#Clu Bell

[lanternlightseer]

Halloween AU: The Strange Girls

Some girls are mean, some girls are nice, and others go both ways.

The Serpent’s Knowledge (Part 1): Fi's search is locked on Riley when she conjured her doppelgänger. Chaos ensures and Farkle emails Fi, she gladly takes the distraction when college overwhelms her. Technomagick can't solve Fi's problems, neither can Riley's insecurities. What has he overlooked? How can Clu be of help? Sometimes softness is stronger than darkness. Even the serpent needs a friend. [Read More on FFN & Ao3]

Lilith Released (Part 2): Maya summoned Lilith but Lucas can't contain Maya, let alone a demon, and asks Annie for help. Annie has her own problems: an unexpected pregnancy during her tour. Her spirit panther becomes real, growing more protective of her. Music can't help Annie here and Maya must use her intelligence to banish Lilith. Who will survive when their worlds crossover? [Read More on FFN & Ao3]

I was inspired to do a gif set because of @ladyxboheme. Thanks to @soweirdondisney , @soweird-gifs , @fi-phillips , and @thats-so-weird for occasionally talking to me about what we thought of the show and characters.

[soweirdondisney]

Disney Channel pamphlet from a local cable guide magazine (1999)

[duranduratulsa]

Up next on my 40th Anniversary Freddy Krueger movie 🎬 🎞 🎥 🎦 📽 marathon...A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) on glorious vintage Media Home Entertainment VHS 📼! #movie #movies #horror #anightmareonelmstreet #anightmareonelmstreet2 #anightmareonelmstreet2freddysrevenge #wescraven #RIPWesCraven #freddy #freddykrueger #robertenglund #markpatton #KimMyers #RobertRusler #sydneywalsh #clugulager #ripclugulager #HopeLange #Christieclark #joannwillette #MarshallBell #robertshaye #kerryremsen #jacksholder #davidchaskin #melindaofee #allisonbarron #racheltalalay #vintage #VHS #mediahomeentertainment #newlinecinema #80s #elmstreet40

[anto-pops]

Envy's Grip - Sylus x Female!Reader

Summary: There was no field guide on how to handle your best friend coming back to life. But in hindsight, maybe keeping it from your crime lord boyfriend wasn’t the best course of action. 

Word Count: 6.2k

Warnings: 18+, explicit sexual content, rough sex, miscommunication (kind of), a sprinkle of jealous Sylus (or as jealous as he can be, he knows he's fine)

Full fic can also be found here on Ao3

Sylus was perceptive. 

It wasn’t a new trait, by any means. He had always been annoyingly aware of everything. Sometimes it seemed like he knew your own thoughts before you voiced them– though he insisted you were just easy to read and that it had nothing to do with him using his Evol to his advantage. Now was one of those times where you could tell he was scrutinizing you from afar, having picked up on the influx of emotions that overwhelmed your mind and left your body tense. 

Caleb was alive. 

The revelation had left you breathless– utterly at a loss for words as you had stared at him standing before you whole and well. Well, almost whole. The mechanical arm had thrown you for a loop, but it was his eyes that had broken down the wall of doubt between the two of you. Those bright, violet irises silently conveyed a lifetime of emotion that told you then and there that somehow, someway, your childhood friend was back from the dead. 

How the hell were you supposed to go about your day after discovering something like that? 

When Sylus had asked you the day after what had you looking so dreary, you had waved off his concern with a lie. “There’s a mandatory work meeting next weekend. All my plans with Tara are ruined.” 

He had furrowed his brow at that statement, evidently confused as to why he hadn’t heard anything about your weekend plans up until that moment. You were terrible at lying, and it felt awful to do it– especially with Sylus. You had just prayed that he would overlook your nervous behavior and let you get away with it. 

That same day, Sylus’ eyes had narrowed during lunch while you’d chewed your own nails off in favor of the roast he had cooked for the two of you, but you had done your best to play off the anxious habit as something else work related. Then you had jumped– actually jumped– when he’d walked into the living room while you’d zoned out staring at a wall, his sudden presence jerking you back to the present with your heart hammering and your eyes wide. 

“You need to wear a bell,” was all you had said when he’d asked why you were so jumpy. His lips had pursed while he’d worked a muscle in his jaw, opting to keep his innermost thoughts to himself. 

Then there was right now; your form was sloppy, and your shoulder was aching from the lack of control you threw your punches with. The boxing bag hanging from the ceiling of Sylus’ home gym swayed towards you listlessly, the lack of power in your attacks barely causing the chain to rattle the way it normally would. Using your gloved hand, you halted the bag’s momentum, your chest heaving as you drew in deep, steadying breaths to ground yourself. The sweat that dripped down your temples chilled your otherwise heated skin, and you hastily wiped the moisture away using the back of your forearm before swallowing thickly. 

You were a mess.

As you turned to make your way to the edge of the ring for your water bottle, Sylus tracked your movements with predatory-like precision. He didn’t blink, didn’t shift from his spot against the wall. It hardly looked like he was even breathing. The floor to ceiling mirrors that lined the entirety of the gym clued you in on the dark expression that crossed his face the second you turned your back to him, and a shiver that had nothing to do with the air vent overhead snaked its way down your spine. 

“How do I put this nicely…” Sylus’ deep, throaty timbre reverberated off the walls, and you did your best to ignore him as you brought your bottle to your lips. “The way you’re performing now, you’re on par to fight a toddler.” 

Prick. Water dribbled down your chin as you tightened the water cap and set the container down. “That’s what the practice ring is for. Practice. I’m not trying to show out.” 

“No, clearly you’re not. You’re trying to distract yourself.” 

Ever the discerning crime lord. “I’m working out, Sylus. Since when does that require perfect form?” Placing your hands on your hips, you glared at his reflection in the mirror. “More importantly, why are you just standing there watching? It’s weird.” 

He feigned disinterest by looking at his nails, a move that infuriated you as much as it intrigued you. Sylus always looked so effortlessly handsome. The sight of him posted up against the wall with his muscled arms crossed over his broad chest almost distracted you from the rampant thoughts about Caleb that had plagued your brain for the last two days. Almost. “You might be ‘practicing’, but you’re doing yourself a disservice by not utilizing your full potential. That stance is pathetic, and your punches couldn’t hurt a fly. To add insult to injury, you already know all of this.”

“And I really don’t care. Go find Kieran or Luke if you want to criticize someone, I’m not in the mood.”

Sylus went quiet behind you as you began unstrapping your gloves, and a few beats of silence passed before you lifted your gaze back to the mirror. He was staring at you intently, ruby red eyes flickering darkly and narrowing. It wasn’t exactly the expression he wore when he was angry– not when it still hid a sliver of possessive longing within his dark pupils. But even so, it was enough. You felt arousal curling hot in your gut at the sight, and Sylus’ eyes flicked up to your damp hair clinging to your forehead as a wicked smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. 

“Then what are you in the mood for?” Sylus purred the question, pushing off the wall to stalk over to the boxing platform. He shrugged off his jacket as he walked, tossing it haphazardly over the rope barrier before effortlessly hoisting himself up and stepping into the ring. “Want me to leave you alone? Completely? Back off and let you think about your long lost friend in peace?” 

Oh, shit. 

Your mouth fell open at the realization that he knew. How? When had he found out? Your mind whirred with the possibilities and your blood rushed to your cheeks, heating your skin and imbuing you with an overwhelming sense of guilt. It had never been like that with Caleb, but did Sylus know that? Did he think the worst? How much of the impromptu reunion was he aware of? 

“Cat got your tongue, kitten?” He goaded you further, prowling towards you without an ounce of hesitation. You held up your palms towards him as though to stop him, but he captured your smaller hands in his larger ones and threaded your fingers together, pulling you against his chest with a throaty chuckle devoid of any humor. “Did you really think I didn’t know why you’ve been so out of it lately?” 

“Sylus, I–” you stopped yourself, indignant anger taking root as you realized he had somehow invaded your privacy. “Did you follow me? You ass! How do you even know about that?”

He ignored your pointed line of questioning and pressed on with his brows furrowed. “Were you ever planning on telling me? Or would you have kept quiet and silently debated on whether or not rushing back to his side is a good plan?”

“What? Don’t you dare turn this back on me, you spied on me!” 

“I was in the city on business. Nothing special, but I wanted to stop by to see you once I was done. Imagine my surprise when I saw you in the park with him on the way to my meeting.” 

You tsk’d in annoyance, rolling your eyes in disbelief. “Business. It’s always business with you. Why does it matter that I didn’t immediately run to you to fess up about my friend not being dead?” 

“Because you lied to me.” The way he growled the blatant fact made your retort die in your throat. The anger that had burned hot in your veins cooled instantly, and you blanched as Sylus continued icily. “Taking your time to process it? That I can understand. But you looked me right in my eyes and came up with some half-assed excuse about work. You didn’t trust me with this, even though we agreed we would always be honest with one another.” 

You stammered, “Sylus, wait– I wasn’t–” 

He let go of one of your hands to capture your chin in his firm grip, forcing your eyes to meet his as he stared down at you. His hold wasn’t painful, but it was unrelenting, and the angle left you wholly at his mercy as he slipped his other hand around your back to hold you flush to him. “You weren’t what? Keeping secrets? Giving me unwarranted attitude?”

“None of this is your business!” You jerked your head out of his hold and wedged your hands between the two of you, shoving him away so abruptly that the tiniest grunt escaped his lips. Your eyes were frantic as you exclaimed, “I wouldn’t have left– I just– dammit! Just give me a minute here!”

He gave you ten seconds of uninterrupted silence. The tense kind that set your teeth on edge and made your skin crawl. Then you looked back at him, shocked to discover an icy cool expression painted across his sharp features. The unyielding wall that had existed between you both when you’d first met had been reconstructed in record time, the lack of warmth in his eyes speaking volumes of how he really felt. 

“Take all the time you need, Miss Hunter.” 

When he turned his back to you and started towards the ropes, your heart nearly gave out as your stomach plummeted into your feet. He couldn’t walk away from this– not after he had implied the worst without letting you explain. You had no clue how he even knew about Caleb, but clearly Sylus assumed your relationship with him was something more, and it scared you to think that your lover doubted you. Worse, that he doubted himself. 

Your body acted of its own accord, carrying you forward fast enough that you were able to coil your fingers around Sylus’ thick wrist. He stopped dead in his tracks, but he didn’t turn to look at you. On instinct, you darted around him so you were standing before him, then rose up onto the tips of your toes so you could crush your lips to his. 

Sylus’ reaction was slow; he inhaled sharply before his hands slowly came to the back of your neck, holding your mouth to his as an animalistic growl resonated from deep within his chest. He stepped closer to you, blindly leading you towards the edge of the ring until you felt your back press against the ropes, and Sylus used the newfound barrier to his advantage and rolled his hips against yours while his tongue delved deeper into your mouth. It was equal parts suffocating and exhilarating. Your every sense was overtaken by him– his heady scent, the muscular feeling of him, the guttural sounds he made as he devoured you. 

Sylus’ lips trailed away from yours to mouth wetly at your jaw, and your head fell back as a raspy moan escaped you when he ground his hips into you. The hard length of him was tangible through his dress pants, and the thin pair of leggings you wore did little to deter the feeling. Your hands drifted down his toned biceps and along his taut stomach before your fingers curled tellingly over his belt buckle. The tug you gave the leather material was ardent, your desires taking over your better judgement. Rational thinking had suggested you talk things out with Sylus like adults. To speak to him about loyalty and remind him that he had nothing to worry about as far as Caleb was concerned. 

But bringing up Caleb right now was the absolute last thing you wanted to do. Fucking like adults might also do the trick. 

An airy whimper sounded from you as Sylus roughly brushed your hands away from his belt, taking control of the situation and yanking your sweat-soaked t-shirt over your head. Your sports-bra went next, and the peaks of your breasts pebbled in response to the cold air surrounding you. When you blinked up at the man through hazy eyes, his own orbs were dark and hooded, and the way he licked his lips made you want to kiss him again badly. You weren’t far gone enough to think you deserved it yet, though– not even when Sylus leaned forward to start mouthing down your throat, his tongue trailing against your sweat-slick skin as he descended lower and lower. 

Just when you thought Sylus would end up on his knees in front of you, he was back to his full height. He wasted little time taking you by the hips and assertively guiding you down to the floor of the boxing ring. Dazed, you blinked up at the white haired man, staring at him long enough to catch sight of the strained expression he hid behind his calm facade. It almost looked like he was pained. It confused you, but questioning it wasn’t possible once Sylus shuffled down to settle between your legs. 

You felt his blunt nails scrape against your hip bones as he tugged your panties and leggings away, tossing both of them aside before laying flat between your bent knees. He wasn’t looking at you. He wasn’t talking with you the way he normally would when the two of you were intimate. In fact, there wasn’t anything that was intimate about this aside from you being fully exposed to him. There he was, fully clothed between your legs and inches away from your womanhood, and yet not a lick of warmth emanated from him. 

Suddenly, your morose thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of Sylus licking a broad, flat stripe up your slit, your breath catching as the man took care to add a sinful amount of pressure to your bundle of nerves. 

“Fuck,” you managed to wheeze, your hands flying to Sylus’ soft locs as he wrapped his lips around your clit, then sucked hard enough that your back arched off the floor. Another rough moan escaped you as Sylus splayed his fingers against the underside of your thigh and dug his nails into the tender flesh there. He did the same with your other leg, and the bruising strength he held your legs apart with was something that enticed you as much as it confused you. 

Make no mistake: rough sex with Sylus was always phenomenal, and it was most definitely something you enjoyed partaking in. But there was a missing puzzle piece here– something irregular that had your heart weighing heavy in your chest as you gazed breathlessly to the ceiling. 

You wished Sylus would say something. He hadn’t since you had grabbed for him just minutes prior, nor had he let you undress him like you’d wanted to. The disappointing memory of him crudely swatting your hands away from his belt returned to you then and imbued you with a lingering sense of remorse. Shit, you would settle for him just looking at you by this point. Anything other than the cold, rigid version of your lover before you now. 

Unbeknownst to your internal turmoil, Sylus sat back on his haunches and slid his hands to your waist, flipping you over onto your stomach and allowing for him to manhandle your legs apart. Part of you wanted to protest against the position, but then you felt your lover begin to mouth hotly down your spine and press chaste kisses to your warm skin, and your inhibitions started to melt. It was the first real show of Sylus’ softer side. The gentle press of his index finger against your entrance further derailed your train of thought, and as Sylus slowly breached your fluttering walls with the digit, you couldn’t help but breathe out a soft moan.  

The tenderness left you shaking– trembling–  for more. 

As Sylus started to pump his finger slowly, he took care to remain incredibly attentive to the way you wriggled and keened for more, your face half-buried in the crook of your arm. His free hand came to rub soothing circles against your hip as he gingerly added a second finger to join the first, and the tantalizing stretch had you gasping and squeezing your eyes shut. “F-Fuck, Sylus,” you mumbled, the words muffled slightly by your own arm pressed against your lips. 

You felt Sylus lean forward, his warm breath fanning across your ear as he asked, “Does it feel good?” 

You rocked your hips back onto the fingers easing you open, nodding and gasping breathlessly as the crime lord pressed against your inner walls incessantly in search of that one spot he knew would reduce you to a babbling mess. It didn’t take long for him to find it. Before long, Sylus slid his fingers deeper and curled them up, and the sudden jolt of pleasure that ran through you caused you to mewl your lover's name loudly. 

Taking your reactions as his cue, Sylus proceeded to work you with his fingers faster, brushing the pads of his digits over that magical spot within you every time without fail. The overwhelming sensations left your body quaking as fiery hot arousal coursed through your veins, the beginnings of your climax festering in your gut. As blissful as it was, you had no desire to end things like this; on your knees and with your back to Sylus while he used his damn hands to undo you. 

Blearily, you pushed yourself up with your arms, craning your head around to stare at the man through your lashes. “C-Come on, Sylus,” you implored him weakly. “Please?” 

Sylus met your gaze for the briefest of moments, his eyes dancing away before you could get a good look at him. He mercifully withdrew his fingers, trailing the appendages against your inner thighs and inducing a wave of goosebumps along your skin, then sat back to begin removing his clothing. It was methodical– swift, even. All you could do was watch in the reflection of the mirror as Sylus stripped himself bare without your aid, tossing his clothes off to the side of the boxing ring before returning to his kneeled position behind you. 

Sighing, you ran your hand through your hair dejectedly, accepting that Sylus’ colder nature was your own fault. How could you blame him? Beyond keeping the truth about Caleb from him, you had pushed him away when he’d tried to get close to you. It didn’t look good for you, and you found yourself lowering yourself back to the ground with your face buried in the crook of your arm. Whether you were hiding from Sylus or your own embarrassment, you didn’t know. 

As Sylus lined himself up with your wet entrance, the tiniest sigh escaped him when the blunt head of his cock rubbed softly against you. His firm, warm hands settled on your hips as he asked, “Ready?” 

You could sass him, or rush him along, or just generally be an ass to him in response to him being so closed off, but you didn’t. The air between the two of you was different than it was before, even though Sylus was keeping all his sweetness to himself. You told yourself that you didn’t deserve it anyways and nodded shakily. 

At your confirmation, Sylus sighed and squeezed your hips, then began to sink his thick, perfect cock deep inside of you with slow, gentle thrusts. You gasped and hid your face in your arms, rocking back onto the larger man as you muffled needy little noises against your skin. When Sylus bottomed out, he moaned and ran his hands up your sides, over your ribs, so gentle and so fucking nice that you kind of wished he would just rail you through the floor of the ring. How amazingly soft he was being while distancing himself was making your chest ache. 

It didn’t last long, thankfully. When Sylus gave an experimental roll of his hips and found you more than a little eager for his cock, he groaned and pulled back farther before ramming his dick into you, and the way you cried out for it covered the throaty moan that had escaped his lips. The crime lord set the pace just like that; hard and fast, impaling you and wringing gasping cries out of you easily. The arch of your back let Sylus’ cock slide along your sweet spot with every rough thrust, and the feeling had your eyes fucking crossing. 

It was too good. Your thoughts were crashing, noisy moans sounding from you freely. You were entirely sure you were drooling all over the padding of the ring’s floor, but you didn’t really care when Sylus was fucking you so thoroughly. The fingers digging into your hips pulled you back hard even as Sylus pounded his cock into your wet, tight heat, leaving you completely and utterly helpless for it. 

You didn’t know if Sylus had a cruel streak or a merciful one, because eventually he peeled one hand off of your hip and wound it immediately into your hair, and then you knew you were fucked. So very fucked. And not just by the cock driving you crazy. 

Sylus yanked your hair– just a little on the side of painful– and you couldn’t help the way you fucking wailed Sylus’ name, your thighs shaking and your hips slamming back into his fast thrusts. When he pulled again, you obediently scrambled up onto your weak hands, your shoulders trembling and your stomach churning with wanton pleasure. Sylus leaned down and moaned in your ear, his grip on your hair unrelenting as he urged, “Say my name, say my name for me, come on…” 

You didn’t even have to think about it. You leaned your head back against Sylus’ shoulder and gasped his name over and over, your voice pitched high and desperate from the way his cock owned you so perfectly. Sylus’ soft sounds were driving you mad for him, eager to hear his voice again, to hear the white haired man tell you how good you were. The hand pulling at your hair made it impossible to form words, though, save for the increasingly needy cries of Sylus’ name and shaky iterations of please, please, please. 

The floor of the boxing ring creaked as Sylus pressed the two of you back down against its surface to speed up, his hips slapping against your ass so aggressively that you couldn’t help but scream for him, the pleas coming in shaking sobs. 

Even though Sylus was so thoroughly possessing you and fucking his cock straight into your cervix, something was still keeping you from getting close. It felt so good, absolutely amazing, but you couldn’t finish like this. Not when Sylus was biting his lip against his own noisy moans. Not when Sylus hadn’t said your name once this entire time. Not when Sylus had yet to look you in the eyes. 

Whining, you turned your head forward so you could look at him in the reflection of the mirror straight ahead. The muscles of his back rippled with effort as he continued pumping his hips, and his own forehead was pressed into your shoulder so he didn’t have to look at you. The change in your breathy sounds caught his attention, however, and Sylus slowed his hips to a rough grind to give the two of you a damn break. He finally lifted his dark, fucked-out gaze to yours, and proceeded to finally made eye contact with you in the mirror. Even hazy with lust, you could still pick out the hurt in Sylus’ eyes. 

You had put that there. 

Squeezing your eyes shut, you whimpered and spread your fingers out against the padded floor, an unspoken invitation. After a long moment of consideration, Sylus mouthed at your sweat-slick shoulder and carefully unwound his fingers from your tangled hair to twine them together with yours. You gripped his hand tight and shivered for him, rocking back into now-gentle thrusts with a soft moan of his name. 

“I’m s-sorry,” you breathed, looking back at Sylus from over your shoulder. “I’m sorry, Sylus.” 

He stilled then, his free hand moving to tenderly brush your sweaty bangs out of your eyes. He didn’t respond yet, though, instead pulling out entirely to ease you over onto your back. 

Winding your violently trembling legs loosely around his waist, you wiggled as Sylus leaned back over you and aligned himself with your throbbing center once again. When he slid home, it was slow and easy, leaving the two of you gasping. To make things even better, Sylus reached over to grab both of your hands before lacing your fingers together again, balancing easily on his elbows so his chest was nearly flush to yours. It was so close, so damn intimate, and so much better than you deserved that you couldn’t even begin to hope for anything more. 

Sylus was so kind, though. He was thoughtful and courteous and so damn sweet, and he nudged your nose with his own before he finally kissed you again, thank god. You whimpered pitifully, squeezing his hands while he slid his tongue easily between your lips, deepening the kiss and drawing a keening moan from your sore throat. 

This time, Sylus’ thrusts were steady and slow, following an even tempo that left you sputtering against his lips. 

It was a world apart from earlier. Before, Sylus had been fucking you, marking you like you were his territory, holding back even as he let loose some wild, animalistic part of himself brought on by you pushing him away. 

Now, by some grace from god or by virtue of Sylus’ incredible capacity for dealing with your shit, it was like he was making love to you, his cock continuing to fill you up so good but just slow enough that you had time to understand how amazing he made you feel. Sort of. As much as you could understand when you were whispering Sylus’ name against his lips, your voice still rough from screaming and hitching audibly when he thrusted into you. 

You swallowed thickly to coat your dry throat, then opened your eyes to stare up at him again. 

Sylus had pulled back enough that he could see the faces you were making perfectly, how flushed your cheeks were, and how watery your eyes were. Being watched so intimately caused you to flush darker, and you closed your eyes again and arched your back with a broken groan when Sylus’ cock slid over your sweet spot once again. 

“Sylus,” you moaned, sliding your thighs further up his sides and spreading them wider. “Sylus, you’re so good…”

You felt as Sylus bumped your noses together again, squeezing your hands with a contented sigh. You were more than okay with the pace things were moving at, especially once your lover brushed his lips against your cheeks so incredibly tenderly and thrust deeper into you. Spine rounding again, you let loose a shuddering gasp before your mouth fell open with an airy whisper of Sylus’ name. 

“You look so good like this,” Sylus purred, the sound of his voice sending you reeling once again. It was beyond unfair how Sylus had you wrapped around his finger. You instinctively tightened around his cock, and the lecherous moan the action pulled from him made your stomach flip. He chuckled softly shortly thereafter and squeezed your hands again, “So pretty, you know that, kitten? And you take me so well, with the prettiest little noises. God, the noises you make…” 

You were losing your fucking mind. You rolled your head to the side with a bitten-back whimper, your body rocking perfectly into Sylus’ thrusts. There was no way you could have known that the way Sylus whispered to you would set you so on edge, but you had missed it so badly in the seemingly endless period of time you’d had to go without it. Sylus’ praises made you so hot, so damn brainless that you didn’t know what to do with yourself, and the bastard knew it. When Sylus sped up, you were still helpless– still unable to do anything other than gasp your lover’s name into the humid air between you both. 

Even as he smiled down at you and chuckled at the way you fell apart, Sylus’ own voice was growing breathier, his moans louder. Apparently you weren’t the only one so deeply affected. 

“I can feel you getting close, kitten,” Sylus moaned against you, his hips moving in deep, quick thrusts that filled you up easily. You licked your lips and cracked open your bleary eyes to watch as Sylus’ brows pinched together in response to your walls clamping down on his cock harder. With a stammered moan of your name, Sylus’ head drooped between his shoulders as he murmured, “You feel incredible. You’re so good for me.” 

That was what you needed more than anything. Sylus moaning your name while his thrusts picked up with more force, his teeth worrying his lip as he fought against his bone-deep urge to finish. Your name spoken by Sylus would forever be your favorite sound, and hearing it now was driving you straight to the edge and building your orgasm up quickly in your gut. Your moans spiked into breathy cries, your muscles tensing and twitching in earnest. Unable to stop yourself, you started to beg, “S-Sylus, Sylus, I’m almost– I’m– please, Sylus–”

Sylus obliged your senseless word babble. He untangled your fingers from his so he could sit up on his heels, looping his arms under your back to bring you with him. With you balanced easily in his lap, Sylus kept one arm around your midsection while the other came to grip your hip before he started thrusting again, his cock angling up and hitting you so deep and so perfect that you were certain you were seeing stars. Your hands flew frantically to Sylus’ toned shoulders, your nails digging in for purchase as that telltale sensation in the pit of your stomach grew stronger and more potent. 

Once Sylus breathed your name again, his voice trailing off into a raspy, rumbling moan, it was more than enough to carry you over the edge. 

Your breasts pressed into Sylus’ chest as your spine arched, your climax crashing over you violently and rendering your brain useless. Sylus groaned long and loud as you clenched impossibly further around his cock, and as you clung desperately to him and buried your face into the crook of his neck, he managed to thrust once, then twice, before he came with a shuddering groan. 

Sylus curled around you possessively and ground against you mindlessly, his large hands gripping you so tightly that you were certain they would leave bruises in their wake. He continued to mumble your name breathlessly into your ear as the two of you came down together, and eventually you were able to think through the pleasured fog that still tinged your vision. 

You continued to breathe heavily, your limbs shaking and twitching as you clenched your eyes shut and continued to hide your looming shame in the crook of Sylus’ neck. The only thing that pulled you out of your makeshift cocoon was the feeling of the larger man’s lips pressing against the top of your head, and you jolted almost violently at the attention. 

“Damn, sweetie,” Sylus said roughly, his hand trailing up your bare back to hold the nape of your neck. “You’re still shaking an awful lot. Are you alright?” 

You were silent for a long time, trying and failing to get your breathing under control again while Sylus simply cradled you. There was nothing you wanted more than to keep holding him, to keep him from leaving you and walking away, but as the dust settled around the two of you, you remembered how bad you had actually fucked up. So you waited for Sylus to release you, to stop mumbling sweet nothings into the top of your head, to banish you from his home entirely and send you back to Linkon City. 

But he didn’t do any of those things. He surprised you by lowering his own head so it was right beside yours, using his chin to gently nudge you out of your hiding spot in his shoulder so he could look at you. “I’m going to need an answer, sweetie, because I’m becoming increasingly worried that I hurt you.” 

“I’m sorry, Sylus,” you mumbled, avoiding meeting his gaze in favor of directing your words to his chest. Your voice was meek and pitiful, and your lower lip trembled as you tried and failed to fight the influx of tears that welled in your eyes. “I’m sorry.”

At first, Sylus was quiet. You felt his arms slide away from your back, and for a split second you were convinced that he was going to shove you away and end things with you then and there. But then his hands reappeared between the two of you, tentatively cupping your jaw to angle your face up at him. He looked at you curiously, sweeping his thumb under your eyes to catch the stray tears that slipped down your cheeks. His voice was calm and gentle when he finally asked, “What exactly are you apologizing for?” 

“For lying to you. For saying those hurtful things. I know I was overwhelmed by Caleb just… showing up the way he did, but that was no excuse for being so cruel to you.” You swallowed, your brow furrowing as you stared up at the literal love of your life and became overtaken by a fresh dose of remorse. “I don’t want to leave you. I don’t want Caleb. I don’t want you to think that you’ve been some replacement for him this entire time because I never had feelings like that for him. I should have been honest from the jump instead of getting so defensive. I’m really, really sorry, Sylus.” 

Sylus seemed to mull your confession over– always so careful about picking his words. It was a trait that you could certainly stand to learn from, if only you could manage to stop talking out of your ass for five seconds. 

“I didn’t exactly broach the subject with you delicately,” he admonished with a grimace. “I didn’t stop to consider that your childhood friend was back from the dead. I just assumed the worst and jumped head first into the conversation with that thought driving me. So for that, I’m sorry.” 

A watery smile stretched across your face, and you wrapped your arms around Sylus’ waist with your ear pressed against his chest, the steady thrum of his heartbeat soothing your previously frayed nerves. “So does this mean you forgive me?” 

To your mild surprise, Sylus laughed. Softly, and far from the mean-spirited kind. He returned your embrace eagerly, tracing small circles against your back with his fingers as he shook his head to himself. “There’s hardly that much to forgive. You’ve said worse things to me in the past, remember?” 

“Don’t make me beg. Just answer the question.” 

“Yes, kitten. I forgive you.” 

Sighing contentedly, you felt Sylus press a quick kiss to your forehead before holding you tighter to him, then he rose swiftly and easily, not at all slowed down by hoisting you up along with him. You yelped a little in alarm and wrapped your legs around his waist, entirely at his mercy as he somehow managed to duck under the ropes of the boxing ring with you coiled around him like a baby monkey. “Where are we going?” 

“To shower. I have every intention of making the most of your apologetic mood. And I think I might like to see you beg a little.” 

You sat upright in his firm hold, placing your hand on his chest to put a modicum of space between the two of you. “But you said you forgave me! What about Luke and Kieran?! Your room is on the other side of the house– Sylus, we’re naked!” 

Undeterred, Sylus flashed you his trademark smirk– the one that never failed to lower your inhibitions. “Oh, I forgive you. But since I have heard worse things from you before, the way I see it is you can go ahead and earn some more forgiveness while you’re at it.” 

Anxious beyond belief at the prospect of the twins seeing you in the nude, you shoved at Sylus more and scrambled to get out of his hold. He was having none of it, however, and swiftly readjusted his grip so he could toss you over his shoulder, your rear on full display in the event anyone crossed paths with the two of you. When you frantically started kicking your legs and hitting his back, he returned the motion with a playful slap to your ass that pulled a loud yelp from your lips. 

You loved the man with all your heart. You truly couldn’t fathom yourself ever leaving him, nor could you imagine your life without him. He brought a certain excitement to your otherwise dull day-to-day that you treasured and valued endlessly. 

But be that as it may, you were so, so going to kill him for this. 

[mbari-blog]

Meet the psychedelic jelly

This jelly’s vibrant colors and far-out appearance clued scientists into a unique find.

Of all the jellies that call the ocean’s midnight zone home, the psychedelic jelly (Crossota millsae) is one of the most stunning. Its wildly colorful appearance—ruby red, bright orange, and electric purple—first tipped off scientists that they had found a previously unknown species.

But a closer look offered scientists another surprise: This species is one of a handful of jellies that bear live young.

The female psychedelic jelly broods her babies on those crimson canals that radiate out inside her bell. Mom carries more than a single baby at once.

The developing young get their nutrition from mom. In their shelter beneath her bell, the little jellies grow bigger and bigger, even sprouting tentacles while still attached to their mother. 

When the juvenile jelly outgrows its shelter, it pulses free and swims off to live on its own. As the juvenile grows, its lavender color fades, developing the tangerine pigmentation typical of adults.

[the-curious-butterfly]

While it wasn’t quite so early in the morning when the infamous Red of Hearts decided to barge into her office, again, it was around the time Uma was about to sit down and enjoy a quick cup of coffee before the more hectic parts of her day would begin. So perhaps you could forgive her for entertaining the thought of throwing the red head out the window. It was only for a second, she would assure you. As a principle she must not condone violence.

As a pirate, well, that’s different.

But she’s actually gotten quite use to Red coming into her office what feels like every other day, sometimes welcomed sometimes not, always for one reason or another. That a part of her actually kind of expected it.

What she did not expect was for Red to fling/splay herself upon the couch as if she was in a therapy session and for the first words out of her mouth to be. “Chloe won’t kiss me.”

Uma very nearly did a spit take as she placed her mug down upon her desk. “What?” Was the girl really coming to her Principal for relationship advice? Not that she was any bad at it, but really?

Red ignored the sound of Uma nearly choking in favor of her own problems. “At first I thought it was because she didn’t actually like me like that. That she only agreed to date me because I had no experience with love and she felt bad for me. I mean, every time I tried to take our relationship to the next level she always turned away, how could I not think that right?”

“Hmm.”

“Except I finally confronted her about it and you know what she says?”

“I can’t imagine what it could be.” Uma genuinely means that too, everyone knows Chloe really likes Red, like a lot. Whatever is holding her back has to be rather significant.

“She said, I can’t kiss you Red, if I do then I’ll have to marry you.”

Oh hex, Uma should not have tried to take another sip so soon. This time her throat was too preoccupied to even get the word out so she thought it in her head. ‘What?’ Fortunately the lack of response didn’t matter to Red in the least.

“Suffice to say, that really threw me for a loop so I very calmly and gently asked her ‘what the hex are you talking about?’ And her response was ‘that’s how it always happens, Red. Once true loves kiss is shared it’s marriage and happily ever after. Don’t get me wrong, I really like you, and don’t mind at all the thought of marrying you. But we’re only sixteen, and what if you find out being tied down with me is not what you wanted. After all you’re all about-“

“Breaking rules and causing trouble?”

“She used the word freedom.”

“Course she did. Red, did you come to me for reassurance that wedding bells won’t start ringing the second your lips touch your Charming’s?”

Though she provides no response Red gives her a look that is actually rather innocent coming from her, cluing Uma in that she’s on the right track.

“Look, I can’t say that it won’t. She’s right, these fairytales feel like they happen fast. You two have all the makings of a fairytale if I ever saw one, and I was even there to witness Ben and Mal back in the day.” She pauses for a moment as she considers her next words. “But let me ask you something. Would that really be so bad?”

“I’m…not sure.” Red’s response is rather honest and genuine so Uma continues with the same.

“Red, these people didn’t get married because their fairytale told them to. It’s because they loved each other so much that the thought of cementing it in stone, or carving it out into the hull of a ship just felt right.”

Red really looked as if she was truly taking in what Uma was saying…for once.

“Now, to think you’ll be married so soon after your first kiss is a bit of an exaggeration. That kid is surprisingly sheltered for one so good with swords.”

“Tell me about it.”

“But, if it does happen some time in the future. I ask again, would it really be so bad?”

After a moment of thought Red offers Uma a small and genuine smile. “No, I don’t think it would.”

“Now go get that kiss.” Huh, why does that line remind her of something from years ago, royals are so weird. “And for the love of the sea can you please stop breaking into my office with or without me in it!”

“Thanks a lot, Principal Uma, I’ll see you later.” Red calls back as she leaves rather cheerfully, causing Uma to grin despite herself.

“Red of Hearts, I know you heard me.”

….

“Red!”

[1anxiousbeancrying]

I'm still on my Disney heroes Tron bullshit so here's some random moments.

Tron bullying Flynn will always be welcome and I think they should do it more.

Quorra not knowing casual user phrases is so cute. I love her.

The return of quorra's love of toasters, I'm so happy this is a recurring joke in Tron media.

Tron uprising reference!, also Tron missing Yori made my heart hurt. But it's also interesting because for every other character in the game massive amounts of people from there world get dragged to the city even if there not playable characters, there's loads of background characters that show up and in some cases half of peoples kingdoms show up. (Princess jasmine says the people of agrabah were struggling to adapt to the city.) But it's only Tron, Flynn and quorra who show up from the grid. Which is probably a good thing tbh no one wants clu or any other general to interact with Disney characters.

Flynn honey your gonna break a hip doing that my guy, also them racing is super cute. Quorra I feel like this can only end in disaster, Belle will just hurt herself.

[bittersweetcreep]

Luna and Damian's First Date

Part 2

It was a quiet night in Gotham City. The crime rate was (at the moment) low, so Luna's patrol was peaceful, which was rare. Although Luna wasn't patrolling alone tonight, Nightwing is accompanying her. Nightwing is usually a chatterbox, talking about various topics in one breath, but he's quiet and alert seemingly on edge.

Luna isn't a fool she knows they're being followed, but unlike Nightwing, she knows by who. Letting out a sigh, she started to tap on the closest surface to her, which was a light pole.

°You can come out Talia°

Confused Nightwing asked, "Talia?". Stepping out of the shadows was a woman with high cheekbones, long brown hair, and green eyes. Nightwing took on a defensive stance, but Luna didn't. She calmly walked up to the woman with no hesitants and started to sign

°Talia, I'm on patrol still°

"I know dear, but your patrol is coming to an end. And I thought about picking you up for our ladies' night. "

Bewildered, Nightwing cleared his throat in an attempt to draw attention towards him. "Luna, who's this?"

°This is Talia she's my friend..... I think.° Placing a dramatic hand over her heart, the brunette playfully said, "Luna, I'm hurt you would question our friendship."

°You did try to assassinate me when we met, but now you've been trying to set up me up with your son ever since then, so I'm inclined to think you have some ulterior motive°

With a horrified expression, Nightwing screamed, "SHE TRIED TO WHAT!?" The man is close to having a freakout, and what Luna signed next didn't help him at all. °Talia and a number of her assassins ambushed me on one of my patrols, but I took care of them.°

"You took down 30 of my men and permanently put them out of commission. It was quite impressive." Talia said this with a fond expression while stroking the girl's hair. Luna took notice of the look Nightwing gave her.

°Do not fret, they're not dead. Just paralyzed or become amputees.°

Before Nightwing could say or do anything, Batman was calling him through his earpiece. He was asking for both vigilantes needing backup. Answering him with a quick "We're on our way." and just like that, they were off. The ravenette couldn't help but think 'talk about being saved by the bell.'

Talia watched them run off in the distance. She made sure they were long gone before she spoke. "There's no point in hiding from your mother, Damian." Jumping down from his hiding spot, Damian gave his mother a hostile look. "You have no right trying to assassinate her!" Turning to look at her son Talia asked. "So... are you two dating?"

"No, but that'll change soon. Got a problem with that mother?"

"A problem? Yes. The problem is that you're not dating her." He was taken aback by his mother's response, not expecting this turn of events. With a surprised tone, Damian asked "You support me?"

"When I first found out you've become infatuated with someone it didn't matter who it was I wouldn't support it, but when I saw her fight and having fought her myself I can see why you've become smitten."

"SHE FOUGHT YOU!?"

The brunette let out an amused chuckle and continued to speak. "Yes, she did, and I lost." Damian's eyes were the size of dinner plates while also sporting a massive grin. He couldn't help but feel smug and was proud of his girl. "I should be going. I can't keep her waiting."

Skeptical of his mother's motives for having these ladies' nights knowing they're not for her getting to know Luna. "So what are these ladies' nights for really?" With a smirk, Talia clued Damian in on her motives. "I'm gathering info that'll be useful to obtain her heart. I've been at this for 2 weeks now and have sent my men in my stead when I'm unavailable." This has piqued Damian's interest. "What have you gathered so far?"

"You have my number, right? I'll text you what I know. Oh, and before i go, you should try seeing her as a civilian."

"Why? Got some plan?"

With a smirk, she turned away while saying, "Yes, I do." and then she left.

Bonus Scene

The police shoved The Penguin in their truck, and then they took off down the road. Luna turned to look at the older men behind her. °Please excuse me, I must be off.° bidding a farwell to both men, the (h/c) took off. Nightwing shouted after her, turning to look at him he was wearing an anxious expression. "Be careful." With a nod of her head, she turned back around and took off.

Batman gave Nightwing a hard look. "Spill it." With a deep sigh, he answered the Dark Knight. "She knows Talia." The air between them became tense. "How?"

"She tried to assassinate Luna. Luna fought a number of her men and won. Now she's trying to set her and Damian up." With a deep sigh, he continued. "Why would she even want them to date?"

"She wants them to have children." Nightwing didn't have to ask why Talia chose Luna.

[soweirdondisney]

Posters promoting the launch of So Weird.

Not sure why they were folded or how they were given out. They look to be the same size and according to the original eBay listing the first one is 41 inches by 27 inches.

"They're pretty big. I have movie posters this big." - forum user, Gabby who won the eBay auction 10 years ago.

[duranduratulsa]

Up next on my Spooktober Filmfest...A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) on glorious vintage Media Home Entertainment VHS 📼! #movies #movie #horror #anightmareonelmstreet #anightmareonelmstreet2 #anightmareonelmstreet2freddysrevenge #wescraven #RIPWesCraven #freddy #freddykrueger #robertenglund #markpatton #KimMyers #RobertRusler #sydneywalsh #clugulager #ripclugulager #HopeLange #Christieclark #joannwillette #MarshallBell #robertshaye #kerryremsen #jacksholder #davidchaskin #newlinecinema #mediahomeentertainment #vintage #vhs #80s #spooktober #halloween #october

[siensapsap]

Critical role spoilers ahead! Up to C3 ep 94!

Alright, something that's been brewing in my head for a bit and I think I can finally put into words is how much I love that Ludinus is being taken down by the consequences of all is cruel and heartless decisions.

The people that are working the hardest to take him down and coming the closest to succeeding aren't Vasselheim and it's temples, priests and Paladins.

It's people like Orym, who wouldn't have sacrificed this much, wouldn't have been this focussed and this determined if he still had a husband to return to and a home that still felt like peace.

It's people like Imogen, who has missed her mom since she was a child and came looking for her, only to find her being manipulated by a cult leader that uses people and then discards them when they're no longer usefull to him.

It's the Bells hells in general, who wouldn't have been clued in on just how ruthless the ruby vanguard is if Otohan hadn't left 3 of them dead in the dirt.

It's people like Keyleth, who had her people attacked for a test run and then had her long lost lover being captured and presumably tortured (if the screaming is anything to go by.)

It's people like Vox machina, who would still defend each other, champion of the raven queen or not, to the bitter end.

It's people like Essek, who I don't think would have been as susceptible to the 'grinching' of the Mighty Nein if Ludinus had treated him like an equal instead of a pawn to be used and discarded.

It's people like Caleb, who has had is life ruined because Ludinus decided the power Trent bought him outweighed the pain he wrought.

It's people like the Mighty Nein, who much like Vox Machina, would do anything for each other.

It's so gratifying to see that all the decisions Ludinus made "for the greater good" or because it was "necessary" are the same ones that are going to cause his downfall.

[baronessblixen]

In case your brain decides to cooperate. :DDD

*****

It had not been Scully's day.

There had been no new messages on her answering machine that morning, turning last night's worry into this morning's dread. Scutwork duty dragged. Lunch was as unappealing as the thought of going home only to sleep, wake up, and endure two more days until the weekend.

And still Mulder didn't call.

She'd known. Diana had startled them Monday, passing too close to their desks on her purposed walk to Kersh's office, X-Files folder in hand. Scully'd locked eyes with Mulder and watched him ping pong from her face to the clock for the next forty-five minutes until Diana emerged, victorious, from their superior's office.

It had been-- was-- a legitimate file. Too legitimate, too perfect. Perfectly selected, she suspected; as were Diana's perfectly legitimate reasons why Scully couldn't join the case. Fox, I just wrangled Kersh for almost an hour. He's mad as it is that I managed to grab one of you. If I'd bargained for two, neither of you would be able to go and the Kernwyckles would be robbed of proper justice. Would that be fair? Perfectly rational. Scully hadn't trusted her for a second but couldn't reasonably deny that the case needed her partner's expertise.

To his credit, Mulder had waited until Diana left before discreetly promising to keep her abreast of the details. She'd deflected; but he'd kept his word, checking in at the bullpen's lunchtime, checking in again right before she settled into bed. I'll be in and out, Scully, and back before you know it.

And he hadn't called since.

She knew how he was, of course; his stubborn ways and his single-mindedness when it came to solving a case were some of his most endearing traits. At least they were when she was around and knew what was happening.

It had been more than 12 hours since she’d last heard from him. That in itself wasn’t unusual; last night’s whispered promises that came with a hint of skepticism towards Diana’s motives, however, made Scully’s alarm bells go off.

Something, she figured, was wrong.

Asking Kersh for details about the case Diana had dangled in front of Mulder was fruitless. Was there anyone else Agent Fowley might have confided it? For the first time that day, Scully felt a sense of direction.

She couldn’t find Agent Spender anywhere and when she asked about him, she was told he had called in sick. That wasn’t like the young Agent at all. Scully’s stomach knotted more tightly. Her gut was screaming at her.

“Agent Scully?” Frohike’s voice was caught between a cough and disbelief when he picked up her call. “Did anything happen?”

“I was hoping you could tell me.” She quickly filled him in and listened as Byers and Langly joined the conversation. There was furious typing in the background and grumbling. She distinctly heard one of them mutter the word fuck, which clued her in that something was not right.

“Don’t tell Mulder,” Frohike said, “but we put trackers in his shoes after the Bermuda Triangle disaster.”

“You did what?” She shook her head; there was no time to be outraged. Not when Mulder’s life was possibly on the line.

“Not all of them,” Langly chimed in.

“He’s not moving,” Byers said in a somber voice. “According to the data he hasn’t moved for hours.”

“What does that mean?” Scully heard her voice wobble.

“It could mean any number of things,” Byers said, his voice gentle. “It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

“He was supposed to call me.” She sounded like a jilted wife but she couldn’t care for that either. Right from the moment Diana had shown up with the case, she had known something wasn’t right. It had been in the way she’d snaked around Mulder, luring him into her trap.

“Where is he?” Scully asked. The silence on the other end of the line was deafening. “I need to know where she took him.”

“She?”

“Diana Fowley.”

“What does she have to do with this?” Byers asked.

“She convinced Kersh to let Mulder help her out on a case. They left yesterday. He called last night and he-” Scully closed her eyes against threatening tears. She had known it. Last night, when Mulder called, and he’d joked, and he’d made promises, and her own voice hadn’t been as steady as it should have been, she had kept quiet. What could she have done? Ask him to abandon the case, ditch Diana and come back home? She’d had no right. She had no right to ask his friends to find out about his whereabouts either. But that wasn't stopping her.

“He promised to call me with more details. But he hasn’t called.”

“We’ll send you the coordinates,” Frohike said. “He’s in Raleigh, North Carolina. Do you need us to-”

“I need you on stand-by,” she said, her heart hammering in her chest. She wrote down the coordinates Byers gave her and stared at them. She folded the note and put it in her pocket. No one here at the Hoover building bat an eye when she left early.

She had to go save her partner.

[kiwiana-writes]

WIP Wednesday

If you noticed that the fic tag is new and therefore this is another fucking new WIP, shut up no you didn't.

Back on my bullshit making tumblr posts FirstPrince. Hopefully by making it a 5+1 it won't spin as out of control as the last time I did that. TBD lol.

Henry has, for as long as he can remember, utterly and completely lost his ability to function around obscenely beautiful men. (“You do understand that by any reasonable measure you yourself are one of these ‘obscenely beautiful men’, don’t you, Hazza?” Pez had said when Henry had been despairing this particular trait of his. “I’d like to think the revolving door of eager gentleman callers in and out of our flat would have clued you in, if nothing else.” “That may well be,” Henry had replied firmly, because while his list of neuroses is both long and complex, none of them are related to his own attractiveness, “but as I have no desire to have sex with myself—beyond the obvious—I fail to see how that’s relevant.”  “You wouldn’t fuck your clone?” This had, apparently, been a position Pez could not allow to stand, and the conversation had devolved fairly quickly from there.) The point is, Henry knows who and what he is. So when he rushes through from the back room at the chime of the bell over the door just in time to bear witness to the most attractive man he has ever been within twenty feet of pulling his hat off his head and shaking out his curls as though he’s in some sort of Herbal Essences commercial, and promptly drops an entire tray of brownies onto the floor, it’s not exactly surprising. It is, however, deeply inconvenient.

Forever feeling feral for whatever y'all are up to, so tagging @affectionatelyrs @anincompletelist @blairwaldcrf @cha-melodius @clottedcreamfudge @cricketnationrise @cultofsappho @daisymae-12 @dumbpeachjuice @firenati0n @getmehighonmagic @happiness-of-the-pursuit @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @indestructibleheart @indomitable-love @inexplicablymine @leaves-of-laurelin @lizzie-bennetdarcy @myheartalivewrites @notspecialbabe @orchidscript @rmd-writes @sherryvalli @ships-to-sail @smc-27 @sparklepocalypse @ssmtskw @stereopticons @tintagel-or-cockleshells @welcometololaland @whimsymanaged and, as always, anyone who wants to play! (If you take the open tag please tag me so I can see!!)

(Also! If you have one of these cute Christmas trees and you haven't tagged me, please do so so I can drop you a message! ❤️)

[mantrabay]

Passed The Bell Part 2

as creatively imagining might edge,

vast supply has penchant without dent,

zeitgeist flower of a fluorescent flag,

warning mask so deft but visible,

canopy laid beauteous black fringe,

alliance in shade infused etch front,

squeaky noising trickle eardrum muffin,

hear full dose of ripple muttering,

clued on obscurantist thin,

taut code evasive decipher ask,

float of urban mirror pool by pattern,

reflection, mirage, cocoon,

after midnight curtain draws,

to protracted claps evinced from,

squinting imp coterie on foot,

ricochet off Moroccan spice tint,

outside vivid haunt so frequented,

perchance, perforce, pertaining patois,

little seen scatter mice squeak,

analogy horizontal spurt funk,

if only these dart and dash clan,

midgets metaphorical so jubilant,

in sonic meddle near edge encounter,

it would be strictly beyond a dazzling cast,

from other daylight theater staunch queue,

when aiming for parallel experience,

performance nocturne wise deep art,

even rich fantasy has upper boundaries,

some grating gulley flake debris awash

Photographs and piece mine exclusively

I dedicate this post to my amazing sister Jay A Pallen

I wish to thank everyone on Tumbrl who considers this submission

[rjthirsty]

Deceit and Decay (Chapter Four)

A/N: Ikemen Prince AU where Chev is king, Dahlia (OC/MC) trains to be a minister of the court, and Gilbert doesn't keep it all together. You can find the full story on ao3, or by searching through my tags for "Deceit and Decay"; Words: 3,775; CW: Mature themes, abduction, full list of tags on ao3.

Leon paced through the round table room, a beast confined not by walls, but by rules. He wanted so badly to be looking for the persons responsible for Dahlia’s abduction, but with so many foreign guests and high ranking dignitaries from Rhodolite and surrounding kingdoms, he was forced to do nothing. Restless, he prowled from wall to wall within the room that was empty save for himself. Eventually, they would have a meeting to discuss things. Eventually, they would be able to move more freely. But that time was not currently.

Chev had returned to the ball and the guests after investigating Dahlia’s room. The man was able to continue appearing unphased no matter the circumstances, and right now that thought pissed Leon off even more. To hell with the guests. To hell with appearances. Leon didn’t want to pretend like everything was okay - he couldn’t. Dahlia was more than someone who worked in the palace. She was more than the most recent Belle. She was his.

The fact that she had other lovers didn’t make her any less his. She was his and someone had come into his home and taken her. Whoever they were, they were picking a fight with him and his brothers, and if Chev could find his damned heart, the King of Rhodolite as well.

The double doors to the round room opened, stopping Leon in his tracks. It was about time Chevalier got his shit together and started showing some concern. Instead of Chev, though, his youngest brother, Luke, lumbered in followed by Clavis who was still in his formalwear.

“Clavis, see? No one is here but Leon. Can’t this wait ‘til tomorrow?” Luke complained as he trudged over to one of the chairs.

“You’re going to want to be here, I assure you.” Clavis responded. He looked the same as he always did, but his voice lacked the usual joviality Leon was used to hearing from him.

Leon watched him, hoping for some sort of update or clue about Dahlia’s whereabouts, but Clavis just gave him the same incomprehensible smile he had seen time and time before. Leon scowled, scrubbing his hand through his hair in frustration.

“Do you know what’s goin’ on, Leon?” Luke plopped into his designated seat and dropped his chin into his hand with his elbow on the table. “Clavis just started dragging me along an’ said we’re havin’ a meeting.”

Leon glanced at Luke, surprised Clavis hadn’t said anything to him. “Yeah–”

“I’d wait for Chev if I were you.” Clavis interrupted, taking a spot behind his designated chair at the round table.

“Aw, how come?” Luke directed the question at Clavis, but his green eyes were back on Leon a second later. “Leon, just tell me.”

Leon knit his brow and shook his head. “No. Clavis is right.”

“What?” Luke lifted his chin from his hand. “When is Clavis ever the voice of reason?”

Leon didn’t answer, instead he stalked over to his own chair, dropping himself into it and continuing his glare, this time directed at the table. Clavis also didn’t retort. Instead of a witty answer filled with self-praise, Clavis remained silent. The two of them acting so out of sorts finally clued Luke in on something being very wrong. He wasn’t sure what had happened at the ball, but it must not have been good if both Leon and Clavis were brooding.

The room’s doors opened again, this time Yves, Jin, and Licht filed in. All eyes glanced in their direction to identify who was entering. Leon went back to glaring at the table. Clavis seemed to have lost interest and glanced away, falling into his seat that he had been standing behind. Luke, on the other hand, watched the three to try to pick up any clues about what was going on.

“Jin, d’ya know what’s goin’ on?” Luke asked as Jin rounded the table to take a seat.

“Can’t say I do.” Jin answered, though it wasn’t the truth of the matter. Not long before the three had arrived, Clavis had come into the kitchens where he, Yves, and Licht were having an evening snack and told them to head towards the round table room. Clavis had looked frazzled, and Jin had rarely seen Clavis in that state.

The fact that they were having a meeting right after Chevalier’s big coronation ball didn’t bode well either. And it couldn’t wait until tomorrow? Things weren’t adding up for him. Not to mention that when he arrived, he noticed Leon’s aggravated mood, so it seemed Leon was aware and not happy about the situation.

After Clavis’ strange behavior, a dark weight had started to coalesce in his stomach, and each new piece of information he collected allowed it to grow heavier and darker. With so many high ranking guests currently within their walls, an emergency meeting that included the eight of them spelled trouble. Big trouble.

“Clavis told us to come without giving us a reason.” Yves huffed. Throwing his hand onto his hip and standing straighter, he looked down his nose at Clavis. “This better not be another prank of yours, or so help me–”

“Don’t worry about that, Yves.” Jin attempted to settle things before an argument broke out.

“I’d rather it was.” Clavis muttered under his breath. His words tumbled from his lips, meant for no one but himself. He was unraveling. Someone had pulled a thread named Dahlia loose from his being, and he hadn’t even realized she was keeping him together.

“Just sit down.” Licht directed Yves in his monotone voice. He was already in his own chair, looking unconcerned, as was his usual expression.

Yves sighed and sat down next to Licht. The room grew quiet again. Jin and Luke continued to watch their brothers who wouldn’t meet their gazes, Clavis and Leon. Yves glanced around the room, his eyes wandering restlessly, feeling uncomfortable in the oppressive atmosphere. And Licht just waited. There was no point speculating, the time would come when he’d find out what he was there for.

Nokto pushed open the door with a dramatic sigh. “I was planning on having a good time with a young lady who was just dying to show me what she can… do… with… What’s with the mood in here?” Nokto slowed in his steps, feeling the unease immediately. He came to a stop before he made it to the table, his red eyes moving over everyone present.

“No one’s sayin’ anything.” Luke grumped, tossing his chin back into his palm.

“We’re waiting on Chev.” Leon grumbled, eyes still down at the table.

“Where is his King Highness?” Nokto eyed the only other empty spot at the table besides his as he moved to his own chair.

No one answered. Nokto, Yves, Luke, and Jin all looked to Clavis for a response, but Clavis glanced away, pretending he didn’t see any of them. When it was clear Clavis wasn’t going to speak, their eyes simultaneously moved to Leon for an answer, once again met with silence. Leon didn’t even bother looking up from the spot he was staring daggers at on the table.

“Should someone go find him?” Yves offered the idea, his fingers drumming nervously under the table on his legs.

“Yeah, Evie. Why don’t you do it?” Nokto smirked around Licht who sat between the two of them.

“Me? No, I didn’t mean– I’m not even dressed for the occasion!” Yves stammered.

“Yves, he’s not serious.” Licht’s crimson eyes slid to Yves next to him.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Nokto grinned a little wider. “It isn’t often he gets to see the ballroom full of guests.”

“Yeah, well, that’s because…” Yves cast his blue gaze down towards the table, his hands balling into fists in his lap. The people of Rhodolite didn’t care for Yves due to his mixed heritage, and he was well aware of that.

“Knock it off, Nokto.” Luke chided. “Yves, don’t worry about it. If Chevie called the meeting, he’ll be here.”

As if summoning the man himself, the door swung open and Chevalier entered the room. He had always had an air about him that kept people at a distance, something that had softened over the year Dahlia had stayed at the palace. But today, the way he strode through the room made him seem even more distant and untouchable with his lips pursed into a fine line and sharp icy eyes not even glancing at the rest of the group. He swiftly crossed the room and sat at the last spot at the round table, crossing his legs and folding his hands together to rest on the lacquered wooden surface.

Everyone turned their attention to him, even Licht who seemed uninterested in anything and Leon who hadn’t looked up from the table both set their eyes on their brother. On their king. Chevalier quickly glanced around the table to be certain everyone was listening, then he spoke, clear and even. “Dahlia has been abducted.”

“What?” Yves’ eyes went wide. He wasn’t the only one who looked surprised, everyone save for Clavis and Leon wore a look of shock on their face at Chev’s news.

“What d’ya mean abducted? You mean taken? Someone took Dahlia?” Luke’s voice grew more harsh with every question.

“That is what that means.” Chevalier answered, undaunted by Luke’s glare.

“And?” Nokto prompted for more information, a questioning shake to his head as his eyebrows climbed his forehead. “Do you know who is responsible? Do you have a ransom?”

“No.” One word that chilled the air even more than his first sentence.

“This is bullshit!” Leon slammed his fist onto the table, his anger turned on the man next to him - on Chevalier who didn’t even flinch at the sudden outburst from him. “You should have locked the palace down. You let her go. Just like that. You let her go and now we’re sitting around here talking about it like this is going to help at all!”

“Hey, Chief,” Jin interjected calmly - ever the oldest brother trying to smooth things over. “Take it down a notch. We’re all upset about this news.”

“No one saw anything.” Clavis spoke up. “I roused the stable staff and talked to every servant and doorman. No one saw anything suspicious today, and no one saw her leaving by any means.” His smile was strained, his voice an echo of his former self. He wouldn’t make eye contact with anyone else in the room, staring off while he sorted through his own thoughts no one else could see.

“The spy was monitoring her.” Chevalier added. “Her abductor managed to go without notice. Her room faces the gardens, I believe that is the means of escape he took.”

Licht’s chair skidded heavily on the carpet, threatening to fall over from the force he had shoved it back to stand. Eyes moved his way, some quick like Yves snapping his head towards his younger brother, and some slowly trailing the quiet twin as he strode purposefully towards the door.

“Licht?! Where are you going?” Yves half-stood from his own seat, contemplating chasing after him.

“To find Dahlia.” He didn’t stop when giving his answer, and didn’t bother looking back at the rest of the group. He couldn’t just sit here and wait for whatever news was going to come. Chevalier had said she was taken through the gardens, perhaps he could find something there. He was well versed in tracking and hunting, even at night he might still catch a glimpse of someone’s trail.

Chevalier sighed, but he had expected this. Licht was ruled by his emotions like Leon. Leon, however, could maintain a logical head after his outbursts.

“D’ya want me to stop him?” Luke offered, genuinely trying to help but unsure of what to do in this situation. He glanced from Chev to Jin, the latter giving a slight shake to his head.

The door swung closed behind Licht. Yves slowly sunk back down into his chair. Jin crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaning against the chairback. Several long seconds passed as a gloom settled in the air.

“He’s going to be riding around aimlessly.” Nokto sighed, slumping in his own chair. He was worried about Licht. He always was worried about Licht. Of course he was worried about Dahlia as well, and her wellbeing was at the forefront of his mind, but Licht had a death wish that had slowly subsided with Dahlia’s presence. Now… without her here… 

“Whomever orchestrated this was a guest tonight.” Chevalier continued. “It is clearly a personal attack against one of us. Continue to act as if nothing is amiss and the culprit might be bold enough to inquire if we have yet to notice. Clown, you will work with Four-Eyes on narrowing down the guest list and their whereabouts.”

Nokto gave a single nod indicating he heard.

“Show off, rein the Mime in. His recklessness in this state could be detrimental to the kingdom.”

Yves snapped straight up in his chair, not expecting to be delegated work. “Leon?” He looked at his faction leader questioningly.

Leon gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “King’s orders.” His answer was as dismissive as his gesture. 

“Yeah, but what am I supposed to do?” Yves struggled to understand how he could somehow help Licht with what he was going through. His younger brother called him annoying when he attempted to offer advice and rarely came to him for help.

“Are you refusing?” Chevalier leveled his stern gaze at Yves.

“No…” Yves shrank away.

Jin leaned towards Yves and murmured, “Licht likes you most. He’ll listen.”

“Black, since you enjoy traipsing around town, charm the locals and report back.”

Leon’s glowering glare grew darker.

“If you have something to say.” Chev prompted.

“Nope. I’m just trying to understand how you expect me to accomplish this huge task on my own, and I’m thinking you’re trying to keep me busy for an extended period to get me out of your hair.”

“Is the domestic faction so inept it needs me to delegate?” Chevalier’s words were mocking. He understood how to spur Leon into action.

“Don’t provoke me, Chev. I already have enough reason to want to punch you, I don’t give a damn if you’re the king.” The two had come close to blows many times throughout their lives. King or not, Chev was still his brother and he would still treat him that way.

“Then I expect you will have it handled. If you must, you can take Jumbo.” Chev offered what seemed like a measly addition to placate Leon. The truth of the matter was Luke was lacking in most royal training, however he grew up as a commoner and came from the national military. He could be useful in a very specific set of circumstances. “Number One will continue domestic affairs duties.”

“I’ll hold down the fort.” Jin assured Chev and Leon.

“So ya’ want me to work with Leon?” Luke clarified.

“Indeed.”

With nothing left to say, Chevalier stood, ending the meeting. He paced out of the room, his white cape swirling behind him manifesting an image of a frozen cloud that followed his silent fury. He was more angry than he had ever been in his life, and while his brothers hadn't said anything, he knew that the more perceptive of them had noticed.

Lucien began tailing him as soon as he had crossed the threshold. They had yet to discuss his failure to keep a watchful eye on Dahlia, and at the moment Chevalier wondered if it would be much of a discussion. Lucien wasn’t directly responsible for her abduction, but his logical reasoning was being clouded over by the anger and hurt he was feeling.

“Ridiculous.” He scolded himself. He was the Brutal Beast. He was the logical one that put the kingdom first. He was the one with no emotions. He lacked a heart. Chev tried to remind himself of how reasonable he had been before Dahlia, but simply thinking about her created a gnawing ache in his chest and he knew he was no longer the man he used to be.

A second set of footsteps sounded in the quiet hallway leading towards his faction’s office. Clavis had finally followed him, it seemed. He had specifically left out his plans for his fool brother in order to prevent revealing his knowledge about Luke’s involvement with the anti-monarchy faction. He was certain that Clavis wasn’t even aware of it. If it had come to light tonight, they would be too occupied dealing with that rather than Dahlia’s abduction, and… It seemed he was already not putting the kingdom first.

Chevalier shoved open the door to the foreign affairs faction office and took a seat in the only chair in the room, sitting at the only desk in the room. Both were designated solely for his use despite the Clown and Clavis also being part of the faction. Though he often left the desk unattended these days; Clavis took over running foreign affairs while Chev had been running the kingdom behind closed doors.

Lucien followed him into the room, and Clavis soon after. Usually, Clavis would have some sort of witty quip or insult on hand, but today he was all smiles and nothing else. Chev crossed his legs and folded his hands, setting them on his knee. “Clavis, throw one of your parties and bring me any leads you suss out.”

“You think the anti-monarchy faction is behind this?” Clavis’ smile faltered, it was clearly difficult for him to keep it up.

“They’re too undisciplined and unorganized for something of this caliber. However, someone in attendance who has power and pull might be. Or one of your guests found a benefactor.” 

For the first time in their adult life, Clavis nodded and agreed without complaint. It was strange to see his brother fall into line so easily.

“You’re useless if you can’t keep your wits about you.” Chevalier added as a warning. If Clavis kept himself too preoccupied with worry over Dahlia, he’d fall ill and effectively take himself out of service. It would be unfortunate to lose someone as driven as Clavis was.

“Aha..hahahaHAHAHA.” Clavis’ laugh started slow and built into a loud guffaw. Chev had really said that. He had the nerve to sever the last thread holding him together. His brother had always been, and will always be an unfeeling monster. The only woman who ever loved him was missing, and he was being scolded for having some perfectly normal emotions about it.

His hands balled into fists clenched so tightly his knuckles surely were turning white under his gloves. His chest hurt so badly, and Chev had lanced him through the heart. “I would murder you if I could! I would not hesitate to remove you from the face of this world. But you know what the worst part about that is, Chev? Do you know why I can’t do it? Because I’m a mediocre fool that is no match for you and then who would protect Dahlia? You couldn’t even manage it! If you couldn’t, then how would I? You’re better at everything. EVERYTHING! And you couldn’t even keep her safe!”

He was yelling. He knew that. He wasn’t smiling any longer. He was fuming. He was heartsick. Tears began to pool in his eyes - tears of anger, frustration, anxiety, pity - pity for himself. He would not let Chev see him cry like a child. He refused. Blinking rapidly to try to disperse the sudden emotion that had blurred his vision, he took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself enough to put his mask back on.

Chevalier said nothing. He waited with pursed lips and sharp eyes, the look of disdain Clavis was used to seeing. Dismissive. Unperturbed. Nonplussed.

“Go to hell.” Clavis cursed before swiftly exiting the room, walking as fast as his feet would move him.

Chev watched him leave and sighed again, much the same way he did when Licht had stormed out of the round room earlier. Matters would have been simpler if Dahlia hadn’t been permitted to stay at the palace. He was as much at fault for that as were all his brothers. They had revoked Clause 99 unanimously. And one by one, she won over six of them, becoming the most prized treasure in Rhodolite palace.

“Your Majesty.” Lucien knelt before Chevalier. Chev’s eyes cut to the spy, waiting to hear how he had been bested. “It was poor judgment on my part to venture so far from my charge’s room. I have no excuse for my lapse in my duties.”

Now it made sense. Judging from when he had seen Dahlia’s bedroom, she had been with someone. He had seen her leaving the ball with Jin. It wasn’t hard to deduce that they had fornicated. Clearly Lucien had given them some privacy.

“Am I to understand you returned after the abduction?” Chevalier’s thoughts began to turn before Lucien gave his affirmative reply. Lucien was very talented. To think that someone was more talented than him and managed to steal Dahlia away in such a brief amount of time– the pool of suspects narrowed significantly, as did the intended target.

“Inform Black that he needn’t venture into the city. He is to resume his faction’s duties. Have Number One work with the Clown and Four-Eyes on the list of attendees.” Chev ordered. Whomever was responsible was targeting him, not his brothers. It was a personal vendetta, it seemed.

“Understood, Your Majesty.” Lucien stood, bowed, and left Chev alone to sort through his thoughts.

There were still too many variables to deduce the culprit, but reducing the range they had to cast their net gave them an advantage they were sorely lacking hours prior. He was certain Dahlia was safe, otherwise they would have killed her in her room and not gone through the trouble of kidnapping her. Ransom was a possibility, but it was ridiculous to think anyone believed he would negotiate. Especially the anti-monarchy faction after what he had done ten years prior.

He needed more answers, and now that he was alone, he could put his plan for himself into action. The man clad in white rose from his chair. The faint silver of the moon shimmered against his blade as he drew his sword. Through the door and hallways he stalked, silently hunting his prey. There were many spies within the palace, it seemed it was time for the white tiger to show his claws.

[farity]

Obsession, part 7

She saw it in the news, that the three brothers Grimm, the scourge of their city because of their lawlessness and recklessness, had been found by their own mother, in their own living room.

What wasn't in the news but around gossip sites, was the rest.

The bodies had been placed on the sofa, in the See No Evil, Hear no Evil, and Say no Evil poses, and at first Mama Grimm had laughed upon first seeing her sons. "The boys" she'd called them even though they were in their late twenties and had fathered various little Grimm bastards around the land.

Then she'd realized, seen the wounds, seen how they didn't breathe, and screamed loudly enough that several servants rushed in.

The police had taken one look and known there would be no fingerprints, no fibers, not a mote of evidence. Which told them exactly what had happened.

"A burglary?" Mama Grimm had yelled at the police chief. "Are you fucking joking?"

The man, old enough and wise enough to know what was what, nodded. "There is no evidence to point to anything else, Mrs. Grimm."

* * * * *

"Pyke?"

Your boss pinched the bridge of her nose. "We should open the office there within six months."

"I don't want to live in Pyke."

"No one wants to live in Pyke. Those living in fucking Pyke don't want to live in Pyke. But you'd be management. Up the ladder and all that."

You shook your head, "I don't want to be management. Management is synonymous with headaches. I like my job as it is."

She stared at you, mouth open in disbelief. "You can do that in your sleep. Monitoring shipments? How the fuck is that remotely interesting?"

You wanted to say that your job was a means to pay your bills and live your life. It didn't have to be fulfilling, it didn't have to be interesting. But you couldn't exactly say that. "It suits me, and I'm good at it."

"So you are officially refusing the offer?"

There was a threat now in her voice and you wanted to laugh at her. Fire me, you wanted to say, I'll live off unemployment.

You were not into spending every cent you made. Your savings account was healthy and your daily life was pretty modest, because you liked to splurge in traveling. If you got fired, you'd be fine for a year and you were sure you could find employment quickly enough.

"Yes, I am," you said as pleasantly as you could. "I have no interest in being a manager and even less in moving to Pyke."

She closed her eyes and sighed. "You're the best candidate! Who the fuck is going to be able to handle everything?"

"Maybe you should have clued me in as to your plans before you decided to open a branch in Pyke."

"Go home. I don't want to see you the rest of the day."

"Fine. You're not taking one of my vacation days, though."

You walked out and grabbed your things before heading home. It was a gray, dreary day, and you decided to head home and take a luxurious daytime nap.

* * * * *

"She doesn't have her own security?"

Viserys leaned over, a smile on his face. "The fact that she is asking for a favor puts us in a good situation. She knows you're the best, and by making this public, she is making it known throughout the realm."

Aemond said nothing. He was wasting his time over some old woman who wanted a babysitter while she traveled to King's Landing? By car?

The car arrived and both men exited, walking silently up the rose-framed staircase. There was a woman standing there, who greeted them and led them inside to see the legendary Milena Tyrell.

"She will be with you in just a moment, if you need anything, just ring the bell."

The office was well appointed, the Tyrell sigil dominating the area over the desk, an antique like most of the furnishings.

"Ah, Viserys!"

Aemond turned and saw Milena, a slim woman with a ready smile and a sleek white sweep of hair. She wore a red dress that emphasized her shapely figure, and seemed perfectly at ease in her sky-high heels. She presented her hand to his father, and he placed a kiss on the back of it. "Milena, looking fabulous as always."

"That's what everyone keeps telling me," she said flirtatiously, and then her gaze went to Aemond. "My goodness, aren't you very imposing, dear child?"

Aemond bowed, kissing her hand as well. "It is my honor to provide you with protection, Lady Milena."

"Let us talk. We shall have dinner and talk about the details."

She took the arm Viserys offered and led them to the dining room, where a variety of dishes were laid out. Aemond watched her discreetly during the meal, and was keenly aware that despite the fact that her eyes were mostly on his father, she was assessing him as well. He couldn't blame her. If she was going to put her life in his hands, she had the right to decide if she trusted him or not.

"It would only be the trip there, and once we arrive, my grandson can meet me and drive me back." She sighed. "I just can't do planes any more, not since we almost crashed that one time."

Aemond hadn't heard of this, but said nothing.

Viserys sipped at his wine. "Aemond would be delighted to drive you back here as well, if you wish."

Aemond would NOT be delighted to drive her back, he thought, but kept his expression neutral.

"Oh no, no, it's just the drive there that has me worried. The roads aren't what they used to be, you know."

The rest of the meal was taken up by stories from "the old days" which bored Aemond to near tears but he paid attention nonetheless, even though he would much rather have spent his time thinking of her.

* * * * *

She woke up and realized she'd fallen asleep on her sofa, and had a voicemail. She didn't recognize the number, but these days, that didn't mean anything anymore.

"Oh hello. Uh, it's me. I mean, Helaena. Hi. I got your number from Aemond, I hope it's ok. So, you're the only one who is doing the book club so did you want to come over or, you know, um, I could go to your place. Only if you want. I mean. You're always welcome here, but I know it's a drive to get here. Uh, ok. Let me know. Only if you want. It's Helaena. Oh, I said that already. Ok, bye."

She smiled to herself, wanting to hug Helaena. She seemed so lonely, and she was incredibly sweet. She texted back: I'd love to have you come over! Let me know when and we'll do it!

There was nothing from Aemond, not that she expected him to check in with her, but she was nervous about his sudden trip to Highgarden. Still, Helaena didn't sound like there was anything wrong, so that was a good sign.

She would live like this, she thought, always wondering if he was ok, and while the thought scared her, she didn't contemplate embracing the alternative.

Her phone dinged and she saw Helaena's reply.

omg omg I've never texted anyone other than my brothers. Ok yeah, let me see when I can go over and I will let you know. I'm so excited. Ok.

This poor girl. She had the sudden urge to plan something like an escape to Dorne or something, a girls' weekend full of tiny, dangerous drinks. And mani-pedis. And massages. And she was sure Aemond might murder her himself if she tried to escape with his sister. And she knew, given how she'd met Helaena in the first place, that it wasn't a good idea.

Maybe she'd plant the idea in Helaena's head and see what they could do. Alicent looked like she was up on all the latest treatments with her perfect skin and hair, maybe they could book a spa day wherever the Targaryens approved of such things.

She cleaned up a little, not that there was a lot to clean up, but it always made her feel better to have her space tidied up.

* * * * *

"Stay down, my lady!" Aemond yelled. The driver, a long time employee of Lady Milena, had been stupid enough to leave the car and had immediately gotten himself killed.

"Get me out of here!"

Aemond, reaching through the space between the two front seats, grabbed the woman's hand. "We're surrounded, my lady, but you are safe inside the car."

Another volley of gunfire sprayed across the side of the vehicle and Milena squeezed Aemond's fingers. "It doesn't feel very fucking safe!"

He knew they should have taken a different road, he had suggested it and been overruled because this fucking hag thought she knew better. And so did her goddamn driver. And he was dead. If they were in the car she'd wanted to ride in, they'd be dead. His vehicles were armored, it wasn't something he'd been willing to compromise on, and she should be fucking grateful.

His father had been in the first car, and his driver - one of Aemond's men - had sped away, taking Viserys to safety.

He had reinforcements coming in, and then he'd throw the silly goat into another armored car, drive her the rest of the way to King's Landing himself, and never again agree to this kind of shit.

* * * * *

You had finished laundry, eaten dinner, brushed your teeth, and were about to change into your pajamas when there was a knock on the door and you lunged for your phone, opening up the door security app.

You ran to the door and opened it, and Aemond, shirt covered in dried blood, looked at you.

Again you pulled him in and closed the door but this time he reached for you, grabbing your face in his and pressing his mouth to yours with a desperation that had you running your hands over his chest and shoulders to check for injuries.

"Not my blood," he muttered against your lips before he kissed you again, and sighing, you parted your lips for him.

He leaned down and for a moment you thought he was collapsing but then one arm went under your knees and he swept you up against him, and he headed down the hallway while you devoured his neck, raking your teeth down the pale column. Aemond hissed, his steps faltering for a moment, but then he walked into your bedroom, placing you on the bed.

He reached behind his head, pulling off the ruined shirt before tossing it aside. Coming back to you, he slipped his fingers into the waistband of your leggings, and you raised to hips to help him as he began pulling them down along with your underwear.

Pulling your own shirt over your head, you threw it somewhere to the side of the bed as he finished undressing you, and then you felt his mouth on the inside of your knee. You pressed your lips together as he sucked in some of your skin between his teeth. There would be a mark there. "Mine," he said, and pushing your legs apart, hooked his arms underneath your thighs.

You met his eye, burning with want, a moment before he fastened his mouth between your legs and the room began to spin. You fell back on the bed, his lips and tongue setting you aflame. He wasn't gentle, or patient, and amidst the fog of pleasure enveloping you, you understood his frenzied need to have you.

Reaching down to grab his hair, to somehow get him to slow down before he made you come already, you felt his hands grab yours, and you could only hold on as he drove you to a quick, sharp orgasm. Your hips rolled with every lashing, your cries filling the room, and you realized he wasn't slowing down at all. He licked at your overly sensitive flesh, each swipe of tongue making your body twitch, until you felt it again, the heated coil twisting inside you once more, your hands squeezing his for something to ground you.

When you came the second time, your scream was louder, more ragged, and your body arched, every muscle straining as shards of pleasure tore through you. You could feel your heartbeat pounding in your ears, the brief seconds of bliss as you came down soon taken over by a new build up of release curling inside you.

"Oh gods, oh gods," you breathed. If he heard you, he didn't react, gave no indication of stopping. Instead, he made some kind of growling noise against you and you gasped, the vibrations against you making you moan. Your legs had started to shake and as you began spiraling again you thought I might not survive this, and realized you didn't care.

You began rocking your hips, reaching for release, your hands wrapping around his, and as tears began falling from your eyes, you let it tear you apart, every part of you on fire for him as you came again, your mind going dark as the orgasm took over your every sense.

You felt him leave you for a moment, but then he was pushing inside you and your moan turned into a sob as pleasure and pain mixed together. He was big, and you were so overly stimulated, and as he stretched you, you started reaching for him, to slow him down or to pull him against you, you weren't sure.

You felt him grab one of your hands and he leaned down to kiss the delicate skin of your wrist. You turned your hand to caress his face and he pressed his lips to your palm, murmuring something you didn't quite hear.

You gasped as he snapped his hips, seating himself fully inside you. There were sharp little stings as you struggled to take all of him, but you pulled him down to you until your mouth was near his ear.

He stilled for a moment, and you ran your other hand up his arm.

"Fuck me, Aemond," you whispered. "I want everything."

You felt a shiver go through him, and then he pulled back, so slowly you stopped breathing, and then he thrust hard, making you gasp. Again, he pulled back and again he drove back hard enough to make you moan.

He stopped for a moment and you looked up.

"More. Harder."

You heard a soft hmmm from him, and then he leaned over you, his hands fisting in your hair because each thrust was hard enough that you realized he was holding you in place. The sounds of his hips slamming against yours filled the room, joined by the sounds of someone moaning, whimpering, desperately struggling to take everything he was giving you and at the same time, demanding more.

Your body, already addicted to the pleasure he was giving you, began tightening in anticipation, and when the orgasm hit you, you cried out, a ragged sob leaving your throat as you clenched around him.

He didn't let go of your hair and he didn't stop fucking you through your release, and as you recovered, you ran your hands up his arms and down his chest, the muscles hard as rock as he continued pumping his hips.

"Say you're mine," he demanded.

You wrapped your arms around him, your nails sinking into the skin of his back. "Yes."

He thrust hard, making you gasp. "Say it."

"I'm yours," you breathed out, and in the next desperate breath, you demanded, "your turn."

He went completely still then, and you could hear his breathing as he leaned down to whisper in your ear. "I am totally, completely, and terrifyingly yours."

"Then I will have you, Aemond," you said, and pushed on one shoulder until he realized what you wanted and rolled onto his back, pulling your knees to his sides.

You rolled your hips once, realizing you would be sore later, and began moving, your hands on his shoulders as you began riding him. He reached up to squeeze your breasts, teasing the sensitive tips until he pulled you down to take one in his mouth. You moaned, and he fisted his hand in your hair again, keeping you in place so he could feast.

You rocked harder against him and he let go of your breast, one hand raking through his hair. "Fuck yes," he muttered, letting you set the pace as you continued moving above him. His hands slid down to your hips, one pressing into the soft skin there and the other moving over to your belly, his thumb sliding down to where you were joined. "Come again for me."

You let your head fall back and rode him, your thighs burning, until you felt it building inside you, your hands on your breasts as you gave in, a silent scream on your lips as he grew harder inside you, sending you over the edge, and you felt him groan, fingers digging hard into your hip, the other moving to wrap around you as you collapsed against him.

* * * * *

You didn't know how long you lingered in his arms, floating in the aftermath, Aemond turning to kiss your sweaty forehead every so often. At some point he rolled you onto your back again and ever so gently slipped inside you, this time his movements languorous as he drove you both to a sweet, sweet release that had you sighing.

You were now curled against him, legs intertwined with his, and he wrapped his arms around you. "Are you cold?" he murmured.

The covers and sheets had long ago ended up at the bottom of the bed along with one of your pillows.

"No," you looked at him. "Can you tell me about it?"

He turned onto his side, facing you, and told you about Milena Tyrell, how she'd complained about everything while he put his life on the line for her. The screaming argument he'd had with his father when he'd told Viserys he would never again agree to something like this, and how he'd just left in the middle of it, storming out of the house, to come to you.

You said nothing, just listened and ran your fingertips down his arm. You were most definitely NOT a fan of Viserys Targaryen, but right now you wanted to only focus on Aemond and it delighted you that he had sought you out, that he trusted you enough to come to you. It meant something, especially to someone like him.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

"That I'm glad you came over, not just because this is the best sex I've ever had in my life," you said and he smiled, "but because I'm glad that you are confiding in me."

He leaned in to nuzzle your cheek. "I trust you," he said. "I've never told anyone I am theirs. I've never wanted anyone to be mine. I don't want to scare you," he said, and laughed when you rolled your eyes at him, "but I want you with me. I want you not just in my life, but to be a big part of it." He stopped himself before he said any more, but kissed your nose.

"Aemond," you said softly, "I know yours is not an easy life, but I am with you."

He moved to kiss your lips, holding you tightly, and he didn't let go for a long time.

* * * * * *

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