#I adore this stressed out lad. Hang in there baby boi!

[saribrum]

A gift for @pigeon-princess of her boy Silas~

Revenge for all the awesome friendship you have shown me over the last few months and for having one of the cutest nerds out there in Barovia ❤️

This was not an excuse to draw him, no not at all

[siriuslyshewrote]

Deep End

John Shelby x Reader

Set in Series Three, 1924. John is 29, and Reader is 28.

“I don’t want this to break you, but I’ve got no one else to talk to.”

The kitchen was silent, completely and utterly, the opposite of usual, when you would have five small children screaming and causing mischief. Your hands were wrapped around a cooling mug of coffee, a cigarette dangling from your lips, a plate of uneaten plain toast in front of you, from hours ago, made by Polly, before she took the kids to hers. You couldn’t have them here, not tonight, not after the bombshell Poll had dropped on you this morning.

Well, perhaps ‘bombshell’ was not the right word. You’d had an inkling for weeks, one that you pushed out of your mind, stomach bubbling with stress (or morning sickness, maybe). Because, of course, some part of you knew that you were pregnant - of course you did, hell, you’d already had five of them. This, however, would be the first pregnancy you had cried about ; really, truly, sadly, cried about, since you discovered about the existence of Katie, on your sixteenth birthday. Katie, however, had turned into a surprise you became ecstatic about.

You couldn’t see that happening, this time, though.

You twisted the wedding ring on your finger, the one that you had taken off several times this week, telling yourself it was just because of how swollen your fingers were. It wasn’t, deep down, you knew that. For the first time in twelve years of marriage, you were suddenly thinking of not being married at all. You and John had had some horrific arguments over the years, but somehow, it was the not arguing that made you contemplate leaving John. The traitorous thoughts had been whirling in your head for a while, making you cry yourself to sleep in the cold empty bed half the time - because John never came home before the early morning anymore.

It was the long nights, the worry and the crippling fear, that his work would result in a terrible ending - with either he, or one of your children dead. It hadn’t ever been something you had thought so in depth about before, as the children grew up without incident ( Katie being thirteen in a few weeks ), but with the knowledge of a new baby, came the anxieties you always had when pregnant, but this time ten-fold. Your brain had been haunted all day, with images of your newborn being targeted by one of the many enemies the Shelby’s had, or taken like Charlie had been. It occurred to you, how naive you had been before, to let the children roam the street, alone. You couldn’t help but -

The door opened, loudly, creaking hinges that John had promised to fix months ago. You jumped in fright, hand almost reaching towards the cool gun that lay on the counter top, before you heard the familiar sound of John kicking off his shoes in the hall, making more of the familiar scuff marks on the wallpaper you’d picked out yourself when John first showed you this house, when he put his hands over your eyes, guided you down the street carefully, Katie, a small toddler at the point, hanging off his back. When he’d laughed, as you opened your eyes, given you the cold keys, when you’d cried with hormonal joy, throwing your arms around him. When he still had the time to be around his family, when you felt more like a treasure than a burden.

“Hey.” His voice was hoarse, like he’d yelled a lot today, and preoccupied, like his mind wasn’t really in the room.

You didn’t look up, surprised he was home so early, just swirled the tea around in your cup, watching the pale liquid move back and forth in little waves. Usually, you’d get up and put the kettle on the stove to warm, or pour a drink of whiskey, depending on the hour, but your ankles were sore and you felt sick, and most of all, your emotions were churning.

“Hey.” You spoke quietly, running your nail through the grains in the wooden table, dented from years of raucous family dinners.

You heard the clinking of a glass, the slight strain to reach the tallest shelf, where the liquor was kept, far enough to evade the grabby hands of the mischievous younger children.

“Where’s the kids?”

“Polly said she’d have them tonight.” You couldn’t stand staying sat, staying still, so you went to the fridge, began to pull out food that you could cook for dinner.

He let out a humoured snort. “God help her. They’ll fuckin’ destroy her house like they ‘ave ours.”

“Or maybe that’s you when you’re pissed off your head.” You snapped.

“What’s up with you?” His voice was half confused, half irritated. “You’ve been in a foul mood all week.”

You snorted, pulling out a frying pan from the jumbled cupboard, one of Edwards stuffed teddies falling out along with it, god knows why.

“I’m surprised you’ve noticed.”

“Hey.” His voice was quiet, hand tugging on your wrist gently. “What is it?”

You pulled away from him, tugging at the material of your dress absently, not able to meet his eye.

“I need to tell you.. Well, I need to talk to you.”

He laughed, but it was anxious. “What is it then? Come out with it.”

“I’m pregnant.” It was blunt, not said with tears or smiles or laughs. Said with a sad voice and blank eyes, and a heavy heart.

His mouth lifted up at the corners in a wide smile. Every single one of the kids, John had been overjoyed with, and you knew this one was the same.

“That’s what you’ve been upset about, eh? That’s good, ain’t it?”

He almost moved to hug you, but you turned away, throwing some vegetables into the pan.

“No. No, it’s really not, John.” Your voice cracked.

“Y/N, you’re scaring me , now.. What’s up - I thought you’d be happy-“

“How can I be happy, John, eh? I’m fucking exhausted. I’m tired, of running after the kids all day and all night because heaven forbid Edward sleeps through the night. Or George wets the bed and wakes up the other lads. Or Elizabeth has a bad dream. And you know, they all want you, but you’re never fucking here, and so I get it. And I get hit with the ‘where’s daddy?’ Over and over and over. And I can’t fucking tell them because I don’t know myself, do I? Should I tell them their dads at some whore house, or in London, or at Uncle Tommy’s, or Pols? Cause I surely don’t fucking know.”

Your words jumbled together, talking so fast you barely said a word, desperate to get the words out, off your chest.

“Would you prefer me not to work then? For us to live in this shitty house for the rest of our lives, with the kids crowded into two bedrooms?”

“This shitty house was enough for you, once.”

“This family was enough for you once. But clearly we’re all a burden to you, eh?” He was angry, but his eyes flickered, as if dreading your response.

“Don’t you say that! Don’t you say my children are a burden to me, John Shelby!”

“So it’s just me that is, then! Have you finally decided I’m not good enough, then? God knows your fucking mother tried to tell you enough times-“

“When have I ever said you’re not enough!”

“It was only time before you got sick of this life wasn’t it? Before you wished you had your old life back with your big fancy country house and your parents posh bloody titles, and-“ John continued, lighting a cigar, his hands shaking.

“I’ve never missed that! This is the life I chose, okay! You know what I do miss, John? I miss the old you. The one who would bring flowers home, or dance in the kitchen with me while the baby’s bottle was warming up, or take us on day trips to the country. I miss the husband who was there for me. Who didn’t take the risks that put our whole fucking family in danger.”

John was silent for a few moments, as you breathed heavily, your eyes full of tears, and not from the cooking onions. You heard him get up from the chair behind you, and you turned, to see him hold out a hand.

“Can I have this dance, then?” He spoke quietly.

You sniffled, wiping your nose with your hand, like a child, but took his hand all the same. Because it was John, and you could never resist John. Because you loved him, because you were loyal to him, because you wanted so desperately to keep the family you adored.

Your chests were close together, his heart beat - faster than usual - pressed against your ear as you cried quietly into his striped shirt.

“I can’t keep doing this. I can’t.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I know.” He spoke, hands running through your tangled hair.

“I just miss you. I just want you home.”

“Please stay. I’ll make it work, okay? I’ll be home more, I’ll help with the kids more - I’ll make it work. I’ll make you happy again.”

You nodded your head. You weren’t sure if everything was going to work out, or if you would be having this conversation in a few weeks time with a different outcome. But for now, with the promises from John, and his strong heartbeat in your ear, you knew you would stay.

Because, whether it be for an hour or for a month or for the rest of time, you had your husband back, the same boy you’d known when you were sixteen, who’d promised you the world.

Permanent Tag List (comment to be added ✨)

@haphazardhufflepuff

@meteora-fc

@cass-danvers

@peppermintbars

@smallheathgangsters

@lovemissyhoneybee

[mightyfineblog]

‘Touch My Body’ Ben Hardy x Rami Malek x Reader

Summary: Ben Hardy x Female Reader x Rami Malek. She is his girlfriend. One time at dinner she gets swirled up in an adventurous rendezvous with both.

Words: 3K

Warnings: SMUT, SMUT and more SMUT, this is a three way kinky fuckery.

Here is it. Enjoy:

You have been the happiest girl on earth. Having a lovely, caring and gentle boyfriend such as Ben, you felt blessed from the heavens. Ben was the biggest gentleman you’ve met, always putting you first, always asking you what you like, where you want to go, doing everything he can to please you.

You’d wait for him to finish filming day on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, just so you could spend every minute together.

Some nights, he’d be too tired to lift a finger, others, he’d come back full of sexual energy, ready to get some straight on the doorstep. You tried you best to keep it interesting for him. Most times he’d take his sweet time with you, but there were times, when he’d just dominate over you and you’d comply, no questions asked.

You’d even roleplay, it seemed very appealing to you, when he’d come from set, full on Roger Taylor, cocky behaviour, sly smile. And then you’d pretend to be his groupie, a wild fan, at his mercy.

Often, when you’d finish work and you’d know Ben would be on set until late at night, you’d go over there. Everybody knew you after a few weeks of casually hanging around. Especially the boys cast, Joe, Gwilym and Rami, adored you. Talkative, joking, they always used to say “Thank God, Ben brought his girlfriend over, she is the lightest person to talk to, very helping with stress on set”.

Today was one of those days. Straight after work, your first stop was the studios.

“Hello, boys! Busy day today, huh?” You cheer on the entrance of a trailer, where they are all sat around, trying to put it together.

“Y/N!” Ben jumps to you and brings you inside. “Missed you so much today, baby!” he pecks your nose. He lounges on the sofa and situates you in his lap, your feet hanging over Rami’s, and your back to Gwilym. Joe is opposite you in an armchair.

“I wish I could contemplate, but there three dickheads aren’t even close to the real thing!” Rami exclamates, clearly staying in role. You giggle. “Mr. Mercury’s not fucking around today, is he?” you look at the boys faces. They all just shake their heads and sigh.

“I am happy.” Ben bites his lip “I got my baby right here” he squeezes you gently. “There isn’t anything I would want to do, than this, being here with you. All of you lads, you’re a fam already to me.”

“Hmm, you sure ‘bout that, princess?” Ben presses close to your ear, you don’t respond. “I could remember you swearing my name, how good I make you feel, baby.” He nibbles at your ear and neck. You giggle and flutter your legs a little up in Rami’s nose. He lifts a brow to you and you catch his graze, while Ben's face is buried in your neck. “Hmm” you pull gently away, you cup his cheeks “Well that’s something between you and I.” 

“Isn’t that right, Rami?” you give him a sharp look.

“Oh you two! I swear Ben catches a very Roger temper lately, gets down to you to relive his frustrations from the role. Isn’t that right, Y/N?” he bites back at you.

“Good one, Malek” you admit and wink at him. Roger pulls in closely for a kiss, his hand rested on your lower back and the other traveling from your knee to your thigh.

“just go to your own trailer!” Joe snaps at you both.

Ben holds you in his arms, as he stands up and carries you to the door “Damn right, I am. Toodles”

At his own trailer, he places you like a piece of fine glass on the bed and hovers over you, his knee parts your legs. You pull him for a wee kiss, which turns into a hot make out session. His knee travels higher up you, and you involuntarily let out a small moan.

“Already, moaning? Haven’t even started with you yet” he cocks his head.

“Ben…” you hand traveled from his neck to his bare chest, gently stroking under his necklace “I love it when you are dressed like that. It does something to me... seeing you in 80s outfit, your chest sweaty and God, the faces you make while banging those drums.” He goes to suck on your jawline and under your chin. “And, fuck baby, when I look at you and the boys in those outfits, I swear you make my knees weak.” You squeak when he sucks on your sweet spot on your collarbone.

“Your smell, baby! It works like a spell on me, every time I inhale you” a sly smile on your lips. His gives you a few more hot kisses, while his hand creeps down to your jeans patting gently at between your legs. In which you whimper quite surprised.

“Shh now, doll” he breaths in your ear “We don’t wanna people hearing you” his hand covers your mouth. You decide to drive him crazy, and start to lick and suck on his palm, which alone makes his breaths hit the back of his throat.

“BEN HARDY!” bang on the door “BEN HARDY” another bang on the door.

He pulls away, jaw clenched. “Yes, I’m in here”

“You are late for your scene, come out NOW”

“Ugh, okay, okay! Jesus!” he grunts and stands up.

“Aw, don’t fuss now Ben, we’ll finish this at home” you wink at him as he walks out, leaving you all hot and bothered.

Later this week, Ben asked you to go to a nice restaurant on Friday night, with him and the boys, everybody would bring a date. Obviously you jumped at the idea, because it meant, a cute dress and heels, some makeup, a hairdo.

On Friday afternoon after work, you hurry to a nice bath. A good pamper, helped you relax your tense muscles. Then you slipped on a glitzy bardot dress. Hair on soft curls to the side, revealing your neck and earrings. Heels high and slim, were clicking on the floor. You took a moment or two to look at yourself in the full size mirror, totally admiring yourself, you didn’t notice Ben standing on the door frame, arms crossed in front, head rested to the side.

“Shit, you scared me Ben! How long, you’ve been creepin’ there?” you frown at him.

“Long enough to get drunk on your beauty. Let’s go, the others are waiting” his arm reaches to you.

At the restaurant you and Ben are sitting opposite Rami and his date, Gwilym and Joe with their dates on each side. Dinner was nice, you were genuinely having fun. A few glasses of Moet and you already felt a bit too funny about everything. Then you felt it, Ben’s hand palming your knee. You pat his a few times to reassure him to continue. As you passionately are debating with Rami on double standards in working conditions, you notice his eyes locked on your lips. From time to time, he gives a subtle lick. Meanwhile Ben’s hand travels up your thigh, massaging it. You pretend you don’t notice. In conversation, Rami slides a few more compliments, “Maybe it’s the wine” you convince your conscious about it. “Ben hasn’t protested about it, he just teases my mercilessly”.

As Ben continues to rub his thumb on the inside of your thigh, you gulp some more whine, feeling your wetness between your legs. Suddenly his thumb is all but pressing against your knickers and you shoot him a sharp look. “What you think you’re doing?” He lifts his other hand and orders some more champagne, “This bottle’s finished, we need a new one” he clears his throat. “Smoot” you whisper to his ear. His thumb, continues to draw circles around your wetness and you can’t help but exhale deeply pretending to stretch.

“You tired Y/N?” Rami cocks his head, from across the table. “Yeah, no, just, a long day” you murmur.

Ben’s movements speed up and you bury your head to his shoulder and whisper to him “Stop it, we’re in public! And fuck! Let’s leave now!” you purr. He chuckles and kisses your temple “Why? You don’t like it?”. “Ugh, please stop it, or finish it!” you whine. “Hmm, let’s see about that...” his head moves in Rami’s direction, your eyes follow and fall on his smirk. You notice his hand has disappeared under the table. Confused you turn to Ben again “What the fuck Ben?”

“If you are a good girl, I’ll let you come. All you have to do is look at Rami all the way down” he instructs you as his fingers tug your underwear to the side and insert a finger. You yelp and curse a little under your breath, slowly dragging your confused graze to Rami’s. He seems so concentrated, his eyes dark and lips pressed. You feel ashamed for a moment and turn to Ben again “Why? Does he know?”. He chuckles “Course he does, look at him, he’s a sucker for you right now”. You sip more champagne, and ben stops his movements and lifts hand to suck his fingers clean. Your face flushed and puzzled.

“The dinner tonight is lovely, isn’t that right?” Ben beams to everybody. Then you notice Rami’s date is long gone, Joe and Gwilym making their way out with their ladies and wave goodbye. It’s just you three left on the table. Ben’s fingers slide in again and he speaks without any hesitation “Your pussy is so lovely tonight, all wet and hot”.

Rami looks very busy now, both his hands are under the table and he seems very concentrated on him. Ben goes to continue his torture on your wet core and you completely freely let a few moans in response. After a few more, the knot in your stomach has build up close to your orgasm. “Ben” you whine. “Yes, baby?”, “I am so fucking close, fuck”. “Did you hear this Rami?”

“Sure did” he grunts across you. He yanks away his finger earning him a deep protest from you. “Now look at his face” Ben’s soft voice calms you from your almost high. Rami seems to be at his high, grunts and his head fall forward a little.

“You are so good Y/N” Rami smirks as he cleans his hands in the handkerchiefs on the table.

“I believe, the three of us should go for a drink at my place” Rami suggests.

“What do you say, love? Ben’s hungry eyes beg yours.

“Screw this, lets fucking go” determined you answer.

 At Rami’s flat, you are moving around a large studio living room, overlooking the city. Soft and seductive music playing in the background. Ben is lounging on a sofa, his eyes following every move of yours. Rami comes behind you and hands you a glass of martini, his hands slide off your shoulders, to your body, feeling every curve.

“This! Over there, is the Shard” He speaks softly in your ear as you look out of the window, casually leaning on the piano next to you. His other hand on your waist, moving your body slowly in the rhythm of the music.

“The far other side, you see the Tate Modern” his lips on your ear move to your shoulder.

Suddenly Ben is standing next to you and takes your glass, placing it on the piano. He slides himself on your other side. Now Rami is on your right and Ben on your left. Ben’s arm wrapped around your waist, while Rami is kissing your shoulder with the softest of kisses.

The music is intoxicating, it makes you move with it, grinding to each side of the boys. Ben gently turns you towards him by your shoulders and gives you a lazy kiss on the lips. Rami’s hands on your waist grinding together, lips on your back.

Hands sliding the dress off your shoulders, you turn to Rami to taste his lips for the first time. After a while your dress is on the floor and the three of you grind slowly to the music. You then step out and confidently leave the boys a few steps ahead, taking sip from your martini. “Ben, kiss him, like you’d kiss me…” you wriggle the cherry in your mouth. Standing in all lacy underwear and high heels.

Rami’s hands cup Ben’s face as he pulls him in for a deep kiss, making you hiss at the show.

“What’s next, girl boss?” Ben lifts a brow eagerly.

“Take each other’s clothes off. But, slowly and in rhythm.” You confidently command enjoying your drink.

Rami’s hands slide off Ben’s blazer and with kisses down his chest, unbuttons his shirt. Ben does the same. You moan at the view and can’t help but move carefully closer. Situating between their bodies, you move to the beat, their hands all over your body.

Pulling away you dominate the situation, “Lead to the bedroom” you cock your head to Rami. “At your command” he takes your hand and leads, you hold Ben’s.

At the bedroom, you lay on the bed and spread yourself on the black satin sheets. The dimmed lights allow the city lights to gleam over your body. “Take off my heels” with low sultry voice you instruct. Each takes each shoe, taking their sweet time to admire your perfect legs.

“Ben, Rami. Tell me what you want to do to me” you smirk at them.

They pop on elbow at each side of you as you stare at the ceiling – huge mirror, overlooking the whole bedroom.

“Will fuck you from behind, while you grind against him” Ben speaks first. You bite your lip.

“But, not before WE please YOU first” Rami blinks seductively.

“Let’s get it on then” you nod, and start to get up, but Ben gently stops you and pushes on to lay on your back. “Let us, baby” Rami confirms.

Ben starts to trace kisses from your jaw, to your collarbone to your breasts. Rami massaging your arms, shoulders and neck, relaxing you further. Ben unhooks your bra and tosses is away, he starts playing with one nipple, while Rami takes on the other. All you are able to do it stare up and enjoy the sight. Before you know it, you’re panting. Rami goes down and lifts your bum up, while Ben slides your knickers off. Ben occupies your thigh and places kisses, licks and sucks, while Rami spreads your legs wide open and gives you a harsh lick collecting your juices from your hot entrance. He lifts his head up and savours, then turns to Ben “Come and taste her” Ben licks his lips clean, all between your legs front of your dripping heat. “Fuck, baby, you taste even better, when all on him” Ben’s voice is deep and low. Rami then leans in and starts sucking your clit keeping a good speed. Ben moves to your head and kneels. He lifts your head places is on his knees, while massaging your breasts and giving you small bites every now and then.

You grasp for air, when Rami inserts a finger inside of you and twirls is experimentally. He is quick to find your sweet spot, and he knows it from the way you squirm every time he touches it. You are a moaning mess, when Bens kisses you upside down, movie style to silence you.

You feel it building up in your stomach and ache your back “Fuck, I’m so close, don’t stop, please” you beg. Rami inserts a second finger, while his lips suck on your clit.

“Show him baby, show Rami how you do it” Ben’s jaw is clenched.

His words push you over the edge and you let a loud scream and your body shakes. Your eyes roll to the back of your head, body exploding.  After a while when you come to your senses, you find Ben and Rami grinding to each other, “Take off your pants” you command “and underwear”

You purr at their hard cocks. “Rami, lay on your back” and he complies. You straddle him, your clit rubbing his erected cock. Ben situates himself behind you. “May I now, baby?” Ben asks, “Granted Ben!” you announce as he slides his length all the way in you. He grunts “Fuck, you’re so tight around my cock, baby, such a good girl” he leans to your neck. Rami’s eyes close as your pussy rubs his cock to his stomach with each movement of Ben. Your hands stretched to support yourself on Rami’s chest. He is grunting, panting, silently cursing. Ben whispers in your ear, what slutty little baby doll you are for him as he hits you from behind you moan. Soon you feel Rami’s cock twitching under your throbbing clit and you know he is close.

“Come Rami, I want to see your cum on my chest” you encourage and he doesn’t last any longer, and shoots straight on your bouncing breasts “Fuck Y/N, you’re so good” he praises you and you smirk.

Same time, Ben’s movements get sloppy and you know he’s close. “Baby, fuck, I’m so close, can I…”

“No! Hold it” you slide off him. “I want to watch you cum on Rami, your lips tremble. He complies. You give his length a few strokes and he shoots his load all over Rami, even got some on his mouth. Sweaty and flushed he rolls beside Rami and both pant for a while. Rami licks his lips and moans by Ben’s taste.

“This is fucking awesome” Ben admits after all you calm down.

“Told ya” Rami’s smirking.

“I’m going for a shower, who’s joining me?” Your sultry voice suggests, as you give them a blink and walk away.

[finsaraan]

i just want you to know - this is the abridged version. i wrote something longer. and it was really prosey fancy and vaguely like an actual ficlet, but i felt like, there isn’t a chance in hell of anybody finishing this unless i file off at least a few paragraphs and fill it with the amusing use of casual language and luis-from-ant-man-style retellings to juxtaposition the setting and theme of the story being told

anyway @kohledtouch @championofstendarr @laelaloola (especially u u agreed to this and u didn’t even kno, this is a lesson in looking before u leap) y’all enabled this, gotta face the consequences of ur actions hit me up w/ how many paragraphs u got in before ur soul left ur body and idk what i’ll owe u but i’ll owe u something LMAO

Well he’s Titus Mede II’s son and his name is Alexandros and his mum is Olympias the emperor’s second wife and she married him when she was 17 bc her family wanted the power and she’s a descendant of a usurped Septim emperor from way yonder through the mists of time. So she has this baby boy, hooray, he’s adorable with his wavy blond hair and his odd eyes, one’s blue one’s green, and he spends his childhood frolicking barefoot through the White Gold Tower’s private gardens which it would realistically have as the home of the royal family, and chilling with the soldiers in the barracks, and the grooms in the stables, learning filthy language and all about war. His parents don’t get on because his mum doesn’t take shit lying down and doesn’t and never did love her husband, so if he’s remotely rude to her, which he can be because he’s just like that but also stressed all the time, she snaps right back and then he snaps back because he’s a proud man and not good at apologising and then it spirals out of control. 

One day in particular when Alexandros is four, it’s soon after the death of his older sister, who was the crown princess and very capable and absolutely doted on by the emperor who’s distraught about it still, he goes to his mum’s room late at night only for the emperor to come in soon after absolutely sloshed, immediately getting his kit off, and Olympias, hoping to make him go away and also shield her baby’s eyes, hides Alexandros and says ‘no we can’t do the do it’s that time of the month’ but he’s like ‘you said that a week ago you HAG’ but now that she has her baby she’s feeling very protective so she snaps right back more viciously than usual so they start a proper shouting match until Alexandros bursts out screaming SHE HATES YOU GO AWAY GO AWAY, only to be grabbed by a stunned and horrified and slightly embarrassed (bc hes naked) emperor and tossed quite violently from the room. He’s caught by the guard on duty who takes good care of him while he screams because honestly that was a pretty traumatic experience. Once he’s put to bed and then up the next morning he doesn’t remember it, but it does scar him psychologically. The marriage goes downhill quite badly from there, it was their worst argument yet, there were a lot of insults, Titus feels very attacked by his now-crown-prince son’s apparent hatred of him, Olympias is livid that he handled her baby so roughly - it all makes everyone bitter.

Now when Alexandros is seven his education has yet to start and he’s a bit too cosy with the common soldiery that man the Tower, as someone puts it ‘he speaks as if he was conceived against a barrack wall’. Also, he hasn’t had a lot of interaction with his father, who doesn’t have time for children really and is still kinda put off by That Incident and by the very guarded way his son looks at him when the boy’s brought up for inspection days that let Titus see how he’s doing. So Titus thinks, to get him away from his mother’s influence, because she’s probably turning the boy against him (tbf she is), he’ll send him off to Cloud Ruler Temple to be mentored by this Penitus Oculatus commander called Leonidas. Leonidas thinks Alexandros is a spoilt brat. He has the child doing a soldier’s training from dawn until dusk, feeds him two spare meals a day, gives him shitty blankets and makes him sleep outside if he’s been disobedient (and if it’s not gonna kill him), and while this does mean that Alexandros is really good at taking hardship when he’s older - his soldiers will love him because he’s known for refusing to take food, water, or shelter if there isn’t enough for every single man - it’s also frankly irresponsible on Leonidas’s part, because he chronically underfeeds a growing boy, and Alexandros ends up significantly shorter than average for the rest of his life.

Now he’s twelve and his training with Leonidas is done, so he’s back home. He sings at a court banquet and a grumpy Titus Mede - who thinks he sounds a lot like his mother when he sings and is REALLY put off by it - humiliates him in front of everyone by telling him it’s a stupid waste of time for a prince to learn an instrument. Alexandros runs away and blackmails a soldier he knows, who's travelling home to sort a blood feud, into taking Alexandros with him. There’s a battle between two tiny villages and Alexandros makes his first kill, takes the head home, and feels a lot better knowing he is officially A Man at twelve when his dad didn’t have HIS first kill until he was sixteen. Now Alexandros gets his own retinue, a bunch of generals’ sons around his age, and he meets HEPHAESTION. Hephaestion is a babe, they hit it off immediately, and it’s barely any time at all before they’re completely inseparable. They’re soulmates. The same day that they meet, Alexandros makes another lifelong friend - the stallion Bucephalus, who nearly tramples some people in a panic at a horse fair, but Alexandros realises it's been mistreated and gentles it until it lets him ride it, ooh ahh very dramatic and you bet your ass Hephaestion is swooning in the background.

Fifteen years old, Alexandros is sent off with his friends to study some real important shit like philosophy and morality with a former Psijic monk (who isn’t actually former he says that but actually he’s an active Psijic - they sent him to try and influence Alex to take a good and wholesome path) called Aristotle. Alexandros never gets the hang of magic but he likes medicine and learning about nature and discussing abstract topics. Supposedly, doing this all in some chateau out in buttfuck nowhere is so he doesn’t get distracted but once again, Titus wants to separate Alexandros and his mother. The only time Alexandros leaves is to be summoned to various battles or sieges around the provinces for experience and because he and his father get on quite well when they’re out on campaign, they think the same tactically and Alex does admire his father really, he just feels guilty because his mother’s a woman with drama and flare running through her blood (descended from Tiber Septim rememeber), and lets him know when she feels betrayed. It’s a very emotionally scarring situation, because he can’t please one parent without angering the other. But on campaign it’s ok. He flourishes, he’s clearly got the knack, and the soldiers really love him ‘cause he comes into the healers’ tents to talk to the wounded men and tell them how brave they were. He’s got an incredible memory for names and faces, he never forgets anyone he’s met, and it’s a big thing when you’re just some lowly soldier and the crown prince remembers you and says he saw you, first up the wall in that siege, terrific job mate. He really craves the adoration of his people, it’s so much simpler than the mess his family is in. Be nice, make an effort, the lads love you. No nonsense there.

Sixteen now, he’s left as regent (of the entire empire!) when the emperor goes off on a longer campaign, but has to embark on his own one when there’s an issue with a big load of Forsworn. He does insanely well. He’s sixteen. Sixteen! Half of the enemies he comes across can’t even take him seriously, until he slaughters them. You stop laughing pretty fast when Alexandros’s legion comes at you. More than that, he gets there from the Imperial City faster than the soldiers sent from actual Skyrim, and they show up half way through like ‘whu?’ but Alexandros ropes them in no-nonsense and as they incredulously ask the Imperial soldiers ‘how old is this guy?’ they’re just given a knowing look and told ‘wait ‘till you see him in action, then you’ll know’.

At seventeen (he’s up to a lot now) his mum is pestering him to start churning out bastards because he’s unusually celibate for his age and status. She’s feeling very insecure because she’s engaged in some political fights and frankly the only reason she’s alive is because she’s wife of the emperor and mother of the crown prince; if she looses that status, she’s a goner, and at the moment the only reason she’s still married to Titus is because if he divorces her he weakens Alexandros’s claim to the throne and that could be chaos if Titus were to unexpectedly perish. So a potential heir from Alexandros would strengthen her position, and also give her another baby, which she wants because she’s feeling very excluded from Alexandros’s life. Rather than inevitably fail to walk the tightrope between his parents, he’s taken to only speaking to them when summoned, and confiding in Hephaestion for everything instead. After Alexandros dodges a series of prostitutes sent by his mother to get him producing and maybe separate him from Hephaestion a little, he pretends he slept with one to get his mother off his back, and ends up, in the aftermath, getting jiggy with Hephaestion for the first time instead. They’re as madly in love as ever. All their friends can tell It’s Happened, and some bets are finally won.

Now shit goes terribly wrong, and it’s about to get convoluted - the emperor takes a fancy to the daughter of one of his generals, Attalos. If she becomes his mistress, and has his children, and Titus really takes a shine to her, her noble birth makes her a really strong candidate for marriage, PLUS, Attalos is rumoured to be a Thalmor informant. That would put Olympias and Alexandros in the doghouse and in serious danger, but take a big weight off Titus’s shoulders, because he no longer has a mortal enemy in his house and a son influenced by said mortal enemy. Alexandros just tries not to rock the boat. On the return from a state visit, father and son and entourage are hosted by Attalos at his villa on the road. Attalos gets drunk and alludes to the potential union, suggesting any children from it are better than a child of Olympias, and then he insults Olympias a lot, thinking he’s being subtle, but he’s not, because he’s completely smashed. Alex is pissed. When he calls Attalos the fuck out, Titus gets pissed at him and tells him to check himself. Alex calls out him next, telling him to stand up for his own heir, unless he’s a desperate old man who’ll lick Attalos’s feet he’s that thirsty for the man’s daughter, who is frankly much too young for his old ass - also, they all know the rumours, Attalos is a filthy Thalmor informant, so he’s probably trying to suck up to them as well.

(The retelling of this gets him a lot of points amongst Thalmor-haters and if you hear it retold in certain places the string of inventive insults that prefix ‘Thalmor’ is about as long as the entire rest of the story.)

Titus is pissed, as you would be, to the point of drawing his sword, maybe a bit extreme, but he trips and falls on his face. Alexandros utters the immortal line ‘look, men, who the people thought would cross the tyrants for them - and he falls crossing from couch to couch’. Alexandros then has to book it, taking Olympias to her relatives in High Rock, then disappearing himself into the Druadach Mountains. He pisses Titus off for a bit by making it seems like he might be gathering allies in the mountains to go to war, but eventually messengers get sent back and forth and after a lot of debate, a peace is agreed to, and Alex and Olympias are welcomed back to the Imperial City. Things are still hella tense. Hoping to fix this, Titus sends Alexandros into Skyrim to deal with this civil war business that’s popped up, planning on following along later because his health is real fucked up just then. He’s been in a lot of battles, he’s like swiss cheese at this point.

Now at this point if I’m feeling indulgent, this is the point at which Alexandros turns out to be the Last Dragonborn and has to deal with all that shit. Otherwise, he just shows up and does his Alexandros thing, which is kicking ass and actually trying really hard to come to a peace agreement. The emperor wants to crush the Stormcloak rebellion entirely, but if Alexandros were to get his way - you know, like if he were to suddenly and unexpectedly become emperor himself - his offered treaty to Ulfric would be a formal apology for the failure of his father to honour his title as protector of the realm and chosen of the Divines; an offer of total religious autonomy, total autonomy in the deciding of any High King or Queen; and a getout clause that lets Skyrim legally secede from the empire if the jarls together decide that the current emperor/empress is failing in his or her duty to protect the rights and well-being of the citizens of Skyrim, failing to honour the gods that put them on their throne, offending egregiously the cultural beliefs of the people of Skyrim, or proving themself unworthy of the respect and power of the Ruby Throne.

Alexandros is real fucking confident. And he enjoys the enormous ‘fuck you’ he’s sending to any future rulers that don’t live up to these standards, because even if the treaty focuses on Skyrim, is they were to pull that getout clause and secede, everyone would follow whether it applies to them or not.

Back in Cyrodiil, while Alexandros is either being Dragonborn or not, the emperor is making plans to divorce Olympias and marry Attalos’s daughter but with legislation that secures Alexandros’s position as heir, hoping it’ll placate him even though his mother’s just been slapped in the face essentially. And on top of that, there’s a member of the Elder Council called Pausanias Orestes - he and the emperor were bang-mates, once upon a time, but Pausanias got dumped for a younger, hotter bloke. Pissed, Pausanias calls the guy a lil’ bitch, and the guy goes and gets himself killed being extra in battle to prove that he’s not. His kin, upset, have their revenge on Pausanias in a very dark and disturbing way because they don’t want to kill him because he’s still on fairly good terms with the emperor. Pausanias entreats the emperor to get him justice. Titus makes Pausanias head of his bodyguard, which is a very big favour, but doesn’t punish them that abused Pausanias. Eventually, Pausanias becomes a member of the Elder Council. Now here’s the thing; who’s the man that did that to Pausanias? It’s general Attalos, father of the girl emperor Titus Mede wants to marry, the man that’s about to achieve a real big power boost just by getting his daughter to bang the emperor. Oh dear. And guess who was with the entourage that stayed at Attalos’s villa the night of the bust up that Alexandros ended up having to flee; who had to stay in the house of the man that had wronged him and never been punished for it? Pausanias. Alexandros noticed this incredible cruelty at the time and apologised to Pausanias for it. Pausanias likes Alexandros for that reason. So when someone comes to Pausanias and says; we want to assassinate the emperor, and Alexandros is in on it, will you go to Skyirm and hire the Dark Brotherhood? Pausanias says yes. The thing is, Alexandros isn’t in on it; he’s far too pious to ever consider killing his own father. But there are those that thing the Medes are getting a little out of hand and if they all happened to die then that would be very handy for certain point-eared control-freaks who have a violent need to be absolute cunts and are the Tamrielic equivalent of that person who comes into your inbox and nitpicks your TES lore knowledge in a very condescending way, especially over things that are honestly subjective.

[mel-the-fangirl]

I've Known You All My Life

Sam Holland x Reader

Words: 1,073

This is my first Sam Holland fic! You can request stuff, just message me or comment! Thanks 💕 Hope you all like it!

———————————

It was just another day for you and Sam. You were at his house for what seemed to be the fifth time this week but to be fair, it was a few weeks into the summer, what else could you do but hang out with your best friend?

The two of you were sat in his den, a blanket thrown over both of your legs. A grainy black and white film played on your laptop.

“I can’t believe I successfully talked you into this.” you said, looking from the movie to Sam’s freckled profile

“Shhhh.” was all he replied with

You rolled your eyes and snickered. Usually you couldn’t get Sam to do anything you wanted to do without him whining incessantly (but he’d give in anyway). Recently though, he’d been more compliant and sweet. It made you wonder what on earth got into him.

As he let out a big laugh caused by Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn’s crazy antics on Bringing Up Baby, you grew more concerned for yourself.

Lately, you’ve noticed Sam more than usual. At first it was just the little things, like:

Oh, that’s quite a nice shirt Sam’s got on. Or He got a haircut, it suits him.

But then, as the weeks progressed and you and Sam spent more time together, it became:

His hair is always so nice, I want to run my hands through it. And Were his eyes always so green?

It was bad enough that you were beginning to look at him in that way but Sam, being the cheeky lad he is and also you being his number one best friend who isn’t one of his brothers, was quite comfortable with you.

Which meant a wide array of things but mainly it was a lot of tales from his nights out with Tom and Harry and, what you loved the most, physical affection. From a quick peck on your cheek as a greeting to tight hugs to a casual arm draped around your shoulders when hanging out. Like right now.

His arm was resting around your shoulders, his long fingers tapping on your arm as if he were playing a melody on the piano. It was most distracting. Sam in general was most distracting nowadays.

“Could you perhaps not look at me while we’re watching a film you picked out?”

His deep voice shook you from your thoughts. Apparently while thinking of your Sam dilemma, you unconsciously started to stare at him. How fucking embarrassing.

You cleared your throat and tried to focus on Cary Grant chasing down a baby leopard through the forest. Once he was sure you were zoned in on the movie again, it was Sam’s turn to admire you.

He has always admired you.

You basically grew up with the Holland boys, they loved you and you loved them but the bond that formed between you and Sam? It was different. And everyone could see it, except you two.

Sam watched you let out a hyena-esque laugh, the gag on the film completely catching you off guard, he smirked and shook his head but it was only to mask that stupid smile stretching across his face.

“Sam? We’re home!” you heard Nikki’s voice echo through the hallway

Sam reached to pause your film, he stretched his arms over his head and made the most adorable fucking sound. You almost wanted to punch him, how dare he make you feel things like this when he would never know about them?

“Y/N, come on.” he elbowed you lightly

“Right, sorry.” you muttered, roughly tugging your hair out of its ponytail

You made your way to the Holland’s kitchen where the rest of the family (sans Tom) were putting away groceries. You missed the sly look that passed between all of them as they saw you enter with Sam.

You went over to give Nikki and Dom a side hug.

“Hey, Y/N.” they greeted in unison. Which was cute and kinda creepy

“Hi, guys. What can I help with?” you asked as Sam went over to help Paddy place the cereal boxes in the cupboards he couldn’t reach

“No, no,” Dom clucked “Don’t bother yourself, love. Just stand there and look pretty.”

“You had to give me the hard task, huh, Tito Dom?” you joked

Everyone laughed except Sam, who just shook his head while folding a paper bag. While the rest of the Hollands found your self-deprecating humour endearing, Sam didn’t appreciate it. Not a bit.

After the tidying was done along with your fruitless attempts to help out, Nikki shooed you kids out of the kitchen. You walked in a line with the rest of the Holland boys to the den.

You immediately made a beeline for your movie. Once you situated yourself comfortably, you waited on Sam, who was standing in the doorway, deep in conversation with Harry.

There was a lot of whispers and hissing and muffled shut up’s, it made you wonder what on earth were those twins arguing about.

“Oi, Sam! I’m not getting any younger here!” you yelled to him rather impatiently

“Yeah, Sam.” Harry stressed his name so excessively, it sounded like a threat

The twins stared each other down for a minute before Sam turned his back on his brother and plopped down next to you as if nothing happened. Harry stalked off, you could hear his angry footsteps moving farther and farther away.

He was about to play your movie when you caught his arm, Sam looked at you, confused.

“What was that about?” you asked, letting go of him

He dropped his gaze to the carpeted floor, he looked shy. Sam was never shy, not around you at least. You bumped your knees against his, making him look up at you again.

You could’ve sworn you saw something in his eyes, it mirrored the way you looked at him when you were sure he wasn’t looking. And that gave you hope, that maybe finally, finally you wouldn’t have to hide your feelings.

But with what came out of his mouth next, proved otherwise.

Sam ran a hand through his hair and looked you straight in the eyes. It made you feel a little dizzy how intently he was looking at you. Was this it?

“Harry has feelings for you, Y/N.” he said it almost like he wished he hadn’t

Harry!?

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

Part 2

[sinssquad]

svarth/muscan oneshot thingy

«Hey. » Svarth turned around with both of her hands grabbed around a warm cup. The scent of a red berries tea was just making its way around the room when she heard hard footsteps that did certainly not belong in her playlist of cosy and calm songs. Muscan’s tall figure was standing in the doorway between her tiny living room and even tinier kitchen. He had not even been bothered to take off his shoes on his way in. It was raining cats and dogs outside and yet he chose to wear his beloved leather jacket over a pink, now wet, shirt which slightly revealed the tattoo on his chest. Of course, she knew he was coming, he had been polite enough to tell her he wanted to come over but come on. Svarth had nearly had enough time to drag on sweatpants and a clean shirt before making sure her bedsit was looking at least somewhat decent.

“What’s up?” That was literally the only thing she could come up with when she saw his face. Beneath those raindrops filled glasses, his eyes were hard and he didn’t break into his usual smirk at her approach. Perhaps it was a dumb question. She knew something was up. Muscan wouldn’t just invite himself over and then be here in such a short time if it wasn’t something important.

“I just need someone to vent at, and Ikaros is acting intolerable.” He grabbed for a napkin from the counter as he removed his glasses to wipe them free from the raindrops. Svarth knew from experience this would probably last longer than she expected, and therefore grabbed a biscuit package before retreating to her couch in the living room.

“What did he do?” Muscan came tumbling after her, seating himself next to her with one arm resting on the sofa’s backrest behind her. His mouth was forced into a thin line as he just watched her, trying to find the words. Svarth sipped her tea, her face reddened as she remembered she had not offered the other anything. The poor lad, his curls were just now drying from the nearly flood outside. It was unusual to see him without any products in his hair. Even though she had forgotten to ask him about tea, he didn't seem to have any desire for it anyway.

“He didn't do anything. It's not him I came to talk about, or mainly I didn't come here to talk about him.”  His gaze dropped as the words left him. Svarth thought maybe he was acting a bit dramatic. She knew Ikaros could act cold towards people, but he always seemed so loving whenever Muscan was around. They were so comfortable with each other, and assuming from Muscan’s previous rants about the perfect Ikaros their relationship was adorable. Svarth knew though, Ikaros acted cold-blooded around Zakade. They were old classmates from middle school, and sometimes Svarth still found herself in receiving Zakade’s moaning through text whenever Ikaros showed up at the ICT. Zakade had told her all about him about the time when she had just met Muscan.

“Ikaros was, and always will be the biggest pompous scumbag cry baby you will ever meet, and this comes from me. You know perfectly well how little I care about pretty much anyone who’s got an attitude against me, but this guy, I swear to god. If you stand in his way of whatever he wants to achieve, you will feel his revenge in one way or another. Say you are someone like me, who does not give two fucks whatever the dick might think about me, and offend him even the slightest, he will throw curses and ugly looks at you. The thing is it bothers me so much, because he knows things about me. He knows, and he understands he can use these things against me. I think we almost got into a fight once. He told me, wait, I do not think I even want to tell you. It involved so much shit about me, and the very few people I surround myself with. I wished in that moment to kill him in the worst way. Back when we were kids, we had at least a somewhat decent relationship. We could discuss our common interests and play some at each other’s houses, but as we grew older I guess I got more and more tired of him bossing me around. He was the kind of kid who would cry the instant moment someone denied him something. And now he walks around, at least not crying anymore, but thinking he can still manipulate his way to things. How the fuck someone can have any sort of romantic feelings for him is beyond my imagination. Tell the dude I pay my condolences.”

Sometimes he made her uncomfortable, giving off loathing looks. Oh, she could feel so worthless after interacting with him. Ikaros was not a person close to her. They did not speak that much, luckily enough according to her best friend. It was usually the looks whenever Zakade or Muscan stumbled upon him while being out with her.

“It’s just everything with Avarit is stressing me out. She keeps getting more and more intense.”

“Oh no. How?”

“She is literally spamming me at all times. There is never a second alone. Like, it’s getting to the point where I get worried if she is not sending me anything.”

“Did you mute her?”

“Of course I did. Sometimes we hang out, okay, because I am a nice guy.” Svarth lifted her eyebrows at this statement. It was mostly in a way to tease him, but Muscan wasn't exactly the nice guy either. When Svarth came to think of it, she didn't really know anyone who would fit the “nice guy” description at all. Maybe Muscan only thought not acting like Ikaros would make him a nice guy? But Muscan is dating Ikaros. Maybe Svarth and Zakade were the only ones thinking of Ikaros as a not-nice guy. Whatever a nice guy was in Muscan’s eyes, Svarth could not imagine a nice guy being cold hearted and whining over simple things. He did not like to admit it, but Muscan could get bothered over even the smallest things. Much like his boyfriend, according to Zakade. Svarth thought Ikaros sounded worse, though. Muscan tried always to somehow solve the problem, but mostly to make it go his way. To see things from another perspective, was not something he was good at.

“What is she like when you hang out then?” she asked.

“It feels a bit like she is expecting too much of me. She tends to get really rude for no reason.”

‘Like your boyfriend much?’ Svarth wanted to say that, but she did not dare. There was no way she could just talk of Ikaros like that when she did not even know him that well. All she had to judge from was Zakade’s accusations against him. Muscan would probably not appreciate it if the one he was trusting all his feelings onto, would judge them. So instead of the smug remark, she said “Maybe she just doesn't know you well enough to know your limits and what you are actually like. I mean, you haven't known her for that long, have you?” Muscan shrug his shoulders.

“At least more than half a year. Ikaros have known her for a way longer time though. She is an old school friend of his, like Zak.” Zakade had never mentioned this, probably because Svarth didn't really know Avarit, she was Vidiae's girlfriend and they had met once but other than that Avarit was just a name occasionally mentioned by her friends, and had therefore never asked him about it, but it also gave Svarth a little more perspective into Avarit’s background. The school Zakade had attended along with Ikaros was a private school, where you had to pay a tuition so high Svarth would not even dare to suggest that school for her parents. If you were to attend the school, you had to be wealthy or have a scholarship, but scholarships were not for middle school, were they? So she was most likely wealthy, and that would maybe explain her interest in Muscan as well. Money had never been a problem for him, and Svarth found it hard to make him relate to her own situation. If Muscan had grown up in their city, he would probably attend the same school. And I mean, the guy was pretty good looking, and sometimes might actually show some of this “nice guy” he claimed he was. He could be funny, and he was conscious about what he wore. With a little daydreaming, he could be the prince every girl who dreamt of boys, dreamt of. Wait.

“Is she still dating Vidiae? The last time I talked to her, they still were.” The curly head- no the other curly head that was not Svarth rolled his eyes. Svarth had a tendency to lose track in conversations, and come up with another topic just to bring herself back in.

“Svarth, I'm not here to talk about Vidiae. Listen, she is nuts.”

“She's just in love with you. Tell her you are not interested.”

“I did that.” His voice began to tremble. The blue-green eyes of his widened as if they were struck with lightning. A sudden realization perhaps? Suddenly, Muscan seemed so much more aware of something. The intensity of his stare made Svarth shift in her seat. She placed her tea cup on the table next to the couch, and grabbed his hand in a way of trying to calm him down. His hand grabbed hers so hard, she thought she could feel the blood circulation stopping. Svarth had never seen him this way, and it made a sickly worried feeling grow in her stomach.

“What happened?” she asked, but she realized soon enough she probably shouldn't have, or? She wasn't sure. The grip around her hand strengthened, and Muscan just looked at her with tears forming in his eyes. His mouth trying to find the right words to explain. To say something was not right, was an understatement. Never had Svarth seen him like this. She didn't know Avarit, but she knew she must have been a terrible fucking person, to cause Muscan this much pain. Whatever the fuck she had done, Svarth hoped she felt pretty fucking bad about it.

“I-, I-, she-, I- “As quickly as he stuttered the words, he just threw himself over her, burying his face in her chest. This forced her to lean against the corner of the couch. The tall, and somewhat chubby guy laid heavily on her, but she couldn't do anything but hug him closer and let her hand stroke his back. What could she do? The guy was sobbing, and she could feel warm tears through her shirt. Sobbing was a terrible sound, Svarth had always thought, unless they were happy, but most of the sobs she heard were sad. They cut like knives through her stomach, and sometimes she couldn't bear to watch the person crying. The sight of some other’s tears, made her own eyes form some. When a person like Muscan cried, it hurt even worse. Despite him being a “nice guy”, he never failed to smile. If he were not, like today, something was terribly wrong. He was always the guy to make life, to wear a proud attitude, the only feelings he would show were the positive ones, and that had made even Svarth think he was somewhat incapable of sad feelings. She realized now she was wrong. Everyone, even Muscan, could cry sometimes.

“Take your time. I have all night.” She told him, before placing a soft kiss on his curly head. It felt as if minutes on minutes went by before Muscan bared to do anything but sob. He muttered something into her chest. The words were hard to make out, so Svarth asked him to repeat himself. He lifted himself from the awkward position, and sat up again, wiping his now red eyes.

“She hit me, and I fell. It didn’t hurt, I swear. I was just really confused, and I still am. I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I. Maybe she became a little frustrated, but that’s still not an excuse.”

“I tried to tell Ikaros, but he tried to twist it into something worse. I couldn’t bother to tell him the whole story, because I knew he would just become furious.” Svarth was a little relieved to know Muscan seemingly had not taken the violence too hard, and that the crying probably came from Ikaros’ attitude to the problem. It was not hard to imagine how Ikaros felt though. His boyfriend had been hurt by one of his friends, of course he would become a bit angry and want payback. It sounded a lot like something he would do, from what she knew about him. But also, she did understand Muscan as well. He seemed a bit embarrassed by it all. Maybe later he would pull himself together and talk to Avarit.

“Will you tell me the whole story?”

“No. I don’t think so. I just need someone who won’t freak out, and stop listening to how I am feeling.”

“That’s fine. You do you.” Suddenly Svarth became aware of the biscuit packet she brought in with her, and handed it to the other one.

“Take one. Maybe you’ll feel a bit better. Sweets always help.” She smiled.