitting how he will think about it. As the call ends, he is left alone with his thoughts, somehow missing the company of Victoire. She could be flirtatious but it was always consented by the two, having her by his side when he came across Cinder made the whole impact milder.     

He considered leaving early but the prospect of sitting in his room with only the company of his thoughts wasn't entirely appealing- that is why he found himself sitting in a secluded corner sipping champagne. Pity.

He watched Cinder on the dance floor, wrapped in her date's arm, she seemed to be laughing at something he said. Kai could feel his stomach clench, as he saw the two kissing, frame dipped low, as they moved to the music.

Swearing, he searched for something stronger, looking around the table when he felt the nudge. Schooling his features, he put on a polite smile before turning and saw the cause of his dilemma.

"Hi"

Kai was too stunned to speak, he hadn't imagined that Cinder would approach him willingly- he noticed her hand waving in his face, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, yes. Just startled," He replied, maintaining some distance between the two.

"Do you mind if I join you?" she asked, and before Kai could verbalize a reply she had taken a seat next to him. He remained mute, unable to fathom what conversation to have with her.

"I thought you wouldn't be coming tonight," she meant after the prolonged silence.

"I didn't know you were the guest, Riggs, my assistant didn't mention what the event was for. Had I known-"

"You would have declined, and we wouldn't be sitting here right now," she completed his words, eyes staring into his. The force with which she looked at him was overwhelming, Kai looked away, glancing at the crowd, "I don't understand what brings you here."

"Would you think it's a lie if I said you?" She said, making Kai whip in her direction.

"Selene, please," he pleaded, this time holding eye contact, "don't torture a man with forsaken hope."

"What if it's the truth, Kai?"

"Then you won't be twirling around with your date tonight."

"Tristan is my friend," she explained, as she looked away, Kai stared at her side frame and noticed strands of hair coming out of the braid. She looked thinner than he remembered, the clavicle prominently visible to the naked eye.

"I don't mind if you move on, Selene. I expect you to."

"Well, have you moved on, Kai?" she asked, twirling the amber liquid in her glass, he knew she would see the orange light blinker for his response.

"On most days, I have," he says, gulping the regret he had felt for hours.

Cinder gave him a sad look, "I feel stupid and I want to apologise for all the things I did to you."

Her words stunned him, he wanted to pick a fight over the remark but forced himself to keep his nerves in check, tightening his hold on the glass, "If you expect me to say that I forgive you- then now isn't the best time to ask. Maybe try again some years later," he hissed.

"Kai, I know-"

"You don't know anything, and your sorry doesn't account for the whole load of shit you left behind. So please, if that's all you wanted to say to me, then I will take your leave," he exclaimed, trying to move away from the woman he loved so much that he couldn't stand her presence anymore.

He moved through the crowd, deciding to get back to his room for good-

"Kai, please- just hear me out once-"

He could hear her voice coming from behind him, but he had no regard for having a conversation that was going to disturb his peace of stars know how long. However, when her voice became louder, he desperately shut his eyes, hoping, not praying that it was a poor nightmare from which he soon woke up. Reality wasn't very comforting- so he spun around on his heels, "What do you want from me now, Selene?"

"I'm sorry but I just want to explain-" she requested, eyes boring into his, pleading.

He turned around, and walked up the staircase, taking up his cue, Cinder followed him if he was going to have this conversation, he preferred not to have it under the eyes of hundreds of people who gossiped for a living.

"You have the time it takes for the elevator to reach my floor," he mumbled, walking into the elevator, and breathing a sigh of relief when he realized that his floor was different from hers.

"I already said I'm sorry and I want you to know that I'm not here to rub my presence in your face or just to spite you-" she started, as Kai cut her off, "-I know you and I know that you wouldn't be that petty, but -"

"-let me speak, please," she asked, Kai hadn't lost his kindness so he kept numb, "-I saw it as a chance to make things right-" and that was all it took for him to lose his calm, "I think it's too late to play the good person card, Selene and I'm telling you this not because I have moved on from whatever past we shared but because you lost your chance when you left with no resemblance of an explanation," he roared.

She did take his outburst rather well, before continuing, "You have to un-" She was about to continue when an unexpected interruption occurred, a crude sound that rippled through the elevator.

Kai felt weightless for a split second before his body crashed into the aluminium frame, her body stumbled right into his, causing him to inhale sharply. The car went dark, with no light except the dim glow seeping through the floor gaps. The buttons were no longer lit up, and everything was quiet except for the distant sound of creaks as if the cables were about to snap. And when his senses finally did kick in, he shivered at the proximity he shared with her, his eyes met hers for a fleeting moment before he pushed himself away from her.

"What was that?" she asked, trying to find her footing in the dark. He ignored her question, making his way to the opposite side to test the sturdiness of the elevator. After being convinced that the entire shaft wouldn't tilt or drop several storeys, he turned saying, "It seems like the elevator broke down."

"That is obvious," she concluded, moving around to call the emergency line, "The line is dead, buttons off-" A loud screech stopped her words, the elevator was hanging in the midst of nowhere, and Kai wondered whether his earlier analysis was a failure, for there was a huge possibility of the elevator crashing down hanging above them.

"We have to stop moving, preferably sit down or this is going to smash into the ground with us," he explained, checking his ground, moving around to find a place where the shaft supported both of their weight without added damage.

"Don't these rich assholes do maintenance?!" she exclaimed, both of them standing a few feet apart, Kai wondered if she was just alarmed as him.

"I have sent them a call, network sucks, but I hope someone has the sense to check in, do you have the safety pack you always carried?"

"I didn't think I'd need it so I removed it."

"Ironical how one time you need it, you don't have it on you," he says, words coming sharper than he intended.

"What is that supposed to mean it's not like you are being much help!"

"It doesn't matter, we can't do anything except wait till someone notices the lift isn't working," he states, slumping down against the long frame, a few minutes ago he had decided to leave and now he was stuck in the very presence of the person he was fleeing from. He noticed her turning away, sitting across from him, and in a foolish attempt not to look at her, he closed his eyes, head leaned against the cool frame. He wondered whether they would walk out of this situation without having said any words or perhaps having a life-altering conversation that would make him-

"I came back," Cinder said, so much for wist wishing, Kai thought, throwing a questioning glance, "-you mentioned, I have all the time until you reached your floor."

Kai had to keep in the horrendous chuckle instead he muttered, "That seems very convenient for you."

"Your words, not mine." She tested, but Kai had no energy to fight over it.

"I'm sorry for coming back-"

"Selene, I'm not sad that you are here, I'm a little disappointed that you always convinced me otherwise."

"Don't call me that," she alluded, forcing him to throw hands, "That is your name, Miss Blackburn."

"Not to you-"

"It doesn't matter which name I used before, I won't be using it again."

"Kai, you know I don't-"

"Please," he whispered, willing her to stop, "I want to keep my word but not at the cost of my peace, so I request you not to force a conversation on me."

She didn't deem his statement worthy of a reply, and Kai felt relief. He stared at the emergency button that glowed in neon red colour and wondered if somebody had realized that a mishap had occurred. He couldn't help but think about all the gossip, he would have to deal with in the upcoming events and sighed at the thought.

"Hey, am I audible?" someone yelled, and if his senses served him right, it was Victoire.

"Yes, I thought I would be stuck here forever, the shaft seemed to have cracked over Victoire," he shouted, hoping that she might have some miracle to get him out.

"Oi, yeah, the shaft's all splintered and barely holding the car. If I were you, I'd decide against any movement. It might take some time to get you off the hook. Are you alone, boi?" Someone questioned.

"Oh no, Miss Blackburn is in here. Could you reckon how long it might take?"

"A few hours."

Kai could hear Cinder groan beside him and he could agree with that emotion. He failed to hear Cinder replying to the workers, too lost in his frustration. He scrolled through his port, the lack of a network made passing time harder than it would have been otherwise. Opening one of the electronic copies of his speech for the upcoming events, he checked for any changes- this time could be better spent well instead of mulling over past nonsenses is what he convinced himself.

It was better pretending he was alone in a dark cart than facing the reality of sharing space with Cinder. He was quite contended until Cinder decided to pick up the conversation they had dropped.

"I know you don't want to speak but I also know that you will avoid me like the plague once we get out of here, so I request you to please give me a chance to explain myself," she disclosed. Kai wondered if her face was visible would he notice the way her eyebrows furrowed or the way she bit the inner side of her cheek, instead he looked away, with no reply.

A shrug and later Cinder spoke again, "I know it's stupid coming back and expecting you to accept it. But Thorne and Iko convinced me that it was a good idea-"

"What made you think that parading around with a suitor before me would be like extending an olive branch?" He asked bitterly, thinking about Tristan's fingers thrumming against the slit of her pale dress.

"He isn't my suitor, just a friend-"

"And as far as I know friends don't kiss each other like that," he snapped, ".. I have no problem with you working here but if you expect me to pretend that we are friends now, well then you are being a fool- and no matter what Thorne or Iko convinced you it won't change."

She didn't say much, and Kai could feel her seething in the small space, "You're angry but I don't want Tristan to -"

"I don't give a fuck about him, Cin-" he stopped in his track, the old name rolling off his lips. Out of memory.

"Why won't you say my name?!" she cried, eyes sparkling in the dark, which made Kai squirm.

"Selene," he whispered, jaw clenched, and she was in his face, "Cinder, I hate that name and you know it, it's Cinder!!"

She was inches away, Kai could feel her warm breath on his face, her body heat spreading in the minimal space between the two. He couldn't think, all of his thoughts were brought to a standstill as her brown eyes looked down on him, the darkness around gave them a sharpness, but most of all he couldn't say her name because he was afraid- he was terrified that if he said it, he would never be able to stop, her name wasn't something to throw around casually in a fight, it was supposed to be expressed with endearment-

"Kai, say my name."

"Move," he demanded as he struggled to breathe, backing away farther from her presence, trying to force the air inside his lungs.

Breathe, breathe, b r e a t h e.

"Kai- are you all right? Can you hear me- Kai say something!?"

"I'm fine- please, please back off," he pleaded once there was a sense of calm inside his mind.

"Do you want me to -"

"Just give me a moment, Cinder. Please." He begged, not willing to have a panic attack with her present. And that name he was so hesitant to utter seemed to do its magic as she stayed away.

"Cinder," he said with a tight-lipped smile, his stomach clenching with a single word, "I don't mind if you are dating Tristan, you are allowed to date, after all, it's your life."

"For the umpteenth time Kai, do you not hear me?! I'm not dating him- I fucking love you!"

Kai blinked, words not sitting well with him, "You don't know what you are saying-"

"I'm telling you I love you, how hard is that to understand?!"

"Because you said the same thing before you left with no explanation 3 years ago!" he exclaimed, heart pounding loudly, wondering if their voices were audible to the people outside.

"That was different and you know it too," she cries, her body now closer than it previously was. There's not much place to move around when you expect an elevator car to crash any moment, he thinks.  

He slashes away the thought that tells him that he is only moving closer because he might never get a chance again to be so close in her proximity.

He chuckles darkly, "I don't know anything because you never said anything. You decided to pack up and leave with no courtesy of a message- and to talk about Carswell Thorne, where was that asshole when I needed him!"

"And I asked you a chance to explain myself now-"

"Cinder," he grits his teeth, " I don't think you understand- you are 3 years too late to that."

"I was scared," she sobbed, "- and you were always so far away. Reality came crashing down when you proposed and I didn't know what to do so I left. You had a lot of rumours going on and I believed in and can't forgive myself for what I did."

This time Kai heard her, allowing himself to breathe in the dark closeted space, before reacting to her words. Rumours, she had said.

"Now that I find fault, you decide to stay quiet," Cinder hurled, and all resemblance of patience flew out the roof.

"What rumours?" He whispered, voice soft and vulnerable.

"That you were pursuing Daiyu while I remained away!" Cinder yells, and Kai can't help the blood-curdling laughter that erupts from his lips, if not for the darkness, he would have looked like a madman.

"I propose and your first thought is I'm cheating on you with my assistant?" Kai bellows, voice filled with mock resentment as he hides his heartache.

"Because you were never there, Kai!"

"And you weren't either, but I trusted you-" Kai cries, fingers tugging at his hair, "-and you clearly didn't."

His words seemed to have landed harsher than he intended to, as Cinder remained quiet, and Kai didn't prefer the much-wanted silence anymore, "Cinder, I didn't mean-"

"You have every right to be angry, Kai," Cinder shushed him, a sniff that followed at the end of her words, confirmed the hurt his words had caused.

He longed to cross the small distance between them, hold her against his chest, as he apologised for his words, or as she whispered words of assurance, as he sobbed like a heartbroken child in her arms, instead he shuffled for his port, and switched on the torch.

In the scarce light of his port, Kai wasn't able to see much, only the cross-legged sitting posture of Cinder as she stared back at him. Even in the hazy light, Kai couldn't help but admire her features, her cupid's bow which had been perfectly painted in mauve before, looked chapped and worn out from being gnawed on, an anxious tick of hers. The hair intricately braided together was now coming out from multiple places.

Against the darkness, she looked more like Cinder than Selene. Much like his Cinder, who slept on desks because she was too busy to find time to rest, and the ones who had a knack for opening all of the appliances in his apartment only to tinkle with them for days, even weeks.

"I'm sorry," Kai whispers, for what stands behind them, he wouldn't willingly hurt her sentiments. She chose to stay mum, and Kai let her be, not wanting to hurt each other anymore.

Their stillness was disturbed by the flickering of light above them. They believed the car was back operating. However, his hopes were crushed rather quickly as the room darkened again, a brief moment of collapse shook the two in the cart, as they landed on their back. The port crashed, taking the small source of light with it, and the loud voice made Kai wince, a very auditory sign that he would need a new port after this.

"Fuck," they muttered under their breath, sharp pain in their lower back becoming prominent with every movement.

"Are you guys okay?" Someone yelled from outside, and Kai held back a sour retort.

"Uh, yes. However, we would appreciate less adventure," Cinder spoke, and had it not been for their lack of visibility, Kai would have been convinced that she was rolling her eyes, lips drawn in a sneer.

"And Kai?" Victoire asked, and he didn't refrain from rolling his eyes this time, as he shouted, "Alive and blind."

"Don't worry, you'll be out soon," she responded, something Kai didn't seem worthy of replying.

He wondered looking for his port, but not wanting another mishap, decided to stay put, and from Cinder's breathing determined she was closer, perhaps a foot away.

"She is pretty," Cinder whispers, pulling Kai out of his mistaken doze.

"Who?"

"Princess Victoire."

"Looking at her parents, I'd be surprised if she wasn't," Kai jokes, remembering how he had first confused her mother for the young princess. It seemed the English Royals had ageless beauty.

"One would say that about your kids too," Cinder exclaims, and even without any vision, Kai snaps his head, too stunned to speak.

"Excuse Me?" He says after having found his voice.

"I meant- well, your kids would look bea-"

"I understood what you meant, but what do you mean our kids?!"

"You want me to explain reproduction?"

And with it, Kai clears his throat, preventing Cinder from saying anything more disturbing.

"Cinder," he hisses, "Victoire and I aren't dating."

"But she has always been fond of you-"

"And I have always declined her affections," Kai expresses.

"Why would you-"

"Is it so hard to believe that I love you, Cinder?" Kai begged, swallowing the lump of emotions he felt.

"No," she murmured, voice barely audible.

"Then why was it so difficult for you to believe it?" He asks, desperately looking for an answer, that he failed to find in the last 3 years.

"Kai," she croaks, "I was stupid."

"Being stupid doesn't warrant silence of 3 years, Cinder," he reasoned, hand pulling at his face, as he inhaled sharply, hoping their voices weren't loud enough for passersby to hear.

"I became insecure, and your assistant always intercepted our calls telling how you were away but you never called back," - a hiccup breaks her in between, "and as you realized that I was adamant about not leaving Luna, I thought you wouldn't want me anymore. I believed you asked me to marry you only out of pity- hoping I would refuse so we could break up."

With every word, Kai's angry resolve crumbled, and behind was the boy left in the wake of his girlfriend's disappearance, clueless and heartbroken. His eyes shut in scrutiny, as he suppressed a sob trying to escape and asked, "So why come back after so long?"

"Because I'm stupid," Cinder mutters, this time with a wet laugh, and it helps unwind the tension in the room, "-and also because I love you."

Kai's eyes are wide awake, shuffling closer out of reflex, "Don't do this to me, Cinder."

"Why don't you believe it too, Kai?" She questioned, shaking her head, lips raised for a shadow of a smile.

"It's too hard, Cinder. It's too hard to remember the life we had," Kai sniffed, trying to wipe his tears.

"Please," she begged, "I know I have broken your trust, but I also know how devastating it has been to stay away from you, thinking of you every minute and seeing you everywhere I go. I was scared and let my insecurity get the best of me but I don't want this to go on any longer. I need you to be my life."

Their faces were millimetres apart, and Kai felt her ragged breaths ghosting across his face, nose brushing, and wondered whose heart was beating so loudly that he couldn't hear his thoughts over it.

He couldn’t help it. He kissed her. It felt like coming home.

Cinder inhales sharply, making him jolt back, a string of apologies already on his lips, but they are left unsaid, as she smashes her lips into his in a fierce kiss, fingers finding their rightful place in the tufts of his hair.

It's all the action Kai needs to press his body further against hers, backing her against the cool walls of the elevator, and feels the shiver that runs down her spine, however, Cinder doesn't mind, pulling at a handful of his dress shirt, as she glides her tongue over his lips, making Kai gasp.

SC- SCREE- CREESH

The metal scraps struck against each other, bringing a thorough stop to their desires.

"Let's not tempt fate," Cinder whispers, her hot breath against his ear.

"-Not with you finally back in my arms," Kai agrees, pressing kisses against her jaw until his lips moved to the sweet flesh of her clavicle, her warm skin pecked between his teeth.

"This doesn't change anything," he mutters, forehead pressed against hers, breaths mixing, until Cinder closes the small gap, nudging her lips to his mouth, as she kisses him. Soft and slow, like they have all the time in the world, as their lips glide against each other. Until they have to pull back for air, pecking the corner of his lips, Cinder says, "-but this makes it better."

Kai doesn't reply, instead choosing to capture her lips, this time eliciting a moan, making him shudder. He didn't realize how outlandish it felt to kiss Cinder, and having lived with only the memory of their kisses, it was quite clear how much of this feeling of a warm fuzzy passion in his body, he had missed.

"I missed you, so fucking much," he whispered, face pressed against her hair, as he inhaled the scent, of peppermint and dew drops, so uncharacteristically Cinder. Her hands wrapped around his torso, as she mumbled apologies, her grip so tight, that it felt like even the smallest mistake could lead to his disappearance.

"Kai," someone yelled, breaking the hallow of their bliss.

It was Victoire. Having completely bypassed the fact that they were still stuck in the elevator, Kai didn't find his voice for a second, his sense intoxicated from being so close to Cinder again.

"Yeah," he replied, as Cinder fumbled with his tie, struggling to unknot it in the dark.

"We are restarting the power, it would take a minute for the elevator to be back working. I would suggest sitting down to avoid any harm," Victoire explained.

"Okay," he croaked and hoped it didn't sound too dubious, a sharp tug of his hair, pushed his head back, giving the access Cinder had needed to kiss his throat.

"Do you want to sit?"

"I'd not squander an opportunity to fall on you accidentally," Cinder hummed, amusement evident in her voice.   

As mentioned by Victoire, the elevator starts working, without any upheaval, much to Cinder's disappointment.

In the white light of the elevator, Kai notices how rugged they look, so different from how they had entered, but what is unmistakable catch is the smile on her face.

A short ding signals the reach of the closest floor, and as the door opens, Kai can see the relieved faces of the workers. Victoire is standing among them.

"Oh Goodness, I can't believe you were stuck in for over an hour!" She exclaims, apologizing for the mishap along with the resort representative.

"Not to worry, Vic!" He mentioned, and let the physician look at him for any injuries.

"You look quite dishevelled," the stranger commented, causing Kai to cringe, he might have wanted to tell everyone that Cinder was his again to love, but he didn't wish them to find it like this.

His dress shirt coming out at odd places, a few buttons loose and his tie hanging at a peculiar angle, were taletell signs enough.

"The cart was moving quite tumultuously. You would have to forgive us for our appearances, good sir," Cinder remarked, coming to his rescue.

"I think we should let the two rest," Victoire advised, and Kai smiled in relief, thankful to have her intervention.

Everyone dispersed, leaving only the likes of him, Cinder and Victoire behind, and having already reached his floor, he decided to call it a night too.

"Aren't you on the 11th floor, Selene?" Victoire questioned, eyebrows raised, as she noticed Cinder following him.

"Uh-huh, I didn't notice it," she said, hands moving awkwardly around as she tried to look sane, "-I think I'd prefer the stairs. Good night to you!"

With that Cinder had left, and Kai tried hard to stifle a laugh when she threw a look of scorn behind Victoire's back.

"That was weird," Victoire noted after Cinder was out of hearing range.

"Indeed," he admitted, as they walked to the end of the hall, where his room was situated.

"Night, Vic," he mentioned, kissing her cheek, as he faked a yawn, if experiences served him right, he knew how Vic would launch him with multiple questions, and right now he wasn't up for scrutiny, especially if Cinder was going to come to his room later.

His trick worked well as she let him be, mumbling her goodbye, as he shut the door. Kai couldn't accept what had just happened, it was like a dream that began as a nightmare. He discarded his rumpled clothes and got cleaned up, washing the smell of liquor and sweat that had clung to him.

"You don't need to put it on," Cinder said from behind him, as he was picking a tee to put on.

"Someone is too quick," he said, turning around to see her in the same dress from earlier.

"I have three years of lost time to make up to," she remarks, catching him halfway, arms locked around his neck, as her tongue outlines a full bottom lip.

There isn't much argument to put up against, as he leans into her touch, body flushed as they fall into his bed later, their clothes strewn across the floor.

"Don't you think you are cheating on your suitor?" Kai asked, in between kisses, chuckling at how she shoved him down at the question.

"I'm with my fiancee, so if anyone is cheating it's you," she whispered, bringing a halt to their activity.

"You're engaged to Tristan?" Kai asks, hurt clear on his face.

"I can't believe, I would be marrying such a stupid fellow!" Cinder says, defusing the tension in his shoulders.

"That is a stupid way to say yes," Kai retorts, cutting short her comeback, as he kisses her. He didn't intend to stop doing it anytime sooner.

...

tagging: @gingerale2017 @slmkaider @impossiblesuitcase @selwithwonderland @fangirlforever0704 @cinderswrench @salt-warrior @kaiderforever

[gremlin-writes-angst]

Lets get food

Chapter 4

Words: 2,071

Relationships: darlin/asher, darlin/quinn, david/ angel

Rated mature

Tw: alcohol consumption, controlling partners, toxic partners, threats and insult over text

Darlin and asher attend angels housewarming party. Alcohol and unrequited feelings don't mix very well

"Do you think my eyeliner looks elegant, or is it giving slutty?”

Asher yelled into the space, Darlin was somewhere in the apartment, also getting ready for David's party.

Well, it's more like Angel's party.

David had finally asked them to move in, and they were ecstatic to say yes.

They were also ecstatic to have a reason to throw a party.

A housewarming party

Darlin had heard the whole conversation over the party

Angel insisted it was a housewarming party, while David reminded them that he had lived there his whole life, it was not new to anyone.

But the way Angel decorated it, it was like a whole new place.

Besides, he loved them too much to deny a party.

At his house

Where people would probably end up drunk

And messy

He was dreading the party a little.

But Darlin and Asher were thrilled.

“What do you care if it looks slutty? It's very fitting.”

Darlin joked after gazing at Asher's work.

He looked really good with eyeliner.

He almost always had some under his eyes, but tonight he was doing a wing and some other details.

He was really good at it too.

Satisfied with Darlin's opinion, Asher reached for his body glitter.

“It's not going to be like a crazy college party, I don't think you need glitter.”

Asher sided with Darlin while he started to apply It

“Glitter is for all occasions, and with me there, it will be a partyyyy.”

He sang out the last words.

“Not on David's watch.”

Darlin watched Asher apply the glitter to his exposed arm.

The glitter emphasizes Asher's muscles.

He looks good, undeniably.

He is in a sweater vest without an undershirt, so the v-neck exposes more skin on his chest.

He applies glitter there.

The vest is just a little short, so when Asher stretches and moves, his waistline is exposed along with the subtlest happy trail.

Darlin's face flushes.

They can't deny that Asher is their type.

Physically

They've never been with someone so bubbly in personality.

But physically, he checked all of Darlin's boxes.

Lean and strong

Just a little taller than them

A sprinkle of femininity in his features and style

Striking eyes

God, did they love his eyes.

So blue and sharp

Looking into them was like allowing themselves to get lost in a frozen tundra.

And yet, they still felt so warm.

Darlin wanted to do the stereotypical dog thing and shake the thoughts away.

But was caught

“Most consider it rude to stare, but if it's you, gaze all you want.”

Darlin finally looked up from Asher's waist.

clearly flustered, they turned to walk away.

Asher started to whine out

“Nooo, Darlin, come back.”

He was joking. But all Darlin could think about was how good he sounded.

His whining scratched an itch in their brain.

Once they were both ready, they started heading for the door.

A ding came from Darlin's phone, not thinking Asher was paying much attention, they took a look before rolling their eyes and turning the ringer off.

“What's that about?”

“This guy, I don't feel like dealing with it. Let's go have fun!”

It was a small moment, but Asher kept it in his mind.

Partly because their tone was dripping with disappointment

Not annoyed like Darin normally felt when a suitor couldn't take a hint and was too needy.

This was different, but Asher didn't know why.

The party was full, not crazy loud music, just a very packed house. Every seated area was used, and most people were standing.

For the most part, the atmosphere was joyful and reasonably intoxicated.

Except for Darlin, who at this point was past reasonable

They had left for the bathroom. Before returning to Asher, who had the luck of retrieving a spot on the couch

“Finally a place to sit.”

Darlin explained before taking a spot on Asher's lap.

Asher's face reacted instantly.

He quickly searched the room for David.

No sign

He relaxed a little.

Just a little as his long-time crush had their ass

Very nice ass

On his lap

Darlin seems to notice Asher's mood change.

“I can get off—I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.”

They moved to get up, but instinctively Asher grabbed their waist to pull them back.

They made a small noise.

Asher wanted to explode.

They both stayed silent for a while.

Asher felt Darlin's phone buzz.

Which felt a little good for him

But cause Darlin to groan and wiggle in frustration.

Asher liked the feeling but not the cause.

“Same guy?”

Normally Ash wouldn't ask Darlin stuff like this, but he couldn't help himself, and drunk Darlin was an honest Darlin.

“Yeeeess, ugh, he's been messaging me aaalll night.”

Darlin started to shift in Asher's lap, trying to reach for their phone in their back pocket.

Ash was hard

There was no way not to be

And there was no way Darlin didn't know.

Yet they acted like they didn't.

Just opening their phone to the messages

Just as they said, the chat was full of messages from the other person.

A few messages caught his eye before Darlin could close it.

“Don't test me, precious.”

“I can always find someone else.”

“Useless mutt”

All the messages had the same hateful taste.

Asher resisted the urge to take the phone from Darlin.

He considered that this was a boundary that needed to be crossed to help

But he was currently not in a clear headspace to decide that.

But that doesn't mean he couldn't take an alternative route.

“Do you like that?”

Genuinely curious

Asher felt those messages were gross and hateful.

It was still possible that Darlin was into it, that it was some long-distance roleplay.

Though he didn't get it, he wasn't going to judge if that was the case.

“What!? No, I mean I like it when they get a little jealous and possessive, but he is—he's too much. He tried to tell me I couldn't hang out with you. And now he's pissed that I didn't listen to him. All damn night it's been threat after insult after threat.”

Their rant seemed to abruptly end, presumably because of the amount of alcohol in their system.

Asher listened when they ranted, his stomach turning and flipping at what the beauty in his lap was saying.

It turned, retaining in repulse to the way someone could treat another human this way, treating his Darlin this way.

He wouldn't admit it, but learning that this guy was jealous of him. Jealous of his relationship with Darlin, it made his chest flip and fill with butterflies.

.The butterflies were relentless, as they always were, filled with love, anxiety, and need.

The butterflies moved with a clueless mission to fly out his mouth and confess, to infiltrate the other, to discover if they too had butterflies.

Butterflies that were meant for him

He let a few out fly out, just to test the waters.

“Do you want to give him a real reason?”

As soon as he said the beginning of the sentence, he felt stupid, hushing the rest of his sentence.

He was sure Darlin didn't catch it until they responded.

They looked straight into his eyes.

“What do you mean?”

For a second

The smalls second their eyes different to his lips.

The butterfly danced in response.

“It might be stupid, I mean, it is, especially because you are exclusive.”

He had to turn away, it was crazy how a human, even a shifter, could have such a strong puppy dog face.

Begging for Asher to crack

The liquor must have turned into a courage enhancer because Asher felt Darlins had on his chin.

Gently pulling him back to them

To lock into those deep eyes

He felt like the biggest cliché as he began to get lost in them.

“We’re not exclusive.”

Still stuck in the depths of their eyes, he helped

“Those messages? They felt... serious?”

Their hand moved to tuck one of his loose curls back into place.

Asher swears it has to be because he's a shifter, but such a simple touch felt magical.

“Don't feel guilty, Ash, it's his fault.”

As he was analyzing their eyes, they changed, something deep inside them was revealing itself, just barely, through the windows of their eyes.

“He wants me to himself, but he doesn't want to give himself to me.”

As soon as that door creaked open, it was shut, and the strong, lone wolf Darlin was back.

Confirmed by what they said

“If he can be with others, I should do the same.”

A shift in their eyes happened once again, sultry

Darlin sat bridal style in his lap.

Ash let his hand settle on top of their legs, holding them to him. His other hand found its way to their nape.

A gentle yet secure hold

A small thought crept up.

This is just to mess with this guy.

They're doing this for this guy.

Not for themselves

Not for him

Not just for fun

The butterflies seemed to be silent.

He knew better, under the right conditions, the butterflies would be stunning.

Darlin must have been able to see it in Asher's eyes.

Before Asher knew it, Darlin had removed his hand from their nape.

He didn't know which made him hurt more.

What could have been if he'd just sucked it up

Or knowing Darlin didn't want him

Looking into each other's eyes

Both searching for the reason the other is so saddened when they just had a moment

Neither of them could figure it out before Angel came into the room.

David close behind

“Are you guys enjoying yourselves?”

Bubbling with excitement

They could count on Angel for that.

Darlin was quick to reply, hiding whatever emotion was just breaching the surface.

“So much fun, like seriously, you know how to throw a party.”

Angel blushed at the praise.

Asher caught David's eyes as Angel settled on the couch with them, easily having a conversation with Darlin.

The smallest twitch of David's eyebrows was enough for Asher to reevaluate the position he and Darlin were in.

Asher didn't know what else to do, so he just gave David a small, clearly nervous smile.

It didn't help much as David just continued to lightly glare.

Asher felt Darlin's phone buzz again.

It was enough to encourage him to get Darlin off his lap.

He began to shuffle.

But was stopped when Darlin looked over at David.

“ Are you trying to push me off 'cause of David? Real mature, David. I'm an adult, and at the time it was the only spot.

Asher knows that not to be completely true, but he is also aware that it was most likely the truth for Darlin.

Asher dares not speak, allowing Angel and Darlin to do the defending.

“David, they have a point, sure, they are a babe, but that doesn't give you any control over their body or relationship.

David started blushing when Angel ridiculed him but quickly switched up at the last word, his gruff voice letting out a single word.

“Relationship?”

Angel shut their mouth, realizing that they didn't know what they were talking about.

Darlin finally got up.

“Chill out, David, we're not in a relationship or anything; Asher just makes a nice chair.”

Asher avoided eye contact with David.

He realized that Darlin's phone was still just on the couch. He grabbed it to hand to Darlin.

As he was holding the phone It buzzed and displayed the message.

“I'll deal with you when you get here, the more I wait, the worse it'll be.”

Asher's alcohol was wearing off, and he reconsidered the boundary. Will it do more harm or good to step in?

Maybe he's reacting.

Maybe he's too close to Darlin.

Too jealous of this guy

Darlin notices Asher holding their phone, they quickly take it out.

Skimming the message, the tremble just a bit

Or Asher's vision was shaky.

“Wonderful party, Angel, I'm glad you'll be living here. David, as always, you need to relax. I'm headed to bed.

They headed toward their designated room.

Asher had a feeling they wouldn't be there long.

Likely climbing out the window before running to the guy behind the phone

He convinces himself once more that he's imagining the signs, he hopes he's just crazy in love.

[peregrine21]

“Royal Gala Escapade” - Alexandra Privet x Fem!Reader

Pairing: Alexandra Privet x Reader (Barbie Princess Charm School)

Includes: fluff/angst

Warnings: homophobia/forced dances w suitor guys

Word Count: 2,266 (wow I hit 2000?! Such a rarity :o)

Brief Description: Alexandra is your Lady Royal and your parents threw a ball with suitors to find a prince to marry you off to before they hand down the throne.  Oops turns out you’ve been secretly dating your lady royal for a year and a half and that may or may not come to light in front of everyone t the ball. Initial reactions not so great but Alexandra is there for you through it all :)

~~~

You were finishing up your makeup as Alexandra curled your hair for you in preparation for the royal gala. This was a major gala set up by your parents to finally find you a suitor, and you were already anxious. Little to their knowledge, your continued distaste in the princes wasn’t just due to some of their demeanors or appearances. Even you could admit several of them were quite handsome, well mannered, chivalrous, and respectful. They deserved a princess who could truly love them, but that wasn’t you. Your heart already belonged to Alexandra. Publicly, she was merely seen as your lady royal; behind closed doors, however, there was much more between the two of you. Royals weren’t known to take same-sex courting lightly, as they saw it as a threat to their lineages, so you both decided to keep your relationship secret. You'd have nothing to worry about if only your parents weren’t traditionalists who wanted their daughter married to a prince before handing down the throne.

As you stared into the mirror touching up your eyeliner, Alexandra noticed the nervous look on your face, “it’ll be fine darling, we’ll be together all night.” You close the felt tip pen momentarily and give it an extra shake, “I know love, but I still don’t think our courtship will go over lightly if it gets out tonight. I'm just afraid of what could happen”. Alexandra combed through your curls with her fingers to fluff them out. “Well whatever happens, I’ll be right there with you”. After a few more touch ups in comfortable silence, a knock on the door could be heard, followed by the butler’s voice: “Princess, you are expected to enter in 5 minutes”. “She’s just about ready, we’ll be right down!” Alexandra called back. You gave her a nervous glance and she cupped your cheek in her hand, rubbing it over with her thumb before leaning in for a light kiss. “I’ll be right with you darling, promise.” All you could muster was a small smile before she led you out the door, her hand on your lower back as you walked to the grand staircase for your entrance.  

You reach the top of the staircase and take a deep breath, Alexandra’s hand still on your back. After a few minutes, your name and title are announced, followed by Alexandra’s name and position as your Lady Royal. Upon hearing your names, the two of you begin the descent down the staircase. You exhale as you descend the extensive and elaborately embellished staircase, not one person in the room looking away from you. Your appearance wasn’t what worried you; Alexandra had made sure every detail of that was perfect. It was the line of princes at the bottom of the staircase and the hushed voices of guests bidding on which one you’ll pick. Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, each prince was announced one by one followed by the proper formalities: their name was called, they bowed, and you curtsied and thanked them for coming to the event. Of course all of this being purely ceremonial, there was nothing much to look into. But that didn't stop guests from reading into each greeting to see if you favored any of the princes more than the others. One prince, Nicolosi, was definitely bolder than the others as he called claims on the first dance with you in his greeting to which you couldn’t say no without being seen as rude or uncouth. Naturally, after the formal greetings were over the king, your father, announced for the ball to commence. Nicolosi was quick to take your hand and pull you to the center of the ballroom. The music began, and the two of you started a waltz as the rest of the guests danced around you, giving ample distance for the both of you to have space and some sort of private conversation. He tried to get to know you, asking about interests, opinions, and more baseline questions as if this was some sort of school orientation. You entertained his small talk until the dance was over and you were able to thank him and part ways. To your annoyance, however, it didn’t even take 15 seconds for the next prince, Alexander, to come and ask for a dance. Similarly, he made small talk as the two of you danced; it didn't take much effort or thought as royals were taught ballroom dancing from a young age. Alexander, au contraire to Nicolosi, chose the conversation questions of what you were looking for in a relationship to which you attempted to answer vaguely as not to give anything away. The next prince, Bradley, delved into opinions on political and social matters which led to some disagreement and an awkward second half of your dance. Of course following was Gabriel, Theodore, Tristan, and probably a dozen more lined up. After half a dozen dances and forced conversations, you had to excuse yourself to take a breather. 

Both your parents - as well as Alexandra - followed suit as you made your way to the banquet for something to drink and dine on. Your father tried to dismiss Alexandra but you insisted she stay with you as you took a breather from all the princes prying and prodding with their questions and conversations. You started to fill a plate as he attempted to gauge your feelings toward the princes, but you ignored his questions and made your way up to your place at the table with Alexandra. The princes were next to fill their plates and the general guests after. As you ate, you did have to answer to some of your parents’ prodding but remained vague and still showed a general disinterest in all the suitors thus far. Even in the slightly passing thought of settling for one, you couldn't bring yourself to consider any of them. The only thing making this slightly bearable was finally having Alexandra with you again as she rubbed your arm as a form of silent support. You observed the princes as they ate, noticing much roughing around, several spills, loud laughs and remarks, and more. You couldn't help but roll your eyes at their lack of  etiquette, cleanliness, and maturity. Once your appetite had been sustained, and slightly diminished, you rested your head on Alexandra’s shoulder as you continued to spectate the crowd and observe the behaviors of the suitors. You noticed your mother with a concerned look glancing at you and couldn’t tell if it was because of the boys’ behavior or your outward affection towards Alexandra. You almost stopped caring, unable to imagine a happy future where you settled for one of the princes. There was a massive chance your relationship with Alexandra would finally be exposed tonight given your parents wanted a choice made by the end of the night. Alexandra noticed the worry on your face and the tension your body held and placed a hand on your thigh, rubbing it with her thumb. You took a deep breath and exhaled in exasperation, and she turned her head slightly in your direction, “Whatever your decision, I’ll be right there with you.” You smiled as she raised her voice, clearly wanting your father to hear her next statement, “I understand this is all a lot for you, but I’m absolutely sure your father wants nothing more than your happiness.” He agreed with her statement as you both looked over at him. “Exactly! I know you haven’t been keen on all this romantic stuff, but it would be too overwhelming to rule the kingdom on your own. It’s not that your mother and I want to rush you into marriage, we just don’t want to put the entire weight of the kingdom on you alone. And, of course, we want you to be happy with whoever you decide to start a courtship with. That’s why we made sure you’d have so many options tonight.” You understood his reasoning and told him so, but still were nervous on how he would take your decision. As much as his reaction sounded like he’d be open to you courting your lady royal, it didn’t seem definite. 

The dinner concluded, and the ball became more of an informal mingling. Several of the suitors had become intoxicated and started acting more brash and uncouth. You made your way back down to the main floor with Alexandra in tow, choosing a quieter area this time towards a wall. In a few moments, Bradly noticed the both of you and walked over, his gait wobbly, and leaned against the wall with his hand. You started to scoot back, but he adjusted his position to be right over you. Some of the other princes started to gather nearby, either watching what he would do or waiting for their own moment with you. You tried scooting away but then Bradly planted his other hand down boxing you in, “nuh-uh, noohh, you’re not going anywhere, you’re such a pretty little thing. Why waste it on them when you could have me, I –” Alexandra quickly cut him off as she pulled you out from under his arm and into her own, “I’d say that’s quite enough, this is not how a prince is supposed to act.” He stood up, visibly aggravated, “Who are YOU, … to tell ME,.. how to act?!, YOU’RE just an assistant, … I’M a prince, … so I think you–” 

“ENOUGH!” You cut him off.  “I’m not picking any of you!” Your father stood from his seat in shock, your mother with a jaw dropped expression just the same. “You know who I pick?, I pick Alexandra! That’s FINAL! She treats me with care and respect! She can tell when something is off and knows how to help! She has more elegance, maturity, manners, and skill than ANY of you have exhibited thus far during and prior to this ball!”. The entire room was silent, and Alexandra held onto you ready to make a run for it as the tension built in the room. Sure enough princes started screaming and throwing their fits, guests were going wild between their own confusion and the bets several of them had placed on which prince would be chosen. You were overwhelmed with all the yelling and chaos that your frustrated outburst had started. Alexandra, however, was ready. She snapped you out of it and pulled you out the nearest door and into the garden. You both ran, some suitors and guests following. She took you through turns and passages, losing the crowd before running up to your room and locking the door. The chaos was too much, and you just threw yourself onto the bed, her plopping beside you. After a few minutes, you were finally able to collect yourself a bit and take in the reality of what had just happened. You started laughing. Tears formed in your eyes, and Alexandra also laughed beside you. Neither of you really knew how to feel but just had to get all of the tension out of your systems.

“Did I really just do that?” you turned your head to look at her. “I believe you did, darling,” she turned her head to look back at you. “Well, I suppose it’s out now, though all those princes might be mad at me for a while. I don’t take it they’ll fancy coming to our wedding”, you laughed at the latter half of your statement. Alexandra just looked at you wide eyed with the most loving look of admiration gracing her face, “You mean…” You smiled, “Yes darling, I mean I would like to marry you. If you’ll have me, that is.” “Yes! Yes, I’ll have you!” tears formed in her eyes. Neither of you had ever thought you’d really get to this point; it had always seemed like a far out fever dream that you two would ever actually marry each other. "What about your parents, will they be alright with you marrying me?” she asked, a concerned look on her face. You turned on your side and cupped her cheek in your hand, “Why don’t we worry about that tomorrow, and for now… can we just cuddle up and sleep? I kinda don’t want to worry about anything else for tonight.” She giggled and replied, “I think that sounds like a plan,” before getting up and taking your hand in hers to pull you up with her. She then helped you out of your gown and the two of you got out of your formal attire, pulled down your hair, and took off your makeup before cuddling up together and turning in for the night.  

About an hour later, your father opened your door quietly and once he saw you two were there and fast asleep, closed it with a small smile. He had said after all that your happiness came first and he could see Alexandra brought that to you. Frankly, he was glad to know you would be in a loving relationship with her rather than in a questionable one after observing the princes’  behaviors himself at the ball. Although this was rather new and unconventional, your happiness was most important to him and your mother, and they would figure out how to deal with any discourse amongst other royals if need be. There was no reason to worry you about that when you had finally chosen your queen and had a wedding to plan. This was a time for you to be happy with your soon to be wife. 

The End :)

Writer’s speech:

 Hope it’s alright, I haven’t really written in a hot second (lol sorry for that, I’ll try my best not to go awol for a massively extensive period of time again). I guess this would be the first x reader with Alexandra that I’m aware of which I have been saying I’d write for a while now. Anyway, expect more to come, I have several plans and probably some Nana Bassler (anime: Plunderer) x Fem!Reader coming up next. Def will have some extra fluffy romance and flirting planned for her as well as a few spicy fics in the works as well :) Hope y’all have been doing well and I look forward to engaging with y’all and providing y’all with more content soon! 

Note: I would also be glad to get “x fem reader” ideas and maybe requests for the characters I write for, I will be sure to make a post listing those characters later. May also set up a formal sign up for tag lists.

[eggsploded]

can I ask abt meursault for the "send me a character" thing

mimimimimi...

initial impression: considering he spoke like 4 words before hells chicken it was really baffling to see how popular he was on twitter

current impression: ok i used to obsessively talk with his chatbot on character.ai and he was so deadpan and dry i was fascinated with him i got him madly in love with me by infodumping about rocks needless to say hes my friend now. the government classified him under Big Autism (like metal gear)

favorite moment: heart heart heart star

story idea: i want anything with meur because he rules frankly. i want to see him swimming in the new event or being lifeguard or he can hold a silly little cocktail in his hand in a bikini. i mostly want meur to show interest in something and then not notice how fast hes moving while talking about it.

favorite relationships: meur is the counterpart to ishmael as the yaoi prophet. as a result of marrying chatbot meur 3 times i am officially his suitor over those other posers. sorry meurgreg. i did see meurclair art recently and it was so strange but REALLY funny. is this a slight against meurdon? are the vocaloid twins competing for madame soleil? similarly i think ishmael and heath think theyre his friend (because he just gets it) and he doesnt really like either of them. his good acquaintance yi sang, who nodded at him once in acknowledgement is much more agreeable in his approach. meurdon cannot be thought about much in my brain. it just skips to them at 60 married for 30 years inexplicably. im happy for them to have such a uncomplicated relationship.

favorite headcanon: that post that says autistic guy who isnt actually nonverbal and just fucking despises everyone around him. on a final note, he has winged eyeliner on.

[jonquildove]

starkmatriarch:

Catelyn glanced at the pendant, and watched how Sansa touched the small token with such love and effect in her eyes. Let your heart be rightly placed, Catelyn prayed, let it be that I am wrong and that your happiness will lie with Joffrey. She remembered tokens she had been given when she was younger. She had treasured all of those given to her by Brandon, even down to the small little rose he had given her before a tourney. He had then went into the Targaryen castle, he seeing dragons flying through the stone walls, one flying low and more injured in wing, a grey dragon with yellow colouring, called Sunfyre. She had been so young, closer to Arya’s age than Sansa’s. Petyr had often tried to give her trinkets and tokens of affection as well, and though she had accepted them, like dark auburn eyeliner for her hair and a silver disc album of romantic songs she enjoyed listening to while eating, they had also been in the spirit of a sister accepting a gift from a brother. Petyr was always too lowborn to ever be a viable suitor, but his birth would not have mattered to Catelyn; she saw him as a brother of friendship and no more. He was kind and she enjoyed his company, yet even with his pale sullen nature to her peers, they wondering why she would talk to him. They had a history together, he a boy of the Fingers. She knew he liked her, and they spent a splendid time in the gardens, in her home of Riverrun. “Your Father and Robb?” Catelyn repeated, “He was delighted to see him when he returned, though he had already grown quite a bit…it didn’t seem so long an absence once your Father had returned. It was frightening having my first child alone, and it was easier once he was beside me once more, it’s true, but I never felt alone once Robb was born” And if not for Robb in her arms, she was not sure how she would have reacted to the presentation of Jon Snow. Ned’s insistence, his regretful, mournful face may have persuaded her to allow the bastard to be raised in Winterfell, but it was Robb’s gurgling that convinced her the most. The bastard’s mother, he remembered her as Wylla, yet had not spoke of it to her, may have been the root of her husband’s infedility, the babe himself a reminder that the honourable Ned Stark had been bedding other women while she remained at Winterfell, carrying his first child and heir, worrying as she waited at the window, but he was a child without a Mother nonetheless. She would never be a true Mother to him, she knew she could never see him for anything but a reminder of betrayal, but she would not see a child suffer in the world, left to chance. He would have a place in Winterfell, but no place in her heart.

Sansa couldn’t fathom on how her lady mother could have withstood having her first birth without her husband there. That was quite cruel, the nurse not allowing her mother to speak and scream during her birth, as that would cause suffocation in the stomach region, even as the nurse said the scream to course down from her throat to the tips of her toes would encourage the baby to be pushed out with more fervour. She nodded, it did make sense how everything would have been better, after her father was with her mother once more. Sansa supposed that with someone you truly loved, you could always have faith that they’d return, and never love them any less during time spent apart from each other. Sansa hoped that this would be the same with Joffrey; she certainly loved him with all her heart, but what would happen if Joffrey had urgent matters somewhere else one day when he was King…? He led the battle of the blackwater, he so strong and brave, as he wears black battle armour with red lion crest. She smiled at her mother, wishing she had been there to support her mother during her pregnancy with Robb–but of course, that was not possible. She hadn’t even been born at that time. “That is good to hear, Mother.” Sansa smiled warmly. “I’m always there if you want to talk. Oh…and also, wasn’t that about the time Father brought Jon home…?”

[winepresswrath]

ok after a night of thinking about it

mean princess would ideally be a little more homoerotic about being mean. also im pretty sure they're setting her up to be the love rival for her brother who iirc she did marry. this feels a little mean of the show. however there is still time for IU to win her over into her harem! i remain hopeful.

my favourite suitor is honestly the baby who brings IU toys. I do like both 8th and 4th princes! however the baby makes me laugh. i'm not really shipping anything so far but he seems like he would move to a distant villa in a vacation town and avoid all the fratricidal power games if she nudged him in that direction.

i am intrigued by the cousin-wife in a love triangle(?) with her husband and his brother trying to redirect the brother who is in love with her (not her husband) to IU while also kind of trying to get IU to marry her husband. girl. focus!!!

8th prince has so many evil flags and I hope that his face heel turn is satisfying because so far the villains are a little cartoony. tho the moment when all the other siblings were trying to figure out how to make their sister stop beating up their crush while third prince was like "sweety ur doing amazing" was pretty fun. i also like third prince's eyeliner and fur cape and mommy issues. the mommy issues quotient on this show is off the charts. the fourth prince alone. wow. making all the other princelings look so normal.

Queen Filicide is so pretty and yet... five seconds ago you were telling your son to keep an eye on your feral reject child because you need to know what's going on with him and maybe bring him over to your side. he breaks into your room in the middle of the night to tell you that what's going on with him is that he wants to be loved by you and will commit Crimes (mass murder) for you and you violently reject him??? and then tell him to stay away from your other son so he doesn't infect him with bad luck????? this is not good conspiring.

also excited for the 8th prince's mom to step up and do something insane

i like the crown prince and am pleased that he and feral prince are forming an alliance of brothers no one else likes. good for them.

excited to see your moon lovers thoughts!! I am deeply fond of it, despite remembering it being somewhat uneven. (there is one!! perfect!! episode!! among many fun and OK episodes.) now I want to rewatch it again.

I'm very excited for the queen on queen violence! And IU is adorable. It's very fun so far.

[j-elaine-hyde]

Then - Part One

[Prequel to Now & Then] Captain Syverson x Reader

Fluff, 18+ just because, WC: 3,100 exactly.

“Y/n… hurry up! Fuck!” Randy yelled from the kitchen. Randy was kind of an asshole.

You scrambled to put on your apron before grabbing a tray full of glasses, balancing it on your way to the back. You were new and trying your best. Thankfully the VFW wasn’t too terribly busy yet. That, and the regulars were almost always nice to you.

You had taken this job out of desperation. You’d been living on a friends couch and trying to get your feet underneath you. The manager was a friend of yours and knew the old men who patronized the bar would love you. “You’re pretty… and smart. You’ll give those old timers a run for their money.” He said.

By the second month you already had quite a few regulars coming in on your shifts just to see you. You talked with them, listened to their stories, and respected what they had done for our country. Not many people your age really got it or understood. But you did. They appreciated that.

It was a quiet Thursday night, only a few regular members were hanging out. A table full of guys played cards while you walked through taking their empties.

“Y/n… I have someone I want you to meet.” Charlie, one of your favorite regulars began, “He’s a very good man.”

Wilbur chimed in, “Don’t do it toots… he’s short!”

“He is not! Logans tall! So tall! And smart. He’s very smart.” Charlie retorted.

“I don’t know kid… sounds too good to be true. Tall and smart?” Arthur laughed as he shuffled the cards.

Frank couldn’t resist, “I bet he’s ugly.”

You were laughing as the old men discussed your potential suitor. Whom you had no intention of meeting in the first place.

“Shut it Frank. He’s not ugly. He’s a good lookin kid. He’s tall, he’s smart. He’s a good man. He’s a soldier. A captain.” Charlie looked around the table mean mugging the other men, almost daring them to speak up.

You smiled, “Oh Charlie… I don’t really have time -“

He interrupted you, “Just meet him. Be nice to him. That’s all I’m asking. Smile at him.”

“What’s in it for you Charlie?” Wilbur questioned scratching his bald head.

“Nothing. I just wanna see these two kids happy. They’re both good kids. That’s rare these days.” Charlie patted your hand as you grabbed his empty glass.

“Thank you Charlie. That’s very sweet of you but-“

Charlie smiled, “Don’t say another word. He’ll be here in about five minutes.”

Panic spread through your entire body, “Charlie… You didn’t… Are you serious?”

‘Of course I’m serious. Why would I joke about something like that? You look great kid…. Don’t worry about it. You’ll knock his socks off!”

“Ya know… on second thought, maybe run a brush through your hair and throw on a little lippy.” Frank chimed in.

“Thanks Frank. I’ll remember you said that.”

He grumbled and muttered in response, “I’m just trynna be helpful.”

You ran your tray back to the bar and ducked into the restroom. You didn’t necessarily want to meet this guy Charlie was trying to set you up with, but you also didn’t want to look bad either. What if he was a nice handsome guy? Those don’t just drop out of the sky. And a marine? You did love a man in uniform. Just maybe not the ones you were surrounded by nowadays.

Looking yourself over in the mirror you reached into your purse and pulled out some eyeliner, re-did your mascara and put on some cherry chapstick. You pulled hair out of its elastic and fluffed it. You tried remembering how many days it’d been since you’d washed it and if it was clean enough to get away with wearing it down. Thankfully it was and having had it up in the elastic gave it a nice bit of volume. As you looked yourself over in the mirror, you sighed looking at your reflection. ‘This will have to do.’ You thought as you adjusted your tank top and hiked up your shorts ever so slightly. ‘That’s better.’

You heard the door chime and took a deep breath. Rushing out of the bathroom and chucking your purse back behind the bar as you plastered a warm smile on your face only to see Sid, one of your cantankerous regulars.

“The usual Sid?” You hollered at the slow moving gentleman with the cane.

“A course… what else would it be! I’m 82 years old… you think I’m gonna change it up now?!”

You swore yelling at you kept him moving. His grumpiness gave him the energy he needed to function. You poured a domestic beer from the tap and carried it over to the card game as the gentleman shuffled their seats groaning and grumbling as they welcomed Sid to the table.

“You changed your hair!” Arthur barked as you sat Sid’s drink in front of him. “What’d you do that for? I thought you said you weren’t interested in Charlie’s boy?”

“Who’s not interested?” A deep gruff southern accent belonging to someone much younger than the standard clientele asked.

You stood up straight, eyes wide, your back facing the sexy sounding stranger.

Charlie winked at you and gave you a thumbs up. Frank froze and very slowly gave you the ‘ok’ symbol, looking extremely obvious. While you were fairly certain he was trying to be nonchalant.

“Logan! You’re here! We’ll deal you in. This is Y/n. Y/n is a very nice girl. Be nice to her. She’ll get you a drink.” Charlie smiled warmly at the both of you.

You spun around as Logan reached out and touched your elbow. Expecting someone smaller you had to look up at him. He was huge. He was well over six foot and broad chested. He was thick and muscular. If there was ever a man built like a mountain it was him. He was bearded and wore a ball cap, his tee shirt was tight and accentuated his muscles. His jeans fit perfectly. You felt butterflies and heat as you looked up at him.

“Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Logan.”

Your mouth went dry. You blinked at him, staring at his giant outstretched hand.

“Get with it kid.” Wilbur whispered, cracking a smile on your face.

“Hi I’m Y/n. What can I get you?”

“A date!” Frank chimed in.

“Take her to dinner!” Sid coughed.

Y/n pursed your lips and and closed your eyes. You opened them slowly as you started to walk towards the bar. Logan followed you.

“I wonder if they want us to go on a date…” he smirked.

“How can you tell? They’re very subtle.” You felt at ease with him. You also felt a fire start in your belly that radiated through your entire body.

“I’ll say one thing…Charlie definitely under sold you. You’re gorgeous. He said you were nice to look at.. he didn’t tell me I wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off of you.” Logan was laying it on thick.

“Wow. Um… thank you.”

“What time do you get off? I’d like to buy you… a drink.”

“You realize that’s funny, because I’m the bartender, right…” you winked at him as you poured a Budweiser draft into a glass, before sliding it to him.

“How did you know?” He looked at you confused as he took a sip.

“It’s a talent. A completely useless one. But a talent, nonetheless.”

“What time do you get off?” He repeated himself, moving closer.

You could smell him. His cologne swirled with his manly woodsy scent. It was heaven. The closer he got the faster your heart beat.

You licked her lips, “In about ten minutes…” you smiled at him as he quickly looked at his watch.

“Perfect.”

———

The two of you sat at a quiet table in a far corner for the last two hours talking nonstop. The conversation flowed as easily as the drinks. The old men watched on with approval, Charlie smarting the rest of his friends, proud that he had made a successful match.

Logan was gorgeous. His deep ocean blue eyes were mesmerizing. You kept staring at his plump lips unable to help imagining what it would be like to kiss them. To feel them on your skin. You stared, awestruck at his immense size. You wanted to climb him like a tree. You also had a sneaking suspicion he wouldn’t have minded in the slightest.

Charlie came over, patting Logan on the back. “I just wanted to say goodbye. I’m headed out. You kids have fun tonight.”

You jumped up and hugged Charlie tight. “Thank you Charlie.” You whispered in his ear.

He winked back at you and tapped the side of his nose. Logan stood up and shook his hand. You both told him goodnight and goodbye as he shuffled out of the bar.

“I love him. He’s my favorite. But don’t tell the others I said so.” You laughed as you crossed your arms on the table and pushed your cleavage forward.

Logan smiled at you, “I think you’re his favorite too. He’s been telling me about you since you started.”

“What? He has?” You were legitimately completely surprised.

Logan nodded, “Oh yeah. The first night you worked he called me. ‘Logan!” He barked, doing his best Charlie impression, “Logan there’s this new girl at the V. She’s a hot ticket.”

You laughed, “what does that even mean?”

“I have no clue.” He laughed.

His laughter was music to your ears. You could tell by the way he carried himself that what you were witnessing was a rarity. You knew he wasn’t like this with anyone else. He was serious and stern. Manly and in charge. He was a hard ass. You didn’t know why you got to see this side of him, but you loved it.

“Logan. You have to come down to the V. He’d say… she’s built well. Super sweet. You have to come down and meet her before one of the old geezers sets her up with somebody else.’ I loved when he called them old geezers.” Logan smiled as he told you things Charlie had said to him.

Logan zoned out staring at your lips as you laughed.

“What?” You searched his face for answers.

“You’re very beautiful. Your lips are…” he reached out and thumbed your lower lip.

“Kiss her already.” Both you and Logan jumped. They had been too wrapped up staring at each other to notice Frank had marched over. “Don’t let me interrupt. Y/n. I need quarters and Bob is too busy.”

“Sure thing Frank. I’ll be right back.” You took his five dollars and went to the bar.

“We might be old. And you might be the size of a Rhino… but that’s our girl. You better treat her right, you hear me sonny?”

“Yes sir. I hear you.” Logan nodded and shook his hand.

You came back with his quarters in a cup. You rattled it before handing it to him. “Here you are Frank. Can I get you anything else?”

“I’m good doll face. Get back to making eyes at the Rhino.” He waved over his head as he hobbled back to his table.

“Did he just call you a Rhino?” You burst out laughing trying to be quiet about it.

“He did. And to be honest, I’m a little afraid of him.” Logan raised his eyebrows as he pretended to watch his back. “Do you play darts?”

“I do… not well. But I play.” As you looked at him you had to fight the overwhelming urge to lunge forward and wrap your arms around his neck. All you wanted to do was touch him.

“Maybe I can help you. We can wager if you’d like. Might play a little better with some skin in the game.” He looked at you with a curious glance.

“What’ll it be? $20?”

“No. Money is boring. If I win… you have to do tequila shots with me.” He looked up at with only his eyes, it sent shockwaves through you.

“And if I win?” You cocked an eyebrow at him.

“We’ll see.”

You laughed loudly at his response. “Oh ye of little faith. I’ll get the darts.”

You marched defiantly up to the bar to retrieve the darts. You could feel Logan’s eyes on you the entire way. You might have added a little extra swing to your hips than normal. Once at the bar you filled another beer for Logan and watched as he lumbered over to the scoreboard and began cleaning it. You liked the way he ran the room even when he wasn’t trying.

You swallowed hard as you watched him, looking at the ceiling and whispering another ‘Thank you Charlie’ into the universe.

“You’re going down chump!” You postured as you handed him his beer with a smile.

He shook his head and smiled down at you. “Bring it beautiful… let’s see how you do.” He was itching for a reason to touch you. He found his first excuse when you stepped over the line. He reached out and pulled you back by your hips. “Ahh ahh ahhh… over the line sweetheart.”

You looked over your shoulder at him, a grin across your face. “I should get a handicap. You’re enormous.”

Instead of releasing you he moved closer, leaving his hands where they were. Your back pressed to his chest, you craned around to smile at him. Feeling the heat radiate off of his body made you want to shed his clothes. While you were thinking of him, he was breathing in your perfume.

“I’m going to leave you here. Trusting that you won’t go over the line this turn…” he whispered to you before dramatically removing his hands from your waist and backing away. You rolled your eyes in response as you threw the dart.

It was the nearing the end of the game and Logan was most certainly in the lead. You had both been finding reasons to touch each other. You were smiling and laughing and having fun. Anyone watching could tell you were both smitten.

“Listen here beautiful… I’m about two throws away from those body shots. You ready?”

Your mouth dropped open, “Body shots?” You locked your eyes on his, a mischievous grin growing in response.

“Yea. I said tequila shots. That’s body shots. I get to take them off of you, and I get to pick where you take them off of me… that was the bet.”

You laughed, “was that in the uh… fine print?”

“You didn’t read it?” He winked.

“Always skip it… bites me in the ass every time.”

He moved in close, whispering in your ear, “Babygirl… you gotta read the fine print…”

You blushed as he brushed passed you on his way to the line. You watched as the muscles in his arm flexed at the simple motion of throwing a dart. You text the bartender asking for tequila shots. You had a plan.

The waitress delivered the shots and he smiled and nodded at her, thanking her. You reached out and grabbed his left arm, holding his wrist in one hand and the salt shaker in the other, slowly you licked the inside of his forearm and sprinkled salt. You picked up the lime and gingerly placed it between his lips.

“If you’ll be so kind, I have a shot to take.” You seductively smiled at him as he nodded.

You placed a sloppy sucking kiss on his arm where the salt was placed, downed your shot and pulled him in for a kiss, biting the lime out of his lips you quickly sucked it and dropped it out of your mouth, pulling him back in to continue the kiss. His arms immediately wrapped around your waist pulling your body tight against his. He deepened the kiss, moving a single hand down to your butt, palming it firmly with his giant hand.

You pulled back, breaking the kiss, and smiled at him, your arms still around his neck. “Its your turn.”

“This is a sticky predicament… I could go cliche and put my shot glass between your fantastic tits…and lick your neck as my salt…” he trailed off. “But where to put the lime…” he whispered in your ear as he nuzzled your neck, brushing his lips against your pulse point.

You felt your head swim at his close proximity, almost feeling faint.

He took the shot without salt, without lime. He grabbed you and leaned you back, pulling you in for a kiss, dipping you down before standing you back on your feet and patting you on the butt.

The waitress came by for the empty glasses. “Last call sugar… You two want anything else before I close out?”

You shook her head ‘no’, “Thanks Maggie.” You tried to come back down to Earth.

“Sure thing sugar. Looks like you two had fun!”

Logan sat down and pulled you onto his lap. “Did you have fun tonight babygirl?”

You turned and wrapped your arms around his neck, placing a kiss on his cheek. “I sure did. Did you hon?”

“Nights not over yet baby…” he smirked and patted your rear.

“Logan… we just closed down the bar…”

He held out his forearm and pointed to the spot where you licked/kissed him. “See that spot right there?”

“Yeah… that’s where I kissed you.”

“That’s the first place you ever placed those gorgeous lips… and I never want to forget as long as I live.”

You leaned down and kissed it again.

“I'm going to tattoo that on my arm. I know a guy… let’s pay him a visit.” Logan placed two hundred dollars on the table in cash and bounced his knee. You stood up looking at him with a slightly confused stare.

“You’re…you’re g-gonna what?” You stammered.

“We are going to get your lips, tattooed on my arm. Right here. Tonight. You wanna go?”

You laughed and squinted at him, trying to see if he was serious. “Oh you’re serious…” you looked at him sideways.

“As a heart attack. Let’s go, baby. Right now.” He reached out and grabbed your wrist, placing a sweet kiss in your palm, and moving to place a second on your wrist. You looked up at him, an unfamiliar feeling in your chest. Taking your hand in his he led you out of the bar.

To Be Continued...

[whateverrr-duddee]

𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐒

pairing= legolas + reader

warnings= angst! negative thoughts, fluff towards the end.

summary = you and legolas are secretly/privately courting. Tauriel starts gushing about her new found love for the elven prince and her thoughts on him feeling the same way back.

Legolas was different from any previous suitor you had. To the eyes of others he was Stand offish, conceded, vain and hostile. But to you 'his greatest treasure' he was sweet, clingy, loving, caring and most of beautiful. It amazed you how his beauty was unmatched by another. The way his eyes slightly shift in colour dependant on the weather and his mood, the way his perfect jawline was accented by skilfully paced braids either side. You weren't hiding the fact you were courting you just were not obnoxiously advertising that's why you were now dumbfounded in the conversation Tauriel started.

''he's quite the looker don't you think?'' Tauriel said in a floaty voice. You looked up from the arrow you were in the middle of carving. You followed her eyeline and who it was on. Legolas. ''mhm'' you replied. ''Im afraid i may have fallen for him'' those words made you head spin ''really?'' you asked almost choking on your words ''i think he feels the same'' she smiled at you.

Legolas looked over at you and flashed you his charming toothy smile. He was sitting down with the guard taking a small break from training. “I think he feels the same” Tauriel admitted. Your heart sank. Tauriel was beautiful and strong it made some sense that he would feel the same. “how come?” you asked looking down carrying on carving “he always takes to me more when we are training And he added a braid to my hair” Whilst Tauriel was exploding of love. You were dying on the inside.

“excuse me i need to go get more stuff” you said. You tried to walk a steady pace but your tears started gushing out so you ran back to yours and legolas’ shared room.

Why? is all you thought. Was i not enough for him?Not pretty enough? not strong enough? Not good enough? Just then you heard a knock on the door. “hello” it wasn’t Legolas it was his father “hello king thranduil” he smiled “please just thranduil” he sat on the end of your bed “What troubles you my sweet child” he asked “I saw you running from the field so don’t try and hide it” he knew you too well.

“i fear legolas has seeked nirvana in another” you mumbled “Tauriel?” he asked your tears came out like a waterfall. ha dyou been blind to it all? did everyone know and you looked like a joke. “if my son has any sense he will realise that your his hearts desire” he stroked your head in a loving way. You had a close relationship with the king your father lord elrond and him being close made you close in return. “my son is very oblivious, and im not defending him because of he has gave im to adultery there will be hell to pay. But, there may be more to it than you know” He gave you a kiss on the fore head and sat up “don’t-” he cut you off “I won’t tell Legolas you are here i’ll tell him your on the edge of the forest” he smiled “thank you” you gave what you could of a smile back “anything for you my sweet girl” he dispersed out of the door. You took your gown off and put one of legolas’ large shirts on. As much as thr thought of him hurt you his scent always brought you comfort. you curled up under the sheets of the large bed and slowly drifted off into a sleep.

You woke up to some one shaking your body. “oh thank god” it was Tauriel. “me and legolas have been so worried you slept for a whole day” she giggled “come on your aids will get you ready for the feast” you had come plt forgotten about that. And like clockwork the maids came rushing in and Tauriel the snake. leaving.

Your hair was down and in your sister Arwens signature duke with a darling icy blue gown on setting off your dark ebony hair. You sighed and walked into the ongoing feast you sat next to gandalf. “my child you shouldn’t worry everything works out in the end” he spoke “how did you know?” you looked at him “i’ve known you all your life it isn’t hard” he smiled and patted your back.

Your turns your gaze to Legolas who was deep in conversation with you guessed it. Tauriel the snake. You sighed as walked over. “Y/N , hi” she said excitedly giving you a hug “you look amazing, doesn’t she leggy” she gushed your heart dropped again “leggy”something only you called him. “you look beautiful Y/N” he said putting his hands on your waist. “you look great too” you complimented them both you stepped away from legolas. You could see the hurt on his face. but you didn’t care you were hurting. “I was so worried we were sitting on the field watching you boys and and talking about stuff and you got up and ran away and slept for a day you had me thinks a spider had ate you” she laughed. “you ran away?” legolas asked a look of confusion on his face. “yes.” you replied bluntly “forgive me, but Y/N can we talk in private” you rolled your eyes but followed him out of the hall into the corridors “what’s wrong my dove?” legolas asked reaching out to you but you steps awha firm his touch “nothing” you replied fiddling with your arms “well tauriel..” you cut him off with a harsh laugh “yes well i know you’d rather speak d your time with her don’t think i’m blind” you spat. “Y/N” he said panically. But you were gone.

You had ran to the edge of the grounds. Your throat hurting from the sobbing. Legolas enter the hall and went to his father “i don’t know what to do” he sighed “Y/N?” he asked “yes” he replied sadly “she came back to the castle yesterday” he said unimpressed with his son. “she did?” he replied relived. “crying her eyes out mind, you were the cause of corse” the king told his kin. “me?” his thoughts racing. “Tauriel has fallen for you and your entertaining it” he began “and don’t say your not you are i’ve seen with my own eyes, there is a amazing elleth who is your twin flame that you have made so distraught she is unsure of her worth i suggest you fix it before some other elf whisks her away”

Legolas’ head was racing. He has noticed Tauriels new attitude for himself. But he never thought it was to this extreme. He hadn’t noticed that his love was hurting. As he was walking to go find Y/N tauriel approached him “Leggy why don’t” he cut her off “Y/N is the one i love, the one i’m courting and because of you she beloved i don’t love her anymore i love Y/N not Tauriel” he replied. he knew it was harsh but he needed to find Y/N

meanwhile you had cried that much you were being sick. Once that had calmed down you moved away from it a three minute walk down the path. You heard a twig snap “go away” you mumbled into your knees “Y/n” legolas spoke “go away” you muttered. “i’m so sorry i didn’t see this sooner” he said sitting down next to you. “I wasn’t aware of tauriels advances” he said. you thanked your elven healing because your break would have stank. “then how come you braided her hair” you said sadly looking up at him He saw how broken you were he wanted no more than to whisk you up into his arms. “i had to do it she was basically begging me” he sighed “i’m sorry” you whispered “you have nothing to apologise for my dove, it’s my fault for being so blind” he sighed pulling out into his side. you yawned. “i think it’s time to turn in for the night don’t you think?” legolas chucked “mhm” you mumbled sleeplily he licked you up you wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck and put your face in the crook of it.

He slowly slipped you i to the bed he walked over to blow the candles out. “Legolas don’t leave” you mumbled he felt his heart squeeze he walked over striped himself of his clothes leaving him in his boxers.You had taken your own clothes off and put one of his large shirts on. “never” he smiled you pulled you to his behest and smiled as you subconsciously tried to make your self even closer if possible “i love you” he did giving your lips a lazy peck “i love you too” you said kissing his chest.

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes.

Marvel

we leave through the fire by justanotherblond

They called the soldier into a training room where he saw his son hanging upside down on the ceiling.

“Hi Papa!” He cheered, waving with a big smile even though the soldier never gave one back.

“Look, Soldat, your son is a miracle,” an agent cackled, yellow teeth shining in the fluorescent lights, “crawling the walls like a little spider!”

-

The soldier doesn’t remember his son’s birth or how he came to be. He doesn’t remember bedding a woman and watching her belly swell, but they said the boy was his. He does know that he will protect and teach the boy within the confines of their cell walls. Even when the handlers berate him. Even when the good guys take him away.

Clone Wars

Spring Thaw by handdrawnisopach, SniperAnon (The_Big_Reveal)

There are restraints, thick and heavily padded, that are more like thick gloves than shackles. The warm light shining through his bedroom window, the birdsong, and the wind chimes in the distance make a strange contrast to his helplessness. Heart pounding in his chest he yanks at the chains, looking around frantically.

There's a note or- or plaque beside his bed.

GOOD MORNING The restraints are for your safety and others.

Obi-Wan stares at the note wide eyed, lips parted as his brain grapples with that.

Shadowhunters

bound in obedience by smilebackwards

Clave vs. Lightwood, 1996 ...For the crimes committed by Robert Lightwood and Maryse Trueblood Lightwood under the auspices of the Circle, they are hereby sentenced to forty years of service in exile and their heir to the next generation shall be bound in obedience. Such is the will of the Angel, so shall it be.

Laudanum by lawsofchaos

Face blank, Alec steps forward without a moment of hesitation to stand in front of the Inquisitor, his people parting respectfully before him to clear his path as he goes. He comes to a halt a few paces in front of the Clave representative and the guardsmen she’d brought from Alicante. A coiled leather whip hangs from the belt of the man at her left shoulder.

Shoulders drawn back and hands clasped behind his waist, Alec meets Imogen Herondale’s steel gaze. The words are ritual and although Alec has said them many times before, never before has he meant them less.

“That it may please the Angel to bring back into the way of righteousness all such as have erred, I place myself before you for Discipline.”

Imogen Herondale smiles.

prosper matrimonium by smilebackwards

"Gorgeous, sweet, community-oriented,” Magnus ticks off the positive attributes on his fingers. And he’s sure he’ll find plenty more to like about Alexander Lightwood. “I imagine suitors are beating down his door. Please tell me he’s not actually dating Lorenzo.”

Cat hesitates. “Well, if you’re really interested in Alec, you have interesting timing to say the least.”

“How do you mean?” Magnus asks.

“Alec just put his name in for the prosper matrimonium.”

Or: The disaster with the Circle swings the Clave a little more progressive. And if Magnus wants Alec’s heart, he’s going to have to compete for it.

Hands and Hearts by Lalaith_Quetzalli (+ podfic)

"A rune on the hand, a rune on the heart”, is how the saying goes. No one has borne a wedded-union rune on the heart in over a century. Love Matches are so rare nowadays. When Alec Lightwood finds out he’s to have an arranged marriage his secretly romantic heart shrivels… at least until he learns who his groom is.

Prompt 31: Writers choice (soulmate AU) by emmaknitsalot

"Thick black lines had appeared in the vague shape of an eye (with epic winged eyeliner, he thought sleepily) and a swirled pupil. As he was squinting at it, it quickly faded into the usual tone that appeared when his tiny soulmate drew on their skin.

It was time, he thought, to lug out his treasured copy of the Gray Book and start learning."

Or, in a world where everybody has a soulmate and whatever they draw on their skin appears on yours, and vice versa, Magnus nearly has a breakdown when he learns his soulmate is a baby Shadowhunter.

tears from heaven by smilebackwards

Nephilim tears are a highly prized potions ingredient. Magnus would like his colleagues to stop making his husband cry.