#And so elian was never invited again...

[potionboy3]

I know I'm late again but these were a bitch to make!!! Never editing with my phone again. Possible spelling mistakes were meant to be there...

DAY 2: The welcome ball

Before the weekend, Primrose made Elian a special request to not drink from anyone at the ball or near town and he agreed to it. What he didn't see coming was going face to face with someone he had drank from before... He definitely didn't expect the said person being Prim's best friend.

Thank you Noe for creating the lovely event and i'm sorry for the schedule issues of mine!

Primrose Gray @endlessly-cursed

Elian Goldcrest (mine)

Nadia Erbland @gcldensnitch

[acourtofinkandpapyrus]

My Little Shadow: Epilogue/ Part fifteen (Azriel x Reader) Final Part

Warnings: OOF, jealous Elain, smut, smut AND MORE SMUT- Oral, F-receiving, fingering, shadow bondage play, and Y/N losing her virginity to her mate!

Part fourteen (I will be starting another series once the vote I started ends, you can find it here

Tag list: @mis-lil-red @bubybubsters @luvmoo @rorel1a @minakay @foreverrandomwritings Note! If any of you want to be on my Azriel tag list for *any* stories involving him, please message me! I'm still new to tag lists 😅

After healing, you and Azriel find some alone time, and talk about the future a little bit.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I felt cool hands wrap around my midsection, hugging me from behind.

Azriel pulled me into a hug, nuzzling my neck and breathing in my scent.  “Hello, what have you been up to?”  He asked in a pleased tone of voice.

I was told Rhys had found us in the hall, the both of us passed out from our injuries.

Apparently, the collapse had killed all those people following Meave, and of course Meave herself.

With Madja’s help, we had healed extraordinarily fast, almost none of my injuries had scarred over, healed over as if they had never been there in the first place.

Except for my hands, which now matched Azriel’s.

“Not much, just reading.”  I say with a grin, putting down the book I had been so invested in.

He chuckled, and I sighed sadly as he pulled away, taking his warmth with him.

“I’m going to have to go again, I’m needed at the townhouse.”  He said, petting my hair comfortingly.

I couldn’t help but to whirl around, biting my lip in worry.  “Will Elain be there?”  I ask, trying to seem less worried about it than I am, even though it’s a lost cause.

He frowns a bit, worry crinkling his brow.  “I promise you Y/N, there is nothing there.  I love you, and only you.”

I looked away, crossing my arms, I knew I looked pouty, but I didn’t care.  “It’s not you I’m worried about.”

Elain had been strange to me since Azriel and I announced the bond, and if I didn’t know any better she was purposely trying to make my life hard at times.

“I’m sorry my little shadow, but you know that you’re the only one I want, right?”  He said, smiling down softly at me.

I don’t know what spurs me, but I say with the utmost confidence, “Why don’t you show me then?”

His eyes go wide, and I immediately think I’ve gone too far, getting ready to run off and hide.

He pulls me forward and traps my mouth in his, kissing me deeply and exploring my mouth with his tongue.

I shiver as he pulls away, his eyes darkened with lust.  “When I get back shadow, I’ll show you exactly how much I want you.”

And with that he disappears, leaving me with my legs snapped shut tightly and hands shaking.

I make an effort to not think about Azriel while he's gone, one so I don’t worry about Elian, and two, so I don’t look flustered all evening.

I head down to the library, helping Nesta and Gwen with random chores.

“So what’s it like being mated to Azriel?”  Nesta asked as I lifted a particularly heavy set of books.

I tried not to blush as I flashed back to that look he had given me earlier, the way my breath had caught in my chest when he did.

“It’s nice.  I love him a lot.”  I said, hoping to quickly change the subject to something else.

“So you two have a plan to make the mating bond official then?”  She raised a brow, as if to ask me why I’d been holding out on her.

I blink in surprise.  “I hadn’t really thought about it.”

Nesta smiles comfortingly.  “That’s fine, but you’re inviting me, no matter what you plan.”

I giggle, “Of course I will, I wouldn’t dream of leaving you out of something so important.”

Something so important that neither Azriel or I have brought up.

I was quiet after that, thinking of ways to bring it up to Azriel.  That I wanted to be his mate, for the rest of our immortal lives.

The edge of my mouth quirked up at the thought.  I think I would like that.

I had spent hours in the library with Nesta, and as I made my way back to the river house, I saw something in a storefront that made me stop in my tracks.

It was a lingerie shop.

Azriel and I hadn’t done anything of this sort yet, after everything that happened, I don’t think Azriel wanted to push me into something I wasn’t ready for.

Biting my lip, I look at the dark lacy set on the mannequin.

I made it back to the little place Azriel and I were calling home.  I paused in the doorway when I caught a fresh wave of his scent.

I grinned, sending my shadows out to look for him.

We had this game, him and I.  We would see who would hide from the other the best.

So while my shadows searched, as did I.  Though, I quickly realized he wasn’t in any of the main rooms.

“Az?”  I called out, giving up for today.

I just wanted him to hold me in his arms, tell me how much he loved me.

One of his shadows found me, gently wrapping around my wrist and tugging me upstairs.  Toward the bedroom.

My thighs clench together, and I take a deep breath, concentrating on getting up the stairs and finding Azriel.

The shadows tugged me toward my bedroom, the door already cracked.

Leaving me, they slid back into the room.  My shadows follow them in, and I’m standing there, biting my lip.

I finally step forward, opening the door to see Azriel lounging in my bed, book in hand.

He didn’t look up as I entered, and I realized he was reading one of the romance novels I had told him was my favorite.

“Hello Little Shadow, what took you so long?”  He asked, his voice low and seductive.

I opened my mouth, then closed it again, fussing with the end of my shirt.  “I was helping out at the library in the house of wind.  You’re not usually home this early.”

He stood, stalking over to me.  “After your request?  How could I leave you waiting?”  He asked, his breath hitting the shell of my ear, making me shiver.

His hands went to my waist, bringing me closer until we were touching.  “What do you want Y/N?”  He asked, his pupils wide with love as he brought a hand up to brush away a strand of hair.

“This.”  I gasped as his other hand grazed my side.  He must have smelled my arousal that was now pooling in my panties, because he grew taught, as if he was holding himself back.

“Hmmmm.”  He said, leaning down to nuzzle my neck.  I moved, granting him access as he planted kisses and little nips there, making me pant.

“I love you so much Y/N.”  He whispered into my skin, making my eyes roll into the back of my head, pressing my thighs together.

He went to move one of his beautiful hands down my pants, and one of my shadows wrapped around his wrist as I gasped, “Stop-”

Suddenly, he took his hand back, and stopped kissing my neck, his eyes wide in worry.  “Are you alright?  I’m so sorry- I-”

I shake my head.  “No- no.  That’s not it.”  I say, still breathing heavily.  “It’s just… I’ve never done… this, before.”

I swallow thickly, expecting him to look disappointed.  But instead, his eyes gain a predatory glint, which has me struggling to stay standing.

“If anything gets to be too much, you tell me, okay?”  He asks, half growling, and I nod.

He picked me up, and I straddled his waist, whimpering as I felt the hardness of him through the layers of clothes separating us.

I make a little noise of protest as he lifts me away, but he quickly places me on the bed, and I love the way he looks, towering over me with eyes only for me, tracing my form.

“Let's get these clothes off, hmm?”  He said, running his calloused thumb along my jaw and tipping my chin up.

I can’t help the sly smile on my face as I peel my shirt off, revealing the top part of the beautiful black lacy set I had bought on impulse.

The decision was a good one, I decide as I see Azriels face as he growls with desire.

I shimmy out of my pants, and Azriel helps, and he just stares at me for a minute afterward, taking it all in.

My cheeks turn red, and I realize he can see all me scars, ever single one.

It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen the ones littering my arms and legs, but this was different, I was more… vulnerable.

I go to sit up, but he leans forward, kissing me passionately as he runs his hands up the planes of my stomach.

“You’re so beautiful shadow, and I’m never going to let anyone else lay their hands on you again.”  He says after pulling back, and then he goes over and starts kissing where the tattoo from our bargain curls over my shoulder bone.

He undoes the latch on the bra, whipping it off and I gasp, melting into a moan as he lowers his mouth to my breast, taking my nipple into his mouth and rolling it gently with his tongue, teasing the other one with his hand.

He stayed there for a while, building me up until I just couldn’t stand it anymore, reaching for him.

I gasp as both my and his shadows wrap around my wrists, pinning them above my head.

Azriel looks up at me, grinning before he nips at my breast in reprimand.

“I’m gonna take my time with you baby, I’ma make you feel real good.”  He said at my whimper, trailing down and planting kisses as he reached the panties, taking his thumb and pressing lightly through the fabric, making me gasp as he hit that bundle of nerves.

Shadows slither around to my breasts, teasing me and leaving a cold trail in their wake.

Az pulls the panties off, and I have no time to react as he places his mouth on my wet heat, tasting me with little licks.

I moan, hips bucking as his thumb comes up to rub tight circles around my clit.

Even though I had never done this before, I knew that no one else would have ever been able to make me feel this good.

He pulled back, looking up at me as he licked his lips.  “Enjoying the show, shadow?”

Before I can respond, my eyes are rolling into the back of my head as he stuck a finger in me, pumping slowly.

He growled in pure satisfaction as he listened to the noises of pleasure I was making.

After a minute, he stuck another finger in, stretching me out blissfully as he placed his mouth on my clit, licking it teasingly before pulling it fully into his mouth, moaning around me in a way that made me see stars.

Pumping harder, he brought me over the edge, and I cried out his name in bliss, revealing in this new feeling.

He was softer as he pleasured me through the waves of pleasure crashing into me.

I was panting when he pulled away, his shadows freeing me.  He pulled me up against his chest, and looked down at me longingly.  “May I, shadow?”

I whimpered and nodded, and he took a step back, making quick work of undressing. 

My mouth went dry at the size of him.  I wondered if it would even fit, but I knew that I would make it.

He had beautiful tattoos on his chest, and when he stepped closer again, I traces them with my fingers lightly.

His wings flared slightly before they settled behind his back.

I smiled at the dark, beautiful male I could call my own.

“I want to make the bond official.”  I said, looking to his face to gauge his reaction.

His expression softened into something soft, and he smiled a little bit.  “Then we will.”  He said, gently nudging my legs open.

“I would do anything for you Y/N.  Anything to make you happy.”

I glow in his praise, and he slowly nudges at my entrance.  I gasp, wincing a little as he enters me slowly, stretching me out in all the right ways.

“Move.”  I beg, and he chuckles.

“I have to go slow, shadow.  Hold onto me.”  He says, and I wrap my arms around his neck as he slowly pulled out, and then pushed in all the way, making me moan lewdly.

He grinned against me neck as he did it again, and again, going just a little bit faster with each stroke.

I moaned as the shadows came back to my chest again, and azriel used his fingers on my clit as he shifted, hitting me even deeper than before.

“Azriel- Azriel, I’m gonna cum-”  I said through moans, barely able to think straight.

“Good.”  He growled, thrusting harder, if not a little less smooth as he neared his release too.

I spotted his wings, and I remember something Feyre had told me and grinned mischievously.  I reached a hand out, grazing his wings lightly until he gasped, groaning as he thrust into me hard, and we both toppled over into bliss together.

After we rode it out, I shivered and let out another moan as he pulled me off, carrying me into the bathroom to get us cleaned up.

He set me on the counter and started a bath running, and I couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles shifted under his beautiful skin.

He noticed and chuckled, coming back over to place a kiss on my forehead.  “What type of mating celebrations would you like, darling?”  He asked, and I grinned.

I really did have him wrapped around my finger, didn’t I?

“I’m not sure yet, but Nesta sort of invited herself, so I guess we’ll have to invite your brothers and her sisters too.”

He huffed a laugh, pressing a feather light kiss onto my puffy lips.  “We have all the time to decide my little shadow, and I’ll love whatever you decide.”

“Because I love you.”

[wiltingxrose]

Daylight Always Comes

It was another court function and she was there to basically be supportive. She hadn’t minded the last one she went to, to watch Nesta slip back into the tigress she was on the dance floor. How to have people eat out of her palm and be how she needed them.

 She knew the main priority of this event was for Feyre and Rhysand to figure out who was on their side and who wasn’t. But she hadn’t understood why they invited people they already knew the sides too, but she soon learned they invited everyone, even Tamlin, as a show of good faith.

 Her brown eyes gazed around the room and felt a little bit of disappointment and relief. Lucien wasn’t here, like he wasn’t at the last one. Or so she thought, she caught a sight of flaming red hair and his scent.

She was confused as to why he was going into that part of the neutral palace they had found and decided to use skills that her friends, Nuala and Cerridwen, were teaching her how to move with the shadows. Feyre at one point mentioned something about putting a bell on her after startling her a few times with how quiet she was walking.

 Entering into the room she looked around, hugging the walls, but bumped into someone, turning her head she was expecting Lucien, but instead it was one of his brothers, not Eris, but another one. One she knew she shouldn’t really be around. Pulling back she headed for the door, but a blast of heat and flame surrounded it.

 Keeping herself calm she turned and looked at him as he spoke, " Hm so you are my brother’s mate. You are technically of higher class than the other one, but you know you were human once “

 Elain saw his sneer as he said human and she took account of things. She had promised to never be preyed on again, but he had those powers and she hadn’t brought a weapon with her. Without saying anything she went for the door, but his hand grabbed her. She felt as it started to warm, but a bright light shone behind her and her captor’s eyes widened some.

Turning she said, “Lucien…,”  but then shook her head, it was Lucien it was Helion. “Lord Helion.”

Helion smiled and stepped into the room putting a hand on her elbow, “I’m glad one of Feyre’s sister’s remembers me. Speaking of the High Lady, she was just asking about you. Perhaps I should guide you back to the party?” 

“That..that would be lovely.” 

Helion turned a gaze to the Autumn prince that was there, "You best remember the rules of this event and remember whom you hunt.”

Helion turned and escorted Elain out, “And how did a fawn like yourself get ensnared there?”

Elian flushed a little, “I…I thought I saw Lucien and I don’t know. I guess It as a trap because I smelt his scent as well.” 

She saw Helion smirk and she shook her head, “No it’s nothing like that.” 

The High Lord chuckled, “Of course it isn’t.” His voice held a hint of amusement. “I do know you have a mating bond attached and out of all the autumn children he is the catch of them all and he has his mother’s passion for love itself.” 

Elian tilted her head to the side, “Oh?”

Helion nodded, “Yes, his love was murdered in front of his own eyes by his brothers and father due to her low stature and I don’t know all of the details but somehow he got exiled to the spring Court and healed some what.”

She was quiet for a moment, “At least they loved each other no matter what. What was supposed to be a true match for me ended up not being a love match. He didn’t want me after being turned and Lucien’s..well you just talked about that tragedy.” 

Helion paused for a moment and she noticed he looked toward the Lady of the Autumn Court and frowned for a bit. He hadn’t asked her why she had called him Luicen, but she had been convinced that she had seen Lucien’s face coming through the door, but it was Helion. She hadn’t noticed that they shared a few features.

She slowly was putting a few things together as he started talking again. Leading her through the crowd. “Love, true love, should be explored at least once in life. The other things are fun, but love that is your true match, not the one you had, that bastard is luckily no one from your court has killed him yet, but a love that makes you pure happy and shines a light on is worth taking a jump for. Taking that step you think about taking. That word you want to say but don’t.” 

Elain blinked up at him, did he know she had done those things? Wanted to tell Lucien to be careful to not go and stay safe but didn’t?

She was about to ask but he continued to talk,  “And I know mating bonds are new to you and there are some good ones and bad ones in our history, but the good ones can make you enhance the good in yourself like the High Lord and Lady of the Night. Or i can destroy you, but yours, I have a feeling isn’t a bad one to at least explore. No one says you can’t get to know your mate first and then lock it in.” </font> He chuckled, “Grant it I'm more of the lock it in and then accept type of man myself.” 

Elain pondered what he said and bit her lower lip, “I get what you are saying and I believe he is trying. He helped get my father here. He, oh god he talked to my father to get him to come here. I don’t even know what my father thought of him.” 

She sighed as she thought of the gifts that Lucien got her, the perfect gifts that she didn’t want because it wasn’t her choice. “I just don’t like how it’s already picked for me. And I’m still healing from everything and my power…”

He squeezed her arms some, “Let’s not talk freely about that. Not sure how many here are aware.” 

Elain nodded, “What if you see an ending, a life ending event if you do accept it and don’t know if you can change that outcome?” her voice barely a whisper.

Helion paused their walk about the room and turned and looked at her, seeing the tears along her face before he wiped one away, “Then I think it’s more so to open up. Shadows can’t be whisked away in more shadow, only light. And it’ll help the heart.” 

“Helion! Elain.” Feyre said in a little confused tone as she walked over to them.

“Lady Feyre, I found her like you asked and wanted to make sure she made it to you safe,” was all Helion said. “Let’s just say you might want to talk to a little wanna be High Lord about his family’s choice of amusement.”

Elain watched as her sister had a moment of confusion cover her eyes before some realization before linking her arm with Elain’s. “I appreciate you finding her and getting her back to me. I hope you are enjoying the party.”

“Oh much so. I am going to find your other sister and her mate. See if I can convince them to have some fun tonight.”  He gave them both a wink before he turned and walked around. The demeanor changing so swiftly that she wondered if it was all High Lord’s powers to do so since she had seen Rhysand shift his own temperament with people.

“Elain are you okay?”  Feyre asked her as she examined her.

Elain just nodded, her mind and heart a little lighter with some possibilities that she thought weren’t there. “I am. Do you know when Lucien will be returning?” 

Feyre noted the light that was back in Elain’s face versus the lingering shadows that had been there and she walked her over to the rest of the court, asking her own questions.

[fischerfrey]

Weekend with the Grays 2023;The Winter Solstice

Day 02: The Welcome Ball III an event by @endlessly-cursed characters: malcolm stolberg-burke, primrose gray, lavinia wakefield, harlan rowle briefly mentioned: elian goldcrest by @potionboy3, atticus doherty by @hphmmatthewluther, the kenways and the northmoors by @legilimenace, simon battersea by @unfortunate-arrow, cecilia balinor by @endlessly-cursed

December 5th, 1900

The Ball

The ballroom was decorated beautifully with silver and gold and the mood, Malcolm thought, seemed to be rather jubilant. He and Primrose swayed to the music and Malcolm couldn’t help but think of how far he had come with his dancing lessons. He still wasn’t anything as graceful as a swan but at least there was no fear of him stepping on anybody’s toes. This year he had to manage for himself though, since Elian wasn’t around for secret dancing lessons. The memory of the previous year amused him, and he had to admit he missed his friend’s presence dearly.

December 5th, 1900

The Ball

The ballroom was decorated beautifully with silver and gold and the mood, Malcolm thought, seemed to be rather jubilant. He and Primrose swayed to the music and Malcolm couldn’t help but think of how far he had come with his dancing lessons. He still wasn’t anything as graceful as a swan but at least there was no fear of him stepping on anybody’s toes. This year he had to manage for himself though, since Elian wasn’t around for secret dancing lessons. The memory of the previous year amused him, and he had to admit he missed his friend’s presence dearly.

“Are you having fun?” he asked Primrose in a low voice.

“Yes,” said Primrose. “Though I can’t help but feel like something is bound to go terribly wrong.”

“Well,” mused Malcolm. “If it does, then we’ll deal with it then, but for now, I’m rather enjoying myself.”

“You’re awfully optimistic tonight.”

“I have a good reason.”

“What’s that?”

“You see, my wife is the most capable, charming, and beautiful lady in all of England,” said Malcolm.

“Oh, you must introduce us,” Primrose said and finally smiled.

“I think you might be rather well-acquainted already.”

Primrose laughed, and really, that was always enough to put Malcolm in good spirits.

“I’m glad to see so many of our friends, though,” Primrose continued.

“Me too, especially Atticus,” said Malcolm.

“Yes, and some new faces too,” Primrose mused. “The Kenways and the Northmoors are attending this year.”

“Oh, yes. And Mr. Rowle decided to grace us with his presence,” said Malcolm.

“He’s not all that bad.”

“He’s like a peacock.”

“Well, yes, but Vinnie likes him.”

“Why she does is beyond me…” muttered Malcolm.

“How’s the book coming along Lav?” Vinnie’s current dancing partner Harlan Rowle asked.

“I’ve got half of it written, I think,” Vinnie said. “The wrong half though, I’m afraid. Beginnings are difficult.”

“I’m sure you’ll crack it,” Harlan assured her. “Or if not, then you can always start working as The Viscountess’ cleaning lady.”

Vinnie punched him gently in the arm. “That’s an important job, you snob.”

“I’m sure it is. I wouldn’t do it, though.”

“You’ve never done a day’s worth of honest work in your entire life so no one’s asking you,” Vinnie reprimanded him. Harlan was some years older (and several thousands of galleons richer) than her and thus they hadn’t known each other at Hogwarts, but since graduating, Vinnie and Harlan had become something that one might generously call friends. It was a bit of a surprise, since Harlan was mostly an utter snob, not to mention a complete arsehole, but he could also be rather amusing.

“Alright, alright,” Harlan said. “I’m actually surprised I get invited at all.”

“It’s because Prim–, Lady Gray isn’t as judgmental as some people.”

“No, I’m pretty sure it’s because Malcolm and I are mates.”

“No you’re not.”

“Well, we could be, if he wasn’t such a stuck-up.”

Vinnie punched his arm again and a couple dancing nearby gave them long looks. “Stop being horrible.”

“I can’t, it’s my second nature.”

Vinnie let out a long-suffering sigh.

“I’m just kidding, Lav, I’m so very grateful to our gracious hosts.”

“Good, you had better be.”

“Have you seen a lot of friends?” asked Harlan, changing the subject.

“Well Simon’s here, which is nice, he was on my year,” Vinnie said.

“Not many faces from my year,” noted Harlan.

“Because you’re ancient.”

“Hey, I’m twenty-six,” Harlan said, affronted. “Not ancient.”

“Alright old man,” Vinnie said with a smirk.

Harlan laughed. The song was starting to wind down and he seemed to notice someone behind Vinnie.

“I think someone’s looking for you,” he told Vinnie, and she turned her head to see Cecilia eyeing them from the crowd.

“Oh, thank you very much for the dance, Mr. Rowle,” said Vinnie.

“My pleasure, Miss Wakefield,” replied Harlan and then added mischievously: “Tell Miss Balinor I sent all my love.”

“I will do no such thing; I don’t want you found dead in the lake by morning.”

“Oh please, she secretly likes me.”

“You have a dangerously inflated ego,” Vinnie teased.

“I think it is appropriately inflated,” said Harlan.

“Whatever you say, Harlan.”

[shiny-jr]

I fumkin love ur fic The Devil so much, love ur oc charlemagne and i gort SO down bad for him, very sadge to see that not a lot of people talkinf about him or the fic in general in tumblr but man that fic in quotev do have a gorilla grip on me that i would reread it back to back every saturday and sundays. Like, charlie is the blorbo from my yandere fic authors that i would want to chew up like a beloved dog toy, knead him like bread dough, let him rise and bake him at 400f for 15 minutes. Soak him with milk and suck the milk out like that one Webkinz toy and throw him against the wall to make a wet thud, wring him like a towel and clamp him down between my teeth and shake at breakneck speeds like those feral dogs , elbow bomb him like a WWE wrestler, put him in a meat grinder and make Charlemagne sausages,,, words alone cannot describe how much that man makes my brain go brr as in jackhammer obliterating tiled floors brr

It gives me some th0ts that wjat if tje mc somehow got into this groundhog type of situation and wakes up on the day where charlie would propose to her with expensive chunky ring. Id think after going thru all the shitstorm she would learn that "okay, maybe he is the greatest detective of all time, rivaling batman" and knows rhat if she drops everything and run, he is jusr going to find her and ruin everything again anyways

So she says yea sure go nuts, but there is that flavour of fear to whenever shes around him, im pretty sure anyone who is partially sentient can pick up on the vibe , especially charlie

Whenever he gives affection or gifts it woild be met with nervousness like mc is about to shit herself out of trembling so hard, but out of sheer fear and anger and hatred

Whenever he tries to ask what's wrong mc would simply dismiss his concerns and kinda gaslight him, saying he is crazy for thinking that something is wrong, the gaslighting done out of revenge and instinct to survive

I feel like that would be a mindfuck for him, i wonder if he would eventually just get used to it or he would smoke so much that he grows an extra pair of lungs cause the carcinogens mutated him so much that he went through rapid forced evolution

Of course, mc probably had to sacrifice her happiness with Elian and the pups, but i guess it should be temporary until charlie rests in pieces due to stress and confusion, but then the mc would also be in pieces from having her CPU on 100% everyday

Whoop another groundhog day event, mc just straight up murders him with the wine glass when she wakes up on the day he proposes to her again, unprompted, maybe even going all john wick and kill him with a pencil after sketching the final coat design

Also mans is lucky he is in the 70's, no doubt hes getting cancelled to hell if he is like in the 2020's

I can't tell if he would be the type to wear a hazmat or astronaut suit during the pandemic or he would brush the cheeky touch of the virus off as a mere cold, being anti vax and all

Makes me think about how he would react with social media and stuff, i kinda headcannon that he would obsessively read his comment section cause he loves feeling angy , but maybe he would simply not, cause as an influencer or celebrity, first rule is to never look at the comment section

Perhaps if you directly bring the 70's Charlie to modern days, he would go insane over social media and how much people talk about public figures

I also headcannon that a massive chunk of his regular business budget is allocated towards lawsuits too, cauae wirh all the stunts he is pulling publicly im pretty sure sometimes its just cheaper and more effective to pay the lawsuit than go on long shady battles wirh them, you know like how that "life hack" where you send a billionaire your wedding invitation and chances are they're going to give you gifts despite literally not knowing who you are? Yea that

I feel like if he is broight into modern modern times, his PR team would be working over time, crying, throwing up, shitting with all the crap he pulls. Everyone is bald from stress, everyone aged into an octogenarian and they have like a pager like surgeons where it alerts them whenever charlie does some silly shit and rhey have to do immediate damage control

Like he would spend hundreds of hours probably feeding the trolls and doxxing them too, nightmare for anyone on his marketing and PR team

But i might be wrong , he probably knows better and just ignores them

If he is 25 in like around 1974 (i assume thats when it takes place), he must be like 74 in 2023 and he would still slay the house down while battling arthritis and chronic bronchitis like yes hater king, go off 👏👏

Imagine though, 74 years old pulling stunts like how he did with mc in prosa, just need to pop a couple painkillers and go committing entering and breaking with their elderly walkers, maybe even with turbo wheelchairs

I feel like he would make his own Charlemagne brand electronics, and call it Charlemobile which comes built in with adware for his products only, like a popup ad keeps distracting you telling you to praise him and he would definitely 100% steal your information, like he is the only electronic manufacturer where you should read the terms and conditions word per word if you don't want to end up on craigslist one day

On the softer side, i feel like Charlie would prepare your medications when the both of you gets old and reminds you to eat it ❤️

Mc would try to sneak in a cyanide pill from time to time for his set of medications but have a sneaking suspicion that he might be immune to them cause of microdosing from years of assassination attempts

But lets muddle up the timeline again, i wonder like, will Charlie still kidnap mc even tho shes abstinent? Like no interest in dating other people, or interest in her dogs or interest in having children, she does her own NPC thing. But religiously rejects Charlie like muscle memory from clicking the "X" on a popup ad, will he still snap or will he just sees it as "oh well i can work with this"

Or like mc gets so spooked with all this groundhog day thing that she moves back in with the parents and refuses to budge, becomes a NEET,, will he still kidnap her ? Or kidnap her family in a twist of events

If they ever get married would he let mc see her family or is it a "god i fuckin hate my in laws , we are not going to the barbeque" type of deal?

I also keep thinking about the engagement announcement party near the end of the book, cause im a gal who has a really reactive bowel when nervous or uncomfortable or feeling strong emotions in general, i was thinking what if during the entire thing mc is stuck in the toilet and missed everything , including Elian and Charlie's top 5 freakouts of all time, so while you nuked the toilet, charlie nukes the whole place down. That would be funny i think

But yeah literally if i were in the story i would spend a great deal of time jailed to a toilet, i would literally miss every show of his because out of anger shits, i feel that would make him smoke a couple extra cigarettes that day and maybe even cry because it is force of nature, he cant conquer nature

Or can he? 👀

I feel like if this happens in the 1920's Charlie would consider lobotomizing mc but im glad its in the 70's

Do u think he would binge watch trashy TV reality shows and clutch his pearls whenever drama happens

Wow this is a long waffle, thanks for reading and until then, i shall be painfully yearning for more Charlemagne content

- Charlemagne Simp Anon (can i claim this anon pls)

Holy shit. Okay. When I saw how long this ask was, my eyes went wide like. My dude, this is a whole essay. I gotta put it under a special tag because I think this is the longest ask I've ever gotten and there's a lot of funny stuff from this. It's so wild to me that you would reread it so often?? That whole first paragraph really just shocked me.

These are a lot of thoughts you bring. A lot. Most I'm not even sure how to react to or how to respond. The part about his age though got me, because I know for a fact that Charlemagne would still be pulling crazy stunts at that age, like crashing the biggest fashion galas despite being on the ban list specifically because he's caused scenes in the past. Also, he would 100% watch horrible reality tv shows and clutch his pearls.

Unfortunately, I don't plan to make any Charlemagne content for the future, unless I had this groundbreaking idea and I see that The Devil reaches another milestone.

[sayosdreams]

Sand and Stardust - Chapter 19

Word Count: 5520

Chapter Index

ACOTAR Masterlist

__________

A/N: I know I haven't updated in a while, sorry! I've been busy with college. To be honest, I probably won't be able to post again until December (when I get my next vacation). We're don't have too many chapters left, though, so please bear with me. Thank you so much to @perseusannabeth for beta reading. Enjoy!

__________

“Bye, Adira. Mama loves you,” Nesta whispered, kissing her daughter on the head. She swallowed the lump that had risen to her throat.

“Papa loves you too, savitra,” Cassian smiled, his expression tinged with worry. “I’m going to miss you for every second we’re apart, but I’ll be back before you know it.”

He stroked her cheek with his thumb and then placed her in Elian’s arms.

In the four months since Adira’s birth, they had never left her alone with anyone else. Sure, Nesta had let Khoniya watch Adira while Nesta took a shower or used the bathroom, but that was for mere minutes — not for hours and certainly not an entire night as they were doing now. It was Brielle’s birthday, and they had planned to surprise her by taking her out to her favorite restaurant. Cassian was supposed to take care of Adira, but  two days ago, the Inner Circle had invited Cassian to spend the evening with them. Though he’d tried to refuse, they had complained about how little they saw him during the past few months and said that if he didn’t want to go out with them, they’d come over to his house, which they were annoyed at not having been able to visit yet. In the end, Cassian had decided that agreeing was the only way to get them off his back.

They were left in a situation where neither of them could take care of Adira. They’d both gone through various scenarios, trying to figure out if they could bring Adira along. However the Inner Circle was still unaware of Adira’s existence, and a loud restaurant with an open bar was hardly an appropriate location for a baby. When Nesta had discussed her troubles with Khoniya, the latter had replied that Elian was staying home with Yaran anyway, and that he would undoubtedly be willing to take care of Adira. Elian had agreed, and after demonstrating his capacity to feed, change, and put Adira to sleep, Nesta and Cassian had accepted his help.

“Bye, Adira,” Cassian said softly. Adira gazed up at him, calmly resting in Elian’s arms, unfazed by her suddenly emotional parents.

“She’s going to be just fine,” Elian answered reassuringly.

“Yes, she is,” Khoniya agreed, stepping into the living room where they all sat. She was clad in an elegant emerald green dress that accentuated her curves and flowed to her ankles. Her hair was down for once, and the semi-sheer white cloth that usually covered it was tucked into a glittery black clutch that matched her shoes.

“You look amazing,” Elian whispered to his mate, capturing her lips in a soft kiss. Khoniya blushed slightly before clearing her throat.

“Are you ready?” She asked, turning to Nesta with a grin.

Nesta nodded.

“Perfect. Okay.” Khoniya’s eyes shifted across the living room, checking that everything was in order. Then, she placed a kiss on Elian’s cheek. Turning towards the hallway, she called out, “Bye, Yaran!”

“Wait, mama!” Yaran’s voice answered, followed by the pitter-patter of a toddler’s footsteps. Yaran entered the room, his hair disheveled as he barreled into his mom.

“No running,” Khoniya scolded softly.

“Sorry, mama. I say bye-bye!” he answered. Khoniya crouched down and Yaran placed a tiny kiss on her cheek.

“Be good for Papa, okay?” Khoniya said. Nesta glanced at Cassian, who mirrored her expression of awkwardness at witnessing the mother-son moment. Both of them were parents now, but neither had been around other parents and kids.

Yaran nodded.

“Papa’s taking care of Adira this evening, too, so he’s gonna need your help,” Khoniya explained.

“I big boy. I help,” Yaran announced proudly. Then, he walked over to his father and asked, “Adira?”

Elian, who was still carrying Adira in his arms, kneeled down, so that Yaran was eye level with Adira.

The boy’s face brightened.

“Hi Adira!” He waved enthusiastically. “Remember? I Yaran! I gonna help! I take care of you, okay?”

Adira blinked at him.

“I teach you! Lots and lots! You know colors? I know red and yellow and orange and green and blue and pink and black.” Yaran spoke, gesticulating wildly. Then, he pointed at Adira’s eyes and announced, “Blue!”

He began singing a clearly improvised tune: “Blue, blue, blueberry! Berry, very blue!”

Adira giggled at him and Yaran’s eyes widened.

“Papa!” He exclaimed, somehow sounding even more excited than before. “She laugh!”

Elian chuckled. “Maybe she likes you, Yaran.”

Yaran jumped joyfully. “I like you, too, Adira! Lots and lots!”

Adira giggled again.

Khoniya let out a soft sigh at the adorable sight and reclaimed her place by Nesta’s side.

“Alright, let’s get going,” she whispered to Nesta, who nodded.

Cassian took the hint. “I think I should get going too,” he said.

Elian waved at them as the three of them shut the front door behind them. The sound of their children laughing echoed as they took off in separate directions.

__________

Brielle’s gasp of surprise and the look of pure joy on her face made it all perfect.

Brielle had been expecting to go on a date at a park with Saibh, who had led Brielle to the restaurant under the pretext that she wanted to take a look at the menu for future reference.

Nesta swore that there were tears in Brielle’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around Khoniya and then Nesta.

“No one has ever done anything like this for my birthday,” Brielle said, blinking rapidly. “I just- thank you. I’ve never had friends like you guys and I just… I’m so thankful that I met each and every one of you.” Brielle’s eyes met Khoniya’s, then Riona’s, Cian’s, Saibh’s, and Nesta’s. Nesta felt the sincerity of her words and the depth of her emotions, and blinked back her own tears. Brielle was such a kind, bright, incredible fae, and it felt unjust that she hadn’t been blessed with love and support and joy all her life. “You mean the world to me,” she continued, “I’m so honored to have you in my life and I love you guys.”

“And we’re honored to have met you,” Khoniya answered, her eyes reflecting Brielle’s love. Khoniya was another fae whose life had been far too difficult for someone so amazing. But perhaps that had been their journeys – the struggles they had to endure to become who they were today, like the heroes in books. Perhaps their suffering had forged them, a blade in the fire, steeling them to fight against injustices and make the world better for those who came after.

Nesta smiled and then hugged Brielle, letting her emotions show openly as she’d only learned to do after meeting Brielle and Khoniya. They were not her sisters and would never be. No, their bond of friendship was something different, something stronger and far more precious. It was a choice they made every day, a bond formed from no obligation or external pressure. What tied them together was their desire to stay friends, valuing and loving and respecting one another, and forever being thankful that they had been lucky enough to meet. Nesta had learned of her own value from these females — these incredibly amazing fae who had been through hell and high water and had come out not only stronger but also kinder. They’d deemed her worthy of their time and affection and treated her like an equal. They didn’t care that she was younger, colder, meaner. They didn’t try to fix her. They just loved her for who she was, including her flaws, and supported her through anything and everything — not because they had to, but because they wanted to. There was nothing quite like the beauty of true friendship, Nesta mused.

Brielle smiled back at Nesta. Her eyes glittered, and Nesta knew that Brielle understood all the things Nesta didn’t know how to express out loud — how much she cherished Brielle and how much of a difference she’d made in Nesta’s life.

As they began ordering their food, which consisted of Brielle’s favorite dishes, Saibh nudged her girlfriend, teasing with a grin, “So, you love me, huh.” Brielle replied, “Oh, shut up, you.” and then proceeded to shut Saibh up with a kiss.

Riona rolled her eyes at the couple, but Nesta didn’t miss the way her lips twitched.

Time flew by, filled with conversation and laughter. The evening felt like a dance, and Nesta was swept up in the music, twirling to her heart’s delight with her friends.

When the strawberry cake arrived at the table, the candles lit, Khoniya whispered, “Make a wish.”

“What more could I wish for?” Brielle asked softly, and though the others laughed, Nesta understood exactly how Brielle felt. The night was magical and wonderful. Nesta didn’t want it to end.

NIght had always meant darkness for Nesta — hopelessness and hidden beasts. At best, it was a cover for her to spill her tears, unseen and unjudged. At worst… There was a reason girls weren’t allowed to be outside after dark.

Yet now, Nesta finally began to see the beauty of the night. Perhaps this was the night that had seduced Feyre. Her baby sister, who had loved the stars but hated the darkness, was now in love with every aspect of the Night Court. Nesta hadn’t understood it, but now as the darkness allowed her inhibitions to be lowered, to laugh louder and feel deeper, she understood the appeal. Velaris. The word felt strange on her tongue, but to so many, it was a word synonymous to hope,  salvation,  bliss.

Everyone seemed to echo Nesta’s reluctance to end the evening. After a short discussion, in which Saibh had made Cian swear not to drink any alcohol, they agreed to continue the night at Onyx, a fancy café that doubled as a club and bar at night.

As they walked over, the cool light air blowing their hair back like painted goddesses as moonlight illuminated their path, Nesta heard Riona whisper, “Is this a dream?”

“If it is,” Cian replied, “I don’t ever want to wake up.”

__________

“So then I realized that what we really needed was another art studio!” Feyre explained, gesticulating wildly with her hands. Cassian was glad the table had already been cleared after their meal, so no dishes were broken. “So none of the art teachers will have to step on each other’s toes and the students will have more space!”

“That’s brilliant, Feyre,” Rhysand replied, wrapping his arms around her for a kiss that was far too deep for Cassian’s comfort.

Azriel, noticing Cassian’s averted eyes, grumbled, “Now you see what I’ve had to deal with this whole time.”

Rhysand raised his middle finger at Az, not bothering to stop the kissing.

Lucien, who was visiting for the week, looked distinctly uncomfortable as he studied the table cloth.

“How do they even breathe?” Cassian smirked.

Az shrugged. “That is the real mystery, honestly. Maybe it’s one of Feyre’s powers or something.”

Mor laughed. “Which of the High Lords are you saying she got it from?”

“Tarquin makes the most sense,” Cassian replied.

“But given his reputation, wouldn’t it be Helion?” Azriel countered.

Amren rolled her eyes and sipped something red. Cassian knew she didn’t drink blood anymore, but he still had no desire to investigate the cup’s contents.

“Rhys, if you have a minute,” Mor smirked in Rhys’ direction, “Helion sent word the other day. He mentioned he’s hosting a party in a month’s time and we’re all invited, of course.”

Feyre finally tore her mouth from Rhysand’s, looking flushed. She didn’t seem to be out of breath as she asked, “What’s the occasion?” leaving Cassian wondering if Az’s theory held any truth.

Mor shrugged her left shoulder, which was bare as she was wearing a one-shoulder glittery red dress. “Helion doesn’t need an occasion to party.” Her lips were painted in a glossy red that matched her dress.

Amren scoffed. “So you want me to haul myself all the way to the Day Court just to spend a night babysitting you and trying to stop your drunk asses from making shitty decisions? No thanks.”

“The Summer Court is also invited. According to my sources, a certain Summer Court prince is going to be there,” Mor replied in a sing-song voice.

Elain’s eyes widened, and she sent a questioning and teasing glance to Amren, who pretended not to notice.

Amren rolled her eyes. “I don’t care.”

“Is the party one night, Mor?” Feyre asked.

“It is. We’re invited to spend the day before and after in Day if we want, though.”

“I’m only going if my room is far, far away from Feyre and Rhysand’s,” Azriel mumbled.

“Hey!” Feyre complained. “We’re not that bad!”

Lucien coughed. He looked like he would rather jump out the window than have to sit through a conversation about Rhysand and Feyre’s sex life.

“Yeah,” Rhys smirked. “We put up shields when we’re really loud.”

“Are you sure your shields work?” Azriel retorted.

“Yeah, cousin, maybe you’re a little too distracted to work your magic properly,” Mor added, raising an eyebrow.

Elain’s face was bright red as she excused herself to go to the bathroom. Cassian pretended not to see Azriel and Lucien staring at her retreating figure.

Feyre interjected, “C’mon, Az, it’ll be a nice vacation for all of us.”

Azriel shrugged before sighing, “Fine.”

“Great!” Feyre grinned. Then, she turned to him. “Try not to destroy any buildings, okay, Cassian?”

“It was one time! And only one building!” he protested. He hesitated for a second before adding, “And I don’t think I can go.”

Leaving Adira alone tonight was hard enough for him. He didn’t like being away from her, especially overnight — putting her to sleep was exhausting, but it was still one of the best parts of his day. He knew that, at some point, his duties would require him to spend time in Illyria, away from his daughter, but there was no way he’d choose to go to a Day Court party over singing Adira lullabies.

“What!” Mor yelled, aghast. Even Amren raised an eyebrow at him.

“Cassian, you haven’t been spending as much time with us recently, and we miss you,” Feyre complained.

“Is there some female you’ve been seeing?” Rhysand teased.

“You can invite her!” Mor’s eyes lit up. “We want to meet her!”

“Cassian’s just scared you heathens will scare her off,” Azriel answered.

“I can mind my manners!” Mor replied.

Feyre just stuck her tongue out at Az, who laughed, “Case in point.”

For a second, Cassian let himself imagine being at the Day Court party with Nesta, dancing in the golden ballroom, and then going back to their room where Adira would be. He almost laughed at the image. There was no way he would let Adira stay in the room alone, and Nesta would almost certainly not enjoy the Day Court party with the Inner Circle in attendance.

“There’s no female,” he laughed, hoping they’d believe him. “I just can’t go.”

“I know you don’t have any meetings,” Rhysand countered.

“I just… I can’t.” Cassian wished he’d thought of a list of believable excuses before coming over. He should have known that sooner or later, he’d need to get out of group activities.

“Do you have a date that day?” Mor teased.

Cassian rolled his eyes, prepared for more pestering, but Feyre merely said, “Well, if you’re not going with us to the Day Court, then at least party with us tonight!”

Relieved at having been let off so easily, he grinned, “I’d love to.”

“You busybodies go have fun. I’m heading back to my apartment,” Amren said.

Feyre smirked. “Anyone staying over at your apartment?”

“Well, Varian certainly isn’t in Summer at the moment,” Azriel remarked.

Amren raised a middle finger at them before getting up from her chair.

“So,” Rhys asked, “where are we going tonight?”

“Can we go to Rita’s?”

“We always go to Rita’s,” Az replied to Mor with a groan.

“Oh! I actually heard of this new place which apparently has great music.” Feyre declared.

“Anything other than Rita’s is fine, honestly,” Cassian answered with a grin. Azriel nodded as Morrigan rolled her eyes.

“We’ve been going to Rita’s almost exclusively for almost a century now,” Rhys pointed out.

“Fine,” Mor accepted with a sigh. “Where do you want to go, Feyre?”

“I think it’s called Onyx.”

__________

The air vibrated with music, multi-colored lights swirling and illuminating the room. Fae were swaying, bouncing to the beat, and grinding on each other, some singing along to the song, others chatting with each other.

“Let’s grab some snacks,” Khoniya suggested, and everyone nodded, heading towards the bar area. The bar was set up as a mock restaurant, with standing tables and waiters arranged in a neat formation around a central bar.

“I’ve never been to a place like this before,” Riona said, looking around dazzled. “Are they common here?”

Brielle nodded. “Fairly common, yeah. Fae usually come here to have fun with their friends or to meet someone or just to, you know, unwind and dance.”

“We don’t have this kind of dancing in Hewn,” Cian muttered.

Saibh nodded. “Dances are always extremely formal, and usually they’re for courtship only, not for… fun.”

Nesta hummed in agreement. “In the human lands where I grew up, we didn’t have these kinds of dances either. I always enjoyed them since they were a fun occasion to dress up and dance, but they were so much more formal and were reserved for the elite. We would dance official dances — waltzes and boleros and foxtrots. It wasn’t this kind of party.”

“That’s the same, back in autumn, for the High Fae,” Khoniya added. “For us, well, we were never invited to those, so we would put together our own dances. Someone would sing, someone would play instruments, and we’d just dance our hearts out in a circle. Kind of like this, but much less sexual and less fancy, I suppose.”

“For some reason, in Hewn, dancing was considered the most intimate form of courtship,” Cian explained. “Even though the dances were nothing like this, and the most you would do is grab your partner’s waist or bare hand.”

“It’s because we’re all touch starved,” Riona quipped. “I mean, even making eye contact with your dance partner is mmm,” Riona moaned, indicating just how amazing it was. “No one ever touches each other in Hewn, so it’s like, we’re all desperate for it.”

“Males touch prostitutes,” Saibh coughed.

Riona rolled her eyes. “Okay, yes, well, the Hewn City males can go fuck themselves. I don’t give a shit about them.” She turned to her brother. “No offense.”

“None taken,” he said lightly. “I completely agree with you.”

A throat cleared beside their table. A waiter was standing there, his deep violet eyes wide. The male was clearly a Night Court High Fae.

“Did you just say Hewn City?” he asked, his deep voice bordering on a growl. His eyes narrowed on Cian. “Are you from Hewn?”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” Riona hissed. Her eyes were fierce, her mouth pressed in a firm line, even though Nesta could tell that she was nervous from her fidgeting fingers.

“My business? Of course it’s my business! Velaris is my city, and it’s reserved for dreamers, not Hewn City trash,” he scoffed at Cian as he said the last words. Then, his eyes trailed Riona’s figure, studying the similarities between her and Cian — their dirty blond hair, pale skin, thin nose. Finally, he let out a gasp. “You too? What is this, an infestation? We don’t want your kind here!”

“My kind?” Riona raised an eyebrow. “What the hell are you saying? I’m fae, just like you. Don’t you think I deserve the chance to be a dreamer, too?”

The waiter let out the most sarcastic, condescending laugh Nesta had ever heard. “You? A dreamer? Please, don’t try to feed me that bullshit. I know what you are — whores and thieves and liars, abusers and rapists and torturers. There’s a reason they call it the Court of Nightmares.” He growled at them. “We don’t want you vermin here.”

“Excuse me, but who gave you the right to speak for Velaris?” Khoniya replied in a threateningly calm tone. “You work here as a waiter, to serve your customers, yet you clearly don’t seem to be doing a good job if you can’t even take an order without making assumptions about customers and threatening them. Insulting and growling at customers doesn’t really fit in with the whole city of dreams thing, does it? So really, if there’s someone here who doesn’t deserve to be in this city, it’s you.” She glared at him for a long moment, her fox eyes flashing in the semi-dark room. “Luckily, Velaris is big enough for all of us,” she said finally, raising an eyebrow as if daring him to reply.

The waiter shrank back. Perhaps that would have been the end of the discussion if it hadn’t been for the fact that a second waiter walked past. Their waiter muttered to the other one, “Some stupid Autumn Court low fae bitch thinks she can tell me about Velaris.”

“What the fuck did you just call her?” Nesta demanded.

“Only what she is,” he scoffed.

The other waiter gasped — he clearly recognized Nesta.

“He didn’t really mean that,” he stuttered.

“Of course I meant it! Why should I have to listen to some Low Fae — from Autumn Court, no less — talk to me about who should or shouldn’t be in my city?”

The second waiter whispered something into his ear, which made his eyes widen. For a second, he was silent. Then, he scoffed again. “I don’t give a shit. I’m not scared of the High Lady’s alcoholic whore of a sister.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Riona hissed, standing up.

He raised an eyebrow. “Or what? You nightmare brats will stay here? Or you’ll… multiply?”

He looked between Cian and Riona in a way that made Nesta want to throw up.

“You have three seconds to apologize,” Khoniya said.

“Apologize? To these pieces of Hewn City filth? Yeah, that’s never going to happen,” he smirked.

“Three, Two,” Khoniya counted calmly yet threateningly, as only the parent of a toddler could. “One.”

The male just rolled his eyes.

“Alright, then,” Khoniya said evenly before standing up.

Perhaps Khoniya would have punched him or made him disintegrate, but Nesta never got to find out because, at that moment, a throat cleared beside them.

“Is there a problem here?” Nesta turned around, along with everyone else, to find Rhysand’s violet eyes staring back.

__________

“Look, we just came to Onyx to have fun and celebrate my birthday,” Brielle sighed. “We weren’t trying to cause any trouble, and we can leave if you want.”

Rhysand had listened to the argument as summarized by both parties and then had dismissed the waiter. At some point, Azriel had appeared by his side, although the Illyrian had remained silent.

“I know you weren’t trying to start a fight,” Rhys frowned. “I’m more concerned about the allegations.” His eyes shifted to Riona and Cian, studying them, and then slid over to Saibh, who clearly shared their features.

“These fae are my friends. I can assure you that they aren’t doing any harm to Velaris,” Brielle replied.

Saibh, Riona, and Cian remained silent. They were clearly terrified of Rhysand and had good reason to be, if what Nesta had been told about Rhysand’s image in Hewn City was true.

“I think I’ll be the judge of that,” Rhysand answered firmly. His brows lowered slightly as his eyes moved from Brielle’s face to Khoniya’s.

“I didn’t realize we had so many foreigners in Velaris,” Rhysand whispered to Azriel.

“Excuse me?” Of course, despite Rhysand’s low voice, all of their fae hearing had picked up on what he’d said.

Rhys raised an eyebrow at them.

“I’ve lived in the Night Court since I was a child,” Brielle announced. “I’m not a foreigner.”

Rhys didn’t answer, opting instead to look at Khoniya as a silent reply.

“I’ve lived here for over a century with my mate,” she said, looking Rhysand straight in the eye. “My son was born here. My ancestors may not have lived here, but Velaris is my home.”

Rhysand hummed in acknowledgement, his expression serious. He seemed to put aside whatever issues he’d had with Brielle and Khoniya and focused back on Riona, Saibh, and Cian.

“I’m sure you know that Velaris is not open to Hewn City residents.” His voice had never seemed so passively threatening.

“Please,” Riona whispered. A piece of Nesta’s heart broke at how frail Riona’s usually confident and sassy voice sounded. “Please, my lord, we would die if we returned to Hewn City.”

“If you have concerns, you may bring them up to the Steward,” Rhysand said coldly. “You may not, however, enter Velaris without permission.”

“Please,” Cian folded his hands in a prayer position, pleading with Rhysand. “My lord, we can’t go back. We-”

“Hey Rhys,” Cassian’s light, jovial tone cut in as he walked up behind Rhys, balancing three glasses of some alcoholic beverage. He handed one to Azriel and one to Rhys before turning towards the other. His eyes widened. “Nesta? Brielle? Ri- What are you guys doing here?” Then he observed Rhysand’s serious posture. “What’s going on?”

Rhys tossed out his hand, gesturing at the siblings. “They are intruders from Hewn City.” Cassian’s eyes widened.

“Please,” Riona begged, her voice trembling. “We’ll do anything, just please don’t make us go back.”

Rhys opened his mouth to reply, but Cassian interjected, “Woah, woah, woah. Riona, calm down. We’re not just going to send you back there.”

“You know them?” Rhysand asked, baffled.

Cassian nodded. “Yeah, Riona, Cian, and Saibh are friends of N- mine.” He stumbled slightly over the last word, as if he were going to mention that they were Nesta’s friends too and then realized that wouldn’t be of significance to Rhys.

“Oh, why didn’t you just say so?” Rhys laughed, his earlier cold expression melting into a warm smile. “If they’re friends of yours, of course they can stay.” His tone had flipped, too — the harsh high lord was gone and replaced by the amicable, benevolent friend.

Nesta exchanged a glance with Khoniya, silently communicating how hypocritical and nepotistic Rhys’ shift had been. Neither would voice their opinions, of course; no matter what they thought, ensuring the siblings’ safety was the number one priority, and it wasn’t their place to say anything.

“Anyway, Cassian,” Rhysand paused to sip on his drink. “Are you sure you can’t-”

“My lord,” Saibh interrupted. Nesta had never seen anyone look so somber yet fierce, so afraid but brave. “I mean no offense, and I- we appreciate your kindness in allowing us to remain here… but I have to ask.”

Cian’s eyes widened. “Saibh, what are you doing?” he hissed fearfully.

Saibh inhaled deeply, ignoring him. “Don’t you believe that the same courtesy should be extended to others in Hewn CIty, even those who don’t know General Cassian?”

“And those that aren’t your cousin,” Riona added.

Rhysand looked taken aback, as though he had expected them to completely forget about his previous words the moment his attitude had shifted. “What?”

“My lord, if we had remained in Hewn, my brother would have been killed,” Saibh said, gesturing to Cian. “My sister would have been married off to a cruel male, who would have destroyed her.”

“And my sister,” Riona interjected, “would have been forced into a marriage with some male. She never could have found love. If she’d even tried — if they had ever gotten a clue that she loved females — they would have killed her or perhaps done far worse.”

Saibh met her sister’s eyes as they exchanged a serious yet loving glance. Nesta didn’t need to be a daemati to know what they were thinking: thank goodness we got out.

“We’re here now,” Saibh continued after a moment. “We escaped such fates, but there are others — so many other males and females — who are facing such cruelties as we speak. Shouldn’t they, too, be offered a chance to leave?”

“There you are!” Feyre’s voice cut in as she walked up behind Rhys. She placed a kiss on his lips that was far too long for Nesta’s comfort before pulling away and giving Cassian a greeting hug. Nesta ignored the tiny twinge in her chest at the gesture.

“I was looking for you guys,” Feyre laughed lightly as she shot Azriel a smile that he surprisingly returned.

She turned slowly, her eyes landing on the unfamiliar faces before gasping as she saw Nesta’s. “Nesta? What are you…” She tilted her head to the side. “Have you started coming to Onyx now? You have to admit that it’s a huge upgrade from those taverns you used to hang out in.”

Nesta didn’t deign to reply. She knew Feyre was genuinely curious about her, but it didn’t really matter what her intent was. Instead, Nesta focused on trying her hardest not to blush as her sister’s humiliating words washed over her in front of her friends.

At Nesta’s silence, Feyre merely sighed and took a sip from Rhys’ glass. “Mmm, this is really good! What is this drink called?” Feyre wondered out loud.

“It’s an Illyrian Sunrise, darling,” Rhysand purred, wrapping an arm around her waist. For a moment, Nesta assumed Rhysand would use the opportunity to walk away or to move on from the previous conversation.

He surprised her by turning back to Saibh and answering, “The Court of Nightmares has many evils. It’s unfortunate, but presently the city has a good amount of self-governance, which means it doesn’t really want to change. Of course, we could go down there and dictate new laws and attempt to enforce them, but it’s debatable if it would change much since most citizens wouldn’t support it. Also, bBringing fae from Hewn City to Velaris would only ruin the safe environment we’ve fostered here.”

Saibh sent Khoniya a pleading look. Saibh clearly wanted to say more, but was terrified that speaking up would mean getting on Rhys’ bad side and jeopardize her and her siblings’ ability to remain in Velaris.

Nesta wished she could be the one to speak up, but she knew that anything she said would be viewed as her trying to stir up trouble and needlessly demonizing Rhysand and Feyre. So though there were a million things she wanted to yell as Rhys, she kept quiet — because her friends and the point they needed to get across were more important.

“Isn’t Velaris the court of dreams?” Khoniya said, her calm voice somehow carrying more impact than yelling ever would. “The city for dreams, where hopes can become a reality? Shouldn’t they be allowed to dream of a better world, too?”

Feyre took another sip of Rhysand’s drink as he replied, “We can’t just let everyone come here.”

“Why not?” Khoniya challenged.

“They would threaten the joy and safety of those who already live here. It would ruin Velaris, and there would be no more City of Dreams left.”

“You have laws here, don’t you?” Khoniya retorted. “If they don’t follow the laws, they can be punished, but shouldn’t they at least get a chance?”

Rhysand tilted his head. “Well, Velaris isn’t big enough to house every single person who wants to come here.”

“Then expand it,” she answered, looking him straight in the eyes. “Expand the city, or make more cities like Velaris in the Night Court.”

“That would take years,” Rhysand sighed, “And it would be a lot of work to build so much.”

“Aren’t you the High Lord?”  Khoniya arched an eyebrow. “Besides, I’m sure many people would be willing to work if it means creating a place where they can be free.”

Rhysand’s violet eyes shifted, and a new expression took over his face. He looked as though he was seriously considering Khoniya’s words.

“Feyre! There you are!” Morrigan’s shrill voice cut in as she approached, along with Lucien and Elain. “I was wondering where all of you went!”

“You want to go dance?” Feyre asked Mor, who grinned and grasped Feyre’s hand, pulling her towards the dance floor.

Rhysand absently sipped the drink Feyre had handed back to him. “Look, it seems like you have many great ideas. I can’t promise to make all of them a reality, but perhaps it would be a good idea to arrange a meeting where we could talk about this further.”

Khoniya’s eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded hastily. “I know that these things take time, but hopefully-”

“Khoniya?” Her name sounded like it meant serendipity as it slid off of Lucien’s tongue.

She gasped, turning towards him and taking in his features under the flashing lights. “Uncle Lucien?”

“What the fuck?” exclaimed Cassian. Nesta couldn’t agree more with his words.

__________

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[cat5313]

I have prompts!!!! Nessian: "I can't take you anywhere, you just fight everyone."

So, this isn’t proofread, so that’s fun.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

************************************

Nesta used to love bars.

Years ago, after the war, bars were her sanctuary. Liquor had been her closest confidant during that period of her life. It provided her with an easy escape from the nightmares and fear that constantly loomed over her shoulder. That fear was a constant companion, even during her waking hours, and without the alcohol and lovers whose faces she could never remember Nesta had always feared the fear would overcome her.

It almost did at first, when Feyre had sent her away. Those first few weeks had been a living hell, especially with Cassian constantly up her ass to stop feeling sorry for herself and start training. Eventually, that anger that constantly boiled just under the surface had bubbled over one day. Cassian and Nesta never talked about that day, and they never would, but after that they had a silent agreement. Nesta would train and Cassian would give her space.

As the weeks passed, Nesta threw herself into her training. After many sleepless nights plagued by nightmares, Nesta had relished in pushing herself to her limit. The burn in her muscles became a replacement for the burn of liquor running down her throat. The exhaustion she felt at the end of the day that occasionally granted her a dreamless rest became a substitute for the exhaustion she often felt after inviting a faceless lover back to her apartment.

Nesta and Cassian’s agreement grew into a mutual respect for each other as the weeks passed. It wasn’t until Cassian had found her one night, sobbing in the small cabin she’d been given that their tolerance of each other shifted. He had stopped by to drop off a new pair of boots- he’d noticed hers were wearing down, and he’d wanted to replace them before they fully gave out. He’d knocked and called her name, and upon not receiving any reply, he felt a small sense of dread settle in the pit of his stomach. He’d entered the cabin and searched the few rooms she had, that feeling of dread growing each second he couldn’t see her.

She’d been in the washroom. When Cassian had found her, she was naked and soaked, her knees tucked to her chest. She was crying, her body shivering against the side of the old tub beside her. Her hair was wet up to her chin and her arms were marred with red, angry scratch. Nesta told him later that it was her memory of the cauldron. It happened every time she bathed- she’d try to force herself to sink deeper and deeper each time, and more often than not the memory of that all consuming, dark abyss flooded her mind, and that fear would envelope her. She’d panic, and whenever she regained control of her senses, she was always out of the bath, always covered in panicked scratches from her nails.

Cassian hadn’t said a word, and Nesta was always grateful for that. Instead, he’d scooped her up into his arms, his heart breaking at how badly she was shivering, how tightly she clung to him. He’d carried her to her bedroom and held her until she calmed down, neither daring to speak. He helped her get into her nightgown and stayed with her until she fell asleep, his hand clutched in hers.

They never talked about that night either.

As weeks blurred into months, Cassian and Nesta’s relationship began to grow and develop. They’d become friends of sorts, and it wasn’t until Feyre and Rhysand sent them a message announcing the birth of their newborn son that anything truly changed. Nesta had been more than reluctant to return to Velaris, however, she wanted to meet her nephew. She wanted to see her sisters.

Cassian remained at her side the entire time. They’d flown directly to Feyre and Rhy’s new home they’d built together, where Rhys waiting for them on the front staircase. While Cassian congratulated his brother, Nesta wandered into the front entryway as memories of her sister sending her off all those months ago flooded her mind. Cassian had been there in an instant, and together they’d followed Rhys to meet the new heir of the Nightcourt.

Nesta fell in love with the little baby- he had Feyre’s features with Rhy’s hair and eyes. Feyre had insisted they stay for a few days before returning back to the mountains, and they had agreed. The same night they had arrived, Nesta’s mind had flooded with memories as she gazed out her window at the infamous night sky of Velaris. If she tried hard enough, she could see the roof of the bar she used to go to- she could even see the top floors of her old apartment building.

She wasn’t sure what it was, but something inside her broke. The air was too stale, the city lights too bright, and her room too big. The next thing she remembered was standing before a doorway, Cassian leaning against the doorframe. He’d obviously been getting ready to go to bed, but Nesta couldn’t find the will to walk away. The denial she’d been pushing down since the war was choking her, and after the past few months of his silent, unwavering support, Nesta wanted nothing more than to be able to finally breathe. So, Cassian had taken them up to the roof, and they’d talked for hours about everything and nothing. About the mating bond they’d felt between them.

For Nesta, it had been like a dream. Of course, Cassian had needed to reassure her multiple times over the next few days that it had been real, that they had talked. From there, they’d returned to the mountains and Nesta had finished her training. Her and Cassian’s relationship had grown and evolved from there, and when they’d returned home, it had been as mates. Feyre and Elian had begged Nesta for the details, but Nesta had refused. Those few days had been precious to her, and she didn’t want to expose her heart like that, even to her sisters.

Now, a few years after their return, Nesta was the happiest she’d ever been. She still dealt with the occasional nightmare, but having Cassian beside her at night often soothed her well enough that she could sleep. The inner circle had welcomed her with open arms, and although she was still rather closed off and reserved, Nesta had to admit she enjoyed their company, especially when Rhys and Feyre brought their son along.

Unfortunately, it would’ve been a bad decision to bring their six year old along with them to a bar. It was Morrigan’s birthday and she had insisted they all go out and party together. To Nesta’s displeasure, they were at their third bar of the night. All of their friends were varying levels of drunk- all except Nesta. After she and Cassian had returned, she still had a glass of wine here and there but for the most part, she didn’t allow herself to drink a lot in fear of falling back into old habits.

And, at the moment, she was glad she wasn’t drunk.

If she was, she probably wouldn’t have noticed the women looking at Cassian like he was a slab of meat.

He had gone to dance with Mor at the birthday girl's request, and after an insistence from Nesta that she’d be fine, he’d followed Mor to the dance floor. He hadn’t been gone long when Nesta had noticed the group of women beside her eyeing the Illyrian male. At first she didn’t let it bother her, but as soon as they started speaking, Nesta felt her blood coming to a boil.

“What do you think my chances are of getting him to come home with me?” A blonde asked her friends, her eyes freely roaming Cassian’s form as he danced.

“Or me,” a redhead piped up, “Cauldron, I think I’d let him do just about anything to me.”

“He probably already has a female,” another blonde spoke up, “what about the woman he’s dancing with?”

“He hasn’t touched her once, they can’t be an item,” the redhead practically purred and slid off her barseat, “Besides, even if he does have a woman, she can’t be anything special if he’s here, right?” Fixing her hair, her eyes fully settled on Cass as she moved to approach him.

“He’d never touch you, you know.”

The redhead’s steps faltered when she heard Nesta’s voice.

When the other woman turned to look at her, Nesta raised her wineglass to her lips, her cold, steely gaze locked with the redhead’s as she took a sip.

The woman’s painted lips curved into a charming smile, her hand moving to rest on her hip.

“Oh, is that so? Well, I have say I have a much better chance than you ever would. Don’t flatter yourself, dear,” she said with a challenging gleam in her eyes.

Behind her, Nesta saw Cassian’s dancing falter for a moment.

Raising her wine to her lips again, Nesta shrugged. “Well, no offense, but I doubt a man as attractive as him would ever consider touching a woman who opens her legs so easily. Such a pretty body, ruined by no shame and no class.”

Another sip.

Cassian stopped dancing all together in the crowd as Morrigan’s laughter rang out beside him.

The redhead’s cheeks bloomed with color and her brows furrowed with fury. “Like you’d know anything about shame, you snobby whore. Get off your high horse and accept no man half as attractive as him would so much as look your way.”

Her arm moved to throw the rest of her drink in Nesta’s face, but before the amber liquid could slosh out of the glass, a tanned fist wrapped around the woman’s pale wrist.

Nesta sipped her wine.

“Nesta.”

His voice sent chills up her spine, but Nesta kept a straight face as she looked at him, her finger tracing the rim of her wine glass.

“Is this woman bothering you?”

Nesta pretended to think for a moment before releasing a sigh. Setting her empty glass on the counter, Nesta slid down from her own bar stool, her cold stare meeting the two blondes from before. They both looked away immediately, and feeling satisfied, she approached Cassian and the other woman, her face stoic.

“No, not at all. She was just going to dance, right?” Nesta asked.

The redhead stared at her and Nesta simply smiled at her. Taking the woman’s glass, Nesta shot back the remaining whiskey, her eyes never leaving the redheads. She could tell Cassian was holding back a grin as Nesta held out the glass for the redhead to take again as Cassian released the woman’s wrist. With a scowl, the woman practically shook with fury as she reached for the empty glass, only for Nesta to drop it.

The glass shattered, and Nesta swore she could see the woman’s eye twitch with rage.

“Cass, I’d like to go home. It’s getting late,” Nesta said, her eyes still locked with the redhead’s.

“Alright, sweetheart,” he said with a chuckle and moved to wrap and arm around Nesta’s shoulders as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Nesta couldn’t help but smile as the woman openly gaped at them, her eyes wide with surprise.

Cassian called a goodbye to their friends as they left the bar, and as they walked down the sidewalk in the cool night air, Cassian laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Nesta asked, her brow raised as she looked up at her mate. Cassian simply grinned and squeezed her hand.

“I can’t take you anywhere, you just fight everyone,” he said, amusement bright in his eyes.

Nesta simply shrugged. There was no point in denying what was true.

“They were looking at you like a pack of wolves. I was simply informing that woman she had no chance,” Nesta said, her chin held high. Cassian chuckled again and pulled her to the side, his arms wrapping around her waist.

“Oh? How kind of you... Are you sure you weren’t jealous, Nes?” He asked with a smirk and kissed her cheek, his lips trailing down her jaw to her neck. Nesta rolled her eyes, her hands running down his chest and settling on his waist.

“So what if I was?” She asked, her eyes fluttering shut as Cassian nipped at her ear.

“You know I’d never look at anyone else, right?”

Nesta hummed and looped her fingers into the waistband of his pants, a soft sigh escaping her.

“I think you’re going to have to bring me home and prove it.”

Nesta could feel Cassian’s grin against her neck at her teasing, and with a husky chuckle, he nodded.

“With pleasure.”

[noxangelus]

Turbulence

How… did I even get to this point?

The thought crossed my mind as I leaned against the balcony, smoking a cigarette. The scent of the cigarette filled my nostrils and I breathed in the polluted air as I stood there. I always thought smoking was gross. I never understood why people smoked at all. Yet here I was.

I’d always thought that I’d already hit my lowest point, that I might as well just die already. But each time, I still managed to claw my way out of whatever hole I’d fallen into. I’d deluded myself into accepting the fact that I was just a shitty person that would do nothing to fulfill my own needs. Even at the expense of others.

“Elian?”

I turned to see Lyssa sitting on the bed. She looked so vulnerable, sitting there naked. I let out my breath.

“Just go home,” I said.

She looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn’t. She got dressed and left.

I leaned against the balcony again. The cool metal rubbed against my bare back as I let my head fall backwards. 

“You shouldn’t do that.”

“Fuck off,” I muttered as I closed my eyes. “Can’t you give me some privacy?”

“You’re half naked on your balcony,” he informed me like I wasn’t aware of the fact. “But that’s not what I was commenting on. If you lean back like that, you might fall off.”

“So what if I did?” I opened my eyes and looked at him.

He shrugged at me. “It’d be a pain to clean up. There’s kids in this building. What if they see your body?”

I sneered. “You think I care about kids?”

“Pretty shit thing to do, if you ask me,” he continued. “Why would you want to traumatize a kid?”

“I didn’t ask you shit. Leave me alone.”

He didn’t say anything. His face was turned in the other direction, so I couldn’t see his expression.

I exhaled, then dropped the cigarette on the ground and crushed it with my shoe. I started heading back inside my apartment.

“I saw her.”

I narrowed my eyes and turned to him. “And?”

“She didn’t look very happy.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re my neighbor, not my therapist. Mind your own business.”

He turned to look at me. “Don’t you hate yourself?”

I stared back at him for a few seconds, wondering how I should answer his question. When I couldn’t think of one, I just laughed. He didn’t smile or react at all, just kept staring.

“Are you being cruel to her?”

I stopped laughing. “I told you to mind your own damn business.” Then I went inside and slammed the door shut.

--

I did hate myself.

But the concept was nothing new for me. I couldn’t even think of a time that I didn’t hate myself. For most of my life, I sank into depravity. The bad of the world never really shocked me. What I couldn’t shake, however, was a nagging sense of morality deep inside me. I was cruel to Lyssa. I took advantage of the fact that she had feelings for me. I knew she was lying to herself about being straight. And I kept pulling her into this twisted relationship, deeper and deeper. I knew there was really no way out for her. If she did “break up” with me, then what would she do? Marry a man? It’s not like she could ever admit to herself that she was lesbian. There were nights back then where she would tell me everything. About how she grew up in a repressed, religious family. How her father had sexually abused her. She told me all that because she trusted me. And what did I do? I was cruel.

Lyssa’s story hadn’t shocked me. Maybe I was the only person who took it all in a stride. Maybe that’s why she liked me. I didn’t tell her about my own life, but I had a feeling that she knew even if I didn’t. There was no way that I wouldn’t have reacted if I hadn’t had a similar backstory.

“Are you being cruel to her?”

I don’t know why Dex’s words bothered me so much. He was right, and I knew it. I’d known long before he asked me. But it still fueled this anger inside of me. What the hell did Dex know about either of us? Did he have any idea why I was being cruel? Had he ever considered that maybe I wasn’t a piece of shit? 

Though I hated myself, I still felt defensive of my own actions. Yeah, I had some fucking trauma too. I was screwed in the head too. No one ever tried to protect me back then. Everyone seemed to only see what they wanted in me. They didn’t realize that I was still screaming and clawing under the surface. Maybe things would be easier if I were dead.

--

“Is it good?”

Her yearning expression stirred something inside of me. I stared at her for a second, then kissed her instead of answering. She pressed her body against mine. Our skin was slick with sweat. 

After we finished, Lyssa showered. I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to process my emotions. There was something alluring about her. She wasn’t particularly seductive or anything like that. Lyssa was clumsy and awkward most of the time, but there was just a certain sexual charm to her movements. The thought disturbed me.

After a few minutes, I let out a big sigh before heading to the bathroom. She seemed surprised when I opened the door and stepped in the shower. She opened her mouth to say something, but I kissed her before she could. Our lips crushed together as I pulled her waist towards me. She stumbled forward and her soaped up skin made contact with mine. 

“Wait,” she said breathlessly. “Wait, I--”

I didn’t let her finish, just smashed my lips to hers again. She shivered as I ran my hands over her body.

Shit, I thought.

--

When we got out of the shower, she said she felt dizzy. Her face was all flushed, probably from the heat. I told her to lay down on the bed while I made us drinks. 

As I mixed our drinks, she suddenly asked me, “Why are you being nice to me?”

I stopped and stared at my hands. Was I being nice to her? I hadn’t done anything particularly kind. Clearly, though, there was a drastic change in my behavior since the last time she came over. Enough for her to comment on, at least.

“I’m not,” I said finally.

I turned to look at her. She was still dripping from the shower. She was laying on my bed in just a towel. Her eyes stared at me earnestly. Then she blinked and smiled.

“Okay.” And she turned away.

Why did she accept my words so easily? Did she really trust me that much?

I finished up making our drinks and brought a glass over to her. She sat up and accepted it.

“Thank you.”

“Whatever,” I muttered and sat down next to her.

She sipped her drink quietly. After a few moments, she said, “What if I get drunk?”

“Then you can spend the night.”

I expected her to smile at the suggestion or something, but she didn’t. She frowned at her drink. I considered asking her what was wrong, but I didn’t. I didn’t really care, honestly.

“Stay here,” I said, and went out to the balcony just to put some space between us. 

“Hey, look. You’re not naked for once.”

I shut my eyes. “God, do you ever go inside your apartment?” I snapped. “Or do you just wait out here, trying to catch me naked?”

Dex grinned. “If you didn’t want people to see you naked, you’d put on clothes before coming out in public.”

Something about his face pissed me the fuck off. “What, you think my nakedness is an invitation or something?” I spat. “You make me sick.”

He stopped smiling. “No, I don’t,” he said seriously. 

“Just leave me alone.”

He sighed. He sat there on his balcony for a few more minutes before just going inside. 

I sipped my drink, trying to calm my nerves. I wonder if Lyssa’s feeling better, I thought briefly before laughing to myself. Who was I trying to fool? I didn’t really care.

Her face popped into my mind. That expression on her face. Did she desire me that much? Something about her desire was intoxicating. Who didn’t want to be worshiped? I craved that desire she held for me. But at the same time, Lyssa disgusted me. At times, I thought about hurting her physically. Would she cry? Or would she accept the abuse since it came from me?

I chuckled to myself. There it was. The familiar hatred inside of me. I wasn’t being “nice” to her. I was still the same fucking Elian.

When I went back inside, she was curled up in bed, asleep. She had on one of my shirts. The collar was pulled up over her nose. 

“God fucking damn it,” I muttered. Why did I give her alcohol at all? I should’ve just kicked her out like I always did. I even promised to babysit her. What the hell was I thinking?

I grabbed her empty glass from my nightstand and took it to the kitchen. I dumped both our glasses in the sink before returning to my bed. I stood there, watching as she slept for a few minutes, wondering what I should do with her. I couldn’t think of anything, so I just pulled a blanket over her and crawled in on the other side.

--

I knew how Lyssa felt. I had been in the same position she was in. So why did I continue to treat her like this?

Her name was Julie. 

It was back in high school, when I was still caught up in the shitty living situation with my family. In a moment of vulnerability, the words all tumbled out at once. I told her about what I endured every day. How much I hated my life. How much I hated myself. She wept when I told her. At the time, I thought it was because of her compassion. But now, I don’t know what it was.

Julie had invited me to some dumb party she’d gotten invited to. I remembered drinking, then throwing up a lot. They had weed too, so I smoked some of that. The whole night just felt shitty, and it was painful to think of it even now. I had no idea whose house I was even at. Julie held my hair back when I threw up into the bushes. She gave me water and babysat me the whole night. At the end of the night, when we were sitting in the dirt of the backyard, I told her that I loved her. It just came out.

Her face twisted with disgust after I told her and she left me sitting in the dirt by myself. I cried for hours, just sitting there by myself. When it came morning, I stumbled back home only to find out that Julie died that night while I cried all alone. She’d gotten into a car with a drunk driver and died on impact.

Julie’s reaction and death wasn’t what stirred up the contempt inside me. The contempt had built for years before I even realized I was in love with her. I’d been doomed from the start.

--

I was surprised to see that Lyssa was still here in the morning. I woke up with my face wet from tears. I’d dreamt about Julie. 

Lyssa was still asleep, laying there. I felt a heavy feeling in my heart and pulled her close to me. I buried my face into her shoulder and tried to keep myself from sobbing.

The two of us were deplorable.

[ashleyswrittenwords]

How to be a Queen [Part 19]

Summary: Princess Zelda is at a loss. Her handed royal responsibilities have begun to weigh heavily on her and she is eventually backed into a corner. Live a life she loathes or run away from everything she’s ever known? Navigating life is hard, and Link forces her to learn that she doesn’t have to do it alone.

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Part 1

How To Be A Queen

“Do we plan to ride through the night?

Their replies were always hesitant. The pauses between my questions and their answers were long enough to tell that they were carefully choosing their words. The senior officer of the seven-manned caravan soon responded.

“We were told to be swift, but if Her Highness requires a few hours’ rest then I’m sure the king wouldn’t mind the delay.”

I frowned, that was something Father would absolutely mind. Cosmo reared her head to the side every now and again, looking for someone who wasn’t there. It had only soured my mood further. Two officers rode on either side of my horse and convinced me greatly of how much more suspicious it would look for a band of men to be surrounding one woman, no matter how plain their clothes were. The one to my left was noticeably younger with mocha eyes that kept diverting from my direction each time I glance over.

Surely I didn’t look intimidating, but remembering what Link had recounted before about his own prejudices… perhaps I could use it to my advantage.

“Sir,” I glanced at the senior officer ahead. It appeared he hadn’t heard me.

The man with the mocha eyes responded and tried to mask his confusion. I put on the greatest smile I could muster, “If we’re going to travel on the same road for more than a day, I suppose I should make friends. What are your thoughts on the matter?”

His horse was taller than Cosmo and I tried to keep my mind off the possibility that it may be an animal suited for war. The man breathed in and glanced ahead as I had.

“Well,” something that could pass for nervousness washed over, “That is only natural, is it not?”

I took a second to feign thoughtfulness, then nodded. “I do believe you’re right. Dare I ask what my new friend’s name is?”

“Elian, Your Highness.”

Elian looked at me curiously. Over the next few minutes filled with horseshoes on dirt, I took the liberty to assess him. He couldn’t have been too much older than Link. Why, he also had that set weight on his brow that made me wonder if he never stopped having something on his mind.

“Tell me, Elian. You cannot be more than five years my senior.”

“Ah, I believe we were born in the same year,” he stifled his humor at my mundane questions.

I hummed, “We have so much in common.”

Much to my satisfaction, that made him grin. I pursed my lips and sat straight in my saddle, hands relaxing on the reins. “Forgive me if my math is wrong, but there are seven men here. At the plateau surely there had to be more. Why is that?”

My voice was light and very much resembled the ladies of the court who wanted someone to divulge gossip without giving away that they wanted it. It made me feel dirty.

Elian brushed back a strand of hair that matched his eyes and looked down, “The rest are to head towards the desert border west of here. One of my best mates is on his way right now.”

“How intriguing. Does he happen to serve under Captain Forester by chance?”

There was that hesitation again. It reared its ugly head in the way he gripped his reins and his jaw set. Before I thought he would ignore my question, he spoke. “Yes, Your Highness.”

I gave him a wary, fleeting look and dropped the conversation altogether.

Dust had set and a chill drew up my spine.

“A cloak, Your Highness?” Elian drew near with it tucked under his arm. Another soldier, the man from the inn, was with him. Not long ago they were whispering jokes to each other out of ear shot of their commanding officer, whose name still evades me. My backside was stiff from the ride, but it wasn’t unfamiliar.

I accepted the offering with hearty thanks and invited them to sit. The man from the inn was very fair skinned compared to his counterpart. After sipping water from a skein, I found my voice, “Are you Elian’s good friend too?”

Laughter came from the man, “I’m afraid I can’t compete with the unbreakable bond between you two.”

Elian went pink and I grinned. His friend took the liberty to sit across from me and the other soon followed.

“Very fair, sir.”

They chattered on about topics I had no experience in while the rest of their group huddled in two other packs not far away. Whatever food I was offered was accepted with the excuse that I would eat it later. Maybe my attire put a damper on my title because they seemed to speak freely with the exception of stopping themselves amid the occasional inappropriate jester.

I smiled, “Then you must ask her.”

The man beside Elian, whose name I learned was Rodrick, elbowed the lad. Pink cheeks turned to a blistering red, “She is a lady, a very regal woman. A… a woman of great stature.”

“Mm,” I peered coyly at him, “As if I had never heard ladies speak inappropriately about knights. If I remember correctly, that’s their favorite past time after tea. I’ve never met your woman, but I think if she has any sense then she can appreciate the sentiments of a good-looking man. Did you say she was the youngest of three?”

“Yes.”

“Then she won’t even be inheriting the estate. Elian, I do think you have a fair chance.”

He fell back on the heels of his hands in exasperation, “It’s better than nothing.”

We lapsed into silence. I smiled to myself and felt happiness for this unnamed woman. If it was the way it sounded, they were a good match. He would have to speak with her father, but for the youngest of two sisters it would be more than a favorable marriage. Elian had rank and would be inheriting a small plot of land from his grandfather.

The happiness in my chest turned to stone and I realized the bite of green envy. I swallowed it down and remembered that jealousy was a poison hard to rid of when left unacknowledged. What if this woman was in my court? I should be happy.

“What are your plans after this escort?” I said nonchalantly.

Rodrick bit into a loaf of bread, “We’ll go southwest to convene with the captain.”

Elian’s neck nearly snapped as he met Rodrick with convicting eyes. I looked away as if I hadn’t saw; hadn’t cared.

“What are your thoughts on him?” my voice was flat as if I was merely trying to spark conversation. My fingers tightened the knot of the cloth of bread and meat, the sun had sunk low and it wouldn’t be long until we were to continue horseback.

The two men had a silent argument, Elian soon relenting. He turned his head to the general direction of the most senior man and lowered his voice just so, “The general consensus is that he’s young.”

“But the stories of him are very telling,” Rodrick leaned in with an almost childish glint in his eye. “The captain has never lost a duel.

Elian scowled, “That one is false. Rob told me he’s lost one during training but kept challenging the man until he won.”

“Oh, shut it about Rob.”

“He was in his unit, idiot. You’re trying to tell me that a 15-year-old kid never lost a fight.”

I stifled a laugh at their antics, it broke their argument. “Forgive me, princess,” the one who wasn’t fond of Rob said. “But were you not… traveling with him?”

My humor died down, “I was.” They looked like children when waited patiently for me to elaborate. “I was wondering how others saw him. He’s much more talkative than I expected.”

To myself, I smiled, “All you must do is force him to accompany you on a trip through the countryside.”

“Ah, so he didn’t kidnap you,” his voice was rife with sarcasm.

“Oh, no, I do think I was the kidnapper in this case.” Link would have laughed just as they did.

They asked more questions and added stories that were a mixture of rumor and truth. It was comforting that his men saw him for the good that he was. I carefully left out seeing his family and the Yiga, but the rest had made them grin. Link had the trust of people he hadn’t met.

I paused my stories to bashfully say, “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen. I need to use the toilet.”

They stopped they’re joking and looked at one another before Elian said with concern, “Do you require escort?”

Then, again, he blushed at his words.

Politely I declined, “I won’t be long, besides, there’s still light.”

Under the dimming light of the day, I felt there weren’t as many eyes on me. I crossed the rode where the horses waited and used Cosmo as cover. My hands found the bag strung to the saddle and found the crinkled, rolled up map. “Okay, girl,” I frantically whispered under my breath. I traced my finger along a road not far back to another that led west. “Let’s find him.”

She was tied just out of sight, obscured by a small gathering of trees. With a quickness, I untied the reins and led her further out of sight. I stuffed the map into my back pocket and swung onto her back. The mare started at a slow pace, not to make too much noise, then a gallop. One of my hands clasped the cloak tighter and I silently thanked the two soldiers I befriended. And with that, I tried not to think of how much I betrayed their trust.

“Come on, girl,” I yelled over the wind. I was up on my haunches now, looking back before we arrived at the crossroads and took a hard right. No one was behind me; not yet. Whether it was my father or uncle, someone had carefully chosen those men and for a good reason. The mare was galloping hard now and I prayed that the stream and those few apples had given her plenty replenishment. I copied what my mother used to do with her horses when we found time to go out, saying soft encouragements as we went.

The pounding feeling of being tracked snuck its way into my subconscious. The breeze whipped my hood back and whisked the sweat from my forehead. My heart pounded hard with the horse’s run. Soon, I turned back and made out shadows behind me. They were a way off. I spurred Cosmo onward and felt her pick up speed. If my short glimpse at the map was anything, this road west would fork into two. I tried to imagine the detailed map that sat in the castle War Room. I knew if I went northwest, it would lead me to center point of the Gerudo Desert, a place where Urbosa would be. However, the war years ago took place south of there.

My teeth clenched as I stirred my horse onto the left road. Shouts were behind us and I could faintly make out pleading to stop Cosmo. I would not. I turned my head to calculate my distance and as I spotted a fallen tree in the road within my peripheral.

Suddenly, I pulled back on the reins. Cozmo whined loudly, slowing, but not completely before she sensed my own hesitation and froze. The momentum forced me from my saddle, and I was then airborne. I couldn’t even scream.

Harshly, I hit the ground just inches from the tree. Blood rushed to my head and I gaped for breath. Not long after, however, the galloping that sounded so far away before had suddenly stopped. Boots hit the ground and the of the senior officer came into view, then Elian.

The latter spoke first, “Is she hurt?”

I retched my hand away from the older man as he tried taking my pulse and weakly tried to rise.

“It doesn’t seem so,” he replied in a gruff voice. He stood while Elian crouched to help me sit up. “Help her onto your horse, Bronling. The day is gone and we still have a long journey.”

“But sir-”

“Have you forgotten His Majesty’s orders so soon?”

There was a pause. “No, sir.”

It hurt to breath and I pulled away, “Let me leave.”

Elian pulled me to my feet, a sad expression pressed into him once the officer had turned to collect Cozmo’s reins. “I can’t, you must know that,” he muttered, taking assessment of my health. I bit my lip and tears pricked my sight, “On the grounds of your crown princess, let me go!”

“I can’t-”

“Elian please.”

He stared, regret filled his words, “Please believe me when I say that I truly do not want to tie you to my horse, Princess Zelda.”

I was filled with the thick pain of humiliation.

The ride felt longer when sharing a saddle with another person. When we pass through the back gates of the capital – a choice made by Father, no doubt – I made great effort to subdue my tears so that the redness in my eyes would dissipate. There was no talking and there were no jokes. The trek was harsh and when we arrived at the castle, my body felt heavy.

They allowed me to collect my bag from Cosmo. Soon, Elian and his senior officer led me through the halls. I was in the same dull riding clothes I had been wearing for four days and now it seemed preposterous that Father would entertain the thought in seeing me this way. We stopped outside the door of his study and after the officer walked in, Father stepped out. I swallowed my surprise and evidently, he felt the same.

Dark circles lined the areas underneath his eyes. The King of Hyrule stared upon me with bated breath. I pressured myself to meet his eyes and hardened my features. With a deep inhale, I opened my mouth and dared to speak, “Father I-”

Against my previous promise, I winced when he drew near. His hand came to my cheek and I scarcely could breathe when he looked at me with withered eyes.

“You draw away from me for good reason,” he said, the usual strength in his baritone voice was weakened. Then, to my horror, tears. In the eyes I inherited, tears fell, and he pulled me into a gentle embrace.

“My dear Zelda,” he started. “Could you ever forgive this foolish, senseless old man?”

In this moment, as we sank to the marble floor in a tight hug, I could only cry and vow that one day I would find it in myself to forgive his follies.

It was learned that Uncle how fallen ill with the last few weeks. The source of his illness was still a mystery to the court physicians, and they were continuously checking his condition. I had taken it horribly, of course, and under the pretense that it was just mere hours before dawn – I would wait until the following day to see him. Overcome with grief and several other overwhelming emotions that threatened to boil over, I couldn’t ask about impending wars yet. That, too, would need to wait.

At my own request, Sir Elian Bronling took me to my bedroom – a place I thought I wouldn’t see for many months. Before he turned to leave, I caught his sleeve.

My voice was scratchy from the events of earlier, “Would you do one last favor for me?”

At his shocked eyes and attempted to muster a smile, “Don’t worry. I won’t kidnap you, Sir Bronling. I’m very much… retired from the hobby.”

He laughed at this, “Anything for a friend. Can I ask what your request is, Your Highness?”

“Would you mind carrying a letter for me?”

After disappearing into my room to find nothing out of place, I withdrew an envelope with my name on it from my pocket. It was folded in odd places now and I smoothed it out on the corner of my desk. His handwriting made me smile and caused old tears to choke me. My hand found my quill and its tip found jet black ink.

I trusted Elian and his friend to tell their captain what happened, so I wrote only what was necessary. This time, I waited for his inked name on the envelope to dry and found Elian awaiting me outside. I half expected it to be that same silent boy I was still so used to.

I gave him my thanks and how I would pray for his safe travels. When he left, my body told me I wouldn’t be able to stay up for long. Without care, I stripped down to nothing and clipped my dirty hair high on my head. Tomorrow promised many things, with it would be a warm bath. The sheets were clean and cool against my skin. While I drifted in the dark abyss of slumber, I dreamed of Link reading my words.

Link,

I will wait for you.

Yours,

Zelda

[8emmy]

Friends with Benefits AU

AO3 links: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2

Song 1

Song 2

Feyre was showing off the paintings she was going to be putting her gallery before brunch was to be served. They were lovely, still lifes and landscapes. They were a few portraits. One was a pairing of the three Archeron sisters depicted as goddesses—Feyre with her arrows shown as Artemis. Elian, surrounded by flowers and in her hand, she held a pomegranate as Persephone. And Nesta held a sword in her hand and her eyes she had fire as Athena. Cassian stared at that painting for a while, looking at Nesta's posture and how oddly right it was for her to hold a sword.

And then there was the one under the blanket that Rhys stood next to grinning like a fiend. Rhys would whisper in Feyre's ear, making her blush darken before she lightly whacked Rhys into laughter. "If you're going to act like this, I will burn that painting," she threatens only to make Rhys whisper something else that made Feyre redder. "You prick, that is the last time I ever use you as a model." She walks off towards Mor to vent.

Cassian moves over to Rhys. "Is that what I think that is?" Cassian points with his half-full mimosa towards the covered painting. He can feel his friend puff up his chest. "Fuck, and you're going to show that to your cousin and sisters-in-law?" Cassian harshly whispers.

Rhys smirk falters, "No, I will show you, though." Cassian shakes his head. He has seen Rhys naked plenty enough through the years of friendship and Rhys had seen him naked twice as much. He follows Rhys to the left side of the painting further away from their friends and family. Rhys's smile was wicked as he lifts the corner showing a portion of the painting but enough of the good stuff showing. Cassian whistles.

"You did right in marrying an artist. She sure did a good job photoshopping you," Cassian whispers. Feyre did a great job. Rhysand stood on a mountain top with enormous bat-like wings flaring from his back as if he was about to fly off. He wore nothing, showing off his flaccid penis that was partially hidden by his hand. His six-pack was gleaming as if it was recently oiled. In his other hand was a hand mirror encrusted in jewels—Feyre's apparent attempt to show that her subject was vain.

"There was no photoshop needed for this perfection, Cas. You're jealous because you wouldn't look half as handsome naked as me on canvas." Rhys huffs, lifting the covering higher to look at himself some more. Vain was too small of a word for Rhys's obsession with his looks. "You would need a woman next to you for anyone to look at you nude."

"To show my superior bedding skills?" Cassian asks, looking at the landscape that surrounded Rhys's nakedness.

"Gross," Nesta's voice of disgust jolts both men to stand up straight. Rhys drops the cover as he looks at his sister-in-law. Nesta scrunched up her nose, her eyes full of disgust staring at Rhys. "I could have had a normal life, not knowing what you look like naked."

"Nesta," Rhys's voice was strained after getting caught staring at his penis.  "How are you?"

"Disgusted, no wonder that thing is covered." Nesta crosses her arms. She had no drink in her hand, which was out of place when everyone else was taking advantage of the free booze. But not out of character, Nesta didn't drink not since university.

Cassian scratches his neck, a blush threatening to rise up his neck. He was embarrassed to be caught looking at his friend's painted penis. He takes a long sip of his mimosa. Nesta's eyes flick over to him. It was only one day ago that she was all over him naked. Nesta would look amazing, standing next to him in a portrait of their own. Not painted by her sister, of course.

Nesta was wearing her hair down with a portion of her hair braided at her crown to make a makeshift headband. He loved it when her hair was down. It was easier for him to play with not worrying about her needing to fix it up after sex. She wore one of her shorter summer dresses too. All Cassian was waiting for is her signal to follow her up to the bathroom or guestroom. Cassian gulped, and Nesta's pouty lips lift at the edges giving him a glimpse of nirvana and silk sheets. Armen shouts Nesta's name, and with that, Nesta slips away.

"That was mortifying," Rhys sighs before lifting the sheet again as if to make sure that Nesta didn't find a way to ruin his picture. He sighs again from relief.

"Mother above Rhys," Cassian drawls not watching his brother but watching Nesta leaning slightly to listen to Armen hissing about something.

"Oh, after brunch, I would like to talk to you, Mor and Az. Az got some new intel on the breach." Rhys says, straightening up. ______

Brunch was not as fun as the last time. Cassian found himself on the opposite end of the table to Nesta. Rhys decided that he needed Cassian as close to him as possible. Cassian darted his eyes throughout the meal, trying to catch Nesta's eyes but never did. He would catch, however, the eyes of Az and Mor. Mor's eyebrow raised in concern and mouthed "what," angrier and angrier as he would shake his head. Finally, she threw her napkin down on the table.

"What do you want, Cassian? Do I have something on my face," she hisses. Her golden locks look like they were raising like a cat threatened.

"No, I was looking out the window," Cassian tries to cover. Mor glares at him and places her napkin back on her lap before turning to Az to ask him if she had anything on her face.

Nesta looks at him and shakes her head. He could almost hear her chastise him about his lack of subtlety. Cassian looks back down at his plate, hearing Feyre giggle and whisper something in Rhys's ear.

He felt his phone buzz after the plates were cleared, and everyone started to converse over coffee and pastries. He slips his phone out of his pocket, still engaging in small talk with Feyre and Rhys before glimpsing down at his phone to see a text from Nesta.

'Meet me upstairs in the guestroom in three'

He looks up to see Nesta already out of the room. He slowly withdraws from his conversation with Feyre and Rhys as naturally as possible. Making a point to say he needed the bathroom. No one looked up to see him slip out of the dining room and up the stairs towards his favourite benefit.

Nesta was already on the bed when he comes in. Her shoes are off; she sits watching the door. "We got to make this quick," he says, making his way over to Nesta. He kneels beside the bed, kissing her as he moved her legs apart.

She spreads her legs and helps push her dress skirt up higher past her hips so he can see her wearing his third favourite pair of underwear. Dark red and lacy. He groans, running a finger against the material. "We got to make this quick," she repeats to him with a smirk. She had somehow taken down the straps of her dress, so her breast were out in the open while he was engrossed in her underwear choice.

"Did I ever tell you that I love this dress?" Cassian asks as he kisses her inner leg. "And your red lacy underwear." he plants a closed mouth kiss to the center of her underwear. Nesta runs her fingers through his hair, making sure to grip him and push him further into her heat.

"I thought you liked me naked?" Nesta teases.

"I like you in whatever you wear or not wear," Cassian sighs, taking a finger and moving her underwear to the side. Her smell was strong. He licks his lips.

"Am I better looking naked than Rhys?" Nesta asks. Cassian shots up to look at her red-faced and glaring.

"One hundred percent better looking than Rhys," he tells her.

She hums, pretending not to believe him. "The way you were admiring his portrait this morning tells me a different story." Cassian's glare is harder. He takes his thumb, wets it with his tongue and brings it down upon her clitoris. Nesta rotates her hips at the pressure.

"If you want us to continue," Cassian's voice was low, "I would suggest not bringing up my friend's penis." He rubs a circle and presses back down, hearing a clear whimper from Nesta.

She looks at him with want. Want, of course, for pleasure and not him; he reminds himself. "It's fine if you find your best friend attractive, batboy," she teases. "Anyways, from what the girls say, Az supposedly has the biggest dick between you three."

Cassian lifts his thumb from her clit. He looks at her, still lusting for her but was not having it with the teasing. "And here you are wanting mine," he says harshly, gripping his erection for Nesta to see. Her prize. "And you won't be getting it if you keep this up."

Nesta rolls her eyes. "You can hardly say no to me. Especially when you are straining for release," Nesta says, laying down and spreading her legs further, inviting him in. Cassian hovers over her, putting his thumb back on her clit.

"One of these days, you will tease me out of an erection," he tells her as he starts a rhythm on to her. She moans. He plants a kiss on her. "You need to be quiet. We don't want anyone discovering this treason." She groans into his mouth as Cassian sinks a finger into her, still rubbing circles on her clit. Her eyes roll up in pure pleasure. It was his master plan, making her have the best orgasms of her life with him, and she would be ruined. No man would ever pleasure her as well as him.

She slips her hands under his sweater raking his back with her nails. And now it's Cassian's turn to stifle his own groan. Nesta smirks into his lips. Cassian dips his head over to a nipple, sucking biting at it. He knows she's close to her first orgasm. He just needs to push a little harder and go a bit faster, and now she's withering. She arches her back and pushes her hips lower, trying to get him in deeper. "Cas," she moans, "don't you dare fucking stop."  

He could be mean. Give her a lesson on teasing. But that's not his style. He continues and pushes through as she groans her release gripping a pillow over her face. Cassian gets back down on his knees and starts to lick up her folds, tasting her orgasm on his tongue. But before he starts on her second orgasm, Nesta takes him by the hair and pulls him back up. "We got to be quick, no time for playing," she says, taking the lead and unzipping his jeans, freeing him from his pants. Cassian goes to his back pocket, pulling out his wallet where he stores his extra condom only for times he knows he would be meeting with Nesta.

Nesta slips it on to him. "Do you want me to ride you?" She asks. Cassian shakes his head and lays on top of her. He would rather do it the old fashion vanilla way. He sinks back into her, and he closes his eyes. It never stops surprising him how warm she was. He stills for a second before Nesta hooks her legs around his back and pushes him farther into her. He gets the hint and starts moving. They start off slow and then build, making sure that they are still quiet. Nesta grips his scalp with one hand and her other she digs her nails into his shoulder. He doesn't mind pain during sex, not with Nesta.

"Batboy, you need to be quiet," she whispers into his ear. "You need to be quiet."

"It's hard when you feel so fucking good," he says through his teeth. He raises to his hands, trying not to lay fully on her. He rocks back and forth, trying to get her closer to her second release before he goes.

This position wasn't working. He slides out of her. "What are you doing," she growls, looking at him angrily. He tells her to flip onto her stomach. She does still glaring at him over her shoulder. He lifts up her hips and sheaths his penis back into her. And that was better. Nesta grabs for a pillow putting it under her chest as he pounds into her.

Her ass felt wonderful under his hands. If they were back in his apartment, he would have given them a nice spanking, but in fear of the noise, he gropes them instead. He is near his climax. He leans down, biting not too hard on to her shoulder, muffling his groan of release. Nesta sighs contently. Cassian gets up and slips the condom off. He looks around and goes to throw it out in the ensuite bathroom trash, making sure to hide it in a wad of tissue. He comes back into the bedroom and kisses Nesta. She pats his cheek.

"As all ways, great work," she says, getting up and fixes her self. She goes into the bathroom to check her makeup and hair. Cassian zips up his fly and straightens out his sweater.

Nesta comes out of the bathroom. "I'll go out first, wait for two minutes and then slip out." She kisses his cheek and heads out of the guestroom. Cassian sits on the bed, pulling out his phone. He looks to see a message from Az, just a winky face from ten minutes ago. Cassian holds back a groan. Great, just fucking great.

[allisondraste]

Temperance (36/42)

Pairing: Nathaniel Howe/ Female, Non-HoF Cousland

Story Summary: Nathaniel and Elissa were childhood friends, but time and distance tore them apart. In the aftermath of the Fifth Blight, and Ferelden’s Civil War, both Elissa and Nathaniel must attempt reconstruct their tattered lives. As a series of events lead them to be reunited, both are reminded of so many years ago when things were much simpler.

Chapter Summary:     A visit to Amaranthine stirs up everyone's emotions, and Liss must weigh her own happiness against concern for others.

Author Note:  The last flashback chapter from Liss' perspective has finally arrived. I'm particularly sad about saying goodbye to the Couslands, but did try to tie off any loose ends and end it on a *relatively* happy note. Nothing can be truly happy when we know what happens to the Couslands. Still, thank you all for your patience with update, and I hope you enjoy!!

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

[AO3 LINK]

Fereldan Countryside, 9:29 Dragon

The carriage ride from Highever to Amaranthine was long, the view from the window filled with an endless expanse of dull hills and grey skies that teased of rain that had yet to fall.  It was an unusual journey, and one that Liss had made few times in her life, many before she was old enough to remember, none since Lady Eliane had fallen ill.  In her mind, Vigil’s Keep was a ruin, torches burned out, cobwebs nestled in every dark, damp corner while ghosts of footsteps pattered down long empty halls.  She did not imagine it to be the sort of place one would host festivities, and she certainly could not understand why Arl Howe had so suddenly and graciously offered to host a gathering for Summerday celebrations.  

Liss had been unable to provide an appropriate excuse as to why she should remain at home, or at least nothing her parents believed to be suitable.  A shame she could not have suddenly caught some highly contagious, yet nonlethal illness that would have kept her in bed for days.  It was an even greater shame that she was a grown woman and she still had to do as her parents bade.  She loved them, but resented their insistence that she paint on a pleasant face and make political appearances, to ignore the rumors that still spread about her throughout Ferelden, to pretend like she liked Rendon Howe for any reason whatsoever.  There was no doubt that she was unfit for such a courtly lifestyle, that she’d been born into the wrong part of society. 

“Darling,” her mother spoke up from the seat directly across from her, an unstated plea in her voice, “I know that it might be too much to ask, but perhaps you could try to make it through one party without entirely shattering the ego of every young man who happens to look at you.”

Without turning her gaze from the window, Liss replied numbly, “It would be easier were their egos not so fragile.” 

“Elissa.”

“I tried at the last gathering.  I really did,” Liss explained melodramatically, turning to face her parents.  She smirked when she saw the laughter sparkling in her father’s eyes. “But I simply couldn’t pretend to find Lord Vaughan’s story about slaying a grand and majestic beast compelling.” 

Her mother appeared to stifle a chuckle. “It sounded like quite the arduous trial.  It is a wonder he survived.” 

“It was a ram, Mother.  Oren nearly hugged one to death last week, and he is tiny.” 

“Pup,” Papa chimed in, seriousness in his voice that she could not quite place. “If you do not wish to be courted, if you never want to marry, your mother and I are not going to make you.  We want you to be happy.”

“And to not embarrass your suitors in the process.”

Liss’ fists tightened around the fabric of her skirts, agitated.  The only men she had embarrassed were those who thought it appropriate to speak to her as if she were a cut of meat or some delicate trophy to be placed upon a shelf.  She’d insulted Vaughan because he made vile remarks about not only one, but several of the servants.  Of course she’d refused to tell her parents about such things, and she was not certain if it was because she did not want to worry them or if it was because she did not trust them to view the situation in the same light she did.  For all their wonderful qualities, Bryce and Eleanor Cousland were not without blind spots of their own. 

“What will make me happy,” she bit back, words sharper than she would have liked, “Is for Arl Howe to leave me alone.  Poor Thomas, too, for that matter.  If that means I have to marry an empty suit of armor, then I will.”

“You know,” Mother said, shrugging, “Thomas would be an excellent match.” 

“Yes,” Liss sighed, throwing her hands up,”Completely good and not at all awkward.” 

“Why ever would it be awkward,” the other woman teased, smile twitching at the corners of her mouth. 

“Mother. Please.”

Her parents both sighed and exchanged knowing looks with one another before turning their gazes back to her, sympathy in their expressions making her skin crawl. 

“You know, sweetheart, if you keep searching for Nathaniel in the faces of anyone else who dares get close to you, you will always be disappointed.” Mother leaned forward to place a hand on Liss’ and squeezed.

“I’ve told you a thousand times.” Liss shook her head and offered them a laugh she did not feel. “I’m over him.  It was just a ridiculous adolescent infatuation.” 

“Whatever you say, pup.”  Papa smiled a small, sad smile and leaned back in his seat. “You’ll be lucky to find someone who loves you more than that young man.” 

“He doesn’t love me,” she snapped again, hot tears burning in her eyes.  “If he loved me, he would answer my letters.”

“If that is what you must believe, then believe it,” he said with a sigh, “But I do not think you are giving the boy enough credit.” 

“Can we… stop talking about this,” Liss asked, leaning against the wall of the carriage, eyes drawn back to the window, “Please?” 

Her parents exchanged skeptical glances and eyerolls before looking back at her and nodding in unison.  She wished she had ridden with Fergus and his family after all.  Oren’s million repetitions of “are we there yet,” and fussy complaints of being bored would be far preferable to the oppressive sympathy and understanding with which she currently contended. 

Liss  knew her mother and father not deserve her cold-shouldering and hostility, that they only worried for her and her happiness.  They also knew Nate better than most, and a small part of them must have believed him to be Liss’ person.  She had believed it for many years.  Still, the longer she waited without a word from him, the more unlikely it seemed that he had the same opinion. 

The remainder of the trip was quiet, but comfortable, her father occasionally breaking the silence to hum hsoftly or tell a joke in an attempt to pull Liss from her melancholy. It would have worked had she not been so stubborn.  As they arrived in Amaranthine, to Vigil’s Keep, it was not as stark as Liss had envisioned.  Large, stone walls encircled the fortress home of the Howe family as well as several small buildings that lined the walls of the battlements, most likely serving as houses for those who worked in the castle.  Bright golden, bear-adorned banners hung from doors and decorated battlements and lively, happy people milled about excitedly, brought down only by the downpour of rain that began as the clouds broke open.  

Howe guards ushered Liss and her family inside to the main hall.  It was large, open, and lined with large wooden beams.  Deep red carpeting ran the length of the room, from the entrance to the large pair of thrones at the front.  A large brazier stood in the center of the room, unlit yet inviting all the same, and torches burned along the walls illuminating bookshelves and gorgeous portraits.  Liss could scarcely imagine that such a lovely place could belong to someone as cold as Rendon Howe.  

“Liss,” shouted a familiar voice, excitedly, pulling her from her thoughts, “I am so happy you were able to make it.”

Liss turned just in time to see Delilah embrace her, long, thin arms wrapping easily around her shoulders, before pulling away.  It had been over a year since they had seen one another in person, and Liss’ chest tightened to look at the other woman.  Delilah was tall, and had always been thin, but not so thin that she seemed as fragile as her embrace felt.  Her bright blue eyes were sunken in and sat above dark circles.  The smile she wore on her lips did not quite reach the rest of her face. 

“Delilah,” Liss finally said, taking Delilah’s hands in her own and squeezing gently before letting go, “Are you—”

“Let me show you around,” Delilah interrupted the question, very deliberately, taking Liss’ arm and tilting her head toward the direction of one of the few doors in the room.

Liss followed Delilah, down the corridors, looking as she showed her the kitchens, dining hall, and several different wings.  Ending with the Howe’s specific living area.  She’d seemed nervous, frantic the entire time, and nothing like the even, happy girl Liss remembered. 

“This is Father’s room, Thomas’, mine,”she explained.  pointing at the various doors.

“Delilah.” Liss said her name gently, hoping the concern in her voice would warrant some explanation for the obvious anxiety.

Instead she continued the tour and pointed to the final door on the wing. “That one is Nate’s… or at least it was when he was—“

“Delilah.”Liss grabbed her arm, and she turned, tears sparkling in her eyes. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

Heaving a shaky sigh, the other woman whispered an answer. “Just before you all arrived, Father informed me that I’m… that he’s…” She trailed off, obviously struggling to speak the words.

“It’s okay,” Liss said, placing her hands on Delilah’s shoulders.

“It’s anything but okay,” Delilah stated sharply, sniffing between words, “I am to marry Vaughan Kendells.  Father and Arl Urien came to some sort of agreement.”

“You can’t,” Liss said urgently, “Vaughan is—“

“Horrid? Vile? I know.” Delilah took a breath and composed herself, straightening her posture and meeting Liss’ gaze.  “Unfortunately, I was not consulted on the matter.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Well, at least maybe now he’ll leave the servant girls alone.” Delilah laughed bitterly and shrugged out from under Liss’ touch.  “Father tells me this is only the case because your father refuses to make you marry Thomas. He intends to obtain influence one way or another, I suppose.” 

“My parents do not believe in arranging marriages,” Liss explained, pretending not to feel the sting of her friend’s words.  Delilah wouldn’t blame her for this, would she? 

“So this was your choice?”

“Yes.”

Delilah’s lips pressed into a thin line and she shook her head in disbelief.  “Can you not get over yourself?”

The question pierced Liss’ chest as well as any arrow could, and she nearly released an audible gasp. “But I thought—“

“You thought what?  That Nathaniel was going to come back at any moment?”  She was speaking loud enough that her words echoed down the hallway.  “You know, I tried to believe the same.  I really did, but it’s been seven years, and he hasn’t said a word to any of us.  He’s gone. He’s not coming back, and now I am to pay the price for everyone else’s selfishness.”

How frightened Delilah must have been to become so agitated, so uncharacteristically pointed. Liss didn’t want to cry, didn’t feel as if she had the right, but nevertheless the tears fell, and Delilah flinched. A worried knot formed between her brows and she reached out. 

“Maker, Liss,” she said gently, “I am so sorry.  I shouldn’t have— that was completely unworthy of me.”

“No. I understand why you’re upset with me.  It isn’t fair.”

“Nothing is fair,” muttered Delilah, smiling sadly, “But I shouldn’t take it out on one of the few friends I have. Please forgive me.”

“Of course.”

They embraced, and Delilah excused herself to clean up and make herself appear “presentable” again.  Liss turned to walk back down the hallway, toward the main hall, hoping to regroup with her family before guests began to arrive.  She couldn’t shake the uneasiness in her stomach that lingered from her friend’s words.  Was it truly her fault that Delilah was being forced into a marriage with Vaughan?  Wouldn’t Arl Howe certainly have made the arrangement regardless of Liss’ decision about Thomas?  How many lives did that man intend on ruining to make himself happy? 

 Just as she neared the staircase that would take her down to the main area, a large portrait that hung on the wall caught her eye, and she moved closer to get a better look.  It featured two, young, uniformed men.  One had raven hair, blue eyes, and an icy expression.  The other was only slightly shorter, with sandy brown hair and a wide smile.  It was a portrait of her father and Arl Howe, painted when they were much younger, likely around her own age.  She tilted her head and examined the young arl more closely.  She had not seen Nate since he was just seventeen, but the resemblance was still striking. 

“Ah,” remarked a voice behind Liss, causing her to jump and turn around.  It was Rendon himself, and Liss’ stomach twisted back into knots.  “Lady Elissa, there you are.  Your parents have been looking for you.”

“Delilah was showing me around,” she stated politely, “It has been so long since we visited your home, I had forgotten how lovely it is.”

“You are too kind, my lady,” he replied with a smile that almost appeared genuine.  Then he turned his gaze to the painting, smirk forming at the corners of his mouth.  “I see you’ve found the one portrait for which your father ever convinced me to sit with him.”

“It is a beautiful piece, my lord.”  Liss eyed him skeptically, but his expression was still sincere as he moved closer to examine the painting himself, hands behind his back.  

“It was just after my wedding to Lady Eliane,” he explained, “Your parents were the only guests in attendance.”

Liss shook her head and furrowed her eyebrows. “Why?”

“Our wedding was not long after the end of the Rebellion.  Despite the fact that my brother’s choice to join the Rebellion turned the tide of the efforts to retake the throne, despite his death in service to King Maric, and despite my own injuries at the Battle of White River, many among the nobility still mistrusted the Howes.  We were thought to be cowards and opportunists whose loyalties depended entirely upon who had the greatest odds of winning.”

“And those sentiments remained after the war had passed?”  

“Yes.” The answer was abrupt, but Liss could hear the emotion behind the word. “Eliane’s family held that opinion more fiercely than anyone else, and especially regarding me.”

Unsure what to say, and desperate to be out of conversation with the man, Liss helplessly muttered, “I am sorry to bring up painful memories, my lord.”

As if he did not hear her remark, he sighed and continued.  “Nathaniel was always so much like Leonas, always skeptical and questioning.  My word never satisfied the boy.”

Liss’ chest tightened.  Was this his aim, to taunt her with Nate again?  “And so you sent him to Starkhaven as punishment?”

“I sent him to Starkhaven for his own good,” Arl Howe said through his teeth, true colors bleeding through the facade of geniality he’d been wearing just moments prior, “I am not the monster he would have you believe.”

“Arl Howe,” Liss stated as boldly as she could, “Nate didn’t talk about you. Not unless it was to explain why he had to pretend I did not exist for days.”

“I see.” He frowned, and stood silently for longer than Liss would have preferred. “You are still quite taken with him, aren’t you?”

“No,” she answered tersely, eyes welling up with hot, angry tears, but she held them back.  “In fact, I’m not certain I could even still call him my friend.”

“Well, that is good news, indeed,” he said, still smirking,  “You are a lovely young woman, Lady Elissa, and it would be a shame to see you wasted on that fool boy.  I hope you reconsider your refusal to marry Thomas.”

Liss’ temper ignited immediately, but before she had the opportunity to snap at the arrogant man, to tell him where he could shove his arrangement, he nodded politely and left down the hallway, toward his quarters.  It was alarming and uncomfortable, his last words repeating themselves in her mind, a silent “or else” attached to the end, a vague threat of nothing or anything.  While she would have preferred anything to giving him what he wanted, she could not help but wonder if it might be better to appease him.  Thomas was kind and gentle, and not similar enough to Nate in appearance or demeanor that it would be too uncomfortable.  Would it be so terrible?

When Liss finally made her way back down to the throne room, several guests had already begun to arrive.  A handful of lesser lords from the bannorn mingled about, talking quietly, almost drowned out entirely by the boisterous Guerrin family, Bann Teagan in particular making jokes and rubbing arms with Liss’ father.  Arl Eamon stood some distance away with his lovely wife and son, speaking to Fergus and Orianna while the two little boys played.  They all looked so happy, so contented with this way of life, with stroking one another’s egos and pretending that nothing could possibly ever go wrong.  

Liss caught a glimpse of Lord Daerios, across the room, as well.  He was surrounded by young women, daughters of other Banns no doubt.  His eyes met hers and he winked, causing heat to rush to her cheeks.  She smiled and waved, ignoring the pangs of regret that she had been unable to love him.

In the far corner of the room, sulking in the shadows stood the only person who seemed remotely as miserable as Liss was, a kindred spirit among the revelry.  Thomas had once been such a cheerful boy, mischievous and fun.  She had always wondered how he was even related Nate.  However, in the years since his brother had left, Tom had struggled to live up to his father’s expectations for him, turning to the bottle to cope.  She approached him somberly, and he nodded when he saw her, a sad, knowing smile on his lips.

“You look like you’ve spoken to Delilah. Or Father.  Both, perhaps?”

“Both,” she answered, one persistent tear streaking it’s way down her face.

“Oh, no. Don’t do that.” Thomas said, patting his pockets until he found a handkerchief and pulled it out, extending it to her.  “I’m horribly bad at comforting women.”

Liss took the handkerchief and laughed as he continued.  “Come to think of it, I’m not very good at comforting anyone.  I can’t even make myself feel better most of the time.”

“Sorry, Tom.  I just—“

“Want to go for a walk, my lady?” Tom offered his arm to her. “We could go outside, maybe get some air.”

She tilted her head and laughed again. “But it’s raining.”

“Even better,” he said with a shrug, “It does seem to fit the current mood.”

“You have a point.”  Liss smiled and looped her arm through his, and allowed him to lead her out the front door and into the courtyard.  For a brief moment she wondered if anyone saw, worried what they might think.  Then, she decided she didn’t care.  Thomas was perhaps the only person in the world who knew exactly how she felt, who understood, and she refused to give a rat’s about how leaving another party with another man would look.  It wasn’t like that with Tom anyway. 

Outside, the rain fell with much more force than Liss had expected.  It was less of a somber stroll in a drizzle, and more of a dash through a torrential downpour to reach the entrance to the battlements.  They ran up the stairs and out to a covered area that looked over the courtyard.  Water drenched her hair and clothes, making them heavy.  A glance up at Thomas, and she saw water droplets fair from his dark brown curls.  He chuckled, tousling his hair as if that would help the situation.  

“Well then,” he remarked, staring out at the sky as if it had personally offended him, before sitting down and leaning his back against the parapet.  

Liss sat down next to him, and returned his handkerchief, now thoroughly wet from the rain.  “Think of it this way: We now have ample excuse not to go back inside.”

“Sorry I missed your ridiculously boring affair, Father, but Lady Elissa and I were lost at sea.” He waved his arms dramatically.  “We had to swim for days!”

“I am certain that he would not be amused.”

“Well, no,” he admitted, smile fading, “But what else is new?”

Several quiet moments passed in which she did not know what to say.  Thomas stared off into the space in front of him, scowl hardening his soft features.  It was the first time she had ever really thought he resembled his brother.  Unable to bear it any longer, Liss sighed and spoke.  “You know, we could save ourselves and everyone the trouble, and just get married.  It wouldn’t be so bad.” 

“Yes, the perfect reason to get married: not awful.”  He laughed and turned to face Liss. “Besides, I’m content with my father’s unhappiness.”

“What? It would only be on paper, and for formal occasions.” She laughed.  “All the other times we could go on as if we were not married. “

“What about when we have to make an heir?”  Thomas raised an eyebrow and heat rushed to her face as if she were suddenly modest.  

“That’s one of those ‘cross the bridge when you get to it’ sorts of problems,” she replied, waving her hand dismissively.

“It is a bridge I would rather not have to cross,” he admitted, looking down at the floor beneath him.  

“Am I that unappealing?”

“You are very beautiful, my lady.  Strong, fun, intelligent.”  He laughed and shook his head.  “It made sense that Nate would like you, but… I don’t, not in that way at least.  I’ve never liked any woman in that way.” 

“Oh,” Liss muttered, feeling awful for putting him in such a position that he disclosed something so personal to her.  

“I’ve not talked about it with anyone except Nate,” he explained, “And now you.  Please don’t tell anyone.  Not even Delilah.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” 

“Anyway,” Tom continued, finally bringing his eyes back up to meet hers, “What I am trying to say is that I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will not be allowed to freely be with whomever I want.  Not while father still lives and breathes.”

“Then why not be with a friend, someone who understands?”  Liss didn’t want to marry Thomas, now less than ever.  Yet she hated the idea that he would be miserable. 

“Because you should be with my brother,” he said, seriously, frowning. “You deserve to be with someone who loves you like he does at the very least.” 

“Tom,” she argued, “Nate hasn’t spoken to me in years.”

“I know, Liss.  He hasn’t spoken to me in years either.”  His words were pointed, but not at her.  “He’s a ridiculous, stubborn arse, and he’s going to regret that he ever thought he could pretend we don’t exist.  That doesn’t make him any less my brother, and it doesn’t make him any less in love with you.”

“I —”  She began to protest, but did not even know where to start, or if she even wanted to.  She wanted to believe that Nathaniel cared about her, but that made everything more difficult.  There were no easy answers if he still cared, no quick and easy solution to locking away her own feelings.

“I could probably have said that more gently, couldn’t I?”  He smiled apologetically. 

“Just a little,” she joked.  

They sat up in the battlements until the rain slowed, and their clothing was dry enough that their return to the main hall would not cause a stir.  The guests had all arrived, and music had begun to be played.  Everyone danced happily.  Even Delilah had cheered up as she twirled around with Fergus while Vaughan stood off to the side grimacing.  Oriana watched, eyes glittering with amusement. 

It was Oren who first noticed Liss’ return, grinning and flailing his arms excitedly as he ran to her.  She scooped him up in her arms easily and embraced him.  He wrapped his tiny arms around her neck, hands tangling up in her hair.  

“Auntie Liss,” he said, words lilting up into a question. 

“Yes?”

“Why are you all wet?”  He leaned back, eyebrows furrowed in concern. 

“We were lost at sea,” Thomas chimed in, pinching Oren’s little nose playfully, “Your auntie here is the only reason we didn’t drown.” 

“Thomas,” Liss scolded, but was unable to keep the laughter out of her voice. 

Oren’s eyes widened and he looked back to Liss, bringing his hands to her cheeks. “Is that true?”

“It’s completely true,” Thomas answered in her stead, “She even had to fight an enormous whale with her bare hands.” 

“Tom,” Liss scolded again, words muffled by her cheeks being squished together. 

“Oh wow,” Oren exclaimed, “You’re the bestest auntie ever.”

“And your the bestest nephew ever,” she answered, doing her best to hold back the blissful tears that welled in her eyes. 

“Oren, let go of Elissa’s face, child,” Oriana said as she approached.  She was both stern and gentle at the same time.  

“Mama, Auntie Liss and Thomas got lost at sea and Auntie Liss got them back here by fighting a whale.” 

Oriana raised her eyebrows and smiled, looking from Liss to Thomas.  “Sounds like quite the adventure.  Perhaps we can join next time, yes?”

“I love you, Liss,” Tom said, dryly, “But I am not getting lost at sea again for your family’s amusement.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I intend to return to my corner to sulk.”

Liss and Oriana both laughed as Thomas walked away, grabbing a glass of wine from one of the servants before doing so.  He’d be completely drunk within the hour, and Liss couldn’t say she blamed him.  She turned her head back so that she could look at Oren, still gazing up at her in adoration.  

“Hey Oren.”

“Hmm?”

“Want to dance with me?”

Oren grinned widely and wiggled down out of Liss’ arms, balancing himself before bowing and extending a hand to her as formally as a four year old could.  Liss looked up at Oriana who beamed proudly.  

“Well are you not just a proper gentleman,” Liss said, as she took his hand and walked him out onto the dance floor.  They spun and laughed and twirled, completely ignoring the steps to the Remigold, or whatever other ridiculous dance the others performed.  For the first time in years, Liss felt something she could only describe as contentment.  Nothing was perfect.  In fact, many things in her life, and in the lives of those around her, were the opposite of perfect.  However, they all had one another, and maybe that would be enough.  

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hi steph! I was wondering if you could maybe help me to find some reading material :). You know those silly short fics where they end up having first sex, like the hotel with just one bed and that kind of stuff? Well, that's my tea. If you could recommend me any I would appreciate it :3

Hi Nonny!

AHHHHHHH a good choice, Nonny! I’ve actually a TONNE of “First Time” fics, so you’re getting them all, LOL. Fics are sorted in word count order, so the first group of fics will be the short ones you’re looking for!

Everyone else: This list will be cut upon the THIRD reblog of it. Sorry, I do this so I have a desktop and a mobile version of the post

Hope y’all enjoy!!

FIRST TIME

John Will Never Forget by gelos (NR, 244 w. || Fluff, First Time, Love Confessions) – John will never forget Sherlock’s everything.

The First Night by TheForerunner (NR, 1,043 w. || First Time, Fluff, Non-Explicit, Prose, ACD Canon) – When all was over, Sherlock reached to dress again and John reached to stop him. They sat at opposite ends of the bed and one set of eyes surveyed the other’s set of limbs, and they were quiet in the downbeat, melody suspended. Sherlock was sheepish, and this confused John, who now smelled of his companion and felt they were part of one another.

Mine (He Says While Still Being Smol) by beejohnlocked (E, 1,319 w. || Jealous Sherlock, Possessive Sherlock, Amused John, Needy Sherlock, Blowjobs) – A suspect flirts with John. Sherlock gets a bit jealous. Okay, a LOT jealous.

29 January 2017 by wearitcounts (E, 1,765 w. || Anniversary, First Time, Insecure Sherlock, Love Confessions, Post-S4) – “That,” John says, “should have happened years ago. Maybe even the first time.”

But Love Is A Voice On The Wind by Snow (M, 1,832 w. || First Time, Meddling Mycroft, Texting) – Sherlock keeps getting texts from Mycroft with tips on wooing John.

Caught by Salambo06 (E, 1,859 w. || Frottage, First Time / Kiss, Bed Sharing, Wet Dreams, POV John, Masturbation) – A hotel room. They’re here for a case, hadn’t planned to spend the night and ended up sharing a room. No, sharing a bed. Suddenly John is very much aware of his own hand closed around his hard cock and the ragged breathing next to him. Closing his eyes for the briefest second, John dares to turn his head just enough to confirm what he already knows. Sherlock, on his side, watching him.

Moonlight by ConsultingPurplePants (E, 2,213 w. || First Time, Scars, Camping, Sherlock’s Bum, Waterfall Sex) – Sherlock is standing near the door, wearing, for what John thinks may be the first time in their acquaintance, jeans and a jumper. John drags his eyes away from the way the jeans cling to Sherlock’s just-muscled-enough legs to notice that Sherlock is wearing his own backpack, and is also carrying a collapsed tent. John’s jaw drops open. Is he about to go camping with Sherlock Holmes!?

Where You Are by Mazarin221b (E, 2,478 w. || Beach Sex, First Time, Fluff, Smut, Holidays, Pining) – He can admit he’s secretly a little glad Sherlock didn’t come with him. He needs a break. Sherlock is a handful at the best of times, and the near-constant apologizing, fixing, dealing-with, and following up on is exhausting. The near-constant unrequited attraction is a bit exhausting, too, to be honest, and John could really use a tiny bit of rest from the relentless hammering on his brain and heart.

Turn the key, and come home by TooManyChoices (M, 2,718 w. || First Kiss / Time, Angst With a Happy Ending, Emotional Messes, Implied Sex, Angst and Humour, Bed Sharing, Post-TRF) – Sherlock and John have been dancing around what’s between them for years. Will John return to Baker Street, and if so, will things ever be the same?

Your love it feels so good by Hotaru_Tomoe (E, 2,843 w. || Gay Club / Gay Bar, Lingerie, Stripping, Anal) – Sherlock is last at a quiz night and is forced by Anderson to perform in a gay stripclub. John must be with him, because he will have to record the performance. Sherlock takes the task very seriously. Part 20 of The English job

What He’s Like by magikspell (E, 2,919 w. || Love Confessions, Fluff, First Time, Inexperienced Sherlock) – Realistic first time. They love each other so much.

Right Foot Red by Irrevocably_Sherlocked (E, 3,089 w. || First Kiss/Time, Board Games, Frottage, Masturbation, Frottage, PWP, Friends to Lovers, Come as Lube, Come Marking) – …ok, it’s juvenile, but at least it’s a game where touching is allowed. And if something more were to happen, well, John can’t say he’d be too upset about that. “What are the rules of this game?” Sherlock asks, the disdain evident on the word ‘game’. “I spin, you do as I say.” John thinks he sees a slight widening of those pale grey eyes at that, just for a fraction of a second, before it is shut down. Oh, this is interesting, he thinks.

Affirmation by jamlockk (E, 3,096 w. || First Time, Dev. Rel., PWP, Love Declarations, Emotional/Overwhelmed Sherlock, Comforting/Caring John, Gross Fluff) – “Sunlight dappled John’s skin, casting a glow across his spreadeagled form as he dozed among the rumpled sheets. Sherlock knew the expression on his face was hopelessly soft but for once did not care about showing his true feelings so openly. He simply stood there, in the doorway, gazing at the impossibly beautiful man currently snuffling softly in his slumber.” Part 8 of All the ways we love

Acceptable Behaviour by bbcatemysoul (M, 3,449 w. || Fluff, Dev. Rel., Miscommunication, First Time) – Sherlock isn’t really sure why John wants to shag him, but he’s certain that if he’s careful to behave properly about it, John can be persuaded to keep doing it. In other news, John is a good boyfriend and Sherlock is an idiot.

Measuring Damage With the Fujita Scale by teahigh (T, 3,548 w. || First Kiss / Time, Vacation / Holidays, Friends to Lovers, Bed-Sharing, Pining Sherlock, Sherlock POV, Angsty Fluff, Scars, Awkward Talks) – John goes back into town, into the storm, and Sherlock realises he forgot to say, “I just want to be alone with you.”

Stay by msdisdain (M, 3,561 w. || First Kiss / Time, Angst / H/C, Bed Sharing, Nightmares, Blow Jobs, Anal) – John’s nightmares are nothing new. Sherlock’s inability to ignore them, however, is.

It Wasn’t Just the Mistletoe by Irrevocably_Sherlocked (E, 3,593 w. || Christmas Fluff, Mistletoe, First Kiss / Time, Frottage, Masturbation, Come as Lube) – Sherlock and John just stood there, seemingly frozen. Sherlock was desperately trying to think of a way out of this. There was no way he could kiss John, even a small kiss, and not have him know immediately how he felt. Sherlock could lie, and fake and sham, but there was no way he could hide this.

Well Begun Is Half Done by Avice (E, 3,897 w. || Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Anal/Oral, Seduction, John in Charge, Pining Sherlock, John’s Penis, Bottomlock) – Sherlock is putting together an elaborate plan of seducing John. John grows tired of waiting and takes matters into his own hands.

In the cherry blossom’s shade by Eliane (M, 3,934 w. || Post S3, First Time / Kiss, Sleeping Together, Pining / Obsessive Sherlock, Minor Char. Death) – This isn’t new. Sherlock has already done this – has gone through cities, and dingy hotels, and sleepless nights but it was different before. John wasn’t there before. They’re in this together.

Tree Topper by May_Shepard (E, 4,017 w. || Christmas Tree, Christmas Fluff, Drunken Shenanigans, Smut, First Time, Friends to Lovers) – Sherlock and John are celebrating Christmas the best way they know how–alone together, with booze. They’ve almost finished decorating their tree, but John is determined to find the best way to top it.

Things That You Can’t Say Tomorrow Day by PsychGirl (T, 4,022 w. || Post S4, POV John, Cuddling / Snuggling, Hypothermia, Snowed In, Angst, Romance, First Kiss/Time) – Things go horribly wrong while John and Sherlock are on a mission for Mycroft. Now they’re out in the woods in the middle of winter with no coats and no shelter. However will they stay warm?

Sherlock Holmes and the Mysterious Piercing by Lorelei_Lee (E, 4,130 w. || Travelling, Sherlock is Loud, Secrets, Genital Piercing, First Time, Licking, Coming Nearly Untouched) – John discovers by chance that Sherlock has a piercing. To his surprise John can’t stop thinking about it…

Someone Else’s Heart by thisprettywren (E, 4,188 w. || First Time, H/C, POV Sherlock, Caretaking John, Pining Idiots) – A crime scene, a rainstorm, and something they both should have known all along.

Obsession, Appassionato by shinychimera, Yeomanrand (E, 4,249 w. || Possessive Sherlock, First Time, Jealous Sherlock, Music / Sherlock’s Violin, Present Tense, Frottage) – John is late, and he hasn’t called, and Sherlock works himself into a state. Part 1 of Love and Ysaye

The Sum of His Parts by CommonNonsense (T, 4,311 w. || Body Worship, Pining, First Time) – There are eleven major organ systems in the human body. Sherlock knows about all of them to some degree, but none fascinate him as much as the ones that make up John Watson.

Overture by Kate_Lear (M, 4,435 w. || First Kiss / Time, Friends to Lovers, Angry John, Introspection, Dev. Rel., Embarassed / Insecure Sherlock, Morning After, Bed Sharing, Cuddles / Limpet Sherlock) – A short snippet on how John and Sherlock might have got together.

It Isn’t Strange Until You Think About It by ivyblossom (T, 4,596 w. || For A Case, First Time, First Person John POV) – John tells the truth about how it happened. For some reason, “it’s for a case” always seems to do the trick.

The Prize We Sought Is Won by deathfrisbees (E, 4,610 w. || First Time, Mild D/S, Oral, Military Kink, Bottomlock) – Sherlock’s in love, or in lust, or both – unfortunately, the object of his affections is not only his completely oblivious flatmate, but said flatmate would probably run screaming into the hills should he find out. John’s been invited to a wedding–unfortunately, the groom used to serve under him back in Afghanistan, and requests that John wear a uniform he’s honestly not sure he fits into. Unfortunately for both flatmates, Sherlock’s got a military kink the size of Kandahar and John wants to know if he actually can fit into this uniform or if his eyes are deceiving him. It goes from there.

Carry On by Mazarin221b (M, 4,647 w. || 5 and Ones, H/C, Afghanistan, Frottage, Hand Jobs, First Time, Drunk John, Hospitals, Humour, Soft Sex) – Five times John didn’t want to be carried, and one time he did.

Sherlock and John Go Clubbing by wendymarlowe (E, 4,716 w. || Clubbing, Dirty Talk, Dancing, Coming Untouched, Coming in Pants, Bi John, For a Case, Friends to Lovers, Flirting, Sherlock is Lost for Words, Sexy John, Mutual Pining, Possessive John, Floor Sex) – John pinched the bridge of his nose - even for Sherlock, this was a new level of no bloody boundaries. “You want me to go with you to a gay club, wait around twiddling my thumbs while I let you get pawed by a criminal, then out-flirt him and talk you into coming home with me instead?” Part 32 of John and Sherlock’s Kinky First Times

You Can’t Always Get What You Want by hubblegleeflower (E, 4,804 w. || Pining, Sexual Tension, UST / RST, First Time) – John wants. He always has, but now that he’s living with Sherlock again, it’s all he can do to hold it back. And Sherlock isn’t helping…

One Day Like This by nondeducible (E, 4,872 w. || First Time, Bed-Sharing, Romance, Fluff, Virgin Sherlock) – When Sherlock emerged from the bathroom, the sight before him nearly took his breath away. The only light in the room was the small lamp on the bedside table. John’s skin shone like gold, his hair like the purest silver. He was on his side, facing the empty part of the bed, his outstretched hands ready to embrace whoever climbed in next to him. Sherlock could imagine, just for a second, that this was their shared bed and he was coming back to settle into John’s arms.

Cephalalgia by the_beekeeper_of_sussex (E, 4,979 w. || First Kiss / Time, Sick Fic, Porn With Feelings, Love Declarations, Frottage, Friends to Lovers) – John is in pain and it’s up to Sherlock to set him to rights by any means possible

Sleeping next to you by Salambo06 (E, 5,018 w. || ASiB Fic, Bed Sharing, Frottage, Mutual Masturbation, Rimming, Anal, First Kiss/Time) – Based on an Anonymous Prompt: “So, that scene from ASiB when Mrs H has been attacked by the american CIA guy & John, Sherlock & she are in Mrs H’s kitchen when John says “She’ll have to sleep upstairs in our flat tonight. We need to look after her.” to which Sherlock replies with “no”. John of course suggested that because he cares about her safety, but maybe he also did it cause he /wanted/ that to happen. What if they finally agreed on letting her have John’s or Sherlock’s bed & J&S sleep in the same one?“ Part 12 of Tumblr Collection

What Happens in Vegas (is legally binding in the United Kingdom) by  moonblossom (E, 5,051 w. || Accidental Marriage, Friends to Husbands to Lovers, CSI Crossover, Fluff & Porn, Bathtub Sex, Hand Jobs, First Time) – When a case sends the boys to Vegas, John comes out of it with a bit more than he bargained for. Part 19 of Prompt Fills, Remixes, Works inspired by others

Every Little Thing by the_beekeeper_of_sussex (E, 5,066 w. || First Time / Kiss, Fluff, Frottage, Come as Lube, Embarassed Sherlock, Porn With Feelings) – When Sherlock walks in on John making tea wearing nothing but a tight pair of boxer-briefs things get a little heated…physically and emotionally.

Pillow Talk by scullyseviltwin (M, 5,183 w. || Post-S3, Angsty Fluff, Pillow Talk, Bed Sharing, Worried John, First Time Morning After, Soft Sherlock, Sexuality Discussion, Love Confessions, Kisses and Cuddles) – John has been looking at Sherlock for ages, it feels like.

Strings by EstherShapiro (E, 5,267 w. || Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Massage, Friends to Lovers, Fingering, Anal, PWP) – Sherlock wakes his doctor up. Was this weird? John was sitting on his bed, late at night, rubbing his hands over another man’s body? That was supposed to be weird, right? Then again, this wasn’t just some man, it was Sherlock. They were so used to each other that John didn’t even think to question it. It wasn’t weird.

Sociopathy and Other Fibs by kinklock (M, 5,314 w. || 5+1, Miscommunication, Humour, Friends to Lovers, Post S3, Love Confessions) – Five times John called Sherlock out, and one time Sherlock returned the favour.

The Honeymoon Suite by Salambo06 (E, 5,827 w. || Fake Relationship, Fake Marriage, Frottage, First Kiss, Cuddling/Snuggling/Sleepy Cuddles, Bed Sharing, Holidays / Hotels, Case Fic) – “You’ll see,” the receptionist smiles, handing John the key to their room, “This honeymoon suite is quite spectacular. Our hotel has won many awards, most of them for these rooms.” John nods, licking his lips and playing with the key in his hand. We’ll probably be leaving first thing in the morning, he wants to tell her. As soon as Sherlock proves who robbed the previous couple who booked a room here, we’re out of here and stopping this happily married charade. “Thank you,” he says instead.

Tease You Till You Come by phoenix089 (E, 6,090 w. || First Time, Clueless Sherlock, Sexting/Texting) – Initially, Sherlock was rather put out by John’s lack of presence on the case. But then he starts to receive pictures, several of them, of an unexpected nature. The case is forgotten rather quickly after that.

Problematic by MrsNoggin (E, 6,164 w. || First Time / Kiss, Oral Fixation, Obsessed Sherlock, Face-Licking) – Sherlock really wants to ask John something. Only, he’s not sure what…

Naked by sussexbound (E, 6,166 w. || Frottage, Fluff, Intimacy, First Time, Love Declarations, Trust) – John takes a deep breath, and then lets out a long-suffering sigh. “Sherlock, how would you feel if you were sitting out here doing one of your bloody experiments, and I just waltzed out of the loo and started fixing myself breakfast completely starkers? Hmm…? ”Sherlock’s lips inch up at the corners into a pleased hint of a smile he can’t seem to suppress. Part 2 of Intimacy

Thirty Three Hours Without John Watson by Bookaholic, mybrotherharry (M, 6,232 w. || First Kiss / Time, Pining Idiots, BG Mystrade, Crackish) – Sherlock can SO TOTALLY survive without John Watson. It should be a piece of cake. AKA the time when Sherlock braved grocery store lines for milk, purchased and gave away a box of tampons and figured out what the X-Factor is. Greg and Mycroft didn’t sign up for this shit. Next time, they are going to the Bahamas.

Just a Touch by MissDavis (E, 6,248 w. || Bed Sharing, Masturbation, First Time/Kiss, Friends to Lovers, Sharing a Room) – John has trouble falling asleep these days. There’s one thing he can do that always seems to help, but he’s stuck in this hotel room with Sherlock and doesn’t think he’ll get the chance. How will he ever find relief and a good night’s sleep?

The Effect of Memory by testosterone_tea (E, 6,430 || Praise Kink, First Kiss / Time, Fluff, Smut, Virgin Sherlock, Love Confessions, Confused Sherlock) – John has temporary amnesia coming off of anaesthesia after an operation and not only does he not recognize Sherlock, he starts flirting with him! After John recovers, he doesn’t remember the incident at all. But Sherlock does. Confusion ensues.

once upon a time by darcylindbergh (M, 6,501 w. || Fluff and Angst, First Kiss / Time, Love Declarations, Christmas) – It starts with a wish. In the beginning, John comes home. Part 1 of things fairy tales are made of

The Death of Doubt by Gingerhermit (E, 6,584 w. || Alternate Canon, BAMF John, POV Sherlock, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Hurt/Comfort, Angst/Drama, Meddling Mycroft) – Mycroft asks for John’s help in rescuing Sherlock from his Serbian captors.

Better Than Fiction by Irrevocably_Sherlocked (E, 6,813 w. || Pining Sherlock, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Masturbation, BJ’s, First Time / Kiss, Friends to Lovers, Anal) – …he opens his eyes, but instead of seeing John he is staring at his bedroom ceiling, the pale plaster a startling contrast from the scene in his head. It had felt so real. He can only imagine what the feel of John’s lips would be like, his taste. But luckily for him, he thinks with a smirk, he’s always had a brilliant imagination.

The space between by Salambo06 (E, 6,830 w. || PWP, Friends to Lovers, Masturbation, Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Miscommunications, Bottom Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Sexual Fantasy) – “It’s for a case,” Sherlock says as soon as John looks down at his computer. John remains silent for a long moment, eyes moving from the screen to Sherlock, before saying, “You don’t have to explain.” His voice is low, too low, and Sherlock looks at the computer, putting the video on pause. “Lestrade asked me-, no, forced me to find out who’s threatening a famous porn star, and the suspect is among his co-stars, so I only need to watch out for any signs from his partners, anything that might show they’re the one sending those threats and I can move to something else.” “Right.”

The Tip Over Into The Inevitable by ivyblossom (T, 6,894 w. || Grief, Cuddles, Insomnia, Hurt/Comfort, Friends to Lovers) - When his father dies, Sherlock avoids sleeping. Then discovers he can’t sleep at all. John finds a way to help.

Onomatopoeia by aquabelacqua (M, 6,904 w. || First Time/Kiss, Frottage, Dirty Talk, Domestics, Word Kink) – Something is the matter with John. Sherlock is determined to figure out what it is. Mark his words.

Full Disclosure by Itsallfine (E, 7,032 w. || Bars & Pubs, Fake Relationship, First Kiss / Time, Love Confessions, John’s Army Mates, Three Continents Watson, Semi-Public Sex) – John’s army mates get together for the first time post-discharge and invite John “Three Continents” Watson to join them. If John shows up alone, he knows he’ll be the object of non-stop ridicule all night. Sherlock plays along. John tests the waters.

Six Dates by avawtsn (E, 7,421 w. || 5+1, First Time / Kiss, Post S4-Compliant, POV John) – A rather accidental 5+1 written for the prompt “is this a date?” Hint: it is.

High and Tight, Soft and Loose by cwb (E, 7,429 w. || Jealous John, Miscommunications / Misunderstandings, First Kiss / Time, BAMF John, Insecure Sherlock, Clueless Sherlock, POV John, Embarrassed John, Adorable Sherlock, Junk Size, UST / RST) – John pressed the knuckle of his index finger against his mouth and sighed. “So, you’re coiled like a spring and ready to be … sprung?” “If you want to be pedestrian about it, yes.” “Like I said, you should do something about that.” “And like I said, pedestrian. What would you have me do? Take up jogging? Yoga? Oh! Unless you mean –” “I don’t mean anything. Let’s drop it.”

I can’t pretend by Salambo06 (E, 7,692 w. || Fake Relationship, Victor Trevor, Jealous John, Miscommunications, Bed Sharing, Love Confessions, First Kiss/Time, Anal, BJs) – They had arrived more than a hour ago, and the moment they had walked inside the hotel reception, John had understood why Sherlock hadn’t wanted to come. Two men, posh suits and expensive watches on their wrists, had come to greet them with sharp remarks and badly hidden mockery, and John had seen red. Sherlock hadn’t said anything, mostly ignoring the two men entirely, and without thinking twice about it, John had slid an arm around Sherlock’s waist and introduced himself as his husband.

On the Losing Side by missselene (E, 8,210 w. || Anal / Oral, First Kiss / Time, Angst, Misunderstandings, Mild Dub Con / Drunk John) – After Mary’s death, John moves back into Baker Street, but is still upset at the loss of his wife and child. Eventually, he and Sherlock stumble into a sort of relationship, but it’s more physical than anything and they don’t talk about it. They especially don’t talk during sex. If they are going to have sex, Sherlock notices the signs hours beforehand, and he prepares carefully. The lights are off, they’re under the covers, he prepares himself using lots of lube so he can make it feel as much like a woman as he can, and he doesn’t let himself make any noise so that, if John wishes, he can pretend that he’s still with Mary.

Matters of National Security by mistyzeo (E, 8,465 w. || BAMF John, Doctor John, Jealous Sherlock, Dating, Bisexuality, Arguing, Stupidity, Teasing, First Kiss/Time, Hand Jobs, Frottage, RST, Idiots in Love) – John starts dating a male client of Sherlock’s, and Sherlock can’t figure out why he’s so incensed about it.

Presence by LostGirl (M, 8,625 w. || Pre-Slash, First Time, Jealousy, Friends to Lovers) – Sherlock has recently noticed a shift in his own perceptions, but he can’t quite figure out when it started.

My Life for His by QuinnAnderson (E, 8,816 w. || Guardian/Protector, Greek Mythology || Growing Up, Sex, Religious Themes, Suicide, Minor Character Death) – It began when Sherlock was eight, and he attempted to climb all the way up to the highest branch in the old willow tree in his back garden. He’d thought he was still small enough that it could support him, but the second he’d grabbed hold of it to pull himself up, the branch snapped, and down he went, plummeting a solid twenty metres.The odd thing was, he never actually hit the ground.

The Very Unlikely Existence of a Flightless Bird in a Tuxedo by cwb (E, 8,829 w. || Poetry, Penguins / Animals / Zoos, First Kiss / Time, Blow / Hand Jobs, Sleepy Cuddles, Endearments, Friendship / Love, Adorable / Sleepy Sherlock, Case Fic, Sherlock Can’t Say Penguin) – A case at the zoo reveals something John finds cute about Sherlock. A conversation ensues, and so does happy endings.

Unwasted by patternofdefiance (E, 8,966 w. || Post-S3 / S3 Fix-It, Developing Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Angelo’s, Fluff, First Time, Anal, Cum Play, Flashbacks to ASiB, Mutual Pining, Love Confessions, Bottomlock, Cuddles, Multiple Orgasms, BJ’s, Bed Sharing) – John finds it three months after he’s moved back. He’s on the hunt for something to make for dinner, is scrounging through the cupboards, when he happens upon the graveyard of pasta boxes Sherlock still seems to create when left to his own devices. Behind seven boxes of pasta, all almost completely empty, is a dark-glassed bottle, with a paler coat of dust.It’s unopened. John’s face falls slack when he sees it, instantly recognises it, and for a long moment he just stands and looks at it.

Illogical, even. by magikspell (E, 9,119 w. || Grey-Ace Sherlock, Character Study, Growing Up, Victor Trevor, Romance, First Time/Kiss, Sherlock-centric) – Five reasons Sherlock never believed in love and one reason he does now.

Supernova by buttcat (M, 9,178 w. || Body Swap, Science Fiction, Idiots, Mastrubation, First Time, Anal) – John wakes up in Sherlock’s body. He’s a little too enthusiastic about it.

Stay Awake by pandoras_chaos (E, 9,325 w. || BAMF!John, First Time, Angst, Pining Sherlock, Rimming, Oral/Anal) – Sherlock can feel the tenuous threads of this conversation shuddering under the strain of all the unspoken words. His eyes narrow as he gazes up at John, noting the residual tension in his shoulders, the dark circles under his lower lids, and the way he is avoiding Sherlock’s eyes like a bi-polarized magnet. He knows John Watson inside and out, like the perfectly balanced coils and gears of a beautifully balanced grandfather clock, and yet John keeps surprising him. It’s uncanny, the way he keeps on being so utterly and wonderfully unpredictable.

Drive by lifeonmars (M, 9,537 w. || Virginity, Awkward First Times, Minor Injuries) – John and Sherlock are stranded by the roadside, and John is injured. They need to spend the night in the back of a humvee. Sherlock is confused. John is understanding.

Inked in Memory by 221b_hound (E, 9,716 w. || Post-HLV, Tattoos, First Kiss / Time, Anal, Cuddling, Scars, Captain John, Kissing, Switchlock) – John has been back at Baker Street for a year, following the debacle that ended in Mary’s death. Things are good. Back almost to what they used to be. Sherlock might wish they were something else, now, but he only has himself to blame, he thinks. It’s too late, now, for the things he first denied before he’d ruined any chances he might have had. Sherlock also thinks that people who get tattoos are idiots. But perhaps he’s about to learn a thing or two, not least of which might be it’s not as late as he thinks it is. Part 1 of Lock and Key

The Things You Hide *Adult Edition* by verityburns (E, 10,281 w. || Excessive Fluff, Drunk Sherlock, Porn, Romance, Pining Sherlock, Stroppy Sherlock, Love Confessions) – Sherlock and John have been working and living together for nearly a year, each finding the other’s friendship to be the one thing they would not risk or want to live without. Until something happens to disturb the status quo…

Paparazzi by SilentAuror (E, 10,543 w. || Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Friends to Lovers, Post S3) – John moves back into 221B Baker Street after his marriage falls apart and the paparazzi won’t leave him and Sherlock alone about the status of their supposed relationship. Sherlock, of course, never denies it, until one day he does…

Never Have I Ever by hudders-and-hiddles (E, 10,655 w. || Pining Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, Drinking Games, Love Confessions, Fluff and Angst, Friends to Lovers) – John and Sherlock tag along for the Met’s weekly night out, where the evening’s chosen drinking game is Never Have I Ever. Sherlock is reluctant to join in until he realizes he can learn all kinds of new things about John, but he forgets that John might learn a thing or two about him as well.

Of Course I Forgive You by allonsys_girl (E, 10,735 w. || Love Confessions, Canon Divergence, First Time, Frottage, Wall Sex, Infidelity) – What if things had gone differently on that train car?

The Thin Line by Odamaki (M, 10,809 w. || Virgin Sherlock, Awkwardness, Confessions, First Times, Anal, Idiots in Love, Hand Jobs, Gentle Kissing) – John swallows. Keeps his eyes on Sherlock. Begs him not to ruin him.Sherlock leans forward over the witness box ever-so slightly, "I was distracted,” he informs the court, “by my partner, John Watson.”

John Watson’s Moon by patternofdefiance (E, 11,314 w. || Werewolf John, First Time, BAMF John, First Time, Anal, Fleeting Depictions of Violence) – Sherlock finds out John is a werewolf and wants to see the transformation. It, uh, gets really kinky.

Rainbow Hearts Retreat by PajamaSecrets (E, 11,638 w. || Fake Relationship, Case Fic, Undercover, Fluff and Smut, Bed-Sharing, Therapy, Humour/Crack, First Time) – "It’s a same-sex couples retreat. For those experiencing troubles in their relationship. Consists of group and couples therapy as well as encouraging socialization between the couples. It’s all in their incredibly dull brochure.” “Rainbow Hearts Retreat,” John read. “Sounds… quite gay.”

Praise Me by testosterone_tea (E, 11,813 w. || Sherlock POV, Bottomlock, Dev. Rel., Virgin Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, BJ’s, Anal, Praise Kink, Understanding John, Public Sex, Rimming, Hand Jobs) – In which Sherlock has an interesting physical reaction to compliments and John discovers it.

The Slow Burn by CaitlinFairchild (E, 12,097 w. || Romance, Emotional Infidelity, Friends to Lovers, Sherlock POV, First Kiss/Time, Fix-It) – John smiles, something small and private and for him alone, and Sherlock just…he knows. With a heart-stopping certainty, Sherlock suddenly knows. It feels like falling off the edge of a cliff. It feels like falling off the edge of the world. It feels like flying.

All the Girls Love a Soldier by Book7BrokeMyBrain (E, 12,951 w. || Military Kink, Frottage, Domesticity, Post S3, Pining Sherlock, Kilt John, Wedding, Dancing, Oral, Romance, ) – John is invited to a stag party and a wedding. The related accoutrement suit Sherlock to a T.

Barricade by stitchy (M, 14,127 w. || HLV Fix It, Friends to Lovers, Angst, Happy Ending, UST, Mary’s Not Nice, First Time, Pining Sherlock, Time Skip Filler, Drunkenness) – Sherlock has been struggling to keep his feelings at bay for everyone’s sake. Part 1 of Barricade

Better Than One by Innerspace (E, 14,760 w || Threesome, Self-cest / Clone Sex, First Time, BJ’s, Power Play, Slight Dub-Con) – Sherlock creates a clone and discovers things about himself and John he never imagined. John is just along for the ride, so to speak.

Pattern Behaviour by SilentAuror (E, 14,835 w. || POV First Person Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock, Pining Sherlock, Introspection, Stroppy Sherlock, Light Humour, Friendship, John Takes Care of Sherlock, First Kiss/Time, Wall Kisses, Fluffy Angst, Happy Ending) – Sherlock doesn’t even know why he resents John’s dates so much. Until the day he does know. Slight angst, unrequited feelings (but don’t let that scare you off!)

Merlot by Itsallfine (E, 14,844 w. || Christmas, Pining Sherlock, Wine, Slow Burn, First Kiss / Time, Love Confessions, Wine, Holmes Family) – Sherlock and John work toward becoming something more as they prepare to host the Holmes parents at 221B for the holidays. Part of 25 Days of Fic-Mas 2015.

In A Changing Age by allonsys_girl (E, 15,590 w. || Victorian AU, Virgin / Demi Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, Friends to Lovers, Love Confessions, Mild H/C, Bottomlock) – Sherlock wakes up in the 19th century, with no idea how he got there.

The Detective and the Pin-Up by XistentialAngst (T, 15,683 w. || Sexy John, Romance, Fluff, Humour, First Kiss / Time) – Sally Donovan discovers an old secret John Watson considered long buried - a ten-year old “Men of the Armed Forces” calendar, which has John as a very enticing pin-up for August. The image of John might just change the way everyone sees the unassuming sidekick, even Sherlock Holmes. Rated NC-17 for eventual smut, but the story reasonable concludes before that chapter if you prefer fluff and humor.

At the Edge of Desire by philalethia (E, 16,375 w. || Post S3, Pining, Arse Worship, Humour, First Kiss / TIme, Sexual Fantasy, Awkwardness) – While helping John move back in to the flat, Sherlock discovers a strap-on among John’s things. He finds the discovery considerably difficult to move past.

Everlasting by cypress_tree (M, 16,884 w. || Magical Realism, First Time, Immortality, Angst & Fluff) – Most lives end. A Tuck Everlasting fusion, in which the Holmes brothers have lived for a very, very long time.

Let’s Make a Bed Out in the Rain by theimprobable1 (M, 17,664 w. || Pining Sherlock, Angst & Fluff, First Kiss, Unrequited, Jealous Sherlock, Protective Sherlock) – John is devastated after his long-term girlfriend leaves him. Sherlock helps him through it.

With All My Heart by QuinnAnderson (E, 19,257 w. || Red Marks / Soulmates || Magical Realism, Growing Up, First Kiss / Time, Falling in Love) – AU in which every time a person falls in love, a red line like a tally mark appears on their wrist. Sherlock is determined to keep himself from ever gaining one of these marks for fear that love will corrode his mental faculties. Then he meets John Watson.

At the Heart of it All by SilentAuror (E, 19,823 w. || Virgin Sherlock, Post S3, POV John, Domestics, First Time, Kissing, Romance) – John has been back at Baker Street for four months now and thinks it’s about time they had the Talk to see whether or not they could be more than friends. Sherlock has a lot of uncertainty about this concept for multiple reasons. Unabashed romance.

echoes through time by chellefic (E, 21,619 w. || First Time, Romance, ACD & BBC, Epistolary) – Mummy sends a trunk from the Holmes cottage in Sussex to 221B. Its contents alter the way John and Sherlock see themselves and one another.

Ghost Stories by SwissMiss (M, 22,256 w. || Pining, Holmes Family, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Bed Sharing, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, First Time) – Sherlock’s parents think he and John are a couple. They might be onto something.

Maintaining A Personal Life by Gingerhermit (E, 24,284 w. || Alternating POV’s, Bisexuality, BAMF!John, Jealous Sherlock, Romance / Drama, Sort-of Case Fic, Peril & Angst, Love Confessions, Toplock, Soft Idiots in Love, Post S3) – Sherlock and John discover some interesting revelations about each other’s sexuality, which lead them both to question the assumptions they’ve made about one another for years. In the midst of their mutual discoveries, a dangerous psychopath looms on the side-lines who threatens to destroy their new beginning.

The Sexual Awakening of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson by suitesamba (M, 24,579 w. || Post-TRF, Case Fic, H/C, First Kiss/Time) – Sherlock owes Mycroft a favor. Mycroft calls in that favor by offering Sherlock’s consulting services in a charity auction. Sherlock and John soon find themselves at the country manor of Mrs. Ives-Patton Smarmington III - not very coincidentally a long-time friend of Sherlock’s mother - where they are reluctant participants in her Murder Mystery Weekend. It’s a play within a play for Sherlock and John, and their roles for the weekend event bleed over into their real lives, waking the sleeping dragons within.

Tomorrow’s Song by agirlsname (M, 24,645 w. || Post-TRF, POV Sherlock, Angst with a Happy Ending, Virgin / Repressed Sherlock, Love Confessions, Slow Burn, Pining, Jealous Sherlock) – How can he think a relationship with me would be a good idea? I am the sort of person to take a break from my life and when I come back after two years, I expect to find it exactly as I left it. In reality I find it shattered to pieces. (I actually equate you with my life. When did I start doing that?)

State of Flux by Atiki (E, 24,655 w. || S3 Fix It, Sherlock POV, Slow Burn, First Kiss/Time, Friends to Lovers, Frottage, Cuddles and Snuggles, Awkwardness, Insecure/Virgin Sherlock, Romance, Humour, Masturbation, Love Declarations) – John’s marriage is over and he is finally back home (i.e. at Baker Street, where he belongs). Sherlock is awfully insecure and John is awfully hesitant, and they’re both awkward idiots, of course, but they figure it out. Many First Times happen.

26 Pieces by Lanning (E, 28,236 w. || H/C, Torture, First Time, Happy Ending, Schmoop, Past Abuse) – Mycroft gives Sherlock the apparently simple task of solving a puzzle box containing a stolen microchip. It isn’t simple.

To be Loved by You by TwisterMelody (M, 28,775 w. || S3 Fix It Fic / Post HLV, Angst, H/C, Friends to Lovers, Post-HLV, Infidelity, Character Death, Background Mystrade, Pining, First Time, Romance) – Too many times they had confessed themselves in the darkness, leaving it there, never to speak of it again.  But this is different.  This love deserves the light of day.

“finally kiss the bloody idiot” by Salambo06 (E, 29,812 w. || Mutual Pining, Fake Relationship, First Kiss / Time, Angst, Misunderstandings, Fantasies, POV John) – Inspired by a fic idea on tumblr : “John and Sherlock know the Yard has a pool going for when they’re finally going to get together. It’s been running forever, and it’s worth thousands of pounds. It’s all fun and games, hahaha, until they find out Lestrade is in dire financial straits (dog needs emergency surgery, he’s putting his kid through gymnastics training, I don’t know, something), and they decide to fake a relationship to win the pool for him. Sherlock figures out the day and way that Lestrade thinks it’s going to happen, and they act it out. It’s all for a good cause, fake relationship style, until it’s not.” Part 1 of The Pool

The Kissing Disease by cottonballz_of_death (E, 30,856 || Sickfic, Angst with Happy Ending, Case Fic, Self-Harm, Slow Burn, Jealous Sherlock, Body Image Issues, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional H/C, POV Sherlock, Oral / Anal, Thong, Frottage) – John brings home a boyfriend, shocking Sherlock, who long ago gave up hope that his straight flatmate would ever take a romantic interest in him. In a bid to reconnect with John, he tries to infect himself with a “harmless” virus. Neither of them is prepared for the emotional fallout that results.

A Study In Auto-Signatures, Sniper Dolphins, and Sex Holidays by cwb (E, 32,690 w. || Case Fic, Post S3, Evil Mary, Dev. Rel., Beach Holidays, Confused Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, Honeymoon, Epistolary, Bottomlock, First Kiss / Time, Fluff, Secret Agents, BAMF!John) – John and Mary go on their sex holiday, and Sherlock is grumpy and pining about it. Part 1 of HOT DOLPHIN SEX

Where Else Would I Be? by cwb (E, 34,910 w. || Retirementlock, Domestic Fluff, Falling in Love, Parentlock, Fluff and Smut, Reminiscing) – John and Sherlock’s five-year-old granddaughter spends the weekend with them in Sussex. Sherlock happily indulges her whims, and John takes care of them while quietly revisiting the past thirty years of their lives together.

Nothing to Make a Song About by emmagrant01 (E, 36,833 w. || Post-TRF, First Time, Reunion, Jealous John, Pining Sherlock, Romance, Angst with Happy Ending, Sherlock Has a Boyfriend) – When Sherlock returned from his faked death, John could not forgive him for the deception and broke off their friendship. Ten years later, John returns to London in search of yet another new beginning. Sherlock, not surprisingly, is waiting.

A Promise Made to Be Broken by PlantsAreNeat (E, 37,018 w. || Fake Relationship, Pining, Slow Burn, RST, Eventual Relationship, POV Sherlock) – A young John makes an ‘if we’re still single at 40, we’ll get together’ pledge to a woman who ends up all wrong for him. She keeps reminding him of the promise, and won’t let go of it. John asks Sherlock to pose as his boyfriend at a family wedding, so as to dash her hopes permanently. Sherlock, who has at last acknowledged his feelings for John, reluctantly agrees despite knowing how painful it will be to ‘have’ John, but not keep him.

Turn Left at the Park by Glenmore (NR (E), 37,409 w. || Alternate First Meeting / ASiP Divergence, Case Fic, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Loneliness, No Mary, Possessive Sherlock, Fluff & Angst, Nightmares/PTSD, Sherlock Saves John, Sherlock Whump-ish, Doctor John) – So what would have happened if John hadn’t walked through the park and met Stamford?What if, instead, he walked around the park and just went home?

Goodness Gives Extras by mydwynter (E, 39,629 w. || Fluff & Angst, Case Fic, Oral / Anal, Humour, First Time, Miscommunication, Snark, Christmas) – Christmas time. ‘Tis the season to settle down with a drink, some food and a present or two, and to enjoy the quiet relaxation of the holiday. Instead, there’s a case that drags them all over, missing presents, disappointed kids, angry parents, and a freak snowfall. On top of that John has to deal with Sherlock, who is being even more of a prat than usual. He really shouldn’t have expected anything different.

The Semantics of Crop Circle Formation: a case study by Sherlock Holmes [unpublished] by canolacrush (M, 41,710 w. || Post-S2, Sherlock POV First Person, Aliens, Wordplay, Case Fic) – “Look at these photographs,” I said, gesturing to the wall of crop circles. “What do you observe?” “Crop circles,” John replied. “Obvious. What else?” “Are…are those intestines surrounding them?” “Yes. The majority are bovine and ovine in origin. The farmers who have acquired these crop circles in their fields have also had a tenth of their livestock murdered and arranged thus.” “Why?” John said, presumably in a rhetorical fashion. I detest rhetorical questions. “That is what I must find out, John.”

Bedroom Tales by Junejuly15 (M, 49,950 w. || Friends to Lovers, Through the Years, H/C, Military Kink, First Kiss / Time, Romance, Insecure Sherlock, Voyeurism, Post-TRF, Ficlets, Fluff and Angst, Fix-It Fics) – Bedroom Tales is a collection of John and Sherlock ficlets. They are set at various stages of their relationship and are in no particular order. Some are fluffy, some sexy, some angsty, there is hurt and comfort, romance and love. What unites them is that they all play in a bedroom, but not necessarily the one in 221B.

In the Dark Hours by hubblegleeflower (E, 51,639 w. || Friends to Lovers, Unreliable Narrator, Closeted Bi John, Angst, Miscommunications, Slow Burn, First Time, John’s Blog / Epistolary) – John, wounded and silent, drifts back to Baker Street for healing…and then goes home again. He visits, gets more upbeat, chattier, smiles, jokes… and still goes home again. Sherlock wants him to move back in - it just makes sense - but John shows no signs of doing so. This is the story of how John and Sherlock learn to say what needs to be said when they’re both so very, very rubbish at talking.

Spare Change by Ermerness (E, 51,966 w. || Rich Holmeses AU || First Kiss / Time, Holmes Family, Virgin Sherlock, Anal, First Meetings) – The Holmes family is one of the richest and most powerful in England. Sherlock spends his time flying around the world on the family’s private jet drinking a lot and shopping at expensive boutiques as a way of trying to alleviate his endless boredom. His mother decides it’s time he settles down with someone powerful, wealthy and well connected. John Watson happens to be none of those things.

Coventry by standbygo (E, 52,020 w. || Dollhouse AU || Case Fic, Slow Burn, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, First Kiss / Time, Attempted Rape, BAMF John, Falling in Love) – “Let me get this straight,” John said, wondering when his life had become a science fiction film. “Some guy orders up a personality, a person, to his specifications, and they program this into a real live person, who has consented to do this, and she goes to this person and acts as his wife, or lawyer, or Royal Marine, or Navy Seal or what have you, and she has all the skills, all the knowledge, everything? Then you say the magic words, and she follows you back to The House, and they erase it all until her next appointment?”

Never Change a Running System by Lorelei_Lee (E, 54,246 w. || Pre-TRF, Romance, Humour, Drama, Sex Toys, Anal, Rimming, Masturbation, Frottage, Blow Jobs, Public Sex, First Kiss / Time, Virgin Sherlock / Loss of Virginity, Accidental Voyeurism, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Experiments, Naive Sherlock, Pining Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock, Possessive Sherlock, Straight With an Exception John, Hand Jobs) – Sherlock discovers his sexuality – with far-reaching consequences for John.

Guilty Secrets by Ellipsical (E, 55,086 w. || Drumsticks, First Time, Love Confession, Self-Sexual-Discovery) – John has a prostate exam and discovers something surprising about himself. Experimentation follows. Sherlock wants to help. They’re in love. You know the drill.

Wars We Fought, Things We’re Not by blueink3 (M, 55,204 w. || Post S3 / Post TAB, Parentlock, Fluff & Angst, Kidnapping, Whump, Post-TAB, UST/URT, 3G, Mild Peril, Slow Burn, Couple for a Case, Protective Mycroft, Infant Death Pre-Story, Friends to Lovers) –  Five months after John’s world has fallen apart, Mycroft sends the consulting detective and his doctor on a case that neither is prepared for.

One Little Change by jadztone (E, 58,312 w. || ASiB Divergence, Fake Relationship, Bed Sharing, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss / Time, Anal Sex, Blow Jobs, Bi John / Gay Demisexual Sherlock, Switchlock, Alternating POV, Jealousy, Misunderstandings, Case Fic, Angst with Happy Ending, Emotional Love Making, Butt Plugs, Cuddles) – Our story begins right after John and Sherlock’s first meeting with Irene Adler in September. It splits off into an AU that imagines them taking a case where they act as bait to hook a killer targeting closeted gays in secret relationships. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, many things happen that have our boys wondering if maybe they have a chance with each other. Then Irene fakes her death on Christmas Eve, and things get a lot more complicated - especially since they still have a killer to catch.

The Great Sex Olympics of 221B by XistentialAngst (E, 58,611 w. || First Time/Kiss, Experiments / Sexual Experimentations, Multi Pairings, Voyeurism) – John Watson thinks Sherlock Holmes should admit that he, Watson, is more of an expert on sex than Sherlock is. But Sherlock refuses to concede the point. He comes up with an experiment plan that will resolve the issue. The results will determine who wins the prize. But sometimes even the best thought-out scientific study has unexpected consequences.

Bridging the Ravine by SilentAuror (E, 58,887 w. || Post S4, Couple For a Case, Bed-Sharing, First Times, Confessions, Awkwardness, Sex Trafficking) – Sherlock and John go undercover at Ravine Valley, a therapy centre for same-sex male couples in an investigation into a possible human trafficking ring. As they pose as a couple and fake their way through the therapy sessions for the sake of the case, it quickly becomes difficult to avoid discussing their very real issues. Set roughly six nine months after series 4.

floating through a dark blue sky by Lediona (M, 58,966 w. || Notting Hilll AU || POV John, Celebrity Sherlock, First Date / Time / Kiss, Past Drug Addiction, Angst with a Happy Ending) – Of course, I’d seen his films and always thought he was, well, brilliant – but, you know, a million miles from the world I live in. Or, when John is the owner of a travel book shop and the famous Sherlock Holmes stops in one day.

The Book of Silence by SilentAuror (E, 60,056 w. || S4 Fix It / Post S4, Virgin Sherlock, Rosie / Parentlock, Domesticity, Fluff, Praise Kink, Sex Toys, First Person POV) – As spring blooms in London, John and Sherlock begin to take new cases and cautiously negotiate this new phase of life with John living at Baker Street again. Despite how well it’s all going, John struggles to forgive himself for the way he treated Sherlock following Mary’s death as well as trying to figure out how to finally put his long-time feelings for Sherlock into words. Part 1 of The Book of Silence/Rosa Felicia

The Bells of King’s College by SilentAuror (E, 64,019 w. || Post-S4, Missed Opportunities, Angst with Happy Ending, Fake Relationship, Case Fic, John POV, Jealous John, John in Denial, Travelling / Holidays, Virgin Sherlock, Wedding Proposals) – It’s only been two weeks since Eurus Holmes disrupted their lives when Mycroft sends John and Sherlock to Cambridge to pose as an engaged couple at a wedding show in the hopes of solving six unsolved deaths…

Electric Pink Hand Grenade by BeautifulFiction (E, 67,718 w. || First Time / Kiss, Seizures, Headaches) – “If Sherlock’s brain is a hard drive, then these attacks are an electro-magnetic pulse.” Sherlock Holmes does not do anything by half, not even a migraine. It falls to John to witness one of the greatest minds he has ever known tear itself apart, and he must do his best to help Sherlock pick up the pieces.

The Moonlight and the Frost by CaitlinFairchild (E, 77,289 w. || Case Fic, Post-HLV, Self Harm, Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Oral/Anal/Rimming, Romance, Angst, Mary is Not Nice) – John has to somehow rebuild his life in the wake of Mary’s betrayal and Sherlock’s deceptions.

31_Days_of_Porn_Challenge_2017 Series by distantstarlight (E, 96,540 w. across 31 stories || Prompt Ficlets, Assorted Kinks, PWP) – A collection in response to the 31 Days of Porn Challenge issued by AtlinMerrik! Thanks for doing that because this has been buttload of fun (that joke never gets old). All stories will be brief stand-alone one-shots.

The Heart In The Whole by verityburns (E, 101,650 || Post-TGG Canon Divergence, Drama & Angst, H/C, First Time, Blind Sherlock) – Events after ‘The Great Game’ leave Sherlock dependent on his best friend and colleague. But John has a secret of his own…

Shatter the Darkness (Let the Light In) by MojoFlower (E, 109,683 w. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Genie/Djinn AU || Magical Realism, Kidnapping, Genie Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, Case Fic, H/C, Angst, Clubs, John Whump, Mild DubCon, Hand / Blow Jobs, Torture) – Fairy tales are for those who remember how to dream; not John Watson, broken and hiding from his bleak future in a beige bedsit. But then he discovers a lamp and finds himself in the dangerous riptide of an enigmatic man whose very existence is unbelievable, murder charges against his sister, and the growing pains of feeling alive once more.

To Light Another’s Path by BeautifulFiction (E, 128,654 w. || Post-TGG, Sick Fic, Hurt/Comfort, Drug Addiction / Recreational Drug Use, First Time / Kiss, Case Fic) – Teaching John to observe seems to be a losing battle, but when Sherlock falls ill and submits himself to John’s care, will he realise that there is more to life than the science of deduction? Meanwhile, there is a murder to solve, and John must try and convince Sherlock not to sacrifice his own health for the sake of the case.

A Fold in the Universe by darkest_bird (E, 152,869 w. || Omegaverse / Prime Universe Crossover || OmegaJohn / AlphaSherlock, First Kiss / Time, Friends to Lovers, Established Relationship, Angst, H/C, Dub Con, Humour) – Alpha Sherlock and Omega John are in a relationship. Prime Sherlock and Prime John are not. So what happens when a freak fold in the universe switches one John for the other?

Sketchy by serpentynka (E, 184,053 w. || Post-TRF, Post-Mary, John Whump, Slow Burn Love Story, Case Fic, Art, Porn With Feelings, Switchlock, Travelling, Career Change, Family Secrets, Illness / Health) – What (and who) will be left when nobody cares about your Work? A slow-burn fic with cases, places, mistaken identities, unfair choices, essential changes, violent feels, blatant lies, fearless portraiture, family secrets, high-risk bespoke gifts, durable friendships, bedtime stories, foreign travel and tongues, sickness (and health), and the significance of things which are slow to unfurl – but cannot be ignored. Oh, and…porn. Part 1: Sherlock takes on an obvious case (barely a 4) and meets someone who will force him to re-examine what it means to see. Part 1 of Sketchy

Unkissed Series by 221b_hound (T to E, 184,168 w. across 46 works || Established Relationship, Ace Sherlock) – Sherlock returned from the dead a year ago. John returned to Baker Street six months ago. They’ve been in a couple since then. or at least, not NOT a couple. For two smart men, they sure can be dumb. Luckily, an art thief tries to drown Sherlock, Sherlock has a fever dream and things are about to change.

[longmayshereign-rp]

          “There is no jewel, be it of never so rich a price,             which I set before this jewel; I mean your love”

Full name: Amphelice Richerd Years of age: 25 Title / Rank: Marchioness de la Chambre Nationality: French Face claim: Eva Green Availability: Taken

♔Biography

Amphelice is the daughter of France’s most powerful diplomats and later trader and rich cloth merchants, Marcel Dufort, and one of Catherine de’ Medici’s former lady in waiting, exquisite beauty, Eliane de Sauve. Growing up, she was a curious girl, lively and spirited, a wanderer, who spent long summers chasing fluttering pites ot prose and poetry and practicing her music and dance. As a child, she was the opposite of sheltered; she was allowed to attend balls and barquets since she was thirteen, never sitting out a dance and spreading her radiant beauty throughout court and Paris. She was also often sent to live with her aunt, Madeleine, in Austria for long summers. There she studied German and piano and met various people that expanded her knowledge of the world. Spoiled and the only child of the diplomat, she was soon sent to attend Catherine de’ Medici’s schoolroom, where her education covered arithmetic, family genealogy, grammar, history, reading and writing as well as domestic skills. Moreover, she developed a keen interest in fashion, fine arts and religious philosophy, and gained experience in the game of courtly; for her father and uncle (a rich diplomat of his Majesty) had grand plans for her, plans that were soon destroyed. At the age of fifteen, she met and became romantically involved with a charming older man, twenty-three year old Frederic Boulon, an actor and storyteller that approached her at a ball given in Paris. The short-lived affair resulted in her becoming pregnant and when her father found out he had her locked up in her rooms. She remained locked up in her rooms through out her pregnancy, busying herself with reading books, and when her child was born, her father had it sent away from the estate, without even allowing her to hold her. Banished from her father’s affections, Amphelice spent the following months in emotional agony, yearning to redeem herself and restore her relationship with her father. The whole experience strengthen her and she built a hard-shell around her and hid her sweet side away. She longed to make a better life for herself. Before her seventeenth birthday, her father married her to the young Baron of Sense, Adam de Bruivere. After the wedding she moved to his estate, hoping that in time she would grow to love her husband. However, her hopes fell flat and even though she dreamed of having a family and a loving husband, she soon discovered that Adam had no care for her. He preferred the company of men and thus neglected his wife. Despite their differences, Amphelice did not betray his secret, not even when rumors spoke of her being barren and thus unable to bear sons. She spent her time helping Adam where she could, and learning the art of botanology and herbs, learning about plants and how to cure illnesses from the estate’s nurse. At the age of twenty-three, she was invited to live and the French court, an invitation she merrily accepted having missed her Godson, Charles IX de Valois and her friend, Elizabeth Rose of Anjou, Duchess of Laval.

Back at court, Amphelice grew more ambitious and bolder, once again wishing to better her life. Soon, she managed to seduce the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I de’ Medici. Despite the lack of intimacy in her marriage, she had never laid with a man or had an affair, but now she did. Luring the Grand Duke into her bed and manipulated him into fulfilling her every wish. She was hoping that he would set his wife aside and marry her, making her Grand Duchess —and with that she would restore herself into her father’s eyes. Her relationship to the Grand Duke made her an enemy of Isaac Lyttelton and Arianne d’Angelis, King and Queen of Naples who had their differences with her lover. Thinking that he would protect her, and that she could love for him and not just lust Amphelice did her best to keep his affections, and also to help him by stealing important political documents that kept him in debt of the couple. Six months into the relationship and due to the death of his children, however, Cosimo, broke with her, violently attacking, and blaming her for his children’s death. Stricken and shocked that he could treat her in such a manner, as well as finding out that both her husband and father had been taken by the plague, Amphelice was left with nothing. She was angry at her self, shamed, and slowly her feelings grew more delicate and she lost her will power, becoming once again her old self. With the plague abated she went to live with her mother in Paris. She spent a long time there and soon she even reached out to the Grand Duke’s wife, Ophelia, to make amends. The two ended up becoming friends and Amphelice even helped her give birth to her third child when the castle was under attack. During her time of solitude, Amphelice grew fond of the month of the only man who helped her when Cosimo physically attacked her, Nicholas Richerd, Commander of the Royal Armies. For a long time she kept her feelings locked away, fearful of humiliating herself. Eventually she could no longer deny her love of him. She started recovering, her feelings for the Commander and her mother’s return to court helped her out of her misery. She was slowly founding herself again. She aided the Commander once, tending to his battle wounds and helping restore his good health. Soon after that the Commander begun courting her. Not half a year later she got married to the Commander —by far the happiest day of her life. She is now living in their estate, visiting court and worryingly awaiting for her husband to return from the battlefield.

♔Virtues & Vices

caring, elegant, sophisticated

stubborn, fiery-tempered, prideful

♔Relationships

Nicholas Richerd — Her husband and love of her life. Amphelice has finally found what she has been looking for; a loving husband and her chance to start a family. She loves tending to her husband and their estate, having taken extra care into making their home beautiful, like she has always dreamed of. Charles IX de Valois — Her Godson with whom she has a very loving relationship. Charles is much like her younger brother and she loves taking care of him, guiding him, spending time with him. Given his character, Amphelice is quite concerned about what a King he will be and how he will rule France. Eliane de Sauve — Amphelice is very close to her mother and one could say that they are also friends other than mother and daughter. Eliane has shown her support to her daughter one too many times and even tried to protect her from her father’s anger when she was pregnant, begging him for mercy on behalf of her daughter. Elizabeth Rose of Anjou, Kenna Fleming, Annabelle Graillet, Leonardo d’Este, Sebastian de Poitiers — Even though she grew up with Elizabeth and has known her since she was a young child, they have all become very good friends of hers. She has supported them in hard times and vice versa. Aleyna de Lorges — Her cousin and a good friend. Amphelice and Aleyna grew up close to another but after her pregnancy and wedding, they did not get to spend a lot of time together. However, they remained close through the years.

Gif Hunts: [x] Icons: [x]

[sassasquashedgrapes]

Another Story: A Glee x Kissed by the Baddest Bidder Cross-over

It’s me again! Your friendly neighborhood, Squashed Grape.  

It’s been a while since I got into the fanfic (or any literal stuff) and decided to do some fan service today.  This is an old post but a goodie.  You see, I’ve been a fan of Glee during the early days and was also a huge Otome player (lol. the closest to player I’ll ever be).  And made this fanfic cross-over of sorts inspired from the Voltage Inc story, Kissed by the Baddest Bidder.  Actually I *might* have switched the names a bit and the plot line is from the intro except for a few tweaks.  Anyway, I just wanna lay it all down there so nobody starts yelling bloody murder.  

After all, wasn’t 50 Shades like some fan service to Twilight, so haters can just move along now, Nothing to see.  

So without much further ado, a short story cross-over for y’all!!

By the way, be prepared for a series of long fanfics of Glee coming at your way. This is only just the beginning of the Hargreave brothers.

click below

Another Story: Kissed By The Baddest Bidder/Glee Fanfic.

I’ve always been a huge fan of the otome game and the delicious notion of having someone used up for bidding, using the Glee characters seemed absolutely too good to resist.  How could I? So shall we? Elian “Ian” Hargreave – Eisuke Ichinomiya Mike Chang – Soryu Oh, the cool mobster Noah Puckerman – Mitsunari Baba, the philandering theif Kurt Hummel – Ota Kisaki , the artist. Lol I know, Ota doesn’t swing that way but I always pegged Ota as a closet anyway. Cooper Anderson – Mamuro Kishi, the lazy detective and of course: Lucy Quinn Fabray – MC

Quinn Fabray is different in this storyline.  I made a parallel universe of sorts, changing a bit of her past to make her come to her present future.  So instead of moving to McKinley High, Lucy Q. Fabray’s father, Russel, dies of a heart attack and thus her mother remarries another man who worked as a hotel concierge manager in one of the most prestigious hotels in New York, the fictional hotel/casino Wyndham, (loosely based on the Waldorf Astoria) which is owned by then the family of Elian Hargreave’s grandfather who eventually takes over the hotel after graduating from high school.  Quinn has grown up in the hotel, pretty much understanding and loving every detail and aspect of it, treating it as if it were her own family since she pretty much lead a lonely life in New York, being a small town girl from Ohio who turned out to grow into a beautiful young woman.  This storyline is inspired by the Otome route of Eisuke Ichinomiya, whom I think was the best storyline for someone like her.  I’m way too biased that I don’t think I want to share Soryu Oh with her, hahaha.  Fast forward to the present, Quinn just graduated from Yale, but is now working he as a chambermaid in the hotel to earn extra cash at the same time pay for her college loans while she looks for a job.  

Prologue: As I feel a trickle of sweat behind my back while being in the middle of the spotlight, I start to wonder as I stare into the crowd facing me “how on earth did I ever come to this?”

12 hours earlier

“Good morning,” I greet cheerfully as I swing open the door in locker room of the female changing hall as if I’ve done so many times over.  I’m working during the summer as a maid at a hotel owned by the Hargreave Group, which is a large company that owns banks, trading companies, locally and overseas.  

“Good morning, Lucy,” greets Marley, one of the maids who also works part-time in the hotel.  I know for a fact that she looks old enough to still be in highschool, but I’ve never bothered to pry into matters like gossip. As long as they keep to their business, I keep to mine.  But despite it, I feel like I could confide in her because she seems so open and nice.

“The VIP convention starts today.  I am super excited,” Marley grins as she mentions one of the annual big events the hotel/casino throws.  

“I’ll bet you’d be way too busy to get excited since you’ll be working at the casino floor,” I grin back thinking how exhausted I’m going to be once this convention is over.  I’ve been living in the Wyndham since I was 15 after my dad died and my mother remarried.  I’d come to love it as if it were my own family and was familiar with its daily routine until 4 years ago when it underwent a massive renovation into becoming the first hotel/casino in New York.  It had been quite a scandal at first, with government officials opposing the idea of bringing “Las Vegas” to the metropolis, but the whole issue died down after a while and for the last two years, the Wyndham, became New York’s first legal casino and hotel.

“Don’t you wish you could work at the IVC?” Marley was referring to the International VIP Convention, one of the newly annual conventions frequented by Hollywood A-list stars, World leaders, socialites and big time businessmen who gathered once a year to play at the casinos and have a go into dabbling in a world of glamour

“Yeah, that would be great.” I agreed quietly.

“Well, that’s the goal of everyone who works here.” Marley sighed as she hunkered on the bench and rested her elbow on her knee as she propped her head on her hand.  “I’ve been dreaming about it ever since I saw it on TV. Seeing movie stars, top athletes, and other super famous people all over the world gathered here in this party.  I even heard Perez Hilton was so pissed that he didn’t get an invite.”  She pursed her lips conspiratorially.

“You know, when I applied for this job a few months ago, I didn’t think I was going to be hired that I thought I was dreaming when I actually did.” Marley grinned happily.  I smiled feeling how infectious her mood was, she was so upbeat by the whole thing, I didn’t want to look like a kill joy so I agreed.

“Oh my god.” She stopped suddenly as if she had thought of something of real importance.  “What if some rich, famous guy falls in love with me at first sight?” I hope he knows you’re barely 18, I mentally think and almost utter it out loud but I stop myself and….

“Haha, keep dreaming.” I just say instead.  

Whew, that was close. Our VIP guests are important, but I also value working for our regular guests, too.  I had just graduated in a Marketing degree at Yale, but with the recession, jobs were scarcely handed and I didn’t feel the need to dabble in doing freebies as an Intern in a big corporation, when I could be earning much more doing it here in Wyndham.  It really isn’t so bad.  I really didn’t care that much about image anyway since moving to New York.  Somehow the anonymity of it all had liberated me from the confines of the shallowness that I had experienced living in Lima, Ohio that I didn’t give a damn anymore.

I thought about the IVC, the International VIP Convention, Wyndham’s largest annual event is today and the international publicity with the media hanging around the area was totally insane. Unlike Marley, I had actually dreaded this more because I knew things were busier and a lot more tense than usual.  My step-father, Charlie was one of the managers of the hotel and was in charge of the VIP guests lounge and had direct connections to the owner, Mr. Elian Hargreave.  I heard a lot about the new owner, how accomplished he was despite his young age. He was featured in Forbes magazine as the most successful businessman under 40 years of age (rumors had it that he couldn’t be more than 30 years old.)  He reminded me of a true-to-life Bruce Wayne, ridiculously handsome in a dark, mysterious way and was always surrounded by beautiful women.  I knew my sister, Fran was crushing on him big time that she even begged Charlie for an introduction, but to no avail.

As we left the locker room and head to the hotel lobby, where a crowd of reporters and onlookers gathered, people whom I’ve only seen on TV or on a movie screen started appearing, strutting as if they were meant to walk down the red carpet and enter the magnificent lobby as if it were from a Hollywood movie scene.

“Oh. My God.” Marley’s mouth literally hung wide open.  “Look who just got out of that limo.”

I crane my neck and look around thinking that she just saw the famous TV actress who was in a popular teen show.  What was her name again?  Elena Davenport?  She was famous for being in this TV show about a love triangle between a vampire and a cyborg.  It was insane how people were shouting her name as if it were part of her entourage. She looked stunning with her black hair and her golden skin that had obviously seen the tropics recently.  She was then accompanied by an equally handsome young man who stood well over six feet tall and had a shock of black brown hair.

“That guy’s always on the VIP list.  They call him the King,” Marley whispers as if we’re in church.

“I thought that was Elvis,” I quipped chuckling at her disgruntled look.  I knew what she meant.  I wasn’t one to get caught up in celebrity gossip, but that King she was referring to was no other than the owner of the Wyndham, Mr. Hargreave.  He gallantly bowed offering his arm to Elena who gave him a dazzling smile as she took his arm.  Hanging on the other side of his arm was also someone famous.  I heard she was the new Broadway superstar and her name was Rachel Berry.  Behind him was another famous model who often graced those ads in Vogue and a famous British reality show actress.  

All the women around him are famous, I think dully as I look down in my frumpy uniform.  For some odd feeling I felt a pang of something that I couldn’t understand wash over me.  Before I had time to even think about it, Marley again interrupted my thoughts by whispering again on my ear.

“He’s been living in the penthouse suite for a while now.” “Of course he does, he owns the hotel.”

“But it costs tens and thousands of dollars to stay there for the night.” Marley argued.

“Maybe it’s a lot more convenient to keep tabs of work here than living on Park Avenue or at the East Side.” I shrugged watching as Mr. Hargreave pays no attention to the huge crowd and walks straight ahead.

I realize that I can’t take my eyes off him.  I’ve heard the how the female hotel staff would gush about how hot he was, but seeing him in the flesh just took my breath away.

“Aaaah!!!  Over here, Elian!!!” one of the women from the mass crowd screams holding a phone camera hoping to get a picture of him.

Suddenly, a group of women, thinking about doing the same thing start running towards him and bump into me and I feel myself being pushed right into the crowd and on to the red carpet.

SMACK!

I feel like I just hit a wall and close my eyes bracing myself for the pain to follow after the impact. Instead I feel a band of steel arms hold me close, as if to steady me from the madness.  I then pry my eyes open and find myself staring into a pair of steel gray blue eyes that were placed like jewels on a handsome chiseled face.

Mr. Hargreave!!

“Aah, I- I’m so sorry,” I stammered, feeling the rush of blood flow straight at my face and into my brain as I continue to look at him, almost mesmerized yet horrified by what had just transpired.  I still feel his arms around me and I could just tell that this multibillionaire really does work out because he’s practically hugging me right now.

“What do you think you’re doing?” a haughty voice belonging to the new Broadway ingénue pipes up beside Mr. Hargreave.  She sounds almost disgusted by the sight of me.  I can see from the corner of my peripheral vision that Elena Davenport was smirking as if amused by what was happening.  God, I didn’t think she was such a bitch until now.

But instead of voicing that sentiment out, I knew I had a job at stake and right now it was totally hanging in the balance.  I had just publicly humiliated myself in front of the owner of the hotel and his guests and was drawing unnecessary attention right now and it was more than I could honestly bear. I swallow and gather myself before bitchy Quinn Fabray comes out and try to mutter an apology again but am cut short by a curt, masculine and surprisingly sexy voice.

“Get out of the way,” Mr. Hargreave says as he suddenly pulls away from me, and pushes me not quite gently aside.

“What?” I mutter in disbelief as I lose my balance and fall flat on my butt to the ground.

Owwwww..

I look at slight disdain at the man who apparently was also my boss, but his muscular, tapered back was the only thing that could see that look on my face as I watch walk further away. He brushes off his suit as if he had just encountered a speck of dust and before I thought he had finally dismissed me, turns his head and shoots me a glare and then suddenly disappears into the casino hall.

I suddenly realize with a shock that I still had that look of displeasure on my face and grimaced as I rubbed my lower back, trying yet again to stead myself as the crowd disappeared into where Mr. Hargreave and his entourage were headed.  Marley quickly comes rushing over to my side.

“Are you okay, Luce?” She asks me, totally concerned as she called me by my nickname.  I haven’t been called Lucy for a while, I had been using Quinn since I had come to New York, but somehow there was a comfort in still being known as Lucy while here in the confines of the Wyndham.

“Yeah, my butt and my pride are fine,” I say.  

“Oh my God.  Mr. Hargreave caught you in his arms.  I am so totally jealous!  Did he smell nice?  Was he really as buff underneath that suit as they say?” Marley was acting like a puppy dog fawning over that jerk.

“I don’t know, I don’t even r-remember,” I lied because I had just mentally scratched Elian Hargreave off as a completely cold, aloof, unfeeling human being.  The nerve of that man!  He didn’t even bother to defend me while I, one of his staff members, was berated by that Broadway bitch Berry.

Hmm.  That had a nice ring to it.  I feel tons better knowing that the girl could have used a plastic surgeon as good as the one who did my nose.  

Come to think of it, Elian Hargreave was actually pretty frightening.  I’ve seen how New Yorkers glare sometimes, but that cold look was totally at subzero levels worthy of the Artic.

I smooth out my clothes and hear the click clack of high heels behind me.

“Just what were you thinking, making a fool out of yourself?” a cold, voice tinged with an Italian accent snapped me back to reality.  “And in front of such important guests and even the owner of this hotel?”

“Miss Thelma, “ I say coolly plastering a smile at one of the hotel managers.  Thelma Caparano has been on my ass since the day I started working at the Wyndham when she found out I graduated with honors on my Marketing degree from Yale.  Perhaps it was that and because I’m Charlie’s kid that she thinks I deserve to be more ill-treated than a worn-out mule from a third world country.  She stands imposingly before me, all dressed up in her expertly tailored uniform as she clacked impatiently on her Prada heels waiting for me to answer her.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am.  It was an accident…”

“You are at fault for not paying attention to what’s going on around you,” she clucked her tongue at me, looking at me disapprovingly under those heavy glasses that framed her would-have-been pretty-if-she-wasn’t-such-a-bitch face.  She was probably a few years older than me, but the harshness of her demeanor just made her look like petulant and almost bratty for a woman in her mid-thirties.

“Aren’t you in charge of the regular guests, Fabray?” She asks with a smirk on her face.  

Oh boy, she does enjoy torturing me.  

“You have no business even being here in the lobby.  Not unless you get promoted to handling the VIP guests.  But you won’t get that chance, would you?  Not even if you begged your stepfather.” She laughed as if she had just thought of that joke and it was funny.

Ugh.  I am totally so close to slapping her but instead I reply setting my gaze downcast hoping that she won’t see me seething as I meekly reply “Yes, Miss Thelma.”

“Well, since you’re here,” she motions to one of her hotel assistants who was following her like a dog who hands over a box as she shoves it towards me. “Go to every floor and drop off these announcement letters while you’re at it.  These are for the guests who wish to avail of the spa promo package we are having in honor of the IVC.”

“Okay,” I say since arguing about doing a herculean task is going to go nowhere anyway since this angry vampire is out for my blood.  She’s always been a bully and since I would never dared complain of this to Charlie even though I could have, I decide I might as well just shut up and deal with it. I turn and nod to Marley, saying my goodbyes and head towards the elevators.  

As I walk by, I see a man, about my age arguing with a young woman about something in front of the elevator. The woman is wearing a dress that looks like something from the recent Fashion Week runway as she throws a mask at the man at the same time spewing a litany of curses in fluent French.

“Connard!!  Baise toi!” she screamed as the man looked back in her as if in shock.  “You lying, cheating scum!  I never want to see you again.”  With that, she gave him a resonant slap in the face for added effect before she walked out of the hotel.

This is awkward.  I turn my attention instead to the mask that looked as if it were something one wore to a masquerade ball.  I suddenly got an image of 50 shades of Grey and find myself  staring at the mask lying on the floor.  I was about to pick it up when the man who was slapped earlier moves quicker than I could and in a blink of an eye was brushing it off as if were the only precious thing that mattered to him.

Wow, his hands were fast like those of a magician.  I turn to look at him and realize that he wasn’t bad looking either.  He was of above average height and was muscularly built, but a bit thicker than Mr. Hargreave.  He also had dark hair and had the most dazzling pair of emerald green eyes I’ve ever seen.  I couldn’t tell what his hair was like underneath that Fedora hat that just made him look like the epitome of 1920’s gangster cool in a modern way.

Fedora Hat sighs dramatically.  “Great, now I don’t have a date.”  He says as if talking to himself then realizes I’m watching him.  When our eyes meet, I quickly look away self-consciously because I didn’t want him to know that I had been caught staring at him.  I try to act cool despite the awkward tension but know that he saw me witness the whole thing.

“You saw that, didn’t you?” He smirks, as if reading my mind.

“Yeah.  I-I’m really sorry.”  I backed away slowly as if avoiding being pounced by some agitated animal.

“Aw, come on. Don’t run away,” Fedora Hat laughs as he gently takes my arm as he leads me towards the elevator, completely ignoring the fact that I’m in the hotel maid’s uniform with a box of undelivered fliers on the other arm. “I’ll explain everything when we get there.”

“S-Sir?”

Before I know it, the man ignores my protests and continues to guide me, half-dragging me into the elevator with him.  We’re alone in the elevator and to be honest, this is the first time I’ve been to the basement area.  I’m surprised that the basment’s elevator looks just as elegant as the regular floor elevators.  It sort of reminded me of going into a secret lair of some evil villain but at the same time being cooped inside a glass bird cage of sorts.  I tried to avert my attention to the man beside me and look instead at the buttons of the elevator as the blinking lights affirmed our descent to the unknown.

“Whew!  I’m lucky I found you,” Fedora Hat grins at me, still holding onto my arm having no intention of letting me go.  His grip isn’t painful nor in any way gentle, but it’s firm enough to hold me into place.  As if wanting to distract me from thinking of it, he adds “coz there’s no way I could go to the party without a beautiful woman on my arm.  That would be a total buzzkill.”

Buzzkill?  Who says that sort of thing these days?

“Party?  You mean, the IVC?”

“The One and Only. Isn’t it obvious how I’m dressed?” He opens one free arm to show his expensive Italian cut suit.  Definitely Armani now that I got a closer look. And definitely custom made as it fits him perfectly.

“I-I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean that you—“

“Hahaha.  I’m kidding, babe. Man, you’re kinda uptight for a pretty thing.  Were you raised in some Christian Bible thumping school or something?”

“Uh, that’s because I work at this hotel,” I say slowly almost as if trying to hint that I’m still in my maid’s uniform, completely ignoring the fact that he’s actually right about me being Christian.  “So technically, I can’t go with you to the party as your date, sir.”

“What are you talking about? The reason why that woman earlier left was so you could be my date, Lucy.” He smiles in the most seductive, sexiest way possible as he finally noticed the name plate on my uniform.

Whoa, this one’s pretty dangerous.  And a hopeless flirt as well.  I try not to show my fear when grabs my chin and lifts it up to meet his face as he peers down, bringing it closer to mine.  I can feel his breath grazing against me as he looks into my eyes.

“Definitely my type. Angel blonde hair, mesmerizing green eyes, and luscious lips…” he trails on softly as I sort of feel his face coming closer.  He moves way to fast and I try to squirm away, backing off thinking now I understood perfectly why he got dumped in the first place.

DING! Saved by the bell of the basement floor. The elevator arrives at a full stop at the ballroom and Fedora Hat quickly backs off  and casually straightens himself as if nothing of importance was about to take place.  He could even care less whether he kissed me or not.  Jeez.

“Let’s rock and roll, Princess.” He  announces and gives off a broad smile as if putting on a game face.  And contrary to his calm demeanor, he drags me out into the ballroom before I can protest as I’m lead into the glamorous ballroom that reminded me from a scene of a Hollywood movie.

I gaped in awestruck fascination, marveling how I could have possibly missed out the new renovations at the Wyndham.  The renovations had still managed to maintain some of the old architecture, paying detail to preserving its original Art Deco state, but added with contemporary minimalist design, it’s mixture was astounding and beyond words.  I had no means of any background in architecture, but this was like walking into the Hall of Fame on architectural immortality. I was shocked that everyone present were almost nonchalant of the genius behind the design and how lavishly decorated the ballroom was to the point that even the catering was handled in the most A-list of ways.  I turn my attention to the gorgeous Swarovski crystals that were adorning the chandeliers that were hanging from the high ceiling.  

The entire floor was jam-packed with the rich and famous that I wasn’t even sure if I was hallucinating because it was too much sensory overload to be true.  I turn my head and notice Cristian Renaldi, the famous World cup soccer player from Spain to my right.  And that’s the famous Hollywood actress, Julie Moore.  And even the former President of the United States is over there?  I feel like Alice in Wonderland being wrapped around the surrealness of it all being around these celebrities that it takes me a moment to get back to earth and finally notice that Fedora Hat who had dragged me here in the first place was gone.

Huh?  Where’d he go?

Suddenly, I hear a womanly voice from behind me.

“Hey, do you have any champagne?” I turn around and am surprised that it wasn’t a woman, but a young man with an angelic face whose skin was as flawless as fine bone china. He had soft, brown hair and bright blue eyes.  He looked so familiar because his face was on the cover of this month’s issue of People Magazine being tagged as one of the 25the most beautiful People of the World of this year.

“K-Kurt Hummel!!!” I gasp, recognizing the mega hyphenate National artist/ Pulitizer prize winning Children’s Novelist/ Socialite.

“Oh, you know who I am.” He smiles brightly, happy to have been recognized in a sea of famous faces. “Thanks!”

“I-I’m sorry, I’ll look for the champagne now.” I mumble apolitically frantically looking for a bottle of Dom Perignon and Mr. Hummel chuckles behind me, as if thoroughly amused.

“You sure you work here, Alice?”

“P-Pardon?”

“You remind me of Alice in Wonderland when she fell down the rabbit hole and stumbled into the Mad Hatter’s party.” He moves away from me and reaches over the table behind me and lifts a bottle of Moet et Chandon and pours himself a glass.  He then thrusts his newly refilled glass towards me nudging me to take a drink.

“Here. You could use one more than me,” he grins.  I was about to protest but there was something harsh in his eyes telling me not to defy him as I emptied my glass.

“T-Thanks,” I was about to take the bottle and refill his glass for him when he shakes his head and takes the glass from my hands and pours himself another.

“Now, go on to doing whatever it was and I hope you get back home safely, Alice,” was all he says as he raises his champagne glass, giving me a wink of good luck for whatever it was I was about to partake.  He leaves with a wave.

He definitely was spot on about what I was feeling right at that moment.

I should definitely get out of here before I cause any more trouble.

But before I do, another man stops me from my tracks.  He’s over fifty, overweight, and perhaps a bit slightly drunk as he grins at me and grabs my hand. Ugh, he also seems really sleazy. “Aren’t you a pretty one?” He slurs and I inwardly flinch from the smell of alcohol and sweat coming from him.  “You wanna come with me and give me room service? I’ll make it worth your while and give you a big tip afterwards.

Ewww.  His head is shaped like an egg and his pock-marked face is flushed as he looks me up and down.

“I’m sorry, sir but we don’t offer that kind of service here.” I answer politely, knowing that we had been trained beforehand on how to deal with rude perverts like this guest.

He completely ignores me and starts going on how rich he is and how much is net worth is.

To be honest, it wasn’t really much.

He then slips his arm around my waist and is about to pull me towards him when…

“This party just got really trashy.” A familiar masculine voice announced icily.  I turn my head towards my savoir and realize that it’s Mr. Hargreave.  He ignores my gasp of surprise and scowls at the sleaze holding me.

“I’d rather appreciate it, sir, if you kept your attention from the hotel staff and settle instead for the bevy of beauties surrounding you,” Elian Hargreave  grinned sardonically nodding his head towards a group of runway models who flirtly waved back.  And just when I thought he couldn’t intimidate the sleazebag, he looked at me as if I were a piece of trash marring the ambience and added cruelly. “Besides, you could totally do better than THAT.  This one’s hardly a raving beauty.”  

“I-I’m really sorry, Mr. Hargreave, sir!  Pardon me!!!” Sleazebag bows apologetically quickly letting go of me as if he had been burned and kept his distance from me like I was infected with Ebola or something. He furiously wipes away his sweat and runs off.

“T-Thank you, Mr. Hargreave,” I say, totally ignoring the pain that he had brushed me off as a ugly and unattractive.  But then again, men like him are probably used to just dating models that even ingénues were all blasé for him.  

“Let’s go, Elian,” one of the pretty models whom he nodded to a while back approached him and casually hooked her arm around his, totally ignoring me.

“I can’t stand people who don’t know their place,” another one of those long legged giraffes piped in hooking her arm around his other free one as if she were about to die in a desert and he was her oasis.

As if he didn’t even acknowledge my existence and hadn’t even heard me, he turned his back as if nothing had ever happened a few minutes ago before being led away by the Amazonian Brazilian bimbos.  He starts walking still surrounded by women and I’m completely overwhelmed as I watch him walk away.  I suddenly notice a purple handkerchief on the floor behind him.  I remember this being a part of his suit and realize that he dropped it.

Almost without thinking, I picked it up and started going after him.

“Uhm, sir! Excuse me, I think you dropped this—“  I try to chase after Mr. Hargreave but he gets lost in the crowd and I can’t seem to find him.

Oh, wait!  There he is!!

I make my way through the crowd and follow him as he makes an exit to the far end of the ballroom.  

A long, deserted hallway stretches out behind the door that Mr. Hargreave enters.

“Wait.  Where did he go?”

There are several doors on either side of the hallway and I didn’t catch up with him in time to even know which doors did he enter.  However, I hear voices coming from the far end.  But somehow, as I strain to hear from the distance I get the feeling the conversation wasn’t even in English.  I shake my head, thinking that I really have to return this handkerchief back to Mr. Hargreave, I strengthen my resolve and make my way towards the door where the voices were coming from.  I note the door is slightly ajar, which explains why I could hear them.  I peek through the gap and see several briefcases lying on a table surrounded with guns and large sums of money being packed by three Asian looking men dressed in all black discussing where to put the money in perfect Cantonese and before I could see more, I feel a large hand grab me by the shoulder and roughly pulls me away, swinging me around and forces me up against a wall…

Fear and surprise of being caught seeing something I shouldn’t have take over that I feel like I just might have suffered my first heart attack.

But unfortunately, that doesn’t happen.

Instead, my heart starts pounding again in fear as I’m facing a tall, Asian man of slim, yet muscular build with broad shoulders and powerful muscles who is now glaring at me and asks in in slightly cold, yet scarily threatening voice.  His hair is slicked back and even though I know he’s actually quite good looking, I’m paralyzed with fear to hardly even notice.

“What are you doing here?” He demands as he pins me against the wall as his sharp eyes look at me.  

Oh dear, God.

It happened so suddenly my body starts to tremble as I start to realize that maybe he is one of those gun men and those men aren’t just hotel guests.  But Mafia?  Triad?

What on earth should I do?

I breathe and swallow but it’s way too hard to even do so.  Instead I focus on his face and answer.

“I-I- w-w-ork h-he---“ He completely ignores me and says instead, “you’ve got give seconds to walk away, disappear and forget everything you just saw. Got it?  Otherwise, I’d hate to think what would happen to you after.” He also said it in a way that sounded like he was talking to a five-year old.  A not very bright one at that too.

I nod wordlessly over and over, desperate to get away and he immediately lets me go.  I run so fast my legs get tangled up with each other at first and don’t even think of where I’m headed.  I just run to the point of exhaustion and find myself at the basement storage room. I close the door behind me and try to catch my breath, relieved with the fact that I have just barely escaped with my life as I offer a silent prayer and make the sign of the cross in complete gratitude that the scary Asian Mafia guy just let me go.

I ruminate over the thought of how it was possible for the Triad, one of the notorious Asian Mafias could be tied up to an event like the IVC? Were those guys even part of the Triad? Maybe they weren’t even mafia.

Get a hold of yourself, Fabray.  Keep it together.   I have just realized right at this moment I had actually lost the box of flyers I was holding earlier.  I wasn’t sure if I had lost somewhere from that struggle between me and Fedora Hat, or that Mad Hatter encounter with Kurt Hummel, or even with the Middle Aged Sleazebag .  I try again to get my body to function properly as I compose myself thinking over again where I had last left it and realized that it was on the table where I had been with Mr. Hummel.  

Just as I swing the door open, I hear a loud crashing THUD.

The door I just swung had collided into something and I could hear a group of men scream “Watch out!!!”

I see two mean-looking men peeking at the other end of the door looking helplessly as the box they were carrying drops to the ground.

“Shit!  That was the Winged Victorian Angel!”

Oh no.  I remember from the news that this 300 year old museum artifact was meant to be raffled off as the grand prize at the IVC.  It had been shipped all the way from the Louvre in Paris as a gift from the newly elected French President to the United States. The proceeds of the IVC’s funding and the raffle were meant to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan somewhere in the Philippines.

I quickly open the crate box and find the statue was broken in half and my heart just drops to my stomach in nameless shock.

I am way too shocked to even mutter an apology.  Not only did I just destroy what might have been a National Treasure, millions of homeless Filipino children were going to starve and suffer.

“Hey, this was a very important piece that was going to be auctioned off.”  The slim mean-looking guy barks at me, ignoring my shocked state. Did he just say auctioned?  Didn’t he mean it was going to be raffled?

“How are you gonna pay for this?” Asks the Fat Meanie beside him.

“Uh…..Sorry?”

“You think an apology is gonna cut it?  You owe us, bitch!”  

The men reach out to me and….

 ……………..

 And I find myself being auctioned off.  The host of the eveing had just announce d that the next bid was me, a healthy fit young Caucasian American.

 Is this even legal?  I think as I swallow in fear hearing the bids knock from $2 million to higher.  I got put up in place of that Winged Victory Angel.

The mere fact that someone just started the bid off at $2 million was unreal.

I could barely make through the crowd as everyone was wearing masks similar to the masquerade mask Fedora Hat had with him when his date dumped him.  But somehow I felt with a sinking dread that the person who placed the initial bid was the Middle Aged Creep from before.  Oh crap, is he really going to buy me?  I definitely do NOT want that at all.

“$2 million, going once……going twice……”

I heard the announcer say that I’d be a slave, or a toy, or……God knows.  This is horrible.  I try to shake myself off this nightmare, but I know what I’m going through right now was just as real as everything that partook 12 hours ago.

Oh God, how did I get to this?  I fall to my knees, hang my head in shame as I feel the tears well in my eyes start to overflow.

I start praying hoping that Charlie, or my Mom or Fran could find me before it’s too late…..

Just then….

The auction hall suddenly buzzes with commotion as the announcer stops from closing the deal.

“Seat number 100 with a bid for $20 million cash.”

The crowd is drawn into complete silence.  

I peer through the gates to look for 100, but whoever was bidding was not in the crowd.  All I could do was stare up at the sum of the winning bid, completely dumbfounded as a  bell sounds, calling the auction to a close.

“Sold to Seat Number 100 for $20 million.  Thank you!!”

Someone bought me for twenty million US dollars?

My cage is carried over to the edge of the stage.  As I get off, I’m greeted by two masked men.  They weren’t the mean jerks from earlier but something about them looks vaguely familiar.  One of them looked to be wearing a Fedora Hat.

Fedora Hat bought me? Before I even get the chance to ask, Fedora Hat in the mask grabs my arm and says” This way….”

Wait, what the heck am I being so nervous for?  At least it’s Fedora Hat who bought me and not that Middle Aged Creep.  But where are they going to take me now?

And who bought me?

I feel totally numb from this crazy situation that I don’t even notice that I’m brought up into the penthouse.

I gasp in marvel looking at my surroundings, knowing that out of all the hotel employees, only Charlie and a few other managers were ever allowed to come up here.

Wait, speaking of Charlie, does he even know about those weird auctions happening at the basement?

“We brought her, boss.” Fedora Hat announces to the man in the immaculate tux seated on one of the elegant sofas.  Like Fedora Hat and the other man,  he was also wearing a mask, but something about him looked made me sense that I’ve also encountered this man before.  Even the other man seated beside him also with a shock of black hair was also wearing a mask also seemed vaguely familiar.

“Wait.  You’re----“

“We bought you,” Mr. Hargreave says indifferently, removing his mask as if he didn’t even hear what I was about to say.  The other man beside him followed suit.

“Guess we did end up seeing each other again,” the Asian Mafia guy remarks in the same casual, yet cold tone.

“You know this woman, Mike?” Hargreave raises his eyebrow almost as if in disbelief.

“You can say that.” He shrugs, not really giving a toss.

“Wait.  You bought me?  In that auction”  I stammer, trying to still make sense of it all.

“He means WE won you, Alice.” Kurt Hummel corrects as I turn around in disbelief as he removes his mask as well.

“For $20 million, Princess. The boss must have it bad.” Fedora Hat grins as he casually throws his mask and lays it on the next empty sofa.

“M-Mr. Hummel?” I squeak, not sure if I was asking if Fedora Hat was referring him as ‘the boss’ or if I was just asking a reaffirmation that I knew at least another familiar but friendly face.

“Pffft!!! She doesn’t even know you’re name, Puck.”  Kurt laughs.

“That because I didn’t have the time to tell her,” the man named Puck crosses his arms as if he were a pouting kid who wasn’t included in a game of tag.

“Isn’t this some form of human trafficking?  I shouldn’t have even been up for that stupid auction in the first place.”

“Hey, anything and everything’s for sale at that auction.” Puck grins matter-of-factly, completely oblivious to the fact that I had stated it being against my own free will.

“Absolutely,” Kurt agrees. “You can buy almost anything there. Like stolen art, government secrets, and even hire a hitman!”

“That was last year, wasn’t it?” Puck asked as I noticed that he and Kurt were the only chatty ones in the group while the other two men watched silently.

“Anyway, this was the first time anyone was sold off in the manner of fashion you had earlier,” Kurt says tilting his head as if trying to understand what was really going on. “You must have done something really bad to put yourself up there, huh?”

“Well…….I accidentally broke the Winged Victory Angel….” My voice trails off and I realized that something wasn’t right here.  Wait a minute, weren’t they just talking about selling black market things in a legal casino that by the way just happens to be in a highly publicized area? Was this even legal at all?  “Who in the world would approve of these things?   Do the police even know?”

“Well, to answer question number one.  I did approve of it.” Mr. Hargreave says as if bored by this whole conversation.

“What?”

“If it’s worth anything, it’s here.” Hargreave scoffs and laughs coldly.

“Reckless as always,” Mike shakes his head.  “This woman isn’t even worth anything.”

“Think about it for a moment,” Hargreave looks at me up and down as he folds his arms looking at me as if he were the predator toying with his prey.  “Won’t it be fun coming up with ways to use her?”

“What gives you the right to decide that?”  I ask exasperated.

“Who gave you permission to speak?” Hargreave asks coldly, merely raising an eyebrow.

“Huh?”

“Not another word unless I. SAY. SO.” Hargreave says, savoring the last three words, enunciating them slowly as if threatening me to not disobey him.

“If you’ve got a problem, we could always send you back to be auctioned off.” Mike sneers as if finding this even more amusing.

These guys are so scary. I’d rather die first than be sold off again.

I shake my head looking at both men, pleading them that I won’t disobey.

“Come on Boss……Mike……You two should be nice to the girls,” Puck quips, trying to lighten the mood, but honestly it fell a bit flat.  Not that I’d feel better either way.

“We need to figure out who gets to keep her,” Kurt says, as if now he’s the one who was bored by the whole turn of the conversation.  Though he acts as if he wants everything finalized, I get the feeling that he’s not entirely happy with the idea of having me for a slave.  In fact, he looks rather…….reluctant.   I’ve heard rumors that Mr. Hummel was gay, but I didn’t think now would have been the best times to actually confirm that.  So instead I ask the second question that’s been nagging me.

“What do you mean, who gets to keep me?  Didn’t you all buy me?”

“Yes, that’s true. But that’s really not your concern now.” Puck says.  “If I were you, I’d choose me.  I’m the only good guy here, so you can rest easy.”

“Says the world-famous thief and con-artist,” Elian Hargreave snorts derisively.

“Now, now Elian, you’re just trying to make Puck look bad.” Kurt says as if coming to his friends defense. “You’ve already got tons of groupies, why don’t you just play with one of them and let the rest of us have our fun?”

And to think I thought Kurt Hummel was safe because I assumed he was gay.

Guess again, batman.

“Mike Chang’s the one who could have his pick,” Hargreave threw a smirk towards the cool Asian mobster guy’s direction.  “Women would do anything to be the lover of a Hong Kong mobster.”

So he really was part of the Mafia.

Who ARE these people? I’m speechless but I try to pull myself together and try to shake some last-minute common sense in them.

“Human trafficking IS illegal, you know.  I’m going to report this to the police and I don’t care who you are.”

“You see a cop anywhere?” Elian Hargreave throws his head as if calling out to no one in particular. I follow his gaze and see a worn-out looking man standing by the window smoking a cigarette.  He looks to be the older of the bunch, probably around 35 in age. Rather good-looking, in fact he sort of reminds me of that guy who plays a thief on TV except that he looks disheveled and hasn’t shaved in a week.

“Damn it, don’t just blow my cover like that,” he groans as if he didn’t even want to be a part of this conversation.

“Better now than later, right Detective Cooper?” Kurt giggles as if enjoying himself.

“Shut up, Hummel.”

“Oh, don’t be so mean. Just because I’m dating your brother doesn’t mean you have to be so rude.”

“Wait, you’re a cop?” I ask incredulously, ignoring the fact that Kurt Hummel just confirmed he was openly gay.

“Yup.”  Apparently, the Detective spoke the fewest words possible.

I seriously CAN NOT believe that even the police are in on this.

“Well, it looks like we’re not going to reach a decision any time soon.” Kurt announces, really emphasizing on the obvious.

“Well Boss, at times like these….” Puck begins but Elian Hargreave cuts him off immediately.

“Right. I don’t want to waste anymore time.” Hargreave nods and stands up with Mike Chang following suit. All the men except for the Detective stand up and saunter over to me with Mr. Hargreave standing in the center of the group with his arms crossed looking down at me with cold eyes.

“Make a decision,” he says. “I’ll let you choose who buys you.”

---END---

Elian Hargreave.  Be ready to hear more of another Hargreave, Elian was just the prototype of my OC in the next series of fanfics.

[rose-in-the-stone-moved]

Voices Carry

“You can’t be fucking serious.”

The sound of Remy’s incredulity cut through the din of the manufactory’s dining hall, drawing the attention of more than one pair of curious eyes.  Around him, the air was filled with the smell of pipe smoke and grease, and a cacophony of laughter, and jests, and the day’s news being traded continued on without ever missing a beat, but while others celebrated the end of their shifts with flagons and bellies full, that particular youth was anything but jovial.

Colette was unperturbed by the smelter’s outburst; rather, she’d half expected it. Swirling her liquor, the stout, weathered-looking woman with her ruddy cheeks and broad shoulders only shrugged. “Seemed serious enough to me, what with how they were going on about the whole thing. Just don’t think she’s gone on and announced it proper.”

“Wise girl,” another woman nodded.

A Hyuran maid -- the young Marie -- was quick to cut in with news of her own. “Well, the Inquisitor was to see the Baron! Not even a moon after his audience with Lady Eliane, at that! Gratin said he overheard something about a dowry, so--”

“Oh, Gratin’s about as reliable as an Ul’dahn peddler,” someone scoffed.

“But we all know the Inquisitor had been calling,” added one of the kitchen aides -- a dark-haired Elezen girl with thin lips and a sour-looking expression.  Looking over her shoulder to be sure the cook hadn’t noticed her absence, she went on. “You remember when Marie spied one of his notes, don't you?  And all the flowers, then Valentione’s...”

“Her disappearing off to Pepin manor for all those moons.”

The kitchen girl nodded.  “No one was that surprised to hear of the courtship,” she finished.

“So of course they're to marry!” chirped Marie.

Remy slammed down his tankard enough to splash poor Hortefense at his side. “Well fuck me for thinkin’ she weren’t the kind of grasping bint to go after some withered cripple who ain’t right in the ‘ead.”  He tapped at his temple in punctuation of every word.

“Oh, come off it!” Colette bellowed. “You know full-well she ain't that sort of person.” The set of her heavy brow did little to hide her agitation, even as she threw back another draught. “That mouse has been bending over backwards for the likes of you for the last twelvemoon.”

“How do you think she got into the Lady’s good graces?” someone agreed in the subject’s defense.

“Isn’t that the great mystery?” came a conspiratory whisper, soon joined by a babble of quiet speculation, hands gesticulating grandly with their imagined intrigues.

Marie appeared to have quite enough of that.  “Colette’s right,” she piped up again.. “I heard once that she won’t take a full wage, and she doesn’t even like it when Sophie and I try to dress her. That doesn't seem awfully ‘grasping’ to me…”  A new slew of murmurs -- the time of agreement -- sounded around the table; some more dubious than others, to the young maid’s concern.

“And I don’t know, Remy,” came the honeyed voice of an older maid, peering toward the worker with half-lidded eyes. “The man certainly didn’t look terribly withered when last we saw him at the manor,” That maid, Etienne, tossed back her golden curls and laughed. Others laughed with her.

“I would mind your tongue, boy, unless you wish to explain its incivility to Ser Martiallais,” hissed a knight, sitting apart.  Ser Ramaufont’s icy stare seemed colder than usual to those who dared to meet it.  He fixed it first on Remy, who contorted his features into a scowl, before settling on Etienne. “And you. You speak of the family to which you are in service, so I would suggest you take pains to remember that.”

“As if Heuloix cares,” someone whispered. “I bet he thinks the whole thing’s a disgrace.”

“Because it is a disgrace,” came another voice in agreement. “The family or not, it’s disgusting.”

“And he’s so old.” The loitering kitchen-girl’s face contorted into a grimace as she cut in.

“And she’s Hyur,” sneered Etienne, with only a passing glance at Marie who sat next to her.

“What’s next, our men wedding those peoples with tails?”

A swarthy-faced youth raised his voice, gesturing to Remy with his tankard. “What's got you so worked up about it, anyroad? Not like any of what they do in the house matters to us, long as we get paid, aye?”

“Because it’s shameful,” Etienne supplied.

“You’d think someone of his station would behave with more decency,” joined another girl.

“Oh, Remy fancied her,” helped poor Marie, turning to explain.

“Shut your hole,” Remy snapped. He ran his dirtied fingers back through the lank mess of his hair, catching a look from Colette, and feeling Ramaufont’s own at his back. Marie shrunk down with her tea, hoping that no one could see the wounded pout that crossed her face.

“Anyway,” came Etienne’s irritated sigh, going on with a brief and peevish look in Ramaufont’s direction.  “As the good Ser reminds us to consider the family, I’m surprised the Baron even agreed. Whatever was he thinking?”

“Don't know,” Hortefense said with a shrug. “But if I were him, I'd see the benefit of a happy relationship with the Tribunal’s dogs too. Can patch things up for poor Lady Eliane and that whole mess of rumor.”

Someone snorted. “Like Ledigne’s got any pull in the Tribunal? He's been a waste of space for years.”

“Tell that to me me mum’s sister who ain't layin’ dead on the bottom of the Witchdrop because of him,” someone grumbled. Colette nodded empathetically from across the table, her mouth full of spirits.

“And he’s retired, last I heard. Wasn’t he handing in his resignation the day of the accident?” A young woman’s last word dripped with the saccharine suggestion of conspiracy. “That’s what my cousin at the Scholasticate says, anyway -- they were all talking about it.”

“I hear he scarce sets foot outside now, yea? Got a face like one of them gargoyles on the Cathedral or sommat.”

Another worker waved them off.  “What about the Pepins? He was their guest for all those moons, after all.  And they've got sons in the Inquisition. Maybe it's a favor to them.”

“Because of some useless old man? Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Or the Baron’s seen the folly of his housing some Hyuran nobody as an heir to the family assets. I'd be rid of her to the first bidder too.”

“Oh, Remy!” sang Etienne. “You might've had a chance!”

“Shut your whore mouth, Etienne.”

“Oh? Who’s the whore, again? I thought we were still talking about Miss G--AUGH!”

The maid’s barb was cut short when an elbow ribbed into her side. A voice at her ear warned, “Hush up”.

No one had noticed when Ser Ramaufont made his departure, nor had they noticed the appearance of the second appointed bodyguard to the subject of their gossip when he appeared in the dining hall. The sandy-haired young man was often easy with a smile, laughing with the rest of them most nights when duty spared him.  The person before them now looked more like a wolf provoked.

“Marie,” he began, his words the slow meter of a barely-contained rage. “They’re asking for you in the parlor.”

His eyes never left Etienne’s face.

Not a word was said the next day, when they saw Remy in the workshops with his right cheek the flowering purple of a deep bruise.  No one said a thing when Etienne performed her duties in silence, not stopping once to flirt with the footmen; not a secret to be traded left her lips. Ser Edouard, too, was more subdued; he did not laugh that day.  He kept his vigils with a stony expression; speaking to no one, eyes ahead.

For Marie’s part, she took it upon herself to treat the ward of Dufresne with a little extra kindness, though it was met by the latter with confusion and the same gentle protests that Marie had come to expect.  But she brushed the would-be lady’s hair that night, and in return was invited to tea when her work was through, and as they traded tales -- as she was asked, like any other person, about her dreams -- she wondered at just what it was that caused a person to make those decisions that left them so ostracized; how they could go on smiling when the world was prepared to tear them down.

She could only hope for the good fortune that she would never know herself.

Mentions: @heavens-light-and-hells-ice, @tea-and-conspiracy, @halonic, and @mythrilreflections. An indirect continuation of a months-old post by Eliane. Image from NationalTrust.org.

[maggieisalarrie]

Titles: A

A Cauldron of Love by zimriya (27k)

“Oh for Merlin’s sake, yes,” Niall interrupts finally. “Harry’s been in love with Louis Tomlinson since that time in second year when he went and accidentally peed on him.”

Harry turns to face him, horrified. “Niall!” he squeaks out. “You promised you wouldn’t tell anyone about that!”

Niall just shrugs and wipes his mouth with a napkin. “Aw, come off it, Hazza, was it really a secret?” When Harry doesn’t say anything, he pauses and looks up. “It was?” he says. “Ah, bollocks.”

A Hogwarts AU.

A Harmony of Frost and Flames by londoniscalling (13k)

"He’s passing lockers and whistling a quiet tune when he first smells it. His body comes to a halt and his nostrils flair instinctively, eyes going wide as he registers what the scent resembles.

An omega in heat."

OR

Louis goes into his first heat at school and Harry accidentally puts them into a compromising position.

A Harmony of Frost and Flames Extended Epilogue by londoniscalling (7k)

Sequel to A Harmony of Frost and Flames.

A Long Way From The Playground by nightwideopen (11k)

Louis is a single dad who is having a lonely life crisis and Harry is a doctor that carries around princess band-aids in his pocket.

Scraped knees make grown men bond, apparently.

A Million One, A Million Two (a Hundred More Will Never Do) by LittleLostPieces (42k)

While Harry doesn’t want to spend his final year at Wilshire Academy sharing his space with yet another idiot roommate, he figures he could have ended up with a lot worse than Niall. As the school’s newest scholarship student, Niall provides a fresh perspective on Harry’s privileged life, as well as a grounding presence when Harry’s other friends, Liam and Zayn, are acting like lunatics. Most importantly, though, Niall introduces him to Louis, a cynical townie with zero interest in spending his time around entitled boarding school kids. Convincing Louis that he’s more than a trust fund and a charming smile won’t be easy, but Harry’s never been one to back down from a challenge.

An AU loosely inspired by the short-lived WB drama, Young Americans, and the Gotta Be You music video.

A New Buzz by stylesoftheshire (7k)

‘No way,’ Louis says, shaking his head disbelievingly. ‘Only you would come out to your best friend by making him buy you a fucking dildo.’

The classic tale of how Louis helps Harry purchase a vibrator and later helps him use it.

a prayer for which no words exist by Eliane (34k)

"Louis is a few seconds away from blowing up a rather important section of the New York subway when he sees Harry for the first time."

A Run At The Past by hostagesfic (11k)

Harry doesn’t expect it to happen while Gemma’s in Australia. He’s not lonely, this time, with plenty to do and the adrenaline of the end of tour, the excitement of going back to Japan. And Gemma, of course, her jokes at his expense and her flirting with Niall and her hugs for every occasion, the way she looks like mum when she scolds him half-heartedly. There’s no reason it should happen.

He wakes up in Louis’ bed anyway.

a runaway american dream by dangerbears (15k)

AU. they take route 66 with only each other and their secrets.

a virgin to that money by eversincewefellapart (7k)

AU. Harry and Louis are broke university students who hate each other and make a sex tape. (In which Louis gets fucked a lot, Harry can't find the camera, and the road to falling in love is different for everyone.)

Accidents Happen by lanaboo222 (19k)

Harry is accident prone and Louis is a volunteer minor emergency worker. They meet a lot and things happen.

Ace by aclosetlarryshipper (32k)

It’s real. He can’t keep denying it. Denial has just made things more difficult. Acceptance is the first stage to anything.

Louis sniffles and pulls the sun visor down, flipping it open to reveal the mirror. He stares into his own icy eyes, grimacing at the red rim around the edges.

He tries to say the words, but they still feel too final and condemning.

or

The sexuality crisis you probably haven't read.

Adore You by isthatyoularry (67k)

“We invited our new acquaintances from uptown. You’ve simply got to meet their oldest son!” said his mother with a flourish, and suddenly it became abundantly clear as to why his parents had so adamantly demanded he join them in Deansville for the entirety of the summer.

Against his wishes, Harry spends the holidays at his family’s summer estate, and is reluctantly pulled into a courtship he didn’t ask for. Harry doesn’t want to get married, but Louis does. They don’t fit, but then again they really, really do.

Vaguely set in the 1920’s. Headpieces, jazz, fashionable canes, and flapper dresses, and that.

Ain’t My Fault by afirethatcannotdie (7k)

“Liam, M4M is for sex! You posted in a sex forum about your missing jacket.”

“It is not for sex!”

“It is. Trust me.”

“Well, if it helps me find my jacket then I don’t really see why it matters. Besides, someone already texted me about it. This Styles guy’s coming over in a bit to get it.”

“You invited the avocado man to come get his jacket at our flat after posting on a sex forum. Do you see where this is going?”

“I really don’t.”

“Someone is going to have to have sex with the avocado man!” Louis screeches, and Liam covers his ears.

AU. Liam posts an ad on the wrong section of Craigslist, Louis is pretty sure they’re gonna get murdered as a result, and Harry’s missing an avocado.

all i want for christmas is by crybaby (18k)

With Harry up against his side, his little four year old snuggled in his lap like it’s her favourite place, Louis could really believe they’re a real little family, off to their chalet to spend Christmas in the snow. A real little family where Louis would have the luxury of kissing Harry under mistletoe and rolling around in the fresh snow with him, taking him upstairs to his bedroom and fucking him to keep him warm.

(harry is louis' daughters' au pair. they spend christmas in austria)

all the diamonds you have here by vashtaneradas (22k)

it hits louis now, how fucking close to the precipice they’re standing. or, an au feat. investment banking and children.

All We Have by colourexplosion (6k)

He looks at the person who’s asked him a question and then immediately wishes he hadn’t. He’s beautiful, is the thing, and Harry’s met him before.

“No, sorry,” he says, shaking his head, averting his eyes. It’s an old habit, one he’s gotten better about resisting, but he supposes seeing Louis Tomlinson out in the wild transports him right back to youth club.

“Ah, s’fine really,” Louis says, instead of just walking away like a normal person, “Pretty boy like you shouldn’t be smoking anyway, yeah?”

Harry’s cheeks flood with heat before he can stop it, and he squeezes his eyes shut. Of course. Of course Louis Tomlinson — the boy who basically made Harry realize he’s gay — thinks he’s cute now. Ten years after the fact, and much too late for it to do any good at all.

Or, a 'Grown' au

Always Be My Baby by itsmiz (8k)

Louis isn't looking forward to his birthday, and Harry makes him see that age truly is just a number.

Based on Louis' tweet: 22 is old :(

Always Come Back To You by whoknows (29k)

“I’ll do it,” Harry offers brightly. No one even blinks. “I’ll do it?”

Louis sighs irritably. “Shut up,” he orders, tossing a pillow in the general direction of Harry’s face. This is a terrible time for jokes, especially Harry’s lame, old people ones.

Not that it was an old people joke. Just that most of the time Harry’s jokes consist of knock-knocks or terrible puns. The type of jokes old people like, Louis’ pretty sure. His nan always finds them hilarious when Harry tells her one.

Harry bats the pillow out of the air without even blinking. “Be reasonable, Lou,” he says in his most reasonable voice.

Louis is perfectly reasonable, thank you very much, and he’s also frustrated and upset and tired and he really wants to punch something. Maybe he should have held on to that pillow a little longer.

“You’re not gonna fucking do it,” he snaps. “That’s the last thing I need.”

amaryllis by hattalove (147k)

“Where are we?” “Um. A little while out of London?” Niall tries, seemingly the only one willing to not be mysterious and provide Harry with information, and. Oh. “London London? As in, the capital of England London?” he asks, just in case he’d misheard. “No, the other London,” Louis laughs, low and biting. He comes closer finally, the moonlight just enough to reveal a sharp-cut jaw and pale skin. “Sorry, Pup.” Nobody’s ever called Harry a “pup”. Frankly, he finds it quite insulting, but he lets it slide to try and comprehend his current crisis.

or the one where harry gets bitten by a werewolf. louis is the mysterious not-quite alpha, liam and zayn have Things going on, niall is their token human, and together, they watch a lot of TV.

And Then A Bit by infinitelymint (159k)

“We’d like to give the fans what they want.” Magee states, placing his hand on the table in front of him and leaning forward. “We want to give them Larry Stylinson.”

Or, take a parallel universe where Louis and Harry were never together, mix in a two year hiatus and an impending comeback, pour in a dash of lost fans, two tablespoons of strong friendship and a Modest! employee with a good idea. Add a squeeze of pretending to be a couple, lots of kisses and a tattoo or two. Stir. Serve: the mother of all publicity stunts.

(aka Harry and Louis fake a relationship for publicity. Eventually it becomes a lot less fake and a lot more real.)

anything plain can be lovely by el_em_en_oh_pee (5k)

Harry sees Louis - like, really sees Louis - again for the first time in his mid-thirties. (a grew-up-together AU)

Around the World by orphan_account (6k)

“Could you–” Harry breaks off, gasping as Louis leans in to bite the sensitive skin just under Harry’s jaw, a favourite spot of Harry’s. “Could you, y’know, in French?”

“Could I what, H?” Louis asks, peppering kisses underneath Harry’s jaw and trailing them up to his lips.

“Dirty talk,” Harry says in an exhale.

Or, Louis dirty talks in French. Kind of.

Autumn At My Window by TheCellarDoor (20k)

A canon-compliant AU, in which Harry and Louis are both in the band and have been sharing flats and hotel rooms for nearly five years, but never made the leap past 'friends who are too close for comfort'.

Featuring a lot of pining, Louis' addiction to Harry's scent, and a whole lot of sexual tension that might just snap loose when they decide to spend some time together all on their own. 

Last edited: September 7, 2017

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