#I am leaving that tag in for the sake of order

[singukieee]

—my all time favourite bts fics (pt. 2) ᯓᡣ𐭩

consists of my personal favourite bts fics that I've read countless of times. including those from other platforms, such as Wattpad, AO3, and Patreon.

For some works that are cross-posted between tumblr and wp/ao3, I'd only link them to the latters bcs I find it easier to read and navigate the stories on those. but I also tagged all the authors I know are here and linked the rest so you can check their blogs out yourself!

I'll also separate this list into several parts simply because there's too many... So it'd be easier for you guys to navigate!

red means unfinished

blue means finished

🗯️ editor's note

(sorted by alphabetical order)

Dreams of You by seoktishie

You are a theater actress who dreams of becoming a successful Broadway star. You’ve dedicated your whole life hustling for the show, surrounded by a supportive family and friends you never thought you would lose your best friend and boyfriend on the same day. This puts your dreams to a halt, and you decide to take a break and a soul-searching trip to Korea, where you meet a successful artist that reconnects your love for the arts. OR You accidentally meet Kim Namjoon of BTS, and you had no idea of how an amazing person he is nor how he is the leader of the biggest boyband to date!

🗯️ the yearning and pining *chef's kiss*

Epiphany by 2stanornot2stan

Your soulmate mark seemed self-centred to you "I'm the one I should love" Who would ever want to love someone with that as their soulmate mark?

🗯️ this one is painful. but writing's so good, doesn't fail in pulling my heartstrings.

Escapade by bonnehh_

"Where the hell am I?!" He shrieked, stumbling over his feet like a newborn deer. He was a panicking mess, spinning around in circles to see the unfamiliar sight of giant trees and bushy plants covering the land. The forest was heavily rich with greenery, vegetation and strange fruits. Fallen leaves covered the ground, creating a crunching sound after every step he took. "Calm down, Sweets." I calmly voiced amidst his loud screeches. My words cut through his mess of a mind making him freeze on his spot. Turning on his heel, he noticed me. He stumbled back immediately, possibly because I was covered in angry, red scratches and the bandages covering my arms alerted the male. "What the fudge?!!?! Who- who are you??" He shouted, alarmed by my…seemingly beaten-up figure. "I'm Diana. Welcome to the game." I smiled softly. Hoping my excitement can keep a hold of itself for the sake of keeping the man from getting scared. Dumbfounded, He could only let one word out, "Huh?". Oh boy.

🗯️ a cool one! many adventures and mc has freakishly good survival skills. this honestly cured my longing for that one fic that's no more that was also survival, adventure and game themed with slight crack. I think it was called 'Ready Player One'? (not that famous book and movie). but I think it was a translated ver of a chinese ff on another platform. Idk I still missed it very much, it was also very good. (If you know anything abt this, pls dm me!)

Ethereal by @purpleyoonn

After leaving your home in need of a fresh start, you open a bookstore with the hopes that the words you read could bring you solace. You never realized that the books you loved would bring you home instead.

🗯️ I love soulmate stories, this author also has good writing so

Euphoric Endeavours by haveagreatday

Through a series of curious happenstances, the Boys of Bangtan - your campus' most popular and most handsome group of individuals - set their sights on you, a regular student with a stubborn streak and a wayward mouth. Strangely enough, the mere sight of them sets your instincts off, red-lights flashing in your brain - danger, danger, danger, danger. It's too bad that they can't seem to leave you alone, though. They like you too much.

🗯️ enemies to lovers, anyone?

Everything Falls (Into Place) by Hiromi_20 / @blog-name-idk

"I… I might know someone who has a spare room," your brother finally muttered hesitantly. You perked up from where the couch had been swallowing you. "What! And you didn't tell me?" You accused. "You'd be living with a bunch of dudes." "Oh my god Jackson," you groaned, rolling your eyes. "The fact that you're even suggesting them means that you know them all and they're good people, right? It's not like they're gonna murder me and hide my body in the walls or something." "Well, yeah, but…" "But WHAT?" you almost screamed in frustration. "They're all… hot." Silence for several moments. Then you started guffawing uncontrollably, unladylike snorts escaping from your lips. "You are such a dork," you gasped between laughs, tears coming to your eyes. "If I promise not to let them gangbang me, will you please ask?"

🗯️ another really well-written crack fic! goshhh this one's so goood! this one's the real friends to lovers, gosh the pining is just *chef's kiss*

Finding My Pack by @untaemedqueen (paid on Patreon but so worth it)

In which an all-alpha pack unexpectedly found their mate isolated in a sterile room. So the only right thing would be to pamper and love her to make up for all those years she spent alone and lonely.

🗯️ spicyy 🥵 but also cute. I love protective mates

Flaw in The System by Strayberry_

She has 8 moons on her wrist. So do they.

🗯️ honestly Idk what to say about this one. just prepare your tissues for this family of misfits that fit so well together.

Full House by fillomina

Y/N has a steady job and lives alone, that is, until she tags along with her friend to the shelter. Jimin, Hobi, and Yoongi have been waiting to get adopted, and their chance has finally arrived. With the small hybrid pack now living with Y/N, her life never has a dull moment. As Y/N gets used to her new family, she also begins learning more about old friends, making new ones, and getting a very full house.

🗯️ I'd say that I don't like the fact that yn's kinda treated as a doormat at some parts, but it's still good and quite well-written found family fic.

Getting Back Into The Swing of Things by @jellifysh

Hearing her voice now, Namjoon was reminded of the times when she was all he had. How she was his everything, supported him with everything she had, even if it meant giving him the shirt off her back. "Joon?" Y/n sniffled. "I know it sounds crazy, you don't even have to, its been years," "No," Namjoon was agreeing before he could even think, before he could even remember the other people who lived in the house just the next room over. "No, its okay, I mean, we promised each other right? We'd never turn our backs on each other?" "You can stay with us, it'll be fine I promise, I'll handle everything, don't worry at all, it'll be great! Like, old times, okay?" Namjoon was tripping over his words now, he just felt like if he didn't see her now, he would be too late for… something. What, he wasn't sure, but there was an urgent need to have her home safe.

🗯️ just re-read this one again literally yesterday, still as good as the first time. I love strangers to friends to lovers.

Her by untouchablerave

The question hangs between you, and you’re desperate to ask it. Usually, you don’t mind much who is on the other end of the appointment, as you’re so focused on a list of kinks, trying to map out a scene in your head, but this time, the ‘who’ is all you can focus on. Your boss looks at you. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this but… do you know BTS?” Your head snaps up in shock. “You’re fucking with me,” you gasp. “I’m dead serious,” your boss replies. “Jeon Jungkook just came of age. He wants to lose it right away.”

🗯️ spicy but soft soft softtt

Hidden Marks series by Havenesa

❶ Hidden Marks

What does it mean to be soulmates? What do I love about her? What is the reason? Does there need to be a rational reason to love someone? Maybe I love her amber eyes, or the way she tries to hide her smile whenever we get into playful arguments, or her love for just living. Maybe I just love her because she is simply just Han Sera.

🗯️ This one's so angsty yet so good, the writing's also so good at making the characters so human that I'd always end up sobbing at every re-read.

❷ Connecting Hearts

What defines a soulmate? Is it the mark that you were born with, only shared with a selected few? Or a bond which was created through pain and suffering? You'll have to read to find out.

Highlight by Alphathyx

Hana attends Atlas Academy of Arts also known as the AAA to pursue her passions in Hiphop with best friend Hoseok and Prince Charming Jimin. The school gets selected along with other arts schools to compete in an inter-school competition which prize could open doors to any arts students dreams. She along with seven boys, discover what it means to love, but a tragic incident spirals the competition and them into a mystery no one saw coming.

🗯️ friendship and struggle to success <3

Hotel California by Deliebre

You are a badass business guru that works for a huge gaming company. Your home is Korea but you travel often. You are in California for work but keep bumping into hot Korean men, which makes you want to do more than bumping...

🗯️ immediate connection... yes please!

In The Dark by BearPawBeach

"How can that be? I am looking right at you. I am speaking to you right now." "That's the thing. I don't know! That's why I came here today. Yesterday, when you laughed at me, you laughed at me. I almost didn't believe it myself, but the more I thought about it, the crazier it sounded. So I came here to see you and to know if you can see me!" she blurted out. He could not believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. "Look, you don't need to lie to me. There is no need to make up some crazy excuse to meet someone." "I'm not lying! I really am invisible," she argued back. The man just threw his hands up to concede and turned to walk away from her again, walking right out of the building. The girl followed in hot pursuit. "Do you really not believe me? Why would I make something like that up? Yes, I know it sounds crazy. If I were you, I would probably think it's nuts too, but I am telling you the truth!"

🗯️ mc is invisible in this one, story's kinda sad and cute!

In Your Roots by sweetinsanityy

Jungkook is the perfect alpha, a little too perfect. Being the youngest in Bangtan, a group full of alpha's, friction has been happening between him and the boys. He's too strong, too dominating, too wild, and too much for Bangtan to handle. The perfect solution? An omega just for himself. You happen to be the perfect candidate. But the other boys want a taste of you as well. Or, you're hired to be an omega for Jungkook to take care of, and maybe he and the rest of the boys get too attached.

🗯️ another one about the boys being absolute simps!

Iridescent Love by @imnotlauriane

From a fated meeting to a life filled with wonders, the path of discovery is much, much harder than what I had prepared myself for. Especially when my identity, the only one I knew of ends up being a total lie.

🗯️ sad... but it got better. and what did I say abt imnotlauriane's stories? they're all good!

It's a Little Complex? by Infired_Mochi

Starting college and moving into a new apartment with complete independence has been your goal. Due to all the hard work at the cafe during your high school years, and your parents pitching in a few dollars, you can afford to stay in the apartment that is just the right size. However, did you get more than you bargained for? A few other college students occupy the rooms next to yours, seven to be exact. Eight rooms reside on the third floor of the apartment complex and yours is on the farthest right wing, apartment number 308. Just wait until you meet them.

🗯️ sooo it's a little complex... just read it!

Late Bloomer by basicwitch13

Despite growing up in a wolf pack, you were never able to shift nor had a second gender present itself. It seemed, by all accounts, that you were a typical human. So you carried on, burying yourself in your work as a sociology professor—until one of your students introduces you to his pack and changes everything.

🗯️ yes to yearning, pining, and healing.

Like Crazy by @euphoricfilter

The story of seven loves across eight lives.

🗯️ so freakin well-written

Little Do You Know... by @yoongiofmine

In a world where idols and actors can’t date, whether it be because of contracts, lack of time, or the dangers that involve having your personal life leaked, the market opened up for a new work field. Playmate Agencies emerged to supply the entertainment world with highly trained companions for hire. Bangtan is looking for new playmates. And you just happen to be the one all of them choose.

🗯️ another idk what to sayy, just read bcs it's so gooood.

Magic Shop by AriZedd

In which Yn is meeting new friends (and an old one) getting charmed day by day.

🗯️ just read this crack fic, strangers to friends to ... I'm obsessed.

PART 1 | PART 3 | PART 4 | NAVI

[hearts4golbach]

Paparazzi.

pairing:

Billie Eilish x Fem!Reader.

a/n:

reupload since i never got it posted here! not proofread

warnings:

nothin

word count:

1.2k.

you laid in billies bed, scrolling on your phone while simultaneously listening to her work on her new album. you looked through your tagged posts on Instagram, stumbling upon edits of you and billie. the suspicions and rumors of you and her dating were funny, even if they were actually true.

as badly as you wanted to repost some of the cutest edits, you couldn't. you and bil had agreed on keeping the two of you a secret for the sake of your careers.

you crawled out of bed and stood up, one of billies largest shirts was what you were wearing. it was funny, it nearly touched your knees. you stood behind her, wrapping your arms around her neck and showing her a few of the edits you had found.

a small smile grew on her face as she observed. "if only they knew," she placed a kiss on your lips.

you sighed dramatically. "when can we tell everyone? I feel so bad lying to our fans." -you were an artist, too. billie has asked you to collaborate on a song with her and that's how you two met. you quickly fell for eachother, being inseparable ever since.- "they deserve the truth."

billie agreed with you. "yeah, we can announce us soon. I think we'll be okay."

your face lit up, making billies heart beat slightly faster. "really?!"

"yes, mama." you smiled, peppering kisses all over her face. "I was planning on leaking a clip from one of the songs. I'll leak the one about you to prepare everyone. they can have their suspicions for a while."

"I like that idea." you kissed her neck before laying back down on the bed.

you decided to leave not long after. you had your own music to work on, aswell. you shut and locked her front door before walking out to your car. you had just took her shirt with you, not bothering to take it off before you left. you started your car and sped home.

when you got home, you had finally realized the serious mistake you made. you sat on your couch and opened instagram to discover the paparazzi photos from not even an hour ago. you panicked, wondering how they got those photos up that fast.

you stared at yourself in the post. there you were, standing on billies porch in her clothes. the caption read, 'Y/n coming out of billies house in billies clothes?! 😯' you cringed at the text.

you rolled your eyes as you screenshotted it and sent it to billie. she read the message almost immediately and began typing.

bil ❤️: nah

you: should we be worried?

bil ❤️: people can think whatever they want idrc

bil ❤️: and yk I plan to reveal us soon sooo..

you: yeah you're right

bil ❤️: just adding to the suspense baby ;))

and that's what you went with. everyone began reposting the photo of the two of you. it made you anxious. over the next week or so, the hype began to die down.

you and billie snuck out late on a warm Tuesday night and went to dinner.

it was a small, family owned restaurant about 20 minutes away from all of the drama of downtown. it was the safest place you and billie knew.

a small lady immediately seated you and bil. billie relaxed into the chair across from you. "so," she began.

"so?" you asked, intrigued by how she was starting her statement. you impatiently tapped your finger on the glass of water in front of you.

"I want you to be with me whenever I leak the song, and I wanna do it tonight." her leg shook.

the lady came back over to take our orders, interrupting the conversation unknowingly. the two of you hurriedly ordered your food.

"are you asking me to stay the night?" you smiled teasingly.

"well, obviously I am, ma. fuck, I want you to stay over every night." she grinned back.

"I would if I could," I leaned across the table and pecked her lips. "you know that."

she hummed. "maybe we should make that a reality as soon as all of this bullshit is over."

you giggled, watching as she fidgeted with your hand that was laying on the table. "I'd love that."

"then it's a plan."

-

billie laid next to you in her plush bed. you watched her phone carefully as she prepared the clip from her song 'Lunch.' Billie didn't want to leak too much, of course.

you became more anxious by the second, and watching billie work didn't help at all. you opened Twitter to distract yourself. a post you had been tagged in caught your eye. it stated: 'has anyone noticed @y/n.l/n is liking a bunch of posts about her and @billieeilish???!!??! is it just me?!?!'

you soon realized Twitter wouldn't help, either. you gave up, cuddling up closer to billie and going back to watching what she was doing on her phone.

a moment later, she sighed. "okay, you ready?" I could feel anxiety bubbling under her skin. of course, it wasn't the actual announcement, but that didn't mean you weren't slightly terrified. you nodded. "it's posted."

-

two weeks had passed, and the internet was buzzing with speculations. billie gave you permission to tease the announcement, aswell. you and her both wanted as much suspense as possible. you reposted a few edits as well as selfie of you with a song of billies playing in the background.

the day billie wanted to announce your relationship, she woke you up early and took to go get coffee. sitting in the parking lot of Starbucks, billie pulled up her favorite photo of the two of you together.

you watched, anxiously sipping your coffee as she moved the photo to instagram. it was an old photo, it must've been at least 3 years old. she still had her blonde hair and yours was a shade of rusty red. she held your face as she kissed your cheek, while you held a bright smile on your face. she included a few other photos to make a small collage, specifically ominous photos from dates you had been on. you were in a lot of them, of course.

she gripped your hand tightly as she typed the caption with her other hand. 'the love of my life ❤️‍🩹.' it read. she posted it with no hesitation.

she moved her hand to my knee and leaned over to kiss you. "it's done. are you feeling okay?" her voice was soft and soothing, almost like a lullaby.

you smiled. "absolutely."

the comments flooded immediately. everyone was screaming their congratulations and compliments. you scrolled through the first thousand or so, and 99% of them were positive. your heart was nearly beating out of your chest. you sighed, realizing it was finally done and you could post about Billie as you wished.

[pollyna]

comical au where Ice asks Mav to marry him (and then Mav asks Ice), and with the proposal comes the ring (made of gold and with the sentence “you can be my wingman anytime” incised on the inside), and Mav wears him at home or when they aren’t in their uniforms.

Until one morning where Mav is too sleepy to report too early even for his standards, and he has to leave a sleepy Ice in their bed—still asleep and hugging Mav's pillow because Mav isn't there anymore—and he forgets to take off his ring.

By 7:30 am, the scuttlebutt wants that Pete Maverick Mitchell got married last night and the possibility of whomever is married going from one side of the ocean (where Admiral Benjamin's stationed at that moment) to the other (some babe he met in his last deployment in Japan).

By 10 am, when he is finally getting home because it's Saturday for fuck's sakes, Ice is still sleepy but more awake and sipping coffee at their kitchen table.

“I heard congratulations are in order,” he says, trying to hide his smile behind the cup.

Mav can't help but stare back at the man like he's growing a third head. “For what?”

“Apparently you got married last night, and now everybody is betting on who the happy bride is.” He adds, looking at Mav's left hand.

“Oh,” the man himself answered, “well, you would have looked rather dashing in a white dress if how you were wearing your uniform was any indication of it.”

Ice's blushing is barely perceptible if one doesn't know where to look, but Mav does, and he finds himself standing in front of his fitted figure.

“I'm going to kiss Msr. Mitchell, good morning because I was up at a horrible hour, and I missed you,” he says, taking Ice's face between his hands.

“It's Msr. Kazansky-Mitchell for you,” Ice corrects him before letting Mav kiss him.

“I can live with that,” they found themselves cackling, Ice’s head against Mav’s chest while they hugged.

(Years later, after the DADT repeal, it stays an inside joke between the two of them even when Kazansky-Mitchell is written on every document existing—from the marriage certificate to the door of Ice’s studio to Mav’s dog tags to their bills. It never loses the funny edge.)

[ordowrites]

some arlecchino headcanons

we are about 34 days away from her debut and i'm excited, so i am here, with a fever and nothing to do until i recover so it's time to ramble about this woman who i've been excited for since her debut in winter night's lazzo

cw: some fluff, some not sfw mentions, afab reader but no pronouns used, use of pet names, mdni, minors dni, general warnings for canon typical violence, some mentions of D/s, sort of a sugar relationship, power imbalances, pet play, possessive behaviors. everything is consensual. please ask if something should be tagged i didn't get already

arlecchino is, for the lack of a better word, a kind lover. she isn't inherently cruel nor would she never intentionally raise a hand to you unless you ask very nicely. she is attentive for someone of her stature and position, she knows many things about you although you know very little about her - still, having your likes and dislikes, favorite color, dream wedding, and so on is to her advantage. she touches you as if you may shatter beneath her touch and you're the last person in this world that she wants to corrupt.

while she is kind, she does get condescending sometimes. she likes making the decisions in the relationship and calling the shots, such as where you guys eat, what you guys eat, sometimes what you wear, simpler decisions - although, she also wants a partner who knows what they want and can speak up for themselves. being confident is important, but not egotistical. (after all, she may be calling the shots, but your thoughts are still pretty important to her)

she will pay for everything. oh don't you worry your pretty little head, she's a Harbinger, she can pay. you sit pretty and enjoy your dinner and conversation. she'll gift you things you like, get you necessities should you only ask for them. so long as it brings a smile to your face, she will do it to an extent.

in comparison to others, such as diluc, whose love language is gift giving and he loves showering his partner with expensive gifts no strings attached - arlecchino's can be underhanded and come at a price. not everything comes from the kindness of her heart, and she's more than frank enough to tell you when she wants you on your knees to work for that dress you've been eying. (and of course, you will do so)

she likes to refer to you as pet, precious, and similar names to that. maybe she views you a bit as a pet, what with that collar she presented to you sometime ago? "oh, it's so everyone knows you belong to me. would you rather something more permanent?" (of course, if you stutter out your protests about wearing a collar in public, she'll just smile, cup your face, and tell you how sweet you look). she did also gift you a lovely necklace to wear at all times after your initial shock of the collar. after all, she still does value your comfort. nothing is ever non-consensual with her. after all, she teaches her "children" the importance of consent and valuing their own lives, so she should model such teachings with you.

you have dinner at home, together, at the same time, six days a week. once a week, she will take you out to the fanciest place she can in order to show you off to the public. her arm wrapped around your waist, your dress matches her red lip stick, and she shows you off proudly to the public. everyone knows you're the Harbinger's most beloved one. And she is quick to remind anyone who forgets. (and hold your head up high, goodness sakes', she wants you to be proud of yourself. if she didn't find you worth her attention, you wouldn't be at her side.)

the two of you will also have daily tea and cake, at the same time. always your favorite or whatever you are craving at the time. she loves to spoil you with these sorts of things.

She will never allow you to meet any of the other Harbingers. For your safety, of course. You are but an innocent person in this world, but if she ever does take you to a banquet, her clawed hand will never leave your hip. Her eyes will always be on you should you ever have a need to leave her side, and soft, veiled threats to her colleagues should they dare to even look at you wrong.

Sex with Arlecchino happens whenever it happens, and she's always happy to indulge if you're feeling particularly horny. But she doesn't make it easy for you to find the relief you're chasing. She likes to draw things out, she likes to hear you make noises that make you blush, and see tears prick at your eyes as you struggle to not orgasm without her okay to do so.

She's also not the biggest fan of bondage, but if you're being particularly naughty, she'll tie you up. Or if you ask her, nicely of course. (the reason being is because she likes feeling you touch her, your touch is always so soft and gentle)

However... something has caught her eye recently - a type of bondage hailing from Inazuma. Shibari. Oh yes, she will have you in soft red rope in her office just to look at. That is, if she doesn't have you already half naked and eating her out while she works while desperately humping her shoe because she issued you a challenge and it's been a few weeks since you've last had an orgasm. Really, whichever has her fancy at the time. (she does this because she loves seeing you fucked out and needy and pliant)

she also likes marking you - bright red marks or purple all over your neck where people can see. and she's always disappointed if you try to hide them. ("for shame, do you not wish for people to know who you belong to?")

("look at you, my most perfect pet. i must say, that is a good color on you. now, hold your head up high and don't cower. let everyone see the same thing i see in you.")

[a-star-that-burns-brightly]

CH2-12 thoughts (spoilers, I guess. You probably shouldn't be in the tag if you haven't finished the episode though.)

So! DRDT is officially back, and wow what a way to begin the rollercoaster we'll be put through the next few weeks. This episode was amazing, and I wanted to discuss my thoughts on it in a more detailed form. This episode gave us a lot of character moments that I want to at least mention, so let's get into it? Before we do though, I want to say that through these posts, I will be updating two things and showing them at the beginning and end First one being the swear statistics! It became a thing after my previous rewatch that every time a character swears, I count it, and I want to continue doing that for the rest of the series if I can so manage it.

^ current swear statistics as of CH2-11

And the second being...drumroll please!

My own personal DRDT CH2-Part 2 bingo card! If something on this list happens in CH2-Part 2, I'll check it off. Hopefully I can get a bingo or two in here, especially since, spoilers, two of the boxes have already been checked. But with all of that preamble out of the way, let's begin shall we? I’m going to cover the character moments we got in separate categories of the well…characters, rather than in order, for the sake of being concise.

Arturo

First and foremost, “Shut your whore mouth” made me scream at the top of my lungs. God I wish that was voiced. But more importantly, the thing about Arturo being very young for a plastic surgeon actually being addressed was not something I expected, especially so early. But I definitely appreciate the nuggets of Arturo backstory. Funny enough, his situation sounds very similar to Min’s in some regard, especially this line

(x) Arturo: I was only able to get this far in such a short amount of time because I specialized in plastic surgery, and nothing else. I neglected everything that wasn't immediately relevant to my goals.

This absolutely plays a factor into his relationship with his little sister. It more than likely was not just him leaving that made her commit suicide, but perhaps also years of neglect. And if she really felt like she couldn't live a life without Arturo in it, it's safe to say that their parents probably weren't the best either. The more I learn about Arturo and his homelife the more worried I am for him and especially his sister.

Veronika

Veronika didn't get much besides being her usual self, but I gave her a category because I wanted to point out two things One, Veronika calling Arturo cute. That just made me smile

And secondly, this line right here

(x) Veronika: Oh, and don't say something as boring as "I want to kill myself." I have no interest in such mundane reasons.

This is so fucked up and awful and gross and I absolutely love her for it. I just know she's going to get worse, I hope she does.

And also the fact that she apparently finds suicide to be inherently boring is very interesting, given the fact that she more than likely has the self-harm secret.

Whit

I know he didn't have much, if any major role in this episode but...listen I missed him. So much. You have actually zero idea how much I missed him and his goofiness... But also I can't believe that was the explanation for the dent in the computer lab that's been bugging me for months. Well played DT-Dev... (though the fact that Whit got away with breaking a rule solely because MonoTV thought it was funny is a bit fishy...it's almost like he's the MASTERMIND-- /hj)

We also in general got a lot of Charles and Whit moments, which I always like to see I don't think there's anything else to cover when it comes to Wh--

(x) David: Ugh! Goddamn it, Whit, does everything you say have to be made into some shitty dumb joke?! You're actually really fucking annoying! Shut the fuck up!!

...Well, when I said I wanted more Whitvid interactions I guess this can serve as a reward. ...guys dont worry this is how we can still wi--

Levi

...I mean, what else is there to say really?

No but actually I'll talk. This is what we've been theorizing for a year, and I actually had it in my predictions that Levi's secret was going to be the one revealed in this episode. But I did not expect it right at the end, nor did I expect it to be so sudden. And I don't think Levi has any reason to lie either, so I think this is his actual secret. Seeing him lose confidence and apologize for his unhelpfulness kind of stung to me, honestly. Levi has been trying to help the group since the very beginning, and that has only amplified since the start of Chapter 2. So seeing him...basically give up was very upsetting He is definitely going to be in the hot seat next week's episode and I am very excited for it, hopefully we get some insight on his past as well and...maybe a levi and nico interaction? please dt-dev? please? :>

Hu

FishyFried, as always, knocked it out of the fucking park with Hu's voice acting, and her monologue towards David was just as amazing...if not a bit terrifying, as it directly parallels with her hidden quote

I want to pay for what I’ve done. But even then, I still want to live.

I think I've said this before, but I adore David and Hu's dynamic and how both of them tackle the themes of change in their own ways, how both of them project onto the people around them to fulfill their own desires due to being stagnant in their own growth as people, it's so much fun, and I can't wait to see how this continues to develop in the later chapters I am sincerely a ch5victim!david + ch5killer!hu believer at the end of the day.

Teruko

Oh Teruko, quite a bit to discuss with you today.

For starters, her genuinely feeling embarrassed and upset upon realizing what she did wrong, apologizing for it, and (how I interpreted it anyway) beginning to realize that working alone and not accepting help from others is starting to bite her in the ass? That was not what I expected. I really did think that Teruko was going to get worse before she got better, but maybe she's improving a lot quicker than I thought (...let's hope she doesn't backslide again though, especially if the culprit is who I think it is) Also.

If I have to live with this knowledge, so the-fuck do you. And then there's her argument with David, which I already made a post about, but I want to add onto it by saying that the performances from Swords and LuucarIi here are absolutely phenomenal. One of my favorite voice acted scenes in the entire series. I have replayed Teruko's "Hah! Based on what?!" probably around 20 times and I will repeat it 20 times more because the delivery gives me actual chills. This fangan has such an amazing voice cast oh my god it's insane.

David

Oh. You are such a broken, broken man, and you are absolutely going to go down the Simon Laurent route. I actually don't have a lot to add when it comes to David's actual motivations for his actions, I think a lot of us theorized that he was trying to kill everyone and himself. But the main thing I want to talk about is the Xander shit because oh my god this man is Down Fucking Horrendous. I mentioned all the way back in this post that David idolizes Xander just as much as Xander idolizes him. What I didn't expect was for him to still be clinging onto the hope Xander gave him and trying to follow in his footsteps, and being borderline possessive over the damn dead man. Xander may have idolized David, but David is obsessed with Xander and what he represents to him. And he is willing to ruin his reputation, reliability, and dignity in pursuit of what he thinks is right. Not to mention, it puts the Tally5 image in a whole new light.

Though I still think these words apply to the very possible revolution that David, Xander, and Mai enacted towards Hope's Peak, a theory that has become even more credible after this episode, I also think these lines portray David's thought process during his actions in CH2-11 and his motivation for doing the things that he does. David calling Xander "the only good person he's ever known" is very, very telling when you consider what he personally thinks makes someone a bad person (lazy, useless, stupid). And that makes me upset. Xander and David's relationship will never not be absolutely fascinating to me. ...alSO DAVID APPARENTLY HAS MEMORIES FROM HOPE'S PEAK??? APPARENTLY??? Like am I reading that right or do I just have bad media literacy. How...How does he??? WHY does he??? Why did he say he didn't know who Xander was in the prologue???? I am very confused and I'm sure it will all be answered. Extra Thoughts !! - we got 7:30 AM confirmation, woohoo!! And the bonus of Arei swinging when she was first found was such a good detail and I’m surprised none of us noticed it, honestly. With that confirmation, that leaves basically everyone else (minus J, David, Veronika, Hu, and Nico) in the hot-seat. - the multitude of new sprites we got were so amazing, especially David's - Apparently everything that happened in the second half of CH2-11 was in the span of two hours?! Sheesh, the editing crew on the TV show must be working overtime. Hopefully they get a paycheck and its not just MonoTV who gets paid. - If I had any doubt in my brain that Eden was the culprit it has basically dissipated with this episode. I really do not know who else it could be other than her. three of the five main suspects other than her have basically been cleared up, either through alibi (J and Hu) or though plot (Levi) David and Nico are also cleared from suspicion Though there isn't really any plot or evidence reason to necessarily exclude Rose, given her moment in CH2-8 and, let's be honest, this murder being way too physically complicated for someone as lethargic as her to commit, I'm inclined to believe she is not And every other character has something that's clearly being set up to be further explored in Chapter 3 (Charles, Whit, Ace, Arturo, and Veronika) Like... even if you don't think Eden is the culprit, you can't deny that she's the odd one out here. I still think Accomplice!Levi is true, but I also truthfully think the culprit can't be anyone other than Eden - If I were to give one I-guess critique though, not just on this episode but on the trial as a whole, it's that we are four trial episodes in and there has been very, very little focus on the actual murder mystery itself. We have barely even covered 80% of the evidence. This isn't like, a huge problem for me specifically because I very much watch DRDT for the astounding character writing over the murder mysteries, and I definitely think that the lack of focus on the case is worth the amazing character moments we got in this episode. But I can see it really bothering some people, and there's a part of me that can't help but be a bit afraid that the actual solving of the murder case is going to hit the audience with a bunch of information at once and come across as a bit rushed due to the lack of focus it's had so far. I trust that DT-Dev is cooking though, and it'll probably be a lot more cohesive once we have the full trial to look through.

Predictions for CH2-13 - Like I said before, Levi is going to become the main suspect easily thanks to his secret reveal. I know Ace is going to be on his ass especially, because in his mind it would basically confirm the image he has already conjured up of Levi in his mind as a violent brute who is going to snap his neck any second. J is also going to jump to conclusions because that's just what she does, and she was already concerned about the murderer secret to begin with. - Furthermore, I think most of this episode is going to entail Teruko trying to disprove that Levi could've been the culprit. Considering the fact that there, well, isn't much evidence to suggest he didn't, maybe this episode will feature this chapter's Random Guess minigame. - I highly doubt we're getting an AM VS PM scrum debate now, but maybe we'll get one on whether or not Levi is the culprit? Maybe? - On the topic of trial minigames, I hope we get another nonstop debate, it's been like three episodes since we've had one lmao - Nico is either going to defend Levi, or reiterate the speech that J gave them in CH2-9. Either way, I hope this reveal causes them to interact it would be so interesting - We are on a track-record of having at least one person's secret exposed every trial episode. Considering the fact that Xander and Min are dead, and I do not think Teruko's secret will come out until the end of the chapter, that really only leaves Hu and Veronika...which is interesting, as they are both in the clear for being the culprit. Hu has already had multiple moments to shine in this trial, so I think its more likely that Veronika's secret will be the one getting revealed. How that happens, I am unsure. But I think Veronika will be the next person to have her secret revealed.

Conclusion Overall, I think this episode was amazing and a great way to kick off the end of the hiatus. I can already tell that these next few weeks are going to be a wild ride for us DRDT fans, but we're all in this together, so I think everything's going to be fine (nothing is going to be fine.)

UPDATED SWEAR STATISTICS: CH2-12

UPDATED BINGO CARD

[sweetiecakesss]

It Scares Me... | Diluc Ragnvindr (Angst)

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Synopsis: You are reckless and all he wants is for you to relay on him, just once!

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇Tags: Diluc, Mentions of Near Death Experince, Triggering Diluc's Trauma, Angst to Fluff, Established Relationship, Reader uses she/her pronouns.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇Note: This has been a brainrot for like awhile now and before I get Busy I thought I would write this and get it out of my brain.

It was a simple mission, clear out the slimes outside Mondstadt along with Diluc and Rosaria then you'll be free and about to do whatever you want. That includes staying in Angel Share where your beloved Husband to be resides.

The mission was planned out, following Diluc's instructions; The three of you managed to clear out the area in no time, until some Fatui members errupted. The three of you then immediately got into action but just as you were about done with your fair share of enemies…

Your eyes widened as you yelled for Diluc's name, A fatui sneaking up on him, without much thinking; you threw your body in front of Diluc, taking the stab to your abdomen.

"Y/N!!" Diluc yelled as he quickly killed every last one before rushing to your side. Rosaria quickly instructed Diluc to carry you as he then ran back to Angel Share with Rosaria following pursuit after she ordered the guards to clean the site.

The air was tense as Diluc stared at you while Rosaria stitched the sword wound on your abdomen. Diluc's gaze was sharp as he studied your face and your wound, his brows twitching with every pass of the needle on the skin.

"Am done." Rosaria stated as she got up and patted you on the shoulder. "Diluc, you go and wrap her wound with this and talk it out. I can't stand being here…" She added before handing Diluc a gauze to which he accepted before Rosaria then left. Leaving you both in silence.

Diluc stood there. Hand clenching tightly on the gauze as the both of you awkwardly looked at each other. You sighed.

"Look, Diluc…If you can't help with my wound that's fine but can--" You were immediately silenced when He approached you, his shaking hands gently making you lift your arms as he proceeded to wrap your abdomen with the Gauze.

As he was too focused on your wound, you looked at him. Studying his features and taking note of how his brows were furrowed, lips frowning and eyes showing a tint of concern and regret.

"Diluc…" You called out to him, your hands reaching to hold his as you stopped him for a sec. Diluc then looked up at you as he met your gaze, your faces a tad bit closer with each other.

"Am fine, I didn't die--"

"But you could've." He retorted, not letting you continue. "YOu were so stupid to take the hit, you were reckless, you were an IDIOT." He added, his voice raising and becoming tense as he finally let out his frustrations. You know that he didn't meant every word he said, but his words just rubbed you the wrong way; causing you to furrow your brows and lightly pushed him, causing a distance between you two.

"If I hadn't stepped in what do you think would've happened to you?" You let out through gritted teeth.

"I know that but you could've atleast just…I don't know! Deflect it with something, use your brain and not your body for fuck sake." He retorted. You looked at him and scoffed.

"Instead of being fucking grateful that I saved your ass, you're over here being stubborn and acting like a bitch about it. If I used my brain, that Fatui could've pierced you before I even deflect him. It was my only choice!" You rebutted, yelling at him.

"It wasn't your only choice, you could've done something rather than get yourself injured! Just admit you were being an idiot!" He yelled back.

His words stung you; without even realising it, your hand flew and hit his face as you slapped him across the face. Diluc stood there in shock as he looked at you.

His eyes immediately widening as he looked at you, glaring and frowning at him. Tears of frustration streaming down your eyes, Diluc slowly reached for you as he gently took your hand and kissed it.

"Am sorry…am sorry…" He muttered repeatedly, his hands slowly reaching to hold the back of your neck as he pulled you closer and kissed you on your forehead.

"I didn't want to get stabbed either but I just blacked out…and I couldn't think of anything…" You let out, Diluc shushed you as he continued to place soothing kisses on your face.

"I know and am sorry…" He muttered. "I was just scared, Y/N. I can't loose you like how I lost everyone around me, not again…not ever."

You slowly nodded at his reply before you looked up at him, you met his worried gaze once more. Blazing Red eyes staring back at you, his hand moving from your neck to your cheeks as he cupped them before he slowly leaned closer and gave you a kiss.

Your breath got stuck in your throat as you felt warm and fuzzy, comfort filling your system as the both of you continued to kiss. Pulling away, Diluc placed his forehead against yours, both your eyes closed as the both of you basked in silence and comfort.

"Just promise me you won't do that again, Y/N…" He muttered softly.

"I promise." YOu replied, Diluc's lips slowly formed a smile before he then gave you another quick kiss on the lips.

"Good…" He said as he then pulled away before he continued to wrap gauze around you again.

"YOu know," You let out. "Even if I die…Kaeya is still there" You added. Diluc held onto the bandage tightly as he glared at you, his jaws clenched.

You quickly raised both your hands in the are as you surrendered.

"I was joking! Joking!…I love you" You let out before chuckling. Diluc calmed down, raising his brows before he then tilted his head, leaning forward as he kissed your jaw.

"I love you too, Darling…"

[holdmytesseract]

The Tale of the Easter Bunny

Loki Laufeyson x fem!Reader

Summary: Loki's part he has to play on Tony's Easter party didn't go as planned; leaving its mark on you...

Warnings: Loki thirst, nakedness? suggestive smut/light smut, swear words, it's also a bit funny

Word Count: 2,7k

a/n: There we are! Time for my lil' Easter Special... Enjoy! 😁 And happy easter to everyone who is celebrating! 🐣

Also huge thanks to @lokisgoodgirl , who helped me along a bit and read through it, 'cause I was afraid that it's not good enough... 🙈

Divider by the wonderful @fictive-sl0th <3

Tagging: @lulubelle814 @km-ffluv @lokisgoodgirl @eleniblue @muddyorbs @loz-3 @vbecker10 @jennyggggrrr @lokisninerealms @mochie85 @chantsdemarins @peaches1958 @multifandom-worlds @fictive-sl0th @loki-laufeyson-1054 @theaudacitytowrite @lovingchoices14 @simping-for-marvel @stupidthoughtsinwriting @vanilla-daydreaming @lou12346789 @kimanne723 @linaax @coldnique @lady-rose-moon @evelyn-kingsley @the-princess-of-loki @acefeather2002 @aagn360 @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @iamlokisgloriouspurpose and a few peeps who I think would enjoy that... @buttercupcookies-blog @lunarnights95 @infinitystoner @liminalpebble @smolvenger @littlespaceyelf @joyful-enchantress

Masterlist

Chairs screeched across the floor of the big, spacious room, after the 7 o'clock meeting was finally over. Everyone scrambled to get the hell outta here. It's been a long day and every member of the Avengers wanted to just go into bed and not stay longer than Steve 'forced' them to.

That had been the raven-haired God's plan as well - but he didn't even make it to round the large table, before a firm voice stopped him in his tracks. "Reindeer Games." It was Tony, of course, causing Loki to sigh. Spinning around on his heels, he faced the man with an annoyed, bored expression. "Stark." The billionaire nodded towards the back of the room. "For a word..." A low groan of disapproval rumbled through the God's chest as he complied; following Tony.

"What do you want?" Loki more or less snapped, crossing his arms over his chest. "Woah, slow down, princess. No need to turn into a diva..." Loki rolled his eyes, already hating this conversation. "I just meant to tell you that I've got the perfect job for you on my annual Easter garden party."

Oh, right... The Easter party... Tony organised a party on Easter every year, on which each team member was invited, but also had a little job to do - and this year, it was the first time Loki and his brother were a part of it. The Asgardian prince forgot about this already again - and to be honest, he didn't even know that much about those... festives. He knew it was important to the people here on Midgard, but to him?

"Which would be?" "You..." Tony pointed at him. "Are going to play the bunny." Loki blinked, looking quite confused at the billionaire. "I beg your pardon? The bunny?" Tony crossed his arms, now annoyed as well. "Yes, the bunny." No doubt, the God was very confused. "Why in all the nine realms a bunny, Stark? What am I supposed to do as this little, terrifying creature? If this is to humiliate me, I-" Tony interrupted him. "It's not, Reindeer Games. Calm down. For gosh sake, if I would've known that you'd be such a drama queen about this, I would've assigned Thor to do it." Loki rolled his eyes - again. "What am I supposed to do then?" Tony sighed, clearly having enough. "Just... wear that bunny costume. I'll tell you on the party." The God cursed internally; had actually no intentions to even join the party, but he clearly had to, in order to 'integrate into the group', as Fury put it. If he wanted to stay and not return to Asgard, he had to - as strange as it sounded - become an Avenger. If joining Stark's party as a bunny would help him, then by the Norns he'd do it.

"Fine." "There we go. Now was that so difficult?" Loki gritted his teeth; biting his tongue in order to prevent a snarky comment to leave his lips. "Hand me the costume, Stark, before I'm going to rethink my decision." Tony shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't have one. I-" He was cut off by the ringing of his phone. "You don't even have one?!" The God snarled, feeling his muscles tense. "Just get one! You are a big boy who can buy things himself, aren't you? Now if you'd excuse me, this is important." After those words Tony answered his call and walked away, out of the room - leaving Loki behind.

With the days passing and the party getting closer, Loki hadn't much time left to look for a costume. And therefore, that he didn't even know what kind of costume exactly he had to wear, he did the thing he learned here on Midgard... Googling. So, the Asgardian prince opened up Google and searched for a bunny costume. Unfortunately, he wasn't very... familiar with this foreign search engine, resulting in a rather big... misunderstanding. Loki did get a result, of course, but unbeknownst to him, a not particular Easter themed one... His eyes widened slightly as his gaze fell on the first thing that came up. Stark wants me to wear that? He asked himself. But after he gave the costume a second look, a mischievous, cheeky smile darted over his face. Alright.

When you arrived at Tony's, was the garden party already in full swing. Everybody was chatting, laughing and having fun.

Natasha and Wanda sat at the small mini bar, chatting with Pepper. Tony stood behind the grill, already preparing barbecue. Bruce discussed vociferously something scientific with Vision, while Clint and Cap nursed two bottles of beer. And Thor and Scott? Well, they jumped around in Morgan's trampoline - who was at a friend's Easter children party today. The only one missing was Loki. At least you couldn't see him anywhere. Too bad, you thought.

Taking a deep breath, you walked over to your friends and wrapped your arms around both their shoulders from behind. "Hey guys." "Y/N, hey!" "Hey, sweetie." They both greeted you with a smile and slid over, so that you could sit between them on one of the bar stools. Sipping on the drink Pepper made you, you small-talked to the three women for a while, until two of them excused themselves to look after their husbands - leaving you and Nat on your own.

"Have you seen Loki, Nat?" You asked, checking your surroundings again. The Russian spy shook her head, red curls bobbing. "No, sorry, I haven't seen your lover boy, but I heard he's been assigned from Tony to play the Easter bunny." You frowned. "The Easter bun- Hey, he isn't my lover boy!" Natasha smirked. "But you wished he was. I know how you're looking at him, babe." "I... I don't look at him..." She giggled. "Fuck yes, you do. Literally undressing him with your eyes. You are so deep down; you don't even realise it." You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms over your chest. "Nat, I swear I'm not undre- Oh fucking hell..." You trailed off with your sentence, as the squeaky garden door announced another arrival. And it was not just somebody... It was the one and only God of Mischief and prince of Asgard - Loki. It wasn't the fact that he was here which threw you off track so suddenly and caused you to use words Cap wouldn't be pleased to hear, no... It was his outfit...

"N-Nat..." You mumbled, reaching blindly for your friend's arm, in order to tap her. "Yeah?" Her gaze was clued to the raven-haired God as well. Admittedly, everyone's eyes were on him. "That... That wasn't what Tony meant with a bunny costume, was it?" The Widow shook her head slowly. "I don't think so..." "Oh gods..." Loki was wearing a bunny costume, yes - but not the 'right' one. Or should you say the clean one, because... This... This was certainly X-rated.

He was nude - for the most part. The only piece of clothing which prevented him from entire nakedness, were the tight, scarce trunks he wore. The black leather shimmered in the warm sun, as it stretched itself deliciously tight over his hips, groin and crotch - leaving not much to imagination. Thick, juicy thighs were framing the trunks. Your eyes wandered, travelled down his ridiculously long legs, before they jumped up again to meet his bare upper body. You had never seen this man shirtless before, but oh boy was it a sight to behold. Your wide, Y/E/C orbs followed the dark, coarse hairs of his happy trail; starting at the hem of the skimpy trunks, all the way up until they kissed his belly button, which was surrounded by the tight muscles of his abs. Not too far from them were his defined pecs, decorated with black, fine hairs as well. Your eyes lingered, then travelled further up to jump from one broad shoulder to the other, before they met his delicious neck - which donned a white-black bow tie and only led you into the next thirst trap... His handsome face. Razor sharp cheekbones, a defined jawline, kissable lips and deep, mysterious blue eyes. And all that was surrounded by his long raven curls, which fell in gentle waves over his shoulders. The cherry on top (literally) were the black bunny ears. Well, shit.

He was perfect. Like carved out of marble. You blinked, tried desperately to stop yourself from staring, but you just couldn't. Loki - the most handsome man you ever met in a sexy playboy bunny costume was just too much to handle.

Loki knew of course that all eyes were directed on him - what he didn't understand at first, because Stark told him to dress up as bunny, didn't he? Anyways, the God wasn't stupid, so he quickly connected the dots. Wrong costume.

But when he noticed how much his attire affected his fellow teammates - especially the female section, including you, it was more than just a satisfaction for him. To witness you drooling all over him; and see you melt underneath his smouldering, sexy smile was worth everything. Perhaps this ridiculous garden party had its perks after all…

"Laufeyson!" Tony hissed, grabbing the prince's attention. He waved Loki over to him, visibly angry. "For heaven's sake! What are you doing?! That was certainly not what I meant, Reindeer Games! You were supposed to be the Easter bunny and not a wannabe playboy bunny!" Loki just shrugged his shoulders, didn't understand why Tony was making such a fuss. "That may be true, Stark, but you never explicitly told me the exact description of how this costume has to look. And besides..." Loki swiftly looked over his shoulders at you, catching you how you were still staring at him. "The ladies seem to enjoy it." He said, winking at the billionaire, who just rolled his eyes.

Loki had walked over to Tony by now, and was talking to him - giving you even more exposed skin to look at... His muscular back for example. Broad shoulder blades and defined hips, which led to the God's rounded and shaped bottom - perfectly accentuated by the tight leather trunks. That's Asgard's ass, you thought. Blinking and trying again to avoid your eyes, you swallowed hard. Why was it so hot all of a sudden?

"Are you now done staring holes into Laufeyson's body, or...?" Your best friend's amused voice suddenly urged to your ears. "I-I, uh..." Whoops. "I'm not the one to blame that he decided to wear such a revealing 'outfit'!" You desperately tried to defend yourself someway, somehow, but deep down you knew that you had already lost. Nat had a point. She giggled. "And you claim to not be into him. Girl, let me tell you, that is a lie. Our raven-haired Adonis has turned your head. But I can't blame you... He's a snack." The spy said, hopping off the bar stool elegantly, "Go eat him up." and winking at you, before she walked away. Your jaw dropped at Nat's words. Little minx.

The later it got the more alcohol coursed through everybody's system, causing everything to escalate a bit. Actually, you didn't plan to drink as much alcohol as you did, but after Loki literally played the Easter bunny, hid some chocolate eggs and 'hopped around' to guide your search, you were in desperate need of another drink.

Lost in thoughts, you didn't notice how said God sneaked up on you, when you sat alone at the bar, while everybody else was playing 'Truth or Dare' - on the trampoline. He had noticed. Of course, he had. Your eyes and body language told him more than your words probably ever could. He knew exactly what you wanted - and who was he to deny your wishes?

"You'd love to touch, don't you?" He whispered in your ear with his deep voice, causing you to jump. Spinning around on your chair, your eyes met a broad, muscular chest. Loki. You swallowed; eyes travelling upwards to meet his face. Your breath hitched in your throat as you realised how close he was to you. "W-What? What are you t-talking about?" A cheeky, mischievous smile darted over his face, before he wetted his lips. "I felt your eyes on me, darling. I know you want to." Your eyes widened at his words; completely overwhelmed by the situation you suddenly found yourself in. "I-I, n-no, I- Everyone was s-staring!" The God chuckled; making his abs clench deliciously. "That may be true, but... Unlike you, they were able to tear her gazes apart. But you, Y/N..." The way he rolled your name off his tongue sent a shiver down your spine. Like on instinct, you pressed your legs together. "You kept on staring at me; feasting upon my body with your hungry eyes." Heat crawled up into your cheeks, burning them up. "I-I'm sorry, Loki, I-" "No you are not. Don't deny it, darling. I never said that I didn't like your eyes on my body, did I? In fact... I quite enjoyed it." Loki purred, giving you that smouldering look again, which almost caused your legs to give in.

"You want to touch me?" He started, taking your small, delicate hand into his big one, "Then touch me." and pressed your palm against his abs. The moment your hot skin met his pleasantly cool skin, you lost the ability to breathe. Your hand was like frozen in motion as you felt his rippling muscles; gaze glued to your hand. Another chuckle rumbled through Loki's chest. "No, no, don't be shy now, darling." He tutted, engulfing your hand once again and slowly moving it upwards. "Go ahead. Enjoy yourself. I know you want to." Oh how right he was - but... Your eyes wandered over to the others. "W-What about the o-others? W-What if they s-see?" The prince smirked down on you and reached out his hand to gently cup your chin. "Don't worry, darling. They are way too occupied. They won't notice." You swallowed hard, taking a last look at your fellow friends - before you finally gave in. Biting your lip, you started to move your hand, mapping out Loki's godly body. From his abs, to his chest, shoulders and down to his hips again. Loki's skin was so soft and inviting, you just couldn't stop. "Enjoying yourself?" All you could do was nod, unable to form words - causing him to chuckle again. But the God was quite enjoying this as well...

Tracing the hem of his trunks, where his happy trail kissed the fabric, a soft hiss escaped his lips. "You are about to enter a danger zone, darling..." Realising with a shocked expression where your hand was, you quickly wanted to pull it away - but Loki was quicker and caught your wrist. "Dangerous doesn't mean forbidden. Just know that once you enter this zone, it's going to be really hard to leave it again... Your decision." Your decision. The words echoed through your head. Was there even something to decide? You asked yourself, but quickly realised that the answer was no. You wanted this, you started this and you definitely were going to finish this. You were anyways already too far gone to say no. So, you moved your palm again, letting it slowly, teasingly enter the 'danger zone'. "Wise decision," Loki breathed, words fading into a strangled moan.

There was no holding back now. Especially not for him. He angled your head upwards again, before leaning down and crashing his intoxicating lips onto yours; kissing you like nobody else kissed you before. He positively stole your breath, as your lips collided again and again and again. By now, you didn't even care that you were obscenely making out with the younger Asgardian prince, just a few feet away from where the others were completely caught up in playing their silly party games. All you could think of was Loki. All you could feel was Loki. All you could smell was Loki. He was everywhere; had thoroughly invaded you.

His lips left yours with a wet pop, dilated black irises meeting yours. "Want to get out of here, darling?" Loki asked, straightening his black-white bow tie. "With pleasure."

[paracosmic-murdock]

Tell me what are my words worth ; Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

Chapter 1: "La détermination qui coule dans mes veines"

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: While the other ladies have grown with the mindset of marrying and having children, you, as the daughter of a man who wanted a son, grew up being both. You learnt how to embroider, play the pianoforte, fence and manage the estate. However, there were some things that not even the Duke of Burgundy could do, so after he passed and you thought there was nothing left for you, you decided to move to London for a while and go to the Royal Academy of Art.

Nothing was going to keep you from what you wanted, and you would do whatever it takes: you would lie to everyone, you would live to death, you would pretend to be a man. You had a plan and it would be a piece of cake for you. But again, when has something that she wants and should not do easy for a woman? Especially when a man like Benedict Bridgerton gets in the way in more ways than one.

Warnings/tags: idiots in love, eventual smut, love triangles (but not really), lgbtq+ themes, bisexual benedict bridgerton, feminist themes, historical inaccuracy (for the sake of the plot), inspired by mulan (1998), song: the lakes (taylor swift), other tags to be added

Chapter summary: Going to London was an easy decision though a difficult change, but nothing was going to stop you from getting what you wanted, and what you wanted was to go to Art School. For now, you only had to arrive and attend whatever event your godmother told you to. The only good thing that came from all of it, was that you reunited with a dear old friend of the family.

Word count: 2.9K

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You knew you would leave for London for a while. You had made the decision, you had sent the letter, you had packed the suitcases, but you were yet to announce your departure.

The possibility of being stopped by your cousin was higher than the mountains, and in order to avoid it, you would only let him know about your trip to London the day before you left. However, his plans did not leave you the chance to.

Running away was not easy because everything you have keeps you attached to that piece of land that belongs to you, that is your father's legacy and your responsibility to keep alive.

Not a change was easy for any human, and you wouldn't be the exception.

So you looked at yourself in the mirror, hesitation long gone after minutes of silence.

You didn't know how to do it, you just hoped for the best of fates as the scissors cut short your dampened hair. No hairdresser would give you the cut you wished for, the one you needed, so you had to do it yourself.

After a quick glance at the packed suitcases and the room that will remain vacant for a pair of months at least, you put on the black cloak and ran away.

The determination ran through your veins just like you were running through the hallways of the Château de Germolles, it has been doing so since the moment your father passed because there was nothing left for you at home if you did not have a man by your side saying the opposite. Certainly, your cousin replaced your father as the lord of the house, but he has never given you any sort of security in your own home. Two years have passed, and you would wait no more.

"Lady Y/N," le Seigneur Cartier, your father's right hand, interrupted your path. "Are you entirely sure about this?"

"Lord Carrington is expecting me, Seigneur Cartier," you answered. "And I have never been more sure about anything in my life."

He nodded, helping you get inside the carriage. "I will send you letters weekly."

"I will be expecting them," He closed the carriage door, and you peeked through its window. "I trust you to honor my father's wishes while I am gone."

Cartier nodded and made a gesture for the carriage to start, and you looked at the Château for the last time in God knows how long.

"One day until we arrive in Calais, one hour to Dover and seven hours to London," Antoinette, your maid, commented with a tired sigh. "Lady Y/N, are you sure about this journey?"

"I am sure, and I would appreciate it very much if all of you just stopped asking me that," you stated, annoyance slipping through your voice. "I am to be received by Lord Carrington, my godfather, and I will live in London for however long it takes."

"They are not in the Social Season, or so I have heard." You pursed your lips.

"I am not looking to marry as of now, my wish is to fall in love, Antoinette, because whoever is to be my husband must love me dearly before I display my everything to him. There shall be love, trust… He must be a man capable of ruling, not some mere lord. I will not hurry, and a specific time of the year will not stop me from finding a reliable husband. And I am not here to find a husband either way."

"I apologize, Lady Y/N."

The following hours were ruled by silence, there was little to no sentence said even during the hours of rest before continuing the lengthened voyage. No thing other than instructions were told during the two days and a half that it took to arrive in Lord Carrington's mansion.

It was bigger than you remembered, but again, the last time you were there was about ten years ago.

You were welcomed inside, not without looking around and admiring the art your godfather was a fanatic of.

"Oh, Lady Y/N! You have grown so much! You are a ravishing young lady, dear," Lady Carrington exclaimed, taking your hands in hers with a smile. Her loud nature was always remarkable, annoying to most but adored to you. "Hugh, darling! Lady Y/N just arrived!"

Lord Carrington appeared in the room with a smile that matched his wife's, an exuberant chuckle as he saw you. "Dear Heavens, you look just like your Mama!"

You laughed tiredly. "I am grateful to you, Lord and Lady Carrington, for welcoming me into your home. I had been setting my heart on spending some time here in London."

"So were we," he noted with a nod.

"Hmm, you must be dead tired, my dear. Let me show you your room for your stay." Lady Carrington motioned you to follow her.

"I am indeed, thank you," You smiled, to then announce your departure. " Excusez-moi."

You followed her through the infinite hallways and endless words, hearing her talk about the ball they were invited to just last week and the one they will host in five days.

"Did you bring ball gowns with you, my dear?" she asked you. "You must attend the ball as our guest of honor."

"I could not fit much in these suitcases, Lady Carrington," you replied. "However, I figured you could take me to the modiste soon. I will pay whatever the price is for some Paris here in London."

She smiled. "The modiste, Madame Delacroix, is French, my dear! I shall take you there tomorrow first thing in the morning."

"It is a plan, then, Lady Carrington."

"Perfect, dear," She nodded. "Rest, I will have someone wake you up for dinner. Tomorrow, in the afternoon, you will accompany me to Lady Danbury's for tea. She is a lovely woman, you will get along pretty well, I am certain!"

"I'd be honored."

"There is a lot of catching up to do, my Lady," she commented. "I had not seen you in a year."

"Not many remarkable events in my life, but I sure will have thought of one by the time we speak," you complied. "Uh, I was wondering when, and if, I could join Lord Carrington to the Royal Academy of Art."

"Well, that you must converse with him." She smiled and left your room.

You quickly changed your clothes to your nightgown, and fell asleep in less than a minute.

"Bonjour !"

You smiled politely at the woman who greeted you and Lady Carrington. " Bonjour, ça va ?"

"Very well, merci." she replied. "I am afraid we have not been introduced yet. Madame Delacroix, enchantée."

"Lady Y/N Voclain," you nodded slightly. "Êtes-vous française ? Lady Carrington m'a dit."

"Oh, speak in English, dear," Lady Carrington commanded. "Some of us don't speak French."

"Of course, I apologize," you chuckled slightly. "Lady Y/N Voclain, enchanted as well… Lady Carrington told me you were French, Madame, that is what I was asking."

Madame Delacroix just smiled. "Oui, indeed. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"My dearest Lady Y/N of Burgundy, always so modest… She is the daughter of the late Duke of Burgundy," Lady Carrington informed, and you nodded uncomfortably. You did not want people to know about your title during your stay in London, but perhaps it was inevitable. "Her dresses must reflect her greatness."

You approached the table where many colorful fabrics were displayed. "I will have one red that matches the rubies my Grandfather sent from their mines in the Americas, as well as some in different shades of green for the emeralds. Oh, for the ball I will have a white one with gold here and there… I would adore embroidered flowers but not too many, crystals, sequins, your finest silks," you explained everything you wanted in your dresses. "I trust you entirely, Madame. I want them unique, no one else will have the same dress, not even a similar one. I am willing to pay the price. Eight dresses for now, and the urgency is the dress for the ball. Do not disappoint me."

"Bien sûr," she replied with a nod. You raised your eyebrow at the odd pronunciation, but ignored her. "The length of your hair will be a challenge, Lady Y/N."

"Yes. Why did you cut it, dear?"

"Uh… I-" The bell saved you as its sound announced the arrival of a woman and her three daughters, calling for Madame Delacroix.

"I will be right back." she promised, and left you and Lady Carrington alone.

"Lord Carrington agreed to take you to the Academy tomorrow."

You smiled widely, making her curve her lips. "Oh, that is wonderful news, Lady Carrington! I am beyond grateful!"

"He wants your portrait painted, Lady Y/N, so it seems that you will spend many hours there."

"I am eager to!" you exclaimed.

She gave you a look you couldn't quite decipher, but if there was something you recognized in it, it was a threat. "Careful with the artists, Lady Y/N… We would not want you involved with any of them."

"Oh," You frowned. "I- I will not-"

"I know, dear… A lady like you has nothing to do with men like them, you deserve a man of title, with a surname that speaks for himself."

"Can't there be both?" you wondered out loud and she chuckled dryly.

"Those men spend their nights in clubs and brothels, and will certainly not stop doing so after marrying. Poor Lady Goldwyn, married to an artist who had a bastard child before having hers… Never at home, I got lucky with Hugh, but God forbid you stumble upon a similar fate."

You gave her an amused glance. "I know I can make a suitable pick."

"He must be rich, dear, how else will you afford living the life you always have had?" she commented. "A true gentleman, one that respects you and loves you dearly. If he has brothers or sisters it will be ideal, that way you will know he is a man of his family… Oh, Her Majesty, the Queen has a nephew, a prince, she brought to London last season, maybe he is still an eligible bachelor."

"A prince?" you questioned, surprised.

"The Prince of Prussia, my dear. I suppose that is a man worthy of a duke's daughter."

A laugh left your lips. "Do you truly believe that he would be interested in courting me, Lady Carrington?"

"Oh, he most certainly would!"

"Seeing is believing, then." You chuckled.

While you and Lady Carrington were talking, Madame Delacroix's clients struck up a conversation.

"I have never seen that lady before, who is her?" Lady Featherington questioned, seconded by her two daughters.

"Lady Y/N of Burgundy, daughter of the Duke of Burgundy," she replied. "She is French, a relative of the Carringtons."

"Oh, you two should befriend her! The Carrington ball is next week and we have not received our invitation yet."

"You are right, Mama," Prudence agreed. "I will go now."

Both sisters approached you and Lady Carrington, gaining a look full of disdain from the latter.

They introduced themselves, and their mother soon joined.

"We would be delighted to have you this afternoon for tea, Lady Y/N."

"I am afraid there is no empty spot in my schedule for now, but I will make sure to let you know once I am available." you replied after noticing Lady Carrington's discomfort.

"Well then." Lady Featherington nodded, and so did you. Then, she looked at Lady Carrington with a slight smile and disappeared.

"That woman is insufferable!" your godmother yelled.

Then you couldn't contain your laughter.

"Lady Carrington!"

"Oh, Lady Danbury!"

You both stood up as she entered the room, and you greeted her with a smile.

"This is Lady Y/N of Burgundy, she is my guest and Lord Carrington's," Lady Carrington introduced you. "She will stay until she finds a husband!"

You widened your eyes at her explicit purpose. "I- I am not- well, I am, but-"

She laughed. "Oh, dear. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. This woman has not stopped talking about receiving you."

"Enchanted to meet you, Lady Danbury," you finally said, chuckling slightly.

While it is true that you must marry and that your requirements are vast, on this particular visit to London, you are not looking to find a husband. You, however, were planning on doing a thing you clearly should not. An alibi was needed, and that way you could kill two birds with one stone.

"Take a seat, let's wait for the other guests," she commanded and you and Lady Carrington complied. Not many seconds later, three women joined you. "Well, this is Lady Mary and her daughters, Miss Kate Sharma and Miss Edwina Sharma… These are Lady Carrington, as you know, and her guest Lady Y/N of Burgundy."

You smiled. "Enchanted to meet you all."

"Us as well." Miss Kate Sharma answered for her mother and sister.

They took a seat, and soon another woman arrived.

"Lady Bridgerton!" Lady Danbury welcomed her.

"Lady Bridgerton?" You stood up at her mention and excitement painted your features.

Lady Bridgerton raised her eyebrow in confusion. "Yes…?"

"Oh, my bad!" you excused yourself before a happy grin. "Of course you don't remember me, the last time you saw me I was nine years old! Y/N, daughter of the Duke Sébastien of Burgundy."

"Oh, Heavens, look at yourself!" she exclaimed when she realized. "Dear, you have become a wondrous young lady!"

"Do you know each other?" Lady Danbury asked.

"Her late father, the Duke, was great friends with my husband," she replied with a tender smile. "I met her when she was a baby and saw her last about eleven years ago."

You laughed. "Oh, it has been so long, Lady Bridgerton! How are your children?"

"They are all great, Daphne married the Duke of Hastings just last season."

"How thrilling! Congratulations, Lady Bridgerton."

"Thank you, my dear."

"So you know the Bridgertons?" Lady Carrington questioned.

"Only Lady Bridgerton," You smiled. "I have not met her children yet, will you be attending the Carrington Ball next week?"

"Of course we will, especially knowing you will be there."

"I cannot wait, Lady Bridgerton."

"You are always invited to our home, dear. That invitation is still current."

"Many years ago, Lord Bridgerton said to me that I was invited to their home whenever I pleased, but I have yet to make honor of the offering." you explained to the rest of the ladies.

Lady Carrington smiled before interrupting. "So, Lady Y/N traveled from France to be here."

"Was it a long way?" Edwina wondered.

You nodded, taking the cup of tea that was offered. "Yes, it took almost three days to arrive here in London."

"And why did you decide to come?" Lady Danbury asked.

"To find a husband, of course." Lady Carrington announced, and you accidentally spilled your tea all over your dress.

"Dear!"

"Mon Dieu !, I- my apologies, it's-"

Miss Sharma and Miss Edwina were trying hard not to burst out laughing, but it was almost impossible when they noticed Lady Carrington giving you a handful of napkins and scolding you for being so clumsy. Then, as the other women in the room chuckled, they did too and so did you.

When everything was in order, you looked at everyone. "I apologize."

"Do not," Lady Danbury stopped you. "Are you not looking for a husband, then?"

"Uh, yes," you lied, an embarrassed look in your eyes.

"Miss Edwina came from India to find a husband here, dear, do not be ashamed!" Lady Carrington noted. "I was telling her about the Queen's nephew that came the previous season."

"He was a charming young man." Lady Bridgerton mentioned.

"And there are still one or three Bridgertons available to wed." Lady Danbury added, making Lady Bridgerton laugh slightly and the three Sharmas look at each other uncomfortably.

"There is also the new Lord Featherington, he has mines in the Americas, just like your Mama's family."

You nodded. "I shall ask Grandfather about the Featherington mines in my next letter, then… You would not believe the amount of men in Europe swindling the rich, saying they have the most prosperous mines in the Americas while that is the furthest thing from the truth," you mentioned. "My cousin, Lord Voclain, almost made a tremendous investment until I took a look at the jewelry the man gifted him for me. Glass painted green, as if he could cheat my eye."

"And Lord Featherington is engaged to his cousin Prudence." Lady Bridgerton reminded.

Cousins?, dear God.

"Well, he was courting Miss Cowper when that happened, so forgive me for being skeptical."

"It is disgusting nevertheless." you said.

"It is."

"I will be ready to list the eligible bachelors in London at the upcoming ball just for you, Lady Y/N."

You chuckled. "I am not in a hurry to wed, Lady Danbury. I wish to fall in love instead of marrying as if it is my duty."

"Is it not your duty to marry?"

"Technically, it is, yes," you replied to Miss Edwina as her older sister gave her a look. "But my father raised me to know my worth and not marry a man I do not love… He married my mother against his family's wishes, all because they loved each other dearly. That is what he wanted for me."

"He was an amazing man." Lady Bridgerton smiled.

"He was indeed." you agreed, an afflicted grin replacing your smile.

[logan-lieutenant]

shoutout to @escapentropy for this post and the brainrot rpf spiral i went into immediately after <3

anyway here is the fic about logan’s appearance on an instagram story and how alex may or may not have felt about it

The spaces between the stars

George knew something was wrong as soon as he saw the story.

For one thing, it was two in the morning. Not an abysmal time for anyone to be on social media, just abysmal for Alex. George still thinks it’s hilarious that Alex has screen time limits on his phone like an internet-addicted teenager, but he’s listened to enough lectures about the detriments of blue light and sleep cycles to bring it up anymore. And anyway, it’s not like Alex is any more responsive during the day. Over a decade into their friendship, and Alex is one of the worst texters George has ever met. If Alex isn’t texting back at 2 am, he definitely isn’t engaging in the cesspool of the internet. That had been a red flag in and of itself.

The story itself had been an even bigger hint: camera pointed straight up, showing a slightly blurry close-up of the night sky. If it was a constellation, George hadn’t known it; there was no tag, no caption, nothing. There also hadn’t been a hint of a horizon line or any indication of where the picture had been taken, but George hadn’t needed one.

He calls Alex a few minutes after he’d gotten the notification, and of course Alex picks up immediately.

“Get off the roof,” George says in lieu of a greeting.

Alex doesn’t say anything for a bit, leaving an awkward, staticky murmur on the other end of the line. Finally, he protests sheepishly, “I’m not on the roof.”

“You are,” George insists. “Don’t fuck with me. You’re at that little deck with the telescope and plants that no one’s watered in a month, and you’re not supposed to be there.”

Alex makes a sound halfway between a scoff and a laugh. “Would you believe me if I told you I finally paid for roof access?”

“No.”

Alex laughs again, but his voice sounded jagged and painful, rough around the edges.

“Come on,” George prompts. “You hate breaking rules. You only go up there when you’re stressed about something.”

“That’s…” Alex tries to begin, then trails off.

“Did you only post that star story cause you knew I would see it?”

The silence is enough of an answer.

George sighs. “Get off the roof. I’m coming over.”

“Really?” Alex’s voice is timid, almost a whisper. He sounds weak, like all the wind has been knocked out of him and he hasn’t had time to recover.

It hurts George just to listen to. “Yes, really. Someone needs to make sure you don’t engage in more criminal activity.”

“Fine, I’ll get off the roof!”

When Alex opens the door, he looks exactly how he’d sounded on the phone.

“Mate, you look terrible,” George informs him.

Alex rolls his eyes, then steps aside to let George in. “Thanks. Your commentary is always appreciated.”

George ignores the back talk. “Have you slept at all?”

Alex knots his fingers in his hair and pulls distractedly. He shrugs his shoulders, looking like he’s trying to curl into himself. “It’s not that late.”

“It’s late for you.” George steps forward and takes Alex by the shoulders, forcing him to stay still. “Alex.”

Alex struggles to meet his gaze. There are shadows under his eyes. Even under George’s hands he’s trying to fidget, shifting his weight, hands twitching at his sides.

“I didn’t come here to listen to you lie to me. You basically sent up the bat signal.”

That gets a laugh, Alex playfully trying to shrug George away. “Right. I forgot. You’re the British Batman. Who gets summoned by… stars.”

“You’re making me sound so poetic.” George claps him on the shoulder and pushes him gently in the general direction of the couch. “Sit down. I’m making us tea, and then you’re going to tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Is that an order?”

George looks over his shoulder at Alex’s smirk. “You know what? For old time’s sake, yes.” He finds a small stuffed cat toy on the counter and throws it at him.

When George brings in the tea, Alex is already surrounded by cats.

George laughs at the sight, Alex leaned back into the couch with two cats fighting for space on his lap and another draped lazily in some anatomically incorrect position over the armrest. “They gonna make room for me?” he asks, holding out one of the mugs.

Alex sits up straighter to take it, and one of the cats flicks its ears haughtily and strolls across the room.

“Your presence offends her,” Alex explains. “So yes.”

“I’m heartbroken.” A friendlier cat nuzzles George’s hand; he scratches it behind the ears. “You gonna tell me why you went up there?”

Alex looks away from him, slowly chewing his lower lip. He stares at the wall as if the picturue frames will tell him what to say. George waits patiently.

“Well, I should definitely stop,” Alex says at last, trying to laugh at himself. It falls flat quickly and he gives up. “I got in trouble for it, once, a few years ago. I think it belongs to only the top floor, not the whole building…” He boops one cat on the tip of the nose and it wrinkles up its face, swiping a paw over its eyes. He smiles at it. “Anyway, it’s one of the highest places in Monaco. You can see the stars better there than anywhere else– that I’ve found, at least… I don’t know, it just, it feels really peaceful up there. It helps me think clearly.”

George knows he’s not being given the whole story; Alex knows it too. George sips at his tea and says nothing. Alex doesn’t like silence; the longer George stays quiet, the more Alex will say just to fill the void. It’s not a very nice tactic, but letting Alex deflect and ramble and run away from his feelings isn’t helpful either.

Alex drinks his tea, pulling his sleeves over his hands and holding the mug close to his chest. “And I’ve got good memories, too… not like, that roof in particular– just, stars in general, I guess. That sounds stupid. Everyone has–”

“What’s the memory?” George asks softly.

Alex looks over at him then. He doesn’t say it out loud, but the gratitude is plain on his face, the shine in his eyes. Then he casts his eyes back down to the cats. “Last Christmas,” he begins “they did this video thing with me and Logan, just a bunch of questions, you know…” He waves a hand vaguely. “This interview thing. It was so silly, I don’t even remember a whole lot of it. But the thing way, the setup they chose was like this tiny inn in the middle of nowhere– I mean nowhere. And by the time we were done shooting it was night, because of course it was, and I remember we stepped out and there were just so many stars.”

Alex tilts his head back and looks at the ceiling, like if he reaches far enough into the memory he can bring the stars back with him. He takes a deep breath. “Y’know. Because there was less light pollution…”

“Yeah, so much gets washed out in the city,” George offers.

Alex nods. “Exactly. And I’ve been in like, less bright areas before, it had just been a while since I’d been able to see that many. And I remember I looked over at Logan cause I was gonna say something, like ‘Holy shit, it looks like we’re in space’… and he was just.” Alex stops, swallows heavily. He looks back into his tea, breathes out, watches the surface ripple. Then he leans over and places the tea, barely touched, on a side table. He rubs at his eyes and tries to pass it off as scratching an itch; George doesn’t call him out.

“He was just looking up at the sky,” Alex continues, voice softening with nostalgia, “and… and there was this expression on his face like I’d never seen before. He just looked so, like… fascinated. Enchanted.” He laughs a little, eyes far-away, and tucks his feet under him. One of his cats meows frustratedly at the change of position before settling down again. “I mean, he looked like a little kid. Like he’d never seen a night sky before, just smiling up at it… And I think I probably teased him in the moment. ‘Do they not have stars in America’, or… something.”

George feels a cat pawing at his shins and sits back. The cat jumps into his lap and turns to stare attentively at Alex. Even the animals are drawn in by the story, the way the emotions in Alex’s voice have started to fill the room like morning fog.

“But I kind of wish I hadn’t,” Alex adds, shuddering, “because I thought back after and I realized I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d seen him that happy.” His hand, in the middle of stroking a cat, falls limply to his side. “Relaxed. Not for the cameras, not playing anything off. There was just this moment where he was genuinely just happy about something. And I didn’t figure this out until later, but… I think it hit me so hard because I realized I hadn’t thought I was ever gonna see him like that again. Like, the season had been so tough for us, and especially toward the end it was really dragging him down, and I just sort of expected that. The way he used to look at everything like, no light in his eyes. Gone.”

George says quietly, “He never looked at you like that.”

Alex shoots his gaze over, focus sharpening to a razor-point. “Don’t,” he chokes out in a wavering, inflamed voice. “I’ve told you. You can’t make me… think like that.”

George puts down his tea so he can shift closer to Alex. “Mate, I’m just saying the facts. We’re in the same paddock. I know you know him better, but the rest of us aren’t blind. This season, when you two are together… he looks at you like–”

Alex puts his hand up.

George sits back, spreading his palms. “Okay,” he says quietly. “Too far?”

“Sorry.” Alex sniffles, then tries to hide it with a cough. “It’s just–” He nudges a cat off his lap so he can pull his phone out of his pocket. He scrolls through a couple photos until he pauses on a screenshot, then reaches out and shows it to George. “Have you seen this?”

George looks at the picture. “Not the original. I’ve seen it reposted, though.”

It’s the last thing Logan’s posted on his story, shared from someone named Zack Justice (George doesn’t know if he’s supposed to recognize that name) and it’s a picture of Logan. Playing golf.

The sun is shining. The sky is a perfect, picturesque blue. The green stretches on to the horizon, unbroken color that contrasts elegantly with the sky above. The horizon line is right at the halfway point of the image. It couldn’t be more aesthetic.

Logan isn’t too close to the camera, but he’s still recognizable. He’s also not wearing blue.

Alex takes back the phone but doesn’t turn it off. He stares at the photo, glassy-eyed, blue light throwing stark shadows across his face. His expression is lethargic, unreadable, but George has known Alex long enough to tell when he’s spiraling into his own thoughts.

Carefully, he takes the phone form Alex’s hand and flips it face-down onto the couch. An additional cat, seemingly from nowhere, plops onto the couch and sits between them, covering the phone with its tail.

Alex smiles, gentle and hurt. “Point taken.” He looks at his lap and twists his fingers together until another cat head-butts his hands. “This was the first sign of, like, anything. Sign of life, I guess. Since the… since Tuesday.”

“You haven’t talked since then?”

Alex shakes his head, and the motion is abrupt, almost violent. “Every message I send turns green, I… I think he blocked me.” His voice is almost completely shattered, words thick and effortful.

George doesn’t say anything. He just reaches over and rests his hand on Alex’s shoulder.

Alex finally loooks back at him and clasps George’s hand between both of his own.

“You miss him,” George murmurs.

Whatever chains Alex had been wrapping around himself snap and the tears fall like a storm. Dark and churning and unforgiving. He’s silent when he cries, teeth gritted, shoulders shaking.

George squeezes his hand, and Alex squeezes back. He’s clutching hard enough to hurt, but George doesn’t pull away.

Alex takes a deep breath and coughs on the exhale. He speaks like his voice cuts his throat on the way out. “He’s happier now, I think… I mean, he got away from it all. He got out.”

“It wasn’t you he was trying to get away from,” George insists fiercely. “He needs space.”

“Fucking hell, I know he needs space,” Alex spits out, voice rising. George tugs on his hands a little, shaking him, and Alex forces himself to take a deep breath. “But I need him.”

George stays very still.

He has to choose his next words carefully. He’s known about Alex’s feelings for months, had his suspicions long before that. He’s the only one who does, because Alex wouldn’t trust anyone else with the secret. He’d told George that, point-blank. And George had kept his word, obviously.

He’d worried for Alex, though. Has been whole time. Between Williams and Logan there was a ticking time bomb, and if George could’ve saved Alex from the shrapnel he would have. But hopes that it was just a phase, that it was just temporary infatuation that would fade over time, were dashed quickly. Whatever Alex felt was serious, and it was going to get him seriously hurt.

After the one confession they had barely spoken about it– not in explicit terms, anyway. As the 2024 season staggered on, their conversations started edging closer to the subject. Any mention of Logan was entangled with references and hints and what had practically become a code between them, all so Alex didn’t have to look the truth in the face. George wished it wasn’t happening; he wished his friend wasn’t setting himself up for heartbreak like this. But it wouldn’t have been fair to tell Alex to change and George would never hurt him like that anyway.

But this night, Alex’s talent for sidestepping reality is dead and buried. He’s hurt and he’s lost and his vulnerable, so George won’t say his own truth:

This was doomed from the start.

You’ve let yourself be hurt by things out of your control.

You can’t race with your head like this.

You need to move on.

Instead he only says, “He’ll come back to you.”

Alex releases one hand to nudge a cat closer to his chest. He lowers his head, voice muffled by the fur. “I wish I could believe you.”

[ellebakers]

☆ I know who you pretend I am | Part two

Criston Cole x reader

Part one

Summary : If Criston wants to play with you then you will play.

Warning(s) : Language, angst, smut as always :)

Tag list : @enchantedbones @whitejuliana1204

Stupid.

This is how you felt…

Criston had only played with you for few months, all just to get Rhaenyra back. He managed to get what he wanted, with an extra. You. he got you, naked, sweating and screaming his name.

How could you be so blind and stupid ? You had let your body speak and here is the result, you were heartbroken. You watched as the princess laughed at something he had just whispered to her, and as they rubbed the knife in the wound, your sister came over and sat down beside you.

"Can you tell me what's bothering you."

You didn't take your eyes off the pair as you exhaled sharply.

"What makes you think I'm bothered by something ?"

Alicent stroked your hair affectionately, drawing your gaze to her. "You haven't touched your plate since you arrived, and I noticed that you hadn't taken your eyes off the princess and Ser Criston."

You stiffened when she mentioned them. "I'm not really in the mood to party my dear sister."

Alicent crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned back in her chair. "You know there's nothing between them, right ?"

You pretended not to understand when she glared at you. "Don't make the mistake of taking me for a simpleton y/n."

You sighed and turned to her. "I appreciate you worrying about me, but I'm fine. Now excuse me but I'm going to retire to my quarters, I'm tired."

Your sister opened her mouth to protest but you were already gone. What you didn't know is that Criston hadn't taken his eyes off you when you were leaving. He wondered why you hadn't spoken to him, why you hadn't played his little game.

After all, the last time you played this, he ended up with his cock buried inside you, and he was ready to do anything to start over.

.

Returning to your room you asked the guards not to allow any visitors, especially not Criston Cole.

The night was eventful, when you closed your eyes images of the princess and Criston came to your mind, which forced you to wake up.

As for the knight, the night was hectic too, he couldn't close his eyes, after you left the meal, he tried to visit you but the guards in front of your door informed him of your order, and to say he was disappointed would be an understatement.

The next day you did not leave your room, ordering that your meal be brought back to your room. It was out of the question for you to see a certain person.

It was late in the day when your sister came into your room, clearly upset. "Out."

You frowned, putting down the book you were reading quietly before she disturbed your calm.

"What ?"

"You heard me very well, I want you out of your room. I asked to get the horses ready, you and I are going for a ride , we have to talk."

"But-"

She pointed a dangerous index finger in your direction. "Your queen asked you something, you have to obey. Join me in the courtyard in five minutes."

She walked away, leaving you speechless. You had nothing against taking a walk with your older sister, what bothered you was that her protector would be there. Criston Cole.

But you knew better than to annoy Alicent, so you went to join her reluctantly.

.

One hour, it had been an hour since the ride had started and you hadn't spoken.

Alicent glanced behind her to make sure her protector wasn't hearing, then turned to you.

"For heaven's sake he can't hear us, could you please tell me what's going on between you two ?"

You groaned closing your eyes, this conversation was already giving you a headache. "Alicent, there is nothing between us."

She let out a cold laugh. "Obviously ! Even a blind man would see that there is something between you. For months you have been flirting, but since yesterday something has changed between you and I would like you to tell me about it."

You sighed and glanced at Criston. The poor man looked sad until he met your gaze and stiffened on his horse.

You looked at your impatient sister and threw your hands in surrender. "Fine. We have..."

Alicent frowned, confused. "Well finish your sentence."

"You know, we have.." You waved your hands to try to make her understand.

"Y/n, use words !"

"We slept together."

The redhead raised her eyebrows and a mischievous smile appeared on her face. "Finally ! Better late than never."

You gasped. "Alicent !"

Your reaction made your sister laugh. "Excuse me. It's just that you've been circling around each other for months, I'm surprised you haven't done it before."

You shook your head smiling, then the memory of Criston with the princess came back to you. "But he only used me to get Rhaenyra back."

Your sister laughed, offending you. "Thank you."

Once her giggle passed, she looked at you gently. "Y/n, you're smart, how can you believe such a thing. This man is in love with you."

"He's not in love with me. He just used me for his pleasure."

Alicent's gaze became sad. "Y/n, believe me, I know when a man uses a woman just for his pleasure and Criston doesn't. After you left last night, he followed you, and when your guardians refused him the acces I thought he was going crazy. He's been asking to see you all day. Do you know why I came to look for you ?"

You shook your head.

"I spoke with Rhaenyra and she told me that Ser Criston approached her yesterday to apologize, and to tell her that he had finally found love. With you."

You couldn't believe your ears. He loved you, and you had made unfounded accusations, the poor man had to suffer even more than you.

For his part, Criston was dying to know what you could be talking about with your sister, but your protector caught his attention. "She must be good."

Cole came back to earth and turned to Wilson.

"What are you talking about ?"

Your new protector was everything Criston hated, young and arrogant.

"Y/n, I said I heard her moan two nights ago, I wish I was the person she was with, she must be good."

Criston saw red. He placed his horse in front of Wilson's in order to block it. "What are you doing ?"

"How dare you talk about her like that. How dare you call her by her first name. I won't accept such disrespect."

Wilson laughed. "Am I dreaming ? You have feelings for her ! Was it you with her that night ? So she was good, right."

Criston took out his sword and placed it at Wilson's throat. The riot caught the attention of the two young women, causing them to stop.

"Is everything okay Ser Criston ?" Alicent Shouted.

"Yes my queen, go on your way, we are coming."

Once the horses were back on the road, the knight spoke in a menacing voice.

"If you talk about her like this again, or look at her in a way I don't like, I'll kill you. Am I clear ?"

Wilson nodded, Criston set off again and accelerated to join the two women. An hour later, you stop in a small clearing to take a break. As you sat down on the grass, Alicent faked a yawn.

"I'm exhausted. Ser Wilson, escort me back to the castle please."

All eyes fell on her, all surprised, you asked. "Alicent are you sure that-"

"I trust Ser Criston to protect you, and I know how much you love sunsets, so please stay here until you want to come back."

You felt Criston's gaze on you, you looked at him and smiled at him for the first time since yesterday. The man had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep himself from smiling like a child does at this interaction.

"Very well my sister, on your way. Ser Wilson, I trust you to take care of my sister."

Wilson nodded and the two set off again and after a few minutes you could hardly see them on the horizon.

Criston remained standing and danced gently from one foot to the other. "You can sit Ser Criston."

The man was not waiting and he settled down next to you. You remain silent for a moment, until the guilt settles in you.

"I'm sorry."

You looked up at Criston who was already looking at you. "I'm sorry for acting like this last night and today."

"Have I been bad ?" He asked you.

You frown "What ?"

"If you ignored me it's because I didn't satisfy you when we slept together, isn’t it ?"

It took you a few moments to understand what he had just said, but when his words took on meaning you grabbed his face in your hands.

"God no ! You were perfect. I ignored you because I was jealous."

A smile appeared on Criston's face as he gazed longingly at your lips. "Jealous ? Of whom ?"

You let go of his face and Criston thought he was dying. You groaned and looked away at the sunset. "Rhaenyra. I thought you used me just to get her."

It was his turn to grab your face. "I only want you."

He didn't wait and devoured your lips. The kiss was passionate and romantic, not like the first time, this time it was more intense. You knocked his armor. "Take that off." You whispered against his lips. He smiled and kissed you before pushing himself aside slightly and removing his armor. Once rid of all this scrap he took your face and kissed you again, this see he guided you and lay down on you. Your legs spread instinctively and placed themselves on each side of his hips, making your dress go up. He took the opportunity to move his hand up along your thigh. You moan softly as he kisses your neck.

"I can't stop thinking about you." He confessed as he kissed you on the way down.

He was kissing your body through the dress but it was enough to make you shiver.

"Your voice, your body."

He came between your thighs and placed a kiss on each thigh. Still looking at you lovingly he took off your underwear. "You haunt my thoughts every moment Y/n."

His words made you wet more and more and you needed him. "Please touch me." You begged him.

He didn't torture you any longer and he pressed his mouth against your pussy and he sucked it. You arched your back letting out a gasp.

His lips were infernal, torturing you and giving you pleasure at the same time, and every time you thought you had reached your maximum pleasure he alternated his movements just to prove you wrong.

As you felt the orgasm coming you stopped him. He looked at you in confusion, but when you tackled him to the ground and straddled him a smile gave way. You unzipped his pants and jerked him off to make him even harder even though he was already rock hard.

He grabbed your hips and moaned as you slowed your movements so he felt each movement more intensely.

"Y/n, I need to be inside you."

You leaned over and kissed him. "I don't want you to retire."

As you reinstalled yourself on him, taking a hold of his chest, he looked at you with lust. "You want me to cum inside you ?"

You nodded and impaled yourself on his hard member.

He groaned as you arched your back moaning louder. "Fuck, feels good."

He thought he came just seeing you desperate for his cock. You'll quicken your movements and moan louder and louder as he growls beastly. Criston slipped his hand between your thighs and played with your clit to make you cum.

You felt the orgasm coming as he moved to hit the spot that would make you see stars.

He rose slightly to undo the back of your dress in order to make it fall and have access to your breasts. He grabs one of your breasts and puts it in his mouth to suck on it, the sensation turning you on even more.

You stopped moving as your needs got dirtier. You didn't want him to make love to you anymore, you wanted him to fuck you, violently as you had seen him do to a whore a few months ago.

He looked at you questioningly as you undid your hair. "I don't want you to be soft."

Out of breath he frowned. "What ?"

"I want you to fuck me like you would fuck a whore."

"But-"

"I am all yours and I want you to do whatever you want with me. I want you to take me, like an animal."

Something in him changed, he lifted you up and slammed your belly against the ground, he lifted your dress on your hips and grabbed your hair in his fist. Without warning, he brutally penetrated you, making you scream with pleasure, then without even giving you time to adapt, he moved inside you harder and harder.

"You like it when I fuck you like a whore."

You couldn't speak, the only things that could come out of your mouth were moans.

"You're mine, I'm going to fuck you like that whenever I feel like it, you understood me."

"Yes." You managed to say between two moans.

He took you so that your ass is high and your face is flat on the ground.

Then he turned you around and blocked your hands on the ground with his, and his thrusts became more and more violent, he let go of one of your hands to lift your thigh and put it above his shoulder, this new position hit your point just right and as he played with your nipples you cum on his cock screaming, He watched his cock glisten with your juices and the image made him cum inside you.

He pulled back once certain that you had taken all of his seed and he rested his head on your chest to catch his breath.

That's how you fell asleep, serene and happy.

[affectionatelyrs]

Seven Sentence Sunday🌟

I've gotten so many tags today which means that I've gotten to read so many amazing snippets - thank you @littlemisskittentoes @welcometololaland @adreamareads @nocoastposts @itsmaybitheway @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @magicandarchery @getmehighonmagic @leaves-of-laurelin and @kiwiana-writes

I'm almost done with the truth or dare fic and like... I'm genuinely so excited to post it. It's been a while since I've posted, and I just really like this fic for some reason. So here's more than seven sentences because I can (and because I accidentally made people think that this fic is angsty last week and it's not)

“So…back to the game, then?” Henry seems to mull this over in his mind before replying, “Sure, why not. I could go for a few more rounds.” Alex doesn’t choke on the sip of his drink he’d been in the process of taking, but it’s a damn close thing. He doesn’t know if Henry knows how dirty that sounded, but Alex sure does. It does nothing to quell his imagination from conjuring up an image of Henry in bed, flushed and panting yet begging for more, that he can go again, that he can take it. That he can take Alex. Fucking… Fuck. “Whose turn was it?” Henry asks while Alex is busy pondering the merits of throwing himself out their fifth-story window and hoping his boner doesn’t take anyone’s eye out on his way down. “Forgive me, but I am a bit tired. Do you think you could take it?” There’s no way that Henry’s not doing this on purpose. He makes words mean things when put in a certain order for a living, for fucks sake. Alex almost quips back depends on how big it is just to see how—or if—Henry would react.

No pressure tagging @anchoredarchangel @anincompletelist @sherryvalli @dumbpeachjuice @firenati0n @gayrootvegetable @leojfitz @lizzie-bennetdarcy @whimsymanaged @everwitch-magiks @read-and-write- @rmd-writes @tintagel-or-cockleshells @inexplicablymine @orchidscript @cultofsappho @cricketnationrise @bigassbowlingballhead @myheartalivewrites and @matherines

[waterdeep-weavemoss]

Parley part 3

Tav stirred, silk cool against her back. She tried to sit up and instead found herself held in place by a gentle, firm hand.

'Ah-ah,' said Raphael, tutting. 'You're still fragile, my sweet little mouse. Don't move.'

'The hells am I doing here?' She blinked, attempting to orient herself. The sparkling, inviting waters of the rejuvenation pool flowed musically before her.

'Resting,' he said, an edge to his voice. He stroked a soothing thumb across her shoulders; the wounds had become raised scars, undeniably permanent and faintly purple against her skin. 'So sorry,' he said, not sounding sorry at all. 'It's my understanding you wear your scars with pride. How on earth are you going to explain these to your friends? The wizard and the vampire, my goodness. They will be so angry.'

'Not at me,' she said, trying to extricate herself from his grip and failing.

'Stay,' he said sternly.

'I don't take orders from you,' she spat.

'You do tonight,' he said, pushing her back. 'Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be, foolish girl. I've healed your wounds but you still need rest. No arguments.' He held a goblet to her lips. 'Drink.'

She had no choice; if he wanted her dead, he would've just let her bleed out, she reasoned. When she took a mouthful, it was just wine, sweet and heady.

'Trying to get me drunk, are you?' she croaked.

'Much as seeing you drunk would be utterly delightful,' he said, smirking a little, 'it's simply a kindness. It tastes good, yes?'

'Yes. But-'

'I know. You need water. But first, the wine.' She drank, watched him set it down.

'Why am I here? Why didn't you take me back home?'

'You think I trust those fools with your care? Come now, sweetling. They had no faith in you coming here, they didn't trust you, and yet they let you walk into my House. If I am as terrible as they believe, they have knowingly condemned you to death. Think on that.'

Tav's lips pulled back in a snarl. Weak as she was, she was not so pliant as he thought her to be. 'You're taking advantage, Raphael.'

'Of what?' His eyes narrowed. 'If I wanted your body I would simply take it. If I wanted your soul i would simply rip it from you,' he growled. 'You vexing girl-'

'Well, I'm at your mercy now, aren't I? My body is weak, my head is full of fog, I'm in your bed for fuck sake- my plan went so wrong. So catastrophically wrong. So whatever chance you have, this is your best shot.'

'I don't want to take what I want.' his hands either side of her head curled into the silks, crumpling them into his fists. 'You lie to yourself constantly. I know you do because every time I near your heart quickens. Stop lying. Stop lying to yourself, stop lying to those hapless fools, stop lying to me.'

'What the fuck are you talking about?' she asked in genuine bafflement.

'Oh, little mouse. Little mouse. You...' He closed his eyes, breathed out through his nose in frustration. For several long moments he simply hovered over her, and then he spoke. 'Surrender.'

'Never,' she said immediately. The cold dark power within her chest purred in satisfaction.

'Such a brave little thing,' he rasped. 'But alright. I respect that. You leave when you are healthy, and not before.'

She considered. 'Fine.'

He snapped his fingers, a contract appearing. 'Be fair, now.'

She sighed in annoyance, signed the paper. 'Alright. And I suppose you want to seal the deal.'

'Of course,' he whispered, dipping his head to kiss her soundly. His weight pushed her into the mattress, and her head swam. A spark of something in her chest, something cold and hungry, woke. Tendrils of shadow crept from her mouth, freezing and sharp, and the devil jolted backwards, eyes wide in shock and, to Tav's astonishment, fear.

'No. No, that can't be- he didn't-'

'Who? What's happening? What the hells are you talking about, Raphael?!'

Tags:

@bluerosetarot @dansnotavampire @further-than-forever

@forget-me-maybe @poetryvampire @sasha199 @wandawillow

@boufsy @owlseeyoulaterpal @lanafofana @amorgansgal

@auroraesmeraldarose @aryancunin @miradelletarot @marlowethebard

@crimson-and-lavender @reeseykins @medra-gonbites

@roguishcat @weaverofnetheril @galedekarioswifey @hyperfixationstation128 @lastlight-inn

@astarryvamp @feedthepheasants @dabigstinky @dreamingofthewild @ladyofcrowsandcoffee

[iamknicole]

Chapter Seven

A/N: Comment, Reblog & Share! Updates depend on engagement!💛🌻

Warnings: 18+, Minors DNI, cursing, violence, excuse any typos

Masterlist

Chapter 6

To celebrate his debut, Bronco organized a night out for Zilla the following night. He figured this was a good time for Trick to make a better impression on Zilla than he had in the PC. With Naio and Jon being in town for his match, they went along with him to celebrate leaving Moriah at the apartment with Trinity, Leata and Nadine. The Patio had been a great choice for their outing by Bronco. The drinks, the atmosphere and the food were putting them all in an even more celebratory mood. When Zilla and his family arrived Bronco met them by the bar, dapping up Jon and Naio.

“Listen before we get over there, I invited Trick and Christian. They wanted to celebrate with us. Cool?”

Zilla nodded slowly. At this point nobody could be any worse than his soon to be mother in law. “That’s cool but who is Christian?”

“My bad,” Bronco laughed, “Christian is Melo. He answer to both.”

After getting his approval, Brinco led them over to the section and the cheering from the other two men began. They both moved in to dap Zilla up then his family.

“Yall know Jon and this one of my brothers, Naio.”

 “Damn yall look alike,” Christian joked as he dapped them both up, “That’s crazy. Congrats on the debut though. That match was crazy, man.”

“Facts. They did right putting you as the main event.” Trick praised. “Shut that show down. Ain’t leave shit for nobody else.”

Zilla shrugged bashfully, not ready to take the compliments. Noticing, Jon roughly grabbed his shoulders and shook him playfully.

“We here to celebrate so we need to get this man a drink! I’m the DD so Zilla enjoy yourself. I’ll make sure yall straight.”

While they were starting their night the right way, Nadine was making sure the opposite was happening at the apartment. Since the men left, she attempted to get to know Trinity and see what her daughter had been up to.

“So you are married to who again? Nadine asked.

“Jon, Zilla’s cousin. The one that was just here not too long ago.” Trinity answered, trying not to roll her eyes.

Nadine hummed. “And you wrestle too, right? The lil neon girl.”

“Glow, Mama. Glow,” Moriah corrected quickly. 

“Glow, neon, same thing.” Nadine chuckled. “I guess Moriah could be doin worse things. At least she’s only dating one.”

Trinity frowned. “What’s wrong with being a wrestler?”

“Nothing, sweetie. It’s just not for my baby. She’s too cute to be thrown around and hurting herself like that,” Nadine explained while playing with Moriah’s hair. “But I guess better Isayah than her.”

Leata stood from her spot on the sofa, she beckoned for Moriah to follow her then walked to the kitchen.

“I know, I know,” she spoke softly.

“This is my fault,” Leata tsked, “I should’ve left her ass in Texas. I’m trying to be nice here but she’s pushing it, Moriah.”

“I know, I’m gonna say something. She’s been on one since yall got here.”

“She has and you need to put your foot down for the sake of yourself and your relationship.”

Back at the club, Zilla volunteered to order more drinks and shots for them at the bar, Trick tagged along with him. They leaned against the bar waiting for one of the bartenders to make their way down to them for their order.

“I ain’t mean no harm with what I said to you before,” Trick explained, leaning in so Zilla could hear him to which he nodded. “I just was tryna help you not make the same mistake I did when I first got there.”

“What mistake?”

“The mistake of not knowing how good I am and just letting everybody else decide how good I am instead of letting it be known.”

Zilla chuckled, glancing over at him. “I hear you. I appreciate that but that definitely ain’t what it sounded like you was sayin’.”

Trick laughed a bit, “I thought about it afterwards and realized that I prolly sounded crazy as hell. I gotta work on my approach but I meant well, forreal, big dog. So we good?”

Zilla accepted his hand slap and they briefly hugged. “Yeah we straight, man. That delivery was trash though.”

“I know, I know. But remember what I said now. We was backstage while you was out there doin ya thing so we heard just about everything. Them people know what’s up even if they don’t act like it, keep ya foot on they neck.”

The bartender came to get their order then walked away to put it in and make their shots. As push jolted Zilla, had Trick not been beside him, he would have hit the floor. Remembering where he was, he tried not to get worked up about it as he turned to see who it was and if they were going to at least apologize. He locked eyes with a man a couple of inches shorter than him. The man stared at him but didn’t offer any words.

“Yo, you good?” Zilla asked, glaring at him.

Trick looked around Zilla in enough time to see the man size both of them up. “My man, you straight?”

The man scuffed then walked off, roughly bumping Zilla’s shoulder that affected the man more than it did Zilla. Placing his hands on Zilla’s shoulders, Trick shook his head and turned him back around to the bar.

“Don’t even worry about it. That man prolly drunk off his ass and don’t realize what mistake he just made.”

Zilla shook his head, turning to see where the man looked and sucked his teeth. “For his sake he better be.”

After getting into Trinity’s business as much as she could, Nadine  made it her business to get into Moriah’s business which included a bit of snooping. 

Moriah had just come in from running down to their car to grab her charger and realized her mother was no longer sitting in the living room area with Leata and Trinity. She rolled her eyes and sighed.

“Where is she?”

“I’ll let you guess,” Leata chuckled, looking towards the bedroom.

Again, Moriah groaned.

Trinity laughed. “I tried to stop her and she told me that I should mind my business. I decided to let you handle it because if I do.”

“I’m sorry about her, Trin,” she said shaking her head, “I swear she thinks she runs everything. I should’ve just came to the hotel instead of offering the apartment while they’re out.”

“You’re stalling,” Trinity pointed out.

“I’m not. I was just venting,” she pouted.

Leata pointed towards the bedroom, “Alu loa i totonu o lena potu.” (Get in that room now.)

Moriah pouted harder and stomped a few times. “I don’t know what you said but I can read between the lines

 I'm going but I don't like it.”

Getting into the room, Moriah found her mother going through the nightstand on her side of the bed. She cleared her throat to get Nadine’s attention. Although she didn’t look up, Moriah knew that she’d been heard.

“Why are you in my things, Mama?”

“You got something to hide?” She asked, still not looking up.

“No but,” Moriah was cut off by Nadine.

“Okay so why does it matter if I’m looking in here?”

Biting her tongue for a moment, Moriah took a deep breath in and out to contain herself. “Because everything in there belongs to me and I wanna know why you’re going through my personal things?”

“Oh please,” she laughed, opening the second drawer, “I’m your mother, I can do what I want.”

“You being my mother doesn’t give you the right to violate my privacy, Mama. I am an adult, this is my apartment and I want you to get out of my things now. Please.”

Nadine closed the drawer with a huff finally looking over at her daughter. “Whatever you’re hiding, you might as well tell me now. You know I’m gonna find out. I always do.”

“You wanna know what I’m hiding? Fine, I’m hiding how I really feel about how you treat Zilla, my relationship and me. I’m tired of it.”

Nadine’s brows raised in surprise and humor. “Oh is that right? Well, sweetheart, if it wasn't for me doing what I have been doing for the last ten plus years then things would be mighty different for you. Wouldn’t they?”

“They would and that would be just fine with me. I didn’t ask you to do any of it, In fact, I recall begging you not to,” Moriah fussed, feeling her anger rise.

“You should be very grateful that I stepped in when I did or you would’ve been just another statistic. Is that what you wanted? To be a statistic like those other girls and like your little boyfriend.”

Moriah clicked her tongue repeatedly. “You don’t think you did anything wrong, do you, Mama?”

Nadine stared at her daughter with a proud smile. “No, I don't and I didn't. I wish I would’ve and could’ve done more but I’m making up for that now.”

“What is your problem?” Moriah yelled, unable to hold it in any longer. “What is it? Just spit it out!”

Leata pushed the door open gently, rushing over to stand between them. She faced Moriah, rubbing her shoulder to calm her down.

“Breathe, manamea. In, out.”

Reaching around Leata, Nadine jerked Moriah out of Leata’s grasp and over to her side. Leata turned quickly, a deep frown on her face.

“Nadine, don’t pull on her like that. You could hurt her,” she fussed.

“And if I do then she’ll be okay. This is my child, not yours!” Nadine yelled, pointing her finger in the other woman’s face.

Leata slapped her hand away from her face. “You better keep that finger outta my face if you wanna keep it, Nadine. It does not matter if you’re her mother, it doesn’t mean you can manhandle her because you’re angry.”

“Since they were kids you’ve been trying to undermine me with my child and it stops today! You don’t tell me what I can and cannot do to and with Moriah! For the last time this is my daughter and you can’t have her! So you go back out there and with that girl and mind your got damn business, Leata!”

Moriah pulled away from her mother, stepping in between the two women. She pushed each of them gently so they all could have more space. Trinity jogged into the room to help Moriah keep them apart and be by Leata’s side.

“Mama, chill out! Stop yelling at her! She did nothing wrong!”

“Stay out of this, Moriah! She tells you everything that you wanna hear so you’ll stay with that jailbird of a son so she doesn’t have to take care of him! All you are is a stupid girl with a check to her!”

Leata chuckled humorlessly to herself and tried to walk closer despite being held at bay by Trinity, “Nadine, one more time to talk about my child. It’s gone on too long.”

“Just breathe Auntie. It ain’t worth it.” Trinity whispered.

“Did I strike a nerve? You know it’s true that’s why you’re so upset. My baby makes more than your son ever will.”

“You don’t even know what you’re talking about, Mama. Zilla makes more than I do. You’re just making stuff up at this point.” Moriah shook her head in disbelief. “You are literally trying to find any way to make him the bad guy. If you dislike him this much then you shouldn’t have come here.”

“Oh, girl,” Nadine groaned at her daughter, “You sound about as dumb as you act, Just shut up.”

“No! You shut up!”

Moriah opened her mouth to finish her statement but Nadine’s open palm making contact with her face cut her off. The sound was enough to shock Leata and Trinity, both jumped and stare in shock. Moriah stumbled back until she hit the wall and put her hand to her face. Her cheek was warm from the collision, blood pooled in her mouth and droplets fell along with the tears in her eyes. Nadine’s eyes grew wide as she realized what she had done. She meant to slap her just not as hard as she had.

“Moriah … sweetie,” Nadine said as she attempted to approach her daughter.

“No,” she yelled, “Don’t touch me! Get out, I want you to leave.”

“Baby, just let me get you some ice.”

“I don’t want you to do anything but leave,” she responded, trying to catch the blood falling from her mouth.

Trinity rushed to the bathroom to get something to catch the blood and hopefully stop it. Leata decided to stay quiet and not make any move towards Moriah as the situation had already escalated way too far. 

“Moriah, I … just let me take a look at it for you.”  Nadine pleaded, reaching for her again only to have Moriah recoil from her.

“I can’t do this anymore, Mama. I love you,” she paused, wincing from the pain, “I love you but I can’t do this anymore.”

“It’s just a little argument, Rye. Mama’s sorry.”

Trinity returned with a warm rag, putting it to Moriah’s mouth to wipe the blood.

“I don’t want your sorry,” she said softly after moving Trinity’s hand, “I want you to leave. Until you can accept me, Zilla, his family and our relationship, I don’t wanna talk to you.”

It felt as though Nadine’s heart had been stepped on. All she wanted was the best for her daughter and now it was all backfiring in her face. 

“I’ll give you some time, Rye.”

Leata followed Nadine out to the living room and went to her purse to grab the keys to the rental. She held them out to the other woman.

“Here, take the keys.”

Nadine dabbed at the corners of her eyes before taking the keys. “Let her know that I’ll come check on her tomorrow.”

“She was clear about what she wants from you, Nadine. Give her the space she’s asking for. She’s got a lot of shit that you did to her that she needs to work through.”

“I’ve done nothing but protect her and do what’s best.”

“What you thought was best, not what she wanted and you know that.”

“She was a child, she had no clue what was best for her. As a mother sometimes you have to make hard decisions even if your child hates you for it. I wasn’t gonna let that fly.”

Taking one last look at Nadine, Leata went back to the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Nadine grabbed her purse and fixed herself up and left the apartment with her head held high. She had two days to fix a few things.

“Yo, you know that man?” Bronco asked, pointing at the man that had bumped Zilla earlier. 

All five men looked in the direction he was pointing.

“Yeah he bumped into me at the bar. Other than that ion know him,” Zilla shrugged.

“He staring hard as hell at you. I think he might know you.”

Trick laughed. “Shoulder prolly hurt from when his drunk ass tried to shoulder check Z. Prolly mad.”

“Nah, nah,” Naio said, squinting in the direction of the man. “I know him, I seen him before.”

Jon raised a brow. “Where you know em from? Maybe he thought Zilla was you.”

Naio shook his head. “Nah, he know that ain’t me. He know who lil bruh is.”

“Ion know him. Who is he?” Zilla asked, his eyes still on the man.

“That’s that dude Rye dated. Timmy … Harry … some square ass name.”

“Thomas,” Zilla corrected, a glare on his face.

“Oh he want smoke,” Christian asked quietly.

Jimmy went to stand in front of Zilla blocking his view of the man. “No, don’t nobody want smoke. Let em stare all he want, he already found out you a brick wall and I know he don’t wanna do that again.”

Just as those words left Jon’s lips, Thomas was crossing the club coming in their direction. Jon tried to talk the younger men down with some help from Naio. He knew the damage a public fight would do to their careers, especially Zilla’s since it just started. 

Thomas approached Zilla with a smirk. 

“Nice to meet the jailbird in person. Dr. Gardner but call me Thomas,” he said, sticking his hand out.

Jon stepped in front of his younger cousin. “Whatever you came over here for, you ain’t gettin. Gone go back to your spot over there and it won’t be no problems.”

“Oh you can’t talk for yourself,” Thomas poked, peeking around at Zilla, “I guess its still hard to adjust after being locked up so long.”

“Bitch,” Zilla yelled, trying to get out of his brother’s hold.

“Aye, aye, chill out. Dude you need to get from over here.”

Thomas tried to hide his fear behind his smirk. “Nah, I’m enjoyin myself right here. Just wanted to see the waste of time Moriah has attached to her. Disappointing up close.”

Bronco stepped forward with Trick and Christian behind him. He towered over the other man.

“It really sound like you hard a’hearin. Get your ass outta here before you get tossed the fuck outta here. This ain’t a game.”

Even though he was terrified on the inside, Thomas put on a brave face and continued pushing. He took a few steps closer, pushing Jon’s hands from his chest.

“Enjoy your time with Mo, it’ll be coming to an end real soon. It’ll be nice to have her back in bed with me.”

At that, Naio took his hands off his brother realizing that there was nothing more he could do to save the stupid man standing in front of them. Zilla barrelled forward, standing inches from Thomas and glared down at him.

“Repeat that shit you said.”

Thomas swallowed hard as he stared back, the other men stood closely behind Zilla. 

“No need to get all upset. You couldn’t really think she’d stay with you after I decided to let her come back with me.”

“If you know what I know you gon stay your ass away from her. She told you once already,” he spat moving closer to him, “And if she has to say it again I’m on yo ass. I promise you that.”

“You wouldn’t wanna go back to prison, would you?” Thomas chuckled.

Zilla smirked. “You must not know me. It’s whatever behind my lady. If it mean I gotta go back then that’s what it is.”

“Spoken like a true street warrior. You a grown man now, it’s time to put that little boy, thug life stuff away.”

Zilla poked Thomas’s nose harshly as he spoke, “Fuck all that. Lemme find out ya ass don’t understand what no mean. Think I’m playin’.”

Naio whispered to his brother that they were leaving and Zilla nodded. He led the group out of the section, shoulder checking Thomas almost knocking him off his feet. As the men passed the smaller man, they made eye contact giving silent promises they were sure he understood. Bronco stopped in front of him, staring down at him. A chuckled passed through him seeing Thomas shake under his stare.

“Lakeland General a nice place. Security ain’t shit though,” he said calmly. “I want you to remember that every time you see, think about or look at Rye. Aight, lil man?”

Bronco sent a gruff slap to his back as he passed him to catch up to the group. The men stood around the Jon’s car talking about the altercation when Bronco got to him,

 “You hit em?” Christian asked squinting.

“Nah, not this time.” He laughed. “What we doin?”

I was tellin them, mainly Zilla, that yall need to tell Shawn what happened before he find out from somewhere else.”

“We ain’t even touch lil dude but aight.”

“Despite that dumbass we had a good time tonight and that’s what we gon focus on for right now.” Trick smiled. “And tomorrow we can worry about Shawn chewing our asses out.”

“She what?”

Leata covered his mouth quickly. “Hush, not so loud, she’s sleep. Are you gonna be quiet?” She waited for him to nod to take her hand down. “I’m not sure how it started but Moriah … she had enough then Nadine smacked her.”

His fists clenched at his side hearing his mother’s words. The night had started off promising but had since gone to hell.

“She the one that need to get her ass slapped.”

“I agree but right now, Moriah is your focus. We’ll get to Nadine later, she isn’t important.”

“What you mean she ain’t important? She slapped Fat.”

Leata grabbed his face and spoke softly, “She is not important. There’s always time to get her. Moriah needs you right now and she doesn’t need angry Zilla, she needs comforting Isayah. Okay?”

He nodded slowly staring down at his mother.

“What was bothering you when you came in here? Cause it was something.”

“Her ex was at the club, he was tryin me.”

“You didn’t put your hands on him, did you?”

He shook his head. “Nah but I should’ve. A coincidence that almost got his ass beat.”

She leaned up to kiss his face then hugged him tight. She had a feeling it wasn’t a coincidence but she wasn’t gonna tell him that. “I’m gonna go but call if you two need me to come back. I put some extra towels and washcloths on her side of the bed and there’s one on her pillow.”

“Aight, Mama. I love you.”

After his shower, Zilla eased into the bed close to his girlfriend. When he saw the dried blood on the towel beneath her head and around her mouth, his body started to heat up from anger. He grabbed the damp rag from his bedside and gently wiped around her mouth. She whined softly at the contact.

“Shhh. It’s aight, Fat. It’s just me.” He whispered softly, still cleaning the dried blood away.

Her eyes still closed, Moriah gingerly moved over to lay her head on his chest. She hissed softly when her face made contact with his body. 

“You need anything?”

“No,” she answered softly.

“I got you, aight? I ain’t goin nowhere.”

Begrudgingly, Zilla got up the next morning to go to the PC. He made sure his mother and brother would be there with Moriah in case she needed anything. First thing he did was talk to Shawn, which apparently the other guys had the same idea because they were all at his office within minutes of one another. The talk went well, Shawn promised to look into it and took their word for what happened, He trained throughout the day with a few of the trainers and before lunch he went to promo class with Bronco. For much of the class, he had to force himself to stay focused on the task at hand but his mind kept drifting back to his girlfriend, wondering if she was okay and if her mother had tried to get to her again. After class, he and Bronco talked for a bit until his brother’s school called for him and when they split Booker approached. 

“I ain’t get to see you after your debut so I wanted to come congratulate you and let you know you tore the roof off that place, you hear me?” He laughed. “Boy, yo daddy so proud of you. I know he is.”

“Preciate that,” he chuckled, “I hope he is.”

“Ain’t no hopin’, he is very, very, very proud of you. Okay?”

Zilla nodded as he checked his phone, he replied to his brother’s text then looked back up at his mentor.

“What’s up? I did something?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, I just … what happened last night?” Booker asked.

Zilla shrugged. “Got into with this dude but I ain’t hit em or nothin. I ain’t even yell. How you even knew about that?”

“Shawn asked me plus there’s a video floating around on social media. But it just looks like a very aggressive conversation.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty much what it was. He thought he was gon say what he wanted and I let em know that it don’t work that way.”

Booker put a hand on his shoulder, “I get that and I understand that especially as a man. It’s hard but sometimes you have to let people be people.”

Zilla’s face twisted at his words and he sucked his teeth. “I don’t care what he said about me but when it come to Moriah, I’m not lettin shit slide. She already let enough people do that shit, I ain’t addin to that list.”

“Listen, listen,” Booker demanded softly, “I’m not telling you to let nobody disrespect her. All I’m saying is just think about it. Act as if there’s a camera pointed at you when you’re in public. The company wants you to carry yourself a certain way.”

“It sound like you want me to do that, not the company. I said what I said and Ima stand on it. I’m not lettin no disrespect come to her.”

“I’m not tryna upset you, Zilla. I just wanna help.”

“Yeah, help.” He mumbled. “That’s all you wanted?”

“Yeah but,” Booker was cut off by the younger man.

“Cool, I’m out. I’m done for the day and I gotta get home.”

Lakeland General was buzzing as usual when Nadine slipped in. She searched the pediatric floor in search of Thomas, waving away the nurses who offered her any help. On a mission, she finally spotted him with a patient and stood at the door watching him. A smile slowly spread across her face thinking of how happy she would be if Moriah would just listen. Nadine cleared her throat gaining his attention, he wrapped up his conversation with the parents then stepped out of the room closing the door behind him.

“I wasn’t expecting you up here, Ms. Nadine.”

“Well I figured I’d come see my son in law plus we need to talk,” she said pointedly, “It’s important.”

Thomas looked around for a moment  then led her to the hallway near the elevators. He stuck his hands in his pockets huffing softly.

“So I guess you heard what happened?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You heard what happened last night? I assume that’s why you’re here.”

Nadine frowned. “No but go ahead and tell me,Thomas.”

“Well,” he paused when a doctor stepped off the elevator, “I went to the club since you told me they were gonna be there. I bumped him at the bar but he didn’t really react. The guy standing next to him just wrote me off as a drunk guy.”

Thomas continued to relay the story to her, her face was stone and she showed no emotion. 

“Thomas, I could have told you that trying to start something with him wasn’t a good idea. That’s what their family does and sweetie, they’re much bigger than you.” She said sweetly rubbing the side off his face. “I didn’t tell you that he would be there for you to start a fight. You leave the planning to me.”

“I was uh .. I was just trying to help.”

While they were talking, Toni was coming out of the pediatric supply closet with an arm full of items needed down in the ED. As she was approaching the elevator bank she heard Moriah’s name and Thomas’s voice, she moved to the nearest corner to listen.

“And I love that you’re helping me get my daughter away from him but like I said leave the planning to me. Just lay low for right now, we’ve hit a bump in the road.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah just that boy and his family are really sinking their teeth into my baby. But don’t you worry, I’ve got something in mind that will clear all of this.”

Thomas raised a brow. “Yeah? You sure it’s gonna work?”

“Oh I know it,” she smirked, “I’ve been trying to get her to leave him but she won’t. So I have to make him leave her.”

“You think he’s gonna?”

“Oh most definitely. Once I pull out my secret weapon, he won’t wanna be with her any longer. I’m sure of it.”

Thomas smiled a little. “Can I know what it is?”

“Okay but keep it to yourself.”

Toni listened extra carefully as Nadine spoke, she had to cover her mouth to muffle the gasp that left her lips. She couldn’t imagine why a mother would take such delight in ruining her only child’s relationship. A light bulb went off in her head, Thomas already knew Moriah so when he approached her in the parking garage all he was trying to do was use Toni as a pawn.

After Nadine left, Toni was able to get back down to the ED, her mind still on the conversation. 

“Hey, friend.”

Looking up from her device, Toni chuckled under her breath seeing Bronco smiling at her.

“I’m gonna assume the other one isn’t here since Moriah is off. Did he send you to disrupt my ED, Bronco?”

He laughed a little gesturing behind him. “Nah, my lil brother fell at school and he needa get checked out.”

Toni glanced at the young boy and smiled then squinted at the man in front of her. “And you bought him here? Does he not have a primary care doctor?”

Bronco leaned on the encounter still smiling. “He do but I hadn’t seen my friend in a few days plus I know you gon make sure my boy straight.”

“Uhuh,” she hummed, eyeing him, “Come on, I’ll take him to 5.”

Bronco followed her with his brother right beside him. He stood back once they were in the exam room, watching her get him situated in the bed.

“Alright, a nurse will be in shortly then the doctor. Want some juice or anything, sweetheart?”

“Yes ma'am please.”

“Okay,” she winked, “I'll have the nurse bring it.”

As she was walking out, Bronco grabbed her arm gently pulling her back.

“Yes?”

Licking his lips, Bronco’s eyes swept over her. “What I gotta do to get you to be his nurse?”

“I need to run my ED.” She said, gently pulling her arm away from him. 

“It'll be there. This ain't gon take but a minute.” He poked his lip out at her playfully. “Pleaaaase.”

She stared at him trying not to smile. “Fine, fine. I'll be right back. But you owe me, Bronco.”

“And I plan to pay you back and then some, friend.”

“I’m busy, Hassan. I’ll call you back later.”

“I don’t care. We need to talk,” he responded sternly.

Nadine huffed while she actually wasn’t busy, she didn’t feel like talking to him. She moved her suitcase over and sat on the side of the hotel bed.

“What do you want, Hassan?”

“I wanna know why you thought it was okay to put your hands on our daughter? Have you seen her face? You left a bruise, Nadine.”

There was a brief silence between them. She would never say that hitting her was unintentional but she did not mean for the slap to be that hard. Nadine was surprised it took him two days to reach out to her about it.

“Nothing to say now?”

Nadine sighed. “What do you want me to say, Hassan? She’s my child and I can discipline her the way I see fit. And I did not mean to hit her that hard, I apologized for hitting her that hard.”

“Do you hear yourself? Moriah is an adult. You’re apologizing for the force behind it but not the entire act? Seriously, Nadine.”

“You are just like Leata. Making excuses for her disrespect. I was not about to let her yell at me that way,” Nadine fussed. “Did she tell you that she told me to shut up? I bet she didn’t tell you that.”

“She told me everything and frankly I would’ve told you to shut your ass up too. You spent the whole night talking down to all three of them and disrespecting Moriah and our son in law’s relationship. You’re lucky she put up with you as long as she did.” 

“Dammit, Hassan! Stop calling him that!”

Hassan sat quietly to gather his emotions and not get so worked up. He was never an outwardly angry man, choosing to be cool, colm and collected when it came to conflict and he was not about to let Nadine change that. 

“Moriah told me what she told you before she put you out,” he relayed in his normal calm tone. “I told you this day would come if you didn’t watch the way you treated her. She means what she said.”

“What are you her spokesperson? You don’t care about our daughter’s life or her future. But I should’ve known when you picked that job over your family.”

Hassan took a slow deep breath. “I’m not about to rehash that with you because you and I both know the truth. But to answer your question, in a way I am her spokesperson. She wanted me to let you know if you have anything you wanna say to her or ask her that you need to go through me and she’ll decide if she wants to respond.”

Nadine scoffed. “I do not need a middle man. I can talk to my daughter whenever I want to and she will answer.”

“Goodbye, Nadine.”

[beautifulchris]

love die young

wc: 0,5k

pairing: bang chan x gn!reader

summary: after months of young love, you decide it's best to part ways

genres: angst, breakup!au

tw: mention of death (just a thought) and anxiety

notes: this drabble is inspired by love die young by eric nam as requested by my friend. i hope i did it justice and it's angsty enough djdjdj @badwithten 🙏🏼 also the lyrics are in italic and 2/3 chris' thoughts. i'm reposting the works i posted while shadowbanned, please don't mind me

networks: @kflixnet @k-labels @whipped-kpop-creators

permanent tag list: @badwithten send an ask/dm/comment to be added!

prequel to: fate brought us together again

GIF publié par sevengems07

Chris fell in love with you rather quickly. He was attracted to you the second he laid his eyes on you, your beautiful hair complimenting your face nicely.

He got the courage to speak to you after class one day, and your personalities matched perfectly.

It was young love at its finest.

You’d do everything together, without forgetting your respective family and friends.

This amazing relationship was around nine months old. Then, one afternoon at his house, you said something that shook his very core.

“Chris, I have to tell you something.”

“What’s wrong, angel?” he asked, worry in his voice. You rarely called him by his name.

“I— OK, this is gonna be difficult.”

You breathed, throat tight.

You were seated on each side of the couch. At the sight of your dejected state, he moved closer to you, a reassuring hand pressed against your knee.

In his head, he imagined one of your family members passed away. Honestly, he couldn't think of anything else that could put you in such a distressed state.

“I want to break up.”

He thought wrong.

Your words felt like a bomb exploded in his chest. You weren't one to make jokes this hurtful, and he always knew when you lied.

The fact you were being real filled him with confusion and anxiety.

“I don’t understand,” was all he could reply.

Weren't you happy together during the many months you spent together? Was every single moment all a lie? Did he even know you like he thought he did?

“You don't love me anymore?” he resumed, “Did I do something? Is there someone else? Someone better?”

Self deprecating questions spiraling in his head, he felt like suffocating. He moved back, away from you.

“No, it's none of that, Chris. I promise. I just feel like I don’t know myself, and I need to. In order to know who I am… This journey I have to take alone.”

Tears were staining your shirt, but you didn't care one bit. Seeing him like this hurt more than words could describe.

“Please, don’t let this love —our love— die young.”

“I love you,” you said softly, “I just need to put myself first this time.”

“Y/N,” he whined, your words feeling like a white-hot knife cutting right through him. “I need you to stay.”

You sniffed, caressing his elbow with your thumb. The movement calmed his nerves, if only a little.

“And I need to go.”

Chris’ heart was hammering in his chest.

Tell me it was just a wrong feeling.

“I’m sorry,” you resumed, “I really am. I never meant to hurt you. I’m leaving the day after summer break officially starts. We may never see each other again.” Your voice broke a little.

It was painful— no, crushing the both of you. However, you had to do it. For your own sake.

“I love you,” he whispered, barely seeing you through his tears.

He got closer to you, pressed his forehead against yours.

The goodbye kiss was passionate, teeth crashing and full of love and pain.

“Thank you,” you murmured, out of breath, when you let go of his face, “for everything.”

“Don’t leave me.”

“I have to.”

These were the last words spoken to each other.

You left, heart heavy but determined to find yourself and be able to love yourself like you loved him.

Chris stayed for hours, crying on his couch.

Maybe I should blame myself for never thinking we’d end up this way.

thank you for reading! if you enjoyed, here's the masterlist<3

[miryum]

Foundling Villa- Chapter 7

Royal!Charles Leclerc x Reader. Princess Y/n is arranged to marry Prince Charles. There will be many ups and downs that the author hasn’t planned out yet, but read along to find out more! (Yes, I know that sounds super cheesy) Warnings per chapter. Hope you guys enjoy!

Tag list: @notleclerc @sunsumonner

Warnings: argument, I guess? I’m not sure there’s any warnings this chapter. Sorry it’s a little short

ao3 link  next chapter>>

Charles woke to creaking. Still blurry-eyed, he peeked above the couch. You were shuffling around, wedding gown clutched to your body, pulling open the door to your adjoined room. 

“What’re you doing?” he croaked out, his morning voice making you freeze.

“I am,” you straightened up, hand still on the doorknob. “Leaving. Goodbye.” You felt the mocking need to drop into a curtsy, but you held yourself upright.

“Are you going to the Villa?” Charles sat up, groaning when his back twinged in discomfort. He had never slept on a couch before. He wanted to laugh, wondering if it was where he would spend most of his nights from now on.

“Yes, I am.” Before he could say another word, you swept into your room and closed the door, slumping against it. 

You glanced up and froze. Elena and Sara stared back at you. Elena stifled a laugh. “I take it that the wedding night went well?” she asked.

You grumbled at her, though you both knew it had no heat against it. “Please tell me that we’re packed?”

“Yes, my Lady,” Sara smiled kindly. She gently took you by the hand and led you to the bathroom where a much-needed bath awaited. A simple travelling dress was laid out.

You made great time, hurrying out of the palace and down the steps to a carriage that was already loaded and ready to go. You felt like a runaway bride, trying to escape a marriage and a life that, in the grand scheme of things, wasn’t the worst in the world.

Enza was much more wealthy that Williams and you knew, that as royalty, you had privilege far beyond the common man. But didn’t the common man have freedom far beyond you? Prince Charles Leclerc was not the most terrible thing that could happen to you. He was devilishly handsome (that much you had to admit), had a sweet family, and was trying to establish a kind, working relationship with you. 

So why were you constantly running away?

Maybe it was because of the lack of choice. The prospect that Prince Charles could have been a terrible person weighed on you ominously. 

“Princess Y/n!” You were beginning to clamour into the carriage when a shout stopped you in your tracks. 

Reluctantly, you turned around to see a half-dressed Prince Charles running down the steps. For a brief moment you wondered what the guards thought. Prince Charles only wore a wrinkled tunic with the laces undone and his wedding pants which were haphazardly thrown on. 

“Oh my goodness sake,” you mumbled, rolling your eyes. “Have a little decency, won’t you?” Once he reached you, you took the laces of his shirt and pulled them tight, knotting them into a bow. 

“I-I could’ve done that,” Charles muttered.

“But you didn’t,” you pointed out. “Why are you here?”

Prince Charles looked hurt. If eyes were the window to the soul, then his soul was in a dismal state. “I am asking you why. I am asking you why you keep running away from me. I consummated the marriage as you asked. We are together joined as husband and wife for eternity.”

“But I don’t want that!” Your frustration bubbled up. “I didn’t choose to marry you, Prince Leclerc, but I am now bound to you in body and mind. I am forced to be by your side no matter your whim or folly! While I am sure you are a very pleasant man, I wasn’t able to find out for myself, nor do I now intend to. In order to preserve some sense of freedom I am leaving and giving you a very wide berth. I don’t want to be married to you, I don’t want to love you, and I most certainly do not want to be your friend.” You pivoted abruptly and sat down in the carriage. “If you find the need to communicate, you may write a letter which will be handled through my maids. I bid you adieu.”

Elena and Sara scurried in the carriage and the moment the door slammed shut, the horses took off like a gunshot. 

Charles gazed after the retreating carriage that held his wife. At least he now knew that you didn’t have a problem with him- you had a problem with the rules. It was comforting to know that maybe, in another universe, you might’ve given him a chance. Maybe if you weren’t forced together, you would’ve been kind to Charles. You didn’t hate him; you hated the system. 

For that moment, Charles wished for nothing more to renounce his throne. Perhaps if both him and Princess Y/n were commoners they would be able to find each other and love without the courts interfering. 

Charles reeled back. What was he thinking? He didn’t want to be married to you any more than you did to him! Why was he wishing for a chance to earn your love? Why did he even care? Scoffing, he marched back inside, giving the guards a fierce glare, daring them to gossip about what they had seen. 

He would not fall into a loveless trap.

*

The Foundling Villa was everything you dreamed it would be. When you entered, the first thing that greeted you were two wooden staircases on the left and right, leading up to the second floor. The sitting room was connected to the kitchen and a small parlour. There was a door in the kitchen that entered the servants quarters. Large glass double doors led into the expansive backyard, which you were most excited to explore. Upstairs, three bedrooms were connected together while the two others sat separately. 

You instructed Elena and Sara to unpack in the master bedroom and went to meet the staff. 

Chef Yuki was a very eager man, shaking your hand enthusiastically. A man who was dressed in stable master’s garb, whom you assumed was Lando, sauntered into the room as you were finishing introductions, and began to talk adamantly about the horses he picked out for you. Clearly, he had a passionate love for them. He was younger than you expected (you had trusted Elena and Sara to choose the staff) but from his words you knew that he was experienced. The other members of the staff were very kind, and obviously pleased to have someone to serve.

It was rejuvenating to see people who wouldn’t judge you or rat you out at the prospect of climbing the hierarchical ladder. You wondered if your siblings would be as happy as you were when they came to visit.

The Foundling Villa seemed like paradise, no matter how lonely you were.

[merakiui]

Hii!! I love your Lunar Love Hotel event so much! I didn't see any mention of you closing the requests yet, so I hope they're still open! (Otherwise, feel free to delete this.)

I would really like Red Bean Mochi and Blueberry Muffins for Rollo? I adore the idea of him leaving one of those with just the most creepy undertones, and completely anonymous, because it's the only way he can sate these vile feelings for a little while :') But feel free to do whatever you want with the concept!

yandere!rollo flamm x (gender neutral) reader cw: yandere, unhealthy behaviors, stalking, obsession, slightly morbid/dark thoughts note - thank you for checking in, dearest guest! enjoy your order! [lunar love hotel]

i. the diary of rollo flamm, in which you will find various love letter drafts and daily musings eloquently scrawled within perfumed pages.

𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓻𝔂 『1』

For the hour I remained in the café, you smiled a total of thirty-seven times, one smile per customer and one or two depending on coworkers you’re well-acquainted with. I would have counted your every laugh, every blink of your perfect, pretty eyes, but then that would be like counting your every breath, every heartbeat, and it would be impossible to come up with an accurate sum when you’re always so...alive. One breath could be two taken at once, and a single blink could simply be my own eyes shutting and opening before yours do. Therefore, it is impossible to truly quantify your every movement without looking completely, utterly, foolishly enthralled. 

I suppose this feeling is what you might call love. For all of the romances I have read and all of the romances I have witnessed in this city, whether intentional or not, the love I feel is not bitter or sweet like some might describe. It simply exists; it lights a crackling flame within the concrete hearth that is my heart. I should liken it to warmth—to linens fresh from the dryer or spiced mulberries or bright, dancing fire. It is comforting like the winter coat I don in order to combat this deathly chill. 

I have never felt this way before. 

Today, when I ducked inside to avoid the frigid snowfall outside, the bell above the door announced my arrival, and you were there at the register as always. You smiled at me, once when our eyes met and a second time when you had asked me how I was doing and I had said, “Cold.” You laughed, but I am not a comedian. I will not pretend to be one for your sake, but I appreciate your hospitality all the same. Your optimism, even if manufactured for the customer, is inviting. 

Perhaps you reserve such reactions for me?

I visit this café every Sunday at exactly 10:30 in the morning. It’s important to be methodical in every aspect of one’s life. Schedules are necessary; they create order and peace. I have visited so often that you know me as a regular. You know my name and how it’s spelled. You write your L’s slanted and your O’s pumpkin-shaped (most likely because Halloween is approaching and it’s your attempt at being festive, even if the O’s look more like obscure shapes than pumpkins). You look at me when I step over the threshold into a room of coffee-scented comforts and you say, “A warm croissant and a cup of classic espresso with milk and foam, right?” And I nod every time.

You know me well. I will know you even better. 

Your name tag reads (Name). It’s a lovely name. I could write lines of wonderful words describing the way it feels when I speak it to myself in front of a mirror or when I whisper it late at night as though it’s a secret. But I will not, as I am not usually very poetic, and that is a task suited for a poet, which I am not. 

Surely you have a surname. Most often do. However, in the event that you are lacking one or are not too fond of the one you currently possess, you are welcome to take mine.

𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓻𝔂 『2』

My first attempt at a love letter is as follows:

You are the warmth that melts icecaps and reshapes glaciers. No, not quite. Am I trying to compare you to the catastrophe that is global warming? Think romantically, Rollo. This is the City of Flowers, after all. Surely there are better phrasings...

You are melodious like the Bell of Salvation like the sweetest birdsong. You are warm and fluffy like a croissant. You are love incarnate. If I could pry you open rib by rib and live within your beating, blood-filled heart, we would be together forever. Bound eternally by flesh and blood.

These lines feel rather crude. How do romance authors capture the complexities of love so easily? Beautiful words come from the deepest pits of the heart, or so they all claim. The words I wish to tell you come from my very soul, yet I cannot seem to transcribe them here. Should I be direct? But then blunt honesty is not nearly as romantic as flowery prose.

Dearest, sweetest you,

For every smile you grant me, I live another year in good health. For every syllable of laughter and delight I hear, I feel inclined to give you the world, whether in ruins or not, if only to witness your happiness.

I suppose a start is a start, even if it’s a depressingly abysmal one. I hope this week passes fast. I’d like to see you as soon as possible for some much-needed inspiration and, of course, so I can watch you.

𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓻𝔂 『3』 

I arrived at the usual time, but you were too absorbed in conversation with a customer to notice me. I consider myself a fair, level-headed man, and for that reason envy is not usually an issue. But the casual manner with which that fool wrote their number on your arm, tattooing your perfect, pretty skin in sinful ink... You smiled and laughed with them, promising to call them after your shift, your perfect, pretty eyes ablaze with excitement or wonder or awe or... I’d much sooner poke them out with sewing needles than witness you fawn over numbers. I watched all of it from my place in line, gripping my handkerchief in such a tight fist my knuckles blanched. 

You should know jealousy makes a man like myself monstrous.

It’s important that I keep this diary to detail all of my innermost desires so that I won’t feel compelled to act on them. But in that moment I had wished that, if you were to receive a phone number, it would have been given to you on a piece of paper. Paper is easy to shred and discard and burn. It is not an easy feat to sever an arm from the elbow. 

But I can be patient, as I often am, so that you will come to love me in the same way I love you. 

I write this as I watch you flitting about behind the counter to prepare my espresso. I wonder if you ever catch a break. This café is quiet on Sunday mornings, but I’m certain it’s much more lively during the week. I wonder if it’s ever empty and you sit in here on your phone, waiting for something to happen. I wonder what positions you might like to try on the counter, the tables, the booth I’m sitting in...

I had to shut this diary momentarily when you came to deliver my order. Sometimes I wonder if you would share my sentiments on magic. I almost asked when we talked briefly. Your perfect, pretty fingers were drumming along the circular, silver tray as you looked at me, smiling your perfect, pretty smile. I asked if you were studying anything. You told me you were taking a gap year, and then you had asked if I was a journalist because, in your words, I am “always scribbling away with your nose in that book.”

I suppose I am, in some manner of the word. I smiled at you, sipping from my espresso, and said, “The subject I’m studying is very special. One-of-a-kind, you might say.” A poor excuse at flirting.

I am not a flirt, and I would never pretend to be one. I am genuine in all aspects of my life, especially when it comes to love. You must know this. 

You were going to ask me to elaborate, but the bell at the door announced the arrival of more customers and you drifted away from me with an apologetic smile. I caught sight of the number scrawled on your arm as you retreated. Magic could numb you well enough while I bring the blade down, so fast it will be but a mere flash. I should not cut your arm. I should not hurt you.

I should not love you to this extent. 

Like the Crimson Lotus, you are a vibrant, fiery temptation. I fear the contents of my chest have already been reduced to ash. 

𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓻𝔂 『4』

The Crimson Lotus requires adequate nutrients like any other flower, though such nutrients are distinctive to this species. Unlike normal blossoms, the Crimson Lotus is parasitic in nature, sustaining itself with magic. You might liken them to the average pest, whether human or insect, or a fire that will only grow when fed more fuel. I could compose an entire novel on cultivation techniques and facts. I could also set these flowers loose and watch them wreak havoc on the city. The students from Night Raven College will be visiting soon, with a certain Malleus Draconia being among them. I wonder if they’re fond of parting gifts, by which I mean parting with their oh-so-treasured magic.

I hope you aren’t a mage. If you are, I’m afraid I might have to hurt you.

Rambling aside, I shall try my hand at a love letter once again.

Dearest, sweetest you, 

You are the joyous scents and sounds of lively city streets, of bakers boasting fresh, fluffy bread, of florists flaunting floral arrangements in all colors and species, of townsfolk turning the city upside-down come festival time. You are the golden glow that befalls the land when the sun rises, and you are the silvery shimmer that swathes all who sleep under the moon’s watchful illumination.

You are the air I breathe. The air I need. You are the bell who should rightfully reside within the tower I will construct. The tower of my heart? The tower of true love? If I could climb inside your skin, I might come to know the real you.

Perhaps I should pick up another romance soon. I know nothing of poetry or love letters. 

𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓻𝔂 『5』

I followed you home today. 

I am a fair, level-headed man, and so for that reason I know not to cross the law. But can you possibly expect a man of my nature to remain lawful when he is in love? They say love should surpass all. Does this not include the law? Does this not include morals and standards? If love is so mighty and marvelous, then why might some label my actions wrong and wicked? Is this not just a form of protection?

I do not intend to scare you. I do not intend to make you feel unsafe. 

I followed you home today, and you did not notice. How could you when you had headphones on?

You live in an apartment on the third floor. If I counted correctly, you should be seventh or eighth from the entrance to the stairs, tucked neatly away near the end of the hall. Perhaps I should make a copy of your key so that I can immerse myself in your privacy. 

I am a fair, level-headed man, and so I will not steal anything. But if you do find something of yours has gone missing—whether a personal item or what you think is insignificant trash—I have merely borrowed it for my own use. I cannot promise whether I might return this borrowed item, but I can at least promise that it will be put to good use. 

I could construct a doll in your likeness. I would need clothing, perhaps hair, skin, teeth, a tongue to entwine around mine... That’s morbid, isn’t it? Fitting for Halloween, but grotesquely harrowing. A silent doll who resembles its human counterpart in all aspects but the vibrancy of life... I’d much rather have the real you than a patchwork doppelgänger. If I tried my hand at fashioning you from needle and thread, I would just create a corpse. There are artists who only paint pain and misery, hence why we now look at certain paintings and consider them cursed. I am not a poet or a doll-maker, so I will not write poetry and I will not stitch dolls together. 

I am not a villain.

The urge to knock on your door had seized me then, when I stood in the hall in front of what I assumed was your door, my fist raised in preparation to knock thrice. Superstition says that if you receive three knocks on your door or windowpane, someone you love will have been taken away by Death within three days, weeks, months. I suppose Death does not need to conform to time after which the three knocks have been granted. Well, I believe in no such things, and I am not Death. 

But you’ll certainly think I am when you can’t see me.

𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓻𝔂 『6』

Before I welcome the Night Raven College students, I visited you. You weren’t home. It was Sunday. 10:30 in the morning. I slid a letter under your door. Sugared thoughts are sealed inside with red wax. I’m not afraid to admit here that I am not entirely confident in my prose, hence why I’ve left it anonymous. I’ve penned the exact letter here for my sake, should I ever need to flip through these pages again to remind myself of the frustrations I conquered just to craft a single love letter. 

Dearest, sweetest you,

I have never felt this way before. When I spy you through the window, I feel as if the stars have aligned to fix the very fate which has led me to you. Your smile is invigorating; your laughter is an enchanting melody. Perhaps you reserve such reactions for me? In that regard, you know me well. I will know you better.

I am not a flirt, and I would never pretend to be one. I am genuine in all aspects of my life, especially when it comes to love. You must know this. Unfortunately, it’s saddening to see how easily you fall prey to simple pleasantries. Infuriating, almost. You should know jealousy makes a man like myself monstrous. But I can be patient, as I often am, so that you will come to love me in the same way I love you. 

Like the Crimson Lotus, you are a vibrant, fiery temptation. I fear the contents of my chest have already been reduced to ash. I should not love you to this extent.

I hope you aren’t a mage. If you are, I’m afraid I might have to hurt you, if only to show you right from wrong. I followed you home today, and you did not notice. How could you when you had headphones on? I do not intend to scare you. I do not intend to make you feel unsafe. I only wish to love from afar for now.

I am not a villain, but you’ll certainly think I am when you can’t see me.